GM nightdeath #9-19: Clash in Kaimuko Wood (PFS Standard)

[nightdeath]

A written request of Venture-Captain Amara Li, you travel to Hisuikarasu to meet the archon Zepha and the samurai Shiyo Takarak.
The letter from Venture-Captain Li briefly outlines the your upcoming mission and the Pathfinder Society’s interest in Zepha, the Way of the Kirin, and Tianjing itself.
In it you are also told to expect that you will not be doing a team as this invite would have found its way to a select few chosen for this mission.

[Wadley]

Wadley is having a great day. A rousing success from his last experiments and the Shoaati being so kind to provide him the corpse of the ogre. He has spent a week in his work shop with various creatures and corpse strung up. The Dark Archives has been greatly pleased with his success of flesh sewing. Now to take the next step and draw the full essence of the creature. More experimentation is required. This painfully thing elf with an ugly grin and loose fitting funeral director clothes continues to saw open the corpse when a letter is received. Wadley skips over and flips through it. “Oh happy days. Returning to Tian! How wonderful hopefully more undead. I’m so excited. Gerry II. You are in charge. Water the arm and feed the skeletons.” A zombie wearing tuxedo nods and goes about his chores. Wadley packs his bag and heads off on his next mission.

[Naevys Driltormidan]

Naevys looks up from her beer in a seedy tavern in the Puddles as a messenger walks in and hands her a note. Back to work I guess. She tosses a couple gold to the barkeep. Tia, round on the house for me? Back in a few days or call on my mom and tell her I'm dead. Naevys grabs her hat from the table, slides it onto her hear and is out the door, a voice echoing out of the tavern behind her. Who's yer mom?

[Aaftaab]

Suddenly, you see a frog like creature not more than 3 feet tall sitting on a bird approaching.

The Grippli looks quite strange as the right half of his face is completely burnt and this part of his face looks like black coal!

On top of the Grippli’s head you see the bones of a tiny animal which has been fixed like a crown or crude helmet to his head.

Aaftaab stays silent but bows slightly.

[Parvaaz]

The medium sized bird is a Roc and its beak is hooked like an eagle’s and designed for slashing and tearing.

The bird’s feathers appear black currently but seem to change colours.

Parvaaz looks up to the grippli sitting on his back and screeches

[Felix C. Jaeger]

Felix's stat block is in and I'll get his headers updated soon.

A slender human joins the group. His armor and shield appear awkwardly carried, but do not seem to hinder him.

Hello, You can call me Felix. I've been sent to make sure everyone gets home on their own two feet.

[Wadley]

Wadley greeting his new group during the travel to Tien. “Hellooooo! I’m Wadley Winslow. Adventurer, Researcher, Undertaker, and Necromancer. Pleasure to meet you all. Tell me, what is the greatest adventure you have ever been on? A minotaur to slay, requesting a Princess from a Winter wolf, resurrecting a reincarnation of elder monk, or other grand tales.” Wadley will attempt to shake everyone’s hand with his bloody right sleeve.

[Aaftaab]

Aaftaab nods, points at the Roc and the animal bones in his head.

”Hello, I am Aaftaab! This is Parvaaz. Do not animate my crown!“

[Wadley]

Wadley looks at the crown. “I would never animate a set of bones used for grand display a hat. Out of curiosity why do you wear a crown?” Wadley will pull out his notebook and begins to make notes.

[Aaftaab]

”I am the crown prince of a proud Grippli tribe but I have to prove myself and find luck in this life so that I can bring all fortune back to my people! Which tribe do you belong to?“ the grippli with the half burned face asks.

[Wadley]

“A prince! Amazing. I have met royalty now twice in my life. A witch princess and grand daughter to Babyaga. Now a Prince of Grippli.” Wadley grin widens. “I am from Northern Nidal. My father worked as a undertaker and I apprenticed under him. During which he began to experiment with Necromancy which one of his experiments went over and killed him. He had a lovely funeral. Then I joined the Pathfinder Society where the Dark Archives took a lot of interesting in my research in flesh sewing. My recent success have pleased Venture Captain Zarta. Now I just need to harness the complete essence of the creature I raise from the dead.”

[Krezbiznet]

"Flesh sewing, eh? You some kinda surgeon? I hear surgeon's tend to do that sorta thing" At your elbow is the absolute filthiest gnome you've ever seen, to the point where for a moment you wonder if he's half dwarf. Covered in just a thin layer of dirt, the small gnome with bright green hair and goggles could be mistaken for a bit of tall grass if he were to lay down on his stomach.

"Hope I'm not too late. Was takin a nice soak in a mudbath when I got my letter, had to clean myself up before showin up, ya know?"

[Wadley]

Wadley sees the dirty gnome and his smile widens. “Surgery. Oh no. We’ll sort of. Necromancy is my trade. Hellooooo! I’m Wadley Winslow. Adventurer, Researcher, Undertaker, and Necromancer. Pleasure to meet you.” He will offer to shake the gnome’s a handshake with his bloody sleeve.

[nightdeath]

The Gilded Lotus Teahouse in Hisuikarasu is unusually busy.

An eclectic band of tengu soldiers, possibly mercenaries, take up most of the seats in the common room.
The archon Zepha and the tengu samurai Shiyo Takarak wait patiently in a private room at the back of the teahouse. The private room is much less rowdy, and its walls dampen the noise to a bearable level. A second tengu stands by Shiyo’s side, dressed in a uniform that matches those of the soldiers in the common room. He proudly boasts, “They may be noisy, but they’re the best fighting force this far west of Xidao.”

With a quizzical look, Zepha retorts. “That does not tell one much, for if I were to step outside and turn left, I would be able to see the Gulf of Xidao quite clearly.”

Thankfully, Shiyo interjects before the tengu soldier manages to mouth off a reply. “Welcome, Pathfinders. Those returning, we welcome you as friends of the Way of the Kirin. For those whom we meet for the first time, you have our thanks for your trust in this endeavor. Before we delve into the particulars, introductions first. I am Shiyo Takarak, a samurai of the Way of the Kirin. To my right is Zepha, the righteous messenger from Heaven who has gathered us together.”
Zepha’s glowing eyes flash in acknowledgement.

Shiyo then gestures towards the tengu soldier before continuing. “And this spirited and talented warrior is Captain Tai Dan. He and his soldiers, the Twenty-Four Masks, are to accompany you on your mission.” Tai Dan bows.

[nightdeath]

“Recently, a group of Pathfinders uncovered evidence that suggests trouble on the border between Kwanlai and neighboring Tianjing. If we are lucky, it is nothing more than a group of misguided individuals leveraging the region’s history to their own benefit. It may, however, be more serious than that. Much like the Inner Sea region’s Worldwound, Tianjing was once the site of a rift, torn between realities, that allowed a horde of qlippoth a way onto the Material Plane. Only the combined efforts of an army of archons, azata, agathions, and angels pushed the invaders back. The celestials, however, could not properly seal the rift. Ever since, the celestials and their aasimar descendants have maintained a vigil against the ancient threat.”

Zepha pauses momentarily, allowing those present to consider the possible implications in his message. “Pathfinders, your mission is thus two-fold. Travel with the Twenty-Four Masks into Tianjing to the North Winds Watch, the Tianji fort nearest to where your predecessors uncovered their evidence. Once there, attempt to determine the nature of the threat and deal with it, if possible. The Way of the Kirin has graciously covered the Twenty- Four Masks’ fee. We have briefed them already and they are prepared to assist you in any way possible. Their blades should prove invaluable should you encounter the worst.”

[Aaftaab]

Aaftaab smiles which looks strange given that half his face is burnt and coal black.

”I know the way of the Kirin. I was in Tian Xia, Amara Li and my group of Pathfinders helped the Lantern Lodge to build an alliance with your mysterious Way of the Kirin. But the longtime rival of the Pathfinder Society, the Aspis Consortium, had plans to form an alliance of its own. Eventually, we were able to show the way the ugly face od the Consortium! The Pathfinder Society's and Kirin hopes of cementing their place in the Dragon Empires was more than a hope after this!!“ he says looking at the ground.

”This mission dear Zepha sounds dangerous and very important. Any more dangers we should know of?“

[nightdeath]

Yikes didn't press the button properly.
Knowledge (Geography, History, Local) checks
Knowledge (Planes) checks
Please.

[Wadley]

Wadley grin widens hearing their mission. He will respond in perfect Tien. “ Hellooooo! I’m Wadley Winslow. Adventurer, Researcher, Undertaker, and Necromancer. Pleasure to meet you.” He will offer to shake the tengu’s a handshake with his bloody sleeve. knowledgelocal: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29 knowledgeplanes: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

[Felix C. Jaeger]

Felix shakes Wadley's proffered hand.

Your commitment to knowledge is commendable, but we must not neglect other aspects of our lives. Perhaps you can join me during my morning preparations.

Knowledge (History): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

Knowledge (Planes): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

I look forward to traveling with such a storied company and learning some of their techniques.

large blue hands are easily visible on both Felix's shield and armor clearly marking him as a follower of Irori (Iro-shu in Tian)

[nightdeath]

Shiyo bows slightly to Wadley.
"Your grasp of the language commonly used throughout the great empire is admirable."

Knowledge Planes Result:

15+: Qlippoth are an ancient type of outsider native to the Abyss. Qlippoth predate the existence of demons.

20+: When the Abyss began creating demons, the population of these newcomers swiftly outgrew and then overwhelmed the qlippoth. Facing extinction, the remaining qlippoth retreated to the darkest, deepest pits of the Abyss where they still fester, lurk, and plot today.

25+: Fragments of qlippoth philosophy suggest that demonkind may not be the qlippoth’s only enemy. As mortal sin ensures that the Abyss receives enough souls to constantly birth more and more demons, some qlippoth therefore seek a way to sever this supply of souls, preferably at the source—the Material Plane.

(Geography, History, Local) Results:

Tianjing is a nation on the eastern coast of Tian Xia, south of Kwanlai. Tianjing’s citizens are primarily aasimars.

15+: In an age long past, Tianjing was the site of a holy war between the invading qlippoth and a celestial host. After claiming victory, the celestials could only partially seal the rift between the Abyss and Material Plane. Many of the celestial host thus chose a selfimposed exile to maintain a vigil over the rift. Their aasimar descendants continue that tradition today.

20+: The empire of Lung Wa was the predominant political force in Tian Xia for nearly five centuries.

Lung Wa conquered many nations, but it made no attempt to take over Tianjing. The empire even sought to supply the aasimar nation with food, art, and any other support they required.
With their basic needs cared for, the Tianji turned their attentions to the arts, philosophy, and scholarship.

By the time Lung Wa fell, Tianjing had become almost fully reliant on the empire. Unable to support and sustain itself, Tianjing sank into a state of anarchy, with its military unable to maintain both its vigil against the qlippoth and defend the nation’s borders. Only through the relatively recent actions of an individual hero, Sulunai, has Tianjing begun to recover.

[Wadley]

Wadley will turn to Felix. “Oh I would love to join your morning preparations. What do they entail? If you are interested in learning my techniques. I pride myself in keeping detailed notes.” Wadley produces a large journal with very folds of paper each with different stains of blood and you are pretty sure that’s flesh for the cover. He will turn to Shiyo. In Tien, “I’ve enjoyed the wonders of your empire including traveling the countryside with so many undead encounters. Also to attend the funeral of Venture Captain Bakten Shengrah after saving his reincarnation from his former evil version of himself. My understanding is that Qlippoth are an ancient type of outsider native to the Abyss. Qlippoth predate the existence of demons. When the Abyss began creating demons, the population of these newcomers swiftly outgrew and then overwhelmed the qlippoth. Facing extinction, the remaining qlippoth retreated to the darkest, deepest pits of the Abyss where they still fester, lurk, and plot today. Fragments of qlippoth philosophy suggest that demonkind may not be the qlippoth’s only enemy. As mortal sin ensures that the Abyss receives enough souls to constantly birth more and more demons, some qlippoth therefore seek a way to sever this supply of souls, preferably at the source—the Material Plane. I’ve taken the time to review the dark archives records on Tainjing. Tianjing is a nation on the eastern coast of Tian Xia, south of Kwanlai. Tianjing’s citizens are primarily aasimars. In an age long past, Tianjing was the site of a holy war between the invading qlippoth and a celestial host. After claiming victory, the celestials could only partially seal the rift between the Abyss and Material Plane. Many of the celestial host thus chose a selfimposed exile to maintain a vigil over the rift. Their aasimar descendants continue that tradition today. The empire of Lung Wa was the predominant political force in Tian Xia for nearly five centuries. Lung Wa conquered many nations, but it made no attempt to take over Tianjing. The empire even sought to supply the aasimar nation with food, art, and any other support they required.
With their basic needs cared for, the Tianji turned their attentions to the arts, philosophy, and scholarship. By the time Lung Wa fell, Tianjing had become almost fully reliant on the empire. Unable to support and sustain itself, Tianjing sank into a state of anarchy, with its military unable to maintain both its vigil against the qlippoth and defend the nation’s borders. Only through the relatively recent actions of an individual hero, Sulunai, has Tianjing begun to recover. ”

[Naevys Driltormidan]

I have heard of Amara Li, but not met her myself. A good friend of mine has, and told me excellent things about her.
Naevys takes a sip of her tea. So, we are to travel with these Twenty-Four Masks of Captain Tai Dan? Is this a mercenary group? You mentioned a fee.

[Felix C. Jaeger]

It's a simple ritual divided into three parts. First we practice unarmed combat, to build perfection in form. Second we read from a book we have never read, to widen our experience. Finally we contemplate the mysteries of the multiverse. We braid a length of hair while we do so to remind ourselves that everything is intertwined. We wear that braid throughout the day to remind ourselves of our contemplations. It takes about an hour.

[nightdeath]

Tai Dan bows stiffly.
"You'll learn about us as we journey together on this road. Much as we learn about you and the society."

Shiyo interjects here.
The Twenty-Four masks despite their names are capable and you'll be best encouraged to get to know them better as they are here to lend their strength to this endeavor. If you have no further questions, May I suggest that you use Mounts and travel along the road as it'll be much faster trip given your group."

[Aaftaab]

Aaftaab nods.

”Parvaaz and I won’t need any mounts. We are ready to depart to eradicate any signs of evil! I owe it to Chaldira, the silver crusade and to my tribe!“ the Grippli says and it sounds more like he is driven by dedication and not by complete conviction!

[Parvaaz]

Parvaaz screeches as it feels it’s Masters’s urge to move on.

[Wadley]

Wadley thinks about Felix’s offer. “You know I would love that. I’ve never tried unarmed combat before. I did see a man become half pig and kick a demon with his hooves. See other forms of combat with weapons. I’ll try my hands at hand to hand close counters combat. Well if you want to read a book you never read before.” Wadley pulls out a flesh tome with branded words of waxed blood. The title reading “Death gentle Caress” Wadley will offer the book. “I picked this up on my last trip to Tien nation. It’s a wonderful read on flesh sewing and break down on different forms of undeath. Do you have any books I could read?”

Wadley will then turn Shiyo. “Do you have any dead horses near by? I could save us some money on mounts.”

[Felix C. Jaeger]

Felix bows

Very well. In return I will lend you my copy of Unbinding the Fetters. It's always best to start at the beginning. I only ask that you take care to keep it in its currentcondition.

Shiyo, do you have any recommendations for acquiring said mounts?

[Naevys Driltormidan]

If it's all the same to you, Wadley I'd prefer to simply purchase a mount and saddle. The thought of riding a skeletal or zombie horse does not spark joy for me.

She turns to Shiyo.

This is a fairly large city, yes? We should be able to procure horses here, if you have a recommendation for who we should talk to?

Combat-trained riding horse is 110 gp and a military saddle is 20gp. Assuming no issues, we should just all purchase something like that (heavy if you need it for full plate or other bulky gear.

[nightdeath]

Shiyo looks mildly affronted at Wadley's suggestion. Tai Dan's expression though doesn't seem to change.

Tai Dan Sense Motive DC 10:

He's not very keen on undead mounts despite your assurances.

"Rest assured that mounts will be provided and they come with their own saddle and feed. If you have no other questions, I'll leave it to your group to start of with the Twenty-Four Masks on your journey then."

[Krezbiznet]

"Ah, excellent, so then it sounds like we have a ride there. Gonna pass on an undead mount, if that's alright-no need to take sumthin outta the earth for me. I'm excited to meet these mask fellas. I kinda thought we were delivering a bunch of masks to someone at first. Soldiers kinda make more sense." the gnome reaches into his pack and pulls out a bit of home-made rock candy to snack on. "So fellas, when do we head out?"

[Wadley]

Wadley will take the book. “Sounds wonderful. Now how does one throw a punch? I have used a dagger once during a battle. That’s about it. If we already have the mounts that fine. There are a lot of benefits from having a skeletal horse. Don’t have to feed or water it. Extremely loyal and great conversation starters.” Wadley will continue to prattle on about the advantages of undead horses over live ones.

[nightdeath]

Just after cresting the Kimu Mountains, the Kaimuko Wood immediately comes into view below: a majestic expanse of woodland that covers more than half of Tianjing. From the high vantage point, individual clearings can be seen through the Wood, marking the location of aasimar villages, lakes or dams, lumber yards, and even military observation posts.

The mounts you are riding comes with their saddle and enough feed for the journey strapped to their backs.

Tai Dan has subdivided the Twenty-Four Masks into three squads of eight. Tai Dan leads the first, while a sergeant leads each of the remaining two.

No two of the tengu carry the same gear, with each soldier donning the armor and carrying the armaments most suited to their particular skills or squad roles. Even so, the idea of a uniform still exists. First, each tengu wears navy blue prominently, whether as clothi g, dyed and prominently displayed feathers, or painted armor and shields. Second, each soldier carries an elaborate mask, with most representing powerful beasts, such as tigers, or supernatural beings, including dragons and oni. A few soldiers carry more than one, tying the extras around their waists or to their backpacks

The Squads

Tai Dan:

The captain wears a mask shaped like an angrylooking, red-faced human. He carries two double chicken sabers and wears blue leather armor. Tai Dan leads the first squad, which includes the Twenty-Four Masks’ most heavily armed and armored soldiers. Even these soldiers avoid heavy armor, as Twenty-Four Masks prefer a mix of acrobatic, hit-and-run tactics.

Toko:

The sergeant wears a toad mask that allows her beak to protrude much as the toad’s tongue would from its mouth. Toko wears leather armor and carries a crossbow and an urumi. Toko leads the second squad, which includes the Twenty-Four Masks’ ranged experts, including archers and spellcasters.

Naki:

The sergeant’s helmet features a faceplate shaped to resemble an angry-looking, long-nosed human, not unlike the captain’s mask. Naki also carries a stylized kitsune mask, which belonged to her predecessor, tied to her belt. Naki serves as the Masks’ chief sapper, engineer, and surgeon. She leads the third squad, a mismatched group of specialists that supports the other two.

You may start getting to know your travelling companions before I start the next checkpoint.
Hidden mechanics in play now.

[Felix C. Jaeger]

Felix rides along with the third squad.

Greetings Sergeant Naki. I believe I fit best with your squad. I can provide healing, both mundane and magical, along with magical enhancement during battle, and broad knowledge of many areas. How can I assist your team?

[Felix C. Jaeger]

One morning with Wadley

You already study anatomy so you are aware of how everything links together. The more you engage when you throw your punch the stronger it will be. The balance is it takes a fraction longer to throw.

Felix takes a moment to demonstrate a series of punches ranging from a quick jab to a full Haymarket.

You also want to practice how you hold your arm and hand. If they are out of line you can hurt yourself as much as your foe...

[Wadley]

Wadley attempts to throw his punch. 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (3) - 2 = 1

After the morning training, Wadley will approach Toko squad. “Hellooooooo! I’m Wadley Winslow. Researcher, Adevnturer, Undertaker, and Necromancer. I’m curious is anyone here have a favorite book or story to tell? Anyone else here specialize in Necromancy? It’s always nice to meet a fellow mage in the field.”

[Wadley]

Wadley attempt to throw his punch during the morning training and it has no coordination. Like a thin twig be swung around that wouldn’t be able to break another thin twig. “I think I’m getting the hang of this.”

[Aaftaab]

Aaftaab approaches all the key members of the 24 masks with Parvaaz.

”Captain Tai Dan, I see that you have a very strong team and that every one of them has their own techniques! I am a warrior as well and know the hardship of battle and understand what duty means! Can you tell me more about you and the heritage of the 24 masks?“

diplomacy : 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32

~

”Toko, I see that your mask is associated with a toad or frog and that means that you have an affinity to my kind I assume? I hope I am not wrong?! May I ask what the reason for choosing this mask was? If you need any advice or any information then you can of course ask me?“

diplomacy : 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33

~

”Naki, you seem to have medical experience. This is of course very important for a squad like the 24 masks! And I assume that you still have honed your skills as a warrior? And that you honor your predecessors and team members seems to show your dedication to the past!“

diplomacy : 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25

[Naevys Driltormidan]

Toko, I see your company consists of archers and spellcasters. Have you considered firearms? They are a bit more expensive to produce than bows, but they are much more accurate at close range and can get some spectacular hits.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 14 = 19

[nightdeath]

Naki:

Felix
Her beak opens slowly but no sound comes out as she closes them. She seems to take her time to digest your words as the angry looking face plate seems to look you over.
"It seems that you claim to have many skills but I." she pauses.

"I have yet to see any of your claims." she pauses yet again.

"This squad is skilled but learning more techniques would be."
She looks around her and then settles her faze upon you.

"Interesting."
You may attempt to show Naki how skilled you are in arts of Healing with an appropriate skill check.

Aaftaab
As she finishes speaking with Felix, her head slowly inclines towards the grippli.
"You."

"Speak well and though we are all warriors." she preens with pride at your words.
"We specialize in support and healing for our troops."

1 Success for Aaftaab.

Toko:

Wadley/Aaftaab/ Naevys
Toko gazes without giving away his thoughts as Wadley continues his introduction.
"Unfortunately, we are not much of a magic wielding squad though there are some of us skilled in such aspects.. Perhaps Naki might be better disposed towards you." he explains though his tone is sharp as if one used to giving quick commands.

You note now that his weapon is well oiled and obvious care has being spent on making that crossbow deadly with its joints and stock cleaned and reinforced.

"Perhaps your style involves awakening and disturbing the rest of the dead and sending them forth against your foes?" he asks, his eyes glittering.

As for Aaftaab, the tengu's beak opens slightly in an approximate smile as he answwers.
"Any likeness to you is purely coincidential. My squad consists of the best scouts and marksman in the troops. we are the ones to lay a covering fire when needed or make precision operations when required. Are you any good in your style of combat and if so what are its tenets based on?"

In answer to Naveys's question, Toko withdraws his crossbow while tossing out an apple in the air some distance away. In a swift move, he shoots it with his crossbow.
A silent thud is all that everyone hears as the apple falls to the ground and another squad member retrieves it. There a bolt sticks out of the apple. A clean hit.

"I do not deny that firearms are indeed spectacular but we are are more focused primarily on quieter weapons. As well as our combat doctrines do not lend well to such close quarter combat should the enemy come upon us."

Any appropriate skill checks from Wadley, Naveys and Aaftaab.

Tai Dan:
"Ha ha ha." the tengu laughs.

"My squad despite being the greatest close quarters combat you'll find among others for miles are still mercenaries like myself. We are the ones that gets in and gets out with the speed and silence like shadows. The Twenty Four Masks are true to our words and we'll never renege on a deal." he says that last part with great pride."[/b]

"Our history goes way back to the time of the founding empire but it has evolves over those years to become what you see now. From simple trappers to the current warriors. It's a long take but it'll take far too long to regale you with our rich history!"

[Aaftaab]

Regarding Toko, you are writing skill check and Aaftaab is a rogue so can I show off how he’s able to also circumvent dangers?

disable device : 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (7) + 23 = 30

[nightdeath]

Skill checks needed.:

For Tai Dan, No checks needed.

For Toko, Profession (soldier) check or similar skill check/attack roll, combat maneuver check, or skill check related to character's style of combat.

For Naki, Heal to demonstrate skill in medical prepareness /Diplomacy or Bluff check on medical supplies.

[Felix C. Jaeger]

Heal: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

Felix pulls out his Healer's Tools and goes over the contents with Naki, explaining in depth the uses for each item. After he's finished...

And should any of that fail I can call upon Iro-shu for divine healing.

Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14
Knowledge (dungeoneering): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15
Knowledge (engineering): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19
Knowledge (geography): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30
Knowledge (history): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20
Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14
Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24
Knowledge (nobility): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24
Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13
Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

After which her talks to her about the region in exhausting detail; in some areas his knowledge remains fairly general, though the surrounding terrain seems to be an area he excels in.

Is there anything else I can demonstrate for you?

[Wadley]

Wadley will show off his abilities to Toko. They will see a demonic claw form from his purple aura. They will see the claw launch out and strike a near by tree. For flavor I’m casting Ray of enfeeblement. “This was some of my earlier work but I have moved to some more of the combat magic due to the need of the Society.” spell attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

[Krezbiznet]

As they travel, Krezbiznet spends much of his time skipping a stone across the ground, only to have it whizz back into his hand, something he tends to do even when having a conversation. He goes to each of the squad leaders, though these people seem quite honorable, and steeped in tradition, something Krezbiznet is not as familiar with.

He mostly tags along with the others, listening to their questions. "So then, uh, Mr. Tai Dan, if giving us your whole history will take too long, how about just the masks? You guys all have named your group after them, I'm sure the significance behind em is pretty interesting, right?"

Krezbiznet whistles as the apple is shot out of the sky "Woah, nice shot! You tend to provide the coverfire right? That tends to be my specialty too. You're accurate, I'll give ya that. How far of a shot can you make?"

The gnome looks to a distant tree, about 120ft away, then focuses. The gnome draws into existence a long spike of a rocky quartz, then fires it at a thick branch, intending to skewer it as she had the apple. Kinetic Blast: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26

After firing the blast, for a brief moment, Krezbiznet's body seemed to be carved from rock, his hair having solidified into a green crystal, his body looking like it was sculpted from stone, though after a moment, he would shake, like a dog, and he would shed bits of dirt and stone dust, returning to normal."How was that, eh?"

To Naki, he notices that she seems to be quieter than the rest, and will ride alongside her, skipping his rock as they go, riding in silence for a time, before finally speaking up. "I see you're a warrior of few words. Gotta be better about that myself. But you seem to let your skills do the talking-gotta commend ya for that. Those medical supplies you do have on you, tell me, what're the different uses for em? I recognize..." and he starts talking about the different ones he sees she has on her. Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31

Overall, the awkward little gnome is just trying to be polite amongst this group of warriors.

[nightdeath]

Felix, Krezbiznet and Naki discuss long on the differences of healing uses in various regions. She's absolutely fascinated by hearing of new types of herbs and their uses. She shows them their traditional usage of the local herbs and how some can be turned into poultice or applied on directly with the usage of bandages she carries on her person.

On the other side Wadley gains more then a few nods of approval from the watching Tengu as they appraise his spell. They seemed impressed at it.

Krezbiznet's blast draws some applause though one of them comments on it being flashy and loud. They are no less impressed with him then with Wadley.

Tai Dan smiles as he sees his troops getting along well with the pathfinders.

All checks Successful. Congratulations.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------

Just after cresting the Kimu Mountains, the Kaimuko Wood immediately comes into view below: a majestic expanse of woodland that covers more than half of Tianjing. From the high vantage point, individual clearings can be seen through the Wood, marking the location of aasimar villages, lakes or dams, lumber yards, and even military observation posts.

Farther down the mountain pass, a large wooden arch stretches across the road.

DC 15 Knowledge (geography, local, or planes) check.:

Though common in some regions of Tian Xia, particularly in Minkai, these arches have special significance in Tianjing as symbols of the Tianji people’s ancient responsibility.

As you approach the arch, Tai Dan slows down his mount to speak to you,
“This torii reminds me that, for some of you, this is your first trip through Tian Xia.

Foreigners often consider Tian Xia as a very spiritual land.
I know, however, that’s just a polite way to say something’s haunted.

Actually, this talk of spirits and qlippoth reminded me of another matter. We should have mentioned this earlier, but some governments expect spellcasters to formally register their powers so that the governments can call on them during an emergency. Or so that governments can control them. It depends on the government.

In Tianjing, it seems to vary from fort to fort. It’s routine for us, as we need to register our presence as soon as possible, lest we get mistaken for an invading band of common bandits. For you though, I suppose the choice is your own. There may be benefit in hiding your spellcasting, there might not.

Best make a decision before we reach the fort though. My soldiers won’t say a word either way.”

[Naevys Driltormidan]

Take 10 on Kn(Local or Planes): 10 + 9 = 19

The arches have special significance in Tianjing as symbols of the Tianji people's ancient responsibility.

Naevys seems to be enjoying the scenery riding along with the group.

I'd prefer not to be under the thumb of any government. I'll keep my casting quiet and rely on my guns for the time being.

[Felix C. Jaeger]

I'm afraid I'll have to declare. There is no concealing my faith.

[Wadley]

“I would like to ask is Necromancy banned in this area? If not I will declare myself. That is only fair. I have no shame for my practice and it could be free advertising.” If Wadley knows it is banned he will try to hide it but if not he will declare

[nightdeath]

"Necromancy is seen as a branch of magic. Fearsome as its reputation is, it is still recognized as a heretical form of magic." Tai Dan explains.

"As I said before, Whether or not you declare yourself is at your own discretion."

He heads towards the Main Branch to register the Tewnty-Four Masks.

Perception/Sense Motive DC 10:

There is something amiss at the fort.

The receiving soldiers take to their task poorly, displaying a noticeable sense of apathy.

If asked about registering spellcasters, the soldiers sigh with exasperation before mumbling an excuse that they don’t have the requisite paperwork on hand. They half-heartedly offer to find the party later to finalize the registration, should they choose to stay at the fort for a while.

It is Early Noon now.