GM Rednal's War of the Burning Sky (Inactive)

Game Master Rednal

Thom shrugs, "with or without the papers I intend to leave. Ragesia has no love for people like me and I'd rather live then die."

"Ragesia? Hardly." the elf answered, sneering slightly. Which probably shouldn't have been a surprise to anyone, all things considered - it wasn't a land known for its love of elves, especially given the enmity between it and the actual elven nation. "You'll have to find a way out of the city on your own - I've got too many other things to do, so I'm not really at liberty to negotiate on this. I've already given you my offer - take it or leave it."

Incidentally, Spellcraft can identify her spell, should anyone want to.

"If ye can also give us time to copy the notes, we'd also be grateful." Umbriak smiled merrily. "If ye dinnae like Ragesia then I assure ye, it'll be a bigger thorn in there paw to grant us a copy. It'll be put in the hands of ones who can and shall make use of it."

"Okay we'll have our look," Thom relents.

The elven woman kept her hand raised for a few moments more, then finally relented, dropping her hand and letting the deadly spell on her fingertips flicker out. "Then let's get moving - we don't have a lot of time." she said, gesturing for your group (including Torrent) to follow.

It took most of an hour to reach your destination, a carpentry shop deep inside one of the elven ghettos of the city. Your group got more than a few suspicious looks along the way, but the presence of an elf leading you seemed to reassure most of them. Inside the shop, in a room on the top floor, were two elven soldiers - the only other creature there was a rat that stared at your group for a moment before scampering away.

"The case is magically locked." one of the guards said, looking up as your group entered. "I don't suppose any of your... associates... are good at opening things?"

Umbriak hefted his axe for a moment, then considered, looking at the others. "Naaaae?"

"Maybe one of the resistance members were were supposed to deliver it to has the key?" Ridley posits.

I'll give it a go, Thom says as he removes his picks. He bends down to examine the chest for a few seconds and gets to work.

Disable Device: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
Inspiration: 1d6 ⇒ 5 Total 26

It took Thom longer than anyone would have liked to carefully pop open the case - the arcane lock on it was a nasty addition to what was already a fairly sturdy lock, and only a significant amount of inspiration on his part was enough to get through at all.

Inside were a significant number of maps, as well as a single book that looked to be written in a distinctly unpleasant script - one none of you actually had the ability to read.

"That's it." Torrent said, kneeling down by the book and opening to flip through a few pages. "The information we need should be in here." The problem was getting that information to Lyceum. There was always attempting to fight those in the room for it, though the elven wizard in particular was clearly wary, and the guards certainly hadn't let their guards down. It might also be possible to get the information another way, such as negotiating access for the Resistance, perhaps communicating the information long-distance. Whatever you chose, though, you might want to decide fast - time was ticking away, and things in the city might start to get a lot worse soon...

Umbriak glanced at the pile of papers with a sinking feeling. There was no way to copy this all, especially the book. Umbriak sighed and turned. "Oor first thought will take too long. I cannae write that fast. But the Rebellion needs this information as much or more than your people, ye ken? I propose this - ye take the maps, and we the books. I suspect without one the other is less useful. We each make fine copies of them, and then we swap them, via a trusted courier and a middle man. We send the origionals, ye ken, for safety, and keep the copies."

The Dwarf grinned. "'Tis like the war itself. We work together or we'll be choking on bear fur before the sun passes it's course. We each play fair or neither gets essential information."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

"We all want the same thing," Thom states to the elves. He offers, How can we arrange access to these documents for the resistance?"

The elf woman gave Umbriak a look suggesting she wanted to shove a Fireball down his throat, but glanced over as Thom spoke. "Magical messaging, of course. We can put you in touch with one of our wizards - and since all of the items are already in our possession, we need to split them up. Better to have all of it available to us - your own rebellion is useful to us, but not necessary. You're not valued enough for us to turn this over."

"And who exactly are you, then," Ridley responds, growing a bit annoyed, "That your mysterious and unexplained ends are somehow more important than the entirety of the rebellion working to save every spellcaster in this city?"

Thom hurridly agrees with Ridley, "Those are some good questions, who are you, and why should we trust you? Especially after the carnage you have left in your wake."

"I am Shealis Amlauril, spymaster for Shahalesti - and yes, my country's strength and ability to resist Ragesia is more important to me than what happens to this city. Gate Pass is a useful bulwark, but far more people in my homeland would be in danger should Ragesia continue to advance. War isn't so nice that optimism and guts alone can make everything turn out fine."

"Okay, that's... some pretty impressive credentials, if they're true," Ridley replies. "But... well, look. How much contact have you had with Lyceum over this war? Maybe we can bring someone to wherever you plan to move this intel."

Umbriak nodded slowly. "Can ye begin sending the information via magic now?" He looked at the others. "If we can send it now, no more issues, aye?"

Thom nods his head at Umbriak's question, "Lets work the details out quickly. We haven't much time and still need to find a way out of the city."

Thinking fast, Ridley adds, "And clearly the Shahalestians here have one in mind..."

"Find your own way out." Shealis answered, clearly growing impatient. Time was precious, after all, especially right now. "I've got my own matters to attend to, and I don't have time to babysit you. If you want the information from the case, have your mages contact an elf named Clathan in Shahalesti. If it turns out it really can hurt Ragesia, we'll be willing to share it then." Torrent bit her lip, looking frustrated, but the elves seemed adamant - and Shealis' companions were clearly willing to use force to support her position. Unless you were willing to use force in return, this might have been the best deal you were going to get.

Incidentally, the book has many different resolutions to this whole issue - this is just the one you ended up at. XD

"Thank ye for your aid." Umbriak bowed politely as he turned to leave. Not the result he had wanted, but nor was it the worst outcome he could think of. It was better than making the Elves an enemy and loosing the information, at the very least.

"Fine, Thom says a little curtly. To his companions he remarks, "lets be off and finding our own way out of the city. Any ideas?"

Ridley shakes his head. "You attacked us, and took our one job here out from under us. We're trying to be civil about this, but clearly you're planning to move something out of the city soon—you really saying you can't stuff us in the bottom of some box?"

"No, we can't." she answered bluntly. "A nice thought, but our own plans are... something we don't really plan to share with others. Suffice to say it's not anything that would be useful for you even if we permitted it."

Umbriak shrugged. "Then we shall give proof that we are most worthy allies by escaping yon city on our own. 'Tis not a trifling thing to achieve, but there is always a hole that cannae be plugged."

"Well, there aren't many safe places in the city for mages right now. So you expect us to camp out in your quarters until the city is liberate?"

Is it possible that they control both ends of the pass? Perhaps the pass to the south is still open?" Thom speculates.

"The guards won't be letting many people through." Torrent said, frowning. After eyeing the elves, she beckoned all of you out downstairs, where you could talk in private. "Our best bet is probably Councilman Menash. If we can get an official document of some kind giving us permission to leave, it'll be a lot easier than trying to fight or sneak past. What do you think?"

"If the councilman will grant his aid, then aye, 'twould be the better bet." Umbriak looked back over his shoulder for a moment. He was annoyed and frustrated with the situation, however well he was trying to keep the polite side on show. "How far can his help be trusted?"

"It's worth a shot but most councilmen I know are more interested in the pecuniary aspects of politics. He may seek to line his own pockets at our expense, " he adds sourly.

Oh no missed this updating!

"And what, exactly," Ridley asks, "Do we think the councilman will ask in return? We don't have a lot of time to spare here. Let's talk as we move."

At the questions, Torrent just laughed awkwardly. "Well, he's..."

"Sooooo delighted to have visitors!" About an hour and a half later, with dawn rapidly approaching, your group was moving through the gates of Councilman Erdan Menash's estate. He'd been out while you arrived, talking with the rest of the council, but had arrived not long after you'd shown up. The half-elf's main claim to fame was his history as a tailor and merchant, who'd sold sturdy but horrifically unfashionable gear to adventurers. His goal had been to make sure everyone knew he sponsored heroism, and he'd been one of the more... colorful... leaders of the city ever since being appointed.

Erdan’s manor is a three-story building inside a low iron fence, located a few miles east of the depository, in the same district as a 90-foot statue of Emperor Coaltongue. The outer walls are painted vivid green, yellow, and purple, and the two guards he keeps for protection are forced to wear the same colors.

"Those idiots on the council don't understand anything!" he said, opening the door to let you inside. "Before I give you my help, though, tell me everything about what's happening!" The entry hall was as... unique... as the outside of the house. Exotic weapons of all sorts adorn the walls here — whips, urgroshes, double axes, double swords, monk weapons, a heavy repeating crossbow designed to look like a porcupine (but no spiked chain; too trite) — made more exotic by unorthodox choices like red and yellow frog pommels, or bunny-shaped striking heads.

"Och, I like yonder urgosh," Umbriak said, pointing excitedly to one of the mounted weapons. "Ye dinnae find many people who feel a need to make a weapon truly pretty. I always fancied making me axe a wee bit prettier - it's important to me, ye ken? - but it's a air-lum, and it seemed wrong to put sparklies on Great Great Great Great Grandma's axe."

Ridley tries to carefully describe the group's attempt to flee the city and recruit outside help, neglecting to mention any loss of important intel.

"Well, one thing you want to do is build up a reputation." Councilman Menash said cheerfully. "I mean, no offense to you, my friend, but how could they pick you out of a crowd if someone just said a dwarf with an axe hit them? You might as well not have a name. On the other hand, if the axe looks so orange you could peel it, they're going to remember that, and they won't soon forget it! Heroism is about impact, and that's what I sponsored for many years... and here I am, Councilman of one of the most important cities in the land! You can't argue with results!"

He barely seemed able to focus on Ridley's explanation, but finally nodded. "And I must say, it's been busy all over the place. Not two hours ago, the griffon riders, aided by a druid who took the form of a giant eagle, were able to drive off a massive red dragon that was setting fire to the city! They captured two of its riders while they were at it. I think the westernmost district is still on fire, though. Repairing that isn't going to be fun, especially after that elemental killed about half the council... hmph! Ignorant fools deserved it!" he moved into another room, guiding you - this one had rather fewer weapons on the walls, and instead had garishly colored pieces of armor.

Make a Diplomacy check, please. ^^ This will influence how much help you can get from him.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22

"Right," Ridley replies. "Reputation will matter less when we're out of the city. Glad to hear that the dragon's finally gone—came far too close to it myself—but 'gone' is not 'dead.' This was an unprovoked attack—almost a massacre, and unless the city finds a few new allies, it won't be the last. So I'll have to avoid smalltalk, because time really is an issue here."

"Oh, aye, I understand the need," Umbriak replied, rolling up his sleeve a bit to reveal the fire ink tattoos covering it. "I reckon if I cannae modify the weapon a wee bit, me own self will do in a pinch. Gots to be covered right now, ye ken - cannae be much more than a Dwarf with an axe, and aye, we ain't exactly uncommon - but when we can be a wee bit more public, I reckon these will help." Umbriak wanted people to know his name - and his story - and was fascinated by the idea of someone who sponsored heroic deeds.

But other things were more important. "But me colleague is correct, sir, in that we have time constraints. Nae brave heroics this night. At least, not until I can craft the tale right and get it to some decent bards. Can ye see to granting us a wee bit of aid this night?"

"I think I can." he said with a grin. He took out a few pieces of paper and an ink pen a moment later, then started writing. "I'm going to give you some letters for a trusted friend of mine, Captain Herreman. He's a half-orc who runs a small cavalry detachment that regularly patrols the southern border. This one's going to ask him to take you along, and includes some official orders to patrol the roads - one includes his normal patrol size, the other has the three of you added into the numbers. You'll exit one gate, and he'll return through another with the other set of orders. I hope you aren't afraid of heights, my dwarven friend, because I'm also asking him to lend you a few lighter horses to speed you on your way. You needn't feel obligated to bring them back if circumstances are too dire - it'd be a nice plus, but the stables are getting a bit too full anyway."

Ridley does not look excited, at all, at the prospect of trying to ride a full-size horse, though his annoyed conscience keeps him from groaning out loud. "And... who does Herreman patrol for?" Ridley asks. "Or are scouts simply outside the purview of this city's lockdown?"

Umbriak grinned. "Lived in a mountain a bain, Councilman. Nae worries about heights for my head. And thank ye for the extra horses - if there is any way they can be returned, we shall do so." Glancing at Deacon, he added, "I suppose scouts are still a must. Cannae let the enemy get out of sight, after all."

"He patrols for the city. No need to worry, my short friends, he's a good friend of mine. And you I've actually got a different job for." he added to Thom as he passed over the papers. Reading over his own instructions, Thom nodded and stepped out of the building.

His player appears genuinely gone - not posting in any active game I checked - so... recruiting another it is! Any preferences?

With the papers in-hand, you could proceed to the gates as soon as you were ready. There... probably weren't any shops or other distractions open, though you could also head towards your safe house and lay low until morning if you wanted.

Eh, we could probably use an arcane I guess?

Arcane would be nice. Or ranged. Or both! Yaaaay Gestalt. Also, I'm having a lot of trouble with Paizo not showing me threads updating. If I don't post, poke me.

Nodding, Umbriak bowed slightly to the somewhat mercurial seeming Councilman. "We shall give your friend your regards."

Umbriak decided to head out as soon as possible. He had no wish to be in the city if it fell into the hands of there enemies, and no interest in finding out how many of the rumours were true. Better to move now and be a little light on sleep than risk getting trapped.

Arcane/Ranged it is! I'd like to get them onboard when you arrive at the guardhouse, so... XD *Hops over to Recruitment*

"Right," Ridley reluctantly agrees. "If it gets us past those walls—the faster the better, I suppose. No need to waste more of your time than we have to; I'm sure there will be plenty of important business for all of us ahead."

After a longer wait than most anyone had likely been planning on, Ridley and Umbriak were able to get out with the letters. One of the useful things about being vertically challenged was that most people weren't looking down for trouble. As you approached, you could hear some loud talking from the guardhouse. "I don't care if you're a member of the mage school or not - we can't let people out without orders!"

A Mage? Umbriak's interest was peaked. He wasn't shocked that there was a mage trying to escape the city. Still, it wouldn't do for one to be left here in this situation...

Heading in, Umbriak looked around. "Now, what's this all about, then?"

Ridley keeps says nothing—he'd rather keep his head down and get out of the city faster, before the angel in his head gets any ideas—but he lets Umbriak keep talking.

I am a man of peace. A wanderer, if you may. In these trouble times, my path is simply to fight a different war. - the monk/sorcerer says, in a tired voice.

"And my path is that I have to follow the regulations." the captain of the guard post answered bluntly. He looked over as Umbriak walked in. "More of you? Look, I don't care how scared you are - but without orders, we can't even go out ourselves, much less let anyone else through. My advice is to find a quiet hole somewhere and keep your head down."