GM Tyranius Many Fortune's of Grandmaster Torch (Sub-Tier 3-4) (Inactive)

Game Master Tyranius

Seeing Banquo approach Saldin walks to the cart with a broad smile. Welcome my friend! Can I interest you in anything in particular?

His armed guards seem to be a bit relaxed as they look about the crowd.

"Since when has that worked Henrick? Every time we get near one of those things, some runs, threatens or otherwise impedes us. And screw me sideways, Banqs-a-lot is talking to the guy. If you're going to act, act now, or we lose the opportunity forever."

Banquo attempts to wheel and deal with the merchant.

"I see you have some nice things here. I'm interested in a particular relic or sorts. A statue that resembles an animal. Can you tell me about this statue here?" gesturing to the one sitting on the stall.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Ptolomeo takes a chair and sits close to Banquo and Saldin.

"Hi! Me and my friend here" - he lies his hand on Banquo's shoulder - "want to buy that statue, but we are looking for a fair price, for sure. Are you already stipulated a price for it?"

The dwarf grins to Saldin, showing him his shining teeth.

Diplomacy (Aid Banquo): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Evenstar presents her kindest smile, which albeit insincere, makes her look fairly pleasant, especially without her weapons.

diplo aid: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (19) - 2 = 17

Marafi lifts the statue up for closer inspection. It is an 8 inch tall iron eagle. This here is the real deal. A rare Orisani artifact that I procured. That and it is only a mere 15,000 gold pieces. That is a real steal wouldn't you say friend?

Henrick circles around, ready to tackle the guy if he runs.

Ptolomeo turned pale when he heard the asking price by the statue.

Appraise: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19
Knowledge(History): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13 Is it the right statue?

Ghrezzd walks up to Marafi with the others. Looking at the statue, he nods slowly. "A decent price, but somewhat inflated. It certainly appears to be Ancient Osirian. May I inspect it further?" He holds out his hands to take the statue.

"I like the statue, but for that much, it better come with a story. Can you tell me more about this piece? Where did it come from? What does it depict? Is there any lore attached to it?"

Henrick, seeing no immediate danger, approaches from the side to better watch the exchange.

This came from a crypt deep in Osiriani. Of course this majestic creature depicts an eagle, soaring in flight high above the skies. The eagle was the emblem of the wise man because his wings bore him above the clouds into the purer atmosphere and nearer to the source of light, and his eyes were not dazzled with that light. The eagle thus symbolises strength, courage, and immortality. Marafi goes on to regal tale after tale.

He holds the statue out to Ghreezd to see further. From Ghreezd can tell, this seems to be the statue they are looking to obtain. Though the price seems high Ghreezd knows that it is still a very expensive statue.

Illuthion, completely bamboozled by the actions of his fellows, looks on. What the flaming F$$+ are they playing at? Is he planning on selling someone into slavery to pay for that? I hope he has a lot of relatives, cause even a good slave isn't worth that much.

"That seems a bit steep. Perhaps there is another arrangement we can make. A trade or even a favor - those seems to be currency around here."

"Why don't we get the guards instead and let them know he's dealing stolen Osirian artifacts," Evenstar glowers.

intimidate: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

I only deal in gold I am afraid. Favors does not put rice in my mouth.

The man cringes as Evenstar accuses him of theft. I assure you that this statue was not stolen by my hands and I am no thief.

He sets the statue back down as his guards now turn their attention to Evenstar.

What proof do you have that this statue as been stolen?

Illuthion shakes his head in disgust. Going just as planned. He looks in Henrick's direction, a raised eyebrow inquiring as to what he intends on doing.

Banquo takes another look at the stall to see if he's missing something here.

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 16

Maybe some assistance from others?

I'd love to help, but not sure what you are looking for. Explain please?

Sense motive DC 10: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

"No, no, no!" - Ptolomeo agrees with the merchant - "she expressed poorly, she didn't mean that you stole it, but you may have acquired it from someone who stole it, and we just want to confirm this, because we need to deliver it to its rightful owner, before the curse that the statue carries with it may fall on its actual carrier. Wait, don't tell me that you have not heard about the curse of this statue?"

Bluff: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

Banquo's eyes widen. Whispering loudly, so he can be heard by all, to Ptolomeo, Banquo attempts to aid the bluff: "I thought we weren't going to keep that quiet so we didn't start a panic. Can you imagine what would happen in this crowded market if everyone found out about this curse on the statue!

Bluff Aid: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

I miss Angel... :(

"A dozen of centuries ago, four cursed statues were stolen from its owner, who only could get them back by strength, because the thieves who stole them refused to cooperate and run far, far away"

Bluff to Convey Secret Message DC 15: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

"thus, seeing that thieves were always one step ahead, the owner of the statues sought an ancestral witch, that cursed those that carried the statues: their eyes would fall, their hands would rot, their tongues were so stiff to the point of becoming paralyzed and their legs would be atrophied, if they don't return the statues to their original owner. Terrible, isn't it?"

The dwarf looks to his teammates...

GM, what's around us right now? What else is there to grab or use as a weapon since we don't have anything and can't use magic?

I think that the situation, as described, is made so that we are forced to rely on our wits. How about this: GM, is there anything else on that table that could be stolen? Alternitively, is this part of the market rife enough with passerby that bumping into one another is common? And does Grezzd still have the statue in hand? My idea at this point is to cause a big enough distraction that the wizard is able to walk away with the statue. Because we aren't going to fight the market guards for it, we can't buy it and at this point the stealth approach is shot. If anyone has a better idea, I'd be happy to hear it.

I'd also like to point out that it does not seem like this scenario was written with good or lawful-aligned tendencies in mind.

Illuthion frowns, contemplating how to address the situation now that the merchant has talked with half the pathfinder agents. What the hells is Ptolem's saying?

I think that the situation, as described, is made so that we are forced to rely on our wits. How about this: GM, is there anything else on that table that could be stolen? Alternitively, is this part of the market rife enough with passerby that bumping into one another is common? And does Grezzd still have the statue in hand? My idea at this point is to cause a big enough distraction that the wizard is able to walk away with the statue. Because we aren't going to fight the market guards for it, we can't buy it and at this point the stealth approach is shot. If anyone has a better idea, I'd be happy to hear it.

I'd also like to point out that it does not seem like this scenario was written with good or lawful-aligned tendencies in mind.

Illuthion frowns, contemplating how to address the situation now that the merchant has talked with half the pathfinder agents. What the hells is Ptolem's saying?

The man is selling lots of goods and wares at his stall. Gold trinkets and baubles mostly. The market is very busy with people bumping into each over. The statue is currently back down on the cart. I would agree. This scenario is set up for being very on the edge of that neutral line.

GM, what's around us right now? What else is there to grab or use as a weapon since we don't have anything and can't use magic?

There are a couple of weapons close at hand. The poles holding up awning stalls can be used as quarterstaffs, though it takes a full round action to detach them from the awning. A couple of pieces of machinery make serviceable, if unwieldy clubs and can be used as improvised weapons. Lastly, the spice itself can be a weapon. PCs can scoop up a handful of spice and make a ranged touch attack as an improvised weapon with a maximum range of 5 feet. This action provokes an attack of opportunity. If a PC hits with a handful of spice, his opponent must make a DC 13 Fortitude save or be blinded for 1 round.

This portion is very much set up for a fight but I like that you guys are thinking outside of the box and am willing to go with it if it is something good in mind. As long as the rolls make it of course :)

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Marafi stares wide eyed at Ptolomeo as his head turns between him and Banquo. He waves his hands in the air as he attempts to smile. He takes a few quick steps out from behind his booth.

No, no, no friend. He raises his voice. I don't serve cursed wares. Only the highest quality! His voice quavers a bit

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Ptolomeo gets more close to the merchant's ear and whispers to him:

"Look, nobody here need to know about this cursed statue, we just want to bring it back to the heir of its original owner without much troubles".

The dwarf shakes his coin bag, "and I think that 100 gp is a fair price for it, unless you wanna become cursed by it", he takes a look at the merchant, as if he was sad for the future of the merchant's poor soul.

Bluff: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 Nooooooooo! :'(

I have a character folio and a swag shirt. Can I loan a reroll to Ptolemeo?

I also have a folio, a shirt, and a GM star. I give them all to Ptolomeo to reroll. Lady Luck, we need you now!

But, when I read his, "Nooooooooo! :'(" I laughed so hard I scared the cat and she ran upstairs.

Banquo moves over to one of the polls holding up the awning, putting one hand on it when Ptolomeo whispers about the curse. Banquo tries to convey with his body language that the curse is so horrible that he is cowering from even the mention and tale of it - that is, cowering beside a poll that he is mentally preparing to use as a weapon if the need arises.

Bluff: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Yea. Go ahead and use the reroll Lol

I'm really very grateful to you, men! Now, I pray for the goddess of dices to aid me in this time.

Bluff reroll - c'mon...: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8 sorry, buddies... :(

* croak! *

"Shut up, George, I'm speaking with this stinky merchant..."

Ptomoleo stops for awhile and takes a look at everbody around.

"It is the show time, brothers" - he calls the other Pathfinders.

@GM Tyranius Initiative?

Banquo, seeing Ptolomeo's bluff fail, grabs the pole holding up the awning before anyone else can act.

Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 14

Sorry.... I like where that was going though.

Marafi sneers as he sees through the ruse and draws a masterwork rapier from his stand. His paid guards take quick notice and quickly draw their own deadly blades.

Get rid of these charlatans. They are just here to ruin my business and steal my goods!

Round 1
Ghreezd
-------------------------------------
Marafi
Guards
-------------------------------------
Illuthion
Henrick
Ptolomeo
Evenstar
Banquo

"No, no, no... Marafi. You have this wrong. We've been dealing with criminals all day long. And my friends here, have taken to subterfuge to avoid another conflict. You see, four statutes were taken from the Osirian Cultural Ministry... they are Osirian Artifacts. We have recovered three of the four, and that one in your hands, is the fouth. Unfortunately, you were sold stolen goods... through no fault of your own, no doubt. We need to take that statue back to the Osirian Cultural Ministry along with the others. We will speak on your behalf and see if we can secure some sort of recompense for you. You are, of course, welcome to join us and receive any just rewards offered by the Ministry. I'm sure they will be grateful and indebted to you," Ghrezzd says in his most sincere and non-condescending voice he can muster.

Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15

Ready action: to throw an alchemist fire at the green guard if Marafi attacks or orders the guards to attack us.

Just made it lol

Marafi seems to calm down a bit. Lowering his blade he sheathes it. Holding his hands out wide he smiles once again. Why didn't you just say so in the first place? He looks to his guards and scowls, quickly snapping his fingers. Put those away and grab me the statue.

He places the statue in Ghrezzd's hands. I am losing gold here. You make sure that I am compensated for this.

"We shall make sure the Ministry gets all four of these in short order and will, surely, inform them of you cooperation. It is greatly appreciated." Ghrezzd gingerly takes the statue and places it, along with the others in his haversack. He looks to his comrades and nods, pointing toward the exit.

After a step, he turns back to Marafi. "I appreciate your good judgement. Regardless of the Ministry's recompence, I shall return. I like smart people... and I like your wares. Perhaps we'll strike a bargain over some that have caught my eye." He raises an open hand to Marafi, bows deeply, then turns and leaves.

Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (20) - 1 = 19

Ghrezzd returns straight to the entrance of the Secure Market. Retrieving his dagger, he exits the anti-magic field surrounding the place.

"As I said, kneel before Nethys, get some useful skills... and, well, a little luck doesn't hurt either."

As they walk away, alive and uninjured, Henrick says "Nicely done, Ghrezzd."

Banquo leaves with the group. When he gets closer to the entrance of the market, and breaks out into a run and jumps into Angel's arms.

Banquo:I missed you!
Angel:Me too. What happened? Did we get what we needed?
Banquo: Oh yeah. I pretty much saved the day. Don't bring it up, though. I'm trying to stay modest.
Angel: Ah. That's probably wise. Good work.

Banquo fetches the gear and weapons he was forced to check in.

"Okay, we got the statues. Where to? Take them to Mr. Favor? Steal them? I'm up for anything."

"But... I..."

Ptolomeo looked perplexed to the scene involving Marafi and Ghrezzd.

"This was SO easy. Something is wrong", he thought while leave that place.

"Well done, Ghrezzd! Even for an arrogant elf, you can be gentle when needed", the dwarf grins to the wizard.

"Hah! It was a joke, you can smile now!", he nudges Ghrezzd.

* croak "

"Look, George liked it!"

"Okay, we got the statues. Where to? Take them to Mr. Favor? Steal them? I'm up for anything."

"Give them back to Venture-Captain Yasmin Kal'al, for sure! Let's go there, buddies"

Ptolomeo walked as fast as he could with his short legs, toward back to where they met Venture-Captain Yasmin Kal'al.

Evenstar looks impressed by Ghrezzd averting combat, even if she would have relished it.

"Now I just need my sword back. I feel naked without that."

After they have retrieved their weapons, she says "Let's go find that deep fried jerk."

After retrieving your equipment back from the guards with little trouble the group heads back to Venture-Captain Yasmin Kal’al. She seems ecstatic at the completion of your mission. I hope you didn't have too much trouble.

You find yourselves relaxing in the anteroom. One of the Lodge's attendants interrupts your post-mission activities with a message that someone is waiting for you in the foyer.

A man in black and grey waits patiently with his hands crossed in front of him. As soon as he sees you, he bows deeply and delivers the following message. "Grandmaster Torch would be delighted if you would let him treat you to dinner this evening.[/b]

The note seems to want you to meet him at an inn called the Rusty Crab.

Looks like I just need Banquo's information to complete the chronicles.

I hope you didn't have too much trouble.

Ptolomeo nods to her.

"No, almost nothing. It is always a pleasure to aid the Society recover lost important items."

After hear the messenger...

* croak *

"I know, I know, George. But we gave our word to him, remember?"

Without more options, Ptolomeo prepares to meet Grandmaster Torch at the Rusty Crab in this evening.

Posted!

Ghrezzd rolls his eyes. "Oh, great... I couln't imagine another dinner host with whom I'd rather spend the evening."

As you meet Grandmaster Torch for dinner you are greeted by the same pair of orcish bodyguards that hover silently over the Grandmaster. His burned skin crackles as one of the guards soaks a wet sponge onto him.

I hear that you completed the job. My name was kept quiet as requested I presume?

"For sure. We got a deal, remember?", says the dwarf, convinced in his words.

"Your name was never mentioned."

"Woulda sold ya out if it had helped us." sneers Illuthion acerbically."But we didn't need to."