[GM Zin] Forged in Flame (Parts 1 & 2) (Inactive)

Game Master Zin Z'arin

Feel free to dot and delete here; we will kick things off in 2022 after the holiday season winds down.

humbugggg

Accompanied by excited clapping, "Oh hey! It's the foresty-named elf guy! He's back!" Dimple then looks around. "Now, where is my hubba hubba man?"

You must be referring to Shade. Stormy says with a smile.

A familiar white-haired man enters the room with a far away look in his eyes. Scanning those in attendance, a smile slowly spreads across his face.

Stopping short, the man sets a bladed weapon down to dig through his pack. Two new wooden emblems hang from the blade's hilt. One the shape of a butterfly and the other a stylized spiraling comet.

Pulling a charged stick with a single white hair tied to it free, he approaches Dimple. "Long time no see. I believe you should hold onto this."

Offering a quick hug to Dimple, he turns to the others. "I have missed you all and look forward to being at your side again."

MY HUBBA HUBBA MAN! Her eyes go wide as a squeal of delight erupts from Dimple. The gnome races over and wraps her arms around the warrior as best as she can. She then stands back with a pout, hits him, and crosses her arms. "And why couldn't you write, or send a carrier pigeon or a message turtle or something?" The bard greedily accepts the wand, then realizes she has seen this before. "Hey, this isn't a present! One would think after being gone for so long that his heart would want to express itself." Again, the tiny woman harumphs in the half-elf's direction before turning her back on him. She then looks over her shoulder, while pretending NOT to look over her shoulder. She suddenly throws up her arms, "Oh pish and posh! Who could stay mad at you?" She hugs him again with a vice-like grip.

WELCOME BACK LGZ!

Cenae points out as Dimple chastises LGZ, "To be fair, I think Albus has been hunting pigeons on our missions. Perhaps he did send letters and they just never made it?"

She nods a greeting to the elf, human, kitty, white haired warrior and gnome, "It's good to be back on another mission with you all. I was getting bored playing politics." She rubs her hands together and a small flicker of flame appears, "Perhaps something will need burned this time?"

The notice said to meet at the Pathfinder lodge maintained by Venture-Captain Esmayl ibn Qaradi in the Qadiran capital of Katheer. It wasn't difficult to find, and proves to be an impressive building.

The lodge is a high-ceilinged estate with elegant arches and colorful tile mosaics, and a young man brings cool tea to drink and water for washing away dust before sending word of guests to the venture-captain. You take a moment to rest and reacquaint yourselves in comfortable rattan chairs and loveseats, your conversations scored by the soft bubbling of multiple fountains in the colorful courtyard.

The young man returns, silent but for a gesture to follow. He guides you to a door which he opens and bids you enter.

As the door opens to Venture-Captain Esmayl ibn Qaradi’s office, he sits behind an imposing desk and concludes an elegantly penned letter with a flourish of calligraphy. He smiles, stands, and spreads his arms in welcome. "Welcome, my guests and colleagues. Let my family’s hospitality be your pleasure in this time we have together." He fans the wet ink on the letter before setting it aside and taking a seat.

"To an outsider, it may seem that gold drives Keleshite society, but in truth it is a complex network of favors and patronage—who you know and how you have helped them are key. The Society is in a position to pay a very dear favor to a powerful and righteous demigod, yet our leaders require extraplanar expertise in order to perform said favor. Through my family, we have found such an expert who lives on the Plane of Fire. Her name is Qalkami Mishalq, an efreeti information broker in exile who also prefers favors to gold. The fire genies are notoriously shrewd negotiators, yet I believe the Society has secured a fair deal: four tasks of her choosing, and additional support thereafter to help her reestablish herself in the City of Brass."

"The Society and I ask that you fulfill these favors and earn Qalkami’s assistance. Kelesh maintains a significant embassy in Zjarra, the trade city Qalkami currently inhabits. With my family’s connections, I have secured you passage to the embassy and the assistance of a liaison to help you get settled. From there, meet with Qalkami and do what you can to fulfill her requests. Please report to the palace first thing tomorrow so that you do not miss the departure."

Note: the maps link in my header currently leads to a recent campaign as a placeholder. I'll let you know when it's updated for this game.

Cenae certainly appears comfortable at this lodge, stepping forward to almost ritualistically greet and thank the young man for his assistance and complete the cleansing offered. She sips her tea and center's herself for the expected meeting.

Once inside she raptly listens, waiting for the allowed time for speaking to begin. She makes one comment, then follows it with her questions.

"Favors are indeed more valuable than gold here. My family has taught me that, if that is all they have taught me. You mentioned the Plane of Fire, will these tasks take place there? If so, what sort of protections should we prepare for such a hazardous location?"

Knowledge: Planes: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

For all the time she's spent under Sarenrae's tutelage, Cenae knows precious little of the Plane of Fire. Perhaps she figured her closeness with the Dawnflower meant she'd have an innate understanding of such places, but she finds that it doesn't. She can recall nothing significant about the plane.

"Indeed, Zjarra is on the Plane of Fire." the Venture-Captain elaborates. "And the Plane of Fire is hot, as should come as no surprise. Zjarra, though, has a protective dome that makes it merely warm--making it a rare place for fiery creatures to interact peaceably with combustible foreigners. You should have no reason to step outside its protective dome; do so only at your peril."

"Travel from Katheer to Zjarra occurs fairly regularly. There is a special dais in the palace here linked to an identical one in the embassy in Zjarra, allowing spellcasters to arrive exactly on target. Part of our arrangement with Kelesh includes your passage there and back; we'll meet at the palace tomorrow morning to transport you to Zjarra."

There is information to be learned from two Knowledge checks; the first--about the Plane of Fire--is Knowledge (planes), while the second--about Zjarra--is Knowledge (local or planes). There is information in the first at the DC 10 level; that check may be attempted untrained. Cenae, you may still attempt the second Knowledge check if you like.

Cenae frowns, she really should have paid attention to her tutor apparently.

Knowledge Planes Zjarra: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Shrugging she turns to her allies, "I should be able to request from Sarenrae some magical options if we require protection from the elements outside the city. But hopefully as planned we won't need them. That said, I will not be able to cover all of you so I suggest some plan on your own is wise. I will also swap around some of my requested spells to non-fire related ones."

Alternate Spells prepared for the next day
*Endure Elements (domain) instead of Burning Hands. Endure Elements will be cast on herself for tomorrow (as usual).
*A second Shield of Faith instead of Endure Elements in prepared spells
*3x Resist Energy instead of 3x Sound Burst in prepared spells
*Searing Light instead of Fireball (domain)

She asks the VC, "How long do you think these tasks will take? Hours, Days, or maybe weeks?"

Dimple can use Lore Master once a day. I will do the Plane today and Zjarra tomorrow before we leave.

Planes (Plane of Fire) Lore Master: 20 + 7 = 27
Local (Zjarra) Lore Master: 20 + 7 = 27

Esmayl ibn Qaradi grins with an elaborate shrug. "I don't even know what the tasks are; I'm afraid I can't guess as to how long to plan for."

Dimple was clearly paying attention in class, pointing out the following details about the Plane of Fire:

Cenae frowns as Dimple reveals what she knows, "Honestly, I'm impressed Dimple. You know a lot of stuff about the plane and city, have you been there before?"

She turns to the VC, "But what really concerns me is that we are specifically going based upon an agreement with an Efreet and Dimple just said doing is an unwise proposition. What tricks should we be looking out for? Can we have a copy of the agreement to look over?"

Dimple beams with pride before remembering that she's still not sure she likes Cenae just yet. "Isn't that just like, stuff everyone is supposta know?" She thinks a minute before asking, "Um, how are we gonna talk to 'em? Anyone speak smoke or fire or anything?"

Those questions will get answered, but leaving some room for our other players to join the conversation first.

~Earlier~

Blushing, LGZ smiles down to Dimple. "Sending a letter would have been a good idea...Sorry about that."

Thumbing the two symbols hanging the hilt of his blade, he looks upwards. "I got a little lost in my search for answers."

Finding a place to sit near the gnome, LGZ settles in.

~VC arrival~

'Demigod? I all too recently met two gods in person...I hope this meeting is less violent.'

"Favors over gold? That be a strange way of currency. But it could certainly prove beneficial for merchants." mumbles the half-elf.

Tugging a stick from his pack, LGZ holds it for all to see. The side has 'Coat or Shorts' scratched into it. "This should make it more comfortable for us, if needed." (I have a full wand of Endure Elements we can use.)

"We've any way of knowin what this person is going to request? I mean...if they were to request we leave the safety of the dome, we may have to turn it down."

The human leans slightly to the side and murmers to Dimple, "Face of the Party? Does he know we are going on a mission, not a soiree, right?"

She smiles, "It would be excellent to have your translation services available Arboreal. Thank you."

I’d rather be in a study or library than a soirée. But as we are heading to a city it will be full of all kinds of ‘people’ and I am not a people person when people are humans or elves much less on a strange plane, I plan on letting Dimple do the talking she is much better at that than I

I will keep my ears open and maybe look into preparing spells to keep my insights into others conversations more discreet

swapped out mage hand with message used perception +17 to listen in on Cenae’s aside

PMed Stormy; will resume play when she checks in.

Sorry for my delay. Hard week last week. Also not much to add at this point. Will revamp spell selection before we leave for City of Brass.

Stormy seems to be listening attentively and taking it all in. She offers I can bring a communal resist energy that would protect us all from at least non-magical fires and resist some of even magical fire, but it would last only minutes if spread between all of us. Resist Fire 20 for 10 minutes each.

She turns to the VC, "But what really concerns me is that we are specifically going based upon an agreement with an Efreet and Dimple just said doing is an unwise proposition. What tricks should we be looking out for? Can we have a copy of the agreement to look over?"

The venture captain nods in understanding. "This might involve some dirty work. The contract prohibits impossible tasks, yet it doesn’t account for ethical concerns." He takes a polite sip of date wine before adding with a smile, "Though I’d note that just as efreet often twist wishes, you are free to interpret her instructions to fulfill the letter of her request, if not always the grisly spirit. Just be careful not to warp her demands so obviously or blatantly that you invalidate the Society’s deal. The isle of Jalmeray sometimes challenges its greatest minds to outwit an efreeti, and Pathfinders are among the greatest thinkers. You be the judge based on the opportunities that arise."

"We've any way of knowin what this person is going to request? I mean...if they were to request we leave the safety of the dome, we may have to turn it down."

Nodding at the elf, the venture captain makes sure to include you all in his answer. "As I just mentioned, the contract prohibits impossible tasks. While venturing outside of Zjarra's dome isn't impossible, it's certainly impractical. I highly doubt that Qalkami would contract with a bunch of 'Material Plane' experts for 'Plane of Fire' type tasks. If a task takes you out of the dome, I'd expect that she'll provide the means to do so, though I doubt that's the kind of help she's looking for. It's good to see you preparing for such, but I'll remind you that you will be comfortable within Zjarra's dome. "

"Smarty words! Got it."

I'm gonna have ta buy me a dictionary and a theserus... thessourus?... Theseus?

Cenae nods at the response, "Just like at Court then. Always deception. Ah well, at least I'm used to it and twist things our way if needed is a useful option."

She stands, "Do we need to find lodgings for the night?"

"I'm sure I can accomodate you here if you have no better place to go. I'm not sure if I'll see you in the morning here, as I'm a busy man, but I'll have an escort arranged to take you to the palace."

True to his word, you are set up with very nice accommodations, and are left to your own devices for the rest of the day. In the morning, a courier from the venture-captain escorts you to the palace.

Keleshite officials are waiting for you at the satrap’s palace. Upon confirming who you are and why you're there, two lavishly dressed officials escort you to a dedicated transportation room that features a large stone dais engraved with intricate runes. Here, several important Keleshite merchants and ambassadors are already preparing to depart. The entire group is transported via plane shift to a nearly identical chamber in the Keleshite embassy in Zjarra, delivered to your exact destination by a unique magical effect linking the two stone platforms and allowing the spell to bypass the usual margin of error.

Waiting to greet you is a woman dressed in blue silks and bearing an air of confidence. "I am Yasmine Zamara, liaison for the Keleshite embassy here in Zjarra. Let me take you to your accommodations." As she walks you through the streets of Zjarra, she speaks a little of her background and gives a "lay of land" for Zjarra and the plane of fire. Like many of her colleagues, Yasmine grew up in Zjarra at her family’s behest, and she blends both Keleshite sensibilities with a cosmopolitan understanding of extradimensional travel, trade, languages, and manners. She cautions you that in Zjarra, many creatures you might consider monsters back home are, in fact, law-abiding citizens, not to be murdered on the street. "Though, you are always entitled to defend yourselves, of course! Just don't be the one starting things!"

Once you're settled in the modest apartment the embassy is providing for you, she gives you directions to Qalkami's home at Cinderstone Manor. "Are there any questions? Can we get anything for you? I can have the embassy staff do any necessary shopping, if you need anything last minute; you'll just have to give me the funds to shop with."

Stormy is quite in awe of the trip and the city of brass. She has never been "off-plane" before and it is both unsettling and exciting to her. If Shade notices anything is off the large cat does not show it and pads along like he would in any city setting. Clothes Stormy breaths. Nothing too fancy or expensive but i would like to stand out, well, less. Maybe my red hair will be helpful for the first time ever. She offers coins for the expense and laughs a little about her hair.

"Oh, you don't have to worry about standing out!" Yasmine counters Stormy's concern. Just look around you! Zjarra is a very cosmopolitan city. With the dome to protect us, it's the most accessible city on the Plane of Fire; we're used to beings from everywhere!"[/b] Her assessment seems correct; you see fashions and styles beyond what you could imagine among the various creatures also strolling these streets.

...and the city of brass.

We are in Zjarra, not the City of Brass; they are different locations! If you want to make a clothing purchase, please feel free to still do so; go ahead and use the Core Rulebook to identify the clothing you want to purchase and its cost, and I'll note the purchase on your Chronicle sheet.

Smiling as he follows the guide down the street, LGZ takes in the strange sites. "I betcha get a lot of visitors here. Ev'ry one is strange to someone."

With a shake, he adds "I don't need anything, thanks though."

"I'm just ready to get down to business, when the rest of you are."

so what do the locals have to say about this Qualami Mishalq? Who are her friends enemies and frenemies in Zjarra?

Dimple looks about the 'sky'. "I don't know. I think this is a terrible spot for a picnic. At least there won't be any rain."

Yasmine has nothing to say about Qalkami's associates, but offers this warning: "You should take care not to underestimate Qalkami: she is cunning, clever, and ruthless, even for an efreeti. I’m fairly well versed on the political realities here in Zjarra, and I have a few connections. If you have doubts about any of the tasks that she sets for you, I’m always happy to provide any insight I may have, especially if it means avoiding criminal activity or minimizing chaos."

Your candid advise is appreciated Yasmine. Stormy adds as the group walks. She constantly turns her head and near goggles in wonder of all the sights. While I knew this place existed it is another thing entirely to visit it in the flesh. she adds. Makes me feel small.

Just some setting flavor, here. This description was later in the book than I expected it, or I would have posted it earlier.

Zjarra is a bright and bustling city. Far above stretches an enormous crystalline dome, and beyond it a sky of swirling red and orange inferno. The air is hot and thick, reminiscent of a humid jungle. The lush jungle plants that seem to fill every inch of space not occupied by roads or buildings only reinforces the notion.

Zjarra’s population is primarily a mix of azers, efreet, mephits, and salamanders, but it is home to members of hundreds of different races from across nearly every plane. As you travel through Zjarra, you catch sight of all manner of strange creatures going about their daily lives. There is certainly some tension when the occasional angel rubs shoulders with a devil, but any hostility goes no further than a scowl, a sneer, or an unearthly growl. In many ways reflecting the strong ties to the Padishah Empire, Zjarra’s streets as often echo with Kelish phrases as they do Common words.

"Makes me feel small."

Dimple looks at the druid to make certain nothing has changed. "Nope! You're still the same non-adorable size. Can you imagine if coming here DID make people short and cute? This place would fill up over night." She then thinks about how many people would NOT be back on Golarion. "Well... you might be a bit shorter. Like a schoonse. Maybe you and Cenae should stick around after the mission, just to see."

"You should take care not to underestimate Qalkami: she is cunning, clever, and ruthless."

Dimple then flips through her recently purchased thesaurus. "So, she's evil smart, 'smart' smart, and mean...smart? If she's so smart, why does she need us? Maybe other people here need us too! We should tell everyone we are here." The gnome pauses as she realizes where 'here' is. "Um...being here in Fire Town doesn't block us from our gods 'n stuff, does it? Cuz I didn't check before we left, but I don't want Desna all mad at me, or worried that she doesn't know where I am."

Dimple's 'tell everyone' is more of the player saying 'let's tell everyone who we are helping' before we have to sign the PFS equivalent of a NDA. I could see a smart efreeti forbidding us from making our presence known, or the fact that we are working for her.

The Desna part is just double-checking that divine spell will / should work normal here.

As Dimple suggest sticking around afterwards, Cenae adamantly shakes her head no, "My spell manages the heat, but the humidity is absurd here. It's just dripping everywhere. Not one bit of me isn't sticky."

"Well, if there are no further questions, I think I'll be off. Qalkami's estate is known as Cinderstorm Manor, and I've left directions to it in your apartment. I work here in the embassy, and the admins all know how to contact me if you need me."

Golarion's gods exist on all known planes; Desna and Sarenrae are both accessible from the Plane of Fire.

Cenae bows/curtsies/whatever is appropriate, "Thank you for your assistance."

She leads the group to the apartment to check it out and get the directions.

Stormy is still tempted to shop but is also ready to get off the street. She happily follows Cenae.

No shopping

Dimple might look for bargains. Are there any FIRE sales? JK...and sincere apologies.

With Yasmine’s directions, you have little difficulty finding Qalkami’s home, a domineering, gothic-style edifice of scorched adobe that towers three exaggerated stories in height and is topped by several spiked spires. A stone path crosses a yard of smoldering coals and leads to an ornate brass door with a knocker in the shape of a snarling hellhound, the ring cast to resemble flames pouring from its mouth.

A servant answers the door, heat rippling the air near this brass-skinned humanoid as flames rise from the creature's head and shoulders. "Yes? How may I help you?" it asks.

Planes: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

"Hi there, I'm Dimple, you're an azer, and these are all Pathfinders. I think we're expected? Hey, can I ask a question. do you...uh...use a brush for your hair? Does it catch fire? Cuz it looks awesome. What does a 'bad hair day' even look like for you? Does it just smoulder? I bet it just smoulders. Wait! Never mind daytime, what about bedtime. What happens to your pillows? Do you use a pillow? I would think it would burn or melt or something. Getting a good night sleep is important after all. I can't imagine you use a rock. Is the pillow case fire proof, or the whole thing?" One gets the sense that this line of questioning can go on for quite some time.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (15) + 14 = 29

FYI, my inclination is to always wait for all players to post. If everyone is waiting for a response to Dimple's introduction, it's best if you post in-character describing that you're waiting, so we don't delay this long before I move the action along. Thanks!

The azer considers Dimples questions with clear amusement on its face. "It's not hair though; it's fire. It smolders when I'm ill.
I understand something similar happens sometimes when you Material Planers get sick. They say it just... falls off? How do you reignite it when that happens?" It motions with its hand to end the conversation.

"It matters not. My task is not to understand strange creatures from other planes; my task is to show you to the drawing room. This way, please."

You are shown to a lavish sitting room outfitted with large chairs upholstered in ruddy, heat-resistant leather. The azer excuses itself without further discussion, and you are left to wait for your host.

And you do. Wait, that is. For quite a very long time.

Finally, an imposing figure strides in the room. Her muscles and tone reveal great strength, and she carries herself with an air of dangerous elegance, a fiery scar running down one side of her face. NPC image to come; it's time for me to do the slide deck, I think.

"You are the Pathfinders? Good!" She motions towards a liquor cabinet in the corner. "Please, help yourself to any refreshments you like. If the bottle it too hot, I wouldn't drink it, but nothing else should be too dangerous for you."

"I am Qalkami Mishalq, and I've hired your services from the Pathfinder Society. I'm honored to receive such accomplished agents as yourselves!" She runs down a surprising number of details of your recent accomplishments for the Society; she has clearly done her research.

"Okay, let's get down to business. I'm not one to cash in favors so quickly or lightly, but there are opportunities open to me now due to a new Sultana in the City of Brass, and there's no time to waste. I'll note that there are no shortage of agents here in Zjarra who could accomplish these tasks for me; it's simply a convenience that I could cash in favors with your Society."

Arboreal nods in respect and smiles at some of the accomplishments attributed to his friends and colleagues So what is the ature of the first task you would request of us?

Dimple happily talks to the butler at great length as they are escorted to the luxurious sitting room.

Sense Motive #1: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22

"Wow! You sure do know a LOT of secrets! Like a lot a lot. I mean, you missed a few things. Like, do you know who is most likely to scream when they are scared? I mean, it's not a big deal. It wouldn't stop a girl from dating him or anything." Her eyes gloss over for a moment. "I'm sorry, what were you saying?"

Sense Motive #2: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (14) + 14 = 28 {Oh Pish and Posh!}

Stormy had already found the "refreshments" and had sampled a few of the bottles when their host finally arrives. Shade intelligently turned his nose up to each.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22 Thought I was better at this than that. Oh well.

As Stormy listens she absently strokes the black cat who purrs quietly. Just how many favors do you have in mind mistress Mishalq? Stormy asks when the efreeti.

Cenae thinks to herself that forcing them all to wait is a common tactic. Her allies not doing anything stupid means they also recognize this. She calmly sits.

And then observes their host very closely.

Sense Motive DC 31 cause can't fail DC 15: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (8) + 15 = 23

But not close enough, probably. She smiles and replies, "Opportunities are great, though it is odd you would cash in a favor with us when someone here could easily do the task. Is there perhaps something specific you want tied to our organization? If so, we would just like to know what sort of hornets nest we are stepping in to make appropriate plans to deal with any fallout."

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

Silently contemplating his recent studies, LGZ seems completely oblivious to the extended wait.

"Oh? Yes, glad we were available to help." announces the half-elf.

Turning to Cenae, he adds "It's also possible our favor called in was the cheapest option available. Simple favors still have their value."

"Watcha needin from us?"