GM Silbeg's #3-18 Gods Market Gamble (Outpost) (Inactive)

Game Master Silbeg

A Pathfinder Society Scenario designed for levels 1–5.

Valuable relics of religious natures have been disappearing on their way into Absalom and the Pathfinder Society stands to lose countless irreplaceable artifacts if the cause isn't found. Amid the bustling markets of the God's Market in the shadow of the Starstone Cathedral, the Society sets a plan in motion to ensure the parties responsible for the recent thefts are caught and brought to justice.

Written by Dennis Baker.

A red-haired half-elf wearing a light chain shirt and carrying a Flag, with the words "Explore, Report, Cooperate" emblazoned upon it, and two spears of varying makes, walks up to the designated meeting point.

"Greetings fellow agents, my name is Darven Embers. You might have heard rumours of my freedom fighting exploits in Kintargo against the despicable House Thrune. If not, do not fret, in fact, it means my attempts to remain covert have succeeded.

Regardless, the Society called me here for my skill set and I hope it aids you in our coming trials. These skills include a vast array of stories about common and uncommon creatures, the ability to inspire great strength, dexterity, or raw toughness to my team, the minor ability to heal light wounds, and the simple ability to hit things hard with one of these spears." He states as he gestures to his cold iron and adamantine longspears.

"In addition, it appears this flag I carry inspires feats of greater valor in pathfinder agents, as well strive to emulate the motto we fight under."

As long as you stay within 30ft and can see my flag, you'll get a +1 morale bonus to attack and damage rolls, as well as saves against fear. Furthur, I have controlled inspired rage, so based on our party, I can give use +2 STR/DEX/CON depending on which we benefit most from.

The half-orc listens attentively to Darven's introduction. He wears a shabby set of traveling clothes under a second-hand cloak, recently marred by acid burns. The dark red cloak doesn't match his clothes, in which - though faded and worn - one can still see the deep greens, bright yellows, and rich browns of his homeland in the Mwangi Expanse. Clashing colors or not, the cloak has the virtue of being warm. A small reptile skitters around the wizard, occasionally crawling over his feet and partway up his leg.

He sure seems confident. I wonder what stories he has about his adventures in Kintargo? Wait, is he finished? Am I supposed to go next? I think I am. Oh, Hells.

"Er, my name is Torgat Eaglecaller," he begins hesitantly, ignoring the reptile. His Taldane is richly flavored with an accent reminiscent of central Garund. "I, um, I study mag-- I study the arcane arts. I am particularly interested in the arts of creation and summoning, though of course I find much of interest in all forms of magic." His own introduction complete, Torgat sighs in relief.

The reptile, now perched on his shoulder, emits a startlingly loud hiss and flicks out its tongue. The half-orc sighs again.

"Right, I almost forgot. This is Trex. Like T-Rex? Um, because he thinks he's bigger than he really is? Anyway, he goes where I go. I hope that's OK."

Warren lumbers in, big, tall - even for an half-orc, (dumb). A huge shield on his arm and a fine looking hilted sword on his hip. He sets his shield on the wall and stand there. He nods and grunts to the other half-orcs in the room, but doesn't say anything.

Kinshasa rides Kokina up to the meeting point. He catches the end of Torgat's introduction and the part about Trex. He smiles down at the small reptile from the back of the large constrictor. Dismounting he slides to the ground.

I am Kinshasa and this he pats Kokina behind the ear hole is Kokina. I serve the First Mother of Nagajor and the Pathfinder Society.

He reaches a hand out to Trex to scratch the small reptile's scales.

I can make a roll if you like, but just establishing a reptile to reptile connection RP wise.

Last to arrive is a young half orc, whose first wounds are barely healing, his barely broken in armor still smarting from its first few scratches. He steps into the room hesitantly, eyes wide as he looks around at the diverse team he is to accompany this time. As every eye in the room turns to him questioningly, he stammers a few times before taking a deep breath and visibly drawing himself together.

"I am Garekk, and I am from the far northern reaches. I haven't seen much action.. in fact the only missions I have been on have been here in Absalom. I was sent out from my people on a Life Quest.. and thought that the Pathfinders would be a good start in finding the knowledge I was sent to find." They young mans voice begins to give out as he quickly runs out of things to say, and he starts to fidget in place.
Finally, he blurts out "Well, I hope that my sword and I can be of some help here!" before rushing over to the nearest seat and easing himself into it nervously.

Unchained Barbarian here, so most of Darvin's buffs won't really help me. However, the Banner is nice! Does it stack with your Inspire Courage?
He's pretty cut and dried, nothing special! I am looking forward to playing with yall!!!

Unchained Barbarian here, so most of Darvin's buffs won't really help me. However, the Banner is nice! Does it stack with your Inspire Courage?
He's pretty cut and dried, nothing special! I am looking forward to playing with yall!!!

I think I'm the one cut and dried here. Massive armor, huge shield, puny sword, no taunt abilities....

@Garekk, yes the Flag stacks with inspire courage. Also, if I'm using my rage song, you can activate your rage without spending rounds unless you want to use your "rage powers", in which case you would have to spend your own rounds of rage.

The summons from Drandle Dreng is brief and a bit odd: “Meet Kreighton Shaine in the stables to discuss missing artifacts.” Aside
from some briefings during training, few Pathfinders deal with the Society’s Master of Scrolls. In the muddy stables, Kreighton’s scholarly robes drag through the muck, and his soft shoes are clearly soaked through, though he doesn’t seem to notice.

“I’ve been working on an extensive study of religious relics, trying to ascertain whether items gain a certain aura of divinity that cannot be detected through normal means. I’ve been collecting these artifacts through a series of well-known dealers in the God’s Market. We’ve never had any trouble before, but recently several of our couriers have been waylaid by a particularly elusive bandit.” Kreighton pauses briefly as his mud-soaked robe snags on a nail and he nearly falls over, but a stable boy catches his arm and steadies him.

“As they were headed through the Ascendant Court,” he continues, “a group of thugs ambushed our couriers. The first time I thought it was a coincidence — a random mugging. After the second time, however, Grandmaster Torch had some harsh words with me. He suspects someone has targeted our couriers specifically. The Drandle boy suggested I have you investigate the disappearances.” There is a long, uncomfortable pause and for a minute it seems the elf has completely forgotten he was discussing something.

Finally, he glances up with a sort of stunned look on his face. “Oh yes, here, this list will help you. The Grandmaster has helpfully provided it as a starting point.”

Torch's letter is slide #3

Darven ponders the elf and what he says for a moment, then, realizing what the elf is talking about, he decides he will provide a little extra context information.

"Hmmm...the God's Market and the Greycloaks, ehh? I've heard a story or two that I can tell you all, gather round and hear my tale."

Perform (Oratory): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31

"The God’s Market is a sort of bazaar filled with various vendors hawking all sorts of religious items. All of the major gods are represented, as are many minor gods. One can purchase religious texts, items of worship, holy water, and even minor blessings in the God’s Market.

So, I hope that is informative, maybe some of you will remember the story to pass down to the next group of adventure's you meet. I'll even give you some pointers on the best ways to tell stories."

"Investigate disturbances and disappearances. Not my specialty, but I am here to guard those that make it theirs."

It sounds like a fairly simple investigation. Let us go and see this Rialla Barleyhusk and see what they saw.

"I was warned about thieves when I left home for the big city," Torgat says, absentmindedly scratching Trex's scaly head. "But I have not been bothered so far."

"Hmm. Whatever the witness might have seen, would it not be most productive first to speak with the man who had possession of one of the stolen items? He can only have received it from the bandits."

Darven thinks for a minute about what the best course of action seems to be.

"Hmm...I'm inclined to agree with Torgat, likely the information we either receive or coerce out of Jarid Moltwin will point us most directly to either the criminal, or another lead. To be honest, I have a feeling that we may be visiting all of our leads before the day is through, but I believe we should start there."

Ok, 2 for Moltwin, 1 for Barleyhusk, and one just guarding. Waiting for a decision -- we will go with "rule of three"

"Since the group wants to go for Moltwin, I will guard them."

That will make it 3

Good enough!

Since I know Darven is going to take 10, I don't need to bother with rolls...
Darven thinks about the market, and names he has heard. He then recalls a merchant at a stand called, "Estelle's Last Hope Mercantile" that matches the description, so the group heads that way.

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.

When the group approaches the stall, the rotund Qadiran man that is sitting watch over all notices you all, and gives a big smile. He waves his hand over his many wares, beckoning you to approach, and to buy his goods.

Darven walks into the shop, takes a quick look around, and then bows in greeting to the Qadiran man.

"Greetings sir merchant, I take it you are Estelle or possibly one of his employees? I was looking for something that is connected in same way to Milani, perhaps you have something in stock. I promise it will be worth your time." he says, while tapping his coin pouch.

Warren stands there, glistening in his armor, massive shield on one arm, sheathed sword clearly visible. Paying attention, sure, but there to look menacing and deadly.

"It is with great sorrow that I must inform you that the most esteemed former purveyor of verified relics, Estelle, had the misfortune of passing a way some time ago of natural causes. She did, however, bequeath her establishment to your humble servant, Jarid Moltwin." the man says with a deep bow showing a nimbleness unusual for one of his size.

He gets up, and shuffles around the back a little, pulling out a satchel of fine mesh containing some leaves and flower petals. "This tea was harvested from the roses Milani herself planted, tended by her faithful for these many years. The sweet aromas of the petals are inspiring, are they not?" He shuffles a little more, finding a small, well-used porcelain tea pot, which has an obvious rose motif. "And this pot was sanctified by her priests, for the rituals of brewing."

He sets the two beside each other on the counter, waiting for a response.

Sensing the start of haggling contest, Darven eyes the "relics" thoughtfully.

"Oh I apologize, I hadn't heard about Estelle's passing, but I'm glad you kept the name of the store in her memory, quite noble of you.

Hmm..well in my line of work, I've seen a couple of holy antiques and I'd say that porcelain tea pot is worth maybe...35 gold pieces. If it was used by Milani herself I'd think it would be far more, but an item tended to by her priests does still hold quite a great deal of value. So what say you, Sir Jarid?"

I'm totally going to use this teapot before each adventure after this :)

Moltwin nods at Darven's acknowledgement of the former purveyor. "She lived a long life, and died happily among family."

When the offer is put out, he replies. "Why, you are truly a wise businessman. Your offer is the exact value of this tea pot! I know I should try and haggle with, as this is what makes the trades so enjoyable, but you are too wise for me to be able to cheat you, I Can see!" He quickly grabs a cloth to wrap it up, as he waits for Darven to pay his money.

His demeanor has obviously turned for the better, and his smile looks more genuine.

It will be noted on your chronicle -- though you may need to remind me!

Kinshasa takes some time, moving about the stall and browsing the wares. Flashing a friendly smile You have a great many items of value here. I am a mounted soldier myself, only recently knighted. Would you have an item that one could use mounted perhaps? A lance or a pennant or something similar, perhaps even a caparison for my mount?

I definitely know its a fake, but could you please write "bought fake Milani teapot" on my chronicle for flavor's sake. I can always have it "blessed" later lol

Darven hands over the 35 gold pieces with a smile.

"Pleasure doing business with you Jarid. If anyone asks where I got it, I'll tell 'I went to Jarid's, the gallery of jewelers antiques'."

Sorry for my late catch up. Mondays and some tuesdays are horrible for me!

@Garekk, yes the Flag stacks with inspire courage. Also, if I'm using my rage song, you can activate your rage without spending rounds unless you want to use your "rage powers", in which case you would have to spend your own rounds of rage.

Awesome! Thanks for the clarification there!

Garekk hulks in the opening of the stall, staying silent as the transaction moves through its paces. As the teapot is being wrapped and stowed, he finally steps fully into the shop and looks to his companions before continuing. He lowers his voice conspiratorially, then says "We are actually Pathfinders, and we are looking into some thefts. Now, I am not saying that you had anything at all to do with them.. not in the least! But perhaps you could point us in the direction of where ever you got that Shard of Iomedae's spear??"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

Unfortunately, the hulkingg half orc doesn't come off as the most friendly sort and he seems to have accidentally put the store keep off..

Darven looks to the half-orc and then back at the shopkeep.

"Ah yes, I was just going to ask you if you knew anything about the Shard of Iomadea's Lance. It seems it was stolen from the Pathfinder Society, which we can't let go uninvestigated, so we are looking for any information on it that we can. Surely you understand, as a shopkeep, wouldn't you hate for your inventory to be stolen?"

Diplomacy take 10: 10 + 11 = 21

Darven's post is voided, as the results of Garekk's clearly need some final help.

As soon as Garekk mentions that they are Pathfinders, and questions about the spear, the man starts acting defensive. The half-orc's demeanor throws him the rest of the way. “I had no reason to expect it was stolen. I’m already out good coin, and now you’re here trying to scare off my legitimate customers!”

It looks like Jarid is about to kick you out of his shop. You might have a chance to still get him to calm down and talk.

Darven attempts to calm down Jarid as best he can.

"I understand you didn't think it was stolen, Jarid, but surely you understand, we are simply trying to figure out who stole it. I'm nearly certain it wasn't you and I would never imply such a thing, but as a shopkeeper, you must understand our desire to investigate our stolen property. If you could just tell us who sold it to you, we would be on our way, and I'll even try my best to repay you for your lost coin once we solve this mystery."

Diplomacy check. Aid another is appropriate with participation.

Will wait for aid bonuses before locking in

We are just looking for information. We are not after you for this Jarid. You are an innocent victim in this.

Diplomacy Aid: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

While I am ok with guarding those that need it, and I even volunteer for it, gathering information is BORING!!!! Where's the ACTION!

Realizing that their questioning of the shopkeeper is about to end before it gets started, Torgat clears his throat nervously, trying to think of something helpful to say.

Trex senses the young wizard's distress. Torgat's usually mild social anxiety becomes much more acute whenever there is a potential for confrontation, and as it has many times before, the compsognathus - who is, unbeknownst to Torgat, an emissary of Jaidz, the empyreal lord of cowards, the untested, and youths - lends its master a bit of divine guidance.

Trex casts guidance on Torgat.

"Of course no one is accusing you, sir. But as my colleague says, you are a victim as much as the Pathfinder Society. Imagine if word had gotten around that you are trafficking in stolen goods! Why, you might have the Graycloaks going through every item in your shop, checking provenance for each to ensure that you have nothing else that was stolen from its rightful owners!"

Diplomacy, aid another, guidance: 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 + 1 = 18

Diplomacy, Aid?: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12 Yea, this isn't boding well for me...

Garekk pulls back, dismayed by the shop keepers negative and forceful reaction.
"I meant no offense, good sir, and I did not mean you were involved.. we are just trying to trace the history of the Shard. My apologies."

With this, he steps back and allows the more silver tongued compatriots to try and salvage his ham handed screw up.

I do apologize, Darven. I did not mean to step on your toes there..

No you weren't stepping on my toes, I like when everyone is involved, it makes for a better story than if one person just did everything. Remember, my flag says explore, report, cooperate ;)

Since you rolled, I took it... and you needed it.
As the Pathfinders talk quickly, Jarid calms down.
"Ok, ok. I get it. As you know already, I did have the Shard of Iomedae's Lance. I bought it from a fence I have dealt with in the past, and was working to verify its authenticity. The fence goes by the name of Barnel, kind of an unwashed, scraggly black haired fellow.

"Honestly, that's all I know. I don't ask question I don't want the answers to, you know?"

Do I recognize how Barnel is? If not, I'll ask him:

"Do you know where we can find Barnel? Hopefully he can tell us who gave it to him."

No, you don't recognize the name.

"Sorry, don't know that. He doesn't have a shop or anything, if that's what you are asking. No, he just shows up once and a while with something to sell." replies Jarid.

Once we leave, and as we wander back through the market to our next destination can I Gather Information to try to find Barnel please?

Assuming that the business here is done Kinshasa asks Where to now? Shall we start with Riala then on to the good Friar?

As he walks Kinshasa engages in conversation with the passing locals, hoping to gather some information on Barnel.

Gather Information: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Garekk bows to the man. "Thanks. I am sure that we can work on something with this new information.."

Looking to his companions, he continues "Shall we try out some of our other leads?"

Warren nods at Garekk, bored with the situation, but content to watch the talkers talk.

No, you don't recognize the name.

"Sorry, don't know that. He doesn't have a shop or anything, if that's what you are asking. No, he just shows up once and a while with something to sell." replies Jarid.

That's convenient, if it's true.

I'd like to try to Sense Motive - can Torgat tell whether Moltwin is holding anything back?

Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 4

Seems legit!

Darven thinks for a moment about this new infromation.

"Hmm...well I've never heard of this fence, but we do have two other leads to work with, and if we are lucky, perhaps asking around for the fence while heading to our other leads will bear some fruit."

Lets go down the list and head to the first witness?

Diplomacy to gather info on the fence: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

"Agreed."

As they leave the shop, Torgat falls into step next to Garekk, Trex riding on his shoulder.

"Have you been a Pathfinder long? I arrived in Absalom only a few weeks ago, and ever since I presented myself at the Lodge for training it feels like I'm still a student back at the Magaambya."[b] He rotates his arm, trying to loosen a stiff shoulder. [b]"Well, maybe with more bruises."

So far you are unable to come up with any more information on Barnell

As you are trying to make your way to find Rialla Barleyhusk, a pair of thugs and a large dog step out from around a corner. One shouts out, "You'd best keep your noses out from where they don't belong!" as the other orders the dog to attack.

Darven spots the thugs, watches them order guard dogs to attack him and his group of new friends, and decides that today isn't the day for this.

"Do these thugs seriously think they can take us with a couple of dogs and improvised training? In fact, I bet these low-life thugs attack women in the streets, rob from innocent shopkeepers, and abused these dogs something fierce. I think it's time to teach them the error of their ways, gents."

Activate Controlled Raging song. +2 Strength to everyone on top of my flag giving everyone +1 attack and damage.

As Torgat approaches, Garekk shakes his head. "Not very long.. less than a year to be sure, but I have completed a few missions for the Society. Most of that work was here in Absalom though, so I know how you fee. It is a good place, and there is very much to learn here!"

The banter is interrupted however, with the thugs stepping out of the alley. Before Garekk can even try to talk his way out of the fight, the enemy is upon him. Drawing his greatsword from over his shoulder, the half orc stands to his full height and rushes forward to block the alley and to protect his companions. His sword waves and dances, daring any to get within reach.
If someone needs me to 5ft step to the north to let you through, Garekk is fine with that and has the leftover movement to accommodate.