GM BPC's Deepmarket Deception PbP (Inactive)

Game Master Black Powder Chocobo

"We are here to see the Praetor on Society business."

"We also heard you have a kobold problem. Perhaps we could be of some help." Gob adds as he is unsure of the Societies influence out here in the jungle.

"Society? Pathfinders... you got some nerve showing your face here."

At Gob's comment, the other guard answers, "You outta be since it's your damn Society's fault. I'll let you in, though the Praetor's talking to someone else wanting to take care of the problem, too."

The two guards open the doors to the garrison, revealing a large open entry room. On either side are doors, one filled with weapons, the other with a number of bunks. Straight ahead is a room filled with maps as a planning and staging room. Two men are in debate upon your arrival.

Praetor Sylien is in mid-conversation with a lanky Garundi man in fine attire and bearing an ebony staff topped with a silver serpent at the head, their conversation ending abruptly and a disdainful look coming at the latest arrivals to the meeting room. One of the guards gives a telling nod from behind that the Praetor, a man whose sun-beaten face and silver hair shows the true age of the man who moves and speaks with the pride and stature of someone half his years.

Images of these two men are under the 'Scions maps and documents' link that can be found under my profile or with the campaign info, including at the top of the tabs here :)

"Pathfinders. I shouldn't be surprised. Only your organization would have the gall to so brazenly show its face when you've already caused so much damage.", the Garundi quips.

"Pathfinders...", the Praetor's voice lacking the disdain of his contemporary, almost as if apologizing for his tone. "This is Amersanus Valacosti of the Aspis Consortium. We've been discussing the troubles Fort Bandu has faced of late - troubles caused by your organization. I was unwilling to disclose the details to Mistress Allahe by courier, but now that you have arrived, I feel it pertinent to explain the nature of Fort Bandu's... misgivings." Sylien motions for everyone to sit down, including Amersanus who glares at the party before flashing a noble smile at the Praetor and accepting the offer, limping on his right leg as he sits.

Venture-Captain Sharrowsmith came through here some months ago, gathering supplies and information before setting off on an expedition into the hills. There, he roused the local kobold tribes and angered them enough that they now actively raid our settlements and mining operations."

"Mr. Valacosti and I were discussing how the Aspis Consortium may be able to help repair the damage your Society has inflicted on the people of Fort Bandu. Now that you have arrived, perhaps we can have a more balanced mediation. Your Pathfinder Society has a damaged reputation in the Bandu Hills, so I ask you state your business and why you think I should allow you to even so much as stay within the fort's walls. What knowledge do you have of this land and its people that could prevent this situation from deteriorating further? I will only entertain questions regarding Sharrowsmith once I'm assure that providing you information will not further endanger my charges."

At this point, Praetor Sylien has prompted you all to give him reasons why you should even be in the area, particularly about your knowledge of the handling the terrain, geography, and people of this area. While some skills may be obvious, I will entertain other skills if effort is put forth.

A low growl rumbles in Wyeth's throat. "Aspis," he says very quietly to Marduk. "Why am I not surprised?"

Gripping his fauchard-staff so tightly that his knuckles turn white, the half-elf bites his tongue, knowing anything he says will only make the situation worse.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Wyeth had a race change? :P

An auto-correct imposed one, yes. :op Apparently I've typed "half-orc" on my phone more often than I have "half-elf"... and you spotted it before I could get the edit through. :op

-Posted with Wayfinder

Marduk shows no signs of hostility, but a sharp stare shows he's not too amused either.

"The Aspis should be thankful, last time we assured their survival."

Good for playing the Aspis hate, but don't forget to make your case to the Praetor! Knowledges, Survival, and other skills can help you here :)

"While I am young, I've represented the Pathfinders' interests all over the Inner Sea, from here to the Land of the Linnorm Kings, and from Riddleport to the River Kingdoms. I am a skilled diplomat and have helped improve the Pathfinder's standing in many other countries, something I hope I can do here as well. I speak many languages and even when I don't speak the same tongue, I can still communicate with my violin." She whips out her fiddles and plays something flashy for 30 seconds.

"While I've never been to this region, I've done my research and have learned a good deal about the region's history, the resources which draw people to the place in spite of the dangers, and I've dealt with little pests like the Kobolds before, specifically goblins."

"I know, for example, that kobolds are cowardly in general, and so they usually try to make their enemies come after them in places where they have set traps. I have some skill in spotting and disarming such traps. So it's odd that such craven creatures would be so bold as to attack settlements in the open. I find it hard to believe one man could cause such a change in their nature. I would ask you to remember that while Sharrowsmith may be a Pathfinder venture captain, don't assume all Pathfinders will pursue the same goals as he or use his same methods. We are here to find him, and if he has done wrong, we will do what we can to set it right. For what it's worth, we've uncovered some clues to what he was looking for and he was acting on his own initiative and was not pursing official Pathfinder objectives."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (13) + 15 = 28

@Shasta: If you want to convey the knowledge, I'll need Kn: Local, instead of Diplomacy. If you just wish to Diplomacy, then expand on why.

knowledge(local): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

I was trying to demonstrate her diplomatic skills as well, so both rolls may help. I'm not sure what you mean by "expand on why" regarding the value of diplomacy. If a diplomatic solution can be found to the kobolds' hostility, that seems self-evidently valuable.

Diplomacy is good, and that may come up later, but since the Praetor was hoping for specific information, rolls related to those skills are better. If you wanted to use Diplomacy (and that good roll) for this, I wanted to know how it would be relevant to the Praetor's request. I did not get from your text that you could try and diplomacize with the kobolds for peace versus other methods.

That said, good Knowledge roll! I'll wait for others to chime in first before progressing.

Knowledge (geography): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26 That's a pretty good one. So, what does Z know that might impress the Praetor?

Do you want to know about kobolds or the people?

Know Geography: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
Know History: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
Know Local: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
Know Nature: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25
Know Religion: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

Gob shares what he knows about the local area and it's history. The local tribes and various expeditions. Local animals and dangerous plants and any undead that he previously established to be in the area. "I am also fluent in Draconic the language used by kobolds." Gob nods to himself, Master Zey would be pleased.

Between Shasta, Zadim, and Gob, the Praetor nods in agreement about the kobold threats, the general terrain information, and the local tribes.

"It seems you have done your research.", the Praetor accepting the party's response. Valacosti grows increasingly incensed as the party makes their case. "Sharrowsmith also professed an intimidate understanding of the region and its delicate balance of power as well, and behold the results: dozens dead, dozens more missing, kobolds attacking out mining operations, and people living in fear of the next raid. Praetor, with all due respect, you cannot allow these Pathfinders to exacerbate an already delicate situation."

The praetor remains patient. "Amersamus does make a good point. Sharrowsmith was a well-read and knowledgeable man, yet he disappeared in these jungles and caused damage we're only beginning to feel the impact of thanks to the local kobold tribes. How is your expedition different? Do you have the necessary strength to survive in this environment where so many others cannot? Show me that those weapons and spellbooks you carry are not just for show."

The praetor stands back to give the party space to demonstrate the martial and magical skills.

For this challenge, each party member can make a single caster level, combat manuever, or Spellcraft check to show off your skills. If you have some elaborate ideas, I'll allow that, too, but you all can tell that you must show off your combat abilities.

Marduk quietly draws his whip, then suddenly lashes out at Valacosti's leg.

Trip: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 6 + 2 = 20

He turns to the praetor.
"Sorry, i'd hate to demonstrate it on any furniture and he looks like a durable man. Nothing personal."

But it feels good.

Something like that?

Oh yes :)

Okay, I'm sorry guys, but CN Wyeth simply can't let these slurs go unchallenged, even if it hurts our chances. But he'll try to keep it relatively civil. :o)

... 7... 8... 9... 10.

After a deep breath -- broken only slightly by the snerk that escapes when Marduk uses Valacosti for target practice -- Wyeth speaks to the Garundi man as matter-of-factly as he can manage.

"Interesting comments coming from an Aspissant, considering recent events. Still, this is the Mwangi Expanse, so perhaps news from Bloodcove and environs travels slowly, despite the relative proximity. As such, I'll presume you simply haven't heard yet."

"Or would prefer to pretend it didn't happen."

Turning to Sylien, he gives a subtle but polite nod before continuing. "Praetor, some of us are newly returned from another mission in the Expanse, our location and availability most likely the reason we were asked to join this expedition. A band of Aspis... representatives... did their best to end all our lives on the journey to an archaeological dig. A research site to which we'd been dispatched to lend aid. They were unsuccessful," he said, giving Valacosti a stern look and not mentioning how close they'd come in Wyeth's case.

"As Marduk alluded, not long after we reached the fortification a certain Aspis contingent arrived in panic, a wave of angry apes hot on their heels. Despite their earlier behavior we granted them asylum and saved their lives -- a decision I still question," he said with another pointed glance at the Garundi.

"We repelled that attack just as we've successfully dealt with other Mwangi-spawn on earlier missions, and we have always worked for the safety of all involved... not a motive I can similarly attribute to the Aspis Consortium."

"As for our abilities... let's just say it's not always a choice between weapons," he says as he briefly waggles his fauchard, "and 'spellbooks,' as you put it. In fact, some of us don't need spellbooks or symbols at all. Isn't that right, Amersamus."

So saying, Wyeth mutters something under his breath and makes a subtle hand motion in the Garundi man's direction.

Invoking Fear against Valacosti. Frightened for 1d4 ⇒ 1 rounds or DC 13 Will save to Shaken for one round (which I should think would still be clearly visible in the man's demeanor).

Let's throw a Diplomacy roll on that speech as well for grins. (Relative to the Praetor; I couldn't care less how Valacosti reacts.)

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

High 5 on that Wyeth ^^

I so hope he pees himself. :oD

Clarifying the relevance of diplomacy:

"...was not pursing official Pathfinder objectives. You want us to repair damage, let us locate these kobolds and I can discover what has provoked them to leave their normal hiding places. If their truculence is Sharrowsmith's doing, we will negotiate. If we need a show of force, my fellow Pathfinders and I should be able to manage that as well.

"Of course, any good negotiator also needs to be able to bluff her way to an agreement when other methods fail. I'm an excellent gambler. If you want to see how good, let's break out the cards and play some poker."

She lays a deck of cards on the table, along with a pouch of coins and looks confidently into the eyes of the Praetor. She pointedly ignores the Garundi Aspis representative.

Bluff: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24
Profession(Gambler): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

While Marduk shows off his whipcraft, Shasta uses the distraction to cast Detect Magic and then begins to study the auras in the room. Then she will use spellcraft and Knowledge (Arcana) to try to evaluate the school of magic and Spellcraft to identify any magic items.

In case there are more than one object and/or spell effect, I will roll multiple times under spoilers. Choose the effect/item before looking at the spoiler. Let me know if there are more than three.

Zadim nods at Shasta. "If something has disturbed the kobolds it would be best to deal with the cause, not the effect. I have some experience dealing with intransigent problems." He whips out one of his kukris to slash through one of the less valuable looking items on the Praetor's desk, sheathing his blade an instant later, the entire motion one smooth movement.

Kukri vs loose item on Praetor's desk: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16

@Zadim: Can you give me an Appraise or Intelligence check?

Gob gives the man a hard stare. "I am not an acrobat here to perform tricks for you. I believe you have seen enough of our abilities and further demonstrations may lead to the further destruction of your property." Gob makes a nod at the item Zadim sliced in half.

@Gob: That is a good line, just curious as to Zadim's roll to see what gets sliced and the reaction there in. If you wish, you can make a Diplomacy check.

An Aspis wax figurine perhaps.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21

Int check: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 Wow, that's a 'smashes the Praetor's vase full of his mother's ashes' kind of roll. Man.

It is rather clear that Zadim is just as displeased with being asked to perform as Gob.

Ouch, that's a classic Wyeth roll! :op

-Posted with Wayfinder

Does Shasta discover any magic on either of these guys? If so, she will try to reveal what she knows in an interesting way.

That was indeed poorly timed.

Sorry Shasta, I wrote my post while you typed your most recent one... I gave you the info below, sorry for taking away any awesome descriptions you'd give.

Amersamus jumps at Marduk's lash, giving the half-orc a nasty glare, one that is then followed by eyes filled with hate at Wyeth's speech. "I understand that your two organizations hold no love for each other, but I am primarily concerned with the safety of Fort Bandu.", he replies to the half-elf's scathing review.

Valacosti Will: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13 Valacosti shakes briefly, but continues to glare darkly at the party.

Shasta gets an approving nod from after she shows off her magical expertise, noting that the walking stick carried by Amersanus is magical, with the spellstoring capability in it. Meanwhile, the Praetor's blade bears the merciful enchantment while his armor is +2 studded leather.

"Very good, miss Shasta.", the Praetor responds. Before he can get another word in, Zadim slices at the first object he sees, a jar of family ashes an ink quill that is now split in two, black liquid oozing from the top. Sylien gives a quick scowl at the Osirion man, but Gob tries to assuage the situation.

The Praetor grasps the brow of his nose, sighs, and nods in agreement. "That you have, half-orc Pathfinder.", he responds.

"Is that supposed to make an impression?!", Valacosti quick to dismiss the display of power. "If you think this situation can be solved at knifepoint or by brandishing some kindergarden hedge wizardy, you're as ignorant as your predecessor!", he hells at the party. "These Pathfinders will rush headlong into the jungle and slaughter the kobold tribe, creating a power vacuum among the other tribes and only worsen the disaster."

The Praetor's forehead wrinkles, as if the entire debate is causing a headache that won't go away. Sylien tries to remain impartial, though it is clear his patience is waning. "Once more, I find myself seeing reason in Valacosti's words. Strength of arms is all well and good, but this is a situation that will require a certain amount of finesse. How do I trust you to handle this situation with a level head and delicate touch when necessary? I have heard you vouch for your abilities miss Shasta, but can anyone else speak with honeyed words or practice necessary subterfuge?"

Unlike the other tests, this the Praetor only wants one person to show off his or her skill. However, the party can aid the one person if the skill is relevant. Shasta has already proven her competency, so she cannot be the one to present, but she can aid somehow.

"I may not be as comely or talented as our Shasta here, but I too believe the best course is not to confront the little kobolds with force, but to deal with the issues that brought them out of hiding and out into the open to trouble the folk and commerce of the region. Doing so is surely the mostly likely way to get them to scurry back to their hidey places. We are not without our own martial resources though, and if a fight is what it comes down to, we are ready for that, too - but I believe it should be a last resort. Still, we are well-prepared for either event."

diplo: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

Hakime posted first and is the winnar!

Sylien nods quietly before Valacosti makes one last appear. "Praetor, I implore you, send these Pathfinders back from where they came from. This is neither the place nor the time for their presence. For the sake of the people of Fort Bandu, do not let them worsen the situation."

The praetor acknowledges both the party and Valacosti with a silent nod and appears be solemnly finalizing his decision.

Last round! This time, it will be a Diplomacy check! Anyone can roll on it; highest is the primary and everyone else is aiding. Also, for your prior successes for making your cases to the Praetor, the highest roll also gets a +5 bonus applied.

"If as has been said, the Society might have some fault here, surely it is our duty if nothing else, to set things right... at least give us that opportunity, good Praetor."

diplo, aid dc 10: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

pitiful roll, at least it made the dc to aid

Marduk remains silent, not having so much diplomatic skills.

"I always prefer a diplomatic solution to bloodshed. We have demonstrated our familiarity with the land and its history. What we lack is solid information about recent events, particularly what--beyond the mere coincidence of Sharrowsmith's departure into the bush and the later incursions by the kobolds--makes you think he is responsible. In addition to our diverse set of skills, we have a key piece of information about what Sharrowsmith was looking for. With that information and your help, we should be able to reconstruct where he went and follow his steps and do what needs to be done to settle things down."

She glances at Valacosti and adds,"We'll also need an update on what the Aspis Consortium has been up to lately, since, as you have heard, they have demonstrated a willingness to sabotage the peacekeeping efforts of Pathfinders in the region."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16

Shasta keeps eye contact with the Praetor, but she knows that she is off balance here. Still she hopes she made a strong enough impression to win approval. She finally breaks eye contact and glances at her comrades, hoping for some back-up if anyone has anything.

Like Marduk, Wyeth too holds his tongue.

There's something he wants to say, but now is not the time...

@Wyeth and Marduk: This is your last attempt, so even aiming to aid the others may be beneficial. If you still wish to hold your tongue, that will be accepted.

No, i'm sure. The dice generator would break the negotiations. ^^

Ah, what the heck. Maybe he can dance around the issue.

"Seems to me the actual question you're considering is which representatives -- Aspis Consortium or Pathfinders -- you think the better choice," Wyeth opines. "Frankly, given each organization's well-known goals I don't understand how there can even be a question, Praetor."

"Myself, I'd like to know why you believe Sharrowsmith was the cause of all this," he finishes, cutting a sidelong glance at Valacosti but not saying what's on his mind.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

That's the art of diplomacy. It's not only about what you say but what you don't say. Well done.

Shasta glances at Wyeth and smiles, then looks at Gob and Zadim, hopeful that they'll add something to improve on what she tried to say.

"Seriously, just let us clean up this mess and send that clown home. Gob says as he nods at the Aspis agent.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

"If anything, cleaning up after Sharrowsmith, whatever he did, and repairing the reputation of the Pathfinders should give us more of a motivation to prevail than either altruism or greed."

Diplo Aid Another: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8 Geez. Dice-bot no likey.

The Praetor listens to the party's plea. While Zadim and Gob seem to do nothing to move the Praetor's will, Hakime's impassioned plea, combined with Shasta and Wyeth's contributions, causes the Praetor to once again nod silently. Meanwhile, Marduk simply stares down Vanacosti, almost as if he's trying to shut down the Aspis representative's arguments pre-emptively.

With a reserved sigh, the praetor relents. "As the Pathfinders are responsible for getting us into this mess, their words have shown me that they wish to atone by remedying the situation.", he says to the party, but the words are directed at Amersanus Vanacosi. "I'm putting my faith, and the lives of the people of Fort Bandu, in you. I pray that you do not betray that trust, for the consequences could be quite dire for all who call this home."

"Most unfortunate.", Vanacosti observes with disappointment that gives way to menacing resolve. "I believe you are making a grave mistake by placing any faith in these glorified tomb robbers, praetor. Once they fail, remember that the Aspis Consortium has extended a generous offer of aid in this troubling time. One can only hope that these Pathfinders do not exacerbate the situation further and necessitate our renegotiation of the terms." The Aspis agent quickly rolls up some vellum and excuses himself, leaving the party alone with the Praetor.

"Now you wanted to know about Sharrowsmith's whereabouts...", Sylien continuing on as if the veiled threat never occurred. "His last known location was the Gold Crown mining site about 20 miles away from here. I can provide you the rough route he traveled, too, in case you happen to find any clues during the journey as well. I'll also allow you to stay for the evening here in the barracks as you make preparations for your journey, unless you are so eager as to leave immediately and figure out how to keep the kobolds at bay."

Shasta keeps quiet as Vanacosti leaves, then exhales and relaxes. "Thank you for trusting us. We will do what we can to help. But now it's your turn to tell us what makes you think Sharrowsmith is responsible for the Kobold attacks. So far, we've only heard a post hoc ergo proctor hoc argument. What specific evidence makes you think there is a connection between Sharrowsmith's departure and the kobold incursions?" She is speaking much more formally than she usually does, thinking that the Praetor will respect her a little more if she speaks intelligently.

While she listens to his reply, she pulls out a document tube containing the text of the rubbing that Aya Allahe showed us.

"I am not sure exactly what he did, but Sharrowsmith must have had some interaction with the kobolds during his expedition. Typically the other mining operations would try and leave some berth from the little menaces due to the ferocity in which they hold onto their claims.", the praetor trying his best to answer Shasta's question. "However, the Venture-Captain's expedition headed along territory uncomfortably close to the little menaces. Whatever he did, he stirred up a wasp's nest of trouble.", Sylien sighing before continuing.

"What's worse is that the kobolds' attacks are out the ordinary in scope and ferocity; usually such attacks are them using shows of force to keep others out. But since Sharrowsmith's expedition, the kobolds have gone out of their way to attack sites some distance from their territory and approaching Fort Bandu. Also, instead of simply killing the miners, they are taking prisoners, too, for what reason is beyond our current intelligence."

"Unfortunately, I haven't the manpower to spare trying to figure out exactly what Sharrowsmith did to arouse the kobolds' ire and barely enough men to keep peace in the fort and protect those close to us; thus the lack of any definitive proof other than knowing the area Sharrowsmith headed to and the timing of the attacks. I wish not to regard your lives as mere pawns in protecting the fort, but it does rest easier on my conscious that I do not have to sacrifice the fort's defense for this journey and cannot help you beyond giving you a place to rest and whatever information that may be deemed useful."

Gob ponders for a moment before asking. "Since there have been several skirmishes with the kobolds, is it possible you have captured any alive?"

"No, they've been resorting to hit and run tactics and they always get the drop on the miners. Worse, they set up traps before the attacks which makes pursuit that much more dangerous."