Grandmaster TOZ |
Sloan pauses at Borox's diatribe. "The running of your mouth is most ignorant, dwarf. Whatever you steal from us will be returned in due time, as your laughable investigative skills are shown for the sham they are." Agraic's sharp observation causes a reactive brush of Sloan's hand over his accoutrements, the sneer wiped away into a sour downturn of his lips. "Worry yourself not with the opinions of officials or patrons, drunkard. Worry for your own superiors anguish as you fail to murder your way out of trouble."
The +4 does count on Bluff checks, yes.
Athalis Faerahrn |
Knowledge (Arcana) Check: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14
"Could be that prisoner we found in your warehouse will have another story to tell. Jardan is a servant of Lady Heidmarch, and he got a good look at the man who kidnapped him, somebody that looked just like him. Considering that we just saw Jardan this morning in the company of the Venture Captain when he was being held against his will here in the Bronze House should prove quite interesting."
Intimidate Check: 1d20 - 1 + 4 ⇒ (15) - 1 + 4 = 18
Meh, hoping to luck out with a good roll. My Arcana check wasn't high enough to catch that other clue, but he'll chat up Sloan about the prisoner he was holding and see if that rattles him. At least it's double digits, and with the +4 modifier the result isn't too bad...
Metumé |
Matter of fact, my good knight, Metumé says with a wicked smile, forked tongue darting from her mouth momentarily to lick her lips, I found lots of information on his accomplices. Really Sloan, you must do better at hiding your correspondence next time. I know a fee people who will really love to know more of the players behind the attack on the Grand Lodge...
Bluff: 1d20 + 14 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 14 + 4 = 27
Grandmaster TOZ |
1d20 ⇒ 19
"Correspondence with whom, my dear? You should hide your forked tongue when you lie, lest it be cut out for your slander." Sloan growls, his swagger subdued but recovering.
Metumé |
One more comment like that and we'll see just how sharp my tongue is when testifying about your little kidnapped pathfinder in court. Metumé shoots back, grin still plastered on her face but eyes hardened to a cold, steel rage.
Intimidate Aid: 1d20 + 10 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 10 + 4 = 28
Grandmaster TOZ |
"Ludicrous. Simply ludicrous." Sloan mutters aloud, scratching at the back of one hand. "Tell me then, does it surprise you that one of your masked leaders dances to our tune? Do you truly think there is honor among thieves?" A sly smile creeps across his face in response to Metume's ire.
Sloan's regained composure means no more bonuses on the remaining checks.
Wolfgang Strabe |
After listening to the boastful taldan man, Wolfgang's patience runs out:"So you think that you'll win in court eh, windbag? Do you think this is all we've got on you? Think again! We also shut down your little smuggling operation, catched your man and consigned them to the authorities... why do you think we were given free leave to come to your little house and ransack it as we did? You are done Sloan the sooner you realize it, the better it will go for you. You are a liability for your superiors... and I hear those big old fat asps are not the most forgiving of patrons... think about that! We are you only chance, but personally I feel inclined to let nature do its course with you and enjoy the show..."
Aid another (Intimidate) check: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (12) - 2 = 10
Borox |
Borox can only hit a 27 Sense Motive if he rolls a 20 with his +7 modifier. I can roll and someone can try to aid me if I get close. His perception is only a +5 so I'll aid someone there. Same for my spellcraft. So rolling Sense Motive for effect and aiding on Perception and Spellcraft.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Perception Aid: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Spellcraft Aid: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
It bloody figures!
Agraic |
Sense Motive(aid?): 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (2) - 2 = 0
Perception(Aid?): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16
"Y'know, I've been thinking about it. You're confident. Yet why is it with someone 'on the inside' that we're having this conversation? We wouldn't even be at this juncture if your 'person' was reliable. So either you're full of bull excrement or you're onto something HYUGGE. Something that'd screw over not only our people but also yours. So the bigger question is, are you willing to go to the mat for someone who's going to sell out both our groups to push their own agenda? Someone obviously wanted all of us to get screwed with all this attention. These things aren't independent acts, are they?" Agraic inquires after taking a moment or two to think things through.
I'm firmly of the belief that the die-roller was designed for this scenario to bomb all the rolls. In specific. Because of how it's been rolling for the most part. :P
Athalis Faerahrn |
Athalis studies Sloan carefully. The man is clearly getting nervous, but it is difficult to tell how best to push him over the edge. But there must be a way...
Sense Motive 'Aid Another' Check: 1d20 ⇒ 3
Perception 'Aid Another' Check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Spellcraft Check: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17
Wow. Just... wow... And you know what, to heck with it. If I can use my folio reroll, I'll reroll that Spellcraft check below.
Spellcraft Check: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13
*facepalm* Screw it. Let's just kill the bastard and be done it. We're Pathfinders, dammit! :p
Grandmaster TOZ |
Y’all have suffered some serious dice hate. Whatever happens, you gave your all.
Metumé |
Disguise: 10 + 8 = 18
Nobility Aid Another: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Noticing something out of place on Sloan's attempt at an immaculate appearance, Metumé points it out to the rest of the party, Did we catch you at a bad time, Sloan? Busy with a lady friend before you were called out here? Or do you just enjoy the scent of balsam and incense in your make-up?
Thokzazt |
Huh... I'm just going to try that Spellcraft. The rest of it... well...
Spellcraft!: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30
"You would be familiar with Dancing and Tunes. I recall at the Grand Convocation there was some... interesting songs performed."
Grandmaster TOZ |
Everyone else may open up the second and third spoilers now that Thokzazt and Metume have alluded to them.
"Your ability to blabber incessantly without a single thought between you is astounding. Do they teach you that in your confirmation or is it a natural state?" Sloan laughs at Wolfgang and Agraic's observations before turning back to Metume and Thokzazt. "As for you subhumans, I'm sure you knew nothing of culture before your handlers ever had the chance to mis-educate you!"
Wolfgang Strabe |
Perception check: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
"We know enough to get you convicted. When that happens your little operation will be closed down and your superiors will get you. When that happens you'll burn... and as I said, we'll enjoy the show. You'll make a nice bonefire" Wolfgang comments
Agraic |
"You probably don't think any of this is important, being old news and all that. That's the problem with the Consortium, Mister Sloane. The incessant focus on bottom line and market domination as well as elimination of rivals puts them at a disadvantage. Instead of *reading* the history that's uncovered, the organization is built on the premise of being high-priced middle-people -- instead of say, true scholars that would understand the significance of a powerful performance in the proper context."
Agraic pauses for a moment then laughs, a deep rumbling gut laugh.
"Confirmation? What's that? Oh, the rubber-stamp for schooling? I guess? I earned my scars both on the field of battle and on various jobs. It's how I'm starting to see through you, and don't think for a second that just because I *appear* dumb and sound a bit stupid that I am. I've been burnt by more manipulators than you can possibly imagine, and I'm tired of dancing to that tune -- but apparently you aren't."
Agraic pauses *just* long enough for Sloane to start talking, then gets the siege engine rolling again.
"Enjoy your happy benighted little life adventure -- I hear they have a SPECIAL prison cell for folks who plunder the local history. Right next to the folks who do unsavory things to children and the folks who perform all the necromancy. I mean, at this point the best you could hope for is being just a common thief mixed in with the rest of the sort. It's not like you're important or anything, after all, heads of houses can be swapped out at whims of management."
Bluff(Aid): 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (17) - 2 = 15
Athalis Faerahrn |
Athalis cocks his head, as though listening. "I do believe I hear the boots of the City Watch. Looks like your time is nearly up, Sloan."
Bluff 'Aid Another' Check: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1
My streak continues. Looks like we need someone with a good modifier to take the lead roll on that Bluff check to draw Sloan out further. No help from me, though...
Grandmaster TOZ |
A snort escapes the Taldan's nostrils, one hand waving airily in front of his face. "Why, I do believe you are correct, elf. And quite a timely intervention, your witless attempts to best me in wordplay are becoming trite and boring. I am ready to face the court. Are you?"
Do I have anyone to make the final checks or shall we move on?
Borox |
Borox will attempt to Sense Motive again.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Screw it. I'm tired of getting screwed by the dice roller in every game I play over the last few months. Let's go to court.
Athalis Faerahrn |
The magus is convinced they have enough evidence, no matter the bluster of Sloan. And as killing the Aspis agent outright is forbidden, he only gives the nobleman a nasty sneer. "Indeed, we shall see if your wordplay is enough to allow you to weasel out from underneath the evidence we have accummulated from your very warehouse. You are a thief of Thessalonnian treasures, Sloan. And my understanding is that such actions are not looked upon very kindly in these lands."
Yep, Athalis has no applicable skill checks left to offer anyway - and the few times he has have mostly been an effort in futility. Time to finish this one way or the other.
Metumé |
As a last ditch to get any more information from the Aspis agent, Metumé tries to hum a tune she thought she heard at the Grand Convocation. Realizing she can't even keep in key, she very quickly halts and finishes her part of the interrogation with, Be sure to say hello to the Chelish lady for me, yes? And be more careful next time, I'm sure she wouldn't want the scandal of her makeup being on your collar, it would give her such a reputation, which I'm sure she wouldn't appreciate in her line of work...
Untrained Perform: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Bluff: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22
Grandmaster TOZ |
A troop of city guard marches down the street outside the Bronze House, forming up behind Sloan and his personal guard. "My dalliances are hardly a concern of yours, my dear. You Pathfinder vermin make bold claims, but the light of day shall certainly cleanse the lies from your tongues." As he speaks, the guards move to stand between the party and Sloan, halberds at the ready. "Guards, these individuals are committing trespass and thievery. Apprehend them that the Lord Mayor may see them punished."
"Disregard that order!" A familiar voice rings out behind the Pathfinders as Kasadei leads a second contingent of guards through the garden gates into the yard. "These agents are deputies of the Council of Ushers acting on lawful orders." As Kasadei's contingent moves to stand among you, Sloan sneers in contempt.
"Will you disobey the will of the Lord Mayor, captain? Consider your position wisely..." His voice is heavy with implied threat, which Kasadei does not flinch at.
"I obey the will of the council and that of the law, Maiveer Sloan. You stand accused of illegal trafficking in Thassilonian artifacts. Remit yourself to protective custody so that you may stand trial."
"No, I think not. Your dogs have failed to validate your trumped up charges and on the morrow will be forced to accept their defeat." Kasadei turns from the Aspis agent and gestures to the party.
"Pathfinders, do you have evidence to the contrary?" The gathered guards turn their eyes fully on you.
Athalis Faerahrn |
Athalis nods. "We have uncovered coins with residual illusion magic that matches the glamer that covered the dig site, proving they were illegally smuggled into Bronze House from the ruins. We also have a notebook with a list that includes Heidmarch manor, records of bribes to city guards and other addresses of Pathfinder allies and associate businesses in Magnimar." The magus looks pointedly at the guardsmen, wondering how many of them are on Sloan's payroll.
"There is also the issue of a kidnapping victim, one Jardan Viskeni who you might recall from the meeting we attended with the Lady Heidmarch. Jardan tells an interesting story of being taken by a man who looked just like him a few days back, which makes me wonder who it was we saw this morning."
The elven soldiers pauses, letting the others speak up as well.
Grandmaster TOZ |
The guards with Kasadei frown and glance among one another, while the guards with Sloan remain stony and unflinching. One stares back at Athalis with a narrow glare.
Wolfgang Strabe |
Wolfgang chuckles:"You need proof? Why don't you check the very jewlery worn by mr Sloan? I dare say you'll find it quite interesting..."
Metumé |
Let's not forget the cloak of Thassilonian make and bills of sale showing the traffic of Thassilonian artifacts, Metumé adds while displaying said cloak and trusting that the bills of sale are in the cart rather than digging around for them.
Grandmaster TOZ |
The guards around you take another step to interpose themselves between the party and Sloan's contingent. "I'd say that is strong evidence against the Aspis Consortium." Kasadei proclaims with a small, fierce smile. "Maiveer Sloan, I am placing you under arrest to face trial for illicit smuggling operations." Instantly, weapons are leveled at the party, taking her aback. "Men, this is the will of the Council! Arrest this man!" she pleads.
"Orders from the Lord Mayor, Captain." responds one of Maiveer's entourage. "Bring the charges in court, not here." All of the guards bear grim miens, standing resolute between the parties.
"...very well." Kasadei conceeds through gritted teeth. Sloan chuckles and smiles widely.
"A minor setback, but one I shall remember Pathfinders. Can you not see the futility of your efforts. A hundred more wheels are in motion. Your only virtue until now was you were too insignificant to squash." With that parting comment, the Aspis snake turns on his heel, making his way down the street accompanied by his guards, city and private. Kasadei sighs in frustration before turning to you.
"I can't say I am entirely surprised. Still, you seem to have found what we need to give the council a chance to bring the Consortium to heel. My men will help secure the evidence so that you can report to Lady Heidmarch. Is there anything else you need of me?"
Wolfgang Strabe |
"Can we keep a few samples of what we discovered... for study reasons?" Wolfgang asks, trying to appear innocent...
Grandmaster TOZ |
"I'll take it up with your Venture Captain." Kasadei responds with a hint of a smile.
Borox |
"Money talks and human scum walks. Best thing for the Society would be to cut Sloan down with a sharp blade through his midsection so he can do a vacation in Hell with his devil patrons."
Borox taps his head with his forefinger and grins.
"I bet those patrons are none too happy with him. He may not get punished by the courts, but ye can bet your gold he's gonna get punished by those devils. Should be a right hot time for him for a while, but he's gonna be after the Society for revenge. We will have to make him fall on his face again fore long. Well, let's get this stuff where it belongs."
With that, he motions for whoever is driving the wagon to start off on the trip to the Lodge. He also hopes no one remembers he has that tapestry in his backpack so he can put it in his dwarf cave. He has a few wood elf lasses who would find it interesting.
Agraic |
"Mister Kasadei, there were records of deliveries to Shelia Heidmarch and others that described 'wine'. Whether that's some fancy work-round for poison, or explosives or whatnot, everyone listed should be warned to be on their guard for unusual circumstances -- I mean, it'd be fine and dandy and all if we managed to nail Sloane, but his last middle finger was to kill off a bunch of innocent folks here in Magnimar." Agraic offers, as he shifts his Glammered armor back to something far better looking, and offering help with loading/finishing up.
"Also, if it comes up that we need to replace locks damaged during the course of the investigation, let me know. I'll help foot the bill if it's necessary."
...and yes, the typically uncouth and drunken barbarian 'sot' is speaking with what appears to be an approximation of Taldan atm.
Grandmaster TOZ |
Kasadei nods, before her brow furrows. Looking around at the gathered Pathfinders, she askes "When did he start enunciating?" With a quick shake of her head, her attention focuses again, barking orders to the guards to gather the list of addresses and send patrols to their locations immediately.
The trip back from the Bronze House to Heidmarch Manor is quiet and uneventful. Arriving at such a late hour, the activity of other servants and Pathfinder agents would be out of place if not for the warning of Aspis plots. Jardin is welcomed back by the staff with profuse thanks to the party for his safe return. Canayven Heidmarch informs you all that Sheila is busy coordinating the efforts to secure allied holdings from harm and will hear your report on the morning. You are all invited to get a good nights rest as reward for the excellent contributions of your mission.
In the morning, a light breakfast is served as you await Shiela's return from the courts. All of the city is buzzing with the news, so the servants say. It is nearly noon by the time Sheila enters, Jardin following close behind. The smile on her face speaks volumes.
"Pathfinders, thank you for your efforts. While Maiveer Sloan has escaped imprisonment, the Lord Mayor himself has launched further investigations of Consortium activities in Magnimar and publicly fined Sloan for the items found last night. I believe we have struck the Aspis a solid blow politically and economically. As well, your timely warning of the false Jeggare wine shipments prevented the alchemist firebombs from significantly damaging this lodge and the demesnes of our allies in Magnimar." Her smile hardens somewhat as she continues. "The maps you recovered leads me to believe the Consortium has a highly placed spy in the Grand Lodge. While I am loathe to take Sloan at his word, the secretive nature of our leadership means I cannot rule out the Decemvirate as unbreached. I wish that we had more to work with, but I have no doubt that you did your utmost to recover all the intelligence you could provide. Let no one doubt your courage and that you are the true heros of the day."
This concludes The Bronze House Reprisal! Thank you all for your patience with one of the more difficult adventures available. I will have chronicles posted by tomorrow night but can let you know that you earned 1XP, 1PP, and full gold of 2524 (3991 for out of tier). The secondary success hinged on successfully navigating Sloan's provocations without violence and tricking him into giving away more information at the end. Metume was close on one, but you guys just didn't have the bonuses to get either of the other two. The two items you secured will be on your sheets thanks to some legal wrangling by the venture captain. Thank you again for playing!