GM Ladile's TL;DR: A Pathfinder Society Campaign

Game Master Lady Ladile

"It is only dangerous when the silent tide rolls in," the shabti comments.

"Sledge an' aye'll keep any o' tha never-do-wells ah bay, don' ye worry Parison, haha!" Rumble says, patting the Cleric on the back.

Did we really just split on gender lines?

"Any specific information about the Kobolds that we could use to parlay into a diplomatic opening if we aren't able to work through Xarcious? Names or Contacts? Who do they worship? What do they want?"

"An' if tha peacekeepin' goes South, whah do we know abouh their tactics an' strength?"

"We don't know too much," Dreng replies. "This particular tribe likely claims some draconic heritage upon which they have built the mythos of their own superiority. Some of our agents who’ve encountered the tribe recently claim they’ve seen an actual dragon fighting with the Sewer Dragons, while other agents have found scorch marks on the walls down there."

"As for what they want? That will be up to you to determine when and if you're able to make contact. But we can can fence goods for them and get them supplies at reasonable prices. We can also get goods into the city for them. If the rumors I hear about alchemical substances and traps are true, perhaps we can purchase items they produce for our own use in the field. Under *no* circumstances do the Decemvirate approve any sort of tribute or ransom, however, so if that’s all the kobolds want, you’ll need to use your most convincing tactics to get them to change their minds."

When it seems as though there are no more questions Dreng offers an approving nod as you decide to split up and gather a little more information before making a decisive move. "Good call. Perhaps as individuals you'll have better luck picking up some sort of trail than we've had. Good luck out there!"
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Another post incoming, please stand by. There *are* knowledge checks and since most of you have already rolled I'll address them in this next post~

After concluding your briefing and your breakfast you split into two groups of three, presumably with a plan to reconvene at an appointed time at an appointed place, and hit the streets to learn more about Xarcious and perhaps the Sewer Dragons themselves...

Just to save time I'll tell you that Hepsubia's earlier roll was enough to learn all the scuttlebutt you can pick up about Xarcious and his current whereabouts.

It definitely takes time, but after a few hours' worth of work you each feel as though you've done pretty well in gathering more information for the mission ahead of you!
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I'll give Parison a chance to also roll if he likes, as well as for you guys to eventually meet up again and decide your next move.

Knowledge: Local + Inspiration: 1d20 + 10 + 1d6 ⇒ (9) + 10 + (3) = 22

Maria never rolled anything. I'm hoping Knowledge: Local might work instead of Diplomacy to gather information? If not, her Diplomacy is currently +0 so she does not aid anyone.

Maria snorts, "Just like men to wander off without a plan, hoping their hammers are big enough to get the job done. Alright ladies, I guess we have to do the thinking for them."

"Well, that was odd," Zithembe comments as they arrive at the Metro-Cathedral to wait for the others. "We got answers helpful in dealing with the kobolds, but none to the questions I was asking. Hopefully the others had better luck, else we will be heading into the sewers without Xarcious."

That's a tongue in cheek jab at scenario design, not our GM. :)

The multi-purpose whimsy elf is either well connected to the local world of crime, or maybe she just has a way with words that is enough to gain her the trust and confidence of whoever she's talking to, using favors and bribes whenever she sees fit.
Perhaps she is just remembering old adventures, years or decades ago, and knows where to search. Quite a few older rogues seems to remember her, it seems.
Either through recollection and fresh informations, she manages to finds out everything you need.

When the group is reunited, Hepsubia, more somber and taciturn than you have ever seen her, guides them quietly throught the Puddles, to the watch tower where Greeves is supposed to keep his shady business.

Rumble sits on a bench with his arms crossed, while he waits for the others. "Tha Kobolds are important though, still good infurmation," he points out. "Though ih was ah little odd thah people totahlly sidestepped yer questions..."

Yes, got to love the vagueness of earlier scenarios :)

Though Maria tries a slightly different approach to information gathering - different approach being to use her expansive memory and knowledge - she's unable to hit on any new information about Xarcious or the Sewer Dragons.

Eventually you all regroup at the Metro-Cathedral and compare notes. Between the two groups you've managed to learn a fair bit about the Sewer Dragons and what you might potentially be dealing with if your dealings with them go sour. More immediately important however is the information that Hepsubia has to share about Xarcious and his current whereabouts...

Everyone feel free to read the earlier spoiler for Hepsubia.

Maria nods as Hepsubia shares what she discovered, "Good work Ladies of Intelligence." She turns to the rest, It's pretty obvious what happened. But the good news is when we bust up the slavery ring we will solve two problems at once."

"I am in favor of that plan," Zithembe remarks. "Do we search Xarcious' apartment first for any clues to his dealings with the Sewer Dragons in case he has been shipped away or, hopefully not, killed before we realign this slaver's priorities?"

Hepsubia has no answer to give to the medium question.

"Slavers?!" Rumble's face reddens. "If ye think ih is wise Zithembe, then ok, buh aye'm ready tah charge in righ' away!"
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So to this Greeves fellow then hopefully to the slave ring to spring Xarcious, with a brief pitstop at Xarcious' apartment?

"I do not know. It depends on whether Xarcious kept records of his activities with the kobolds," the shabti says. "But if he was sold three days ago, a few hours detour will not likely change his fate."

Maria pipes up, ”Or... he is sitting in a holding cell waiting to be picked up and us taking a detour to visit his home gives them time to do that and we miss our chance to free him. I vote we go straight to the slaver. His residence won’t get up and walk away.”

"True. He has been missing for a month," Zithembe concedes. "If it has not been picked over by scavengers by then, it will likely not happen today. I must say, we always seem to be caught up in moments of such dramatic timing."

"I think it's worthwhile checking out Xarcious' address. We know where to go otherwise - and I am all for getting in the way of slavers!"

"Got my ammo sorted now too. Steel, cold iron, silver, even a little adamantine. Do you have any idea how hard that stuff is to get hold of?"

Just got to update my sheet ;)

"Let's save Xarious's house for later. As Maria and Zithembe said, it will still be there. While we don't know who the slaver is, we do know who Greeves is. I think we should pay him a visit. Between all of us," Parison says, looking around at everyone, "I think we can persuade him to tell us where Xarcious is if he's sold him or trying to sell him into slavery."

Though there's a mild bit of deliberation you ultimately decide that it might be more prudent to head directly to this Greeves fellow's hideout, just in case there's a chance you might find Xarcious there. With Hepsubia leading the way with quiet determination you weave your way through the Puddles (for the second time today for the men in the party) towards your destination. Despite the generally dry weather in Absalom of late, the streets in the Puddles are filled ankle-deep with muck, and the local mosquito population seems to have doubled. The Puddles is miserable even on the best days.

A small, waterlogged deck overlooks the sodden street by which you approach the abandoned watch station. In spite of years of neglect, the old watch station Creeley Greeves adopted as his place of business has fared quite well. The grime-covered granite walls are still solid and the rusty bars on the windows are still thick enough to hold for years to come. An old, nearly illegible sign reads “Watch Station Four.”

The only door to the station that you can see is closed and there doesn't seem to be anyone hanging around outside.

Watch Station #4
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I've placed you on the map approaching the building from the front but feel free to let me know if you'd like to do something different~

"Ugh! Is this where you boys spent the day? 'The Puddles' sounds romantic - but this place is an open sewer! Let's get inside, quick!"

Effie checks for observers and anything untowards on the door, then pulls her pistol and motions for Rumble to open the door.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 doesn't sound like it's needed though - and with a natural 1 I hope it isnt!

Although Parison is nervous, he nods emphatically at Rumble that he's ready, the knowledge that Xarious could be sold into slavery supercedes his anxiousness.

"Ready," he says as his breaths become a little more tense at the possibility of conflict.

Zithembe readies his net and nods.

Maria puts her hand on the dwarf’s shoulder, ”Remember, slavery is legal* here for now. Maybe just a few choice words and we can resolve this like civilized races.”

*If slavery isn’t actually legal in Absalom at this point in time, disregard!

”Slavery may but slave taking is not,” Zithembe adds. Oh the extemporaneous existence we live on multiple season time lines.

Not illegal, but he has something we want. Probably. Gotta set the tone right with these not-quite-criminals. We mean business, don't mess with us. Channel my inner Archon. Rumble nods his head and throws open the door. "Creeley Greeves!" he roars into the room. "Aye'll be 'avin' ah word wit' ye!"

In the room, the Dwarf mean mugs the nearest person with a hand on Sledge while the other enter.
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Isn't it legal, but only in a very specific area where Absalom functions as a middleman?

Maria nods and quickly replies to Zithembe before Rumble takes action, "Correct, and once we can confirm the rumors we heard, we can definitely take lawful action. But hopefully we can avoid unnecessary violence."

She stands back and a small smile crosses her lips as Rumble plays his role perfectly, though she realizes it is not a role for him, merely being who he is.

As tends to be the case the group opts for a more direct approach in engaging Creeley Greeves and once everyone is ready, Rumble simply throws open the door to the watch tower - which is not locked. It does, however, stick as Rumble starts to open it...

Rumble Str: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

...but not enough to prevent him from getting the door open, making a loud scraping noise in the process. On the other side is what seems to be an office or 'break room' of some sort; several tables line the western wall and directly opposite of the front door are a pair of double doors that are barred closed.

At the middle table a well-armed and armored man and a pair of women appear to have been engaging in a game of cards but at the sound of the scraping door all three jump, hands instinctively reaching for their weapons.

"Hell's bells and cockle shells!" the man exclaims, his hand hovering over the large greataxe resting against one of the table legs. "Haven't you ever of heard of knockin'!?"

As he - and the two women - take in the sight of Rumble and the rest of you (or what they can see of you) looming immediately behind him, his eyes narrow. "Anyway...iffin' you seek Creeley Greeves, you've come to the right place. What can I do for you?"

Watch Station #4

Rumble steps into the room and in front of the nearest goon. Staring her down with a mean look, he waits for the others to explain their purpose. Don't look like much, nothing Sledge and I can't handle if we had to.
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GM, I've moved Rumble in to allow the chattier PC's in. If this would cause problems (and if it was something he would have detected), he'll instead move aside. If he moves aside, it would be out of sight and he'd draw his weapon, just in case.

Though Greeves and his card-playing companions still look decidedly peeved and unwelcoming they don't object or go for their weapons as Rumble steps into the building to make way for the others. But given what you've picked up about the man it's likely that he expects you're all there to gamble or engage in other shady business...

Zithembe steps as Rumble makes room, net still in hand. "We are searching for an associate of yours: a scholar named Xarcious. He has first hand knowledge on a subject we need. Do you have him or are we going to need to seek onward?"

"Xarcious? Name don't ring a bell," Greeves responds flatly. "If you're looking for bookworms and know-it-alls you're better off over in Petals instead of here."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

Parison steps in with the group. He doesn't say anything at first, hoping that Rumble's awing presence and Zithembe's direct response will be enough to make Greeves impart some useful information on Xarcious's whereabouts. However, he begins to chuckle with mirth when the armored man states that he doesn't know who the scholar is. He puts his hand up toward his mouth as if he were trying to keep from busting out belly-laughing.

"I like him!" he says in a tone that doesn't hide his sarcasm. "If you need someone to float you a loan, go see Greeves. He'll give you all the time in the world you need to pay him back, especially if he can't remember your name in order to collect. I should pass word of his dealings through the taverns in Absalom."

Maybe Hepsubia is rubbing off on me more than I'd like to admit.

The priest lets his laughter subside and then gives Greeves a knowing look. "See, I have to like him because that's the dumbest way to do business as a moneylender. But who am I to tell someone how to run their operation? I guess it would be better because if he's smarter than that, then he'd have to be lying about knowing Xarcious since the man owed him money. What do you think, friends? A rotten liar or a stupid businessman?"

I think the lad's gone daft... Oh, wait, just being clever. Phew, thought we lost him there for a minute. Got to channel my inner Archon again!

Rumble growls deeply and gives Greeves a severe look, twitching some of his facial muscles as though he were a dog on the verge of snarling.
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Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23 Didn't want to be left out ;)
I need a whole other skill point for Intimidate and idk where to get it. le sigh. Sense Motive because it is useful, Blasksmithing because it is how he interacts with Torag. Curse you 2 skill point classes!

Effie saunters in to the watch station casually and plops herself down in the seat behind the northern desk. She swings her legs over the tabletop, and as she talks she slips her pistol from its extra-dimensional sheath all Han Solo-like ;)

sleight of hand: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

"How about both? See, a smart businessman doesn't set up shop in a place where he has to wear heavy armour to go to work. A really smart businessman makes his place of business welcoming. A really, really smart businessman tells six heavily armed strangers who visit him unannounced the answers to their questions, because he wants to have friends rather than enemies. But hey-ho, Greeves, it's your choice I suppose."

”Apologies,” the shabti says. ”I should have said that we know he owed you money and that he was last seen with you and then disappeared.”

Maria just watches the whole deal unfold.

Maybe he'll see reason, maybe not. My bet is on not though.

Greeves' face grows flushed as Parison flat-out laughs in his face, pointing out the absurdity of claiming to have never heard of someone when word on the street would indicate the exact opposite. In fact, so focused is he on this that he doesn't even notice as Effie casually slips her pistol out of its' hiding spot. Neither of his two visitors/friends/cronies notice this either.

"Ain't your business how I run my business," he snaps. "And you might just wanna back it up with those threats, lady. You mess with Creeley Greeves and you mess with the Furies."

He jerks his thumb at the two women. "The Furies are in the business of givin' mouthy folks like you the business. But I like to think I'm a reasonable guy. Like I told you, I don't know anything about Xarcious or what happened to him. Now if you got any other business you wanna conduct, we can talk. Otherwise, scram and we'll just pretend like this conversation never happened."
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At this point feel free to give me a Diplomacy roll...or Intimidate, given Effie's words. Or you can always start cracking skulls if you feel the need, whatever works for you guys.

Hepsubia lays still and silent, on the back of the room, alert and ready.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Or absent minded and not ready, who knows?

While Hepsubia tries to keep watch from the rear of the group, she-SQUIRREL!

Being in the city is awfully distracting sometimes.

While Rumble's focus gets him to realize Greeves' deceit, he accidentally plays to the opposite tactic of the party.
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Cha Skill (Aid) vs Lead: 1d20 ⇒ 2
A failed blind aid! Where you meant to diplomacize, he went the intimidate route. Where you meant to intimidate, he offered an olive branch. UP was a cute movie :)

Maria hops onto the bandwagon, either glowering well or giving a friendly smile to support her ally's efforts.

Diplomacy or Intimidate Aid (same mod): 1d20 ⇒ 12

I think generally we're more the friendly persuaders than rufty-tufty types.

Effie goes for the sweetener: "So come on Greevesy, make nice. Let's be friends. We know you know, you know we know you know. You can be nice, right?"

diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11 awwww...

Zithembe sets his jaw and arches a bald, green brow.

"Remember that he cannot tell us where Xarcious is if he is dead," he says flatly to Rumble.

Greeves considers Effie's words but still seems about to balk...until one of the Furies leans in and whispers something in his ear. Then, he sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose.

"Alright, alright, I can see you're the persistent sort and I ain't stupid," he begins, shooting a glare at Parison. "So I'm still willin' to be reasonable. It might be that I do know where Xarcious is. And I might be willin' to turn him over to you...for a price."

He smiles. "He owes me a debt, you see - yes, I was fibbin' a bit about that but can you blame me when I had six folks armed to the teeth just bust in the door without so much as knockin'?"

"Anyway, he owes me a debt that he can't pay. But if you were willin' to pay it for him, well, he's all yours and everyone's happy. 250 gold - not a small sum but surely not that much split among the lot of you, eh?"

Hepsubia was about to say something, but finally keeps her mouth shut.

Maybe an imaginary squirrel told her to enjoy the silence.

”So that we are clear on the terms,” Zithembe says slowly. ”The payment is for Xarious or the location of the last person you sold him to?”

Maria stands quietly.

If for Xarious that isn't a bad deal but I bet we could get him to drop it to two hundred. If just to point us in the right direction, certainly not worth that much gold.

Parison returns Greeves's gaze with a look of his own. The ire of his anger is at the man's attempt to lie about his association with Xarcious. A part of him wants his battle buddy to take Sledge and teach this man some manners, but then he realizes that he'd need to be next on that list after Greeves has pointed out their own behavior.

Remember what Zithembe said, he thinks to himself. Slavery is legal in Abasalom and while you can hate what kind of man this man is, what he's doing is within the letter of written law.

"Point taken on bursting in unannounced," Parison says, starting to calm a little as he goes from anger to grimness. "But I've personally dealt with those whom would kill me were they in your boots, knocking or no knocking."

"One's debt is another's ransom," he says to the others. "But even ransom is better than needless bloodshed. I'm willing to assist paying Xarcious's debt if everyone else is."