Gage the Unseen |
Gage would be good for scouting out the tavern, I think that would be a fantastic idea to get us a better idea with what we are dealing. Also, Gage can do some subterfuge type stuff with Basic Telekinesis, just a thought.
Maelstrom Stormsinger |
Maelstrom is not a skill character by any means... It's all magic for him. Perhaps he could augment someone's check with a spell?
Gage the Unseen |
I'd like to get the GM's interpretation of Basic Telekinesis. Given that it's a Supernatural ability, I do not believe that Gage should have any Somatic or Verbal components; however, I have seen some folks that argue that it should. If GM agrees that no Somatic gestures are required, then Gage could easily have some some with that; spilling drinks, moving chairs into someone's path, opening doors randomly, etc.
Nyroba Samradagar |
"So how are we gonna disrupt this meeting without killing someone? Start a bar brawl? I dunno if that's something I can really do and keep to my oath. If you're gonna do that, I might hafta just hang back and watch. I'd be happy to try to either charm or threaten the bartender and get some information outa him though."
Gage the Unseen |
"You paladins and yer oaths..." Gage mutters. "How 'bout I go do a little scoutin', then report back wif what I see. Then one you kin go in an' do a li'l charmin' for information. I can then have a li'l fun by startin' some chaos. Keep all your Wayfinders tucked away for this doh. And don't forget the bartender is known fer makin' fake pearls an' sellin' 'em. That might come in handy."
How does that sound to you guys for a plan? Gage scouts, then the social characters can work their mojo on the bartender. If that doesn't work, then Gage can have some fun with Basic Telekinesis.
Nyroba Samradagar |
"My oath binds me, not you folks, mind. If a bar brawl is the best thing, I'll just stay out of it and heal folks afterwards."
-Posted with Wayfinder
Mike the GM |
You can absolutely use spells in place of checks or to augment checks, as long as it makes sense in the narrative! As for basic telekinesis, I'm fine with saying that you can use it subtly for purposes of this scenario.
Once you've decided what you're going to do, go ahead and narrate some basic actions and make a check. Feel free to get creative!
Maelstrom Stormsinger |
I'll cast a charming spell on then bartender, and have him disrupt the meeting as much as possible by bidding him to serve bad food, spill drinks on them, and the like. If we have time, I can purchase some scrolls that will allow me to create an illusion of our own design, add noise to it, and have some fun with whatever we come up with. Perhaps goblins shall run amok? Or some manner of terrifying creature?
Charm Person, or a combo of silent image paired with ghost sound?
Nyroba Samradagar |
"Let's try th' old fashioned way of charming first, eh?" She looks at Aurora. "Think between the two of us, we could butter up the bartender and get some information out of him about this meeting that's happening? I might have to get a different outfit, though, this armor isn't very fetching."
Aurora Rose |
There is no reason to believe the bartender knows anything about the meeting. I could offer to work as an entertainer and provide a distraction while others seek to find the participants and disrupt them.
Maelstrom Stormsinger |
I was thinking more along the lines of charming him and having him disrupt the meeting for us. I don't particularly feel like being discovered, so if they get mad at anyone, it'd be him instead of us..
Mike the GM |
I like the ideas so far! Once you feel you have a plan, let me know what you're going to try. Feel free to make rolls and I'll adjudicate.
Aurora Rose |
Aurora enters the tavern, with her exotic companion in tow and speaks to whomever appears to be in charge.
"Good morning sir, I we are traveling entertainers and we would like to perform in your establishment. We are willing to work for a hot meal and any tips we receive from your customers. Surely that cannot be too much to ask.
If allowed to perform, Blossom will play some upbeat melodies on her harp, which Aurora will dance to. They hope to draw in a larger crowd than normal, and get them all involved in the music to the point where loud clapping and stomping would disrupt any potential business the Aspis agents might try to conduct.
Aurora feels she and Blossom are accomplished enough that they will take 10 on their rolls.
Diplomacy: 10 + 10 = 20
Perform (dance): 10 + 10 = 20
Perform (strings): 10 + 12 = 22
Hakimo Lu'dao |
I was thinking more along the lines of charming him and having him disrupt the meeting for us. I don't particularly feel like being discovered, so if they get mad at anyone, it'd be him instead of us..
"I would agree with Maelstrom. Charming the bartender seems like a safe, yet likely effective idea."
Drusilla the Spear-Maiden |
I'm willing to play the friendly drunk, if that may help.
says Drusilla with a wink
Of course, I'll keep a watchful eye over you all. And if things turns up for worse, it won't be my first bar fight.
Gage the Unseen |
Trying to decide what skill check would be appropriate for Gage's plan. He basically intends to knock over drinks as people pass by another table or something along those lines with Basic Telekinesis, but I'm not really sure what skill check that would imitate.
Mike the GM |
You could make a Sleight of Hand or generic Dexterity check to represent that. I'll factor in the bonus from your special ability. What other checks are folks making? Still waiting to see what you're all going to do for this "phase." Need some sort of check from each person, even if you're just rolling Perception to see what you can see.
Maelstrom Stormsinger |
I just want to charm the bartender so that he continuously annoys them. Maybe by constantly going up and asking them if they need help, if he can get more drinks, etc. Then, Gage can use his telekinesis to knock over drinks the bartender is carrying into their laps. Any other suggestions?
Mike the GM |
Aurora draws quite the crowd, and the place grows busier than usual for this time of day. Between the music and the commotion caused by knocking over drinks and keeping the bartender too busy to manage the crowd, the place is soon in an uproar.
Drusilla notices a man come in who, unlike all the other patrons, looks quite displeased at the commotion. Nonetheless, he makes his way over to a table in the corner. The folks sitting there quickly clear out--apparently, despite his non-threatening appearance, they're unwilling to confront him about it. He sits and waits, anxiously tapping his fingers on the table, though he doesn't appear to be waiting for the bartender.
Go ahead and make another check for "phase 2" of the encounter. You're causing quite a commotion, but whoever this guy is, he seems to be stubbornly trying to have a meeting anyway.
Hakimo Lu'dao |
Did the the patrons just clear the table for man or did all the patrons in that vicinity clear out? I'm looking to see if there is another table near him that is empty.
Mike the GM |
Let's say the patrons moved away from the newcomer's table, and after he gave them a dirty look, the patrons cleared out from the adjacent tables as well.
Aurora Rose |
Aurora dances up to the dour looking man and tries to get him to dance with her. Assuming this will fail, she will glance over at the biggest (and hopefully intoxicated) men she can find and give them a longing glance with a nod towards the man at the table, sending them a "help me get this lug to his feet" message.
He figured either she can get the man dancing or start a brawl when he tries to resist.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
Gage the Unseen |
Gage will wait to see if Aurora's attempt works. If not, he will then attempt to use his telekinetic powers to break the leg of the man's table and cause it to crash into him!
Disable Device: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11 Don't think that's going to cut it...
Hakimo Lu'dao |
Hakimo does her best impersonation of an inebriated patron, stumbling through the crowd towards the newcomers table. As she approaches his table, she falls to her knees and dry heaves just a little before crawling to a nearby table and 'passing out.'
bluff: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7
Proud of her acting skills and still as a mouse, she'll listen to any conversation she can hear coming from his direction.
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Oh, this might not end well.
Nyroba Samradagar |
Unable to participate in the charade without violating her oath to Old Deadeye, Nyroba just sits at the bar, sipping ale and casually chatting up one of the barmaids. She keeps her golden eyes watching for anything of use.
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Mike the GM |
Aurora gets the attention of a burly half-orc, who tries to help haul the man to his feet and get him to dance, but the man glowers at the half-orc and a few other patrons come by and say "Gruggen, don't mess with him..." so he shrugs and gives up. "Sorry lady," he says as he stalks off.
Hakimo draws a little bit too much attention to herself, and the man gets up and moves to another table, which the regulars gladly clear off for him.
Nyroba sees a woman come in. At first she approaches the first table the man was waiting at. Not seeing him there, she looks around. She spots him at the new table and looks as if she's about to head over.
Yikes! What're you gonna do next?
Gage the Unseen |
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Gage slips his hip flask out, hiding it in his hand and then begins to wander over towards her, looking as if he means to pass in front of her along his way to another portion of the bar. Suddenly he bumps into her and attempts to slip his flask into one of her pockets...
Sleight of Hand: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
If successful...
He apologizes to the woman and just as he is about to turn away, he stops suddenly with a frown. "My flask..." He pats his belt and then suddenly yells. "Oy, thief! That was me daddy's flask!"
Hopefully that works!
Aurora Rose |
Aurora shrugs and grabs the half-orc's arm and with a wink begins to dance with him. When she catches on to what Gage is doing, she begins to twirl a bit faster, interposing their dancing bodies between the accused thief and the man she is trying to meet. Hopefully the half-orc would let her lead and she would have a nice burly wall to block the way.
Perform (dance): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13
Mike the GM |
Several of the patrons look up, and a few stand from their seats. "Hey! We won't tolerate that sort of thing 'round here!" one of them yells. The woman raises an eyebrow at Gage. "How dare you accuse me, halfling?" Her tone is confident, and the regulars don't seem sure what to do next. The barkeep walks over. "What's the meaning of this?" he says.
The woman looks disgusted. "This little slip just accused me of thievery." The barkeep looks uncomfortable at the racial slur, but seems hesitant to confront the woman further. He turns to Gage and furrows his brow. "Surely it was a mistake?"
How will each of you move forward, especially those of you who were waiting?
Aurora Rose |
Aurora turns around from her "dance partner" to address the bartender.
"Well, does she have the item she is accused of stealing or not? I doubt very much a flask of that size would find its way into her pouch by mistake. I've worked plenty of seedy establishments to know how easily things of mine disappear through no accident. You can always tell the worst of them because the staff does nothing about it. Makes you wonder if they get a cut of the take for looking the other way.
Now I am certain that you run an upstanding establishment that caters to hardworking laborers the cannot afford to have their prized possessions stolen. Some of those objects would be family heirlooms that are irreplaceable at any cost, like this man's flask.
I dare say you cannot afford to tolerate such characters in your establishment. If word got around that you cater to thieves, your good and legitimate business would dry up like a lake during a drought. You should show these folk who just came here to appreciate good music and dancing while having a bit to drink just what an honest man you are and throw this scoundrel out on her ear."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27
"Better yet, perhaps you should alert the authorities and have her arrested!"
Gage the Unseen |
Gage truly looks offended at his treatment by the woman. "Slip?! Why I ought to---" he stops when Aurora steps up. He nods vigorously at her words. "This weren't no mistake, sir, it was in me pocket when I left yer bar. And den dis lady bumps into my on purpose. Next fing I know, my daddy's flask was gone. If you're innocent, den empty yer pocket and pouches to prove it. If it ain't dere, den I will apologize and look fer it. Tis a simple tin flask wif a bit o' leather wrappin' stamped with me family's logo; a pair of crossed skeleton keys." He sniffs indignantly. "We be locksmiths if you must know." He adds with narrowed eyes at the woman.
Drusilla the Spear-Maiden |
Drusilla was listening, and watching the other man, trying to read his emotions while his partner was singled out by Aurora and Gage
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Nice work, Aurora.You really have a thing with words.
She then turns her eyes at the woman
"slip", really? What are you, just an arrogant Cheliax noble, or worse, a slaver? By Caiden, how I'd like to slap your ugly smile outta your face....
Mike the GM |
The gathering crowd seems to approve of Aurora's speech, and the bartender senses it. "Well...?" he says, with an expectant look at the woman. She scowls at him and reaches into her pockets. The look on her face when she pulls out the flask is priceless.
But it doesn't last long. The regulars burst into an uproar. Shouts of"Throw her out!" "No thieves allowed!" "Respectable establishment!" "Sheer arrogance!" echo around the room.
The woman's face reddens with anger. She tosses the flask at Gage and storms out.
Drusilla watches the man sitting in the corner. His expression doesn't betray much, but he walks over to speak to the bartender in front of the crowd. "Don't you think you went a little too far? What if there was some other explanation?" The regulars boo and shout, and the barkeep shrugs. "Sorry, Sareth. I won't tolerate thieves and liars; not even for you."
Frowning, the man steps outside to look around for his contact, but she has already left. He sighs, slumps back into a nearby chair, and orders a stiff drink.
Nice work! Great speech! Feel free to RP a bit of the conclusion of this task, and then I'll move things right along.
Gage the Unseen |
Gage narrows his eyes and winks at the woman when she tosses the flask back to him. He quickly slips it back into his belt pouch and makes sure to obviously check the rest of his pouches as she is escorted from the premise. He then approaches the bartender and thanks him for his assistance. "Thank you, sir. There ain' many who'd help out a halflin' like dat. I will ensure that good word gets around 'bout yer establishment to my customers and family." He states honestly. "And if ya find yourself needin' some new locks fer your establishment, come find me. I'll give ya a great rate"
Afterwards he heads out alone to ensure no one sees this group leave together and wonder about their motives...
Agreed! Great assist there, Aurora!
Nyroba Samradagar |
Nyroba breathes a sigh of relief that she didn't have to get involved. "So that coulda been a whole lotta trouble," she says to the barmaid. "Glad no one started throwing punches. So, I've got some stuff to finish today, but if you're free later, mind if I come by and buy you a drink?"
Afterwards she heads out and finds the rest of the group as soon as she's able to. "So, now what, we need to sneak aboard a ship, right?"
Mike the GM |
The bartender and his staff still seem somewhat flabbergasted at the chain of events, but they aren't suspicious of the Pathfinders. The place settles back down, and business continues as usual. Several of the Pathfinders make small talk with the regulars, then the group sets out.
Actually, you're only supposed to complete two of the three tasks. So, on to the next step!
Having completed two of the tasks set out for them, the Pathfinders return to the Sixwing Drake to await further instruction. Around noon the next day (you have a chance to rest), Captain Zendrani calls a meeting on the deck. "An urchin boy delivered this note just a few minutes ago. I tried to keep him here so we could talk to him, but he slipped away without a word and ran off into the city. I haven't looked at the note, but it seems to be from Delroya." The captain hands over the note.
The note reads:
Pathfinders, your tactics were certainly unusual, but everything turned out as expected. The shipment is delayed, and the Aspis Consortium is occupied with getting everything back in order. Soon, though, the consortium will get its act together and come to the warehouse to proceed with the operation. There is no time to lose. The warehouse is at the southern edge of the Bristles, where Gull Street meets the water. I will meet you there. - Magali Delroya
Aurora Rose |
Having collected her earnings and left a tip for the bartender, Aurora and Blossom head outwith the others.
After reading the note, Aurora prepares to venture to the warehouse to meet with Delroya.
Drusilla the Spear-Maiden |
I'll guess we'll see some action at the warehouse.. Don't ask me why, it's just an hunch.Maybe the Aspis will put the blame on Delroya, or even suspect her of being their "traitor". Well, I won't say I would be sorry if I had the opportunity of knocking a few Aspis's skulls together.
Mike the GM |
Moving keeps one busier than expected! My apologies. Here we go!
Without any further ado, the Pathfinders set off. It doesn’t take long to find where they need to go once they reach the right street.
A large warehouse looms into view at the end of Gull Street. Its main level sits at the edge of the street above a ten-foot drop to the harbor’s waters below. A door in the western wall of the warehouse opens, and a woman clad in simple leather armor steps out. Her features display a blend of Taldan and Mwangi heritages, and her crisp accent is difficult to place.
“I am Magali Delroya. You must come quickly, Pathfinders. We do not wish to be seen.” Delroya moves briskly, waving off protests or interruptions, and speaks with the rhythm of her steps. “Questions later. Much is at stake. First you must listen.”
Her outward display of authority does not entirely mask her fear. The small room through the warehouse’s western door features a round table and several chairs. “This room is for the guards. They are all too busy dealing with our disruptions, so no one is here for now. That door leads to the docks below,” she says, indicating a door in the southern wall. “Come this way. I will show you the warehouse.”
She opens a door in the northern wall, revealing a cavernous storage room. Haphazard stacks of barrels and crates almost reach the ceiling twenty feet above. Two large skylights in the ceiling provide ample light during the day, and a dozen unlit lanterns are spaced around the room. To the east, a wide opening in the southern wall looks out over the loading bay ten feet below. A freight elevator platform rigged to a complex set of pulleys and ropes and a staircase both lead down to the loading bay.
“As you can see, the Aspis Consortium maintains a sizable operation out of this warehouse, which they rent from the Kortos Consortium’s Locosta family in exchange for alchemical goods. After tonight, I hope that the relationship between Aspis and Kortos will be irreparably damaged.
“We may have delayed the shipment, but my sources tell me that both the Kortos and Aspis consortia are likely to investigate the warehouse later tonight. I had hoped for more time, but I will not able to move the goods until after midnight. I need your help in holding off the agents until everything is in order. They are not likely to work together, so you should prepare for multiple groups of agents. While I have no qualms about fighting the Aspis agents, if possible we should avoid further antagonizing the Kortos Consortium. Their agents may be willing to look the other way.
“Because the agents are on high alert, you should stay at the warehouse until they arrive. We wouldn’t want anyone spotted or attacked out in the city before we’re ready. That gives you several hours to prepare. Most of the items in the warehouse are simple trade goods designed to make this outfit look legitimate. You may want to take some time to look around, though—you never know what the Aspis Consortium might have stowed away here.
“I can stay here briefly, if you have questions or need assistance.”
Getting the map up ASAP. Let's do this!