GM Sloth's "The God's Market Gamble" PFS (Inactive)

Game Master ThreeEyedSloth

The Ulfen took note of how the demon seemed to lack his own animal magnetism and commanding presence. How did he even get into Absalom?

He looks strong at least.

Tiasar, glad that Hrolf is agreeable to not creating a string of bodies, agrees with everyone else on their first destination. He leaves the information gathering to the party, musing over the notes they were given

Master departs soon Morde flies off his perch and onto Tiasars shoulder as he exits, and can't help looking at the large-scarred-lion-man again. After a minute he flies to Hrolf's shoulder and looks curiously at him

As the group makes their trek to the temple, in between stops to gather information, Hrolf takes a moment to address the other Pathfinders.

"I do not know how long any of you have been here in Absalom but I wanted to make some things clear. This city has a natural order to it, one that the Pathfinder Society has to respect and we, by extension, must respect as well. Part of that includes how we handle physical threats."

"I enjoy a good scrap as much as the next Ulfen, but it is important that should a fight break out in the streets, and we're a part of it, that we not butcher anyone."

The northman's eyes rest on Jake and his large sword as he finishes the last part.

"The Society can't have anymore bodies showing up on its doorsteps."

"And the best way to ensure that is to not have a fight break out if we can help it," Iolande says, shaking her head. "I'll speak no more of it, since it would tempt fate if anything else were said."

As she follows along, her mind considers the lettwe she was given. Hmm.

Gather Information results for Hrolf and Ryster:

It sounds like the party is headed to find Rialla Barleyhusk first, yes? I need one more round of Knowledge Local or Diplomacy checks, as you're specifically asking around on how to find her.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Know. Local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

"And the best way to ensure that is to not have a fight break out if we can help it," Iolande says, shaking her head. "I'll speak no more of it, since it would tempt fate if anything else were said."

"I've never been that lucky", Hrolf answers with a rough bark of laughter.

Diplomacy w/ Enhanced Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 7 + 2 = 25

Rystar and Hrolf stop and talk to various street merchants and are easily able to pick up directions to where Rialla's shop is.

Just as Torch's letter noted, her shop is directly across from the always-busy Cayden's Hall. The brick building is fronted by two large, many-paned glass windows and a large sign that reads, “Mercantile, Curiosities, Unique Items, and Magic—Bought and Sold Within.”

Inside the store, the shelves are lined with all manner of goods, crafts, and artwork both domestic and foreign. A female halfling clerk sits on a large stool behind a human-sized countertop. As the sound of footsteps grow more abundant in the shop, the woman looks up with widening eyes and a growing smile.

"Welcome welcome welcome! The name's Rialla, feel free to take a look around! You all look big and scary, are you... Ohmygosh, ARE YOU PATHFINDERS!?" she proclaims with a squeal.

Tiasar seconds Hrolfs statement, still curious as to Morde's behavior around him.

squealed how? like she's afraid? or like a fan?

She seems... pretty overly excited.

Jake nods to the large Ulfen, then chuckles at the words of Iolande before they arrive at the Hall.

So long as Justice is being served, I will not forecefully intervene. However, if the freedoms of anyone are in jeopardy, then blood will flow to avenge the ideals of liberty.

Upon approaching Cayden's Hall, Jake greets the Halfling.

Please excuse our rather abrupt appearance. We mean you no harm, and we beg your pardon for any inconvenience. It is simply information we seek.

He steps aside, and gestures at the group in hopes that someone with more of a silvered tongue will raise the appropriate queries.

"I agree," Daimonji simply states to Hrolf's suggestion. Including the part about enjoying a good scrap, though that goes unstated. He casts a slight annoyed glance to Jake's verbose answer, but says no more.

As they enter the store, he takes a second to look around for anything interested before he even notices the tiny woman. "Yup," he proclaims with a nod, pointing to the Wayfinder strapped to his belt.

She pushes her tiny glasses all the way onto her nose.

"Oooh, you must be here to investigate the mugging! Eeee! This is so exciting, real Pathfinders here in the store!"

What can you tell us about what you saw.

The red man raises an eyebrow as he checks the merchandise. Weird.

"Yup," Daimonji states again with a nod. Guess we're pretty conspicuous. Especially me. Though... that gives him an idea. He sneaks a word to that annoying wizard.

He lets Hrolf or one of the others handle the actual conversation-making with the shopkeeper while he observes as they talk, trying to assert if she's lying or not telling them the whole story.

Hrolf greets the cheery woman pleasantly. The Ulfen knew that many southern women found his people ruggedly attractive. He had no problem exploiting that.

It is nature that females favor the most worthy mates.

"Greetings Rialla. You are right - we are Pathfinders and we are here investigating the attack on one of our own. We were told you were witness and might be willing to share what you saw with us."

The big Ulfen leaned forward on the counter and spoke in a low deep tone.

"The Society remembers those that lend aid."

Diplomacy w/ Enhanced Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 7 + 2 = 22

"What do you remember from the day of the attack?"

Remember - Enhanced Diplomacy is a spell, and some people that don't have the ability to determine what you're casting might mistake it as a hostile action.

The halfing quickly hops down from her stool and runs over to a spot just a few feet to the left of the door.

Barleyhusk’s excitement is palpable, and she rambles everything in one long, breathless speech.

“That poor man you asked about who was attacked, he looked a right mess, he had an arrow in his side, and he could barely walk. I sat him down and started to bandage him up. Then all of a sudden the Graycloak was there and asked if I had a potion to fix him up. I said I could patch him right up because I took a class from Berntuck’s Fine School of First Aid. That Graycloak gave me the nastiest look and said the Graycloaks would pay full price for the potion. Well, I knew the master had some peppermint-flavored healing potions that weren’t selling very well, so I ran back to get the potions and before I could even get to them, I hear the injured fellow gasp really loud. ‘Hurry!’ the bossy Graycloak said, so I ran back as fast as I could, but when I got there, he was already dead.”

The halfling quietly sobers up as she finishes her story, and walks back behind the counter and climbs onto her stool.

“I was too slow.”

Fair enough. I figured in this case (as with the gathering information) that Hrolf could have applied it before entering the building.

"Do you still have the arrow you pulled from the wound?" the Ulfen asked with a raised eyebrow.

"You may call me Morde" he whispers in the tieflings ear. Morde flies outside, taking a perch on the room of the building and scouting

Perception1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Yes, the arrow please. Would you be able to describe the Graycloak? Have you seen this particular Graycloak in the area before, perhaps?

As he steps closer.

One more question, lady. Did you see the attacker, or what he took?

Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 12

Ryster pauses from looking around the store and looks at the halfling. What kind of merchandise do you deal in? Had any of the stolen artifacts moved through your shop? Have you ever seen a staff head in the shape of a beetle? If not, do you know someone who would deal in these types of objects? Ryster finally stops to take a breath and smile at the halfling.

The excitement from the halfling's face seems to have disappeared after recounting her tale.

"I don't have the arrow, I'm sorry," she says morosely to Hrolf and Jake. "The Graycloak? I don't remember much, just that she was a tall, dark woman. That's all."

Rialla's eyes stay focused on the ground, her expression turning more dour.

"Sorry, never heard of a staff like that," she tells Ryster.

Hrolf frowns at the lack of solid information.

"It is a start. I wonder how many Graycloaks match that description?"

Perception1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Tiasar looks at the red spots "Is this where he was?"

Still not looking up at anyone, she nods her head up and down.

Iolande frowns, more to herself than than the Halfling woman. "It must have been shocking, seeing that," she says, softly, trying to be reassuring. "It all happened so fast, remembering details isn't easy, is it?"

Diplomacy 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

"It's alright girl. You did what you could", the big Ulfen offers. "You have the thanks of the Society."

Hrolf looks to group.

"Let's try that second witness. Finding Erastil’s Alehouse should not be difficult."

"I wonder if they brew mead there too..."

Jake looks skeptically at the halfling.

So, there is nothing more that you have to offer us in terms of information? Think carefully before we leave.

Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 19

Jake rests his hand on the big Ulfen's shoulder.

Come, big fella. The first round is on me.

Hrolf laughs and nods at the fighter.

What ethnicity is Jake?

"You won't find an argument from me on that."

Andoran, born and bred, through and through.

I should have known that. Jake's THE iconic Andoran.

While still smiling and heading towards the door with the Ulfen, Jake stops in his tracks, his visage turns stern, and he turns quickly on his heel, and in three quick strides he leers down at the halfling, menancingly.

I get the distinct impression that you may not be telling us everything. I suggest that you speak up now, or our next visit will not be so pleasant.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Hrolf looks on in confusion as Jake turns and menaces the halfling.

Trusting the andoran's judgement, he stays quiet and lets him squeeze her for answers.

Don't forget your +4 for being bigger than her.

Her eyes quickly dart up to meet Jake's, and the look of regret instantly washes over her face.

"I'm sorry, I... I wasn't sure I should say anything. According to what I learned from Berntuck, an injury like that shouldn’t have killed your friend so quickly. Berntuck said gut wounds are a long slow death. I’m not sure what happened. I meant to ask the Graycloak about it, but by the time I thought to ask her, she was already gone. That's all I know, I promise."

Ahhhh...I see. You will have no trouble from us. It is obvious that an injustice has been perpetrated, but not by any fault of yours. I am ready to proceed to the next witness when you all are. We need to keep an eye out for this female Graycloak, who may indeed be a murderer and have some involvement with the theft of these items.

Jake steps out of the shop with a wink to Beastheart. He waits just inside the door with arms crossed and leaning casually up against the wall of the shop.

Hrolf shrugs and exits as well, "I think we're done here."

Once outside he glances at Jake.

"How did you know she was holding out?" the ulfen asks.

Not really sure friend, just a feeling that something did not smell right.

"It's good that you did. That confirms our fears that Graycloaks are involved in this somehow."

Impressed, the big Ulfen gives Jake an approving nod.

"A warrior should trust his instincts."

As the party begins walking out the door, Rialla runs to catch up to you and with a big smile, asks, "Would any of you be interested in buying one of our peppermint healing potions before you go? Curative AND delicious! What'cha say?"

If you want one, it's a Cure Light Wounds potion. 50GP.

Following Jake and Hrolf outside, Iolande lets out a sigh. "Poison, no doubt," she says in a low voice. No way does she wish passers-by to hear her. "I keep thinking I'm jumping at shadows, but there's something about this that makes the back of my neck itch."

No, thank you, but maybe in a few days. We will stop by. Keep your eyes open for that Graycloak, eh?

Jake reaches into his pouch and hands her 3 GP.

The Hrolf raises a hand dismissively at the potion.

"But your help is still appreciated."

To Erastil's Alehouse.

As you all leave from the magic shop and begin heading to Erastil's Alehouse, you realize that the God's Market is a fairly dense area of Absalom, with more people, buildings and vendors than one would think possible. In order to not get lost, you'll definitely have to rely on your memory of the city, or the directions of strangers, to get you to your next destination.

I need Gather Information checks, please!

I should have seen that coming.

Diplomacy to Gather Info w/ Enhanced Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 7 + 2 = 25

Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 6

During the trip, Jake is actively looking for a tall, female graycloak, or to determine if they are being followed.

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 16

:)

After a bit of discussion with a few locals, Hrolf is able to get very clear directions to Erastil's Alehouse.

About 10 minutes pass, and the party turns on to a fairly empty street. The brewery is close. Based on your directions, it should be just a bit further.

Perception checks, please!

"The whore said it was clos- Yes! That's it over there."

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Please post your character sheets, or links to them. I've looked at most, but there's a few I haven't seen yet.

Hello all, wizard checking in!

Magus checking in. I was going to ask what you needed so I set up all the info from her sheet on her profile.

Looks good, Iolande. Thanks!

Prepared casters, make sure you choose your spells at the start. You won't have an opportunity to do so later.

Checking in

My character sheet is under alias. Still need to fill out gear. Have it done in a few.

Gear updated

Looks good, Iolande. Thanks!

Prepared casters, make sure you choose your spells at the start. You won't have an opportunity to do so later.

0-level: Ray of Frost, Mage Hand, Daze

Daimonji reportin'!

I just put the contents of my sheet in my profile, but I'm new to PbP so tell me if it's missing something.

I'll also be shelling out 2 Prestige for a wand of CLW. Don't know why I haven't done that earlier.

This is Feral.

10774-09

Jake reporting for duty!

Gameplay is up and ready for you all!

This is the picture reference I use for Iolande.

Two tieflings in one party. I think Tiasar has a higher chance of getting killed by his party than a wild encounter lol

If I had played my rogue, it would have been three!

To make things easier on me, could I get everyone to add the following to the "Race" line on their profile?

AC (including Touch and FF), HP, Saves, Initiative, and Perception.

Thanks!

Done!

done

Done.

Done

Can I get a marching order? Essentially, just tell me if you'd be in the front, middle, or back.

Hrolf will be at the front.

As will Jake.

Rear

Middle, right behind the slightly tankier combatants.

Middle, I believe between our two tieflings will work

Thanks guys!

I will attempt to post a little tomorrow, but I can't make any guarantees. Also, I will be out of town completely on Friday, so don't expect anything then.

If you are going to be out of town all weekend, it's no problem. Just let me know, so I know not to push ahead. If we need to wait to resume on Monday, that's fine with me.

Blasphemy!

I'll be about throughout the extended weekend.

My posting will be slow, but present tomorrow

Out for most of day, but should be ok tomorrow.

I'll be posting.

I'm canadian so I'll be around. Fridays in general are a very busy day for me, though.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope you guys have a great holiday.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving

I made a small update to my profile, as I noticed I skipped over my Ride and Sense Motive scores when I transcribed them.

Sorry, I'm not gonna be around to post again until Sunday night or Monday. Today was busy, and I'm out of town again this weekend. :\

Cool

Bummer.

Thanks for the heads up.

We resuming today Sloth?

Everything okay Sloth?

Was wondering same thing, saw he posted on his other campaign yesterday.

Ugh, apologies. I didn't expect this month to be so busy for me. I'm still moving forward, just a lot slower than I anticipated. Bear with me for another week or so, and once I get to next Friday, I will be able to post on a much quicker basis again. Until then, it's going to be a bit sporadic.

I've been trying to juggle both games with updates as often as I can, so this one was next. Sorry. I'll have something up tonight and tomorrow.

No problem

So I got a lineart of Daimonji commissioned a little while ago, and it just came in. Check it out!

Here's the artist's deviantArt account if you're interested in hitting him up.

Nice!

***

This feels like public school all over again. =(

Alright, I'm back! The worst of work is over, and I'm free to get this game moving along. I'm sorry about the delay, I hope everyone is still on board!

I'm here

ready to go!

Ready and waiting!