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

Game Master numbat1

Loohi follows Sage to Janira and Urwal and waits until he is introduced. "It's good to meets you both. Just calls me Loohi."

Kloink pulls out a long tempered-glass stirring stick from her alchemist's tools and fiddles with it to calm herself. She follows astride the group of Goblins, committing the tasks this group of goblins has been given to memory.

Upon approaching the lizardfolk, the alchemists quickly stashes her stir-stick in a belt pouch. "Me's Kloink," She says, hoping nobody noticed her fidgeting.

Janira smiles benevolently as the goblins approach though Urwal looks more solemn. The iruxi loses height as he squats down before addressing the group. "I am pleased to meet you all. Pray tell me, each in your own good time, what brings you to join the Pathfinder Society and why have you chosen to champion the particular faction you have currently aligned yourself with."

Loohi contemplates his answer for a brief moment before blurting out, "Well, ya see. I useda be in with some real shady people. It landed me in prison a few times. I figured it might be time for a change. I'm tryin ta turn my life around I guess. And, ya know, I figured I might not be alone in this. Who best ta bring in more people with a shady past than me; a guy with a shady past. So, I'm gonna hopefully do that with Envoy's Alliance. Maybe I'll help."

Kloink clears her throat. "Kloink is curious. Me's loves to explore and learn, so me chose to join the Pathfinders under the Grand Archive banner. They're all about mysteries and records, and me's loves riddles." Her eyes shift a little, slightly embarrassed. "More so, Me's hopes to find long lost formulas. Alchemist's Fire is good, but me know it can be better."

Joined Horizon Hunters to make Goblins look better. Some longshanks look down on Goblins so if we can uncover mysteries and reach places no one been to, then us Goblins look better.

Kinda similar to me and Bitey then Krizz. We been living in and protecting the wilds for a while now. Sometimes people see us and assume we bad though. We hoping that not happen anymore as pathfinders

Urwal listens attentively as each of the young Pathfinders answers the questions.

Janira chimes in, "It is so exciting to have all of you in this graduating class. I am sure you will go on to great things. Did any of you specialise in a particular school while you were training?"

While conversing with this pair you may, if you choose, make a Nature, Survival, Lore (any lore about a specific terrain), or Diplomacy check.

"You see, I decided I didn't want to specialize in just one school. While I mostly studied Swords, I also chose to study some Scrolls, too. It's good to be specialized, but better to be prepared. Don't you think? "

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Me and bitey just studied the sword school,the others much more boring. Besides scrolls and spells nice but doesnt help me collect herbs in the woods. nature: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

"Goblins fine but Krizz has goods points," Pooka agrees. "If goblins be goods Pathfinders thens other peoples takes us more seriously. But, um...even without thats, this world is a biiiiiiigs place, you knows? I coulds stays heres and serve drinks in a bars and that'd be okays but why nots sees the worlds, instead? Meet new peoples, go new places...and learn more drinks to makes," she grins. "Everybodys likes a good drinks!"

When the conversation turns to specializations (or not), she nods her head vigorously in agreement with Loohi. "That's me's! Well, excepts in reverse; I studieds mostly Scrolls but a little Swords, too. If I's gonna go new places and meets new peoples, I gotta knows more about how to talks to them. And, um, fight backs, if I has to." As she talks, Pooka briefly forgets that she's in public, absently picking at a wedgie she's managed to acquire while walking around.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

I studied the Spell school, its really interesting, I used to farm and now they taught me more about herbs and things.

Survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Janira is beaming with pride as she addresses the group, "Well, I think this is a prime opportunity to introduce you all to another faction leader, Eando Kline, leader of the Vigilant Seal. He is talking with Zarta Dralneen who is our Head Archivist. Zarta has had a turbulent history but has become a most valuable leader in her own right. You can learn a lot from her about organizing, preserving and safeguarding information.

"Eando also has a long history with the Pathfinder Society though only recently stepped into his current position. He can come across a little gruff but I think he has a lot of respect for our front line agents."

As Janira excuses herself and begins to lead the team toward Kline and Dralneen, Urwal exchanges farewell pleasantries. "It was very nice to meet each of you. I look forward to seeing how you will influence the Society."

Skills for use with Zarta: Arcana, Occultism, Academia Lore, or Library Lore. You have a bonus I will add based on your interaction with Janira and Urwal

"Ahh, Zarta Dralneen. You and I has run in similar circles in the past. I am sure that our paths likely crossed once upon a time. Keep up with an of the old crew?"

Deception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Kloink nods with a toothy smile to Zarta. "Well met, Zarta Dralneen. Me's name is Kloink. Me's heard that you's in charge of the archives now. Have you considered restructuring the organization so that each record is better accounted for and tracked when borrowed?"

If Zarta is interested, Kloink will find some paper and pen to outline some structures Kloink learned from Master Shane in the School of Scrolls, with her own modifications.

Accounting Lore: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

"I don't know who you are referring to," Zarta replies to Loohi. She then shows at least polite interest as Kloink begins to elaborate on her restructuring suggestions.

"Hi, I's Pooka," the chatty goblin introduces herself, sticking her hand out for a shake whether Zarta appears to want one or not. "I's heard lots about yous, Ms. Zarta! Heards rumors yous and other really strongs Pathfinders went to Hells, once. That's powerful magics to walk planes, rights?"

Arcana: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Sneak Runt is bad at all of these; just +1. I don't want to risk a critical failure but will throw a hail Mary if the rest of the party can't get us there

As the conversation with Zarta Dralneen wraps up, Eando Kline looks sternly at the group before him.

"Do you think you are ready for some real Pathfinder work? While you managed to converse adequately in this controlled environment, and ..." here he gives a slight nod to Kloink, "maybe even demonstrate some creative thinking, can you do so when lives are on the line?

"I would like you to take this salve and the writ to Westgate. Apply the salve only to this victim and learn about the alleged threat to the city. This is an important task. You must not become distracted or allow anyone to prevent you. Though do try to avoid all-out war or even major chaos."

As he addresses the goblins he also hands over a greater salve of antiparalysis and a writ authorising the release of the individual named.

"Charge of the Gorgons? Um...rights, gots it," Pooka nods, even though she actually doesn't have the foggiest idea what the Charge of the Gorgons is or was, at least not off the top of her head. "We cans do it! But, ums...wills there be peoples trying to stops us?"

Krizz makes sure he writes down this task along with the other 2.

Loohi nods at Pooka's question, "And what kinds of distractions are we to expects?"

Kloink takes the salve and places it in her belt pouch for safe keeping, so that it doesn't get mixed with her many flasks on her bandolier. "Me'z keep this safe until we get there. Do you know who this victim is and what they'z look like?"

Kloink then takes the writ and reads it over if she can.

Eando Kline looks a little surprised though not displeased to see Krizz taking notes. He is still gruff when he responds to the others.

"Hrmpf, as Pathfinders you should always be prepared for any interference or distraction. Expect the unexpected but stay on target." After a very brief pause he adds, "Do your research," before providing the name and a brief description of the intended recipient of leniency. He then turns away to address some other party attendees.

Janira is passing, escorting another small group of new Pathfinders, but takes the time to smile at the goblins and add a cheery, "Make sure to connect with the Grand Archive sometime tonight." Looking in the direction indicated the group sees...

A halfling man with brown hair and several facial scars in engaged in conversation with Gorm Greathammer. One of the group recognize the halfling as Tamrin Credence whose reputation with Liberty’s Edge informs that the scars were gained while liberating several dozen halfling slaves in Cheliax. Skills suggested to engage and distract include Deception, Stealth, Thievery, Legal Lore, or Underworld Lore.

The dwarven leader of the Grand Archive looks slightly trapped like he was expecting to hear a detailed account of an adventure and instead is stuck with the minutiae of administration and politics. Earlier this same individual had been heard joking and exchanging captivating tales.

Slide 9

Loohi approaches the halfling, knowing his exploits intimately, "You are a man who needs no introduction to me. I's studied you and tried to model my new life after you, sir." Being in front of a star, Loohi tries to impress with some feats of slight of hand. However, the stress of the moment gets to him as he makes some serious errors in his demonstrations. "I swears I's better than this."

Thievery: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Krizz sees the halfling and tries to sneak up to him.

Stealth: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Hello Mr Credence, glad to meet you. You have done such great things. I try to be sneaky myself. Krizz will give a toothy grin.

Tamrin Credence seems not at all startled or surprised by the appearance of a couple of goblins in the middle of his conversation. He smiles at Loohi and Krizz, "All skills require practice, keep working at it and you will improve."

Looking at Loohi he enquires, "While that sounds most flattering, I wonder, what exactly it is that you attempt to emulate? All of us have faults, I would not wish to lead you astray."

Without missing a beat, Loohi responds to Tamrin, "Coming from a less than favorable background, I've done my fair shares of dastardly deeds. I look to your own deeds of heroism for others of lesser status to guide my way. We alls have things we's aren't proud of, but I personally want to makes others remember the good stuffs I do."

Stealth: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Kloink walks up somewhat quietly behind the speaking halfling, and says in a voice betraying the quiet approach, "Hello! Me'z Kloink!"

Hopefully a bit startling if this was a success, if not then just an introduction. ;)

Taking advantage of the distraction afforded by her fellow goblins, Pooka sidles up to Tamrin and casually attempts to slip her fingers into the pocket of his coat...

Thievery: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

...and manages to come away with a small pair of reading spectacles. She immediately slips them onto her own face and waits for him (or someone else) to notice.
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Well, the above happens if the roll is good enough, anyway! Otherwise I suppose she just comes away with some pocket link or manages to accidentally goose him.

Tamarin reaches out and gently removes the spectacles from Pooka's face. Addressing the other two he says, "Looks like you have a friend you can practice with. Exchange ideas and tips as well, sometimes a minor difference in approach can make a big difference in success."

Smiling at Pooka he adds, "Well done."

At this point Gorm interjects. ”Well,” he starts in a jovial tone, ”I have a local assignment for you that could help you practice those skills.

“A sunken ship has recently washed up on a reef not far from Absalom. I hear that it is being used as a safe house by those involved in smuggling texts and possibly living creatures from Nex. The books are valuable enough that I doubt they’d be left lying around but I am interested in any information you can find about the smugglers’ methods.”

When the party indicates they are willing he continues.

”When you are ready, seek out Captain Semiri Balogog. She has provided ferrying services for Pathfinder agents for over a decade now so you can trust her. I think she likes a well-told tale almost as much as I do.”

Does anyone wish to seek out someone in particular before the party ends? At this point, you have gathered your main assignments.

I have posted a synopsis of current assignments on Slide 10 for your convenience.

Feel free to move into the discussion thread while you sort out what order you wish to approach the assignments.

Krizz begins to quickly take notes of what Gorm is saying.

"Oh! We gets to sneak onto an old ships!? This'll be greats," Pooka exclaims, clearly excited by the prospect. "So manys tasks for everyones! It'll keeps us busy for ages!"

She mentally retraces their steps and considers everyone the group has already spoken with so far. "Um, thinks we's talked to everyone's bosses, right? Mines & Krizz, Kloink's, Loohi's, um...I thinks Sage's and Runt's too. Thinks that's everyones."

"I's happy to start with any of the jobs," she adds. "Just says the word and I's ready to gos!"

I am also ready to go. Whenever ready. Krizz will go over the jobs we were given to try to see which one we should do first.

"I's ready to finally be a reals Pathfinder. Let's do this!"

We should do Haunted House first. Sarenrae will protect us!

haunted house sounds fun. We show them nothing to be afraid of!

Following the directions given by Calisro Benary, the enthusiastic group of young goblin Pathfinders head toward the Precipice Quater with the intent of staying the night in the nominated haunted house to prove their courage and provide the basis for a good and rousing tale.

During your preparations and travel you may spend 2 hours asking around about the house and its previous owners. (Diplomacy to Gather Information - secret check so indicate your desire and mod.)

This old home might have once commanded the respect and envy of its neighbours, but the remaining story is cracked and crumbling. Whatever upper stories it might have once had have long collapsed, scattering stone and debris across gardens grown wild and weedy. Two curving staircases lead to a broad veranda bereft of its railings. Two openings that might have once been doors lead into the faint remnants of a solarium, while two more doors lead further into the creaking house itself. A whiff of rot and decay seeps from the structure.

Now would also be a good time to discuss and establish Standard Operating Procedures for doors, etc. I have already begun to make rolls for each area based on your stated chosen exploration activity (if any) [ie: Loohi-stealth, Pooka-perception, Sneak-stealth]. See you in the discussion thread?

Prior to getting to the house, Loohi spends time pressing the flesh and trying to figure out what the locals in the Precipice Quarter know of the house.

Diplomacy to Gather Information (+5)

"A goods Pathfinder is always prepareds! Or...as prepareds as they can gets, anyway," Pooka remarks once the group decides on their first stop. "Let's see if anyone in the neighborhoods knows anything abouts the house before we go in, okays?"

Diplomacy to Gather Information: +6
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Once at the property itself, Pooka sighs and gives the house a strangely wistful look. "Ah...this woulds be a nice place withouts the ghosts, I bet. Perfect place for a goblin to lives - no neighbors being nosy! Just needs some paints."

Aware that Runt seems the most sneakily-inclined of her fellow goblins, Pooka respectfully waits to see how she wants to approach the house.

Before getting to the house Krizz will ask around and gather as much information as he can about the house and the quarter.

Diplomacy to Gather Information +6

Once at the location Krizz will follow the group in while Searching.

Kloink goes to the bars near the haunted house to eavesdrop for any ghost stories.

Diplomacy to Gather Information +4, done in half the time thanks to Hobnobber background feat.

At the property, Kloink stays to the back of the group trying to hide her fear of ghosts, but keeping alert for clues about the inhabitants Investigate using Society

The group sort out their approach and make their way up the stairs, through the ruined sunroom to the main front doors. This is where the true adventure begins if there is an adventure to be had.

"Can't believes no one woulds tell me anything," Pooka grumbles as the group carefully makes their way up to the front door. "Every time, I'd asks and they'd makes a face like they'd bits into a lemons or somethings! Dids anyone else have better lucks?"

This place people say that the previous residents worshiped Archdevils and sacrificed people. We need to be careful.

Krizz will then grab his Holy Symbol of Sarenrae and start to pray for guidance and strength.

"That's alls I heard, too. I guess longshanks still don't trusts us." Loohi adjusts the plates and spikes on his gauntlets out of habit. He Seeks as he approaches the door, looking for any obvious hints of traps.

Perception +4

Loohi, who has been keeping to the shadows and remaining mostly out of sight, stands before the door conversing with the others and checking that it is safe to proceed. The door seems poorly maintained but lacking in noticeable traps.

Loohi looks at the others, shrugs his shoulder and says "I guess we are safe to go in." He pushes through the door as silently as he's able.

The tiled floor, ornate columns, and sweeping staircases of this once-grant hall evoke a distinctly Taldan aesthetic, though the finery has suffered greatly over the past years. The marble floor tiles are cracked and filthy, and the statuary lining the walls have been smashed. None of the three staircases climbs beyond head level before ending abruptly, debris from their fallen upper reaches scattered across the floor.