PFS 4-07 Aeshuura's Severing Ties (Inactive)

Game Master Aeshuura

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The crisp chill of the Arcadian Ocean can be clearly felt as it sweeps across the fetid waters of Riddleport Harbor and onto the city streets, and the briny air inspires recent memories.

Only a few days ago, back in Magnimar, Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch detailed the covert mission from behind the oaken desk in her office. Lissala is the Thassilonian goddess of runes, fate, and obedience, she explained. Her followers are wicked and secretive, but they can be bought for the right price. The Aspis Consortium offered that price. In exchange for creating a back door into the Hao Jin Tapestry—a museum demiplane that we Pathfinders thought was entirely our own—the Aspis Consortium promised a river of wealth to the secretive cult. The Pathfinder Society ejected the Aspis Consortium from the Hao Jin Tapestry and the Consortium defaulted on its contract with the cult of Lissala. As you might expect from followers of a goddess of duty, the Lissalans are irate at the Aspis Consortium for defaulting. Tensions between the two groups are at their breaking point, and I need you to finish the job.

Vidrin Jenk is a silver agent in the Aspis Consortium, newly arrived in Riddleport and anxious to prove his worth to the organization. The Aspis Consortium recently purchased the Barracuda Cartage company, and Jenk operates out of the offices there. Jenk plans to patch up relations with the cult of Lissala, which is well hidden somewhere in Riddleport. To help him, Jenk requisitioned a group of Aspis Consortium specialists—all bronze agents led by a mysterious troubleshooter named Thestil Shadowtongue.

At this point, Venture-Captain Heidmarch slid several bronze badges across the desk, some flecked with blood. Those specialists aren’t going to make it to Riddleport. You are. I want you to pretend to be the Aspis Consortium agents Jenk requested. Do as he asks, but only to keep suspicion off of you until you find out where the cult of Lissala is hiding. Once you know that, I need you to do two things. First, sabotage the Lissalan safe house as completely as possible. Second, throw the blame for the sabotage onto the Aspis Consortium.

How you complete these tasks I leave to your discretion, but I want you to keep murder to a minimum. One of the Lissalan cultists is feeding us information, and I don’t want to risk you killing this valuable source. Furthermore, we want the Lissalans to remain alive so they can turn their full ire against the Aspis Consortium. Once you’ve accomplished these two mission objectives, return here.

Heidmarch smiles broadly. Welcome to the Aspis Consortium. Any questions before you leave for Riddleport?

It will be my second time in Riddleport, I hope this one will be better than the last...

Thought Ragnar about his last meeting with Grand Master torch in the same city when looking at the Harbor and smelling its fetid waters.

Ragnar is a big angel skin man with impressive scars. He's clad in a full plate armor and bore an holy symbol of Gorum the God of War : a greatsword.

On the deck, he remembered the scene when the beautiful Venture Captain Heidmarch spoke of their mission.

What do we know about this Thestil ? Hhow one of us can passed for him ?

He asked.

Heidmarch smiles, That’s the best part of this: Jenk doesn’t know anything about Thestil Shadowtongue other than by reputation. Thestil
is known to be a loyal Aspis Consortium agent, but goes to great lengths to remain mysterious and anonymous.

Almost no one knows what race Thestil is, or even whether Thestil is a man or a woman. I recommend that your best liar claim to be Thestil Shadowtongue, and that he or she emphasizes Thestil’s ‘enigmatic spy’ reputation.

That's a good thing Captain !

Said Ragnar before looking at his fellow pathfinder

I know the bluffing's basics but I'm not a skilled liar. My true strength come from my divine power.

The absent-minded elf is deep in his thoughts, trying to remember every single detail and consign it in his journal.

I have to admit I am unfamiliar with specifics concerning the Aspis Consortium. So far my only mission involving them has been to retrieve that arcane key of yours, Mistress Heidmarch. What do we know about their customs, their ways? I'm eager to know more about our enemies.

As for lying, I'm not sure I'm the most apt to this task.

Kynrac studies his newly-acquired wayfinder, before putting it reluctantly in his dimensional haversack.

I also wanted to inquire about what we know of what lies in the cultists' lair. Do we know of any extraplanar creatures they could have summoned?

This pale man is quite handsome and slightly gaunt, he is dressed in fall colors of dying leaves. His jet black hair it tied back with a bit of leather allowing piercingly bright pale blue eyes to welcome all he sees.
Patiently waits for Kynrac's questions to be answered then he will ask his own.
Also, what allies does the Aspis have in Riddleport we should be wary of?

As for lying, that is a task not suitable for me, if it was a diplomatic event the conflict would end as soon as I entered the room.
Smiles revealing small fangs as his canie teeth.

Also a knowledge local check 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

Mero thinks a little about what he had heard. He takes the badges and handle one for each of the group. He cleans the blood on his badge and puts it in his pocket.
"You would not have a body of one of the bronze agents preserved in a dimensional space, would you?
How were the agents using this badge? Hidden or showing it openly?
Also, do we have a map of the places in Riddleport or will we get that info from Jenk?"
History: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27 What do I know about Lissala's cult and about the Aspis Consortium?

A low growl rumbles from the back of the room. The pale white snow leopard sitting on its haunches levels its gaze at the Dhampir, the spotted fur covering its muscled shoulders puffs up, adding to the menacing effect. A small hand pokes up behind the great cat and tenderly strokes the creature’s neck.

Now, now Droogami. All we know about this creature is what its parents were. We must not judge a thing until we understand its motives.

The growl subsides, but the slitted yellow eyes do not break their stare at Vasilios. The owner of the diminutive hand steps into view. A shock of green hair festooned with summer blossoms tops a petite gnome clad in green tinted leathers. A bundle of twigs and sticks jut out of a belt at her waist, each from a very different species of tree.

Much of what I know of the Lissalans came from rumors and old tales from the lands south of my birth. I believe you humans still call the land Avistan.

Reaching for the bundle of sticks at her belt, Lini says to Droogami:

Remind me Droogami, wasn’t one of our mementos collected in a forest near a Lissalan enclave?

Lini’s backstory indicates that she is well traveled, collecting sticks as mementos of her adventures from various forests. She was born in the Lands of the Linnorm Kings, on the northern edge of Avistan. The ancient home of the Lissalan cult, Thasilon is also here.

With a sufficient high knowledge geography check it seems that Lini might have encountered members of the Lissalan cult in her travels. DM’s discretion, of course.

knowledge geography: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

Kynrac - Know (local): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

If the players that made the checks wish to share, then you others may

The name Lissala is not a name commonly heard of, mainly known by historians. They are certainly not a group that you would simply bump into.

Shares all info from my check.

Why thank you master Bert that is all anyone should ask for, a chance to prove themselves.

Mero also shares everything he knows (History check) with the others.

Thanks for the info Vas' and Mero. I meet some of these bastards in the Mwangi's jungle, and in Riddleport one of their gold agent, the famous Spider...
I heard stories about this Lissalla and her cult. but It will be the first meet for me and my sw... ah! no, just for me if I heard right, in Gorum's name

Religion: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Ragnar took the bronze badge.

No further question for me Captain.

Said Ragnar

Lini pulls a dozen sticks from her belt, applying a different level of scrutiny to each. Some are sniffed, some squinted at, some tasted. Each in turn is placed back in the pouch. With a shrug, she looks to the snow leopard

It appears I was mistaken, Droo. We have not collected a memento of the Lissala yet.

The gnome approaches the desk and reaches up to take a bronze medallion. She holds the blood-spattered badge under Droogami’s nose. The great cat snorts several deep breaths and sounds a contented purr.

Lini smiles and scratches the tufts of hair behind her companion’s ear. She too sniffs the badge, her tiny tongue darting out to taste the blood stained metal.

This one had quite the fondness for cheap ale and dank basements

The gnome tucks the badge away in a pouch at her belt.

Lini absentmindedly reaches back to her collection of sticks.

knowledge geography: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

Riddleport, Riddleport… What do we know of Riddleport, Droo…

Lini, Riddleport is like Tortuga. It is a den for pirates and black market deals. It also happens to be a center for study of magic and history, led by the Cyphermages. If you look at the picture at the top of the thread, you can see the Cypher Gate, an ancient remnant of the Empire of Thassilon.

A young man with eager eyes, simple travel-stained clothes and a shock of unkempt brown hair sits forward from the edge of the room where he had been listening quietly.

"I have dealt with the Aspis Consortium before. It will be nice to be on the side doing the disrupting for once." Riken says with a laugh.

Riken steps forward and retrieves one of the medalions and flips it in the air a few times.

"Will we be able to connect with the Lissalan ally should the need arise?" Riken asks as he sits back down.

We know very little about him. The informant is a cleric, is probably human, and has been feeding us reliable intelligence. We don’t know any more than that. That’s one reason you shouldn't indiscriminately kill everyone in the safe house, once you find it.

Everyone come up with a fake name/persona. I will be referring to you as this name for the rest of this Scenario, until you are done. This will also mark out who will be Thestil Shadowtongue. Some of you may want to alter your look if you obviously display anything that could identify you as someone who might not be Aspis. I don't think this will be a problem as the two divine characters represent Neutral gods. But if anyone has a Wayfinder, Heidmarch suggests that you conceal it.

He turns to Sheila:
"Can we put the place on fire?"

After it he speaks to his partners:
"Hmm, that's complicated." Ezren speaks to the group. "If someone sees us inside we will have problems. Anyway, we can beat whoever was there to unconsciousness, we tie them up with a rotten rope, stage that we are evil and burst in hideous laughter as we put the place on fire, leaving them to be burned alive! Of course, as the rope is not strong they will easily get free, and they will be witness to the destruction of the place made by the Aspis Consortium members. That way no one will get killed even if we need to deal with them. What do you think?"

Mero, as Ezren, has no identification of anything, nor a wayfinder, but I do carry a cane, which I don't believe has any difference, anyway. I can basically disguise as anything, but have +0 in bluff skill. As i don't wear armor nor have weapons i can be the shadowtongue if there is no one better. Otherwise my Fourth name is Kaito.

Sheila Heidmarch frowns slightly, I would hate to see our plan hinge on something as simple as arson. Our main goal is to plant seeds of doubt and betrayal, leaving both parties in disarray. If you are witnessed striking directly, it may not necessarily implicate Jenk, as that is not quite his style. Jenk is bringing you in to placate the Lissalans, probably by providing some service to the Cultists somehow. If you find out where the safehouse is, you may find the opportune moments without placing yourself in direct danger... If setting the place on fire is the only way, then I suppose it can't be helped, but someone such as Thestil Shadowtongue would be a bit more subtle by reputation.

Lini pulls a thick stem from her belt. Fresh and nearly green at one end, the other is charred and blackened. As the gnome speaks to the snow leopard, she begins sketching the image of a scythe on the floorboards with her improvised charcoal.

Fire is such a fickle thing Droo. Our memento reminds me of the hunters we came across using fire to rouse their prey from the underbrush. In the end, it did little more than show us their camp.

Lini continues here drawing in silence. While not a skilled artist, the sketch conveys a scythe passing through a neck well enough.

Working with a +3 untrained bluff, sorry diplomacy bard, who has the best modifier?

Stares at Mero.

Why does the pathfinder society always couple me with a pack of pyromaniac murder hobos...

A pained look crosses Riken's face from distant memories. Typical wizard loves his fires. He glowers to himself.

"I suspect we will be able to come up with better plans once we know the plans. Once we've met with this Jenk."

Riken gives Lini a look of understanding then turns to address Venture-Captain Heidmarch.

"Did you happen to catch the names of any of these men? he asks holding up the bronze badge. "For that matter, if he doesn't know who he's expecting, why must we use an alias"

He pauses for a moment lost in his thoughts, "No, I suppose we wouldn't want this so easily tracked backed to the society. Perhaps a pseudonym is appropriate."

Riken once again pauses to think. "Zandu? Do I look like a Zandu to you?" he asks the group with a grin.

"Don't look me that way folks, it was just a hypothesis. I guess we're ready for whatever comes then.

You could call me Haraldson for the mission. I don't think I could pass for this shadowtongue...
Even if it's cost me I could even change the god I pray as my divine power is not directly linked to Him or conceal the fact I could cast spells.

In any way I'm ready

Sheila smiles at Riken's comment, Well, by now you have all begun making a name for yourselves amongst the Society. It may be possible that Aspis spies may have heard of one or more of you, and while you may be fine with that risk I am hesitant. Of course, if Jenk or the Lissalans discover that you are Pathfinders the whole mission is a failure.

Kynrac, and Bert both have me beat by +1 to bluff. Do either of you want to step up and take the reigns? Happy to do so if not, have other social skills that may be helpful.

Ha, as much as I hate being stereotyped I will play with it this time around. You may call me Mourge. Who will be Shadowtongue?

Aye the elf grinned, they have heard of Kynrac Chronarion, since I stole a prized reptilian from them not too long ago in the outskirts of Magnimar, and thereby ruined their efforts at winning a certain auction. I will definitely hide my wayfinder, and could try to make subtle alterations with my looks.

The lorekeeper thought for a moment, and resumed his ramblings. As for sabotage, we should act subtly accoring to the situation, and what the Lissalans are doing. Of course, we could just "forget" one of our bronze badges there, or Jenk's silver one, if one of us is skilled enough at picking pockets.

I guess I could be Thestil if no one else could, though I have no talent for lying, and hate it. Irori's ways are not those of rogues and liars.

Charisma mod is +4 here, could buy a couple potions of Tap Inner Beauty (50 gp each, 25 if in scroll), which adds a further +2. But +6 is still low for what we intend to do. Anyone knows another way of increasing the bluff skill temporarily? I'm lawful, hence I hate lying, though. Vasilios looks better-suited to the task from his looks alone, to be honest.

Kynrac intends on disguising himself slightly before arriving in Riddleport. Disguise: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Kynrac added little beads to his braided hair, as well as make-up darkening his eyes to appear "more evil". The attempt is blatantly obvious, and looks ridiculous.

How do I look?

Nope ^^ You can take 20 on the disguise i believe.

Kaito it is then.

for 500 gp the mask of stony demeanor will do with its +10 for lying !

The same said Haraldson

The elf looked disappointed. Well, it looks like I can't be me. I'll be Isandril, then. Is it suitable?

I'm out of gold it seems! I wanted to buy a disguise kit, but I don't even have enough for that... And alright, I'll take 20 to get a 24 in disguise before arriving in Riddleport.

Going to sleep, we will move on tomorrow morning. Make any final preparations, and yes you can take 10 or even 20 on your disguises. You will have had the time to make any purchases in Magnimar before you left.

I totally am getting that mask! Where is it from (source)?

I will let madame Bert decide if she feels up for the part, as it seems to have come down between the two of us. I will not lie but the allure of playing this role has begun to get the better of me and I do hope to get the challenge of playing this Shadowtongue.

from the UE it's a broken item for its price

May be a hooded cloak or a mask could do a good think to play this Shadowtongue ?

It may be a good idea to wear one. Do we know what race is Shadowtongue? Is it even known? Adding mystery would certainly help us to "create" that character.

Lini reaches into her pouch and produces a branch still sporting healthy-looking, green leaves. At the fork of the branch, a tiny gossamer cocoon wiggles and writhes. Lini smiles as the cocoon splits, revealing the multi-colored wings of a butterfly. The insect spends a scant moment stretching its new wings, before fluttering up and out the nearest window. Droogami sounds a mewling growl.

Droogami, take note from our friend’s transformation.

Lini pulls a tight leather hood over her shock of green hair, largely concealing her most prominent feature. Her bandolier of sticks and twigs are tucked out of view behind her cloak. Pulling a nodule of dark charcoal from her pack, she spends the next minutes crushing the block and rubbing the soot deeply into the snow leopard’s fur.

Lini’s disguise:
disguise: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Droogami’s disguise:
disguise: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

I am no Shadowtongue, but you make a handsome shadowcat, Droo.

Droogami growls softly.

No my friend. That name stays behind. For this journey you must call me Mariposa.

The gnome scratches the cat's ear. A contented purr sounds.

Yes, I do like that. You shall be Wynn.

Kynrac, and Bert both have me beat by +1 to bluff. Do either of you want to step up and take the reigns? Happy to do so if not, have other social skills that may be helpful.

Lini's appearance is far to unique to pass scrutiny, bluff checks notwithstanding. I'll defer to Valisos. Plus, her Wild Shape ability will probably prove useful for subterfuge and reconnaissance.

Ragnar took his time to disguise himself as another aasimar before going to Riddleport.

Take 20 for disguise => 22

Oops. Just noticed that we can take 20 on disguises

Mariposa (Lini’s) disguise:
disguise: 20 + 3 = 23

Wynne (Droogami’s) disguise:
disguise: 20 + 3 = 23

Kynrac, your question was answered when Ragnar asked a similar question.

Heidmarch smiles, That’s the best part of this: Jenk doesn’t know anything about Thestil Shadowtongue other than by reputation. Thestil

is known to be a loyal Aspis Consortium agent, but goes to great lengths to remain mysterious and anonymous.

Almost no one knows what race Thestil is, or even whether Thestil is a man or a woman. I recommend that your best liar claim to be Thestil Shadowtongue, and that he or she emphasizes Thestil’s ‘enigmatic spy’ reputation.

Cover IDs:

"The Aspis Consortium is known to utilize mercenaries. Perhaps I shall keep things simple and play that part."

"I need to grab a few things from town. I won't be long"

As Riken steps out the door you hear short whistle. A big Leopard jumps down at his his side. Riken takes a moment to ruffle the the cat's ears and they head into town.

Riken returns with a cowl covering his face and the leopard by his side.

Disguise: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (1) - 2 = -1 (Wow, really?)

"This is Paka." he says as he kneels down beside the cat and claps him on the chest a few times. "Paka, meet... Droo was it?"

My lady, feline, and gentlemen; thank you all for this opportunity. It is quite exhilarating really, I will not disappoint!. Pauses and nods a thank you to the group. He takes a second to traverse his next thought, and clears his throat.
Thestil Shadowtongue, let us collectively work on him as a character, as well as the group you are all to be. We know Thestil is egnimatic, we should play this tune through, perhaps make him eccentric so the lies a very difficult to read. You all should from this point forward call me BOSS, and seem genuinely afraid of me. I plan to play him very calm cool and collective, the kind of calm that casually walks up to a married women he has never met, kiss her deeply and passionately and leave both her and her husband awestruck. I think a mask used only to conduct business could add to the allure. As for the team we should have different rolls too. Rolls like Enforcer, Soldier, Sneak, cleaner; things of that nature that will make this Jenk not question us too much. Also for this point it could be useful to use a unified code names to give the illusion of high structure within the group. Colors would work great, Mr. blue, Mr. pink, Miss green, and so on. Now if anyone is uncomfortable with this, thinks it is a crack pot idea, or has more to add please do, our lives will be at risk here so let us get it right!

Knowledge local Jenk 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Bardic Knowledge, Hao Jin Tapersty. 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Is there a thing as table rerolls on PBP? Players will show up with Paizo t-shirts and other paizo products that grant them one re-roll per session. I have one and an extra if aloud to gift it for the adventure. Only bringing it up because this may come down to hard dice rolls we do not wish to fail.

Thinking the most interesting man in the world as Shadowtongue and Resivordogs as the strong arms.

Is that Mask that gives the +10 to lie for 500 gp available? If so I would like to purchase it. Also taking 20 for a disguise for a 23. Can we assist each other and give each other the +2 modifiers?

Riken, take 10 or 20 for your disguise, as someone undoubtedly tells you that your disguise is a little "off". I will allow anyone with skill ranks to assist with Disguise. Otherwise the assistance is basically saying "it's good" or "it's no good" allowing you all to take 20. Honestly, it should not be too much of a problem, since Jenk has likely never met any of the agents he has requested.

Vasilios, you do not know anything about Jenk other than what you already know. Also, Bardic Knowledge is not a separate roll anymore, it instead gives you 1/2 level as a bonus toward all Knowledge checks. Hao Jin Tapestry would be a Knowledge (history) check.

You all know that the Hao Jin Tapestry is a magic item created by the sorceress Hao Jin long ago. She turned it into a pocket dimension, in which she collected many of her favorite things. As a side effect, the Society has used it to jaunt across the world.

Recently, with the help of Lissalan Cultists, the Aspis Consortium has been able to enter the Tapestry via a "back door" and the Society recently ejected the intruders.

Have to get ready for work now. Will give you all a little more time to respond to your new Thestil SHadowtongue's plan. I will post the follow up in a few hours.

Is that Mask that gives the +10 to lie for 500 gp available? If so I would like to purchase it. Also taking 20 for a disguise for a 23. Can we assist each other and give each other the +2 modifiers?

Yes, it is available. I will note the purchases on the Chronicle. Only you are purchasing the mask, right?

"Well boss, if you want to call me black or white i really don't care. You're the boss." Says Ezren/Mero/Kaito/White, smiling. "I am old and good at writing stuff, so I may be a record keeper or anything like that. I also have many scrolls which can add to the role."

Other than that I can't do much else with a pregen gold.

Sorry It's too difficult for me to be afraid. But I like the color idea.
You can call me Mr. Red, the enforcer. I can be scary too ! It's the way I conduct business.

Ragnar had +10 in intimidate

Ok Mero you are Mr. Pink, you do the books. Mr. Red muscle, what would your preferred faux way of intimidate be? You had better cough up that money or my friend Mr. Red is going to break your legs, squeeze your eyes until they are jelly, take one testicle now and the other later, carve a frowny face on your face with a broken bottle. You know something with some terrifying flare.

Riken messes about with his disguise. "This doesn't feel right. Can someone lend me a hand."

Ok taking 20 on the Disguise plus whatever boluses I can get from some assistance

"I wouldn't consider myself a master sneak but Paka and I can usually go unseen... Usually."

Riken pauses to consider the rouse. "Perhaps I should get one of those masks too. Serve the part of an apprentice."

Riken has +10 to Stealth. Paka has +9. They're both good a tracking, Paka especially with Scent

Riken, did you wish to be a color too? I am beginning to have doubts about me wearing the mask (see discussion post) but that mask on Mr. Gray (jestures to Riken) makes the sneak more intimidating. Kynrac, Lini, and Droog; would you like to be colors also. Mr. Blue, Miss or Mrs Green, and Yellow.