PbP GameDay 2: PFS Destiny of the Sands: Bitter Bargain 1-5 (Inactive)

Game Master Curaigh

A man in simple linens meets you at the door and escorts you to a large room. "Welcome to the Sandswept Hall, the Pathfinder Lodge in Sothis. Venture-Captain Norden Balentiir will be with you shortly to brief you on the assigned task. Please make yourself comfortable and feel free to introduce yourself."

Ser Willem sits down, moving his sword to his side. He nods to any who acknowledge him. "Ser Willem Dargerion, if you please."

Mazon looks Ser Willem up and down studiously and says "My name is Mazon and," she reaches into her messy, long black hair and pulls out a scorpion and states "this is my best friend Rudolph. I named him after a member of a famous rock band." With that she bares her fangs in what most people might see as a threatening gesture, but some will see it is merely a half-orc attempt at a smile.
She looks menacing but she is actually nice.

Belvica smiles and upon hearing the name of the Venture Captain, she muses to herself wondering what happened to Jalden Krenshar, who was the Captain the last time she was in Sothis.

The red headed dwarfess looks like someone from further south than anywhere else. She looks completely atypical in her dress, mannerisms and vocality.

"Mesa Belvica Insnare'ba, I'sa be jusinma retoornin frem de Absayirm."
She shakes your hands warmly and says "Murch abIIIIged!!!"

Ser Willem stands and gives a curt bow to the ladies as they introduce themselves. He looks interestingly at the scorpion and then raises an eyebrow at the accent of the dwarven girl, but gives no vocal remark.

Badriyah nods politely as the dwarf and Ser Willem introduce themselves. Her right eyebrow raises slightly at the site of Mazon's 'friend' but she quickly recovers and offers her own smile in response to the half-orc's introduction.

"I am Badriyah, daughter of Kazim." She says in a quiet, polite manner as she pulls back the crimson wrap that hid most of her face. "It is a pleasure to meet you all."

"And you, Badriyah," Calnus replied enthusiastically and quickly crossed the room to get a closer look at Rudolph, "I like your scorpion, Mazon. Does he know any tricks?"

Calnus was anxious about being back in the desert. He couldn't quite remember why, but he knew he didn't like this place. But they'd told him this was his "home," and he'd wanted to come see it for so long...

The young man had a complexion between sandy and bronze and his fashion a hodge-podge of cultural influences. Beneath locks of wavy brown hair, he wore a strip of deep red cloth tied around his forehead. Around his waist he wore a heavy, leather belt that bore the weight of a sheathed longsword with a red leather grip, many pouches filled with various tools and three alchemical flasks. More leather armored his chest with thick pauldrons over his shoulders, and lighter bracers over his forearms. More strips of red cloth were wrapped around his forearms and hands. His attire was decorated all over with charms and trinkets made of cord and wood, emblems of the sun and of small flames.

In his eyes danced a fire stoked by some unearthly force, but his smile was friendly enough.

"I'm so sorry, I forgot to introduce myself," he continued, "My name's Calnus. Calnus Elazul."

My name is Thanagor Hol. I am here to the stop evil & to expand the knowledge for the common good. I follow the teachings of Torag the just.
Than finishes his speech and sits down.

"Tricks?" Mazon asks Calnus. "He's magical and can sting bad guys with his stinger. But most of the time he just hides in my hair as...emotional support." She flips her hair back behind her, puts Rudolph on her shoulder, and he disappears into her hair again. She appraises Thanagar as a fellow half-orc with a gleam in her eye but says nothing more. She goes near the back of the group to not cause anyone to stare at her black clothes and green skin. She kind of looks like the Wicked Witch of the West...without the long nose and warts.

Belvica sees the scorpion and tries to befriend it

Wild Empathy 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

She speaks to it in soothing manner saying "Mesa likesn you, yousea be a nicer feller, yes?"

Responding to Thanagar,"Mesa fellower de Lioness and me'ina ancesters... preblum iz dee ai a no metta miena familleeee... "

Rudolph snaps his pincers menacingly at Belvica. Since he is a magical beast with an intelligent score of 6, Wild Empathy won't work on him, just Diplomacy.

A grin creeped over Calnus' features as he marveled at Mazon's description of the scorpion. "A magic scorpion... nice!" as Thanagar made his introduction, Calnus nodded respectfully. "Thanagar, I like your style. We're all here to stop evil, are we not? I hope so. I certainly am." He toyed with the crop of stubble on his chin thoughtfully as he moved around the room looking at his companions in turn. "So... where's everybody from?"

Venture-Captian Norden Balentiir shutters of the windows in his second-story office overlooking the lodge’s tranquil gardens and seats himself behind his writing desk. He nods and introduces a thin, aging Garundi man in an ornately bejeweled and feathered turban.

“This is Amenopheus, the Sapphire Sage. I trust most of you know of him already. If you don’t, know that he has served both the Ruby Prince and the Pathfinder Society for many years, uncovering vast troves of lore from Ancient Osirion and mentoring some of our finest agents. He recently approached my colleagues and me with a request for assistance, and the Society has agreed to step up and aid its ally. The arrangement is, in fact, rather mutually beneficial.” He nods to Amenopheus, signaling the elder man to speak.

“Faithful servants of the past, I bid you greetings,” the wizened sage says with a shallow bow. “Our esteemed ruler the Ruby Prince, recently released me from his service, which has freed me to learn more about a little-known organization to which I belong: the Jeweled Sages, protectors of Osirion’s history and chroniclers of its past glories.
"Quite by accident, I found myself initiated into this group, and have long believed myself to be its sole surviving member. Each sage in the group possesses a unique jewel—a priceless artifact that contains memories of Osirion’s golden age.”

He pauses as if considering how to express his thoughts “For many years, I have sought news of any other members of the Jeweled Sages. My agents recently learned of the Diamond Sage, whom they traced to the city of Eto in the Osirian Desert. At the same time, I received word from a reliable source that several other jewels in the vicinity. I ask that you travel to Eto, negotiate with my contact in the city for his assistance, and then use what you learn to find the Diamond Sage and these lost jewels.”

Venture-Captain Balentiir frowns and adds, “This contact has tried to remain anonymous, but we suspect he is none other than Grandmaster Torch. If you’ve heard of him—or worse, met him—you may know trading favors is his signature. Regardless of Torch’s past treacheries, we need you to deal with him fairly for the information. There is a caravan leaving for Eto in a few hours, so don’t delay.”

Sorry for the long bit of text. At a table top game I hope y'all would be taking really good notes, but remember for PbP these threads stay active & you can check back frequently (please do). Most of you are 1st level, though I realize you may have more experience. This is advice I give for first levels: remember to ask lots of questions.

Quietly listening to the others banter about Mazon's scorpion, Baridyah sits up with anticipation as the Venture Captain and Sapphire Sage enter the room. Her dark eyes are riveted on the old wise man as he tells his tale. Yet as he finishes his statement a slight frown crosses her face.

"Excuse me wise one." She says, "Where are we to meet your contact in Eto? And you say we are to negotiate with him. Do you have anything for us to negotiate with or are we to supply the information, magic, gold...or favors...ourselves?"

Ser Willem perks up at the mention of Grandmaster Torch. "I've dealt with him before. While he is.. eccentric, I haven't heard ill of him until now. What has he done?"

Being fair is a ethical and just cause. What will we offer to him? Thanagar asks. The tall green half Orc looks fair for his his kind. When he smiles he scares others. He notices the half Orc woman with the scorpion. She is glorious he thinks to himself.

Calnus had a bad feeling about all this. A tremendously bad feeling. He was unsure if his efforts to conceal his unease were successful, but he had committed to this. It was the only way he could learn anything about his history... gemstones filled with memories of Osirion's past. Maybe they could get him somewhere.

"Okay," he began, "This Diamond Sage. You say you've traced him to Eto. Does his trail just end there? Or do we think the contact might be holding out on us? Do you have any idea what we should expect from the Diamond Sage himself? Will he be a friend or foe do you think?"

Seeing that the man in Garundi, Belvica whose Common is a bit shaky asks in Polyglot

"I have not dealt with nor met this Grandmaster Torch. Who was he, and what must we offer him?"
Only thing I can think of is echo questions that have already been asked.

The Saphire Sage answers Badriyah first. "Torch is staying at the House of the White Uraeus, a fancy inn that caters to those in need of healing and rest. Remind him of the favor still owed to me for past assistance in his 'grand' endeavor. He is likely to ask for something only someone of your unique skills can accomplish."

The man lifts a wary eyebrow at Sir Willem's question. "There is not time today to go into the whole story, though it should be duly noted in the chronicles. Suffice it to say distrust of the Decemvirate is counterproductive to the Society."I do not want to spoil any that you have not played.

"The Diamond Sage was known to me a long time ago. I consider him a friend, but he is not the man I knew. Nor am I the man he knew. At this point we just want to locate him."

"Dear dwarf, there were several of us before the pharaoh decided we were a threat. Until the Ruby Prince let me go recently, I have not had much time to search for the other Jeweled Sages. News of the Diamond Sage is the closest I've come in my lifetime."

Sorry for the delay, weather was good & I played in the garden yesterday instead of on the computer :)

"Is there anything that we will need to make our journey?"

"I'll keep that in mind." Ser Willem says. "It should be interesting to make his acquaintance again."

Badriyah makes writes the name of the inn in a small leather bound journal along with a few other notes from Amenopheus' briefing. She starts to put the journal away satisfied with all she had learned when she pauses and asks one last question.

"Master, should we locate one or more of these jewels, is there anything we should be careful or aware of? Are they easily damaged? Dangerous in some way? Are others currently hunting for them?"

Badriyah makes writes the name of the inn in a small leather bound journal along with a few other notes from Amenopheus' briefing. She starts to put the journal away satisfied with all she had learned when she pauses and asks one last question.

"Master, should we locate one or more of these jewels, is there anything we should be careful or aware of? Are they easily damaged? Dangerous in some way? Are others currently hunting for them?"

Calnus turns to listen to the young alchemist, nodding as speaks. "Good questions," he says as he turns back to await the Sapphire Sage's replies.

Belvica smiles... and listens

Thanagar looks and listens at the questions.

Having arrived with the Venture Captain, a dark-skinned Qadiran woman in gilded jewelry and rich, billowy desert robes has been listening to your questions. Though silent, she nods approvingly at the shrewd questions and apparent bravery of her new companions. Hiding behind her skirt like a scared child is a small, blue-skinned genie-like creature.

Turning to Mazon Venture-Captain Balentiir says "I have arranged for you to travel to Eto as part of a trade caravan of heavily laden camels. That has been paid for."

"Are the jewels dangerous?" Amenopheus considers this question. "No. At least not any more than you or I. The jewels themselves are magical, but they are just jewels. As far as other hunters, there are none that I know of. You can be certain others watch when Pathfinders get involved. Treat this with as much care and caution as your other assignments." Then he reaches into his sleeves and pulls out a weathered stone. He strikes it once against the wall to break the stone into two crystalline geodes. He hands one half to the Pathfinders.

"If you find one of the jewels of my order or the person known as the Diamond Sage, I ask that you contact me. Concentrate on the stone and speak a message of a few dozen words. I will hear you and respond with further instructions. It will only work once, so keep it safe."

Balentiir and Amenopheus answer any other questions, then the Venture-Captian gives instructions to join the caravan.

Other questions? Or maybe some that I have missed? If not, now is the time for purchases or other preparations you may want to make for the trek.

Mazon reaches out and receives the stone. "Very well we shall keep the stone safe and contact you when we should."
Mazon is ready to go when everybody else is, she believes so anyway.

Badriyah bows politely to the Venture-Captain and Amenopheus. "We will keep the stone safe and do our best to locate the Sage and these jewels."

She then places her journal, ink and quill in her pack, slings the bulky bag over her shoulder and waits off to the side as the others prepare to depart.

Ready to go when everyone else is.

Thanagar bows before the Venture-Captain and Amenopheus. He then leaves with the others when they are ready.

Ready!

"Then we will do what must be done.", Ser Willem says. "I just need to gather Destrier from the stables and we are on our way."

Belvica nods and slings her rucksack onto her back, fully prepared to leave.

As everyone is ready the party meets with their cararvan. One of the merchants loading stuff onto the caravan stops when he sees the Qadiran woman. "Dijinda? Is that really you? It is!" He rushes over to greet the old friend.

Shortly the caravan is on its way with the pathfinders riding on camels or walking along as they wish.

Please let me know what you would like to do during the journey. I can't find a map with a scale, but it should only be a couple of days.

Travelling with the caravan, Mazon either makes everyone uncomfortable (except for the members of her party) by mostly talking with her scorpion, or only talks to Thanagar or the other members of her group. Other than that, she walks mostly on her own.

Belvica looks at the sands remembering how she inadvertently landed in Sothis 12 years ago, when she walked out the jungle and made her way chasing a pack of Jackals across the desert.

While they were passing the outskirts of Sothis, she pointed out a small hut to the other members of her party and said "That's where I live with my brother."

Ser Willem walks next to Destrier in the sands, knowing the heat will make any rider more uncomfortable for both in these conditions, however he does offer to allow any of his female companions that are walking to ride upon Destrier's back, should they so choose.

He doesn't say much, unless asked, but nods at Mazon's pointing out of her home.

Calnus is uncharacteristically quiet as they begin their journey. The long outstretched miles of sand serve only to further unman him. To pass the time, he begins to ask anyone who will listen if they know anything about Old Cults operating in the region. He is clearly frightened of the notion.

Thanagar walks with Mazon while they march. As they walk together, Than shares his past with her. He listens to her stories as well. When they pass her old home he simply smiles at her. He is glad he is not alone on this quest.

Badriyah walks along with the rest of the caravan, doing her part setting up and breaking down camp as needed. This was unlike most of the time spent traveling with her father. Caged in a small carriage, sweltering from the heat.

She is clearly excited about the journey and being able to truly observe the desert landscape at the slower pace of the caravan. She spends Most of her time writing in her small journal as she sketches and jots down her various observations of the desert and the trip.

"Old cults? answers one camel handler. "Not currently, Saranrae scoured the desert clean of them long ago.

The small hovel outside Sothis sports the silhouette of a man chopping wood. He turns & waves at the caravan, and Thanagar recognizes a kinship he himself he never had.

Enjoying Destrier's shade for an afternoon of walking Belvica finds and points out the tracks of jackals to Sir Willem.

Badriyah's constant entries fascinates one of the merchant's children & he pesters his father until he too has a journal to draw pictures in.

Nicely done, keep working the back stories in :) Please include a +2 circumstance bonus to your next Knowledge (local) check.

The immense rock walls that ring Eto rise from the horizon like a shimmering mirage that gradually sharpens into focus. The city sits inside an elevated crater with sheer, weathered sides broken only in two places by heavily guarded gates. Long lines of caravans wait in a meandering queue awaiting entrance as officials search their cargos for contraband and calculate taxes.

Water sellers, food vendors, and guides march up and down the lines peddling their wares and services to the visitors. Beyond the gates, the main thoroughfares fan out around the various districts of the city before dwindling into the dozens of pathways that flow through the bazaar like the delta of the great River Sphinx.

Each caravan or group of travelers is assigned one or more trios of officials. As the Pathfinder’s caravan approaches the gate, the leader acknowledges that the Pathfinders are guest travelers, which earns the Pathfinders their own private inspection.

Anything you want to hide do it now (I am presuming it was done so over the course of the travel).

Two guards escort a bored Garundi man whose graying beard and tired eyes suggest he’s seen it all and heard every excuse at least a few dozen times. "Welcome travelers. I am Mahu. What brings you to Eto?" He begins to inspect the traveler's gear and plies them with questions about where they’re from and what interesting sights they might have seen.

Ser Willem nods at Belvica when she points out the tracks. "Handy skill to have out here I suppose."

Know(Local): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

Ser Willem questions whether he should let loose with the information that they are actually seeking the Diamond Sage, but thinks better of it to avoid too many questions.

Giving a short bow to Mahu, he says, "Greetings Mahu, I am Ser Willem Dargerion of Taldor. My companions and I are here to visit an old friend in the city and marvel at what delights the city has to offer."

Mazon is hiding the communication stone in one of her pockets.

She smiles at Sur Willem and says, "Itsa keeepinsa me alurve this lurng!!!!"

Knowledge Local 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

Belvica looks at Mahu and says, "Salve, mesa Belvica Insnare'ba, Isa looking fer a sprklin herb, thatsa known to era grew inadese perts..."

Knowledge(Local): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Badriyah watched the man approach with a knowing smile on her face. She had been through this type of thing before many times when traveling with her father. While the others answer questions, she simply sets out her goods in a neat orderly fashion, being sure to leave a gold coin tucked in an inconspicuous place that only Mahu would find.

"It is as the honorable gentleman said." She says quietly and with a slight bow when Mahu approaches her. "We are here to visit a friend and see the sites of the city. We are to meet him at the House of the White Uraeus. Would you, by chance be able to give us directions?"

Than pugs his stuff in a neat pile. He realizes that if he tells the complete truth he would jepordize the mission. He simply nods in agreement when the other two speak. He figures it is best not to draw attention to himself. After all his smile has been known to cause fights.

Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

"I am coming home, Mahu," Calnus smiles convincingly, "after a long twenty years away."

Calnus gave him the truth, even if it was only a fraction of it. Having nothing material to hide, and only those items he carried on his person, he simply followed any instructions given to him at this point in the inspection.

Mazon puts her backpack on the ground, open for Mahu to look inside it. When they are asked what brings them to Eto, like Than, she nods in agreement.