GM Numbat PFS(2) 1-01 The Absalom Initiation - PbP Gameday VIII (Inactive)

Game Master numbat1

Please dot and delete.

The city of Absalom on the Isle of Kortos is considered by some to be the city at the centre of the world. For much of its history, Absalom has been a hotbed of political intrigue and maneuvering power mongers, yet the past several decades have been especially dire. A combination of the primarch Lord Gyr’s permissive policies, struggles for control of the city by foreign agents, and the inscrutable motives of the Pathfinder Society’s masked Decemvirate has fostered no end of scheming and plots. For the Society, the so-called Shadow War was especially influential, marking a time when international factions recruited Pathfinders to engage in espionage, sabotage, and even worse in service to these disparate patrons. In time, factions undermined the very camaraderie that united the Society. In response to this turmoil, the Society’s factions evolved from advocating national interests to ideological ones. While this evolution brought the Shadow War to an end, it still left numerous outside forces attempting to pull and shape the Pathfinder Society’s operations according to their own agendas.

But times are changing. Lord Gyr disappeared several years ago, and rumour is that even the Decemvirate has purged its most toxic leaders. Meanwhile, the Society’s penchant for involvement in international affairs has claimed the lives of thousands of agents in recent years. While many of the deadliest missions were launched with noble intentions, such as to prevent terrible catastrophes, the Society can no longer afford to commit so many agents to external objectives. As the Society strives to recover from its losses, a new generation of factions has arisen. Rather than stand apart from the Society and represent outside interests, each instead exists within the Society and promotes particular Pathfinder ideals.

The most recent set of initiates and recruits has passed their confirmation tests. It is cause for celebration—not only to toast these new Pathfinders but also because this is a rare moment of jubilation following several years of hardship for the Society. This event also recognizes a changing of the guard as factions are concerned, with the previous factions’ leaders having concluded their most pressing business and new leaders stepping forward to head four new factions.

Invitations have been delivered and all is ready for the big event.

Krizz Krozz is excited to be invited to a party and will make sure they are looking nice and polish up my silver holy symbol to display proudly.

Ever since his most recent stint in prison, Loohi Loohi has not 'rubbed elbows' with the those of power. He was trying to make a life change. Behind him were the dark-alleyways and questionable goings-on of this youth. Ahead of him lay the wonder and wealth that comes to a Pathfinder. Or, at least that was the hope. Donning his best attire (which was merely his beaten and battered hide armor), he tried to recall the leaders of the Society from what he was told and what he remembered from his previous...dealings.

Society +3; Underworld Lore +3 to determine if any have had shady pasts.

Within one of the many small rooms in Absalom's Grand Lodge sits a small, stumpy goblin with skin the color of an old bruise. She gingerly holds a small piece of parchment with the thumb and index finger of one hand and wears an expression that's a mixture of delight and consternation.

"Eeehhhh....a party sounds funs but why do they hafta do the writings things to tells me?" she huffs, eyeing the parchment with suspicion. "'Oh Pooka, readings not steal your thoughts!' 'Oh Pooka, readings is fashionables now, didn't you hear?' 'Oh Pooka, how you gonna get by in longshanks towns without readings?'"

She scowls, shaking the parchment angrily.

"I's tryings but it's gross! Just sends me a singing message next times!"

Pooka sighs and drops the parchment to the floor, scooting it under her bed with her foot to join the numerous other pieces of parchment and paper that have accumulated there.

"Anyhoos, I's gotta get ready! Party, party, party, gots to look goods for the party!"

As she bustles about her small room, Pooka tries to think if she's heard anything fun or interesting about any of the leaders that are supposed to be there...
______________

Recall Information: Society (+4); Alcohol Lore (+4) to try and recall if any of these people really like to party~

Kloink groans after reading over her invitation to the Grand Lodge. She has practiced the longshank's ways of reading and speaking for so long, it's blurred into her thoughts. I knew this was coming, but couldn't my first summons had been for adventure? Maybe save some people? No, it had to be a party. Ugh. Maybe they'll have good drinks I can learn to make?

With that, Kloink gathers her things and departs for the Grand Lodge, almost wishing she had mixed a batch of Eagle-Eye Elixir this morning. Nah. Fire always good.

Recall Information: Society (+7); Alcohol Lore (+7) to remember any rumors going around the bar Kloink tends in her downtime.

Sage re reads his invitation in his woodland shelter a small shelter made of woven branches than blends into the surrounding forest. Inside the shelter it is neat and cozy with bundles of dried herbs hanging here and there. Putting the invitation aside sage looks down at the wolf at his feet and beings brushing its fur, the wolf growls quietly.

Sage understands Bitey, we have to got to party in city though. Meet many important peoples. This why we have been training with pathfinders, we go out and help people and they not hunt us anymore.

Sage finishes grooming the wolf and makes himself as presentable as be can before heading off to the party

It seems as though the entire Grand Lodge has the air of a celebration. The great gates are flung wide, and the phoenix trees lining the entryway are in full flame.
With invitations clutched in hand, various new or recently minted Pathfinders gather outside the venue of today’s festivities, one of Skyreach Tower’s convocation halls. Some begin to greet each other, catching up since their graduation, others take the opportunity to make new acquaintances.

Please introduce yourselves. I suggest a brief description and some way of indicating your preferred role within the party and anything fellow teammates should know while working together. Feel free to add as much flavour as you wish.

Though she'd grown accustomed to dealing with humans and other forms of longshanks during her time behind the bar, these sorts of gatherings were another thing entirely and as she stands and stares around at all the people Pooka can't help but suddenly feel a little awkward and out of place.

"Deep breaths Pooka, just takes deep breaths..." she mutters to herself as she continues to scan the crowd. Her expression brightens as she spots a few of her fellow goblins in the crowd and she hurries forward, very nearly tripping over her own feet in the process.

"Um...hellos!" she calls out as she gets close. "It's nice to sees other gobs likes mes here! I's Pooka. Who you be?"

Sage, for all of his attempts to clean up for the party still looks as if he was just out collecting herbs. There are small leaves and sticks in his hair and his padded armor is covered with stains most of which appear to be plant based. He has sickle on his belt and a number of javelins in a bandelero. At his side is a recently groomed wolf who is constantly smelling people and occasionally emitting quiet growling noises. Despite his appearance Sage smells only faintly of various herbs and wood smoke.

I am Sage Thyme when he says his name he elongates the word sage to make it sound more of a title than an actual nameme and Bitey here protect the wilds, but hard to do when most people no trust us, so we become pathfinders. You can call me Sage or Thyme both good names.

Sneak Runt pokes half of her head out from behind a tapestry. " I strike from the shadows, and then I disappear... Back into the shadows..." She whispers and then pops her head back behind the tapestry.

A tall (at least for what he is), muscular (again, at least for what he is) goblin walks through the door with a wide grin on his face. Each hand is covered with various items that look like they could be weapons. An obvious weapon (a large dented and curved blade) hangs loosely at his side. Upon seeing other goblins, he makes his way over. "Ahhh. Good. Glad to see other non-longshanks. I'm Loohi Loohi, but most of my employers just called me Loohi. Not sure if you've heard of me, but I used to be an enforcer for some very...powerful people. I'm tryin to put that behind me though. One doesn't earn a lot in prison, after all."

A short, average looking Goblin with skin the color of a charred green bell pepper finds her way to the the party. She is dressed in studded leather, with a bandolier filled with various flasks and vials strapped across her chest. Anyone paying close attention may be a bit uneased seeing that absolutely none of the various vials are labeled. Seeing other goblins gathered outside of the venue, she can't help but cautiously approach, hoping none of them were from her childhood village. "I Kloink. Just Kloink. I didn't expect to see anyone but longshanks here, either." Unlike Sage, as Kloink approaches there is a distinct burnt smell that lingers around her, and much of the blackened skin actually appears to be burn scars.

A short (under 3ft) rather happy looking Goblin walk up with grayish blue skin and big prominent ears and red eyes walk up. He is wearing very clean cleric vestments and has a very nice silver holy symbol of Sarenrae front and center. You also see a scimitar on one hip in a sheath and a hand crossbow on the other hip.

Hello, my name Krizz Krozz. I used to work on farm but now joined Pathfinders because I want to help. Sarenrae helps me help when someone is in need. This is a holy symbol my grandpa gave me, its really pretty He shows everyone the holy symbol but anyone getting too close his demeanor changes drastically Look but DON'T TOUCH, its mine! Then going back to his happy joyful face from before, Can't wait for party, gonna be fun!

A senior Pathfinder with a kind and friendly face steps from the hall and gestures to a small group, indicating they should approach, present their invitations and enter.
The halls of the main tower of Skyreach, normally somber and reserved, echo with the sound of voices and music. The great ballroom is decked for a celebration, with colorful banners and bunting along the walls, tables replete with food and drink, and a jovial cacophony of conversation rising from Pathfinders of all ancestries, nations, and backgrounds.

After a quick scan of the room, it’s obvious that many of the attendees have gathered in small groups here and there. A half-orc woman in an iconic ship captain’s hat stands near the punch bowl, handing cups to anyone who passes within reach, and a dark-skinned half-elf leads a small group of new agents around the room, introducing them to other attendees. Several senior agents stand in quiet conferral with a dark-haired Taldan man with a distinctive chin strap beard, while a scholarly dwarf tells a rousing tale to a growing audience.

A familiar blond halfling woman bounces over, bubbling with excitement. Janira Gavix, Head Initiate of the Pathfinder Society, grins, “Oh, I’m so glad you made it! After all, the celebration is for you. Have you gotten drinks? Snacks? Be sure to spend some time getting to know everyone—it’s best to be on good terms with the movers and shakers in the Society, that’s how you learn about the latest opportunities. I’ll be here if you need me to help you with anyone’s names or to make an introduction. Just let me know how I can help!” Janira gestures everyone forward into the room, beaming all the while.
As the group moves forward, Janira leans in and whispers, ”Be sure to connect with the main faction leaders tonight, they may have something for you in the way of guidance or direction.”
How would you like to proceed?
At any time you would like assistance or direction, you will likely be able to catch Janira’s eye as she seems to be watching the various groups of newer Pathfinders as they proceed through the room.

While most comfortable in the presence of other goblins, Loohi Loohi is not shy around longshanks. He takes his leave of the group and moves over to the half-elf hanging out introductions, "Mind terribly if I cut in here?", and without waiting for a response adds, "I'm one of the new initiates. The name's Loohi Loohi, but feel free to call me whatever you like. My previous employers had no problem with that and I don't mind either. Anyways, where should an upwardly mobile goblin, like myself, start to make the right kind of impression?

Sage meanders through the party having a few drinks and some snacks, sharing with Bitey as he searches for the leader of the Verdant Wheel. Yes, Bitey i know. elf say main faction leaders and Verdant Wheel not main faction, but should probably speak to own faction leader before other factions. Sage hops a few times to try and see over people in the crowd, briefly contemplates climbing onto furniture to get a better view before sighing.Bitey, you lead. too many tall people. leader smell like lizard, you know what that smell like, you find for me.

After leaving the group, Krizz is going to go get some punch first then will try to find the leader of the Horizon Hunters.

Me need a drink first then will go find leader of faction. I wonder if the longshanks here will like me, I hope they do.

Seeing everyone splitting up, Kloink sighs. To those left around her, she says, "I'z suggest finding leaders of Pathfinder schools as start. Like Kreighton Shane. He may hold interesting information and be good contact. Maybe he know good formulas? That's where I'z going!" Kloink scans the crowd for Master Shane, asking Janira for help if needed.

"Wows...this is a nice party," Pooka breathes as she spins around and around to try and take it all in. "Kloink, you has good idea - I's not surprised, any goblin that smells like burning almost always has good ideas. I go with you, we finds Kreighton Shane and say hellos," she adds. "Then maybe I go find Horizon Hunters leader nexts!"

Pooka joins Kloink in peering around for any signs of an elf that fits Kreighton Shane's description, though she does take the time to grab a drumstick and a glass of punch from the nearby tables first.

"Never turns down free foods," she grins toothily as she takes a bite.

From a hidden vantage point, Sneak Runt looks around for the Vigilant Seal faction leader. Once found, she dodges under chairs, tables, and between the legs of waiters until she eventually pops out from beneath a table cloth to introduce herself. "My name is Sneak Runt. I don't want bad people to have any big glowy things, so I join Vigilant Seal. We kill the bad people and make the big glowy things safe, yes?"

Mechanics for the party
You find that anyone of note you wish to talk with is already in conversation with another notable. To gain the full benefits of meeting with a Faction Leader the group needs to earn sufficient Attention Points to successfully impress, distract, or otherwise occupy their current companion. To do so you would need to propose how you are using a relevant skill (appropriate skills will be readily provided). You may also choose to use Diplomacy or Deception though if they are not in the listed skills for that character this will be more challenging. Particularly effective approaches will be rewarded. You may choose to aid another however, each of you may only contribute once for each encounter and it is usually more efficient to contribute directly.

As the group of goblins start to scatter, Janira acts quickly to bring them together and inform them, ”You will each have a chance to shine tonight and plenty of time to seek out whoever you most wish to meet. You are each aware that few of your kind have completed the Pathfinder training as you have. If you are to change the way you are seen and treated then you must break the stereotypes. I suggest you stick together and work as a team. Show everyone what you have learned and how you can best contribute with your own unique talents and knowledge. Teamwork is essential for Pathfinders, demonstrate that tonight.”
With that said, she gives each an encouraging smile and redirects the group toward where Kreighton Shane is talking with Fola Barun near the entrance as it seemed that half the group had been headed that way initially. Slide 5

As the party approaches, the dark-skinned half-elf woman gives them a warm and welcoming smile while listening politely to the long-haired elf who is discussing the importance of training all candidates in correct research techniques. Skills to use with Kreighton Shane include Occultism, Society, Fortune-Telling Lore, Games Lore, or any Lore skill not covered by the Common Lore Categories (p248 CRB).

"Oh, okays, that makes sense," Pooka nods as Janira quickly corrals everyone and offers a gentle suggestion that they stick together for the time being. "We'll makes the best Pathfinders yets!"

As the group makes their way towards Kreighton Shane Pooka can't help but notice that he's talking and talking and talking. "Hum...he's flappings his jaws a lot so he's probably thirstys. He needs a drinks!"

Alcohol Lore: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

It takes her a few moments of scanning around the nearby tables and drinks but she hits upon something that might do the trick. Pooka deftly steps over to one of the beverage tables and gathers up several different glasses, mixing their contents together - some white rum, a bit of coffee, and dash of milk. Then she squishes up a banana and swirls the mush into the glass, topping it with a drizzle of chocolate syrup.

"Perfects! Mister Shane's gonna loves this; elves always seems to like the sweet drinks bests," she explains to her companions. Pooka then trots over to where Kreighton Shane continues chattering away and clears her throat, shoving the drink upward so he can get a good look.

"Mister Shane? I mades this for yous because you looked thirstys! Hope you likes bananas!"

my other character has nothing for this one either, ha ha.

I will aid a skill untrained with a +1

1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Sage begins pulling out various herbs to help pooka in his mixology. untrained aid check alcohol lore aid: 1d20 ⇒ 19, ahhh the perfect garnish, there you go Pooka!

untrained aid check
alcohol lore aid: 1d20 ⇒ 5

As the other goblins are rushing around trying to get a drink for Kreighton Shane, Loohi Loohi walks up to him, hearing his conversation with the head of the Envoy's Alliance, the goblin chimes in "Ya know, research really is important in all endeavors. I can clearly recall my previous employers doing plenty of research when planning a...job. Schematics, manifests, rotation plans and ledgers were all used. Of course, that's just one example, but I'm sure all of us have our own research stories. Don't ya think?"

Underworld Lore: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Kloink lets everyone else try to talk, before approaching the master with, "Master Shane! Me's has a new riddle for you! Me know how much you love riddles! A father’s child, a mother’s child, yet no one’s son. Who am I?" Kloink looks utterly pleased with herself while she waits for Master Shane's response.

society: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Close observation would reveal Kreighton Shane, Master of Scrolls, watching sideways as Pooka concocts an elaborate drink. A slight smile is revealed as Sage adds a daring garnish but mild alarm quickly follows when Sneak and Krizz, attempting to assist, nearly launch the drink from its receptacle onto the elf. Thankfully, disaster is averted and only a gently slosh across his hand is the result.

Loohi tries to discuss research with the Master of Scrolls but Kreighton Shane hardly seems to notice as he addresses Fola Buran, ”I suspect we may need to rethink some of our traditional training approaches when it comes to a subset of the newer recruits, I welcome any suggestions. Now if you will excuse me …” and with that he begins to turn away, looking at his dripping hand and gingerly holding out the drink. He takes a small sip and looks pleasantly surprised. As he passes Kloink he leans down to respond, ”You are someone’s daughter. You are on the right path you just need more practice and study.”

Fola Buran looks at the gathered goblins and sighs. ”Your hearts are obviously in the right place, perhaps a small mission will help you hone your teamwork skills.

“Now, I must see to another group who have just arrived, it would be good for you to socialize with some of the others at this party.”

Some of you were initially headed toward the refreshments, you notice the half-orc with the piratey hat is still in attendance though currently involved in conversation with a dark-haired lady with an aquiline nose whose clothing while conservative marks her as a Talan noble. Do you wish to approach?

"A scholar at the College of Mysteries... What is this scholar's name?" Kloink says before looking up to see that Master Shane and Fola Buran have already passed.

"Guys... whoops. Bad first impression is no good." Kloink looks a little downtrodden, her spirits a little.. fragile.

Kloink suggests meeting with the leader of the Grand Archive, Gorm Greathammer, or possibly the leader of the Horizon Hunters, sticking to safety in her own faction, or the numbers of having multiple members of Horizon Hunters on the group's side.

Edit: I didn't see the ooc text when I wrote my reply. Kloink is all for approaching this half-orc and Talan noble.

As the Master of Scrolls passes by without so much as a sideways glance in his direction, he thinks to himself "Just another longshanks that doesn't know what I can do. I'll show them all!"

He listens as Kloink suggests talking to the longshanks in the floppy hat and shrugs, "As good of a place to start as any."

As the small group of newly minted Pathfinders approaches the refreshments they hear the noblewoman addressed as “Lady Gloriana” and realise this must be Lady Gloriana Morilla who long led the Sovereign Court. Performance, Society, or any Lore skill related to a specific city

Calisro Benary, while paying attention to Lady Gloriana is simultaneously passing out punch to all who come near, she winks at the new graduates and enthusiastically offers to “spice up” their drinks, indicating her personal hip flask which features an engraving of a sizeable sailing ship.

Slide 6

"It okays, sometimes jelly doesn't gels too goods at first," Pooka whispers to Kloink and Loohi, noticing that the two seem a little upset by how their encounter with Master Shane and Fola Buran went. "And we's likes jelly rights nows, us. But we gives it some times and efforts and then we gels likes the best goblin jelly evers!"

As the group approaches the ones Pooka now understands to be Calisro Benary and Lady Gloriana, she can't help but grin widely when Calisro offers punch...with a little something special. She nods enthusiastically, accepting a cup.

"Hellos! I likes your flask - that's a cools ship on the side! Do you have a ships like that?" Pooka asks and then turns her attention to Lady Gloriana. "Hellos! Yous a Ladys, right? I heards Ladys really likes artsy things like singing. I's can sings - likes this!"

~What will we do with a drunken sailor?
What will we do with a drunken sailor?
What will we do with a drunken sailor?
Early in the morning

Shave his belly with a rusty razor
Shave his belly with a rusty razor
Shave his belly with a rusty razor
Early in the morning~

Drunken Sailor - The Irish Rovers

Performance: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Though Pooka somehow manages to not over-pluralize everything when she sings, her voice is a little raspy and off-key. Perhaps a result of the burning sensation the 'spiced up' punch left in her throat?

Loohi smiles and claps his gauntleted hands in a someway steady rhythm along with Pooka. "I LOVE that one, Pooka!" He then turns to Lady Gloriana, clears his throat and tries to adjust his demeanor to fit that of his previous longshank employers and the people they rubbed elbows with. "Ahh, Lady Gloriana. You must agree that a little bit of local flavor really helps to define this city. There is no place in all of Avistan like Absalom. Wouldn't you say?"

Society: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

The noble lady looks a little startled by the sudden rendition of a drunken sea shanty by the goblin in front of her but as Loohi starts to speak her attention is drawn and she replies, "Indeed, Absalom is a grand city offering many opportunities. The Starstone alone would make it unique."

Continuing to lay on the charm, Loohi adds, "The Starstone is indeed a wondrous thing. Someone here may even one day complete the trials and make all of us Pathfinders proud. Wouldn't that be grand. Ya know...I could see someone like you being up to the challenge, my Lady."

Kloink gladly accepts the spiced-up drink from Calisro. With a little liquid courage, she tries to interpose into the conversation as well, trying to help Loohi lay it on thick.

"Yes, surely someone of your talents and prestige must be suited for the task!"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

"Knews you hads good tastes," Pooka grins at Loohi, not too terribly put out that Lady Gloriana didn't seem as enthused about her song.

"Ooh, that woulds be neats to haves a Pathfinder pass the Tests of the Starstones," she agrees, ever eager to put in her two copper on a subject.

The Taldan noblewoman seems pleasantly amused and engaged with the small group of new Pathfinders, all goblins, who have approached her with enthusiasm and good cheer. After a few minutes, Lady Gloriana excuses herself, leaving the team with the Horizon Hunters Faction Leader.

Before she goes, however, Calisro leans closer to Pooka and says "I liked your song. Here, have another." She offers the flask again, holding it over Pooka's cup ready to add a splash of the contents to the young goblin's drink.

Once she has the group's full attention Calsiro Benarry adds, "You seem a lively bunch but do you really have what it takes? I'll give you a chance to prove your mettle. There is a partially collapsed house in the Precipice Quarter, long rumoured to be haunted, that has been marked for demolition in the next few days. You could gain yourselves a good story if you stay in it overnight. Not only will it provide experience camping in potentially unfriendly territory, but you might also learn some interesting tidbits about the house's former owners."

She pauses a moment before adding, "After all, not every discovery requires weeks of gruelling travel." Calisro laughs heartily and directs the group to report back after their adventure, "Let me know how you do, I am always up for a good ghost story and I definitely want to be kept informed about what you find."

Sage nods to himself and pats the wolf at his side one night in some old building? Doesnt sound so terrible to me, piece of cake! Ohhh is there cake before we leave?

Kloink swallows heavily. "G-g-ghostses?" She clears her throat. "Me's all for the thrill of the adventure, especially without the long travels, but did you have to say ghostses? Either way, we are up for the task!" Kloink feigns the last bit of confidence with a strained, pointy-toothed smile.

Krizz grasps his silver holy symbol, Sarenrae will guide us, no need to worry.

"A fitting task for a group of goblins. Sounds fun to me!"

"Oooh, a nights in a spooky olds house? Sign me ups!" Pooka grins, splashing her drink a little as she waves it around. "We'll be the bests house explorers evers!"

She takes another swig of her drink and looks around. "Shoulds probably sees if anyone else gots jobs for us toos. Pathfinders need to do alls sorts of things, right?"

1=Kloink, 2=Loohi, 3=Sage, 4=Sneak
1d4 ⇒ 3

"Heys! Heys Sage! You gots a boss too, rights? Sees them anywheres?" Pooka asks, tugging on Sage's sleeve a little.

Oh yes. Verdant Wheel boss is Urwal, should be pretty easy to spot he is lizardfolk, Sage hops up on the wolfs back and starts looking for Urwal. perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Sneak Runt pokes her head out from beneath a nearby bench.

"I can all night in spooky ghost house. Ghosts never find me!"

Sage looks around and sees Urwal talking with Janira. Slide 7

They are standing in an alcove fairly close to Eando Kline and Zarta Dralneen. Slide 8

Hello boss Urwal! We were just getting ready to go to spend the night in some spooky house to for the night and some of the others want to meet you Sage begins making introductions you ever hear of a spooky house in the prec..precipise, isnt that just another name for a cliff...it would be much easier to call it the cliff quarter, precipice quarter?

Krizz looks to find something to write something down. After he finds it he starts to write down what Fola said about the ritual and Calisro said about the house. Then he will find Sage and go over where he is at.

"This work greats, we do all kinds of things and gets good experiences for it," Pooka whispers to Krizz when she notices him busily writing down the details of the two tasks they've been given already.

She then trods over to Sage and waves as he's making introductions.

"Hi, I's Pooka!"