[GD25] PFS2e - 06-04: Enkindled Carnival (P1)

Game Master UncleFroggy

Bonnie rolls up her sleeves. "Alright, small fries! You want to see us win that giant golden biest? Give us a drumroll!"
DC 18 Nature Nature: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Heropoint!
DC 18 Nature Nature: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

Casey uses their knowledge of Carnival trickery to realize that something is spooking the fish at regular intervals. Bonnie starts seeing patterns in the fish's behavior.

Oh, Achurius and Irina get a +1 bonus to their skill checks as the students cheer them on!

One more success needed!

Irina questions the fancy goldfish to try to figure out the gimmick. "Blooop bloooooooop bloop bloopblooopoooboop."

diplomacy, wild empathy: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 10 + 1 = 21

If diplomacy+wild empathy isn't a good fit for the challenge then consider this a nature check instead. Same bonus

"Hey kids, Up to no good I hope. Keep J here on those toes."

Achurius is a bit of a skill monkey and considers his options. Drawn toward analysis, he studies the waters and the fish.

nature DC 18, bonus: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 11 + 1 = 17

"Hate to say it, but I got no inspiration here to help. I guess I'll just have to just toss a line out."

Fish-speak is always welcome!

Irina questions the goldfish and gets a response from it in the form of bubbles... lots of bubbles...

"Bloop! Blooooopbloop. Bloooooopooopoooop!"

You succeed in assessing the 'game' and realize that it's rigged. However, knowing this gives you a slight advantage.

Irina and Achurius again get a +1 bonus as they have a cheering section.

Fishing Game Proper:
Successes Needed: 3 or 1 Critical Success
DC 16 Athletics/Survival OR DC 14 Fishing Lore (other Lore ok, but make it fit!)

Original DC for the checks are 18 and 16 respectively. The advantage is a lower DC!

Irina asks the fish for assistance. "Bloopoop bloop blooopoopopop. Bloooooop bloop blop. Blop bloop blooop. Blop?"

diplomacy, wild empathy: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 10 + 1 = 24

Valereon spots a big fish and reaches out to catch it. “Now that’s a fish worth catching!”

Athletics vs DC 16: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

He grabs for it, but the fish slips away and splashes back into the water.

Casey hops down off Luck and walks over to the fishing pond and attempts to catch the fish.

DC 16 Survival: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

so close!

Casey, not much of an actual fisher than pretending to be one during puppet shows, yanks the fishing pole up too soon as they feel a nibble, which was not enough time for the fish to latch on properly.

Bonnie, sleeves rolled up, chooses a particularly colorful fish, looks it deeply in the eye and attempts to grab it.

Athletics DC 16: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

No luck for her, the fish looks her back in the eye and slips away.

Achurius and Lesley Hart left unless you'd like to hero point your rolls

survival, cheering bonus: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 1 = 13
reroll
survival, cheering bonus: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 8 + 1 = 26

A bit of a jack of all trades, Achurius knowledgeably baits the hook and casts it in right after a mysterious disturbance in the water.

Achurius baits the hook just right and casts the line. Irina meanwhile convinces the fish to bite on the hook just enough to hang on but not impale itself. The biggest fish is yours! A stunned Paldrin Gress hands you the fishbowl, which you in turn hand over to J Dacilane.

Vim Moneymaker beams and gives Achurius and Irina a hug! "Thanks, Pathfinders!" J Dacilane reaches into a pocket and hands you a pair of vials, an Oil of Mending and a potion of Water Breathing

Leaving the tent, you notice something odd...

Where to next? Meet Hesla or become the Talk of the Town (sort of)?

Casey's DC 18 Nature: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10 critical failure...

Luck's DC 20 Perception (imprecise scent 30 feet): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

nature: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19

Achurius looks around, noting how the foliage starts bending in a different direction.

"Odd. Don't usually see the wind change thata abruptly for any length of time. Considering the warning about weather, that seem troubling to me."

Talk of the town sounds good to me!

Bonnie shakes the water of her hands and runs them dry on her dress. "That was fun! Let the games continue!"

Nature (T): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

The barmaid from the Shackles has a nose for the weather. "Yes! The wind just shifted abruptly from East to South. Beware, comrades!"

Bonnie is in for talk of the town.

Casey looks towards Bonnie and she sees the visage on the alabaster mask change from a neutral expression to a smiling expression. Casey then climbs back up onto Luck.

"Luck, new friends to make," Casey says to the lion cub Command Animal.

Luck moves over to J Dacilane and the children and nudges top of his head into the back of their hands, indicating he wants them to pet him.

The students enthusiastically pet Luck, excited to meet a new friend. Dacilane declines, seeing he has to carry a fishbowl now that the school has a new mascot...

Society: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

"That's odd, indeed." she agrees with Achurius, when she also notices that the wind subtly but suddenly shift.

"It’s coming from the south," she adds pointing into the southern direction where moments before it was coming from the east.

She takes mental note of what happened before following her fellow Pathfinders for their next activity in the carnival.

I have 2 votes for Talk of the Town. Anyone else?

Perception vs DC 20: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Like the others, Valereon also notices the wind suddenly shift.

Valereon will vote for "Talk of the town".

You head towards an elaborate, furnished carnival tent. While anyone can come and go, the overstated wealth of those gathered around Hesla and the glares they give to anyone who isn't obviously one of Absalom's highest elites, causes most of the carnival goers to avoid the tent and its occupants.

A finely dressed woman smiles wryly and says, "ah, look! Some of the Pathfinder agents I invited. Please, join us! I would hear what you have to say about my Gilded Carnival! I trust you're enjoying yourselves—and that you've donated to the cause?"

Then...

[dice Society]1d20+10

I should have rolled Perception +8 instead of Society. Kindly disregard my previous post to keep things fair for those who rolled the correct check.

"What wind?" Lesley is actually not interested in what Achurius is blabbering about.

Now...
DC 22 Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Lesley is too distracted by the finely dressed woman's words.

"And you must be??? And yes, I donated to Hesla's cause, finding the undead and all." Lesley replies.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

These are very fancy people...Surely their food and drink is good!
"Yes, yes, I donated! I even beat the drum fo your cause!" Bonnie roars as she enters the tent, eyeing around to find the bar and buffet. "It's quite the event you set up here!"

Perception vs DC 22: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Upon meeting the woman, Valereon notices a sharp, almost vicious glimmer in her eyes, like she’s waiting for someone to make a careless or embarrassing remark so she can pounce on it.

Valereon keeps his usual smile, but chooses his words carefully. "Best to watch what I say around her", he thinks to himself.

Deception to Lie vs Hesla's Perception DC: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

“The carnival is wonderful. We're having a great time and everything’s been very well put together. And of course, we’ve already donated to the cause. Happy to support such a good cause.” Valereon replies as he smiles innocently.

Hesla beams at Valereon. "Thank you for your generous donation!" she says.

Looking a little defensive, Achurius stiffly replies, "Not ready to donate yet. I'd have to see where the money goes personally or know the custodian of the fund personally. I don't just donate because the cause sounds good."

His pinched lips speaks of his views about the carnival, after seeing the fishing game rigged, and the preference given to the rich. Sill, he is nothing if not a seasoned socialite and quickly smooths out his features.

"I can see that many are enjoying themselves," he says, waving to the nobles jostling for position.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14

LOL! Not quickly enough, it seems.

As the the group of pathfinders head towards the tent, Casey goes limp to appear to be a simple toy (harmless doll) attached/stuck to Luck's collar.

Harmless Doll -> secret (trained) Deception +11; secret (expert) Stealth +13

DC 22 Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17

And when I checked this morning I realized a bit too late I ran the wrong encounter... you voted for the 3rd one and I ran the 2nd one. My apologies.

I was wondering already ;).

Casey simply goes limp and is walked into the tent via Luck's collar.

Anyone else want to make the Perception check?

DC 22 perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28

I don't think she likes us.

perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

Irina is too busy keeping Bear from being naughty to notice anything.

After schmoozing for a bit, you attempt to alter Hesla's perception of the Pathfinder Society. If you think she doesn't like you now, see what your inactions have done! :)

Impressing Hesla:
* DC 20 Diplomacy to Make an Impression
* DC 20 Deception to Lie
* DC 18 Society to Behave Appropriately
* DC 16 Absalom/Undead Lore to RK about Hesla's affairs in Absalom or the topic she's most interested in (make it fit)
* To those who did NOT donate, your DC increases by 2 (that's what happens when you don't share!)
* Successes required: 3 or 1 Crit Success

Reminder:
* If you succeeded with the DC 22 Perception check, you get a +1 bonus to your skill check.
* If you did NOT donate at least 1 gp to her cause, (Valereon/Achurius/Casey), your DC increases by 2!

Bonnie is way out of her comfort zone with any of these skills...but she has attuned to the spirits of entertainment and mischief today, so she will go with that if allowed...
After having a few fortifying sips of fine drink, Bonnie feels even closer to the spirits that accompany her. [i]Who cares she is out of place here! A lady of the high society organizing a carnival must enjoy a little fortune telling...[i] She gives herself Guidance and approaches Hesla.
"Mylady, mind if I take a look at that drink? The spirits are whispering..."
As Hesla hopefully hands it over, Bonnie inhales the scent, peeks inside, and subtly casts Prestidigitation to make dark, swirling clouds form in the liquid, bursting into brilliant colors.
She pulls back dramatically, shading her widened eyes.
"Clouds and wind... I see heavy weather...a storm...coming. What might it bring?"
She gestures off into the distance.
"Yet I see a lady well prepared... holding the strings firmly in hand."
Lore (Fortune Telling) T): 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 1 = 7
LOL! I will use that new Heropoint!
Lore (Fortune Telling) T): 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 1 = 7
Rolling On the Floor Laughing...

Hesla looks interested in what Bonnie has to say, but she's clearly not impressed with Bonnie spilling half her drink in her attempt to tell her fortune.

Realizing that the situation is about more than Hesla herself, and more about what Lesley and her allies represent to the Pathfinder Society, Lesley suddenly carries herself like someone accustomed to dealing with the elite. She straightens her posture and approaches Hesla with the manners appropriate for the occasion.

"I was not wrong to donate some gold pieces to your cause. Your willingness to stand against the evil undead is a sign of goodwill to everyone, not just the elite." She offers Hesla a sincere compliment.

"I've spent some considerable time among people of your station, and I know that you are one of the good ones, someone who genuinely cares for everyone." Lesley adds with a courteous smile.

DC 18 Society: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17 with Courtly Graces
Hero Point! DC 18 Society: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18 with Courtly Graces

diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

"The children seem to be enjoying your carnival. It is nice to see money being raised for a good cause." She turns and yells at Bear. "Bear! Stop that! Grrrr grrr grrr grrrrrrrrgrrrrgrrr grr! Leave that food vendor alone, you naughty bear!"

She shakes her head as she scolds the bear. "I can't take you anywhere."

I am sorry, guys.

"Tell me more about this organization. You seem to be familiar with it. Who runs the organization and how are the funds dispersed. What evidence of success can be provided?"

Achurius shows some honest interest in the fund since Hesla seems involved.

society: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

But too little, too late.
Reroll using that newly minted bonus hero point!

society: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13
We are being killed by the dice.

+1 hero point = 2 hero points

Casey shifts and sits upright on Luck, looking at Hesla.

"I gave all my gold coins except for 1 to your worthy cause, Lady Hesla."

DC 20 Deception, +2 DC -> DC 22 Deception; GM: as technically Casey is not lying, as what they said is technically true - with only having 1 gold piece before and after donating the copper piece, any circumstance bonus on their Deception?: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12

Hero point reroll: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19

-1 hero point = 1 hero point

Deception to Lie + Bonus vs DC 22: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 10 + 1 = 17
HP: Deception to Lie + Bonus vs DC 22: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 10 + 1 = 29

For his next conversations with Hesla, Valereon is mindful of every word he says around her. He knows one careless remark could turn her against the Pathfinders.

"You know what Madam Hesla, I think we may have given you the wrong impression of the Pathfinder Society. We’re not here to cause trouble or get in the way."

He leans in slightly, lowering his voice as if sharing a friendly secret.

"Between you and me, I think someone like you could actually get along quite well with the Pathfinders. We appreciate people who are ambitious, resourceful, and willing to think outside the box.”

As the conversation comes to an end, Valereon flashes a charming smile.

"So perhaps you don't need to see us as outsiders. Think of us as potential friends who happen to be very good at finding interesting things."

Hesla smiles and nods politely at Valereon. "A truly noble cause." she says, though you all get the feeling that she's not really sincere with her words. The crowd remains polite, however, but one of the noblewomen happens to mention "I hear there's a man with some low born brats here. Perhaps your noble society can go help them?" It's quite clear that they want you gone...

Any parting words for Hesla and her clique before the next encounter?

"Sorry mates, I blew it." Bonnie whispers to the party. She then attempts an awkward curtsy towards Hesla, "Always at service, it was a pleasure!" before stomping out.

"I don't really like that lady anyway."

As the group starts departing, Finnegan emerges out of the Casey's left sleeve, and runs over to the woman who was throwing shade towards J Dacilane, and raises up on his back two legs as he looks up at her, as if waiting for a treat.

"Finnegan, leave the lady alone. She is not who you think she is. Our nice lady passed away, remember?" Casey silently hopes the mean lady picks up on the fact that they referred to her as a lady and not a nice lady.

Casey has Luck go over so Casey can bend down to let Finnegan get back into the sleeve. After Finnegan vanishes into the sleeve, Casey looks up at the lady, "Apologies, your ladyship, he thought you were a dead lady." The visage on Casey's alabaster mask changes to a neutral expression except for the eyes, which become two X's instead of eyes, as Casey says the words 'dead lady'.

Despite catching the hint of insincerity in her words, Valereon maintains his pleasant smile. "Likewise, Madam Hesla. Your carnival and your cause are certainly a testament to your generosity and nobility."

He gives her a polite nod before turning to his companions. "Come along, everyone. It seems our work is needed elsewhere."

You take your leave of Hesla, much to the relief of the other noblewomen. As you walk out of the tent, you manage to hear "... and they think they're entitled to breathe the air we breathe? How insulting."

You head into another tent and find that Zarta Dralneen just bought some treats from the carnival's Bustling Bakery to share with Khione Thidos. Zarta is escorting Khione around the carnival, acting as a mentor of sorts (and making sure the talkative agent doesn't spill too much about the Pathfinder Society's various ongoing mysteries and plans). Zarta waves to the PCs and introduces herself and Khione.

Zarta's exasperation shows through her thin smile as she hands a flaky biscuit to her companion. "Khione here has been telling me all about... well, everything. I don't suppose you agents have a few minutes to spare? I could use a break from all this hustle and bustle. Why don't you talk to Khione for a few minutes? I'm sure you've got lots to talk about. And if not... she certainly does!"

Khione smiles, nodding enthusiastically, and launches into a barrage of questions as Zarta vanishes into a nearby bookseller's tent for a well-deserved break.

Khione asks you about their most recent adventures, their impressions of the Hesla Embersplitter and the Gilded Carnival, their thoughts on Watcher Lord Ulthun and Tar-Baphon, their thoughts on Gorum's death, their favorite baked good, and anything else she can think of. She occasionally pauses to take a bite of her pastry, giving you an opportunity to speak up.

Each PC can attempt a skill check to keep Khione from getting bored (and, hopefully, to get something more from the conversation than idle chit-chat):
DC 16 Lore related to a topic of conversation that comes up (such as Baking Lore, Pathfinder Society Lore, or Absalom Lore)
DC 18 Diplomacy/Performance to hold Khione's attention
Any other skill ok as long as you can make it fit. DC 16 for Lore, DC 18 for non-Lore.

You need at least 3 successes