Going to begin this Story from your choice between two Starting Points. In your Opening Post, please answer at least two (2) questions from among those posed, introducing us to your character in doing so.
Your choices are:
1) "I happen to already be in the capital of the island of Jalmeray visiting the Lodge there!"
1) What is your character doing in Jalmeray? Business or Pleasure?
2) Why would you be making your way "by chance / coincidence" to visit the lodge there?
3) How did your character's contact with Venture-Captain Rashmivati Melipdra result in her showing you the Vault?
4) What is their your initial reaction upon seeing the door to the Vault compromised? What was Rashmivati Melipdra's reaction?
5) Upon discovering that the "One-Who-Waits" statue is missing, how did your character launch their investigation into the matter?
or
2) "I was summoned to the Pathfinder Lodge in Niswan to help solve a suspected burglery!"
1) Where was your character when they received their summons? Doing what?
2) Who proffered the summons? How did they know where you were? What was your initial reaction?
3) What special skills do you bring to the table so as to explain why you were summoned to investigate?
4) How did your character make their travel to the island? How long did this take?
5) After meeting Venture-Captain Rashmivati Melipdra and being shown the compromised Vault, what is your initial reaction?
...
...Inside the artifact vault of the lodge, the heavy brass door that protected the entrance lies charred and smoking in a folded heap, as if blown from its hinges by an explosion. The floor of the large, vaulted chamber is covered with debris not unlike the aftermath of an earthquake; broken and overturned shelves, daises, and display cases, as well as scattered sculptures, paintings, and talismans litter the floor. A handful of Society scribes document the ransacked state of the vault, meticulously writing their observations on scrolls of parchment. Amid them, Venture-Captain Rashmivati Melipdra, a husky, middle-aged Vudrani woman with broad shoulders, kneels down to pick up the shards of a shattered glass obelisk...
...
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[spoiler=One]
After finishing his last mission in the Shackles defacto capital Port Peril Orin expected to travel with Calisro Benarry back to Absalom but Benarry's ship the Glorious Payoff was actually headed all the way to Jalmeray.
Not really understanding the concept of vacation Orin's been staying at the lodge while doing his best to learn about the various martial arts styles that Jalmeray is so well known for.[/ooc]
A fairly typical dour dwarf with a pick and pair of shields on his back nearly stomps as he heads in.
"Aye, the Elf is right ya know." Orin adds in before introducing himself.
"Orin Thunderstone, at your service Captain once again Captain Melipdra."
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So Orin, did you come here to see the elementals too? I came here to see those things. Maybe I'll find a Genie lamp, or an elemental gem, or a scroll of summon water elemental. It seems there are riches to be found in this city. And this lodge, I think it is a great lodge. Did this lodge catch your eye too, or did you hear about the robbery? I'm still trying to figure out what happened here. Zanu extends his hand out to shake Orin's Oh, yes, Zanu Turok at your service.
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After dealing with an issue in northern Varisia Grog was happy to be back at home in Absalom. He went home, checked his long term vats to see how the fermentation was going and finished up a quick batch of mead.
After only a day at home he received a note asking him to meet someone in the lodge. Grog shrugged, grabbed his things just in case and headed over. He was led into a small room where the familiar figure of Valais Durant.
“Hello Grog, nice to see you again!” she greeted him. Grog was surprised. This was an important lady and she wanted to see him!
She went on to explain that she was just informed of an issue in a place called Jalmerey. Grog had never heard of it. However, people needed help and Grog loves helping. When Grog asked why the special lady wanted his help she just shrugged and said “You did good work in Xin-Eddasseral and I wanted someone from our faction I thought I could trust.”
Well. Grog was extremely happy for this honor indeed. The venture Captain led him to another room, one with strange sigils on the floor and an older human. The human raised an eyebrow but only said “Please stand in the middle of the circle. You will be sent to the island instantly. You should appear within site of the lodge. In case you are off by a short distance, here’s a map..”
Grog nodded and the man began some chanting and movements that Grog thought were fascinating. The last thing he saw before he popped out of existence was the venture captain wishing him good luck.
Then he was on his hands and knees throwing up the fine breakfast he had a few hours earlier. He looked around, he was on a beach. Some fishermen standing a few feet away were staring at him in wonder.
As he got his senses sorted out he looked at them and said ,”OK, I no like that method of transportation. Hard on stomach. Know where pathfinder lodge is?”
One of them pointed to the northeast, “Uh. Yeah, about 30 miles that way…”
Grog walked as fast as he could and even got a ride for several miles on the back of wagon after sharing some of his home made moonshine with a farmer. Once in the city he quickly made his way to the lodge and walked in. He took in the surroundings, looked at the half-elf and dwarf and the mess and couldn’t resist himself.
”Wow, and they say the Goblin quarter in Absalom is messy.. what happened here?”
After a short pause, "Oh. me Grog. Nice to meet you all. Anyone want a drink? I have some fine mead and some moonshine.."
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Stepping from the small tavern, Travin wiped the remains of lunch from his shirt and squinted in the bright sun. Having spent a few nice days here on the island, Travin enjoyed their spicy food, especially when the abnormal cold winds blew through the City. I wouldn't have thought it, but a few days away has been nice. Coming off an advising mission to Captain of the Guard of some minor Pharaoh in Osirion, Travin on a whim had booked passage to Jalmeray to see the fabled island and it's gorgeous landscapes. The extra silver from setting up the Pharaoh's field hospital made the journey possible before it was back to Abasalom and whatever the Society had lined up next for Travin and his wanderings.
Grabbing a fig to go, Travin started up the street and paused at the young man running down the street straight at him. Hmm, this doesn't look good.. Waiting for the man to stop and front of him and catch his breathe, Travin looked him over and realized it was the footman from the Society Lodge. As a rule, Travin checked in with the local Lodge when visiting new areas in case an emergency arose that may require medical services, or more. Venture-Captain Rashmivati Melipdra seemed competent and had made out that all was in hand and things were stable here in Jalmeray. Travin had expected a few quiet days before back on the ship, but that now seemed unlikely.
Looking up the man asked if Travin could accompany him to the Lodge at Venture Captain Melipdra's request. Running quickly back to his room to get his kit, Travin met the man and returned to the Lodge.
Minutes later, Travin stepped into the room and surveyed the damage. Gesturing to the occupants of the vault, Travin stopped and formally bowed "Travin Nielan, former field medic of Taldoran Phalanx 8th Company and now a member of the Pathfinder Society at your service."
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Anjo was feeling quite lost, and for a Ranger this was an uncomfortable feeling. Having just arrived from the forests of Immenwood, Anjo heard there was a burglary in the vault. With nothing better to do, he rushed over to see if he might track the thief.
"Oh!.....It would be best to leave the glass where it is. It's easier to see if someone has walked through it what way."
Anjo looks for any signs of who had come and went.
For the past several days, Orin and Travin have been sparring partners: A retreat involving early morning stretching classes (to center the immune system), followed by fasting through breakfast (to sharpen the mind), followed by late morning silent meditation (to assist with focus), followed by fasting through lunch (discipline), followed by early afternoon philosophy lectures (to stimulate the mind), followed by late afternoon sparring class (to stimulate the body), followed by unflavored rice and beans for supper (to nourish the body), followed by early evening stretches (to prime the spirit), followed by late evening silent meditation (to ignite the spirit), at each of several elemental temples dotting the island.
For one of these characters, the routine has taken like a fish to water!
On the [redacted]th day, between classes, the duo decide to play "hooky" and walk the island. While walking, they meet a stranger, who introduces himself as Anjo, and who asks for directions to the Lodge nearby. They decide to show him the way, walking together. There, they are surprised to be given a tour by Venture-Captain Rashmivati Melipdra herself, who suddenly stopping the tour, is surprised to see the Door to the Vault destroyed! "How did this go unnoticed!!" She exclaims.
Anjo tracks footprints out of the Lodge. Meanwhile, Orin and Travin stays with Rashmivati while she contacts Valais Durant and Calisro Benarry, who in turn send out one missive each to put together a team to attend to the crime scene.
Incredibly, Grog arrives within hours of the incident, meeting up with Anjo, who had tracked the footprints to the Docks, but otherwise lost the trail, chasing his tail for a spell. Grog thinks to ask around, and as it turns out, one of the ship's captains - of the Obsidian Owl - explains, after some stong-armed persuading - (he should know better) - that not a day ago, he had gotten back from a trip to Vedeesha where - after it was "too late" for him to decline - a woman payed him in historical relics...
...A few days later, Zanu arrives from a different ship - having been summoned on behalf of the Horizon Hunters - and proceeds to the scene of the crime, where Orin and Travin had been working out just how the vault door was destroyed. Their conclusion - ridiculous as it sounds - is that the door was burned down by non-magical means! Travin suspects the use of "internal energy", or "ki", while Orin suspects some other means of mundane heat.
Zanu takes a look, and notices that the (fire) force was applied to a weak point in the door with expert skill - working at it's hinges at a precise angle - not something anyone but an accomplished and professional thief would be capable of conducting.
Rashmivati shares that "We’ve been storing several historical relics here owned by the Monastery of Unblinking Flame as part of a standing agreement that I negotiated. In exchange for curating these treasures, the monastery gave the Society access to its archives, trainers, and other resources. Several important artifacts are missing, including an ancient statue known as One-Who-Waits, which I happen to know is treasured deeply by several masters at the monastery. You’ll know the statue when you see it—a heavy basalt sculpture of a monk meditating while sitting atop a bed of flaming coals. I need you to track it down. If you don’t, I fear our arrangement may go up in smoke.”
Grog reports that he and Anjo were able to negotiate passage on the Obsidian Owl to Vedeesha, leaving as soon as the PCs can make it back to the Docks...
...
...
Anjo Aroh to Investigate (Survival) @ 14 (early)
Grog (late)
Orin_Thunderstone (early)
Travin to Investigate (Arcana) @ 15 (early)
Zanu Turok 2 to Investigate (Thievery) @ 22 (late)
...
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Smiling at the Goblin Champion, Travin nods his agreement. "It does seem this was done with incredible skill, far beyond a common robber. I think it no coincidence that Ki was employed when stealing artifacts of a Monastic Order."
Wandering idly around the room, Travin stretches to work his sore arm. Orin has a mean chop when he sets his mind to it, maybe sweep the legs next time.. Pausing in front of a painting, Travin inquires to Rashmivati, "Does this Monastery of Unblinking Flame have enemies? Someone that would want to cause them embarrassment or harm?"
Rashmivati answers Travin's question “The Monastery of Unblinking Flame - One of the four Houses of Perfection in Jalmeray, the oldest and most influential monastic orders on the island - doesn't have enemies per se. But they do engage in their practice unorthodoxically? Instead of focusing on the development of martial prowess, they instead strive towards encouraging students to explore occult and arcane philosophies. Suffice it to say that this alone I couldn't fathom being a a reason as to make unnecessary enemies. However, the value of One-Who-Waits (the statue that is missing) isn’t in its material worth, but in what it means to the arrangement with the monastery. As long as our partnership remains, the monastery intends to let us examine some of their more precious magical artifacts soon, I’m sure of it. It is for this reason that I have requested the help of the Pathfinder Society - And so lucky to have some of you in town already!”
...
The PCs board the Obsidian Owl, a vessel used primarily for artifact-hunting expeditions, docked in Niswan’s port district. Captain Zazzander Scarscale (CG male lizardfolk) welcomes the them aboard (having been "strong-armed" by them earlier) mentioning "How impressive it is to see Pathfinders traveling near Jalmeray again given how many of them were slain in the war against Tar-Baphon!". Despite his surname, the captain has no visible scars anywhere on his scaled body. A white-furred ferret scampers about his shoulders that answers to the name “Parrot”...
...
Travel to Vedeesha takes approximately 5 hours. What would the PCs like to do with this time?
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After his second drink of Groggg’s brew, Travin shakes his head ruefully. ”That’s enough for me, whew I’ll regret this later.”. Quickly pitching the remainder over the side, Travin strolls over to the Captain. ”Captain, this lady you transported. Did she say much about her task and what she was about? Carry much in the way of goods with her?”
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Grog nods at Travin,"Good! This the way! Drink and enjoy but in moderation! Drunkenness is loss of control!"
Only after he walks away does Grog look over the side at his precious creation dispersing intp the ocean with a look of pain on his face. Just for a second. Then he hurries to catch up to Travin.
"Three!" Is the common refrain to Grog's question, his mead cask an instant hit with the other sailors who, preparing only for a "short" trip over easy water in good weather, prepare for the best, and in so doing, barely retain the conversational skills to fully respond to the party's queries. One does "Oh, didn't much care for her - kept insisting we call her "Master Sanvara" hahahahaha but then I was like "Master of what?" and she threatened me but then I threatened to turn back around and she got all quiet like after that hahahahaha" Sloshing another sip "Oh yeah she was funny looking I guess - shaved head in some places but hair braids in other places hahahahaha but oh yeah she was dragging around a gigantic sack and said none of us could look in it but offered double the price so that's what it was you can blame the captain" to which Zazzander clarifies "It wasn't until After that we knew something was amiss - trust me I don't like carting around heavy currency and probably should have checked in a deposit but she looked like Money so..."...
...Suddenly one sailor accidentally stumbles over the edge right next to a whale-watching Zanu but the sorcerer reacts to grab his hand, clasping it firmly in the nick of time, and with a Thud the tipsy man slaps against the hull, when Orin, the "babysitter" it seems, runs over to help the half-elf hoist him back over the side and onto the deck. The captain immediately demotes the man, mispronouncing the word "demote" with a slur of speech, which causes the man who shared the story about the criminal (above) to burst out in his manner of horrid laughter again...
...Travin's questioning of the captain corroborates the laughing man's story "Master Sanvara only spoke of needing to leave immediately so as to arrive as soon as possible in Vedeesha. She wore herself proud, and quite frankly, I didn't get any negative feelings about her - I always go with my gut - she didn't seem overly cruel or shady or malevolent at all - kind of surprised when she offered later to pay in loose relics. I can usually peg people pretty fast - especially you humans..." Teasing Travin a little here "...wearing every thought and expression on your soft-skinned faces!"...
...An elder sailor, drinking twice as fast as everyone else, but acting half as stupid, scratches her chin as she slowly seems to remember something, sharing in the circle only after at least two other sailors have passed out (thus getting quieter) "You know, now that you mention it, I think I seen that lady before. Just this last week there was a combatant who scrubbed out first round in the Challenge of Sky and Heaven - I go every year because my grandkids like to attend - who was it..." Jugging her own memory now by physically striking her head with the blunt side of her hooked hand "Unbreaking Waves! The Monostary of Unbreaking Waves. That was who she lost to. Crowd booed heavily. Threw fruit. Really embarrassing seeing as they were going on as supposedly this "big bad new school" all sorts of "recently rediscovered" and taking up quite a mess and such..."...
...What seems like twice as long as several hours later, the Obsidian Owl lands "I want to make it up to you." Captain Zazzander Scarscale says "Seein' as I already used the payments to settle a few debts - and can't return it - why don't we wait here for ya, and we'll take you back: Free of charge!" Putting his hand out to block the customary exchange of coins for toll "Think that'll make it right?" He asks.
...
With that, the PCs proceed into the The Temple of Unforgiving Fire!
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As they are walking off the ship Grog looks to the captain,"Very generous. You good person!"
He then shouts to the crew,"Thank you all, as brewer and maker of fine spirits you make poor Grog feel good!"
After they are well away from the ship he is heard to mutter,"For sailors they not hold drink well. Was one of Grog's weaker drinks!"
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”Captain, you are a merchant of honor and respectability.”. Making a small bow, Travin formally signifies his acceptance. ”Thank you for your gracious offer and we will gladly meet you later.”.
Grabbing his kit and heading for the dock, he smiles back at the Captain ”Now, Ill try and keep those wild emotions off my face and blend in around here”
Reaching the edge of the dock, Travin grins down to Groggg. ”You know, that stuff sorta works on you after a while. Have any more?”
Some time later, Travin cautiously enters the Temple, nunchuka held together in his left hand. Allowing his companions to lead the way, he falls in behind and remains at the ready.
This modest dojo looks both abandoned and semi-restored at once, as if it was, until recently, unoccupied for a long time. It is a single-story structure with aged stone walls composed of basalt and limestone and topped with a pagoda made of thatched bamboo. As you move through the ground floor, you find an abandoned stone courtyard, two crumbling shrines to Irori, a massive training yard littered with rusty athletics equipment, and several chambers filled with musty bedrolls. The largest bed chamber has an obvious opening in the floor connected to a set of winding stone stairs that descend into the foyer of the temple’s lower abbey. Inside the foyer, the stone entryway has open doors that lead to the north, south, and southwest. There is also brass double door to the east. It is locked.
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You may attempt to Pick the Lock at a "moderate" DC
This action will probably be relatively quiet...
You may attempt to Force Open the doors at a "challenging" DC
This action will probably be pretty loud...
After a moment, Grog unclicks the lock. As the large double doors are heavy, and as Zanu pointed out (whispering I assume!) the place isn't exactly big, you know that opening the door will cause it to creak loudly...
The ruins of this abandoned bathhouse has been converted into a reliquary of sorts, a giant statue of a meditating figure set against the north wall adjacent to two chests . There are four (4) smaller pools and one (1) large pool in this room, the smell of stagnant water in the air.
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Anjo (Scout)
Grog (Investigate)
Orin (Defend)
Travin (Defend)
Zanu (Search)
The "redecorated" bathhouse opens 25 feet to the front of you, and spans nearly 8 times that in width. The room has a standard height of 15 feet, looking up, even across the entire chamber. There are two doors, one to the south, another to the northwest, on opposite sides of the room. The stagnant water in the four (4) small and (1) large pools are about head-high in depth, but only filled knee-deep with water. At the far northern end, heading up the largest pool like a tombstone - or perhaps a guardian? - sits a large statue on a pedestal, next to a pair of locked trunks. Nothing stirs in here, the water is eerily still.
...
A few of our heroes file into the room, approaching different pools. A couple of our heroes stay safely within the door's arc, cautious to make an approach just yet.
This large pool is murky and shallow, and you see nothing stir within it. Your own reflections stares back at you, your body in a defensive posture.
This small pool is murky and shallow, and you see nothing stir within it. Your own reflections stares back at you, your face inquisitive.
This small pool is murky and shallow, and you see nothing stir within it. Your own reflections stares back at you, your body in a defensive posture.
...