PBP Game Day 7: 9-03 On the Border of War

Game Master SwampTing

At the Counting House:

"So? Who Abadar say is True King?" Tooth asks of the clerics. "You not know what Abadar say? Then you not true priests."

Later...

"Old mammal woman at river say Second Dragon would come. Venture Captain say not spend more than one day here. Me think, meet other useful contacts in town before go to Keep. Maybe others know of this Accord?"

"This one would like to try to speak with the representatives of the two houses before we set off again. This one has some skill in the art of diplomacy and would like to try to bring some kind of resolution. After all, everyone loves cats, no?"

Do we know where to find one or the other? Say, Sylvanna Orlovsky? With a name like that, I'm betting she's a druid.

Sylvanna Orlovsky is the niece of Lord Poul Orlovsky and the captain of the house’s forces in town. Just about everyone in the town knows who she is and you have no trouble finding her at the stables near her estate, grooming a magnificent steed.

She is an attractive young lady with delicate features and gold hair bound into two plaits. She carries herself with fierce pride of a noblewoman and a warrior, and when her attendants notify her of your approach, she turns to regard you with a steely gaze.

"I had heard that there were foreign and... exotic visitors in Zmeyka. You have picked a strange time for a visit, travelers. I take it this is more than just a social call?"

"Me Baron Tooth of Ravenmoor! Me also Mayor! Me have medals." The Baron preens and puffs out his chest.

"We here to help rightful King, make peace. That fine mammal, mammal." The Baron indicates the horse. "Him no Claw, but him look like good steed."

Baron Tooth whispers to the young noble: "Me represent powerful friends, me think you fit in very well at the Court. Me like to work with you, many opportunities for advancement yes? Me make introductions, you no regret it."

diplomacy, aid another's roll to improve attitude, the court grows: 1d20 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (17) - 2 + 2 = 17 Minimum result is 12

know.nobility DC23 to recruit to Sov Court, Faction Card Goal: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27

Shuffling after the group, Fade takes in the surroundings of the stables, keeping an eye(and ear) out for signs of danger. He looks behind bales of hay, and around the backside of the horse, then steps back to peer over the roof as best he can from his tip toes. He also looks back and forth, checking all the ways to the stables from outside.

What with the opposing factions in this place, I had best keep on the lookout for trouble.

Perception: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (10) + 26 = 36 +4 to to hear something if applicable.

As all this is going on, he addresses the young lady without so much as a passing glance.

"We heard you're having a bit of trouble lately. Not you specifically mind you, but this town. Seems like a place ready to boil over. We figured you lot could use some help reducing the simmer."

When he finishes his searching, he finally looks Sylvanna up and down appreciatively, and then stares her dead in the eyes.

"But should it come to it, I'm tossing in with your side." he says with a lopsided grin.

diplomacy aid: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (19) - 1 = 18

Tofu looks up at the Lady. Ikarus prevents him from saying anything because Tofu is too socially awkward around pretty women.
Just showing I'm still present.

"The main purpose of our visit is to try and broker a lasting peace for the region, My Lady."

The monk bows. "For your beautiful country and people deserve nothing less."

"Though of course someone of your high station would seek proof of our general competence ..."

Antonella lets her final word trail ... "Our Baron Tooth is quite accomplished at mounted combat, if you wish to test us."

enhanced diplomacy/aid The Nekomancer: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 8 + 2 = 19

"This one is pleased to make your acquaintance, most radiant one. This one has heard of the troubles in these lands, and would entreat both sides to make peace, for the good of all the people and cats within these lands. Is there nought that can be done to bring peace between the houses of Orlovsky and Surtova?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30 This does not count the aid that has been given

Sylvanna's countenance softens when you heap compliments on her, but then hardens again when you speak of trying to broker peace.

“House Surtova seized the Dragonscale Throne with more haste than a quickling! It makes one wonder how long they’ve been waiting for the opportunity. They belittle us with derision and mockery; you should hear how Berislav addresses me! It’s one insult after another. I would sooner see these lands barren than in the hands of such crude brutes. They think they can claim whatever they like, but House Orlovsky has had enough of their overreach. This land was ours long before they weaseled it from our grasp. This very town was founded by the blood and sweat of my kin’s toil. They will return it to us, or we shall take back what is rightfully ours!”

As she loses herself in her thoughts, she pats the Nekomancer's head absently as she would an animal before remembering that he is in fact a sentient humanoid. She withdraws her hand with a wistful sigh.

"My only regret in all of this is that I shall have in preparing for the coming conflict I shall have little time to recover my copper eagle. It was a childhood token that I lost in Hartsfall Keep many years earlier, cast by my late father for me. Alas that duty calls so urgently, but I dishonor my family more if I let House Surtova usurp our lands!"

Turning to Serres and Baron Tooth, she adds with a coy smile.

"Know this. Berislav is nothing but an uncivilized brute, and I would be wary of trusting any words that come from his forked tongue if I were you. You seem capable individuals. If you would pledge yourselves to House Orlovsky, I can assure you the benefits would be aplenty when we re-establish our hold in this region. Prove yourselves, and you may even find yourselves gifted with one of our House's famous Brevic Warmblood steeds. They are descended from the horses that rode with the army of Choral the Conqueror and are said to have red dragon blood in them. There are no horses that rival them."

The Baron brims with pride as Antonella talks up his combat prowess...

"Dragon's Blood in your horses, hmm?" Stupid big lizards mate with anything. "You know of Firespeaker Accord? It maybe something from Choral's dragons."

"My only regret in all of this is that I shall have in preparing for the coming conflict I shall have little time to recover my copper eagle. It was a childhood token that I lost in Hartsfall Keep many years earlier, cast by my late father for me."

At this point Ikarus splashes around his aquarium ball wondering if he knows anything about this keep. If not, he will have Tofu ask for information about it.

Know Geography: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
Know History: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
Know Nobility: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
What the hell dice? Thats... Unusual. Did I just win a Slot Machine of information?

Always glad when a pretty woman smiles at him, especially when she hasn't been paid to, Fade nearly blushes with Sylvanna's coy behavior. He has to swallow hard and clear his throat before saying his next words.

"As much as I feel for you wanting to take it to Berislav, just give us a few days before you make any serious moves if you can. We are pretty good at what we do and I think we can get you everything you want, and possibly a bit more, and all without any losses on your part."

After a pause he adds, "I hate seeing a beautiful woman frown. Trust us. We're helping you."

We'll have to keep an eye out for a copper eagle when we head into the keep. It just might work into something we can use. Fade contemplates to himself.

⁢
Antonella clutches her stomach and scans the stables for a bucket at Fade’s words, though she doesn’t say anything.

"This one feels that there is a need to clarify. It is our intention to help all parties involved by helping broker a peace in these lands. War will benefit no one, and we are neutral in this conflict in the sense that we seek the good of both sides."

Guys, remember that in our briefing we were told to be neutral in the conflict...

Hartsfall keep is the place we were told to explore after we are done here...

Dailung nods slowly. "You are right. We have to stay neutral. Maybe we need booth parties."

Hartsfall keep is the place we were told to explore after we are done here...

Ah yes. That is correct. Apologies.

"Hmm... regrettable. Perhaps I as mistaken about you after all," Sylvanna sighs as she turns away, making little effort to hide her disgust at your reply (especially Nekomancer's). She returns her attention to her horse and pays you no more heed.

Pathfinders what would you like to do next?

sense motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

"Hmmph. Maybe we find Berislav more reasonable, but me think not."

Out of earshot of Sylvanna, Tooth suggests visiting the other noble house. I suspect that we're going to end up looking for three things within the Keep - Sylvanna's trinket, the Firespeaker Accord, and something that Berislav will mention to us. Then we'll have a choice depending on what we find.

“I concur, Baron Tooth.”

sense motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

“I sense Lady Orlovsky is unlikely to listen to us until we find that copper eagle she mentioned.”

Antonella smiles at the Nekomancer. “Never mind, brother. Perhaps she’s more of a dog person.”

Sound right, supervillain.

"Such villainy, to prefer mongrels to one as winsome as my feline self! But what you say sounds plausible. Let us see if we cannot find her little bird for her. I do think we should go see what Berislav wants before he will consider peace talks," the Nekomancer purrs.

Slinking away, and pulling the group along as well, Fade leaves the way they came. Much like Tooth, he waits till they are out of earshot before speaking.

"Well she sure was a fun one! I agree with you," he says gesturing widely to the entire group, "I think we should go see Berislav... and he is known to be a gambler. As I said before, I am willing to offer him a game or two. That might get him to let his guard down a bit if he has a good time and then the rest of you can talk to him all about this political hoohah. That sound good?"

Craning his neck, looking around to get his bearings, he says, "So where did they say he was supposed to be again?

You ask around about the whereabouts of Berislav and learn that he was last seen heading to the local blacksmith. You find him there with a few oh his men, his arms folded and his his face in a scowl as he looks at the blacksmith hammering on a dagger at his forge. He doesn't pay you much attention as you approach.

The Nekomancer pads up to the nobleman and delivers his best courtly bow.

"Greetings Berislav Surtova. This one is please to make your acquaintance. This one is known as the Nekomancer, court mage and representative of the Visbaroness Yoon, Lady of Fangwood Keep. You seem a little upset. Might this one inquire as to what chills your mood? This one is known to be quite resourceful, so perhaps this one could be of some assistance."

diplomacy: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (19) + 15 = 34

"And to think, I just came here to gamble..." Fade says from off to the side and behind the Nekomancer."...'cause none of these folks offer even the slightest challenge. The constant winning has really begun to wear on me."

Serres looks down to see a hand extended his way holding a herbal drink. He looks up to see that Tofu is offering it to him.
"This will help with the irritation."
This will help with the irritation.

Serres gambling with him and winning would have achieved the same result as a successful diplomacy, but since Nekomancer already aced the check, I am going to skip the gambling check.

"Hmm? I am not familiar with Visbarones Yoon, but if you represent a noble-lady, I suppose I owe you the due courtesy. Least-wise, your manners are sufficient. My apologies, I am simply waiting for my dagger to be fixed, but my mood is also darkened by the unrelenting plague sweeping through his hometown. Only reason I even came here is because I heard Grandt was a faily competent apothecary, but it turned out to be a wasted trip - even he cannot work out a cure!"

“And I already have enough on my hands what with this dispute with the Orlovskys! As the stars see me, this entire dispute rests on them! They claim these lands as their ancestral legacy, but House Rogarvia granted these lands to my family years ago. We even offered to keep them as neutral territory as a truce, but they won’t have it. They won’t listen to a word we say. It’s as if they blame us for the disappearance of the Rogarvians. Stubborn fools, all of them! Especially that proud Captain Sylvanna of theirs. Between you and me, I think she’s just sore that she missed her chance to move up the chain after the Vanishing ended her betrothal to some Rogarvian scion.”

"We have the right in this, you know. I do not know which house you are affiliated with, but if your lady has any sense and desire for advancement, you would do her a service by allying with House Surtova. And we reward our allies well too! Our family has a long line of dragon-slayers, and our most trusted and proven allies are often rewarded with the choices scales with which to fashion their armors and shields!"

"My apologies, I am simply waiting for my dagger to be fixed, but my mood is also darkened by the unrelenting plague sweeping through his hometown. Only reason I even came here is because I heard Grandt was a faily competent apothecary, but it turned out to be a wasted trip - even he cannot work out a cure!"

"What kind of plague is it that is making things so bad? Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Me Dragon-Slayer! Me Baron Tooth of Ravenmoor! Me also Mayor!"

The Baron displays with customary pride the four notches on the haft of his bardiche. "Me kill four dragons! What gods say about Surtovas and Orlovskys? Priests at Counting House seem false."

“Most times it takes team work to come up with a cure to an epidemic, My Lord.”

Antonella bows formally to the troubled noble. “A break-through may be as close as the nearest plague-resistant rat –– or otyugh.”

“Rest assured the Pathfinder Society will scour the surrounding dungeons for ways to assist Goodman Grandt with his research.”

Serres looks down to see a hand extended his way holding a herbal drink. He looks up to see that Tofu is offering it to him.

Serres hangs his head, but still accepts the offered drink with a sarcastic grin. "Thanks Tof."

“And I already have enough on my hands what with this dispute with the Orlovskys!”

"We have the right in this, you know."

Looking as sincere as he can, Fade simply nods his head along with the others, sure of the good work all the pretty people have already put in.

Go to hand it to those sweet talkers. They know how to turn a phrase into a weapon.

Dailung just smirks and nods at Antonella´s words.
"We are experts in such tasks. No mountain high enough, ain´t no valley low, ain´t no river wide enough for the Pathfinder society."

"This one and this one's companions have already spoken with Grandt. It is most regrettable what has befallen your people. But these ones cannot ally these ones' selves with any faction at this time - these ones are hoping that the Houses Surtova and Orlovsky will come to peace, and so wish to remain neutral in this dispute. Perhaps if these ones could find a cure somehow, you would be willing to consider peace?"

"Me can cure diseases if Blood God like you. Me just need scroll. Me do it before. It work if you pray hard to Blood God. You pray to Blood God?"

Tofu shows an example of his own curative powers, if it helps to improve the situation.
Profession: Herbalist: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 25
Herb Lore
"I was shown a long time ago by my little buddy how to cure almost any ailment that someone suffers from. Blindness, deafness, disease."
I was shown a long time ago by my little buddy how to cure almost any ailment that someone suffers from. Blindness, deafness, disease.

"Ha! If even Grandt could not find a cure, I find it hard to think that you could. But if, and that's a big if, you are able to find a cure, then yes, I would be sufficiently in your debt to even consider peace with those damned Orlovsky curs. Otherwise, it will be a cold day in the burning hells before I even consider coming to terms with them. I suppose if you fancy yourselves miracle-workers, now would be a good time to start working a miracle!"

Tofu you know that unless you were on site to inspect a victim - something you do not have time to do right now - it would be nearly impossible to devise a cure. Moreever, since Grandt did inspect some of the plague victims and was unable to find a cure, there is a possibility that this is an engineered plague, which would make it even more difficult to find a cure without knowledge of how it was engineered to begin with.

Tofu you know that unless you were on site to inspect a victim - something you do not have time to do right now - it would be nearly impossible to devise a cure. Moreever, since Grandt did inspect some of the plague victims and was unable to find a cure, there is a possibility that this is an engineered plague, which would make it even more difficult to find a cure without knowledge of how it was engineered to begin with.

I figure as much, but Tofu is an optimistic sort, and I need show I am at least paying attention somehow. Not very good at social skills :(

"Well we've certainly got a tall order ahead of us." Fade says from the back of the group, "We had best get to it."

He then makes his way out of the blacksmith shop and slowly starts the trek to the ruins, only holding back until the others start to follow.

"Well, this one supposes there's nothing more to do here for now. These ones know that at least one of the objects these ones require is at the ruins, and we need to explore them anyway. Let these ones go and see what we can discover."

“That sounded like tacit permission to explore Hartsfall Keep, brothers and sister.”

Antonella cracks her knuckles and follows the Wildborn telekineticist. "Are you planning on waiting for us, Fade?"

"Or are you just practising being the ‘point-snack’ scout during our dungeon crawl?"

"Waiting? Pfft!"

Fade then slows down so the others, or at least Antonella, can catch up.

"Sure I'll take point if you want, and I might even let you know when it's safe." he says with a smirk.

"If you really want to be safe, wait for my go ahead. If your not worried though, be my guest and lead. I have no problem walking behind you."

“I know that you know that I was only kidding, Brother Fade.”

Antonella puts on a turn of monastery-trained speed to catch up with the half-elf-in-black. “Perhaps it is best if I walk beside you … for when you set off something and require healing.”

Antonella can aid the perception check for traps etc. but would need to roll.

Dailung will try his best to be ready for the face-eater.

"Me ready to go. Claw too."

SOP looks good Fade. Tooth has Perception at +17 and Track (survival) at +11; if called for he can use Vermin Focus (wasp) to boost Perception to +23. I'm happy to follow. If anyone happens to have any diamond dust to hand (50gp worth), Tooth can place a nondetection spell on Fade to thwart attempts to Detect him with divination spells (I'm afraid I didn't read the spell description when I levelled up and gained it as a spell known via my Divine hunter archetype).

"Oh, we're leaving now? Ok."
Oh, we're leaving now? Ok.

I don't have much perception better than the rest of you. I just have +10 on Tofu and on Ikarus. I can help whenever we fail to find a trap or if we run into deadly gases. Healing Hex 2d8+7, Aura of Purity, Herblore, etc.

Just before the group heads into the ruins, Fade takes out a vial of milky, odorless liquid and begins to spread it over himself

When given any scrutiny, he merely says, "What? This isn't even close to the wierdest thing I've been smeared with recently."

Deodorizing agent duration in hours: 1d3 ⇒ 2

If you cant beat'em, Join'em.
Just before the dungeon Tofu take out a Lesser Metamagic Rod of Extend.

If the party wants to wait 10 minutes, Tofu can build his Collapsible Bathtub and soak in it to turn his durations from 140 minutes to 180 and mage armor into 9 hours, due to his favored class bonus. If not, I will do what Ive written below.

Aquatic Elf Favored Class Witch

Buffing Serres with Extended Heroism. 140 minute duration.
Buffing Deep Tofu with Mage Armor. 7 hour duration.
Buffing Antonella and Deep Tofu with Extended Slipstream. 140 minute duration.
After using up his metamagic rod, he replaces it back with his equipment.

Slipstream

Sure, take the time. Longer buffs for just a few extra minutes prep? That is great!

You make your preparations and set off towards the keep. You can see it from the town gates and you estimate that you will be there within the hour. A travel-worn road cuts through the rolling farmlands between Zmeyka and Hartsfall Keep and gentle breezes carry the sound of rustling crops and the bleating of livestock across the fields.

You are about half the way to the keep when you see a quartet of armed men approaching you.

"Well, well, what do we have here? Some punks with a few weapons who think they can handle themselves? Well in case you ain't heard, there's a war about to be fought here, and it's dangerous 'round these parts, aye? So if you leave us your valuables, we can guarantee your safe passage out of here. Saavy?"

Map is up.
Tooth and Neko get to go before the enemies.

Dailung patiently waits, but keeps a vial close for quaffing it.