DM Voice's Osirion Expedition (Inactive)

Game Master Mark Sweetman

Giving a short bow and nod to the Dwarven priest, the proprietor turns to the newcomers "Salaam good friends, have you come for purchase or sale?"

Setesh - armor can be worn without challenge, same with weapons. So you can keep your breastplate on it you wish.

Noor will set a large sack on the floor and open in up for inspection. Inside are the mundane items they recovered.

From Setesh's loot list, it looks like 4 sets of Heavy Crossbow, flail, and studded leather(1/2 price 166gp). Plus 4 MW punching daggers. (604gp). The magic items are the drinking skull and a +1 dagger of bleed. The unusual are the saffron (50gp each), pesh(60gp), and scorpion poison(400). The coat is odd, but seems to have it purpose.

Noor will leave it to the others to barter...she does not partake in such things and will be pleasantly surprised at whatever amount they come up with. In the meanwhile she will browse the shop and look at various trinkets, and perhaps hope to have a cloak (of protection) catch her eye.

The osiriani comes forward to look over the items within the sack, hmming and aaahing at times. Retrieving the daggers, skull and saffron he places them upon the counter. Picking up one of the MW punching daggers he balances it upon one finger before holding it experimentally with one hand and performing a few practice strikes. The skull is regarded with a raised eyebrow, though he seems intrigued. And the dagger from the scorpion's den garners most interest, the man turning it over in his fingers as he gazes at it.

"Of course I will take the items mundane... but these are interesting. Are you too secretive to allow me to know from where they have come?" talking with genuine interest.

Noor finds a pair of items that pique her interest. There is a light white cloak that seems made of thin material, though feels strong and a simple copper ring that has a motif of a scarab imprinted on one side. Cloak of Resistance or Ring of Protection?

For the mundane items - 166gp to you. This guy isn't interested in the pesh or poison.
Just a quick confirm from Setesh and Tarik - you are happy to sell off the dagger of bleed?

"I see no harm in it. The punching daggers were taken from orcs camped in the desert. The skull...Setesh, do you remember? That dagger was taken from a vile beast's den, part woman and part scorpion." Tarik smiles generously at the man. "Quite the risk to get them! I hope the price reflects it."

I'm fine with it.

Grynbarl's ears perked so much he thought they might fly away any moment. "Did...did you say from a woman, part scorpion, young man? That dagger...who was this creature to have a sacrificial knife of Rovagug's ancient cults? Sadiq, that thing is unclean. Have it destroyed!"

Hiya all - jumping in to dot this. Also, Grynbarl - usually people indicate speech by bolding the text. Click on the "How to format your text" button below the box you type in. Click on the "Show" button and it has all the formatting for your text.

Setesh raises an eyebrow, and then bows half apologetically.

"Actually Tarik, that is only half right. Two of the punching daggers came from the same Orc tribe where we retrieved the skull, which, incidentally, produces a mild alcoholic beverage, which boosts ones ability to resist fear. The other two were retrieved from an unclean beast we encountered deep inside a ruin."

When Grynbarl suggests that the magical dagger of bleeding should be destroyed, Setesh frowns.

"I do not recall mentioning Rovagug, but as it so happens, yes, you are probably right concerning its divine antecedent. However, if you wish to have it destroyed, feel free to purchase it and do so. Otherwise, please leave us be. We are simply attempting to conduct an honest business transaction, after risking life and limb in the desert."

He then calms down, adopts a more conciliatory appearance, and continues.

"Besides, a tool is not evil (unless it is an intelligent magical item); it is the wielder that is good, or evil, and the task to which the tool is put that is good, or evil."

That may come across as a little strong, but I am not trying to scare you away - suggesting to Setesh that have valuable loot destroyed, shortly after meeting, is not a good way to make friends ;-)

Noor shakes her head, This is why I leave matters of coin to them. Arguing with strangers...really!

She continues her browsing, but now tries to keep an eye on who would challenge them and their hard-earned wealth.

"I do not suggest, young one, to disrupt your business transaction. Only to caution you and the proprietor of this fine establishment to be wary of this thing and things like it, touched by the rough beast. Such things, even if not magical, can ensnare the mind.

"But since you insisted I should purchase it myself..."

Grynbarl steps up to take a closer look at the knife. "Hmmm. If I had to carve out a date, I'd say this would be as old as the Four Pharaohs. The preferred sacrificial weapon of the cult at that time. I am more intrigued with each passing moment. Where in Golarion did you find this?"

"I do not suggest, young one, to disrupt your business transaction. Only to caution you and the proprietor of this fine establishment to be wary of this thing and things like it, touched by the rough beast. Such things, even if not magical, can ensnare the mind.

"But since you insisted I should purchase it myself..."

Grynbarl steps up to take a closer look at the knife. "Hmmm. If I had to carve out a date, I'd say this would be as old as the Four Pharaohs. The preferred sacrificial weapon of the cult at that time. I am more intrigued with each passing moment. Where in Golarion did you find this?"

Setesh shrugs.

"A small underground shrine. We would not have known it was there, except we were attacked by some giant scorpions, and then back-tracked to where they had come from..."

He then smiles faintly.

"I did not insist that you should purchase it; merely that if you wanted it destroyed, you should put your money where your mouth is, and purchase it yourself, so that you could destroy it."

The sounds of the streets outside are starting to pick up as vendors begin to peddle their games and wares.

The proprietor hesitantly enters into the debate "Sheikh, I would be willing to trade for these items regardless their heritage... are you interested in gold and jewels or perhaps some of my other items?"

That is your prompt to let me know what sort of magic items you might be looking for...

Setesh regards the proprieter with a twinkle in his eye.

"Well, these items are certainly rare, possibly even unique, at least as far as this city is concerned... I would expect we would be able to arrange top-dinar sales... Of course, if we opted to trade for goods, rather than straight cash, I presume you would offer us a more favorable rate...?"

I am initiating a form of haggling, here ;-) What sort of ballpark price range would these items be worth, so we know: a)How much 'money' we have to play with, and b)how much 'filthy lucre' we need to set aside for our employer, to allow for his 'cut'...

But if you knew how much they were worth that would change the haggle ;)
Appraise check / Sense Motive will give you an idea of how highly the items are valued.
Depending on how you play it - mention of your employer could even be a bargaining chip in your favor....

The osiriani needs no invitation and immediately adopts a mocking tone and disdainful air "Surely you are jesting? You would rate a scorched dagger and a distasteful skull as worthy of a sheikh's ransom? The other daggers are of acceptable quality... if a little bland and dull... but these items I would need to hide away lest they frighten patronage away from my store. Why my friend Grynbarl has already said that one of them reeks of the Rough Beast himself!"

Appraise (drinking vessel): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9.
Appraise (dagger): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20.

Based solely on item abilities, compared to existing items, I am assuming that both are in the 4-5,000gp range (for retail value), with a variable increase to that due to 'rarity'. If we trade for goods, I would expect at least 75% retail value, so 6-6,500gp + 'rarity value'. Just explaining where I will be coming from with my haggling.

Setesh snorts in mock derision.

"I took you for a gentlman with a discerning eye! Such rare treasures, with such unusual pedigrees, would indeed not be worth a Sheikh's ransom - they would be worth two! Moreover, their 'frightful' appearance, and disturbing antecedents, would be part of the thrill for a certain kind of collector, which only serves to increase their saleability..."

Single eyebrow raised in questioning surprise "And why praytell would I wish for my store to be known as an establishment that services the needs of Rovagug's faithful? I would be left with no other custom apart from the dirty men that would merely wish to kill me. But.. I have a butcher friend who may be able to make use of the blade... so make me an offer."

Setesh - you gauge that the magical dagger would be worth roughly 4,000gp in trade. You have no real idea of the skull's worth - but can only think it novelty more than rarity.

Setesh similarly regards the proprieter with apparent surprise.

"Who said anthing about servicing the Rough Beast's faithful? I was thinking more of the discerning private collector or academic specializing in religious artifacts, perhaps even one of the curators of comparative religion at the Sothis museum..."

If anyone else would like to chime in with an Appraise, feel free :-)

I can't appraise, but I can intimidate...if it comes down to that :-) (although considered extortion in some parts). But perhaps a stray Diplomacy can help.

[ooc]Diplomacy -> 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Noor comes out of changing booth and hears the men still bickering. Something must be done.

Noor comes back to the trading floor trailing two silk robes, while wearing a third. She walks up and gives a small twirl, the fabric catching in all the right places, and then starts swapping the other silks, pressing them up against her. "Which do you think? This?..or how about this one? Feel how smooth. and she holds an arm out for the proprietor to rub the silken arm. "Did your wife choose these? You must be a lucky man...or was it your careful eye to find such special items like these robes? Yes I can see that that now looking at the other fine items in this shop." She drapes another robe over her arm for him to feel.

She then stops and looks at the items still scattered about the floor. Oh...I'm sorry. I thought we would have finished this by now. I was eager to buy one of these, but I will go put them back then and perhaps come back later...what a shame." and starts to head to the back of the shop again.

Neutral expression "There is no need to wait shaykhah, I have settled upon a price that I am willing to offer... 5,000gp in goods for the beastly dagger and skull - the other items I would offer you coin."

For the M-work daggers and other mundanes - straight half value in gold and jewels.
Let's work out the nitty gritty of exactly what you are after in retrospect so we can introduce our potential fifth.

As you complete your transactions with the osiriani man who owns the store he counts and recounts your coin and the exchange is carried out. Just as he bows low to signify the successful completion of the exchange - you hear yelling and commotion outside.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20.

Setesh frowns, and turns to Noor.

"I think that there is something happening outside..."

He then gingerly peers out the door, to see what all of the fuss is about...

You hear from somewhere outside.

I am no thief you fat buffoon. Perhaps if you were in an honest business you would not need your goons.

Setesh casually wanders in the general direction of the commotion...

Stepping out onto the street you find an angry looking portly Osiriani gentleman who is flanked by a pair of burly half-orcs. He is stalking towards a backpedalling female witch. The gent continues "Don't lie to me witch, I saw your fingers and mouth twitch towards me. They have cost me and I'll take them from you as debt paid" At the twitch of the man's head the two half-orcs move forward towards the woman...

Ba, your game is so deceitful that even if I did attempt to help, the odds were still in your favor.

I cast Daze - DC 14 - on one of the thugs, and then continue to back up.

"Now, now. Let's try to resolve this situation amicably."

Setesh turns to Kytana.

"Did you try to influence his game?"

He then turns back to the proprieter.

"Were you running an honest game?"

Setesh then shrugs.

"If we have to resort to violence, trust me when I say that it will not end well for you..."

Tarik idly browses the many fine items available in the shop. "Such interesting styles! These are certainly more exotic than anything I could find in Quantium. Oh, this is marvelous!" He mostly ignores the banter between Setesh and the proprietor.

His overly amazed shopping experience is interrupted as Setesh comments about a commotion outside. Raising his eyebrows, Tarik shrugs, intending to go back to shopping. As his alchemist comrade leaves the shop, however, he sighs in annoyance and after a couple moments decides to follow the man. "For once I'd like to complete a trip to anywhere without some type of incident bothering me."

Tarik wanders up behind Setesh as he is acting as a mediator between a fat man and a woman. "I don't like having my shopping interrupted by fools attacking women. Leave her be, or I'll turn you into ashes."

Setesh sighs, and shakes his head sadly.

"I did try to warn you... Letting this issue drop would [probably be an eminently sensible move..."

Heh. The irony of Setesh playing 'good cop' is not lost on me :-P

"Another commotion on a day full of them, wonderful wonders."

The dwarf steps out on to the dusty street following the others, only mildly distracted by the beautiful desert princess, saying nothing as the rest of the group makes their thoughts known quite well enough.

The fat Osiriani begins to turn and respond to the shouted opinions of the newcomers when the woman casts a spell against one of the half-orcs...
Will Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
...leaving him shaking his head as though his thoughts had turned to fog. That snaps it as far as the man is concerned, he barks at the half-orcs "Kill the witch." and the other of the thugs surges after Kytana. The portly gent stalks forward also, long khopesh drawn from where it hangs at his side.

I'll roll init when it is needed, but Kytana has a choice:
Fight - stand your ground, and it will turn into a street fight.
Flight - turn and run, where it will become a chase. You have the choice of running towards the newcomers or away entirely. Running towards the others would be more difficult as you'd need to run past the fat man and half-orc along the way.

Noor hears the commotion. Her initial reaction is to run to the street, but she stops that instinct when she realizes she is still draped in silks not her own. She heads to the back to change back to her own clothes.

I continue to back away as fast and far as I can. I wish I had interfered with your corrupt game. You lost and are now trying to blame it on an innocent woman. And your brave group of woman attackers seems to be rapidly dwindling. With good bystanders seeking to help me. Once more, I am going to slow you down. If you continue to follow, it will not end well for you, or your faithful goons. - - - Oh, and I do believe that a poor street urchin is stealing your ill begotten gains while you chase me.

Cast Hold Person on the fat man. DC16

Intimidate: 1d20 ⇒ 15

Kytana, I'll take that as a flight response and presently away from the party taking the easiest route. Spell is not yet cast as we are now going to initiative for a...

Chase Scene:

Anyone not know how these work? - a couple of examples with explanation are: here and there

Action Tracker (Round 1): Thuggees, Kytana, Fat Man, Noor, Tarik, Grynbarl, Setesh

Noor - there was a bit of time between your last post and the commotion, so no need to change out of silks unless you feel the need to :)

The first thuggee is still shaking off the effect of Kytana's earlier daze and is unable to cogently act. The second yells at the market goers "Move, out of the way"...
Intimidate: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
...parting the crowd like the red sea.

Positions:
Card 2: Thuggee #2, Kytana
Card 1: Fat Man, Thuggee #1
Card 0: Setesh, Noor, Grynbarl, Tarik

Card 2: Uncertain Footing:
Leaving the main market street for a side souk, the cobbled floor is strewn with sand and produce for sale lines the shoplots at the side of the alley.
Step Around: dextrous placement of feet allow for swift movement (Acrobatics or Reflex)
Like a Bullock: charge through trusting to strength and force (Bullrush)

Card 0: The Gambit Begins:
From your vantage across the street you see the woman turn to flight and the thugs move to follow. Between you and the ability to act lies a thoroughfare where bullock carts are passing.
Weave the Needle: you spot a means of crossing through good timing (Perception)
Channel your Inner Ass: a word, gesture or rump slap ceases the bullock's movement making your passage easier (Handle Animal)

Round 1:

With a snarl, Setesh attempts to bat bullocks out of the way, and find a quick way through the crowd...

Handle Animal: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (19) + 0 = 19.
Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23.

Round 1 - Card 2
Seeing the thugs begin to chase, I carefully run through the area to avoid tripping.

Reflex:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Kytana easily finds safe footing and leaves the thug behind her. She is surprised to find that one of the onlookers that spoke has managed to pick a path across the street that bypassed the thugs and used a laying bullock as a springboard into the alley.

Successful three card move for Setesh

The fat man attempts to follow in the wake of his thug...
Intimidate: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
...barely able to make progress with withering glares left and right at the milling crowd.

Action Tracker (Round 1): Thuggees, Kytana, Fat Man, Noor, Tarik, Grynbarl, Setesh

Positions:
Card 3: Kytana, Setesh
Card 2: Thuggee #2, Fat Man
Card 1: Thuggee #1
Card 0: Setesh, Noor, Grynbarl, Tarik

Tarik tries to spot a way through the mess, searching desperately.

Perception:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

trying this again...

Round 1

"Tck-Tck! Easy there big fella." Noor tries to calm the bulllock.

Handle Animal -> 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

"And here I thought to have a quiet day..."

Grynbarl beings to move as he attempts to pick a way through the passing carts.

Perception! 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Tarik barely finds safe passage across the street as Noor calms a bullock cart long enough to slip across. Grynbarl misjudges his path and is jostled by one of the carts.

The thuggee that was dazed comes to his senses and turns towards the newcomers brandishing a cudgel "Back off, this isn't any of yer business." standing to intercede with your path.
If you wish to move on from card 1 - you must first deal with the thuggee or risk an AoO.

The second thuggee sees the fat man draw up to him and pauses a moment so he might act with him.

Action Tracker (Round 2): Thuggee #1, Kytana, Fat Man + Thuggee #2, Noor, Tarik, Grynbarl, Setesh

Positions:
Card 3: Kytana, Setesh
Card 2: Thuggee #2, Fat Man
Card 1: Thuggee #1, Noor, Tarik
Card 0: Grynbarl

Card 1: Market Melee:
People mill about on the side of the street buying, selling, and the like.
Path of Intimidation: Tell the market goers to make way (Intimidate)
Golden Path: Sprinkle some coin and make progress as the customers scrabble to claim it (spread 2d6 gold pieces on the ground)

Card 3: Alley Cats:
The alley is quite crowded, but many stalls have awnings over them... perhaps they would hold your weight.
Up and Over: Climb a stack of boxes and dance across the awnings (Climb)
Straight Through: Lower the shoulder and CHAAARGE! (Bullrush / Trip)

Bullrush: 1d20 ⇒ 3

Realizing that I simply do not have the strength to get through the crowd, I turn to the newcomer.

Morning, since you do not appear to be attacking me, I hope you are a friend. I have no interest in hurting these cheats, although I am sure that they would not pay me the same respect. I can increase your ability to land blows, but you must promise that you will attempt to simply subdue these fools.

I use my fortune hex on Setesh.

Fortune (Su): The witch can grant a creature within 30 feet a bit of good luck for 1 round. The target can call upon this good luck once per round, allowing him to reroll any ability check, attack roll, saving throw, or skill check, taking the better result. He must decide to use this ability before the first roll is made. At 8th level and 16th level, the duration of this hex is extended by 1 round. Once a creature has benefited from the fortune hex, it cannot benefit from it again for 24 hours.

Kytana - in general if you try to move a card, then that is your standard action for the turn.
However in this case I'll just assume that the attempted bullrush didn't happen - ie. you thought you wouldn't be able to keep moving, so instead you talked to Setesh and granted him fortune.

The thuggee attempts to break through the crowd...
Bullrush: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
...but is unsuccessful.

With a grace belying his bulk, the fat man slithers...
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
...in and out and between, drawing up near to Setesh and Kytana.

Action Tracker (Round 2): Thuggee #1, Kytana, Fat Man + Thuggee #2, Noor, Tarik, Grynbarl, Setesh

Positions:
Card 3: Kytana, Setesh, Fat Man
Card 2: Thuggee #2
Card 1: Thuggee #1, Noor, Tarik
Card 0: Grynbarl

Round 2:

Setesh tosses back his head, and downs the contents of a small vial.

With a howl, which becomes deeper and more bestial as it continues, Setesh's features warp and twist, adopting a much more monstrous configuration.

Flexing his claws, and grinning with too sharp teeth, he addresses the 'Fat Man'.

"I have been asked to keep you alive, but I think now might be an excellent time to give you a strictly limited offer: BACK OFF. Otherwise, your entrails, and those of your thugs, will be spread across the street..."

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11.
Sense Motive: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (4) - 2 = 2.

The portly gent continues to stalk forwards unbowed...

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

You heard my friend. I took nothing from you an now you are chasing me like the thug you are. Walk away now, of suffer whatever consequences may befall you.

5-foot move behind Setesh.

Please attempt to not kill him, I do not wish to be chased out of this town by the officials.

Move Action - Cackle (continues Fortune)
Standard Action - Evil Eye Hex on Fat Man (-2 on Saving Throws, lasts 7 rounds, only 1 round if Will save is made) - DC15

Going for a double move

Calling on the voice used so well when she grew up as the princess of her people.

"You will move! Now!"
Intimidate -> 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23

Those not bright or quick enough to move she scatters a handful of coins.
2d6 ⇒ (3, 3) = 6 gold

She draws her sword as she moves, but will leave it to the Thugee to make a fight out of this. Open to AoO

Perception -> 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Sense Motive -> 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (1) + 0 = 1

Cursing his luck and stout dwarven frame, Grynbarl continues to attempt weaving through the carts and bullocks and people to maintain contact with these strangers.

Perception! 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

The thuggee lashes out with his cudgel at Noor's legs as she passes...
Trip: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
...missing her badly.
Noor - I've put you forward two cards so that you're even with Setesh and Kytana

Grynbarl continues to have trouble with the bullock carts crossing the street, his low stature making it difficult to get a good view of the street.

Setesh embraces his inner beast and grows bestial in nature. Sharp claws and wicked teeth await the fat man's bulk.

Kytana's action held until Round 3 - Tarik to come to close out Round 2

Action Tracker (Round 2): Thuggee #1, Kytana, Fat Man + Thuggee #2, Noor, Tarik, Grynbarl, Setesh

Positions:
Card 3: Kytana, Setesh, Noor, Fat Man
Card 2: Thuggee #2
Card 1: Thuggee #1, Tarik
Card 0: Grynbarl

"Curse you and your scurrilous louse of a misbegotten cart-pulling-ox! Despoiler of fine confections! Oral molester of mountain goats!"

Grynbarl's stream of curses grew steadily more esoteric and confusing rather than insulting as he attempted, for the third time, to chase these strangers and the danger presented therein.

Perceptorizing 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Cursing too much? Not entertaining?