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

Game Master Lysle

Poor Corey! Such bad luck... :-(

Aid Bluff: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

"Well, of course it took some convincing, if you know what I mean." Merida winks at Torch. "But then she couldn't agree fast enough."

Fml. Mission failed. :‘(

The DC is 25 at this subtier, so the current result will fail unless you receive a sufficient number of aids. To make it interesting (and since I already reported the game), I will allow all PCs to attempt to aid (Theron and Merida have already done so successfully). Also, since she would prefers not to get caught...

Madame Zelekhati arrives unannounced. "My sources told me that I could find you here, Grandmaster Torch. As these others have no doubt told you, I quite adept at acquiring secrets--which, of course, I would be happy to share with you. After all, your Pathfinders here were quite convincing."

Madame Zelekhati, Aid to Bluff: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

3 successful aids so far

Nightkit is definitely frowning at this point.

Bluff, AID: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

What is happening pulls Ashtoreth out of her fantasies, but she seems a little lost. What, where, huh? Oh yes, that's exactly what happened. She nods to she doesn't know what.

Bluff, AID - REROLL WITH 2 GM STARS: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

However, looking into this innocent eyes of a slightly insane necromancer, who can not believe her?

Nightkit remains silent, her arms folded in front of her chest - but if looks could kill .....

aid: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

"Yep that's what happened!"

Two more successful aids, bringing the total of aids to 5 or +10. Still shy of the DC 25.

Life and work are busy at the moment, so I will give Nightkit 48 hours to contribute an aid (if she wishes), then I will resolve the encounter. After that, it shouldn't be long to wrap up this adventure. In light of my family holiday plans, I don't expect to start Part 2 until after the New Year.

By the looks Nightkit is giving, she wants no part of this deceit.

I wasn't privy to this so I am NOT commenting she says with an icy tone in her voice. Besides, I'm still annoyed that I got fired after my first night just cause I'm not an elf.

Something akin to a smile forms on Torch's scarred face. He turns to Madame Zelekhati, "It would seem that your hiring practices may need to be reconsidered. Still, I am glad to see that you are so receptive to a sharing of information between us. When I am ready to receive your secrets, I assure you, Madame, I will come for them."

He nods to a pair of half-orcs nearby, who escort the half-elven woman off the premises. "I suppose I should look into improving my security," he mutters to himself once the woman is gone.

Then, Grandmaster Torch turns to the party. "It appears that you have completed each of the tasks given to you to my satisfaction," he declars. "Allow me to fulfill my part of the bargain."

Torch motions to a half-orc, who leaves momentarily only to return with a box. Opening the box, Torch reveals several old maps, which he then hands over to the Pathfinders.

One is a map of Osirion, clearly marking Eto and an unnamed site to the north. The second map has a much smaller scale and marks the route between Eto and the mystery location. The last sheet has a charcoal drawing that depicts two large rock outcroppings connected by a smooth wall with a single gate. It is entitled “Seeker’s Folly” and signed “V.L.”

Once the Pathfinders have had a chance to peruse the documents, he adds, "I trust you now have what you came here seeking?"

"Seeker’s Folly... and it's signed with V.L. Do you know who made this drawing? And why is this gate named that way?"

However,Merida doesn't actually wait for an answer:

"Correct me if I'm wrong but I am quite certain that the deal was completing these tasks to your satisfaction in return for everything you know of the sages' jewels. Handing us just a few maps without any explanation doesn't seem to fulfill the deal, does it?"

linguistics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Speaking of deals ... I'd like to know if we have one Grandmaster

can we aid Linguistics if we arent trained?

"Let me see.."

Linguistics: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

The gnome points out the writing similarities.

The gnome points out the writing similarities.

Torch sneers. “There are some parts of my past that I’d rather not revisit. Thank you for picking at old wounds, Pathfinders.”

"Correct me if I'm wrong but I am quite certain that the deal was completing these tasks to your satisfaction in return for everything you know of the sages' jewels. Handing us just a few maps without any explanation doesn't seem to fulfill the deal, does it?"

“Those will take you where you want to go." Torch provides as explanation. Deviate from the path only if you know what you’re doing. Otherwise, stick to the landmarks.”[/b]

Speaking of deals ... I'd like to know if we have one Grandmaster

"Of course, I can the matter now concluded." Torch replies.

He pauses to consider another thought. “Normally this is where I would say ‘pleasure doing business with you.’ However,” he adds with a grisly grin, “I’m going to throw you something extra for free—just because I’m such a caring individual. You’re not the only ones who know about that site. I hear a group of foreigners set out from Totra not too long ago and are after the same prize. Sounds like there’s no time to waste.”

Torch nods to the pair of half-orcs who just returned to the room and the pair moves to escort to the party out.

"Very clever how you tried to tried to collaborate with Madame Zelekhati to mislead me." Torch adds as the party is leaving. "I'm sure she'll soon have quite the number of inquirors eager to discover what information she has within her possession, thanks to you."

FIN

The PCs successfully completed their main mission by fulfilling Grandmaster Torch’s tasks and receiving the maps to Seeker’s Folly. Doing so had earned each PC 1 Prestige Point.

The PCs successfully completed their secondary mission by finishing the scenario in possession of Amenopheus’s geode and not being caught sabotaging one of Grandmaster Torch’s missions more than once; he finds a single show of rebellion amusing but begins to act against the Society if he senses any further insubordination.

If the PCs successfully sabotaged at least one of Grandmaster Torch’s tasks, box A is to be checked on the reporting sheet. If Grandmaster Torch never learned of the PCs’ sabotage, box B is also to be checked. If Kura Shehr survived the scenario and was able to report back to the Red Mantis Assassins, box C is to be checked. A & C should be checked.

Thank you all for playing! I am looking forward to Part 2 with all of you. I plan to get the chronicle sheets for this scenario to you within the next few days and to start Part 2 after the New Year.

Nightkit is nearly fuming as the party exits.

Not only did you lot manage to attempt to lie to the Grand Master and NOT get away with it, you also managed to mess up my attempt of getting a future favour out of Torch. I suspect, I'm not going to get another chance after this.

Merida is taken aback by Nightkit's harsh words. After a few seconds she takes a deep breath and asks:

"Kit, why didn't you tell us that before we made that attempt? Also, I think we were that close to convince him. You could have helped us to get away with it, but you stayed silent. I don't understand..."

She looks at the rogue, puzzled.

After Torch mentions about discovering the ruse about Zelekhati, Corey just shrugs.
"Well, at least our business here is finished."
He takes his leave with the rest of the group.

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

Nightkit is nearly fuming as the party exits.

Not only did you lot manage to attempt to lie to the Grand Master and NOT get away with it, you also managed to mess up my attempt of getting a future favour out of Torch. I suspect, I'm not going to get another chance after this.

Merida is taken aback by Nightkit's harsh words. After a few seconds she takes a deep breath and asks:

"Kit, why didn't you tell us that before we made that attempt? Also, I think we were that close to convince him. You could have helped us to get away with it, but you stayed silent. I don't understand..."

She looks at the rogue, puzzled.

Corey glances back and forth at Nightkit and Merida, then looks at Nightkit.

"Yeah, if only we had known about your mission. I'm awfully sorry." he says sincerely.

"I hope there are no harsh feelings between us. We're all in this together and have a lot ahead of us."

Nightkit sighs.

Fine. I thought I had made my intent clear earlier. Besides, I thought it would be nice to have the promise of a favour ... who knows when that would come in useful.

Besides, that whole thing didn't feel right. I'm really sure there's something we messed. Something that was staring us in the face. And yeah, I was really annoyed at being laid off. I thought I did a really great job last night.

She looks around at the others. Before we put this city behind us, maybe we need to visit a pub. I know I need a drink ... or two. But yeah .. there's no 'i' in team ... apart from the one hiding in the 'a'.

Plus I'm still trying to figure out why I woke up this morning with my clothes on. I usually sleep with a lot less on than that.

Well, sometimes things work out in the end, Kit. Perhaps Torch will owe you after all is said and done...although I trust him as far as I can toss an ogre. Theron says. He nods when Kit suggests finding a tavern.

I think a drink or ten is on order...

Yeah .... bit of a weird dream too. I remember waking up early to go out for a run ... or some sort of exercise ... and, after I got dressed, I saw Madame Zel in her sand garden with a sand man. Presumably she had sculptured it like a snow man and I think she was talking to it. Then she got upset because I was out of my room. Next thing I remember, I was waking up on my bed, still with my clothes on.

I wonder if these pubs do cider? Or mead?

I've had worse mornings...once woke up in an alley next to a tavern that had been trashed during a brawl...it's funny because I don't even recall travelling to that town. I imagine cider or mead is likely on the menu at some of the finer establishments...

Part 2 BEGINS!
After the Pathfinders enjoy a well-deserved drink or several, a new day dawns in the Osirian trade city of Eto. Only hours have passed following the meeting with Grandmaster Torch. In exchange for a handful of services, he delivered several maps and sketches of landmarks that collectively point the way to the last known resting place of one or more sage jewels—enchanted gems capable of storing memories of Osirion’s past and reviving the Sapphire Sage Amenopheus’s order.

“Those will take you where you want to go,” Torch declared while handing over the maps. “Deviate from the path if you know what you’re doing.” As an afterthought, he added, “You’re not the only ones who know about that site. I hear a group of foreigners set out from Totra not too long ago and are after the same prize. Sounds like there’s no time to waste.”

The party has several items left over from their earlier adventures in Eto, including half of a weathered geode, a magical sending stone that can be used to contact Amenopheus. When he gave it to Merida, he informed her that it can transmit a message of several dozen words, to which he can then respond, but the stones will only work once; he requested that she only use it when the party had found one of the sage jewels.

Grandmaster Torch then gave the party two maps of Osirion and a charcoal drawing. The first map clearly marks Eto and an unnamed site to the north. The second map has a much smaller scale and illustrates a winding route marked with many landmarks between Eto and the mystery location, though it’s clear that traveling in a straight line would be a faster, if more difficult, trip. An oasis is marked on this map near the final destination, and notes describe a marker stone nearby whose shadow at sunset points toward the ruins. The charcoal drawing depicts two large rock outcroppings connected by a smooth wall with a single gate. The drawing is entitled “Seeker’s Folly” and signed “V.L."

The party is free to ask around the Eto bazaar and the caravanserais for information about desert travel or any hint of the competition provided by the rival group.

Nightkit will ask around while trying to find at least one potion of Endure Elements or some more appropriate clothing. It might not be a good idea to be wearing black in this environment.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

When she reports back to the others ...
Looks like there's gnoll tribes about abducting travelers. And, to make things even more complicated, looks like those other travelers are Aspis. I hope it's ... erm ... whatsisface we met earlier, the guy we helped, then he stole the bell. I gotta bone to pick with him.

Gnolls and Snakes...lovely... Theron says, not even hiding his contempt for Aspis agents.can't beat her rolls...

"Aspis." Corey spits, a scowl on his face. "We need to get there before they do. Maybe we can catch up to them and convince them to turn back."

"Good job gathering that information, Nightkit. So, what's the plan? Follow the map or attempt to take the shorter route?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23 There was a 10 percent chance of opening the last spoiler .)

For a shorter path, we need a tracker, and preferably several if one goes astray. The sands kill more accurately than the sword, as I managed to understand in these hot places. Ashtoret taps her fingers on an expensive brooch in the shape of a golden fly, covered with precious stones forming the image of a skull. I would prefer a safe path. Too many dishes haven't been tried yet and too many pleasures haven't been experienced to die young of thirst in the middle of nothing.

There is still a chance that the last spoiler could be opened. Does Corey wish to gather information?

The party has a decision to make: follow Grandmaster Torch's mapped path or take the shorter route.

So far, I see one vote for Grandmaster Torch's path. I will give the players another 48 hours to vote, then I will move us along once by a plurality of votes cast.

I'd rather take Torch's route. Seems least risky.

Safer makes sense to me...

is there any way we can aid Corey's roll or beef up Kit's?

Safer makes sense to me...

is there any way we can aid Corey's roll or beef up Kit's?

Corey hasn't rolled to gather information yet, so an aid to the roll is certainly proper.

Vote Tally: 3 votes for Torch's route. 1 move moves us along.

Theron tries to aid Corey's effort with his stunning people skills.
aid diplo: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (17) - 2 = 15too bad he can't take 20

Aid Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9 So close... :-/

PCs who have not yet rolled may still resolve the gather information check in their next post, but as promised, I am keeping us moving...

Per plurality...

The party follows Grandmaster Torch’s route, which takes them through the Osirian Desert and into the region known as the Sahure Wastes. The party departed Eto with sufficient food and water to travel to and from the ruins, but their principal challenge is time.

As the Pathfinders arrive one of the marked oases from the south, the oasis shimmers like a sapphire in the midday heat. Life clings around its edges tenaciously, with only a few hardy plants nestled amid the rocks managing to survive in patches around the area. Finches bathe in the water, resting on an abandoned harness. Trash and castoffs from travelers litter the area, and a small brick hearth is the only permanent fixture.

This small oasis often serves as a welcome respite for merchants, explorers, and pilgrims. The water ranges from only a foot deep at its edge to about 8 feet deep at its center. The rocks and plants provide enough cover and concealment respectively for creatures to hide, and the
ground is firm enough that it doesn’t impede movement.

Suddenly, Corey and Seebonickk spot motion near the water. The pair realize that it is originating from a tremendous starfish-like creature emerging from the sand with five long arms surrounding its circular toothy maw.

Cory also spots a hyena-headed humanoid, hunched and feral, hiding behind a rock further to the north.

AMBUSH AT THE OASIS! - Surprise Round Begins!

PCs in bold may take one standard OR one move action

Theron
Corey
Nightkit
Merida
Humanoid
Large
Seebonickk
Ashtoret

Map with locations of PCs and others now on Slides.

Oh .. that water looks inviting ... WHAT IN THE NINE HELLS IS THAT

Sorry!

Diplomacy (gather info): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16

Aww. Lame.

"Exactly, Nightkit! What in the gods is that!?"

Corey attempts to identify the giant creature erupting from the sand...
Immediate action,
Know (Dungeon): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Special attacks & special defenses, please!

Corey then begins to tell tales to inspire courage for his companions.
"This one time, at bard camp..."

+2 competence bonus on attacks and damage!

Corey points at a large boulder and calls out to his friends,
"Oh! Hey! There's a humanoid creature hiding behind a rock to the north of the pool!"

Corey knows that the dust digger can burrow into the sand and swallow its ambushed prey whole.
Special Attacks sinkhole, swallow whole (2d8+4 bludgeoning, AC 13, 4 hp)

Sinkhole (Ex) A dust digger can burrow into sand, loose soil, or dirt to lie in ambush just under the surface. When it feels (via tremorsense) prey walk into a square it threatens, it can deflate its body as an immediate action, causing the sand and other loose soil above to shift and slide. All creatures who were standing in the dust digger’s reach must make a DC 15 Reflex save or become entangled as long as they remain in the dust digger’s reach. All creatures who were standing at least partially in the dust digger’s actual space must make a DC 15 Reflex save or become entangled and fall prone—if such a creature makes this save, it immediately moves to the closest adjacent unoccupied square. If this results in more than a 5-foot move, the creature moves that distance and then falls prone. The save DC is Strength-based.

The dust digger burrows into the ground.
Last observed position of dust digger on map.

Spear in hand, the hyena-headed creature rushes ahead, before taking cover behind a tree. Move

AMBUSH AT THE OASIS! - Surprise Round Cont'd/First Round Begins!

PCs in bold may act

Surprise Round
Seebonickk (ONLY one standard or one move action)
First Round
Theron
Corey
Nightkit
Merida
Humanoid
Large
Seebonickk
Ashtoret

Combat Map on Slides.

Nightkit double moves to go around the oasis

Theron rumbles forward, trying to cut off the sand creature from getting to his friends.

double move

Knowledge (Local) autocheck.

Indeed, a humanoid. The Gnoll... An ambush? He shouldn't have done that. Ashtoret touches the brooch and pronounces the words of the spell, extending her finger forward towards the bushes where the hyena-headed humanoid is hiding.

Blindness/Deafness [DC 19 Fort]

"It's burrowing! Everybody, spread out!!!" Corey shouts as he darts away.

While running, he pulls out his wand of mage armor. He stops and taps himself with the wand.
Use Magic Device: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
A shimmering force surrounds Corey.

He continues to tell stories of heroics to his fellow Pathfinders.

AC is now 18. Everyone has a +2 competence bonus to attack rolls and damage.

Gnoll, Fortitude: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

The gnoll shakes off the spell.

AMBUSH AT THE OASIS! - Surprise Round Cont'd/First Round Cont'd!

PCs in bold may act
Party Buffs: +2 competence to attack and damage rolls

Surprise Round
Seebonickk (ONLY one standard or one move action)
First Round
Theron
Corey (mage armor)
Nightkit
Merida
Gnoll
Dust Digger
Seebonickk
Ashtoret

Combat Map on Slides.

sorry for the delay on phone can someone move me towards the bad guy

"Coming!"

sorry for the delay on phone can someone move me towards the bad guy

"Coming!"

I moved you 40 ft straight towards the pool. Double move.

Oops! Seebonick, just noticed you only get a single action. Moved you 20 ft towards the pool.

BOTTING Merida - No post in 28+ hours

Merida considers her options.
(Delay)

The gnoll advances, rushing to another tree for cover, his spear at the ready.
Move; readied action

The dust digger uses its tremorsense to search for prey from below. It finds some.
Move
It deflates its body.
Immediate action to Sinkhole

Suddenly, sand and other loose soil above it to shift and slide. Theron feels the sand beneath him give way!
Theron, Reflex (DC 15): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Success! I have moved Theron to the closest adjacent unoccupied square on map.

Not to be denied its prey, the dust digger sends a tentacle toward Theron to grab him!
Dust digger, melee (tentacle) v. Theron: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Damage (B) plus grab: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

The tentacle slips off his armor.

AMBUSH AT THE OASIS! - First Round Cont'd/Round Two Begins!

PCs in bold may act

First Round
Seebonickk
Ashtoret
Second Round
Theron
Corey
Nightkit
Merida
Gnoll
Dust Digger

Combat Map on Slides.

Corey darts over to a nearby boulder. He fires an arrow at the tentacled creature...
+1 Darkwood Comp. Longbow (+2 Str), deadly aim: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
cold-iron piercing: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

He continues to spout inspiring tales.

Nightkit moves to help Theron before firing a crossbow bolt at it.
xbow: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11 piercing: 1d8 ⇒ 6

Theron shifts his position and swings his blade at the creature.

attack, PA: 1d20 + 13 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 13 + 2 - 2 = 211d8 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 8 + 2 = 17

Here...feast on this...

"Theron I'm coming to help"

double move