GM Jhaeman's PFS1 Module: "Curse of the Riven Sky"

Game Master Jhaeman

Pathfinder! You've been summoned for an urgent mission in the frigid, mountainous Lands of the Linnorm Kings. The air is crisp and cool as your boat docks in Iceferry, a port town just across the Rimeflow river from the capital city of Kalsgard. Navigating the icy streets of Iceferry isn't exactly enjoyable, but when you reach the city's Pathfinder Lodge, a warm fireplace waits for you inside.

As you get comfortable and warm your hands over the fire while waiting for the Venture-Captain to arrive, it seems like the perfect time to introduce yourself to the other Pathfinder field agents assembled here. After all, together you are Seekers of Secrets!

Please go ahead and describe your PC and introduce yourself to the others. Remember, we'll be spending a whole module together, so please feel free to be fulsome in your description.

Adeah heads gratefully toward the fire, carefully removing the single leather glove from her left hand and holding it between her teeth to warm her numbed fingers. Her gleaming silver breastplate, lighter and more comfortable than it looks, is nonetheless ice-cold to the touch by now and she's glad for the chance to get warm.

She sighs contentedly to herself as feeling returns to her hands and the tips of her long elven ears. She finds a seat near the fire, pulls her glove back onto her hand, folds her large, crimson, feathery wings behind her (Angel Wings next level, baby!) and sits down. Her only visible weapon is a single common dagger at her belt-- though an experienced Pathfinder (or one capable of seeing magical auras) might recognize her glove as one that contains an extradimensional space. What it might contain at the moment is anyone's guess.

"I guess we'll be on this mission together," she says to the other assembled agents. "My name's Adeah Silversong. I know a few spells, thanks to my goddess--" she gestures toward the red rose symbol of Milani on her chest-- "but I specialize in ranged combat."

The Lastwall warrior is not particularly glamorous. He is infantry, after all, not the nation's esteemed cavalry. But, he wears well-kept full plate and carries a shield adorned with the sword-and-sunburst of Iomedae.

The man is mostly of Taldan stock, although there is something else in there - his short stature and curly hair may suggest Halfling blood.

"My name is Anthys. I am a warrior most comfortable in the ranks of allies. I can also defend my allies against ranged attacks thanks to a purchase that I made some time back." He holds up his shield. "So if I am to be the front line, I'll be best off directly in front of you rather than charging ahead like a glory-hound barbarian."

He has a ton of abilities that depend on being adjacent to allies, as I will explain in Discussion.

A well dressed young man from the house Tullian enters the lodge. He finds the opportune time to announce his liege's arrival to the party.

"My lords and ladies and gentle-people. Please allow me to formally introduce Lord Xilt Sphinx of house Tullian. An accomplished wizard and adventurer of the Pathfinder society. He is accompanied by his Mephit companion Tzleztor from the plane of Earth."

As Xilt enters the young man gracefully departs.

A cloaked half-orc enters the room as his herald departs. He is not much to look at but is obviously of hardy stock. Green skinned and tusked a person might imagine him on the front lines but his thoughtful and at times even plodding demeanour and his array of magical gear (scrolls, wands, rods, books and staves) points to an inclination to the arcane arts instead.

Xilt nods at the others and quickly takes his seat not being one for conversation at the best of times.

A plucky salt mephit flies with purpose just behind his master. Unlike your garden variety summons Tzeleztor is decked out with a shield, a bow as well as all sorts of equipment including scrolls, wands and even a magical staff.

Tzeleztor chuckles at the outrageous introduction by Tellain (his master's herald).

"Some familiar faces already. This is good. You have to forgive the windbag. You save a man's life once and now he is introducing us everywhere. He is really only supposed to being doing this at formal occasions but my master never takes us anywhere nice so he even started doing it at Pathfinder meetings."

Farrokh had arrived in Kalsgard some days earlier hoping to acquaint himself with the area before the start of mission. Looking for all the world like an unassuming merchant form the metropolises of northern Garund who has traveled way too far north, the stocky Nexian wears no obvious armour or weapons save for a couple of simple daggers.

"Ah, you must be the other agents." he says as he enters the meeting area. "It's nice to meet you all. I'm Farrokh, I am a researcher into the art of transmutation, both via physical and arcane means. Hopefully my skills will prove to be of some use."

Sitting down in one of the chairs, he takes out a nasty looking club that was concealed somewhere in his robes and leans it against the wall next to him.

As Farrokh has leveled up since I last played him I'll need to update his profile. I'll get that sorted out tomorrow.

Xilt eyes Farrokh and nods.

"So you use magic to transmute yourself and then whack creatures with that vicious looking club of yours. That seems so deliciously primitive and fascinating all at the same time."

The mephit smirks at his master's words.

"Typical Xilt. As always you are not willing to get your hands dirty with some real work."

With his weapons tucked away in his backpack, except for one masterwork consecrated silver warhammer swinging at his belt - the symbol of Torag's faith - Berato steps into the Iceferry Lodge, apologizing for his tardiness.

Berato knew little about this region of Avistan beside the rumors everyone already knew. In fact, the mithral armor-clad priest had avoided any mission related to the frozen north since his early career's unfortunate foray in some undead-filled dwarven mine, where they had barely escaped alive. Berato was in one of those rare moments between two assignments when the 'mandatory' meeting had been called by some members of the Decemvirate themselves, and thus duty could not be avoided in favor of more philanthropic endeavors.

Upon entering the lodge, the priest smiled widely at the sight of Anthys, however. Countless adventures had been shared with the stalwart soldier, and he immediately knew this group was thus in good hands thanks to his leadership skills.

"Well met, everyone! My name is Father Berato, servant of Torag, at your service"

Following Xilt's observation Farrokh looks at the club and smiles "Only when violence is absolutely necessary, although that's the general gist of it. Now that I am familiar with forms which come with their own weapons I tend to favour those over the club if there is time. But depending on the group I am traveling with it may make more sense to use my magic to enhance my companions rather than myself, in which case the club is a useful alternative when I don't have the claws and fangs."

"Do you have a particular area of magical specialisation?"

Xilt nods more than eager to discuss magical theory with another arcane caster.

"While I believe in a balanced study of all facets of magic I have spent considerable time learning to bend the rules of magic itself."

"Of all the schools of magic I have spent the most time experimenting with conjuration spells."

A door opens into the lounge, letting forth an energetic husky that rushes out to greet you before a deep voice echoes from beyond the opening, offering gentle admonishment to the dog.

“Now, now, Mahki, you know better. Let our guests be at peace." The owner of the voice proves to be Venture-Captain Bjersig Torrsen, a dashing half-orc with a short black beard braided into three points, and a long ponytail. In his hands are a book so large and heavy it seems even the strong and fit half-orc is struggling to carry it. He sets it down on a side table, and the wood creaks audibly in protest.

"That imposing tome, my fellow agents, is the Book of the Titan. Fortunately for you, you don't need to read it. Instead, I need you to deliver it to a wizard with giant blood in order to perform what, I'm . . . reliably . . . told by Drandle Dreng is a lengthy and complex ritual to unlock the powerful magics it contains."

Mahki is caught with his nose in Anthys' rucksack before another gentle admonishment from Torrsen brings the dog to heel. "As I was saying, I need you to deliver the book. The Iceferry Lodge doesn't have a great trove of historical records, and so the best candidate I can find to the conduct the ritual is a cloud giant arcanist named Zoarth. Unlike most of giantkind, Zoarth is not automatically hostile to the smaller races, although he does like his privacy. His castle lies at the top of a high peak in the Kodar Mountains. Fortunately, a caravan route passes close to the base of the peak, so you won't need to walk all the way from here."

He chuckles at himself. "I guess I should have started by saying welcome and thank you for accepting this task! If you have questions, please speak slowly and make sure I can see your lips."

@GM Jhaeman - Are there any knowledge checks we can make to know more about the Book of the Titan, Zoarth or the Kodar Mountains?

"Scaling the peak without magical means will be a challenge to some in our party. Do you know how far a climb it is from the base of the peak to the top of the high peak of the Kodar Mountains or the weather conditions that we might experience? I am expecting frozen conditions with air that is difficult to breathe. Not to mentions avalanches and other physical hazards that are common in the mountains."

Farrokh waits for the Venture Captain to finish with Xilt's question before adding "Have you already been in contact with Zoarth about this request or does our task also include persuading him to perform the ritual?"

Venture-Captain Torrsen nods at Xilt. "It's a good sign that you've asked the question--I've seen many Pathfinder agents journey out into the dangerous wilderness of the Lands of the Linnorm Kings with barely a moment's thought! Mount Kallaris is located in the northwestern portion of the Kodar Mountains and is part of a relatively low range--I don't expect you need to worry about avalanches or the altitude. At this time of the year, you can expect sleet and freezing rain at lower elevations, turning to snow as you get higher up. I have reliable reports from regulars on the caravan that there is a steep mountain road--more of a path, really--heading up Mount Kallaris. The top of the mountain is always shrouded in clouds, however, which I suspect may be Zoarth's attempt to maintain his privacy."

He chuckles softly after reading Farrokh's question. "Alas, I haven't brought you here purely as an armed courier for the tome. We have no way of communicating with Zoarth from afar as he ignores any magical messages. You'll need to introduce yourselves and persuade him to conduct the ritual. Indeed, one of the reasons I requested you and Xilt to be part of this team is the hope that he'll respect your own expertise in the arcane arts."

@Xilt: It's a good question. The module doesn't provide any Knowledge checks, so I've put some extra information from the adventure background, etc., into the V-C's dialogue here.

"Other than Zoarth, what other beings might live in the Kodar Mountains? Are any known to be hostile to humans?"

Adeah, who was herself about to journey out into the wilderness with barely a moment's thought, racks her brain for a question to ask. "How far is the journey? As the raven flies?"

Once the Venture Captain has answered the other questions, Farrokh follows up on his earlier query ”From what you know about Zoarth, is there any advice you can give us on possible negotiation tactics? Things he may be especially susceptible to, or topics to avoid?”

Tzeletor looks over the party not exactly sure about who will be leading the negotiation with Zoarth.

"Are any of you actually good at talking?"

The mephit's eyes turn to Berato.

"Well maybe the cleric will do. He seems a bit prettier than the rest of you."

Xilt knows his place and that is not in any way interacting socially with anyone.

"I do speak and understand Giant of course and that might come in handy but I am not leading any negotiation. Also a giant intelligent enough to unlock this text will speak Taldane at the very least so I doubt that we will need magical means in order to communicate."

"The base of Mount Kallaris is several days' travel from here, but I've arranged in advance for the provision of your meals and warm sleeping equipment while you're with the caravan. After that, you're on your own when it comes to supplies. As for dangerous creatures, that stretch of the Kodar Range is known to be home to a tribe of hill giants known as the Jurn, several nomadic groups of trolls, and a host of non-sapient animals like dire bears, dire wolves, and rocs." Torrsen looks down at Mahki, who is tugging gently on his trouser leg. "And speaking of meals, it looks like I've forgotten someone's dinner time! I've a stew simmering in the kitchen for us as well." He reads Farokh's lips carefully, and says "The records say little about Zoarth's personality, apart from an obsession with privacy and something about a fondness for cats. Negotiating is a song you'll have to play by ear, I'm afraid."

”Skill with words is certainly not one of my main areas of expertise but hopefully I know enough to assist people more able in that regard.” replies Farrokh to Tzeletor’s enquiry.

Noting Torrsen’s comment about cats he adds ”I don’t suppose anyone happens to have a cat?”

The Mephit rolls his eyes and shakes his head at Farrokh's question. Tzleztor might not always have the best ideas but he can teach a master class in sarcasm.

"Really? Is that your plan? Try to placate the genius level giant with a cat?"

"It is a good thing that we have pretty boy along to try to sweet talk Zoarth into not squashing us on sight. Then I suppose your wizardly types can talk to him about the magic in this book of yours."

Xilt blushes a bit at this familiar's boldness or rudeness depending on your point of view.

"Yes, that was ... helpful."

The wizard is not a stranger to cold weather hailing from The Realm of The Mammoth Lords but is of course no ranger.

"We should try to remember to bring enough food and climbing supplies for those who do not fly. Cold weather gear, snowshoes and rope might be helpful."

”To be fair I was only seeing the cat idea as supplemental to the main plan.” smiles Farrokh.

”Good point on the equipment. Venture Captain, would you anticipate us needing anything over and above warm weather gear to protect us from the cold conditions? I’m thinking specifically about magical protections.”

Tzleztor crosses his arms in mock annoyance at Farrokh's words.

"Well if you are going to be all reasonable about it then where is the fun in that?"

Torrsen shakes his head after reading Farrokh's lips. "No, given the time of year and relatively low height of Mount Kellaris' summit, extensive magical protections shouldn't be necessary."

The Venture-Captain bustles around, and soon a savoury-smelling stew is simmering over the fireplace.

Any other questions, or preparations/purchases you'd like to make? When you're ready, the module handwaves the journey to the base of the mountain, but after that we'll be on a day-by-day schedule and I *am* the pesky sort of GM who expects PCs to have rations, etc. :)

Good to know, thank you for specifying ahead of time!

Once the meeting is done, while waiting for the caravan to depart Adeah hits the markets. She purchases a set of cold weather clothing and two weeks of elven trail rations for a total of 36 gold. (Adeah gets no extra benefits from these no matter how long she eats them; they just remind her of home.)

"Venture-Captain, can the trek up Mount Kallaris be done by horse? how are the trails up there? For a time now, I've had a mind to buy a Satchel of Plentiful Feed for my warhorse... if other mounts are joining mine, I may invest in a larger satchel. Any information you have would be more than appreciated Sir."

"All I've been able to glean from eyewitness accounts is that there's a road--some say more of a path, really--that climbs the mountain. It's a steep and arduous ascent, but better than true mountaineering."

"I'll leave the horse at base camp then. Better safe than sorry..."

Xilt spends some time to carefully remember this room in the lodge in case he needs to come back here in a hurry.

@GM Jhaeman - Iceferry might be a bit small for all purchases but it is really close to Kalsgard (especially for characters who can fly and teleport). My character will buy ten days worth of rations, two blood boiling pills, one tangleshot arrow (sized small), a cold weather outfit and an umbrella. He will also spend 2 prestige points to pick up a wand of magic missiles from a chronicle sheet (CL 5, 10 charges) for his trusty familiar. The total cost is 2 PP and 185 gold.

Berato nods his thanks to the Venture-Captain and proceeds, wizard permitting, to accompany Xilt in his shopping spree. Along the way Berato purchases the following.

Belt of Physical Might +2 (STR/CON)
Bag of Holding Type III
Kit, Arctic
Kit, Campsite
Kit, Climber's
Kit, Cooking
Tent, Pavillion
Firewood (10 days)
Ale (10 gallons)
Cheese (10 pound wheel, whole)
Chest, Medium
Coffee Pot, with 5 pounds of ground beans
Honey Jar
Travel Cake Mix
Meat, 5 pounds
Bread, 10 loaves

Upon his return to the lodge, Berato pulls out the chest from the bag of holding, and invites whoever wishes to place their heavy gear or food rations into the chest (4 cubic feet of space maximum; no more than 400 pounds of gear please due to bag of holding limitations; i.e. currently 60% full at 600 pounds due to the other stuff listed above)

"Could you pick up a few things for me?"
Anthys will buy 5 scrolls of Endure Elements, as well as the same foodstuffs as Berato: 10 gallons ale, 10 lbs cheese, 5 lbs meat (like a cured ham), 10 lbs bread.

Following the meeting with the Venture Captain Farrokh will also join in the shopping trip, looking to pick up two weeks of trail rations, a small tent, a tent cover, a winter blanket, a cold weather outfit, travel cake mix and an additional two days worth of firewood.

"Although it sounds like it may not be totally necessary, I can also include some long running protective spells for the rest of the group in my end of day spellcasting." Farrokh notes "If I have not needed to use all of my spell memorisation capacity for the day, there are a few long lasting spells that I like memorise at the end of the day to cast on myself before I go to sleep and I should be able to cast some of those on others as well on days when I've had the opportunity to do this, Following the meeting with the Venture Captain Farrokh will also join in the shopping trip, looking to pick up two weeks of trail rations, a small tent, a tent cover, a winter blanket, a cold weather outfit, travel cake mix and an additional two days worth of firewood.

[b]"Although it sounds like it may not be totally necessary, I can also include some long running protective spells for the rest of the group in my end of day spellcasting." Farrokh notes "If I have not needed to use all of my spell memorisation capacity for the day, there are a few long lasting spells that I like memorise at the end of the day to cast on myself before I go to sleep and I should be able to cast some of those on others as well to provide protection from the elements and similar on days when I've had the opportunity to do this."

Every night, as long as he still has appropriate unused spell slots, Farrokh memorises (if necessary) and casts the following spells on himself: extended right of centered mind, lucky number, endure elements, extended delay poison, extended false life, minor reversion x2, life bubble. It's typically only on days where he is not expecting any trouble, but on those days he is likely to also be able to put life bubble on one other person for 20 hours, plus use mnemonic enhancer to memorise some additional 1st level spells like endure elements for the rest of the party as well.."[/b]

Every night, as long as he still has appropriate unused spell slots, Farrokh memorises (if necessary) and casts the following spells on himself: extended right of centered mind, lucky number, endure elements, extended delay poison, extended false life, minor reversion x2, life bubble. It's typically only on days where he is not expecting any trouble, but on those days he is likely to also be able to put life bubble on one other person for 20 hours, plus use mnemonic enhancer to memorise some additional 1st level spells like endure elements for the rest of the party as well.

Xilt brightens at the prospect of hot coffee and real food during the mountain leg of the journey not to mention the thoughts of drinking ale around a roaring fire.

The wizard nods at Farrokh's explanation of how to best preserve one's magical energies during a long adventure.

"Well I will be more than happy to help out with the nightly preparatory castings and I have a pocket dimension where we can all sleep in absolute safety every night after enjoying a good night's meal in the pavilion tent of course."

"I will be able to summon a helper to do all the chores around the campsite so we can just relax and unwind after a day of adventuring and I will set up a magical warning system as well when we begin our rest for the day."

Tzleztor looks around at the others.

"Well, I don't need to sleep so I can stay on watch at night while the rest of you doze off."

"Drowsiness is not the only hazard a watchman can face. We shall not leave you alone to watch all of our hides, Mighty Tzleztor. We will take our duty seriously and share the load equally," replies Berato, with a smile.

Xilt smiles.

"To be fair gazing out of invisible window from another dimension is hardly hazardous. Still if you wish to accompany him for part of his watch I am sure that your company will be most welcome."

"As before, Xilt, I'll skip that."

Anthys will buy 5 scrolls of Keep Watch.

The Pathfinders plan well for their upcoming journey, making purchases and discussing the logistics of travel through potentially hazardous territory.

Okay, I'll wait another 12 hours or so in case anyone has anything else, and then we'll proceed with the adventure!

@Everyone: Thumbs up on the purchases--I trust you to make sure they're PFS legal and that you have enough Fame to source them. Xilt has already done so, but could everyone else who has made purchases please list your total amount spent, as I'll note that on your Chronicles.

I have no idea how my last post got so badly messed up, it looks like it saved an earlier version of the text where I'd accidentally pasted it twice. Clearly some major user error on my part!

"The pocket dimension and other campsite plans sound like an excellent ideas."

Here's the details of what Farrokh spent: 14 trail rations (7gp), 1 small tent (10gp), 1 tent cover (15gp), 1 winter blanket (5sp), 1 cold weather outfit (8gp), 1 travel cake mix (1sp) 2 firewood (2cp) = 40gp, 6sp, 2cp.

Berato nods his thanks to the Venture-Captain and proceeds, wizard permitting, to accompany Xilt in his shopping spree. Along the way Berato purchases the following.

Belt of Physical Might +2 (STR/CON)
Bag of Holding Type III
Kit, Arctic
Kit, Campsite
Kit, Climber's
Kit, Cooking
Tent, Pavillion
Firewood (10 days)
Ale (10 gallons)
Cheese (10 pound wheel, whole)
Chest, Medium
Coffee Pot, with 5 pounds of ground beans
Honey Jar
Travel Cake Mix
Meat, 5 pounds
Bread, 10 loaves

Upon his return to the lodge, Berato pulls out the chest from the bag of holding, and invites whoever wishes to place their heavy gear or food rations into the chest (4 cubic feet of space maximum; no more than 400 pounds of gear please due to bag of holding limitations; i.e. currently 60% full at 600 pounds due to the other stuff listed above)

Mundane (235gp), Belt STR/CON +2 (10,000gp), Bag of Holding Type III (7,400gp)

The journey via caravan from Iceferry was long, slow, cold, and fortunately perfectly uneventful. With waves of farewell from friends made along the way, the long line of wagons and carriages gradually draws further away as a group of intrepid Pathfinders stand at the base of Mount Kellaris in the southern Lands of the Linnorm Kings. Here, a steep mountain road begins a winding ascent. Curiously, the mountain's peek is completely obscured by a thick, opaque layer of fluffy white clouds--even though the sky in every other direction looks clear!

Okay, over to you!

Xilt assesses the weather and the potential climb as he speaks to his party.

"Now that is interesting what is happening at the mountain peek. It is probably not a natural phenomenon."

"At any rate there are spells to see through that cloud cover."

(Identify unnatural weather phenomenon Knowledge Nature DC 15, Table 4-6 CRB)

22 Knowledge Nature on a take 10.

@GM Jhaeman - As the caravan journey must have taken days can we have overnight buffs up or do you want us to start casting all of our spells starting right now? Also what time of day is it and what are the weather conditions like?

The mephit whistles when he sees the clouds at the top of the mountain.

"That fog is as thick as pea soup or even peanut butter!"

I could not resist lifting that line (more or less) from one of my favorite Christmas specials. :)

"That fog is as thick as pea soup or even peanut butter!"

"You eat what you like and I'll eat what I like!"

I too included my total purchases in my shopping post (36 gp).

Adea looks up at the imposing mountain. "Like as not, it's an effect created by big what's-his-name to make it even more secluded up there. At least, from what we know it would be quite in-character for him."

Xilt assesses the odd cloud cover over Mount Kellaris.

@Everyone: We'll assume it is around noon when the caravan drops you off, the air is cool and crisp (but not so cold to require Fortitude saves), and you can have active any spells or ongoing effects you would like.

Looking at the mountain are we able to get a rough idea of how long it is likely to take us to get to the top?

"It would certainly fit with what we have been told." agrees Farrokh as he gazes up at the mountain. "Is there anything anyone wants to do before we start making our way up?"

Once the party are ready to begin the ascent Farrokh casts a few longer lasting spells on himself (mage armor and overland flight).

He will also have also done his standard end of day spellcasting the previous day right before sleeping so will also have the following: right of centered mind (24hrs), lucky number (24hrs), endure elements (24hrs), extended delay poison (20hrs), extended false life (20hrs), minor reversion x2 (24hrs), life bubble (20hrs).

As part of the previous nights casting he can also give one other member of the party life bubble for 20hrs and can cast up to 9 levels of level 1-3 spells with up to 3 castings of mnemonic enhancer if anyone else wants any long lasting spells casting on them (e.g. lucky number, endure elements), he also has one remaining use of his lesser extend metamagic rod so could give one other person extended delay poison which will last for 20hrs. So let me know if anyone wants any of those.