Luke_Parry |
The gala inside the Chelish embassy appears to be in full swing, and as the faint light from the building falls upon the alleyway outside, Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin’s mission briefing is hard to forget.
---------------------
“Pathfinders,” Valsin boomed but hours earlier in the briefing chamber within the Grand Lodge, “Zarta Dralneen no longer exists. She never existed. She’s never worked for the Chelish embassy here in Absalom, and she’s never been in charge of the Chelish Pathfinders. At least that’s what I was told, repeatedly, to my face, through three layers of Chelish bureaucrats. I know those people, and they all knew Zarta. They didn’t just forget about her. She’s been ‘disappeared.’
I don’t know where she went and I don’t know who took her. What I need you to do for me is to go into the Chelish embassy and find out as much as you can by snooping around for a bit. I want to know where Zarta is, I want to know who took her, and I want to know why she was taken.
We can’t afford to offend Cheliax, so you’ll have to infiltrate their embassy quietly. I’ve devised a cover story that should get you in the side door with orders to see the new Chelish ambassador. An ongoing diplomatic gala scheduled for the same time and a clever ruse by Venture-Captain Amara Li—who is also attending the gala—will keep the ambassador busy, but you’ll have to act quickly if you want to secure the information we need before he arrives to meet you. You must get into the embassy, get what we need, and get back out of the embassy without the Chelaxians ever catching on that we’ve been rooting around.
Here is a packet of information that bears on Chelish interests in Sargava. It’s legitimate intelligence that we probably would have passed on to Zarta eventually anyway and that we’re willing to give up for free as our ticket into the building.
You’ll enter the embassy through the north entrance of the residential wing, where Chelish imperial security receives all of their informants. Even if you have a good cover story, you might have difficulty getting past the guards there—if necessary, you’ll have to resort to bribing your way through. Once you’re in, the guards will likely make you wait for the ambassador when you tell them you have important information for him. Don’t give it to anyone else, since once they have the information there will be no reason for them not to show you the door.
Amara Li will keep the ambassador pinned down at the gala while you break out of the waiting room and snoop around. She will also meet you just before you enter the gala to cast a message spell on you, just in case you need to keep in touch during your mission. You just need to make your way to Zarta’s chambers—they’re in the southwest corner of the residential wing, but you’ll have to find a route that doesn’t intersect with the gala’s attendees or residents of the embassy. Try to get in and out in less than an hour. That’s my best estimate at how
long the gala and Li can keep the ambassador preoccupied. Once you’ve got the information and made it back to the waiting area, you just have to wait for the ambassador to find time to see you.
My informants tell me that Ailenia Hospar, one of the clerks you’ll likely run into at the embassy, is addicted to shiver. I’ve procured some of the drug for you to slip her if she initially proves less than accommodating.", he nods towards a carefully sealed wax-paper packet sitting on his desk. "You may also have to deal with Anstrella Trelax, the pompous night-duty officer. Beyond that, what you’ll face is beyond my knowledge. I’ve ordered for you to receive several tools that might help you in your mission. Here.", he says, passing two small vials and a two wrapped scrolls across the table. "Good luck, Pathfinders.”
Two labelled Scrolls of Disguise Self, and two Elixirs of Hiding.
Feel free to introduce yourselves :-)
Mella Gbadu |
Clearly uncomfortable, a Mwangi woman wearing splint mail, carrying a heavy shield and longsword speaks up, "I am Mella Gbadu, Sixth Sword Knight of Iomedae. Venture-Captain Valsin, I'm not quite sure I understand my strategic importance on this particular assignment." There is something in the way she carries herself and speaks, underneath the martial training, that hints at her celestial nature. "Is this where you tell me it's better to deal with the devil we know?"
Luke_Parry |
The Venture Captain has the grace to look embarrassed.
"Actually, I simply put in the word that I wanted the next team of available Pathfinders to be sent up to help with this task... I did not have any prior information about the members of that team..."
He then sighs, and pinches the bridge of his nose, before continuing.
"I recommend that you call in at the Quartermaster's Office, and pick-up a few supplies to try and disguise yourself. Above all else, try to keep a low profile, and don't draw attention to yourself; keep all holy symbols and other accoutrements of The Inheritor hidden, too. If you don't, you will stick out like a sore thumb, and this little escapade will be over before it starts..."
Basically, if you purchase two disguise kits, and expend them, you could 'take 20' on an untrained Disguise check to hide yourself as another race, and if the other players were able to 'aid-another', you could get it up to a fairly respectable level.
Scrolls of Misdirection or Non-detection could also help with the 'Aura of Good' problem.
Finally, hiding holy symbols / religious icons of Iomedae would *probably* be a good idea ;-)
"The Paracountess... is a known quantity. She may make me uncomfortable at times, but there are far worse options waiting in the wings to take her place. Quite simply, we want her back. At least with her, we know what to expect."
Jason Lillis |
Sorry for delay, still getting profile avatar ready
Anaduno unstrings his longbow and wraps all up in a case. "It's unliekly that I'll be requried to use this, eh, Captain?" the tall elf entones. He begins unbuckling his studded leather armor, and slings his cold iron longsword low on his hip. "Perhaps I might obtain a suit of parade armor or it's like to represent the nation of Kyonin?"
Bo'alo |
A drunken Mwangi man stumbles in, his jingwasa covering his eyes. He stops for moments in between each of his steps to obviously gather his balance as clearly the room is on quite a tilt. He lurches toward the desk, spinning multiple times trying not to spill any spirits from the bottle. He slams the bottle down and looks at the Captain. I be sure to get de pretty lady back for you, *hic* Just have a seat right there. I be back.
Making his way back to the door he turns at the rest of the pathfinders You comin?
Crazy Hairy |
A human female steps out of the shadows of the alleyway and bows respectfully to Ambrus Valsin. “Lila Andreas-Salomé reporting for duty sir,” she says, without ever raising her eyes from the filth-ridden street.
She wears the traditional attire of a Geisha, with a conservatively cut dress that covers her from neck to foot. She carries a finely crafted darkwood lute and a couple of hairbrushes. The buckler, shortbow and quiver, as well as the bandolier with several flasks stand out in glaring fashion, until she flourishes her finely decorated fan and bows to the other Pathfinders in the alley. Though she mostly keeps her eyes downturned or obscured by her fan, the flashes of brilliant emerald green occasionally glimpsed are mesmerizing.
“I hear you gentlemen could use a woman’s touch. Perhaps I could persuade the guards to permit our entry.” A hint of a smile passes across her lips, disappearing all-too-quickly for the men nearby.
Crazy Hairy |
This is my first PbP. Longtime gamer, but new to Pathfinder, and I’ve just discovered the paperwork from DragonCon is amiss. Lila is supposed to be second level (I leveled up two characters to 2nd level at D*C, but most of the credits went to just the one character). I have the Chronicles with me, but I need to scan them in to send in to clear it up, and unfortunately, I’m on the road right now. But I’ll get it sorted out shortly (and could send you the Chronicles as well, Luke, once I figure out a way to get them scanned in (hopefully Sunday…). And in the meantime, I'll finish updating her on my profile. Sorry about the noobie issues.
Janalun |
"Greetings to you all my fine fellows!
A chipper gnome pipes in from one side of the room. He sports light studded armor covering light colored clothing. His hair is swooped back and slightly unruly, and his face is in a constant grin.
"You can call me Janalun. Name's a bit longer than that, but there's no need to twist your tongue!"
Anaduno Enstateis |
"Well met, Janalun! Thinking back over the briefing - and do forgive me if I'm thinking all gnomes are the same - but he mentioned needing to break out of a room. Would you be able to do so at need? I imagine we are better off not smashing down doors, though that might be our inebriated friend's plan."
Bo'alo |
Don't ye worry, this face just be one in da crowd. He grabs another two bottles of whiskey and stumbles off with the group, sometimes lagging way behind and other times too far ahead
Janalun |
"I will give you all fair warning before things get serious. When I'm, well, stressed...I have a tendency to-" At this his manner of speech switches to a deeper, guttural form.
"So if things get dicey, you may have to tell me things without, well, saying it."
Luke_Parry |
The Venture Captain nods to Jason and Anaduno.
"I like the way you think, but I am afraid that you are supposed to be representing yourselves as Chelish informants, so something showy like parade armor is probably a bad idea...
That said, you do not have to go in completely unarmed and unarmored; you are meant to be competent informants, after all! Still, you will need to keep a low profile; you don't want your cover to be blown whilst you are trying to do your job, and look for information, so feel free to make whatever preparations (and sacrifices regarding gear) that you wish."
Lila Andrea Salomé |
they credited the wrong scenarios to the wrong characters, so I switched the characters on my account--I haven't played either of them at 2nd lvl yet, but it matters due to the factions they are in. So is it possible to switch this to 100685-01, Luke? Should I go back to the VTT signup page? (Crazy Hairy is my other character)
Luke_Parry |
@Lila: I have no problems with you switching PCs; just make sure that you change the details on Warhorn.
Valsin raises an eyebrow at Bo'alo.
"I recommend against the use of firearms; you will be inside a Chelish embassy, and it would probably attract entirely the wrong kind of attention..."
He then sighs.
"Now, if there are no more questions, please, be on your way."
Last call for questions and/or purchases :-)
Anaduno Enstateis |
Anaduno straps the new wrist sheaths on his forearms, secures the daggers, and pulls down his sleeves over them all. "Three quick questions, Venture-Captain, and thank you for your time:
"First, are we likely to come across Venture-Captain Li inside? Or are we to stay far away from the fete and her presence?
"Second, I understand that Chelaxians make a fine bottle of brandy. Should we need to bribe our way past the guards, in the unlikely event that the lady's charms not suffice," he gestures to Lila graciously, "think you that they would prefer a drink on duty, or hard coin? If the former, I'll need to go grab a bottle quickly, but if the latter, I am prepared."
Luke_Parry |
Valsin nods.
"Amara Li is an official guest, and may contact you via Message. However, do not approach her; we do not want anything to link her to this. Regarding bribes, my understanding is that the gate guard at the 'spy's entrance' generally expects a gratuity of some kind, but generally, hard coin is preferred; just don't expect the internal guards to be similarly tractable."
Lila Andrea Salomé |
"Do you have any other information that might aid our mission, Valsin? What was Zarta's last communication with the Society? Was she working on any particularly sensitive missions? Did she have any known enemies among her Chelish cohorts? Any known friends among them?"
same PC, just flipflopped PFS numbers. For purchases, just check Lila's profile to see what she purchased (it's a long list, since it's her first adventure)
Luke_Parry |
Valsin shakes his head.
"I am afraid that I do not have any further information regarding the Paracountess' 'Disappearance', or the reason for it - that is part of the reason why we are sending you in; to find out where she is, and why this has happened."
He gives Bo'alo a hard look.
"Feel free to try and blend in, but also try to remember that is is a time-critical mission, not an excuse to party."
Luke_Parry |
Right, let's keep things moving :-)
The Chelish embassy to Absalom is in the Ascendant Court, a part of the city better known for temples and cathedrals than for diplomatic and government buildings. The embassy is housed in what was once a large cathedral to Aroden, but which has been re-purposed incompletely; religious decorations and iconography have been replaced with imperial symbols, Egorian school architectural flourishes, and Asmodean religious statuary.
The so-called “spy’s entrance” is a nondescript entrance in an alley that runs along the north side of the Chelish embassy. The only feature distinguishing the spy’s entrance from other doors piercing the alley walls is the presence of a guard in Chelish imperial livery, who looks somewhat bored, but perks-up considerably at the party's approach.
"Right. What do you lot want?"
Anaduno Enstateis |
Anaduno keeps a vigilant lookout on the way to the spy entrance, and steps to the side for another to lead the talking. He studies the guard for a moment to get a read on him, then continues to keep an eye up and down the alleyway.
Looking at his equipment(high quality or low quality) and how he carries himself (narcissist vs knows his place) -
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
Uktar |
Before getting too close to the embassy, Lila takes a moment to “fix her makeup.”
Uses Honey Tongued Wand (duration: 10 minutes) and Cultural Adaptation Wand (10 min) on herself, and then casts Adoration on herself (2 min). Diplomacy is now +21 (2 ranks, +3 Class Skill +3 Skill Focus Feat +2 trait +5 CHA +2 circumstance (MW instrument) +2 competence (Adoration), +2 circumstance (Cultural Adaptation),
Lila approaches the Spy’s Entrance, gives the guard a coquettish smile, then says, “We have some vital information for the Ambassador, and we need to see them right away. So do be a dear and let us enter before the whole world sees us lurking here at the entrance, and then fetch the ambassador.”
Honey Tongued gives Lila two rolls on Diplomacy check, and she can take better one: rolls 2d20: 10 + nat 20. Use the 20. Diplomacy check Result=41
Luke_Parry |
@Uktar/Lila: Honeyed Tongue is a 2nd level spell for the purposes of wands, so you can't have purchased it as a '750gp or less' purchase with 2PP, sorry :-/
Additionally, Versatile Performance allows you to use your Perform(Strings) skill bonus instead of your Diplomacy skill bonus; it is a great way to effectively gain maximum ranks in additional skills, but has the down-side that anything that gives you a bonus on Diplomacy (such as Cultural Adaptation or Adoration) will not work for you, since it is boosting *Diplomacy*, not Perform.
i.e. you can use your Perform(Strings) bonus of +17, or your (buffed) Diplomacy of +9 (which includes the two spells).
If you would prefer to have not cast the two spells, and just go with your Perform(Strings) bonus, go ahead; +17 is still quite good :-)
Also, could you please actually roll? I don't see a die roll in your post.
Lila Andrea Salomé |
From Page 22-23 of PFS Organized Play guide.
All potions, scrolls, wands, and other consumables are made by clerics, druids, or wizards in Pathfinder Society Organized Play. The only exceptions are spells that are not on the cleric, druid, or wizard spell list. For example, a scroll of lesser restoration must be purchased as a 2nd-level scroll off the cleric spell list and may not be purchased as a 1st-level scroll off the paladin spell list. If a spell appears at different levels on two different lists, use the lower level spell to determine cost.
Since Honey Tongue is _not_ on cleric, druid or wizards list, it is purchased at the lower level, i.e. Paladin lvl 1 spell, so it should be available for 2 PP (even though it’s a Bard 2 spell, the wand would be Pal 1, and in fact, by PFS RAW, I don’t think you even could purchase a Bard version of the wand if you wanted to, i.e. at higher levels I couldn't buy a Bard version that would then last 30 minutes...).
The Versatile Performance stuff, having spent a bunch of time searching the Boards, I'm more confused than ever. The best I could find is James Jacobs--if you know something from SKR, or from Rules/PFS board, please let me know.
Versatile Performance discussion
"1) You are not actually performing, just substituting the skill
2) You use your total bonus, including CHA, Class Skill, Skill focus etc.
3) You do not use situational modifiers or tools to perform, since you aren't actually using them
4 You do use situational modifiers to the original skill, they still apply (ACP is such a situational modifier)"
So according to JJ, it seems my masterwork lute shouldn’t apply to Versatile Performance, but Cultural Adaptation & Adoration would? So it'd be +19 instead of +17? (i.e. it’s still a Diplomacy check, just using the Versatile Performance skill instead of Diplomacy skill—so anything enhancing the skill of Diplomacy, via trait, feat, etc, wouldn’t apply, but circumstance, situational, etc that apply to the check still do. So Cultural Adaptation is a circumstance bonus, and Adoration is a morale bonus--in fact, both spell descriptions are specific that they're s not just a bonus to Diplomacy skill, and that also aids DIsguise and the other aids combat performance.) Honestly, I'm happy to go with whatever ruling you want, and would kill for a straightforward RAW/FAQ explaining it if you know of one. Not trying to be a rules lawyer, versus desperate to know how the mechanic is supposed to work.
Also, if Adoration and Cultural Adaptation cannot aid my Diplomacy attempts, could I choose not to cast the former, and use the latter on Paladin instead, to help her disguise attempt?
As for the dice, I didn't get how to properly do the function. So below are the proper rolls. I used the +17 of your current ruling. Let me know if I should adjust that to +15 or +19 or whatever for future rolls. Take the better of two (still using the Honey Tongue).
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (8) + 17 = 25 or Diplomacy: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (1) + 17 = 18
Janalun |
The cheerful gnome pipes in after Lila addresses the guard.
"It's as the lovely lady says, my good sir. This information is for the ambassador's ear's only and we would very much not like to stand around twiddling our thumbs."
Diplomacy Assist: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Luke_Parry |
Hmmm... I am always happy to be corrected :-)
I agree that since it is not on either of the Cleric or Sorc/Wiz lists, it defaults to the lowest level spell possible, which is Paladin 1. However, the minimum caster level is 2, because although Paladins gain their 1st caster level at 4th level, they do not gain a spell slot until 5th level, when they are caster level 2 (Since all magic items assume lowest casting stat possible (for paladins, Charisma 11), they *don't* receive a 'bonus slot' at caster level 1).
This is why Oils of Bless Weapon are 100gp, rather than the 50gp a 'normal' 1st level potion is.
So, in this case, a paladin-crafted wand of Honeyed Tongue would be caster level 2, and cost 1500gp, which is still outside the range of a 'prestige purchase'.
Re: Cultural Adaptation, it is a personal spell, which means you can only cast it on yourself, although I do like what you were trying to do :-)
Re: Versatile Performance, I had a look at JJ original post, where he agrees that MW tools would not port over, but says that trait bonuses should. However, he only says that he would be 'tempted' to allow feat bonuses to port over; he does not actually say that they do. Since the rules for PFS are a little unclear, how about we just stick with the +17 bonus for this game? I think that it will be plenty :-)
The guard nods.
"Very well, I will let you through."
So saying, he opens the door and directs the party inside.
The red paint that covers the walls of this high-ceilinged chamber does little to hide the raised outlines of ancient religious mosaics that once decorated this former temple. Behind the chamber’s large and imposing desk sits a thin woman in clerk’s clothing, wearing large, horn-rimmed glasses.
Seeing the party enter, she looks down her nose at you, and sniffs.
"You are not on the list of appointments. This is highly irregular. What are you doing here? Don't you know that we are in the middle of a gala?"
Lila Andrea Salomé |
All good. still figuring this out myself, and only using any mods to performance makes plenty sense.
"Ailenia Hospar, I presume?" Lila smiles at the clerk, approaching the desk, while waiting for some sort of acknowledgment. "We've come across some vital information that we need to give to the ambassador. With our former contact here at the embassy being 'indisposed' these days, the only person we're willing to give this information to is the ambassador. And it is time sensitive. It really can't wait until tomorrow." As she reaches the desk, Lila lowers her voice. 'This isn't the kind of meeting the ambassador will want listed in any record. If you need something for your records, why don't you just list us as 'entertainment,' and direct us to a more private location to await the Ambassador?"
If the clerk has acknowledged being Ailenia Hospar, Lila will lean over and put her hands on the desk when she lowers her voice. Then, when she says "entertainment," she'll show the clerk the packet of shiver under her hand on the desk.
Lila doesn't have Sleight of Hand, so can't really make check--just doing it as flavor. If clerk hasn't acknowledged being Hospar, not doing anything with the packet at all--just talking. And if she has admitted to being Hospar, doesn't matter if she notices anyway. Ditto guards nearby--I'm sure they've seen many a bribe passed along to a clerk. Just observing proper ettiquette...
Can I "Take Ten" on this Diplo check? If so, I will, and the result is 27. Otherwise let me know and I'll roll.
Luke_Parry |
Taking 10 is fine.
The woman warily accepts the package, but a quick sniff of its contents causes her to visibly brighten.
"I am afraid that I cannot summon him directly, but the duty officer should be able to. Just a second..."
She crosses the hall to a side door, and knocks.
The door opens, and there is a brief, hurried conversation, before she returns, trailing behind an imposing-looking woman, dressed in a red-and-black imperial dress uniform.
"I am the duty officer tonight, Anstrella Trelax. Ailena tells me that you have a package for the Ambassador? I am afraid that he is busy with the gala at present; you can leave the package with me."
Lila Andrea Salomé |
"It's an honor to meet you, Anstrella Trelax," Lila gives her a deep bow of respect. "Your reputation certainly precedes you. But given that our previous contact for funneling information to the embassy is now 'unavailable,' we need to deliver the intelligence directly to the ambassador ourselves. It's highly sensitive in nature, and rather timely. We'd certainly be willing to wait until the ambassador is available, though perhaps we should wait someplace a little less conspicuous? We'd rather remain useful to the empire by keeping a low profile."
Take ten. Diplomacy check=27
Luke_Parry |
Anstrella nods.
"Well, it is a little irregular, but if it is that important, I will see what I can arrange. He should be able to see you, but understandably, he is currently busy with the gala, and can't see you right now."
She then turns to Ailenia.
"Escort them to the waiting room."
Ailenia nods, and the party down a short hallway, opening a door to reveal a small room, sparsely furnished with only a few old chairs
and a couch. Two doors—one to the east and another to the
west—lead elsewhere within the embassy.
"Wait here. I am sure that the ambassador will be with you shortly."
She then leaves the room, the unmistakable sound of a key in a lock accompanying her departure.
A few tense minutes later, you hear a key in the lock of the opposite door, and then the door creaks open slightly, revealing a small bundle of keys on a chain - the one in the door, another with Zarta's personal seal on the hilt, and a third in the shape of an Asmodean cross.
Almost immediately thereafter, each member of the party hears a whisper in their left ear.
"Well, it's about time you arrived. I am Amara Li. I can probably discretely keep the Ambassador busy for about an hour, so you will need to finish your task within that time period. Be discreet, and don't be late."
Lila Andrea Salomé |
"Lead on," Lila says with a nod. "Valsin said Zarta's quarters are in the south west corner of the residential wing. If we run into staff or guests, I'll try to sweet talk them, but if force is necessary, we may want to stick to nonlethal methods, especially if they're human, or the like--I do have charm, sleep and lullaby. Devil or beastie, destroy them quickly and quietly if we have to..."
Anyone with with decent sneak skills who could scout ahead a little?