Titus mostly discovers what is already known about the Slave Pits - more formally known as Misery Row.
As you are hiking in that direction, the massive raised platform that bisects the Merchant and Coins districts comes into view.
Every hundred feet or so, stairs lead up to the top of the platform where you can see shops and cages filled with all the tools and "inventory" in which slavers deal.
At the top of the stairs, a pair of guards seem to be interacting with everyone seeking entry into Misery Row. A quick glance confirms similar duos are controlling entry at every possible point.
You can briefly overhear their conversation of the man and his servant ahead of you, who explain that they are interested in procuring "labor" for their vineyard. The man even goes so far to requiest his servant to show the guards their ample coinage for their purchases before he is waved through.
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"I guess we'll need to sweet talk our way past the guards...I have no idea how much we'll need." Evarice shrugs, uncomfortable with her settings. "Titus, you seem to be very good at this. Maybe you should spin some tale to get us past them?"
"I wish I could banish this entire establishment to the nine hells." She mumbles as she approaches the checkpoint.
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The paladin whispers to his companions, "If we need to show that we're serious, I've got 35 gold pieces that can be used. Though, I'm not so good at subterfuge - here Titus, why don't you hold on to it." Quinn hands Titus a small leather pouch filled with gold pieces.
"I'm with you on that, Evarice. Hard to believe this kind of operation exists..."
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"Well, I've never tried to buy a slave before, or even thought about it. I suppose I could just say that I needed someone strong to carry around heavy stuff? Evarice and Quinn, how about you pretend to be my guards. August, my valet. Maranax, perhaps an accountant?"
Accepting Quinn's gold, he looks to the others, "The more gold we have to show, the more serious they will take us. How about we pool all of our coins?"
Once everything is ready Titus will approach with his entourage.
"Wembly Puffhaggle, here to acquire a pair of strong arms." He says to the guard with a bit of arrogance.
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Evarice hands Titus her 5 remaining gold pieces. "That's all I have. This hat didn't come cheap."
Before approaching the guards, Evarice casts Guidance on Titus.
Evarice stands at attention as Sir Puffhaggle introduces himself. She decides to reprise her old role in the army: yesman with an echo.
"Yes sir! The strongest set of arms money can buy!"
The guard stands, gazing at Titus for what feels like a full minute, but in reality is only a handful of seconds.
"Alright then, Mr. Puffhaggle. Move along..."
He gestures to the main thoroughfare that continues through Misery Row.
**
It doesn't take much effort to track down Pildapush Chattel - a sign even anounces it thus:
The front door, made of strong oak and reinforced with iron bands, appears closed. The few visible windows are barred.
It is locked.
Men and women pass by the front entrance every couple of minutes, browsing the "wares" offered in this part of Absalom. A man in red robes accompanied by some sort of tiny winged devil gives you all a nod as he passes, all while tugging on a chain that leads to a freshly purchased "servant".
As you attempt to discern any backdoors or side exits, you realize the buildings that run along the wall have their backs essentially flush with the wall, where they drop precariously.
Titus does not believe the door to be trapped. It's not barred, but appears to bear a simple deadbolt which would ordinarily be disengaged with the proper key.
Evarice notices that folks pass by on occasion and spare them but a momentary glance, but nobody has stopped and seems to have any reason to suspect you are out of place or contemplating ways to access the closed shop (or that the shop is closed, as it's not readily available outside of trying to turn the doorknob).
A "Closed" sign swings from the door's latch.
August raps his knuckles against the door and listens for sound beyond, but gets no response.
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Information listed under Thieves' Tools: This kit contains lockpicks and other tools you need to use the Disable Device skill. Without these tools, you must use improvised tools, and you take a –2 circumstance penalty on Disable Device checks.
If I can attempt with improvised tools, Titus can take 20 for a total of 26 with the -2 penalty.
"Umm.. hold on.. Need something small and slender." Titus looks through his pockets.
Titus, patting down himself and searching through his pack finds an old toothpick from earlier in the week when a strange half-orc woman down by the docks in Absalom was passing out free samples of waffles cut into quarters. He didn't think much of it at the time, but realizing the small metal toothpick is just the right size for the lock, gets to work.
Several passers by nod to the assembled Pathfinders, who form a protective semi-circle around the small-sized gnome, obscuring his work from casual observation.
With a reassuring clunk, Titus realizes the deadlock has been disengaged and swiftly pushes the door open.
The Pathfinders all file inside and close the door behind them as quickly as possible.
Pildapush’s Chattel is tastefully appointed: colorful Katapeshi rugs adorn the stone floor, while water trickles gently from a decorative, mosaic fountain. Simple rosewood chairs surround a round table through which the shiny top of a hookah pokes, one braided and ebony-tipped smoking arm per chair. Beyond stands a large, ornate mahogany desk. Two man-sized oval cages, bolted to the stone floor, sit behind the desk.
Behind the desk, a Vudrani man's eyes narrow as he realizes you've disengaged his lock and helped yourselves into his shop.
In a thick accent, he calls out (but not overly loudly), "Hey, what da' f--- man? 'Dat door was locked! H'what are you people doing breaking into my shop like 'dat?"
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"Hey now, my good man! I do apologize for our intrusion - but we mean no harm. As my elven companion here has told you, we're in a bit of a sticky wicket. See - it is vital that we retrieve Lady Salhar. Cooperate with us, and we'll be out of your life. So please, share with us what you know."
When Pildapush answers, Johan keeps a close eye on the shop-keep's mannerisms to distinguish if the man is being straightforward and true.
It is only when Titus and Johann both chime in that Pardu's expression softens ever so slightly, and he seems to change from a man about to call for the guards to one willing to entertain a conversation.
He folds his hands on his desk and takes a breath.
"Perhaps someone of that description came through here. Lots of slaves come through here. I will check my records. Come back tomorrow. I may have an answer for you then."
He then gestures to the door behind you.
August gets the sense that Pardu may be stalling, but that he also clearly knows the information he seeks right now.
As he leans forward and makes his threat, Pardu raises his hands and shakes them.
"Look, you! I don't want no violence! I didn't know who she was, I swear it by Irori's mother!"
As August and the others take a few steps forward towards his desk, he unsticks from the mud and begins to shuffle through some papers.
"I... I, err... she was sold to... a Katepeshi slave ship. It's down at the docks and she should be there as long as it's not too late. The ship's the No Return."
As everyone's hostile advances seems tempered, Pardu gambles with a little futher offer of information.
"You should hurry - it might be leaving soon!"
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"Thank you, Pardu. I knew you had it in you. Still, I can't be sure how entangled in this mess you are, so you won't mind us making sure you don't send word ahead."
Dupine asks the others to hold him in his chair, while he finds something to tie him up and gag him to keep from shouting for help.
"We will come back to untie you, and perhaps even give you a small reward, once we have confirmed your information is good."
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Evarice has no qualms holding Pardu down while August restrains him.
"I wonder if you tell all of your associates to come back the next day. As you can see, cooperation is key."
As she turns to leave, she mutters "And your rug is filthy."
Leaving the store, Evarice thanks August. "That's the kind of interrogation skill I'm looking for. I'll have to practice that some more one day."
Turning to the other companions, she nods and prepares to head to the docks. "Let's make haste. Anyone has ideas on how we'll get on the ship?"
Perception:
Initiative:
Pardu provides some resistance to his binding and gagging, but the Pathfinders are easily able to overpower the merchant and confine him to his office. As he struggles against his bonds, you all realize he has a very foul mouth as he continuously swears something at you all.
Not wanting to waste any time, you make for the docks and begin your search for the No Return.
As you make your way through the various crowds working their way into the dockside taverns, you spot the ship and just as you all turn to scan its deck, you hear a nearby man exclaim something.
"Hey! Watch that knife buddy!"
Maranax, August and Evarice turn just in time to see a halfling, barely 3 feet tall, pulling a knife from his jacket while his eyes are trained on Evarice.
The three Pathfinders spot another pair of halflings likewise pulling blades from concealed locations as well as an additional pair that pop up from the roof of the nearest drinking hole.
Realizing they have been spotted, one of the halflings shouts to the others, "Puddlejumpers, ho!"
The crowd begins to quickly scatter to make way for the apparent melee.
Surprise Round:
19 Maranax :
17 Titus : Surprised!
15 Johann : Surprised!
12 August :
8 Puddlejumpers :
7 Evarice :
Now Up: Maranax and August (surprise round actions)
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The five halflings get right to murdering the Pathfinders.
"Oh, you guys angered the wrong man!"
The first one steps up and stabs Titus .
"Yeah, you've drawn the wrath of the Puddlejumpers!"
The second one already engaged with August, lashes back
"Yeah! Ha ha ha hee hee!"
The third laughs almost maniacally as he flits forward and plunges his shortsword into Johann's knee .
The two from the rooftop, appearing much like identical twins and speaking in near perfect unison shout down to the others.
"That one cast a spell! Kill him first!"
Two arrows fire down at Maranax and one thunks into his back .
Surprise Round:
19 Maranax : Casts mage armor
12 August : Swings and misses
8 Puddlejumper #1 : Stabs Titus for 1hp
8 Puddlejumper #2 : Stabs August for 1hp
8 Puddlejumper #3 : Stabs Johann for 2hp
8 Puddlejumper #4 : Shoots at Maranax and misses
8 Puddlejumper #5 : Shoots at Maranax for 3hp
7 Evarice :
Round 1:
19 Maranax :
17 Titus :
15 Johann :
12 August :
Now Up: Everyone!
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Evarice pulls out her longbow, and then pulls out her holy symbol forth from underneath her hat.
"Shelyn guides the valiant and tasteful towards victory! Your words are as ugly as your clothes!"
Evarice casts bless giving everyone a +1 bonus to attacks.
Finally she steps slightly 5 ft closer to the building.
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Johann draws his sword and tries to strike back at the stabby halfling. "These little ones mean business!"
-Posted with Wayfinder
The halfling stabbing August takes a mighty punch to his chin, wobbles backwards, and drops his shortsword. He appears reeling and stunned.
Still Up: Maranax, Titus