[PbP Gameday VIII] GM Mindxing's Forged in Flame, Part 1: The Cindersworn Pact (Inactive)

Game Master MindXing

After Kulga leaves out the front door Malini sticks her tongue out at her.

Nella nervously bites her lip as Kulga decides to excuse herself from the situation. It's hard to tell for sure but Tarragon's continued silence on the matter would at best be neutrality and at worst, active disagreement as well. This was the first time she could remember a team being so obviously split on how to tackle a problem and knowing that it was at least partly at her behest didn't help her nerves any.

"Um...okay. Let's see what we can do. If it doesn't work then maybe we can try something else."

Once everyone else who is comfortable helping is ready, Nella quickly offers those who wish it a bit of Guidance before taking a deep breath and casting her spell on the contract...

Dispel Magic Rounds: 1d4 ⇒ 3

...and her eyes flash as she feels the ward covering the document flicker out.

"Okay, 18 seconds - go!"
______________

With Garduk's first spoilered roll above, that's one success for the first round with two more rounds to go~

Brayne watches Kulga leaves and gives out a nervous sigh, "Here goes nothing, let us hope the gods are in our favour!"

Also casting Guidance on everyone.

Brayne looks curiously and tries to help Garduk with the magical conundrum. "Hmm, what does that sigil there mean?"

Granted we have enough rounds, I assume we'll Garduk roll the rest with everyone else assisting? I'm going to go ahead and roll my aid for spellcraft, as I think that's the next logical choice based on the modifiers

Spellcraft Aid, round 2, aid: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 9 + 1 = 18

"Whoo, okay...I think maybe if we change the wording slightly there..." Nella offers, finally jumping in to try and help as well. After all, it was her idea.

Round 2: Spellcraft (Aid Garduk): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Garduk reads frantically through the unlocked scroll, searching for the weakest link in the chain of agreements that bind the imp.

"Where? Dang it, I don't -- wait, yes, there! I think..."

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 33

Sorry this IC post is late. I do not have internet often while traveling.

Before any apellcasting Tarragon asks

How is this different than theft? Did anyone ask about the origin of this contract or the price? If this is true love then perhaps they could go together to fulfill the contract. Are you all so willing to risk our mission for a devil? Are contracts not part of their way of life?

Garduk shrugs. "Devil, mephit, angel, axiomite, orc -- what difference does his species make? If you're worried about the origin of the agreement, let's ask him. Vassago, why did you sign this contract, anyway? And what did Qakalmi pay you?"

Tarragon, sorry about the traveling delays. Did you intend your questions before we began the rolling for skill checks? Garduk, did you expect you were responding before the rolls?

Yes, I interpreted his post as intended to be prior to the spellcasting and skill checks, so Garduk’s response and questions would also be before the rolls. I expect we’ll continue with the course we had started, but for my part I don’t mind pausing the forgery for a bit to make sure there isn’t another course that doesn’t involve dragging the imp off in manacles.

Looks like Tarragon intended his questions to happen before we started messing with the contract; if that's going to significantly change the outcome then I'm happy to put the skill-rolling thing on pause to see what happens. Up to whatever you think works best, GM.

Let's play this just a bit before we do the rolls. I don't want to steamroll any players into a particular path.

Vassago looks confused for a moment. "I didn't sign the contract. Qalkami and Malini did. I was Qalkami's property and she leased me out to Malini." Vassago casts a glance at the mephit, a bit of a frown on his face.

yes, before any skill checks. Tried to say that but phone posting is not easy.

I see. Qalkamii, care to explain? It almost seems you are playing the love card to go back on a deal you agreed to...I’ll add further that I do not think true love can exist between a slave owner and her property. Love would require you to set the property free I think.

Qalkami is the efreet we're working for, and the owner of the contract with the imp. She is not present. Malini is the mephit who owns the shop we’re in and who married the imp.

"Hang on. Vassago, you never had a contract with Qalkami binding you to her service? In that case, I don't care what the contract between Qalkami and Malini says -- if you aren't a party to that agreement, I don't see how you could be bound by it under anybody's view of the law."

Right, Qalkami is the person you're doing these three tasks for. Malini is the mephit here. Vassago is the imp."

"No, I was under contract to Qalkami. I guess you can call it a contract. She owned me. I suppose she still does. I've been in the family for a long time. I was Qalkami's grandmother's familiar."

Yeah and I believe that Qalkami basically 'loaned' the contract - and Vassago's services - out to Malini for a period of time.

"Contracts may be the way of devils but I don't see how it could be unheard of for one to fall in love," Nella feels inclined to point out. "I've even heard stories that there's supposedly a succubus out there who overcame her nature thanks to Desna. Anything's possible."

She folds her arms over her chest and gives Tarragon a measured look. "And Shelyn teaches us to always be open to that possibility. Love can bloom on the battlefield and maybe it can bloom in the heart of a devil, too. If we can do it your way and simply buy out the contract or convince Qalkami to sell or turn it over to Malini then I'm happy to do that. But I wouldn't have been willing to go along with changing the contract if I didn't think we could manage it - and I won't apologize or be made to feel guilty for it, either."

"I've said my piece," Nella adds after a pause, dropping her arms down by her sides again. "Whatever the majority thinks is best I'll go along with, personal feelings aside."

Brayne lets out an exaggerated sigh, "I may not have a soul, but I do have a heart! If there's a better life here for this mephit, and we can do something about it, why not? I have no reason here to believe these lovebirds are attempting to lure us to help them under false pretenses."

"If his contract was with Qalkami's grandmother, then let Qalkami's grandmother come enforce it," Garduk growls. "Look, I don't believe you can get out of your obligations just by claiming to be in love. But imp or no, Vassago is a sentient being, and I'm sure as Hell not a slave catcher."

He scowls, then grimaces in his failed attempt at a smile and adds, "Besides, the Venture-Captain did say we were free to interpret Qalkami's instructions to 'fulfill the letter of her request, if not always the grisly spirit.' Efreet twist the wishes they grant, so why shouldn't we?"

"...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."

"I don't frankly care. I don't like Qalkami, and it seems like our alteration has a good chance of working. If it gets the job done, it gets the job done." Brady looks to Tarragon, primarily, then some of the others who now express misgivings, then returns his gaze to the imp, steel in his gaze. "But it would be simpler and easier to just take Vassago back, assuming nobody here fights back. If we want to enforce the law, I'm sure the law would support that action."

Qualkami’s grandmother? Well that is different. And You make a good point Garduk. It would indeed be pleasant to twist the intend of a twister of intents. You have convinced me. I will help with this venture.

Thanks for letting me play that out. We now return to your regular scheduled forgery. :)

Back to rolling skill checks! Who's up?

Tarragon, happy to oblige.

So we have finished the first of 3 rounds where the contract can be messed with and you've passed the first check. Need two more successes.

The look on Malini's face transforms from joy to horror to grief then back to joy as the group discusses the fate of Vassago.

I just went back to look - aren't we into round 2? Garduk had a good Knowledge (Arcana ) roll on the previous page in round 1, then Nella, Brayne, and Garduk rolled for spellcraft in round 2 for our second success, right?

Yes! I forgot that we were using that Knowledge roll. Sorry about that. So we have finished 2 rounds and have 1 left. And we also need one more success.

Our next two options--almost the same--are Knowledge (planes) with Nella assisting Garduk's +14 bonus, or Linguistics with both Brady and Tarragon assisting Garduk's +13 bonus.

Brady points out some particulars of the contract's writing that could easily be modified without changing the original flow of the language.

Linguistics it is. Maybe guidance from Nella or Brayne?

"Huh. Is that what that means?"

Tarragon advises Garduk on the finer points of contract writing.

Linguistics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Whew...I'm glad we all finally came around to seeing eye-to-eye on this. Well, except Kulga I guess. Hopefully she won't be too put out by it all...

Though she's passingly familiar with the study of linguistics, Nella opts to allow the more experienced agents tackle the matter - though she does offer another small bit of guidance to them before they start.

The contract in front of the party seems to glow and shimmer. Traces of orange and blue light swirl around and through it while the group hunkers over it, covering it with various sorts of magical powers. After several seconds the magical energies fade and the parchment seems like a perfectly ordinary contract. Except that now there's a rather audacious marriage clause, hidden in the middle of a large block of innocuous text. The marriage clause allows the contracted party to be let free of the contract in the event of marriage to the contract holder or the current owner of the contracted party.

Vassago is confident that he can return to Qalkami with the updated contract, show her the new clause, and then she'll be required to let him go.

This encounter is done. Now what? The water naga? Yasmine? Qalkami?

"That was...stressful," Nella admits as they bid Malini and Vassago goodbye. "But I'm glad we were able to work something out. And we seem to be on a roll; do we want to go speak to the water naga about the trade deal or should we take a break and check in with Yasmine first?"

"I'm especially interested in the water Naga.." Brayne muses.

"Let's get the work done. I'm with Brayne; let's visit the water naga."

Garduk sighs and agrees. "The reason I wanted to see Vassago first was to put off dealing with a contract and look how that turned out. Sure, let's go see the naga."

Agreed

Kulga shrugs resentfully, "At least there we'll be in agreement on this thing keeping to its word."

Sounds good to me!

Kulga shrugs resentfully, "At least there we'll be in agreement on this thing keeping to its word."

Sounds good to me!

Garduk rolls his eyes and mutters something about jinxes.

Considering that aquatic dwellings are rare in the plane of fire, it doesn't take long to obtain directions to Soheila's residence. This residence comprises a trio of interlocking brass domes, its front entrance flanked by a pair of decorative waterfalls that gush down the sides. Several skylights ring the top of the building, and the entire structure rises from the middle of a large pond crossed by a wooden bridge.

"Well! This is a nice change of scenery," Nella marvels as she takes in the sight of the beautiful, watery home. "Ooh...do you think the interior is filled with water? I bet that would be something to see! But considering where we're at, I'm guessing that even if it is, there's still probably a receiving room to meet with air-breathing and fiery visitors."

Seeing no guards or gatekeepers about, Nella makes her way across the wooden bridge toward the home and keeps her eyes open for some manner of door or other entrance to knock at.

I’d be wary of steam. Tarragon muses.

Garduk looks around warily, paying particular attention to the wooden bridge before stepping onto it.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

At least we're unlikely to run into any fire elementals once we're in the middle of the pond.

"Hrrmm. Unexpected, to say the least. I wonder how this naga keeps her pond from evaporating?"

Kulga shrugs with a nominally disguised irritation. "She probably uses magic."

"Where's the rusting door anyways?"

Garduk examines the bridge and is confident that it is stable. He, along with the others, crosses to the front of the building. The front door is easy to spot and Nella knocks on it. A moment later a pair of lips appears in the middle of the door and starts speaking. First in Ingan, then in a few other languages, including common. The voice greets the visitors then asks them to wait a few moments.

Eventually a small plate in the door slides aside and an ophidian eye peers out and inspects the group. "Vissssitorssss, I sssseee. I help you how? What business has?"

Perception (DC 20): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

"Yes, hello," Nella smiles brightly at the curious and wary eye. "Are you Sohelia? We were sent here by one Qalkami; she's very eager to finalize the deal the two of you worked out earlier but said that things have taken longer on your end than anticipated. Is there anything that we can do to help you with it?"

May as well be honest here too; she's certainly not going to let us in if we try to lie about why we're here and get caught.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16

Perception DC 20: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

Before the eye appears, Brady grins as he recognizes what he hears. He turns to Nella, "She pumps the water out for visitors. Ingenious."

When the eye appears he remains silent, smiling and presenting a confident, welcoming attitude as best as he can.

Diplomacy, aid: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (11) - 2 = 9

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

Greetings. I am Tarragon. We hope to be of service to you and not the other way around. How may we help you quickly conclude your business with Qalkami

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Garduk stays near the back, assuming that the naga will be more likely to let them in if she doesn't see his snarling face through the peephole.

"Qalkami is eager to get your contract signed, and told us she believes all of the material terms have been agreed upon," he growls. "If there is a problem with the agreement, maybe we can help work it out."

Diplomacy, Aid Another: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

Without an additional word, the small panel slides shut. A moment later the door opens to reveal a small water naga. "In, pleassss come. Missstresss my issss waiting." She guides the group in through a small chamber and into a large room. The walls and floors glisten with residual moisture and it's obvious that until just recently, this entire area was filled with water.

This room’s gently curving walls bear numerous small windows that let in beams of light. Colorful cushions made of a strange leathery material create comfortable seating arrangements, and several beautiful paintings of underwater landscapes hang in glass-covered alcoves on the walls. Curtains of kelp cover passages to the east and west, and a heavy bronze door controls passage to the south.

A green water naga is coiled in the middle of the room next to a table filled with raw seafood.

"Ah. Guests. I am Soheila. Welcome." She speaks in flawless common. "You are hear at the behest of Qalkami I understand. No doubt she wants to finalize the contract. I assume that one of you brought it?"

Slides updated.

"She pumps the water out for visitors. Ingenious."

"Hmmp. Well watch out. Whatever they pump out can be pumped back in."

***

"Of course we have. Qalkami said you'd already agreed to the terms. Will you try to go back on them?"

Sense Motive (Study): 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 12 + 2 = 17 le sigh

I'm assuming the contract is the piece of parchment mentioned near the end of the briefing here, yes?

"Right, we did," Nella responds politely. "We've not looked at it ourselves - it's not our business or place to - but um, to be blunt, Qalkami made it seem like you weren't quite ready to finalize it yet. If that's actually the case and it isn't being too nosy, can I ask why?"

Diplomacy (Aid?): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16

Yes, that's the contract.

Soheila takes the contract from the party and takes a moment to read it over. "Ptah. Disgraceful. This offer is utterly disgraceful to a merchant of my stature. Do you realize that I am the prime representative of the Cerulean Wave? Did you know that the water we provide comes from the very heart of the Plane of Water? And this pitiful contract is supposed to be sufficient. I demand at least fifteen percent more."

She hands the contract back to whomever will take it.

Sense Motive Take-1: 1 + 12 + 2 = 15

Kulga barely manages to keep from scowling. Don't just break her smug face. Don't just break her smug face.

"I am certain Qalkami would never have intended any insult. May I see the contract again?"

Kulga pores over it, looking for a grey area that could be expanded to be an equivalent discount to allow Soheila her 'win.'

"If we were to offer such an increase, that would make Qalkami a highly valued customer, correct? And highly valued customers of course wouldn't be expected to pay this... transportation surcharge, or this... convenience fee?"

Diplomacy Aid: 21 = 21 Minimum result due to Sovereign Court boon