GM Valen |
Per the request of Valais Durant of the Radiant Oath, you have each booked passage aboard the merchant vessel, The Merry Mayfly. Now, you find yourselves admidst the waters of the Steaming Sea outside of sight of the coast of Varisia.
GM Valen |
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"AHOY!"
The cry is the first sound to signify that another vessel has come alongside The Merry Mayfly.
The voyage has been a long one and land still is no where in sight. Th crew of this second vessel, The Lightbringer, are the first persons outside those aboard your own vessel, that you have seen in quite some time. They prove, however, to be all business. It is not long before planks are extended between the two vessels and members of the Lightbringer arrive to escape you to the other vessel and below its deck to meet with Valais Durant.
The endless roll of the waves of the Steaming Sea, sends the lanterns that hang from hooks dangling from the deck above in constant sway. Their light illuminating the ship's interior and causing the golden markings on Valais' skin to periodically glisten and gleam. The result is the appearance of movement, like the shimmer of the scales of a passing fish as it darts through the water.
“I need your help for a task that requires both great risk and discretion,” begins Valais as the aasimar woman gestures to the shadows behind her. From the darkness emerges a green-eyed, Varisian man. He flashes a sly grin, which is framed by a thin mustache.
“This is Guaril Karela, a prominent figure among the Sczarni,” she continues. “The Sczarni maintain a smuggling ring, providing freedom to those chafing under the oppression of Belimarius, the Runelord of Envy and ruler of Edasseril. Demand for such services is high,” she pauses and casts a somewhat disdainful glare toward Guaril, “allowing the Sczarni to extract hefty sums from desperate patrons."
Pictures of Valais and Guaril are now available on Slides.
“I find the practice rather distasteful,” Valais sighs. “However, collaboration with his operations grants the Radiant Oath some measure of oversight in ensuring proper treatment of the refugees. Further, I have Guaril’s personal assurance that the Sczarni will not demand more in payment than their clients can afford.”
“Transportation’s expensive,” Guaril chimes in. “Not to mention paying off border guards and harbormasters. It’s dangerous work. Certainly, you wouldn’t expect my people to take such risk and not be properly compensated, would you? Or have you forgotten that Belimarius has placed a price on my head?”
“Not the first to do so, I’m sure.” Valais notes dryly, before continuing, “Belimarius and her minions began to suspect Guaril’s intentions the last time he was in Edasseril. Now, they seek not only his head, but those of his known associates, including those among the Pathfinder Society. It is not presently safe for them or Guaril to venture within Edasseril’s borders.”
General Map of Edasseril is now available on Slides.
"As, I believe, none of you happen to be known associates of Guaril," notes Valais, "you should each be well-suited for this mission."
Guaril maintains a charming grin, but his eyes betray a sense of nervousness.
“Still,” she continues, “Guaril might feel a little more at ease if he had some idea of who you are and what your capabilities happen to be.”
Welcome! Feel free to introduce your PCs to Guaril and one another. Once that has been done, then I will continue with the briefing.
Noggin NineToes |
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"Oh oh..." The small blue furry goblin among the Pathfinders quickly shoves his brand new Wayfinder into a pouch on his belt at the mention of discretion and hunted Pathfinders. He had been periodically stroking it throughout the voyage, clearly proud of his new status of "Agent". "Discretion is my middle name, Lady Valais." A brief look at the lute strapped to his back, and the brightly coloured padded armour leads one to doubt the statement. "Noggin 'Discretion' Ninetoes, at your service! Knight of a realm yet to be decided, slayer of smallish dragons, and protector of the innocent. Rest assured, Guaril, whether they be Damsels, Mansels, or non-binary Thamsels, Noggin can save them all."
Norbwald |
Norbwald is an armored purple haired gnome. They look a bit disheveled and down on their luck, somewhat slumped in their walking chain frequently drinking from a container wrapped in a old canvas bag.
"Call me Norbwald, I used to run an orphanage for aspiring fighter children in absalom, but ever since the new weight restrictions on the flickmace, business just hasn't been the same. The change literally killed me." jokes Norbwald nervously.
He'll them offer a sip of his bagged beverage to anybody that's polite enough to listen.
Achurius |
Sticking a finger in his pointy ears, a bit perplexed by the goblins unsubstantiated claims, Achurious states his qualifications.
"Achurius here. I am a cleric of Nethys which describes who I am as well as what I am. I do the healing thing well enough, and can toss some combat spells around too, like most of the magically inclined Pathfinders."
Achurius is a middle aged elf, though, as with most elves, that is not immediately apparent. He is dressed in worn and comfortable clothes (no armor) and about the only weapon you can see is a staff with the emblem of Nethys on the head of it.
"Anyone else here cast spells?"
Jacknife |
A sly smile crosses the lips of the human man dressed in robes that still seem to have the dust and sand of the desert, despite having been onboard the ship for several weeks. He bows his head to Valais as he sidles up to Guaril Karela. With one hand he draws a whip from his side and sends it's tip towards an apple rolling from the table, whilst surreptitiously a hand attempts to draw Guaril's purse from his pocket.
Pickpocket Feat:- Thievery: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Jacknife holds Guaril's purse aloft, "You seem to have dropped your purse, tis good that I caught it before it spilled on the cabin floor." He hands the the purse back and bows low to the master smuggler with a wink. "I hope my skills might be of use." he smiles.
Jacknife looks red-faced at the head of the Sczarni as he bows his head, "I'm sorry but old habits die hard, I'm sure you understand. As a child of the streets of Katheer, sometimes this was my only way, you understand. Were I better I would surely have been known."
He stands straight, returning the whip to his belt, "It is an honour to be able to serve in some small way Guaril Karela, whose exploits are well known amongst those of us who once crossed the line. Those days are behind me now, for I humbly serve in the ranks of the Society. The skills remain, as does my fighting spirit. I rarely miss with my blows." He bows and slowly moves back to the others, his cloak parts showing a large hammer sheathed, it's black leather handle worn.
I guess it's OK for you to read all the spoilers....
Noggin NineToes |
"Anyone else here cast spells?"
"Hmm... I once made a bullfrog fall in love with me with only a single glance. I think that was some kind of spell?"
Achurius |
The goblins statement only serves to confuse Achurius more. there are so many things wrong with it, his brain struggles to process it. And it shows.
GM Valen |
Guaril looks over the lot of you. "I suppose, you will all do," he says, though clearly not entirely convinced.
Jacknife holds Guaril's purse aloft, "You seem to have dropped your purse, tis good that I caught it before it spilled on the cabin floor." He hands the the purse back and bows low to the master smuggler with a wink. "I hope my skills might be of use." he smiles.
Guaril's lips pull back into a wide grin, as he snatches the purse from Jacknife's hand. He then turns and gives a knowing nod to Valais. "They'll all do, indeed."
"I had a number of clients ready to go, before leaving Xin Edasseril,” Guaril explains, as he pushes his purse even deeper into his pocket. “Most of the arrangements are already made. All you need to do is make contact with the clients. Give them the time and place for departure, then escort them out of the city—with their payment.” The Sczarni stresses.
“You’ll get a hefty cut of the payment you secure as compensation for your hard work.” He assures.
Handing over a sheet of scrawled paper, Guaril says, “I prepared a client list.”.
“Memorize it. Then, tear it up, burn it, chew it, swallow it—whatever you do, get rid of it! If Belimarius gets a hold of it, it’s a death sentence for anyone named on it." He warns.
Valais calmly hands a set of legitimately obtained travel papers and a merchant’s permit to each of the gathered Pathfinders. “You’ll be entering Xin-Edasseril disguised as merchants.”
“These papers will allow you passage in and out of the city for five days before they expire," explains Valais. “At dawn on the fourth day after your arrival in Xin-Edasseril, the ship Rolanna’s Prayer will arrive in a bay just outside the city: Shard Cove. The boat can accommodate five clients, providing an excellent opportunity to escape undetected. One of the clients, Flitch, knows a secret tunnel to Shard Cove."
“Once the clients are aboard ship, return to the city. Any remaining clients that you weren’t able to smuggle out by sea will have to be smuggled out of the city with you, which means you’ll have to get them past the guards at the docks. Your ship, the Merry Mayfly, must depart the docks once your papers have expired.”
“The clients are expecting to deal with me,” cautions Guaril. “But as that’s not possible, and as it’s now a few days past the window when I was to make contact, the clients might need some reassurance to go through with the job.”
Giving the Pathfinders a stern look, Guaril then warns, “While you’re in Belimarius’s back yard, be careful. You are foreigners in Xin Edasseril, and Belimarius has eyes everywhere. Don’t do anything that would draw unnecessary attention to yourselves. The last thing you want to do is tangle with the authorities. The runelord’s forces are well trained and quite capable. Keep your wits about you at all times and your blades sheathed.”
“We cannot afford one of you being arrested or interrogated. Pay any bribe required to remain free. I don’t want to further expose any part of the operation,” says Valais. “Our goal here is to bring hope and freedom to as many souls as we are able. It is risky, but hope and freedom are worth the price.”
Any questions for Valais or Guaril?
Any glyphs to distribute?
Noggin NineToes |
Noggin immediately volunteers to eat the list, "I never forget a thing..." he assured as he commits the list to memory. He stares at the paper, eyes wide for a moment, then blinks suddenly "There! Once every one else has done the same, I'll eat it!" As for the mission, the young knight couldn't be happier, and it shows First mission after my confirmation and I get to rescue all these people! Just need a dragon or two to slay, and I'm a real knight for sure...
Questions, Noggin only has a few "How heavily policed is the city? Guards everywhere, or just spies?" he scratches his head for a second as he tries to think of something clever to ask "If we're merchants, what are we selling?"
No glyphs to distribute
Norbwald |
4 Glyphs
Norbwald drinks dejectedly from their bag "I doubt they'd mistake us for you. Any useful words to convince them you've sent us?"
Drakmak |
Jacknife, stops in his tracks at the mission in front of them, "A low profile you say. Whilst I can keep as low a profile as I can, Belimarius does kind of have an interest in me. His guard most certainly does, I seem to recall when I left last time, there was a bounty on my head! Perhaps it's best I don't make your task more difficult than it is and I let you honourable souls get on with it without me."
With that Jacknife bows to you all and makes his way to the back of the deck, where no doubt he will discuss how to improve certain of his skillset with Guaril Karela.
Valais Durant sighs, at the revelation, "We're a bit short now on the team, Guaril does one of your entourage fit the bill?"
Gauril smiles, taking his moustache between his thumb and fingers and twisting it. "Naturally, did you think I don't have friends within the society, even after my unexpected departure." He turns into the darker shadows of the deck, "Drakmak, it seems you'll be needed to aid your compatriots after all and not just selling those trinkets of yours at the market. Well use your crafts wisely and you might make some profit."
From out of the darkness and shadows a cultured tall man with rugged features appears and leans on his long wooden staff. His features and slight green tinge to his skin suggest that his blood is not pure human, but is tainted with the bestial orc. The man touches his forehead gently, "I am humbled to to be asked to join such worthy Pathfinders and be able to add my small gifts and talents to aid your work. It is an honour to called to aid Guaril's and Venture Captain Valais Durant's mission" His hands move gracefully and with no small amount of delicacy. His fingers have many rings on his fingers, though none look worth more than the cheap metal and stone they are made with.
"Venture-Captain Valais Durant, to be called for this mission and aid my friend Guaril, will be further proof of my worth to our Society. More than just my skill with hands to make rings for the market." He jiggles his fingers, showing off the rings that sparkle on his fingers. "In my own way, I have studied and read the art of magic, which is ever wonderous to me, though I have a small command of some magics, whose secrets I keep in a tome of knowledge." He bows to the Venture-Captain.
He wears no armour under his long dark coat, just a pair of breeches and a white shirt, new and pressed, despite the time spent on the voyage. On a chain around his neck, a homemade pendant with the symbol of Abadar in its centre, rests gently on his chest. His shoes are made of black leather, well made and sturdy. He smiles, [b]"My friends, when our destinies have combined to give us success in our mission, I may make a small token of our work together, should you wish to buy a piece of my fine jewelry?"
"If you please you can say such creations were created by Drakmak, my name to bring honour to my family in the lands of Quadira and the trade routes of the Golden Road."
I have 2 glyphs to distribute 2 extra Hero Points
Achurius |
No extra glyphs or hero points here, sad to say. Achurius takes a minor healing potion as his freebie.
Achurius does not have a faultless memory but does his best to memorize the list.
"A pity we do not have a cipher or something to record these names in. But cyphers may be broken, I suppose. Then again, so can minds. I appreciate the trust you are putting in us and I swear to do my best to protect the, er, 'clients' on this list.
"Perhaps we should create some flash cards and practice memorizing the names while we travel? Then you can eat the lot of them before we arrive." The last is, of course, directed at the overly enthusiastic goblin.
Noggin NineToes |
The furry goblin licks his lips "Excellent idea for those who do not have a mind like a steel sieve like me, Achurius..." He says proudly "And I'll be happy to do my duty after!"
GM Valen |
Looks like with all those glyphs, everyone starts with 2 Hero Points.
Questions, Noggin only has a few "How heavily policed is the city? Guards everywhere, or just spies?" he scratches his head for a second as he tries to think of something clever to ask "If we're merchants, what are we selling?"
"The city is quite heavily policed. Guards everywhere, check points, and spies," notes Guaril. "The Emerald Guard is there to ensure that the Runelord of Envy holds tightly to her domain and gets what she wants from others."
"As for what you wish to sell," interjects Valais, "I will leave that decision up to you. I trust you have your own means. If you don't wish to 'acquire' things in the city, then know that the stores here aboard the Lightbringer are well-stocked."
PCs can make whatever purchases they like from the Lightbringer’s stores before leaving for Xin-Edasseril. The PCs may also select from the available Pathfinder Provisions.
Norbwald drinks dejectedly from their bag "I doubt they'd mistake us for you. Any useful words to convince them you've sent us?"
“Themolin must be convinced. He's got to come,” Guaril insists. “He’s paying more than all the other clients combined.” His response elicits a glare from Valais.
Guaril collects himself and continues. "Flitch should know enough to respond to the pass phrase that I provided to you," notes Guaril. "And Flitch is known to Yuleg and his daughter. As far as I know, the others haven't heard about my 'trouble', so the mention of my name ought to be enough to get them to at least listen to you. I am sure you can handle anything that may arise from there."
Upon hearing the exchange between the elf and the goblin about making "flash cards", Guaril turns to Drakmak, poking at the pendant with the symbol of Abadar on the half-orcs chest. "Remember, that God of the First Vault is not only a god of wealth, but also a god of order and financial wisdom. It won't do him, you, or me any good if one or more of your party does something foolish that gets us all caught, if you know what I mean? I chose you for a reason. Don't let me down."
Norbwald |
Norbald takes another swig and nods.
Noggin NineToes |
Noggin seems satisfied with the briefing "You can count on us!" he says with a salute. After a quick survey of his comrades, noting that he's likely the only one amongst them to be wearing significant amounts of armour, the blue knight adds "Maybe I should disguise myself as the bodyguard for our merchant crew? I can grunt like the best of them."
Noggin will also take a healing potion for his provision
Achurius |
Staring at the note, Achurius is unable to find a pass phrase. On either side. "Could you point out the pass phrase? I cannot see it? Or is it in invisible ink or something?"
Drakmak |
"My friend, I will do my best to ensure these apprentice merchants manage to keep their noses clean. I will do my best to make the effort profitable."
Drakmak carefully takes 5 sparkling rings from his fingers and puts each one in a different pouch, after inscribing a name on each band. One ring for each of Guaril's customers. He turns to the elf, "Good Archurius, it is my honour to go with you on this task, but see this there are more subtle ways to hide the names than on bits of parchment." He smiles and opens a pouch with one of the named rings, "See it says Flitch."
"Guaril, just one thing, do you have carte of the city, should we need to find our way around the markets?"
Provision: Drakmak takes a healing potion.
Craft(Jewelry)(E) 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15 to inscribe the names
Norbwald |
Norbwald takes an oil of unlife.
Noggin NineToes |
Noggin looks a little dubious about the change of plan from flashcards to less digestible jewellery "Hmm... I've never ate rings before, but I'll give it a shot. Learn well Achurius, and I'll down the lot!" He also points out the passphrase on the sheet "Flitch will trust us if we care about his feet, see?" He thinks for a second and adds knowingly "I'd never wear slippers myself, though! Never know when you have to rush into action."
Achurius |
"Oh, for Filch. I see now. I thought there would be one pass phrase for everyone, but that makes sense. I'm not sure writing the names on rings is a good way of protecting them. Someone is going to be able to figure that out."
GM Valen |
Staring at the note, Achurius is unable to find a pass phrase. On either side. "Could you point out the pass phrase? I cannot see it? Or is it in invisible ink or something?"
In response, Guaril's lip quivers for a moment before the man glances over towards Drakmak. "They'll figure it out, right?"
"Guaril, just one thing, do you have carte of the city, should we need to find our way around the markets?"
"As a matter of fact, I do. I sprawled some of the locations on it that you may find useful." Guaril produces a map, which he hands to Drakmak.
"Oh, for Filch. I see now. I thought there would be one pass phrase for everyone, but that makes sense. I'm not sure writing the names on rings is a good way of protecting them. Someone is going to be able to figure that out."
"I knew you'd figure it out." Guaril notes, somewhat reassured.
Before departing, the PCs may recall something about about Xin-Edasseril through Society or Warfare Lore, and also the Runelord Belimarius, through Society or Thassilon Lore/
If your PC wishes to attempt one or both checks, please post the skill and accompanying modifier that you wish to use.uaril notes, somewhat reassured.
Norbwald |
Esoteric Lore +7 (Works on Creatures, haunts and curse at full value, or -2 on anything else, thanks to Diverse Lore. Also as a Thaumaturge Norbwald has Dubious Knowledge
Norbwald sips from his brown bagged beverage.
Achurius |
Achurius mentally reviews his modest storehouse of lore concerning the violent behaviors of Xin-Edasseril.
warfare lore: +5
He also tries to pry out any useful information concerning Runelord Belimarius, though he does not pay all that much attention to the goings on of folks in today's world.
society: +1
Drakmak |
Drakmak pulls at his chin thinking.
Xin-Edasseril through Society +8
Runelord Belimarius through Society +8
He smiles at Noggin, "I don't think that my rings make a meal for you Noggin, it would be best if you didn't eat my handiwork." and returns the rings unaltered to his fingers.
GM Valen |
Norwald also knows that the city of Xin-Edasseril was trapped outside of time within a massive crystalline sphere, as the result of Belimarius’ efforts to avoid the catastrophe of Earthfall. Many of the city’s residents, particularly the city’s guards and functionaries, are too proud to acknowledge how out of touch they are with the modern world.
You gain a +1 circumstance bonus on Deception checks to Lie about where they’re from or Impersonate a citizen of another country in the Inner Sea when dealing with Xin-Edasseril’s guards and functionaries.
He recalls recalls that the Runelord Belimarius jealously forbids the use of magic by anyone other than herself and her minions within her nation.
I will pause here to allow the PCs to ask any additional questions based on what they recall and to make any last purchases before heading to the city.
Drakmak |
Drakmak smiles weakly, "I only hope that my meagre magics aren't detected by Belimarius, she's a bit touchy when others than her use the arcane on her minions. So if we do use them, best be not a public display, if you know what I mean."
Achurius |
"Interesting fact. You may not have heard this. The whole city of Xin-Edasseril was time-locked since the occurrence of Earthfall! It is said Belimarius did this to avoid the catastrophe, and it worked. Which means lots of folks there are living in a brave new and confusing world. Though I would not mention it. I've heard they are a bit touchy about it."
Noggin NineToes |
"Gotcha, don't mention how ancient and confused everyone is!" Noggin says with a nod "And don't use no magics in public. I can do that!"
Norbwald |
Norbwald takes another swig from his bag and nods and is ready to go.
GM Valen |
"Any other taboos we should be aware of?"
"The city has a curfew." Valais notes. "I would highly advise against trying to move aboard the city streets at night.” Valais responds. [b]“With curfew in effect, we don’t want to risk unwanted attention.”
Following the meeting with Valais and Guaril, you return to your vessel, The Merry Mayfly, and depart from The Lightbringer to make way to the island chain that forms the western borders of Edasseril. Approaching one of the larger islands, you are soon able to see the city of Xin-Edasseril.
The capital of Edasseril is a city of gleaming architecture and beautiful vistas, although its skyline bears fresh scars that tell of some catastrophic event that must have befallen it. While most of its structures stand as grand displays of the wealth and power of ancient Thassilon, there are indicators of ongoing construction projects dotting various spots throughout the city. You arrive at the city's docks without incident.
Upon disembarking, your immediately met by a pair of well-armed guards. One is a half-elf male; the other is a human female. Both sheathed in armor adorned in green accents identifying them as members of the Emerald Guard. The way they carry themselves and their strict, discipline demeanor evident years of martial training.
A map of the docks for reference and pictures of the guards are now available on the Slides.
As you approach their checkpoint near the opposite end of the dock, the male guard narrows his eyes and gives the one in the lead among you a stern look.
"Your papers, please." the guard demands curtly. Despite the inclusion of the word, 'please', there is no pleasantness or courtesy to be found in the man's tone of voice.
Noggin NineToes |
Noggin clanks along the dock in his half-plate armour, looking around at the sights with wonder. He keeps to the front of the party, acting as bodyguard to the fine merchants behind him. "Our papers!" He exclaims enthusiastically upon the request of the emerald guard, and produces the papers given to them by Guaril "Say... Would I be able to find armour like that in the city? You both look real smart, and I think I'd look good in green." He adds, admiring the guards' garb.
Diplomacy, Make an Impression: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Norbwald |
Norbwald slumps a bit in his chair, trying to maintain the strength of will not to drink right now until they get through this checkpoint.
GM Valen |
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"Say... Would I be able to find armour like that in the city? You both look real smart, and I think I'd look good in green." He adds, admiring the guards' garb.
"You'll find plenty of it in the city if you us any cause for trouble." huffs the half-elf guard even as he returns the papers to the goblin. "These papers expire in five days. You had best be outside the city and back where you came from by last bell."
As the goblin walks through the check point, but the guard suddenly stops him. "Listen," he whispers. "I like you, so let me give you some more advise. Curfew is in effect for all outsiders, such as yourselves, from first bell until sundown. You are to remain indoors at all other times." He releases the goblin.
"And keep your weapon sheathed!" he adds.
"I think the goblin was trying to say that he's interested in joining the Emerald Guard, Ellvard." The dark-haired woman says with a smirk. "Who knows? He might soon be one of us. The Emerald Guard does happen to be recruiting right now."
"You're kidding, right?" Ellvard replies to his fellow guard, before turning to the line of entrants and shouting, "Next! Have your papers ready." He pauses for a moment as the woman gives him another smile. He then adds, unconvincingly, "Please."
Norbwald slumps a bit in his chair, trying to maintain the strength of will not to drink right now until they get through this checkpoint.
The guard eyes the gnome for a few minutes, then pushes him along.
The two guards at the checkpoint examine the papers of the rest of party, repeating the warnings about stowing weapons, keeping curfew, and leaving before the papers are set to expire. You are each able to enter into the city without further incident.
Once past the check point at the docks, you are relatively free to travel around within the city. It is evident that Xin-Edasseril is bustling with activity. Yet, the city clearly operates under the weight of oppression. Additional check points, each manned by multiple members of the Emerald Guard, have been set up at natural "choke points" for traffic flowing within the city. Likewise, Emerald Guard patrols, visibly well-armed, can be seen marching through the city with considerable frequency. The residents within the city give the patrols a wide berth. Even when the Emerald Guard is not within their immediate vicinity, the citizens of the city go to length to avoid making direct eye contact with you and other obvious outsiders. They seem almost as weary of their fellow citizens, undoubtedly the result of the Runelord's frequent use of hidden spies and secret police.
A map of the city is now available on the Slides.
The party may choose a location to seek out first or else spend time Gathering Information. The latter requires secret rolls for Diplomacy and takes two hours.
The fact that it is still fairly early in the morning and that obvious foreigners can be seen among the denizens of Xin-Edasseril, allows you to discern that first bell has recently been rung and that you have about eight hours in the day remaining before curfew.
Where to, Pathfinders?
Noggin NineToes |
"Nice folks! I think I made a new friend..." Noggin says to the others once out of ear shot "So where first? The Guardhouse to see if they have any spare armour to sell, visit old friends in Envy Row, or just poke around for a bit and see what we find?" The furry knight wonders "I'd really like to visit the Guardhouse first. Ellvard is my friend now, after all... Might get a discount on that armour!"
my vote is for going to the Guardhouse to see if the person we're picking up there might help with the guard situation, or seeing filch since he might help with picking up the others.
Achurius |
"I'm good with visiting the guardhouse first, though I'm not sure what good it will do. I very much doubt they will sell you a set of guards wear. That seems rather... foolish. After that, we need to just mill about and gather some information so we know what questions to ask."
GM Valen |
Going with the "Rule of Two"...
Seeking out the Emerald Guardhouse, the party makes its way through the streets of Xin-Edasseril. The going is slow. Some streets are crowded, others are quite narrow, and still others dead end unexpectedly due to collapsed structures, large piles of rubble, or ongoing construction--all resulting from prior conflict and the city being ravaged by its eventful journey through time.
Added to that, the party is forced to stand and wait through a series of check points, which grow in frequency and number as the party approaches the district containing the Emerald Guardhouse and many of the city's other prominent, governmental structures.
With their papers determined to be in order--repeatedly--the party eventually makes its way to the Emerald Guardhouse.
The columns of this wide building are carved in the likeness of Runelord Belimarius. Its wide courtyard is filled with practice dummies and other evidence of martial training. Guards are beginning and ending their shifts.
A short line has formed outside the door of a recruiting area, where a
guard stands stationed.
The guard, like many in the courtyard, are wearing a set of well-made, green-accented armor of the guards encountered at the docks and at the checkpoints in the city.
What do you wish to do, Pathfinders?
Drakmak |
Drakmak is impressed with the goblin's charismatic approach to the guards and getting them through the checkpoint so easily. "My friend Noggin, may the suns of the desert warm you but never burn. You have a way with words I have never associated with many goblins of my acquaintance." and give a small bow.
"I am most humbly guided by your wisdom in our destination, but would it not be sensible to perhaps discover a little more about this place, Xin-Edasseril. Once we have discovered our friends, I wonder, what we do with them?"
The half-orc ponders and waits for his companions to offer their opinions.
Oops made this post this morning and forgot to post....
GM Valen |
Oops made this post this morning and forgot to post....
My prior post was an effort to keep things moving, particularly as I had both decided on a delayed start date AND like to indulge in roleplaying (which your great characters make all the more fun).
However, upon re-reading Achurius' post, I believe now that it was not a "firm" second for heading directly to the Guardhouse, so I am fine with the party discussing further and choosing a different initial destination, should the party so choose.
Noggin NineToes |
We have two for gathering information as soon as possible, and I agree, so we could retcon that we do that first, then head to the Guardhouse for Garrla (and Noggin's recruitment into the emerald guard :) )
GM Valen |
Actually, as Drakmak is trained in Society +8, he may recall something about the Emerald Guard. I have done a secret check. The resulting information is included in the spoiler below:
For Gathering Information, I note Diplomacy modifiers as follows:
Achurius +6; Drakmak +6; Noggin +6; Norbwald +7
If I have the wrong modifier (including if the PC is able to use a different skill for Gathering Information), please let me know.
Otherwise, any PC that wishes to Gather Information may open the spoiler with their name below (results of secret checks).
The Pathfinders depart the docks and into the streets and establishments of the crowded city looking for information.
Forearmed with some information, the party is free to head to the Emerald Guardhouse.
Should you still wish to do so.
Norbwald |
Norbwald takes another swig. "I haven't heard good things about their recruitment process, but it seems like as good a place as any to start."
Drakmak |
Drakmak, speaks at length about the Emerald Guard, although the nub of the matter can be put succinctly. Read the spoiler about the guard. He does however move his fingers making his rings sparkle in the sun. This over exaggerated movement is very apparent as they approach the guardhouse.
Noggin NineToes |
A short line has formed outside the door of a recruiting area, where a
guard stands stationed.The guard, like many in the courtyard, are wearing a set of well-made, green-accented armor of the guards encountered at the docks and at the checkpoints in the city.
What do you wish to do, Pathfinders?
Noggin's enthusiasm for join the Emerald guard has dampened slightly after hearing about their recruitment practices, but still... That green-accented armour is very pretty. Buoyed by Drakmaks' comments about the goblin's infinite wisdom, he decides to forge ahead "Follow Noggin, wisest of them all!" He says to the party as he strides confidently across the training field towards the recruitment area and the guard outside "Hi there! We're friends of Ellvard and he mentioned you were recruiting. I think I'll look good in that armour, so here I am. Actually, while we're here, have you seen Garrla around? Maybe they can give me a few tips before I head in?"
Diplomacy, Make an Impression: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
GM Valen |
"Hi there! We're friends of Ellvard and he mentioned you were recruiting. I think I'll look good in that armour, so here I am. Actually, while we're here, have you seen Garrla around? Maybe they can give me a few tips before I head in?"
The guard scowls at the goblin. "I'm supposed to believe that Ellvard has friends?" The guard's scowl quickly turns to a chuckle, but only for a moment before the guard quickly silences his laugh. He looks around to see who may have heard him.
"Look," the guard whispers to Noggin, "my job is to make sure there is no trouble. Keep your mouth shut and I won't keep you for trying to sign up for the guard. But, let me warn you, I don't think the Emerald Guard is the for the likes of you. As for a 'Garrla'? I have no idea what you are talking about. If you are asking me, that just confirms hat you are in the wrong place. Now, go through the door, or get off the grounds."
Suddenly, the guard tenses up and immediately comes to attention. His gaze looks distinctly past the goblin.
Noggin feels a bump from behind. He has been nudged by a longshanks. It is the woman guard from the docks. At the moment, she is alone. Her fellow guard, Ellvard, is no where to be seen.
"Captain Kallade," shouts the guard, giving his superior a salute.
The woman returns the salute. "At ease," she instructs the guard, who responds to her instruction instantly.
The woman spends a few moments surveying the line of potential recruits.
“It is a good time for recruiting.” She openly declares. Turning to address those in line, she explains. "My time is quite valuable to me. Any of you who may have questions should hold onto them for now and remain in the back of the line."
The woman then brushes past Noggin. She continues on through the door into the recruiting area and takes her seat at a small table covered with documents that stands inside the building at the front of the line.
Each PC is welcome to attempt a check to Seek. This is an "open check" and is usually a Perception check.
If you retrieve the paper and read it, you may open the following spoiler:
Each PC is also welcome to attempt a check to Sense Motive regarding Captain Kallade. This is a secret check, so please indicate if you wish to make it,
What do you wish to do, Pathfinders?
Norbwald |
perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Norbwald tries to get a peek at the documents.
+7 Perception for Sense Motive
GM Valen |
Norbwald tries to get a peek at the documents.
He is successful.