[PFS] Forged in Flame by VentureT PbP (Inactive)

Game Master Curaigh

No, you have yet to see what "well done" truly looks like. Paper doesn't do it justice...

Nivik goes back to being silent and merely observing with his eyes and ears as the party moves on to their next task. Upon reaching the destination he'll try to Detect Magic in the area, just to see if anything of interest shows itself.

Not to railroad the party, but do you want to knock on the door* or do something less civilized? * Oh no! A door!!

Nivik notices a brass plate on the door that does glow with an blue arcane light under his spell. The plate has several strands spreading out from the center where a beak like mouth smiles graciously.

Can't fail the DC 11 Spellcraft.

Nivik looks closer at the plate. Magic Mouth, eh? Nivik pauses and then asks, Shall we knock? Seems like the proper thing to do.

As is her normal modus operandi, Sai walks around the building first, looking it over.

She then walks up to the door and knocks after hearing Nivik's suggestion if none of the team have done so yet.

perception: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (1) + 21 = 22

Awen follows Sai and Nivik. As he approaches, he hears Nivik mentioning the spell. "Well, thats the first time I have seen that used as a doorbell. Interesting. I think I like this one already." he muses aloud. Once Sai knocks and the plaque speaks back at them, he gives a chuckle of amusement.

Milton stands to the rear with a grim look on his face and observes the group.

We are playing in the upper tier with the 4 player adjust, meaning Qalqami also gave each of you a potion of water breathing so you may enter the naga's home.

Just to remind everyone we have these and so you know, they last 6 hours.(2 hours/lvl @ CL 3.

Before the group goes in, Sai renews her defensive magics.

Rock on, Sai. Thank you! I had completely forgotten about that!

Now that someone has knocked on the door...

Perception, take 10: 10 + 28 + 1d6 ⇒ 10 + 28 + (4) = 42

Ah, Aquan, the first of the planar languages I learned.

Now that someone has knocked on the door...

[dice=Perception, take 10]10+28+1d6

Ah, Aquan, the first of the planar languages I learned.

All the more reason for Milton to go ahead and cast tongues.

This is all in the same day right? We haven't slept and got back spells at any point, correct?

Correct, Milton your breakfast was on the material plane.

The investigator replies in aquan, "We have come to discuss a matter with Soheila at the behest of Qalqami. My name is Fendel Meniska. It seems I am tasked with translating. My colleagues and I are from the Pathfinder Society. They may prefer to introduce themselves." The detective repeats all of this verbatim in common to the rest of the team.

Sai stands aside getting a full view of her compatriots and the entrance. She takes out the vial with the water breathing potion, and holds it up silently for her team to see. She takes the stopper out of the vial, raises her mask just enough so that her mouth becomes visible, and quaffs the potion without comment.

btw I goofed and it's a 3rd lvl spell not CL 3. It's CL 5 so it will last 10 hours.

Awen watches Sai drink her potion, but decides to hold off on his until he sees a direct need. Soon enough, the door is answered and Fendel begins speaking in some tongue foreign to Awen. However, as Fendel translates and includes the rest of the team, Awen offers a polite bow to the creature beyond the eyehole.

Hm... We have water-breathing potions and this place has a lot of it... I hope we don't have to fight anything underwater. "I'm Adeah," she says (in Common) after Fendel translates the eye's message. "'Fraid I don't speak-- uh, that-- but we're just here to talk."

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"Qalkami gave us these potions so that we might enter Sohelia's home. Just after knocking there was a delay before they answered and I heard heavy pumps and sloshing water. It is reasonable to deduce we will be conducting this task in an under water environment." Sai whispers to her group.

"Aside from the obvious, what can you tell us about beings such as our host Fendel?"

Fendel's knowledge skills are so solid, I am sure he will even have detailed knowledge of obscure water naga mating habits, though I'm hopeful that won't be needed here. I'll settle for tactical considerations. ;)

Seeking knowledge of the creature before us...

Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Milton feigns ignorance of the language being spoken, until the Taldane translation is given. At which point, "Errr, Milton if you please. I am more a creature of fire than water, so you will understand my nervousness, I hope." Milton gestures to Fendel to get along with the translation of his words.

Planes: 1d20 + 24 + 1d6 ⇒ (16) + 24 + (5) = 45 For Sai's request for nagas

Translating into aquan, "It would appear that Milton, like most creatures of 'fire', is worried that greatness of your mistress will overwhelm him and extinguish his flame."

The investigator replies in aquan, "We have come to discuss a matter with Soheila at the behest of Qalqami. My name is Fendel Meniska. It seems I am tasked with translating. My colleagues and I are from the Pathfinder Society. They may prefer to introduce themselves." The detective repeats all of this verbatim in common to the rest of the team.

"Ah yess, the contract." The eye pulls back from the panel and it slides shut even as the door opens up. A yellow-green, snake-bodied person is revealed behind it and she dances in small circles. "Welcome Fendel Menisska, agent of Qalqami. There iss no need to transslate," she says in common. "Pleasse come in."

Mechanical equipment allows this small entry to drain or flood as necessary. Yohei chuckles at the nervousness of the paladin, "Believe me when I ssay I undersstand the feeling, being a creature of water living on the Plane of Fire." Still, she makes sure that everyone can breathe water before sealing the outer door and starting to flood the room* The process starts with a verbal command and takes a minute, after which the inner door is opened and Yohei leads you into another room.

Interlocking slabs of smoothed coral panel the home's interior, much as one might decorate a room with wood paneling. Curtains of living kelp provide privacy between rooms, making the heavy bronze door to the airlock the only actual door.

This room’s gently curving walls bear numerous small windows that let in beams of light. Colorful cushions made of a strange leathery material create comfortable seating arrangements, and several beautiful paintings of underwater landscapes hang in glass-covered alcoves on the walls. Curtains of kelp cover passages to the east and west.

Another female water naga waits here for the party. She is a bit larger and her scales are a much greener than her servant's. Stripes of blue flow down her tiny scales.

"Sohelia," Yohie introduces, "Thesse are the agentss of Qalqami. Fendel Menisska, otherss, thiss iss Sohelia, representative of the Cerulean Wave from the Plane of Water."

Soheila offers a tasteful spread of uncooked seafood. She then asks, "Have you brought Qalkami’ss latesst propossal?"

*players not wanting to drink the potion of water breathing and without any other means to breath water may choose to instead stay outside where the air is.

The detective pays close attention to the mechanism that controls the water level, in the off chance he needs to try and operate it at a later time.

Fendel takes out he rolled up vellum that Qalqami gave to the team. "I believe this is her latest proposal for your consideration. She seemed eager for the contract to be validated."

Awen steps inside the dwelling, drawing out his potion of water breathing and drinking it down in one gulp. He feels odd as the water closes over his face.. he begins to panic for a moment before he is able to adjust to the water now flowing in and out of his lungs. this is going to suck even more in reverse.. he thinks as he settles down and is able to follow Fendel and Yohei into the home. For the moment, he stands back waiting to see how things go.
Perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 20
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Sai steps inside, staying close to Awen. She silently takes in the surroundings including the mechanism of the "transition room" and the verbal command that activates the flooding of the room. As the room begins to fill Sai asks the friendly servant, "What command do you use to drain this room?"

Did it take roughly the same time to drain as it does to flood? From hearing the pumps before we should have an approximate drainage time.

When they meet Soheila, Sai swims to one side, again silently taking in her surroundings. She mentally makes allowances for swimming and tactical movement knowing everyone will be significantly hampered other than the naga should she react poorly to the contract.

This task is best handled diplomatically as combat in this environment is sub optimal without better preparation.

Adeah quaffs the potion, the effects of which she can feel not long before the place is flooded with water. So many strange sensations this mission, she thinks as the water flows in and out of her lungs. "Thanks," she says to Sohelia regarding the "refreshments", wondering whether she'd consider any of it edible. But food is food, and she'll try anything once. She nibbles on this and that.

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Milton gladly takes the potion and listens to the interchange.

Nivik will do the same, not wanting to be the only one of the group to remain outside.

Sohelia she takes a moment to glance over it. Then she disdainfully proclaims "The payment ratess are inssulting to a merchant of my sstature,” almost back handedly she returns the document to Fendal. "I demand they be increased by 15 percent."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

Sai stays silent as she watches the exchange. Interesting. She barely looked at the contract.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Adeah notices that the naga barely even reads the contract and considers saying something, but decides against it-- would a more careful reading make things better, or worse? Adeah isn't sure. Best leave that to the trained lawyer of the group.

Sense Motive #2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Nivik seems to be paying more attention to his surroundings than the actual negotiations. Still he decides to put in his opinion. 15% seems to be a bit high, isn't it?

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30

Milton turns to Sohelia, "I can not help but agree that you are worthy of rates beyond that of a normal merchant. During your perusal of the contract, you no doubt noticed that the rates you are being offered are at least 20% above what is normal under these circumstances. I understand the desire to be well paid, and that is why we argued the rates up on your behalf before we ever brought you this contract."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (8) + 17 = 25 +3 vs Hellknights She's not a Hellknight by any stretch of the imagination, right?

Auto-succeed on Sense Motive

Well, were this to be effortless, elementary and straghtforward, Qalqami would have resolved this matter herself. Our diligence so far has afforded us a modicum of success. I can only hope this can be concluded before our volatile flaws cause an implosion amoungst our team.

Without taking the document from Sohelia, the detective adds, "If the additional compensation Milton refers to is not quite enough, perhaps you could consider enhancing the agreement with an addendum. Mayhaps there is something you would care to stipulate before you sign?"

Auto-succeed on Aid, Diplomacy to provide Milton with +2.

"What are you offering?' she asks of Fendel. "Could you turn the heat down in thiss placce?" She asks with a smile.

Nivik, please give me an Appraise check (or maybe a Bluff if you are not actually agreeing with her.)

Milton: why yeees with an extreeeme streeetching of the imagination they are hellknights! Seriously though, this check earns one success.

There are several checks that can be made to get a success & enough successes will convince her to sign. Just give me a little bit of RP so I know what skill it might apply to and a roll. :)

Success(es): 1

An addendum seems to be a solid compromise. Considering that you are already being offered a generous rate perhaps adding a lower percentage than 15% would be more acceptable to the other party involved? That would make sense to me.

Appraise?: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Awen finally steps forward, his own opinion on the contract making him speak out. "Madam. May I ask if you are currently dealing only with Qalqami? If not, is a 15% increase enough to cover the fees that you will have levied against you should you engage with any other water dealers? I imagine that one such as yourself has many admirers.. I would hate for you to spoil your own party! If you were to read a bit closer, you can see the additions here.. here.. and here. Perhaps if you were to remove those sections, once you add in your already generous profits, you would stand to make a very tidy sum, and would undoubtedly come out of this agreement on top.

Reminded of what Fendel just recently told her about water nagas before entering, Sai moves and leans over to Milton, whispering a riminder to him in hopes the information proves helpful.

Planes: 1d20 + 24 + 1d6 ⇒ (16) + 24 + (5) = 45 For Sai's request for nagas

Hoping to use the big brain knowledge roll in this situation... it should at least help to cater to her culturally.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 14 + 1d6 ⇒ (15) + 14 + (3) = 32
Knowledge, Planes: 1d20 + 24 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 24 + (4) = 34
Knowledge, Arcana: 1d20 + 24 + 1d6 ⇒ (7) + 24 + (2) = 33

"Given the vacillating nature of the magical fabric of the Plane of Fire and the fluid properties of your native Plane, there are significant cost saving measures your organization could employ that would essentially allow this contract to provide greater profits than Qalqami provides for. You would certainly be getting the better of her, and she would be none the wiser unless you opted to share that information with her, at a time most inconvenient, or embarrassing, to her."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 + 1d6 ⇒ (15) + 10 + (1) = 26

I'll let the others take a few swings!

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

"Plus, think about Qalkami's influence here. (Inserting whatever details she knows that might be applicable.) Having her as a business partner can have its own influence-- consider that an added perk to what's in the contract."

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[dice=Appraise?]d20+5

Not a success

[dice=Knowledge, Planes]1d20+24+1d6

[dice=Diplomacy]1d20+10+1d6

Fendel commits to a week of consulting free of charge to teach Sohelei's people how to implement the changes he is referring to. Those three rolls all apply to the same argument, so I am only taking the lowest, so success. Diplomacy has been used already, so it's DC increases (still... a success :).

[dice=Knowledge (local)]1d20+7

"Plus, think about Qalkami's influence here. She will soon be expanding her operations to the city of brass (Inserting whatever details she knows that might be applicable). Having her as a business partner can have its own influence-- consider that an added perk to what's in the contract."

+3 bonus for quoting Q's influence: success.

Awen, if you are referring the exclusivity clause, it relates to twisting the efreet's request (a different goal from the current one). But... Upon showing it to her, the naga immediately initials the change :).

Successes 4,

Soheila has put up a good fight, she has negotiated in an attempt to bring her the best deal possible for the Cerelean Wave. The potential to have an 'in' in the City of Brass, and applying Fendel's techniques to other operations should earn her a huge promotion in her organization. She signs the contract and the Pathfinders secure the completion of another goal.

Where next?

"I believe that we should return to the embassy and consult with our 'hostess' before taking any further actions."

"Agreed. I would also like to rest before we go see Qalkami."

"Shouldn't you all go off and pat yourselves on the back for a job well done?"

Tilting her head to the side at Milton's comment, Sai remains silent, seemingly pondering his words.

Before long she straightens, briefly looking to the others for further commnets.

She then heads back to the embassy as planned, to rest and contemplate on the days actions.

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Adeah looks sidelong at Milton. "Can lawyers make jokes? I can't tell if you're joking. But anyway, I don't remember ever getting through a Society mission without having to shoot something, so... Saves my coinpurse. Well done, all."

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Adeah looks sidelong at Milton. "Can lawyers make jokes? I can't tell if you're joking. But anyway, I don't remember ever getting through a Society mission without having to shoot something, so... Saves my coinpurse. Well done, all."

There is a whole encounter left, but it still might happen. :)

The party, after spending several burning through skill checks decides to recuperate at the embassy. Yasmine let's them know it will be a few hours before dinner yet, but is delighted to hear any tales they party shares. She is glad to be free of the details and finds the marriage of the imp and mephit fascinating.

It is up to you what you share. I know a lot of information was dug up on Carlin, what was done with it?

After a couple hours of recuperating the party eats a good meal, then spends a couple more waiting for sleep to come. Eight hours later after that, all of their skill checks have refilled, the party wakes up to a new day.

You can explore more of the town, report your final success to Qalqami (which will lead to the fourth task), or whatever you would like to do.

I believe both Awen and I wanted to make certain any evidence we discovered on Carlin finds its way to the authorities. Unless I hear otherwise from the team, I will look into how to do that (it may just mean to had it over to Yasmine).

Awen steps back from the negotiations, pleased with the groups input. It seems that despite some major differences, they just well may be able to work together!! He gives Sohelei a bow, and quietly returns to the open air with the rest of the group. As talk turns to their next step, Awen glances over at Fendel, knowing that they still have some unfinished business to tend to. He sidles over to the human, commenting "While we are there, we should take Yasmine off away from Milton and let her know what we dug up earlier on Carlin. She should be able to dig up enough to fill in any holes and get him taken care of!"
He eyes Milton, carefully keeping his voice pitched low, but still expecting another outburst.

As the party sits down with Yasmine, Awen is pleasantly surprised that to be relaxing for a bit. After a while, the tale winds down a bit, and he leans forward towards Yasmine, but nods to Fendel. "We uncovered that Carlin is involved in the smuggling and selling of what he calls "ingestables". Poisons, alchemical stuff.. you name it he seems to have a line in it. From what I gathered, he has it brought here or manufactured here where it is not technically against the law, and others take it elsewhere. I actually have to admire his ingenuity there... I don't believe that there is anything that can be done about it. He was starting to open up about something else when Milton sidetracked the conversation and the guy clammed up."

Sai is present for the meal, though she eats very little. While the others tell their tales, she sits quietly, her eyes closed more often than they are open during the telling. She never relaxes her posture or her position, her body seemingly always on guard. For brief moments her face seems almost peaceful when her eyes are closed, until her eyes open and the dead eyed stare returns.

She turns her head this way and that as she looks around the table at the others, finally settling on Yasmin. "The food was very good. Thank you for your hospitality during our stay here." she says quietly as she stands from the table. She bows in respect to Yasmine and the team of pathfinders around her before taking her leave to rest.

------***------

The next morning, fully rested and ready to face the day, Sai looks to wake the rest of the team, finding Fendel already up and studying some journal by what passes for dawn's light in this place. She nods to the early riser.

"I am interested in exploring this city before we report to Qalkami. It is a rare opportunity to visit such a place. We should experience more than just the tasks at hand. If you or any of the others were to join me, I would not be bothered." she says in her familiar flat tone.

Sai asks after any art galleries or museums of cultural history that may be present in the city, and if there are any vistas that offer a greater view of the surroundings outside the dome.

Always on the lookout for opportunities to gain, or confirm, knowledge, the detective readily agrees to join the Sacred Fist.