Dragons of the West (Inactive)

Game Master Matt, Garnished Game Designer

Guide to Characters and Places of Kotei + Battle Map


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F Human Wizard 1| HP 9/9 | AC 11; Touch 11: Flat Footed 11 | CMD 10 | Fort +2 Ref +1 Will +2 | Init +5 | Perception +7

Spirit, how does one get invited to the party? How does one get weapons into the party? Is the Master of the Guard a nice guy or a greedy slime-ball, has he already hired the security, and is he married himself with children?


AC, HP, Saves, Ki pool:
AC 18, touch 14, flat-footed 14 (+4 Dex, +4 Armor) // HP 18/18 // Fort +2, Ref +7, Will +0 // Ki 3/3
Equipment:
In use: shuriken (20); masterwork wakizashi (2); piecemeal armor // Not in use: bedroll; flint and steel; mirror (small/steel); rations (x6); torch (x10); Backpack, Common; Belt Pouch; 19.44 gp
Skills and Similar:
Skills: Acrobatics +9, Climb +6, Disable Device +9, Knowledge (Local) +6, Knowledge (Nobility) +6, Perception +5, Sleight of Hand +9, Stealth +11, Swim +6, Use Magic Device +7 // Init: +4

There's no reason to play all the same role, so let's distribute over the court.
For myself, and for those who have capacities like mine, I suggest a job where is hard to get noticed.


Ysanne Nightweaver wrote:
Spirit, how does one get invited to the party? How does one get weapons into the party? Is the Master of the Guard a nice guy or a greedy slime-ball, has he already hired the security, and is he married himself with children?

Being invited to the part can be done in a few ways:

- Get hired on as mercenary personnel. For this you'd need to go see the town constables as mentioned above.

- Disguise yourselves as a party troupe... acting, dancing, fireworks, martial arts, etc.

- Get known quickly. Killing a monster would do the trick and there just so happens to be a band of roaming Sarutoko (dimwitted ape-men) in the local coastal bamboo groves.

Getting weapons inside is problematic but not impossible. Disguise them or sneak them in is the only solution. Be creative.

The Master of the Guard is a nice man. Tough, strong but not cruel. He has not yet hired the personnel and he is not married.


F Human Wizard 1| HP 9/9 | AC 11; Touch 11: Flat Footed 11 | CMD 10 | Fort +2 Ref +1 Will +2 | Init +5 | Perception +7

Ysanne awaits Jez's and Mhar's information before doing too much. She'll seek out the master of the guard and talk him up a bit in his is off time.


Male Human (multi-ethnic) "神託" [Oracle (Dual Cursed)] 2 | AC 15 T 8 FF 15 | HP 16/16 | F +2 R -2 W +3 | Init -2

Ysanne is awaiting Mhar and Jez.
Mhar and Jez are awaiting the Braeth and Jian's info, and also how common sorcerers and oracles actually are, to their thinking.
Braeth, Jian, and Vem are awaiting on what they learn and/or what jobs are available?

Does that sound right, so far? Based on the information they get back, Mhar and Jez are likely going to go to the governor's manor and work diplomacy-magic; their specific strategies and words depend on the other information gained.


F Human Wizard 1| HP 9/9 | AC 11; Touch 11: Flat Footed 11 | CMD 10 | Fort +2 Ref +1 Will +2 | Init +5 | Perception +7

Sounds about right to me.


I can't seem to find what info Braeth, Jian and Vem are looking for... it might have gotten mired in the Thorrpe discussion


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Male Human (multi-ethnic) "神託" [Oracle (Dual Cursed)] 2 | AC 15 T 8 FF 15 | HP 16/16 | F +2 R -2 W +3 | Init -2

GM, this stuff:
Jian Min wrote:

Jian politely asks attention, then speaks to all:

"We should secretly communicate with the language we spoke before we all died the first time. It's unlikely that someone will be able to understand us. We could rent rooms in the city, as we were normal visitors, and, eventually, change them before something goes wrong. If we cannot directly met, we'll use written messages."
Jian continues by responding to Jezelyn:
"Jezelyn, I think that straight-forwarding admit to be emissaries form monks could be an error. I'm thinking this for one, only, reason; we don't know how the governor could react. Maybe he could start defensively with us and this would be a bigger problem. Let's give Ysanne the time to gather information, as they are always useful, before openly act."
Jian follows his sayings to Vem:
"Vem, I suggest to look for a job, one that could bring us as near as possible to the governor, the area of the party and anything useful in general."
Then, Jian looks at Braeth:
"Braeth, if you don't find anything to do, feel free to come with us: you are good at hiding just like me or Vem."
Jian, listening Mhar, asks him:
"Mhar, you seem puzzled; is there anything wrong?"
And, finally, Jian speaks again to everybody: "It's all OK?"
As he finishes talking, he releases his attention (and starts breathing again).
Braeth Swiftstep wrote:

Braeth nods at Jian's suggestion but says

"That I could, but first I must perform some slight 'recon' if you will. I will return shortly."

Having plenty of time on his hands, Braeth will take 20 (for a totl of 29) in his search for the safest and quickest way to leave the town in the event that the team must make a quick getaway

My analysis:

1) Vem, Jian, and Breathe finding a 'job' (legitimate or otherwise) near the manor
2) Jian's "recon" - fast exist from town and manor area, in case it's needed
3) After these are in place (proven impossible), Jez and Mhar seek entry into the governor's mansion.
4) Then we work on getting Ysanne in.

Hope that helps!


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Female Human Sorcerer (Celestial) Lv. 2 - AC 12/15MA - HP 15/15 - F+1,R+1,W+4 - Perc.+5, SM+5 - Init.+2

So... How about some rolls to help get things moving?

Mhar and Jez (hopefully) learn more from their allies.

Then, they approach the manor and ask to speak with the governor. They are willing to wait. They chat with anyone they encounter about the governor, his operations, etc. in hopes of learning everything they can about him and this whole situation. If they get to speak to the governor himself, they present themselves as new to this part of the world, and having heard much of the governor's power and prestige, they wanted to introduce themselves, get to know him, and perhaps integrate themselves into local high society, or at least be useful to the governor.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Throughout this whole process, Jez is detecting magic, considering defense structures and guards, and generally trying to notice anything helpful.
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

If it seems it would be useful or entertaining, Jez can work in a subtle performance of song and/or dance, possibly even crafting a poem/song to praise the magnificence of the governor's estate, or some such.
Perform (Sing): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13
Perform (Dance): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Craft (Poetry): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

Mhar, does this work for you?
Perhaps you could aid another on some of Jez's checks, or vice versa.
GM, let us know how it would go!


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1) Vem, Jian, and Breathe finding a 'job' (legitimate or otherwise) near the manor
2) Jian's "recon" - fast exist from town and manor area, in case it's needed
3) After these are in place (proven impossible), Jez and Mhar seek entry into the governor's mansion.
4) Then we work on getting Ysanne in.

1) I've mentioned these earlier. Anyone with a Profession skill can ply their trade of course and if you manage some pretty good rolls I'll say that you catch the eye of the local area.

2) Simple enough, the harbor. Diving into the waters is cold and risky, but people are loathe to chase after and the governor's estate borders the bay. Sure it's got a 30 foot cliff but that's easily dealt with I'd imagine.

3) Going by Jezelyn's actions, you both do succeed in meeting with the governor but your discussion only holds his attention for a brief fifteen minutes. However, your artistic talent catches the eye of his wife and she asks that Jezelyn be present at the next soiree as a guest and performer.

As for getting a look of the grounds, the governor's inner estate wasn't visited, simply the outlying area. You know that from the front gates, heavily guarded by soldiers manning a wall, the inner courtyard takes about a minute walk to reach the next wall. Think of it as a space between defenses. Then, within the next area there are rooms where visitors can meet the governor.

Nothing detects as magical so far.


AC, HP, Saves, Ki pool:
AC 18, touch 14, flat-footed 14 (+4 Dex, +4 Armor) // HP 18/18 // Fort +2, Ref +7, Will +0 // Ki 3/3
Equipment:
In use: shuriken (20); masterwork wakizashi (2); piecemeal armor // Not in use: bedroll; flint and steel; mirror (small/steel); rations (x6); torch (x10); Backpack, Common; Belt Pouch; 19.44 gp
Skills and Similar:
Skills: Acrobatics +9, Climb +6, Disable Device +9, Knowledge (Local) +6, Knowledge (Nobility) +6, Perception +5, Sleight of Hand +9, Stealth +11, Swim +6, Use Magic Device +7 // Init: +4

I'm glad to receive attention, but Braeth looked for an exit! Jian did nothing, and he's not the kind of person who takes merits for something he doesn't achieved.

Assuming Jian knows about Jezelyn's success, he propose to the group to be the "aides" of her company, just because there's no reason to pick a lock while the door is simply open.
Now it's time to hide weapons, just in case.


F Human Wizard 1| HP 9/9 | AC 11; Touch 11: Flat Footed 11 | CMD 10 | Fort +2 Ref +1 Will +2 | Init +5 | Perception +7

So where do I find an opportunity to talk to the Master of the Guard?


Ysanne Nightweaver wrote:
So where do I find an opportunity to talk to the Master of the Guard?

You just need to walk into the Constabulary and ask to talk to the Master of the Guards. Let me know if you do this by yourself or with others.


F Human Wizard 1| HP 9/9 | AC 11; Touch 11: Flat Footed 11 | CMD 10 | Fort +2 Ref +1 Will +2 | Init +5 | Perception +7

I wanted to have my first encounter with the Master of the Guard in a more accidental manner, as in not at his place of work. However if he eats and sleeps at the Constabulatory and doesn't get out Ysanne will higher a messenger to send for him to meet her at the bathhouse to discuss additional security. The messager will read or state;


Master of Arms,

During this time of great transitioning I request your presence at (Name of Bathhouse) tomorrow, an hour before sunset. I wish to discuss security for myself in the coming weeks as my family name transitions into one of influence and power. Payment is not an issue, but the logistics will be so I'll need your thorough knowledge and experience to reassure my safety.

With Urgency,
からす


If he shows up he'll be escorted into a private room where Ysanne will be waiting with two personal servants she'll hire for the week. Ysanne will wine and dine him, keep him guessing, while learning about how many man at arms are available for hire, how many of those are reserved for the party in two weeks, why he is single, why there are monsters roaming the groves unchecked nearby, any dangerous wanted men known to be nearby or near the city, his opinion on current politics, his favorite food, and anything he wants feels like expressing. After a lovely evening Ysanne will hurry him away.


Fabulous! A bathhouse visit it is!

To be short and sweet, the Master of the Guard is quite obviously charmed by the approach and during your sweet soiree wastes no time in indulging in what you have to offer.

Without much persuading, you easily manage to extract the following information from him:

- By "man at arms" I imagine you mean mercenary personnel that are hired on as backup. Essentially all men and some of the women of the area are capable of becoming militia but only a dozen or so are actually trained.

- Of those dozen, a good amount are ronin or other less savory types and therefore only four of them are currently hired on to the party. This of course is a problem, and the Master of the Guard easily lets you know that they could use more help. Especially respectable help.

- He blames his luck of being single on his lack of spare time. Also, as Master of the Guard, he just simply doesn't get much "romantic times". His job is a heavy one.

- "Monsters" is a big word in fact. The Sarutoko are boorish and dimwitted and are vandals at best but they are still living beings with emotions. A diplomatic solution was recently tried (the diplomatic party failed fabulous) and now they are seeking a more forceful resolution.

- A few thieves and brigands are wanted but the Governor tends to be quick about quelling troublemakers. The Sarutoko have simply been more troublesome than most.

- The Master of the Guard quiets up a bit at the mention of politics. While he is loyal to the Imperials, the Gaijin Governor had brought wealth to the town, albeit at a large cost. He seems undecided about which is the better choice.

- His favorite food is Hitokage. These small lizards have rudimentary flame sacs and are also known as Finger Dragons. Roasted and grilled they are apparently delicious and surprisingly cheap.


F Human Wizard 1| HP 9/9 | AC 11; Touch 11: Flat Footed 11 | CMD 10 | Fort +2 Ref +1 Will +2 | Init +5 | Perception +7

Large cost? What do you mean?

Ysanne shares the relevant information with the others at one of their evening meetings.

What's the plan from here?

Ysanne sends one of her hirelings to purchase some Hitokage and deliver it to the Master of Arms the next day


Female Human Sorcerer (Celestial) Lv. 2 - AC 12/15MA - HP 15/15 - F+1,R+1,W+4 - Perc.+5, SM+5 - Init.+2

I'm also curious about what the Master of the Guard sees as the large cost of the Governor's presence/policies. It might help answer some of Jez's questions/concerns.


I remind you that assassination is not required since the reboot. Instead, the Path simply wants the lands taken by force to be returned.

"The Governor is not an evil man."

This is said through a mouthful of Hitokage.

"The problem is that the Governor is not the ultimate authority. He too has superiors and they are much more demanding. They want land, resources, slaves. The Governor has no choice on the matter. He is in a position of power of course so he does reap benefits but I have seen him with his children. I would rather see the Governor abandon the Gaijins... no offense milady."


F Human Wizard 1| HP 9/9 | AC 11; Touch 11: Flat Footed 11 | CMD 10 | Fort +2 Ref +1 Will +2 | Init +5 | Perception +7

At the secret meeting with the others

The more I think on our task the larger the problem seems to get, but we need to simplify. The Governor is a pawn to very hungry superiors and despite how unpopular he is, I sense there is more sympathy than fear for him because others feel like he has no choice. If the Governor is truly being used as a puppet, he will be looking for a way to get out from under the heels of his masters. The best solution is one that releases him from Gaijun influence and brings him to our side or at least sympathetic to our cause.


Female Human Sorcerer (Celestial) Lv. 2 - AC 12/15MA - HP 15/15 - F+1,R+1,W+4 - Perc.+5, SM+5 - Init.+2

Jez nods in agreement.

"But how shall we accomplish this?"


F Human Wizard 1| HP 9/9 | AC 11; Touch 11: Flat Footed 11 | CMD 10 | Fort +2 Ref +1 Will +2 | Init +5 | Perception +7

Ysanne raises a brow after a long moment of silence... I suppose someone pretty good looking is going to have to entice him to make the right call... Ysanne ends her clueless look with a knowing stare at Jezelyn and another long pause.

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