Outpost IV - GM Valen's PFS 2e 2-12 Snakes in the Grass (Author's Table)(CORRECTED: 26 Challenge Points) (Inactive)

Game Master Lysle

Marta, uncomfortable talking to others to camp, keeps her distance and wanders around to observe. Perception +8

The "wandering" of an uncomfortable looking human raises suspicion among some of the hobgoblins in camp, who try to dissuade Marta from getting too close to them.

Too late to join Marta in a walk around the camp, so she is not by herself?

Fortiva speaks politely with anyone that engages her, but is mostly looking about and getting a lay of the land.
+11 Perception

Caught off-guard at the comment of the Aspis Consortium reps being already onsite - Joli regains his composure "I had incorrectly assumed we had arrived before the Aspis Representatives" he explains his surprise "Carry on, soldier!" he salutes the man / woman.

He asks the next hobgoblin he sees who or what might be occupying "B6" area of the Camp...

We have between 1-2 hours before we are due in the Meeting Hall...

Then, to his team "So, fellow Prolocutors" trying to get used to the strange term "Should we check out the Earthen Defenses, the Mine Field, the [*redacted*], or go and meet our Artennod Raike and Greeleep Muckfellow straight-away?"

** Whatever lies behind Door "B6"...

Joli is slightly preferential to going straight up to meet them, but not opposed to making the rounds first, nor to trying to get a feel of what the other hobgoblins think of them beforehand...

Too late to join Marta in a walk around the camp, so she is not by herself?

Marta's check was not subject to any penalty for her being by herself. (Indeed, I will assume the party is together unless it is explicitly noted otherwise.) My post was simply an attempt to describe the results of a nat 1, which is what I rolled for this attempt, based on the details in Marta's post. Also, since I am being open about the crit fail, I'll also note that Marta takes a -1 penalty to her next skill check in this phase as a result.

I will resolve the other posted checks when I get an opportunity to get to my computer later today.

"I'd like to see the defenses around the camp. It will give me a better sense of where we sit in all this. I'd also like to avoid the Aspis folks for now. It seems that they've been here for a few days already stirring up trouble. Let's get our feet under us before we start kicking that particular hornet's nest."

Martin kept a keen out out for the lay of the camp. It was obviously military in nature, and it looked to be taking good advantage of the natural defenses of the area.

+12 perc, +10 Nature, +10 survival

@Marta - I will allow you to use a Hero Point on your last check, if you'd like.

Fortiva speaks politely with anyone that engages her, but is mostly looking about and getting a lay of the land.

Accompanying Marta, Fortiva spies a glimpse of a human woman, flanked by six humans and a halfling. The rogue instantly concludes that the human is, Artennod Raike.

Picture now revealed on Slides.

The sharp-eyed elf notes that Raike is wearing a necklace affixed with a glass vial pendant filled with ruby-red liquid and capped with a depiction of coiled serpent. She also wields an axe with the image of
a kobold on it and is supported by a hunting hawk. Raike ducks into one of the huts (B4) as one of the bodyguards takes up a position just outside its entrance.

We have between 1-2 hours before we are due in the Meeting Hall...

Correct, there will be more opportunities for checks, but to keep things orderly, I am just running one phase with each PC making checks at a time since the outcomes of those checks may influence how each PC wishes to proceed and the skills they wish to use during the next phase.

Martin kept a keen out out for the lay of the camp. It was obviously military in nature, and it looked to be taking good advantage of the natural defenses of the area.

Martin's observations confirm that the hobgoblins in camp are strictly militant, hierarchical, and devoted to the art of war. However, they do not impart any additional, useful information.

Yes, please

Yes, please

Done.

Considering the mountainous terrain around the camp and military equipment, Martin finds his eyes drawn towards the gear of the Aspis delegation. The Aspis agents appear underequipped for a lengthy, mountainous trek.

"Check out their gear. No way they went through a trek like ours wearing that. I suppose their other stuff could be in their tents, or hidden somewhere else, but somehow I don't think so."

The clerical woman walks in the camp with her companions asking questions when she has one to the people around them.

Diplomacy, gather information, +10

The clerical woman walks in the camp with her companions asking questions when she has one to the people around them.

During one of her conversations with one of the hobgoblin laborers, Kyra learns that the camp's second-in-command, Master Sergeant Morgroar, is the ambitious sort. He has openly stated his desire to seize Eloqi’s position. He bullies the camp’s cook, Oltug, who has long held a grudge against Morgroar. This grudge began several years ago, after Oltug single-handedly killed a wolf that had attack Morgroar. Rather than promote Oltug, Morgroar ordered Oltug to cook the creature. After finishing the meal, Morgroar declared the dish “lacked seasoning”. The laborer points out Morgroar's hut (B6).as well as the mess hall (B5).

Turning to his group "So - should we Introduce ourselves to these ill-prepared yet somehow-already-here Representatives of Aspis?" winking to Martin.

Zac follows the rest of the group with perception.

"Why would we want to do that? Let's leave them to their preparations and complete our own."

"As much as I despise the thought, if the Aspis travelled by magic, we could use the hobgoblins' superstitions to our advantage."

"Because" Joli smarts Fortiva "Our job here is to forge a trade agreement between them" pointing that out once more "And learning as much as we can about them is our preparations to that effect!"

"Between them? No, our job is to forge a trade agreement that leaves them out in the cold."

"Learning about them is one thing. Antagonizing them, another. But, hey, if you want to barge into their tent ahead of the meeting, far be it from me to stop you."

I'm not sure it's the best way to begin the negotiations to meet the opposite side from our will. That would be a coincidence. And that could be interpreted as an attempt of intimidation.

"Very well" though he disagrees, Joli decides not to push the matter further, and certainly wouldn't consider splitting off "Shall we retire to our accommodations then?" than adds "Though, I must say I am curious to hear Oltug's side of the story..."

Well, we don't know yet where are the defenses and the mines. We don't know neither who is which accommodation on the side of the Aspis? That could help if we had an issue later. Not to provoke a confrontation as well if it's only a discussion doesn't mean to go to sleep. Si vis pacem, para bellum as we say in Kellid.

Zac follows the rest of the group with perception.

Zac is unable to spot anything of note.

You may use a Hero Point if you'd like.

Phase Two

Another round of skill checks. Please post your Exploration Mode if differs from your default.

Again, the assumption is Diplomacy to Gather Information or Perception to Search, but feel free to come up with other resourceful uses of a skill if you can explain how it may be pertinent to uncovering additional information. Note that skill checks can be repeated, yielding different information with each success. The information obtained by a successful check, even a previously used skill, will vary depending upon questions asked, where in the camp the PC is, and any other details given in the post.

Libello will keep scribing notes - observing how they are being observed as outsiders - as surely he expects their presence here to be quite circumspect to the average soldier!

Legal Lore (**) +10 or Society (**) +10

The cleric is trying to know if someone has seen something unexpected upon the Aspis members or in their equipment.

Diplomacy +10, Perception +13 if she has to see by herself

I'll save my hero point, perception 9

Marta decides to check out any magic in the area, especially where the Aspis are, but tries to do so surreptitiously.

Casting detect magic as a level 1 innate spell (Arcane Sense) using Silent Spell and Concealed spell to mask the casting. Stealth +13

Libello will keep scribing notes - observing how they are being observed as outsiders - as surely he expects their presence here to be quite circumspect to the average soldier!

Consistent with his knowledge of hobgoblin culture, Libello notes that none of the hobgoblins within camp use arcane or occult magic or magic items derived from these traditions. Indeed, many appear to share a traditional disdain for these types of magic.

Libello further notes that the camp adheres to a strict schedule and confirms that Master Sergeant Morgroar is no different. Like others of his kind, the hobgoblin regularly enters the mess hall for is meal at the noon hour and again one hour before sunset. While there, Morgroar is said to delight in chastising the cook.

The cleric is trying to know if someone has seen something unexpected upon the Aspis members or in their equipment.

Asking around, Kyra is told that, since their arrival, the Aspis agents have largely stuck to their lodgings, leaving only on rare occasion. The Aspis delegation have only met with Lieutenant Eloqi once, when they were formally introduced. Lieutenant Eloqi openly remarked to his attendant that the Aspis agents appeared feeble and weak.

Raike's valet, the halfling Greeleep Muckfellow, walks with an unusual gait, possibly attributable to an unseen injury. A pungent, musky odor has been reported occasionally wafting from the halfling’s hut.

I'll save my hero point, perception 9

Zac spies Raike leaving her hut and briefly meeting with Master Sergeant Morgroar. Zac spots Raike handing a piece of red-tinted vellum to Master Sergeant Morgroar, which the hobgoblin swiftly tucks behind his bandolier. Raike also hands the hobgoblin small, leatherbound book bearing a serpent motif.

Marta decides to check out any magic in the area, especially where the Aspis are, but tries to do so surreptitiously.

Marta finds virtually no sources of magic throughout much of the camp. However, when Raike passes by her as the Aspis agent returns to her tent, the Pathfinder registers the presence of magic.

The Pathfinder also registers the presence of magic whenever she is within proximity of the hut of Raike's valet, Greeleep Muckfellow. While she is present, Marta never sees the halfling leaving the hut.

A very good round so far. Just waiting on Fortiva and Martin.

One last go at noticing what others are trying to hide.
Perception +11

"What do you think the serpent motif represents?" Joli asks Zac after hearing about the secret "trade-off"...

Players - am I missing anything?

One last go at noticing what others are trying to hide.

Fortiva observes an assortment of small craters that pock the camp’s defenses, indicating a number of alchemical mines were recently detonated.

The party has learned all it can from Perception, so Martin is encouraged to try another skill, such as Diplomacy, for the last check.

society +9 to learn things about the town we are currently in.

society +9 to learn things about the town we are currently in.

The party is not in town, per se.

The camp where you have found yourselves, lies in an isolated valley within the Mindspin Mountains that lies not far from the border of the nation of Oprak. The camp's location was chosen because of its location with Oprak, its accessibility, and its defensibility. Wary of the delegates and looking to preserve her secrets and those of her nation, General Azaersi insisted that outsiders not venture too far within Oprak's borders.

"-Zac spied her meeting with Master Sergeant Morgroar - swapped red-tinted vellum for small leatherbound book bearing a serpent motif"
I think this was "also gave" rather than swapped.

Could add that Eloqi is more likely to appreciate tales of the society coming to others' aid than ones of the Aspis hurting others - the hobgoblins are accustomed to the latter but would be impressed by the former.
Otherwise, I'm not seeing any missing clues, beyond the two new ones

Thank you for that. Was just catching up

BOTTING Martin
Martin makes some inquiries.

+0 Diplomacy to Gather Information

However, he is unable to uncover any additional, useful information.

Having become more familiar with the camp, you have little time to settle into your lodgings when Sergeant Drussem comes to collect you.

"It is time to meet with Lieutenant Eloqi. If would not do to be late." Drussem notes. The Sergeant leads you to the meeting hall in the center of camp where Master Sergeant Morgroar and other hobgoblins in the security detail are present.

Picture of Master Sergeant Morgroar now on Slides.

Drussem knocks on the door of the hall and confirms that you have been bid entry.

Upon entry, you see a prominent, red banner displaying the toothy shield of the nation of Oprak. The banner hangs over a large, stone table, which fills the interior of this hall. A few well-built wooden chairs are arranged on the earthen floor around the table alongside a collection of sizable rocks that are suitable, if not ideal, for sitting. A soft, finely embroidered chair sits at the table’s austere wooden head.

Splayed out on the table is an assortment of maps, ledgers, and trade documents.

A second banner, torn, tattered, and bearing another insignia titled the Ironfang Legion, hangs opposite the front entrance to the north, partitioning the southern end of the room. The banner’s ripped cloth fails to conceal an armoire, a large bed, and a few personal items of exceptional quality in the otherwise sparely furnished room.

A hobgoblin, stately and aging, emerges from behind the tattered banner. He wears ceremonial, full plate armor and has a bow strung across his back.

“I am Lieutenant Eloqi of the nation of Oprak,” he declares. “With whom am I speaking?"

Picture of Oprak banner and Lieutenant Eloqi now on Slides/

Martin goes to the meeting armed, though with no weapons drawn. As part of a military camp, he assumes that no one will say anything about his weapons, though he is prepared to leave the bow at the door if asked to. When he saw the red vellum tucked into the Master Sergeant's bandolier, he took a moment to subtly point it out to the others.

As they discussed, Martin stood to one side and took in the room while waiting for Joli to speak.

perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

Joli walk in with his group. He is dressed in High-Fashion Taldane clothing, now muddied at the feet a little from walking around camp (which doesn't seem to bother him) and carries his bo staff like a walking stick, which he hands to Libello as they enter, leaving him unarmed.

"I am Jolinaxus Strangemuse from the Hold of Belkzen, and these are my esteemed Pathfinder companions" he pauses here, wondering if he is allowed to introduce them as well without breaking the Prolocution code nor answering questions that weren't asked. His attitude is deferential, and he shows this by bowing and by not being overly verbose.

The clerical woman follows the others inside the meeting hall. She stays quiet as they concluded before they arrived at the camp. With the same manner she stays near Jolinaxus simply a bit behind. She uses the fact she hasn't to speak for looking around and is attentive to expressions.

More advanced in age than most hobgoblins, the body of Lieutenant Eloqi bears the marks of a lifetime of battle.

Upon learning that the Pathfinders' prolocutor is a monstrous humanoid, the Lieutenant looks quite pleased, considering himself grateful to be freed from the awkward confinements of "human small talk".

Eloqi listens intently as Jolinaxus introduces the rest of the party, though the hobgoblin keeps his focus upon the prolocutor rather than the half-orc's apparent "subordinates".

The disciplined hobgoblin warrior turned diplomat remains still standoffish, apparently unsure of whether the Pathfinder Society is worthy of Oprak.

As prolocutor, Jolinaxus may give me a Diplomacy check to Make an Impression.

Eloqi finds use of hobgoblin cultural mannerism, military discipline, and displays of deference to one’s prolocutor, even if feigned, to be impressive, allowing certain other skills to be used to Aid a check to Make an Impression. In addition to the Diplomacy skill, a PC can use Deception, Hobgoblin Lore, or Merchant Lore to Aid the prolocutor's check to Make an Impression.

Eloqui strives to be transparent and forthright, making no effort to conceal his views or reactions from the party. Therefore, PCs may openly attempt these checks on their own. These checks are not secret.

tanning lore: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

True to their plan, Martin let Joli do all of the talking, only speaking up when directly addressed. It wasn't that hard. He wasn't a man of many words anyways. Sometimes he wondered why he joined an organization that was more about diplomacy and bookkeeping than about preserving a balance between civilization and the wild.

In fact, he only spoke up when the topic turned to trade with the neighboring orc clans. He was able to point out a few things about the Broken Tusk clan's tanning methods, and how they yielded far superior snow fox pelts than the quick curing used by most human settlements.

If the GM will allow Tanning Lore as a substitute for Mercantile as an assist

"...Martin Shadestep of [redacted] and Fortiva of [redacted]: these two ensured we were able to arrive on time despite the weather; Marta Sanz of Thassilon, Zac Freelan of The North, and Kyra of [redacted]" Joli introduces the PCs with information he would have gleaned on the long trek up to this camp ("Where do your people hail?" and "How long have you lived there?" and other campfire questions), and finally "And this is my Lawyer, Libello" who also bows at being introduced, adjusting his glasses.

Big Roll w/ Monstrous Peacemaker!

Diplomacy (Expert, Monstrous Peacemaker): 1d20 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 14 + 1 = 33

Having apparently no possibility to aid their prolocutor in the task to convince the officer - but does he really need any help? - the cleric remains quiet to observe the scene and the people around.

Not trained in any of the required skills

There is a Perception Check that you can attempt which Joli is perhaps too "busy" to attempt?

Martin has already successfully rolled this check in the post next to the one you show me.

"You have come a long way." Eloqi notes, looking impressed. "Rest, then, for the day ahead of you."

"The talks officially begin tomorrow at the second drum beat." Eloqi declares, as he abruptly rises to dismiss you. "As they were the first to arrive, the delegation from the Aspis Consortium shall be the first to speak and make their bid for a trade agreement."

He looks Jolinaxus Strangemuse in the eye, "The Pathfinders shall follow and make their bid then."

The elder hobgoblin then turns to make his way to his living area as Drussem and the other hobgoblins gesture for you to leave the hall.

The PCs have another hour or so to finish exploring the camp to possibly learn some more info (another skill check as before) or to act on information already received (in which case, post what you'd like to do and how you intend to go about doing it).

"I'd like to check out that hut where that halfling valet has been hiding."

Marta would like to sneak around using invisibility to get a look inside.

Her +13 Stealth would be useful for casting the spell undetected and sneaking around.

Joli will openly visit the Mess Hall looking for Oltug while Marta splits off.

GM - what is the time? How close to sunset?

If he sees him, and Master Sergeant Morgroar is not there, he will speak openly. On the other hand if Master Sergeant Morgroar is present, he will speak guardedly.

Openly: "I hear your value as a warrior is unappreciated here?" and if he mentions Morgroar and the missed promotion Joli will probe deeper "Do you think it will be a matter of Kalech-mar that allows him to succeed Lieutenant Eloqi?"

or

Guardedly: "I hear you run this mess hall by yourself" then to the Master Sergeant "Your reputation for ferocity precedes you!"

Gather Information @ Diplomacy (Expert, Peacemaker): 1d20 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 14 + 1 = 19

"I'd like to check out that hut where that halfling valet has been hiding."

Marta would like to sneak around using invisibility to get a look inside.

While invisible, Marta approaches the simple hut where Raike’s halfling valet was last seen. The entrance to the hut faces southwest and lies

As Marta enters the hut, the guard does not appear to bat an eye.

Inside the hut, Marta finds it unoccupied. Furs lie stretched over the dirt next to a stewpot. A cloth hat lies draped over a smattering of rocks dusted with sloughed, reddish scales.
Would you like to attempt a Society check to learn more about what you see?

GM - what is the time? How close to sunset?

The half-orc finds the chef alone in the mess hall, scraping the remnants of meal plates into a burlap sack, before pausing to give a stir to a boiling pot. As he begins to reach for another set of dirty plates, he looks up at the Pathfinder.

"I hear your value as a warrior is unappreciated here?"

"By some, at least." Oltug grunts. The hobgoblin chef assesses the half-orc with his eyes, before continuing, "One day, I will get the chance to prove my prowess in battle. Until then, I serve as best I can. An army marches on its stomach."

"Do you think it will be a matter of Kalech-mar that allows him to succeed Lieutenant Eloqi?"

Oltug involuntarily releases a chuckle, which grows into a belly laugh. When he realizes that Jolinaxus was not making a joke, he manages to regain his composure. "Yes, my apologies. I did not realize that you may be serious, Outsider."

"The Master Sergeant has the ambition, but none of the ability to succeed Lieutenant Eloqi." Oltug sneers. "While it is true that Lieutenant Eloqi has more days on the battlefield behind him than before, he remains capable. The Master Sergeant may be strong, but he lacks the skill and experience of Lieutenant Eloqi. The Master Sergeant would not be so foolhardy to invoke kalech-mar as to Lieutenant Eloqi. He covets his life too greatly to throw it away in such manner."

Inside the hut, Marta finds it unoccupied. Furs lie stretched over the dirt next to a stewpot. A cloth hat lies draped over a smattering of rocks dusted with sloughed, reddish scales.

Would you like to attempt a Society check to learn more about what you see?

Yes, please. Society +11

Internet outage last night - fun!
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Just fyi - Fortiva would probably be introduced based on her old mercenary company rather than where she grew up. Not sure if there are any that are well known in the society version of the world, so the super-generic Iron Legion will do.
She would have used Deception to show just right amount of deference to Joli during the brief exchange.

Fortiva remains curious about the signs of trouble she saw immediately outside of the camp, and will inquire about what happened - perhaps inviting the soldiers to praise the exploits of whomever set the mines or employed the best repelling tactics.

+12 Diplomacy most likely, but also +9 Society

Yes, please. Society +11

Upon further contemplation, Marta concludes that the reddish scales are those of a kobold. Kobolds are small, reptilian humanoids that lurk in dark spaces, usually tunnels and mines beneath the earth. Far more pragmatic than courageous, kobolds often rely on traps to protect their lairs. Most kobolds would rather concede to servitude than risk being killed. Kobolds tend to scheme against those that seek to control them through fear or subjugation.

Fortiva remains curious about the signs of trouble she saw immediately outside of the camp, and will inquire about what happened - perhaps inviting the soldiers to praise the exploits of whomever set the mines or employed the best repelling tactics.

Rolling Diplomacy to Gather Information

Pleased to be recognized for their military contributions and to have an opportunity to discuss deployment strategies and alchemical formulae, the soldiers reveal that, a day or two before the Aspis agents arrived, a few of the camp’s alchemical mines inexplicably detonated.