[PFS] Forged in Flame by VentureT PbP (Inactive)

Game Master Curaigh

Will: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29

"Sure, sure, the guards are azers, but what has that to do with this brotherhood you are seeking?"

Sai merely turns to the others in the group and says, "Feel free to explain the logic."

Standing quietly, she watches their position.

perception: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (9) + 21 = 30

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Will: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Awen steps forward and tries to reason with Milton. "This underground group may have connections within both the guard house and within the manor. By using this resource, we can get in, accomplish the mission, and get out. Its really that simple. Faced with the odds we are expecting, we need to use every advantage we can."

"Why not just go in and slaughter a bunch of the azer minions on our schedule and when they are not prepared for it?"

"That seems like a ...questionably illegal position for you to take Milton. That said, consider the following: Once again we find ourselves on an unfamiliar plane as well as newcomers to Fommok Madinah. We have no resources but ourselves, and we do not know the lay of the land, literally, figuratively or politically. Given the limited time we have to accomplish our task, we need information and every advantage we can find or generate. There is an adage you may be familiar with 'The enemy of my enemy is my friend'. Consider this Milton, as a barrister, there are times you need to call on an expert witness to help make your case successful. With that in mind, we are attempting a similar tactic here; calling upon those with greater experience in the area to facilitate the completion of our assigned task."

"Now, if you have nothing further, we need to find this acolyte, if only to prevent them from making a move on Emberhearth just before or at the same time as we are. That scenario would complicate matters and potentially jeopardize our mission, possible our safety."

"Fendel, we have been around one another enough to be quite frank with one another. There is no need for you to try and mind-trick me by attempting a legalistic argument on this subject. From the moment we were assigned this task, it was clear that we would be breaking numerous laws, so let us not quibble about which ones we are actually going to break. If you, and the others, believe that there is a way of handling the azer threat in a non-violent fashion, then I have no objection. Can we avoid getting into any positions like we did on the earlier part of this mission though? The dumbassery of being in a fight that we aren't trying to actually win was not something I enjoyed, and we stood the real chance of losing someone. While I am not opposed to losing one, or more, of you to accomplish this mission, bringing everyone home is preferable."

"Milton, I am pleased to hear you are willing to forgo your traditional 'dumbassery' as you put it. We would be naive to expect this assignment could be completed without some degree of armed conflict. There is potential to exploit the underground network these former slaves have already established. I would rather use their resources than ours. At the very least, we may discover a path to make them the patsy for our actions, thereby preventing any connection to The Society. Knowledge is rarely disadvantageous. We agree that returning with the team intact is optimal. Dealing with the local resistance could improve our odds. If it becomes apparent they cannot be used as assets, we will commence the operation without their aid."

"Not surprisingly, you are being deliberately obtuse. The dumbassery was not mine, I was a reluctant party to it, at best. An accomplice, I suppose, in someone else's dumbassery."

"Now that we have finished that discussion, let's move on to finding this resistance group. From the information we've gathered, the only way we have a chance to connect with them is when they spy on the compound. Do we object to having our own spies contact them? The two most ghost like are Awen and Fendel, without the addition of invisibility from Milton. "

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With a rye smile, "Fine, an accomplice. How does the expression go, 'Who is more foolish, the fool or those who follow him'? Well, now that we have settled the past, let's move forward. Time to find this acolyte."

"Ghost like? I'm not weeks ago dead meat here! I can disappear with the best of them!"

"Sai has only recently made your acquaintance and has yet to experience your skill set. I would not read anything more into it."

"What Fendel says is true." is all she says in response, her tone flat as usual.

To clarify: the attempts to find the resistance group have not come to fruition. While you are free to continue looking around the city, I feel I should direct you to one of the two obvious options: Emberhearth or the security complex. Please choose one (three people without dissent equals consensus, after 24 hours I'll take 2 people as agreeing.) I have placed a perception check for both options, just to keep us moving.

Outside the security complex:

Outside Emberhearth:

Ka Kaw: please give me a second perception, regardless of which option is chosen.

Given two options, Nivik will suggest that the party concentrate their efforts on the security complex.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

Turning towards their newest member, Awen grants the tengu one of his rare smiles. "Come.. actions speak louder than words. Lets see what there is to see about our targets!"

Awen follows with Nivik to the security complex, curious about the manner of foe that they will be facing. "It is best if we know our enemy first. Then we can take that into consideration while planning our assault.." he says with a shrug to explain his choice.
He peers intently around him as the buildings come into view.
Perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (1) + 16 = 17

As Nivik raises the warning, Awen melts into the shadows nearby. "Can you understand them?" he asks, nervous to already have their cover blown.

The detective agrees that they should reconnoiter the security facility.

Perception: 1d20 + 28 + 1d6 ⇒ (12) + 28 + (1) = 41

"Yes, I hear them, and am trying to make out the nature of their heated discussion."

Just a reminder that I do indeed speak Ignan.

Fendel overhears some of the details: a deep-voiced creature is reprimanding subordinates who were planning to run away, threatening them with painful punishments.

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14

ugh..the bad rolls continue lol

Ka Kaw looks at Awen..."Look there's some nice seeds in the dirt here at my feet!" He points.

Awen pauses for a moment, looking quizzically at Ka Kaw before turning his gaze to Fendel. "So whats going on up there?"

GM, what is the general lay out of the place? Is there a wall surrounding the buildings and area or are they accessible? How many buildings make up the complex? And what is the general neighborhood like?

Bummer, had a post that explained everything, but it is lost to the digital ether. Fendel explains/translates everything he is hearing, implies we may have a way to exploit the situation.

I haven't seen a single post update for this game since my last post. I thought it was on hold because of the special going on or something. I am glad I checked today. Sheesh! I missed all your action! I would have suggested Nivik prepare the message cantrip so the stealth crew can communicate more easily.

GM, what is the general lay out of the place? Is there a wall surrounding the buildings and area or are they accessible? How many buildings make up the complex? And what is the general neighborhood like?

Nestled between two towering spires of bricked brass and filigreed marble in the Common Quarter, the Cinderfury security complex is a squat building that pales in comparison to the other lavish buildings nearby. Only the fiery mosaics etched into the façade of the building distinguish this structure amid the City of Brass’s splendor.

'Tis the smaller of the two maps. :)

Nivik would gladly use Message but he doesn't have it ready (which is surprising as most of my guys do if they can get it).

Perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 31

Apologies, weekends can be tough on my end.

"I too hear the voices, but cannot make out what is being said. I can change that, if needed, but as others can interpret the tongue, I do not see a need at this time."

If you are waiting for more information from me, please let me know. Repeating the information about what can be heard from inside & then a description of the inside. How or when (if?) you want to enter is not yet decided....

A deep-voiced creature is reprimanding subordinates who were planning to run away, threatening them with painful punishments.

This luxuriously appointed lobby contains numerous high-backed chairs and rugs of woven copper. Scraps of thin metallic plates, rolled up like scrolls, surround a small hole in the south wall.

Well, I was waiting to see if anyone comes out of the building. The only reason to go in now would be to kill them all, unless someone has an actual plan...aw screw it!

The detective strides up to the building with his companions in tow and enters.

He quickly observes the area, taking mental notes and stowing them away for possible use in the future.

Perception: 1d20 + 28 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 28 + (6) = 36

In Ignan, "Salutations!

Sorry, but have been having the worst trouble accessing the site. Intermittently able to post at best or I would have been posting all along. That said, moving on while I can still access things.

Sai follows along a slight distance behind Fendel, centering herself for trouble. Not recognizing his words, but familiar with his tone, she waits for an obvious threat or a signal from Fendel for action.

The plan is to work with the azer if possible since they have been forced to work against their will. We should not engage the azer if at all possible and focus attacks on other security forces where attacks are necessary. Perhaps we an free them and gain an ally in this mission. I am glad I explained this all before hand. Sai reminds her self.

Unless someone has a different plan, consider that was something Sai said before this all happened. If not for the paizo site outages it would have happened as she has been heading this direction since the get go.

I'm here, I can't promise that Milton will actively support freeing lawfully employed security specialists of their entirely legal contracts, but I won't hinder either. Now, if the site can stay up long enough for me to post this...

Ka Kaw follows Fendel and the others.

I hope this works

I see the smaller map, but if you could place us near the entrance we can do the rest. There just seems to be two entrances and I am not sure which one we are near.

Nivik: please make a perception check.

Nestled between two towering spires of bricked brass and filigreed marble in the Common Quarter, the Cinderfury security complex is a squat building that pales in comparison to the other lavish buildings nearby. Only the fiery mosaics etched into the façade of the building distinguish this structure amid the City of Brass’s splendor. Having troubles loading the map, but it is about 40x60 ft building. One double door in the front,

My bad. During your previous scouting missions '...a second door in the back...' was already found, though I left that off of the description.

The deep voice of a salamander booms across the room. Another salamander watches with a sneer as she addresses the four azures in the room. In her native tongue she is yelling at some soldierly azures, though it is clear she is threatening them even if you don't understand the language*. She stops when the party enters the room.

With a gesture encompassing the new comers she screams at the cowed azures some more.

"I may not understand the language, but the body language seems to be suggesting something aggressive." Sai says impassively to the group. "I could be reading things wrong of course, since they are salamanders."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

Awen stares in shock as Fendel moves towards the building and brazenly walks in.. he has no clue what is being said, but he hopes that Fendel can talk his way out of everything.. he keeps his hands close to his weapons and his mouth shut for now.

Nivik: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

In the future you can make rolls like this for me, I don't mind at all.

In Taldane (which the lesser people refer to as "Common"): "This is a most interesting situation, how shall we handle it?"

Secret message to the Pathfinders using Bluff: "Which side shall we attack?"

Bluff: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (3) + 17 = 20

Translating between Ignan & Common

"Before we deal with them Commander, how many others are here? Perhaps you would like them all to learn a valuable lesson. Trust me when I say that it is our desire to make certain you will never have to interact with them again"

Secret message to the Pathfinders, We need the azers! Kill the salamander.

Bluff: 1d20 + 8 + 1d6 ⇒ (16) + 8 + (6) = 30

"In situations where one is forced to deal with snakes, it is best to simply cut off the head."

With Fendel translating from Ignan "These soldiers are the only guilty ones. I have isolated them before they could collude with any of the others."

v. Milton sense motive: 1d20 ⇒ 5, sense motive: 1d20 ⇒ 11
v. Fendel sense motive: 1d20 ⇒ 20, sense motive: 1d20 ⇒ 10.

I normally have Mage Armor up whenever we know we are going into a hostile situation but I don't see that I ever mentioned doing that for this encounter. Guess I am breaking protocol this time.

Still standing a few paces behind Fendel, Sai reaches into her belt and casually brings out her wand of mage armor, activating the magic upon herself. She then swiftly activates resist fire energy via her divine fervor.

Based on the conversation so far, this will likely look like I am just preparing for resistance from those to be punished. Or, it may not.

"Yeah bring all the guilty ones out of the barracks. The more we kill the better!

bluff: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

Milton nods and laughs. If we can consider ourselves in combat, which I believe the Pathfinders do, even if the Salamanders don't know it yet, then Milton will start two judgements as a swift action: Protection for +2 to my AC (31 now), and Destruction for a +3 to hit. And then he will clap Sai on the shoulder, saying "You are with me, if you will."

Secret message to his allies, and the captive azers of we will kill the salamanders once we are outside.

"Fendel is correct, we will handle the snakes once we get outside," says Milton.

Bluff: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (5) + 17 = 22

Milton keeps his hand on Sai's shoulder and tries to guide her with him as he moves to interpose himself between the azers and the salamanders. The goal being to get two of our best tanks, all tanked up and between the guys we want to save, and the guys we want to kill.

I will move 20' south, and if Sai can move further, then hopefully she will.

Once I move my 20' I will cast lend judgement and grant Sai the same +2 Profane Bonus to AC. "and Asmodeus is with you."

I think you guys get the idea. As an aside, my Escape Route feat should ensure I don't take any AOOs from the azers, if they don't get the hint, as I intend to be next to Sai, however, it won't help her.

By now I would have used my Studied Combat ability on the commander (+2 to attack and damage roll for 6 rounds).

"And may the All Seeing Eye watch over you as well." blessing of protection for a sacred bonus of 1 more to Milton's AC.

Sai takes Milton's direction and continues on past his position, interposing herself between the salamanders and the azers.

As she walks she extends her other arm and brings her wand of shield to her hand and activating its magic with a smooth motion.

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Come on folks and place your minis where you want them. I moved Milton where he asked, because I know he has issues with the map. Anyone else need help moving on the map? I placed the remaining characters just at the very entrance, but I expect you would want to do a little adjustments.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Awen follows along the translated conversation, and is smart enough to not interrupt whatever plan that the others have concocted. He is pretty sure that they are speaking in some kind of code, but he can't figure out what it is just yet. He trusts Sai enough to realize that whatever is going on, it will be acceptable in the long run. During the conversation, he keeps his mouth shut and puffs up from the back ground, trying to look like just more muscle as the group takes possession of the Azurs. Once the group has a hold of the Azurs though, he steps forward and takes hold of one before following Miltons example to interpose himself between their captives and the Salamanders. "Back out to the wagon with this lot, boss?" he asks, looking at Milton and Fendel.

I was good where I was, but I've now shifted a bit to the left just so people know I'm good where I am.

Are we going to use google slides?

If any of the above mentioned buffs are rounds per level, please assume they were done outside of the building, before discussing and bluffing the security force (1d3 rounds are already expended.)

"Sargent Hsalkar?" the male salamander asks of his commanding officer. EDIT: he nods to the raised eyebrow that seems to ripple through the newcomers) read: Ifl Ahn saw the attempts to send a secret message.

"Right you lot," the Sargent addresses her soldiers. "Cinderfury has sent you some mortals to prove which side you are on, prove your worth or I'll personally feed you to the ice-quitos one mouthful at a time!" From the way the salamanders and the azers draw their steel not translations is needed to know the fight is on.

Salamander: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13
Azers: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Roll initiative! Red border slamander is Sargent I have been on some very long days, or I would give you a bit more in what they do. For now, Sai & Milton will be flanked if they do not go before the security force. I will retcon their actions in should anyone drop one before I get back to a PC.
yeah for Moscow Artwalk! :)

Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Please post an action. Even if the salamandars go before you. :) We will work them in accorging to initiave.