GM Hawthwile - Forged in Flame Series (Inactive)

Game Master Hawthwile

Back at the embassy, Yasmine frowns at the news of Qalkami's latest task. "Well," she says, "this sort of thing is normal in efreeti politics, and Basira is not an especially upstanding individual. On the other hand, he is a close trade partner with our embassy, and I would consider it a personal favor if you found a way to avoid fulfilling this task. Perhaps if you speak with Basira, you can work out some kind of arrangement?"

What do you do?

Masayoshi ponders Yasmine’s words momentarily before speaking.

”Two dastardly efreet. One we have to say ‘screw you’ to and the other we have to help—or at least not hurt. One is a business partner to the embassy, but the other the Society is directly indebted to...” Masayoshi sighs exasperatedly. ”Honestly, Yasmine, this isn’t like Qalkami’s other tasks—those had to do with good people that pissed off that hothead, but here we have to choose the lesser of two evils. And with this we either do it or we don’t, there doesn’t seem to be a gray area of ‘technically we kept him safe from the Inevitable by sending him to the slammer.’ We’ll see what we can do, but push come to shove I’d rather help the person we are indebted to. I’m sorry, Yasmine.”

And, for once, Masayoshi’s words are truly sincere.

"Man, this is complicated. I don't know who to help. Everything Qalkami has told us has a lie of some kind. Maybe he's the type who doesn't mind theatrics? We could throw an impromptu performance and he could pretend to be embarrassed but it's actually super cool."

She nods to herself, fully confident.

”Masayoshi’s arguments make sense. In this case I would just do what we were told to do. We don’t have evidence that this other efreeti is an angel I’d say ... let us crash the party!“ Crowe says and laughs!

"I'm not sure. Yasmine has been so helpful to us... and helping an efreeti? I don't know."

"We're going to be helping an efreeti either way, Ninlil. I believe Masayoshi has the right idea here. Besides, it has been several--" fzzt "--uries since my last big prank. A well-executed practical joke is good for the soul! Now, if you'll excuse me, I simply must see what Riddywhipple is working on..."

Ninlil and Snaggletooth are making offsetting votes!

Wisdom check 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Sounds like there's not a clear consensus amongst the party yet. Perhaps more discussion is in order before moving forward.

If there is no more discussion to be had, what preparations would you like to make? Now would be an excellent time to trade ideas and discuss plans for what to do during the party.

Fahd agreed with most of the group. ”Looks like we are going to be spoiling the party, then. How is the best wya to try and do that? Spoil the food, knock out amd replace the entertainment? What is everyone thinking?”

"Spike the food!" Riddywhipple chuckles. "It doesn't matter how good the music is if everyone suddenly gets sick!"

Crowe laughs!

”I love the food idea!! Throwing up is awful! So how do we do that? I am not very dexterous. And does someone buy clothing for us?! I don’t own fancy stuff!“

"Well, Qalkami did offer us some money to spend on this, so that's covered." Cirri mumbles. "If you want to poison food, we'd need to buy something and then sneak it in? I can turn invisible..."

Cirri has Alter Self and Monstrous Physique I. Maybe there's some natural predator creature in there.

Masayoshi cracks his neck and smiles a very disconcerting smile.

”Who needs to spike the hors d’oeurves when my wonderful personality is enough to make or break any gala! That said, if we need to smuggle something in, we can use this,” Masayoshi pulls out an expensive bottle of wine and uncorks it. ”As long as you don’t mind a red stain.”

As any good partycrasher can tell you, it might take multiple angles to ruin this party. Qalkami did ask for it to be the worst night of Basira's life.

"I could purchase a potion of invisibility. We could just turn some tables upside down and then quickly scramble out while invisible?"

”Ahaha! My dear, dear, amateur Toctep. That is child’s play. We were tasked with making this gala the worst night ever for this guy—we need to think big! Brainstorm time: lay it on me!”

[b]”We could scare the real entertain,ent away, and maybe do some rude poems about the efreet.”[\b]. Fahd wasn’t a big thinker....he was more used to punching people.

Masayoshi blinks wildly at Fahd's words.

"I can't believe I'm saying this: Riddywhipple! Snaggletooth! Give me your perspectives, familiars!"

"Ah, you finally turned to the experts!" Riddywhipple nods. "Now then, we need to embarass him. First of all, poisoning the food so everyone gets sick is a wonderful idea- we need access to nonlethal poisons that spoil food. Someone will have to sneak it into the food supplies but that shouldn't be too difficult if they don't expect us."

"Replacing the musicians would work well, if any of us were practiced singers or writers." He pauses. "No, that's rubbish."

"Masayoshi, your social skills could be used to stir up a fight. If we knew who was visiting the party, we could plant the seeds of conflict and it would blossom at the party."

"I think that's a good starting point."

It is indeed.

Having settled on some courses of action, the Pathfinders are left with several tasks before the evening's festivities, such as procuring supplies (unless someone happens to be carrying poison around with them) and figuring out who will be working on which disturbances.

Once at the party, each disturbance will require a number of skill checks. Only one person can be the primary roller, and only two people can assist them - more than that, and the partygoers might be suspicious. Familiars count as people for this purpose.

What do you do?

Anything Bluff-related is mine!

"Masayoshi. Observe some of the more excitable members of the room. Spin up a fantastic bluff about who insulted whom. Whip them into a frenzy and they should begin a fight."
Masayoshi should use his Bluff skill here.

"Now, let's see. As for myself!" Riddywhipple points. "I can sneak into the kitchen quite easily. But if this perilous poison is too much, I nominate Cirri to use her invisibility to follow me!"
If Cirri can use her invisibility spell, she will use Stealth checks to sneak in. Riddywhipple has a +17 Stealth so I'd like him to lead.

"For the rest of you. Hmm. Can you sabotage the tables so they collapse?" Some kind of Knowledge Engineering would be useful, I reckon.

"Maybe you can scare away the band members. What kind of party doesn't have a musical performance? A terrible one!" Intimidate?

”I could try to scare the band away. Getting people to leave is something I know well. Sometimes it’s all friendly like, and other times, it’s face first .”

Sorry, this information might have been useful earlier.

Adding something to the food: In addition to needing a toxin (either purchased (at least two doses), created with Craft (alchemy) or Profession (chef), or found with Survival), you'll need to be sneaky about how you add it to the food. Your best bet is to add it once the food reaches the party, as applying it in the kitchen could lead to a chef tasting something off and spoiling the surprise. This would be done most easily with Sleight of Hand, but Stealth might work as well (albeit with a penalty).

Spoiling the entertainment: The musicians might be persuaded to not play, either by words (Bluff, Diplomacy, or Intimidate) or by bribes. Alternatively, someone could perform with them and subtly steer the performance off the rails using Perform (any).

Upsetting the crowd: Spreading slanderous rumors amongst the guests would require Bluff, Knowledge (local), or Diplomacy. The more languages the instigator shares with the gala's attendees, the easier of a time they'll have accomplishing their mission.

Sabotaging the furniture: Understanding how the seats are assembled (Knowledge (engineering)) is but one half of the equation. Dismantling or sabotaging would require deft hands (Disable Device) as well as not getting caught (Stealth).

What do you do?

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (8) + 18 = 26

”Well, he isn’t exactly subtle. Let’s see if we can track down the band that Basira hired to play—the Boreal Five.”

And Yes, that would’ve been very helpful to know beforehand.

Actually, it is good that we were able to come up with own ideas before we just received solutions on a plate. ;-)

After Mayasoshi was successful tracking down the entertainment specialist, i.e. the band Crowe will visit them together with Mayasoshi and support his scheme.

Bluff aid DC 10 : 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

* * *

Crowe will also be in the middle of the party and spread the rumours his colleagues have devised.

Bluff or diplomacy aid: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

* * *

Crowe will also support to create diversions when the team sabotages the furniture.

Stealth aid: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Crowe cannot aid on anything else.

Cirri feels uncomfortable with the whole thing.

Knowledge(Local): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

"Right, let's meet the performers before we do all this stuff."

"I could talk a bit to the guests, maybe rile them up." Cirri has a +6 K Local check.

Riddywhipple has +7 Bluff, +7 Diplomacy, and +17 Stealth.

We're not at the party yet, so don't roll those dice for the time being.

That being said, are you going to speak with the entertainers before the gala?

What do you do?

Fahd agreed to go speak with the entertainers preparty.

Agreed

The Pathfinders find the Boreal Five in a smoky dive bar, playing slow ethereal music that seems to have the audience entranced. Between sets, the elementals sit at the bar making small talk with each other - a perfect opportunity to speak with them.

What would you like to say to them? Now is the time for dice rolls.

What do you do?

Before going up to talk to them, Masayoshi takes out a journal and an inkpen and turns to his fellow Pathfinders.

”Okay, so apparently there has been a serious lack of communication among us, so let me explain: I’m going to pretend to be a fan and hopefully get them to cancel on the galas in favor of a better gig. Got it? Good. Now don’t contradict me!”

Masayoshi approaches the air elementals with a look of pure glee on his face.

”Omigosh! Omigosh! It’s the Boreal Five! I love you guys! Can I please have an autograph? Pretty please?!” Masayoshi holds out the journal and inkpen in excitement.

Bluff: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (17) + 16 = 33 +5 if Innocent applies.

"Perfect plan, and if that fails Crowe, Fahd and myself can certainly scare them so they don't show"

Intimidate at +10

"The Boreal Five?" Riddywhipple flies up to Masayoshi.

Bluff(Aid): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Riddywhipple quickly loses interest. "I thought there were six...?" He flies off, unable to think up a good joke.

One of the larger elementals slowly turns to face Masayoshi, then turns back to his companions. "මහා. තවත් රසිකයෙක්. ඒ සඳහා ඔබේ හැරීම," it says to the smallest of the group before returning to its drink.

The smallest elemental assumes a vaguely humanoid shape before answering Masayoshi. "Yes, we're the Boreal Five. Glad to find a fan here - are you enjoying the show?"

What do you do?

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (13) + 16 = 29

Masayoshi continues to eagerly hold out the journal and inkpen for an autograph.

”Yes! You guys are awesome! I’ve been a fan for ages! I simply must have you play for my birthday extravaganza tomorrow night! or whenever Basira’s gala is occurring I will spare no expense for my special day!”

I would like to re-emphasize that Masayoshi is currently wearing his noble’s outfit.

Bluff: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (4) + 16 = 20 +5 if Innocent applies.

Cirri listens from afar and grins.

Well, he has their attention, at least.

Oh, I almost forgot.

"Is that so?" the elemental asks, intrigued. "And just how much are you willing to pay for such a performance? We're already booked for tomorrow evening unfortunately..." As it speaks, it sends the journal and inkpen around to its companions before returning it to Masayoshi with a signature that looks somehow like five storms swirling into one.

What do you do?

Will vs Ego: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26

Shut up!

Masayoshi drops his excited fan persona and shifts his body weight to that of a more professional demeanor.

"Name your price."

Toctep watches as the situation unfolds I am glad he is with us

"Hmm..." the elemental ponders. "Well, in terms of material plane wealth... yes, 500 pieces of gold. We couldn't do any less."

And what a coincidence - Qalkami has given you 500 gp in discretionary funds. How convenient!

Someone still needs to obtain at least two doses of poison if the group wants to spoil the food at the gala. Whoever does so, please include that purchase in your next post - or be prepared to create your own.

The Pathfinders have time to make any last-minute purchases before the gala begins. Please include these in your next post.

The Pathfinders easily find Basira's home - an imposing manor of four gigantic stories made of brass and marble called Brightcoal Estate. Lush jungle plants fill much of the estate's gated grounds. Salamander guards stand watch at each gate, checking incoming guests for weapons and other harmful objects and confiscating any they find. The guards beckon to the Pathfinders to approach for inspection.

If anyone wants to try to hide something to sneak it into the gala, they'll need to make a Sleight of Hand check.

What do you do?

"Yes, I know Cirri. You hate poison. That's not why I'm here, though!" Riddywhipple lies. "I'm foraging. Remember I'm a forest dragon. How often do I get to see my habitat on the Plane of Fire?"

Survival: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Riddywhipple starts looking for supplies he could use. Confident he's found what he needed, he flies back to Cirri. "And some leftovers for later. The party will probably serve overprocessed junk!"

---

At the party, Riddwhipple is on his best behavior. For most of the time. "Cirri! Cast Invisibility upon me. No, it's not for a prank!" Cirri complies and he flies off to deliver the poison dosage to the food. Hopefully it's potent enough.

I don't have Sleight of Hand, but you mentioned Stealth would work at a penalty. Riddywhipple is invisible as he distributes the food, so add a bonus as appropriate. If she can't cast the spell, Riddywhipple will use his Greater Invisibility Spell-like ability instead.
Stealth: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (17) + 17 = 34

Cirri shows off her plain wooden quarterstaff to the guards. "It's my favorite walking stick." Which it is. She always carried a plain stick with her for these kinds of occasions.

Cirri waits for her allies to go and cause some mayhem. Maybe she can listen in on some rumors and see who to avoid.

Knowedge (Local), Aid: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Fahd wonders if his mutagen would be considered contraband. If not, he will bring it into the party. If not, he will drink it, immediately before entering.

Unfortunately, the foliage on this plane is quite unlike that of the Material plane and Riddywhipple doesn't find anything he thinks will be very useful. (Perhaps someone could assist him?)

The salamander guards stop Cirri. "Orders are orders, sir or ma'am," one says. "No weapons or anything that could be used as a weapon, and that's a quarterstaff meant for knocking skulls if I ever saw one."

Fahd's mutagen is fine (the guards don't seem to know what it is), but his collection of weapons is quite another matter. "Please leave those here, sir or ma'am," the other guard says to him. "You can collect any belongings you leave here after the gala. That includes those splash weapons."

Specifically, the guards will confiscate any weapon, shield, poison, offensive scroll, or similar item they find on a guest. Most magic items and armor are fine (exceptions can happen, of course).

What do you do?

”Of course, officer, safety first.”

Masayoshi gladly hands over all two of his weapons, as well as a certain ring of his.

Sorry, friend, I can’t risk you going crazy during this party.

Masayoshi will purchase a pair of gloves to hide his holy symbol tattooed on his hand.

"Oh, okay." Cirri shrugs and hands her quarterstaff. Hopefully her spellbook is alright.

I have +16 K Planes, so

"Oh, yeah I guess you would make great guards- you have keen eyes for weapons."

Because we didn’t explicitly state it I’ll do so now: we use the 500 gp Qalkami gave us to hire the Boreal Five to Masayoshi’s “birthday extravaganza.”

Survival, aid: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0

Toctep has given some pointers to Riddywhipple "Would sprinkling some ashes over the food upset the stomach of these fire creatures?"

At the party he hands over his nodachi, sap and javelins as well as his flasks of acid, liquid ice and alchemist's fire "Here you go officer. Thank you for watching over our safety" My body is a weapon

He then moves inside and tries to determine who might be a good target to scare away.

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20