PBPGameday V Oykiv's 6–09: By Way of Bloodcove (Inactive)

Game Master Oykiv

stealth: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19

Enora says to the group, "Maybe this would be a good opportunity for us? We could explore the docks and maybe gather some information about smuggling and whatnot."

GM, What about the list of people in bloodcove that may be partial to the Pathfinder interests? Is the innkeep on that list?

Arngrim nods to Enora, quickly throwing back his ale. "That may be, lass. It very well may be. Do we all want to go, or should some stay about and work on "other" things"

Rallas also goes through the city without arise suspicion on him

@Arngrin, ant everybody, it looks like in the process of explaining the "awareness mechanic I forgot to say you about the only one person you know who can be partial to Pathfinders:

As you see who the man is gathering workers you remember how important is to not reveal your real affiliations, as almost everyone you met can be working for the Aspis Consortioum. The only one person you know who can be amicable toward the Society is Novaria, an agent of House Cartahegn (one of the smaller rival trade houses of the city), who has worked with the Society in the past. Aya told you about her and that if you mention Aya’s name, the Cartahegn spokeswoman should at least hear them out.

Also, having your ears open you hear a conversation about this man, Na’alu, is one of the Consortium’s men. Been coming here for two weeks, looking for day workers to load up supplies on some big ships the company is sending upriver. They work you like dogs, but it’s good money and they feed you at midday.

Remember Aya asked you 4 things; recover Malika's reports, sabotage Aspis exploration efforts, make some friends in the city that can help with smuggling agents or artifacts and talk to the people of Bloodcove and see how complete the Aspis’s control over the populace is.
Unlike most scenarios, you can go in any order you want

Thank you, GM.
Well, what do yall think? Split up and chance things that way, or move together?

Suggest that we do the work last (sabotage exploration) since that will bring lots of attention. Maybe feel the pulse of the town along with making friends, get the reports and then sabotage.

Alek might be good at doing the work for the day with Ma'alu while some of the others do the more social aspects of this scenario.

Agreed let's do the talky stuff first.

yep...talk first

"Well, I am good with holding off on the work then, if that's the groups vote." Arngrim whispers. "We should start with Novaria. Maybe we can get some information on how to best proceed from there."

"Yes... Bhuukka will see if that Aspis brings terror into their hearts."

To Novaria then, please more rolls as you go, with a +2

House Cartahegn is based in an imposing two-story trading post in the northeastern part of the city. The storefront bustles with citizens and merchants alike, most purchasing staple commodities such as sugar and rice. A busy clerk greets customers as they enter and provides helpful directions to any who ask.

Enora enters the trading post and directly begins browsing through the wares for sale, attempting to fit in as a local. Meanwhile she keeps her eyes and ears open for anything useful.

knowledge(local): 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 8 + 2 = 28
perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

Bhuukka will move silently through the streets, attempting to cover the tracks of the others, but he will let them do the talking.

Stealth: 1d20 + 20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 20 + 2 = 30

Rallas keeps his head down, but his ears open as they walk the streets.

stealth: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23

We need someone to do the talking...

Stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Alek moves along with the group, trying very hard to keep a low profile. He remains quiet while waiting for one of the others to step up and do the talking.

Alek isn't the best at social situations.

I think Arngrim is our best diplomat. Bhuukka is waiting to jump out of the shadows and intimidate if needed.

Sorry guys. Was travelling yesterday, and nothing went as planned.

Arngrim steps forward as the rest of the party looks to each other for a voice to take the lead. Addressing the Clerk, Arngrim asks "Sir, I bear a message for a Mrs. Novaria from business associates from out of town. Is she available?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

The clerk looks at you with indiference: Novaria’s schedule is quite full at the moment.

Give me the message and I'll pass it to her

Arngrim studies the man for a moment. Studied Target
"I can respect a man of duty and loyalty. These traits are hard to come by, anymore. This is business important to House Carthegn, I am sure you will be rewarded for your foresight in recognizing when unusual circumstances necessitate different means." With this, Arngrim subtly hands the man a gold piece. "An advance on a favor owed, perhaps?"

Perhaps a few aids might help as well?
K. Local: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
K. Local to adjust the bribe to something acceptable to this city/ his station. I don't want to insult him by offering too little, but don't want him screaming to anyone that will listen about being bribed twice his yearly salary either!

Enora nods encouragingly, trying to get the clerk to accept the bribe while watching him closely for any clues.

Not sure what aid roll I can give in this situation?

diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
sense motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0

know. local: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25to aid Arngrim's roll

actually, I was thinking my 20 diplomacy may help. But the aid on the local is good too.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Everybody was lying low Enora, Bhuukka, Rallas, Alek and Angrim don't arise suspicion. But Khugrom feels he had made a mistake when he started to claim to have been living always in th Mwangi desert. ;D

Angrim Stealth, boon: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 2 = 18
Khugron Stealth, boon: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

The only one person you know who can be amicable toward the Society is Novaria, an agent of House Cartahegn (one of the smaller rival trade houses of the city), who has worked with the Society in the past. Aya told you about her and that if you mention Aya’s name, the Cartahegn spokeswoman should at least hear them out.

Arngrim tries to bribe the clerk to see Novaria, pondering how much he has to spent to obtain an audience when he remembers Aya told to use her name.

As Angrim mention that Aya sent them, the clerk pauses, requests the PCs wait for a moment, and retreats into the building. When she emerges several minutes later, she bids the visitors to follow her.

Novaria receives you with a pleasant but detached demeanor. She gives each character an appraising look before smiling in approval and say, Always a pleasure to work with your illustrious Society. The last time I dealt with your people, it led to a mutually beneficial arrangement that I have not forgotten. In fact, my current position at this trading house is a direct result of our last encounter. I sincerely hope that you come today with another such opportunity.

Is the Awareness points correct? Bhuukka was taking the +10 DC to remove an awareness point, so I think we should still be at 1.

Is the Awareness points correct? Bhuukka was taking the +10 DC to remove an awareness point, so I think we should still be at 1.

I didn't read anything about increasing the DC. But looking at your modifier maybe you want to use it always. Awareness points changed

Enora says, "Thank you for seeing us. We hope that working together will again be mutually beneficial. We are here on important business. We are seeking a gem called Terra Fas DeQuere. Does that name ring a bell to you?"

Khugron tried to stay out of the way as the others made contact with Novana.

Sorry, been a bit busy between work and the storm

Ah. Thank you GM. That is much appreciated.. I completely forgot about that!

Arngrim follows behind the group, stunned that he forgot such important instructions. He quietly awaits the answer to Enora's question.

Never heard of such an item.

And in wich manner recover that gem will help our business?

"Well, we saw an interesting post in the Inn that we believe might be a code." Eladrian offers, relaying the contents of the post.

Bhuukka approaches very close to Novaria so she can study her face.

He speaks in a whisper.

"I think what they are trying to say is will it be safe to talk about our kind of business here? The very walls may have ears and eyes and the eyes of the serpent do not look kindly upon us."

Trying to make sure it is OK to talk about illegal activities where we are.

Hope all is well with everyone. Just bumping the thread.

I, and one of my kids, were sick, but we're better now. Thanks

Hmmm, interesting and yes, it must be a code. But in that case you should study it where it is, to be sure you don't missremember any word The code/bounty poster is still in the inn and you can go to do it whenever you want (but now you're trying to make an ally to pass things and persons through the city)

Then the wayang close to Novaria to ask his question, what she answers also whispering: Here in Bloodcove all Houses compite with each other, and I make sure to remove ears, eyes or whatever liability could be in my surroundings. She continues talking in a normal voice, so yes, you can talk here freely, as no ASpis will never know of our meeting. Much less of whatever we talk

Glad to see you back! I hope that everyone is on the mend and heals up quickly!

Arngrim nods as Novaria explains that they may speak freely. "Well, since you know nothing of this gem, then our business with you has two parts. the first, is that we know of an Aspis expedition heading out from here soon. Is there any help that you can provide in derailing or delaying this expedition? Secondly, the Society would like to set up a contact to assist us in getting information, agents, and supplies in and out of Bloodcove. With your contacts and merchant business, you are uniquely situated to assist us with this endeavor. I am sure that the Society will compensate you generously for your assistance."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

still here...just can't really contribute here...social skills are not this toon's strong suit

Enora seconds Arngrim's invitation to Novaria.

diplomacy (aid another): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Same position as Rallas. Alek has zero social skills to aid in the this one.

As she listen to you, her face is a mask of practiced neutralit. What you're asking me is one of the riskiest deals I've ever made, moving
pathfinders, information and Society supplies through Bloodcove would certainly lead to direct conflict with the Aspis Consortium, and that is a risk I don't take lightly.

Recently, a local pirate crew led by a thug named Ungala has been intercepting our trade barges and wagons and stealing our cargo. It is the gods’ fortune that you came to see me today of all days, as we are preparing to move an exceptionally valuable shipment to Warehouse Row to be loaded onto a ship bound for the Inner Sea today. After our usual guards’ failure to protect the last two shipments from Ungala’s raiders, I’ve lost confidence in their abilities. But where they have failed, you might have a real chance. Up to this point, Ungala and her ruffians have always attacked while our supply carts were passing near Free Trade Square, where they can strike in the narrow streets and disappear into crowds quickly. I have no doubt that they’ll be planning such an attack for today’s shipment, and I want you to be there and ready to intercept them.

Arngrim nods, looking to his team for support and agreement. "I believe we may be able to be of service. Do you want us with the shipment or just hanging about in the area? I think the best way to protect your goods would be to disguise ourselves as the guards and move with the product. Either way, we would need just a bit of help with disguising ourselves, but nothing that shouldn't be able to be returned to you afterwards. Also, have you entertained the idea that one of your men may be spying and passing information to the Aspis?"

I want you to be the shipment guards, but there's no need of disguise; we use to hire mercenaries for those work so there's no uniformity about clothes, weapons or armors worn. Just stick to the shipment an open your eyes and everybody will think you're protecting it.

And I've entertained all ideas, that included, but also did my work and get information about the woman who was witnessed attackin our shipments, Ungala. Someone should have pass information, that`s unavoidable in Bloodcove, but continue losing cargo until we found who informs Ungala is not an option for me.

The cargo will depart in a few hours, so you have time to prepare yourselves as you wish. 10 minute/level and higher duration buffs can be pre cast as you know more o less where you're going to be attacked, minute/level doesn't last enough.
Enora, which spell do you have prepared?

Arngrim nods, satisfied. "We should mount up then, and get this rolling." he says to his companions.

No spells or buffs from me until things kick off. I only have my studied target to rely on.

Aye, when we go we must be extra vigilant.

Rallas then turns to Novaria.

Have they employed traps to your knowledge? It might give us an edge if they do...I have a keen eye for traps.

Enora will use her wand of mage armor to prepare for combat. She has prepared:

level 0: acid splash, detect magic, light, guidance, mending, stabilize
level 1: color spray, ear-piercing scream, grease
level 2: create pit

Enora says, "Don't worry. We will soon prove why working with the Pathfinders will be of benefit to you then we shall speak again."

No traps they can be triggered by bystanders. They just assault the shipmen as it pass near Free Trade Square, kill or incapacite the guards and go away with the cargo.

Alek, Bhuukka or Khugron buffs?

Everybody make a DC 21 Perception or Sense Motive check to watch for trouble in the crowd.

Bhuukka doesn't have any buffs, but would probably try to find a place to hide and observe.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 9 - 4 = 6 I'm assuming that I would be looking out for people trying to sneak, so I have included the -4 penalty due to deafness for opposed checks.

Stealth: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (20) + 20 = 40 Assuming there is somewhere for Bhuukka to hide on the caravan.

No long term buffs here either.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Alek and Cinderpaw follow along the caravan, trying to keep an eye out for any danger, but keeps becoming distracted as his eyes dart from person to person...

perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28

perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

Needed a natural 20 to make this check. Not quite. heh