[PFS] GM Derek W's The Technic Siege #6-03 (Inactive)

Game Master Derek Weil

Mavarion cloaks himself in strands of aether, waiting until the group is away from prying eyes to unveil himself again. He explains this beforehand so it wouldn't seem like he had gotten lost or wandered off.

Iso fans himself vigorously in the hot weather.

"Of course inner guards, Iso was just admiring cooling uniform of other guards..." says the big man who appears to be sweating a small river.

He too eyes up the fountains greedily. "Iso opes inside is cooler than outside."

Yikes, it appears I'm having another case of Temporal Recursion. It seems to be focused on Sharrowsmith, I need to stop taking missions to Garund.

Van seems to be lost in his thoughts as the group arrives and makes its way through the city and to the bazaar. "I mean seriously, you cats talk more than a faerie dragon on pesh."

"Iso has seen many people drag on Pesh. Bad for them. Iso has never seen Faerie drag on Pesh though." says the worldly barbarian.

"Iso hears bad things about Faeries. Iso thinks good for them to drag on pesh."

The guards seems a bit confused by Iso's comments, but recover quickly once they see the coin from Shaine. They lead you inside the building and ask you to wait in the foyer.

A woman returns with the guard and introduces herself to you as Aya Allahe. Aya is a Mwangi aasimar woman with golden eyes and lips, smooth dark skin that shines with a celestial radiance, and modest, traditional Mwangi attire. She asks to see the coin and upon its presentation she leads you to the westernmost appraisal room of Sharrowsmith’s Exports.

Once securely in the appraisal room, she formally addresses you.

“Welcome Pathfinders. It’s good to see that your leaders take your recent acquisition seriously. If you will follow me, I will lead you to your lodge.”

Aya runs her hand along the wall and presses a hidden catch. The wall slowly recedes, revealing a small room lit by a single torch.

“Please, follow me.”

Aya leads you through the door, past a vaguely human wooden statue, and into a warmly lit lounge.

"Please think of this as your home away from home. You will find it currently empty, as Nieford departed several weeks ago and took most of his agents with him. The venture-captain left only Arvellos Rand behind to watch over the grounds until he returned."

"Rand had only just arrived in Nantambu with the item whose discovery prompted your visit here. Now, he has now been missing for two days."

"Your precious book is locked in the lodge’s hidden vault, but I fear it may not be safe even there. Rumors ride the winds that strange mechanical creatures have been seen in the corners of the city and dark shadows stalk the night. I fear that the book’s rightful owners are here in my city and it’s only a matter of time before they find this location— putting my investment and my safety at risk."

"From what I have heard of the Technic League, they will stop at nothing to destroy the book and lay waste to any who would stand in their way. It is important that you find Arvellos Rand and make sure no one can connect a copy of A Thread of Silver to our facility. Should the League learn of its location, I fear the defenses of this lodge would not survive their magical and technological onslaught."

"Iso is curious about why sturdy pathfinder team does not remove book and risk to Absalom.." says Iso, as he eyes up Aya appreciatively.

"Rest assured Iso will ensure no harm comes to Aya's body while Iso is near."

In the closed quarters of the room the slightly ripe smell of the friendly barbarian is noticeable to all. Well, all except him and his troupe of wildlife.

"Skug help. Who Skug kill?"

"So, what you wish us to do is take time to ensure no one else knows that the book is here before spiriting it away. Through the spread of disinformation, perhaps? Or should we protect the lodge?" Mavarion asks, unwrapping the cloak of aether and rendering himself visible. "Otherwise, I'm not entirely sure what you're asking of us. I assumed going in we were just making as subtle a break for it as possible."

"Iso is good at Subtle!" smiles the big boy.

He thinks a bit. "Iso notices that lovey Aya is worried about Arvellos. Maybe Iso finds Arvellos so Arvellos cannot tell anyone about Book?"

The emphasis Iso puts on the word 'book' makes it clear he rates it about the same as 'washing'

Mylvwara massages her temples, "So, Aya, can you access the lodge's vault? And can you show us where it is? Or do we need Rand?

Polyglot

"So, do you have any leads on where Rand might have disappeared to? Any known associates or favorite hangouts we can check out to try to find this guy? Where was he seen last?" Van asks, surmising the current objective was to find the missing Pathfinder.

Aya attempts to address your questions. She grins ever so slightly when Iso vows to protect her body from harm. she speaks to him first:

"While getting the book to Absalom would certainly improve the chances it would be kept safe, there is far more at stake here. Nieford and I are business partners, but we try to stay out of one another’s personal business as much as possible to maintain a professional relationship. I don't want the Technic League's enforcers coming after me due to a Society affair. Also, your lodge's presence here is not exactly general knowledge. I'm sure it is important for your interests that this remains to be the case."

She nods at Skug and reassures him that there may be time for killing later.

To Mavarios:

"I understand your confusion. Many times Pathfinders arrive here with spotty information. I suppose the best thing would be a little of both tasks. Fooling the Technic League is a top priority, but if that fails then defending the lodge will become absolutely critical.
As to tricking the League, a few well-planted rumors could go a long way. Perhaps implicating your Aspis friends in Bloodcove would be effective?"

" If it comes to a fight, the lodge contains two guardians that currently lack key components to properly function. That wooden statue we passed on the way in is actually a wood golem. All it takes is the essence of a baobab sapling’s root and a small ritual to reactivate it. In Nieford’s office hangs a suit of Zenj ceremonial armor that, when fitted with a special black diamond from the Brazen Peaks, animates and will defend this lodge to the best of its abilities. I know of at least three merchants in town who are likely to have such a gem.”

To Mylvwara:

"I am afraid that Rand has the key, or had it. Part of my agreement with Nieford was to keep Society business strictly under his direction."

To Bel, she replies in Polyglot:

Finally, she speaks to Van Potter, and the entire group:

"Well, let me say first that Rand claimed to have bought the book from a Varisian peddler in Eleder. He never got the man's name. We have no reason to suspect the bookseller was aware of the tome’s value given the pittance he sold it to Rand, though he may have been more cunning than we assume. After all, a low price tag is an easy means of getting rid of a dangerous relic like A Thread of Silver.”

"I don't know where he was last seen, or if he had any particular friends in town. But in a city this size, I would say that canvassing the streets, buying some drinks and keeping your ears open could go a long way. You could also seek aid from some of my contacts in the city:"

"Bunda Malinzi an alchemist, Takna Hunzu a florist, and Utuma Zbembe, a 'purveyor of the fantastic.'"

Ok, there's a lot more text. Hopefully your current goals and options are fairly clear. If not, please ask and I'll try to clarify."

Mavarion is now less confused about the current situation, but more so with Aya Allahe. She doesn't seem to remember that Sharrowsmith is dead. I told her myself! But the Sky Key appears to dial back time, given what went down at Jormurdun. Am I now in a timeline where that hasn't happened yet, should it at all?

Brushing his temporal crisis aside for the moment, he declares, "Well, given all of that, it seems the best use of our time would be on the streets! We should be able to find the sapling roots and diamonds, glean more information, and spread some of our own, regardless of its truth!"

Iso, the ever perceptive takes great delight at the grin from Ayo.

"Time for Iso to protect you later. For now Work! Did Iso hear correctly that buying Ale might be an important part of mission. Iso now understands why he was hand picked for mission!"

He belches loudly, looking round to ensure his audience is suitably impressed with his prowess.

"Maybe Iso visit with Takna on way to inn. Iso, master of subtly will drop hint about Aspis while acquiring root of Baobab sapling! Let it not be said that Iso Soturi cannot multi tick."

From the way he is scratches, it certainly appears that the bold Iso has multiple ticks.

Skug says quietly to Iso, "Asps here? Must kill! Hide first, sneak up."

"It seems pretty clear, we should start with talking to your contacts to find this Rand guy. Thanks for all the good information." Van says with a snap of his fingers.

It sounds like you're pretty much ready to go. And sorry about the timeline issues! That sometimes happens when playing things out of published order. Anyway, just let me know which person or place or whatever you want to try first and we can get rolling.

Iso shrugs his mighty shoulders. "Iso says visit Takna first. Lay false trail. Ask of Rand. Buy root. Then Ale is Required."

No worries, Van figures the timeline issues stem from his participation in events in The Sky Key Solution.

"Takna first sounds swell to me. Let's go." Van says in agreement.

Belvica says, "Mesaconcurz, Takna isma besser."

No problem, I'm having fun with the timeline and attributing it to Legacy of the Stonelords. I haven't played Sky Key Solution, I really want to...

"I suppose we're going to see Takna then," Mavarion shrugs amiably, hopping off whatever he was sitting on and once again cloaking himself. He didn't have an opinion, and is ready to go to whomever. "Shall we be off?"

Skug looks at the boy dwarf and scratches himself a bit, then says, "Skug go. Tock No fight Skug?"

"Later Skug" says Iso, putting an understanding brawny hand on the orcs shoulder.

"Iso hopes too for fight, Iso spend too long on ship with no real fun."

The team gathers their equipment and heads to the streets of the city. It is a fairly simple matter to find directions to Takna's flower stand.

You reach the location, and are greeted by a friendly Zenj man.

"Hello friends, welcome to my humble establishment. How can I assist you? Is there a special occasion you're planning for?"

Please make a Diplomacy check as you interact with him. You guys can do one main roll with aid another actions if you'd like.

If you want, you can do some gather information checks on the way to the shop to start your search for Rand.

Aid Another Diplomacy 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (15) - 1 = 14 using her Polyglot skills

"Hello Takna! I am Iso Soturi, named the Soul of Discretion by those who know me. I am seeking out the root of a Baobab sapling. Iso is also in need of directions to nearby house of ale."

He smiles broadly, and slightly fiercely, trying to show he means no harm. However those downwind might not agree that no harm is done.

diplomacy aid: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (11) - 2 = 9

"We are also hearing that the honorable Aspis Consortium..
bluff: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (5) - 2 = 3
"has taken a hold of famous book, and was wondering if Takna had heard of it or know of location of Aspis compound."

The soul of discretion couldn't tell a convincing lie if his life depended on it.

"Indeed, we have been sent to you by Aya Allahe, who said you had a wealth of knowledge and could be trusted." Mavarion attempts to butter up the florist, dropping his cloak beforehand so as not to appear insane.

Diplomacy Aid: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (12) - 3 = 9

Skug responds to Takna, "Fight. Skug plan fight. You help?" Diplomacy Aid: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (15) - 2 = 13 Sensing no guile in the half-orc, the merchant immediately warms to the beast, thinking how easily he can fleece such a simple soul.

Hearing Iso, Skug interrupts loudly, "ASPS BAD MEN! No good!"

"Yes..." explains Iso patiently to his protege. "But Iso is the Soul of Discretion. So does not say so out loud."

Two int and cha dumped characters trying to pull a deception. What were we thinking?

"What is disk rush on? Skug's soul have too?"

Lol. Skug has Wisdom dumped, too. He understands how to ambush his enemies, but any other deception is beyond his ability to comprehend.

There have been a couple of times when the V-C actually answered, "Who Skug Kill?" so Skug asked another PC to write the names down. Skug would then tell NPCs, "Skug must kill list. You on list?" and hand the paper to the NPC.

"Hey, nice place you got here. We're hoping you could help us out as we try to find a co-worker of ours, but we'd be happy to purchase one of your fine floral arrangements."

Diplomacy + aid from Belvica: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 8 + 2 = 18

@Van Potter: Skug somehow successfully aided as well

Sorry, I missed that. That's a 20 then, at least!

Sorry for not posting last night folks, I dropped off to sleep right after dinner. Perhaps Mylvwara would care to chime in? I don't want to give away too much, but one more aid might go a long way right now. I'll roll for hr if she hasn't posted by my next check-in.

Actually, I mis-read something.

The florist seems a bit amused at the clumsier attempts at sublety, but he warms up when speaking with Van Potter, and he respects Skug and Belvica.

He addresses Van Potter at first, but it's clear the message is for the whole group.

First, he says:

"I can tell you're a gentleman of refinement, sir gnome. I have just the thing to impress the ladies."

He works to put together quite a nice bouquet. As he works, his tone grows hushed.

"So, you are friends of Aya? She's always been a good customer and a friend to me. And you've heard rumors about the Aspis Consortium? Those can be very dangerous so near to Bloodcove, you know. But you mentioned a book they're interested in. Hmm... Let me be honest. I know here the book really is, and I know who's coming to get it back. But Aya has always been willing to help me out of a bind, so I would be happy to help you in leading your enemies astray. I don't want to see Aya come to any harm."

He also points out a few local bars and pubs nearby. He doesn't know anything about an Aspis compound here.

Good work! Buying the flowers lowered the DC to impress him. Now that he's on your side, the DC to spread rumors has also dropped considerably!

If you're now putting on your discover rumors of Rand hats, please roll some Diplomacy checks to gather information.

We also want to buy the Baobab sapling root

Iso smiles. "Flowers! Iso knows way to woman's heart!"

For a moment he wonders if Skug is considering which of the ribs to slip a knife between, but figures even the half orc must know what he is thinking.

"Now to Aleing of Iso!"

He takes the directions and heads to the closest alehouse, where he listens for stories of Rand and drops hints about snake-badges seen in the area.

diplomacy(GI) (aid): 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (17) - 2 = 15

Van joins the gregarious barbarian in the tavern in the hopes of getting the scoop on Rand. Although it offends his cool sensibilities, he includes some parlor tricks with Prestidigitation to make friends and influence people. At the very least, now everyone has clean clothes.

Diplomacy (gather information): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

That's a 30 with Iso's aid. I guess everyone likes fresh laundry.

Belvica decides to pick out the best flowers:

Knowledge Nature 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Polyglot

Mavarion tries awkwardly to help chat up the bar, performing a juggling act as he does so. All manner of bizarre and dangerous objects hurtle through the air and he deftly catches them all, perhaps not even yet using his telekinesis.

Sleight of Hand: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34
Diplomacy Aid: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (15) - 3 = 12

Sorry for the absence, been ill

diplomacy aid another: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Skug sees Van Potter talking to some drunken humans whose swords are laying on the table instead of in their scabbards. He walks up behind the gnome, pats him on the shoulder, then moves closer to one of the humans and stares down at him, "Gnome friend. Find friend Rand. You help friend gnome find friend Rand."

Diplomacy (aid): 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (4) - 2 = 2

When one of the drunks says, "You mean Randy the blacksmith? His shop is on Zamwebe St.", Skug replies, "Good. Skug thank," and walks back to bar. Skug help. Earn drink.

@Mylvwara - I hope you're feeling better. Sorry about the Baobab, I'll add here.

The florist provides Belvica with a fine arrangement for a dwarf warrior maiden.

Her knowledge of the local fauna allows her to determine that the baobab grows outside the city. The florist isn't sure of anyone who has the root for sale in town. And Bel relays that the journey would take at least a couple of hours.

In the meantime, the quest for information goes very well. While talking up patrons at the bar, the team uncovers a promising rumor after only about an hour.

Several people mention seeing a heavily tattooed Kellid man — a sort of person rarely seen in these parts — dressed in clothes that seemed to be made of solid oil and glass.

You can pursue the lead above now - it will take some time. But a good Diplomacy check coupled with a bit of coin might make that go faster. Or you could head for the baobab. Or something else!

Or something else!

Giving Skug and Iso an opportunity like that is a felony in several countries.

Rare, apart from Iso obviously... a heavily tatooed Khelid man

"Iso surprised to see brother of the north so far south. Iso would like very much to meet him."

He looks around the inn, knowing that such a place is as good a location as any to meet one of his countrymen. Alas it is not to be.

"Iso thinks we should walk in the woods and find root for pretty lady. " he leans forward, close enough for some of his travelling menagerie to try and make a break for freedom if any are unwise enough to also lean close. "Iso thinks she likes him"

I am not sure if i would have actually

Belvica says, "Danksa fuer de Kompliment busa me betta alurn, busa bees quiyet in der busch. It givesss biga dinersurrss dere." as she finishes her flower weave.

Polyglot

She walks towards the outside of the city:

Survival 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 9 + 2 = 14 (because of compass)
Knowledge Nature 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
Knowledge Geography 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10 to find the baobab.

knowledge (local): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12
knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19

"That Kellid, sounds like a technic league spellcaster, or assassin, or both. I've read extensively on the group."

She fiddles with her left ear, "Nothing on Rand yet though." and follows after the big man and the dwarf.

Iso also helps looks around for the tree. He seems much more at ease outside the massive city, although without the cooling aid of ale, he again starts to sweat profusely.

"Iso thinks cool breeze from the north is required. Blow away insects."

survival(aid): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14