"While not necessary a wig might be appropriate, and you do have the time to purchase one, if nothing else it is useful to be able to alter ones silhouette. Indeed you all have time to make purchases, and I shall not be put out if you decide to sell the items I just gave you, use your best judgement, if a disguise kit is more helpful that one elixir or another in your judgement then exchange for it." Lady Martella says candidly.
"As for your loved ones, please be assured that I wish our cooperation to be long term, and that I feel the way to foster loyal agents is to treat them well, and let them see that I treat their colleagues well. I shall ensure your possessions, and moneys owed make their way to those you care for. And should the worst comes to the worst I will take them into my service in an appropriate roll, or place them in some form of schooling that would secure their future."
Pausing for a moment she runs her fingers down a stray lock of hair, “Overall, tonight promises to be a historic evening, but an evening of work nonetheless. And in the sort of work you’re embarking upon, the line that divides success and failure is drawn by the people you know. You have your own tasks to accomplish, but I’m counting on you to support one another to ensure success and discretion. If you need assistance, kindly ask for it. If your assistance is required, give it. And if I’m to be blunt, I would like just once in my adult life to simply enjoy a gala I attend, rather than scamper about with clandestine busywork. If you all complete your work without need of me to clean anything up, I will happily double my promised fee."
“I trust your activities won’t occupy your entire evening, so by all means, enjoy the party and make friends. This is an excellent opportunity for you to begin your own political ambitions, but do be discreet.”
"Not for the moment I am afraid, supplies are limited and I do not believe they would be appropriate for the Gala. Though they are useful they are not discrete and drawing attention to one's self is, for the most part, the opposite of what we are aiming to achieve."
AP says it has an aura of divination, but that appears to make no sense given the items description and the fact that Martella made it and has no magic so I am saying purely mechanical.
"An invention of mine it is entirely mechanical, you simply wide it and the sound it emits is pitched to a frequency that while no especially distracting prevents eavesdropping from a distance over 5 metres or so. Of course this fellow is a prototype and thus requires occasional coaxing," Martella says fondly glancing at her creation.
Martella smiles, "I am afraid it is a good vintage Master Tanglefoot, if you can somehow replace the good with bad without being caught you are welcome to do so, but I think it would prove a difficult if potentially rewarding task."
Baron Okerra:
A noble and hero in the county of Meratt, Baron Okerra is as equally renowned for his good looks as he is for his combat skills.
A celebrity in the tournament circuit and a kind but stern leader, Baron Nicolaus Okerra is considered one of Taldor’s chief defenders of law and order. He has little time for pomp and circumstance, secluding himself in the noble courts of the senate building to debate with aspiring nobles on the importance of law.
His charming demeanor is only somewhat mitigated by his staunch devotion to order, even when he defends the shadier aspects of a lawful society.
Earl Calhadion Vernisant:
A proud man in his early fifties, Calhadion Vernisant is the appointed leader of Greater Ridonport and a hereditary senator.
He has a single son five years Olivia's junior who he has clearly and loudly proclaimed his heir.
His political ambitions are considerable, though he kept a low profile following the brutal dismemberment of Grand Duke Forath Bozbeyli (the former head of Tandak Prefecture).
Maxillar Pythareus:
Nearly every Taldan recognizes commander-in-chief Maxillar Pythareus as Grand Prince Stavian III’s right hand and a fanatical supporter of the throne. He believes in political might and economic stability through military supremacy,
advocating for new wars of conquest against wayward colonies like Andoran and Cheliax, or even Qadira.
The high strategos is direct and confident, cutting to the heart of any topic. He despises politics, preferring to focus on matters of military and strategic concern. His presence here is a formality; Maxillar would much rather be inspecting troops or training on horseback.
I am a bit uncomfortable with that leap Chana, you might not even know what a vampire is IC. Knowledge checks for things like that in future please.
Martella quirks a brow and gives Chana a sidelong look,
"I have no reason to suppose so, but Soul Stimulant is not really for dealing with vampires, there are several lesser undead that assault the soul, and doubtless other things besides. I have no interest in the silver dagger, other than to utilise its loss to embarrass a political rival. The Senates wards ought to prevent any such creatures encroaching upon it, but I have been wrong before. Should you face a vampire I suggest you do what it tells you, from the little I know you would not be such a creatures match."
"Gratitude is all well and good Lady Olivia, but those are valuable items. I would suggest given that you are to be operating as a team you split any profits evenly. If I were one of your companions I would be deeply reluctant to give you items you likely had very little contact with unless you were willing to use your share. I would suggest that you keep the journal, but give up on the dagger, even against a vampire you would likely be better served with a silver sword." Martella says her tone even,
"But if you can reach an equitable agreement between yourselves I would have no objection."
Olivia Items:
The fan and spyglass are purported to have historical significance all the AP tells me further is made up fluff, just in case it bites me in the posterior somehow having belonged to General Marcus Arnisant, the son of the famous General, and Helena Arnisant his domineering daughter respectively. The buckler is a masterful work of undoubted quality, and is at least a hundred year old, but you know of no particular providence.
"I am a woman hoping to take over my House, it should be no great revelation that overturning the law of primogeniture would be in my interest. I would like to see Taldor become more progressive and dynamic, and though certainly a part if it is ingrained personal prejudice I would like Taldor to be a leader in the field of technology, though it is not my most pressing concern," as she says the later she glances down at the mechanical cricket.
"I assure you Lady Olivia, every act I have suggested is, while hardly encouraged, perfectly legal with the regulations and bylaws of the Senate. Though in a couple of instances they are legal only within the bounds of the Senate, which is exempt from Taldor's laws, replaced with its own narrower, but deeper set of auspices." Lady Morella replies, seeming to have expected the objection.
Sense Motive DC 23:
Bullhonkery, theft and poisoning wine are definitely illegal in the Senate.
Martlela nods in response to Khalili and Chana's questions, "Do not worry if you deem what I ask of you to be too much you can remove the badges and return them. They are not cursed, or any such thing. To be frank I see potential in you all as agents working under me, to further causes dear to my heart and eventually, with proper planning and preparation, to allow me to take over my vile House and forcibly reform it. To that end I would endeavour to provide you with ample rewards and opportunities for growth, both in a personal, and more importantly political sense. If you are willing to work for me it ins very much in my interest to help make you all as powerful and influential as is possible within my means."
"To be more immediate and specific I have a number of missions which I require completing at the Gala tonight. I am a talented woman, but I cannot do everything, or even most things on my own. I will outline the missions and I hope each of you will choose to fulfil one of them for me. For this I will pay 150gp to each of you."
She glances at the mechanical cricket, at flicks it with a fingernail eliciting it low rumbling hum to increase, "The missions are as follows..."
The mission you choose does not need to correspond to your Campaign Trait, but there is likely to be a link, so it might be a good default option.
Aide (Athletic Champion):
"In addition to spies, I legitimately need a senatorial aide as both a cover for my other false aides and to run communications between allied politicians. This is the easiest job available, but also the most time-consuming, requiring the you to run messages between various politicians."
You would need to make Escape Artist and combat maneuver checks to navigate the crowds amongst other things.
Discovery (Taldan Patriot):
"I need to know the positions of Duke Centimus and Countess Abrielle Pace regarding the vote. I currently do not know if either supports Eutropia’s bid to end primogeniture, and while their votes would be apparent after the senate convenes, I wish to discover their positions in advance, as well as the reasons each holds that position."
You would need Sense Motive and or Perception, and likely need to positively influence the noble socially.
Fraud (Disgraced Noble):
"I need you to discredit a few prominent senators backing primogeniture — not necessarily to sway their votes, but to undercut their influence after the vote. This will require you to create a scandal surrounding one of the major opponents to the repeal of primogeniture. You would need to either determine an appropriate senator, or coordinate with one of your colleagues regarding whether their target fits your criteria."
Useful skills would be Sense Motive, Bluff, and Linguistics.
Spy (Rising Star):
"I need someone to keep tabs on political rivals and update me if they change their tactics, most notably High Strategos Maxillar Pythareus. You would need to stay close to the military commander, watching for unusual behavior or listening for snippets of conversation, and warn me if he takes any unusual actions, all while remaining unobtrusive."
Perception and/or Sense Motive and Disguise and/or Stealth.
Theft (none):
"To further undermine the influence of the
recently disgraced Earl Calhadion Vernisant," Martella inclines her head slightly to Olivia, "I would like to see some of the historical artifacts that the earl donated to the senate vanish from the Arcade of Triumphs before it is unveiled prior to the evening’s
vote. You are free to free to keep the items; I wish only for their disappearance to further embarrass Earl Vernisant and his allies. The artifacts should not be secured; the senate assumes anyone sophisticated enough to attended this crowded gala would never dream of stealing anything on public display. Specifically the items area buckler, a dagger, a fan, a journal, and a spyglass — but three missing should be sufficient to disgrace the earl."
Sleight of Hand
Politicking (Sen. Hope.):
"I would like an agent to make a strong impression on Baron Nicolaus Okerra and remind him of certain debts he owes to me. While Baron Nicolaus Okerra isn’t a senator, his war record and general popularity make him an influential figure — one whose reputation could sway a number of otherwise neutral votes."
Useful skills Intimidate, Knowledge Nobility, Sense Motive, Linguistics.
Sabotage (Young Reformer):
"I would like to exact some retribution against my half-brothers, who have contributed a large bottle of rare, 150-year-old red wine from family holdings in the Opparos province, it is now held in the senate’s kitchens. I will provide a syringe filled with a putrefying agent to render the wine
embarrassingly undrinkable; but you must not steal the bottle, and need to conceal any sign it has been tampered with. I hope it will be drunk at dinner and appear to be of terrible quality or, even better, a forgery. A little petty perhaps, but I work hard and deserve a little fun, I can assure you they are well deserving of it and more."
Martella who has been watching he mechanical cricket by her side wearing a thoughtful expression looks up blinking at the group and scanning each in turn,
"Are the niceties concluded? Good. The first I shall present you each with a senate aide badge. These badges once belonged to the staff of the long-dead Senator Voritas, whose family line was involved in the senate for nearly a thousand years before dying out about a century ago. Senators and other politicians of note traditionally hand out senate aide badges of extinct or exiled family lines to guests they invite to senate events, identifying them at a glance as guests rather than sitting senators or staff; thus you can expect guards to be more wary of you than the majority - given the relative ease with which a rabble-rouser or assassin could abuse this system. You must keep them with you at all times."
She places the badges on the table before each of you, each resembles an oval golden shield with a unicorn being entangled by a serpentine dragon, evidently the symbol of the now defunct Vortias family.
"Importantly the badges also allow for telepathic communication with the master senator badge pinned to my gown, I can contact you, but you can only respond to me. I can only make a limited number of replies each day, and both my addresses, and your replies need to be 25 words or less, you must reply within a minute in order to reach me. Please pin on your badges, and if you have any questions regarding their usage now is the time to ask."
Long, golden beams of the setting sun dance through the cafe’s smoky interior, highlighting breads, cheeses, and wine bottles behind the only counter. Martella sips casually from a steaming mug, dressed in an elegant but reserved gown — at least by Taldan standards. A hand - sized brass cricket buzzes quietly on the tabletop beside her.
“I’m so pleased you could join me this evening,” she begins. “Please order whatever you like; the fig jam is particularly lovely here. And feel free to speak candidly. I’ve taken measures to ensure our privacy. Do take a while to introduce yourselves to one another, a establishing a general sense of your fellows will prove useful I am sure.”
I should just add that Marcian was born in Egorian, in Cheliax, then fled to Kintargo, then again, more thoroughly, to Galt. I will edit accordingly - in the original thread the starting locale had not been locked down so I left it intentionally vague.
I should note I have done this, and though I suspect I meet all the criteria I will double check. Please note that Marcian has his alchemy lab and his MW Craft Clothing tools in his mules Pack Saddle, so herolab does not include them in his stats his actual Craft scores will be +11 for alchemy and +10 for clothing I believe that covers everything I have had him craft. He also has ready access to Crafter's Fortune for a +5 which he would have used if preparing anything difficult.
I used herolab and have paid one third instead of one quarter, but if you do not object I would rather stick with that higher amount than go back and do the math :) In the future I would happily use the lower amount!
Since he starts with Brew Potion I have also crafted 4 potions of Cure Light Wounds.
Edit: Checked and he covers everything under option A. Not sure if craft clothing can fairly be applied to a tent, but it seems like the tools would be largely applicable, so even untrained he ought to be fine with Crafter's Fortune.
Here is the completed Marcian, all 3 questions are answered fairly explicitly within his background and letter to Viscount Aristeides.
Marcian Grallm:
Marcian Grallm
Tiefling alchemist (mindchemist) 2 (Pathfinder RPG Advanced Player's Guide 26, Pathfinder RPG Bestiary 264, Pathfinder RPG Ultimate Magic 19)
LN Medium outsider (native)
Init +6; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +3
--------------------
Defense
--------------------
AC 19, touch 14, flat-footed 15 (+3 armor, +4 Dex, +2 shield)
hp 15 (2d8+2)
Fort +4, Ref +7, Will -1; +2 bonus vs. poison
Resist cold 5, electricity 5, fire 5
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Offense
--------------------
Speed 30 ft.
Ranged bomb +6 (1d6+5 fire)
Special Attacks bomb 6/day (1d6+5 fire, DC 15)
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 2nd; concentration -1)
. . 1/day—darkness Alchemist (Mindchemist) Extracts Prepared (CL 2nd; concentration +6)
. . 1st—adhesive spittle[ACG] (DC 15), cure light wounds, expeditious retreat
--------------------
Statistics
--------------------
Str 9, Dex 18, Con 12, Int 18, Wis 8, Cha 5
Base Atk +1; CMB +0; CMD 14
Feats Brew Potion, Point-Blank Shot, Throw Anything
Traits extremely fashionable, fast-talker, reactionary
Skills Appraise +9, Bluff +3 (+7 to tell a lie), Craft (alchemy) +9 (+11 to create alchemical items), Craft (clothing) +6, Diplomacy +1, Heal +3, Knowledge (arcana) +12, Knowledge (dungeoneering) +9, Knowledge (engineering) +9, Knowledge (geography) +9, Knowledge (local) +9, Knowledge (nature) +12, Knowledge (planes) +9, Knowledge (religion) +9, Perception +3, Sleight of Hand +8, Spellcraft +8
Languages Abyssal, Common, Draconic, Goblin, Infernal, Orc
SQ alchemy (alchemy crafting +2), beguiling liar[ARG], cognatogen (+4/-2, +2 natural armor, 20 minutes), discovery (explosive bomb), perfect recall, prehensile tail[ARG]
Combat Gear potion of cure light wounds (4); Other Gear mwk studded leather, darkwood shield, alchemist starting formula book, chalk, jewelry[UE], waterproof bag[UE], mule, acid, alchemical grease, alchemist's kindness, alchemist's lab, alkali flask, bachelor snuff, bedroll, feed (per day), flayleaf, masterwork tool, noble's outfit, pack saddle, pavilion tent, poison ward salve, reagent paper, smelling salts, wandermeal, waterskin, winter blanket, 7 sp, 1 cp
--------------------
Special Abilities
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Alchemy +2 (Su) +2 to Craft (Alchemy) to create alchemical items, can Id potions by touch.
Beguiling Liar +4 to Bluff to tell a lie.
Bomb 1d6+5 (6/day, DC 15) (Su) Thrown Splash Weapon deals 1d6+5 fire damage.
Cognatogen (DC 15) (Su) Mutagen adds +4 to a mental & -2 to a physical attribute, and +2 nat. armor for 20 minutes.
Darkvision (60 feet) You can see in the dark (black and white only).
Energy Resistance, Cold (5) You have the specified Energy Resistance against Cold attacks.
Energy Resistance, Electricity (5) You have the specified Energy Resistance against Electricity attacks.
Energy Resistance, Fire (5) You have the specified Energy Resistance against Fire attacks.
Explosive Bomb (Su) Bombs have splash radius 10 ft. and those directly hit catch fire.
Perfect Recall At 2nd level, a mindchemist has honed his memory. When making a Knowledge check, he may add his Intelligence bonus on the check a second time. Thus, a mindchemist with 5 ranks in Knowledge (history) and a +2 Intelligence bonus has a total skill bonus
Point-Blank Shot +1 to attack and damage rolls with ranged weapons at up to 30 feet.
Prehensile Tail Your tail can retrieve small objects on your person as a swift action.
Throw Anything Proficient with improvised ranged weapons. +1 to hit with thrown splash weapons.
Letter to Viscount Aristides:
Dear Viscount Aristides,
Please forgive my timerity in recommending myself, Marxian Grallm, for your consideration. I am an alchemist of outstanding talent looking to establish myself in an upcoming locale and apply my intellect, and talents towards making it great.
Though I may appear to lack the physical capacities that the early stages of such a venture would require, I am more than capable of rendering assistance should danger strike the settlement. I am not strong, but I am swift and agile, and my alchemical concoctions pack a fearsome punch - which can also act as a force multiplier if distributed to other settlers.
Most of all I am an extremely well read individual, with a broad array of knowledge in an astounding array of subjects. Knowledge is, as the cliché would have it, power, and I would endeavour to harness that power towards the furtherance of your goals in an advisory capacity should you wish it.
My own plans would be the construction of a small, but readily expansible, alchemical workshop able to provide antidotes, curatives, and perhaps even appropriately useful poisons - pending approval by the authorities - such as those to subdue dangerous beasts. Perhaps operating a small storefront with the opportunity to exchange goods.
I should forewarn your Lordship that I am a tiefling, figuratively cursed with a somewhat unsightly appearance, which I generally conceal so as to avoid unsettling others. A part of the reason I desire to start a new is because of prejudice, and the unjust attentions of a small thieves guild - far too small for their reach to or ability to trouble your endeavours I assure, but enough to be problematic for a lone alchemist. These unfortunate experiences have filled me with the desire to become an integral part of a community by rendering valuable service and council.
Yours Sincerely, Marxian J. Grallm.
Introduction:
Marcian glowered at the notice, to think he, a man of such vaunted brilliance and ambition should be reduced to skulking in the shadows and fleeing to an as yet undug midden in the savage wilderlands. Disgusting. But needs must, and he did rather prefer his intestines inside his body.
There was, he mused, a definite advantage in being able to steer the development of a settlement from its birth; And surely in such dull hinterlands he could produce many sought after legitimate concoctions, as well as a few more misunderstood solutions, without the scrutiny of the feckless busybodies that were so prevalent in civilization.
Yes, perhaps it was for the best, with a face like his - once compared to that of a week dead baboon by some barroom wit - who shortly thereafter found himself unable to leave the privy for three days - it would be more practical to rule from the shadows. Here he would delve further into the mysteries of alchemy and fashion a web of influence that would show them all!
Taking a deep calming breath he prodded Isabelle, his long suffering mule, fed the beast half a carrot, and set off to embrace his long overdue destiny.
Background:
The son of Hebran Grallm an ambitious Wizard, Marcian was one of eleven babes, mostly mixed breeds of demonic origin, born within days of one another. Hebran intended to educate his sons together creating his own unit of dedicated Wizard soldiers, but to Jebran's frustration none of his offspring had the talent for wizardry. Showing the most promise Marcian was kept as an alchemy assistant until fed up of being belittled and insulted, and even tortured for mistakes, his anger finally overcame his fear freed his brothers from the cages, or experiments Hebran had them trapped in instigating them to kill the old man - while Marxian took then prudent path and fled.
After several weeks of travel Marcian joined a large City gang who provided him with alchemical equipment, and even taught him a few tricks. But when the Guild Leader's Mistress mocked his hideous appearance his ascerbic tongue shot back telling the powder faced whore a few home truths and earning him a merciless beating. In response Marcian laced every bottle of the Guild master's prized wine collection with Klum flower syrup, and then quietly filed leaving the thief to enjoy, impotence, hair loss, and several deeply unfortunate varieties of bodily leakage.
Personality:
Marcian believes himself to be smarter than just about anyone, but generally attempts to act humbly and ingratiate himself. His hideous appearance has lead to countless petty humiliations which he has avenged wherever possible, generally with strong laxatives, or by crafting particularly vicious, but compelling, rumours. Of course creative measures were only for worthy enemies, mouth breathing rabble were generally exempt with only a small contents of purse fee extracted.
Despite a somewhat megalomaniacal inner monologue, Marxian is rarely cruel, and his little revenges are fairly proportional as a rule. He values loyalty, but barely believes in it, having been hurt too many times.
Isabelle the Mule:
Isabelle the Mule CR –
Mule
N Medium animal
Init +1; Senses low-light vision, scent; Perception +5
--------------------
Defense
--------------------
AC 11, touch 11, flat-footed 10 (+1 Dex)
hp 13 (2d8+4)
Fort +5, Ref +4, Will +0
--------------------
Offense
--------------------
Speed 40 ft. (30 ft. in armor)
Melee 2 hooves +2 (1d3+1)
--------------------
Statistics
--------------------
Str 13, Dex 13, Con 14, Int 2, Wis 11, Cha 4
Base Atk +1; CMB +2; CMD 13 (17 vs. trip)
Feats Endurance, Run
[b]Skills Acrobatics -5 (-1 to jump with a running start), Perception +5
Combat Gear acid (3), alchemical grease[APG], alchemist's kindness[APG], alkali flask[APG], bachelor snuff, poison ward salve[ACG], reagent paper[ACG] (10), smelling salts[APG]; Other Gear alchemist's lab, bedroll, feed (per day) (4), flayleaf, masterwork tool, noble's outfit, pack saddle, pavilion tent[APG], wandermeal[UE] (20), waterskin, winter blanket, 41 gp, 11 sp, 6 cp
--------------------
Special Abilities
--------------------
Endurance +4 to a variety of fort saves, skill and ability checks. Sleep in L/M armor with no fatigue.
Low-Light Vision See twice as far as a human in dim light, distinguishing color and detail.
Run Run 5x your speed in light/medium armor or 4x speed in heavy armor and keep Dex when running.
Scent (Ex) Detect opponents within 15+ ft. by sense of smell.
Please forgive my timerity in recommending myself, Marxian Grallm, for your consideration. I am an alchemist of outstanding talent looking to establish myself in an upcoming locale and apply my intellect, and talents towards making it great.
Though I may appear to lack the physical capacities that the early stages of such a venture would require, I am more than capable of rendering assistance should danger strike the settlement. I am not strong, but I am swift and agile, and my alchemical concoctions pack a fearsome punch - which can also act as a force multiplier if distributed to other settlers.
Most of all I am an extremely well read individual, with a broad array of knowledge in an astounding array of subjects. Knowledge is, as the cliché would have it, power, and I would endeavour to harness that power towards the furtherance of your goals in an advisory capacity should you wish it.
My own plans would be the construction of a small, but readily expansible, alchemical workshop able to provide antidotes, curatives, and perhaps even appropriately useful poisons - pending approval by the authorities - such as those to subdue dangerous beasts. Perhaps operating a small storefront with the opportunity to exchange goods.
I should forewarn your Lordship that I am a tiefling, figuratively cursed with a somewhat unsightly appearance, which I generally conceal so as to avoid unsettling others. A part of the reason I desire to start a new is because of prejudice, and the unjust attentions of a small thieves guild - far too small for their reach to or ability to trouble your endeavours I assure, but enough to be problematic for a lone alchemist. These unfortunate experiences have filled me with the desire to become an integral part of a community by rendering valuable service and council.
@Snorter recruitment is open until the end of February, so I am sure it is a matter of DM Quoth selecting from the completed applications then, rather than first come first served.
@DM Quoth I copied the statblock to edit for the character and did not see a reason to remove it, Alchemists do get fly as a 3rd level extract, I have no bizarre early flight plans :) The canvas was with the thought of tents for early settlement, not some sort of glider, since I assume craft clothing could be reasonably be applied to tent making, or at least for some part of it possibly in conjunction with craft carpentry.
Here is Marcian a hideous tiefling alchemist with a penchant for pettiness to those who wrong him. He thinks of himself as an evil genius, but is not really evil just a cowardly much bullied fellow who is more easily hurt than he would admit even to himself. Playstyle wise, because he thinks he is smarter than everyone else, he would be polite and reasonable, but I would entertain myself with scheming inner monologues. So practically he should get along with Paladins, etc., so long as their players do not mind some mild exasperation and being called dogooding fools inside Marciano's head, etc.
He tells himself he wants to ensconce himself at the heart of the growing community like a spider in its web manipulating every thing from the shadows: But in reality he would be aiming to set up an alchemical workshop, operate as a fence, and become a respected member of the community, ideally giving advice to the local authorities to sate his ego - Mind Chemist gives him double INT bonus to knowledge skills at 2nd level so he would have very high knowledges.
I definitely need to do some polishing, but he is mostly complete.
