Chaosorbit's PFS #7–15: The Deepmarket Deception (Inactive)

Game Master Chaosorbit

"Fine." Elska pouts.

She glances over at Bo to see if he was watching. Miyako's just showing off for him, she thinks to herself. She crosses her arms and starts walking away. "Come on, Nuk, let's go."

Thanks, Miyako! I'm pretty happy about that. :D

You head off to look for the tengu, Kuniko. You eventually find her huddled in a dark ally, she wears rags over her matted feathers. She squawks loudly as you approach and shouts at you in Tien.

Wǒ méiyǒu nǐ de qián.

Bo will stand brooding in the back, his fake nose and mustache bristling.

great. . .a bird brain. .

Responding in Tien (Veitnamese), "Chúng tôi chỉ có một số câu hỏi cho bạn"

The tengu awkwardly scratches her feathers and babbles her head.

Tôi không ăn cắp nó, nó không phải là tôi.

Kelson shrugs his shoulders.

"What did she say?"

Elska leans over and whispers a translation into Kelson's ear.

You're welcome, Elska! ;)

Miyako leans in on Elska leaning in. "Whatta?"

Sorry folks busy weekend

Mido turns to Miyako.

It appears the Tengu is not overly capable of polite conversation. It also insists it doesn't have our money, nor did it steal...

Oh, Taldilian, --squawk -- Am capable of polite conversation.

She begins to look beyond you.

Who are...what's that over there! She says with some excitement.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

"Where?" Giltman looks back toward where the Tengu pointed.

Sense Motive 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Mido turns on his heel in the blink of an eye.

You quickly look back, but you don't see anything.

Oh it was nothing... The tengu quickly dismisses it.

That made me chuckle a little

Bo will guard the alley from any suspecting eyes while his companions handle this Bird Brain.

Speaking to the rest of his companions, "Make it quick, we don't want any unwanted attention,"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18

"We need to find Tseka," Miyako tells the bird brain. "Could you tell us where to find her, or could you guide us to her?"

Elska whispers to her friend, "Bo, what do you make of this tengu? She's even crazier than those we met back in Nesting Swallow."

Elska stands lookout with Bo.

Perception, take 10: 10 + 14 = 24

Bo continues scanning the area, "I don't have a fond opinion of her, I think I could scare some answers outta her but I'll let cooler heads prevail"

perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

The tengu seems to like Miyako and ignores the rest of the conversation.

Most of the commodities found in the streets and alleys of Goka come from Undermarket, Kuniko looks around nervously. She lowers her voice. though some of the rarer products come from Deepmarket or even the Darklands. The rarer the item, the farther you have to go underground to find it. You can find anything your heart desires somewhere in the trade guilds, for a price. I know I have.

A far away look fills her eyes,

The Deepmarket isn’t a friendly place and I wouldn’t want to be actively trying to go there. Rumor has it that the Aspis set up a base down there a few years back; they’ve set up checkpoints and everything. It had been quiet until just recently. Something about an attack and a traitor from some Lodge building has caused their numbers to rise. The Aspis have eyes on everything that goes in and out of the tunnels here, and Tseka is always watching.

Personally, I wouldn't risk going down there now. But I might know a guy could take you down there. But I have needs.

Elska sighs. "I know where this is going..."

Tell us about your needs Kuniko...we are known as a helpful bunch...

Well, what to you have that I might trade for other things you probably don't have?

The tengu seems somewhat confused by her own statement.

"What are you looking for? And can you guy be trusted?"

Things to trade, you got anything like nice weapons or valuables.

Yeah, he knows his way around.

Mido reveals another dose of the Blue whiniies poison.

I would not consider this nice... but I hear it is a hot commodity in these parts of town...

Good call, I totally forgot about that stuff.

"Yes, if this will be sufficient, we'd like to be on our way, so you can show us to your friend."
Diplom: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

"Yes we'd like to be on our way very soon

aid to Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15

You actually only had one blue whinnis, but any contraband would work.

Ah, very interesting yes this is just the thing. I was going to take you to the wayang Odemi, he's a good guide, but he is greedy. You've been good to Kuniko, so I'll take you to Yrishi instead. She is better.

The tengu leads you down several dark allies and shadowy twisting tunnels. She often seems ready to fall over, stopping to lean up against the walls from time to time. You begin to wonder about her intentions, when she suddenly stops. The pipefox will find you here.

And with that the tengu vanishes from sight into the shadows, leaving you standing in a dark tunnel. A long moment passes as you get your bearings. When you suddenly hear a small voice.

Do you know where you are going? You seem lost.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18

"We're looking for someone," Miyako replies. "My name's Miyako. What's yours?"

Bo, confused, will look around,

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

"Who and what are you? As my companion said, we are looking for information, perhaps even a way into the deepest of markets in the Deepmarket."

Diplomacy to aid: 1d20 ⇒ 12

Beauregard strains to see who is speaking but even with his keen eyes he can only see it is something small. But moments later it steps into the light revealing itself.

Yrishi

I'm Yrishi! Looking for someone in the Deepmarket you say! The Deepmarket can be a dangerous place, who are you looking for there?

Yrishi is a minute serpentine creature with smoky gray fur and amber eyes. Her ears are perked up to better hear what you have to say.

"A pipefox! Well now, what do you know? Nice to meet you, Yrishi. We're looking for someone, and hope that you can help us."

Diplom: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

I can definitely show you the way to the Deepmarket. There are a lot of places down there what or who exactly are you looking for?

The pipefox suddenly seems distracted and excited.

You know what I like? Learning new things, especially about magic!

Make any knowledge check DC16, cast a divination spell, or a visually flashy spell to oblige the pipefox.

Kn. Local 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

I happen to know a thing or two about Gnomes in Tian Xia!

Miyako lets Mido tell Yrishi his random interesting facts before she speaks again.

"We're looking for Tseka. Could you guide us to her, or tell us how to reach her?"

Yrish makes funny expressions as Master Mido shares. When he concludes and Miyako mentions Tseka, the pipefox perks her ears up once more.

I know where to find Tseka’s hideout, and I will show you the way as long as share whatever secrets you find within. I recently heard that the Aspis have begun trying to ally with a group of alley bashers named the Dragon Fangs and their partnership has piqued my interest.

Yrishi studies you carefully. Have you heard of the Pathfinders? I heard that someone who wore a wayfinder defected to the Aspis Consortium a few years back. And that the Aspis have grown stronger since then.

-----
Yrishi guides you on a 2 hour trek through twisting tunnels, points to rickety ladders she says could have been a short cut, but that you are taking the long way so the funny furry one can come too. You traverse caverns all the while descending. The pipefox is quite cheerful and asks Master Mido all sorts of questions about gnomes, Elska questions about what Nuk is, and is always wondering whether any of you know anything about magic. You travel a long time down a straightish tunnel when the pipefox tells you.

The Aspis have a chokepoint in the cavern ahead that they use as a checkpoint.

Yrishi disappears into the shadows, I promise to meet you on the other side but there is no way to sneak you past it. Good fortune!

-----
You may make another disguise check at this point if you want, otherwise those posted will stand.

Purple and yellow bioluminescent fungi line the base of the walls of this tunnel. A thin, shallow stream of water flows lazily through the passageway.

Two Aspis agents stand watch. One challenges as you approach.

State ya business.

Aspis Checkpoint

"we have some goods that Tseka might be interested in"

bluff: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25

Okay, show us what ya got. The first guard says.

Miyako shows them the chest with contrabands and gives the guards a quick look at the contents. "Tada!"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22

"Surely you'll let us pass now, with this display of wonderful goods?"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Bo eyes these men up, wondering how hard they'd be to take in a fight. He'll inch his way up behind Miyako, clenching his fists, ready for a fight.

"Nothing else to see here, our business is with Tseka, I doubt she'll like it when we have to explain why we're late."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Aid; Intimidate: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

"Rawr!"

Obviously fine with what Miyako reveals, Beauregard gives the guards a little tough talk and affirms the need for the group to move on quickly. He feels he would definitely have the upper hand in a fight with them.

Yeah, Tseka will want to see this stuff right away, go ahead.

As you pass, one the the guards shares. Use the passphrase “The serpents rise again” at the next checkpoint and they'll let you right through.

-----

Rejoined shortly thereafter by Yrishi she comments You did so well back there.

Farther along the tunnel, small communities of recently constructed but shoddy structures connected by narrow tunnels give way to large caverns littered with dilapidated buildings.

Yrishi informs you as you look around The Deepmarket, waving to the shoddy structures, homes of squatters too poor to afford to live anywhere else. Tseka liar isn't far now, but if you have any other business down here now would be the time.

Buisness? Mido inquires with a raised eyebrow. We should see to the completion of our mssion with haste...

Yrishi shrugs and leads you on. Through more winding tunnels, the tunnels open slightly into a small cavern that ends in a wall of worked stone. An iron door bearing a raised image of a three-eyed beast
on its face prevents entrance.

Yrishi seems frightened, This is as far as I go, I'll stay close to hear though.

Snake's Warren

3 Ratfolk senteries stand guard, the middle one calls out as you approach.

Have you brought trade goods? And what's the passphrase.

They all wear leather armor and the one's on either side have light crossbows and daggers, the one in the middle has a hand crossbow and rapier.

Kn.religion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11 "We must be cautious, my friends. That is the symbol of Lamashtu, the mother of monsters. We will likely find depraved, murderous creatures behind that door... goblins, gnolls, and many other murderous creatures are well-known to worship that detestable goddess."

Giltman casts bull's strength and shield of faith on himself in preparation for a coming combat. +4 Str and +2 AC for 4 minutes.

Nodding toward Giltman, he'll draw out and be carrying a potion of enlarge person.

"Yeah, we have the goods, 'The Serpents Rise Again'" looking at the guards waiting for them to accept this phrase, "Look, we've got eyes only goods for Tseka, she wouldn't want to hear why we were late,"

Intimidate: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Clearly intimidated by the big man. Yeah that's right, okay, go on in.

The guards part and let you pass.

Let me know if you want to take any other actions like attacking, but otherwise I'll assume you don't.

-----

Four exits lead out of this sparsely furnished room—an iron double door to the northwest (you just came through), and three wooden doors leading south, east, and southeast. Worn wooden benches line the walls, and discarded bottles are scattered across the floor.

Kelson whispers in Common to the group.

"Which way?"

Mido on a whim of Irori points to the east.

"Okaydokay," Miyako responds to Mido, and opens the east door.

Opening the door to the east reveals a flourishing mass of purple fungus separates the western portion of this room. Two cages lined with straw and fungal spores sit ajar against the north wall. To the east, smooth stone covered in scorched images of screaming faces gives way to rough stone.

A shambling fungus creature which bears a strong resemblance to a rotund human, but with a mushroom cap for a head, and 2 fungal creatures with mismatched eyes dot a thick mushroom cap, while below works an overlarge maw set with pale fungal teeth, gather samples from the fungal mass.

Miyako looks at the fungus, then turns around stating, "Yucky stuff."

She moves to the southeast door and opens it.