GM Silbeg's 5-00 Siege of the Diamond City (14-15) (Inactive)

Game Master Silbeg

After a recent discovery of a lost city in the heart of the demon-infested Worldwound, Pathfinder agents from around the world flock to Nerosyan, capital of the crusader nation of Mendev, to prepare for the coming adventure. When the city falls under attack, however, everyone within its walls must take up arms to defend against the Abyssal hordes. Do the Pathfinders have what it takes to hold back the demonic onslaught, or will their souls be among the first to be consumed when the Diamond of the North falls?

Designed to be run as an epic, multi-table event in which the actions of each table has the potential to turn the tide of battle, Siege of the Diamond City sets a new standard of interactivity for the fan-favorite convention special format. In addition to the adventure itself, the special includes a detailed gazetteer of the city of Nerosyan as well as a full-page map suitable for tracking the threat level throughout the city during the course of the event.

Written by Thurston Hillman and Jonathan H. Keith.

A very small chelish man clothed in black silken robes is walking towards you. He speaks: Greetings, friends. My name is Venture Captain Elric. While I am having no lodge of my own currently, I am in charge of transporting agents to their mission locations. During missions my specialty is supporting the team with spells form the backline, especially with movement and summoning support and blinding groups of enemies. Do not expect me to venture to the frontline myself or for me to be using any kind of illusion or evocation effects. Do you have any preferences which spells I should prepare to support you optimally?

OoC:

"Well met, Elric. I'm Slim," says the raven-haired, grey-eyed half-elf flashing a bright smile. Celestial chainmail armor gleams beneath his colorful Sczarni attire. An enchanted adamantine falcata is sheathed at his hip, and a mithral buckler is strapped to his haversack. He moves with the grace of an acrobat and dancer, and he has the glib tongue of a skilled orator and the collegial demeanor of an accomplished diplomat.

"And this is Baldwin, my valet and porter." The slovenly dressed failed actor is either half drunk or half hungover or both. The stains of last night's dinner adorn his dingy blouse and lederhosen. The man belches a greeting and passes gas. "I've cured him of most of his hubris and rude verbosity, but his bad manners are, alas, beyond my skill to rectify."

Slimjim Son House Shady is a part-time student at the Academy of Grand Arts in Pitax, taking night classes in gangsta hip-hop dance and Sellen River delta blues vocals. Slim was the unintended result of an enebriated, dubious encounter between an elven scout from Kyonin and a traveling Sczarni musician and dancer from Varisia. Only hours after he entered the world, Slim was left on the doorstep of a refugee artist and priestess of Shelyn from Galt. Growing up in the rough-and-tumble city of Pitax, Slim developed a deep love its people and of the arts, becoming a natural leader and protector of the less-fortunate. He dreams of creating a blues band of like-minded adventurers and taking the party on tour throughout the River Kingdoms and beyond.

After achieving some modest success as an adventurer and performer, Slim hired a roadie named Baldwin, a washed-up former actor with a weakness for chilli dogs and cheap beer.

"Hey, Cap'n Elric. Heard we lost a man from the team, before the mission even starts," Slim shares with the wizard. "Hope the Lodge finds a replacement fast."

The half-elf runs a hand through his hair. "Word is, we'll be joined by a ranger, a fighter, and a kineticist. A solid team, but we sure could use a capable healer."

The paladin-bard ticks off his capabilities. "Thanks to Shelyn, I can lay on hands, but I prefer to use those in extremis or to exchange for another opportunity to smite the evil we will face. I've got a wand of cure light wounds, mostly full, and a potion of cure serious wounds. Probably need to drop some coin for more 'first aid' supplies, I guess."

"How about you?" Slim asks. "If you need help, I can use most magical healing items. They either use spells I'm somewhat familiar with or," he grins, "I can figure out how to use most any magical device."

„Well Slim, as a Wizard my speciality is not focussed on healing, but I have learned the hard way, that it is better to be prepared.” While saying this Elric is searching his handy haversack and he pulls out 4 wands, a few potions and 4 scrolls. Looking at the wands he puts one of them backinto the haversack after looking at the party while thinking: ”Maybe I should not use the remnants of my career in Cheliax while adventuring with this party.”
Then he walks towards slim and hands him the 2 scrolls while showing him the wands: ”I have 3 full wands of CLW that I can try to activate in a pinch, but it is no guarantee I get them to work on the first try. If we need bigger Heals I have 2 scrolls of heal as well as 2 scrolls of restoration and 3 potions of lesser restoration. This should help if we get hit by some nasty critters.” After a short pause he continues: ”And if everything goes south I have a wand with healing capabilities that I can surely activate, but I want to ask our more religious people first if they are ok with me using this. I got the materials for it the last time I was in cheliax and that ice devil can now do some good. If you are against me using it I will keep it inside my bag for the whole mission.” With these words Elric pulls out the wand he put back just moments ago and shows the Wand of Infernal Healing to the Paladin with an asking expression on his face.
Following that he also explains: ”Just so you know, while we are at the topic of morality, I have learned my craft in cheliax so do not be surprised if I will summon some evil creatures to fight evil. But my most used creatures are the Lillend Azata for support and some elementals or dinosaurs for the offense.”

"Relax, my friend. I'm a paladin of Shelyn, not an inquisitor of Iomedae, so don't worry about me getting all judgmental," the half-elf chuckles at his own joke. "Summon demons to slay devils, then send them back where they came from? Or keep a good man alive with magic that cost the blood of devils? Works for me, and I don't think the Eternal Rose minds, either."

"Hells, while we're confessing, I might as well tell you." He leans toward Elric and whispers, sotto voce. "I once bedded a succubus, clearing out the Emerald Spire."

Slim pauses, looking the conjurer in the eye, letting that juicy tidbit marinate. Then he grins and claps him on the shoulder. "But it was all for the greater good, I assure you. More than one way to 'smite evil,' am I right?"

As he straightens up, the bard dons his best steely-eyed killer face. "'Course, then I had to kill her."

Slim walks to the door and looks out, wondering who will show up next. "Ah, memories... "

The door knob turns and then opens to reveal a.....man? This humanoid figure has the standard basics and shape of a human, though the proportions are slightly off from that of a human. It stands around 6'3" with, what appears to be dark stone for skin which occasionally chips off as it moves. These features would lead one to assume that this is an Oread due to the stoney skin and reflective sheen that makes its appearance. However, all specific proportions as mentioned previously do not lean toward Oread but more demonic in nature. This creature wears a cloth that wraps loosely around its body and covers a large majority of the torso region and nothing else. It also wears some sandals, a familiar amulet, a standard cloak, and a belt that constricts the cloth at the waist.

He gives a nod, little bits of stone crumbling away, "I am Obsidian."

“Greetings Obsidian, nice to meet you“, says Elric while looking at the newcomer: ”Do we have anything special to expect from you during the mission? Where do you prefer to be on the battlefield? Are there any supportive spells I should prepare for you specifically?”

After this Elric resumes his conversation with Slim: "Well this is nice to hear, I have worked with paladins of many kinds so I made it a rule to ask first. And the Spire you say? A fellow Venture Captain of mine has done most of her work there, she even once invited me to a trip to a spa she built there."

He moves to the middle of the room and speaks up in a deep, gravelly voice, "It is important for me to say because several other Pathfinders I have done missions with have forgotten. If you stay behind me, I can mostly assure you won't die. If you run ahead of me, you are on your own. I have seen many die in from of my eyes because they were in front of me." After his minor monologue he remains silent once more, unless spoken to.

"Silent but deadly, eh?" Slim smiles and cocks his eye at his manservant. "See, Baldwin? You're not the only one with gastrointestinal issues." He tries to ease the tension with a good-natured chuckle.

"Fine, you want to be in the front line? No problem, Obsidean." Slim responds, ever agreeable. I wonder if our new companion's reticence is a personal choice or some sort of social behavioral disorder.

"Say, Cap'n Elric and I have been discussing our preferred tactics and some of our capabilities, including our 'health care' plans. It's all about teamwork, right, bro'?" Slim grins. "Anything you could add, hells, we'd appreciate it."

Obsidian slowly turns his head to regard Elric, tiny pebbles and dust seem to sluff off in the process, "It is best for me to be attacked. I do not require support except for a minor amount of mending."

After a few more moments he turns his head toward Slim, "I do not do mending. I do have mending sticks. Two."

”Understood Obsidian. Can you profit from a few expandable flanking partners?” After saying this Elric turns to Slim again and continues:”Well if it gets really problematic I can use my summons for additional curative support even if I would prefer to leave this avenue untouched. For example I have access to Angels that would be able to remove curses and diseases as well as harmful magic. But maybe it is best to wait for the final planning until we have the whole team assembled.”

The smell of cheap cigars and strong whisky heralds the arrival of the next member of the party.

Speaking in a booming, gravelly voice, a a tall, heavily-muscled (6’5”, 275 lbs.) half-orc woman with long red, braided hair strides into the room. Five Ioun Stones rocket crazily around her head. Armor plates composed of an unknown material are embedded in her shoulders, forearms, and upper legs. A black and yellow banded viper is draped around her neck, watching its surroundings with clear intelligence. Her arms and shoulders have been tattooed with intricate black and yellow Calistrian sacred designs and images, and her bare back is completely covered with the softly glowing tattoo of a holy symbol of Calistria. There is a Pathfinder Wayfinder openly displayed on her belt. She is half-smoking and half-chewing a cheap cigar. She growls in a deep gravelly voice,

“Greetings, I am Venture-Captain Dame Candi Payne, DCD – Paladin of Calistria and Partyknight”

"Well met, indeed, Dame Candi Payne," Slim shakes the tattooed paladin's hand. "I dig your snake familiar--and your tats."

He gestures toward Elric and Obsidean, "We're trying to get a sense of each other's abilities, kit, and preferred tactics, trying to figure out how best we can work as a team."

The half-elf bard-paladin of Shelyn looks over the latest arrival, head to toe, careful not to let his eyes linger too long in the wrong places.

"Can you tell us a little about yourself?"

Obsidian slowly turns to Slim once more, "I once went through a place they called bonekeep. One magic person gave me a ring and seemed to take some of the damage I should have. That went very well. Do you have those magics?"

”I am sorry Obsidian but this is the magic of the Gods, I am using the magic of Men. My best “protective” spells can turn a part of the lethal damage to nonlethal or make your skin hard as stone. But I think those spells will be of no use to you as you seem to be quite resistant to damage already. But is there anyone in the party who wants to venture to the frontline and has no way to reduce the pain they will take?”
With these Words Elric addresses the whole party before addressing Candi directly.

”Welcome to the party Candy. Are there any supportive spells you favor? I see you have a lot of weapons with you, are they all enchanted up to date? I will most likely call upon some secret magics of Aroden, Aroden’s Magic Army, to make them all more effective.“

Candi flops down in a chair which looks uncertain about whether or not it can successfully bear her weight. She pulls a bottle out, takes a big swig, and then offers it to the others.

Wild Quasit anyone? It’s the real thing – 185 proof orcish whiskey.

Abilities, tactics, working as a team?

Well, I like to hit things so hard that their mother feels it.

Raging and self-buffing, Candi get inflict north of 200 hp of damage in a full round attack.

I’m pretty good at taking punch and also not taking a punch except for casters and critters with true seeing. They’re a pain in my fine Calistrian backside.

As an arcane bloodrager, Candi can cast either blur or displacement automtically when she rages along with mirror image. This makes her very hard to hit for anyone without true seeing. For foes with true seeing, she’s got a Goz Mask in order to fight in fog, smoke, etc. The Goz Mask is a brand new purchase, so I’ve not tried out this tactic in a real combat.

Candi has strong fort and will saves. She was once dominated, and it wasn’t pretty. Her emissary familiar can give her a reroll against a failed enchantment (charm or compulsion) once per day.

Candi shifts in the unfortunate chair which lets out a groan of furniture pain. Donna slithers off Candi and on to a nearby table in order to avoid any collapse that might be forthcoming.

Bonekeep? Yep, that’s a nice place. Went to town on that with a paladin who had a cute butt. He later become a hellknight.

Candi sadly shakes her head and takes another large gulp of whiskey.

What a waste.

Candi smiles as Elric speaks.

Thanks, but The Big Sting …

She gestures toward her greatsword.

… gets the job done just fine. When I’m in a mood, it’ll cut through just about anything.

The sword has a +5 enchantment bonus when Candi rages, so it bypasses pretty much any DR which can be bypassed.

However, I’ll never say no to a stoneskin, haste, or a hot oil foot rub.

Candi can cast haste on herself when she bloodrages, but if someone else can cast the haste, then she can put displacement on herself instead of haste.

In terms of RP, she’s a chaotic good Calistrian. I’ll toss in a joke or two about that from time to time, but I try very hard not to get too weird.

"'Fraid I can't do anything like that, Obsidean," Slim replies to the kineticist. "But I should be able to use most anything you've got to heal you, if you fall."

The paladin-bard looks at Elric. "Aroden’s Magic Army sounds very useful, a nice buff in conjunction with my inspire courage and my, em, discordant voice. Especially, when our foes prove beyond my ability to smite evil."

"It looks like haste won't be a problem, between Cap'n Elric, you, and me," Slim tells Candi. "Can you give us a 'fire-in-the-hole' heads-up, before you decide to use your Goz mask? Smoke gets in my eyes."

The half-elf looks around. "Well, that's four of us. Hope the others show up soon. Once the team's assembled, I'll need to stop by the quartermaster's and pick up a couple of items to heal physical or ability damage."

Obsidian slowly turns to Candi. "It is likely you will often run ahead of me. If you do, I will not protect you. Hopefully you are strong enough for that to not be a problem."

"Obsidean, sorry for being obtuse, but can you help us understand what you mean when you say you won't protect those who get ahead of you?" Slim asks with the patience of his elven father.

He downs a shot of Wild Quasit and looks around for a slice of lime and some salt. "Thanks, Candi."

"A paladin of Shelyn always prefers to use protection, I assure you," the half-elf bard winks, with the flashing eyes of his Sczarni mother. "A little fun should never leave a permanent mark."

After a few moments Obsidian says simply, "I can create barriers and obstacles to protect you fleshy ones from the enemies. I also often use myself as a barrier as I am not fleshy and weak. Some Pathfinders decide not to utilize my defenses and run ahead. I will not put myself or those under my protection into danger to try and rescue those who deny my protection when their running ahead endangers them. In Orv, where I was born, they say 'Those who are weak deserve to die'. I however realize that you all did not choose to be weak and fleshy. Therefore I offer protection and merely say 'those who make bad combat decisions deserve to die alone'." Slim's insinuation clearly went over Obsidian's head.

Donna has slithered over to Obsidean in order to get a better sense of his scent. As he speaks, Candi brightens up.

I been to Orv! Meet a shaitan there, a real handful. ... What was his name?

Donna moves back toward Candi and climbs up her so that the viper can whisper in her ear. Candi chuckles loudly.

Right, right! I forgot that I had to use the enlarge spell on myself.

After a second of fond reflection, Cand continues.

And I get what you’re saying Obs. Don’t mind if I call you Obs do you?

Obs here is like a castle. Sometimes you let the baddies come to you and you fight them from the castle walls. Other times, you sortie and chop them up in the open. It’s all a mater of, whatchamacallit, … tacticals.

"Okay." Clear as mud. "Yay... team?"

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.”

Images & slides

Arriving at table, the party finds one Pathfinder already seated. Taldan features are framed by ringlets of blond hair, green eyes regarding the room with a shine of amusement. Deep scarlet hues dominate the court dress, tasteful and understated in the latest style from Absalom.

"Welcome, friends." The words are soft and warm, her voice sliding like silk. "I am Sister Ayako, Venture Captain of the Lantern Lodge. It seems we have come quite a ways to gather here. My trip was perhaps a bit further than some but what can a Pathfinder do to help it, yes?" No hint of accent runs through her speech, no obvious tools of trade show, save the finely crafted rapier slung slightly out of place among her formal dress. The hint of mithral chain is briefly visible as she shifts to take a sip of the long thin pipe held in one hand.

Obsidian sits down at the table very rigidly with a few pebbles and dust getting shed. He gives Ayako a slow nods.

Candi plops down and sprawls in another unlucky piece of furniture while Donna climbs up onto Candi's shoulder in order to get a better view of VC Lauterbury.

Greetings Sister Ayako. Lantern Lodge, eh? That's out Tian Xia way, right? My dad and I traveled around there a bit when I was younger. Even picked up a bit of the lingo.

Candi babbles for a second, creating sounds that very vaguely resemble words that someone spoke once in Tian Xia.

Donna whispers something into Candi's ear, and Candi turns to look toward Lauterbury.

Looks like speechifying time. Lucky for us I have more whiskey and cigars. Anyone need a top up?

"Welcome Ayako, some of my early travels also lead me to Tien so I know a little bit about it."

Elric greets Ayako and then tells the group: "Are we complete now? If yes, I will take some time to prepare my spells, if not I will wait a bit till we are complete."

This would be the last moment to do stuff... get your spells prepped, etc...

We have no inkling of any immediate danger, correct? As I understand it, we’re just here for a briefing. I suspect Candi’s biggest concern is “when will the meat course be served?”

A tall Garundi man, in a long leather duster, and carrying an ornately inscribed musket over his shoulder stops by the table with the seekers. "Good afternoon. Name's Munny, and my companion here," he indicates the musket, [b]"is Vera. I've been assigned to see what all y'all know about the situation here. A few thing you might wanna know about are Nerosyan herself, the Worldwound, the Pathfinder Society in Mendev, and perhaps a little somethin' about the demons from the Abyss.

"So, what can you all tell me and your teammates?"[/b[

I would normally make the following checks for you, but seeing as no one has set up their macros on slide #3, this will be a little hard. So, go ahead and make the following checks:

For Nerosyan, Engineering or Geography
For The Worldwound, History
For the Society in Mendev, Local or Nobility
For demons, Planes or Religion.

It would be great help if you would all fill out your saves, inits, etc., on slide #2, and fill out your skills on slide #3

Greetings Sister Ayako. Lantern Lodge, eh? That's out Tian Xia way, right? My dad and I traveled around there a bit when I was younger. Even picked up a bit of the lingo.

Candi babbles for a second, creating sounds that very vaguely resemble words that someone spoke once in Tian Xia.

For a moment, hand lightly over her mouth, the laughter is keep in. Then the cackling bursts forth, her head thrown back and all decorum thrown out the window. "Oh dear, please don't repeat that in polite company! I'm not sure what you overheard, but the closest I can interpret is the sale of livestock." Composing herself, she can't help but grin just a bit wider than before. "You'll find I'm anything but polite company before long, I imagine."

"Welcome Ayako, some of my early travels also lead me to Tien so I know a little bit about it."

"Always a pleasure to meet a well traveled peer, sir." Inclining her head in acknowledgement, she continues. "I bring out the best in everyone around me, simply by presence and a little magic. That should leave you the option to deal with whatever foes appear."

A tall Garundi man, in a long leather duster, and carrying an ornately inscribed musket over his shoulder stops by the table with the seekers. "Good afternoon. Name's Munny, and my companion here," he indicates the musket, "is Vera. I've been assigned to see what all y'all know about the situation here. A few thing you might wanna know about are Nerosyan herself, the Worldwound, the Pathfinder Society in Mendev, and perhaps a little somethin' about the demons from the Abyss.

"So, what can you all tell me and your teammates?"

"An excellent question!"

Knowledge Geography: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13
Knowledge History: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13
Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17
Knowledge Planes: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

Well that's an auspicious start!

Donna can cast guidance at will and keeps it renewed on her and Candi while not in initiative/rounds.

Candi knowledge rolls

Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

"So I am now ready and prepared my spells, I have focussed quite a bit on support/debuffing as well as summoning."

Geography: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (8) + 15 = 23
History: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (2) + 15 = 17
Local: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (4) + 15 = 19
Planes: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (12) + 29 = 41

It would be great help if you would all fill out your saves, inits, etc., on slide #2, and fill out your skills on slide #3[/ooc]

How do you want me to handle Candi's familiar, Donna? Should I enter perception, etc. info for her? Also, do you want Candi and Donna to roll separate initiative dice?

"So, what can you all tell me and your teammates?"

"I must admit that I am not so knowledgeable of the local conditions. We are likely here to assist the crusaders with their work against the demons of the Worldwound. The Society has allied with Mendev for access to the many historical sites within their borders, in exchange for being called upon as reserves when under attack or crusading into the wound itself." A frown of disgust crosses her lips. "As you can guess, demons cross into the material through the rift at the center of the wound, led by powerful lords that command the horde. I have little idea of which one leads them at the moment, due to the chaos of their constant struggles for dominance." Drawing on her pipe, she muses. "The city forms a diamond split into four districts. I hope to have a chance to visit them when our services are not needed out there."

After Venture-Captain Jorsal of Lauterbury introduces himself, Slim retrieves his lesser rod of extend and casts heightened awareness and heroism on himself.

Knowledge (engineering) re Nerosyan: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (10) + 16 = 26
Knowledge (history) re the Worldwound: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (17) + 16 = 33
Knowledge (local) re the Society in Mendev: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (11) + 19 = 30
Knowledge (religion) re demons: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (13) + 19 = 32

The paladin-bard recalls what he can about this part of the world, the standing of the Pathfinder Society in this region, and demons in general.

The half-elf greets the newcomers, Sister Akayo and Jayne Munny.

"Sister Akayo, you're a more experienced bard than I am, but I'm sure we'll work well together. If you'd like to inspire courage, I'll sing a dirge of doom harmony. The synergy of our duet should be a concert few will forget," Slim offers the kitsune a winsome wink and a grin.

He turns to the gunlinger, admiring his lethal weapon. "Glad to see you brought the Boom, Jayne Munny. Pleased to meet you, Vera."

"Sister Akayo, you're a more experienced bard than I am, but I'm sure we'll work well together. If you'd like to inspire courage, I'll sing a dirge of doom harmony. The synergy of our duet should be a concert few will forget," Slim offers the kitsune a winsome wink and a grin.

"Ah, to share a grand stage with a worthy partner, that is an adventure I've been missing for so long. Just beware when the red letters begins to fly, as it's quite dangerous to be between me and our foes."

Nerosyan is divided into several districts, though 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.

Considered the heart of Nerosyan, the Cruciform Cathedral is the center of Iomedaean worship in the city. Acting as a tactical command center, the cathedral allows crusaders to quickly move about the city via the interior walls that section off the city.

Each of the four crusader-ordained districts that make up Nerosyan is itself composed of three or four smaller neighborhoods that function as the social and economic building blocks of the city.

The Battle District to the northeast is the only district made up entirely of construction dating back to the First Crusade. Battle Row is a neighborhood largely occupied by the city’s defenders, while Crusader Row is the domain of many of the chapter houses for the various knightly orders that take the fight to the demons. Low Row is known as a refuge for fighters who’re more down-at-heels, not to mention more suspect in their religious zeal.

The Egelsee District to the southeast contains the First Crusade-era neighborhood of Egelsee, 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.

The Confluence district to the southwest is entirely old city. The Windings neighborhood is full of streets that are confusing even by the standards of old cities. Two Cs is named after Cayden Cailean, the patron deity of this raucous neighborhood. Coopertown is home to mostly staid and respectable businesses as well as the famous Starrise Spire, and Riverside is halfway between slum and supply depot, having transformed over time from a thriving hub of river trade to a military port that services few boats except those needed to ferry crusaders across the rivers.

The Woundward District to the northwest contains Bitterwind, a middle class district of artisans and professionals. Highside is the haunt of the city’s old money and boasts the best pre-crusade architecture. Tumbletown is a sprawling den of iniquity catering to those crusaders and low templars who want to get further away from their barracks before indulging their vices. Bannerbright is the home of the most well-respected knightly orders and clerics who serve Iomedae and her allies. Unlike the crusader neighborhoods of the Battle District, Bannerbright is policed and occupied solely by military forces, and civilians are only tolerated when on some official business.

The Worldwound is an unnatural blight on the world. Believed to be a rift into the Abyss, this gateway from Golarion opened shortly after the death of Aroden.

The nation of Mendev came to prominence during the First Mendevian Crusade in 4622 AR. This crusade was built up from the weakened church of Aroden and followers of the goddess Iomedae. Since that time, Mendev has engaged in four crusades against the demonic threat.

A series of specialized artifacts keeps the demons of the Worldwound at bay. Known as wardstones, these artifacts are layered in runes that ward away demons. Powered by regular acts of faith, wardstones dot the border between Mendev and the Worldwound, keeping the demons from crossing in great numbers.

Wardstones prevent any form of teleportation magic, demonic or otherwise, from working across their borders. Despite this incredible ability, the wardstones don’t hinder such magic from working within the confined areas.

The Pathfinder Society maintains a strong working relationship with the crusaders of Mendev. An extensive treaty exists between the nation and the Society, giving the Society the right to operate in the region, but requiring Pathfinders to defend Mendevian cities and participate in crusades.

Pathfinder activities in Nerosyan operate out of the Starrise Spire, which is led by Venture-Captain Jorsal of Lauterbury. Jorsal is a pious man and a skilled combatant; he’s believed to have made no fewer than 50 missions into the Worldwound in search of artifacts for the Society.

While Jorsal officially oversees Pathfinder Society operations in the area, there is a second venture-captain in Nerosyan who’s in charge or a second lodge—a nononsense dwarf by the name of Thurl. Covered in tattoos and piercings, Thurl operates undercover as the leader of a mercenary company, and he handles far fewer noble missions for the Society than does his colleague.

There have been rumors among Pathfinders that Venture-Captain Thurl has not been entirely honest in his dealings with the Decemvirate. A group of Pathfinders who recently finished a mission in Numeria were then sent to review the work of the dwarf and his agents, but those Pathfinders have not been heard from in months.

The Worldwound is infested with demons. Evil and destructive creatures, demons are native to the Abyss, though they can be summoned by means of magic. Many of the demons within the Worldwound emerged from the rift at the center of the region.

The demonic hosts are kept somewhat in line by powerful overlords known as demon lords. The exact number of demon lords is unknown, but many such creatures are revered on Golarion. Each demon lord has a portfolio, similar to that of a deity; however, most demon lords lack many of the powers a true god possesses.

Sorry about the knowledge dump, but you got it all.

"GM Silbeg" [ooc wrote:

It would be great help if you would all fill out your saves, inits, etc., on slide #2, and fill out your skills on slide #3[/ooc]

How do you want me to handle Candi's familiar, Donna? Should I enter perception, etc. info for her? Also, do you want Candi and Donna to roll separate initiative dice?

Please do. As I will handle all initiatives, I will take care of her rolling.

Also note that Munny is my character, he is here to introduce and answer questions, not to accompany you.

He turns to the gunlinger, admiring his lethal weapon. "Glad to see you brought the Boom, Jayne Munny. Pleased to meet you, Vera."

"Now, I reckon you ain't gonna wanna hear Vera reply to you, as her voice is a mite but shrill." says the Lawman of Abadar. "I don't imagine I'll be working too closely with you on whatever mission ol' Jorsal's got for all y'all, but I'll check in on all y'all when I get the chance.

"Sounds like you know a smart bit there... don't reckon you're gonna need my help tellin' you what yer in fer. There's no limit to the amount of nastiness in the Worldwound... me an' Vera here are expectin' to go eliminate a goodly amount of it. Them chaotic beasties don't belong here, no sir they do not. An' chaos is what The Lord of the First Vault has empowered me to eliminate. In all of its forms."

Entered relevant information for Donna. She usually rides around on Candi, so I didn’t include things like Acrobatics, Stealth, etc. since they usually don’t come in to play.

Seeing her fellows engaged in preparation for trouble, Candi sighs and stands.

Well, at least the Tumbledown and this Two Cs area sound interesting. Maybe, I’ll find a Temple of My Lady there, and we can trade back rub tips.

Candi pops a Blood-boiling pill and spreads a liberal coating of Bladeguard on her sword. After taking the pill, she gives a little shudder.

Dang, dad makes them strong.

Donna casts Guidance on herself and Candi and will renew these every minute or as they are used.

As everything is getting started, Elric casts a small array of spells on himself: Mage Armor, Endure Elements, Darkvision, See Invisibility (extended with the lesser rod), Ablative Barrier, Heroism (extended with the lesser rod), Overland Flight (he will always hover a hands breath over the ground from now on), Mind Blanc.

After finishing some spells, Elric calls the whole party to his side and casts a Life Bubble (extended with the extend rod) as well as a Arodens Magic Army on the whole pary while saying: ”Well as we most likely will fight against the hordes of the abyss these two spells will help everyone to fight to the best of their ability.”

Candi mutters and stubs out her cigar.

Bloody life bubble.

She then soaks the cigar with whiskey and starts chewing on it.

Ok, remembering that we are in highest tiers... need a page with long term buffs, just to keep track of durations and such. Will add a slide #4 for that, if you wouldn't mind.

OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT

“Pathfinders, please get settled. I’d like to start in a few minutes.”

Candi returns to her seat and appears to be about to put her boots up on the table until Donna hisses something in her ear.