DM B's PFS PbP By Way of Bloodcove (Inactive)

Game Master Beckett

open for dotting.

Caith looks around

"Hail Caith and well met friend."

"Well met. It's nice to see a familair face on this assignment."

"Do you think anyone else will join us? Or is this one of those stealth missions...and the others are just way better at this then us?"

Roderick pulls out a pipe to chew upon while pondering the mission and lack of agents.

I am not sure, Caith. Yet if this is indeed a stealth mission, it would appear their selection process appears faulty if WE were the two selected."

He follows with a grin at the dwarf.

"I've heard about something like this...perhaps we are the decoys? The loud obvious team that is send to cause a distraction? Now that we can do!"

Caith cracks his knuckles loudly and with a wide grin on his bearded face.

.

A short pretty human girl with long dark hair, a silvery breastplate and a lance nearly as long as herself and various other weapons strapped to her back rides in. She is riding on top of a black scaled beast which share a faintly glowing silver triangle rune on it's forehead with her. It's certainly not the appearance one would make if trying to hide, riding indoors is sure to draw some looks, but her short stature makes it possible. With a smile she says. "Greetings pathfinders! I'm Avril Axiel. Damn, it sure is hot here."

Roderick nods to the newcomers.

"Welcome Miss Axiel. Roderick Xim's my name."

A tall and very skinny winged tiefling enters in the room. Greetings, I´ve been told to come and provide some support with magic and knowledges. Has anyone and idea what we´re suposed to do?

Yes Avril, the weather here is rather unpleasant, but it´s not worse than the weather I had back in Osirion. You could die from hot by the day, and freeze in the night, here I only have hot.

Caith nods his head at the new arrivals

"Well met"

"That would indeed round out the team's capabilities. Welcome."

Roderick nods with a pensive grin, as if he was performing some calculations in his head.

I'm still missing almost everyone's info in the recruitment thread. That's what I'm waiting on. And Thoril?

Avril nods to the others. "Thank you, well met to you too, who are you already here if I might so inquire?"

She pauses and waits for responses before continuing. "Speaking of capabilities, what are the rest of you capable of? It might be hard to figure out at a glance. Myself and my companion here." She pats Cryxial lovingly "We charge at things and stab them down, tear them apart or smash them to bits as appropriate. If people could leave a clear line for us to get at the enemy, that would be much appreciated and we'll be able to contribute much better to boot. I also got a few spells, mostly useful for protection and to help out various small tasks, though I can also make someone grow big."

I will be standing in the back, calculating the perfect trajectory for a well placed explosive cocktail. You can rest assured I will do my best to stand clear of your charging lanes, m'lady."

Roderick nods with a raised eyebrow and a slight grin as he puffs on his pipe.

"I walk up to da enemy and bash my head into theirs..or sometime me boot..or my fist, or ma head...and the spikes on my armor covering my shoulder..or even my whole body"

Caith grins

I´m good with knowledges, so ask if you want to know something. Also I have a few spells to make people fall, to blind them, or to burn them. In combat, if my best spells are not necesary, I´ll stay back sending force proyectiles.

If we have to talk with people, I tend to let others do it, but I can help if needed

Approaching the group is a tall Lizard man. He is wearing a chain shirt and across his back is a Greataxe that seems to have been taken from a giant.

"I see some familiar faces here, and new ones. I am Thoril, Thoril the Slayer"

"Welcome. The team should be well rounded now."

The sun bears down oppressively through the jungle’s humidity, causing the air to shimmer and lending an even greater feeling of otherworldliness to the Mwangi city of Nantambu. Aya Allehe enters the sweltering room in the local Pathfinder Lodge with a worn and harried look in her eyes.

“Thank you for agreeing to meet here on such short notice,” she begins. “As many of you already know, the late venture-captain of this lodge, Nieford Sharrowsmith, had been away for several weeks heading an expedition into the interior of the expanse. A week ago, I received a letter addressed to Sharrowsmith from our agent working in the Aspis Consortium-controlled city of Bloodcove, Malika Fenn. The letter appeared to be a routine report, though I recognized that it hid an encoded message that describes an impending Consortium expedition up the Vanji River, planned to depart within the week."

The strong Mwangi woman stops for a moment, as obviously the pain over the lose of her friend is still an open wound. "Nieford was a friend and a close business associate, and the Pathfinders’ role in the expanse benefits my business and the region as a whole, at least compared to others who would fill the vacuum if the Society disappeared here. I have asked you to perform mutually beneficial tasks, though the Society stands to lose much more than I do if you fail."

“Malika additionally informed us that this expedition’s aims are of great concern to the Pathfinder Society. She has collected substantial intelligence to this effect but is unable to get the information out of the city for fear that the Consortium will detect and intercept it. Even though I am only overseeing this lodge in Sharrowsmith’s absence, I ask that you travel into the lion’s den to retrieve the information that Malika has gathered on this expedition so that we can find out if it is connected to Sharrowsmith’s disappearance. Malika has indicated that she left a message for us in the Witchlight Inn that will help us find her information, so head there first."

“Though these are grim circumstances, they also present us with an opportunity. Once you have infiltrated the city, try to sabotage the Consortium’s preparations for the expedition. You won’t be able to stop it completely, but you can at least buy us some time to determine its nature and formulate a response. I also want you to make some inroads for the Society in the city. Gaining the ability to move agents and supplies through Bloodcove more easily would be a massive boon for our operations in the Expanse. I have some information on some disenfranchised citizens of Bloodcove who may be up to the task."

"Finally, gather some intelligence of your own. Talk to the people of Bloodcove and see how complete the Aspis’s control over the populace is. Report to me any groups or people of influence who may be sympathetic to our cause and support us in future moves against the Consortium. Once you’re done, get out of the city. Leaving in a different way than you arrived tends to be best.”

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"I have a few suggestions that may be of some help for those of you who may have never experienced Bloodcove, but first, please, if you have any questions, you may ask and I will answer if I am able to."

"Do we want our pressence known or are we trying to keep a low profile. I am good at making our pressence known but keeping a low profile is something I dont like to do, not as much fun"

What city are we in now? I'm guessing not Bloodcove?

Avril nods to the woman seriously. "Thank you for your information. Of course we'll do what we can to discover the fate of our venture captain and rescue him if necessary."

At Thoril's question the short girl towards him and says. "She said to infiltrate the city, that means to keep a low profile I think. I'm neither great at hiding nor as appearing as someone else. Do any of you have the skills needed to trick our way into the city?" Avril turns back to their quest giver. "Do you have any ideas for how to infiltrate the city? I imagine walking up and saying 'hi, we are from the pathfinder's society and would like to know more about what happened recently' would not go over very well. Is there a wall around Bloodcove? Guards? How do we even enter the city?"

"I think we should try to find out as much as possible. I got a spell that gives a tiny bit of luck so it's easier at succeeding at pretty much any task, including talking to people or trying to remember information. Let me help you all out with this." Avril proceeds to mutter a series a quick incantations and she touches everyone briefly to distribute her cantrip.

Guidance for everyone.

Nantambu

Roderick listens to the briefing while chewing on his pipe.

"Fascinating Indeed, Lady Allehe. Tis a pleasure to have another opportunity to provide our services."

He pauses in thought for a moment.

"You would think having just spent the better part of a month in the area, I would recollect more on the subject. Unfortunately, my memory fails me. Caith? Maybe we spent too much time in the wilds with kobolds."

kn:local: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

"You might be right..but then again I have no recollection of most things...tends tha happen 'cause I keep bashin me head into stuff"

An overweight Kitsune noisily enters the room carrying a crate. He's wearing a set of khaki overalls and looks like a mechanic of some sort. A nametag on his shirt reads "Barth". His shoes are split open at the ends revealing fluffy orange fur. While he's mostly orange in color, a few white patches of fur appear sporadically (including one around his eye). His ears are floppy, and he's panting profusely in the heat. A hole in his trousers lets his fluffy tail wag freely.

"River Kingdoms Delivery! Where do ya want this package? Boy, I tell ya, I've made some treks over my years, but never this far south!"

He would have asked around town to gather information just to find the place.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29 (+1 if these are considered "tribal people")

^^ great way to start!

"You would think having just spent the better part of a month in the area, I would recollect more on the subject. Unfortunately, my memory fails me. Caith? Maybe we spent too much time in the wilds with kobolds."

[dice=kn:local]1d20+5

Well, if it helps this is all very specific info on the city itself rather than the general area. :P

He would have asked around town to gather information just to find the place.

[dice=Diplomacy]1d20+9 (+1 if these are considered "tribal people")

Just to avoid confusion, could you either repeat in your own words what you know or indicate to the others to read certain spoilers so everyone is on the same page. Some folks assume that everyone else will read the spoilers and some folks assume that if someone makes it, they would only share certain portions if they pertain to the group, so just to avoid confusion.

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Avril turns back to their quest giver. "Do you have any ideas for how to infiltrate the city? I imagine walking up and saying 'hi, we are from the pathfinder's society and would like to know more about what happened recently' would not go over very well. Is there a wall around Bloodcove? Guards? How do we even enter the city?"

Aya answers, "I have worked with your Society, and secured you passage on a convoy of small, fast riverboats bound for Bloodcove. Probably the best course of action if you lack other means, is to pose as bounty hunters. This should allow you relatively free access to the city with minimal efforts to maintain a cover or raise too many questions. It's also not too far from the truth, yes? However, if you have any other ideas, feel free to employ them. Bounty hunters is simply a suggestion, and I do not know just what sort of ordeals you may run into once you are actually there. Another solution may present itself as a better option once you see the city's politics and set up itself. You could, for instance, pretend to be merchants, local tribesmen, avoid being seen at all, or even traitors looking for work."

Something else I wanted to point out is that, because a great deal of this scenario is going to be city based, unless you specifically say otherwise, I'm going to assume that as you walk down the street, you are doing so without weapons drawn/in hand. A staff is the exception (and possibly other reasonable things). Similarly, shields outside of maybe bucklers are probably not going to be worn while walking down the street, unless you say otherwise. Please note, I'm not saying you don't have you weapons, just not out and ready like you would in a "dungeon". Anyone have an issue not having weapons in hand at all times?

Good to me.

As always Caith will be wearing spiked armor and a dwarven boulder helmet...cause, well he's a dwarf and doesn't own none armor/weaponished clothing ;)

Roderick is fine with it. He would even leave his long spear back at camp or room once in town. I never realy understood how to carry a reach sized weapon if not in ones hands .

Bartholomäus wrote:

He would have asked around town to gather information just to find the place.

Just to avoid confusion, could you either repeat in your own words what you know or indicate to the others to read certain spoilers so everyone is on the same page. Some folks assume that everyone else will read the spoilers and some folks assume that if someone makes it, they would only share certain portions if they pertain to the group, so just to avoid confusion.

No roleplay? =(

Nobody's interacted with Barth, yet. He doesn't look like a Pathfinder, and he's probably exactly what this party needs.

Roderick considers the options before the interruption by the delivery person.

"We could pose as merchants with a guard contingent. Or we could...hey you, delivery...person. We are trying to have a mission briefing here. Who is the package's intended recipient?"

K geography: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
K geography: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

The wizard with his favourite wands in springloaded wraistsheets have no problems in not going armored. And if bucklers can be wear, there´s nothing I can complain of

For give me for being absent. I was trying to remember what I´ve read about Bloodcove.

I don´t mind if you want to pose as "bounty hunters", is not far of what we really do. If no one else can beliveble say this is what we are, I can do it. Not very well, but it´s an option

Then he sees the kitsune interrupting the briefing and blinks in surprise. A package? I doubt it´s for me. I´ve finished my last lectures and haven´t even diced what´s next.

Are you sure you´re in the right place? Maybe you have missread the direction

The Kitsune checks his clipboard.

"Pretty sure I got the right place. Wouldn't be the first time the system messed up, tho! Got the city down right; Nantambu. Is this the... Pathfinder Lodge, right? I'm lookin' for... Aya... Allehe? Says 'Captain'."

Barth looks around at the assembled group, and finishes by looking the Venture Captain up and down.

"Here, print and sign at the bottom..."

He hands over a folded paper and clipboard to the Venture Captain while beginning to open up the crate.

"I'm sure you'll wanna inspect the shipment. It's traveled a long way to get here!"

Barth cracks open the lid, showing the contents to the Venture Captain.

The Kitsune winks. "I believe the shipper was one... Guaril Karela."

Posting this now because I work in the morning and likely won't be able to post again until tomorrow evening, and because it'll probably speed things along.

After noticing the quizzical stares and blank looks, and one confused Venture Captain, Barth clears his throat. He reaches into the crate, and pulls out his Wayfinder.

"Alright, so I need to work on my entrance... Name's Barth. Yeah, I'm one of you. But, that's not my only job. Used to work for Guaril Karela back in tha day. Ya heard o' him, right? No? Well... Maybe that's good. Heh. Anyways..."

He starts pulling out his belongings from the crate and outfitting himself. He clicks his wrists together and his mechanics outfit magically shifts to resemble a set of hot weather clothing... Or maybe it always was a Hot Weather Outfit, and the mechanic thing was the disguise...

"I know a thing or two about Bloodcove. There are some fiercely competitive trading houses that rule the politics there, including the Aspis Consortium. They're always vying for control. But you know the one thing that merchants aren't good at? Shipping. They're too busy selling stuff! Delivering it, on the other hand, they outsource. And that's..." he pauses as he holsters his pistols... "where we can come in."

"Most of Bloodcove’s criminal activity revolves around exports, and the trading houses crush anything that gets in their way. So, we move into town, not hiding a thing, and 'advertise' ourselves as being at their service! We don't need stealth, we don't need intrigue. We just need a bunch of able bodied brutes that look like delivery boys! Gets us to talk to the big wigs in charge about what they need moving."

"The last thing we want to look like is Pathfinders. Sure, we could try to be bounty hunters, but they'll probably see that coming a mile away. We're not really the sneaky types. And words can only get us so far."

"So... what'dya say? You wanna part time job at River Kingdoms Delivery? The pay's a crapshoot, but the perks are worth it!"

He winks.

Interesting proposal, Barth is it?"

Roderick takes a puff on his pipe and considers the idea.

"I am not familiar with River Kingdoms, but would heavily armed adventurers fit the description of a typical delivery boy?"

He nods towards Caith in his spiked full plate.

"If so, then I have no better idea. As merchants we would need to have some sort of product to sell. Delivering small, important items securely could be an easier sell. Count me in if the others are game."

No roleplay? =(

Nobody's interacted with Barth, yet. He doesn't look like a Pathfinder, and he's probably exactly what this party needs.

No, RP is fine. I just wanted to point that out about spoilers early on, as this is partially a new group. I've seen people do it different ways.

I can´t pass for a deliver boy. But I can pass as a consultant who works for some merchants.

Are we waiting for something special or should we part know to the Bloodcove?

Maldrek will tell all the information he remembers. He never had the necessity to lie his companions and don´t have ever think of it.
How is the climatology? Shall we need and endure elements?

"I am ok with playing body guard."

How is the climatology? Shall we need and endure elements?

You are not currently in Bloodcove, so you are not certain just yet, but . . .

You have a little time to make any last minute preparations before heading out. Afterwards, as promised, Aya secures you passage upon some riverboats, and the journey is uneventful.

Last chance for any spell swaps, last minute purchases, or the like "off-screen".

A few hours before reaching your destination, the slow, quiet jorney sees a little action along the edge of the Kaava Jungle to your south when it seems out of nowhere, a large female thunderlizard bursts through the foliage to pounce on some sort of stripped horse-like mammal drinking from the river. The hunt is quick and brutal, but as you travel by, Caith, Roderick, and Thoril all swear that the huge beast stops and looks at them directly in the eye, as is she smelled them.

It isn't until evening hours when you finally arrive at the "pirate city". You are not welcomed by any guards, and your first impression is that, though small, there is little in the way of government or law here.

Before going any further, what's the final word on your plan for entering and operating in Bloodcove? Merchants? Also, where do you plan to go once inside?"

Caith frantically runs around town looking for someone who can get him a wand of infernal healing before heading out with the others

I'll be hiding my wayfinder btw, not openly displaying it

"So what's the plan lads..we go in posing as blood thirsty mercenaries..or blood thirsty merchants?"

I forgot if I answered, but a Wand of Infernal Healing is fine.

Before we leave, if the party wants to attempt the "delivery service" route, we can each purchase Sleeves of Many Garments to look the part. It's what Barth uses.

If we're going in as bounty hunters or mercenaries, then no need.

We really don't need Bluff or Disguise, as nobody here knows us ahead of time. If they can read our minds then we're screwed anyways.

If we're going in without disguises, Barth will Take 20 to hide his weapons with Sleight of Hand (DC 27 Perception to find).

There are different combinations of skills for each of the suggestions, and you can also come up with other ideas.

Avril furrows her brow as she tries to figure out what to do, but she shakes her head in frustration as she comes up short. "I suck at hiding who I am. It would be nice to avoid that. I would love it if you guys could come up with a role where I can keep Cryxial out and about. I feel much safer that way. I'm with Caith on selection, I don't know which is better. You guys seem to have much better control over which option is best, I'll just go with what you deems best."

"The clothing you are all wearing seems smart to have, I should probably get some of that."

I want to buy hot weather clothing. Is it possible to get for Cryxial as well?

I am unbiased with posing as either spice merchants or delivery service. We can attempt to purchase exotic spices from the locals.
I know a thing or two about alchemical compounds, including naturally occuring extracts. I know less about deliveries. How expensive are the sleeves, Barth?"

"Just a mere two-hundred gold... Though if you want me to grab some I'll of course have to charge you for the delivery..."

His tail starts wagging.