GM supervillan's Godsmouth Heresy [Menagerie] (Inactive)

Game Master supervillan

Onye waves to him. "Welcome, Felix. I am Onye Dawon. You are just in time as we received our summons only a short time ago."

"Soft-stomach-fleshy am I? I'll show ye right good n' proper little dragon-man!" says Ally as she stuffs her face with fondue. "Garçon! Bring us the Galtan Red, with rare venison and onion bread!" She tucks in, practically racing Demm.

"Ah, there's number six!" she finds time to exclaim as Felix arrives. "Saw ye comin' I did. We're jus' finishin' up afore I take ye to the Blushing Rose."

Fort, Ally: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Fort, Demm: 1d20 ⇒ 5

Despite tucking away a prodigious amount of cheese, Demm tad-draguni cannot keep up with urchin Ally. As the kobold clutches his belly and groans, Ally grins and pops another chunk of cheesy onion bread in her mouth. "Good effort, little dragon-man, but I've still got growin' t' do. Come on, I'll take ye where ye need t' be."

With a belch, your guide hops down off the bench and leads you out of the door. "Don' forget t' settle the bill! This is Highside Stacks (jus' about) an' I don' want the wrong reputation with the fine folks."

Once she's certain that the bill has been paid, Ally Gaira leads you through the streets of Kaer Maga. You wend your way through the twisting lower levels of Highside, dizzying towers of haphazard housing above your heads. You briefly glimpse the evening sun glinting off the surface of the central lake as you travel through Hospice district. Hawkers and harlots compete for your attention, but Ally doesn't slacken her pace and before long you reach a large building of pink brick construction. Though there's a sign above the entrance - a picture of a pink rose - the barely-dressed young women at the door and in the windows and the steady stream of men coming and going leave you in no doubt as to the nature of the Blushing Rose: Kaer Maga's foremost brothel.

"Miss Feathers will be expecting ye" says Urchin Ally. "Go on in. Maybe I'll see ye around." With a cheery smile she disappears into the Hospice crowds.

Onye strides to the doorway and flashes the Pathfinder hand sign for good measure before he says, "We are here to help a friend. Miss Feathers summoned us."

Earlier

"Tsamara, do you have expertise in such things?! The connection with these phantoms is scary! Some of them suggest that they can enable me to harness the powers of life and death, thought and nightmare, shadow and revelation?!?"

"Ah, I...don't have experience with the spirits of the dead," Tsamara replies slowly, as though trying to get her words exact. "But those aren't the only spirits that exist in this world. Everything living thing, every element, every part of the natural world carries within it an essence, a spirit. Usually people may learn to communicate with them through study and rituals...but sometimes a person might be born with the ability. Or cursed, depending on how you look at it."

Only Slightly Earlier

Tsamara watches the eating contest with a mixture of amusement and awe, but she's not so distracted that she ignores the arrival of their sixth and final teammate.

"Welcome, Felix! I am Tsamara," she greets the human, silently noting that he's the only human of the lot of them.

Someone's idea of humor, maybe?

"It is nice to meet you, as well. You've arrived in time to witness a battle of truly epic proportions," she continues, gesturing to Demm and Ally, absorbed in their eating contest.
______________

Present

Tsamara casually looks around while the party waits to be directed to or taken to see Miss Feathers, seemingly unperturbed by the atmosphere.

"No matter where your feet take you, some things are the same. All peoples have at least one thing in common, hmm?"

The only thing that seems to ruffle her fur is having to (rather curtly) explain to a handful of curious patrons that no, she is in fact not on the menu.

Djahan thanks Tsamara.

“I think you are a good person to consult! I appreciate your support!!“

~

Djahan welcomes Felix with a bow.

“Djahan is my name Felix! Welcome! Please don’t worry about the phantom! I silenced it at the moment and although it’s natural attack is dangerous I currently am controlling it’s anger!“

The angry phantom still exudes a bright red aura, and seems to breathe more aggressively behind clenched, phantasmal teeth.

But although it tries to scream no sound can be heard.

He returns the greetings of his fellow Pathfinders, raising an eyebrow for only a moment at the phantom.

"If you say it is contained then I believe you, though I'm not sure how you came by such a thing in the first place."

He also notices that he's the only human in the group, but in his eyes this is a good thing: despite the strangeness of some of the others, this is entirely why he left Father's company in the first place: to get out and see the world, to experience exotic places and faces.

As for the location of their informant, he nods approvingly when he sees where they're headed.

"A brothel, excellent. Father always kept good relations with madames wherever our company would travel - and not just for the sake of the men's morale. Aside from tavernkeepers, brothel madames are some of the best sources of information around. He used to say the only thing that loosened a man's tongue more than strong drink was the desire to impress a woman .. even one whose attentions had already been bought and paid for!"

Djahan blushes slightly.

“Ehh .. for information gathering purposes as ... as Felix stated!“ he says and looks at the human fighter with a nod.

Data listens to Felix and frowns. ”A brothel? Buying attentions? Processing...my programming tells me brothels are for buying $&@#*...is that not right?”

He has a 5 Charisma and has not long been in this world...

"Yes," Onye answers the android. While the mask makes it impossible to know for sure, his voice sounded like he managed to keep a straight face while answering Data.

The android's words make him laugh a bit, but it's not at all unkind. He smiles and nods.

"Of course they are, but depending on the establishment there's much more than just the act of passion. Oftentimes there will be drinking and revelry beforehand, where those seeking to be bought for the evening flatter and give attentions to those who would do the buying."

"Clever boy's been here before, girls" says a giggling strumpet as she drapes her arms around Felix.

"What's your fancy?" She fixes the spearman with her violet eyes. "I like a bottle of Gokan sake to warm things up." Just as Felix predicted, there's a bar and lounge not far beyond the door, and a half a dozen ladies are plying potential customers.

Hearing that you're looking for Miss Feathers, Felix's would-be paramour pouts. "Pity. Surely you can't all be waiting on her? Wouldn't you rather spend time with me?" Rebuffed, she directs you to a room on the second floor.

The door to Miss Feathers' boudoir stands open. "Come, come!" says a deep, surprisingly masculine voice. "Enter!" Miss Feathers stands up from her vanity desk. She's well over six feet of rippling muscle squeezed into a tight silver sequin dress, set off with a coral red feather boa. "Glad to see that little Ally found you, she's such a dear. I'm Miss Feathers, of course. And you darlings are my Pathfinders. Take a seat, have a drink. We have a friend in need."

”Take a seat..."

Data could be heard murmuring, ”Processing,” before finally sitting down...

The kobold looks around the brothel, unsure of how he feels. The females have created their own clutch-mates in this nest, but they am no feel like they have made a family here. However, he holds his observations to himself.

He laughs and winks at the ladies, flashing them a smile but deftly slipping those embraces to keep moving along towards their appointment.

"Perhaps another time; keep that bottle of sake warm, why don't you?"

He has absolutely no intention of coming back - at least not while there's Pathfinder business to attend to, that is - but it never hurts to leave a good impression.

He's more receptive to Miss Feathers' offer of a drink and a seat, however; wouldn't do to be rude to the lady of the house... especially one this imposing.

Onye removes each of the pole-arms from the harness on his back and leans them against the wall. He unshoulders his pack and sets it on the ground before he takes a crouching seat upon a cushioned divan. "Tell us of this friend in need. We will come swiftly to their aid."

Djahan feels slightly uncomfortable and looks at Data for reassurance but remains silent.

He tries to always stand in front of the phantom although it’s of course hard to conceal it.

Sometimes he puts his hand on his mouth to be sure that he has control over the incorporeal creature haunting him.

When Onye speaks, Djahan only nods.

"Ahh, thank you," Tsamara replies with a respectful bow to their hostess. She obligingly takes a seat on whatever cushion or seat looks comfiest. "Who is this friend in need? Would it be someone we - or maybe the Pathfinder Society - is already familiar with?"

Having ensured that you all have a glass of something sweet and bubbly, Miss Feathers gets down to business.

"Oh, you won't know them sugar" she says to Tsamara. "Not yet. But the Pathfinder Society can help, I am sure of that. And it's always a good idea to make friends with the Church of Pharasma, sugar. You never know what Fate has in store...

Don't dawdle now, we wouldn't want to miss out on the opportunity to make allies of Nerissia and her fellows."

Maybe you have heard of the Godsmouth Cathedral?

Onye sets down his glass and stands, lifting his pack all in one graceful motion. "Then we shall depart now. Pharasma bounds the world, and if her priestesses have uncovered trouble, then it should be dealt with swiftly."

The catfolk places his tiger mask back on his face and collects his pole-arms from where they lean.

Data's circuitry lights up momentarily and then, just as suddenly, goes dull...

He looks on blankly as he says, "I have no knowledge of the Godsmouth Cathedral..."

kn religion : 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

“As a follower of Irori I have been studying a lot. And of course I have heard of the cathedral. The Godsmouth Cathedral is is a huge, gothic edifice dedicated to all three aspects of the Lady of Graves — the midwife, the reaper of the dead, and the mad prophet. In all, more than 300 clerics, midwives, morticians, guards (known as “graveguards”), and lay priests serve at the cathedral under the tripartite leadership of three high priests.
The Cathedral stands atop one of the gigantic faces carved into the cliff; that face leads to the Godsmouth Ossuary, where the wealthy amongst Kaer Maga society are interred. I am of course ready to assist!“ Djahan says.

Djahan takes a clear ear.

Kn. Religion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

"Hmm...it sounds like quite the sight to see. Not that we're here to do such but when business and leisure collide, we might we as well take advantage," Tsamara muses.

"Are there any special...customs or the like that we should know before we go?"

"Oh, look at you, sugar!" Miss Feathers coos at Djahan's scholarship in her deep bass voice.

"It's a church" she replies to Tsamara. "Be respectful, is the best advice I can give on that front. I'm no expert in Pharasmin rites.

I don't think there's anything more I can tell you, darlings. Well, apart from directions to the Cathedral. Go south from here, until you get to the Waterway. Follow it into Tarheel Promenade; easiest route is to stick with the Waterway till you reach the Outerwall, then head west. You can't miss the Cathedral."

Djahan nods.

”We will return to report our findings! May your path to self-perfection be blessed!“ he says as he starts to retreat.

The incorporeal phantom seems to have come down from its anger episode ... it still seems agitated but it follows Djahan without making a sound.

Demm tad-draguni leaves wordlessly. Once outside, the koblod grumbles, "Why am we always walking? Demm tad-draguni am tired of looking always at fleshy butts. Always at face level they are. Some am also very smell. Big city has big carriages. Why am we no take them?"

"Walking keeps you in shape," Tsamara replies as the group head out once more. "But...carriages, carts, riding *are* quicker and easier. I'm happy to take a carriage if we can find one."

Demm looks around for a more comfortable mode of transport, but is disappointed. Kaer Maga is a city on many levels, with narrow streets and buildings that climb up the walls. Navigating some districts requires mounting stairs and scaffolding, or descending ramps and rope lifts.

But the kobold does spy a palanquin. That, surely, would be a more comfortable way of getting about. He approaches, hoping to enquire as to the price, only to discover that the palanquin-bearers are zombies. The undead porters ferry their cargo without paying any mind to the suffering sorcerer.

And so, in spite of Demm's protestations, you have to go by foot.

Whilst Hospice District's chief trade is flesh, with alcohol and other vices a close second, the commerce of Tarheel Promenade is more general, if no less boisterous. Shops of all kinds line the walls, one built atop the next, so that to reach establishments on the upper levels a would-be customer must scale open air stairways. Clearly, a carriage would be most unsuitable here. The perpetually twilit streets on the lower level are illuminated with the soft glow of enchanted lampposts, and shopfront signs embellished with sparking cantrips. It seems trade in magical services and items is commonplace on the Promendade. But you don't have time for window shopping.

You follow the Waterway to the Outerwall, and turn west into the Bottoms. The relative poverty of Bottoms is obvious from the ramshackle dwellings, but the industriousness of the district is equally obvious, with many craftsfolk running businesses here. The Godsmouth Cathedral is not far from the Waterway, its imposing façade stands out.

You approach the Cathedral from the north, passing a bed of thornless black roses to enter via a triple door...

The cathedral is on slide 4, but don't worry about placing tokens.

“This city never stops to amaze me! The power of the people and the knowledge to be uncovered! Enormous!“ he says while walking.

Onye makes a low, rumbling growl in the back of his throat and sniffs as they pass the zombie-borne palanquin.

The zombies smell surprisingly pleasant, although Onye's sensitive nose still detects the tell-tale odour of rot. They've clearly been doused with a perfume, and an expensive one at that.

Throughout the journey, the kobold can be heard complaining under his breath. "Walk, walk, walk. All am do all day! Demm tad-draguni am meant for greater things than tired legs and achy feet." Much of his self-piteous tirade is in this vein. Even when seeing some wonder or landmark the city offers, the evoker feigns disinterest in an effort to lend credence to his displeasure.

The catfolk prowler removes his tiger mask and holds it in his hand as he steps through the central door of the cathedral. He sniffs and looks for someone to ask for guidance.

"Oh...they were not joking when they said that there is no single authority here," Tsamara winces as they pass by (and on) the zombie-powered palanquin. "I can't think of many other places you would see such a thing allowed, except perhaps in Geb..."

Other than that, however, Tsamara clearly seems to enjoy the rather scenic walk to the cathedral - even with Demm's whinging.

"Hmm...I know mages of some power are able to fly. Is that something you could learn?" she innocently asks of the kobold as they finally arrive at their destination.

Seeing the zombies, Data instinctively draws his bow. ”I was programmed to slay undead...yet they walk around here freely...I was told when assigned here to stay my hand...but I find it...hard...”

"You are not alone in that," Onye says to the android.

He nods to both Data and Onye.

"I second that. It makes me uneasy, seeing the undead roam about as though they belong, but sometimes one must abide by custom even if it's unpleasant."

Aside from that bit of unpleasantness, however, he enjoys the trip to the Ossuary, drinking in the sights of this massive and strange city like a thirsty man in the desert... which seems fitting.

"This city is fascinating, I must say. Stranger than anywhere else I've been in my admittedly few years."

"You should travel to Murraseth some day," Onye comments to Felix.

"I've not heard of it, though that's part of the reason I joined the Society in the first place: I've not heard of a lot of places and I'd like to change that. Do tell me about it sometime."

Djahan looks at the phantom after the talk about undead.

"I think that you Felix, Data and Onye will get used to the sight of the undead in Kaer Maga. It is important to note that aggressive or sentient undead are immediately destroyed due to the evil nature. Also I had to adapt ... " he says and pauses, "... I just wanted to note that the phantoms that follow me might seem like undead but they are outsiders and not consumed by negative energy ... just so you know!" he says a little defensively.

The Cathedral holds numerous priests in their white and blue robes, tending to the needs of supplicants and parishioners. A pregnant woman is led to a chapel on the north side of the central nave; she kneels with an effort, and lights a candle. A family of Tien-shu are led into the southern wing, past a statue of a woman bearing a scythe.

Onye asks a passing priestess for Valanthe Nerissia. The priestess nods silently, and gestures to the pews in the nave where you may take a seat. She follows the Tien group and goes through a door to the south.

Before long, a young human woman comes out of the southern wing. She is dressed in a formal robe of black cloth accented with silver, Pharasma's spiral symbol picked out in silver threads upon her chest. "I am Cryptsmistress Valanthe Nerissia. You asked for me?"

"I am familiar with the many forms spirits take," Onye reassures Djahan while they wait. Once the Cryptmistress arrives, he rises from his seat.

"Miss Feathers sent us to help you," the catfolk states plainly.

"Yes, she seemed to think we could help you with...whatever your concern might be," Tsamara adds. "But she didn't explain it to us directly, preferring to have us hear it from you."

Demm waits impatiently for the fleshie female to make her request for others to fix her own problem. Blah, blah, blah. Talk, talk, talk. Fleshies am so weak. Am always asking for something. Furries not am ask yet, and blue-face also seem okay. Reptilian eyes drift toward the tiefling. The kobold smiles knowingly. Demm tad-draguni am too smart to make bargain with demon-spawn. Me am keeping soul, so no am help even if he ask. Trixie demon-spawn no am fool me! Then the slits of his eyes tighten at Felix a moment before rolling his eyes. It am only a matter of time before Felixbytheway ask for help just like all other fleshies. "Pfft!

"Miss... Feathers?" Nerissia looks puzzled. "I... should not question Fate. Please come with me."

The Cryptsmistress leads you quickly to one of the chapels in the east of the Cathedral, unlocking it with a large key that she withdraws from within her robes. "We can speak privately inside."

Once you are all within, Nerissia closes the door and continues. "This is the chapel of St. Feodric, a crusader of the faith who was martyred in an unsuccessful attempt to slay the Harlot Queen Arazni. Nobody is scheduled to visit today, so we should not be disturbed.

I believe that Pharasma has guided you to me. You will help, yes?"

Data's circuitry lights up. "I will help, yes..."

Djahan nods.

“We can support! I assume that the standard payment terms of the pathfinder society is known to you? The compensation has to be adequate!! I believe that prosperity can uplift and enrich more people so that they are enabled to walk the path to perfection than pious prayers alone!“ Djahan says and looks at her expectantly.

After listening to the Cryptmistress's words he nods in agreement.

"Body thievery is very serious, especially once interred in a holy place. I'll be glad to help stop such a thing from happening."

With a sigh of resignation, "Yes. We am help. We am always helping. We am solve your problem Cryptsmistressvalanthenrissia. Where am the problem?"