@Caks: moves up to distract P1 but finds the height too much to overcome. With his first blow he accidently cuts a deep gouge into the chair in front of him, and his second succeeds in knocking a fine porcelain cup onto the ground to shatter.
Round 3:
Barry (-3 hp)
Celenton (-6 hp)
P1 - (-12 hp)
P3 (-15 hp (5-Non-Lethal)
Caks (-10 hp, Misfortune)
Menin (Misfortune)
Rail (Misfortune)
Brennus (Misfortune)
... Rail on deck
Menenclair draws his Bastard Sword and charges at P3.
Menenclair draws forth his mighty sword and charges at the creature threatening Celenton.
Round 3:
Barry (-3 hp)
Celenton (-6 hp)
P1 - (-12 hp)
P3 (-15 hp (5-Non-Lethal)
Caks (-10 hp, Misfortune)
Menin (Misfortune)
Rail (Misfortune)
Brennus (Misfortune)
Brennus on deck
Rail mutters the same spell while continuing to shout tactical suggestions.
◆◆ Needle Darts vs 3
◆ nothing
Rail turns his deadly darts on P3 and like P2 it pops from existence with an audible pop. Rail then stands and removes a few pieces of lint from his robes.
Round 3:
Barry (-3 hp)
Celenton (-6 hp)
P1 - (-12 hp)
P3 (Gone)
Caks (-10 hp, Misfortune)
Menin (Misfortune)
Rail (Misfortune)
Brennus (Misfortune)
Round 4 and Barry on deck
Brennus summons up another barrage of translucent force feathers to assault the remaining creature.
◆◆◆ Force Barrage
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
And with a final flap of the wings and launching of translucent feathers Brennus takes down the last of the gremlins... or whatever they are. There is silence in the room as a couple of Brennus's feathers float to the ground.
Except for the remains of a broken cup on the ground, and a deep gouge in the back of one of the chairs the room appears the same as when left. The Paradox box remains open on the table, and your group hears voices approaching from beyond the door.
"I swear I thought I heard something break from inside".
COMBAT OVER!
Menenclair tries to pick up the pieces of the broken cup and then, hastly, looks for a vase or a fireplace where he can dump them.
WOW - zero idea where the Orcus/Temple is coming from.
Go back to Page 28 of THIS campaign's Gameplay tab, go to SB's post on Mon, Feb 17, 2025 @ 02:46 pm
That should start you off with the invitation to the Pathfinder Mansion (sans blood and sans Orcus), as well as the little conflict which just ended.
As soon as the fighting is over, Brennus flies to the now-open box to see if there was anything in it now that it had been emptied of mischievous creatures.
Without turning his head from his investigation, he suggests aloud, "Someone should be ready to explain to Captain Heidmarch why we've made a mess of the library."
As soon as the fighting is over, Brennus flies to the now-open box to see if there was anything in it now that it had been emptied of mischievous creatures.
Without turning his head from his investigation, he suggests aloud, "Someone should be ready to explain to Captain Heidmarch why we've made a mess of the library."
"You're quite right Brennus, and to be honest, we should make an effort to tidy up. Anyone have a mending spell?"
Rail joins Brennus at the now-opened box. "I'm sure it's not the first mess the Pathfinders have cleaned up in their clubhouse. Let's see what was in there with those little s@%#s to justify all that."
Brennus and Rail team up to look in the now empty box while the others attempt to either repair the damage to the room or conceal it. They find the following in the box.
87 Silve Pieces
A finely made dagger that can hold additional runes. (NOTE: Standard can hold 1-striking, and 1-potency, but this one once inscribed can take on (2) Additional runes).
A magical ring.
Identify Magic DC-15 (Using Knowledge Skill)
Allows to cast Gentle Landing Once per day as a Reaction.
Brennus examines the ring once he figures out it's the only enchanted thing in the box.
"Somewhat... disappointing, but useful for those without wings," he concludes. "If any of you are afraid of falling, this ring could be of use to you."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
As the group pulls items from the box both Sheila and Koriah re-enter the room. As you explain what happened while they were out of the room her pleasure at the way you handled the situation is obvious. She bids farewell to Koriah who bows to you all as she makes her exit.
"Please take your seats. I'm honestly surprised there wasn't more damage to the room. Those creatures are quite chaotic and can cause a lot of damage. I'll be sure to turn this box over to the experts for more study".
After everyone is seated, she begins to explain the reason you were all invited here.
"First, allow me to apologize for that unpleasantness regarding the gremlins — but it does provide an excellent object lesson. The life of an adventurer is not one for the weak-hearted. That you not only took care of the gremlins but also got the box open in the first place is all the confirmation I need that my gut was right... you’re the perfect group for the job I have in mind.
You see—I’ve recently had trouble with one of my informants here in Magnimar, Natalya Vancaskerkin. She’s a half-Varisian who recently approached the Pathfinder Society with an offer to serve as a street informant. She runs with the Sczarni — I’m not sure with which group. A week ago, Natalya sent me a cryptic hint that her gang was on the verge of uncovering an item that would be of great interest to the Society. Since the Sczarnis’ methods of uncovering something often involves an armed robbery or breaking into somebody’s personal chambers, we thought it prudent not to press for further details and instead wait to see what it would produce. Suffice it to say, she hinted strongly that it pertained to Thassilon, and promised to meet with me to discuss this find three days ago.
She never kept that promise—instead, she seems to have simply vanished. Initially, I assumed that the acquisition of this item was simply taking longer than expected, but now I’m hearing rumors that the Sczarni are looking for her as well.
It seems likely that Natalya has absconded with this item she’s discovered. And this is where you enter, my friends. I want to know what it was that Natalya and the Sczarni found. In fact, I’m more interested in that than in what happened to Natalya herself. For now, I’d like to keep all of this quiet — if you can find out what happened to Natalya without letting a lot of people know she was also working for me as an informant, that would be preferable — that’s a big part of why I’m coming to you, as new members of the Pathfinder Society, with this task. You don’t yet have a reputation in Magnimar, and as such, the lowlifes and criminals you are likely to encounter may be more likely to talk.
So... go out there and look for Natalya. Find out what happened to her, and to this item she and her gang discovered. If you can secure the item, all the better—bring it back to me and I’ll have a reward of 50 gold pieces for you. And if you can bring Natalya back alive for me to speak to, I’ll double that"!
Brennus perches on the back of a chair as he listens to Sheila's explanation. "Hmmm... searching for mysterious ancient artifacts or someone who might have a lead to them? I'm all for it, of course."
He shuffles on his perch slightly, tilting his head thoughtfully. "Let's see, where to start... you probably have some information on places she frequents and the like?"
Rail nods in Brennus's direction, as he tries to put together what he's heard about goings on in the city in recent days to try to relate it to what they've just heard. "Where she lives would be the obvious place to start, at least."
Menenclair nods and says Well, we could try to hit up a few bars and shaddy locations. See if someone has heard of Natalya
Sheila turns to the questioners.
Unfortunately I don't know much about Natalya. She approached the Pathfinders and offered to be a double agent among the Sczarni. We have forged some... will... not entirely trustworthy alliances with them in several cities throughout the Inner Sea Region. Unfortunately, one of her conditions for helping was that she be able to retain a good amount of autonomy, so she'd be free to handle things as she saw fit".
SB Screen
@Rail
* Your underworld lore lets you know the following; The Sczarni have been a part of Magnimar from the start — they’re not the most dangerous or powerful of the city’s criminal organizations, but they are the most visible. The Sczarni generally don’t involve themselves in particularly violent crimes, and in many cases in Magnimar, they actually help to protect and police less fortunate neighborhoods, and as such are often well regarded by the lower-class. There are six major Sczarni gangs in the city: the Creepers, Doolun’s Lads, the Gallowed, the Tower Girls, the Washside Wringers, and the Wreckwash Blades, with the Gallowed being the most powerful Sczarni family in the city.
* You have never heard of Natalya.
"I can share a few vague hints however".
"First of all when Natalya first approached us she engaged the aid of a man known as "The Amazing Zograthy" a Varisian who keeps a permanent tent and fortune-telling business in Washers Row in Dockway. Specifically at the end of a narrow alley that serves as a permanent street fair".
DC 16 Society, DC 14 Magnimar Lore
You are aware that "The Amazing Zograthy" often works as a sort of middleman between the Sczarni and outsiders... but he expects payment in gold for his services.
"There are also rumors of Nidalese slavers prowling the streets of late. If true being abducted by a slaver in the middle of the night might explain her absense".
"Lastly, she might have even been picked up by the City Guard for some reason in which case a visit to Arvensoar, the garrison for the city watch might yield some clues. Other that that I can offer nothing but wishes for luck".
Brennus clacks his beak thoughtfully. "I could perch in some likely spots and keep an eye out for slaver activity, and perhaps then follow them to see where they're taking their captives. I would need to come back to the rest of you before acting, obviously."
I might try visiting Arvensorar. I can try to leverage my family's name for some information.
Rail, a Magnimar local himself, looks curiously at Menenclair. "Oh? What's your family's name?"
He gestures at Sheila. "This "Amazing Zograthy" often works as a sort of middleman between the Sczarni and outsiders... but he expects payment in gold for his services. Makes me wonder what Natalya was paying him for his help." The elf looks at the others. "Maybe we should start with him and see if we can get any information on Natalya first before we go out and start questioning slavers and city guards? Right now all we have is a name and some honestly really suspicious behavior. Who approaches the Pathfinders and offers to be a double agent out of the blue?" Rail was familiar with the normal incentives to turn on one's government or organization- money, ideology, coercion, ego- but it was rare to get someone to initiate contact on their own.
"I'd rather not share it. You'll know it, eventually, but suffice to say that the name's been more of a curse than a blessing
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Rail grins. "Not that first guy I've met with problematic parents. I just figured you might want to talk about it before we all walk into the Watch's HQ with you. Otherwise the rest of us might be standing there with our mouths hanging open when you reveal you're Queen Abrogail's nephew." The elf chuckled at the little joke.
"Let's go talk to Zograthy. Either we loosen up his tongue with gold or with steel."
Rail chuckles and nods at Caks. "Talking's what I do."
"Let's go talk to Zograthy. Either we loosen up his tongue with gold or with steel."
"Here's one thing that we already know for sure: if someone comes to Magnimar and decides to call themselves The Great Yagazuzy and also decides to open a fortune telling shop, in the Laundry District, that person was already beat up a LOT as a child. This is a discussion we can win with gold."
Brennus considers for a moment then straightens and gives a slight nod. "Perhaps it is better for us to stay together. I'll keep watch from above while we speak with him."
"Here's one thing that we already know for sure: if someone comes to Magnimar and decides to call themselves The Great Yagazuzy and also decides to open a fortune telling shop, in the Laundry District, that person was already beat up a LOT as a child. This is a discussion we can win with gold."
Rail chuckles. "There's tons of conversations you can win with gold. The problem is having gold. Do you have any?"
"Here's one thing that we already know for sure: if someone comes to Magnimar and decides to call themselves The Great Yagazuzy and also decides to open a fortune telling shop, in the Laundry District, that person was already beat up a LOT as a child. This is a discussion we can win with gold."Rail chuckles. "There's tons of conversations you can win with gold. The problem is having gold. Do you have any?"
"I cannot buy this mansion today, but I think I could loosen a tongue, sure. Again, the man goes by The Great Yobswany or whatever, it's very possible we could win this with silver."
Tonee smiles at his joke, "In truth though, it could be that the men himself is worried about Natalia. Let see what's going on."
The group decides to stick together and head towards Washers Row.
SB Screen
Rail
With you Underworld Lore you know that Washers Row is also primarily a front for one of Magnimar’s larger Sczarni gangs, the Washside Wringers.
Washers’ Row is a tangle of open-air washhouses, launderers, and Varisian wagons and tents — while the bulk of those who live and toil here do so in the laundry and tailoring industries, there are some who practice other trades, such as the Amazing Zograthy.
At the southern end of Washers’ Row, a tattered banner hanging over the entrance to the small side street advertises “Professor Callivario’s Stupendous Exhibition of the Outrageous and Sublime.” Beyond this overly exuberant advertisement is a squalid setup consisting of little more than a series of rundown sideshow booths and carts with assorted games and amusements of the meaner sort. To one side, urchins pitch pennies at lily pads floating in a small, scum-covered fountain while a bored carnie looks on. Nearby, the sound of cats hissing and fighting arises from behind a cart where a small crowd of ne’er-do-wells has gathered to cheer and place bets. Everywhere lurk faces pinched with suspicion or hunger — expressions worn by carnival workers and visitors alike. This is not the sort of place to be careless with a coin pouch.
By talking to one of the questionable carnies or a stooped old barker with a retching cough, the PCs are quickly pointed to the abode of the Amazing Zograthy, Seer of the Dark, a small, well-patched tent crudely painted with mystical symbols and decorated with chicken bones and other oddments. Within the stuffy, cluttered tent is a table covered in blue velvet stitched with moons, stars, and arcane symbols. A dusty crystal ball and a dog-eared harrow deck sit upon it. Behind this table sits an aged, bald, Varisian man with threadbare purple robes and piercing eyes — the one and only Amazing Zograthy Upon the PCs’ entrance, he gestures broadly and states in a tremulous voice,
“The Amazing Zograthy sees all and knows all. A double fist of Copper for a turn of the cards or a vision in the crystal; a treble fist of silver for the secrets of the multiverse.”
As they walk through an alley, Rail mutters to his companions "We're in Washside Wringers territory. Big gang. Keep your heads down and don't start any fights or we'll have 50 guys on us in a heartbeat."
Once inside the Amazing Zograthy not-so-amazing tent, Rail takes a moment to consider the man. Con artist or diviner? Sometimes it's hard to tell.
Brennus flits from booth-top to roof-edge, trailing slightly behind the rest of the group. He lets his gaze run over the ground, as if he's just a scavenging bird looking for scraps, but in truth he's looking for signs of pursuers or other trouble around the others.
SB Screen
Rail observes the man as he speaks... but he is so theatrical that it is difficult to sense anything unusual about him. Brennus from above checks to see if anyone is trailing them but sees nobody on the trail.
Rail digs a single silver piece out of his pocket and holds it up for the Amazing Zograthy to see. "I'm always game for a hint of the future. Why don't you do a reading for me?" The elf looks at his companions to see if anyone else wants to go first, then sits down in the chair across from the soothsayer.
Everyone in the room
Medicine DC 15
Zograthy displays the tell-tale signs of Pesh addiction. (Uneven pupils, bad complexion, sour breath, and difficulty focusing.
"Ah. Wise if stingy choice".
Zograthy pulls the curtain sealing out the outside light and makes a great show of dispensing with bad spirits, before pulling the crystal ball over, and staring deeply into it while chanting.
"Ah. I see great things in your future. You will come into a small fortune and love will find you when you least expect it. Perhaps this reading would require a greater sacrifice".
He then covers the ball with a threadbare velvet cloth and bows with a gesture.
"The spirits speak strongly to you. Do you require additional aid, or does perhaps one of your companions wish a more "Indepth" reading"?
I'd love a reading Menenclair says.
"But he wants a GOOD one. He wants the reading of readings."
Celenton brandishes 2 gold pieces.
"Menen wants the reading that will colapse the Irespan: he wants to hear that he becomes a Pathfinder, he wants to hear the he single handedly brings down all of the Sczarni, and he wants to hear that he rescues the wayward urchin girl named Natalya so that she can live a just and upstanding life."
Tonee smiles as he gently places the gold next to the crystal ball.
"I am happy to step out if the spirits need more breathing room."
"But he wants a GOOD one. He wants the reading of readings."
Celenton brandishes 2 gold pieces.
"Menen wants the reading that will colapse the Irespan: he wants to hear that he becomes a Pathfinder, he wants to hear the he single handedly brings down all of the Sczarni, and he wants to hear that he rescues the wayward urchin girl named Natalya so that she can live a just and upstanding life."
Tonee smiles as he gently places the gold next to the crystal ball.
"I am happy to step out if the spirits need more breathing room."
The man greedily grabs the gold reaching into his left pocket, then reaches into a pocket inside his cloak and pull out a small vial with red striped yellow flowers in it.
"Ah then. This one seeks true enlightenment".
He slides the vial across the table to Menenclair while smiling knowingly at Celenton.
"I trust this will make your friend more pliable and agreeable".
DC 15 RK: Crafting
This is a generous dose of Pesh.
"It's Pesh," Caks whispers to Menenclair.