Ascension - Mageocracy

Game Master bbangerter

Pit


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Female Elf Wizard 7/Diabolist 1 HP: 49/49; AC: 18|ff14|t12; F+3|R+2|W+6|; Init +0; Perc +8; Bluff +15; Sense Motive +11.

Nodding at the group, Serelina chimes in once the topic of the spell comes up. "This is not a simple conjuration Roland. The spell is amongst the most complex I know and it takes a full hour to cast. It is possible they have taken magical precautions, but I believe I will succeed. When I do, I can observe him as if I was there with him, but it is not a tracking spell. I will try to cast the spell just before midnight this evening. If we are able to learn their location, I will then quickly re-memorize my spells and we can be off... if it does not work this evening, then we can attempt the scrying again on the morrow."

With that, Serelina finishes her wine and says, "Let us meet in my quarters. The ante-chamber has a suitable mirror and I would like everyone there so all hear what I describe."

Assuming everying goes along

Serelina seats herself in a comfortable chair before a tall silver mirror. Her ante-chamber is meticulously clean and luxuriously appointed. "I will need to concentrate for an hour... please do not interrupt me. She looks at each of you waiting for ascent, takes the samples of blood from Tomlin's blade and begins casting.

First, Serelina casts see invisibility. She then casts scrying via her spell-focus item. I have seen him before and have his blood so he needs to make a will save of DC 21 with a -10 adjustment.


Sorry for the delay. Was having some home computer problems this weekend.

Back tracking just slightly prior to midnight.

Having had drinks, the group leaves the tavern to go make preparations for the scrying. A dark skinned man in black clothing steps out under one of the street lamps, a cloak wrapped tight around him. A single rapier hangs from his waist. Those with elven eye sight can see that his eyes are blood shot. In a slurred voice he asks, "You work for the mages?"

Ian, Rilumin, Roland:

Taking a moment to study the man you realize he is in disguise, and is not human at all, but... drow. His inebriation is real enough though, no act there.


Female Elf Wizard 7/Diabolist 1 HP: 49/49; AC: 18|ff14|t12; F+3|R+2|W+6|; Init +0; Perc +8; Bluff +15; Sense Motive +11.

Serelina steps so that the martial characters are between her and the drunkard and looks around carefully for potential ambush.

"We are from the Tower, what is it you seek?"


-1 wis Half-Elf Ranger (Skirmisher) 7 - HP 73/77

"why the disguise, drow?" Rilumin asks, taking a step back and looking around for more who might be working with this one in an attempt to ambush them.


He hid it well, but Roland winced internally as Serelina and Rilumin first gave away the group's affiliation, then bluntly confronted the drunk drow. The aasimar tried to break the tension with a loud laugh, Ok then, well, let's see what our new friend here has to say here before we jump to any conclusions, yes? Of course! Instead of backing away from the drow, Roland instead puts his arm around the man and walks him a few steps back from the group. In a lower voice, but spoken with a friendly smile he said, It's damn fine to meet you, what did you say your name was? My friends just get a little jumpy sometimes, say some things they don't mean. You know how that is, right? So....between you and me, I might happen to know some people who work with the mages. Why don't you let me know what you had in mind, and I can pass a message?


The drow gives Rilumin a disgusting look. "Why the pretty fashe elf?" then laughs at his poor jest.

As Roland begins talking to him and drapes an arm around him his demeanor changes, his voice taking on a tone of anger. "They killed her. They bloody killed her." He launches into a stream of curses, "I want their headsh."


Roland gives the drow a sympathetic look and nod as he talks. Ach, that's horrible! This certainly cannot stand! Now, um, who did they kill? And, er, who are "they"?


Female Elf Wizard 7/Diabolist 1 HP: 49/49; AC: 18|ff14|t12; F+3|R+2|W+6|; Init +0; Perc +8; Bluff +15; Sense Motive +11.

Raising her eyebrow, Serelina adds, "Yes, who killed whom?"

As if there were genuine danger outside this tavern within the vicinity of the tower that we couldn't handle now... Ah well, Roland does like to play the hero and he has the drow talking...


Male Half-Elf Fighter(8) Init +5, Perception +9, AC (25/13t/23fl), HP 100/100, Fort +11, Ref +6, Will +12 (+2 vs. Ench., Immune Sleep), CMB +14 (+2 Sunder), CMD 24 (23 fl) (+2 vs. Trip, +3 vs. Disarm & Sunder)

Ian watches the surroundings, a hand resting on the handle of his sword. He had kept silent, letting quicker tongues do the talking.


"Volundeil. My beloved Volundeil. It wash Tony's crew and their vile mishtress." He turns away from Roland and shouts to the night time air, attracting the looks of a few others relatively close on the streets. "Diguri, you will pay for this."

He turns back to the group. "Please help me deliver justice." A tinge of anger again to his voice, "It's your job to deliver justice."


Knowledge Local Check for name Volundeil 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29

Roland cringes for a moment as the drunken drow's shouting attracted others' attention. He smiled weakly back in the direction of those passing by, making a motion with his hand to signify the drow had been drinking heavily. Looking back over to the dark elf , he said Yeah! Certainly something needs to be done about this. The aasimar's voice became more and more quiet as he spoke. Now, I can find somebody to help with this. But I'll need you to meet with my contact tomorrow at the Silver Spirits, 11am sharp. He'll be an older man with a red cape. You can do this, yes? I can tell you care enough about justice for Volundeil to meet with my contact. We need to end this conversation now...too many people watching at the moment. Better to meet with in tomorrow in disguise...can see then too how he found us.


"Yes... yes, I will be there." the drow staggers back into the side street he came from.


@GM: did my knowledge check turn up anything?

OK then, enjoy your evening! Roland's farewell to the drow was louder than their coordinating conversation for meeting tomorrow, and was obviously more for bystanders than directed at the drow himself. As the stranger vanished, the aasimar turned back to the group. Well, that is certainly an unexpected twist. It does seem that the "Tony Fan Club" is growing. I'll meet with him tomorrow and see what he knows.

Roland then waits for comments from anyone else regarding the situation. Afterward, despite the later hour, he adds, So who's up for drinks! The night is young, with much to see. Maybe the Crow?

Roland's typically a night owl, no especial need to RP that out if folks just want to move on to the next day.


Female Elf Wizard 7/Diabolist 1 HP: 49/49; AC: 18|ff14|t12; F+3|R+2|W+6|; Init +0; Perc +8; Bluff +15; Sense Motive +11.

Shaking her head at Roland, and sighs. "What part of hour long incantation did you not understand. None of us will be drinking because there is a good chance we will be in battle soon after midnight. I will see all of you in the ante chamber to my quarters at quarter til eleven." Glaring at Roland she adds, "And if you smell of spirits, you will become one."

Now I remember why I haven't seen him in years...

With that, Serelina returns to her quarters to get some rest then prepare herself for the scrying.


Roland:

Sorry, spaced that off.
The name sounds familiar, but you can't quite place it. You recall an informant though, Isabel, who you believe may know something more.

For the scrying, the thieve's guild group is in a situation still during the same day, so I don't know what their plans for the night time are - so I don't know yet what a successful scrying will reveal.

We can either put this game on hold for a day or two to see if they get to that point (they are almost finished with what they are involved in). Or you can follow up on other leads for a little bit till I have more info to proceed with.


Male Half-Elf Fighter(8) Init +5, Perception +9, AC (25/13t/23fl), HP 100/100, Fort +11, Ref +6, Will +12 (+2 vs. Ench., Immune Sleep), CMB +14 (+2 Sunder), CMD 24 (23 fl) (+2 vs. Trip, +3 vs. Disarm & Sunder)

Relaxing after the drow leaves, Ian nods to himself slowly, thinking the same thing Roland says out loud.

"Yeah. This many enemies walking upright, he's either sloppy or confident. Guys like that, it's only a matter of time before someone in his own outfit turns on him. Bet this 'mistress' is the only thing holding it all together."

Ian escorts Bellafini back to the tower in silence, then splits off to his quarters to try and sleep.


Stats:
AC:20/15/15, HP:84, Saves:5/11/5, Perception +11, Init: +5, Darkvision/Scent

Kit watches the scene unfold. As the Drow spits his angry words, she feels the dagger of emotional pain pierce her heart at the mentions of Tony's name. She too had lost a loved one to his crew. If I find him, he will pay brother.

After the drow leaves, she follows Ian back to the tower. She makes sure to keep an eye out for followers and cover their tracks.


Roland puts his hands up in front of himself defensively while a look of shocked innocence covered his face as Serelina admonished him. Perhaps not wanting to provoke her further, the aasimar looked around at the others group members for support. But he found none. Oh...very well, no big parties. And I'll be sure to be back by eleven...or a quarter 'till. Whatever. As the group walked away with wizardess back to the Tower, Roland thought for a moment. I should check with Isabel...she might of heard of this Volundeil. Just a drink or two there, no harm. Stepping into a darken alley, he glanced around to ensure no one was watching before transforming into a disguise; a nondescript human suitable for the environs he would likely find Isabel in. Whistling, he then set off at a casual stroll to find his informant.

@GM: Not sure where Isabel is located, but Roland goes in disguise to many places. He'd pick a disguise that would match the context.


Expecting to have some info tomorrow night.


It doesn't take to long for Roland to locate Isabel. A seedy tavern near the slums called The Iron Gullet. She'll expect a sum of coin or exchange of information to give up what she may know of the name.

She flashes Roland a smile as he sits next to her in a semi-private booth. "Didn't expect to see a pretty face like yours around here."


@GM: The Iron Gullet definitely sounds like a place Roland would go in disguise. He would try to maintain such contacts via an alias identity too.

Disguised as a human dockworker in rumpled cloths, Roland mentally set himself into one of his many alter-ego's: Nial Colquit. Supposedly a some-time dockworker by day and information broker by night, Roland couldn't help but craft the alias as comely, if in a rugged way. As "Nial" he ambled into the bar and with a wink to Isabel slid into the booth with her. How's tricks, love? he said with a smile. The flirtatious demeanor wasn't hard to fake. Yeah, jus' happened to be in tha neighborhood, thought maybe you might be able to help me with a quick piece o' information. Looking around for a moment to ensure no one is watching he said. Volundeil. Know anything about her?

Roland would prefer to exchange information for what Isabel knows, if possible. Not sure if he would know anything she might want. He would not say anything of truth about the Tower, but anything else is fair game. It would have to fit his guise as "Nial" of course, but Isabel likely assumes Nial is fairly clued in to city knowledge as well. Roland has +12 Knowledge Local, 14 Int and a +20 on Diplomacy to Gather Info so he may have something of interest to Isabel. If not, he'll pay for the information but will haggle a bit to keep up the guise of a guy with limited means.


"As good as can be Nial. How are the fish markets?"

At mention of that name Isabel freezes for a moment, her face a blank expression. Her smile quickly returns though. "I know that name. I'm going to need some additional context in order to be of use in that regard. Would you care to go for walk?"

The implication is clear, that despite the noise, this isn't a good place to discuss this particular topic.


Sure, a walk would be lovely. Shall we? With a smile and an offered arm, Roland led Isabel out of the bar. But his mind was wary. Clearly the name had rattled her, so the aasimar made a point of casually watching his surroundings as the two walked into the night. Once out of the bar he said, wouldn't say I know a lot, what can ya tell me?


Isabel leads Roland to one of the wider streets and walks down the center of it, where any would be eavesdroppers can be more easily spotted if they attempt to get close enough, one arm entwined around his. She whispers, "Nial, this is pretty serious what you seem to be getting yourself involved in, if this is the Volundeil I think it is, well the only one I know of. She is associated with organized crime in the city, works closely with one of the top members of the organization - well maybe did, hard to say with the current street war going on. Who knows what side of it she might be on. How did you come by this name though?"


Roland nodded slowly and listened carefully to Isabel's words. In truth, his contact seemed to be telling him little he did not already know. Tomlin's notes had made Tony's Gang's involvement with the underworld turf war fairly clear: Anthony and his crew were allied with "the Mistress" Shannath Diguri, who was a powerful female drow. That would put this Volundeil on the other side, the one that the prisoner "Zov" found himself on as well. The drunk drow made it apparent that Volundeil was not among the living anymore, so no new information there either. So he went with the one piece of information he did not have before. Jus' some folks who thinks she's dead and are concerned about it, he said dismissively about how he came by the name. You say she worked closely with a top member of the organization? Any idea who that might be, or anything else about her?


Isabel looks surprised at the news. "Ha, I'm not sure who would be concerned she is dead. By all accounts she wasn't the pleasant sort - neither her black heart or her black skin are likely to be missed. She was a singer though, able to manipulate the minds of others through her voice. I only know of three of her kind that are or were within positions of power, and the name of only one of those, Ilvaria - who by all accounts is dead too. The other two, one is a woman, the other a male. I don't know which of those she worked for."


Roland again just nodded thoughtfully along with what Isabel was saying, the wheels turning in his head the whole time. Only three of HER KIND....meaning drow...in positions of power. We know Diguri is drow, if that is the other female then who is the male? Maklo? Firyin? Could be an ally there... Well, she sounds like to someone to avoid, but I think a few people are pretty upset she was killed. I be thinkin' they've got revenge on the mind. Not sure they even care about their own safety. Any idea where a body might go if they wanted to get up close and personal with these underworld figures?

@GM: I'm assuming that nothing said to Roland so far has pinged on the Sense Motive radar. I'm relying on that +18 to carry the day fairly often.


"Up close and personal in what sort of fashion?" Isabel asks. "You looking to trade information with them or something Nial? No offense, but they are out of your league, unless you've been holding back on me, got something you ain't been telling me." she hints.

Nothing coming up on sense motive. She appears to be being quite frank with you.


Roland glanced around with a bit of feigned nervousness as they walked, This turf war's gettin' bigger, I think. Yeah, a dockworker's got no business gettin' in the way of all that. But these folks are pretty pissed off and wanna mix it up with the ones who killed Volundeil. If I help 'em out with this, then it's a good favor to call in later if you know what I mean. They just need to know where they could go to find those that arranged the killin' of the mean b!tch.


"The beggar's road. There is a half-elven waif, Ellenora. Speak with her."


Roland smiled back at Isabel. Now that's my girl! I knew I could count of you. With a hug and a peck on the cheek, he trotted off into the evening. The aasimar then surprised himself by actually remembering to check the time before continuing on his merry way. If we're ready to move ahead with Serelina's spell then we can just do that. If not...

Darting into a deserted back ally near the slums, Roland quickly altered his disguise again. He emerged as a muscular thug of a half-orc. He stomped down the road in a feigned bad mood to avoid anyone who would possibly try to strike up a conversation before arriving at Beggar's Road. There, he smoothed out his expression to one of wary curiosity as he began looking for half-elven waifs.

Knowledge Local Check regarding Ellenora 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23


Seems the thieve's group suddenly are MIA for the last couple of days after lots of posting. Rather than wait for them I'd like to move the entire group to beggar's road with Roland (as opposed to having him out looking for Ellenora on his own).

Still an hour before midnight Roland leads the way to the beggar's road. Upon arriving he steps into a side alley and rouses several beggar's trying to sleep there to find out what he can about Ellenora.

The man gruffly says, "Just around the corner there. The double story home, 157." As the man curls up in his rags a door from the opposite side the street opens and an elderly looking priest peers out, a lantern held over his head casting light into the street. Upon seeing Roland he immediately slams the door shut again.

BTW Roland, do you normally expect to go around with your eidolon suit summoned or not summoned?


@GM: Roland definitely would not move around the city openly with his Fused Eidolon summoned. I figure even in a cosmopolitan city like Coran that would really stand out. I'll specifically mention it when he "suits up".

Roland snarled something meant to pass as acknowledgment of the beggar's directions. Still in disguise as a half-orc thug, a more cheerful acknowledgment would have seemed off. Flipping a copper to the man, Roland looked up in time to see the priest and glowered back in his direction as the door shut. Must keep up appearance in this part of town, he thought absently.

Prior to approaching the beggar, he had asked the rest of the group to keep a distance so as not to draw unwanted attention. After the door slammed shut he was glad he did so; hopefully the priest did not see the rest of them. Glancing around to ensure no one else was watching, Roland made a quick gesture to the group to follow. He then headed up the street and rounded the corner, again gesturing to the group to follow at a distance. As he located the two story home, he again ducked into a dark alleyway where no one could see him. Shifting his disguise, he re-emerged looking like a scruffy, down-on-his-luck human male. He approached the front door of the house cautiously and knocked on the door.


Male Half-Elf Fighter(8) Init +5, Perception +9, AC (25/13t/23fl), HP 100/100, Fort +11, Ref +6, Will +12 (+2 vs. Ench., Immune Sleep), CMB +14 (+2 Sunder), CMD 24 (23 fl) (+2 vs. Trip, +3 vs. Disarm & Sunder)

Ian follows Roland's orders calmly.


-1 wis Half-Elf Ranger (Skirmisher) 7 - HP 73/77

Rilumin trails the group, flitting from alley to alley.

stealth: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (8) + 23 = 31


Female Elf Wizard 7/Diabolist 1 HP: 49/49; AC: 18|ff14|t12; F+3|R+2|W+6|; Init +0; Perc +8; Bluff +15; Sense Motive +11.

Serelina would likely follow the original plan and prepare for the scrying. It is a one hour casting time spell and I think she wouldn't consider following up with one of Roland's trollips about town worthy of her attention.


Roland knocks softly on the door as Kit, Rilumin, and Ian wait in a side alley. To the north comes the soft sound of a ping of metal on cobblestone - like a single coin falling from a beggar's hand to strike the ground.

Rilumin, Kit:

Watching from the side alley you spot a dark figure crouched on the roof opposite of where Roland stands at the door. As Roland knocks it stretches out one hand a little and a glint of metal in the moonlight flashes for just a moment before the sound of coin on cobblestone reaches your ears.


Male Half-Elf Fighter(8) Init +5, Perception +9, AC (25/13t/23fl), HP 100/100, Fort +11, Ref +6, Will +12 (+2 vs. Ench., Immune Sleep), CMB +14 (+2 Sunder), CMD 24 (23 fl) (+2 vs. Trip, +3 vs. Disarm & Sunder)

Ian slowly and quietly draws his sword as he waits, checking the edge.


-1 wis Half-Elf Ranger (Skirmisher) 7 - HP 73/77

Rilumin nocks two arrows and draws back, the shafts trained on the shadowy man.

readied action to shoot it twice if it moves to attack or flee. can i tell its race?


Rilumin, Kit:

The figure is a half-orc.
The figure on the roof simply watches Roland, taking no further action.

In a moment the door cracks open allowing Roland to see half a face. A single eye peering out at him. No lantern or other form of light comes from within. The man inside looks him up and down for a moment before speaking, "You got the wrong place mister."


-1 wis Half-Elf Ranger (Skirmisher) 7 - HP 73/77

maintaining my readied action, then. the second he goes to flee or makes a threatening motion, i'll give him two new holes to breathe from.


Male Half-Elf Fighter(8) Init +5, Perception +9, AC (25/13t/23fl), HP 100/100, Fort +11, Ref +6, Will +12 (+2 vs. Ench., Immune Sleep), CMB +14 (+2 Sunder), CMD 24 (23 fl) (+2 vs. Trip, +3 vs. Disarm & Sunder)

Ian looks around for Rilumin but can't find him. That's good, I guess, Ian thinks, ready for a fight.


We both know that ain't true, Roland retorted in a surly common. I'm lookin' for Ellenora, and I'm pretty sure this is the place.


"Look I don't know who you are, or what you want with El, but you got about 5 seconds to beat it bub."


@GM: looking back at Roland's conversation with Isabel, was I correct in getting the impression that Ellenora was no friend of Diguri/Anthony and would aid others who might want revenge for Volundeil's killing? If not, scratch the comment below.

Roland let a wave of feigned hot anger cross his face. Whispering harshly while glaring at the man he said, Some of us are bothered by Volundeil's death....some of us want to do something about it and not hide behind doors. Now get Ellenora up here now or I'm going to start losing my patience. Although he came to the door rather non-descript, Roland facial expression was designed to express the confidence of a seasoned, experienced killer.

Going the more traditional intimidate route here


You've got it correct.

There is silence for a moment, then the person inside opens the door a little wider, revealing a male half-elf. He backs away from the door to allow Roland entrance. Inside is a small room, a single door on the south wall. An old and ragged couch sits against the west wall under a shuttered window.

"Wait here." says the half-elf while he moves towards the door on the south. When he opens it Roland can see a short hallway beyond, a set of stairs leading east to the second floor.

He closes the door behind him, but can be heard going up the stairs. In a few moments he returns with a young half-elven girl, maybe 14 years old at most. "You know this one El?" he asks.

"How am I supposed to know when you don't bring in any light, Zam" she retorts.

There is only enough light to make out shapes in the darkened room to those without dark vision.

The half-elven male gives a grumble but leaves by the south door again to go search for a light.


Male Half-Elf Fighter(8) Init +5, Perception +9, AC (25/13t/23fl), HP 100/100, Fort +11, Ref +6, Will +12 (+2 vs. Ench., Immune Sleep), CMB +14 (+2 Sunder), CMD 24 (23 fl) (+2 vs. Trip, +3 vs. Disarm & Sunder)

Ian peers around the corner as Roland disappears inside, then leans back on the alley wall, waiting and listening for a call or sounds of trouble.


Roland entered about halfway into the room, cognizant not to blow his disguise by giving away his darkvision. After Zam left he said, No, Ellenora, you don't know me, nor I you. Firyin is smarter than to have everyone know everyone, safer for us when someone gets caught. I just need one piece of information from you, then you'll likely never see me again. Where do I find the hidey-hole of that b!#$% Diguri. Her and her lap-dog Anthony are gonna pay for what happened to Volundeil.

Taking a calculated risk that Firyin is the ringleader of the criminal faction opposed to Anthony's crew.


Ellenora tenses up at the mention of Diguri, "Uh... I don't know where to find her." Ellenora's voice is quiet and afraid. "You'd have to ask Firyin about that. But Firyin ain't been around much of late, and last time he was so roaring drunk... I didn't stick around to see how he'd act. It's not like him, he's to cautious to let alcohol cloud his thoughts. But I guess ever since Volundeil was killed..."


Drunk, eh....seems we were closer than we though already. Glad a meeting is arranged tomorrow. I'll do that, Roland responded in an even tone. But as you said he was three sheets to the wind last I saw him, and reckless. He'll get back on his game soon enough, but we need action now. He paused for a moment, considering. Look, I don't need an exact location for Diguri. Just give me a starting point, preferably somewhere that the head bustin' can start as soon as the door opens.

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