PFS2 - 1-01 The Absalom Initiation by GM redeux (Inactive)

Game Master redeux

tbd

Each of you have received a letter from Head Initiate Janira Gavix inviting you to a celebratory gathering at the Grand Lodge. Handouts on Slide 5 and are based on your level, they are transcribed below. Please read depending on your level.

The day arrives and you make your way to Absalom for the event. It seems as though the entire Grand Lodge has the air of a celebration. The great gates are flung wide, and the phoenix trees lining the entryway are in full flame. The halls of the main tower of Skyreach, normally somber and reserved, echo with the sound of voices and music. The great ballroom is decked for a celebration, with colorful banners and bunting along the walls, tables replete with food and drink, and a jovial cacophony of conversation rising from Pathfinders of all ancestries, nations, and backgrounds.

After a quick scan of the room, it’s obvious that many of the attendees have gathered in small groups here and there. A half-orc woman in an iconic ship captain’s hat stands near the punch bowl, handing cups to anyone who passes within reach, and a dark-skinned half-elf leads a small group of new agents around the room, introducing them to other attendees. Several senior agents stand in quiet conferral with a dark-haired Taldan man with a distinctive chin strap beard, while a scholarly dwarf tells a rousing tale to a growing audience.

A familiar blond halfling woman bounces over, bubbling with excitement. Janira Gavix, Head Initiate of the Pathfinder Society, grins, “Oh, I’m so glad you made it! After all, the celebration is for you. Have you gotten drinks? Snacks? Be sure to spend some time getting to know everyone—it’s best to be on good terms with the movers and shakers in the Society, that’s how you learn about the latest opportunities. I’ll be here if you need me to help you with anyone’s names or to make an introduction. Just let me know how I can help!” Janira gestures everyone forward into the room, beaming all the while.

Art on slide 5

Use this as your chance to introduce yourself to Janira and your fellow pathfinders
Also, if you would like to make a (secret) Recall Knowledge check, please give me your skill modifier for Society or Pathfinder Society Lore and I will roll for you.

A tall man with medium brown skin, wearing a tightly woven turbin, raises his cup and drains it. He turns his attention to the halfling woman.

"Captain Gavix, I'm glad that this day has finally arrived. I'm proud to be officially in the service of the Pathfinders!"

He gestures to his fellow pathfinders. A small lock of white hair falls from beneath his headdress.

"Please accept my gratitude in allowing me to learn with such worthy people."

The red-haired Dwarf gal has been wide-eyed from the moment she walked into Skyreach. Her open-mouthed smile has not left her face as she scanned the room, taking in all the faces, activity, and conversation.
Finally, as the Halfling came over to welcome them, Tsuyol reached out and grabs one of the Halfling's gesturing hands and shakes it vigorously, saying, "Ohmygosh!! This is all so exciting!! So many people!! So much to learn!! You may call me Tsu (pronounced like "Sue") if you'd like. All my friends call me Tsu."
As she scans the room, her eyes fall on the scholarly-looking Dwarf who seems to be in the midst of telling a story. I think I want to go hear the story.
Then she looks around at the other initiates standing near her and says, "Oh, you guys can also call me Tsu! Do...you guys wanna go listen to the story too?"

An elf glides into the room, her closely fitting black leather armour with its lines of yellow gold studs(not real), is more a fashion accessory than it seems armour. She is haughty and with a certain arrogance, "So this is it, a party. Hornietelle is here as invited." She glances around the room at the lower races, even the almost elf and sighs. She advances slowly to pick a goblet of white wine.

Holding the wine delicately in one hand, she looks down on Janira and in a soft sweet voice speaks, "Your guidance through the training is appreciated, I am glad to accept your offer to meet the captains, our leaders. My service will repay your efforts."

She stands silently, looking at Isra, Tsu and Rikki, and nods her head in greeting, as more of the classes dwarves arrive, Must they always make me walk with them! Just like those diplomatic dinners with my parents, though some in Ustalav were ... hmmmm! a smile crosses her face.

Another Dwarf, also with red hair stands near the group. He had been more quiet at the back, observing what was going on. When Tsu talks and grabs the halfling he offers half a smile. At his feet what looks like some sort of feathered lizard scampers around on two feet, hopping over to Tsu, sniffing her and then hopping back.

"Nice to meet ye. My name is Rikki Redbraid, but ye can call me Rikk. This is Thork." He indicates the raptor.

"I think i'm gonna go an' grab a drink." he looks over at the punch. Ah, pirates and Dwarves united by their love of punch.

Sorry had to repost as I used the wrong alias!

Sorry had to repost as I used the wrong alias!

No problem, in the future if you catch it in time you can go to Edit and then change the alias while editing. Also if you're posting from a firefox or google chrome browser then Paizo Campaign Tools lets you set a default alias per campaign. When you're posting in a campaign next to the "Post As" selection you can pick the alias like normal, and then there's a person icon you can click to set that alias as your default alias for that campaign only.

As Thork hops up to Tsu and sniffs her, the Dwarven gal lets out a barely audible squee of happiness. Then, as Rikki turns to look at the drinks, he is hit by a barrage of questions.
"What type of adorable creature is he? Or is he a she? And she looks like a lizard, or he does, but also feathery like a bird, so can he fly, or can she at least glide a little? And where does the name Thork come from? And is she a magical creature or is she just around because she's so cuddly and sweet and you just couldn't bear to go anywhere without him?"

As Thork hops up to Tsu and sniffs her, the Dwarven gal lets out a barely audible squee of happiness. Then, as Rikki turns to look at the drinks, he is hit by a barrage of questions.

"What type of adorable creature is he? Or is he a she? And she looks like a lizard, or he does, but also feathery like a bird, so can he fly, or can she at least glide a little? And where does the name Thork come from? And is she a magical creature or is she just around because she's so cuddly and sweet and you just couldn't bear to go anywhere without him?"

"Slow down a second, lass." Rikki said.

"Let me think, I met Thork in a cave I was explorin' a couple of months back. He's called a raptor, they're usually pack animals but this wee one lost his parents to an attack. I called him Thork 'cause it's his name, and he's decided to follow me about." The dwarf whose chainmail was covered in fur and colourful feathers itself said. He scratched his braided beard, pulled something out of it and looked at it with one eye, then stuck it in his mouth.

"Bit o' food I missed. Anyway, where were I. Oh, nae, he doesn't glide, but he's got a good jump on him."

A third dwarf!

Knab arrives at the main tower of Skyreach, and is surprised to see Hornietelle there (meaning she beat him there, a prospect that makes him none-too-happy, as he typically prefers to take his time, and seeing her makes him feel unnecessarily rushed!), but all the more so, is surprised to see the Blood of this stock of adventurer's running so Thick!

He is deceptively tall for his race, but for having earned somewhat of a hunch over years of hard work, poor posture, and even poorer self-confidence; thick in his shoulders, thin in his hair. What might have been a hearthy beard has long since shriveled into wisps of grey strands, twining down a face wrinkled in the sun and sculpted by a continuous frown. There is a bit of a nervous tick he exhibits, the result of a recent relapse perhaps, a battle lost in a long fought war with a common vice - he catches his off-hand hand with his good, to soothe it, and conceal it, the restless shaking.

Grinning at the sight of his brethren, with more than one black space speckling what surely must have once been a full set of yellow teeth, cracking the whole of his rigid face into a display of tremendous glee barely contained "Tsu - I'm sure your have a last name worthy of speaking - and Rikki Redbraid - I see we are surrounded by those whose stature is greater only in a single dimension - but who perhaps lack the mettle of being bred well and strong!" Noticing both of their red hair now "I'd swear you two were related" rubbing a sleep-booger out of his eye with a greasy knuckle "My name's Knab Moghadam. What say you we show these wet-behind-the-ear young pups..." With a quick glance at Hornietelle "...How it is that a True Clan gets things done?" Pouring himself a glass of whatever Rikki was drinking and raising it in turn to expectant triangular cheer.

Knab pounds his drink after sharing a clash of cups, or quicker if his rally is stood up(?), and, exhaling a loud "Uuugh" to punctuate his enjoyment of the beverage, strolls over to address Isra, pulling out his missive, and squinting one eye at it, but seeming to quickly give up, he hands it to the human, asking "What's it say there? Good news I hope!"

Society +3

Isra, looks slightly startled by the dwarf at first, but quickly sees that he needs help.

"Uh, well, yes, what does it say?"

Once he reads the letter aloud to Knab, Isra will put out his hand.

"Very pleased to meet you, Knab. I'm Isra. I hope you're enjoying yourself."

Taking his hand "Aye, never better, Isra. I see you are from Osirion. I was just in Sothis, but I am from Rahadoum."

"What brings you across the Inner Sea to Absalom?"

Rikki will bump glasses with Knab, but leave it at that, seeing as he had started a conversation with someone else in the meantime.

Tsu listened to Knab's speech and followed as he commented on the "wet-behind-the-ears young pups"...and didn't hear another word as she stared at the Elven girl. Eventually, she quietly uttered, "So pretty..."
Realizing a moment later that she'd said it aloud, she quickly added, "Thork. Thork's so pretty. Such a pretty boy. How great that you two found each other." And then as her gaze drifted over to the Elf again, she added, "So nice when two people can find each other..." then, quickly looking back to Rikki and Thork, "I mean, even if one of the people is a cutie patootey raptor! So, you found him while exploring, right, so have you done a lot of exploring? There's just so much of the world I haven't seen! So many people yet to meet..." and again, her gaze drifted to the Elf and she sighed.

Before it's too late! "Trust me Tsu: You give that elf an inch, and she takes a whole league. Don't say you weren't warned!"...

At Knab's arrival, the elf closes her eyes momentarily, her thoughts her own. She reopens them, and Knab is still there, with a false smile she walks regally towards the dwarf, "Knab, how pleasant to see you again after that excursion into the desert. It would seem we are to party once again. And your friend, this cute young one? Tsu wasn't it?" her voice slick and slippery, well practised in the arts of etiquette and deception.

She continues with words that soft and sultry, "Would you sample the delights that Calistria has to offer, then Sting here provides a pleasing touch to those who pray with me." As she says these enticing words, her hand caresses the black and yellow leather handle of a whip that is attached to her belt. "But enough of that, this party is in honour of us all."

Seeing the raptor, she momentarily flinches and moves back a step, before regaining her composure. "Interesting that you befriend such creatures Redbraid." the smile returns.

With a flick of her long golden and red flecked hair, she sees the human, "A Pharasmin, a champion of your god?" she asks seeing the man wearing a turban. A small ornamental charm of a wasp on a necklace, moves seductively up and down, resting on her breast with each of her breaths. She smiles at the man breathing out the name "Isra."

Janira welcomes everyone and is pleased at the introductions though she does give a curious look to the raptor. "Let's make sure Thork doesn't bite the guests!" she says half-jokingly. Turning her attention to everyone, "Well, It's about time for the elbow rubbing I mentioned, let's have a look around, shall we?"

She begins pointing out various individuals, "Next to us is Calisro, the former captain of the Grinning Pixie and the current faction leader of the Horizon Hunters. Next to her is Kreighton Shane, the Pathfinder Society's Master of Scrolls. I suggest distracting Kreighton long enough to get a word with Calisro!" She says excitedly.

Listening to Kreighton speak to Calisro he seems to be boring her with society stories, occult occurrences, and various games. He also shares that he had his fortune told recently and wanted to get her opinion on it.

Map on Slide 6, it's more of a visual than needing to move. We'll be sticking together for each faction head. Calisro's art is on slide 7

Skill check to distract Calisro: Occultism, Society, Fortune-Telling Lore, Games Lore. Alternatively you can roll Diplomacy or Deception (at a higher DC). You can roll this openly, and everyone can make an attempt

Taking his hand "Aye, never better, Isra. I see you are from Osirion. I was just in Sothis, but I am from Rahadoum."

"What brings you across the Inner Sea to Absalom?"

"Ah, indeed! I am from Thuvia - Aspenthar to be exact. How I miss it - but duty to Pharasma calls! Let's just say that a little brush with death motivated me to seek out those through-out the world who have died but have not yet been given the gift of death - if you get my meaning. The Pathfinders seem to me to be the most suited to this task. It's very good to meet another from the Golden Road, I would love to chat more..."

Isra's voice trails as he hears his name spoken by the elf.

"Ah, yes, I am Isra. Very pleased to meet you - Hornietelle is it?"

He can't seem to take his eyes off her.

"And your friend, this cute young one? Tsu wasn't it?" her voice slick and slippery, well practised in the arts of etiquette and deception.

Tsu stared up at the lovely Elf with a look of wonder at being acknowledged while quietly muttering, "Tsu...yes me...are name......want pray...with Sting you...you have...your face...is good.." while the others continued forward in conversation.

Society: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (3) + 0 = 3

And it's as bad as I expected.

Tsu doesn't seem to be able to get through to Calisro due to Kreighton Shane dominating the conversation. Kreighton scoffs at Tsu's comments without so much as turning around to acknowledge her. Perhaps directly speaking with Kreighton will give the group a chance to steal a minute of Calisro's time.

Ah, sorry about that. Your earlier post had "Skill to distract Calisro" and the write-up before it clearly indicated that we should have been distracting Shane, I just failed to put two and two together narratively. That being the case, should Tsu try again to distract Shane, or just leave it as is? I'll spoiler her effort in case you want it or you can ignore it if you choose since she already had a roll.

Ah, my apologies for not being more clear. For each of these social encounters we'll be needing to distract someone in order to steal a minute from the faction leader. Mechanically though we'll stick with the first roll since I treated it as a poor attempt to create an opening in the conversation.

Isra pries his eyes away from Hornietelle and approaches Kreighton. "Say, my good Master Shane, I'm most sorry for interrupting, but I've been meaning to speak with you for some time. I am a member of your school and I'd like to ask about the best way to scribe a scroll with magics to lay certain undead creatures to rest. I've been doing my own research, but I recognize that you would be the highest authority on the subject. Could you enlighten me? It would be most appreciated."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Knab joins the fray, positing a real question he had from a recent excursion that might serve as a distraction to the boorish Shane Kreighton so as to "free" Venture-Captain Calisro from the "trap" of dull conversation: "And on that topic" Referencing Isra's question "Having recently explored a tomb just outside of Sothis, we had come across a creature that shares many qualities of the undead - namely that it's spirit, conjured with whatever tradition of magic, foul or benign, occupied a body that hadn't a heart - least not one of flesh and blood - and yet, seemed animated to possess an independent intelligence - a "brain" of sorts - and so, my question, Dr. Kreighton, is this: What is the Society's position on Where the Line is between an entity animated into a constructed body, and one re-animated into an unliving body?"

He pauses to let his question sink, before briefly summarizing his own point of view "Because it seems to me to be just a difference in the nuts and bolts!"

Society: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

I realize after re-reading the post that this may be more an Occult or Diplomacy check. In which case, subtract 3 from the result if Occult, or 4 from the result if Diplomacy, both of which Knab is untrained in.

Rikki lines up with the others around the master of scrolls.

"Now, I don't know much about the undead, but if ye want to discuss th' spirits that are animating them - or not as the case may be - I do have a thing or two to tell you." The Rivethun Ranger said, approaching the group.

"I'm not jus' a funny lookin' fella with a wee raptor after all."

Occult: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Kreighton Shane politely declines Isra's attempt to steer the conversation. "There's a time and a place" he replies simply.

Not a moment later though he is very much intrigued by what Knab and Rikki have added to the conversation. He turns around and begins discussing with them. "That is an excellent question good Sir, and I will have to think on it for a moment. Fascinating though, I do not believe I have yet been briefed on such a thing!" Turning to Rikki, "Yes, please, tell me more!"

Isra, Tsuyol and Hornietelle are free to talk to Calisro who is motioning to her hip flask and offering to "spice up" drinks of a few guests who stop by the refreshment table.

As a look crosses the face of the Isra, Hornietelle smiles knowingly as as she follows Tsu.

She watches her as she moves towards the Captains of the Society, seeing her struggle to make any sort of impression, the dwarf retreats. Standing tall above Tsu, stifling the condescending laugh that struggles to surface as the dwarf makes a fool of herself in front of her. She pats the dwarfs head, "Your talents, whatever they may be, lie elsewhere. Tell me later."

Turning back, ready to use her wiles to interrupt Shane, only to be taken aback by Knab, already seeming to talk the man. She lets a satisfied smile settle on her face, So Knab has more to his bow than I just knowledge of monsters, This is something he failed to show in Osirion, despite his dirt he is useful.

Hornietelle steps in and smiles at Calisro, then speaks in a business like voice, "Captain Calisro, it is pleasure for your newest recruits to meet someone whose exploits are so renowned. May I introduce my companions, Tsuyol, Knab and Redbraid, dwarfs who are excited to join the Pathfinders ranks. Isra the Pharasmin and myself, Hornietelle." She bows to the half-orc, bringing her best diplomatic training to bear. So my parents have trained me well. "I'm sure that a little extra slug would be most welcome. Perhaps you can tel us more of the Horizen Hunters, for we know little of their ambitions."

Knab, realizing he has just replaced Calisro as the "warm ear", dies a little on the inside...

Fortunately for him, being a little hard-of-hearing works out to an advantage in precisely these types of situations. Because by his own calculation, this topic is interesting enough to constitute about 2 minutes of conversation, which, is already well-beyond the dwarf's typical window of interest on such topics.

He braces himself for the full ride with a nervous twitch, hoping one or more of his comrades will have the wearwithal to bail him out before too long!

"It is a pleasure to meet all of you!" Calisro bows in return to Hornietelle. "I have heard many great things about each of your training. If you're willing I have a task I've been meaning to have someone look into..." She pauses for a moment and continues before a response is given. "You see a wrecked ship has recently recycled to the surface in the Flotsam Graveyard and there are signs it might date back to the original Silent Tide invasions-- A centuries-past naval operation by Taldan operatives trying to take control of Absalom!! Would you be willing to look into this for me? This would be a great discovery for a group of new pathfinder agents..." she trails off hoping someone will accept.

Isra appears ready to answer, then pauses, waiting for Hornietelle to respond.

She pats the dwarfs head, "Your talents, whatever they may be, lie elsewhere. Tell me later."

The look of disappointed embarrassment quickly disappears into a look of astonished delight as Tsu mutters quietly, "I will guard you with my life..." Even as she watches the Elf move forward and confidently address the Venture Captain. Tsu sighs in sheer love-struck admiration, then picking up on the cue as Hornietelle introduces her, gives an awkward bow. Following this, she hears the mention of accepting an extra slug, and wanting to impress the Elf starts to step forward for the Half-Orc to "spice up" her drink as well. That's when she realizes she never got a drink and would have to move pass the Captain, and more importantly might interpose herself where Hornietelle didn't want her, to get to the punch. Still wanting to offer something helpful, the Dwarf uses the only skill she can think of that might impress the burly Half-Orc pirate: she flexes.

Athletics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

Tsu then resumes waiting just to the side and behind Hornietelle, hoping desperately that she was helpful and impressive and waiting to hear if they'll be accepting the offered mission.

Knab rolls his eyes as Hornietelle wraps the whole party around her highfaluting finger.

He is not a religious man, nor superstitious, by any real measure of those words. But were he so, an auspicious time ahead would surely be signified by this unfortunate knell!

Instead, as the wizard blathers on, Knab shifts his weight for the seventh time, physically uncomfortable to stand still in one place for such an extended period...

Rikki nods at what the wizard was saying, understanding to some degree, but less interested in theory than in action. He twirls his finger around in his beard and bites his tongue looking for a way to extricate himself from the conversation. He then hears Calisro, speaking of a recently discovered vessel.

"Oh, one second Scrollmaster, I think th' good Captain has a job f'r someone of my inconsiderable talents." He interrupts - actually a little bit abruptly - and then turns around to face the Calisro.

"Yer we're saying something about spicy drinks and explorin' a sunken ship or such? Not spent too much time in boats if i'm t'be honest with you, but it's something i'd be keen to rectvivify."

Hornietelle's eyes open widely as she hears the deep sounding voice of Rikki accept the mission with wild enthusiasm. Then with her voice still and controlled, she bows her head to the Captain and replies, "It would be churlish to refuse such a task, given the desire my companion has for venturing onto a sunken vessel. Should you have a map and directions to the area, it would make traveling there much faster? And to know the dangers that might lurk in that part of the sea, would also help us reduce the risk to life and limb? For we all want to party once more with you and the other Captain's of the Society. I'm sure my companions may have further questions for you, Calisro. They allow me to speak for them on many occasions, but for this their own voices can be heard."

Diplomacy (gather information) 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

As most of you guys/girls are probably in the US and I'm in the UK time difference makes pbp interaction a little difficult. So assuming we complete talking with Calisro, these interactions occur as we make our way onwards.

Hornietelle turns to Tsu, "So I see your talents lie in your control of your physique, that trick you did in front of Calisro was ... well impressive. Tell me where did you learn such control? And do you use it to defend yourself and your friends?" Hornietelle looks the dwarf up and down, looking to see if she uses weapons to strike at her enemies? Ending with "You will make a worthy protector, in return I can bring Calistria to your aid and heal your wounds, as I did to my friend Pa, in the pyramid."

She turns to Rikki and his lizard, "My friend Redbraid, you appear to be determined to enter the wrecked ship? Have you done such a thing before? Are you a salty sea dog, one that is found in the portside of Absalom. Many have joined me in prayer to Calistria." Her mouth pouts and her tongue licks her lips as though tasting the salt that might once have been left there. "You must have many tales to tell." She says with a voice that contains a hint of disinterest, but she listens attentively none the less.

Standing tall again, she brushes off some imaginary speck of dirt from her shoulder, letting her elegant fingers travel down her body, showing the curves of a priestess. "You interest me Isra, a man of Pharesma, that looks to bring peace to those souls stuck on Golarian to suffer eternal pain. I must admit, a little pain can be fun, but an eternity of the intense pain you describe is more than I could bear. What does Pharesma ask of you, to follow as a champion?"

As she approaches Knab, she speaks some holy words and the air around the rogue is full of the smell of roses. "Well my friend, it seems the fates have thrown us together again. Let us hope that the creatures will fall at you feet as they did in that pyramid." She smiles and fingers "Sting" as they continue. "Your ability to discover threats was most appreciated by us all. It may be called upon again." For once the elven mistress seems to speak without her normal disdain, as her cool controlled and measured tones cross the perfumed air.

Casts Prestidigitation on Knab, to last for the duration of her conversation.

Hornietelle turns to Tsu, "So I see your talents lie in your control of your physique, that trick you did in front of Calisro was ... well impressive. Tell me where did you learn such control? And do you use it to defend yourself and your friends?" Hornietelle looks the dwarf up and down, looking to see if she uses weapons to strike at her enemies? Ending with "You will make a worthy protector, in return I can bring Calistria to your aid and heal your wounds, as I did to my friend Pa, in the pyramid."

Hearing the lovely Elf speaking to her in such complimentary tones, Tsu is absolutely beaming, a slight blush rising in her cheeks as she listens. As Hornietelle stops speaking, Tsu, desperate to keep the conversation going, responds with, "Yes, I have a body. Control. I...I've disciplined my body for control. Yes, that's what I meant. And I'd be happy..." and she pauses for a moments as if searching for the right word, "honored to protect and defend you. And you said earlier about praying and stuff...I...I'm not actually really familiar with religion, but I love learning, so if you'd like to teach me about your religion, I'd really like that!" And not quite knowing what else to do, she slightly bows to the Elf.

As Hornietelle was looking to see if Tsu carried any weaponry, the only visible weapons she carries are a sai (so fancy-looking dagger if you've never seen one) and a katar (so a fancy-looking punching dagger if you've never seen one).

Calisro chuckles as Tsu attempts to recover from her drinkless pose.

After Hornietelle's list of questions Calisro gives a toothy grin, "Well, well! Someone was paying attention during their training! She gives a hearty laugh and takes a swig from her hip flask. "Yes, this is very good for you to ask questions." she continues while turning to Rikki. "Always ask questions..."

She looks back at Hornietelle, "There is one small thing...You see the group that informed me of the ship got scared off by something on board. What it was...we can't be certain. But surely you'll exercise some caution during your investigating. I'm needing you to visit the ship and verify or disprove the ship's origin." She smiles once more, "It sure would be a grand impression to return to the party in style!"

She offers a map giving directions to the wreckage and then turning to Tsu she offers a spare flask "Here, take this, it will be a pick-me-up for when you really need to get back on your feet"

Feel free to Identify Magic with Arcana, Nature, Occultism, or Religion, reading the spoiler if you meet the DC

After handing the flask over Kreighton Shane returns to the conversation, "Where were we..." as he kind of ushers the pathfinders along.

Janira skips back up to the group, "Before you think about running off you have to meet all the faction leaders first!" She points out Gorm Greathammer (leader of the Grand Archives), Eando Kline (leader of Vigilant Seal, and Fola Barun (leader of Envoy Alliance).

which one next?

Tsu accepts the flask with some visible amount of uncertainty and mutters a, "Th-thank you," and has no idea if it might be anything other than alcohol...which Tsu doesn't generally drink. Ever.
Instead of being focused on the gift given to her, she simply looks to see if Hornietelle was impressed that she was given a gift.

And assuming time-line-wise that this happened before her conversation with the Elf, she would have spent the entire conversation awkwardly holding the flask in her hand and not knowing what to do with it, so it's available for everyone to notice that she has it.

Hornietelle takes the map, and places it inside a belt pouch, "Thank you Captain." and watches on with astonishment as Tsu is given the flask. She smiles and is about to walk on, when she hears Janira offer more introductions.

With a command to the rest of the party she announces, "Come, let us introduce ourselves to Gorm Greathammer, as the leader of the Grand Archives, he surely knows much of the power of the Society. You are all interested in power are you not? The power of magic, of the gods and whatever else resides in the Society's archives." With that she strides with purpose towards Gorm Greathammer.

As the group approaches Gorm Greathammer you hear he is completely enthralled by the tales of a halfling man with brown hair discussing his thrilling adventures in how he helped orchestrate the liberation of halfling slaves right under the noses of Chelexian hellknights.

The Knave recognizes the halfling man as Tamrin Credence who has several visible facial scars earned from facilitating the liberation of several dozen slaves in Cheliax. He currently works on behalf of Liberty's Edge, a largely independent faction that sometimes coordinates with the Pathfinder Society. Tamrin would take a Particular interest in topics that touched on Deception, Stealth, Thievery, Legal Lore, or Underworld Lore.

Skill checks to distract Tamrin: Deception, Stealth, Thievery, Legal Lore, or Underworld Lore. (Diplomacy is also available at a higher DC)

Following Hornietelle's lead, Isra nodes to Calisro "Of course, I would be honoured to undertake this most important mission."

Once they're finished with Calisro, at Hornietelle's question, Isra gives a smile of the devout.

"Thank you for your interest. Pharasma only asks that I stay true to the living and endeavour to return to her all those that are meant for her embrace."

In a more sombre tone "I know better than most how it feels to be separated from her..."

As a member of the Grand Archive, Isra will make his way over to Gorm Greathammer.

I am in Auckland, New Zealand but generally fairly availiable to post. On opposite time with the UK, though!

"Nae, never been on a boat in my life, Ms. Hornietelle. I was raised up in the five kings mountains, most of my exploration has been of caves and the Verduran Forest. Figured i'd join the Pathfinder Society in order to see more of the world, do what I can to 'shore up the foundations' I think the phrase is. The spirits my people speak to have told me of dark times coming, and I'd like to be strong enough to face them, an' make sure th' world is too" he explained.

"Not that i'll make much difference all by myself, another reason for joining th' society rather than wandering on me lonesome"

Tsu readily starts following Hornietelle towards the next Venture-Captain and seems to be having her own internal struggle as she wants to walk right beside her, but doesn't know if she's welcome to, so is oddly veering closer and then away and back and forth the entire walk to the next Venture-Captain.
As they get closer to Venture-Captain Greathammer and find him mid-conversation with Tamrin Credence, Tsu sees another chance to impress her beloved. She lightly touches Hornietelle's hand to get her attention...and to touch her hand, honestly...and whispers, "I've got this," and tries to sneak around behind the Halfling man.

Stealth: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Having snuck into position where she is hopefully hidden, Tsu pops out saying, "Very little is more valuable in strategy than stealth, am I right?" And immediately, she looks across to Hornietelle hoping to see a look of approval.

Knab, suspicious, Calls upon his Ancient Blood to resist Hornietelle's foul charm (Fortitude: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 1 = 19), repelling the flowery scents thrust upon his senses! Expecting her words to land harsh, he is surprised to instead receive praise, and incorporates the compliment by straightening his posture to face her fully, and responds in kind "I feel confident in your command of this fine crew, as well as proud to demonstrate the capability that not one, but three of us dwarves can render!" he instinctively checks that his clan dagger is secured to his hip as he speaks. "May our wits be about us!" the closest thing he has to conjuring the divine.

Speaking of which, as Tsu declares herself a Student of the Canon, Knab adds his own views on the matter "Not much to learn there. Also, I'd hardly qualify her worship as, well, little more than carnal indulgence. If that's your thing." Indicating by his tone that it's not his...

...

Forgetting to share his inner thoughts, Knab tells of what he knows about Tamrin Credence, before sneaking over to filch his attention "I think you dropped this!" He says, re-producing a small purse of coins stolen not two seconds earlier!

Thievery: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Tsu approaches Tamrin and nearly sneaks up on him but she steps too loudly at the last minute and he turns around giving her an odd look. "Needs some practice unless you're looking to get captured by the Chelexians!" He turns back around continuing to tell his story to Gorm Greathammer, "And there we were...twelve us running through a tunnel..."

Knab takes the opportunity to lift a coin purse off Tamrin and offer it back to him mid-sentence "Aha! So I did, that's some pretty impressive work there!" though he just goes right back to his story.

Rikki, Isra, and Hornietelle can still attempt a skill check.

Skill checks to distract Tamrin: Deception, Stealth, Thievery, Legal Lore, or Underworld Lore. (Diplomacy is also available at a higher DC)

Hornietelle walks decisively towards the man stopping her introduction to Gorm Greathammer, she speaks to Tamrin, forgetting any pretence of seduction, she can use that later if needs be. "We were just speaking with Captain Calisro, who asked if we would approach to inform you she has need of your company, to discuss a new venture she is to undertake in the Shackles. She seemed quite insistent, would you hurry to her, you obviously have skills she cannot find elsewhere."

Deception 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Isra approaches Tamrin.

"Sorry to interject, but my colleague Knab here tells me that you specialize in 'delivering' people from servitude. I was wondering, if I were to get involved with such a venture, how do I know if I'm not being infiltrated by a Thune agent? Do you have a special method for vetting your escapees? I would be most interested in the details."

Isra will only do this if Hornietelle's ruse is unsuccessful, of course.

Hornietelle was successful so we'll skip Isra's lie

Tamrin turns around in shock, "Huh, I just talked to her but perhaps she forgot something!" Looking back at Gorm, "Let's pick up where we left off later, shall we?" Gorm nods and Tamrin heads for the refreshments table.

With Tamrin temporarily out of the way Gorm Greathammer gives a hearty laugh and welcomes the group, "Well if it isn't our latest initiates! Welcome! Welcome! The society is very pleased to have each of you!"

After exchanges pleasantries Gorm reveals he also has a task for the group, "I've received reports about a scholar at the College of Mysteries who has been working on potentially dangerous research. I'm not sure what the research is, but it's at least partially based on some scrolls from Nidal. Would you be able to secure a copy of these scrolls for us to study?"

Assuming the group says yes
After a minute Gorm remembers he can offer a single scroll between three choices:
1. disrupting weapons
2. heal
3. magic missle

vote your preference now. Also if you have questions feel free to ask them, or indicate where you'd like to go next. Fola (Envoy Alliance) or Eando (Vigilant Seal).

Knab will let Hornietelle and the others take the lead. The only "scroll" he is interested in right now would be one declaring his name across the top with a sizable bank note at the bottom.

Gorm Greathammer's fascination with magic always seems to surprise him, amuse him, and even if he can't share it, he does align with the Grand Archive's greater goal of "Chronicling the Past" if by his own unique method: his memory is a bit of a steel trap. The dwarf can remember almost all of the details from across his life, and as a result, rarely relies on the written medium as a record of events.

A morbid thought he entertains is that the day he drops dead - hopefully many years from now - is a day a great wealth of knowledge is lost; but only if his colleagues had proven ineffective at seeking his council! The thought greatly inflates his sense of self-importance. He smiles to himself.

"Of course, VC Greathammer! I would be honoured to perform this service for the Archive. Are these scrolls with this scholar now?"

Isra votes for the disrupting weapons scroll.