The Pact Stone Pyramid (Inactive)

Game Master Pact Stone GM

A Pathfinder Module, converted from 3.5 to the Pathfinder system, with a party of level 7.


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Male Human Cleric/8

At the feast, Donkor eats large quantities of healthy foods, and shows signs of great enjoyment. He says, "The Venture Captain stressed speed a number of times in our conversation. I believe that Gandel, being the font of information that he is, has supplied us with all of the information we might realistically expect to gather on Khymrasa's expedition in the course of the day."

"Therefore, if everybody is ready to travel, I suggest leaving early. We should be able to go to the Emporium and arrange mounts and be on the road by mid-day if we hurry. I must warn you all, I am a poor rider."

Donkor will want to make some spell changes before we get to the dig site, but should be able to do that on the road at an evening stop rather than spending time here. Other than that, he can think of nothing further to do before we leave.


Jason lingers as his comrades make their way to the feast. He watches them chatting amongst each other and then turns his attention toward the Venture Captain.

He strides forward and extends his hand. "Thank you again for including me in this expedition, Captain Krenshar.", he says as he graps the Captain's hand. "You mentioned that you wanted to speak to me in private. How can I be of service to you?"


Venture Captain Krenshar pulls Jason aside,

“Jason, listen. I don’t know if you care for my advice here, but this is all happening rather fast. My sense is it’s too soon for you to be back out there, if you know what I mean. I heard what happened in Absalom. I know we were all saddened to hear the news.”

I think you should sit this one out. No one would blame you. I’m not telling you what to do here – it’s your decision. I’m not going to cut you out of this, I’m just saying you don’t have to do this. I’ll tell the others you were needed elsewhere. “

“Just promise me you’ll give it some thought – Okay?”


Male Dwarf Cleric 8
Donkor wrote:
"The Venture Captain stressed speed a number of times in our conversation. I believe that Gandel, being the font of information that he is, has supplied us with all of the information we might realistically expect to gather on Khymrasa's expedition in the course of the day."

Hal eats and drinks as if it will be his last meal. Despite the amount of ale he has consumed he does not appear to be getting much more drunk.

Dwarven:
"This is ale, bah, tis like water compared to what I drink back home!"
Hal chuckles and grins at his new dwarven friends.

"Are you sure that we have gathered all of the information we need Donkor? Knowledge is power and the more of it we have the better off we will be. Not that I don't wish to get out there but we will be outnumbered by slaves and soldiers and knowing more we may be able to plan how to approach things accordingly". Hal belches loudly and continues stuffing his face.

Hal will spend the next morning selecting spells which will help with espionage. I will make the changes on my sheet.


Male Human Cleric/8
Quote:
"Are you sure that we have gathered all of the information we need Donkor? Knowledge is power and the more of it we have the better off we will be. Not that I don't wish to get out there but we will be outnumbered by slaves and soldiers and knowing more we may be able to plan how to approach things accordingly".

"I think that if we had a week to plan and research and gather information, a great deal more could be accomplished. If the intent is to leave by this evening at the latest anyway, it leaves us little time to do all of that. I feel that getting to the site as soon as possible would serve us better. However if one of you has some thoughts on other ways to more productively spend this day, I'm certainly not against it."


Male Half-orc Barbarian (Invulnerable Rager) 4 / Sorcerer 1/Dragon Disciple 3

Hurgah also digs into the food with an appetite fitting for his size. He does not offer much in the way of planning, leaving the thinking to brighter minds.


Female Half-Elf Rogue (spy) 2/Druid (desert) 5

Thalia does not eat or drink, instead, she fills her plate and leaves what she takes there out of courtesy.

Strangely, Thalia has not had anything to eat or drink since meeting up with the group of rag tag adventurers, and refuses anything offered to her.

AS per habit, Thalia runs her fingers over the necklace of amber orbs during the conversations at the table. She excuses herself half an hour into the feast, and leaves the room, only to come back a few minutes later in a beautiful red silk gown, in a style not uncommon to Korvosan nobles.

Thalia sits down again, turning conversation away from her past whenever possible, and steers conversation back to the subject at hand.

"The earlier we go, the quicker we come back, I'm itching to get back and relax already. I suggest something similar to Donkor's suggestion, and ready ourselves to be ready to leave the city at mid-day. We can form a 'battle plan' as we travel through the desert to our intended destination."


Male Dwarf 5 Fighter/2 Rogue

Dwarven

Spoiler:
"Be sure not to insult the cool spring water of our homelands by comparing it to this smooth faced woman's beverage, Halstadt.",Breach says with a great chuckle.

Turning his attention back to VC Kreshnar, Breach ask,"What can ya tell us of the quality of troop employed by your...competitor. Slaves are garbage troops and easily shaken after splittin' a couple down der center. But, troops 're a 'nother question. What kinda arms an' armor the locals tend ta favor and how do they tend ta employ it?" The tactician in the maturing dwarf already beginning to figure the best way to handle his side of this venture.

To Donkor's apprehension about riding Breach adds,"Worry not, Donkor. Yeh aren't gonna be the only one displeased with a ridin' fer the next couple ah days. I'm sure ol' Moonpate's athletic form 'll be happy when we arrive at our destination, too., he finishes with a chuckle.


Male Dwarf Barbarian (Breaker) 8

Dwarven:
Karek stares sadly into his mug. You’re telling me you drink the Dwarven water? Halstadt has the right of it. There is only one refreshment, and this isn’t quite it.

Now that it looks like you will be adventuring with him, Karek begins to loosen up a bit. He says plenty in Dwarven, probably mostly joking with the dwarves, but gradually begins some small talk in his halting Common. About which subject, that is not quite clear.

Ah ‘member hearin’ boud da pyramids o ‘Sirion. Mighdy impressive, far when dey was build. 11 and 52… Karek breaks off. Or was id 56? Repeads all over the columns and measuremends of the grade Pharoah o’ Numbas. Smard fellow.

Ahm ready to go anydime.

Ead somedin, why don’d ya? Yer din enough already. Here, dis is the bes’ pard, Karek says, tossing a slab of meat towards Thalia.


Male Dwarf Barbarian (Breaker) 8

Karek will request a hot-weather outfit from the Kothi, and suggest that others do the same. He will volunteer to carry as much rations and water as may be necessary. (Though I guess we do have pack animals.)


Female Half-Elf Rogue (spy) 2/Druid (desert) 5

Thalia smirks at Karek's suggestion of her buying desert survival gear. Obviously completely confident in her abilities, and boasting quite ungracefully.

"The desert may be a cruel master, Karek, but I know him too well for him to let me die yet, although the rest of you may need sand goggles too, the sandstorms around here get fierce, and even I need them from time to time."


Venture Captain Krenshar wrote:

Venture Captain Krenshar pulls Jason aside,

“Jason, listen. I don’t know if you care for my advice here, but this is all happening rather fast. My sense is it’s too soon for you to be back out there, if you know what I mean. I heard what happened in Absalom. I know we were all saddened to hear the news.”

I think you should sit this one out. No one would blame you. I’m not telling you what to do here – it’s your decision. I’m not going to cut you out of this, I’m just saying you don’t have to do this. I’ll tell the others you were needed elsewhere. “

“Just promise me you’ll give it some thought – Okay?”

"I appreciate the advice, Captain.", Jason replies. "That was my intention when I came to Osirion. I thought that I needed to get away. I've always had an affection for this country and its deserts. I thought that some time to relax and reflect might be for the best."

It seems as though the opposite is true for me, however. I'm haunted in my dreams and my everyday thoughts by what happened. Just sitting around enjoying the view really isn't working for me. If it is all the same to you...I'd like to take part in this mission. It will give me something else to focus on.", he continues.

"I think getting back into the routine of a mission is best for me now. Hopefully, I can create some better memories..."


Male Human Wizard Level 8 - Conjurer

[QUOTE="Halstadt Morgrym"}
Hal eats and drinks as if it will be his last meal. Despite the amount of ale he has consumed he does not appear to be getting much more drunk. ** spoiler omitted **

In Dwarven, Moonpate responds to Halstadt's ale comment:

Spoiler:
Master Dwarf, I completely agree. My gut and mug suffer for lack of quality, but at least it helps the food go down.

Hailing from Qadira,and having been in-country for a month now, Moonpate should have field gear for desert travel. He will also prep spells for infiltration/disruption of the camp.

"I would propose a two-prong approach to our initial goal. Some of us might best infiltrate as workers or slaves and their attending master. I would like to approach this Khymrasa or her handlers as myself, a scholar and pursuer of gen. I may be rebuffed, but it may place me in a position to either begin or enhance any disruption efforts.


Breach Shattershield wrote:
Turning his attention back to VC Kreshnar, Breach ask,"What can ya tell us of the quality of troop employed by your...competitor. Slaves are garbage troops and easily shaken after splittin' a couple down der center. But, troops 're a 'nother question. What kinda arms an' armor the locals tend ta favor and how do they tend ta employ it?" The tactician in the maturing dwarf already beginning to figure the best way to handle his side of this venture.

Just to avoid confusion, I should clarify that the Venture Captain did not accompany the party to the Map Room. So let's say Breach's question was directed to his colleagues or perhaps, if you prefer, just his internal musing.

Anyone from Osirion can let Breach know that moden Osirion, particularly Sothis, is pretty cosmopolitan and so soldiers could potentially be equipped with any weapons you might find in Avistan, especially the usual simple and martial weapons including swords, axes, cross-bows and spears.

Historically, Osirion was well known for the khopesh, a large two-handed scimitar with an exaggerated curve. Today, an actual scimitar is more common, as is the sickle. Throughout history Osirion also had battalions of camel cavalry, but nowadays armies are just as likely to train desert stallions.

Armor is a different kettle of fish, however. Because of the oppressive heat, few tend to go heavier than light armor.

P.S. How long do you think it will be before I finally (accidentally) spell Breach as Breech?


Jason Belleson wrote:


"I appreciate the advice, Captain.", Jason replies. "That was my intention when I came to Osirion. I thought that I needed to get away. I've always had an affection for this country and its deserts. I thought that some time to relax and reflect might be for the best."

It seems as though the opposite is true for me, however. I'm haunted in my dreams and my everyday thoughts by what happened. Just sitting around enjoying the view really isn't working for me. If it is all the same to you...I'd like to take part in this mission. It will give me something else to focus on.", he continues.

"I think getting back into the routine of a mission is best for me now. Hopefully, I can create some better memories..."

"Alright then," he responds with a concerned look, "but if you change your mind about going, you have my full support."

A moment later he adds. "Frankly it makes me feel better to know we'll have a second Pathfinder out in the field. I always get nervous when working with the unitiated. I can tell you this crew here is advertised as top notch, but most of them I know too little about personally."

The Venture Captain then turns to leave but just before he rounds out of sight he stops as though suddenly remembering a final detail. "Oh yes, one more thing. The agent I have out in the field? She goes by the name of the Mithral Scarab."


For Jason Belleson:

Spoiler:

The name the Mithral Scarab means something to Jason. One of Jason's dead colleagues in Absalom had a half-elven half sister who was also a Pathfinder by trade. He used to correspond with her on ocassion by letter. The last Jason heard, she was working in northern Garund on a variety of missions. Sometime after she arrived in the desert she took up the alias, the Mithral Scarab. You have no idea if she even knows about her brother's fate - especially if she's under deep cover. As the Venture Captain walks away you're left wondering if this is a coincidence or if Krenshar had already made the connection.

So here's some names known to Jason:

  • Faron Crossblade = deceased Pathfinder comrade ("the half-brother")
  • Vaxessria Truevale = Mithral Scarab ("the half-sister")


  • Karek Kogan wrote:
    Karek will request a hot-weather outfit from the Kothi, and suggest that others do the same. He will volunteer to carry as much rations and water as may be necessary. (Though I guess we do have pack animals.)

    Just to double-check, is this a specific special item I need to read up on, or do you just mean Karek changes into some desert appropriate clothing? Does this mean Karek is going to pack away his +1 full plate for now? Or he's just throwing a cloak over top?


    Male Dwarf Barbarian (Breaker) 8

    From the APG:

    Clothing, Hot Weather:
    Covering your body from head to foot in light, airy cloth keeps you cooler than baring your skin to the sun. This outfit typically consists of a loose linen robe and either a turban or loose head covering and veil. The outfit provides a +2 bonus on Fortitude saves to resist warm or hot weather. This does not stack with any bonuses gained from the Survival skill.

    So, he's wearing light-breathing clothing over his... Full Plate Armor.

    Come to think of it, Karek will also requisition a suit of Hide Armor, in case the Full Plate really starts to take its toll.


    Excited by the prospect of an expedition to fabled Ahn'Selota, Gandel quickly loads up a plate of food at the mid-morning feast and politely excuses himself to go study the maps laid out in the map room. The halfling scholar busily copies the map with directions to the dig site near the ruins of Tumen as he munches.

    Upon completing his map, Gandel stops by the Kothi's provisioner to borrow a hot weather outfit and some additional waterskins (five) for the journey.

    Decked out in a loose linen robe and turban, the halfling rejoins his new companions. "I don't know about you all, but I'm all set to go. Shall we head to Overlander's Emporium to get some mounts?" he asks with obvious enthusiasm.


    Male Human Wizard Level 8 - Conjurer
    Gandel wrote:
    "I don't know about you all, but I'm all set to go. Shall we head to Overlander's Emporium to get some mounts?" he asks with obvious enthusiasm.

    I'll leave the haggling and acquiring in your capable hands, Master Gandel, whilst I prepare my arcane powers and help put away any left over food, if'n you catch my meaning. As my master frequently stated, "fill your belly now or its moans will make the neighbor's shrew a singer".

    changed a few of my memorized spells

    "Hurgah, my, um, good fellow, how would you like to accompany me on this first phase of our quest as my official bodyguard. Your presence would solidify my image as a traveling Daivrat and, of course, put me at considerably more ease amongst Khymrasa's scorpion advisors?"


    Jason freezes in place at the Captain's utterance of "Mithril Scarab". His thoughts drift for a few moments to the horrific events that have haunted his memories.

    Faron's sister...I wonder if she knows. Perhaps not if she is in the field., Jason thinks as he strolls slowly towards his comrades. What should I do when I see her? She deserves to know, but I don't want to compromise the mission...or her life.

    He shakes his head and heads into the dining area. Jason is not sure what to say when he sees Vaxessria.


    Moonpate wrote:


    [b]"I would propose a two-prong approach to our initial goal. Some of us might best infiltrate as workers or slaves and their attending master.

    OOC:

    The beetle tries to put the slave shackles on Hurgah.

    "Argghhghgghghgh!"

    He turns to Moonpate. "Maybe you should put the cuffs on the wookie."


    Male Human Cleric/8

    "Alright, well it seems we are all more or less in agreement. Shall we head out to requisition what equipment we need here - I know those sand goggles sounded like an excellent idea - and then get our dread beasts for the journey?"

    "Disguising some of us as slaves or workmen sounds like a good idea to prepare for, at least until we have a chance to see the site up closer and gather more information. In that case, we may wish to also find some workmen/slave garb and chains."

    If it's possible to update spells now I will do so, otherwise I will wait until our first camp. All assuming that nobody else thinks of something else to do in town. Also, I will now remember to remove the Endure Elements spell from my spell sheet. I would like to consider this spell cast at all times, every time I pray for new spells I will re-cast it.

    GM:
    Would I know the Mithril Scarab from my run through Entombed?


    Enter the Goanron

    Moonpate wrote:
    I'll leave the haggling and acquiring in your capable hands, Master Gandel, whilst I prepare my arcane powers. . .

    Moonpate returns to his private quarters in the Kothi's east wing to pack his things for the journey and re-tool his spells in private. There he receives yet another surprise visit from a genie-kin. This time the talkative creature is a shaigen – a Tiny-sized elemental kin, equal parts air and earth.

    The creature materializes and begins babbling at high speeds – at times it is difficult to follow, but the mood is one of gossip.

    If Moonpate follows it right, the shaigen is trying to relay something about the ancient city of Tumen, where the creature thinks Moonpate intends to travel. Apparently one of the elemental clans, the Goanron Triumverate, are taking note of the mortal’s excavation project with concern. Shaigen explains that the concept of an elemental clan even caring about the movements of mortals is itself quite rare. The Shaigen warns that if the Goanron’s interest is genuine, Moonpate might expect that it could potentially result in a devastating and sudden change in weather patterns – though it unusual for the Goanron to do anything fast. The Shaigen is particularly interested in what the Aisi (a rival clan) think of this, but the creature does not yet know.

    The last part of the creatures high-speed diatribe was the strangest. Moonpate wishes he could have understood it better. Apparently the reason for the Goanron’s distress is not “where” or “what” the mortals are digging up, but “who”. . .


    Moonpate the Potentate:

    The Shaigen's tale might make more sense with some background. A DC Knowledge (Planes) DC 15 AND a Knowledge (local) DC 10 should cover it. I know that sounds harsh, but I do believe that’s an auto-success for the Potentate:

    Spoiler:

    THE ELEMENTAL CLANS OF OSIRION
    The human politic is not the only force shaping the deserts of Osirion. The barrens of Osirion are also the battleground of clashing elemental clans. Unseen wars rage across the desert, their implications largely lost on mortals. Whether it be an imperceptible rise in humidity or the vanishing of an oasis, such are outward signs of ageless elemental conflict. While the exact number and position of the grains of sand in a single wind-shaped dune may mean nothing to a near-sighted creature of flesh, such details can possess monumental meaning to elemental spirits – meaning worth dying for.

    The Goanron Triumverate
    This ageless union of earth, sand and air elementals acts as the self-appointed caretaker of the history and geo-lore of the desert shelf. Although the order behind their movements is often imperceptible, the Goanron constantly labor on carefully coordinated projects to slowly restore Osirion’s wasteland to its original sacred topography. Their leader is the powerful Ini-Kherit, one of the oldest and brilliant elementals to ever stalk Garund. Ini-Herit’s methodically times the Triumverate’s more active campaigns to coincide with the seasonal Khamsin, Osirion’s peak sandstorm.

    The Aisi
    These destructive air elementals splintered from the Goanron triumvirate back in a time now forgotten. Their leader, the charismatic prophet Aridiea (N paragon elder air elemental) zealously believes that she has uncovered that the desert has a hidden physical destiny which has been deliberately restrained by Ini-Kherit for millennium to further a secret agenda he hides from the rest of elemental-kind. The Aisi have been known to frequently ally with the star tribes of the Janni whom have been perpetually displaced by the Goanron.

    The Dakarai Collective
    This smaller clan of air elementals seeks to return water and thus the majesty of organic life to the desert. They work tirelessly to defend Osirion’s few remaining oases while battling to accelerate the erosion that will enable the expansion of the tributaries of the River Sphinx. The Dakarai’s membership, however, has all but exhausted, having suffered multiple defeats at the hands of both the savage Vosh Dune Prides and the Goanron Triumverate. The Dakarai once consisted primarily of water and froth elementals but they fled Osirion for the Swells of Gozreh in the Inner Sea after they were massacred in the Battle of the Dissolving Tear.

    The Vosh Dune Prides
    This lose federation of elemental tribes has no true agenda other than the exercise of their individual free will. Most individual prides are homogenous, consisting of a single type of elemental such as earth, air or sand. However, when the Vosh Dune Prides successfully combine their membership they are the largest and most powerful of the factions. Nevertheless, as they lack true universal leadership, the Prides are only able to muster themselves on an episodic basis. They typically converge for short periods in a self-defensive pact in response to threatening maneuvers of the Goanron Triumverate.

    The Illuminates of Sokar
    The oldest elemental society of the desert, the Illuminates of Sokar, withdrew from Osirion without explanation in –1431 A.R. Leaving no trace as to where they departed to, this fire elemental conclave has virtually disappeared, as though they never existed. Mortals who investigate or research the Sokar frequently vanish and those who would dare to conjure them risk all. Both the Goanron and the Aisi believe though that the Sokar have a carefully staged plan and that they have every reason to return at the dawning of their new age. Regardless, there are few elder fire elementals found in Osirion today. Those that traverse the desert now are typically younger elementals with little memory of or tie to the burning order which once unified their kind into a single flame. The most well known fire elemental in Osirion is Janhelia, the invisible fire elemental that serves the Forthbringer, the Ruby Prince of Osirion. What is not known is whether Janhelia abandoned the Sokar and remained behind or whether she is an agent of their return, whispering in the ear of the lands next great pharaoh.

    The Vistata
    The lands which now comprise the Scorpion Coast were once a violent battleground between vast herds of saltwater elementals and an expansionist confederation earth elementals. The shale-encrusted warriors were endlessly determined to advance the desert shore eastward and battle back the sea itself. After eons of violence a neutral compact at last emerged and a quasi-religious brotherhood of earth and water known as the Vistata was born. Lead by a newly formed silt elemental composed of both earth and water, the pacifistic Vistata pledged to labor together to preserve the exact divine position of coastline that they had at last agreed upon. And so it was for over a thousand years, until the Vistata were massacred en mass in a lightning swift purge. Their deaths were so many and so violent that hundreds were reborn as elemental ghosts doomed to wander the coastline they once swore to protect. Most of elemental kind believes that the Vistata compact was always on a precipice and it simply dissolved in a conflagration of pent up violence fueled by untold ages of unsettled scores. However, the ghostly Vistata who reappear in the dead of the desert night know otherwise. And when they at last discover who engineered their destruction to foul the majesty of their perfect coastline they will at last set things right.


    Donkor Sooron wrote:


    If it's possible to update spells now I will do so, otherwise I will wait until our first camp. All assuming that nobody else thinks of something else to do in town. Also, I will now remember to remove the Endure Elements spell from my spell sheet. I would like to consider this spell cast at all times, every time I pray for new spells I will re-cast it.

    ** spoiler omitted **

    Donkor requires 1 hour to pray to Pharasma to adjust his spells. It would be at a designated time which needs to be the same time every day. The default is usually considered to be dawn - which makes sense for Pharasma, particularly clerics who worship her 'birth aspect' of the cycle of life and death. Dusk though might be more thematically appropriate for a cleric who focuses on. . . the other side.

    I'm sure the group will give you an hour, they will be waiting for Moonpate anyways, but when is Donkor's chosen hour of worship?

    Roger on the endure elements. Well done.


    Male Dwarf Cleric 8

    Hal smiles and raises a mug to Moonpate.

    "Well if all are in agreement than I am fine with heading out. The sand goggles seema sound idea".

    Much like Donkor I will ready Endure Elements each day too.

    Dwarven:
    "Breach, Karek, do you require spells to stave off the desert heat?"


    For Donkor Sooron:

    Spoiler:

    Yes, Donkor will definitely know the Mithral Scarab, if you so choose. His interaction with her would have been relatively brief, but enough to know she's a dedicated Pathfinder who employs disguises. She will have a similar basic knowledge of Donkor. Feel free to invent more in a 'flashback' if you like!


    Halstadt Morgrym wrote:


    Much like Donkor I will ready Endure Elements each day too.

    Roger that!


    Halstadt Morgrym wrote:

    "Well if all are in agreement than I am fine with heading out. The sand goggles seema sound idea".

    On that note:

    Welcome to the Overlander's Emporium!

    It sounds like the party is ready to proceed to the Emporium, quickly grab mounts, and hit the road for the dig site. (Moonpate and possibly Donkor might remain behind at the Kothi. If anyone else skips out let me know. We’ll assume you arrange for another party member to pick you up a mount). The Emporium is only a few dozen blocks from the Kothi, on the outskirts of the Malhitu Bazaar

    There you find you are all in luck: the Overlander almost never sells a poor steed to a customer. He especially wouldn’t do so to someone bearing a scroll of credit from the Kothi (as Gandel is). As such, all you really need to do here is let me know if you choose a horse, pony, or camel. A heavy horse is unusual for desert travel due to its large water requirements, but you really want one, you can get one if you succeed on a DC 15 Diplomacy check to persuade the Overlander to let you try it.

    If you’re into it, bonus points if you describe your steed - perhaps it speaks to your PC’s personality.

    Examining your steed:

    Spoiler:
    Note that if you are willing to spend an extra half-hour inspecting the animals, and you can make a DC 20 Handle Animal check (a check that you unfortunately cannot make untrained) you may also pick out a particularly excellent steed. With a successful check you may add a bonus feat to your steed or two bonus tricks. Feat choices include: Dodge, Improved Natural Armor, Lightning Reflexes, Stealthy, Toughness or Weapon Focus (bite)


    Male Dwarf Cleric 8

    Halstadt points to one of the camels talking to the salesman at the Overlander, "How is the water capacity of one of these? I need something slow but steady. I've not had good experiences with horses". Hal looks at the horses in obvious disgust.


    Male Dwarf Barbarian (Breaker) 8

    Karek approaches the gathered camels much like he approaches mages - quickly, noisily, and with great suspicion. They naturally move away from him, spooked by his demeanor. All except one, larger than the others, who stares him down. Karek freezes, and the camel spits in his face.

    Karek goes down, but then brightens considerably. He has found his mount. He enthusiastically points it out to the keeper. Now the only question is getting on top of it.

    Dwarven:
    Karek looks at Halstadt with an expression of relief and dismay. I suppose there no way around it. Truth be told, I was starting to feel a little warm already. The heat here plays tricks with one's mind to parallel even the worst mage.


    Male Human Cleric/8

    I see Donkor as more in tune with the fate aspect of Pharasma, and had considered his optimal praying hour, "the dead of night", as in "we must be strong to endure the darkest times, and accept whatever Pharasma has planned for us", if that is acceptable. That being said, I will hold off on spell changing until our first camp.

    Donkor will requisition some of the handy sand goggles, and accompany the others to the Emporium.

    Upon arrival, he will say to the others and the Overlander, "As I mentioned before, I am not a skilled rider, and would welcome the guidance of some of you in choosing a friendly mount for myself. Due to the grace of my Lady, I can guarantee that we will have an inexhaustible supply of water for our journey, and I will supply all of their requirements in this regard. I do like the looks of those very large horses!" Upon seeing Karek's finding of true camel love, he goes on to say, "And I think a camel might not suit me well."

    1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25 Diplomacy

    Hopefully my water assurances and that roll will enable anyone who wants one to have a heavy horse.


    Donkor Sooron wrote:
    I see Donkor as more in tune with the fate aspect of Pharasma, and had considered his optimal praying hour, "the dead of night", as in "we must be strong to endure the darkest times, and accept whatever Pharasma has planned for us", if that is acceptable. That being said, I will hold off on spell changing until our first camp.

    More than acceptable - it is groovy. Should Donkor survive until "dead of night" re-jig those spells. : )

    Donkor Sooron wrote:

    Donkor will requisition some of the handy sand goggles, and accompany the others to the Emporium.

    Upon arrival, he will say to the others and the Overlander, "As I mentioned before, I am not a skilled rider, and would welcome the guidance of some of you in choosing a friendly mount for myself. Due to the grace of my Lady, I can guarantee that we will have an inexhaustible supply of water for our journey, and I will supply all of their requirements in this regard. I do like the looks of those very large horses!" Upon seeing Karek's finding of true camel love, he goes on to say, "And I think a camel might not suit me well."

    1d20+7 Diplomacy

    Hopefully my water assurances and that roll will enable anyone who wants one to have a heavy horse.

    Seeing that you are a local priest who has the power of a very respected goddess behind you, the Overlander has no hesitation in providing you with a particularly large and powerful looking steed. (That and you are damned persuasive.) If you intervene for them, he will extend that offer to your comrades who wish it. He won't have too many on hand, there's not much call for them in his line of work, which is supplying steeds to desert travellers as opposed to work or combat horses.


    Male Half-orc Barbarian (Invulnerable Rager) 4 / Sorcerer 1/Dragon Disciple 3
    Moonpate wrote:


    "Hurgah, my, um, good fellow, how would you like to accompany me on this first phase of our quest as my official bodyguard. Your presence would solidify my image as a traveling Daivrat and, of course, put me at considerably more ease amongst Khymrasa's scorpion advisors?"

    "I will guard you, wizard. I was once a slave, and I do not care to become one again, even if it is only a show."

    Hurgah follows the lead of Moonpate. He will pack a few extra waterskins, but walks beside Moonpate's camel and has his own supernatural protection against the hot climate.

    While out of the city, Hurgah starts each day by casting Mage Armor, renewing the spell every four hours. He always reserves at least one slot for Enlarge Person.


    Halstadt Morgrym wrote:
    Halstadt points to one of the camels talking to the salesman at the Overlander, "How is the water capacity of one of these? I need something slow but steady. I've not had good experiences with horses". Hal looks at the horses in obvious disgust.

    "Steady yes, but not so slow," answers the Overlander. "A good camel such as this will power forward without drinking for days, long after you have expired. Though a good master waters his camel twice a day anyway, as it is cruel to test its limits."

    "Did you know that most horses fear camels? This once gave Osirion's armies an edge over northern invaders. Some say it is because the horses know that the camel is the smarter animal."

    "There, see? This one likes you already. Her name is 'Khamsin', like the great sandstorm."

    OOC: These are all dromedary camels (1 -hump). The two hump camels are smaller, fuzzier and found in parts of Tian Xia.


    Male Dwarf Cleric 8

    "Aye I can see she is much smarter than a horse, we dwarves have good eyes for beasties. I will say though that I have little experience in caring for a camel. Would you give me a few tips. I would like to make sure that Khamsin here is well taken care of".

    Hal strokes the camel's nose with a wide beaming smile at having chosen the proper animal for the trip.


    Male Dwarf 5 Fighter/2 Rogue

    Picking the the gear available, Breach selects a few climate appropriate pieces including goggles, waterskins, and extra rations. Having secured the extra items he was lacking he joins his companions at the stalls selecting a stout,female camel who seems to have a pleasent,for a camel, dispostion and more suitable height. Chuckling to himself and then saying,"She reminds ya of many a dwarven maid,huh boys., finishing a great burst of laughter. "I am ever more looking forward to this venture.", he adds with satisfied grin parting his thick lips. Patting the cow on her neck one last time, he moves on to were his friends are now standing. "Ready?", he ask clapping one of his large mitts on Karek's shoulder.


    Male Dwarf Barbarian (Breaker) 8

    Aye, Breach. Led's ged on da road, says Karek, as he hauls his choice of camel towards the rest of the party. The camel seems to be inordinately interested in Karek's backpack. Nevertheless, it fights him with every step. We hab a long way da go.


    Female Half-Elf Rogue (spy) 2/Druid (desert) 5

    Thalia knows that she need not ride a camel, but she reserves herself to the fact that she may need a mount to carry away any items she may be able to swindle out of the workers or overseer of the dig site.

    Thalia relentlessly walks through the group of camels, looking closely at the creatures, and noting every sign of a sub par steed.

    Handle Animal: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28
    I will go with Lightning Relfexes as a bonus feat.

    Thalia looks toward the back of the pack of animals, spying a true gem of the lot. She walks diligently toward the beast, and looks into its eyes, looking for the shine of a beast smarter than the rest. Thalia notes the excellent muscle tone in it's legs, and the beast's size, not overweight, not starved and neglected, almost a perfect specimen.

    She puts her hand to the animal's neck, and talks to the beast quietly and soothingly.

    Wild Empathy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

    "I am Thalia, and you will be carrying me across the large sand wastes, let's not have any fights or problems shall we, I will protect you if you help me, as is the law of the desert creatures and their masters."

    Thalia turns back toward the caravan owner.

    "I will take this one, what is his name?"


    Male Human Wizard Level 8 - Conjurer
    Hurgah the Reaver wrote:


    "I will guard you, wizard. I was once a slave, and I do not care to become one again, even if it is only a show."

    "I will be honored to be guarded by you, and will consider you an equal in all our dealings. Only dishonorable Daivrats believe in enslaving gen and others. Come, let us go pick a camel suitable for my, um, stoutness and secure a skin of the finest wine we can obtain. Offering as a gift to Khymrasa may yield results. My master once said, "Better a thousand enemies outside your tent than the one at your table".


    Jason pats the side of the camel. "Easy girl.", he says. I never liked riding these beasts..., he thinks, but this one is definitely in good condition.

    "I'll take her.", he says to the Overlander. "Her name is Beasix, right?", he continues as he slides off her back.

    He checks his pack for the sand goggles that he picked up. He looks around at his comrades. "I hope the weather favors us. The sand storms can be fearsome in the dessert."


    Halstadt Morgrym wrote:

    "Aye I can see she is much smarter than a horse, we dwarves have good eyes for beasties. I will say though that I have little experience in caring for a camel. Would you give me a few tips. I would like to make sure that Khamsin here is well taken care of".

    Hal strokes the camel's nose with a wide beaming smile at having chosen the proper animal for the trip.

    The elderly Overlander is delighted to do as Halstadt asks, pleased that the dwarf shows every intent to take good care of his steed. He drills Halstadt on the essentials and then over does it with a ton of obscure lore that Morgrym is unable to retain completely.

    OOC: As a result of his one-on-one tutoring session from a celebrated master, Halstadt gets either a one-time +2 circumstance bonus on a Ride check or he may make a Handle Animal check untrained (if it involves a camel).


    The Overlander raises an eyebrow in surprise as the young and beautiful spoiled girl suddenly begins to make her way through the camels as casually a grizzled caravan veteran. A hush falls over the herd as though Thalia's very presence has a calming effect. Moments later she has picked out the pearl of the pack.

    Thalia Xian'an wrote:
    "I will take this one, what is his name?"

    "Scimitar," the Overlander responds, saying the word in his native Osirion, surmising that Thalia is no foreigner.

    "This champion here was born on a night when the red star was at its Apex - the most auspicious time of the year for animal births."

    OOC: Hey! She's literally the camel whisperer!


    Moonpate wrote:
    Hurgah the Reaver wrote:
    Come, let us go pick a camel suitable for my, um, stoutness and secure a skin of the finest wine we can obtain. Offering as a gift to Khymrasa may yield results. My master once said, "Better a thousand enemies outside your tent than the one at your table".[/b]

    OOC: Just a minor niggle here. I've got Moonpate off in his quarters preparing spells and getting info from the Shaigen while the other go to the Emporium. I assumed he was passing on the trip to the Overlander's Emporium in favor of having someone else bring him a mount (perhaps his new buddy Hurgah). He can do both, but he'll need to go afterwards and arrange for the party to wait.

    This won't likely be a huge deal either way as the story will advance and our nameless party will be off on their trek momentarily, but in case it matters, let me know what you intended.

    As to wine, you can get some pretty excellent wine at the Kothi (under the 20 gp max), but if you want something spectacular and worthy of the Exemplar, let me know how much extra money you have available to lay out for this.

    (I like how his plan is developing)


    Male Human Cleric/8

    [QUOTE="Pact Stone GM" the Overlander has no hesitation in providing you with a particularly large and powerful looking steed. (That and you are damned persuasive.)

    This is great, so long as the powerful looking steed is a nice placid beasty, and not a war horse. :)

    Donkor gets to know his new beast, talking nicely to it, and trying to copy some of the others who seem more comfortable with their animals.


    Jason Belleson wrote:
    "I'll take her.", he says to the Overlander. "Her name is Beasix, right?", he continues as he slides off her back.
    Quote:

    The Overlander nods, confirming the name is correct, as he executes a final check of the Beasix's bridle to ensure everything is in order.

    Jason Belleson wrote:
    [Jason] checks his pack for the sand goggles that he picked up. He looks around at his comrades. "I hope the weather favors us. The sand storms can be fearsome in the dessert."

    OOC: Does anybody know if there is a specific equipment entry for these sand goggles I keep hearing about that I should be reading? Or is this just a pair of ordinary goggles to better protect the eyes?


    Donkor Sooron wrote:
    Pact Stone GM wrote:

    the Overlander has no hesitation in providing you with a particularly large and powerful looking steed. (That and you are damned persuasive.)

    This is great, so long as the powerful looking steed is a nice placid beasty, and not a war horse. :)

    OOC: It is indeed great. A heavy horse is a horse with the advanced template. A war horse in this edition is just one that is trained for war - same stats but with the appropriate tricks for combat.

    Let's say Donkor's selected a gigantic but mild clydesdale, with tricks more appropriate for a beast of burden. Normally, I'd say an animal of that size that would be a problem in a desert, but Donkor has that angle covered as he can 're-fuel' his horse frequently. He'll make an impressive sight.


    Male Human Wizard Level 8 - Conjurer
    Pact Stone GM wrote:


    As to wine, you can get some pretty excellent wine at the Kothi (under the 20 gp max), but if you want something spectacular and worthy of the Exemplar, let me know how much extra money you have available to lay out for this.
    (I like how his plan is developing)

    I'll spend up to 50gp on the wine. I will also share with the group what the shaigen told me in regards to that elemental powers are very concerned about what is going on at the dig site.


    Male Human Wizard Level 8 - Conjurer
    Pact Stone GM wrote:

    Moonpate the Potentate:

    The Shaigen's tale might make more sense with some background. A DC Knowledge (Planes) DC 15 AND a Knowledge (local) DC 10 should cover it. I know that sounds harsh, but I do believe that’s an auto-success for the Potentate:

    ** spoiler omitted **...

    Knowledge Planes1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34

    Knowledge Local1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

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