
DM Brainiac |

You make it back to Miogimo without further incident, after first dropping the money off at the orphanage as instructed. "Excellent. I have another task for you already. I want you to deliver this wooden box to the leader of the Garrote Sisterhood, a woman named Alzuna. The sisters routinely gather at the House of the Planes to socialize and conduct business. You'll likely find Alzuna there.
"Oh, and don't open or tamper with the box, please. We wouldn't want to spoil the surprise for Alzuna, would we?"

Daenestra Folsamir |

Dani let's one of the others pick up the box as she suddenly feels quite flushed. Stepping behind the others, she tugs at her collar and and looks away, keeping herself under control.
It's fine. I'm sure she won't be there. You knew you were going to have to go there next week anyway, it's just a little sooner is all. It's not a big deal. You got this.
Pep talk complete, she waits for the others to agree and take the box before they depart. The thought of opening doesn't even occur to her, she's too much in her own head trying to think through the upcoming meeting.

Dr Jack "Sawbones" Maturin |

Jack takes the box and is more than professional enough not to let Miogomo see him examine it. Not that that stops him giving it a very thorough going over once they are a safe distance away.
Thievery: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (12) + 25 = 37 He's not opening it unless he thinks a. it's safe and b. that he can close it again without it being obvious that he's opened it.
There's no point saying anything to Dani - this is a problem she'll have to deal with herself and it's not his place to say anything in front of Devon.

Devon Durant |

Devon Sense Motive vs Dani Deception DC 37: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (18) + 22 = 40
Devon glances back and sees Dani's distress. He steps up to her and takes her hand. "Hey, you okay? What's bothering you, honey?"

DM Brainiac |

The box is not trapped, and Jack is able to carefully open it without signs of tampering. Inside the box is a silver garrote that rests on a silk pillow. With knowledge of Absalom's underworld, Jack knows that once can make this offering to the most skilled assassins of the Garrote Sisterhood, indicating a desire to have a high-value target killed.
Additionally, Jack discovers a note sewn into the pillow. Though written in code, it is a code the rogue is familiar with. The note is a kill contract on Grimwold; in it, Miogimo asks Alzuna to have your group followed because he believes you are in contact with Grimwold. Once you lead her to Grimwold, she can make the hit.

Dr Jack "Sawbones" Maturin |

"So, this box is a commission to kill Grimwold." Jack explains, having returned everything to its proper place, relocked the box and cleaned it thoroughly to remove any traces of his work/fingerprints. "They are to find him by following us, so it is clear that Miogomo does not trust us beyond as patsies to do his dirty work."
He pauses. "That leaves us a few options, I could remove the commission and we feign ignorance. We could rewrite the commission to target someone else. Or we could give it in and then deal with their watchers ourselves. One way or the other it seems unlikely that we will get the information we need. Our best bet may be to ensure Miogomo meets an unpleasant end at the big meeting of the crime lords and then use magical methods to extract the information we need from him."

Daenestra Folsamir |

When Devon takes Dani's hand, it's trembling. She knows lying is out, but she could probably pull off a misdirection if she wanted to. But why? Why was that necessary?
Because it's easier to keep hiding!
Dani stops walking and lets her head and shoulders sag. She squeezes her eyes shut and lowers her voice to a whisper. "Right before we met, I started seeing a member of the Sisterhood in the evenings. She was helping me work through some issues I was having. This continued for some time, but I have not seen her recently."
She takes in a long breath and slowly lets it out before continuing. "I fear that this situation could possibly be used against me, or worse, us, in the upcoming interactions with them. Cass has a ... certain hold over me, it's difficult for me to explain it."

Devon Durant |

Devon pulls Dani into a warm embrace. ”Dani... Do not worry. I won’t let her hurt you. You are strong on your own, but we are even stronger together. We will be brave and confident, as Cayden teaches. And if there any shackles binding you to this Sister still, then we will break them, and you will be free once more.”

Daenestra Folsamir |

Dani doesn't try to hold up any additional false bravado and collapses into Devon's arms. His words and embrace help quash now the tears that threaten to break free and she just lays against him silently for a time until she's able to compose herself again. She whispers a soft [smaller][/b]"Thank you."[/b] before squeezing him one last time, wiping her eyes and pushing off of him to continue on their way.
Still emotional, she doesn't turn back to look at Dora or Jack and just stands beside Devon holding his hand as they move onward.

Devon Durant |

"I will not willingly consign a man to death," Devon says. "But I am uncertain how best to proceed without spoiling our attempt to get the information we need from Miogimo. I will defer to your judgment, but if we do not alter the delivery, then we should be ready to foil the Sisters' assassination attempt against Grimwold."

Daenestra Folsamir |

Dani sighs, "I don't think we have any good options here. We need to deliver this and we can't alter it without causing a problem. Our best course of action is to deliver it and then be careful not to lead them to him."
Having talked quite a bit to Cass, she adds "These are not any ordinary criminals, we're talking highly skilled assassins'. It's about contracts and money and they will do whatever it takes to get paid or have their contract fulfilled."
Dani draws in a long breath and says "We need to hold the course and deliver the package and deal with this later. Should we fail that task, our main objective has failed and we'll lose sight of what needs to be done. We knew there was going to be dirty work in this assignment."

Dr Jack "Sawbones" Maturin |

Since the consensus appears to be that altering the letter is too risky, Jack goes ahead and replaces everything where it was before he poked around (after giving everything a quick polish to remove any pesky fingerprints).
"Lead on then." He says, inclining his head to the married couple.

DM Brainiac |

You head down to the underground speakeasy known as the House of the Planes. The bouncers outside the door nod on recognition when they see Dani and Jack, granting you access to the club. Within, the Pharasma impersonator is campy as ever as she sashays about the central Boneyard room, entertaining the clientele.
The members of the Garrote Sisterhood can be found in ther usual booth in the Nirvana room. Alzuna sits with three other members of the Sisterhood, one of whom is Cass Hamish. All four assassins wear a garrote necklace (Alzuna and Cass wear silver garrotes, indicating their status as master assassins).
Cass’s brow raises as she gazes at Dani, but she says nothing. Alzuna fiddles with a dagger as she takes you all in. ”Yes?”

Daenestra Folsamir |

Dani willingly lets Jack take the lead with the box, standing silently behind the other members. She catches Cass's raised brow upon entry an d then suddenly finds the floor very interesting, pretending as if she has not seen it a dozen or so times before.
This briefly makes her think back on all of the time she's spent in this very room, sitting in that very booth, sitting on Cass's lap, sitting...
She shakes her head, trying to clear it and catches the note that they can go.
Once outside, she lies "Well that wasn't so bad."
She looks around to see if she can catch a tail and adds in a whisper to her group "You can assume that from this point on we are not alone."

Theodora 'Dora' Cassia Morilla |

Dora scans the seated assassins and recognises one of them. She watches the short conversation with narrowed eyes and stays close to Devon the entire time, the formerly exciting and welcoming speak-easy now a place of tainted memories and potential danger.
Perception: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (11) + 22 = 33
Once away Dora casts a careful eye around as they walk away, also fully expecting to be tailed.
"Well then I guess we'd better be very normal." She replies, equally quietly before raising her voice. "So, drinks? Not much to do until the boss calls for us. I'll buy!"

Daenestra Folsamir |

After receiving the note, Dani gathers with the team to discuss options. "Alright. We know they are watching us and if we meet Grimwold tonight, it will turn out poorly. What do you think about confronting our follower? Or perhaps we can attempt to reason with Alzuna?"

Dr Jack "Sawbones" Maturin |

"The meeting is unnecessary." Jack says firmly. "If his information is so vital he should use a sending. Anything less so is irrelevant to our mission and perilous to him. We simply do not go. Alzuna will not be reasoned with, the underworld lives and dies on contracts and if she breaks one without good reason then her guild will suffer. I say we focus on our task and ensure that we are as 'innocent' as possible. Let them tail us to no effect."

Devon Durant |

"Grimwold probably is interested in what we've learned," Devon says. "Maybe we can just do a dead drop sort of thing and tell him where to find it. Or Jack could slip away on his own, since he's good at sneaking. Either way, I agree that meeting in person is too dangerous. Let's just get ready for the next hoop Miogimo wants us to jump through."

DM Brainiac |

It isn't long before Miogimo requests your presence again. The powerful naga named Mother Venom is Miogimo’s second-biggest rival among the district’s gangs. Although she and her followers once served as his personal poison-crafters, Mother Venom grew too powerful during Miogimo’s stint in prison to consider ceding control back to the crime lord. For this reason, Miogimo asks you to travel to her lair in Absalom’s sewers and take her down.
He can tell you exactly which sewer tunnels to take to get to her lair. She's a fan of slime and decay, so be prepared to face oozes and the like!

Dr Jack "Sawbones" Maturin |

Disappearing, as a bat, in the middle of the night is a simple enough matter and Jack leaves the barest minimum of information in a dead drop that Grimwold will find if he puts his mind to the task.
Miogomo's task nearly causes the stoic vampire to sigh. "Delightful..." He mutters. "I am wearing my oldest coat for this job. I don't suppose you could just burn her out Dora?"

Daenestra Folsamir |

"Really?? Traveling in the sewers is so cliche."
Looking to Jack she teases, "Try not to walk into any large cubes this go, please Jack."

Theodora 'Dora' Cassia Morilla |

Dora seems no more pleased about this particular trip than Jack is. "Why can't more criminals have nice beach-side hideouts with good taverns nearby?" She asks with a sigh. "Well, at least I have spells with lots of fire and water now. We should make some preparations though - long poles, thick gloves and a little research I think."
Recall Knw about Oozes (Arcana?): 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (14) + 25 = 39

DM Brainiac |

Occultism, actually.
Dora knows that many oozes have acidic attacks that can quickly degrade flesh, wood, and even stronger materials. Some believe that oozes are the result of alchemical or magical experimentation run amok, while others postulate that they simply emerged from the natural processes of evolution.
Many varieties of these nearly mindless predators exist in the world. Some are mere variants, with different colored puddings, jellies, and oozes with little to differentiate them other than their habitat. Others are more specialized, or even dangerously intelligent.
Once you are ready, you head down into the dank and musty sewers. Centuries ago, architects built new tunnels elsewhere to reroute Absalom’s sewage, leaving this section of the vast sewer network stagnant and forgotten and making it an excellent place for Mother Venom’s secret lair.
A hole in the wall of the tunnel marks the lair’s entrance. The musty scent of mold and fungi permeates this broad cavern as multi-colored slime drips from the walls. Towering mushrooms at least fifteen feet tall fill most of the cavern, but a small path winds between the oversized fungi.

Daenestra Folsamir |

Perception: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (17) + 25 = 42
Dani looks around for signs of trouble before proceeding.
"I understand the need for hiding out underground, this is really a step too far for me. I much prefer a base of operations in something like the House of Planes." Dani comments as they walk past an over-sized mushroom.
"I hope they are not poisonous."

Theodora 'Dora' Cassia Morilla |

"I believe this might be time for a little fire." Dora says, eying the mushrooms with distaste. "Or a lot of fire." She levels her staff and a huge ball of fire zooms down the cavern to fill the sewers with the scent of cooking mushrooms.
5th Level Fireball: 8d6 ⇒ (3, 3, 6, 5, 3, 3, 5, 1) = 29

DM Brainiac |

Reflex: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (12) + 19 = 311d20 + 19 ⇒ (2) + 19 = 211d20 + 19 ⇒ (12) + 19 = 311d20 + 19 ⇒ (13) + 19 = 32
The fireball erupts among the mushrooms, burning them and causing them to writhe in agony. These creatures are vulnerable to fire! They begin to slither towards you on their roots!
Dr. Jack: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (18) + 24 = 42
Devon: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (3) + 24 = 27
Theodora: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (17) + 24 = 41
Enemies: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (16) + 19 = 35
Everybody but Devon may act!

Daenestra Folsamir |

Without any fire spells of her own, Dani whips up a harmonized inspirational tune! IC+ID!

DM Brainiac |

Extra Fireball Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 1) = 72d6 ⇒ (1, 5) = 6
Reflex: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (10) + 19 = 291d20 + 19 ⇒ (17) + 19 = 361d20 + 19 ⇒ (14) + 19 = 331d20 + 19 ⇒ (14) + 19 = 33
Dora's second fireball wreaks more havoc among the mushrooms. Although all are badly burned, the creatures scuttle forward and snap at Devon. Two f them manage to hit the paladin, one grabbing him in its maw!
Jaws: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (10) + 25 = 351d20 + 25 ⇒ (15) + 25 = 401d20 + 25 ⇒ (19) + 25 = 441d20 + 25 ⇒ (3) + 25 = 28
Damage: 5d8 + 5 + 2d6 ⇒ (8, 5, 6, 3, 7) + 5 + (3, 5) = 425d8 + 5 + 2d6 ⇒ (6, 1, 6, 8, 8) + 5 + (5, 6) = 45
56 total damage to Devon after shield block and acid resistance. He is grabbed. Everybody may act.

Daenestra Folsamir |

Dani isn't sure if the plan is working or not as Devon is suddenly snatched up! "More fire!" Dani shouts as she continues to play her violin furiously.

Dr Jack "Sawbones" Maturin |

Jack moves in and starts slicing mushrooms with his sword cane... might as well try.
Lancet: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (13) + 27 = 401d20 + 23 ⇒ (2) + 23 = 25
Damage: 2d6 + 8 + 3d6 ⇒ (5, 2) + 8 + (3, 1, 1) = 202d6 + 8 + 3d6 ⇒ (4, 5) + 8 + (1, 3, 2) = 23

Devon Durant |

Devon keeps his shield up as he slices at the mushroom grabbing him!
Longsword: 1d20 + 30 ⇒ (2) + 30 = 321d20 + 25 ⇒ (6) + 25 = 31
Damage: 3d8 + 11 ⇒ (2, 4, 8) + 11 = 253d8 + 11 ⇒ (1, 4, 3) + 11 = 19

Theodora 'Dora' Cassia Morilla |

Dani says more firm but Dora doesn't want to risk hurting Devon, even though she knows logically that the champion will likely shrug any incidental damage off. Instead she goes for a huge spike of impaling iron to free him!
Heightened Impaling Spike: 10d6 ⇒ (1, 3, 4, 4, 3, 5, 5, 2, 1, 4) = 32 DC is 36.

DM Brainiac |

Reflex: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (13) + 19 = 32
Devon and Jack slash at the mushroom holding the champion, then Dani finishes it off with an impaling spike! As it falls, the other three continue to attack Devon! He takes two hits, but manages to fend off the last one. His shield is starting to crack under the pressure!
Focused Assault: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (18) + 25 = 431d20 + 25 ⇒ (19) + 25 = 441d20 + 25 ⇒ (9) + 25 = 34
Damage: 5d8 + 5 + 2d6 ⇒ (7, 4, 4, 7, 6) + 5 + (4, 6) = 435d8 + 5 + 2d6 ⇒ (5, 4, 2, 3, 4) + 5 + (5, 6) = 34
39 damage to Devon after all resistances and Shield Blocks. Everybody may act.

Daenestra Folsamir |

Dani watches the relentless pressure on Devon and decides to cast a spell to provide him some magical assistance. She casts a spell that causes a cloak of swirling colors to appear around him.
She resumes playing her violin, but only manages to get one song in. Cloak of colors on Devon and Inspire Courage.

Dr Jack "Sawbones" Maturin |

Thankfully Devon is still getting all the heat so Jack stays close by to dart in from behind the champion.
Stabbity!: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (1) + 27 = 281d20 + 23 ⇒ (20) + 23 = 43
Damage: 5d6 + 8 ⇒ (1, 4, 3, 1, 3) + 8 = 205d6 + 8 ⇒ (4, 3, 2, 3, 1) + 8 = 21
Retain one action so I can take 2 reactive attacks if Devon gets any hits in.

Devon Durant |

Longsword: 1d20 + 30 ⇒ (5) + 30 = 351d20 + 25 ⇒ (13) + 25 = 38
Damage: 3d8 + 11 ⇒ (7, 6, 5) + 11 = 293d8 + 11 ⇒ (7, 3, 6) + 11 = 27
Jack Reactions: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (2) + 27 = 291d20 + 27 ⇒ (17) + 27 = 44
Damage: 5d6 + 8 ⇒ (2, 3, 1, 2, 1) + 8 = 17
Devon and Jack team up to take down another giant mushroom. Two remain!
Dora is up.

Theodora 'Dora' Cassia Morilla |

Dora trusts that Jack's good reflexes will save him from the emanating heat as she aims a ball of fire atop the next mushrooms.
4th level, staff fireball
Fireball 4th DC 36: 6d6 ⇒ (4, 1, 6, 1, 4, 5) = 21

Dr Jack "Sawbones" Maturin |

The Doctor's almost supernatural speed does indeed save him from Dora's fireball but he looks slightly sunburned none-the-less.
"Really Dora?" He asks, looking slightly put out. "All the magic at your command and you still couldn't do something without hitting me?"
Still, there's no harm done so he looks to the exits before selecting the short corridor with some sort of slime covering the far end.
"This way."
He goes very carefully, checking constantly for transparent oozes and other, more conventional, traps.

DM Brainiac |

Devon takes a brief moment to lay hands on himself before following behind Jack.
The door at the end of the hall is composed of incredibly dense slime. Studying its properties, Jack discerns that cold damage can help to counteract the slime. Dora uses a ray of frost, causing the slime to harden, crack, and fall to the floor, opening the way forward.
A mosaic of colorful slimes, fungi, and mushrooms cover the walls of this cavern. In the center of the room, a large mound of mold rises high. A skeletal humanoid figure sits atop this mound, slumped over in a suit of moldy armor.
Jack determines that the mold and fungi here are harmless. The armored figure slumped in the center of the room is actually a suit of fungal armor, formed around the skeleton of one of Mother Venom’s unfortunate rivals.
The rare fungi on the room’s walls are worth a small fortune to the alchemists and herbalists of Absalom. An agent who succeeds at a DC 34 Nature check can harvest fungi worth 2,000 gp (or double that value on a critical success). On a failure, the agent instead ruins the fungi and harvests only 1,000 gp worth (or none at all on a critical failure).

Theodora 'Dora' Cassia Morilla |

Dora shrugs her shoulders, "I thought you'd prefer to end it quickly before they infected you with some strange spores or the like. Burning them was certainly the best way to do that."
Nature: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (14) + 20 = 34
Following Devon and Jack through the cavern, Dora scrapes a small specimen off the walls and examines it closely before warily sniffing the substance. "Hang on a moment, I think this would be quite a useful resource for the future. Give me a few seconds and whatever you do, don't touch this stuff - its fragile."
Storing it safely in her satchel, Dora turns back to the other Agents whilst seeing Jack having changed quickly whilst she was working. "Doesn't that armor have an odd smell Doctor? Im presuming its made out of similar stuff to this." She asks, wrinkling her nose. "Either way, I'm ready if you are."