{PFS} {PBP} {LVL 11 - 13} Tide of Honor (Jade Regent book 5, sanctioned portion) (Inactive)

Game Master FiddlersGreen

Hirabashi smiles as Alden gives his answer.

"The question does indeed pose a conundrum, though it was not meant to confuse. Rather, it is a metaphor for the current situation in Minkai, where a ruthless ruler is manipulating the nobles and causing woe to the people. The path I chose was that of the Ronin and joining the rebellion, bearing dishonor and shame in leaving my lord and seeking to reclaim it by serving the people. I suppose the thoughts you expressed, Master Delver, are akin to mine.The path you speak of, Sir Alden, is also honourable, and indeed is what many in Minkai would deem to be the most honourable, and for that, you have my respect, and will have that of our contact as well, for honour is at the very heart of why and how this next mission will proceed."

”We have already made preparations for the meeting. O-Sayumi has graciously arranged for us to meet our contact at the Kiniro Kyomai teahouse. Master Exiel, if you please."

Hirabashi nods to Exiel, who beckons you to his side. He produces a scroll and reads from it, and you quickly find yourselves lurching through space. Your vision blurs momentarily, but when it clears, you are standing in a well-appointed meeting room. Unlike the cool of the hidden meeting room you were just in, the decor and fragrance in this place suggests to you that this is a teahouse. In the middle of the room, sitting by a low table, O-Sayumi is brewing a pot of tea. Also at the table is a young man of Tian origin. He is well-groomed and his clothes are simple but well-made. He reaches for an absent sword at his side when you suddenly appear, but if O-Sayumi was surprised, she does not show it.

”Be at east, Master Itsuru. It is us. Pathfinders, may I introduce Sikutsu Itsuru, brother to Daimyo Sikutsu Sennaka, who is the governor of Enganoka and who swears fealty to the Jade Regent. Calm yourself. Unlike his brother, Master Itsuru is no friend of the Jade Regent and, like the people of this land, chafes under the heavy hand of his brother’s rule.”

The man introduced as Sikutsu Itsuru nods as he bows to you in greeting.

”Hirabashi speaks truly. I am tired of the years of horror and abuse that the people have suffered under my brother’s hand. This must be put at an end. However, honor prevents me from acting directly, for he is still my brother and my lawful lord. However, if my brother were to be removed from power, I will inherit my brother’s position and could begin to repair the damage of his brother’s rule. Furthermore, the armies of the north form a not insignificant proportion of Minkai’s military might, and if these armies swore themselves to the Amatatsu heir, the Jade Regent would lose much of the military strength he now commands. Perhaps even the army of Kasai, which now guards the imperial capital, might turn against the Jade Regent if faced with a rising tide of honorable samurai opposed to the Jade Regent.”

”For all his faults he is still my brother, and I would much prefer that he be allowed to keep his life. Furthermore, most of the samurai under Sennaka’s command are honorable warriors, but that same honor traps them—they follow his cruel orders because honor and duty require them to. If I became the new governor of Enganoka, these same samurai would follow me, but until that comes to pass, they will defend Sennaka to the death despite their loathing of him.”

”As for how to remove my brother from power, Sennaka will soon be journeying to Shuryo Onsen, a secluded hunting lodge on the border between the provinces of Enganoka and Sakakabe. Sennaka visits Shuryo Onsen four times a year to bathe in its hot springs, and is currently renovating the lodge as his private residence. The daimyo employs many peasants from nearby villages as laborers for the renovation, housing them in a small camp east of the lodge.
Sennaka normally leaves most of his retinue in the camp to guard the company’s baggage and mounts, keeping only a small personal escort with him at the lodge. Therein lies your opportunity. If you ambush him at the lodge, you will have your best chance of defeating him, and with as little collateral damage as possible, especially if the rest of his soldiers at the worker’s camp are prevented from coming to his aid..”

”While I cannot aid you directly, a handful of samurai were recently dismissed from Sennaka’s service. These samurai were ordered to burn a village for not paying its taxes, but the samurai somehow managed to raise enough money to pay the village’s taxes, and so decided not to destroy the village. The samurai disobeyed a direct order, but Sennaka got his tax revenue and can now continue to tax the village, so he simply dismissed them in a rare moment of mercy. Although these samurai are now masterless ronin, I know that they are good, trustworthy people. These ronin, known as the “Nine Pawns,” already have a score to settle with Sennaka, and assisting you with your ambush will give them a chance to redeem their honor. In exchange, once I become governor, I can restore them to their former status as samurai.”

”The Nine Pawns have already infiltrated the laborers working at Shuryo Onsen and have prepared a stratagem to isolate Sennaka from the bulk of his forces. If we can coordinate the timing, the Nine Pawns can set their plan into motion when you make your move at Shuryo Onsen, dealing with Sennaka’s soldiers in the camp while you target the daimyo himself at the lodge.”

Itsuru pauses to accept a cup of tea fro O-Sayumi, and Exiel speaks up as O-Sayumi brings the tray of filled tea cups to each of you.

”That’s where I come in. I will accompany you to Shuryo Onsen, and when you make your move, I will transport myself to the location of the Nine Pawns and aid them in putting their plan into action. We will delay the forces as long as we can, but it will be difficult to stop them for too long without killing them, so use what time we can provide you prudently.”

”Well, that’s the plan. Do you have any questions?” Hirabashi says as he locks gazes with each of you in turn.

"What will we do with his unconscious body once we have rendered him to that state? Also, how skilled with a blade is the current emperor, or does he practice the magical arts instead?"

"I do not wish my brother murdered. If he can be persuaded of the error of his ways, that he has sullied his honour by betraying the true royal line, honour would require that he commit seppuku, and whilst I would mourn for him, but I could at least find solace in the fact that he found his honour once more before the end. If not, I would prefer that he be taken far away and rendered incapable of harming another ever again, though with his martial prowess, that might prove difficult."

Hirabashi interjects.

"You cannot succeed as Daimyo whilst your brother leaves, lord Itsuru, unless he abdicates his position willingly. For the good of the people, and for the restoration of the true royal line, you know what is required."

Itsuru sighs deeply.

"Do what you must," he says sadly.

"As for the emperor, and I assume you mean the rightful emperor, no one knows what has become of him. Many think him dead, and I never heard anyone mention his prowess in either magic or skill at arms. But perhaps he simply kept it hidden? Exiel tells me however that your Society has found an Amatatsu heir, and that she is a warrior skilled with blade, spell and diplomacy. If this is true, it sounds like she will make a fine Empress. In any event, she is the only known heir of the Amatatsu line who is currently available to take back the throne, and we will rally to her."

"Hrm. I think some sort of stealth might be appropriate for this manner of mission. I do not wish to spill the blood of innocent samurai."

Matamah takes out and flips the still nearly fully charged Wand of Invisibility.

"Will we know when the time is right and the Nine Pawns have come into action?"

"The Nine Pawns are already in position and can initiate their plan at any time. I will notify them when you are ready. Once you arrive at Shuryo Onsen, I will dimension-door to their location and help them stall the rest of the troops. I have a few spells that are necessary for their plan. In other words, we will work on your timing."

Rhon sips his tea pondering what he has been told before speaking.

"So we need to depose the current Daimyo so that you may take his place. That doesn't sound overly difficult."

"The hard part of this seems to be keeping our involvement in its happening from becoming known by to many people. Has a way to prevent this been considered and if so, how do you purpose it be accomplished?"

"Sikutsu Itsuru has no official connection with the uprising. For that matter, neither does the Pathfinder Society, technically. He has simply explained what will happen if he succeeds Sennaka, and what the Nine Pawns have planned. Even if your names and faces become known and associated with this deed, the Daimyo would be within his rights to pardon you if he deems there is good reason to. At the worst, there may be some official demand for recompense from the Society in deed and/or coin, but there is of course nothing preventing undocumented returns of tributes, or if deeds are demanded there is nothing to bar rewards for jobs well done. In fact, there may be certain 'demands' by the daimyo that happen to coincide with the Society's interests, and which the Society will be all to happy to pursue."

Exiel grimaces and sighs at his own words.

"Look. Politics is a dirty game, but where necessary for the greater good, especially on such a large scale, even I will dabble in it ever so slightly. It would be easier for us if you don't draw too much attention to yourselves, but at the end of the day, we will sort out the politics. You just need to worry about Sennaka."

"Fair enough. I would again ask: What do we know about the Daimyo? Does he channel the faith of a deity? Is he a blade master? Is he a master of the arcane. Whatever information we can get on him will be of use in planning our attack, including what magic items he is known ti carry."

"My brother is a samurai, and is skilled with the blade. But I am not privy to the details of his personal security retinue. I suppose you will be need to prepare generally and be ready for anything."

"Do you have any maps of the area we are traveling to? Preferably some with topographical detail. It will make planning easier."

Sorry I should have pointed it out. A link to the map is at the top of the page.

Sikutsu Itsuru rises to his feet as Exiel pulls out a large scroll.

"I cannot hear this. I have gone as far as honor will allow me, and perhaps a little further besides," Sikutsu Itsuru says, his tone pregnant with conflicted emotions.

Exiel nods as the young nobleman excuses himself.

"I do not envy his position," Exiel sighs as unrolls the scroll on the tea table, showing a map of the compound that you are to attack.

Rand paced back and forth while the planning commenced, before sitting down to meditate. Planning....was not his strong suit, he was forced to admit to himself.

"Given the poor sight lines and lack of cover for approach it may be in our best interest to try to teleport in. Sweeping and clearing the compound is also going to prove difficult due to all of the entry and exit points of the buildings within the palisade."

"The South side of the compound looks like it will be our best approach. And we most likely will want to slip in during the dark of night."

Attempting entrance from the south side under cover of night, and then work it out from there? Is that the sum of the plan?

"That sounds like as good a plan as any. You people wearing armor have anything you can do to move quieter? That will really be what we need to do in order to effectively attack him. That, or use teleportation magic."

42 looks up, "I have no clue what you're talking about. Who wears armor?" 42's armor and one of his swords are glamored, so they don't raise suspicion. Is this another adventure so that we can have our re-rolls/divine invention back?

Well, Itamar has declined to be raised, so I don't think there is going to be any more divine intervention. =(

It is still technically the same module, so that's no on the rerolls, unfortunately. You do get to recover as if you had down time though, so you're all (except Itamar) back in peak condition.

Glamered is fine, just bear in mind that if you go as you are, you will probably be identified as intruders once you are seen.

I also plan to use the Wand of Invisibility on everyone too.

"Alden, 42, Rand, I'm assuming you have no way to see in the dark?"

"That is correct. I am a human, not a monster."

Matamah chuckles. "Hey now, no need to get nasty. I didn't quite say what I meant... there are other ways to get around not being able to see in the dark."

Any chance Matamah could buy 3 scrolls of Darkvision? They would last 3 hours.

"Indeed, I am not one of the night-seers, my friend."

Alden is happy to contribute to a scroll of Darkvision.

"While I am rather durable without my armor on, I do tend to fair much better while wearing it. If there is a way to silence it though I am willing to give it a try."

You are in a major city. You will have no trouble purchasing scrolls magical supplies up to your fame limit.

So is the plan to go in invisble, with darkvision spells cast on those who don't have it naturally? Is there going to be any provision for Sir Clanksalot?

"Well, our other option would be for me to make a distraction to allow the others to get inside. Like pretending to be a travelling monk" at this Rand looks down at his monk's robes "and asking why I can't get a room. I lack the ability to bend the truth, per se, but I will do my best to keep them talking as long as I can. It should only buy you a few minutes at most, but that should be plenty of time to get over a wall and into a room." Rand thinks for a minute, then adds "I nominate myself because it's both my idea, and I am the fastest member of our group, by far."

42 thinks for a bit. "This is a decent size town. We might be able to find a magic shop that sells Darkvison Wands... or potions."

Wand would be 4,000gp for 50 charges, and would last 3 hours per shot. A Darkvison potion, cast at level 8, would give us 8 hours per potion for 800gp. A normal one would give us 3 hours of darkvison at 300gp.

Invisible or not, and distraction or no distraction, you do also need to work out a way to physically get through or over the perimeter wall. Matamah can only take 4 medium-sized creatures with him, which might be tricky if Alden wants to bring Naala. Earl can glide through the earth under the wall easily. Actually come to think of it, 42 could use his ring to blink through the wall, so d-door could be an option I suppose.

Darkvision wands/scrolls/potions are all available.

42 could also prep a D-Door himself. ;)

Earl could burrow us a hole to get in and cover it up. That could get us in.

Depending on the height of the walls, I could fairly easily jump them.

Well, they are about 50ft high. For the purpose of planning, I am happy to say that a single dimension door spell will get all of you across the wall, with 42 blinking through and Earl earth-gliding under the wall.

As for what you find behind the wall, well, let's save that for when you are ready to proceed. Any further preparations? Rhon is still not silenced; the invisibility may or may not be enough to see you through. Please also state any pre-cast buffs if any.

"If I hold my breath Earl can carry me with him while he glides under the wall. That should be enough to keep me quiet for a short distance. Do you figure we will need to remain quiet past getting inside the wall?"

"We probably won't need it once the fighting starts, but the longer we can delay any response the better."

The only pre-buff I will be casting will be barkskin. I would definitely appreciate a darkvision though =)

"All joking aside Matamah, I would appreciate it if you cast the spell on me that lets me see in the dark. It would be useful."

Alright, bought 3 scrolls of Darkvision.

Think the plan is for Rhon to go with Earl, and then I will Dimension Door the rest of us. We will have Darkvision on those who can't already see in the dark, and Invisibility going on everyone.

As for self-buffs, I want a Freedom of Movement and Echolocation going.

If we are sticking to that plan, Matamah is ready. (Already marked off wand charges, scrolls, and spells in advance)

Would 42 be able to find a potion master to make two potions of heal? It would cost 3,300 per potion, but would come in handy if we are in another pinch.

Unfortunately, potions in general usually only go up to 3rd level. Unless you have a resource or chronicle that allows you to get potions of a higher level than that, you are unable to obtain a potion of heal.

If you get a scroll, Matamah can use it. It's a DC 31 Use Magic Device check, which he makes on a 7.

Scrolls would be cheaper... I always thought you could get any level of potion.. I know that you can get a 3rd level spell cast at spell caster 9.

Potions are capped at 3rd level spells, and wands are capped at 4th level spells.

Sooo..... are you buying a scroll or several scrolls of heal?

Mmm...let's say we finalise the purchases over the weekend and proceed to the dimension-door into the compound on Monday?

Earl, I don't think Earl can carry you through the earth. He can move through the earth like a fish through water, but you interact with the earth like a normal dwarf.

Its burrowing leaves behind no tunnel or hole, nor does it create any ripple or other sign of its presence.

Earth elementals do have burrow, it would leave a whole behind him, like a mole.

You can NEVER get a magic item at a higher caster level than minimum caster level in PFS unless it is on a chronicle sheet or you have some boon that lets you.

Potions are capped at spell level 3, wands are capped at spell level 4. Scrolls can be any level, but you can't start buying higher than level 6 in PFS before you hit level 13 (then it's spell level 7 at 13, spell level 8 at 15, and spell level 9 at 17).

A work-around for scrolls is riffle scrolls, which come silenced at 2 higher than the normal caster level.

Ok, it looks like that's all for preparations. If there is anything to be added at the last minute, put it at the start of the start of your next post.

Current preparations:
Darkvision potion for each of the night-blind characters.
Invisibility on party.
Rand precast barkskin
Matamah precast Freedom of Movement and Echolocation

You spend the rest of the day making preparations and looking for magical tools. You rendezvous with Exiel that evening at the teahouse, where he awaits with another teleport scroll. Your vision swims as he activates the scroll, and you get a feeling of weightlessness as you are transported through space. When your vision clears, you are surrounded by trees and the soft sounds of night creatures fills the air. A short distance away stands a stout wooden palisade.

A footpath nearby connects a single gate along the wall to a stream about 80 ft away. A ditch has been dug roughly parallel to the path, an earth-and-wood dike at the southern end of the ditch holds back the waters of the stream. The ditch stops about 10ft from the pallisade.

"Right, this is where we part ways," Exiel hisses as he motions you to keep a low profile. "I will go now to meet up with the Nine Pawns and get ready to execute our plan. In an ideal world, you would be able to do the deed and get out without raising an alarm, but I highly doubt that will happen. We'll make sure you do not have to worry about fighting a small army, but any guards inside will be up to you to take care of. Torag be with you."

With a nod, he utters an incantation, and is gone.

You waste no time in executing your plan. Matamah casts a spell of invisibility on each of you and then transports most of you beyond the wall. The rest of you burrow or phase through the wall without difficulty.

Inside the palisade, you see that much of the lodge is still under construction or undergoing renovations. An incomplete pool is still being dug to the southeast of the lodge. The lodge itself is built in traditional Minkai style, whilst the exterior doors are of good wooden construction, you can see through a windows that the rooms inside have sliding shoji panels instead of wooden walls and doors. The building is about 10ft tall.

To the West stands the building that had earlier been identified to you as an external tea house, and it appears to be unused at the moment. There is a wooden door along the wall closest to you. A quartet of men in tatami-do armor appear to be patrolling the area - they have their backs to you at this time and are walking West-wards.

We will be using the Shoryu Onsen map for this. There is a patrol to the West of you - they don't know you are here. What do you wish to do? There is light coming form the windows marked with a yellow dot.

Remember that you are invisible, but there is nothing stopping them from hearing you. If you hold still until they move further away, you can avoid having to make stealth checks. Otherwise, they might hear your clanking armour.

"We should take the right hand path" whispers Rand who then begins quietly doing just that.

going to move at speed 30 (half speed) while stealthing and take a look around. going to move 6 squares straight to the right and one diagonally up (to the NE).

Stealth Check: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (12) + 25 = 37

Rhon holds perfectly still hoping to avoid detection.

Earl sinks into the ground and uses his tremorsense to follow Rand.

Alden also holds perfectly still, and puts a hand on Naala's muzzle to suggest she do the same.

42 blinks through the wall.

I already assumed you blinked through the wall. You are all currently inside the compound.

You hold still and remain as silent as possible as the soldiers continue their patrol and go around a corner of the building, out of sight.

As Rand moves around to the East, he does not see light coming from any other rooms apart from the ones marked with yellow dots on the map. Inside the nearest room to his current location, he sees a well-appointed lounge room. There are a few low tables and comfortable-looking chairs scattered around, and martial banners decorate the walls whilst several paper lanterns hang from the rafters providing soft illumination to the room.

There are two men sitting inside. One is wearing a tatami-do, but his armor is of a different style to that of the soldiers outside, and a hefty tetsubo rests against the table by his side. The other is armored in an impressive-looking o-yoroi with green and gold plates. A matching horned helmet sits on the table before him, its faceplate styled as a demonic face. He is reading a book whilst his companion idly sips sake from a jug.

The window is too small for a medium-sized creature to squeeze through, though a small creature might manage it.

What do you wish to do?

Am i still blinking, if so, i could check it out to do a quick check.

If you want to phase through the wall or go to the window, make a stealth check, and move your token to where you want to go to.