Dungeon Master S's "Deepmarket Deception" [STANDARD] (Inactive)

Game Master Chris Marsh

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Dot..Dot..Dot.. Looks like an elven wizard.

A bizarrely monsterous looking Tiefling walks into the room. He is wearing a chain shirt, a torn leather overshirt, a tattered loincloth, and thick rawhide belt. With a stupid fanged grin he introduces himself. "Hi! I'm Sarczek! That guy out there thinks I'm an elf. I don't smell like an elf at all..."

He shrugs, then happily takes a seat with Valandil.

Tiefling Slayer 6, specializes in natural weapons.

An equally peculiar figure enters the room behind Sarsczek, his large amber eyes taking in the the room without evident emotion. He is a slender young man of average height, with a smallish set of wings sprouting from his back, covered in feathers of a dusty brown. A beautifully crafted bow hangs over one shoulder, but other than that, he appears to be unarmed.

He holds his head completely still, then moves it quickly, like a bird of prey scanning for a meal. This predatory aspect is reinforced by his hooked nose, like the beak of a desert hawk.

The avian hunter look, however, is undone the moment he speaks. ”I’m Zinkyudo!” he almost squawks, his voice sounding both startled and scratchy. "Guy said I was an elf too! Weird, huh?"

Dotting, Zinou here.

As the early dawn’s light crests over the Wall of Heaven mountain range, the Lantern Lodge is already bustling with activity. The sound of clashing swords echoes in the air from a nearby training area, and a group of Pathfinder agents silently meditates in the front courtyard. The lodge’s doors open, revealing a long corridor and a faint floral aroma wafts gently in the air. Sturdy shelves laden with artifacts from all corners of Tian Xia line the corridor’s walls. Venture-Captain Amara Li emerges from a door labeled “Taldor Room” in a fine cherry-red kimono.

“Good morning, Pathfinders. I hope your travels have been safe and enjoyable,” Li says.

“Please, come inside.” The Taldor Room is an opulent meeting space with a solid mahogany table and ornately carved chairs. Its walls are adorned with ornamental weapons and portraits of noble families in resplendent finery. Elegant porcelain teacups and plates sit in front of each chair, and several platters of fruit, cakes, and cheeses occupy the center of the table surrounding a steaming pot of tea.

The venture-captain pours herself a cup of tea and continues, “As I’m sure you are aware, the Grand Lodge was attacked a few months ago. Since then, the Society has been following any and all leads that could help us find and arrest the Aspis criminals behind the assault. From Varisia to your own work in Nirmathas to Absalom itself, the Society has successfully gathered a substantial amount of information about Aspis operations. We have combined our own resources with the reports of a turncoat within the Consortium whom we have taken to calling ‘Three Rings’ to create a list of vital Aspis operatives all across Golarion. One in particular, Tseka, lives beneath Goka, in a warren of tunnels and ruins called Undermarket. Specifically, she lives in its deepest levels, known as Deepmarket. Tseka works from the shadows, and makes most of her profits from black market trades.

“Deepmarket is a dark and dangerous community of criminals, thieves, and outcasts. Those who don’t know the area or have connections to protect them make easy targets. I recommend using a little subterfuge to help yourselves blend in, and to give Tseka as little time to prepare for your approach as possible.”

The venture-captain places a small wooden chest on the table and says, “To get inside Deepmarket, I propose that you pose as smugglers bringing in a fresh round of contraband. Once there, find Tseka. We know that she has valuable information, so do everything in your power to bring her back alive, and collect whatever documents you find in her base of operations. I do not know where within Deepmarket she resides. Gather what information you can from the locals in Undermarket, and seek out a guide to help you navigate these treacherous waters. Do you have any questions?”

A quick peek at the chest reveals a total of 7 pieces of contraband—a dose of blue whinnis poison, a pistol from Alkenstar, a piece of bawdy artwork depicting a Gokan celebrity, jade unholy symbols of Fumeiyoshi, Lady Nanbyo, and Lamashtu, and an engraved darkwood box containing half a dozen oracular fingerbones smuggled out of Po Li.

While entertaining questions, a servant enters and humble offers up a Disguise kit, as well as two scrolls of Disguise Self.

Knowledge (Local) untrained (max 10): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Knowledge (Geography): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

"Long way from home, but I've studied maps. Lots of maps! Mostly ancient Osiriani maps, but some others too. I don't know much about what goes on in Undermarket, but I seen it on a map! Yep, big caves, small river goes through it. There's graves... and ancient graves... and ancient churches... dunno 'bout the rest though. They don't always label the rooms. I can read, did you know that? I like maps... they don't have too many words, lotsa pictures."

Sarsczek sits there with a stupid grin that is probably supposed to be pride.

"Do we have one of those cognito things? Last time I went around sneaking they told me to go in one of those things. I dunno why. What do they talk in the deep market?"

know(local): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19
know(geog): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

Valandil has a quick look at the scrolls. "I too know this spell. With a bit of preparation I can disguise us all, although it will reduce my ability to contribute offensively if I do so."

He thinks about the Undermarket.

"I believe I have heard of an entrance at 'Cresting Blossom' - if we present smuggled goods the priopritor will allow us in."

He taps his fingers.

"However there is also a connection to the sea. That may also provide us some access, though I don't know the way. The Undermarket itself is a set of caverns, some apparently (but not really) abandoned. Rumours of tunnels that link even lower also abound."

He turns to Li "What can you tell us of the provenance of these goods, and the people to which they are most likely of value?"

Turning to Sarsczek. "Tell me more of 'those cognito things'"

Amara Li looks on with a bit of shock at the Slayer, "They speak mostly Tien, but in a place like this you're likely to find all manner of languages."

"These items were requisitioned from the Grand Lodge as an array of items with an eye towards versatility, you should be able to unload these to anyone. Hopefully there's something in here to catch the eye of anyone you need."

There is a bit of trickiness to the situation here as a DM screen is a necessity. When you check in, ask questions, what not, let me know your disguise modifiers. Include any kit, race, spell, bonuses, etc. I'll roll the results in a different PbP thread. This assumes, of course, that you opt for disguises at all ;-)

"Iono... I went under a cover to pretend to be a slave once. I was told to go in cognito. Never figured it out... Ooh, is this one of those places we are supposed ta go without weapons? Those are fun! Nobody brings weapons, but I dun need em. Then they go all 'Ah hah! Ambush!' and then I bite them. If we're supposed ta go all fancy, I have my formal loincloth!"

Amara Li's eyes can't get much wider.

Sarsczek shrugs. "Don't you worry, I've been on lotsa sneaky talky jobs. I can keep out of sight, track quarry, and smell when someone's lying. If we find this say-kah lady, do you think we can convince her that Pathfinders are nicer, or do you think she just gonna try to hurt us?"

For the record, my pertinent skills are as follows:
Sense Motive +11, Disguise -3
Bluff is also -3, however if I get a moment to study them first it becomes -1 instead.
If anyone wants to be in charge of applying my disguise, go for it.

Valandil's eyes mirror Amara's.

"There is no need for your formal loin cloth."

Then stares at the...thing.. in horror for a moment.

"No, NO! DON'T take it off."

He thinks further about disguises.

"Small changes are probably best. And we should conceal our wayfinders. That would be a sure-fire giveaway."

He addresses Li once again.

"Do you know any particular goods that Tseka values? Things we could hint about?"

Looking around the rest of the team he adds "I value logic and precision. My skills are not in lying outright to others. It may be best if someone else does the actual speaking while we are down there. Perhaps even more so if they speak Tien."

Finally hearing sense from Sarsczek he nods "I too could do with some assistance in applying the disguise."

"Yes, logic and precision. Save lives every time! Always good to bring maps, study the area, know the way-ins and way-outs. An way-angs... heh...heh." He looks around awkwardly for a moment as his joke falls flat. "Use the land to your vantage! High ground good for bow-man and wizards. Front of the lines and the shadows are where I go. I make a good bodyguard. Friend talks and I sniff out lies and watch for sneaky people with weapons. Do smugglers have bodyguards in the deep market? Ooh, or a slave. I can be a slave. I make a good slave. I got no swords so ya just put chains on my arms and leave em a bit loose."

Zinkyudo's beaky face begins to shift from side to side quickly as he tries to look in all directions at once, clearly made a bit nervous by the direction of the conversation. "You want us to pretend to be what we're not, and lie about why we're there?" he asks, no small degree of uncertainty in his tone. "Never done that before, don't know that I'd be much good at it. But I can try, if someone will lend a hand. And if we can put on these disguises carefully, I don't like to rush."

He looks at Sarscek skeptically a moment and says, "I've never heard of a 'cognito'. Are you sure it's big enough to get inside of?"

My Disguise skill modifier is a straight-up +0. Can we take 20? I'm guessing not, since there's a penalty for failure, but we will have plenty of time.

We should be able to take ten. Disguise self gives +10 and the disguise kit another +2 for a base score of 22 on our disguises. 27 if we only try to make modest changes so we are not obviously people who have been seen going into the Pathfinder lodge. Hopefully at least one of us has disguise skill or at least a positive charisma modifier!

A tall, elderly man with tanned skin, opalescent white hair and glowing golden eyes, dressed simply in an explorer's outfit, with a bow across his back, stretches, and sighs.

"It is good to have finally arrived; that journey was almost too much for these old bones..."

*Raises hand* I have a positive charisma modifier: +1 :-)

Nixkamich clears his throat, and speaks.

"Before I left the Plateau, I was a Speaker for my people. Whilst I am not adept at falsehood, I am fairly skilled at helping others to see the wisdom of my words."

I am also fairly decent at Disable Device, but that is another story entirely ;-)

Taking 20 isn't an option, but taking 10 certainly is. If there are enough Disguise Self spells available, then we can just calculate that.

Although I just reread my own post. Disguise self. I may need to get a metamagic rod to make that touch. Bah.. just rechecked and reach spell doesn't move things from self to touch, any thoughts?

There's always the old fashioned way.

It's not a deal breaker, you're Pathfinders, fake it til you make it.

-Posted with Wayfinder

"Do we have time for me to do some research?" inquires Valandil.

"There is a similar spell to that on the scrolls, but able to be used on other people. It would not take me long to copy it out and use it on those who are unable to utilize your scrolls themselves."

Happy to buy disguise other and copy it into my spell book. Casting more than one or two of them will really reduce how much spellwork Valandil can contribute.

"As we are going underground, I could also acquire a spell to help people see in the dark, although that too would reduce my capability somewhat."

I'll buy the scrolls anyway, and try to copy them in. If we don't have time for such schenagins, I'll do it after the venture.
spellcraft-disguise other: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23
spellcraft-darkvision: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21

"Are slaves traded in the deep market?"

You do have a short amount of time in Goka proper to make purchases.

"Everything is traded in the deep market."

Go ahead and make the scroll purchases, and then let me know your net Disguise check, including uses of the kit, minor details only, and any spells cast. It seems tedious now, but it'll make the scenario MUCH smoother to front load the work. And try to think of your contraband as "units" of currency. It will make posting smoother I think when we get there. You'll see :-)

Valandil looks around the group.

"Can anyone else use the scrolls of disguise self?"

"If someone wouldn't mind carrying my stuff, I'll be a slave for sale. Anyone can use my stuff if they want, but bein' a slave gets me close enough to spot danger. And smell lies. And bite bad guys. If dat don't work, then mebbe I can be a thug."

Pertinent gear includes a Corrosive Amulet of Mighty Fists, Crown of Swords, +1 Cloak of Resistance, +1 Chain Shirt, +2 Headband of Vast Intelligence (History, Draconic), and Masterwork Thieves Tools.

Sarsczek ponders for a bit and asks, revealing a bit of wisdom that his communication skills hide. "A fiend like me gets along great with thugs and smugglers, but you angel kin are bits too nice and good for their lot. I dun act very good, so I'm thinkin' I should be meself as much as I can. But Nixy and Ziny might need to look more human. Or elf. Lots o elves in tea and saw."

If I'm to be a slave, I'd recommend manacling me and leaving them slightly open. My disable device is good enough to rig it myself. If I'm going to be a thug, I'll probably want a sap, and change of clothes to make myself look more imposing than animalistic. Since my disguise score is -3, I may need a disguise other unless someone else can use the disguise kit on me and I just keep my mouth shut as much as possible. Also, I do not have any ranks in UMD."

Valandil eyes the headband with interest.
"I've heard of these... if you don't mind, I'd be happy to wear yours if you are to be disguised as a slave. That may not be out optimal choice though. As you note, of all of us, you perhaps are the one who least requires a disguise."

Looking around the rest he adds
"Slaves often wear something to indicate their owner, so the amulet probably wouldn't attract notice, unless they routinely check slaves for magic. Even then it might pass as a control device."

"Yes, but disguise as a slave means I don't havta pretend much. I can be meself more. I've been told that fiend-kin like me are not always treated as well as the pathfinders treat me. Pathfinders treat me really good. They sent me to a wedding, and a funeral and a feast. I learn lots bout...erm... culture?. I don't know many like me, but stands to logic that fiend slaves would be good. Beside, then you can wear my headband. I'm sure you treat it better than I do."

As if running in slow motion, a hunk of metal encasing a gnome bursts into the room clutching a grip of loosely organized papers.

"The layout of this city is horrendously adapted to its colossal size and overwhelming population of people who apparently do not have a Quicksilversmithing guild or related industrial apparatus dealerships so I mapped out a significantly improved potential layout of the city that keeps approximately 34% of the city intact which according to my calculations is the maximal proportion that can be salvaged..."

Diri glances up up the meeting already in progress.

"I'm late but I was on the verge of a breakthrough and it would be illogical and blasphemous to shirk detailing my progress so I apologize for the delay and any undue complications," she says with the intonation of a practiced speech.

"The good news is that it's a lot easier to blend in than to actually hide out because the humanoid eye naturally looks past things it expects so it can easily be fooled by a small amount of active camouflage," Diri says, smiling, and activating her sleeves of many garments to give her the garb of a typical Tien metalworker (for a gnome at least).

Diri has Charisma. That's like a disguise skill, right?

Sarsczek looks, smiles and claps. "Ooh ooh, can you make it look like a clown?"

"I do not see the value in frivolous applications of resources when there are equally valuable applications of the same resources but rest assured that if it was deemed necessary that the answer to your query is affirmative."

Diri nods.

"Perhaps a quick jaunt to the most proximal alchemical supply could procure a disposable version should we consider that to be an efficient allocation of 50 gold per application to alter the perception of those around us on our trek at hand."

Should be able to get potions of disguise self in Goka. Goka's big.

Unfortunately I don't believe spells with target of 'personal' can be made into potions, so it would have to be Disguise Other.

"Well we've got a few of these scroll things. I'm sure you can use one and Valandil can use one too. Val said he's gonna buy a scroll that he can cast on the rest of us too. Best do small changes for me. I don't lie good. So... what do you guys think? Slave or Thug for me?"

Right after the metal gnome, comes in a tian man. The young man smells of eastern perfume and bows slightly at each one of you, showing yet no expression on his face. He's dressed in mithral chain shirt, showing the picture of a yellow shining sun and a katana, and wears a greatsword and a longbow on his back. His long and black hair are tied together so as not to disturb him when he fights.

"Tametomo. Greetings." he simply says with a slight accent.

"Were you talking about deception? I think we might need just go in and search for the filthy woman. No need to disguise. Disguise is trickery. Trickery is Evil."

Paladin talk made, he has a disguise mod of +2

"Normally I would agree with Tametomo-sama, but the Aspis is on edge after the events at the Grand Lodge in Absalom. You may proceed as you will of course, but it might make things easier."

Amara Li looks at the contraband. "Treat this as currency, you may use it instead of gold to find your way around. I also recommend a guide."

I have placed the contraband at the top of the campaign. This way you can more easily track what you still have.

Sarsczek sits and appears contemplative for a bit, then nods. "Yep yep. Pally-men don't lie. Never known one that does. You be our guard, I can be slave. You be honest good pally-man and protect us from thugs. Stay quiet and alert, and if anyone asks you a question and you would have to lie..." Sarsczek jumps to his feet and makes an exaggerated smashing motion... "POW! If thugs get really close and talky and mean, it's gonna come to that anyways."

"I think thug makes the most sense," Zinkyudo says to Sarsczek, as he quickly turns his head and nods to the new arrivals, puzzlement making him squint a bit as Diri explains her view of the city. "Where was I? Oh, right, thug. Dressing a slave means you need to give up some things that might be useful to you, Sarsczek."

He ponders a moment, then says, "I say we just do the best we can with our disguises and try to make our way into the Deepmarket."

The scrolls only last 10 min/level, I don't see how they'll be very useful to get us through this whole underground city. I say we have our best Disguise skill - likely Tametomo - do what he can with the Disguise kit and go from there, maybe with someone casting guidance on him (though I don't see that on anyone's spell list).

Tametomo bows at Amara Li. "I will follow this way, if you think it is the best."

Then, he turns to Sarsczek and simply says. "I never was a man of many words. That's what I got for working in the society."

Nixkamich frowns.

"We are going into an area of the city where the normal rules of law and order do not apply, to a place where I highly doubt that Pathfinders will be particularly welcome. Whilst the direct path is generally the most forthright one, sometimes, in order to succeed at a task, one needs to be a little more circumspect. Let's be careful."

Basically, advocating the wisdom of trying to maintain a low profile.

Coupled with a Disguise Kit, and Diri doing the disguise, that should net me a total Disguise check of 22.

+5 (thanks, Charisma!) Disguise check before any relevant modifiers), if we need it.

"The point of a disguise is not trickery or deception but rather to affirm the preconceived notions of the personage observing the subject of said camouflage by appearing to conform to the surroundings as the probabilistic observer would desire hence it is biologically sound to appear uninteresting and nonnoticeable to predators who actively search for vulnerabilities among typical prey."

Diri smiles helpfully.

"I don't mind pretending to be slave. Done it before, works well. My stuff is useful, but this..." he bares his fangs and continues "...is all that I really need. If you think thug is best though, I'll be a thug. Thugs look all big 'n scary 'n stuff right? Imma need some big man clothes. And something to keep my tail from wagging. People seem ta think its funny, not scary."

Sarsczek doesn't have a wayfinder because he doesn't understand having jewelry that doesn't do anything or taste good. He'll just put on an actual pair of pants and wear a coat that lets him tuck his tail away, not to hide, just to keep it from wagging furiously when excited. He'll get a blunt object that looks like a truncheon but it doesn't actually need to be usable. If Diri takes 10 on the disguise check with the kit, that would be 10 + 5 + 2 = 17. If Sarsczek has to make a disguise check for himself, he'll roll for it at -1 (-3 cha, +2 kit).

As long as we only make 'minor changes' to disguise our identity, (which is, really, all we need to do - we just want to 'fit in') we get a +5 bonus on the disguise check - so basically, if we have Diri do it, we each get a 22 on our disguise checks, assuming the use of a disguise kit.

"If you act as a slave who carries our chest of goods, that would be prudent." notes Valandil.

"Then you would have a reason to not be manacled as well."

He taps the scrolls for a bit of time.

"You raise a valid question about when would be the best time to use the scrolls. Should it be after we gain entrance ? Then any description the proprietor has of us will be invalid. Or should it be before hand, so any word of us doesn't reach into the Deepmarket at all?"

"Maybe best save them for an emergency change of appearance, and rely on mundane disguises for the most part."

As long as we only make 'minor changes' to disguise our identity, (which is, really, all we need to do - we just want to 'fit in') we get a +5 bonus on the disguise check - so basically, if we have Diri do it, we each get a 22 on our disguise checks, assuming the use of a disguise kit.

Let's do this! To the Deepmarket!

"Ok, I'll be a slave! I carry the big stuff, and if anyone doesn't like me around, tell em I'm for sale. Anyone want to use this cool hat?" Sarsczek takes off his Crown of Swords and offers it out. [b]"I don't think slaves wear these things much. Can hide the armor and dirty up the cloak but the shiny hat might be a bit much. Can make my ammy-let look like a master's mark or somethin. Can hide the tools too. Then mister..." he stops and thinks for a moment. Linguistics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
"Tah-mey-toe-moe... can be the guard. Too much guards make people nervous."

I'll dirty up my chain shirt and put my tattered shirt on over it to conceal it. Stick to the belt and loincloth, then dirty up the cloak of resistance so it appears its the only think that keeps the elements off of me. I'm already pretty scarred and feral looking, so the rest will just be everyone else's handling of me. I'll have someone mark my amulet of mighty fists to make it look like a sigil of ownership. Same disguise check as before. I'll give my spears to whoever might use them so I appear unarmed, and tuck my thieves tools under my belt.

"To the deep deep market!!"

Working with the 22 for the party. Let me know if that changes, like if you decide someone needs something more potent using magic etc.

Once the party uses the kit for some minor adjustments.
When you open the door to the Cresting Blossom, the sound of chiming bells greets you. Inside the shop, the lone merchant dusts a multicolored glass vase prominently displayed on the counter. The shop’s walls are lined with fine silk tapestries, and its shelves are stocked with fine glasswork.

The shopkeeper greets you with a smile, "Welcome! Welcome! I am Sheng. What merchandise do you seek this day?"

Perception : 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

Zinkyudo keeps his mouth shut, eyes wandering through the shop, waiting for someone more accustomed to lying to speak up.

Valandil nods to Sheng, while looking around to see if anyone else is in the shop.

Once satisfied it is empty, he rubs at the "hunched" back his disguise consists of and replies

"That which you do not have, but may provide a route to."

Perception: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (20) + 17 = 37.

Nixkamich barely notices that the door is concealed.

"Nothing much - we are just passing through on our way downstairs, if you catch my drift..."

With a nod, he then moves over to the door hidden behind the tapestry.

Not paying Sarsczek attention, Tametomo nods at the others, letting them understand he will not interfere, as Diri and Nixkamish have found words to soothe his remorse. He eventually lets Diri diguise him.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

At the shop, he only bows at the shop keeper, choosing not to speak.

Detect Evil on the shopkeeper.

Sheng looks at Nix for a moment. Then the shopkeeper nods slowly and says, “The sun doesn’t set without a price. What does it take from you?”

Zinkyudo shifts his shoulders repeatedly, trying to ease the discomfort of having his wings strapped tightly to his back, in order to disguise his most distinguishing feature. Though he's unused to subterfuge, he's no fool when it comes to reading people, and he tries to discern what this man would most like as a bribe.

Though we've no glasswork, we have some fine jade holy symbols - but guessing at which god he'd favor could be risky. Perhaps the bawdy celebrity painting?

Sense Motive, if appropriate here: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22