Outpost VII - GM Valen's PFS 1-12 The Burden of Envy (Author's Table)(12 Challenge Points) (Inactive)

Game Master Lysle

"Sewers, ugh! Smelly awful places from what I've been told. Do we really have to go down there... Could we not go and find out about Noggin's friends, spend a few hours in a coffee shop or ale house?"

Anywhere else it might be investigate, but here it has to be search, don't want to step into any nasty puddles

Drakmak spot Flitch’s name hidden in the graffiti and markings on the wall, along with another copy of the coded message. He also spots a set of boot prints and what appear to be drag marks.

survival: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Try as he might, following odd scribblings seems beyond Achuruius.

Noggin doesn't know how to track, he just looks at the boot marks and scratches his head "You think it's Flitch?" he asks "I guess he went that way?" The furry goblin points in a seemingly random direction.

survival: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Norbwald takes a look around at the tracks but just takes another swing from his bagged beverage.

Drakmak looks at the boot mark, puts his foot in the mark, "No it's not mine or yours, must be Fitch, let's go on." He shakes the mud from his shoe, before he follows the rest.

Drakmak looks at the boot mark, puts his foot in the mark, "No it's not mine or yours, must be Fitch, let's go on." He shakes the mud from his shoe, before he follows the rest.

Some unfortunate rolls. Does the party wish to spend another 2 hours in the sewers trying to track Flitch (another Survival check)? Go topside and Gather Information (Diplomacy check)? Or try another location (pick one)?

Noggin and Drakmuk have yet to make rolls. Even with a +0, the target is not all that high. Guys, go ahead and try.

I figured it was a trained only roll, but if I can...

Survival: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16

Hmmmm.... it would be a bit if a blow because given the bonuses on the rolls I doubt any of us are trained in survival.... To provide a kind of solution, GM permitting....

As the group wander around lost and return to the start again, Drakmak starts to talk to his bird, "No of course I can't follow tracks, you need a small friend like a red fox, they can sniff and smell the way a smelly thief can go. Don't think I can do that..and I wouldn't want to try in this dark dank place." Drakmak shrugs his shoulders, and replies softly, "Well I'm going to have to use my magics then."

Drakmak drains the magical power held in Racvern and casts a spell once more, transforming Noggin into a red fox, which amongst it's other powers, is able to follow a track using scent....

As Noggin turns into the creature, Drakmak turns to Norbwald and says quietly, "It's a shame he'll turn back into a goblin, he looks quite cute as a red fox."

I figured it was a trained only roll, but if I can...

Before needing to take on the aspects of a fox, the goblin picks up the trail on his own.

The party is able to follow the trail even as it becomes less pronounced in areas where the fetid water rises. The tracks eventually lead to a drier area along a second of older tunnel. Here, the scent of smoke is quite pronounced. It appears to be eminating from a small sewer maintenance chamber where a humble campsite has been set up. Dying embers consume the last remnants of charred wood.

Siting at the campsite is a young man with a wholesome face, accented by dark hair. A single curl dangles over his forehead, which he brushes aside as he spies the party. "Whoah!" exclaims the young man in surprise, before asking cautiously. "Just who are you?"

"Emissaries from Valais Durant and Guaril," as EVERYONE knows who Guaril is he does not bother to include a surname, "here to fulfil his promises if possible. Are you Filch?"

"Yeah, we've come for yor slippers! Give 'em up..." The young goblin adds "Your uncle has suffered cold feet for too long!" He then shakes his head and mumbles, "Honestly, kids these days."

"I know you must be cautious, but we are from your friend Guaril, who is hoping to meet you, when the time is right." the half-orc smiles at the young man. "We have followed you here from the message you left, it was a very clever idea, for which you should be commended. You have the cunning of the desert jackal, almost as Guaril himself."

"Emissaries from Valais Durant and Guaril," as EVERYONE knows who Guaril is he does not bother to include a surname, "here to fulfil his promises if possible. Are you Filch?"

"Filch?” The young man repeats thoughtfully. He then gives a curt shrug. ”Nope."

"Yeah, we've come for yor slippers! Give 'em up..." The young goblin adds "Your uncle has suffered cold feet for too long!" He then shakes his head and mumbles, "Honestly, kids these days."

"Slippers?" repeats the youth quizzically. It is a few moments before a look of revelation overtakes the young man's face. "Slippers!" he cries out. "So, you're here to finish the job for Uncle Guaril? Yes! I knew he wouldn't leave me to hang here in Xin-Edasseril. I'm too valuable, you know?"

He pauses for a moment, again lost in thought.

"Or maybe you don't know." he wonders aloud. He then flashes you a smile and bows before holding out a hand in introduction. "I'm Flitch. Flitch Napovic. Sczarni extraordinary."

"I know you must be cautious, but we are from your friend Guaril, who is hoping to meet you, when the time is right." the half-orc smiles at the young man. "We have followed you here from the message you left, it was a very clever idea, for which you should be commended. You have the cunning of the desert jackal, almost as Guaril himself."

Flitch's smile widens. "If you think those words were clever? Then, you should check these ones out!" Flitch begins to rifle through his backpack. As he does, he pulls out a series of items. First, he draws out a disguise kit. Next, he produces a small flask, which he gently places on the dirty stone of the sewer floor.

Next, he produces a repair kit. "Guess, I won't be needing this any longer." he mutters to himself, as he tosses the repair kit aside and dives back into the pack. After a few more moments, he produces a set of rolled up papers.

"Here, check these out." Flitch declares proudly as he hands the rolled papers over to Drakmak. "They're travel papers. Forged travel papers. I made them myself. Fine work, don't you think?"

What do you want to do, Pathfinders?

"Well, we hope to smuggle you out. Maybe they will come in handy and maybe you will be hiding in the ships bilge. For now, you are a pathfinder and with us."

"Well, we hope to smuggle you out. Maybe they will come in handy and maybe you will be hiding in the ships bilge. For now, you are a pathfinder and with us."

"'Maybe they will come in handy'?!" Flitch replies increduously. "They're my work! I made them!"

He stops for a moment adn thinks aloud, "I did mention that I am Flitch. Flitch Napovic. Sczarni extraordinary--didn't I?"

"So, the plan that Guaril gave me is still on, then? Is the ship still coming to Shard Cove?" Flitch asks tentatively. "Because, when things got hot in the city and Uncle Guaril left, I sort of--kind of--figured that the ship wouldn't be coming. That's when I made other plans. Those forgeries, in fact." He points to the rolled documents that he handed to Drakmak.

What next, Pathfinders?

"Yes, very handy! Maybe we won't have to smuggle Vurna out in the wagon after all..." Noggin says enthusiastically, "And yes, the plan is still on! If the plan you're thinking of is the same one I am." He leans in closer, and whispers conspiratorially "There's a boat coming to shard cove in a few days, and you're going to show the captain of the guard the way... And some people we haven't even met yet!"

Drakmak, takes the papers and in the light takes a good long look at them. "I wonder what you've done here and are they good enough."

Society or Thievery to study the forgeries 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

A thought occurs to him and Archurius asks, "Why are you so desperate to escape, anyway?"

"Yes, very handy! Maybe we won't have to smuggle Vurna out in the wagon after all..." Noggin says enthusiastically, "And yes, the plan is still on! If the plan you're thinking of is the same one I am." He leans in closer, and whispers conspiratorially "There's a boat coming to shard cove in a few days, and you're going to show the captain of the guard the way... And some people we haven't even met yet!"

"Oh, you've spoken to Vurna? Uh, what'd she say about me?" Flitch mutters nervously, before pursuing the other subjects. "So, Shard Cove is still happening? Yes, well, er... I trust that you all like to swim?"

Flitch pauses for a moment, then blurts, "Wait! Whoah! Did you say 'show the captain of the guard'!? No way! That's a secret passage. The whole reason I even went looking for it was to avoid the guard. Their patrols and towers have eyes on every other way out of the city! If you tell the guard, we'll all be hanged for sure. Or worse "

More to come when I get back to my desk

Drakmak, takes the papers and in the light takes a good long look at them. "I wonder what you've done here and are they good enough."

Drakmak concludes that they are not "good enough".

Indeed, the half-orc identifies the forgeries as being of poor quality. However, Flitch’s forgeries are similar enough to the actual documents to help create forgeries of quality.
PCs have a bonus to any Society check to Create a Forgery of travel papers.

A thought occurs to him and Archurius asks, "Why are you so desperate to escape, anyway?"

"Guaril didn't tell you? There is a price on my head." Flitch warns, suddenly looking around to be sure that the party is still alone. "Apparently, the authorities somehow found out about our little 'passagr-for-coin operation' and that Guaril and I had a hand in it. The Runelord of Envy treats her 'subjects' like her 'possessons'. She isn't about to let any of them just sail away from her city without her permission."

If you haven't gathered, this can be a particularly roleplay-heavy scenario--probably more so when I run it. It is difficult to strike a balance, especially in PbP, between engaging in roleplay that hopefully the players find interesting and keeping the adventure moving at an engaging pace. That being said, feel free to post any more questions for Flitch (I suspect he has provoked a few), but also please indicate where the party wishes to go next.

Norbwald takes another swig and looks over Flitch’s forgeries. "These ain't gonna make it happen, but I think they are a good start. We've got a few days so maybe we can work on something better."

"Noggin here has strange ideas which include the guard. Their captain is either a really good actor and trying to make a good bust or she wants out of the city. Not sure which. At least I think so. All this spy vs. spy stuff hurts my brain."

"The captain is on Guaril's list of people to rescue!" Noggin states a little defensively towards Archurius "Besides, she let me sign up for that armour didn't she? That means she's a good person... Although I don't know how good her acting skills are." As to what Vurna had to say about Flitch, the young goblin explains how sick she is and that she wasn't talking to anyone. "I don't think she'll be swimming any time soon, but we have another plan to get her and her father out. Don't worry! Just be ready to show us, the captain and a few others the way to the cove when needed. We'll deal with the rest."

I'd still like to gather information about the artistic guard, but then maybe to the ministry of tithes?

"Thank you Flitch for your efforts on these papers, but even the children here could tell they aren't official documents. Do you have a considerable sum of gold to pay the guards, it would be the only way to get, even a guard, to let you through." He scratches his chin and starts a whispered conversation with his bird. After several moments Drakmak offers up, "By the grace of the camel race in Ithtar, these documents do have some worth, as templates for more detailed papers. Hmmm, does anybody feel like they can create suitable forgeries? Or shall I attempt it, I do after all have a steady hand for my jewelry work, trained as I am." He bows humbly to Flitch.

He waits in case someone other than himself decides to try, although he picks out some paper and crayons, for when Noggin inevitably offers up 'help'.

"Flitch, you no doubt know a little about the guards, have you attentive ears heard any stories about the guard they call Ellvard. We might very well be interested in visiting him to see his art. Like the breeze that blows the leaves of the palms, have whispers passed your ears?"

Achurius shakes his head in response to Drakmmak's query, having never had a reason to forge documents before, he was not about to start now even if he could.

"Not sure I would go so far as to say the captain is on the list, but she sure acted odd, passing us those papers. Could be she was jut trying to help a friend, and not interested in leaving at all. It's not like we could talk openly about things being in the middle of all those other guards. It might be nice to see if we could have a one on one with her."

"The captain is on Guaril's list of people to rescue!" Noggin states a little defensively towards Archurius "Besides, she let me sign up for that armour didn't she? That means she's a good person... Although I don't know how good her acting skills are." As to what Vurna had to say about Flitch, the young goblin explains how sick she is and that she wasn't talking to anyone. "I don't think she'll be swimming any time soon, but we have another plan to get her and her father out. Don't worry! Just be ready to show us, the captain and a few others the way to the cove when needed. We'll deal with the rest."

I'd still like to gather information about the artistic guard, but then maybe to the ministry of tithes?

"Too sick to talk, huh? Okay." Flitch replies.

I will take that as 1 vote to Gather Information on Ellvard.

"Flitch, you no doubt know a little about the guards, have you attentive ears heard any stories about the guard they call Ellvard. We might very well be interested in visiting him to see his art. Like the breeze that blows the leaves of the palms, have whispers passed your ears?"

I will take that as a 2nd vote to Gather Information on Ellvard.

"I try to steer clear of any guards. I can't say the name 'Ellvard' is familiar." Flitch concedes. "As for the way to the cover, I can take you there anytime you wish. You can find me here, if you need me."

I will take that as a 2nd vote to Gather Information on Ellvard.

These are secret checks. I have prerolled, so if you wish to attempt a Diplomacy check to Gather Information, you may open your PC's spoiler below.

The only "location" listed in one of the above posts is the Ministry of Tithes. There are about two hours remaining before curfew begins. You estimate that, given the nature of the city, it could take you about two hours to get to the Ministry of Tithes.

Where does the party wish to go? I will follow the Rule of Two.

I keep forgetting that there a so many secret checks now. I keep instinctively making rolls to keep things moving. I'll get the hang of it eventually lol.

"I'm beginning to suspect that my friend Ellvard isn't really a famous artist!" Noggin states as the party wander the streets looking for information, "I think he took that painting as a bribe... You think you know someone..." He tuts, then looks up at the sky "Also, it's getting late. Should we head back to the Inn, then finish our list tomorrow?"

My vote (unless people are feeling like rebels) is to head back to the inn before curfew, and work on trying to finish the list tomorrow, starting with the ministry of tithes.

"That would be my guess too."

The party leaves Flitch in the sewers and returns to the Rockfish Inn just before the tolling of the last bell.

Vurna has taken a positive turn and can speak, but still suffers from several symptoms of her illness.

One or more PCs may attempt Medicine check(s) to help her recover. This is an 8 hour task.

A number of barrels of pickled fish still remain.

One or more PCs may attempt Craft check(s) to make something out one of one or more of the remaining barrels. This is an 8 hour task.

Either task can be attempted during curfew and still give a PC sufficient time to rest before the tolling of first bell.

Following the clanging call of first bell on the Pathfinders' third day in the city, you once again enter into the streets of Xin-Edasseril. You find them already busy with the usual checkpoints and patrols in operation. You make good time at first, but find yourselves at yeh end of a lengthy line as you approach the large marble structure known as the Ministry of Tithes.

The line weaves it's way past a guard at the door and into the building. Finally, after about two hours since the ring of first bell, you find yourself inside the building.

Here, 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 Belimarius. Within the shadow of the statue, a neatly dressed woman sits 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.

What would you like to do?

Norbwald will attempt to assist Achurius with the treatment, providing clean towels and other useful supplies.
Medicine AID: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
Assuming standard DC 15, that's a fail for no effect

---
At the ministry Norbwald takes a swig from his beverage and tries to listen in to their conversation.

Drakmak takes the papers he collected from Flitch and starts the process to create new better papers, when he returns to the inn.

Society 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

medicine: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Again he struggles to help.

"I really would like to see if we can pick up an alchemical remedy to help once curfew is up."

While the others hold the groups position in line, seeing how slowly it is moving, Achurius will take some trade goods and try to locate an alchemist to get some antiplague. Once inside he tries to eavesdrop on the conversation in question.

Again he struggles to help.

"I really would like to see if we can pick up an alchemical remedy to help once curfew is up."

"I have heard of a shop called Sweetest Dreams," Yuleg offers. "It is a confectionery shop. I have never been there, but I have overheard some say that it also sells medicinals and specially-brewed concoctions to those asking for such." The dwarf offers to indicate location of the shop on a map.

While the others hold the groups position in line, seeing how slowly it is moving, Achurius will take some trade goods and try to locate an alchemist to get some antiplague. Once inside he tries to eavesdrop on the conversation in question.

The location of Sweetest Dreams is too far away to get to while the party waits at the Ministry.

As some of the members of the party listen in, the man appears to pay no heed you. Instead, he remains quite intent upon pressing his conversation with the woman.

"And you really do need to see the waterfront from my chalet, Delloriah," the man urges. "This weekend, perhaps?"

"I'm sure that I am busy, Baralbus." the woman responds. "Now, I promised the Minster that I would provide a report by lunchtime, so if you'll excuse me, I am now very busy." The woman then buries her head in an appointment book.

The man continues to press. "This very evening, then? After all, it sounds as though you'll have your report done by lunchtime. Surely, you'll be free after the Ministry closes for the day."

The woman keeps her head down and responds curtly. Her discomfort is clear in the tone of her voice. "Actually, it looks like my report may have to wait as I see there is quite a line here before me."

Delloriah looks briefly at the drinking "gnome", then decides instead to address the elf in the party. "May I help you?" she asks of Achurius. As Baralbus lays a hand on her shoulder, Delloriah continues to focus on the Pathfinder. There is a pleading look in her eyes.

What would you like to do, Pathfinders?

"Ah, good, seems like we have finally reached the front of the line. Hopefully there are no more delays."

He looks pointedly at the overly amorous would be sidekick.

"Do you work here too?" Raising his voice a bit he adds, "Do they pay you to flirt? I wouldn't mind a job that paid me to flirt."

The blue furry goblin starts waggling his eyebrows, practicing his furtive looks towards Baralbus "I'd be good at that, I think." He waggles them a few more times before turning towards Delloriah and seeing her discomfort and pleading look. It takes him a second to catch on, but the young knight finally catches on. He turns back to the manicured man, and does some unwanted advances of his own, eyebrows raised once more, he asks "Soo... Do you come here often? I'm new in town, and would love to see the sights. Maybe the waterfront, say, from your chalet?"

He continues his hamfisted and, presumably, unwanted advances despite any protestations.

"Ah, good, seems like we have finally reached the front of the line. Hopefully there are no more delays."

He looks pointedly at the overly amorous would be sidekick.

"Do you work here too?" Raising his voice a bit he adds, "Do they pay you to flirt? I wouldn't mind a job that paid me to flirt."

"Paid to flirt!? Who is flirting?" The man replies indignantly. "Do you realize that I am Baralbus, the Assistant Sub-Director of Audits?" He punctuates his statement by puffing up his chest. He glares at the elf.

The receptionist also continues to keep her focus on Archurius, but is keeping her self far more calm and collected. "Are you here for an appointment? If so, please state your name and who are you meeting with please?" The woman produces a thick log book and begins to turn through its pages, looking for the present date and time.

Cross posted, but I think it still stands :)

Cross posted, but I think it still stands :)

Baralbus turns his glare to the goblin making unwanted advances. "And what brings you here... goblin?" The man is now dripping with disdain.

"I'm just a goblin, standing in front of a man, asking him to love me... Oh!" He looks over to Delloriah "We're also looking for Themolin. We have something only he can help us with."

"I'm just a goblin, standing in front of a man, asking him to love me... Oh!" He looks over to Delloriah "We're also looking for Themolin. We have something only he can help us with."

Clearly deciding that he is not making any headway with the receptionist and that the goblin is not worth his time, Baralbus turns to depart. He stops, however, when the goblin asks about Themolin.

"Themolin? Did you say that you are looking for Themolin? As in Sub-Director of Audits, Themolin?" Baralbus swings back around to return his focus to the goblin, unable to hide his sudden curiosity.

Attempting to ignore Baralbus, Delloriah pages hurriedly through the appointment book, scanning through the entries. "I do not see any appointments on the schedule for the Sub-Director of Audits today." The receptionist concludes. "One can only meet with Sub-Director Themolin by appointment. The next opening in his calendar for appointments will be in four days. Shall I schedule you for then?" The receptionist inquires, never lifting her eyes up from her appointment book.

Each PC can attempt to improve Delloriah's attitude with a Diplomacy check to Make an Impression. Other "social" skills might also get results. Alternatively, a successful Accounting Lore or Legal Lore check may provide some other type of assistance. Creative roleplay or use of magic may also be of use here.

What would you like to do, Pathfinders?

Noggin looks up at Delloriah with big puppy dog eyes "But we really need to talk to him today..." he quickly glances at the Assistant Sub-Director of Audits, then leans closer "I don't trust the assistant here, I mean, what's that on his face? I thought it was a rat clinging onto his chin for dear life at first. Now I just don't think he's washed his face for a month." He then leans back and returns the curious stare Baralbus is giving him... Then sticks out his tongue.

Diplomacy, Make an Impression: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

"Why don't you go see if the sub-director will see us? As you can see we are interesting folks if nothing else."

Winking at her and darting a look at the assistant, Achurius tries to slyly imply that if the director were here, the sub-director would leave her alone.

Achurius is not a master of bluffing, but perhaps we could convince them we are personal friends of his? Anyone have a decent deception skill and want to pretend to be a cousin or something? Though that is dangerous without knowing what race he is.

Norbwald offers to share his beverage and tries to make friends.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

He then leans back and returns the curious stare Baralbus is giving him... Then sticks out his tongue.

Noggin does not make much an impression on the receptionist.

Likewise, no one seems interested in the drink proffered by Norbwald.

"Why don't you go see if the sub-director will see us? As you can see we are interesting folks if nothing else."

Winking at her and darting a look at the assistant, Achurius tries to slyly imply that if the director were here, the sub-director would leave her alone.

The receptionist is visually pleased. Baralbus, however, having failed to garner the attention of anyone save the goblin, promptly departs heading into the sea of bureacrats hard at work among the numerous rows of desks within the Ministry of Tithes.

"I don't know..." The woman hesitates. "Technically, you would have needed to first completed a Form EA-184, authorizing an expedited appointment. It is several pages, which must be completed in triplicate." Delloriah hems and haws. She glances behind her into the room filled with bureaucrats, then releases a sigh.

"Otherwise, I'm really not supposed to allow anyone to see the sub-Director on an expedited basis..." Delloriah smiles at the elf weakly.

Delloriah is friendly to Achurius, who may attempt a Request with a Diplomacy check. Properly completing Form EA-184 requires a successful Accounting Lore or Legal Lore check. I am also open to considering other options.

Achurius will give it a go.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Looks like he needs a career change to a diplomat.

"Normally, I would agree. But we are here for urgent personal reasons and I really think Themolin would want to see us."

"Well, if it is for urgent personal reasons," Delloriah concedes. "Then, I should take you to him immediately."

The receptionist personally escorts thte party into the sea of desks, to one in particular bearing a plaque stating: Sub-Director of Audits. There, a portly man with thinning hair looks up from behind several stacks of papers, some nearly toppling from the heavy wooden desk upon which they are perched.

"My humble apologies for the interruption, Sub-Director," Delloriah says, "But, this group has an expedited appointment to see you. I am told that it involves something urgent and personal." The woman bows deferentially and then heads back to her desk.

“I-I am S-Sub-Director of Audits, Th-Themolin Yun, I-I understand that y-you’ve made an appointment to s-see me. H-how may I b-be of assistance?” he stammers as he hesitantly rises to his feet.

Any PC is welcome to attempt to Make an Impression on Themolin. Please include some indication as to the tact that the PC is trying to take as there may be a mechanical impact based on a choice of words or topic.

Also, as he is "Searching", Drakmak may attempt a Perception check.

Achurius first checks at the door to make sure the worm was not eaves-dropping. He knows the type, and would not put it past him to try to collect dirt on his superior in order to rise in the ranks.