GM Valen's 1-12 The Burden of Envy (A Table of an Old Favorite for New Players)(Table 1)

Game Master Lysle

"Aye, well, then there's the miasma 'round these parts, who knows what gettin' dumped down here, the more ye breathe it in, the more it gets inside ye, there's just no good reason ta take the chance," he concludes this little soliloquy abruptly, then strolls back to stand closer to the group without waiting for a response to this concerned advice/ominous threat. You can lead a dwarf to the seam, but you can't make him swing the pick, he thinks to himself.

Flitch nods his head up and down slowly, feigning comprehension.

"Modra's right. Better off braving Vurna's father. Besides, he seemed fond of you, just doesn't want you to know that," Redmond lies.

Flitch eyes light up. "He likes me? He really likes me?" he says, pleasantly surprised. Now swayed, Flitch agrees to accompany the party back to the Rockfish Inn.

The party makes its way back to the Rockfish Inn, arriving shortly before second bell announces the beginning of curfew. Yuleg is pleased to see the party return...

But the dwarf's face clearly sours upon spying the human ruffian. "Oh, you again." Yuleg mutters.

Flitch moves forward as if going for a hug, but Yuleg pulls away.

"No need to pretend." Flitch whispers to Yuleg. "I already know."

Yuleg scratches his head, unsure of what to make of the scene. He decides quickly to turn his focus to the party. "I trust the past few hours have been productive for you." He ponders asking about Flitch, then decides there are more immediate concerns. "But, please, if you are able to help Vurna, I beg that you do so and quickly."

PC can spend 8 hours attempt a Medicine check to Treat Disease to help Vurna get better by helping her reduce the stage of her filth fever.

Looking around the Rockfish Inn, you discover that most of the inn’s foodstuffs have diminished as Yuleg made plans to leave. However, six large barrels of pickled fish remain. Yuleg encourages you to consume as much of their contents as you wish.

A PC trained in Crafting concludes that they may be able to convert each barrel into a raft that holds four creatures. Creating one raft would require spending 8 hours and a successful Craft check.

Various rooms in the inn are modestly furnished with beds, drawers, wash basins, blankets, pillows, towels, and linens. The wagon is a four-wheeled open vehicle capable of carrying up to 1,000 pounds of cargo.

Seeing the low quality of the documents, Magnus thinks he can do better. When back at the Inn, he sets to work trying to correct obvious flaws, and obfuscate those that cannot be corrected.

Again, Society +7 to Forge Documents (+9 with the bonus) if you want to keep it secret.

It is a secret check.

Magnus produces a forgery that he believes will be effective.

Those wishing to scrutinize Magnus' work may attempt Perception checks. These checks are not secret.

How do the rest of you wish to spend the night, Pathfinders?

Although Tockit is not personally skilled with forgery and the fiddly work of papers and governments, she watches curiously as Magnus works on the documents. When he's done, she looks it over carefully, figuring she could at least check for obvious misspellings or columns out of alignment. Not that her fellow gnome would ever make such a mistake, but just to be sure...

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

When Yuleg pleads with them to help his daughter, her heartstrings are tugged. She pulls out her healer's toolkit and starts laying out the supplies to see what's in there. "I've learned to fix up basic wounds, but I don't know much about disease, I'm afraid. Is there any one of us who could help out this child?" She looks around the group of Pathfinders. "We could certainly use a good night's rest too, but I'm worried that we don't have much time in this city..."

She can provide the toolkit but is not trained in Medicine, except for Natural Medicine which doesn't cover disease.

Modra watches with interest as Redmond effectively deploys the much more straightforward and believable falsehood to Flitch about Yuleg actually liking him. This dwarf has a strong sense of justice, which includes not telling lies to people, but he has been in this strange place Xin-Edasseril long enough already to appreciate the value of skills that might, strictly speaking, run afoul of the law. When the law is a tyrannical Runelord, perhaps certain bits of lawbreaking are even the righteous way to behave. It's food for thoughts he never needed to contemplate back in the halls of his people.

Back at the Rockfish Inn, Modra follows through on his previous commitment to try to help Vurna with the filth fever once the group is stuck inside for the night due to the curfew. Using his clan dagger, he carefully cuts some strips of cloth from a set of linens that are going to be left behind with the move, in order to have material ready to dip into cool water to try to help the lass break the fever.

Medicine: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17 (Aid on Treat Disease)

I think we assessed earlier that Father Emil at Medicine +7 was our best bet for treating the disease. RP-wise, my intent is for the above to reflect Modra using Aid on Emil's treatment, not being the sole or lead person doing the treatment, but if he remains busy in RL, perhaps the GM would be willing to count the above as good enough? (At least, with a metagame assumption that a 17 gets it done!) Please still give Emil primary credit with Yuleg if that is the case.

Magnus shows the documents to Tockit and anyone else who is interested saying, "Observing the decidedly suboptimal quality of the extant documentation, I determined that a substantial improvement was warranted. Thus, I dedicated my immediate efforts to striving to rectify the most evident deficiencies while artfully obfuscating those flaws which proved intractable."

He shrugs his shoulders resignedly, "It is, after all, my initial foray into the complexities of illicit document replication. While the document is perhaps deemed effective, and I believe I performed commendably, perhaps I should refrain from prematurely abandoning my established livelihood."

Father Emil works with Tocket's healers kit and sets to work to try to give Vurna a fighting chance against the fever. He administers a dose of antiplague medicine.

Lesser antiplague can fortify the body's defenses against diseases. Upon drinking an antiplague, you gain an item bonus (+2) to Fortitude saving throws against diseases for 24 hours; this applies to your daily save against a disease's progression.

Medicine: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Then he pulls a chair up next to her bed and checks her fever level and makes sure she drinks plenty of water and eats what food she can keep down.

Upon reaching the inn, Redmond disappears into one of the private rooms. He exits some time later, slightly damp from washing away the filth of the sewer.

He checks on Vurna, ready to lend a hand if needed, but sees that Father Emil and Modra have the situation well in hand.

Next, he grabs a pickled fish and joins the gnomes, taking a turn to look over the modified forgeries:
perception, expert: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

He shrugs, having equal difficulty understanding the subtleties of the documents and Magnus' large words.

Finally, he stands up and yawns. "You lot seem to have everything covered. I'm turning in for the night. It'll be a long week, and my work requires sharp wits and steady hands."

Redmond is untrained in crafting. Since there isn't much else he can do, he'll sleep now and be able to provide medical care for Vurna the next night, so Father Emil or Modra can sleep then.

“I’ll stay alert,” Alenor says to the group, knowing she lacks the training to treat disease herself “If anything feels off—inside or outside—I’ll notice it. Tomorrow’s going to matter.”

As the inn settles into uneasy silence under curfew, Alenor doesn’t fully sleep. Instead, she keeps herself positioned where she can see both the stairwell and the windows, letting the quiet of the Rockfish Inn sharpen her focus rather than dull it.

She slips into a careful investigative routine, eyes and ears always working. Using her training, Alenor watches for anything out of place—From time to time, she quietly inspects the common room and nearby corridors.

Those reviewing Magnus' forgeries conclude they are free of any obvious errors or omissions, but cannot be certain one way or another whether they can withstand the scrutiny of the guards.

Yuleg is pleased as others tend to Vurna. Once the treatment has been administered, Father Emil and Modra know it will be up to Vurna's own body to ensure her recovery. Armed with this knowledge, Yuleg remains by her side for the remainder of the night.

With 8 hours between first and second bell, party members have the time both to treat Vurna and to get a full night's rest.

Flitch picks a room at the far end of the hall from where Vurna is being treated. The thief promptly goes to sleep.

As the others search the inn, they find it rather spartan, particulalry as Yuleg had designs to leave. The rooms are modestly furnished with beds, drawers, wash basins, blankets, pillows, towels, and linens. There is little more of interest.

Come the morning, Yuleg is pleased as it appears that Vurna has made a recovery.
Any PC may attempt a Medicine check to Recall Knowlege.

Once first bell comes, the party is free to venture out into the city relatively unmolested.

Where to next, Pathfinders?

Medicine: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Father Emil is relieved to see Vurna's fever break and her condition improve. "Rest while you can, eat and drink as much as you feel comfortable with. You'll need your strength when we leave in a few days."

For the day, Emil suggests going to the Ministry of Tithes and then the Emerald Guardhouse. The two locations look close enough together to hope that it won't take as long to get from one to the other, or is it two hours regardless?

Redmond is in high spirits as he enters the common area in the morning.

He checks on Vurna:
medicine: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

"Well done," he says to Father Emil and Modra. Quietly, he adds, "I doubt she's out of the woods yet. Filth fever can go dormant before coming back with a vengeance."

He sits down for a breakfast of fish, and calls Flitch over to join him. He makes small talk for a bit, before suddenly turning serious.

"Back in the sewers, you mentioned somebody messing with your flower pot. That'd be Garrla, I take it. How much do you know about them, if anything?"

When the group discusses the day's activities, Redmond agrees with Father Emil's plan to visit the two nearby locations.

Medicine: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

As day dawns and Modra goes back to check in on the patient, he is relieved to see such substantial progress overnight. Father Emil's treatment with the dwarf's modest contributions could hardly have gone better in a single night. Agreeing with Redmond based on his own observations, Modra does caution Vurna and Yuleg once the initial happy moment has passed: "Yer doin' better today, an' tha is a prayer answered, no mistake," he says, clasping his hands together before he adds, "I just want ta make sure ye know, a sickness like tha', as ill as ye were only last night, it en't all gone after one night's sleep. The father an' I ought ta look after ye again tonight, it'll be important ta see two days withou' any symptoms 'fore we know yer cured o' tha' fever."

This is relaying his knowledge of the Medicine DC 15 spoiler to the party, so feel free to read for yourself if you like.

Aside to Redmond, he remarks, "Hope ye didn't have ta find out abou' filth fever comin' back from yer own livin' through it."

With his message conveyed to the family, he takes a moment to introduce himself properly to the young dwarf woman who he has previously only seen in the sickbed. "It'll be an honor ta help ye an' yer pa get out o' this place," he says. If he gets an opportunity to speak to Vurna with Yuleg out of earshot, he quietly asks, knowing it's a sore subject with Yuleg, "Do ye know if somethin' bit ye, an' if so, what it was an' where ye were when it happened?"

On the question of where to investigate today, he agrees with Emil's suggestions of the Ministry of Tithes and Emerald Guardhouse. "We heard tha' accoun'an' is worried abou' bein' discovered, so findin' him next seems like the next thing ta settle. An' as for the guardhouse, Guaril got me curious abou' this Garrla."

With Vurna's fever having broken, Yuleg busies himself getting her some food and water. The young dwarven woman seems appreciative of both the treatment and also the attention.

"Back in the sewers, you mentioned somebody messing with your flower pot. That'd be Garrla, I take it. How much do you know about them, if anything?"

"Oh, that?" Flitch replies. "There was this overturned on a windowsill at my flat. Not sure how long it had been there. Maybe it came with the place? Anyways, one day I forgot my keys, so I tried getting back in through the window. That's when I knocked over the flowerpot. Turns out, there was a bag of coins beneath it! There, was also a note attached, but I gave that to Uncle Guaril--back when he was still in the city that is. Now that you mention it, I think that he did say something about a 'Garla', but that's about all I know."

If he gets an opportunity to speak to Vurna with Yuleg out of earshot, he quietly asks, knowing it's a sore subject with Yuleg, "Do ye know if somethin' bit ye, an' if so, what it was an' where ye were when it happened?"

Feel free to interact more with the NPCs at the Rockfish Inn, but to keep us moving...

Following the clanging call of first bell, you enter into the streets of the city. You find them already busy with the usual checkpoints and patrols in operation. You find that you make good time and arrive at Ministry of Tithes within minutes!

Unfortunately, there is a longline of people waiting to get into the marble structure and a pair of guards by the door making sure that everyone within line waits their turn and remains orderly.

Once you join the line of people, it takes you about two hours to get to the lobby area of the Ministry.

The two locations look close enough together to hope that it won't take as long to get from one to the other, or is it two hours regardless?

Full Disclosure: Yes, it is always two hours between locations.

One inside, 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?

Vurna sighs. "I was bitten by a rat while I was in the sewers. I didn't think much of it at the time. I was too busy trying to find Guaril. When he didn't show up as planned, I remembered that Flitch had mentioned something about a ship coming to Shard Cove, so I snuck into the sewers each night and followed a set of tunnels that I had found earlier leading to Shard Cove. Since I told Flitch about them, I had hoped they might lead me to Guaril or to the ship that he mentioned. Unfortunately, I never found either one. Fortunately, dad told me that Guaril sent you. Does that mean that he and Flitch were able to get out of the city? Does that mean that you are taking us out, too?"

As he listens to Vurna's story, Modra unsuccessfully fights to keep a frown off of his face at what he is hearing. He is offended on Vurna's behalf at several aspects of Flitch's behavior, including that Flitch has not made an appearance with her this morning, or even previously contacted her frequently enough such that she would have known Flitch did not escape with Guaril. The girl's story touches enough on the plan, though, that by the end of this, he is thoughtfully stroking his beard.

"Ye know where ta find the way to Shard Cove too, is tha' right?" he asks with genuine interest. This whole plan has a bit better chance if it's not hinged solely on Flitch coming through. "As fer where things stand, erm, lass, I en't glad ta tell ye, but yer fella Flitch en't gotten out o' the city, we found 'im down the sewers actually, talked 'im inta comin' here." The dwarf breezes past this fact quickly, hoping neither this conversation nor aspects of the plan generally will be impacted by this interpersonal drama, before addressing Vurna's final question about the plan. "Guaril had ta skip town an' we got sent in 'is stead. Ship's still comin' ta Shard Cove an' we're gonna get ye an' yer pa out o' the city one way or another. Guaril's got us meetin' some other folk first, I'm hopin' we'll be bringin' more back here 'fore the curfew tonight."

On the way to, or in line at, the Ministry of Tithes, Modra quietly informs the other Pathfinders what he's learned from Vurna, namely that she knows the way to the Cove as well.

Redmond_220629 wrote:

"Back in the sewers, you mentioned somebody messing with your flower pot. That'd be Garrla, I take it. How much do you know about them, if anything?"

"Oh, that?" Flitch replies. "There was this overturned on a windowsill at my flat. Not sure how long it had been there. Maybe it came with the place? Anyways, one day I forgot my keys, so I tried getting back in through the window. That's when I knocked over the flowerpot. Turns out, there was a bag of coins beneath it! There, was also a note attached, but I gave that to Uncle Guaril--back when he was still in the city that is. Now that you mention it, I think that he did say something about a 'Garla', but that's about all I know.

"In other words, Garrla may have left the note for reasons entirely unrelated to our seditious sea voyage," Redmond says with a frown. "We must be extra careful at the Guardhouse."

Aside to Redmond, he remarks, "Hope ye didn't have ta find out abou' filth fever comin' back from yer own livin' through it."

"No," Redmond replies, a look of genuine sorrow on his face. "Cellmate. Poor knave was so proud of catching that rat for dinner, too."

At the Ministry, Redmond tries to blend in with the crowd. He observes how the countless other people in the line behave, and prepares to pass himself off as yet another petitioner. He also makes note of what his companions are up to, so that he can support them if necessary.

I think first Redmond would try to get a lay of the land, and figure what people even do here. His perception is +6, if that is relevant.

Back at the inn, Emil asks those who know the city whether religious organizations are taxed like other businesses or do they get any kind of exemption. His interest is in concocting an excuse to get to talk to Themolin. Since he is a cleric, he could claim his taxes need amending in some way. He is also open to other ideas.

As the group waits in line, Emil recommends each person have some bribe money ready to grease the path to finding Themolin.

Magnus has the best diplomacy, if he is willing. Alenor is next best, with Emil third. We can provide aid if needed during the initial negotiation to try to get to see Themolin.

Back at the inn, Emil asks those who know the city whether religious organizations are taxed like other businesses or do they get any kind of exemption.

Yuleg looks around out of habit to ensure that he is not overheard by others. Then, he quietly explains that there are no exemptions to taxes, save those who have otherwise curried the Runelord's favor by other means. Belimarius, he reinforces, is the Runelord of Envy. She jealously lords over her domain and all within it. She takes whatever spoils she wants and her minions, to the extent that it does not draw her attention, oft do the same. But not all within the city serve her and many that do, only do so begrudgingly. Keeping track of her empire, which she ever hopes to expand further, requires legions of bureaucrats: accountants, inspectors, cataloguists, and the like. Those who thrive best in Xin-Edasseril are those who able to navigate these bureaucracies or to exploit the graft and corruption that permeates them.

"As fer where things stand, erm, lass, I en't glad ta tell ye, but yer fella Flitch en't gotten out o' the city, we found 'im down the sewers actually, talked 'im inta comin' here." The dwarf breezes past this fact quickly, hoping neither this conversation nor aspects of the plan generally will be impacted by this interpersonal drama, before addressing Vurna's final question about the plan. "Guaril had ta skip town an' we got sent in 'is stead. Ship's still comin' ta Shard Cove an' we're gonna get ye an' yer pa out o' the city one way or another. Guaril's got us meetin' some other folk first, I'm hopin' we'll be bringin' more back here 'fore the curfew tonight."

"Flitch is here! At the Rockfish?" The young woman's face lights up as she releases a squeal of joy. "I've got to go see him!" She pushes her way past Modra and begins searching the other rooms.

Eventually, a cry can be heard from down the hall. "There you are! I've missed you so much! I bet you've missed me to!"

Yuleg gives Modra a resigned look, then releases a sigh. "She listens to you the same way she does to me--hearing only what she wishes to."

"Go on and finish your mission." The elder dwarf urges. "The Runelord holds a tight grip on her city and her forces don't give many opportunities to outsiders. Make the most of the time you have today. I will make sure things are under control here and that you will have fresh linens for the morning."

At the Ministry, Redmond tries to blend in with the crowd. He observes how the countless other people in the line behave, and prepares to pass himself off as yet another petitioner. He also makes note of what his companions are up to, so that he can support them if necessary.

I think first Redmond would try to get a lay of the land, and figure what people even do here. His perception is +6, if that is relevant.

Redmond concludes that The Ministry of Tithes is the center of bureaucracy and taxation within the kingdom of Edasseril. It houses numerous accountants, auditors, and inspectors, most of which are busy at desks covered with copious amounts of paperwork.

He concludes readily by the man's dress and demeanor that he holds a position of some authority within the Ministry, but is nevertheless eager to climb further along the social ladder and power structures within the city.

Presently, the man appears to making advances toward the woman, likely the receptionist. By her body language, she is clearly not interested. Still, the man persists.

"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 too busy to do much else at the moment." The woman turns and buries her head within the pages of her appointment book.

"Shall we arrange a date now?" Baralbus continues. With a gesture, he touches a page in the book, harmlessly placing a unique, magical sigil about 1 square inch in size onto one of the dated pages. "If date doesn't work, I can move it." The man again touches the page and the sigil disappears. With another yet touch, it instantly reappears.

"Impressive? Isn't it?" Baralbus declares. "It is just a minor spell. A simple cantrip really. But I am capable of so much more."

The pair make no effort to engage with any members of the party or the line of wary people standing behind you.

Any PC can attempt to improve the receptionist's attitude with a Diplomacy check to Make an Impression. You welcome to try alternative methods to get her attention or try to approach other persons by a chosen mean. Be creative. I am happy to entertain suggestions.

What do you wish to do, Pathfinders?

Seeing that the man who is annoying the receptionist is a caster, Magnus approaches.

"Pardon my unsolicited intrusion into your interpersonal exchange, but as a fellow practitioner of the arcane arts, I found it mathematically impossible to ignore such a... rudimentary display of transmutation.

Furthermore, it is empirically evident that Delloriah is currently navigating a cognitive load of significant density. Perhaps we might optimize her workflow by allowing her to focus on her ministerial mandates, rather than subjecting her to further demonstrations of introductory thaumaturgy?"

He prestidigitates a bouquet of colorful flowers from thin air, and hands them to the receptionist as well.

Hopefully, this makes a better impression on her than it does agitate him. Diplomacy is +5

As the group winds up towards departing the Rockfish Inn, Modra can only shake his head at Vurna's attachment towards the rakish and unreliable Flitch. He takes Yuleg's words to heart about getting things done while there is time today to do it and departs with trust that the older dwarf will take care of things here while the group goes out and hopefully finds more to join them.

**

Later inside the Ministry of Tithes, the dwarf watches Magnus's effort to interrupt the increasingly-uncomfortable interaction on behalf of the receptionist. He covers a smile with his hand, particularly amused at the use of "introductory" as a subtle insult of the man Baralbus for attempting to impress a woman with a cantrip.

Modra takes stock of the situation while waiting to see if Magnus gets them closer to the goal. The dwarf knows his limits when it comes to making first impressions with honeyed words and audacious lies. He doesn't want to add a counterproductive element to a plan that's working. Eyeing the stacks of paperwork all throughout this office, he contemplates a backup plan where he might be able to deploy his brawn.

He finds Redmond in the crowd and quietly communicates his thought to the thief: "Comes to it, I'll drop as much paper as I can on a desk an' let ye do the talkin'."

Father Emil glares at the cad and says, "A gentleman respects a woman's wishes. Ya should let 'er work. We kin otherwise report that yer interferin' with the efficiency o' this fine bureaucrat. What'd be the name o' yer supervisor?"

Diplomacy, aid: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Redmond, thoroughly amused by how Magnus put Baralbus in his place, hangs back for the moment. He makes a note to remember the arcane glyph used by Baralbus, in case it becomes convenient to impersonate him later.

He gives a slight nod to Modra and replies under his breath, "Good thinking. We can provide a distraction if things turn sour."

He prestidigitates a bouquet of colorful flowers from thin air, and hands them to the receptionist as well.

Hopefully, this makes a better impression on her than it does agitate him. Diplomacy is +5

The affects of a failure or critical failure are obvious, so I will go ahead and roll the check.

Magnus Whizzbang, Diplomacy to Make an Impression: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Deloriah's face lights up as she accepts the bouquet. "Oh, how nice. Thank you." She gives it a brief sniff, then sets it down on her desk next to her appointment book. She picks up a pen. "How may I be of assistance to you?"

Deloriah's attitude is now friendly torward Magnus, but remains indifferent to the rest of the party. Nevertheless, any PC may attempt a Diplomacy check to Make a Request.

The man's face turns sour and he points at finger at Magnus. "You seem to have little idea with whom you are dealing, Gnome," He sneers. "I am Baralbus, Assistant Sub-Director of Audits!"

How would you like to respond to Deloriah and/or Baralbus?

Magnus just ignores the sub-direct or of Audits and focuses his attention on Deloriah, pouring on the charm.

"I would be most profoundly appreciative if you could facilitate our objective by disclosing the precise location or designated workstation) of the individual identified as Themolin within this labyrinthine ministerial structure."

Not sure if you need another Diplomacy to Make a Request or the prior roll counts. Diplomacy is +5 either way.

Athletics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

As Modra recognizes the hostility escalating in the voice of this stuffed-up prig Baralbus, he decides it's time to try out his plan. The dwarf assesses that nothing will be more frightening or distracting to the man than the idea that Baralbus might actually have to do work. He tries to catch the eye of other members of the party, any of whom he hopes might be better at selling the meat of the deception he's about to set in motion, then pulls together as large of a stack of paperwork as his wits and the above Athletics check allow him to assemble.

With this potentially modestly-alarming stack of sheets in hand, he steps up to Deloriah and Baralbus and says, "Fresh batch for the Assistant Sub-Director of Audits to approve."

Magnus just ignores the sub-direct or of Audits and focuses his attention on Deloriah, pouring on the charm.

"I would be most profoundly appreciative if you could facilitate our objective by disclosing the precise location or designated workstation) of the individual identified as Themolin within this labyrinthine ministerial structure."

Not sure if you need another Diplomacy to Make a Request or the prior roll counts. Diplomacy is +5 either way.

First roll was to Make an Impression, which determines attitude.

Deloirah focuses her attention on Magnus as she also stries to ignore the sub-direcgtor of Audits. " I am sorry, but meetings with Director of Audits, Themolin, are usually made by appointment. Would you like me to make an appointment for you?" She peers into her calendar book. "I see an opening in his schedule that is four days from now. Under what name shall I put the appointment?"

If you want to Make a Request for an earlier date, another Diplomacy check is required.

Trying his best not to appear to have just been spurned, Baralbus turns toward the gnome. "Themolin, you say? Just what sort of business do you have with him? I demand to know--" He is suddenly cut off.

With this potentially modestly-alarming stack of sheets in hand, he steps up to Deloriah and Baralbus and says, "Fresh batch for the Assistant Sub-Director of Audits to approve."

"A fresh batch? I thought I had already caught up on the latest requests. I wasn't aware--" Baralbus stumbles, reaching to take the stack into hand. "This could take me the rest of the day!" He whines as he turns and tries to navigate back to his desk while trying to keep the heavy stack upright.

What would you like to do next, Pathfinders?

Emil waits for one of the others with a smoother way with words to try to persuade the woman to give us an appointment today. He stands ready to assist, including putting down some coins if our help in ridding her of a cad is not enough.

Redmond takes a half step forward when Modra gives the stack of paperwork to Baralbus, ready to spin an elaborate fabrication designed to maximize wasted time. However, the clerk takes the dwarf at face value and walks away grumbling, leaving Redmond off kilter.

He recovers quickly and turns his attention to Deloriah. Magnus seems to have the situation well under control, so Redmond waits to see what happens.

Redmond is only trained in deception. I don't want to complicate the diplomacy attempt with unecessary falsehoods at this point, so he will bide his time for now.

Magnus is nonplussed by the appointment being four days into the future, and decides to press his luck since the assistant is being friendly.

"I am acutely cognizant of the Director's formidable itinerary, however we find ourselves burdened by matters of such profound exigency that a delay would be dreadfully suboptimal. Given our current proximity, might you exercise your administrative discretion to facilitate a brief—perhaps even microscopic—intercession in his schedule? I am sure my colleagues can provide adequate distraction to the Assistant Director here meantime."

+5 on the Diplomacy again.

Magnus is nonplussed by the appointment being four days into the future, and decides to press his luck since the assistant is being friendly.

"I am acutely cognizant of the Director's formidable itinerary, however we find ourselves burdened by matters of such profound exigency that a delay would be dreadfully suboptimal. Given our current proximity, might you exercise your administrative discretion to facilitate a brief—perhaps even microscopic—intercession in his schedule? I am sure my colleagues can provide adequate distraction to the Assistant Director here meantime."

+5 on the Diplomacy again.

This one is not a secret check as the results are immediately obvious, but to move us along...

Magnus, Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
A failure. Would you like to use a Hero Point? If so, please roll it.

Otherwise, please let me know how you wish to proceed (let me know what you would like to do and I will let you know what checks, if any, may be required. Feel free to post alternatives. For instance, if the attempt to Make a Request does not succeed, my PC will XYZ...

In light of holiday plans of players and myself, please note that updates between now and after the weekend may be limited or non-existent.

For a few seconds after Baralbus wanders off, Modra stands there and looks flummoxed. The telling of even this smallest falsehood does not come naturally to him, yet there it is and the man has departed because, as Modra suspected, the fellow doesn't even know what his job is, just a title that he can throw around.

The dwarf's focus returns to the present situation with the secretary's insistence that the only available meeting is after the legally-mandated departure. Themolin turning out to be such an important person is a complication he wasn't expecting.

Society: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Modra scans the room, looking for any bit of information visible within the office that might help with the current quandary. He is trying to find anything that might help the party find Themolin either inside this building or outside of it. Is this the kind of place that has a portrait of the director so we know what he looks like, is the director's office visible from here, is there a separate entrance for workers, is there a reminder about an office lunch party at X tavern two days hence.

Then, to Deloriah as he shuffles awkwardly, "Could ye take 'im a note? Or tell us where 'e likes to take 'is lunch?"

I'm waiting to see if Magnus rerolls the diplomacy check. If he does, Emil will attempt to aid if necessary. Otherwise, he'll attempt to aid alternative attempts to arrange a meeting.

Yes, will use the Hero Point to reroll the Diplomacy check as it seems important to the events unfolding.

Magnus Make a Request: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

"It is a matter of great urgency. Perhaps we could write a note to deliver to him about the matter and he can decide if he can work us into his schedule."

Diplomacy, aid: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Magnus is nonplussed by the appointment being four days into the future, and decides to press his luck since the assistant is being friendly.

"I am acutely cognizant of the Director's formidable itinerary, however we find ourselves burdened by matters of such profound exigency that a delay would be dreadfully suboptimal. Given our current proximity, might you exercise your administrative discretion to facilitate a brief—perhaps even microscopic—intercession in his schedule? I am sure my colleagues can provide adequate distraction to the Assistant Director here meantime."

The receptionists considers giving her typical response, then reconsiders. She leans in quietly to speak to Magnus.

"Well, since you asked so nicely and as no one is looking over my shoulder at the moment," she gestures toward a desk where Baralbus has begun sifting through mountains of paper. "I suppose I could consider your request for an expedited appointment and fit you in somewhere a bit sooner."

She flips through the pagers of the appointment book and makes a few notations. "How does tomorrow morning sound? Not long after first bell?"

Then, to Deloriah as he shuffles awkwardly, "Could ye take 'im a note? Or tell us where 'e likes to take 'is lunch?"

"Director of Audits, Themolin, is an industrious and diligent worker, but he is also a very private individual. I don't think it wise to interrupt him at the moment and I am afraid I don't know where he takes his lunch. Come to think of it, I don't even know where he lives. I never gave the matter much thought, actually. He always seems to be here at the Ministry of Tithes before I arrive and still here whenever I leave. I suppose I just sort of assumed that he lived here. If you were to ask the others around here, they may have a better idea of how he spends his non-working hours--if he has any."

Appointment has been added to party time tracker.

What would the party like to do next? Once two PCs indicate a course of action, I will move us along.

If the party wishes to ask around for more information about Themolin, PCs may attempt Diplomacy checks to Gather Information.

If the PCs wish to head to another location, please so indicate.

Modra nods in response to Deloriah's comment about Themolin and thanks her for the information. The dwarf takes note of this oddity, wondering if it's a sign of someone who lives for their job or if there's some other explanation, but that's something he'll just have to keep in mind for when the group gets the opportunity to meet with the director.

Outside of the Ministry building, once the party is in a place where they can be reasonably sure they're not being overheard, the dwarf offers his thought on their recent visit: "Ye hear folk makin' jokes abou' bureaucracy and ye might think they're only jokes til ye see a place like tha'." He sounds bewildered by it all and there's a pause before he gets back to the matter at hand. "Seems like we've done all we can here fer now. Let's go see if we can find this Garrla."

Modra's vote is to stick with the tentative plan that the group arranged earlier in the day, with the Emerald Guardhouse being the next stop now that they've made their attempt to contact Themolin.

"Well done," Redmond says to Magnus when the group meets outside the Ministry. "You sure have a way with words. Especially big words."

"Agreed," he replies to Modra, "Might as well go for the nearest target next."

Deciding on the Emerald Guardhouse, the party depart. It is a relatively short jaunt from the Ministry of Tithes to the Emerald Guardhouse. You set eyes upon a wide building supported by columns carved in the likeness of the Runelord Belimarius. A wide courtyard is filled with practice dummies and other evidence of martial training. This is a flurry of activity around you.

Guards equipped with gleaming magical weapons, equipment, and armor tinged in now familiar green accent come and go as they begin and end their shifts. Returning patrols of several guards arrive at the edge of the courtyard before breaking up into pairs or individuals, even as other single guards each head toward a single gate to meet up to relieve their fellows at checkpoints throughout the city.

Near the middle of the courtyard, a trio of instructors put small groups through the paces of training. Two shout at individuals as they navigate an obstacle course as another barks orders at two lines of novice guards facing each other with mock weapons.

Along the building itself stands a short line that has formed outside the door of a recruiting area. The line extends into the courtyard from a single door where one of the well-equipped guards stands at his station.

What do you want to do?

Emil politely thanks the woman and leaves with the others.

Gazing at the courtyard of the guardhouse, Emil tries to think of a plan to locate Garria.

"The note Filtch found said ta 'ask for Garria.' I reckon that might be a start. Tell 'em it has ta do with a broken flower pot he investigated in Envy Row area."

"These folk love their lines," Modra says as he catches sight of the orderly queue standing and waiting for the recruiting station. "Wonderin' whether somethin's goin' on today ta make all these folk want ta join up."

The dwarf scans the activity in the courtyard, thinking back on some of the time he spent drilling and training back in the clan halls before being called out into the wider world to join the Pathfinders. Among the things he's trying to figure out are whether he can spot any rank insignia to get a sense of who might be the best person to try to speak to, and watching the forms of some of the various drills going on in the courtyard to see if he can offer praise or constructive criticism about what he sees.

Warfare Lore, T: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Magnus sees the long line and sighs. Almost to himself he mutters, "It is empirically evident that a diversion is required to bypass this administrative bottleneck without incurring the localized disadvantage of immediate incarceration.

I hypothesize that a calculated disruption, perhaps a lecture on the structural instability of their extant recruitment protocols, might disorient these aspirants long enough for us to secure an audience with Garrla. Would one of you be willing to facilitate a kinetic distraction, or shall I proceed with a verbal assault on their logistical ineptitude?"

Redmond was calm and relaxed crossing the border under false pretenses. He didn't feel any stress or anxiety breaking and entering at Fitch's, nor delving the unfamiliar sewers. But here, surrounded by guards and others responsible for upholding the law, he feels uneasy.

He nods to Father Emil and Modra. "Right, we should make this quick. I have an idea," he says.

His eyes glaze over when Magnus starts speaking what he initially assumes to be Gnomish. "Er, right. Incarceration, that would be bad. I'll go talk to someone, see if I can get us past the queue. Maybe you could get ready to make a distraction or something, in case things go bad?"

Redmond approaches the nearest guard, his typical laconic manner replaces with a look of grim determination. "You there!" he barks, "Fetch Garrla for me. I have urgent news about the undercover mission in Envy Row. Tell him it's about Operation Flower Pot, and to meet me here. Double time it!"

Deception, trained: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

"Distraction, he says," Modra mutters to himself after the thief walks off. He scans the courtyard again and considers the obstacle course. Inspiration strikes the dwarf. If something goes wrong with Redmond's plan, that's going to be Modra's attempt at a "kinetic diversion" like Magnus mentioned.

While standing there with the others, he starts doing some basic stretches to make sure he is good and loose in case the situation calls for him to try to draw a crowd by dashing up a rope wall. But that's only if things go south. Modra is impressed with Redmond's ability to just slip into a different self for long enough to try to fool the guards.

For his part, while waiting to see what fruits Redmond's gambit bears, Emil studies the various activities in the courtyard, watching for evidence of anyone being injured, so he might offer some medical help, which might ingratiate someone enough to return a favor and get a message the Garria.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

The dwarf scans the activity in the courtyard, thinking back on some of the time he spent drilling and training back in the clan halls before being called out into the wider world to join the Pathfinders. Among the things he's trying to figure out are whether he can spot any rank insignia to get a sense of who might be the best person to try to speak to, and watching the forms of some of the various drills going on in the courtyard to see if he can offer praise or constructive criticism about what he sees.

Modra concludes that the drilling soldiers and their instructors are focused on their current activities, but that someone in the recruitment office may be receptive to questions.

Emil eyes those in the courtyard, but likewise does not spot anyone who appears in need or otherwise readily approachable.

Redmond approaches the nearest guard, his typical laconic manner replaces with a look of grim determination. "You there!" he barks, "Fetch Garrla for me. I have urgent news about the undercover mission in Envy Row. Tell him it's about Operation Flower Pot, and to meet me here. Double time it!"

The guard eyes the man with a somewhat confused look. “ ‘Fetch Garrla’?” He parrots. “Who is ‘Garrla’?” He turns to another guard by the door. “Do you know what he is talking about?” In response, the other guard simply shrugs.

The first guard then shouts through the door. ”Any one know about some ‘Operation Flower Pot’ or a ‘Garrla’?”

“I’ve been serving in the Emerald Guard for the past decade, and I have never heard of anyone by that name.” One of the soldiers replies.

The first guard continues his efforts, shouting out across the courtyard.
“Someone here is looking for a ‘Garrla’!” he shouts. “Doesn’t anyone know a ‘Garrla’!”
Receiving no response, the guard turns to Redmond. ”Sorry, fellow. You must be mistaken. No one by that name here. Perhaps, you should simply move along.”

While standing there with the others, he starts doing some basic stretches to make sure he is good and loose in case the situation calls for him to try to draw a crowd by dashing up a rope wall. But that's only if things go south. Modra is impressed with Redmond's ability to just slip into a different self for long enough to try to fool the guards.

As Modra reaches down for a stretch, he is momentarily jostled by a lone member of the Emerald Guard as she makes her way toward the recruitment center. The impact causes the woman to pause for a moment. She looks Modra in the eye. “It is a good time for recruiting.” She says.

Then, looking at the line, she continues on her course toward the recruiting area.
Any PC may attempt a Perception check to Seek.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Alenor's eyes drop to the ground. She steps forward as though merely adjusting her footing and smoothly scoops up the crumpled scrap of paper, shielding it in her palm as she straightens. Her expression remains neutral, almost bored, as she glances at the words.

Ready to join.

That’s… vague, She thinks. “This was tucked away and easy to miss,” she says, holding the paper out so the group can see. “It might be nothing… but given everything we’ve seen so far, I thought you should all have a look.” She passes the paper around, watching the others’ reactions carefully rather than offering an immediate interpretation, letting the group draw their own conclusions before she speaks again.

Sense Motive: Perception +6 (+1 circumstance bonus from Pursue a Lead, if applicable)

Considering the member of the Emerald Guard that seemingly dropped the note, Alenor can conclude only that the woman is indeed interested in finding recruits to join the Emerald Guard.

Anyone else like to attempt the secret Perception check?

Modra starts to offer praise to Alenor for spotting the note, then remembers where he is and that mentioning secretly-dropped notes in his normal volume is probably not the best thing to do, so what comes out is, "Erm." The dwarf coughs awkwardly. He looks bewildered at having been picked out for some kind of secret contact and, after scanning the short note as the investigator passes it around, tries to sort out what it all means.

"Aye, well, I'm thinkin' if we all put our heads together, we can puzzle it out."

Perception +5 for Sense Motive

Emil wonders if the note is a cryptic way of responding to us.

Emil's perception is +7.

Magnus is still trying to puzzle out exactly what is going on here, but he suspects the dropped note is important.

Perception is +4 to Sense Motive

Redmond mentally cringes when his plan backfires, but maintains his outward composure. "Right, of course," he sighs, trying to salvage the situation, "Garrla is a codename. It is an undercover operation, afterall."

"I'll have to check back later. He would have revealed himself if he was here. Thank you, soldier. Dismissed!" he concludes, before marching off to meet back up with the group.

Upon rejoining the group Redmond resumes his laid back manner, mired only slightly by the failure of his ruse. "That could have gone better. We shouldn't hang around here if we can help it."

Perception +6 for sense motive, assuming Redmond is back in time to see the departing guard.

"Aye, well, I'm thinkin' if we all put our heads together, we can puzzle it out."

Emil wonders if the note is a cryptic way of responding to us.

Magnus is still trying to puzzle out exactly what is going on here, but he suspects the dropped note is important.

Upon rejoining the group Redmond resumes his laid back manner, mired only slightly by the failure of his ruse. "That could have gone better. We shouldn't hang around here if we can help it."

This is one of those occasions when I really enjoy the use of secret checks.