Crownsgate is in somewhat better repair than the Narrows, and the buildings have sturdier bones—though most have been picked clean. The one thing the districts have in common is that the law seems equally disinterested in both. This district is filled with old industrial buildings and warehouses, and whatever wealth it might have had has long since been pilfered by the rest of the city, right down to the cobblestones. Cutthroats and criminal gangs hold sway over the shadowy alleys, with the occasional desperate beggar trying to eke out a living. With the afternoon quickly approaching, the parting clouds let in some welcome, sunny warmth after the cold and muddy slums an hour or so previous. As you near the site of your next battle, a lone beggar stumbles in front of your group and falls to a practiced knee. "Spare a few copper pieces for a lost soul?" He mutters, trailing off in shame.
"Your words ring true, Seth, but I will not dismiss the talks until I am certain of this treachery." Eloqi turns to his troops, but with a a growing sense of confusion. "Where is Morgroar? I wish him to lead an expedition to these tunnels below." "The Pathfinders killed him! He stumbled upon their so-called investigation and they silenced him the only way they know how. I saw them drag the body down into the tunnels." Raike interjects, her desperation shown clear. "No, he attacked the Pathfinders." Greeleep offers calmly. "Another victim of the wide web that the Aspis have spun in your midst."
With this final indignation laid bare, the hobgoblin leader announces his decision. "Although I would have gone into this night with quite a choice to consider, the revelations today have made that easy for me. In no way can I condone the behavior of Commander Raike, or of the Consortium she represents. I will only offer her and her ilk the opportunity to leave before the morning, for if I sleep on it, I will not be as merciful." Eloqi proclaims. Artennod Raike raises her arm into the air and her hawk returns from its perch on the mess hall. She holds it in position as she motions for her entourage to follow and they disappear into what is left of their huts to gather their belongings. "I will remember you all." she says simply - her words hanging heavy in the air, particularly around the kobold shaman. Once they have departed (under the careful watch of the remaining hobgoblin army), the Lieutenant relaxes slightly. "As you can imagine, I am in no mood to discuss the terms of our new agreement with the Society tonight, but instead let us prepare for a feast to celebrate its beginning. Tomorrow, we shall get down to business." --------------------------------- The next day, after the formal discussions have concluded, a relieved Sergeant Drussem leads you out of the camp and on their way back to Varisia and eventually on to Magnimar to meet up again with Venture-Captain Heidmarch for a debriefing. Sheila Heidmarch is quite pleased with what you were able to accomplish, foiling the Aspis plot and surviving an encounter with a herd of bulettes. Quite a story for the Chronicles indeed.
Seth Darthis
Have been selected to seek out the Snakes in the Grass. We begin on the 26th.
The captain delights in your tales and brings you back to the mainland. Night is beginning to fall, and the sunset glow casts the waves in orange light as the Auspicious Pearl arrives to port. The streets of Sakakabe are aglow with the lights of night life, and people dressed in all manner of Minkaian finery are enjoying a leisurely evening out. True to his word, Masuhei treats everyone to dinner, and even partakes in the multiple rounds of strong drink. Weeks later, each of you receive a letter from the newly minted Venture-Captain Kukuha Mukai. The letter:
Pathfinder, I am most pleased to share two pieces of news with you. Thanks to your efforts on Kayajima, we’ve officially broken ground on construction of the newly named Three Gates Lodge. The ritual was a resounding success, and now that the island ley lines’ natural configuration has been restored, the lodge will be well protected from any outside threats. I am also excited to share that I have been named the venture-captain of this new lodge. I am looking forward to overseeing Three Gates operations and directing Pathfinder efforts within the region. It was a pleasure working with such a reliable agent as yourself, and I do hope you are willing to help the lodge in the future. Until we meet again, —Venture-Captain Kukuha Mukai
His simple words echoing through the valley, the druid's icy ray is forceful enough to scatter the elemental into diminishing wisps that scatter away.
------------------------------------- The griffons at the top of the ridge eye you with some suspicion, one even taking a few cautious steps out to investigate. The gate appears to be along the path far enough away from the griffons that you could approach it without disturbing them. What do you do Pathfinders?
Marigold switches to sword and makes the boar pay. It returns the favor before rearing back from all the sharp knives.
Feel free to roleplay your way out of the scenario and I shall get your chronicles ready in the next day or so. I have everyone on normal track. Still need a boon roll and dayjob from Cat. By defeating Tygora and rescuing the three Pathfinder prisoners you get full prestige. Liberty's Edge gets their boon by rallying the town-members and defeating the tyrant while Silver Crusade gets theirs by not fighting Valsog and prevent any ifrits from dying in the fight in the alley. Thanks everyone for playing! Had a blast!
News of Tygora’s defeat spreads quickly first through the fortress, then all of Crystalcrag, and the oreads respond with a mix of disbelief, relief, and confusion about what the future holds. As your group gathers and prepares to leave for Absalom, the mood in town is quite somber for such a successful rebellion. Only the slag giant Valsog walks you slowly to the front gates (now visible as the illusion hiding the settlement has faded with Tygora’s demise). He pulls Therin aside and offers his services to repair the blade Gamin as thanks for what was accomplished. With the unfortunate and untimely death of Glaheri in the throne room, Eurdan Stonemantle does his best to organize and encourage the newly liberated geniekin, though he would undoubtedly be better able to lead them with the help of his former associate. As a result, many ifrits ultimately accept Tygora’s defeat but refuse to live alongside the oreads as equals, leading to a large exodus of geniekin over the ensuing months that leaves Crystalcrag weaker and its future... uncertain.
Catushlara slides to the back wall to get out of the heat and channels to those present.
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Therin rushes toward Amiri's location as Zzorn drags the hulking body of the efreet tyrant into the trap, knocking Amiri off the flaming plate.
The monk rushes through the flames again and finds a wand to heal with from his barbarian friend. Trusting her Tiefling heritage to shield her from the flames, the wizard steps into the flames and hits Merisiel with a charge from her infernal wand. Pai nods and struggles to lift the lithe elf off the ground only making a few feet off the ground. Catushlara uses her final daily channel and waves to the airborne rescue attempt.
---------------------
Therin pushes through the searing flames and joins the group surrounding Amiri and channels once more.
Zzorn rips open the body of the fallen leader as Indranna races acrosss the back wall to join the fun. The monk uses the wand before Amiri is placed into the protective "cocoon". Through the gags you can see her eager smile. Pai continues to rise with Merisiel as the heat continues to punish both. Realizing she might not make it back through the flames, Cat moves toward Therin. -----------------------
The cleric makes sure all are near before praying for another burst of healing.
As the monk and wizard snap their wands once more, Zzorn stuffs Amiri in and pulls tight on the makeshift flap. Pai nears the edge of the heat waves but the rogue she carries still suffers. ------------------------
The cleric continues the healing words, trying to bolster their chances.
The rest of the group, save the two clerics, follow suit. ------------------------
Therin channels a final time then nods to the cleric of Sarenrae, framed by the bellowing inferno. "Shall we?" The two rush through the flames and within moments the room quiets to a hush as the fires expire. ------------------------
For everyone's benefit, I assumed all the talking once you opened the door took about three minutes. Yes, I got bored and timed it. I also assumed the bless and 2 shield of faiths were from Therin so they lasted longer than that. I basically only took off the minute or less buffs.
Zzorn slumps unceremoniously to his knees, then face plants onto the basalt flagstones. Catushlara's scimitar flashes into the brawler as Sleeping Sword repositions with flair. Pai and Indranna combine to calm the fires somewhat, although it seems as if the diminutive gnome is doing all the heavy liffting. Therin gets angry and turns his blade lethal. The cornered ifrit tries his best to harm the advancing monk but his defensive training is far too strong. His partner mumbles something in Ignan then withdraws and disappears into the still growing crowd of confused oreads. The fire roils and spreads, with a collapsing facade nearly covering poor Pai!
That was the intent of my question, Ferious Thune. I've seen it presented the same sweeping way in recent scenarios but to anyone who has chosen a different lore skill based on their school (or field commission), it needs to be a conscious choice to retain Pathfinder Society Lore or not. There are a lot of people who are now treating it as an "extra-extra" bonus lore at 1st level.
Esmayl matches Pai's excitement. "The greatest sandstorms in the world, in fact. We call them Khamsin Storms and they have been known to last for days, and can bury citadels and caravans in their wake. Lucky for you this is not their season." He turns to the rest of you. "These should come in handy." The venture captain lays out an array of items for your trip: a potion of remove curse, a potion of cure serious wounds, six potions of endure elements, and 2 doses of oil of taggit. There are also two letters, one addressed to Pai and the other to Catushlara and Sleeping Sword. Arms spread, he backs away from his desk. "As you have the mission specifics now, and our guest has procured horses, ponies and rations for your trip - I can only offer you my wishes for a safe journey and successful ventures." The remaining agent grunts. "I'll be waiting outside with your mounts when you are ready to depart." ------------------------------------------------ Letter to Pai:
The honorable Pai Shecks, Time moves quickly in our favor in these days. Keep your eyes open for any opportunities to rally the oppressed or overthrow a tyrant. Your Comrade in Arms, Tamrin Credence
Letter to Catushlara and Sleeping Sword: Greetings my friends, Dangerous foes seek to envelop this world. The Silver Crusade must remain adamant in our ability to prevent any further atrocities, protect the weak, and ensure stability in the locations we travel to. Seek to uphold these virtues to the best of your abilities. Ollysta Zadrian
Esmayl responds directly to Catushlara “Orcs and giants, for sure... Sphinxes, Geniekin and Elementals... likely. If you are lucky, perhaps you will see a thunderbird or dragon. Not many people have been truly able to settle in those mountains. Those who try either never return or return badly hurt and scarred forever. Expect the worse in those mountains. And be wary of sandstorms on the way there.” To the request about the agent's identities, the Pathfinder standing in the corner steps forward and speaks in a low, gravely voice. “The original Shadow Lodge was an underground resistance movement created by Grandmaster Torch and several co-conspirators who were unsatisfied with the detached attitude of the Decemvirate toward the common agent. Its mission quickly took a violent turn, and we were able to cleanse it of rogue elements with the Society’s help. Although Torch has since left us, many of us remain loyal to the lodge’s ideals: hold the higher-ups accountable, and assist the common Pathfinder when disaster strikes.” "Here is our dossier with the information about the missing Pathfinders." he adds. The Dossier: Kyra - Human Priest of Sarenrae Lem - Halfling Bard Amiri - Human Warrior Ezren - Human Mage Harsk - Dwarven Ranger Merisiel - Elven "Specialist" It includes visual illusory images of the agents so you will be able to identify them if needed.
I submitted everyone's info to the Gameday X organizers and they will input it into Paizo's system for you. You can find your chronicles >>>>here<<<<. Feel free to role-play your way out of the adventure if you wish and I will close this up in a few days. Thank you all for playing. Best of luck in your future adventures!
Over the ratfolk whose presence is supposed to be preternaturally creepy and off-putting that just ran up to him? Dang Giles, what'd you do to this poor bard? ;)
Jaune turns and stabs the dreaded ratfolk sneaking up behind him. The shock of that attack (combined with the decay of the halogenic poison), snaps him out of his confused state and after a pregnant pause, the sailors cheer your victory!
Venture-Captain Torrsen is delighted by your eventual return with Hlavard’s body and the gorget. “This will greatly please the Grenskuldrs. Thank you. I’ll make sure that you’re all on the list for a very special event coming up soon.” Torrsen says nothing more about what this special event might be, though he does open up a nearby cabinet and take down an armful of vials. He says, “Let’s just say these might come in handy...” and gives each of you a vial of lesser winter wolf elixir.
A little swamped at work, so I'll report this and get the chronicles out by late tomorrow. Check back here. Feel free to role-play your way out of the adventure if you wish and I will close this game up in a few days. If you are playing Grehunde's Gorget with me, we will begin on or around October 10th. Thank you all for playing and sweating through all the persistent damage. Best of luck in your future adventures!
Morrin's protective shield lessens the blow from the bolt. With angered resolve Cassimon wields his glaive in a wide sweep that strikes down the hampered leader where he stood. With his follow through, he nearly fells the bomber as well. Asketell defiantly rises again to face the remaining threats with shield at bear. The tide has turned.
Alright, game is reported and you can find your chronicles here. Feel free to role-play your way out of the adventure if you wish and I will close this up in a few days. If you are playing Grehunde's Gorget with me, we will begin on or around October 10th. Thank you all for playing and tearing up the golem like a piece of paper. Best of luck in your future adventures!
The book was more just musing on pain techniques and not named but I know the shadow obelisk (short-lived as it was) was a named minor artifact. Although it was destroyed, you had it long enough to examine it and describe the situation within the Cairn (which was a demiplane made from the essence of the Shadow plane btw) that it could be useful with regards to your faction objective. The prisoners could help fill in gaps with what they saw and experienced as well.
That does it, folks. It was a pleasure to have run this for you, I hope you all enjoyed the strangeness. I have reported the game and your chronicles are located here. Let me know if there are any issues. I'll leave the game open for a few more days if you want to role play your way out. Good luck in all your next adventures!
The obelisk is difficult to handle so gingerly by arrow-shaft. Although it likely holds power over this prison you are in, its true secrets will have to be discovered by others more powerful than you. Lord Maravan's Gear:
potion of invisibility, potion of levitate, masterwork rapier, cloak of resistance +1, and a promissory note from the Onyx Alliance that is worth 1,100 gp In addition to his gear, Paxal finds what looks like a spellbook but it contains detailed notes on the arcane uses of torture, shadow, and pain, and no actual spells.
Zzorn's falling blade is the last thing the chain slave sees.
Reminder of combat conditions:
A reminder that for the whole area down here: creatures more than 10 feet apart gain concealment (20% miss chance) from one another, while creatures more than 30 feet apart have total concealment (50% miss chance) from each other. Movement toward the west incurs a difficult terrain penalty as the chains resist you. Flying creatures must make a very difficult fly check to move westward without becoming entangled in the chains. Darkvision has same range as normal but all light sources are halved.
I was just mistaken that starting a turn in stealth did not guarantee it until the attack was made. Breaking Stealth When you start your turn using Stealth, you can leave cover or concealment and remain unobserved as long as you succeed at a Stealth check and end your turn in cover or concealment. Your Stealth immediately ends after you make an attack roll, whether or not the attack is successful. Here is a relevant thread that mentions J.B's thoughts.
The arrow flies true and smacks the door, causing the floor to swing open from the hinged side as anticipated. Looking down into the pit you can see the nets and treasure that Tiny previewed. Pulling up the mini-haul reveals numerous coins and bits of cut gems in the spiked pits, and the more durable remains of previous humanoids. There are 8 small ruby songbirds (worth 500 gp each) and 165 pp.
However you end up reaching it, you are all quite disappointed that the door itself was a false door and nothing lies beyond.
"I do not know much of the obelisk, only that others say it is surrounded by shadow and full of foul visions." Golbrier recounts before saying farewell to his friends at the safe house. --------------------------- Travel from Nisroch to Barrowmoor goes smoothly as Golbrier is in regular contact with Whispered Song spies, who ensure your travelling party doesn’t run afoul of patrols or Kuthite loyalists during the long journey north. Just before your arrival in Barrowmoor, a spy’s report informs Golbrier that the Onyx Alliance expedition has found the Cairn of Shadows and they’ve begun excavating the ancient tomb. The report pinpoints the cairn’s location, but can’t be sure how long the Onyx Alliance has been inside. -------------------------------- The barrow mound holding the entrance to the Cairn of Shadows is a tall mount of rock and gray earth, some thirty feet in diameter and twenty feet high. One side has been excavated with piles of dirt and lose rocks tossed about. The excavation into the tomb is only a few yards deep, beyond which there is an archway made of black stone and the tunnel walls change from roughly dug dirt to worked black stone. "Well it's time for you to earn your pay. I'll wait outside here." Golbrier says cheerfully, his face betraying the dread he feels for you.
Alya is halfway through her first purchased drink when Malik returns and the group gathers to leave for their meeting. "Ah, well I enjoyed the company. Thanks for the drink. After I get paid for my quarry tomorrow, I'll be sure to return the favor!" She turns back to the bar as you exit, a satisfied smile on her face. -------------------------- Catching up with Golbrier in the alley, he leads you to the safehouse of a Desnan sympathizer, who prepares horses for your travels out of the city. Golbrier fill you in on developments while you wait. "Thank you all again for the rescue. That could have really put a fork into the soup. Anyways, my most recent information from the Whispered Song is about the leader of the Onyx Alliance expedition, a man named Lord Maravan. My sources say Maravan is a spellcaster of some power, having trained in the Arcanamirium in your Absalom, but also an accomplished duelist who studied under a Tian Xia weaponmaster. Whispered Song spies have heard him claim he was planning on recovering a minor artifact known as an obsidian obelisk. Now, Maravan seems to know the location of an ancient barrow known as the Cairn of Shadows, which lies within the Barrowmoor. They believed it was the burial mound of a horselord chieftain named Telendrak, an ancient foe of the Midnight Lord who the Desnans hold in high esteem." He takes a peek out the window to see the progress of the mounts. "I'm quite happy to have fearsome allies willing to explore the site, though I'm not interested in entering the barrow myself. You know... I’m a lover... and a singer... and a bit of a dancer, but not a fighter.” He blushes as he jigs to the last few thoughts, then moves to his baggage. "Here, the Whispered Song thought you could use these, and I suppose they might do for a reward for my rescue as well." He hands over two cloaks of elvenkind for your use. The house owner returns and announces the horses are ready. "Well, it's about two hundred miles to Barrowmoor, should take us a week. Better stock up on food and water. We must hurry, before they realize I'm gone from the inn." Golbrier exhales.
Zzorn shimmies across the exposed belly band, careful to watch his handholds in the driving rain, but finally enters the desired room. A man sits hogtied at the foot of the bed, gagged and getting increasingly excited as the Ulfen enters. "Arff you herff to fry meh?" he struggles to say through the thick cotton. ------------------ In the tavern below, Tiny Pebble mutters to Igor in their shared language "...windows." |
