PFS # 6-09: By Way of Bloodcove, with GM Pendrak (Inactive)

Game Master Pendrak

I am terrible at puzzles. I tried a skip code but nothing seems to work out. I agree the numbers 342 are significant I just don't know how.

Haska not noticing anything unexpected desides to just watch the crowd and consider their options.

"We could always inquire at the bounty office and see if there is any other information." Haska adds quietly to the group when no staff is close.

I think I got it! I think it might be Free Trade Square. I focused on the square and then I thought maybe trade square. Which left just F ere and the only thing I can think of that can come from that is free. What are your guys thoughts?

Haska, hearing Nigel's information, remembers back to the group's map. Was there a free trade market on it?
"Perhaps if we go to the market the number will make more since." Again he keeps his voice low and waits for a clear moment to speak.

Velinov and Woodthorne know the following to be true:

Terra Fas DeQuere is not any language known in the Inner Sea. Also the reward amount is both too small for such a job and strangely specific. The words “mixed up” in the listing are a strange addition, and thus significant. The words “search every part of Bloodcove” could be suggesting that the answer is a location in the city. Merchant-owned buildings in Warehouse Row and Free Trade Square are assigned numeric identifiers instead of names, as they change hands frequently. In Bloodcove, these tend to be two or three digits long.

Together with the notion that the strange phrase may be an anagram, it seems reasonable to assume that the secret message is an address: 342 Free Trade Square.

Do I need to roll to make sure no one overhears me or is stating that I avoid being overheard by the staff enough?

Yeah, you don't need to roll unless you spend a long time discussing it in the open here, which you haven't yet (it's been more individual pondering and a few comments.

Requested afar? Fated Square?... https://www.thewordfinder.com/multiple-word-anagram-solver/

Please don't do things like that again. I know we are playing online and its really easy to cheat, but come on.

Sorry, I probably would of not figured out the anagram without Velinov pointing out "square" was an option.

Nigel works the letters out in his head just as Velinov and Woodthorne came up with the suggestion. It looks like we have a place to go search for the Terra Fas DeQuere. Let us go search for it there.

Velinov and Woodthorne know the following to be true:

Terra Fas DeQuere is not any language known in the Inner Sea. Also the reward amount is both too small for such a job and strangely specific.

Are you sure? That might be a proper fantasy name (or jumble of one) like 'Pendrak'. Likewise while the price is specific (and if Bloodcove has invented postal addresses) it seems a fine price to find things for lower level adventures. I say we find someone named Etarr Asf Edqeeru. ;)

Thaia likes the sound of 'Free Trade Square', if only there was an 'Open Carry Court' as well.

"There aren't any street names on the map we have that I recall." "Anyone know where this place is?" "Maybe it is just in the center of town?" Again he keeps his voice low.

How does the roll check work? Is it good for the day? Do we make a merchant check every time we move to a new location? I will look back and see if I missed it in your post before.

"Well looking for this place sure beats manual labor for those guys..." Haska trails is voice off and inclines his head slightly towards the line of waiting workers. "I am okay with a trip to this square place."

Woodthorne gets the attention of a server and asks about the bonuwat man. "Who is he? What is his business? Who does he work for/with?" He doesn't ask for anything illicit, but accepts it if offered. He's only willing to part with a gold or two for the information.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

Please don't do things like that again. I know we are playing online and its really easy to cheat, but come on.

Cheat? How is that cheating? Why, because rather than come up with every relevant permutation for an anagram, I referenced a tool that exists as opposed to writing my own script? This isn't a Gygaxian era module where the challenges are DM vs. the players as opposed to the characters. That and the key is identifying or suggesting that the solution may be an anagram, not the actual excercise of going through the permutations.

One of the locals turns to Woodthorne and replies, “He is Na’alu, one of the Consortium’s men. Been coming here for two weeks, looking for day workers to load up supplies on some big ships the company is sending upriver. They work you like dogs, but it’s good money and they feed you at midday.”

How does the roll check work? Is it good for the day? Do we make a merchant check every time we move to a new location? I will look back and see if I missed it in your post before.

You make the check when you first arrive in Bloodcove, and again when you begin pursuing each of your three objectives, which to clarify I'll untangle from Aya's dialogue below.

Kahwen throws a glare at Na'alu. He simply can't help hit, harboring a deep resentment for any members of the Consortium.

But his eyes narrow for only a moment before they widen and fill with a look of mischievous amusement as he remembers goal I. Surely...SURELY he can find some way to sabotage the Consortium's activities if he's inside their warehouse. It seems that both goals II and III will require a trip of the merchant district but that can wait. He has a fire to set or a hole to drill or some rope to cut through just enough to not be noticed but to fail when pressure is put on it.

He approaches Na'alu, simultaneously trying to look bigger than his four and half foot height and completely unimposing/nonthreatening, a task likely made more difficult by the blade strapped to his back.

"Pardon me, Sir. I know that you can find some bigger, burlier lads to do your work, but I've been a salt on more than my share of ships so I know a thing or two about warehouse work and loading a vessel if that's the kind of work you're offering," Kahwen says to the man when he comes to the front of the line, giving a faint bow and keeping his gaze low and respectful.

Nigel is shocked at Kahwen suddenly volunteering for work. I thought some of the bigger fellas might offer to do the work but Kahwen? Well I hope he has a plan...

Nigel walks up next to Kahwen, I have spent many years stocking my father's shop. I think I may be able to help, plus I could use some spare coin. My last big business venture was a flop. So working might allow me to move to my next deal. What do you say? Nigel as a big smile, hoping he was convincing enough.

"Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle." "What does he think he is doing?" "I guess we are stevodors today."
Haska draws the others at their table to Kawhen's decision to hire out. I don't know that i can pull off that disguise, but maybe we follow the group.

"Or if we follow them to the loading site, we can pose as merchants looking to see how to take advantage of their upcoming expedition."
Sorry my post last night was formated poorly. I ment to suggest ooc that we follow Kahwen and Nigel. I certainly don't want to split up. But that is a possibility here. Half go work and half get the message. Is this a way to reduce skill rolls for the overall scenario? Probably not. Just a thought.

Na’alu smiles broadly as he turns to the tengu and gnome, looking them over.

”Yes, you two seem like you’ll do fine,” he says, cheerfully, ”Good money for honest work. That is the way of the Aspis Consortium. Go to the warehouse at 181 Dockside and tell them that Na’alu sent you. ”

Woodthorne takes another sip of his drink as he makes sure there are no prying ears close by. "I will pay a visit to Noveria. I think having an ally in this city will be a very good thing." He takes the time to finish his drink before getting up to go.

"Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle." "What does he think he is doing?" "I guess we are stevodors today."

Haska draws the others at their table to Kawhen's decision to hire out. I don't know that i can pull off that disguise, but maybe we follow the group.

Thaia visibly has to restrain herself from grabbing Haska by the ear.

"Don't be a fool. All of us connected at the hip--like that won't raise suspicion. can you imagine Flit and me as porters? And we are certainly not coming along companionably to wish you well. Why would a person who dresses like me be friends with, or even know someone like you, or Woodworm over there? I mean honestly man, think about it. Besides if we split up we'll get our errands done quicker, and if one group is caught the others can mount a rescue. No, no, I'm quite set for porters right now thank you, but you may call on me later in the Square after I meet with local nobility." she finishes with a bit of deflection for those nearby.

In a low voice, Haska answers, "You really want to split up then? My intent was that we follow after separated by a time gap but close enough to see what is going on."

Haska turns to Woodthorne continuing, "Noveria? I am afraid you lost me there." "I don't recall a 'Noveria'."

"Perhaps your thinking is sound. But, I will go with the dock workers."

Haska gets up and makes his way to the botwani man, "Do you still have positions available?" "I am a willing worker."

Na'alu turns to Haska and nods, "Always more work to be done. The Apsis Consortium will be happy to have you." He provides Haska with the address, just as he did the others.

Woodthorn leaves the bar, and with a little looking, easily finds the headquarters of House Cartahegn. House Cartahegn is based in an imposing two-story trading post in the northeastern part of the city. The storefront bustles with citizens and merchants alike, most purchasing staple commodities such as sugar and rice. A busy clerk greets customers as they enter and provides helpful directions to any who ask.

"... No, no, I'm quite set for porters right now thank you, but you may call on me later in the Square after I meet with local nobility." she finishes with a bit of deflection for those nearby.

Thaia's heading that way too, figuring they all meet up at Free Trade Square. She takes a moment to re-up her musket's disguise.

"Oh? You're coming as well?" she says to Woodthorn with all the enthusiasm one might express at the discovery of new rash.

Go ahead and give me checks against Awareness. Who is Velinov going with?

Profession (merchant): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Can we Take 10 on these rolls? I don't trust the dice roller.
If not, then Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
Just to make me look bad.

appraise: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

Profession (merchant): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

Kahwen is not surprised, but a little disappointed when it becomes apparent that the group will not be staying together. Then again, he is only amused by the image of Thaia doing manual labor.

There is a wry expression about him as he takes his leave, though and he is clearly eager to get on with his work of breaking things that belong to the Consortium.

"See you at the Square," he agrees before...disappearing.

Stealth: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28

And no one sees him again until he shows up at the door to the warehouse, ready to work.

I am going to say no to taking 10 on these rolls, because I'd say you'd be considered distracted.

In a low voice, Haska answers, "You really want to split up then? My intent was that we follow after separated by a time gap but close enough to see what is going on."

Haska turns to Woodthorne continuing, "Noveria? I am afraid you lost me there." "I don't recall a 'Noveria'."

"Perhaps your thinking is sound. But, I will go with the dock workers."

Haska gets up and makes his way to the botwani man, "Do you still have positions available?" "I am a willing worker."

I'm afraid I didn't see a reference to Noveria either? Doing a quick search for the name on page 1 and 2 didn't produce anything?

appraise: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

"I'll head along with Woodthorne and Thaia. I'm afraid no one would believe an artist-merchant as a day laborer."

Would it be prudent to use things like ghost sound to distract attention from us while we're conversing or moving along? I could use silent or minor image as well. @GM Pendrak - would you allow Velinov to use these spells to mask or increase our ability to blend in? For example, if Velinov were to maintain an illusionary cloud of dust, perhaps kicked up from the roads, that happened to be heavier around our group? Would that provide a bonus from people picking out key features about our physical descriptions per se?

The DM denoted some of our options and wrote it as if our patron was speaking to us. I got Noveria from that post.

I'm afraid I didn't see a reference to Noveria either? Doing a quick search for the name on page 1 and 2 didn't produce anything?

The name was Novaria, which might have been which the find function didn't turn it up. She was first mentioned on the first page on Thursday, May 17, 2018, at 9:31 am, in the post starting with "Aya smiles at Nigel's comment," and it was also in the post that Woodthorne is referring to.

Would it be prudent to use things like ghost sound to distract attention from us while we're conversing or moving along? I could use silent or minor image as well. @GM Pendrak - would you allow Velinov to use these spells to mask or increase our ability to blend in? For example, if Velinov were to maintain an illusionary cloud of dust, perhaps kicked up from the roads, that happened to be heavier around our group? Would that provide a bonus from people picking out key features about our physical descriptions per se?

I'll allow that casting silent image in such a way will grant a +2 circumstance bonus for Velinov and everyone traveling with him for one Awareness check.

I'll have the next prompt up soon, just wanted to clarify those questions really fast.

Velinov will go ahead and use silent image then when the trio starts moving. He'll elect to maintain it with concentration.

Woodthorne, Thaia, and Velinov arrive at the imposing two-story trading post in the northeastern part of the city where House Cartahegn makes its headquarters. The storefront bustles with citizens and merchants alike, most purchasing staple commodities such as sugar and rice. A busy clerk greets customers as they enter and provides helpful directions to any who ask.

Seeing the three milling about, she asks, “Can I help you?”

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Meanwhile, Kahwen, Nigel, and Haska head down to the docks to put in a hard day’s work. Finding the dock where the Aspis Consortium’s riverboats being prepared is a simple task, as the operation is large enough to have most of the city talking about it. Three large sailing vessels sit in the river slips . All three are serviced by a large warehouse, which contains pallets of food and barrels of water.

The dock is bustling with porters packing supplies into crates and building pallets to be loaded onto the boats using an overhead winch. A tall Chelaxian with close-cropped hair and skin tanned by the hot Mwangi sun stands nearby, supervising. Seeing the new arrivals, he turns to face them and barks, “Ho, now, what’s this? A tengu, an elf, and a gnome walk into a dockyard...We’ll figure out the punchline soon enough. You here for work, demihumans?”

Nigal nods his head, Yes sir. I made a risky buesness venture, it flopped now I need to work for some cash to begin anew! The name is Nigel Flit. What work do you have for me? He gives his best smile.

Kahwen bows to the Chelaxian. "I believe it ends with 'it wasn't even my familiar,' Sir," he offers as a punchline.

He looks past the man to the warehouse and the ships beyond. "It looks like there is plenty of work to be done and I can use the coin," Kahwen says, lacing his fingers together and pushing his hands out in front of him so that his knuckles crack.

"Last deal I made fell flat. I really thought unicorn necklaces would take off." "If I want to restock I need coin." "What would you like me to do?"
Haska points at the tengu and asks, "Just follow him to the work?"

Woodthorne, Thaia, and Velinov arrive at the imposing two-story trading post in the northeastern part of the city where House Cartahegn makes its headquarters. The storefront bustles with citizens and merchants alike, most purchasing staple commodities such as sugar and rice. A busy clerk greets customers as they enter and provides helpful directions to any who ask.

Seeing the three milling about, she asks, “Can I help you?"

"I should say so." Thaia says importantly. "I'm looking for the decision-maker."

Woodthorne nods the agreement with Thaia's proclamation.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

Velinov observes the conversation and the surroundings while maintaining his spell, content to see where Thaia's attempt goes.

perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Haska will look around taking mental notes on the area. He will look for weaknesses and vulnerabilities on the vessels and storage areas over the hours of work.
perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

"I'm waiting...." Thaia says pointedly to the clerk.

intimidate (coerce): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

The clerk stares at Thaia at first, taken aback.

"Do you have an appointment?" says she.

But Thaia's intimidating glare seems to change her mind, and she stammers, "Uh, yes, follow me please, I'll take you to Novaria."

Have any of you played PFS #2-01: Before the Dawn, Part I: The Bloodcove Disguise? Because if you have, you've already met Novaria.

The assistant leads you down a hall and opens a door to an office.

"Ma'am," she says, "These three don't have an appointment, but they want to talk to a 'decision maker.' Can you help them?"

A Chelaxian woman looks up from her desk, "Fine, send them in."

She looks the Pathfinders over as they enter her office.

"Well met. I am Novaria, and I run House Cartahegn's business here in Bloodcove. What can we do for you?"

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Meanwhile, at the docks, the others are put to work. The morning is spent loading supplies onto the boats, sweaty work, but nothing a Pathfinder cannot handle. There are too many workers around to do any sabotage immediately, but word is that there is a break in work at around midday to avoid the worst of the hot day, and that might be a chance to infiltrate the place more easily.

Haska notices that a handful of hired guards patrols this section of the docks at all times. It appears that the best means of sabotage would be to damage the actual boats themselves, either through brute force or skilled disabling of devices, or to spoil the food supplies somehow. A fire could certainly do a huge amount of damage to the ships and supplies, but this would almost certainly attract a lot of attention.

Noon rolls around, and the workers are dismissed, and told to return at four to resume work, leaving only a handful of guards, and what appears to be their trained hyena. Haska, Kahwen, and Nigel leave as well, but after turning the corner out of view of the worksite they slip into an alley way, where they can decide what to do.

"Any ideas? I have a long shot idea, but it might work." "Do you want to hear it?"
Haska waits for nods.
"Well, I have one concoction that disguises me. I thought I might use it to look like that chelaxian dock supervisor." "I will indicate to the guards I need to check the load progress. While, there I will mess things up in the engine room. What do you think?"
Haska looks for his friends to tell him he is crazy or add to the plan.

Woodthorne has played 2-01. It was his first game back in 2011

"Greetings, Novaria. I am known as Woodthorne. It's been some time, but you might recall that we've met already. I'm one of the Pathfinders that did a certain favor for House Cartahegn. Aya has sent us in the hopes of strengthening the ties between our organization and your house. We were hoping for a favor." Woodthorne waits for her response before continuing on.

Do these ships have engine rooms? Arn't most ships done through rowing or sails?

Nigel nods, A good disguise may be the best way to go. I think it would be a rough fight for us to take out the guards. I can summon a monster to distract them, that might be able to buy you some more time but it will be risky.

Kahwen eyes the ships then his companions. He listens closely to Haska's plan.

He pulls out a leather wrap that has his well made thieves tools in them.

"I think I can sneak aboard and perform some acts of sabotage, Companions. I'm pretty sure I can ensure they do not spot me as I do so. But you can either disguise yourself or me as an additional method of performing sabotage," Kahwen says.

"It is up to you, fellows. I can go alone or in attendance with one or both of you. It would be good to have a lookout. Can either of you cast a spell or provide a concoction that will let us communicate at a distance?"

Velinov remains stoic, coolly listening to the conversation unfold.

2-01 worth playing?

I know someone who is a wonderful look out. I can get her hear in about a minute but I can't get too far away from her so I will need to stay back with her as well. I can not cast anything that will allow us to communicate across distances though. I can send an eagle to fly over the ship has a symbol of incoming trouble, but beyond that, I am not sure how I can warn you of danger.