GM Rinaldo |
Oh jeez. The plot thickens.
What is Laiashi doing right now? She could be here in this conversation, or anywhere else you'd like to wander to.
GM Rinaldo |
OK, I am back from holiday travel and hope everyone else is as well. Are we ready to get this going again? I was waiting to hear from Laiashi about what she is doing right now, but can continue the conversation with Gavril as well.
GM Rinaldo |
"Well, she's a little short for a human, though still taller than me. Dark hair, dark eyes, pale skin ... she usually keeps her hair pulled back in a long tail." The description does not match anyone you saw at the chandlery.
GM Rinaldo |
"...what are we exploring now?"
The GM echoes this question ... ;-)
The map shows the various rooms, including the ones you were specifically not invited into (the baron and baroness' person rooms, and the private quarters of the staff). There are also stairs into the basement, which you were also told was not appropriate for guests.
Laiashi |
Well since it's the baron we're investigating, I think his study and his quarters would be good places to look. And since the baroness specifically requested we stay out of their quarters, that leaves his study.
GM Rinaldo |
Her statement was meant to include his study, and if that wasn't clear I apologize. You would have understood that she intended you not to go into either. Do as you please, but I wanted you to be clear on that.
GM Rinaldo |
This wide courtyard has seen better days. Grass and weeds push through the crumbling cobblestones around a central fountain, which smells of mildew and merely trickles, its pipeworks filled with years of grime and corrosion. The water in the basin is dark and murky.
Nino the Green |
perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
"This water is really dark!"
Ushi Goroshi |
Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
"An unfortunate lack of maintenance. I begin to wonder about the viability of the barony as a trade...." Trailing off as he stares into the fountain's dark murk, Ushi kneels down to inspect it closer. "This is not natural. I know not what has fouled the water, but it is not simple earth." Speaking a few words, Ushi attempts to detect any supernatural auras on the fountain or its contents.
GM Rinaldo |
I'm assuming that was RP for "I cast Detect magic"? ;-)
Ushi Goroshi |
1d20 ⇒ 19
"Shadow magic. Not a surprise in Nidal." Ushi looks around at the rest. "I cannot determine the source, but something or someone is infecting the people with dark magic."
Nino the Green |
spellcraft: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
"There is a faint aura of conjuration and necromancy that appears to be related to the Plane of Shadow."
Laiashi |
"We have no direct proof the baron was involved in any of this, and the lovely baroness specifically asked us to stay out of there." Laiashi grins. "So, yes."
GM Rinaldo |
You go back upstairs and to the door of the study. As you check the handle, you find it locked. After you rattle it a bit, you hear a male voice from inside. "Go away! I'm busy! I'll come down for food when I'm ready."
Laiashi |
"What are you doing in there, anyway?" Laiashi demands, in her best Baroness Anya impression.
Disguise: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
Shockingly, the rules for impersonating a voice apparently weren't made explicit until Ultimate Intrigue, which says it falls under Disguise. Since Laiashi is technically a different race, I guess she takes a -2 on this check and the baron gets a +4 on his Perception for his on-sight recognition of the baroness.
GM Rinaldo |
I would have thought Bluff, but Disguise makes sense.
"Sorry, love, just working on my research. I'll see you this evening. You should get the cook to make you a warm drink or some soup, your voice sounds a little strained. "
Laiashi |
"Oh dear." Laiashi clears her throat. "I do hope I'm not coming down with something." She motions to the others to leave the study alone for now.
"Maybe look in their quarters next?" she whispers when they're at a safe distance.
Ushi Goroshi |
"Clever solution." Ushi murmurs to Laiashi as they make their way towards the other off-limits area.
GM Rinaldo |
Just a reminder, you saw Anya go to her quarters when she left you earlier. There is a good chance she is still there now. Is that still where you want to go?
GM Rinaldo |
Do you have anything else you want to do with the afternoon, or shall I fast forward to evening?
GM Rinaldo |
As evening approaches, the staff invite you to the drawing room for a drink with Lady Anya. You then go into the dining room, where a very nice meal is prepared. As you are sitting, you are joined by a brooding man of average height but sturdy build. His face is clean-shaven,
and his black hair is neatly cropped. He wears muted
versions of his heraldic colors, red and black, setting off
his clear blue eyes.
He stops as he enters the dining hall, surprised. "I'm sorry, I wasn't told we had guests this evening. My apologies for not receiving you before. I trust Anya has taken good care of you?"
Despite his pleasantry, he is distracted and withdrawn as he sits and signals for the meal to be served.
GM Rinaldo |
He smiles graciously and replies, "Oh, I'm well, thank you. Just lost in thought about my current research. I'm a bit of a scholar, and have some theories I am trying to work through. Please, feel free to ignore me. I will probably just have a small bite then retire back to my study so as not to impede your enjoyment of the meal."
Ushi Goroshi |
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
”Your lady wife’s hospitality has been superlative. If there is any assistance we can provide you, by all means call upon us. We are part of a society of scholars and while Nidal is much a mystery to us, we are eager to share what we can.”
GM Rinaldo |
Stepan perks up a bit at Ushi's offer. "Really? Society ... do you mean the Pathfinder Society? I've heard of your group ... though I have to say not in a positive light. Not intending to offend, but the stories I've heard paint your organization as being less than concerned about whose grave you might be studying, and whether anyone would prefer you not do so."
He seems genuinely interested in your side of the "grave-robbers and murder-hobos reputation. I'll take a Diplomacy check from whoever wants to take up the narrative about the Society to talk yourselves up to him. Anyone else can still attempt the Sense Motive check above.
Nino the Green |
sense motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
"Sir you seem concerned or even worried about something. Can we help you? We are very skillful in lots of areas."
Laiashi |
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
The baron is here, but the baroness might still be upstairs. Laiashi hopes to have a chance to sneak into the study, and excusing herself from the table would be easy, but far too risky without knowing where the baroness was. "Oh, I do hope you don't believe such tales," she says, feigning offense. "Ushi, tell him about our business." She nurses a glass of wine.
GM Rinaldo |
The baron is here, but the baroness might still be upstairs.
The baroness is here with you, I mentioned you had before-dinner drinks with her.
Ushi, I'll need a diplomacy check to try to draw him out. Bonuses if you describe the type of help you might offer and/or how the society isn't what he's heard.
Laiashi |
Sorry, I read that as we were invited down to be with her but she hadn't shown yet. Since she didn't say anything.
"Ushi, tell then about our business." Laiashi stands. "Now if you'll excuse me, I need to check my makeup." She waggles her fingers at the nagaji.
Bluff (secret message), take 10: 10 + 10 = 20
Message: "Keep them talking." Ushi can pick up on this with a DC 15 Sense Motive, or anyone else can with a DC 20.
Meanwhile, Laiashi would like to sneak upstairs.
Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
Patros Therinor |
sense: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Patros catches what Laiashi is getting at.
Well, some people have varying views on what we do. It's not like we march into a mausoleum and take everything of value. We have mission parameters and goals. Granted, not every agent is virtuous...but those are in the minority, thank the gods. And we don't leave a trail of bodies in our wake either. I have drawn blood in the name of the Society, but I rarely start the hostilities. I have saved a few people as well...on a couple of rescue missions...have you heard of the Dacilanes?
Ushi Goroshi |
"Patros speaks true. We have had our struggles with less scrupulous agents and leaders, but I feel confident that the days of agents making off with every loose bit of copper are well behind us. We have sent teams to restore sites that were...improperly excavated, shall we say? We have participated in pushing back the demons of the Worldwound and recovering lost histories of the land it was before. The result of our internal conflicts has been a re-dedication to caring for the lost and hurt Pathfinders that failed missions sometimes bring. I would beg your consideration of our work here, in your own lands, to prove the truth the Pathfinder Society's reputation."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30
He says, as his companion sneaks around behind their back. :P
Nino the Green |
Sense motive Laiashi: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
"In my defense, I can say that I have never shed the blood of an innocent person."
diplomacy aid: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16