Kolris Isimlothe |
Kolris had returned to the main room with the others during the Thrick investigation. That's where he'd been mixing his extract.
Once his extract is complete, he puts it away in his bag for later.
I don't recall from the beginning; did we get guard uniforms when we started, or are we dressed as ourselves? If not, it might make sense to quickly change into some of the uniforms from the dead/sleeping guards before we move on. How much time would that take, Shifty?
Shifty |
There were spares in the storage area off the common room... they might be a lot less torn and bloodied too...
The two guards up the hall don't appear to be moving much, they seem more interested in their conversation.
You suspect they will continue the circuit in a clockwise direction eventually
Jacques stands at the gate like all is well.
Zhatara Smirsset |
"Yes... let's make haste. This whole thing was a disaster and we now risk end up as permanent residents here unless we move quickly!" Zhatara mutters, sounding disgruntled before following Kolris.
Perception check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Jacques N'Fey |
In a directed stage whisper, Jacques attempts to get one of the party's attention. "Psst... The back room guards are over here.
NOW would be a good time to try to get the other key and try to get into the cell area in the back.
I don't mean a minute from now."
Kolris Isimlothe |
It only takes a minute, but Jacques is recovered and the keys are obtained.
We have the keys. :) Thankfully...
Kolris heads to the storage room and grabs up the spare uniforms. He puts one on himself, and encourages the others to do the same. "We'll need these when we leave; might as well suit up now." Once all are suited up, he grabs one that looks to be Jacques' size, and hands it to Zhatara. "Quick, take this to Jacques and get him to change in the storage room. Take his spot and handle the guards when they come around to that end of their rounds. Maybe you can finally get one on our side with your magic."
Grateful that most of the carnage happened out of sight of this hall, he takes up position at the corner as if he's a guard in the proper place, while the others remain out of sight just around the corner.
To sum up, Kolris recommends the following:
- Zhatara take Jacques' position while Jacques goes to the storage room to change.
- Kolris remains where he is currently on the map, looking like a guard doing his duty.
- The rest gather immediately to Kolris' left, out of sight of the guards when they get to the gate.
- When the guards get to the gate, Zhatara uses her diplomatic strength to calm any of their concerns and, if reasonable, uses her charm person to gain an ally.
Open to suggestions, but we need to be quick.
Zhatara Smirsset |
Zhatara shoots a chilly stare to Kolris, yanks the uniform from the elf and growls:"Gimme that!" and brings the clothes to Jacques...
How many hps does Zhatara have left?
Jacques N'Fey |
I like Kolris' plan. Once we are through the doors, we should perhaps look for a back door through the Offices. Other than that, into the prison as quickly as possible, spring all of the prisoners and allow them to make a distraction to cover our escape. We should make sure to tell all of them that the Aspis Consortium will expect to be remembered for their generosity
Jacques nods to Zhatara and goes into the storage room to quickly change.
Smiley Stonegirdle |
Jus' tell Ole Smiley where to go, and whose neck to squeeze.
Smiley rollows Kolris, as he seems to know what to do.
Malik Rimeclan |
"Come on, guys. We don't have time for this. Backup can come any minute...", Malik urges the pathfinders as they play dress-up.
"We had a quiet plan and we blew it. Time to go ham."
Jacques N'Fey |
Finishing up his changing, Jacques returns from the storage room.
"Okay, let's get moving. Zhatara, do you want to stand here until the guards change direction?"
Regardless of her choice, Jacques will wave the others to follow and head over to the left door and unlock it, then head back to the door to the Office and listen at the door.
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Hearing nothing inside, he will try the latch.
Kolris Isimlothe |
Agreed; if the guards are taking too long to complete their rounds, we should speed up the timetable and just go.
Kolris nods at Jacques. "Yeah, they're taking too long. Let's just do this."
As they move to the other door, Kolris notices that Zhatara seems to be walking stiffly. "Are you still hurt? I thought we got everyone healed up. Can somebody heal Zhatara while we check out this door?"
Kolris then takes a quick moment to listen at the door with Jacques.
Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Shifty |
The guards wont be changing direction, its clear they are doing a circuit and will soon enough be at your gate you recall Galvars order to the patrol: "...you can do a patrol, and when you get back you can relieve the gate guards - you can eat when you get back after this lot have had a feed."
Jacques notes the left gate is locked, but he has the key and simply unlocks the gate.
He doubles back and ties the office off the general stores.
Hundreds of manuscripts and prison records fill this room’s shelves, many bearing labels such as “Accounting,” “Calendars,” and “Discharge Logs.”
Seems the door was pretty thick and was hard for Jacques and Kolris to hear through, clearly the same door stopped the occupant hearing all the fighting.
A female guard who was busy quietly reading the books and taking notes looks over at the now open door and Jacques standing at it.
"Are you lost?" she enquires politely but professionally.
Jacques N'Fey |
How about if Kolris starts working on the door to the prison while I go looking for another key, starting in the office in front. :)
Jacques was surprised to see someone in the office, but was more than ready to turn on the charm. Knuckling his forehead, he gives the woman a winning smile.
Pitching his voice so that Zhatara can hear, he tries to think of a plausible reason for his entrance.
"Beg your pardon, Madame. Galvar needs to get some paperwork out of the Administration offices and sent me to fetch the key."
Bluff: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Shifty |
"Vasenti didn't leave his key with me, I'm sorry, but Galvar will have to wait. Shouldn't be long though" She looks Jacques over appraisingly "You're very new, just start today? I don't believe we've met - I'm Krima. That accent isn't terribly Chelish, been in the city long?" - once again, no hostility, but she does appear to be trying to get a read of Jacques.
Jacques N'Fey |
Jacques winks good naturedly as he twirls his moustaches, trying to stall for time while he waits to see if Zhatara wants to charm this woman.
"You could say that I'm new. The Consortium recruits from all over, naturally. In my case, from southern Varisia, though my family emigrated from Galt. Makes my accent a bit of a muddle, n'est-ce pas?"
He pauses a moment to gauge if she has any reaction, but not long enough to let her speak. "It seems we have a bit of a problem. We, meaning The Consortium, had an agreement to exchange a bit of muscle and skill for some details from the interrogation of one of the Nail's guests.... Zephyr?
Something like that, anyways. My Lieutenant will know. Seems the traitor may have been working with some Pathfinders, and we want to find out why." Jacques mimes spitting at his feet to show what he thinks of Pathfinders.
"Time is a bit of an issue for us, we need to be completing our tasks. I don't suppose you have the key to the cells, then? We could talk to this Zephyr fellow directly."
Bluff: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Shifty |
”Ahh, Galtan, of course. I know a lot of your Countrymen departed Galt to join those Andorans in that democracy experiment. Seems you must have found a different vector out. Funny coincidence that, being that the fellow you are asking about is suspected of being connected with exactly that sort of thing, imagine that? These ideas seem to flower everywhere, but the location of the keys doesn’t ring a bell”
She seems to believe you but she’s clearly fishing.
Jacques N'Fey |
I get the feeling she IS an Aspis Consortium agent and is looking for a codeword. Zhatara, if you are planning to come over this way, I think now is the time.
WAIT A MINUTE... Bell! Freedom! She is part of the Bellflowers! Did we ever get mention of a contact inside of the prison?
Jacques N'Fey |
Looking back, Malik is part of the Liberty's Edge faction and would have unlocked the spoiler that was a part of our original introduction to this adventure where Tamrin mentioned that he had a contact named Krima inside the prison.
While I never looked at the spoiler before now, it does state that Tamrin was saying that in front of everyone, so I don't think I am meta-gaming by using that knowledge now
Jacques smiles warmly, "Well, as I hear it, they escaped without much more than the flowers in their hair." I hope that is the codeword...
Jacques visibly relaxes as he continues, "Our captain, Tamrin, said that we could find a friend inside. It appears that you are that friend. Very pleased to make your acquaintance."
Jacques removes his hat and flourishes it in a bow. If allowed, he will kiss Krima's hand.
Smiley Stonegirdle |
Ho? A friend is good to have! Smiley Stonegirdle, Seventh Son of a Seventh Son, at your service!
Smiley moves to take her hand and shakes it heartily if allowed.
Zhatara Smirsset |
"And I'm Zhatara. Unfortunately we are short on time, as we just thrashed several guards who are sure to come back here soon with reinforcements. Where can we find Sefiro Bellinger?" Zhatara bluntly asks the Bellflower Agent.
Malik Rimeclan |
Hearing the name Krima, Malik pokes his head in through the door. "I don't mean to be rude, but - we're pressed for time. Some of the guards ran away, remember?", he looks at the pathfinders, then back to the Bellflower contact. "There has been a development that complicates things. Do you have a plan to smuggle your people out, or will you all come with us?"
He seems to remember something, and quickly adds: "Oh and... Who is this head itnerrogator person and where is he, exactly? Someone we should be afraid of?"
Shifty |
She shakes Smileys hand, "Krima, well met" she states confidently whilst looking him square in the eyes, clearly hiding nothing now.
"I think a prisoner named Zefiro was in the middle of a torture session when the interrogator was called away; he’s probably still strapped to whatever machines they have inside, along with people I suspect are fellow Bellflower agents. When he was first incarcerated, guards secured his documents in the prison’s vault. I don't know what the prisons traps are, but I suspect the interrogator keeps some kind of written memo for accessing the vault in his office. I have a key... it's a rough cast I made but it should work"
"I have no way to smuggle you all out, I'll have to work out a plan"
"Interrogator Vasenti is a vicious man and highly dangerous, stay well away from him, his grim determination in tracking prey is as legendary as his meanness"
"What do you mean'thrashed several guards'? What is the state of things out there?" she looks slightly alarmed.
Malik Rimeclan |
Malik shakes his head - "No, no. Not us. The Bellflower prisoners. But while we're at it, is there a service entrance through the kitchen or something, or just one entrance intot he whole building? We didn't get any maps of the place, so we're just winging it."
He pauses, and realises he didn't introduce himself or explain the situation. "I'm Malik. Hi. I'll let my friends explain the guards issue. Preferably fast.', he looks to Zhatara and Jacques as he speaks of the guards.
Jacques N'Fey |
Jacques hangs his head as the state of the guards is discussed.
"Yes, well, we had a plan to put all of the guards to sleep, but it was only partially effective and a Melee ensued.
It looks like your cover may be blown here, unless you can think of some way to save it."
As the prospect of a single exit is discussed, he becomes alarmed. "Well, that certainly complicates matters. It appears a couple of guards escaped into the streets and are certainly summoning reinforcements. We need to be about this quickly.
I left our infiltrator attempting to open the prison doors, bit they seem really stout, so I don't have much hope. Let's go try your key as quickly as we can."
Shifty |
"Ahh Thrick, he was always a broken man. Completely averse to violence or fighting, nervous and quite the pacifist, but happy to do the dirty jobs, good for morale, and a passable cook - they only kept him on out of sympathy and that he kept the place slightly pleasant to work at"
"I'll keep the guards busy for a while, get in, get out, do it quickly"
"Hide all your people in here for a few moments"
She starts making her way to the hallway.
Shifty |
With everyone out of sight, Krima steps outside into the Hallway and bellows a mighty cry for the guards, both of whom come running down the hall. Cries of shock and surprise are heard, and Krima starts commanding them "We've been attacked! It looks like some people have run for help, but we need to drag the fallen into the common room quickly and barricade ourselves in - lest the attackers return to slay or loot the fallen! Help me move these bodies quickly!"
For about 20 seconds you can hear bodies being dragged to safety, then the door of the common room slams shut.
Kolris Isimlothe |
"It's a good thing we had Krima as a contact in here. Good thinking! Let's be quick with this."
Kolris gives the door another inspection for traps, then he will try the proferred key.
Perception, traps: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 Unfortunately, our infiltrator needs another level before he truly becomes good at this.
Disable Device: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24 If the key doesn't work
Unfortunately, I'm not sure which door on the map we're trying. Feel free to position Kolris as needed.
Shifty |
Upper left, the upper right is the vault
The door is firmly locked, but using the rough cast key you eventually manage to get the lock to click open.
A smoldering fireplace illuminates this room, casting red light over a massive corner desk littered with disorganized papers. A seven-foot-tall statue of a four-horned fiend with a burning crown overlooks the desk from the corner.
Per - Nali: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25 Low-light vision
Per - Malik: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Per - Kolris: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11 (+4 vs. Traps)
Per - Zhatara: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Per - Smiley: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13 Darkvision 60ft
Per - Jacques: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
The desk hosts a jumbled mess of interrogation schedules, prisoner transfers, and Loyalty Day agendas, but Vexin identifies three noteworthy documents.
* One is a copy of The Asmodean Disciplines, bookmarked to a chapter on crime and punishment with a handwritten note (Player Handout #1).
* The second document is a twine-bound set of instructions for activating the prison’s soundproofing mechanism. The manual notes that there are prisms that emit light when active, and they create a wall of magical silence between any two prisms with an uninterrupted line of effect to one another. No sound passes through this border, but if an object, creature, or wall disrupts the border, the entire effect ends until the obstruction is removed. There are also two keys attached to the binding.
* The third is a letter addressed to the chief interrogator from the Nail’s ranking officer addressing the declining efficacy of reports exposing political enemies provided by Zarta Dralneen (Player Handout #2).
Jacques N'Fey |
"Ah, keys! With any luck, one opens the vault and one opens the cells.
Not sure what good it would do us to know about this silence field, but that might become relevant later.
Do we need to check the vault, or should we go straight to the cells?"
Zhatara Smirsset |
"Take those documents too. They might come in useful later. And of course... we've come this far we need to check the vault. It might contain evidence we need to prove Zefiro was imprisoned here unlawfully"
Nali Faina |
Nali nods in agreement to Zhatara. "To the vault. This evidence that Deckland mentions is to attack Society. We should take it."
As she follows the others, she looks at the handwritten note quizzically. "This is weird."
Jacques N'Fey |
"A combination lock? So, I guess the prayer must be some kind of riddle, then?
Well, there is an equals sign after the word Thrice, and "ixpressly" is misspelled. Maybe those are clues of some kind?"
Smiley Stonegirdle |
I have it figured out (Jacques is right on target!), but there's no way in the Nine Hells Smiley would ever be the one to solve it. I'll give someone else a chance to solve it -- it's actually pretty clever.
asmodeuS EVEN stated
oF OUR wretched fate
that he haTH REEvaluated
every spirit's wEIGHT
for whaT WOuld be the fairest price
of soulS IXpressly grown
iF IVE and essence full of vice
and siN IN Evil abrogail's thrice=
damned hall of sacrifice to cast before his thrONE?
Zhatara Smirsset |
Zhatara considers Smiley, appearing clearly surprised:"Well done Smiley. Now let's get this thing opened!"
"It seems like I understimated him quite a bit... who would have guessed? The dwarf has a keen mind after all!"
Shifty |
Zhatara dials in the 'code' uncovered in the writings and the dial returns a satisfying click. Ensuring things are as safe as can be determined the vault is opened.
Dozens of carefully organized codices and scrolls fill the stone shelves carved into the walls, each labelled with names and sigils hammered into small brass placards over each niche. Two statues of humanoid fiends holding red-flamed torches monitor the room from the corners. Two open chests on either side of the door hold jumbles of unsorted documents, but a third chest in the far corner remains closed.
Smiley Stonegirdle |
Smiley is very surprised to have solved the puzzle.
Har! Just lucky I guess! Have I mentioned I'm the Seventh Son of a Seventh Son? Ho!
He moves to inspect the closed chest, unless someone stops him.