"Aha! Servant! Bring me some palm wine!" He calls for a servant. A minute or so later, the servant brings out a bottle of wine and glasses for all those to enjoy.
After pouring a glass for whoever wants some, he turns to the Pathfinders. "Tell me about this expedition you are embarking upon. I have heard a little about it here and there - enough to get me intrigued. I'd love to know more."
You can’t take 10 on a skill check to aid another.
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Well, its a bit academic for my taste, but someone locally discovered some ancient ruins, which got the scholars all hot and bothered, so they asked us to go investigate it. Andrelis begins offhandedly, They found some old pottery, ruins, and a statue or two. We get tasked with these sorts of projects since the bookish types aren't so good when a manticore lands on top of you, or a Troglodyte collapses an entire tower with you in it. Andrelis imperceptibly shudders at the memory. So that's what we're here to do, ride out a ways, take some notes of some old ruins, and being it back.
Mavius looks impressed with the conversation. "Intriguing! Lovely.". He smiles and orders a servant to bring a bottle of dessert wine over. He liberally pours a glass for himself, then offers some to anyone who wants some.
"I have heard some wild tales about the exploits of Pathfinders. I'd like to hear more of your adventures, or perhaps you'd like to showcase your considerable skills!"
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Andrelis accepts a lock from their host, seemingly ready to go along with the storytime, Ah yes, of course... Andrelis looks at Gareleth and Tuck, then glances at Kaseem and Yuzu as well, and the elf smiles, Well, you see, we were deep in the maze of Absalom, myself, Gareleth, and Yuzu; with some other acquaintances. He grins, producing a lockpick from the elaborate cuffs of this jacket with a flourish.
Now we were sent to recover these documents, but, and little did we know, that some other folks were interested in them, so they were well-hidden. he pauses for dramatic effect before continuing.
There was a warehouse, perched above the ocean, they call these things 'pelicans' there. And in the warehouse there was a chest, balanced on two rotting beams above a hole in the floor which led directly into the bottom of the bay... the elf paints a picture of that moment in time for their host, while absently picking the lock in his hands.
Now we, being wise beyond our years, were prepared to lower the chest into a boat, and just call it a day from there- however the only boat we could find was pretty leaky; and the waters below were full of sharks. Of course, why else would sharks congregate under a warehouse on the ocean, if the owner of the building didn't routinely feed them under his docks. the elf's hands continue working.
Sure enough though, Gareleth and Yuzu found a giant gantry in the warehouse, and maneuvered it into place over the hole in the floor. So naturally, I was expected to deal with the chest and the ropes of this aging, waterlogged contraption. the elf smiles in a self-deprecating manner.
So I climb up on the gantry, and apparently that's what they used to feed the sharks, since the fins broke the surface more and more when they heard that noise go into place. I lower myself down, and wrapped my feet into place on the ropes, assailing the lock. Knowing that the least pressure from my hands could send the chest, and our companion in the boat below, down into the shark-infested waters. he slows in the motions working on the lock for just a moment to emphasize his point, and so I worked that lock ever so carefully as the sharks circled the leaky rowboat below; until at last, the lock gave way, and we were able to recover the paperwork we'd been charged with recovering - even though we'd had the owner's permission all along! He says with a laugh, putting down the now-opened lock on the table in front of him.
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"It was during that mission," Gareleth says, following Andrelis' tale, "that I met my one true love, Halli. If you can provide a servant to stand in for my beloved, I'll show you how I made her fall for me. She was a human woman, slenderly built, and her hair was red and hung loose and wild in ringlets. Oh, I could speak of her beauty all day...oh, you found one? Excellent."
He then turns to the lovely woman, gives her a deep, formal bow, says, "The flaming red of your hair is only matched by the fire in my heart," and quickly draws his scorpion whip, slashes out, and attempts to trip the unsuspecting gal.
As the woman drops to the ground, he turns to Mavius and says, "she fell for me!" Then, his eyes begin to water, his lip begins to quiver and he erupts into sobs as he mutters, "I miss her. I just miss her so much!"
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Yuzu bows, and retrieves Satsuki from the stables after giving some instructions.
Targets are set up on the grounds; once everyone is seated, the samurai explodes onto the scene atop her horse, riding hard, a Minkan asymmetrical longbow in-hand. As she approaches one, she draws back her bow and fires. Satsuki wheels around to the next target, and with a single, smooth movement, Yuzu nocks, draws, and looses her arrow. Targets splinter and shatter, and Yuzu does not slow to make sure. With practiced precision, she shoots the targets, and once that's done, she redirects Satsuki toward a row of straw dummies.
Her bow falls gently to the ground behind her and she draws the nodachi from Satsuki's side. She dips her blade low like a calligrapher's brush getting just a dab of ink, and paints her art across the field; straw flies behind her as the targets erupt, and soon, the field is the site of what would have been a massacre.
She sheathes her blade, rides to Mavius, and both horse and rider bow low.
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"Although it may get me branded a heretic in some lands I, along with more and more of my fellow countrymen, are reaching back into the old ways of Osirion. Look closely at this Magistrate: A holy symbol of the ancient Osirion deity Ra! Now with Ra's blessing I will demonstrate the holy power he bestows upon his servants. Since this is dangerous I will not risk any of your staff; I will place my faith in Ra."
Kaseem steps back far enough from Mavius so his action would not be a threat. Kaseem draws a dagger from his belt and draws it across his arm, drawing blood.
"Now I shall call upon the power of Ra to heal my wound."
Kaseem will include Mavius in the area so he may also feel the power of light.
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Tuck looks around for this strongest guard then invites them to come over.
He gives a big smile and opens his arms as if for a hug then quickly grabs him in a headlock.
As the guard struggles his switches his grip and knocks the guard to the ground before sitting on him.
He then sits, as relaxed as if he was lounging on a bench in a tavern, one meaty hand holding both of guard's wrists behind the poor man's head.
"One of the most memorable, if not pleasant things I've seen was a man, well what used to be a man, surviving by cutting bits off a still living troll so as it regenerated he had a constant source of food. Memorable even if it nearly put me off my dinner. Nearly but not quite."
A keen observer would see that Tuck took care to sit in a way that the majority of his weight was on the ground not the innocent guard. Wouldn't want to hurt him after all.
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Parrameleh begins to rise, sees that her companions have things in hand and sits back down again. As she does so, she knocks a brass candlestick from its perch and the thing narrowly avoids braining her.
"Apologies," She flushes and looks down at the object, "It's fine. No harm done."
The shifter hurriedly returns the candlestick to its position.
Mavius listens and watches while everyone performs. He takes particular interest in Yuzu and Tuck. "Wow, what sportsmanship. I haven't seen such talent in ages. Bravo.". He brings out dessert for everyone. "About your travel permits. I'll waive those fees. You are now allowed to travel to this Ibhir place."
The magistrate burps. "Where are you staying tonight? My mansion has plenty of guests beds. Why not stay here? You can travel in the morning."
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In the morning, the Pathfinders set off. Most of the overland journey is safe and uneventful, thanks to the carefully notated map provided by the Athenaeum. In the final stretch, off in the distance a sandstorm rages on.
The last rays of the setting sun light up a bluff to the southeast that towers over the desert. Ruined buildings and leaning towers jut up from the plateau on its top as ominous clouds loom to the south of Ibhir - a sandstorm roars across the desert towards the ruins.
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Before we head to bed Tuck will ask around for what mount would accommodate his bulk best.
He expects to be directed towards a cart horse or a camel. Either way he makes sure to get lots of whatever they like to eat and plies his mount with treats.
He also takes the time to get clothing suitable for the desert.
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As the party travels it becomes clear Tuck has planned for the desert. Each time they stop waterskins of cool tea and fruit cordial are passed around as well as fresh oranges and nuts.
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Andrelis graciously accepts the offer of hospitality for the evening, and in the morning will set out to purchase a horse and a set of clothing similar to Tuck's.
During the travel, That magistrate was a snake. I'm glad we all impressed him, but I can't help but feel he's working at odds with us down the road.
The only cover in sight is the Chelish camp's sandstone building at the top of the bluff! The Pathfinders need to reach it before the storm reaches them.
The sand is starting to buffet the Pathfinders! Quick, everyone needs to hurry to the bluff.
Once everyone makes it to the bluff, they find the path is treacherous that snakes up the side of the bluff.
At the top of the bluff, the Pathfinders need to locate the Chelish camp!
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Tuck urges his camel onwards
They make it to the bluff in good shape
but the camel balks at the rocky path.
Tuck hops down, trusting the camels natural instinct to serve it fine.
"If anyone would like to grab the beastie feel free but I'm steadier on my own feet."
He then darts up the cliff nimbly and easily, stopping occasionally to offer a hand to any who need it.
Once reaching the top he continues to watch his allies, more worried for their safety on the bluff than for where the party will go next.
No one gets left behind!
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Yuzu is sweaty.
Everyone else has purchased a hot weather outfit, but there's no real way to keep samurai armor cool. She is only glad that she's wearing a tatami-do and not the even heavier o-yoroi, but even that is no cold comfort to her.
That all becomes secondary, however, when a blanket of sand appears on the horizon.
"Ikō! Ikō!"
Yuzu and Satsuki are as synchronized as ever; she expects to lead the pack, and is a little surprised to find Garaleth riding just ahead of her.
She is less surprised that Andrelis is having trouble, but shoots him a dirty look for his demeanor.
When did that happen?
Satsuki handles the cliff face with grace and speed; Yuzu, meanwhile, is happy for the mask, because seeing Garaleth's back as she maneuvers puts her in a position she hasn't been in since she was an apprentice.
She calls out to Tuck's mount, but doesn't know its command words, and she doesn't really have time.
She wheels toward the camp, and hopes the rest will follow!
Yuzu with Satsuki and Garaleth with an unnamed mount lead the way. Tuck follows close behind on his camel. Kaseeem, Andrelis, and Parrameleh all struggle to move in the sand.
As they inch closer to the bluff, the sandstorms starts buffeting them. Tiny sand grains get into their clothes and into their hair. The mounts are not happy!
Again, Yuzu, Satsuki, and Garelth lead the way up the 200 foot tall bluff. Parrameleh stumbles as she attempts to climb. Some of the mounts refuse to go up. But with some gentle guidance (and some coaxing from some carrots or sugar cubes), everyone makes it up.
The storm starts to rage. Now, the Pathfinders only have glimpses of the Chelish camp through the sand. Atop Satsuki, Yuzu sees it. Gareleth must be half sphinx as he sees it too. Then the sand overcomes them as the trudge along.
For what seems like an eternity, the Pathfinders struggle against the storm.
The ruins of Ibhir are atop the 200-foot-tall stone bluff you just climbed up via a precarious path that snakes up the side. Most of the buildings you pass are heavily damaged, possibly from abandonment to the elements. The Chelish base camp is located in the middle of the wrecked village, surrounded by a palisade. In the center of the camp stands a partially intact sandstone building that leads into the chambers below.
Sand gusts into the building as you enter through the open door. The southwest corner of the canvas roof, where the broad tarpaulin has broken free at one end. The canvas strains violently in the wind as the rest of the bings begin to pull loose. Only half of the building's original floor still exists to the south. A ladder descends ten feet to a ledge below, and another ladder descends further into a jagged crack in the ground. A campsite across both ledges, and several bloodied corpses are scattered throughout.
Near the firepit to the south stands a man in robes.... no!! a skeleton! It lunges out at the Pathfinders as they enter! Another one pokes its head out from behind the tent. And they hear another one down on a lower level.
The orange skeleton climbs up the ladder to the top floor knowing that dinner something has arrived.
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[u]Round 1[/u]
Orange
Andrelis
Garaleth
Parrameleh
Blue
Green
Yuzu
Tuck
Andrelis moves in to the structure and nearly trips over himself. In doing so, he misses his target, the orange skeleton!
Gareleth follows behind his 'brother'. With a flick of the wrist, a wand pops out and one missile flies right at the green skeleton!
Kaseem peers into the room. He only knows that these are skeletons, but knows nothing about their abilities.
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[u]Round 1[/u]
Orange
Andrelis
Garaleth
Parrameleh
Kaseem
Blue
Green (-4 HP)
Yuzu
Tuck