[PFS CORE] 7-14 Faithless and Forgotten Part 1: let Bygones Be HIGH SUBTIER (Inactive)

Game Master Scott Young

Oggil keeps a lookout around the room, watching to see if anyone pays particular attention to the group.

Loudly he adds

"Even has eagle has but two eyes. Which of your fine exhibits would you suggest we admire first?"

perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17
bluff: 1d20 ⇒ 7

Zafiro blanches a bit when you mention your "friend", and steers you into an empty gallery with some inane chatter about saving the best exhibits for last. Once he has you alone, he whispers,[i]"I wondered if I'd be seeing folks like you soon, with Abrogail's recent announcement. I have some information about Emberhold and the Davians that you won't find in the official record, but..." he trails off, looking over your shoulder at the window behind you.

Suddenly, he becomes irate. "Do you realize how much danger you've put me in by coming here? Of course not, all you care about are getting your baubles and treasures with the minimum effort, no matter who gets hurt. You've endangered me and everyone close to me with your arrogance!" His gets more worried and worked up by the second, looking around but also returning his gaze to the window.

When you look outside, you see nothing alarming - until you spot the two guards on the corner, running down the street towards the guard barracks a few blocks away.

Chip rolls his eyes, speaking in a hushed tone. Speak to our higher-ups, or I can pass it on, if you have problems with us coming here. We have tried to keep our identities minimal, but any damage we have caused is already done, so might as well make the best of it now.

What's going on outside?

We have tried to make our accointance with the Society as secret as possible, Master Balinger. I am sorry if our mere presence is a threat to your own security and to other around you. I can assure you it was not your intention and not the goal of the Society.
If we can amend for the trouble we put you into, just ask what we need to do. The first priority of Master Farrabellus is your safety.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30

"Societies do not come with reference guides. And we definitely have not landed in Cheliax for a long time. We have no idea how things work here." answers Ledt with stern voice "As my colleagues here say, if you are in danger now, let's work to place you at safe. Tell us all we need and then simulate you have no idea whom we are"
Diplomacy aid: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Oggil takes in the scholars concern.

"The Puma cannot eat the rabbit it does not smell."

As the guards outside become evident he adds "A deer may flee the forest fire as much as a lion."

diplomacy aid: 1d20 ⇒ 16

Or in non Oggil speak:-) -
"Our allegiance to the Society is not public knowledge. "
"Outside there is a public disturbance due to an escaped slave."

Lasaraleen keeps quiet for now. Feeling she had already risked too much to the group when she was almost caught.

"I will take great care not to expose anyone to further risks.

Nemrok's soothing words calm the agitated curator enough to talk again. "Forgive me, but we are in a very precarious position here. I suspect the government is ready to arrest me on suspicion of sharing unofficial history, and my friend Mireille is also in danger. She was a witness to the War of a Hundred Kings, and knows much about House Davian - her elven lifespan does not feel the years as we do. She is a valuable historical asset, and must not be 'disappeared' by the Order of the Rack!" You get the sense that his concern for Mireille is more than purely professional.

He seems to come to a decision. "Very well. If you wish to know more about Emberhold, I will turn over my files and correspondence to you - once you have escorted Mireille to a safe house I have arranged for just this sort of situation. I will take care of some things here, then meet her and we will leave the city - it's clear the guards are watching me. She is at a brothel called the Fox's Den - now, don't think rudely, it doubles as a secret school of true history during the day. Meet her there, tell her I sent you, and escort her to the safe house - she knows where it is. Then come back here, and I will provide you with the documents you need."

Oggil nods to the man.

"It is a sad day when learning must hide as debauchery. We will be as the Fox, quick and cleaver in evading the hounds."

Standing he gathers his small amount of possessions and makes ready to head off in search of the Fox's Den.

"If the guards are aware of us, would it not be wise for one or two of us to lead them on a... roundabout route, so as to not draw them to the quarry?"

"Shall we understand Mireille is working there as a professor then? Can you describe her to us so we can recognise?" he gets a dark expression "If you do not come with us, how will she know we are not mercenaries sent by the Order of the Rack to kidnap or imprison her? Why should she collaborate? Do you have a code or something that might convince her? Please, give us at the least a signed message of your hand"

"By the way, this is the best decision you could take. Cut your chains and become a citizen of a free Republic instead of a servant of a crumbling empire" adds the halfling recklessly.

Oggil nods.
"There are many places of learning where your talents would be recognized and appreciated. Places where history is appreciated and those who can plumb its depths are lauded, not forced to hide their work for political gains."

Oggil will try and convert him to the way of the Scarab Sages,
diplomacy convert attempt DC... 19: 1d20 ⇒ 2

I guess he prefers Chelish history to Ossirian

Saving a friend of yours, especially one with lots of information of Chelish history, definitely seems like an important task. I think we should head there at once.

Your friends are our friends and if they need help we will provide it. As my comrades say can you give us something which can prove that we come on your behalf ?

As for how we go to the place, I agree with Oggil lets go two by two rather than one big group.

Says Nemrok

Drix reluctantly agrees to the escort of Mireille, "I hope that our presence doesn't further endanger you or Mireille. We will try to be as discrete as possible."

If trouble comes and I can't use magic here... this could go south...

Lasaraleen nods with Drixel's last comments.

We will have to exercise utmost care to avoid any undesired encounters with those dreadful guards. But coming with us is definitely your best bet.

diplo-aid: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

Zafiro nods. "Tell her I sent you, and "autumn nears". THat will convince her of the severity of the situation. She knows where the safe house is. I will take care of a few matters here. When you return, having gotten Mireille safe, I will give you want you need and then make my own way to the safe house."

Let me know what precautions you take on the way to the Fox's Den.

Thank you, Zafiro.

Says Nemrok, who turns to his comrade once they all know where to go.

I propose we go by two to the rally point. We must try to appear normal people as much as possible.

Oggil will hang back from the rest of the group, eyeing up the street markets and trying to see if they are being followed. If they are, he will try and go another way to have them follow him rather than the rest who are hopefully out of sight.

perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17

With an agreement that we meet back our lodgings.. that would be where Oggil would be generally heading towards - if he detects anyone watching.

Ledt attempts to adjust his appearance to resemble an innocent human child, nothing to do with the Society.
Disguise: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

And help to keep a look at whomever might be following or peering at the group.
Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (4) + 0 = 4

Chip does much the same as Oggil, eyeing the streets for any trackers.

Perception (Urban): 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 8 + 2 = 15

You depart the Museum quietly, and make your way back to your lodgings at the Wicked Fork without being followed. The Wicked Fork is a weatherworn building in the West Drenches marked by a trident with the central tine broken off. The place really is a mess, though even here buildings are draped with the crimson-and-black banners, Cheliax's national colors, probably in preparation for their upcoming Loyalty Day celebrations. Flocks of seagulls battle with crows for scraps of food left discarded in the streets, and every alley contains piles of garbage and rats. Disheveled beggars ask for coins on every street, many exhibiting some signs of disease or deformity. The Fox's Den when Mireille works is only a few minutes' walk from here.

"As a doting mallard, if you must go in search of fleshy entertainment, I will leave you to your pleasures.." mutters Oggil.

He stays in the street, examining the various stalls of merchandise and perhaps trying a small sample of street food.

perception for people with an interest in us.: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

Ledt looks around and writes down the oppressive Loyalist ambience, the disposition of the flags, how people work without happiness but instead in fear. If anyone asks him what is he doing he just answers "Documentation for my novel"

"Such poverty here. What can be done."

Lasaraleen looks on with equal measure of disgust and sadness as they walk down the streets.

Perception : 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Would love to help people out here, but we are barely able to be here at all. The less meddling we can do, the better.

You know that the Puddles are exactly the same as here. It's the curse of the big cities, don't blame their infernal master, blame life.

Says Nemrok who tries to look casual while moving toward the Fox's Den.

Bluff: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

Yeah... call it lofty dreaming. I grew up in Bloodcove. That entire town is just a lost cause.

So, are you doing anything before heading to the Fox's Den?

If we stop at the Wicked Fork, did Cassian is here ? If yes, Nemrok will talk to him to know how his mission went if not, he will pass a word to the innkeeper to tell Cassian to wait for us.

You all went to the Wicked Fork since you agreed to rendezvous back at "your lodgings"; Cassian is not currently here, so you leave a message for him with the bartender.

Seeing Ledt disguised, Chip thinks about what he can do to try to lay low.

I guess Chip can be stealthy around here as to not attract attention.

Stealth (Urban): 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 3 + 2 = 22

Oggil was thinking everyone was going to go to the Fox's Den, and he was going to hang back to see if anyone was following and try and distract them. The idea being to meet later at the Fox's Den if we couldn't meet at the safe house for some reason. Happy to put that plan into play after leaving the Wicked Fork. Of course that means splitting the party and if anything happens within the Den itself...

I guess Zipper needs to do the same as Chip.

Stealth (Urban): 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 2 = 13

I think anywhere we go, we should go together. I am a strong believer in "don't split the party." Unless the scenario has other plans of course. :p

Let us all then try to stealthily get to the Fox's Den, and see if we can do it without attracting notice.
stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

I don't think we all need to be stealthy. Ledt is disguised... so hopefully that won't attract attention, and others could disguise as well for the... stealth challenged. We'll just be close by.

Oggil is more disguise challenged than stealth challenged

I am not much for sneaking around, but I can work disguises if that is at least half the plan.

Lasaraleen will start working on her own disguise, as anything involving a new outfit will always get her motivated.

Best to get started before the sun leaves us to stumble the strange streets after dark. No telling who we may encounter at night.

Disguise is a little better than stealth for Nemrok

I agree with Lasaraleen, let's go in small group. The stealthiest and those disguised.

Drixel contemplates her best option. I could try to hide with the others... I certainly am not a clumsy fool, but I have no real training... better yet, I could try to disguise myself... maybe change my hair color... put on some travelling clothes... look less of a scholar and more of a laborer...

Disguise: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Nemrok will tries to disguise himself to look a little bit different.

Disguise: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

Lasaraleen applies her disguise as an older woman

Disguise : 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

"I have no idea what I am doing. Can anyone help? ."

She will either try again or accept help if available to her.

take 10 if allowed.

Take 10 is fine.

After donning your disguises, you head towards the Fox's Den. You do see guards on the streets, but none of them seem to take any interest in you. The smell of raw fish, stale sweat, and old booze permeates the air. The place really is a mess, though even here buildings are draped with the crimson-and-black banners, Cheliax's national colors, probably in preparation for their upcoming Loyalty Day celebrations. Flocks of seagulls battle with crows for scraps of food left discarded in the streets, and every alley contains piles of garbage and rats. Disheveled beggars ask for coins on every street, many exhibiting some signs of disease or deformity.

Ahead, you see a badly faded sign that depicts a fox hiding behind its own bushy tail, hanging on a building that appears boarded up and abandoned. There’s a small stained glass window set into the front door.

After a last look around him, Nemrok knock at the door of the Fox's Den.

Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (10) + 0 = 10

The is a pause, and then a woman's voice calls through the door. "We're closed, you'll have to come back after dark."

Chip gets up real close to the door and says, Zafiro sends his regards as Autumn Nears.

Ledt attempts to look through the glass, but his little jumps only make him appear stupidly incapable.
Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (18) + 0 = 18

Oggil just tries to lurk inconspicuously in the shadows.

He quietly murmurs to himself.

"The chameleon must appear as brown as the tree, not matter whether he likes the colour or not."

The door opens a crack, and a nervous-looking woman holds her finger to her lips. "Sshhh!" she admonishes. "Don't say that name too loudly. Come inside, but please, stay silent! She's just finishing a tale." Then she frowns. "But autumn's a good two months away...?"

The door opens and you are hurriedly admitted into a long room that looks like the common room of a tavern. Several doors lead off into small rooms on either side, and a cheery fire takes the ocean chill out of the air. Sitting near the fireplace is a middle-aged elven woman, surrounded by a group of about nine children of various races. The children listen in rapt attention to the woman as she speaks.

"... but Rius Galdeon, favored of Shelyn, did not think the people of Cheliax needed to turn to evil powers to maintain the empire," she continues, apparently without noticing you. "And so he fought against House Thrune with all of his might. Finally, Queen Abrogail the First sent a terrible devil called Baraxial to battle him, and the entire city felt every blow land."

The children's eyes grow wider as she speaks. "Their combat shook the very foundations of Aroden's Arch, and it is said that great pieces of it crumbled into the sea when Baraxial dragged Rius back to Hell with him. And so, a great man fell, and House Thrune triumphed."

"But Miss Mireille, is that a true story?" a young girl asks. "Yeah, I've never heard of any hero named Rius Galdeon before," rejoins an older boy.

"It is true... all of it," she replies, a single tear trickling slowly down her cheek. "House Thrune declared that the mere mention of Rius was treason. Today, he is only remembered by those who knew him in life, and still mourn his passing."

Suddenly, she seems to notice visitors. "Be welcome, friends. I am Mireille, although I am certain you already know that. What aid do you require?"

Oggil smiles as he listens to the tale.

"That was a story well told." he acknowledges.

He gestures to the children, "The rest may be best not heard by children."

He waits for them to be cleared from the room before adding.

"It is rather what we can do for you. Your friend who we won't name has concerns for your safety and asked us to escort you to a safe house. He will meet us all there."