[GD XI] Redelia's Race for the Runecarved Key (Inactive)

Game Master Redelia

Welcome, players! Please dot and delete for now.

At the request of hosts Canayven and Sheila Heidmarch, you have been invited to attend a private meeting at Heidmarch Manor. A large number of your fellow Pathfinders have clearly also been given a similar invitation, however the appearance of Sheila Heidmarch suggests all is about to be made clear. She calls for your attention, and as the noise dies down she begins to speak.

”Dear friends, welcome to Magnimar and the newest Pathfinder Lodge—Heidmarch Manor. For those of you who do not yet know me, my name is Sheila Heidmarch—venture-captain of Magnimar. This lodge is also my home, which I share with my husband Canayven. While we are far from the comforts of the Grand Lodge at Absalom, we shall do our best to accommodate you with our humble Varisian hospitalities. My husband and I both spent many years in the field, so we know well what you do and appreciate that you have answered our summons. We are both extremely grateful to receive you and your support.”

”As you well know, Heidmarch Manor is a new lodge. Presently it is funded almost entirely from my own resources. Although I adore Magnimar, we have as many enemies here as friends. This being the case, I seek to court the favor of more powerful allies, specifically members of the Council of Ushers and the Office of the Lord Mayor.”

”This brings the conversation to our current situation. On one of their more recent salvage runs, the wondrous artificers of the Golemworks uncovered a strange relic while dredging stone from the bottom of Magnimar’s harbor. The relic appears to be some sort of a giant key, etched with ancient Thassilonian runes that their learned arcanists speculate may even predate the coming of the mysterious runelords. Because the key falls outside their area of expertise, the Golemworks donated the curious artifact to the Office of the Lord Mayor. In turn, the Lord Mayor intends to auction off the key to the highest bidder in short order, to fund municipal projects. The auction will be run by the Cathedral of Abadar, gold in hand—meaning immediately after the final bid is accepted, the bidder must pay for his prize in full.”

”We want the key. However, we want it legally. Our establishment in Magnimar is relatively new and our footing tenuous. We need to secure more stable political relationships with the Lord Mayor’s office and the Council of Ushers to ensure the Society’s long term success in this city; especially since the Aspis Consortium already has such a strong foothold here. The legitimate purchase of the Runecarved Key from the local authorities would demonstrate our respect for the city’s government, which would go a long way toward improving our public image with these people.”

”That said, we can greatly increase our chances of winning the auction by persuading our competition to back out. While there are some we believe we can outbid, we are a new lodge with far fewer funds than many. Thus, we must find out who else is interested in the key, how much they can bid, and whether or not we can knock them out of the auction.”

”To assure our success, our espionage must be extensive. Therefore we have divided the task between our agents. While division stands to place field operatives in greater danger, we cannot risk revealing ourselves by working en masse. If you are discovered, we will disavow any association with you. We cannot aid you if you get arrested or fall into the clutches of the enemies of our Society. While this is unfortunate, I hope you can understand our position.”

”For now, please make yourselves at home. We have provided accommodations for each of your groups. Feel free to drop off your things and prepare yourselves. Then meet me in the manor’s theater in five minutes.”
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Table GMs, you may begin introductions if you have not already done so. Act One begins in a little under 24 hours.

A tall human in silvery full plate holds his helm under one arm as he listens to Sheila Heidmarch speak. His Shoanti heritage is obvious in his ruddy complexion, his shaved head, and his facial tattoos, as well as the rune-covered adamantine earth breaker slung across his back.

When the venture-captain begins to speak of espionage and courting favor, however, the warrior scratches his head and frowns. "Sheila wants us for this job?" he mutters quietly to the dwarf standing next to him. "Our usual methods of taking out competitors aren't very subtle, are they? And we don't exactly have a low profile in this city, after that Thassilonian Rune Lord business."

That speech is addressed to his old friend, Rilke, but the other PCs are welcome to overhear it.

"Darling, that's probably precisely why she asked you to come!" Another human - this one wearing what appears to be a pirate's outfit (though the clothes themselves appear to have never seen saltwater, let alone been ripped or torn like a real pirate's would be) sweeps the tricorne off his head and flips it around his hand as he bows deeply. "Arnaut Daniel, a humble bard, at your service. And at Sheila's, as it happens. But getting back to the point - you've heard of the phrase 'strongarm the competition', yes? I dare say it's more effective if there's a strong arm or two nearby to point to." He winks, perfectly-coiffed hair framing his face like a masterpiece portrait.

Cazic Thule, Oracle of the Dark Tapestry, Treehugger, Daring Swashbuckler.

Tall (5'4"), Svelte (140 lbs), Mature (18) and she knows it.

Always wearing a beautiful (read the most expensive available) dress, a broach with sapphires (200 gp), a golden necklace (400 gp), a large ruby ring (1000 gp), and a very intricate tiara (450 GP). Never the one to be out dressed.

"Five minutes! There is no time to touch up my beauty routine. I haven't even had breakfast yet!

If there were in fact a goddess of poise and elegance, she would probably get her tips from Lady Gabrielle d'Apcher. Either the sea of Pathfinders and Lady Heidmarch's staff seem to instinctively part for her strides, or she is just that good at timing her steps to pass through completely unhindered, barely slowing to pass her summer parasol to the properly-placed servant.

Someday, a historian might call this occasion of Gabrielle and Arnaut and Cazic in such close proximity a union of celestial bodies, for their fame has spread farther than they would ever travel. Gabrielle's contribution to this conjunction is a summer gown of silk and chiffon, with emeralds adorning her neck, earlobes, and collar, and only after the disturbance caused by their arrival could Lady Heidmarch find an opening to address the gathered guests.

"Lady Heidmarch does have courage, asking us to cover where her finances cannot," she comments whilst fanning away the summer heat. "Besides the Aspis, how many serious competitors could there be?"

Even before the venture-captain arrives, the theater in Heidmarch Manor is crammed with Pathfinders. Heidmarch enters quietly, then slips through the crowd, takes the stage, and speaks.

”Tonight, the Council of Ushers is sponsoring a pre-auction gala, to be hosted at the Cathedral of Abadar. During the party, the auctioneers intend to display the Runecarved Key in order to entice potential bidders. Anyone serious about entering the auction will be required to place a deposit of ten thousand gold coins in an escrow account at the cathedral.”

”We need you to attend this event, both to submit our deposit as well as to determine who else might be interested in the key. While most of those attending received invitations, the event is semi-private and open to anyone with enough money to place serious bids. While the city provided me with an invitation, my appearance would give our many enemies cause for suspicion. For this reason, I ask that all of you go in my stead, and enter as my proxies. Still, we do not want our enemies to speculate on our own intentions. For this reason, you must keep a low profile and avoid seeming too eager about the key. Each of you will be given a portion of the full deposit to take to the temple to present to Proctor Imikar.”
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Table GMs, begin Act One!

The knight stands just over six feet tall with broad shoulders, flowing blond hair, and shining blue eyes. His armor is well-polished, and the holy symbol of Iomedae adorns his shield. A Lastwall pennon flies from his lance, as does a banner of the Tilernos family.

"Arnaut. Good to see you again."

The knight dismounts outside the manor, and speaks a word of magic. His horse disappears inside the armor. He places his lance inside a scabbard that should not be able to hold it, but does.

Listening to the mission, he frowns.

"So you expect us to 'legitimately' acquire this item by threatening or incapacitating other bidders?"
He shakes his head.
"Disgraceful. Well, I am not a follower of Abadar. If you judge that this is absolutely necessary to prevent some greater evil, and you have not identified an honorable way by which that might be done, then I will follow, and pray for forgiveness from Iomedae later."

"If it has come to this sort of thuggery, Heidemarch, then you have grievously erred in managing this affair. I assume a lack of planning. I will bring my concerns to The Ten afterwards. It is business such as this that gives the Society such a bad reputation."
Sir Hendric does not seem at all deferential to the Venture-Captain, as he is one in his own right. And he is not happy to have to engage in such underhanded behavior.

Still, he isn't a paladin and he isn't going to fall. He might lose access to his Order's added bonus to Challenge for 24 hours, but that isn't a huge deal. He's just going to grumble about having to do something so shady.

"If it comes to outright assassination of non-combatants, I draw a line there."

Will go along and make Perception and Sense Motive checks - he is good at that.

Posting for Redelia until she returns in the next day or so.

At this time Sheila gives you a strong box containing a portion of the 10,000 gp deposit. You quickly begin making your way towards the Cathedral of Abadar.

Upon your arrival, you witness a steady stream of guest as they ascend the stairs and enter the cathedral’s main sanctuary, where the viewing is being held. Rows of paladins donning white tabards stitched with the golden key of Abadar flank the main entrance. Their hands clench tightly around their gleaming swords as they stand almost motionless, ever-vigilant stares upon their faces.

As you enter, various low-level priests greet you and invite you to partake in food and beverages while they mingle about.

"My dear Cazic, you're getting soft and lazy living in civilization again," Falling Rock says to the oracle, an affectionate smile taking a bit of the hard edge off his craggy features. "We always had time for that fancy breakfast spell you love so much when we were camping in the mountains. Of course, I constantly had to wake you up about three hours earlier than you wanted me to every day."

He turns to the other arrivals, and nods. "I am Falling Rock, of the Shriikirri-Quah," he says, touching the tattoos on his face and similar markings engraved upon his breastplate, which form the Shoanti runes for "avalanche." He hooks a thumb over his shoulder at the earth breaker. "And this is Skyfall."

The burly warrior greets Sheila with familiarity and respect when the venture-captain hands over the deposit, before placing the strong box into his magic bag for safekeeping.

When he and his companions reach the temple, he gladly partakes in the offered food and drink, though he does so slowly and sparingly to keep his wits about him.

A dwarf with a very scruffy beard (if you want to call it that) and their hair tied up in pigtails, tags along after the group. She has obviously forgotten to bathe since the last rainstorm. On the other hand, the bow on her back is immaculately cared for. Before you arrived, she introduced herself as Rilke Jarlsbart, monk and archer.

At the party, they are delighted to see actual food, not just fruity elven drinks, and grazes along the tables making a cheerful nuisance of herself. She moves up behind Falling Rock and asks, spraying crumbs on the back of his shirt, "So, what are we doing here? The food's good, but I feel underdressed."

One of the acolytes directs you to Proctor Jyronn Imikar. "Ah, might that chest there be a deposit? I am responsible for taking bids and logging your entries."

You can try to catch a glimpse of the Ledger with a Perception Check.

Perception: 1d20 + 35 ⇒ (19) + 35 = 54 (If Rilke is around to notice.)

Perception: 1d20 + 35 ⇒ (16) + 35 = 51

Sir Hendric will also try to catch a glimpse of the ledger.

Vigilance was the calling of his nation and therefore Vigil the name of their greatest city... he takes that to heart and has trained to be observant.

Falling Rock presents the chest for logging in.

Perception: 1d20 + 27 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 27 + 4 = 47 (includes +4 for favored terrain (urban))

"Shall we unmask the viable bidders?" the Lady suggests as they arrive. "Sir Hendric, I have attended enough of these to know that if all goes well, intimidation or bribery or blackmail, none of it will be necessary. A larger concern is of those who will wish to do the same to us. Iomedae protect us," she assures the knight.

An antiquities auction is a satin-glove occasion for Lady Gabrielle. With Cazic and Arnaut in her squad, she sips sparkling wine and enjoys fine croquettes served with tiny forks, for to physically touch one's food is unbecoming of a Lady broadcasting an image of being above it all, whatever "it all" might be in the observer's mind.

And as a result, she has likely drawn every Tom, Dick, and Harry who wishes to present themselves as a serious contender towards the three of them, bringing the entire buffet of chat to them.

Lady Gabrielle, thanks to her Skill Mastery, is tapping 57 on Diplomacy (60 if they're human nobility, and way more if they're Taldor faction members!) and 57 on Sense Motive to gather information and filter out the truly serious from the merely curious.

Let's make this happen, Cazic and Arnault! Gather that info! Work those Knowledges! Perceive those shadowy figures in the corner! Eat those meat platters (that's more for Falling Rock)!

Rilke makes a note of all the names and their organizations and brings it to the attention of people who are better at talking than she is. Which is pretty much anyone.

Not sure if you'd rather share the link or have us comment here.

She remembers something from previous adventures together. "Cazic. Spell for talking. Please." Translation: Message. Hopefully someone has it.

What sort of check would it be to recognize a high-ranking Aspis agent in the crowd? Knowledge (Local) or Knowledge (Nobility)? Perception? Something else?

Sir Hendric will look around for Maiveer Sloan, to see who they are talking to.

1d20 ⇒ 5
+10 Knowledge (Nobility), or +35 Perception; he does not have Knowledge (Local). If Sloan is a lawyer, then the +11 Profession (Barrister) might apply, and if a religious figure then the +12 Knowledge (Religion).

“Darling Hendric, you really should try some of this!” Arnaut pauses mid-sip to put a hand on the knight’s shoulder and swirls his wine glass enticingly. “It’s not the good stuff of course - they’re keeping the expensive vintages out of sight, just like at the manorhouse - but it’s not on our tab, so drink up!”

Bluff vs DC 20: 1d20 + 49 ⇒ (8) + 49 = 57 (This is just here in case an NPC might notice that Arnaut is passing a secret message)

And with that, the singer leaves his glass in Hendric’s hand and floats away to hear what the crowds want to say.

Diplomacy to Gather Information?: 1d20 + 49 ⇒ (11) + 49 = 60

I’ll admit I’m a little lost at what’s possible right now, so feel free to ignore the Gather Information if needed.

Falling Rock commit the names in the ledger to memory as best he can, until he can have a bit more privacy to compare notes with his companions. He doesn't recognize any names immediately apart from the Aspis Consortium itself, which he mainly only knows by reputation, despite his long career as a Pathfinder.

A squat man in white robes steps upon the cathedral dais to address the room. Introducing himself as the sexton of Magnimar’s High Cathedral of Abadar, he greets his guests with a broad, welcoming smile. "Good evening, friends! I’m pleased to see so many of our distinguished and honored guests could attend. For those of you not fortunate enough to have participated in our pre-auction festivities, please feel free to take part in all the luxuries and wonders within these halls. And with my welcome, I have the pleasure unveiling the auction’s feature lot. Enjoy!"

With the utterance of the final word he pulls aside the veil, displaying a gigantic key. It stands roughly three feet tall and is made of stone etched with glowing arcane symbols. The crowd applauds and people turn back to their companions to discuss the key. The crowd is an eclectic mix of landholders, merchants, and other notable figures from all over Varisia, wide-eyed and curious to glimpse the mysterious Runecarved Key. Hired servants and acolytes continue to weave through the crowd bearing luxurious platters of fruits, sweetbreads, and oysters or trays topped with crystal goblets of heady red wine. Guests mingle slowly, socializing amicably but cautiously with longtime acquaintances, as they feel out potential competitors.
_______

At this time, you can attempt to scope the crowd to try to deduce who are the Society’s most serious competitors. You may attempt a Diplomacy or Knowledge (Local or Nobility) check to find a specific individual or attempt a Diplomacy, Knowledge (Local or Nobility), Perception or Sense Motive check to give a more generic description of the type of person you seek. Although you made a little bit of progress already, now you have several names and thus have a bit more of a specific idea on who and what you're looking for :)

Rilke stuffs a last oyster in her mouth and reluctantly steps away from the food to look for some of the competition, wiping her mouth and fingers on her sleeves.

Perception: 1d20 + 35 ⇒ (12) + 35 = 47

Falling Rock takes some samples from the various platters of food, as well as a goblet of wine, but consumes the treats slowly as he makes his way closer to the Key to get a better look at it. He's not very practiced at social graces, so focuses instead on watching the other guests and trying to spot or overhear anything useful about the competition as he moves through the crowd.

Perception (urban): 1d20 + 27 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 27 + 4 = 44

His Diplomacy, K(local), and Sense Motive are pretty much useless at this tier, and his K(nobility) is nonexistent. But he lives up to the Hawk Clan name in Perception!

Arnaut leaves the duchesses to Gabrielle and instead plays the crowd like a fiddle for juicy gossip and rumors surrounding Dymal Rinks.

Knowledge (local), Boon, Take 10: 10 + 26 + 1d4 ⇒ 10 + 26 + (3) = 39

Do we need to ask around for these folks one at a time, or can we roll a series of checks? This feels like a proto-social encounter, so I'm not certain what framework we're dealing with here.

Using Sir Hendric's roll of a 5 above, I would apply Diplomacy to try to find Maiveer Sloan.

Sir Hendric nods to Arnaut, says "Perhaps," and tries to seek out the Aspis agent anyway.

Diplomacy: 5 + 25 = 30

Rilke ... "Cazic. Spell for talking. Please." Translation: Message. Hopefully someone has it.

Cazic says "Sure thing!" then touches you and grants you enhanced diplomacy. +2 competence bonus on your next Diplomacy or Intimidate. Duration 1 minute.

Gather Information [dice=Diplomacy]1d20+44+2

Edit: It's been explained twice, I'm still new (not understanding) exactly what sequence of characters make the server roll me some dice.

Cazic begins to tear up.

Gather Information Diplomacy: 1d20 + 44 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 44 + 2 = 53

Think I’ve got it.
Really hate it keeps defaulting to Risner every time.

As mentioned above, Lady Gabrielle is tapping 57 on Diplomacy (60 if they're human nobility) and 57 on Sense Motive to draw her prey, I mean the centre of conversation towards the group, armed with her fan, a wine glass, and a tiny fork for those oysters!

In one swift motion, Lady Gabrielle glances towards Arnault to note that she's received his signal while snatching an oyster plate from a waiting servant, in one of those moments that lasts a split-second in reality but an eternity in memory. To the keen-sensed, this is a socialite in her favourite environment, or a hunter in her favoured terrain depending on the point of view.

She steers the subject of chatter towards the auction itself, indicating great interest in the antique Minkaian screen for her boudoir to create a sense of non-competition from her for the Key.

GM: Lady Gabrielle is looking to draw Falrig Sneve, Kresch Vaor, Doctor Landis, and/or the Duchesses over to us; feel free to choose whichever parties will make for the most entertaining chat! I'm particularly curious in who'll put themselves out there to chat up Cazic!

I’m not adding Tea or Community bonuses right now. Did I miss the GM ack that we had them today.

It looks like we are waiting for our GM to come back from sick leave, because we have a ton of unresolved actions out on the table there.

I'm happy to just make uproarious banter until then!

Yes, you had time for a tea ceremony before things started up.

Sir Hendrick finds a gaunt, fashionably dressed Chelaxian who handshakes his way through the room, accompanied by a half-dozen followers who appear to be equal parts attendant and bodyguard.

Arnaut finds a squat halfling, dressed in plain clothes, who skates about the edge of the crowd, his eyes flitting back and forth between the key and the exit.

Lady Gabrielle is pointed by a bystander towards an uncomely woman with large teeth and a shrewlike nose, dressed unbecomingly in the drab clothing of a stevedore. Slight in stature with a slightly stooped posture, she behaves in a mostly standoffish manner. Slipping to the edge of the crowd, she nervously waits for the key. Spotting the artifact, she make a few quick notes then slips off. (Kresch Vaor)

Those of you who found someone can go talk to them and see if you can find out more. Another skill check while doing so will be helpful. For the rest of you, you need to tell me who you are looking for, or at least a general description of who you are looking for.

General description, hmm...OK. Falling Rock has encountered, and even used, powerful artifacts before (full Shattered Star AP) so will look for anyone who seems to be a knowledgeable expert on such things. He's unlikely to be able to actually follow any such conversation for long--Knowledges are NOT his strong suit, apart from nature--but he'll enjoy educated speculation about the Key itself far more than schmoozing with wealthy aristocrats. He leaves that kind of folk to Cazic, who thrives on the attention.

Rilke is just looking for people so she can point others at them. Starting at the bottom of the ledger and working her way up. Zimandi Kaddren, Doctor Ernst Landis, The Duchesses, Dymal Rinks, Kresch Vaor, Falrig Sneve (I think that's what it says) and Maiveer Sloan.

Sir Hendric will walk up openly to Maiveer Sloan.

"Greetings. How are things in the Consortium these days? That unfortunate business of the recent past is all behind you now? Glad I could help."

Sir Hendric has saved the lives of Aspis agents on several occasions, and in one memorable scenario saved the leadership of the Consortium from a fellow Pathfinder who would have murdered them all.

It seems incomprehensible that Sir Hendric would not be recognized as a Pathfinder, so there's no point in trying, but he will avoid giving the impression that he is particularly interested in the artifact. He just tries to get a sense of the Consortium's interest and current level of stupidly impulsive murderousness (which at times is unfortunately high).

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 33 ⇒ (11) + 33 = 44

Lady Gabrielle manages to corner Miss Vaor near the powder room, wine glass in hand as she greets the woman, which might be a surprise to her. Whether it's pleasant or unpleasant is a matter for her own anxieties.

"Miss Vaor," she begins with a friendly tone. "Exciting evening?" she asks once she has seized the woman's attention. "Tell me, are you presently looking to expand your personal collection or supply a mysterious foreign customer? Business or pleasure?" she examines her own features in a mirror as she chats, seeming quite interested to talk to the exporter.

Bluff result of 57 (Skill Mastery) to imply that Lady Gabrielle could become a lucrative customer for her if she impresses the Lady.

The sexton steps back up to the cathedral dais and claps his hands to get the room’s attention. Clearing his throat, he calls out, ”The pre-auction gala has ended; all must leave the cathedral immediately. Thank you for attending and we’ll see many of you back here for the auction!”
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Your first task done, you exit the cathedral and make your way back to Heidmarch Manor. The theater is filled with your fellow Pathfinders, all buzzing with excitement. Sheila Heidmarch, raises her hands and quiets the room before speaking. ”Well my colleagues, I trust you were successful this evening? Anyone have information to share? Let’s see some hands.”

A tall, thin half-elf with jet black hair and piercing green eyes is the first to volunteer information. ”We met a halfling named Dymal Rinks, who said he was only acting on behalf of one of his clients,” he explains. ”But I heard a rumor that Rinks actually has a pretty big gambling problem and it’s gotten him into debt at the Matador Lounge, betting on bullfights. Might be worth keeping in mind.”

A young woman sporting a magnificent tricorn hat and a rapier on her hip calls out, ”Lady Zimandi Kaddren was in attendance! She seemed interested in the Key as a potential object of arcane study. But when the subject of the Pathfinder Society came up - entirely of her own volition, by the way - she seemed angry and said something about her parents having vanished on a mission. I think that she blames the Society for their disappearance…so it might be best to tread lightly there.”

Next, an undine male clad only in swim trunks and a backpack speaks up. ”I can report that the curator of the Museum of Ages is also interested in the artifact. Doctor Landis has secured a donation for the key, since he can’t use museum funds for the auction. He thinks it is an item of great historical significance, and that it was created by Emperor Xin to unlock a temple of seven paradises.”

”I learned a little about two women dressed in travelers’ outfits,” volunteers an attractive aasimar in full plate, holy symbol of Iomedae emblazoned on the front. ”They claim to be Varisian and both go by the pseudonym ‘The Duchesses’. Not very chatty but people seemed to think that they’re not locals.”

Before Heidmarch can comment on the information that has been shared, a servant rushes in and hands her a note. She takes a moment to read it, her expression intrigued.

”Well, my friends, it seems Desna smiles upon us. My sources have just informed me that the Aspis Consortium has fewer funds than we first imagined. Thus, they have sent word to an ally in Korvosa to ship them more gold. Fortunately, I still have a few spies in Korvosa.”

”A few days ago, the Consortium hired a Varisian caravan to carry a sizable shipment of gold to Magnimar, presumably to help them secure the Runecarved Key’s purchase. The caravan was traveling along the Yondabakari River and should be nearing the outskirts of the city in a few hours. I need you to ride out to the caravan before it gets within sight of the city walls and ensure that gold never reaches the Aspis Consortium at Bronze House. Take whatever gold you can, but try not to draw attention to yourselves as Pathfinders. It’s bandit territory out there anyway, so caravan raids aren’t uncommon. That said, rest assured the caravan will be armed. As soon as you’re finished, hurry back here. We don’t want Maiveer Sloan to catch on to our plot. I’ll send a white raven to signal you to return before the situation becomes too risky.”
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Table GMs, you may begin Act Two. Act Two will conclude on September 22nd.

"That's more like it!" Rilke growls, shouldering her equipment and heading out.

Yes, you had time for a tea ceremony before things started up.

Thanks.

I also had this Diplomacy (as a Gather) but could equally go toward whoever is the best dressed in the building.

Party
Communal Table Temp HP: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14 for today.
The teamwork feat for today is Escape Route, we all have it for 12 hours.

Party

[dice=Communal Table Temp HP]1d8+9] for today.

As to the Teamwork feat from Communal Table, might I suggest Lookout? It's useful to have up before combat begins (unlike Sir Hendric's Tactician-granted feats), and it benefits the casters as well as the martials. Only matters if we have a surprise round, but we could arrange for that to happen.

"It’s bandit territory out there anyway"

"Oh, then Pathfinders should feel right at home."

"Well. Should we disguise ourselves? We have already been seen together here, which seems indicative of the Society taking a great interest in this matter since they have sent many of their greatest agents."

Sir Hendrick finds Maiveer Sloan to be very rude, even dismissive of the Society.

Lady Gabrielle finds that Kresch Vaor is trying hard to avoid her.

Falling Rock locates Zimandi Kaddren, an aristocrat and magic user.

Rilke locates Doctor Landis, a museum curator.

Cazic finds the Duchesses, a pair of women in Varisian dress.

You guys managed maximum possible points there, even if you didn't get the fun of chatting much with the NPCs.

---------------------- Act 2 ---------------------------

Several miles outside of the city walls, a side trail branches
off and away from the Yondabakari and winds south into
a forest of ancient evergreens. Off to the side of the path,
nestled into a deep pocket of spruces, sleeps a small Varisian
caravan, only two wagons strong.

Perception checks, please; I'll move us forward as soon as someone makes the check.

Perception, Greater Heroism from tea ceremony: 1d20 + 35 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 35 + 4 = 40

Sir Hendric is mounted, but he has his shield stowed and has no weapon in hand.

His usual appearance, with the holy symbol of Iomedae proudly displayed and the banners of his house flying, just don't seem fitting for this sort of task.

He has also dirtied himself to conceal his identity somewhat.
Disguise, Greater Heroism: 1d20 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 1 + 4 = 23

Lookout?

I picked Escape Route when you offered Lookout.

Let's make it Lookout instead.

”I hope the Key doesn’t turn out to be one of Xin’s creations. I think we’ve all had our fill of that twice-dead evil bastard’s toys,” Falling Rock murmurs to Rilke, his tone a mixture of both disgust and satisfaction at his memories of defeating the Rune Lord.

When Sheila broaches the subject of hitting the Aspis caravan, the Shoanti smiles grimly. ”Ah, now we get to the violence. This I understand. And I may have just the thing to help hide our allegiance–or mine, anyway.” He rummages in his haversack for a moment, and pulls out a rather plain-looking cap. ”With this, my mithral armor, Skyfall, and I won’t be so easily recognized as we are in Magnimar.”

Spending all four uses at once of my Torch’s Bag of Contingencies boon, to gain an item worth up to 2,000 gp: a hat of disguise (1,800).

Outside of town, Falling Rock now looks like a hulking orc whose heavy armor is covered in skulls and fetishes. Skyfall still looks dangerous, but less overtly magical. The disguised warrior moves surprisingly quietly for someone in armor as they approach the caravan.

Perception: 1d20 + 27 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 27 + 4 = 44

And if it matters: Stealth: 1d20 + 25 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 25 + 4 = 44

Both include +4 for greater heroism from the tea ceremony.

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23 + 2 vs evil

Perception: 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (5) + 32 = 37

“…tell me which one of these costumes screams ‘bandit with a heart of gold buried beneath a rough exterior’ to you. Be honest - this is important…” Arnaut alternates between a heavy leather cloak over dark fabrics with a wide-brimmed hat and patchwork furs that leave his midriff uncovered and seem to be one well-placed cut away from falling apart completely.

"Well. Should we disguise ourselves? We have already been seen together here, which seems indicative of the Society taking a great interest in this matter since they have sent many of their greatest agents."

Lady Gabrielle preserves both of their reputations with one swift motion. "Sir Hendric, as it turns out, the two of us are expected at dinner shortly. I am certain that Falling Rock and Rilke will manage without our lovely personas anywhere in sight. Shall we depart?" she offers a gloved hand for the knight.

And with that, and a few well-placed pieces of gossip later, the Lady and the knight remain unsullied. In the eyes of the world, they dined on roast duck and local vegetables, and the Lady was moved by his tales of Lastwall and of resisting the orcish hordes. In time, admirers would compare the thought of them as a pair to the romantic heroes of the Shining Crusade.

Bluff 57 if anyone was onto us.

---

Sir Hendric is mounted, but he has his shield stowed and has no weapon in hand.

A dark-clad woman, unarmed, sits side-saddle close to the horse's rump, her hood obscuring her features. Her appearance mirrors that of The Duchesses.

Take-10 Disguise of 53 to look like a Duchess albeit hooded and cloaked.

Let's also bump Sir Hendric's result to a 53 with some tactical applications of eyeliner and maybe a different pair of boots. He looks like a tough hired hand of the Duchesses, doesn't he?

Meanwhile, the "Duchess" is rather observant! Perception 51 thanks to Skill Mastery.

Rilke's attempts at disguise are laughable, since it looks like she just rolled around in the dirt for a bit to cover up that New Dwarf Smell.

Disguise: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 (And yes that includes the +4 from the tea ceremony)

She eyes Arnault's costume changes askance, then shrugs and says, "Furs." You aren't sure if she's seriously considered the question or not, but you're sure that's her answer.

Stealth of any kind is not her strong suit, but she is quite perceptive, keeping an eye out for any hidden guards surrounding the caravan.

Stealth: 1d20 + 11 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 11 + 4 = 24
Perception: 1d20 + 35 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 35 + 4 = 49

Rilke looks for a place to stand with a decent view of the caravan without needing to move too much. "I can be a bush in the road, if you want them to stop at a particular place. I don't even have to be a very *good* bush. Gives me line of sight, too." She shifts her quivers so they are easier to draw from.

If necessary, Falling Rock's Disguise check, including +4 for greater heroism and +10 for the hat of disguise:
Disguise: 1d20 - 1 + 4 + 10 ⇒ (5) - 1 + 4 + 10 = 18
But he's replying more on Stealth at the moment, and counting on anyone who sees him being rendered unconscious before they get a proper opportunity to attempt the low-DC Will save vs. the illusion.