GM TOP #1-5: Trailblazer's Bounty (PFS2, Gameday IX) (Inactive)

Game Master Pete H.

Ghost dot here for now, a mustering post will be up soon.

Each pathfinder receives a missive for their next mission.

Dearest Pathfinder,

P.S. Bring your hiking boots!!!

Go ahead and introduce your characters with whatever narration you wish, including but not requiring receipt of missive, travel to Iskger and arrival at the Inn. Most importantly though, introduce your characters to each other once you all meet there.

White stag Inn - that's the place to rest. Finally.
Almost Typical adventurer hobbit entered main Hall and asks for two portion of a good dinner. And a towel.

Heavy equipped halflijg girl then follows closer to fireplace just to pull off dusty military boots orcish size. She then enjoys warming her feet... Waiting for meal.

A tall man approaches the inn, walking with a small limp and a cane.

I would have sworn I had that quartermaster job. Yeah, yeah, so I may have embellished a bit, but what good sailor doesn't? I don't see why Captain Benarry would send me so far inland just for that.

Walking up to the bar he orders a mug of spiced rum, but is resigned to likely only getting some ale. While he waits he glances around the inn for other stand outs the Society may have sent. Spotting a likely looking halfling Duncan grabs his drink and taps his way over.

Mind if I join you? These hiking boots are killer after so much time at sea.

The hobbit look from bottom slowly to top part (face) of arriving, and tryin to chew and consume meat slice.

Hey! Sure, feel free! Free feet is a best option, not at every area though. Came from sea? I wanted to dive in Cyclopic culture here around, but received an invitation. So, couple day by river to reach here. Klara fon Hoft. Some fellow Pathfinders call me Rrho. And this fireplace and some ale. Who else we await?

Duncan's the name and I couldn't say. I was out to sea when I got the message from Captain Benarry. It's not so much the boot as the land beneath it. Walking's different when the ground holds still. Any idea what they need us up here for?

Vinny strides up to the White Stag Inn, double checking that she's in the right place by looking at her missive. She adjusts her bag on her shoulder and enters the inn, seeing two others gathered at a table.

"Hello! My name is Vinny, are you also here waiting for Wesver? I received a missive to meet up here for a Pathfinder Society mission. I have to say, I'm looking forward to another adventure, my last trip was a total blast. Pun intended of course." She pats her bag of bombs with a wink.

Faerinaa lingers unobtrusively at the bar, ordering a glass of water and taking her time to scope out the clientelle and the layout before making her way over to the table.

"Oh hey Vinny, good to see you again! Hi everyone, I'm Faerinaa." Faerinaa smiles and waves generally at the group as she pulls out a chair and takes a seat the at table, pushing her rapier to the side so it doesn't get tangled with the table legs. "Looking forward to working with you all. Didn't get too many details on the mission, but a good walk sounds relaxing. Hopefully with fewer zombies chasing us that need exploding this time though, that sort of thing puts a damper on a mission really fast."

Zombies you say? Ever seen a zombie shark? Not pleasant, I'll tell you sticking two mindless killing machines together was a terrible idea.

A woman sporting an intricate braid and a well‑worn travel outfit steps inside the inn, glancing around. Seeing most of what appear to be pathfinders assembled at a table already she walks over.

She greets each with a strong handshake and confirms you all are indeed pathfinder agents before sitting and starting the briefing.

"Ah, good. You made it. I’m Karla Wesver. Welcome to Elidir, and welcome to the White Stag. It used to be that we Pathfinders had a bit of a strained relationship with the Chelaxian government. It still isn’t all sunshine and roses, but with the opportunity before us, we can now move about in public without fear of conflict or reprisal."

"As you may know, Isger is still a vassal state of Cheliax. The Chelaxians have bled Isger dry for years, but the increased demand for goods like Chelaxian brandy and other luxury items in Molthune and beyond has resulted in Cheliax finally getting off its ass and investing some resources in Isger. Normally these goods go through Druma to reach Molthune, but Druma has been raising import taxes. Cheliax issued an open bounty to explorers the world over: establish a new trail through the Menador Mountains between Isger and Molthune, suitable for pack animals to traverse. So, this presents a rather rare opportunity for us to find a way through the Menador Mountains into Molthune. Calisro Benarry, leader of the Horizon Hunters faction, has a special interest in this bounty. She is hoping you will take to this challenge with gusto. She sent a package ahead for you."

She pulls a letter and a large brown paper package out of her pack and slides it into the middle of the table. Once opened you see a very nice bottle of Urglin gin (please also read the letter which is viewable on the slides, page 2).

Once it has been read she continues, "All good then? I’ve arranged for a river barge to take you out to the Menador Mountains and packed some provisions for the journey. Not all of the food you’ll need for the journey, mind—carrying all of that would be too heavy, and likely to attract unwanted attention from the wildlife. You’ll want to forage along the way, if you can. My friend Jasikah Marten will be waiting for you in Canorate. She will help you file your paperwork with the Chelaxian officials, and she’ll also have a warm and comfy bed ready for you."

Players may roll Society OR Mountain Lore for more information about the Menedor Mountains.

Players may roll Nature for more information about the rigors of surviving in the wilds and how to prepare for such a mission.

Society: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Klara was shaken by powerful handshake, but anyway she carefully listen for the briefing and grabs the pointed letter as soon as it appear. After a delay she noticed.
-So, a new path! River and mountains! I am in. Hopefully we find some mystery to solve on our way. And... Does anyone is good in drawing maps? Dear Karla. Why is you name so familiar? Hm. Actually Questions are: which obstacles or threats can we expect in the region? And another one is about Molthune... Is it still at war?

Klara starts inspecring her backpack and uncovered simple journal.

A viny creature with a large bulbous pumpkin head scurries into the tavern. Scanning the area for but a moment, he loudly calls out "There be paffies here? I was summoned! I am a paffy too!"

Quickly a barmaid points him towards the table. Without so much as a thank you, the small creature hustles across the room and climbs up into a chair.

"Sorry I'm late. I...uh...I'm new. You paffies seem to have a strange way of summoning people to things things. Next time, could ya add some directions on the letter? I mean, that's twice I've been called to serve and well...the first time was my fault. I uh...I thought it was a joke at my expense...but this time, this time is yours."

'Who'da thought a "White Stag" wasn't an actual animal'

With a fervent nod, he offers an eerie toothless smile, showing a spear and the hollow section inside his head.

"Names Tempest Steward, but 'Temp' or 'Tempy' is fine with me. It's my pleasure to be joining you all!"

Tugging a wayfinder free, he holds it up. "And I really am supposed to be here. I promise."

Nature(Trained): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Rrho recalls that the Menador Mountains are home to orcs of the Shattered Fang tribe, but nothing more than that.

Temp doesn't know the area well and is unable to provide any further information.

Vinny listens carefully and reads the letter when it is presented. She eyes the bottle of gin excitedly, she approves of all things explosive after all! "Well, this sounds like it will be an interesting adventure! I am definitely ready for some mountain exploring."

Society: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

"Nice to meet you Karla. This looks like its going to be an interesting one." Faerinaa reads through the letter, giving a brief chuckle at the suggested uses for the Gin before passing the letter on and looking up. "So...Rrho was it? I can draw some, but I'm a lot better at sketching a building layout than plotting a route through the wilderness. I grew up in Absalom, so a lot of the wilderness treks since joining the society have been new experiences for me."

Society: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Nature: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Duncan shrugs.

I could plot you a course to the Eye, even from here, but through the mountains I'm not much help.

Tempy, eh? Nice to meet you. Do your kind get much bigger? Coulda sworn I'd heard of a vast, intelligent plant floating around once you got near the edge of the inner sea.

Oh, hey, Tempy! We just tryin to plan our path! As I remember, there are Shattered Star orcish tribe on our possible way through mountains. And seems like we were provided with warm clothes and universal liquid from captain Benarry! Good start! - Klara looks agitiated and winks to Faerinaa. She then checks if climbing instruments and iceaxes taken.

It's gonna be chalenging if here are no highlanders here. I visited some peaks, but not expert honestly. So, we need just find a way and make it kinda road or at least mark this path. Right?

"Well, The Maker is much bigger...but I've not met any other big leshys. Doesn't mean their aren't any though."

"I can climb...but I've never been nowhere cold before. I've only been outside of Finadar a couple times now with the paffies."

Faerina is pretty sure that the The Menador Mountains are actually home to orcs of the Smiling Tusk tribe. Often misunderstood, orcs of the Smiling Tusk are actually quite friendly and known for keeping pet birds.

But Vinny thinks that Rrho is right about the name of the tribe. Hmm...

Waiting for Roumatha to check in, plus they could provide some bonus Nature info if they make the roll. Also, any purchases made on the way out of town? I haven't looked over all your gear, but there might be some useful cheap items that might be beneficial on this mission.

I'll have to price out the pieces from the climbing kit after work. Cold weather gear was provided and I already have rope, but some of the other bits sound helpful.

Faerinaa furrows her brow. "Wait a minute, I could have sworn the Smiling Tusk tribe lived in these mountains and were generally pretty nice. Was someone pulling my leg on that?"

She turns to Temp. "Hi Temp, happy to be working with you...um, do Leshy's tolerate cold well? I haven't met many before."

Faerinaa will buy a pup tent, flint and steel, a waterskin and a compass before leaving. She already has a climbing kit.

EDIT: switching up the purchases a bit, forgot there's rope in the climbing kit and the waterskin seems like a good idea.

Vinny raises her eyebrow at Faerinaa. "Are you certain, Faerinaa? I'm pretty sure I heard the same thing as Klara. And 'Shattered Fang' definitely doesn't have a nice ring to it..."

Vinny will also buy a pup tent to bring along.

Duncan purchases a grappling hook, a hammer, and 10 pitons to help with climbing.

Not to say you're wrong, but I don't recall many orcs being welcoming.

A rugged-looking half-elf with a week's worth of stubble enters the tavern, panting.

"Vanture-Captain, I got your note but I was delayed on the road. I'm glad the team hasn't departed yet. Nice to meet you all, I am Roumatha, a scout and a tracker - though I haven't managed to set foot out of Absalom for the last few months, and this is going to be a welcome change of pace."

Nature: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

The late arrival is quick to note that the mountains in this area commonly have Avalanches and cold weather hazards making most routes are effectively one way.

Make any final prep or plans, we'll be off in the morning!

Faerinaa blushes in embarassment, the tips of her pointed ears turning red. "Bleh. Stupid tall tavern tales. I should have known he didn't know what he was talking about."

Bah, pay it no heed. Taverns are always the best place to hear, and tell, tales of questionable veracity. Not that I would take part in such activities.

Soo, Carla. Any more instructions? Or more gear for us to prepare. If not - when you expect us to leave?

Karla Wesver shrugs, "Just to do a good job. If you can secure this route for us, we'll get a huge boost of reputation in this region. Trust in your training and skills, but don't take any risks that will get you killed. The barge will leave when you get there, I'd suggest heading out as soon as possible."

______________________

The trip up the branch of the Conerica river is uneventful. The roads alongside the river called the Conerica Straights are well‑patrolled by Isger’s army, supported with auxiliary troops from Cheliax. Once the river becomes too narrow for the barge to easily traverse, the group must disembark and continue on foot. Following the river is still the easiest way forward, as it has carved a relatively flat swath of land out of the hills.

The initial burst of energy from being on their own on a real mission to help the society starts to wane after a couple days. By the third day of tedious travel following the river up into the mountains, a welcome (probably) sight is seen ahead. An obvious campfire has been started by several humanoids who seem to not yet have noticed the pathfinders.

It is very close to dusk. What do you do?

Let's go say hi. Worst they can do is kill us, or at least try to.

"A campfire and a good company would be useful right now. But a bad company could jeopardize our mission." Roumatha says, trying to suppress the chattering of teeth.
"Stay behind me, let me try to get closer and see if this group presents any obvious danger, before we announce ourselves."

Roumatha will try to quietly sneak close enough for his low-light vision and half-elven ears to pick up any clues as to how many creatures are around the fire and what do they seem to be up to.

Stealth: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

He crouches and begins moving forward, but is unable to muffle the crackling of frozen grass blades beneath his feet.

"I'm coming with you to watch your back. I've got a lot of practice creeping around without getting caught."

Faerinaa will sneak along a slightly different path than Roumatha, moving silently from rock to rock, trying to stay close enough to assist if there's trouble until she's close enough to examine the camp.

Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

"Sneaking in the woods? I'm with you there! Back when I was an inside out squirrel, before The Maker fixed me, it's all I did."

Stealth(Trained): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

Well...our stealths could have been better there

In general it is a good point to find a place for camping. Or maybe join someones.
Maybe we really just approach and say hi? Why are we tryin to be unnoticed, do we have any plan already? - whispers Rrho, occasionnaly tryin to Stealth: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8.
... but sounds like RRho carry to much gear for her height and it makes some noise.

Duncan watches everyone start tiptoeing towards the campers. With a small shrug he follows along,

Stealth: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

though the jingling of his chain gives away his approach.

The pathfinders slink forward and find enough cover to get a good view of the camp. All five people in the camp are busy with food preparation and setting up the camp for the night. None of them are keeping watch. There are three young men and two young women in the camp. They wear practical outfits, well‑suited for the rough terrain, but the outfits and the gear all look very new.

The group is about a hundred feet away at this point, but without any further cover getting closer will definitely alert the five campers. What do you all do?

_________________________

FYI, I'm in the middle of a home renovation project this weekend so posting will be slow (plus the US holiday Monday). Hopefully I'll get a window tomorrow to update.

Rrho takes some time as all the team sits in a bushes. If campers act like normal people, not kinda burglar or savage orcs... Klara says: Okay, I am going there. Wanna take off shoes and drink a cup of warm ... Anything warm. , - brave hobbit approaches the camp with a large fork in her han and a sausage pined upon it...

Klara says something louder as she approach closer, like Hey there!

Jumping with surprise at the noise all five appear to be going for their weapons as they turn to look. But seeing only a single non-threatening halfling approaching to cook a sausage apparently, they stop their search and demand, "Who er... What are you doing here?"

But they certainly still seem wary.

Duncan quietly loops to the side and enters from the far side of the camp when they start to talk to Rrho.

Stealth: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Hey fellas, no luck with catching anything, not even a rabbit. Mind if I grab a seat? It's colder than a jadwiga out here.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

He asks while steadily limping towards the fire, leaning on his cane.

Deception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Vinny will follow Faerinaa, but not too closely, also attempting to avoid being noticed by the people at the campfire. She will pay close attention to her surroundings, in case there is something to notice.

Stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Faerinaa continues to hide behind a rock, listening to the exchange and preparing to leap into action if things turn hostile.

Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

It doesn't seem like they're dangerous...but if there's one thing being a Pathfinder has taught me, its that its always best to have an overabundance of caution.

Seeing, that she is supported bu Duncan, Rhho bravely answered:

We a drawing a map and trying to find a road or at least any trail through the mountain! And now need some rest and warmth. And some meal. , - Rgho looks at the sausage with hunger. So.... maybe we could spend night here without bothering? It seems like here is enough space... and may be it's gonna be less dangerous together?

Rrho surely see closer at folks. Are they armed? What kind of gear and clothes?

Roumatha stays behind with Faerinaa, semi-relaxed but waiting for the other group's reaction when Rrho and Duncan announce that there are more of us.

They don't look like brigands, perhaps another group of explorers? What are the odds, eh? he whispers half-jokingly.

Seeming like you aren't being aggressive, even with the odd surprise of a guy popping up behind them, the five seem to soften up a bit.

One of them replies quickly, "Ah... well that is also why we are here. It would be quite the reward for our families if we were able to find a path as well. I don't think I see a reason not to share a camp with you two, it isn't like we are competing right now. Come over, have a seat, share some stories."

Duncan grabs a seat near the fire.

Not a fan of being so far north, I'll tell you. At least with the Eye you're warm, storms or not. Where are you lot from?

Not sure if Hobnobber will apply here or not

The one that spoke earlier, who is dressed in an expensive scarlet greatcoat that accentuates his unruly mop of red hair replies, "I am Amya Charthagnon, we all hail from Cheliax obviously. Were you all hired for this bounty or just doing it for other reasons?"

Is everyone else joining the camp? So far Duncan and Rrho have shown themselves.

Ignoring the question Duncan continues to chat.

Cheliax you say? Where about? I'm from Kintargo myself.

Watching the other two, Tempest considers 'That's not how them other paffies acted...they just kind of attacked everything they saw.'

With a shrug, the leshy slides out of the bush and waves an emphatic vine at the campsite.

"HEY THERE! I'd be happy to join too. No worries about the food though, I don't exactly need to eat the way you fleshies do."

I'll join the campsite

As far as invitation arrived, Klara finds a good seat near capmfire to cook the sausage and eventually find more food to share inside her large (for a halfling) backpack.

She almost ready to talk when Tempest shows up. She quickly inroduce him and explain situation: Finally! our teammates not fast. Do not worry, gents. We are all peaceful and not loud. And tired... Speaking about Cheliax - never been there, but faced chelish legacy far away. You probably hear something about Narikopolus family. Long story, that teach us to know who are your friends and that Devil - in the detailes. Oh, where is my manners? My name's Klara!

That is time to ask if here are something strange in that campfire scene.

After a short dealy when Klara almost dive into backpack, she returns with another Filchers Fork and some mushrooms.

About our purpose and and bounty... I'd say we a not familiar enough to ask such questions. Lets avoid possible conflict of interests here or we will come at risk having to become unpolite. Wanna shroom?