PFS 2E 1-10 Tarnbreaker's Trail (Inactive)

Game Master Slothsy

Please dot and delete!

Venture-Captain Bjersig Torrsen settles into his chair by the warm fire. Couches and high-backed chairs are scattered by the fireplace as well, providing plenty of seating. The gnome Lirall sits with perfect posture next to the Venture-Captain, happy to serve as his interpreter for Pathfinder agents who don't understand sign language. Bjersig's service dog, Mahki, sniffs each agent in welcome.

"Welcome," Bjersig signs as everyone settles in. "I take it that your travels were as comfortable as possible?"

"Exquisite."

Nina curtsies and sits with equally perfect posture. There's a little bit of dirt and snow on the hem of her fine clothes, but she tries to pretend it doesn't annoy her.

A shaggy, white-haired elf with almost bat-like ears enters, nearly gasping when they see the Venture Captain's service puppy.

"Well they were definitely worth it now!" They exclaim, though unsure if they should give the working dog pets or not. "Not like I had to go very far anyways."

"Yes. Thank you," Chulyin says, keeping eye contact with the Venture-Captain.

His jaguar follows him out of the cold, ears flicking.

Lilic is a short, weak and wiry young man, not far from his 20's.
With cropped dark brown hair, deep-set black eyes, and his pockmarked russet-brown skin, filled with scars and black burn-lines, it seems as if his body has wasted away...

He wears the padded armor that knights use under their full plate, but his is filled with cuts and bloodstains.

"Greetings, Venture-Captain."

On his belt, a shortsword, a light mace, and a wayfinder engraved with the name Lilic and the Glyph of the Open Road.

"Yes, thank you, the travels went well."

Around his neck, a leather thong with a wooden symbol (a bow made of elk antlers with an arrow nocked) and a bone-signal whistle.

Lilic turns to those who seem to be his comrades in this adventure.

A couple bandoliers criss-cross his chest, one with healer's tools, the other with various picks, herbs and vials...

He bows deep to Nina Jaribu: "Greetings", while saluting Raine "Song" "Rainsong": "Well met.
I am Lilic."

He gives Chulyin the Spirit Talker a nod: "Good to see you, Chulyin."

Dr. Rip Fang nods "Yes, Despite problems in Absalom with license Rip Fang do great here in Linorm land. Thinking of moving here and opening new practice, maybe Tian. Not sure."

Eventually Dr. Rip Fang Muk Muk settles down, his lab coat almost humorously large for his wiry goblin frame

Savna, a dark-skinned gnome with vibrant red hair pulled back in in a ponytail that still seems like nothing short of a mane, sits down in the closest chair to the fireplace, pulling her light jacket tight around her.

"...I'm used to warmer climes, but yes, the trip went well. I appreciate the interpretation."

As the fire warms her armored body, Savna visibly relaxes, although she still occasionally rubs her fingertips along the flickmace at her side, tracing an inscription in Kelish to keep herself grounded.

The bitter cold air, the language barrier, even the difference in how the town was constructed. These all reminded her how far she'd come from Bug Harbor.

"I'm glad to hear it," the well-dressed half orc signs with a smile. "Thank you all for coming. I know that the cold can be a bit much for those from Absalom. I am very excited to have you all here for the upcoming event. I expect that you will find it an excellent test of your capabilities, and not one many Pathfinders will be able to boast of.”

Bjersig draws a small bundle of scrolls and a journal from his bag and lays them on the table, allowing the contents to unfurl and spread across the tabletop. “This handful of documents is all the information the Society has collected on the Balgirdtrek up to this point. I doubt it’s something you’ve heard of unless you’re from the area. It is an overland race some 200 miles long, from Frostgarten in Icemark to Kalsgard, just over the river. It is performed each year, honoring the deeds of Balgird Bluetongue when he slew a tarn linnorm centuries ago, but this year’s race promises to be quite unique.”

“As you may know, the Varki have been the source of quite the commotion among the Ulfen lately, largely in positive ways. Their ranger, Nankou, slew a linnorm some time ago and has been officially recognized as a linnorm king. A new linnorm king is always newsworthy, but a Varki linnorm king is unprecedented. In recognition of Nankou and his diplomatic efforts between the Ulfen and Varki peoples, the officials have decided that the Balgirdtrek will be held in reverse this year. The Varki have always bristled a bit at some of the ideas inherent in the Balgirdtrek. Ulfen have often discussed it as a race from the ‘savage wilderness’ back into the arms of civilization, not something that has promoted constructive relationships between the two. It’s good that the officials seem to have broadened their horizons.”

“What’s more, there are two new teams joining the race this year. First, Nankou has hand-picked a group of Varki to compete. This is the first time Varki have competed in the race and from what I’ve heard, the Ulfen participants are excited to see what they bring to the competition. If you haven’t guessed by now, you all are the second new team. I’ve managed to secure your entry with the approval of the race officials. You can thank me later.” Bjersig smiles broadly.

He stands and places a sealed envelope and a small purse on the table. “There you’ll find your entry letter accompanied by my letter of introduction for you. The purse contains a few coins to help you purchase some gear. Once the race is over, you’ll also be compensated by the Society for your efforts. Expect a hefty bonus if you actually manage to win! There is a sleigh carrying the other teams to the starting area. It will stop here in Iceferry to pick you up in an hour, don’t be late. To be allowed to compete is a great honor, so please remember that you represent the best qualities of the Pathfinder Society at all times. Take notes, learn whatever you can from the other teams. The Balgirdtrek is supposed to be a friendly competition after all. If you have any questions, make them quick, otherwise good luck to you all. I don’t expect you to win, but I hope you’ll at least make a good show of it.”

"How many teams will be competing in total?"

"Is it best we win... or help the Varki win somehow?"

"There are six teams in total, including you. You'll earn an additional stipend if you win. If you want to help out another team, be aware that harming other competitors is strictly forbidden. Of course, I expect you to be above such behavior. There are some that objected to our entrance to the race this year, though I'm not sure if there's any reason for it beyond misplaced pride." The Venture-Captain looks over the assembled team, sighing. "Please remember this is a competition, not a blood sport."

Dr. Ripfang nods and smiles.

"Pathfinder win race without harming other racers. Got it."

"Good to see you again, as well, Lilic," Chulyin says with a smile as he removes his fur cloak and lays it across the side of a bench. He listens carefully to the gnome as the Venture-Captain's signs are translated.

"This is fascinating. I reminds me of the Sargava Chalice, though neither I nor my parents ever participated. I am eager to test my skills against a climate closer to what my grandparents faced," he says with eager intensity. His jaguar looks less eager.

"I am inferring from the name of the race that this is a footrace. Am I correct?" he asks. "What gear do you recommend, and where are the best traders here?"

The already relatively pale Sakorian pales further at the chastisement against blood shed and comments quietly, "I should hope not. This sounds like an important diplomatic time for the Ulfen and Varki."

The jaguar wanders off to sit in front of the fire, staring at the flames while Chulyin begins to study the documents on the table.

Bjersig nods at Chulyin's observations. His brow furrows with concern."Yes, this is a delicate time. I'm glad you're aware of the greater issues..."

"Now for the rules of the Balgridtrek. The race is to be completed on foot. No using mounts, sled dogs, small dragons, or other creatures to complete the course. “You must complete the course within four days. If you’re any later than that, the officials will send out parties to retrieve you and you’ll be officially disqualified. Please do your best to avoid getting lost out there. Don’t do anything to injure your competitors, though this should of course go without saying. Don’t try to bypass any of the checkpoints, they are there not only for the trials but to make sure that you and your team are well enough to continue on."

"You’re welcome to advance as far as you can in a day, but the officials don’t want anyone traveling after dark. If you find yourself at a checkpoint near sunset, they may ask you to stay. I’d heed their advice. It’s easy enough for some of the more dangerous things that stalk the tundra to slip by the rangers patrolling the trails under the cover of darkness.”

Can Nina buy some cold weather clothes? She is unprepared.

You have time to purchase gear! It is 4 sp to purchase cold weather gear.

I'm glad you're aware of the greater issues...

"Yes, that is why I was asking if the Society would benefit more if the Varki won - or lost - and we should thus be better off doing something other than winning? But no, right?"

Lilic checks out the purse we were handed.
re. "The purse contains a few coins to help you purchase some gear."
How much money is there?
I thought that if there is enough we could purchase things for the group first:
• tent ; food ; water etc.
And then other personal things:
• cold weather clothes etc.

Hearing that The race is to be completed on foot, Lilic asks:
"So, no mounts, that is clear. But can we bring pack animals? Like a faithful animal companion, or dog, that carries some gear?"

Lilic looks at the others: "If we need to purchase gear, and you have no coin with you, I can pay for warm clothes and such."
(did not check the Guide but I imagine that PF2 is like PF1 where I cannot buy for others, but, if needed I can purchase several cold weather clothes and lend them out to those w/o cash)

The jaguar briefly turns his head over his shoulder to stare at Lilic for a moment before turning back to the fire.

"It is best for the Pathfinder Society if we win or make a good showing. Of course, as outsiders unaccustomed to the cold, you're expected to do as well as you can. If we're talking about greater political issues and Varki acceptance..." He shrugs. "I'm not sure that winning this race will be what tips the scales, but it won't hurt their acceptance. If you were to be caught deliberately throwing the race, it would probably backfire."

Bjersig nods. "It's really up to you. “The winner gains the honor of having competed and bested their opponents, a place at the head of the post-trek feast table, and a token from the officials. The token is particularly special. Most winners redeem their token with their king in place of land taxes for the year, but it entitles the winner to a number of things such as preferential rooms at inns across the Saga Lands and preferential treatment at Ulfen trading posts. It would be a nice thing for a Pathfinder agent to have, but our real goal here is to observe and document the Balgirdtrek.”

re. "The purse contains a few coins to help you purchase some gear."

How much money is there?
I thought that if there is enough we could purchase things for the group first:
• tent ; food ; water etc.
And then other personal things:
• cold weather clothes etc.

Lilic looks at the others: "If we need to purchase gear, and you have no coin with you, I can pay for warm clothes and such."
(did not check the Guide but I imagine that PF2 is like PF1 where I cannot buy for others, but, if needed I can purchase several cold weather clothes and lend them out to those w/o cash)

There's enough coins to buy typical nonmagical level 0 gear, so it would be enough to get cold weather clothes, tent, food, water, etc. Not enough for any magical gear.

And you're correct, you can't buy things for other people but you can loan out what you've bought.

"We will bring honor to the Society."

Nina has never worn so much clothing in her life. The coldest it gets in Mzali is chilly, and even then, she just has some servants light a fire for her.

"This is... better."

Savna admires the heavy coat and other such clothes she's acquired with Bjersig's coinage, feeling much warmer.

"...For our competitors, they are at home. I am far from mine, but that gives me all the more reason to pursue glory. I wish to make a name for the Society in these lands, and a good one at that."

Savna pauses for a moment, looking down at her clothes once more, and considering her past adventures.

"I was in... this area, once prior. Helped retrieve an ancestral item. Would it be advised to bring it along?"

Haven't done PbP 2e before, should we already have our boons slotted or is there a designated time for it?

If now is a good time, Savna will slot Grehunde's Gorget (Quest 3), Team Player (Scenario 1-03), and Sand Slide (Quest 1) in the normal slots, Verdant Wheel Champion in faction, and Promotional Vestments in the advanced slot. That's every boon she has, so if anyone else was gonna slot the Gorget but had other options, don't worry about it.

Also, this is probably a good time to mention that I have one GM glyph, so I can give out one hero point during the session.

Lilic listens intently...
"Thank you Venture-captain, so I will "simply" strive to not fail the race!"

Then Lilic will see about the group purchasing a couple tents, as well as food & water, and whatever is needed to light and kindle some fire, and see at night while we camp.
He will also get some nice furs, Cold Weather clothes, for this trip.
(using the granted coins, thus returning to the Lodge at the end of the race)

"We will go provision then, and meet the sleigh in one hour," Chulyin asserts. "Thank you for inviting us to participate in this opportunity."

He collects his cloak and summons the jaguar away from the flames.

The jaguar lays his ears flat against his head as he follows out into the cold.

I take it, then, that the purse covers the cost of appropriate provisions for the environment for the duration of the scenario.

Yes, the purse covers needed provisions. If you want specialty food, you're on your own ;)

Now is a good time to slot boons. If you have the boon from Quest #3 Grehunde's Gorget, it applies to this scenario. Only one person needs to slot it for the full benefit.

We have 15 challenge points, so low subtier (5-player adjustment with level bump to the adventure).

What boons are people slotting?

Nina and Rainsong, don't forgot to sign in on slide two here.

Dr. Ripfang uses a few coins from the bag to get himself a nice furry hat to keep himself warm. Buying cold weather gear and other appropriate supplies.

I will use my Glyph to give Nina Jaribu an extra Hero Point

Dr. Ripfang takes a moment to introduce his valet/assistant, a large hulking human with a supply of shovels and other sturdy tools "Oh ya, meet Bob, he doesn't talk much, but is surprisingly handy..."

Bob nods, looking more like a grave digger than a medical assistant.

Lilic peers at Bob.
Lilic looks a bit like a corpse.
Lilic hopes Bob will bury him after death...

"Welcome, Bob," he says with a smile.

Bob shrugs and readjusts his pack.

Nina curtsies to Bob.

Anyone can read my spoiler above. I'm just holding off commenting on it in-character until there's an in-character reason to.

"Hiya, other friends. Well met 'n stuff."
Raine scratches his scruff as he tries to keep track of everything the Venture Captain deals out. He shivers at the idea of being out in the cold again, but eh, it's part of the job he guesses.

Raine is definitely buying some cold weather gear, if that's okay. Gonna take it from the pot?

Also, feel free to read my spoiler as well, as Raine freely shares that information.

"Howdy Bob! Can't wait to work with ya."

Cold weather gear can definitely come from the purse you were given!

Not far from the lodge, two bright, open-topped sleighs wait along the side of the street, adorned with ribbons and cedar boughs. The driver of the second sleigh hops down, waving the group over. He instructs the team to move to the rear of the cart and assists with boarding. Inside, two groups sit, anxious for the sleighs to get moving. At the far end of the cart, several Ulfen rangers and a cleric glower, sighing before mumbling to one another. Closer to you, a team of four burly Uflen boast to each other.

"Ey, I can probably lift this whole sleigh," says one of the burly Ulfen, a woman with a short shaved haircut. "I bet you can't even lift one end."

The driver looks at her nervously, clearly trying to decide if he should interfere or now.

"The purpose of the sled is to lift YOU.
But if you want to carry us around, why not?!"

"As a competitor, I highly encourage the frivolous wasting of energy before the race begins."

Nina has four boys. She is unfazed by idiocy.

"I might be able to lift one end of the sleigh," Chulyin says to the boasting Ulfen with a friendly smile as he loads his tent and bedroll into the sleigh. "Am I right in guessing you to be the Bluetongue Brawlers? How many times have you made the Balgridtrek?"

The jaguar pads past the humans and hops into the sleigh.

Dr. Ripfang smiles and waves to the burly Ulfens "Hi, you teach Ripfing to lift maybe?"

"Of COURSE I'll teach you! We are the Bluetongue's Brawlers, heartiest team there around. So hearty, they made us wear pants this year." The woman shakes her head. "Last year, we finished the race with just our bodies. Not a single scrap of fabric."

The other woman from her team shouts from the sled, "Sigrun, get back in before they take off without you. And put those guns away before you get sent to Alkenstar!"

Sigrun lets out a hearty laugh as she pulls herself up into the sled.

Dr. Ripfang smiles and giggles "We learn later!" RDr. Ripfang scuttles back towards his Pathfinder allies and gets ready to board their sled.

Savna rushes onto the sleigh, having been lost in thought for a few minutes.

"I may be small, but I admire a show of strength... when needed, of course. My name is Savna, and I look forward to the race if this is what we can expect."

"It can be if you hang out with Bluetongue's Brawlers!" one of the men responds. "Last year's winners - and it only cost Jori two toes!"

The driver purses his lips and says, "Alright, get on with it. We've got to leave now."

The sleigh is comfortable and it's a relatively short ride to Kalsgard. As the teams arrive, the gathered crowd bursts into cheers and applause. As each team disembarks, the driver of their sleigh introduces them to the crowd. Before you are the Fangs of the Remorhaz, the Varki team of twin hunters, a druid, and a ranger; Two Houses, a team made of two Ulfen couples celebrating their anniversaries; the Wyrding Wayfinders, an aging champion accompanied by her two squires and a skald; Without Trace or Fail, the dour Ulfens who shared the team's sleigh; and Bluetongue's Brawlers, the hearty, friendly crew that were last year's winners. The driver reminds the crowd that Bluetongue's Brawlers were both last year's winners and required by the race to wear clothing this, following last year's cases of frostbite caused by completing the first day in the nude.

As the Pathfinder team is ushered toward the crowd, the driver looks over and whispers, "What is your team name? If you don' have one, maybe you can be Second-To-Last?"

"We are the Sleighers!"

"The Pathfinder Society?"

"...My vote would go to us being Far From Home, but the Pathfinders sounds simply charming too."

"There is a simplicity, humbleness, and earnestness with the Pathfinder Society or even Pathfinders," Chulyin says in response to Nina's suggestion. "It may lack flash or creativity, some might argue, but it directs credit for what we achieve to our Society and may increase its notoriety here, which is the point of participating. In addition to experiencing this cultural event first hand."

"Why such a bloodthirsty suggestion?" he quietly asks Lilic while the rest give their opinions, since homonyms are homonyms.

"Because we are on sleighs!"