Chaosorbit's PFS PbP GameDay VIII #8-9/11:Forged in Flame, Part 1 and 2 (Inactive)

Game Master Chaosorbit

Gameplay - feel free to dot in

And we are off!

You have arrived at the Pathfinder lodge maintained by Venture-Captain Esmayl ibn Qaradi in the Qadiran capital of Katheer.

The lodge is a high-ceilinged estate with elegant arches and colorful tile mosaics. A young man brings cool tea to drink and water for washing away dust before sending word of guests to the venture-captain.

As the door opens to Venture-Captain Esmayl ibn Qaradi’s office, he sits behind an imposing desk and concludes an elegantly penned letter with a flourish of calligraphy. He smiles, stands, and spreads his arms in welcome.

“Welcome, my guests and colleagues. Let my family’s hospitality be your pleasure in this time we have together.” He fans the wet ink on the letter before setting it aside and taking a seat.

“To an outsider, it may seem that gold drives Keleshite society, but in truth it is a complex network of favors and patronage—who you know and how you have helped them are key. The Society is in a position to pay a very dear favor to a powerful and righteous demigod, yet our leaders require extraplanar expertise in order to perform said favor. Through my family, we have found such an expert who lives on the Plane of Fire. Her name is Qalkami Mishalq, an efreeti information broker in exile who also prefers favors to gold. The fire genies are notoriously shrewd negotiators, yet I believe the Society has secured a fair deal: four tasks of her choosing, and additional support thereafter to help her reestablish herself in the City of Brass.

The young serving boy arrives once more this time carrying a large plate of fresh dates, figs and other sliced fruits, that brings a pleasing fragrance to the senses.

“The Society and I ask that you fulfill these favors and earn Oalkami’s assistance. Kelesh maintains a significant embassy in Zjarra, the trade city Qalkami currently inhabits. With my family’s connections, I have secured you passage to the embassy and the assistance of a liaison to help you get settled. From there, meet with Qalkami and do what you can to fulfill her requests. Please report to the palace first thing tomorrow so that you do not miss the departure.”

As he enjoys some fruit it's clear he is open to questions.

do you know any specifics on the favors that we will be fulfilling? If there is specialized gear needed it would be better to prepare for that now if possible

The venture captain nods in understanding.

“I don't know the specifics, but this might involve some dirty work. The contract prohibits impossible tasks, yet it doesn’t account for ethical concerns.”

He takes a polite sip of date wine before adding with a smile, “Though I’d note that just as efreet often twist wishes, you are free to interpret her instructions to fulfill the letter of her request, if not always the grisly spirit. Just be careful not to warp her demands so obviously or blatantly that you invalidate the Society’s deal. The isle of Jalmeray sometimes challenges its greatest minds to
outwit an efreeti, and Pathfinders are among the greatest thinkers. You be the judge based on the opportunities that arise.”

"As for your second question, The Plane of Fire is hot, as should come as no surprise. Zjarra has a protective dome that makes it merely warm, making it a rare place for fiery creatures to interact peaceably with combustible foreigners. Step outside the dome only at your peril.”

Umm, this date wine is quite delicious, who would like some? He signals for the servant boy to serve those who request it.

The half-elf stands quietly, his rune-cloak causing him to blend into his surroundings.

An eye-and-moon holy symbol of an obscure deity hangs around his neck.

"Ethical quandries do not overly trouble me, as long as we are not oppressing the weak or outcast."

He looks at the date wine, but takes a pass for now.

"You said we were to help this Qalkami re-establish herself in the City of Brass. Had she fallen out of favor? Why?"

Esmayl ibn Qaradi smiles at Ranalus and answers,

“What I know is secondhand; you’d be better served learning what you can in Zjarra. That said, Qalkami’s extended family fell from the City of Brass’s good graces several decades ago or more. She’s kept her head low to avoid her enemies, most of which seem content to let her live in relative obscurity. This means she’s not bargaining from a position of insurmountable strength, but she’s hardly negotiating from a point of weakness. She could no doubt find other assistants beyond the Pathfinder Society, so don’t assume you’re holding all the cards.”

"If we are go to travel to Fire Plane should be get protection from fire to prevent possible injuries"

"How long do we expect to be? A scroll of Mass Planar Adaptation could help."

"Sssso let me get thisss ssstraight. We go to a plane of fire?"

Kaa is intimidating physically, to be sure, but he is quite clearly an idiot.

How much is that scroll? Would one use be much help?

It is 1,650 GP and protects 11 targets for 11 hours.
As an aside, I think just about every Nagaji I have seen in PFS has been below-average intelligence for a Nagaji, usually a 5 or 6. So I now assume that as a matter of course.

A sylph dressed in an outfit that's somewhere between a noble pretending to be a seafarer and a seafarer pretending to be a noble speaks after finishing a sip of wine. "I'd assume the dome's going to have protections against the environment, but something a little more personal wouldn't be a bad idea. We'll make a shopping trip tonight. Maybe pick up some resistance potions, a scroll or two, and a primer on Ignan. The locals smile more when you speak their tongue."

She swirls the glass around, looking it over. That's what you do, right? Swirl it around a little? Maybe sniff it. No, you sniff it before you drink it. Not after. Probably? She never was good with wine tasting.

"Let's be prepared to go places that our new best friend would rather not. Rough up some people who mean them ill, a little spying, all that. Mm. Speaking of that, do we have an espionage expert among us?" She pats her rapier. "I'm going to spit in the wind here and assume we won't be doing much sailing, so most of my expertise lies in planar knowledge and magical swordplay. Not terribly subtle, but flashy. In a good way."

Seems we are only missing Kitajo Uchihide, I sent a PM

The venture captain address Kiaru and Kaa, Yes! The plane of Fire, as I mentioned you'll be in Zjarra, which has a protective dome that makes it merely warm, so as long as you remain within Zjarra you should be fine.

Turning to Ranalus, Hard to say how'll long the efretti's tasks may take, hours, but more than likely days. A good Pathfinder is always prepared, certainly a scroll like that could be good insurance.

As Lady Pricilla speaks the venture captain seems delighted, Yes, yes, as I said prepared is the way! You have the right idea, my dear.

Any more questions for me?

A Knowledge (local or planes) check might reveal what you already know about Zjarra.

While a separate Knowledge (planes) check might reveal what you know about the Plane of Fire and its inhabitants.

"Do we have any other allies in Zjarra that we should be on the lookout for? Or anybody that we should avoid inconveniencing in the course of Qalkami's tasks? If she is asking us to steal from or manipulate those with whom other Pathfinders have cultivated good relations, we may need to try a little Efreeti wish-twisting ourselves as you say. Otherwise I would be inclined to just do as she wants."

Knowledge (Planes) on Zjarra: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
Knowledge (Planes) on Plane of Fire: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Ranalus will pick up one scroll of Mass Planar Adaptation for 1,650 GP. Open to anybody else buying some if they wish and he will cast them.

Yes Ranalus, we have an ally in the Keleshite embassy, your liaison there, will be Yasmine Zamara. I think you'll find her quite helpful and knowledgable about how business is done in Zjarra. The venture captain reveals.

Ranalus recalls some things he knows about Zjara and the Plane of Fire. Quite possibly the second largest city on the Elemental Plane of Fire, Zjarra is devoted almost entirely to trade, and it is one of the most popular destinations for extraplanar merchants traveling to the plane. In order to accommodate these travelers, the city boasts a massive, crystalline dome that protects the inhabitants from the plane’s broiling temperatures. The city is designed to accommodate travelers from all kinds of locations. Zjarra has embassies representing a number of different planes and worlds, many of which host creatures even stranger and more alien than the Plane of Fire’s own inhabitants. The city features a diverse array of climates and conditions to support these unusual guests. As for the Plane of Fire, almost everything on the Plane of Fire is made of fire, lava, or something else that burns. Outside of rare safe spots where powerful magic keeps the plane’s flames at bay, it is extremely dangerous. The main inhabitants of the Plane of Fire are azers, efreet, fire elementals, magmins, mephits, and salamanders. The City of Brass, a magnificent hub of interplanar trade and the capital of an efreeti empire, is the plane’s largest city by far.

I am here now, just bad at dotting in to gameplay threads

Kitajo declines the offer of wine preferring to stick to cool tea.

He listens, but does not speak until the end of the briefing.

I shall ponder and perhaps make some purchases of my own also.

Satisfied that questions have been answered the venture-captain concludes the meeting, he personally shows you to their quarters, you have plenty of time to go and make purchases, and later the venture captain shares dinner you. He imparts a final reminder to be sure not to be late, as the envoys won’t wait for you and concludes the evening.

The next morning you rush off to the Satrap's Palace where Keleshite officials are waiting for you. Upon confirming who you are and why they’re there, two lavishly dressed officials escort you to a dedicated transportation room that features a large stone dais engraved with intricate runes. Here, several important Keleshite merchants and ambassadors prepare to depart as well.

Moments later the entire group is transported via plane shift to a nearly identical chamber in the Keleshite embassy in Zjarra! As you exit the room you are greeted a Keleshite woman, she is dressed in blue silks and has an air of confidence about her.

Greetings members of the Pathfinder Society, I am your embassy liaison, Yasmine Zamara. Welcome to Zjarra.

Feel free to post actions pre-Zjarra, as well as interact with Yasmine.

when Narong speaks his speech is very different than Kaa Slith and is very heavily Tien accented as opposed to heavy sibilants. Thank you for greeting us. It is my hope that we may be of some service during our stay here.

"Greetings, Yasmine. We understand we are to accomplish four tasks for Qalkami Mishalq. I would like to know if the Pathfinder Society has particular allies in Zjarra that we should be wary of upsetting during our performance of these tasks. If Qalkami sets us against allies of the Society, or others that it would be unwise to upset, we may have to get creative. In which case we could use your advice."

Kitajo bows to Yasmine. Well met. I am Kitajo. Please lead on.

Yasmine nods at the greetings, and address Ranalus's statement. That is my understanding as well. I don't know that your society has any allies in Zjarra, as of yet. Other than we here at the embassy anyway. I don't know what the efretti will require, but please do consult with me. I'll offer you what I know of the situation and task.

She pauses as she leads you down a long hallway, stops and remarks.

It goes without saying that many creatures that might be considered “monsters” back home are, in fact, law-abiding citizens here. Of course you are entitled to defend themselves, if attacked. She moves on.

Let me show you to your accommodation She stops once more, your rooms are here, she gestures left and right in the hall.

Now let me provide you some directions to Qalkami’s home at Cinderstone Manor. Which she does.

I cam arrange for staff at the embassy to procure items for you if you need something specific. You'll have to pay for these of course. Do you have any other questions for me? If not, settle in and then find me before you head off for Cinderstone Manor.

until we know what tasks are required i cannot think of anything else i will need, anyone else?

No thank you. As Narong here says until we know our tasks it is hard to say what special equipment we may require. He heads into the room assigned to him, settles himself and begins to meditate.

"SSSSometimessss I am called a monssster back home as well. We will be careful not to offend the local culture."

Of course, Kaa probably has no idea what that means.

I am willing to pick up another one of those scrolls if we end up needing them, but it sounds like we would have some warning before leaving a city, so I will wait until the need is clearer.

"Thank you for the room."

Buying a Potion of Resist Fire for 300g before we head out.

"Well, it's good to be here. Nice and warm. Yasmine, was it? Pleasure."

The swashbuckler-looking sylph has a bit of a spring to her step. "Even if it isn't my favorite plane, it'll be nice to see the locals and their friends in their natural environment. Talking to conjured elementals and pact-bound slaves is...." she pauses, her expression souring. "depressing."

Once you've settled in and are ready to depart, Yasmine gives you a final bit of advice:

“I understand that you have been tasked with serving Qalkami in order to gain information for the Pathfinders. From what I’m told, it’s a worthy endeavor. But you should take care not to underestimate Qalkami: she is cunning, clever, and ruthless, even for an efreeti. I’m fairly well versed on the political realities here in jarra, and I have a few connections. If you have doubts about any of the tasks that she sets for you, I’m always happy to provide any insight I may have, especially if it means avoiding criminal activity or minimizing chaos.”

You head outside the embassy building into a bright and bustling city. Far above stretches an enormous crystalline dome, and beyond it a sky of swirling red and orange inferno. The air is hot and thick, reminiscent of a humid jungle. The lush jungle plants that seem to fill every inch of space not occupied by roads or buildings only reinforces the notion. Zjarra’s population is primarily a mix of azers, efreet, mephits, and salamanders as they bustle about. But throughout Zjarra, you catch sight of all manner of strange creatures going about their daily lives. There is certainly some tension when the occasional angel rubs shoulders with a devil, but any hostility goes no further than a scowl, a sneer, or an unearthly growl. And in many ways reflecting the strong ties to the Padishah Empire, Zjarra’s streets as often echo with Kelish phrases as they do common words.

With Yasmine’s directions, you have little difficulty finding Qalkami’s home, a domineering, gothic-style edifice of scorched adobe that towers three exaggerated stories in height and is topped by several spiked spires. A stone path crosses a yard of smoldering coals and leads to an ornate brass door with a knocker in the shape of a snarling hellhound, the ring cast to resemble flames pouring from its mouth. An azer servant answers the door, and upon confirming your business, invites you inside to a lavish sitting room outfitted with large chairs upholstered in ruddy, heat-resistant leather.

After making the you wait just long enough to remind you who’s in charge, Qalkami Mishalq strides into the room. She is an imposing figure with the strength of a fire giant, the dangerous elegance of an erinyes, and a fiery scar that runs down one side of her face.

Please help your whatever refreshments you please from over there. Pointing to a nearby liquor cabinet, she speaks with a thick accent.

Welcome, let's get to know one another Pathfinders. Why don't you each introduce yourself. She says with a knowing look.

Narong bows slightly before beginning to speak. My name is Narong thank you for your hospitality, but i require no refreshments at this time. I hope that we may have a mutually beneficial relationship

Kitajo bows respectfully. I am Kitajo Uchihide. A simple follower of Irori seeking personal growth and perfection. The Pathfinder Society presents me with opportunities to grow, much like the opportunities that I believe you will present.

Ranalus goes to the liquor cabinet and pours himself a small drink. "Last time I was in Taldor with the Society our drinks were poisoned. Such a sacrilege. Those responsible paid with their lives." He is entirely nonchalant as he says this.

He does not bow, but raises his glass in a toast to his hostess.

And then he casually takes a sip. "I know you have no reason to want us dead, and could easily accomplish it if you so wished."

"I am Ranalus, servant of Count Ranalc the Betrayed, Fey lord and patron of those who wander in the night." That is, the Exploration and Darkness domains. And whether Count Ranalc is the Betrayed or the Traitor is a matter of perspective...

"My eyes are keen and my magic is versatile."

"Lady Priscilla Northwind. Pathfinder, sailor, and advocate for people like us." She grins. "After all, someone's got to put those uppity, wish-farming conjurers to the sword."

Priss helps herself to the brandy. Brandy's usually good. Yes, it'll be good. The sylph means business. She means Brandy Business.

"Greetings my name is Kiaru and im this type of people that help with problems with the property reward"

”Kaa.” is all he says as the strapping nagaji shovels in food only moments after the suggestion is made.

After a few bigger bites, he continues. ”We are here to help. Tell ussss how you need usss.”

Qalkami listens in Well I see most of you are short and too the point. But it matters not, obviously I need help and here you are, the famous Pathfinders. And I'm not one to waste favors so quickly, yet that with the rise of a new Sultana in the City of Brass, there are certain opportunities awaiting me, that, well simply cannot wait.

She adds Zjarra provides me no shortage of possible agents, and contracting the Pathfinder Society is merely a convenient means to get
certain jobs done. So we'll see how you fare on the Plane of Fire. So let's get down to business.

The efreeti begins ticking off tasks on her fingers. First, one of my agents, Carlin Nestor, has attracted the attention of a broken inevitable, Tavar. Apparently, it’s trying to bring him to justice for a crime for which he was already tried and acquitted. I might find that amusing if it weren’t so annoying. Carlin is a valuable resource, and I can’t make use of him as long as he has this tin can constantly stirring up trouble. Carlin is currently lying low in a safehouse I maintain nearby. I’m sure he’ll be happy to provide you with the details.

Second, there is a family heirloom that you should recover. Some time ago, in exchange for a variety of services, I loaned my grandmother’s familiar, an imp named Vassago, to a local mephit named Malini, who runs the Eye of Flame Magic Shop here in town. The loan has since expired, but the imp has not been returned. I could involve the authorities, but a public spectacle highlighting my previous affiliation with a mephit, of all things, would not help my political ambitions. I’d like you to reclaim Vassago, as well as the contract that commands his service, and return them to me—without attracting too much attention.

Qalkami produces a rolled-up vellum parchment. The third task should be a very simple one. I have expended considerable energy negotiating a
deal with a water naga merchant named Soheila here in Zjarra, and she represents a larger conglomerate from the Plane of Water. Soheila has
already agreed to the terms, but she has provided excuse after excuse to avoid finalizing the agreement. She clearly doesn’t understand what
a good deal she’s getting, and may need some encouragement to sign. I want you to visit her at her home and ensure the contract gets signed.

Besides the contract, Qalkami provides another parchment that summarizes the tasks .

Qalkami sits back an odd smile on her face.

i have a question. If, as you say Carlin has been acquitted of this un named crime, why is he being sought out. I assume he was tried before some sort of magistrate and there surely was some sort message relayed of his innocence to prevent undeserved persecution such as this

Gang -- this one has sort of an extend intro -- sort of 3 intro sections. Get your questions in here and then we'll be off to the tasks

Also did anyone play Pathfinder Society Scenario #6–17: Fires of Karamoss on this character?

That's Carlin was tried and acquitted by the local magistrate. As you probably know Inevitables are construct-like outsiders built by the axiomites to enforce law. This particular on seems to be malfunctioning. It’s a mechanical construct, not even really alive. From what I understand of the situation, its legal authority here is questionable at best. The efreeti pauses. Carlin can tell you more.

Priss takes a sip from her drink as she considers. Interesting tasks, and seemingly simple enough. But that smile at the end, that's what has her worried. She searches their contact's facial features. Her subtle movements. Her body language. It's body language, right?

The self-entitled Lady never was that good at reading people, but it was worth a try. As much as she didn't want to stereotype, it was never wise to go through with a bargain without at least keeping en eye out for mischief.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (17) + 0 = 17

"First, what's Carlin being pinned for?"

"Second, are you on good terms with this mephit? I'd like to know the context before I go stumbling in there."

"And this... Soheila. Pretty evasive. They the sort to get violent when someone starts asking about sensitive topics, or do they know better?"

Ranalus isn't certain of the value of asking questions here. The Efreeti could be dishonest or at least misleading. But maybe he would pick up on that, so he'll ask.

"And the imp? What was your relationship with the fiend? Perhaps it has escaped and Malini fears your displeasure."

Kitajo stands silently as the tasks are enumerated. He studies Qalkami trying to ascertain if there is any deception or word trickery at play.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

Priscilla and Kitajo get the sense that Qalkami is very confident in herself and you, but can't detect any outright deception.

Answering Priscilla, With Carlin, it has something to do with the sale of some alchemicals, perfectly legal here. Carlin can give you the boring details. But what's important is dealing with this inevitable.

As for the Mephit, I'd describe our relationship as business-like. But what I can say is I doubt she’ll part with the creature willingly: apparently she’s taken something of a shine to him. She chuckles derisively before exclaiming, Mephits! Honestly…

As for the imp, it's a family heirloom, never escaped or ran away on anyone in the family. If that's the case.. She catches Ranalus's gaze. I guess you try to track it down, if you can't, I'd appreciate a word with Malini.

Soheila, violent no I doubt it. Do whatever you need to do to make her want to sign it, of course, I doubt it comes to violence. Flatter her and appeal to her vanity, or offer her your services to sweeten the deal. Zjarran authorities typically don’t approve of magical compulsion, but assuming nobody were the wiser, nobody would think it a crime. The important thing is that you come back with a signature.

Any final questions? If not what's the plan?

I guess we head out. Unless anyone has a better idea lets just tackle them in order. To Carlin and Tavar?

or try and talk to someone at the magistrates office first, Narong is a paladin of ragathiel making sure the guilty are punished is part of his paladins code

"Very well. We will deal with Carlin first."

I could be wrong, but this overall scenario does not sound like an ideal mission for a paladin so far. Our job is to do these tasks for Qalkami regardless of their moral virtue. And if they are too offensive we are to get around that through trickery, more or less, without upsetting her too much. Bringing her problems to the authorities is likely to cause us to fail the mission, especially #2. I do not support going to the magistrates. Narong will probably have to employ some flexibility
and settle for us being less bad than we would have been without him. I empathize and have had LG types stuck in dishonorable missions before.

We can go to Yasmine with a more questionable mission but this first one doesn't seem too bad. Malfunctioning inevitable.

”Knock down broken machine? Yah, I like beginning with that.”

I agree - tough one for a paladin to keep the faith. Just remember that we are all here to succeed first. Since we really have no reason yet to believe we are being lied to, I would think that your morale code doesn’t necessarily require a talk with the magistrate. I don’t really think we need to go there either. In fact, it sounds like a malfunctioning inevitable trying to punish the innocent absolutely requires justice :)

Priss stands, brushing herself off. "Yeah, let's start from the top. This one should be pretty simple."

Then, she turns to the group. "So. Let's talk tactics on the way. Are we just busting its brains in, or do you want to try to talk to the sputtering thing first? I'm fine either way, really."

Narong encourages the team to take a trip to the local magistrate, but in the end the group heads to Qalkami's safehouse to meet with Carlin.

Based on Qalkami directions you arrive at Kelzimak Glassworks, a building primarily made of glass with a metal frame and a section of a metal building at the back of the structure.

You enter to find an impish elemental tending the shop.

It heckles you in broken Common,

Ah, what want? Why here? You come buy Kelzimak work? Huh, what u want?

He gestures to pieces of curving glassware tinted in strange hues unlike anything you've seen on the prime material plane, that line the walls or stand on there own throughout the shop.

You buy? The elemental inquires.

We would speak with Carlin?

Kelzimak scowls and points to the back of the shop, and exclaims, Then I never saw you! I asked no questions!

At the back of the shop is a corroded iron door.

Ranalus walks up to the door, places his hand on it, and looks through.
Using Door Sight (Exploration subdomain ability). Can see through up to 11 inches. Takes 1 minute to use.

"Just being prudent... want to know what we are walking into."

Beyond the corroded iron door is a cramped space designed to keep someone safe, but not comfortable. On a stiff looking settee is tiefling dressed in fine but crumpled clothes that complement his light green skin, and his usually well-trimmed beard is becoming scraggly from several days
without maintenance. The tiefling sits nervously on the edge of the settee, listening to something.

Ranalus opens the door.
"Carlin Nestor. We are here on behalf of Qalkami to help you in dealing with the inevitable."
Ranalus allows himself a slight smile at the wordplay.

”Yessss, prudent to touch the door for a while,” Kaa agrees, not even questioning the situation. ”Can’t we just grab this little guy?”