PFS PbP: Fortress of the Nail & Sniper in the Deep (Inactive)

Game Master Hawkeye127

Within a private booth in Korvosa' Shoreline Drinkhall, Sir Canayven Heidmarch-one of Varisia's two resident venturecaptains- begins his briefing.
"We have a serious problem," he says gravely. "As you may have heard, a month ago, Paracountess Zarta Dralneen disappeared. The Chelish diplomat was vital to the Pathfinder Society's operations within Cheliax, where members of our order are strictly forbidden. Without her political connections opening doors for us and distracting watchful eyes while we operate within Cheliax's borders, we will be set back a hundred years in terms of our exploration of this nation, a region of great interest to the Ten. We must therefore reinstate the paracountess in Absalom.
[/b]"Here's the good news: We've located her-she is alive, though she is imprisoned for seditious acts she did not commit. We also possess evidence we can use to exonerate her and ensure her release.[/b]
"The bad news is that the paracountess is being held in Citadel Vraid, home to the Hellknights of the Order of the Nail. Convincing those totalitarian mercenaries that the paracountess must be freed is going to be quite a challenge."
"We have this information thanks to a team of Pathfinders who infiltrated the Chelish Embassy during one of it's evening parties. Under the guise of servants, they discovered that Tancred Desimire, the paracountess' biggest enemy and a member of the Thrune government, forged letters apparently written in Dralneen's hand. These fictitious letters hinted at a rebellious alliance between the paracountess and the house's political enemies. Further, the Pathfinders discovered the paracountess's personal travel logs, which prove she was away from Absalom at the time when the letters claim she met with her conspirators in the Petal District."
At this point, the Sir Heidmarch reaches under the table to produce a largely packed folder full of documentation. "This is the documentation that the team recovered from the embassy. It must be shown to the Hellknights if there is any hope of recovering the paracountess alive. While the Order of the Nail has earned its reputation as a cadre of ruthless mercenaries, its Hellknights are still bound to uphold the law. I'd wager that the order's leaders would release the paracountess if they can be convinced they're holding her unlawfully. You, Pathfinders, must do that. Get custody of the paracountess and escort her here. I'll make sure she gets back to Absalom safely.
["One more thing: I know some of you may not like the Hellknights or what they stand for, but this is a diplomatic mission and not the time to air your personal grievances against the Order of the Nail. There are over four hundred Hellknights in Citadel Vraid, and you'll be in their home. Getting Dralneen out is your sole priority, and since the aw is on our side, you should run into no problems doing so provided\ you behave with reasonable caution and restraint. Do not take this warning lightly-you cannot take on the entire citadel in combat. Appeal to their sense of law and leave them to their business. Any questions?"
For those who made the cut, take a moment to introduce yourself and ask questions. We'll get started in a day or so.

dotting

Dot

At once both brutish and refined, the tiefling mage presents a strange sight. With thick horns framing his face and a prominent underbite, fangs poking from his jaw, Vordrek wears fine (but reinforced) silk robes. He bears no weapons and carries only a spellbook. A small two-colored mask hangs around his neck: the holy symbol of Nethys. He smirks. "She might be innocent of what they say she did, but the gods know Lady Dralneen has done a great deal else. Not that I'm anything but loyal to her; she's an effective leader, whatever else she might be."

The other tiefling pulls the pipe from between his lips, his horns are smaller but his skin is a noticeable red. He looks at the one who spoke and laughs. "From the stories i hear she has done a lot indeed. But we cant have one of our own stuck in prison for crimes they didnt commit." He says going back to smoking. Waiting to hear what the others here have to say.

I have no opinion either way on the Paracountess since we have not met and I have learned to discount rumor. However, if we have proof of her innocence we mmust remove her from that prison. Thankfully it should be straight forward. I may not approve of many Hellknights, but at least the still respect the law.
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Jorin is a powerfully mucsled yet educated warrior of orcish blood. He wears no armor and few weapons, yet still seems quietly confident of his competence.
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Jorin is a kensai magus. Rather than the shocking grasp damage nova, he specializes in tripping and disarming nearly anything with his whip.

Well, I don't much like the Paracountess's methods, nor her in general, but she's certainly important and a Society emissary. I intend to help out in any way possible. Isn't that right, Scooch?" Valrar says, ending his observations by crooning to the bunny on his shoulder.
Valrar does not look strong, but is a quick hand with a lighter blade and can swiftly deliver a series of together devastating blows. He is also a master of persuasion and quite the free spirit, in that sense very much the opposite of the Hellknights or Dralneen.

An orcish warrior, clad in spiked armor, with weapons dangling and strapped everywhere, and wearing the holy symbol of Gorumn on his breastplate speaks up from the back corner "All of life is pain.. either giving or recieving. However, it is unjust that pain not earned be given. The politics matter little to me, as compared to the rest."
As a warpriest of Gorumn, Oloch has mastered the art of casting while slicing and dicing, and sees pain as inevitable and meaningful part of life. He can either cause it.. or take it away, as is deemed necessary.

Dot i won't be able to post for about 24 hours. I'll have to catch up then.

Ok, everyone's here. Does anyone have any questions for Sir Heidmarch before we move on?

"Whats the likely hood we can "Appeal to their sense of law and leave them to their business?" That sounds like something you say when you know we have to fight our way out." Jager says

what can you tell us about the leadership of Citadel Vraid, name, obsessions, preferences, weaknesses, location, distance, etc...

In walks a woman, in a dress the same color as flames. Anything normal you would expect from a woman ends there as you see her with a necklace with many different fingers attached to it. She is talking to a Fox that has a evil looking doll strapped to it's back.

She then sits down and listens to the tale about Hell Knights.
"Hell Knights. They seam alright. Anyone good with words?"

"If you can find anyone better with words than me 'n Scooch, you might as well put me on Kreighton Shaine's cleanup crew! The only thing faster than my wit is my blade." Valrar enjoys boasting, and thinks for a few seconds about a question that he forgot, sipping from a tankard. "Ah, can't remember my question! Well, it was probably like Jager's anyway."
Again, Valrar mulls something over and is distracted by something shiny. "Is that a pistol? Man, my friend had one of those!"
Scooch the bunny nudges Valrar's head, in a manner that suggests, Shut up before you embarrass me.

Oloch just sits quietly. The whys and wherefors matter little to the orcish brute; for him, things are much simpler than the politics behind the reasons. In his mind, an injustice is being commited, and it will be rectified. Simple.... right???

Vordrek grunts. "And we'd be well served letting you do the talking, no doubt." He's tried negotiating in the past, and it hasn't gone well-- for better or worse, people prefer talking to attractive people. And even by tiefling standards, Vordrek is anything but attractive.

In response to the team's questions, Sir Heidmarch replies "There's always a chance for a fight, but as long as you show some manners and don't behave like a bunch of damned savages, you should be fine. As for what you'll face inside the citadel, well, we know little about this order's leaders, but in general, the Hellknights operate using very specific, militaristic protocols. My advice is to follow the Hellknights' rules while emphasizing that beyond a shadow of a doubt, the paracountess is innocent and therefore must be released. As for the citadel itself, It's a dark, looming structure that sits on a plateau in the southwestern reaches of the Mindspin Mountains, approximately 50 miles from here. From what we understand, the main structure is made of black stone and is decorated liberally with imagery that is a bit... unsettling. Hellknight protocol suggests the citadel's main entrance is heavily guarded. Informing the guards about the evidence that exonerates Zarta should help you gain entry.
I've taken the liberty of securing you a space in a supply caravan heading to Citadel Vraid early tomorrow morning. We estimate it will take the better part of the day to arrive at the citadel, putting you there in the evening, but not too late to request an audience with the order's leaders."
With a heavy sigh, Sir heidmarch finishes with "I know that most of you are seasoned veterans who probably think you don't need luck, but I wish it on you nonetheless. Just remember, you're a small pack of wolves that are entering a grizzly den, and there's a lot of damn bears in there. As long as you behave yourself and don't deviate from the plan, though, you should come back out in one piece."
You'll have the rest of the day to make last-minute purchases and get any other supplies you might need.

Valrar was tempted to say, "But sir, we are a bunch of damn savages," but Scootch can tell as the words are on his tongue and bites him before he can continue. Truth be told, neither of the dynamic duo much like Hellknights. Once while on mission, several Hellknights blasted Scootch to death and Suggested Valrar to walk all the way back to Absalom, though the spell broke before he got there (he was in Qadira). This probably will not affect Valrar's honeyed tongue, however, he will just be a little happier if he can stab a few Hellknights. "Arright, we'll meet here at dawn and be off to Citadel Vraid. I'm gonna see if I can buy a magic buckler somewhere. Later, team."

Fox's ears perk up at Heidmarch's words.

Wow, that is a great idea. Do you mind if I use *cough* steal *cough* that for my familiar as well?

Go for it. I think animals can talk to each other as well.

Alright, here we go!
The team meets the caravan the following morning for what turns out to be a rather uneventuful 14-hour trip. However, you're able to see Citadel Vraid hours before arriving at it. As you near the base of the mountain, you look up to see it carved from black stone and crowned with steel spikes, a pair of spindly towers shadow the precipitous stair that climbs to the foot of Vraid's steel gate, which currently stands open. Within is a heavily guarded chamber with two visible exits, one to the north and another to the south. The one to the north seems to be the entrance.
As you arrive, you see that the gate is guarded by a dozen Hellknight gate-maralictors who watch over the interior atrium through their menacing full-plate helmets. They part for the caravan to enter without a word yet as you approach, they bar their weapons to block your entry. Before you can say anything, one additional Hellknight standing apart from the rest, a woman with short black hair, strides up to met you as she holds her helmet in the crook of her arm. She gives you as severe nod as she asks "Are you the Pathfinders who seek Zarta Dralneen's freedom?"

Valrar steps up, in his element despite his concealed hatred of Hellknights. "Why certainly, my friend! In fact, we have brought evidence proving the esteemed Paracountess to be innocent! If that's all in order, may we come in?"
Diplomacy (if needed): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24

The diplomacy won't be necassary with her, so anyone can pitch in with questions/concerns.
"Perhaps, if you are willing to agree to follow The Order's process for prisoner release and not make any trouble while you're here."

Assuredly, we have no intention to cause trouble or violate procedure. However, we are not familiar with your procedures. would you please inform us what those procedures will entail?

"What is your Order's stand on Witches and Witchcraft?"

"To formally request Dralneen's freedom, you'll nee to present evidence of the paracountess' innocence to two of the Hellknight order's top commanders: Mistress of Blades Maidrayne Vox and Paravicar Acillmar, each of whom will need to sign an Affidavit of Prisoner Release indicating Dralneen is the subject in question. Once you have gained both signatures, you must take the affidavit to Lictor Severs 'Boneclaw' DiViri-the order's undisputed authority-who will decide whether to free Dralneen. This is the only way you can secure the paracountess' release.
On that note, I am Field-Maralictor Elixia Makorios and I am to serve as your primary liaison during your visit here. My purpose will be to guide you through the citadel and put you in touch with the appropriate people in question, as oppesed to having you merely stumble around blindly. So, do I have your word?"

"What is your Order's stand on Witches and Witchcraft?"

The Field-Maralictor gives you a quizzical look as she replies "You are aware of who and what the Hellknights associate with, aren't you? Why would we care about something as trivial as where your magic comes from?"

"Oh, certainly. I have no intention of breaking your hospitality." Or facade thereof, you two-faced murderers, Valrar adds in his head. "Present evidence, sign forms, maybe a few drinks in between, then leave with the Paracountess. Sounds perfectly fair."

Simple red tape. As someone who studies arcane writings regularly, legal matters shouldn't be too challenging for Vordrek. "You have our word that we won't stir up any trouble," he says in his gruff voice, praying to Nethys the others can follow through with that promise. "We're just here to secure the Paracountess's freedom and we'll be on our way." He holds up the packet Sir Canayven gave them at the start. "We have the evidence, so if you wouldn't mind taking us to the appropriate figures."

Since nobody said they grabbed them, I hope it's cool if I do now.

"How long does this process usually take and can we see the Paracountess? We want to be sure she is in good health and has all she needs." Jager asks their liaison

"How long does this process usually take and can we see the Paracountess? We want to be sure she is in good health and has all she needs." Jager asks their liaison

Looking up at the rising moon (It took 14 hours to get her, so I'm thinking that it's about 8:00), Elixia replies "If you move quickly and are efficient about your job, you might be all to see the Mistress of Blades and the Paravicar tonight. The Lictor, however, will have to wait until tomorrow morning. As for the location of the Paracountess, I do not know. The citadel contains many prisons, and it is not my duty to keep track of who is imprisoned where. When you have gained the requisite signatures, the Lictor will tell you where to find your friend. Such information isn't even held in the order's library, so you'll only be able to locate her with the Lictor's permission."

Oloch steps forward. "You have my word, that as long as the rules of hospitality are adhered to, and the hosts conduct themselves accordingly, my blade will stay sheathed and my tone polite. I swear this on Gorum's name. I do not believe that you can ask more." With a nod, he steps back.

Jager sighs at her response, Great a big place that only 1 guy knows where everything is. Thats perfect. What could possible go wrong... "Yes, yes no trouble. Where can we find the Mistress and Paravicar? If you would be so kind." He adds trying to be polite.

Celie looks at Fox.

Celie looks at the Hellknight. "If we have to defend ourselves, we won't be held accountable for the attacker actions, would we?' after a moment of thought she adds. "Also, do you know of any good bars?

The Field-Maralictor gives Celie an incredulous look as she slowly says "If you find yourself unjustly attacked by someone here, we will deal with the perpetrators ourselves. Harshly. If that is all, let us proceed to the Paravicar's keep."
She then turns to the guards and gives them a quick nod, prompting them to silently re-sheath their weapons and unblock the way into the citadel. Before entering, Elixia hands Vordrek an affidavit of Prisoner Release. She then leads you through the gate and towards a building in the southern end of the citadel. Once inside, you see this two-story keep features a number of desks, book shelves, and austere officers' barracks. On the ground floor, an iron clad gate leads out to the cliff side beyond that castle walls , guarded by a contingent of experienced Hellknights. A well-armored tower rises from the keep's northeastern corner, its doors blocked by a stern signifer. As you enter Paravicar's Keep, you find yourselves on the crowded research floor, where slaves chained to their desks transcribe the contents of scrolls full of charts and tables into leather-bound tomes, all under the watchful eyes of several high-ranking signifers. Makarios makes her way to the lone signifer standing guard at the entrance to the tower, and declares that "representatives from the Pathfinder Society are here to present an urgent matter to the paravicar." The signifier nods, and steps aside, granting the field-maralictor and your team access to the large tower.
Makarios leads you up a set of stairs hugging the cylindrical tower's interior wall, past a floor full of strange artifacts being catalogued and analyzed by an equal number of slaves and signifers, to the third floor, where a lone man sits at a desk in the center of the room, ceiling-high bookshelves filling all the walls around him. Makarios motions you toward the man, makes eye contact with him, then backs down the stairs to the level below to await the your return.
Before you, Paravicar Acillmar sits at an orderly desk crowded with neatly stacked piles of paper and ancient tomes, penning a lengthy report. He looks up at them and says simply, "I've been expecting you, Pathfinders."
Now is the time to give me diplomacy/bluff/intimidate checks. Whichever one you pick, please don't give me a flat roll. Present the case and give a little bit of narrative to back it up.

Guys, I have a higher Intimidate skill, but will that make me take what would be a stupid move in a real-life conversation? ...Hmm, it's a pretty compelling argument...No, snap out of it, you'll use Diplomacy and like it!

Valrar strides up, speaking calmly as he does so. Noiselessly, Scootch provides him with the divine guidance of Cayden, giving him the feeling of being slightly drunk but still in control.
"The reason we request Zarta Dralneen's release is the same reason it will be granted. It's simple. These documents-" Valrar pauses to half hand, half brandish the sheaf of papers at Acillmar- "-these documents prove, both through mundane and magical methods, that the Paracountess could not have perpetrated these crimes. We have discovered, in fact, that many of these crimes were framed on her by none other than Tancred Desimire of Thrune. These documents also include Zarta's personal travel log, noting that she was not at the place of the crime at the corresponding time. Thus, she is being held here in contempt of the law and you must release her at once. Make no mistake, I am sure you act in complete accordance with the law and the Paracountess was believed to have been guilty. At that time you acted with perfect reason, as you should do again now by releasing her now."
Diplomacy (assists welcome regardless of roll): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15
Valrar does not feel good about this, and Scootch starts talking to him.

Celie looks in-between the two then decides to try and help.

SHe walks up and puts a hand on Valrar, "Don't worry, i'll make sure he behaves. As long as we can get Zarta out of here, i won't let him cause any trouble."

I am going for intimidation. Her strong suit.
intimidation: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

Same here. This is what Valrar does if Acillmar's reaction is negative, and only then, by the way. Otherwise, Valrar will have nothing to do with Celie's more aggressive tactics until necessary. Just doing this so I remember and to speed up possible play.
"I would make your next decision very carefully if I were you. We have shown you incontrivertible evidence for our case, and you ignore it? We could bring this organization to its knees if we informed the public or other Hellknights of your deviance from the law."
Intimidate Assist: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (7) + 15 = 22

"Yes if you would be so kind as to sign the papers we will be on our way. Even you must see she is innocent." Jager adds.

Aid Intimidate: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Wow and i miss....

Intimidate: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (4) + 17 = 21
"It is unlawful and unnatural that pain should be brought against on unworthy of it. We must seek to even the scales and make this right, sir." Oloch contributes, stepping forward into the light and glowering at the Hellknight. As he steps forward, his holy symbol glitters on his breastplate.

The Paravicar listens to the team's testimony, seemingly unimpressed. He does, however, take the evidence packet and look through it intently. For several minutes, he pours through the paperwork, ignoring you entirely while he does so. Finally, he looks up and says with a slight smile "Well done, Pathfinders. It would seem that you've uncovered a grave mistake. And I'm impressed that you went through the proper steps to rectify the situation as opposed to some half-planned vigilante escape attempt."
He then takes the Prisoner Release form and writes his signature in the appropriate column, adding his custom wax seal next it for authenticity. As he hands back the evidence and the form, he says "I believe that conludes our business here. The Field-Paralictor should be waiting for you on the first floor," before returning to the scroll that he was initially studying when you entered.
One down, two to go. More to come later in the day.

That is plan B. Jager thinks to himself as they leave. Jager keeps his eyes peeled as they are lead out.

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27

One down, Vordrek thinks to himself. I just hope everyone realizes the importance of bureaucracy in matters like this.

As they walk down the stairs, Oloch mutters to the group "Is it just me, or was that a little too easy??

"Pfft, maybe. But everything's too easy when you have me around." In truth, however, Valrar has his suspicions, but will not act on them just yet.

Celie raises an eyebrow at Valrar's comment.

Sorry guys, crazy day at work. I'm actually surprised that I was able to squeak in that post from earlier.
Heading back down the stairs, you see the Field-Paralictor standing at ease by the door. She's relatively pleased that you were able to secure the signature. "Quickly now, the Mistress of Blades is currently holding a meeting in the Armory with her Paralictors. If we hurry, we might be able to catch her before she retires for the evening."
She then leads you back across the bailey to a two-story, two-towered keep that appears to serve as the military command center for the Order of the Nail. On the ground floor, racks of weapons, armor, barding, ammunition, and other implements of war line a number of aisles whose shelves rise to the ten-foot ceiling above. The second floor serves as a strategic command center where detailed maps of Varisia, the Mindspin Mountains, and Cheliax hang on the walls. A three-dimensional replica of the areas surrounding Korvosa occupies a table in the center of the room, on which miniature armies are positioned in strategic locations. From the cellars below the keep, the sound of clinking hammers and billowed forges echoes through the building. Makorios leads you through the armory, where low-ranking armigers polish armor, shields, and swords and repair broken crossbows. Up a flight of stairs, you find yourselves presented to the mistress of blades, who is in the process of meeting with several of her paralictor lieutenants, looking at strategic maps and reports of recent criminal activity in Varisia.
Standing over 7 feet tall and weighing up to 1,000 pounds, the heavily-armored centaur presented as Mistress of Blades Maidrayne Vox looks up from her work after signing a form held by a lieutenant to see Makorios leading the Pathfinders into the room, silences her lieutenants and strides forward to meet the party. "So," she says. "I understand you seek the freedom of our Chelish guest? Leave us, Hellknights, so that we may converse."
Same deal as last time, guys. And I can't wait to hear what your intimidation narratives are going to be for this one. Lol!

I'll fire the first shot. Just putting this here to avoid being Ninja'd.
Valrar bows respectfully, but the start of his argument is a little heated. "I must begin by requesting you simplify your diplomatic processes. As I have said before, our argument is simple, obvious, and incontincontrivertible enough that it need not be repeated three times! Your organization has what must be the utmost respect for the law. That in itself is reason enough to free the Paracountess at once! Your arrest of Zarta Dralneen was barely in bounds of the law as is! Innocent until proven guilty! You should not have arrested her, instead you should have put her on trial to discover her guilt, or, in this case, lack thereof! Currently, I am willing to let that point slide. You took the action that you felt was necessary, and that is to be at least partially commended. But now that you have in your hand the evidence proving her to be innocent, it would be in your best interests to sign for her release. While I am loath to fight here and now (which I should not have to), I will, such is my devotion to what is correct! Or is the Order of the Nail deviating from the values of law and order? I'm sure there would be many mixed reactions to that."
Intimidate (assists welcome): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (14) + 15 = 29

Oh, i was here, but I chose to let someone else take it.

Fox jumps down from Celies bag, and circles the centaur, sniffing it.
"Get back here Fox." Celie says to her familiar.