[PFS] The Fox #4-06: The Green Market (Inactive)

Game Master The Fox

Ranar silently complies with the request...begrudgingly.

The two men lead you through the forest and into the camp. There, they point you to Telmayne Fire-Eyes as she is walking through the campground.

Telmayne is young for a shaman, and her tall, athletic appearance often surprises those who seek her out. She is shaved bald in the custom of many of her people, and wears a scarlet bandanna tied around her head to protect it from the sun.

"Who are you? What do you want?" she asks flatly.

"I am Omar Senay, and this is my lovely wife Zahra." he says, gesturing to Zahra. He then allows of the others in the group to introduce themselves.

"Zeeva who runs the Green Market has a problem. It is our hope that you can aid us in resolving the issue."

"Do you have time to speak with us?"

Telmayne studies Omar and his companions with a dispassionate eye.

"Continue." She shifts her weight from one foot to the other.

After nodding to an introduction, she keeps to the background knowing that her attempts at diplomacy typically end up causing trouble. She attempts to look non-threatening and welcoming.
Diplomacy: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (4) - 2 = 2

Zahra smiles reassuringly.

Diplomacy: 10 + 14 = 24

"Ve vere helping Miss Zeeva, vhen a haunt arose in the Green Market. Several plant monsters shouted Shoanti, saying that it vas their land, and to bring no var there. Miss Zeeva say that you sense connection between the Green Market and your people. Maybe the land vas sacred place for Shoanti people?"

Zahra shrugs. Like most of those from Katapesh, she gestures with her hands as she talks. Her hands are live things, and flit like birds as she speaks. "Haunts need to have grievances settled, or they remain problem for everybody. I am not Shoanti nor Varisian, but I know your people have many grievances. For Miss Zeeva's sake, ve come to you for advice. Is there something that ve or Miss Zeeva can do to help?"

"Come. We will talk inside." She leads you to her tent. It is a not an overly large space, but it is kept tidy. Around the tent are various herbs, spices, plants, and pieces of animal bone and fur, all sitting on roughly hewn shelves. "Please. Sit," she gestures at a beautifully woven rug on the dirt floor.

"I suppose I could tell you some of the history and stories of my people," Telmayne says. "Maybe it would help you. Maybe it would not. The telling is free—but answer me this: After my people were driven from our lands, why should I?"

Does anyone want to aid on Diplomacy before I move on?

Tika intorcudes herself and stands by Zahra whiel she explains what is happening at Miss Zeeva's market.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Tika aids Zahra's diplomacy

"Please tell us what you know that way we can go back to the Green Market and save Miss Zeeva from the scary trees and bushes!"

Telmayne sits after everyone else is seated, then delves into the relevant history.

“There was once a great shaman who dedicated himself to unity and peace among the Shoanti quahs. The Chelish invaders executed him centuries ago, and buried his shrine to remove any memory of the peace he once preached.

“The shaman was known as Galdron Greenheart, a name he adopted when he set aside the warlike ways of our quah. History recounts that he was moved by an ancient legend that spoke of unity between the clans to lay down his weapons and provide a place of peace where all Shoanti were welcome. Without weapons, however, he could not defend himself against the Chelish invaders who saw him as a potential threat for his ability to inspire and unite his people.

“Galdron Greenheart’s shrine was located near where the Green Market now stands—likely buried beneath the current marketplace. I have felt his spirit there even today, and his rage at the violence between yourselves and your rivals is likely what motivated the strange events you described. Only by calming him can you restore balance in the Green Market. Locate his shrine and place upon it a Shoanti symbol of peace; seven broken klar blades in the shape of a star is traditional among my people.

“When you uncover his shrine, Galdron will likely lash out at you as he did before. If he manifests with fire, he has forgotten that he left the Sklar-Quah, the Sun People. He wanted to be of all quahs and none—the Green Heart. You see, he left this world a man of peace, not a man of war. Your best hope might be to make him remember that.”

She concludes with a sadness in her eyes.

Zahra takes Telmayne's hands in her own. "Thank you for helping us. Tell me, is there some sort of memorial that ve can make to honor the man of peace? It's already the Green Market, but maybe Zeeva be villing to consider a plaque talking about the Galdron Greenheart, man of peace."

She pauses. "Vould you have anyone here who vould be willing to translate common to Shoanti for pay? If he doesn't understand me, how vill I get through to his restless spirit?"

"Was Galdron a powerful spellcaster? A shaman like yourself?" Ninya respectfully asks.

Zahra takes Telmayne's hands in her own. "Thank you for helping us. Tell me, is there some sort of memorial that ve can make to honor the man of peace? It's already the Green Market, but maybe Zeeva be villing to consider a plaque talking about the Galdron Greenheart, man of peace."

"Restore the shrine and put Greenheart's spirit at rest."

"Vould you have anyone here who vould be willing to translate common to Shoanti for pay? If he doesn't understand me, how vill I get through to his restless spirit?"

"My people are very superstitious. I could not ask that of any of them. I cannot go myself, because I am needed here."

She thinks for a moment, then adds, "But I can perhaps help in another way. We have seven ceremonial klars. You may take these to restore the shrine."

She will give you seven klars with the broken and fragile conditions, if you want them.

"Was Galdron a powerful spellcaster? A shaman like yourself?" Ninya respectfully asks.

"Yes, he was. Our history tells us that he wielded power over fire."

Zahra takes the ceremonial klars. "Thank you for your generous offer. Do you... have any idea vhat the shrine might look like? Vhat should ve be looking for?"

Telmayne nods to Zahra, "The shrine is unlikely to be much more than a simple stone altar."

"I fear my knowledge of your people is limited. You said there are multiple quahs. Are these quahs united by a philosophy, a leader, or something else?"

"The quahs share only a common ancestry. Greenheart's vision never came to pass. Even today, the seven quahs bicker and argue; no one has united them. Nothing has given them a common purpose."

"Perhaps a representative of each quah might be willing to accompany us to show their allegiance and to set up the shrine for Greenheart? I can think of few other things that would so dramatically remind him of his prior purpose. Of course we would protect them and keep them in the background until they were needed to demonstrate their 'common purpose' in honoring him."

"A lovely sentiment, full of beauty. But how vould ve as outsiders convince the clans to unite vhen they have been fighting for years, and are full of resentment? I am good at talking at people, but I don't speak their language, share their culture or understand the depths of this conflict." She looks at Telmayne. "It vould be seen as arrogance for us as outsiders to do this, yes?"

"The sooner we get our weapons back the better," Vorel, crossing his arms, frowning and beginning to pace the room. "I respect the Quah's here in Varisia. Their tenacity and spirit, you breed some great fighters."

"The quahs are spread out across Varisia. It might take days—or weeks—to get a representative from each. And that's only if you can convince them to come. Do you have that kind of time?" You don't.

Unless you have other questions for Telmayne, I am going to assume you head back to Korvosa. (If you have more questions for her, feel free to post them.)

Let me know if there is anything else you want to buy back in Korvosa before returning to the Green Market.

guess no time for learning new spells...

"Does your history of Galdron Greenheart tell if he was buried with any of his people? Knowing if we need to expect having multiple entities to deal with may assist us in surviving long enough to properly pay our respects."

Or obliterate the threat if necessary

(The Fox) As you know,this is my first opportunity of the day to post. I will make a few purchases of alchemical items, but I'll have to do it in the morning after some sleep.

Omar thanks Telmayne for her assistance.

When he gets back to where Pumpkin and the basket are, Omar picks up and inspects his holy symbol first. Satisfied that it is undamaged, he then collects his spell pouch and weapons.

As the group travels back to the Green Market, Omar tells them "We were warned that the spirit of Galdron may use fire. I have one Protection from Energy spell that I could use on someone. I would suggest it be whomever is going to place the ceremonial weapons."

Pausing a moment, he then adds "It may be better if that person is not carrying a weapon at the time. That may reduce the chance of the spirit attacking."

Tapping the staff, he says "Holy water may be more effective than other weapons. We may also want some protective spells against the incorporeal."

Looking towards Zahra, he asks "How much is left on the armor wand, honey?"

Zahra hands Ranar her vine. "Is good. I have 32 charges mage armor left. Enough for everybody, yes? I am villing to be the planter of the Klars if no one else vill. Should ve buy three holy vaters, darling?"

"Yes, hopefully that would be enough. As for who places the weapons, perhaps someone else would be a better choice?" The worry is clear in his voice.

"As long the spirits don't see my alchemical items and bombs as weapons I could place the Klars and still be armed. However, I am far less hardy then some of you, so inviting a concentrated attack may not end well."

"In regards to additional ammunition types I will purchase five acid flasks, two liquid ice, and one bottled lightning. Along with the vines that should give me the necessary utility when combined with the holy water I purchased earlier."

"And to my last thought. If we thought we had the time to rest and tackle the next stage of this mission in the morning I could also prepare a resist energy extract. Having the maximum amount of us immune to the preferred magic type of Galdron Greenheart possible may drastically alter the complexion of the combat."

"I think we will need to talk to Miss Zeeva before we can know if delaying a day would cause problems. I am somewhat concerned by the rumors of the previous owner's mysterious death. I do not think that being torn apart by the creatures we encountered would be mistaken for a disease."

Zahra turns to Telmayne.

"Miss Telmayne, do you have any idea vhat might have caused the mysterious death of the previous Green Market owner? Are there any legends about that incident?"

@ Omar: You know that haunts recur. You don't know if what you experienced will happen again in an hour or two, or a day, a week, or a year. But it will manifest again. That is the time crunch.

Zahra turns to Telmayne.

"Miss Telmayne, do you have any idea vhat might have caused the mysterious death of the previous Green Market owner? Are there any legends about that incident?"

"I do not know the cause of his death."

Back to Korvosa?

I am ready to return.

Ranar begins the process of cataloging his various alchemical possesions.

"Perhaps we are taking to wrong approach with Miss Zeeva. Without a presence in the market I believe we can safely gamble that the haunt would lie dormant for at least long enough for us to rest and reallocate our resources. We should merely inform her that the market is to remain closed until we can resolve this issue in the early morning. Our violence roused the spirits to further violence and as long as no blood is spilt while we sleep the Green Market ghost should slumber as well. A further point; our failing at this quest would have far greater long term consequences then a delay. I am certain Miss Zeeva would place a greater priority on keeping our blood off of her hands then to ensure the market remain open."

"Guess its time to begin the long walk back," Turning to the Shoanti villagers, "Don't suppose you'd lend us a couple o' horses, friendly neighbors and all"

I don't feel like roleplaying all of that out, if you guys don't mind. Zeeva is already Helpful. Even adding +5 to the DC for asking her to shut down her business and +2 for her Cha modifier, the DC of the Diplomacy check will only be 7. Zahra autopasses anything less than DC 15. So...

"If you really think that is necessary, I will close the Market until you have solved the issue for us."

We don't need to mess with watches or anything because the night passes without incident.

Update your character sheets to indicate any new items you bought and the spells/extracts that you have prepared for the day.

:)

The next morning at the Green Market...

Rolling up his bedroll in the morning, Vorel will go about packing his backpack back up and reading his spellbook as he systemically places each item in its place in his pack.

"I prepared an extra Mage Armor for the day, with my pearl I can get 3 three people with a more lastin' version." He'll then proceed to cast it on himself, "Well, one of them had to be for me."

Manuk, rising at sunrise will ruffle his feathers and preen himself until letting out a loud, bone-rattling cry.

"Caaaaaaawwwwkkkkkkkk a dooooodlle doooo!!!!!!!!!"

And then runs over and drag tika and her bedroll around till she wakes up.

I cannot [+] that post enough!

Who knew that Manuk was a DOOMROOSTER!?!

Tika, after being woken up by Manuk's usual antics, dons her armor and lance and pulls out a whet bone for Manuk's beak.

"Gooood Morning everyone!! lets get ready and save the Green Market from the scary ghost guy!

Tika is very chipper in the morning.

Ninya purchases 3 oils of Bless Weapon for her three magical starknives. She will also purchase a CSW potion. Items total 900gp.

Pumpkin wakes up first, his huge body right up next to his people's feet. He stands up, shakes, and pads up to them silently. They're so cute when their sleeping, Omar's arms wrapped around Zahra. Still, Pumpkin can hear the birds chirping and see the rosy light pouring through the window. He blows a puff of air right into Omar's nose.

"Pft-pft."

Time to wake up, Dad.

Omar awakes to a tiger staring down on him. He manages not to flinch.

At least his lovely wife had finally convinced Pumpkin to no longer drop fresh kills at their bedside.

He reaches up and scratchs Pumpkin behind his ears. Without some signal that he was awake, the tiger would likely start head-bumping him.

Time to start the day. Hopefully this day would end on a good note, with the peaceful soul of Galdron finally able to rest.

"Mmmm?" Zahra wakes up, a smile on her face, and kisses Omar. Then she joins in the petting of Pumpkin. "Who's a good boy? You are!" Then she stretches, dresses and rejoins the others. "Shall ve go to the market then?"

My understanding was that you stayed in the Market.

That was mine too, but with how they act probably better they rented a night at a hotel!! I kid, I kid.

"Vell then, it vill be a short trip!"

"Have ve located the shrine?" Zahra comes out of the office in which she, Omar and Pumpkin have been sleeping into the market proper. She pulls out her wands. "I have mage armor, feather step, protection from evil. Ve should use before ceremony, yes?"

She has Vorel apply his mage armors, and hands him the wand so that he can use it on others.

Let me know how many charges you use.

Meanwhile, she concentrates, and tries to make the feather step wand obey her.

UMD: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 31
UMD: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 25
UMD: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35
UMD: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 25
UMD: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21
UMD: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35

She's a Keleshite Princess. Of course the wand obeys! She casts Feather Step on Manuk, Omar, Ranar, Pumpkin, Ninya and herself.

She pauses. "Vorel, vill you be flying again? My Zeeva, do you vant feather step too?"

"Yes, I imagine I will fly again, do you and Pumpkin want my Mage Armors?" He'll cast his two mage armors on Zahra and Pumpkin, using his pearl of power to recall in the process,"Anyone else, I notice that Manuk isn't wearing armor of any kind, does he need mage armor, Tika?"

Tika watching the arcane casters do their stuff, "Oh yeah, he might like it, that way his feathers don't get so ruffled in combat."

Tika doesn't need mage armor but it'd be handy for Manuk

Manuk, cocking his head to stare Vorel down as he approaches with a crackling wand.

"Baaaawwwwwkk?"

Do we think it may take more than an hour to search the Green Market for the stone? I have some 10 min/level buffs that I would like to cast.

Having completed his morning prayers, Omar comes out to ask "So, where should we start the search?"

Just as Omar asks that, Zeeva Foxglove enters the Market. "Ah, friends, I had a dream last night—a vision. I know where the shrine is." She walks over to one of the Market stalls and grabs a shovel from a bin of shovels. "Khamir won't mind if we borrow these for the day."

She returns to the center of the Green Market and plants the shovel firmly into the ground. "Right here." She stands smiling at the group of Pathfinders.

I've marked it on the map at Zeeva's location.

@ Omar: It's anyone's guess at how long it will take you to dig down to the shrine.