GM Engleaktig |
Razmir the Living God used his power to conquer an entire country; now he and his mask-wearing priests enforce peace and generosity—though some say their tools are intimidation and fear. His worshipers preach charity and self-worth, blaming rival faiths for crafting lies about the glories of the Living God. Now the cult has come to the city of Tamran, feeding the poor and promising happiness to those who serve Razmir. Yet ugly rumors persist of bribery, extortion, and strange disappearances associated with the new temple. Are these stories just gossip and lies spread by rival faiths? Or is the church of the Living God more than it seems?
Lumnessa Raziel |
PEW! PEW!
Harrow Tatterhood |
A tall, strong, and absolutely hideous half-orc awaits orders. He wears scale armor and a red cloak, so battered it is hardly wearable. He carries a fine, cold-iron nodachi. He is flexing and admiring his massive muscles before he realizes there are other Pathfinders around. He addresses them.
"Harrow Tatterhood is name. Anyone know mission?" he asks.
It is not clear how civilized this half-orc is; but the look in his eyes seems wild and short-tempered.
Outside is a shaggy, wild horse of savage temperament. It kicks at and attempts to bite any passers-by, and seems to be creating quite a commotion. It does not appear to be tame.
"Hush, you!" Harrow yells at the horse through an open window.
Lumnessa Raziel |
Sitting on the half-orcs shoulder's is a small female know with porcelain skin and wispy ice blue hair. She seems to be quite enjoying herself as she carefully shovels down an entire berry pie.
GM Engleaktig |
This adventure picks up in the town of Kassen, right where you left off.
A couple of your party members were recalled to Absalom for other missions. At the behest of Cygar Anravis, the rest of you remained behind to investigate the leads you discovered in the Crypt of the Everflame.
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A man outside the window of the tavern weeps mournfully: "I'm so sorry, Tan'ia! I didn't mean for you to catch me canoodling with those other women. Or those other men. And especially not the sheep! Please forgive me!" And he shoves another hot, freshly baked pie through the window.
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"So, you found evidence of tomb robbers, eh?" Cygar muses thoughtfully. "And they might have connections in Nirmathas to boot! Nothing good can come of this. I need to check in with some of my contacts in Tamran, Nirmathas' capital city. Meet me by the docks this afternoon. Be ready for travel!"
Cygar leaves hastily, the worry evident in his demeanor.
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Thump! Another pie lands through the open window...
You are free to purchase supplies or whatever else you need/want. The townspeople, thankful for all you've done, will give you enough food and water (and pies) for your journey--even enough for Harrow's appetite!
Harrow Tatterhood |
Harrow picks some pie crumbs out of his hair and eats them.
Maybe bad nome not so bad...leaves crums for Harrow to eat.
The half-orc says "Harrow liked big armor from dead guy...maybe Harrow buy some new armor before go."
I think I'm going to pick up some MW full plate...I'll just add that to my stats in a bit.
GM Engleaktig |
A crow marked with the Glyph of the Open Road stops by and drops off a letter for Harrow:
Hey Big Guy! You never stop by to say hello, and you never write me. Oh, well, no hard feelings here. I know you're on missions and you'll probably outrank me in the Society soon! But, whenever you're ever back in Absalom, look me up! -Janira
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At the mention of heading towards Nirmathas, Berosius' spirits stir uneasily. They whisper to him of Tamran, a ramshackle city, especially for the capital city of a nation. It is built on piers and pilings over the marshlands at the mouth of the Marideth River, where it meets the banks of Lake Encarthan. The city is connected by a web of bridges, ramps and causeways, and a flotilla of barges and skiffs. Due to the fact Tamran is still standing after its violent history it is seen as a symbol of Nirmathas' tenacity and resourcefulness.
Tamran has been occupied five times; each time it has proved too costly to keep for long. At the end of their last occupation, Molthune forces grew so frustrated they burned the city to the ground. Within a year the city had been completely rebuilt.
Harrow Tatterhood |
"All be okay little healer girl," Harrow says as he flexes in his new, finely-crafted full plate armor. "Lots of canoodle people out there."
The half-orc, if anything, looks even more fearsome than before in his new armor, and he appears to know it.
He still wears his tattered, red cloak over the armor.
Berosius |
"What's wrong with canoodling with sheep?"Berosius wonders out loud. "I like sheep! They're soft and fluffy and... wait. What's canoodling? It's like a nap, right?"
Then, as if listening to something only he can hear, his eyes widen. "Ohhhh. No, that's not okay. You're better off without him, Tan'ia."
Harrow Tatterhood |
Just saw the letter from Janira! Doh!
Harrow sits in his new plate armor and contemplates the letter he received after having someone read it to him. To make sure they read it right, of course.
He then contemplated his response in what passed for thought. He glared at someone until they took a quill to write his response as he dictated.
"Harrow always think of being in love as doing anything for other person—starve to buy bread and not mind living in dark cave with them—and Harrow always thought that every minute away would be hell—so looking at it that way Harrow guess Harrow not in love with you. Wait! Harrow really like other half-lings. Now Harrow not so sure. Harrow conflicted. From, Harrow."
Lumnessa Raziel |
Lumnessa does not like Harrow's new armor, its way to bumpy for good piggy back rides. Sad at loosing her animal companion she goes out and buys a pony and names it Harrow.
Harrow Tatterhood |
Harrow looks upset at the new pony. It's unclear whether he is unhappy about not being able to give rides, or that the pony is named Harrow.
"Bad Teasy Nome!!!" he bellows.
intimidate: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
GM Engleaktig |
Lumnessa starts a trend. All the children in town start playing with pretend half-orc mounts. The activity is soon coined as "Harrowing" among the children.
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The young woman who penned the missive from Harrow to Janira starts gossiping around town. The activity of "playing the field" is soon coined as "Harrowing" among young, marriage-eligible women.
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The blacksmith, happy to make such a huge sale, boasts about his fine work to his friends. They laugh joyfully at the thought of wearing a tattered cloak over such exquisite armor. It starts a fashion trend. The style of wearing "grunge" over excellence is soon coined as "Harrowing" among young men eager to seek adventure.
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Various townsfolk soon get confused talking to each other about "Harrowing." Cryp laughs and laughs for about an hour straight.
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The lovestruck boy is on his knees following Tan'ia. Offering sweet pies, savory pies, delicate pies, hearty pies--weeping all the while.
Lumnessa Raziel |
I WASN't TEASING HORROW GOOD NAME FOR A PONY! IT IS NOT NICE TO YELL AT ME! BAD HALFLING!
Intimidate: 1d20 + 9 - 4 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 9 - 4 - 2 = 13
Pregame VC shirt reroll
Intimidate: 1d20 + 9 - 4 - 2 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 9 - 4 - 2 + 3 = 24
GM Engleaktig |
The gnome and the half-orc demoralize the pie-stuffing out of each other. Cryp laughs some more.
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Once you've finished making your purchases, the party heads for the dock. When you arrive, you find Cygar waiting in front of a large river barge.
He greets you and explains that he has made contact with a friend in Tamran named Reginar who could help. Reginar knows the city well and has been keeping an eye on masked followers of Razmir (whose description matches the masks the you found in the crypt). Cygar would like you to travel to Tamran and learn what you can about the tomb robbers and, if possible, recover the amulet fragments so they can be returned to their resting place.
Cygar explains that he has booked passage for you all to Tamran on the Black Mist, a river barge run by Captain Walren. The barge is headed straight for Tamran with a shipment of ingots from Skelt, and Cygar promises that it will make the journey swift and easy.
Harrow Tatterhood |
Harrow continues to glare at Lumnessa, but he backs off a bit.
"Harrow not yelling at Teasy Nome! Harrow yelling at Harrow!" he says as he points to the pony. "Wait! Harrow yelling at self?"
Lolz all around for the Harrowing and party interaction...I love this group!
Berosius |
"I've never traveled on a barge before," says Berosius. "What time do you think they'll serve breakfast? I hope it's not before Nine, as it's beastly to expect a fellow to be at his best before then. One does so like to sleep in."
GM Engleaktig |
Captain Walren greets you on deck. Though a dwarf—a rarity among barge captains—Walren truly enjoys his job.
Serve? Bwahahahaha! You're the ones who brought all the pies! He claps Berosius on the back in a sincere sign of friendship. Sleep in as much as ye like! Only thing I ask is that ye help out should any trouble arise. These days there is more to worry about than the beasts that lurk in Lake Encarthan! Then he whistles joyfully as he works his barge with an expert hand.
The Black Mist is a rectangular, small-sailed barge, 60 feet long and 20 feet wide. The cabin occupies the back third of the barge, and contains enough cots for the entire party, as well as the captain and his deck hand, a heavily scarred Kellid man who calls himself Ewem.
Ewem handles the Common tongue poorly, and so refers most questions to the captain. The cabin also has a simple stove and enough pies to last the entire journey, with the remainder of the barge’s hold containing iron ingots bound for the forges in Tamran.
Berosius |
Berosius frowns at the prospect of traveling without proper dining service, but brightens at the thought of a hold full of pies. He casts a somewhat nervous gaze over the side of the barge at the mention of dangerous creatures in the lake.
"That is the thing about adventures," he says. "They never seem to happen within walking distance of one's home. Now why can't they be a shorter distance away, so a fellow can run home for tea, or sleep in his own bed? It's all very good for dwarves and men and," here he looks up at Harrow, "other sorts who like living outdoors and eating tree bark. But it's no good if one is used to eating at a proper board."
He sighs. "There's no help for it, I suppose."
Harrow Tatterhood |
"It okay to call 'other sorts' half-lings. Half-lings all used to it," Harrow responds to Berosius.
"But no worry, fellow half-ling. Harrow always protect half-lings of all sorts...half-orc, half-elf, and half-whatever little guys you be."
Harrow finds a hammock and takes a large nap as the barge sets off.
Tan'ia |
Where are those pies? They sure are good. I'll have another. Is there a hammock I can rest in? I'm sure it would be most comfortable to sleep. How long until we arrive?
Lumnessa Raziel |
Lumnessa takes off her shoes and dips her feet in the water while singing a song about pies and ponies.
Harrow Tatterhood |
Harrow responds to the dwarf.
"Harrow not lazy. Harrow save up energy for awesome feats of strength. If anything attack boat, you want Harrow feel rested, not sleepy."
The half-orc closes his eyes and attempts a Harrow-sized nap.
GM Engleaktig |
Glad to hear that you're up for protecting the boat! These days there is more to worry about than the beasts that lurk in Lake Encarthan. Molthuni privateers prowl the waters looking for victims. And there are the accursed faith barges of Razmiran, who force travelers to accept the faith of the Living God, often at the point of a sword! While I don't expect too much trouble, the journey will take about a week; anything could happen during that time...
1: 1d20 ⇒ 15
1: 1d20 ⇒ 13
2: 1d20 ⇒ 16
2: 1d20 ⇒ 16
2: 1d20 ⇒ 5
3: 1d20 ⇒ 17
3: 1d20 ⇒ 9
3: 1d20 ⇒ 9
4: 1d20 ⇒ 10
4: 1d20 ⇒ 13
4: 1d20 ⇒ 19
5: 1d20 ⇒ 3
5: 1d20 ⇒ 19
5: 1d20 ⇒ 13
6: 1d20 ⇒ 19
6: 1d20 ⇒ 6
6: 1d20 ⇒ 15
1d6 ⇒ 6
1d6 ⇒ 6
1d6 ⇒ 6
Harrow Tatterhood |
Harrow rolls to his side, half-way asleep now.
"Beasts, private tears, and faith barge not scare Harrow. Clowns, maybe a bit..." he says as he begins to snore loudly.
GM Engleaktig |
The first two days of travel are unremarkable. They're idyllic, really. Everyone indulges in pies, good weather, and plenty of sleep! :-)
Your dwarven barge captain whistles happily while he and his deck hand, Ewem, attend to the mundane issues of running the ship.
Anything in particular that you guys want to do for the first couple of days?
GM Engleaktig |
Sure. When they're between their duties, Captain Walren and Ewem will teach you to fish. If you don't want to touch the fish, they'll clean, cook, and eat your catch, too!
You guys bothering to set up any sort of watch or anything? Not all of you will fit into the cots in the cabin. Where will the rest of you sleep at night?
Lumnessa Raziel |
Lumnessa spends her time drawing pictures for the crew and her other pathfinders, putting on shows of singing and dancing, complaining about being bored and asking Are we there yet?, playing make believe games with anyone who will join her or with her imaginary fiends (all named Harrow) if she can't find anyone, and trying to convince the captain that she should be allowed to ride her new pony on deck since ..its not any bigger that the other Harrow.
Harrow Tatterhood |
Despite his protests that Lumnessa names all her imaginary friends 'Harrow,' the half-orc nevertheless watches the action through half-opened eyes while feigning sleep.
I think we should set up a watch. How about Harrow, Berosius, Lumnessa, then Tania? Harrow is fine sleeping in hammocks or on deck, so long as he sleeps lots.
Lumnessa Raziel |
But I'm not tired yet!
Berosius |
Agree with Harrow's proposed schedule.
Berosius has no intention of sleeping outside like some ruffian or farmhand, though he cheerfully accepts a watch and is vigilant about it.
"You need your sleep, though, Lumnessa," says Berosius. "Or you'll be too tired to do your magic. Also, the spirits say you'll have good dreams tonight."
GM Engleaktig |
OK. So, we'll say that the three sleeping party members are in the cabin while the fourth is on watch.
Very early on the morning of the third day, while Tan'ia is on watch: Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Harrow: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Lumnessa: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Tan'ia: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12
Enemy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Sorted Inits:
Berosius
Harrow
Tan'ia
Enemy
Lumnessa
Tan'ia fails to notice a hungry crab swarm approach the boat and start crawling aboard. (The red square on the map.) The cleric of Angradd yells an alarm, waking you all. Now, we're in rounds.
Berosius is up! (Well, he was asleep; now he's awake, and it's his turn!)
Lumnessa Raziel |
Lumnessa rolls over her cot and mutters dunt dunt duh! in her sleep.
Berosius |
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
"Awake! Awake!" cries Berosius, half asleep. "Lobsters are stealing our pies!"
Berosius prays that Harrow will be armored in Berosius's faith.
shield of faith (+2 AC) on Harrow.
Harrow Tatterhood |
Harrow rouses from his slumber upon hearing the alarm.
"NO ONE steal pies from Harrow!!!" the half-orc exclaims with unusual viciousness, even for him.
He stands and looks out the door, then retrieves a vial of acid from his bandolier.
"Hmmm...crab cakes maybe good trade for one pie..."
Move to stand, move to retrieve.
GM Engleaktig |
Surprised by the swarm, Tan'ia withdraws. The crabs move towards the largest concentration of delicious edibles, the cabin.
swarm damage: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 3) = 7
Berosius, Harrow, and Lumnessa each take 7 HP of damage, and will need to make a DC 14 Fortitude save vs. distraction at the start of their respective turns.
Sorted Inits:
Berosius
Harrow
Tan'ia
Enemy
Lumnessa
Lumnessa is up!
Lumnessa Raziel |
How did they get in? I don't see a door. More importantly how do I get out!?!
Fort: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
if possible Lumnessa with scurry away and then send a sheet of flames over the crabs, hopefully not cathing anyone or the boat, on fire.
Burning hands +1 CL from Pyro
Damage: 3d4 ⇒ (2, 1, 1) = 4 Reflex DC 17 for half