[DMK] PbP Game Day 2: PFS #4-11 The Disappeared (1-5) by DM Kludde (Inactive)

Game Master Kludde

With the confident swagger of a cocksure noble Vesparo moves to the end of the hallway and then opens the doors with quiet efficiency. He pauses to see what lies beyond before continuing.

Taking 10 on stealth for a 24 as he opens the doors.

The door opens to another small hallway, with doors to the kitchen to the north, and small doors to the garden to the south.

The gardens shine in the moonlight, but dark shadows hug the lower reaches of the bushes, topiary, and trees. Two marble staircases wrap around a balcony where revelers are silhouetted against the light shining from the ballroom’s stained-glass windows. A tall wrought-iron fence divides the garden from the city beyond and below.

There's plenty of shrubs to hide behind, though also some open spaces that have to be passed, with plenty of observers on the balcony.

DMK - Cressyk will stay within 30' of Malena, and designate her as the recipient of his seize the initiative domain power, which will allow her to roll twice for initiative, up to 5 times today. Hopefully, that will let her go soon enough that she can charm someone, if need be.

Cressyk sees the difficulty Nils is having, and gives him the elixir he had been keeping in reserve. "Drink that - we gotta be quiet here."

Once the dwarf accepts the elixir, Cressyk takes a moment and says a few words over each member of the group.

Cast guidance on each member of the group

He then studies the landscape and makes his way across the garden, fading into the shadows and creeping silently along.

Stealth (Guidance): 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 1 = 27

Vesparo grins and whispers, "I'll create a distraction!" He then slips out of the door making his way with careful stealth to the balcony stairs hiding in the shadows and activating the magic of his sleeves by removing them and slipping them back on.

Then bedecked in a splendid outfit that would befit royalty he waits until everyone is looking away from the stair and leaps up onto the stairs and steps into the light. Kicking the door with his heel as he strides past it - hoping to make it sound like someone just came through - he approaches the most beautiful woman on the balcony bows with a flourish and asks,

I figure he is quoting some Opparan play here.

"My Lady I find myself utterly captivated by your beauty. I do not seek to court you, for am not fortunate enough to be in such a position, but it would mean the world to me if you would do me the honour of dancing with me here in the starlight so that the heavens themselves may see your beauty and burn the brighter with their envy. Will you dance with me Lady?"

If the woman acquiesces Vesparo smiles gently extends a hand and leads her in a sumptuous and bordering upon scandalous dance seeking to hold the attention of all those on the balcony while his colleagues sneak past. As he whirls her he keeps checking to ensure Anstrella is not approaching.

Taking 10 on stealth for a 24.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Perform Acting: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
Perform Dance: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

Mogall follows the others into the side hallway. Observing the gardens he whispers to the group, "How about one person sneak over to check the door, before risking the full group passing through?"

"Mogall," Malena says, "Korvus will check garden for us. Make sure no guards or servants wait there. Bird has begged to get out all day."

The sorceress lowers the straps on her dress enough to fully reveal the whole of the raven tattoo on her back, and with a few words of Infernal, a live raven comes flapping out of it. Perching on Malena's outstretched arm, it squawks and mutters a few words of its own. The sorceress replies with a few exasperated words of her own.

Korvus flies off through the door and into the garden, landing on a tree branch in the center of the garden to ensure there is no surprises waiting for them among the shrubs and trees. Once he has seen what there is for him to see, Korvus will return to Malena and report.

Korvus - Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

Korvus can speak Infernal. He has a +2 in Stealth, if that roll is required, though Malena does not instruct him to be particularly stealthy seeing as he is a black bird in a garden at night.

Nils, holding the elixir in one hand and his flask of whiskey in the other, stares in amazement as the tattooed raven comes to life and emerges from the sorceress' back. Shaking his head in wonder, he thanks Cressyk, grimaces, and drinks the elixir.

Rhanloi is happy to be following the crowd - and is aghast at the bold antics of Vesparo, yet impressed at the success of his brash actions. He creeps along as silently as possible, just waiting for it all to come apart...

Keep it up, Ves! You OWN this place!! =)

I've kinda assumed a few things worked that might not have, so let's see what our glorious GM says... But this is pretty much the perfect mission for Vesparo, and there was no way I was not going to shoehorn in a perform dance at a Gala ;)

Vesparo, what are you doing?! the distressed voice of Amara Li rings in the head of adventurers. Keep a low profile! From the corner of his eye, down in the ballroom, Vesparo spots Amara Li talking to what must be the ambassador.

The lady doesn't seem to mind, though. Beguiled by Vesparo charms, she acquiesces and dances with Vesparo, causing quite the distraction.

Korvus scouts ahead, and finds no trouble with the opposite door. It is open, just like the last one. With Vesparo's distraction, getting over there is easy peasy.

Now the best part: Vesparo, you are in a crowd dancing with a noble. How do you plan to move on

Absolutely loving the interactions, by the way.

Vesparo, who does not so much plan as do what feels right at the time with gusto, spins the Lady throws her up into the air catches her and lays her gently down upon the balcony stealing a kiss.

Whirling back he calls, "Ladies and gentlemen, in the name of Cayden Cailean, I charge you to eat drink and be merry! Raises your glasses to the Starstone Cathedral and give thanks for wine and beautiful women!"

Not really knowing the direction the cathedral is in Vesparo raises a hip flask enthusiastically to the west, and as the majority of the crowd hopefully turn to do the same he flings himself from the balcony, endeavouring to land as quietly as possible while concealed by the bushes. As swiftly as he can he hauls off his sleeves the bright colours of his noble outfit vanishing and pulls them back on suddenly swathed head to toe in a dark green outfit that blends with the gardens around him.

Then makes a stealthy rush for the southern door. Peeking up over the staircase to ensure nobody is looking that way before he slips through after his comrades, or waiting until they turn away otherwise.

Taking 10 on acrobatics for 19 where needed.
Stealth: 1d20 + 4 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 4 + 10 = 24

Mogall raise one eyebrow appreciatively as he whispers "That is quite a trick Malena!"

The half-orc moves takes advantage of Vesparo's distraction and moves to the southern door trying to keep quite.

stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (18) - 1 = 17

"It is nothing," Malena says with a devilish grin.

The sorceress does her best to sneak across the garden without catching her dress on any bushes or brambles. Once at the door, as promised, she takes a few kernels of corn from her belt pouch and lays them on the ground for Korvus. As the bird pecks at the corn, Malena speaks to him in a hushed tone.

Stealth - Crossing garden: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Stealth - Cracking door: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Perception - Korvus: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

...and that's why I didn't roll for stealth - LOL!!

Vesparo's distraction gives everyone ample time to reach the other side of the garden unnoticed. Vesparo makes a great act and draws the attention to himself, then - in an unbelievable acts, manages to disappear in to the crowd.

Suspension of disbelief. Don't ask me how he did it, but the rolls and the display were just too good to punish in any way :)

On the other side of the garden: what likely used to be a side chapel is now in use as a staging area for the gala. Magnificent stained-glass windows and vaulted ceilings look down on the racks of platters, dishes, wine bottles, and glasses stacked neatly on long wooden tables.

The area is a hive of activity. The doors to the garden and to the servants’ passage aren’t seeing much use but the double doors to the south gallery are constantly opening and closing as platters of hors d’oeuvres and other gala necessities are shuttled through to the garden or ballroom.

Taking serving items (to blend in: bottles, tablecloths, platters) takes a DC 15 Sleight of Hand check

Beaming at his companions Vesparo whips off his sleeves again and replaces them suddenly wearing a replica of the servants outfits. He then proceeds to move forward acting like one of the servants and pluck up a platter from a young waiter,

"I shall take this young man, go and sort out your appearance your uniform is in a state go and get it seen to."

Sadly sleight of hand is trained only above DC10, and none of us seem to have it, I am hoping I can substitute bluff and perform acting.

Perform Acting: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25
Bluff Lie: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

Mogall moves to the servant passageway door.

if anyone ask the tells them "We're the rat exterminators, one was spotted earlier. Don't say anything alarm the guest!"

bluff: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

"Mistress Anstrella instructed them to check, though reports of rodents are likely just attempts to embarrass the embassy," Vesparo adds in officious tones.

Bluff Lie Aide: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

With no small amount of trouble, Malena manages to get Korvus into her belt pouch. The bird curses in Infernal and flaps its wings in protest until she drops a handful of corn into the pouch. Reminding him to stay quiet, Malena follows behind Vesparo and Mogall, adding her own embellishment to her fellow sorcerer's lie.

"Yes," she says. "We come to find big rat. Might be lost familiar, no?"

Bluff - Aid Mogall: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

"Mmmm, big rat," Nil says, waving his axe and half expecting the servants to call for the guard.

Aid Another Bluff: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (10) - 1 = 9

edit: D'oh!

Aid Another (Bluff): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (12) - 1 = 11

Cressyk catches on to the others' story, and does his own embellishment. "If we don't catch this one, it'll find a nice place to nest and start a little rat family, then it'll be all our heads as the place is overrun."

Looking somewhat alarmed at the mention of rats, the servants usher the adventurers on quick then, so what you're supposed to do. As long as we don't get more rats. Eeek.

The adventurers enter a long hallways that is clearly the domain of servants. With all hands on deck for the gala, it is completely deserted. A quick peek through one of the side doors reveals the servant's private quarters. The rooms are sparsely furnished, and some scattered outfits hang over the bedposts.

Vesparo examines the outfits to ensure his sleeves of many garments have it right adjusting if necessary, "Easier if we all change I imagine."

He then fishes a hip flask from within his shirt and takes a swig of whiskey, "Ah, hits the spot, warms me to the tip of my tail!"

Cressyk looks at Vesparo and grunts. "You must be joking. You," he says, indicating Mogall, Malena, Rhanloi, and Vesparo, "might get by with disguises, but I don't think we," he continues, pointing to himself and Nils, "will be very convincing. Plus, I'm not giving up my armor or my weapons."

Vesparo grins and proffers his flask to Cressyk, "You have a point Cressyk, it should be simply enough for those of us garbed to fit in to check the way is clear. Whiskey?"

Once anyone who wishes to has finished donning servants attire Vesparo moves to the door at the end of the servants quarters and opens it.

The western door in A11.

Malena quickly and unabashedly disrobes and fits herself into servant's garb, speaking to Cressyk as she does so.

"Do you not have scroll of disguise?" she asks. "Use that to hide yourself. Nils will have to make do some other way."

With some coaxing, Malena gets Korvus to enter her tattoo once more. Once free of the raven's bulk, the sorceress is able to tuck her belt pouch beneath the servant's garments and follow Vesparo down the hall.

Disguise: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Vesparo averts his eyes, "I suppose an aspiring hero ought not peek without permission, I knew there were some perks of villainy I would miss!"

FInding and donning servant's clothes takes about five minutes

The door to the west opens up in another corridor busy with servant traffic. There's a number of tall racks being used as makeshift coat check just slightly to the east (Just above the leftmost eleven on the map). There's a door to the north, and one to the west, and the corridor continues to the east.

Anyone wearing servant's clothing could move freely, anyone can make a times dash using a simple perception check, to move around unnoticed

Cressyk does his best to keep up with the group, casting guidance on himself before each dash.

Perception (Guidance): 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 8 + 1 = 18

"I'll not be caught sneaking around in a servant's smock," Nils says. "My armor will have to suffice."

"Lead on," he adds, directed to no one in particular as he takes another swig from his own flask.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

Acting the part of a servant Vesparo leads the way to the nearest door to the west and opens it after glancing back to check all his companions are close.

Door at the western end of the corridor by the looks of things.

While Cressyk and Nils dash over to the door on the west, Vesparo simply blends in and moves casually over as well.

Still need a disguise taken or perception check rolled from Mogall

On the other side of the western door is a sitting room. The furniture in the luxurious sitting room is covered by drop-cloths, and buckets of paint sit against walls where erotic murals are in the process of being replaced by a neutral institutional taupe. An enormously tall gilt frame leans against the wall. A door to the east leads to a hallway, while to the southwest a door is propped open by a bucket and displays the half-dissolved inscription, “Where Love Comes to Die.”

Vesparo beckons the others to follow and moves through, frowning at the taupe, and heads for the south-west door stealthily. At the door he peeks around looking into the next room - which he figures must be the one they are after.

Taking 10 on stealth for a 24.

Stepping into the sitting room beyond the western door, Malena is immediately struck by the minor tragedy taking place within the room.

"Why would they cover such beautiful murals?" she says. "Cheliax appreciates these things, not boring office building like Grand Lodge."

Seeing the propped door and dissolving inscription, Malena's curiosity gets the best of her. With some difficulty, she manages to lift the back of her servant's garb and allow Korvus to emerge from her tattoo. She speaks to the raven in Infernal, placing two, then three, and finally a small handful of corn upon the ground before it.

Satisfied with Malena's offering, Korvus takes flight, landing just beyond the bucket. Cautious of the unknown, but emboldened by the promise of more food, the raven walks on until it is spotted or has something to report.

Stealth - Korvus: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
Perception - Korvus: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Malena and Korvus share an empathic link, so she will feel anything the raven feels - including his anxiousness and hunger for corn - as he checks out the corridor beyond the propped door.

Rhanloi dons the servant's clothes and takes up a serving tray with wine and glasses. Following the others discreetly, he takes an interest in the paintings as the pass by. Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

While examining the room, Rhanloi finds a crumpled and roughly folded canvass with a full-length artistic rendition of Zarta in scanty red apparel, along with several other pieces of art that were discarded.

The bucket is full of a mixture of turpentine and varnish.

Meanwhile, Malena sends out her raven. The creature stealthily moves into the next room. The creature is calm and ready to eat corn. Nothing here. Sleep.

Vesparo comes to a similar conclusion: from what he can glance from his peek around the door, this is a bedroom.

The extravagant bedchamber is dominated by a massive four-poster bed that takes up half the room. Red-varnished wardrobes and vanities complement the black silk sheets on the bed, which appears to be in the process of being dismantled. The walls of the room have been stripped of the portraits that once hung there, faint outlines of the art pieces being all that remain. The exception to this is the eastern wall, which is occupied by an elaborate woodcutting depicting but a single nymph in a seductive pose, garbed in nothing but a necklace bearing an amulet shaped like the Asmodean star.

Mogall throws on servant clothing over his own.

Disguise: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

"This one fits amazingly well!" the sorcerer follows the others into the sitting room and bedroom.

perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (12) - 1 = 11

The half-orc comments "Guys I think this might be the room! How much time do we have left?"

Casting detect magic, Mogall stands in one corner to scan the bedroom. "Now all we have to do is find out what happened to Zarta."

"Mmm. Nice place they have here," Nils says taking in the paintings in the sitting room and the bedroom alike. Planting his axe handle first on the ground, he rests his hands on top. "Now what?" he asks, looking around.

Vesparo checks his hour glass, "Might not be too accurate, been wedged in my bandolier, but ought to be close enough. This seems to be the room we were seeking, let's give it a thorough search."

The tiefling moves over to the nymph woodcut and spends a minute examining it in detail, removing it from the wall if it appears practical to do so.

Take 20 for a 21 perception on the woodcut.

Rhanloi recognizes the painting of Zarta and holds it up for the others to see. "Found something..." he says quietly before carefully folding it back up and stashing it in his clothes.

"It is said among Chelish that Zarta is full of self," Malena says. "But to have such picture hanging in her own room."

The sorceress clicks her tongue in disapproval.

"I wonder what else someone tried to cover," she says, grabbing a rag and dipping it into the bucket.

Malena runs the wet rag over some of the spots that have been painted over, hoping it might give some clue as to why Zarta might have been disappeared.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Malena runs the wet rag over some of the fresh stucco, but that does not reveal anything of note.

Vesparo examines the woodcutting. The woodcutting cannot be moved, but a close examination shows that the Asmodean star hanging from the nymph’s neck is actually a keyhole. One of the keys on the keychain has an odd shape that ends in an Asmodean cross...

Vesparo grins, "Ah, Chelaxian's an entertainingly theatrical people, let's see what this key unlocks!" He places the cross key in the star and turns it...

Turning the key in the lock opens the door, but also causes the carvings in the wooden panel to glow strangely. in an instant, a flash of bright light, the smell of ozone and sulphur, and two devils appear.

Combat! Cressyk, Vesparo, Malena and Mogall can act

--
Cressyk
Vesparo
Malena
Mogall
--
Devil
Devil
--
Rhanloi
Nils

Vesparo whips out his rapier and skewers the creature between him and his companions, stepping back so he is between the bed and the other devil.

Dirty Trick: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23 Damage: 1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 1 = 6

Cressyk drops his longspear, maneuvers past Mogall and draws his falchion.

Free action: Drop longspear
Move action: S -> SE
Move action: Draw Falchion

As soon as the devils appear, Malena begins whispering in Infernal. Her eyes growing red, she casts daze on the closest devil (DC 14 Will).

Not wishing to be caught up in the combat, Korvus flies off Malena's shoulder and perches himself atop the gilded frame on the other side of the room.

Vesparo, what do you try to do with the dirty trick?

spellcraft: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Not sure what Malena is casting, Magall targets the other devil with Daze(DC 13 will) and shifts back 5ft to the west.

Oh sorry looked it up and saw it only takes a move to remove so elected to attack figuring Vesparo does not know they have DR.