GM Valen's 1-12 The Burden of Envy (A Table of an Old Favorite for New Players)(Table 1)

Game Master Lysle

You have an appointment aboard the Merry Mayfly.

Having received a request for aid from Valais Durant of the Radiant Oath faction, the party has gathered aboard the Merry Mayfly, a ship headed toward Xin Edasseril. En route, your ship rendezvouses with another vessel, the Lightbringer.

Once the two vessels come alongside, the Lightbringer’s crew escorts you below deck to meet with Durant and her unlikely associate, Guaril Karela. The ship’s interior is lit by lanterns that hang from the ceiling overhead, swaying back and forth along with the motion of the ship.

"“I need your help for a task that requires both great risk and discretion.” Durant begins. The aasimar woman gestures to the green-eyed Varisian man, who flashes a sly grin framed by a thin mustache."This is Guaril Karela, a prominent figure among the Sczarni.”

"The Sczarni maintain asmuggling ring, providing freedom to those chafing under the oppression of Belimarius, the Runelord of Envy and ruler of Edasseril." Durant continues. "Demand for such services is high,” she pauses and casts a somewhat disdainful glare toward Guaril, “allowing the Sczarni to extract hefty sums from desperate patrons."

"I find the practice rather distasteful,” Valais sighs. “However, collaboration with his operations grants the Radiant Oath some measure of oversight in ensuring proper treatment of the refugees. Further, I have Guaril’s personal assurance that the Sczarni will not demand more in payment than their clients can afford.”

“Transportation’s expensive,” Guaril chimes in. “Not to mention paying off border guards and harbormasters. It’s dangerous work. Certainly, you wouldn’t expect my people to take such risk and not be properly compensated, would you? Or have you forgotten that Belimarius has placed a price on my head?”

“Not the first to do so, I’m sure.” Valais notes, before continuing, “Belimarius and her minions began to suspect Guaril’s intentions the last time he was in Edasseril. Now, they seek not only his head, but those of his known associates, including those among the Pathfinder Society. It is not presently safe for them or Guaril to venture within Edasseril’s borders.”

“I had a number of clients ready to go, before leaving Xin-Edasseril,” explains Guaril. “Most of the arrangements are already made. All you need to do is make contact with the clients. Give them the time and place for departure, then escort them out of the city—with their payment.” The Sczarni stresses. “You’ll get a hefty cut of the payment you secure as compensation for your hard work.”

“I prepared a client list,” Guaril says, handing over a sheet of scrawled paper. “Memorize it. Then, tear it up, burn it, chew it, swallow it—whatever you do, get rid of it! If Belimarius gets a hold of it, it’s a death sentence for anyone named on it."

I will pause here to allow players to catch up and to provide the information requested on this Slide and the marching order on this Slide.

(some time earlier)

Striding up the gangway of the Merry Mayfly is a dark-haired and dark-eyed dwarf. His beard is split into twin braids, with hair pulled back into a braided ponytail as well. Modra Boeske is armored in a breastplate, with a steel shield close by and a warhammer ready to be drawn at a moment's notice. He looks uncomfortable, shifting awkwardly and looking around anxiously, until he is met by either the Pathfinder contact or is introduced to the other agents.

(hearing the briefing)

Modra listens to the information from both the Radiant Oath representative and Guaril the smuggler with a scowl on his face. "Smugglin' folk fer coin, distasteful work, but so's leavin' folk in a place like tha'..." This gripe vocalized, he looks closely at the paper with contacts, doing his best to memorize its names and notations so that it can be destroyed as requested rather than place anyone in further danger.

Listed my info on the slides. I'm not sure what (if any) modifier goes with Defend so if I need to put more, please let me know and I'll list it. Stuck myself at the front because I'm in armor and I'm slow but if someone with better eyes wants the front spot feel free to put me farther back.

At first glance, one of the arrivals might be mistaken for an old farmer fresh out of the fields at harvest time, for he bears a scythe and sickle. Or perhaps he is a hunter, with long bow and armor made of hides of bear and bison. He wears the holy symbol of Erastil on his chest, which is the first clue as to his true calling, a battle priest of Old Deadeye.

He is a big man with Ulfen features, apparently in his forties or fifties, with kind grey eyes and a beard and mane of course salt and pepper hair that once was chestnut brown.

He sets his weapons down and removes some of his other gear and then introduces himself. "My community called me Father Emil, but Emil's fine. Erastil's blessing be upon you."

Emil is well armored and could be a front line fighter if one is needed, although if he is fighting he won't be able to heal during battle, so if there are better folks for the front line, he'll take second rank.

During the briefing, Emil keeps a stoic expression, not betraying any judgment of the smuggler. He memorizes the list when it is his turn to look at it.

While they are aboard the Merry Mayfly, a gnome with bright blue hair and faintly green skin scampers here and there, curiously watching what every one of the sailors is doing. She frequently pauses what she is doing to sniff the air and then immediately returns to motion, resembling a hunting dog that is still an energetic puppy. As she crosses paths with every Pathfinder in the group she introduces herself proudly, possibly more than once if she has lost track: "Tockit's what they call me!"

Tockit settles down when they gather below deck on the Lightbringer for the briefing. She listens with deep respect to the representative from the Radiant Oath, but her eyes also sparkle with excitement. "I've never worked with a smuggler before, how invigorating!"

When the list gets passed to her, she reads it somberly. "Peoples' lives depend on us remembering their names, oh dear! Well, I know one way to memorize what really matters."

She starts humming and then comes up with a quick melody to help her remember the list of clients.

🎵
Flitch wears slippers on Envy Row East,
Themolin has the coin to be released.
Yuleg and daughter from Rockfish Inn flee,
Daffrid wants out with her family three.
Is Garrla the bait at the Emerald house?
Bring them all safely to Guaril the louse.
🎵

She gives the smuggler man a side-eye glance and adds, "No offense. I needed something that rhymed, you see."

Magnus is small and slight, even for a gnome. He has an unruly shock of long orange hair that is typically standing out in odd directions at any given point. He is not armored, wearing simple homespun robes. His only visible weapon is a staff. The wood of the staff, which is white bark entwined with lines of purple and orange, does not appear to be of this plane at all, but perhaps from the First World or some other exotic locale. A small black raven sits perched atop his shoulder, peering at the surroundings, including the other Pathfinders, with obvious curiosity.

"Well met, indeed fellow travelers! I am Magnus and am most certainly exuberantly elated to set forth on another mission. I am purveyor of the magical arts and a somewhat of a savant around cartography, the art of map-making, that is. When do we make landfall?"

He nods in appreciation at Tockit's clever improvisational song, and is happy to take a spot behind Father Emil and the doughty dwarf when it comes to melee.

To the officers, he bows low. "Seems elementary enough. Divine locations for said emigrants, aid their precipitant departure, and ensure appropriate lucre accompanies. What are the arrangements for extraction?"

A woman in a crisp white coat walks up the gangway with measured, efficient steps, pausing only once—just long enough for her dark eyes to sweep across the deck, taking in the sailors’ routines, the rigging, even the faint smell of pitch on the boards. Nothing seems to escape her notice. She offers a polite nod to the crew as she is led below decks, but says little. Her demeanor is composed, reserved, but not aloof—more like someone who prefers to assess the room before she speaks.

Once gathered in the lantern-lit chamber of the Lightbringer, Alenor stands near the wall, hands folded behind her back as the briefing begins. Her gaze shifts from Valais’s calm conviction to Guaril’s sly confidence, studying their words as much as their microexpressions.

Only after the others have spoken does she finally step forward. “Alenor Holt, Pathfinder Investigator.” She introduces herself with a steady, unhurried voice. There’s a crispness to her posture, as if discipline is as natural to her as breathing.

When the list is handed her way, she scans it with quick, precise motions—her brow tightening slightly as she commits each detail to memory.

(earlier introductions)

As the introductions proceed, the dwarf's aimless awkward shuffle shifts to more of an excitable bounce on the balls of his feet. He's particularly delighted to see the two gnomes, which he'll say to either Tockit or Magnus as they introduce themselves: "'tis good luck for a team when I en't the shortest one in it," he explains. "I'll keep ye safe, new friends." He stops for a moment, thinking of a recent companion with a smile.

"Me ma named me Modra, an' that's wha' everyone calls me. Spent most o' me life guardin' hearth an' home o' the clan halls. Lately, Torag called me to the Pathfinders, and here ye find me."

Having introduced himself, Modra notices the curious raven perched on Magnus and sidles over. Looking at the bird, "'lo there, a fine bird indeed. Do ye speak?"

A short man, slight of build and unremarkable save for a scar in place of a missing eye, hovers in the background of the cabin. He appears to be an average sellsword, wearing a rough leather jerkin under a drab tunic, with a shortsword at his belt and a shortbow in a leather case on his back.

"Name's Redmond," he says by way of introduction to his fellow agents, and clasps hands with any who accept. Unless pressed, he avoids answering any questions about his background or skills.

At the briefing, Redmond stands at the back of the group and listens without comment. He takes his turn at memorizing the note and passes it along.

Redmond is a rogue with the thief racket, and should work fine in the front or back lines. For now I think he'll travel at the front with Modra, and try to flank with him when possible.

Listed my info on the slides. I'm not sure what (if any) modifier goes with Defend so if I need to put more, please let me know and I'll list it. Stuck myself at the front because I'm in armor and I'm slow but if someone with better eyes wants the front spot feel free to put me farther back.

There is no particular modifier associated with Defend as with some other Exploration Activities, so it usually defaults to Perception.

She gives the smuggler man a side-eye glance and adds, "No offense. I needed something that rhymed, you see."

Guaril rolls his eyes as the gnome sings, but it brings a smile to the face of Valais Durant. "That is certainly one way to commit the information to memory!" She nods approvingly.

"One asks for smugglers and instead gets songbirds." Guaril mutters. He goes on to warn, "You had best keep a tighter grip on that beak once you get to the city."

"I will defer to Guaril on matters of smuggling," Durant concedes.

To the officers, he bows low. "Seems elementary enough. Divine locations for said emigrants, aid their precipitant departure, and ensure appropriate lucre accompanies. What are the arrangements for extraction?"

"As for arrangements," Valais Durant pauses in her reply to retrieve a neat bundle of papers, which she offers to the party. Among the papers are sets of travel papers each bearing one of your names and six merchants' permits. “You’ll be entering Xin-Edasseril disguised as merchants,” she explains. “These papers will allow you passage in and out of the city for five days before they expire.” She continues. “At dawn on the fourth day after your arrival in Xin-Edasseril, the ship Rolanna’s Prayer will arrive in a bay just outside the city: Shard Cove. The boat can accommodate five clients, providing an excellent opportunity to escape undetected. One of the clients, Flitch, knows a secret tunnel to Shard Cove."

“Once the clients are aboard ship, return to the city. Any remaining clients that you weren’t able to smuggle out by sea will have to be smuggled out of the city with you, which means you’ll have to get them past the guards at the docks." Valais notes. "Your ship, the Merry Mayfly, must depart the docks once your papers have expired.”

“The clients are expecting to deal with me,” cautions Guaril.“But as that’s not possible, and as it’s now a few days past the window when I was to make contact, the clients might need some reassurance to go through with the job.”

Giving the Pathfinders a stern look, Guaril then warns, “While you’re in Belimarius’s back yard, be careful. You are foreigners in Xin-Edasseril, and Belimarius has eyes everywhere. Don’t do anything that would draw unnecessary attention to yourselves. The last thing you want to do is tangle with the authorities. The runelord’s forces are well trained and quite capable. Keep your wits about you at all times and your blades sheathed.”

“We cannot afford one of you being arrested or interrogated. Pay any bribe required to remain free. I don’t want to further expose any part of the operation,” says Valais. “Our goal here is to bring hope and freedom to as many souls as we are able. It is risky, but hope and freedom are worth the price.”

"Any questions?"

A PC who succeeds at a Society check or a Warfare Lore check to Recall Knowledge remembers some information about Xin-Edasseril and Shard Cove. This is a secret check. If you wish to attempt it, please so indicate in your next post and include the relevant modifier.

Further, a PC who succeeds at a Society check or Thassilon Lore check to Recall Knowledge may remember some information regarding Belimarius. Again, this is a secret check. If you wish to attempt it, please so indicate and include the relevant modifier in your post.

When Durant and Karela finish explaining the details of the job, Redmond breaks his silence to address Guaril:

"Two questions. First, as you mentioned, paying off guards and harbormasters is expensive. Can't speak for the others, but I've hardly two coins to scrape together. How do you expect us to pay bribes?"

"Second, I know enough about your line of work to doubt you always make contact personally. Have you no token or sigil we could take, or secret code of some sort, to establish your confidence in us?"

Redmond is untrained in the relevant skills, so I'll pass on the secret checks.

With a wary expression, Modra listens as Guaril lays out the contours of the plan. Addressing the other Pathfinders, he says, "I want ye all t' know I en't much good at pretendin' to be somethin I en't. Muscle fer the merchants who knows when to keep his mouth shut, now tha' one might work." With a chuckle, he adds, "Though, ye could find some folk what would tell ye the keepin' me mouth shut part is hard. Not like to find them 'round this part o' Golarion, though."

The dwarf waits to hear the response to Redmond's questions before he pipes up with a couple of his own. "Aye, good points," he begins with a nod to Redmond. Considering the list of clients, he asks, "So, ye got nine folk wantin' to get out o' town in total, am I countin' tha' right? What are the odds o' there bein' any extra surprises lookin' to skip town?"

"Ye spoke about gettin' yer payment, but ye en't told us what these folk're supposed to be payin', except for not takin' any fish from this innkeep fella. How do we know if they've paid ye right?"

Trained in Warfare Lore +4 for first check, Society +4 for both checks

Emil's life experiences have not provided him with much knowledge of the societies beyond Taldor's Verduren Forest. He may have heard rumors of this land, but would not trust them to take much credence. Not trained in society, Emil will not roll for additional knowledge.

He asks one question, "I am a war priest of Erastil. How tolerant are these people of religious folk? Should I hide my holy symbol? What is the main religion practiced there?"

Magnus is +7 Society for both checks please

Upon Modra's curiosity about the raven Magnus says, "He asserts his appellation is Nevermore, but I remain unconvinced." Magnus says something in language that is sing-song-y but hard to understand. Then the raven repeats a similar phrase aloud, turning its head from side to side curiously.

"Pathfinder sans blades, but your point is comprehended, indubitably," Magnus chirps in when Guaril explains they should keep a low profile.
"Single point of failure at Shard's Cove exacerbates risk. If I may posit, duplicative tactics for exfiltration would be immensely preferential, but Pathfinders persevere."

When Durant and Karela finish explaining the details of the job, Redmond breaks his silence to address Guaril:

"Two questions. First, as you mentioned, paying off guards and harbormasters is expensive. Can't speak for the others, but I've hardly two coins to scrape together. How do you expect us to pay bribes?"

"Second, I know enough about your line of work to doubt you always make contact personally. Have you no token or sigil we could take, or secret code of some sort, to establish your confidence in us?"

"Don't they pay you Pathfinders?" Guaril replies with a shake of his head. "The Society was chosen for this job because its members are resourceful. If you want my suggestion? Don't get caught in the first place. Unless you are handling one of the clients, you should otherwise be keeping your nose clean. If you do that, you shouldn't need no payoffs."

"Now, once you start handling the clients, that's when you might be needing a bribe or two. In that case, be sure to take what you need from the clients. And get the coin from them up front, see? That way, if you're caught, you can likely handle any needed payoff. Understand?"

"As for setting up secret handshakes and what not?" Guaril continues with a bit of wince like one with fresh wounds being poked and salted, "Let's just say that there wasn't time to align all the stars and to make sure that everything was all tidied up with bows and ribbons. When I was in the city, things got hot far quicker than I would have liked. I barely got out from under Belamarius and her pack of sniffing, sword-wielding dogs as it was! Believe me, if I could have pulled things off the way I wanted, I wouldn't be here offering to split the profits."

The dwarf waits to hear the response to Redmond's questions before he pipes up with a couple of his own. "Aye, good points," he begins with a nod to Redmond. Considering the list of clients, he asks, "So, ye got nine folk wantin' to get out o' town in total, am I countin' tha' right? What are the odds o' there bein' any extra surprises lookin' to skip town?"

"Ye spoke about gettin' yer payment, but ye en't told us what these folk're supposed to be payin', except for not takin' any fish from this innkeep fella. How do we know if they've paid ye right?"

Trained in Warfare Lore +4 for first check, Society +4 for both checks

"Nine? Sure." Guaril replies.

"Nine in total, yes." Valais confirms. "Don't mind Guaril. He can only readily count coins. People often make for a more difficult sum, I will admit, but I believe they are of the greater value of the two. Should you find others seeking to escape, use your best judgement as to how to handle the situation. I would not ask you to put yourselves at undue risk of harm or capture. However, should you manage to get any others within the city to freedom, I will do all within my power to see that they remain free."

"By all means, smuggle out as many as you can." Guaril urges. "More clients means more money."

Valais rolls her eyes, but otherwise manages to remain quiet.

He asks one question, "I am a war priest of Erastil. How tolerant are these people of religious folk? Should I hide my holy symbol? What is the main religion practiced there?"

"The ruler of Eurythnia in New Thassilon, the runelord Sorshen, is known to honor the former demon lord Nocticula. Less is known about the happenings in Edasseril, which is ruled by the runelord Belimarius." Valais notes. "As she is the Runelord of Envy, it is likely that she may not tolerate the worship of any being other than herself." The leader of the Radiant Oath looks at Emil's holy symbol with recognition. "Still, Old Deadeye is among the more ancient of the gods. I doubt that his faith is entirely unknown there."

Magnus is +7 Society for both checks please

"If I may posit, duplicative tactics for exfiltration would be immensely preferential, but Pathfinders persevere."

"I am certain you are all up to the task." Valais affirms.

When they hear the instructions about keeping a low profile, Tockit covers her mouth with one hand to prove that she does know how to keep quiet. She nods in agreement with Modra's confession about being none too skilled in deception. "I'm decent at acting like someone I'm not, but the real key is to tell the truth about anything you don't need to lie about. Keeping your own story straight can sometimes be the hardest part. Speaking of which..."

She turns to Valais and looks at the fake identity papers they received. "Is there a particular type of merchants we're meant to be? Or is that up to our imagination? Just want to get all on the same page before anybody asks pointed questions."

Hearing Guaril's advice about bribes and up-front payments she adds in, "In that case maybe we should start with trying to find Mr. Themolin, who's supposed to have cash to spare. Though of course not needing to pay any bribes would be the best case."

No Society checks for me

Alenor accepts the bundled documents with both hands, immediately flipping through the travel papers and merchant permits with crisp precision. She listens intently as the other pathfinders talk. She nods once, “ A merchant’s guise is straightforward enough. Subtle movement, minimal contact, no sudden deviations. I’ve worn less convincing covers.” Her voice is calm, almost analytical.

She looks back to Valais and Guaril. “Your warning is noted. Are any of the clients known to have connections, loyalties, or obligations that might conflict with each other?” Her eyes narrow slightly—not in hostility, but in the way someone focuses a lens. “As for what type of merchants we’re meant to be… I’d suggest we keep it simple and believable. Something that doesn’t require flashy wares or elaborate explanations."

+7 Society check

"Don't they pay you Pathfinders?" Guaril replies with a shake of his head.

Redmond shakes his head ruefully at the mention of being paid. "Not up front, I'm afraid."

"The Society was chosen for this job because its members are resourceful. If you want my suggestion? Don't get caught in the first place. Unless you are handling one of the clients, you should otherwise be keeping your nose clean. If you do that, you shouldn't need no payoffs."

"Now, once you start handling the clients, that's when you might be needing a bribe or two. In that case, be sure to take what you need from the clients. And get the coin from them up front, see? That way, if you're caught, you can likely handle any needed payoff. Understand?"

"Very well. Noses clean, clients pay up front. Understood."

"As for setting up secret handshakes and what not?" Guaril continues with a bit of wince like one with fresh wounds being poked and salted, "Let's just say that there wasn't time to align all the stars and to make sure that everything was all tidied up with bows and ribbons. When I was in the city, things got hot far quicker than I would have liked. I barely got out from under Belamarius and her pack of sniffing, sword-wielding dogs as it was! Believe me, if I could have pulled things off the way I wanted, I wouldn't be here offering to split the profits."

Redmond nods sympathetically, remembering a similar experience of his own. "Aye, sometimes it all goes to the otyughs. Well enough, we'll figure it out as we go."

She turns to Valais and looks at the fake identity papers they received. "Is there a particular type of merchants we're meant to be? Or is that up to our imagination? Just want to get all on the same page before anybody asks pointed questions."

"Deception is not my area of expertise, even if it does appear to be a necessity at times." Valais admits. "I must leave you to your best judgment."

"My sources made sure the permits are as, shall we say, open to interpretation as necessary. Many merchants dabble in a variety of products. The documents should provide you with the legal cover you need for whatever it is you claim to be selling." Guaril suggests. "Ideally, you should choose a cover story that doesn't invite much scrutiny, one that you can plausibly discuss openly and at length on the street, and one that you can at least partially deliver on, if necessary."

She looks back to Valais and Guaril. “Your warning is noted. Are any of the clients known to have connections, loyalties, or obligations that might conflict with each other?”

+7 Society check

"From what I understand, this 'Garrla' is an unknown quantity." Valais cautions. "The request to meet at the Emerald Guardhouse, coupled with the circumstances in which it was made, certainly raises concerns about their loyalties. But, I am willing to give them the benefit of the doubt and assume that they are genuine in their request until they demonstrate otherwise."

"Their coin has proven good so far." Guaril adds. "As for the others, they've all got some connection or loyalty that could possibly cause an issue."

"But they should each realize that their best chance of escape is by sticking together." Guaril concedes. "Still, if push came to shove, I wouldn't be shocked if more than one of them might sell out another if they thought it necessary to get secure their freedom."

"If there are no other questions," Valais concludes, "I will leave you to finish whatever preparations remain. The ship's stores aboard the Lightbringer are well stocked and the captain has agreed that you may purchase whatever you wish from them before you leave for Xin-Edasseril."

PCs are free to ask more questions if they so desire.

PCs may make purchases of items if they wish. Also, each PC may choose items from the Pathfinder Provisions. Please include any purchases and provision choices in your next post.

"Just remember to make sure your trip is profitable and to collect what we're due." Guaril adds. "I intend to make my half of whatever monies are collected, before expenses."

Each PC starts with one Hero Point (as it appears that there are no GM Glyphs at the table).

As the briefing winds down, Modra's mind is still focused on the nitty-gritty of how the group will be able to pull off this endeavor. Recalling some information he read in a report not too long ago, he says, "When it comes down to it, lots o' the guards an' clerks o' Xin-Edasseril are 'round from days way a'fore even our grandfathers, an' they en't like to admit that their knowledge about Golarion today's a bit... lackin'. Might be they're not gonna know their arse from an atlas, if we're lucky."

He is sharing his recall knowledge with the group, so you can read his spoiler info above if you like.

The dwarf ponders philosophically, then unwinds on a tangent, "Wonder what tha's like, livin' in a time ye didn't start out. Met a lad in me last adventure, bit o' business with Dacilane Academy, Brother Dawnfriend his name was. Furry little orange fella, eager and earnest about everythin', had six arms if ye can believe it, a skittermander he said. Never seen 'is like, en't from Golarion at all..." He trails off without any particular conclusion to this train of thought.

Provision: Oil of potency

@Magnus Grew up around Baltimore, where people love to remind everyone that Edgar Allan Poe is buried. The raven's name made me smile.

Magnus agrees with Modra, explaining to the others after they board the ship. Belimarius became the Runelord of Envy over five thousand years ago, before Earthfall. As the result of Belimarius’ efforts to avoid the catastrophe, the ancient city of Xin Edasseril became trapped outside of time, allowing the runelord and her citizens to survive the worldwide calamity."

"Many of the current citizen are literally out of our time. It shall be utterly fascinating to witness firsthand."

No purchases. Magnus will choose the scroll of runic weapon from the Provisions list. Hero Point noted.

Redmond responds to Modra: "Times change fast, we just don't notice since we're changing too. Spend some years locked away, and you'll find new nations have risen, others have fallen, gods have perished..." He trails off, a bitter expression on his face.

"Right," he says, regaining his usual composure, "I need to see the quartermaster. I'll meet you all before we disembark."

Redmond will take the minor healing potion for his provision, and will buy a disguise kit if one is available.

During the discussion of merchant cover stories, Emil says, "I'll pose as a merchant lookin' ta cultivate buyers fer crops an' forest products, since that's mainly what I know a lot about. I'll keep my holy symbol underneath m'coat, jus' in case anyone cares ta challenge non-local religions."

Emil does not purchase anything, but he makes sure to break down his cash into various coin types, for situations where a single gold coin might be too much of a bribe.

Tockit listens to the others share what they know about their destination and quietly hums in thought. "We're going to quite an interesting place, aren't we? Hard to imagine being in the wrong time like that. Let's hope it helps us slip through the cracks." She trots along following Redmond to meet the quartermaster.

I'll take a minor healing potion for provisions, and will also buy a disguise kit.

Following the meeting, the party once again boards the Merry Mayfly before departing from the Lightbringer. Your vessel makes its way to the island chain that forms the western borders of Edasseril. Approaching one of the larger islands, you are soon able to see the city of Xin-Edasseril.

The capital of Edasseril is a city of gleaming architecture and beautiful vistas, although its skyline bears fresh scars that tell of some catastrophic event that must have befallen it. While most of its structures stand as grand displays of the wealth and power of ancient Thassilon, there are indicators of ongoing construction projects dotting various spots throughout the city. You arrive at the city's docks without incident.

Upon disembarking, your immediately met by a pair of well-armed guards. One is a half-elf male; the other is a human female. Both sheathed in armor adorned in green accents identifying them as members of the Emerald Guard. The way they carry themselves and their strict, discipline demeanor evident years of martial training.

A map of the docks for reference and pictures of the guards are now available on the Slides.

As you approach their checkpoint near the opposite end of the dock, the male guard narrows his eyes and gives the one in the lead among you a stern look.

"Your papers, please." the guard demands curtly. Despite the inclusion of the word, 'please', his tone contains no hint of courtesy or pleasantness. He holds out his gauntleted hand with steely expectation.

"Unexpected pleasantries," says Magnus a bit oblivious to the tone behind the words. "We are certainly agreeable to present verification of our intent," he says offering the forged documents while maintaining his best winning smile.

"Unexpected pleasantries," says Magnus a bit oblivious to the tone behind the words. "We are certainly agreeable to present verification of our intent," he says offering the forged documents while maintaining his best winning smile.

The male guard snatches the papers into his hand. After giving them a cursory look, he turns his eyes toward the gnome "merchant".

"Curfew is in effect for all outsiders, such as yourselves, from first bell until sundown. You are to remain indoors at all other times." declares the guard as he hands the papers back to Magnus.

The female guard turns to Magnus and inquires, "What is your business in the city?"

"His papers expire in five days, Kallade." The male guard says to his fellow guard as he ushers the gnome past the check point. "Whatever he is doing here, he'll have to do it quickly because he won't be permitted within the city after that time."

The male guard then cries out. "Next!"

What do you wish to do, Pathfinders?

Emil pulls out his papers and has them in hand ready to present them when it is he turn.

Magnus has to almost literally bite his tongue to refrain from saying something sharp back to the Emerald Guardsmen. But he overcomes the impulse and moves along out of earshot of the entry party.

"Suggestions on initiating steps of our skullduggery?" he asks the others. If asked Magnus will suggest the Rockfish Inn, as they can find a meal and a place to sleep and begin to make contact with their quarry, but he doesn't have strong feelings on first steps.

Modra stands calmly in place while waiting for the guards to process the papers for the party, including his own when called for. Seeing the largely perfunctory manner in which the Emerald Guards passed Magnus through, he hopes to find the same treatment. He's determined to do his best to live up to his word about keeping his mouth shut when he's supposed to and won't do anything but smile or nod unless he absolutely must to pass the checkpoint.

The dwarf thinks to himself, Plan's already changing. Neither their Pathfinder agent nor the smuggler said anything about a curfew. They'll have to get creative to have several people meet a ship arriving at dawn. But that's a problem for four days from now.

Assuming the party passes the guards without any extra effort...

Gathering with the others beyond the checkpoint and out of earshot, Modra offers, "We're gonna need somewhere t' stay, an' we gotta meet a man what owns an inn. Seems t' me findin' this Rockfish Inn's our best start."

With a bored expression and relaxed demeanor, Redmond waits for his turn to hand over his forged papers.

Once past (and safely out of earshot of any bystanders), he replies to Magnus and Modra, "Agreed, Yuleg and his daughter seem low risk. And having a place to lay low could be useful." He ponders a moment, then says, "We'll need to get them alone before we can reveal our purpose here. It wouldn't do to be overheard discussing defection in a crowded tavern."

"Flitch should be a priority, too," he adds. "We might not be able to get anyone to the ship without his supposed secret tunnel to the cove."

GM: should we be assuming that we all get past the two guards with similar outcome as for Magnus or should we wait for posts regarding our character's conversation with them?

Alenor folds her own papers behind Magnus as he receives the curt explanation of curfew. She studies the guards without lifting her chin—eyes half-lidded, posture passive.

She waits for the guards to inspect her documents, ready to shift into charm, compliance, or misdirection as required.

As they approach the city, Tockit takes some time to practice a disguise. She doesn't try to completely change her appearance - a gnome is a gnome after all - but aims for someone a little more subdued, a little less attention-grabbing, and respectable enough for a generic merchant. She tries lightening the color of her hair a bit to imply that her life has not been all that exciting and the Bleaching is taking hold. Even if these strange out-of-touch people wouldn't know what that means, Tockit will know.

Satisfied for now that she can carry out this role, she disembarks with the others and hands over her identity papers when asked, with a bored look as if she has done this many times.

If it happens that all is well:

"I've no objections to going to the Inn first. That would be a reasonable thing to do as a newcomer to the city anyway. Seems like a good way to test the waters."

GM: should we be assuming that we all get past the two guards with similar outcome as for Magnus or should we wait for posts regarding our character's conversation with them?

The scenario is written in a way that gives a bit of leeway to the GM as well as the players as to how things unfold. In this case, I was providing the PCs with an opportunity to interact with the guards more if they wished. However, it appears that the consensus is to keep heads down for now and move along.

The two guards at the checkpoint examine the papers of the rest of party and provide similar warnings.

"Remain indoors after curfew. Be out of the city within five days." The woman repeats. "And keep your weapons stowed--at all times."

Once past the check point at the docks, you are relatively free to travel around within the city. It is evident that Xin-Edasseril is bustling with activity. Yet, the city clearly operates under the weight of oppression. Additional check points, each manned by multiple members of the Emerald Guard, have been set up at natural "choke points" for traffic flowing within the city. Likewise, Emerald Guard patrols, visibly well-armed, can be seen marching through the city with considerable frequency. The residents within the city give the patrols a wide berth. Even when the Emerald Guard is not within their immediate vicinity, the citizens of the city go to length to avoid making direct eye contact with you and other obvious outsiders. They seem almost as weary of their fellow citizens, undoubtedly the result of the Runelord's frequent use of hidden spies and secret police.

The party is able to get a rough sense of the city.
A crude map of the city is now available on Slides.

The fact that it is still fairly early in the morning and that obvious foreigners can be seen among the denizens of Xin-Edasseril, allows you to discern that first bell has recently been rung and that you have about eight hours in the day remaining before curfew.

Given the lay of the city, the flow of the crowds, and the numerous checkpoints, you suspect it could take well over an hour or more to get through most parts of the city.

It appears to me the party plans to head to the Rockfish Inn first.

En route, the party may recall more about the Emerald Guard with a Society, Thassilon Lore, or Underworld Lore check to Recall Knowledge. The party may also spend time to Gather Information, but unless a feat or ability that reduces this time, the Gather Information attempt to learn more takes two hours. If you wish to attempt a secret check, please include your modifier with your next post.

Making your way through the bustling city does indeed prove to be time consuming as you are forced to pause at times as the crowds halt before passing patrols. Your travel is held up further as you find yourselves waiting in lines at additional check points within the city or, in some cases, spending time looking for back alleys and ways to circumvent them.

After about two hours (four if time was spend attempting to Gather Information), you find yourself in a rundown, particularly impoverished, area of the city identified as Envy Row East. Following the directions provided in Guaril's note, you arrive at a rundown flat rather typical of the other residences of Envy Row East.

The front door facing the street stands shut. The windows of the flat have been boarded over, and fragments of a flowerpot lie beneath one of the windowsills.

What would you like to do?

Society +4 for Recall Knowledge on the Emerald Guard. Would vote against taking an extra two hours on account of the curfew.

Unsure if the party planning to go to Rockfish Inn but ending up in front of Flitch's flat was intended, going along with it anyway.

Modra contemplates the scene in front of him. For a dwarf raised to appreciate good craftsmanship, there's something particularly heart-tugging about something built well that's fallen into disrepair. "Ye forget when goin' 'round doin' this an' that, that so many folk're livin' like this," he says philosophically.

The dwarf shakes his head out of this unnecessary maudlin feeling, then strides towards the closed door. "I'll do the knockin' as long as somebody else does the talkin'." He raps on the door three times with a leather-gloved fist.

Society +4 for Recall Knowledge on the Emerald Guard. Would vote against taking an extra two hours on account of the curfew.

Unsure if the party planning to go to Rockfish Inn but ending up in front of Flitch's flat was intended, going along with it anyway.

He raps on the door three times with a leather-gloved fist.

Modra does not recall anything further about the Emerald Guard. Others are free to post modifiers for other checks.

you find yourself in a rundown, particularly impoverished, area of the city identified as Envy Row East. Following the directions provided in Guaril's note, you arrive at a rundown flat rather typical of the other residences of Envy Row East.

The front door facing the street stands shut. The windows of the flat have been boarded over, and fragments of a flowerpot lie beneath one of the windowsills.

Oops. Too many plates spinning at the moment. Consider it a vision of the possible future. For now, here is what you see upon arriving at the Rockfish Inn..

You find yourselves in front of a sturdily-built, stone building with a meticulously thatched roof. It is marked by a hand-carved, wooden sign with silver inlays that declare the building to be The Rockfish Inn.

All of the windows of the inn are shuttered and there is a sign upon the door.

He raps on the door three times with a leather-gloved fist.

A series of heavy footfalls coming the interior of the building towards the door. It soon opens and reveals a red-bearded dwarf wearing spectacles.

"I'm very sorry, very sorry. But, The Rockfish Inn is closed at present. My daughter, Vurna, is quite ill." says the dwarf as he shakes his head in apology. "As much as I would like to tend to guests, I'm afraid her sickness demands my time and, while I do not think her contagious, the last thing I would want is to risk any of my fine patrons getting sick. Thank you for your interest and do come again."

He raises a meaty hand in a pleasant wave as a sendoff and then prepares to close the door.

A picture of the dwarf is now available in Slides.

What do you wish to do, Pathfinders?

As the group walks away from the guards, Redmond recalls overhearing a conversation between sailors while aboard Lightbringer that may have included the Emerald Guard. Underwold Lore +3 to recall knowledge, please.

Later, he checks the sign on the door of the Rockfish Inn and takes a few moments to investigate the exterior of the building and glance in the stables. When the dwarven proprieter answers the door, he considers a half dozen lies and excuses to gain entrance, but waits instead see what the other Pathfinders have in mind.

Once the group arrives at the inn, Magnus reads the sign, and also peeks in the stable. Before knocking on the door, he tells the others, "Means of locomotion inside, if happenstance warrants."

As the dwarf moves to close the door, Magnus puts his strange staff in the way blocking it from closing fully. With a bright smile the gnome says, "Greetings. Doctor Karela, you may recall your Varisian acquaintance, recommends we confer upon your daughter's affliction. May we obtain prompt access to appraise the patient's condition, and thereby ascertain if an upcoming exposure to the sea air would constitute a curative measure?"

Magnus Society is +7, and his Diplomacy if needed is +4

As the dwarf speaks of his daughter’s illness, Alenor’s eyes flick briefly to the sign, the shuttered windows, the boarded cracks. The scent of hay from the nearby stable mixes with the stale stillness of a home sealed tight.

Her expression doesn’t change outwardly, but inside, her mind is already whirring. She lowers her gaze for a moment, as though merely thinking of a kind reply—but in truth, she is sifting through everything she may know and allowing the others do the talking.

Lore: Underworld +7, Society +7

Redmond and Magnus recall nothing further. Alenor, however, recalls the
Emerald Guard is the city guard of XinEdasseril. Highly trained and capable, they maintain a presence throughout the city. Graft and corruption are rampant among the organization.

As the dwarf moves to close the door, Magnus puts his strange staff in the way blocking it from closing fully. With a bright smile the gnome says, "Greetings. Doctor Karela, you may recall your Varisian acquaintance, recommends we confer upon your daughter's affliction. May we obtain prompt access to appraise the patient's condition, and thereby ascertain if an upcoming exposure to the sea air would constitute a curative measure?"

"Varisian acquaint--oh?" The dwarven innkeeper repeats as he shuts the door, then stops when he realizes who these visitors may be.

The dwarf hesitantly steps out into the street, looking around to see if anyone else may be watching. Satisfied, he quietly says, "I pray that you are a true healer, 'Doctor Karela'. If so, then you are welcome to come in. Otherwise, I suggest you let your 'acquaintance' know that my daughter is quite ill and I have no intention of leaving her bedside until she is well."

What do you wish to do, Pathfinders?

If Yulag is a dwarf who follows Torag, he will sense the champion's aura and recognize Modra as a champion of the faith.

Medicine: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

Modra looks pleased to see a fellow dwarf as Yulag opens the door, but his face grows to one of concern as he hears about the sick daughter. "Aye, I'm sure Fa--" He was about to say Father Emil's name and catches himself, remembering abruptly that they are incognito as merchants in a city with many ears. "...fah-ree samples in our wares might help ye." At this, Modra pulls his own healer's toolkit out of his backpack to help convince Yulag that the group could offer some help.

Heading inside and hearing the explanation of the situation, Modra follows along with the invitation for healers to make sense of the girl's condition. Along the way, he introduces himself, "Modra Boeske, at yer service, Master Innkeep."

He considers the green-tinged young woman's condition carefully, recalling from his own life's experience training as a field medic before ending up in his current vocation. Modra takes a quick check of Vurna's pulse and her breathing, frowning at the total picture.

All of this is enough to give him a guess: "Lookin' like a nasty case o' filth fever," he proclaims, sounding confident, although he looks to any other companions who were willing to avail themselves as healers, seeing if there are signs of agreement. "Any critter get a bite o' the lass, maybe yesterday, maybe the day before?"

Again, Emil will pass on gathering infor or rolling to recall knowledge of things he knows little.

What is required to comply with the order to "keep your weapons stowed--at all times"? Is it enough to have weapons in sheaths or tied to a backpack or do we need to tie something around the hilt and attach it to a belt? Emil has a scythe, which he can claim is just a tool of his trade, although I doubt the guards will by that.

Emil shows the inn owner his holy symbol of Erastil and explains, I am a cleric with some skill at medicine. Perhaps I could help.

He can offer a dose of lesser anti-plague and his skills, although he has not been able to afford a healer's toolkit yet. If someone else has a kit or if funds could be provided to purchase a kit, he can try to treat her disease or assist someone with more skill than he has +7.

If Yulag is a dwarf who follows Torag, he will sense the champion's aura and recognize Modra as a champion of the faith.

If Yulag recognizes Modra as a champion of the faith, he does not nothing to show it.

All of this is enough to give him a guess: "Lookin' like a nasty case o' filth fever," he proclaims, sounding confident, although he looks to any other companions who were willing to avail themselves as healers, seeing if there are signs of agreement. "Any critter get a bite o' the lass, maybe yesterday, maybe the day before?"

Yulag tugs at his beard with dismay at the diagnosis. "Not that I know of, but 'tis likely." Yuleg concedes. "The lass has a bit of an adventurous streak in her and has been known to spend stints delving within the sewers. I warned her to stay away from there and from..."

The dwarven father pauses for a moment as if unsure whether or not to finish his thought. Instead of doing so, he asks eagerly, "You can help her, then?"

You know that an attempt to Treat Disease to help Vurna get better would require spending 8 hours and an attempt at a Medicine check. Note that the PCs do not need to go outside to treat Vurna, so they can make the attempt after curfew, if they'd like, provided that are back at the inn when curfew begins.

Note Emil's post above, as we were composing posts at the same time and you may not have seen it yet.

Note Emil's post above, as we were composing posts at the same time and you may not have seen it yet.

Noted. The party may carry arms, but should keep them sheathed or stowed. The scythe can be stowed/secured to Father Emil's adventurer's pack so that it does not appear threatening.

Using the antiplague would provide a bonus to the Treat Disease check. I think that covers everything.

Looks like Tockit has a healer's toolkit. Emil appears to have the highest Medicine skill and with the antiplague and some aid rolls, I think we can help the innkeeper's daughter, if he will allow it.

Also, Emil has +7 at religion, if a roll might provide some information.

Religion +5 for the Recall Knowledge

"The Father an' me've got some trainin', tools, and know-how 'tween the two o' us," Modra says in reply to the eager dwarf's plea. "Beggin' yer pardon, ye sounded like ye were abou' t' say what else ye warned her? Anythin' ye can tell us might help."

Whether or not Yulag offers anything further on warnings given to his daughter, Modra continues, "Speakin' frankly, we en't in a place to speak for all our downstairs comrades stayin' here right at this moment, erm." He stops abruptly and takes a beat to consider the best vague way to describe the current situation. "There's someone we gotta meet what knows our mutual acquaintance. We're gonna be in this city several nights yet, an' we're gonna need somewhere t' stay, an' if ye'll let us, we'll take care o' the lass after curfew's come down an' we en't goin' nowhere. If ye'll excuse me, I'll ask what they're thinkin'."

Modra clomps back out from this room to where the others are waiting. He summarizes the situation to the companions: Sick daughter, (quietly) may die without treatment, could risk finding Flitch and coming back here before curfew. He asks for their thoughts on what to do next.

I think Emil's +7 on Medicine with the antiplague is the best a level 1 party is going to get. Modra also has a healer's kit (sorry it's not listed on my profile before now, still new to PBP) that he will allow Emil to use for this situation or any other non-combat problem that may occur.

Also, Emil has +7 at religion, if a roll might provide some information.

Both Modra Boeske and Father Emil are free to read the spoiler in my post above.

"Beggin' yer pardon, ye sounded like ye were abou' t' say what else ye warned her? Anythin' ye can tell us might help."

Yuleg looks grateful. "Yes, well. I know that that lad, Flitch, works with your 'acquaintance' and all. But, if you were to ask me, there's something about that lad that's trouble. Yet for some reason," The father laments. "It seems that Vurna has taken a bit too much of a shine to him."

"There's someone we gotta meet what knows our mutual acquaintance. We're gonna be in this city several nights yet, an' we're gonna need somewhere t' stay, an' if ye'll let us, we'll take care o' the lass after curfew's come down an' we en't goin' nowhere. If ye'll excuse me, I'll ask what they're thinkin'."

"I would prefer you help her sooner,but recognize that she and I must not be the only ones that you have come here to see." Yuleg concedes. "I will keep try my best to keep Vurna comfortable as you come and go. I will not interfere with your plans. But know that I will not go anywhere until my Vurna is well. And, I beg of you, do allow your activities to draw the attention of the Runelord's forces for me or my inn."

Assuming the party did not stop to try and Gather Information, then there are approximately six hours remaining before curfew. The party may conclude, based on its prior movement through the city, that it will take about two hours to get to or to travel from any one location to another.

Where to next, Pathfinders?