Natula Icosagon Thako |
Ratesh holds his electrified blade toward the goblin prisoner.
Now for you, we were recently in an abandoned house that appeared to have been raided by your tribe, and some trinkets were taken off the walls with chickens left in their place. You're going to tell us about them and where they got off to...
Don't forget: +4 for being larger!
"Um? Do you know if he speaks the common tongue?"
If he does, Natula clinically describes what the goblin's insides might look like, were she to show them to him.
Intimidate (Influence; larger size): 1d20 + 11 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 11 + 4 = 26
GM Lamplighter |
The goblin fearfully eyes Ratesh's sword. "Yeah, yeah, Scorchfeathers leave birds in longshanks houses, all da time! But Gudbum don't get trickets, only big fancy URGLE get trinkets! He say because he ride bird, he get trinkets, or bird eat us! But hah, Urgle got zapped one time an' one time again, and fall down go boom! Hahaha..." the goblin laughs and glances around as he tells his humorous story, then suddenly remembers he's a prisoner and not among buddies.
"Urgle has trinkets, you take, all for you," he magnanimously finishes. "All for you. take. And then we be friends, you let Gudbum go, he go far away, no fight no more. Nice longshanks, nice Gudbum!"
Speaking of loot, aside from some fairly nice (for goblins) horsechoppers and short bows, you find a the vulture pilot has several intact potion bottles. Quick sniffs indicate a potion of barkskin and a potion of cure light wounds. He also has 2 vials of acid, 2 alchemist's fire, and a tanglefoot bag. Tucked into the saddle is what appears to be a long, burned stick with many scorched feathers tied to it. As you retrieve it, the outer coating of ash rubs off on your hand, revealing a solid wooden rod about an inch thick and inlaid with fine silver script.
Natula Icosagon Thako |
Tucked into the saddle is what appears to be a long, burned stick with many scorched feathers tied to it. As you retrieve it, the outer coating of ash rubs off on your hand, revealing a solid wooden rod about an inch thick and inlaid with fine silver script.
If no one else can, Natula can read this tomorrow. ;)
"Pleasure doing business with you."
Junko Kataribe |
I sure can't read Infernal!
Looking down at Gudbum with a very serious expression, Junko says "If we let you go, you had better keep your promise to be nice. I know a lot of dogs, and if I find out you lied, I'm going to tell all of them what a mean gobbo you are."
Ratesh |
Hey, I speak Infernal! (I figure this out after trying to figure out what a linguistics check might get me).
Ratesh takes the rod and looks it over, casting detect magic.
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13
I'd say it's definitely one of the things we were after, but it implies that commanding this rod gains you access to "True" power...
GM Lamplighter |
The rod is a hellfire rod, and its command word is a strange syllable in Infernal. It almost appears to be part of a longer word, and at first you are slightly unsure of the pronunciation.
(This unique item is on the Chronicle sheet.)
Aura faint conjuration; CL 9th
Slot none; Price 6,480 gp; Weight 5 lbs.
This black rod inlaid with silver Infernal script curves slightly, resembling an unstrung bow. Once per day, the wielder of a hellfire rod can speak the command word to create an arrow of burning fire. Treat this as a ranged touch attack identical to the acid arrow spell, except the damage is fire instead of acid.
After a brief rest, you return to meet with Venture-Captain Brackett in Elider. "It's confirmed... the Irricas' "savage angel" was a devil. An erinyes, by the sounds of it. Somehow, they got ahold of the creature's true name, and that's how they were able to stand up to House Thrune. Given the partial will you found, and in speaking to the lady in the portrait you recovered, the erinyes' true name is encoded in four objects left to family members. This rod's command word is one part of the name. But, it's not as easy as just collecting them items... of course." Brackett sighs and hands over several letters.
"According to the will I found, a strange locket was bequeathed to a distant cousin, a woman named Delara Adnen. She is a former Druman Blackjacket mercenary who lives in the town of Valten. You'll need to go there and obtain, or at least examine, the locket."
Brackett eyes you sternly before continuing. "Please refrain from more... questionable methods. The last thing the Pathfinders need is to annoy someone so well-connected."
"I've also learned that the family patriarch, Rutillo, didn't die at the manor house you investigated - he was killed bringing a convoy of supplies to the estate by a band of hobgoblins. Apparently, Rutillo always carried the Irricas' symbol of leadership, a cold iron mace. We think that's another item that carries part of the erinyes' true name. I think there's a fourth item, but I don't know what it is, yet."
"Isgeri historians interviewed survivors of Rutillo's caravan in the town of Umok. I was able to uncover information from Eagle Knight records that indicates the Eagle Knights scattered these hobgoblins but did not recover the family heirloom. If it wasn't recovered by the Eagle Knights, then the hobgoblins still have it. Start in Umok, see who you can find who interviewed the survivors, and track down the hobs. "
Brackett hands over the papers and research he's uncovered (which basically cover the info above). "There's one more thing. Per the family lineage described in the will, there is one Irrica whose fate is unaccounted for. They may still be alive. I shall be looking into this. So be careful."
So, you can go to Druma and try to find the locket, or to the gnome town of Umok on the north edge of the Chitterwood to try and track down the hobgoblins who ahve the mace.
Junko Kataribe |
"I'd like to go talk with this Delara person. It would be a nice change of pace for us to talk with someone without having to kill anything."
Ratesh |
Ugh, but gnomes are so,,, uncivilized and childish. I guess we might as well get it over with though.
Natula Icosagon Thako |
The rod is a hellfire rod, and its command word is a strange syllable in Infernal. It almost appears to be part of a longer word, and at first you are slightly unsure of the pronunciation.
(This unique item is on the Chronicle sheet.)
Natula licks her lips in anticipation.
After a brief rest, you return to meet with Venture-Captain Brackett in Elider. "It's confirmed... the Irricas' "savage angel" was a devil. An erinyes, by the sounds of it. Somehow, they got ahold of the creature's true name, and that's how they were able to stand up to House Thrune. Given the partial will you found, and in speaking to the lady in the portrait you recovered, the erinyes' true name is encoded in four objects left to family members. This rod's command word is one part of the name. But, it's not as easy as just collecting them items... of course." Brackett sighs and hands over several letters.
"According to the will I found, a strange locket was bequeathed to a distant cousin, a woman named Delara Adnen. She is a former Druman Blackjacket mercenary who lives in the town of Valten. You'll need to go there and obtain, or at least examine, the locket."
Brackett eyes you sternly before continuing. "Please refrain from more... questionable methods. The last thing the Pathfinders need is to annoy someone so well-connected."
"Gotcha." No witnesses.
Natula would prefer to go to whatever location is closest next to save on travel time. She adjusts her spells based on the destination.
GM Lamplighter |
The hellfire rod is also available for loan during the adventure - who knows, you may need it later on.
Also, taking some liberties to get you along... sorry for the delays again.
Your travels to Valten near the Druman border are without incident. Valten is a small but bustling town, and locating Delara’s estate is easy enough. Past the houses and shops clustered at the town’s center, a large mansion stands on a hill overlooking the river. A wrought-iron fence encircles the beautifully maintained grounds of the estate, its gate standing open and adorned by a family crest.
A knock on the door summons the butler, who asks your business before ushering you in to an elegantly-decorated parlor. You wait only a few minutes, admiring the Chelish artwork adorning the walls.
The door opens and a muscular, middle-aged woman with graying hair strides in. She regards you thoughtfully before speaking.
“Good day. I am Delara Adnen. My butler informs me you all wish to see me, though he neglected to give your names. Have a seat, and we can discuss your business.” She sits in a comfortable embroidered armchair, though you notice a few things that belay her noble appearance. She sits lightly, as if ready to spring up at a moment's notice, and she places herself near the door but facing it, with her back to the wall.
Junko Kataribe |
Junko smiles and bows before taking a seat in the closest chair. Once everyone is settled, she leans forward to introduce herself.
"Thank you for welcoming us into your home, Lady Adnen. My name is Junko Kataribe, and my companions and I are agents of the Pathfinder Society. We're searching for an item of some historical significance, and our investigation so far has led us to a locket we believe was bequeathed to you by a distant cousin of yours. We think it may contain a clue to the next step in our investigation, so we wished to ask you for the opportunity to examine it."
"If that is agreeable to you, you will have not only the thanks of myself, my companions, and the Society, but you'll have played an important role in improving our understanding of the Goblinblood Wars."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Natula Icosagon Thako |
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Natula remains quiet, arms folded, and frowning.
Spells geared toward stealthy investigation, and sudden, unavoidable destruction ready!
Kalas the Bat |
Kalas remains quiet as well, hanging from the inside of Natula's short cape.
stealth (diminutive): 1d20 + 2 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 2 + 12 = 32
Juxian Blakros |
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Juxian steps forward, pulling a flyer from his pack, "Juxian Blakros, of the Absalom Blakros. I cordially invite you to visit the Blakros Museum. It's entirely safe...usually."
GM Lamplighter |
Delara greets each of you, and motions to you to ahve a seat. She rings a bell for refreshments, and makes small talk until the food arrives. She seems interested in the Blakros Msueum, having heard of some of its more... unconventional exhibits.
A servant enters, and sets a cup of tea and a plate of confections in front of each PC before departing, after which Delara moves to the point of your meeting. "I always find business is best conducted on a full stomach, don't you?"
"Now, this locket. Interesting you should mention that. I've never understood why my cousin willed it to me, as we weren't especially close." She taps her finger thoughtfully on the chair. "And you believe it contains a clue to your investigation? What exactly are you investigating, might I ask?"
Natula Icosagon Thako |
Juxian steps forward, pulling a flyer from his pack, "Juxian Blakros, of the Absalom Blakros. I cordially invite you to visit the Blakros Museum. It's entirely safe...usually."
"And very 'interactive.'" Natula says with a smirk.
Ratesh |
In higher societies business is best done with food or drink in hand, at least when done cordially. I would normally bring a gift of some wine or delicacy for such an occasion, but I'm afraid you have caught me unprepared.
GM Lamplighter |
"Indeed, Ratesh, I completely agree. And yet, you came to visit me, and you still claim to be unprepared? If that is true, your investigation must involve some sense of urgency. Just what was my cousin involved in, I wonder, if her hand-me-down locket drives Pathfinders to such haste?"
Natula Icosagon Thako |
sense motive (alertness from Kalas): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Is Ratesh giving me the signal to kill all the witnesses, and burn the house to the ground?
Ratesh |
Sense Motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8
Ratesh is very intelligent, but very poor at reading people.
I did not expect to meet someone so cordial as to offer dinner. Most of our dealings with the Pathfinder Society rarely turn out to be diplomatic missions.
Konner Therinor |
sense: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
This visit wasn't really planned....I assure you, we would have brought a suitable gift if we had ample warning. I could use a snifter of Osirian wine...or a whiskey my brother told me about...name escapes me, though...
GM Lamplighter |
"Of course. And I see that you aren't interested in sharing any details of your investigation. Very well." She stands abruptly and rings the hand bell again. "Jabez will show you to the hall, where you can wait while I see if I can locate the item you've expressed interest in." She turns on her heel and marches out of the room, past the butler who slides out of her way in surprise.
As he motions you to the doorway, he whispers, "That didn't take look. Most folks at least get through the cookies without upsetting her..."
After a lengthy wait, Delara returns with a small box. "Here is the locket. Please try not to damage it." She hands it over to you and stands watching.
The locket is of silver, shaped like a heart and on a fine chain. It has a clasp which allows it to be opened, although the clasp is tarnished and doesn't look to have been opened anytime recently.
Junko Kataribe |
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
oof these rolls are brutal
Junko leans forward with an excited expression. "I believe it's a cache of legal documents, genealogical records, and things of that nature. As you probably know, many of those records were destroyed, lost, or looted by goblins during the fighting, and so we've got quite a gap in the historical record."
Bluff: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25
Junko Kataribe |
Crap, I took too long to post!
Ratesh |
Ratesh examines the locket, casting detect magic.
Is there any script or something on it I might be able to discern without opening it?
The locket itself is mundane, but I do sense a hint of necromancy on the inside. I suspect we'll have to open it to learn more, but perhaps we should take some... precautions?
GM Lamplighter |
Delara seems assuaged by Junko's admission of your mission, and visibly relaxes.
"Well, interesting as that may be, I can't add anything to the story. As I said, I wasn't close with my cousin. She died quite young, of a broken heart, after her fiance killed himself. Quite the scandal, frankly. He was a cousin on my mother's side, and coincidentally I inherited some of his effects as well. I sold them, though.There's something wrong about wearing jewelry from a man who took his own life."
Junko Kataribe |
Junko scratches her head, puzzled, and says to Ratesh, "Wouldn't hurt, though I don't think someone would go through all the trouble of putting a death curse into some jewelry and then willing it to a distant cousin. It could be magic to preserve something inside of the locket itself from degradation, though. What do you think, Natula?"
She listens to Delara politely, and responds, "I don't blame you, it's the sort of thing that could make anyone uncomfortable. Do you remember who you sold them to?"
Natula Icosagon Thako |
"Right." Natula stands and strides to the exit. It's either this, she thinks, or she's going to cast a fireball in the center of the room.
Junko Kataribe |
Junko frowns, but gestures for Ratesh to open the locket and see what they can see. To Delara, she says, "That's interesting. I might have to check in with them before we leave."
GM Lamplighter |
As you attempt to open the locket, the clasp seems to melt into the metal of the locket's edge, sealing tight. On the polished outer shell, you can see the apparent reflection of a ghostly young woman, dressed in a nightgown.
“Please, do not disturb my locket. It is precious to me, and I would like to keep the memories within to myself. Who are you, strangers? Have you come to bring me peace at last?”
In the silence that follows, Delara mutters, "Well, that's unexpected..."
Juxian Blakros |
Juxian frowns, "A lost spirit?" he says as he looks into the locket, "Hello spirit, I am Juxian Blakros, servant of Vildeis. Do you require assistance travelling to the boneyard?"
Junko Kataribe |
Junko takes an involuntary step back, muttering to herself about ghosts.
Natula Icosagon Thako |
Exasperated that another portion of their quarry might be getting away because of a lot nattering, and an insubstantial waif she probably can't even fireball properly, Natula stops and looks through the ghost at the locket before looking at the ghost herself.
knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22
"Why is it women never die in their day wear?" she growls.
GM Lamplighter |
The translucent girl weeps, and replies to Juxian's query. "I am Althea Irrica. My fiance died in the goblin attack on my uncle's caravan... "
Delara whispers, "Althea owned the locket. She was found dead in her room just after her finance's death... they say she killed herself in grief."
The spirit continues to address Juxian. "I believe I could move on, if I could just feel his presence one last time. Fetch my engagement ring, it should be with my other jewelry on the night stand. Touch it to the locket, and I should be released."
It seems clear that the spirit doesn't really know where it is, and assumes it is still in her original bedroom. Delara looks at you and mouths, "I sold it..."
Althea's spirit continues to weep, asking over and over for her engagement ring.
Delara takes Natula aside and speaks in a low voice. "I sold that ring and all the other Irrica jewelry to the caravan I told you of." She scribbles a few lines of text onto a notepad and etars the sheet off. "If you catch them, give them this. I've instructed the caravan master to give you the ring and to deduct it from the value of my account." She hands Nutala the note. "If you can make this right for my cousin, I'll be grateful."
She gives them a note that instructs the merchants to give the bearers the ring and deduct the ring’s value from her account.
Natula Icosagon Thako |
The translucent girl weeps, and replies to Juxian's query. "I am Althea Irrica. My fiance died in the goblin attack on my uncle's caravan... "
Delara whispers, "Althea owned the locket. She was found dead in her room just after her finance's death... they say she killed herself in grief."
Natula rolls her eyes as if to say like that's any sort of excuse.
Delara takes Natula aside and speaks in a low voice. "I sold that ring and all the other Irrica jewelry to the caravan I told you of." She scribbles a few lines of text onto a notepad and etars the sheet off. "If you catch them, give them this. I've instructed the caravan master to give you the ring and to deduct it from the value of my account." She hands Nutala the note. "If you can make this right for my cousin, I'll be grateful."
She gives them a note that instructs the merchants to give the bearers the ring and deduct the ring’s value from her account.
"Sure. Where did you last see this merchant caravan?"
Already more than a bit impatient, Natula takes the note, and the answer to her question, then spins on her heel to leave.
Natula can make a mount or two if there some significant distance, and a need for serious hurry.
Ratesh |
Well, I guess it's off to find this caravan. Here and I thought this would be a straight-forward mission...
GM Lamplighter |
"Yesterday, they were just starting to pack up at the square. They may not have left the city yet."
In the interest of time...
You find the caravan has left town, but manage to catch up to it only a half-dozen miles down the road. Four wagons are clustered next to the road, pulled off to the side so as not to impede traffic. Next to the wagons, several people mill about chatting, while a few armed guards keep an eye on passing travelers.
Juxian Blakros |
Juxian approches the caravan, Spots at his side, "Greetings! I am Juxian Blakros, of the Absalom Blakros'. I've been sent to reclaim a ring that was sold to you. I believe I have some paperwork about that somewhere, let me check..." Juxian says as he pulls out the note, "Ah, here we are." he says handing over the paperwork.
diplomacy if I need one: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23
Junko Kataribe |
Junko hurries up alongside Juxian, giving the sweetest smile she can muster.
Diplomacy to Aid Another: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Konner Therinor |
As the paperwork, shows, Lady Delara wishes her ring back. She sold it in error. It would mean a great deal to her to get it back. Perhaps even the good will of a person of her status. diplo aid: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
Juxian Blakros |
Juxian whispers to Konner, "Hell, I'd pay for the ring myself if they aren't amenable."
Natula Icosagon Thako |
Begins warming up fireball--you know--just in case. ;)
Ratesh |
Would it be a sense motive check to get some insight on how insane Natula is?
Junko Kataribe |
Can you call anyone who roams the world fighting monsters "sane"? :P