GM Turmoil's Slave Ships of Absalom (Core) (Inactive)

Game Master ckelley83

"Unfortunately our business is in here. We're here for a chat with Mr. Mahdi, that's all."

Aid Another (Diplomacy) to Kevtiln: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

The half-orc smiles at Kavor "Ahh a fellow businessman, now you're speaking my language. Tell you what, I'll leave this scum bag alone for a week on one condition. I'm a professional afterall, and word can't get around that I don't complete a job. How's about you give me a down payment for Ol' Mahdi here.....let's say 50 gp. Then I walk out of here and he's all yours to do with as you please." and he loosens his grip a bit on the Kelshite.

Putting his weapon away,

"why not just do it out of the goodness of your heart and we wont tell anyone you let him go."

Diplomacy : 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

-Posted with Wayfinder

"Done. Pleasure doing business with you."
Kavor Doan hands the half-orc 50 gold coins.

Hudor winces as Kavor hands over the coins. 50 gold, we could've taken them. But oh well, his money, as Hudor thinks to himself. Not truly trusting them though, he keeps a close eye on them as they leave.

Kranzer sheathes his sword. "Well would ya look'a that. Not everyday ya find kin with a head for business. You an' me, Kavor, we should play some cards in Kaer Maga sometime, take em for all their worth!"

"Well this has been quite unexpected, no idea why anyone would stand up for this scum. It's been a pleasure doing business with you all. But know this slaver, Mezuk will be back." he shoots a fierce scowl at Mahdi, and departs, nodding at you as he passes.

Mahdi takes a moment to straighten his outfit and has a nervous habit of running his hands over his pulled-back hair when he speaks. "Well I thank you for that, it could have gone much worse if not for your intervention. I have no idea how you managed to talk Mezuk down though, I didn't even know the man had a brain! He's part of The Sanguine Beast, a local group that likes to shake down businesses for protection money. Really though, all you're paying for is for them to leave you be. But I digress. Mahjub Mahdi at your service, how may I help?" He sits down at the desk and pulls out a pipe which he starts to stuff with tobacco.

Jarlaxle looks at the others, before responding to the man.

"Well, now that you mention it, we are looking into a rather unfortunate situation - a recently acquired handmaiden that went to Lady Silviana turned out to have an embedded scrying sensor. Now, I am sure that such a reputable businessman such as yourself would have had no knowledge of this, so we would appreciate it if you would be so kind as to let us know where she came from, so that we can get to the bottom of this, in the process restoring your good name."

Kranzer watches the Keleshite for a moment.

sense motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

"Aye, and what was all that about before, with that 'Mezuk' fella? Seems like you two got history. Something personal?"

While the others talk to Mahdi, Hudor casually goes around exploring the room. Using the but of his spear to move things around. Ignoring any complaints or looks from Mahdi.

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 13

Goldur stands back and listens approvingly as Jarlaxle does the talking. At my age, it's often tempting to criticize the young... But it's good to be reminded that some things have been left in capable hands.

A broad smile lightens his face at your inquiry, "Ahh so it's information you want! That I can help you with! Normally I would say that's worth 400 gold, but for you, I'll only ask 200. A special price for special friends!"

Picture of him added to the map as well.

Kavor Doan laughs.
”Ah, no. That half-orc was just a thug. You’re a slaver. I’ll not be giving you a copper, by Cayden. We may have saved your life, is that not worth this information? Now, my friend has offered to help you preserve your name as a...legitimate...businessman. I suggest you cooperate.”

Can I get a roll please?

He's trying to be more diplomatic than threatening, if only just.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Poke

While exploring the room, Hudor casually mentions to Mahdi without looking at him. "You'd figure a person that was about to be snuffed out by some thugs would be more grateful to the people that pulled his bacon out of the frying pan."

Diplomacy Aid Other: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

Sorry, was waiting to see if Kavor's roll would affect Kranzer's next action.

Kranzer looks about the room for anything incriminating, or any clues or connections to Lady Silviana's slave or magical espionage.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

He takes a moment to look at Kavor, then Mahdi. "Aye, friend. Ya'd be a pile'a goo if my associate hadn't stepped in."

Diplomacy, Aid: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0 Well, living up to his name at least.

But as soon as Kranzer opens his mouth, a foul odor fills the room. He takes out his soap and starts to chew again to mask the scent.

"I suppose you have the truth of it, you did save my hide and my wallet today. I will tell you what you want." He takes a few puffs on his pipe while thumbing through a ledger on his desk. "The slave Atlag came to me through an infrequent supplier, a ship captain named Waheeda Wardak. Her ship, the At Sea, sailed with the distinctive yellow sails used by the Okeno pirates the last several times it was in Absalom. I'm expecting another shipment from Wardak tomorrow actually, and the At Sea should be docking tonight if it hasn’t already arrived." Mahdi hesitates and seems quite nervous to continue. "I was also told to expect an enslaved Pathfinder as part of tomorrow’s lot. But I swear to you, I had nothing to do with that. My plan was to let your group know once they were in my custody."

Hudor turns to Mahdi, "That is a serious offense there. To have Pathfinder as a slave. As any slave is distasteful but this is more so and very brazen to have a Pathfinder slave here."

He looks to the others, "I'm thinking we can't let this stand. The question though should we go to the At Sea now to free our fellow Pathfinder or perhaps setup an ambush tomorrow with the meeting Mahdi here has with them."

Kranzer's face drops at the mention of the enslaved Pathfinder. He tries to think back, put a face to a name regarding this Wardak and also the Okeno pirates.

Knowledge (local)?: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

To Mahdi he says, "This Pathfinder, what's their name?"

To Hudor and the others, he says, "We can't let this stand, ya know? Every second they have one of ours is an affront to the Lodge an' what it stands fer. I say we pay them a little visit, tonight. Gotta go that way to get to tha bottom of this spy business anyway, eh?"

Jarlaxle shrugs at Hudor's impassioned words.

"Holding a Pathfinder as a slave is no more abhorrent, nor illegal, than, say, holding an Aspis Consortium agent as a slave. People tend to forget that we aren't actually the Law around here..."

He looks thoughtful for a moment.

"That said, rescuing this Pathfinder would probably be a good idea."

Jarlaxle then turns to the slaver.

"Now, of course, there is also the matter of a refund for the tainted goods the Lady was provided...? I am sure that doing so would be good for business, as it would show that you were a reasonable businessman, who understood the benefits of keeping his wealthy clients happy."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22.

"It is no more abhorrent," Goldur agrees with Jarlaxle in a serious tone, "but this is a slave we can do something about. The Society has considerable influence, and we can expect to have their full support if we free a fellow agent."

-Posted with Wayfinder

Slamming his fist on the table in a furious rage at the sound of the slave, "It is settled. We will go tonight." looking over at ... "If i find out you had anything to do with this I will be back for you"

-Posted with Wayfinder

Hudor nods his head. "Then tonight we go to free our brethren."

He turns to Mahdi, "After you decompensate our Lady, it might be a good idea for you to go in hiding for some time. Not only to avoid the ruffians from before but from this Captain Wardak. She will probably suspect you being part of our little raid tonight."

Diplomacy, Aid Other: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

"By all means, Kevtiln. I am with you."
Kavor Doan thinks for a minute.
"Mahdi, if you were involved, and knew we'd come back for you once we found out, you would go on the run as soon as we leave. I promise you that if you do that, we will ensure your business and property are forfeit, and then I will put a bounty on your head. If you are involved, best to be forthcoming. And I would suggest that if you go into hiding as Hudor suggests, the Grand Lodge would be the best place.

How did the slave end up in Lady Silviana's employ? Espionage is usually targeted. Somebody wanted Atlag in that household. Were you told to get her into the Lady's service? Did Atlag herself try to attract the attention of the buyer?"

"I really don't know anything else, I have nothing to do with the procurement of the merchandise. You will have to talk to Wardek herself about where she gets the slaves. As for the how the slaves are purchased, the nobles come and shop just like any other product. They choose their own."

"I will nullify the sales order and refund Lady Silviana’s purchase price in order to protect my own business interests. Normally I would never do such a thing but you did help me out here today."

"Since our business here seems to be done, we should probably head toward the docks if we are to end this mess quickly."

Hudor starts to head out of the building and toward the docks.

"So who purchased the slave for lady Silviana, was it her or someone who worked for her"

-Posted with Wayfinder

You head to the docks and ask around, but nobody has heard of any ships named the At Sea. Trying to inquire with the harbormaster also gets you nowhere, since he refuses to talk to you without official business.

Kranzer scratches his head. "It looks like we're outta leads, eh? Should go to that--bloody rock-head, what was her name? Darchana! Lady Darchana, Zey's friend. Should go talk to her, eh?"

He walks down the street whistling an echoey, unfamiliar tune.

"There could be a 'secret pirate' harbor that most people don't know. Probably why the harbormaster wouldn't talk to us, would be bad business for him."

Hudor looks to the others, "We could try to find someone that would talk to us here or go with Kranzer's suggestion."

"I say we stay and try to find it. We dont want to miss the chance to save one of own"

-Posted with Wayfinder

Goldur nods. "And if a few others happen to get away while we're rescuing the Pathfinder, well..." He shrugs. "We can't be expected to keep tabs on all of them, now can we? But for right now, the Lady Darchana seems our most logical next step."

"Let's talk to Lady Drachana now that we have some information."

You travel to Lady Darchana’s estate in the Petals District after failing to get anywhere at the docks. A tall wall of polished stone surrounds the property and its gardens, and many of the plants have arcane or alchemical uses in addition to their aesthetic value. A doorman greets the party, confirms your identities as Pathfinders, and escorts you into the three-story residence, noting that Lady Darchana has been expecting them. There, the estate manager, Jemina, leads you to the upstairs study.

The walls of the study are inset with bookshelves that are brimming with texts of all varieties. A large drawing table in the middle of the room bears an unrolled map of the Inner Sea region. At the far end of the study stands an impressive darkwood desk, and seated behind it is a woman dressed in midnight-blue robes. Her piercing gray eyes look expectantly at Jemina.

The estate manager softly clears her throat and announces, “Senior Lesser Councilwoman, Archdean of the Arcanamirium, Second Spell Lord of Absalom, Lady Darchana of House Madinani, please receive these agents of the Master of Spells Aram Zey of the Pathfinder Society.”

Lady Darchana beckons with a short hand movement, “Pathfinders, join me. That is all, Jemina.” She folds her hands together and waits for Jemina to close the door behind her, then continues. “After my conversation with Master Zey, he agreed by necessity to keep the details that were passed on to you to a minimum. I am keenly interested to hear what you were able to learn based on what you were provided.”

1d6 ⇒ 3

She points a finger at Hudor, "You, tell me what you have learned thus far." And give me a Diplomacy roll

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Hudor gives a restrained smile and thinks to himself sarcastically, Oh great.

Keeping the smile he clears his throat before beginning, "As you with my Lady. After receiving the details of our mission we headed toward Lady Silviana's estate and talked to her majordomo Milana. From Milana we learned that lady Silviana 'purchased' a handmaiden named Atlag that was involved in the spying incident. As of yet we don't know if she was merely a clueless pawn or a true spy.

We headed for the dock after that but found no clue where the At Sea could be before we came here my Lady."

Hudor refrains from revealing that they discovered a Pathfinder was taken prisoner unsure if it was wise to tell Lady Darchana.

Woohoo a good Diplo roll, won't be executed by a bloody noble this time around. :P

1d6 ⇒ 2

Lady Darchana listens intently while maintaining an enigmatic but not unfriendly demeanor. She looks at Goldur once Hudor has finished. “It is important to me to get your perspective on the events, as well. Can you add anything further? Any more details on this Waheeda Wardak?"

"Well, he also said she uses the yellow sails of the Okeno pirates. Most likely she's at least friendly with them, perhaps one herself. That is, assuming Mahdi was telling the truth."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

-Posted with Wayfinder

Kranzer rocks back and forth on his heels, nodding slightly as Hudor and Goldur speak. His face is solemn, thick brow knitted in thought. He wonders what this captured Pathfinder has gone through, what they're still going through.

Will I keep me cool when face to face with Wardak?

Her expression never changes and she seems to have no reaction to any of the information you've provided to her. You are unsure if she is pleased with your report or disappointed. "Anything else?" she asks, to nobody in particular.

Going against his instincts, Hudor decides to reveal the Pathfinder taken prisoner. "We were also told that a fellow Pathfinder was captured by this 'pirate' captain."

“You all did well, I'm impressed. An Okeno pirate captain? Captain Wardak of the At Sea.” she nods her head, a brief smile. “Yes, that would stand to reason.” She flips open a ledger sitting on her desk that bears the seal of the harbormaster and begins scanning the pages, “When I became aware of the eavesdropping handmaiden, using my own magic I was able to follow the arcane trail back to it’s origin. I only got a brief glimpse of the heavily veiled perpetrator, but based on the distance and direction, I knew the culprit was on Stonespire Island—somewhere underground on the island at any rate, with a powerfully enchanted mirror. The Okeno pirates’ base of operations is a city on that island, and the Fleshfairs may be the largest slave markets on all of Golarion. It is a cunning place through which to move these sensored slaves.” Her hand finally comes to rest in the ledger. “At Sea, here we are. It has been to Absalom two other times in the last three months. According to this, however, it has been marked with a bounty. ‘Failure to fully declare cargo value for taxation.’” She clicks her tongue loudly. “Excellent. You said Mahjub Mahdi was expecting another shipment from the At Sea tomorrow? If it hasn’t already docked, it’ll be anchored outside the Ship’s Graveyard, waiting for a pilot. We cannot allow those slaves to make it to the Docks unaccompanied! I trust I count on you to help? And while I sympathize for your enslaved Pathfinder, that is not the mission objective here. Please make sure this gets taken care of before trying other endeavors.”

Kranzer pipes up, "Ya trust right, m'lady. We're here ta see it through, no matter what."

The dagger under his studded leather presses tightly to his chest. Something he always feels before going into a dangerous place.

Hudor ponders, "So possibly get a small boat to head out toward where the At Sea could be and sneak onto the ship maybe?"

"If the ship is waiting for a pilot to take it into the harbor, that could be our ruse to get on board.
Will the information on the bounty be enough to convince the harbormaster to speak to us? I would rather do this with his cooperation."

Lady Darchana explains that by law, a ship like the At Sea must have a Pilot’s Guild member bring it in through the hazardous Ship’s Graveyard. She then excuses herself briefly to follow up on this information and returns 15 minutes later. “I have spoken with a contact at the Harbormaster’s Grange. There is an outstanding docking request for a ship called Kat Season, which is likely our ship with a flimsy disguise.” She writes out a letter, seals it in wax with her seal, and hands it to the party. “Carry this note to the Harbormaster’s Grange—it authorizes the inspector to provide you with a rowboat and a pilot. So long as you can confirm the ship’s identity, you are legally free to claim the bounty yourselves.”

"Thank you. We will head to the harbormaster at once and try to uncover this mystery.
Is there anything in the records that would suggest the size of the crew for the At Sea? That information could help inform our strategy once we reach the vessel, whether stealth, subterfuge, or direct action."

" Well then let us make haste. We don't want anything happening to our fellow pathfinder"

-Posted with Wayfinder

"Aye, les be off." He nudges the nearest person to him with an elbow. "Wouldn't want to keep 'em waiting eh?"