[NosalgiaCon '22] GM Hawthwile's Fate in the Future [Tier 1-2] (Inactive)

Game Master Hawthwile

You have been summoned to the Woodsedge Lodge in the tumultuous country of Galt. Thankfully, your journey from Absalom to Woodsedge was uneventful and you had plenty of time to get to know your travelling companions.

Feel free to introduce your character and engage in roleplay before the scenario officially begins - or just dot in so this game shows up in your Campaign page!

A young, if somewhat old for his years, dwarf stumps into the Woodsedge lodge. "Think I managed to avoid all them grey gardeners. Thanks to be Torag!" he says, relief in his voice.

"Now, the real question is whether ye show me the bar or the forge first."

A small ysoki with mottled brown and beige fur glances up from the table where she's tinkering. Her nose twitches reflexively as the scent from the dwarf washes over her. "Sorry, I don't know where either of those things are around here. I just arrived from Katapesh myself."

She stands up, brushes at a few streaks on her robe, then wrinkles her nose slightly. "I would shake hands, but I wouldn't want to give you this," she says, displaying some odd colored smears on her palms. "My name is Zekki. Who are you?"

"What?" asks the dwarf. "Is that? Paint?"

Then, remembering his manners, the dwarf offers a short bow.

"Khaul, of clan Ironetoe. Pleased to be makin yer acquaintance miss."

"Umm, well, this is oil, this sulphur, and this...this means I need to go wash my hands." Zekki smiles rather sheepishly, fishes a rag out of a pocket and wipes her hands very thoroughly.

"I hope we're not the only ones for this mission. Do you know who else we might be expecting?"

As if on cue, a creature that appears to be some manner of overgrown cactus comes wandering into the lodge.

"Bugtussle here!" the cactus announces rather loudly, shifting from foot to foot and flexing his limbs in a funny little dance. "Happy to meet more Pathfinders! Bugtussle waves instead of shaking hands. His spines are quite sharp and pointy, best saved for enemies, you see!"

Recuperating from a journey from a small town in Isger to Almas, and from there, to Absalom and Woodsedge, in Galt, Lakitay comes out yawning.

"Sorry! Those travels have been too fast. I miss being behind a bar or exploring the diverse market with their different brews. Oh, Lakitai Keywhis is my name." says a green-eyed Elf woman, wearing brown leather armor, and a wooden branch in the hair.

Bastian has been chatty on the way to Woodsedge Lodge from Absalom. He will have tried to find out as much about his travelling companions as possible.

The first time you met him, he will have been wearing a well-polished breastplate and carrying a backpack, shield (adorned with the bloody rose) and a variety of weapons on his back/hip.

"Bastian Sunbright. Champion of Milani and Radiant Oath operative."

He is a tall, muscular and charismatic Snow-born Half Elf. Tattoos of runes and other arcane markings run all the way up his left hand side, from hip to ear and he has short, white hair. His ears have a small point and his eyes are human-like and a crystal green colour.

"I'm pleased that we made it here safely. I have long wished to visit Galt. I have no doubt that although this place likes to claim it has set itself free from the yolk of tyranny, that a new group of tyrants has taken control. There will be many downtrodden folks that we can help." His Taldane is slightly accented, leading you to assume that it is not his first language.

"Yes, Bugtussle is all about doing good and helping others in the name of the Pathfinder Society," the leshy agrees with his usual exuberance. "Bugtussle is pleased to be paired with other like-minded folks. Bugtussle also appreciates variety of experience and outlook," he adds, likely referring to the group's diverse composition.

"Bugtussle fights with fists and spines. Sometimes a sickle if Bugtussle needs to cut something, but that isn't as fun or impressive. How do the rest of you fight?"

"I fight when I have to, but that is not always necessary. When I do, it is with my War Flail or Morningstar and Shield, backed up with the arcane power of my tattoos." saying this, he exposes some neck and shoulder, displaying a few of them. "My style is not subtle, but my words sometimes are."

"I can use the elements as my tools. Or he can bring a fiery element to the fight. Otherwise, I can propose a selection of brew. That would be my style." says Lakitai as she makes some electricity and points towards a fiery leopard.

I am not sure if I should create a new alias for it or use this one only. I did not have the name yet.

Zekki waves a greeting at the...Bugtussle?, and the elven folk. "If I have to, I shoot at the enemy," she says, brandishing a crossbow. "I would prefer not to stab knees at close range, but I can also throw things. Mostly, I like understanding them."

She grins toothily, then sits back down at her previous spot, tucks her feet up onto the chair, and pulls out a flask of something.

The dwarf takes into account the words of his companions, listening as they speak. "The hammer of Torag be a tool of craftsmanship." he states.

"But sometimes when a mistake is made, the hammer must be used to flatten it and start again." he fingers the large warhammer hanging at his belt as he speaks.

"But me primary aim in battle be to keep the rest of yer safe. And the Shield of Torag be here on me arm, ready to do just that."

"We seem to be a diverse group with many different areas of expertise and training. What do you all specialise in? I'm an expert in the arcane and ancient Thassilon. It's still strange thinking of it as ancient though. I'm fairly good at getting on with people too." he looks at everyone else. "I will try to defer to those who know more than I do when we are in the field."

"Hmm...Bugtussle has some talent with feats of athletics and acrobatics," the leshy responds after considering Bastian's question. "Oh! Bugtussle can also be pretty good at sneaking around, too. Bugtussle also knows a few things but not like a scholar would..."

"I primarily do knowledges, I like knowing what I'm facing," says Zekki thoughtfully. "I'm decent at getting out of the way, patching up ouchies, and um...opening doors." Her eyes dart around the room, not meeting anyone else's. "Oh! And I'm a fabulous cook."

"Well, I'm pretty handing with me crafting hammer." admits Khaul.

"But that be expected of an acolyte of Torag, don't yer know. But I grew up in a forest and know my way around them. The church also taught me some mundane healing to go along with the gifts of Torag."

As you arrive at the Woodsedge Lodge, you find Pathfinders hustling about the grounds - checking in, mustering in units, unloading and delivering supplies, cooking, and socializing. The atmosphere is tense but excited.

"...you think we're here?"
"Well, there's not much else besides..."
"...get to go into the Maze..."

It seems likely that you have been summoned to be part of a mission into The Maze of the Open Road, a place of legend that few Pathfinders have had the honor of traversing. The Maze itself lies behind the Woodsedge hall; it looks just like a garden labyrinth, but it's actually a tangle of interdimensional pathways that lead to places all around Golarion… and far beyond. It was built long ago by Forest King Narven Feathereyes as a gift for Society and has been repaired and maintained by the Pathfinder Eliza Petulengro, as well as other famous Pathfinders, in recent years.

"Has something gone wrong..."
"...heard it was malfunctioning..."
"...we're going to fix it, right?"

Cutting through chaos and gossip alike, Venture-Captain Armeline Jirneau takes the lead, ensuring everyone gathers in their assigned units and tends to their duties. While she is still a little ways away from your group, it seems likely that she'll have orders for you soon.

Feel free to continue roleplaying if you would like - the game will kick off in earnest on Monday.

"So it's dimensional pathways I'm hearing about. This could be very interesting. I hope I don't get stuck for another ten thousand years!" Bastian chuckles.

"Seriously, this sounds like an intriguing mission. We must have the correct mix of skills."

After finishing up with her current group, Armeline jogs over to your group. Alchemical bottles and detective lenses clatter about on her bandolier; her fingers are stained with ink, and her bag is stuffed with the calipers, cloths, tweezers, powders, string, and measuring instruments. She glances into a notebook. "Bastian, Bugtussle, Khaul, Lakitai, Trisha, Zekki?" She looks at you and frowns. "One, two, three, four, five... Where is Trisha? Well, you'll just have to get them up to speed when they arrive - schedules wait for nobody."

"Now, I'm sure you're wondering why we're here. I'll brief everyone on the mission soon - but first, we have some logistics to take care of, and I was hoping you could help." She points across the yard. "See the Pathfinders over there?" Faction leaders Calisro Benarry of the Horizon Hunters, Eando Kline of the Vigilant Seal, and Urwal of the Verdant Wheel are chatting with a halfling and a suli man; the halfling has a warm smile, and a tiny stone elephant prances through the air around the Suli man's head. "I’m sure you know the faction leaders. The two others, do you know them? The halfling woman is Head Initiate Janira Gavix. And the Suli man is Ashasar, a planar specialist and liaison between the Pathfinder Society and the Concordance of Elements. In case you don't know, the Concordance is an ancient and multi-planar organization focused on the balance among the four elemental planes. We've worked with them closely before, and I'm happy to say that the two organizations still maintain a friendly working relationship."

Artwork!

"They'll be helping lead our mission over the coming days. Could you check in with them and see if they need assistance with anything? Oh, and I could use a hand finishing the musters, too - come see me after you speak with them." Without waiting for a reply, the Venture-Captain rushes off to greet another group of Pathfinders. "Feiya, Ezren, Seelah..."

Preparations!

The Pathfinders need help with logistics and supplies! We will have a skill challenge before the mission briefing. Everyone can attempt each task once or Aid instead of making an attempt themselves; the group will use the highest single result out of all the rolls. You do not have to attempt all of the checks - just the ones you want to, but there is no penalty for failure. Feel free to describe how you help in as much (or as little) detail as you want - this is a wonderful chance to let your character shine! You can also try to present an alternate skill for a task if you think it particularly applicable; if you do so, please preemptively include a dice roll so that we can keep moving.

Escort Wayward Friends with Urwal (Nature, Perception, Survival DC 20):
Urwal walks amid the gathered Pathfinders. He checks each person’s face before shaking his head and moving on to the next. "There are Pathfinders unaccounted for. Although the upcoming mission will be dangerous, Galt is not a land it would do to get lost in. Find our wayward companions and bring them here so no one gets left behind."

Last Meal with Calisro Benarry (Cooking Lore, Society, Survival DC 20):
Calisro clutches at her stomach as it grumbles loudly. "Just in time! I’m starving! Go lend the Lodge’s serving staff a hand so everyone can have a proper meal before this mission gets underway. We can’t set out on an empty stomach!"

Magical Investigations with Ashasar (Arcana, Nature, Occultism, Religion DC 20):
Ashasar stands outside a magnificent hedge maze, examining it with interest; his miniature elephant dances on a tiny raincloud. "This is the fabled Maze of the Open Road. Our divinations indicate the maze’s misalignment is due to an outside source beyond the maze and not a problem with the maze itself. Still, I prefer to conduct a second assessment to ensure nothing’s changed. I’d like you to assist by gathering magical readings—just don’t enter the maze!"

Offer Reassurances with Janira (Deception, Diplomacy, Performance DC 20):
Janira smiles and waves, then hurries over to say hello. "Do you have a second to lend me a hand? I brought along a few dozen newly graduated Pathfinders, but they’re worried about the upcoming mission. I know they’re ready for this, but the scale of it all is setting them on edge. Could you talk to the rookies? Some conversation and encouragement will help settle their nerves."

Sort Supplies with Kline (Athletics, Society, Survival DC 20):
Eando sifts through crates and wagons, divvying gear up into piles. "Help me sort this equipment according to the supply list, then deliver it to the assembling teams. We need to ensure everyone is well equipped for the upcoming mission."

Help Armeline with Mustering (Diplomacy, Perception, Society DC 20):
Armeline wipes her brow and proffers a long list of names. "I’ve organized all the Pathfinders into teams of between four and six agents. Take this list and help everyone gather in their assigned units."

What do you do?

Updated for new DCs
Whiskers quivering, Zekki is obviously pulled in multiple directions at once.

Being the helpful Pathfinder, she offers her assistance in finding her fellow misplaced folks.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Unfortunately, her nose is overwhelmed with all the bodies and she can't focus down to the missing folks.

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Zekki looks around wondering which place to help next, then settles on food. Because food! She bounces over to Calisro, sniffs in appreciation, and dives right in chopping and slicing to her heart's content.

Cooking Lore: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Tossing an extra pinch of spice into two cauldrons and turning the spit just so, Zekki puts together some wonderful food for the troops.

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Her eyes wide with wonder, Zekki approaches Ashasar as he contemplates the Maze. She reaches absently into a pouch, frowns and pulls her hand back out covered in slime. Muttering under her breath, "Wrong pouch," she wipes her hand on a slightly grimy cloth and searches a different pouch before pulling out a glass prism.

Arcana: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

She looks through the prism, turning it this way and that. After pulling out a second prism, she eeeps excitedly and furiously scribbles notes on what she sees.

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Zekki looks dubious at best when Janira asks her to *talk* to her fellow rookies, but she steps up gamely.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11 (Aid)

"Go, you heroes. Go to glory, though you die in combat gory! You shall live in song and story, go to immortality! Go to death and go to slaughter!" While Zekki is very enthusiastic, that may not have been the best choice of phrase if she was looking to inspire hope.

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"Oh, I like figuring out where things go!" Zekki tells Eando. She dives into the midst of the lists, tossing items into various piles.

Society: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

While *most* of the items make it to a pile, not everything does. Zekki isn't sure what that rubber chicken was for and tosses it into the discards.

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Taking the list from Armeline, Zekki searches out the listed names with enthusiasm.

Society: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Running back and forth through the assembled Pathfinders, she rounds up her assigned list in no time and brings them all back to Armeline.

I'm so sorry - I put the wrong DCs in that post. All DCs for these checks are 15, not 20. XD

Lakitai Keywhis looks at the list of names from Armeline and uses her bartender skill to recognize where are located Pathfinders and not, a bunch of patrons in various states of intoxication.
"Ah, well! Same as I need to make sure those patrons inside the tavern go home safely."
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
"Forgot the list!"

After some minutes later, she heads toward Eando Kline with a flair to assemble an assortment of supplies like what is needed to make a bar or a tavern functional.
"Well, a bar is nothing more than an assortment of supply."
Survival: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Afterward, Lakitai tries to recall her knowledge of the natural force to provide Ashasar the needed assessment about the maze.
"Ah! Now I remember..." and Lakitai blanks at the horizon.
Nature: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Subsequently, Lakitai sees Urwal shaking his head.
"Let me show you what a member of the Verdant wheel can do to find those lost folk."
Nature: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Lakitai tries to walk away as she felt the shame of failure.

Trying her best in preparation talk, Lakitai moves with less confidence to encourage Janira wanted from her.
"So, you can be at your best when you are prepared."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

As she hears Calisro Benarry at the end of her tourney that the last meal is not ready, Lakitai brings her survival knowledge to produce an edible meal.
"What, the meal not ready? Let's me go see the cook."
Survival: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

Like his fellow Pathfinders, Bastian sets about trying to get the mission into the best shape possible.

Escort Wayward Friends with Urwal Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Although he doesn't have a great memory for faces, he asks about the distinguishing features of the missing agents. Then he sees if he can spot them as he does the other tasks.

Last Meal with Calisro Benarry Thassilon Lore: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Cooking isn't really his greatest strength, but Bastian tries to get the cooks to make a dish popular in Xin-Edasseril just before Earthfall.

Magical Investigations with Ashasar Arcana (E): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
Bastian listens intently to Ashasar. He values magical education.
"If the flow of magic goes through there, what sort of magic do we need to re-align it?"

Offer Reassurances with Janira Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Bastian smiles and waves back at Janira. "A pleasure to see you again, Janira. Listen to me, good people, if this gifted halfling says you're ready, then you're ready. She helped me adjust when I appeared in this era and to become an operative of the Pathfinder Society."

Sort Supplies with Kline Athletics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
"Where would you like these put Eandro?" A moment later..."Oh, I'd better not, I just felt a twinge in my back."

Help Armeline with Mustering Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Taking a list, Bastian changes his tone and musters the troops like the old days, back in the Runelord's army.

Khaul puffs himself up to his full height. "Yer callen on the right team for assistance." he says.

Escort Wayward Friends with Urwal
First he heads over to Urwal. "Aye... I know me way in the woods." he says. "Back when I were a lad we had a twisty forest there be no mistake."
nature: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
He heads off
"See... Here they be..."

Last Meal with Calisro Benarry
After returning the lost pathfinders, he heads over for a meal, when he realises there is assistance required there too.

"Wild berries be the right seasoning..." he suggests. "And I just picked some up while searching for th' lost sheep."

survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
He looks at them "Ahh, curses, I musta sat on them. Yer dunnie want these ones."

Magical Investigations with Ashasar
After helping with the meal, or at least helping to eat him, Khaul settles down to pray for a moment or two.
religion: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
But Torag grants him no insight as to what may be wrong with the maze.

Feeling out of sorts for no good reasons, Khaul decides that maybe he is not in the right frame of mind to offer reassurances to any of the worried pathfinders.

Sort Supplies with Kline
So instead he heads over to Kline to help hauling supplies.
athletics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
But his luck just continues downhill, tripping and almost spilling a box of knives. "I don't know what is the matter today." he mutters.

Help Armeline with Mustering
Deciding that just sitting and fuming was not going to do any help he takes a list and looks for the teams

perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
But his poor luck continues.

[b]"Um hello there. I'm Trisha."[b] says a human female.

Trisha tries to help.

Magical Investigations with Ashasar Religion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Help Janira Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

"Bugtussle is always eager to help! Just leave it to us!"
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Finding Wayward Friends

"This should be easy since all Pathfinders helping should be somewhere close by," Bugtussle remarks. He bounces off into the nearby crowds...

Perception (DC 15): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

...but just can't seem to find anyone that isn't already helping out for the task ahead.

"Huh. Maybe Urwal miscounted?"
______________

Last Meal

"Uh...Bugtussle lives on water and sunshine but will try his best..."

Society (DC 15): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

The leshy wanders over to the mess tent as requested; he spends a few minutes watching the hustle and bustle before offering some suggestions. Unfortunately all of his suggestions boil down to either adding water or adding more water.

"Proper hydration is very important for fleshys and leshys!"
______________

Magical Investigations

"Magical readings? Easy! Even Bugtussle can help with this!"

Nature (DC 15): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Except it turns out that despite being a spirit of nature and arguably a being of magic in his own way, the leshy just doesn't seem to have the attention span required for such work.

"Ooh, a butterfly!"
______________

Reassurances

"Hmm...what would Bugtussle have wanted to hear before *his* first mission?" The leshy thinks on it for a few moments and then, it comes to him, like a flash of inspiration or a bolt of lightning.

Deception (DC 15): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

"New Pathfinders, don't worry! Everything will be okay as long as you walk softly and carry a big stick. Oh and confidence is key, remember that. If you meet a dragon, don't be afraid to step right up and punch him in the snoot if he gives you any sass! Bugtussle did that once, true story."
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Sorting Supplies

"You got it, sir. Bugtussle knows all about proper preparation!"

Athletics (DC 15): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

And apparently, he's not lying. Bugtussle has little trouble hefting the various pieces of equipment and lightly tossing or handing them off to the piles for each team. He even keeps the chatter to a minimum, opting to instead whistle while he works.
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Mustering

"This, Bugtussle can do. He even has a list, to help him find each Pathfinder more easily. Bugtussle will get it done!"

Perception (DC 15): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Except in his eagerness to help, Bugtussle fails to exercise caution when handling the list. "Oh no! Bugtussle's spines have ruined the list!"

Urwal smiles softly as Khaul returns to the Lodge with a small crowd of wide-eyed junior agents - and Lakitai. "Well done, my friend. Please, take these - I had them held in reserve in case our wayward companions had gotten injured during their journey."

Everyone gets a lesser healing potion for the adventure!

"Oh, now this is just what we need!" Calisro Benarry rubs her hands together in anticipation as she looks down the tables spread across the Lodge's grounds. She pauses to sniff enthusiastically as she passes by Zekki's and Lakitai's dishes, giving both of the cooks a thumbs up and a saucy wink.

Everyone gets a +1 circumstance bonus to their next Fortitude saving throw!

Ashasar nods, and his breathing seems to relax slightly as he observes Bastian's notes. Trisha's findings bring crinkles around his eyes, and Zekki's confirmation prompts a smile. "Yes, it looks like the Maze itself is still stable and functional. Thank you very much for your help - here, you may find a use for these." Gracefully he goes to retrieve his stone elephant from Lakitai's care.

Everyone can pick two (2) things from the following list:
- Owlbear Claw
- Potency Crystal
- Scroll of Burning Hands
- Scroll of True Strike

The junior agents listen with shining eyes to Lakitai, Bastian, and Trisha. Janira smiles proudly, then catches sight of Khaul sitting sadly on a stump and starts moving in his direction. "It's alright, take a moment, I think I've got a cookie in my bag..."

Everyone can get a +1 circumstance bonus to one (1) skill check or attack roll during this adventure.

"Hmm, yes, maybe you should let these young folks handle this." Eando deftly plucks a crate from the ground and passes it to Bugtussle, who passes it to Lakitai, who passes it to Zekki, who sets it next to another similar stack. Dusting his hands, the venture-captain grins. "I packed some extras in case some broke during the trip, but now they're taking up space. Here, take them with you."

Everyone can pick one (1) thing from the following list:
- Lesser Antidote
- Lesser Antiplague

Armeline Jirneau can't help but laugh as Zekki does such a quick job that the little ratfolk has deposited Khaul and Lakitai back with the group before the two taller Pathfinders even know what has happened. "Now that's responsibility right there! You take care of each other!"

Everyone gets a +2 circumstance bonus to their next Will saving throw!

Whew, that's a lot of stuff! I've made a table in the slides - check it out and mark down which things you wanted to bring from the lists.

Armeline starts to walk away, then pauses and pulls out her list. "Trisha, right? Glad to see you made it. Why don't you introduce yourself to your team before we head out?" Unable to wait for a reply, the venture-captain hurries away once again.

This is also an excellent time to snag your School Consumable(s) (if you weren't Field-Commissioned) and pass out any Glyph Hero Points if you have them.

What do you do?

Zekki will take a lesser antidote and a potency crystal. If I can take 2 potency crystals I will, otherwise a scroll of burning hands and give it to the druid.

School Consumable: minor healing potion.

Khaul makes a side trip to the Vigilant Seal stand and acquires a couple of healing potions to go with the one already acquired from Urwal.

"I dunnie suppose I could take a couple of those potency crystals?" he asks.
But will otherwise take one and an owlbear claw

"I be already to go." he announces after affixing the runes and claw to the Hammer of Torag.

Lakitai accepts the lesser healing potion from Urwal. Then ,she walks to pick the Owlbear Claw and the Potency Crystal from Ashasar. Afterwards, she says to Eando "I will make sure to use it at the right oppurtunity." and she picks the lesser antiplague.

Generalist School Consumable:Minor healing potion, lesser antidote

"I am ready!" says Lakitai Keywhis

**HOUSE GM ANNOUNCEMENT**

A hush falls over the gathered Pathfinders as Venture-Captain Armeline Jirneau ascends a podium erected outside the entrance to the Maze of the Open Road. “Welcome to Woodsedge, Pathfinders! Thank you for coming. As many of you know, the Maze of the Open Road is an interdimensional pathway built long ago by Forest King Narven Feathereyes as a gift for the Society. Time was not kind to the maze, but thanks to the efforts of Eliza Petulengro and other Pathfinders, it was repaired.

“Recently, the maze’s paths realigned and now all point to a single location. Our investigations indicate this isn’t a problem with the Maze of the Open Road but an outside source—a beacon—that’s attracting the paths. The maze is of critical importance to many missions and must remain available. Our mission is to fix this strange anomaly.

“We traverse the Maze of the Open Road to an unknown destination. Although this is an exciting opportunity to explore new horizons, our mission is not exploration. Our mission is to find the beacon and sever its connection to the Maze of the Open Road. Prepare yourselves! We leave shortly.”

After a few minutes to allow for any last-second preparations, Venture-Captain Jirneau leads the assembled Pathfinders into the Maze of the Open Road. ”Stay close, we won’t be here long.”

Armeline guides the Pathfinders through the maze with confidence, while Eando Kline, faction leader of the Vigilant Seal, takes the rear, ensuring no Pathfinders get left behind. Armeline hesitates only a moment before plunging through a shimmering portal, out of the Maze and into the unknown.

Following her lead, the Pathfinders arrive in a large stone chamber with red stone walls and polished tan floor tiles, lit by a luminous arch rising from a central raised platform. The chamber has three side chambers and one exit. “Fan out, Pathfinders!” Venture-Captain Armeline orders. “Secure the area.”

Table GMs, please begin Part 1

"Zounds! A bounty of useful items!"

Bugtussle happily claims one of the owlbear claws as well as a potency crystal and a lesser antidote; he also picks up a second potency crystal from the Swords quartermaster and affixes it to one of his spiny hands.

When the call to move out is given, Bugtussle eagerly falls in with the throng of Pathfinders as Armeline leads everyone into the Maze. As his turn arrives to enter the strange portal he moves through without any fear or trepidation, emerging into the large chamber of stone that lies beyond.

"Wow..." he gasps, looking around with awe and curiosity. "We could be anywhere!" He then readies himself for anything as everyone begins moving to secure the immediate area...

"Aye, anywhere.." glowers Khaul.

"I've heard stories that we may be even on another world. The maze be moven in mysterious ways."

Khaul checks his shield, and then gestures for the rest of the team to follow.

"I be not the quickest, and if yer all race ahead'a me, it'll be you between me and trouble, not be shield between you and trouble. Yer hear what I be sayin?"

Forgot to mention I have a glyph to hand out. Whoever is newest and/or lowest character can have it.

Zekki follows her teammates carefully through the Maze, scribbling notes whenever the crowd pauses for a moment. She affixes the potency crystal to her crossbow and carries it at the ready.

Trisha gets a lesser healing potion, owlbear claw, potency crystal and lesser antiplague and puts them in her backpack.

Both nervous and eager, Trisha enters the portal and looks around in awe.

The red stone walls are freezing to the touch, and the air is bitingly cold. Not enough to need cold-weather gear yet, but uncomfortable. The Pathfinders shiver and look around the area, noting several side chambers - and a massive glowing arch.

The most striking feature of this room is a crystal arch that glows with bright light. The arch is 15 feet wide, 25 feet tall, and constructed of a luminous crystal that sheds bright light.

In a side chamber, there is a fountain pouring water into a large stone washing basin. The water is clean, clear, and tastes metallic.

Three rows of wooden hooks protrude from the stone walls in a line around the perimeter of another side chamber - one row at 3 feet above the ground, one at 5, and one at 9. A black wood bench is in the chamber’s center.

The last room is partially blocked by a circular stone door that stands partway into the wall. The red stone of the chamber is polished and completely curved, with no angles or hard edges anywhere.

What do you do?

religion DC20: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
religion DC15: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

"This here side chamber... it is for cleaning oneself. Looks like this may be a religious site. ".

Not wanting to cause offence, the dwarf goes into the side chamber and gives himself a quick wash. After washing he peers into that last chamber.

"Odd.. a metal and glass sarcophagus...". Khaul points it out to his companions. "What do you all make of that?"

Society (DC 20): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

Bugtussle stares at the hooks in the wall for a moment; there's something about the placement and height that niggles in his mind but he can't put a spine on what it might be.

"A religious site?" the leshy repeats, continuing to look around. "To who, Bugtussle wonders? It feels like whoever it is, they might be watching - or waiting! The silence here feels heavy on Bugtussle's spines..."

Potency Crystal, Owlbear Claw, Lesser antidote, lesser healing potion and a minor healing potion school item.

Arcana(E): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Religion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Society: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

"I agree, Khaul. It looks like this arch is a powerful artefact, likely with a connection to another plane of existence. It's connected to an ablution chamber. It would have been used to ritually wash before entering a sacred place. And then we have a dressing chamber - but those hooks would have held clothes for creatures as small as Zekki and as large as a giant and everything in-between." Bastian gestures expansively as he talks.

"A metal and glass sarcophagus is unusual! Maybe it isn't one, it just seems like that?"

Bastian will start examining everything that looks interesting.

Potency crystal is attached to War Flail. Owlbear claw to morning star.

Lakitai fixes an Owlbear Claw on her spear, as she looks at the sarcophagus.
"I confirm. This arc is related to another plane. This seems to be an ablution chamber."

Religion: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Religion: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Zekki feels slightly overwhelmed at being in such an ancient place. "I agree, Bugtussle. There is something...oppressive about this place."

Arcana: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Society: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

She confirms her companion's information and looks around. "What sarcophagus? I don't see anything that might be called one in here."

After ritually washing, Khaul stalks over to the sarcophagus and points it out, looking carefully within in.

"I wonder what was put in here."

Aside from the Pathfinders, nothing moves in the room. The sounds of the rest of the expedition setting up camp start to crowd through the partially-closed door, breaking the hushed atmosphere in the spherical chamber.

What do you do?

"Oh! It should not exist in our timeline. This box. I would have believed a patron in a tavern if there were the person that would count the tale of what they see." says Lakitai as she looks at Bastian and Khaul.

Arcana: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Afterward, Lakitai cast Light to test her spellcaster ability. Otherwise, she begins to place herself on the back of the group if we begin to move forward.

Zekki continues to look blankly at the partially hidden space Khaul indicates. "Um. There's nothing there, Khaul."

Religion DC20: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Religion DC15: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

"Khaul, it might be an illusion of some sort. Be careful." Trisha says.