GM Hawthwile - Forged in Flame Series (Inactive)

Game Master Hawthwile

Masayoshi throws down his Sleeves of Many Garments in anger.

”What part of ‘follow my lead’ don’t you people...Wait, What did you just say? Are you...romantically attached to Vassago?”

”Let us see the contract. Maybe there is something in there that will give us a way to flake everyone happy.”

"Wait, what? Evil acts?" Cirri frowns. Then shuts up.

"Congratulations on your marital bond. Could your partner join us so that we are able what to understand what is going on here?"

Crowe starts smiling.

”In Shoanti culture a matrimony is a holy bond. It may only be broken under specific circumstances. Tell us what you originally agreed with Qalkami. And how you believe this agreement is unfairly drafted and how it could be revised!“ Crowe asks calmly.

"Well," Malini says, "the original agreement was for him to serve as my familiar, but... well.... I grew to love him. The obligation ended long ago - please, don't take him away!" She is near tears at this point.

What do you do?

Masayoshi simply stares in disbelief.

Sh*t. This is not what I signed up for...

"Yes, that is fascinating in the abstract, Snaggletooth, but here in reality we must see what we can do to keep this a happy story. Fahd is right, there might be something we can use in the contract. If not, perhaps there are some alternatives available. I'm no ignan barrister, but perhaps there are some marital laws that could apply..."

"The bond between a familiar and his master is a unique one. I have never heard of this, however. Would you consent to being interviewed after we resolve this? I would be honored to be able to publish this as a case study. Completely anonymously, of course!"

Hmmm. My posts are posting out-of-order and I cannot seem to delete them in order to re-order them. Sorry for the awkwardness.

I had the same problem with my summoner. She posted an answer before the eidolon asked it.

"Maybe we can make a duplicate?" Cirri scratches her head. "Or maybe Yasmine would have an idea. If we can't think up a plan, maybe she has something."

I'm out of ideas here. Any kind of applicable rolls we could make?

"Hmm...All we're supposed to do is bring Vassago and his contract of service back to Qalkami; nothing saying that we can't possibly extend the contract of service. Or that Vassago has to stay with Qalkami..."

”Would a marriage contract count as a contract of service?”

"Malini, do you have a copy of the contract somewhere?"

Alternately, would it have been possible for Vassago to have "run off" of his own free will?

Knowledge (arcana) to know if fleeing familiars are a real thing?: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (16) + 16 = 32

Malini sniffs. "You... you'll help? Thank the Matriarch! Please, wait here for a moment!" She darts up the stairs and quickly returns with an imp and a piece of parchment.

"Everyone, this is Vassago." she says upon her return. "Vassago, these people have been sent by Qalkami to retrieve you and your contract, but they have agreed to help us as best they can so we can continue to live together!"

Vassago frowns. "Indeed? Well, let's see here. This contract is quite binding - it compels me to obey the commands of its owner to the letter, and while ownership of the contract can be transferred, this is only possible with the consent of the contract's owner - which would be Qalkami. I doubt she would be open so such a thing." He snorts derisively.

"No, the only way I'd consider going back with you to Qalkami would be if the contract is destroyed," he says as he crosses his arms.

Malini frowns. "But they have been asked to retrieve both you and the contract. Perhaps we could make a fake one to them to take back with you? You'd only need to be away for a little bit - you could search for any copies Qalkami might be keeping before you come back to me."

Vassago ponders. "That could work, but the contract is surely not a simple thing to replicate - or destroy," he says finally.

What do you do?

Crowe is completely stunned by the news.

”I can just hack the contract to pieces. Usually that helps... “ Crowe says with a sly smile.

"Hmm... a forgery? That sounds like a great idea." Cirri grins, glad she can finally help. "Hey Riddywhipple! Get the pen, some parchment and a glass of tea. We're gonna be here for a while."

She turns to Malini and Vassago. "Don't worry, we'll duplicate the contract, buuuuuut we'll add a clause stating marriage can override it." She grins. "You guys have a marriage certificate, right?"

Cirri has a +8 Linguistics, and Riddywhipple has a +9. We can do it.

Toctep smiles at Crowe "Yes, I don't think this contract could survive us two getting at it"

"Ooh, a forgery! I bet I could help with that! What would we need to do?"

Ninlil's study of planar languages apparently gives her some forgery skills, but she's never forged a document before. She'll aid another!

”Hmmm ... wait a minute ... why didn’t you destroy the contract yourself imp?“ Crowe asks a little suspiciously.

"Because it states in the contract that I'm not allowed to destroy it?" Vassago answers Crowe with a look of exasperation. "Are you sure we should be trusting these people with such a sensitive task?" he asks Malini.

While the mephit reassures her husband, the Pathfinders examine the document.

Creating the Forgery

So, mechanically, to create a convincing forgery of the contract you'll have to make three different checks from the following list:
- Craft (calligraphy)
- Knowledge (arcana)
- Knowledge (planes)
- Linguistics
- Profession (barrister)
- Profession (scribe)
- Spellcraft

If you have an alternative idea, let me know and we'll see if it works.

However, each of you can only attempt each check once. This includes aiding another with a particular check. And yes, failure has consequences. Perhaps some discussion is in order before rolling any dice?

What do you do?

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34

Cirri sips from her glass of iced tea, while Riddywhipple sticks a straw in it and blows bubbles.

"Okay. So if we were to, say rip the contract to shreds, it would send a magical alarm. Probably to Qalkami. So, we could use magical means to dispel the alarm on the contract. If you're good at disarming magical traps, we could try that too."

"Now, I do have a scroll of Dispel Magic on me for these kinds of situations."

"Or, we can try to forge the document and alter it so Vassago's stay with Qalkami is only temporary."

"Big thing we're forgetting: If we give Qalkami a contract without that alarm on it, won't she figure that out?"

"Hmm. Well, we're not supposed to know about the Alarm, she didn't tell us about it. So hey, we found the contract as ordered." Cirri shrugs, then giggles. "We can just lie to her when that comes up. Assuming we can find someone good at lying."

Cirri hasn't caught on to Masayoshi's talents, yet.

Masayoshi stares at Cirri, completely dumbfounded by the woman's words.

"By Sun Wukong's majestic hide, you're slower than me when I'm drunk"

"Slow? At what?" Cirri is confused, and Riddywhipple laughs at her expense. "Whatever! Hurry up and dispel this thing. Then we'll edit the writing a bit."

Cirri takes the pen and makes a few practice scribbles to get the writing down. "I once failed a mission because it meant separating two people who were in love. No way am I going to ruin this relationship just for some stupid contract."

Masayoshi clearly knows how to spin a tale. Cirri may be smart but she can't see through a glass bottle sometimes. Riddywhipple can't help but laugh.

"I've never seen a woman so proud of failure!" He boasts. "But while she loses track of the big picture she keeps an eye out for the small details. Don't worry Milani. Never fear, Vassago! I'll make sure she doesn't get lost." He flops down and helps Cirri modify the document.

Crowe is not an expert but he tries to support!

kn arcana aid : 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Spellcraft aid : 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

"That's the spirit, Riddy!" proclaims Snaggletooth. "Familiars should not be bartered about like trade goods! The very thought of it offends me! Let us teach this Qalkami a lesson!"

Arcana aid: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Planes aid: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

Ninlil carefully works on the document... oh! And she will cast Heroism on herself, prior, if we can get the entire task done in 70 minutes or less!

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (19) + 18 = 37
Linguistics: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (4) + 18 = 22
Planes: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (18) + 18 = 36
Arcana: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (12) + 18 = 30

"Are we not going to talk about how her name is Malini and not Milani? Whatever, let's just do this."

Dispel check: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

Spellcraft Aid: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

But seriously, I have to re-type that name 75% of the time because I use the wrong one.

Between Cirri and Ninlil (with help from Crowe, Masayoshi, Riddy, and Snaggletooth), the Pathfinders create a very convincing forgery. If it wasn't for the wet ink on the one, the two contracts would be practically indistinguishable.

Masayoshi successfully suppresses the wards on the original contract, allowing the Pathfinders to try to destroy it without alerting Qalkami.

Suppressed Duration: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Alright, you have a small number of rounds to destroy the contract before the wards resume. We'll be in semi-initiative, so post your actions for a single round at a time.

What do you do?

"Alright. That looks good." Cirri grins.

"Anyway, Crowe. Do you want to do the honors?" She hands him the real contract. "Tear this thing to shreds!"

Fahd attempts to sunder the document, his Steelbreaker training finally coming in handy.

CMB 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (14) + 20 = 34
Unarmed damage 1d10 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

The parchment seems incredibly resilient - Fahd doesn't feel like his attack was fully effective!

Fahd, go ahead and give me the rest of your full-round sequence. Anyone else is able to assist if they so desire.

"Okay. You tug this way, and I'll pull over here." Cirri goes through a very complicated explanation that ends with her holding both sides of the page.

Aid: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29
Aid: 1d20 + 10 - 5 ⇒ (11) + 10 - 5 = 16

"Tell me if you need me to turn into a beast or something. You guys are better at this than I am, though!"

Ninlil peers quizzically at the un-sundered document. "What on earth--that should have ripped right through it! Some unusual application of abjuration, perhaps? You'd think fire would be a good solution but I bet it's already been warded against that. Plane of fire and all!" she exclaims, as she looms over Cirri's shoulder awkwardly.

Ninlil would like to Spellcraft or Knowledge (arcana) to know more and try to identify some sort of weakness (the bonuses are the same): 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (3) + 18 = 21

Fahd again attempts to sunder the document, his Steelbreaker training assisting.

CMB 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (1) + 20 = 21
Unarmed damage 1d10 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Toctep grows larger and larger, claws emerge from his fingers. He tries to rip the contract apart, even going so far as to savage it with his teeth.

Claw Attack: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (18) + 15 = 33
Damage: 1d8 + 17 ⇒ (8) + 17 = 25

Claw Attack: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 17 ⇒ (1) + 17 = 18

Bite Attack: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 17 ⇒ (4) + 17 = 21

Between Fahd, Cirri, and Toctep, the contract is soon in shreds. Vassago smiles as small scraps of parchment float around the room before settling on the floor. "I take that back - these are indeed qualified professionals," he says to Malini. "I will go with them and search Qalkami's estate for copies of the contract before slipping away and returning to you."

"Be safe, my love," Malini responds as she embraces her husband.

The Pathfinders return to Cinderstone Manor with the signed contract, Vassago, and fake contract in hand. Qalkami greets them in her parlor again, and once everyone is settled down with drinks in hand she speaks.

"First of all, congratulations on jobs well done," she says as she toys with her glass. "It's clear to me that you're more competent than most off-worlders, so perhaps you're game for a more challenging task. Basira Karama, another efreeti in town with noble roots, has been a thorn in my side for far too long. With the upheaval in the City of Brass, it's finally become profitable to see him brought down a peg. He's throwing a gala tomorrow night, which presents an excellent opportunity to strike. I've managed to secure invitations to the gala for each of you. Your task is to ensure that this is the worst night of Basira's life."

"Now, the less I know about the particulars the better," Qalkami says as she passes out the invitations. "I can provide you with a bit of spending money, should you need," she winks, "party supplies."

Qalkami is providing the Pathfinders with 500 gp to spend in preparation for the party.

Qalkami bids the Pathfinders farewell and good luck. There is about a day before the gala for the group to discuss and prepare for the party.

Don't make dice rolls at this time - just brainstorm. Alternatively, each PC (not familiars) can attempt a Wisdom check to have the GM provide an idea.

What do you do?

Wisdom: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8

"I suggest we go and see Yasmine again, she had some excellent background knowledge on the previous tasks"

Wisdom: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Masayoshi smiles maniacally as possible courses of action surge through his mind.

”Trickery. Now that’s where I shine.”

"What if we lace the tasty rodent hors d'oeuvres with farting powder? Hang invisible mosquito-netting from the rafters? Oooh, I know--cover the mouth of the ceremonial horn with essence of spectre's pepper?"

Ninlil rolls her eyes. "Snaggletooth, this isn't Dilmun and parties aren't attended by intelligent pterosaurs. You don't need to relive your academy graduation. Surely Masayoshi and Riddywhipple will have some ideas for us! Speaking of ideas..."

Wisdom check?: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

"Ahem. You're... quite right. Now then. Where were we? Oh, yes--Toctep, that is a capital idea. Yasmine should be able to tell us more about this party and its host."

"We probably need new clothing to fit in and also need an invitation to even be allowed to enter the party, right?"

”Qalkami said that she got us invitations to the gala. But you bring up an excellent point, Crowe. I’ll be right back!”

Masayoshi disappears around the corner for a few minutes. When he returns he has once more assumed his more socially-acceptable persona—clothing befitting a nobleman, the signet ring of House Kahlvet, etc.—except this time it isn’t his Sleeves of Many Garments, it’s the real deal.

”It’s been a while since I’ve actually had to wear this; it chafes a bit...”

"Oh. Well, we're glad to help!" Cirri grins. She really is glad, she just isn't clear on who she is helping. "So, upset your rival's big party. Okay."

"I'll definitely need to borrow some resources to buy a decent dress." She thinks carefully. "And Riddywhipple, I've never seen you write so quickly."

Riddywhipple's usual laughter is replaced with maniacal glee. His carefree gaze, now a lightning focused glare at his pages and a small quill pen. He has one goal, and one goal alone:

Conjure the greatest prank the Plane of Fire has ever witnessed.