DM Khel's Questapalooza (Inactive)

Game Master Khelreddin

An older Varisian man wearing leather armor and a ratty black cloak, looking more like he could be a distant cousin to the Sczarni man, speaks up. "I'm more used to moving merchandise and artifacts pasts lazy guards, because that's what a smart person does. But I get the gist."

Realizing that he doesn't know any of the Pathfinders, he says, "I'm Zandu. Consider me your eyes and ears for this little excursion. This is familiar work for me, which is I guess why I'm here."

"I think we might need an advance on the job, Karela. Palms might need greasing."

"Hmmph."

"Karsus", the half-orc adds following Zandu's introduction.

A lanky, bald half-elf with the bronzed skin of an Osiriani, is pleased to see his friends Farzin, Filbert, and Rax again, despite his dismay at heading north again. How is the Society perceived in Xin-Edasseril? Hampton asks. Will we need to go in cognito, as the ancient Taldans might say?

"I don't know what that means, but I can tell you that a disguise probably isn't a bad idea."

Looking at the note, Farzin says, ”Flitch is Frallino’s son, but who is Frallino?”

Filbert wipes his nose on the back of his hand and shakes his head, a look of mild concern on his face. I'm supposed to remember this entire list? That won't do. That won't do at all...

After a moment, he reaches up with the same hand and runs it across his salt-and-pepper stubble, letting out a long breath as he ponders the situation.

Karsus and Farzin both recall that Edasseril is the western kingdom of the nation of New Thassilon, which was founded by the two surviving runelords of ancient Thassilon. Edasseril is the domain of Belimarius, the Runelord of Envy. Xin-Edasseril, the nation’s capital, is located on Peridot Isle. Filbert happens to have studied a bit more on the matter, and is able to add that Xin-Edasseril was trapped outside of time within a massive crystalline sphere, as the result of Belimarius’ efforts to avoid the catastrophe of Earthfall. Many of the city’s residents, particularly the city’s guards and functionaries, are too proud to acknowledge how out of touch they are with the modern world.

Filbert gains a +1 circumstance bonus on Deception checks to Lie about where they’re from or Impersonate a citizen of another country in the Inner Sea when dealing with Xin-Edasseril’s guards and functionaries.

Farzin has heard a similar story, though it was as much about the runelord as the city. Belimarius became the tenth and final Runelord of Envy upon the murder of her predecessor. Over five thousand years ago, Belimarius ruled the Thassilonian realm of Edasseril, a nation of bitter rivalries, byzantine bureaucracy, and enslaved giants, until shortly before Earthfall. As the result of Belimarius’ efforts to avoid the catastrophe, the ancient city of Xin- Edasseril became trapped outside of time, allowing the runelord and her citizens to survive the worldwide calamity known as Earthfall.

With their questions answered and preparations made (if you’d like to purchase anything, you can do it through the quartermaster on the ship before you go), the Pathfinders are taken by launch to land. Xin-Edasseril is a city of gleaming architecture and beautiful vistas, although its skyline still bears scars from the events that brought it into the present day. Most of its structures stand as grand displays of the wealth and power of ancient Thassilon. Public construction projects dot the city, slowly erasing damage caused by its shift through time.

The party arrives at the city docks without incident. Upon disembarking, they are immediately met by two Emerald Guards, members of the city watch, demanding to examine their travel papers. Each guard is clearly well armed and well-trained, with gleaming magical weapons, armor, and equipment.

The guards demand to see each of the PCs’ papers. After a few minutes scrutinizing each of the party members’ travel documents, the guard sternly informs them that a curfew is in effect for outsiders, permitting them to be outside for an 8-hour period during the day; they must remain indoors at all other times. They point out that the papers expire in five days, and state that weapons must be kept stowed at all times while in the city. After listing these restrictions, the guards allow the party to pass.

You can make spoilered Diplomacy (Gather Information) or Society, Thassilon Lore, or Underworld Lore (Recall Knowledge) checks to learn a bit about the Emerald Guard.

With their papers in order, the Pathfinders are relatively free to travel within the city. Xin-Edasseril is bustling with activity yet operates under the weight of oppression. Runelord Belimarius employs both uniformed watch and hidden spies who act as secret police. Most residents avoid making direct eye contact with strangers and give wide berth to patrolling guards.

Which of the names on the list would you like to investigate first? Remember, you have a limited number of days, and there is a curfew in effect which limits your time outside doing things. For ease of tracking, assume that travel from any one location in area A to another takes 2 hours due to the city’s crowded, narrow streets, periodic checkpoints, and trouble spots.

"I am certainly curious about the libations and food here, but I suggest we go straight away after Themolin since 'He’s paying more than all the other clients combined.' HAHAHA" Rax is pleased with his impression of Guaril, though it really wasn't any good.

With Papayo keenly watching from his shoulder, Farzin thanks the guards for being so speedy and efficient. Of course he understands there is a curfew. Of course his papers are only good for five days. And, yes, of course he’ll keep his weapon stowed, he barely knows how to use it it. It’s more for ornamentation really. What a beautiful city, and so prosperous.

Once out of earshot, his smile slightly drops as he says under his breath, ”Let’s get these people out of here.”

”I like the way you’re thinking Rax.”

Like Farzin, Hampton puts on a good face for the checkpoint guards. I'm a hunter, but don't anticipate doing any hunting while here in Xin-Edasseril, unless it's for a drink or meal or both, hahaha. He remains gregarious when the guards don't laugh -- or even twitch -- at his attempt at a joke, greeting it with silence and handing his papers back without so much as a word.

Nice guy, Hampton says quietly once he's beyond the checkpoint. I think I saw his face on a bottle of hemlock extract.

He lends a hand looking for Themolin.

Karsus makes no attempt at niceties with the fascist guards. He hands his papers over for inspection silently and moves on once cleared.

"With limited time, we should consider splitting up to cover more ground", the half-orc suggests. "Yes, I know that violates formal Society training", he growls as an afterthought. "But these are extreme circumstances and I would prefer not to have to leave someone behind."

"Quietly, now," Zandu warns, not comfortable with how far out of earshot they are from the guards.

To Karsus he says, "I'd agree with you if we were pressed for time, but right now we're not. And I like the idea of starting with Themolin because I don't trust him. I don't trust any of them, really. In a place like this, you can bet that one of them is a spy. And when someone comfortably splashes coin about like a wet hooker in the Eye of Abendego then... I trust them least of all. Either way, one of them is gonna lead to a fight, and strength in numbers will be key. I suggest that we take it day by day. If we strike out today, then splitting up might be necessary."

Karsus nods slightly, a rare sign of deferral. "I trust your expertise. We travel as one for now."

To Themolin!

It takes a couple of hours of effort, but Farzin and Hampton both find people who tell them a bit about the Emerald Guard, the city guard of Xin- Edasseril. Highly trained and capable, they maintain a presence throughout the city. However, graft and corruption are rampant among the organization. Zandu meets a shady fellow in an alley who corroborates this information. Karsus further learns that newcomers to the Emerald Guard are beaten savagely during the recruitment process.

With this information collected, the incognito Pathfinders regroup and head to the Ministry of Tithes to seek out Themolin. This building is the center of bureaucracy and taxation within the kingdom of Edasseril. A guard is posted at the building’s outer door.

Within, well-dressed bureaucrats tend to the paperwork piled upon the dozens of desks, which are arranged in orderly fashion around a prominent stone likeness of Belimarius. Within the shadow of the statue, a neatly dressed woman sits at a reception desk. Next to her stands a well-manicured man, also in fine attire, who is leaning over her. The two appear to be engaged in animated conversation.

I’ve added a time tracking table in the slides, here, so you all have an idea where you are in the overall arc of things.

Farzin approaches the reception desk all smiles.

”Excuse me, sorry to interrupt. We’re here to meet with a Mr. Themolin to discuss an issue with our taxes. We’re from Karela and associates. I do believe he’s expecting us.”

Deception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Farzin has the Charming Liar feat if it matters.

The receptionist glances down at an elaborate calendar on the desk in front of her, then replies, "Hmm, I don't see anything like that in his appointments, nothing at all. And he's booked solid for days...the earliest opening he has is four days from now." Before she can say anything more, the well-dressed man who had been chatting with her smiles somewhat unpleasantly and asks softly, "It's Themolin you need to see, is it? About taxes? Tell me more, perhaps I can be of service, where he might not."

Farzin's initial success, via Charming Liar, means a single PC can now make a Diplomacy check to request an earlier appointment. It can be Farzin again, or someone else.

Zandu takes a moment to study the man, letting Farzin continue the conversation with the receptionist. Immediately disliking him, he puts on a broad smile and says, "Themolin? No. But I do know this one guy who found a wildly lucrative... let's call it an exemption in the tax code. You wouldn't happen to be in the cattle trade, would you? Because if not, you might want to be when you hear about this one rule. Here, step aside and I can tell you about it in private..."
Lie (Deception): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Farzin lets his smile drop.

"Oh, but there must be some mistake. We've had that appointment for weeks now, perhaps a month even. Surely there is something you can do. There are really no openings? What a disaster. Could you help us out? I know he's expecting us. If you could tell him the representatives from Karela and Associates are here, he'll be very pleased. I'm sure he would want to squeeze us in somewhere, if not right away."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

The well-dressed man introduces himself to Zandu as Barralbus, and listens eagerly as the rogue begins to spin his tale. Though Barralbus is initially disappointed when the topic moves away from Themolin, so much so he almost turns away from the conversation, Zandu's yarn is convincing indeed. "Really?" Barralbus inquires. "That does sound like a loophole worth knowing about, the things one could do with that..."

Meanwhile, Farzin gets all serious, and attempts to sway the receptionist. His line is not the most original, as this receptionist surely hears tales of mistakenly cancelled appointments every week, but it is delivered with sincerity - by a man with a parrot on his shoulder! - and she studies the calendar before her at some length. "Well...it is possible I could squeeze you in first thing tomorrow morning, but that's the soonest I can manage. Shall I put you down for then?"

Rax stands silent, in awe at the silver-tongued magic before him. He wants to laugh so hard at the scene, but he resists.

Hmm, tomorrow morning would be difficult, m'lord, Hampton says to Farzin before turning to the receptionist. Themolin is expected at dinner this eve to honor one of his former teachers from his youth. It's a surprise thing, you see, a sort of a "This Is Your Life" affair, and we very much need to get him in place for that. Won't take more than a few minutes of his time, I promise.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

"Hmm, I hadn't heard about that either," the receptionist says, "but that sort of thing would not normally appear on his work appointments."

Studying the calendar again, the woman taps a stylus against her chin and makes a thoughtful tut, tut sound, clearly weighing the options.

”If that’s the best we can do then we’ll take it.”

Yuleg next, since we need a place to stay?

Yuleg sounds good for exactly that reason. After that we can go in order.

Zandu eventually extricates himself from the smarmy, unctuous Barralbus. When he joins the group he asks, "All set? Flitch next? We're starting to run out of daylight, so an seeing Yuleg and availing ourselves of his inn makes sense after that."

Their appointment secured for tomorrow morning, the incognito Pathfinders head to Flitch’s place. It is a rundown block of flats, like all the others around it on Envy Row East. A cheap-looking lock secures the front door. The windows are boarded over, and fragments of a flowerpot lie beneath one windowsill.

You can attempt to pick the lock with a Thievery check, or force open the window with an Athletics check.

For interest's sake (because it doesn't affect travel time), you are traveling from A3 to A1 on the map.

"Let's do this quiet like, yeah?" Zandu says, pulling out a roll of cloth that looks like a a small blanket. He unrolls it to reveal a series of key-shaped wires. "Typical ward lock. I might have the right shape already. Let me try a couple."
Pick a Lock (Thievery): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Per Slack, I'm not out of the woods yet.

"That one seems close, but not quite what I need. Let me just..." Zandu's voice trails off, as he goes flipping through his sets of skeleton keys. Settling on one he tries it out on the lock.
Pick a Lock (Thievery): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

"Yeah, not even close. Way too long. How about..."
Pick a Lock (Thievery): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

It takes a moment for Zandu to sort out the correct picks for the cruddy lock, but he makes short work of the actual lock-picking. The door creaks open to reveal a very humble dwelling. A thin layer of dust covers the floors of this sparsely furnished wood-walled apartment. The northern wall bears crude etchings, graffiti, and other odd markings. Everyone but Filbert and Karsus recognizes that Flitch’s name is hidden in the graffiti and markings on the wall, along with a coded message of some sort.

You can spend 10 minutes and attempt a Society check to Decipher Writing to interpret the message.

Decipher Writing (Society/Underworld Lore): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

Zandu takes a few moments to study the 'artwork'. "Not bad, not bad. I like what he's done here."

Zandu continues his run of success tracking down his fellow rogue, managing to puzzle out the meaning of the graffiti scrawled on the wall. He knows that Flitch is hiding out in the sewers, and can even discern that the markings surrounding Flitch’s name form a crude map of which part of the city he’s under.

The crit success on that check grants you a +1 to Survival checks to track Flitch down in the sewers. This will have to happen another day, as you only have two hours left before curfew.

Off to find Yuleg at the Rockfish Inn?

"Hmmph" Karsus grunts, impressed.

To the inn.

”For ones so eager to leave, these folks are hard to track down. I do hope Yuleg is at his inn. And that he has vacancies for us!”

Farzin turns to Papayo on his shoulder.

”Won’t a bath be nice?”

To the inn!

Knowing there’s not much time before curfew, the Pathfinders decide it’s not worth it to try to evade the ever-present Emerald Guards, and they make their way to the Rockfish Inn, where they hope to find Yuleg and his daughter. On arrival, they find a sturdily built stone building with a meticulously thatched roof, marked by a hand-carved wooden sign with silver inlays that declare the building to be The Rockfish Inn. Unfortunately, the establishment is boarded up. A sign on the door states the inn is closed due to illness.

"Nine bloody Hells, what a streak of luck," Zandu grumbles. He looks over the sign and adds, "Maybe they're just trying to keep a low profile? I don't care what that sign says, we're resting here so... somebody better be here."

The Varisian moves up to the door, intending to give it a and check if it's locked. "Anyone want to check around the building? Maybe there's another way in?"

”Unbelievable,” Farzin says in exasperation, his smile no where to be found. ”Is someone playing games with us?”

”No bath!” squawks Papayo.

”Illness my foot. I am not having it.” Farzin pushes past Zandu and bangs on the door. ”Hello! Is anyone in there?”

Do we see any lights on by chance?

It's not really nighttime,,such that you could see lights from outside, more very early evening. And the windows are actually boarded up, so it's tough to look inside. However...

A rather mild-mannered dwarf opens the door and says, "I'm very sorry, but as you can see from the sign, we are closed. My daughter is quite ill and I cannot run the inn and care for her both. The Pig's Wisp should be able to serve you, it's just down the street and on the left."

Farzin’s smile returns as the dwarf opens the door.

”Oh what luck, you are home. Yuleg, I presume? We are from Karela and Associates. May we come inside? Perhaps there is something we can do for this illness.”

diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

”Yes, I’m Yuleg Bluingot,” the dwarf responds, clearly a bit puzzled. His eyes blink slowly once, then twice. Then, the penny drops and he says, ”Oh, Karela and Associates, of course! Please, come in, come in!”

Though it’s a modest place, it’s clear the Rockfish Inn is successful, though it is currently unoccupied except for Yuleg and his daughter. ”Do you really think you can help with my daughter’s illness?” he asks once the party has joined him inside. ”She’s upstairs in her room, and I fear for her greatly. All I wish is a better life for myself and my daughter, away from the restrictions of this place, but I am afraid Vurna is too ill to travel. But if you can help her, I will offer all I can in exchange. You can stay here, and I may have some things that will be helpful in taking us out of here – a wagon, a pair of mules, other supplies here in the inn.”

He leads the Pathfinders upstairs, and introduces them to his daughter, Vurna, who is a young adult. Though she is clearly ill and tired, she has enough energy to slowly explain how she came to find herself in this situation. ”I’m a bit of an explorer,” she says, ”and I found a tunnel leading to Shard Cove during one of my many excursions into the city’s sewers. After Karela and Flitch approached my father about leaving, I told Flitch about the tunnel, as he’s very sweet. When Guaril failed to appear, I began going to the sewers nightly, looking for the ship that Flitch mentioned would be coming. I came down sick a few days ago, I’d guess from something in the sewer – maybe the rat bite I got…”

If you have healer’s tools, you can attempt to Treat Disease using Medicine. This takes 8 hours, but can be done overnight so it doesn’t count against your curfew time limitations.

Just so you have it all in one spot, here's the info on resources Yuleg can provide to support your plan: Most of the inn’s foodstuffs have diminished as Yuleg made plans to leave. However, six large barrels of pickled fish remain. Various rooms in the inn are modestly furnished with beds, drawers, wash basins, blankets, pillows, towels, and linens. The wagon is a four-wheeled open vehicle capable of carrying up to 1,000 pounds of cargo and there are two mules in the stable to pull it.

”Oh, that kind of illness,” says Farzin upon seeing Vurna’s condition. ”I’m sure one of us has the skills to heal her, and if not the equipment to do so, then perhaps we can buy them tomorrow.” I didn’t see that anyone had healer’s tools, but I’m willing to pitch in.

”in the meantime, why don’t we sort out our room assignments and did I hear something about a bath? A bath would be most welcome after such a long trip.”

"Hampton? You have some tools for treating the wounded, right? Well, just so happens I've had to patch a fool or two in my life. Might be we can do something about this illness..."

Once he's got someone's healer's kit, he moves closer to Vurna and takes stock of the situation and does what he can to help her.
Treat Disease: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Hampton nods silently, drawing forth his kit from his backpack. It's a little different than Zandu is accustomed to, with many herbal remedies inside, but it suffices.

Yuleg is so grateful for Zandu’s efforts to heal Vurna, the innkeeper rushes around in a frenzy, somehow managing to prepare a simple but tasty dinner, ready a handful of rooms, draw a bath for Farzin, and find a cuttlebone for Papayo to peck at, all at the same time.

Zandu applies a poultice of sharp-smelling herbs to the spot where the rat bit Vurna. Having recognized the ailment as Filth Fever, he hopes to draw the illness from her wound and give her body a chance to fight the disease. He also gives her a pungent tea, which causes her to sleep deeply for the first time in days.

Come morning, Vurna’s condition is much improved, though she is still unwell. She is able to sit up in bed, and even move around a bit, and offers to serve as a guide to the sewers, since she knows the tunnels to Shard Cove, as well as the location of Flitch’s hiding place.

Vurna was at stage 3 of filth fever, and has now progressed to stage 2 (with stage 0 being cured, and stage 5 being dead).

Morning of day 2. Off to see Themolin?

"Hmmph."

"The girl improves. Do you believe she'll have the strength to escape the city under her own power when the time comes?" Karsus asks the party over breakfast while their host is away. "If she regresses... her father will not leave without her."

Sure. We do have an appointment after all.

”Does she expect to leave? She’s not on our list and I don’t believe there is room on the boat for six.”

Farzin bites into his hunk of bread while Papayo pecks loudly at the remainder of his cuttlebone.

”Of course, I’m not saying we should leave behind someone who is sick and wounded. Exceptions can always be made. But we will need additional moneys, I am sure.”

Rax feels bad about his inability to help. His laughs currently sound more like sighs....

In any case, Hampton says, We can attend to her another night or two and see if we can cure her disease. It is the right and proper thing to do.

Off to see Themolin.

Yuleg whips up a nice breakfast (though one that features slightly more fish than some of the Pathfinders might be accustomed to) and wishes everyone good luck, then hurries back to sit with his convalescing daughter. Arriving at the Ministry of Tithes, the party is escorted to Themolin’s desk, with no questions asked about why six highly varied people and a parrot have a tax situation in common. Themolin, a portly man with thinning hair looks up from behind several stacks of papers, some nearly toppling from the heavy wooden desk upon which they are perched.

“I-I understand that y-you’ve made an appointment to s-see me. H-how may I b-be of assistance?” he stammers as he hesitantly rises to his feet.

You’re in an open-plan workspace, so there is very little privacy. If you’d like to convey to a very anxious-looking Themolin why you’re here and who you’re working with, please include a Deception or Society check with your post to convey the message so others nearby don't understand it. Alternatively, you can try a Diplomacy check to change his indifferent attitude and get him to meet with you privately.

"This.... this is like a farm for people! What slavery would this life be!"

Hampton's player feels VERY PERSONALLY ATTACKED by Mad Rax's observation. LOL

We are here on behalf of a group putting together a farewell for a former teachers of yours. A Mister Karela, whom I'm certain you'll remember. Hampton pauses for Themolin to register the reference before continuing. Now, before he sails off from his life, we're putting together a number of people who have been similarly touched by him as a celebration of his moving on to begin a new chapter.

Deception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

”Mister Karela…I thought this was a tax-related matter,” Themolin says quietly to himself, clearly trying to think who this teacher could be, before his eyes widen and he says suddenly, ”Oh, yes! Dear, dear Mister Karela! Yes, I’d be happy to discuss that, but I’m afraid I can’t do it while at work, as this is the Ministry’s time, not my own, yes? I’ve a place we can meet later. This evening? It’s a warehouse where, uh, I’ve got some of my, um, school documents and other personal things stored. Shall we say an hour before curfew?”

He provides the address for the warehouse, glancing around nervously, then sits down on focuses again on his work.

You’re 2 hours into day 2, with 4 hours to go before you meet Themolin at the warehouse. What would you like to do in the interim?