PFS # 6-09: By Way of Bloodcove, with GM Pendrak (Inactive)

Game Master Pendrak

"Who am I to decide what is grave robbing or antiquity collecting? That question is best left to the scholars and lawmakers." "In my opinion it's potato or potatoe." "I will stick with you, Nigel, whatever way you decide."

I could care less. It is not important. Haska does like to keep his word, but he didn't give House Cartahegn his word did he. That was Woodthorne, Thala, and Velinov.

"If I thought we might make an advantageous trade, I would buy the lot off of her, and conclude our deal with House Cartahegn, but I have dealt with these folk before, and they can be very stiff-necked when they have a mind to be. Ungala's neck is probably made of bronze. The question is if we cannot have both of them as allies, then which will provide us what we want at the lowest price."

While Nigel is officially the only real Exchange member in the group Thaia is prepared to make the decision as soon as she knows what's on the table. Thaia is after all a member of the aristocracy with manifest destiny and all that. She plays at mercantilism for the challenge, and because she has the money to do so, and it seems to her to be the wave of the future. If she could offer Ungala some glass beads for the the equivalent of the island of Manhattan she would do so without hesitation.

"Let's find out exactly what they can offer us. If House Cartahegn can't meet or exceed the Bonuwat's offer then we figure out away to get the artifacts back from Novaria. Either way we need to do this quickly, we have drovers and a timetable after all."

"I left Cheliax because of its corruption. I was called here by the land to aid its people. If House Cartegehn would deal honorably with Ungala and the Mwangi people, then we can continue to be allies, but if they only take without permission, I don't see how we can, in good conscience, be their support them."

Thaia mentally rolls her eyes wishing there was bard with a string instrument nearby that she could hire to play some mockingly saccharine violin music.

Ungala will let you have as long as you need to decide.

"If we are to rid this city of Aspis, I think having the support of the locals will be a bigger boon than aid of from an outside noble. But as I said, I am really torn and will listen to the other side if someone disagrees."

It should be noted that House Cartahegn is local as well, so to speak, or at least couldn't be considered outsiders in Bloodcove. Bloodcove was founded by pirates a few centuries ago, presumably Chelaxian pirates judging from the house names and the fact that Novaria is described as Chelaxian, but some might have been of other ethnicities.

House Cartahegn along with houses Barzoni, Luxlor, and Umbertine are families which descend from the pirate founders, and control the city's primarily Mwangi population. Bloodcove is officially ruled over by just one man— The Grand Admiral of the Fever Sea, currently Harthwik Barzoni. That said, the Aspis Consortium has had a huge presence here almost as long as the city has stood.

I don't suppose there's an option to negotiate a treaty with both? A proposal would be to arrange a meeting between Cartahegn and Ungala to let them negotiate a mutually beneficial arrangement - perhaps one that respects Ungala's native rights while giving exclusivity to Cartahegn for procurement? I'd go down the path of role playing this, but if it's futile due to how the objectives are set, then I'd rather save everyone's time due to the nature of pbp. If that's the case, Velinov would side with Ungala as a Liberty's Edge member long term, although I believe be "stopping the attack on the cart" while letting Ungala go would still fulfill the obligations to Cartahegn.

Probably can't have two winners here. We have to side with one or the other. Cartahegn wants the goods delivered. Ungala wants to take the goods away.
"We should probably get out of here quickly, one way or another." "I feel exposed to scrutiny in the open like this."

I agree with Haska, we need to move as soon as possible. I am inclined to side with Ungala still. I would feel better with the Society working with the people to collect our artifacts rather than against them. Clearly the normal folk think lowly of us and compare us to the Aspis. Siding with Cartahegn will just prove that in their eyes.

Woodthorne hasn't stopped clearing the road. He may have to stop for a minute, but he goes back to it.

"A person can't live their life worrying about what other's think about them. Do that, and you're no freer than a slip in Egorian."

But when you are trying to build support and make allies, is it not extremely important to worry about what others think? If the natives all think we are as bad as Aspis, there will never be motivation for the natives to help us against the Aspis. It feels like there is more to be gained from the natives than a single noble house's support. Tell me, Thaia, in your mind what makes us different than the Aspis?

"We are all currently members of the Society, and not the Consortium."

The only difference to you is that you are a member of one and not the other!? Nigel is bewildered at Thaia's response. With a huff, If that is your stance, I do not think we will come to an agreement. Maybe a fair vote will be the way to go. My vote is Ungala.

I don't suppose there's an option to negotiate a treaty with both?

Haska has the right of it. The way the scenario is written, and based on the reporting notes, you have to either side with Ungala or Novaria. Ungala won't smuggle for you if you don't hand over the pilfered goods, and Novaria won't smuggle for you if you do hand them over.

Normally I'd push for a vote, but I'm enjoying your argument so much that I think I'll let it simmer.

Well in that case, Woodthorne is NOT clearing the barricade.

Well in that case, Woodthorne is NOT clearing the barricade.

Well, it's probably still a good public service, since the ambush is effectively over either way, lol.

The only difference to you is that you are a member of one and not the other!? Nigel is bewildered at Thaia's response. With a huff, If that is your stance, I do not think we will come to an agreement. Maybe a fair vote will be the way to go. My vote is Ungala.

"Fine, shall I shoot the drovers then? I played a periphery role in the Society action outside Magnimar in our attempts to win the Runecarved Key. The ranking venture-captain Heidmarch ordered that society members engage in banditry against an Aspis caravan coming to town. We were to intercept them rob them of their wealth and then using it at the auction for the key to out bid them. A lot of innocent drovers were killed in the middle of the night for no particularly good reason. So you tell me sir; are we any different?"

I strongly disagreed with the actions suggested that night. Luckily, my group was not involved in killing any drivers, nor did keep the gold. We hid the money and returned it after the auction. If I recall correctly, the only thing that died was a lizard from the part of the raid I was involved in. That is what makes us different than the Aspis. We have the ability to think about right from wrong and act on it. Was the venture-captain displeased? Of course, but I do not believe she should hold the rank she does. But despite us displeasing her, we are still alive. We are allowed to be free and make choices for our self. From what I know of the Aspis, if we pulled a similar stunt, we would of been killed to be made an example of. The society does bad things form time to time, but leaves it largely up to the agents if we want to do them or not. The Aspis care nothing but their wallets and care nothing for whom they harm along the way.

"Stealing is bad," Kahwen says simply and with a straight face. "But maybe stealing back what has been stolen is not bad."

He scowled at Thaia's example. "I was also involved in that conflict. Those men were working for the Consortium. It was a shame that some of them were injured or killed but they were helping promote evil and had to be stopped. If they could have been convinced not to, that would have been the best path but since that was not an option, violence was necessary."

He looks to Ungala, his scowl not fading in the least. "I think Friend Nigel is right, Friend Thaia. If the people here think that the Society is no better than the Consortium, we have to do what we can to convince them otherwise. Maybe House Cartahegn is just taking advantage of thievery and looting being done by others but, in any case, they should not profit from robbing someone else's history."

"And the difference between what we do when we seek out ancient relics and what is being done here is that we want those relics to protect them or to protect others from them. Not to use them for our own personal gain or to have the pride of having them."

"My vote is for Ungala." He looks to those who have not definitively voiced an opinion.

"Friend Haska, do you still side with Friend Nigel? Friend Woodthorne, do you still prefer Ungala over House Cartahegn? What do you think Friend Velinov?"

"In this, I side with the Mwangi."

"I side with Nigel. Do we just leave the wagon then?"

Haska gathers his things including his hidden sword.

"We are not far from that other place we need to visit. Shall we head out then?"

He scowled at Thaia's example. "I was also involved in that conflict. Those men were working for the Consortium. It was a shame that some of them were injured or killed but they were helping promote evil and had to be stopped...."

"If that thought helps keep you stay unruffled then you can kill our drivers if it comes to it. Obviously, they are morally suspect by your bird logic. Start with Raffaello the man is a slacker."

"Friend Haska, do you still side with Friend Nigel? Friend Woodthorne, do you still prefer Ungala over House Cartahegn? What do you think Friend Velinov?"

Bloody communist.

"Tell me any of you, do you think Ungala made any of these artifacts herself? Owns them? Do you think she even knows any of the owners of these things? And for the record friend bird, Ungala and her friends would have just slaughtered us all using the same argument you just made to justify their actions. So no, I don't really see a difference."

At this point she snaps of the arrow shaft protruding from her thigh and pulls the rest out of the back of her leg.

"Anyone have a wand of infernal healing?" she asks through gritted teeth.

"In this, I side with the Mwangi."

"Hey! No one said it was break time. Back to work."

"I side with Nigel. Do we just leave the wagon then?"

"Funny, but in some alternate planes of existence I'm sure you choose House Cartahegn over these highwaymen, but whatever. I'm not actually arguing for one side, or the other merely pointing out the hypocrisy in the arguments made for and against our choices thus-far."

"Thaia, you may be right about ownership. After hundreds of years in the ground, no one owns it but the finder. However, I still side with Nigel. If he wanted to dump it in the river, I might change my mind. But as it is, to the rebels or to the house I don't care."

"You are arguing just to argue, Thaia. That's petty and unbecoming. Exactly what I would expect." Woodthorne casually leans against a wall in defiance of Thaia's command.

"I find self-delusional pretense to be the same."

Thaia turns to Ungala training her musket on the woman's stomach. "Take it. If you are not out of here in 3 minutes I'll put another, larger, less pleasant hole in you. Understand?"

After a pause she adds: "And we accept your offer on behalf of the Pathfinders. When I find some I will tell them that they can expect help from you and your people, if you even think of reigning upon this deal--well, I'm sure you don't have to imagine."

"Excellent," says Ungala, with the hint of a smirk, and she gives a whistle. A dozen other Mwangi, mostly women, dressed in commoners' clothes, rush out of the alleys and begin unloading the crates, "I am glad we could come to an agreement."

As they finish unloading and begin carrying the boxes away, she explains how the Society can get in touch with her, and then she and her men disappear into the streets and alleyways of Bloodcove.

All that remains now for the Pathfinders is to collect the evidence gathered by Malika Fenn, which you believe to be found at 342 Free Trade Square, and perhaps to gauge the feelings of a few more citizens in regard to the Aspis Consortium.

Free Trade Square is the busiest part of Bloodcove. The streets swarm with merchants and wagons buying, selling, and transporting food, spices, and antiquities. Lot number 342 sits on the southeastern edge of the market, bordering the fringes of Warehouse Row. A run-down-looking stall dealing in lamps and oil occupies the space, though the poor quality of the lamps may be an indicator of why no customers are anywhere near the stall. The owner, a thoroughly bored middle aged Mwangi man, sits behind the counter making fishing lures.

He barely looks up as the Pathfinders approach.

Thaia (still limping and in no good mood) cocks her "walking stick" to get his attention.

Kahwen is glad when the debate is over, not least of which because he sees the points of both side and he is more than a little uncomfortable in morally gray areas.

He is impressed with the speed and efficiency with which the Mwangi arrive and depart with the supplies. He is also pleased that there is no more violence as the drivers seem to understand that they are seriously outgunned (literally.)

He is somewhat disappointed as they find 342. It is not a very impressive place. But, then again, if you're going to hide something, you don't hide it in a place lots of people are going to look.

Thaia sets about their task with her usual aplomb and tact, though Kahwen wonders what the man will think about a walking stick that clicks. It's not very fearsome to someone who doesn't know what it is.

He's not one for talking, so he waits for someone better suited at it to chime in, though he also watches out for trouble.

What's involved with gauging the citizen's feelings toward the Consortium? Is it checks or following up on in character leads?

What's involved with gauging the citizen's feelings toward the Consortium? Is it checks or following up on in character leads?

It is pretty much just asking, or otherwise finding out what various citizens think of of the Aspis Consortium. In some cases you may need to make a Diplomacy, Profession, or other reasonable check in order to get them to talk. So far you have found out that both Novaria and Ungala don't care for the Consortium.

At the sound of Thaia's gun cocking, the man raises his eyes for a moment, then looks back down at his work.

"What do you want?" he says, his manner terse and unfriendly.

Also, I just remembered that I need everyone to make one more check against Awareness as you begin this section. Remember, if you choose to do so you can increase the DC by 10, and if you succeed you remove one Awareness point. To date, you have made a total of a dozen checks against Awareness, but have only accrued 3 points of Awareness. At 5 Awareness (and every 5 after) is where you run into problems.

profession merchant: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29 Darn, I should of took the higher dc haha. But I am pretty sure one of the awareness points came from me. Nigel wouldn't play the risky game so just made the check, not lowering our awareness.

Hello sir, Nigel pretends to look at the guys goods, but knows nothing of fishing. We are looking for a lost pendant, the Terra Fas DeQuere. A lead sent us here. Would you happen to know anything about it?

Kahwen wrote:

What's involved with gauging the citizen's feelings toward the Consortium? Is it checks or following up on in character leads?

It is pretty much just asking, or otherwise finding out what various citizens think of of the Aspis Consortium. In some cases you may need to make a Diplomacy, Profession, or other reasonable check in order to get them to talk. So far you have found out that both Novaria and Ungala don't care for the Consortium.

Thanks! Sounds like Kahwen may need to ask around down at the docks...the ones far away from where he stol...procured some items that did not belong to him.

Stealth Awareness Check: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29

Awareness
Appraise: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

"By chance do you also deal in amulets? We're looking for one with a general idea in mind. We heard that me might have some luck here."

Awareness Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17 can I use Enhanced Diplomacy? If so add 2.

Woodthorne will make (hopefully) discreet inquiries of the people about how they feel about the trade houses and Aspis in particular. For instance, he might ask a shopper if they think that Aspis goods are as good of quality as where they're shopping. Or he'll get people talking about the attack on the trade house shipment. "I think it was an Aspis delivery that was taken." Or something like those.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

profession (merchant): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

"Pay no attention to the maimed merchant...."

The man's demeanor changes drastically when the lost pendant and "Terra Fas DeQuere" are mentioned. His eyes become serious and he glances around the square before waving the Pathfinder to come around to the back of his stall. He emerges from the back of the stall with a small clay oil lamp in one hand. He once again checks the area no one else is watching before handing the lamp over to the group and saying "This will lead you to what you seek. Only one of your number can use it, but keep it protected and out of sight as much as you can. Good luck."

The clay lamp is unremarkable, but it rattles slightly when handled, as though there were a broken piece of clay inside.

Meanwhile Woodthorne has a brief conversation with one of the Bekyar citizens of the city, who seems to have a positive attitude regarding the Aspis.

"They keep money and stable work flowing through the area. I’ve never been able to eat as well as I have since I started working for them."

However, when he talks to a Bonuwat citizen soon after, she has different things to say about the Aspis.

"The Asps have been strangling our nation and our people, robbing us of our culture and selling it piece by piece to rich people in the north. If I didn’t need their money to feed my family, I’d have nothing to do with them."

"This will lead you to what you seek."

Thaia turns the lamp around in her hand.

"And how precisely does it do that, or are we meant to guess? Do we light it, rub it, or make tea in it?"

awareness appraisal check: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Come on, big money! No whammies!

Haska acts a a merchant appraising other goods at the market trying to appear knowledgeable about the finer things there.

He also does his best to keep up with the others.

When in back of the stall with the lamp before him, "It's a lamp?"
"All this for a lamp?"

The man ignores you, sitting down and going back to making fishing lures.

As Thaia moves the lamp around, she can still hear the object inside bouncing around.

Velinov inspects the lamp, dubious at the man's claim.

spellcraft: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25

Aid spellcraft dc10: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Nigel helps Velinov study the lantern. He also opens it up to see what is making the noise inside.

Velinov and Nigel sense an aura of moderate divination and evocation coming from the inside of the lamp. Nigel removes the stopper, but the mouth of the bottle is too small for whatever is inside to drop out. It appears to be a shiny black stone of some kind.

Are we not able to identify the item with a spellcraft check?

No, neither of you made the DC 27 Spellcraft check. I'm also not sure if you'd be able to anyway since you can't thoroughly examine the object while it's still in the lamp.

Edit: Oops, Nigel was aiding so that does just make the check. Once you get the item out where you can examine it I'll give it to you.

So no magical auras on the lantern? If it is a nonmagical lantern, Nigel will "drop it".

Nigel drops the clay lamp to the ground and it shatters on the road. Among the shards of clay, he finds a small sphere of hematite, a shiny, glossy black substance, that resonates a moderate amount of magical energy. He and Velinov are soon able to identify it as a flawed hematite sphere ioun stone.

Kahwen is just as unimpressed by the lamp as anyone else, though he knows that even the simplest of items can be imbued with magic.

"Friend Nigel, no!" he calls out as his gnome companion drops the lamp. He is not fast enough to catch it as it falls though.

Which is a good thing. His eyes light up with curiosity (and not a bit of greed for a shiny thing) as he sees what was hidden inside.

He looks around at the rest of the Pathfinders. "It will take us where we want to go?"

Nigel pulls out his wayfinder, It is a good thing a friend told me to pick one of these up. After Nigel helps Velinov figure out what the stone does, The stone locates the nearest of the same stones when put into a wayfinder. Anyone else have a wayfinder? If not, I can use mine.

Kahwen looks around surreptitiously to make sure no one is around. Then, he pulls out his own Wayfinder, a well worn but quite fine example of the object.

"I have one, Friend Nigel, but feel free to use yours. You probably understand how it works better than I do."