GM Bold Strider's PFS 01-52 The City of Strangers, Part II (Subtier 1-2) (Inactive)

Game Master rpblue

Evenstar lowers her blade entirely. She can't tell if they are telling the truth, but she looks around to see if their story is consistent with the evidence she sees in the room.

She looks at Collgardie's corpse that Bis motions to.

How long has this guy been dead?

sense motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Grasping his wand Rangor holds it against his wounds, mending what he can.

ClW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
ClW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
ClW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
ClW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

He sits on the couch to catch his breath. What in the hells just happened?

Emmett stands, looking confused. "So are we done with the fight? Ready to buy a round of beers?"

The man has been dead a few days according to Evenstar's understanding of animals in the wilderness.

"If you don't know of Ardoc, you will. He will find you when he wants you." Bis says before disappearing in a puff of smoke.

Evenstar scowls at the puff of smoke as the man teleports away.

"Now what?" she wonders. "Our contact appears to have been dead for days, and we didn't have any other leads here. Maybe there's something in his house that will give us a clue."

The barbarian woman begins searching the corpse, as well as the rooms for anything of interest.

take 20 perception on corpse: 20 + 10 = 30

Disappears in a puff of smoke? "How did you do that?" Spellcraft: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Before worrying about searching the room Kiyanetikert checks on the other goons, trying to stabilize any who aren't already dead.

Not a spell. :D

Kiyan stabilizes one goon who isn't dead as Evenstar examines the building. She doesn't come up with much.

You have a dead body that is clearly not going to be cleaned up and a name, Besel Ardoc.

This Besel hired him to take care of Collgardies assassin's. Seems we need to find Besel.

"Let's go get the Pharasmins to take care of the body. Then we need to start asking around about other Pathfinders and this Ardoc guy."

"Those are all good ideas. Let's finish a search of the house, then ask around," Evenstar agrees.

Not sure if there are other areas to look at. Evenstar will take 20 on each of the rooms to see if anything else shows up (documents, clues as to the murder, etc.). Then I agree we should get out of here.

Kryssa follow's Evenstar's suggestion and searches around the house. She activates her discerning wayfinder and looks for magical auras.

Detect Magic
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Aiden goes to help Evenstar search the rooms. He hopes to find something telling them what Collgardie had beem up to.

Diplacy, aid: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

-Posted with Wayfinder

Emmett helps search for clues.

Perception Aid: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

There doesn't seem to be any clues left in the house as to his death, just a copy of a letter sent to Dreng. The letter was brief but bizarre: Collgardie asked Drang why the Society has assigned permanent Pathfinders to Kaer Maga. Did Dreng know that those Pathfinders were beginning to make the powers-that-be grumble about their presence? While single Pathfinders—or even temporary small groups—are welcome within the city, a large presence, such as a Lodge, is sure to stir up trouble. So why, Collgardie asked, did you send them?

Otherwise, Collgardie appears to just be a regular cloth merchant in Kaer Maga. After taking Collgardie's body to the temple, you see several people crowded around the house door and windows looking in. "Said he died yesterday!" is yelled from one to another. "Can probably move in by tomorrow." yells another.

You move up and confront them and they scatter expecting aggression from the well-armed Pathfinders. A leaflet is dropped on the ground stating the sudden open spot on one of Kaer Maga's best streets. The leaflet is advertising the home for sale.

If you want to investigate Ardoc, then you need Gather Information checks. Roll twice for now.

Diplomacy (Gather Info): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Diplomacy (Gather Info): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Rangor grabs the leaflet. The man is barely cold and already this. The paper quickly ages and becomes quite old and fragile in his hands

Grabbing a group of the people that were surrounding the house Rangor questions them about a man named Ardoc? Do you know where we might find him?

He drops the leaflet to the ground where it instantly reverts back to fresh parchment as if nothing happened.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

Gather Info, Aid for Rangor: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
Gather Info, Aid for Rangor: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

2d6 ⇒ (6, 3) = 9

Kryssa spends most of the afternoon and evening doing something and failing.

---

Rangor spends the next six hours trying to find one of the people that were looking to "buy" Collgardie's house on Merchant's Lane. He finally recognizes one of the women as he enters a pub on the other side of Kaer Maga.

He moves up to her rather gruffly and asks where to find Besel Ardoc and the woman laughs. “I hear that Besel can’t make it through a day without a pint or six of whatever grog the pub he’s in is selling. I don’t know what those Ardocs are involved in, and I don’t even want to—whenever someone tells me what they’re up to, I realize again that I’d probably drink myself stupid three times a day if I were one of them.” As he tries to press her further, the woman waves him off, clearly wanting to enjoy herself with her friends than speak to a weird oracle.

On his way back to meet with the rest of the Pathfinders, he becomes hopelessly lost. A fifteen minute journey suddenly becomes three hours, but luck might still favor Rangor as he bumps into another man that he recognizes from the area. The time oracle asks the man about Besel and the man tuts as he sees the bevy of weapons strapped to the man.

“Those Ardocs aren’t stupid. They run the best golem-making factory since Thassilon, and when you run something like that, you have an obvious source of guards. I ain’t never seen Besel without at least six of those iron things stomping around behind him. If you’re trying to find him and put a hurt on him, you best change your mind, friend.”

Rangor meets back up with you as the moon strikes high in the night sky.

What are you doing for the night?

"We need to find a place to hold up for the night. We could look for an inn, but might I suggest we just crash at the house we know is empty? Maybe someone else will come looking there..."

Evenstar nods.

"I agree. Staying at this house...which someone obviously wants to sell in a hurry, might flush out whoever is behind this."

"Sounds like a plan. It's possible Collgardie was killed for his house. Maybe this is a prime spot for someone."

-Posted with Wayfinder

"Sounds good to me. I doubt anyone other than the bad guys, whoever they are, will care about one night.
We should also start looking for those fake Pathfinders, along with Ardoc. "

Once Rangor makes it back to the rest of the group in the house he explains what he overheard thoughout the night.

It seems our friend Besel is quite the drinker. Not only that but it also seems that he runs a golem making factory and is usually seen with no less that six of them guarding him.

Aiden nods. "Maybe we can find more hints at a tavern tomorrow. If he's that big of a drinker, he's bound to be known at several. And a golem-making factory? I guess we could try and see where that's located too."

"I think we should post a guard for the night. I can take the first shift."

I think we're settled on spending the night in the house.

"Agreed. Perhaps we should do 3 shifts of two people? I am happy to take whichever shift is left."

Evenstar volunteers to take the first watch with Aiden.

"Off to bed, kids. The grownups will let you know when it's time to wake up," she quips.

"OK, g'night mum!"

Evenstar and Aiden set up camp in the home and keep watch while the rest of the party sleeps on the plush recliners and couches.

The first watch seems uneventful and the light from candles and such seem to keep the mob of homebuyers at bay.

The pair rouses their replacements, who are taking the midnight shift, and immediately fall asleep after a long day.

The early morning crew is aroused a few hours before dawn and everyone seems to get eight hours of sleep, especially on the comfy couches.

In time for breakfast, Emmett finds a larder full of smoked meats, eggs and cheeses as well as a few, not-quite-yet moldy breads.

I assume you are going to keep investigating the Ardocs. Need three more Diplomacy checks.

Rangor continues to scour the city for information on the Ardocs. There has to be someone here to help us.

He uses all of his prior knowledge and Thassilion graces he can muster.

Diplomacy 1: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Diplomacy 2: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15
Diplomacy 3: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Hey, could anyone have healed Aiden before the night?

Aiden uses some knowledge of the city to visit a few taverns to see if he can locate a place Besel Ardoc would frequent.

Knowledge, Local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Yes I have a wand of CLW
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

That'll do. 11/12 will work for now. Thanks.

Kiyanetirket will try to help the Oracle look for information. Diplomacy - Aid Another: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

But after a couple of friendly, but inappropriate remarks, it's decided that maybe he'd be better off without help.

Kryssa remembers a few of the contacts she made the first time she was in Kaer Maga on Society business and reaches out.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

Emmett tries to help out as well.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Though Evenstar had helped previously with finding their contact, her abrupt manner means she is of little help now.

diplomacy: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (4) - 2 = 2
diplomacy: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (14) - 2 = 12
diplomacy: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (10) - 2 = 8

3d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 4) = 12

Rangor, ever the investigator, finds out in the morning that Besel Ardoc works long hours at the Kiln and is sometimes seen drinking at a pub in nearby Downmarket. This information is gladly offered for the purchase of a few pints by local drunk dwarf. “Oh yeah, I seen Besel drinkin’ in Downmarket a bunch—had a few pints with him m’self. It’s probably because of those pints that I can’t recall the name of the pub where I last saw him.”

---

Kryssa spends the better part of the day searching for information on Ardoc when she comes across a whorehouse named the Ticklefish. A hulking, muscular man in drag stands outside and waves the woman over. "Hey honey. I hear you're looking for a little help in locating a certain someone." the queen flashes a smile. "Come inside and I bet we can find an arrangement agreeable to both of us."

Rangor searches the dwarves mind as subtly as he can. Dropping down a few more coins. Perhaps another round will help you remember the name Master Dwarf?

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Kryssa smiles, kisses her holy symbol of Arshea, and says, "I'm sure we can. After you, m'lady." She follows her fellow worshiper inside.

So, what do I need? Diplomacy? Gold? A good hour?

Kryssa spends some time with the queen, learning that she is quite famous in the Society as being a reliable contact to Pathfinders who venture into the weirder parts of Kaer Maga. "I'm called Miss Feathers, honey." she says as she saunters through the door of the whorehouse.

As Kryssa follows, a few scantily clad men in black thongs approach with chairs and a tray of figs. "That'll do babies. Now who is it that you are looking for?" she says as she waves the men off.

---

"Can't turn down a deal like that, m'lad." the dwarf comments as he waves over the bartender.

"What can I get you gentlemen?" the bartender asks of Rangor and his new associate Sard Coalbreath.

Sard pipes up before Rangor can react. "Two Steelkeg pitchers an' whatever the tall one'll 'ave."

Rangor looks at the crude chalkboard behind the bar, showing that those pitchers run 10 GP a piece.

I will take a pitcher of the Imported Snakebite #4.

Turning to look at the board his face pales a little.

Nevermind make it a mug. I seem to be running a bit low on gold.

Rangor pulls out his last gold piece and gives it to the barmaid.

Haha seems I only have 1 gp left on this character until the end of this scenario. Don't know if the dwarf is expecting me to pay for his pitchers. I may be washing some dishes.

"Dang, those prices are steep!"

Emmett pulls up a chair, clapping Rangor on the back. "Don't worry, bud. This rounds on me."

Emmett keeps cash for his expensive ammunition, so he can cover Sard's two pitchers and one for Rangor. -30gp

"Now, let's talk about life, love, and the pursuit of individuals..."

Having been mostly unsuccessful in her efforts to find anything, Evenstar joins the others in the bar. She sulks and glowers, refraining from any drinks this early in the day.

The dwarf smirks as two pitchers of Snakebite #4 are put down in front of him. "Can't get this brew anymore. Brewery got destroyed 'n Trunau a few weeks back, 's th' word." states the dwarf as he begins to take long pulls on the first pitcher.

"Yeah, I know where ye need t' look. Augur's Entrails down 'n th' troll area. A temple an' a bar. Disgusting, though." the man states to Rangor and Emmett.

Aiden joins Evenstar at the bar, glancing over to where Emmett and Rangor sit with the dwarf. He watches as the dwarf drinks from the pitcher. "Sure hope they get what we need from him quick. I don't think he'll be able to speak clearly after both of those." He looks back at Evenstar. "This whole thing's been a bust so far."

Rangor finishes his drink.

Thanks again. It was a pleasure speaking with you.

Rangor gives a sweeping bow as he leaves the tavern.

***********************************

Meeting up with the others he explains to them all he heard. Seems he likes to hang out in an bar called Augur's Entrails down in the Troll area. It seems to be a temple and a bar.

Kryssa takes a fig from the tray and says, "We're looking for a man known as Besel Ardoc. He does security of sorts. Something to do with the golem trade from what we've heard. Does the name ring any bells?"

Evenstar tries to chime in, but says little to help.

diplomacy aid: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (10) - 2 = 8

Knowledge, Local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

"The 'Troll' area? I hope that's not a literal description. Likewise with Augur's Entrails. Something says it won't be pleasant."

"Now where did Kryssa go? Let's round her up and find Besel."

No rush. Happy to see how her conversation ends.