A Mantle of Crimson (Inactive)

Game Master PirateDevon

Vacutaz's Sheet


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Reflex: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Yikes. Is this revenge for not taking Great Fortitude? I've had to roll Fort. Saves twice already int his game. I've gone all whole campaigns...

Fort Save: 1d20 + 1d6 ⇒ (14) + (3) = 17

Used a inspiration. 7 left. Man, burning through these. Ah well. Fun times!

Vacutaz shakes his head, a sudden foggy feeling entering his brain. He fights it off through sheer grit though, biting his tongue to stay focused. The rush of coppery blood in his mouth helps keep his focus.

The investigator jumps back, knocking over his chair and drawing his rapier. "What is the name of...What is going on?" he demands of the one who changed his dice.


The table watches Vacutaz with a sudden lack of passive interest. One woman, Vacutaz is unsure which sighs in what almost sounds like appreciation, He didn't stop it but he certainly is resilient.

One of the men offers an appraising "hmmm" and then continues, Well clearly he was aware even if it is instinctual. That is good.

The woman who changed the die looks at the rapier with disdain and crosses her arms, In public? Really?... The woman steps forward so that the tip of the sword is pressed against her breast. I have wronged you. Its true. I mean to make you helpless. Who knows what might have happened then? What will you do about it?


Mentally, Vacutaz grits his teeth. Another test, then. At least, they were fairly obvious about it. So they wanted to know what he could do...

The investigator sheathes the sword, and drops the accent he had been using. instead he mimics one he used to hear in the rural areas of Cheliax, a rolling, rich accent.

Disguise Accent: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24

'Fine, fine. So you wanna see wha' I canna do?" Laying on the thick accent to comedic levels.

'I tell ya this. I canna read your mind!" He grins, at his face. "Truth. Let us both sit back down and I'll show you the trick."

Assuming it goes well and we are all seated.

'Now, sit here and look into my eyes. Clear your thoughts and think of something, anything. And I'll tell you what it is! I learned this from an old man in Westcrown, just before he was hanged..." he embellishes a fake tale about an oracle condemned to die. Something to keep interest up.

Bluff For Fake Story: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33

As he talks, he focuses...

Empathy:
Once per day, the investigator can expend one use of inspiration to target a single creature that he can see and hear within 30 feet. Upon doing so, the investigator detects the surface thoughts of the target's mind, as if he concentrated for 3 rounds while using the detect thoughts spell, unless the creature succeeds on a Will saving throw. The DC of this save is 10 + 1/2 the investigator's level + his Intelligence modifier. If the target fails, the investigator can continue to detect the surface thoughts of the target creature for a number of rounds equal to 1/2 his investigator level.


DICE?:

1d20 ⇒ 18
1d20 ⇒ 1

The woman actually looks perplexed as Vacutaz so easily sheathes his weapon. Choosing to sit, all be it skeptically, the woman sits and allows Vacutaz to act out on his little charade...

Peering into the woman's mind tt all comes into focus for the investigator. The hanging off the docks. The stroll to the smoke shop and the use of minor magics on the go to change the bandana colors. The whistle and the group of seeming strangers coming from the tavern crowd. Then the real magic. Alterations. The man, Vacutaz's captor, changing into this woman. The other men and women changing to look as his captor had and does now. A set up all to see what tools were at this stranger's disposal. The utter shock at the appeals to methods that did not include bloodshed...

Thats probably about all you can get in the time allotted...


Vacutaz grins then, openly. [i]Finally...some head way.[/b]

Still using the same rustic burr, the investigator says triumphantly, 'Ah, you are my quarry!"He thumps his fist down on the table, grinning like an idiot. "I think this counts as a 'find'?"

Leaning back, he calms himself, "Changing from a man to a woman was a tricky little move, complicated things. But admit it, I found you quicker then you expected?" he says, hoping it is the truth and not that he bungled it badly.

Wait a minute....I SHOULD have followed the woman from the smoke shop. Sneaky GM!


Don;t give me too much credit, she was a red herring, this woman looks different and you know now that they changed sexes in the tavern proper.

The woman smiles crookedly and her features melt into the man you meet before, original bandana and all. He waves a hand and the other folks at the table rise and move to the door. Its only then that all the other patrons disappear in a haze of illusive smoke while the sounds dissipate and Vacutaz sits alone with his former captor. The distinct sound of the door to the tavern locking with a *click* is the only real sound.

The man smiles at the investigator as he nods, Indeed. A find. So here you are. You played the game and sit with a true member of the Red Mantis. What can we do for you?


In deep.

The fact that everything in here was an illusion is a bit sobering. That 'little' trick was more then anything he could begin to do. Just who exactly was he getting into bed with?

'I...I wish to join, or try to join, your organization. Your religion really." Vacutaz decides honesty is the best policy. 'The world is a murky place, full of betrayal and lies. I could handle that, if they were for a greater good, but they are often not, just pointless self-egotism. But...I have heard, a little, of what the Red Mantis does. What they believe. A sharp, unbending knife, a burning fire, a cleansing light, unwavering to a specific task, a goal in mind to never be altered or changed. Total dedication."

He shrugs, 'It appeals to me and I think I have the skills....to at least make an effort."


The man seems to run his tongue over his teeth in his mouth as he considers Vacutaz, The faith is strong within our organization its true though it would be a lie to claim that all who serve are faithful...

The man kicks his legs up on the table as he settles his hands on his stomach, So you believe that men and women should die. There are precious few contracts we deny. As such we operate in a strange paradigm...and yet, this runs contrary to most people's sense of purpose. Most would stop to ask "why" a thing should be done. You think you can unburden yourself from such concerns? You would kill the valorous and the evil alike because people with influence of one form or another entreat us to do so?


Vacutaz leans forward, intent. 'You are offering me a code, a way of life, that removes the vagieres of fame, fortune and money to be replaced by a firm, easy to understand system? I would thank you first, then do whatever it took to be part of it."

He breathes out and adds, "And I must admit, the challenge is interesting. Academic that is. I have long charmed people out of their money. I have even worked for a government to take lives but I have never applied myself to the task..."


The man considers Vacutaz for a moment more and then takes his legs off the table and sits back up moving to lean forward on his knees, Allright then. On the way to find me you met a merchantman on the docks yeah? You remember who I'm talking about?


"Yeah, tall guy, brass buttons. Found it a laugh when I had no idea where I was." Vacutaz says, wondering where this is going.


The man bobs his head in satisfaction, Yes. He needs to die. The assassin as pirate rubs his chin, Considering he is in town I am thinking it best it appears at a minimum random if not entirely accidental. I want to give you leeway to show me how you might approach a job. To that end I prefer no one else dies but, again, I'll give you some leeway. Not every job will offer that level of flexibility. Some of our work requires trophies or other secondary objectives. In this case your mark has hidden a small book bound in red leather somewhere either on his person or among his affects. I require it.

The man moves and stands looking down at Vacutaz. Do not return here until you have completed your objective. You will be watched. Every aspect of how you chose to approach this work will be scrutinized so you may be best considered for future work. I don't have to tell you that failure to complete your tasks will...not end well.

Smoothing his shirt the man raises an eyebrow, Anything else from me?


Anything else? Only a million questions. Who hired them to kill this man? What had he done? What his his life, his purpose? What family, friends did he have? Where did he keep this book, in his pocket, in a safe, in a counting house across town? Who was he 'hiding' the death from?

For the god's sake, what was his name?

But Vacutaz didn't say any of this and tried to keep it hidden. He only remarked, "Is there a time limit? Tonight, this week, this month? More time, the better the job."

No matter what, I venture forth

Before going out, Vacutaz changes disguises again, going for a common sailor, nothing unusual. A shaved head, battered clothes, a few gold teeth perhaps. It was mimicking the rolling gait for a sailor that was tough...

Disguise: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (9) + 15 = 24

He makes his way, to stroll past the man he was just told to kill....

Perception: 1d20 + 8 + 1d6 ⇒ (17) + 8 + (4) = 29

What do I see? Any place that I can stay in eyeshot but remain hidden or inconspicuous?


The pirate shrugs, He intends to leave in the next two days or so. I imagine that unless you mean to follow him to the sea... The man shrugs as though to say "its really up to you".

Vacutaz makes his way back to the dock and finds his prey. As promised the crew has returned and some half a dozen extra men move about hauling freight and making ready the ship...

There is enougg boxes and what not you are not openly exposed but you are in a publicish place with business being attended to...so you surely will be noticed at some point.


Vacutaz looks at the boxes and crates, as well as the surrounding buildings. He needed to gain information about his target. His habits, his routine, his friends and family. Where he lived and when he slept. Hard to do so quickly, but he needed to start now.

He moves to hide under the boxes and perhaps climb a nearby building is possible. The investigator plans to tail the target wherever he goes, from rooftop level if possible, trying to stay out of sight.

Stealth: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24

Climb: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

I'll keep a close eye on anyone he talks to, see if anyone in his crew (or anyone else) seems open to bribery to get information. Vacutaz would rather do all the recon himself but time is of the essence here....


Vacutaz moves about the area and realizes that the only truly "close" structure (a small booth that marks the entrance to this section of the yard) is of little use. Made for smaller ships with smaller hauls this secion of the dock offers little in the way of warehouses, forcing the crew to load up carts to move the goods to other locations.

Still Vacutaz remains unaccosted and notes the following:

6 other crew members. 5 men, 1 woman.
All are lower rank but the mark is not the captain. Possibly first mate but demeanor is more "workman" like so most likely boatswain.
The woman appears to LOATHE the mark, the men seem to like him to a degree but all of the crew seem to make side comments about the mark as they are moving about.
Apparently they are waiting on a passenger and have half a hold worth of goods still to load, including one more incoming cart that is overdue.
The mark seems frustrated by the timing and wants a drink. The woman has offered to watch the men while he goes. She says it sarcastically but the mark seems to be contemplating the offer.

They are all basically dressed (save the mark) as Vactuaz is currently dressed. I won't belabor their appearances unless there are specifics that might be helpful to you.


From his hiding place Vacutaz watches the scene play out, plans forming in his mind. A 'workman' would be easier to kill then a captain, so that was good. A disliked man was even easier to take care of.

The woman would provide to be a good avenue for information. Her dislike for the mark was useful as well as her gender. Vacutaz would be far more adept at the attempt with a woman. Perhaps he could charm her, if she were alone? If not, he had other schemes.

He watches and waits for her to either be left alone or for the mark to stick around. Either way, it'll soon be time to make his move. Idly, he begins to assemble a disguise if he approaches the woman. Not too rich, not too poor....


Did I catch any names?


The woman is Letia, one of the men Aaron, another named Gren.

Patience seems to pay off. At one point the men seem stacked up on the walk to the ship holding boxes and shuffling around, asking some question or another of the mark who skulks towards the lot with a sigh.

Letia sees this as an opportunity to prop against a box for a moment and watch the proceedings while shaking her head to herself. Apparently she was not impressed with her companion's abilities...


The time had come...

Vacutaz changes his dress yet again, using the boxes as cover.

This time he tried to dress like a man from one of the shipping firms in the city. Not an owner, most certainly but a mid-level clerk a few rungs down from real power. A trusted agent, a strong right-hand, a fixer as they called them in Cheliax. A man who could run an office well but was also called, sometimes, to do the dirty work. Confident, ambitious but not too secure.

Clerk: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18

Strolling casually up the docks, he approaches Letia carelessly before leaning against the boxes himself saying, 'I thought he would never leave. You would be Letia, I presume?' He takes on the local accent, a few notches above Letia's station, calculated to be formal but friendly professionally.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 + 1d6 ⇒ (16) + 11 + (1) = 28


The woman offers a look of disdain but Vacutaz notes that she moves to stand a bit more upright as she unconsciously brushes at the front of her pants, Er...yeah..yes. Who wants to know?


Vacutaz smiles, "I do. I represent one of the larger shipping companies in the city. For reasons about to be clear I'd like to remain anonymous, but..I think you can guess who we are." He gives her a knowing look, then goes on, 'We are recently expanding, and on the hunt for new talent. We've had an eye on your for awhile now, and would like to make an offer. Are you interested?"


The woman scoffs at Vacutaz, Pherias Jackar wants me in her fleet? You don't look like a "Port Peril" sort...


'Now, now. No names." Vacutaz looks around, as if worried someone might overhear. 'I'm offering you a chance to work with a much better organization then thus." he loads the last words with scorn. 'But if you don't want to hear me out, I can find a boatswain somewhere else. They told me you had attitude, but hey, if you can't keep it under wraps for a business deal..."

Vacutaz makes to leave. He is willing to walk away...You have to convince the mark of that, if you are going to fool them. Besides, there are always other plans.


The woman continues to look skeptical but someone approaching her then threatening to walk away had to be serious about what they were offering right? Looking over at her crew who seem to be just about done struggling with their issues the woman sighs, Allright whats the offer then?


'Simple enough. My employer wishes to cause this operation to fail. It will help us move into the same market. While I really don't care, I can make your friend their, take the fall for it all, if you like. Consider it a personal favor and a starting bonus." Vacutaz smiles then goes on quickly, 'With this venture sunk, metaphorically speaking, no one will get hurt, we can hire you and use your skills to really get a jump on the competitors. It is a win-win." He pats his coin purse, making the gold clink every so slightly, "Best kind, eh?"

Vacutaz looks at the crew, "Meet me as soon as you can at the Swan Song. When will that be possible?"

to help you move along if you want
As soon as she answers, Vacutaz will melt back into the crowd, walking idly down the docks, looking as if he is carelessly looking for talented types.

Never break character


So at this point you are asking her to meet you back at the tavern, is that right?


[ooc]yes[\ooc]


Vacutaz wanders back towards the tavern but stops short of entering remembering that to return without success would lead to "problems". It matters little as Letia is none to far behind and catches up with the would be assassin outside, I told them I had to run a quick errand, lady troubles and what not. Ignorant dolts. But I dare not go in there, I would be seen and known. So talk here in the shadows and tell me what you want me to do.


Vacutaz smiles in the shadows, knowingly, 'Ignorant dolts'? That has the sound of a woman looking for new employment. Excellent, my employers will be pleased." Then he grows serious, interjecting a bit of firmness in his voice.

"It is very simple. Tell me everything you know about your current job here, including details about the boatswain. While I'm sure we know most of it, I'm curious to hear it from your own lips. Consider it a small test of your abilities. It'll go far in your new job. Also, any details you provide can be used to place the blame on those 'dolts'."

I am adding a bit of an accent like Letia. Con artists know that matching the cadences and some of the phrasing of a mark will help them open up and trust you more.


Con artists know that....and you know that...ipso facto....you are a con artist? LOL :p

Letia is caught up and spills everything she can think of. The name of the boatswain (Ferrend), the ship (Her Lady's Grace) and the shipment of exotic silks that may or may not have been stolen as part of a shipment to Jamleray by a Garundi trader out of the Shackles. The captain and mate are off meeting a contact to get details on delivering the crates to the next location and left Ferrend in charge to see to the loading.

Letia describes him as a frustrating combination of cocky and lazy, thinking highly of himself and feeling like he has nothing to prove. He is a more "emotional" leader and tends to rely on playing emotional and political games rather than physical threats so the men tend to like him but Letia finds him to be a dick....mostly because he often makes references to trying to bed her.

What else might you want to know...


I got his name. With a name, you can do anything. Also, is it obvious I've wanted to play a con artist for a long time?

Vacutaz shakes his head knowingly, 'I've seen it all before. Little tin pot gods. They get put in charge of one little assignment and it goes right to their heads. That doesn't happen in our organization, Letia. Let me assure you of that."

The word our is chosen very carefully.

"This is all very good information. I think you have a good grasp of the business, and how to manage people. Surely a sight better then then that idiot Ferrend." He nods approvingly to Letia, 'Last thing, and then I'll let you go back. Where is Ferrend staying tonight? If we want to lay blame on him, I'll plant some evidence. I doubt you'll mind that little extra bit of theater?" he smiles, showing white teeth to the woman.


The woman nods seeming pretty excited about that opportunity with all this build up and comradery, He's over at the Greedy Rigger. I'm not sure what room though, my lot stay on the boat and has watches.


'Excellent, Letia. Now, you go back to work and act casual. Feel free to slack a bit though, anything to trouble Ferrend. Might as well get it in while you can, eh?" Vacutaz laughs to her. 'As for me, I am off to the Greedy Rigger."

Vacutaz waits for Letia to be gone (either because he rounds a corner or she does) then changes disguises again. He goes for an older, more ramshackle man. One that has had a few hard years before the mast but prefers the sea.

Disguise: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16

It isn't a great disguise, but as long as he doesn't look like himself he is good. he asks around for the Greedy Rigger then makes his way there, hurrying and trying to make good time to beat Ferrend.


Can I have the captain's name, please? I assume Letia could have said it in the information, right? Got my next scheme all planned out.


Oh sure its Grenden Spillafore.

Vactuaz makes his way to the Rigger after a couple of folks point the way.

The inn sports an uncommonly small front room and seems quite subdued for a port inn.


Never being too careful, Vacutaz ducks into another alleyway. Also, part of the reason for the extensive changes was to show the range of his disguises and abilities. It would not hurt to dazzle his employers a little bit. Besides, it was fun to put on a little charade now and then.

Wanting to do a good job, he uses one of his alchemical formulas for the day, disguise self. He turns himself into a winsome, rather stunning blonde woman. With his sleeves of many garments he gives himself the clothes of a somewhat more restrained hired woman. Fit enough for the streets without hiding much.

With his new figure, Vacutaz glides into the Rigger making for the front desk. Using his 'assets' to their best use, he says, in a breathy, husky voice, 'Where can I find a Mister Ferrend?" just a touch of bored of professionalism is thrown in, for flavor.

Diplomacy on the Clerk or Innkeeper: 1d20 + 11 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 11 + (5) = 22


The clerk at the front desk, an older man with a bald spot and glasses, coils in a combination of surprise and almost fear at the approach of the woman. When he moves to speak he stutters and gasps slightly, seemigly having a hard time finding his words, He ah...hasn't returned for the night? You could ah wait here in the front room or...ah...I ight be convinced to let you wait in his room for him... The man flushes as he says this but he does an awkward job of leaning forward on his ebow and wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.


Vacutaz leans forward, over the desk. 'If I had the time, my dear." Then sighing dramatically, the investigator fishes out a silver coin among his rather flimsy dress. He lays it on the counter and pushes it across slowly. 'Take this instead. If it goes well...well, maybe I'll have time for you, dear. I'm not adverse to helping out a friendly man." He gives him a saucy wink and says, 'The room number please. I'm being paid quite a good deal and I can take the time to make myself..presentable."


The man looks disappointed but not surprised, he present a key to Vacutaz as lady of the night and whispers, Room 4, top of the stairs and right


Can I assume a rather steady stream of Sense Motive? I mean, the guy could be lying but that is alot of pointless dice rolling. How do you want to handle it?

Vacutaz winks and throws a little extra into his rolling step as he ascends the stair, having the eye of every man (and some of the women) in the Inn on him.

Once in the room however, Vacutaz changes again. It is a shame the spell was used so quickly, but it will remove any trail and besides, it was fun.

Disguise: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29

This time he goes for a big, hard man, a hired mercenary or bodyguard. Short black hair, strong chin, ragged scar across one cheek and a flat, broken looking nose. Dark, serious clothes complete the costume, as well as a deep rasping voice.

Before touching anything, Vacutaz scans the room.

Perception for red book or obvious hiding places: 1d20 + 8 + 1d6 ⇒ (16) + 8 + (5) = 29

Also keeping an eye for traps or anything of that sort. We'll get more...physical after we make sure the place is passably safe. What roll would it be to 'tear the room apart but quietly'?


Sorry, I got hit by a cold this weekend and it knocked me out. Apologies for the delay.AS for the Sense M. I am basically assuming you exist in a state of passive SM so I'll only call for it if its got some outright consequences for failure and you can call for it to the extent you think you might glean something extra...

Go ahead and roll stealth to supplement the perception check.


Does that mean I don't see the red book just lying out with a sign saying Steal me!? Aww, man.

Vacutaz begins to search the room. He doesn't break anything, no ripping pages or damaging furniture. But he is very through and precise. The only real damage he is does, if he finds a set of clothes he'll rip them into strips suitable to bind a person to a chair. If things went as planned, he might need them.

Stealth to be quiet while searching: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24

Any luck?


Oh don't be so pessimistic...

Despite having the appearance og great almost unmanageable brawn, Vacutaz retains his nimble skills and quiet manner. Drawers and doors are pulled with nary a sound and the investigator is rewarded for his efforts when he finds a thin (roughly 3 inches) wooden box roughly 8 inches wide and 12 inches long.

It does appear to need a key and Vacutaz does not one in the room. vactuaz moves on to rip up a set of clothes he finds in a small footlocker at the end of the bed.

After a while Vacutaz can hear footsteps climbing the steps. Its unsure what the destination of the booted steps might be...


Vacutaz hears the footsteps but continues his work. He looks hard at the small box and attempts to pick it open quickly.

Disable Device: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Still, it always helps to have the key. He throws down the box on the bed, carelessly in sight.


The feet shuffle in the hallway and then the sound of a door opening and shutting signals that Vacutaz has time to himself still...

Anyhting else?


Can I break the box open? It is small enough. And I have my clothes made 'ropes'?


You do have your ropes, and you can try to break the box open. Give me a description of what yo uare using and then roll a sunder check, I'll modifiy based on your descritpion


Remind me to buy a crowbar

Vacutaz looks at the box and ponders smashing it open by main strengh. He is not the most muscular man but perhaps with the right leverage. The investigator uses the bed frame (pushed against the wall) to act as a crude clamp. With it held fast, he pushes at the other end of the box, hoping to snap it down the middle.

As he does it, he reminds himself to buy a crowbar or something for the future.

Sunder: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18


Despite the crudeness of the situation there is a resounding CcrraacccKK! as Vacutaz works the box's seam. A number of objects tumble to the floor including a small glass vial featureing a translucent green liquid, a medium sized brass key featuring the head of a lion, a small leather envelope/satchel and a ring that bears a set of three sapphires, one large set on either side by the smaller.

There is another set of footsteps, this time probably made by at least three people.

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