CORE 8-21 Agents of the Eye (Inactive)

Game Master Merisal The Risen

You begin the scenario in Eleder, the capital of Sargava.

A sea breeze brings a tang of salty air into the office of Venture-
Captain Finze Bellaugh.

You are outside his office where an assortment of pathfinders have gathered (introduce yourselves will start properly on Monday)

A slenderly built young human man in clerical robes can be seen standing among the gathered Pathfinders. He has pieces of leather armoring that strap and buckle into place over, under, and around his robes in places. He wears a spiked gauntlet on his right hand, but has no other weapons visible. His shaggy, blonde hair is a bit disheveled and there is an ornery gleam in his blue eyes which scan the room and the other agents with an amused curiosity.

"So, where do you think we're being sent?" he asks the others gathered there. "Doesn't matter much to me as long as I get to blast some stuff. Oh, right, manners, sorry. I'm Serellig Vrast, divine wizard!" Cleric, actually, but he fancies himself to be a divine wizard. "And who might you be?" he asks with a smile and a hand extended for a handshake.

A rough-looking Varisian man stands against a wall apparently thinking while scratching his badly shaven face. He is young, well-built, but clearly bad mannered and toughened by a life of hard toils. Yet, he carries a multitude of weapons with him, and the holy symbol of Calistria painted in a impressively crafted buckler.

It might be anywhere, mate. I had been already to my fair share of places, and I feel like I barely joined the Society. - he answers, before completing - Name's Akter Phruse. Guide and tracker.

A very short Halfling man At around 2’7” saunters his way in quite gracefully. He carries a longs sword at his belt but it doesn’t look like it has gotten much use the chain s%~% and shield he’s using on the other hand looks like It has been damaged and restored many times over. The man himself look on the younger side of 30 and seems to walk around with a smile stapled on his face at all times.

Just catching the end of Serellig‘s statement he says ”wherever it is I’m sure it’ll be interesting.” he then sticks his hand out towards Serellig ”I’m Llyrr”

A short woman (5'3") dressed in form fitting black leather Catwomanish steps up.

Call me Nightkit .... or Kit if that's easier. I'll even answer to Kat. But KittyKat is reserved for a special someone so if you call me that, I'll slap you .... unless I want you to. She purrs the last few syllables.

So who do I get to flank off this time? she says with an impish grin.

In response to NightKit's purred greeting, Serellig manages a, "Ki brr katty dddi frp zzst..." then shakes his head and says, "sorry, those weren't words. Kit, nice to meet you. Either of these fellows," he says gesturing to Akter and Llyrr, "would be solid flanking options, but I'll be happy to watch your backside. NO! That came out wrong. Look out for...that people don't...I'm gonna go pray,[/b]" and he walks a few steps away, pulls out a holy symbol of Gozreh from a belt pouch, which is identical to the one hanging around his neck making it seem redundant at that point, and begins quietly uttering a prayer including things about balance and destruction.

A small confident half-orc man walks up. His skin isn't greenish like most half-orcs around here, but a deep beige - almost sand like. He quietly listens to everyone speak.

I am Boaz. Boaz Kostaz.. He'll bow to each of you as he introduces himself. His accent is clear and crisp, with a hint of Qadira in there.

He notices Serallig's holy symbol of Gozreh. You too worship The Wind and the Waves. Perhaps we can chat philosophy sometime.

Katrina just giggles at Serellig's reaction. Her only decoration is a holy symbol of Desna.

((Character sheet ))

In response to the Half-Orc's recognition of Gozreh's holy symbol and subsequent comments, Serellig says, "Ah yes, the Wind and the Waves. I'm a bit more towards the howling gale and tsunami aspect of that. There's balance in nature, and since Gozreh has many healers and restorers, it's important for me to embrace that role of destroyer," and he gives a big smile as he mentions the concept of "destroyer." His eyes also slightly wander over to where the rogue is to see if she's listening and impressed.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

You are waved into the office of Venture-Captain Finze Bellaugh. The venture-captain sits behind his desk, cluttered with papers, although room has been cleared to showcase a large silver chalice. He clears his throat and rests his hands on his stomach before speaking.

“Here it is. The Sargava Chalice. Hard-won, but worth it in the end, I think.” He looks up and gives a contented grin. “The
Pathfinders didn’t enter the competition just for the fame. My research indicates that this cup was originally crafted by the cyclopes of Ghol-Gan and looted from one of their cities, called Kaddodi by the Boalisi, thousands of years ago. A notable find in and of itself, but what is more intriguing are the records from Boalisi explorers. Apparently, by drinking waters from Kaddodi’s ritual well out of this chalice, they were able to see visions of the cyclops city in its prime. A fantastic opportunity, wouldn’t you say?

“I invite you to be the first to confirm this. Take the Sargava Chalice to Kaddodi. Drink from its ritual pool and discover the
visions of the cyclopes. Who knows what you may find? Perhaps priceless artifacts concealed by millennia of decay. Perhaps some insight into the last days of the cyclops culture. Perhaps both.” He smiles and awaits your questions

Walking into the Venture Captain's chambers, Serellig stands where he's close, but not too close, to NightKit. He doesn't seem all that impressed by the cup, but there are defintiely parts of the briefing that catch the young man's attention.

As the Venture Captain finishes, Serellig blurts out, "A chance to see the devastation nature has wreaked upon an ancient Cyclops city? What a glorious opportunity! Oh, and the chalice and vision stuff too."

"So, question," he says, slightly raising his hand, "should we anticipate that there may be obstacles we'll have to use force to deal with? Like enemies and threats and such?" he asks, perhaps a bit too eagerly?

"Oh, and could you tell us more about Koddadi, so I can more fully visualize just how massively it's been destroyed over time?"

I don't have knowledge history.

Nightkit is listening but she doesn't look impressed, in fact the mention of 'destroyer' causes her to frown slightly but, apart from that, she doesn't react. She's still staying quiet as she listens to the Venture Captain.

Does this chalice have any magical properties in itself? she asks

Clueless about history, this chalice or the aforementioned cyclops, Akter keeps his silence for a moment. As the others start making questions, he also his own as well.

Particularly... Did anyone check this chalice to see if it's not cursed? You can never be too safe. - he complements, impressed by the story but somewhat concerned on what it might truly mean. Maybe it's some sort of pesh inducing effect... But let's not mention it!, he thinks.

Interesting, were there other parties that were particularly aggressive during the reclamation of the artifact? Might they be vengeful and looking to steal it now?

Bardic Knowledge: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Oh, and Serellig, the ocean has almost entirely swallowed the empire only scattered damaged outposts remain on land. I’d assume they didn’t dodge all of the damage that befell the mainland

A look of peaceful joy washes across Serellig's face as he hears about the destruction the ocean has caused to the land and kisses his holy symbol as he says, "Gozreh be praised."

Boaz also looks at the chalice. Interesting indeed. I know not of cyclopses or their history. How far away is Kaddodi? Maybe we'll run into a cyclops or two.

Almost out of instinct, Boaz joins Serellig - Gozreh be praised.

"So, question," he says, slightly raising his hand, "should we anticipate that there may be obstacles we'll have to use force to deal with? Like enemies and threats and such?" he asks, perhaps a bit too eagerly?

“The same dangers anywhere in the Kaava Lands—giant vermin,

"Oh, and could you tell us more about Koddadi, so I can more fully visualize just how massively it's been destroyed over time?"

"Kaddodi dates back to before Starfall*, but the cyclopes were not destroyed in that cataclysm. Their civilization, called Ghol-Gan, had already collapsed into brutality and violence. If there were any cyclopes living in Kaddodi when Earthfall occurred, they were likely little more than beasts.

Is Kaddodi occupied? Not as far as we can tell, no. The Zenj native to the Kaava Lands tend to avoid ancient ruins. There are other peoples in the area, though—gripplis, lizardfolk, charau-ka, and halflings. One or more of them may potentially occupy Kaddodi.”

*The scenario calls it earthfall but the starstone arriving I believe is more commonly called starfall

Does this chalice have any magical properties in itself?[/b] she asks

"There are some hints of divination magic some days but not others. I suspect, and I hope its powers are strongest near the ruins

Particularly... Did anyone check this chalice to see if it's not cursed? You can never be too safe.

“There are a few scattered records of explorers using the Sargava Chalice, but none of them ever had the analytical mind or historical knowledge to make it worth much while. The notes I was able to uncover are vague at best and hysterical at worst— it seems as though some of the visions of Kaddodi are rather… unpleasant. I know that trained Pathfinders are would be more resilient, right?”

Boaz also looks at the chalice. Interesting indeed. I know not of cyclopses or their history. How far away is Kaddodi? Maybe we'll run into a cyclops or two.

See link in header for map

AH Kaddodi is across desperation bay from here. I had a fellow try to sort out a boat across the bay with enough supplies aboard for you to reach Kaddodi make your way back on foot. I believe an old friend of yours is with the boat He nods at Serellig

So I have not heard from plastic dragon so going to give C Dragos an opportunity to join the game instead

Sorry for plastic dragon's loss, but enthused to play with CDragos again!

At the mention of the potential threats they might find, Serellig looks very pleased and enthused. Finally, as all of the questions are answered, he says, "I assume you've already booked our passage to this glorious vacation spot?"

Interesting, were there other parties that were particularly aggressive during the reclamation of the artifact? Might they be vengeful and looking to steal it now?

Well I don't think any of the other teams in the race were particularly interested in the chalice itself and I am sure the pathfinders won it fair and square without provoking one of the other teams in to retaliation. And if someone had been interested in the chalice I am sure they would have organised a team of their own

mild spoiler the chalice is won in a race in part 1 of this two part series. If anything other than the chalice carried over I wouldnt be running this separately. Of course late gatecrashers can not be ruled out but no foreshadowing available with your history rolls

So it sounds like we don't have to worry about a bunch of serpent folk .... erm ... I mean the Aspis crashing the party then Nightkit comments. And forewarned is forearmed as far as these visions are concerned.

This time Akter doesn't speak, limiting himself to nod as he digests all the information. In truth, he was also analyzing his companions, as to imagine how they could be useful to the mission goals.

The door slowly swings open and a muscular Osiriani man strides in with a slightly embarrassed look on his weathered but clean shaven face. He wears traditional Osiriani military garb with turquoise being the most prominent color which compliments his sun-browned skin. He uses a long poleaxe with a reverse hook on the back of the blade as a walking stick, planting the end firmly on the ground as he stands erect in militaristic fashion and addresses the assembled group in a thick Osirion accent.
Forgive me for arriving at such a late time. I was summoned last-minute to join this group. I am Sobek Al Saleef, of the Scarab Sages, and former Tomb Guardian of the Pharoahs of Osirion. I am honored to be chosen for this mission and to be a member of your party.

Sobek shakes hands and bows respectfully with those present. He listens intently to the recap of the mission and the questions that have arisen before his entrance.

Nightkit glances over to Serellig Glorious vacation spot? she asks What do you determine as a glorious ..

She is interrupted the the door opening. She then shakes Sobek's hand when offered. Looks like we're investigating an ancient Cyclopean civilisation with the aid of some sort of vision quest. she tells him.

His head glistening from the humidity, Sobek uses the sleeve of his robe to wipe the sweat dripping from his brow.
I do not think this land is a glorious vacation spot. By the gods, I feel as if I am drowning just standing here.

This ancient cyclopean civilization seems very interesting. I wish I knew more about where we are going. I have not learned much about the history of this land. However, I will do my best on this expedition and look forward to our journey together.

Kit grins over to Sobek. I feel ya mate. If I wasn't, 'on mission' I'd be wearing as little as possible and soaking in a pool of water right now ... or swimming in the sea

In response to Sobek's comments about the heat an humidity, Serellig responds, "Simply one of the many facets of Gozreh's glory," and then, in response to NightKit's comments about taking a scantily clad swim, "I don't think we need to rush off right this second if you want to take a quick dip. I'd be happy to come along," he says, possibly not for the swimming so much as the scenery.

@NightKit: I'm playing Serellig as awkward, but smitten. If it gets to be too much, let me know.

Akter sighs for a very long time and can't help but let his eyes roll.

If we have any time to spare, I'd say let's do so on gathering information and preparing for the mission at hand. If we come out alive, I'm sure you'll find time later in your schedule for leisure. - he says, austere.

You make final preparations ands set off (Screen cuts to map and red line and then back to the characters around a strange pole)

The journey to Kaddodi winds through thick jungles and along
treacherous rivers. Nearing the site of the city, a grisly spectacle
comes into view on the side of the trail. A tall wooden pole,
decorated with carvings of animals and spirits, has been decorated
with several shrunken, mummified heads

What a unique pole. I wonder if those carvings mean anything or are just decoration.. Seeing the mummy heads puts Boaz on edge.

Survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

What are those?. Boaz looks at the ground and spots several small humanoid tracks can be seen coming and going to the pole and appear to be heading into the ruin proper.

Work first, Play later Kit replies, looking serious.

Upon arrival, she examines the pole. Now that looks ominous.

kl: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
survival: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (5) + 0 = 5

The carvings look to be grippli she concludes. But they're aren't known to be head hunters. The local halflings on the other hand .. that's more their style

No problem Serellig

What kind of savagery has done this? Sobek says to himself while staring at the grisly pole.

Alerted by Boaz's findings, he turns away from the pole.
What have you found, Boaz? Tracks?
He takes a look around with the half-orc.

Survival: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

I am not seeing what you are, Boaz.
He notices the half-orc looking at the ground then towards the ruins and back at the ground.
Are we heading towards those ruins?

Survival: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Akter approaches both Boaz and Kit shaking his head. Experienced, the ranger knees down to the tracks, and finally speaks.

I believe you're right. These tracks are clearly both from halflings and grippli, but more recently from the former. Not by much. - he pauses, looking at the path - They appear to be heading into the ruin..

"Maybe the Grippli are fleeing from a struggle out here? How old do the tracks look Akter?" Llyrr says as he beings moving toward the ruin assuming the rest of the group follows.

Good question Llyrr Tracks were made this morning its now mid afternon

Kit also starts towards the ruins

Before their departure, Serellig enjoys the rogue's response to his suggested swim and says, "I plan to hold you to that 'Play later' comment," and throws a wink her way. It's an awkward wink. He has to lean his whole head into doing it. This is obviously not his normal sort of exchange.

-Later, in the jungle-

Serellig follows Kit...I mean...the group keeping an eye out for possible target...I mean...threats along the way.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

OOC Real life spanner update tomorrow OOC

I guess I should let him join me for a swim after this. Kit thinks to herself. I'll just have to make sure he knows the rules. Besides, seems to me he needs to learn to relax around girls, although he might freak out if I start showing off my performing stunts

She keeps an eye open for any threats along the way, intending to duck into cover if a fight starts in order to get around and flank.

Sobek pays no mind to the conversation between Nightkit and Serrelig, preferring to stay alert for any dangers near the ruins. He grips his guisarme in both hands and points it forward, ready for any trouble.

I can see the ruins straight ahead, yet, why does it take us so long to get there? He remarks (as somewhat of a joke to the GM).

Nightkit just shrugs Distances can be deceptive she answers But yeah ... maybe it's the heat getting to us

Serellig allows the others to have their conversations about the distance and the heat and stays focused on looking for threats as he's feeling anxious to blast something. 19 perception from earlier to find targets.

I think we ought to keep moving. It’s already been a few hours since these tracks were laid, and we wouldn’t want to loose the trail when we get into the ruins

You travel you think at normal pace but you are not sure. You come across an old rod about two feet in length with a strange round end with a curiously square bite mark taken out. It’s hard to tell given its decayed nature but it looks as though it was strangely fashioned into that odd shape

The city of Kaddodi looms ahead; partially collapsed walls overgrown with foliage tower forty feet in the air, and the buildings in the complex were clearly built to a scale of giants. The stink of blood and tropical decay is heavy in the air—a battle has taken place here. Dozens of small humanoid bodies lie dead in the sunlight, flies and vultures settling into the feast. The bodies are fresh and recent, as if the conflict here took place mere hours before. A gleaming well sits in the middle of the square, seemingly untouched by the violence.

hope you like the spanner. There are some survival perception and heal checks that follow certain courses of action here but I need to know what you are doing and also confirm your levels to makes sure the dcs are of the right tier

((Level one - new PC out of the box))

She looks around to try and make sense of who fought who - and are there any survivours.

perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

3rd level fighter. What's a "spanner"?

What in Anubis' nuts?...
Survival: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

"Well I guess we are a bit late to help the Gripli" Llyrr says well he moves to look at the bodies more closely trying to clarify that they were the Halflings and Griplis we assumed they were.

Oh, level 1 brand new as well

Brand new character as well.

"Did anyone grab that rod back there? Seemed interesting. The Pathfinders back home would be very keen to study it, I'm sure.

Seeing the battle, Boaz will scout around the edges of the battlefield. There may be enemies hidden somewhere, eager to strike out.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

We could always grab it on the way back Kit replies. I assumed it was some sorta local marker and important to the locals so I left it alone.