Dungeon Master S |
We'll begin once everyone checks in!
Auriferous |
Auri shines her mail
August Dupine |
August brushes the last of the dust from his hat, and sits down to hear what's coming next.
Dungeon Master S |
Still waiting on Hun, but I'll pop up the opening blurb. I know Piper has to update, no worries. Post when able.
“Welcome to glorious Sedeq, Pathfinders. I trust your stay has been pleasant so far.”
The speaker is a strikingly beautiful woman, slender and dark, dressed in the most modern Qadiran fashions. Her study is opulently appointed and seems to have mementos and trophies of past adventures covering every available surface. She favors you and your comrades with a slight half-smile and continues in her thick Qadiran accent: “I am Venture-Captain Yasmin Kal’al—I don’t believe we’ve been formally introduced.”
“I am here as you are, by request of honored Venture-Captain Adril Hestram. I have been asked to brief you on the local situation as regards the Osirian artifacts. As you know, the smuggler Matzal Chaim moved the four statues out of Sothis into Qadira. The statues are supposed to be quite valuable and had been confiscated by the Osirian authorities for study. We are not sure how Chaim got access to the statues in the first place—he likely had accomplices inside the Osirian Cultural Ministry. At any rate, Chaim brought the statues here. Sedeq is his permanent headquarters, though he spends most of his time traveling abroad. When he is in town, he spends the lion’s share of his time on the Qalli. While most of the city is given over to the human-chattel trade, the Qalli Spice Market is almost as lucrative as the rest of the city combined. Much of the money seen in Sedeq begins and ends in its stalls and processing plants. The saffron trade alone—” she brings herself up short. “But never mind, this is not of relevance to you. Chaim spends a good deal of his time at the Topaz Pavilion bathhouse. We believe that he uses it as a point of contact with his various associates. Once you find Chaim, you will have to convince him to tell you who he sold the statues to—yes, they are no longer in his hands, we are sure of that. Time is of the essence—if Chaim’s buyer sells to others, the artifacts may quickly move beyond our grasp."
I know it seems like you're missing backstory, but this is how it's written.
Thiera |
Thiera shakes sand out of her everywhere with an undignified grunt. 'Glorious Sedeq' my eye! This infernal heat is enough to make a fire elemental sweat.
"And I suspect you have hints on how Chaim might be persuaded? ..."
Auriferous |
Auri smiles.
"Ahhh trade! Lifeblood of empire and prosperity! This mission will be a pleasure. Much more my cup of tea than crawling through sewers."
She shudders slightly.
"And a bathhouse too.. Oh luxury. I'm really looking forward to this one."
Dungeon Master S |
Feel free to RP, still waiting on Hun.
Dungeon Master S |
No word from Hun, which is strange. Hope all is well, we'll get going and so long as he doesn't jump in TOO late we'll add him in.
"Money and favor" replies the Venture-Captain. "Money and favor. Since money is always distasteful, see if you can use the thought of a lucrative trade agreement with us. Otherwise it'll be up to your creativity to work this out."
I'll give you guys a bit to ask any more questions, and will advance at the end of the school day.
Thiera |
"Qadiran statues can be quite grand affairs. Do you have a sense for how large these might be?"
"Further, do you know what time of day Chaim might be found at the bathhouse? Or where he sleeps in the evening?"
Dungeon Master S |
"I wish that I did Thiera, but I do not. I would assume the statues are more likely statuettes. As for Chaim, I don't know any more than I've shared already."
Auriferous |
Auri rubs her fingers together in glee.
"I'm just pleased that the Society has finally started to send me on missions of trade rather than fighting. To be fair the previous sewer mission did related to aspects of trade."
She looks a little guilty. "Albeit ones that are perhaps not best associated with my calling."
She looks to the rest of the team
"Friends, the bathhouse awaits us!"
Dungeon Master S |
Thiera leads Auri ad the others on. The bathhouse takes just a few minutes to find. It is located prominently on the corner of Candlewood Street and Shackle Street, a scant block from the ramp down to the Central Market. Once you arrive at the bathhouse
You see a man who clearly matches the description of Chaim. For the briefest of moments he notices you, his eyes widen, and he flees into the bathhouse.
Auriferous |
perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
"Well." says Auri. "This isn't a good way to start business."
Breaking into a jog she can't help but think "Why do I get the feeling we have been set up... again."
"Come back Chaim we just want to talk business.!"
Dungeon Master S |
Dupine breaks into a sprint and the others follow.
After chasing Chaim through what must have been half the rooms in the bathhouse, jumping pools and slipping across slick tile, the body of Chaim lies on the floor of a steamy room, a bloody gash where his adam’s apple used to be. An exasperated voice from further in the room exclaims, “’Think,’ I said, ‘before you stab.’” The steam separates, revealing two sweaty half-orcs in heavy armor, one looking abashed with a bloody kukri in his hand. A man sprawls luxuriantly in a small steaming pool in the center of the room. His visible skin is covered with horrible scars as if from badly healed burns. Behold Grandmaster Torch, a notorious information broker who has helped the Pathfinder Society in the past—but always for a steep price.
He continues dressing down the half-orc with the kukri until he notices you. He appraises you with a quick, sharp eye taking in your varied appearance, outlandish garb and visible weapons.
“Please forgive the mess—my bodyguard was a bit … overzealous in guarding my privacy. I recognize Pathfinders when I see them, though, and I’m always happy to be of service to the Society.”
He looks at you expectantly...
Dungeon Master S |
"What information did you need? There's a very high likelihood, that I have the information too."
August Dupine |
Dupine shakes his head as he considers the turn of events. "Well, it seems like we won't be getting the information we need from the dead man, so let's talk."
August looks to the others for confirmation before filling Torch in on the information they seek.
Dungeon Master S |
"Let's start with what information you needed."
August Dupine |
"Chaim, here, moved some statues out of Sothis into Qadira." Dupine holds his hand up, showing 4 fingers.
"We want to know where he got them. That's it."
Dungeon Master S |
Torch smirks, "I MIGHT have information on their current whereabouts—for proper remuneration.... Let's say 3,000 Gold."
Thiera |
"Let's say instead that it might be possible for us to neglect to report that your people just murdered someone who was no threat to you. That's worth at least 3,000 gold."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27
Auriferous |
"Torch...."
Says Auriferous. "You must know we don't have that type of cash. And you must know that you have a reputation for trading favours..."
She sighs "Let's cut to the chase, what do you want us to do in return for the information that your guards have seen fit to remove from us."
diplomacy aid: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30
"I'm sure we all want to avoid complications with the guards at this particular point in time."
Dungeon Master S |
"You know me so well! I’ll hand over the names in exchange for a to be-determined future favor from the Pathfinder Society. You get off without any baggage. Since I like your style, I'll give you four names: Nasir Tandir, Viraj Arpani, Buri Buri-Ban, and Saldin Marafi. Oh, and when you get these statues, keep them in a thick bag and don’t let your arcane friends there hold them when they practice their art. Bad things will happen.”
Auriferous |
Auri smiles at Torch.
"A pleasure doing business with you. If you ever want to make arrangements to get back into the favor of The Exchange, just let me know. I'm sure there would be some mutually beneficial arrangements made..."
FJC about recruiting a smuggler, trader, merchant or similar figure... surely Torch would count! Takes ten for 22 on the diplomacy check.
"You wouldn't know where we could find any of these four fine folk would you?"
Dungeon Master S |
He answers Auri first:
Nasir Tandir: “Nasir Tandir is a jowly fellow who runs a warehouse in the Overmarket near Candlewood and Zephyr.”
Viraj Arpani: “Viraj Arpani tends to hang around the Overmarket too—he’s new in town, but he’s unmistakeable. He’s Vudran and covered with little bells.”
Buri Buri-Ban: “Buri Buri-Ban’s a Garundi fellow— pretty beefy. His favorite café fronts on Sengali square.”
Saldin Marafi: “Saldin Marafi has a shop in the Secure Market. It’s toward the back in one of the more secure nooks. Good luck getting in there.”
Then August, "Not rightly sure on that, but word is, it causes some kind of backlash of arcane power."
Auriferous |
"Right, so avoid casting spells when carrying them. Thanks for the heads up.
and if you think I'm going to say I owe you one, you have another thing coming.
"[b]Maybe the Overmarket first
August Dupine |
"OK, thank you. I am sure you will find us when you need us to do you a favor back."
Dungeon Master S |
With no one offering an alternative, the party heads towards the Overmarket.
In the Overmarket, the streets are broader, the buildings farther apart, and the alleyways less dark. The spice levels in the air are much more breathable as well. This is the middle-class portion of the Qalli—not as crowded as the Central Market where the poorest of the poor rub elbows with high-powered merchants. The Overmarket almost has the feel of a residential neighborhood, albeit one with many more shops and stalls than houses and apartments.
It's a big place though, and tracking Nasir, could take some effort, even with Torch's information. Make Diplomacy (Gather Information) checks.
You're being tailed by a pair of goons, but they seem to be spying more than hunting...
Thiera |
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Thiera pulls August aside, as he's the most likely to be able to keep a straight face. She leans and whispers in his ear, "Don't look directly at them, but back and to the side are a pair of goons. They've been following us for a while."
August Dupine |
Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16
"Are you sure? I didn't see anything. But of course, you are sure. Try to watch them - they might just be Torch's goons keeping an eye on us, but let's be careful."
Diplomacy, gather info: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31
Piper Azine |
I should have mentioned, I'm casting Extended Mage Armor and False Life before we go out.
False Life: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Dungeon Master S |
It doesn't take the party long to find his warehouse. Your tail also continues without engaging. When you arrive at the warehouse...
Directly inside the front door of Tandir’s low warehouse are two men in the middle of a heated discussion. One, behind the low counter, is a fat, jowly man, looking wary but defiant. The man standing across from him is grizzled but menacing—his body lean but for a sizable paunch and his cheeks scraggly with half-grown gray beard. The fat man blusters, “I’ve already paid you what you’re owed, Belal. You told me protection would be ten a month, plus another five for the mucks. By those rates I’m paid up through the end of the year!”
Belal reaches across the counter and grabs the man by his collar. “Rates have changed, Tandir. I’ve told you that twice now. If you want my protection”—he jerks on the collar—“you’d better pay me the rest.”
As of this moment, you're outside as you catch this exchange.
August Dupine |
"Well, I certainly recognize a shake-down when I hear one. Anyone want to interfere? Of course, I am sure we do..."
Assuming the others nod in agreement, and are ready (and Dupine asks Piper to activate his Mage Armor wand for him), Dupine checks the door, and then opens it. Not sure if someone wants to cover a back door or something first?
"Protection racket? Why, I want to bid too! My rates are half that of Belal's here. And I will earn it right now, if you like."
August raises his hands in curled fists, in a typical pugilist stance. Then he grins big.
Dungeon Master S |
Will update tonight if all goes well.
Dungeon Master S |
Map is updated. The main thug, Belal, is the one blocking the doorway. Inside are 2 more thugs. Go ahead and place yourselves outside the store where you'd like.
Auriferous |
Auriferous, a look of righteous indignation on her face pushes her way in.
"You have every right to change your rates for your services, but not after he has already paid you for them in advance. "
Her eyes are hard and stern.
"Of course I suspect your services are fraudulent, so you might not want to push too hard on this topic."
Dungeon Master S |
"Step away lady this doesn't concern you."
He lets go of the man's collar and flashes a dagger that looks enchanted. "Plenty of other businesses to spend coin at. So unless the next words out of your mouth are 'I'm sorry', it's time for you to go."
Thiera |
"There's something you need to know about my half-sister," Thiera says with a knowing smirk. She allows her speech to drop to a local ghetto drawl. "She ain't no lady."
"But maybe you have a burning desire to press the issue?" With a sharp wave, Thiera directs the elemental forward. "I don't speak fire, so maybe the elemental thinks I just told it to attack. You could back down now, and it will go easier for you."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17
Dungeon Master S |
The man eyes the flame, and decides that the dagger is the best option.
There are two more thugs coming in from across the street.
Baddies: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Thiera: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Auri: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Dupine: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Piper: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
Hunwald: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Dungeon Master S |
Round 1:
Piper: Go
Dupine: Go
Thiera: Go
Hun: Go
Baddies: TBD
Auri: TBD
Auriferous |
Auri steps forward to the thug in red, and smashes him with her greatsword. For the moment she uses the flat of it.
NL attack: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 11 - 4 = 10
damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (3, 2) + 9 = 14
"I suggest you go and do business with them, then." she snarls.
"You scum are Bad for Business. And that makes you My Business."
However the time she spends in witty conversation is not spent in getting her sword into the right position and it is easy to dodge.
Piper Azine |
Snap, I thought I was at the front, but I was at the back! Double move. Can someone please move me 8 squares around toward the front?
-Posted with Wayfinder
Dungeon Master S |
Auri's swing is less than impressive as the thug easily dodges it. Piper, meanwhile whips around.
Round 1:
Piper: Move
Dupine: Go
Thiera: Miss
Hun: Go
Baddies: TBD
Auri: TBD
August Dupine |
Dupine steps in and starts throwing fists and elbows (at red).
Flurry 1: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Flurry 2: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8