Pathfinder: Shards of an Order PBP

Game Master Benjen Harris

Forgot about being paid! Cool, that will help a lot. If Vynya has Turnguts equipment that will help with buying her some equipment. Not sure what he had or how much it'd be worth. Almost feel like we'd have to come up with a reason that we'd give his equipment or sell it for her. Craig, you have any ideas on that?

So, if we got 8k reward and 1953gp in money found, plus great axe, stone plate, shackles and headband and one magical bow (total 14,950 for magic items), we'd be 24903 total money. This is not including the rapier +2 and one of the magical bows, and the ring and amulet. We divide this up somehow and we can then buy what we need. I need a new blade so thought I'd try and exchange the rapier +2 for a longsword +2, and thought I'd keep a bow weakened to +3 strength and maybe be it for me, unless their is money left over. What are your thoughts?

Dont forget about the sash of the war champion.

I updated the Pop-Master's Loot Sheet. Added a tab for Vynya and moved all of Turngut's stuff to the Community Loot tab (except Chainbreaker and Frostfang). I can use his mithril breastplate but the rest I left in CL tab. I recommend you take what you want by moving it to your PC's tab and also adding it in HeroLab. Whatever is left over, we can decide to sell for 50% and then see what we have. I also added the Sash and the 8000+ 1953 gp to the PMLS.
From an RP perspective, Vynya would not even dare to ask for any equipement, but so I don't nerf myself, and therefore nerf the party, I'll look up some items that I'd like to purchase and submit a wish list to see what the GM will allow to be available.
@Matt - definitely take the bow and rapier and convert if Ben allows it. If you don't have the ring of protection already, take it. Otherwise Poppo should have it, then Vynya and lowest priority to our ranged archer. Sound good? Shopping is hard via PbP!

Come on what do you need? I don't have all day! Xalbar says impatiently tapping his foot.

Poppo goes to his room in the Sun Temple and stows away his gear, then changes into his nice attire. He sits on the bed and eats a lemon. Making faces as the sour hits him, he reflects on the wildness of the past few days.

He then heads to office of Natara Del’Varem, the Truchessa. Knocking on the door, she bids him to enter. The Truchessa looks a bit surprised to see the halfling.

Truchessa, thanks for seeing me. I know you were not the biggest advocate for the Grandmaster allowing us to become Keepers. And maybe with good reason after what happened with BobE. He pauses a moment, the pain still near the surface.

What I don't understand is that we were able to pass the test to become keepers. But other than Nalia, who has true faith, the rest of us didn't. I mean I believe in Malphas, I think he exists, but I would hardly consider myself to be a true follower. It all seemed so exciting to serve a greater purpose. But who am I kidding, I'm just as street rate from Nehrim. What good am I really. But isn't it Malphas that decides the outcome of the test, I passed, so apparently he wants me to serve? It's all so confusing and it's all happening so fast. Poppo starts to pause, but just as the Truchessa is about to speak he adds.

Everything is a fog since Turngut's death, I feel myself spiraling toward increasing recklessness, but I don't know how to stop it? He confides.

He gives the intimidating woman the most sincere look he knows how to give, it's not too far off from his goofy grin.

The Truchessa watches Poppo waiting for him to finish speaking Poppo Hedgehopper, Keeper Hedgehopper she addresses. The Grandmaster is the leader of the Order yes? He is chosen by Malphas to serve as leader of the Holy Order and is also called to serve Enderal politically to an extent. Though many of the hard decisions he has to make is up to his choice on occasion Malphas speaks to him. When he's given direct orders by Malphas this is the ultimate law and truth.

She pauses Did you know that I came from the Workers Path? she pauses with serious expression Many people from that path have accended to become keepers. My father was a blacksmith, former adventurer and he wanted the best for me. So, he put everything he had into my education, everything he could spare so that one day I could make a life for myself. When I heard the call from Malphas I chose to become a keeper of the Order and eventually after hard hard work ascended. I've been apart of the order for many years, and never had someone from the workers path ascended to the rank of Truchessa. I had to work for that. I know not the amount of blood sweat and tears I poured into getting there but I did.

So when Tealor announced that five pathless, including Keeper Sakaresh would go through the trial to become keepers I was appalled. Never had a pathless seen the rank of keeper. Even a workers path had to work incredibly hard to become one. I was angry, but you know what made me accept it? It was Malphas command to Tealor. It is Malphas choice that you four would be accepted into the Holy Order, not mine not Tealor's. Malphas' choice.

The very world around us is being whipped into a whirlwind, a spiral of chaos and bloodshed. I don't know what to say to stop your own recklessness, perhaps you can find some comfort in faith, not necessarily Malphas but he could help. Perhaps you can find comfort in one of the other Lightborn. Or even easier, find comfort in those you surround yourself with.

I see, I didn't know. Well the world certainly is full of chaos, isn't it.

Good suggestions all, thank you, if I did want to explore faith in Malphas, how would I go about that? Poppo asks.

umm..what gear was on turnguts body when BobE raised him? Would that have stayed with him?

I'm going to suggest that Poppo takes the quick runners shirt and daredevil boots. Anyone have a problem with that? We sell the amulet of mighty fists, rapier +2, great axe, stone plate, and extra comp. long bow. The Mithral breastplate and lamellar leather +1 could go to Vynya or Archie. Don't know what Archie has or needs. He should use the sash of the war champion or if not, maybe Nalia, as helps fighters. Or sell, not exactly sure how it might help. This might get the conversation going on what we have and need if we move a few things and sell a few things to see what we have left. Thoughts?

Just saw your character Jon, +1 nimble breastplate so probably could sell whatever armor Vynya doesn't want.

I'm gonna say that the group has Turngut's gear, it would have been removed from his body and BobE did not say he took that gear with him.

Thanks. Ben!
@Matt- Agree (for the most part). Thanks for getting the conversation started!
Poppo takes shirt and boots.
Nalia takes one composite bow (I think she should also try to trade the +2 rapier for a +2 sword of her choice.
Vynya takes the mithril breastplate.
Archie takes Sash of War Champ? - would decrease ACP by 1 and increase Bravery (saves vs fear) by +1. @Jon - you said you didn't want the headband and shackles, correct?
That leaves the Amulet of Natural armor +2 and Ring of Prot +1 still up for grabs. I can't use the Natural Armor, but could use the Ring of Prot. If anyone else can, roll off?
The following to sell: lamellar leather +1, amulet of mighty fists, rapier +2, great axe +1, stone plate +1, extra comp. long bow +1, Shackles of compliance, and Deadman's headband (Total of 10080 if sold for standard 50% of list price). With cash on hand, that nets a total of 20486!!
Do we need a quick Zoom call to talk out the shopping? Also PMLS is updated with above items.

I have a Snakeskin Tunic, so someone else can take the Quick Runner's Shirt. Maybe Nalia to help her get into the battle faster occasionally.

Are you implying something? :)

So give me the tier list of things that you guys would like then we will role play it out?

Ok, I'll keep the ring of protection +1. I'd like to trade or sell the rapier +2 for a longsword +2 to replace the blade of the boreal valley. The quick runners shirt lets me do this:

This shirt is made of light, gossamer-thin fabric embroidered with arrangements of winged feet.

Once per day as a swift action, the wearer can take an additional move action to move and then immediately end his turn, losing any unspent actions.

A character must wear this shirt continuously for 24 hours before he can activate this ability.

This would only help me move extra at the end of a turn, like if I was far away and needed to move up. Only worth 1k so maybe better if I used it? Rather than sold it.

I use a heavy wooden shield so if a magical shield would be available that would be great. Anything to help with my AC as I'm always casting shield of faith to boost my AC.

The sash of the war champion would increase my speed from 20 to 30.

A magical longsword and possibly a shield? Well I do have standard enchanted weapons but I also have something of my own creation which may suit that need. Xalbar hovers over to a high up chest and retrieves one item. Flying back down ypu can see a longsword that has a bronze like color and a metal shield with a similar color. The shield is round and has the face of a lion on it. This is Valorheart, its a longsword and a shield that are bound to each other. It is a second rank enchantment on both the shield and sword +2 longsword, +2 heavy steel shield. But it has a special enchantment, when you successfully strike a foe it sends a magical wave of kinetic energy to the shield and increases your defenses for a short time. Even better if you land a vital hit on a foe that defense bonus lasts around a minute. It comes as a set for 13,000 gold pieces.

You see Nalia almost vibrating with anticipation to hold and wield the two linked magical weapons. These two items would be truly useful in trying to save this city from the coming destruction. You have heard their is a force invading in 55 days? If you remember I had the blade of the boreal valley, a blade of my lord Malphas, that I was blessed to carry in his service. Unfortunately, I was overmatched in our last battle and got myself killed....but Malphas wasn't done with me, and the blade raised me to life as I'd seen it do one time before. But in bringing me back it was destroyed. As I said, this would be a great aid in defending the city, if we can come to an agreeable arrangement, as we only have so much to offer and my friends will need some aid as well.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

This would be great for me but might deplete us too much. Would likely need most of our loot to cover this unless he'd maybe loan it to us as his way of helping the city.

Lady Malphason you must keep in mind that this is business, i must turn some profit. 13,000 gold is my asking price, now if thats too much I can offer you a regular magical longsword. Xalbar reaponds twisting his mustache.

Amazed at the fabulous items that Xalbar has on display in his shop, Vynya overcomes her shyness and blurts out: Oh Great Dealer of Wonderments! I am humbled in the presence of your magnificent wares. If you were to have an item to allow me to overcome the foes of Ark willful resistance, your contributions would be lauded in the stories of yore yet to come.
Translation: Do ya got a Persistent metamagic rod or any other items to boost a psychic's abilities? lol

Unless anyone else disagrees, I'm in support of Nalia getting those sweet 13K items. We have 14240 worth of magic gear to sell, so that will cover her cost. Additionally, we have 10K in gold for the rest of us. Here are my items in order of need. I figure the scrolls would come in handy for the party. If there are others that you think we need, let me know. Even if a spell isn't on my list, I have a pretty high UMD.

Scroll of Communal Endure Elements-150gp
Scroll of Lesser Restoration-150gp
Scroll of Remove Blindness/Deafness-375gp
Wand of CLW-750gp
A darkwood heavy wooden shield-257gp
Ring of Protection + 1 - 2000gp
Persistent Metamagic rod-9000

Xalbar chuckles Do you take me for some unmagical bafoon? I have all of that apart from the useless nonmagical shield.

agreed. buff Nalia up.
my list:
handy haversack [2k] or efficient quiver [1800]
bracers of archery lesser [5k]
circlet of persuasion [4500]
or maybe a dog to carry the arrows?
but archie should be lowest priority as he is just pinch hitting. Sash of warrior will not help him so sell it.

sorry for delay posting, real life is sucking atm. one of Rayne's pet sheep is trying to die on us, and it's her birthday this week. karen is a mess over it. lots of anti fun.

I think sash of war champion helps Nalia. Sure if you want a dog Archie, just know that the dog will bite your jugular out in your sleep and you'll be making a new character lol jk. Hope everything gets better Jon!

Vynya, you take the ring of protection +1 we found and can you use my old mw heavy wooden shield? Only 100gp difference so could look for one if available. We could purchase the wand and scrolls as you suggested. Would just leave the persistent meta magic rod as unfunded for you.

What says Poppo as we spend our loot? And ben, can you let me know what he'd trade for the sword and shield? If possible I'd keep the sash as will bump me up to 30 movement per round. If we make the deal and see what is gone that will help us see what's left to purchase with. I see Poppo isn't with us so we could also pause after these purchases and come back with him or when we know what he needs.

thoughts on wand of gravity bow? Useful but someone else would have to cast it and use up their action. I'm thinking not worth it

I've updated the PMLS as follows:
Nalia - purchased Valorheart (13K) and took the Sash of War Champion & Quick Runner's Shirt
Archie - purchased Efficient Quiver (1800gp) and Wand of Gravity Bow (750gp - Vynya carrying so she can cast it before fights, if possible)
Vynya - purchased Wand of CLW (750gp) and Scrolls of Communal Endure Elements (150gp), Lesser Restoration x3 (450gp), Remove Blind/Deaf (375gp), Remove Curse (375gp), Remove Paralysis (150gp) and took Ring of Protection +1.
Remaining gold after these purchases is 6846 (updated on PMLS). I figure this will leave some cash for any purchases Poppo needs, or get the archery bracers for Archie.
Vynya can't take the heavy wooden shield. Too heavy!! If the GM will allow her to purchase elsewhere, the darkwood shield (257gp) is much lighter and wouldn't make her encumbered. lol

Please update your character sheets as appropriate! @Jon - I put the Wand of Gravity Bow in my character sheet for now. Hope the week (and the sheep) gets better!!

Thanks Craig. Needed someone to help with the organization. I can’t use the quick runners shirt. Chest slot and so is sash. Can someone use it or sell (worth 1000gp)? Did someone use the amulet of natural armor, or did it get sold?

Yes, Jon. Hope the sheep is improving and birthday goes well. I don’t know anything about sheep but would be happy to research if you need help with diagnosis and treatment.

The amulet is still available, if you want to take it. We need our frontline woman to stay strong!! For the price, we might as well keep the shirt. If you don’t want it, Jon, Vynya can take it. Might help in a pinch to get to someone who’s gone down?

Thanks for organizing Craig, I've been super busy the last couple weeks. I think we found two Amulets of Natural Armor. Poppo took one. Other than that Poppo is good to go.

Jon sorry for the sheep trouble, praying everything works itself out.

I think we also leveled up, anyone do that yet? I haven't

Poppo stands quietly, patiently waiting for the Truchessa to reply to his question.

Show honor in battle, show compassion to those who are poor, and follow the laws of the land. Those are some of the core tenants of following Malphas but doesn't even scratch the surface of his faith. The Truchessa tells Poppo If you ever feel inclined you are always welcome to take a prayer book from the Sun Temple.

Yes, you are able to buy a darkwood shield for that amount, did you guys want to buy anything else?

Hope sheep is doing better.

thanks. vynya can have the shirt. sheep died. much crying, more from karen than the girls actually. may not be on much next couple days.

My pleasure! I think my accountant wife is rubbing off on me! :) I have nothing else to purchase. Cool sword/shield set Ben and Matt!

Vynya nearly buckles over herself as she scrambles back from Xalbar's rebuke. N..No offense meant, Mysir. She mumbles and then trips on the door jam as she tries to escape from him, but not before grabbing up the scrolls and wands that the party purchased. Once all the shopping is done, Vynya allows Nalia to help her dress in Tungut's old mithral breastplate. Standing there and holding the new darkwood shield, she looks awkward and even smaller than she did before, the mithral armor seemingly swallowing up her thin and gaunt frame. Do we need to go and find Maester Hedgehopper? She inquires as she tries to move around ungainly in her ill-fitting armor.

Master Xalbar, thank you for your help equipping us. We may yet be back if our other companion needs some things but for now that is all we need; or rather all we can afford!

As they leave Nalia tries to help her fit the armor to her slender frame better, maybe picking up some better padding to go under it when we buy the dark wood shield.

We'll make a mighty warrior of you yet, Vynya! Assuming you want to be one. Ha! Yes, let's go find Poppo. He's always wandering off. Now, do you know how to buckle that strap there? It's sometimes hard to do by yourself, you might need a hand here and here.....

Nalia tries to help and encourage where she can as they head back towards the Sun Temple and the rooms they have there. She hopes to catch up with Poppo and get organized as a group so we know where we next need to go.

@Craig--I forget how old she's supposed to be and do elves live a long time in this world?

Vynya is 24y/o. If half-elves are the same on Van as they are in Golarion, that makes Vynya late-teen equivalent to a human. Thanks for trying to help her with the armor. Unfortunately, she’s not proficient in any armor, so it might be a lost cause. Lol.

Oh no! So sorry to hear that Jon! Continued prayers for the family, hopefully it doesn't keep them down going into the holidays. Don't sweat not posting Jon.

You guys exit Xalbar's tower with some new goodies! Heading to the Sun Temple, Nalia is permitted to enter but Vynya and Archie are turned away as they are not members of the Holy Order. Inside Nalia you are able to find Poppo. Vynya and Archie are you guys waiting outside the temple or going somewhere else?

Nalia would ask for her to be able to bring Vynya and Archie in as her guests. Realizing she and BobE were just in the crapper yesterday, if she's not allowed she'll tell them to head to the Nomad and she'll get Poppo and join them there.

We're a team, if we can't be together than we'll go somewhere we can. Archie, get an Ark Sun Stout for each of you while you wait for us. I've been told that's the best drink on the menu!

Keeper Nalia, you know full well we can't allow that. This isn't some tavern that anyone can enter. After what your friend pulled yesterday we cant allow strangers to enter the temple. a young keeper of the Order respectfully says.

Poppo thanks the Truchessa, and then heads toward the entrance.

He just happens to arrive at the same time Nalia and the others are at the gate.

Hey I was just looking to find you. Was your shopping excursion successful? He asks.

So are you guys heading to the Dancing Nomad?

Let’s head to the Nomad, but Nalia and I need to be back first thing in the morning to the Sun Temple. Poppo tells the party.

Alright you guys head to the Nomad, at this point its about nine in the evening. As you enter the tavern is pretty rowdy but you notice the bartender see you enter and motion you over. Oi Keepers of the Order! Gentleman here to see you. Rented the back room to meet with you.

Do we know him? Who is he and what do you know of him? Not trusting anyone anymore Nalia loosens her knew sword in her scabbard and checks her straps on her armor and shield before she enters to meet with the man.

You guys know anything about this? Be ready just in case this is a trap, like those assassins that are killing people around town.

perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

No idea who he is. Just came in here and requested to use the backroom. Asked me to send you all back if you came here. Didn't seemed to be armed at all. the barkeep says.

Nalia tips him and thanks him for the heads up. Well, times a wasting, guess we should meet this person and see what they need.

As long as know one minds I'll move the party to the backroom, but I keep alert and on my guard.

You enter the backroom and see a solitary figure standing in the room facing towards the door you enter. He's hooded, and wears quite fancy garb. You don't recognize this man, but he has stubble, brown hair, and piercing blue eyes. He smiles as you enter and talks with a Nehrimese accent Ah, so you are the people I've heard so much about. To take down a chapter of the Vatyra, impressive very impressive. He looks at all of you and you can't quite make out if he's genuinely impressed or not. You have such an interesting story from what I've heard. Escaped our homeland Nehrim during the sacking of Ostian, made your way to Enderal. Quickly made friends with some of the most powerful people in the land, defeated ancient evils, impressive indeed. And most impressive of all you, mere Pathless outsiders are allowed to join the Holy Order of Malphas. You've done a lot in a short amount of time for sure.

Malphas smiles on us, I guess. Poppo disinterestedly says to the quick talking stranger, giving him a weary eye.

I prefer to get straight to the point. What is it you want friend?

I want to see the very Order you are apart of fall, that is what I want. The stranger says in a rage before quickly calming down. Did you know that the Lightborn were the ones behind the destruction of the Pyreans? Little known fact. He smiles Do you know why they did? Because they left the Pyrean's to their own devices, and one day the Pyrean's decided that they were more powerful then their gods and tried to slay them. So in retaliation the entire race was destroyed even the ones loyal to the Lightborn.

Move forward to the current age the Lightborn rule with an iron fist over everyone. But this time a man named Narathzul Arantheal revolts, only he is successful in killing the Lightborn. Why? Because Narathzul realized the very same thing, we are stronger and more powerful than the Lightborn. Why should gods that can't defeat their own creations be allowed to rule over the masses? The man asks.

That's a bold and apparently false statement. If as you say the Lightborn destroyed the Pyrean's, then they obviously were not more powerful than the Lightborn, and thus are gone. Poppo argues.

So Narathzul Arantheal claims he killed the Lightborn, and many believe it, yet the divine power of the Lightborn still has power in the world. He states, even more bored than before with the hater.

So you want the order to fall, why come to us? Are you here to kill us? Poppo taunts.

The mans brow furrows at Poppo's taunts No... if I wanted you dead you already would be. the man threatens. I had hoped to perhaps convince you to join the right side. The tide of Hadar approaches, and the only hope for Vyn is me.

And you are who, Taranor Coarek?