[PFS2] GM Steinkrug's The Sandstone Secret (Quest #1) (Inactive)

Game Master steinkrug

Open for dotting.

You have all recently arrived at Sandswept Hall, the Lodge in the nation of Osirion. You are waiting in the shaded gardens outside the Hall for Venture-Captain Norden Balentiir who will brief you on your mission.

Take this opportunity to introduce/describe your character. Also, please review the handout on page 2 of the slides.

A dark-haired elf traces a zig-zagging path through the garden, moving casually from one pool of deep shade to the next, as if taking great care to protect her pale complexion from the burning sun. If that is indeed her intention, it appears to be her only concession to the climate, for instead of the eminently practical loose tunic or robe in light colors favored by the locals, she is dressed in a form-fitting fencer's outfit of midnight blue, subtly ornamented with black embroidery in vaguely elvish patterns. A fine cloak of the same design falls just to the top of her boots, and her long, black hair is neatly tied back with matching blue ribbon. The observant may notice that the grip of the rapier sheathed at her side looks worn and dull, and the metal does not catch the light. Neither do the arrows in the quiver slung across her back rattle against each other as she moves, though the quiver is only half-full.

She grins at each of you, and performs a deep, florid bow, her cloak billowing out behind her with a snap like the sail of a ship unfurling.

"Well-met, colleagues. I am Lusinel. Lately 'of Absalom', though generally 'of wherever the job takes me'. Security Consultant is what it says on my card, but I'm not ashamed to be called Thief." She smirks. "Especially in the company of Pathfinders."

She glances at the door to the Lodge, which remains resolutely closed, as it is not yet the appointed time. Her voice goes up both in pitch, and in volume, taking on an affected noble accent. "While we await the arrival of our betters, and subsequent instruction, shall we not pass the time in pleasant conversation?" Lithely jumping on top of a nearby stone bench, she poses with one arm upraised and declaims, "Speak, my soon-to-be friends, of your worthy selves. What storied pasts bring you here, and what legends do you dream of becoming?"

Lusinel drops abruptly down to sit on the bench, and discarding all pretense, listens to your words intently.

The hunched half-orc watches Lusinel as if from a distance, though he is but several feet away. His ancestry is almost in question, as he wears an all-concealing red robe and mask. The mask, however, sports the ridges and massive tusks of his people, and looks to slide over the features in question, making it a hassle to don. The robe bears no symbols and has a sandblasted texture. From what little can be seen of his arms, he is well-muscled. Most of his gear lies in a bulging backpack at his side, save a staff over the other shoulder and a flute held like a deadly weapon.

"Kazikli," he rumbles in response to the elf's introduction. He makes no bow-adjacent moves and continues standing. He speaks again when Lusinel is done.

"Do you ask to deflect the same question from yourself? It matters not, I will answer. But it would behoove you to likewise do so." Kazikli's voice is louder than expected from behind the mask, but not confrontational. "My past is not storied. I come from the River Kingdoms. I was grudgingly raised by a human parent, but that was the extent of it. I learned nothing and could not progress. Confined and without direction, a connection formed, and I became part of something greater. I recall little more of it. I tossed the man aside and went out to improve myself."

"I have since walked my own path, travelling. In Belkzen and the Mwangi Expanse I learned more of both myself and the world - the worlds at large. I heard tell of the Society, and their efforts on the Plane of Air. Seeking to go there, I joined. However, by the time I had become a full-fledged Pathfinder, they no longer had any need to go. I must now make the most of my decisions."

A slight - for a dwarf - figure lies in the shadow of a tree, his head resting on the trunk, a crossbow cradled across his chest. He is wearing wide, white cloth over his leathers and on his head in the way the locals do, but doesn't seem comfortable in it yet. From the fair color of his face, it seems to be a necessity for him.
He seems to be dozing until Lusinel speaks up, then he cracks one eye open. He wrinkles his nose at her theatrics, but sits up. When Kazikli is done talking, he straightens a bit. "I'm Koruk. Served in Rolgrimmdur's army for a while, which is not exactly storied. I wanted to see more than just the few mountains and the same patrol paths. But then I guess we all want to see exciting places, why else join the Pathfinders, right?"

Approaching, with her hands out in a non-threatening manner, is a young, female half-orc. She wears a breastplate over standard explorers clothing. The greataxe is her most notable weapon, though a club and dagger are also visible. A backpack and bandolier round out the appearance of one who is ready to set out on an adventure or mission.

"Fellow Pathfinders, it seems we may be a part of the same team as I have been sent here to meet with Venture-Captain Balentiir. This is far from my old home in the Mindspin Mountains. What of you, are any of you familiar with this land?"

She pauses, as if listening to another voice, before adding, "Oh, I am Barb Ahalak. I only recently joined the Pathfinder Society, in fact this is my first mission."

The doors to Sandswept Hall open and Venture-Captain Norden Balentiir walks out and joins you in the shaded gardens. He reaches up to one of the date palms overhead, pulling down a bunch of ripe fruit which he places on a table within reach of all of you. He gestures for you to help yourself. “Our garden provides more than just shade from the sweltering sun. But, alas, my friends, I did not call you here to enjoy my garden. He takes a seat on a stone bench and crosses one leg over the other. A few months ago, I finally received confirmation that we would be able to execute one of the last excavation permits issued by the Osiriani government. The site is a desert location where the dunes have shifted, revealing the beginnings of a staircase leading down beneath the sands.

“The Osiriani government is protective of its cultural history, and with recent changes in their stance on allowing foreign archaeologists to work inside their borders, I wasn’t sure this permit would even stand. The bureaucracy was rather slow this time around, but it turns out we were approved before they stopped issuing permits. I’ve already secured your provisions, including camels, tents, food, water, tools to perform the excavation, and a map to the site. As you know, it may take many weeks to clear the site of debris. The desert can be unforgiving, so don’t hesitate to return here to rest as needed.

”The government has already sent guards to oversee the site and protect against any potential thieves. Remember--keeping up a good reputation in Osirion is vital to the Pathfinder Society’s continued presence here.” His voice raises ever so slightly as he adds, ”Don’t antagonist the guards.”

Balentiir waits a moment to see if there are any questions.

Also please decide, if you haven't already, what items you're requisitioning from your Pathfinder school.

Lusinel bows to the Venture-Captain in a businesslike manner. "That seems clear enough."

She eats a couple of dates while listening to anything the others have to say.

Ready to go whenever the party is.

"It is both a beautiful and functional garden. I thank you for your hospitality," Barb starts shyly. She then adds with a little more conviction, "What can you tell us of this site? Is there any knowledge or theories as to what or who is buried there? It is important we treat the dead with care and respect."

"It sounds as if we will glean the most knowledge on site. But why did the Osiriani cease issuing permits? A change in regime?"

Lusinel chokes on a date. After a bout of coughing, she says, "I suspect the unearthing of ancient powers that subsequently rained terror and destruction upon the land was sufficient to inform a change in that in that reckless policy. You must have seen the wreckage out there," she gestures vaguely towards the rest of the city of Sothis. "Might have been prevented, with the right precautions on the handling and storage of artifacts!"

Vigilant Seal, yo.

"Though... it would have been awfully interesting to see some of those flying pyramids in action," she mutters wistfully.

"What can you tell us of this site? Is there any knowledge or theories as to what or who is buried there? It is important we treat the dead with care and respect."

"Unfortunately, I can tell you very little. The sands only revealed the top portion of the staircase. What lies beyond remains a mystery."

Balentiir uncrosses and then recrosses his legs. "Yes, there were, um, several disasters relating to opened tombs. The Osiriani Government is honoring the permits that the Society already had, albeit with additional supervision. Hence my warning about irritating the guards at the site."

Balentiir will allow some more questions. And there's time to purchase any items you might want/need. You can decide when you want to travel through the desert to the site.

"Do you have any advice for us regarding the territory and terrain? Are there any special dangers we should be aware of?"

A dwarven woman has been nearby, listening to Norden. She sports a colorful skirt over tough leathers, and a sword hangs at her side.

"May we be favored by good luck and fortunes on this journey," she says as she fans a deck of tarot cards in her hand. "As a gesture of goodwill, I will offer these guards a deep discount on my readings."

Myra will take a scroll of summon fey and a healing potion.

Koruk puts a handful of dates in his mouth, then asks with his mouth still full, "How far to the site? And should we expect trouble on the way?" A few bits of date come flying out while Koruk speaks, but he just grabs a few more dates from the table, and happily stuffs them in his mouth.

"Do you have any advice for us regarding the territory and terrain? Are there any special dangers we should be aware of?"

Avoid the midday sun, travel near dawn and dusk. Stay hydrated. Do that, stick to the map, use common sense and you should be fine.

Koruk puts a handful of dates in his mouth, then asks with his mouth still full, "How far to the site? And should we expect trouble on the way?" A few bits of date come flying out while Koruk speaks, but he just grabs a few more dates from the table, and happily stuffs them in his mouth.

It is not very far. Close enough that you can return here to rest if necessary. The desert between here and the site is usually quiet. We haven't had any incidents so far. Be on your guard, of course, but there's nothing specific I can warn against.

What time of day is it?

It’s midday. So if you want to head out at dusk or dawn, we can fast-forward to then when no one has anything else they want to ask/do.

"Then all that remains is to uncover what lies there," Kazikli all but repeats himself. "Show us to the supplies, and we will be quick."

"Well team, leave this evening at dusk, or wait until dawn after a good night's sleep?"

"My dahlings, I say this. . . .there is no time like the present. Traveling in the cool of the evening seems a wise decision."

Lusinel grins at Myra. "My sentiments exactly."

"No use asking for advice on travel time and then not taking it, let's leave in the evening."

With the supplies provided by the venture-captain, your journey to the site is relatively uneventful. You arrive expecting to undertake the hard work of excavating the ruin entrance and are shocked to see that the task has already been done!

You can clearly see a staircase leading down into the ruin, protected from the sand by a canvas fence. Nearby, a guard sits under a tarp next to a hooded lantern, while two others sleep nearby. Several camels also doze, long necks stretched out on the sand.

As you get closer, the guard stands up. More Pathfinders? What, you waited until all the hard work was done? She points at the ruin entrance.

Picture of the guard added to slides.

"We are Pathfinders," Kazikli says in agreement, but his approximation of good humor ends there. "You may have to explain. We should be the only such team here, per the permits." He motions to whoever carries whatever legal documents they have as proof.

Diplomacy?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

At the guard's mention of other Pathfinders, Lusinel raises a quizzical eyebrow at her companions.

"We are indeed Pathfinders." She steps forward and bows. "Here is our documentation." She shows the guard any paperwork the Venture-Captain provided to the party.

She continues, nodding to Kazikli, "We were not expecting to find any of our comrades already here. When did they arrive?"

Barb looks around, "Given the state of things, it looks like they have been here a while. That seems mighty odd, perhaps another team was sent from a different lodge, though that seems unlikely."

Addressing the guard directly she continues, "My apologies, we are indeed Pathfinders and you caught us by surprise as we thought we would be the first such to arrive. What can you tell us of the others who are here?"

Then drawing a flask from her supplies she offers it to the officer, "May I offer you a little sekanjabin? It must be thirsty and hopefully boring work standing out here watching over a group of foreigners like us."

The guard smiles at Barb's offer of a drink, but declines politely and takes the papers from Lusinel. She looks them over, frowning slightly. Well, these look legit, she comments and hands them back.

She introduces herself as Elrekah. Yeah, I think they got here about a month ago, a team of people. Spent most of their time excavating that entrance there. Now that that's done, only the head Pathfinder is here, cataloging whatever's down there. She shrugs. Strange. But, you've got the correct documentation, so you're free to enter.

"And they also had permits and documentation? May we perhaps take a look at that so we can determine why there are two groups of us?"

Yeah, they had papers. But I just check 'em, I don't hang on to 'em. She points at the site entrance and shrugs. He's down there now, if you want to ask him.

Koruk listens to the whole exchange with mild interest, until Barb mentions the sekanjabin. His eyes take on a glow and he licks his lips."Yes, yes, let's ask that person. But first things first, Barb, could I get a drop of that sekaj- saken-...that drink you were offering?"

"There should be no disservice in learning the whole circumstances of this," Kazikli rumbles. With no idea what to expect, he clenches his fists.

"Elrekah, such a nice dahling, you really must let me read your fortunes later. Perhaps right now, we head down the steps and see what we can find out about this mysterious Pathfinder."

Barb, in response to Koruk, replies, "By all means. It is a delightfully refreshing drink made mostly from water, mint, and honey, I believe." She offers the flask around to any in the group who are interested. "Did you not collect some while at the lodge?" There may even be some in our supplies, I didn't look too closely. I just trusted the Venture-Captain."

Then, as the team readies to head down the stairs she asks, [b]"Does everyone who needs it have a light source? I have found through recent experience in training that not everyone can see equally. If we are headed underground it may be useful. I don't really know."[b] The last is added with a shrug.

Lusinel nods pleasantly to Elrekah,and begins examining the entranceway to the dig site with a purposeful professional air.

Perceiving for anything of interest around the entrance. GM, feel free to copy-paste BBcode in botting spoiler of her profile for secret skills checks.

That could be interesting, Elrekah replies to Myra and smiles. She extends an open palm toward the stairs leading down into the site as if to say "be my guest" and then returns to sit near her lantern.

Lusinel doesn't notice anything of interest around the entrance. There a 10' wide staircase leading down.

Assuming the party is heading down into the site. I'll post again in about 11-12 hours with the start of that.

Barb starts to head down the stairs. She is willing to take the lead though she doesn't seek it. Her natural tendency will place her toward the front of the group though.

Exploration mode activity: Search (Perception +6)

Kazikli brings his axe to bear (which I almost forgot to buy him) and trudges down the steps. He watches more for magical activity than physical threats.

Exploration Tactic: Detect Magic

You descend the wide, thick steps down. The opening in the sand is such that, were it daylight, some illumination would likely shine down. However, once you move out of what little light the guard's lantern sheds, there is darkness. Fortunately, darkness does not impede the vision of this party of adventurers.

The stairs end in a chamber roughly 40' x 40' with a ceiling you guess to be about 10' high. This room probably once made for a grand entryway, but several of the pillars have collapsed, ruining the effect somewhat. Statues around the edges of the room depict scarab beetles.

There's a wide passage ahead of you heading west as well as a more narrow one to the north. What will you do? Which way will you go?

I already have exploration activities from Barb and Kazikli. Thanks for that. What would the rest of you like to be doing? Activities.

Map has been added to slides. I placed tokens for you near the entrance. Feel free to establish a marching order, etc.

When it comes to deciding direction, I think we'll try going with majority rules to keep things moving along.

"Barb, you could have warned me that that's what that vile stuff was. They tried to give me some of that as well, but I sent them packing. I had hoped you had something more potent in your flask."

As the group descends the stairs, Koruk keeps to the back and readies his crossbow. As they enter the chamber he mostly ignores the depictions and goes to take a peek and listen at the exits.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Koruk will Scout.

Lande has been riding his camel hard to catch up to the group he missed, following the directions supplied by VC Balentiir. He sees the entrance, knowing that he has come late and prays that it is not too late.

With a quick prayer the key at his neck begins to glow with golden light. With his crossbow ready he proceeds quickly to catch up calling quietly. "I am a fellow Pathfinder I come in peace"

Hustle

Lusinel, about to head down the stairs, looks back at the dust-covered cleric, grins and waves. "Just in time, my friend. We wondered where you had gotten to."

Assuming that the Venture Captain told us to look out for our sixth party member.

She quickly fills him in on what they have learned so far.

Society(T): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
As they enter the large chamber, she remarks quietly, "In Osirion, scarab beetle iconography is commonplace in tombs and other places associated with death."

Activity: Currently searching. (Default: Avoid notice.)
Marching order: Lusinel will be in the middle.
Direction: Vote to go west.

Elrekah rises when she sees Lande come in on his camel. Don't tell me... another Pathfinder. When she sees Lusinel greet him, she add, He's with your group, then? She sits back down. Fine, fine...

You just made it Lande. I added a token for you to the map.

Barb greets Lande as he arrives, "Glad you made it. Take a moment to catch your breath. Here, have a swig of this," she adds as she holds out her flask of sekanjabin.

Barb looks around the entrance chamber. "Ah, scarab beetles, maybe they will bring me luck." Both her Shoanit Quah and her religion have ties to scarab beetles.

Society: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (20) + 0 = 20

Yes, yes Shakkah, I will tell them. Barb can be heard muttering apparently to herself. Then clearly addressing the group she states, "The scarab beetle is often associated with death and likely found in Osiriani tombs as it is elsewhere. We should proceed carefully as the dead must be honoured and treated with respect."

Lande - you hustled to catch up with us, what will your default exploration activity be now you have joined the party?
Just a reminder to everyone - many of the exploration and other rolls are secret rolls such as perception, stealth, etc.

Lande takes a swig from the offered flask he hands it back with a copper. "Thank you."

The dusty Talden man wears the garb of a simple caravan guard, with the exception of the glowing key around his neck and the well made crossbow with brass scales on the limbs.

He moves in crossbow at the ready.

Search

I’ve got a vote from Lusinel to head west. Will move the party in that direction soon unless there’s an objection. Of course, you can split up and go in separate directions ;D)

Search. Perception is +6 (should have my character information sorted out on my profile in a bit)

"Perhaps, dahlings, the road less traveled may favor us. Though the north corridor is narrow, I have a good feeling for that choice."

Myra continues to carefully look around as she speaks.

Barb shakes off the offer of payment. "Some people have some silly notions," she mumbles to herself as she accepts the return of the near-empty flask. "Maybe I should have brought more of this. I do hope there's some in the supplies they packed for us."

She then wanders over to each of the exits from the room and peers carefully ahead, listening as well.

+6 Perception

"Perhaps," Kazikli replies to Myra. "But we will be thorough. The best path is that which will not rain down unlucky shards upon us." He keeps panning his Detect Magic across the antechamber, until he and the others are satisfied with their respective searches.

"North I as good a direction as any, let's get moving and find that other Pathfinder, cause I have some questions for him about why he's stealing our excavation."

Koruk will keep to the back of the party.