GM Sparrowhawk's What Prestige is Worth (Inactive)

Game Master Bristor

Some clarification on names, as far as I understand it: Eleusys is name of palace, Queen is named Erecura, and she has three handmaidens, one of whom you are meeting: Rowane. You don’t quite merit meeting with the Queen, but you do get one of her closest advisors.

The Keleshite man’s eyes open wide at running into an Aspis team in Dis. ”My word, aren’t I a lucky fellow! You must be one of those infernal action teams I’ve heard about. Of course my supervisors wouldn’t give me access to you so I had to come down here myself! Where are my manners, my name is Kirash Nouri.” He pauses a moment, expecting introductions, but a look from Dasha and Kjetil are enough to keep him from pressing further.

“Hmm. How to explain. I exchanged property of the devil’s choosing – named Leventi - for a wish that gained me . . .” He stops, unconsciously glances down at his silver badge, and continues, “Well, what I got isn’t important. I realized too late that the devil wanted my apprentice, Narsino. Leventi, in error thought he was still my slave. Unknown to Leventi, I had already submitted the paperwork to free Narsino. I had grown quite fond of the lad. Thus, Narsino’s pending status was as a free person, not my property, which calls Leventi’s claim into question. I hope to prove Narsino’s seizure was theft before he dies in Hell.”

While credulous of Dasha’s lie, because of some sensitive aspects of the contract, Kirash needs assurances from you before handing over the documentation proving Leventi’s error. Need a DC 26 Diplomacy or Profession(barrister) check to persuade him of your intentions or expertise, and he shares the contracts with you (aid another is possible here). I’ll give you a +2 on it since Dasha was so convincing, and it just makes perfect sense to me that the Aspis would have dedicated folks in Hell. If you pass that check, then you have the option to review the documents and try the check below. If you fail, then he thinks better of revealing too much and will fight this on his own.

Nellie will use her hat of disguise to "reveal" herself as a part of the infernal action team.

"Yes, lucky we found you. Let's have a look, shall we?"

Diplomacy (aid): 1d20 + 1d6 + 13 - 4 ⇒ (17) + (6) + 13 - 4 = 32

Just need Antonaides' barrister check. Just wanted to clarify since there was a fair amount going on in that post.

Profession Barrister 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26 (assuming the +2 applies here to cancel the alignment penalty; otherwise subtract 2 from the result)

To Kirash, Antonaides says, "You have the right of it, my good man. You've caught a break here. Good luck."

Antonaides says to the party out of Kirash's earshot "Leventi made some glaring errors in this contract--unbecoming of a devil of his status. Even so, I'd say he's in over his head. Not our problem, but the sloppy draftsmanship advances our own interests.

Oh, and get this: this knucklehead here made a deal to become a silver agent. Talk about aiming high."

"No doubt being Aspis middle-management would be a fitting preparation for an eternity of damnation." Nellie smirks a bit as she considers the relative superiority of working for the Pathfinder Society.

The imp returns and escorts you to the norn, Rowane. Wide corridors through darkly beautiful foliage wander far enough from the iron streets of the city to be insulated from the omnipresent noise and heat. The journey concludes at a three-tiered gallery displaying armor, weapons, relics, and framed woven swatches, all built around a wide-branched blackwood tree with leaves of gold. A black-haired woman standing 14 feet in height looks away from a skein of thread and rises in greeting, gesturing toward seats around an intricately carved oaken table.

“Welcome to Eleusys, travelers. Take respite and refreshment as guests in the home of my queen, Erecura. I, Rowane, greet you in her name.”

Feel free to introduce yourselves to her; she pauses to allow this before continuing . . .

“My queen knows of your investigation and wishes to take up the matter. Leventi made certain promises in Hell’s name, the details known to him alone. She asks that you retrieve his personal records—should your investigation prove successful—so that she can see his obligations fulfilled and no one else suffers for his alleged mistakes.”

”Dasha Verkhovtseva, at your service milady. It’s an honor”
Dasha says wearing her most deferent smile

Sense motive: 1d20 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 1 - 4 = 11

"I don't see why we couldn't. Does the Queen offer anything in return for this service?"

Kjetil sees no reason not to try. While he is no fool, and is aware that they may not be being told everything, it seems to align with their mission, and he can’t sense any clear ulterior motives in the communication

"Rowane, I am the Queen's loyal servant in all things. I will do all in my power to retrieve Leventi's papers."

With the agreement to be Rowane’s agents, she provides pins bearing Erecura’s symbol, a halo of runes. While wearing such a pin, you can operate with the same authority as though they were bearing the writ of Vetrivides. After sharing a bit of what you have found so far, Rowane provides Erecura’s authorization to enter Leventi’s Scriptorium, but cautions you to make sure you have robust evidence before confronting the devil. Rowane also advises that once you enter Leventi’s quarters, you should look for further evidence of his obligations and deal with him to their satisfaction.
Mechanically, you’ll want a minimum of 4 evidence points, you currently have 3: Tholvinus the imp’s testimony; Kirash’s contract regarding Narsino; & the problems in Gellius and the other contracts you first examined.

When you leave the palace Zarta is waiting for you in the plaza where you spoke with Kirash the Aspis agent. “I thought I might you here. I wanted to share what I found while following up the lead in the Ghetto of Outcasts. It is a rather incredible story. The trail lead to the base of the city walls, which are inexorably crushing and consuming the souls of maralictor Devin Madras and Hellknights Aurora Tesk and Ria Dresk. These fallen members of the Order of the Pike operated out of Fort Inevitable in the River Kingdoms and died during a bandit ambush in 4690 AR. Leventi was the devil who shepherded them to Hell and tempted their comrade Teena Forester into his service. To this day, they do not understand why they ended up in Hell, and they lack the acumen to decipher Leventi’s contract. So, that contract may be worth examining in the Fallen Fastness. Furthermore, it took quite a bit of persuading to get them to talk at all, freeing them from the wall might make them even more appreciative. I did not have the time to attempt it.”

Where to next? Return to Fallen Fastness to examine Hellknight contracts? Market of Breaths for those leads and possibly to rest? Ghetto of Outcasts to try and free the Hellknights and potentially gain more information? And you can bring Zarta or she can pursue one of the others; even though she has visited before, she can return to get more intel.

Whichever you choose, the time of your initial contract with the imp has expired. This time he insists on 100 gp for another 8 hours or guiding. Pay up?

"Whatever we pick, our guide didn't seem to do much better than what I gleaned myself, so I'm not sure it's worth continuing to pay him."

with the -4 penalty, Kjetil is still sitting with a +14 local

"I'd love to get the story on these Hellknights. Perhaps we should look into the details of their paperwork first, though. If they have been lawfully detained in that wall, I'd hate to attract unwanted attention here by freeing them. They may be just getting what they deserve." Nellie considers the moral implications of Hellknights being trapped in Hell...and decides she is okay with it.

”Makes sense to me.”

Travel to next destination: Back to Fallen Fastness
Kjetil Kn(planes): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17
Antonaides Kn(planes) Aid?: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 8 - 2 = 22
Dasha Kn(planes) Aid?: 1d20 - 4 ⇒ (10) - 4 = 6
Nellie Kn(planes) Aid?: 1d20 + 6 + 1d6 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 6 + (2) - 4 = 17

Trip takes 2 hours
Countdown Clock: 35 hours left on writ, but you also now have Erecura's protection.

Zarta returns to Market of Breaths to pursue further leads.

You are able to return to your old “friend” Phlagantres and ask about the Hellknight Contracts. Once again it takes awhile, but you are able to get them.

Barrister check to review, and remember to add +5 for Jarluxis’ aid. Takes 2 hours to review. If you fail the check (see below for DC and details if you pass it), you can retry after another 2 hours with an added +2 bonus.

"Who would have thought that reporting would involve so much paperwork? I usually just sneak in somewhere, then write an exposé!"

Linguistics (aid): 1d20 + 1d6 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (6) + (5) + 6 - 4 = 13

Barrister 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (14) + 15 = 29 factors in alignment penalty but not aid

"Hmmm, it seems these Hellknights did not sign away their souls, but rather were consigned here by a contract between their superior in the Order and our friend Leventi. This is most unusual, to say the least.

"If we swing by the wall I could leave my card with these fellows, but..." we do have our 4th evidence point.

"It does seem like we have sufficient evidence against Leventi, but perhaps some personal testimony would be more...damning." Nellie just can't help herself, and chuckles at her own joke. "That said, this is Hell, and I'm sure the paper evidence we found will be more convincing in these parts than the tragic stories of some knights."

I'll defer to everyone's judgement about whether we go see the knights. Now that we have Erecura's protection, it doesn't seem like the timeline is so tight.

Yes, time is less an issue, and even with the remaining time, you can do everything I think. It's just a question if you want to. The scenario has another time, that you are supposed to move on when 2.5 hours are left, but since we are doing PbP I don't see a need to follow that. Basically, let me know if you want to move it along, but basically all that's left before entering Leventi's home is the hellknights and a lead at Market of Breaths that Zarta will share after this.

Kjetil would vote to move on, thinking that messing with the hellknights when we have the evidence is an unnecessary risk. But he wouldn’t mind following the group if others wanted to check into it.

I'm fine with moving on.

[ooc]Onwards sounds good[ooc]

Make it so. Let’s just assume the lawifrm of DeGuile, DeGuile & Plum will reach out to the estates of those knights about a retainer.

Currently sitting at 33 hours left on writ – which I point out b/c you’ve been working for about 15 hours straight. I’ll railroad a bit and say you meet Zarta in the Market of Breaths, both because you know she secured lodgings for you there, and because she had returned there to ferret out other leads.

Travel to next destination: Market of Breaths
Kjetil Kn(planes): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22
Antonaides Kn(planes) Aid?: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
Dasha Kn(planes) Aid?: 1d20 ⇒ 12
Nellie Kn(planes) Aid?: 1d20 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 6 + (1) = 9

Trip takes 2 hours
Countdown Clock: 31 hours left on writ; 17 hours in Hell so far

Arrival at Market flavor text: The floating tower drips a constant rain of pitch onto the streets
below and vibrates with a chorus of screams from the countless living tongues layered into its walls. In contrast, the upper portico hums pleasantly with commerce. Pergolas covered in thorny vines and quivering flesh loom over the maze-like cobbled streets. Snaking flames illuminate storefronts promising life, death, and everything in between, while tents of all shapes and construction host the quick patter of haggling and the predatory gaze of shopkeepers. Fiends, mortals, and more barter and deal, all under the watchful gaze of an enormous blue dragon perched atop the tower.

You get directions to the shop of Artinean Tecbright, The Warm Welcome, and find Zarta sharing team with a copper-haired gnome.

“Ah, speak of the devils! Artinean, these are the adventurers I was telling you about. They don’t take up too much room and they will clean up after themselves, I’m sure.” She gives the four of you a pointed look.

Artinean gives you a warm welcome (pun intended) and shows you the large room in back that you’ll be staying in. He also has some normal food he will share. Before resting, Zarta shares a bit more with you.

”I spoke with a night hag, Yseldra, who deals in souls. She is currently leasing one Ophelia Perrin to Leventi. From what I gather, Ophelia is a shadowdancer, and potentially quite lethal. If you were to buy Ophelia’s contract, you might save yourself trouble in confronting Leventi. I was able to negotiate the price of Ophelia’s contract to 10,000 gp, though you may be able to haggle for a better price, if you are interested. Now, get some sleep. You have a big day tomorrow.”

You can get 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep, although you do have nightmares; except Antonaides, who sleeps the sleep of the lawful.

Decision point: Go bargain with Yseldra or head to Leventi's Scriptorium? Also, you can purchase just about anything in the Market if you have need.

"I'm not sure how I feel about trafficking in souls. Winning one in a fair-ish fight is one thing, but I don't want to get in the habit of bargaining for these things."

Quite the conundrum.

"I suppose if we confront Leventi we'll be dealing with her too, in a way."

unless I’m forgetting something, it doesn’t seem like there’s much point in bargaining if the starting point is 10k

”A shadowdancer? Is this a lease to own situation or-“

I think we can do without buying her contract

"I generally try to avoid soul trade. Tends to get messy"

belated wand accounting from after the arena fight

1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

You leave Artinean’s shop after a modest breakfast and head to rendezvous with Zarta, who had arranged some more deluxe accommodations for herself.

As Zarta leaves a large building, Dasha notices someone in the shadows across the street who seems to be watching you. Once your eyes meet, the figure recedes a bit and yells, “Narsino and Teena, now!” You hear footsteps on the roof behind you and around another corner.

Round 1 of Combat, Kjetil and Dasha are up! Slide 1.
Kjetil
Dasha
Narsino (green)
Nellie
Antonaides
Zarta
Teena (red)
Ophelia (blue)

Kjetil casts Haste on his allies. And then moves away from his allies a bit, fearing an aoe attack
i can’t move him on my phone. I would like him to move four squares up/north. Thanks

Dasha pulls out her bow and points it toward the roof

readied to shot when someone comes at the group

Dasha, you will be taking a shot, so feel free to put one up and then I can apply it

whoops,this is day two. I’ll change my tracker next time I post

A combatant wielding a rapier comes out from around one corner, and heads right for Dasha, stabbing her and sending electricity racing through her body.

+2 keen rapier attack: 1d20 + 12 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 12 + 3 = 21
dmg: keen +2 rapier w/ intensified shocking grasp: 1d6 + 5 + 8d6 ⇒ (6) + 5 + (1, 5, 2, 1, 2, 4, 5, 6) = 37

Dasha, your shot goes off first as he comes around the corner

Antonaides and Nellie are up! Be sure to check the spoiler above about Narsino, as even if you don't remember it, Antonaides in particular probably would.

"Well, I suppose it was only a matter of time until someone tried to stop us."

Nellie moves up and around the corner, drawing a pin the size of a stiletto out of her hat as she goes, and hefting her umbrella in the other hand.

Rounding the corner, she sees blue and attempts to give the ambusher what for.

Study as a swift action, attack with umbrella.

Umbrella: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (4) + 16 = 20 for Bludgeoning: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10 and Sneak Attack!: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 6) = 8

Antonaides does indeed recall the details of that contract and never misses a chance to twist a situation away from violence.
"Ah, Narsino. I bring you good news: your contract with Leventi was never lawfully executed. With our help, your man Kirash will have you out of bondage soon. What do you say we call off this little kerfuffle?"

Antonaides activates copycat as a move action and takes a 5' step to chivalrously protect Zarta.

Dasha takes her shot
Longbow: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (14) + 14 = 28 for Piercing: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

before getting hit by a hefty blow
"ugg. Maguses"

don't forget you all have haste :-)

Nellie manages to strike the figure in the alley – and now that she is closer she sees it is an armored woman.

Zarta seems paralyzed upon spying the figure in the alley.

Narsino’s jaw drops open at Antonaides’ news.

The woman in the alley returns Nellie’s advances with swings from her greatsword, but Nellie seems to easily avoid the attacks.
attack 1 w/ Power Attack: 1d20 + 17 - 3 ⇒ (6) + 17 - 3 = 20
dmg: 1d6 + 22 ⇒ (1) + 22 = 23
attack 2 w/ Power Attack: 1d20 + 12 - 3 ⇒ (13) + 12 - 3 = 22
=dmg: 1d6 + 22 ⇒ (5) + 22 = 27

From the rooftop, the figure wearing Hellknight armor lets loose a rain of arrows at Kjetil, nearly dropping him in one salvo:

attack #1: manyshot & Fav.En & PBS & rapid shot: 1d20 + 14 + 4 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 14 + 4 + 1 - 2 = 22
dmg 1 many shot & Fav.En & PBS: 2d8 + 6 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (4, 6) + 6 + 8 + 2 = 26

attack #2: Fav.En & PBS & rapid shot: 1d20 + 14 + 4 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 14 + 4 + 1 - 2 = 26
dmg 2 Fav.En & PBS: 1d8 + 3 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 4 + 1 = 14

attack #3: Fav.En & PBS & rapid shot: 1d20 + 9 + 4 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 9 + 4 + 1 - 2 = 25
dmg 3 Fav.En & PBS: 1d8 + 3 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 4 + 1 = 15

Round 2 of Combat, Kjetil and Dasha are up!
Kjetil haste; -55hp
Dasha haste;-37hp
Narsino (green) -10hp; currently seems uncertain
Nellie haste;
Antonaides copycat & haste
Zarta cowering
Teena (red)
Ophelia (blue) -18hp

Dasha 5ft steps away from her attacker
"Dont worry Lady Zarta, We'll take care of this"
with a disorienting flourish, unleashes a volley of arrows into him

Bluff(feint): 1d20 + 27 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 27 - 4 = 38
Ki points 6/7

Longbow(rapidshot): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14
Longbow(rapidshot): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24
Longbow(iterative): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
Longbow(haste attack): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 16

I'm assuming I can get out of LoS of the archer with my hasted 60 ft movement, but I'm not exactly sure. assuming yes ...

Kjetil casts glitterdust on the hell knight archer (will DC20) and then moves the shortest distance that gets him out of his LoS

if he can't ...

Kjetil casts mirror image on himself
images: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
and moves to where he has the most cover (maybe that corner to his left).

Dasha - you are attacking the guy Antonaides was just telling he was free and he has ceased to be threatening. May I apply those attacks to the Hellknight on the roof? Of course you can tell me no, but I feel like the fault is mine for not being clear about his intent and success of Antonaides.

Kjetil can indeed move - will resolve save tomorrow.

thanks for moving Kjetil. boring story as to why I didn't think to put him there originally, but I woke up realizing it and came downstairs to find him right where I thought it would make sense

Hellknight Save vs. Glitterdust: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 4 - 2 = 5 Fails!

Dasha returns the favor, placing some arrows in the sniper. 57 pts of dmg

Narsino’s face changes from one of confusion to resolve. ”Then I am free of Leventi and these hired thugs. Please allow me to be of assistance.” He then casts a spell and disappears.

Round 2 of Combat, Nellie & Antonaides are up!
Kjetil haste;-55hp
Dasha haste; -37 hp
Narsino (green) -10hp; invisible
Nellie haste
Antonaides copycat & haste
Zarta cowering
Teena (red) blinded and fabulous; -57 hp
Ophelia (blue) -18hp