Ascension - Mageocracy

Game Master bbangerter

"It is more than unusable, it is a danger. A small spark in this place could destroy this section of the city, fire spreads and explosions spread fire. It must be dissassembled quickly and completely, with the gunpowder safely neutralized...

Know Engineering: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22 is there any other way to neutralize this more efficiently?

"How can I help?" Leo asks Serelina. His disguise still intact as well, though some of his abilities may have shown himself to be a cleric.

From a strictly engineering perspective, dismantling the building would be the safest and most efficient method. Other options though would include drilling into each brick, carefully so as not to risk a spark or compression of the inner contents, then flushing out those found to contain gun powder inside them. Magical means might allow a safer way to do this, using a modified version of a spell such as weaken powder.
Spell research would need to be done to modify the spell of course, leaving the place at risk until such research could be completed.

@GM: What time of the day is it?

Roland continues to stand by and pretend to be a non-descript guard as Serelina advises Yabel on the best way forward regarding the new government building.

Sounds like the best plan of action is for Yabel, with the Tower's help, to dismantle the building and remove/destroy the gunpowder in each brick. A time-consuming process to be sure but likely the best. The Tower could provide guards to cordon the area while the dismantling happens, while a group of apprentice mages with prestidigitation could speed the dismantling along. All that being said, not sure I'm seeing much more our group needs to do with this issue other than inform Ukalo and have him send the resources. Any dissenters here?

If not, then the question is what to do next. IMO the key event is the "Date" Roland has with "Sami" (aka Roscomia of the Rebellion Clan)on the east end of Garden Street tonight. This will very likely be a Battle Royale w./ 6 NPCs like those with the Thieves. We might have the drop on them, but maybe not.

Do we want to do something else before that event? Our leads are legion, including getting Nikado's daughter healed so that he'll help us find Saul and Milah from the scattered Thieves' Guild side of things, meeting Rosuc at the Silver Spirits to bag the mysterious pesh provider he works with, and potential Radgar leads.

On Radgar, looking back through the notes (pg 48 in this thread), I realized I may have let a couple of leads drop. When Roland was questioning Maklo the captured drow, Maklo mentioned three possible leads on Radgar. One was Rosuc, which led us to the Cliff Face and Saul Lepthi's body. That seems to be a dead end for a week in game time (roughly 3 years IRL) when we can Speak with Dead the corpse again. However, Maklo mentioned two other leads: someone named Denro at the Iron Gullet and a Sefek on Beggar's Road.

Depending on what time it is in-game, I'd recommend we go talk to one or both of these leads on Radgar prior to Date Night. However, if folks want to check other leads, or just wait for the big event tonight, I'm good with that too.

Ian wants to protect the build-site until it's at least dismantled enough that an explosion wouldn't be too catastrophic. Recommend splitting the bricks up into 5-6 separate sites that are far enough apart that one wouldn't ignite the others, then handling the gunpowder.

I'm fine with that, Roland. Leo is anxious about spending many more of his magical resources on these 'until tonight happens' quests before we have a full on raid against powerful NPCs tonight.
Putting the cleaning up volatile materials into a hazard team while us elite police rest before our elite-police-bust seems the best course. Get a message to the Tower, have them take care of this unless the situation is currently critical and we are the only ones able to respond.
How do we message the Tower the quickest?

It is mid afternoon, you've got a couple hours before the meeting tonight if you wish to use them doing anything but guarding the building. If you simply wish to sit on guard duty for now we can advance to whatever time you want prior to the meeting on garden street.

Anyone have a raven feather token for the tower? Else its someone goes in person, or send a messenger. Yabel would have the resources, contacts to find one reliable to get a message to the tower.

Let's just use the Feather Token. It is permanent anyway so no harm.

So far it seems like the consensus is to spend the next several hours guarding the building site while it is dismantled, then head to Garden Street for the meeting with Rocosmia's crew.

With a message dispatched the group waits around. Within an hour another three dozen guards arrive to help secure the area. Many of these are human, or other of the normal sized races, and several look around uneasily, being in the heart of tiny town. These guards are in addition to the two dozen gnomes and halflings that had originally been evacuating the area.

Yabel heads off to start filing paperwork and organizing for the deconstruction of the building, much to his irritation.

The gnomish guard captain starts organizing a watch rotation, and sending messengers every which way for supplies. Sunrods to keep the place well lit once night time comes, food supplies for the on going watch, blankets and bedrolls. He comments to Ian and Serelina, "Crime in the streets is going to be up tonight. With so many guardsmen required here we won't be able to run our normal patrols." he shakes his head sadly. "Not that I think much can be done about that, but this is going to make for a fine mess of things."

They will only just begin to start taking the building apart at the time your other appointment is to come up.

Plans for garden street? Disguises? What time are members of the party arriving? Who is going into the inn/restaurant that they are scheduled to meet at? Who is hanging out in the streets somewhere?

Roland's our sneaky face, and our prime contact here, so he should have point. I'm also sneaky, though not nearly as skilled, so I can be a close look out, in disguise and keeping tabs with the others via message. Ian generally like's being in his guard plate, so probably keep him out of sight so as to not spook them. Maybe in a building nearby, or if we are meeting in an inn, have him hire a woman and kill time in one of the rooms (and I mean waiting and nothing else). Rilumin on overwatch with Seralina nearby (and Ian if he doesn't have a convenient nearby location) to teleport in at a moments notice. How are your teleport uses going, Serelina? Roland, do you have any way to utilize your eidolon in this situation, or are you going to have to go in 'Naked' once again?

We should scout out the area before hand, even if this means we need to teleport nearby once the guards arrive at our current sight. We don't want the enemy to have their ambush in place before we can set up our own. They'll most likely have the element of more preparation than we will, unless their day has been equally as busy. However, if we can SPOT the other team's hiding spots before they spring their side of things, we'll at least not be defenseless to it.

I forget the specifics of the area where we're meeting her. What is near Garden Street that could be useful? Inns? Nearby gaurd stations? High ground? Convenient alley ways? If possible, I'd like to roll any relevant skill to find something advantageous (i'm guessing just what I'd know from living in the city. I don't seem to have many relevant skill ranks). I'm not opposed to hiring local ne'er-do-wells into being extra eyes for us, either.

Scouting ahead of time is a good idea. Maybe two hours before meet, and maybe just Rilumin actually scouting to minimize chance of being detected. Not sure what is near Garden Street exactly, though Roland has pretty good Know: Local (Ian too I think) so maybe we would know something. Keep in mind that Rocosmia's crew shouldn't know what exactly to expect. I doubt she saw through Roland's disguise or picked out too many falsehoods. That said, they DO know that someone Held the little guy that was following Roland during the last date. Overall, I doubt that they will simply try to jump us without asking questions first, but we cannot be sure.

@GM: Could Roland use Disguise while in Fused Eidolon Form? If so, this solves that problem.

I REALLY want Roland in Fused Eidolon form for this encounter. Hound Archons are nice but combat wise it isn't even close when buffs are on. But the challenge is I need 10 rounds to go into Fused Eidolon form. So, if the GM rules Roland cannot disguise in Fused Eidolon form...I had an idea: what if Leo goes in disguised as Roland's "Llewellyn" human merchant disguise? This would allow Roland to be in Fused Eidolon form and not limit Leo's capabilities. Obviously need Leo to sign onto this, but think it might work.

For Rilumin, a rooftop or similar sniper perch would do quite nicely. We definitely need Ian armored up, and both he and Serelina don't have a way to stay hidden short of Invis spells. My thought is to have them together but well out of sight. Roland/Leo links to Serelina via message spell, and can signal her to teleport both her and Ian directly into the fray.

Sounds good.

Leo would be down. He watched Roland while in character, so he wouldn't be awful at it.

agreed

@GM: Could Roland use Disguise while in Fused Eidolon Form? If so, this solves that problem.

Yes, though you'd suffer the normal penalties for being off race. I can't remember if you are large in eidolon fused form or not though, if you are that would of course not be functional for a disguise.

Garden street is only a couple hundred yards from the tower grounds, the homes and shops on the street catering to those who are well to do, but not considered wealthy. There are numerous beams crossing over the street from which are hung potted plants, or are covered in vines. Quite a few trees line the street.

At the east end is a large courtyard decorated with topiary bushes and several fountains. During the day and early evening hours it is common to find street musicians and dancers near or in the eastern garden. And several benches in the area allow those watching the performances to comfortably do so. It would be easy for a person to hide from the view of the street itself in the courtyard area.

The street does not have many side alleys, though the homes generally have 5-10' between them and other nearby buildings, but iron wrought fences prevent passage through these areas. Nearly all the buildings in the area are two story.

I'm out of town over the weekend, but will hopefully get a map of the street up Sunday night.

Roland's standard Fused Eidolon form is Medium, so he could disguise himself. He does cast Enlarge on himself sometimes, but the base eidolon form isn't Large.

Given the GM's ruling, I'd recommend keeping Roland on point for this. Slightly better Disguise+Face skills than Leo, plus less chance Rocosmia picks up the difference.

Leo could be in disguise again, though a different one from last time, and tail Rocosmia and Roland. Ian and Serelina could position themselves in the Garden Street courtyard area, with Leo and Serelina linked by Message spell. Rilumin IMO is still best positioned on the rooftops for max overwatch capability.

As for order of events, I'd recommend: 1)Rilumin scouts the area an hour before the meeting and gets into a stealth position on the nearby rooftops, 2) Rilumin uses the Feather Token to send word to the rest that all is well (or not) 15 minutes before Rocosmia and Roland are to meet, 3) About 5 minutes after the Feather Token arrives, Serelina and Ian move into the Courtyard area, making as if they are watching the entertainers and send the Feather Token back to Rilumin, 3) Roland arrives in Eidolon Form but Disguised as Llewellyn for the date with Leo in Disguise and trailing.

Here's what we know of the group we are hunting. They are the one's who killed Master Torenest and are trying to cause rebellion in the city: 1) Drewan: A male catfolk. His fur is gray and black striped, with his torso being covered by studded leather. A composite longbow and greatsword are strapped to his back, 2) Roscomia: A seductive looking ifrit woman dressed in silks that aren't quite revealing. A composite short bow and cloak are across her back. Hezek called her "sensuous and dangerous both". 3) Hazzan: A half-orc. Only saw a brief glimpse of him in the viewing. Hezek called him a "warrior of some god, I care not which". 4) Jake: A human. We know very little about him. Hezek only called him "a quiet man". 5) Dev: Hezek said he is "misshapen like me, twisted by your works no doubt", 6) Digger: Human male, "another crafty and sly one". It is likely one of Dev or Jake is a summoner (but not a Synth Sum like Roland). Overall they likely have a lot of tricks up their sleeve, but should be vulnerable to brute force attacks or things that force Fort and (to a lesser extent) Will saves. AC and Hp's are likely to be weaknesses.

Hard to say what exactly we'll face when we make contact. If we see any of them in position prior to Roland's arrival, we are likely better picking them off beforehand, quietly if possible. They may try to jump Roland when he appears, but is perhaps the least likely option. We will need to decide what we want to do if they don't make a move at all. Have Roland keep up the ruse? Arrest Rocosmia on the spot? Other ideas? Open to suggestions here.

Other thoughts or disagreements?

Sounds good to me. Should I burn another healing burst on the crew before we do this? Who needs it?

Serelina could use more healing, though I would say it would be best to use wands outside of combat. She is up for waiting out in the courtyard with Message in place.

I don't appear to have a healing wand in my inventory, but if someone else has one and can't use it, I'll totally use it to heal you however much you want (Feel free to roll the heals yourself in this case)

Rilumin arrives an hour early, and spends some time looking over the area, both on the rooftops and in the courtyard garden area, but does not notice anything out of place. In the process of scouting the area though he hears several disturbing snatches of conversation.

"...demons at the south gate. They killed two guardsmen then fled the area..."

"...there was several civilians killed too..."

"...first Gumlat, now Coran itself..."

A quick look around again shows the absence of any city guard in the immediate area.
The south gate is close to the area, only a couple minutes distance.

By all appearances it seems Rilumin has arrived well in advance of anyone matching the descriptions known.

The other members of the group start arriving shortly after.

Map

The map has tentative positions for everyone, with Roland standing out front of the inn/restaurant they are meeting at. Let me know if you want any positions adjusted.

Not shown are numerous pedestrians.

@Rilumin: remember that you have the Feather Token, so if you see anything the rest of us need to be aware, use it to send a message to Serelina

@GM: Just prior to arriving at the site, Roland will cast Message (ping to Leo), Mage Armor, Greater Magic Fang, Expeditious Retreat, Shield and Bear's Endurance on himself. The last three of these will be cast through his Lesser Extend Rod

@GM: Also, do we know anything about the Inn/Restaurant? Anti-Mageocracy leanings? History of violence or other problems? I hadn't recall a particular establishment being agreed upon for the meet; going indoors will change the plan a bit, but we can move ahead.

In disguise, Roland approached the meeting spot for his date with "Sami". While doing so, he kept a surreptitious eye out for any of the other suspected members of Rocosmia's band. As soon as he spots the irfrit woman, he approaches with a wide smile. I was hoping you wouldn't stand me up. Taking her hand for a kiss while never breaking eye contact, "Llewellyn" motioned toward the Inn. You look ravishing, shall we?

I'm assuming nothing happens as the group gets into position. If I'm advancing things too far we can back up. Also, others may (or may not) want to buff. Roland doesn't plan to spend too much time in the restaurant.

good thing you mentioned that. i had forgotten

I'm going to roll you back just slightly for Sami's appearance, then you insert your greeting and we continue from there.

Nothing particular about the restaurant, no known ties or leanings against the mageocracy. It does cater to more of the upper class, so an occasional comment or conversation among the privileged idealistic sons and daughters of the wealthy, but nothing that would have ever been taken seriously. No history of past violence. Most who come there would consider themselves of the genteel sort to be involved in such a scandalous notion.

A glimpse of Sami and her half-orc companion from the other night can be seen across the garden courtyard. The half-orc stops and sits in one of the benches at the east side of the garden, while Sami makes her way through the crowds.

As she passes through the middle she takes out a flute from among her silken clothing and puts it to her lips. The faint sounds permeate the garden, hard to hear above the other musicians and general noise in the courtyard without straining to hear it, though it becomes clearer as she approaches.

Her skill with the flute is mediocre, but as she gets closer she begins to dance to her tune, twirling and weaving her body seductively. Soon nearly every male eye in the area is watching her. Where her flute playing is common, her dance is mesmerizing. Just descriptively speaking, not mind-effecting magically so.

She stops at last in front of Roland, tucking her flute back into her clothing. "And miss the chance to get to know you better?" she smiles. There is nearly an audible sigh from the watching men as she chooses to walk into the inn with Roland.

That starting position works for me. Leo will be disguised as a semi-rich looking lad of about his own age, pacing and reading to himself form a piece of parchment, with a quill in his other hand. He'll occasionally walk to the nearby fountain and use it's surrounding surface to scribe/scratch out a couple of verses.

He'd be dressed in what looks like a costume of a knight, clearly fake armor and an unpainted shield. Sometimes he'd use his pen like his is choreographing a fight, with the pen as his sword.

For all purposes, he appears to be an actor, in partial costume, trying to work out his lines/blocking for some performance. He'll be drawing inspiration from such a mummery from one he has read during his time in the library.

Bluff at +9

Keeping message on everyone in the party, Rilumin appearing to be within my 170 foot range.

Retcon, Serelina took time to fill open spell slots with See Invisibility and protection from evil. She casts see invisibility on herself through an extend rod.

Waiting to hear something via her message spell she casually mentions to Ian, "Interesting how we are always paired together on these sorts of occasions. Why do you think that is?"

whoops, I don't know message. Skip that last part.

Sami and Roland head inside, where a young man dressed in fine clothing leads them to a seat by a window overlooking the garden area. "A glass of wine to start with?" he asks.

The inside is illuminated entirely by candles along the walls and hanging from the ceiling in decorative chandeliers. "So how long have you lived in Coran?" Sami asks.

Ian gives the witch a suspicious look. "Tactics I guess."

He hesitates a moment in the silence then asks, "You think much about the old crew? Tomlin, Tavrus, Valdr--whoever else was there before I joined. Guess when we die they'll replace us too, huh?"

Roland watched Sami's movements appreciatively as she approached, but hidden behind a mask of calm his mind churned. So no outward ambush, but you did bring your friend. Might the others be close by? Perhaps there is a way to strike a blow against your little band without abandoning my disguise.....

Before Sami could get in earshot of his whisper, Roland messaged Leo: After I go into the inn, have Serelina and Ian arrest Hazzan the half-orc for the murder of Master Torenest. He should be no trouble on his own, but be wary of his friends showing up. I will try to keep up my ruse unless my help is truly needed.

Roland took Sami's arm with a broad smile; basking in the glow of the other jealous men without a hint of deception needed. As they headed into the restaurant and were offered a table, Roland pointed to one further back in the establishment, more secluded. Perhaps a bit more privacy, yes? Once seated, he wholly concurs with a glass of wine to start the evening and smiles in response to Sami's question. Off and on for some years, though business seems to call me away more often than I would like. With a wistful look he added, the adventure is enjoyable, place depending of course, but I do appreciate Coran every time I return. The bustle, the energy, it feels quite right. Taking a sip of wine as it arrives he returned the question. And you? Is it possible that such an exquisite creature has lived so close by so often and I am yet to notice?

@Group: Taking out Hazzan while he is out in the open and potentially alone is a tactical choice. It appears that the others in the rebellion won't come out into the open on their own, and it isn't clear what they are waiting on. We're ready for this battle so let's force the issue a bit. It may be that Hazzan simply let's himself be arrested, in which case we shave one off their numbers and Roland can keep up his guise. In that case just take him to the tower dungeons and we can question him later. If it draws the rest of them out and a fight ensues, great, we have Rilumin in position and leo coming out of disguise to surprise them. Roland will keep Rocosmia out of the fray, but could join in later if needed in the fight.

Leo whispers back to Roland once he hears his message. 'I hope you meant right now, because that's how I think you meant that.

He scratches a few lines into the chicken-scratched parchment he is writing upon

After Roland enters the tower, Leo struggles with his next line, and tentatively approaches the wizard and the guard.

"Excuse me, m'lady and sir. I don't mean to impose, but I was hoping you could give an honest mummer help with these lines I'm writing. Surely a man as strong as you could give some realism to one who only pretends?" he says, and holds the letter out to Ian with a tentative hand.

Ian or Serelina?

I think I am missing something. Is there a half-orc on our map that I'm not seeing? I don't know what we are expected to do...

He didn't fit on the map view (though he would if I slid everything to the left), but he is on the east side of the garden courtyard.

Serelina looks at the note and says, "This is preposterous. I don't know how anyone would think this is a good idea. The Heroine in the play is obviously ill-prepared and has spent her best resources already, and her allies are spread out all over creation... it simply doesn't make sense."

Serelina's spell power is significantly spent for the day from the last battle, if phantasmal killer failed, Ian would be basically one-on-one with this guy and if others showed up they would be overmatched.

Keep in mind we have Rilumin on the roof and Leo there as well, plus Roland to join in if necessary. Although the idea to arrest the half-orc is a new wrinkle in the plan, we had always come here planning for a full-on brawl with a group of NPC's.

Serelina hands the note to Ian. "What are your thoughts on the piece?

GM also mentioned a guard post was very close, if you wanted to grab reinforcements first

Ian reads the note. "Let's go bag him."

He heads off to find and arrest the half-orc.

The south gate is only a couple of minutes away, so someone could go there to fetch some guards and come back in plenty of time, so long as Roland doesn't mess up the dinner plans. But with Ian's post...

As Ian crosses the courtyard, the half-orc gives him a look over, then turns and begins casually walking north, keeping some distance from the guardsman. Unless Ian runs, or calls a halt, or something else...

Photo bucket seems to not be working at the moment, I'll try again in the morning to a map update posted.

"Stop! You're under arrest!" Ian runs after him.

It's probably best Leo maintain his cover for now. And Hezzek should probably be taken alive, yes?

Leo will take a few shocked steps as the plate wearing guard abruptly turns away from him to chase down some half-orc, gawking at the sight. He doesn't close so far as to go outside the effects of his message spell with Roland, erring on the side of staying near the building, rather than following Ian.

"Leo, with me. We aren't going to leave Ian on his own. Roland wanted us to arrest him, he knew that might leave him alone. He is highly capable."

Serelina sets out to follow Ian, drawing reagents for her most powerful spell should the fool fight or run.

Message has a 170' range. You're fine.

I'm assuming Serelina sent her comments to Leo via message. At this point we don't want to blow Leo's cover just yet.

Serelina could stay back from Ian, and let him make the arrest. Rilumin would see all this happening too and could have his bow sights trained right on the half-orc

Inside the inn and well back from the exterior wall facing the courtyard, Roland keeps up the conversation with Sami. Cognizant of what was about to occur outside, he also kept watch for his date to try anything unexpected.

Actually, Serelina purposefully said it aloud so as to ruin his cover and lend force to her wishes for him to accompany her. She sees Roland's conver as still intact as long as he wants it as he isn't within earshot and is apparently unrelated to Leo's situation. She is also of the opinion that if the group is acting, the cover provides little value at this point.

Rilumin is ready to pincushion on command.

The half-orc ignores Ian, and picks up his pace.

Should probably move to initiative. Anyone beating an 11 can go before the half-orc does.

Map

"Born and raised here in Coran. I spent a couple years in Issust Hold, but found I missed the big city and lower crime rates." Sami tilts her head, "I always found it odd that there was more crime among the populace there then here." she pauses, "Though of late, that may not be the case anymore. So much chaos in this.... gang war."

"So how is the life of adventure? Don't you fear you won't make it back some time?"

init: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

i assume those are archways north of me? 3 of them? I'd like to stealthily cross one to the north. if that isn't what they are let me know and i will revise.

Those are the wooden beams from which hanging plants are hooked, and upon which vines grow over. DC 10 acrobatics to cross, and movement reduced to half while crossing them. So double move then it sounds like to get to/near the NE corner of the building Roland is in.

yes that is the destination im shooting for.
acrobatics: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (2) + 17 = 19
stealth: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (20) + 25 = 45

Init: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

Running at him.