GM Valen's The Burden of Envy (PbP)(June 2020)(15 Challenge Points) (Inactive)

Game Master Lysle

She looks over at the affidavit with Ellvard's name on it.

The affidavit shows that Ellvard purchased a painting for a nominal amount and that Ellvard subsequently sold the painting to the Runelord Belimarius for a hefty sum.

Exasperated by Themolin's lack of cooperation, Zaza casts Charm DC 17

Game momentarily on pause before resolving this action. Please see my notes in the Discussion thread.

Can I use deception to try to suggest we go somewhere private to discuss the matter, implying to anyone nearby that we want to talk about a tax matter while letting Themolin know our true intent is to help him escape?

I like that idea!

sneak is really much more of an outdoorsy person. Or at least a sneaky urban person. sorry she's not more help here. If someone is an expert at something she can at least Follow the Expert to try to emulate them

Can I use deception to try to suggest we go somewhere private to discuss the matter, implying to anyone nearby that we want to talk about a tax matter while letting Themolin know our true intent is to help him escape?

Yes, you can make a secret Deception check to Convey a Secret Message (which would be a secret Deception or Society check.

If that is what you wish to do, then I will resolve the roll and move us along.

"I-I'm af-fraid th-that whatever it i-is that y-your asking for is b-beyond wh-what I can d-do right n-now." Themolin says in response to Zaza's coded request as he steps back away from the half-orc. He starts looking around nervously, as if certain that he is being spied upon. He is clearly now more reluctant to engage with the half-orc than before. It is evident that the bureaucrat is questioning whether or not he can trust the party and he is very reluctant to discuss anything further here at the Ministry of Tithes.

Themolin's current attitude is friendly to toward Katrina only and his attitude does not seem to be such that he would be willing to take what he sees as a considerable personal risk. Themolin is currently indifferent to everyone else.

Any PC that wishes may attempt a(nother) Diplomacy check at a -2 penalty to Make an Impression in an effort to improve Themolin's attitude toward them. This check is an open check and Hero Points may be used.

Pulling back the GM screen here a bit, the party has unfortunately encountered some bad dice rolls. However, I will note that there are consequences for failure in attempting such checks. Magic has not been attempted, though I suggest an use of it be discussed before an attempt is made. Additionally, I will let you know that there exist alternative methods to achieving the party's goal that may be available to the party other than spell use or pressing a nervous Themolin here at his place of employment.

Well. It's either that or bury at least six of these desks in paperwork. Oh .... that's interesting

She looks over at the affidavit with Ellvard's name on it.

Picking up the affidavit of sale bearing Ellvard's name without anyone noticing requires a successful DC 15 Thievery check to Palm an Object. Also, someone with he is friendly with Themolin could just ask him for it, I suppose.

Katrina drops her voice a bit. Looks like our mutual friend, Ellvard, been rather lucky with a transaction. Mind if I take a closer look at that? she asks.

Guntram's at a -1 to Diplomacy to begin with, so he'll be biting his tongue. Will wait to see where this exchange over the affidavit goes, but maybe we should see if he'd be less nervous if we made arrangements to meet with him outside of the Ministry?

+1 to that idea

Will wait to see where this exchange over the affidavit goes, but maybe we should see if he'd be less nervous if we made arrangements to meet with him outside of the Ministry?

Under the circumstances, arranging a private meeting with Pathfinders in Xin-Edasseril is not "safe" as the risks to Themolin of getting caught are quite severe. Therefore, Themolin's attitude would have to be helpful toward the requesting PC before such a request could successfully be made.

Katrina drops her voice a bit. Looks like our mutual friend, Ellvard, been rather lucky with a transaction. Mind if I take a closer look at that? she asks.

"El-Ellvard?" Themolin echoes quizzically. Then, upon seeing where the halfling woman is pointing, he replies, "Oh, s-sure. Y-you can t-take that d-document. I d-don't need it. I-I've already l-logged its c-contents into m-my report."

Thanks Katrina replies, tucking the document in a pocket. So .. what can we do tae help .... expedite the outcome we both desire?

Thanks Katrina replies, tucking the document in a pocket. So .. what can we do tae help .... expedite the outcome we both desire?

"Hon-honestly, I'm n-not sure wh-what I d-desire at the m-moment. Other th-than to k-keep my l-living my l-life." Themolin replies. "Y-you should pr-probably b-be going. B-Before anyone g-gets ideas."

Katrina just sighs. Tell ya what she says quietly. Here's where I'm staying. If you change your mind, send a message She scribbles a note on a back of an envelope and presses it into his hand, palming it as she does.But yeah, living your life in safety and stuff, I can see why you'd value that

She then glances around and says even quietly. Still tempting tae arrange for a hot date with your receptionist though ... but ....

She shrugs and heads for the door.

Zaza scowls at Themolin and leaves.

Before leaving, Guntram whispers to Themolin, Think on what's worse: stickin' around here and each day worrin' about bein' found out, or one-time the risk of gettin' out.

He'll then follow the others outside.

Well, can't drag him out of the city. What's next? The Arcanum?

Well, can't drag him out of the city. What's next? The Arcanum?

Looks like one vote for the Arcanium Abjurant. One more vote for going to the school or two votes for going to another location or trying another course of action and I will move us along.

Before leaving, Guntram whispers to Themolin, Think on what's worse: stickin' around here and each day worrin' about bein' found out, or one-time the risk of gettin' out.

He'll then follow the others outside.

Well, can't drag him out of the city. What's next? The Arcanum?

"Yeah, we might as well head to the Arcanum now. At this point we're probably going to have to abduct Themolin for his own good. We should see if we can find out where he lives and pay him a visit later this evening. If he still proves reluctant we can throw him in a sack and get him out through the sewers tomorrow morning."

Arcanum it is .... a scowling Kat replies. I don't get it though ... I thought he was desperate tae get out. Maybe he thought we were a trap.

Aye... Guntram shakes his head. Seems to be the sort who could easily convince himself of that. Course, I suppose that's probably not too far-fetched around here...

Leaving the Ministry of Tithes, the party heads to the site of the Arcanium Abjurant. The school's prominent location and sizable campus suggest that this wizardry school was once the centerpiece of the city. Now, however, it is but a shell of any former glory.

Several ruined columns line the front entrance of the white marble building where vellum banners hide broken stonework. A statue of the Runelord herself, Belimarius, stands as the only unmarred object in the courtyard--a clear indicator that it is a recent addition, post-dating the calamity that had earlier befallen the city. Otherwise, much of the school still lies in disrepair. Only a limited number of people can be seen walking around the grounds, their number being far fewer than the numbers of strewn boulders and piles of rubble scattered across the campus.

You are able to locate a weathered directory listing the offices of various professors, including that of Professor of Religion, Daffrid Chaverly. Vacant classrooms cover the first floor of the building while a stone staircase leads to the second floor.

On the way, Kat examines that document she picked up in case there's a note on the back or a clue.

perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

Upon arrival, she heads up the stairs. At the top, she pauses to scrutinise the woman.

Professor Daffrid? she asks.

"Chaverly, Professor Daffrid Chaverly." corrects the woman. "But, you certainly don't look like students. How may I help you?"

A picture of the professor can now be found on the Slides.

My apologies Professor Katrina replies quietly We were informed you were planning on ... erm ..... doing outside research and we were sent tae help expedite matters and tae assist you in that pursuit.

She smiles up at the woman

diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

"Chaverly, Professor Daffrid Chaverly." corrects the woman. "But, you certainly don't look like students. How may I help you?"

"I think it's the other way around. A mutual friend has sent us here to help you."

Guntram wonders aloud at the poor condition of the building, but otherwise remains silent and waits to hear how the professor responds to his companions.

"I think it's the other way around. A mutual friend has sent us here to help you."

"A 'mutual friend'." Professor Chaverly repeats, nodding her head. "I must admit that I was rather concerned when I had heard that our 'mutual friend' had left the city. I am, however, pleased to hear that the plan for 'outside research' is going forward after all."

Guntram wonders aloud at the poor condition of the building, but otherwise remains silent and waits to hear how the professor responds to his companions.

The woman walks over toward the open window, looking longingly over the rubble-filled courtyard below. "I suppose I will miss this old school--or I would have, had it been properly cared for."

"The Runelord, Belimarius, has done little to disguise her disdain this school, even after it was ravaged by the passage through time and the horrid riots that accompanied it." explains the professor. "Rumor is that Belimarius applied to the school and was rejected, then grew even the more vindictive when she questioned the capabilities of one of the students that was later admitted."

"But, the recent journey through time has brought new opportunities for exploration. Why, I here that there have been a number of new gods in recent ages--and that one has even died! How exciting!" The woman pauses for a moment, a look of concern on her face. "You are here to tell me that the plan is on, are you not? You will be taking me out of the city along with my spouse, Taffrid, and my two children, won't you?"

Katrina nods That's the objective

Guntram gives the professor the time and location of the departure.

A look of relief overtakes the professor's stern face. "Thank you." she says warmly before her demeanor once again assumes a scholarly tone. "Now, in matters such as these, there is, of course, the matter of payment to be addressed."

She walks over to a shelf and retrieves a small chest, which she places on her desk. Opening it up, she reveals a gold nodule aeon stone and a scroll. "To that end, I offer the following, each of which is an item that is magical in nature." she explains, "An aeon stone and a scroll containing anair bubble spell. I trust that it is sufficient to satisfy our end of the obligation."
These items constitute 1 Treasure Bundle.

"You are also more than welcome to take any of the contents of my office library." suggests Daffrid as she points to several shelves filled with codex, scrolls, and books. "I have no desire to haul them with me, but you may find them to be of value. As for me, I certainly won't be needing them anymore."

Any PC who wishes to examine the contents of the library may roll an open Perception check to Search as well as an Academia Lore, Library
Lore, Thassilon Lore, Religion or Society check to Recall Knowledge.

Any PC who wishes may roll an open Perception check to Seek elsewhere in Daffrid's office.

Please ignore the "Religion or Society (DC 24) spoiler in the prior post. It should be as follows:

perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
society: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26 to seek

Kat isn't really interested in the treasure. She actually scowls when she remembers their employer's insistence on payment - something a Bellflower would never do. She is curious about the humanoid rocky statue near the window.

What's this? she asks.

perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Sneak stands by, feeling more than a little useless once again.

Zaza looks around the room.

perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
society: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

What's this? she asks.

"What is what?" Daffrid replies, perturbed by the halfling's question. As she heads to the window, she lectures, "You should really be more descriptive in your inquiry if you desire a meaningful response."

By the time she reaches the window, the rocky form has begun backing away.

"Oh, that," says Daffrid as she glances at the figure. She sighs and shakes her head. "That creature goes by the name. 'Seddothrum'. It's a stone giant. It is a pest, but a harmless one. Too stupid to do anyone harm. I've told it repeatedly to stay away from here, but it continues to come around, especially when the children are on campus."

"It is a minor nuisance. Simply pay it no mind." Daffrid instructs.

A picture of Seddothrum is now on Slides.

Religion: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Guntram locates a scroll inside one of the textbooks, but otherwise finds nothing of interest.

Kat examines the stone giant. Is it sentient? And what does it do? Maybe it's curious .. I can understand that She pats the stone giant.

Sneak tries to figure out if she knows anything about stone giants.

recall knowledge is trained only, and I doubt Sneak has the relevant skills, but...

Kat examines the stone giant. Is it sentient? And what does it do? Maybe it's curious .. I can understand that She pats the stone giant.

"Sentient?" parrots the professor. "I suppose it has some awareness of its surroundings."

"Seddothrum is aware. And Seddothrum can do much!" replies the stone giant as he cautiously moves back toward the window and accepts the halfling's pat.

Typical of his kind, Seddothrum stands twelve tall. His heft is such that patches of soft earth readily give way as he steps, leaving sizable prints. What had at first appeared to be crevasses in the rock are now revealed to be deep scars etched within the stone giant's skin.

Professor Chaverly rolls her eyes. "Don't encourage it or it will never go away. I assume you wanted our 'business' regarding 'travel' to remain undetected, did you not? This creature's presence is likely to rouse unwanted attention."

"Not true!" Seddothrum responds. "Seddothrum good at hiding. As for 'going away', Seddothrum would like to go away too! Seddothrum is friend to tiny Taffrit Chaverly and to tiny Maffree Chaverly. Would like to leave with you all, yes?"

Can big giant fit on the ship? Sneak Runt thinks to herself. Who knows? The ship crew will decide!

She taps her finger on her chin. How to get him there? She eyes the giant. Maybe too big for sewers? this is a question for the GM

Tell giant to walk to cove by himself and hope for the best?

She does not consider the possibility that the party will turn him down.

--

Sneak tries to figure out if she knows anything about stone giants.

recall knowledge is trained only, and I doubt Sneak has the relevant skills, but...

GM, can you affirm either way? I am guessing it is Arcana, which Sneak is not trained in

Maybe too big for sewers? this is a question for the GM

Sneak Runt estimates that the ceilings of the sewers are too short for Seddothrum's head, and the walls are uncomfortably close together for a giant. However, she concludes, if the stone giant is willing to willing to put up with a bit of discomfort, he should be able to get through the sewer tunnels and the caves to Shard Cove.

Sneak tries to figure out if she knows anything about stone giants.

recall knowledge is trained only, and I doubt Sneak has the relevant skills, but...

The appropriate skill for recalling knowledge about humanoids, I believe, would be Society. One does NOT need to be trained to attempt such a check.

Katrina is also speculating if Seddothrum could get to Shard Cove but taking the long way round overland to try not to arouse suspicion. Also .. maybe he could walk underwater to the rendezvous point. When she mentions this to the others she asks What do you think guys. Could we get Seddothrum there discretely? I'd like tae try

She looks over to Sneak for her input.

"Well it's pretty much the sewers or nothing if you ask me. I'm sure we won't be able to slip him past the customs agents at the docks."

Not unless he stays really still and looks like a statue

"You could go through the sewers to the cove. Maybe the ship that is taking the Chaverlys can take you too." Sneak offers.

Sure enough, recall knowledge is an untrained skill. I could swear it was trained-only. I will pass, having only a +1 Society

"You could go through the sewers to the cove. Maybe the ship that is taking the Chaverlys can take you too." Sneak offers.

"Are you people serious?" cries Professor Chaverly in disbelief. "Are your truly considering bringing this...this...brute out of the city. And on our ship?!"

The professor huffs and crosses her arms. "I and my family were forced to part with expensive magic items in order to secure your help. I even offered my library and you seem to have found something more of value in it! " The perturbed woman points at the scroll in Guntram's hand. "My family had a deal with Guaril. As far as I can tell, the giant does not! Nor could it. After all, what does it have to offer you as payment? A pile of rocks?" The scholar accents her jab at the giant with a satisfied smirk, believing that her point has successfully put an end to the nonsense being discussed before her.

Katrina sighs Maybe he's not on the list but, my mother was a Bellflower, and I intend tae follow along, so it's on me - and I'm not wanting payment, so he's MY client ... and he wants out so .... *shrugs* he's with me.

Besides, I get the feeling he's friendly tae your children and vice versa. Would make a great bodyguard.

"Admittidly Cousin Guaril will be quite vexed at Seddorthrum's lack of monetary reimbursement. Fortunately for the giant, and quite frankly for you as well professor, Guaril is not the only patron of our mission here. She actually sees this as a humanitarian endeavor to assist refugees in escaping a hostile situation. Without her support I doubt Guaril would spend too much time worrying about the people he is no longer able to assist on his own. The giant comes with us."

"Humanitarian? That creature's not human at all." the professor mutters quietly, her arms crossed. She releases a huffing sigh, then says aloud, "So, you have my payment as requested. What do I and my family need to know and to do in order to leave this place?"

Guaril can take a running jump in the harbour for all I care about him being vexed Katrina grumbles. Besides, I got the impression that he cares more about the payment than your wellbeing. It's so tempting tae break into his place, after we're done, and steal your payment back so it can be returned tae you. Frankly I think he's ripping you off

She paused for a bit after that then continued. Erm ... let's just keep that among ourselves. If that gets back tae him, I'll probably end up in serious trouble with Ol' Muttonchops ..... I mean Venture Captain Ambrus Valsin. Goodness knows what sorta task he'll set for me if I get on his bad side.