Given the names of the Hellknights in question, the huge devil rattles of a long stream of numbers to some of the nearby imps. They flap off to who-knows-where and arrive back a half-hour later with copies the requested documents.
Gellius Thrune’s contract is especially ornate, and covered in gold leaf. Its core agreement is fairly straightforward: Gellius exchanged his soul for extensive legal advice and direct assistance in defending House Thrune against slanderous attacks.
The Hellknights’ contracts include two different sets of documents both signed by the Hellknight Staebius Kalmp. The first damns his soul to Hell in exchange for the physical strength with which to subdue the untamed wilds. The second forgives the debt of his soul in exchange for the souls of his four subordinates, recognized by the contract’s author as the signer’s property.
The contracts that Atum's familiar liberated from the mountains of paper will take a couple of hours to pour through, and will require a Linguistics or Profession (barrister or merchant) check.
At this point the party has used up 12 of their 48 hours and their caged imp is getting bored.
Desiring secrets above all, Jair against her best judgment accepts the deal with the Codex.
Let me know!
Of course Jair, just sign here, and here, and initial here. Honestly Jair, it would be simpler to just sell your soul to me rather than going about it piecemeal like this. There's so much paperwork otherwise.
Male Elf (Core) Diviner 8 | Init +9 | HP=40| AC=17/14/13 | CMD=15 |Fort=5, Ref=7, Will=8 (+2 vs enchantment, sleep immunity) | Perception +12 (Low-light, Detect Scrying) ---- Familiar Doru Div (usually invisible) => constant Detect Magic and Detect Good | See in Darkness| Perception +12 -----
Diviners Fortune:
10/10
I am sorry, madam Zarta, that was rushly. I am really fatigue. I will use some convenient corner or reading hall to familirise with documents. Will you join me to aid? I think you might be interested in and have far better understnding of hellknights stuff.
Atum than look for proper place and analyse documents, making notes for future.
He doesn't believe in 'game balance'. Gandalf always lets him pass. As a feat, he has Exotic Weapon Proficiency (beard). The city guard often question him, just because they find him so interesting. His dice bag is woven from tarrasque leather. His TPKs end game lines. His blood cures moderate wounds. He once punched a flumph. Yes, you heard me. He belongs to a prestige class whose sole requirement for entry is just being him. ♬ He is indeed, the most interesting GM in the world. ♬
Jair Whisper wrote:
Jair signs the contract.
Why in Hell, indeed!?
And here I was secretly hoping that someone would save Jair from her addiction in time.
Jair:
[i]The enemy of your enemy may be your friend. Soon you will be granted a rare invitation. You will meet a potent enemy in a blue turban when you arrive whom you can make an ally of, for his enemy is yours as well. Disguise you and your allies allegiances from him so that he might not know you are his foe. Listen to his tale. Convince him you can help. His evidence is true. Keep a copy of it close for it will serves as both a shield and spear against your true foe.
The Price:
The PC no longer feels strong feelings of happiness, anger, or other emotions. They cannot benefit from morale bonuses, bardic performances, or similar abilities. The PC also gains a +3 bonus on saving throws against effects with the emotion descriptor.
Lasaraleen wrote:
” Jair? Well yes , she was just here a moment ago.“
Lasaraleen looks around for her friend.
Easy enough to find she is placing a big tome back up on a shelf. She looks like she has cut herself though. A thin trickle of blood runs down her index finger.
Atum Shane wrote:
Atum than look for proper place and analyse documents, making notes for future.
Atum spends the next two hours trying to sort the random contracts he collected from the stacks of unsorted documents but cannot glean anything that helps the party's case against Leventi.
In those two hours Zarta heads off to touch base with a contract or two in the building. She returns with an official scroll encircled with a halo of mystic runes that orbit is like the rings of Liavara.
"This was delivered by an imp. It is from on of Erecura, the Queen of Dis's handmaidens, Rowane. She wishes to meet one or more of us at her palace Eleusys at our earliest convenience."
He doesn't believe in 'game balance'. Gandalf always lets him pass. As a feat, he has Exotic Weapon Proficiency (beard). The city guard often question him, just because they find him so interesting. His dice bag is woven from tarrasque leather. His TPKs end game lines. His blood cures moderate wounds. He once punched a flumph. Yes, you heard me. He belongs to a prestige class whose sole requirement for entry is just being him. ♬ He is indeed, the most interesting GM in the world. ♬
So it is decision time again. You have been in Dis for 14 hours (of your ~48 hours) so far. You have some evidence against Leventi: Gellius Thrune's imp, Tholvinus; The Hellknight's contracts, Some random contracts you might be able to pull some clues from given time and help; Thrune's own contract as well (see link above) though that one seems in order. So where do you go now? You could go to the Market of Breaths and get some rest (or to shop). You could seek out Vetrivides and talk to him again, seek out more clues or help in deciphering the ones you already have, make contact with one of your new numerous contacts, visit the Palace of Dispater's Queen and speak with her handmaiden, find something to eat, carry the imp's cage around some more. You can split up, and send Zarta one place while you go elsewhere, or you can go as a group. The choice is yours. Feel free to debt here in-character or out-of-character in the discussion thread.
AC18(T12,FF16) CMD16| HP 61/70| F +9 R +5 W +14 | Init +1, Perc +7, Sense Motive +15 | Haste
Jair follows Lasalareen without a word.
When the group receives the Invitation, in a blank tone she says
We need to accept this invitation, but we can’t go without a plan. We need to go without our host knowing our true purpose and allegiance.
After a short silence she adds I think we need to rest before continuing further.
LN Female Half elf Bard 7|DD4 Init +8 | HP 99/99 | AC 25, T15, FF22| Fort +13, Ref +15, Will +12, +2 vs ench, +4 vs bard | CMD 29 | Perception +22, Sense Motive +30
AMF:
AC18, HP44/88, F +8, R +8, W+8
Resources:
Claws 8|8; IC 13|21; LM 1/1; Reroll: Used
Spell Slots:
7/3/0/2
| Conditions: Delay Poison
Chandu looks pretty exhausted. I agree we could do with a break. Perhaps we can find somewhere to rest in the Market and spend a bit of time there looking at some of these contracts for more information?
He doesn't believe in 'game balance'. Gandalf always lets him pass. As a feat, he has Exotic Weapon Proficiency (beard). The city guard often question him, just because they find him so interesting. His dice bag is woven from tarrasque leather. His TPKs end game lines. His blood cures moderate wounds. He once punched a flumph. Yes, you heard me. He belongs to a prestige class whose sole requirement for entry is just being him. ♬ He is indeed, the most interesting GM in the world. ♬
Chandu wrote:
Chandu looks pretty exhausted. I agree we could do with a break. Perhaps we can find somewhere to rest in the Market and spend a bit of time there looking at some of these contracts for more information?
Zarta had mentioned that she had arranged for rooms in place in the Market of Breaths called The Warm Welcome.
Male Human Fighter 7: spd:30, Init:7, AC:24, FF:20, T:15, HP:15/74, Fort:8, Ref:6, Will:4 (+2 vs fear)
Jair Whisper wrote:
Jair follows Lasalareen without a word.
When the group receives the Invitation, in a blank tone she says
We need to accept this invitation, but we can’t go without a plan. We need to go without our host knowing our true purpose and allegiance.
After a short silence she adds I think we need to rest before continuing further.
I agree with this, maybe Hell will forget about some of our doings if we stay out of sight. Some things expire over time.Traffic violations and warnings go away after two years, same concept here, only we are staying out of sight hoping the Hells points go down.
CORE Female Half-Elf Cleric Sarenrae 11 (HP 91/91) AC 22[18] /12[12]/20[16] (CMD 15) (Fort +12[+9], Ref +8[+4], Will +15[+11]) (Init +2) (Perception +17[+12]) Immune Sleep, RezFire/10, +2 Ench 1/7 channels used {airwalk cir v evil } | glory+9 (0/9) used. Fire bolts 0/10 | 1 reroll
Jair? Are you ok? You seem to have cut yourself. Lasaraleen looks concerned and wonders if she risks planar effects to perform any cures.
Well, getting rest in this detestable place would be good. But it seems most of my connection to the Dawnflower will bring the ire of the world itself against me. I am fine either way, and will not risk anything too powerful unless our mission depends upon it.
He doesn't believe in 'game balance'. Gandalf always lets him pass. As a feat, he has Exotic Weapon Proficiency (beard). The city guard often question him, just because they find him so interesting. His dice bag is woven from tarrasque leather. His TPKs end game lines. His blood cures moderate wounds. He once punched a flumph. Yes, you heard me. He belongs to a prestige class whose sole requirement for entry is just being him. ♬ He is indeed, the most interesting GM in the world. ♬
Assuming no one wants to/or can help Atum with the contracts he pulled the party exits the Fallen Fastness under the glare of Phlagantres.
Hours later the party arrives at the top of tower--Infernal Ferriers. A grinning tiefling apparently known to Zarta with too many sharp teeth and a long serpent's tongue greets the party with a mocking bow. Zarta pays him 70 gp. Pocketing the gold, your host escorts the party to a gigantic basket-like contrivance out on one of the tower balconies and asks them to be seated on the thing's built-in benches. The tiefling leaves.
On closer inspection the basket proves to be woven of gigantic bones. Zarta takes a seat and waits, pondering.
A long couple of minutes pass when a horrific, gargantuan Hell bird shrieks from somewhere above. It swoops down, clutches the top of the basket with its monstrous claws and lifts the basket from the balcony and out over the hellish city. Seated upon the back of the infernal roc is your tiefling host. He is cackling and whooping like a mad man.
The great fiendish bird banks this way and that through Dis weaving through the city's many towers until it finally homes in on a floating chunk of black stone architecture drifting 300' above the ground below.
The Market of Breaths
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 larger even than your transport perched atop the central tower.
The bird lowers the basket to the ground in a wide courtyard, and Zarta indicates that the party should disembark. When they have their driver waves down to another tiefling attendant who in turn waves him off.
"Welcome to the Market of Breaths. On behalf of Infernal Ferriers we hope your journey was if not pleasant than at least an interesting one. Please consider us the next time you fly."
Zarta leads the party though the meandering merchant-filled streets until finally coming to loud smithy built into a fortress wall. She walks in and speaks to a lively looking copper-haired gnome. After a moment they both come out.
"Welcome to the Warm Welcome!" says the gnome. "I am Artinean Tecbright--most folks call me Arti! I represent the Armorer's Guild we are an interest for a consortium of business beings from the City of Brass!" He hands everyone a small brass business card. The cards are actually pretty hot.
The gnome gives everyone a warm handshake but when he gets to Shrec and Chandu he gets a puzzled look and asks "Say, what's eating you two?"
After the pleasantries
Come in! Come in!" Arti invites the group inside. The place is sweltering. Several huge efreeti smiths stand about the forge room.
"You can knock off for a bit guys!" says Arti and the genies disappear in several puffs of black smoke. "I've got you set up in one of the back vaults!"
AC18(T12,FF16) CMD16| HP 61/70| F +9 R +5 W +14 | Init +1, Perc +7, Sense Motive +15 | Haste
@GM I believed that Atum will get the stuff to the Warm Welcome for study. If not, Jair will take a look. Linguistic (aid):1d20 + 8 - 4 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 8 - 4 - 1 = 7
Jair don't seems impressed by the flight, keeping a blank expression.
== Inside the Warm Welcome ==
Jair takes the card and says in a neutral tone Thank you, Sir.
He doesn't believe in 'game balance'. Gandalf always lets him pass. As a feat, he has Exotic Weapon Proficiency (beard). The city guard often question him, just because they find him so interesting. His dice bag is woven from tarrasque leather. His TPKs end game lines. His blood cures moderate wounds. He once punched a flumph. Yes, you heard me. He belongs to a prestige class whose sole requirement for entry is just being him. ♬ He is indeed, the most interesting GM in the world. ♬
Atum would have to sneak any contracts out, or otherwise make personal copies of them, though folks could aid him during the 2 hours he took to study them initially--though he was pretty far away from success.
Male Elf (Core) Diviner 8 | Init +9 | HP=40| AC=17/14/13 | CMD=15 |Fort=5, Ref=7, Will=8 (+2 vs enchantment, sleep immunity) | Perception +12 (Low-light, Detect Scrying) ---- Familiar Doru Div (usually invisible) => constant Detect Magic and Detect Good | See in Darkness| Perception +12 -----
Diviners Fortune:
10/10
Before party wet away, Atum talks to Jair.
Hey, ms. Whisper, are you fine? It seems like you know something, others do not. And commune with something, that cannot be observed. And drops some blood to local papers. So.
Doesnt it endangers us and the mission?
And second. If I'd like to know answer, whom should I ask for?
I do not need hope. Hope is not pragmatic. Its irrational.
If there is no hope already, Atum will try to sneak scrolls out with aid by Doru and even caged imp.
CORE Female Half-Elf Cleric Sarenrae 11 (HP 91/91) AC 22[18] /12[12]/20[16] (CMD 15) (Fort +12[+9], Ref +8[+4], Will +15[+11]) (Init +2) (Perception +17[+12]) Immune Sleep, RezFire/10, +2 Ench 1/7 channels used {airwalk cir v evil } | glory+9 (0/9) used. Fire bolts 0/10 | 1 reroll
Lasaraleen looks worried but nods at Jair's response.
***
The flight does not do anything to calm her concerns. But seeing the gnome in Dis, strangely does.
Finally, someone I can relate to in this place. Thank you for the hospitality. As much as I would like to sleep, I worry we do not have the time to spend here overly long.
She will consider the clues collected so far and looks at Zarta, wondering what the woman has planned for the next day.
He doesn't believe in 'game balance'. Gandalf always lets him pass. As a feat, he has Exotic Weapon Proficiency (beard). The city guard often question him, just because they find him so interesting. His dice bag is woven from tarrasque leather. His TPKs end game lines. His blood cures moderate wounds. He once punched a flumph. Yes, you heard me. He belongs to a prestige class whose sole requirement for entry is just being him. ♬ He is indeed, the most interesting GM in the world. ♬
As am I! ;) So what's the plan for tomorrow? Most of the options discussed below still remain, with the addition of hanging around in the Market of Breaths (characters who do get a +2 bonus to their skill checks because Zarta has smoothed the way). Characters might also talk to Arti a bit to get the lay of the land. Leaving the Market requires flying (or falling) or taking another fiendish roc ride for 10 gp each (including Tholvinus unless you tell him to turn invisible; I assume Veshtahz is or just flies up himself). Remember to heal up and prepare new spells. Lemme know if you want to post a watch. Currently you have been in Dis for 17 hours.
The World's Most Interesting GM wrote:
So it is decision time again. You have been in Dis for 14 hours (of your ~48 hours) so far. You have some evidence against Leventi: Gellius Thrune's imp, Tholvinus; The Hellknight's contracts, Some random contracts you might be able to pull some clues from given time and help; Thrune's own contract as well (see link above) though that one seems in order. So where do you go now? You could go to the Market of Breaths and get some rest (or to shop). You could seek out Vetrivides and talk to him again, seek out more clues or help in deciphering the ones you already have, make contact with one of your new numerous contacts, visit the Palace of Dispater's Queen and speak with her handmaiden, find something to eat, carry the imp's cage around some more. You can split up, and send Zarta one place while you go elsewhere, or you can go as a group. The choice is yours. Feel free to discuss it here in-character or out-of-character in the discussion thread.
Male Elf (Core) Diviner 8 | Init +9 | HP=40| AC=17/14/13 | CMD=15 |Fort=5, Ref=7, Will=8 (+2 vs enchantment, sleep immunity) | Perception +12 (Low-light, Detect Scrying) ---- Familiar Doru Div (usually invisible) => constant Detect Magic and Detect Good | See in Darkness| Perception +12 -----
Diviners Fortune:
10/10
About hellknights related documents. If I see opportunity to get them out sneaky without huge risks - I will do it. Ifrisks are high - ATum will later use Share Memory spell few times to take a relookand work on with team.
---
Ariving to Warm Welcome Atum finally can relax a bit. He will gladly eat some meat and wine with fellows.
Arti, what a fine place here. I bearly step inside and fell as returning from hell.
Whats happening here around? Are here anything interesting about mortals from Golarion Material plane?
This night Atum going to sleep, or not?:1d100 ⇒ 25
Atum do not feel any Void pressure and dreams of (or from) Dark Tapestry this night. So he fells well in the morning and decides not only prepare new spell setting, but also spend 2 more hours to documents, awaiting more aid from teammates.
Master, I can spend 3-6 Share Memory charges from wand to make it effectively. And Diviners fortune if possible.
LN Female Half elf Bard 7|DD4 Init +8 | HP 99/99 | AC 25, T15, FF22| Fort +13, Ref +15, Will +12, +2 vs ench, +4 vs bard | CMD 29 | Perception +22, Sense Motive +30
AMF:
AC18, HP44/88, F +8, R +8, W+8
Resources:
Claws 8|8; IC 13|21; LM 1/1; Reroll: Used
Spell Slots:
7/3/0/2
| Conditions: Delay Poison
Chandu stretches and relaxes in their lodgings for the first time since they have entered hell. She shares a meal with Atum and helps him with the contracts.
During the evening she will chat with their host, So, what brings a gnome merhant to the depths of Dis, this must be a dangerous place to spend time in? Hoow have you managed to get yourself set up here?
To the others she says, We should probably set a watch. I mean no disrespect Arti but some of us and at this she glances at Zarta, may not be wholly welcome here in Hell.
The following morning she scans the streets outside.
I think perhaps a visit to the Market might be sensible now
He doesn't believe in 'game balance'. Gandalf always lets him pass. As a feat, he has Exotic Weapon Proficiency (beard). The city guard often question him, just because they find him so interesting. His dice bag is woven from tarrasque leather. His TPKs end game lines. His blood cures moderate wounds. He once punched a flumph. Yes, you heard me. He belongs to a prestige class whose sole requirement for entry is just being him. ♬ He is indeed, the most interesting GM in the world. ♬
Atum Shane wrote:
About hellknights related documents. If I see opportunity to get them out sneaky without huge risks - I will do it. Ifrisks are high - ATum will later use Share Memory spell few times to take a relookand work on with team.
Remember too that you have "allies" (of a sort) inside the Fallen Fastness (the contract devil Jarluxis, and the bone devil investigator Vetrivides).
Chandu stretches and relaxes in their lodgings for the first time since they have entered hell. She shares a meal with Atum and helps him with the contracts.
[Linguistics, aid, hell, heroism]1d20+5-2+2
+2 Zarta bonus! Having Zarta scout places is a good way to get around some of your planar problems.
Chandu wrote:
During the evening she will chat with their host, So, what brings a gnome merhant to the depths of Dis, this must be a dangerous place to spend time in? Hoow have you managed to get yourself set up here?
[Diplomacy, heroism, hell]1d20+24-2+2
+2 Zarta bonus!
I'll assume this happens during your watch if you set one, because the excited gnome tells you his life story about his strange gifts (he's an oracle) and how he came by them (inherited from his mother), his time on the Elemental Plane of Fire, the fact that he misses food the most in Hell.
"Hell doesn't really have many taverns he says sadly. Devils don't really sleep or eat. Man, I could go for a steak, or strawberries in cream, or even a potato with some sour-cream and chives! Oooh, sour cream!" he says longingly. "But hey, I see you look a little edgy there, you and your friend Shrec. Hell getting you down? I might be able to help."
Shrec wrote:
Traffic violations and warnings go away after two years, same concept here, only we are staying out of sight hoping the Hells points go down.
Alas, Hell does not forget or forgive, these penalties follow you around as long as you are in Dis.
"I've learned a way to get around it." Arti winks. "And I am willing to help for a small fee. You know parts and labor." Another wink.
Arti can magically hide PCs from Hell's Displeasure for a period of 7 hours for the low, low price of 300 gp.
Male Elf (Core) Diviner 8 | Init +9 | HP=40| AC=17/14/13 | CMD=15 |Fort=5, Ref=7, Will=8 (+2 vs enchantment, sleep immunity) | Perception +12 (Low-light, Detect Scrying) ---- Familiar Doru Div (usually invisible) => constant Detect Magic and Detect Good | See in Darkness| Perception +12 -----
Diviners Fortune:
10/10
I would gladly proceed with Chandu, but team separation leads to bad consecquences. Especially in Hell. I'd agree if we make 2 teams, but not three. Not as risky... and I'd visited Eleusys if you care. But also can try Andoran-democracy to decide.
---
I do not familiar with Julruxis, but really could ask Vetrividies to some support as it needs to investigation progress, wich he is interested in.
He doesn't believe in 'game balance'. Gandalf always lets him pass. As a feat, he has Exotic Weapon Proficiency (beard). The city guard often question him, just because they find him so interesting. His dice bag is woven from tarrasque leather. His TPKs end game lines. His blood cures moderate wounds. He once punched a flumph. Yes, you heard me. He belongs to a prestige class whose sole requirement for entry is just being him. ♬ He is indeed, the most interesting GM in the world. ♬
So that's two votes for watches, and two votes for staying in the Market of Breaths after getting some rest--at least for a little while. Any thoughts on whether to travel with Zarta or to send her elsewhere (while you shop around the market) to smooth the way? See places you could be going above.
Atum, Lasaraleen's teams are for guarding the camp while other people rest. The suggestions is not for splitting up (except for Zarta who knows her way around). Watches and 8 hours of rest for everyone would put the party at the 29 hour mark when they got up again. Does everyone have food enough? Everyone good on spells and health?
CORE Female Half-Elf Cleric Sarenrae 11 (HP 91/91) AC 22[18] /12[12]/20[16] (CMD 15) (Fort +12[+9], Ref +8[+4], Will +15[+11]) (Init +2) (Perception +17[+12]) Immune Sleep, RezFire/10, +2 Ench 1/7 channels used {airwalk cir v evil } | glory+9 (0/9) used. Fire bolts 0/10 | 1 reroll
If and when the gnome is able to provide some protections against the planar punishments, Lasaraleen will try out a channel on the party to get everyone up to full before she rests (or first thing in the 'morning')
channel:4d6 ⇒ (5, 5, 2, 6) = 18
Ah, much better. Now we can get going to the Market? Where is Zarta?
If and when the gnome is able to provide some protections against the planar punishments, Lasaraleen will try out a channel on the party to get everyone up to full before she rests (or first thing in the 'morning')
Ah, much better. Now we can get going to the Market? Where is Zarta?
Dis doesn't notice. The presence you previously sensed "watching" you turns over and goes back to sleep
He doesn't believe in 'game balance'. Gandalf always lets him pass. As a feat, he has Exotic Weapon Proficiency (beard). The city guard often question him, just because they find him so interesting. His dice bag is woven from tarrasque leather. His TPKs end game lines. His blood cures moderate wounds. He once punched a flumph. Yes, you heard me. He belongs to a prestige class whose sole requirement for entry is just being him. ♬ He is indeed, the most interesting GM in the world. ♬
Atum Shane wrote:
I am thinking about spell list for that day. If you get suggestions - feel free to advise.
Wait. Shouldn't you know being the diviner? Sorry, that's my one Diviner joke per game. Anyhow did you have any useful divinations left over from the day before that you could cast before preparing spells that might give you a hint as to what you might encounter today?
Any other takers on Arti's ritual that allows you to hide from Hell's Displeasure? 300 gp. Zarta declines.
He doesn't believe in 'game balance'. Gandalf always lets him pass. As a feat, he has Exotic Weapon Proficiency (beard). The city guard often question him, just because they find him so interesting. His dice bag is woven from tarrasque leather. His TPKs end game lines. His blood cures moderate wounds. He once punched a flumph. Yes, you heard me. He belongs to a prestige class whose sole requirement for entry is just being him. ♬ He is indeed, the most interesting GM in the world. ♬
I gleefully spend Leona's money to keep Leona safe! Does that mean I would just subtract 300 gold at some point from my own character? Or does that cost stay with the pre-gen? o:
"I don't see why not," Leona agrees, eating her rations for the day. "The markets may have more than just information handy." She doesn't say anything about Zarta, given that she's not really familiar enough with the woman to know where she would be most useful... Or how.
