SO Destiny of the Sands 1 (Core) (Inactive)

Game Master ScorchedOne

Farzinel, I shall be blunt. You have no more the look of a dancer than I. Do you know how to dance? If you interview you will certainly be asked to dance. No, I do not like this plan. Best we all go in together as customers.

I just assumed that humans were ALWAYS being blunt. Farzinel thinks, having taken issue with some of Stormy's words. However, the elf speaks in his usual, calm and controlled manner of speech such that, even a trained ear, can pick up only hints of his indignity. Looking straight into the woman's eyes, he says,"All elves know how to dance. We have been doing so since long before the humans first appeared."

Farzinel breaks eye contact with Stormy before continuing,"Nevertheless, I readily concede that I have not had any formal training in the art. Further, I suspect that neither the rhythms nor modes of dance of the true dance of my tribe are likely to be "in step", so to speak, with the manner of dance that is sought by the customers of the Madam."

"That being said, I do not know if the posting for hire is limited merely to dancers, though a logical assumption, or if it seeks to garner other help, perhaps that of cooks or porters. While, I suppose that we could ask around beforehand, but as you suggested... bluntly..." the elf smiles. "We could just as simply show up at the establishment and see for ourselves."

The elf may be offended by the dance comments, but I am not. Just playing up his elfishness! (Also, Farzinel had already dismissed the idea of himself posing as a dancer and suggested just showing up as customers. It was Nitre who suggested that the elf bare bear the brunt of the recon duty--those trouble-making dwarves : P )

Iago nods. "We could do all that. Or we could be blunt, tell her what's going on and then tell her she can use that to feed Torch whatever she wants. Because truth be told, what you are suggesting sounds tiring, and all I really want is to spend time with elven women dancers" he comments, yearning to enter a foreign bordello, a fancy one at that.

All these games were wearing thin with Theld. Hearing Iago's plan was finally a way to end this monotony. With a nod to the warrior, "Be blunt."

"Blunt it is, then." Farzinel agrees. My folly for thinking that with humans there could be any other option.

The elf bows and extends his arm for Iago and the others to precede him into the establishment.

"Oooh, I like that! Grandmaster Torch seems like a really sleazy kind of guy. It would be neat to fulfill his request, but to turn it against him. Cool!" Nitre looks eager to spring this gambit on the Grandmaster.

"I'll even try helping to convince her to help, if you really think it won't hurt!"

Btw, thanks for the in-character reminders that Nitre can aid another on social checks without risk. Obviously, I knew that, but the reminder helps. I've been trying to feel out how to play her with a 5 Charisma (when I dump a stat, I don't like to gloss over that in the PC's personality). Some elements of that part of her personality are starting to firm up: a lack of confidence, rambling babbling, and a bit of inconsistency (mood-changes). So, in-character, she's worried she'll hurt things if she tries. Now that the party has encouraged her (and reminded me), I'll add her voice to social checks.

So what's the plan here?

I like Iago's plan of going in and telling her straight up about Torch wanting information and helping her set up how to 'inform' Torch. Though I think Farzinel should take the lead on this one, or at least seem to be in charge.

I believe the plan is to go ask for the Madame, tell her that Torch knows that she has means of obtaining secrets and that he wants her to share the method and secrets with him. We are letting her know this because we are trying to get our own bit of information from Torch, but also because we thought she'd appreciate an avenue to feed the Grandmaster some information, or misinformation, of her own.

I put PCs in a proposed marching order on the map, heading towards the steps with "face-man" Iago at the front.

Theld and Farz both got the jist of it.

Iago steps on into the lavish setting, an exaggerated look of disappointment on his face. "No dancers? What does one do during the day here, look at the rocks?" he asks the servants, allowing them to peacebond both his weapons.

He sighs and comments: "Well, if that's how it's going to be... Maybe we could meet the Madame? If she isn't too busy, I would love to chat with her about what her establishment offers."

Not big myself in doing anything that Torch might see as a double cross. This PC has no reason to dislike the man and would honor the intent of the deal if the party will go along with it.

I don't have anything against the man on this character, but there is no way, considering the array of skills displayed by this party, that we are sneaking in, spying on this woman to figure out her secret and then successfully coercing her. This is just the most elegant solution that doesn't involve being complete jackasses to random NPCs because Torch has asked us to do so.

If anyone in the party believes they can sneak around and do this covertly, speak now.

Entering as customers and having an initial look around shouldn't require stealth. However, I agree going beyond that will. Farzinel has illusion spells may help with diversions.

Entering as customers and having an initial look around shouldn't require stealth. However, I agree going beyond that will. Farzinel has illusion spells that may help with diversions if we choose that route.

And Stormy can shift into an animal that might fit in (dog, cat, bird - but a "small" sized bird is still very large.) and go unnoticed. I guess I am for casing the place first and then making a decision.

If you think you can sneak around and accomplish our objective, go ahead.

As I just stated, I am for going in as customers, casing the place, and them making a more informed decision. Who knows what we will learn or if our hand will be forced. If forced we may indeed fall back on the talk about Torch plan.

Servants respond that she is presently with a client but will be available shortly, and they inquire about your reason for visiting so that they might pass the information along to their employer. You may attempt bluff or diplomacy in conjunction.

I assumed we walked in like other customers and did not ask for the Madam, at least not yet. Is the Dancing Dunes not open to customers coming in off the streets? That might change our plan.

Theld and Farz both got the jist of it.He sighs and comments: "Well, if that's how it's going to be... Maybe we could meet the Madame? If she isn't too busy, I would love to chat with her about what her establishment offers."

Was going off this.

When asked what to tell the Madam about why they are here, Nitre nudges Farzinel. Clearly intimidated, she speaks up a little as her fellow Pathfinders have recommended.

"My friend here was looking for work, and heard you might be hiring?"

Diplomacy, aid: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (15) - 3 = 12

"My friend here was looking for work, and heard you might be hiring?"

If a check is required, not sure whether it is a Bluff or Diplomacy, but the modifier is the same for either skill for Farzinel.

"Why, yes indeed." Farzinel says somewhat hesitantly at Nitre's nudging. "I have heard that your fine establishment may have work for one such as myself." He pulls back the hood of is robe to prominently display his pointed ears. He looks around the establishment for signs of employees engaged in their regular duties, trying to ascertain what type of work he may be suited for.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

"I have a variety of useful skills, ranging from table service..." he gives a smile. "To bussing..." He casts prestidigitation to clean a nearby spill or dirty table.
"To the culinary..." He conjures up a sweet, pleasant aroma, again withprestidigitation. "And beyond." He grabs ahold of an unattended drink and, with a series of gestures and utterances similar to those just used previously, small crystals of ice form over the liquid inside. "I could certainly use the coin if you have need of one with my humble abilities."

Diplomacy or Bluff + Aid Another: 1d20 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (14) - 1 + 2 = 15

And we all could be useful if you ever have difficult customers to be dealt with. Stormy offers, but comes across a little too gruff.

Aid to Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (7) - 1 = 6

The Madame, whose picture is on the map page, doesn't seem to think much of Farzinel or his abilities. "I suppose we could use you behind the scenes. You are certainly an exotic one, I could see you as simply waving a fan or a frond." She purses her lips. "Yes, bare chested and barely covered."

At the Madame's words, Farzinel gives sharp glare at Nitre, which says, Don't think that I'm not assigning you some of the blame for this! He then smiles at the Madame and says, "Great." He then motions towards others, particularly Nitre and Stormy, before asking the Madame, "And would you possible have any work for either, or both, of these two fine ladies?"

She politely shakes her head. "No, I have security staff and I don't need more of their kind. I try to keep things beautiful here."

"Well, what does she mean by that... their kind. I'm a dwarf and Stormy's a human. Does she mean women?"

Nitre looks around, taking a hard look at the staff in this establishment. Is this some kind of a gay bar? she thinks as she looks to see if the place is staffed only by men.

Farzinel gives Nitre a nudge and points to the pointy tip of one of his ears, trying not to draw any further attention.

He then lets out a slight, barely audible sigh, turns to look the Madame directly in the face and asks, "Very well. When can I start?"

She referred to you, then said beautiful, as if the two were separate.

"Oh tonight, tonight! Be here at sundown, we'll get you ready."

If you return at sundown, she does indeed dress Farzinel as mentioned, including oiling him up a little bit. It is banal enough, just having him fan some selected clientele.

Unless someone suggests otherwise..

Farzinel places his familiar, Kadri, in the care of the druid. Then, he, somewhat reluctantly, returns that evening to report for work. The desert elf does not find the attire to be too off-putting. After all, it is not uncommon for members of is tribe to be found wearing similarly revealing clothing, if not less, but he concedes that the choice of fabrics and the oil, while not unpleasant, are not entirely to his liking. He further concedes that the job duties are most definitely not to his liking.

Soldiering on, he ponders. Oh what hazards a Pathfinder must be willing to endure in order to obtain knowledge! During his, presumably little, on-the-job training and the remainder of his shift, Farzinel keeps an eye out for any unusual activity. He tries in particular to focus on keeping track of just who the Madame seems to spend her time with as well as anything that may seem out of the ordinary.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

As the night goes on, Farzinel hopes that his comrades have found other, fruitful, avenues of investigation.

Throughout the encounter, the cleric offers less than usual. He is uncertain how having a semi-naked elf will help their goal, but does not offer an other options for consideration. However, he finds the thought of Farinel dancing, "Displeasing."

Nitre returns with Farzinel and the others at sundown, and begins exploring the place, enjoying the entertainment as much as she can.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Sorry for my radio silence, many things came up. I don't know thta I have anything to add to this for the time being.

Iago turns to Stormy, seated at a table inside. "You know, this hot sweet mint tea thing. I could get used to that."

Farzinel works, the rest of you enjoy a night of entertainment. Nitre notices that the dancing dunes is more than just a moniker, as some of the sand appears to be moving.

The following morning, Iago wakes up early to place himself in the common area where one would eat their meals in a way that he can coral the Pathfinders together, sipping on the local brew.

Once assembled, he says: "So we did it the discrete way. What did you find out?"

"I have found that the work was not much to my liking, but little else." responds Farzinel. "Hopefully, the rest of you were more fruitful in your investigations."

Theld eats much like everything else he does, with little fanfare or outward enjoyment.

Maybe we now try to make the 'Tell Torch what you want' deal?

"I noticed that the sands move. So naming the place 'Dancing Dunes' is kind of a cool choice. But unless she's having messengers pass messages underneath the sand, that's not much of clue, I guess."

Nitre smiles to herself. "Still, it's a cool effect!"

"The sands moved?" Farzinel asks. "I suppose that I was too busy to notice. Was this accomplished by magical means? If the Madame is a magic user, then she would have a potential variety of means of obtaining information depnding uon her experience and skill. Even one of my humble ability can cast charm spells and a mage more skillful is likely to employ scrying." The elf ponders for a moment. "Did you see a ball of crystal or a pool, perhaps?"

Hearing the story relayed, the movement of this sand as described causes one to think of planar entities.

Upaynao's figured it out in part. Not sure if Iago has faced these kinds of planar opponents before.

Hearing Nitre description of the moving sand causes Farzinel to consider whether he has heard of similar descriptions.

Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

Farzinel thinks it is some variety of elemental, perhaps related to earth as it can move sand.

"What you described with the moving sand, Nitre, could indeed be some variety of elemental. Most likely from the elemental plane of earth." Farzinel says. "A creature that could travel through sand and appear places undetected could provide the Madame with information. But, I understand that such creatures are notoriously stubborn and not known for being talkative."

"Well, we seem to have gathered just enough information from our efforts to ascertain that the establishment most likely harbors an earth elemental of some kind, but little else." Notes Farzinel. "Are we agreed that we should now pursue the more direct approach that Iago earlier proposed?"

It appears that the swordbearer has greater foresight into this matter than this diviner. Farzinel acknowledges.

"Yeah... I mean I guess we have an idea of how it might work, but as you say, we don't know for sure, and it does seem far-fetched."

She looks down at the ground under their feet and lowers her own voice. "Maybe it's listening to us right now!" She giggles.

"Let's go see what the Madam says; maybe she'll be agreeable to some kind of arrangement with us." She pauses. "I didn't like anything about that Grandmaster Torch, so turning this around on him would be pretty cool!"

Nearly content that the team is taking more direct action, the cleric mutters, "Finally."

Finding Madame Zelekhati is easy enough, she schmoozes patrons and checks up on her dancers. "Oh, yes? How do you find the work, Farzinel? It is certainly easy enough isn't it? And you have brought friends, wonderful. There is no friend discount, but we will certainly see to it you are well taken care of." She smiles, fidgeting slightly at the overwhelming numbers.