Workfinder: PFS2 3-12 Fury's Toll (Inactive)

Game Master Silbeg

Following their recent successes in aiding the government of Qadira with apprehending an errant genie-binder, the Pathfinder Society earned the right to establish a new lodge in the port city of Sedeq! With the construction of the site complete, the Society sent a group to formally begin operations from the new edifice.

They never arrived.

With city officials threatening to auction off the new building should the Pathfinder Society neglect to occupy it, the Society sends a backup group of Pathfinders to investigate the lodge. Finding the brand new structure in a state of alarming disrepair, the Pathfinders have little time to search for answers before a booming voice greets them. If they wish to have their lodge, they'll have to complete three tasks...

Foundation's Price is part of the ongoing story of the Year of Shattered Sanctuaries. It is the first scenario in a two-part arc detailing the events befalling a Pathfinder Society lodge in the nation of Qadira. Other arcs explore other locations across the Inner Sea. While the arcs can be played in any order, it is recommended that players experience the scenarios within each individual arc in order.

Please post introducing yourself

"Hiya! I'm Boggy!"

Boggy is a Gourd Leshy with an Acorn Squash as a head. They used to steal things from people in their bog before getting recruited by the Pathfinder Society. They are ready for adventure!

The creature before you is quite possibly something out of a nightmare. It stands barely 3' tall, with a bulbous umbrella-like head. It looks like a walking mushroom, if such a thing were possible... Yet here it stands. Its head contains numerous lidless, dead-like eyes and a mouth full of sharp, pointy, teeth... It has short arms that both hands end in claws; one covered with a spiked metal gauntlet, while the other appears to have some sort of metal claws extending outward from the end of the already clawed hand. Its body is covered by what appears to be a chain shirt, while a buckler is strapped to one arm. A wayfinder dangles from its neck. There is a slight odor of rot emanating from the creature. Nothing about this creature seems normal...

"Hi. I am called Leaf "on the ground" Bergensen. But "Leaf" is good enough. My father brought me back from Tien Xia on his boot and raised me proper. I fight for the Pathfinders.", rasps the creature.

The creature looks over at the acorn, not sure what to make of them...

I am Salina Charles, Elf Rogue. If I tell you more, I'd have to kill you.

Salina has a large curved blade strapped to her back, the harness crossing over black leather armor. A number of daggers are carried in her belt.

Her dark brown hair is plaited down her back. Piercing dark brown eyes look through you before she puts sunglasses back on. Her sharp cheekbones and aquiline nose give the impression of a hard life, though her skin is quite fair, as though rarely touched by the sun.

"Camina Morozov is the name." The lithe woman with the white hair doesn't talk much. The witch figures her appearance makes it clear what she is. While she doesn't talk much, she observes. She takes in the scene before her and wonders whether this disparate group will transform into something akin to a circle of friends. She'd like that, but experience has taught her to be cautious.

I'm Gratt Golnar -- my given name is much more difficult to pronounce in Common, this is much easier for me and everyone else. Call me Gratt. I'm a gnome from a village in Kyonin. I'm getting a later start to adventuring than most, but I got bored simply trading with the elves and have always had a little talent for magic (Fey-touched gnome) I've trained as an Oracle level 2 with the Cosmos mystery and have learned some additional magic, some offensive but mostly support. I can do some healing as well, and know how to use a mace if I need to.

Nice to meet the rest of you.

Gratt is an older gnome, unarmored, carrying a standard Wayfinder. He's carrying a +1 mace and a basic dagger, along with simple adventuring gear.

Getting started! Please make sure that you have 1) Filled out the macro sheet with your name, so that I can roll secret checks and initiative for you

Also, looks like Boggy and Camina need to fill out the sign in sheet

And you all need to add tokens to the slides

Each of you have received a letter from Venture Captain Ambrus Valsin. Slide #4

Please review the letter, and discuss in character here, including if you learned something about genies!

Genies. While profitable in Sedeq, they are not easy to come by, so they're hard to reliably trade.

The dead-eyed creature rasps, ”Sounds like Sedeq is our destination. Go there, figure out what happened and open the Lodge. Anyone know where Sedeq is…?” while also sharpening its claws along the floor…

Then looking over towards the Elf, ”Genies, huh? Never heard of those. I am sure they will be nice to get to knowing.”

Sedeq is a slaver city. It may be worth checking the auction block to make sure our colleagues haven't found their way there. The genies may be more profitable at auction, for the few who can afford them, but Pathfinders and slavers rarely get along.

Gratt shakes his head slightly, and mutters, Ow, my head. Where is here, anyway? Are we already in Sedeq?, looking around for a window or other sign of our meeting place.

You make your way to the city of Sedeq in Qadira by ship with no trouble. Finding your way to the recently completed lodge is also not a problem, as you have been given good directions from your Venture Captain.

The imposing lodge stands, quiet and forgotten, at the end of a narrow road. The gardens surrounding it are choked by weeds, and the impressive fountains have long dried up. A cobblestone path leading to the entrance is barely visible through tall grass growing in the cracks in the path. A massive brass door stands partially open, its hinges unable to hold the weight of the metal.

Well, that certainly looks foreboding. At least we don't have to break in; someone's done that for us.

Salina carefully, nearly silently, moves through the garden, looking for clues.

Salina's Perception (E): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
Salina's Stealth (T): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

You explore the outside of the lodge before going in, and you see through the dust-caked windows that the rooms are filled with formerly elegant furniture, now decaying. A thick, undisturbed layer of dust covers
everything, giving the rooms a muted appearance.

Looking around carefully, Gratt is casting detect magic ... and gripping his mace.

Hail! Anyone here?

Gratt does not see anyone around on the grounds. It looks like the lodge has been abandoned for years, even though you are certain it was just completely.

No one touch the door until I check for nasties. Someone may have left a trap behind.

Salina checks the door using thievery, looking for traps. roll your secret roll

The door seems fine, and is most definitely hanging open. Salina sees nothing wrong.

Camina isn't quite sure what to make of this. Maybe Pathfinder Society Lore can be helpful to get better information? No matter what, she is pretty convinced that they'll have to explore the building to find out more.

At the danger of stating the obvious, but I think we have to get inside to learn more.

I'll let someone more nimble open the door, but I'll throw some light in the space when we do. Maybe there's some disturbed dust, footprints or any other sign of intruders.

Gratt stands ready to cast Dancing Lights to illuminate the full space including any shadowed areas, and if there's any sign of movement will attempt to use Survival to track where they go.

The walking mushroom moves to the open door and actively looks inside for signs of movement.

Leaf's Perception (E): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

It then moves past the open door and into the Lodge rasping, ”No time like the present to explore the unknown….”

The team of Pathfinders makes their way in to the lodge.

“Do not enter as uninvited guests, lest I must assume you are thieves or scoundrels.”

Strong winds coalesce in the form of an elegantly dressed djinni wearing multicolored silks. Their azure skin is draped with jewelry of gold and bright lapis lazuli that jingles briefly as the winds dissipate. Along
the djinni’s arms, the thin gold jewelry is elegant, but its purpose
is clear: these are chains of gold, but chains, nonetheless.

“I am Safa, and I bring you a chance to save those who came before you and reclaim your lodge.”

Safa extends their hand to create a translucent orb. Six figures sleeping on comfortable pillows are visible within.

“He who has bound me demands you complete three tasks in exchange for your friends. Fail, and your friends shall share my fate, becoming bound to the one who commands me,” they say, joylessly, before dismissing the orb.

“First, he wishes you to bring ruin to his rival: Azam ibn Bashemi, a historian seeking patronage from the illustrious Avisha al-Isman of the Satrapian Guard. Sabotage his feast in the nearby parks, and replace his gift for Avisha with this trinket, and his humiliation is assured—but try not to draw attention to yourselves.” The djinni reveals a small toy soldier.

“Second, he demands you acquire a brass stopper, a silver chain, and a cold iron container from the Overmarket. He asked me to ensure you acquire these objects, so acquire them you must.” They pause with a cunning smile. “What you do with them once you acquire them is not my concern, but I urge you to seek Raha Shul so that the purpose of these objects may become clear and you can make the right choice.”

Safa creates a small glass orb filled with moving smoke resembling a brewing storm. “This valuable bauble may help you in your trades, but a kind heart or a sharp wit may help you more.

“Lastly, he demands that you punish the hobgoblins of the Iron Ring for defying his will. Slay Tadrun, the captain of the Swift Huntress.” Safa pauses, and lowers their voice to a whisper, which somehow is as clear in the mind as their normal voice is in the air. “There are those on board the ship I hope you can free from imprisonment. Find Zoha, an undine walking in Sarenrae’s light, and ask for his help to board the ship, which is undergoing repairs. Free the ship’s captives, and prove that the Pathfinder Society has sympathy for those sharing my fate. Then—once they are free—burn the ship.”

Safa speaks once more in their normal voice. “It is just after sunrise now. You have until sundown to complete these tasks in whatever order you choose. Then return to the lodge. I am sure you have questions, and I shall try to answer.” The djinni whispers once more, “After all, I am on your side.”

Safa gives you two items: a crude soldier figurine wearing an oversized Qadiran uniform, and a glass orb filled with colorful smoke.

Reminder, please put your tokens onto slides #2 and #3

Also, Safa is on slide #5

Gratt attempts to recall knowledge to know more about Safa.

Can you tell us more about Azam bin Bashemi and about the Swift Huntress? We do not wish to make enemies for the Pathfinder Society. Also, how do we know that the image of our colleagues is not a mere illusion?

As Safa responds to the questions (or not), Gratt will attempt to sense motive.

Safa looks at you all. "No, no, no. This just won't do!"

They wave their hand, and suddenly everything is clean and in perfect shape! In your hands are a pair of letters with your instructions!

See slides 4 & 5

We're now doing 3-12 Fury's Toll

Laughter, music, and the chattering of dozens of curious voices waft through the wide-open doors of the newest Pathfinder lodge, which have been thrown open to the public in celebration of its grand opening. It feels like half of Sedeq has come to tour the sun-drenched, mudbrick chambers and gauge all that the Society has to offer their city.

The heart of both the building and the party is in the central courtyard. Scores of visitors stand, sit, or lounge on benches as they enjoy the sunshine, the newly-planted gardens, good conversation, and delectable finger foods. Waiters weave between guests, topping off wine goblets, coffee cups, and pots of steaming tea, all to the tune of sweet music drifting from the balconies of the upper floors. To the west, a pair of wooden doors stands open, from which guests drift in and out of a dining room full of tables heavy with food. At the courtyard’s center, a three-tiered marble fountain babbles with fresh water.

See slide #6. You are in the central courtyard. You can place your tokens there.

Camina mutters to herself: Did not see that coming.

Can Camina use Quick Identification in this situation? If yes, she'd like to do that.

Gratt shakes his head in slight confusion. After looking around a bit and re-reading the letters, Gratt looks intently at the tables of food.

I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm quite hungry. It's like weeks passed since the last time I spoke or ate. I'm sure that we'll find our targets soon enough -- maybe one is at the dining table now!

With that, Gratt marches over to the table and starts small talk with nearby people to try to find the targets (and Make an Impression).

The creature shakes it head as if trying to clear a fog...

"Wha...the...?", rasps Leaf while taking in the restored Lodge...

The creature stumbles a bit before gaining its balance...

Looking around at the change of scenery and the now fully restored courtyard filled with peoples it feels out of place with its weapons out...

It will attempt to slink into the shadows, if possible.

Salina fades from view. She is replaced by a lovely Seer elf, wearing quite fashionable clothing, with perfectly coifed blonde hair, bright blue eyes, and perfect skin. She has a staff, with a bird head on it. She looks around, with a coy smile on her face. My name is Minuet. I am here to provide all your magical needs. And in general, I am practically perfect in every way.

If Heraldry Lore, Society Lore, Religion, or Academia Lore will help us identify any of our people, Minuet will do the checks. I assume these are secret checks, but in case they aren't:

Minuet's Academia (T): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

Minuet's Heraldry (T): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

Minuet's Religion (T): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Minuet's Society (T): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

If she can identify the little sister first, that's who she is most interested in (being noble and nanny based). Then the librarian.

Otherwise, she will mingle politely, being quite diplomatic as only she can.

Minuet's Diplomacy (T): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

You do not see the people listed in Fola's letter in the courtyard.

You have time to mingle, and can ask about one of the folks listed Please note whom before you roll. Skills are: Diplomacy check to
Gather Information, Society check (or relevant Lore check) to Recall Knowledge. Instead of mingling, you can observe the crowd wit Perception.

I do need Natascha and Katherine to sign in, please. I think they are levels 2 and 1, respectively, but not 100% sure of that. It does look like we are high tier, and we'll need to give Boggy a level bump. Also, if Minuet and Leaf have mentor boons, it would be very helpful.

Minuet can provide this one, but for some reason it won't let me purchase - about half her scenarios were issued as Verdant Wheel instead of Vigilant Seal. User error, I'm sure. I have put in a ticket to have them corrected. You notice her name is also goofed up in the system too.
Combat Mentor (Vigilant Seal) Help low-level PCs at your table with attack rolls. Must be Liked by Vigilant Seal to obtain.

Mentor, Combat

For any PCs benefiting from a Level Bump and whose levels are lower than yours, you increase the Level Bump’s modifier to attack rolls to 2.

I'll assume that you get this fixed and can use it.

Leaf can provide Worldly Mentor to a PC

The mushroom peers out from the shrubbery within the courtyard. Taking note of those in attendance and maybe some of their conversations.

Leaf's Perception (E): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

As I said, I have a ticket in to get it fixed (and I copied you on the email).

Minuet does mingle, commenting to those she meets that Khayrat al-Maren, Kendesh's little sister, must be overwhelmed by this entry into society. Perhaps she needs a mentor to guide her. Would anyone be able to direct me to her

Rerolling if the roll above doesn't count for this.

Minuet's Diplomacy (T): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

Gratt continues to mingle and graze off the food table, asking around about Casira bint Meji and gathering information.

Assuming this is not a secret check, if it is disregard the result unless it's a nat 20.
Gratt's Diplomacy (T): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

I will attempt to find information about the historian as well.

Again, if not a secret roll...
Minuet's Diplomacy (T): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Sorry, one check to mingle per person. It is all the same time

I assume my perception check above failed

Camina is immersed in the splendor of her surroundings but finally remembers that there is recon to be done. She is trying a Society check to find out more about Sir Agdal Karga, even though she hasn't tried the peach tartlets on the desert table yet. But there are several people she has traded recipes with, and they are the first ones she approaches for information.

Camina's Society (T): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

I hear from Boggy that they'll post tonight

Go ahead and share what you've learned

Boggy is walking around aimlessly looking at everyone's faces, taking everyone in.

Boggy's Perception (E): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

You should all share what you've learned! I'll post in a little bit to move the game forward

A delighted gasp rings from the center of the courtyard, drawing the crowd’s collective attention to the fountain. A sweet, fruity scent floods the air as, before the guests’ very eyes, the fountain’s waters shift from clear to a dark red-purple hue.

A round of appreciative applause follows shortly, with a few guests voicing their praise of the magical surprise. Someone dips their goblet into the stream and takes a sip, then dissolves into sputtering laughter—the drink isn’t wine, as they’d all assumed, but non-alcoholic grape juice. “And a lovely vintage, too!” That declaration spreads the laughter to the surrounding guests.

A resounding crack interrupts the merriment. Despite the sheer weight of the marble pieces, the fountain’s tiers have separated and begun spinning at high speed! The guests go from laughing to shrieking as they scatter, the nearest already splattered with juice that has no doubt ruined their fine clothes. More and more of the sweet liquid spews from the fountain while its tiers spin faster and faster, flinging grape juice in all directions!

And a lovely vintage, too!l!
Party is/are up.
Conditions:
Saves Pending:

For PBPs, most GMs will do block initiative, since if you do them one at a time, it can take FOREVER. So, I post a block for the round, and state who is up. You are welcome to look in the spoiler for the round, as it shows status for everyone, who is coming when, etc. In this case, it also has the information about the hazard!

I can't do much to disable this thing, but I can try to grab it and hold it. I'm small though, won't be able to hold it for long!

Gratt Strides to the fountain on his turn, and attempts to Grapple it.

Gratt's Athletics (U): 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (14) + 0 = 14

While the group is getting ready to face whatever is threatening them with sticky liquid she quickly let's them know what she learned about Agdal Karga: Before this party gets started in earnest, and in case I don't make it, know this: Karga is the head priest of Sedeq’s largest Sarenite church, the Shrine of the Cleansing Flame. He has a close relationship to Shahiyan Deena al-Parishat, the firebrand who is staunchly opposed to the prevalent genie-binding!

Graft fails to grab on.
I think you have another action.