GM Zoomba's Return to the Grave [Outpost VII] (Inactive)

Game Master Zoomba

Gameplay thread

The streets of Caliphas are less crowded than you would expect for a capital of a nation as grand as Ustalav. Perhaps the weather is to blame: an ominous-looking storm looms on the horizon as clouds move west from Lake Encarthan. Then again, Ustalavan weather is rarely of the cheery sort.

In either case, you've been summoned to the Vodavani Pathfinder Lodge in the city. and as you move through the city streets towards it you find yourselves not the only people heading there...

Feel free to introduce yourselves to each other IC

A pale, and yet somehow shadowy bearded man approaches. He seems very fidgety and unsure of his own presence in this place. Not spotting any fellow agents yet he mills about, looking for an empty table in the lodge to muster his proper group at.

Cordelia enters shortly behind Ebren, fussing with her gloves and making sure she had everything in order as she stepped inside. She couldn't help but give the shady fellow a look over, briefly sizing him up before giving a shrug - if he was here and no one else was causing a fuss then it was probably fine, still she seemed noticeably on edge in general.

She approaches the man, sticking out a hand in greeting, "You got the summons too I take it? Cordelia Maxwell... Been a while since I've been back in these parts, sad to see some things never change huh?" She gives a wry, somewhat morbid smile to her own comment, glancing back towards the entrance to emphasize her point.

A furry humanoid, rather cat like, with mostly black fur and some white on his neck,hands, feet and a vertical stripe on his forehead walks in. It's more like he bounces it. He wears leather armor with a rapier by his side and a short bow on his back. A dark cloak and jaunty wide brimmed black hat with a black and white feather in itsits at an angle on his head, one ear sticking out.

He takes a quick look around the rom and then seeing others, hurries over.
"Greetings! I'm called Tux! This is my first true Pathfinder Society mission! I look forward to working with everyone and meeting more new people and seeing new places!"

He sees some interesting art on the wall and rushes over. "Oh, I ave no idea what this represents but I like it!"

Ebren accepts Cordelia's hand and smiles back.

The name is Ebren. Yes I did get the mission summons. I can't explain why, but these lands are oddly comforting.

He watches with mild amusing as the cat bounces in.

Tux? Ebren. I hope you keep such energy when we venture out!

An always smiling, burly Orc awakes for a new day and dons his full plate. Years ago he left his farm for a short while to take on some extra jobs, but soon he returned to his farm and cared for his crops. Baga never shook the thrill of adventuring though, and had he not gone on adventuring this farmer never would have learned what a leshy was! It's been two years since last adventured and met Gordon the gourd leshy. Reflecting on his old adventures, Baga is eager to see what new adventures might be in store for him.

He picks up an odd looking backpack that appears to have been previously used to carry crops on his back. After putting his arms through the straps, he picks up his scythe and offers a small prayer to Jaidi:

Jaidi, who showers me with blessings and bounty, guide my steps as I start this new adventure. Help me work hard for the good of all, keep the earth green, and never waste what you've given us. May my actions reflect your generosity and care. With you as my guide, let us sow seeds of hope and harvest joy. Let's do some good together.

He finishes, invigorated, and sets out the door of his lodging. It's a bit disorienting for Baga to be surrounded by so many people but he makes his way towards the lodge and introduces himself, "I'm Baga! he says simply pronouncing it "BAH-GAH". "It is my first mission too, Tux!" he continues with hearty excitement.

Mechanically, Baga is a level 2 champion. He has the pathfinder agent dedication but is otherwise a fairly standard Paladin who will punish enemies who attack his friends

You meet a rather intimidating flower leshy who walks up to you all and says,"Hi. Im Popcorn. Im exploring the world to help become a better cook. If you need me to hit stuff really hard or make an omelette Im your gal."

Turning to Baga she says,"This is my second mission. The first mission involved a weird talking skull who couldn't stop making puns. "

After getting lost in thought her eyes narrow and she adds,"Somebody tried taking the skull too. They ruined my amazing breakfast. I managed to make a delicious omelette and it was ruined."

She's effectively a level 1 barbarian. I will update her profile tomorrow as I have a massive headache currently and have been running a bit late.

As you find your fellow Pathifnders along Caliphas' streets you also soon find yourselve at the Voavani Lodge.

The large building serving as the Pahtfinder Society's base of operations in the region is normally a bustle of activity, a whirlwind of Pathfinders preparing for or returning from missions throughout Ustalav and the Gravelands. But today it’s eerily quiet. A gnome wearing robes embroidered with butterflies and crescent moons tends to the wounds of a middle-aged woman as newcomers arrive. “Ah, yes, you’ve arrived,” Venture-Captain Evni Zongnoss gestures for the Pathfinders to join her and her patient while passing a discarded bandage to the nurse. She asks him to fetch more coverings and hot water, and he nods and departs.

Evni’s patient relaxes at the venture-captain’s touch on her arm. “This is Claudiette Dralston. She’s one of our best trackers, and her team has been scouting the Gravelands—that is, they were, until they disappeared a few years ago. Sadly, Claudiette is the only one of her team to escape the Gravelands.” She turns to her charge and adds wryly, “She finally found the time to report in.”

Finally huh? Maybe we should ask Doctor Trice to help you, since your stitches are so untidy.” Claudiette retorts with a kind but weary smile.

Evni tut-tuts, but gently pats Claudiette’s arm. "Since the region fell to the Whispering Tyrant, Claudiette has been gathering stranded refugees in a village called Steadfast. As the settlement expands, it grows increasingly likely the Whispering Tyrant’s army will discover it. The dead are gathering near Steadfast, and its citizens need a safe path to the border. Claudiette left to find help. She barely managed to escape, and nearly died before reaching Vodovani Lodge.”

Evni offers a cup of hot tea to Claudiette, who wrinkles her nose at the aroma before downing it in one gulp and then continuing the story. Evni’s people took some notes from my ramblings when I arrived. We’re hoping it’s enough to find the town and get the people out, because I'll be honest: for the life of me I’m not sure how I made it out of the Gravelands. I left a knight named Sir Cray Darahan in charge when I left, but if he has his way, he’ll end up getting everyone there killed trying to fight back against Tar-Baphon’s forces.

Evni nods. “Our contacts among the Knights of Lastwall report that undead troops aren’t especially active in the area at the moment. This lucky circumstance, along with Claudiette’s notes, should allow you to sneak into the Gravelands without running into more undead than you can handle. Unfortunately, Claudiette needs to recover here. So, it’s up to you to enter the Gravelands, defeat the threats you encounter, chart a path to Steadfast, and deliver some critical supplies we’re sending along including a magical keystone to prevent the dead from joining Tar- Baphon’s army. You can use the supplies in an emergency, but they’re intended for Steadfast. The more you can deliver to the refugees, the easier time they’ll have escaping."

"Questions?” the gnome woman says, looking at you all.

Ebren focuses on the mention of a magical keystone.

How is the keystone used? How do we ensure it stays fixed in Steadfast so that the dead cannot resume bolstering the Whispering Tyrant's forces? Can more of these be made for other settlements?

"I take it back, seems things have changed for the worse." Cordelia frowned as she took in the briefing, giving Claudiette a look over to assess her wounds; she couldn't help but see herself in the scout as she'd been through pretty much the exact same horror and wound up in the same state some years ago.

"Whereabouts is Steadfast located?" She asks, sounding a bit apprehensive, "And I don't suppose you could supply a map to help us plan a route? These are my old stomping grounds, but things obviously aren't the same as they were five* years ago."

(* Adjust the number of years mentioned to the proper date, last I looked at the timeline it was currently 4724 but I dunno if that's changed since.)

By the Goddess! exclaims Ahzeem, mindlessly stroking his symbol of
Sarenrae, Undead are nothing to be trifled with. Can you speak about which kinds you had encountered during your ordeal? It would help with our preparations.

The Keleshite priest frowns as he speaks. Looking around worriedly, he wonders to himself..Is this the group for such a mission? Are we capable? We simply have to be.

By the Goddess! exclaims Ahzeem, mindlessly stroking his symbol of

Sarenrae, Undead are nothing to be trifled with. Can you speak about which kinds you had encountered during your ordeal? It would help with our preparations.

All of them. Claudiette replies to Ahzeem grimly. We ran into zombies, skeletons, ghouls, the whole lot of them. Her eyes widen as she adds And the riders! Knights of death on shadowy steeds. Stay away from those! Avoid the roads at all costs!

As for Steadfast, the wounded Pathfinder sits up strighter. She clutches her head in frustration. If you haven't been in them since they fell you might not know how the Gravelands seems to twist itself. Forests crop up overnight, trails don't always stay where you remember them, and that damnable fog keep shifting around. The whole area around the refuge is covered by some mist. I tried to tell my route out as best I could remember, but with fighting and losing clash after clash with the hungry dead as we left…well it's not the clearest trail I'll admit.

She nods to Evni and the gnome digs up and hands over a parchment to your team. It's a transcription of Cluadiette's path back from Steadfast to Caliphas, as best she could recount. Handout to be added to the slides once I get home :p

The gnome venture-captain also adds as you look over the sheet. "Yes, the keysotne. Claudiette's team contained a Pharasman priest," Evni lowers her head, "who sadly passed on some weeks ago. He had been crafting a keystone that would be imbued with Pharasma's grace to counteract some of the necromancy in the area. As Claudiette reports, the region around Steadfast is afflicted. Anyone who dies there returns back to unlife; a state of affairs that gives the enemy a constant source of new agents. This keystone" she gestures to a large chiseled stone with a glowing blue spiral engraved on one side "can keep the effect at bay - at least long enough for the people there to get away. Agent Dralston wasn't able to complete the ritual to enchant it while within the corrupted Gravelands himself, but thanks to Claudiette being able to get back to us we've been able to finish its preparations here."

You meet a rather intimidating flower leshy who walks up to you all and says,"Hi. Im Popcorn. Im exploring the world to help become a better cook. If you need me to hit stuff really hard or make an omelette Im your gal."

Turning to Baga she says,"This is my second mission. The first mission involved a weird talking skull who couldn't stop making puns. "

...

Baga's eyes grow wide and his smile somehow gets even bigger as the burly Orc stares at Popcorn. He almost seems to miss what Popcorn says to him,"Oh, interesting!" he says in response to the talking skull. " And you are Leshy?" he asks but immediately continues "Baga has sworn to Jaidi to protect plants. I will defend you with my life."

---------

Baga silently listens to the briefing, remembering his training to ask lots of questions but the farmer can't seem to come up with any except a rhetorical question: "Zombies, huh?" Never seen one of them on the farm. And no Knights of Death either". He shrugs but continues to smile.

Before the lodge:
"Yes, yes! Good to meet you all! I'm sure we'll have great adventures together and see new and exciting people, plants and animals!"

After:
If anyone happened to be looking at him when the term 'undead' was first used they may have seen a narrowing of eyes and a quick show of teeth. Then he's back to his usual self.
"Sounds difficult. We can do it! How far is it from the border of these grave lands to the town?"

Popcorn blushes a bit at her questioner and replies,", Yes. I'm a leshy and I'll protect you too."

Thinking about the situation at hand she adds," I'll make sure to protect all of you. I'm really good at hitting stuff.... And cooking food. I'm not sure in what order."

If anyone happened to be looking at him when the term 'undead' was first used they may have seen a narrowing of eyes and a quick show of teeth. Then he's back to his usual self.
"Sounds difficult. We can do it! How far is it from the border of these grave lands to the town?"

It took me a bit over a day to get back to Ustalav Claudiette says. But that was hurt and under pursuit the whole way. In the chaos and the backtracking I wasn't exactly the most efficient. With better luck you should be able to reach Steadfast in a day's journey.[/b] She pauses then looks a bit morose. Assuming you too don't run into trouble. Or lose your way in the Gravelands.

At Popcorn's mention of cooking Envi brightens up. "Well, I'm sure the refugees in Steadfast would be very appreciative of your talents Popcorn! The supplies we've gathered for you to bring to them include quite a it of food. And medical supplies. And gear to detect and avoid or - Desna forbid - fight off the undead." The gnome gestures to a pair of saddlebags packed by the lodge door. "Use what you must if you have to to get there in one piece, but the more you can bring to the refugees in Steadfast, the better off they’ll be.”

If any of you would like to, Pathfinder Society Lore or Society might help you recall reports of the Scoiety's previous work and excursions into the Gravelands. If you want to try and RK, let me know.
Also, let me know if any of your characters were a part of/played in Scenario #1-03: Escaping the Grave

May as well take a shot at the recall knowledge check, I've got both Society and PFS lore.

"Worse than I thought then." She frowned as she listened to Claudiette explain the situation in the gravelands, "I suppose we'll have to just take care while maneuvering and hope for the best it sounds like."

She then glances at Baga, unsure whether to laugh at his comment or sigh, "Just count yourself lucky I suppose. Not that that luck will hold out for long." She muses, then shrugs before moving to gather up the saddle bags, "In any case, we'll do what we can... And I'll do everything in my power to avoid a repeat of Vigil." She states, though her tone made it sound like she was trying to convince herself more than anyone else.

"Hmmm Sounds like stealth will be our ally. Plus planning. Are the undead widespread or are there areas known to be safe?"

Baga has PFS Lore+4

"I'm not the best at stealth, but I've got a Scythe. Served me well for many years" He is at least trained in stealth, but +4

This character did not play #1-03. PFS Lore: T: 6. Society: E: 8.

My scimitar has an enchantment, but to be honest, if I am wielding it, things will be dire indeed.

+1 potency. Will be using Wand of Mystic Armor daily.

"I can handle covering our tracks if need be... Also I'd advise having a good blunt implement on hand just in case. Rotting flesh is easy enough to cut down, bones less so... And spears and arrows will be basically useless out there." She warns the group before moving to get things ready to go.

Ebren can try RK with Pathfinder Society Lore +6

I think I can manage stealth as we travel the Gravelands Ebren offers, somewhat meekly.

He thinks on the suggestions so far.

I don't have a blunt implement, but what about fire magic?

Hearing you discuss tactics makes Claudiette smile. Good now you're thinking like you need to. There's countless damned types of the dead out there, but smash the ones without flesh and slice the ones with it is an okay rule of thumb. she suggests.

The returned ranger then adds quickly: When you reach Steadfast though, there's something you should know. The place has a few hundred people gathered there - and, ah, not all of them are exactly alive. The effect that prevents true death in the region has caused many undead to rise as Tar-Baphon’s servants, but somehow, many others have avoided such a fate. They’re dead, but they’ve retained their sense of self and purpose. I can’t explain it beyond some sort of miracle, but I know they need help just as much as the living—and that the Whispering Tyrant’s forces will destroy them just as swiftly as the other refugees. She looks at you So, just in the refuge itself don't jump to smashing.

You can make basic purchases before leaving in Caliphas: it’s a sizable settlement

Ahzeem shares what he remembers with the others. especially the "hoof eats". Please read.

Popcorn just looks kind of sheepishly and says,"Im not particularly good at being stealthy."

Upon hearing Cordelia Popcorn walks out of the room and after a short whiles arrives with a long sword holding it up smiling. "Thanks for the advice," she beams at Cordelia.

Purchasing a longsword. Healing potions. And my item is a scroll of heal

Tux looks at Baga and smiles, "Well, with a scythe who needs stealth, eh?" He then suddenly stops, stands perfectly still for a second, "Oh, yeah. That makes sense. I'll buy a light mace on the way out as well."

After hearing about the possibly friendly dead Tux's eyes light up,"The first time I was in the Absalom lodge I met a woman who said she was a Dhampir or something like that! She seemed nice."

When others start discussing things he yawns, showing lots of teeth and gives a stretch that looks like it should be impossible for any being with bones. He than walks over to a corner and quickly curls up in a ball and closes his eyes.

Envi waves her hand at your group to motion for you to follow her. The gnome venture captain walks you into a nearby room, saying as she strides: "The supplies in the bags are to get to Steadfast as best you can^, same with the keystone. But these might also be of some use to make sure you get there. And back." She hands you six glass containers: three vials of holy water and three vials of bottled sunlight.

Looking past you to see you're out of earshot of Claudiette, Envi lowers her voice and mutters “One last thing. I contacted Valais Durant, leader of the Radiant Oath faction, with Claudiette’s report, as she had been a member of that faction. I received two missives back. They’re further orders. Requests really. Do what you can for the people of Steadfast. But whatever you do, come back to us alive.” She hands you the two letters Posted on the Slides - faction requests

If you have any other questions or purchases to make, feel free to do so now.

As the group starts to leave the room one eye opens. "As usual, just as I get comfy."
He gets up, stretches again and follows.

Popcorn starts picking up her backpack and looks a bit nervously at the rest of the part. "We'll be fine right?," she asks with a bit of trepidation in her voice.

Cordelia takes one of the holy water bottles and the Radiant Oath orders, "I'd be lying if I said we will be for sure... But just keep your wits about you and an eye on your surroundings and you'll increase your chances." She states to Popcorn as she looks the letter over, a deep frown crossing her face, "And if we see a black tower, we turn around immediately and try a different route." Her tone became deathly serious as she says this.

Ebren purchases a light mace on the way out.

Yes, the black tower sounds very ominous and dangerous.

Slight error/correction on my end: Claudiette estimates Steadfast is only about a day's travel from the border to the Gravelands. Getting to that border itself will take a few days (though Envi will provide rations, tents, and the like for you to use for your journey.

Stocked, supplied, and forewarned about your mission, Envi and Claudiette both wish you luck as the six of you depart. The trek out from Caliphas is uneventful and smooth as you can mostly stick to well-paved roads. With each day however you see less and less fellow travellers as you go. The last stretch is particularly odd: beautiful fields stretch out to either side of an otherwise deserted thoroughfare being walked down only by yourselves.

Early on the third day you can see up ahead the stone bridge Caludiette wrote about in her report. The old bridge crosses over one of the narrowest points of the Path River, marking a demarcation between the dubious safety of Ustalav for the wilds of the Gravelands. The stretch of path leading to the bridge has clearly not been kept up for many years but the bareness of the river banks and sparse foliage keeps it easy to follow. A light mist draws itself up from the river below, setting the far shore in a slight haze.

Cordelia and Ahzeem up ahead can make out what look like four figures sitting near the river's edge on the Ustalav side. They can make out fragments of a conversation.

*…hope they managed to stumble back into a town all right.
*I'm sure they did! They're hearty folk if they were able to get back out of there.
*Can't imagine what they had to go through in those dead woods. Praise the Lady for guiding them safe, but seems every month there's less and less who come out of there. Alive anyway.

Baga has no purchases and lets others take/hold the vials of bottled sunlight/holy water

During the first few days of travel, Baga continues to give a toothy smile every chance he can get. He otherwise keeps a look out for anything that moves since he still isn't 100% clear what undead look like.

Will scout if no one else is, otherwise search

Popcorn takes out a scroll and hands it to Ahzeem saying,"Here take this just in case. Use it if you think you need to. I got it from the quartermaster and it should help us in a pinch."

I will use the ability that gives a +1 bonus to initiative.

Tux's ears perk up.
"Those voices sound friendly. maybe someone less toothy and claw should lead and go talk tho them. If not, I'll go! I like meeting new people!"

Indeed. They seem to be wondering around the safety of others. perhaps we should simply approach them in peace.

Cordelia keeps a hand on the pommels of the weapons hanging from her hip, shield already strapped to her arm and ready in case of of danger, "Might be those people Claudiete mentioned... For good or ill is yet to be seen however." She hums, keeping her voice low as she gestures the group along, doing her best to keep out of sight near the front of the pack and not leave too deep of tracks as she moves, "Keep an eye out, but don't approach unless we can confirm they're still among the living."

Popcorn nods at Cordelia's suggestion staring at the figures in the distance trying to determine if they are alive or not.

As they're hanging out right by the bridge, there aren't many ways to approach close without them noticing you (beyond some very good Stealth rolls)

Observing the group from afar as they talk, all of them do appear alive: three humans and an elf.

Tux sniffs the air."Don't smell anything dead nearby."

He looks at the others and shrugs and comes out from behind cover, walking slowly towards the group.
"Greetings. Our group has decided you are not dead and likely friendly. I'm Tux. We're Pathfinders headed into the dangerous lands. Are you here to meet us and help?"

The group start and stand more at attention at Tux's call. They looks over the catfolk warily, and beyond at the rest of you. The elf and a human move a bit away from the bridge spreading along the river's edge while the other two remain in front of the stone. One steps forward - a human male - and replies:

"Of course we're not dead. But any who go beyond tend to be, or get so real quick. So we need to make sure no corpses slip out. Or fools slip in."

He looks over you. "You want to go into the Gravelands?Be sure you know what you're doing. And there's the crossing tax too. Six gold. To support the defense effort."

"Crossing tax?" Baga tilts his head curiously, "Under what authority? I don't think this needs to be a big deal. We're simply going in, and don't want any trouble."

Cordelia frowned at the rather brazen demand of a toll for crossing, "Were you lot the ones that helped one of our scouts get out of here a while back?" She asks as if to confirm something, "Lady with dark hair done up in dreadlocks and all that?"

Popcorn just stares in confusion at the group. " If you wanted to make money why hang out in a place where people rarely travel to and fro," she says in a confused tone.

Tux looks confused. "Wait. I though they were paying US six gold to cross and help people."

"The path you are choosing is just the beginnings of a life full of strife and suffering. Sarenrae teaches to allow all beings a chance at true redemption. I beseech you all to change from your path to a better one before it becomes to late."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

"Under what authority do you have going in there?" the man pushes right back at Baga. "People die in there that's not just one less human but tends to be one more monster who could be threatening hard working folk. You head into the Gravelands you put us all at risk; seems only fair you contribute to to insurance fund then."

Cordelia's comments do cause them to look surprised. After a moment the elf replies: '...that woman, Claudiette? So she made it back to safety then?' The elf looks relieved and the group's main 'talker' adds

"See, that's wonderful. And no tax on anyone coming out of that place don't you worry. See, it's a reasonable system."

Cordelia gives a nod, then glances at the group, "We'll pay, this time. Consider it a thanks for helping one of our own... And possibly more, considering the news she delivered." She states, fishing out a gold coin, hoping the others follow suit, "... And good to hear you're reasonable enough not to hassle us on our way back out. We're on a mission to escort some refugees out of the Gravelands."

Ebren holds his hand out sideways, signalling for Coredelia to pause one moment.

What if we offered you food instead? I have enough to last the three of you for at least four days. Isn't that what you really need?

He retrieves two weeks worth of rations (for one person) out of his pack and holds it out to see how they respond.