Way of the Wicked [PF] Group 2

[Mari01]

In the kingdom of Talingarde, many crimes may send
you to Branderscar Prison, but the sentence has but one
meaning. You are wicked and irredeemable. Each of you
received the same greeting when you arrived. You were
held down by rough hands and branded upon the arm with
a runic F. The mark signifies ‘forsaken’ and the painful
scar is indelible proof that each of you has betrayed
the great and eternal love of Mitra and his chosen
mortal vassals.

http://i993.photobucket.com/albums/af54/bouncin13/Way%20of%20the%20Wicked%20Art/branderscarintro.png


Condemned, you face at best a life of
shackles and servitude in the nearby salt
mines. Others might await the “gentle”
ministrations of the inquisitors so that
co-conspirators may be revealed and
confessions extracted. Perhaps,
some of you will be spared this
ordeal. Perhaps instead you
have come to Branderscar to
face the final judgment. In
three days, the executioner
arrives and the axe falls
or the pyre will be lit.
Through fire or steel, your crimes
will be answered.

You have all been chained together in the same communal cell dressed
in nothing but filthy, tattered rags.
Manhandled and mistreated, any finery
you once possessed is either ruined or
long lost. No special treatment has been
given any prisoner – male or female,
commoner or noble – all of the forsaken
are bound and imprisoned together. Your feet
are secured by iron cuffs tethered by one long
chain. Your arms are secured to the wall
above by manacles. A guard is posted
right outside the cell day and night.
Little thought is given to long term
accommodations. At Branderscar,
justice comes swift and sure.

For each of you, your old life is over. For each of you,
hope is a fading memory. For each of you, justice will be
fairly meted. And who can blame fair Talingarde after
what each of you has done?

You're all finally awake at the same time, and despite what was previously said, there's no guard currently stationed right outside the gate; he's huddled together with about 4 other guards. There appears to be a discussion taking place.

Perception checks

[meemaas]

Perception check [roll0]

Sadao pulls at his bindings and sighs, staring intently in the direction of the voices, barely expecting to hear anything at this point.

[Roguenewb]

Zal Dret

A slice, along the radial artery can cause death in two hundred heartbeats...That's how close to dead you are, you fools! Two hundred heartbeats...if I had a scalpel... I say, trying desperately to keep my composure in any way. You're not even going to watch me are you? The greatest mind you'll ever meet, and you aren't even going to watch as your small-minded "divine" masters extinguish it! Gah, what are they babbling about over there? I think, my thoughts racing, and full of hate for these fools.

Perception [roll0] Am I doing that right? 1 rank, -1 Wisdom, and a class skill. Strength check to break the bonds, futile I know, [roll1]

[CockroachTeaParty]

One of the prisoners, a black-haired, blue-eyed human man in his early twenties, hangs limp and silently on the wall. His face is smudged with sweat, dirt, and old blood. He seems all but completely defeated, and does not react to any stimuli.


Perception: [roll0]

[PhilMeyer]

The elven scoundrel scratches his scalp, itchy in these filthy confines. He looks around at his surroundings.


Perception: [roll0]
Also, low light vision.

[Mari01]

Everyone
Sir Balin left Branderscar earlier this morning on another witch hunt. If that weren't strange enough, one of you has a visitor arriving soon.

[Roguenewb]

Zal Dret

A visitor? Bah, no one out there would spare even a fallen copper for me...and yet, perhaps I can maneuver this somehow, and earn a someone else's fallen copper... A twisted smile begins to grow across my face. I hurriedly crush it, and try to place a look of aggravated suffering back across my face.

[PhilMeyer]

Faeron does not visibly react to the news that there is a visitor. Who would visit me? Maybe one of the syndicate, to make sure I don't intend to talk. As if there was any reason to. The prosecution didn't even offer any deals. They were content to execute the elf and consider the matter closed.

[CockroachTeaParty]

Upon hearing the whisper of a possible visitor, Typhon's heart leaps... Could it be... her? No, there were several of them here, what were the chances it's someone Typhon knows? It could be a disgraced family member, here to see him one last time before execution. Or it could be... him. Typhon's eyes open, and for a brief moment he actually snarls, and gives a spasmodic jerk of his shackled arms. Settling down, he remains quiet, but glowers at the guards with keen, intelligent eyes.

[meemaas]

Sadao

Sadao pulls at his bindings. The visitor was for one of the others, he knew that, but he heard something more interesting than that. If he wasn't mistaken, Sir Balin was the strongest of the men stationed here. He began to plot. He knew this information was the opening to his escape. He just had to bide his time now.

[Mari01]

A group of six guards, heavily armed and ready for trouble, come into the cell led by a fat well-dressed sergeant of the watch. Everyone recognizes Sergeant Tomas Blackerly. This was the man who held the brand that marked each of you. He laughed as your skin burned. Right now, though
the sergeant seems a little dazed.

http://i993.photobucket.com/albums/af54/bouncin13/Way%20of%20the%20Wicked%20Art/thomasblackerly.png

Sense Motive Checks

You there! That’s the scum! Get ‘em unshackled. If any of you makes trouble, they’ll earn a thrashing! Today’s your lucky day, scum. You’ve got a visitor. How you ever warranted such a fine lady is beyond me. Seems she wants to say good-bye. Now step lively. We wouldn’t want to keep her waiting.

He is pointing at Typhon.

[PhilMeyer]

Faeron doesn't know what sort of trick this is, but he is at least grateful for a break in the monotony that is awaiting your own execution.

Sense Motive: [roll0]

[CockroachTeaParty]

Typhon had convinced himself that there was no chance in... well, Hell, that the visitor was for him, let alone... His heart froze in his chest. For a moment, he seems to lose his composure, his eyes nearly bulging from his head, but a second later his face is a mask of calm.
"If you would kindly escort me to my visitor, Sergeant, I would appreciate it. You will have my full cooperation, of course."

What was afoot here? The fallen noble's mind raced. Could it really be her? What was in store for him? Had his dark patron heeded his servant's plight, or was this merely one last mocking insult before his soul was sent screaming to the Pit?


Sense Motive check: [roll0]

[Roguenewb]

Zal Dret

A break in my fortune? Let's see who wants to meet this "Typhon"... I think, looking around to see who reacted to the name.

Sense Motive check [roll0]

[meemaas]

Sense Motive [roll0]

[Mari01]

A hauntingly beautiful woman in an
elegant black dress and soft silken veil enters the cell. She looks as if
she is headed to a funeral. Her hair is so platinum as
to almost be white and her eyes are a vibrant, almost unearthly green. She clearly has been weeping.


http://i993.photobucket.com/albums/af54/bouncin13/Way%20of%20the%20Wicked%20Art/tiadoragrief.png


“Oh, dearest,” proclaims the unfamiliar woman. “I’m so
relieved you’re alive!”

[Roguenewb]

Zal Dret

Mmm, wonderful bone structure and vascularization... I think, mind drifting for a moment. I dangle from my chains, wondering what would have brought this women to see someone as evil and highly condemned as a Branderscar prison inmate.

[Mari01]

She quickly turns to Tomas. “Could
we please have a moment alone, good sir? For pity’s sake?”
Tomas goes blank for a bit and then quickly agrees. “Of
course, my lady. For you,’ tis no problem.”
One more sense motive. The DC on this is muuuuuch easier since it's a bit more obvious.
Typhon
This woman holds some power over Blackerly.

Tomas motions, and the guard with the keys steps forward to undo your leg cuffs. They will escort you out of the cell and to a room not far, where the woman motions for you to sit as she attempts to quickly shut the door behind her.

Map: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6tyHeM4r_TiRjVuaGtTV0pZNzQ/edit
The room they are taking you to is labeled 20 on the map. The map gives away your lady friend's name early :smallamused:

Edit: You guys are in room 18A. If you need map markers at any time, let me know and I'll whip something together.

[CockroachTeaParty]

Typhon follows the mysterious woman with as much dignity as he can muster. She intrigued him immensely; was she some manner of enchantress? When they are alone, the young noble takes a seat, sighing with pleasure as he gets a chance to finally rest his weary bones. He massages the tendons on his wrists as he appraises the striking beauty.
"I appreciate the opportunity to know a moment's rudimentary comfort, at the very least; you have my full attention, my lady. However, it seems you have me at something of a disadvantage. As you no doubt know, I am Typhon of House Glover, now marked and condemned to die. What possible reason could you have to entertain the pleasure of a dead man?"


Another Sense Motive? [roll0]

[meemaas]

Sadao

He watches as "Typhon" leaves. Foolish. He didn't trust whatever was planned, but then, he hardly trusted at all. He pulled at his cuffs again, biding his time as he waited.

Sense Motive [roll0]

[Mari01]

Tiadora
“Have you forgotten me, dearest?” the unexpected visitor says with a smirk, dropping her pretense of grief. “Call me Tiadora. We possess a mutual friend who would like to meet you and your fellow cell-mates. Unfortunately, our friend is unwilling to visit you in your present rather shabby accommodations so it seems you must escape.

[CockroachTeaParty]

Typhon nods.
"Indeed, escaping would be lovely right about now. But without weapons and armor, our group will have trouble managing something so grandiose. You look like the kind of person who does not enter a situation such as this without a plan, however."
The young noble looks at her expectantly.

[Mari01]

“If you manage to escape, cross the moors on the outskirts of town. On the old Moor Road you’ll see a manor house with a single lantern burning in the second story. There our mutual friend waits. That is all I know. He did want me to give you this.”

She takes off her silken veil and wipes away a few fake tears with it.

“Something to remember me by, dearest.

[CockroachTeaParty]

Typhon grips the veil, nonplussed. He concentrates, and waves his fingers over the thin cloth.


Typhon will cast Detect Magic on the veil, and cast Guidance on a Spellcraft check to identify any properties it has should it prove to be a magic item.
Spellcraft: [roll0]

[Mari01]

Item
"Veil of Useful Items" This appears to be a fine silk veil of gossamer cloth. Only as it is held and closely inspected can you see small cloth patches
of various shapes. One patch can be detached each round as a move action. Detaching a patch causes it to become an actual item. This veil contains:
• 2 daggers
• Bullseye lantern (full, lit and shuttered)
• Hempen rope (50-foot coil)
• Sack full of needed spell components (worth less than a 1 gp)
and common clothes in the PCs sizes
• Thieves Tools, Masterwork
• Window (2 ft. by 4 ft., up to 2 ft. deep)
• Potion of cure light wounds
• 100 gold pieces
• Unholy Symbol of Asmodeus (silver)
Note that the window patch will create a window (and therefore
a hole) in a nearby wall. If there are no nearby walls, it simply
turns into a common wooden window frame. It cannot be
placed on a living creature however. Once removed, a patch
cannot be replaced.

[CockroachTeaParty]

As he examines the veil, Typhon smiles, something simultaneously charming and unnerving. He nods to the mysterious woman.
"You have my thanks, m'lady. Do expect us to drop by as soon as we are able. I expect we'll be mildly delayed, but you know how it is... If you would be so kind as to escort me back to my cell, I would be most appreciative."
The young man discreetly stuffs the veil up his sleeve.

[Mari01]

She knocks on the door to signal the guards return. Immediately, her demeanor once more changes and she is again a perfect picture of grief. “No, I can’t bear to leave you!” She gives Typhon a kiss on the cheek. The kiss is ice-cold and feels somehow alien and inhuman. Tomas shakes his head. “I’m afraid it’s time, miss.” She looks deep in Tomas’ eyes and says, “Thank you for letting me say good-bye. There’s no need to search my dearest. You are such a good friend for letting me see my dearest one more time.”
“Such a good friend,” Tomas repeats, his voice almost mechanical. Then the watch captain seems to snap out of it and bows politely.
A pleasure, madam,” She leaves unveiled. Her eyes meet the Typhon's one last time and she briefly gives her a wicked smile.
“Three days,” telepathically echoes in all of your minds. “Don’t disappoint me, dearest”. The visitation concluded, Typhon is taken back to his cell by a cadre of guards and shackled once more.

[CockroachTeaParty]

As Typhon returns to the cell, a certain change seems to have taken place in him. He does not seem defeated, or overwhelmed with guilt or grief. Rather, he seems focused, alert, and perhaps even a little bemused. Where before he paid the other occupants of the cell no mind, the young noble now views each of them with an appraising eye.


Typhon will wait until there are no guards nearby before disclosing anything to the rest of the group, so as not to generate suspicion.

[meemaas]

Sadao

Sadao tilts his head, curious as to the voice in his head. He pays close attention to the returned prisoner, but doesn't say a word, wondering all the while if he just heard something and what he was seeing was just his imagination. Death row can do nasty things to a man.

[PhilMeyer]

Faeron remains sitting quietly, and tries not to show his eager anticipation for details of the mysterious visit.

[Roguenewb]

Zal Dret

"So? What happened back there? Don't lie to me, you have nothing to lose..." Zal offers, with an air of incredible friendliness.

[CockroachTeaParty]

Typhon keeps his voice soft and low, so as not to be overheard.
"Interesting developments are afoot. Before I elaborate, I've a question for the lot of you: are any of you skilled at picking locks?"

[PhilMeyer]

Faeron considers before answering. Do I want to get mixed up in whatever this is? I suppose I have nothing to lose but a relatively painless death. Still, he finds it hard to speak up. He'd just gotten around to accepting the inevitable.

Finally he answers the human:

"I am. I can pick simple locks without much effort. For more well constructed locks, I am accustomed to having my tools."

[CockroachTeaParty]

Typhon smiles at Faeron, little more than a curling of the lip.
"Then I have a gift for you. The only problem is the fact that we are presently shackled to a wall; otherwise I would bequeath it to you now. We'll have to bide our time, and wait for the opportune moment."
The young man looks at the rest of the group.
"If any of you have any special talents, I may be able to supply you with a few surprises, again, once we have a moment to move of our own volition."

[Mari01]

If you're willing to place your trust in the prisoner next to you, then you have enough wiggle room to pass the veil down person by person. The veil would need to pass through Zal Dret's hands to reach Faerons.

[CockroachTeaParty]

Typhon manages to get the magic veil in his fingers, and motions to pass it to Faeron.
"You'll notice a patch resembling a set of thieves' tools on this veil. Pull it free, and you'll find a set of fine tools in your hands. If you can free the rest of us, we can equip ourselves, and perhaps escape."
He whispers, looking at the gathered cellmates intently.
"Regardless of our crimes, guilty or no, we stand a much better chance of escaping to freedom if we work together. I assume none of us wishes to die here."

[PhilMeyer]

The elf looks skeptical. A set of lock picking tools in a veil... are you mad? Faeron has not seen that sort of magic before.

Nevertheless he inspects the veil. In addition to the patch with the thieves' tools he sees a couple of dagger patches.

He removes the patch for the tools and is surprised to find his hand full of a leather-bound lock picking set.

"There's a hook pick, snake rake, tension wrenches... These should do nicely. Better made than I'm used to, even."

He attempts to remove his own chains first.


[roll0] +2 from masterwork, no armor penalty yet.

[Mari01]

The lock refuses to budge.

You have all the time in the world. Well at least a few hours before the next shift change anyway.

[PhilMeyer]

Faeron's initial attempt fails, and he curses something in Elvish. He swaps one of his picks for a different one and tries it again. Easy now.


[roll0]

[Mari01]

Faeron's initial attempt fails, and he curses something in Elvish. He swaps one of his picks for a different one and tries it again. Easy now.


[roll0]


You're free! Well your arms, anyway.

[PhilMeyer]

"Well my new friends, this could take a while. I'm certain I can get us all out, though I can only hope its before the guards come back around."

Faeron now works on his feet. Once he gets them free he'll take off both dagger patches and tuck the daggers into his belt before unlocking Typhon next.


Not sure if I should just keep making rolls or if taking ten for all of these is good enough. With two sets of manacles each, may not have time for taking ten except the last couple of locks. Regardless, here are some rolls for Disable Device. First my legs, then Typhon's arms, then his legs, and so on...
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]
[roll7]

[Mari01]

As long as you're not trying to undo the locks at breakneck speed, with a short amount of time you'll be able to free everyone completely. If you try to go for the door, I'll need a roll for that one. The manacle locks are all similar enough to each other, but the door is a different make.

[CockroachTeaParty]

One by one the prisoners are freed of their bonds. Typhon rubs his wrists, but his eyes are alight with activity.
"Quickly, now, before we try the lock to the cell; there are clothes sewn into the veil, as well as spell components for any whom might need them. There are also two daggers; I do not require a weapon just yet, and we may be able to procure more weapons from the armory, or guards who happen to 'lose' them."
The young man pulls a pair of leather shoes, black leggings, a dark shirt and jacket from the veil, fully formed and folded. He strips off his filthy prison clothes and quickly dresses, finishing by daintily placing a silver unholy symbol of Asmodeus around his neck.
"Even if our escape attempt fails, I for one plan on dying on my feet, rather than on my knees. If we can make it to the outer wall, there is a patch on the veil that contains an open window; placing it on the wall will create an exit for us. Now... I don't believe I've caught your name, sir."
Typhon walks up to Faeron and places a hand on his shoulder. He can feel a strange energy course through his body to this fingertips.
"You may call me Typhon Glover. Would you be so kind as to get us out of this cell?"

OOC:

Casting Guidance on Faeron, giving him a +1 on his next skill check; I can do this infinitely, so add +1 for as many tries as it takes to jimmy the lock!


Appearance:

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n223/CockroachTeaParty/eneas_von_karlsten_by_lelia-d53tuf6.jpg
(Ignore the dogs.)

[PhilMeyer]

"Just 'Faeron' is fine for now. And I've got the daggers." The elf gestures to his belt. "But I require only one. If someone else has their eye on the other I will surrender it willingly."

The elf feels strangely confident.

"Save your magic window, Typhon, we should not require it just yet."

The elf takes his masterwork tools, and closely examines the lock.


Disable Device: [roll0]

[PhilMeyer]

"Just 'Faeron' is fine for now. And I've got the daggers." The elf gestures to his belt. "But I require only one. If someone else has their eye on the other I will surrender it willingly."

The elf feels strangely confident.

"Save your magic window, Typhon, we should not require it just yet."

The elf takes his masterwork tools, and closely examines the lock.


Disable Device: [roll0]

[meemaas]

Sadao

"You can call me Sadao. I'd appreciate one, i find myself better with a blade than barehanded." He starts to stretch, wording his statements carefully to avoid letting out more than he necessarily needed.

[CockroachTeaParty]

Typhon smiles; despite the dirt on his face, he seems quite charming.
"Well met, Faeron, Sadao. Someone may wish to hang on to this as well."
He produces a small vial of liquid from the veil.
"A healing potion. I can provide a bit of healing in a pinch as well, by the grace of my patron."
Typhon also pockets the bag of gold coins... for safe keeping, of course.

[PhilMeyer]

Faeron lets the coin thing slide. There are clearly bigger fish to fry.

The lock gives a soft *pop* as the tumblers slide into place. The elf doesn't need to test it to know it is now unlocked.

He walks over and hands a dagger to Sadao.

"If anyone has any bright ideas, I'm all ears. My inclination is to ambush the guard when he makes his rounds. A dagger in the back tends to make guards real cooperative. The downside is if he manages to get out a yelp that draws attention."

"Perhaps I should see about freeing other prisoners. A full on riot could give us some necessary cover."

Faeron stops and gives the others a chance to think. He's not used to working in a team, but knows its probably his best chance.

[meemaas]

Sadao

Sadao takes up the dagger and spins it, preparing himself to use it. "Let's set up an ambush. You should start working on other prisoners, and the rest of us set up an ambush for the next guard to make their rounds. There's five of us, so if one of you stays with...Faeron, was it? Then we'll have some cover if someone surprises him. How does that sound?" He prepares himself, focusing his energy and looking around.

As a pre-emptive choice, i'm going to enter my Martial Spirit stance right away.

[CockroachTeaParty]

Typhon nods in approval.
"A prison riot... I like that idea. Fortunately, should it come to a fight, I don't need weapons to... participate."