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Should be able to catch up tomorrow... for a while anyway.
Dingus walks closer to the man limping slightly on one shoe before giving a grunt of disgust and taking off the other one. He peers at the man's feet to make sure he doesn't have any interesting footwear.
Hi all. A little minor surgery tomorrow. I'll be AFK for a couple of days. Feel free to nudge me along.
"Get them Boys". Dingus continues to rain acid. Acid Splash
But quickly has to remove one of his favorite sequined slippers as the acid splashes onto it.
At the sound of the activity, Spiro shakes the cobwebs of sleep from his tousled head, throws off his blanket and rushes from the common room where he had made his rest. When he sees what is going down he rushes into the fray. "Stop! Stop! This is just wrong. I saw what Ping saw as well. If the Lady is in danger, we need our wits about it to find her". Charisma Check (Empathy) He then tries to wrestle Haldelar's hands from choking out Andren. STR Check?
Working for me too... though I'll admit I forgot we were using it. :-)
As the group pulls items from the box both Sheila and Koriah re-enter the room. As you explain what happened while they were out of the room her pleasure at the way you handled the situation is obvious. She bids farewell to Koriah who bows to you all as she makes her exit. "Please take your seats. I'm honestly surprised there wasn't more damage to the room. Those creatures are quite chaotic and can cause a lot of damage. I'll be sure to turn this box over to the experts for more study". After everyone is seated, she begins to explain the reason you were all invited here. "First, allow me to apologize for that unpleasantness regarding the gremlins — but it does provide an excellent object lesson. The life of an adventurer is not one for the weak-hearted. That you not only took care of the gremlins but also got the box open in the first place is all the confirmation I need that my gut was right... you’re the perfect group for the job I have in mind. You see—I’ve recently had trouble with one of my informants here in Magnimar, Natalya Vancaskerkin. She’s a half-Varisian who recently approached the Pathfinder Society with an offer to serve as a street informant. She runs with the Sczarni — I’m not sure with which group. A week ago, Natalya sent me a cryptic hint that her gang was on the verge of uncovering an item that would be of great interest to the Society. Since the Sczarnis’ methods of uncovering something often involves an armed robbery or breaking into somebody’s personal chambers, we thought it prudent not to press for further details and instead wait to see what it would produce. Suffice it to say, she hinted strongly that it pertained to Thassilon, and promised to meet with me to discuss this find three days ago. She never kept that promise—instead, she seems to have simply vanished. Initially, I assumed that the acquisition of this item was simply taking longer than expected, but now I’m hearing rumors that the Sczarni are looking for her as well. It seems likely that Natalya has absconded with this item she’s discovered. And this is where you enter, my friends. I want to know what it was that Natalya and the Sczarni found. In fact, I’m more interested in that than in what happened to Natalya herself. For now, I’d like to keep all of this quiet — if you can find out what happened to Natalya without letting a lot of people know she was also working for me as an informant, that would be preferable — that’s a big part of why I’m coming to you, as new members of the Pathfinder Society, with this task. You don’t yet have a reputation in Magnimar, and as such, the lowlifes and criminals you are likely to encounter may be more likely to talk. So... go out there and look for Natalya. Find out what happened to her, and to this item she and her gang discovered. If you can secure the item, all the better—bring it back to me and I’ll have a reward of 50 gold pieces for you. And if you can bring Natalya back alive for me to speak to, I’ll double that"!
Spiro sits down his ale and begins to hand-roll some stinking mixture of forest herbs into a rough cigarette. "Well now. That is interesting if the compensation is fair. I can't decide for the others, but I think after we finish our current charge that might be of interest. Hopefully they'll gather here soon".
40-XP for solving the Box
And with a final flap of the wings and launching of translucent feathers Brennus takes down the last of the gremlins... or whatever they are. There is silence in the room as a couple of Brennus's feathers float to the ground. Except for the remains of a broken cup on the ground, and a deep gouge in the back of one of the chairs the room appears the same as when left. The Paradox box remains open on the table, and your group hears voices approaching from beyond the door. "I swear I thought I heard something break from inside". COMBAT OVER!
"Well if you don't have Pickled Lamprey... that's my favorite... I guess the Jelled Eel will do. Serve me up a double helping". Then to Elyan "I don't think they're unfriendly... just curious. The fair folk are not common occurrences in any small village in the Empire. I guess it'd be kind of like a Cyclops dropping into one of your establishments and ordering a glass of Ice-wine". He then raises his glass to toast Elyan when his ale arrives. "To not appearing as you are and not being as you appear".
"Yes! both Doxie and I thank you from the bottom or our hearts. You shall henceforth be known as "Dragon Healer".
So...
Round 2: Barry
Celenton is still up with two actions... Fun little things on deck
So Tonee moves up to get a better look at the box as the lid begins to lift a bit and casts something into the small crack. He hears a sneeze from within and the lid flings wide open and three quick popping sounds emerge along with three of these... Things about 3' tall and with doglike faces emerge. SB Screen
Spoiler:
RK @ Caks
Spoiler:
Make a DC14 Perception to sense motive. If you make the save you know the pugwampi has no intention of attacking, you but has something else in mind. This would not trigger your readied action if you pass. You know these are mischievous creatures known as Pugwampi's. they are fey creatures with a known weakness to Cold Iron, and they cause everything around them to suffer "misfortune". (1)One of the small creatures' pops into existance sneezing a bit with runny eyes and nose and leaps high grabbing the chandelier above the table swinging and laughing insanely.
(2) Another jumps off the table and runs towards a side table and starts eating candles.
(3) Another comes out more slowly and sees Caks and reaches for her with both tiny hands.
Everyone make (2) DC 18 Will Saves If you fail read the spoiler
Spoiler:
20 feet. When a creature that isn't an animal, gremlin, or kholo enters the aura, it might become unlucky. It attempts a DC 18 Will save; it must roll twice and take the worse result. On a success, the creature is temporarily immune to the unluck auras for 24 hours. On a failure, the creature must roll twice and take the worse result on all checks as long as it's within the aura. Round 1: Barry
Rail on deck.
I would think the human fighter would be best for this adventure. Do you use Pathbuilder? If so perhaps you could send me a link to the character at second level. Please read through the players guide, and let me know which background works best for your character and I'll come up with something.
Our group is in the midst of transferring this game from the Lost Lands Settings and adventures to Golarion and the Shattered Star AP. This will be a Pathfinder 2e Revised conversion of the original AP. Our Melee / Fighter has decided to retire from adventuring and become a Sheep farmer... so we are in need of a replacement primary Fighter to join our group. We will be beginning at Level 2, and all will receive the "Free Archetype of Pathfinder Agent". I will help with converting the Background and traits. We use both the boards and discord for sharing files etc. We use Owlbear Rodeo (Free btw) for battle maps and image sharing as well. Current group is:
Help us uncover the secrets of Ancient Thassilon!!!
"Does that mean don't fireball first and talk later"?
Never one for leaving foes alive to extract revenge, Spiro busies himself with trying out the longbows and finally picks one which though not fine is at least familiar to him. He unstrings his shortbow, and finds a niche for it on the mule.
As some of his companions speak in a language, he doesn't understand he raises an eyebrow and peers at the lady Jenneleth. Hmm. These people have proven trustworthy so far. Wonder why they speak in secrets. "Best be on our way before fortunes turn again". He finds a convenient moment to get close to the prisoners.
Spoiler:
"Fortune smiles on you this day... but the leash is short. One false move you'll enjoy bleeding out on the ground". He then smiles and slaps the man on the back.
Dingus senses that Kaul has... changed... somehow... but he likes him even more now. "Let's go dispense some justice".
I won't get into edition wars. I'll just say that the professionals at Paizo spent a lot of time and money designing a new system for some reason. :-) I started with white box D&D in 1975, and have played 1st, 3rd, 3.5, PF 1 and many others and to me PF2e is by far the easiest to GM even with all its rules. To me it removes the ambiguity of past rules systems. From my experience trying to make it behave like other d20 systems is the downfall of liking the game or not. I don't think either system is "Better" but 2e is better for me. I drug my players screaming and crying into it, but after adjusting that's all they want to play.
Spiro walking near the front of the party is content to let the others carry the conversation while he keeps a close eye on the guards to see if they are being completely upfront. (Or staying back with the animals depending on which direction we're travelling.) CHA (With Empathy) Check to sense anything amiss in their behavior. Once they make their way past he is as surprised by any when the arrows come flying out of the brush. Even though he doesn't have a clear view of the archers he figures taking a show won't hurt anything and if anything might at least distract them a bit. Shortbow
Then moves to take partial cover behind the nearby boulder.
"Indeed. Let's be on our way". Spiro leads the way setting an impressive pace... till he realizes that there are those among them with shorter strides.
Spiro wakes up eager to head towards their destination. He warmly greets all including their new additions. "I feel good about today".
"Aye Aye Captain. I'll let her know". Dingus picks up the hem of his robe, and begins to high step through the swamp... the wrong way.
Dingus claps and squeals like a homoecoming queen, then rushes to Kaul jumping onto him and clinging with all appendages. "Kaul! Kaul! Thank the gods you're not dead. Now I don't have to conquer the world on my own... BTW... you're not a Zombie are you"?
Spiro watches the encounter with a bemused expression. Boy. I'm glad my elven blood is not so obvious. "Have a seat stranger. You'll have to forgive our suspicion as we have had several more... well... less than friendly encounters this day. Tell us more about yourself and let's see if we can build mutual trust".
Dingus sends a welcoming gift of Vapor Vipers to Javaro to warm him up for Jim's visit. Force Damage
A look of determination comes upon Dingus face as he spots the two scamps heading for the jolly boat. "Corliss! Go put Kaul's blood back in"! "Go get them Richard".
Happy Turning of the year to you UDMBD!!!
No problems. I'm enjoying keeping up with the game. I get as much enjoyment watching other characters and relationships develop as actually playing. I'll jump in when appropriate.
"Let's take these guys out. They're responsible for my best friends death".
Spiro frowns when Zeebo reappears. Nobody should have to hide who they are and live in fear like that. This will have to be resolved. Spiro prefers the intimate company of friends, but a hot meal and a warm bed run a close second. "I hope they have pickled Lamprey. It's my favorite. A heaping plate of that with Turnips, and a hot mug of buttered Rum would certainly lift my spirits after this day of dealing with death and fear".
Burning Hands Tears streaming down his face and an unearthly moan coming from somewhere deep inside him the bloody sorcerer reaches out with his flaming serpent tongue spell attempting to dissuade the gladiator from approaching.
"I--" Ping starts to say before hunching her shoulders and looking down at her feet. "I've said too much." "Hmmm No pressure". Spiro then lays a gentle hand on Ping's shoulder, and smiles. "You don't have to do this alone. I'm here to listen if you decide to share more".
Thanks for asking. No problem. Power out for about 3-hours... but that's it.
since Wildsong is a secret language, I'm going to rule that the Ancestral Longevity wouldn't work here. This isn't central to the plot just a side quest which would reveal lore more than anything. The other way to find out what this might refer to is to follow the side trail and see where it leads. This is a very "Sand Boxy" campaign so, and the fact that PF2e doesn't really embrace random encounters I have many set encounters that are voluntary or semi-voluntary.
I enjoy interacting with the City of Bards Gate... but I get the sense that you guys are ready to move on with some encounters that don't require smiles and platitudes. If you wish, I'll fast forward to you having purchased (4) Standard riding horses from The Dun Corral. The horses have seen their better days but seem solid enough. One of them has an obviously altered brand on it. Feel free to name and describe your new mount. SR3 - The Dun Corral
Spoiler:
SR3. The Dun Corral Originally part of an inn that was destroyed by the invaders, this structure survives only as bare, scorch-marked stone walls. Captain Jadeyn Roean, master of the Stablers and Breeders Guild, has seen to it that the building still serves a useful purpose, however, and has converted it into a horse-trading post and livery stable. He has a rough weather-beaten face, with three long scars that cross his face from nose down to chin. He claims it is the result of a bear attack,
If you guys waited the two days for Tenebrin to work his magic, you also have 3-GP each to spend before setting forth. If you wanted to leave right away, then you have 1-GP each in addition to whatever treasure you might have on your own.
All good. I’m on the East coast, and North of the tornadoes. Power was just restored. Thanks for asking.
Just as a counterpoint to the above. If you were to enter the sanctum of say a baptism ceremony at a local church burst open the door and state... "Is anybody Here". would probably not result in a favorable reaction. I'm just saying that perhaps cracking open the door to look inside, or listening to see if anything was going on, or even knocking at the door might have been reacted to differently. It is also brought up that the church needs you to do a favor for them... when in fact this party has come to ask the church to do them a favor. Perhaps there could be additional support but accusing them of bullying isn't really the situation here. The whole introduction got off to a bad start with the initial approach. The most powerful priest in the city MUST enforce his sanctity and influence remember the Church of Thyr is very lawful... so they probably do frown upon if not outlaw late arrivals or interruptions of the ceremony. If the party takes the time to research more about the Church before entering some of this might be uncoverable... as well as determining the service hours. I understand that things are moving slowly at the moment, but they will pick up again now that we have a full crew and hopefully a goal in mind.
A little girl is crossing the street holding onto a womans hand as the party move to cross the street. She points to the bird and exclaims to her mother. "Hey I want one of those talking birds. Do you think they make pretty ones"? The mother admonishes her for her vivid imagination, and hurries her along without making eye contact with the group.
Now that you've arrived at Bards Gate we need to determine your direction. Here are three obvious options... 1. Originally you were going to the temple of Thyr to seek out Father Gimbles old friend Abysthor... who has been missing for a couple of years. NOTE: This was the original next quest based on the old Tellurion, but is still something that bears investigation. 2. Alhindra's tribe has a surviving member who is located in an area outside Bards Gate (This is the Tent City you passed through on the way in). Perhaps since Alhindra and Aduriel are no longer that relevant this might have less significance... but is still a viable thing to pursue. 3. Explore Bards Gate. There are tons of story hooks, and adventures that can be uncovered here by exploring the city and talking to people here. There are three open items that can be researched if interested. * What is the purpose / identity of the strange vials taken off the Orcs you defeated. * Research the drawings made of the Strange star maps sketched from the walls of the unusual girl at the Asylum * Find out more about the fiddle and how to dispose of / destroy it. This was one reason you were going to seek out Abysthor. Any of these would lead to the next part of the adventure, so choose what you want to do next, and I'll prepare and move us forward. I do think we should recruit at least one more player before we move into adventuring... but if you want to keep moving forward with only (3) I can make it happen, but you'll need to hire some help. Also, if you have some goals or things you'd like to pursue based upon your characters background feel free to let me know and I can work that in as well.
"Ah! wonderful. I know you'd be back. You'll not find a better deal in town. Of course at these rates we'll require payment in advance. That will be (4) Harps for the rooms, (3) Copper each for the Porrige, and 1-CP per mug of delicious, cold, Brin Zwiescher Ale". He then smiles and attempts to reach for any carried items to take them inside. If allowed he'll scurry to carry in any belingings (Including the box), then step behind the bustling bar, and grab (3) keys off a pegboard, and hand them to you. "It's late of course and we've only a few rooms left. These are in the eaves to the right at the top of the stairs. A bit of a sloping ceiling challenge for those carrying height, but secure and warm at least. There is a common washroom on the floor below you, and we can arrange a bath if you have the coin". He then hands you a thin towel that's mostly clean. "So are you ready for that hot porridge? Any questions, Torrie Dixsons the name. That's me". As you look around the common room you notice that it's a little over half full. Looks like many weary travelling merchants, and perhaps a more eclectic mix of races than you are accustomed to in Raven. A group of Dwarves are playing cards in a corner with a strange spider like individual dealing at the moment. There are two old women passed out on the table in front of them in the corner, and a young serving girl limps around on a bad leg serving this mostly indifferent group of patrons.
I’m about to give up. I may be dense, but I have no idea what I’m supposed to be doing.
I'll try to get up a higher resolution map soon. We are officially in Downtime mode till we're not. :-)
There were a few tears shred as the group which had bonded together said their goodbye's. They had shed blood together and shared fear and excitement, but for now their paths diverged. Telurion and Caks had changed through their experiences, and Variel and Aduriel were happy to have travelling companions. The group spent the night in the fort at the foot of the hill though their dreams were haunted by ghosts of those recently slain there. Audriel was sad that he must once again leave his recently found sister behind again but realized that in her state she didn't even know he was there anyway. The journey was long but for the most part eventless as they pushed on the final day the lights of Bards Gate beckoning them forward into the early twilight to reach their destination without another night roughing it. The weather had been mostly rainy and wet during the travel hours, and chilly and unsettling at night. It seemed that every unusual sound in the forest teased them with its identity but seemed to offer no resistance. Finally, about an hour after dark the city came into view in the near distance. Mists along the great river that bisected the city clung to the banks illuminated by the reflected lights along its banks. A vast city of tents and ramshackle huts filled the ground between the city proper and the weary group of travelers. Sounds of rambunctious frivolers and boastful laughs filtered to the group from the area, and they paused for a moment to consider their approach. @ Aduriel
Spoiler:
You know this is known as Tent City. A settlement on its own away from the rules, restrictions, and expense of Bards Gates Walls. Owl Bear Rodeo Link: Tent City
Gee. I wonder what's happening out front.
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