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Master of Swords Marcos Farabellus stands on a low platform in front of the assembly. “Pathfinders, our beloved Absalom faces the threat of invasion and needs our help. Just as Absalom has been our Society’s home for centuries, so does it fall to us to aid in its defense. Find the group to which you’ve been assigned, lend a hand as the city prepares for the siege, and be ready for more instructions.”
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A half-orc, tall even for her race, with bones woven into her full plate stands facing the Master of Swords. She holds what appears to be a gleaming claw hammer that seems almost comical in her hand. She has a jovial smile on her face that does not match her intimidating appearance as she looks at the goods, but her razor-sharp teeth could probably turn that smile menacing in a moment.
"I am Elbesamiya dy Bulaka," she says as other Pathfinders approach the platform, "though I prefer just 'Elby' unless we are trying to impress some nobles. I'm who the Society sends when they want something big brought back alive, though I feel like today it will be more important that all of you survive. This thing gets a whole lot bigger," she adds, holding up the hammer, "but I find it's easier to travel with it like this."
Hundreds of Pathfinders stand waiting at the Grand Lodge for news of the coming battle, and a murmur of anticipation has risen from the nervous crowd. Master of Swords Marcos Farabellus takes the lectern, raises his hand for attention, and speaks: “Pathfinders, thank you for answering my call. It has been two days since we received news of an army of demonic abominations building a siege castle in the Cairnlands north of Absalom. Today, the Grand Council of Absalom announced they have invoked an old wartime law, according to which a Siege Lord must be appointed to oversee the city’s defense. They’ve made an excellent choice: Wynsal Starborn, District Seat on the Grand Council and retired Captain of the First Guard. He has already organized scouting forays and evacuations of the outer towns in preparation for a siege. The Pathfinder Society has pledged to help the Siege Lord with the preparations. All of you have been assigned to teams, and if you have already found the other members of your team, you should get started. Go now, but be ready to return here when you hear the signal horn.”
You may participate in the following preparation tasks, using the skills listed:
CATCHING A SPY
The PCs chase a spy across the rooftops of Absalom, hoping to gain some useful information about the coming attack.
Relevant Skills: Acrobatics (modifiers forjumping) or Climb
DEFENSIVE WARDS
The PCs help spellcasters set up defensive wards.
Relevant Skills: Knowledge (arcana or religion), Spellcraft, or Use Magic Device
EVACUATION NOTICE
The PCs must persuade stubborn people to abandon their homes and retreat behind the city walls. This involves traveling into the neighborhoods of Copperwood, Dawnfoot, Shoreline, and Westerhold outside of Absalom.
Relevant Skills: Diplomacy, Intimidate, or combat maneuver check
RECONNAISSANCE
The PCs perform a short scouting mission to spy on the army mustering in the Cairnlands.
Relevant Skills: Acrobatics, Perception, or Stealth
STRANGE THINGS
The PCs investigate strange occurrences that have been reported all over Absalom.
Relevant Skills: Perception or Survival (Survival modifiers to track)
URGENT REPAIRS
The PCs help repair a wagon that tipped over while carrying alchemical goods and other important supplies.
Relevant Skills: Craft (any relevant craft skill), Disable Device, Knowledge (engineering), Profession (teamster), or combat maneuver check
USEFUL GOSSIP
The PCs gather information on recent events.
Relevant Skills: Diplomacy (gather information) or
Knowledge (local)
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"Agh the noise!" The dwarf wakes with a start as Marcus talks with a booming voice. The smell of cheap booze and tobacco surrounds him like a cloud. His greasy, dark hair turns into a greasy salt-and-pepper beard; both are filled with cheap steel trinkets. His full sleeve tattoos seem to start at his fingers and end at his neck - a combination of arcane scripting and geometric patterns. All of this serves only to draw attention to his face, which is as rough as a five-mile patch of bad road.
After a moment of confusion and the sudden horrifying realisation he needs to actually do something and get to work, an equally dirty, disreputable-looking, and clearly hungover mongoose emerges from behind the Dwarfs' pack where it was previously sleeping off a big night on the town.
He tightens his chainmail, picks up his axe and gear, and the mongoose clamours onto his shoulder.
"Are you lot my adventuring party?" he looks about with a surprisingly charming (albeit broken) smile.
"I have heard of some strange things we might want to investigate"
Perception
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Elby lifts her allies to help them reach the spy more quickly.
(Aid)
She double-checks the defensive wards for errors.
(Aid)
She lifts up armfuls of villagers and moves them to safer locations.
(not Aid)
She points out to the others what she knows about the army in the distance.
(Aid)
She listens to her allies about the weird happenings and gives her input.
(Aid)
She rebuilds the heaviest of the devices.
(not Aid)
She keeps an ear to the ground.
(not Aid)
You can try as many as you want. It might not be in character to try one or two, which would be OK.
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A very handsome tiefling wearing stylish clothing, no armor, and fists encased in cestus.
Greetings, I am Flynn. I am a bit of a scoundrel. I joined the Pathfinders to experience the world with my love Rapunzel, however, they seem to keep us apart most of the time in separate parts of the world.
I am decent on finding traps, excellent at disabling them. I am also not too bad at talking with people, a pretty good dancer if I say so myself.
I can get out of tight situations- literally- and can brow beat the most stoic individuals into doing what I want, at least for a short time. As a child I was a bit of a thug, so much that I can make people run if I hit them the right way.
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the people crowding the place, what a wonderful sight, the man dressed in leathers, a coat and a leatherd mask with metallic frames, with the rough shape of a goblin enters the room
Ah i see it never gets old, Absalom is such a wonderful market to ripe earnings and above that knowledge, about the world and its people
You may call me Bitting Goblin, or Duende Muerde, whichever is easier for you, I am a knowef of things and a preacher, i am the leader of a group of pathfinders that have worked hard to get a name for ourselves. sadly it appears they are on their own endeavours for today
But lets not this be a cause of dismay, i am a force to be reckoned on my own, or i'll keep my weight well balanced as the situation demands
A pleasure to make you all an acquaintance
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Catch a spy
He moves thru the roofs and uses the knowdlge he has on the city to try to make it for the running man. Had to catch more than one cat during my younger days you know?
Defensive wards
Yes, i always liked the shape of that rune. looks like a dancing woman when you look at it from this angle right? Guess the Thassiloniants thought the same
Evacuation note:
Listen good people, I am here with your best interests in mind, do you think that the council cares? No, they might look at you as part of the city, for convenience alone, you have to see for yourself. I mean if you don't want to leave, you'll end up crying for not listening. So please move out and evacuate
RECONNAISSANCE
AGain jumping thrun b uildings remeind him of old times catching black cats and followong that spiderly quarry
Strange things
While cdoing the other tasks he makes sure to see the places indicated for the reports
Urgent repairs
Alchemical goods just laying down down there for any people without morals to take? That cannot stand, Duende Muerde will help with that and maybe get a reagent needed or ten.
Useful Gossip
Well, yes, its awful what is happeing in the puddles, i've heard that now they are eating yellow cats, the poor souls , yes yes
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The pair realise there is a lot more work to be done, and after a short conversation, they get after the rest of the chores.
CATCHING A SPY
Bully - Aid Another (autopass)
Philthy - Acrobatics
DEFENSIVE WARDS
Bully - Aid Another
Philthy - Spellcraft
EVACUATION NOTICE
Philthy - Diplomacy
RECONNAISSANCE
Bully - Aid Another - Autopass
Philthy - Perception
URGENT REPAIRS
Bully - Disable Device - Autopass
Philthy - Disable Device
USEFUL GOSSIP
Bully - Know (local) -
Philthy - Know (local) -
The team is incredibly successful at the preparation tasks (max success for everything except Useful Gossip; if anyone has not yet rolled for that task, you are welcome to try)
I'm about to post a document up by the maps with the result of your checks to avoid a wall of text here in the game. Please tell me in the discussion thread what rewards you are picking.
Heavy clouds are gathering above Absalom, and the city is tense with anticipation of the coming battle. Suddenly, bright light patterns flash from atop Skyreach. A few minutes later, the sound of an explosion rumbles through the city as an old wooden granary erupts in flames. A little farther away, a stone bridge collapses, dropping a group of soldiers to their deaths. Soon the air is alive with frightened screams, the sound of hurried footsteps, and moments later, the booming blare of a brass horn that rises above the din of a city in chaos. A messenger runs past, shouting: “The horn! Everyone, gather at the Grand Lodge! Let’s go!”
Several agents assist in marshaling Pathfinders as Marcos Farabellus unfurls several maps of Absalom’s districts. Once a crowd has gathered, he straightens to address the assembled Society. “Pathfinders, Absalom is under attack. We have received many reports of undead saboteurs attacking armories, granaries, water supplies, and guard outposts—targeted strikes to undermine our city’s infrastructure. Absalom is losing key resources, and enough people are panicking that it’s difficult to organize an effective defense.”
Zarta Dralneen, head of the Dark Archive faction, steps forward and interjects. “I have learned someone—someone who knows our home well—has stolen the Black Echelon codebook from our archives. A force of Taldan agents attacked Absalom long ago while following those encoded orders, and with the right combination of illuminated signals, one could draw these oathsworn operatives from beyond the grave to continue their attack.”
Farabellus narrows his eyes. “That explains the acts of sabotage. Absalom’s First Guard is struggling to restore order, and they need our help. Pathfinders, stand by for instructions!”
Ollysta Zadrian of the Silver Crusade raises her sword high, announcing, “We must not wait—Absalom needs us now!”
Clasping the paladin’s other hand with her own and raising it, Lady Gloriana Morilla adds, “Each of us has accumulated considerable influence and resources in recent years, and now is the time for us to lend Absalom our strength in its hour of need. We may call ourselves factions, but today we act as one!”
Nodding with approval, Marcos Farabellus calls out to the assembled Pathfinders. “It’s decided. Pathfinders, we’re deferring to the specialized expertise of these seven organizations to rally Absalom. Seek out the leaders for instructions, and make the city proud.”
It has been decided. The factions of the Pathfinder Society will coordinate the Society’s efforts to help Absalom survive from the attack. Each faction has identified a task ideally suited to its strengths and its agents’ skills, so choose your missions wisely. Most of you are best equipped to serve the needs of your own factions, but there are considerable opportunities to help Absalom by assisting other factions directly. Now is not a good time to be selfish—you’re all in this together!
Please see the second slide in the maps deck, which contains information on the possible missions. We will start a mission as soon as there are three voices agreeing on a mission.
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Glancing at the meeting, listening to the words, there was something a miss there, such sudden coordination seemed like a second nature to the faction leaders now, and getting to act together was a good thing, to keep order and the status quo, he guessed, they may cash some favors in the future of course, Now to repeat a Taldan attempt would be a curious gambit to take, specially one that failed.
We shall see this done then
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Philthy runs his tattooed fingers through his bushy beard as though gently massaging it back to life, listening in with the intensity of a man trying to stave off last nights excesses as he studies the top of his strong black coffee with bloodshot eyes.
"To the Exchange, Trade Prince Aaqir al'Hakam is dependable, as is his totally legitimate and honest business partner, Guaril Karela. Whilst business is business, sometimes business is influence, and influence is power"
"After that it sounds like Duende has an interest in contact with the Sovereign Court, Lady Gloriana Morilla has her network of nobles and associates who also seek to weild their particular positive influences"
"Then perhaps the Grand Lodge, it would make sense to see to the needs of the broader Society and the headquarters"
Trade Prince Aaqir al’Hakam, leader of the Exchange faction, is reviewing a missive as you arrive. Reading over his shoulder is the Varisian entrepreneur and second-incommand Guaril Karela. The former
looks up to address you once you’ve arrived.
“I’m sure you’ve heard about the recent acts of sabotage. Among the undead saboteurs’ first targets was one of the First Guards’ main armories, and without proper equipment, Absalom’s defenders are at a disadvantage. I’ve identified the best source of replacements for the Siege Lord: the city’s arms dealers, who have proven quite unhelpful. According to our informants, many weapon merchants are meeting in secret, planning to hide their wares so that they can sell them at usurious prices. The Siege Lord has deputized us to free up those weapons for use, and I want you to see that it happens. I’ll let you decide whether you want to negotiate with them or cow them into following the Siege Lord’s orders and accepting his compensation.”
Guaril Karela chimes in. “We have a document here that proves you have the Siege Lord’s backing. What my colleague has not mentioned is that this parchment also authorizes you to kick in the door and seize the wares if necessary—a practice that is more becoming of common thieves, which,”[/b] he clears his throat suggestively, “is a practice of which no court would ever find us guilty. Thankfully we have the city’s blessing. In the interest of maintaining our neighbors’ ongoing goodwill, though, avoid destroying the merchandise or harming witnesses.”
Aaqir al’Hakam shoots Guaril Karela a concerned look, to which the Varisian amends, “Or bystanders,” before mischievously curling his moustache around one finger.
Guaril Karela provides you both the aforementioned document and directions to the clandestine meeting of merchants in the Docks district. The document is a written purchase order by which the city of Absalom would pay a fair price for a large number of weapons, failing which the Siege Lord authorizes seizure of enough goods for the city’s defense. The meeting is taking place in a rather lavishly decorated house full of people engaged in a heated argument about the plan to hide the weapons and drive up the prices.
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"Seems that business is best served by having a living customer base to purchase your wares, and a building standing to sell them from. Reckon this is a game of interests, I understand wanting to make a coin - on one hand I'm a Trade Prince of the Exchange myself, a fine appreciator of Trade Prince Aaqir al'Hakam and I love nothing more than my wares of gems and jewelery, and the odd bit of brewing for profit - but on the other hand I am also understand the other half of the business, as per Guaril Kareelas influences...and his completely legitimate enterprises" the tone of the last part sounding less than completely legitimate.
The rough-looking mongoose peers out from the dwarfs beard, as though challenging anyone to make assertions about legitimacy.
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For Stabian's undewear's sake
The adult man in goblin outfit seems amused by the interacion
Well. well. mot a merchant but one is usuful in the wys of talking here, words are precious little intresting thingsm the tone one uses can make even a war declaration sound like a letter of love, lets see their inclinations, of course if they are doing this in a shady way, we should be ready to make clear that it would be... against their best interest to deny us the goods, I do espect to find them reasonable as we meet them or more when reasonable once they show the yellow of their bellies .. He laughs under the mask .
Having decided to negotiate, you walk into the meeting. The merchants are surprised to see you, but willing to talk.
You as a team need to succeed at several of the following checks. A retry is allowed, but takes a penalty.
The negotiation process involves:
- reasoning with the arms dealers (Diplomacy)
- reminding them of Absalom’s proud history (Knowledge [history]
or Perform [oratory])
- assessing the fairness of the Siege Lord’s reimburse for leasing the weapons (Appraise, Craft[weapons], or Profession [merchant])
-giving an honest tactical evaluation of the military situation (Knowledge [local] or Profession [soldier])
-patiently answer the merchants’ questions (Will save).
Because this is a MTS, please roll if you think you're good at something, rather than waiting and comparing bonuses with everyone.
Flynn succeeds.
remaining checks:
- reasoning with the arms dealers (Diplomacy)
- reminding them of Absalom’s proud history (Knowledge [history]
or Perform [oratory])
- assessing the fairness of the Siege Lord’s reimburse for leasing the weapons (Appraise, Craft[weapons], or Profession [merchant])
-giving an honest tactical evaluation of the military situation (Knowledge [local] or Profession [soldier])
successes so far: 1
The merchants seem completely unimpressed by Philthy's explanation of history.
Rapunzel's attempt at history does not go any better.
She does give an solid explanation of the military situation.
remaining checks:
- reasoning with the arms dealers (Diplomacy)
- reminding them of Absalom’s proud history (Knowledge [history]
or Perform [oratory]) {2 failures, so -8 penalty to any more attempts}
- assessing the fairness of the Siege Lord’s reimburse for leasing the weapons (Appraise, Craft[weapons], or Profession [merchant])
successes so far: 2
More successes are still needed.