[PFS] GM - Mark Garringer's 06-05 - Slave Ships of Absalom Table 1 (Inactive)

Game Master Zizazat

Attending to various matters around the grounds of Grand Lodge, the sunlight wanes as the day nears its end. Returning to the Grand Lodge of Absalom is usually a flurry of activity catching up on the latest news and reports from all over the Inner Sea and across Golarion, catching up with other Pathfinders, and occasionally visiting the Wall to remember those who will never return.

Returning to the dormitory halls for the evening, you are approached by a small, wiry grey-skinned woman dressed in studded leather and a hat adorned with several brightly colored feathers. Her long, slender fingers holds out a flat envelope, its wax seal bearing the Glyph of the Open Road. "Chào buổi tối, xin vui lòng chấp nhận thông báo này từ Ambrus Valsin.*"

After a moment she shakes her head, slapin herself on the forehead, and in broken common says, "Well eve Pathfinder fellows. Venture Valsin has message to you."

Please take a moment to introduce yourself and/or dot the thread before we start the mission briefing.

A small wrinkled woman walks in using a walking cane for balance.

"I am a bit late, but at my age I don't move so quick anymore."

A burly, bearded man with a thick black beard chuckles. "A Pathfinder at your age ...impressive! My name is Benjamin Kuyper. Most folk call me Ben. I'm from Andoran. You?"

*muttering*"Urump..back in the day people used to respect their elders. Hrm..kids these days.."

".. what was it..explore? no wait..that wasn't it..something about cooperate....better at least pretend to play nicely with others.."

"A long, long time ago I came from the dessert near Quadira" answers the woman with wrinkled skin which almost looks like though leather.

"No offense was meant, m'lady. Nor was sarcasm. It is, indeed, impressive. It's a pleasure to meet you. I wonder what this letter is about."

A young female elf arrives dressed in a Darkleaf armor. She is Blond and with pale skin and blue eyes. After a reverence she says: " Pleased to meet you. My name is Lucia. Does any body knows anything about the objetive of today´s briefing?"

An athletic young human woman of obvious Varisian heritage takes a moment to look over the letter and shrugs, "Typical."

Her brown eyed gaze then moves to others assembled, appearing momentarily concerned with the older woman's presence, but makes no mention of it when she greets them,"Hey, my name is Tori. Nice to meet you all. I'm Andoran too."

"Have you all...been doing this long?" Tori asks, realizing her simple, getting-to-know-you question was potentially indelicate only after she had committed to it.

A tall male elf, also blond, though minus the leather armour - wearing instead a leather vest with flaps and small barbs - and carrying a beautifully polished longbow silently arrives, looking the others over.
"I am Eryndir," he states simply as he absent-mindedly checks on a large bulge in his backpack.

A slim Aasimar slips in through the door, flashing a radiant smile as her sapphire eyes dart across the roam, sizing up the people present. Upon seeing various members introduce themselves, Aria brushes a stand of hair out of her eyes, the colour of dusty gold, quickly following suit, "Hi, my name is Aria, born in Taldor, although I don't really call it home after spending time in Katapesh...among other places.

The Pathfinders sleep well in the comfort of the Grand Lodge, and in the morning have a quick breakfast before heading off to Skyreach Tower and the office of the gruff but efficient Venture-Captain Valsin.

Seated behind a large, antique desk in his wood-paneled office, Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin looks up from the pile of papers before him and shuffles them to one side. “Perfect timing! Welcome Pathfinders!

“I had an interesting conversation with the Master of Spells Aram Zey yesterday. An old friend—Lady Darchana, Archdean of the Arcanamirium here in Absalom—contacted Master Zey. She’s a councilmember on the Low Council, too. It seems her dinner party last week had an unexpected guest: a handmaiden of her fancy guest’s had picked up a scrying sensor somewhere. When Lady Darchana learned that someone was attempting to eavesdrop on her party, she used her magic to trace the sensor back to its source. It sounds as though she didn’t learn anything conclusive, and she’s interested in bringing in an independent party to try and learn more. Master Zey agrees.

“Make no mistake, this is an excellent opportunity for you to impress a well-connected friend of the Society. Lady Darchana requested that the Pathfinders call upon her at her estate in the Petal District once they learn something of the origins of this servant. The owner of the handmaiden is named Lady Silviana Dimora. Lady Silviana isn’t a councilmember or the like—at least not yet. From what I understand, though, she is an up- and-comer who is rubbing elbows with all of the right people, and she likely has little knowledge of where the slave was purchased. I recommend speaking to her majordomo Milana about the handmaiden, or you can pay a visit to her solicitor, a Chelish fellow named Salbus over in the Coins. Questions?”

"Oh, certainly. Let's make sure the people who think they own people feel less accountable."

Venture-captain Valsin looks at Benjamin his right eyebrow arched, "That's not really a question, now is it? The fact is slave ownership is legal in Absalom, though not widespread. Having friends in the right places is an important fact of life in the City at the Center of the World. You may not agree with it, but there are plenty of cultures around the Inner Sea that have various degrees of acceptance. " He then makes a note in a ledger as he looks at the rest of you, "Anyone else?"

"A majordomo? Is that like the head of her household, or head of her servants, because if so, she seems a more likely person to have bought this slave than her lawyer."

Aria twitches a little at the mention of slaves, but otherwise keeps her face neutral. "Of the two, it seems more important to talk to the Majordomo, who would likely have closer interactions with this handmaiden...besides, whenever I hear a solicitor get started on a discussion involving slaves, it usually ends with me wanting to hit someone"

"The majordomo is the head of her household. Though I doubt either the majordomo or Lady Silviana personally went to Misery Row to purchase the handmaiden." the Venture-Captain says.

"Oh, they don't want to see what they support. Enlightened people."

Tori's sour expression suggests that she shares Benjamin's opinion on their current task, but she makes no mention of it. Instead she asks, "What can you tell us about this Lady Darchana? She is some kind of magic-user, I take it? What sort of political things is she into? Why did she bring this to the attention of the Pathfinder Society instead of just confronting Lady Silviana about it herself?"

"It seems Lady Darchana is trying to avoid turning this into a public debacle by working through intermediaries and not alarming other nobles, and Lady Silviana’s recent departure may even be to ensure her safety and silence on the matter. Of course, that’s an educated guess." the Venture-Captain says to Tori in response. "This little mess could quickly turn into a giant, paranoid game of who-do-you-trust, so Lady Darchana came to some people she knew she could trust. As Archdean of the Arcanamirium, she is quite a powerful wizard in her own right, no doubt. I know she's been actively researching better ways to get trade goods into Absalom for quite some time. She's got some kind of long standing feud with the First Harbormaster Hugen."

Lysassa nods

Knowledge Local? to remember having heard anything about this long standing feud?: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

not sure if you want sperate rolls for other subjects but while Lysassa is thinking about what she's hearing she also tries to remember if she knows something about;

Lady Silviana
Her Majordomo Milana
Salbus
The Coins

For now Lucia is listening in silence what everybody is saying, but she try to remember if there is any special component for the spell the maid used, and says while on thought: "Is it known if it was divine casted or arcane?" . "And if we Could have a list of the people invited to the party and the ones that did came?" when she realize that she was speaking her thoughts she looks around nervously.

"I believe, Lucia, that Lady Darchana was hoping for a more...discreet investigation. Sending you rowdy bunch off to knock on the doors of half the socialites in town doesn't really seem to mesh with that perspective, wouldn't you say?" Venture-Captain Valsin says putting his fists on the desktop as he stands up. "If you are able to get anything useful from this solicitor or majordomo perhaps the Lady would be willing to share such information with you. It wasn't given to me. Lady Darchana is expecting you, and with solid information. Do not disappoint her, or embarrass me by showing up empty-handed."

"Any other questions? No? Then scoot! I've got deviants to see and a novel to write. Scoot!" the Venture-Captain makes a shoo-ing motion with his hands towards the door.

After Lysassa leaves through the door she looks around at her fellow investigators

"Where do you youngsters think we should start our investigation?"

"I remember hearing about the feud between Lady Darchana and Goodman Hugen is something that has been going on for several years and seems to be centered on taxation rates of goods that come into the harbor, which is pretty much the only way goods enter Absalom. Both are Councilmembers in good standing, though they seem to have a difference of opinion on this matter.
Lady Silviana Dimora comes from a mid-standing Taldane family who has been in Absalom for several generations. See seems to be very well connected, socially, and seems to have left for Oppara two days ago."

"Both the majordomo and Salbus up in the Coins seem to be good leads"

Tori listens carefully to Lysassa's analysis of the current political situation and tries to appear like she followed all of it, "Uh, sounds good. It's a little suspicious that Silviana left town already. Let's go check out the majordomo lady first."

"That would be acceptable," Eryndir replies.

Still an early morning in Ablsalom, it is a pleasant, peaceful walk from the Foreign Quarter, across the Ascendant Court into the Petal District. The City at the Center of the World shows more and more signs of daily activity as the sun rises higher with your travels. Heading across the flower lined streets of the Petal the group of Pathfinders head toward the eastern wall of Absalom and Dimora Manor. The manor's and estates in the Petal District are opulent and the grounds all well tended.

Reaching Dimora Manor, it is surrounded by an 8-ft high fieldstone wall, as are many of the surrounding estates, and the grounds have been recently tended. The grass underfoot is thick and soft, there are several recently planted shade trees, and a wide assortment of flowering plants. The grounds appear unguarded and the gate stands open, a smooth, cobblestone path leading you to the manor house. Directly in front of the manor house is a pond with several large lilies and a lion-shaped marble fountain that bubbles soothingly.

You explain to the doorman that you are here to see the majordomo. He explains that Milana is extremely busy, but he shows you to a sitting room where you may wait for her. The room is richly decorated with a painting depicting the massive Grand Bridge of the Empire in Oppara and several plush, blue couches and chairs. Excusing himself, he returns after several minutes with a tray of breakfast rolls, fresh fruit and several types of refreshment. "Milana will be along shortly," as he closes the doors again.

...

It is nearly midday when Milana finally arrives to see you. Milana is a stern-looking woman with dark brown hair and hazel eyes. She is well dressed, but is clearly not of the nobility. She explains again that Lady Silviana is not in Absalom and departed 2 days ago.

"I really must apologize to have kept you for so long only to see you leave again," she says in an even, calm and commanding voice, "However, Lady Silviana is unavailable for unscheduled meetings at this time. I can schedule an appointment for you in approximately two weeks' time, when Her Ladyship is expected to return. Would that suit?"

Milana's raised eyebrow as she speak gives you the impression that she expects a 'yes' in answer to her question.

Aria raises an eyebrow and fixes a look of puzzlement on her face "Leave? Who is leaving?", she turns and quickly points at Eryndir "You have to go somewhere? No?, Does anyone else? I guess not? You sure?"

Aria turns back to Milana with an easy smile "You appear to be mistaken Milana, as it appears none of us intend to leave, which might have something to do with the fact that we spent just got here; after walking all this way, and it would be such a waste us walking all the way here and then leaving right away, for instance, we could have walked somewhere else and be having a ton of fun right about now"

Tuka takes a spet near Milana Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2:

"We are sorry to have come on a day that your master has departed from the city. We have come from the society in reference to a security problem. We do need to ask a few questions about a handmaid that has been recently employed by Lady Silvana Dimora. If you could please answer this few questions, we will depart promptly"

Benjamin can't decide if his companions are embarrassing him or if he thinks these snooty slave-owners deserve some guff. "We're not here for her Ladyship. I understand you're busy, especially with her gone, so I promise not to take much of your time. We're doing this to help clear the Lady's name in this recent scandal." Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Tuka takes a spet step near Milana Diplomacy:

Tuka takes a spet step near Milana Diplomacy...
Error writing

Responding to Benjamin, "How thoughtful of you to notice." Her tone didn't change, so you aren't sure if it's genuine or biting sarcasm. "What did you have in mind to help clear this up?" She takes a seat on one of the plush blue chairs.

You guys have convinced her to give you an audience, now you need to convince her to share the kind of information you are looking for. Bluff, Diplomacy (again), or Knowledge (nobility) checks would be appropriate.

"We know there's no way the Good Lady would have consented her her own handmaiden being scryed upon from afar. This clearly happened outside of her knowledge, and thus before she came into ...possession. All we need is some information about where the slave was purchased, and from whom. We want this to be the cause of the solution, not the first among many." Bluff: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

Milana shakes her head, touching her hand to her forehead. "Lady Darchana’s dinner party. What an embarrassment for Lady Silviana. Can you imagine being told that your handmaiden is some sort of… well… spy? Dreadful. The woman’s name is Atlag, and she has been here for almost three weeks! Three weeks! When I think of the private conversations that happened in front of Atlag? It makes me ill, honestly ill.”

Composing herself, Milana continues, “Lady Silviana retains a solicitor, a Chelish gentleman named Solvius Salbus. He works out of an office in the Coins called the Red Letter. He drew up the paperwork for my Lady to complete the transaction on Atlag with a man named...” She wags her pointer finger a few times, shaking her head as she tries to recall the name. “Mahdi Mahjub. No, Mahjub Mahdi! He does his business down in Misery Row, of course. It’s a small shop with several large windows to allow passersby to see into his display parlor from the street. ‘Mahdi’s Chattel: Absalom’s Finest,’ so the sign claims. Honestly, I think every third building in Misery Row claims to be ‘Absalom’s Finest.’ I wonder how many spies like Atlag he’s sold over the years? It’s a dreadful, dreadful business. I am not sure there is anything else I can tell you, but I am sure you understand my Lady’s desire to move on from this embarrassment? Good? Yes? Thank you.”

"Wasn't it Mylady Estabhn of ancient Aztlan who once said: "If you can't do it yourself, hire someone else to do it for you and not worry how they do it?"

I didn't really know what to say for a Knowledge (nobility) check ..so I made something up

Knowledge Nobility in case the bluff didn't convince her: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

Lysassa: no need to apologize, that was awesome! :)

Tori stands patiently, listening intently to the interplay between Milana and Benjamin, only piping up to ask, "Was Atlag acting strangely in the days leading up to the party? What can you tell us about Atlag herself? Do you know her current whereabouts?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 14

Milana shakes her head in response to Tori's questions. "As I said, she's only been here a few weeks but during that time I would say she has performed her tasks adequately. No strange behavior or anything of that sort. She is here on the grounds of Dimora Manor, after that business at the party I assigned her to work with the gardner."

The majordomo stops for a moment, caught in a thought then continues: “You seem to possess a keen understanding of how things work in Absalom, so perhaps you might be willing to perform a small service for my Lady. It would be unheard of for Lady Silviana to demand recompense for her handmaiden purchased from Mahjub Mahdi; however, were you to secure such a deal, it would be gracious gesture that might lead to a budding friendship, don’t you think? And should he refuse you, who were you to ask in the first place?” She shrugs her shoulders and frowns slightly.

Knowing that he'd only make things worse by opening his mouth, Eryndir tries to help by being silent, appearing non-judgement all, and nodding agreement with the majordomo.

Diplomacy Aid Another: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (7) - 2 = 5

Apparently he couldn't help himself.

"Surely a handmaiden with a scrying thing on her counts as defective merchandise, just as if her Ladyship had bought a diseased prostitute."

"How much did the girl cost?"

"Also, would you mind if we get a few moments to interview Atlag?

Meliana rolls her eyes as if rethinking this whole line of conversation. "I'm sure that such details were between my Lady, Mahjub Mahdi and Solicitor Salbus. If you convince him to cancel the contract, my Lady will be refunded what she is due."

Meliana gives Eryndir a cold glare. "Please refrain from such vulgar language." Looking to Aria, "You allow him to speak this way in your presence? You are certainly more forgiving than I am."

In response to Tori's question, "I suppose you'll pester me until I do, very well." Meliana rings a small bell she takes from her pocket.

A moment later the doorman enters, "Yes ma'am?"

"Please escort our guests to the gardener's shed, they are to speak with the girl." Meliana instructs him. "I will say good day to you now Pathfinders and wish you well on my Lady's behalf in your investigation. "

You are lead across the grounds to the gardener's workshed, where a young Keleshite woman is cleaning gardening implements. "Atlag, these people wish to speak with you," the doorman says finding a shaded spot to stand in, crossing his arms.

The young woman looks up from her work, her eyes cold and distant. "Blessings of the Dawnflower upon you. How may I serve you?"

At Eryndir's rather outspoken remark, and Milian's response to it, Aria flashes a harassed smile, quick to intervene. "I think "allow" is putting it a little strongly, Eryndir just forgets his place sometimes, and I'll give him a harsh reprimand in private as soon as events allow - it wouldn't be seemly to have a domestic in such esteemed company now would it?"

Aria sighs lightly "I apologise for him Meliana, I'm still training this one in the basic art of making conversation, and he keeps forgetting the cardinal rule of when to speak, and when to keep his mouth closed...I'm sure you can relate to some extent?"

****

At the garden, Aria quickly notes the cold and distant eyes, and decides to plan her approach carefully. "Well, you can start with a smile, smile with your eyes, like this!", Aria says, showing her "Now you try"

Eryndir shrugs, puzzled. "Vulgar language?" he mouths/whispers to Benjamin.

But he accepts his veiled rebukes and slips out as soon as it's clear they are leaving.

Benjamin lightly shrugs at Eryndir. "Thank you for your help, mlady. I will do everything in my power to see justice done, this I promise."

Atlag does not maintain eye contact with Aria, "The lady is very beautiful and kind. May I be of some service to you m'lady?"

When she says the lady is she beautiful and kind, she is talking about me or her boss?

Regardless

Aria clicks her fingers "Look, im flattered, I really am but my face - and my eyes, are up here is up here, besides, I feel like I am your master whenever you don't meet my gaze, and it makes me uncomfortable, so find a smile somewhere, put it on, and then you can I can talk like two equal adults"

While still maintaining attention on the girl, Aria waves her hand at the doorman "We seem to be all good here, you can return to whatever other duties are, no need to hover in the shade, it makes me think you want something"

Might add something else later depending on who she was calling kind

"We have a few questions, are you willing to answer those for us?"

"Psst, any you magic types able to tell if she's been ensorcelled or whatever?" Tori asks in a whisper to the group.

If i can check it I try it: Spellcraft: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
If i found anything i will use message spell L 0 to tell the others.
And check of spell failure Spell failure: 1d20 ⇒ 16 with a natural 1 i fail and try again on the next turn.