GM Ietsuna's 4-07 Severing Ties (Core) (Inactive)

Game Master Ietsuna

Wylka taps on the shoulder of a person that doesn't look completely drunk. "Pardon me. But can you direct us to High Publican Arnando Rolf?"

Khargrom ignores Khellek's self-righteous comments and heads straight to the bar, "now this reminds me of home!"

He orders an ale and asks the bartender, "what's the prize for winning this little shindig?"

One slightly less inebriated patron directs you to Rolf, who is on the other side of the room overseeing a particularly rowdy round of the contest.

Rolf is a bearlike man with meaty fists and a notched sword swinging at his hip. He listens to your request for the sacred mug and gets a little redder in the face. I got the letter yes, but alas the acolytes gathered the mug along with several other items to use as prizes for the game this evening. He indicates a display above the bar where there is indeed a battered metal mug along with a bottle of high-quality brandy (worth 200 gp) and a chalice of lacquered teak (worth 250 gp).

I cannot take a prize down until it has been won or I will have a brawl on my hands or at best my reputation will be tarnished, but I can add you to the competition as late entrants.

The drink-balancing game requires each contestant to select a barstool, a table, or a heavy sideboard. This selection is loaded up with three, six, or nine full cups of ale, at the contestant’s choice. The contestant must lift their selected furniture above their head (Strength check) without spilling any ale (Dexterity or Sleight of Hand check). If multiple contestants succeed at both checks, ties are broken first by furniture type (a sideboard beats a table, which beats a stool), then by number of drinks (more drinks beat fewer drinks), and then by a drinking contest with the unspilled ale (opposed Constitution checks).

Khargrom takes his ale in hand and heads on over, "allright, this'll work. Nobody outdrinks a dwarf!"

Outwardly confident, inwardly... I have no clue if I can beat these drunks.

He chooses a table and 5 more cups of ale (putting his own on the table to make 6 total).

Strength: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

Dexterity: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

Wylka smiles sickly sweetly before trying to 'negotiate' with Rolf. "The contest is all fine and dandy, but I'm afraid that is not what you agreed to when dealing with the Consortium. What will you do if the mug is won by someone other than us?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11; Darn.. bad roll.

Rolf looks at Wylka. there isn't much I can do unfortunately. If anyone else wins the cup you can take it up with them

You will be competing against 2 NPCs as well Khargrom. Fisheye Fwerd and “Big Arvin” Dalson. I'll see if anyone else from the party wants to compete and we'll get this resolved in a day or so.

Wylka thinks to himself, "Too bad I don't have that purifying water spell prepared. Could win this with ease then."

"I'll just provide moral support for those that will enter the contest. I don't believe I would be successful at competing in this type of contest."

Before Kharagrom goes, the little halfling pats him on the back for luck...

Bit of Luck: Bit of Luck (Sp):You can touch a willing creature as a standard action, giving it a bit of luck. For the next round, any time the target rolls a d20, he may roll twice and take the more favorable result. You can use this ability 5 times per day. [Paizo Inc. - Core Rulebook, p.45]

He'll do it again, if there are more rounds.

And if things start to look dicy, Khellek will use inspire competence. to also help

The scholar looks on at the contest with distaste.
"I've not seen such foolery since that damn fooled Apollyanna last tried to impress me with the amount of grapes she could cram into her mouth at once."

Khargrom smiles toothily and brashly replies, "but ain't this be a better way to solve disputes than at the end of an axe? Plus, I got my whole clan's reputation on the line at this point. Can't let em down."

He thanks Celewen and Wylka for the support and then looks at the two elfish fellows, "surely you two aren't going to let a mere dwarf have all the fun?"

Would "Hardy" apply on the Con checks?

Posting before I leave for my run today.

In this game Khargrom is matched against Fisheye Fwerd and “Big Arvin” Dalson

Fisheye Fwerd selects a stool and asks that 6 mugs be stacked upon it. He steadies himself and attempts to hoist it over his head.

Fisheye Fwerd Strength Check: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 Fisheye Fwerd Dex Check: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

“Big Arvin” Dalson flexes his sizable biceps and points to a table then raises 3 fingers. Three cups are placed on it and he sets his stance and lifts.

Big Arvin Strength Check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 Big Arvin Dex Check: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (8) + 0 = 8

Khargrom easily lifts the table high over his head. A small trickle of ale does flow over one edge at Khargrom is not quite as steady as needed, but he lifted his furniture which is more than can be said for the other two contestants.

Khargrom, you passed the strength check but failed the dex check. Did you want to use the re-roll that Celewen gave you?

If he does, Khellek will offer assistance. Technically inspire competence relates to skill checks rather than raw ability checks, but it does seem thematic

"Careful Khargrom. It's tipping...."

Khargrom takes note of the tippage and attempts to adjust at the last lucky second.

Yes, since it seems like a very short term ability, no reason to waste it.

Dex Re-Roll + Inspire Competence: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 + 2 = 13

His attempt to stabilize does nothing to change the outcome.

Ok, next round

Since there was no winner as everyone either spilled their ale or couldn't lift their load we go to the next round. Two more contestants emerge from the crowd. Tony "Two Pints" Appleby and "Stumpy" Jill Anvilmar step up.

Any players who wish to compete in the rund please make a strength and a dex roll. I will roll the NPCs later

Grunting as he sets the table back down, "waste of good ale that was!" Looking at the new opponents he encourages his allies to give it a go as well and then steps up, choosing the table again but going with 3 ales instead.

He whispers to his support crew, "don't worry about me until we get to the drinkin' part."

Taking the same stance as before, he tries to lift the heavy table up again...

Strength: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

... and tries to hold the ale steadier this time

Dex: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

"You can do it, Khargrom!"

Wylka didn't like where this was going and not too confident throws his hat into the contest. "I'll give it a try."

He points at a table and holds 5 fingers out for 5 mugs.

Strength: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Dexterity: 1d20 ⇒ 18

Knowing he is neither strong nor dexterous, Celewen ops for an easier task. 5 cups on a stool.

strength: 1d20 ⇒ 10
dexterity: 1d20 ⇒ 4

He laughs heartily at his own failure.

Seeing as how everyone is joining in, Kent decides to give the contest a shot, as well - opting for a fully-laden table (9 cups).

Strength: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20.
Dexterity: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23.

As everyone is trying their luck at the contest, Meirdrarel just stands aside and watches, rolling his eyes. Nevertheless, he tries to cheer his companions into doing their best.

Tony "Two Pints" Appleby opts for a stool and 3 mugs

Two Pints Strength Check: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12 Two Pints Dex Check: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

"Stumpy" Jill Anvilmar decides to go big or go home and tries for a sideboard and 9 mugs.

Stumpy Strength Check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21 Stumpy Dex Check: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (20) + 0 = 20

Again Khargrom lifts the table but is not as smooth and steady as he would like and ale flows over the edges of the table and onto the foor.

Wylka steps up and grabs the table laden with 6 mugs 3, 6 or 9 so I went with 6 on your behalf. With a minor grunt of effort he lifts the table and does not spill a drop.

Celewen lifts his stool but spills ale everywhere, including on himself.

Kent also lifts his table with no trouble and no spilled ale.

Two pints lifts his stool but his hands are not steady and he spills ale onto the already sticky floor. Stumpy fairs ever worse not managing to lift the sideboard at all.

Rolf shouts the crowd into silence and begins assessing your efforts. It would seem that you sir he points at Kent win this round. Well done. Please go up to the bar and select a prize

As a reminder the prizes on offer are a battered metal mug along with a bottle of high-quality brandy (worth 200 gp) and a chalice of lacquered teak (worth 250 gp).

Well, we came here for the mug, right...?

Kent moves up and claims the mug!

Kent has the mug. We can keep going and you can try for other prizes if you like, or you can move on. Up to you all.

With the Mug as our prize, "Lets move on. No need to try and win the brandy or teak."

Meirdrarel nods in agreement. "Wylka is right. We have what we need. Now, where to next? There's still the Silken Veils and the Fishbowl that needs claiming. I suggest that we head to the Silken Veil first because the Fishbowl is nearest to the Barracuda Cartage."

"Awww, I was just starting to have fun!" The little cleric whines halfheartedly, but he contents himself with trying to suck some of the ale out of his shirt as he follows along on feet that move just a little too fast.

"Silken Veil sounds fine to me."

"Ahhh, the sacred sting. Many of my students have wasted their time, and a good part of their fortune in such temples. notes the scholar with a slight sneer.

Can we detect magic or something to make sure we do have the right item?

Good idea. Meirdrarel will do that.

Meirdrarel tries to detect if there is something magical with the mug, to check its authenticity.

Mindartis studies the mug and shares his insights to his companions. "It would seem that this mug has an aura of faint magic from the school of conjuration. It's pattern looks the same as the ones I've encountered in the Academy."

Khargrom watches the success of his ally and holds up an ale, "well done sir!" Slamming it back, he works his way out of the bar, "that's enough for tonight then."

Regrouping with everyone he agrees that heading towards the Silken Veil would be a good course of action.

Khellek also looks hard at the mug.
Detect magic
spellcraft: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

Upon first glance, it is hard to imagine the House of the Silken Veil as a brothel. It is a large, grimy marble building topped with an ugly blood-red steeple. Nevertheless, its three entrances are each hung with freshly laundered curtains and the heavy, floral smell of incense wafts from the building.

You part the curtains and enter the House of The Silken Veil. You have gone not more then 6 paces into the establishment when you are greeted by several individuals of varying races and genders. All are beautiful though. They cast smiles at you and ask you how they may please you.

Kent flashes an Aspis badge.

"We are here to collect."

At the sight of the badge a look of recognition crosses the attendant’s face and she leads you upstairs to an office. The whole way up your escorts caresse your faces and arms and cast sultry eyes at you.

The office is luxuriously appointed with low couches overflowing with cushions. A tall tiefling, High Priestess Shorafa Pamodae, reclines on a daybed eating fruit from a platter. You enter and she smiles up at you from her seated position. Do come in and be comfortable. Can I offer any of you some fruit and a cup of wine? She waits a few moments for you to settle and for your refreshments to be delivered before speaking again. So, what can I do for you fine people today?

"We're here to collect the dagger," Meirdrarel says as he shows his badge. He sees the staff offer him some refreshments, but he politely rejects the offer.

Wylka winks at some of the young ladies and a few of the older ones too. "Beauty is beauty, regardless of profession."

Wylka smiles at the High Priestess when introduced to her, "Greeting Madam. As my compatriots have stated, we are here for a dagger. Perhaps you would be so kind to allow us to have it."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Can Khellek tell what the cup does at all?

Khellek nods along with the others. "The Sting is renown for her love of revenge. Unfortunately the Aspis consortium has equal renown for collecting on debts."
diplomacy(aid): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

"Oh my. Oh my. Oh my." stammers the halfling cleric who is nearly detained several times by the escorts. Luckily, though, by the time they reach the High Priestess, he has regained his composure. "Never have I experienced such beauty on trip as short as the distance between your curtains and this room. And to discover such a treasure at the end is a pleasure. Surely you have been blessed with great fortune. Oh yes... what he said. We are here to collect the dagger. I'm sure the delay was just a misunderstanding."

diplomacy(aid): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Khellek spends a moment studying the mug.

At the mention of the dagger Shorafa's expression changes slightly. Ah, well. I have been thinking upon this She addresses Celewen. You speak for this group, yes? I will offer you and your companions your run of the temple. You may spend the a few hours indulging in exotic wines and the devoted company of my acolytes. In exchange, all I require is a signed statement that our debt has been repaid in full, including the past-due interest. Take what is owed in pleasure and not objects. What say you?

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10.

"As much as we would appreciate your kind offer, unfortunately, we have our own superiors, who would have our hides if we didn't do the job we were supposed to; consequently, I am afraid that we really must insist on taking the dagger, no matter how tempting the other offer is."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27.

Sense Motive DC20: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

"You seem angry High Priestess. I get the feeling you don't like the Aspis Consortium that much." Wylka pauses for a moment and decides to give part of the truth. "To be honest, we don't like the Consortium that much either."

SM: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Khellek nods to Wylka. "But we have little say in this matter. However if the opportunity comes in which we might recover the dagger after it has been passed on... your willing cooperation now would engender a positive improvement in our disposition..."

"Your offer is quite tempting, I must admit." He glances back towards the escorts, "Quite tempting indeed." He shakes himself back into focus, "but alas, my companions are correct. It is imperative that we acquire the dagger. Fret not though, for you are in luck. Were it any other members of the Consortium standing before you, they would take you up on your offer, enjoy a few hours of pleasure, and then take the dagger by force anyway. That is not some kind of veiled threat; we will do no such thing! I promise you that!"

The little cleric looks at his companions one more than the steps forward. He goes so far as to bend a knee and and gently take her hand. "I understand your displeasure with the situation, but please grant us the dagger that the consortium demands. Please believe me, you are truly fortunate that it is we who stand before you and not others."

aid diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Khargrom let's out a few loud belches as they walk through the Silken Veil, "'scuse me, that ale is not settling well."

Oh wow, this is not the place I expected to be this evening. I better just get the job done and get on out. It ain't right what these poor people have to do.

As his eloquent allies chat with the lady he nods approvingly, "we jest want to be on our way, ma'am. Job done, home to our families."

Diplomacy Aid Attempt DC 10: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (13) - 2 = 11

Hearing that you have no love for the Consortium either the high priestess claps her hands and a box is brought in. It is a locked iron iron case with a glass lid containing a dagger shaped like a wasp’s stinger.

So tell me. How is it that you come to work for the Aspis and yet you carry badges and are in their employ? There is a twinkle of mischief in her eye as she awaits you answer.

"These badges belong to the folks i was alluding to that you are lucky are not standing before you." He winks.

"What my colleague means, is that the enemy of my enemy maybe a useful tool." interjects Khellek.

He eyes up the Teifling with a wondering expression. One might almost think the elderly scholar had an interest in her. But surely not.

I wonder what ancestry she has. Kyton? How fascinating.