dot in.
You find yourself in in Corentyn’s Museum of History.
Motes of dust float in the air as the midday sun shines through the skylights of the museum roof. Several scholars and students move about the bookshelves and display cases on the main floor and the balconies above, while some are hunched over tables piled with heavy tomes. Zefiro is in discussion with a colleague when he notices the visitors.
“Ah, you have returned. Welcome.” He shakes hands with everyone. “Right, we have that package for you.” Zefiro beckons to a student at a nearby table. “Run up and fetch the Athenaeum materials from my office.” He turns back from the student, though he occasionally glances nervously at the people going about their work around him.
“The ruin you’re about to investigate is certainly a major discovery, and it’s sure to earn great prestige for my colleagues at Egorian’s Athenaeum. A lost colony of ancient Taldor right within the Kharijite province would certainly give our beloved empire a strong claim to the region.” Zefiro steps a little closer and lowers his voice. “I would be very interested to discuss your findings when you return, with a bit more privacy. Come see me here in the evening and we can have a talk in my office.”Zefiro takes a step back as the student returns with the package. He hands it over to the PCs, “If there’s nothing else, I must get back to my duties."
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A young Taldan woman attired in explorer's garb and a bow slung over her shoulder looks this Zefiro () over as she joins the group. "Lara Evangeline Ellicott-Tillingsworth, of the Oppara Ellicott-Tillingsworths," she introduces herself. She smiles at the scholar. "And I'm an archaeologist. You couldn't have called for a better crew to investigate these ruins."
As the student returns with the package, Lara takes it and looks at Zefiro and the student questioningly, as if to say 'Is it okay if I open this?' If she doesn't get an objection, she opens it to see just what they're sending with the party.
Good it is settled then.
Handout 1:
This is a report of the notable archaeological items discovered in the lost colony of Taldor—estimated to have been established shortly after the founding of Corentyn in 1520 ar—uncovered by the Athenaeum in Kharijite.
Item 1: Ancient broken Taldan clay pots.
Item 2: A ruined building manufactured in ancient Taldan style.
Item 3: Four Taldan statues depicting the founders of the colony.
Item 4: Two golden lion statues.
Item 5: A large statue of the god Abadar.
As you exit the museum you enjoy the outside in the city known as khari. You make your way over to the docks as told.
The Chelish frigate cuts through the waves by the Arch of Aroden as sunrise paints the harbor of Khari red. Vessels from all around the Inner Sea are moored at the docks, waiting for their cargo to be unloaded or for new goods to be brought aboard. The city spreads around the bay, with sandstone buildings and twisting minarets marking its Rahadoumi origin now emblazoned with red-and-white banners of Cheliax.
Most of the inhabitants dress in a Garundi fashion of colorful robes and billowing blouses, but occasionally a regiment of Chelish soldiers or a Hellknight parts the crowd. Several open air markets fill the city with clamor as merchants and patrons haggle loudly under many-colored stalls.
At one of the stalls, an exasperated man with an Osirian accent complains loudly, “It would be bad enough if it was just the damned dockworkers who take their time unloading my goods, but now I have to wait for those infernal bureaucrats to grant me a travel permit to even leave the city. I swear I’m about to lose my mind with the incompetence of these people!”
The Society has provided you all with basic archaeological equipment (picks, shovels, brushes, sacks, parchment tags, and notebooks) and sufficient funds to cover essential expenses and purchase mounts. You can keep the rest as a bonus (though it does not improve your gold gained by keeping it all, not like that on the chronicle sheet)
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Radiarch nods at Zefiro's inference to meet with them later that night, making note to the others that once they were alone they should make sure to return that evening. After pouring over the package he provides, Radiarch decides to schmooze with the locals to see what further details he could muster, avoiding consort with the more hellish of denizens. One thing was for sure, these were not his peoples, but he would make do.
History
10+: Cheliax forcibly annexed the Kharijite province from Rahadoum during the Everwar, and Rahadoumi diplomats have been demanding that Cheliax return the region to its rightful owner ever since.
15+: The Everwar, also known as the Wars of Expansion, was a century-long war of conquest launched by King Haliad III in 4305 ar that—among other territories—expanded Chelish control into northern Garund, allowing them to control both ends of the Arch of Aroden. The Everwar lasted through the reigns of five Chelish monarchs and finally ended in 4410 ar.
Diplomacy
15+: A gruff barkeep informs the PCs of the tight grip Cheliax keeps on the city. “Recently they’ve been cracking down on any shady business, so everyone needs a travel permit to leave the city. I hear the inspections of coming and going cargo are pretty thorough as well. Good luck at the magistrate’s office—the lines are bound to be as long as the Arch.”
Diplomacy
20+: A bored caravan guard provides information about the archaeological expedition. “They had plenty of scholars and soldiers as well. The number of tools and supplies they were willing to lug across the desert surprised me. Our caravan shared the road with them for a while, but they kept mostly to themselves.”
25+: An unscrupulous merchant reveals information about the Aspis Consortium caravan that went to the expedition site. “The Aspis Consortium transported a caravan full of supplies to the ruins. I’m not sure what they were carrying in those crates, but I hear they looked heavy—not that they were advertising this on the streets or anything, but I have my sources. It didn’t take long for them to receive appropriate permits either. I guess it helps to have friends in the right places.”
Okay, so now to get where you need to be you need to obtain a travel permit.
A clerks confirms your authorization from the Athenaeum, she fetches a letter, lowers her voice, and tells them, “Magistrate Mavius Giovenci wants to handle this matter in person. This is an invitation to attend an evening function at his estate.” She forces a smile and then turns he attention to the next group in line. As promised, the letter requests that the you all join the magistrate at sundown for a fancy meal.
Do you accept the offer?
Heroes are able to gain all the information.
15+: Mavius is a cousin of the lord-mayor of Khari. The magistrate takes advantage of his station to enjoy all the pleasures the city has to offer, therefore his palanquin is a regular sight on the street as Mavius travels between the mansion and several high-end establishments and the opera.
20+: The lord-mayor, Marsiol Giovenci, isn’t too fond of his cousin. He secured the post of magistrate for Mavius as a favor to Mavius’s father, yet Marsiol feels that his cousin doesn’t live up to the city’s standards.The lordmayor is concerned that Mavius might make him regret the favor by becoming entangled in some scandal.
25+: Mavius has been involved in some dubious dealings with shady individuals tied to the Aspis Consortium, including the halfling, Tamrin Credence. The adventurers(yes you all) learned or would have learned during their previous investigation in Corentyn that Tamrin had also been involved with Zarta Dralneen (in other words from part 1, or you made the skill check to find this out). There’s enough evidence to let you all leverage this information to force the magistrate to cooperate—even become a long-term asset for future endeavors—though actually using information against a Chelish noble would be risky at best.
From earlier
History: 20+: There are several ruins in northern Garund left behind by long-lost human civilizations, most famously the Jistka Imperium. The Jistkans were famous for building golems and other mighty constructs.
15+: The people of Khari see themselves more as Chelish citizens than as Rahadoumi despite their ancestry. Lord-mayor Marsiol Giovenci, a steadfast ally of the Thrune regime, rules Khari. Giovenci takes a harsh stance. against anyone who would engage in smuggling and black-market deals.
20+: This time of the year, fierce sandstorms tend to plague the area around Ibhir, and it’s bound to get even worse in the following weeks before the storms subside. It’s a good idea to make the journey there and back as soon as possible. Learning this grants everyone a +5 bonus on the Survival check to notice the encroaching sandstorm on their way to the excavation later in the adventure.
25+: The settlement of Ibhir has remained abandoned for centuries since the Everwar. At campfires, the local people whisper ghost stories that revolved around foolish travelers who took shelter in the ruins during a sandstorm and never returned.
The magistrate’s mansion is of modest size but well-maintained. Upon receiving the invitation, a halfling servant guides everyone through an iron gate with flowery designs onto a terrace overlooking the bay near the Arch of Aroden. A ring of sitting pillows and several water pipes furnish the terrace. At the end of the hall sits a handsome, dark-haired man with an easy smile, though years of indulgent living seem to have taken their toll on his physique. The air is humid as thundering clouds gather far from the shore.Mavius beckons everyone to sit down, “My dear guests, please relax and enjoy yourselves. There are plenty of local delicacies, and the wine is quite exquisite. I’m sure you’re eager to get down to business, yet there’ll be time for that later.” He wants you join him for a feast.
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Radiarch welcomes Eldon and while he doesn't have his courtly attire to change into, will make sure his newly acquired leather armor looks as pristine as possible. Dress well enough, even in garb befitting a tower guard captain, and generally those who see a young aasimar knight's handling of himself should leave well enough alone. Or that's the hope Radiarch has. He'll wear his white hood draped down to expose his short golden hair to help punctuate his own standing and nobility amongst the sycophants of the evening.
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"It is good to see the taste for food and drink rivals the fame of the magistrate" Eldon smiles while taking a bunch of grapes and eating them one by one. He then follows up with some roasted meat or the most similar and drink a single cup of wine "Maybe we will have the chance to talk business during the night"
You all have a feast, some of you only eat what you need.
Later...
The magistrate orders a servant to bring out an ornate board with several dozen ivory pieces, “Would anyone care for a friendly game of Siege—unless one of you can entertain us with some Chelish opera? Hah!”
Intelligence dc 12, profession gambler dc 16, perform sing dc 16 or bluff dc 16 to win this skill challenge.
“Tell me about this expedition you are embarking upon. I have heard a little about it here and there—enough to get me intrigued. I’d love to know more.”
Bluff, Diplomacy or Oratory perform dc 15
“I have heard some wild tales about the exploits of Pathfinders. I’d like to hear more of your adventures, or perhaps you’d like to showcase your considerable skills!”
Any appropriate skill (DC 16), ability (DC 12), or attack
(AC 16):
If you failed any of the skill challenges as a group, not as an individual.
You can use intimidate dc 20 to negate one failed skill challenge, you are leveraging information about Mavius.
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Intelligence dc 12, profession gambler dc 16, perform sing dc 16 or bluff dc 16 to win this skill challenge.
"I can try and play!"
He shakes his head as the rules seem above him.
“Tell me about this expedition you are embarking upon. I have heard a little about it here and there—enough to get me intrigued. I’d love to know more.”
Bluff, Diplomacy or Oratory perform dc 15
Zornesk starts into a grand tale.
Any appropriate skill (DC 16), ability (DC 12), or attack
(AC 16):
Zornesk points his sword in mock combat.
"I stabbed this way!"
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Eldon observes a bit of Zornesk play, and soon he comes to help suggesting some better strategies to win the game.
The bald elf leaves the talking about the expedition to Zornesk and Lara as it seems they give conveying explanations already.
"Oh! Let me explain you how we had to step up to save one of the Blakros daughters that had been offered to the Shadows as sacrifice. We entered the Blakros Museum and found a terrible skeleton that came from the Shadow Plane. I jumped like this to surround him" Eldon jumps to one of the walls, then changes position bracing around one column to finish with a gesturing attack of his rapier "And struck like this! We registered the chronicle with the name of the Penumbral Accords"
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Radiarch smiles at Eldon's story. "That actually reminds me of my last dealings with the Blakros family. They were having one of those big reveal parties. Lots of fellow Pathfinders were in attendance. Then, well I don't have all night to share the story, but before the night was done, my group faced off with none other than Zuhriga the Mighty, as he called himself.
With determination and a fierceness seldom that has come to me, I saw his malice from the getgo and loosed a single arrow, sending him into the abyss immediately," Radiarch finishes his tale.
Afterwards he shares another story of his travels...
before reclining and taking a try at a game of Siege.
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"Zuhriga the Mighty? I heard that story. It has gone through the Lodge for a while" Eldon nods and smiles admiring Radiarch with new eyes "I feel reassured to party with Zuhriga's slayer. This mission is going to be a success. It cannot be in another way"
The bald elf gets an extra drink and hands it to the aasimar offering a toast to the slayer of the mighty dragon!
Mavius is impressed. Alright it looks like you have what it takes to complete the mission. First, I'll waive any travel fees and provide you with what you need to be on your way. Second, even so, you ain't allowed to travel to Ibhir
Your journey is uneventful
The last rays of the setting sun light up a bluff to the southeast that towers over the desert. Ruined buildings and leaning towers jut up from the plateau on its top as ominous clouds loom to the south of Ibhir—a sandstorm roars across the desert toward the ruins.
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More used to the wilderness of the streets, Eldon does not find himself comfortable in the middle of the plateau, specially when a tempest of sand is looming over the group "I certainly preferred when we were playing Siege with Mavius. Why would he not allow us to travel to Ibhir?"
The elf tries to cover himself the best he can, following for the rest Lara's lead.
Some of you notice a rising storm coming and point it out to others, you must get your animals and yourselves to safety.
First you must get your animals to safety towards the bluff
Second, you must get your animals to ride along a treacherous path
Third, you must navigate the shifting sand and locate the Chelish camp
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"Everyone! Quickly! Through that path!" Eldon sees Lara taking the lead through the sandstorm and pushes his mount to follow to safety. Luckily, his natural agility makes it a bit easier for him to maneuver, while covering his eyes with a hand to try see the camp through the flying sand "Does anyone see the camp!?!"
1st check: Pass, Pass, Failure, Failure Radiarch and Eldon steer the horses the right way nice and easy, the others steer them the wrong way or too aggressively.
2nd check: Pass, Failure, Failure, Failure Radiarch says easy boy, the others push them too hard or whip them too hard.
3rd check: Failure, Failure, Failure and all of you are too panicked to see what you need to see
Okay, so
Sand gusts into the building through the open door to the west and the southwest corner of the canvas roof, where the broad tarpaulin has broken free at one end. The canvas strains violently in the wind as the rest of the bindings begin to pull loose. Only half of the building’s original floor still exists to the south. A ladder descends ten feet to a ledge below, and another ladder descends further into a jagged crack in the ground. A campsite sprawls across both ledges, and several bloodied corpses are scattered throughout. The Sandstorm is slowing down, but it blocks out the sun, thus raising the dead in the process.
You also see some skeletons Roll init
oh, right, skeletons init
Eldon moves up to a skeleton and kills it as he pierces the bones into many pieces.
One of the skeletons moves towards Eldon
The other moves towards Lara, they all have masterwork longswords
vs Eldon
vs Lara oh, looks like that does hit you
All hereos are up