[PFS_CORE_Aerondor] 04-06 The Green Market (5-9) (Inactive)

Game Master Aerondor

The missive from Venture-Captain Amara Li was clear, and comes to mind as the skyline of Korvosa rises into view over the calm waters of Conqueror’s Bay in southern Varisia.

“Recently the Society acquired a new ally in Absalom named Sendeli Foxglove. Now she has made something of a personal request. Sendeli has a sister named Zeeva in Korvosa who owns a successful marketplace. A competing business interest is threatening Lady Foxglove, and her sister requests the Society investigate and intervene."

“If you consider the matter pedestrian and more suited toward the local constabulary, I wouldn’t blame you. Even so, there are extenuating circumstances. First, the competing business interest is the Aspis Consortium. It makes little sense for them to harass a local greengrocer, so there must be a deeper layer to this. Maintaining close ties to Sendeli Foxglove is an agenda the Society feels is worth pursuing in and of itself, but if we can assist Zeeva while also hampering the Aspis Consortium’s efforts to gain influence in Korvosa,
all the better. "

“There is smoke here, now find the fire. Extricate Zeeva Foxglove from this feud with the Consortium. If she’s anything like her sister, she’ll want to be an active part of this team—but you are not to let her put herself in danger. We’ve made that clear to her, and you’re expected to abide by it and ensure she does as well. If this matter is simply crooked business, then just resolve it and continue on to Magnimar where Venture-Captain Heidmarch will surely have more in
store for you.”

Last chance for any extra pre-game purchases.

Dotting for fun and profit.

Walking alongside you for this journey is a middle-aged gnome (120 years) with green hair wearing a breastplate and carrying a silver holy symbol of Cayden Cailean; a silver tankard. He has various scrolls and wands in his possession and, most of the time, a smile on his face.

Hello everyone! My name's Theodore, and it's nice to meet all of you!

I like our mission! Helping a greengrocer in Korvosa with the Aspis Consortium; sounds like a good job for Pathfinders, even if we have ulterior motives, doing some good in the world is still noble in of itself. That's what life is all about, right? Doing some good and enjoying yourself in the process? That's how I view it at least! Theodore smiles broadly as if he had accomplished something.

Oh sorry, I'm sure you want to know what my abilities are should a situation arise, especially since the Aspis are involved. I focus myself on healing others as well as calling upon the blessings of Cayden Cailean to enhance our fighting capabilities. I'm elusive, but I'm no fighter!

After a brief pause in the conversation, Enough about me, though. I am interested in who you guys and gals are!

A human rogue shifts nervously from one foot to the other and back again. He is dressed simply, and he seems disturbed at the mention of the Society's rivals.

"Aspis?" he scowls. "If I never see their like again, it'll be too soon."

Then, he sighs and recollects his composure. "Apologies Venture-Captain," Narad says, and he performs a cursory bow.

"I just finished a mission in the Osirion desert near Sothis and Eto where we saw evidence of the Consortium's depravity. I hope the Aspis in Korvosa are sensible enough to stand down."

As Theodore mentions the positive aspects of their mission, the human's face brightens. "Ah, thank Sarenrae! A fellow member of the Silver Crusade! I look forward to working with you. I'm not much of a combatant, either. I specialize in disarming traps and locks. I am called Narad."

Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

Is there anything I might have heard about this marketplace or about recent Aspis activity in Korvosa?

Another gnome enters the room and everyone wonders how many green haired gnomes one mission can stand. Lini is quite cute in her close fitting leathers and has an outdoorsy look to her that adds to her overall appeal. She smiles at everyone and takes her seat at the table, where her legs swing freely a foot or more above the floor. A sling and sickle hang from her belt and she has is adorned with the requisite number of scrolls, potions and wands to label her a likely pathfinder. A moment after she enters a pony size cat the color of snow slinks in and sits in a corner. He shows no interest in anyone on the room and immediately adopts a pose which makes you think his spine must be rubber and begins grooming himself.

Magnimar. Lini says after the briefing in a dreamy tone. I wonder if they will have nice sticks there.

Lini has 113 gold. Think she will buy a few first level scrolls. She is good with a sling. Are there any cool sling bullets she could buy?

Walking with you is a five and a half foot tall, mixed-blood human, in spiked full plate armor (Her weight would be in the 130s if she was wearing very little, but that rarely happens). She carries in one hand, a admantine headed guisarme, that she rests on one shoulder to keep a hand free for other things.

"Allo there, I be Corisan Greenbriar. It's nice to meets you all. I aim to keep folks off those who needs their space as best I can. And sometimes I can even make these work." With this she pats two wands she has stuck in her belt - keeping company with pouches, flasks, vials, and even a couple scrolls.

Besides the weapon she carries and that which she wears, she has a darkwood long composite bow on her back, 4 quivers of arrows, a silver light mace, and what looks to be the previous guisarme, a cold iron version. Around her neck dangles a wayfinder, and a symbol of a sword in a mountain.

Her voice is quite pleasant, and she is, if not pretty, then not ugly, though it is hard to tell in the armor. As she walks, she often twirls the guisarme in interesting patterns of movement - it could be quite dazzling in combat.

Narad gives a cursory bow to Lini and Corisan as they introduce themselves.

Lini, special materials (at least cold iron and silver) should be within your price range, which could come in handy.

Amina is a tall Mwangi human, who wears flowing blue and yellow clothing, somewhat too light for the Varisian climate. A chain around her neck bears both a silver ankh of Sarenrae and a golden scale, and a large sword is strapped to her back.

"Hello everyone! I'm Amina. I serve Sarenrae in whatever way I can. When violence necessary, I use both my sword and her sacred fire, though I do hope we can resolve the issues before us peacefully."

Once Amara Li explains the situation, she'll add,

"Oh my! Another Foxglove. Are there any particular suspicions that her business might be illegitimate? It might explain the Aspis involvement."

K Local: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 For any existing knowledge about Korvosa.

Through campaign mode credit, Amina actually met a different Foxglove. I didn't take the boon related to them, figuring I'd probably never run into another.

Good call. Silver and cold iron sling bullets anyway. Oh, both me and my animal companion can benefit from Mage Armor. Does anyone have a wand of it? I will buy scrolls if I need to. The pet really needs it.

"Yes, these are sisters. It is helpful you have already met one.." mentions the VC.

The boat trip is without event, and you arrive in the bustling town feeling refreshed. Last chance to change spells, buy items etc

The Green Market is a mostly wooden structure built like a massive barn. It stands on a flattened section of raised earth five feet higher than the surrounding street. The structure is only a single story, but the ceiling rises to twenty-five feet and has numerous glass skylights that can be opened and closed with extending poles and ladders for lighting and ventilation. To the south is the main entrance that has large iron gates which can be slid and chained shut. On the southeast and southwest sides are exterior docks with sliding bay doors, where farmers and merchants can unload the wares from their wagons directly into stalls or bring them into interior kiosks. Inside, the majority of the ground is hard-packed earth, except for the stalls, which have wood flooring. Only the four southeastern stalls carry goods other than produce. The southern-most stall has casks of wine, oils, and vinegar. The other stalls sell quality clothing, jewelry, and finished furniture. On the northeast side is an office that can be secured by another sliding iron gate. North of the office is the market’s back entrance. Finally, in the center north is a park-like area with a large tree and flowered bushes kept alive by an open skylight above.

Map is up. It is pretty busy, put yourselves where you would like to be, and post away. Finding your Foxglove is the first mission. Figure any given square on the map is about 30% likely to have a person in it, so moving through in any tight formation will be difficult unless you want to make intimidate checks, which might not ingratiate you to the markets mistress.

Glad I had a chance to change out spells. Not sure she needs 2 Speak with Animals spells when Lini already has a daily racial ability to do that. I am hoping Siddhārtha can spare a mage armor from her spell slots or wand for Droogami. If not I will ask her to use a scroll of the spell on the cat before we enter the market. And she will pre-cast Greater Magic Fang on him. Also it would be nice to review spells with the group before I choose which spells to take. For instance the Iconic Lini uses one of her two 4th level slots for Dispel Magic. But if Siddhārtha or Theodore can carry one as a 3rd level spell there are other good options for the druid at 4th.

No hurry, it may be best to organise spells in the discussion thread.

Theodore is instantly drawn to the southern-most stall that has casks of oils, vinegar, but most importantly wine. He will look around at the goods, mostly surveying the types of local wine available here before heading back to the central areas to check on the rest of the party and make sure he is not being left behind on the mission. Theodore also tries to keep an eye out for any Aspis that may be around here.

Cayden teaches that drinking is holy, but I think he would also agree that I must be sure that our mission is in check before doing so. My primary concern is making sure there are no Aspis lurking around that could endanger all the people here.

Before we arrive at the market:

Narad inform his companions: "I have heard that Zeeva Foxglove is a stunning woman with chin-length, strawberry blonde hair, wide brown eyes, and a generous smile. She generally carries no weapons and wears no armor. She has a pet black cat."

"Perhaps we should simply look for her ourselves? No need to tip off the Aspis by asking around, right? So, perhaps those of us who can blend in more easily should scout ahead?" he asks.
____________________________________________________________

When we arrive at the market:

The rogue slouches a bit, hoping that his simple attire does not give him away as a field agent of the Pathfinder Society--lest enemy eyes be watching.
Perception to search for Zeeva: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27
Bluff to look like an average, nondescript shopper: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

He also tries to get a sense of his "fellow shoppers." Are they happy? Nervous? Angry? Distrustful? Welcoming? Something else?
Perception to look for Aspis: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23
Sense Motive on the crowd: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

If there is an opportunity, Narad will also try to asses the wares in the market. Are they "normal"? Of exceptional quality? Of poor quality?
Appraise: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Corisan noting she is a bit overdressed, stands just inside the southern door, trying to keep an eye on her fellow pathfinders. She slips her wayfinder underneath the chest-piece.

Narad finds the mood of the market overall to be positive. People seem happy and moderately prosperous. Lots of business being done, and no signs of trouble at all. In fact the only weapons in sight are those of Corisan - who does attract a bit of notice.

"Get your fresh bananas here!" cries out a merchant to one side.

"Green beans! Straight from the fields!" calls out another.

Theodore notes the quality of the vinegar and beer is good - not fine wines that a noble might use, but certainly of a good standard.

Narad easily spots Zeeva. Her cat rubs itself against her ankle as she walks the market, stopping for a moment by the well in the middle.

Map updated

A tall, heavily-tattooed Varisian female, with a small lizard curled up on her left shoulder, glances around excitedly.

"My! This place certainly seems interesting - look at all of the produce! Some of it must have come from fairly far afield; I don't think bananas are endemic to this region of Avistan...", she says, a trifle uncertainly.

When Narad points her out, Seoni moves over, and gives Zeeva a winning smile.

"Good Day! I take it that you are Ms Foxglove? We are here to render you assistance with your little disagreement with the Consortium..."

Before arriving at the market, Amina will try to find a place to discreetly use her wand of mage armor, a precaution she likely would not have taken if Zeeva had a different last name.

Anyone who wants one can also take a charge.

Once at the market, Amina wanders around, generally keeping a distance from the others, who might be more talented in matters of subtlety and deception. Overwhelmed by the crowd of people, she ends up trying to make conversation with some of the vegetable sellers, asking questions about Avistani produce that rarely makes it to the markets of Nantambu, asking about origins and uses of anything she struggles to identify.

Perception for Zeeva: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Diplomacy with selller: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

“Thank you so much for coming. I can’t tell you how much this means to me. I’ve complained to the city, but it’s as if the Aspis Consortium has bribed everyone or the authorities just don’t care. I’m happy to pay for your lodging while you’re helping me. If you like, I can show you around the market and answer any questions about anything you haven’t already been told.”

Theodore walks up to join the conversation.

My name is Theodore; a pleasure to meet you Zeeva. You are too kind to offer us lodging here, but it is of course much appreciated. I would very much like it if you could show us around the market and tell us what you can. Have the Aspis been bothering you for long? What do they do?

"“Initially they wanted to buy the Green Market, but I wasn’t interested. It’s been very successful and, though I never thought I’d find myself saying this, I love what I do. Then they wanted to lease space inside of it, but when I found out what they wanted to sell I declined. That’s when they started to harass me.” tells Zeeva as she walks through the market.

"Corn! Ripe Sweet corn! Beautiful Corn, get your Corn here." - the cries of the market are all around.

Lini moves with the group looking over the produce and the crowd for anything out of the ordinary. Doorgami sniffs the air in the market and stays close to the small gnome.

Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (4) + 14 = 18

Perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (18) + 16 = 34

Hearing the conversation Lini inserts Zeeva, what exactly did they want to sell here?

"“Weapons, armor, and magic goods. Those things have their place, but my customers are not adventurers. They are people looking for food and goods they need to survive. The Green Market is a community-based business.”"

Across the way you hear the call "Fresh fish. Finest Fresh Fish"

So basically, it is a giant farmers' market ;-)

Seoni looks around with obvious interest, enjoying the sheer variety of produce available for sale.

"We would certainly be happy to help you with your problem. Do you happen to know where we could find the Consortium representatives, so that we can... chat... with them?"

Anything of note in any of the stalls? Can we take 10 to chat with the vendors and see how they feel about Zeeva and the current situation?

And anything revealed with that 34 perception?

Corisan moves up to stand near Lini. She looking at the produce, but tactically rather than as a culinary inquisition.

Yes, a giant farmers market!
Narad chats with a number of sellers. They all seem pretty happy with the place. "It's a lucky business. I almost always manage to sell all my produce here. Very little is wasted, and even thieves don't seem to bother us much. Zeeta runs a good ship."

Zeeva, do you have any information on where these Aspis may be located?

Lini swallows hard as she points out the only dressed group heading directly for Zeeta. Uh guys... she interjects forcefully for her size. Am I the only one who thinks those people are only dressed? I sense trouble. With that she will cast Bearskin on Droogami and command the cat to guard Zeeta while stepping behind the cat herself.

A man pushes through the crowd and approaches Zeeta.

“Hello Zeeta. I think we need to discuss some business. In private. So as not to.. cause a scene in such a serene setting as the Green Market.”

It would appear you might not have to do a lot of searching.

She looks alarmed, and her cat arches its back hissing. Zeeta turns to you. "help?"

Seoni breezily inserts herself between the Consortium agents at Zeeta.

"Now, now. The lady would like you to leave her alone. Why don't you turn around, and go back home? Ms Foxglove is not interested in your proposal."

Narad moves to position himself strategically.

"Zeeta Foxglove, move back," Corisan says. Turning to the close Consortium agent she continues, "Give Foxglove, some room, step back!" putting every bit of menace she can in the statement.

intimidate: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25

versus 10 + hd + wis mod

Lini interjects You are already causing a scene. You are not welcome here. Leave now or there will be trouble. Droogami growls to punctuate the threat.

Intimidate Assist: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Theodore takes out his shield to prepare to defend Zeeva. Please leave. We don't want to make this any worse than it already is.

The speaker is taken aback that anyone who speak to him in such a manner.

"Who are you? I'll make you regret interfering. You'll be wishing it was your entrails that were for sale here."

Around him several men rattle greatswords, looking very intimidating.
intimidate vs Corisan: 1d20 + 9 - 2 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 9 - 2 + 8 = 25

"I suggest you leave. Now."

Status
Black - shaken (3)
Corisan - shaken (3)

Theodore tries to motion to Zeeva to take a step back to let us handle this situation by stepping in front of her to intercede.

We are here to defend the rights of Zeeva Foxglove as owner of this marketplace. Zeeva isn't interested in what you are selling. Please, we don't want any more trouble from you around this place now or in the future, for us or for Zeeva. Be gone! Theodore says is his tiny gnomish voice.

Sensing that a fight is imminent Lini will cast Bull's Strength on Droogami.

Thinking a fight is imminent, in a fearful effort to scare them off, Corisan takes a 5 foot step back and then she twirls her guisarme in an amazing pattern -

dazzling display all enemies-foes in 30 ft radius: 1d20 + 13 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 13 - 2 = 18 Black is immune

Amina approaches, having failed to notice the confrontation until voices became heated.

"You've heard them. Ms. Foxglove is not interested in dealing with you. These people have been patient, but it's time you leave this woman's property."

Dazzling display is a full round action, so I think before we go down that route it is appropriate to move into initiative, given she ties in initiative, I'll let it go off as her action.

Corisan "draws" and flashes her large weapon around in a meanacing display. All the locals run for cover.

"Get your fresh fis... oh my did you ... Run!"

Status, bold may post
Narad
Lini
Theodore
Amina
Black - shaken (2)
Other baddies shaken (1)
Corisan - shaken (2)
Siddhartha

I didn't want it to go down this way, but it looks like we have no choice now. Zeeva, run!

Theodore will stand his ground, hoping Zeeva takes his advice and uses this chance to run away.

Move action
Theodore draws his Wand of Bless.

Standard action
Theodore says a command word and waves the Wand of Bless around, activating it. (Will include all of our party and Zeeva in the effect)

BLESS IS UP!

Free Action: Narad mutters under his breath, "Aspis scum."

Move Action: The rogue walks up to the nearest enemy while drawing his dagger.

Standard Action: Dagger plus Bless: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 9 + 1 = 30, Crit?: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 9 + 1 = 29
Crit Damage plus Sneak Attack: 2d4 + 4 + 3d6 ⇒ (1, 3) + 4 + (1, 1, 3) = 13

Sigh. Did I mention that I'm not built for combat?

I could use a snow leopard icon, if you can arrange that GM Aerondor.

Droogami full attacks the aspis agent nearest our charge.

Bite: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 291d6 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Claw: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (15) + 14 = 291d6 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Claw: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 161d6 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Trip: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30

Meanwhile Lini pulls and reads a scroll of Call lightning.

lightning strike: 3d6 ⇒ (3, 4, 2) = 9 DC 16 Reflex for half damage. on the same enemy, or one adjacent if he is down.

Amina advances on the Aspis, retrieving her falchion as she does so, swinging her blade with force, but little accuracy. If Black has combat reflexes and survives Droogami's mauling, I'll provoke.

"I'd stand back if I were you, ma'am."

Power Attack, Arcane Strike, Bless: 1d20 + 9 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 9 - 1 + 1 = 12
Damage: 2d4 + 8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4, 2) + 8 + 2 + 1 = 17

Note for GM: Amina has Step Up, and will use it whenever she is able to.

Theodore blesses the party. Narad slips up behind the yellow swordsman and then slips a knife into a kink in his armor. The man shouts in pain.

Leopard added
Droogami leaps upon the closest figure and mauls him - knocking him to the ground.
reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Amina tries to finish off the figure in black but misses.

The man in yellow unleashes his greatsword on Narad
attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 2) + 4 = 11

The one in blue attacks Amina
attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (6, 5) + 4 = 15

The man in green steps up to slice at Droog
attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
But the enchanted leopard's skin deflects the blow.

Finally the one in pink attacks Corisan
attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
But the fighters thick armor keeps the blow from hurting her.

The man on the ground in black holds up his hands.

"Wait...I think you misunderstood."
His men adopt a defensive position but avoid further strikes... for the moment.

Status, bold may post (party buffs active: Bless)
Corisan - shaken (1)
Siddhartha
Theodore
Narad - 11 damage
Lini
Amina - 15 damage
Black - shaken (1) 38 damage, prone.
Yellow - 13 damage,
Blue
Pink
Green

Corisan readies her weapon to do a full power swing on Black if he "unsurrenders" (does something apparently offensive or something Corisan can't tell is not offensive)

if she is adjacent to Black (it is hard to see) then she'll ready to do that with armor spikes. It would be funny if she doesn't actually take a swing in this combat

I wonder if that man is telling the truth or trying to pull one over on us.
Sense Motive?: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Free Action
Theodore will step back, inching towards Zeeva. Position already noted on map.

Move Action
He sheathes his Wand of Bless.

Standard Action
Ready an action to cast Sound Burst DC 16 on as many of them as possible without hitting teammates should they start using hostile actions again. Preferring Yellow and Blue if possible.

Standard Action: Narad strikes back:
Dagger: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19, Damage, if hit: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Move Action: Then, the rogue tries to move away with grace--ducking away from his enemy's sword
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23