Tapestrys Toil (Inactive)

Game Master Pete H.

So the party sails from Magnimar back to Absalaom with the body of a dwarf preparing to find his relatives in the Hao jin tapestry

Arboreal attempts to engage one of the dwarven sailors in conversations in an attempt to understand dwarven languages

Just dotting the character in here so my gm credit also appears on his lists of campaigns

"I get reassigned for one mission, and now you're carrying around dead bodies." Kasvot looks at Dimple sharply. "If this is your idea of a joke, it's not funny. What do I need to do to convince you that I'M NOT A CANNIBAL."

Cenae looks at the half-orc, "Uh... you'll have to tell me that story sometime. Or not, that's fine too. Seems to be a touchy subject. We are taking this corpse back to his family, hopefully. Why don't I buy you a drink and share what we found in Irrisen."

You have arrived in Absalom and have time to sort some supplies before being called to meet Aram Zey in the Tapestry room

The Hao Jin Tapestry hangs on the wall of this stuffy basement room in the Grand Lodge. The tattered piece of fabric, five feet wide and seven feet long, looks more like a worn tablecloth than a storied artifact. The Pathfinder Society’s Master of Spells Aram Zey stands before tapestry, his arms folded across his chest. He speaks without greeting.

“As you all surely know, the Society labours at some cost to assemble a dwarven relic known as the Sky Key.” The Master of Spells produces an intricately sculpted piece of metal decorated with fluid carvings. A sudden flash of excitement fills his weary eyes. “The object I hold in my hands is one of five pieces of that curiosity. The pieces that the Society has obtained so far share the same lustre and artistic sensibilities, but have different shapes and functions within the assembled artifact. Today, hopefully, you will retrieve another piece. Previous missions lead us to believe that a fragment of the Sky Key lies within the tapestry, in the company of a dwarven clan that left Golarion for Hao Jin’s realm some time ago. Your task is to enter the tapestry and make contact with these dwarves, discern what they know about the Sky Key, and negotiate for their piece, should they still have it.”

The taciturn sage points as a dwarven body with a hexagonal beard clasp of thick, polished metal. “You retrieved this body from one a site that we suspected of holding the Sky Key fragment. It is an ancestor of the dwarves who live in the tapestry, and it may assist you in your negotiations. Return it to Priests of Pharasma if it does not gain you any favour with the dwarves. We hold no particular ire for the dwarves. Retrieve the Sky Key fragment if possible, but try not to murder anyone.”

Aram Zey adds grudgingly, “Does anyone have any questions before I send you into tapestry?”

"Wait....We're taking the dead guy with us on this mission?"

Pausing a moment, he glances towards his companions and shrugs. "Also what's it like at this 'How Ginn' place? What preparations would you recommend? Rain all the time? Hot? Cold? What should we expect?"

Cenae points at the Hoe Djinn map, ”Obviously I recall all this, but could you give a quick run down about the dwarf clan for the rest of my allies? It’s been a cold bit of traveling and I’m sure we all could use a refresher.”

As usual, Cenae has cast Endure Elements each morning so she isn’t as concerned about weather as LGZ might be.

Dimple unobtrusively makes her way to Kasvot's side. She quietly reaches into her pack. Slowly, purposefully, relentlessly, the gnome pulls out a fork and knife. She holds them up, offering them to the sorcerer. "I hear they taste like chicken...or sour kraut. I'm not really sure. Either way, I'm sure you'll enjoy him."

”...I’m sure we all could use a refresher.”

"Especially since not all of us were on this trip to retrieve Dimple's cruel and not-funny-at-all joke." Kasvot slaps the cutlery out of Dimple's hand, creating a clang as they clatter onto the floor.

Dimple looks at the scattered utensils. Still facing forward, "Right, right. You'd rather to eat with your hands. Finger lickin' good, just like last time huh? I mean, that's double the fingers if you think about it. By the way, is that a half-orc thing, or a dark patron, bloodline-y thing?"

Niza enters the briefing with Albis pristinely perched on her shoulder. Her footfalls are quieter than usual and she slips into a chair with nary a sound. In the time since you have seen her it almost seems as though her features have taken on a sharper quality, almost like those of her perched ally. An intense stare that seems to be calculating weaknesses.

How could I not tell before that Liet-Gar was a screamer? It is so obvious from how he looks furtively at things as if just waiting for something to attack. And Kasvot, for all Dimple is doing to put him through crap, he's still probably the toughest in a pinch.

She gives a predatory smile, "How has everyone been. I see that some of you are still alive and you've picked up a... Sarenrite Priest? Not a bad choice, they at least have the guts to fight."

Albis is looking at the map with a cocked head and coos a question towards his friend. Niza nods, "Yes, the obvious question of course. Sir Zey, if the dwarfs refuse to negotiate, how should we proceed?"

Earlier that morning upon waking she cast a defensive spell, giving her False Life Temp HP: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15 for five hours. She also cast Endure Elements on herself and used a Pearl of Power to cast it on Albis as well.

"Oh, Niza and Albis! Glad to see you again." calls out LGZ with a smile.

Nodding towards Cenae, he adds "Yes, she has proven helpful. I guess they picked her up sometime while I was away." Pausing at the question, he turns back to the VC and awaits an answer.

'Quite a good question that one.'

We haven't sent anyone through this particular region yet and temperatures can vary between what should be expected and what is. One former jungle area was nearly encased in ice so hopefully this area from the frozen climes is tolerably warm. I certainly no indication of extreme weather. The dwarf I believe is a descendant of those who followed Prince Naldak, son of the last ruler of Jormurdun, King Gutheran He nods at Cenae

He looks askance at Dimple Have you been spending time with Kreighton Shaine?

He then turns his attention to Niza If they should refuse to negotiate I am sure you will all find a way to make them reconsider their position. Are you ready to enter the tapestry?

No intro knowledge checks available

Momentarily confused, "Crate 'n Shane? Are they a comedy duo? Wait, are they a reoccurring story, like a show? Sounds like they're hard-nosed guards defending the town." Her voice lowers a few octave. "Crate 'n Shane, boxing up crime! One is a tough, no nonsense veteran who does everything by the book. The other dedicated to catching the badguys, even if it means breaking a few rules. They don't agree on much, but if you break the law, they'll take you down. Coming to a stage near you." She nods with excitement, "Oh yeah, I would totally watch that show. Where is it playing? Sounds like a great idea for a date night, if anyone was wondering what to plan."

Cenae gets momentarily lost thinking about that entertaining concept of a stage play, ”I’d go see that too. If you get stood up on your date, let me know. But for now, let’s go finish our mission.”

Aram Zeys mouth opens and closes in a passable imitation of a goldfish at Dimples comments but decides against responding to Dimple. He nods in appreciation at Cenaes intention to get on with the mission

Please touch the tapestry here He indicates a section of the tapestry that has a pointer indicating where it is to be touched. Bags of holding and the like will not cause a catastrophic failure but one of you must carry the body. Are you sure you don't just want to take the beard clasp?

"Um, Dimple, that's his name." informs LGZ, stiffling a chuckle. "I'll take the beard clasp, I suppose."

Retrieving the clasp, he contemplates it a moment before hooking it into his hair. "How do I look?"

"Anyway, someone grab Kasvot's lunch."

Without another word, the half-elf reaches out and touches the tapestry.

Dimple blushes slightly at the direct question. "Like a dream...uh...fine. You look real...just....yeah. Good. Is it hot in here?"

Just as Dimple finishes speaking there is a woosh sound and Liet-Gar Zirulak has vanished

The sudden noise and disappearance of her heart's heart snaps Dimple back to reality. "Oh pish and posh! Now he's there all by himself. We'll never know if he screamed like a girl when he got there." With nothing else to add. Dimple peers at the map-y thing and touches it as close to where she remembers the half-elf doing the same.

Cenae grabs one end of the litter with the dwarf on it and nods to the map, "Someone want to help carry this body?"

"Since I guess its my dinner...." Kasvot grabs the other end of the litter, and times his touch on the tapestry as best as he can with Cenae.

(assuming Niza has no plans to delay)

The hot, humid air announces an abrupt change in the local scenery. A large earthen hill fades into view, surrounded on each side by hills covered in vines, grass, and stands of jungle trees. In one direction, mountains rise until they meet a haze of thick clouds. In the other direction, the deep blue sky is barely visible through an expanse of thick jungle. Just ahead lies a small village, its stone buildings overrun with vegetation. A small will o the wisp ball stands behind you. You remember Aram Zey lecturing you that although touching this will take you back to Golarion too many journeys close together tends to leave the stitching of the tapestry quite loose The dwarvfen body seems to have accompanied Cenae

You also see Liet Gar Zirulak with what appears to be a dwarven beard clasp in his hair

Cenae nods thanks to Kasvot, "Excellent, two of us should be able to carry the body much easier."

Looking over at the rest of them the priest nods to the village, "I assume we head there next."

You follow an overgrown path to the village which looks as though it has been abandoned fro many years. As you do you hear a rumble that ends with the sound not unlike a hammer hitting an anvil

New slide added (same link as header)

I will roll initiative should we get there but not yet

Survival: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 25

The priest points out, ”Look, there are uncovered graves, defaced murals, and newly-exposed rubble suggesting this place has been investigated in the past year to six months ago.”

Knowledge: History: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

She continues, ”I also heard a rumor there were insurgencies by the Aspis Consortium into the tapestry through a backdoor.”

Glancing behind the group, LGZ frowns. "That door still available? I'd hate for Aspis to flank us."

Looking around at the abandoned site, his frown deepens. "Didn't he say dwarves lived here?" The sound brightening his spirits, he nods. "Perhaps we should just follow that noise to find them!"

Added the bold part to clarify

"Well, if the Aspis might still have a backdoor, we'll just have to be on our guard." Kasvot tunes his ears to the sound and looks to Cenae. "Should we lay this guy down for a bit while we investigate that?"

History: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Dimple, looking rather bored adds nothing to the conversation. However, she does take out her arrow for 'pokin stuff' and begins proding to outskirts of the area.

"My concern with setting him down is simply...something may come along and eat his remains. We really should keep him with us."

Cenae agrees, "Yeah, we can always drop him if something attacks. It's just a body. Let's go investigate that sound."

Take 10 Stealth: 10 - 1 = 9 I'm sure we will definitely sneak up on everyone!

Niza activates a wand (mage armor) and once inside the tapestry she slips ahead of the group and scouts with Albis.

Stealth Take 10: 10 + 10 = 20
Perception Take 10: 10 + 13 = 23 +1 vs. traps, +3 if in bright light

Albis Stealth Take 10: 10 + 15 = 25
Albis Perception Take 10: 10 + 12 = 22

With a shrug, LGZ cautiously makes his way towards the noise as well.

Stealth take 10: 10 + 12 = 22 I suspect the rest of us have a better chance to be hidden with Cenae with us. ;-)
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Seeing the others being quiet, Dimple's mouth opens as if to question or comment. However, before a word is uttered, her lips come together with a soft clap. With her pokin' stick in hand, she moves along quietly.

Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

As you make your way stealthfully forward another Anvil sound followed by a rumble emerges from the ruins up ahead and from behind a wall a large creature emerges and takes to the air with strange beating wings

The horse-sized creature has the face of a dwarven woman wearing a silver nose ring. Her body resembles that of a large bear with scaly wings. A barbed tail writhes wildly behind her as she threatens with a sonorous growl. Why have you returned ROBBERS Before fixing you with a slightly puzzled expression as she sees the dwarven body

It slowly moves towards you maintaining a height of about 20 feet off the ground

Knowledge: Planes: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

”I know not what you are, but I know what we are. We are NOT robbers, thieves or other ne’er do wells. I am a personal representative of Sarenrae and we as a group represent the Pathfinder Society. We are here on a mission to return this dwarf to their clan.”

Diplomacy Aid: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Planes: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Planes: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Dimple points at the creature. "Hey, it's one of those eidolon thingies." She addresses it. "Um...are you supposed to be here? I'm pretty sure we have been told that there are some pretty specific rules saying we can't play with you. You with your teeth and tail and poison and stuff. And where is your summoner guy? I know for a fact that we aren't supposed to interact with him or her. They are like banned and stuff. That is like one of the CORE things they train into us back at the Grand Lidge." She purses her lips a moment. "Wait. If you are" <<air quote fingers>> "unfettered, how are you still here? I thought you had to go home if they weren't around. What's that all about? Do you need help? I mean, we can probably help you. But you can't tell anyone."

Diplomacy (aid): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21

"They're both right; we are no thieves. In fact, we bear the ancient and preserved body of one of Naldak's contemporaries, an honored dwarf by the name of Vargrim. We do this to return him to his clan in a place of honor. Though I understand your confusion; the Pathfinder Society kind of has a history of very eloquently explained robbery."

Diplomacy, with aids: 1d20 + 10 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 10 + 2 + 2 = 33

'They all sound so smart! Did I miss a class at the Lodge about public speaking?'

"Um, yes dear...thing we are, as they said, here for diplomatic purposes. We wish no ill will and seek no rare artifacts at this time."

Diplomacy Aid: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

'Wow! I sounded decent there too...perhaps it's some magic from this place that helps us speak to other beasts.'

With a note of concern in her voice, Dimple whispers to the others, "Why is it just sitting there? It's really startin' to creep me out."

Sarenrae? The creature slowly descends to the ground about 20 feet from you.[b[Not robbers?[/b] the creature shakes its head. The dwarves are gone only I am left to tell their tale. She then looks at Liet Gar Are you of their clan. Shouldn't that clasp be worn in the beard?

Sorry struggling to work out whether dwarves fit Sarenrae into their pantheon I have finally decided to go with not Please do not hold this GM decision against the creature. Your sense motive checks tell you its lack of knowledge is genuine

Cenae rolls her eyes at Liet-Gar but otherwise says nothing, "Please, tell us their tale. We are very interested in knowing what happened here."

As the creature seems less of a flying threat and possibly friendly, Niza slowly takes her hand off the feather she was going to use to turn into eagle-of-doom. She doesn't lower her guard, but allows the breath she was holding to be released.

"Huh?"

"Oh, this?" he inquires touching the broach. "No, it belongs to the dwarf we brought with us."

Pulling it free, he nods to Cenae. "Please, tell us their story."

Before heading through the portal Arboreal casts endure element and mage armour on himself before using pearl of power to cast endure elements again on Dannyboy his hawk familiar

A familiar half-elf pops through the portal with a sealed letter. He moves over to Cenae and hands it to her, eyeing the beast as it lands and moves up.

The cleric grabs the letter and steps back a little bit to read it. Her emotions appear to be a bit on her sleeve for just a moment as she gasps. Quickly steeling herslef with a deep breath she adds, "I uh... family emergency. I need to go. This gent here has been assigned as my replacement. I'm really sorry, good luck!"

With that, she darts to the portal and disappears from sight.

Resources Used
Arboreal: NA
Liet-Gar: NA
Kasvot: Mage Armor Wand (1)
Dimple: NA
Niza: Mage Armor Wand (1)
Albis: NA

Anyone else use resources regularly or no longer use the ones above? I saw that Niza still uses her wand of Mage Armor on herself.

________________________________

And stuff moved a lot faster than I expected, so here we go! The new Slides are up. I stole a couple from Arboreal, thanks for the prep. The link will be in my header and once I get control of the thread I'll toss it up top as well.

The creature hangs her head, "I am Grodel. Master was last of Naldak’s Point dwarves. They were good and proud until evil came and took the youth away. Now they live in the mountain to the east. Their heads are bald and their skin is gray. They should cut their beards in shame. You seem not bad, but look like ones who came to loot. You come to home, we talk more."

If you follow, the creature leads you to a ruined stone building. There appears to be a small collection of non-ruined items set out on a mossy stone.

"I uh... family emergency. I need to go."

"Wait...what? You are literally carrying a dead body around with you. You're just going to up and leave? Pish and posh! I knew Little Miss Sunshine thought she was all high and mighty. Wait? Can we all leave?"

The fluid river (creek?) of Dimple's mind quickly moves beyond the cleric's departure. "Oh hey, it's that other guy." Dimple makes her way over to Albis. The bard not-so-discretely points at Dannyboy, "That's the boy I tried to tell you about last time. Remember? I think Niza scared him off, or Kasvot. It doesn't matter though, cause now you get a second chance at finding your soulmate. Making a little nest together, sharing...I dunno, worms or something? Don't worry, I got you."

Dimple whistles a ditty as she casually walks back over toward the latest arrival. Ignoring the elf, the bard calls out to Dannyboy. "Hey there. Nice jungle we are having today. So I was just wondering if you were available for a lifetime of down-feather hugs, flying claw and claw, and some occasional screeching as you 'lay some eggs'. Does that sound good to you? Asking for a friend." Dimple turns back toward Albis and flashes a thumbs-up, adding a wink for good measure.

As the party moves toward what is no doubt a creepy lair and/or trap, "Oh hey, look at that. We are following the unattended monster thing that can totally kill us without much effort and probably no moral compass because it's master is dea---er,...not around at the moment. This will end well." Another thumbs up at the eidolon. "Right behind you Grodel."

"I...uh...g'luck." LGZ calls to Cenae's back as she vanishes. "It was nice meeting y... Yeah, shes gone."

Running his fingers through his hair, he nods to the eidolon. "Alrighty, lead on good sir."