GM Debug's PbP PFS 4-11: The Disappeared (Inactive)

Game Master DebugAMP

Amara has provided the keys for this room and hit you all with a message spell so you can communicate. You now have 1 hour to complete your mission.

Angela, she unlocked the other door. I moved you on the map to the one she unlocked. The door on the left is the door guarded by the guard and 2 staffers you already convinced to let you through. I'll put some notes on the map when I get time.

Koani finds herself in a short hallway that doesn't appear to get much use. A crimson curtain hangs from the ceiling to the south, and the only other door within this hallway is locked. Listening at the door, Angela can hear the clang of pots and pans and the striking of knives on wood within. It is difficult to gauge how many are within, but it sounds fairly busy within that room, and it is most likely a kitchen.

To the south you hear occasional foot traffic although it is difficult to discern whether it is within the adjoining area or from deeper within. It sounds as though quite the gathering is taking place deeper within the embassy.

"Well then. Let's start looking around." Sheela pokes her head out from the doorway. She remembers to straighten her posture and keeps her mace at the side.

Assuming nothing's too bad, she moves west towards the door.

I'll add a link to my disguise check.

The east door is the one that was unlocked by Amara Li. You have the keys now for the west door as well, however that is the door that you came in at, which has the receptionist and guard sitting in front of.

Sheela turns to the East, gathers her party and ventures forth!

doo doo doooo, doo doo dooooo doo, da da da da daaah, da da doooo...

Note for Koani: While many of you will be able to disguise or bluff your way around, a dinosaur, even a small one, is very out of place here. Blarg will likely have to make use of stealth more often than not to avoid being seen. As Blarg has a pretty darned good stealth score, this hopefully won't be a problem, but you'll have a really hard time convincing people that he's supposed to be here without blowing your cover as adventurers that are supposed to be waiting patiently in the waiting room.

For Sheela: You don't need to make a disguise check just to put on a disguise, you make the check each time you interact with someone to sell it. I'll likely just go ahead and roll that in a spoiler, but for now I'll use your first roll for your first encounter with anyone.

For everyone: I can't edit the slides easily right now so I'll give notes here and update them later. The room with the table at the northwestern corner is the room that you entered through and his presided over by the gate guard, Ailena, and her boss. Her boss came in from the northern office door. The room with the carpet is the waiting room, and the next room to the east is the the rarely used hall that was just inspected by Angela. The door to the east from that room appears to be a kitchen from the sound of it, and the passage to the south is through a thick hanging red curtain. Amara Li was seen in the room you are now in. Rogar got a brief glimpse of her before she slipped through the curtain and you heard a door close beyond.

I don't know what trick I would use to get Blarg to stealth. Is there one for that? Since it's available as a skill for animal companions, I assume he can use it somehow.

Sheela nods. "Okay, what's the plan? I can go ahead and pretend to be a guard here, or someone small-" she nods at Angela "or stealthy" she nods at Sirius- "Can look ahead. Obviously I'd like to go ahead first."

Unless anyone has objections, Sheela will open the east door and move ahead.

Koani: I'd say if you are sneaking and want your animal to sneak alongside you, 'heel' would be appropriate. If you are trying to get it to sneak on it's own, 'come' would be appropriate. Assume that take 10 is always allowed unless you are in rounds or I specify otherwise.

The east door leads into the kitchen and is currently locked. It sounds as though the kitchen is quite busy.

"We should check the curtain that Amari went through - perhaps we can get around this kitchen and continue looking."

Sheela turns to look at Sirius...

Stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

...only for him to reposition himself squarely behind her every time she turns around.

Okay, we entered from the West, kitchen's on the East. Curtain's on the south. Uh, South it is?

"Right. Sirius can you see what's behind the curtain- uh, Sirius? Sirius?" Sheela spins in place trying to locate the Sylph thief. "Damn, he's good. Um, let's see what's behind the curtain."

Angela gives a mental eyeroll over Sheela's comments. It's not like I just said that... but ont eh outside she smiles slightly and nods. "Exactly. I think your outfit is good enough to fool most people, so please take the lead. Rogar's curtain idea seems to be a safer option, though."

Sirius peeks behind the curtain (still in Sheela's shadow)...

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Oh, how lovely, a dragonfly!

Using Sirius's prior stealth check.

Taking a peek through the curtains reveals a long hallway that connects back to the kitchen area. Sirius gets a glimpse of servants going back and forth between the kitchen and what appears to be the gala, although they cross through one last set of curtains on their way there. The west end of the hallway ends in a set of double doors that connects back to the entryway (Where you guys came in). The east end terminates in another set of double doors, and the entire south edge of the hall is one long set of crimson curtains.

The servants come at regular intervals, and avoiding them is just a matter of timing.

There are many ways you can go about getting through this hallway if you choose to, including stealth, disguises, pretending you're supposed to be there, etc. If you wish to simply rush through the curtains into the room to the south when no servants are in the room, a DC 10 perception check is required to time the run between servants. To try to get into the kitchen where the servents are coming from would require a DC 15 perception check to time the gap, and to get all the way to the eastern door would take a DC 20 perception check. Only 1 of you needs to make the check and you can retry as many times as you want. Each failure doesn't mean you get caught, it just means you couldn't get the timing right and decided to hang back, costing you time but not raising the alarm.

Unfortunately can't edit map right now.

"I don't pay attention to finer details." Sheela shrugs. "Let's just go through the curtains to the South."

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 20

It takes about a minute before an opening presents itself, but Sheela quickly ducks through the curtains and into the next room.

This enormous ballroom takes advantage of the building’s vaulted ceilings to look even more extravagant than it otherwise would. Fluted columns carved in the shapes of various devils soar to the ceiling on the north and south ends of the room, hard up against the elegant crimson curtains
through which servants continuously pass bearing food, drink, or serving ware. Diplomats, merchants, and nobles mingle as a chamber orchestra plays near the eastern wall, into which beautiful stained-glass windows and open double doors to a balcony are set. Two sets of open double doors lead west toward a well-appointed foyer.

Sheela's guard disguise seems to hold up as not even a single suspicious glance heads her way. Everyone in the room is wearing some form of Chelish imperial livery or extremely fine clothing, so she fits in quite nicely.

Pillars near the north and south of the room provide good cover to hide behind, but getting across the room will certainly take time and skill. Amara Li can be seen standing near the columns at the southern wall speaking to the ambassador.

"Uhh, what's the plan here? I can probably weave through here without much trouble, but either you should be good at hiding or you should drink those elixirs we got."

"Or be Sirius, wherever he went."

"Uh, I think it's best if we use the columns and draw as little notice as possible. And if we do, you're a guard and we're party crashers you're escorting back out."

Koani nods to the others. Blarg and I will try to not be seen.

Sirius quaffs his elixir of hiding without further ado.

"Okay, good idea. We'll stay behind the columns, and if we're caught I'll say I'm booting you out."

Sheela gets ready to slip behind the pillars. "Hehe, I've done this a few times. Usually when the kid's father shows up and wants to know why everything smells like perfume and why my bra is on the windowsill." She stifles a chuckle. "Sorry. Need to act professional. Ahem."

Stealth: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Seeing the group stumped with no one taking leadership again, Angela gives a slight eye roll. Abadar help me, I think I see why I was pulled away from the desk for this. Deciding that there isn't much more time the group can waste on asking for plans, the small halfling takes matters into her own hands.

She walks up to Sheela, and screws her eyes in the right way to get a clear view of the woman's pack. Plucking out the secopnd elixir of hiding, she tosses it to Rogar. "Rogar, that sounds like a great plan, but you could probably use that." She turns to Sheela. I think your disguise is holding well enough for you to get through there with no problems. If something happens, or it looks like some one spots us can you create a distraction?"

She turns to take in the rest of the group, "Is everyone ready? Siruis? Remember, step lightly, avoid direct light and act like you belong there, it looks less suspicious. Okay then let's get moving."

With one last look, the small halfling then strides confidently through the shadows cast by the pillars, not even looking back, trying to hide the laughter Sheela's comments brought on.

______________
I don't know if I can aid everyone here, but if she can Angela will. She has a basic +9 with ACP so she can auto achieve the 10.
Dangnabit ninja'd!

Stealth, heroism: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 9 + 2 = 12
... sigh I don't think even the 1d6 from inspiration will save that roll

I'dve done more, but I'm not entirely sure whose court the ball is presently in, or what to do if it's in mine/ours.

Sheela, you're good to just walk through, no stealth check required from you. Everyone else who wishes to cross can either use stealth to get across slowly from column to column, bluff to walk through like they're supposed to be there, or disguise like Sheela.

Sheela casually walks through the crowd, hoping her guard disguise holds. Keep your face straight. Left foot, right foot. Get ready to bark an order, but cower if a noble talks to you.

Stealth: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (7) + 19 = 26

Sirius just walks through the room as though he has no need to hide - which, as those versed in the Trade know, is actually a fine method of stealth.

I should remind you that I procured and am wearing a courtier's outfit with jewelry (customized to have the "tear-away" option), so I don't look too out of place anyways. Does that matter at all?

Angela stops three steps from the curtain, I forgot these shoes squeak horribly! The halfling breaks out into a sweat as the thought of every eye in the room turning to look at her flashes through her head. taking a deep breath and readjusting her outfit to make it look as presentable as possible she hefts some papers from her pack and tries her best to imitate the look of an underling on urgent business.

If I look like a secretary rushing about on business I should be okay, right? She takes a final deep breath before rushing across to the other side of the room. 'This was an assignment,' I said. 'I should wear the suit that has the hole in it' I said, 'I'll just ruin the nice one if I wear it.' Stupid!

_____________
Bluff, Take Ten, Heroism: 10 + 7 + 2 = 19
Student of Philosophy will work for this right? I'm convincing them the lie of belonging there is true... Okay it's not the strongest argument but even without that, it's better than that stealth roll...

Still need rolls from Rogar, Koani, and Blarg. You still have 1 more elixir of hiding, so let me know if anyone is using it. It lasts for an hour. I'll go ahead and roll for everyone who has indicated their method of crossing, but I will need some guidance from the party as to whether or not anyone else will be using an elixir.

Sirius: Walking through as though you should be there would be a bluff check. Sneaking around behind tables and columns would be stealth... which you clearly aced and then some.

Map has been updated with notes.

Koani tells Blarg to heel (taking 10 on handle animal).

Then she drinks the other elixer of hiding and takes 10 on stealth, giving 24.

(Blarg also takes 10 for a 17)

Sirius: Walking through as though you should be there would be a bluff check. Sneaking around behind tables and columns would be stealth... which you clearly aced and then some.

I was trying to justify what was, for me, a poor roll; if you want me to say I didn't quite do it in that manner, fine.

Rogar: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

It takes quite a while to move from pillar to pillar across the ballroom, but most of you make it across without attracting any attention. Angela and Rogar got some strange looks as they crossed, timing a couple of the runs poorly, and one of the diplomats begins to approach, looking at Angela he scoffs. "I was not aware that the embassy invited it's clerks to these events too... or are you merely lost?"

Amara Li's voice can be heard in your heads. Move quickly. You've got some attention.

It takes about 12 minutes to get everyone across carefully and extricate yourselves from the nobleman's harassment, but you manage to duck through the ballroom without attracting too much attention.

Go ahead and place yourselves in whichever adjoining room you wish to go to from the ballroom.

"Sorry, sir. One of the nobles requested her presence. M'lord." Sheela quickly hustles Angela into one of the Noble's Quarters.

She giggles. "That was fun! Where to next?"

Rogar, suddenly conscious of the large waraxe he's hefting over his shoulder, is left wishing he'd taken the elixir of hiding that was offered him. The story that he was being transported by Sheela was really going to have to do. When they got stopped, he began to get nervous and wondered, should he try to say something or just let Sheela and Angela do the talking? He was the most out of place in the group by far, and was feeling a bit exposed by every slight bit of attention he drew. As quickly as they had been approached by the noble, Sheela and the others quickly ushered them out of the ballroom.

Rogar did not want to pass through that room a second time. After gathering himself he takes a look around their new surroundings...

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Koani looks around to make sure everyone made it through.

This elegant foyer is in the throes of the gala. Various dignitaries mill around talking in small groups or promenading around the premises.

Towards the north, a pair of doors lead into the security offices you passed from the other side. The south has a single door leading deeper into the complex. Unfortunately, there is little to nothing to cover your passage through here as the foyer is wide open, with plenty of space for the guests to mingle.

"Hmm...that's where we need to go. How do we get in there, though?" Sheela looks at the southern door. "Maybe I can find the guard's room and... procure a few more suits for us. Then we can escort Blarg as a gift for one of the nobles here."

"Unless someone else has a better idea?" Sheela thinks about where the guard's room is.

Koani looks at Blarg, considering whether he would let her put a ribbon around his head, with a bow behind his ear, and can barely suppress her laughter at the thought, so she ends up shaking silently.

"Poor little guy..." He pats blarg on the top of the head. "I guess that plans sounds as good as any to me. A guard is second-best role I can assume here, after party crasher."

"Alright. Wait here." Sheela makes her way to the guard station.

If anyone asks her what she's doing there, or why she's looking for outfits, she sighs.
"The new recruits forgot to bring their uniforms, so I'm grabbing a few for them. You know how it is. On my first day I forgot to bring my mace. Anyway, we're escorting some exotic animal and her handler to one of the rooms inside. It's supposed to be a surprise. You know how these nobles love surprises."

Bluff: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Sigh. If they see through the Bluff and no one else is there, Sheela will try to cast Charm Person and keep them quiet, as a favor between friends..

Will: 1d20 ⇒ 17

The on duty guard scowls. "Dunno what your up to but tonight is not the night for any funny business!"

Several of the guests begin looking nervously at the group, particularly Blarg, and whisper to each other. The guard shakes his head as the enchantment starts to take hold then looks rather angry. "Right... That's it, get out of here right now or I'll fetch the boss and you can explain this mess to her!"

You can leave this room freely through the east or south doors, but you've definitely got some attention now. You'll need to exercise care if you want to avoid having your cover blown.

"Okay, okay. Keep your shirt on." Sheela rolls her eyes and heads towards the Southern door. "Come on, we need to keep this gift a secret." She whispers relatively loudly to the party.

"Good thing the guards are relatively lazy. No one wants to provoke the captain's ire, and the captain wants to just play cards all night long." Sheela opens the door and lets the party through.

Naturally I roll a bad Bluff check and the GM rolls a good Will Save. I'll have to burn my rerolls next time.

Angela nods emphatically at Sheela's words to the diplomat. "Apologies for the intrusion, I was told that this was urgent business and to come over 'IMMEDIATELY.' I'll be out of here presently."

Once in the hallway where people aren't looking at her directly, Angela takes a moment to catch her breathe. "Oh that was close." She then takes a side long glance at Sheela. "You actually enjoyed that?"

"I doubt the illustrious Chelexian Embassy will hire a halfling for a guard... I think my best cover story here would be to be a halfling slave on retainer for the embassy, though I'll guess my traveling suit will have to do on that front."

Angela makes a move to help Sheela convince the guard, getting ready to flash some papers at him and obfuscate to Axis and back, but the guard cuts in before she gets the chance. Taking the reaction and the patron's looks as a cue, Angela helps Sheela usher the group out of the foyer, giving her best stage whisper. "Now you remember the procedure, right? We're supposed to pop out with a 'surprise'!"

_______________
If we want, Angela has the well-prepared feat, and could try pulling out something like a disguise kit or a cute little ribbon for Blargh.
Edit: a disguise kit is 50 gp and therefore a DC 60 sleight of hand... Ain't happening.

Angela nods emphatically at Sheela's words to the diplomat. "Apologies for the intrusion, I was told that this was urgent business and to come over 'IMMEDIATELY.' I'll be out of here presently."

Once in the hallway where people aren't looking at her directly, Angela takes a moment to catch her breathe. "Oh that was close." She then takes a side long glance at Sheela. "You actually enjoyed that?"

"Why of course! This kind of intrigue is so fun and so entertaining. Don't let the money and fancy titles fool you, the Court is full of indulgent decadent fools who wouldn't know how to survive one hour without their servants spoonfeeding them." She shrugs. "It's one of the many reasons Grandmama forced me to join the Pathfinder Society- it has paid off."

"I doubt the illustrious Chelexian Embassy will hire a halfling for a guard... I think my best cover story here would be to be a halfling slave on retainer for the embassy, though I'll guess my traveling suit will have to do on that front."

Sheela frowns. "A slave... Er, maybe you're here to analyze Blarg's nutritional needs?"

"A slave... Er, maybe you're here to analyze Blarg's nutritional needs?"

"Or to be them?"

Is there really no way I can sneak across the room? Maybe hide under some lady courtier's giant bustle? Does it not matter that I'm wearing courtier's garb and jewelry that I got just for this occasion?

Where are we presently trying to go, anyway?

I think we are going South. We can go through there freely. This is one of those situations where Vanish or Invisibility would come in real handy. Or maybe I could roll well on a Bluff check for once.

Rogar, agreeing with Sheela and being anxious about staying in one place for too long... "Then let's continue to the south!" Without waiting for the rest of them he walks through the southern exit.

The fact that enough of you have appropriate attire or disguises has been taken into account in all interactions thus far. Sometimes the dice don't fall in your favor though.

Before the guards decide to investigate further, and before the guests get good looks at the lot of you, you all slip into the south hallway.

The hallway connects to the South gallery of the ballroom and is busy with servants going back and forth with trays. From this entrance you can see 2 nearby chambers, one of which seems to be the servants quarters, and the other of which appears to be the ambassador's rooms.

From where you are, you can make a quick dash to either with a perception check to time it. Otherwise you'll need to deal with the servants.

Sheela waits patiently for someone to aim towards one of the rooms. If asked, she nominates the ambassador's rooms.

Perception(Aid): 1d20 ⇒ 8
Sheela is more preoccupied with her disguise's details than the servants' strange glances, however.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7