GM Tyranius City of Strangers Part 1 and 2 (Inactive)

Game Master Tyranius

Savannah sighs. She takes a hood and goes along with her companions, hoping that whatever favour Dakar was about to ask her fellows for would be agreeable.

"Yes I didn't waste time brushing my hair either this morning as I expected we'd be donning these lovely hoods again soon. Apologies for the hood hair look, everyone!" Prakriti joins the rest of the group as they prepare to find out exactly what Dakar is expecting of them.

Placing the bags over your heads you are stuffed inside a small, dusty wagon and driven in bumpy, painful circles around the city for at least an hour before being dragged from the wagon, marched through small streets or large hallways, and then stopped. At this point, the bags are removed and you find themselves in a private residence with carpeted floors, potted plants, slaves waving fans, and a giant backlit screen along one wall. A shape, decidedly vague in outline, can be seen behind the screen and a voice speaks.

“You owe me a favor, little Pathfinders, and it’s time to pay up.”

"Now that I have your attention. As you should know, but likely are too ignorant to understand. I am the head of the Commerce League. You met the heir to the Ardoc fortune, but his father is the true power behind the family at the moment. We, both, have decided that the Shadow Lodge's involvement with Kaer Maga is at an end. Conveniently, my repayment is beneficial for all involved as it will give you a chance to extinguish this growing revolution from within your ranks."

Dakar's coughs with a hissing sound. "We need you to track down the Lodge and extinguish all of its tendrils that have put down roots in our city. Find their headquarters and resolve the problem and your debt will be cleared." Dakar states plainly.

"Oh you're quite right, I'm far too ignorant to understand any Commerce League," Zil responds sardonically. "I'll have to take your word. How extensive is this problem, exactly? Like how many members are you aware of?"

"Yeah, I'm with him here," Yorad jerks his thumb at the gnome, "And where can we find one of these...Shadow Lodge members?"

"Fine the headquarters? Any suggestions as to where we should start our search?" Prakriti considers the 'favour' which doesn't sound too bad, expect for the need to 'extinguish' which sounds a bit extreme.

Mahalak tries to tame the panther as the conversation is going on. As what Prakriti has said, do you have any suggestions as to where we could start looking? And do you know of any traders or anyone who sells weapons and armor around these parts?

Dakar replies. "I have no knowledge of the Lodge's whereabouts. Enterprising little Pathfinders, such as yourselves, should have no problem tracking them down. You might try Downmarket or the Meatgate lots of eyes there may have seen something.”

Sarina looks bored and is just waiting to hear the catch.

Savannah grins with relief, happy that her companions debt is going to be paid with a mission they would have needed to do anyway...

"Ok then. We better get to it then." Prakriti bluntly accepts the task from Dakar, before turning to the rest of the group. "Where to first then? Shall we start with the Downmarket? We might need to visit both places?"

"We need to split up then," Yorad says, "Gotta check both places out. I can take Meatgate. Who wants to tag along?"

What's the plan?

"Splitting up? Well, alright. But be careful, team. I'll go with you, Yorad."

"OK Savannah," Yorad points to the direction of Collegarde's residence, "We'll meet back there at the end of the day. Savannah, I need you to watch my back while I am fishing here."

Once the oair have reached the Meatgate Yorad takes the lead in trying to track down the elusive Shadow Lodge.

Diplomacy (Gather Info): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

Sarina shrugs.

"Might be dangerous to split up. Watch your backs."

She decides to travel with Yorad.

aid another diplomacy: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (16) - 2 = 14

"Eyes up here pal. Now tell the nice man what he wants to know."

Diplomacy to AID: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

"Please?" Savannah adds with a smile.

So are we splitting up or has everyone gone to the Meatgate? Prakriti was happy to stick together and is certainly not going to head off to the Downmarket all by herself.

On second thought we should probably stick together here. The Shadow Lodge would probably love to ambush us at this stage.

I think we should stick together, honestly.

"I'm looking for some information," the gnome says into a few local ears. "But I don't want the wrong person to get the wrong idea..."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

Glad that the group has decided to stick together and smirking a little at how her suggestion to start at the Downmarket first was so subtly switched around by Yorad, Prakriti helps seek information with the people they find there.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

The group asks around about the Shadow Lodge, but everyone they seem to ask either does not know anything or will not tell the Pathfinders. Though thinking back on the situation it took days to find Besel,let alone a hidden organization that wants to remain hidden.

Perhaps some earlier contacts might know a bit more.

• Sard Coalbreath, male dwarf scallywag that was found on the pier a few days back.
  
• Yorad's acquaintance Miss Feathers, male human prostitute.
  
• Or Jorda Dollobart, male human fruit merchant. that Prakriti bought an apple from.

Yorad strokes his chin in thought for a moment, "Maybe a trip to see 'Miss' Feathers would be in order here...strictly for business! Nothing more."

Not sure he is my type anyway...

Savannah nods. "Sounds good to me."

"You all seemed to have fun in there without me last time...and I prefer to let my imagination of what happened in there not be spoiled by firsthand experience. I think I'll just go buy another apple and meet you back outside!" Prakriti stays across the street, looking for her favourite merchant, Jorda.

"What's fresh today, Jorda? 'Riti peruses the stall. "Produce-wise and gossip-wise. The juicier the better on both counts, especially if it involves the Shadow Lodge!"

Diplomacy (take 10): 10 + 7 = 17

Mahalak agrees to go with Yorad and Savannah to return to Miss Feathers' location.

This Miss Feathers sounds like she would be fun to watch. Sarina tags along.

The group heads to see Miss Feathers once again at 'The Eye of the Beholder'. Outside sits Jorda, surrounded by his bruised fruit. Jorda is tall and skeletally thin as a result of a wasting disease in his childhood. His face is pockmarked with scars and he speaks stiffly, as though his lips don’t fully work. He’s serious and business-like as he holds an apple up to Prakriti and smiles.

He leans in with a hoarse whisper as the exchange is made. "Word is the Shadow Lodge has been mucking about in the Bottoms,
but I can’t be sure that’s true."

*****

Meanwhile the rest head upstairs, straight past the Innkeeper and to Miss Feather's room. Just as you open the door a satisfied customer leaves. He nearly leaps from his skin and turns 50 shades of red as he is surrounded by armed Pathfinders. He hangs his head and shamefully pushes past. ">Ex...excuse me." Looking past in the room Miss Feathers stands and adjusts her lingerie. Miss Feathers, despite the name, is a hulking, muscular man with a deep, booming voice and a quick laugh. She sees Yorad and smiles. "I knew you couldn't stay away." She tosses a wink his way.

Sarina glances at Yorad and grins.

"Strictly business today, I'm afraid, my good... er... professional. We need some information on the Shadow Lodge. Anything you know might be helpful."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

Yorad returns the wink and saunters over to the masculine Miss Feathers, "You have been on me mind eveah since I arrived here, and nothin' be giving me greater pleasure than ta whisper sweet nothings in yer ear...but alas business calls yet again. I be lookin' fer any word on th' Shadow Lodge...Where kin they be found?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

Savannah smiles. "Hello again! Anything you know would be helpful."

Diplomacy to AID: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

"Business huh?" Miss feathers winks as he tosses Yorad a wink and a smile. "Come, tell me a sordid tale and I will tell you what I know." He rubs his hand on the dirty bed in small circular motions as he pats the straw mattress.

****

Back outside Savannah continues her talk with Jorda. "That's all I heard. I swear." His voice sounds like it is painful to even speak.

I hate to interrupt, but with all due respect Miss Feathers, we are in a hurry and the information you might know is very vital. Maybe we can talk about 'other' matters next time?

Diplomacy Aid: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Yorad smiles easily but does not move towards him immediately, "A sordid tale you say? I am no bard but i can tell you something of what sailors talk about meeting while on their sea voyages...many sordid tales under the waves, ya know..." Warming up to him, he then sits down and spins a tale with mermaids and other assorted sea creatures, including octopi!

"I heard you handled your affairs at the Naderi Theatre. Word is that that pest of a man won't be coming round no more. Can't say the girls are upset. He was a weird one." she says with a laugh.

A cute gnome girl in a bright green sarong waves flirtatiously at Mahalak as she passes the room.

"Of course, the Shadow Lodge is the talk of the town, but no one really know what it is. Ol' Coalbreath down at the Wizard's Hovel will take your coin or your drink and regale you with tall tales and many others will do the same..." she warns you. "Or most will simply not know anything. Perhaps you will get lucky if you ask around." she says with a shrug. ""One of my regulars mentioned that a Pathfinder was seen in the Meatgate, but his description didn't sound like one you lot."

"Nope, no way. He sounds way too high class methinks," Yorad chuckles, "Mayhap you can describe him for me?"

Mahalak glances towards the gnome, but Mavenee's growl makes him think twice about it. Sounds like someone who would sabotage the Society. We should really go check on that place after we're through here.

Miss Feathers gives a brief description of the Pathfinder as she runs her finger underneath Yorad's chin. "Meat...gate seems to be the place to go. You come back now." She winks. "Soon." Miss Feathers gives a deep and throaty laugh.

Yorad smiles in reply, "Once business is...taken care of," he returns the wink.

Once safely out of earshot he returns to the others, "I have a lead now, Meatgate. Let's get moving before 'Miss Feathers' decides to...invite me back!"

"He seems nice enough. After all doing favors for favors is the Pathfinder way. What is the meatgate?"

Sarina looks disgusted. "Not the butcheryard I hope."

Savannah considers Sarina's words. "Hmm... I suppose that does happen a lot."

She looks around. "So where's the meatgate?"

Riti waits for the group to return from their latest Rendezvous with Miss Feathers, her imagination running wild with exactly what they are getting up to in there. When they finally emerge, she shares the information she's found out from Yorad. "The word out her on the street is that the Shadow Lodge has been mucking about in the Bottoms, what did you guys find out in there and did you have a good time? I enjoyed my apple!"

Traditionally, the Meatgate would have been the entrance to the city from which meat and dairy was brought as it would be closest to the nearby farms that harvest such goods. This was before the city expanded, so it is actually a sub-district in the Downmarket that specializes in hard to find items, rare animals, etc.

---

The group heads to the Meatgate and finds most of the stalls to be empty. It appears that the merchants aren't around today, which the group finds odd.

Yorad doesn't seem to be too distracted by Miss Feathers obvious implication upon his return to notice the impending ambush.

Surprise Round (Move or Standard action only)
Sarina
Yorad
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Enemies
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"Sounds like some of Miss Feathers...customers are a bit jealous here..." Yorad comments even as he whips out a knife and flings it at the ambusher.

Standard: Throw knife at Yellow.
Thrown Dagger, range: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 3 - 2 = 6
damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
sneak attack damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
.
one dagger thrown.

"I swear someone must be using magic to gather this many ruffians this fast."

Sarina will cast Acid Maw on Fluffy and send Fluffy over by the gentleman in the ugly orange coat. She will then take a 5ft step closer to him as well.

Yorad quickly tosses a dagger at the ground in a warning shot at the little gnome. Meanwhile Fluffy leaps through the crowd. The little gnome fires an arrow at Zildaastin.

Micky Longbow vs Zildaastin AC FF 13; Bless: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 1 = 8

The arrow flies wide as the larger half orc swings a deadly looking scimitar at Fluffy.

Bega Scimitar vs Fluffy AC 20; bless: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 1 = 13

Muminah holds her own hand out as a frightening image flashes before Fluffy. DC 13 Will save vs Cause Fear spell.

Stepping around the booth Todor flings magical missiles across the way at Fluffy.

Magic Missiles; intense spells: 1d4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 1 = 6

Micky grabs another arrow firing at Zildaastin.

Micky Longbow vs Zildaastin AC FF 13; Bless: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 1 = 15
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

He then moves behind cover. As an attack happens the people in the Market begin to scream and run for their safety.

For the first 3 rounds of combat, all movement is considered to be difficult terrain as the market empties of citizens.

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Round 1
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Micky (Yellow)
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Yorad
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Bega (Orange)
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Savannah
Mahalak
Prakriti
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Muminah (Red)
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Zildaastin (6/10)
Sarina (Fluffy 10/16)
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Todor (Green)
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Fluffy's save vs fear: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Fluffy yowls in fear and pain then gets ready to run.

Fluffy HP 10/16 The Hindering Terrain is actually a boon since Fluffy might not get far before the fear wears off.

Yorad curses up a storm as he elbows his way through the crowd moving closer to the half-orc thug, drawing another dagger as he goes.

Double move.

That is true.

Yorad pushes his way through the panicked crowd as Bega slashes her scimitar down at Fluffy once more.

Bega Scimitar vs Fluffy AC 20; bless: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 = 9

Someone from the crowd pushes into the half-orc, throwing its aim off.

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Round 1
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Micky (Yellow)
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Yorad
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Bega (Orange)
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Savannah
Mahalak
Prakriti
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Muminah (Red)
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Zildaastin (6/10)
Sarina (Fluffy 10/16)
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Todor (Green)
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