GM Burglar's 0-56: The Jester's Fraud (Inactive)

Game Master mechaedd

Baz gives Luisila a questioning look, but nods. Turning his attention to Omrax and the gate, stepping to stand slightly behind the paladin. "What is it that you require of us to gain permission of the Tribune? We are law-abiding travelers and warrant no suspicion and desire no trouble."

Diplomacy Aid: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (11) + 16 = 27

"What kind of trouble are you talking about?" Chelsea questions the half-elf while openly glaring at the two guards.

Luisila is momentarily taken aback, but replies diplomatically. “Why the kind that two or three may be able to repulse, where one cannot.”

She looks coolly at the Ulfen firebrand. “My apologies, Mistress. Perhaps trouble has only ever found parties that I’ve been attached to.”

Hearing his friends approach behind him, Omrax half-smiles to himself at Luisila's last comment but quickly regains his composure.

"We wish to follow stated protocol and be about our business. No trouble is expected."

Yes, like the trouble that seems to follow our party whenever alcohol is introduced into the equation.

• I will guard the honor of my fellows, both in thought
and deed, and I will have faith in them.

Just for the sake of overkill As Omrax steps up to speak with the men, Yushua says a quick prayer to Sarenrae under his breath and puts his hand on the paladin's shoulder. Touch of Good for +4 to his Diplomacy check.

"Yes, we have some business in the town and we would like to pass peacefully and obey all the local laws and customs."

Diplomacy aid: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 15 = 18

So with Touch of Good and two aids I think that brings us to a 39 Diplomacy.

"Trouble finds us Pathfinders wherever we go, so I am sure it is not just you. They usually send me to neutralize these problems, so I think that these people are going to betray us, or that they will need some convincing. Chelsea responds to Luisila matter-of-factly, having not yet been sent on a mission that runs counter to her talents.

Luisila listens carefully to Chelsea’s words before smiling broadly.

“Snap, sister!”

Varg steps forward and stands with his arms crossed staring down at the man.

Well, here we stand, let us in.

Hey, just wanted to see if there was any "splitting the party" action!

"Right, then! We'll send for the Tribune. He'll meet you at the Devil’s Fork Inn." The two wave you through the gates, one guarding and the other making his way to a larger building in the distance.

The inn sits right by the gates, only a quarter of a block north. Within the village, empty cottages and sagging, roofless structures testify to the town’s decline. Its muddy streets are nearly deserted. Occupied cottages keep their doors barred. The a large stands at the far end of the village, its tall towers vague shapes in the rising fog.

Flickering candlelight dimly illuminates the common room of the Devil’s Fork. Stained and mended tablecloths cover rickety tables, but the walls hold an impressive display of antique Chelish fighting gear. Battered shields carry the heraldry of the Order of the Lash, an iron barbazu beard rusts in one corner, and a military fork bears dozens of infernal symbols. Men and women sit and drink at various tables. Behind the bar, a dispirited-looking woman listlessly wipes leather tankards.

Placements, please. And, no, all the villagers are no exactly the same; I just really like that picture.

I'm fine where I am. Yushua will probably stick next to Baz. Sarenites be stickin' together.

Perhaps the empty table near the door?

By the door is fine...or the large table in the NW corner if we all want to sit .

"I do not approve of their decor. I hope the Tribune is prompt. "

Omrax sees no reason to speak to the barkeep or other patrons.

Chelsea approaches the bar and asks the barkeep. "I'm from out of town and need some quick information about the Bourtze family. Are you or anyone else here familiar with them?"

"Then let me first welcome you to Evondemor." She gestures around. "This is pretty much what to expect. As for your question, I'm as familiar as any peasant around here. If you're from some other house, you might be able to piece something together if you ask around enough. Someone's sure to have seen something."

"Well, if you are familiar with them who is the Tribune's successor?" Chelsea bluntly asks the barkeep.

"A tragedy, that. Ain't got any. His poor wife..."

"No one has been appointed? That is a risky way to run things. You never do know when your time is up."

"Oh so true, but ain't it the rub around here? I mean, look at Stavian and Princess Eutropia. You'd think guys with lots of money around here would be having a lot more heirs running around..."

She pauses, "That said, can I get anything for you to drink?"

"The strongest stuff you have in the house, and directions to someone who knows more about my line of inquiry."

She sets out a napkin with a glass, and turns around to get a bottle of Railford Whiskey (whose label should be somewhat familiar to you.) She pours a glass out, "Only got the first on there, honey. 1 silver, but it's some of the deadliest stuff I've got back here."

Also, Kn(Pl) if you've got it. Counts as IDing a creature for purposes of Baz powers.

Knowledge (Planes)1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

Chelsea pays the woman and scans the room for more knowledgeable patrons.

Yushua be inquisitive too!

KN (planes): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25 +2 to ID creatures, +1 for demons

With that bit of knowledge Chelsea scoops up her drink and heads to have a seat next to/near where Bazresh is sitting.

"Barkeep has infernal blood in her veins, just figured you should know." The sorceress whispers to the tiefling before taking a sip of the whiskey to judge exactly how powerful the stuff is.

"I noticed as well." Yushua says quietly as he observes the other people mingling about the bar.

KN: planes: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

"I am not sure if I would have noticed had you not pointed it out. It would seem we share a similar heritage."

I'll take a shot of that Whiskey. I remember its taste from days at court.

At the bar? Map is updated.

She sets out another napkin/glass combo. "Courts, huh? You one of them Guards?"

Desmond makes his way into a table near Baz, Yushua and Chelsea and at the same table as a local. The wolf follows Desmond and plops down on the floor next to his master.

"Hello there, friend. What ya' drink?" He doesn't wait for an answer before stopping a barmaid to place an order.

"Pint of stout please. Oh, and a cut of sirloin, if you have it - for my wolf."

One of the few barmaids comes over, "A dwarven bottle, we can do. I'll see what we have for your... dog... however."

The older man whom Desmond has sat with responds to his question responds regardless after his order, "Ale. Nice and cheap. Gotten by with it since I was kid. Can't pay too much, 'cause you gotta eat if you're well enough to drink."

Baz emxamines the crowd, while awaiting the Tribune.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26

Aye, I was fer a time the youngest Ulfen Guard in the Prince's Court beafore I had a second callin' I still serve Taldor, though.

Desmond thanks the barmaid. He turns back to his new friend, "My first time in Taldor. I guess I was expecting something a little more...cosmopolitan. Still, this town doesn't seem so bad, from what I've seen - which ain't much."

I can’t move my token on the (Nice!) map right now, GM Burglar.

As she enters the Devil’s Fork, Luisila pushes her hood down onto her shoulders and places her backpack and basket carefully by the doorway. She touches the Bold One’s forearm as she passes him.

“Smile, Omrax. People will wonder what you’ve been up to!”

The priestess stops roughly in the centre of the taproom and tilts her head to the side as if considering what she wants to drink. She takes the opportunity to casually scan the other patrons for weapons. Tordurbar’s Eyes and Ears.

“Milk please, Barkeep … BUT in a dirty glass!”

Take 10 Perception + Guidance: 10 + 17 + 1 = 28

The half-elf watches Chelsea’s actions curiously. It’s almost like she's trying to carry out a …

A worm gnaws at Luisila’s conscience and her mouth turns dry. Threv, NO! What have I done?

She turns abruptly 180 degrees on her heel and walks briskly back to consult the paladin standing at parade-rest.

“Omrax … Venture-Captain Valsin sent me a missive saying we don’t do faction missions anymore. In addition to our mission from VC Zey, have you been tasked with doing anything for Major Colsin?”

"Yes Lady Luisila, I have been given a task in addition to our business here in Taldor. I gladly accept help should the opportunity present itself. Are you familiar with the situation? ."

Omrax keeps an eye for suspicious activities, but has already lost count and is ready to wait outside for the Tribune before he does something foolish and jeopardize the mission.

Patience for now Omrax. Greater good is to be done. .

Luisila looks into Omrax’s open, honest face and the blood drains from her face.

She looks over to Bazresh and then back to Omrax. She opens her mouth as if she’s about to say something, before a piece of advice from someone … Zynep perhaps; or Grandmaster Torch … enters her mind unbidden.

Confession may be good for the soul, Luisila. But it’s VERY BAD for your career.

She shakes her head slightly and replies to her friend. “I am as far from aware of the situation as one could be, Omrax. But, of course I’ll help you anyway I can.”

Desmond nurses his dwarven stout. Better make this the only one of the night. Don't wanna jeopardize anything.

Baz sits silently, continuing to scan the room.

Sitting on a plane being de-iced, so cannot update map. Please place Onrax at table with Luisila .

Sitting on a plane being de-iced, so cannot update map. Please place Onrax at table with Luisila .

Done.

Just after everyone settles in, a blood-spattered man throws the inn's front door open and storms into the common room. Clad in a heraldic surcoat bearing blue stars on a golden field, this man's emblem matches a few on the papers given to you by Venture-Captain Zey. He franticly gasps out, "Bar the doors! They're right behind me!" He slams the door behind him wheezing as the patrons in the bar all begin to scatter! The bartender grabs a bottle of something and drops prone!

Updates to map needed: Delete all but 1 patron, move last patron icon in front of the entrance (to represent the Tribune), higher of the two doors of the double door.

Updates to map needed: Delete all but 1 patron, move last patron icon in front of the entrance (to represent the Tribune), higher of the two doors of the double door.

Done!

Desmond looks up, his stout not even half-finished. He stands and walks over to the frantic man.

"What's all this about? Who's behind you, sir?"

Baz gets up from his stool and addresses the Tribune. "Out with it man! Who's coming?"

Chelsea gives Luisila a knowing look and proceeds to pull a metal mask from her pack. Donning the mask, she moves out of the corner, closer to the bar in order to have a clear view of the door.

Yushua pulls out Redemption and says a quick prayer casting Divine Favor.

The Cleaver draws his Axe and steps towards the door.

Luisila stands and moves to about 20’ behind the front line. She turns a full circle anticlockwise, reverses her turn clockwise before turning anticlockwise again.

With upstretched hands she pleads. “Velvet Wing protect us!”

The priestess *casts* Magic Circle against Evil on Cleaver, Bless, Instrument of Agony on her own bow, Copycat and True Strike.

Everyone within 50’ of Luisila hears a feminine otherworldly *sigh* in their ears as the cleric casts Bless. Her longbow glows a bright, golden hue which gradually fades to the black of night, before brightening again as the cycle repeats. In an exotic language, the weapon sings a dramatic, soprano aria.

Chelsea takes the opportunity to activate a wand, given time.
Mage Armor

After the passing of round 2 of buffs, which is right after Bless and right before Instrument of Agony. Everything else so far has been within one round.

The Tribune slams the doors shut, panicking even more now that everyone's casting things and drawing weapons! He points at Varg, as he strides to the door. "Aah! You're a Guard*, right? Hold... hold those doors shut! They're... I don't know!" He starts stacking chairs and anything his 13 strength can drag in front of it. "But they ripped my personal guard in in a flash! They're---"

Suddenly, there's a man's voice and a knock from behind the door after some very hurried footfalls. He pounds on the door, trying to push his way through the makeshift barrier. "Oh, gods! Help me! I'm bleeding! Is that my liver? Oh, gods! They're... they're coming! Don't leave me here!"

*: Not without spendin' that prestige you technically ain't. Only Taldan Boon I do not have on a character yet. Too bad when you quit you don't actually get to "carry as much treasure from the treasury as you can in one go." Taldor pays very well, apparently.