PFS 5-16 Destiny of the Sands Part 3: Sanctum of the Sages (Inactive)

Game Master TheBobJones

"Well, perhaps we should visit this den of iniquity and perfectly happy married folk?" Korasu inquires helpfully. "Our friend Toorin could perhaps learn a thing or two from applying to work there?"

He checks his pouch of coins, finding it somewhat light himself. "Purchasing a bribe could be a... last resort."

Pooka stops in his tracks, realizing the implications of his volunteering to be a patron.

Eh... Maybe I'll do it anyways, just to keep up the ruse... heh

"Uh, guys. I think we have completely overthought this. Maybe. It is the oldest profession in the world. What poor sop doesn't spill his guts to the whore he shares a bed with, thinking that somehow they will run off together and live happily ever after? If you want to know a man's deepest secrets, ask the woman he is sleeping with. Works both ways, honestly. And if he won't tell you his secrets, threaten to introduce his whore to his wife. Like taking candy from a baby."

Pooka flips a coin in his hand and catches it out of the air, flashing a smug smile and feeling particularly intelligent.

"Of course, the hard part is confirming it and proving it. Honestly, I don't know why Torch couldn't have figured this out himself."

That's my theory and I am sticking to it. :)

"I did find that the Dancing Dunes has multiple uses, depending on the time of day you visit. If we go now it would be a simple tea house, which would be not only a nice chance to gather intelligence but also a chance to get some lunch?"

"How degrading this all is. Tea house? This is too bizarre for words. You know women typically visit tea houses?"

So you are forgoing the dust - which is fine. There were a lot of decent ideas bandied about, but I am going to move you to the The Dancing Dunes and you can go from there.

Act 2: The Dancing Dunes

The half-­elf Madam Zelekhati, owner of the establishment called the Dancing Dunes, is most adept at acquiring secrets, and I need you to find out how she does it—no doubt it’s something she’d rather keep hidden from authorities. Further, convince her to share what she already knows with me. Threaten to reveal her secret if she’s stubborn. End the scheme if all else fails.
- Torch

Jubilant at their success with the Osirionologist Ionacu Lozar, the Pathfinders feel they have sufficient information to deal with any challenge that Torch was able to throw at them.

Located on the edge of the bazaar, the Pathfinders themselves at the entrance to The Dancing Dunes. Some say that it is a teahouse, others have said it is a cabaret, and a very select few have described it as a den of ill repute.

A spectacularly groomed garden of colorful sand occupies most of this two-story cabaret’s ground floor. A narrow wooden bridge winds about a trio of decorative obelisks dotting the miniature desert. A lavish sitting area filled with divans occupies the second-floor balcony granting a magnificent view of the garden below. Private curtained chambers encircle the garden, where lush rugs, soft mattresses, or piles of throw pillows serve to cushion the repose of clientele in each chamber. A door off the northern balcony opens to a staircase leading down to the street, while another set of stairs to the east leads down to the garden.

As it is still daytime, there is no fee to enter The Dancing Dunes. The Pathfinders have heard that to see the shows at night does cost a gold piece, but "Them lasses that dance are surely worth it." Feel free to have your characters return at a different time of the day.

A scantily clad elven woman emerges from behind a counter. She is dressed in the local fashions of silken robes, yet hers is cut in a way to expose enough to titillate the mind, but the dress is still covered in the right places to keep an ogler guessing.

"Hello, and welcome to The Dancing Dunes. I see that you carry weapons of war, and mighty men you look. The patrons of the Dancing Dunes are here for relaxation and entertainment. I must insist that all your weapons be peace bonded if you are to enter further." She claps her hands and a handful of servants come over with arm-length swatches of cloth and string. "We would be most happy to assist you in this request. Now what can I do for you?"

If you ask for or about Madame Zelekhati, please included a diplomacy check at the end. Assuming that you all agree to the peace bonding, some rules - though I know Xull knows them all too well.

Weapons being peace-bound increases the time it takes to draw a weapon to a full-round action.

Before visiting the Dancing Dunes:

"I suggest we implement an element of Pooka's suggestion to have some private information discussed by the group, and perhaps later individual members of the group can let slip elements of a secret plot to whichever dancing elf is attending him. I will enter shortly after the group and basically shadow the group. Early on, I will request a meeting with Madame Zelikhati and tell her I am seeking to know what the group or individuals of the group are plotting. We can then see if she provides it, giving us some sense of how she gets the information. It may be as simple as Pooka suggests, the alcohol and alluring setting get patrons to drop their guard and speak freely."

"You might merely discuss the next item on the list, including why you are gathering it. No need for deception to raise suspicions. Then if or hopefully when she passes this information on for me, we can raise the possibility of turning the tables on CP."

Unless an alternate plan is agreed on, Toorin will arrive at the establishment a few minutes after the group does.

"Of course my dear lady. A real man should know how to use his hands if things get rough anyways." he says with a wink and a smile.

"Do you have coffee as well as tea in this fine establishment? I could use a Lastwall special right about now, and some cakes. Don't worry about dear Athena here, she is well trained." Pooka says, scratching Luna's ear.

I am ok either way, waiting until evening or going in right away. I'm guessing we won't get far until we ask for the madam, but I'll let Xull or Korasu take the lead on that.

diplomacy aid: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

Warpac is fidgety. He has no idea what to do with his hands now that his ax has been peace-bonded. He's hovering about, trying not to look at the girls breasts, and feeling very uncomfortable in a tea house, or whatever this is.

I wonder why the %!!!* they sent me on this &###$ mission. Talk, talk, talk.

As a player I'm having fun, so do NOT take this as me complaining, but from Warpac's point of view it must be a bit depressing so I have to role-play it as such.

Korasu submits to having his weapon peacebonded, though he rolls his eyes as the wanton display of flesh around them. I still do not understand the fascination with nearly nude form. It is literally the most natural thing, yet it is treated with equal parts scandal and over-exaggeration. He does, however, greatly enjoy the fresh poured tea, observing perfect Tien form as he sips from his cup.

Letting out a contented sigh, he motions for the serving lady.

I think the plan is to try and meet her. As such...

Xûll glances around the establishment. It reminds him of a negotiation tactic his (may the gods strike him down) father used when he took him on trade expeditions as a youth. Ply your clients with women and fine things in the hope they will let their guard down and give you a better deal. It rarely worked that way, and Xûll was beginning to suspect it was mostly an excuse for his father to enjoy those pleasures himself.

As Korasu starts inroads into meeting Madame Zelikhati, Xûll nods along and adds, "Yes, Korasu. Even that certain Jeweled Sage we know didn't serve tea this fine." Xûll makes sure to the server hears him say 'Jeweled Sage'.

"When do the women come out?" asks Xûll, "And who do I speak to about reserving.... well, just the right one? Perhaps the owner?

Diplomacy aid: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22

Shortly after the Pathfinders enter, Toorin enters as well. When asked to peacebond his weapons, he asks instead if he may just check them at the desk and get them when he leaves. "I carry them only because they are necessary for self defense. I trust I won't have to defend myself against anything here except perhaps temptation to overindulge myself."

When the weapons are taken care of, he asks, "That party that just entered, the one with the halfling, Tengu, dwarf, and two others--I'd like a table in view them but not too close." He winks at the server and leaves a silver piece as a tip on the counter. On his way to the table, he thinks, 'A halfling, a tengu, and a dwarf enter a dance hall.' Sounds like the start of a joke.

When the server brings his tea and some hot sweet rolls, he asks the server, "I have heard much about this establishment. The staff certainly is pleasing to the eye and I look forward to spending some time here while in Eto. I have heard many flattering things about the proprietor, Madame Zelikhati. Does she interact with customers such as I? I should very much like to meet her?" This time he sets a gold piece on the table where the server can see it and inches it toward her as he talks.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Oh yeah, Xûll peace bonds his weapons. He heard what happened to a certain half-orc who refused a while back. Note to self: must pick up a Pathfinder Pouch for all my characters. Consider it Xûll's next purchase.

"Do you have coffee as well as tea in this fine establishment? I could use a Lastwall special right about now, and some cakes. Don't worry about dear Athena here, she is well trained." Pooka says, scratching Luna's ear.

Not really laughing at his off-color innuendo, the hostess seats the companions at a table towards the middle of the tea-house. The chairs are comfortable and the room is clean. Byōbu separate many tables from each other to give people the perception of privacy.

"I am not familiar with this Lastwall special. If you describe it to your serving girl I am sure that it can be arranged."

Moments later, a serving girl, barely into womanhood and considerably more clad than the hostest arrives to take their orders. She nods and frowns at the special order, but bows before leaving.

She returns moments later with their drinks and places them expertly on the table.

"When do the women come out?" asks Xûll, "And who do I speak to about reserving.... well, just the right one? Perhaps the owner?

She gulps. "The dancers start at sun down, but you cannot reserve a girl. And Madam Zelekhati never dances."

"Ah, please give Madame Zelikhati our regards. This is the finest tea that I have had the pleasure to savor in Avistan. It is certainly not what I expected to find in an Oasis surrounded by Dust."

The serving girl looks surprised before bowing and departing once again. The Pathfinders see her returning to the hostess stand and whispering to the hostess.

Just then, Torrin enters.

"I carry them only because they are necessary for self defense. I trust I won't have to defend myself against anything here except perhaps temptation to overindulge myself."

"As you request." She takes the weapons and places them in a chest behind her.

"That party that just entered, the one with the halfling, Tengu, dwarf, and two others--I'd like a table in view them but not too close."

The hostess looks momentarily both annoyed and flusters before once again adopting her normal calm demeanor.

"Absolutely, this way." She leads him to a table in the corner, right behind a byōbu.

Once seated, another serving girl appears similiar to the one serving the other party.

"I have heard much about this establishment. The staff certainly is pleasing to the eye and I look forward to spending some time here while in Eto. I have heard many flattering things about the proprietor, Madame Zelikhati. Does she interact with customers such as I? I should very much like to meet her?"

The serving girl looks surprised before bowing and departing without answering Toorin's questions. He sees her returning to the hostess stand and whispering to the hostess.

Minutes later, Madame Zelekhati emerges Portrait on the campaign tab.

She approaches the main group. "Hello and welcome to my establishment. It is my understanding that you have business that you wish to discuss. If you please, let us walk and discuss matter." She leads them to Turin's table.

"It is very rare for a group that I do not know seeks an audience with me. Two in one day is unheard of. Especially since you have been seen in the baazar seemingly together.

Come, walk with me. Let is take a in a stroll around my garden."

She leads them in to the center courtyard. It is dotted with abundant landscaping, bisected by a shallow bridge crossing a spectacularly groomed garden of colorful sand.

"So if you will, please tell me a bit about yourselves and why you are here. What is it that I can do for you?"

Knowledge Planes: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

Korasu narrows his eyes at the shifting patch of sand with a nagging feeling he might recognize something similar in his studies. He taps his beak once with a talon, trying to recall where he might have seen that from prior and tries to keep his attention subtle, for the moment at least.

If I know what that is, it might change what I say next ;)

I wonder what is so special about this garden and if that ring has anything to do with it. Could be just a nervous twitch.

"Fascinating garden! Is there magic involved? Mind if I do a detect magic and observe the enchantments?"

"Warpac, is it not? Just like we ask all weapons to be peace bonded, we ask that patrons refrain from spell casting also. This is a house of relaxation. Our patrons' well being is paramount." she ends in smile.

"Even such a simple informational spell as detect magic? That seems odd. But I will respect your rules." He ends in a frown.

Toorin's eyes narrow when Zelikhati says the group had been seen together. While it had been possible she had spies reporting such things to her, another simpler idea occurred to him about how she knew and perhaps how she acquired all her information. When he was invited to join Madame Zelikhati with the other Pathfinder, Toorin puts on an indignant look and said to them, "I have a personal issue to investigate here, but you have no business being here while the Master expects you to be tracking down that gangleader, not ogling elves and guzzling drinks. Your thoughts should be only on that task. The master does not need my magic to read your thoughts. Your motives are clear in your lustful expressions." While he accompanies Zelikhati, he says nothing further to the group and makes it a point to walk on the other side of Zelikhati from the group.

"Madam Zelekhati," Xûll smiles and bows, "It is a pleasure to meet you. I am gladdened to see that the tales of your elegance and grace have not been exaggerated. As you have no doubt surmised by now, we are Pathfinders and friends of Mahu the Gatekeeper. We are here in Eto in search of information... very hard to obtain information. But first, I hope you don't mind if I ask you a question to test your knowledge a little? What do you know of the Jeweled Sages?"

Xûll attempts to gauge her reaction as well as her words. He recognizes that he is not good at lying, and so attempts to discover what he needs to know using the truth.

Diplomacy (if appropriate), thank you Mahu: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 11 + 2 = 31

"I am not familiar with this Lastwall special. If you describe it to your serving girl I am sure that it can be arranged."

"Its coffee, black and strong, diluted with Green Tea. No rider would be caught dead adding cream or sugar, so I'll pass on those. Thank you young lady." Pooka smiles politely, but frowns on the inside, hoping suddenly that none of the women in this establishment are here against their will.

Don't let that distract you from your mission.

Pooka takes his hot drink and sips it carefully as they walk around the tranquil garden, admiring the beauty and simplicity within the complex sands and landscaping.

This makes me want to take a trip to Tien-Xia. So calming...

Edit: Letting it play out for now before interjecting...

Entering the Dancing Dunes, Amarok seems unfazed by the almost tasteless display from the hostess, at her request to peace bond weapons he bows politely and indicates that he is happy to accept their request at peace in the establishment.

He crosses his legs and sits down graceful,y at their table, ordering a simple glass of cool water from the serving girl. He is unsurprised at the direct approach of his comrades and decides to wait until the lady of the house appears before speaking.

Rising to his feet with a Graceful motion, Amarok bows deeply before following the Madame to the garden. "Thankyou for spending some of your precious time with us agents, we are indeed with the Pathfinders and some of us also represent the Sapphire Sage, Amenopheous. We would appreciate your aid in a delicate matter."

Diplomacy, aid, Mahu: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (7) + 0 = 7

"I have a personal issue to investigate here, but you have no business being here while the Master expects you to be tracking down that gangleader, not ogling elves and guzzling drinks. Your thoughts should be only on that task. The master does not need my magic to read your thoughts. Your motives are clear in your lustful expressions." While he accompanies Zelikhati, he says nothing further to the group and makes it a point to walk on the other side of Zelikhati from the group.

** spoiler omitted **

Warpac flashes Toorin an indignant and disbelieving look and his frown grows deeper.

What the *bleep* is he talking about? Does he thing I have a thing for elves? Does he think anyone will buy that rubbish?

Warpac looks around to see what the other pathfinder reactions are. Noticing that they all ignore the bizarre outburst, so does Warpac.

If his bluff works to convey the intended message, it will slowly dawn on Warpac, but this is his initial reaction.

Madam Zelekhati turns to Toorin, "So these men work for you, or another? And you have a personal issue to investigate here? Whatever could it be?"

Toorin bluff: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12 Toorin feel free to make that roll in your post next time something like that occurs.

No sooner does she stop speaking than Xull speaks up and informs her that they are all Pathfinders.

"So you are Pathfinders working for this man?" she looks to Toorin for clarification. "And you wish to test my knowledge before you have stated your business and why you are here? That is an awkward way of conducting business. You all have come to my establishment, and requested to meet me. I wish to know why."

Before anyone has a chance to answer, Amarok pipes in. Once he has finished, she lets out an exasperated sigh. "So you are all Pathfinders that work for this man, who has a personal issue to investigate, and now you have another delicate matter that you wish me to assist you in? And you work for the famous Sapphire Sage, the one who was dismissed by the Ruby Prince? Please, let us be more forthright. Why are you here and what is it I can do for you? My time is precious."

She continues to walk around the garden as she speaks.

Just a suggestion, read each others posts - you are all over the place.

Please see the discussion thread before posting further...

Warpac is about to blurt the whole story, when he sees Pooka send him a glance and a little shake

My IC interpretation of his OOC comment :)

and his mouth snaps shut. Now he's frowning and squirming and a bit confused.

Korasu scans the shifting sands to see where the sandmen may have gone, then returns his attention to the conversation at wing.

"Ah, please excuse my companions. They, at times, saunter when subtlety is required and push the clandestine when courtesy has more call. We have wasted enough of your time, so I will be brief.

It is, for certain that it is not often that one finds a woman such as yourself that commands sand elementals and such a skill with tea."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31

Toorin, seeing the conversation was veering sharply from the plan made earlier, resigns himself to watching and waiting to see what develops. He feels sure that if he could but cast Detect Magic, he could determine what magic was at play, confident after seeing her fiddling with her ring that she had some kind of mind-reading magic. He doubted she would willingly sell information to Torch, given how the townsfolk generally had reacted to their questions about him. Perhaps she was a mercenary who would give her services to the highest bidder, but if she had any conscience, she would probably refuse. He wasn't sure we had a way to force her to sell, so they might have to try taking the ring from her and seeing if that put a stop to her information business.

He stepped back a few paces, to better be able to see all members of the group and Madame Zelikhati and awaited her response to Korasu's proposal. Sensing that defensive magic might be more useful than offensive, he concentrated on replacing Snowball with Burning Disarm.

After Korasu finishes, she stifles a short giggle. "Ah that is a funny story. I don't keep secrets nor do I command elementals. As you can plainly see I am a business owner, and it is a job that demands much attention."

You believe that she is telling you the truth.

"Now as for this Grandmaster Torch. I know nothing of him."

You believe that she is telling you the truth.

"Gentlemen, I believe that our meeting is at an end. I will show you out."

She steps away from the party onto one of the bridges that span the sand garden.

Further, convince her to share what she already knows with me. Threaten to reveal her secret if she’s stubborn. End the scheme if all else fails.

"I think now is the time for that detect magic spell, regardless of whether she wants us to cast it or not.

"You are a terrible liar," Pooka bluffs, praying to Desna that he is right, else he will look mighty foolish. "There is not a single person in this town who has spent any amount of time here, particularly a business owner, who does not know who Torch is. His name carries its own threat, and people scatter at its mention.

"Your choice is simple. Work with Torch, and continue on your merry way, happy, rich, and protected. Or refuse, play stubborn and defiant, and watch your Dancing Dunes swept away by the winds of inevitability from beneath you. How long will your patrons continue to visit when they hear how you profit from their secrets? Thats the rub with a place like this. So much is built on trust and discretion. Even a rumor built on half truths can be devastating..." Pooka trails off at the end, a smug smile on his face.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24 Aid Anothers?

Once again I find myself wishing I could sabatoge Torch, and yet failing to find a good reason to do so. Maybe less oddly enough, I do not feel any sympathy for this woman. Though I will not be so foolish to think that success at these tasks will win us any lasting favor with Torch.

No reason to aid another - you made it!

"Honestly I do not know who this Grandmaster Torch is, yet as you describe him, he is not a man that I wish to meet or cross. Ever!

"I agree to pass information along to this Grandmaster, provided that he maintains my secrecy. Should he break that, the deal is off and he can find out just how dangerous I can be."

You believe she is telling you the truth.

After being sorely shaken by Pooka's threats, he backbone returns somewhat.

Torrin uses this opportunity to cast Detect Magic and indeed Madam Zelekhati's rings glows with magical energies. You would need to study it and roll a Spellcraft check to identify it. She will not part with it willingly so let me know if you want to do anything more about it.

Please post some wraps up, and then I will move you on to the next task later today or tonight, I know we are all busy so no rush. And thanks to Pooka Xull fulfills this w/o combat!

Amarok nods towards Pooka and places an arm on his halfling comrade's shoulder before speaking.

"Well done for seeing through her ruse my friend, she does indeed control the elementals our friend witnessed. However, I must believe her when she says she knows nothing about Torch, he may well have hidden himself from her till now."

He nods to the Madame of the Dancing Dunes before speaking again,a resigned look on his face.

"Very well, we shall pass on this to Torch, rest assured that discretion is a core to his game, that is, as long as you don't betray him."

"I could tell you were a smart woman the moment I laid eyes on you." Pooka says, suddenly disarming. He winks for effect, though he is confident if he had any hope of cultivating an interest from her, it is long since gone with his display of machismo.

Pooka nods at Amarok's statement. "Discretion is indeed one of Grandmaster Torch's finer points, as long as it is profitable for him. Both of your continued discretion will no doubt be a very profitable arrangement for a long time. You have my thanks. We will take our leave. Should any of us return, rest easy that it will be as patrons." Pooka flashes another wink before turning on his heel to walk out of the decadent tea house.

Once outside, Pooka gathers his companions. "What say we go visit this hundredfingers and get the message that apparently he won't tell anyone but Torch. How we are going to convince him to give us a message that is deemed for Torch's ears only, I have no idea. Get ready for a fight though, something tells me this could get rough."

With the exceeding success in the tea house, Pooka scratches Luna behind the head and ears, unable to wipe the perma-grin from his face.

Toorin, seeing the conversation was veering sharply from the plan made earlier.

I could have completely f!&!ed up here, but my impression was the plan was for Toorin to try to get hired while we try to assess Zelikhati diplomatically. At no point did I think we'd get away with being your servants... or anything requiring a bluff check. +5 probably won't cut it at this tier. Your elven nature and not your skill at lying was the key here. Never mind. Intimidation worked magnificently. Thanks Poooka.

"A wise decision you have made, madame... however, we could perhaps have been convinced to work against Torch (or, as we have ironically dubbed him, 'Cutie Pie'," Xûll lets that set in a while, "If you had been a little more forthcoming and polite. I do apologize for my companion's deception, here, but that is the game we all play, is it not?

"You have one last chance to turn the tables and retain all levels of secrecy and gain the gratitude of the Pathfinder Society to boot. Do you know the location of the Diamond Sage?"

That was going to be Xûll's line all along. He really wanted to know if she knew the location of the Diamond Sage. That way they could bypass Torch entirely and he could shove his list of tasks up his rectum. I know there was no chance of this succeeding in PFS, but it was the in character thing for him to do. It might also have led to a reasonable (and truthful) reason for them being there to hire her and discussing efficacy of her spy network a little more.

I think for task 3, let's get on the same page. Also, if at all possible, let's find something to f#+!ing kill. I'm sick of rolling social skills and I know Warpac is bored to tears with it (the character, not necessarily the player... but still).

She looks at Xull. National politics are beyond the information I gather here. It is mostly of the local nature. I do not know of this Diamond Sage. I appreciate your discretion in maintaining my secrecy, though I will not look forward to seeing you all again, even as patrons."

You believe that she is telling you the truth.

She walks the men back to the hostess stand before departing. There the Pathfinders can remove their peace bonding, and the hostess retrieves Toorin's weapons from the chest behind her.

"May you have a pleasant day away from the Dancing Dunes." The hostess mirrors her employer's sour attitude towards the Pathfinders.

Act 3: Beggar's Alley

"I recently heard that the leader of the Hundredfingers gang had an important message for my ears only. Track them down, get the message, resolve any loose ends, and report back to me."

Upon exiting from Madam Zelekhati's Dancing Dunes, they once more canvass the baazar and consult with their good friend Mahu.

Most merchants recommend avoiding Beggar’s Alley, which is home to a gang of pickpockets known as the Hundredfingers.
Something has the Hundredfingers gang spooked. The normally ubiquitous thieves have been avoiding the bazaar for a few days.

Though they are well equipped and no stranger to a challenging situation, the Pathfinders take extra precautions as they make their way to Beggar's Alley.

Two rows of decrepit wooden shacks are separated by an alley that serves more as a filthy tunnel than a pathway. Broken wooden doors do little to keep the elements or vermin out, but there is little within to steal. Few of the shacks boast more than a chair or two and several threadbare bedrolls.

The alleys is mostly deserted except for a woman ambling up and down the street. "Remedies for sale. Don't be fooled, these really work. Got red-bottom itch? Ever-drip nose? Finger Crackles? Remedies for sale. Don't be fooled, these really work.." she repeats again.

Please describe how you approach the alley.

Before setting out for the alley...

"Best to leave our valuables in the Inn's safe before we go," Xûll suggests, "Weapons, mundane gear and combat-useful magic items only for now, I'd say. I'd hate for one of us to get pick-pocketed and not realize it."

Xûll himself leaves his meagre coin purse in their Inn's safe, along with his Wayfinder, oil of align weapon, potion of touch of the sea and anything else not useful in an alleyway brawl / shakedown situation.

In the alleyway...

Xûll is growing tired of dealing with the criminal element - Grandmaster Torch specifically - and draws his blade as the woman gets close. "I will give you red bottom itch woman, if you do not provide us something of actual use."

Before she can object, Xûll brings himself up to his full height and makes his demand, "We need to speak with the leader of the Hundredfingers gang. He has a message for our benefactor, Torch. He has sent us here to retrieve it. Do a more convincing job of getting the gang's leader here than you do of selling this snake oil, else I will find you and give you an ailment for which there is no curative. Understand?"

Xûll, intimidate: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

Damn. Wasted my 20 on the discussion thread. I'll have to settle for a measly 19.

Please describe how you approach the alley.

I'm sure you are not surprised that Warpac has his ax out and darting about. He will also unlimber his shield and get a detect magic going once they actually get to beggar's ally, but not before. At that point he will look exactly like what he is, a suspicious Dwarf ready for trouble. As for his cash, he keeps a few gold (let's say 25) with him, buried under his armor, for expenses - but most of his wealth is kept at home.

Korasu scans the alley with a wary eye. A fool and their valuables are soon parted here, it would appear... For the first time, the party sees the tengu draw his long, curved blade from its scroll-cased sheath; its edge has the distinctive shine of Adamantine. He is about to speak out to the woman, then pauses. Looks like Xull has this one...

"Xull my friend, you couldn't be more right. That happens often, now that I think about it..." Pooka takes his valuables and locks them up in his room, keeping only his armor, weapons, and a tanglefoot bag on his person.

Upon entering the alleyway

Pooka clicks his tongue, then swings a leg over Luna's saddle, settling in. He checks the strap on his heavy flail, in case he needs it for close combat, and re-grips his lance in his right hand, hoping that if a fight breaks out, he will only need one pass to quell the violence.

Like Xull, he was itching for a fight. And so when the large Shoanti singles out the peddler, he smiles inside.

any child can see this woman is a front, a lookout for the gang. I'm just glad [i]I'm not on the other end of those sharp words...[/i]

"Watch your backs friends, there are plenty of surprises in here for the unprepared."

Pooka enters the alley ready for a fight, but not necessarily ready to start it. He also activates his Danger Ward (reflex) ability - which gives everyone a chance to re-roll a failed reflex save with a +4 bonus for the next minute.

Before leaving the tavern

Taking the advice of his comrades, Amarok ensures his purse of gold is left within the safe and makes sure he has a variety of arrows with him. He turns to the party before they leave and takes out one of his scrolls of Mage armour.

"Would any of you be capable and willing of casting this scroll on me?"

He then Sets out with the group towards the alley.

As they enter

As they step from the crowded bazaar and towards the quieter side, Amarok unslings his strung bow from his shoulder, though does not nock an arrow. Seeing the seller approach and noting the group's fixation on her, Amarok keeps his eagle sharp eyes on the rest of the alley, looking out for possible ambush. One hand has a firm grip on his exquisite Darkwood bow and the other hand is ready to draw an arrow at the slightest provocation.

Toorin retrieves his weapons from the check area and leaves his gold at the inn. He also leaves Splash in the bath house with the promise to pay for the service of letting the otter swim a bit and then put him in their room.

When Amarok asks for help with the scroll, Toorin gladly complies and then drinks a potion that bestows the same effect on himself.

When Xûll begins to intimidate the peddler, Toorin keeps toward the back ranks and watches behind the party for trouble in that direction, glancing back at the woman as her response comes due.

Xull I am assuming that you are trying to use Influence Opponent's Attitude?

...give you information you desire

...take actions that do not endanger it
...offer other limited assistance

As the Pathfinder approach the woman portrait on the campaign tab she starts a new sales pitch. "Oh, looks like we have some high-borns that have graced us with their presences. Welcome fine sirs. I do have some remedies that might be more appropriate for ones of your station. I have this one salve, mind you not enough for the masses nor could they afford it, well it can restore flesh as readily as the legendary sun orchid elixir restores youth. Even burns. Even burns." She looks expectantly at you for a response.

As soon as she finishes her sales pitch, Xull unloads the frustration of working for a boss like Grandmaster Torch. After the verbal assault, the woman is visibly scared of the man.

"We'll I don't know where those gang members are, but I am looking for Torch. Know where he is?"

You believe that she is telling the truth.

Korasu studies the talisman a moment. Pretty bauble... a bit pricey for this area?
Knowledge Local or Religion: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

No religious knowledge, or local knowledge... but a smattering of knowledge (arcana).

"Looking for Torch?" scoffs Xûll, "Well, we of course know where he is as we are expecting to deliver a message to him. You're clearly not looking for easy sales in this alley - more easy marks - so drop the act and tell us why you want to see Torch. Then we'll consider letting you know where he is. No camel s!&% or it's the end of you."

No appropriate knowledge skills, but I think I just figured this out without having to open that spoiler... Anxiously waiting for Korasu to hopefully confirm my suspicion...

Pooka grips his lance again, angling Luna to the side to create a clear charge lane to the peddler woman who is more than she appears.

He looks around the alleyway and up to the rooftops, expecting an ambush at any moment.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

"Xull! We are fools! What man sends errand boys to retrieve a message that is meant only for his ears?" Pooka lets his paranoia settle in around him.

"A man who knows the message is death! It is a trap, and the message is not words, but blades." Luna shifts uneasily as Pooka continues to peer into the darkness, his mind putting the pieces of the puzzle together.

"Who are you?! Whatever your beef with Torch is, we do not care, nor wish to get involved. Know that we seek information from him, and should you desire to kill him before we get it, we will be forced to defend that wretched human!"

yeegads I hope I am right... because that would be awesome...

"Why to kill him of course. Just like I will do to you."

Suddenly two thugs appear at the western end of the alley. They begin pushing over hovels and smashing walls. A few halflings scamper out of no where and scurry towards the safety of the shadows once again.

"Grab a halfing or leave one of these fools alive, kill all the rest." she shouts.

Up next: Round 1: Xull & Toorin

"I was hoping you'd want to fight!" Xûll lets his anger flow through his senses, like some kind of dark force awakening within him (bloodrage, free action). He rushes around Kura, presenting a tempting target to Bonnie and Clyde as he slashes down with his new adamantine Nodachi.

I'm assuming she's flat-footed. If not, Xûll halts his movement after a 5-ft step to the square south of Kura.

Nodachi vs Kura, power attack: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 11 - 2 = 21
Damage, power attack: 1d10 + 9 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 9 + 6 = 22

Cleared your charge lane, Pooka. But I don't think it's quite enough distance for you.

Cleared your charge lane, Pooka. But I don't think it's quite enough distance for you.

'Preciate it! It might not matter, because Pooka rolled like poop for initiative, and will be the last to act. The charge lane would work if I was willing to accept an AoO from Kura, and just charge Bonnie (thanks to my wheeling charge feat) - but odds are they will close into melee and I will be boxed in. We shall see...