GM Valen's PFS 1-12 The Burden of Envy (June 2020)(Table 2)(12 Challenge Points) (Inactive)

Game Master Lysle

"Yuleg, has a rather giant fellow come by yet? Quiet sort." the rogue asks.

"I assume that you are referring to that fellow? Seddothrum, I believe his name was?"[/b] Yuleg asks in reply. "Unfortunately, didn't have a bed big enough for him. But, I doubt anyone'll be bothering that big 'pile of rocks' lying out in my stable."

"Now Ma always says to get rest and drink plenty of liquids, and it helps a lot." Miladistra enters Ma Mode without thinking twice. "Any idea where the infection came from?"

Vurna seems a little embarrassed by all of the attention, but certainly appreciative of the help in getting her well, including Jak's offer. She does not, however, seem to be very responsive to Zabu's "charm". The young woman does not appear to be displeased or annoyed by the attention, but instead more oblivious to it.

When the conversation turns to the source of the infection, the young dwarf blushes.

Yuleg shakes his head, but urges the girl anyway. "Go on, you might as well tell them."

"I was out seeing Flitch, Flitch Napovic." Vurna says, he affection for the thief quite evident. "If Guaril sent you, then you must have met him. Isn't he just the most wonderful?"

She doesn't wait for a response to what she believes is an obvious answer. "He's been waiting at his hideout. It's in the sewers. We'd met before, of course, as part of the planning. But, when Guaril failed to appear, I thought he was gone too."

"That's when I remembered, that Flitch had mentioned that I ship would be coming to Shard Cove. So, I started heading out a night, checking the tunnel that heads out to the cove that I had shown to Flitch, hoping that he or the ship would be there." she explains. "That's how I found Flitch. You see, the tunnel to the cove can only be accessed from the sewers. So, that's how I found Flitch. He'd wisely gone into the sewers when his uncle had to leave the city. I went out to see him again the other night in the sewers and I got bit by large rat. That's when I fell sick."

Lirabelle gets to work turning a pickle barrel into a raft.She nods at her work, satisfied.

The halfling has produced a sturdy raft that can hold four beings.

After a good night's rest, the party has had sufficient opportunity to be cleaned and refreshed for the morning appointment at the Ministry of Tithes, ready to leave at the ring of first bell.

Once it has tolled, the party heads straight toward the Ministry, Yet, despite best efforts, it is two hours before you once again find yourselves at the head of the line at the reception area.

When the receptionist realizes that Montagné has the morning's expedited appointment, she unceremoniously leads the half-orc and his entourage into the sea of desks where bureaucrats are feverishly at work.

Eventually, the receptionist stops in front of the one of the desks and announces, "Assistant Minister Themolin, the persons with the expedited appointment are here to see you now."

As the receptionist departs, a wiry man with thinning hair looks up from behind several stacks of papers, some nearly toppling from the heavy wooden desk upon which they are perched.

“I-I understand that y-you’ve made an appointment to s-see me. H-how may I b-be of assistance?” he stammers with a mousy voice as he hesitantly rises to his feet.

A picture of Themolin is now available in Slides.

"Ah... rats, especially giant ones from the sewer do carry some nasty diseases."

"Lirabelle, this is fantastic. This may have saved is a lot of trouble. Think we can get this through the sewers as well? Maybe in parts?" Montagne marvels at the raft that can make their exit much easier when the time comes.

---

"Assistant Minister, please calm your nerves. We are responding to a request for moving services. With that accounting error looming you want to transfer to another office, right?" Montagne asks, removing his hood.

Miladistra chuckles as Zabu fails to make an impression- any kind of impression- on Vurna. I think she's smitten by this Filtch, honey. You're a bit too late.

Another morning, another sunrise, another morning of oats and oranges. "Hey Seddothrum. I hope you're doing okay. No one's talking about a stone giant movin' through town, so you kept your end of the bargain. We'll do everything we can to get you out of here, alright?" She puts her delicate hand on his stony, uh knee (it's pretty hard to tell unless he moves, frankly) and stays with him until the party is ready to go.

The Ministry of Tithes is still boring. Still an excess of wealth. She still doesn't understand this line. But at least the receptionist isn't getting in their way anymore. Miladistra closes the door behind them.

"Howdy, Theomolin. We're going to be movin' in a few days. Some place warm, far away from here. Our boss is a bit busy in Magnimar so he sent us instead. Please calm down." Miladistra just motions the man back into his seat.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

"Oh yeah, he's greeeat," Zabu says as Vurna goes on about Flitch. The sarcasm should be obvious, but she likely won't catch it.

Still, he knows when a bee is only interested in another flower, so he doesn't bother pursuing his advances.

"I wish we would have known she knew about the tunnel first. Then, finding Flitch would have been optional. Or at least easier. I'll bet she would have thrown a fuss if we tried to leave without him."

"I think the worst place about this down are the lines. A line to meet someone, a line to sign up for the guard, a line to meet someone who will set up your meeting with someone. I wonder if there's a line to drop dead from boredom. I'll bet you have to fill out a form to get in it."

He looks around incredulously as he finds that an Assistant Minister is just crammed in with all the clerks as they speak to Themolin.

"Howdy, Theomolin. We're going to be movin' in a few days. Some place warm, far away from here. Our boss is a bit busy in Magnimar so he sent us instead. Please calm down." Miladistra just motions the man back into his seat.

"I-I'm afraid that I don't kn-know what you are t-talking about." Themolin replies somewhat loudly, clearly uneasy at the mentioning of 'moving', 'error','far way from here', and 'boss'.

Although the man is obviously nervous, the man makes no effort to summon the guard at the door or alert the others working at their desks nearby.

"Y-you see, I am the A-assistant M-minister of Audits. I handle audits. Th-that is wh-what I do here. If you h-have an issue with a r-recent audit finding or a question r-regarding accounts, th-then I am h-happy to converse w-with y-you here. Otherwise, I am a-afraid th-that I w-won't be of m-much help to you."

Mechanically, Themolin is friendly to Miladistra and indifferent to everyone else. Also, we are technically in Exploration Mode. I have assumed that Miladistra is using the Make an Impression Action.

What are the others doing, mechanically? Any others using Make an Impression? Other possibilities include Conveying a Secret Message (which would be secret Deception or Society checks) or Seek (open Perception check) to look for possible things of interest. Don't forget Follow the Expert is also an option. Also, after you are free to change Exploration Mode after a check is resolved.

Miladistra simply sighs and flops into a chari.

Miladistra has a +7 Deception check. I can try to pass a secret message if people want me to, but I don't want to hog the spotlight here.

It would be a lie to say that Zabu loses his patience. He would have to have had any patience in the first place. He just glares at the Assistant Minister.

But then, he looks around to see if there's anything he can do to try to convince the man to cut the manure and get down to busy.

Taking the Seek Action.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

"We'll be site seeing and then going out for some fishing. A relaxing time."

Make an Impression
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

Montagne lets the others take control of this situation helping the others with their tasks. He looks around with Zabu.

"He is a mess." he whispers as they look around.

Follow the Expert (Zabu).

Miladistra nods.

"Okay, well, let's talk about my account. So I'm selling five bushels of Rhubarb. These things wilt fast. I have an express shipper coming tomorrow, or they come back with me in 2 days when my papers expire. There's a lot of unexpected, extra baggage that has to go with it, so I'm trying to secure the Rhubarb first."

"I think I figured out four, and you can help with the last one." She points at Theomolin. "Is this the right to talk, or should we go somewhere a bit more secure? I don't want anyone else learning about my shipping routes."

"This is very important to us, and we hear you're the one who can help us!"

Make an Impression

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

But then, he looks around to see if there's anything he can do to try to convince the man to cut the manure and get down to busy.

Zabu spots an item of interest on among the objects on Themolin’s desk. It is an an affidavit of sale bearing the name, "Ellvard", which is the Emerald Guard mentioned in the journal.

"Is this the right to talk, or should we go somewhere a bit more secure? I don't want anyone else learning about my shipping routes."

Themolin, pays little attention to Jak, though he is friendly enough to Lirabelle. However, he quickly focuses on Miladistra, listening intently. As he does, his eyes convey understanding and he nods slowly and hesitantly. "R-rhubard, you say?"

"W-why yes. I-I think that I c-can h-help you with y-your account." Themolin reaches for a quill, dips it in some ink, and begins to write on a piece of paper, which he then folds and holds out to Miladistra. "H-here are m-my preliminary cal-calculations. L-look them over and th-then we'll m-meet again to d-discuss them."

Zabu has no problem with picking up the piece of paper when he spots a name he recognizes on it. He reads it over then hands it to anyone interested before returning his attention to the conversation. He waits expectantly for Miladistra to open the note.

Alright. He's got more than coins in his head, good.

Miladistra nods and takes the paper. She reads it carefully. "Ah, thank ye. This should work out real well." She stands up again, knowing her rest is over. "I think we have all the information we need, then." She smiles to her allies. "Anything else we should discuss? I think our primary mission is settled. I'll leave the minister here to his own devices."

---

Once they leave the Ministry, Miladistra visibly relaxes. "We'll need a plan for the end of the day, one hour before the last bell." She hands the note over to anyone who wants to read it.

"Might be a trap," Zabu says, after reading the note.

"A couple of us go in, maybe me and you since he knows you and I don't mind fighting my way out of trouble. Everybody else sets up close to watch and come in if it is a trap."

"If that man has the nerve to actually entrap us... he's a damn good snake." She ponders. "But sounds like a plan. You and me can go in first."

"He is mixed up with our guard as well. I wouldn't say he has it in him but things have been going a bit too smoothly. I can go in or stay close, checking for other entrances...or exits." Montagne adds.

Also checking for any sewer entrances nearby in case we get stuck out after midnight.

Where are we at on our timeline again?

Zabu has no problem with picking up the piece of paper when he spots a name he recognizes 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.

Also checking for any sewer entrances nearby in case we get stuck out after midnight.

Where are we at on our timeline again?

Sewer entrances appear periodically throughout the city.

I've have been keeping track of the timeline under the Campaign Info tab.

Awesome, that means tomorrow morning we have to get our first group on the boat. We got the raft and the boat itself, should let us get a good chunk of them gone. Just have to worry about Themolin's possible trap.

Means we don't want everyone caught up. And might want to get some stuff done before our meeting, if possible. Get the raft down there, Seddothrum if he can fit on the raft (kinda scary though...he would sink if he fell off...lol), and any other people that are ready.

"Er, sir. We may need that paper." Miladistra points at the note with Ellvard's name on it. "It may have information on one of the... er obstacles in my Rhubarb operation." She kindly asks Theomolin.

Zabu "Daggertooth" Creed wrote:

Zabu has no problem with picking up the piece of paper when he spots a name he recognizes 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.

My intention was that Zabu just picked up the paper without asking or trying to hide it. But it works better if Miladistra asks for it after Zabu points it out.

"Er, sir. We may need that paper." Miladistra points at the note with Ellvard's name on it. "It may have information on one of the... er obstacles in my Rhubarb operation." She kindly asks Theomolin.

"P-paper?" Themolin echoes quizzically. Then, upon seeing where the woman is pointing, he replies, "Sure, you can t-take it. I-I've already l-logged its c-contents into my r-report."

As I think we are about half-way (or more) through the scenario, it is time to award another Hero Point. I choose "Daggertooth" Creed for his sharp eyesight (and because he was slighted by Vurna, who is no "Silverfox").

The affidavit shows that Ellvard purchased a painting from a known forger for a nominal amount. Combined with the information from the journal, it evidences that Ellvard later sold the same painting to Belimarius for a hefty sum.

The party now possesses a journal, an affidavit, some forged papers, and a raft that holds four beings. The party has made contact with all of the clients and convinced each to go along with the plan with the exception of Themolin, who has, at least, agreed to meet with you in Envy Row West in about six hours. A ship is to appear near Shard Cove the following morning.

It has been suggested that the party may want to stake out the address provided by Themolin. Other possible options include working on rafts, making more forgeries, or gathering information.

What do you want to do next?

"We should probably stake out the address Themolin mentioned." he suggests.

Huzzah! I'll take that hero point, and I'm glad that someone got my inspiration. Hopefully, it helps explain shy Zabu behaves like he does.

Zabu looks around and quickly realizes that he doesn't have much skill attempting any of the other things that might be useful at the moment so he nods to Jak.

"Yup. Anybody else coming?" he asks the rest of the group.

"Oh, yeah. Hopefully it's quiet out there. All of this yakkin' about money is tiring me out." She stands up and dusts off her dress.

Although the address provided by Themolin is not far from the Ministry of Tithes, there seems to be a large number of people coming and going through this portion of the city. Further, security is tight as the Ministry of Tithes lies within close proximity to the palace of the Runelord. Accordingly, it takes the party about two hours to reach the location provided by the nervous bureaucrat. It is now just past the noon hour.

Passing through yet another checkpoint, the party heads south along a main road toward the indicated location. Upon reaching the designated address, the party finds a well-maintained building, which readily stands out from the dilapidated housing that surrounds it.

The main road continues south of the party's current position and leads to a small man-gate that abuts the street and leads into a work yard where the main entrances of the warehouses lie. Indications of a larger, loading gate along the south of the property can also be seen. A nearby alley branches off from the main road and runs along the northern edge of the property. A small man-door exits into the ally from the warehouse.

The warehouse stands about 30 feet tall. There are no windows.

Please list any actions and Exploration Modes.

Zabu heads north to the alley. They're not trying to be seen, after all, and fewer people are going to notice them in an alley.

He tries to turn the knob, but has no success. "Why are people so paranoid?" he wonders aloud as he tries to break into the place.

"Can anyone open this up?" he says, turning to the people who came with him.

Thievery: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

"I can certainly try." Montagne says following up behind Zabu.

Avoid Notice.

Jak follows the other two, while lowering his shoulders somewhat like he is trying to blend in with the shadows.

Avoid Notice

Lirabelle gives the sneakier folks some distance. She keeps an eye out for danger.

Scouting.

"I can certainly try." Montagne says following up behind Zabu.

The half-orc feels one of the tumblers in the lock slide due to the manipulation of the tools in his skilled hands, but the door remains locked.

Door indicated on red on map, now up on Slides.

Thievery: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

"Almost there..." Montagne says following up behind Zabu.

Miladistra continues to Avoid Notice and let Montagné do his thing. Very nimble with his fingers...

Stealth +5

The steady hand of the half-orc causes the last tumbler to slide quietly. The door stands unlocked, ready to be opened.

Going into Encounter Mode (rounds).

Round One Initiative Begins

PCs in bold may act

-
Miladistra
-
Zabu
Montagné
Lirabelle
-
Jak

"It is open. Be cautious."

Miladistra remains quiet as a mouse and opens the door. She Sneaks in, and reaches the corner.

Sneak is a Secret stealth roll, +5

Like the name of her kin, the whisper elf quietly passes through the door into a large, well-lit area filled with stacks of crates rising halfway to the ceiling.
The ceiling is 30 feet overhead. The highest stack of crates is 15 feet high. Feel free to delete the black covers from the map from those areas in which you progress.

Round One Initiative Cont'd

PCs in bold may act

-
Miladistra
-
Zabu
Montagné
Lirabelle
-
Jak

Not wanting Miladistra to be alone, Montagne skulks after her.

Lirabelle moves in, draws her flail, and Raises her Shield, ready for anything.

Lirabelle uses her first available reaction: Liberating Strike if someone else is attacked and Shield Block if she is attacked.

Zabu slips into the building, prowling past the other Pathfinders. Unlike usual, he does not push or shove his way through the group, moving past them carefully, instead.

When he gets past Miladistra, he stops. His nose twitches and he raises it to the air, inhaling deeply.

"Somebody's here," he growls softly. "With a bow."

He tries to sniff them out.

Seek: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Montagné heads into the warehouse, followed by Zabu.

The gnome follows his nose, heading past a pile of crates, but cannot find the source of the scent in the air. But, then the source reveals itself! A cloaked woman with the look of a trained killer peers out from behind one of the stacked boxes with a short bow. She releases an arrow at the Pathfinder.

Readied Strike Action, (short bow) v Zabu, ff w/cover): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
Damage (P) & Sneak attack: 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + (6) = 11
Deadly crit effect: 1d8 ⇒ 4

The projectile flies true, sinking deep into the gnome's chest!

Lirabelle prepares for action.

Round One Initiative Cont'd

PCs in bold may act

-
Miladistra
Trained Killer (red)
Zabu -25 HP
Montagné
Lirabelle (Liberating Strike)
-
Jak

It's all too fast. "Zabu, watch it!" They've been spotted at this point. Did that snake Theomolin really set them up? Only one way to find out.

Sadly, the opponent is too far away for Liberating Step.

"Well, well, well." cries out a somewhat familiar, male voice from behind another of the stacked crates. "It would seem that the substantial amount of coin used to retain one of the Hungry Blades' killers was well spent. Don't you think? Surely, you knew that this day would come, didn't you?"

"Did you truly think that you could hide your scheme from one as skilled as myself?" continues the voice as a robed figure moves across the of the crates towards you. "For days, I have been watching you; observing your behavior. It is all quite suspicious, don't you think?"
Stride

"But, now, you have fallen into my trap and your removal will surely be enough to elevate my position within the Ministry of Tithes." declares the voice.
Stride

"Indeed, it may even warrant me the attention of the Runelord herself. Wouldn't you agree, Themolin?" asks the man as he finally emerges from the shadows, before muttering in surprise. "Wait a minute. I recognize you. You're not Themolin."

Atop of the stack of the crates, next to the deadly archer, you can now plainly see the form of Barralbus.

Combat Map has now been updated.

"Bah!" he mutters. Then, turning to the archer, he instructs, "We only need one alive, I suppose. Feel free to kill the others."

Round One Initiative Cont'd

PCs in bold may act

-
Miladistra
Trained Killer (red)
Zabu -25 HP
Montagné
Lirabelle
Barralbus
Jak

"Cheese and crackers! The viper bares his fangs." Miladistra spits. "I'd ask you to surrender, honestly. But you did draw first blood."

How much damage did Zabu take? Looks like he took 15 from the attack, but the summary says he took -15.

Jak moves up to get behind Montagne as he tries to get a better look at the enemy.

How much damage did Zabu take? Looks like he took 15 from the attack, but the summary says he took -15.

Summary corrected. Zabu has taken 26 hp damage from my calculations. 11 from attack and sneak attack, which was doubled to make it 22, plus additional 4 for deadly effect.

Round Two Initiative

PCs in bold may act

-
Miladistra
Trained Killer (red)
Zabu -25 HP
Montagné
Lirabelle
Barralbus
Jak

"Dang it, Zabu." Miladistra hesitates. "You gonna be okay for a minute? I need to distract 'em."

Miladistra begins casting Summon Fey. A burst of leaves and fur explode near Barralbus.

Pokes the Sprite appears As the green circle and flies up to the pompous man, drawing its tiny rapier and lunging forth!

Sprite Rapier: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Piercing Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Fire Damage: 1 = 1