[PFS2e] GM Dinketry and Balancing the Scales (02-05) (Inactive)

Game Master dinketry

Starting line.

There's never a dull moment at the Pathfinder Grand Lodge in Absalom. Students, agents, pages, deliveries, and companions both mundane and arcane jostle each other in the over-crowded halls of the complex, day and night. Formal educational sessions overlap with impromptu educational sessions, spilling out of classrooms into hallways, courtyards, and even the streets surrounding the sprawling campus. It can be difficult to find a quiet spot of one's own, but you don't have that problem.

You've been sent for.

An out-of-breath page approaches you (each separately) just after the morning meal, her message delivered with the appropriate amount of awe.

"Venture-Captain Valsin wants to talk to you!" the young dwarf puffs. She holds up a finger at your face to let her catch her breath for a moment. "He's in Venture-Captain Dreng's office!" She wipes her brow with her hand, then points, a few drips of perspiration flung in the direction of her hand. "East Tower, second landing!" Not waiting for a reply, the dwarf stumble-runs off, her duty to deliver similar messages obviously not yet completed.

Here's your opportunity to introduce yourself in character. If any of you (i.e. Kurvok, Drazzle, Erathiel) think that you might be together at the Grand Lodge, then the dwarf can deliver the message to you as a small group. I'll let everyone post and then I'll press 'play' again.

Drazzel was happy to be back in Absalom after a few weeks in Osirion. After trying to sell fake gems to a merchant in Eto, and getting caught, the little kobold was lucky to be alive.

Heading to a table in the cafeteria with his tray of scrambled cockatrice eggs and hot cakes smothered with demon-pepper sauce, he's approached by the dwarf to immediately report to Dreng's office, where Venture-Captain Valsin is waiting. Speechless as the messenger darts off, Drazzel's eyes go wide in shock. He drops the tin tray, the food splattering across the floor.
Putting his hands on his head, he starts pacing in circles in a panic, wondering what to say to Valsin.
Oh, no’s! They's know I short-sheeted Dreng last night! Ack! It was just a simple prank. Oh no, oh no, oh no! I's in biiiig trouble.
He tries to calm himself down.
Okay. It was just short-sheeting Dreng. Me's roommates wanted to stick his hand in warm water too, but, he was abouts to wake up so we skedaddled outta there.
Rubbing his forehead in stress, he starts aimlessly walking to the office in a sweat, hoping his punishment isn't too bad.
Did they's catch my roommates, too? Oh no, no, no. I hope they's not rat on me!
Walking down the main hall, he pauses, then continues towards the office.
Waits! How's they even know it was me? They's don't know it was me.
Standing in front of the office door, he straightens his robe and equipment, takes a deep breath as he turns the knob, and barges in...

I's not short-sheet Mister Dreng!
They's dids it!!!
He yells, feigning innocence, and pointing at...

...nobody.

Oh, uh. Hello, Mister Valsin, sir.
He says, abashed.

The courier meets Darlann just as he leaves the dining hall, still munching on a piece of buttered toast. He raises his hand, so as to ask her to slow down and catch her breath.

"Of course, no rush, my friend. Now, would you mind showing me...", he trails off as the dwarf already dashes toward her next quarry.

"Well then."

After a couple of stops to ask for directions, the champion finds himself in the second landing of the eastern tower, by the door labelled Venture-Captain Drandle Dreng. With a single flourish, Darlann opens the door and steps inside, bowing courteously.

"Venture-Captain Valsin, sir."

Darlann Sacragentum is a relatively tall human, clad in polished chain mail adorned with the holy symbol of Iomedae. His brown chinstrap beard is cut short, and despite the roundness of his ears, a pair of high cheekbones and slanted blue eyes betray a hint of elven heritage. A gleaming longsword hangs from his waist, and a heavy iron warhammer sits beneath his Iomedean steel shield on his back - and it is not tough to discern that none of his equipment has seen recent field use.

Finding himself alone in the room save for the Venture-Captain and a little kobold, the half-elf extends his hand to the latter.

"Darlann Sacragentum, College of Swords. With whom do I have the pleasure?"

Kornel Pastovic, a Pathfinder novice, is a middle-aged, dark-haired Varisian man. His outfit is rather unkempt — his undershirt is missing a button or two, his jacket has spots of patchwork and dust. His head shows signs of balding, even. One might be forgiven to mistake this scruffy man for a homeless person.

His face bears a near-permanent smile, or grin, and his posture and mannerisms are quite relaxed and phlegmatic. At a surface level, he seems approachable and amicable enough, if one can ignore his scruffy physical appearance. Yet, many who spend extended periods of time with Kornel Pastovic find his presence to feel unnerving — like there's something off about him.

The dwarf courier finds Kornel in the medical ward, where Kornel had been caring for diseased and wounded agents, while engaged in a professional discussion with a fellow healer. "I will be right there, do not worry," he assures the page, speaking with moderate Varisian accent, microseconds before the young messenger dashes away.

Moments after, Kornel is at Venture-Captain Valsin's office.

"Kornel Pastovic. Good to meet you." The man's introduction is accompanied by a firm handshake and a brightening smile. "How are you doing today?" He kneels down to shake hands with the kobold(s).

His handshake is strangely cold, as though touching hands with a corpse.

As usual, Haechi is in the Grand Lodge's library with his snout deep into a book. Today, it is a well-worn copy of Nab Isco's "draconis cibus et potum". As he flicks through the pages, a loose rectangle of heavy parchment flies out and falls to the ground. "What's all this then," he says, apparently to no one.

He's about to bend over to pick it up when a page approaches and announces that Valsin is looking for him. A little flustered at the sudden interruption, he replies to the retreating dwarf, "Uh, um, thank you. I'll be right there."

Turning back to his book, he says, "Ah, yes. Now, where was I. Right, the bookmark." He looks down to see where it is, but the slip of parchment appears to have disappeared. He looks confused. "Where did it get to? Haetae, did you see where that paper went?".

A previously unnoticed creature sitting on one of his shoulders shifts uncomfortably. It seems to be chewing on something and makes a barely audible comment.

Haechi looks about for a couple of seconds, then shrugs. "I could have sworn... Oh well, no time now. We must go meet with Venture-Captain Valsin."

Arriving at Venture-Captain Dreng's office, he casts a quick spell to make himself presentable (Prestidigitation) and with a quick knock, opens the door and looks inside. Seeing that he's in the right place, he enters. Apparently he is not the first. "How odd, I got here as fast as I could," he thinks to himself.

Those already in the office see a slightly taller than normal kobold in a long dark hooded cloak tied at the neck. Rather than the usual mottled coloration of his kind, Haechi's scales are almost entirely the same unvarying color: A bright bronze. Hanging by her claws from one of the kobold's shoulders is a small, but similarly colored draconic-like creature with wings and a bored look.

"Hello there colleagues. I take it that we all received the same invitation. A pleasure to make all of your acquaintance." He makes sure to shake everyone's hand. He then flinches his shoulder slightly and makes a pained face. Turning to his familiar, he says, "Ow! What's the problem now? Oh, ah. It appears that I forgot to introduce my little friend here. This is Haetae. Please feel free to ignore anything she says; she tends to be in a bad mood much of the time."

Haetae was at her usual perch on her master's shoulder; a little bored, as was the norm when he was engrossed in his research. She was wondering when her next meal would be when she noticed the piece of parchment fly out of the book he was reading.

Knowing all about mysterious bits of paper hidden in old books of magic, she thinks, "Uh oh. I have a bad feeling about this." Fortunately, the short lady runs up at that very moment and distracts her master. Haetae quickly falls off his shoulder, flies down to the ground, snatches the paper in her jaws, and returns to her perch as if nothing had happened. She decides to make a snack of it and is in the midst of chewing and swallowing when her master's attention returns to his work.

When he inquires as to the current location of the slip of parchment, Haetae pretends that she doesn't know what he's talking about. She's had better tasting snacks, but the paper would probably tide her over until lunch.

Kurvok is halfway through his ale, when the messenger finds him. He’s annoyed, but not too much. At least he’s not in that desert hellhole anymore. Taking one last swig, he sets it on the bar, and heads out.

”Dreng...Dreng...”, he mutters to himself, trying to remember where the office is. He looks around, noting the buildings he uses as navigational landmarks. Then he stalks off, beelining for the captain’s quarters. He knocks on the door, then opens it.

He’s not the biggest orc you’ve seen, but he has an air of danger about him. His shoulder-length hair and short beard, continuously stirred by a light wind, are black. They frame an olive-green face, with dark eyes and cruel-looking tusks. It looks like gills on the sides of his neck, but they turn out to be tattoos. He wears studded leather armor, with a gauntlet on his right hand, and a metal shield slung on his back.

”Kurvok Thargson”, he rumbles, looking around the now-crowded room. His eyes settle on Drazzel, and narrow. ”You”, he adds menacingly.

[...] Heading to a table in the cafeteria with his tray of scrambled cockatrice eggs and hot cakes smothered with demon-pepper sauce, he's approached by the dwarf to immediately report to Dreng's office, where Venture-Captain Valsin is waiting. Speechless as the messenger darts off, Drazzel's eyes go wide in shock. He drops the tin tray, the food splattering across the floor.

Putting his hands on his head, he starts pacing in circles in a panic, wondering what to say to Valsin.[...]

"Oh, and he was asking for you too, Erathiel. " The elf stood in amazement as Drazzel hurriedly left the cafeteria, skittering and mumbling to himself. "What is the deal with him?" Erathiel hunched over the table to see where the kobold went, lamenting the wasted food laying on the floor.

"I wonder what Vaslin wants." he paused for a bit. "Better catch up with Drazzel too. I wonder if he likes bread..." Erathiel took two big bites of food, grabbed half a loaf of bread, and left for Dreng's office.

Eep!
Drazzel blurts out in his high-pitched gravelly voice when he sees the orc.
I's make no trouble on this mission. Promise!
He holds his hand up in honor.
I's done good on last mission, yes? We get trinkets back and get reward. I make no trouble then, yes?

Drazzel looks up at his elf friend.
Erathiel, I do good on last mission, yes?

Drazzel turns to the others present.
I's do good on this mission. I haz powerful dragon magik. Looky...
He pulls his hood back and closes his eyes in concentration. His scales shimmer and glow orange-red like flickering flames.
Putting his hood back up, he opens his eyes and looks at each of you in turn.
Drazzel treat friends good. No trouble. We's passa-finders, yes?
He pulls out his wayfinder and waves it about before sticking it back into his pocket.

Kurvok relaxes a bit. ”Fair enough”, he grumbles. ”Keep it that way”

He gives Erathiel a nod, and waits for the briefing to start.

Venture-Captain Valsin sits side-saddle on a chair behind a desk piled high with papers, eyebrow cocked in consternation at the entrance of the various personalities. When things quiet down a bit, he clear his voice, blowing his moustache out as he begins the briefing.

“For an organization as far-reaching as the Pathfinder Society, alliances are common, but true allies are rare. Venture-Captain Drandle Dreng asserts that the Sewer Dragons kobold tribe are among our greatest allies. He inducted a number of them into the Lodge as Pathfinders and sponsored the training of a great deal more.”

Here, Ambrus nods at Drazzel.

"Welcome, Drazzel. Your service means a great deal to us. None of us expressed that better than Venture-Captain Dreng."

Valsin continues. “A few weeks ago, a clockwork drill dug its way deep underground from the city streets, passing right through the Sewer Dragons’ territory and releasing beasts from below. There were casualties, but with our help, the Sewer Dragons survived intact. Their home didn’t.”

“Dreng’s been helping the Sewer Dragons relocate. He was scheduled to meet with them early this morning, but he never showed up. While the Sewer Dragons were waiting, they witnessed a powerful battle between two unknown figures. Kobolds are good at self-preservation; these witnesses just watched the melee in shock. It ended with the combatants merging into one cloaked being with a gleaming red eye. Then, it apparently vanished."

“Dreng hasn’t turned up, the kobolds are spooked, and this merged figure sounds like trouble. I’m sending you to meet with the leaders of the Sewer Dragons. They’ll guide you to the meeting site where the figures fought. Investigate the site and follow up on any leads you uncover. Find out everything you can about this merged figure. Oh, and speaking of leads, the figure dropped this bag as they fled. What do you make of its contents?”

Ambrus shoves aside a pile of papers he was sifting through and passes a small leather bag containing a coin and a badge. The coin is heavy and unevenly minted. One side depicts a lightning bolt piercing a storm cloud, while the other depicts an angular rune (Image). The badge is easily recognisable as a badge of Absalom’s city guard, with the words “Sleepless Suns” engraved in the side.

I've rolled your Recall Knowledge checks secretly. Let me know if anyone has the Lore (Absalom) skill.

When Valsin mentions that Drazzel is a member of the Sewer Dragon tribe, Haechi vaguely recalls something about these kobolds living below Absalom. He'd run into a few kobolds at the Lodge, but as they were not of the same tribe, they hadn't make a habit of mixing.

"So Drazzel is one of these Absalom kobolds then. How interesting," he thinks. He'd have to ask him about it when he got a chance. Impressive trick with the flaming scales; Haechi was a little envious of that, though it was bound to wreak havok on ones clothing.

Haechi didn't like the sound of a powerful battle and a merged figure with a red eye. Why did all these Pathfinder missions seem to involve tackling nasty dangerous creatures? Why weren't there more of the relaxing missions involving a lot of reading and good meals? Not that he was complaining; not at all. As a kobold follower of Apsu the great, he was more than prepared to handle even the most dangerous of creatures. He puffs out his chest a little to prove it.

When Valsin shows them the coin Haechi looks it over and his chest deflates. "Oh dearie me. That doesn't bode well. Why are there symbols of Urxehl, the demon lord of catastrophe, natural disasters and ugh, trolls, doing on a badge of the Absalom city guard?" Pointing at the edge of the badge, he adds, "It looks like it belongs to the Sleepless Suns, the guard force of the Foreign Quarter led by Shristi Melipdra."

Venture-Captain Valsin nods in approval at Haechi's report, but offers a word of clarity.

"Well spoken, but the rune of Urxehl isn't ON the badge of the Sleepless Suns force, mind you; the two were found together in that small sack. Make of it what you will. When you’re done in the sewers, come back to the Foreign Quarter and visit Shristi Melipdra of the Sleepless Suns. See if he can offer some insight. Understood? The time for questions of me is now, Pathfinders, or you are dismissed.”

Ambrus awaits any further comments or questions.

Sewer Dragons always like to work with Passa-finders, Sir Valsin.
Drazzel gives a deep bow.
Me sorry Drandle missing.
He says sadly. He then perks up a bit, thinking about how nice and forgiving Drendle can be.
Yes, Drendle help us. He nice hoo-man. Good at pranks, too. I help talk to Sewer Dragon leaders.

Drazzel scrutinizes the coin and badge.
Hmm. Me don't know strange rune. Pretty artwork. Look like swan with turnip.

Haechi points at the coin and mentions a demon-lord of catastrophe.
Ooooh. Sound like powerful being. Best be careful.

His eyes light up when he sees the badge.
Ahhh! Yes. Shristi. He like all types of people. Make sure all people get along together. Good at kicking and punching in arena.

Drazzel thinks about the coin and the badge, then tries to put two and two together.
Two coins and two people fighting. One of demon-lord and one of Sleepless Suns. They fight, but merge into one with shiny red eye.
Drazzel blinks his black eyes a couple times while thinking.
Me no understand.
He says with a disappointed sigh.

”Did you find out anything about this...’clockwork drill’?”, asks Kurvok.

Valsin scowls at Kurvok. "I’m combing through Dreng's office for any signs of what he was getting into, and other Pathfinders are checking places the old coo----codger might turn up. Venture-Captain Dreng's been working with the Sewer Dragons on this one, so if anyone knows anything, it'll be the kobolds."

Any other questions?

Darlann inspects the angular rune with interest, but quickly puts it away when Haechi mentions it to be a Demon Lord's symbol. His eyes light up when he reads the words Sleepless Suns, but he patiently waits for the others to make their observations before adding his own.

"So two figures - one belonging to the Sleepless Suns, the other an adherent to the Demon Lord of catastrophe - did battle before the kobold witnesses. The latter part is where it falls apart for me," he sighs, tearing his eyes from the guard's badge. "The two combatants merged into one? Perhaps in shock and fear, the eyewitnesses misunderstood what they were seeing..."

The half-elf once again picks up both pieces of evidence, turning them in his hands and running his fingers over them.

"That would scarcely explain why both were found in the same sack, though. I've no more questions, Venture-Captain Valsin, sir," Darlann says as he hands the rune and badge back to the Venture-Captain. "We will find out little by sitting here and making conjectures. Let's go."

Kornel nods approvingly as Haechi describes the demonic-looking symbol as that of Urxehl.

"Sewer Dragons, eh. Drazzel, my friend, is there something we should know about their culture? Would not be good to ruin diplomatic relations by accident, eh?"

"No use pondering the mystery yet. We will find out what that 'merging' was, all in due time. That is what investigation is for, eh?"

"Well spoken, but the rune of Urxehl isn't ON the badge of the Sleepless Suns force, mind you; the two were found together in that small sack...”

Doh! That makes much more sense. That's what comes from staying up late and not reading posts thoroughly.

If Haechi's scales could change colors like Drazzel's, they would probably be shading a little into the red right now. He pokes at the coin and badge to make sure they are not the same object. "How embarassing," he thinks, "I hope no one else noticed."

Haechi passes his hand over the two items and saying, "ostende mihi magicae," casts a spell to see if they are at all magical.

Cast a Spell: Detect Magic

Turning to Valsin, Haechi asks, "I assume someone has spoken with the Sleepless Suns about this. Have any of their number turned up missing recently? Can they identify who the badge belongs to?"

After thinking things over a bit, he says, "I'm no investigator, but maybe talking further with Shristi Melipdra would be a good place to start our inquiries. We could then examine the scene of the battle and question the witnesses. Much like Kurvok, I am also quite interested in this clockwork drill that was mentioned. Perhaps examining the start and end points of the hole that was dug might elicit more information. My my, so much work to do. I do hope Venture-Captain Dreng didn't come to a sticky end."

Venture-Captain Valsin harrumphs at Haechi's suggestions.

"I do think that speaking to the Sleepless Suns would be a good idea because no one has - as of yet - spoken to them about the rather embarrassing fact that their order has been in contact with a demon cult. But, to be clear, I didn't order you to start your enquiries there. I ordered you to start your enquiries with the agitated Sewer Dragons who are awaiting your arrival. First." He makes the point clearly by staring at Haechi.

"Pathfinders, dismissed. I'll be here, discovering cobwebs." Valsin goes back to searching through the contents of the desk.

You all have 1 Hero Point available to you for this scenario. If further Hero Points are available to the table (i.e. via boons), please indicate that now.

Upon leaving Dreng's office and Valsin's company, the female dwarven page who summoned you each this morning hails you. She appears less sweaty.

"Hello again! I didn't introduce myself before - I'm Ezri Sempleminder, page to the venture-captain there. I'm to take you to the official entrance to the sewers, once you're ready that is."

If anyone would like to make any purchases from the quartermaster at the Grand Lodge (or anywhere else), you now have time to do so.

"It is my pleasure, Miss Sempleminder," Darlann beams at the page.

I don't have anything to purchase, not that I have the coins to purchase anything right after character creation. If I'm not mistaken, the PFS Guide mentioned that we get a free consumable at the start of each scenario; would that be now? If so, I'll take the basic healing potion.

(Bit on the nose to name the servant after the word "simple-minded", eh, Paizo?)

"Ah yes, very good, thank you. Always nice to know where to start, eh, friends?"

(I'll take a scroll of heal as my bonus consumable.)

"Off to the sewer dragons then. Hopefully they're as, ehm... charming as Drazzel."

Venture-Captain Valsin harrumphs at Haechi's suggestions.

"...I didn't order you to start your enquiries there. I ordered you to start your enquiries with the agitated Sewer Dragons who are awaiting your arrival. First." He makes the point clearly by staring at Haechi...

Haechi freezes like a deer in the torchlights, and only manages to avoid cringing under Valsin's stare by force of will. "Oh dearie me. I think I stepped in the excrement again, so to speak", he thinks.

"Um, yes, of course Captain. Sewer Dragons first it is; as you say. Shristi Melipdra can wait. Yes indeed he can. Wait, that is." He raises his hand as if to salute, but then remembers that Pathfinders don't do that sort of thing, and weakly returns it to his side.

Once they all leave Dreng's office, Haechi releases the breath he hadn't realized he was holding. He thanks the Maker that kobolds cannot sweat or things would have been a lot worse.

Haechi takes a level 1 scroll of Burning Hands as his bonus consumable.

Please go ahead and select your School items - if any - and let me know what you select. Also, let me know if you're planning on slotting any additional boons.

Ezri leads you all to a well-used sewer grate just outside the main walls of the Grand Lodge. A short climb down the cleanest sewer ladder/tunnel in Absalom leads you to what you would think of when you first heard that you would be entering the Sewers at the Centre of the World.

See the slide show for reference images.

Though the entire area is dark, you never feel at risk for losing your way. Not only do you have your own Sewer Dragon to direct your passage, but fluorescent signs hang all about the tunnels proclaiming the route. Most tunnels are 10 feet tall, with 5-foot-wide walkways on both sides of the 5-foot-wide central sewage channel. The path is interspersed with narrow, rough-hewn passages cut through the walls and the stench of sewage is overwhelming.

Let me know: 1) marching order (single file or double file on either side of the central sewage channel), 2) light source (for those who need it), and 3) if anyone plans to try to use Scent to track (because that would be VERY DIFFICULT).

Drazzel walks slowly at the head of the group as they trudge through the sewer passage. He stops momentarily at each glowing symbol to catch his bearings and make sure he's leading the group in the right direction.
Ahh. Is nice to be back in sewer after much Passa-finder training. Me never realize how stinky it is in here. Phew!
Drazzel pulls out an old wooden clothespin and uses it to pinch his nostrils shut.

Watch-a you'se step.
He says as he points at the stone walkway where patches of slick slime can be seen.
Very slipp'ry.
He turns to look over his shoulder every once in a while to make sure nobody has been plucked unaware from the group by a stealthy wandering creature.
You's will like my clan. We work good with Passa-finders. Excited for clan to meet me new friends.
He glances at each of his companions.

I's lucky to be chosen to join Passa-finders. Me do lots of buyin' and sellin' with merchants all over big world for Passa-finders. They's make me special dip'o-mat for Society.
Dripping sounds from up ahead force Drazzel to stop talking. He realizes he should be more quiet as they travel through the sewer.

Not much further. Should be there soon.

Still wanting to see a marching order suggestion and a light source for the two non-darkvision party members.

perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Drazzel is in front, leading the group. Default to alphabetical order after him?

Drazzel stops suddenly and throws up the Pathfinder Hand Signal for "Halt. Be Quiet."

Rushing water ahead. Let'sa move quiet-er.

Anyone else want to take the lead?

"I love what you've done with the place." Erathiel managed to say between gags. It was hard to keep composure in the thick, foul smell of the sewers.

perception check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

The elf's ears start twitching at a distant sound. He stops and looks back at the rest of the group. "Hear that? Sounds like running water. What do you make of it Drazzel?"

Me and Drazzel should go double file on the front of the line. I'm carrying a torch.

Darlann flinches for a moment as he looks down into the sewer grate, the realization dawning on him that the Sewer Dragons do, in fact, live in the sewers.

Never would have thought my first assignment would start in such a place, but beggars can't be choosers.

Darlann walks at the back of the line, his heightened half-elf senses battered with a cocktail of regrettable odours. He constantly looks back, making sure the group isn't being followed by an unsavoury sewer creature, and hums a religious hymn to himself. As soon as Drazzel signs him to halt, the champion sends his hand to the hilt of his longsword.

"Proceed quietly, yes," he affirms, his shield clanging loudly against his warhammer. "I'm afraid I'm, ahem, rather incompetent at that."

Kornel produces a torch from his backpack and lights it. "Ah, this is exciting, no?" He pats Darlann on the back, for encouragement, perhaps sensing the champion's discomfort in the sewers.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

He travels with the reasonable quietness. He doesn't seem to mind the dirtiness and smell associated with the place, and even seems to enjoy the journey, curiously observing the stone walls and waterways.

So I gather the marching order goes like this:
(front)
Drazzel, Darlann
Erathiel, Kurvok
Kornel, Haechi

So I gather the marching order goes like this:
(front)
Drazzel, Darlann
Erathiel, Kurvok
Kornel, Haechi

I figured Erathiel on the front with Drazzel, Darlann on the back. Don't know who else is on the back and middle, however.

Kurvok grimaces at his surroundings. The stench, the narrow tunnels; he could never feel at home in such a place. Erathiel’s mention of running water offers a bit of respite, and he tries to pick it up himself.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

As Haechi climbs down into the sewers, he thinks, "Why is it that I seem to be spending an inordinate amount of time in the sewers of Absalom? It took weeks to get the smell out of my cloak the last time. After this mission, I may just have to burn it and get another."

Once on the walkway, he looks uncertainly into the central sewage channel. "Please do keep a careful eye out. The last time I was down here we ran into a giant crocodile. It nearly ruined our whole day."

Exploration mode: Avoid Notice +5. Haechi has darkvision.

Any marching order that doesn't have Haechi on the front line is fine with him.

Marching order (on opposite sides of the sewage channel):
Drazzel, Erathiel
Haechi, Kurvok
Darlann, Kornel

A fluorescent sign (that doesn't seem nearly as impressive when illuminated by torchlight) proclaims the party to have entered Sewer Dragons territory as the tunnels make an abrupt turn into a partially-collapsed mess. The source of the running water becomes apparent as you see a drill-bored channel (but no drill) piercing the ceiling and floor of the broad tunnel segment, allowing a flow of sewage from above to funnel deep underground. Heaps of rubble from recent collapses partially block the path, and newly erected wooden supports prop up weaker-looking segments. It appears that a lot of effort has recently gone into to just making this passage passable.

As you take in the sounds (and renewed smells), a green-scaled kobold pushing a makeshift wheelbarrow enters the far end of the chamber, sees you, and squawks, abandoning the wheelbarrow and running back from whence she came. From the next chamber, you can hear the female kobold's voice echoing.

Darlann is visibly on edge as the group makes its way into the Sewer Dragons' home, the fragile and makeshift architecture doing little to soothe his worries, but resists his impulse to draw his sword and shield as soon as a kobold comes into view. He stares intently at the two kobolds in front of him, and whispers, "what is it?"

Drazzel turns to Darlann.
She announcing to tribe that Passa-finders are here. That be us.
C'mon. We go tell them we's here.
Drazzel begins walking towards the area.

The broad tunnel opens up into a disheveled mess of what once might have been a majestic underground amphitheatre, now sadly collapsed, the floor littered with mounds of rock, wood, and masonry. Kobolds appear to have been busy clearing away rocks, hauling debris, and tossing broken belongings into a pile, while others have been picking through the refuse, repurposing and repairing what they can, and still others have been erecting wooden supports and scaffolding. Now they all stand about, point, and chatter as you enter their home. A blue-scaled kobold surrounded by kobold youths on what is left of the stage begins pounding on a large drum and singing in Draconic.

After a few uncomfortable moments, a trio of kobolds emerge from a side tunnel. (Images) They look pleased to see you and approach, speaking in Common.

"Greetings, Pathfinders. I am Chief Yiddlepode of the mighty Sewer Dragons. This is my brother, Trapmaster Tok, and our tribe's champion, Pethjun." She inclines her head at each, then gives a flourish of her fine cloak. “You see our sorrow? The glorious lair of the Sewer Dragons is no more.”

Trapmaster Tok nods. “We could rebuild, but that cursed drill rendered this entire region unstable. We must start fresh elsewhere.”

“Plans are already in motion, brother. One of many reasons why Drandle’s disappearance is so disheartening,” Chief Yiddlepode replies, before turning to you. “But you’ve come to see the meeting site, yes? Ambrus said he would send a team to investigate. I’ll guide you to the place we were to meet Drandle Dreng. Perhaps you’ll find clues that we missed.”

Turning to the assembled kobolds, Chief Yiddlepode announces, “Pethjun, with me — bring a platoon of your warriors. Trapmaster Tok, you’re in charge until I return. Be safe, brother.”

A dozen kobold warriors form up behind Pethjun, eagerly awaiting orders. With a draconic bark, the white-scaled kobold divides half of the kobolds to lead you, and the other half to take the rear. You move out!

Feel free to ask any questions of Chief Yiddlepode or Pethjun.

Darlann follows Drazzel into the Sewer Dragons' lair, his tension slowly giving way to awe and admiration at the amphitheatre's size and state; and this all was right under the street of Absalom, a thought wanders into his head. He nods solemnly as the Chief describes the recent woes of her tribe.

"Pray tell me, O Chief Yiddlepore of the mighty Sewer Dragons, do you already have a place in mind to relocate your lair to? Do the sewers of Absalom hold another hall of such magnificent size and design the Sewer Dragons could call home?"

Haechi listens carefully while the other kobolds are speaking and for once decides to stay quiet. He watches closely as Chief Yiddlepode and her brother, Trapmaster Tok, are talking, and tries to determine if they can be trusted. "Trapmaster Tok looks a little sus to me."

Action: Perception (Sense Motive) +3 - Secret

Haechi is trying to tell if Chief Yiddlepode and her brother are behaving abnormally, nervously or deceptively. Haechi is super confident that he's an excellent judge of character, but is actually the worst one in the party.

Being a relaxed and somewhat polite man, Kornel lets the Chief and his co-leaders finish their speech before interjecting to compliment them on their use of Common. "You speak pretty good Taldane. I was getting worried the whole tribe would only speak the lizard language, ah hah." His laughter sounds hollow and forced.

"We heard that a clockwork drill — ah, a mechanical apparatus for digging," Kornel clarifies himself, perhaps unsure of the kobolds' intelligence or proficiency with the language, "— dug its way through your territory. Did any of you see it?"

As the team (minus Trapmaster Tok), make their way through the tunnels, Chief Yipplepode fields your questions.

"Venture-Captain Dreng was scouting out a suitable site for our tribe. This is why his disappearance is so troubling in the midst of this fracas. I wonder," she says, turning the question back on Darlann, "if you issued your own orders, what would you do? Do your priorities lay with finding a friend or uncovering a foe?"

In response to Kornel's query, the chief replies:

"Indeed. Of no small coincidence, when the drill from below destroyed our home, it forced us to miss a meeting with Dreng. He sent a search party to check on us; that worry saved the Sewer Dragons from obliteration. I’d hoped to return the favour, but you’re no search party. Let’s hope Ambrus Valsin's lack of worry doesn’t bring about Drandle’s death."

The Sewer Dragon chief's candour is startlingly blunt. Meanwhile, the stout Pethjun approaches Drazzel.

“I knew you’d be a formidable Pathfinder! Congratulations! You do us proud! Is this your first mission? Or have you other tales to regale me with? Speak! I yearn to hear your exploits.”

Haechi is confused. "Captain Valsin mentioned that the clockwork drill dug down from the city streets and through your territory. Is that correct? Just now you suggested that the drill came from below. Do you happen to know where this drilling contraption is now?"

Once the confusion is cleared up, Haechi asks, "What of these beasts that were released? Did they come out of the hole dug by the drill? What manner of creatures were they? Are they still loose in the sewers?" He looks about nervously in case one of the creatures in question was in the process of sneaking up on them.

"I don't suppose anyone's gone down the hole to see what's at the end by any chance?" He immediately regrets asking, as he suspects that the Pathfinders will probably have to take on that unpleasant task themselves.

Hi-sa, Pethjun. Is good to see you'se all again. Me had exciting mission before coming here. Met Erathiel and Kurvok on first adventure.
He gives a nod to his two companions that were there.
Me's was in Eto, in Osirion, making sales for Passa-finders.
He looks down momentarily in shame and decides not to bring up the part about his attempt at deceiving a merchant and getting kicked out of Eto.
We's met gnome in tavern who got special trinket stolen from her.
Drazzel gesticulates with wide eyes while telling his story.
We travel through desert, fight flying desert imps, then find biiig hoo-man headed lion with trinket. We's hassa solve riddle to get trinket back and not gets eaten. Well, we's solve riddle, get trinket, and get lotsa coins for bringing back trinket!

Verrrry exciting to be passafinder!

Chief Yiddlepode eyes Haechi with suspicion. "A loyal Pathfinder, eh? Taking the words of your superior who was not at the cataclysm that destroyed my people over the words of the leader of those people? I also see that you're not answering my question, either. Interesting." The golden-scaled kobold goes silent and directs her attention elsewhere.

Pethjun clasps Drazzel on the back in warm congratulations and returns to her duties.

Anyone else?

The Chief's question seems to strike a nerve with the champion. He exhales from his nose quietly as it hits him, dropping his head in contemplation for a short minute.

"Finding a friend, now as always. But luckily," he smiles grimly at the kobold, "I'm not the one giving orders anymore. Things aren't always black and white; 'sometimes defeating a great evil demands sacrificing a lesser good.' I don't get that."

Darlann throws Chief Yipplepode another look, wondering what made her ask her question, or what kind of answer she was expecting.

"Evil will always live another day, some way or another. My friends won't."

Haechi is a little taken aback by the chief's reaction to his questions. "Did I say something wrong? I'm usually so good at dealing with people. Maybe the chief has some antipathy to kobolds from other tribes. Yes, that must be it. Nothing to do with me at all."

Still, he thought the discrepancy between Captain Valsin's account of the drill's direction and that of the chief to be quite interesting. If the drill had come up from below, then that would be a very different story than if it had started its journey on the streets of Absalom. Time would tell he supposed.

And what was the deal with all the questions about chosing between saving Dreng and finding out about the mysterious merged figure? Valsin seemed to emphasize the latter, but that didn't mean they couldn't do both. Didn't Valsin say he had other Pathfinders working on finding Dreng?

Given the chief's obviously prejudiced antagonism towards him, Haechi decides not to upset her further with any additional questions. He continues to keep an eye peeled for any dangerous creatures that might jump out at them.

Chief Yiddlepode hisses in response to Darlann.

“We Sewer Dragons looked long and hard but found no sign of Drandle. He knows the underground as well as we do, so he’s not lost. If I had to
guess....monsters have crept up from the hole left by the drill in the earth. Drandle could have run afoul of such beasts. But you Pathfinders have many enemies. Perhaps his caught up with him.”

Pethjun gives a quick hiss and the party pulls up short. As he does so, the chief murmurs, "We draw near to the site of our encounter with the strange fused figure." The 15-foot wide chamber has three passages that branch off and a raised platform at the far end that rises from the inch of sewage to a portal in the wall. Yiddlepode nods towards the rough portal. "That room is where we were to meet Dreng and where we saw the creature."

The white-scaled warrior directs her kobold forces, dividing them into skirmish groups between the various passages. Two of the kobolds approach the portal and enter the room. Pethjun stays near Chief Yiddlepode, alert to any sign of danger.

Darlann, Kurvok, and Erathiel, could you please tell me what your Exploration Mode activity is?

Assuming Making an Impression on the Chief is not an option, I will Defend.

"Let us not forget, it is Venture-Captain Drandle Dreng we are discussing here," Darlann frowns. "The man must've been to Hell and back by the time I uttered my first word. I trust him to at least keep himself safe for the time being, whatever precarious situation he's found himself in."

Before he can dig deeper into the kobold, the party reaches its destination. The half-elf draws his shield from his back, holding it up as he motions to Drazzel that he would like to take over the front of the formation.

"Anything we should know as we proceed inside?"