PFS PbP Gameday 4 Siege of Serpents (Inactive)

Game Master Hayato Ken

Gameplay will start in time, feel free to dot so it´s added to your campaign tab.

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hic sunt

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The assembled Pathfinders are invited to participate in the annual Grand Convocation held at the Grand Lodge in the Foreign Quarter of Absalom.

Every year, the Grand Lodge hosts the Grand Convocation at its campus in Absalom. While the Grand Convocation is ostensibly not a party, it is an opportunity for the Decemvirate and Absalom’s resident venture-captains to express their gratitude to field agents and those venture-captains stationed abroad. The Grand Convocation also serves the practical purpose of encouraging networking, relationships, and shared
intra-Society communication. The Twelve are well aware that some interaction between field agents will only ever occur informally, hence the festivities serve to provide an excuse for agents across the Inner Sea to meet and mingle, if only for a week. The capstone event is a banquet with remarks from Marcos Farabellus, the Master of Swords,
who will touch on the Society’s many successes from the last year and give a hitherto unrevealed announcement concerning the Sky Key.

Master of Swords Marcos Farabellus strides up to the large crowd and claps his hands together for attention. Welcome Pathfinders, one and all! And welcome to our traveling venturecaptains stationed abroad as well our honored guests! I am Marcos Farabellus, and on behalf of the Decemvirate, I welcome you to the Pathfinder Society’s annual Grand Convocation! I shall address all of the attendees later this afternoon to announce some of the Society’s greatest accomplishments over the past
year and our plans for the future. In the meantime, I invite you to stroll about the campus, meet with your peers, and enjoy all the sites of the Grand Lodge. We have set up numerous challenges and contests so that you can show off your skills or sharpen them if need be. I’ll send around ushers when it’s time to assemble for the speeches on the north lawn. Enjoy!

As the event begins, the Pathfinders have arrived at the Grand Lodge, where they have an opportunity to meet new Pathfinders or reunite with old friends; this is an opportunity for the players to introduce their characters.

Greetings beloved of the Goddess. I am Riceak Hawklight, a cleric of Shelyn and truth be told, from my last adventures, scourge of the undead. he says with a bow.

"I'm Evindal, nice to meet you. Tell me about your last adventure. Where did they send you?" a tall elf answers. He's obviously a ranger, green clothes, leather armor and a bow on his back.

I was in a town, among the dead so to speak, because a cultist of some evil god, whose name I don't want to utter, was raising zombies to attack people. It was a most unpleasant experience but my faith in Shelyn kept me and my friends alive and put these poor souls to rest. he says extending his hand to the ranger.

"Wow you've fought zombies? I've only run into some bats, a few beetles and some thugs." A young energetic man interjects. "My name is Kevin, it's nice to meet you. This whole festival scene is really exciting."

"I don't like zombies, smelly, rotting creatures always trying to get fresh meat. I heard of a place where undeads are citizens."

As a cleric of the goddess of beauty these creatures are anathema!

The goddess of beauty you say? You surely mean Sarenrae, the light and flame of love, you never ceases to bathe us all in her warm and glorious rays!

Uninvited, a passing by woman of seemingly keleshite origin joins your conversation. She wears a traditional keleshite garb along with armor and telltale signs that she might be a cleric of the Dawnflower.

Allow me to introduce myself. she says smilingly. I´m Nasreen Twafek, cleric of beloved Sarenrae. But nevermind, today i´m mainly here as a Pathfinder agent. I joined the society long ago to expand my personal horizon. That said, i totally agree with your view on undead. They are anathema to life and should feel the mercy of Sarenrae in the form of her cleansing light! If you want to hear more about Sarenrae, i´ll be glad to teach you about her love. We can talk about the Pathfinder Society too if you want too though. Have you ever been on a Grand Convocation before?

While I respect the Dawnflower, I speak of Shelyn. Goddess of Beauty and the Arts.

Ah so you´re a priest of Shelyn? Please forgive me, i didn´t know that. Shelyn and Sarenrae come along quite well though, don´t you think? Are you an artist too? Maybe a singer or writer? Or more the painting type?

Sculptor.

A toned half-elf woman joins the conversation. "I can't speak for goddesses, but in my experience the only mercy the undead deserve is whatever amount fits on the tip of a spear. Mavin's the name, traveled all the way from the Realms of the Mammoth Lords for this convocation, so I hope the festivities were worth the trip!"

A sculptor, how nice. You must have strong and skilled hands then.
She eyes Riceaks hands with a smile.

And that is a motion i can about undead Sarenrae would approve of without hesitation. You came a long way to join the Society! I bet we can all be glad to have you here! Does any of you have more interesting stories to tell?

With a flirtatious smile to the cleric he will state Oh I'm very good with my hands. Yes indeed.

"Not sure if it's interesting, but I met one of the best storytellers in the Society during my Confirmation. Janira, maybe you know her. Shall we have a look around? Maybe we find some fine wine or delicious fruits."

"I met Janira at the wounded wisp tavern while I was running an errand for Drendle Dreg not to long ago. She was very helpful and knowledgeable." Kevin looks around at all the different things go on around them. "I have to say this is my first confirmation as I just came of age to be eligible as a pathfinder agent. Anyone mind explaining what all these different actives are?"

"I have no idea, it's also the first time for me."

"Zombies and goddesses, sounds interesting, Finlos, pleasure to meet you all." A young halfing joins the conversation and reaches to shake hands with those nearby.

The cleric will shake the small hand of the halfling.

Ah yet another new Pathfinder! Nice to meet you!
Nasreen Twafek too shakes Finlos hand.
[/b]Follow me![/b]
She waves you all to follow her over the place where different opportunities for contests are held.

Anyone wanna show off some abilities? There´s plenty of opportunity to impress here

Link.

There´s some skill challenges you can participate in. Each one could participate in two challenges. This will be a bit hurried since we move on soon to the next act. On the map you can see the different opportunities, i´m also gonna spoiler list them here and you can roleplay and roll what you wanna do freely. Name them and roll, possible awards will be given out later if succesfull.

Ohh story telling, I'm fairly good at that, he says as he steps into the circle. "I'm still a fairly new pathfinder, but let me tell you all the tale of how a rainy day errand for Drendle Dreng led to a pile of lost knowledge."

Perform oratory: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Kevin goes on with great youthful energy about his and his companions recent adventure around the city. Don't want to go into to much detail in case someone hasn't played that one yet.

When he is done he will go and try adding to the lore symposium.

Know local: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Mavin claps the halfling on the back. "Any chance you want to try your luck with the deadlift? If not I'm sure I'll see you on the obstacle course!"

Mavin would be interested in trying her luck at the obstacle course and the weight lifting competitions, if enough time remains before the convocation begins.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Strength: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Evindal chooses to participate in the animal training and the sleuthing challenges.

Handle Animal: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Not sure about the DC, but > 20 for level 1-2 is not so bad, I think, so I'll go along with this:

Evindal enters the cage of a Leucrotta in the menagerie. He stares into the beast's eyes, releasing some deep growl noises from his larynx and after a few minutes the beast lays down and Evindal is able to pet it.

After the challenge in the menagerie he strides to the lecture hall in one of the eastern outbuildings where the Sleuthing challenge takes place. When he has his two minutes of fame he tries to recognize everything unusal in the scene. "The murderer lost a shoe, it's under the table. The weapon involved is still in the victim's back and the blood is already dry so I think the incident happened a few hours ago. The murderer forgot his jacket and I bet he also forgot his id card in one of the pockets."

*******************
Overseer Announcement
*******************

Finlos stumbles forward as a result of Mavin's hand meeting his back, furrows his brow and with a wry smile, rolls up his sleeves and heads for the obstacle course.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

Finlos completes the obstacle course with a flourish and strolls over to where Mavin is preparing to begin. "I'd like to see you beat that, ha!"

He attempts to reciprocate a slap to her back. "I'll be trying my hand at trap mastery next, probably requires a little more... finesse than you're used to, Mavin was it?"

Disable Device: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

"Hmm"

The stocky half-elf manages to keep pace with the nimble halfling, wiping the sweat from her brow. "I'll let little folks like you handle the finesse. Heavy lifting is more my style."

Thinking to himself Too bad there are no artistic contests. he will inquire into getting a piece of wood that he might be able to craft into an image of the cleric of Sarenrae.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13 craft

"Ah, not bad. Though to be truthful I was holding back." the halfling shoots Mavin a smile and a wink.

Kevin Sumfinorther is quite successfull at storytelling and the Lore symposium!

Luckily there is more than enough time and Mavin Krane proves herself at the obstacle course and the weight lifting competitions!

Continuing the successfull spree of impressive deeds, Evindal Míriel shines at animal training and the sleuthing challenges!

Finlos Montajay is just as nimble as Mavin Krane on the obstacle course, but the trap mastery beats him.

Riceak Hawklight spent a bit too much time over his books of faith it seems and contempts himself with crafting a not so bad holy wooden symbol.

You can use this rewards as one time boni during the adventure. Please remember to use them and tell when you want to do so. I´ll pm you the Overseer post PW. Please head over the via the link above and read Act 2, which we will then continue here.

Nasreen Twafek is pretty impressed with the efforts you new recruits put into the challenges. For her it seems, the Pathfinder Society did well hiring you. Secretly she probably hopes to convert you to the faith of Sarenrae, about which she ever so subtle drops hint after hint. You still have a wonderfull time with her and feel like on a fair. Untill...Oh what is that? Someone is announcing something official! Probably we move on to the next phase of the Grand Convocation and it´s time for the speeches on the north lawn! Come on!

I'm guessing we should read the Overseer announcement and act accordingly?

Yes. I´ll give you some time for reactions and provide a follow up post later tonight.

Evindal listens to Farabellus' speech before mayhem strikes. He jumps up and grabs his bow. "What's happening? Is this part of the show?" he asks. But when he sees the other people freaking out and fleeing he prepares for a fight.

"I don't think so Evindal." says Finlos as he draws his short sword. "But this should be fun!" He scans the area looking for the nearest enemy and a position he can attack from without being seen.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Stealth: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28

Mavin quickly pulls her ranseur from the strap on her back. "Come on, we have to help the others!"

Kevin draws his rapier as the others draw their weapons. "Agreed, we may be new agents, but we should aid our fellow Pathfinder any way we can."

Out of curiosity which zone are we currently in?

Mh seems a post was eaten up. Repost. Note you gather this information during doing your challenges and before the attack.

During your challenges you talked to quite some people and overheard a lot, the newest small talk and rumors among it of course!

At the time of the speech you were standing among your fellow Pathfinders on the north lawn. Many Pathfinders scatter now as snipers from the nearby gardens begin firing on the crowd. Several of the venture-captains from distant lodges begin organizing a defense while local leaders rush to Skyreach to assess any damage to restricted areas.

Sir Laribold Croome, an immaculately dressed Taldan nobleman scrambles for cover behind a table, which his halfling manservant helpfully flips onto its side. Catching his breath, the Taldan fumbles for his monocle before addressing the nearby Pathfinders. Monsters and villains are attacking all over the grounds, he states with perfect articulation, punctuated by a crossbow bolt that embeds itself in his makeshift barricade.
Spread out, patrol the grounds, and snuff out trouble as you find it. If you should discover any clues about what the devil is going on, report back here at the base of Skyreach.
He pulls his sword cane free from its sheath and raises it overhead. Look alive, and show initiative, he shouts before performing an elaborate dueling salute in the direction of an elephant and setting off after it.

From this point, you can choose which area you wish to explore, beginning with either the south campus, northeast campus, or northwest campus. You gotta pick one though.

The Grand Lodge is a large urban area the size of a real-world university with buildings of all types and sizes. Traveling from one campus to another takes 10 minutes. This also accounts for minor distractions which may slow you down, like visitors, injured or confused colleagues in need of assistance or an information update, and minor threats related to the invasion. This has no effect on the rate at which the table participates in the event, but it is important for keeping track of active spell effects and other abilities. Many locations on the campus grounds are illuminated, but a few locations are
specifically noted otherwise. The PCs are responsible for their own light sources, but torches are supplied free of charge by the Society’s quartermasters.

Let me know where you wanna go and i hope that answers all questions.
If not don´t hesitate to ask!

Finlos has taken off in the direction of the Northwest campus with a serious but excited look on his face. He uses cover and agile maneuvers to avoid detection as he goes.

Use previous stealth / perception rolls if applicable? Also he has a lamp & oil if needed.

Kevin will cast light on his rapier as he chases after Finlos. "Wait, we should stick together. It's to dangerous to go running off on your own." He calls out after the halfling.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Finlos looks over his shoulder at Kevin, and acknowledges him with a quick nod and gestures for him to follow.

Mavin follows the halfling. "Let's get to the northwest perimeter, then circle our way round the campus."

Also Evindal follows to the northwest area.

My job is to help keep us and others alive, in the name of Shelyn! For her glory, as he follows the barbarian and ranger.

Together, you make yourselves on the way to the northwest campus.

The Grand Lodge’s campus is overrun with marauders and monsters, while support staff, initiates, and visitors run in peril for their lives. Yet, nearby groups of Pathfinders cluster together and argue about what to do about it, which team should stand back and support the other, and who has the best idea of what is happening. A venture-captain approaches from the direction of Skyreach.

Pathfinders! I´m venture-captain Janiff Ivulxtin, former head administrator for the Grand Lodge. He nods curtly to you.
Many of the venture-captains are busy investigating the potential source and goals of the attack, and the venture-captains alone cannot coordinate the masses of Pathfinder agents in the Grand Lodge. As a result, there is a vacuum of leadership. We need dependable agents to remind their colleagues that the Society’s motto includes the word “cooperate.” Can you do that?
The Repository and the Center House both have wards and defenses, but should still be cordoned off and protected from the outside. The Society
also has a number of visitors and guests who should be escorted safely off grounds and reassured that everything is under control. Finally, Absalom’s district guards needs to be stalled at the front gates before they overrun the campus and make a mess of everything. These are important tasks but are not necessarily heroic. You are granted a modicum of temporary authority by me to see that jobs are handled. If someone protests tell them it´s on my order!

Where do you wanna go first?

"We should help defend the Repository and Center House. Let's keep these attackers at bay!"

"Agreed!" Finlos readies himself for battle while shouting to some of the other arguing Pathfinders nearby; "You there! Quit squabbling and get these people out of here!" He gestures to the helpless visitors and guests. "We'll hold 'em off over here!"