3-18: Dacilane Academy Delightful Disaster (GMRR) (Inactive)

Game Master ChesterCopperpot

A Pathfinder Society Scenario designed for 1st- through 4th-level characters.

The students of Dacilane Academy are going on a field trip! As many of the academy’s students are the children of Pathfinders, what better place to visit than Woodsedge Lodge, one of the most famous Pathfinder Society lodges and the hub of the vast, mystical hedge maze known as the Maze of the Open Road? And who better to chaperone these students than a group of capable Pathfinder agents? When delightful disaster strikes, everyone will be glad that the Pathfinders came along for the trip!

Please dot in when you are ready!

Great, Vageeta on a children's field trip. This isn't going to go poorly at all!

Changing characters to my new thaumaturge based on discord discussion. Probably better with kids anyway.

A slip of a girl stands holding a clipboard and staring at a list of children's names. She sighs. "They say babysitting pays well. I hope they're right." She tucks a dark burgundy lock of hair behind her ear and practices a dazzling smile, sure to keep the kids on the friendly side. One of her eyes is a soft brown while the other is a vibrant green.

Changing characters since we don't have a healer. It's written in the APG under the Kobold Ancestry "Kobolds rarely have surnames except in an effort to better fit into a community, in which case they typically adopt the surname of an inspiring figure in that group." You can probably tell where this guy came from :)

The gaggle of young people crowded into the lobby of the Grand Lodge parts to step out of the way for a man in an Eagle Knight’s uniform. “Pathfinders! So good to see you today. Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedules to assist with our little educational venture. Allow me to present the students of Dacilane Academy!”

J Dacilane raises his voice and sweeps his gaze over the students, who all fall silent and give friendly nods or shy half bows.

“And this is their history teacher, Professor Thandmere Krelsun.” J gestures to a gray-bearded dwarf with spectacles perched on the end of his nose. The teacher struggles with a stack of papers as J continues. “As you’ve been told, the class is traveling to Woodsedge Lodge today to explore life in the Pathfinder Society and to cooperate in a series of small tasks at the Lodge. They’ll report back to me at the end of the day.” J casts a glance at the students as he puts a subtle emphasis on each word of the Pathfinder’s motto.

“Why don’t you introduce yourselves to the students, and tell them a little bit about your adventures in the Society so far?”

A darkly shrouded and cloaked figure emerges from the shadows, starling the kids momentarily. The cloak is a bit in tatters as you are unable to see whom is beneath them. A large scythe clings to its back, gleaming in the torchlight of the room.

"Do not be startled." The figure states in a grave female voice that seems to echo slightly. "My name is Azrael. I am a new recruit for the Pathfinder Society and have been hired for protection within Woodsedge for today." The ominous figure looms in the room, looking over her fellow Pathfinders.

An Orange Kitsune bearing a strange staff with jangaling rings on the end in one hand, and a strange foreign lantern in the other, bows fairly deeply.

”It is a pleasure to meet you, young masters. I am Yogenaha-oba. . . “she seems to catch herself some some reason, then starts again. ”Well, let’s just drop titles. My personal name is Harumi, and I am from Minkai. I haven’t had many adventures yet, though I did just get back from Arcadia helping a fey create heroes.”

"Greetings to you all," Locke says with a charming smile. "I am Locke Aldori. After my initiation into the Pathfinder Society, I have had grand adventures across the world! I negotiated with pirates in the Shackles, stopped a revolution in the River Kingdoms--but, I mean, who hasn't? Right?--worked in the jungles of the Mwangi to open the very Maze of the Open Road the Woodsedge Lodge guards, and fought ghosts in Iobardia."

Locke is lightly armored and carries the eponymous dueling sword on his hip.

"Hi Everyone! Are you excited about the field trip?!" The short girl gives a small clap and a beaming smile. You swear she can't be that much older than the students themselves and seems more likely to be a head cheerleader than a Pathfinder. "At least it gets your out of your classroom for a day, right?" She gives the cluster of students a wink of her one green eye; the other is a soft brown.

Indicating herself, her voice takes on a slight sing-song quality like she's speaking to toddlers. "My name is Gwen. And today is going to be so much fun! You know, a while back, I helped out some kids too. They were getting bullied by a mean centaur. Had chased them right up a tree! But it wasn't anything we could handle with the help of a little sparkle!." She tosses her hand in the air and slips one hip to the side in clearly a practiced pose. Glittery magic dust bursts around the kids as Gwen laughs.

Faerie Dust spell

An old entirely grumpy looking little blue kobold stands off to one side and pauses as they realize they're the next to introduce themselves. They grumble some as they smooth over scales that were probably a bright cobalt... about 50 years ago. Now they've dulled to a paler blue, with many of them fading into a reddish purple. In many places, they've even sloughed off leaving hardened, reddened skin behind instead. They turn to face the crowd and clear their throat. "Not sure why I was roped into this, but I am the great Igaraise Thunder-Fang, formerly of the Scalebreaker tribe in the near-holy place that was the Hao Jin Tapestry... You've learned of the glorious majesty that was the most holy Hao Jin, right? ... Anyways recently, after centuries of wear and tear the tapestry started to unravel and when the Society had to evacuate us, I joined the Society. Igaraise, like Yogensha-chan here, is what you'd call a last name, cause it seems everyone out here HAS to have one, ugh! So, please just call me Thunder-Fang... or Thunder."

The near ancient kobold then gives a small snort. "Only really done some work for the Pathfinders in the Blackwood Swamp. But before I left the wonderful place that was the Hao Jin Tapestry, I was the Protector of the Sewers, making sure the evil spirits never left the library my tribe was charged with protecting!"

A small golden kobold steps up beside his older counterpart. He is awed by Igaraise's stature and how his scales have already started turning pale. Jinlong is quite young, his scales a bright golden color. Stepping up to Thunder, he bows and says something in his native Draconic.

Turning back to face the students, he proclaims.

"Greetings younglings. I am Jinlong Dragonkin. I am of Absalom but I take my name from another dragon of similar name, Rhaegal Dragonkin. I have adventured all over Golarion with the Society. Worry not, we have the great Abadar at our side. With two great dragons protecting you, you shall be entirely safe!"

He indicates Thunder with a grand gesture.

I just realized this is Jinlong's first full-length scenario that's not GM Credit or pregen credit

As the you introduce yourselves, you notice an attentive goblin child scratching scratching notes in a small notebook that she pulls out of her sleeve. The other students listen politely, and Professor Krelsun shifts from foot to foot in impatience.

After introductions, Thandmere Krelsun passes over several carefully-written pages. “Yes, yes! Thank you for joining us. Here are the rules for the field trip, and a list for you of the tasks that the students are expected to accomplish today. Please remember that accomplishing these tasks is the point of this trip! If you need to know anything, please ask me now. We hope to leave in a few moments.”

“You shouldn’t need any special equipment,” adds J, “But feel free to bring what you normally would on an assignment. It will be interesting for the students to see fully equipped Pathfinders. I hope that you enjoy getting a chance to influence the next generation.” J lowers his voice and leans so the students will not overhear, “Also, do be on your best behavior. They are children and they’re as likely to pick up bad habits from you as good.”

Handout is in the Slides and linked above. If you'd like to ask any questions or speak to any of the students, now is a good time.

Jinlong heads over to Geltra and bows to her. He speaks to her in his native Draconic (which I won't repeat here...)

"How are you liking Dacilane Academy? One of my Pathfinder friends assisted with the haunting of the school some months back. Also another of my friends helped the Sewer Dragon tribe. He is also a descendant of the Great Dragon like us!"

Harumi will take Thandmere aside for a second.

"So . . . how are we going to get to the lodge? I'm not very familiar with this part of the world, but the journey to Gault should take . . . weeks at least, and I have hard rumors of . . . dangers in the winding paths of the maze."

Azrael looks to the goblin and seemingly floats to him. Though her feet touch the ground the cloak appears to float due to its length. "I hear you wish to be a Pathfinder? Would you help keep these children on track?"

"Rules? More than the normal societal mores? That... seems..." Locke begins to complain until interrupted by J's aside. "Yes, yes, fine. Best behavior."

GM, roughly how old are these kids? Is this a 2nd grade field trip or a high school freshman field trip?

Gwen jerks her head at the mention of Rhaegal's name. "Oh you know 'The Dragon'?" She uses her fingers to emphasize the name and then snickers. She stops suddenly as she realizes Jinlong is serious. "Uh, right. I know the little guy too. Kept calling me 'smoothskin', which I guess isn't the worst thing." Gwen tries to check her reflection in a mirror hung in the entranceway.

Gwen suddenly realizes the Professor and J have been talking. She turns quickly to J and nods with a beaming smile. "Oh yes! We'll take very good care of them. And of course you'll have nothing but our best behavior!" Gwen performs a small curtsy motion to J, then turns to Tels and gives the sturdy ballplayer a gives him a wink. "But we'll make sure to have some fun too!"

Middle school age. So, 6-8th grade. If they were all human, the students would be 10-14ish.

"How are you liking Dacilane Academy? One of my Pathfinder friends assisted with the haunting of the school some months back. Also another of my friends helped the Sewer Dragon tribe. He is also a descendant of the Great Dragon like us!"

The kobold seems shy, but interested in the topics that Jinlong is discussing. "Yes, my family told me that the Pathfinders had helped our tribe. That's one of the reasons that I came to study at the Academy in fact. I am Geltra, and I did really appreciate it when you helped with that supposed haunting of the school. It's much easier to use the library in peace, now." A pigeon pokes its head out of her bag and she turns to shush it. "No, Ruffles!"

If you want to Make an Impression on her, you can use Diplomacy or Library Lore.

Harumi will take Thandmere aside for a second.

"So . . . how are we going to get to the lodge? I'm not very familiar with this part of the world, but the journey to Gault should take . . . weeks at least, and I have hard rumors of . . . dangers in the winding paths of the maze."

The old dwarf squints through his spectacles at Harumi. "Eh? Weeks! This is a day trip. The Maze of the Open Road is perfectly safe these days. The mages have gone over it with a fine-toothed comb, and they assured me that the students can travel to Woodsedge Ledge without issue."

Azrael looks to the goblin and seemingly floats to him. Though her feet touch the ground the cloak appears to float due to its length. "I hear you wish to be a Pathfinder? Would you help keep these children on track?"

The young goblin eyes Azeral with interest, and no hint of fear. "Pathfinders always watch out for each other. That's the heart of the need to 'cooperate.' I'm Vim Moneymaker." The goblin gives a bow of her head. "Tell me, where you field commissioned, or did you complete a Confirmation? Do you ally yourself with the Swords, Spells, or Scrolls? My guess would be Swords, based on your weapon, but looks can be deceiving."

If you want to Make an Impression on her, you can use Diplomacy or Pathfinder Society Lore.

Gwen performs a small curtsy motion to J, then turns to Tels and gives the sturdy ballplayer a gives him a wink. "But we'll make sure to have some fun too!"

Tels grins. "It's always important to balance work with play. I spend a good amount of time on the ruk field. Do you play any sports?"

If you want to Make an Impression on him, you can use Diplomacy or Sports Lore.

If anyone else wants to chat with a student or ask questions, please go for it!

"I am more generalized than any one side." Azrael explains. "I have received no formal confirmation yet so field commissioning for now to earn my place."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Harumi gently pats Alec on the back

"Well, I suppose we shouldn't waste any more time then. Alec, would you like to lead us to the connection point between the Woodsedge Lodge and here in the Grand Lodge?"

The goblin excitedly replies, "Oh, I'm hoping for a field commission too! Maybe on this field trip..." The goblin gets a far-away look on her face, then smiles up at the spectral robes hovering beside her.

She seems more friendly to you!

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

"The ruk field? Oh, I bet that's a sight! All you tough boys out there duking it out, even getting a little violent at times!" Gwen flashes Tels a sly smile, but it's got a touch of predatory interest this time.

The girl shifts and remembers that she's trying to play nice. "But me, sports? Oh, I don't think so. I leave that to the bigger and stronger like yourself!" She giggles. "I play a bit of music, and I'll dance some if you really get me going!"

"Who'll be navigating the Maze?" Locke asks Thrandmere. "Them or us?"

He glances at the papers once more. Looking up, he points at Alec. "You there, Gracekin, what's your story?"

[dice=Diplomacy]1d20+7

"The ruk field? Oh, I bet that's a sight! All you tough boys out there duking it out, even getting a little violent at times!" Gwen flashes Tels a sly smile, but it's got a touch of predatory interest this time.

The girl shifts and remembers that she's trying to play nice. "But me, sports? Oh, I don't think so. I leave that to the bigger and stronger like yourself!" She giggles. "I play a bit of music, and I'll dance some if you really get me going!"

"Ha, it takes all kinds on the ruk field. But I think you'd like it, even if you just came as a spectator." Tels nods at Gwendolyn, then goes to see if the other students are ready to head out.

He seems very well-disposed toward you.

"Who'll be navigating the Maze?" Locke asks Thrandmere. "Them or us?"

He glances at the papers once more. Looking up, he points at Alec. "You there, Gracekin, what's your story?"

Thandemere replies, "Why, I'll be navigating, of course. I've been through the Maze many times. Research trips, you know. Just nip over to the other side of Avistan to do a little field work. Wonderful partnership with the Pathfiner Society."

When Alec notices your attention, he adds, "I'd be happy to help you if you need anything while we are in the Maze, or on the fieldtrip, sir. My name is Alec Gracekin." The boy gives a bow. "Are you one of the Swordlords, sir? I always found stories of Brevoy to be very stirring. Quote an interesting code you live by!"

Alec can be influenced by Diplomacy or Legal Lore.

Feel like you might have missed my interaction with Alec

diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

"Why thank you for volunteering to help Alec. I've only been in the maze once before, and we went . . . well, quite a bit farther afield."

She then holds up her Minkai-style lantern which lights itself, producing a bright light within 20 feet. Strangly, the light from the lantern seems to throw everything into sharp recess, as if it is the perfect light to highlight the nature of everything within 20 feet.

All allies, including the teachers and kids, get +1 to perception checks made within the 20' lantern light.

Make an Impression: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Jinlong starts abruptly as the pigeon pokes his head out of the rucksack. His eyes widen slightly, startled, but he smiles and attempts to make cooing noises to soothe the bird.

"Is that your companion?"

Feel like you might have missed my interaction with Alec

"Why thank you for volunteering to help Alec. I've only been in the maze once before, and we went . . . well, quite a bit farther afield."

I did miss it, sorry!

Alec nods at your thanks and says, "You're very welcome. I'm sure that we'll be fine, whatever happens, with you chaperones along."

He seems very willing to help you.

Jinlong starts abruptly as the pigeon pokes his head out of the rucksack. His eyes widen slightly, startled, but he smiles and attempts to make cooing noises to soothe the bird.

"Is that your companion?"

Geltra snorts at the question. "Ruffles is supposed to help me with my schoolwork, but he mostly gets into trouble." She gently strokes the bird and you can see her genuine fondness for Ruffles, despite her complaints.

She seems to be warming up to you a bit.

"I've sworn the Swordpact and studied under other Aldori, yes," Locke answers Alec. "One of the many doors that being a Pathfinder opened. Otherwise, being from Issia, I doubt I would be living such an above board life and certainly wouldn't have caught the eye of a Swordlord." He chuckles. "Is that you trying to trick secrets out of me? My code is, 'If it's only worth doing if it's interesting; if it isn't interesting, make it interesting.'"

Diplomacy (T): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

"Any you, Hari?"

"Oh, I'd never try something like that!" Alex reddens a little bit, but he seems to find Locke an interesting character.

Hari looks up from sorting their satchel and replies, "Yes, I'm very much looking forward to the trip. Hands-on experience is so educationally valuable."

You can Make an Impression on Hari using Diplomacy
or Academia Lore

Jinlong gently strokes the bird as well.

"He is a pretty bird. He will also be protected by the Dragon."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Gwen skips over to Hari to see how they're doing. "Got everything you need? The Pathfinders like to see preparation. But improvisation is just as key. Sometimes you can't anticipate what will happen. But talent always shines through!" She gives Hari a bit of a hip-bump and her dazzling smile.

Hari nods at Gwendolyn. "I'm sure you've found that to be true, but it doesn't hurt to plan for all eventualities."

Gwen has given them something interesting to think about, and made a favorable impression.

Thunder stays back from the kids, the ancient kobold not really well suited for children, and, even worse, not a great word smith either. They watch from a distance making sure that no one is straying from the group and that everyone seems to be okay. ...and keeping an eye out for mirrored faces or reflections. Old habits die hard.

After your conversations, you and the students head to the Grand Lodge portal—J thinks that “how to prepare for a mission” would be a great lesson for the students, but Krelsun urges the group on, “You’re going to a Pathfinder Lodge, not the Pit of Gormuz!”—and then set out through the portal.

The trip through the Maze of the Open Road occurs without incident, though you immediately notice that something is strange when you step out of the hedge maze. The sky has a greenish tint, and there are odd sounds in the air.

When the field trip group steps out of trimmed hedges of the Maze of the Open Road and onto the lawn of Woodsedge Lodge, something is clearly wrong. The air has a flat metallic tang, the sky is a startling emerald color, and the sounds of distant bells tinkle on the breeze. The students don’t seem to have noticed anything odd: they chatter excitedly about their journey through the Maze and speculate on where else it might lead.

Suddenly, Hari darts a look across the group and asks, in an alarmed tone, “Where’s Professor Krelsun? Where are the chaperones?” The other students fall quiet, then burst out arguing about what to do.

Professor Krelsun is nowhere to be seen.

Azrael looms over the children. "Calm yourselves," she says sternly

Intimidation: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

"They will be found in due time. Panic will not help the situation."

”Children! Children, we are right here! Can you hear us?”
Harumi will blink her magical lantern on and off several times trying to see if the magic light (actually can counteract magical darkness) can get the kids’ attention.

Religion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

@GM I don’t actually have bardic lore, I have Esoteric Lore. Lets me recall knowledge on any CREATURE. I put it in the bardic lore area because that was the closest thing to what I have. I also have dubious knowledge (because this class is a nightmare for secret GM rolls)

The students don't react to Azrael's statement, nor respond to Harumi, though they seem more curious than panicked.

Oh, of course! I'll keep Dubious Knowledge and Esoteric Lore in mind.

Gwen looks around at the sky and scenery alarmed. "Oh now this is a charming destination. Did someone sneeze when we stepped through? Maybe that threw things off."

She turns to the students. "Well Hari, what did I say? You're probably going to have to improvise." She reaches out to try and take hold of their arm.

Nature on possible magical cause for the problem: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Religion: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Thunder stops on the other side of the portal, a thundering sound in their ears. This... Wasn't, couldn't be a mirror world. There's no way it could be.

They shake their head for a second before realising that some of the students are starting to panic.

"Calm, hatchlings, calm. If you run off you'll be in bigger danger than if you stay together. As of right now, find a partner. Even if something happens you stick with them!"

I'd love to use Survival or something wisdom based but probably needs Cha instead: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

The students seemingly ignore your verbal entreaties. When Gwen reaches for Hari's arm, her hand passes right through the student, with a feeling somewhat akin to passing her hand under a gentle stream of water. Hari seems not to notice the contact.

“Maybe they’re stuck in the Maze. We should look for them!” Vim suggests.

Hari puts up a hand to halt her. “Absolutely not. Going in the Maze is strictly forbidden!”

“Let’s go inside for help,” Tels gestures toward Woodsedge Lodge. “They’ll know what to do.”

The students mutter assent and head to the Lodge, a two‑story manor house that sports rounded turrets on the front of the building. The students walk up the staircase to the front doors, decorated with a painting of a stylized wayfinder. Tels knocks, and when no one answers, he opens the doors and leads the class inside. The students let the doors close behind themselves.

"So they can't see us, and we can't see Professor Krelsun," Locke notes. "Strange. Let's see if they can feel us."

He reaches out to place a hand on Alec's shoulder, which passes through. "Oh. Not this again? Out of phase with time or reality is such a bother. I suppose the best we can do is follow after them while wracking our brains for a way out of this before they get into trouble."

Occultism: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Oh. I guessed right. Ha.

"We'd better follow the students. I doubt anything out here is the solution for our problem. Many pathfinder lodges have magic items, we might be able to jury-rig one of them to shift us back into reality."

"Out of phase? What happened?" Azrael looks around, wondering if her recent return to this Plane has anything to do with this strange occurrence. "Perhaps the Lodge will offer some answers?" He hollow voice rings.

You follow the students up to the lodge, and though you cannot open the door, you find that you can push through it as if it were made of cobwebs. (Should you try to push through one of the walls, you can penetrate a few inches before it becomes very difficult, then impossible to push in any farther.)

Inside, the lodge’s great room appears abandoned. Books lie open on reading tables and a fire burns cheerily in the room’s massive hearth. A set of animal-shaped drouge tiles stands spread across a table as if interrupted mid-game, and an account book rests next to an abacus on the table in the southwestern corner. Hushed exchanges between students are the only sounds.

A few students begin settling into the cozy chairs as Alec Gracekin calls out, “Hello? Anyone there?” When no answer comes, he shrugs and says, “I suppose we can do whatever we like,” before collapsing sideways into a chair and throwing his feet up on a fine mahogany table.

“I’m going to get my assignment done,” Geltra counters. “There is supposed to be an interesting Taldan artifact in this room. It shouldn’t be hard to find.” She begins examining the metal plaques around the room, looking slightly abashed at having spoken up in front of everyone. Her pigeon, Ruffles, coos contentedly on her shoulder while the rest of the students groan at the suggestion that they should do schoolwork under these circumstances.

"Well, they are all staying together for the moment, so that's good at least . . . Maybe one of these books holds the key?"

Harumi will start skimming the open books (assuming I can't turn the pages, but maybe I can figure out what the books are about.)

"Any of you have any ideas?"

”I like to believe myself to be clever, but, alas, the arcane and ephemeral is not my strength,” Locke confesses. ”Perhaps if we get a thorough inventory of what we can see. And try to move anything and everything.”

"We can keep the children distracted by keeping them focused." Azrael glides about the room, helping look for an artifact of Taldan history.

If you'd like to try to communicate with the kids, for instance by turning the pages of a book, you can attempt the following activity:

COMMUNICATE FROM BEYOND ◆◆
CONCENTRATE LINGUISTIC MANIPULATE MENTAL VISUAL
Requirements Students are present to witness your attempt to communicate. There are appropriate means of communication, such as items of negligible Bulk to manipulate, powder to write in, or lights to make a pattern.

You try to communicate a simple message to the students from your phase of reality. Attempt a DC 15 Athletics, Diplomacy, Occultism, or Thievery check with the following results.
Critical Success You communicate a phrase of up to 10 words.
Success You clearly communicate one word to the students.
Failure The students cannot understand your communications.
Critical Failure The students misinterpret your message, gaining incorrect information determined by the GM.

(Posting all of the details here as I think that makes PBP a lot easier.)

Azreal finds that there are several items displayed around the room. The following artifacts in the Main Hall have places on their display stands for plaques, though the plaques seem to be missing, at the moment:

A. A yard-long spiral horn embellished with emeralds and rubies
B. A taxidermied owlbear posed threateningly by the door of the lodge
C. A polished bronze spyglass
D. A fist-sized lump of pitted metal