[PFS] The Fox #4-06: The Green Market (Inactive)

Game Master The Fox

"Thank you, much appreciated!"

Responding to Omar, Ninya explains "I stumbled upon the Society while out in the forests of Nirmathas. It was not unpleasant work and has led to interesting opportunities. You can never have too many connections I find. Curious that the Society seems to have put together a group that does not know each other well. Vorel and I have ventured together once before."

Looking over at Vorel, "Always the Aspis isn't it? I'm surprised the Society hasn't figured out a way to extinguish them yet. Though there is something to be said for a worthy competitor." ...who can increase your prices

Ninya muses silently while re-positioning her vial filled bandoliers. I wonder what I may find here in Korvosa again, another menacing starknife would be nice or perhaps some new poisons

"Thank you!" Zahra hugs Vorel. "Is my nightmare, him dying again. Thank you!"

"I can make my friends fly. Maybe I can make your bird fly too, Tika? I also have vand of feather step and can make ground rocky or entangled for our enemies... How do all of you like to fight?"

Yes, yes. I've just been out of sorts. It's been awhile since the Society required someone with my particular specialities.

Tapping his temple with his pointer finger Ranar attempts to plumb the depths of his vast knowledge regarding poisons.

Knowledge (Alchemy): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (13) + 15 = 28

Please forgive me. this is my first play by post and I'm really struggling with the scripting and general pace. Plus I probably type like your Grandma.

Everyone is pretty excited to be jumping in this. It will slow down once the game gets underway. Over 50 posts in a day is a lot!

Ranar concludes that there are many poisons that could be responsible for the death of the previous owner. But that doesn't rule out other possibilities either. Sorry this isn't more useful. :)

Ninya smiles at Zahra with a twinkle of danger in her eye, "Never bad to be able to fly around your enemy though I usually can get where I need to be. My invisibility wand often comes in handy as well, though my favorite cover is the shadows. I suspect Ranar and I have enough Antitoxin and Antiplague for the group should we need it."

Glancing over at Tika and Manuk, "Perhaps Manuk needs darkvision? Tika looks like she blends in almost as well as I do if it weren't for the chicken."

"I prefer to settle in behind someone stout and conflagrate anyone foolish enough to oppose me and me allies." Ranar offers without pleasantries.

"Unlike most Alchemist I never hit my allies with my bombs...however some have been foolish enough to occupy the wrong area when they go wide of my target. So fire mitigation for some may be a welcome resource if any of you posses the means."

Damn, I will have to have word with a certain merchant in Absolom. I was guaranteed that this headband came with a complete repository of alchemical information.

Ranar thinks to himself as he roughly adjusts his headgear.

Looking over to Omar, pulling out her whetstone, Ninya asks, "Do you suppose that you could cast continual flame on this? I wouldn't want light cast on anything I can't hide away."

@Omar - Thanks!
50gp for the spell components, I already had the whetstone

If you are willing to do it during the ship travel, no problem. Once we hit town, it is best if Omar uses his highest level spells for something else.

of course, thanks again

Much earlier...while still sailing.

"It would be my pleasure! I can have it for you by tomorrow morning, if that is acceptable?" Nodding his head, he adds "Commendable, making sure it is something you can put away. Some people don't think things through."

---

At breakfast the next day Omar returns Ninya's whetstone to her. With a chuckle, he adds "Should look quite impressive next time you use this on a blade."

Vorel will look around to see where Tika or Manuk have wandered off too, however, not seeing them around he'll shrug and look back to Zahra "I'll give Pumpkin Mage Armor for now, save you the charges on your wand, would you also like Darkvision, it lasts just about the whole day as well?"

Zahra blushes. "Actually, is best you put it on me. Pumpkin already has armor. Ve're just waiting for his next growth spurt before ve get him an even better set." She nods and says, "The darkvision should go on either me or Ranar. Ve're both ranged."

Then she looks uncomfortable. "You are so generous. Vhat, friend, may I do for you?"

Ranar's usually stern visage softens while he obviously calculates some foreign probility hidden deep in the recesses of his mind. "Placing Darkvision on our lovely friend Zahra would be the most sensible choice as I'm able to provide that service for myself."

With that Ranar jerks open his floor length heavy jacket to display a dazzling array of extracts, tools, and tinctures.

"Alas I am unable to grant this ability to others as it seems I alone am able to benefit from my creations. However, your consideration is most appreciated."

Later that day...

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.

Green Market map <-- Click this link.
You may place your tokens anywhere on the map as you wander around. "North" is at the top of the map.

The place is crowded with shoppers and merchants.

Ninya discreetly observes the jewelry shop from behind a stand, having left Dingo outside in the summer air. Though her horns and tail stand out, she manages to look like one of the many colorful shoppers despite having her weapons readily available should a pickpocket choose poorly.
Sleight of hand(knives): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (11) + 16 = 27
a few good pieces though a bit overpriced - this place is a bit too well-lit for my liking

Casting Darkvision and Mage Armor on Zahra, he'll grumble "Just don't die or get in my way in a fight. Battlefield is no place for lay-abouts,"

------

Later that day he'll peruse the market place, maybe grabbing a fruit or vegetable off a stand to eat as he walks about.

Looks pretty ordinary, plenty of cover for assailants, so many entry ways, would be a terrible place for a fight, let's try and keep a low profile

Excellent! We can get some fresh produce, a loaf of bread and perhaps some cheese. There is even a park where we can relax and eat the snack. Make an excellent way to observe the market in operation!

Smiling, Omar says "The food on ship was rather uninspiring. Shall we buy some fresh food and take our repast under the tree there?"

He moves through the various food stalls, looking to make a light snack. He will ask the merchants prices, but then allow Zahra to do any haggling.

I've moved myself, Zahra and Pumpkin to beside one of the food stalls. I don't really care which one. If anyone else wants to join the picnic, feel free to do so!

"A picnic! An excellent idea!" Zahra stands on tiptoe and kisses him. "Ve haven't had a picnic for so long!"

And what is a picnic without mage armor? One cannot be too careful when Aspis may be targetting the area.

Zahra uses her wand to cast mage armor on Pumpkin, raising the tiger's AC by 1.

She looks down at the food Omar has picked out and approves.

"Maybe some smoked fish to go vith our cheese and bread? And, oh! Are those pomegranates?"

Ranar attempts to casually peruse the marketplace attempting to recall a working description of Foxglove.

Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 25

Ranar eyes flit about the stalls also keeping an eye out for any Aspis shenanigans.

perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Suddenly remembering Vorel's threat to liberally use darkness, Ranar attempts to subtly quaff his Darkvision extract.

I must begin researching a way to create a mass negate aroma effect. I can literally taste churning mass of bodies bustling through this market. Bleck.

Ninya turns her trained gaze out into the marketplace, looking for suspicious activity and wondering where her companions are.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23

Ninya notices Zahra and Omar purchasing food at the other end of the market. Having moved closer to Vorel, she quietly remarks, "Do you suppose we should corral the love-birds into working? I thought we were here to get information from Zeeva."

Continuing to look about, Ninya chooses a piece of fruit from the stand in front of her. She shows the fruiterer the correct payment, however slips him a lesser coin in the transaction.

Sleight of Hand: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19

Omar and Zahra select a nice loaf of bread, some cheese, even pomegranate and an exotic smoked fish called salmon. The prices are all very reasonable, the merchants friendly. They sit in a nice grassy patch, the sunbeams shining through the skylight above dappled by the leaves the the large elm they are under. The food tastes delicious beyond expectation.

Ranar spots a woman matching the description he remembers of Zeeva Foxglove wandering through the market, smiling at merchants, stopping here and there to chat with customers. I will put her on the map.

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 20

The fruit-seller double-checks the payment, and sees that he's been shorted. He forces a smile and calls after Ninya, "Miss! Miss! I'm sorry, but it seems you have given me the incorrect coins. Here in Korvosa, silvers are worth more than coppers." He then extends his hand in expected payment.

Zahra feeds some smoked herring to Pumpkin, and looks around to see where all her people are. Using a slice of bread as cover, she points at six of her companions, including Pumpkin.

Casts message on group

Petting Pumpkin, she whispers into everyone's ears. "If you vhisper, I can hear you. Who do you vant to make the first approach for Zeeva? Vould you like me to do it?"

Sharply under her breath Ninya exclaims, "ఒంటి!"

To the fruiterer she attempts to kindly remark with surprise, "I'm so terribly sorry! My mistake. Here let me get the correct amount."

With a smile she counts out the correct amount and a bit extra - "Again, I'm so sorry for your trouble."

"I can see why this place is popular."

Omar looks around, looking both for the woman Zeeva that the group is to contact and anyone who looks out of place.

Spot: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10 Obviously he is enjoying the location too much to believe anyone would want to harm such a place.

Drifting away from the fruits stand, Ninya replies, "after that gaff, it definitely shouldn't be me."

Zahra walks with Pumpkin heeling her to where Omar and Ranar say they saw Zeeva. She approaches the lady.

Bluff, Complex Secret Message DC 20: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32

"Excuse me, are you Miss Zeeva?" Zahra gives the woman a dazzling smile. "Friends in Absalom told me I must come here vhen in Korvosa. Is best place to pick up fresh food for picnic!" Zahra pulls out a card for Senay Tigers & Entertainment in Katapesh. "I'm a business voman myself. Can tell me how you got started in business here? I vould love to hear vhat you could tell me about your experiences! But maybe somevhere not noisy?"

Sorry guys this is my first pbp and im still getting the hang of it all.

Earlier: Tika and Manuk were following the group and started to fall behind after Manuk found a rather declicious smelling fish stall and took them on an adventure to find it. Catching up with the group Tika answers Zahra’s questions about her past with the Society “I started with the society when I was tasked with find a mystical druid stone, called a Lorestone, from a bad guy that killed one of our druid friends and stole it. I like to run into things, especially bad guys with my lance, most of the time they never get back up after I've hit them with my lance!”

Later at the market Tika will continue riding Manuk around in the market place, its cramped but oddly most of the civilians seem to make way for them.

Manuk and I would love to join you at picnic! Sounds fun!”

lets eat and then find miss zeeva…and get rid of some Aspis

Zeeva eyes Zahra then Pumpkin and replies, "Ah yes. Perhaps my office would be better." She leads the group to her office, closes the door behind them, and continues.

“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.”

"Bribery, blackmail and intimidation. Those appear to be the Aspis Consortium's preferred tools." The distaste Omar has for the consortium is clear in the tone of his voice.

"We have heard second hand of your problems. If you could, hearing it from your viewpoint would be most appreciated. After that, a tour sounds like an excellent idea!"

"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." Even discussing this difficult topic, Zeeva Foxglove is very friendly and smiles warmly.

Nodding as Zeeva talks and especially at Omar "Hmph, Pathfinder Society isn't exactly innocent from such claims either though. Lucky for you Zeeva we are just better at this game than they are,"

He'll draw out a whetstone and begin sharpening some arrow heads while he listens to her story.

Zeeva turns to Vorel, "Please. Put that away. I hope things won't come to that."

"Vhen possible, ve avoid blood shed. I'm one who prefers to talk my vay out of the fighting."

Of course, Aspis usually does not make this possible.

Zahra looks at Zeena. "Out of curiosity, vhat vere they trying to sell?"

Zeeva turns to Zahra, "I'm sure you are the right people to help."

"The Aspis wanted to sell 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. I don't like to have weapons displayed in the open like that."

Omar nods his understanding. "Your market is a place of nourishment and craftsmen."

Although it could use more artists.

Zahra nods encouragingly, but privately disagrees.

A few quality weapons and magic items would be fun. I guess we won't be doing most of our shopping here. Still, the picnic was nice.

Then her stomach turns over. Ugh. Does this mean we will have to shop at Aspis stores to get equipment?

While thumbing over her bandolier of vials, Ninya watches from a dimly lit corner.
I am looking forward to a few more shadowy markets, though I wonder what it is that the Aspis are doing that has Zeeva so upset?

Vorel will snap the arrow he was holding in half, "I am glad you believe in non-violence but if the Aspis' bribery, threats and intimidation haven't worked on you yet, it may become easier for them to dispose of you . . as the business leader around here. We'll here to stop that if that happens." Vorel will stand lifting up his tunic to show a grisly scar covering the majority of his torso, "I got this dying to an enslaved white dragon the Aspis had captured, we were trying to break up a human trafficking ring the Aspis had cultivated when we found this Dragon."

I can't believe someone would underestimate the Aspis Consortium

With this he'll get up, draw his bow and begin stepping outside, "I'll be outside, guarding this meeting, if the Aspis is watching this place they surely noticed us," Thumbing a finger toward Tika, "You always know when the Pathfinders are in town,"

Tika knows far too well how dangerous the Aspis are and what lenghts they are willing to go to to get what they want. "I agree I've seen the Aspis in action and i am also willing to go to any lenghts." Tika then gently pats the edge of her lance. She then follows Vorel to help stand guard outside of Zeeva's office.

As her companions walk out of the office, Ninya asks Zeeva, "What has been so vexing to have prompted you to call upon your sister for the intervention of the Pathfinders? Is this merely business, or have things become more dangerous? Or more personal?"

She waits for an answer with eyebrows raised while drawing a finger along the outline of a knife edge barely visible under her cloak.

Just before Vorel and Tika walk out, Zeeva sighs and says, "If the Aspis Consortium sees that I have protectors of the likes of you Pathfinders, I hope they’ll leave me alone. Stick around the market and see what they do. It’s only a matter of time until they come back to try and strong-arm me again."

Then she turns to answer Ninja, "Initially they just sent over pompous businessmen to convince me an alliance would benefit us both. I repeatedly declined their advances, so they started sending around thugs to 'persuade' me. Till now, I’ve run to the city guard or otherwise eluded the Aspis thugs, but it’s only a matter of time before their methods of intimidation get too dangerous for me to refuse."

Ninya looks critically at Zeeva, the office, and back out to the market.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

what is it about this place that feels off? must be that stupid mistake I made at the fruit stand that's unsettled me - did he look familiar? perhaps an old associate of the family? Maybe something I ate? - the fruit?
Smelling the fruit juice on her fingers,
Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15
Craft Alchemy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24

Shaking her head briefly, Ninya mutters, "something doesn't add up..."
Ninya looks up at her colleagues, hoping no one noticed that she accidentally voiced her inner monologue and appears anything other than composed and aloof.

Ranar scoots his chair forward and deftly scoops up a letter opener from Zeeva's desk. He kicks his feet up on the desk and begins using the letter opener to pick at his already immaculately clean nails. After a few moments of intense concentration he begins.

"As you can imagine we are sent here to fix problems. You have one, so what would the ideal resolution to look like? We can handle this problem in many different ways, but to you all outcomes are not likely to be equal."

Content that whatever imagined offending object had been removed from his nails he evaluates the letter opener. Ranar runs his finger across the blade and check the weight and balance. Satisfied that whatever test has been met he frowns and unceremoniously tosses the opener back onto the desk. Ranar then leans back in his seat knitting his hands behind his head awaiting an answer.

This could be bad. Two of our group don't have the patience to gather information.

"How often do you have new merchants come to use the green market? It may be useful to know which are new since the time that the consortium started sending thugs."

After stepping outside Tika mounts Manuk and leans down toward Vorel, ”I think we should patrol the perimeter, if the Aspis are here and making things hard for Miss Zeeva, they might be watching her now.”

Tika and Manuk start to walk about looking for anything or anyone that looks suspicious.