Race for the Runecarved Key (3-4) - CORE (Inactive)

Game Master nightdeath

Apollyanna Lapin Sukino realises that she might have to either follow her more sucessful comrades or well.....speak to even more people!
You can attempt a Diplomacy or Knowledge (Local or Nobility) check to find a specific individual or attempt a Diplomacy, Knowledge (Local or Nobility), Perception or Sense Motive check to give a more generic description of the type of person you seek.

"Publicly funded? You have an enlightened public!" smiles Prisim.

"Why, I think in Absalom they should have publicly funded hair dressing. Honestly, some of the people there look as if they haven't seen a pair of scissors for half their lives." she rambles.

"Who was emperor Xin, and where was the temple of seven paradises? That sounds like somewhere I'd like to go!"

Apollyanna Lapin Sukino realises that she might have to either follow her more sucessful comrades or well.....speak to even more people!

You can attempt a Diplomacy or Knowledge (Local or Nobility) check to find a specific individual or attempt a Diplomacy, Knowledge (Local or Nobility), Perception or Sense Motive check to give a more generic description of the type of person you seek.

Just to be clear though, she doesn't know anything about anyone or the last person on the list (depending on how it is ruled) other than the people's names with a Knowledge check of 18 (that roll way back when). It was more a roll to see If she recognized anyone by name (Angelina Jolie? Wasn't she the mayor of Hamburg?) rather than find them in the crowd roll. I'm not arguing, I made the roll without a prompt, I just wanted to make sure you knew what Apollyanna was trying to accomplish.

diplomacy ('Hey! Has anyone seen {insert name here}!'): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

"So I was running late to my confirmation...."

Hmm I understood somewhat and took a guess on others. The way this is written is the expectation for PCs to generally not know who the people are and thus encourage them to first identify them/look for them before speaking with them.

Miriel returns to her companions, disappointed. "Unfortunately, I wasn't successful in my attempt of finding out what the serpentine coalition desires" she apologizes.

"Lannior, the second name you mentioned was Falrig Sneve? I may as well continue my attempts at learning about the competition and one name is as good as any, I presume" she continues, and heads to find the person.

Yes, that's correct, He tell Miriel, I'll go with you. Lannior joins Miriel to try to talk to or even find Falrig Sneve.

Aid Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 7

Prisim's ears prick up at the good doctors words "There is some pretty stiff looking competition out there.." she points out. With a swish of her hands she indicates the size of the crowd. "Surely a publically funded museum will have difficulty meeting some of these private individuals wealth.."

Suggestion: You might want to pick an NPC and start talking before the next phrase rolls in.

"Oh... a wealthy benefactor?" asks Prisim, whose ears do a good impression of an elfs.

"A lover of history... or perhaps a more personal type of supporter?"

"Yes I do have a wealthy benefactor who has responded to my plea for funds." and with that he seems to clam up.

***OVERSEER POST***

The cathedral’s sexton calls everyone’s attention “The pre-auction gala has ended; all must leave the cathedral immediately. Thank you for attending and we’ll see many of you back here for the auction.”

You return to the Heidmarch Mansion. The theater is filled with your fellow Pathfinders, all buzzing with excitement. Sheila Heidmarch, raises her hands and quiets the room before speaking. “Well my colleagues, I trust you were successful this evening? Anyone have information to share? Let’s see some hands.”

A dwarf clad in full plate with a great hammer on his back calls out ”Aye, we met Rinks, a halfling who said he was acting on behalf of one of his clients. We found out that he has spent the last few months here in Magnimar betting on the bullfights at the Matador’s Lodge. He was not as lucky as most of his kind and has run up a sizable debt with the lodge’s owner, Master Basaale Minvandu. The halfling is staying in the Old Fang Inn”

A couple of humans push a grippli forward ”Quon here also has to report something” they say. The grippli turns a brighter shade of green and then softly starts speaking ”I am afraid we made a bit of a mess at the gala. That Chelaxian woman, Zimandi Kaddren, found out that we are with the Pathfinder Society and she immediately stormed off in anger, saying that she would take every effort to outbid the Society at the auction.” The grippli seems to have found his voice as he continues ”We asked around and we discovered that her parents vanished during an expedition to a mysterious fortress known as Viperwall in central Varisia. I think that she blames the disappearance of her parents upon the Pathfinder Society.”

A famous halfling jumps on a table ”I am Lem and I can report that the curator of the Museum of Ages is also interested in the artifact! Doctor Landis has secured a donation for the key. He thinks it is an item of great historical significance, and that it was created by Emperor Xin to unlock a temple of seven paradises. I would have expected that Nigel Aldain of the Blakros museum would also be present, but I did not see him. That is all for me!”

A human woman calls out, the symbol of Iomedae obvious on the buckler that she has strapped to her left arm. On the same hip she has an Aldori duelling sword. ”I talked to two women dressed in travellers’ outfits. Both had with thick Varisian accents. They introduced themselves as ‘the Duchesses’ and said they live in Ordellia where they work as caravan guards. Beyond that, they had little to say.”

A servant rushes in and hands Sheila Heidmarch a note ”Give me a moment, this is probably important, otherwise Jacob here would not have disturbed us”. She reads the note and briefly ponders it for a moment.

“Well, my friends, it seems Desna smiles upon us. My sources have just informed me that the Aspis Consortium has fewer funds than we first imagined. Thus, they have sent word to an ally in Korvosa to ship them more gold. Fortunately, I still have a few spies in Korvosa. A few days ago, the Consortium hired a Varisian caravan to carry a sizable shipment of gold to Magnimar, presumably to help them secure the Runecarved Key’s purchase.”

“The caravan was traveling along the Yondabakari River and should be nearing the outskirts of the city in a few hours. I need you to ride out to the caravan before it gets within sight of the city walls and ensure that gold never reaches the Aspis Consortium at Bronze House. Take whatever gold you can, but try not to draw attention to yourselves as Pathfinders. It’s bandit territory out there anyway, so caravan raids aren’t uncommon. That said, rest assured the caravan will be armed. As soon as you’re finished, hurry back here. We don’t want Maiveer Sloan to catch on to our plot. I’ll send a white raven to signal you to return before the situation becomes too risky.”

Table GMs, you should start encounter 2.

"Um, there was this suspicious-looking, horsey-faced woman taking notes on the key."

“The caravan was traveling along the Yondabakari River and should be nearing the outskirts of the city in a few hours. I need you to ride out to the caravan before it gets within sight of the city walls and ensure that gold never reaches the Aspis Consortium at Bronze House. Take whatever gold you can, but try not to draw attention to yourselves as Pathfinders. It’s bandit territory out there anyway, so caravan raids aren’t uncommon. That said, rest assured the caravan will be armed. As soon as you’re finished, hurry back here. We don’t want Maiveer Sloan to catch on to our plot. I’ll send a white raven to signal you to return before the situation becomes too risky.”

"But that's cheating!"

"Polly... This is the Aspis. They probably stole the money to begin with. And if we use it to buy the key, it will go toward public goods in the city. Probably feed some orphans. I bet they commission a beautiful statue too! "

"Yeah, but stealing just doesn't seem right. I mean aren't we just lowering ourselves to their level?"

Yeah Apollyanna, think of the big picture, the greater good. We get the gold, it helps us win it and not the Aspis. The gold still goes to the same place, the people of Magnimar. So no change there. But what does change, well our organization gain the Key, you know we'll be better stewards of it than the Aspis. Also, Lady Heidmarch's influence will grow in the city and Sloan's will decrease. He gives Apollyanna a grin. Seems like that ends justify the means here.

"Maybe we could offer our services to them as guards. After all those pathfinders have got wind of their money chest"

Following Heidmarch’s marching orders, you immediately head out into the darkness of the night by foot to intercept the caravan. You follow the Yondabakari route, which eventually leads into the Varisian Forest. A place filled with lush greenery, especially pine and redwood trees, for miles to come. Several miles into your hike outside of the city walls, a side trail branches off and away from the Yondabakari and winds south into a forest of ancient evergreens. A faint glowing light in the distance attracts your attention. Off to the side of the path, nestled into a deep pocket of spruces, sleeps a small Varisian caravan, only two wagons strong.

A small campfire has been lit to keep the travellers warm in the cold of the night. A few men, presumably those that travel with the wagon, sleep around the fire. From afar you believe you note a single person scouting the immediate vicinity of the encampment, and he moves around in no discernable pattern.

An open wagon with (a) sleeping person/people rest closer to the road, inside it are small cartons of goods, likely rations and supplies, and one cage which seems to hold a creature within it. Another covered wagon rest further out from the road.

How do you approach?

Yeah Apollyanna, think of the big picture, the greater good. We get the gold, it helps us win it and not the Aspis. The gold still goes to the same place, the people of Magnimar. So no change there. But what does change, well our organization gain the Key, you know we'll be better stewards of it than the Aspis. Also, Lady Heidmarch's influence will grow in the city and Sloan's will decrease. He gives Apollyanna a grin. Seems like that ends justify the means here.

"That's not true. Stealing is stealing, and it makes us no better than them. Lannior, that's the same argument they would make, isn't it? And what if these people aren't part of the Consortium, and are just transporting the gold? What if they resist? Are you just going to kill them? Will the ends justify the means then? Shelyn says we should always try to see the beauty in others."

Apollyanna drags her feet on the rails set before her, but goes along to keep the others out of trouble.

perception: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (8) - 2 = 6

"Do you see anything?"

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

See there! The Aspis snake has been painted on the wagon wheel. Lannior says in a hushed tone.

I don't know you might be right Apollyanna, but seems like you would make it more that symbol more obvious if not the real Aspis to remove any doubt. That one requires a sharp eye to notice.

Lannior personally would take up a position inside the tree line with as good a review of the camp as possible and snipe from there. I might suggest hitting both wagons at once??

Lannior easily spots that only one guard is on patrol.
The others are asleep around the campfire. The wagon drivers are asleep in their wagons though you noticed two robed figures as well. More interestngly, one wagon has a cage where a beast sits inside asleep.

Knowledge (Arcana to identify.

"I do agree with you, Apollyanna. We should be protecting travellers, not attacking them. Our superiors are probably right in their assumption that the gold is ill-gotten, but law and justice is not made by acting on probabilities. If we can find evidence that the gold is from unlawful sources, situation would be different. Maybe we could perform an inquiry? In any case, they have the legal and moral right to travel, so ambushing is out of the question", Miriel agrees with Apollyanna.

"Should we go and discuss the situation with the caravan? I'm certain our goddess will be with us. If it turns into hostilities, then our companions can join and avenge our deaths", she continues, putting her weapons away. She straightens her dress and looks at the caravan, determined.

"If no-one can find a iron-proof reason they are criminals, I must go and meet them. I'll try not to give out your positions", she says.

If nobody stops Miriel, she'll go to the caravan camp and discuss with them.

Prisim shrugs and heads back. "One day I'm going to know what is right to do, just like Polly." she confides to Lannior.

"Maybe they will just attack Miriel and then it is self defence."

"Should we go and discuss the situation with the caravan? I'm certain our goddess will be with us. If it turns into hostilities, then our companions can join and avenge our deaths"

"Our deaths!?" Apollyanna gulps nervously before continuing. "Well then I'm going too."

Earlyer

Out of the question? These are Aspis! Look you can come and help with our mission or you can sit on your butts here and do nothing. Lini is not too understanding. But if you do not come, then you do not get to critique how we do the mission, and if people end up dying because you did not want to get your hands dirty, well that's on you/

In the woods

Once the caravan is spotted Lini casts a few long duration buffs on Droogami. She notes Those louts have some poor animal in a cage!

Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22 Maybe this will tell me its not a natural animal.

When Polly announces she is going to go talk to the caravan Lini explains If you can turn them around then we do not have to fight them. But if you cannot delay them, well we will have to fight. She watches the paladins walk out of cover while she hides holding a wand.

Omrijka will accompany miriel and offer some words

diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

"Word has reached magnanimous (Magnimar) that you come with lots of gold. You wanna be careful about dat"

Prisim glides along in the woods, about ten foot behind the two paladins, trying to look inconspicuous.

"There is no end to those naughty Aspsis. Why, I had just joined up and was enjoying fun and games at the Grand Lodge when they attacked us... at a party!" she confides to Lini.

Earlyer

Out of the question? These are Aspis! Look you can come and help with our mission or you can sit on your butts here and do nothing. Lini is not too understanding. But if you do not come, then you do not get to critique how we do the mission, and if people end up dying because you did not want to get your hands dirty, well that's on you/

In the woods

Once the caravan is spotted Lini casts a few long duration buffs on Droogami. She notes Those louts have some poor animal in a cage!

Earlier.

Later in the woods.

"Perhaps it's committed a crime of some sort." she says of the caged animal.

Later still in the woods.

"Yeah, what Omrijka said--mostly. Heheh. "

diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Then she suddenly realizes that all three of them are talking. "What we mean is can we talk?"

Nice rolls.

The guard looks up and then loudly calls out.
"What do you skulks in the woods want?" his hand on the hilt of his weapon. as his shout begins to raise the others. They do so pretty quickly. The wagon drivers are startled into waking and they look around nervously.

"The Night has Fallen but day has not yet arrived from the city. Will our road still be stalked?"

Round X
Omrijka
Bad Guys 1 x4
Bad Guys 3
Miriel Magol
Bad Guys 2 x2
Lannior Llarm
Apollyanna Lapin Sukino
Lini and Droogami
Prisim

"Skulks?" shouts out Prisim in anoyance.

"If we were skulking, which we totally wouldn't as it is soo hard on your hair. Anyway, if we were, you would never have seen us. Which again would be a pity, because Polly has spent an age polishing up her armour, and I did her hair this morning and she looks stunning."

sense motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7

yer dey is lots of stalkers about. Word has it you lot is carrying a ton of gold”

Omrijka thinks it still time to talk

"Well I can see that there's quite a few stalkers about and I see that you came based on word alone eh?" he smirks.

"Must have being here for easy pickings but too bad for all of you. We're Honest Traders and tons of gold as you crudely put it is something we don't have. I'd suggest that you and your friends leave now unless you ahve other things on your mind."

sense motive: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (4) - 2 = 2

"Was that free-verse poetry? It was pretty good. I always thought you Aspis Consortium types were more in to charts with boxes and arrows pointing to other boxes. It's sort of a personal bias, but it's proven true more than once. Anyhow we don't mean any harm. In fact, we're here right now to avoid that sort of thing."

Apollyanna detects evil.

"I would like to have a civilized discussion about what would be the best course of action, preferred goal of course being that everyone can return home content. There are some unexpected elements, which may prove troublesome or even dangerous to many", Miriel continues her navigation through conflicting desires of her superiors and her faith.

"Wait, what are you waving? Just tell them to come talk!" she snaps when she notices the guard's gesturing.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Llanior doesn't notice anything in the fire light. But he's seen the Aspis's symbol and despite the Roses efforts, he thinks a fight is still likely. He keeps with his original plan and tries to silently use the dark and many bodies around to sneak off into a better position.

Stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Double move at half speed. Not a great roll but at night looking into the darkness and with lots of shadows around, hopefully will get a circumstance bonus :)

Can those closer see better what is in the cage? Can we get a description?

Prisim hrumps at the guard "And I was going to offer to do your hair for you too. But if you are going to be rude about it.." she fumes.

"I won't and.... I'll put out to everyone that you are a big meanie and nobody will want to be your friend."

intimidate(size): 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 6 - 4 = 19

Unsure who is up. Have all the Aspis acted?

Init order is there in case we do get into a fight. Which I think is highly likely.
Btw nobody moved on the map? So we're shouting across the forest?

Miriel guesses that the guard is passing out some form of secret message and it's highly likely that they are now nervous towards your appearance.

The lead one continues speaking even though he looks shaken.
"If you have no authority here and you say you come in peace, kindly remove yourself in peace as well. We are Traders passing through and if you look at it our way, you come skuling out of the night like bandits and talk about our cargo as if you know something about it. What do you think we would take it as?" his and his companions hands on their weapon hilts.
His posturing doesn't look very intimidating though.

Polly doesn't feel that the guard is evil.

Nobody notices Lannior at all for some really strange reason. The ladies must have commanded all their attention!
He does notice that the creature inside the cage is some kind of Lizard.
Knowledge (Arcana)
The two wagon drivers are alert and seem ready to bolt at the slightest command given and he hears low mumuring though he can't see anybody.

Meanwhile Lini and Droogami watches everything from where they are though bits and pieces of what they're saying comes through.

Round X
Omrijka
Guards x4
Bad Guy?
Miriel Magol
Bad Guys? (2) x2
Lannior Llarm
Apollyanna Lapin Sukino
Lini and Droogami
Prisim

moved everyone who has spoken to within twenty feet of the front of the caravan

Omrijka looks round for the skulks the Aspis is talking about

Lini and Pet move to tree. Note that they were only 60' away and Lini is +12 perception. She would have missed little. Also I did not know that there was a map until you mentioned it.

The Aspis Guard stares pointly at Omrijka and her 'sisters' and waits.
It's plain to see if the trio would move off or if they have to resort to more drastic actions.

Lini and Omrijka can hear faint chanting, its slow but stops before begining again.
Spellcraft if you have.

Miriel takes a deep breath after her annoyed snapping, then continues on a peaceful tone.

"We know of about your employer, the consortium is notorious in their lack of respect towards laws and rules", Miriel says, pointing at the Aspis symbol. "More pressing matter is that we know that continuing is dangerous, as there are factions willing to attack you, regardless of your rights to travel", she continues, trying to avoid mentioning who the threatening people actually are.

"If you still believe I am here to attack you, I must remind you: An ambush would have been much stronger done before you notice us, not by coming here to discuss the matter.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30

While you talk they are casting spells and preparing to fight. Lini warns in calm voice. She then casts Bulls Strength on Droogami.

"Wow Lini, you totally have good hearing. I mean, I'm a gnome and I have a good nose, but no way did I hear that."

She however waits for her sisters to decide what is right to do here.

Lannior continues to circle into position bow drawn and arrow notched.

From her new position, does Apollyanna's little eye spy any thing else beginning with 'e'?

Lini identifies the spells being cast as Invisibility and Mage Armor.

Lannior's keen eyes spot something more.
The cage somehow has being opened and a reptile of some sort has crawled out.

Polly doesn't notice anything else except that all the guards other the leader has changed position, something the rest has noticed as well.

"The fact that you're still here and telling us about possible ambush while speaking about my employers say far more then you do know. If you have nothing else then be on your way. Unless you have a warrant or such, don't speak of my-......"he cocks his head as if listening to something.
"Pathfinders.....I see now. You must be here to rob us then."

"No. If we were here to rob you we would have snuck in, attacked you all without warning like your employers did at the Grand Lodge a while ago. We're not here for that. We're here to talk. Are your employers around?"

She keeps detect evil up.

"Excuse me? A while ago? Are you bringing up false charges now? Do tell when. If you can't then we must take it that you're just here with Ulterior motives. Just what are all fo you here for?"

A voice soon speaks up coming from the caravans, sounding irritated.
"Who is seeking me?"

Well that proves it they are Aspis, orders are orders, I'll do what Lady Heidmarch asked even if the others won't Lannior thinks as he watches the Aspis make there preparations. He takes a step forward and fires an arrow at the first coach driver red coach .

Darkwood Composite Longbow+PbP+Favored Enemy (human): 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 8 + 1 + 2 = 29
damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 1 + 2 = 11

If not human subtract 2 from atk/dmg