GM Kobash - PFS First Steps IC (Inactive)

Game Master Kobash

I'll just take 10 - Strength Check: 14

I'm going to rule that you can't take 10 in this situation. Hanging from the crane by one arm is a significant distraction, plus there is the danger of the crate falling through the floor (regardless of the boat below). If you think the risk is too great, feel free to ask others to assist on the roll, but they will have to describe how they are doing so.

Fair enough. I should have asked first.

Hanging from one trunk-like limb the big Shoanti grabs one of the crate's handles and hoists it into the air with a bestial grunt.

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Done.

Landing with a crunch Taurus presents the heavy container to his companions.

"Well now that I've done all the heavy lifting can lot of you deal with sorting through this?".

The rescued crate holds a smaller mahogany box inside, which contains five books and a few loose sheets of paper in a leather folder. The titles and subjects seem completely unrelated to each other: Practical Thaumaturgy In Accordance with Creation, Geographic Anomalies of the Inner Sea, Under Kaer Maga: A Trial and Travel, Physiology of Dragons: An Illustrated Reference, Lost Sarusan. The leather folder contains cargo manifestos, warehouse inventories, and other financial logs from a dozen different merchant houses and trade guilds. The crate also contains 10 sets of masterwork thieves’ tools, three flasks of alchemist’s fire, a flask of acid, a dozen jars of various inks, a footprint book*, adamantine weapon blanch*, three bags of powder*, a deck of marked cards*, and two sets of average loaded dice*.

Items marked with an asterisk may be found in the Advanced Player’s Guide.

Gathering the books Guaril requested (and any other items you want) you bring them back to him at his curio shop, where he congratulates you on the success of your first task and rewards each member of your party with 111 gp.

The big Shoanti takes the offered coin and looks to the greasy Varisian, "Make sure word of our succsss gets to Valsin", he says with a snort.

Once the party is assembled outside again Taurus hands out shares to each member of the party. "Let's see what Ollysta at the Ascendant Court needs from us", the hulking barbarian says. "But I need to stop at a weaponsmith along the way. I left my brace of handaxes at the grand lodge".

I'd like to stop and pick up 3 throwing axes on the way to the next task.

"I have no problem with that." Adamus says with a shrug.

"Sure enough," Falyf responds, ready to move on and 'away from lifting boxes out of an empty warehouse'. Not really my cup of tea.

Curraine will grab the Alchemists fires and a couple(3) sets of MW thieve's picks.

There's some stuff here that's got some value. Does anyone know where we could sell this stuff? I'm sure the Prison Gaurds could use a little extra dough to help pay the bills.

Haris notices that, with exception of Curraine, everyone else seemed to have turned their nose at the spoils. Looking around as he grabs, "Suit yourselves. I might know a good fence who'd be interested in some of these things", Haris also answers the elf. "I'll visit them along the way uptown."

Haris unfurls a large sack and stows away a few items for personal use - weapon blanch and the three bags of chalk powder; keeping the remainder for later trade - six tools, acid, inks, book, cards, and dice.

Kalin looks over the folder "Id like to have a look at these things in the folder before we get to far and see if anything interesting is in em."

Falyf shrugs, "yeah, just sell them when we are done." He won't mind taking something form the crate, but not emptying the warehouse.

[ooc]Don't know how you handle it, but in PFS we never track loot ourselves. in the ed we just get the gp, so hope you do it the same Kobash? Eases the bookkeeping.[/b]

Kalin looks through the books and papers and quickly realizes that much of the information is written in a Sczarni code. Given a few weeks it might be broken, but that might upset certain members of the faction you're trying to make a good impression on.

From what I understand mundane loot, such as the lockpicks, alchemists fire, and acid, are fair game for players to collect and use (but not sell for additional coin beyond the scenarios limit). Normally I'd hand out gp rewards at the end, but this scenario specifically allows for the players to shop in the city between tasks (and most of you started pretty broke), so I thought I'd award some now so that everyone has spending cash. For the sake of keeping things simple I'm going to tally expenditures at the end and document accordingly.

You have the right of it. We appreciate the extra loot. Just some of us have those silly ethics that stop us from looting the place beyond what we were asked to.

"Are we all done here? I'd like to get back so we can move on to the next assignment."

I'm good. We got the books, we got some food for the Groms, a couple of us got some stuff to sell, I think this task is pinned. As long as the City Guard isn't waiting for us in the fresh air.

"Good. Let's get moving then. The Ascendant Court is this way", Taurus grunts.

The second task you’ve chosen to perform takes you to the Temple of the Shining Star, the Ascendant Court’s massive temple to Sarenrae, to meet with Ollysta Zadrian, a retired Pathfinder now operating the Silver Crusade, an effort to use the Society’s resources to help those in need and spread good deeds throughout the world. As you make your way out of the Docks District and through the Coins, Curraine and Haris both feel the hairs on the backs of their necks rising. It’s the subtle feeling of being watched, though no visible stalker is recognized in the streets.

Haris dismisses the eerie feeling as rat paranoia and says to Curraine with a nod, "This next one should be right up your pole".

"I think I might enjoy this next assignment. I hear Ollysta's a looker too." Adamus says with a grin.

With a quizical look in Haris' direction for the odd statement, and a quick huh? tossed his way, Curraine quickly catches up to Taurus and asks so, is it banded or like, full on plate armor? Then in a whisper We're being followed. When Haris finds us a place to lightnen the load, keep your eyes open

The massive warrior stoically presses on until the elf grabs his attention, "It's basic scale arm-", he stops himself abruptly as Curraine's true purpose becomes known. He looks at the elf in disbelief for a moment but nods in understanding.

He responds in a low bass whisper, "Good work. I'll keep an eye out. Let me know if you catch sight of our tail again".

"Didn't noticed anything, but might have been preoccupied thinking about the next task," Falyf responds in a low voice. "Will keep eyes and ears open. Off to Ollysta."

Arriving at the Temple of the Shining Star, the party is immediately directed to Ollysta. This paladin of Sarenrae is young in her years, but holds herself with the poise of a queen and warrior simultaneously. She strides forward, addressing the group in a strong voice.

“Thank the light of Sarenrae you have arrived! I knew Ambrus would come through for us in the Silver Crusade. I desperately need you to bring medicine to an orphanage and let me know if the headmistress, Gilga Baltwin, is deserving of our charity. Since our quest began, the needy have clamored for our aid, and I suspect some are abusing our generosity. It may sound cruel, but there are plenty of dishonest people out in the world eager for easy gold.” Shaking her head at the thought, she asks, “Do you know of the Silver Crusade? After discovering so many factions splintered the Society, a number of us banded together to proliferate the cause of charity and kindness using the Society’s resources. As it is said, ‘The Dawn brings new light’ and I’ve made it my life’s work to use our recent darkness to bring a new light to the world and to the Pathfinder Society. I apologize for straying off point. Will you bring this parcel of medicine to Auntie Baltwin’s Home for Recovery in the Eastgate district?”

“Sure we will. But let me ask you, what about this Auntie Baltwin? Do you suspect she is not upright with you? Or do you know about anything which makes you concerned?” Falyf inquires, wanting to know a bit more beofre heading off to question the headmsitress of the orphanage.

"Well met, Miss Zadrian. I heard a lot about you and I like your work. I have no problem taking this medicine to those poor sick children." Adamus responds with a smile while giving the paladin a long once over."You think good old Auntie Baldwin is doing things she shouldn't be?"

I fully respect the cause. This task will be MY pleasure to to fullfill for you and your good works. And if I might be so bold, I know Ambrus Valsin is the bossman and will be handing out the daily grind, but should you need anything from a newb, don't hesitate to send for me. If I'm not a the Lodge, I'm down on the water.

Bro's, if you don't mind, I'll carry the meds.

"I don't want to accuse Auntie Baldwin of anything," Ollysta says carefully. "But I had a strange feeling the last time I visited her orphanage. I couldn't put my finger on it, and I coudn't really start poking around and asking questions right under her nose. That would have been terribly rude, especially if my fears prove to be unfounded. I'm hoping you'll be able to set my mind at ease. Please, handle this with tact. Whatever the case is, the orphanage helps the children and it would be a shame to interfere with the good it does."

"You will not be disappointed", Taurus says with a nod.

Handing off the supplies to Curraine the burly warrior prepares to leave for the orphanage.

"Tact is my middle name, Miss Zadrian. We'll make sure the children are alright." Adamus winks at her and turns to leave.

Walking along with the Children's Crusade, Haris dours, "See? Right up your pole."

to Haris, I'm not understanding you, Bro. I know I've got the lingo that can get in the way but what does 'right up my pole' mean? Are you trying to take the piss out of me? Cause we can squash this in a ticker

The walk to Eastgate takes just under an hour, and you arrive at Auntie Baltwin’s Home for Recovery a little before noon. Nearly swarming with cats and children, this fine upper-class home appears to be clean and in good condition, aside from a few toys strewn about the steps to the front door. From the street you can see three young boys shooting marbles in the dirt near the side porch. A few other children can be seen through the lower windows and in the yard taking care of chores. Coughs and sneezes softly erupt from the children’s dormitories upstairs.

Taurus approaches the building and knocks on the door roughly. Before anyone answers he turns to the party, "Adamus did you want to handle this?"

"Maybe talk to the children first?" Falyf suggests. "They will tell you more then the auntie."

"Good idea Falyf. While Adamus works his charms on the matron a few of us should see what we can learn from her whelps", Taurus agrees.

"Of course, I'm great with kids." Is his reply as he walks up to one of the boys playing marbles. "Hey little man. You wanna do me a favor and get your Auntie? I'd like to talk to her."

"Easy there, peacemaker! I thought you were the lover of the group." Haris replies to the cleric and throws up his hands in the courtyard, "Up your pole - as in up the banner you carry? As in 'Saving the children and charity is what Curraine really cares about?'"

"Wait, wait," Falyf calls after the boy, "Tell me, is Aunite Baltwin treating you well? Are you staying with her? and what do you do all day, play?" Falyf asks.

I'm still not catching your meaning about 'pole' but if you say its just the way you speak then I'm good.

"Easy there you two", Taurus growls. "Just focus on the mission".

"Curraine, work with Falyf to learn what you can from children. Haris, why don't you entertain your way around this place and see if you can find anything the matron doesn't want us to know about".

Once Auntie shows up I'll give her the meds and then ask where the kitchen is so I can deliver the grub. From there I'll get down with the staff. See what they think

The boy is instantly impressed with Adamus, breaking into a big grin when the paladin talks to him. "Yeah, I'll go get Auntie." However, his enthusiasm fades when Falyf cuts in with a different line of questions. Suddenly cowed, he lowers his eyes and stammers. "I.. I.."

Whatever answer the boy was going to give is cut off by a shrill voice that emanates from the front door as it opens. "Who's pounding on the door again! I swear... wha?" An aging woman stands in the doorway, peering suspiciously at the two men talking to the boy. "Who are you lot? Get away from those children!"

PICTURE

"Please calm down ma'am. Miss Zadrian sent us with this medicine for the kiddies. We're not here to hurt them, trust me." Adamus replies with a grin. After Curraine hands over the parcel, he will talk her up. "So how's taking care of the children. I know it can't be easy, especially with strapping young lads like these. You must have the patience of a saint. Why don't we talk a little while you give us a tour? I'm sure my friends here can look after some of the children so you can take a well deserved break." He suggests as he gives her a charming smile.

Taurus stands in silence and nods hoping the Ulfen's honeyed words win the crone over. He does his best not-an-armed-and-dangerous-barbarian impression.

If you're in a situation where you're trying to influence someone, please make the appropriate skill check. I'd prefer not to roll these unless I have to. Some interactions are a little vague on what type of check is called for. This kind of blurs the line because you're concealing information. I'm going to wait until a few other people post before continuing, so if you'd like to, roll both diplomacy and bluff checks for Auntie Baldwin.

Oh, I forgot. I'll do it now.

Bluff
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 Oh boy

Diplomacy
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Taking the queue, Haris steals away quietly around the home, quickly looking for an entrance to the backstage .
Perception:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Taurus is going to keep quiet and hope the charismatic members of the party can subdue Auntie on their own. Certain abrasive/smelly/whatever elves should probably do the same.

Here's the parcel, from Ollysta. We also came by some extra barrels of food. I can take them to the kitchen or pantry and catch up of the tour. If you'd point the way....

Diplomacy Check - 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

Hopefully my Diplomacy Check will allow me to bypass Auntie and go to the kitchen or pantry. Once there, I'd like to talk to what ever staff might be there. I don't sneak very well but once I get close maybe I can come in quietly and catch some part of any conversation that might be happening.

Stealth check - 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Taurus helps Curraine unload the foodstuffs he prepared and watches the woman carefully to gauge her reaction.

Sense Motive
1d20 ⇒ 4