#0-14: The many fortunes of Grandmaster Torch [Tier 3-4] by GM Rutseg (Inactive)

Game Master Balacertar

Eva doesn't take the statue, but she does take the lacquered box, "We came here peacefully to negotiate, but they attacked us. They are not honorable men." She then retrieves her weapons and waits to depart with the others.

"Honorable? No, but neither were they common bandits whose affects are forfeit. Take nothing more than the statue, we must insist."

The letter:

"We cannot imagine any reason to sup with that man."

-Posted with Wayfinder

Ma'Huuk gives Jani a suspicious frown. "I agree with Jani. The less we deal with this Torch, the better."

Arthrax offers bluntly to Venture Captain Yasmin, "Chaim is dead. By the hand of this Grandmaster Torch's bodyguards. Thankfully, he offered us a lead on the four statues, and were able to thus recover them. He would like to meet with us later, likely to call upon or at least remind us of the favor we now owe to him."

"If we don't talk to him and tell he did wrong, who will? He'll just kill more, we should go meet him. Yes, we found all the animals, Torchy helped us but he killed Chaim. It might be a nice place and the food might be good. One of the buyers tried to cast and poof! There were three centipedes! I wanted to try two at time to make griffons, but maybe it's not so wise, the centipedes already bit pretty hard. We tried to talk to all, but they didn't want, so... Kiti starts to discuss the invitation but switches to telling their tale to the Venture-Captain, bouncing freely between different places and people, not at all caring if the captain listens to her or not.

Kiti tells the whole story, in non-chronological order, if nobody stops her

Ma'Huuk just lets the small woman speak and speak. Though he speak up about Torch.

"We have no actual evidence that this man Torch killed Chaim, but it is a good bet." Ma'Huuk retells the events at the bathhouse with slow-worded deliberateness. "And we were forced to agree that the Society would owe him a favor."

"I see... this Torch is a known information dealer. He might be planning something we cannot grasp at the moment. But so long, all good, we have the statues." she nods surprised as Kiti talks about the centipedes "I bet Torch knew about this and he did not want the word bugged statues are being sold. You mean you owe a favor to him... well, let's hope he does not succeed to charge upon that favor"

Yasmin let's you go to the dinner if you wish "You have done a great job recovering the statues and dealing with Sedeq covered forces. Please rest now and try to enjoy your time"

Feel free, those of you, to attend the dinner, full party is not needed anymore

Eva lets the others explain what occurred on the mission, as she will have ample time to tell her side of the story once it's time to write up the reports.

Unless more than 1 other person chooses to accept Torch's invitation, Eva declines.

Reesa doesn't want to break her word, even if she is disgusted by Torch's actions. She gave her word, and she will stick with it and accept the invitation.

Like Reesa, Arthrax will also honor his word to the dubious information broker, in all likelihood to figure out exactly how much the information cost the Pathfinder Society than any sort of duty he felt towards Grandmaster Torch. He smiles and nods to the sorceress, accompanying her to the amoral man's place.

Since at least two other members of the party were attending Torch's dinner invitation, Eva decides to attend as well, in both an effort to provide the safety of numbers for the others, as well as satisfying her curiosity about the purpose of the meeting.

Kiti is very enthusiastic about joining the dinner. The promised favor is one reason, but more personal is her interest in exiting stories Torch may have. She is certain Torch is regretful of his actions, and can be convinced to act with higher morals in the future.

When you arrive at Torchs inn, you are received into a reserved area. The decoration is sumptuous and soon enough exquisite wines and food start to arrive to the table.

The large fat man, sits at the presidency of the table, holding an exclusive Andoran wine in his hand "Oh Pathfinders, I am so happy you were able to succeed at your job. I am curious to know all the details of your efforts. I hope there was no need to talk about my name, was it?"

If I have Ma'Huuk join the invitation, can I have him also enter other games at the same time? Or do I need to keep him in the dinner party alone?

"None of the merchants mentioned you at all. We weren't exactly sure where they came across their statues, and they certainly didn't volunteer the info."

"We did inform the society of our debt to you, since it might have some baring on future endeavors. If you do not mind me asking, is this a celebratory dinner or was there some additional business you wished to discuss...?"

Against his better judgement, Ma'Huuk tags along, grumbling all the way there in his native polyglot.

At Torch's place, he gives Moto a few grunted commands and follows the others inside, letting them—as always—take the lead socially.

Kiti is overjoyed by the amount of different foods and drinks offered. That looks good! And that too! Oh, some wine! I really shouldn't drink too much, they say I talk and run around too much after some drinks. Oh, what's that? I have to try! she chatters while reaching for everything available and stuffing them to her tiny mouth. We really tried to talk to everyone but they were mean. I didn't have time to mention you! They just hit us! she answers to Torch, her voice muffled by the different foods she's eating at the same time.

Arthrax nods along with all the ladies assessments. "Yes, all the fools wanted to flee or fight, and weren't exactly responsive to questions. Odd things happened when one tried to use magic while holding a statue, but other than that it was pretty standard 'beat up the other guys and take their stuff' work."

"Good good, beaten people do not usually go around explaining strange tales about statues" Torch's eyes widen at Arthrax's explanation of the statues magic "As I feared it was very dangerous those statues to remain out there with arcane casters around."

He then turns to Eva "Do not hustle, everything at its own time. There will be a very good opportunity to repay the debt" Torch's eyes seem to shine in delight "But for now... please, accept my generosity and enjoy the dinner. Let not be told that Grandmaster Torch's generosity is short"

A question idea of why Torch should feel generous towards you and how you ended up in debt with him in that case starts to wander around your head, but the spark is so slight it easily fades and is forgotten when the servants start offering foods and wines with tastes you have never felt before.

The food is good, the talk is entertaining and your night goes fast. You wake up next day with a considerable headache but a wide smile from the experience and the success of your mission. Yet also with a debt with Torch you do not know when you will have to repay...

FIN

During the dinner they refused to attend, Jani works on an application for the local market, and is given a license to sell their clothing, which doesn't end up getting much profit.

Just a foot in the door, sister. Yes, brother, it is, run their discordant, doubled thoughts.

Jani's works make a good mercantile contact in Sedeq. And though she does not attend the dinner, she also knows the importance of holding to commercial deals, and how much Torch will remember about the one they made recently.

FIN