GM Higaki's Dragon's Demand

Game Master Black Powder Chocobo

Darb pulls out one gem, licks it, then polishes it off in his shirt.

Appraise 18, taking ten.

See? They're pretty!

I paid 20 gp on the way back to the tavern...

I think this is definitely something that should be discussed with the group. Has anyone seen Darb or Nori?

"Pretty they are, little one." The man hums and haws, before relenting. "Very well, 800 for the whole lot. Final offer."

Accept Darb?

"Darb going to need stable person to trade with. Many jobs coming up. How can Darb make good with big man to make sure deals always fair? Darb good at getting things done. Not always good at talky stuff."

The old man once again raises an eyebrow, but that melts into an affirming nod. "Hmm, you wish to help with things around here. Tell you what; I bet the Baroness will have you look further into the collapse. If you find any other treasures; come to me first. I can divest the wealth you find into more appropriate ventures. Likewise, if you come across any resources that are worth investing into, let us know."
Darb, give me another Diplomacy check with a +4 bonus

resources such as rare plants in the forest, good mineral deposits, etc.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

The man ponders it a bit more. "I want to see your results first before we do any other large business. You were involved with that smuggling ring, even if it was ancillary if the rumors are to be believed. Earn my trust and you shall find a worthy business partner."

No other deals yet!

Darb looks at the old man, gesturing to him to knell closer, and whispers,

"I'm dropping the dumb goblin act now. I know these gems are worth more, but also realize sometimes thas the cost of doing business. We can both make each other a lot if money in the future, so let's make this a profitable venture. I'll take you 800 gold and will be back with more soon."

Darb steps back with a big stupid grin on his face, sticking a hand out for coin while sliding the gems across the counter .

In a normal voice, "Thanks for buying my shiney! See you soon! Darb like coins!"

The man strokes his mutton chops, again nodding. "Interesting..."

Another 800 for the party, or 200 each!

Off to the blacksmith to sell and try to locate Darb...

Jinx enters the smithy; a half-orc grins with a tusky maw. "'elcome ta Baccus! 'Big Bull Baccus' atcha service!" His tattooed arms welcoming her into a shop covered in a variety of armors, mostly leather although some bulkier breastplates and full suits of metal armor are visible. "Whatcha lookin' fer, lady?"

Wakiyan, sets the chain shirt on the counter.

"My friend here is helping me try to sell this shirt. I am a humble follower of Gozreh and something like this metal shirt seems to only hamper my movements."

not sure if aiding works here but am going to try to give it a shot. Still thinking Jinx will fix any goofs for me.

Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 10

Take 10 for 16 Diplomacy

"Ahh, you part of th' Faith, too! Well, blimey, glad to see a new face, even if ya do look a lil blue, there!"

Looking at the armor, he comments on it. "Only a minor puncture, easy ta fix. And yer human-sized. For a Greenie, I'll offer ya 60 crowns for it!"

"So whatcha folk doin' here in town?", he asks while Wakiyan and Jinx considers the offer.

Sounds like the best offer you would get Wakiyan.
Turning to the blacksmith
Mostly just trying to do what we can since our previous job fell through on us. I don't suppose you've heard of anything to make some extra coin?

Nods and extends his hand. "You have a deal!
Appraise: 1d20 ⇒ 15

"Agreed, we are looking for some honest work here in town.

Also, While I can't speak for the rest of my party. I have heard of different groups struggling for power and influence here in town. I would assist the faith if I am able to. While I am used to water and feel its connection, could be said that these forests are a sea of green."

"Actually, if ya go out and about and find Bophre Malak, there's a reward for it. She's ta daughter of Isadorer, an early widower who runs the dairy farm here. It's been three months since Bophre disappea'ed, and she just wants closure, although Isadorer is sure Bophie's still alive. 200 coin if you can bring her back alive; though that's 'bout her 'tire life savings!"

Boom! New quest added to the party! Also, completed the Making Friends or Enemies quest!

Anything else the party wishes to do in town for the day? We can do the RP as you interact with those in Belhaim as long as you feel like it :) Otherwise, plans for heading to the kobold lair!

I think we had plans for getting a couple more healing potions before heading out, or at least I plan on it.

"Thank you again" turns to Jinx "Do you want to catch up with the group? I know I would like to grab another healing potion before we set off on our next adventure."

Healing is a must. Thank you again for your help sir.
Off to get potions

Nori spotted the pair as they headed out of the blacksmith. She sidled up next to them as they headed down the street.

"I see you two have been busy. Found anything interesting?"

There are two potential potion sellers in town; the largest apothecary is Xenme's Tonics, a Shelyn-aligned business. There's also Anagrit's Cottage, an herbalist of the Green Faith. Anagrit is more codgery and thus her business isn't as thriving as Xenme's Tonics.

We'll finish up the potion purchasing at your choice of locale, then we'll head out :)

"Yes, the blacksmith here has a job we might be able to do for someone." continues to explain what he has heard from the blacksmith, and about the fractions. "We was thinking about heading to the herbalist to get some more potions. Care to join?" off to get potions.

I feel like Wizard of Oz music should be playing...

Nori, Wakiyan, and Jinx catch up to Darb who carries a large sack jingling with coins.

They eventually make their way to Anagrit's Cottage on the western side of town. A late-middle aged woman doesn't greet you as you enter. The walls are lined with jars filled with various herbs, spices, and dried goods. "Who're you whippersnappers and whadya want?"

Wakiyan looking around, Knowledge (Nature): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Attempts to point out some of the quality and type herbs to impress, "We happen to be travelers in the area looking for work to do. This line of work is not without risk and I was hoping on purchasing some healing."

"If you have any work that needs to be done please let us know. Also, I can't speak for the rest of my group however, as a follower of Gozreh I am willing to support your cause here in this town."

"Hmph... think you outta get special treatment just cuz yer think Gozzie is a big deal 'eh?"...

The woman is between borderline suspicion and pure crankiness.

I'll need a Diplomacy check Wakiyan!

Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 14

"We seem to be inconveniencing you so I figured I would cut the case and be straight to the point. While I could be playing the word games and baiting the waters for a better catch, I didn't want to seem to waste time."

Yea looking back, I should have paused and slowed this down. Oh well...

You actually forgot your +1 bonus for your Making Friends - Green Faith bonus

"So direct, not pussyfootin'... I can respect that. Well, I don't have much on me, business is slow as people prefer the tastes of that young Xenme's stuff. I do have a couple of healin' potions, though."

2 potions of CLW available at normal cost of 50. Her attitude is shifted to Friendly

Yay for bonuses

Hands over 50gp

"Thank you, I would like continuing to do business with you. My friends may have some requests for some addition potions."

done here unless you guys have something

It's 50 GP each, so 100 total if you want 2. You'll have to get her to Helpful status to get a better discount.

So the next question: How do you wish to get to the kobold lair; via the tunnel in the ruins, or go overland to reach the quarry?

I'll take the other potion please.

"Hrmph... only since you're with this respectable gentleman."

Tight smile

Thank you

Purchase and go...

Nori will broach the subject of the kobolds as they leave the herbalist's shop, "I suggest if we go after the kobold tribe, we take the tunnel in the ruins. They may not expect anyone to come through it. We will simply have to be careful about traps."

"Sounds good to me, I am ready to head off for our next adventure." then turns to Jinx "I'm sorry it seems that you haven't been having any luck with being well liked."

Well Darb does have a potential 'in' with the Abadarians and Wakiyan made great headway with the Green Faith. At the very least, you have one potion maker and a blacksmith at your side and a potential legit source for selling other valuables you come across.

Through the secret tunnel!

More in a bit :)

That's my luck. The one person in town not hostile was a little too friendly. This is why I prefer a simple life of adventure. Small town politics make my head hurt.
I like the idea of tunnels. We are not all as sneaky as our friend Darb.

The party once again makes their way to the tunnels below.

Just for the sake of it, I'm assuming you still bear the Canteclure crest to avoid the battle with the automaton.

Harzogopas creepily greets you as you make your way to the kobold tunnels, spying the silver weapon at Nori's side.

The kobold tunnel is cramped and narrow; only Darb feels comfortable walking through it. After about an hour of travel, the party finally exits the tunnel, on a ledge that winds down to a flooded quarry. Two tunnels can be seen and kobolds guard each one. The exit from your tunnel comes from the south and the kobolds are not looking in your direction.

You are 30' away, currently the kobolds are unaware of you. I'll need Stealth checks if you wish to move closer.

Darb creeps closer to get a better look.

Stealth: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (2) + 21 = 23

Nori eyes the kobolds. She draws her weapon quietly. With a glint of maliciousness in her eye, she extends her darkly colored tongue. Drawing the blade across her tongue, she coats the metal in her saliva.
She grins at her companions, watching them to see their actions.

Poisoned my weapon

The small goblin moves forward, the kobolds unaware of his presence.

Darb, you can be as close at 15' away from either the blue or red kobold

Never seeing anything like that before Wakiyan eyes widen, biting his tongue before saying anything.

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Moving with the party looking closely ahead last time there was one hiding...

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

As Wakiyan approaches, one of the kobolds catches a glimpse of the shimmering light off of Wakiyan's water armor. He howls out in Draconic, pointing towards the party.

Jinx gets one round of activity before we begin!

Also, noting the poison setup by Nori!

Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

Jinx realizing that the jig is up uses whatever surprise she has to full move to the left of the blue kobold.
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

Init Order (bold = up)
Jinx
Nori
Kobold Blue
Kobold Grey
Wakiyan
Darb
Kobold Purple
Kobold Red
Kobold Orange
Kobold Brown

The kobolds are still flat footed!

Claw 1: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Dmg: 1d4 ⇒ 1
S.A.: 1d8 ⇒ 1

Claw 2: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Dmg: 1d4 ⇒ 3
S.A.: 1d8 ⇒ 5

Jinx, in her anxious energy, swipes twice and goes right over the surprised kobold's head.

Nori dashes out at the closest kobold and swings her poisoned blade at its head.

Atk: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Dmg: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7