S03-18 The God's Market Gamble (Inactive)

Game Master Awenydd83

"I...I... dont know" she stammers. "He was barely walking, and there was a lot of blood.. I just dont know!" Rialla wails, covering her face with her hands and starting to sob.

Dominic's brow furrows as the story unfolds. When it's finished, he offers a pat on the back as he says "It's all right, absolutely no part of this is your fault. In fact, I'm beginning to suspect that the man would have lived if the greycloak had never appeared in the first place."

Zac grabs Rialla a cleanex for her crying. Or a towel or rag.

"You poor thing! It must have been so hard for you." Etiana continues to console the little woman, leaving the men to piece out what to do next.

Rialla takes the handkerchief with a watery smile. "I really dont know what else to tell you, but thank all of you so much for your kindness. It was so horrible!"

"Did the Greycloak leave his name?"

asks Valandil, keeping on pressing the questions.

"And was there only one of them?"

Sorry, Val's not big on empathy, low cha and all. Do we know if Greycloaks normally walk alone, or in pairs? Did we see any when we were outside in the Market?

"Hey, now, leave this poor girl alone! Hush...shh...don't worry, I won't let him bully you like this. You just take your time, ok?" The halfling cleric gives the oversized wizard a mean stare. "You'd know it was a her we're looking for, if you cared enough to listen. Hrmph."

Ignoring Valandil and any response the uncouth wizard may have, the servant of Calistria returns her attention to the poor scared Rialla. "You just let me know if you happen to remember her name, ok?"

Etiana does not forgive you. :P

I do not have that information. I would assume that they would be in pairs like most early police, but other than that, I do not know. As for seeing them in the market, there is no information on that either.

"Thank you.. but I really don't know any anything else that might help you."

We're trying to work out if this was really a Greycloak, or maybe someone just pretending to be one. If they normally go in pairs, and this was someone alone, that might indicate they were not really a Greycloak, but rather one of the ambush team. Assuming they had anything to do with the death.

"Very observant Etiana. I'm glad you were paying attention. So a woman Greycloak by herself. " he turns to the distraught woman.

"Thank you very much. If you remember anything else, could you send word to us at the Grand Lodge, we'll do what we can to track down those who did this."

Turning to the others he asks "On to the priest next?"

Hush nods at Valandil. Judging by the current state of the little halfling, he doubts the others will be able to get anything else out of her. Maybe they could come back when she's had a chance to calm down, but for now it's probably best just to move on.

Still a bit miffed at the elfish wizard, the little cleric consoles the little woman and promises a return visit. Then, she straightens up, and follows the group to their next stop, likely to pay the priest a visit.

Zac follows quietly along.

I am out running errands and trying to take care of stuff.. I will not be able to update for the next part until this afternoon, when I get home to the computer. Sorry guys.

-Posted with Wayfinder

As the group exits the shop, Dominic looks to the others and quietly asks "So what do you think; do the greycloaks have a rat in their ranks or do you even think that we're dealing with a greycloak?"
He then turns to Hush and asks with a grin "What about you, sir? What are your thoughts on the situation?"

Hush looks at Dominic, head tilted, for a second or two. Then he points in the direction they're heading, as if to say, Let's just keep moving.

(Full character description on my profile page, for anyone wondering.)

As the party is on their way to speak to the priest, they cut through an alley to take a short cut. As you are walking, two men wearing studded leather and carrying crossbows, and an angry dog come out of the shadows in front of and behind you. As the group halts, they both yell out at you "Go home Pathfinders! You will find more than you can handle if you keep looking!" They then fire the crossbows they have leveled at you.
1v2h: 1d2 ⇒ 2
1z2d: 1d2 ⇒ 1

Attack Hush: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Attack Zac: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Damage Hush: 1d8 ⇒ 8
Please make a Fort save for me

The arrow from in front of you just barely bounces off of Zac's armour, but Hush is not so lucky as the bolt finds a chink in his breastplate.

Bold may post:
Valandil
Dominic Barvasi
Etiana
Dog
Bad Guy East
Hush (Needs Fort Save)
Zac Freelan
Badguy West

Val advances up the alley. "Ahh, informers!"

A bright cone of colours springs from his finger tips, covering the man and dog.

Colour spray, DC16 will save for man and dog.

Bad guy will save: 1d20 ⇒ 12
Dog will save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

The dog handler falls unconcious, but the dog shrugs off Vals spell

-Posted with Wayfinder

"Cover from that dog would be helpful.." calls out the now slightly worried looking wizard.

Hush looks at Dominic, head tilted, for a second or two. Then he points in the direction they're heading, as if to say, Let's just keep moving.

(Full character description on my profile page, for anyone wondering.)

Oh I read your profile. That's why I asked you specifically. Lol!

Etiana is holding action.. She can go at any time.
The agile dog evades Dominic's pistol shot and lunges forward, attacking Dominic
Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
And misses

The man on the east side of the group steps forward and attacks Zac with his billy club
Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
and misses.

Bold may post:
Valandil
Dominic Barvasi
Etiana
Dog
Bad Guy East
Hush (Needs Fort Save)
Zac Freelan
Badguy West (Unconcious: 2d4 ⇒ (4, 3) = 7

Ow.

Fort: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Even more ow. I'll wait to post my turn, in case I'm stunned or something.

Hmm, why is everyone so far away from each other?

Seeing the threatening men and dog, Etiana draws her whip and, seeing the man come at her comrade Zac, begins a sultry whip dance aimed to distract the man.

MA draw whip SA aid Zac attack +4

Aid Another: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Sadly, the newly acquired whip gives the little cleric much trouble, and she struggles to get the dance motion going.

Hush: you take Strength Dmg: 1d2 ⇒ 1. This will continue to accumulate for 4 rounds or until you make a dc 14 fort save.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Things just moved that way.. the bad guys stepped out of hiding about 30' on either side of you.

Hush staggers as a crossbow bolt sprouts in his chest. He stares down at it. Fortunately, the bolt seems to have narrowly missed his heart. No. I don't... get to die yet. I haven't... earned it. Those around him hear Hush's voice for the first time as he mutters a short incantation from behind his mask. His hand glows as he slowly pulls out the bolt and drops it on the ground. The wound closes. He looks up and focuses on the one that shot him. A slice across the neck would probably do him in-- if Hush can reach it.

Move: using Studied Target. Standard: casting a spell. (Which one shot me?)
Cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Next Fort save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

The man in front of Zac.. north east of you shot you

-Posted with Wayfinder

pull out axe and swing at the one that tried to attack me hit: 7 + 1d20 ⇒ 7 + (7) = 14
dmg: 1d12 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13 slashing.

The thug just barely manages to dodge a hit from Zacs Axe, while his compatriot snores the day away.

Bold may post:
Valandil
Dominic Barvasi
Etiana
Dog
Bad Guy East
Hush (1pt Str dmg)
Zac Freelan
Badguy West (unconcious, 6 rnds)

Dom takes a step back, reloads and fires at the dog again.
I'm going to use my deed, Up Close and Deadly.
Touch Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 1 + (3) = 8

Valandil steps back and drops an orb of acid on the dog.

ranged touch into melee: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 - 4 = 19
damage: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

"Shoo! Go Home"

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that it can't go home now, Val. Lol!

Etiana bites her lip as she renews the dance, turning her whip into a frenzy of circles and lashes as she attempts to create an opening for Zac's strike.

Let's try again. Aid another Zac, for +4 to attack the bad guy.

Aid Another: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

The dog veritably explodes from the violent assault of Dominic's pistol, and then Valandil decides to cremate the rest with an Acid Orb. This leaves a very odd and disgustingly juicy stain on the cobblestones. Seeing the ruin that has become of the dog, the lone assailant turns tail and runs hard and fast.
Combat over, one assailant still on the ground and counting sheep

is the one that ran out of sight?

If not I switch to my bow and fire an arrow at him hit: 7 + 1d20 ⇒ 7 + (14) = 21 +2 str masterwork composite longbow, first range 110 feet.
dmg: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

He is a street thug and quickly disappears, knowing how to work the streets, alleys, and crowds. However, you do have one man helpless at your feet..

nah, I wouldn't kill him, just the runner, killing the helpless one when I could just jail him seems like a neutral or evil act, but killing the runner seems at best dishonrable to me but not evil or neutral, hence CG

Valandil grabs the sleeping mans belt and uses it to secure his hands and feet.

"Where are those Greycloak's when you want them?"

Once the team is gathered around he aks "Who would like to ask our friend here some questions?"

oh god no.. I wasn't suggesting that you kill the helpless one! I was reminding you that you have one still to deal with. Lol maybe my syntax needs some work...

-Posted with Wayfinder

Dominic dumps his canteen over the bound man's head until he sputters awake. Once his eyes open, Dominic says with a cheery grin "Good morning, sunshine! You're up just in time to play my favorite game. It's called 'tell me the truth and I won't blow your head off'.
Dominic proceeds to get down on one knee as he draws his pistol and puts it to the man's temple before continuing. "Alright, I'll get the ball rolling with a few questions, then you can decide how you want to play. So, who are you, who do you work for, and what's your interest in the Society's matters?"
Bluff: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Zac adds to it and answer his questions right, Or it cut your little friend off as he points the axe in that position intimidate: -2 + 1d20 ⇒ -2 + (4) = 2

The little halfling shakes her head at her allies' attempts. Taking a deep breath and calling for her master's guidance, the servant of Calistria saunters up to the bound man. "You poor man." Caressing his cheek with her surprisingly soft hand, Etiana leans into the man, and the slight sweet scent of her presence makes its way to the poor victim. "You know how well Calistria rewards those who assists her servants, don't you? We really just need a bit of information here, and nobody needs to be hurt any more than they already are." She flashes a smile that is surprisingly warm and welcoming, given the situation. "Now please be a good boy and tell us what you know."

+1 Guidance, +1 Charming

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 7 + 1 + 1 = 28

Hush stands impassively to the side. Poor man, indeed. By losing the confrontation this man had earned the Gift, and Hush was about to grant it. All he can do now is hope that he has the chance to give the man the Gift before the others send him away without it.

Sorry guys, work went to s+&% this afternoon and I wasn't able to keep up.
Trussed like a turkey, the man looks up from the ground at Dominic with bored disdain, Zac with scornful distaste, and then at Etiana with a look of deep shame. "My name is Kanebti. I only do this because I have to! I swear it on my fathers grave! Years ago, I fled from Rahadoum because I worship Iomedae, but I had to leave my family behind. This.. woman.. found me and somehow knew about my family. She was once a member of the Pure Legion and threatened to have her people back home do terrible things to my family if I did not do her bidding. Mostly it is just minor things.. like this was supposed to be. We were told to just give you a few lumps and see you to the city gates. But if I don't do what she wants, my family will die horribly! I am so sorry! Please don't hurt me!"

sense motive: 0 + 1d20 ⇒ 0 + (13) = 13 is he lying, even if partially or not telling us the whole truth.

You believe he is telling the truth but he may have more to say

-Posted with Wayfinder

Valandil looks on, knowing this was not one of his areas of expertise. He keeps an eye out for the other bandit, the one who fled.

Finaly, unable to restrain himself he adds in.

"What about your friend. He a cousin or something? And I find it hard to beleive anyone who claims they fled due to their faith in Iomdeae would then start knocking folk on their head because of a little threat. There is more you are not telling us."

He pauses.

"I want to beleive you. I want to let you go too, but we need more."

diplomacy aid: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13

Kanebti looks to Valandil "You are the one that chose to put me to sleep instead of hurting me.. I am in your debt. Yes, I have done many things for this woman that I am not proud of and that bring shame and dishonor upon my name. And this woman, she showed me proof that she was in the Legion, then I recieved a letter from my wife that things were going very hard for them. The Pure Legion was causing them problems. Then the woman showed up again and said that she would make it all go away for them. Please forgive me! I had to agree to work for her. You have to understand."
Kanebti looks at the party, hoping for some sign of understanding.
"I do not know who the other man was. I get letters dropped off at my house and I find them when I come home. These letters tell me what to do. Mostly it is just odd jobs and errands. Then a few days later, the payment arrives the same way. The man.. I do not know him. I was told to meet him and that he would tell me what we were doing."

Valandil shakes his head.

"Humans are so mercurial. Still, I believe you. You should leave Absalom, go and fetch your wife. The timing of the letters sounds suspicious to me. I suspect the ones from your wife are forged - but just in case..."

He looks hard at the man.

"Who is this 'woman'. Does she have a name? Where did you meet her?"

Kanebti shakes his head sadly at Valandils' question. "This, I do not know sir. She is a woman that comes by night, and always keeps her face obscured with the hood of her grey cloak. I know nothing more about her. She does have me work sometimes with a fence by the name of Barnel. I sometimes run packages between the woman and Barnel or from him to some second rate merchant here in the Gods Market."

Has anyone suggested searching him?