PFS Destiny of Sands - Parts 1-3 (Core)

Game Master Lysle

A group of Pathfinders receive a summons bidding them to head to the Sandswept Hall, the Pathfinder Lodge in Sothis. It would seem that Venture-Captain Norden Balentiir wishes to briefs them in person for an upcoming mission.

Following your arrival at the Sandswept Hall, the Pathfinder Lodge in Sothis, you are led upstair within the lodge to the officer of Venture-Captain Norden Balentiir. There you find that Venture-Captain Balentiir standing next to a set of windows. He is not alone.

Upon seeing your arrive, Balentiir shutters of the windows in his second story office overlooking the lodge’s tranquil gardens and seats himself behind his writing desk. He nods and introduces a thin, aging Garundi man in an ornately bejeweled and feathered turban. “This is Amenopheus, the Sapphire Sage. I trust most of you know of him already. If you don’t, know that he has served both the Ruby Prince and the Pathfinder Society for many years, uncovering vast troves of lore from Ancient Osirion and mentoring some of our finest agents. He recently approached my colleagues and me with a request for assistance, and the Society has agreed to step up and aid its ally. The arrangement is, in fact, rather mutually beneficial.” He nods to Amenopheus, signaling the elder man to speak.

“Faithful servants of the past, I bid you greetings,” the wizened sage says with a shallow bow. “Our esteemed ruler, the Ruby Prince, recently released me from his service, which has freed me to learn more about a little-known organization to which I belong: the Jeweled Sages, protectors of Osirion’s history and chroniclers of its past glories. Quite by accident, I found myself initiated into this group, and have long believed myself to be its sole surviving member. Each sage in the group possesses a unique jewel—a priceless artifact that contains memories of Osirion’s golden age.”

He pauses as if considering how to express his thoughts “For many years, I have sought news of any other members of the Jeweled Sages. My agents recently learned of the Diamond Sage, whom they traced to the city of Eto in the Osirian Desert. At the same time, I received word from a reliable source that several other jewels in the vicinity. I ask that you travel to Eto, negotiate with my contact in the city for his assistance, and then use what you learn to find the Diamond Sage and these lost jewels.”

Venture-Captain Balentiir frowns and adds, “This contact has tried to remain anonymous, but we suspect he is none other than Grandmaster Torch. If you’ve heard of him—or worse, met him—you may know trading favors is his signature. Regardless of Torch’s past treacheries, we need you to deal with him fairly for the information. There is a caravan leaving for Eto in a few hours, so don’t delay."

Any questions?

Please tell us more about this sect of yours, the Jeweled Sages. A pale woman with blond hair and a feverish gleam in her eyes smiles dreamily, as if she is about to hear the continuation of her favorite fairy tale about the Pharaoh of a Thousand Plagues, who sent diseases all over Osirion and raised the undead. The interest in such topics is quite understandable to all more or less observant adventurers, because her cloak is fastened with a luxurious brooch in the form of a fly, encrusted with precious stones so that the skull is visible, and all this suggests a Pale Princess... Which is quite consistent with the fact that Ashtoret is a wizardess specializing in necromancy magic.

I've met Torch, and bear no ill will against him. He was most helpful actually - and all we had to do was open some safes for him.

And here I was thinking that Eto was in Tian Xia

Corey gazes at the currently assembled fellow Pathfinders with a smug smirk on his face.

"Well, well, looks like I've found myself in the company of brave souls. Or perhaps just fools. Either way, I’m Corenthiir, or just Corey—Pathfinder by trade, a storyteller by nature. Soon, you’ll hear my tales sung in every tavern from here to the farthest reaches of Golarion. Not all of them are exaggerations, by the way."

He brushes a hand through his auburn hair, his green, sparkling eyes gleaming with mischief.

"I’ve got a nose for sweet loot and a knack for getting out of tight spots—usually with a tale on my lips and a pile of gold in my hands. I’ve seen more traps than you’ve had hot meals, and I’ve survived ‘em all. Don’t let the fancy elven blade fool you, though—this old thing may be elegant, but I can do just as much damage with this little grain thresher."
Corenthiir pats the dented and rusty morningstar tucked in his belt with a smirk.
"And with this bow slung on my back? I can do much worse." he says with a wink.

"Stick with me, and we’ll find the glory we're all so eager for. Or, at the very least, something shiny to sell off when we’re done."

---------------------------

Corey gives a shallow bow in return to the wizened sage and listens to the briefing.
...
...

"Torch," Corey mumbles under his breath, his lip curled in disgust.
"I'd be quite surprised if nobody has heard of him."

"Anywho, what can you tell us about Eto? I'm not very thrilled about getting sand in me boots again."

Please tell us more about this sect of yours, the Jeweled Sages.

"In its present form, the order of the Jeweled Sages is devoted to seeking the sage jewels, a set of artifacts tied to ancient Osirion." Amenopheus replies. "Near the end of the first golden age, the Jeweled Sages formed to compile the history of that nation and to catalogue its treasures. The order persisted through millennia until scattering within a year of the Keleshite invasion."

"The order was resurrected in more recent times." The Sapphire Sage continues, "I acquired the sapphire sage stone and assumed my current title. The order looks to acquire further sage jewels."

"Anywho, what can you tell us about Eto? I'm not very thrilled about getting sand in me boots again."

"There is much that one could tell of Eto!" Venture-Captain Balentiir notes. "Eto is an ancient city that dates back to Osirion's beginnings in the Age of Destiny. Further, it is the largest city of central Osirion, located just north of the mountain range known as the Pillars of the Sun. It sits at the crossing of numerous overland trade routes. Thus, it serves as a major hub of trade in the nation's interior and has also become a launching pad for adventurers seeking to plunder the country's many ancient tombs."

"Travelers unfamiliar with the city should know that its officials are careful to ensure that no one brings dangerous contraband into the city. They are sure to inspect for certain drugs, large quantities of explosives, and other items they consider to pose potential threats." Balentiir warns. "Customs agents within the city are certain confirm that all Osirian relics are documented and taxed; the opening of Osirion to treasure-hunters by the Ruby Prince’s decree stimulates the economy, but the Ministry of Culture ensures that the kingdom receives a cut of all finds and withholds artifacts of special importance."

"Otherwise, you need only know of the city that Grandmaster Torch is staying at the House of the White Uraeus, a fancy inn that caters to those in need of healing and rest." Amenopheus assures.

"As for keeping the sand from your boots, I shall leave you to your own devices."

Any other questions? If not, then I will move us along in about 24 hours.

In the meantime, feel free to note any purchases for your PC before departing. I also ask that you please fill in the marching order and modifiers requested on the Slides.

Also, this scenario advanced some of missions/goals for the some of the old factions. Generally, those missions no longer have any impact on the scenario and can be disregarded completely if the players so choose. However, I like to include them as they add flavor and may be of interest. Completing those missions are optional, but not required. The letters stating the general faction missions/goals that specifically apply to this scenario are listed beginning here on the Slides.

NOTE: For PCs of the Scarab Sages or The Exchange factions, there is a boon on the chronicle sheet that can be earned by completing the faction mission/goal during this scenario.

"Corey! So good to see you again!"

An athletic young redhaired woman literally throws herself at the elven bard. It's a miracle that - due to the strong hug - Corenthiir isn't impaled by one of the daggers on her belt, and that all of her arrows stay in the quiver.

"It's been a long time since Venture-Captain Heidmarch sent both of us to Riddleport to severe the ties between the Lissalans and the Aspis Consortium*. I missed you!"

"Grandmaster Torch? I think my friend Corba Nana had a mission that somehow involved him."

*4-07 Severing Ties

Sand. comments Nightkit. Insidious stuff that. It can get everywhere, in every place, and into places you didn't even know existed.

She looks a bit envious as Merida hugs the bard. Wow .... you must be special.

Before you depart, Amenopheus pulls a weathered stone from his robes and strikes it once against the wall to break the stone into two crystalline geode halves. He hands one of the pieces to Merida.

“If you find one of the jewels of the order or the person known as the Diamond Sage, I ask that you contact me. Concentrate on the stone and speak a message of a few dozen words." he instructs. "I will hear you and respond with further instructions. It will only work once, so keep it safe.”

Per arrangements made by Venture-Captain Balentiir, you set out to travel to Eto as part of a trade caravan of heavily laden camels. Balentiir sees to it the costs of this travel is covered. The journey, approximately 120 miles overland, is uneventful.

A call goes out as the immense rock walls that ring Eto come into view. The walls rise from the horizon like a shimmering mirage that gradually sharpens into focus. The city sits inside an elevated crater with sheer, weathered sides broken only in two places by heavily guarded gates. Long lines of caravans wait in a meandering queue awaiting entrance as officials search their cargos for contraband and calculate taxes.

Water sellers, food vendors, and guides march up and down the lines peddling their wares and services to the visitors. Beyond the gates, the main thoroughfares fan out around the various districts of the city before dwindling into the dozens of pathways that flow through the bazaar like the delta of the great River Sphinx.

As the caravan approaches the gate, the caravan’s leader acknowledges that you are guest travelers. "You Pathfinders have earned your own private inspection." His tone is as much that of an announcement as warning. The caravan soon joins the long lines of waiting caravans at the gates

The customs agent in your queue is a Garundi man whose graying beard and tired eyes suggest he’s seen it all and heard every excuse at least a few dozen times.

"I am Mahu," declares the agent. His face bears a smile, but his voice makes evident his boredom. "I have been appointed by Asep Ma, Governor of the grand city of Eto and himself wisely appointed by the Ruby Prince--may he live forever. Please identify where you are from, where you are bound, and what it is you have to declare before I proceed with inspection."

Party members may attempt to improve Mahu's attitude, if they wish, with a Diplomacy check.

Earlier, before leaving for Eto...

Corey's eyes light up as Merida enters the room and the lanky elf returns the big hug.
"Merida! What a pleasure to see you again! I am so happy you'll be joining us!"

"Haha! We sure did teach those Aspis and Lissalan cultists a lesson. Fun times! Dangerous, but fun! Haha!"

Corey turns his attention to Nightkit.
"This fine, young lady here is quite special." he says as he flashes a wink at Merida.
"One of the Society's best archers. I aspire to be such an excellent archer as her one day!"

Corey's face turns into a look of dismay after seeing the long line of people waiting to get into the grand city of Eto.
"By the gods, it is hot waiting here under the Sun."
He wipes the sweat from his brow and takes a big swig from his waterskin.
"I hope it isn't much longer to get in."

--------------

"Our own private inspection? Uh-oh." he mumbles under his breath.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30
This guy doesn't seem very friendly.

"Good day to you, my good man. I am Corenthiir, and this is..." he introduces everyone in turn and is as honest as possible.
"We come from the great city of Absalom and are here on behalf of the Pathfinder Society."
With a big, friendly smile, Corey begins sweet-talking the customs agent.
"You seem to be a fine, upstanding agent of the Governor. Surely, you are due for a promotion soon..."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31

"I can assure you, sir, that we have nothing illegal on our person. An inspection will not be necessary."
Corey also spiins a good yarn while he's at it (Versatile Performance for Diplomacy).

Woo! Didn't expect rolls that good!

Earlier, before leaving for Eto...

Merida blushes.
"Corey, I'm flattered, but I still have much to learn... and you're not so bad with a bow yourself!"
Proudly beaming, she shows him a kit of shiny well-made lockpicks and other tools to disable traps and the like.
"Nightkit here keeps teaching me how to use some of these!"

---------
Now:

Merida tries to be cooperative and diplomatic.
"Nothing to declare. I only have a couple of Alchemist's Fire, Acid and Antitoxin - two vials each, to be precise - and I'm sure that's not illegal here, right?"

Aid Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16 Yay! :-D

Nice rolls, Corey!

Nightkit will also aid the diplomacy
diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

She'll even put on a one girl acrobatic show to help pass the time while waiting.
acrobatics: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27

"We come from the great city of Absalom and are here on behalf of the Pathfinder Society."

"You hail from Absalom, then? These camels could not have brought you across the waters. From what city did you last depart? I have heard of your Society. They oft carry magic items, do they not? As well as weapons, I would suspect? What brings you to our grand city?" Mahu asks.

With a big, friendly smile, Corey begins sweet-talking the customs agent.

"You seem to be a fine, upstanding agent of the Governor. Surely, you are due for a promotion soon..."

"That, I should be. That, I should be," Mahu agrees with a smile, though maintaining a professional demeanor.

Corenthiir's efforts to charm Mahu have made him indifferent.

"I can assure you, sir, that we have nothing illegal on our person. An inspection will not be necessary."

Corey also spiins a good yarn while he's at it

Mahu nods, seeming to appreciate the tale. When it concludes, he states, "You do not strike me as one so foolish as to try and smuggle anything illegal, but the inspection will not take long. Of this, I can assure you. But it remains a requirement, even if only a mere formality, you see."

"My job is to ensure that all Osirian relics are documented and taxed," Mahu explains. "The opening of Osirion to treasure-hunters by the decree of the Ruby Prince--may his reign endure for all time--wisely stimulates the economy, but the Ministry of Culture ensures that the kingdom receives what it is entitled from of all finds and withholds artifacts of special importance."

"Merida tries to be cooperative and diplomatic.

"Nothing to declare. I only have a couple of Alchemist's Fire, Acid and Antitoxin - two vials each, to be precise - and I'm sure that's not illegal here, right?"

"Such items are not illegal, but they are subject to inspection." Mahu notes. "These imposing walls keep out many threats to the great city. When the gates are open, however, it is I that must serve as the city's wall, keeping out any threats. Please, step aside and allow me to inspect your belongings, young lady."

The walls of the cliffs rise 60 feet above the city and the gates remain open during daylight hours.

For no reason in particular, what, if anything, was done with the weathered piece of stone geode given to Merida by Amenopheus?

If the PCs wish to conceal any equipment (or, perhaps, stones) from the customs agent, Mahu, PCs may attempt Sleight of Hand checks, one for each item to be smuggled. Any PC attempting to scale the walls, may attempt a Climb check.

Corenthiir's efforts to charm Mahu have made him indifferent.

Only indifferent? With two aids (=a result of 35)? That man must have either a Cha modifier higher than +10 or he is particularily hard to influence (=doesn't follow the standard Diplomacy rules)...

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (6) + 0 = 6

Regarding the weathered half of the stone geode: That depends. How big is it? 1-5cm diameter? Or bigger?

Edit: I shall read discussion before posting...

She'll even put on a one girl acrobatic show to help pass the time while waiting.

Corey watches Nightkit's performance, his eyes wide and a devilish grin on his face. Woah. She's quite something—pretty limber too, he thinks to himself.

He claps after her act, flashing her a wink.
"Good show!"

Then, turning his attention back to the inspector, Corey adds,
"I assure you, good sir, an inspection of our items won't be necessary."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19

Regarding the weathered half of the stone geode: That depends. How big is it? 1-5cm diameter? Or bigger?

Let's say the weathered half is the size of one half of a grapefruit.

Then, turning his attention back to the inspector, Corey adds,

"I assure you, good sir, an inspection of our items won't be necessary."

"Your companion is quite..." Mahu leers at Nightkit for a moment, pausing so to be selective in his choice of words. "Agile."

"As for any suggestion that an inspection is not necessary, I assure you that it is no trouble for me and should be no trouble for you, my friend." Mahu informs the bard. "To request that a faithful servant and subject of the Ruby Prince--may his fortunes rise as inevitably as the course of the dawning sun--turn aside from their appointed duties would be to ask for too much."

"The heights of wisdom and the swiftness to justice commanded by Asep Ma, Governor of the grand city of Eto, are eclipsed only by that of the Ruby Prince, himself--may the amounts of gold within his coffers exceed all the grains of sand that the desert has to offer."

It appears that we're not going to get out of this inspection, even with a 35 diplomacy check.

A bit annoyed at being delayed by the inspection, Corey shrugs and tosses his backpack, wands, and other items on the table.
"Well, fine then. Have a look."

It's my job. I'm a travelling daredevil entertainer. Is it legal to wrestle crocodiles here?

She grins but it's hard to tell if she's kidding or not as she too extracts her gear for inspection.

A gnome holds his belt up as he runs.

"Sorry I'm late..." He looks at Nighkit. "Leave me out! I'm not doing that!"

Ashtoret smiles and openly shows her things, which betray her as a follower of the magical arts. A lot of dangerous things, but nothing forbidden.

I wouldn't ask you to. Nightkit grinned at the gnome. By the way, I thought Theron was coming too. Did you see him on your way here?

"Well, fine then. Have a look."

Mahu does. Once he finishes looking over Corenthiir's items and having found nothing appearing to be Osirion in origin, he declares, "See, I promised it would not take too long!"

"Now, I wish you a pleasant stay in our grand city, My Friend. And should you need any assistance during your time here, please feel free to seek me out if you believe that i may be of some assistance. You will find me here at this gate every day during daylight ours. I must be the wall, must I not?"

Mahu gestures Corenthiir along and prepares to inspect Nightkit's items.

It's my job. I'm a travelling daredevil entertainer. Is it legal to wrestle crocodiles here?

She grins but it's hard to tell if she's kidding or not as she too extracts her gear for inspection.

"My dear, our city is grand, but it has no rivers. If you wish to tangle with hetkoshus, you are not likely to find any here." Mahu says with a grin. "There are, of course, other thrills that the great city of Eto has to offer."

Mahu inspects Nightkit's items. Finding nothing that appears to be Osirion in origin, he motions the rogue through.

He does the same for Seebonickk and Ashtoret.

By the way, I thought Theron was coming too. Did you see him on your way here?

"Perhaps, your friend got into the wrong line?" Mahu muses. "How many are there in your party?" The customs agent turns to Merida. "Are you not among them, young lady? What do you have to declare before I carry out my dutiful inspection?"

Hetkoshus ... huh .... and in another land they're called Mutuwhaks. And yeah ... I have tangled with one before now. She ponders a bit. Anyway, yeah, I thought there were six of us. Maybe Theron came in ahead and is attempting to drink your pubs dry. Wouldn't put that past him, but he'd better have left me some.

She hands around waiting for Merida to pass through, staying close in case a 'hand-off' is required.

argh..im here...thought i dotted in...let me catch up...been off for a couple days
ok...caught up...just making my sword +1....4k gold since it's cold iron...ans buying a few waterskinds...will adjust sheet later.

I knew I'd find you guys here...apologies for being late to the party...my summons went to the wrong inn...well...it went to the right one...but wound up at a different one...somehow... a burly man with a weathered face says as he takes off his shemagh and nods to the others.
Good to see you all again....and I think Amenopheus said your name is Corey? He gave me a quick run down before I ran to catch up to you... he says as he gets out his gear for inspection.

Nothing special here...just a fancy sword and some regular gear...

THERON! Nightkit gives a squeal of delight and hugs him. How's my favourite flanking partner?

When they die, I will be able to raise them in the form of mighty skeleton warriors and they will still rejoice at how well they give flank each other. Flank buddies forever! Ohh, I'm so kind...

Ashtoret's eyes turn dreamy as she thinks about something.

"Theron!" The gnome smiles. "We've seemed to pick up another Pathfinder." Seebonickk turns to Corey. "Greetings." He holds out his hand. "Seebonickk. I'm a fisherman and a bit of a treasure hunter with this lot!" He nods towards the group.

I'm a bit hungover...but still alive...mostly... he says with a chuckle after he sets Kit down. Good to see you all again. Corey...nice to meet you... he says as he extends a meaty and heavily scarred hand out.

Now! That's the chance I was waiting for!

"THERON!" Merida's squeal matches the one from Nightkit. She quickly jumps at them and hugs them, turning the right way - away from the eyes of Mahu. "I was getting so worried! I couldn't believe that you might have ditched us!"
Still hugging, Merida winks at Kit and stealthily attempts to retrieve the weathered stone half from a side pouch of her Handy Haversack and hand it to the already inspected rogue...

Here goes nothing:
Sleight of Hand - ACP: 1d20 + 4 - 0 ⇒ (18) + 4 - 0 = 22 :-D I really hope that's enough.

Afterwards, she releases Theron and Kit and walks back to Mahu. "As I said: Nothing to declare." She dutifully empties her Haversack for him to check for himself.

Still hugging, Merida winks at Kit and stealthily attempts to retrieve the weathered stone half from a side pouch of her Handy Haversack and hand it to the already inspected rogue...

Here goes nothing:

Per the adventure, Mahu attempts an opposed Perception check

Afterwards, she releases Theron and Kit and walks back to Mahu. "As I said: Nothing to declare." She dutifully empties her Haversack for him to check for himself.

Finding nothing to rouse his suspicion, Mahu waves Merida and her belongings through. He wishes the party a pleasant stay and reminds them to seek him out if he can be of assistance.

Now friendly, Mahu can provide the PCs with help navigating the streets and rumors of the city, granting the Pathfinders a +2 bonus on Diplomacy and Knowledge (local) checks to gather information in Eto.

Once all of you Pathfinders make your way past the customs area of the gate and into the city, you are free to presumably head to the House of the White Uraeus.

The House of the White Uraeus is a two-story, whitewashed stone structure located in one of Eto’s more upscale districts. A large brass plaque above its door depicts a snake with two “necks” that split from its body, each with its own head.

Upon entering the inn, you find the servants that manage the inn wear immaculately clean clothing and maintain a quiet but cheerful facility.

Although Grandmaster Torch is nowhere to be seen, a well-armed half-orc sits in the common area, constantly scanning the room. Spying you upon your arrival, he stands, approaches the party, and looks you over. With a grunt, he waves for you to follow him further into the building.

What do you do, Pathfinders?

What a nice man. Ashtoret only smiles at this brutality and follows the half-orc.

Nightkit probably recognises the half orc. She flashes him a smile and follows.

Merida follows as well.

Corey extends a hand in greeting.
"Welcome to the party, Theron. It's a pleasure to meet you." he says with a knowing grin, having been hungover himself almost on a weekly basis.

-------------------

Corey goes along with the group, following the gruff half orc.
"Keep your eyes peeled for any trouble," he whispers to his teammates.

Although its exterior is unassuming, the interior of the White Uraeus is richly decorated with panels of gold-veined marble and bubbling fountains in secluded courtyards. Cool breezes carry the scent of blooming desert flowers throughout the clean halls. Two half-orcs keep watch outside one set of closed doors.

After a moment inspecting the visitors, they pull open the doors to reveal a tiled bathing chamber beyond.
“Welcome to Eto, Pathfinders,” rasps Grandmaster Torch as he lounges in a steaming tub. “I didn’t imagine we would meet again under such heart-warming circumstances, yet the White Uraeus certainly knows how to make a traveler comfortable. What can a humble secret monger such as I do for you?” he asks as he leans forward in the tub and flashes a knowing smile.

before

Theron eyes the half orc, knowing that he's there for one purpose...he just nods o him.

when seeing Torch

Torch... he says simply, leaving the niceties to the others, knowing full well if he starts talking, him and the half orc are going to come to blows.

"Hi nice to meet you..."

why do they call him Torch?

Nightkit crouches down so she is at eye level with Torch.

What do you know about Jeweled Sages? she asks And what will you want for this information?

Torch... he says simply, leaving the niceties to the others, knowing full well if he starts talking, him and the half orc are going to come to blows.

Grandmaster Torch politely brushes off the hostile glare and turns to focus on business.

"Hi nice to meet you..."

Spoken lie one who has never met him.

Nightkit crouches down so she is at eye level with Torch.

What do you know about Jeweled Sages? she asks And what will you want for this information?

Torch nods amenably as he listens to Nightkit speak. Then, he remarks, “You are direct and you are familiar with how I handle things. This is good. You know, then, that the latter must be fulfilled first, before I provide you with the former."

"Amenopheus may have overlooked the fact that he owed me several favors before I ever asked for his help, but I don’t mind extending a discount to repeat customers,” he continues with a rasping chuckle as he snaps his fingers to summon one of his bodyguards, who arrives carrying a folded piece of paper. “Let’s see what’s on today’s schedule,” he murmurs as he examines the paper’s contents. “Yes, all of this will do. Consider this my price—all of these tasks completed to my satisfaction in return for what I know of the sages’ jewels. Do we have a deal?”

He holds out the paper for you to review it.

More safes for us to crack? Nightkit replies with a smile as she takes the paper. She peruses it for a moment.

Seems straightforward enough. Dancing Dunes huh? Wonder if they'd be interested in my style of performances.

She passes it on to the next person.

I have no idea if Corey has met Grandmaster Torch before. I can't remember if any of his past scenarios involved Torch or what Seasons the Shadow Lodge was active.

Corey stands with his arms crossed, a look of disdain on his face. He has heard quite a bit about Torch from fellow Pathfinders, most of it not good things, and does not trust the man.

He reads over the list of tasks...

"These seem quite... interesting. Questionable, maybe." he says with a shrug.

"Well, we're able-bodied murderho... erm, I mean Pathfinders."

"We'll get these tasks done."

Merida hasn't met Grandmaster Torch before.

Merida also reads over the list of tasks.

"I think we can do this."

As the party verbally agrees to his terms, Torch nods. "I wish you luck. You may visit me after completing a task or in the event of an emergency." He instructs before sending you on your way.

Where to, Pathfinders?

We're going to need water...and some proper clothes...hmmm...warm weather clothing is not an option...so i guess just 5 water skins and some trail rations.....i'll spring 2 PP for a wand of endure elements....

"Let's go back to visit Mahu at the gate and see if he has any suggestions about where to start."

-------------

"Ahh! The Bazaar! Great idea, Mahu. Thanks!"

"I might need to pick up some supplies while we're there."

"The Bazaar is certainly a good idea."

@Theron: Merida already owns a wand of endure elements and she is willing to share charges. So if you want to save your PP...

*nods* A bit of shopping would be nice.

And that's the second time I've met Grandmaster Torch in the bath. Does anyone know what's up with that? At least he has the decency to wear pants

By the ghods ... it's hot

The party makes it was to the sprawling bazaar at the heart of Eto, finding it to be a riot of colorful tents, ramshackle stalls, and haphazardly parked carts and wagons surrounding the only permanent structure, the tall stone Government House home of the governor Asep Ma.

With an influx of foreign explorers fueling economic growth, the city’s merchants, laborers, and artisans can provide nearly everything an adventurer could need for exploring lost ruins and tombs. Nothing in the bazaar comes without a price, though, and the Eto’s inhabitants are renowned for their ability to haggle.

During the day, buyers and sellers pack this busy public area, crowding the narrow pathways between shops. As the party takes the opportunity to buy items and equipment, they also have opportunities to pick up the local rumors in town or learn about the targets of their tasks.

Each PC may attempt a Diplomacy (gather information) or Knowledge (local)

Where to next, Pathfinders?