Apollyanna Lapin Sukino |
"HI! HAPPY CRYSTALHUE!" shouts Apollyanna, desperate to make the best of her apparent exile to this dour city in the middle of an abyssally tainted cataract so far from her room in the Grand Lodge, or her family's home in Oparra.
She's made some Crystalhue decorations.
craft (Crystalhue decorations): 1d20 ⇒ 7
Not very well. Maybe they can be used as trinkets on a sword next year, she thinks. Yeah. They include strings of exploded corn with too-few kernels on because she had eaten most of them, crude little wicker dolls with too many or too few limbs or heads that look like they should be hanging from the boughs of twisted, denuded, trees outside of a witch's house. All-in-all they do little to help improve the festiveness of the forlorn place.
Urktar |
A large, burly half-orc with a bunch of hilts and hafts sticking out of odd places walks into the room carrying a cold iron greatsword in his hands, seemingly in the middle of an argument.
"Yes, Bert, I know I still haven't paid to have you enchanted, but it'd cost too much. 'sides, this little black beauty is made of special stuff." The half-orc lovingly pats the hilt of a sheathed falchion on his hip. "My little ol' pal, Black Death, holds up a lot better in battle. Let's face it, Bert, ya are a little dinged and nicked up. Thought ya might like to see a little less action...Now, now, don't be like that. You'll always be my first love. You know that...What's that, Bert? Oh yeah, there are other people here."
He nods to Apollyanna and Zaldur and says, "I'm Urktar. This is Bert." He holds up the masterwork greatsword.
"I'm da brawn, he's da brains. Nice to meet ya."
Then he spies a half-orc bard slip into the room. "T'ran, is that you?" Urktar's face splits into a wide, toothy grin that is both joyful and gruesome to behold. He sheathes his greatsword as he lumbers across the room and lifts Thran off his feet with a rib-cracking bear hug. "Good to see ya, my friend. Nice to know the Society knows a good team when they see one."
As Urktar sets Thran back on the ground he leans in close and whispers in an overloud voice, "You will let me know who needs killin' when the time comes, right?"
With a hearty slap to Thran's back, he hands over his wand of Cure Light Wounds to Thran. "You'll know when to use it."
Urktar then turns back to the room. "Any of you know a good alehouse here in Nerosyan? I'm sure we'll be working up a thirst soon enough that it couldn't hurt to get a head start in quenchin' it, eh?"
Apollyanna Lapin Sukino |
A large, burly half-orc with a bunch of hilts and hafts sticking out of odd places walks into the room carrying a cold iron greatsword in his hands, seemingly in the middle of an argument.
"Yes, Bert, I know I still haven't paid to have you enchanted, but it'd cost too much. 'sides, this little black beauty is made of special stuff." The half-orc lovingly pats the hilt of a sheathed falchion on his hip. "My little ol' pal, Black Death, holds up a lot better in battle. Let's face it, Bert, ya are a little dinged and nicked up. Thought ya might like to see a little less action...Now, now, don't be like that. You'll always be my first love. You know that...What's that, Bert? Oh yeah, there are other people here."He nods to Apollyanna and Zaldur and says, "I'm Urktar. This is Bert." He holds up the masterwork greatsword.
"I'm da brawn, he's da brains. Nice to meet ya."
Surprised as she backs into the room Apollyanna jumps. "Sorry! I didn't know this room was occupied. I was just out on the balcony hanging some boughs of holly on the front of this this hall for Crystalhue, but if you two need a moment alone...."
GM Rinaldo |
I hadn't specified, but you are all in a grand ballroom in the Lodge in Nerosyan, having responded to a call by Venture-Captain Jorsal of Lauterbury for all available Pathfinders.
Apollyanna Lapin Sukino |
"TAH DAH!" Apollyanna unveils her decorations in the hall.
Shifty |
OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT
“Fellow Pathfinders, I am Jorsal of Lauterbury, Venture-Captain of Nerosyan. I welcome you to the Starrise Spire and bid you to find a seat and speak with the other guests. Once everyone is comfortably seated, I will get to the point of this great gathering.”
Hudor Nero |
A young, tall, lean human male comes into the hall. He has long dark hair and intense sapphire colored eyes. He is wearing seal leather pants and a vest with no shirt underneath. He is also carrying spear along with a crossbow holstered behind his back.
Taking a seat he smiles at the fellow Pathfinders near him. "Greetings. My name is Hudor. I hope we have a successful mission whatever it is."
The Great Rinaldo! |
A well-dressed and well-groomed halfling man astride a huge wolf rides up and greets you. "Welcome, Pathfinders! It is so good to see the newer generations of members in the society coming to these events!"
He jumps down and offers everyone a firm handshake. "As I'm sure you already know, I am The Great R-r-r-r-r-r-rinaldo!" He trills the R and holds it out as if making an announcement to a huge audience. "Host of the Flying Flutterfoot Family Circus, and, along with my cousin, Venture-Captain of the Flutterfoot Family Travelling Pathfinder Lodge!" He finishs with a grandiose bow.
"Venture-Captain Jorsal has asked the other Venture-Captains and leaders in the society to find groups of newer Pathfinders and get them to meet each other before he makes his big announcement. Always good to know people from other parts of the world who share in our goals, you know!"
"So, please, introduce yourselves and tell us a little about where you are from and what your specialty is!" He leans in and lowers his voice slightly and adds, "And if you have any knowledge of what Jorsal may have in store for us, I'd love to hear it!!"
-----------
Those of you who have not already done so, please post introductions. Also, here are some knowledge checks you can make; feel free to share what you know.
Knowledge (History)
Knowledge (Local or Nobility)
Knowledge (Planes or Religion)
Knowledge (Engineering or Geography)
Apollyanna Lapin Sukino |
knowledge (nobility): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
"Mission? I thought we were here for a Crystalhue celebration. I'm senior Shelyn Scout (third-class) Apollyanna Lapin Sukino." says a young woman in a crisp-looking military uniform with a silver breastplate, buckler and dual longswords on her hips.
"Um, I don't really have a specialty" she says seemingly embarrassed.
zaldur |
Zaldur is observing the young woman thinking only about the celebrations although she is not much older than her, the scars on his face damaged by the battles fought and the suffering and pain that he has contemplated recently do not make his have the body to parties.
I present myself noble Paladin of Shelyn my name is Zaldur and I come from the distant land of the north I am a faithful disciple of the Goddess Desna and this takes me by the most random paths, in this mission I will try to keep everyone safe even though I am not a Clergy as usual prioritize my domain of the long spear to the books but the power of the goddess in me is strong.
Thran |
A raggedy looking half-orc in leather armor that's almost yellowish from old age and grim looks around the ball room
"Well this is more swanky then I'm used to. Guess I'm moving up in the world"
"I am Thran. I'm sure you have heard of me so no further introductions are needed"
Thran glances around the room and after seeing blank expressions on faces gulps and a tiny drop of sweat starts to form on his brow
" uhm..well...no I guess?"
He then mutters to himself
"..but they will at some point, even if I have to tell the tales of my epic exploits myself.."
before continuing
"My expertise? ...Letting others around me become the best they can be"
Bardic knowledge(History): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Bardic knowledge(Local/Nobility): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Bardic knowledge(Planes/Religion): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
Bardic knowledge(Engineering/Geography): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
"What means of transportation has brought you to this place next to the Worldwound which is is infested with demons. Evil and destructive creatures, demons are natives to the Abyss, though they can be summoned by means of magic. Many of the demons within the Worldwound emerged from the believed rift at the center of the region. I had to walk here..and let m tell you..I've felt saver at times."
Feel free to read the knowledge spoilers I have unlocked...it seems odd to work them into "normal" conversation by just stating random facts about the area like I did above ;)
Hudor Nero |
Knowledge (Planes): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
Having already given his name, he further elaborates his specialty. "I am a magic user, primarily water magic."
Urktar |
"Bert and I like to bash things. Bert also sometimes detects magic...well, just the one time. I smashed him on the chest, it blew up. Pretty sure that was magic. So if you want Bert and I to try and detect magic, just let us know...Oh, and if I'm in running around smashing things in a fit o' anger, might not want to bother trying to cast any spells on me, even helpful ones. I can be a little Superstitious when I'm ticked off..."
Then he turns to Thran.
"So, demons, huh? What works best on them? Bert?" He holds up his cold iron greatsword.
"Or hopefully Black Death?" he holds up his adamantine falchion.
"Or maybe Little Pokey here...he's new. Never been blooded." He hold up a rapier made of mithral.
"Anyway, just let me know who needs killin'--or just a good beat down--and I'm your fella. 'til then, I'll be saying howdy to any old adventuring pals."
Then he smiles at Thran and says, "Howdy!" before wandering off, looking around the crowd and occasionally stopping to admire a nice weapon or two.
GM Rinaldo |
Feel free to read the knowledge spoilers I have unlocked...it seems odd to work them into "normal" conversation by just stating random facts about the area like I did above ;)
Actually, that is sort of what this first bit of time is for ... roleplay up the discussion of what you know, and share the information conversationally. Feel free to rephrase the information from the spoilers to fit how your character speaks. :-)
Thran |
"Man..it was a long trek to get here though those demon infested surroundings..and then when I finally got here I got lost on my way to the Citadel as well."
"Did you know Nerosyan is divided into several districts?
The local crusaders often group smaller districts together. The four amalgamated districts include the Egelsee District to the southeast, Confluence District to the southwest, Woundward District to the northwest, and Battle District to the northeast."
"And I've walked through all of them...sometimes twice..I did mention getting lost didn't I?"
"I wish I was one of those Crusaders so I could use what is Considered the heart of Nerosyan - the Cruciform Cathedral is the center of Iomedae worship in the city. Acting as a tactical command center, the cathedral allows crusaders to quickly move about the city, by means of the interior walls that section off the city."
"That way I could avoid getting lost in all those districts"
Urktar |
"Bert says that being a Cruise Aider can be fun...lots of smashin' & bashin'. You know how much they get paid?"
Apollyanna Lapin Sukino |
Thran wrote:Feel free to read the knowledge spoilers I have unlocked...it seems odd to work them into "normal" conversation by just stating random facts about the area like I did above ;)Actually, that is sort of what this first bit of time is for ... roleplay up the discussion of what you know, and share the information conversationally. Feel free to rephrase the information from the spoilers to fit how your character speaks. :-)
Precisely why I chose to fail.
"Did you know Nerosyan is divided into several districts?"
"You mean like 'cities'."
"And I've walked through all of them...sometimes twice..I did mention getting lost didn't I?"
"I wish I was one of those Crusaders so I could use what is Considered the heart of Nerosyan - the Cruciform Cathedral is the center of Iomedae worship in the city. Acting as a tactical command center, the cathedral allows crusaders to quickly move about the city, by means of the interior walls that section off the city."
"That way I could avoid getting lost in all those districts"
"Um. Right." Apollyanna looks at the supply of booze provided to see how low it is.
"Bert says that being a Cruise Aider can be fun...lots of smashin' & bashin'. You know how much they get paid?"
"Hey! It's a very important job crusading. I'm only a Senior Shelyn Scout Squire, but next year I'll graduate to full paladinhood. So does anyone have anything to whisper to the Zonzon doll?" The girl holds out a macabre rag doll with big black button eyes.
Urktar |
"So does anyone have anything to whisper to the Zonzon doll?" The girl holds out a macabre rag doll with big black button eyes.
Urktar nods enthusiastically and practically jumps up and down with anticipation of getting the doll.
When he gets the doll, he leans in conspiratorially and whispers, "Do you know how to kill a demon?" He listens carefully and nods a few times. "That's what Bert said: 'Hit it hard and hit it often!'"
He turns to the Shelyn scout and asks, "Is it okay if I give her a gift?"
Apollyanna Lapin Sukino |
"It's a Zonzon doll. He's a boy."
Urktar |
"Are ya sure??" Urktar turns the doll over and gives it a close look. "Yer sure?" After receiving confirmation, Urktar just shakes his head out of pity. "Poor little blighter...I'm not cutting anything off to help with that..."
Apollyanna Lapin Sukino |
"Are ya sure??"
"Oh yeah." Apollyanna says taking her seat. "They're like gingerbread men."
Apollyanna Lapin Sukino |
Two minutes of sitting later. "Gees, how long is this meeting going to last?"
Shifty |
OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT
“Welcome one and all, to the city of Nerosyan. I am Jorsal, Venture-Captain of Starrise Spire. I know you all have questions about why you’ve been sent here, and I intend to spend the evening answering those questions".
“I shall start by telling you why the Society has sent so many skilled agents to Mendev. Intrepid agents recently uncovered information that points to a startling find in the old nation of Sarkoris, now known as the Worldwound. These agents have discovered that a dwarven Sky Citadel, one of the rarest sites on the planet, rests within the Worldwound. It is known to us as Jormurdun.
“It is the will of the Decemvirate that we should come together and find the exact site of thi—”
The speech is interrupted by a distant explosion and the sounding of war horns!
Apollyanna Lapin Sukino |
"Hey! Someone is letting off Desnan candles for the holiday!" Apollyanna rushes off to the nearest window or door to the outside.
Apollyanna Lapin Sukino |
"You sure it isn't a brass band?"
Thran |
"I've been know to have been around a band or two in my days...unless this is an Orcisch band named Blow the Horns of War - who've been retired for 13 years now because of a fight between the bandleader and the drummer who slept with his wife - I'm pretty sure we can rule out anything other then this being a call for War"
GM Rinaldo |
Venture Captain Jorsal moves quickly through the assembled pathfinders, apparently giving assignments and orders. He approaches you, and says,
"My friends, it appears the city is under attack by a force of demons from the Worldwound! How such a thing is possible, I do not yet know, but I do know that this attack cannot stand. Our treaty with the crusaders of Mendev binds us to join the battle. Give me some time to rally our agents as best I can, but I trust you to pick where your skills can best be put to use. Go forth into Nerosyan and aid where you can. I shall call for you again when I know how to best combat this enemy."
Venture-Captain Rinaldo rummages through his pockets and pulls out a small map of the city. "Here, take this. I need to join my team of Seekers and see where we are needed. You look for any way you can assist the city. If you hear of needs in particular locations, use the map to find your way around."
Rinaldo then mounts up onto his wolf, and with a nod to you rides away.
---------------------
This slide shows the current state of the city. As teams of pathfinders fight back the invasion, the map will be updated. Currently, all districts are currently orange, indicating attacks taking place everywhere.
You can now choose where in the city you want to go to help out. You can pick one of the four districts inside the walls (Battle District, Egelsee District, Confluence District, and Woundward District) or you can choose to venture outside the walls.
Apollyanna Lapin Sukino |
Venture Captain Jorsal moves quickly through the assembled pathfinders, apparently giving assignments and orders. He approaches you, and says,
"My friends, it appears the city is under attack by a force of demons from the Worldwound! How such a thing is possible, I do not yet know, but I do know that this attack cannot stand. Our treaty with the crusaders of Mendev binds us to join the battle. Give me some time to rally our agents as best I can, but I trust you to pick where your skills can best be put to use...."
"Like on the decorations committee...." Apollyanna says more than slightly shocked at this turn of events. She was supposed to meet with her beau (well, hopeful beau) the mysterious masked vigilante known only as the "Formal Guise" before duty brought her to the World Wound this Crystalhue. She wishes she were standing under the mistletoe with him right now and then suddenly she has an image of her friend the gnome sorceress and honorary Shelyn Scout Prisim up on a step ladder, underneath the mistletoe passionately kissing Formal Guise! In her vision the the cheeky gnome pulls back from the kiss to look at Apollyanna. Then she pulls down one eyelid and sticks out her tongue. Nyah!
Venture-Captain Rinaldo rummages through his pockets and pulls out a small map of the city. "Here, take this. I need to join my team of Seekers and see where we are needed. You look for any way you can assist the city. If you hear of needs in particular locations, use the map to find your way around."
Growling, Apollyanna shakes herself free of her daydream and snatches the map. Holding it upside-down and pointing to Egelsee she declares to her four table companions "Alright team! Let's go up!"
She turns, and marches right into a pillar.
Hudor Nero |
As the explosions go off in the distance, Hudor tilts his head like a wolf and listens. He then stands up and pulls out his waterskin filled with some of his brew and takes a big gulp. "Well, looks like they wanted to start the party early."
As the Apollyanna gets up and starts to head off with purpose, Hudor puts away his waterskin, grasp his spear tightly, and then follows her.
Apollyanna Lapin Sukino |
"How do you pronounce 'ʇɔᴉɹʇsᴉp ǝǝslǝƃƎ' anyway?"
GM Rinaldo |
You make your way to the Egelsee District, home to many of the city’s cavalry and to the engineers who maintain and expand the city’s fortifications. It also encompasses Pilgrim’s Rest, a district of inns and temporary lodgings for the steady flow of Iomedaean devotees visiting the Cathedral, and Rustwell, a shabby industrial district full of loud noises, strong smells, and necessary but distasteful industries.
Passing the Cruciform Cathedral, you check inside to see if everything is well. A Tien priestess of Iomedae approaches.
"Friends, it is good to see you. This surprise attack by the servants of darkness has struck deeper than you may know. Hundreds of wounded seek shelter here in the Cruciform, and our supplies quickly dwindle under such strain; we had never imagined the demons would penetrate the city walls in such a profound manner. I find I must ask a favor of you."
"Our fastest supplier of medical goods is a man in Pilgrim's Rest names Zuka. He runs a local inn called ‘The Sovereign's Rest’, which doubles as a small warehouse. The man is far from pious, and prefers to be addressed as 'Sovereign', but he is our only option in such times of need. I can provide you with some gold for his latest shipment of medical goods, but the more you can bring back to the me, the better."
She offers you a sack heavy with coin. If you have any questions for the priestess, please ask.
zaldur |
My greetings priest in these times of darkness my name is Zaldurr and I am a faithful priest of the Desna DIosa if you need help to heal the wounded once I finish my work with my lance I will lend you the help you need, in search of supplies that Zuka how will we connect it, do you have any traits that reveal it?
Urktar |
"If you want to make nice with this innkeep'r, that ain't my cuppa. But if it goes south and you want to put a little fear in 'im, that's more my style."
Urktar then tucks away the heavy sack and turns expectantly, waiting for someone with more brains to figure out where The Sovereign's Rest might be.
GM Rinaldo |
The priestess smiles as Urktar takes the bag. "I will leave it to your discretion as to how you negotiate, but please remember that once this is all over, I will need to continue working with him, so try not to sour my relationship too much. The inn is very easy to find, just go down this road..." She gives directions that seem pretty straightforward.
To Zaldur, she replies, "The sudden attack by the demons took everyone by surprise. I beg you to help me now rather than later, as once you begin fighting, it might be your very self that needs the supplies!"
GM Rinaldo |
You follow the priestess' directions to the Sovereign's Rest. The building remains relatively unscathed from the demonic assault, with no obvious signs of damage to the structure. Inside, roughly two dozen patrons drink and mingle despite the ongoing siege outside. A male Garundi sits on a makeshift wooden throne in the back of the inn, from which he looks down on the patrons. As the you enter, he beckons for you to approach.
"I have never seen your faces here before. What brings newcomers to the Sovereign's Rest?"
Hudor Nero |
Enter the inn, "Greetings sir. We have recently come from Cruciform Cathedral and they are in dire need of medical supplies. They told us that you recently got a shipment and we would like you to provide us these supplies in the city's time of need."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Apollyanna Lapin Sukino |
You make your way to the Egelsee District, home to many of the city’s cavalry and to the engineers who maintain and expand the city’s fortifications. It also encompasses Pilgrim’s Rest, a district of inns and temporary lodgings for the steady flow of Iomedaean devotees visiting the Cathedral, and Rustwell, a shabby industrial district full of loud noises, strong smells, and necessary but distasteful industries.
Passing the Cruciform Cathedral, you check inside to see if everything is well. A Tien priestess of Iomedae approaches.
"Friends, it is good to see you. This surprise attack by the servants of darkness has struck deeper than you may know. Hundreds of wounded seek shelter here in the Cruciform, and our supplies quickly dwindle under such strain; we had never imagined the demons would penetrate the city walls in such a profound manner. I find I must ask a favor of you."
"Our fastest supplier of medical goods is a man in Pilgrim's Rest names Zuka. He runs a local inn called ‘The Sovereign's Rest’, which doubles as a small warehouse. The man is far from pious, and prefers to be addressed as 'Sovereign', but he is our only option in such times of need. I can provide you with some gold for his latest shipment of medical goods, but the more you can bring back to the me, the better."
She offers you a sack heavy with coin. If you have any questions for the priestess, please ask.
"How do you pronounce 'ʇɔᴉɹʇsᴉp ǝǝslǝƃƎ'?" Giving up she instead points to the words on her upside down map.
================
You follow the priestess' directions to the Sovereign's Rest. The building remains relatively unscathed from the demonic assault, with no obvious signs of damage to the structure. Inside, roughly two dozen patrons drink and mingle despite the ongoing siege outside. A male Garundi sits on a makeshift wooden throne in the back of the inn, from which he looks down on the patrons. As the you enter, he beckons for you to approach.
"I have never seen your faces here before. What brings newcomers to the Sovereign's Rest?"
Apollyanna shoves her way to the front to speak. She makes a quick bow.
diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
"The supplies are needed urgently o'sovereign of-" she gestures around the room, "-of this place. Without them the city's defense might falter and your ki- um, your inn may suffer the- (someone quick, what's the word for 'bad stuff happening to you'?)"
Urktar |
Urktar smiles tuskily and nods heartily. Unfortunately, it's not entirely clear if that's actually very encouraging nor helpful.
Aid Another Diplomacy?: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (9) - 2 = 7
Apollyanna Lapin Sukino |
Thran bows with a florish to lend credit to Apollyanna's words
while whispering softly "..consequences?"
"That the word!--I think. Thanks!"
GM Rinaldo |
"I see ... well, I do have supplies, but even in an emergency I can't simply give them away. In the circumstances, I believe ... 7,000gp would be a fair price."
Checking the bag you were given, you see that you have about half that.
----
You can pool your own resources to pay the remainder of the price, or attempt to negotiate him down. Each PC can make a check with an appropriate skill; social skills are always appropriate, as are skills related to business/merchanting or medicine/healing. After each of you has made a check (or chosen not to), I will determine the results. There can be multiple rounds of negotation, but the DC gets harder each time.
Please include at least a little RP conversation to support your skill check.