[PFS] The Six(?) Seasoned Pathfinders, Episode 8: The Blakros Matrimony

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"Yes, Father, we have arrived! Now be quiet. You don't see anyone else's dead relatives chatting me up, do you?"

"Hello, sorry I am late. I was just chatting with the spirit of my dead friend, Leonard."

"Everyone else sees the glowing person right?"

There is no glowing person.

"A glowing person? How would somebody make a person glow? Magic?"

Dot...Let's see if anyone responds to our recruitment thread. Nothing so far...

"You mean that I'm glowing? Thanks Aeleth, that's so nice of you!"
We can wait for a day or two or just go with 4, from what I've read this scenario isn't battle heavy. Too bad for Starling I guess...

"I heard a rumor that we may be assigned a new Pathfinder for this next mission. Probably good since they carted Serak off for evaluation... he was a little too fire happy, if you ask me."

Hurrying in the door a young man followed by an orange harry ape enters the room, "Sorry am late, I recently received the notice there was hardly time to spit polish the armor, weapons and not to mention getting all the tangles out of Max's fur. I'm Cody by the way, and this is Max" directing your attention to the ape.

The ape dressed in studded leather introduces himself by blowing a raspberry and grinning "Bbbbzzz..."

"Ah, hello Max! Hello Cody. Hurray! There are nine of us again!"

Everyone's here - great, let's get things started!

Only a handful of other Pathfinders, most of them initiates, walk the halls near the office of Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin. The Grand Lodge’s chamberlain sits behind an organized desk, reading a recently printed chronicle, and tapping his finger on an elaborate open envelope, the only sound in the eerily silent Pathfinder Society headquarters.

“Can you believe this place?” Valsin calmly asks, keeping his eyes squared on his chronicle. “Almost every agent worth her salt is off in Varisia right now. I bet you the Heidmarchs’ manor has more Pathfinders in it than this place.”
Valsin finishes his reading and places the document on the desk, while sliding the envelope forward. “Desna smiles upon us that I have you fine agents here, as I doubt anyone else in Absalom is better qualified for this mission. I won’t lie, this is probably one of the trickiest tasks I’ve ever had to send a group of Pathfinders on, and much rides on its success. I need you to attend a wedding. And not just any wedding, mind you, but a Blakros wedding.”
Valsin grins as he continues, “The Blakros family is one of the wealthiest families in Absalom—in the entire Inner Sea region, even—and we’ve cultivated a good working relationship with them over the years. In two days, Michellia Blakros is getting married to the former Hellknight Damian Kastner, and because of security concerns, we only got our invitation this morning. I won’t bore you with specifics, but sufficed to say, the Society has a lot of interest in this wedding, as some of our agents had a hand in helping it along.”

The Venture-Captain coughs a bit, then continues. “The wedding is taking place on a secluded summer retreat on nearby Pariol Island, which the Blakroses own. There are two boats heading there before the first wedding festivities. One is a small supply runner set to leave in an hour that could get you there early tomorrow morning. The next is a larger ship that will transport the majority of the guests in the morning. Your travel is paid for of course, but you’ll need to get on one of those two vessels.”
With a grave nod, Valsin passes over the envelope containing the invitation, and continues. “Also, you’ll need to peace-bond any weapons when you arrive on the island, and I’d recommend only wearing your finest armor, if you wear any at all. We’re not too concerned about security at the wedding, but making a good impression on the Blakroses and their guests is key to your mission. You’ll need to mingle, and get on the good sides of as many people as you can. I can’t stress this point enough: This is a social gathering, and the Society could really use the extra clout with all our current efforts being so far abroad. I don’t care if you save the wedding from a dragon, find out the bride is a doppelganger, or discover some grand plot to take over the Inner Sea—I only care that you leave this wedding having made people happy and improving our standing among the attendees! Are we understood?”

Valsin looks around at you as he finishes his briefing. "Well? Any questions?"

"Going to a wedding. Got it. I will volunteer to be the groom. I will marinate Max to be my best man."

"Psst. Duskie. Do you know the words to the happy birthday song? I forgot the first line. Actually, maybe you should just sing the whole song for us just in case someone here, who is not me, does not know the words. It will be very embarrassing if one of us does not know the words when we need to sing the song."

If I were Valsin, I would probably be a little worried right now. XD

Could someone smart ask for me what qualifies as "finest armor", and whether or not we need to bring any wedding gifts? Are there any particular guests we should pay special attention to?

Cody silently counts the people present coming up short of Aeleth's nine, "Are you ok, been eating any strange mushrooms lately?"

After Ambrus Valsin explains the mission, Cody sighs, "If only a dragon attacked or the bride was a doppelganger, it would be much better than dealing with self important nobles and aristocrats. Will you be providing a wedding gift for us to present? I'm sure they would be expecting something from the Society."

Turning to Aeleth, Sorry let you down, while Max would love to serve as your best man ::Cough:: I'm pretty sure they have the groom already picked."

Looking Board Max sits down and uses one of his feet hands to pick his nose, while watching the strangers.

"Why yes, I am ok, and I always eat the strange mushrooms. My mother always told me not to let food go to waste. Except the ones that try to eat me, because, that would just be weird."

"The groom is dragon and the bride is a double-gangster? I don't to be the groom anymore. I don't want to marry a double-gangster. I don't even want to marry a single-gangster. A double-gangster would be a lot of trouble. I will let the dragon-groom be the one to eat them."

Someone want to also ask about the armor we are allowed to wear to the wedding?

An extremely thin wizard dressed in black robes with silver runes sewn into the trim enters the room and surveys the assembled Pathfinders.

"Is it true that Yndra and Serak are no longer part of this group? That is regrettable. I found the dwarf to be incredibly competent." As his eyes meet Aeleth's, he looks slightly taken aback.

"Oh...good. You are...back. Were you in some reconditioning course? Well, again, I am having some documents drafted I would like you to review. Again, should anything unfortunate happen to you."

Looking at the new member of the group, he says "Greetings. I am Professor Dusklord, tenured in advanced necromancy. Please disregard anything you have heard about my past. While it is most likely true, I have repented of my--errant ways. As all of these fellow Pathfinders will attest, I have done nothing untoward since joining this fine organization. Nothing whatsoever. I trust you can handle your duties proficiently."

Valsin looks at Aeleth and rolls his eyes, "Master Aeleth," he says slowly, emphasizing every word, "this is an important mission. While your friends here have pulled you through some of your previous assignments, the Society will not tolerate any such ramblings and eccentricities here. You will be in the company of some of the most important aristocrats of Absalom, and I will not let this mission go to ruin. Behave or begone."

Valsin then nods at Cody, softly stroking his chin. "I've heard about you Hunter. Your exploits at the Battle of Bloodmarch Hill are well known and you've done a good work so far. Unfortunately, your... beast here, for a lack of better term," he gestures dismissively towards Max, "will not be able to join along with the wedding ceremonies. If you are adamant in taking it, whatever its name is, it must not be seen by the noble lords and ladies in attendance. Believe me, I've just read a report according to which Lady Seranna of Sweetwater Bay fainted after she thought she saw a cow from a distance of five hundred feet. I don't like these nobles more than you do, but orders are orders after all."

A faint smile appears on the Venture-Captain's face as Dusklord enters the room. "Well well, the reformed necromancer himself. I'm surprised the dark side hasn't summoned you back yet, professor. To be honest, I didn't expect you to last for so long in our service. Even tenure might be rescinded, as you might know. Be sure to avoid any inconveniences and refrain from mentioning your past."

The Venture-Captain then eyes Starling apprehensively. "And you... rest assured that your request to attend this wedding off-duty as a performer has not been well received in the Society. Placing your own whims above our duty... well, that's not what we'd expect from a true Pathfinder, is it?" He shakes his head in annoyance at the bard, "Just go... do your thing there and report immediately once you're back. I hope you'll at least get us some valuable intel."

Having finished addressing those present, Valsin asks again, "As for the gift, I've already taken care of that; we've sent the Blakroses a black manticore's spike for their museum. Any other questions?"

This might be a good time to roll knowledge checks (history or nobility). You can read the invitation in the link under my name.

Starling nods at Valsin with a mischievous grin on her face, clearly not caring much about his words. "I'll take the large boat to the island then Venture-Captain and start gathering you that information you want so much." She waves to the others before leaving the room in a hurry, "Good luck with this mission, I'm sure you'll have such a great time - and will be able to see me perform in front of so many aristocrats. It'll be so awesome!"

"Oh don't worry I know weddings are important. I will not cast any electricities on the airy rats. Airy rats are probably immune to electricities anyway."

Don't worry, Aeleth's an idiot, but I the player will not let his stupidity jeopardise the mission. I actually have quite the decent diplomacy modifier.

Dusklord smiles serenely.

"There is no need to dredge up the past. The dark arts hold no allure for me any longer, I can assure you!" the wizard says with a glint in his eye. "As a great playright says, 'Twas I, but 'tis not I."

He takes a step in front of Aeleth to keep the half-elf from hurting himself further.

"Aeleth, I believe for this mission your role will be the most critical. I understand that the most honored guests are to remain completely silent at these weddings. As our most honored group member, that privilege will naturally fall to you."

"Oooohhhh.... I get it. It's like a game! A game to see... who can go without talking the longest!"

His voice drops to a whisper.

"I will be very quiet. Not speaking at all. Just silence. You won't even hear me. Not at all. Not two words. Completely silent."

Is Valsin going to elaborate on the armor-related requirements for the wedding?

Aeleth will opt to take the earlier boat, unless there is something we need to remain in Absalom for before the wedding? Is it a choice between going early and gathering info before going?

Cody a short dark hair human at only 5’4” wears a craftsman quality Lamellar leather armor and enchanted heavy darkwood shield which both are keep in top condition. At his side is a enchanted scimitar, and over his shoulder a darkwood composite longbow again both keep in meticulous.

Turning to Dusklord at his introduction, the hunter replies "Well met, I have heard no ill words said about you from anyone, no words at all really, but I trust you as a member of the pathfinder society." Cody seem willing to accept Dusklord as he is.

Nodding to Starling, "I hope to catch your performance, it sure it will be excellent."

Replying to Valsin "As for Max, I'm sure the aristocrats are use to exotic pets, I'll be sure to purchase couturier clothing for both of us and pass him off as a representative from the Mwangi jungle."

k(history/noble) untrained: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

@Aeleth: don't worry, I'm just RPing as well ;)
As for the armor-related requirements, nobody actually asked the VC but as long as you bring your finest armor you should be good (although I can't figure out why would anyone want to bring another armor!)
And as for the boat, it's a choice whether to go early and get info on the island in advance, or introduce yourselves to the nobles on the second boat.

Valsin looks at the group, nodding his head slowly as if the responses he received were acceptable. "Very well then. I'm glad we understand each other, and I hope you will all abide by these promises. Remember, your main objective is to make a good impression, and these nobles are not known to have a large deal of patience for anyone below their social status. Our time is running short now, and the first boat is about to leave. Have you made up your minds yet?"

Unless you have more questions, the next question is whether to take the first or second boat.

"I am being very quiet. I am not speaking, not a single word. No one is hearing a single word from me," you hear Aeleth saying proudly.

Second boat sounds good to me, since it gives us more opportunity to interact with the guests? Alternatively, is this something we should divide and conquer on? Have the talky-people go on the second boat with the guests, and the less-talky people go ahead to the island in advance to check for holes in the security?

I like the cameo from Starling even though she's not with us. :)

Dusklord puts a bony hand on Aeleth's shoulder.

"Perhaps it would be helpful if I prepared a silence spell to cast on you, just to make sure. Just to test this out, I want to see if you can not say anything for the next ten seconds, starting now."

The wizard mentally counts while watching Aeleth intently.

I like the idea of splitting the party on separate boats, until we run into something that requires the whole party. :/

Cody shrugs "My person preference would be to take the first boat, but it would be difficult to impress the aristocratic if we avoid them. So the second boat seems more in line with the mission."

While we could split the party, I don't wish to make the game more Difficult for the DM or the group.

"Ok Duskie, I will not say anything for the next ten seconds. One. Two. Five. Six. Seven. Nine. Eleven. Ten."

I can't see it being too long since it's an either-or thing. Probably more of info-gathering opportunities. And though Aeleth doesn't care much about info, I like having info.

Let's take 1st boat then.

"This is not going to end well," Dusklord says in all seriousness to Aeleth.

"I was able to count to ten. Did I win?"

Aeleth would have a preference for the second boat. All evidence to the contrary, I will actually make a serious attempt at diplomacy.

Which ever boat the group takes, Cody stops by a shop to purchase two Courtier's Outfits one for Max and one for himself along with the required jewelry so as not to look too out of place.

Courtier's outfit 30gp, Jewelry 50gp each set. Total 160gp.

Fitting the outfit on Max, Cody comments emulating a low street draw voice "Make ya look right an proper we will, so yo'll pass a arrest-a-cat."

Max for his part, enjoys the game of dress up.

I'm fine with ether boat, While Cody isn't much for taking to people he is good at reading them.

Cody, unlike Aeleth, I'm actually a little worried about what might happen if it is discovered that we smuggled a creature on to the island when we've been specifically told not to. Especially since it's a diplomatic mission where we're supposed to make a good impression. Flouting their rules does not seem like the best way to do it...

Do you have a hat of disguise by any chance?

Does someone smart want to ask Valsin what might happen if Max is discovered?

Before moving this forward: Stephani and Elvik, are you still there?
Unfortunately, you'll have to choose one boat - which can be boarded only with the invitation (and you have one). If you choose the first boat you won't have time to go shop for outfits (for yourselves and/or Max). If it matters, the first boat will take 12 hours, while the second will take 8. Taking the first will leave you around 6 hours to explore. Of course, you could also hire a boat of your own.
I'll spoil things a bit and say that the emphasis here is to gain influence with the guests, who will be important people. Anything un-standard might make things more difficult, while conforming to their norms could make things easier. That being said, nothing is outright forbidden.

Yah, still here. Had a computer meltdown this weekend and still working on recovery.

Knowledge, Nobility: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Stephani buys a fancy cape and polish for her weapon and armor, and is ready to board. "It seems to me that getting to know the guests on the voyage could be helpful, but I am ready to set sail if that is the wishes of the majority."

Aeleth, the GM said Max was not allowed to take part in the wedding ceremony. Not that he was forbidden from going on the mission. Also, Max is unable to activate a hat of disguise. Cody can try a regular disguise, but he's not that good at it.

-Posted with Wayfinder

I'll switch my vote to the second boat then so we can get going and interact with more guests.

Starling, do you want to open a Discussion thread here? A few things that would probably be better discussed there. But I had two more people express interest in our Seasoned Six. Do we have any interest in more? One of them has a DM star. Or should we hold that last spot in the event Yndra comes back?

the above post by Ceobryrn could have been Cody. My apologies.

Valsin ... gestures dismissively towards Max, "If you are adamant in taking it... it must not be seen by the noble lords and ladies in attendance.... I don't like these nobles more than you do, but orders are orders after all."

He did also say Max "must not be seen by the noble lords and ladies in attendance", which is the part that worries me, especially if we're going to be on the same boat as them. =(

I understand that a hunter is meant to work along with his AC, and I'd love to RP Aeleth losing philosophical arguments to an ape, but this just isn't the right scenario for that. If the guy giving the briefing specifically says Max "must not be seen", I think we should at least try to disguise Max, if we bring him at all.

Okay, several things:
- The discussion thread is open, as requested - sorry that didn't happen earlier!
- The Max Question: the DM guidelines don't say anything specific about it, but the gist of them is more or less "conform or take penalties". I'm willing to let good RP lower or remove some penalties, but since this is a heavy RP module things should be credible. This also means that while some nobles might not care about Max, others could hate the poor ape even if he behaves perfectly. As long as they see him, that is (or as long as they remember your reputation of bringing him).
- Still not sure where Elvik is... let me know if you want to start with four, wait for Elvik or find someone else. I don't mind either way.

Valsin drums with his fingers on the table, clearly impatient to get back to his business. "Well, I don't have all day to discuss monkeys and halfwits." He suddenly raises his voice, "Shirin! Bring me the Mwangi contracts and tell the ambassador I'll accept him in a few minutes!" Valsin looks at you, annoyed that this is taking too much of his time. "Is there anything else? No? Great - good luck to you!"

As you've decided to board the second boat, you have time to make any purchases you'd like before the mission. Keep in mind that the island is small and it's unlikely you'll be able to buy any equipment there. I'll also ask each of you to list all the weapons, armors and wands you'll be taking. For each, please note if you intend to hide it somehow (and for weapons, if you intend not to peace-bind any of them). You'll be able to store anything you won't be taking at the Society Finally, remember the mission when you plan your purchases!

"I am ready to depart," Dusklord says as he examines his equipment.

I am happy to leave my staff behind and have no armor...I have five wands: wand of mage armor, wand of infernal healing, wand of magic missile, wand of vanish, wand of disguise self. Are these considered contraband? Even defensive ones?

Defensive wands are fine, offensive wands are forbidden, so the only question remaining for you (Dusklord) is the wand of magic missile.

Cody will purchased a Courtier's outfit 30gp and Jewelry 50gp for himself.

For Max he will purchase a cleric Cossack clothing (5gp) with hood tat fully covers the full body, and a disguise kit 50gp. Using just Cossack and minor changes to disguise max as Brother Max the mute Monk and spiritual advisor.

DM get to roll the disguise check for Max by Cody of +5 minor changes, +2 using disguise kit

Cody take his armor, longbow and Max's armor packed with his baggage, but not wear it on the boat. He will peace tie his scimitar, hide his dagger and keep his wand of CLW on his person.

slight of hand to hide the dagger: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

Before boarding the boat, Cody introduces to the group brother Max closthed in a hand to foot Cossack robe with a deep hood as his mute spiritual advisor. Max is trained to follow follow Cody, "There know one would see max."

Aeleth will only bring his courtier's outfit and his Cracked Magenta Prism ioun stone.

Nothing to hide. =)

GM, will the ioun stone count as jewelry to accompany the courtier's outfit, or will I need to purchase additional jewelry as well? If needed, I will also purchase the jewelry.

Dusklord finds a safe place to stow his offensive wand, then joins the others on the boat's gangplank.

"Don't you all dress up nicely," he says sarcastically.

Stephani will peace-bond her sword, as she would feel awkward without it. She will leave the shield and trident behind, though, as those would just be cumbersome at a wedding.

If she can secure the cold-iron dagger somewhere, she will (since there is a Hellknight involved, better to be safe), but not if there is much risk of it being uncovered.

She does buy an expensive cloak to dress up her already shiny armor. Let's make it a cloak of resistance, shall we? 1000gp.

@Aeleth: Yes, the ioun stone would count as jewelry with the courtier outfit.

You finish preparing yourselves for the wedding - an unusual event for most of you who have been more accustomed to slaying monsters than to mingling with aristocrats. Nonetheless, the next morning you arrive at the docks, only to discover a line of horses and carriages of nobles who wait in line to be inspected by guards. Speaking of guards, security seems tighter than ever, as the Blakroses don't seem to want to take chances. After all, a large number of VIPs will be attending and any failure on their side can disrupt their lucrative businesses.The line advances slowly in what seems to take forever, and the guards patrolling both your sides every couple of minutes annoy everyone. "Why is their staff patrolling instead of letting us in more quickly?!" an irritated young woman asks her fancy-looking husband, who just shrugs in despair.

After what seems to take forever, you finally reach the guards in front of the boat itself. "Invitations?" one of them asks, then looks carefully over the invitation you hand him before taking it aside to examine it more closely with the aid of a magnifying glass. His fellow guards look through your items, checking that all the weapons are indeed peace-bound and that no contraband is being taken.

The guards examine you cursorily, but do not find the hidden weapons, and grunt a bit when finding Cody's two sets of light armor stashed in his belongings, but they're already too tired and just eye him suspiciously instead of arguing with yet another person. Stephani, who is wearing her heavy metal armor, is an easier target. The guard captain nods at her and steps up, unexpectedly more wary of approaching her than dealing with the rest of the nobles "G'day, milady. Is there any reason why you should be wearing such a heavy suit of armor to a wedding? My fellow guards here should take care of any disturbances that might be, and we're not really expecting any."
Stephani, please also roll for sleight of hand for the dagger you are hiding.

Another guard approaches Dusklord and Max to examine their wands. "What do these wands do? I hope you both are not expecting to harm anyone with them... Please demonstrate their effects here before taking them on board." Yet another guard comes to observe the wand effects.
The guards are adamant that you use the wands and prove they are not offensive weapons before you can board.

In the meanwhile, Aeleth can proceed to board the ship, where quite a few lesser aristocrats congregate around others, who seem more important than others.

Waiting to resolve the security checks before proceeding.

Assume you mean Cody not Max since Cody is carrying the wand.

As the guard demands the wand be demonstrated Cody grumbles "Wands are not pricey tools that consume power with each uses, even simple ones cost many times your pay to use. This is for medical emergency, it is a same to waste it." Nerveless the hunter looks around for some injury to heal, perhaps one of the guard has a fresh injury. If not, He contemplates punching a guard to create a medical emergency, but quickly discards that idea.

If there is no injury he barrows a dagger from a guard to make a small cut on himself {1hp} then uses the wand to heal the injury. He makes a big show of the process of cutting his hand with dripping blood then using the wand to heal the wound completely to further distract the guards.

wand CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Once the guards are satisfied, he calls to Max "Come Brother Max. These guard have much to do."

The Cloak covered Max, follows Cody with an bit of a lopping walk onto the ship.

Once on board he turns to watch the others finish boarding, paying attention to Duskloard's wand demonstration.

"Oh boy! A party! Look at all the people!," Aeleth exclaims excitedly as he rushes to join the aristocrats on the ship, bounding about in a most undignified manner.

Before he can make it too far, however, he is grabbed by a Tien man with strangely iridiscent eyes. He is well-muscled (not in the same league as Aeleth, but perhaps in the league just below) and has a commanding air about him. Beside him in a comely young girl wearing a helmet that seems out of place above her delicate white dress and resplendently white-feathered wings. The young girl pets a little thrush in her hands as she regards Aeleth with a bemused smile.

"Aeleth... I will need to have a word with Valsin about how he chooses agents for missions. This is supposed to be a diplomatic mission! Though now that you have arrived with an invitation and been ushered past security, it would be a minor scene in itself to have you suddenly leave. Some might even see it as a deliberate show of rejecting the invitation..."

"Aeleth, do you remember Lucien? He was my assistant for many years and we had many adventures together. I owe much to his courage and stealth in the field. Though sometimes prone to flights of fancy, he has good sense and would make a fine counselor to you."

I'm changing the name of Aeleth's familiar to Lucien, Lucien being Exiel's familiar before he took on his improved familiar. I like a continuity between my characters. =)

"Oh that's ok, Mister Exiel, I can count and sell things just fine on my own," Aeleth replies cheerfully.

"Yes... I see... Hmm... Aeleth, Lucien here is my aide and speaks for me. You have agreed to listen to my instructions, so I will ask that listen to his instructions whilst I am not there in person."

Aeleth returns Exiel's instructions with a blank stare, prompting Exiel to sigh deeply. He begins again, speaking slowly this time.

"Listen to Lucien. He knows the secret steps to open the portal to the land of ducks and puppies and kittens-with-no-spikes. And there will be cookies."