Gimble's [Gameday VIII] PFS 2e #1-01 The Absalom Initiation (1-4) (Inactive)

Game Master Eric Sklavos

While passing through a small market district, Jaladek asks a few early shoppers for any information they've heard about a petrified Naga in Westgate.

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13 Or +3 if Society works

"Can't imagine something like that wouldn't be the talk of the town. At least a quarter of the town..."

With a Society check:Arun learns that the eponymous statues of Statue Street are the remnants of a longstanding Absalomian tradition: to prevent overcrowding in the city’s prisons, nonviolent offenders were allowed to compete for a pardon in a race to outrun an angry gorgon along these streets. Those who successfully outpaced the beast were allowed to go free; those less fortunate now line the streets as bizarre decor. The ethics of the practice are dubious at best, and it was recently outlawed.

Arfsnarf has learned that there are some who are upset to lose this tradition, and at the news that one of the condemned might be allowed to go free, a group of socialite rabble-rousers has riled up a mob of locals who can’t bear to see outsiders interfere with seven centuries of history.

Great, so uppity locals don't want us to free petrified folk? Ug.

The goblin spits before continuing.

We might have to find the naga before they do, and once we free her, I'm suspecting they won't be so brave. "Socialite" is not a very effective attack against a naga.

Arfsnarf quickens his pace to go find the naga.

They shouldn't know who we intend to release before we do. Quickly!

"A sensible magical solution to overcrowding, but if we must free someone, we should do it before an angry crowd gathers!"

GM, unless something is stopping us I think we're heading straight to the statue. Since we were told the naga should be very obvious, are any checks required there? Perception for a fast search?

The party heads toward statue street:

For several blocks, the quiet lanes of Westgate’s residential neighborhoods feature small houses, low-key cafes and taverns, and the occasional specialty shop. The fragrant scent of tended flower gardens in the warm sunlight blends with the low hum of distant conversation over what would normally be a pleasant boulevard. But the stone statues—at first appearing only here and there, like odd decorations—now number several per block, and the otherwise plain square ahead is outright cluttered with stone figures. They take countless forms, from humans and halflings to orcs, lizardfolk, and even stranger, all forever frozen in acts of desperation, defiance, or despair. The quaint, statue-filled square is also filled with people; several dozen townsfolk shout and argue, their voices somehow out of place among the silent statues.

There are 4 that seem to be ringleaders rousing the angry crowd.

The map has been updated.

Arun scowls at the early appearance of an angry crowd, casting his eye around to see if there's a way around them to the Naga.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

There are actually no statues on the map aside from the one in the fountain behind the mob. Is that implied to be the naga? It seems like we could sneak by and just ignore them otherwise.

Sparkin wends his way into the crowd. And tugs at a person's sleeve. "What is all the hubbub about? I don't see any reason to be upset on such a lovely day, with such interesting sights around us!"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

There are actually no statues on the map aside from the one in the fountain behind the mob. Is that implied to be the naga? It seems like we could sneak by and just ignore them otherwise.

There are statues scattered throughout the street, too many to put on the map.

@Sparkin: Where exactly are you going? The depicted crowd on the map is pretty riled up and rowdy. There are four standing around the fountain like a stage leading the crowd to unrest. There are also several onlookers watching from the perimeter of the square to sidle up to.

Onlookers, with there intention of calming them down and figuring out what is happening.

If they aren't riled up at the naga, arfsnarf would want to just move on past. The position of our goal isn't immediately clear, and so whether or not the crowd is a blocking impediment.

Is the naga in the fountain?

With the angry mob and the curious onlookers, you do not immediately see the Naga and it is not the fountain.

Sparkin tugs at one of the onlookers sleeves who is leaning up next to one of the buildings. She looks down at the gnome with as start then smiles, "It seems that there are rumors of as group of Pathfinders here to release one of the prisoners and upset their long lasting tradition." A sarcastic tone of disgust hangs on the last word as she rolls her eyes.

Arfsnarf perks up at the sarcastic lady.

Oh? Sound like you okay to release all of these statues and party! You thinking what we thinking?

"Oh this is just foolishness. Things change! That's the way of the world. Thanks for your help!"

Sparkin weaves his way through the crowd up to the platform where the ringleaders are standing.

"Please calm down! You're getting everyone worked up." He puts on his most reassuring face.

"What seems to be the problem? I'm sure it is nothing we can't work out."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

"Or you could all f~*& right off before we have to slit some throats."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24 And not sure if it's relevant, but Arun does have the Group Coercion feat >:-)

Sparkin starts to move through the crowd and yells at the leaders, but his shouts are drowned out by the growing crowd.

Arun, tired of it all, moves toward the center of the square and with a booming voice yells at the uprising crowd. His voice cuts through the air like an arrow and the brings silence to the square rendering the leaders speechless. The rest of the Pathfinders follow Arun and the crowd quickly disperses.

Crit Success with Group Coercion Feat dispersed the crowd in one go. Well done.

As the crowd disperses a naga statue becomes visible just west of the square.

"Now, who has that potion? Let's just apply a healthy dose!"

Here, let me do it. Naga probably don't want to wake up to a bunch of longshanks that put it in this place! Stand back everyone...

The goblin applies the anti-petrify.

You walk up to the naga to see it's face petrified in fear. Arfsnarf applies the potion. The stone begins to crack and then meld back into the skin of the snake-like creature. As it slowly comes to life it gasps as if trying to finish screaming. Startled, it looks over the group of Pathfinders standing before it, "Wh-What is happening? Who -Who are you?" A moment of realization comes over its face, "The last I remember is the gorgon, then you."

You be here some time, frozen in stone like all of the others here on the street. Your friend Calisro Benarry asked us to come here and free you. And it wasn't easy! First we had to push through an upset crowd who want all statues to imprison gorgon victims forever!

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Nice roll Arun.

Jaladek raises his eyebrows in surprise as Arun screams at the crowd. He's even more surprised when everyone quickly leaves the area. A grin crosses his face.

"My word, Arun. You're quite the diplomat!

As Arfsnarf engages with the freed Naga, he looks over the square to keep an eye out for any further enraged locals.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Arfsnarf suddenly remembers to pull out his kazoo and clacky rock. He blows on it to give the familiar short hum, and then rolls the die.

Oooh. This look very fortunate. You gonna have successful conquesting life post-statue! Calisro be so happy for us freeing you!

"It's easy. You just have to mean it."

Several of the folks in the square watch the Pathfinders and the naga converse, but they keep their distance.

Arfsnarf greets the Naga and at the mention of Calisro, the naga's eyes light up. She stares curiously at the goblin as Arfsnarf gives a post-statue fortune. The naga thanks the Pathfinders and gifts them a pearl necklace.

The last is the Haunted House in the Precipice Quarter.

You may spend a couple hours to find out more about the haunted house and its previous owners.by gathering information (Diplomacy checks).

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Okay, Arfsnarf think a hip naga like you might lay low a while. Maybe stay with Calisro a while. Anyway, Pathfinders wish you well!

Arfsnarf again tries his luck with the locals, asking about the haunted house.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

He tries giving some fortunes, and as luck would have it enough passerby's find it more endearing than annoying... for short periods.

Sparkin and Arfsnarf ask around and not only get directions to Mavedarus Manor and find out that the previous owners were misguided Pharasmins storing the unquiet dead until they can be buried properly. It is set to be torn down in three days time.

Let me know if there's anything you'd like to do before moving on to the house.

Nope, nothing particular. I'm guessing this happens to quickly for a rest?

"We should investigate any concentrations of necromantic magic before the uilding is destroyed!"

On to the haunted house!

Nope, nothing particular. I'm guessing this happens to quickly for a rest?

That's up to you. The gather information took a couple hours. You can always at least take the time to Treat Wounds or purchase equipment. The haunted house isn't going anywhere for a couple days.

Arfsnarf Ah'sneeze wrote:

Nope, nothing particular. I'm guessing this happens to quickly for a rest?

That's up to you. The gather information took a couple hours. You can always at least take the time to Treat Wounds or purchase equipment. The haunted house isn't going anywhere for a couple days.

Arfsnarf isn't hurting too bad, so he could get by with a simple treat wounds. If others want to restore more spells/abilities, do speak up :)

Arfsnarf nods at Sparkin, but adds Yes, we shouldn't let it lie too long, but you think you got time to treat a goblin's wounds? Maybe some others?

Treat Wounds: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
"Sorry, my goblin friend. I can't make heads or tails of these bandages today!"

"Only a healthy companion can perform at peak ability. Get yourself mended up. Maybe we can visit a temple."

Fair enough. Don't blame me if we get funny looks for including a goblin. Surely there be temple along the way to haunted house...

The goblin muses, fully expecting to receive some sideways looks along the way.

"Well, once the little monster's all patched up let's go deal with this house of misguided fools."

As most buildings in the precipice quarter are still flooded or condemned from the earthquake 20 years ago, there aren't any temples in the areas you're traveling, you do run into a cleric of Abadar who offers to heal you up for 3 sp.

Sold!

Arfsnarf hands over the silver and bares his body for treatment.

The priest of Abadar gladly takes the coin and casts a heal spell on Arfsnarf healing the goblin.

The party makes their way to Mavedarus Manor.

This old home might have once commanded the respect and envy of its neighbors, 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.

Slides have been updated with the map of the manor.

"What a stench!" Sparkin wrinkles his nose. "Let's get to the bottom of the nature of this haunting."

Sparkin will go on to the porch, detect magic, and look around.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Arcana (If needed): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Haunting? Peoples probably just suspicious about rickety old mansion.

Arfsnarf offers condescendingly as he traipses forward towards the entrance.

Sparkin looks around, but doesn't see anything too exciting. There are doors entering the house on either side of the solarium or you can traipse through the broken glass in the solarium to the double doors.

The doors are marked in Green.

Arfsnarf traipses to the double doors, stopping only momentarily to check for traps.

That's a GM secret roll, right?

Anytime you want me to make a secret roll I can. Also if at any time you want to roll yourself you can do that as well.

Arfsnarf walks through the solarium, leaves and glass crunching beneath his boots. The goblin checks the door and doesn't notice anything out of the ordinary.

Where is everyone else?

Arun stalks forward at Arfsnarf's back, senses tuned to any strange goings on.

Searching

Sparkin is on the porch.

Grimm follows slowly behind Arun.

Arfsnarf turns to those following him and shrugs his little shoulders.

See? Probably fine.

He pushes on the double doors and enters.