#5-21 The Merchant's Wake (1-5) Play by Post on Roll20

[Richard Loh]

Greetings! May I request that you post your characters here so that I can set up your character if needed quickly, as well as convey some information which otherwise could not be done on Roll20. For example, I might post some handouts which can be readily accessible on Roll20 but not available to handphone users and hence, some correspondence can be found here. Hope to hear from you soon. Once characters are up, we are good to go!

I have already obtain Pake Jake's character information. 3 more to go!

[zyraen]

PAKE JAKE
Human Bloodrager 1 - Init +4
Bloodline Abyssal
Speed 40'
the Exchange

Str 20 Con 10 Dex 14 Int 8 Wis 12 Cha 8

AC 17 t12 ff15
FRW 2 3 2
HP 17 (d10 fcb1 scars6)
BAB 1 CMB 6 CMD 18

OFFENSIVE

Heavy Flail (2H) +6 atk, 1d10 +7
Heavy Flail Rage (2H) +8 atk, 1d10 +10
Heavy Flail Rage PA (2H) +7 atk, 1d10 +13

Claw +6, 1d6+5
Claw Rage +8 1d6+7
Claw Rage PA +7 1d6+9

TRAITS
Reactionary +2init
Indomitable Faith +1will
Heart of the Sea (replaces Skilled) : +2 to Profession Sailor and Swim. both Class Skills

SKILLS - 3ranks
Climb +11 (5str 1r 3class 2tribal)
Perception +5 (1wis 1r 3class)
Profession (Sailor) +7 (1wis 1r 3class 2trait)
Swim 7 (5str 2trait)

FEAT
F) Power Atk
1) Tribal Scars +1ref +2climb

GEAR - from 150 gp
50gp Scale +5 (+3), -4check, -10'
5 gp Buckler +1ac, -1check
15 gp Heavy flail 1d10, 19-20/x2
15 gp Heavy flail 1d10, 19-20/x2
15 gp Heavy flail 1d10, 19-20/x2
1gp Dart (20)

Grappling Hook 1gp
Hempen Rope 1 gp
Flint & Steel 1 gp
Earplugs 3 cp (+2 saves vs hearing)
Torch (5) 5 cp
Trail Rations (10) 50 sp
Smokestick 20 gp
Smoke Goggles 10 gp

Balance: 15gp & some sp/cp

========

Age: 22
Height: 6'

Pake Jake was once a simple fisherman in a coastal village, learning from his father and grandfather, working hard for his community. Things were simple, as they should be. He was muscular, dour and of few words. Fish didn't need a lot of talking to after all.

Then came the goblin raiders. Jake was fighting them just like every commoner would, with some care. He watched as the raiders brought down one of his fellow villagers and a few jumped on him, stabbing and biting with vicious glee... and then suddenly something snapped.

When he came to, there were many dead goblins around him, but there were others too. Fellow villagers, friends. It was as if some sort of clawed monster had appeared and tore everyone a new one. Jake stared in horror at his hands, bloodied almost up the elbows.

"Monster!!" someone shouted, a scared but weak sound. It was a boy who had witnessed what happened, and the look of fear as he stared at Jake was undisguisable. Jake realized the boy was the only witness, and if he could just silence him, maybe he could go back to his old life again.

Monster! The word rang in his head. Yes he was one, and if he gave in to it, soon he would truly be one. Others were coming soon, and Jake knew he could not give in to the murderous urges within to silence the boy. In desperation and fatigued, Jake fled into the woods where might be more goblins, choosing to brave what outward dangers there might be rather than give in to the inward peril.

Jake eventually found himself travelling with a group of adventurers, one of which was a barbarian. After observing his rage they spoke at length, speaking of Pathfinders and desire to join them. Jake had no real desire to go adventuring, but he did desire to control the beast within. And so he went to a lodge nearby. In exchange for guidance on his state, Jake agreed to do what needed to be done, at least as defined by the society.

Not being good with words, Jake has taken to growing a messy beard and wearing some barbarian accoutrements, along with a heavy flail he took well to. It gave fair warning and helped identify what he was. Much better than being seen as something else monstrous.

Jake also noticed something strange. Sometimes after he raged, or even without, he would come to days or even weeks from the time he last remembered being conscious. The interim period was a blank, but there was always an impression of intense or deadly battles in his last memories, of agony and painful oblivion. So why was he back? How could it be?

[emaximusax]

WHITE "SEVEN" SNOWBEARD
Dwarf Musket Master 1/Divine Hunter 1 - Init +5
Speed 20'

Str 7 Dex 17 Con 10 Int 10 Wis 12 Cha 15

AC 17 T13 FF14
FRW 3 5 3
HP 19 (d10 -10+6 feat3)
BAB 2 CMB 0 CMD 13

OFFENSIVE

Battered Musket +5, 1D12 (Reload with Standard)
Club +0 1D6-2

TRAITS
Stoic Negotiator (Alt Racial)
Unstoppable (Alt Racial)
Mountaineer (Alt Racial)
Greed (Racial)
(FCB) -1/4 to misfire
Reactionary (Trait): +2init
Called (Trait): Reroll natural 1 on attack (1/Day)

SKILLS - 6ranks
Acrobatics +8 (3dex 2r 3t)
Diplo +8 (2cha 1r 3t 2race)
Bluff +4 (2cha race2)
Craft Alchemy +4 (1r 3t)
All Knowledge +2 (f2) - All can roll untrained
Perception +5( 1wis 1r 3t)
Profession Merchant +8 (1wis 1r 3t 2race)
All Profession +3 (1wis 2feat)

FEATS
1. Breathe of Experience
R. Toughness
C. Rapid Reload
C. Precise Shot

GEARS
Mithral Shirt +4AC
50 Regular Bullets
50 Regular Alchemical Paper
Gunslinger's Kit
Earplug
Smoke Googles


Background

White had been a sailor, a soldier, a brewer, a beggar, a scholar, and many other trades, but he had always been a merchant at heart. He travelled the world with his trusty musket, guarding his goods from thieves and monsters, trading from town to town. Whenever he met with near bankruptcy, may it be deal to highway robberies, a natural storm that sunk the ship with his goods on it or he had an unfortunate streak at his hobby - gambling, he would look for any jobs or even pay with whatever gold he have left to be apprenticed. His deity, Abadar, the one he never lost faith in, seemed to help him most during those times, as he was always traveling to another town within three years of his bankruptcy.

When he turned 100 he caught news of his great grandfather's death while in Cheliax, and quickly returned to his hometown in Tian Xia to pay his final respects and in accordance to his great grandfather's wishes, to be trained as a Paladin.

That he did. For the next 10 odd-years, he was trained to be a Paladin, incorporating what his knowledge with his Musket to the training, and he even took an Oath, an Oath of Vengeance, for he knew it was a band of law breakers who had decided to assassinate his great-grandfather (who simply followed the Tenet of Abadar so fair trade could be established).

In the recent years, he was recruited by a traveling Monk into The Exchange, a guild of Merchants and with the recruitment, he had decided to join the Pathfinders.


Looks

Average height dwarf with a full whitish-blonde beard and wind swept hair.

Kindly eyes and always seem to be joyous

[Richard Loh]

It's in the middle of the night and you are all resting in your quarters in the Grand Lodge of Absalom, when you hear a heavy knocking on the door. It is about 0129h in the middle of the night and there can only be one person who would summon you at such an ungodly hour.

"Good morning, good sirs... Venture Captain Drandle Dreng requests for your presence."

Regardless of your reaction, the messenger boy, a young halfling scampers off before the famous/infamous Pathfinder foul-moodness cum murder-hoboing gets him.

A short meeting later, and you find yourself on a ship sailing towards Katheer, capital of Qadira. Venture-Captain Esmayl ibn Qarali have requested for a group of Pathfinders to attend to him & you wonder why.

Five days of sailing across the calm waters from Absalom to Katheer, and the captain of the Silky Maiden expertly brings you into the port of Katheer. Sailing through what seems like forever, but closer to half a mile of piers, Captain Sylvax eventually docked somewhere near the end of the Great Market where you disembark along with the rest of his cargo which he intended to bring for sale.

Wandering the crowded streets, with the sounds, sights & smell of unwashed bodies, merchants & shoppers haggling aloud on how inferior the products are & the merchant's counter arguments, you are beginning to wonder if you will ever get to the Pathfinder Lodge when lo & behold, the Pathfinder Lodge of Katheer stands before you.

[zyraen]

Jake felt mildly annoyed to be woken up at such an hour, but that was only to be expected he supposed.

Arriving at Katheer, he took in the place with some absent minded interest. The smells bugged him but he tried to blot it out, more paying attention for attempts at mischief and maybe for... ah ha!

The stallkeeper looks slightly nervous as the not-so-tall but burly barbarian-like outlander stalked over to him, then blinked as Jake ended up speaking in a low pitched but somewhat civil common "How much would that smoke stick and goggles be, please?"

The merchant quickly composed himself and tried not to rub his hands together too obviously. Jake winced at the reply, managed to stop himself from growling, and paid up. It was a fair price after all, just a considerable portion of what he had.

(add Smokestick 20gp Smoke Goggles 10gp to equipment)

Heading back to the rest, they were soon at the outpost. He gave it a look around its frontage as well as whatever else he could make out of it, as soon as it had been identified as the outpost. Good to understand the motivations of the local pathfinders, good to check for entrances and exits and to get hints of what interests the local pathfinders had... but no. Jake was but a simple soul, just looking at the building out of interest.

[Richard Loh]

The Pathfinder Lodge in Katheer is a simple two-storey building, with a small garden & a burbling fountain right in the middle of the garden. The entire compound is surrounded by a low 4 feet wall & a cursory glance from Pake Jake reveals that all activity seems to be almost non-existent in the building, except for a robed Qadiran man. Sweeping the floor with a broom with the incessant "Shfft shfft shfft" as the leaves are dragged across the floor toward a single pile on the lone path leading to the house, the gardener does not seem to notice your presence.

[emaximusax]

White sighed at the summons as he dressed himself up for the meeting. "Most likely another trade dispute needing my service or some evil overlord needing my guidance." He thought as he absent mindedly polished his old musket, "Mischief"

A few days later, he found himself in Katheer, a place he had piled his trade many decades ago. He engaged in some activities in the market, selling, buying and gambling, waving his new companions to go on to the lodge.

When his "exchange" and gambling itch was satisfied, he continued on the pathfinder lodge, only to find that he was the second to arrive.

[zyraen]

Jake looked at the lone sweeper wondering about the seeming vulnerability of the Lodge in the seat of the Exchange's power. Perhaps the man was some sort of epic guardian? Taking his time to observe (Sense motive)

Still, in meantime loitering at the entrance of the outpost was strange. He would not wait too long, see if any of the rest would act. If none of his more eloquent peers would state their reason for being there and they were noticed, he would do his best to politely introduce themselves as Pathfinders sent by VC Drandle Dreng to report to VC Esmayl ibn Qarali for duties. Otherwise he would keep quiet.

[Richard Loh]

WarHead looked around, but other than the gardener tending to the garden, there seems to be no one else around in the compound.

As Seven reached the Lodge, he did not notice his fellow dwarf, WarHead standing to one side, studying the Lodge.

Jake sees nothing out of the ordinary or anything suspicious about the gardener.

Al-Asahari looked rather quiet since his voyage. It could be, that the long trip on board the ship does not sit very well with his physiology but for the most part, he bears with the discomfort well.

As the party is surveying the Lodge, the gardener sees the party & grins a toothless grin. A thin man who looked like he is in his mid-fifties, his human features are unmistakably Qadiran, whilst holding his broom, he gave the standard Qadiran greeting: "As-Salaam-Alaikum, effendi." as his two hands clasp together and he gives a slight bow, "Venture-Captain Esmayl is currently not in the city, as he have other business to attend to but he left some instructions for you in the Lodge."

With a wave of his hands, he ushers you to the front door of the Lodge. The clear waters of the fountain looks really enticing, especially on a warm day in Qadira, with its constant day time desert temperature. The only solace is a light gentle breeze blowing inland from the Pashman River, on which Katheer sits on.

(For those who follows him):
The door of the Lodge opens to a simply decorated hall, with two curving stairs leading upwards to the second floor. A richly detailed carpet leads from the door to a study. Sunlight shining from the window at the end of the study illuminates the room & there is a single oaken table within. On the table, there rests a single-chased scimitar, a gold ring bearing three small sapphires & a steel shield bearing the image of Sarenrae painted in gold & studded with garnets. Before the items, a rolled-up scroll, sealed with a symbol of the Open Road (Pathfinder Society logo) lies before you. "My master requests that you only take ONE item with you." And the gardener stands quietly aside as you contemplate your decision.

(For those who are not following):
You see your companions getting escorted into the building & you can't help but notice that there are curious bystanders looking on you, wondering why you are loitering around suspiciously.

[zyraen]

Pake Jake heads in, trying not take in the richly adorned surroundings. He feels out of place in such finery, and sees if his companions will have any preferences about the 3 items.

[zohan]

WarHead (Real Name: Thorkam)
Dwarf Foehammer 1 - Init +1

Speed 20'

The Exchange

Str 18 Dex 13 Con 16 Int 13 Wis 9 Cha 5

AC 20 T11 FF19

Fort 6
Reflex 1
Will -2

HP 17 (d10 fcb1 con3 feat3)

BAB 1
CMB 5, 9(bullrush)
CMD 16, 18(bullrush)


OFFENSIVE
WarHammer (1H) +5 atk, 1d8 +4
WarHammer PA +4 atk, 1d10 +10
Sling +2, 1d4 +4
Stingchuck +2 1d8


TRAITS
Relentless:  +2 bull rush and over run
Unstoppable: Toughness feat and + 1 Fort Save
Craftsman : +2 Profession and craft

Reckless :+1 bonus on Acrobatics checks
Seeker: +1 trait bonus on Perception checks


SKILLS - 3ranks
Climb -6 (4str 1r 3class -14acp)
Perception +5 (-1wis 1r 3class 1trait)
Profession (Merchant) +5 (-1wis 1r 3class 2trait)


FEAT
T) Toughness
F) Power Attack
1) Improve Bullrush


GEAR  (150 gp)
50 gp Scale +5 (+3), -4check, -10'
30 gp Tower Shield +4ac, -10check
12 gp WarHammer 1d8, 20/x2


Misc
1 x Grappling Hook 1gp
2 x Hempen Rope 1 gp
1 x Pathfinder Kit 12 gp
1 x Quarterstaff
1 x Sling (20 ammo)
5 x stingchuck

Balance: 43gp 


========



Age: 70
Height: 4'
1 in
Weight: 180lb


Background

Thorkam is a dwarf from the north, Realm of the Mammoth. Standing 4'1 in, weighing 180lb, Thorkam was hairy like nothing you ever seen. Young and energetic, running all over the winter mountain gave him an excellent build. Family of warrior, He join and was an active member in the battle against demon in the worldwound when it threaten the mountain they once lived in peace. Family has been actively involve in the battle against machine and demon. Thorkam being young n reckless often charge in Head First, opening the way for the army, holding steadfast in his ground once conquer, hence nick "WarHead" ever since for his warring nature, leading the charge, and being explosive in it.

In one of such case, he underestimated the opposition and was overwhelmed by his enemy, yet he refuse to give up. His elder brother charge in to rescue him, only to replace his inescapable fate of death.

This incident cast a great shadow over his career. Felt in shame, that he let his family down,  he left the army and swore not to let anyone fall when his shield still stand. He packed his bag, leave to traveled the world. 

His business with precious stone and metal help fund his travel and acquaintance member of The Exchange which he join shortly after. To further fund his travel, to be needed again for his hammer, WarHead join the guild, the Pathfinder, where his adventure truly begin....

[Richard Loh]

8Pake Jake heads in, trying not take in the richly adorned surroundings. He feels out of place in such finery, and sees if his companions woilf have any preferences about the 3 items.

White follows into the adorned hall and when he noticed the 3 items, there wasn't much of a choice. He would have no reason to choose an item of a different diety and less reason to choose the scimitar (although it would definitely sell for a lot). After seeing no one else doing anything, He shrugged as he reached for the scroll.

"I believe the instructions are on the scroll, effendi." advised the gardener.

Al-Asahari follows the rest of his companions in. It hadn't been easy, as his past experiences in the lands of the Linnorm Kings left him somewhat unsuited for the warmer climate, though he found the presence of another Qadiran man calming. "As-Salaam Alaikum, Elder"

Al-Asahari begins by examining the items for their magical properties for the benefit of his alllies. "First, The brilliant blade."

"then the Ring."

"Lastly, the shield."

Thorkam follow suit after noticing a fellow dwarf has walk into the lodge. After hearing the thin man explanation, Thorkam move toward the table, took the scroll, open it and read the content out.

[Richard Loh]

White managed to obtain the scroll first, before WarHead reached the vicinity. Breaking open the seal, White unfurls it & within it contains the reason why you were thus summoned by Esmayl.

It contains the following words:

Pathfinders,

As the seasons change and the fickle winds alter their course to bring rain to a parched land, so too do the Ten once again turn their eyes toward Qadira and its riches. Sadly, the circumstances are tragic, not celebratory. Trade Princess Zarmina Bahjari, mentor and aunt-by-marriage to the esteemed Trade Prince Aaqir al’Hakam, passed away recently, and the family is holding a wake for her at their estate in Katheer. The trade prince has asked a handful of agents to join him for this event, and I request that you do just that both as a show of solidarity for an important ally of the Society. I understand he also has other work for you that might prove quite lucrative, so as long he does not ask for anything too bizarre, I trust you will honor his requests as you would my own.

I am away on business, but I had another agent retrieve several worthy items from my personal vault. Please take one to
offer to the family in the name of the Society and me during the wake.

Be civil,
Venture-Captain Esmayl ibn Qaradi

[Richard Loh]

Thorkam ask the butler(thin man) where can they find the Trade Prince Aaqir al’Hakam and where is the estate for the Trade Princess Zarmina Bahjari funeral and when will it be held?

"The gift must be appropriate. Something worthy to give to a princess, gentlemen" as you could hear a low deep voice coming from this hairy dwarf.

----------
OOC: To know the traditions & ceremonies involved in burying the dead, please roll Knowledge (Local) or Knowledge (Religion) check. As Al-Asahari is a Qadiran, it is assumed that he automatically knows up to DC 15 for this particular region. Al-Asahari can roll if he wants, I will take the higher of the 2.

----------
"I do not know, effendi. I am, but a simple servant. Mayhaps, the letter might contain a clue?" he offers quietly.

Al-Asahari knows the exact location of the Zarmina estate. It is in the nobles district in northern Katheer and the size of its manor grounds is the envy of many.

[Richard Loh]

Thorkam go to the market place and ask about traditions & ceremonies involved in burying the dead.
"Good day Sir, may I understand what need to be buy and things need to do in the cnromories of burying the dead? " Thorkam ask politely and curious to the market peddler.

----------

Al-asahari instead tries his luck speaking to the gardener. "Pray tell us sirrah,what special properties do these items posess? And what should we take note off when attending the ceremony?"

----------

Pake Jake aaks in town to learn more about the accomplishments and deeds of worthy repute done by the trade princess Zarmina Bahjari.

----------

The market peddler looks up at Thorkam from his seat behind the counter. "Good sir, you will need clothing of the finest white! Which I do happen to carry!" as he rises excitedly. True enough, looking around, Thorkam does see his wares are of the softest silk & its white will make a Prophet of Kalistrade proud. "A set of clothing will be yours for the simple price of 30 gold pieces!"

----------

"Effendi, I do not know. My master does not deem me fit to know of such things. I am sorry that I cannot be of any help. "

"But at dusk, you might be able to leave the gift to Mistress Zarmina to honor her. It will also comfort her living relatives & remind us all that the presents are to make the world a better place."

Such an answer is in response to Al-Asahari's questions.

----------

Walking around Katheer & asking such questions in the vicinity of the Lodge, Jake cannot help but spy a simple procession of people slowly making their way to the Zarmina estate. A quick chat with the mourners reveals that Zarmina Bahjari was a noble princess who seeks out men & women of talent, to be honed & finally be promoted to the rank of Trade Prince/Princesses to help expand the wealth & influence of the Qadiran empire.