GM BPC's PFS of Awesomeness! (Inactive)

Game Master Black Powder Chocobo

"We are ultimately assembling way more merchandise than would be normal for simply customers. Two tons of food, five cases of arrows--these are not typical purchases unless you are a merchant. We could talk like we're getting things ready to load onto a boat that is due to dock soon. Then arrange our caravan host to pick up the goods with the same cover story, but instead of delivering them to the docks, they leave town, at which point, it will be too late to try to interfere short of sending mercenaries to attack the convoy."

"We could make our first stop a clothiers shop and get some foppish merchant type robes that can hide our armor and some of our weapons. Do we want to stick together as a group or can we risk being more independent to throw off suspicion of us as a group?"

"Master Gangtee, you have obviously more experience with these kinds of things. Would it be that weird if I pose as a bodyguard?"

Sounds like posing as merchants with bodyguards is the foremost plan! As a heads up, whoever is posing as a merchant should be lightly armed and either let someone else carry those weapons or do a good job hiding it. If the merchant's armed to the teeth, then why are there bodyguards? If you fail to do this (or roll poorly on the Sleight of Hand checks to hide the weapons), then it'll be a penalty on the skill check I'll ask for when moving to place to place.

Want one more confirmation for this plan moving on as only Kerastes and Benson have posted something about how to navigate the dangerous trade port.

Also, there is now a Bloodcove map!

"I'm lightly armed and armored, but would be happy to pose as either a merchant or a guard, whatever is necessary."

I guess one thing I forgot to mention; not everyone has to do the same role. Those who just want to skulk in the shadows can while everyone else plays merchant, although I may impose a penalty here or there as one person or another tries to catch up with the group.

"I'd say i'm better for the role of bodyguard over posing as a merchant."

So far, Benson merchant, Marduk and Kerstases as bodyguards, Raevin either. Is that correct? Also, Wyeth... I assume bodyguard?

Not sure if a guy clomping around on a pegleg is convincing as a bodyguard. On the other hand, he's no good at skulking, either. Wadayall think?

Wyeth may have the best diplomacy score of anyone, plus he has a high charisma. I think he could make a convincing merchant if he wants to try. Benson could serve either function. His dueling sword would not be easy to hide, so someone would need to hold that. He would be more comfortable with his weapon and playing the bodyguard, but he'll pose as a merchant if when it will help.

Okay, CHA 14 sure, but I should also point out the INT 8.

Wyeth frowns. "I guess I could pose as a merchant," he says doubtfully, "but you'll have to tell me exactly what to say. Other than buying stuff from them, I have no idea about merchants."

"Can't walk around with this, I suppose."He looks at his fauchard, then reluctantly hands it to Marduk. "Must I lose my helmet also?"

How convenient Marduk partially grew up on the markets.

"I'll keep this thing safe.
Hmm, the main thing about merchants is that when they wish to buy, they want to buy cheap, or as cheap as possible. Which usually involves either complaining until you're blue on the mouth, like this one time i saw a man at a pet shop do with a dead bird, or offering a small favor in trade for lowering the prices to a profitable amount."

"Ah, they also appreciate tips on where one might be successful in selling specific goods, sort of an unofficial currency."

"I think as long as you haggle on the price a bit, you'll be okay. I heard a hilarious story about a young man who was trying to escape some soldiers in a city market place and he saw something he could use as a disguise, but when he went to buy it, he just wanted to give the seller the price he asked for initially. The seller got all surly and insisted they haggle on the price. It was hilarious. Tries to give the kid haggling instructions on the spot. Meanwhile the soldiers are getting closer." Benson begins to laugh as he tries to continue. Then he notices no one else is laughing.

"Guess you had to hear the story as I did. Anyway, if we're dealing with House Cartahegn, you probably don't need to worry too much. If they get suspicious, we can identify ourselves as Pathfinders on a mission and they'll keep our secret safe, if Aram's word can be trusted about them helping us in the past and being enemies of the Aspis Consortium."

"We probably need to locate Raimondo Scevola and find out how we should arrange delivery of the merchandize to his caravan. The other concern I have is keeping our money safe. I wonder if House Cartahegn has anything that resembles a bank where we could deposite the money and then as we make purchases, sign some kind of payment voucher that the House would honor, so we don't have to dirty our clean merchant hands with all that filthy money." As he says this last part, he affects a haughty sneer of a wealthy noble from Taldan.

"Before we do any of that, we need to skulk into town and locate a House Cartahegn clothier and get these two suited up, unless you already have something that could serve."

@GM: Do we know how to identify House Cartegn? Some kind of house emblem?

Also, how many ships are currently docked in town? Are the docks able to accomodate a full size merchant ship, or would ships have to anchor further up river and transfer merchandise via smaller boats?

I ask the latter because I'm thinking Benson could pose as a ship captain or First Mate, but if there's only a couple of ships docked at once, it might be obvious that he's posing, particularly to merchants who already know the captains of the ships in dock. But if there are ten ships in dock at any given time, it would be easier to pull off.

@Benson: The location is actually marked on a map of Bloodcove provided by Aram Zey (the Bloodcove map link).

It is an ocean port and a fairly large one, too. There are more than a dozen vessels docked currently.

Also, for posing as a merchant, it would be a Diplomacy or an Appraise check by default. I can substitute another skill check, albeit at a penalty. Likewise, bodyguards must make a Disguise or Intimidate check to look/act like a suitable, surly bodyguard of the area.

As far as getting dressed up for the role, you'll actually find little of gaudy outfits. They're highly impractical is this rugged heat and clime as well as mark you as an easy target for one thing or another. Unless your chosen outfit is something strange (priest robes for example), most any garb will suffice for the merchant role.

So far, we have Wyeth as merchant. Benson/Raevin to suit any role as needed. Marduk and Kerstases as bodyguards.

They party goes over their roles outside of town, agrees to a consensus, then makes their way into the Aspis-controlled pirate town. At this time of day, the streets are busy and its easy to get lost in the crowd. Likewise, a number of dark alleys get your attention as the feel unscrupulous eyes spying the masses gets on your nerves. Following the directions on the map, the party makes their way to Rulkep Tonics...

I need a skill check from everyone. Merchants: Diplomacy/Appraise. Bodyguards: Disguise/Intimidate

Intimidate: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Marduk tries to keep his face with a more savage gaze.

But bodyguards can look civil can't they?

A small bell rings as the door opens into Rulkep Tonics. Colorful bottles and bags of powder decorate the shelves while curious, twisted roots and larger bottles lie securely beneath a glass countertop. Several disinterested customers mill about, eyeing you suspiciously before examining the shelves once again. A gaunt half-elven man steps out from a doorway behind the countertop, his dusky skin gleaming slightly from perspiration. He smiles crookedly from behind the counter. "Welcome to Rulkep Tonics, friends. What can I do for you today?"

The shopkeep eyes the other customers uneasily for a moment before his expression shifts distinctly to fear. Silently, but clearly, he mouths a single word: "Help."

Rulkep Tonics map added. Note that the crates and freestanding shelves in the center count as difficult terrain to pass through if that is your goal.

@Marduk: In other locations, sure... but Bloodcove isn't other locations :) Still. The sight of a muscular, imposing half-orc is usually enough for most people to give some wide berth and you are no exception.

I'll go as merchant too I guess

Raevin looks over the various goods in the shop, assessing their relative values.

appraise: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

Intimidate: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Kerastes nods to the shopkeeper and tries to discern if the other customers carry any weapons or anything that might give away their allegiance to a certain consortium.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

No aiding others on this, but so far, so good!

@Kerstases: The men are armed with a crossbow, a scimitar, and a sap. You don't see the Aspis Consortium badge on them, but they do wear a scrimshaw bracelet.

"Oi! Whachu lookin' at, freak?", two of the men sneer at Kerstases. The shopkeep looks frightened right now as the brutes await your reply.

Best to have the bodyguards outnumber the body's to be guarded, so Benson will be a bodyguard as well.

intimidate: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

When the armed men start to act belligerent, Benson will move over to put himself between Wyeth and the one to the east of him. His hands are on his hips, ready to draw his sword and dagger.

"Just checking if there is anything dangerous in here, so far I haven't seen anything that can be classified as such" Kerastes sneers back.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

@Benson: Sword at your side while travelling through Bloodcove, your standard sailor's garb and rugged looks make you fit right in. Only Wyeth left to go!

@Kerastes: One of the men becomes living, flaring his nostrils in rage. "Oh, you think you want some of dis? You ain't got nuttin on dis!", taking his sap and smashing a nearby vial.

Counter Intimidate!: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 3 - 2 = 7

However, your stony face only amplifies that this doesn't scare you.

"Oi! Let's show deez punks some Bloodcove 'ospitality!"

Init Order: (bold = up!)
Blue
Marduk
Kerastes
Benson
Red
Wyeth
Raevin
Yellow (shaken for 1 round)

The thug closest to the alchemist takes his sap and tries to bean the half-orc!

Blue Sap @ FF Marduk: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Damage on hit: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Marduk's training, through, prove more than enough to dodge the clumsy, angry blow!

Init Order: (bold = up!)
Blue
Marduk
Kerastes
Benson
Red
Wyeth
Raevin
Yellow (shaken for 1 round)

Rulkep Tonics map updated!

The location is actually marked on a map of Bloodcove provided by Aram Zey (the Bloodcove map link).

Which number is the House Cartegn? And do we know what the other two numbers represent? I may post my action for the fight later this afternoon, or late tonight. I'm working night classes now.

You do: There should be a legend on the left hand side (may need to scroll to see it, sometimes Google Drawings are weird like that). Just to answer your question, that's number 2. Number 1 is Senzer Tonics where you are now.

Benson draws his sword, takes it in a two-handed grip, and tries to draw first blood. [AC = 18]

Benson makes no trash-talk as he fights. His eyes focus intently on his opponent and he fights with ruthless efficiency.

Dueling Sword, Crit 19-20: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

"Guh! Deez guz're fightin' back!", the one in the back cries out, bleeding from the cut inflicted by Benson.

"Didn't your mother teach you manners, punk!?"

Marduk strikes back at blue.
Elbow to face: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21 Dmg: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Knee to gut: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12 Dmg: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

He then 5ft steps back, to prevent flanking next turn.

@Marduk: Your elbow connects with the thug's cheek, but you lost the momentum to have your knee strike deliver enough force to damage him through his armor.

Init Order: (bold = up!)
Blue (4 damage)
Marduk
Kerastes
Benson
Red (8 damage)
Wyeth
Raevin
Yellow (shaken for 1 round)

Kerastes draws his morningstar in a twohanded grip and steps into the space just vacated by Marduk. He then attacks viciously, trying to take the hurt one out before he can do something.

Attack on Blue: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Whoops! Just realized I misread the hit points...

Kerastes' mighty swing knocks the man up into the air, sending him to unconsciousness as he lands on the ground. The man Benson cut, clutching his wound, now passes out from the bleeding as well.

Only one of the thugs remains, quite panicked at that!

Init Order: (bold = up!)
Blue (12 damage, bleeding out)
Marduk
Kerastes
Benson
Red (8 damage, bleeding out)
Wyeth
Raevin
Yellow (shaken for 1 round)

Raevin draws his rapier.... but stays behind the fighters, trying to look more frightened himself than threatening (just to keep in character).

"Master, we will handle this. It's what you pay us to do" Kerastes confidently says as he sees Raevin drawing his rapier.

Raevin: Give me a Bluff check!

bluff: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

The man is thoroughly afraid of the slender merchant's bodyguards and appears to be wanting to make a break for it!

Raevin makes a dismissive gesture with his free hand and says softly. "Let him go spread the tale of your prowess and perhaps others will leave us alone, boys."

I'll wait til around lunch for Wyeth, then delaying him and continuing.

Sorry for the delay. I think I'm coming out of the time crunch, finally. Intentionally mixed past- and present-tense below, to catch up with the story.

Wyeth cringed when the man broke the vial, calling out, "Here now, perhaps I wanted to buy that! Don't be destroying perfectly good merchandise!"

He otherwise stood passively by, watching the skirmish unfold. Outwardly, he gave the impression of annoyed disinterest, as if he knew he was in no danger thanks to the bodyguards. Internally, he was struggling with himself not to grab his fauchard from Marduk and show these vermin a thing or two.

Now, seeing doubt -- if not outright fear -- on the face of the last ruffian standing, he casually picks up a piece of glassware and examines it as he speaks again, almost distractedly.

"I suggest you... 'gentlemen'... be on your way. Go accost some other merchant. Or come back after we're done with our negotiations, I don't really care. But you're wasting my time, and time is money, and wasting money annoys me."

He levels his gaze at the criminal element. "Don't make me angry. You won't like Marduk when I'm angry."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

EDIT: Oops, missed the request for a roll to pose as a merchant. But I rolled and posted the Intimidate first, so I'll put the Diplomacy here so as not to change the earlier result. GM, please use them in whichever order you believe is fairest.

Diplomacy (to pose as merchant): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

A smirk with a frown shows on Marduk's face.

"Indeed sir."
Hehehe

No worries Wyeth, either roll aced your check!

"Y-y-you'll regret this! Ichon'll have yer heads!", he cries out, scurrying like the coward he is.

The shopkeep sighs, both in relief... but with a hint of disappointment, too. He wipes his brow and dries off his hand with his leather apron. "Thank you... Pathfinders I assume? I've been expecting you ever since I stopped contact. I apologize for that but...", the man looks to his office then looks back at you. "A tragic illness grips my poor son, Roald, and a woman named Lura Ichon claimed to have a cure. I signed away my entire operation to the heartless wench to cure my son, but I have discovered that the elixirs she gives me are diluted with cheap rum to the point of being nearly useless!", flying his hands up into the air, his temper finally flaring up now that the legbreakers are gone.

"She has me working sunup to sundown manufacturing drugs for her little den of vice, the Sanguine Pit. But I know she has a real cure, the tiny amounts of real medicine in the elixirs that keeps Roald from getting worse. But this is where I need you. I can't march into that bar of hers and demand it, and when her goon goes back to her with news of what has happened, she'll kill me and my son as sure as you're standing there. I gave the Society EVERYTHING I had for three years!", leaning forward, the sweat dripping down as his dire situation culminates on his face and in his voice. "If you want my support for your excavation, I need that cure for my son... and some guarantee that Lura Ichon won't dump us into the bay the moment you leave."

Kerastes quickly stabilizes the two remaining thugs orison and stands up again and looks intensely at the shopkeeper detect evil and chaos, assuming no readout.

"Please give us directions to the Sanguine Pit, we will go there immediately"

He then looks at his fellow pathfinders "Come on! Hurry up! We need to get there and secure this medicine and make sure that they won't retaliate. The way to make sure vipers won't attack you is to kill them."

Kerastes stores his weapon and sighs "Although I hope we can go without killing, we just need to be sure that they won't hurt Master Senzer or his family"

He crouches beside one of the thugs and removes the bracelet.

Watching the fleeing ruffian, Wyeth snorts. "Marduk my good man, would you be so kind as to drag these other two out into the street so they won't further bloody this nice man's establishment? We don't want them trampled by horses; dump them in a garbage pile if there's one convenient. That's where they belong anyway."

While reeling off the instructions to his "bodyguard," Wyeth flashes a questioning glance at Benson, whose plan this was. Unsure whether to admit their affiliation, he tries to remain noncommittal. "Heavens, it sounds quite a raw deal you've gotten, sir," he says as he turns back to the proprietor. "Though truth be told... I'm sorry, 'Senzer' is it, from the name on the sign?... it doesn't sound like the 'deal' was ever completed, if a cure was promised but not delivered."

Then he smiles wryly and adds, "Though one should never discount the value of rum!"

EDIT: Gah! Ninja'd! But I'll leave it as it stands.

Never think Oread are slow....

Marduk drags the thugs outside. Looking around he does find a pile of garbage, as well as some sacks of filth not fully full.

Irori, your teachings and philosophies encompass much.
So in pursuit of creativity....
He straps a thug in each of the sacks, leaving just their head out.
"You might not be able to hear me, but let it be a lesson."

"Marduk, stop messing about and hurry up! We need to get to this Lura Ichon before she gets a chance to retaliate!"

"Strapping them tight so they won't backstab us when we leave seems a good reason to me."

@Kerastes: "Yeah, the Pit is located close to the northern river docks, southeast of here!"

@Wyeth: "Yeah, sorry... just that if you guys can't stop Lura, I'm a goner. I apologize for forcing you into this, but you're the only ones I have any real leverage against. I'm sorry for using it like this."

Beelining for the Pit?

"Agreed, let's go see this woman about the cure. Surely she can be persuaded to comply."