GM Chadius [PFS2 1-12]: The Burden of Envy - Table 1 (Inactive)

Game Master chadius

Can we use the Hustle exploration activity to hurry up? Or that time already assumes we're going as fast as we can?

"Indeed it seems that Guaril was right in his assessment of Flitch's skills. Let's just hope the Emerald Guard beats all brains out of their recruits and they weren't able to follow that painfully obvious clue. In any case, this mission just took a decidedly foul turn."

Elfino chuckles at Thurk's little joke and says, "Sae da man's 'iding in da sewas den. 'ee cuds be anywhere doon dere. Ay'll luks ta see if 'ee left onie tracks."

He looks about the room and outside in the alley for any trace of Flitch.

Survival (Track) +Pursue a Lead: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 5 + 1 = 25

Elfino will inform the others of any tracks he found (or didn't). If he finds any tracks, he will follow them, hopefully to a nearby sewer entrance.

In case the tracking takes longer than an hour, or something significant changes in the trail, or he has to start tracking once they get into the sewers, then here's another tracking roll.

Survival (Track) +Pursue a Lead: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 5 + 1 = 26

Sheesh! When will I see rolls like that again?

Hustle cannot be used here because you're spending time getting directions, weaving through crowds, waiting at checkpoints and navigating through the city. Hustle would be used for an overland march, where the destination is known and there are relatively few obstacles.

Elfino looks at the graffiti, guesses it's not too old, and realizes the graffitti is modeled after a map of the city, with a highlighted spot near a sewer main pipe.

I'm assuming you will follow the tracks. Time is now 18:00.

As you enter the sewers, you notice a few things. Well, besides the stench. You more importantly notice the change in abrupt change in architecture - from old to new. The modern styled walls are disused, damaged, or destroyed by the ancient-style sewer walls. The old city must have crushed the newer sewers when it returned from the past.

The sewers are a maze of dank, walled passages, alike. You’ll need some good navigation in order to avoid getting lost. Good thing Elfino has a good eye. He compares the sewer graffiti to the apartment and realizes it's fresh. Whether by instinct or innate knowledge he leads you into the sewers, confident in where he is going.

Inside the depths of a sewer maintenance chamber you find a small campsite. One human man looks up at you and reaches for his weapons. He pushes a black curl of hair away from his eyes and looks at you. ”Say there. Any messages for me?”

Elfino examines the man for hints that it might be Flitch. "Ifa yer da man we're lukin' fur, den ay believe yur uncle's been asking about his slippers. Wuds ye be da wan dat 'as 'is shoos den? Mebbe ye cuds tell us yur nam sae we nae ifa we gots da reit bodie."

While Elfino goes to speak with the man, Panarug hangs back, opening up his senses to sources of arcane energy around, just in case.

cast detect magic

"Sewers like Emoubu's home, but not safe for surface people. All need move quickly before something finds us tasty."

Hammick looks at the others as the figure out what the message is. Once they know and have an idea where to go he asks
"Ye sure you understand all that? ANd ye know where we are going?"
Once he has been give assurances that the group know the location. Hammick swipes his hand to the writing, Destroying all trace of the message.

He then helps Elfino in finding their way to the location of Flitch.

While they talk to the man, Hammick keep a look out for danger. He has heard of stories of large reptiles lurking in sewers.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

He continues to scan the group, perhaps sizing you up. It isn't until Elfino talks about slippers that he relaxes. ”Ah, thank the gods.” The man sheathes his dagger. ”I was worried Uncle Guaril abandoned me. I was worried I made these travel papers for nothing.” He walks up to you all for a handshake. ”I’m Flitch Napovic. When do we get out of here?”

Hammick carefully scans the documents and deduces it’s a poor forgery. The sentences run on for too long, there are too many grammatical errors, and he wasn’t supposed to write “This page intentionally left blank!” Good thing you caught these mistakes now, it may have caused trouble down the road.

Elfino gives the man a big grin. "Well den, today is yur locky day. Yur uncle sent us ta gets ye. 'Ee sez ye nae a secret wey ta Shard Cove. Perhaps ye cuds shew it ta us, ya?"

I take it that the Rolanna’s Prayer is sneaking into Shard Cove and escaping with the clients without the need for any travel papers, making Flitch's documents unnecessary.

When Hammick gives his opinion about the documents, Elfino says, "Gud ting ye won't be needin' dows, ey? Ye wuds 'ave ended ap in da pokey fur shur."

Elfino stands aside to give the man room and says, "Leid da wey"

Pointing at the documents "Who wrote this for ye. It looks like some gobbi wrote them out."

When Elfino says the we should take a look at the secret way. "That be a good idea, but how long will dat take, are we running out of time before we need to be indoors? We have a few days before the ship shows up. Perhaps we take a lookie first thing tomorrow?"

"That be a good idea, but how long will dat take, are we running out of time before we need to be indoors? We have a few days before the ship shows up. Perhaps we take a lookie first thing tomorrow?"

Elfino looks about him at the sewers and thinks, "I've hidden out in far worse places than this in my time."

Turning to Flitch, he asks, "'Ow far ta da cove frum 'ere, den?"

To the others he says, "If itsa gettin' laet, we cuds lae loo 'ere and weyt oot da carfew, or we cuds stae da naeght at da cove"

Flitch maintains his calm, mild mannered demeanor as Hammick points out the flaws in the forgeries. "What do mean... oh, that was spilled ink. That was artistic style. And that... fine. But you could use it as a basis."

"You can always sleep here for the night." He motions to his campsite. "You get used to the scent, trust me." He chuckles. "Shard Cove isn't far from here. You'll have plenty of time to look around the city before the night curfew hits."

Shard Cove is a free trip from Flitch's hideout and takes basically no time to get there and come back. So you would have a chance to go somewhere else before the curfew hits.

Flitch's portrait is on Slide 4.

Thurk shows Flitch the list of places they are yet to visit.
"Which of those places would be the shortest way from here? Also, what do you make of that mysterious note you got under the flower pot - do you think it was the real deal or could it be a set-up planted to draw out you or your uncle?"

"Shard Cove isn't far from here. You'll have plenty of time to look around the city before the night curfew hits."

Elfino nods satisfied. "Gud ta nae da cove isnae far awey. We ken use dis place ta 'old da clients til da Rolanna’s Prayer arreivs."

He then turns to the others, "It seems we 'ave time ere carfew. Wich client shoods we gets next? Mebbe Themolin, ey? Afta awl, 'ee's gots da most moola." Elfino rubs the fingers of his right hand together to indicate what he means. "We shoods fein' 'im at da minstry o' taxes if ay rememba creckly."

Emoubu examines the papers himself before tapping the bottom of his snout in thought. "Flitch no needs these false papers with way he goes, correct? Could we keep, and fix, and use for someone else?"

"You can hold onto them, I don't need 'em until we leave this place." Flitch looks at Emoubu. "I was practicing my... handwriting. You could copy them if you want to."

Society checks gain a +2 circumstance bonus to forge travel papers, using Flitch as a basis. Just tell me who is making the forgeries and their bonus, so I can roll it in secret.

”Since we’re working together, I’ll let you in on my secret stash.” Flitch pulls out a satchel containing a disguise kit, repair kit, and a potion of minor healing. ”Not too bad, eh?”

Thurk gets his attention about a flower pot. "Well the gold was real. And Uncle always talks about keeping an eye out for opportunities. I figured he could check it out without raising suspicion. But then he didn't meet me at the flat the next day and I figured he went into hiding."

"It's getting close to curfew, isn't it? By the time you get to any of these places you'll have to get indoors. So unless you're going to an inn for a place to sleep or something, you'll get picked up by the Guard. No good."

"It's getting close to curfew, isn't it? By the time you get to any of these places you'll have to get indoors."

Elfino says, "Soo we nae 'ave time ta dae nottin' ere carfew? We meyt as well stae 'ere da neight den ifa ye nae mind." The last he directs to Flitch, but it's pretty clear he won't be taking no for an answer.

He then turns to Emoubu. "'Ere, gimme dat paypa soo ay ken luks it oba"

Elfino looks it over, nodding and tutting as he examines it in detail.

Elfino will execute a Pursue a Lead action, setting an official travel document as the target.

Tapping the document with his finger, he says, "Ay'll take a shot at meykin' a propa copey. Ay ken't dae much wers dan dis."

Famous last words

He then finds a comfortable corner, pulls a writing set from his backpack, and gets to work on forging a more accurate version of an official travel document.

Action: Society (Create Forgery) +Pursue a Lead +Bonus: +7 +1 +2 - secret

When he's done, he hands the forgery over to Hammick, saying, "'Ow diz dat luks ta ye?"

"When we arrived at your place, one of the flowerpots has fallen down from the windowsill. Was it you who pushed it down or has someone else been to that place before us?"

To his companions, Thurk says
"I don't think we should risk it with the local authorities just yet... If we keep doing a client per day we should have no reason to skirt the curfew. Let's not paint targets on our back while we can avoid it. I suggest going for Dalffrid tomorrow."

Hammick takes a look at this one for any errors.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

"Now mind ye, ah no expert but I think it will pass. I even like the coffee stain on it. It be official looking that way."

"Emoubu agrees with Thurk. No need for guards to chase us yet. 'To go far, go slow.'"

"Then we find refuge for the night then. Perhaps our new friend could share a room with one of us for his safety?"

"Indeed. Until we need to, let's not risk it. We have made good time today."

Turning to Elfino, Panarug quietly studies his work. The Kellid tribes might not have much use for papers to grant permission to travel (a pair of legs are more than enough for that), but after travelling through "civilised lands", the half-orc is sufficiently well-informed to understand its use.

Just in case, Panarug can attempt a check also at Society +8

Since the group has decided to stay for the night. Hammick asks Flitch what are the fastest ways to the Rock Fish inn, Ministry of Tithes, Arcanium Abjurant, and the Emerald Greenhouse. Plus any information he can tell us about the places.

"I figure ye be the one to know how to bypass some of them guards in this city, that slow us down."

"Those flowerpots are always falling down, the windowsill is barely big enough to handle 'em. A strong wind or one of the neighbors are enough to knock it over." He shrugs. "If you did bring the guard over to find me... well, that means I'm popular enough to be a target. Nice!" He muses. "Well, until I get captured I guess."

He shrugs and throws more wood into the campfire. He turns away from the smoke as it briefly changes color. "Don't inhale the green smoke. Unless you want to lose your lunch."

The moonlight and the campfire provide enough heat and sunlight for you to prepare for the night.

Dim sunlight peeks in through a grate on the surface level, and Flitch wakes up. "I'll take you to Shard Cove. MUCH fresher water than what we have here, trust me."

The walk takes no more than fifteen minutes. The caves themselves are maybe ten feet tall. More than enough room to walk through but you could scrape the ceiling easily with your weapons if you wanted.

The cavern quickly opens up to a sandy alcove with fresh water lapping the shore. You also notice several large, pointed rocks sticking out of the sea. "Low tide is in the morning. There are plenty of jagged rocks out here. Need to be careful about navigating around them. Anyway, drink up and refill your waterskins."

Hammick suggests some locations and Flitch is glad to advise. "Every route's pretty tricky, honestly. The guards here are pretty nice, but the crowds are nasty. There's a gang running this neighborhood, you'll be targeted immediately if you take a shortcut. Marketplace is great, but the crowds are always huge. And this is the unofficial tourist district. Someone is dressed as the runelord and either telling a story, showing off magic tricks or... well, entertaining someone." He shudders. "This town is weird."

Flitch remains in the maintenance tunnel while you go topside. Just as you reach the entryway to the sewer tunnels you hear the first bell of Tuesday. Curfew is over.

The time is now Tuesday at 12:00. Where to, next? Elfino mentioned meeting Theomolin.

Do we get an official reading on Elfino's forgery? Does it pass muster with Hammick and Panarug?

During breakfast with his companions, Elfino discusses which client they should target next.

"Ae sae Themolin next coz 'ee works at de minstry, soo it meyt taek sum wark ta cut 'im loos. 'Ee's also payin' de moost."

He turns to Thurk, and continues, "But Daffrid's also a gud choice coz dere are fowa o' dem ta deal wit. Meyt also taek taeym."

Turning to the others, he asks, "Whit dae de rest o' ye tink?"

Elfino isn't particularly married to either choice and is quite willing to go along with a majority vote on the subject.

"Ahy, Themolin is as good as any. Unless others have an idea?"

Hammick takes a look at the forged documents, and they look official to him. Basically flawless.

"Emoubu doesn't have better idea. Have to get all anyway so one as good as other."

You decide to find Themolin at the Ministry of Tithes. You do manage to find a way to evade the crowds and most of the Emerald Guard only to find a massive queue outside. After waiting for an eternally you get to enter. A single guard stands watch at the door and ushers you in.

The time is now 14:00.

Well-dressed bureaucrats tend to the paperwork piled upon the dozens of desks, which are arranged in orderly fashion around a prominent stone likeness of Runelord Belimarius. Within the shadow of the statue, a neatly dressed halfling woman sits at a reception desk. Next to her stands a well-manicured man, also in fine attire, who is leaning over her. The two appear to be engaged in animate conversation.

”Now come. I snap my fingers, and poof!” A puff of smoke bursts from the man’s hands. He laughs to himself and strokes his beard. ”Impressive, eh? Everyone knows me by name: Barralbus, they shout! Show me another trick! Would you like to see some of my more… powerful tricks?”

The woman sighs and looks off to the side. ”Barralbus. If there is anything else I can do for you? I must greet the newcomers here.” She turns to you, moves her eyes between you and the man with the parlor tricks, and her facial expression makes it obvious: get this loser out of my face!

Elfino nudges Ving with his elbow and says quietly, "Wae doon'che ask de nayce lady aboot seein' Themolin wile ae distract dis fool."

Turning to Barralbus, he puts his hand on the man's shoulder to get his attention and says, "Soo ya naem is Barralbus ey? 'Oo aboot we step oba 'ere and let my friends 'ave a moment wit de lady at de desk? Maebbe ye ken shoo me wan o' yur tricks."

"Good afternoon, fair lady." says Ving with a deep bow and a smile, "I am here to humble request to speak with a gentleman that goes by the name of Themolin. Would it be possible to do so at this time? Assuming, of course, he's not too busy and you are willing to spare him for a moment or two."

Diplomacy (T; +9): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

Thurk sighs - he feels that a female Pathfinder would find this job much easier.
He then steps next to Elfino.
"Am I standing next to Barralbus himself? Barralbus the Powerful Trickster? Why, today must be my lucky day! You see, good sir, I have travelled from far away to join the fabled Arcanium Abjurant, but I fear that my humble skills in abjuration might not be enough to convince the commission to accept me. So I thought that perhaps I could seek someone to help me... enhance my performance, if you know what I mean. I asked on the streets and I kept hearing one name - Barralbus, Barralbus... And now I have stumbled into the man himself, completely by chance! This must be providence bringing us together! Could I request you to arrange a meeting if you would deign to teach me how to add more showmanship to impress the examiners?"

Thurk tries to make his speech as long-winded and effusive as possible while also edging to stand between Barralbus and the halfling lady.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Hammick sighs, then get a piece of parchment and ink quill. He then starts to write on the parchment.

By order of the High priest Zanadoo. One Barralbus, a spell caster, is wanted for the crimes of acts against the church. Damage and theft of such property, and insults to the goddess.
10 gold crowns is to be rewarded for the return of Barralbus to the Temple by the sea. Or collection of 20 gold crowns fine from the said Barralbus that will be returned to the church post haste for within ten full moons.

The bearer of this writ requires all cooperation in the apprehension of Barralbus or the retravel of the afore mentioned fine. By the power vested by the High priest Zanndoo.

Once done Hammick wait to see if the talking is enough or he needs to step in and make the blowhard sweat, in this town of hard rules.

Emoubu looks at the conjurer. His eyes go wide, "Is Barralbus great wizard? Great wizards are the second best thing in the whole world!"

Barralbus takes a curious look at Thurk. "You've heard well, my friend! Compared to mere beggars like Theomolin, I am practically an emperor! I was worried you were trying to meet Theomolin. Ha! No doubt to call out his inefficiencies! Why, if I were Minister, I would run this city so cleanly even the Runelord herself would smile upon me!” Barralbus laughs. "So tell me, who are you and your friends? Did all of you come here to witness my tricks?"

Ving Tran takes the chance to speak to the woman at the desk. She barely looks up and rattles ”I’m sorry, mister Themolin is very busy and can only meet by appointment. I can make an opening in the schedule in…" she looks up and puts her book down. "I'm sorry, sir, I didn't see you... coming."

She stammers a bit. "I... I can make an opening in the schedule in… let’s say 4 days from now. Is that alright?”

You could try another Diplomacy check to Make an Impression and make her more receptive to requests.
OR you could try an Intimidation check to Coerce her into helping you.
OR you could try an Accounting Lore or Legal Lore check to Recall Knowledge about authorizing an expedited appointment. Maybe you could get a meeting the following day.
OR you know Theomolin’s desk is less than 100 feet away from the receptionist and it is within sight. Maybe you could send him a message from here…

"I thank that 4 days will be a long time for him to have to wait for the information I carry. It is.....how do I put this.....of a sensitive nature. The longer it takes to bring this to his attention, the stronger the chance for a negative outcome. I'm sure an intelligent lady like yourself can understand."

Diplomacy(T; +9): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

Crap. Going to use my Hero Point, if I may.

Diplomacy(T; +9): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

At first, the receptionist seems confused by Ving Tran's request. But maybe it's his eyes, maybe it's his tone of voice, or maybe it's nice to have someone not push her around. "Let me see..." she begins to shuffle through a stack of papers, most likely his appointments. She rifles through them, looking for some vital information.

"I am so sorry, the best I can do is give you a time tomorrow. Er, any time tomorrow. If that is alright with you?"

OR you know Theomolin’s desk is less than 100 feet away from the receptionist and it is within sight. Maybe you could send him a message from here…

To clarify, as in we can literally just see him at his table 100 feet away? Or is he out of view in his own office? Anyway, thinking of getting my familiar to pass him a physical message, but what should it say?

While keeping half a ear to listen in to the conversation with the halfling, Panarug turns to the smaller group around Barralbus. He exerts the utmost efforts to not roll his eyes at the pandering that the team is offering.

"You are a practitioner of magic, too? We have much to share and discuss!" Panarug quickly grabs a copper coin, lays in gently on his open palm, utters a few arcane words of power and suddenly the coin flies off! (Cast telekinetic projectile but deliberately aim at nothing to not damage anything.) "Now, hold did I do that trick!"

Arcana: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

"Tomorrow will be splendid, my lady. I thank you for your time. Have a good day."

Panarug A'thom: His desk is visible from the receptionist's desk, about 100 feet away. I would say that he can't see you from the angle he is physically seated.

The halfling suppresses a blush as Ving Tran thanks her for her time. "Er, your welcome. Sir."

Meanwhile, Barralbus looks at Panarug A'thom, disinterested. Until the man flips a coin with much more force than his hand would suggest. He gives it a quick glance...

Before studying it more carefully. "Do that again. I don't know how- I mean, I wish to analyze your technique. A man of your talents shouldn't be wasting it on someone like Theomolin, believe me."

Thurk and Panarug have Barralbus's complete attention.

"Well, some of us came here to study at the Arcanium, to get a chance to witness some of the fabled runelord magic! But to get here we used a merchant ship and part of the crew here just need to secure an appointment with whoever's in charge. Of course, we are unlucky that it is currently Theomolin and not Barralbus, but those in the trade business just need to work with what they have - they don't have the ways to shape reality like the powerful mages can!"

Hearing that the appointment is made, Thurk will try to inconspicuously finish the exchange of pleasantries, maybe agree to a "lesson" next week and not show up.

After Ving takes his leave of the receptionist and rejoins the group off to one side, Elfino turns to the sorcerer. "Gud job dere Vin' wit gettin' us de meetin' tomorroo."

Then turning to the others, "Are we gud wit comin' back tomorroo o' d'we try ta speed ttins ap by gettin' Panarug's weasel buddy 'ere ta pass Themolin a note?"

Elfino thinks about it and says, "Maebbe it be safest ta com back tomorroo. Ae'm nae shur 'ow Themolin and 'is buddies will react ta de wee critta. It cuds maek a sayne." Turning to the witch, he asks, "Wit dae ye sae Panarug? Ken yur buddy dae it on de queyt?"

Seeing that the wizard is taken care of. Hammick just shoves the note is his pocket.

"Ah, the Arcanium! It has seen better days. I am currently... occupied here, or I would give you more time for lessons. I am quite busy this week, but next week, I will show you magic tricks you have never seen before!" Barralbus laughs.

"Aww, is too bad. Emoubu will have to work on translations instead."

Getting little in the way of feedback from his companions, Elfino says, "Panarug, If ye tink yur wee weasel buddy ken gets a noot ta Themolin withoot causin' a ruckus, den 'oo aboot dis?"

Elfino pulls out some paper and a pen and with surprisingly elegant penmanship writes the following:

----------

Mr Themolin, a mutual associate of ours was recently called back to the home office unexpectedly before he could finish his very important business with you. As he cannot return anytime soon, he has entrusted us to contact you and complete the arranged transaction on his behalf.

We are presently at the front desk and were wondering if you could spare a few moments of your valuable time to discuss the logistics of the transaction in question.

----------

He shows it to the others, saying, "Ae tink dis noot shoods gets 'is attensh'n withoot droppin' us in de fayre if it falls into de wrong 'ands. Wit dae ye tink?"

"Well, I am a busy man, you see. I wish you all the best of luck, for I must return to my office and balance more books." Barralbus laughs. "Best of luck to you- and avoid Theomolin. He is a boat with a hole in it, and you'll sink with him if you don't abandon him!" The man leaves you in the office, full of himself.

The receptionist breathes, a bit more relieved, and calls for the next person in line: a man with a stack of papers who desperately needs a scribe. You are all left to your own devices.

You could spend 2 hours and use Diplomacy to Gather Information about Theomolin and his role here. You can post your Diplomacy bonus or you can make a secret roll.

Panarug quietly nods in agreeement, receiving the parchment from Elfino the elf. He squats, as it to pat his little pet, then passes the note as surreptitiously he can to Fharan. The little creature then quickly weaves through the feet and table legs, making its way to Themolin.

Fharan (familiar), stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

I had this idea of having Fharan, his familiar, take on a different animal shape every day. Figured that if you can give it wings, claws to burrow, hands to manipulate objects, gills to breath water, etc during each daily prep, then its form must be quite mutable? So not sure if anyone noticed that this morning, Fharan was a cat. :) Probably not kosher by the rules though so whatever the GM allows.

Fharan begins an awesome adventure around the office. Skittering to and fro between people's feet. Moving underneath desks, hiding in the shadows and finally slipping into Theomolin's office.

A few minutes later you hear a voice from his office. "Er, C-C-Cathlin? There are people who wish to visit me? L-l-let them in, please!"

The receptionist turns to the side, a bit confused but then smiles and turns to Ving Tran. "Uh, sir? Mister Theomolin is waiting for you in his office. I'll walk you over there when you're ready."

"Emoubu is readynow. Thank you very much Kind Lady."