GM Tomppa's The Hao Jin Hierophant [Outpost II] (Inactive)

Game Master Tomppa

Adventure level 5-9: Tier: 8-9
The slides


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The Hao Jin Hierophant Slides

So, this will be my first PbP game, but I'll do my best.

I'll need the following information:
Player Name:
Character Name:
PFS#:
Faction:
Normal/Slow Track:
Day Job or other Downtime Activity:

Anything special that I should know about, such as being able to always act on surprise rounds or the like.
I would also like to know your character's "basic combat routine": What you do under normal circumstances (Power attack, deadly aim, what spells/SLA's you're using, etc).

Please Dot and Delete after signing up.

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The Hao Jin Hierophant Slides

I'll get the this started shortly. Meanwhile, Please make introductions and learn a bit about your fellow pathfinders.

Some days ago, you received a somewhat urgent and even more mysterious summons to return to Absalom. Currently you've gathered in grand stone hall alongside several hundred pathfinders in the Grand Lodge. Standing together, you have a few moments to exchange rumours and introduce yourselves to each other.

Silver Crusade

CG | Celestial Sorcerer 9 | AC (16)12/12/10 | HP 74/74 | F+8,R+7,W+9 | SR 14 vs. Spell cast by evil outsiders or with evil descriptor | Resist acid 10 & resist cold 10 | Init.+2 | Perc+3 | SenseMotive+1 | Darkvision 60' |

The aasimar has a broad smile as she greets the others in her group. ”Hello all, I’m Reesa. Seems like it’s been forever since I was called out on a mission. Hopefully it’s something nice and easy while I work the old cobwebs out, if you know what I mean.” Reesa was clearly a caster of some sort, with no armor, very sparse weaponry and no noticeable spellbook.

Sovereign Court

Lawful Good Human Fighter 1/Inquisitor 8 (Sheet) | HP: 76+15/76 | AC: 27 (16 T, 25 F) | CMD: 27 | F: 14, R: 8, W: 15 | Init: 5 | Perc: 15 | Speed 30 |
Tracked Resources:
Agile Feet 6/6 | Judgement 0/3 | Bane 7/11 | Discern Lies 8/8 | L1 Spells 0/5 | L2 Spells 0/5 | L3 Spells 0/3 | Reroll 1/1

A middle-aged Taldan man wearing a breastplate bore a falcata and buckler, the traditional arms of a practitioner of the Taldan art of rondelero.

"I am the Honorable Lord Justice Tachonius of Elbistan, but truly I have no need of formal titles, especially among peers, so please, just call me Tachonius."

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Male LN Oread Druid 10 Hellknight Signifer 2 Hunter 1 | HP 143+40/143 | Wildshape: 4/5 | Troll Form: Large AC 33 (+3 vs axiomites) T 12 FF 32 | CMB +18, CMD 30 | F +21+4, R +13+5, W +21+4 | | Init +5 | Perc +24 SM +12 | Speed 20 | Active: | Constant: Regeneration 5 (acid/fire)

A stern looking man enters, accompanied by a large armored rhinoceros. The man’s face is completely covered by a sinister-looking mask that does not appear to even have eye slits. His armor is of the Hellknight fashion but, curiously, it is constructed from shiny scales rather than steel, dragonhide in fact. He peers about the room, as if looking for something from behind his impenetrable mask, and then appears to sigh dejectedly before removing his head covering to reveal a remarkably ugly face.

”I am Otto O’Read, a signifer of the Order of the Nail. And this – “ he pats the rhino – it is in fact an elasmotherium, a fancy name for a rhino, – on the head – ”this is Rhon. Hail and well met, I suppose."

Otto is a rather serious fellow, fastidiously dressed, and continually checking to make sure that all the buttons on his tunic are lined up with the edge of a ruler. Talking with him, one soon forms the impression that he would much prefer to be at home, tending his garden, and that he comes by the adventurer's life rather reluctantly. "If you don't keep after them, the fields will become clogged with weeds! And the plants themselves, they run amok, this way and that, it doesn't matter if you have planted them in neat and tidy rows - they have no discipline. That's why they need me, to lend a guiding hand, to straighten them out. The natural world, left to itself - bah, pure chaos - we druids must impose ourselves, and by the very force of our will, even the plants, even the animals, all their wildness can be tamed, must be tamed. Then all will be well. At least for the moment, but we must remain vigilant, for their wildness ever seeks to find expression, and to escape from our guidance. Bah!"

Otto lets out a long sigh. "And there I would be, at home, tending the garden, if not for that cursed dog! ... I don't suppose you've seen him?" He gives a description of a missing dog that is so generic that it could easily describe almost any small furry quadraped. (in fact, he is describing another of my characters, a kitsune who spends all his time in fox form) "Yes, it's true, I promised my mother that I would find her dog, no matter what it took, and that I would not return home without him. How was I to know that it would become a quest of not days or weeks, but years? Poor mother. I wonder if she is even still alive, or if I will ever see her again, but I am a man of my word, and I will tread every inch of Golarion - and beyond - until I find that dog. He is a very bad doggy, no discipline at all!"

"But there you have it. One does not choose the quest, one's quest chooses you. I SHALL find that dog, if it's the last thing I do... I do wonder about my azaleas though," he sighs wistfully, "do you think anyone has been watering them?"

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The Hao Jin Hierophant Slides

We're still waiting for a couple players to join in. I'll give you the actual breefing tomorrow.

Scarab Sages

Male Dwarf Magus 8 | HP: 60/60 | AC: 19 (12 Tch, 17 Fl) | CMB: +9 CMD: 21 | F: +10, R: +6, W: +9 | Init: +4 | Perc: +8, SM: +1|Arcane Pool: 3/10|

Beside you stands a jovial looking dwarf with a beard and hair the color of wheat, wearing a red bandanna. His vest-like breastplate leaves his upper arms exposed while his forearms are covered by sturdy spiked gauntlets. His left ear shows signs of burn marks that have only recently healed. You get the impression of a good-natured roadie.

The impression is also enhanced by the fact that he is carrying a preposterous amount of gear. Two Handy Haversacks, one as a backbag and the other as frontbag, as well as a large assortment of scroll-cases, wands, small weaponry, potions, oils and kits.

He nods a greeting to you all. "G'day folks, nice t'meet you all. Ah'm Dain Rautavuori, a Mayhem Mage from th' Five Kings Mountains. Ye can call me Danny if ye want."

He peers inquisitively around the grand hall. "Wonder what all th' hassle is about. Any ideas?
Welp, what'ver it is Ah'm sure we can deal with it just fine. If they need help with might or magic or munitions, then Dains' their dwarf."

Liberty's Edge

CG male Emberkin Aasimar Sorcerer 9
Spoiler:
|AC 12, T 12, FF 12|HP: 56/56|F +5, R +4, W +6 (+8 vs MA, +2 vs divine magic/death/ED/NE/Necr)|Init 0, Perc -1|CMB +3, CMD 13|11/11 Sacrifice, 1/1 Pyrotechnics, 1/1 Godless, 1/1 Rally, 1/1 Rova, 1/1 Liberate

Next to arrive is none other than "The Amazing" Vanzetti, renowned Andoran actor and magician, instantly recognizable by his intense fuschia eyes and jewel-encrusted mask, its mouth frozen in an enigmatic grin.

If you want to make a Knowledge (Arcana, Local, Nobility, OR Religion) check to know about ME, make it and I'll tell you what's worth knowing based on your roll.

"Please pardon me if I'm late, I've just got back from a violent voyage in Varisia, and there'd been various...incidents along the way."

Silver Crusade

CG | Celestial Sorcerer 9 | AC (16)12/12/10 | HP 74/74 | F+8,R+7,W+9 | SR 14 vs. Spell cast by evil outsiders or with evil descriptor | Resist acid 10 & resist cold 10 | Init.+2 | Perc+3 | SenseMotive+1 | Darkvision 60' |

Know. Arcana 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19 for knowledge about Vanzetti.

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The Hao Jin Hierophant Slides

Murmurs of speculation and rumor spread out across the room until, at the precise second of the hour, the doors fly open. Silence falls as two cloaked figures enter, marching in sync, their steps echoing through the hushed room. Ornate masks obscure their faces. One mask is woven from spreading branches, while the other is a black domino mask studded with crystal tears. The silent room buzzes with anticipation, as the assembled agents wait to hear why these masked figures, two of the shadowy Decemvirate that leads the Pathfinder Society, have summoned them. The figure in the branch mask steps forward and speaks, their voice crisp but slightly distorted.

"Pathfinders," they say from behind their mask, "Many of you have already undertaken missions into the demiplane within the Hao Jin Tapestry. Numerous expeditions have gone inside that artifact since the Society acquired it seven years ago, each mission yielding some handful of the near infinite treasures hidden inside it. Our last mission found the tapestry crumbling and Aram Zey lost."

" You will be recovering what you can from tapestry before it is too late for any to enter — or too late for what’s inside to leave. The venture-captains will give you more specific directions in the coming days. If you wish to be part of a salvage team, prepare as best you can and remain in Absalom. May fortune smile upon you all."

As swiftly as they entered, the masked figures depart, and the crowd’s excited conversations rise into a dull roar. Before you have a chance to disperse into the crowd, the familiar face of Sorrina Westyr - the Society's Master of Spells - catches your eyes as she's peering over the masses of agents. She makes her way towards you and gestures for you to follow, her voice barely audible over the nervous yet excited chatter that fills the chamber. Before you know it, she has led your group down a flight of stairs and through a couple of corridors to a chamber containing the fabled Hao Jin Tapestry. Even from the outside, it can be seen with plain eyes that the fabric is fraying.

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The Hao Jin Hierophant Slides

"Agents," she begins, "I'm sorry for pulling you into this so suddenly, but with Aram Zey gone, and the Tapestry detoriating, we haven't had much time to make proper preparations.
You have been selected to be the first salvage group to enter the demiplante. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to enter a part of the tapestry that holds a village that serves as the home for an ethnic group from the Chang Liao Jungle - The Sunsu Godae. Before Hao Jin repositioned the tribe to the Tapestry, they had suffered centuries of hostilities between warring neighbors, making them particularly hostile to outsides, as reported by yhe group of pathfinders that orginally found the village.
Despite this complication, we need you to enter the village and learn everything you can about the Sunsu Godae's culture. We also have reasons to suspect that their lands may be home to a rare purple flower that has great magical properties, but is supposedly sacred for the villagers. Legend has it, that the flower only blooms once every 144 years, but..."
she seems a bit hesitant to continue, "But I have reason to believe that the recent fluctuations and surges of magic in the tapestry may have triggered the flower to bloom out of cycle. However - Maintaining good relations with the Sunsu Godae is more important than searching for the flower! If you can find the flower and collect a sample of it's pollen without angering the locals, do so, but don't just murder anyone over it!"

She lets out a deep sigh, the burdens of the last few weeks clearly wearing down on her shoulders. "If you have any questions about this mission or the tapestry itself, ask now. Once you are ready, I'll send you in."

Liberty's Edge

CG male Emberkin Aasimar Sorcerer 9
Spoiler:
|AC 12, T 12, FF 12|HP: 56/56|F +5, R +4, W +6 (+8 vs MA, +2 vs divine magic/death/ED/NE/Necr)|Init 0, Perc -1|CMB +3, CMD 13|11/11 Sacrifice, 1/1 Pyrotechnics, 1/1 Godless, 1/1 Rally, 1/1 Rova, 1/1 Liberate

Reesa:
"The Amazing" Vanzetti, frequently referred to simply as "V" by those who know him, is one of Andoran's finest actors.
As far as you know, he has never been seen in public without his mask, which is obviously magical and appears slightly different from performance to performance.

You also know where the mask came from - it's the adulterated mask of a "priest" of Razmir. He is an apostate and defector from Razmiran, and his early life in the false god's service has left him with a profoundly cynical and defiant attitude toward any and all entities that would claim the title of "god."

Razmir's most powerful "priests" are actually Sorcerers of various lineages who have been further mutated - and thus, forever branded - by Razmir's magic.

"Dare I ask...what became of the previous party who discovered this group's xenophobia? How exactly did this understanding reveal itself to them? At least as importantly, did they find any way around it, any way to get on this tribe's better side?"

"Also, what is to become of them as their Tapestry home crumbles? Are we to evacuate them, or will that mission fall to others, or...?" He lets that last question hang in the air.

Grand Lodge

|HP 4/12 |AC 16, T 13, F 13| CMB +3, CMD 16| F +5, R +5, W +2, (+2 vs poison/spell/SLA)| |init +3| Per +6, SM +2| Speed 20ft|

Uhr Lamms follows the rest of the party.

"I've some experience in tracking tracks, if you want me to take lead."

+7 to follow tracks, in case we need to do more rolls

Silver Crusade

CG | Celestial Sorcerer 9 | AC (16)12/12/10 | HP 74/74 | F+8,R+7,W+9 | SR 14 vs. Spell cast by evil outsiders or with evil descriptor | Resist acid 10 & resist cold 10 | Init.+2 | Perc+3 | SenseMotive+1 | Darkvision 60' |

Reesa was a bit unsettled, wanting to hear a response to Vanzetti’s last question before asking anything else.

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The Hao Jin Hierophant Slides

That's what you get for posting in a hurry >.> Wrong thread for Uhr Lamms >.<, so disregard that

"The group was poorly equipped to make amends with the Sunsu Godae, lack of common language being the biggest obstacle, and we decided it was best to leave them be for the time being. Now, however, we no longer have the luxury of waiting for a more opportune moment. The Sunsu Godae are a cultural group of Tian-Hwan people from the Chang Liao Jungle in Po Li. They adhere to the warlike practices of ancient Hwanggot, shaped by centuries of violence with their neighbors. Their presence in the tapestry affords the Pathfinder Society a rare glimpse into the living past - an opportunity to access the traditions and history preserved within. The previous group charged the village called Onhae at the bottom of a river valley during their expedition. You'll enter the tapestry in the immediate area of the village and should not have trouble locating it."

"Based on the report from the previous group, the villagers likely speak Hwan, but the dialect is likely divergent from the modern language of the eastern Tian Xia. To avoid hostilities, I will cast Tongues on each of you. It should last for a bit over an hour and half, and overcoming this language barrier should help with establishing peaceful contact. I will also give you a scroll of Tongues to use after my magic fades - and I recommend that you prepare any magic you have at your proposal that gives you more time to converse with the Sunsu Godae. As to how you should get to their better side? There isn't much else advice I can offer, but you're all seasoned agents - The Society has faith in your skills."

"Thus far, our best method to allow some of the inhabitants of the tapestry to evacuate would likely trigger total collapse, killing everyone else other than the few we chose to save. If at all possible, we would rather avoid such a situation. We are actively seeking alternatives. But that is not your mission today."

Sorrina seems to be doing her best to conceal her own worry, but it is clear that the fate of the Tapestry - and everything inside of it - burdens her mind.

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The Hao Jin Hierophant Slides

Just a reminder, please add your tokens to the slide and fill in your perception and initiative mods

Silver Crusade

CG | Celestial Sorcerer 9 | AC (16)12/12/10 | HP 74/74 | F+8,R+7,W+9 | SR 14 vs. Spell cast by evil outsiders or with evil descriptor | Resist acid 10 & resist cold 10 | Init.+2 | Perc+3 | SenseMotive+1 | Darkvision 60' |

”I can cast a spell that lets me understand the villagers, but I don’t have magic that will let them understand me. I can explain that to them while under the effects of the Tongues spell, though.”

Scarab Sages

Male Dwarf Magus 8 | HP: 60/60 | AC: 19 (12 Tch, 17 Fl) | CMB: +9 CMD: 21 | F: +10, R: +6, W: +9 | Init: +4 | Perc: +8, SM: +1|Arcane Pool: 3/10|

Dain nods to Vanzetti and Sorrina. "Aye, that a good question with a troubling answer. Needless to say we'll be on the lookout for yet unknown emergency exists within the Tapestry, slim as that chance may be."

"Ah'll make sure to use nonlethal ways in combat if the need arises."He places a sap to be more easily available on his belt before adding. "Ah've extra nonlethal weaponry if any of ye happen to need any. Did the previous Pathfinder party mention anythin' specific about the traditions of th' Sunsu Godae? Anything we need th' avoid doin' when talkin' to 'em?"

"Couple o' questions aboot the terrain: Ye said it's jungle. Are we expecting hot env'ronments and all the hazards of thick jungle? Mah Wand o' Endure Elements will at least make th' heat tolerable to all o' us."

"Ah've also been in th' Tapestry before and we run afoul of the Aspis Consortium. Any chance o' some o' those little goobers still bein' in there muckin' things up?"

Dain briefly turns to address the rest of the party.
"Good thinkin' Reesa. That is sure to come in handy.
Speaking o' spells, Ah have a couple of long lasting ones that give extra protection. Say if any o' ye want or need them."

I can cast Ablative Barrier (CL 8, Duration 8 hours, +2 Armor bonus to AC, 40 points converted to nonlethal) on 1 other party member. I also have 1 extra Wizened Appearance spell if anyone wants immunity to Polymorph spells for 8 hours.

I'd also like to lend Scroll of Breath of Life, Scroll of Delay Poison (4 castings), Scroll of Lesser Restoration (6 castings) and Scroll of Shield Other (5 castings) to anyone who can cast them. They can be used to anyone who needs them.

I also have one charge left in my Lesser Extend Metamagic rod if anyone wants to double the duration their own buff spell (up to lvl 3 spell).

And finally, I have A wand of Comprehend Languages (5 charges), Wand of Endure Elements (15 charges) and a wand of Cure Light Wounds (22 charges) if they are needed.

"As Ah've a habit o' saying: Always give everythin' ye got but never give up. We can do this!. "

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The Hao Jin Hierophant Slides

"The previous group didn't report anything especially helpful about their traditions or taboos - That's why we are sending you in there, to learn about their culture."

"There are exceptions, of course, but generally the climate inside the Tapestry is pleasant enough. With the recent cataclysm, though, environments within it are bleeding into each other, so you may expect unusual or unexpected changes in climate or weather. It's unlikely that you'll expire upon entrance, though, so you'll probably know if you need to endure elements as soon as you arrive to the location. As for the Jungle - the village is situated in the Jungle, yes, but we expect you to mostly stay in the village, unless anything noteworthy enough comes up in the nearby surroundings."

Sorrina frowns a bit on the mention of Aspis."Well, the previous group didn't report any Aspis' on the site, but I can't promise you that those slithering snakes aren't crawling into the area. Keep your eyes open, just in case."

The master of spells gestures towards the tapestry. "Let me know when you are ready to depart, I will transport you into the Tapestry."

You can still ask questions or cast spells&prepare. I will move us on as soon as at least 3 of you state that you are ready to proceed.

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The Hao Jin Hierophant Slides

I kindly ask that you post at least once per day to keep the game moving. I'll probably move us into the tapestry tomorrow even if there aren't any responses.

Scarab Sages

Male Dwarf Magus 8 | HP: 60/60 | AC: 19 (12 Tch, 17 Fl) | CMB: +9 CMD: 21 | F: +10, R: +6, W: +9 | Init: +4 | Perc: +8, SM: +1|Arcane Pool: 3/10|

"We'll keep our eyes open."

Welp, Ah'm ready to step in th' Tapestry."

:)

Sovereign Court

Lawful Good Human Fighter 1/Inquisitor 8 (Sheet) | HP: 76+15/76 | AC: 27 (16 T, 25 F) | CMD: 27 | F: 14, R: 8, W: 15 | Init: 5 | Perc: 15 | Speed 30 |
Tracked Resources:
Agile Feet 6/6 | Judgement 0/3 | Bane 7/11 | Discern Lies 8/8 | L1 Spells 0/5 | L2 Spells 0/5 | L3 Spells 0/3 | Reroll 1/1

Tachonius ponders for a few moments. He wasn't much of a diplomat. He didn't try to persuade people so much as execute judgements.

"I think I am as prepared as I can be."

Silver Crusade

CG | Celestial Sorcerer 9 | AC (16)12/12/10 | HP 74/74 | F+8,R+7,W+9 | SR 14 vs. Spell cast by evil outsiders or with evil descriptor | Resist acid 10 & resist cold 10 | Init.+2 | Perc+3 | SenseMotive+1 | Darkvision 60' |

Reesa has been ready. Time for yet another adventure!

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The Hao Jin Hierophant Slides

Sorrina proceeds to cast Tongues (Duration is 100 minutes) on each of you, before directing you to touch a specific spot on the tapestry. With a gesture and a few arcane words, the world around you twists and turns for moment.

You notice that you have arrived a cliff overlooking a small village in the middle of a jungle. The immediate surroundings are mostly rocky cliffs and steppes, but you can barely make out a batch of more swampy looking terrain in the distance.

As you slowly approach the village, you notice that it is rather small and picturesque - about fifty single-story buildings interspersed with tall, flowering trees and tropical ferns. The buildings are mostly made from wood, stone and clay, and their exterior walls are decorated with colourful red and blue tiles and feature wooden double doors and slim, grated windows. Curved tile roofs extend over the entrances to cover small wooden decks. People of Tian-Hwan heritage move about the village, dressed in long-sleeved brocade jackets, wrapped tops, and high-waisted pants and skirts.

A few of them slow their steps and they stop to observe your approach. One of the adults - a woman in her thirties - seems to grip the handle of her broom a bit tighter as she calls for the nearby children to fetch their dad. The villagers eye your group, clearly suspicious, but no weapons are drawn and they don't seem to be openly hostile.

Do you have wayfinders, and do you carry them openly? Please mention if you have your weapon drawn, or if it's in it's sheath, or if you've hidden it away into a backpack/otherwise out of reach.

Sovereign Court

Lawful Good Human Fighter 1/Inquisitor 8 (Sheet) | HP: 76+15/76 | AC: 27 (16 T, 25 F) | CMD: 27 | F: 14, R: 8, W: 15 | Init: 5 | Perc: 15 | Speed 30 |
Tracked Resources:
Agile Feet 6/6 | Judgement 0/3 | Bane 7/11 | Discern Lies 8/8 | L1 Spells 0/5 | L2 Spells 0/5 | L3 Spells 0/3 | Reroll 1/1

Tachonius does not have a wayfinder. His weapons are sheathed but visible.

Dark Archive

Male LN Oread Druid 10 Hellknight Signifer 2 Hunter 1 | HP 143+40/143 | Wildshape: 4/5 | Troll Form: Large AC 33 (+3 vs axiomites) T 12 FF 32 | CMB +18, CMD 30 | F +21+4, R +13+5, W +21+4 | | Init +5 | Perc +24 SM +12 | Speed 20 | Active: | Constant: Regeneration 5 (acid/fire)

Otto is excited at the prospect of entering the tapestry. "After all these long years hunting for that blasted dog, this is a place I haven't looked yet! He wasn't in Hell - though surely he deserves to be - perhaps I'll find him in the Hao Jin tapestry!"

When the discussion turns to the purple flower, however, he seems quite disturbed. "You mean to say that this flower is blooming out of cycle?!? That is very worrying indeed. It may be a mutant or some other crime against nature. Instead of collecting a sample of its pollen, are you sure you don't want me to uproot it like a weed?!?"

Otto is ready to enter the tapestry.

Otto does not have a wayfinder. He carries some weapons but they are all sheathed or hanging from his belt. If it matters, he is not currently wearing his signifer mask, which is eyeless and could potentially be seen as menacing, though he's pretty ugly (CHA 5) without it. He will cast Enhanced Diplomacy on any party members who are going to engage in diplomatic conversation with the villagers (+2 competence on Diplomacy and Intimidate, 1 minute duration but it's a cantrip so I can keep casting it over and over as needed).

If no one else wants it, Otto will take Dain's extra casting of Ablative Barrier (but happy to defer to anyone else - Otto can be either a frontliner or a caster, depending on the party's needs) - incidentally, I don't believe that Ablative Barrier improves your AC by 2 unless you have no armor bonus to start with (that is, I don't think it's a +2 untyped bonus, I think it just gives you an armor bonus of +2, which for most people won't do anything). Otto can cast Delay Poison and Lesser Restoration and will hold Dain's scrolls of those unless someone else wants them. He cannot cast the other spells. He has one casting of Resist Energy Communal prepared, which he will use if we have an inkling that we may be at risk for any particular energy type, and which could potentially be a candidate for Dain's remaining charge of Extend metamagic.

Liberty's Edge

CG male Emberkin Aasimar Sorcerer 9
Spoiler:
|AC 12, T 12, FF 12|HP: 56/56|F +5, R +4, W +6 (+8 vs MA, +2 vs divine magic/death/ED/NE/Necr)|Init 0, Perc -1|CMB +3, CMD 13|11/11 Sacrifice, 1/1 Pyrotechnics, 1/1 Godless, 1/1 Rally, 1/1 Rova, 1/1 Liberate
Otto O'Read wrote:
When the discussion turns to the purple flower, however, he seems quite disturbed. "You mean to say that this flower is blooming out of cycle?!? That is very worrying indeed. It may be a mutant or some other crime against nature. Instead of collecting a sample of its pollen, are you sure you don't want me to uproot it like a weed?!?"

V hangs his head and buries his masked face in his hand. "You don't want to do that; you might get hold of one of the tapestry's threads and rip it right up," He mutters wryly. "And wouldn't you look silly THEN, carrying that flower home to your mother with a great big Tapestry thread trailing behind you the entire way...?"

I don't have a Wayfinder; I've never thought very hard about how/where my weapons are stowed, but I certainly wouldn't go in with them drawn; they're not normally hidden, but under the circumstances, I might have tried that. I've got a Handy Haversack and flowing blue robes for that.

I'd give the ablative barrier a go, sure.

Silver Crusade

CG | Celestial Sorcerer 9 | AC (16)12/12/10 | HP 74/74 | F+8,R+7,W+9 | SR 14 vs. Spell cast by evil outsiders or with evil descriptor | Resist acid 10 & resist cold 10 | Init.+2 | Perc+3 | SenseMotive+1 | Darkvision 60' |

Reesa doesn’t have a wayfinder either. She would stow her only Weapon in her bag for a mission like this.

Scarab Sages

Male Dwarf Magus 8 | HP: 60/60 | AC: 19 (12 Tch, 17 Fl) | CMB: +9 CMD: 21 | F: +10, R: +6, W: +9 | Init: +4 | Perc: +8, SM: +1|Arcane Pool: 3/10|

Dains weapons (not including his spiked gauntlets) and his Wayfinder are in his Handy Haversack. He sees no reason to antagonize the locals with them (especially if the last Pathfinder party had a rocky start with the Sunsu Godae).

Dain tries to wave a non-threatening greeting to the nearby villagers
"Uh, hail fellows and well met! We mean no harm and bring no ill will. We'd, uh..." he falters a bit "Like to- umm speak to your... leaders."

Dain speaks to the rest of the party from the side of his mouth
"Thas about the full extent of me diplomatic skills there. If any o' ye is better with words ye better take th' lead here. Ah'll try help as Ah can but thas mostly by tryin' ta look as non-violent as possible." Assist Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8 He fails to do so...

Dain gives his Extend Metamagic Rod as well as the Delay Poison and Lesser Restoration scrolls to Otto.

Dain cast the Ablative Barrier on both Otto and Vanzetti, burning 2 points from his Arcane Pool to do so. The Duration is long enough to be worth it. :)

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The Hao Jin Hierophant Slides

The villagers of Onhae seem to relax a bit as Dain addresses them in their own dialect of Hwan. Most of them continue on their daily chores, while a few stay and watch as a burly mand dressed in a guard's attaire hurries towards you from the direction of the village's center. His hastily donned blue lamellar armor seems to be made out of leather, and his intricate kabuto helmet is decorated with golden crest and bright hues of blue, red, white and yellow.

The guardsman looks a bit surprised to learn that you wish to talk their leaders, explaining that the Onhae's hierophant isn't in the village at that moment. As your group (presumably) expresses interest in learning more about the settlement, he offers to give you a short tour, pointing that you are welcome to enter, but it is clear that the populace will keep their eyes on you. Most of the townsfolk you see seem to be making a point of going about their daily tasks, paying you little attention.

For ease of play, we'll divide this part into phases. Each phase takes approximately 20 minutes. During each phase, you can either: Explore a location, Gather rumours, or Study the surroundings by yourself OR you can assist someone else doing one of these things.

The guard points out several locations that may be of interest to you:

a small Inn welcomes travellers from elsewhere in the tapestry. The guard mentions that the Inn also has a small collection of books written in Sunsu Godae's traditional written style, that serves as the village's library.

Hostler's House - the people of Onhae seem to keep a few horses, mostly in the stables behind the inn, and the hostler could probably tell you more about their horse-based traditions.

Baker's house is surrounded by lingering scents of exotic spices, and visiting it could provide details about the fundamentals of Sunsu Godae cuisine.

Shrine of the Pheonix The shrine features an intricate silk and gold tapestry of a pheonix, and could provide insight on Onhae religion.

Smithy: The Village smith has a small forge near the inn. Your guide mentions that the smith, Lin Wo Got, trades frequently with lizardfolk in the nearby swamp.

Training Building: From inside, you can hear a local swordmaster issuing commands to a group of children as they practice complex series of sword forms.

Bridge: You spot a net of some sort underneath the bridge with a couple villagers attending to it. Examining it closer could provide insight into it's purpose and meaning.

Weaver's House: Several prominent weavers reside in the building. Talking with them and observing their work may tell you more about the local style and characteristics of clothes, nets, blankes and brocades.

Houses: The rest of the village is comprised of small houses. While the villagers seem to go about their business without paying you much attention, you suspect that they might be open to speaking to you about some of the current events in the village.
Despite your guide not mentioning anything about it, among the houses, you spot one that has been Boarded-Up and there are a couple of guards waiting around it.

Gathering Rumours: Instead of focusing on cultural aspects, the people in the streets are more interested in discussing current and recent events. Gathering information takes just 1 phase (20 minutes) instead of the usual 1d4 hours.

Searching the Village: Taking your attention away from conversation with the villagers, you can study your surroundings.

This will be the first 20 minute phase. Please state what/where your character is doing/going - you can move as a group, or you can split up or even move alone to cover more ground - the guards and villagers don't seem to mind you walking around. The village is pretty small most points of interest are located in the middle/near the inn, so you'll be constantly at roughly a shouting distance from each other.

Silver Crusade

CG | Celestial Sorcerer 9 | AC (16)12/12/10 | HP 74/74 | F+8,R+7,W+9 | SR 14 vs. Spell cast by evil outsiders or with evil descriptor | Resist acid 10 & resist cold 10 | Init.+2 | Perc+3 | SenseMotive+1 | Darkvision 60' |

Reesa decides that gathering information/rumors might be the best way for her to contribute to the mission. She tries her best to meet and greet as many of the locals as she could.

Diplomacy (Gather Info) 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

Dark Archive

Male LN Oread Druid 10 Hellknight Signifer 2 Hunter 1 | HP 143+40/143 | Wildshape: 4/5 | Troll Form: Large AC 33 (+3 vs axiomites) T 12 FF 32 | CMB +18, CMD 30 | F +21+4, R +13+5, W +21+4 | | Init +5 | Perc +24 SM +12 | Speed 20 | Active: | Constant: Regeneration 5 (acid/fire)

Back in the briefing... Otto stares at the Amazing Vanzetti and his mask - I wonder why he's left his eyes uncovered? What sort of mask is that! - before replying, "No, don't you see, I *can't* go home to mother until I find her dog! You haven't seen it, have you?" He looks momentarily hopeful. "In any case, I wouldn't be much of a gardener if I couldn't tell the difference between a monstrous flower and some smelly old shower curtain, now would I?" He notes again Sorrina's insignias of rank before sighing. "Well, orders are orders. If the Captain really wants us to bring back this flower of wrongness, well then, we'll just have to do it. But that don't mean I have to like it!"

Otto's first order of business is to see if the missing dog might possibly be in the village, so he (and Rhon) will use the first phase to search the village.

Otto Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31
Rhon Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14 Note that Rhon has scent, and the seek trick (which he is using to seek for the dog), but only 2 INT and no way of speaking. However, if he notes something worth communicating about, Otto can speak with animals up to 9 rounds/day.

Liberty's Edge

CG male Emberkin Aasimar Sorcerer 9
Spoiler:
|AC 12, T 12, FF 12|HP: 56/56|F +5, R +4, W +6 (+8 vs MA, +2 vs divine magic/death/ED/NE/Necr)|Init 0, Perc -1|CMB +3, CMD 13|11/11 Sacrifice, 1/1 Pyrotechnics, 1/1 Godless, 1/1 Rally, 1/1 Rova, 1/1 Liberate

As an apostate priest of the false god Razmir, as well as one possessed of mysterious fallen-angel lineage, V's relationship with religion is a strange, complex, and often unsettling one: He is wont to regard it with both contemptuous anger and morbid fascination.

He goes to visit the Shrine of the Phoenix.

Whichever/however many of the following are of use here:
Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28
Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29
Linguistics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30
detect magic/Spellcraft: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28

Sovereign Court

Lawful Good Human Fighter 1/Inquisitor 8 (Sheet) | HP: 76+15/76 | AC: 27 (16 T, 25 F) | CMD: 27 | F: 14, R: 8, W: 15 | Init: 5 | Perc: 15 | Speed 30 |
Tracked Resources:
Agile Feet 6/6 | Judgement 0/3 | Bane 7/11 | Discern Lies 8/8 | L1 Spells 0/5 | L2 Spells 0/5 | L3 Spells 0/3 | Reroll 1/1

Intrigued by the boarded-up house, Tachonius heads that way, but not before casting a spell to enhance his senses. (heightened awareness for 70 minutes)

Scarab Sages

Male Dwarf Magus 8 | HP: 60/60 | AC: 19 (12 Tch, 17 Fl) | CMB: +9 CMD: 21 | F: +10, R: +6, W: +9 | Init: +4 | Perc: +8, SM: +1|Arcane Pool: 3/10|

Dain helps Reesa on the gather information.
Assist Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4

Dark Archive

The Hao Jin Hierophant Slides

Back in the briefing In response to Otto's comments about bringing back the flower, Sorrina clarifies that you don't need to, and probably should not, bring back the WHOLE flower. A pollen sample or such is probably sufficient.

Tachonius approaches the boarded-up house. All the entrances including the door and the shuttered windows, are covered by boards, and posted outside are several guards that grow a bit restless and tense as he approaches. "Leave it alone." one of the guards commands. "Our priestess, Lin Fen Hai has warned us that opening up this house will bring ruin upon us all. Do not defy the teachings of our faith, outsider."
Sizing up the house and the boards, you estimate that you could have a chance to break in With a strength check or you could hack up the boards without much difficulty.
Please let me know if you would like to try either of these during the first phase

Gm screen:
1d6 ⇒ 6
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

As Reesa chats up the villagers, something she says brings up the subject of the villagers religion. Specifically, their Old Religion. The men and women she's talking to seem to visibly tense up, as they inform her everything tied to their old religion is now taboo, and that the few surviving items are locked away in the boarded-up house, which no one can enter without Lin Fen Hai's permission.

Gm screen:

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

As Otto searches the surroundings, he notices several places where the ground seems to have stitched back together unevenly, leaving odd puckers and straith seams. In the river, he sees a patch where his reflection is distorted: Instead of seeing himself and the village as it is, he sees a disintegrating, partially unmade version of himself, surrounded by a village in flux, crumbling away and being rebuilt before them.
This discovery will give you a significant bonus to something else later
Otto has a slightly weird feeling, but can't quite put his finger on what it is. There's also traces of... Something, but they don't make much sense to you.

In the Shrine of the Pheonix, an intricate silk and gold tapestry representing a pheonix catches Vanzetti's attention. A Young acolyte who introduces himself as "Gao Ni Sho, a Pathfinder of Aram Zey", is currently tending to the shrine. He explains that all of the weavers in the village came together to make the tapestry as a sign of respect for their god. Gao recommends that Vanzetti should write down his sins and fears onto something flammable and then cast the paper into the burning brazier in the center of the room. the Acolyte explains that just as Aram Zey - Their god - has healed and cleansed the tapestry, so too can he cleanse the tears and impurities within people's souls.
When further inquired about this Aram Zey, the acolyte explains that not long ago, their home was falling apart, with the rivers drying up and tears appearing in reality. One day, this decay accelerated out of control. Monsters surged forth, and it seemed that all would be lost. Then a great voice echoed through the land, the voice of the God - Aram Zey. The voice guided it's faithful, a group known as Pathfinders, to beat back the monsters and destroy an army of blighted phoenixes. Then, Aram Zey the Ruby Phoenix manifested in the sky, and in great surge of flame, purified and restored the land. Through continued prayer to Aram Zey, the acolyte explains thait their god will continue his work of repairing their home. Apparently, their old God has forsaken them, and the acolyte explains that praying to Zey under the wise guidence of High Priest Lin Fen Hai is their route to salvation.
Should you ask about it, the Acolyte provides you with directions to a site in the jungle where the High Priestess should be currently praying.

Gm screen:

1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

That's the first 20 minute phase. Please state how you'll spend the next one. You've also been given directions to a location in the nearby jungle, but you estimate that the trip there and back will probably take a lot longer than 20 minutes.

Silver Crusade

CG | Celestial Sorcerer 9 | AC (16)12/12/10 | HP 74/74 | F+8,R+7,W+9 | SR 14 vs. Spell cast by evil outsiders or with evil descriptor | Resist acid 10 & resist cold 10 | Init.+2 | Perc+3 | SenseMotive+1 | Darkvision 60' |

Reesa heads to the Inn after she was informed that it contained what happened to be their library. She hoped to get a look there.

Gather information 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

Dark Archive

The Hao Jin Hierophant Slides

The Innkeeper, Goa Lai Wam, welcomes Reesa - In common, which is a bit surprising - and offers you a meal of Smoked Trout with rice bread as he explains that they don't get too many visitors. Should the group need a place to stay, Goa Lai Wam informs you that there are three rooms with two beds each open for guests at 2gp a night.
As you converse with the innkeeper, it becomes clear that he's the only local person who speaks common - he's learned it from travellers who sometimes pass by, from other parts of the tapestry - and he mentions that he sometimes helps visitors as a translator, though your group clearly speaks fluently enough to not need one.
The inn also has a room full of books that serves as the village's library, containing several exampls of Sunsu Godae's Traditional written language, which differs substantially from that of most Hwan speakers.
Reesa, you spend your time in the library, but it becomes clear that without some actual knowledge of linguistics, deciphering the charasteristics of the written language is nearly impossible. Comprehend Languages doesn't help here - It's not about understanding the text, but rather about understanding the characteristics of the written language, which is impossible without basic knowledge about linguistics.

Silver Crusade

CG | Celestial Sorcerer 9 | AC (16)12/12/10 | HP 74/74 | F+8,R+7,W+9 | SR 14 vs. Spell cast by evil outsiders or with evil descriptor | Resist acid 10 & resist cold 10 | Init.+2 | Perc+3 | SenseMotive+1 | Darkvision 60' |

Reesa will make a point to explain to the innkeeper that the only reason they can converse in their own tongue is magic. She tells him how long the magic will last and informs him that her next magic spell will let her understand the town but not actually speak the language. ”Thank you for your hospitality. I need to get back to my friends and let them know I can’t make heads or tails out of the library here.”

Dark Archive

Male LN Oread Druid 10 Hellknight Signifer 2 Hunter 1 | HP 143+40/143 | Wildshape: 4/5 | Troll Form: Large AC 33 (+3 vs axiomites) T 12 FF 32 | CMB +18, CMD 30 | F +21+4, R +13+5, W +21+4 | | Init +5 | Perc +24 SM +12 | Speed 20 | Active: | Constant: Regeneration 5 (acid/fire)

Otto will relay what he learned to his comrades when they are reunited.

Do we think there's any reason to continue with places that have already been explored?

Phase 2: Otto visits the Hostler's House to compare notes about the relative benefits of keeping horses and prehistoric rhinos. He brings Rhon along.

Knowledge Nature?: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Dark Archive

The Hao Jin Hierophant Slides

A good question. Someone with Linguistics could gain additional insight from the Inn. I gave Vanzetti a knowledge: Local roll when he was investigating the shrine, but you could all actually roll that when he tells you what he learns.

Knowledge Local, DC 25:

You recognize that the villagers' understanding of the Pathfinders' actions that day (The Hao Jin Cataclysm) is relatively accurate, though their perception of Aram Zey's Rule is not.

Reesa could probably tell you that though she spoke to the people mostly about their old religion, there were other topics of interest too - she just didn't have time to exhaust all of them in 20 minutes.

"Otto has a slightly weird feeling, but can't quite put his finger on what it is. There's also traces of... Something, but they don't make much sense to you." -> While the village is small, the first twenty minutes weren't enough explore all of it.

Dark Archive

The Hao Jin Hierophant Slides

Meanwhile, Otto takes his Rhino to the hostler. You learn that horse rearing isn't part of the Sunsu Godae's Old traditions, but the precense of a prehistoric creature is clearly irritating to the horses - and the woman taking care of them. Despite your best efforts, tensions arise between you and her, and she ends up driving the rhino - and you along it - out of the courtyard.
Your knowledge nature wasn't quite high enough >.> but you can try again later if you want to. In addition to knowledge nature, Geography could also be used to glean information about Sunsu Godae's traditions in the Hostler's House.

Dark Archive

The Hao Jin Hierophant Slides

Sorry guys, a quick correction. I didn't give Vanzetti a Kn. Local check, because he doesn't have Local. What I did give for him in the GM screen was a sense motive check, but, because of the fever and general tiredness, I dropped the "3" out of 13, resulting in 1d20+1 instead of 1d20+13. 11 is a fail, 23 is a success.

Vanzetti notices that while some of the villagers may harbor buried doubts about the new religion, it is the current core of their hope. As such, challenging their faith is almost certain to antagonize them without convincing them to share more information - they've put their trust into Lin Fen Hai and Aram Zey.

Dain, Tachonius and Vanzetti still need to post their actions for the second 20 minute phase. You can all assume that you meet each other every now and then - it's not a big village - and exchange information, and can talk and coordinate your tactics and what you plan to do.

Liberty's Edge

CG male Emberkin Aasimar Sorcerer 9
Spoiler:
|AC 12, T 12, FF 12|HP: 56/56|F +5, R +4, W +6 (+8 vs MA, +2 vs divine magic/death/ED/NE/Necr)|Init 0, Perc -1|CMB +3, CMD 13|11/11 Sacrifice, 1/1 Pyrotechnics, 1/1 Godless, 1/1 Rally, 1/1 Rova, 1/1 Liberate

When V shows back up, even his grinning mask cannot seem to hide his distress; he moves almost like he's sick, and where his gaze had been taking the pretty little village in before, it now seems like he's trying to avoid it all.

"Friends, we have got a very, very vast dilemma..." He explains what he's learned in a hushed, yet agitated tone.

Sovereign Court

Lawful Good Human Fighter 1/Inquisitor 8 (Sheet) | HP: 76+15/76 | AC: 27 (16 T, 25 F) | CMD: 27 | F: 14, R: 8, W: 15 | Init: 5 | Perc: 15 | Speed 30 |
Tracked Resources:
Agile Feet 6/6 | Judgement 0/3 | Bane 7/11 | Discern Lies 8/8 | L1 Spells 0/5 | L2 Spells 0/5 | L3 Spells 0/3 | Reroll 1/1

"I have no intention of bringing ruin, but perhaps you could given me an overview of your traditions. We do value learning about the cultures of others."

Dark Archive

The Hao Jin Hierophant Slides

The guards seem quite tense and are unwilling to share details about their old religion with Tachonius. What they share about their new religion is about the same as what Vanzetti reports from the shrine - except that the guards are maybe a bit less eager to talk about it.

GM screen:
1d20 + 16 ⇒ (7) + 16 = 23

If you want to learn more about their other (religious) traditions, you can roll diplomacy for me, but that will take up the second 20 minute phase for you.

Dark Archive

Male LN Oread Druid 10 Hellknight Signifer 2 Hunter 1 | HP 143+40/143 | Wildshape: 4/5 | Troll Form: Large AC 33 (+3 vs axiomites) T 12 FF 32 | CMB +18, CMD 30 | F +21+4, R +13+5, W +21+4 | | Init +5 | Perc +24 SM +12 | Speed 20 | Active: | Constant: Regeneration 5 (acid/fire)

GM, just to clarify, does this mean that I could continue to explore the village (i.e. hunt for my dog) using Perception, even after already doing so in phase 1?

Sovereign Court

Lawful Good Human Fighter 1/Inquisitor 8 (Sheet) | HP: 76+15/76 | AC: 27 (16 T, 25 F) | CMD: 27 | F: 14, R: 8, W: 15 | Init: 5 | Perc: 15 | Speed 30 |
Tracked Resources:
Agile Feet 6/6 | Judgement 0/3 | Bane 7/11 | Discern Lies 8/8 | L1 Spells 0/5 | L2 Spells 0/5 | L3 Spells 0/3 | Reroll 1/1

Tachonius decides to head to the smithy to find out if the lizardfolk had any provided any insight to the smith.

Dark Archive

The Hao Jin Hierophant Slides

No, unfortunately there's nothing else that can be gained by searching the village with again with perception. You could gain more information using either sense motive or knowledge planes.

Some of the skill checks aren't what you might think they are based on the location - for example, you wouldn't know that the smithy isn't interested in talking about actual smithing techniques, and is more interested in providing you insight to the history and traditions of Onhae before you actually visit him, which is why I haven't provided the relevant skills for each location (You're on the clock and sending people, by accident, to the "wrong location" uses some of the time you have available).

I meant to tell you that I'll ask you for the relevant skill checks once you get into a location, but that bit didn't make it into my post - And then you just managed to roll correct skills on your own so I let it be. In hindsight, that may have been a bit confusing for you seeing how you went to places and randomly rolled skill checks and then either gained results or did not gain results ^_^;
Apologies for that.

To Tachonius, Lin Wo Got, the smith of the village seems rather traditional in his values. If you mention the recent change in faith to him, it becomes clear that he finds it quite unsettling. Wo isn't interested in discussing matters of faith with outsiders in any greater detail, though.
Wo explains that the Jungle lacks metal and other materials needed for forging, which is why he frequently trades with the lizardfolk from the nearby swamp. As a result, he speaks fluent draconic himself, and mentions that due to the trade relations, a majority of the village speaks rudimentary draconic as well - you could probably use that to communicate should your magic run out - but conversing in a language not native to the Onhae will probably prove more difficult than their own dialect.
When the discussion turns to this smithy, though, Wo seems less interested in talking about the actual craft, and more about the reasons behind that craft - why forging weapons is so important to the safety of their village. Unfortunately, the explanation doesn't make much sense to you, but you get the feeling that someone who has read up on history could probably gain more insight on the matter.

I'd ask you if you wanted to roll history, but checking your sheet, you don't seem to have any ranks in it.

I'd Kindly ask Dain and Vanzetti to post their actions for this second 20 minute phase. After that, you still have an hour left in your Tongues spell. As I mentioned earlier, you can also head to the jungle to search for the priest should you want to, but it's clear that it'll probably eat up the remaining time you have. You now have two new means of conversing with the villagers though - the Innkeeper has volunteered to translate for you, and you know you could get along with draconic, but both of those are clearly more difficult options that conversing in their own dialect.

Scarab Sages

Male Dwarf Magus 8 | HP: 60/60 | AC: 19 (12 Tch, 17 Fl) | CMB: +9 CMD: 21 | F: +10, R: +6, W: +9 | Init: +4 | Perc: +8, SM: +1|Arcane Pool: 3/10|

Dain visits the Smithy as well. He is a jewel smith by trade and new crafting ideas are always an interesting thing to learn.
History: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

If Vanzetti shares his experience at the Shrine, Dain will try and recall intresting factoids from his tale.
Local: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

Oh my, those are some low rolls indeed.

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