Seijiro Saketa |
"i'm pretty handy with them."
He tries to open the lock if he finds no traps.
percent for traps: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
disable: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
G.M.E.W. |
There is no response to knocks and all the windows are curtained and remin empty and still. The very sturdy front door does not seemed to be trapped but, as Seijiro quickly finds out, it is locked tight. As he continues to work on the locks you hear some one calling from the woods. OI! What do you think you're doing! Get away from that door!
A rough looking man emerges from the woods and heads in you direction. he is carrying a word shortbow in one hand and a dead rabbit in the other.
Otom Orkbreaker |
'Lo there! Otom subtly places his hand on his hammer in case the need for use should arise. Greetings from the Pathfinder Society.
perception(eyeing the man carefully)1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Maximillian Arcos |
"Wait, what are you..." The paladin begins to protest as Seijiro attempts to break into the house, but pauses at the timely arrival of the man, "Hail, sir. As stated we are Pathfinders here to investigate the sudden closure of this home. I was just about to stop my colleague from letting herself in. Might you have some information about what happened here?"
diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29
Maximillian Arcos |
My apologies for messing up Seijiro's gender in that last post, I'm posting from a new phone and have a habit of losing posts on it so I tried to get it out quickly without double checking that.
G.M.E.W. |
What prof do you have of being Pathfinders! If you were Pathfinders you'd have a key! Get off the porch and away from the door! He calls as he gets closer. Otom sees that he looks like a hunter, he has dirty cloths and beat up gear.
With Max's words he seems to calm down a bit but he still seems pretty aggravated. Sure you were! You must be the 'leader' of these thugs then? I don't got no information for you or time to be bothered. I've been asked to keep an eye on the place and you don't belong here. Now get going before I go get the city guard.
Orophin Telemnarn |
Orophin steps forward "Hello there my good man. Hello there. We were hoping someone was home and were somewhat concerned about the absence of any word from Skeldon Miregrold. I am Orophin Telemnarn, and who do I have the honour of addressing?"
diplomacy (I guess an aid, as we already have dip check out): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22
Ninja'ed! Are we in a state that Orophin can try to further improve attitude?
"Could I ask who asked you to look after the place, and how recently they asked you to do so?"
Maximillian Arcos |
Maximillian pulls out his Shining Wayfinder and shows it to the man, "I believe this should be suitable proof of my association, my good man."
G.M.E.W. |
Who do you think asked me? Miregrold goes off some times and I make sure no one gets in the house. Don't know where he is but the house is closed. Seeing Max's wayfinder he gives you a skeptical look, Just cause you got one of those don't mean you're a pathfinder. he pulls out what looks like a dull and dented wayfinder, See I got one but I an't no pathfinder. SO Pathfinders or not, no one gets in without a permit or something from the Miregold family or from the city or the like. You seem like a nice lot and all but I gots a job to do and you an't gonna sweet talk your way into that house.
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
You get the feeling the man isn't exactly telling you the truth. And though he tried to sneak it by you he didn't actually answer either of your questions.
The man seems to be getting more and more nervous. Its pretty obvious to you that he was hoping to just scare you off and the fact that you keep asking questions has really gotten him on edge.
The man seemed to get pretty nervous when you took out your wayfinder.
Orophin Telemnarn |
Orophin continues to smile.
"Hey, we totally respect your wanting to look after our colleage's house. I note however that you didn't actually answer the questions. Did Skeldon ask you to look after the house, or someone else? And when did they ask you to do that?"
His face remains calm, and his eyes kind, but stern.
Orophin finally adds "And who are you?"
Otom Orkbreaker |
Otom appears to be getting annoyed. his grip tightens a little around his hammer.This is a silly waste of time! Clearly we are all pathfinders and if you were a friend to the PFS you would be helping us. As for your trip to the city guard, there are six of us and one of you. Now dont you think it's about time you let us in to the lodge to complete our mission.
intimidate1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
Maximillian Arcos |
Maximillian sighs at Otom's aggressive gesture, places his wayfinder away, and addresses the 'caretaker,' "Sir, I believe you are hiding something. Please do the right thing and tell us the truth about your role at this place."
Diplomacy to request aid: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15
I don't know what level of a request it is for the fellow so I didn't add in the negative modifiers.
Garret C. |
Garret tries to calm the man so he will be more receptive to Maximiliam.
You have not to worry about us. We´re here to help.
Please, try to see our situation. You don´t want to trust us even as we have given you a proof we are pathfinders, but we must trust ou are the carekeeper. It don´t looks fair.
So, what if all of us calm down a little and talk about what´s happening here?
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
Are we tryng to scare him, to talk with him or what?
Orophin Telemnarn |
Orophin puts an arm around Otom.
"Hush, we are all friends here." trying to counter Otom's outburst he adds "If we meant harm we would not be talking with you, now would we?"
Really aiming to counter Otom here so the diplomats can try and win him over without the negative of having an intimidate go off. Mechanicly I know mixing intimidate and diplomacy is a huge no-no so as in real life, is someone is hot-headed we have somoene else in the group try to cool them down and sooth things over.
diplomacy(counter another!): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 33
Zarlonna |
Zarlonna apparently was off on the other side of the house wandering around to see if she can see anything in the back or on the sides.
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12 Left Side of the manor
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16 Behind the manor
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22 Right side of the manor
Then she comes back to the front in the midst of what appears to be an intense conversation between her compatriots and some random guy.
She calls out jovially to the man that looks angry at our snooping, Hello there! We are looking to get in touch with Venture-Captain Skeldon Miregrold. Have you seen him?
She pauses and then asks, We are you going to the opera tonight. Will we see you there? If you're a friend of Miregorold's maybe you can sit with us. diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
Seijiro Saketa |
He whispers to the others: "Sorry I let you all down, seems my mouth has inflated my skills beyond their merit. We should have been in by now." He looks at the fellow claiming to be some sort of caretaker or guardian here and tries to assess the fellow's veracity. Sadly, he's not very good at such...
sense motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
and simply tilts his head to one side, squinting one eye as he struggles to come to terms with the fellows intent. Instead of sensing the guy's motive, he simply ends up making himself look even less reputable.
"Surely if you care about Mr. Miregrold, you'd want us to check out if he's alright and the Lodge is safely in the hands of our fellow pathfinders."
G.M.E.W. |
The man sputters a bit when Orophin call's him out on not answering the questions. Unable to find his voice the man clams up and give the group a mean stare. Otom, loosing his temper, threatens the man. This out burst seems to steel the man's resolve and he throws his rabbit on the ground. That is it! I'm going to get the guards! You an't nothing but a bunch of thieves and thugs! With that he starts to storm off towards the road. He ignores Max and Garret's attempts to diffuse the situation but Orophin is able to stop the man. Turning to the group he crosses his arms and glares. Fine if you mean no harm then begone. You have no business here! He seems done with answering questions. He does give Zarlonna a very odd look when asked if he would be at the Opera but he does not answer her questions or Seijiro's plea.
Otom, you were not given a key
Orophin Telemnarn |
"Otom, are you able to answer the question?" asks Orophin with a note of caution to his voice. "If you can't vocalise the answer, maybe nod or shake your head.."
He scrunches up his eyebrows. "This is a land of ancient curses and such.. I do hope we haven't stumbled into one."
Seijiro Saketa |
Seijiro tilts his head to one side, and decides to call the man's bluff. "Well, then... call the guards then... we'll wait here."
Maximillian Arcos |
"I believe we are at an impasse here. This man is merely doing his job and we have no evidence he's involved in anything sinister. I'm going to return to the city and hope matters become clearer there." With that, the paladin begins to walk away.
Garret C. |
I´m with Maximilian. There´s no reason to have to guards come for nothing. Not he, neither us had one anything wrong, besides not trusting each other.
But, before going, my I ask why you have a wayfinder if you are not a Pathfinder?
I think we are done here, unless we want to resort to unnecesary violence against a man who hasn´t done anything to deserve it. At least to our knowledge
G.M.E.W. |
Sorry I'm not sure who you are talking too or about. Otom is one your your teammates and the man has already said something.
At Seijiro's challenge the man looks Orophin as if asking what to do. When Max and Garret step in he shakes his head Yeah, why don't you all go back to the city and leave me in peace. he says grumpily. At Garret's questions, he shrugs I got it cheap and its damn handy.
Orophin Telemnarn |
With the others set to return to town Orophin gives in.
"We can find out who in town can give permission to visit the lodge after visiting the opera."
G.M.E.W. |
Ok got it. The man was just sputtering cuse you caught him in a deception to curses involved.
An easy Knowledge Local tells you that the local constable or other law enforcment figure would be able to provide you with permission to break into the house. Problem being that they would probably only give permission to someone representing a family member or someone who was owed money
Orophin Telemnarn |
Once back in town Orophin corners Zarlona without the more honest members of the group around.
"Can you write a document that shows him owing me a sum of money, say 200 gold? We'll both sign it, and then take it to the constable tomorrow as a pretext for having him open the house for us to look around. We can say 'cash advanced for pathfinder activities' or something similar."
Zarlonna |
Sure. I'll get some parchment and ink from the innkeeper right now. Drafts up the letter. Be quick with this, I on't want to miss any of the Opera!
Might it be realistic that in her profession, Zarlonna has made false documents for some of her more high profile clients so she knows all the requirements to make something look official. I can make a profession roll if you want.
Garret C. |
You both looks like in wich one can trust... Says Garret smiling.
Maybe not to follow the rules, but not afraid of do whatever is necessary to get the things done.
THen, he goes to talk to Max long enought he doesn´t have to bother with the legality of Orophin´s suggestion.
I think there´s no more we can done before the opera, so we can go when you want.
Garret only need 15 minutes to prepare a couple of spells
G.M.E.W. |
Forgeries specifically fall under Linguistics. I might allow you to aid with your proficient check, add flowery languages or name drop, but not for the actual check.
A Knowledge local/ Diplomacy check might let you find a forger in the city or a really a good bluff while dealing with an officials might get you a signed form.
That being said by the time you make it back to the city it is early afternoon (2ish) and by the time you got a note and made it back out to the manor it would be time to head back to the city for the Opera.
The city is alive with excitement for the Opera's open night. Every where you go there are people in fine dress and a number of local eateries are holding special event dinners with exotic cuisine. The sounds and smells of the city are almost intoxicating as you get ready for the evening.
Otom Orkbreaker |
As they are getting ready Otom addresses noone in particular. So we cant bust down the front door. Buut what of these tunnels i heard people speaking of? Perhaps that would be our way into the mansion. Let it be known I'm still in favor of bustin' down the front door.
Orophin Telemnarn |
Orophin takes Otom aside "I've got another way, hopefully tomorrow, to get in. Less risk of the bossy woodsman disturbing us."
Orophin then spends some time getting ready for the Opera.
"This is a much better mission than I normally get sent on by the Society."
Maximillian Arcos |
Assuming Max is left out/distracted from the forgery plan:
Once back in the city, Maximillian readies himself for the opera by removing his armor and putting on the courtier clothing he bought earlier. Feeling a bit naked without his metal defenses although still full armed, he waits for the others to gather before heading to the theatre.
Seijiro Saketa |
Seijiro dresses for the opera and meets the others in his human form downstairs before the show.
Otom Orkbreaker |
Can I keep the chain shirt as it is light armor with a stealth check maybe? If not Otom will also remove his armor.
Otom brushes the dirt from his pants, smells his arm pits and picks at his beard. Well then, shall we go?
Garret C. |
Garret puts his Cleric vestments instead of his full plate and uses the sleeves of many garments to look as well dressed as the others.
Unless Otom needs it to conceal is chain shirt, if he needs it I´ll bo with my cleric vestments and lend him the sleeves
I´m also ready
G.M.E.W. |
Otom,
Yeah you can use a stealth check to keep your chain shirt from making too much noise.
The Streets around the Opera house are packed with people from all walks of life, all dressed in their finest clothes. Dozens of street performers vie for the crowds attention with shows as varied as the people in the crowd. After some time taking in the sites and finding your way around you fine the entrance reserved for the box seats. Even Orophina and Max feel under-dressed mingling with the small crowd of people waiting to enter building. A few of the attendees turn their nose up at Seijiro, Zarlonna, and Garret, and they outright ignore Otom, whispering insults behind his back.
As you are let in an usher takes your tickets and allows you in, except for Otom. I'm sorry I can not allows you in dressed like that.
Otom
make your stealth check. You can also try and talk or bluff your way past the usher.
All,
Feel free to aid as you see fit.
Orophin Telemnarn |
Orophin, dressed to the nines, embraces the atmosphere. The buzz, the sights, the sounds!
"I hope the actual performance lives up to the hype.."
Maximillian Arcos |
"Probably over there." Maximillian says distractedly to Otom as he points to wherever a large group of people have gathered in a line, assuming it's either the bar or the privy. The paladin's mind is obviously not on the performance at all, as his eyes scan the crowd for some clue to why they were all brought here and/or any unforeseen danger.
Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Garret C. |
Garret tries to be blend with the crowd, a little far from Otom, who will not blend at all. And he tries to check if anybody is interested in the group.
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
G.M.E.W. |
So Otom is just going to go sit at the bar? No one is going to help him get past the Usher?
The Opera house is pack with people, even in the area reserved for those with box seats. With the mass of people swirling around both Max and Garret keep an eye out for danger.
Soon the bells ring signaling the time to take your seats. You are directed up and elegantly carpeted stair case to your box seat. Seven plush chairs fill the small landing. Six of the chairs are empty, seated in the seventh is a lean Ustalavic noblewoman, her elegant
gown a contrasting starkly with her dark hair, pale skin, and
sharp features.
Thank you for coming. I am Venture-Captain Basia Kalistoff. The Decemvirate requested that I speak with you here, in private, to discuss a problem that needs sorted out. She whisper in a low sultry voice.
Garret C. |
I thought he has passed. If we can rewind a little I´ll try to convince the usher about how much I need my bodyguard Otom to protect me
I´m sorry, Otom is a great bodyguard, but he is not used to be among so many elegant people. Don´t worry I´ll assure you he wont disturb anyonemore.
What? He´s not perfectly dressed? Of course he´s not! He´s not a gentleman, but a loyal servant. And people should not the difference, don´t you think so?
No, if you don´t mind, we must go to our seats before the performance starts.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
It´s a pleasure Captain. But,if you ask me, the next time you need people to come discreetly, tell them. Is esiest when we know what we have to do
Whithout wainting and answer, Garret continues talking.
And... Can you tell us now what The Decemvirate need to be done?
Orophin Telemnarn |
Me too! But Orophin is happy to lend a hand. "He'll be standing very quietly. Discipline of the Ulfen Guard is renown!"
diplomacy aid: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31
Once seated Orophin leans closer.
"I do hope you are not going to talk through the Opera." he chides her gently.
"The problem wouldn't have anything to do with Miregrold being missing and odd folk 'looking after' his house - the Pathfinder lodge, would it?"
Maximillian Arcos |
Yeah, I thought Otom was fine joining us in the box, but it looks like the others got it worked out.
"We await your counsel, Venture-Captain." Max says in a quiet voice, paying no attention to the show whatsoever.
G.M.E.W. |
Sorry about the confusion, my bad. The stealth check was just to hide the fact that he had armor on. The DC to get past him would have been higher if Otom had failed that roll.
All good now though.
I didn't ask you. The Venture-Captain replies to Garret's rhetorical comment, and neither did the Decemvirate.
Clearing her throat a little she turns her attention to Orophin, My Dear man I would never think of disrupting this performance. Thrust me mission or no I would have have missed this for the world. The matter at hand does indeed pertain to Miregrold, though I don't know anything about housekeepers. It would seem you have already started some research and reconnaissance, very resourceful of you.
As you might already be aware, Miregrold is a disreputable and duplicitous rogue of my own, noble, Ustalavic blood—my second cousin, in fact, though I’m loathe to admit it. He’s also quite renowned in our little Society, though again, few would boast of associating with him. When his father passed, Skeldon invested most of his sizable inheritance in illicit trade operations with the dark denizens that dwell below this city. Though he is valuable as a font of knowledge about the subterranean passages below—and the Darklands in general—he’d sell out his dying mother if he thought he could profit from it.
Despite my personal warnings, the Decemvirate granted him permission to open a lodge in Karcau, though this grant came with several stipulations. As I’d suspected, none of these conditions have been met. The Society requested Skeldon send them his research notes along with some samples of a rare mineral he’s being experimenting with called aureolyte.
Neither the notes nor the samples ever arrived. Furthermore, it’s been a month since Skeldon contacted the Decemvirate, who are increasingly concerned about the additional finances they granted him to conduct his research. Other sources have led us to believe he has squandered this money for his own purposes and owes significant sums to one of Karcau’s most influential crime families.
The Venture-Captain is about to continue when she is interrupted buy orchestra, signaling the start of the Opera. The first half of the performance is a whirl of lights, beautiful music and song, epic battles, and heartbreaking loss. Even the most skeptical among you are transfixed and watch from the edge of your seat. As the curtain closes for intermission you find yourselves blinking in disbelief as you seem to be pulled back into the real world. It takes you all a few moments to regain your bearing and remember why you are there.
Oh, yes the mission. The Venture-Captain says, a little flush, What we need you do is go to Karcau Lodge and present Skeldon with these transfer orders. She slides a stack of sealed envelopes across the table. Once inside, try to collect whatever information you can about Skeldon, his side deals, and the kind of trouble he’s in. It would be even better if you could procure copies of his research and a sample of aureolyte. The Top most letter is from myself giving you permission to enter the premises if you find the place locked. Any questions?
You are about to ask you questions when the Opera begins again. The second half of the performance is just as intense and brilliant as the first By the end scene, as the unfortunate merchant ends his deal with the might devil by ending his own life, there isn't a dry eye in the house. You all find your self rising to your feet instantly as the curtains close, your heart racing as you applaud and cheer the performers and the play-write.
After what seems like an eternity of celebrations the rooms quiets down a little and you finally have a chance to ask your questions.