PFS Cyphermage Dilemma (Inactive)

Game Master Quentin Coldwater

Let's see if I did everything right. My players can dot here. I won't start the adventure yet, people can discuss characters first.

Dont know which character to pick yet. I have several low level characters available. Some might level if I play them at paizocon

I'll be here with Araklifest.

Sooo... Rico has played part two of a multiparter, and is now signed up for part 1 and 3 in Utrecht. Problem being, that part 1 is played two weeks from now, and part 3 a month later. So Rico wil be not be attending this PbP. I do have several other characters in tier for this adventure. A lvl 2 Monk and a lvl 2 Spiritualist (also a lvl 5 Rogue and two characters currently in limbo, a lvl 3 and a lvl 4. But we seem to be gunning for low tier, so they do not get to participate unless necessary).

Both lvl 2's are frontliners, but have a different function. The lvl 2 Monk is a tank, high AC but low damage output. The lvl 2 Spiritualist is a duo of damage dealing frontliners, with mediocre AC and high damage output.

For the lvl 3 (if necessary).... I do not know what exactly it did.... All I know it was a gnome sorcerer, but i haven't played that guy in two years....

Available at this moment are a Wayang swashbuckler as level 2, but it is also frontliner, but with decent damage output.

I also have a level 3 occultist, a tank with decent ranged capabilities, and a host of knowledge skills.

I am not keen on playing Gorrec again as pbp, especially without straight man Rico.

Rico is not available for the next PbP, so nobody will counter Gorrec's greatness. But you already stated you wanted to play Gorrec at the tables for a bit, so it's a mood point anyway.

I can play Gorrect at the tables as soon as I have figured out how Versatile performance works with traits and items that give bonuses to skills.

I found an old post by one of the developers that it would work, but I am not sure about the current rulings.

dot

Gorrect, as I understand it versatile performance lets you use one stat as substitute for an other.
Say perform oratory for diplomacy.
Than if your perform oratory is 10 + 2 via a trait or item than that leads to a 12 diplomacy. Any bonuses to the replaces skill are however negated.

I'm not sure how up to date everyone is on Golarion lore, so I'd like to post some background information on where you'll be going, for extra immersion (I'm not that well-known about the lore, so it's more of a summary with maybe some slight inaccuracies). I've linked to some parts if you want to read further into it, but this is the Cliff's Notes.

The country's called Varisia. It's a bit of a generic fantasy country, but one of the first prewritten adventures took place here (and several "spinoffs"), so it has a big history.
Millennia ago, before Varisia even existed, it was known as Thassilon. Powerful being known as Runelords dominated the country using rune magic, a sort of magic that's almost lost now. Every school of magic was tied to a Deadly Sin. Anyway, Runelords terrorised the area, but the empire fell when Earthfall happened. That's when a big meteorite hit Golarion and covered it in smoke and dust for a thousand years. It basically wiped out Thassilon and Azlant (another scientifically advanced civilisation, comparable to Atlantis). The Runelords all saw this coming and went into hibernation. The very first Adventure Path was basically a quest to find these all-powerful Wizards and kick their asses to prevent them from taking over the world again.

Anyway, Varisia. It's the standard medieaval Western European fantasy setting. Varisians love travelling in caravans and adventuring. They're a pretty tight-knit community and they love brightly coloured clothing, music, and parties. They're basically gypsies, if you want a real-world equivalent. There's a few gangs that earns them the reputation of all Varisians being untrustworthy and criminals. Most Varisians put great faith in the Harrow deck, their version of the Tarot cards. Some Harrow decks actually seem to contain (or are able to perform) magic powers, even if the prophecy was made in jest or as a scam. Whatever it is, most Harrow readings seem to come true some way or another, even if it's a self-fulfilling prophecy. The Harrow reading is often seen as sacred and people put great faith in them.

And finally, the place of this adventure, Riddleport. All across Varisia there's remnants of the Thassilonian empire, but one of the biggest is right here in this city. The Cyphergate is a giant stone arch spanning its harbour and is covered in Thassilonian runes, and no one seems to know why it's there or what it does. This attracts many scholars to Riddleport, as they all want to solve its eponymous riddle. The city's governed by several crime syndicates and isn't exactly the most lawful of places. This has attracted all sorts of unsavoury types to the city, including many, many pirates.

TL;DR: Remnants of a very powerful empire everywhere, gypsies, holy Tarot cards, and a city of scholars and scoundrels. Not all of this will be relevant to the adventure, but it helps situate yourself in this world.

Okay, ready or not, I'm going to kick this off, otherwise we'll never start. You can discuss characters until we've rolled initiative or when you've rolled for a Knowledge or something.
I've seen this rule used and I'm a fan of it, so I'm going to use it as well: If two consecutive people agree on something, I'm going to assume you're going to do it. This way, I can keep up the pace somewhat. For instance, if you have a captive, and someone wants to kill the captive and the next person agrees, I'm going to assume you do so. Unless someone managed to post after that, of course. I'm not going to snipe posts and post something immediately after two people agree, I'll give people a chance to react. But feel free to say if I'm moving too quickly. I'd like to keep up the pace, but I've been in a play-by-post that went too quickly, that wasn't fun for anyone.

The light from the rising sun performs a splendid dance upon the windows of Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch's Magnimarian manor house as she pours the coffee. Her young servant brings in a platter of pastries and fruits before the Venture-Captain begins to speak about the mission at hand in her distinctively low, breathy voice.

"As I'm sure you're well aware, much of the reason Riddleport was funded where it was is because of its easily defendable position as well as the enigmatic Cyphergate, which has baffled scholars since its discovery. The Pathfinder Society has a keen interest in the Thassilonian monument as well, since solving its mysteries would undoubtedly unlock a number of other secrets regarding that lost empire. The Order of the Cyphers has been amassing support from outside sources for some years now, and scholars from all over the Inner Sea have come to aid Elias Tammerhawk and the cyphermages."

Heidmarch takes a bite out of a chocolate-filled biscuit before continuing. "Just recently, however, we received word from Elias himself that several of the visiting scholars haven't arrived in Riddleport ay as expected. It seems as though a band of raiders, led by the Vudran pirate Alejia Netrav, has been intercepting the ships at sea, killing the crews, and destroying the ships. While Riddleport is hardly a stranger to the likes of pirates, Overlord Cromarcky has declared it illegal for any ships that wish to return to Riddleport Harbor to attack ships bearing the Riddleport flag. Alejia's ship is clearly coming from Riddleport - the attacks all took place just outside Riddleport Harbor - but attempts to identify her ship have been unsuccessful so far.

"In a few days, a ship called the Topaz Titan is scheduled to arrive in Riddleport Harbor from Minkai, bearing the acclaimed Tian scholar Hirako Gurukaza - who is also a former member of our Society. We fear that he may be Alejia's next target, and your task is to prevent her assault at all costs, both ensuring Hirako's safety and shoring up our relationship with Tammerhawk. I have heard rumors that some of Alejia's cronies have been storing their stolen goods somewhere in the Wharf District, so that might be a good place to start your investigation. Regardless, there is little time to waste, as there is no knowing exactly when the pirates will choose to strike the Topaz Titan."

If you want to investigate Alejia:

If you want to locate Aleija:

Also, I'm open to suggestions. This is my first PbP, consctructive criticism is always appreciated.

Araklifest listens to the Venture Captains briefing. He has no specific local knowledge, but as a trained librarian he knows how to find information in public files that other people tend to overlook. He looks for information about Aleija and her whereabouts

Use Profession (librarian) in stead of Gather Information, if the GM allows

Technically, knowledge skills can't really be substituted with other skills, but as you're looking for a wanted criminal with a known track record, it makes sense to me you can find stuff about her in public records. Not all GMs might see it the same way, but it doesn't hurt to ask.
Also, I see I made a typo on her name, the only one in my post. That annoys me more than it should. Grr.
Oh, I forgot to add, researching using a library gives you a +2 (I believe) on the subject. I've rarely seen people make use of it, but since there isn't exactly a time pressure, you can take your time.

You dig out some old newspapers and a criminal record of Alejia Netrav at the local library. In statements found in those records, you can conclude that Netrav has been trying to discredit the crime lords of Riddleport by capturing and killing the scholars studying the Cyphergate. In particular, she wants to usurp Elias Tammerhawk's position, a crime lord and head of the Order of the Cyphers. By killing all the cyphermages, she hopes that Tammerhawk will lose enough face and weaken his position as a crime lord, as he is first in line to become the new Overlord of Riddleport. Why a relatively unknown pirate would be able to supersede an infamous crime lord is beyond your comprehension, but then again, pirates aren't really known for their common sense. Otherwise they wouldn't be pirates.
She usually captures these cyphermages by abducting them at sea. Overlord Cromarcky has decreed that any ship bearing the Riddleport flag is immune to pirate attacks, which Alejia clearly ignores.
With some deductive reasoning, you figure that Tammerhawk can't really contact Cromarcky about this problem, as they're business rivals. Solving this problem will improve the Society's standing with one of Riddleport's most influential crime lords and possibly help solve the riddle of the Cyphergate, leading to a lot of fame, knowledge, and treasure.

Elias Tammerhawk has a small writeup in the new Adventurer's Guide book. I'll copy it here, for some more background information. It won't be relevant, but I found it interesting enough to share.
Elias Tammerhawk (CN male human diviner 9/Cyphermage†6): Until recently, Elias Tammerhawk was a self-absorbed and bitter man whose goals of becoming Riddleport’s next overlord tainted his stewardship of the Cyphermages with a sinister agenda. Recent events (I have no idea what those are, maybe it's in an adventure path somewhere) have opened his eyes, however, and his alignment shifted from chaotic evil to chaotic neutral. His choice to specialize in the one school of magic that ancient Thassilon did not see ft to acknowledge has ironically given him a unique vantage point from which to explore and interpret the strengths and weaknesses of Thassilonian magic. This has allowed him to achieve astoundingly quick success in his studies as a Cyphermage over the last few years.

Listening raply to VC Heidmarch words is a young man and a... snake? With arms?

Earlier when you were waiting to meet the venture captain, he had introduced himself as Warrin. A young man keen to explore the world. His goal was to learn much trough the society, and one day return home to be the first to get to the eye of abadego, the permanent storm that rages of the coast of his homeland, the Sodden Lands.
He tells you that the energies of the Eye affected him while he was still in his mothers belly. The strange energies changed him. But he is fine with that.
He strokes his beard as he tells you this, and you notice his beard is not made of hair, but of feathers.

His companion, Jio, is a large snake. With arms. Jio has a mane of feathers. He tells you Warrin is his best friend and together they are on an adventure.

"We dont know a lot about riddleport. But we could ask around?

diplo to gather information about Alejia: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
diplo to gather information to locate Alejia: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Warrin strokes his feather beard thoughtfully.
"Ive heard that before they took to their latest unlawful deeds, Alejia and her crew were well known among the pirate gangs of Riddleport. They are known for its ruthless tactics and efficiency in commandeering and sinking targets. But the juiciest gossip I've heard is that while she appears human fom a distance, Alejia is actually a vishkanya fom distant Vudra, making her blood and spit deadly poison against foes.

Dr. Scamandros gazes off in the distance, mumbling his speculations if ancient rune magic might have unique healing capabilities. Suddenly he sharpens up and looks towards Sheila.
"What might we expect from these Cyphermages captain? Do they have unique skills? Might some of them have joined the pirate?"

Sheila arches an eyebrow. "I hardly think so. Most of them are scholars, not really the adventuring type. They'd sooner give you a papercut with their books than join up with a low-life pirate. Though there is a lot of prestige involved with solving the Cyphergate, I hardly think they'd carry a grudge big enough to actually lash out at their colleagues. They're scholars first and foremost, all specialising in Thassilonian history. Your biggest fear is being bored to death once they start one of their incessant speeches."

EDIT: I see my luck with online dice is still very present.

Shina looks at VC Heidmarch with a smile. "A Vudran pirate you say? Well, pirates are all about gaining a reputation, so there might be something about her in the chronicles."

She takes a small book out of her backpack and starts looking in it. After half a minute, she puts her finger on the page and says:
Investigate Alejia, Know Local: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25 "Ah, here it is. Alejia, Vishkanya Female. Alejia's crew is specialized in commandeering and sinking their targets. They are supposed to be a very well known crew in Riddleport as well. That is, before she decided to go against Riddleports "laws". So that what Warrin has gathered as intel, is indeed spot on. However, according to this page here, she is also known for her elaborate disguises and magical ability to alter her appearance." Shina closes the chronicle. "Which means she can pop up anywhere! Isn't that exciting!?! Oooooh, the expense is killing me!"

Shina sways about a bit, before suddenly tilting her head in thought.
"Hmmm, where to start looking...?"
locate Aleija, Know Local: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25 Chronicle not read for this one. Doubt it will state where to find her, cause that would be stupid.

"Oh, I know! How about the declined Wharf District? It's in shabby condition, and people are being paid to stay quiet about what they see and just lift whatever is looted. If I remember correctly, my collegue at the temple told me pirates even gagged and blindfolded people there, and then move them from large crates into a derelict warehouse at the edge of the District. It sounded so efficient, that's why I stuck to my mind."

After this "outburst" of information, Shina turns to VC Heidmarch. "So how do we get from here to Riddleport? Walking? By Cart? And when we're there, can we trust on the help of this Elias? I mean, it are his visitors..."

Jeez, Maurice. John Compton, please nerf this guy.
Also, I think you mean, "the suspense is killing me. Unless you're paying a lot to go see her. :P

Sheila Heidmarch grins. "We've secured passage on a boat for you. With some luck, you can catch Alejia in the act." She quickly takes another pastry off the platter and takes a bite, to let her statement sink in for a moment.

"As for Elias Tammerhawk, he was the one who contacted us about the matter, so I'm sure he's trustworthy. Insofar as you can trust a crime lord, of course." Another quick smile, followed by a second bite of the pastry. " Tammerhawk has had a change of heart lately. I do not know what caused it, and frankly I don't care. I'm just glad he's stopped slitting throats left and right for personal gain. Still though, I wouldn't bother him unless you really need to. He's got plenty of other fish to fry, so to speak. And don't go spouting his name left and right. If you go around shouting that you're in the employ of Tammerhawk, you might get a dagger in between your ribs, courtesy of one of Riddleport's other gangs. Or worse, think of the damage it would cause to our alliance with the Order of the Cyphers." Heidmarch stares at you intently after that. You're not entirely sure how much of that last bit was in jest (if at all).

Yes, suspense is the right word... Sometimes I should read the entire post before posting it, just to get these stupid mistakes out.
But then I get scared that Paizo might eat my writing, so I post without checking...

"I'm not interested in the added economical damage, so I'll keep his name quiet. But you do not have to worry that we might get hurt, Venture Captain Heidmarch. Because we will get hurt. We will also get better afterwards, so it's all okay in the end." she says with a smile.

Sheila Heidmarch arches another eyebrow at you, but keeps nibbling at her pastry.

Warrin and Jio happily munch on their pastries.

"Wait. We are going to be on a ship, and then deliberately get raided by pirates?!

...That's awesome!"

"That's the best-case scenario. Alejia only seems to target ships carrying Cyphermages. I've made sure that no scholars are on your ship to Riddleport."

Typical how Sheila manages to sound your ship getting attacked by pirates the "best-case scenario." :P

"That sounds a bit counterproductive... Why not join the ship that is going to be assaulted? Then we can immediately do something about it without another crew being slaughtered."

Sheila frowns slightly. "Word has spread that someone is targeting Cyphermages, and strangely enough, they aren't keen on walking into a death-trap. The Topaz Titan was already underway before we were able to reach Gurukaza, and he won't leave that damned boat. You're scheduled to arrive a day or so before Gurukaza, so make haste and solve this mess before we have another dead Cyphermage on our hands."

There are quite a few plotholes in this scenario. Please don't try to intercept the Topaz Titan, the scenario doesn't account for that. >_>

Warrin looks disappointed. "Well, I guess we wont be raided by pirates then. Looking trough the warf district appears to be our best option then."

Araklifest looks around, observing his new companions; quite a different set than his former ones! "We'll have to ask around for someone who knows more about Alejia's hiding place." He thinks a bit: "How does Aleji know about the Cyphermages aboard ships, or their absence? She must have a reliable source of information in the entourage of Elias Tammerhawk, or she must regular use quite strong magic to gather this knowledge. How many people in Tammerhawk;s entourage would know all about the Cyphermages he is transporting?"

"That would indeed be good to know. Right now, we have no clue who or what is responsible for these leaks. Tammerhawk certainly advertises the Order of Cyphers all over Golarion, but as far as I know, they just show up. It's not like Elias is handing out personal invitations and expects them to RSVP."

Warrin, Shina, if you could also post a picture of your phantom/character (I assume the dragon-like thing is the Eidolon), I can stick those on the map. Doesn't have to be a Paizo avatar, as long as it's roughly square-shaped. And also, do you want your companions to act on their own initiative (they're technically smart enough to act independently), or do you want them separately?

Also, I'm planning on transitioning to the next scene soon. Probably after Christiaan has introduced his character. If you all feel like you've exhausted your options in one location, just say you're done and if people agree I'll continue.

My avatar is a snake with feathers :(
Jio can act on his own, he is intelligent enough. I'll throw an avatar on the map once we have a map.

I do not care if it is on his own Initiative or on mine, whatever is more easy for you. As for his image, how about this: Mallus the Phantom

"Oh my goodness, it seems I haven't even introduced myself! I'm Shina Burtory, pleased to meet your acquaintance."
The human female with long blond hair claps her hands together and gives a great smile. Her skin is pale, and the one thing that stands out the most is the Greataxe strapped on the back of her light frame.

"The society asked me to join, because of my uncanny knack of identifying casters, especially the type of caster. It is only natural to have such an ability if you want to know how said caster can help you in your daily life."

"Helping you in your daily life is not "helping", wench."
An red ethereal "humanoid" manifest himself behind Shina, grasping towards the Greataxe on her back. She quickly steps forward so that he misses. "Are you here again, Mallus? Wanna help me with find a Sorcerer with Trial of Fire and Acid? I could use someone like that!"

Mallus:"NO, YOU DON'T! You need to bring my Greataxe back to The Bloodsworn Vale! And no "finding help", because I need you to be alive to do that!"

Shina:" Why would I do that? I've inherited this wonderful item from you, so it's mine to do with what I want, right?"

Mallus:"We're not even rela.." Shina snaps in her fingers and the red humanoid disappears. That was Mallus, who sometimes just shows up. He still hasn't accepted that he is dead and that items are inherited by others. Don't worry, he won't give us any trouble, I've got it under control."

"Anyway, let's get going! We've got a dockbrawl to be a part of, then get raided by pirates, and maybe even be able to walk a plank!" Shina states while swinging around the room.

I'm going to start the next bit anyway. If Christiaan has any questions, we can resolve it in flashback.

After a short trip on a boat, you've arrived in Riddleport. After asking around for a bit, you find out that the Topaz Titan is due to arrive in one or two days, depending on the weather. After some more asking around, you locate the warehouse the blindfolded and gagged person was led into.

The foul, mucky weather is enough to make any possible source of refuge look at least a little more hospitable, but the tattered sides of this rundown building have clearly seen better days. The waterlogged boards that hold it up have numerous holes that have been boarded over with newer planks. The warehouse's few windows are high off the ground and intermittently broken; those still intact are far too grimy to see through anyway. While the building itself hardly looks like a viable base of operations, a flicker of light can be seen from within. The east and west loading doors are closed, as well as the narrower south door, which has a sliding peep hole built into it at eye level.

The map, along with your character icons. The loading doors to the west and east (up is north) seem pretty sturdy. The side door to the south (with the peephole) seems a lot flimsier than the other doors. This one is also visibly locked, but the lock doesn't look too impressive.

Whelp, forgot to make the map visible to everyone. Should work now. Apologies.

I would like to check around if somebody is watching us.
perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

I will also offer my services in opening the door.

Warrin stares at Shina.

"Woah... your axe... is haunted?! So awesome!"

During the boar trip Warrin and Jio do their best to make friends with everyone. Once he finds out that Araklifest is a librarian, he asks for a story every night.

Once they reach the docs, Warrin and Jio do get more serious.

perception Warrin: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (17) - 2 = 15
perception Jio: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

sorry for the delay, I could not find the location to add an avatar to Estombra, and after finally finding that, I could not find a female swashbuckler, nor a female wayang, let alone a female wayang swashbuckler

As you are trying to find your way to the warehouse you are approached by a small figure completely dressed in fancy black and white clothes, including a cape that billows as she moves towards you, and an impressive hat with a large feather on it Think the three musketeers, but in black and white, female and half their size.

"You must be the Pathfinders that Sheila said would come. Let me introduce myself." as she takes of her hat and makes a deep bow. " I am Estombra Tenebroskar, and I will help you find those pirates and beat them. She draws her rapier and makes some graceful fencing moves with it before sheating it.

When she sees Jio she smiles and cheerfully says: "You must be the magic snake my nephew once rode in Kortos. Curanor failed to mention you had arms, but then again is he easily distracted from those kind of details." She directs her attention to Warrin: "Can I ride her too?"

For easiness and speed, I assume you people will introduce yourselves and tell Estombra all you know.

Near the docks she turns more quiet and starts to look around.

perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Some passers-by look at you strangely as you're loitering around a derelict warehouse, but nothing that would raise suspicion.

Map is accessible, thank you very much. I did notice that under the map link on top of the page, all initiative rolls are visible. Not a problem I guess, but you some initiatives wrong. You took the Phantom's and the Eidolon's (+1 and +3 respectively) instead of Shina's and Warrin's (+2 and +2). Small accident, probably due to two stats in our subscribt line.

"You know, I can let Mallus look through the walls, if you guys want to."

Shina concentrates a minute, and Mallus suddenly pops up again.
"Where are we now? Have you decided to give up on my greataxe?"

"No, I need you to look through the walls here. That is, if my companions think it is a good idea."

"And why would I do that? I'm not even that stealthy."

Shina holds the Greataxe above the water with a smirk.
"I see..."

"So guys, your call." She then looks at the Greataxe in her hand. "Or I could just use this, that will surely get their attention!" She smirks. "Yes, scratch the old plan, this one is much better! Well, well, should I just do it?"

You can choose one of her plans, or shoot her down on her offer. I will not be a jerk and just initiate something without discussing it with the rest. I'll just put a die-roll in the spoiler if you're going for either one. I'll also add both the Stealth modifier of the phantom and the Strength modifier of Shina behind it, just to cope for both outcomes.

"if we smash the door we will attract negative attention. Let your ghost walk through the wall."

Warrin and Jio happily crouch down next to the Wayang. "Oh, that was your nephew?" Jio exclains. "That was a lot of fun. It was before I had arms."
To illustrate his points, Jio waves his arms around. "I am happy I have arms now. So much easier to open jars."

Warrin points back to Jio. "Sure you can ride Jio, if Jio is fine with it."

Warrin looks at Shina. "You are not very nice to your ghoust are you? What about his feelings?"

Well if you send in the ghost than i'll start working on that lock so we can follow later.
disable device: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

I haven't sended the ghost in yet, there is time to come up with other plans.

Shina looks at Warrin. "I didn't want an entire discussion about the axe again. It's all he can talk about when he shows up, and I do not want to be here until tomorrow."

"You're just still mad that I took away your trapped lockbox. Which I did because you were dying.".

"I was in bliss! And I want that box back!" Shina pouts.

Spoiler from another scenario. Also yes, their relationship is disfunctional. Mallus doesn't want to be here and is dependant on a more-a-less suicidal woman. And Shina sees Mallus as someone ruining her fun. Mallus also has Diplo maxed so he can defuse situations Shina started...

"Well mister ghost sir, do you want to walk trough the wall? Does that hurt you? Does it tickle?"

I'm going to post a reply when I've seen two people agree. Estombra agreed on the Phantom going through the wall, and Dr. Scamandros wants to pick the lock.
Note that the locked door is on the south side, not the door Mallus is currently in front of.

warrin is pro-ghost rights. If it doesnt hurt the ghost, he is all for the ghost going inside

It doesn't hurt the ghost to phase through, especially if I sent him in as an incorporeal.

Araklifest listens with a grin on his face to the bickering between Shina and her ghost. "I'm for a ghostly reconnaisance first," he admits.

I know that, but warrin does not. Its the first time he's encountered a ghost :)

Flunky 1 perception check: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 - 4 = 5
Flunky 2 perception check: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 - 4 = 5
Flunky 3 perception check: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 - 4 = 7

As Mallus lurches through the wall, he sees a run-down, but still well-stocked warehouse In the middle are three rough-looking guys playing cards on top of a crate. They don't seem to notice him.

"Full house, three aces and two kings. I win this round, boys."
"Darien, are you cheatin' again? I'm holdin' two aces as well."
"Am I the only one who isn't cheating here?"
"Shut up, Ostar."
"I'm just sayin', I've been losing a lot the last few rounds and-"
"SHUT UP, OSTAR!"

Your stupid luck still holds out. My guys get penalties for being distracted and distance modifiers. Also, my rolls are terrible.

Oops, forgot something.

Perception Mallus: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Mallus thinks he sees some feet sticking out from behind some crates, a few feet away from the thugs.