Sonira's page

Just to be clear - on the map there are no neighbouring rooms, but I am not sure how the outside walls line up with those. Maybe there is a walkway from 10 parallel to the corridor? or one from 9 towards the stairs? Or a hidden room altogether(e.g. to the left of 10, where the wall could extend from the upper left point of 10 to the upper left of E and nobody would 'notice' the secret room if they are not paying attention).
Still, that makes 3 squares to take 20 on, left of 10, lower right of 9. But figured I clarify because according to map, it's 'only' outside or corridors so may be unclear where she is looking.

Had to find the description again... A dirty cot rests in one corner of the room, beside which is a large chest.

Sonira approaches the door and silently opens it - at first just a tiny bit, enough to see inside and notice any activity or Gnolls.
Stealth: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
If the room turns out to be empty, she indicates the chest from the Doorframe:"Hey, Kasit...take a look at this...can you pick the lock?"

If Kasit nods, Sonira will take her spot next to her sister, both ready to strike with their Starknifes if the Gnoll stirs.

BTW, I had some table variance in the past on this - do you allow non-lethal Coup-De-Grace? Knockout-Strikes, so to say? The rules cover it as a killing move, but it seems that one would also be able to aim non-lethal strikes for maximum effect against a helpless target.

Stealth: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Once Sorina stood next to the troll on the opposite side of Kasit, holding her Star Knife ready to strike, Sonira started searching the room:[smaller]"On it, I'm certain we'll be able to find...incriminating evidence around here."
She works swiftly, but methodically. Basically Taking 10 to look all over. The twins are not very perceptive, but it seems prudent to give a once-over to the place before waking him - we can still decide to look at suspect areas closer with take 20, later.

That is, of course, assuming that we do continue.
With no posts for 1.5 Month, it may have been we've all been waiting or not realizing how much time passed, or it may be that people's circumstances have changed and it's no longer desirable to keep going, or do so at a later date.
I just tend to be cautiously optimistic, but I'll understand whatever decision is put forward.

"Whatever we do, we should be swift. I think they may have carelessly left this door open because they went outside for supplies and did not want to wake the sleepy one to open the door on their return...if we don't want to get surprised, we may want to close it behind us...", her sister adds a moment later, then focuses her eyes on the sleeping Gnoll.

Sonira looks up from the pile she is sorting: "Hm. I suppose you'd best take that up with him then, later. Definitely a worthwhile approach to our situation."
She stands up, bringing a bottle of Wine with her: "It definitely feels like he has his eyes on us, even now. Even his bird gives the impression of watching your every step. I suppose we may all be on edge a bit, after all that happened. Since we missed the evening session, I'd like to suggest we split this bottle, right now, and then enjoy a little walk - my joints are still stiff from that cell, I could use some fresh air."

"And while we helped freely, I hate to bring this up, but we had to use vastly expensive potions - may we have permission to search his room for possible monetary compensation? That was a hundred gold pieces worth of healing potions he made us waste - and to non-nobles like us, that's a LOT of money. We'd hate to be stuck with the bill after not only doing nothing wrong but trying to do what seemed right...", Sonira adds after a short moment of consideration. "Or if that seems impolite, maybe his blade, unless it's a family heirloom or needed in Durauch? Seems like it would be worth quite a bit-"
Assuming it's masterwork - may be difficult to find a buyer so practical value may be close-

With the lackey gone, both of the sister turn their attention towards Dank. They were not skilled in the medical arts, but stopping a wound from bleeding by binding tightly was simple enough - he may lose the arm, but better than his life...
Heal Sorina to stabilize: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Heal Sonira to stabilize: 1d20 ⇒ 15

"Help her. I'll not turn my back to you after you ambushed us!", Sonira responds to the man, stepping aside to let him pass.

Wow, nasty crit, there :)

While it's definitely the easiest way to get rid of him, I figure Sorina and Sonira conned their way through life, mostly. They are no strangers to death or violence, but never quite had to murder someone.
(possibly also why Markus called their bluff on cutting down the guy)

So they will be a bit...shocked at what just happened.

"Stand down! Drop your weapon and I will try and save your Lord, if such can be done!", Sonira shouts at the lackey still standing.

Ready action: Cast Stabilize on Markus if the Lackey drops his weapon.

"You bastard"
Sonira steps forward, holding her Starknife in a defensive Stance.
"You have choosen poorly, Markus."

Total Defense for 22 AC

Sonira picks up the chatter: "Or, you insist on the full fifty and this turns ugly. We'll cut down Dack, or Dank, or whatever your name was - sorry, never really cared - and rush to the courtyard. I have a feeling our Hosts guards, with whom we had a decent chat yesterday, will take our side, and things may turn ugly for you from there, Markus."
She pats her pouch with one hand, while raising the Starblade towards the minion blocking their retreat: "So, what will it be?"

"See you then!", Sonira says her farewell to Sir Bredwir, then finds Sariah:"I have thought about your question. I think the most amazing thing we ever saw took place when we were still children. We were in a caravan, then, and the apprentice of the wise-woman had a gift, you see. One day she called a companion given form by her mind alone. Seeing that creature manifest in the real world and be in service to her was frightening and amazing, felt spiritual and empowering. In all our travels, we had not experienced such a wonder again. What about you? What most amazed you in your life, so far?"

Not looking to start a new convo before evening, but I promised to find her after, and we can just keep it going until Kasit and Jorgas are done.

"Well, twice the entry fee, double the chance to win, half the prize. In summary, we're worse off", Sonira shrugs, then continues:"But even half that much means we can be free as birds, for plenty of years. And since we share everything, most expenses, like buying a new wagon, won't be that harsh. Well, first, we'll have to win, of course - " she offers a winning smile to Sir Bredwir.

Apologies, I didn't get around to do much posting and was contemplating how to keep the talking going or end it politely. I am fine with saying we're wrapping up and doing some more idle small-talk.

Thanks a lot for your work. Over and beyond the call of duty :) I was really only hoping for something much simpler.

@Kasit: I am not certain a murder wouldn't...ahem...overshadow the events here, and could lead to someone being expelled and/or increased security.
(Also, with some people watching just now and knowing there is something going on between you two, that somebody may be you).

Of course, I have no idea what was going on there...but for an amusing variant: Pay him off in chips, then win them right back from him :D

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22
"We would certainly welcome a chance to speak with our host - but don't tense up like that, there's no reason to.", she offers a friendly smile to the noble.

No worries, it's a crazy time for many of us.

Well, true that it would reveal the bluff score, but that is, imho, a manner of player knowledge versus character knowledge.
If someone tries to bluff me, I'll also know, as player, if my sense motive check succeeded or failed. If I roll good, I may feel more confident, if I roll bad, I may feel unsure.
But depending on their bluff, that good roll may fail or my bad roll may succeed.
Translating that properly to "in-character" is part of the game, after all.

If the alternative is being completely blind about what the opponents score, then the only tactics is going with one's own gut feeling and hoping the best :) Some interaction would simply spice things up.

Bluff: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Prof(Gamble): 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (9) + 0 = 9
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

Perception: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (12) - 2 = 10

"I'll take a moment to think on your question, then", Sonira responds to the Halfling taking her leave, then turns her attention to the Lord: "By all means that sounds good. Unlike whatever sickly thing stinks and growls beyond that door at the corridor intersection."

It was a gamble. Kara herself had suggested to bring it to the Lords attention, but certainly she had not meant in such an open manner. But all the same, it could serve to throw his game off-balance...or test his pokerface...

Bluff: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Prof(Gamble): 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (16) + 0 = 16
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29

Perception: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (8) - 2 = 6

"Me? Ah, we are just wanderers on the road. Not really any one place to call home.", Sonira answers the Halfling, then asks: "Now, a slot start is all fine, but considering the other tables, it seems we are playing very conservative. We are here to gamble, we should not be so mechanical about it."
She adds the 2 she lacks from her bet, then adds 10 more, doubling the Bet to 20:"There, that'll not be bothersome for anybody but still be worth playing for"

+1 HD = +7 HP(14)
+1 BAB
+1 Fort/Will
+1 Str/Dex
+2 AC
Evasion
+4 Skill Points: +1 Sense Motive, +1 Disguise, +1 Bluff, +1 Stealth
+1 Evolution Pool: Skilled (Ex) - Bluff

Bluff: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (12) + 15 = 27
Prof(Gamble): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Perception: 1d20 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 1 - 2 = 1

"20 now, is it?", Sorina ponders the chips in the pot for a moment, then moves in some more:"Then lets make it 25. Four people at the table, a fourth of our chips in the pot, that lines up nicely."

Medifir scowls at Sonira and wordlessly tosses in four chips before settling back into his seat.

Sonira moves the 4 chips forward with one hand, then another 4 with her other:"See, that wasn't so hard was it?"

I'll post today, later - been very crazy few days with Corona getting more widespread and lots of infrastructure going to be shut down next week...

Bluff: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Prof(Gamble): 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (17) + 0 = 17
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25

Perception: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (19) - 2 = 17

Sonira waits for Medifir to make his first bet:"If you want to wait for the other tables to finish so we get an audience, do tell so. Otherwise please place a bet so I can raise the stakes."

That is a good point. If we get to a place where Sorina or Sonira are not participating, just spectating we'll decide an appropriate bonus to the player's checks. The same could be said for other party members as well though Sonira and Sorina have the advantage of the empathetic link.

Just a minor correction there:

: The master has an empathic link with his familiar to a 1 mile distance. The master can communicate empathically with the familiar, but cannot see through its eyes. Because of the link’s limited nature, only general emotions can be shared. The master has the same connection to an item or place that his familiar does.

The twinned Eidolon has a "proper" link:

: A summoner and his eidolon share a mental link allows for communication across any distance (as long as they are on the same plane). This communication is a free action, allowing the summoner to give orders to his eidolon at any time. In addition, magic items...

Not only is it non-magical(Ex), it is also proper communication, not just general emotions.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22

Sonira took note of Karas nervousness, and her handling of the key, and simultaneously, Sorina knew as well.
Still, it was her sisters turn to speak:"We are guests - that is true - but we paid a substantial fee to be here. While that was for participation at the tournament, it does not mean we have to accept everything - like a beggar at the door allowed to stay the night. I trust you will do what is right, and make sure this olfactory offense is taken care off."

Sorina steps in then, putting a hand on her sisters shoulder, adding:"You are right, it is none of our business. But you'd best make it yours before your lord does."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
Not meant as a threat, just as a remainder that her lord may not be too happy if several guests start complaining about his smelly castle, or start asking questions they won't get answers for.

"Onwards...!", Sonira states cheerfully, heading to the next door.

For the record, I'm fine with passing those rooms we already know hold contestants. I mostly want to complete the floor plan, see if there are more architectural anomalies(like the spying room) or hidden pathways somewhere..

"That, and even if getting hired by our Host would be an option, there is no use going in unprepared. Even so, I would expect that he would be reluctant to openly share details about an arranged raid on his own citizens, he would probably give you some task and send you off to prove your loyalty to him - what then? You tell him you'd rather stay around for the rest of the tournament and ask to get access to the off-limits areas for snooping around?", her sister adds.

We can fast-forward through the exploration. I basically only want to complete the floor plans and know which places are off-limits, and which areas are "general use". Maybe one of those doors on our floor leads further up into a guard tower, or into another spy room. We don't have to play out every door, but before we decide on a course of action, I'd like to take advantage of the free movement and lack of time constraints we currently enjoy.

Sonira follows suite, taking a step to the side to make place for Kazid, and conveniently making the larger man hide her from the Lords position.

"Well, there've been more rooms we did not get around to visit, yet, and we still have time until lunch, right? Lets get Kasit and resume our exploration of this place...maybe start with the other rooms on this floor?"

"Aye, and you guys are off-duty right now, right? I mean, you are playing dice. How long off is your next shift? I could go fetch some beers from the kitchen maybe -"
Diplomacy Assist: 1d20 ⇒ 17

"True. So what now? We should definitely try and learn more here...we don't speak Gnoll, though...and I doubt they'll be polite enough to speak common in case someone listens in...the other two rooms probably hold competitors, but I am not certain what we can learn there is helping us enough to justify remaining here and waiting. The evening is still young, and we have time until midday to keep exploring. Maybe we'll find more secrets? Kara gave us leave to roam the place..."

Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (13) + 0 = 13
Sonira checks the remainder of the room - and listening near the entrance to indicate to the others if someone was passing, so that they could be absolutely silent for a moment.
"Aye, but I doubt anybody would find them missing. No reason to let those things go to waste - don't you think, Kasit?", she whispers back.

As the Halfling stands there, dumbfounded, Sonira waits for how Mia will react.
Giving the young serving girl a few seconds to come to terms with whatever approach she settles on - whether that is approaching Sorina to wash her, arguing about her duties, or just blushing and standing there - she then starts to laugh, with Sorina quickly joining in. Standing up as well, she retrieves a Silver from her pocket, and throws it to Mia:"Apologies for the prank, I dared my sister to do that. Thanks for the hot water and the wash clothes" ("and for being a good sport", if she was-).
After she leaves, Sonira starts to scrub down Sorina. After being on the road, it did feel good to be able to wash. But Sonira would be spotless anyway by the time she came back tomorrow morning, so it made sense to take care of Sorina first.

After they are both done washing, they move over and knock on Kasits door, hoping he would be done with his meal and his new Dwarven friend in the meantime.

Her twin sister turns to Jorgas:"We have not met, yet. Great to make your aquaintance.", she extends her hand and shakes his: "I am Sonira, that's my sister Sorina. We're twins."
She smiles at stating the obvious, then continues: "I do hope you'll be a good loser and not hold a grudge when we leave with our winnings?"

Hey, just to clarify: We can fast-forward dinner and jump to exploration - no worries there. I just figure
a.: we're not going missing when previously we said we would be eating.
b.: you did not share that quail and we are hungry.
c.: we don't know how long we'll spend exploring and if we get to the kitchen too late the good stuff may be gone or cold.

So...dinner first, then exploring with a full belly :D
(Plus if we get caught and thrown into the dungeon, at least we had a great meal before surviving on stale bread and bracky water until we find a way to break out).

"As long as we don't have to share meals-", Sonira smiles as Sorina accepts the key. "If you explain the rules tomorrow, I understand the tournament will not yet start, so we are free today and tomorrow until midday, at least? So we can settle in, fetch a meal and get acquainted with this place? What say you, Kasit, some light Dinner at the full hour?"
I understand it's easier to do this as a group with Kasit, even if we only 'met' on the road, but treating us as separate entities would just make things more complicated-

I'll post in a couple hours :)
Sorry, friday+weekends are often slow for me - at least for IC posts...OOC is a lot swifter.

2 things:

1.: I did not expect a loot share...she did so far act as independent character because that would be part of the whole ruse. For the record, one thought was that she could sniff around where she's not supposed to be, then evade trouble by being sent back home if e.g. she finds herself trapped or about to be found out.
In other words: I would have expected to let the others in on the "secret", eventually. Since they cannot share magic item slots, there would then be quite a natural selection in loot distribution, even if the Twinned Eidolon is treated as an equal.

2.: I originally had plans for both an Unchained Rogue/Wizard(Illusionist) going into Arcane Trickster via Accomplished Sneak Attack as well as a Mesmerist.
I kinda dropped those when Juniors player originally stated going Rogue/Fighter, and decided on a 2/3rds caster because an extra body is worth quite a bit in small parties(as is not being vulnerable in melee).
(Mesmerist was subsequently not chosen because I figured that would be more universally useful for different campaign concepts - as in, more flexible - but would work great as well).
Up to now, it would be easy to transition out, make them REAL twins, and only one of them signs up for the tournament while the other operates on the outside(as NPC) and saves the money. Her personality, background and general idea would remain identical. Just putting that out there.

I do think that a Twinned Eidolon would be fun to play like that, but I think it would be more fun in a larger group with more active characters. (In fact, it might be most fun if the Eidolon would be a separate player for the role) 3 players was borderline, and I figured it would be great to add a fourth body. So I'm throwing that out there. No ill feelings if you consider it better I switch(Sorina is not a locked in profile yet, can still change her name)

"...Ant Haul, please."

Today....

On the next day, Sonira was the first to leave the small room where the Twins shared a bed, in which Sorina was still curled up.
She started to prepare breakfast, then made a cup of herbal tea, which she delivered to the end of a short corridor, where she knocked on a door:"Good morning, Miss Meeks. Your tea."

Half an hour later, they were all sitting at the table, eating a simple meal of bread, cheese, and some smoked ham:"We received an offer for a job to be done for Mayor Fellstone - he hopes to learn more about the recent raid. We talked about it and we think it's the right thing to accept - that means we'll be gone for a while. Is there anything else you need delivered, harvested, or done before then? We'll tell him in the afternoon, so there's all day for errands..."

It was a good arrangement they had with the lady. Almost made them consider settling down. Almost. Maybe when they were old ladies.

Since I am staying with her, it only makes sense to see if she needs something done beforehand - and with the Mayor approaching us in a public tavern/location I don't think it's a secret he has business with us. But hey, Kasit - you can still refer to Fred and Fred. Otherwise "You both" would have been misleading anyway-

"But we have 4 arms...?"
Both of the girls raise their hands to show their sheathes. Each having one on each arm, for 4 total.
"Or did you mean to imply I would get my own starting money to outfit myself with?" - one of them smiles at the GM.
More seriously: The only thing I only bought 1 unit of was sanctified rings, which are sold in a pair(and totally just for show and to keep up the charade because they would not even work properly) - half ot the stuff is 1:1 transferred to the Eidolon - and listed in her profile. I even bought a second Pickpockets Outfit, because the game only provides for one 'starter' Outfit free of charge, meaning my Twin would have needed to be naked otherwise.
Also, just so it's written somewhere: CLW in buckler hand sheath, Acid in Weapon Hand sheath.

Some of those seem familiar :)

Also, in a grand bad timing, my kids managed to get me ill. I am currently taking it easy across most games - but aye, especially with new ones it's important to keep moving, so I'll make sure to post tomorrow
Just figured I could stop by explain the delay.

The spitting image of the previous speaker, sitting across the table from her, picks up: "Aye - there's a lot of danger and too little incentive in your suggestion. As she said, you'd have to pay the entrance fee no matter who you send to investigate. If you want us to take this risk, you'll have to make it worth our while. 20 Gold before we go there, so that we may play our roles, and believably claim that we paid the entrance fee ourselves. Another 30 Gold for each after our return if we manage to bring the proof you desire."
Diplomacy Assist: 1d20 ⇒ 12