[PFS_CORE_Aerondor] 05-16 Destiny of the Sands part 3 (low tier) (Inactive)

Game Master Aerondor

Gameday VIII

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The adventure begins in Sandswept Hall, the Pathfinder Lodge in Sothis as you await your briefing on the upcoming mission, please introduce yourself to your fellow Pathfinders.

A large half-orc leaning against the wall. His muscles rippling under his chain shirt and a large two-handed sword is leaning on the wall next to him.

"Hello, the name is Bossk. During a fight I become angry, very angry. You never want to be the focus of that anger, got it."

You are not sure if he is trying to smile or snarl at you.

"I am pretty good out in the wilds, I have some skills that maybe of use then."

A squat dwarf woman follows quietly behind Bossk. After the half-orc speaks, she says, "I am Shukara. I was drafted into the fast-tracked recruitment program of the Pathfinder Society not long ago during the Siege of Absalom. I have now been sent here to help. I shall help in any way I can. I only do close combat. If you need an archer, I am not the one you want."

Another dwarf makes his presence known, "Khargrom here, army scout. I look forwards to another successful mission."

For a dwarf, he is of average height with a lithe build and moves quietly when he walks. His clothes, chosen for subtlety, are a dark mottling of grey, black and tan colors. Hung from his belt are a black metal battleaxe and a finely crafted warhammer. Slung over his back is a bedroll and backpack. His dark brown hair and beard are an impressive length, but always secured tightly by brown leather ties.

"Wow, we certain got us some brawn here, don't we?"

The clearly weak and frail halfling pretends to flex some non-existent muscles in his scrawny arms.

"Name's Jameson Hogan. You can call me Jay, or you can call me J-J, but my closest friends call me Ray. We'll be fast friends, I am sure. I am a talker. If I can't schmooze my way out of trouble, I am not afraid to run and hide. But if you get yourselves in trouble, I'll back you up. Not sure how it came about, but I got powers... shootin' magic from my fingers, mainly." Ray makes a "finger gun" and shoots a beam of frost at the wall.

"Neat, huh?"

"Yes. Can you please chill my ale with this trick? This heat is unbearable... but... I shall endeavor to let it temper me into a more hardened combatant. Still... if you could chill that ale, I would be much obliged..."

Ray is more than happy to comply. "There you go!"

An old man in robes enters the lodge. He seems a bit lost and out of place, and is looking for someon, or something. He stops a maid and asks her something, the girl points him to your group and the elder quickly trots toward you.

"Hello, hello young ones" he says to you while approaching, his voice is surprisingly full of energy, "You must be the party I was told to look for in here. My name is Ephram, servant of Pharasma. I've been many things in my long life, but mostly I tended to the ill, the wounded, and the deceased at the High Temple here in Sothis. I'm here to help you go through this mission for the Society, hopefully there will be no need for me to use my skills with the dead."

Although it is clear that the man has already seen more than half a century worth of winters, he is quite energetic. Under his black and white robes is a quite robust body, and the staff he is walking with is clearly more of a weapon than a help for going around.

Bossk chuckles at Ephram line of skills with the dead.
Don't worry, I have skills to create many dead for you."

The adventure begins in Sandswept Hall, the Pathfinder Lodge in Sothis as Venture-Captain Norden Balentiir briefs you on your upcoming mission.

Balentiir shutters of the windows in his second-story office overlooking the lodge’s tranquil gardens and seats himself behind his writing desk. He nods and introduces a thin, aging Garundi man in an ornately bejeweled and feathered turban. “This is Amenopheus, the Sapphire Sage. I trust most of you know of him already. If you don’t, know that he has served both the Ruby Prince and the Pathfinder Society for many years, uncovering vast troves of lore from Ancient Osirion and mentoring some of our finest agents. He recently approached my colleagues and me with a request for assistance, and the Society has agreed to step up and aid its ally. The arrangement is, in fact, rather mutually beneficial.” He nods to Amenopheus, signaling the elder man to speak.

“Faithful servants of the past, I bid you greetings,” the wizened sage says with a shallow bow. “Our esteemed ruler, the Ruby Prince, recently released me from his service, which has freed me to learn more about a little-known organization to which I belong: the Jeweled Sages, protectors of Osirion’s history and chroniclers of its past glories. Quite by accident, I found myself initiated into this group, and have long believed myself to be its sole surviving member. Each sage in the group possesses a unique jewel—a priceless artifact that contains memories of Osirion’s golden age.” He pauses as if considering how to express his thoughts “For many years, I have sought news of any other members of the Jeweled Sages. My agents recently learned of the Diamond Sage, whom they traced to the city of Eto in the Osirian Desert. At the same time, I received word from a reliable source that several other jewels in the vicinity. I ask that you travel to Eto, negotiate with my contact in the city for his assistance, and then use what you learn to find the Diamond Sage and these lost jewels.”

Venture-Captain Balentiir frowns and adds, “This contact has tried to remain anonymous, but we suspect he is none other than Grandmaster Torch. If you’ve heard of him—or worse, met him—you may know trading favors is his signature. Regardless of Torch’s past treacheries, we need you to deal with him fairly for the information. There is a caravan leaving for Eto in a few hours, so don’t delay.”

If you have any questions for the venture-captain or Amenopheus now is the time to ask them.

"What kind of hostility can we expect to see on the road? Are there any natural hazard we should be prepared for?"

Khargrom nods during the briefing, perking up when the wizened sage is introduced, eh, magical power? Interesting. I'll see if I can pick his brain.

He adds a couple questions, "What other jewels have you heard about there and how exactly did ya accidentally get initiated into the group? Seems like a thing that wouldn't be an accident."

___________________________________________________________________

I didn't think archetypes were Core, is Ouat an exception?

Bossk looks at the old man
"These negotiations, you want them done normally" crossing his massive arms " or be aggressive?"

"I hope we won't have to resort to violence, my friend" says the old man in black and white robes.He then turns to the Venture-Captain and the sage "Most esteemed ones, what can you tell us about this 'Grandmaster'? He seems to be well-known by the Society, but I am fairly new to its ranks despite my age, and every information could prove useful in the task we are going to tackle".

A well-toned man with a freshly shaved head looks up from a heavy book in his lap. He is dressed in loose breeches, sandals, and a loose shirt that bear the symbol of an open palm. "Hey." he says, closing the tome with a smile. [/b]"My name is Anthony. Anthony Graves. Student of the faith of Irori."[/b]

He opens the book again, fingers idly and blindly flipping through the pages as his gaze focuses on the venture captain. "What's the problem with this 'Torch' person? You say he's a Grandmaster?" He perks up. "Grandmaater of what, exactly? Maybe we can learn something from him."

"What kind of hostility can we expect to see on the road? Are there any natural hazard we should be prepared for?"

Venture-Captain Balentiir says "I've arranged for you to travel to Eto as part of a trade caravan. I don't expect you will run into any trouble on the way to Eto."

"What other jewels have you heard about there and how exactly did ya accidentally get initiated into the group? Seems like a thing that wouldn't be an accident."

The Sapphire Sage responds, “That is much to long a story to get into now, but I do hope one day we will have a chance to sit down and I can tell you my story."

"These negotiations, you want them done normally" crossing his massive arms " or be aggressive?"

Such a question brings a mischievous smirk to Balentiir’s lips. “I suppose Torch has always enjoyed twisting bargains and words to his advantage. Very well. If you see an opportunity to gain some advantage against the man while doing favors for him, you’re welcome to follow through.” Amenopheus shoots a pleading look at the venture-captain before Balentiir quickly adds, “If you can get away with it.”

"Most esteemed ones, what can you tell us about this 'Grandmaster'?".

Venture-Captain Balentiir sighs heavily. “The man is a charming devil to be sure. He always plays one side of a deal against the other, and usually ends up ahead. You’ll recognize him by his burn scars. He suffered some injury that never seems to heal. Whatever you do, never fully trust him.”

"What's the problem with this 'Torch' person? You say he's a Grandmaster?" He perks up. "Grandmaater of what, exactly? Maybe we can learn something from him."

Amenopheus says, "You know I'm not quite sure why he is called a Grandmaster. Maybe you can find out and let me know the next time we have a chance to talk."

The Venture-Captain Balentiir says, "If there are no further questions, I suspect the caravan is waiting on you. You must not keep them waiting or they could leave without you."

Before you depart, Amenopheus pulls a weathered stone from his robes and strikes it once against the wall to break the stone into two crystalline geode halves. He hands one piece to you, instructing you, “If you find one of the jewels of my order or the person known as the Diamond Sage, I ask that you contact me. Concentrate on the stone and speak a message of a few dozen words. I will hear you and respond with further instructions. It will only work once, so keep it safe.”

You have a few moments for any last minute purchases or preparations before you must meet the caravan.

As the Venture-Captain already said, he has arranged for you to travel to Eto as part of a trade caravan of heavily laden camels, and he has paid for the cost of your travel. The journey overland is uneventful.

The immense rock walls that ring Eto rise from the horizon like a shimmering mirage that gradually sharpens into focus. The city sits inside an elevated crater with sheer, weathered sides broken only in two places by heavily guarded gates. Long lines of caravans wait in a meandering queue awaiting entrance as officials search their cargos for contraband and calculate taxes. Water sellers, food vendors, and guides march up and down the lines peddling their wares and services to the visitors. Beyond the gates, the main thoroughfares fan out around the various districts of the city before dwindling into the dozens of pathways that flow through the bazaar like the delta of the great River Sphinx.

You see ahead of you in the queue that each caravan or group of travelers is assigned one or more trios of officials, each of which consists of two guards and an official. It appears that the officials are searching through the goods and people entering the city. On occasion you see the travelers handing over money to the officials and in other instances some items appear to be confiscated.

It looks like the next group to be inspected is the caravan you are a part of. Are you doing anything to prepare?

Ephram checks that his backpack is in order, paying attention that his healer's kit is in a good state and placed in a way that won't get damaged during the trip.

Shukara inspects the guards' uniforms for cleanliness as they get closer. Her own weapons and attire are spotless, and she holds her chin up proudly.

Which one of you is holding the geode from Amenopheus? random: 1d6 ⇒ 3 Ephram I generally use alphabetical order for things like this.

@Ephram, After making sure your pack is in order and your healer's kit is safe, are you doing anything with the geode?

Khargrom whispers to the group behind him waiting in line as they see the guards searching everyone, "What'r they looking for? You all know?" He will share any information he finds out with his allies and maybe do some hiding of stuff before they get to the guards.

"What'r they looking for? You all know?"

Your caravan leader overhears you and answers, "Eto is a hub of trade in Osirion’s interior, and these officials ensure that no one brings dangerous contraband (such as certain drugs, large quantities of explosives, etc.) into the city. They further confirm that all Osirian relics are documented and taxed; the opening of Osirion to treasure-hunters by the Ruby Prince’s decree stimulates the economy, but the Ministry of Culture ensures that the kingdom receives a cut of all finds and withholds artifacts of special importance."

"You didn't bring anything illegal did you? Your Venture Captain only paid for your travel, not for any taxes, fines, or bailing you out of prison. That's on you all."

If you wish to conceal any of your equipment from the officials, you may attempt a Sleight of Hand check for each item you attempt to smuggle.

Khargrom seems relieved, "Ach no, none of that stuff. I just wanted to make sure my fancy drinking cup wouldn't be snatched." He thinks for a second, "Obviously we ain't from here, you said the Ruby Prince? That's an interesting name. How'd he get that moniker?"

Ephram puts the geode together with the rest of his belongings in his backpack, caring that is in a safe place but not hiding it from whomever would check his things.

Anthony looks over his gear. He grins. "Unless they have a problem with healing potions or books, I think I'll be fine. I doubt we're carrying anything all that dangerous anyway. Well... unless they'll get the wrong idea about the geode."

"Some cities have strange laws, anything could be an issue if they want it to be."
Bossk says and he checks to make sure is boot dagger is hidden away.

"I believe that if we explain to them that the geode is simply harmless, they will let us carry it along in the trip. In case I'm wrong, well, we will simply have to find another way to communicate with the Sage" says the old man with a smile.

As your caravan approaches the gate, the caravan’s leader acknowledges that you all are guest travelers, which earns you your own private inspection.

"Greeting, I'm Mahu and I'll be your customs agent today. Do you have anything to declare?"

Before you stands, a bored Garundi man whose graying beard and tired eyes suggest he’s seen it all and heard every excuse at least a few dozen times. As he inspects your gear, he plies you with questions about where you’re from, where you’re bound, and what interesting sights you’ve seen. You feel like this is as much to assuage his own curiosity as to keep visitors talking and possibly catch them in a lie. This also provides you an opportunity to impress the agent with your manners or stories of your travels.

Ray obviously sweet talks Mahu with Bossk's help telling him about previous adventures and he seems much more friendly.

After you have an opportunity to converse with Mahu, he finds the communication geode that Amenopheus gave you. He inspects it for a moment before announcing that it looks to be of Osirian origin and questioning you about its provenience.

"This looks like an Osirian relic, where did you get this?"

You can try to convince him that the stone is mundane by using Bluff, request that he overlook the stone as a favor by using Diplomacy, or possibly employ other skills or methods to downplay the stone’s importance.

"This is not a relic: this is a one-time use crystal given to us by Amenopheus, the Sapphire Sage, which will enable us to contact him. The Sapphire Sage has the other half. I trust you have heard of the Sapphire Sage already yes? If you don’t, know that he has served the Ruby Prince for many years, uncovering vast troves of lore from Ancient Osirion and mentoring some of our finest Pathfinder agents. He recently approached my colleagues and me with a request for assistance, and the Society has agreed to step up and aid its ally."

Appraise: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20 (+2 if Shukara's stats are reverted to a regular Core monk...)

About ready to consider some form of deception to avoid a conflict, Khargrom is a bit stunned as Shukara just lays out their patron. "Yup, that's it. We didn't even know it looked like an Osirian relic. It looks a lot more like a simple enchanted geode to me."

Appraise + Greed Racial Trait Aid Shukara DC 10: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 2 = 11

Bossk being a little dumbstruck by Shukara's accounts of the stone. "So I guess that is that and the stone is completely legal to have, don't you think."
Diplomancy: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (4) + 0 = 4

And we loose the stone

"Have I told you about how I spent most of an adventure blind. Fighting with out being able to see is not a good way to adventure, if you know what I mean?" As Bossk tries to get on Mahu's good side again.

"Clearly, Mahu, you are just protecting your country's history, and I can tell you that we are just as interested in the same. What will it take to convince you that we are on the same side here? What my friends here said is true, even if they are a bit brusk in their delivery."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

"You see, the geode isn't some big, impressive relic. It's really a simple magical item that allows for communication between two interested parties."

He shrugs, doing his absolute best to downplay how surprised he is that the Ruby Prince's name was dropped so readily. He's not doing a very good job of that. The wide-eyed glances towards Shukara really give it away.

Instead, he tries to downplay the geode's importance by emphasizing the mundanity of its magical function.

Spellcraft or Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

@Shukara, As Shukara lays out the lawful truth, Mahu perks up at the mention of the names of Amenopheus and the Ruby Prince. While you did layout your truth, you feel like you shouldn't be saying everything. You feel like withholding information would still be considered lawful as there is no lawful obligation to fully answer questions.

@Khargrom, with that roll, it barely looks like a rock to you. Are you sure you're still a Dwarf? But you do taste it as Dwarves are wont to do and it does indeed taste like half a geode to you.

@Bossk fails to "aid another" in the diplomacy check I'm sure is coming. But as you relate the story of how you adventured blind, Mahu cracks a joke about how that probably wasn't a problem for you due to the very large size of your nose, almost as big as a werewolf's muzzle. "You probably smelled your enemies from a mile away with that thing, ha ha ha ha." As he and the rest of the party join in the laugh. @Party FYI, I've run Bossk through a couple other scenarios where he was indeed using his nose for fighting, I'm not being mean. Well I did make him blind, so not mean, just evil. ;)

"Ah yes yes Ray, you understand I'm just protecting my country as all good citizens should. I still believe this geode is an Osirion relic but for you my friends ..." as he slyly hands back the geode to Ephram "... I will overlook the tariff on this item for you."

"I hope you all have a pleasant stay here in Eto and seek me out if I can be of assistance."

Boon: Mahu can provide you with help navigating the streets and rumors of the city, granting the Pathfinders a +2 bonus on Diplomacy and Knowledge(local) checks to gather information in Eto.

You ask for directions to your contact here in Eto which leads you to The House of the White Uraeus.

The House of the White Uraeus is a two-story, whitewashed stone structure located in one of Eto’s more upscale districts. A large brass plaque above its door depicts a snake with two “necks” that split from its body, each with its own head. The servants that manage the inn wear immaculately clean clothing and maintain a quiet but cheerful facility. Although Grandmaster Torch is nowhere to be seen, a half-orc sits in the common area and constantly scans the room. He stands and approaches you as you arrive, looks you over, and with a grunt waves for you to follow him further into the building.

Although its exterior is unassuming, the interior of the White Uraeus is richly decorated with panels of gold-veined marble and bubbling fountains in secluded courtyards. Cool breezes carry the scent of blooming desert flowers throughout the clean halls. Two half-orcs keep watch outside one set of closed doors. After a moment inspecting the visitors, they pull open the doors to reveal a tiled bathing chamber beyond.

“Welcome to Eto, Pathfinders,” rasps Grandmaster Torch as he lounges in a steaming tub. “I didn’t imagine we would meet again under such heart-warming circumstances, yet the White Uraeus certainly knows how to make a traveler comfortable. What can a humble secret monger such as I do for you?” he asks as he leans forward in the tub and flashes a knowing smile.

Yes that was a fun game. One of the few times I almost burnt through my rage rounds in a long time.

"Master Torch, I have heard of your reputation. I think you are fully aware why we are here. And if you don't, perhaps your reputation as a information broker is a little... tarnished." As Bossk gives Master Torch a small smile.

Khargrom nods at the opening effort. Good work, orc. That's two competent pathfinders of that bloody race I've met recently, hmmmm...

He adds on, "And if you wanted to be incredibly magna... magnumimum... manginam... nice, you could just pass on the information and then resume your relaxing bath in peace. I'm sure a person of your stature doesn't even want to be bothered with the little people like us."

Well, that's my best shot at being all talky nice and stuff. Maybe my allies can finish off the request?

Diplomacy Aid Someone DC 10: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

“Amenopheus may have overlooked the fact that he owed me several favors before I ever asked for his help, but I don’t mind extending a discount to repeat customers,” he remarks with a rasping chuckle as he snaps his fingers to summon one of his bodyguards, who arrives carrying a folded piece of paper. “Let’s see what’s on today’s schedule,” he murmurs as he examines the paper’s contents. “Yes, all of this will do. Consider this my price—all of these tasks completed to my satisfaction in return for what I know of the sages’ jewels. Do we have a deal?” He holds out the paper for you to review it.

1) The academic Ionacu Lozar from the Sinomakti School of Sciences is preparing for an expedition to a site in the Pillars of the Sun. I have a scarab-marked prayer book dedicated to the god Khepri that needs to be placed among his personal effects without him suspecting anything is amiss.

2) An associate has delivered a shipment of valuable Osirian artifacts to just outside Eto. She claims that the objects are hidden inside a dry well southeast of the Sunrise Gate. Retrieve these and bring them to me. The magic rod is of particular importance; everything else is expendable.

3) The half-elf Madam Zelekhati, owner the establishment called the Dancing Dunes, is most adept at acquiring secrets, and I need you to find out how she does it— no doubt it’s something she’d rather keep hidden from authorities. Further, convince her to share what she already knows with me. Threaten to reveal her secret if she’s stubborn. End the scheme if all else fails.

4) I recently heard that the leader of the Hundredfingers gang had an important message for my ears only. Track them down, get the message, resolve any loose ends, and report back to me.

"It depends on what is on your agenda, Mister Torch. We would not be caught doing anything illegal, as you are aware."

Shukara takes the offered document and begins to review it immediately.

"Right, sure... nothing illegal."

Ray checks the place out, paying slightly more attention to the furnishings than the discussion.

Anthony, Bossk, Ephram, and Khargrom all delay by not answering.
Ray answers for the group and agrees to the bargin.

Grandmaster Torch says, "Indeed we have a deal. Please show yourselves out while I finish my soak."

And with that you are dismissed out of The House of the White Uraeus.

Which task (task list here) would you like to attempt first? First to three votes wins or I will roll a die and choose randomly.

My bad all, got busy and couldn’t post. Prolly should have tried to negotiate a bit but to late now! And Khargrom is crap at negotiating anyway so prolly would have failed. Onto the missions!

”Aight, let’s go get them relics. We already know we’ll have to sneak them into the city.”

"Yes, the relics. I have to say, I don't like these 'tasks' the Grandmaster gave us, but we have no other choice but doing them." says Ephram once outside the room.

"Ye, Getting the relics sounds easy enough. Does anyone have an invisibility potion that we can use to get back inside?"

Anthony breaks his stoic silence with a sigh. "You know, for someone with the title of 'grandmaster' his dealings seem a little... low."

Then he shrugs at Bossk. "Sorry, can't help you there. I never did trust illusion magic. It's not as reliable as people say it is."

"Still, a job is a job and we wouldn't do well to disappoint. And yes, let's go after the artifacts first."

Off to #2.

If you want to purchase anything in the city before you leave, you can find most things. Just let me know on your next post what you are picking up, if anything.

ETO

N small city
Population 9,500 (8,215 humans, 436 halflings, 255 dwarves, 187 elves, 96 half-elves, 311 others)
MARKETPLACE
Base Value 7,436 gp; Purchase Limit 56,250 gp; Spellcasting 6th

You head out to the desert to find the spot (also if you want to purchase camels, please note it). You head southeast from the Sunrise Gate when you happen upon a well. I'll get the map up in a bit and put your markers on it.

Wild grasses hug the low walls surrounding the wide mouth of the well. The opening is 15 feet wide at the top but narrows to a width of about 5 feet at the bottom 30 feet below. It looks like there is some water down there.

Map is updated.