Pathfinder2e The Spurned hath no fury like alchemy

Hello,
I am thinking of offering a Pathfinder 2e run through one or more of my turned down RPG Superstar adventures.
Anybody interested in trying Pathfinder Second edition?

My adventure? "The Spurned hath no fury like alchemy."

Player characters are 5th level, have an array of 16,15,14,13,12,11 plus ancestry modifiers and players build characters up to their current level.

Taldor and Quadira have had their borders shift countless times.
For now, Taldor holds the northern most strip of desert with the cities of Salt-Shore, Salt Sands and Salt gate.
You are being sent to each of these cities to collect the taxes due to the treasury of Taldor in Oppara...

What could possibly go wrong?

okay, players please provide the A, B, C, for your character(s).
Ancestry: ...Heritage: 1st level ancestry feat: 5th level ancestry feat: and boosted ability scores for 5th level.
Background: ...Bonus feat: ...bonus skills:
Class advanced to level 5. include features and feats purchased.
Cash each character has the appropriate treasure and items for their level.

This is a basic outline, you can "select all", "copy"/"Paste" and "delete" kallus' , then "replace" with your info, and "advance" your character to 5th level. An example character: Kallus the Unforgiven
Ancestry: human, heritage: versatile, Male, 23, Lawful good, faith: Desna.
Versatile feat: Ride. Ancestry feat: general training -> Battle medic
Background: Herbalist. bonus skills; lore-herbs, nature.
bonus feat: natural medicine
Class: Fighter Level 1 xp 0
Class features: attack of opportunity, bonus feat: shield block.
Class feat: Reflexive shield

Strength: 16 (+3) Perception: EX+4, Lvl+1, Wis+2= 7
Dexterity: 15 (+2) Fortitude: EX+4, Lvl+1, Con+2= 7
Constitution: 14 (+2) Reflex: EX+4, Lvl+1, Dex+2= 7
Intelligence: 14 (+2) Will: Tn+2, Lvl+1, Wis+2= 5
Wisdom: 15 (+2)
Charisma: 11 (+0) Hit points: 20 AC: 18 (*20)

Skill name: Prof+Level +ability modifier ....Armor: Breastplate
Acrobatics ... TN+2, level +1, Dex+2= 5 .....Shield: Steel Shield with shield boss
Athletics ... TN+2, level +1, Str+ 3= 6 .....weapon: battle axe, or war hammer
Crafting ... TN+2, level +1, Int +2= 5 .....Ranged: shortbow
Lore-herbs .. Tn+2, level +1, Int +2= 5
Medicine ...*EX+4, Level +1, Wis +2= 7*
Nature ... Tn+2, Level +1, Int +2= 5
Stealth ... Tn+2, Level +1, Dex +2= 5
Survival ... Tn+2, Level +1, Wis +2= 5

Future advancement
2nd level, Alchemist dedication feat, gain: Craft Alchemy feat, and Lore-cooking.

This character is good at fighting, traveling through the wild, survival, navigation, hunting, foraging, but his true calling is to be a doctor. The future addition of alchemy, only serves to expand his role as a healer.
Weakness? talking. The 11 charisma and no training in the skills: deception, diplomacy, intimidation, society can make life quite difficult when dealing with much more savvy persons. Also, this character does well in the wild, but not so well in situations where being underhanded is more appropriate. I.E. the thievery skill. Locks, and traps can stymie his progress.

I think I'm going to have my character be a dwarf barbarian animal rager.

I'm making a Human Barrister Champion. I'll work out the other details tonight.

Thanks for the template!

I haven't seen that point array before. We don't start each attribute at 10 and go from there?

As the GM I am directing you to use this method. it gives you more to work with. It is a player focused spread. Your choices matter. While your character is prodigious in one area, you have other strengths to rely on. let's say I am making a human "monk". I can build my character like this;
Strength:___16* monk feat: monastic weapons. weapon: Bo staff. human feat: canny acumen, (expert perception)
Dexterity:___18* Heritage: versatile, feat- Incredible initiative (+2 initiative)
Constitution: 13 ____skills: acrobatics, athletics, stealth, thievery, just off the top of my head.
Intelligence:_12
Wisdom:____15
Charisma:___11
at 2nd level I might take the rogue dedication, and at 4th level take the 1st level rogue feat trap-spotter.
at 5th, as a human I can take the feat "natural ambition" and grab an extra class feat from either monk or rogue.
Strength:___18
Dexterity:___18
Constitution: 15
intelligence:_14
Wisdom:____17
Charisma:___11
I used the four free boosts to raise str, con, int, wis.

this character optimizes strength and dexterity, maxing out the characters focus.
this is completely different from the Kallus character who uses his boosts to shore up his weaknesses.

alternately, a human sorcerer (occult- hag bloodline)
str:__13
dex:_18*
Con:_11
int:__16*
Wis:__12
cha:__15
This character might focus on Movement (acrobatics, athletics, stealth) and Social (deception, diplomacy, intimidate, society)
I can drop a feat on armor proficiency, I can drop a feat on martial weapon training. I can carry a sling, a sack of sling bullets, and two bandoleers of throwing daggers.

Why do ability scores matter? Why not abandon them and use only the ability modifiers.
the answer is thus: ability modifiers are meaningless when the dice can make a super-genius (+5) stupider than a dog (-3).
the dog can roll 19, 20, 18... and the genius: 1,2,3...
The bell curve isn't just a grading method, it is a percentage that defines the number of your equals, the number of those who need your help, and those who are beyond your help (ie: won't help self or are superior to you).
it may suck, but in reality the genius will never be outwitted by the fool. The world's strongest man will not be out lifted by a wimp. In real life there are no participation trophies. Failure is a very real thing. Even heroes can fall.
I will be giving Hero points, and players will start with a hero point...
I can not change reality, I can not change fate.
I do not control the dice.

Ah, from your monk example I see we still get the ability bumps at fifth level. I thought those would be included in the array from the wording of your first post. I'll adjust my character in progress.

and I so misunderstood your initial question. Seriously, I do apologize for my error.
Yes, you do get your level 5 ability score advances; all four free boosts in accordance with the rules for the boosts.

Alrighty! Onward and upward. Thanks for the detailed explanations.

I submitted my character but it's still WIP. Since I've never advanced before would you mind checking the math before I go further. Thanks!

I can not see the character sheet.
There is no such thing as Level dip multi-classing in 2e pathfinder. See the Core Rulebook, the Classes chapter, after Wizard, after animal companions, after familiars you will find the Archetype/dedication feats. The earliest you may "multi-class" is 2nd level by using your class feat slot to purchase the first Dedication feat. you may purchase another, only from that class at 4th. I do not recommend multi-classing a sorcerer save only to expand your low level spell slots.
For example:
Arcane sorcerer + Wizard archetype, more low level arcane spells
Divine sorcerer + Cleric archetype, more low level divine spells
Occult sorcerer + Bard archetype, more low level occult spells
primal sorcerer + Druid Archetype, more low level primal spells
Multi-classing with monk does not do what it once did.
I shared an example Human Occult sorcerer, use the versatile feat for armor proficiency, and the first level ancestry feat on martial weapon proficiency. the Idea for the example sorc is to become a Buffing character. The spell Magic weapon is quite awesome at first level. Not so much at 5th as you and your allies will likely posses magic weapons.
If you want to be a ranged nuke, or artillery, you need to review the action economy. Some spells take two actions to cast once. Sometimes it is better to be proficient with a bow that with a set of limited spell slots. The sorcerer feat Reach metamagic can turn a touch spell like shocking grasp into a one target 30ft attack.

if you want to be tougher, realize that you get 6 hit points for being an Elf, and 6 Hit points as a sorcerer, plus your constitution modifier. you can take the toughness general feat. instead of spending daily spell slots on "Mage armor" learn to wear light armor with a general feat. The cantrip shield keeps your hands free and gives you a +2 shield bonus to ac while it has a ten minute cooldown, cantrips have unlimited ammo. With elven dexterity, you can build towards a high AC and toughness without multi-classing.

Osirion is your homeland: check, authorized.

If you click on the game you will see the character sheet under my name in the list of players there.

I think @Realist is talking to me, I had a sort of scratch pad I was working on in google docs. I’m out for lunch right now but I did a quick cut and paste to a character sheet on the site. I’ll go through your post when I get back home to a larger screen.

Oh! :-)

A sorcerer, nice. My champion-paladin is nearly ready, just have a few more feats to choose them I'll upload. Likely be tomorrow.

As a primal I have access neither the shield spell nor mage armour... fudge... I might have to change from an elemental bloodline, I Just don’t want to be super squishy.

I shall remain elemental, I’m certain I’ve buggered some things up. This is the scratch pad version. All of the things in brackets indicate where it came from (L3) = level 3.

Look it over and let me know what you think and any edits you think I should make also where I messed up. I’m not terribly familiar with the system.

((Sor5))
Name: (Nameless) Marashepsut Numara
Ancestry: Elf, Heritage: Vourinoi, Female, 38, Chaotic Good, Faith: Desna.
Heritage Feat: Desert Elf. Ancestry feat: Elemental Wrath
Background: Fortune Teller - Occultism skill, Fortune Telling Lore skill,
bonus feat: Oddity Identification skill feat
Class: Sorceress
Bloodline: Elemental
Class features:

Strength: 11 +2(htg) +2(bg) / 15
Dexterity: 14 +2(htg) / 16 +2=18
Constitution: 15 -2(htg) / 13 +2=15
Intelligence: 12 +2(htg) / 14 +2=16
Wisdom: 12
Charisma: 16 +2(bg) / 18 +1=19

Hit points: 37AC:
Languages: Elvish, Common, (Osirian)(Djinn/Elemental?)
Armor:

Saves:
Fortitude (expert) (s)
Reflex (trained) (s)
Will (expert) (s)

Skill name: Prof+Level +ability modifier ....
Occultism skill (bg)
Fortune Telling Lore skill (trained) (bg)
Perception (trained) (sor)
Intimidation (trained) (bl)
Nature (trained) (bl) Natural Medicine (L2)
Simple Weapons (trained) (sor)
Unarmed Attacks (trained) (sor)
Unarmored Defense (trained) (sor)
Survival (trained) (sor+int)
Performance (trained) (sor+int)
Deception (trained) (sor+int) Lie to me (L4)
Medicine (expert L5) (sor+int)

Feats:
Desert Elf (Htg)
Elemental Wrath (Anc)
Oddity Identification (bg)
Reach Spell (sor)(L2)
Familiar (sor)(L4)
Elven Instincts (Anc)(L5)

Spells:
cantrip (5/5): produce flame*; detect magic; electric arc; prestidigitation; stabilize
1st (4/4): burning hands*; create water; heal; pest form
2nd (4/4): resist energy*; acid arrow*; create food;
3rd (3/3): fireball*; stinking cloud; wall of wind
*spells need to be modified to make them more "air/electricity" based.

I give you Logrith Stormbrew!

Submitted my paladin, Sudamon Carth, Champion-Paladin of Torag

Concept Approved! I'll read the sheet now.

Ah,,,, I see now. Your Spirit animal is BEAR.
I am missing something, in your feats?
I am going to double check with the book.
I need to double check Armor class, hit points, and saving throws for everyone.
it seems;
Back ground: Scout gives you (*in addition) the skills Lore-scouting, and Survival. if survival is a duplicate skill, you may purchase any one skill at trained. Plus the bonus feat: forager.
I do not see Divine font in the barbarian class feat list.
Sudden charge approved,
your 2nd class feat NO ESCAPE is approved, but if you intend to Multi-class as a cleric this should be an archetype/dedication feat
Your 4th class feat Fast movement is also approved, but if you multi-class this might also be a cleric dedication feat.
You are a rager! You move fast and get "in-their-Face".... that is when you make them regret their whole misspent lives.
I love your feat choices; it makes "boulder roll" awesome.

Concept approved! I'll study the character sheet as soon as possible.

The only thing is that you didn't erase Kallus' future advancement blurb at the bottom.
Otherwise your sheet is perfect.

While it looks like "Subterfuge" is completely out of this character's bailiwick,
You readily make friends and lead with style. Your social abilities can sway entire marketplaces, court rooms, and armies.
You are like a titanic manly MAN who by faith loves everyone and is a "Problem solver" (*somebody has a problem, they bring it to you, You solve it*) in many ways, not just combat.

Not only approved, but admired.
I will double check Armor class, hit points, saving throws for everyone.

As a complete rookie with the PF system, if anyone has any thoughts or critiques of my character let me know before I lock things down. I really don’t want to die to the first ROUS I run into. 😂

If I read things right our skills are governing attribute + mastery. So trained acrobatics might be 3+1, and a reflex save expert for the same character would be 3+2? I want to make sure I’ve got it right in my head before filling all that out.

I love those character pictures btw. They’re both awesome!

We can re-flavor elemental spells to match your chosen element,
I do not see anything wrong with your concept; Desert elf from Osirion, Elemental bloodline sorcerer.
we shall see what I find out. I sense your desire to build for encounter survival, and I agree. I shall carefully review your characters; Saving throws, hit points, armor class, and the primal spell list. It will take me some time.
I am going to study your character sheet now.

The fictional world of Golarion
The setting depends on where you are; for example, the nations of "Garund" and "Mwangi" resemble ancient Africa. There is the nation of "osirion" which is like exaggerated myths about ancient Egypt. There is the continent of casmaron(? not 100% certain) which has nations that correspond to mythic India.

in many ways it is like the early 1600's earth, Just with magic... some nations have sworn to oppose slavery. Sailing ships and trade bring explorers and exploiters to every nation of the world. There have been many ancient empires in the past that grew to span the world, and disastrous events which erased them from history. Today, many of those ruins dot the world. The world is as varied as its peoples; shipping and trade bring distant peoples to other shores. it is an age of exploration, rediscovery, archaeology, and adventure!
The region of Taldor is much like medieval Europe, The region of Quadira is very much like the middle east; yet, there are differences. The dominant faith of Quadira is the goddess "Sarenrae" who heals, shows mercy, and offers redemption. This is opposed to real world religions which expanded by the sword, slavery, and slaughter.

Taldor has come to view the sarenrae faith as the disguise which quadiran spies, assassins and saboteurs use to cross their border. They also had to deal with false priests efforts to sway the people of taldor to commit treasonous acts for quadira in order to save their souls. As such, persons claiming to be of the Sarenrae faith in Taldor receive a measure of hostility. The dominant faith in Taldor is now the goddess Shelyn, or shelynite faith. Shelyn is a goddess of Art, Beauty, and Love. Taldor was once an empire, but has had entire nations break away and has long since fallen into decadence, and decay. So many have a noble title, that nobility has lost its meaning and its status.
Quadira wants to expand, and Taldor wants to hold on to its lost glory days.

The ocean had frequently flooded the western plains and shores of Quadira, and as the waters evaporated or sank into the desert sands, the waters left behind them vast fields of salt. The quadirian nation is a desert; not a barren waste, just a desert. The cities in this adventure, are able to grow food and produce highly valuable trade goods. Despite being the worst affected by the leeched ocean salts and infertile sands.

I’m sure you can figure it out but I’m trying to go for a free spirited gypsy fortune teller kind of thing. Good at reading and influencing people.

There is a gypsy analog in Golarian. The Varisians.

Neat, I like them, the bladed scarf is an awesome idea. I’m married to the Vourinoi idea now though. Every party of adventurers needs and elf, mostly to poke the dwarf.

Vourinoi from Lost Omens Character guide.
Elves of the desert oases of Osirion and nearby lands, Vourinoi are often
unknown to any but those travelers and nomads who pass by a Vourinoi
oasis, but the few who encounter these elves find them a gregarious and
welcoming people. The oasis elves know how inimical to life their homes
can be, and they eagerly welcome and mingle with travelers in need of water
and shelter. Vourinoi learn almost from birth to be charming, eloquent,
and hospitable, and when conflict arises, most would rather talk than fight.
Vourinoi are easily identified by their rich brown skin and black hair, though
individual elves might have vivid blue, green, or white hair.
Vourinoi consider themselves separate from the nations they occupy, and
their friendliness belies a deep and fierce independence. Given their reputation
for skill at both magic and desert warfare, the rulers of the desert lands have
little desire to infringe upon the elves’ homes. In addition, the Vourinoi
consider themselves the sole stewards of their oases, and any attempt to
control or corrupt the life-giving sites draws the elves’ fury. Despite their love
for their homes, Vourinoi also share a great sense of wanderlust, even by elven
standards. Like their patron goddess Desna, the oasis elves delight in traveling
where whim takes them and meeting new people, and many leave their
homes to wander for many years before returning to their oasis.

the remaining commentary is not worth reading.

Well it’s more because they’re Osirian and the country is just across the water. I didn’t know about the other gypsies but I’ve always had a soft spot for Ancient Egypt, degree in Archaeology will do that to you, and the elf bit just puts a bow on it.

I’ve been flipping through my old text books looking at art and architecture, mostly for jewelry and inspirations.

I’m trying to figure out if taking an armor skill is worth the 1 point of AC. I’m also think I’m going to switch some spells about, I thought the 3 boxes was 3 turns not the 3 action phases of 1 turn, still it’s slow as hell but better than 3 minutes to cast something. The no magic shield / armor is weird, primal is the only list missing them.

Is having a familiar worth it? The spell battery ability looks nice, but you need 4th level spells for it... minion maybe later. Figured out after reading and re-reading I was doing some stuff wrong. How are we determining starting money beyond the 15g and any magic items?

Torag deity gives dwarves divine font of heal and divine skill of crafting. Not from class. Sorry about that.

Couple other notes: Barbarian class gave my guy the athletics skill but so did ancestry so I chose another skill instead.

Animal Instinct is where the bear came from and that instinct can kick in for unarmed attack when raging using the bear's jaw attacks.

I added forager, thanks for that, I missed it.

Could you double up on athletics and get it to rank 2?

*at 1st level you can only be "trained" (Tn)... Though I make an exception that players can make one skill Expert (Ex) at 1st level. You may note that a 1st level monk has Ex unarmored, a 1st level Fighter is Ex with attacks, A first level champion is Ex with armor, and some classes gain a "Mastery" level; Perception, Attack, Defense, or Save, before 7th level. This is one of those "Specific beats General" rules. These items are not considered skills; Perception, Attacks, Defenses, or Saves, they are advanced only when your class advances them.
*Starting at 3rd level, you gain one "skill Increase" to raise any one skill at trained to Expert. The threshold/maximum is Ex. You gain another skill increase at 5th. Another skill at "Tn" (trained) can be raised to Ex (expert). The general rule is, the advancement of skills from Ex to Mastery (M) requires a minimum of 7th level.

During character creation, if you receive training in a skill you already know, you may select another skill to become trained in.
these do not stack.

Example: a Dwarf, ancestry feat; Dwarf lore: you gain crafting, religion, and lore-Dwarves.
Background: Artisan: you gain crafting, a lore, and the specialty crafting feat.
Class, Cleric, faith- Torag, you gain... crafting, religion,

That is crafting three times and religion twice. This does not mean a 1st level character starts with Crafting at Mastery, and religion at Expert. no, it means they get to select three other skills to be trained in.

I am confirming every last detail on the character sheets now. We can see the results tomorrow.

Everyone please describe a "Why" or "How" you came to be in a south Taldor village.
Might you have been sent there by your people, exiled, or seeking a family member.
Surely The elves need every bow and blade they can get? are you recruiting distant elves,,, or hunting deserters?
Do the Dwarves not have enough troubles with goblins, orcs, giants? Are you seeking to build a new Kingdom for you and yours?
Certainly, the undead tyrants of Osirion need to be opposed. Perhaps you were sent away to avoid capture, and being sacrificed. Perhaps sent to another shore to be trained in the mystic arts so that you can oppose the tyrants!

How have you come together, as an adventuring company? what was your most recent victory?

Heh, I’m working on my "how did I come to be here" story and gypsy fortune teller has not showed up once. I may have to modify my in game background. 😂

The Noble was as round as the moon, with spindly arms and legs, a powdered face, and absurd dress...
The elf grimaced at the clashing riot of colors on the bloated ...Man?
The Dwarf growled growing provoked by what he saw as another "Web-King" in disguise...
The Human, took the lead in discussing the quest, if only to help hold the dwarf at bay for a moment longer.

The ludicrous noble announced himself as "Laird Dekard", and spoke to you as if his nostrils were his eyes (looking down his nose). You would board the long ship, "The Nine Button Chest" and sail south to the docks of the three cities of Salt-shore, Salt-sands, and Salt gate. At each port you would greet the Bourger'Manster and follow the instructions given to you to retrieve the taxes due. Once you had all three chests of taxes, you will sail back to Taldor and deliver the chests to the Royal Exchequery of Opara. When you return to Laird Dekard in his villa at the town of crosswind with the exchequer's reciept with seal, the Laird will cross your palms with one thousand gold each!

What do you say?

GM: you can always request a perception check to potentially detect a Lie.
GM: Laird Dekard is visiting this "quaint" little village, and intends to return to his country villa as soon as possible.
GM: the red path is the way you can go to gather the chests of taxes. The green path is how you turn them in to opara.
The blue path is how you are to be released from your duties to the crown, and receive payment in full.

Laird Dekard pauses a moment before he begins in his aristocratic tone, "I Laird Dekard have so few trained and experienced staff as capable as the three of you. I am here because I heard of your reputations for... getting-things-done. If you wish to prove wrong those who vouched for you, I will say thank you and be on my way elsewhere. Are you interested in serving the royal crown? the benefits will surely go beyond mere trinkets and golden dross! I can help you all make connections with other nobles who have needs and are seeking resolution. Why, in time your names could reach ears at the king's court. You won't merely be rich; you will one day earn power!"

GM: I await all of you to make a decision. also, I have a question; does anyone have any disabilities Such as blindness which requires me to change how I present information? as a DM I need to be able to provide a positive experience for everyone as much as possible. Please let me know.

Laird Dekard, grumbles a second and then coughs "ahem" to get your attention once more, "There are certain matters of state, for you to receive this quest I must submit these documents with your signatures."

You are certain he has told the truth and with held nothing.

The Laird Dekard says, "You will be carrying these two writs: one for your free passage in the domain of Taldor. The second is this contract; it gives you authority to receive and transport the taxes. It is all you need".

Waiting for other players...

Laird Dekard sniffs, "is she with you? I'd prefer six heroes, but the four of you will do fine." He gestures to the Large Bear sitting beside Logrith and counts the bear as the fourth.

Laird Dekard, draws out from the sheaf two long sheets of vellum and rolls them on a single scroll.

He places the Scroll inside a long burgundy red leather scroll tube and presents it to the group.
The Laird Says, "Very well, the ship is at the docks now awaiting your arrival. Present this to the captain of the Nine buttons. Know that you have until the new moon to complete this quest."

Yes, the Nine buttons will have room for your steeds. though the bear is to stay on the deck with Logrith.

Yes, this place is rather small. Laird Dekard's villa is further north from here across a grapes farm, opposite of a vintner "wine maker".
The smells of grapes and wine waft past his favorite "vacation spot". No walls, no fortress, a dock yes. The weather is crisp and cool, early in the morning lows are 60*F, and Noon Highs are 72*F. Clouds roll in from the ocean, it seems that if you wait just ten minutes there will be entirely new clouds. It is the time of frostend, before New flower, the time for seed planting and the months of green.

Who has the Scroll tube? are you all going to the ship? anything else you'd like to ask of the "Laird"...

There are some things available in the farmer's market, though the only eye widening surprises are for those who cook, wine aficionados, fellow agriculturalists, and horticulturalists. for example; "WinterStones" - a kind of potato that grows in the cold. a spice called 'rime-flower' which has a crisp, icy, wintergreen taste. Cinnamon, nutmeg, teragon, cumin, chili powder, paprika, parsley, oregano, basil, thyme, sage, marojam, cilantro, rosemary, rue, minced onion, minced garlic, and more can be found in the spice-master's cart. Woodland elves examine and purchase bushels of desert cotton from Osirion, and bolts of silk from far-far away Tian Xua. Dwarves inspect forge rosens, blacksmith supplies and tools for their mines, timber for the shoring up. A dwarven merchant is selling several varieties of mushroom; button, octopus, shiitake, and Stair-step. There is a huckster selling "Honest-to-goodness-bottled siren-song". Very rare, a crate from the city of ilsuria in the distant nation of Varisa of a fruit juice known as "shelyn's Beloved drop" or just "Beloved". The fruit juice is a wondrous drink at dawn, makes for good mixed drinks, and supposedly a small drop will render the most vile alchemical concoction palatable....

Laird Dekard, answers you Mara off handily as he boards a small, but ornate carriage, "Taldor has held these cities for some 25 months. which is something of a record. You are bound to meet settlers and farmers who grow some of the crops in our market today. The majority of such goods is transported to various capitals of the west and the north by teleportation and kept fresh with purification prayers, so you may see one exceptionally potent scroll reader... true masters of the arcane and divine, aren't as common here as they are in the nations west of us, both south and north. The only ones who should concern you are the Bourger-mansters in the ancient parlance, as we call them now the mayors and governors of those towns.
They tend to their people zealously, and are reluctant to surrender their taxes at times - only when the kingdom does not acknowledge their needs."

Alrighty, let me know which carts of goods each of you would like to visit. If you head to the ship let me know of your actions there. I will keep nudging the Adventure forward as we go.

Mara finds a cask of delightful honey mead for a good price, a cask of ale, and the other items she seeks.

Sudamon Carth, heads to the docks. Apparently the trade with this village has added goods to the cargo that can be found no where else, the Smug halfling captain grins anticipating a good profit. Moving about on the wide, but busy pier requires a bit of patience as Laborers work to load the ship with crates, barrels, and rolled tarps full of goods.
The halfling captain rocks back and forth on her heels before the pier entrance along side her heavily muscled Dwarven First mate. It seems the dwarf wears a charm that makes him "Large sized". The dwarf carries the manifest and records everything the Halfling captain tells him to.
The halfling captain, "Kadar! record the sales of the Osirion cotton bundles, and Red River Reed meditation mats."
She noted that the wood elf buyers were entranced by the comfort and warmth of the cotton- It was clear that they couldn't get enough of the stuff. She imagined their Spinners, Weavers, tailors, and dye masters would be creating furniture and a wardrobe suitable for a king. Such industry suited the elves, as they proffered their own styles and motifs.
The Giant-Dwarf, "Yes captain Cee-Cee!"

A bit of calculation enters halfling Captain Cee-Cee's eyes as she sees Sudamon on his horse, "What is this?" she asks aloud...

Yes, fish GOOD... White-claw hugs you with brotherly love. Normally Bears might be waking from hibernation now. How your companion can ignore the usual ursine cycles to follow you like family remains a mystery, perhaps there is magic in your blood?
or, in white-claw..?

You get closer to the pier, and see Sudamon Carth mounted on horseback. He is being rebuffed by a tiny halfling captain who will not allow him to board without a massive quantity of coin or a writ... of which he has neither.

But you do...
You bear the scroll.
Perhaps, this is the time and the place for you to express your ire with his earlier "slight" against you and white-claw.

I need you to make a Diplomacy skill check. This Halfling Captain is no-nonsense.

Captain Cee-Cee asks politely, "do you have eyes to see?"


"well, then you can see with your eyes and not your hands. I'll not truck with stowaways and charlatan inspectors!"

GM: The Halfling Captain is unmoved by your efforts to offer levity.
Captain Cee-Cee, "There are only two ways to board the nine buttons. As one of my crew, and NO, I'm not hiring. As a Passenger, which requires 700 gold for you and your steed. You do not bring me any coin, nor platinum trade bars; you spout useless words and I have no need of wasted time.
Alternately, you could have a writ that you are in the King's service- Though I do doubt that one such as you can merit any more nobility than a title of: Squire of stable stall inspection. Where is your patents? Your titles of nobility? have you any of merit?"

"Ahh, here comes yon confederate. perhaps to help you perform a vanishing trick!" Sneers the Halfling Captain Cee-Cee to Sudamon. "I've no interest in time wasting words. When the cargo is loaded, The nine buttons will sail. Either bring gold, or go home, O' Squire of dung heap inspection".

Captain Cee-Cee , She addresses Logrith, "Halt! Who goes and what do you bring to me?"

Logrith, you can see Sudamon at a loss...
Words won't work here, He may as well be commanding a landslide to go back to the top of a mountain.
The Halfling captain is so "Matter of fact" and focused on the "Here and now"; what past experiences could have shaped such fierce mercantilism?

Perhaps, you may fare better... may be. You hold the writ.

The Halfling captain, looks at you with half closed eyes. She accepts the scroll. She unrolls it.

She says, "Ahh, I see. So you're the ones he's duped this time. Okay, The three of you and your mounts may board. The horses go into the mid deck. Your pet is to stay supervised by you, Topside of the forecastle."

She hands the scroll back and dismisses you with a sweep of a cupped hand directing you to the boarding planks.
She lets slip a wry grin and says quietly to herself, "They'll learn soon enough."

In the next three hours the Pier is cleared and the market has closed. Traders, attach beasts of burdens and haul their carts away to path routes west, north, and east. The crew prepare to pull the planks, mooring ropes, anchors, and lower a sail to start turning the vessel out of the river mouth back into the sea...

"Set Sail!" Captain Cee Cee, shouts. Her first Mate Kadar Doubled his size and bellowed the order again. The boatswain hefted his Heavy Steel Enchanted Lute-AXE and played the Launch song;The Launch Song

A hint of sorrow at having to leave, then the sudden rush, the power of the sea. Let the Adventure begin.

Next post; A ship at sail



Rolls for random encounter on the sea; result none.
Rolls for Rolls For Crew event, Weather event, or other weirdness...

No such luck. No events. Smooth sailing for the next few hours.

PART 0ne
The harrow spread, without interpretation by me. I will use the -> to show a link that contributes to the meaning of each card.
Note: in my tradition (orphan (psychic)), cards that are "Reversed" or "Upside down" can imply an explicitly nuanced meaning that has to be refined from what imagery that card contains; Shed options and narrow the meaning as much as possible/Be specific. This is important. It can be a very specific meaning that might be missed if one doesn't have the necessary perspective. Such Reversed cards should always remind us, that fortune telling is NOT wish fulfillment. Reversed cards can also hint at a REVERSED meaning, or one with NEGATIVE connotations...
This is outside of the Harrows' Miss-aligned card guidance. A card with an alignment in a position with a 1-axis opposed alignment, or a 2-axis opposition... has different guidance for interpretation. (The Axis' are defined thus: Morality (good, Neutral, Evil) vs. Conduct (Lawful, Neutral, Chaotic))

The six symbols are linked to the six attributes which can color each card's meaning subtly.
Hammer -> Strength -> War, battle, honor, a need for steadfast dedication or forcing application of a rule. "Staying strong".
Key -> Dexterity -> Trouble, children, entertainment, a need for precision, perceptiveness, and quick action!
Shields -> Constitution -> Health, Home, Pain, a Need for Endurance, potentially "Tough times".
Tome -> Intelligence -> money, school, literature, a memory, a clue, seek words of advice or pertaining to an adviser.
Star -> wisdom -> Ancient history, regarding morality, regarding consequence, discernment/judgement, the gods.
Crown -> Charisma -> Love, Family, Politics, negotiation, persuasion, seek an advantage (s), and keep your secrets.

Part 2wo
The Harrow Spread.
Nine cards are drawn at random, and laid one at a time in three columns of three.
LG | NG | CG Top row -> Good, positive meanings are dominant/stronger here.
LN | TN | CN Middle row -> "meh", not of concern, About the querant (person asking the question).
LE | NE | CE Bottom row -> Not good, bad, evil, cruel, any of the sins especially a lie.

LG
LN
LE
The first column; pertains to the past and elements of the past which have lead the querant to ask the current questions.

___NG
___TN
___NE
The Second column; describes the querent and the truths "about/circling" the question... which may be more reflective of the true question they should ask: opposed to the question they think they need to ask.

_______CG
_______CN
_______CE
The Third column; is chaos. This is representing that the future is not set. Even the gods can be astonished/surprised. This column deals with the potential "Outcome" which is not always to be the Future as we experience it. this has implications that our reality has a "Fourth wall", and that the described events is best understood from outside our box (reality), through a spiritual source not from the banality of anything in the mundane world. Not from an individual's experience (querant), but viewed by all others on the outside of that experience. "what others will recall of that instance."

RESERVED FOR GM --- THE CARDS I DREW, PLACEMENT, TEXT DESCRIPTION

Card Name___ (Card Alignment)___CARD SYMBOL_______
Placement (Spot ALIGNMENT) (misaligned?) (Reversed?)
Text DESCRIPTION: what the book lists as the card potential meanings/implications.
Find card meanings here

Here we go...

Column one
Card: The Cricket[NG] "Key" (*the only "key" suit card in the reading drawn)
Place: [LG] Miss-alignment: yes, 1-ax. Reversed: No.
TEXT: The Cricket is the neutral good card of dexterity. It represents the grig, quick travel, and the reward at the end of a journey.

Card: The Forge[LN] "Hammer"
Place: [LN] Miss-alignment: No. Reversed: yes.
TEXT: The Forge - This is the lawful neutral card of strength. It represents strength through diversity, or strength from many sources united against a single trial.

Card: The Twin[TN] "Crown" (*The only "CROWN" suit card in the entire drawing)
Place: [LE] Miss-alignment: yes, 2-ax. Reversed: No.
TEXT: The Twin - This is the neutral card of charisma. The doppelganger represents duality of purpose or identity, or indecision and fence-sitting for the subject or the entire spread.

Column Two
Card: The Publican[CG] "Star"
Place: [NG] Miss-alignment: yes, 1-ax. Reversed: Yes
TEXT: The Publican (*Ancient word for Tax collector) -This is the chaotic good card of wisdom. It represents fellowship and refuge. The cyclops is a seemingly inconsequential figure who nonetheless has relevant insight.

Card: The Foreign Trapper[TN] "Tome"
Place: [TN] Miss-alignment: No... wow. Reversed: Yes
TEXT: The Foreign Trader - This is the neutral card of intelligence. It represents spies, merchants, and those who truck in information.

Card: The Vision[CN] "Tome"
Place: [NE] Miss-alignment: yes, 2-ax. Reversed: No.
TEXT The Vision - This is the chaotic neutral card of intelligence. It represents esoteric and arcane knowledge, or madness.

Column Three - outcome...
Card: The Paladin[LG] "Hammer"
Place: [CG] Miss-alignment: yes, 1-ax. Reversed: No.
TEXT: The Paladin - The Paladin is the lawful good card of strength. It represents standing resolutely against trouble, without backing down.

Card: The winged serpent[LG] "Star"
Place: [CN] Miss-alignment: yes, 2-ax. Reversed: YES
TEXT: The Winged Serpent - This is the lawful good card of wisdom. It represents the couatl, the bridge of understanding between the towers of knowledge and judgement.

Card: The Owl[TN] "Star"
Place: [CE] Miss-alignment: yes, 2-ax. Reversed: YES
TEXT: The Owl - This is the neutral card of wisdom. It represents the harsh wisdom of the natural order. The owl holds a needle that can bind life together or pick it apart.

The ship has made a day of progress. An Elemental specialized wizard/druid, "Gus T." reads scrolls and cast spells to ensure swift sailing and good wind.

The Halfling captain Cee-Cee She makes a round (patrolling) her ship, and let's each group of travelers know That before sun down they will reach the dock of "Salt-Shore".

First column, Seems to be about Logrith.
1. The cricket- Do not worry about your reward, you have to earn it first!
2. The forge- Many unite to overcome! trust you allies, Logrith you can lead with your Strength.
3. The Twin- Do not try to straddle the fence. Do not debate courses of action in committee! BE LIKE YOUR BEAR!

I'M FLYING... LOGRITH, I'M FLYING!

Sorry Bad Joke, I'm SORRY!

Second column, Seems to be about Mara.
You will lead in a search for the truth, for lore, but...
It is not yet her time.

Third Column, Seems to be Sudamon Carth.
You will lead with your untarnished honor; through strength, and Wisdom, but...
It is not yet his time.

When the halfling Captain Cee-Cee passes by you lot. She asks to see your writ again. Which you show her.

She scans over the document, "Ah, there it is." She rolls it back up and returns it to you.

Curious you ask the captain, "WTF? WTH?" or something much more civil but to that effect.

She Shrugs before turning to leave, "You'd better complete this contract before the new moon."

You ask, "Why, pray tell?"

She says over her shoulder as she leaves, "It is how long you have left to live."

Marra can confirm this with ease...
With a single casting of "detect magic" the Scroll flares with the blue flame of Arcane magic...
This does nothing, other than reveal that you all have signed a magical contract.


The sun is setting, looking at the moon... Mara determines you have ten days.
The Ship pulls into the dock at Salt-Shore; for once unmolested by sea-going dangers.
The plank-ways are extended; Passengers off first! is the shout.

"Dekard mentioned a teleport scroll reader," Mara says saddling her mare, "we need to find them, or at the very least find their scrolls if we are to have any hope of saving our necks."

Tightening the straps on her saddle Mara mutters, "Remind me to get the Laird to sign a receipt when we finish this that compels him to loose 100 pounds."

All the document says about the quantities is "THE TAXES" for each location.
The halfling Captain can tell you if someone will conduct the diplomatic skill checks and refine the conversation-Questions a bit.

IRL 24hr (28 Feb). Start now. Game time is: contract Day 0, the sun is setting, approx 1800 hours or 06:00 P.M.
The sky has a rich glow; The sun is near the horizon, but not yet touching.

Captain Cee Cee, Her face flat and expressionless, "I knew you'd have questions." "do you tell the athletes about to start a game; how much you are going to wager, and on whom, to do what? who to win, who to come second, who to place third, who to lose, who to suffer an injury, who to fall, and who will never play again? Laird Dekard is supposed to be the only one who can retrieve the taxes, and he's paid well to do just that. After a disastrous outing, He started hiring others to do his task; when higher ranking oversight found out...
(*SHE GRITS HER TEETH IN ANGER*)
They didn't remove him from the position (*She drags a thumb across her throat) instead, they placed wagers on the adventurers and use the Seer's pool in the king's castle to stay apprised of the progress. Believe me when I say, the king never fails to collect his taxes. If you want to live, you'll do all you can to fulfill the contract. You MUST!" Her face almost red with anger... and tears.

She tries to straighten her posture, but her shoulders are weary with an unknown weight. The captain dismisses you with a quieter, "Else it will have been nice knowing you, oh most honorable squire of stall inspection."
She turns her back on you and moves with her ship's officers to the next area of the ship to inspect.

Waiting on the Dock below... A well dressed man, wearing a leather long coat, with large buckles of bright golden brass. He peers through the crowd of those disembarking the Nine Buttons. He is flanked by two other large men. The skin of all three is dark and drawn tight from Work under the Hard Desert sun and scouring winds. Despite the Expensive long coat, his trousers are marred with stripes of dust and crumbles of muddy clodrock.

Welcome to Salt-Shore


SALT.... as far as the eye can see.

The First Officer, Kadar, is a dwarf. He marches straight over to Logrith. He says, "Take this" and he gives you his amulet.
"Put your hand on it and hate giants. You will grow big with this magic. Put your hand on it and relax... you return to dwarf size."

Immediately He and his companions respectfully address you with "A knee to you" a way of bowing that prevents a knight's Tabard from dragging in the dirt. Though they do not wear the heraldry garb of knights.
"Indeed! I am the mayor of Salt-shore. This my Civil Engineer- Wilder, and the Geologist- Al'Slain. We wish to report to the royal Exchequer in Oppara that the Terraced Leeching plains we built have actually reclaimed a measure of quality soil." Said the Mayor.

The mayor, pauses for breath, "Let us discuss this on the way to the town hall".

END IRL Day In game time: still Day 0, aprox 1800 hrs / 06:00 P.M. Recap: We are coming off the ship and meeting with the Mayor of Salt-shore, He has invited us to come to the town hall for a spot of tea, a moment of respite, and to collect the taxes for salt-shore...

IRL 24hr (29 Feb). Start now. Game time is: contract Day 0, the sun is setting, approx 1800 hours or 06:00 P.M.

"I do this, because I want you to survive the dangers. My captain will not speak of it, but She lost her husband to this, errand." He Spits. "As Dwarves We are kinfolk and were I not oathbound to serve on this ship; know that I would gladly fight at your side. One day, We will meet again. Probably, at a Dockside Tavern. You buy the drinks for our Brothers and you can tell us the tale.", Kadar, draws his clan dagger and Salutes you as you go.

The Mayor says with jest, "Our word comes by ship." He smiles, and continues more seriously, "We are glad to have found Lord Dekard's agents of the crown."
(*The mayor and his men wait to clasp rough calloused hands with Sudamon and Logrith... as the mayor and his men were knights of Taldor they relish meeting allies to test both strength of arms and strength of character.)

END IRL Day In game time: still Day 0, aprox 1800 hrs / 06:00 P.M. Recap: We are coming off the ship and meeting with the Mayor of Salt-shore, He has invited us to come to the town hall for a spot of tea, a moment of respite, and to collect the taxes for salt-shore..

The Mayor says with jest, "Our word comes by ship." He smiles, and continues more seriously, "We are glad to have found Lord Dekard's agents of the crown."
(*The mayor and his men wait to clasp rough calloused hands with Sudamon and Logrith... as the mayor and his men were knights of Taldor they relish meeting allies to test both strength of arms and strength of character.)

IRL 24hr (March 1st). Start now. Game time is: aprox: 1800 hrs, day 0.

As you all near the town hall (GM: rolling perception checks)
Logrith: Perception = (1d20+12)
Mara: perception = (1d20+8)
Sudamon: Perception = (1d20+9)

Plain as day, Sudamon can see someone climbing the steeple of the town Hall towards a... weather vane(?)

Logrith Sees a roofing tile fall to the ground.
The mayor and his men pause at sudamon's question,"what is it"?

They look up confused... and then shocked! "oh no."
The unknown roof climber has managed to steal the "weather vane"

"We must stop the thief from getting away", the mayor shouts.
"you have mounts! go! Recover the Azure stone!"

The mayor and his men scramble to saddle their mounts in the stables next door.
The mysterious thief, reads a scroll and begins leaping up to 30ft, bounding along the roof tops heading east.

Scroll of Jump cast as a 3rd level spell. For one minute the thief can leap 30ft as often as she wants. The chase is on.
The Thief has a lead.

Estimate is 75 ft. checking the spell description...
Gust of wind

This would be a perfect opportunity to use the Reach Spell (meta-magic) feat, a 60ft line could become a 90ft line.

Looks like the thief has to make a fortitude save against your Spell DC: 10+ Cha+4 Spell prof-Tn+2 Spell level: +1 = Fort save DC 17

Roll it!

The thief has jumped clear of the spell, the blast of wind not really catching her.

The chase continues, The thief does not leap down to the ground when she is out of roofs, nope. she's running on tree branches and leaping from tree to tree like a Squirrel.
You are all not that far behind, when a metallic crash is heard.

GM: Not so fast, She tossed the weather vane as a distraction to allow her to opportunity to enter stealth.
If your looking for the thief, I need perception checks. If you are going to retrieve the "Weather vane" you find it.
Thrown one way as she vanishes in another. (or tries to...?)

What do you do now?

(*All of you have a hero point!)
Okay, I read the book. Deception to "Make a distraction" pits your perception Vs Her Deception.
Those who succeed gain a +4 bonus to not be fooled by future distraction attempts.

Deception Tn+2, Lvl +5, Cha +2, +2 its getting dark. = +11

and followed by stealth...
Stealth Ex+4, lvl+5, dex +4, +2 its getting dark = +15

...And invisibility potion.

You have the weather vane though, small victories, eh?

Yes low light vision does enable you to see in Dim light as you would Bright light. Subtract 2 from her deception attempt (*Only Mara and Logrith) because the dying of the light...

END IRL Day GM: I will crash now and begin first thing when I have completed my replenishment and meditation...

30ft radius.

Despite dark-vision, the orchard grove and gardens clinging to the only soil for leagues provide some concealment...

Oh.. IRL 24hr (March 2). Game time is: aprox: 1805 hrs, day 0. Recap: the thief seems to have gotten away, but not with her prize.

GM: Winding time back a tad. there is a metalic crash, and the thief uses that moment to hide, drink a potion of invisibility, and GTFO.
Some distance further away, and a minute or so into the future the thief uses another scroll of Level 3 Jump, in an effort to increase the difficulty of tracking. She's trying to escape, she's trying to be smart about it. thing is...

She's on foot (Speed 30) and you all are on mounts... Horse Speed: (Checking the book).

okay, book has been checked, Detect magic has a 30ft emanation and the Reach Spell (metamagic) feat states "a spell with a Range".
Sorry, but no.
Additional details; The only info gained (as a cantrip it is AUTOMATICALLY HEIGHTENED to half your level rounded up... Mara 5, Detect magic is therefore 3rd)
So; you can ignore you and your allies magic, you can sense the strongest magic in the defined area, and identify the school it comes from.
However, the spell text does not detect residue after the fact or enable you to track on going magic that has left the area.
(*Seems like you may have discovered a new spell idea to submit to paizo via their request forums though.*)

Thief speed: ... 30ft. for each action spent running. three actions per round, 90ft.
Bear speed: ... 35ft. A round spent running would therefore be 105ft
Horse speed: ... 40ft normal, for 120... but at a "gallop" I.e. Running 140ft

Seems an invisibility potion and a scroll of 3rd level jump, can make pursuit difficult...
But not impossible. You are going to catch up. it's only a matter of tracking.

Mara stares off searching as far as her eyes can see. Like so many childhood puzzles to find the hidden bit, some just leave one weary.
She can make no sense of the tree branches, and leaves, nor the lack of footprints. She could search as much as she likes, and still not know which way to go...

(*This time)

Riders come out of the dark from Salt-shore, calling after you all, "Ho! Hold there!"
The mayor and one other arrive, "what have you to report?"

IRL END DAY see you guys on the morrow.

IRL 24hr (March 3). Game time is aprox: 1806 hrs, day 0. Recap: the thief seems to have gotten away, but not with her prize.
The Mayor is here inquiring about your progress. (The Second rider is hoorayrat -> Tarquin)

SHE why? because you saw her and know she is a she.

Yeah I said she got away. no, that doesn't mean any tracks/sign aren't still there.

Logrith does know how to read the broken twig, "the hasty running on toe tips" sprint foot prints,

You can follow this trail.
The Mayor though, "where is the Azure stone? did you recover it?"

Could he be referring to the weather vane?

IRL 24hr (March 4). Game time is aprox: 1807 hrs, day 0. Recap: no, there is no blue stone.

GM: welcome our new two players, go ahead and introduce your characters.

Larkin turns towards the Mayor, speaking in a quiet, even voice, "Well Mayor, it seems as though you were correct and these new friends of ours could indeed use some help, as it seems the thief is more elusive than even previously thought. If she used magic to get away, then perhaps I can be of assistance the next time she is found. I would like to go ahead and assist the group if that is alright with you."

His eyes are alight with excitement at the thought of the chase/adventure ahead, and you can see small motes of energy flicker in and around his person. He looks much like the person in the pictures below, but with a more White and Black color scheme, a mixture of cleric robes/vestments/armor, and he has iconography and a mask at his side that speak to him being a follower of the god Nethys.

Continuing: Logrith and Mara have discovered where the trail ends...


The thief, she's gone down that sink hole at the far end and base of the terraced salt leaching hill.
It seems mounts will not be able to follow.

"What! the stone! it was taken?", the Mayor is furious.
The mayor calms, takes a breath, and says to Sudamon, "I have no choice. I invoke the contract".
Sudamon, Mara, and Logrith wherever you are You freeze in place...

A slight detail of the contract states: ...At each port you would greet the Bourger'Manster and follow the instructions given to you to retrieve the taxes due....

The Mayor says aloud, "without the azure stone, there will be no fertility here. None! My little village will NOT be able to grow anything, all of the crops will die within the next day and the wells have already run dry. I charge you to retrieve the azure stone at all costs, or you will not be given your precious burden." and those bound by the contract can hear it, in their heads, heart, and soul.

Thunder rolls, from a cloudless sky, and the sun sets at last. The mayor points to Tarquin and Larkin, "You men will aid them in their task."

Gm: no... Bears can climb like its going out of style.
Horses on the other hand...
Not so much.

The horses would be come luggage waiting for; blocks, tackle, pulleys, ropes, cargo-slings, and exhausting work at every climb too steep for them.

Larkin inclines his head towards the Mayor, gives a nod and kicks his mount lightly in the sides aiming towards where the elven woman called out from. He rummages in a pouch, grasping a small smooth stone and lets it float out of his hand, where it flies up and orbits around his head, glowing with a soft, blue flame.

Arriving by the sinkhole, he raises a hand in greeting to the dwarf and elf, "Hello and well met to both of you, I am Larkin, a devotee of Nethys. It is a pleasure to meet you both, and I stand ready to assist in any way I can on this endeavor."

The hooded young man climbs down from his horse. He draws back his hood. A headband, set with a dark purple gem, holds back his dark hair. "I am called Tarquin, Tarquin Terentius Varro," he says. He wears dark studded leathers, a short sword and dagger strapped to his hips. With a sparkle in his eye, he says, "let us catch a thief."

Sudamon Says, "I'll tend the beasts. Nothing has broken my spirit so much as that damned contract, I'd rather die fighting than running some errand!"

End IRL DAY; Re-cap: Pre-dungeon entry. no one said being a hero was going to be easy...

The entry way is a 10ft drop. Sudamon belays you all down with his rope. Inside, the tunnel seems composed of gray clay, with wetness only at the lowest points.

Tarquin follows after the others. In a low voice, he says, "I have spent lots of time in tunnels and such. If you like I can lead the way."

Tarquin looks around.

but nothing seems out of place right now...

You are here...

The downward ramp slithers from side to side, before leveling out and traveling for miles deep under the earth...

A. Where are you going?
B. how do you navigate?
C. Safety precautions?
D. Do you have an open flame?
E. What is the marching order?
F. A combat formation?
G. Have you all agreed on a tactic?
(You know things like; keep casters in the middle or rear, Archers at the back or mid, shields out up front? a rear watch? etc.)

I need survival, I need perception, and if applicable, lore skill checks....

oh yeah, who's following the thief's tracks? I need a roll for that too.

Logrith, you are certain that on the path the thief took - there are no roaming monsters.
The thief can not be far ahead.

Do you explore the other passages? They could extend some 300 miles or more? might be a whole world down here to explore...

you are traveling from the bottom to the top. (I grabbed it from the web).
any other answers to the earlier questions?
A. Safety precautions?
B. Do you have an open flame?
C. A combat formation?
D. Have you all agreed on a tactic?

Though this is the cavern network... close to 400 miles long.
The true dungeon is coming.

Nailed it! those roles allow you to notice that the only tracks within your sight are those of the thief...

Perception for Rearguard:
1d20+14

( 15 ) +14 = 29

Tarquin quietly addresses the others, "if you let me go first and step where I step, we can be quieter as a group. It would mean that we will need to move slowly, though."

Leader as in person to go first?

As for social interactions, I don't think it is necessary. We can discuss OOC, and then let the character with the best social graces do the talking.

GM: You all make progress, and travel further without any encounters, You are still on the trail of the thief.
You come to a steep downward slope, from wall to wall the floor is wet. A small stream flows down the middle.
Logrith and Tarquin, it is clear to you that the thief had climbing spikes hammered into the left wall...
but set a release chord to pull them free once she reached safety.

The slope ahead of you all will require 10 athletics skill checks to navigate; due to the slick clay, flowing water, and angle... DC: 25.
It could be a fatal fall, it could be a trap, you can not see the bottom due to the angle of the passage.

Yes, this is a climb Down.

1. Too True.
2. good planning.