LN (she/her) gnome cleric of Abadar 2 | HP 13 | AC 21/12/20; -6 ACP | Fort +3, Ref +2, Will +6; +2 vs. illusions | Perc +5 (low-light vision) | Stealth +5 | Speed 30 | Spells: 1st 3/4 |
Zim smiles cheerfully at the guards. "My name is Zim Alula and I'm a travelling banker. I rely on the members of my party to keep me safe in my travels. As you will hear from friend Kazima, she ran into some trouble during a sandstorm."
CN Male Halfling Cleric of Calistria 1/Rogue 1 | HP 15/15 | AC 18, touch 13, FF 16 | Fort +4, Ref +5, Will +6; +2 vs. fear | Init +2 | Speed 20 ft | Perception +9 (+10 traps), Sense Motive +7 | Spells: 0 - 3, 1st - 3/3 | Channel 3/3 | Bit of Luck 3/6, Copycat 6/6 | Active Conditions: none | Reroll used
"I'm Milo, I'm one of those who help keep Mistress Alula safe," the halfling says simply, but pleasantly.
True as far as it goes.
Diplomacy to aid:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Though mostly he seems to be helping by not speaking enough to get himself into trouble...
CN Male Halfling Cleric of Calistria 1/Rogue 1 | HP 15/15 | AC 18, touch 13, FF 16 | Fort +4, Ref +5, Will +6; +2 vs. fear | Init +2 | Speed 20 ft | Perception +9 (+10 traps), Sense Motive +7 | Spells: 0 - 3, 1st - 3/3 | Channel 3/3 | Bit of Luck 3/6, Copycat 6/6 | Active Conditions: none | Reroll used
And since he's smuggling two holy symbols (Zim's and Menudo's), this will probably be relevant very soon: Sleight of Hand to conceal:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Kazima just dropped you off; she's already headed back to her investigation.
The guard raises an eyebrow when Menudo name-drops Kazima in a clear attempt for favor. He doesn't say anything, though, just proceeds to make notation on the form and continues.
"As you know, Rahadoum prohibits all religious paraphenalia. You must declare any such items and surrender them for confiscation. This includes holy symbols, religious texts, divine artifacts, and even religiously suggestive tattoos or birthmarks. Yes, we are serious about birthmarks. Too many have tried to claim an exception for tattoos that way; we no longer make a distinction."
He looks up from the form and asks "do you have anything to declare?"
A PC can attempt to hide one or more objects from the guards before being searched. Doing so requires a successful Dexterity or Sleight of Hand check. The check above counts for Zim's holy symbol; I will need one more check for Menudo's, please.
CN Male Halfling Cleric of Calistria 1/Rogue 1 | HP 15/15 | AC 18, touch 13, FF 16 | Fort +4, Ref +5, Will +6; +2 vs. fear | Init +2 | Speed 20 ft | Perception +9 (+10 traps), Sense Motive +7 | Spells: 0 - 3, 1st - 3/3 | Channel 3/3 | Bit of Luck 3/6, Copycat 6/6 | Active Conditions: none | Reroll used
"No sir, nothing like that," Milo replies.
Sleight of Hand to conceal Menudo's:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
The guards proceed to give you a cursory search. Finding nothing of interest, they let you into Azir!
Azir is a somber city whose appearance shows signs of recent modification. Newer building have unlikely and drastic angles, as if the architects and builders were trying to free their work from the confines of geometry much like the members of the city freed themselves from the confines of religion so long ago. Older buildings exteriors have been coated in colorful paints, and many have recently-added gargoyles.
You now have to find Torvad, determine the location where the Sacred Cobra auction will be held, and--if you desire--investigate the mystery of these golden idols.
You can attempt Diplomacy (gather information) and/or Knowledge (local) checks to investigate any of these topics. This is done in phases; each phase represents roughly 90 minutes of activity.
Each PC may investigate different topics; you can also pair or group up to use aid another get higher DC information out of these investigations.
Phase One (Investigate Torvad Shalzadin, The Sacred Cobra, or The Golden Statues)
Iladora
Menudo
Milo
Red
Theron
Zim
I will post a summary of what you learned once every PC has posted their topic and rolls. If you are choosing to aid another, please state that explicitly with your roll (otherwise, I will assume you are attempting an individual check). Please feel free to discuss your PC's strengths and your strategy in the Discussion thread.
Edit: if you happened to read this post while it still mentioned a +1 bonus, please disregard that. The bonus applies to different checks later, but was mentioned in the scenario in this section; I read a little too fast and conflated the two. No bonus right now!
Female Human Ranger 4 | AC: 20/14/17 | HP: 36/36| Fort +5, Ref +6, Will +2 | CMB +8 (+2 sunder), CMD 20 (+2 vs sunder) | Init +2 | Perc +8 (+2 FT)
Forced to rely on the Pure Legion to deal with the eventuality of a new undead in the region, Iladora turns her attention toward their original mission. "I think we need to find information on where the Sacred Cobra is." She hesitates. "I... would appreciate help in this."
LN (she/her) gnome cleric of Abadar 2 | HP 13 | AC 21/12/20; -6 ACP | Fort +3, Ref +2, Will +6; +2 vs. illusions | Perc +5 (low-light vision) | Stealth +5 | Speed 30 | Spells: 1st 3/4 |
Zim looks a little uncertain, but nods at Theron. "I...don't like the idea of these statues out there, especially if they are connected with the deaths." She shudders, remembering the death of the halfling. "But that's not our primary mission, so we should start with Torvad and the Sacred Cobra. Torvad, I think."
CN Male Halfling Cleric of Calistria 1/Rogue 1 | HP 15/15 | AC 18, touch 13, FF 16 | Fort +4, Ref +5, Will +6; +2 vs. fear | Init +2 | Speed 20 ft | Perception +9 (+10 traps), Sense Motive +7 | Spells: 0 - 3, 1st - 3/3 | Channel 3/3 | Bit of Luck 3/6, Copycat 6/6 | Active Conditions: none | Reroll used
Once the Pathfinders are safely inside the city and can find someplace away from prying eyes, Milo returns Zim and Menudo's holy symbols, if they want them. (I know Zim wanted hers back.)
"Hopefully the man will prove useful for more than just his banner," Milo replies to Theron, nodding.
Out of habit from previous adventures, the halfling gravitates to helping Zim as she seeks out the information the party needs.
Diplomacy to aid Zim:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
But apparently he's proving highly distractible being in this ungodly new city.
Phase One (Investigate Torvad Shalzadin, The Sacred Cobra, or The Golden Statues)
Iladora - Diplomacy to aid Menudo (Sacred Cobra)
Menudo - Diplomacy (Sacred Cobra)
Milo - Diplomacy to aid Zim (Torvad)
Red
Theron - Knowledge (Torvad)
Zim - Diplomacy (Torvad)
After about 90 minutes of investigating, with dusk having turned to night proper, you regroup and compare notes.
Torvad:
Torvad has an upstairs room in a tavern called the Efreeti’s Flame. The owner and keeper of the Flame hasn’t heard from him in weeks, but Torvad instructed the innkeeper to send any couriers bearing letters during this week to the Mendalari Estate in the Artisan’s Souk.
Torvad has been seen coming and going from a manor in the Artisan’s Souk that belongs to Inusi Mendalari, a prominent architect in the region. It’s rumored Torvad has been appraising a large collection of artifacts for her, but no one knows exactly what he’s been examining.
The Sacred Cobra:
The Sacred Cobra is an illicit auction house for religious and historical relics, regularly moving to different locations to evade law enforcement. The Pure Legion has been attempting to identify the whereabouts of the Sacred Cobra auction house for some time, having conducted several unsuccessful raids on locations that are no longer in use. In a pinch, providing the Pure Legion with information about the Sacred Cobra's location might help garner favor with the local garrison.
Golden Statues:
Rumors among the gamblers, drifters, and vagrants of Azir describe a noble outlaw who has been extending help to the poor and downtrodden, asking for their secret devotion to Abadar in exchange for enough gold to realize whatever dreams they may hold.
While this patron’s residence is unknown, spending time in prayer with her has produced real golden relics that many believe come directly from Abadar’s First Vault. It is rumored that this patron bears one of the mystical keys to said vault.
Individuals involved with law enforcement know that these statues have been associated with several grim disappearances all over Azir, and many of these folk believe the statues are no boon, but the physical expression of fell magic. They further believe that the statues are somehow connected to a strange disease that causes an afflicted person’s skin, eyes, fingernails, and hair to crust over with flaking gold—an affliction that’s earned the nickname "aurum death" by locals.
Phase Two (Investigate Torvad Shalzadin, The Sacred Cobra, or The Golden Statues)
Iladora
Menudo
Milo
Red
Theron
Zim
Note: you can cease investigating and take action on what you've learned at any time. You haven't learned all there is to know about any of these topics yet.
LN (she/her) gnome cleric of Abadar 2 | HP 13 | AC 21/12/20; -6 ACP | Fort +3, Ref +2, Will +6; +2 vs. illusions | Perc +5 (low-light vision) | Stealth +5 | Speed 30 | Spells: 1st 3/4 |
"Sounds like Torvad is staying with an Inusi Mendalari at her estate. Should we head there now, wait until morning, or see if we can find out anything else?"
Paladin 4 - AC 20 T 11 FF 19 CMD 18- HP 36/36 -Fort +7, Ref +4, Will +6 , Init +3 Perc +2, Sense M +0, Smite 2/2, LoH 4/4, Base Speed 20
"It would seem, the Sacred Cobra is an illicit auction house for religious and historical relics, regularly moving to different locations to evade law enforcement. The Pure Legion has been attempting to identify the whereabouts of the Sacred Cobra auction house for some time, having conducted several unsuccessful raids on locations that are no longer in use. In a pinch, providing the Pure Legion with information about the Sacred Cobra's location might help garner favor with the local garrison."
He ponders.
"I'm not certain I like the idea. As much as I respect the law, these church police seem to think themselves above it."
Suddenly a revelation strikes him. "If one were inclined to kill the wealthy, auctioning off those killer statues would be a highly effective way to do it."
Menudo is going to investigate the statues. I can try with no help, you folks can focus on other elements.
Statues:
Gather Information on statues:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
My gut tells me this could be an important roll, so I'm going to use my folio reroll.
Gather Information on statues with GM stars:1d20 + 7 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 7 + 5 = 30
LN (she/her) gnome cleric of Abadar 2 | HP 13 | AC 21/12/20; -6 ACP | Fort +3, Ref +2, Will +6; +2 vs. illusions | Perc +5 (low-light vision) | Stealth +5 | Speed 30 | Spells: 1st 3/4 |
Zim looks tired, but happy to press on. "Sounds good to me. I'm going to see if there's anything we missed anything else about Torvad. Someone see if we can find out where the auction house is at the moment? Or maybe when the auction starts, aside from tomorrow?
male human fighter 4, HP 40, AC 21; T 13; FF 18; F +6, R +5, W +4, Init. +4, Perc. +6
Theron takes a swig of whatever cheap rotgut he has in his flask and thinks.
Hmm..what if we use the Pure Legion? We were tasked to find the piece of the shield, right? so it technically would be stolen.... he says standing up and pacing as he talks. With our "friend" in the Legion, we could let them know of the auction, and in return, we get the shard. Thoughts?
CN Male Halfling Cleric of Calistria 1/Rogue 1 | HP 15/15 | AC 18, touch 13, FF 16 | Fort +4, Ref +5, Will +6; +2 vs. fear | Init +2 | Speed 20 ft | Perception +9 (+10 traps), Sense Motive +7 | Spells: 0 - 3, 1st - 3/3 | Channel 3/3 | Bit of Luck 3/6, Copycat 6/6 | Active Conditions: none | Reroll used
"I think it's best to keep the Pure Legion as ignorant as possible of why we're really here," Milo advises. "If we need their help, we can offer whatever we might learn about the auction then--preferably after we get what we came for. If, gods forbid, things go very poorly and we end up in legal trouble, we can use that information as a bargaining chip, because the Sacred Cobra is a much bigger prize for them than a handful of wayward Pathfinders."
The streets quieter, it's a new kind of crowd as the evening turns to true night and your efforts are very fruitful.
Torvad:
Torvad has grown exaggeratingly paranoid in the last few weeks, and several individuals report his claims that a strange creature with golden skin is stalking him. While no one has taken him seriously, he’s been walking the streets of Azir more heavily armed than usual.
The Pure Legion has been investigating Torvad for some time, believing that he is part of an illegal criminal ring smuggling divine artifacts in and out of the city. In a pinch, turning Torvad over to the Pure Legion for questioning might help garner favor with the local garrison.
There is nothing more to learn about Torvad!
Golden Statues:
Many have witnessed terrifying, gold-clad undead roaming the streets at night in some of Azir’s shadier areas. Some believe that these creatures arise from those slain by aurum death. The Pure Legion has been attempting both to locate the origin of these gold-clad creatures and to gain more information about this strange "servant of Abadar" and that individual’s possible connection to these unsettling events.
There is nothing more to learn about the statues!
Unfortunately, the Sacred Cobra's location remains elusive.
Phase Three (Investigate Torvad Shalzadin, The Sacred Cobra, or The Golden Statues)
Iladora
Menudo
Milo
Red
Theron
Zim
Again, you are free to pursue other actions or continue to investigate the Sacred Cobra.
Paladin 4 - AC 20 T 11 FF 19 CMD 18- HP 36/36 -Fort +7, Ref +4, Will +6 , Init +3 Perc +2, Sense M +0, Smite 2/2, LoH 4/4, Base Speed 20
"As I feared, the Pure Legion have assumed Abadar is responsible for these statues. And if they even could get any more anti-religious, this just might do it."
LN (she/her) gnome cleric of Abadar 2 | HP 13 | AC 21/12/20; -6 ACP | Fort +3, Ref +2, Will +6; +2 vs. illusions | Perc +5 (low-light vision) | Stealth +5 | Speed 30 | Spells: 1st 3/4 |
"Torvad seems to be extremely paranoid and there's a gold thing stalking him. I'm actually rather worried now. Also, the Pure Legion is onto him, so we might not have much time before he gets picked up."
can i use a know local to help with a gather info? i know it sounds weird...just a thought...since the goal is the same thing...
No; you can only aid another with the same skill, even if they're two paths towards the same result. The consolation would be that, even if you aid with your worse skill, the DC is only 10.
CN Male Halfling Cleric of Calistria 1/Rogue 1 | HP 15/15 | AC 18, touch 13, FF 16 | Fort +4, Ref +5, Will +6; +2 vs. fear | Init +2 | Speed 20 ft | Perception +9 (+10 traps), Sense Motive +7 | Spells: 0 - 3, 1st - 3/3 | Channel 3/3 | Bit of Luck 3/6, Copycat 6/6 | Active Conditions: none | Reroll used
The night grows long as you return once more to compare notes, the streets noticeably quieter now, but by no means empty yet.
The Sacred Cobra:
The Sacred Cobra’s broker recently seems unsettled by the strange appearance of artifacts all over Azir that appear to be made of an arcane, fake gold. The auction house has severely reduced the number of relics it’s buying, though it continues to sell many treasures. Its clientele is a mix of noble-born enthusiasts, die-hard artifact collectors, underground religious fanatics, and the criminal elite. Only those who have earned the broker’s trust, signified by an intricately woven kerchief known as a bidder’s banner, are allowed to bid on auction items there.
This is not everything there is to know about the Sacred Cobra.
Phase Four (Investigate Torvad Shalzadin, The Sacred Cobra, or The Golden Statues)
Iladora
Menudo
Milo
Red
Theron
Zim
CN Male Halfling Cleric of Calistria 1/Rogue 1 | HP 15/15 | AC 18, touch 13, FF 16 | Fort +4, Ref +5, Will +6; +2 vs. fear | Init +2 | Speed 20 ft | Perception +9 (+10 traps), Sense Motive +7 | Spells: 0 - 3, 1st - 3/3 | Channel 3/3 | Bit of Luck 3/6, Copycat 6/6 | Active Conditions: none | Reroll used
How late is it now? And when exactly in the morning is the auction supposed to be?
"Normally, I thrive on late nights, but this evenings' labors are not nearly so pleasurable as I'm used to, and we're not going to have the luxury of sleeping in all morning," Milo comments as the group compares notes again. "Should we wait to pay Torvad a visit until we know where the auction is going to be, or try to enlist his help now in finding the blessed thing?"
The Mendalari Estate is easy to find. The compound has 10-foot-high adobe walls studded with geometric mosaic designs, and the tightly closed double door is made of red-stained wood.
When you arrive at the gates, you can smell an unexpectedly strong odor of smoke coming from within and you see a damp red stain seeping out from under the door.
Map updated; I arranged your PCs in front of the door. If you wish, you may rearrange them as you see fit.
CN Male Halfling Cleric of Calistria 1/Rogue 1 | HP 15/15 | AC 18, touch 13, FF 16 | Fort +4, Ref +5, Will +6; +2 vs. fear | Init +2 | Speed 20 ft | Perception +9 (+10 traps), Sense Motive +7 | Spells: 0 - 3, 1st - 3/3 | Channel 3/3 | Bit of Luck 3/6, Copycat 6/6 | Active Conditions: none | Reroll used
At the smell of smoke and the sight of the stain under the door, Milo's demeanor changes dramatically, from carefree and joking to tense and alert. Taking care to avoid the spreading redness, he steps closer to the door to learn what he can.
Listening for sounds within, as well as checking for traps. His Perception is +9 (+10 vs. traps). If the door's locked, he'll try to unlock it. If it's not, he'll quietly push it open (Stealth +10).
CN Male Halfling Cleric of Calistria 1/Rogue 1 | HP 15/15 | AC 18, touch 13, FF 16 | Fort +4, Ref +5, Will +6; +2 vs. fear | Init +2 | Speed 20 ft | Perception +9 (+10 traps), Sense Motive +7 | Spells: 0 - 3, 1st - 3/3 | Channel 3/3 | Bit of Luck 3/6, Copycat 6/6 | Active Conditions: none | Reroll used
