GM Harker's PFS Season 4 Campaign

Game Master Justin L. Warren

You don't have to hide your plate mail armor per se, as long as you have a good explanation on why you are wearing it depending on the situation. A thick cloak could obscure it from view, but it'll still make noise as you move around. Studded leather and a courtier outfit might make it easier to move around without questions. Off the top of my head, I can't think of anything magical that is cheap and easy that disguises armor.

Halkale realizing a wolf would be hard to explain in the embassy, leaves Frostfur at his residence.

"Captain, would you happen to have, and be able to give us, a list of attendees? So we might study it and know who was a guest and who was an other? It might help in the avoiding of notice."

Valik will bow and the VC, then look to the other members of his group,

I am unsure what the embassy will hold, but I am sure all of us working together can get it done. Quiella, please take one of the elixirs of hiding, I feel you may be one of the best served to use it.

I am going to do a very brief trip to the market, I shall meet you at the Embassy

buy another elixir of hiding for self, so someone else can use the one provided in the mission. Otherwise good to go

"Yes, I am not very good at hiding."

Quiella will buy an additional scroll of Disguise Self, presuming that the other 2 will be used by other party members. She will probably use it to disguise her armor, but not necessarily her actual appearance. She can take 10 and beat the DC21 to cast it via UMD.

Use Magical Device is the only skill that you cannot take 10 on.

All those purchases are fine.

"I don't have a guest list, although Amara Li might have one. You shouldn't have any trouble with the attendees though, if you keep your heads down." Valsin answered T'kk'tck's question from earlier.

We'll cut to the embassy later tonight.

I'll pick up a disguise self scroll to let someone use on me. Plus a potion of hiding, I'll update my HL and my profile later tonight after I mow the yard. Oh summer, go away.

Good riddance to that devil lover. Moadis thinks right after hearing about her "disappearance" but is wise enough not to say anything. As the mission briefing progress he gets outraged by what is being suggested.
But Sir, do you take me for a burglar and a thief?! Break into a foreign embassy to steal, that's absurd! I can not do such thing, even to one belonging to that rotten pit of manure that is Cheliax.

So one day some paizo writer wake up and said to himself: Lets give PFS paladin players a hard time. /facepalm.

"Moadis... while I share your feelings, you are overstating it a bit. We won't be breaking in. We have a legitimate reason to be there."

-Posted with Wayfinder

Yes, that part I am fine with it. Its the part where we deceive and lie to our hosts to invade their private chambers and ransack it that I have a problem with it. For the good of the Society I have done things that... I am not proud of, but this... this... is too much. Moadis says disheartened.

Please help the old man come to terms with the fact that Pathfinders are not nice people. LOL

Valik will turn to Moadis, Listen well my friend, what they want us to do is not in violation with your personal edicts. A proud, respected and high ranking member of the Society, could potentially be in danger. Would it not be worse to stand by and do nothing, thereby potentially putting her in danger. Our mission is to go find evidence of where she may be, or what may have happened to her. You are not stealing, you are simply righting wrongs that have been done

Problem is... for a Paladin, the ends don't really justify the means.

"When I was choosing individuals for this mission, I thought you might have a moral issue with the manner in which we are going about this. If you want to refuse, I won't force you to accompany the rest of the team, but remember this: A woman was unlawfully kidnapped by unknown individuals and all records of her existence were erased. Some would say that is a major affront to law and order to allow such an action to take place. Furthermore, I don't want you to steal or destroy anything, just find information about Zarta's whereabouts so we can find out what's going on. If the information in her head falls into the wrong hands, many people will suffer needlessly as a result." Valsin replies with a heavy sigh to Moadis.

I'll give Moadis a little time to reply if he wishes. Also, Lyanif can jump in with an introductory post whenever she's ready.

"I don't like it, captain, in fact I may even be a liability. But as I said, I will do what I can."

-Posted with Wayfinder

Lyanif laughs darkly, "Yes, I don't like it either, far better that we tie the ambassador to a chair and 'convince' him to tell us what we need to know." She punctuates this with a wink towards Moadis.

Plate-bound fools, I wonder if that armor makes their brains as stiff as their arms. She shook her head to herself, No, that's unfair, they have their own reasons. Besides, the gnome did say she would try to help. That half-elf sounded like he needed more convincing. Still, my first mission for the Society and there's at least two members that don't want to do this. Doesn't bode well at all.

Mentally kicking herself for antagonizing recent acquaintances, Lyanif addresses Moadis, "Look, jabs aside, I'm sure you can't stand the injustice that's been committed there. You seem to just be questioning the methods needed. And as to that, no one's actually asking you to lie. In fact, you need not say anything at all. You and Quiella can simply come along as silent guardians. Surely that's better than letting Cheliax to continue unchallenged, right?"

Assuming Moadis is eventually convinced to come along...

After making a few purchases, the group makes its way to the Ascendant Court and stops in a shop near the embassy to discreetly meet with Venture-Captain Amara Li. "I'm about to cast a Message spell on each of you so we can communicate with each other in case anything goes awry. I'll attempt to keep the Ambassador busy for as long as I can, but I'll give you a warning when I think he's about to return. I anticipate I'll only be able to keep him occupied for about one hour."

She then casts the spell and quickly departs to return to the gala, but not before reminding you to use the 'spy's entrance.'

As she said, you will only have one hour of in game time to complete your task. I'll be keeping track on my end and try to give you occasional updates on how much time you have left.

The Cheliax embassy's spy entrance is a nondescript door found in an alley north of the building. It might have been difficult to find the proper door among the others in the alley if not for the presence of a guard in Chelish imperial livery. As you approach, he points you away from the door, "No one beyond this point. Keep moving."

To expedite things, you'll need to make either a Bluff, Diplomacy, or Intimidate check to convince him to let you inside.

Diplomacy, inspiration: 10 + 10 + 1d6 ⇒ 10 + 10 + (6) = 26

"Were here to meet with the ambassador, sir."

aids, anyone?

-Posted with Wayfinder

"Oh, hmm, ok." The guard says with a nod, clearly impressed with Quiella's official appearance and diplomatic manner. He then opens the door and allows you into the reception room.

The red paint that covers the walls of this high-ceilinged chamber does little to hide the raised outlines of ancient religious mosaics that once decorated this room. Behind the chamber’s large and imposing desk sits a woman in clerk’s clothing. She seems completely unimpressed by your presence, "Do you have an appointment?"

Here is a link to the map.

"Yes we do, as a matter of fact."

do you need another diplomacy check here?

Yup, but since you aren't telling the truth, it would be Bluff. Also, remember that paladins tend not to like to tell bold-faced lies.

What part of "I’ve devised a cover story that should get you in the side door with orders to see the new Chelish ambassador. An ongoing diplomatic gala scheduled for the same time and a clever ruse by Venture-Captain Amara Li—who is also attending the gala—will keep the ambassador busy, but you’ll have to act quickly if you want to secure the information we need before he arrives to meet you" implies we don't have an appointment?

Did I misunderstand our cover story? If so, I would retcon the above statement.

I'm on my phone right so I can't go into a lot of detail, but I would advise that you read my post with the mission briefing again, especially the 6th paragraph. Valsin never said you had an appointment, but suggested you'd have to talk or bribe your way in to talk to the Ambassador. If you had an appointment, you probably wouldn't have to go through all that trouble. If the mission is still unclear, I'll go into greater detail later. I'm fine with retconning you statement due to the misunderstanding.

Oh, okay, I get it now.

RETCON:

"No, but we do have some important information for the ambassador."

Diplomacy: 10 + 10 + 1d6 ⇒ 10 + 10 + (1) = 21

Feel free to pitch in with aids, guys.

Srry, got stuck in RL

During all the decades of the cruzade the good people of Cheliax came in waves to defend this world and they... died... they died with my brothers in my homeland.. while those #%&$ sat in their confy castles, drinking wine and laughing.
Moadis makes a face like he just ate a turkey, from last christmas. If at least it was someone worthy it would be easier for him, but it is that women. Making people dissapear without a trace is considered lawfull by the Chelish goverment! The paladin takes a deep breath. But how am I helping to change that by doing nothing? Maybe the paracountess will finally see the error in the organization she represents. He thinks while well aware its just a rationalization to act in a way he completely disagrees with. But I will not let you go alone in that place. You have my hammer. He says unhappy.

AA diplom: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

We would not have come all this way at this hour if it was not urgent. I would much rather be at home. Moadis says making a face.

"Oh I see..." The bureaucratic woman replies, appearing a little miffed despite the paladins' wonderful way with words. Nevertheless, she seems satisfied enough to offer to help, "Well, you can just leave whatever information you have with me and I'll see that he gets it. Currently he's busy with other matters."

"I'm afraid that won't do. It is too important; we must give him the information ourselves, in private."

diplomacy check again? Will take 10 for a 21-26 after inspiration.

-Posted with Wayfinder

intimidation: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

"look I'm grateful you are helping but is holding us up really worth your job? There are important matters at stake and time is of the essence!"

T'kk'tck looks impatient and officious.

"In our position we are accustomed to waiting, well, at least some of us." Lyanif casts a meaningful glance and the Gnome, "Just tell us where and we'll be out of your way."

Lyanif mentally crosses her fingers. If she's not shaken by this T'kk'tck then she won't want us around. And if she is, well, so much the better.

bluff: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

"Well, if it's extraordinarily urgent, I'll see what I can do. I don't have the authority to summon the ambassador myself, but I can find someone who does." With that she stands up and pokes her head into a nearby room. After a brief conversation in hushed voices, another woman enters the room, strikingly dressed in a red and black imperial uniform, and evidently thoroughly unimpressed with your presence, "I'm the duty officer Anstrella Trelax. As I just told Ms. Hosper, the ambassador is extremely busy at the moment and cannot be interrupted, but I would be happy to deliver whatever important information to him as soon as he is free."

Yes, you need to make yet another Diplomacy check.

Quiella slowly shakes her head. "That will not work. We can wait to speak to him in private."

Diplomacy, inspiration: 10 + 10 + 1d6 ⇒ 10 + 10 + (6) = 26

Anstrella rolls her eyes at Quiella's obstinance, but relents, "Fine, I'll see what I can do, but first tell me who you are, what sort of information you have, and who you represent. If you can't provide me with that information then even I won't be able to arrange anything." She says in her own intractable manner as she begins to lead the group into another room.

Quiella lets the question hang in the air for a moment.

If one of you would prefer to answer this question, Quiella... probably won't interfere. If you prefer Quiella continue to do all the talking, that's fine with me. Just say either way.

The info was in the briefing, yes? Everything after that is going to be a lie which I have no ranks in. So I am out. I forgot we should have just given the drugs to Hospar and probably avoided all this mess?

fail. Completely forgot to use Disguise Self before we came in... at least I can drink the Elixir of Hiding in the waiting room

-Posted with Wayfinder

You are Pathfinders who have information about Sargava that you have to give to the ambassador tonight. You don't need to lie about any of those details, since you really do have the Sargavan intelligence and being Pathfinders gives that info more legitimacy.

Not really sure how to answer the question:
1) Who are we: messengers/couriers (this is a lie, or very nearly so, but believable)
2) We have a "packet of information that bears on Chelish interests in Sargava" (legitimate truth)
3) Who we represent: this is the one I'm not certain about, I'm assuming that "the Pathfinders" won't get us what we want, but I don't know what other agencies we could pretend to be.

I'm totally ok with Quiella continuing the conversation as long as she is able to.

Number 1 is the only one you would need to lie about or circumvent talking about, you can tell the truth about the other two.

"We are members of the Pathfinder Society with information that bears on Chelish interests in Sargava."

How's that?

I'm fine with Quiella continuing this, from what I've seen my intimidation isn't going to do much as low as it is. Looking for an opportunity to go sneaky.

"Oh, that somewhat explains things." Anstrella replies, apparently satisfied with that brief explanation. "If you simply must see the Ambassador yourselves, then you'll still need to wait as he is busy for the time being." She then opens a door to a room adjacent to the reception room. "You may stay in here until he ready to receive you." Once everyone has entered the room, she exits and locks the door from reception area side.

The room is sparsely furnished with only a few old chairs and a couch. Two doors—one to the west you just entered through and another to the east—lead elsewhere within the embassy.

After a few quiet of moments of perhaps deciding what to do next, you hear the sounds of the western door unlocking and it opens a crack. Looking into the small hallway beyond, you do not see anyone present, but sticking in the keyhole is a set of keys, one of which apparently works on this door, another one of a similar type, and a third which ends in the shape of an Asmodean cross.

The hallway appears safe for the time being, containing a locked door to the east and a set of crimson draperies concealing the passage out to the south.

The map has been updated, and your 60 minutes of in game time starts now. Please let me know how you would like to proceed.

"Shall we split up and search the place? "

T'kk'tck looks uneasy at the prospect but still very aware of the time crunch.

"No, but we must move quickly." Quiella quickly drinks an elixir of hiding.

Stealth is 15 - 2 (ACP) = +13 for the next hour.

I think there was another Elixir of hiding? Moadis?

"Quickly, one of you quiet types, scout the hallway and direct us in which way we should go."

-Posted with Wayfinder

T'kk'tck slips into the hallway as quietly as he can, taking the time to look around and check out the doorways:

stealth to enter the hallway: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12
stealth to quietly check if the SE doors are locked: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14

If nothing "interesting" happens, T'kk'tck plans to keep moving and check each door in a clockwise fashion.

Dude...

didn't take ten because we are under time constraints and mistakes at this early are seem like they would be less critical than later ones. I'm not sure exactly how long take 10 takes but even 1 min would limit us to 60 actions and checking each door would burn nearly a 10th of that.

Yeah, taking 10 can seriously cut down on the time you have available.

FYI, you want to make it to the southeast part of the embassy where Zarta's chambers used to be located.

I relocated T'kk'tck to the small hallway to the east, as the room to the west is the reception room you just talked your way out of.

Peeking behind the south curtain, T'kk'tck finds a long hallway with double doors to the west and east, and a single door to the north, from which the noises of a kitchen can be heard. The southern part of the hallway is covered in a curtain from which he hears the sounds of music and loud discussions by various people.

The hallway actually bustles with activities as servants transport food, dishes, and other party supplies between the north door and the red curtain.

With a Perception check, you can try to time the servant activity to find a break in which to move to the south room behind the curtain where the party is located, the north door to the kitchen, or the double doors to the east. Only one person can time the break, and you'll need to let me know which door you want to go through, as that changes the DC. Also, it takes about 2 minutes to time each break. Once you know the break time though, everyone can move probably without being spotted.

Alternatively, you can move through the hallway like you belong there with a Bluff check.

Could I look so intimidating that no one would bother me? Otherwise I'm more than willing to try the bluff check.