Outpost: nightdeath S01-40 Hall of Drunken Heroes (7-11) (Inactive)

Game Master nightdeath

Suddenly the backroom door shuts and the game’s mysterious host appears—the enigmatic Osprey, an agent of the Pathfinder Society with unclear objectives likely known only to the Decemvirate. Two strangers accompany the lean-featured Chelaxian—a tall man wearing dark robes and a black mask that conceals his face, and a grizzled, prune-skinned gnome, with a slight facial palsy.
With his typically cordial but informal manner, Osprey requests everyone be seated, and offers all a mug of Absalom’s worst grog.

“My fellow Pathfinders, I appreciate you making yourselves available on such short notice. I trust the accommodations here are sour enough to keep others from our business. As usual, I prefer to get right to the point.”

Osprey slams a large sack down on the table, a high-pitched yelp bursting from within the bundle as he does so. He quickly reaches into the sack and drags out a tiny pestilent-looking creature by the throat. He beats its head against the table a few more times, and yells, “Settle down before I get careless and snap your damn neck!”
Then he pins it down against the table, where it flounders weakly, a bony clump of glinting scales, hollow-eyes, and leathery wings. With his hands still locked on the creature’s throat, he raises his eyes, looks across the table and says, “So, what do you know about demons?”

A tall, dark skinned half orc lounges against the wall whittling a stick.

Demons, you say!, as he perks up at the mention of such things. Well, it just so happens that I specialise in putting down such critters.

He peers at the pathetic creature pinned to the table.

Knowledge Planes, favoured enemy: 1d20 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 2 + 4 = 25

Outside a horse whinnies and munches on some oats.

"Demons! You say demons, I know hmmm, I know hmm. Nothing!"

Anyone who looks at Taman will see a half-naked strong man. His face is dyed in color. He carry his large Bastard sword. "Sorry! I did not introduce myself. My name is Taman! Taman Hornraven!"

A well dressed gnome in Taldan noble garb and adorned with jewelry is in the room. He has a thick blue beard and his blue hair is barely visible under his outrageous noble hat. He has several wands, scrolls, and spell pouches.

He introduces himself quickly as Osprey has already started talking.

"Simon, by the way."

"Demons? Can't say I've met them too often, but it sounds like it may be relevant to the mission. Once I know more, I may call in a few contacts to help us out." If there are knowledge checks to make, Simon will bring in some contacts via the Sovereign Court faction boon to help know some stuff.

"My blade has drawn the ichor of more than one demon" says the staunch looking warrior known as Auriferous.

Those who know such things would recognize her epaulets that denote her as a chairperson among The Exchange.

"They are a blight on our world, and I look forward to the day I return to the Worldwound and send more of them back to the pit they crawled from."

Liminy is a thin bookish looking man with a black eye-patch, a toad on one shoulder, and a rat in his front pocket. He frowns at the treatment of the helpless creature.

"The weaker ones are rarely worth summoning but they can be deadly if you are not well prepared."

Liminy tells Osprey everything he knows about demons unless/until he is asked to stop.
kn Planes: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27

Osprey looks pleased as Liminy begins to explain that the creature before all of you is a Quasit.

As Liminy begins..........
The quasit is perhaps the least powerful demon, yet it is not the least respected—even quasits hold themselves above the dretch horde, and true to their natures, dretches lack the courage or drive to prove the quaits wrong. A quasit’s first role in life is that of a familiar to a spellcasting master, but those quasits who escape from this humiliating servitude become free-willed and much more dangerous.

As Liminy stops to take a breath, Osprey cuts him off
“No matter, you’re capable enough and if you're wise enough you'll reveal everything you know to us or I'll hve this one continue reciting.”

He stops after a polite cough and indicates to a hooded figure sitting in the shadows.
“My Apologies for forgetting myself. Please, offer your complete attentions to my most esteemed guest, Xersus Abergris, an expert demonologist and historian.” he points out a decrepit-looking
gnome.

This time the cloaked man steps forward and addresses all fo you in an eerily dry monotone.
“I represent the Decemvirate. I’ve come to oversee these proceedings as they are of personal interest to me. Osprey and Xersus shall speak on my behalf, unless I find it necessary to intervene. As far as you are all concerned, you have never seen me. Do I make myself clear?”
Without waiting for a reply, he steps back and Osprey nods to Xersus.

“One of the problems with demons is their complete lack of organization. We sages have very little to work from when investigating and cataloging them. Devils of course, keep lengthy records, but with these things,”
he pauses to disdainfully poke the quasit,
“these things couldn’t tell you the name of their own mother. This makes the job of studying and cataloging them very important. Many years ago, I used to work with a cleric and expert demonologist named Baldimar Trud. Trud was also a revered cleric of Cayden Cailean, and guided all of his research to assist in the fight against these infernal brutes. Still, the church had few available funds for his elaborate studies, and thus he sought out and received funds from other investors, including significant patronage from the Society. Over the course of several years, he built a research laboratory and compiled an extensive archive. Unfortunately, we have seen none of his work since he died before revealing its location. After Cayden’s Hall burned down the last time, I thought his works gone forever. Though a few days ago, I came upon this little fellow going through my personal notes—notes concerning my old friend Baldimar. I don’t believe this is a coincidence and strongly believe this fellow shall soon tell us why he was in my possessions. After that, I’m sure Osprey has a plan for you.”

Liminy shakes Xersus hand. "Ah a fellow historian. Pleasure working with you."

"Even torturing the quasit may not reveal the truth. And I lack the magics needed to force the issue."

Liminy then glances over at the hooded figure. He has a strong suspicion about who or at least what it is and it is making him nervous.

The Decemvirate? Well, this is interesting...

"Do you wish me for to have him spill his tongue? My enchantments are plentiful and I'm not afraid to use them, especially on such a mischievous creature."

Blend watches from the sidelines. Even under enchantment I would be loathe to believe anything such a creature told us.

"I can smack that little creature if needed!" Taman grabs his large bastard sword.

Auriferous looks around the room with a degree of surprise. Suspicions roused, she quietly starts detecting evil on the "demon" to see if it really what it appears to be. As she does that she will move her scanning around to also pick up the aura of the gnome, Osprey... and the cloaked stranger.

Her eyes remain hard on the quasit though. "Having been to the worldwound, I can attest first hand to the menace they are. The more we understand their weakness, the better so far as I am concerned."

Auriferous finds that Quasit radiates slight evil while the others radiate nothing else.
The cloaked stranger however makes a slight gesture at Osprey who turns towards Auriferous.
"It is best that you cease what you're doing. Further Provocation would not be wise."

Turning to the Quasit, his voice reaches out to everyone else.
"Shall we begin the interrogation?"

What do you wish to do to make the Quasit talk.

"Who, exactly, am I provoking?" asks Auriferous, curious about how the enigmatic pathfinder will answer the question.

She slowly considers the question, and then approaches the quasit.

"What is it you most desire? To return to the abyss that spawned you, or something else? I am a merchant, and know all about making trades. We want to know why you were going through Xersus's belongings, and who sent you on that mission."

diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15

Blend lounges against the wall and listens as Auriferous tries to cut a deal. This is a terrible idea, never trust the little buggers.

You should listen to the Lady, before she starts getting more direct quasit.

Blend aids Auriferous, he cannot fail the DC10

"Very well. We can start with the mundane before the magical."

Simon tries a slightly different approach than Auriferous.

"And if you don't answer the lady properly, we may have to start probing your mind ourselves. Why your brain will practically be mush by the time I'm done with you."

Intimidate (Bonus for being larger): 1d20 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 8 + 4 = 23

Couldn't resist the opportunity to intimidate something that's actually smaller than Simon.

Taman laughs with a threatening look.

Intimidate AID : 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

Looking strangely at the Gnome who looks rather large with the painted fierce looking human behind him, the quasit decides to take his chances with Auriferous.

As for Auriferous's earlier question, it is pointly ignored and is plain to see that such a question wold not be entertained.

The quasit begins to speak.
"I heard from my long lost master...May He remain lost forever. He is Graz’ith Ur Maurgith, a powerful demon to whom I am bound for all eternity though I'd rather not. The voice I heard came from somewhere within Cayden’s Hall." as he mumbles other things in his native language.

Upon hearing that Osprey turns to you and speaks in a commanding voice;
"Go there and Investigate the hall. Do find High Priestess Saphira and asks her what she knows about this first. IF you find yourselves getting in over your heads, contact me immediately."

Simon ignores the quasit for the most part, and turns to Osprey. "Very well. Eh, where is the hall?"

FYI, in case I don't get another post before heading out, Simon would like to cast False Life right before making it to the Hall. He would also like to use a charge of Mage Armor as well at that time. I am updating the stat block with the assumption it happens.

False Life: 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Blend taps himself with a wand of longstrider just before we reach the Temple.

As they arrive Blend casts around looking for somewhere to hitch up horse. He looks over to the rest of the group, what? he's an outdoor horse not an indoor one. I swear the number of times i've seen people expect to tramp their giant gorilla through someone's house, you would not believe it!

"What more can you tell us about your lost master, and how and when he got lost?" asks Auriferous.

Then, after the demon answers she asks Osprey "And how are we to make contact with you, if we are deep within Cayden's lost hall?"

kn planes on Graz’ith Ur Maurgith: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31

Before we reach the temple Liminy will tap himself with his wand of Mage Armor.

"Any of you good at convincing magic items you are a witch? If so hold on to this as it may come in handy. It brings a short burst of misfortune to the enemy."

I bought the wand of Ill Omen off a chronicle not realizing that it wasn't on the spell list of any core class. But it can still be activated via UMD.

As the group arrives at the outside of the hall after taking suitable preparations, they come over a guard standing in front of two solid doors with the sounds of revelry behind it.
With them is a small map that lead them to this place and a small sphere resembling a glass egg which will hold a single short message for Osprey.

As for the Quasit, it seems that having spent so long free....It's quite unwilling to go back to serice of its master though it has no memory of how Graz’ith Ur Maurgith actually remained out of contact either.

Knowledge Religion or local or history.

kn history: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (11) + 18 = 29

Taman moves closer to the door.

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17

Simon moves closer to the guard, giving a charming smile that almost seems magically enhanced.

"Oh, is there a party going on inside? I'm assuming you are the bouncer? We would like entrance to this seemingly splendid party. Would that be possible?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (5) + 19 = 24

Liminy and Simon both know that Cayden’s Hall is a massive, open fest hall of rough-hewn timbers. The latter have been replaced many times over the years thanks to their predecessors being burnt to cinders when the large, celebratory bonfires often burning within the wooden structure mixed badly with the very large and very inebriated crowds frequenting the establishment.

The temple guard before you smiles at Simon seemly put at ease with that brillant smile
He is in Well made Chainmail, a heavy stell shield strapped to his arm with a solid looking mace hanging from his side.

"Cayden's Frolics finds you well today. What is your business here?"

"Oh! How rude of me! My name is Simon," He makes a sweeping gesture. "and these are my friends."

"We would wish to enter your establishment and join in the festivities of course! I am a worshiper of Cayden and was hoping to that maybe I can help convert some of my friends here by showing them the greatest that Cayden has to offer."

Simon looks back at his friends and gives a quick wink. Take 10 for 25 on Bluff to relay the secret message that "He's not really trying to convert them, just find them a way in." Guard can get something is up with a DC 25 Sense Motive.

"Please sir, would it be possible to let us in?"

He tries to sell the lie he weaved.
Bluff: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35

Hopefully no one minds Simon taking over here. He's a social butterfly and has the skills to back it. ;)

After hitching Horse up to a nearby post Bledn comes and stands behind Simon. I'm with him he says, nodding at the gnome.

Rolls.....3d20 ⇒ (17, 3, 4) = 24
Do any of you carry wayfinders openly?
Perception checks please as I wait for the others to weigh in.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Simon has no wayfinder

no wayfinder
Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28

Blend owns a wayfinder and given we are in Absalom would probably have it openly visible.

Perception, Urban: 1d20 + 20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 20 + 2 = 23
+1 vs traps, +2 vs humans, +4 vs evil outsiders

perception: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (4) + 18 = 22

Liminy has one and since this is Absalom would be wearing it openly.

Auri, not especially happy with the lying admits "I am keen to see the inside of your place of business. And I have been known to hoist a tankard from time to time" she adds.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32
perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Happy to wear a wayfinder openly as well.

Perception DC 15
"Sure! Do come in. The more the-"

The temple guard is more then happy to let you in upon hearing that however the more keen eyed amongst you notices that two clerics in the vestments of Cayden Caliean seemed to be attemtping to eavesdropped on you.
"Halt and state your business here False Pathfinders!"

You can tell that they're not particularly friendly as they notice your wayfinders. They march up and glare at all of you, weapons in hand to the surprise of the Temple guard.

Welp, I tried.

"'False' Pathfinders? Whatever do you mean by that?" Simon puts emphasis on the "False" part.

"Worshipers of Cayden can also be Pathfinders. The two aren't mutually exclusive. Is there a problem?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (2) + 19 = 21

I hope they're friendly to Pathfinders. Opening displaying it... would be hard to lie my way out of that.

Blend looms up behind Simon. There's no falsehoods here, we just want to come in, grab a drink and speak to High Priestess Saphira. Is there a problem?

Blend aids Simon, he cannot fail the DC10

Taman puts his hand on his sword.

Auriferous sighs. Drunks

"There is nothing false about our Pathfinding. You will find each of us mentioned in numerous chronicles. But I am curious why you think someone would want to impersonate membership in our society."

Auto aids the diplomacy

"We never brought up the fact that we are Pahfinders, So why accuse us of being false ones. I'm pretty sure your temple serves patrons who are not Pathfinders. But considering how many slightly inebriated agents I've adventured with I am very sure you have Pathfinders among your worshipers. Personally I drink in moderation. I talk too much when I'm drunk."

aid diplomacy: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (5) - 2 = 3

They do not look drunk though as they snarl their replies.
"The High Priestess has already forewarned us of your coming!" they draw their weapons but remain where they are.

The temple guard's eyes switches between the party and his obvious senior superiors.

"You have come to raid our hall, seeking to wrest some sacred archives from her. Leave this place for you're not welcome here."

One points his weapon at Simon,
"Or we'll do it with force." he says with self righteous venom.

sense motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (19) - 1 = 18
"I think you have been misinformed. I for one am not here to seize anything that belongs to another. Perhaps we might speak with the high priestess herself and remove the confusion?"

diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 14 = 26

"So when you addressed us as false pathfinders, you meant that we were pathfinders and thus not normal worshippers, rather than other people pretending to be pathfinders?" she attempts to clarify.

Blend stares down the aggressive guards. If we were here to rob the place don't you think we would have, oh I don't know, snuck in rather than coming through the front door. Doesn't make much sense now does it...

Sense Motive, favoured enemy human: 1d20 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 6 + 4 = 24

Blend automatically aids Auriferous's diplomacy check

Sense Motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13

Simon steps back a bit after the weapon is pointed at him.

Simon holds his hands up. "Look, we mean no harm to you. Please, I implore you that we just want to get inside... not rob the place."

Automatically aid Auriferous's check.

Sense motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
Taman is ready to hit the first guards who will try to hurt his friends.

Both Auriferous and Blend has a feeling that these two clerics are acting unusually and judging by the temple guard's confusion, out of character for these two. It is also plain to see that the guard will side the clerics.

To the rest, the clerics are sure of their words and the guard will side with them.

By this time, the two clerics have drawn their weapons and are brandishing them aggressivelyat the party.

Blend looks askance at the two clerics. Are you sure you are alright? All we are asking for is to visit your temple, have a few drinks and enjoy ourselves. No different to anyone else who visits this house on a daily basis. Maybe you should check with the High Priestess if you have concerns?

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 4 = 14
Has there been sufficient interaction to get a sense motive check for possible enchantments affecting them?