Pathfinder: Shards of an Order PBP

Game Master Benjen Harris

The man smiles Perhaps.

Since leaving the magic shop, Vynya is a bit day-dreamy and doesn't communicate much with the rest of the party. She occasionally mutters to herself and even swats at the air a few times, but doesn't respond, but to the most persistent of attempts to get her attention.
At the Dancing Nomad, she takes a mild interest when they are directed to meet with a mysterious stranger in the back room. She awkwardly stumbles through the doorway, catching parts of her ill-fitting armor on the doorjamb. Wide-eyed, she watches the conversation between Poppo and the stranger intently. Then, as though coming to a conclusion in her mind, she snaps at the stranger as he smiles at them. With a poisonous invective, she spits words at the stranger:

You? You..you claim to be Taranor Coarek? Why would a scoundrel, shell-of-a-king deign themselves to meet in the back of a tavern? Either you are a weak, fool of a ruler who doesn't have the means or the influence to send a lackey to do lackey's work. Or you are a sham-artist, trying to vainly glimpse the fame and majesty of true heroes such as the Great Lady Malphason or the Honorable Maester Hedgehopper. Either way, you are a ridiculous buffoon who has declared his ignorance and naivety to all. She stares him down (and secretly casts Read Thoughts - only Emotional and Thought components, so no way to tell she is casting. If he fails the save, he only knows that someone probes his mind, not who is doing the probing. As previously discussed, this is my interpretation of the spell. The spell text and Paizo forums are not clear! lol) Will save DC 18.

David asked if we were supposed to be up a level. We are level 8, correct? I haven't updated my PbP profile yet, but Hero Lab is at 8. (I'll update soon)

The detect thoughts takes no affect to Vynya’s surprise. The little urchin, I've heard some things about you. Strong words for someone like you. Dear little urchin why on Vyn would I come all the way here myself. This he motions to his body an illusion. In truth I'm thousands of miles away on a ship, very boring on a ship. I thought I would as you put it see some true heroes. Maybe convince them to join side, and you are right that was truly naive of me. I see now that they're is truly no hope for you all. When Hadar comes, you will wish you had joined me. When its black tendrils tear your body to bits you will see why, why I have done what I've done. But I suppose you won't see that at all, I reckon you'll all be dead before then. Either by knives or fireballs. he looks at Nalia and grins. But I wish not to hear any further insults from the likes of you, I'll see you in fifty five days. Adieu. Taranor Coarek says as his body fades away into nothingness.

Ouch Craig Vynya's spits hot fire insults. Yes level eight everyone.

Updated my character sheet. Glad you guys jumped in, took me about 10m to figure out who this guy was and what was going on. Now I'm up to speed and ready to spit some fiery insults of my own!

Yeah!, What they said!

I need a break from this for a while guys, really just not happy how the games going, honestly don't know if it will continue.

Okay everyone, been thinking hard about everything. I talked with everyone about possibly switching to 5e but dad brought up a couple of good points on why we shouldn't. One of the facts is that Pathfinder works well in PBP being a complicated game system, you can take time with posting to look up rules and make sure you have added all modifiers. The second is that the characters won't be the same if we transition to 5e. I feel like the only character who could be relatively close would be Archie, but even then that's a stretch. Jon also said he didn't want to switch, with some good reasons why. One of the major reasons being him and also everyone else are very much invested into Pathfinder with all the books and such. So in conclusion I have decided that we will be continuing the PBP in Pathfinder despite me really wanting to play 5e, that will have to wait for another campaign.

I do want to retcon a little something from your conversation with the big bad because I kind of cut that conversation off for one reason or another and would like it to continue if everyone is good with me doing that. So lets cut out the last bit were he says "But I wish not to hear any further insults from the likes of you, I'll see you in fifty five days. Adieu." and start fresh.

Upon hearing Vynya's insults Taranor Coarek's face darkens in anger and he suddenly vanishes from sight for several seconds. You think initially the conversation is over but Taranor Coarek suddenly reappears placing the Crown of Nehrim on his head. While he was clean before his clothes and face are now stained with the blood of someone who had the displeasure of being nearby when the king grew angry. Breathing heavily with wild eyes King Taranor Coarek turns back to you and smiles once more I beg your forgivness sometimes you just have to let your anger out. he laughs. Now now these insults seem, unnecessary I feel like even enemies can have a civil conversation. He attempts to wipe some blood from his face but it just ends up spreading if even more. Coarek then retrieves a white handkerchief from pocket and begins to wipe the blood from his face. I am deadly serious about the threat of Hadar, it will come whether I defeat you or vice versa.

Poppo seems unfazed by the sudden bloody appearance of Coarek's face.

Fair enough Coarek, well it's not like you actually told us who you were at first. And then can you blame us for being hostile, you sacked Nalia and I's homeland, and you plan to do the same with our new adopted home. Poppo pauses a second.

You really expected a warm welcome, we know little of you, other than the chaos you reap. I'll do my best to be cordial.

He sort of shoots Vynya a look to do the same. Poppo is hoping to learn somethings about there enemy.

Now of course you will likely mock my ignorance, but I don't know about the threat of Hadar, what is it?

I like to keep things in suspense dear halfling. And I prefer the term rightfully conquered. He says with a grin. And I didn't necessarily expect a warm welcome, perhaps room temperature. As for the threat of Hadar I will do no such thing as mock your ignorance, even some gods don't know about the threat. Hadar is the dark hunger from beyond this world who consumes all. Darkness encompassing red eyes, I have seen it in my visions and it is terrifying. Even now he slips into Vyn sending his vile demons to destroy. I seek to stop this entity.

Does Hadar cause the red madness? Poppo asks curious about this dark hunger.

Yes, he's the soul cause of the Red Madness. Taranor Coarek wipes some more blood from his tunic.

Did you order the Vatyra to attack us? You mention fireballs like you know I was brought down by them in the last battle. Did you know of them? We lost a great friend to all this. If not for the blade of the boreal valley I would have been lost as well. If we truly have only one enemy, this Hadar you mention, then why don’t we work together to deal with him? We have become acquainted with many leaders in this city, as you say, people far more important and powerful than us. Let’s let you and them work it out and take care of this Hadar. But I fear that is not all that you want. Is it?

Sense motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Vynya stands in shock horror as she immediately recognizes that her words led to the violent death of some poor, unseen person near Coarek. Her face goes pale and she hunches over and begins pulling and clawing at her hair while muttering to herself. Now look what you’ve done. Nasty naughty orc! Why did you have to speak like that? You’ve caused enough problems, so go out of my head and don’t come back. At..at least not until tomorrow! She finishes triumphantly and then waits for a moment as though listening for something. Seeming satisfied, she refocuses on the people around her and stammers: I..I’m so sorry. Marthak can be very rude and doesn’t know when it’s her place to speak. Vynya smiles weakly at the others, but noticeably avoids looking at Coarek.

I forgot to say that Vynya’s previous tirade at Coarek was spoken with a thick, female orcish accent.

I mean is it not obvious, of course I hired Vatyra. That's why my assassins were working closely with them. I only knew about the fireball because the real Queen Vatyra told me about it.

When Nalia mentions the Blade of the Boreal Valley Coarek's eyes widen slightly. An ancient Malphas artifact, very impressive.

As for Hadar I truly only seek to stop it. However I don't think you would all be very against my way of stopping Hadar. I seriously doubt we could come to some understanding. My way means the destruction of worshiping the Lightborn, tearing down the temples. Hadar's does not gaze upon those with no faith. But any who hold such a thing will surely be destroyed.

Nalia you try to pick up on any tells from Coarek but the only thing that you really pick up is that he is surprised that you mentioned the Blade of the Boreal Valley.

When Vynya apologizes Coarek politely smiles Apology accepted my dear. Besides the one I killed was simply a servant girl, no one of importance. He smiles once again, this time putting you on edge with how nonchalant he is about killing someone.

Btw if you haven't seen, I have a picture of Taranor Coarek in the slides.

Um, so you are our foe? I am afraid we have not been properly introduced. Please pardon my rudeness and take no additional offense but you must understand I need to be sure, moral obligations and such with that Archie draws his bow releases 4 arrows at the image of Coarek (assuming he is just a projection and they go straight through)
Now that that is done, I assume you plan on destroying the planar gods as well? As faith is the issue? But if faith is the issue, want those you believe in you and follow you cause a similar fate?

Coarek glares at Archie as the arrows fly through the illusory king. I will remember this archer. Those who disrespect me meet with a bloody fate. I'm not answering your questions fetchling.

Nalia stands up (if she was sitting) and yells, Enough! Knock it off Archie! Antagonizing our enemy isn't going to help anything. What is it you want Master Coarek? We can make introductions to our leaders if that is your wish. Lest I need remind you, myself and my humble friends are but grunts in this big cog of a nation. You're talking to the wrong people! But again I say I'm not sure you really want to resolve this. Your resolution is to destroy, not to compromise. If you are here to talk, lets talk! If you're here to poke fun at our losses and intimidate then move on. I don't have the time or the heart for more banter. I say this respectfully but emphatically to an opponent who I doubt we can compromise with. Prove me wrong by showing me a willingness to compromise, and hopefully prevent the death of so many innocent people. That is what a benevolent leader would do.

With that she sits down again staring at the image projected across who knows how many miles.

try to be polite and that's the thanks I get archie mumbles

Oh you are more than grunts in this whole cog lady Nalia, I have seen visions. Visions of who will doom this world to the black tendrils of Hadar. You are those who will allow for destruction of the world. What do you think Dakrast Motylek or Clatton Tavner have the power to stop Hadar, no! All of you have the power to stop Hadar or let his corruption overtake Vyn. As for compromises, we will see if we can come to an understanding without bloodshed when I arrive in fifty five days. I do hope you think on my words, the whole world could depend on them. With those final words the bloody form of Taranor Coarek disappears and you are left alone in the dingy backroom of the Dancing Nomad.

Well, that was unexpected. What was he talking about Hadar and us saving or dooming the world. My instinct is that he’s cracked but what if their is truth in what he said? We need to confer with those more in the know than us.

After Coarek disappears, Poppo adds to what Nalia is saying.

I didn't like that guy. First, it's disturbing that 55 days travel from here and he is able to not only know who we are, and where we are, but also contact us. That's scary. Also I don't know about this us saving the world business, people keep hinting at that. Well I'm just Poppo, I couldn't even save Turngut, how am I going to save the world?

Vynya, you see things in the future, what have you seen about all of us? How do we save things? He asks the half-elf.

Wide eyed, Vynya turns a blank stare from where Coarek once stood to look at Poppo. For an uncomfortably long moment, she stares directly through him with an emotionless expression on her face. After Poppo begins to shift awkwardly under her gaze, Vynya shivers as though coming back from a dream.

I..I don't know, my Lord. Since sweet Turngut perished and Herald BobE left, the future has become clouded and mirky. I have dreamed many dreams, but they are all now like thin smoke in a gale. But even though my dreams are darkened, I may know someone who can tell us something. I need absolute silence and privacy. I will be sending my essence and astral being into another dimension. I..I just hope it's a friendly one!

With that, Vynya lowers herself into a chair in the back room and motions for Archie to close the door. Can I assume that we are in a private location since Coarek chose to reveal himself here?) She closes her eyes and lays her hands, palms up, gently on the table and appears to go into a trance.

Casting Ancestral Memory which has a fairly complex description, but in summary: the chance of successfully finding an ancestral memory that is pertinent is equal to 70% + your caster level. Success indicates that you not only gain +5 insight bonus on all Intelligence-based skill checks, but that one of your ancestors came across a situation or problem similar to one you are currently facing. In this case, the GM provides you with some specific information to assist you in overcoming your problem. A failure means she gets a +5 insight bonus to all Int-based skill checks. I'm guessing a fail won't help us much, but on a success, Vynya will try to contact a long-dead hero to ask for aid in what steps to take next.

Ancestral Memory DC≤78%: 1d100 ⇒ 24. Huzzah!

Ok while Vynya is casting her spell what would the rest of you like to do? Are you heading back to the Sun Temple? Are you having a few drinks in the bar?

While Vynya casts her spell, as she waits and is not sure what is happening, Nalia steps out of the room to the main bar.

You ever heard of Taranor Coarek? He just projected his image into your side room and told us we might or might not save the world from him or maybe someone named Hadar. What a strange world we live in. Can we have a mixture of drinks, I’m not really sure what we all like, just make sure mine is a good ale and something strong with orange in it, or maybe lemon! How about both! And bring some food and if you have a way to get word to the temple that we just talked to Coarek, that would be even better. We’ve got some talkin to do and if the order came here it might save some time.

With that, she turns around and heads back in, closing the door gently behind her so as not to disturb Vyna’s spell.

The barkeep a bald headed man wearing an eyepatch glares at Nalia as she rambles about things that a simple barkeep would likely not understand. Right...I'll send some drinks back.

Poppo stares at Vynya in anticipation!

Nalia comes and goes as does the barkeep. Poppo turns to Nalia orange-lemon flavored ale in hand. We can never know about the days to come
But we think about them anyway.

And tomorrow we might not be together,
I'm no prophet and I don't know nature's ways,
So I'll try and see into your eyes right now,
And stay right here 'cause these are the good old days'

Arch grabs a drink [b] To the good ole days we have yet to have [b]

Vynya's eyes flutter back to the present and she looks at the other 3 in the room as if they were strangers. After a moment, recognition returns to her eyes and she smiles weakly at them all. She absently holds the drink that Nalia places in her hand, ignoring it, while hesitantly speaking in a dry voice.

I..I saw a vision. A vision of our future...or perhaps just my past. The path that Coarek wants to set us upon is not for us to discover. Win or lose, the Red Madness will come to us and there is nothing we can do to stop that. Yet.. Yet, there remains hope. For although the finding is assured, it is not certain to overcome us, at least not all of us. She makes an unconscious and brief glance at Nalia. The spirits do not lead me to help you to find where we must go. Therefore, we can stay here or go to the temple. It matters not. Death is always a shadow clinging to our passing.

She finishes the last sentence quietly and bowing her head to ponder the dark crimson in her goblet.

Poppo takes a deep breadth, Well that's good I think. He tells Vynya.

I think we should all stay here. Better to stick close together. Nalia and I will have to report in to the Temple in the morning. He says.

Sounds great, some food and drink and maybe turn in early. We've been pushing hard lately and a little sleep would be probably be welcome. Poppo and I can check in at the temple and Arch, you and Vynya maybe could do a bit of looking around?

Settling in next to Vynya, Nalia asks, Now, I didn't quite follow all of what you said. The spirits couldn't help guide us on the right path? Or you saw something else? Don't feel you must speak about anything, I'm just curious what happened and why you sound so sad after seeking the future?

Can you guys help me remember what other jobs we might have obligated ourselves to? I remember one in another town but the gm said we weren't tough enough to go there yet. Sounds like we can't stop the red madness and that was another job. I broke one of Malphas's swords, but still two more to find, and hopefully not break!

Yes, you guys have several quests to be done. You guys have shown interest in going to Fogville but if you recall Elnil gave BobE a warning to stay away from there for now. Also the swords of Malphas. And your most recent obligation is to talk to the Arch Magister in the morning. Time for the secret posts for everybody.

So you all go to your rooms to rest for the night in the Dancing Nomad.

Poppo has trouble getting out of bed after a restless night. He eventually pulls himself together and stumbles down to the common room, looking around for Nalia. He's more disheveled than usual, like a man who had way to much too drink the night before. But in actuality, he had only a couple.

Poppo, rough night? Here, let me help you a bit. She proceeds to lick her hand a lot and smooth down all the tufts and stray hairs, adjusting his shirt a bit to make him look more presentable. Always hated my mom doing this to me :)

We're meeting the Arch Magister today. We've got to look our best....you ready? I had a wonderful dream last night; it made me feel so much better, I'm not a failure to Malphas for destroying his sword and more importantly, it can be restored! With that, she prattles on while they eat and then head towards the temple complex.

She's learned to be prepared as best she can no matter what she's doing so will arrive fully armed and armored as well.

Poppo doesn't even fuss as Nalia mothers him a bit. That's wonderful you had such a nice dream, I'm encouraged, I didn't sleep well. Too much has happened and too much will in the days to come. My mind was racing. He then follows along as Nalia leads the way to the temple, a bit absentmindedly.

The night before, when Nalia sits down next to her, Vynya appears awed by Nalia sitting so near to her. She keeps her eyes downcast as Nalia speaks to her and then Vynbya answers in a hushed tone. I..I..eh, Lady Nalia. I sought one of my ancestors to receive some clue as to where to direct you in your quest to save Enderal. I'm afraid I did not learn much. Only that the Red Madness, or at least the source of the scourge, will find us in due time. Whether for good or for ill, I cannot say. For now, I feel like we should see what you and Maester Hedgehopper learn at the temple.

The following morning, Nalia and Poppo do not see Vynya come downstairs before they leave.

Arch wakes up late,eats breakfast, and takes his bow for some target practice

So Poppo when you and Nalia wake up you find that Archie and Vynya are nowhere to be found. Do you look for your friends or do you head up to the Sun Temple?

Seeing as they can't go into the Sun Temple anyway. I don't think we would look for them that hard; and head straight for the temple.

Archie will turn his practice into a hunt for a large bird which he will have prepared into a meal to show his friends how thankful he is for them.

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

So Poppo and Nalia head back to the Sun Temple and are quickly let inside. As you were informed to speak with the Archmagister you make your way to the library of the Sun Temple. There you find an older elf with brown hair and a monocle. Ah Keeper Hedgehopper, Keeper Malphason it is a pleasure to meet you both! I am Archmagister Lexil Merrayil.

Behind the Archmagister you see several other magisters studied a large crystalline shape that appears to have a man trapped within it. You remember finding the strange crystal while exploring the ruin of Rashengrad. The archmagister looks up at the crystalized man and smiles Remarkable isn't it? Trapped in a crystal for thousands upon thousands of years, truly remarkable. And despite our immense studying of this we have yielded almost nothing. All we know is that this particular Pyrean was apart of a special caste of Pyreans, a priest of sorts. All purely speculation, we have little information on Pyrean culture and the like. But based on some markings on his skin we can make assumptions about such things.

The Archmagister pauses likely seeing you don't have nearly the interest that he has but nonchalantly brushing it off. Anyway in our research we recently discovered some striking similarities between ourselves and the Pyreans. While today we fight against the Red Madness back during their time they fought against something called the "Maladi" loosely translated into our common as the Crystal Plague which has some similarities to the Red Madness. Miss Peghast uncovered in Rashengrad research notes speaking of something called "wòch" translated into our tongue as Sigil Stone. It takes quite a long time to translate Pyrean but from what we have translated these sigil stones could protect Pyreans against strange phenomenon such as the crystal plague. He pauses to catch his breath It is my hypothesis that these very same sigil stones could hold back the Red Madness.

The only problem is we don't know where they are or how to create them. But he pauses in dramatic suspense pointing his finger at the crystalized Pyrean they may very well know how to.

Poppo listens on, then asks So how are we going to wake the Pyrean up?

Glad you asked! the magister responds We aren't exactly sure if I'm being honest with you. We believe this crystal that the Pyrean is trapped in is some sort of protective tomb, but we don't know how to dispel. We've tried dispel magic spells and the like but nothing seems to work. I'm afraid the secret to unlocking the Pyrean may be lost. He pauses for a brief moment But they're is a chance that a specific person may know. The person I refer to is known as the Aged Man. Wild, mysterious, and very powerful. Every ten years he holds a party that each time has a game to played, who ever wins gets to ask a question to the Aged Man.

If the myths and legends are to be believed of this Aged Man, then he may well know the spell or ritual used to awaken the Pyrean. And as luck would have it the Aged Man's party happens to be tonight. He normally invites and eclectic bunch of people farmers, adventurers, pirates. The party has become quite the legend so many people will attempt to sell their invitations for a hefty sum of gold, which is how we have acquired two invitations for you Keeper Poppo and you Keeper Nalia.

[b]His manor is in the Western Cliffs, South of Tallfield. Go to his manor, win his game, and find out if he knows the incantation to awaken the Pyrean. Grandmaster Arantheal has full trust in your capabilities so I have no reason to not trust in you as well. This could be vital!

Archie shoots his bow. hunts for a large bird to shoot, and considers what he should wear to the party. Of course, I need to make a grand entrance. That would only be expected. but should it be formal or informal. Should I dress for battle? So many choices. i could forgo dressing and find something when I get there. Maybe I should get a big hat?

Really sorry gang, thought we were on a pause. Hadn't been checking. Ok, I'm back!

Archmagister, I think I follow what you need us to do. What do we know of the aged man and what are the parties like? What will he think of the two of us showing up? How many are usually there and what do they do?

Nalia looks around sheepishly and then asks under her breath, And sir, if I may ask, what do we wear? It seems everywhere we go something happens to get us in a battle. I'd hate to show up in a dress and feel the need for my armor and it would be worse to arrive all arrayed for battle and everyone is there in summer frocks! I don't know anyone that I can ask what they're wearing!... I don't mean to be silly, but this is sort of a stressful question. I hope you understand.

knowledge nobility: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Good questions Keeper Nalia. What do we know about the Aged Man? Not a lot is known, a mysterious fellow, no one even knows what he looks like. One would assume he is an elf based on the rumors of how long he has been around, but even that's not known. What is for certain is he is very powerful, so it would not be a smart idea to get on his bad side.

As for the parties, that is also somewhat of a mystery. Each one is different and each one has a different game to play. What the games are is also a mystery as those who enter keep their mouth tight about it.

I have no idea how he will react to both of you showing up, considering you will both have invitations I would guess he would be welcoming. And the amount of guests has varied from party to party, im afraid I know not how many will be there.

Outfitwise you may want to wear formal attire I would assume but again I don't really know much on that, its very secretive.

Archmagister Lexil Merrayil, thank you for the info and for your faith in us. My party is four and we have only two invitations. Can we bring our friends as maybe guards to deliver us? How do we get to the party and where is it?

My last question is maybe a bit sneaky. Could we maybe have some scrolls or potions that would increase our knowledge to solve the puzzles or make us a bit more suave. Poppo is pretty quick on his feet, but me, I wish I was much more suave than I really am. I'm always tempted to let my sword do the talking. What do you think?

Ah of course, I'm afraid Keeper Nalia I'm not too certain on that subject. Its a party so one would think you could bring a plus one, but this isn't a normal party. If that isn't allowed it will have to be up to you to get them in. If I could conjure two more invitations out of thin air I would but that's not within my power.

Of course any keeper of the Holy Order has access to scrolls, potions, and weapons. Surprised you all haven't taken advantage of that more since you all seem to be get yourselves into trouble quite frequently. Stop by the Order quartermaster, Chester he should be able to help you with such things. And at this party it may be wise to keep your sword in its scabbard.

The Archmagister looks at your sword curiously Keeper Nalia? I had heard that you wielded one of the swords of Malphas. From what I've read this doesn't seem to be the Blade of the Boreal Valley.

Alas no, I'm sorry to say. In our last battle I was overwhelmed and killed. It seems strange to say that out loud. I wouldn't think many people could say that. The sword had a peculiar function of being able to raise someone from the dead; I was told of it by Malphas himself I believe. Earlier I was able to use that amazing divine ability on a friend we made to bring him back from the dead. Anyway, of its own volition, the sword raised me back from the dead but in doing so it was destroyed. I have only the hilt left. She offers to show him the hilt that remains.

I know I'm a tool to be used for Malphas and I really only know how to use a sword, and obviously not that well if I'm going and getting myself killed, but I figured I needed to replace it so I could be useful.. I was tasked with seeking more of Malphas's blades if you happen to know ought of such.

While Nalia and Poppo are meeting with the Archmagister and Archie is out on his morning hunt, Vynya creeps back into the tavern through the likely quiet back kitchens. She is surprised when she cannot find any of her friends at the inn and leaves out the side door, avoiding the notice of everyone, if possible. Once outside, she blends effortlessly into the milling rounds and back alleys and wanders the city aimlessly. Without realizing it, she ends up outside of the Sun Temple's main gate. Keeping out of sight, Vynya takes up a position with a good view of the gates and watches the coming and going of the morning traffic. All the while, she mutters and argues with herself in various languages.