GM Debug's PbP PFS 6-20: Returned to the Sky (Inactive)

Game Master DebugAMP

She raises her eyebrow. "My apologies, I was under the impression that you had a proposal to put us in contact with additional trade contacts. Was there anything else you were interested in? If not, I have important business to attend to."

Hmm... why does it feel like I'm supposed to have a faction mission note of some sort =)

Dr. Strang looks puzzled at his companions' commentary, though faintly amused. "Oh my." He mutters. (an H?! Heh! Unprecedented indeed!)

He nods respectfully to Brissa. "Yes, we have heard word of how the war to stem the demonic hoards to the north has brought out some of the local merchants' less scrupulous sides. One might think those demonic influences have already made some inroads here."

"It is comforting to know that the your church finds such practices equally distressing."

He smiles and introduces himself. "Doctor Menes Strang."

Desmond eyes Eadie's lack of stoicism with confusion, but forges on regardless.

"High Priest, I am, in part at least, a representative of Trade Prince Aaqir al'Hakam from the Padishah Empire of Kelesh. I assure you, that any offer I can make is genuine, and moreover, profitable."

Diplomacy, taking ten as Abadar would want it: 10 + 16 = 26

Strang: At the beginning of S6 there were faction goals handed out to everyone that were intended to be cues for what to look for in the rest of the season. Those have been superseded now by the Faction Journal Cards, but at least in this scenario and a few other there are faction missions that have no obvious cues anymore. Also, give me a Diplomacy, Profession (Merchant), or Knowledge (Religion) check.

"The Trade Prince Aaqir al'Hakam to date has no significant binding arrangements with Chesed... this would certainly be most beneficial to us. Tell me sir, what sort of trade practices do you feel would be encouraged by such a relationship with the al'Hakam? I find myself torn between merchants who seek exclusivity contracts for supplying the soldiers in Mendev, seeking to maximize their profits, and merchants bargaining for free trade agreements and laying down basic ground rules to ensure fairness in the market. Where do you feel your work would seek to steer this great city's path?"

Ah, that makes sense!

Dr. Strang is more than happy to get into an intellectual conversation on religious topics with the man.

Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (17) + 17 = 34

Quiven is more than happy to just listen to the men talk about things that are above his own knowledge. He'll also keep an eye out for anyone else that might take an interest in the group or their line of questioning.

Perception, if needed: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (14) + 15 = 29

"Yes, the war in Mendev has certainly brought out some of Chesed's merchent's more iron fisted methods. As a priestess of Abadar, I often find myself torn. The chaos of the worldwound must be held in check, but the tenants of the church must be held above all. A deal negotiated in good faith, even one with restrictive clauses and high prices, must be honored as it is blessed by Abadar."

Almost wish I had brought my Abadarian Inquisitor. Almost.

"Ah don't know nothin' 'bout religious matters, but Ah figure gods gotta be "big picture" sorta folk. If all y'all's left with if the Worldwound goes haywire is a bunch o' sticks, Abadar ain't gonna be a happy camper. Besides, ain't it better to observe the spirit of fair trade and have the letter catch on up then to have the letter abused and the spirit left out downdraft without a coat?" advises Jezabel with a look towards the banker-paladin.

Diplomacy aid: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Sorry for the absence, it's been quite a week. But you guys are awesome!

Mohok listens to the conversation, his eyes flicking about as if the various arguments are as challenging to track as a flock of birds scattering before a diving falcon. What are these guys talking about? Wait, what's that? The church thinks sticking to a deal is more important than defeating the demons?

"You should help the crusaders, however you can," he speaks up, trying to help his companions make their case, "Their blood and sacrifice means more than some trade deal."

Aid Diplomacy: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (1) - 2 = -1 So helpful!

Wait, do I need to make a diplomacy check too? Seems like there's two different negotiations going on here.

"Stemming the tide of the demons in Mendev is certainly a worthwhile cause, but we cannot put this struggle above the teachings of Abadar. Better to die in his blessing than live in his shame. But I will confess that the predatory nature of many of the merchants in Chesed has brought me concern and shame. The Trade Prince Aaqir al'Hakim would certainly prove to be a contact that could have a major impact on Chesed. If his ideals are representative of yours, I do believe I would have the leverage to use such a relationship not only as a source of commerce in Chesed, but as the basis for a free trade agreement that could put an end to these shameful practices. While establishing contact for such an important relationship will certainly prove mutually beneficial in times to come, I cannot ask you to relay my interest in such an agreement for free. Is there any service I could provide in exchange as would be smiled upon by Abadar?"

Eadie's eyes glaze over as the complex transactions are negotiated.

Once it appears the high priestess has stopped speaking, she leans close to Menes Strang and whispers. "Did she say yes or no?"

Mohok's ears, though an odd shade of green and not exactly the same size as each other, are nonetheless quite sharp, and he nods along to Eadie's whispered question. "Was wondering the same," he 'whispers', the way a sack of rocks whispers when thrown down a flight of stairs.

Desmond nods at the High Priest's offer.

"As luck would have it, there is something you can give us in exchange. Our poporuse in Chesed is many fold, and we wish to speak with Ingret Jor. Can help help us get in contact with her and, if need be, speak in our favor?"

Dr. Strang frowns slightly, his brow furrowed. He leans back towards Eadie.

"I'm not entirely certain." he whispers back ruefully. "Affirmative, I think."

"Must have a little genie in her too."

She nods. "Certainly. I know Ingret Jor and would be happy to write you a letter of introduction in exchange for your services in establishing communications between the Church of Abadar of Chesed and the Trade Prince Aaqir al'Hakim. Such a bargain will certainly be worthy of Abadar's blessing."

She takes you to a back room where she begins to write a letter of introduction for you. Quietly speaking as she writes.

"Dear Ingret Jor... May this letter find you in the best health and... no, scratch that..." She rubs out a few words and continues. "...prosperity and health. I write this letter on behalf of...."

~~10 minutes later~~

"...who have shown wisdom and honesty..."

~~30 minutes later~~

"...worthy of your company..."

~~45 minutes later~~

"...Yours, with the Blessings of Abadar, Brissa Klygvauther, High Priestess of the Chesed Church of Abadar"

~~5 minutes later~~

Brissa finishes applying the appropriate seal to the envelope and hands it to Brother Desmond.

Where would you like to visit next?

“Ice-creamery!”

Upon seeing the reactions of her companions, the warrior *sighs* “Or I suppose we could visit Vel Bindergorrp at his gin and tonic shop.”

“My Aunt Alix enjoyed a G&T – before she died I mean. What’s your poison, Jez? Mohok? Dr Strang?”

“I’d wager Quiven’s is a banana daiquiri! Does your code permit you to partake, Desmond?”

This Abadar fella sure sounds complicated, in a simple way. Quiven is happy to follow Eadie's suggestion.

"Ah reckon Ah can see where's she's comin' from Sparky" says Jezabel to Quiven. "Fer some people there's a way about doin' stuff that is jest as important as what you'll end up with once yer done. Anyways, Ah rather not drink right now Tigerlily, 'specially since they don't like our kind 'round here. Aiming straight seems like the best medicine to Technic dislike 'round these parts."

You arrive at Vel's shop, and much to Eadie's dismay, the shop is in fact called Bindergorrp's Fine Salves and Tonics. The medical kind. Although gin is often stocked for debatable medicinal uses. You walk in and find the quirky gnome comparing the clarity of two different tinctures behind the counter of his shop. He looks up as the door clacks shut and smiles.

"Welcome to Bindergorrp's Fine Salves and Tonics! You are in luck! I've just finished testing on my latest cure to all aches, pains, troubles and worries! I'm sure you've heard from my clientele and that's why you've come right? Of course I'm right! Some folks call it a hogwash miracle cure but to that I say hah! That's what people said about the good ole potion of cure light wounds when it first hit the shelves! How many can I interest you in?"

The last sentence comes out of his mouth as he finds himself nearly out of breath from speaking so quickly.

“Mybigsisterisagnome. HernameisLore. Doyouknowher? Shetalkslikethis.”

Eadie smiles and curtsies. “We’re strangers in town looking to show our good intentions to the folk of Chesed, cos we might be staying a while. Is there any particular community group that might need help? We hear you are keen to help others in need.”

Aid Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7

“Also, I’ll take two fingers of G&T. Neat on the rocks. Shaken not stirred. Oh and hold the ‘G’”.

“Also, can I try the ‘T’ first in case it’s yuck? Maybe on a spoon like how ice creameries give you a sample taste first.”

Quiven tries to think if he has heard of a gnome named Lore, then shakes his head. I've met so many people, I can't remember them all.

I know Lore had recently joined that game with Pelkin (I think) and I've seen her before that also.

Eadie is right. We'd love to help out where we can while we're here. I'm sure you'd be the best person to ask, so we're asking you!

Diplo: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Strang's face lights up as he walks into the shop, suddenly seeing things that seem familiar.

"Oh my, will you look at this place!"

He goes over to examine the bottles in the gnome's hands, giving the man a companionable nod as he does so.

"What did you use for the solvent? Viscosity seems a little high for an alcohol base."

He swirls the bottle around. "Plant oils perhaps?" He surmises. "What properties does it exhibit? Can't imagine it cures all... though as a sales pitch, I suppose that might work, depending on local
regulations."

"Oh," He adds, realizing he's been a bit forward. "Doctor Menes Strang. Also been known for a cure for a few aches and pains." He smiles, at his attempt at a joke.

"Would you have any strong solvents or solutions with high acidity available? Anything to promote oxidation." He adds, after a moment, looking around at the other items in the shop.

He goes on, continuing trying to talk 'shop' with the man, to try to get him in a helpful mood!

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34

"Ah, a fellow chymist checkin up on the competition eh? No, you don't sound like you're from around here. But I promise you this... you wont find better salves or tonics anywhere else in Chesed... Even the Technic League stop by from time to time for my wares."

He smiles and nods towards Eadie, then looks back at Strang. "...although I'm not sure your friend here quite understands what type of tonic shop this is... If she's looking for a tavern I'd suggest the Silver Lining in the Fleshward. So what can I help you with?"

He looks over at Jezebel, looks back at Strang, and cocks an eye. "That lass with you?"

"Yes." states Jezabel laconically, keeping a weary eye out to the streets. "Ah fathom we're lookin' round to make a good impression on Ingret Jor. People say you're a friend of hers. So Ah reckon' we should be askin' you what we can do for ya."

Strang glances back at Jezabel.

"Certainly." He replies with a rueful grin.

"You get used to the dialect." He adds quietly.

"And yes, as she says, we're hoping to make acquaintance with Miss Jor. Friends all around."

"Ah, rubbin elbows with the locals, from the shopkeeps to the league eh?"

"You get used to the dialect." He adds quietly.

"She's from Taldor." Eadie explains, from behind a palm held up to the side of her mouth.

Can't hit a DC 25 Sense Motive, even with a Nat 20

Unless I can take a 20, it's nearly impossible for me to hit that as well. May I?

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30
Desmond to the rescue!

"I assure you, good sir, that none of us are affiliated with the Technic League. Not even her."

Yeah, why would you think that? Quiven scratches his head, showing puzzlement into why the thought even came up.

"Ah, t'wasn't her I was worried about. In fact I do believe I have her prescription ready... Jezabel Skythe?"

He hands her a tiny parcel containing a single vial.

"As for the rest of you... you can never be to careful these days, even with folks as knowledgeable as yourselves. If you're looking to speak with Ingret, I can put in a good word on your behalf. In fact... better yet..."

He turns around and rummages in one of his cabinets for a bit before withdrawing a jug of ochre liquid and a second vial. He fills the vial with the liquid, seals and stamps it, and hands it to Menes.

"This should help treat her gout. She'll know it's from me."

Seeing Jezebel looking at the first vial he takes a peek around before saying "M'lady remember this is an apothecary, not a clinic. You should take your first dose after you leave."

Next stop?

I think that was it. Should we find Ingret?

OK, thanks! We'll head that way now! Quiven smiles and grabs the second vial. I hope I never get gout, this stuff looks awful.

Once out of the vision of the shop Quiven will take a curious look at the contents of the vial.

Alchemy?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Strang looks at the vial as well. "I must admit to being a bit dubious on that fellows credentials." He says with a rueful grin.

He too will give the vial a quick examination once they're out of the shop, though from a magical angle in counterpoint to Quiven's alchemical one.

ie: detect magic, and Spellcraft: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29 if it proves to be magical in nature

He also asks to take a look at the vial he handed Jezebel.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28 if necessary

And a general Heal skill check, if it is indeed all medicinal! Heal: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (17) + 16 = 33

Quiven gives a good inspection of the vial and determines it to be an herbal remedy for Gout. It's effectiveness may not be quite as advertised but it cant hurt.

Jezabel frowns at all this, cautiously accepting the first vial of medicine. Ain't told him my name... Cogs of Bronze, what in the nine hells is goin' on? Still confused, she lifts an eyebrow when told to take her dose outside. "Well then. Ah'll be excusing myself then. Pleasant day."

Once outside, she waits until they have traveled a good distance away from the shop before opening the vial. "Y'all ain't got a minute? I need to check something."

Looking for a spot to read the slip of paper unobserved, Jezabel scans the nearby area.

Jezabel frowns at all this, cautiously accepting the first vial of medicine. Ain't told him my name... Cogs of Bronze, what in the nine hells is goin' on? Still confused, she lifts an eyebrow when told to take her dose outside. "Well then. Ah'll be excusing myself then. Pleasant day."

Once outside, she waits until they have traveled a good distance away from the shop before opening the vial. "Y'all ain't got a minute? Ah need to check something."

Looking for a spot to read the slip of paper unobserved, Jezabel scans the nearby area.

Again, having to apologize for my absence - son home from college for the weekend, brought EIGHT friends with him. Fun but busy.

Mohok is quite impressed by how quickly his companions sort things out at the temple and the tonic shop, and he shares their skepticism of the the proprietor of the latter. "I'm no doctor, Strang, but I had the same feeling about that fellow. Something a bit off about him. Still, if he can help us with our mission, I suppose that's what matters."

The light breeze blowing down from the Lake of Mists and Veils is barely enough to keep the air breathable in the Fleshward. The stink of so many bodies in packed living conditions combined with the poor drainage making for a pungent stew. While market stalls and storefronts still crowd the streets here as in the rest of the city, the clientele are of a noticeably rougher cut. Small scuffles sometimes create small pockets in the press of bodies, which the locals rarely pay a second glance—as if these altercations were part of everyday haggling.

It looks as though a small group of ruffians are currently hassling a young dwarf, shoving him from man to man and barking out insults at him.

Eadie is appalled when Dr Strang asks to see Jezabel’s medicine. “You should never ask a lady what medicine she’s taking!”

“Nor her age, weight or how many jelly doughnuts she’s eaten in one sitting.”

The young Pathfinder nods at Desmond. “I think we should head to the Silver Lining ASAP, so Dr Strang can find a corner to stand in.”

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

“The dwarf’s under our protection.”

Eadie pleads with the toughs. “PLEEEEEEASE do something stoopid. I haven’t sent anyone to the healers in weeks.”

Aid Intimidate: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Great minds, Mohok!

Mohok keeps his ears and eyes open as they make their way through the Fleshward, and is careful not to crash too hard into anyone in the packed, narrow lanes. As he spots the group harassing the dwarf, however, he abandons this caution, rumbling to his companions, "That fella's in trouble." He surges forward, his massive shoulders brushing bystanders aside like falling leaves, then calls out in a deep roar, "Leave him alone!"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Intimidate : 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Ninja'd by 21 seconds!

"Such information is vital for proper diagnosis." Strang responds to Eadie's objections. "There is little room for such delicate sensibilities in medicine, my dear."

"Knowing medicinal interactions is imperative. And what if your patient has an allergy to the type of berry used in the jelly? How can you determine the proper dosage of medicine, if you do not have an accurate body mass measurement? Even a patient's age is relevant, as the body reacts differently, both externally and internally, as it matures."

He goes on talking about the perils of withholding information from ones medical practitioners as they walk along, not even noticing as they enter the Fleshward district.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Only Eadie and Mohok suddenly staring down and growling at the local group of toughs seems to draw him from his, mostly one-sided, debate enough to notice.

"Oh dear." He mutters, trying to assess the situation.

"Do try not to hurt them too badly." He calls, trying to sound like that outcome is pretty much a matter of course.

Intimidate aid: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

The ruffians appear to only have interest in picking on someone a lot smaller than them and with a few utterances of "We din't mean nuthin..." and "Wuzn't gonna hurt 'im..." they all make tracks.

The dwarf seems to be young, probably an adolescent and seems extremely greatful.

"Thank you! Not many people stop to help out here in the flesh ward... I'm Andar! Andar Jor. M'auntie has a tavern round here... are you adventurers?"

Jezabel nods ponderously as her fellows take care of the bullies, re-reading the note for good measure. "Might wanna read this Suntan. Giggles, Doc, you two as well when he's done. Sparky, Tigerlily... You two are an excitable bunch, so Ah'll just paraphrase. Don't go doin' nothin'... extreme. I'll explain more later."

"Yeah, we are. Jezaabel P. Skythe, at your service."

GM can you tell me more about who the eagle mentioned is? I have my suspicions, but I'd like to have them confirmed if possible.

Eadie stares past Dr Strang, wearing a sulky expression while he explains.

However, she doesn’t seem to be entirely focussed on the good doctor’s words … *Hmph* 103 doughnuts isn’t THAT much.

"Sparky, Tigerlily... Don't go doin' nothin'... extreme."

Eadie has heard similar instructions many time before. “Yeah, yeah, Jez. I know the score.”

She sighs “Don’t kill anyone unless you say it’s OK.”

"M'auntie has a tavern round here... are you adventurers?"

“What a coincidence! I have an auntie too! Is yours named ‘Alix’? Can we go meet her?”

The Wayward Eagle is referring to Colson Maldris who at this point has very recently cut ties to Andoran to form Liberty's Edge.

"No, mine is named Ingret. I want to be an adventurer too... It sounds exciting!"

"Sometimes it is. Sometimes it ain't. We can talk more 'bout it round that tavern your Auntie has 'round these parts" shrugs Jezabel nonchalantly. "Getting mighty dark 'round here. Dun wanna get caught out in the rain."

"Ok! Follow me! What was the best adventure you've ever been on?"

"The best? Well shucks kiddo, Ah can't say Ah rightly remember. A couple Ah remember kindly. Early on in my adventurin', Ah was asked by this Chelish woman to investigate a place called the Drownyard. Not that proper folk call it that; those who lost a child in that place still call it by it's old name: The Tri-Towers Yard for Academic Excellence. She wanted me and a couple others to find if anything remained of her long-lost daughter. Downright sad if y'ask me. Didn't expect to find nothing there but old bones. And Ah did, in a fashion. The spirits don't rest easy, 'specially below ground. But as they say in Varisia "Desna smiled". Her little girl, through some miracle, had survived. Weak, dehydrated, sustained only by the magics of a ring of sustenance. But alive. Still see her every now and then; she's all grown and has found in herself a hunger for adventure too. Her mom ain't too happy 'bout that but what can ya do" she chuckles before adding with a strange, resolute look in her eye. "Some people will inspire ya." She pauses for a moment, pondering her own words, before continuing: "Then there was that time Ah had to go save a wizard woman from the depths of the earth. Far down below in a place they call Na-ahr Vofth. Ah think. Wasn't pretty, but Ah sure as all hells saved her 'long with others. Couldna done it myself. But that's jest me. All them folks here have done jest as much as me if not more."