GM Brew's 03-18 The God's Market Gamble [OutPost 2018] (Inactive)

Game Master Wicked Brew

Lumo's smile shines out. "I just got a grapple! It's shiny and new! It has three spikes! " He pulls out the device and the attached rope for his companion, then looks around. If only my armor weren't so cumbersome. Good in battle. Bad at climbing.

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 20

Newmark watches his companions in silence, still grumbling a bit from what happened in the alley. However, when he notices their professionalism and teamwork, he can’t help but, admire the competence they put into the investigation. Anything, I can do to help? he ask no one in particular.

Lumo, excited to get a chance to use his brand new grappling hook, hands it to Reidog who tosses it onto the roof. Brax gives the dwarf a boost and Reidog is able to get himself on the roof fairly easily. Reidog looks around the area and finds an arrow stuck behind a few roof tiles. Examining the arrow, Reidog can see some sort of dried substance coating the arrowhead.

Meanwhile, Lumo looks about the alley and discovers a slip of paper stuck under a loose brick of the alley. Lumo can make out words on the paper

"Barnel—Noon, Pitview Pub"

Knowledge: Local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Brax keeps his eyes peeled for anyone that may be watching the party. He throws a fresh pinch of tobacco leaf in his left cheek, chewing on it haphazardly. He waits patiently for Reidog to get down, aiding him if necessary.

Aid another for Reidog: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Oh yeah, I have to climb down... Do I need more rolls?

Lumo stands up and holds out the paper for all to see. "Hey, any of you guys from around here? " He looks at Umberto intentionally. "Servant of the drunken god. Do you know of the the Pitview Pub? "

Responding to Lumo, These are my first forays into these lands. I came from the Storval Peninsula. But if they serve ale, I am capable of sniffing them out.

Once back on the ground, Reidig shows everyone the arrow he found.

"Anyone know what this substance is? Some kind of poison, maybe?"

After helping Reidog off the roof, Brax spits a wad on the ground. "Not sure if it's tha' armor or wha' but yer a lotta' dwarf!"

Looking at the parchment with the others he tries to recall something he heard last week. "Yeah, that pub is o'er there in tha' Ascendant Court District I believe. I'm ready ta go if tha' rest of ya are."

Lumo smiles at the discovery. I helped! He looks around. "Well, where to first? The Court or the third witness? I'm fine with either. "

Let's clear out the witnesses.

The agents, realizing their investigation is already bearing fruit, come up with a plan to act on their remaining leads. They decide to see the last witness on Torch's list, Jared Moltwin. As the Pathfinders wind their way through the God's Market, they easily find Jared's stall.

On the front of this stall, a large sign proclaims “Estelle’s Last Hope Mercantile.” A smaller sign below, obviously in a different hand, advertises “All merchandise verified authentic,” and in even smaller text below that is written “No Refunds.” The stall is filled with a variety of unique items bearing various claims, each less likely that the last. “Cayden Cailean’s Lost Loincloth” sits on a shelf next to a clumsily preserved, half-eaten apple claiming to have been discarded by Norgorber on the day of his ascension.

Actions?

"Anyone know what this substance is? Some kind of poison, maybe?"

Newmark resist the urge to snatch the arrow from Reidog and instead ask, Perhaps I could have a peek? After examining the arrow Newmark says, I can't tell what it is. But, if it's poison, I could memorize a spell tomorrow that would let me know if it is or not. If you think it important enough, I could call on the power of my wand to infuse it in my mind now...but, my power is limited in such areas I could only do that once..until my mind had some rest again. Newmark overhears the others talking about which lead they should pursue next.

For what it's worth, ..I agree with Umberto. Let's interrogate all the wittiness before chasing new leads. It will give us a better idea of what we're facing.

Umberto sees the loincloth and rolls his eyes. Unbelievable. You there, are you Jared Moltwin?

Brax looks at Newmark. "I think we can just assume its been poisoned. Would make sense. Maybe we can find out tomorrow for sure."

Brax follows the rest of the group to the stall, a little bummed that fresh ale will have to wait.

If you think it important enough

Reidog scratches his beard while thinking. "Important? Suppose it'll be important if'n we find another arrow ta match it. Knowing the substance could help us ask questions, maybe?"

Shrugging, he follows the others to the mercantile. "I got no head fer this investigatin'. I'm good fer climbing walls 'n fighting. Yer got a sharp mind, I think. I'll leave that decision ta you."

Reaching the stall, Reidog hears Umberto start to ask questions. As subtly as he knows how, he circles around to the back of the stall in case the merchant attempts to bolt.

The Qadiran merchant beams as Umberto enters his stall, before the warpriest can ask his question, the gregarious peddler addresses him "Welcome my friend! Welcome to Estelle's! I know a man of your obvious good taste will find the treasure of a lifetime! Here to find a piece of heaven eh? Tell me, what god do you serve...I am certain to have a relic to interest you..." The man's face wrinkles when Umberto forthright asks if he is Jarid. Folding his arms, his forced charm hardens. he quirks a brow "Who wants to know?

We understand you were witness to a crime. We would have your accounting.

Newmark enters the stall apart from the others and begins to look around the shop and the merchant's wares. He listens to the conversation as best he can but, otherwise keeps occupied by looking around. perception: 1d20 ⇒ 11

Lumo enters behind Umberto, distracted by all of the "artifacts". He whispers, very quietly, "I serve Gorum, He-Who-Resides. " He looks at the merchant sheepishly. "Do you have any relics of our Lord In Metal? " Looking back at Umberto he shakes his head. "After you answer his question. Obviously. "

The merchant looks askew at Umberto and his frown becomes a scowl and seems reluctant to speak. When Lumo inquires about relics, Jarid all but ignores Umberto and directs his attention to the Nagaji. "Ah yes! Of course! My what a tale you must have, my friend, surely the almighty Gorum has chosen wisely in you. Come, this you must see." Jarid turns to Umberto "You must excuse me sir, but business comes first, no? I am sure you understand." Once again addressing Lumo. "See hear faithful servant" Jarid brings forth a tiny wooden carved statuette of a dragon with a thin sliver of an ivory like substance imbedded as one of the creature's front tooth "yes, this looks like an ordinary trinket but see here, the tooth, it is but a tiny shard of one of the famed teeth of the dragon Kathalphas, said to have been recovered from the filed of Strada's conquest itself! Very rare, but I am sure I can part with it for a reasonable sum..."

Meanwhile Newmark checks out the goods for sale and spies several trinkets dolled up to represent religious artifacts but is easily able to tell that they are very likely forgeries.

Actions?

Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

Lumo stops and looks at the man. I knew I should have taken fewer naps at temple. I don't remember anything about that. Don't want to let Gorum down, though. Let's see if this thing is real...

Jared. Jared, focus. Look we're not trying to jam you up here. We just want to know what you saw. We're mostly very nice people so just tell us what happened.

Newmark speaks up How much for this interesting piece here? It says on the tag it’s related to Nethys.

Jared pointedly ignores Umberto's question, and Umberto can tell he is doing so purposely, and smiles wide as Newmark inquires as to his merchandise. The merchant turns to Lumo "Think about it my friend..." moving to Newmark, a wide grin on his face. "Yes, you have excellent taste my friend, excellent taste! That is a rare find. For that...hm, as precious as it is I could part with it for say...20 gold?" The man eagerly awaits the dwarf's reply.

You may want to check the handout again as it gives a little detail as to Jarid's role in the crime.

Ah, thank you.

Umberto takes more forward tone. Oy! You will tell us what you know or the 9 feet of angry dwarves behind me will have a word. Or would you prefer the business end of my mace?

intimidate: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Right... Thank you.

Lumo puts down the artifact and gets back to business. Probably fake anyway. He shakes his head. "What about a lance of a god? I heard you have some of those..."

Newmark interupts Lumo, and talks over Umberto raising his voice in mild irritation while offering them a quick wink. Do you mind sirs! I'm trying to do some business. You've obviously got the wrong man! Clearly this is a legitimate businessman with quality wares. I was referred to him by a pleasant person I met at the Pitview pub, just two days ago! What was the name again? Bar something or other...anyway, the point is they told me Jarid Moltwin was the man to see if I wanted 'legit goods' in the God's Market. Newmark pans his head around Jared's shop, Though truth be told... I don't think this piece or the one I'm holding be worth what your asking. Newmark holds up his his finger to his lips and shows the man a coin purse with the other. He slowly counts out 20gp and presses it in Jared's hands. Though 20gp is a small price to pay for such pleasant company and conversation. I've changed my mind about the Nethys relic. One of your other patrons might be intrested in it or the other forgeries in here. Newmark pauses to let the last statement sink in. He makes it apparent, that it's a none too veiled threat, that he'd reveal the forgeries to potential customers unless Jared was co-operative.intimidate: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (20) - 1 = 19

What I'm interested in is, information good merchant. Newmark looks at the man's hands holding his coins. There was a man or woman perhaps this is a person, we both know? Perhaps not...This person tried to do business with you a few days ago? We need a name and a place....that's all. No more ugliness need occur. The coins in your hand prove my intentions. Anything but, some useful information, would prove most unfortunate for you and your business I'm afraid...

Jarid grows a bit angry as Umberto tries to intimidate the merchant. Before the Osirian can react, his attention is once again drawn to Newmark and the prospect of a sale. His eyes glow greedily as the dwarf counts out the gold, only to revert to primal fear as Newmark calls the man on his forgeries. He takes a deep breath and leans in close to Newmark, whispering harshly.

"Now now friend, easy, no need to get hostile. I have your word this stays between us, no?" he waits for a slight nod of assurance before proceeding "A man I, well, acquire merchandise from time to time brought it to me. His name is Bernal, and unwashed man of the masses with scraggly black hair. A scoundrel no doubt but one who, well, comes across things of interest quite frequently. Now, please, I have told you what I know. Please let this humble merchant try to feed his family." Jared looks to the dwarf pleadingly. Newmark is fairly certain the merchant has no other useful information.

Lumo nods, appreciating the honesty. "Thank you. We will not need to take any more of your time. As long as you can point us towards where we can find this Bernal." He takes a step back, keeping an eye out for guards.

Reidog walks in from the back of the stall.

"We get what we need or do I need to break his kneecaps?"

We already know where to meet Bernal from the note you guys found

Umberto sort of throws his hands up. Will no one take me seriously? Maybe I need to grow my beard out like these guys. Get a real menace face going. Let's go see to this Bernal.

"Right... Sorry, Reidog, I got hit in the head a few times at temple. Not the greatest memory." Lumo shrugs and leaves the tent. "Alright, let's get this Bernal."

Newmark nods to the Merchant and says (loudly so several nearby vendors and their customers,can hear), Very good, master Moltwin! It was a pleasure doing business with you as usual. Your stock as always...superior. ...You will look for that item I requested? I'll be looking forward to doing business with you again! *har* but my purse may not. Fair de' well good merchant. Good day! Newmark walks towards the edge of the Gods Market and whispers to Lumo, A couple of you should as around where the Pitview pub is. Be discrete! It's somewhere up here in the Ascendants court neighborhood. Shouldn't take too long to come up with the answer. Newmark spies a little vender selling tea and pastries. He nods his head toward, the nearby stall. I'll wait there to see what you all come up with.

Newmark's diplomacy is horrible, so I'll let you others gather info to find this pub. Remember it will most likely be DC:10 for common info and 1d4 hrs.

The note said to meet him at noon. What time is it now?

Splitting off from the group a bit as they walk. He will approach a door guard at one of the temples and express some frustration.

"Oy! Heck of a day to be standing around, ainnit? What makes it worse is the line oer at Erastil's. Where's a fella to wet his whistle, I says.

Got any idea what place he mighta been talkin 'bout?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (20) - 1 = 19

The party makes their way to the Pitview Pub, planning to fan out, gather information and close in on the fence known to them as Bernal. As they approach the pub, however, Umberto spies a shifty character that is a dead ringer for the man Jarid described, right down to his unwashed scraggly hair, walking toward the pub a few blocks away. As Umberto tries to get the party's attention, the clearly skittish miscreant up and bolts, running full speed. The agents are now certain they have found their quarry and give chase!

The fence runs through the crowded streets of the Ascendant Court, throwing citizens out of his way. The man looks like a frightened animal, he spies a local bathhouse with a wide open entry way. He darts into the bathhouse, and the party can hear the screams of patrons as the man recklessly runs through the establishment. Th group follows, and finds a bathhouse in utter chaos, with various men and women scrambling to cover themselves as their moment of relaxation is abruptly cut short by running brigand followed by a gang of dwarfs, nagaji and humans giving chase.

***CHASE ACTION ORDER***
Newmark
-----
Bernal
-----
Umberto
Reidog
Brax
Lumo

Alrighty folks, this sequence uses the chase rules, you may peruse them here for reference. Please note the cumulative -2 penalty if your character has speed less than 30 ft. The chase is on! Newmark is first up. Map is updated.

Dwarves in a chase? I'll consider myself lucky if I get off the first square

Newmark takes out his scroll of expeditious retreat and cast it on himself speed now 40’

How far away is our prey?

Newmark enhances himself off a magical parchment. The dwarf seems to vibrate with magical energy.

Bernal continues his flight. The rogue jumps off the mezzanine and is confronted by a locked gate surrounding the Chelaxian Embassy. The sly devil easily pops the lock, closing and re-locking the gate before running through the courtyard where several foppish Chellish natives were enjoying a quiet spot of tea. The foe moves further away.

Newmark enahnces his speed, forsaking his movement for the round but now granting himself a cumulative +2 bonus on checks going forward. Brax, each square represent 30 feet, so Bernal is 90 feet away at this time. Umberto, Reidog, Brax and Lumo up.

***CHASE ACTION ORDER***
Newmark
-----
Bernal
-----
Umberto
Reidog
Brax
Lumo

Lumo goes up to the guard at the bath house and stops. "Pardon me, sir! Official business! Very real guard, here. Let me though."

Bluff: 1d20 ⇒ 14

Unfortunately, the bath house guard sees through his lie and stops him.

Brax smirks a bit at Lumo, then turns to the bath house guard. “I’ve got ta get through here, that man who came through is a hardened criminal. We’ve been contracted ta’ catch him and yer in my way! Move!”

Bluff: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Brax tried to move through, but the guards are too sharp. He is intent on continuing the chase, however fruitless. His next move will be to try and slip past the bathers.

Yep, that's about as good as I'd expect

Reidog lifts an arm and sniffs. "Well, I dunno about these here fellers, but I needs a bath."

Bluff: 1d20 - 1 - 2 ⇒ (16) - 1 - 2 = 13

I'm in charge here, please move I am in a terrible hurry. Umberto is reaching.

bluff: 1d20 ⇒ 19

money

Bernal's chaotic entry and departure to through the bathhouse has roused the guards and the party has difficulty passing through. Guards block the way of Lumo, Reidog and Brax. Umberto, however, looks much more officious and is able to convince the guards to let him pass. Umberto makes it onto the mezzanine to continue the pursuit.

Ok, Newmark is up. Reidog, Lumo and Brax cannot advance and must try again next round. Umberto is on the mezzanine and must complete one of the listed tasks to advance.

***CHASE ACTION ORDER***
Newmark
-----
Bernal
-----
Umberto
Reidog
Brax
Lumo

Um sorry, er doorman is it? My friend, may have, left an important item inside the Bathhouse , I'll need to peek inside for a moment if you don't mind. bluff: 1d20 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (5) - 1 + 2 = 6 When it's clear the guard isn't buying it. Well...there's the other way too my friend!

Newmark also gets stopped by the bathhouse guards, who are unsurprisingly adept at dealing with problematic patrons.

Meanwhile, Benral continues to make his escape from the parry. The fence takes the tranquil tea party by surprise. A few brave nobles attempt to block the man's path, but the desperate criminal is able to shove past the unaware tea party guess. he slips further through the groups clutches.

***CHASE ACTION ORDER***
Newmark
-----
Bernal
-----
Umberto
Reidog
Brax
Lumo

Bernal advances another square while Newmark is stymied at the bathhouse. Rest of party is up, and Newmark may also post his next action which will take effect after the rest of the party's action.

Bluff: 1d20 - 1 - 2 ⇒ (5) - 1 - 2 = 2

I'm thinking we should just call this, but maybe Umberto can do a 3-space move. Reidog is out though.

Bluff: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (19) - 2 = 17

Lumo points at a random citizen. "He stole a towel! " Then runs past the guard while he is distracted.

I'm having trouble editing the document. Please move Lumo forward one space.

Umberto sees Bernal slipping away and tries to gain on him. Attempting full round action to move 3 squares by defeating both barriers.

climb: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
reflex: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

Umberto deftly 2 step hops the ivy wall and tucks a roll as he hits the landing. He short cuts through the bath house running on the edge seats in a room of bathers popping out the other end with Bernal in sight.