Ith's PFS pbp (Inactive)

Game Master ithuriel

Sekhemre sighs, and takes a little while to clean his sword, before sheathing it, and turning his attention to the rest of the group.

"I'll handle spreading the concoction around."

Knowledge(Nature): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15.

"We should also dispose of all of the ant bodies, and clean the area thoroughly; dead and injured ants secrete pheromones which attract other ants to come and 'help'."

Just 'porting some real-world knowledge into the game, which I know is not technically covered by the rules ;-)

Wadi grins at Sekhemre, "Well, a bonfire is one way to dispose of them, but we should probably gather them outside first."

He will help gather the ant corpses and ready them for a burning, before the others spread the repellent around the rooms.

DM:

"Thankfully, no more ants in here, guys," Alie calls out cheerfully and returns to the group.

Wadi grins at Sekhemre, "Well, a bonfire is one way to dispose of them, but we should probably gather them outside first."

Sekhemre returns Wadi's grin enthusiastically.

"'Tis true, we certainly have some experience in dealing with problems via (bon)fire. However, we should be careful where we build it; we do not want to risk causing smoke damage to the compound, or worse, setting it on fire. As much as I hate to admit it, it might simpler to get a horse and carriage, and dump them in the bay."

“The latter sounds like a good idea to me,” says Aldred. “Oh, and good sword arm Sek,” he adds, clapping the alchemist on the shoulder.

“How do you fare Kayluss?”

From the top of the stairs Novaria calls out, her voice tinged with anxiety, "Hello? Is everything alright down there?"

Sek

Alie-

Fog-

I will spill this metagame detail for you- disguising yourselves as merchants has the obvious difficulty of concealing your weapons and armor. As an offset you have removed one awareness point from your total because merchants dealing with House Cartahegn for a huge amount of trade goods is more believable than say- tribesmen or pathfinders without a disguise trying to stay off the grid. So congrats!

"Actually, Novaria, everything is pretty good down here. We are just finishing up spreading the repellant. What should we do with the all the bodies down here...that can't be good for business."

Sek** spoiler omitted **

Alie-** spoiler omitted **

Fog-** spoiler omitted **

Slumping down against the wall Kayluss tries to catch his breath, cringing each time the breathes in. I'll be alright Aldred, ant just knocked the wind out of me.
Bluff:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Fog glances at Kayluss, "Come on then, young un, let's get you upstairs and shine the glory of Sarenrae upon those that need it." Fog then offers his shoulder to help Kayluss up the stairs.

Once upstairs, healing burst. 1d6 ⇒ 5

Sekhemre sighs, and takes a little while to clean his sword, before sheathing it, and turning his attention to the rest of the group.

"I'll handle spreading the concoction around."

"Got it under control Sek? Do you need any help?"

Sekhemre gives Aldred a quick smile.

"You are welcome to assist if you like, but if you do not want to get the paste all over your hands, I will understand. It is a trifle pungent."

Aldred wrinkles his nose. “So it is ... well, if you’ve got it under control, I’ll leave you to it ...”

Novaria slowly descends the stairs to the landing, "Outstanding work, but then I wouldn't expect less from a team of Society veterans. Aram has yet to disappoint me in that regard."

When Alie mentions the bodies, she replies, "No, don't worry. I would prefer to leave them here where it is a little cooler and dry while I make arrangements with the temple of Pharasma." She turns to call back up the stairs, "Kipsy, could you run and bring down a couple of sheets?" Back to you she continues, "The slip will bring down a sheet, if you don't mind laying the fallen out together that will be fine until the priests arrive. The ants, however, have to go."

Novaria walks down the rest of the way into the basement to survey the scene. "If you could just drag them over to the far wall, we have a crank operated platform we use to bring in raw material and send out finished product. If you don't mind hauling them out to the alley there, I'll contract a couple of wagons to drive the bodies over to the river. But before you get started, I think the Father agreed to take a look at our injured workers?"

I noticed something I had overlooked regarding the Perfume/Cologne (rare). It is listed at a price of 10 gp, but this price is for only one dose. A bottle contains 10 doses. So acquiring the item is a cost of 100 gp and as far as chronicle sheets are concerned has to be paid by one PC. Wadi had originally volunteered to pay for it thinking it was 10 gp. One of the humans (or half-humans) will probably want to buy it so between Wadi, Kayluss, and Aldred who will officially be the buyer?

Novaria walks down the rest of the way into the basement to survey the scene. "If you could just drag them over to the far wall, we have a crank operated platform we use to bring in raw material and send out finished product. If you don't mind hauling them out to the alley there, I'll contract a couple of wagons to drive the bodies over to the river. But before you get started, I think the Father agreed to take a look at our injured workers?"

See a post or two up... :)

I'll buy it since I'm the one who needs it the most.
-100gp
+5hp=11hp

Later once the ants have been dealt with and Fog has called on Sarenrae to heal and comfort injured, the halfling house servants serve tea and Navoria joins you at a round table with a contract and several other documents. "You'll see I've taken twenty percent off the top as agreed. I can have your order ready by later this evening or in the morning if you prefer. Now that is for the Society for services rendered, but I want you to know that we value what you did here today. So these," she passes the remaining documents across the table towards you, "are for you. It might not have been much of a challenge for trained agents like yourselves, but you were here and you saved this outpost today. If the hive was able to follow that trail back to the basement, we would be finished in Bloodcove. As it is we lost thousands in molasses and refined sugar today, but we will recover. These documents mark the bearer as a preferred customer. You can use them at any of our House outposts in Garund for ten percent off the price of trade goods." She offers a half smile and continues nonchalantly, "And if you ever find yourself in need of a new line of work, the voucher marks you as a priority hire."

All in all the 20% discount leaves 1602 gp remaining after your purchase. That's 267 each. Keep in mind that you know you are heading into the jungle in part 2. If you want to buy anything you'll want to do so in Bloodcove before leaving. The voucher does specify it is is only good for mundane equipment and specifically excludes weapons or armor.

I'll buy it since I'm the one who needs it the most.

-100gp
+5hp=11hp

Actually, since Wadi purchased a dose, it would only cost you 90 gp, as Wadi already paid 10 gp for his share.

The thing is it doesn't seem to be available to purchase by the dose (a bottle is 10 doses) and one of the quirks of organized play is that you can't pool gold to buy an item or even permanently give items or gold to another character. It is a bit curious that the chart lists a price for one dose then the description says a bottle is 10 doses but considering that the alchemist allowing you to pay per squirt in his shop is weird I'm going to say you need to actually buy the whole bottle. So Kayluss paid 100 gp, Wadi is refunded his 10 gp.

The thing is it doesn't seem to be available to purchase by the dose (a bottle is 10 doses) and one of the quirks of organized play is that you can't pool gold to buy an item or even permanently give items or gold to another character. It is a bit curious that the chart lists a price for one dose then the description says a bottle is 10 doses but considering that the alchemist allowing you to pay per squirt in his shop is weird I'm going to say you need to actually buy the whole bottle. So Kayluss paid 100 gp, Wadi is refunded his 10 gp.

Gotcha, Ith. Updated funds on equipment sheet. This issue may be worth checking into, as there might be some errata listed for the module. I don't think I can check, as I am currently playing in it, he he.

The Perfume/Cologne is from the old Campaign Setting hardcover which was released in 3.5, but is legal equipment according to the guide for organized play. A completely redone PF version will be coming out soon, so it might change there. Either way it doesn't appear in the scenario, that was just Sek's shopping suggestion.

Naviora brings over a vial of ink and a pen. "I'll need one of you to sign the contract here... and here. When should I expect you to pick up your order?"

Goods are arranged. Let her know when Raimondo will be picking them up and you can move on to to your next destination.

"Our caravan master, one Raimondo, should be around first thing in the morning to collect our order, but it would be preferable if you could have everything ready this evening; it is possible we may be required to leave in something of a hurry. Regarding the documents that you are providing us with, your generosity is very much appreciated; I am sure that we are all simply just happy that we have been able to conduct business in a mutually satisfactory manner."

Are we able to place 'personal' orders to be delivered along with the other items at this time?

Here's the exact wording of the boon for your reference.

While in a settlement of 5,000 people or more anywhere on the continent of Garund, you may purchase mundane equipment (but not weapons or armor) through your favorable connections with House Cartahegn at a 10% discount.

Bloodcove just qualifies with a population of 5,281. This is just my own interpretation, but considering they deal in bulk products I'd say they can have anything you want waiting for you with the caravan goods, except any and all magic items. Those are more specialty items made for individual purchase at small shops. You can certainly get those as well, but you'll just have to go to a different shop to buy them.

Fog can cast Endure Elements tomorrow if needed, would it be wise to acquire some scrolls of that as well?

About Endure Elements-

Once I know what the next move is for you guys, I'll move things along.

Aldred will sign the contracts if Sek doesn’t. He doesn’t think he needs to buy anything right now, but discusses quietly with the others how much they think they will need in the way of rations in the next part of their journey. Aldred has seven days worth of rations with him currently – if we are journeying on to Azlant Ridge from here I wonder whether we will need to use our own rations or will we be able to draw from the expedition supplies.

When they have a bit of privacy out of Naviora’s hearing, Aldred says quietly. “I suppose from here we need to deal with Senzer’s problem. Do we head straight to the club? Whatever the plan is, we should make sure we are ready ... dealing with a summoner and her eidolon on her home turf will be dangerous. Is anyone still wounded, or low on resources?”

@Ithuriel: What is the time at present?

Sekhemre nods at Aldred's words.

"I agree that our next goal should be to deal with Senzer's problem. However, since Senzer wanted Lura dealt with permanently, I think it would be a good idea if we delayed going there until the early evening; that way, we give things a chance to get organised, before we create too much of a ruckus... Perhaps House Cartahegn can give us an office somewhere in the complex where we can hole-up for a few hours to go over 'paperwork' (so that we can avoid needing to make Diplomacy checks for a while)?"

He then shrugs.

"As for dealing with Lura, well, I still have all of my stimulants and self-improvements, as well as a... special surprise that I have not tried before..."

"I agree that our next goal should be to deal with Senzer's problem. However, since Senzer wanted Lura dealt with permanently, I think it would be a good idea if we delayed going there until the early evening; that way, we give things a chance to get organised, before we create too much of a ruckus... Perhaps House Cartahegn can give us an office somewhere in the complex where we can hole-up for a few hours to go over 'paperwork' (so that we can avoid needing to make Diplomacy checks for a while)?"

He then shrugs.

"As for dealing with Lura, well, I still have all of my stimulants and self-improvements, as well as a... special surprise that I have not tried before..."

"Yes, we should stay out of sight, and be prepared to move quickly depending upon what happens tonight."

Sek- Between 2 and 3 pm

Timeline estimation-

Naviora excuses herself to begin getting the House back in order and directs the servants and staff to their various duties. Several head down to the basement to begin getting things in order while other return to processing invoices. Everyone is able to pass the worst of the afternoon heat in the shaded common room of House Cartahegn sipping tea. When the teamsters arrive to haul away the ants you hear them gossiping in the foyer about the fight that broke out over in the Wandering Way this afternoon. Apparently there was a sonic boom that silenced the entire marketplace for a few minutes. Word is some foreigners got into it with a sea captain over a gambling debt and fists and spells were flying everywhere.

At dusk a priest of Pharasma, face hidden by to cowl of a black robe, arrives with two acolytes and a handful of gravediggers. He chants a prayer to the Lady of Graves while swinging a thurible which trails scented smoke around him. The Acolytes oversee the gravediggers loading the deceased onto a stretcher and loading them into a wagon outside one at a time. The house servants gather in the basement during the ceremony where the priest reads from an ornate silver bound copy of 'The Bones Land in a Spiral' Parts of the service take place in Taldane, while others are what you assume must be Celestial. Eventually the service concludes and the servants return to their chores several sniffling or quietly crying.

Diplomacy checks as we move to the next scene.

Diplomacy 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

Wadi is starting to feel more comfortable now in his role as a merchant. It really is not all that different than acting he supposed. He is glad to get away from Naviora, as he did not fully trust her. He muses, You never know when a spy is a foot...

Diplomacy 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 11

Diplomacy1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 1 + 2 = 17

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 2 = 15

Aid another for Fog if I can: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13.

Aid Diplomacy for Fog:1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 1 + 2 = 10

After sunset the bustle of Bloodcove has shifted from shop fronts to taverns and bars. Strains of song and revelry along the way mingle with the ever present drone of frogs and cicadas. Mosquitoes harass you throughout your long walk on the various boardwalks and bridges snaking through town. Across the river Free Market Square blazes with light and activity, seemingly the only place in town where trade carries on uninterrupted after dark.

It is easy enough to get directions to The Sanguine Pit and once you are close enough it is readily apparently where you are headed. All foot traffic either flows to or from the two story river front dive-bar gambling den. Outside a hawker calls out, "Tonight only! Terrors of the Deep! Ocean bloodsport all night long! We've got the pills to cure your ills! The taps are flowing and they never run dry! Welcome to the Pit!" Sailors and others mingle outside in crowds smoking pipes and drinking or weaving as they try to walk in a straight line. One patron lies face down on the boardwalk with others stepping over or on him as they approach the Pit.

Inside the clamor of cheers and shouted bets drown out any intelligible sounds in the large, crowded bar. A massive aquarium, fifteen feet on a side, dominates the room as a dog-sized lobster creature and a dark green, fish with a jaw full of nasty oversized fangs and nearly the size of a full grown man circle one another, occasionally trading blows.
Heady, pungent smoke fills the air, and the floor is slick with spilled drinks and seawater. The place is fairly packed with (you'd guess) close to a hundred patrons laid out in a huge ring around the central tank.

Perception Checks during the walk and again for inside The Sanguine Pit. (2 checks each)

Fog has removed his armour ( for better or worse, and is back to concealed weapons....)

Perception(Outside): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Perception(Inside): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

I would not say no to an assist to help bump my Diplomacy check up to a 15, too :-)

Whilst walking through the streets, Sekhemre does his best to look like a wide-eyed lover of all things alchemical (which, to fair, is not particularly hard for him), his head continually bobbing around and sizing up things that he encounters for their potential to be useful.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25.

Once inside the Pit, however, he makes an effort to scan the crowd carefully...

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18.

Just so there is no confusion, Sekhemre did put away his longsword and buckler again; I assume we all went back to the 'status quo'...?

Wadi has disarmed himself as before.

Wadi tries to take in as much as he can, but to be honest with himself, this place was quite overwhelming to his senses.

Perception (outside) 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Once he and the others have arrived at the Pit, the intensity of the various sights and sounds is magnified. He notices nothing unusual, or more accurately, everything is strange to him.

Perception (outside) 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

Perception inside 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
Perception outside 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Unarmed and unarmoured, and carrying the swag with Kayluss again.

Perception (out): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
Perception (in): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Aldred keeps his eyes and ears open as the group approaches the Sanguine Pit, but once inside, the noise, the smoke and most of all the fight between aquatic monsters in the huge tank distract him somewhat.

Unarmed and unarmoured, and carrying the swag with Aldred again
Preception:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13 Outside
Preception:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18 Inside

Not to metagame Sek but since Ith didn't say anything eventfull happened on our way here it looks like your 13 beats the DC. If not it looks like Alie and Wadi were they other two with the highest rolls

Aldred and Sekhemre

Inside the organized chaos of The Sanguine Pit, everyone except Alie who is too short and Aldred who is too distracted, quickly pinpoint a furious knot of activity within the crowd. Gamblers waving coins at four bookies, swarm around a short plump woman with dark hair. She nods and confers with her bookies as the bets come in. Towering over everyone, a bronze skinned amazon with dark hair and very little in the way of clothing scans the crowd looking for signs of trouble. Both the plump woman and the amazon bear sigils on their foreheads glowing in pale blue.

Not to metagame Sek but since Ith didn't say anything eventfull happened on our way here it looks like your 13 beats the DC.

Maybe, maybe not. We are running a grand total rather than each fail = event.

Perception 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 14 = 26
Sense Motive 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (4) + 14 = 18

While scanning the crowd the amazon's gaze settles on you for a moment and she reaches down to grasp the arm of her employer. The rune on her forehead pulses with a deeper blue light then fade back to it's normal hue. The enforcer then resumes her watch over the crowd at large.

As they approach the Sanguine Pit, Aldred whispers to Kayluss (and anyone else within whisper range); “Did you notice that couple snogging at that open air tavern near House Cartahegn? The man seemed more interested in sneaking glances at us than his paramour. And his girl had that same symbol on her purse – the snake and shield – as we saw in Rulkeps’ shop. Be wary ... I sense an ambush.”

Aldred keeps glancing back over his shoulder, trying to be subtle about it. Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9, Bluff: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

"Ugh, I can't see anything in this thrush of people! Keep me updated on what's happening. All I see are big's legs."

Kayluss nods at Aldred as they enter the "Pit" and are spotted by the amazon. Yeah I think we are expected. Well might as well go intraduce ourselves, no use trying to blend in, anyway this place is a bit to crowded for a fight.