[Gameday VIII - PFS CORE] GM nightdeath 10-18 Daughter's Due (CORE) (Inactive)

Game Master nightdeath

Wherever you find yourself to be, each of you receives a missive stating the following:

You are hereby summoned to the Grand Lodge at Absalom for a meeting by the end of the week. You are to drop whatever you are doing and proceed ASAP.

Signed,
Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin

When the last of you reach the Lodge, you are all summoned to a briefing room. There's a table set with bread, cheese, and wine while you wait...

An elderly scholar, or really should know better pokes his elegant nose through the doorway.

"Is this about my submission to the chronicles? I do think it deserves the cover..."

Lasaraleen sets down her prayer book at the Temple of the Dawnflower as she receives a message. She opens the note and reads it to herself.

Oh my, another so soon? The Abbot will never forgive me for being absent so often.

She gathers her belongings and rushes out of the temple.

***

Arriving at the Grand Lodge at Absalom, she smiles as she sees Khellek.

Well, hello ol..I mean stately friend Khellek. How have you been keeping yourself?
It seems like ages since those trips in the frozen north. I never much liked the cold.
I wonder if any of the others will be joining. It could be just like old times.

The red-headed and armored priestess refrains from her urge to hug the elderly historian for fear of crushing him.

Polanco was in fact already at the Grand Lodge in Absalom. Fixing the damage from yet ANOTHER attack on it, this time by a black dragon and a bunch a damnable goblins.

He was teaching student valuable lessons on how to smash goblin heads in like a proper dwarf and about Dragons and magical beasts and how best to counter them.

And he of course did so with an everful growler of booze, this one Black Dragon Porter. He made a note that Ambrus probably did NOT want him to drop the growler, so he merely put a cork in it and wandered over to Ambrus's office where he encountered a fellow cleric and a scholar - the people who do all the real work around here!

Ay there lady and gentleman, it's me your good friend, the adjunct professor Polanco Goldhammer.

Polanco was every bit the eclectic world traveling pathfinder in terms of clothing. Qadiran curl-tipped booys and the sort of tan you can only acquire deep in the Mwangi (and a Mwangi weapon, the terbutje on his back).

"Actually I've just come back from Kellid lands again." admits the elderly scholar.[/b]" to Lasaraleen. He looks both very pleased with himself, while at the same time... uncertain about something.

As Polanco comes in, the scholar leans forward and squints. "Profession Polanco?" He scratches his head. "Didn't I read recently about you meeting up with the Ruby Phoenix herself?"

Polanco about shudders when Khellek mentions the Ruby Phoenix.

Aye, I met up with that bonnie lass but I tell ya that Plane o' Law is a real piece of business. I made an impression on dem people and got her sprung loose for her crimes against 'umanity on the off chance she could safe some of those poor tapestryfolk. Nasty business and hard decisions. If it was up to me, I'd a' seen that woman hang for all she did kidnapping people all that time ago but well...we needed her.

Polanco pops open his growler and takes a stiff drink Hopefully this business will be more straightforward. Dragons and Demons and the like instead of nasty politickin. And hey Khellek if you want a lesson on the fine points of the properties of Black Dragons and practical dungeoneering, Id be proud to give a refresher!

The little gnome happily traipses into the briefing room, grabbing a dainty hunk of cheese and bread. ”Hi everyone! Looks like most of you know each other already. I’m Doodle. I’m sure we will have all sorts of fun, and hopefully our assignment is less taxing than my last. I’m not supposed to say much about it, it it was awful! I’m sure this one will better, though.”

Doodle had bright blue hair and was not wearing any visible armor. Her skin was white in patches, and almost had a slightly scaly appearance.

"Not supposed to talk about it?" Huffs Khellek.

"What is the second tenet of our whole organisation? Report!" he sighs, tut tutting to himself about the 'younger generation'.

To Polanco the scholar nods, before taking out a note pad. "Tell me about Axis.. I've read a bit, but not had the chance to interview anyone who had been there first hand. I'm thinking of writing a new thesis you see..."

When he got the note, supposedly from Ambrus Valsin, Doubtful assume it was a trap of some sort. The Gauntlet had taught some lessons there.

Still, if he didn't get jumped there, they'd just jump him somewhere else... so might as well get it over with.

Eventually, he stomps his way into the room where this 'meeting' was to take place, ready for the worst.

All that greeted him were a number of people gathered, and a table covered in food... probably poisoned.

He scowled at all of it, sure something wasn't right, but unable to put a calloused finger on it. Instead, he found a convenient corner to stand in, and did just that, his arms folded over his chest, waiting for whatever shoe fell next.

To the rest, apart from appearing overly dour, he is dressed in simple worn work clothes, with steel toed boots and well-worn pack that he drops to the floor beside him. He does not appear to have any weapons or armor, but the obvious compact muscular bulk hints more towards a fighter than a scholar.

He doesn't bother to introduce himself.

A lean, weathered half-elf, leaning heavily upon a darkwood staff, one end of which is burning with a heatless flame, strides into the room.

He nods to those gathered, recognising essentially all of them.

"Hello again. I recently passed through the Gauntlet, and have been recognised by the Order as a worthy addition to their ranks."

So saying, he points to a blue green gem, set into the golden gorget that he wears.

"I am now known as the Grandidierite Sage."

”Oh and hey Doodle! How have you been? It is so good to see you.“ Lasaraleen waves to her friend.

”Hi Lasa! It’s good to see you again. Anything interesting? Any cool new missions? I’m still not quite over the last one we were on together. That one was a doozy, you know!”

Well, I guess we will soon hear what this next mission is all about. But I feel really good about our team. So by the Dawn, we should be fine.

Khellek looks around the assembling team, nodding at Lasaraleen's assessment.

"I agree. I have read chronicles that many of you have contributed to. Actually I may have a couple of questions while we wait..." says the elderly scholar, taking out a pen as he does so.

Venture-Captain Drandle Dreng as is his wont has a simple message delivered to you with directions to the Blakros Museum. When you arrive, a clerk attends to you and directs your group to a private office space where Hamaria Blakros and Nigel Aldain wait.

Hamaria Blakros, matriarch and head of the Blakros family, gently rests the tips of her fingers on the wooden desk in front of her, the sound like the firing of a crossbow bolt in the silence.

“Ah good, you’ve finally arrived. I see the Pathfinder Society remains eager to continue our ongoing association, and while I dearly wish this were a matter of import, I’m afraid this request borders on the... pedantic.”

Nigel Aldain, the elven curator standing at Hamaria’s side, twinges at the matriarch’s comment. He gives a weak smile and a brief nod before seeing himself out of the office.

Hamaria motions for a clerk on the other side of the entryway to close the private office door.

“Pedantic, but important. You see, over the past few years, it has come to my attention that several important items have gone missing from our exhibits. Nigel believes that most of these disappearances are the result of Pathfinders, specifically the destructive means agents like yourselves tend to employ when working within the museum. While Nigel has cited recent actions involving Ralzeros or, as he puts it, the ‘so-called defense of our Shining Crusade exhibits from the northerners,’ I find it hard to believe that a conjured fireball could destroy magical relics that have withstood centuries or millennia of much worse battering. I’ve also heard rumors that these objects may have found their way into the hands of enemies.”

Hamaria gingerly walks her fingers toward a slip of parchment on the desk, pinning it in place with her two forefingers before sliding it across the table.
“This is a list of items that Nigel recently catalogued as missing. I’d like for you to investigate these items and see what you can find within our records here. Our clerks can help you in whatever way you need, as should Nigel, though you may find it difficult to convince him.”

”Well, let’s take them in order then. Can you tell us anything other than the note about the Blade? Anyone really fancied it over the years?”

Khellek examines the list and ponders the items on it, wondering if he can recall anything that might connect them together.

Take ten on history for 33

"Perhaps if we might see where these items vanished from it would be helpful?" he suggests.

”I find it strangely fascinating that the Society would be selected to investigate the missing items if other Pathfinders are even remotely suspected. We thank you for the chance to clear our name. “

"Bloody inventory?" Doubtful mutters. "Figures."

Handout #2 on slide 3 for inventory list.
My mistake on the Venture captain, it should be Venture Captain Ambrus Valsin and not Drandle Dreng.

Khellek remembers reading on chronicles published by other pathfinders on the listed items but all descriptions were vague and it's highly likely that he would gain more insight should he ask the specific pathfinders involved back at the grand lodge.

"I would want your investigations to be conducted without any input or opinion from myself until your final report. I do not want such a report to have any tint of bias in it." she explains disinterestedly.
"You may take the list and begin." she says in a manner indicating of dismissal.

Lasaraleen nods in agreement at Doubtful and Khellek's recommendations.

Starting where the items were last seen always makes sense.

Numair raises an eyebrow.

"Doubtful? Uncovering the truth about history is never a waste of time..."

"I am curious about the family member who died of asphyxiation. Do you beleive that was related to the blade itself, or other extenuating circumstances?" asks the scholar as he notes the various items.

"That one at the least looks to have been removed from the museum by a member of the family... so perhaps is the lowest priority. Do you know which pathfinder secured it after the untimely death of your family member?" he asks.

Going down to the next item he sighs. "I think I recall those wax golems. Were they not part of the defences that went awry when the blade shard was recovered by its rightful owner?" he prompts.

Looking further down the list he next taps the headdress. "In one of my early missions I recall one of your Osiriani exhibits trying to take my head off. Not the Cerulean Pharaoh though. A scarab seer if I recall correctly." With a shake of his head he adds "Though if it really was turned to dust, there will be little to see of it."

Lastly comes the fourth item. "Here at least we have something that we could look at. Let us proceed to portrait stall 12 and see if we can discover anything. Then maybe a search of the Grand Lodge of those who were on the earlier missions may prove fruitful."

Outside the Door, Nigel stands waiting.

"I'm truly grateful for the efforts put in by the Pathfinder Society to maintain the alliance between the Blakos Family and Society. I'm aware that Venture Captain Ambrus Valsin must be more then a little irritated at having to send agents each time the museum has complications. Do relay my thanks to him, pathfinders." He nods to Khellek, Lasaraleen and Numair.

"You have my thanks for your considerable efforts in keeping the alliance stable and the museum standing. I shall not hold you back anymore. Good luck in your investigations." he turns swiftly and walks away. One might guess he doesn't want to be caught speaking to all of you by a certain matriarch..............

Where too first? First two players to indicate a location will be it.

Doodle suggested searching for the blade in her last post. I see no reason to change that. Kellek suggested the last item, so I think we just need a tie breaker and we can be on with it!

"I'm in favour of the painting as we are currently in the museum, so it seems like a good idea to at least see where it was while we are here, and the other exhibits if possible. My recommendation is that after that we return to the Grand Lodge to seek out those who were involved with each of these missions to determine if they have any further information."

Doubtful merely scowls. "Doesn't matter which we pick... they're probably all cursed regardless."

His fatalistic approach to life means being picky is moot! =)

He glances at Khellek, and shakes his head. "Those ones are probably half way across the world by now, on some other mission."

Quite the puzzle. Well, I say split the difference and let's investigate stall 12 before any evidence is cleared of the missing painting. Then we can loop back to the top of the list as Doodle suggested. I am not sure we are yet ready to leave the museum for the Grand Lodge or the Inn without a bit more useful information.

Lasaraleen is checking the museum directory for the painting room.

The party heads towards the room where the painting was last seen.

The painting, which depicts a village in Tian Xia, has yet to be replaced.
The still unrepaired stall bears several acid marks.

Checks required:
Investigating the stall, Craft (Alchemy) or spellcraft. Perception.
Speaking with staff, Sense Motive. Diplomacy/Bluff/Intimidate.
Your investigations are conducted in the museum itself for the items listed.

Khellek takes off his glasses to clean then, and then peers into the stall, noting the signs of acid use. With a sigh he looks around for a nearby staff member.

"Excuse me. Could you tell me when the painting that was here was taken down? I've heard some excellent things about it, but... it is missing. Having come back from Tian Xia only a few months ago, I was hoping to have fond memories refreshed. "

diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11 Happy to aid if someone else wants to lead. Given I'm the lowest level here for non knowledge skills I'm likely not the best placed in the group, but the limitations of PBP means I'm keen to get a post in when I can.

Doubtful looks around for anything of note, not expecting to find much... unless the perpetrator left behind a booby trap of some sort. He was sure they'd find that.

Perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (20) + 16 = 36

Polanco sighs Well, I cannae blame ya for being skeptical. Seemingly nothing ever goes right in this place. Still I'm a hard working sort of guy who minds his paperwork and so I guess don't mind minding yers.

Polanco stares really hard at the painting doing his best to contribute to the team, but he's not so good with talking to small folk, so he looks for any helpful or unusual details.

Not gonna bother rolling since doubtful likely obliterated the DC

Lasaraleen will follow Khellek as he chases down the staff for questioning. She taps herself with a touch of glory before finding them.

Yes, we are here to inspect the artifacts and any information you have could be extremely helpful in solving this issue for the Museum.

diplomacy,glory: 1d20 + 13 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 13 + 9 = 28 +2 assist from Khellek?

Doubtful lives up to his namesake as he notices that the acid marks are dubious at best as they seemed to be applied after the painting was removed and a rather haphazard job at that. Polanco does so as well after some time.

Meanwhile Lasaraleen and Khellek manages to get hold of the museum staff..
A staff: "Oh? That painting? I remember that it was a painting that unnerved many of the attendees and staff alike and that no one liked it."

"Looks more like an third party that's trying to blame this one on us." Doubtful mutters, as he traces the lines of acid in the wall.

"Figures."

Is any of the painting still around?

Thank you. You are being most helpful and I will put in a good word for you.
Interesting, what was it about the painting that no one liked? For it to be missing, either someone like totally did not like it, or had reasons to like something about it enough to take it. Lasaraleen ponders out loud, looking at the servant.

No sign of the painting at all.
A sense Motive from those speaking to the staff would be useful.

Doubtful keeps an eye on the staff as the others talk to them, sure that one, or more, or all of them, are up to no good.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

Doodle prepared to analyze any magic in the area, but the dwarf beat her to the punch.

Khellek eyes up the staff member speaking, giving him a bit of a Look(tm) that he normally reserves for students who claim that "a goblin hate my gnomework."
sense motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

"Tell us more about who didn't like the painting.."

"There are others who doesn't like the painting. It creeps us out and other visitors ermm too." the staff responds nervously under the combined looks of both Doubtful and Khellek.

It is clear that there's something the staff isn't revealing and your questions clearly makes this one uncomfortable.

"Perhaps you could tell us more about... who exactly didn't like the painting?" Suggests Khellek.

"I mean, if it was causing problems, there may be... legitimate ways to protect staff and ...visitors.. from it. " he adds.

"Certainly if we found it had been ... misplaced somewhere, we might be able to get it relocated to somewhere that it didn't cause problems... without anyone getting into trouble."

Numair smiles tolerantly.

"I can't help but get the feeling that there is something you are not telling us... you know, confession really does relieve a guilty conscience; why don't you tell us what is bothering you so much...?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (20) + 21 = 41.

Happy to auto aid diplomacy to make that even better!

Once Numair weighs in on the conversation, the staff breaks down and confesses...

"We were so terrified of this ominous painting that we worked to ensure the entire affair looked like the painting was destroyed in an accidental acid attack, for fear of the museum looking for and recovering the painting. Any looked at it rarely managed to walk away from the exhibit without shivering in fear much less us staff who had to watch over it."

This case is solved! Good job. Excellent Diplomacy Roll there! Blew the DC away...
Where too next?

Just dreadful. Unfortunately, that is not going to look good on your job performance review. But where is the painting now? Or did you really destroy it? Lasaraleen looks puzzled and would return the painting to the museum if it can be recovered.

We can report our findings to Nigel and then move to the top of the list.

Just dreadful. Unfortunately, that is not going to look good on your job performance review. But where is the painting now? Or did you really destroy it? Lasaraleen looks puzzled and would return the painting to the museum if it can be recovered.

We can report our findings to Nigel and then move to the top of the list.

"It's not here. At least I don't know where it is." the staff admits.

"Investigate first, report later." Doubtful growls, at Lasaraleen's comment. "Wouldn't surprise me if he was in on all the disappearances too."

Not to mention, Nigel seemed nervous about getting caught talking to us... if we start reporting back each time, it just increases the chances of that happening! =)

He glances at the signs on the walls, then starts heading towards the next closest exhibit in question.

Shrug, any work... lets go for the Headdress (#3)... reverse order! Curses!

Doodle agrees with the monk. ”I’d like to find that headdress now that you mention it....it might be really pretty.”

"And really cursed." Doubtful adds, with a scowl, as he heads that way.