| GM Frost |
Dot in and delete.
| GM Frost |
The Pathfinders are called into the Grand Lodge for a briefing by chief archivist Zarta Dralneen. They convene in the vaults beneath the lodge, in an office lined with bookshelves and ancient relics in glass cases. An ornate treasure chest rests at the foot of the solid oak desk where Zarta is busily writing.
Kindly introduce yourselves to her to get her attention.
Khagra, Skewerspike
|
Khagra is a very large, very green, very shirtless, very Orc.
Khagra lines up behind Rysk and pounds his chest "Khagra here."
A pair of tridents are crossed over his back and his bare chest is covered in scars.
Rangi
|
Another orc enters, yet this one is old and bend down. His skin is covered in scars and one of his hand looks like it was mauled solidly, He has shield strapped to that arm.
He looks around and Ysoki and another Orc
"Blood and honor!" he says to the barbarian and nods to Rysk "I am Rangi, a group of best and brightest was supposed to gather here" he speaks in harsh voice
Welby Goodsole
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A halfling who looks like a farmer enters, followed by a large duck.
"G-greetings. I'm Welby. This is D-Drake. He used to be a normal duck until one day he quacked and said he was actually a d-dragon. Been dragging me around on his adventures ever since. I miss those quieter days..." Welby says.
Will update statline shortly.
Elsha Ustosh
|
A tall, slightly awkward Garundi man approaches. His hair and beard both seem "wispy", perhaps a little unkempt. His dark brown eyes are eerily almost completely black. As he strode you could hear the clattering of glass and other vials concealed in the inside pockets of his long, dark green coat.
He starts to introduce himself, halts, and then laughs sheepishly.
Elsha has been away from missions for a little while, dwelling on his alchemical practices, and so he's extra nervous when he arrives at the lodge today. He likes the fact that they're meeting in the vaults, the old dark archive, where there are likely to be fewer people.
Smiling warmly, as part of an attempt to start over, he tries again.
H-hello. I'm Elsha. I think I'm with this group?
| GM Frost |
While waiting for Quickblade...
The Chief Archivist can hear them but keeps herself busy until the last of them introduces. Zarta finally holds up a finger, scribing a few lines on the page in front of her before looking up. “Good, you’re here. Thank you for coming; I fear our newer agents lack the experience necessary to handle some of the tasks at hand.” She gestures to the chest at the foot of the desk. “This is Biglock, who’s been unusually quiet. Aren’t you going to say hello, Biglock?”
The front of the chest splits open into a gaping, toothy grin. “Just trying not to interrupt the briefing—until it’d be funny.”
Zarta shakes her head, though the corner of her mouth quirks up in a smile. “Biglock, as you can see, is cursed with a sense of humor. He and his associate, Mr. Glovely, will be giving you the details on these missions. As some of you may recall, we recently obtained a treasure vault formerly held by the Onyx Alliance. They entrusted it to us after a tangle with the night hag Aslynn; it appears there’s something in the vault she wants. To make sense of her plans, it’s vital we properly catalog and secure the vault’s contents. In the process, we’ve found some items that require additional attention. You’ll be heading to the Grand Bazaar to consult with merchants about four of these treasures, as their expertise will be invaluable in identifying, fixing, or locating the items in question.”
"Any questions?"
Quickblade Trueshot
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A tall man in scale armor enters behind Elsha.
"Quickblade Trueshot, Warpriest of Nivi Rhombodazzle, at your service. I am certain, with 2 to 1 odds that I am part of this group." He pulls out a pair of dice, toying with them in his hand, "Anyone care for a game?"
Elsha Ustosh
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That means we'll need to remove the items from the vaults. Is that safe? Can we conceal their movement f-from Aslynn?
Rangi
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"So a bazaar run, do we know anyone there? Do we expect any difficulties?" says Rangi nodding to the other, Elsha and birdman
| GM Frost |
That means we'll need to remove the items from the vaults. Is that safe? Can we conceal their movement f-from Aslynn?
“Don't worry, we don’t believe these are the items Aslynn is interested in. That doesn’t mean they’re unimportant, however. Some are dangerous, while others hold secrets that could prove quite valuable. With that in mind, Biglock here will get you the items one at a time to minimize how many we have outside the vault at once, so check in with him after you’ve finished with each." Zarta replies.
"So a bazaar run, do we know anyone there? Do we expect any difficulties?" says Rangi nodding to the other, Elsha andbirdman
Rysk's Keen Recollection (U): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20 (Any Lore; Recall Knowledge Only) (Success) (Ralliadra, Erikanesh)
"I'm sure some you might know some of the merchants that you will be dealing with there." she tells Rangi while looking at some of you with a smile. "Remember, the Society has a great deal of expertise,” Zarta says, “but these shopkeepers specialize in a subject area related to the item or hold something else we need. I’m sure your own talents will be vital in gaining their assistance.”
Per item, I will reveal the results of RK check I made once we get there. Kindly remind me if I forget.
"Well..just shopping.. nothing more dangerous than that, y-yeah?" Welby says.
"Shopping, sort of. Dangerous? Well, treat this as your usual mission, exciting to learn something, but dangerous."
"If you have no more questions, I will take you over to Biglock." she tells them before she leaves.
| GM Frost |
Everyone begins with two hero points each.
Once the Pathfinders are ready, Biglock and Mr. Glovely present them with their first treasure. Biglock directs Mr. Glovely to bring out a tattered scroll, a major codebreaker’s parchment.
The mimic grins, showing off his gold-plated teeth, as the two gloves hovering next to him present a tattered parchment scroll. “This little number is a major codebreaker’s parchment! Some Pathfinder codebreakers tried to decipher it, but it didn’t go so well. The words on the page flashed red and partially dissolved before coming back. They took it as a warning and left off messing with it, but they managed to decipher two words: Omira Descinaria. Apparently, she’s a retired Pathfinder who runs a shop in the Grand Bazaar now, called the Barghest’s Bin. No idea what connection she might have to the thing, but it’s worth an inquiry, no?”
"Meet with Omira to see if she can decipher the parchment." Biglock instructs them. He, with MNr. Glovely's assistance, lends the them a diviner’s nose chain (Pathfinder Lost Omens Pathfinder Society Guide 77) to assist in determining the veracity of Omira’s report. "And don't forget your Provisions!" Biglock opens his chest mouth to reveal and pick their Provision.
Once done, "Alright, go your way! And report back before we get to our next item." he tells while Mr. Glovely waves them goodbye.
Please tell me who will use the diviner's nose chain.
Rysk Ysoki
|
Rysk takes a moment to study the parchment. Hopefully Omira could unlock the secret message within, but he'd do what he can to help.
Pursue a Lead: The codebreaker's parchment.
Rysk holds up the chain.
"I'm sure I'd benefit from something like this. Anyone else really want to wear it?"
Khagra, Skewerspike
|
Khagra will take the nosechain.
Edited Macros and header.
"Khagra take chain. Am certaintly no good at deciphering document. Hopefully Omira good at that."
| GM Frost |
Once they are ready, the Pathfinders head over to the Grand Bazaar and search for the Barghest's Bin. When they arrive at the Barghest’s Bin, they find that the front window of the Barghest’s Bin showcases a dizzying variety of curios. A weathered dragon skull sits at the center of the display, surrounded by multicolored bottles of liquid, bejeweled wands and weapons, and a chest overflowing with glittering coins. Inside the shop, racks of weapons, wands, and potions are neatly displayed and labeled, and a sign overhead reads, “Ask any questions you like!” In the middle of the room stands a glowering statue of a barghest, its body and limbs festooned with cloaks, robes, and belts.
A female human is organizing displays when the party arrive and greets them cheerfully.
"Hello! Welcome to Barghest's Bin! I am Omira, at your service. What are you looking for?" she tells them.
Elsha Ustosh
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Elsha is certainly too shy to claim the nose chain. Anyway that's been settled.
He informs the team that the name Omira Descinaria is familiar to him and that he knows where her shop is in the Grand Bazaar.
I recall that Omira Descinaria of the B-B-Barghest’s Bin retired from the Pathfinders after a disastrous exploration of a daemon-worshipping necromancer’s tomb. She went in with a t-typical party and... came back alone.
--------------------
H-hello Omira. It's good to meet you. We're c-current Pathfinders come to ask a simple favor of a former Pathfinder.
He produces the parchment.
The agents at the vaults failed to decipher this, but before they gave up, they decipher your name. So we th-thought you might be able to make more sense of it.
He holds it out for her to inspect.
| GM Frost |
Omira’s eyes light up as she spots the Pathfinder insignia from Khagra's Wayfinder. “Pathfinders! Ha! I knew you had the spark.”
She claps Elsha on the back with surprising strength. “You’ve got that ‘just whisked a ghoul back to Boneyard and lived to brag about it’ look. Good.”
“I may be retired, but I’m always glad to see the next wave carrying the torch. Don’t be shy now—tell me about your adven..." she is interrupted when she sees the parchment.
“It can’t be...” she murmurs, before requesting to see it.
"This parchment belonged to an adventuring companion of mine. I didn’t know of this specific parchment’s existence until now, but it was a method of my former team used to log sensitive information."
She pauses. "I can help you open it, but I need you to do me a favor." She closes the door behind them and turns the shop sign to 'Closed'.
She silently awaits for their answer.
Elsha Ustosh
|
Elsha smiles weakly.
Deciphering this is our t-task, and so it seems we are at your service.
| GM Frost |
"Make sense," Omira agrees.
"Well, here's the thing. You know that feeling doing something and can't remember it after? On the day I opened this store, there was a shop with a purple door across the street. I recalled stopping in, but I can't remember of me with experiences within that shop. I haven't seen the door since, so I believe the shop must have closed or remodeled. However, anytime I smell pesh or a caustic chemical, the memory of that purple door returns. It troubles me, as does my lack of memory for my time inside that shop, and I've consulted several scholars for assistance with no luck." she shares with them.
"However, I created an immersive mindscape linked to my own consciousness. In theory, this allows others to enter and view my memories. I've been uncertain whom to trust with this deeply personal endeavor, but I think your arrival here is timely, and the fact that you are also Pathfinders, I think I can rely on you."
"Here's what you need to do: enter the mindscape once I open it and locate my missing memories. At first, it might be disorienting, but you'll get used to it if you attune yourselves to my thoughts in there. Enter the mindscape when you are ready." Omira tells them and opens the mindscape.
When entering, each PC must attempt a DC 23 Occultism, Religion, or Medicine check.
Everbody is up to enter the mindscape!
Quickblade Trueshot
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Medicine(E): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (12) + 15 = 27
Quickblade easily enters the mindscape and looks about with wonder...
Welby Goodsole
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"Um.. oh.. well, I hope it is s-safe.." Welby says.
Medicine: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25
Elsha Ustosh
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Being from Nex Elsha has heard of things like this before. He is a bit surprised someone would invite strangers into their mind. Still, that’s the request.
DC23 Occultism: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (11) + 15 = 26
Rangi
|
Medicine: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32 If clue in would work I would definitely take it ;)
| GM Frost |
All of the Pathfinders have steeled their minds when they enter the mindscape. Omira's swirling thoughts do not disorient them.
The codebreaker parchment is unrelated to this part. Nevertheless, each of you gains bonus to skill checks while in the mindscape:
Quickblade, Welby, Elsha, Khagra, Rangi: +1 circumstance bonus to skill checks inside the mindscape
Rysk: +2 circumstance bonus to skill checks inside the mindscape
Once inside, spiraling sets of stairs, weaving through one another in a byzantine pattern, lead up and down from a central platform. Doors are interspersed along their paths in improbable locations, and it’s difficult to make sense of where one path ends and another begins. Every so often, a bright purple door appears in view, though it seems to vanish whenever it’s viewed directly.
This encounter takes place over the course of 4 rounds. Each round, each PC can attempt a DC 21 Daemon Lore check or a DC 24 Occultism, Religion, or Survival check to navigate the mindscape and earn Memory Points (MP). CS: +2 MP; S: +1 MP; CF: -1 MP.
Since Elsha shared what he knows about Omira, DCs are reduced and already included. Moreover, DC is reduced by 2 for Khagra wearing the diviner’s nose chain, as the scent granted by the chain allows you to follow the pesh scent to the relevant memories.
Everyove is up for Round 1 of navigating the mindscape!
Rysk Ysoki
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Rysk tries to focus on the strange patterns, but decides just letting his keen senses direct him is the best approach.
Survival: 1d20 + 16 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 16 + 2 = 22
But it might take some time getting adjusted
Survival (hero point): 1d20 + 16 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 16 + 2 = 25
1 hero point + 1 campaign coin remaining
@GM. Linking to Warren Navigator, in case you think it would be applicable here.
Welby Goodsole
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Welby tries to adjust to the dreamspace...
"T-this is disturbing..."
Survival: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 10 + 1 = 22
Quickblade Trueshot
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Religion(T): 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 12 + 1 = 28
Quickblade tries to find what he can find inside Omira's memories.
Elsha Ustosh
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Elsha suspects they should not use ordinary means of navigation or orienteering. Rather, the essence of this place is best approached with esoterica, the obscure, and a touch of the supernatural.
DC24 Occultism: 1d20 + 15 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 15 + 1 = 36
+2 MP
He starts to make sense of it more quickly than he expected.
| GM Frost |
I will rule Warren Investigator of Rysk may apply here. Rysk easily navigates the mindscape and finds a ritual circle and hears chanting in Daemonic. Crit, 2 MP
Welby seems to be going around as he tries to walk throught the steps. Fail, 0 MP
Quickblade goes through the ladders, and sees more ritual circles. 1 MP
Khagra sees many doors but finds them leading to nowhere. Fail, 0 MP
Elsha treats the mission as something supernatural to make sense of what he is seeing. Eventually he smells a heady scent of pesh. Crit, 2 MP
Rangi is still up for Round 1!
Rangi
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Religion, level bump to make it explicit: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 11 + 1 = 22
Rangi knows a thing or two about religion and can navigate the realm, those are not the first daemons that he sees
| GM Frost |
As Rangi tries navigating, the space ahead seems to stretch unnaturally, leaving him stuck in the same spot despite his steps. Fail, 0 MP
Everybody is up for Round 2 of navigating the mindscape!
Rangi
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Religion, level bump to make it explicit: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 11 + 1 = 21
Rangi tries the second time but with similar outcome
Quickblade Trueshot
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Religion(T): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17
Quickblade continues to navigate the mindscape but can't find anything relevant this time around.
Elsha Ustosh
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Elsha continues on the path of the supernatural that worked so well.
DC24 Occultism: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35 :O
Welby Goodsole
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Welby tries to figure things out, trying to follow his companions.
Survival: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 10 + 1 = 26
| GM Frost |
Rangi isn't moving, but finds himself closing in with others when he does not intend to. Mindscape is weird. 0 MP
Quickblade fails to find something useful with further investigation. 0 MP
Rysk, with his experience as a ratfolk, navigates the mindscape with ease. Somewhere, he hears whispers of vengeance. Vengeance against whom? Crit Success, 2 MP
Elsha keeps focusing on the supernatural aspect of the mindscape and sees the same ritual circle. However, she observes it a bit clearly, with Omira being affected by the ritual in some sense, a vision of someone getting inside her... Crit Success, 2 MP
Welby has a glimpse of what, or who, gets inside Omira's body during the ritual: a silhouette of a wasted wolf-like creature with hideous claws. Success, 1 MP
Khagra gets bumped into Rangi when their stairs connect. Fail, 0 MP
Round 1: 5 MP; Round 2: 5 MP
As the Pathfinders navigate farther into the mindscape, the stairs abruptly vanish beneath their feet, sending them plummeting down on another set of stairs below!
Everyone, roll DC 22 basic Reflex save vs 6d12 ⇒ (9, 3, 9, 2, 8, 9) = 40 B damage (and be Frightened 1 on Crit Fail)!
Quickblade Trueshot
|
Ref: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27
Quickblade lets out a yell as the stairs suddenly vanish. He manages to grab onto ... something ... but the jolt is still pretty painful.
"Everyone ok!?" he calls.
EEEK! I just realized I don't have an Aeon stone!!
Elsha Ustosh
|
DC22 basic Reflex vs 40 B damage (and be Frightened 1 on Crit Fail): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (2) + 15 = 17
Ouch! Not really okay...