[PFS2e Gameday X] GM Chadius: 1-10 Tarnbreaker's Trail (Inactive)

Game Master chadius

You receive a summons to visit the Pathfinder Lodge in Iceferry, near the town of Kalsgard within the Land of the Linnorm Kings. Venture-Captain Bjersig Torrsen asks for you by name to join on an incredible mission.

A pale elven woman, with a black ponytail, strides into the Lodge. Her right eye is violet, her left eye black. She has long purple nails, and wears a jester’s motley in purple, black and white. Holding a large marotte (jester’s baton), she wears a black cloak with the hood down.

”Venture-Captain Torrsen?”, she asks the receptionist. Then she tilts her head in thought. ”Venture-Captain Torrsen, Venture-Captain Torrsen”, she mutters under her breath, feeling the words in her mouth. When the receptionist gives her directions, she snaps out of her reverie. ”Thank you!”, she grins, and heads toward his office.

Standing by the office door stood another elven woman, adorned in loose fitting clothing yellow silks and black leather that screamed obviously enough that she was of Calistrian, even more so with the the dagger tattoo on her left bare shoulder and the necklace of similar look around her neck. Oddly enough for one of her faith, she seemed far more conservative in dress, almost business like in attire. An oddity if any for one versed in the faith.

"Torrsen is busy. Another agent or group I assume. Their position are typically rather busy," she says offering a long pause before she began to speak again, "My apologies... Khenari T'Lok of the Savored Sting. A pleasure."

While her greeting seemed sincere, she didn't move from her spot, hands on her hips and over a a trademark black whip of a Calistrian. On the other hip a small hand crossbow hung with a dagger.

”Aldonza Delamorte”, she replies with a curtsy. ”and a pleasure indeed! I heard we’re entering some sort of contest? The last one was fun”

"I wouldn't know. My last assignment sent me somewhere hot and now someone decided to take my travels north to be cold and freeze up here. How hard it is to get a proper jacket and well insulated attire in a good color. Yellow isn't cheap up here," she responds leaning back against the wall.

A gruff masculine voice joins the conversation, "It is not that bad in the North. Just have to keep moving.".

A second later, a kellid male enters the room. He drops his cowl to reveal a day or two worth of facial hair. His red and brown leather armor looks worn, covered by a winter cloak. The Shield of Mendev embossed on his armor is barely visible. A crossbow hangs by his hip.

"greetings. Name is Zoresk, former scout of the Mendevian Crusaders. Current agent for the Pathfinder Society. For the time being at least."

A halfling sporting muttonchops wanders in, clutching closed a red coat that is trimmed in white. He carries a large satchel that clinks when he shifts it. "Seems absurd to have to shiver and 'keep moving' just to deal with the cold. I'm working on an elixir to fix that, but it's not quite right just yet. I thought it was too much evergreen needles, but now maybe I think not enough."

He glances around at the group. "Oh, I'm Argoni Slate. Ari if you like. Ya'll here to see the VC?"

"It appears like we are all here, not that I am complaining about present company, sadly we are stuck in a wintery Hell hole, no offence taken," she says rolling her eyes and letting out a sigh.

"From the crusades I see, terrible tragedy that all ended up, thankfully no more demons popping up as much as they did thanks to the efforts."

"I wouldn't know. My last assignment sent me somewhere hot and now someone decided to take my travels north to be cold and freeze up here. How hard it is to get a proper jacket and well insulated attire in a good color. Yellow isn't cheap up here," she responds leaning back against the wall.

Aldonza gives Khenari’s ensemble an appraising glance. ”I bet I can cobble something together for you”, she says. ”Find some black winter gear, rework some of those silks into trim. The snow’ll melt in your wake!”

"From the crusades I see, terrible tragedy that all ended up, thankfully no more demons popping up as much as they did thanks to the efforts."

"We are still mopping up what is left of the Demon Lord's forces. Soon enough the area will be safe for travel and hopefully, resettlement."

"Oh, I'm Argoni Slate. Ari if you like. Ya'll here to see the VC?"

Zoresk nods at the halfling's question. "We are. But it appears we are early."

Aldonza gives Khenari’s ensemble an appraising glance. ”I bet I can cobble something together for you”, she says. ”Find some black winter gear, rework some of those silks into trim. The snow’ll melt in your wake!”

"Hmm, I suppose such a fashionable could be done, assuming it is a little too late for such now," she says checking her nails quickly before rubbing her temple.

A small gnome enters the waiting room. "Hi everyone, the name is Lirall. Venture-Captain is running a bit late, getting the adventure ready. He told me to bring you all some cocoa." As she talks, she hands you one of the many mugs she is carrying. The bitter scent of melted chocolate wafts into your nose. Once that's done, she plops the remainder on the table.

"Oh, and this is Mahki." A black and white furred dog runs to her side. "Do you have a team name yet? I heard there's a big race coming up soon, and you might want to figure that detail out. Otherwise the locals will think up a nickname for you. I don't think you want that."

"Hmm, I suppose such a fashionable could be done, assuming it is a little too late for such now," she says checking her nails quickly before rubbing her temple.

”I guess this isn’t one of those jobs where we sit on a boat for a week”, Aldonza replies ruefully. ”Maybe after”

A small gnome enters the waiting room. "Hi everyone, the name is Lirall. Venture-Captain is running a bit late, getting the adventure ready. He told me to bring you all some cocoa." As she talks, she hands you one of the many mugs she is carrying. The bitter scent of melted chocolate wafts into your nose. Once that's done, she plops the remainder on the table.

”Ooo, yummy!” She perks up as she takes a steaming mug, giving Lirall an elaborate bow.

"Oh, and this is Mahki." A black and white furred dog runs to her side. "Do you have a team name yet? I heard there's a big race coming up soon, and you might want to figure that detail out. Otherwise the locals will think up a nickname for you. I don't think you want that."

”A team name…”, she muses. ”We had good luck with The Slayers’ Guild. I can even reuse the same cheers!”

"The Slayers' Guild. Kind of on the nose, eh?" Lirall shrugs. "Oh well, what about the rest of you? Good name?" She looks at Mahki and points, and he runs off before returning a bag of marshmallows.

"The Slayers' Guild. Kind of on the nose, eh?" Lirall shrugs. "Oh well, what about the rest of you? Good name?" She looks at Mahki and points, and he runs off before returning a bag of marshmallows.

Aldonza raises an eyebrow. ”Is that so?”, she asks. ”What sort of race is this, anyway?”

Passes on hit chocolate, "What could the Society need with a race, sounds somewhat odd to participate on just that. I assume there is a reward of some kind the venture captain fancies?"

"Reward or reputation. With the state of the current society. We are trying to drum up recruitment more than ever. Winning a big race like this on behalf of the society will hopefully catch the eye of the locale." Zoresk shares while holding the mug in his hands.

Lirall nods. "The Balgidtrek is a big deal around here. It's an annual race among the people of Kalsgard. This is the first year they're inviting outsiders to compete. Kind of a big deal." She offers marshmallows and some mint leaves. "I've heard rumors of another team showing up, but the Venture-Captain knows more details."

You can make a Society or Ulfen Lore check to learn more about the Balgirdtrek and its history. Please spoiler your roll, or just tell me your bonus and I'll roll it when I get the chance.

Aldonza’s mouth squinches up to one side. ”I see what you mean”, she says. ” ‘The Slayers’ Guild’ gives the wrong impression. It should be something fun, adventurey! ‘Torrsen’s Folly’! ‘The 10-Foot Polecats’! ‘The Adventurers’ League’!”

She takes a marshmallow, and a sip.

"A race! Our name should be fun and swift!" Argoni says as he helps himself to a steaming mug of chocolate drink. You watch as the halfling tops it with one...two...three (!) marshmallows and licks his lips. He takes an extra marshmallow and stuffs it into his mouth as he waits for the drink to cool a bit.

Zaos walks in. Hi everyone....Down here. You got room for one more adventure. Yes, I'm blue, I hope that doesn't bother anyone. How's everyone doing today? society +5

Aldonza raises her mug to the newcomer. ”Cheer up, little man!”, she says with a grin. ”Help us pick a team name!”

"How about Agents of the Open Road. You know, be prideful of our organization." Zoresk shrugs. He then pats his waist, "Speaking of which, need to pick up my Wayfinder from the local quartermaster."

As you all contemplate the team name, Mahki sits up and barks, his tail swinging back and forth. He runs out of the room before Lirall can stop him. "That must be Venture-Captain Torrsen, Mahki always knows first. Come on." Lirall leads you all to a calming fireplace.

The Half-Orc Venture Captain sits down in a large wooden chair and waits for everyone to sit by. >Venture Captain, Mahki and the surrounding area.<

Aldonza brings her cocoa. She curtsies to him and says, ”Venture-Captain Torrsen”. Grinning, she perches on a chair.

Khenari didn't care to come up with a name, she wasn't interested in coming up with some bizarre name though was fond of the idea of being called the Open Road. So when the strapping Half Orc Venture Captain finally arrived a grin grew upon her face, "A little late wouldn't you agree Captian. I hope one did not get lost in the snow?"

Zoresk swings his crossbow off and sits it beside an open seat, and takes his place facing the Venture Captain. He smirks in amusement at Khenari's banter with the Venture Captain, but says nothing.

Argoni sits in his chair, swinging his short halfling legs in the air, and sips his hot chocolate. "Oh, that's very good..." He slurps at the drink, making an inordinate amount of sound in the room as he enjoys the treat.

He looks up as he notices some attention on him. The melted marshmallows and froth form a coating on his lips and you see a hint of it on his muttonchops. "What? Oh, yes, good point..." He nods as if someone has made an excellent observation.

Zaos will share what he knows. What you think ya'll about all of this? Zaos will be ready to go and doesn't need to anything else to prepare when this game officially starts.

Venture-Captain Bjersig Torrsen sits down in his favorite chair, before loosening his hood and petting Mahki. “Thank you all for coming.” he signs, his words interpreted as necessary through Lirall, the gnome sitting beside him. “I expect your travel to Iceferry was safe, if a bit cold. I am very excited to have you all here for the upcoming event. I expect that you will find it an excellent test of your capabilities, and not one many Pathfinders will be able to boast of.” He chuckles. "I had to finish tying up some loose ends- some of the officials were still not happy about this year's teams. Too bad for them." He smiles and turns briefly to Khenari before looking back at the table.

Bjersig draws a small bundle of scrolls and a journal from his bag and lays them on the table, allowing the contents to unfurl and spread across the tabletop. “This handful of documents is all the information the Society has collected on the Balgirdtrek up to this point. I doubt it’s something you’ve heard of unless you’re from the area. It is an overland race some 200 miles long, from Frostgarten in Icemark to Kalsgard, just over the river. It is performed each year, honoring the deeds of Balgird Bluetongue when he slew a tarn linnorm centuries ago, but this year’s race promises to be quite unique.”

Zaos remembers one of the teams called Wryding Wayfinders. Their leader, Faegrim Axebinder got very drunk one night and stumbled through a woodland shrine to Erastil. The shortcut earned her the enmity of Erastil, but it also earned her the victory, though.

“As you may know, the Varki have been the source of quite the commotion among the Ulfen lately, largely in positive ways. Their ranger, Nankou, slew a linnorm some time ago and has been officially recognized as a linnorm king. A new linnorm king is always newsworthy, but a Varki linnorm king is unprecedented. In recognition of Nankou and his diplomatic efforts between the Ulfen and Varki peoples, the officials have decided that the Balgirdtrek will be held in reverse this year. The Varki have always bristled a bit at some of the ideas inherent in the Balgirdtrek. Ulfen have often discussed it as a race from the ‘savage wilderness’ back into the arms of civilization, not something that has promoted constructive relationships between the two. It’s good that the officials seem to have broadened their horizons.”

“What’s more, there are two new teams joining the race this year. First, Nankou has hand-picked a group of Varki to compete. This is the first time Varki have competed in the race and from what I’ve heard, the Ulfen participants are excited to see what they bring to the competition. If you haven’t guessed by now, you all are the second new team. I’ve managed to secure your entry with the approval of the race officials. You can thank me later.” Bjersig smiles broadly.

”Ooo, show and tell!”, says Aldonza. She gets up, and leans over the table to peruse the scrolls.

Zoresk joins Aldonza at the table and begins to read over the scrolls. "Any additional information on the race itself, such as obstacles and climate...other than cold." He says winking to Khenari

Argoni scratches his head. "What kind of race is this? A footrace? Test of skills? Will people be chasing us?"

"People will be chasing the finish line, so if you're in the lead they are after you!" Torrsen laughs. "The rules change from year to year, but I'm certain there will be obstacles to overcome. You'll have to sweet talk the officials to get a headstart."

He stands and places a sealed envelope and a small purse on the table. “There you’ll find your entry letter accompanied by my letter of introduction for you. The purse contains a few coins to help you purchase some gear. Once the race is over, you’ll also be compensated by the Society for your efforts. Expect a hefty bonus if you actually manage to win! There is a sleigh carrying the other teams to the starting area. It will stop here in Iceferry to pick you up in an hour, don’t be late. To be allowed to compete is a great honor, so please remember that you represent the best qualities of the Pathfinder Society at all times. Take notes, learn whatever you can from the other teams. The Balgirdtrek is supposed to be a friendly competition after all. If you have any questions, make them quick, otherwise good luck to you all. I don’t expect you to win, but I hope you’ll at least make a good show of it.”

Everyone except Zaos can make a Society or Ulfen Lore check to learn more about the Balgirdtrek and its history.

Everyone gets 1 Hero Point.
If you have the Legacy of the Gorget boon from Pathfinder Society Quest #3: Grehunde’s Gorget, it has a special benefit in this scenario. I know Argoni has it.
You can slot your boons now.

Society +8

"Oh, good, a friendly competition! I was hoping for that rather than something where people were going to knife me while I was eating my breakfast." He slurps at his chocolate drink more.

"Do you know who the other teams are, other than these Wryding Wayfinders?" He nods towards Zaos. "They seem like fun!" He pauses for a moment, thinking. "Oh, do we need to buy any special equipment?"

Argoni doesn't know a lot about the race specifics, and the Venture Captain reads his confusion with a mere glance. "I do believe you helped a relative of one of the racers, Argoni. You helped get the gorget of one of his ancestors. His husband and their neighbors are racing again this year, registered as the Two Houses."

Argoni asks the second question when Mahki barks and makes a tell-tale dance. "You'll have a chance to purchase more equipment at the race site, I believe. Good luck to you all."

Once you finish pleasantries with the Venture Captain, you step out of the cavern back into the bone chilling cold. Mahki races out the door past you as Lirall and Torrsen walk him to his favorite spot. You scan the lodge exterior and find two sleighs outside.

Two bright, open-topped sleighs wait along the side of the street, adorned with ribbons and cedar boughs. The driver of the second sleigh hops down, waving you over. He instructs you to move to the rear of the cart and assists with boarding. Inside, two groups sit, anxious for the sleighs to get moving.

At the far end of the cart, several Ulfen rangers and a cleric glower, sighing before mumbling to one another.

On the other side of the sled, you see an athletic older woman siting up straight and quietly answering another human's many pointed questions. Two halflings scamper about, checking her armor and equipment. Zaos recognizes the group immediately - this must be the Wyrding Wayfinders, and the woman must be Faegrim Axebinder.

Zaos immediately begins assisting the group immediately. Though he doesn't feel like talking to anyone.

Khenari didn't ask much questions, knowing her job well enough to act as a healer and to let those of a more physically fit variety do the heavy lifting, not that she was complaining. What she did complain about after donning her winter gear and walking outside was the cold, cursing under her breath as made her distaste for it apparent as they boarded later their land based vessel. She was ready to finish this race and go home to a warmer climate.

Aldonza smiles at the Ulfen contingent, and gives them an elaborate bow. ”Aldonza Delamorte”, she announces, before squeezing in with them.

”So, first race?”, she asks. ”Mine too. You all know each other?”

"Ah, the tourists." One of the Ulfen men grumbles. "We are Team Without Fail or Trace. That's my father Ostog, my sister Signe and my cousin Gruen. Don't worry, our names will be repeated in the winner's circle." Ostog nods, confident in his future.

"We've been here for years, training for each year's Balgridtrek. A simple diet of grasses, berries, dried fish and mead have kept our minds sharp and our trigger fingers ready. My throwing axe has felled many caribou, running at full speed through a snowstorm. This year's race will be child's play."

"For an outsider like you, or the Varki..." The team frowns at that word, pausing long enough to submerge the thought. "Think this is a joke, a tourist attraction. But for us Ulfen it means everything."

Aldonza can already tell this team is quite Unfriendly towards the Pathfinders.

”Well, you’re half-right”, Aldonza replies. ”My money’s on you guys to win, to be honest. You know the race, and your hearts are in it. We’ll be lucky not to embarrass ourselves”

Then she smirks at them. ”But if you think we’re gonna make it easy for you, guess again. You’re not the only ones drawing blood out in the wild. We travel the world, dealing with whatever it throws at us. So you’ll probably win…but we’ll be breathing down your necks!”

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Spending my Hero Point

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Zoresk sits across from the Ulfens and pulls his cloak tight. He admires Aldonza's honesty. "Don't sell us short yet. May be a random bunch, but we were selected for this mission."

Argoni stands a bit away from the team, watching them. He tries to catch the attention of one of the halflings helping the human woman.

If he can he approaches one of them when they are away from the team. "Hi! I'm Argoni. Are you hired to help the Without Fail or Trace team? How are they doing? Do you know why they dislike the Varki so much?"

Diplomacy +4

Aldonza chooses her words carefully, appealing to their bravado but reminding them they are Pathfinders. Ostog takes a deep breath. "You Pathfinders speak well. Your tongues may be strong enough to trick the weaker teams. Second place isn't too bad for outsiders, especially for those weaker teams."

Aldonza knows her words made the Without Trace or Fail team are indifferent towards the Pathfinders.

Argoni takes a moment to speak to the male halfling. "Oh! The rumored newcomers. Welcome to the Balgirdtrek. I'm Rikkun, squire to the great Faegrim Axebinder... oh, and Thosse is also a squire." He lets out an afterthought.

"Well, Sassa says the Ulfen are... what did she call it? Xeno-phobic? Well not everyone is like that." Rikkun thinks a bit before the realization sinks in. "Like me!" He extends a hand to shake.

"Best of luck, though. May you win with honor. Wait, we're competing. Um... I hope you lose? But I hope it's not a big loss."

Argoni feels the Wyrding Wayfinders will be more Friendly towards him from now on.

I guess Zaos will talk to without Trace or Fail and make friends diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

As Zaos moves up to talk to the group, he notices the sled slowing down. "No time for talk, blue boy. Our victory awaits."

Before you have a chance to react, the riders at the end of the sled stand up and move right past you. The driver helps them out of the sled. "Last year they came in second place, and they've been training ever since. They never give up and they are Without Trace or Fail! Give them a round of applause!" The crowd livens up and you already hear sidebets forming over how many officials they will rescue this year.

Faegrim stands up. Rikkun finally finishes shaking Argoni's hand. "Good luck to you all." The halflings follow her and her scribe begins scribbling. "Now give a round of applause for last year's winners! You know their leader, Faegrim axebinder! Give a warm welcome to the Wyrding Wayfinders!" The crowd erupts with praise as Faegrim stands tall and quietly looks among the crowd, her squires dashing ahead to clear her path of obstructions.

he driver turns to you and urges you forward. "And now, newcomers from around the world. The Pathfinder Society explores, cooperates and reports. But no fancy books are going to save them this time. They've got to hoof it to win it. May I introduce... the... err..." The driver's voice comes to a whisper. "What's your team name again? Freezing Fools?"

"Agents of the Open Road!" The driver shouts. Some of the Ulfen stop clapping and glare. Some laugh. There are enough who politely clap. The driver escorts you to the stage.

The other teams climb out of the opposite sleigh.

"Next up is Bluetongue's Brawlers. Hopefully they won't freeze this year. With the new groups, maybe they won't be last!" Four burly Ulfen climb out of the other sled, laughing just as hard as the crowd.

”The two pairs of lovebirds are at it again! Meet Two Houses!” The bystanders cheer as two pairs of Ulfen hold hands and help each other out of the sled before giving each other a high five and getting into position.

"Let's give a warm Balgridtrek welcome to our racers from the Varki, hand selected by the newest Linnorm king! Say hello to the Fangs of the Remorhaz!" Three humans and a half-orc awkwardly climb out of the sled, blinded by the large crowd. The crowd falls back to polite applause and backs off, some wearing disgust.

Aldonza claps for each team as they’re announced. She smiles and waves to the crowd when the Agents are called up to the stage.

Oh, right, our team is being called. Zaos cheers with joy.