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

Game Master Curaigh

I was in a game where one of our players attempted to cook breakfast for a dragon. It almost worked, until the rogue decided to try and stab it in the back. Its all in a podcast too, so everyone can shake their heads in shame over it.

OK, so what exactly are we going to try to do next?

I vote for your choice Nivik. Just pick one of the two and let's go! ;)

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Convincing the inevitable to even discuss the matter further requires successful smooth talking.

[dice=Diplomacy]1d20+17 24

Using his Profession (barrister) check, point out that Carlin has already been tried for this crime, and cannot be tried again.

[dice=Profession(barrister)]1d20+14=20

Arguing that Tavar is damaged and may not be thinking correctly.

Milton addresses the inevitable, "It would seem that your programming is having problems law enforcer. Your stuttering is one indicator."

And while Milton may not have made the check, two Knowledge (planes) have beet the DC quite handily.

Fendel's earlier discovery establishes that Carlin was defending himself from Grunyar, who was assaulting him. The bit I said I would get back to.

"Grunyar was an azhazhazhagent agent of the law. His attack on the fugitive is justzhazhazhafied fried fried justified."[/b]

There are other arguments to be made. Attach any skill check you think appropriate. :)

So it was the knowledge skills eh? Not just Milton's barrister skill(though that is AWEzhazhazhaSOME to see someone have, and have at the level he does!). Yay, team effort!

"With the diplomatic resolution to this most recent task, what course of action do you propose we should pursue regarding the next task?" Sai says to the group.

Let's just go in order and do the second task unless anyone thinks we should do otherwise. That would be retrieving the imp. See Below:

“Second, there is a family heirloom that you should recover. Some time ago, in exchange for a variety of services, I loaned my grandmother’s familiar, an imp named Vassago, to a local mephit named Malini, who runs the Eye of Flame Magic Shop here in town. The loan has since expired, but the imp has not been returned. I could involve the authorities, but a public spectacle highlighting my previous affiliation with a mephit, of all things, would not help my political ambitions. I’d like you to reclaim Vassago, as well as the contract that commands his service, and return them to me—without attracting too much attention."

WOW!!!
K. Local: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Awen, amazed and astounded that not only is all of his hard work going to go to waste, but that this thing can actually be reasoned with in its current state pipes up.
"Despite my personal feelings about most of this, Milton does have the right of it here. Besides, your own actions are counter to both local laws and the laws of our home plane and yours. You cannot try a man for the same crimes twice. Grunyar may have been an agent of the Law, but he was outside of it at the time that he assaulted Carlin. Just as you are now outside of the law in your own pursuit. You will cease and desist. It is the Law."

Afterwards, Awen turns to Sai. "I don't see why we don't just go in the order we were given the tasks. Lets go see about that imp."

Still in the warehouse, having settled on what task to do next, Sai poses another question to the group.

"We were asked to be discreet, and not draw attention, when it comes to this next task. We must retrieve Vassago, the imp in question, and the contract for his services. What are your suggestions on how we should proceed?"

"Well, Fendel and I could try sneaking in and stealing the contract. Then we should be able to give commands to the thing, right? Just stuff it in a bag and be done." Awen shrugs, showing little concern for the creature. "Or we could try and talk our way in.. as I am sure that more of you are going to be willing to do than not.."

There is a pause as Sai stands quietly, her mask giving nothing away, before she replies, "Perhaps a combination of the two ideas you proposed."

Whichever idea is the quickest would garner my vote. Nivik proclaims. While I do have a degree of stealth, talking wouldn't be something I'd be interested in.

"What would you do Nivik, specifically, if this was a mission you were given lead of? Speed is your preference as stated, but lay out a plan for us. I know users of magic are highly intelligent and we would value your further insight."

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Juet because I too want to see what's under the spoiler!

Bluff: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (14) + 17 = 31

Is there still an argument to be made with the inevitable, or are we all set?

you have finished the scene

So we are all set as per the GM comments in the discussion tab. Moving on to the imp.

This two-story rectangular building of gray stone stands between a salamander scale-groom’s shop (specializing in the care and cosmetics of scaly creatures) and an ifrit’s copper wholesale office. A beaten brass sign stamped with a fiery eye and the phrase “Magic Shop” in several languages hangs above its door.

Stealth in and steal the contract/imp was Qalqami's suggestion. Yasmine felt you should talk with the shop owner. Whichever you decide, the first room is my next post, so here you go.

"Again, I would rather not commit crimes here. I also have reservations about stealing from a dispensary of arcane goods. They are certain to have defenses and contingencies for such mundane approaches. Dialogue seems to be the best tactic. Let's see if Milton here can achieve similar results to our first success."

"Refresh me now, the creature had been loaned out, but the loan is over, and needs to be returned, correct? And we have no signed contract of any sort?"

"That is correct on all counts. The only contract that exists, as far as we know, is the one that commands the service of the imp, and that is currently in the hands of Malini." Sai says while facing the group.

Turning to face Milton she continues "There is no written contract that relates to the agreement between Malini and Qalkami. We only know that a 'variety of services' were provided in exchange for the temporary loan of the imp. Qalkami made it clear she wants this to remain quiet and not involve any authorities because it might damage her political aspirations if it were found out that she has had dealings with a mephit."

Upon approach to the shop, Awen lags behind the group, disappearing into the crowd.

As soon as he is separated, He attempts to scout the perimeter and make sure of what options are available to the team should the talking not go so well.

GM, I would like to check out the exterior of the building. Nothing shady just yet. Are there any windows/doors on the sides or back? If so, how difficult does it look like the climb would be to the second story? and are there any witnesses at this point? By the by, I am leaving Grog and Cuchulainn in a nearby alley.. they both know "Stay".

"Sounds to me like we may need some 'enhanced' negotiations, if she's unwilling to part with the little guy. Which I imagine she is, or she'd have returned him by now."

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I'm not that kind of wizard, unless you believe pyrotechnics can be used in place of diplomacy.

Though I really wonder just how effective Nivik can actually be on the Plane of Fire...

Awen takes note of the numerous people on the road. Though there is no day and night here, the city is awake. There are windows on the second floor.
I didn't bring the scenario home with me, so I will have to update the maps tomorrow.

Perception: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (14) + 28 = 42
Slight of Hand: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Activating Discerning wayfinder. (Detect Magic).

The detective patiently waits as Awen makes his tour. The investigator looks for any security, defenses or countermeasures on the outside of the building, or to see if anyone has noticed the slayer sneaking about.

Sai silently watches the watcher...patient to a fault.

"Facinating." she thinks to herself.

Awen returns to the group, outlining what he saw around the building. "Perhaps we should wait until whatever constitutes "night" around here?" he asks the group in an undertone.

"Do we plan on sneaking? Because I thought we'd agreed that stealing the little guy wasn't the best plan. Not the worst idea, but... shouldn't we ask first?"

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"I believe our friend here was considering possible contingencies should Milton fail with our first tactic."

"I prefer a more 'success oriented' mindset in these matters. With that said, it never hurts to be prepared with a secondary plan."

If you are not ready to move in please let me know what to include & I will retcon your actions in.

Inside the Magic Eye is a long wooden table featuring a variety of wares stands in the center of this room. Included are special inks, pens, and parchment; neatly laid rows of vials containing green and red liquids; as well as a variety of other knick-knacks. Tall shelves laden with bottled reagents stand along the walls and nearly scrape the twenty-foot ceiling. A set of stairs opposite the main entrance leads up to the floor above. Two constructs at opposite ends of the room keep silent watch.

A modestly dressed and garrulous fire mephit sets a long wooden spoon on the edge of the simmering pot she had been stirring. "Welcome!" She waits an eager-moment to pitch to the potential customers, "Many of my wares, resist burning or are kept in heat-resistant containers."

I updated the map to the magic shop. Please note that your placing is simply where your icon was on the last map.

Waiting patiently for the team to finish their surveillance of the location and its clientele, Sai remains quiet and seemingly at peace, only speaking when spoken to.

Once inside, Sai waits for one of the team to engage Malini before moving around the table, where she actually inspects the various inks and pens strewn about. Now and again she will turn to look at the tall shelves filled with reagents that line the walls, all the while continuing to move to one end of the long table, near one of the constructs. Once there she continues her perusal while the more talkative members further the engagement of the fire mephit.

Her gaze hidden behind her mask, Sai looks to the stairs leading up, almost sure that is where they will find their imp. "I expect one of the others will notice the stairs and think the same thing."

Updated Sai's location on the map.

The detective slides into the room looking for any relevant information he can share with the team.

Perception, take 10: 10 + 28 + 1d6 ⇒ 10 + 28 + (6) = 44
Knowledge (arcana) Take 10: 10 + 22 + 1d6 ⇒ 10 + 22 + (4) = 36 For the constructs

Will enter with Detect Magic still up and running.

Awen follows the rest of the group in, staying towards the back. As he notices Sai's interest he joins her, pretending to observe the wares as he peers around the room. He takes note of the stairs, cataloging that for later knowledge. He meets Sai's eyes and almost imperceptible nods.

Trust me, you DON't want Awen leading this one.. diplomacy is not exactly my strong suit..

Milton approaches the mephit and actually extends a hand to shake, fire not being one of the things he tends to fear. "Well met, might I inquire as to your name? It seems smart to have wares that resist fire in these environs, an excellent business approach."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (4) + 17 = 21

While I chat her up, you guys should be looking for the control contract!

Nivik will investigate the wares in the shop, curious to see what they are and their quality. He also hopes his true curiosity of the product will somehow been distracting to the mephit should the other decide on a more stealth-like approach.

Spellcraft?: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22

While it is unlikely to be found out in the open, if Sai notices any place that might hold something like the contract while she is perusing this level of the shop, she will communicate that to her team by the following statement "That is very interesting. I wonder if it comes in other colors."

perception: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (9) + 21 = 30 No way did Sai beat Fendel's 44, and to be fair, I think when he said he was looking for relevant information that the contract fits that description pretty well.

BTW I moved Awen on the map to be near Sai as you commented(unless you just meant you joined her in doing what she was doing and not in the sense of moving to her). Previously Awen was standing on the long table and I really didn't think you meant for that. Unless it was party time... then maybe...I bet Awen throws down pretty hard now and then. ;) But seriously, only Sai and Fendel have moved at all on the map so feel free to change your positions. Anytime. Really. :)

[dice=Knowledge (arcana) Take 10]10+22+1d6 For the constructs

Will enter with Detect Magic still up and running.

The shop is full of magic wares and the bright arcane energy quickly threatens to Fendel a headache. Papyrus and velum wrapped into tight tubes glow, liquids that swirl like lava glow, sticks of ash topped with obsidian glow.

Likewise, everyone else looking around sees potions, scrolls, wands and the like. Not all items are magical, but those are the raw materials for making magic items or scribing spells. No one has yet perceived the valuable contract in a retail shop.

The jackel-headed guardians are dedicated to a particular deity and often have that deity's magic at their disposal. They are known as graven gaurdians. Fendel beat the DC enough to recall 3 particular facts...

Milton approaches the mephit and actually extends a hand to shake, fire not being one of the things he tends to fear. "Well met, might I inquire as to your name? It seems smart to have wares that resist fire in these environs, an excellent business approach."

[dice=Diplomacy]1d20+17

Malini graciously accepts the offered hand and introduces herself. "What is it I can help you find? Potions? Scrolls? Wands of course. Some of the best in Zjarra. Or perhaps you want something a little more exciting? She gestures to some of the knick-knacks like a pair of ruby phoenix sculptures that circle each other on the shelf. And to a diadem seemingly woven of smoke.

She is eager to help customers. Please carry on. :)

"Well, now that you mention it and seeing those statues," Milton smiles, "as I am sure you might have discerned from my bearing, attire, and regalia," he gestures to his various trappings, "I am both a servant of the Prince of Contracts, and a barrister myself. However, it was recently pointed out to me that it is a bit unseemly for a loyal servant of His such as I to not have a member of the order of devilkind as my lackey." He let that sink in for a moment. "Not so much for the sheer power of their kind, I do not have an interest in any of the higher orders of that sort. Not an osyluth or phistopilus, and certainly not a cornugon. No, what I think would serve best would be one of the less powerful devils. You know, like a lemure, or perhaps a nupperibo. Have you anything of the sort about? Even a mobile statue of such could work, or a device that would capture and control genuine ones would be best."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (17) + 17 = 34

Sai: thank you for moving my token. I am sure that Awen can party pretty hard.. he needs to let out all that pent up emotions somehow!! And yes, I meant that I joined you, I just didn't move my token like I should have.

Awen almost goes crosseyed trying to figure out exactly what in the nine hells Milton is talking about. osy..fisto.. geez.. is this guy a walking who's who of the nine hells, or what?!

He continues to peruse the shop harmlessly.

Unexpectedly and seemingly to get a better view of an item, Sai removes her mask and hangs it upon the belt hook around her back. Wordlessly, she looks directly into Awen's eyes for a brief moment, and then her gaze travels to the stairs and back, before she once again returns to silently perusing the wares of the shop.

"I am sure Fendel noticed that as well with his sharp eyes. Nothing seems to be down here and there are only two other likely places the contract might be. Somewhere upstairs or on her person, as I don't believe she would let something like that be too far from her. Fendel and Awen move like ghosts so perhaps they will try to access the top floor while our host is so engaged with Milton. I just don't know them well enough yet to fully gauge their actions."

Following the others' lead, and hoping whatever nonsense Milton is up to will lead to something productive, Adeah idly browses the shelves in search of a clue.

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21

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Nonsense?

The jackel-headed guardians are dedicated to a particular deity and often have that deity's magic at their disposal. They are known as graven gaurdians. Fendel beat the DC enough to recall 3 particular facts...

Three questions. DR? Special Attacks? Vulnerabilities/Weaknesses?

The detective takes a look up the stairs, seeking out traps, tripwires or magical sensors.

Perception, take 10: 10 + 28 + 1d6 ⇒ 10 + 28 + (6) = 44 {+2 for traps=46} Detect Magic still up and running.

If it looks clear, Fendel will start to 'investigate' the stairs (and up stairs).

Stealth: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (16) + 17 = 33

Fendel, to clarify: you want to sneak up the stairs if it 'looks clear?

I was thinking I may do that after I know what the constructs can do. I do not want to trigger an altercation if I think there would be a conflict. Are they true golems? I may hesitate as that could be a condition to activate them. So, I guess I need my three questions answered before I do anything about the stairs.

I would also hazard a guess that "looks clear" not only includes clear of magical traps, regular traps, tripwires and magical sensors, but that our host, Malini, is fully distracted by Milton's superior BS(Barrister Speak) skills.

As it looks like Fendel is going to move for the stairs, Sai heads back to the front of the shop, so as to pull more focus away from the stairs.

I'll have you know...

Hey Milt, in all seriousness for a moment, do you still need help moving your icon on the map and if so where would you like to be?

I do need help. Wherever I should be to be browsing and chatting with the proprietor.

I took 'looks clear' to mean clear of traps & such. Stealth would be to escape Malini's attention. I realized later that stealth will not work as you have no cover and are being observed. Someone can attempt to distract Malini, though it may hamper Milton's Diplomancing.*

As to the graven guardians: yes they are are true constructs (I'm not sure if they are golems, but certainly constructs, i.e. have construct traits).
DR? Yes 5/adamantium
Special Attacks? bleed, magic weapon (since it is wielding deity's favored weapon {scimitar}). domains magic (it has access to two of the following: Fire, Glory, Good, Healing, Sun) which ones are unique to the individual graven guardian)
Vulnerabilities/Weaknesses? Faith Bound (Su) A graven guardian cannot attack any creature that openly wears or displays the holy symbol of Sarenrae unless that creature first attacks the graven guardian. [/ooc]

*you can use Diplomacy on a creature no more than once in a 24 hour period, you do not need to reroll for every question ;).

I am waiting for Milt to work his magic. Otherwise, I have to go buy a few symbols of Sarenrae and pass them around. (Well, at least for Nivik and I. I think the rest of your are compromised...er committed).

"Well no, I do not deal in any such creatures as a matter of business," the shop owner says. "My husband is an imp, but otherwise I can’t really help you.”

In the interest of time, feel free to ask multiple questions as if each is being answered as it being asked. I will endeavor to keep it as conversational as I can.