[PFS Core] GM Shady's The Early Society (Inactive)

Game Master shady18

"Ok then. Do you think they might be like the men at Skelg's house?" Ilandro queries as the group make their way to Taldan's Rest.

I vote to move on to confront the Ulfen as well.

It's about 15 minutes' walk to the Taldan's Rest, a large but fairly downmarket bar very close to the harbour. It's quite full - maybe 30 to 40 people - of various races and nationalities - milling around. The staff seem used to people asking for Tullo; a large man near the entrance nods you in the direction of a table at the centre of the bar, where a fat, swarthy man in fine (but garish) robes sits surrounded by various hangers on and a couple of what seem to be bodyguards, both of them tall, broad half-orcs.

Tsakolk follows the group into the bar this time. Wary of the other patrons, he stays close to the less physical members of the group, on guard.

As a point of interest could I roll intimidate to aid another's diplomacy roll?

Tsakolk follows the group into the bar this time. Wary of the other patrons, he stays close to the less physical members of the group, on guard.

As a point of interest could I roll intimidate to aid another's diplomacy roll?

Technically I think not - they may actually run counter to one another.

Ilabdro also follows the group into the tavern, consumed by the feeling that the men they are chasing are just as bad as the ones out front of Skelg's. Anyone close to hear him whispering can hear the cleric repeating the phrase 'follow your hunches, and wear the consequences', though he always seems to stumble over the last word.

As they begin their walk to the inn the half-elf will look around to see if they are being observed in a non normal fashion
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

He will do the same as they begin their conversation.
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

@Daereon: you're being watched in a "non-normal" way, but it's probably to be expected. As well as his bodyguards nearby, Tullo seems to have others - 3 or 4 more - scattered through the clientele of the bar, keeping a close eye on him and on general movements through the establishment.

Waiting, I assume, on Xaaven to start the talking.

Xaaven watches the group for a moment before approaching. "If I may introduce myself, I am Xaaven and I have some business to attend to with Tullo. Would you like to speak here or is there somewhere more private we can talk?" he asks.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Regardless of where we end up ...

My companions and I have been tasked to find a particular group of Ulfen fighters. It has been brought to our attention that you may have rented a warehouse to them. We would be much appreciative if we could find out the location of that warehouse. I promise you that no damage will come to it," he says with a slight smile and nod.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9 ugh, that's going to cost us

Tullo looks at Xaaven. "We'll stay here, thanks. They say you should keep your friends close and your enemies closer, but I'm not a fan of that. And anyway, I don't know which you are. I'll stay with my friends."

He then listens to Xaaven's request. "I did indeed rent a place to some northerners. But they paid me money. You haven't. Simple as that. Now get lost."

His "friends" fold their arms and look on grimly. Some of the individuals around the bar - more than you'd originally noticed - start to shuffle into position.

The half-elf will approach. I am sorry Tullo, my friend was not as respectful of you and your position and standing but it is important that we get this information. states the sorcerer

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25 Diplomacy

Tullo shifts his position somewhat. "Thank you sir. Nice to see someone with manners. But the information is going to cost you 10 gold pieces. I'd love to just come out with it but I have a reputation to protect."

He smiles a smile that reveals several gold teeth.

My fellows and I are novices in this business Sir. Allow me to see if we can collect your fee among us but are you sure you won't go down just a bit? he states

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19 Diplomacy

"Sorry, I do like the look of you and your team, but as I said I have a reputation to protect."

Ilandro proceeds to dig around his backpack, producing a small pouch with some coins in it. He slowly counts out ten golden pieces, many of which are stamped with the hallmarks of the mint in New Stetven, the capital of Brevoy, handing them to Daereon. "Is this enough?"

I'll go ahead and mark off 10gp from Ilandro's sheet.

I was thinking that we could split the cost?

Feel free to pay Ilandro back once we aren't in front of the pack of rogues circling us :) right now, he has paid for it, so feel free to keep the story moving.

Tsakolk reaches for his belt pouch before realising Ilandro is paying the 'fee.' With a not to the cleric he returns his hand to its original position, hovering over the handle of his hammer...

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22Diplomacy

Gathering the money the sorcerer will present it. Good Sir, we have collected your fee. Perhaps now you can let us know what you know about our questions? he inquires.

I think there are 5 of us left so I'll give you 2 gp later.

Xaaven looks a bit embarrassed that he botched the conversation with Tullo. He nervously grins at Daereon for taking over and nods to Ilandro for paying the fee. "Thank you both," he says before turning back to Tullo. "I meant no disrespect. Sometimes I get a little to excited and move too quickly. I understand you are a business man and we are able to pay your reasonable fee for the information we seek."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Tullo smiles, warmly if no less threateningly. "No problem, shorty. Business is business."

He hands the money to one of the nearby guards, who steps away and takes it through into a back room, near the bar.

"The warehouse you're looking for is across from the The Rosy Fingers, a tavern on the west docks. I've had it for a while, been looking for a use for it. Something else, I'll tell you since I like you: their leader's name is Bengeirr Haldyrsson. He's the son of some Ulfen lord. Nasty piece of work, no manners and doesn't know how to use a knife and fork, except maybe in combat."

He takes a swig of ale.

"Now, much as I like you boys, you'll need to leave, please."

We thank you so much for the information you have provided to us! Blessings of the Inheritor be with you. he states.

Ilandro nods at the man, taking the hint and preparing to leave. He meets his compatriots outside and waits for them to point the direction they need to travel in.

The half-elf will give Ilandro 2 gp to help cover the cost and will then suggest that they head towards the western docks.

"Yes, thank you for your time and the information," Xaaven says as he leaves the tavern. Once outside he gives Ilandro 2 gold pieces for his share of the cost. "Thank you for fronting the gold, Ilandro. So, I think we need to come up with a plan before we get to the warehouse. Are we going to try to break in to attack them or try to pose as someone looking for muscle and then attack once inside?"

Perhaps a little stealth would be in order in order to gain a tactical advantage? suggests the half-elf.

Young things, so eager to fight...

"I would have thought one as loose tongued as yourself would at least try to avoid conflict, friend is as likely to die as foe. We make a call when we get there. It may be we have call for your skills again Xaaven, it may be we have need for a little blood work. we shall see."

I'll assume you head for the warehouse ...

The warehouse across from The Rosy Fingers Tavern is built right on the docks, part of it extending over the water. The building is thirty feet tall with no visible windows. On the landward side is a pair of large cargo doors with a smaller door built into the right one. Piers run along either side of the building and on the seaward side is a massive set of doors able to accommodate a small ship.

The street is busy, with several taverns among the warehouses. Most of the warehouses have sentries in front of them, and the ships at the docks are similarly guarded. A northlander warrior with an axe resting in his lap sits on a small pile of crates across from the warehouse, obviously keeping watch on the main door.

I'm bound to remind you (because the text reminds me to remind you) that a frontal attack on an apparently innocent guard, in broad daylight on a busy street in the most cosmopolitan city in Golarion, may have unintended consequences.

Thanks for the heads up Shady, what would we do without you!

"More talking is in order I think, let's see if we can't buy this chap a drink"

Tsakolk makes to approach the north lander.

The half elf will approach with the half-orc.
Hail! he says to the guard.

"You are right, Tsakolk. I'd rather avoid conflict, but I have a feeling that's all these guys know in how to deal with things," Xaaven says as they start walking to the warehouse.

Once there, he stays near the warehouse door while Daereon goes to talk to the guard.

"then, little one, we shall regretfully have to reply in kind.

The guard eyes Daereon warily, but doesn't answer. In fact, makes a point of not answering.

Hail he states. From where do you hail? the half-eld inquires?

Diplomacy 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

"It's no good Daereon"

Tsakolk mutters, rather louder than necessary

"This man is clearly useless and not the one we're after. If he will not speak to us we'll have to find someone who will."

Turning, the half orc strides towards the doors to the warehouse, whispering to Xaaven as he passes...

"As it was at the house little one, if all eyes are on us and you fancy a little walk..."

The guard, once again, doesn't even look up.

I'm waiting for Xaaven to play this out.

Xaaven looks at Tsakolk and then the mute guards. He nods to Ilandro to follow him as he walks around the corner of the building. He stops to drop his pack and longspear. "Stay there at the corner so you can see if the guard does anything, but watch these. I don't want to get my pack wet and it makes it harder to swim," he says to Ilandro.

Assuming the guard doesn't move ...

He then runs down the pier at the side of the building and gets into the water. Swimming as quietly as he can, he looks to see if there are any guards on this end of the building and then swims under the door.

Swim: 1d20 ⇒ 8 if I don't drown
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Stealth: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16 no idea if any modifiers while swimming

Ilandro nods and follows the halfling while Daereon and Tsakolk attempt to converse with the guard. He stands right next to Xaaven's belongings, holding the short longspear in his other hand and watching the guard intently while waiting for Xaaven's return.

Thought I had posted this already - sorry

@Xaaven: It's calm water, so you're not going to fail on that roll, just not go anywhere. You can take 10; I'll assume you do.

Xaaven swims under the boat door and into the warehouse.

From the looks of your apparel, it would appear that your apparel would mark you as an Ulfen, at least in dress if not in culture. I have never been to the Far North and from what I understand it is very close to another land, Tiam.. Tiat... no, Tian, if I am not mistaken. Have you ever been to that far away land which is farther away than here? he inquires

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14 Diplomacy

He is trying to act as a distraction and keep talking to see if he can engage the Ulfen man.

Tsakolk leans casually against the big warehouse doors, next to the smaller door and waits, keeping one eye on the sorcerer, and one ear on the warehouse

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

can I see the door? Are there any guards? If it's clear ...

Xaaven looks around trying to determine if he can get to the door without being seen. Not seeing any guards, he climbs out of the water and sneaksewer over to the door to open it.

sneak: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19

Is there a response from the guard?

Sorry, I misunderstood where the guards were. I think I was envisioning the warehouse to be larger.

Not seeing a way to open the door without the guards noticing, Xaaven returns to the group the way he came in.

Stealth: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28

When he gets back he tells everyone what he has seen.

"Unless everyone wants to swim, we either knock and try to talk our way in, or I try to pick the lock, but I don't think I can without the guard seeing and alerting those inside. Bengeirr could fight but he could also flee in the boat while we were trying to enter. Any thoughts?" the halfling says quietly to his companions.

Could you perhaps sneak in again, Xaaven, and disable the boat so that he does not escape that way? inquires the half-elf.

"How many are inside little one? and where?"

Hearing Daereon's suggestion Tsakolk nods

"maybe if they're all talking to us at the door.."

@Xaaven - about half the warehouse is boat. So I think the issue is you're envisaging the boat as too small. For everyone (I'll recount on behalf of Xaaven), the warehouse is about 40 feet square, it has a lower floor about 20x40ft, and the boat occupies a 20x40ft area of water; Bengeirr would require a crew to escape, which wasn't obvious on Xaaven's entry. There were a couple of guards on the 20x40 area of decking. There's a loft area (20x20) with stairs up, and single footsteps echoing upstairs. Sorry - should have relayed all this but nobody asked :-)

Xaaven's stealth roll was good enough that I don't need to roll perception; his return was unnoticed.

Your collective call on what to do next. The guard obviously won't engage you, in conversation at least.

I would vote to continue as I described in the discussion thread.

The half-elf will listen to the suggestions and state I know a spell that can put our foes to sleep.

Seeing as Tsakolk's stood next to the door, can you tell me how sturdy it looks shady? Does it look like it could be battered down easily?