Sior's PFS Destiny of the Sands Part I : A Bitter Bargain (Low-tier) (Inactive)

Game Master Sior

Prothero thinks he is out of Lozar's line of sight and moves to set the book down. Additional sleight of hand check to hide it inconspicuously? If you want.

Meanwhile, the merchant listens but shakes his head. "I have no time for hired hands. At least those that don't know about the dangers of the desert. Is that you? Quickly now, time is of the NO! THOSE DON'T GO THERE! GET IT RIGHT! COME ON!"

Sleight of Hand: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Prothero looks about quickly, then deftly tucks the prayer book between two books of similar size and binding, poking the prayer book in a little more deeply on the shelf than its neighbors, to further obscure it.

"Ah, please forgive us, we might not know as much about the desert as others, but we are resourceful and can help in a pinch."

He gestures to Darvik and Defah. "In addition to me and my knowledgeable friend, we have two well skilled in battle, one of who is a blessed healer too. We offer to help you on your journey, driving away any bandits or unwanted creatures as well as providing insightful company. I myself can heal injuries and help with providing water in the heat."

"As you said about your amphorae, extra water could make all the difference." Teric gestures to an empty cup and suddenly, it's filled to the brim with clear, clean water.

1d20 ⇒ 19

"We have enough guards and while extra water would be beneficial, I can't risk losing anyone else to the desert because they don't know the difference between a mirage and the cart in front of them. So thank you but no thank you."

He turns and passes the table Prothero just vacated. As he passes, he notices something amiss and picks up the prayer book. "Oh, looks like you dropped this. I don't recognize it so it must not be one of mine." He holds it out to you.

Doesn't Lozar have to beat Prothero's Stealth check of 21 before can notice what Prothero is doing?

I think all he had to do was beat my Sleight of Hand, which he did. So I didn't get caught, but y'all better start bluffin' about whose book that is.

It is true that he did not see Prothero at the table. However, he quickly spots the book in its "hiding" place. And as you're the only ones here, he naturally assumes it's yours.

Darvik nods as his name is mentioned. When the book is discovered, the fighter does all he can not to slap his forehead again. Nothing seems to be going in accordance to plan, is it?

Borax will aid another for Teric, wether it is a bluff or diplo, the modifier is +5

Aid Another for Teric Bluff/Diplo: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Teric shakes his head. "It's not ours. Perhaps one of your porters left it. But if you don't recognize it, then I suppose we can find who it belongs to."

Bluff: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Per the GM anyone can help with the lying and the deception and total dishonesty that is the Pathfinder way, so don't be stingy with those Aid Anothers.

Prothero raises his hands in front of him, as if to say, Not mine, but he's not very convincing.

Bluff, Aid Teric: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (10) - 1 = 9

I have my holy book of Nethys right here in my backpack. I wouldn't have any need to carry the books of any other gods.

Aid Bluff: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (20) - 2 = 18

1d20 ⇒ 1

"Hmmm, very well. Maybe a vendor will take it. Either way, it won't be in my possession for long."

Seems he's not too keen on keeping the book. What do you want to do about it?

I'm inclined to get him give it to us and try to find another way to get it into his "possession". It seems that there's a lot of people bustling about, working for him? And a whole bunch of different stuff being delivered? Do we know how long until his expedition leaves? It might be better to bribe / trick / convince one of his employees to take it and hide it somewhere in the supplies. Or just to hide it somewhere in the supplies ourselves (wrapped up in a waterproof bag at the bottom of a barrel of pickles or something). Either that or tell Torch that it's not our fault the guy sold it within hours of having it in his possession - he never said how long he had to keep it.

Aren't books valuable though? I thought you types liked keeping books around.

Aid someone's Diplo/Bluff: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (18) - 2 = 16

Well, way to go Darv!

@Sior, just out of curiosity, did we get any modifiers for talking to him while Prothero planted it?

@Defah, I agree that we should be able to try again some other way but depends on the GM/scenario and whether a creative solution is an option.

Ignoring the offer of the book, Borax asks,

"When is your caravan set to leave?"

@Borax, mayyyyybe.

Will take Darvik's as the actual check

At Darvik's suggestion, Lozar hesitates on the thought of throwing the book away. Instead, he idly thumbs through it. "Hmmm, prayers to Khepri. Unusual reading for many. Odd for someone to have lost it. Tell me, what do you think of Khepri's stance on the power of the downtrodden?"

Alright, all. Now's your time to impress him with your wits. Knowledge (history) or (religion) to convince him you know what you're talking about.

To Borax he simply shakes his head in exasperation. "Whenever we can get clear of all this customs work. Why these people are so intent on searching everything to make sure there are no 'artifacts' is beyond me. Quite the inconvenience! We'll just see how long I do business here..."

Borax gives a sage nod as he lowers his spectacles,

"I can't say I have read that book cover to cover, but the downtrodden are downtrodden for a reason. Religion is simply the tool which controls them. The idea that the masses could amount to something...." Borax snorts. "hardly any kind of insight. A mass of rats could amount to something if they were organized. It is not prayer that unlocks their power, but belief and faith."

K. Religion T10=19 + Inspiration: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Defah's probable response to Borax' statement is below. Using details from the earlier K Religion check. I'm not sure that it would actually be considered aiding him though.

Well, while I don't know the exact stance of the Khepri faith offhand, I'm confident that it wouldn't exactly align with yours Borax. Given that he's is commonly worshiped by those who toil in ignominy and squalor, I imagine that he thinks that the downtrodden have plenty of power.

Knowledge (Religion) to Aid: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

But you sound like a Rahadoumi with your dismissal of religion. Khepri is real, as is Nethys, and so is the power of their clerics. Some may use that power for evil purposes, but that doesn't make faith itself evil.

Feeling threatened by Defah's knowledge of the subject, Borax finds himself getting caught up in the discussion, snorting at Defah's last comment.

"I dear say, I hope you are not referring to the the Law of Man? I have far less faith in man's reliance on himself than I do in his reliance on a deity. The deities play by the rules, that's more than I can say for humans. Only man is arrogant enough to believe in his power over those that are clearly superior."

Teric is surprised as his friends try to convince the man to keep the book, but he tries to go along. "There is a natural order to things and some shall be on the bottom. I think their plight will always sad to others. We can pity them and even help out of charity. That is a good thing. That Khepri watches over them is reasonable and natural, but it also shouldn't overly concern the rest of us."

"Well, at least you lot know about something regarding the ways of Osirion, even if not about the desert itself. Perhaps it would be prudent to hold onto this. At least until the proper owner shows up. If that is all, gentlemen, I have much to get back to. No no no! Don't just stack the crates, ORGANIZE them!" With that, he turns and departs, book under his arm.

It took some coercion, but you think this task is completed. Where to now?

"Well, gentlemen, good work. Not how we planned, but good work nonetheless. The next task seems to be trying to get the artifacts passed the guards again. Perhaps this time we can be better prepared. Any ideas?"

Borax is about to respond to Teric, but then has just enough wisdom to realize, that there are more important things than proving he is the most knowledgable person in the group at this exact moment. Despite a lingering feeling of dissatisfaction, Borax keeps his mouth shut....until they leave.
"The task does not suggest any human interference. But instead, a more physical means to acquire it. A knotted rope and grappling hook might be of some aid. "

I guess I'm not sure if "southeast of the Sunrise Gate" means we have to go through the gate or that gate is a landmark. Remember the issue with Eto and artifacts, now I'm guessing we may have to submit to another search.

”Who would have thought it would be so hard to get a scholar to keep a book?” Prothero asks, shaking his head in mild disbelief. ”As to the next task on the list, Teric, it seems you’re right, we get to try again to sneak something by the gate guards. It would be helpful to know how big this ‘shipment’ is that’s hidden in the well. Should we get a wagon and fill it with goods we can use to hide the artifacts? Or can we stuff most things in our pockets, with the magic rod being the biggest of the items?”

He looks to the city walls in the distance and says, ”I wonder if we could ask around a bit, see if anyone knows of a guard who’s…persuadable…when someone wants to bring in something special. Maybe Madam Zelekhati or the guy from the Hundredfingers gang would know someone – we could do one of those tasks next.”

I'm still amazed that Darvik helped.

Hmm, bribes? Greasing the palms of the guards could work but it might take luck to find the right ones.

You're saying that - as well as being disrespectful - the guards here are corrupt? Gah

Perhaps this Zelekhati or gang leader know of a way to get things in and out of town without scrutiny? If we deal with one or both of them first, we may avoid the issue entirely.

C'mon, there is corruption in any organization, even the church of Nethys I'd wager. Darvik says as if it were common knowledge. There is always someone willing to do something for personal gain. I'm not saying their all evil-minded, just willing to look the other way for the right price.

Teric nods. "It is the way the world works. A great many things get accomplished with self-interest in mind."

"Perhaps that is how we should approach Madam Zelekhati. We can propose a mutually beneficial business arrangement. But first, I think we can ask around about her to see what we can learn."

Unless anyone stops him, Teric will spend some time performing Gather Information on Zelekhati and her business.

Gather Info, take 10: 10 + 10 = 20

Did Borax already make these checks as k. Local checks?

Yes, Borax has already asked around and shared the info. Here it is again:
Madame Zelekhati recently began hiring more workers at the Dancing Dunes, though she sends away most who don’t have at least some elven blood. Also, most merchants recommend avoiding Beggar’s Alley, which is home to a gang of pickpockets known as the Hundredfingers.
The Osirionologist Ionacu Lozar is in a terrible rush to get his expedition underway, but he is exceedingly stingy and has no patience for haggling. As a result, the few merchants who are willing to do business with him are taking their time delivering supplies to his caravan’s marshaling area. (You already got that one, so crossing it off.)
Something has the Hundredfingers gang spooked. The normally ubiquitous thieves have been avoiding the bazaar for a few days.

So to the Madame?

Heading through the Eto Bazaar, you find a large building on the outskirts with a staircase leading to the sole entrance apparently on the second floor.

Upon entering, you see a spectacularly groomed garden of colorful sand occupies most of this two-story cabaret’s ground floor. A narrow wooden bridge winds about a trio of decorative obelisks dotting the miniature desert. A lavish sitting area filled with divans occupies the second-floor balcony granting a magnificent view of the garden below. Private curtained chambers encircle the garden, where lush rugs, soft mattresses, or piles of throw pillows serve to cushion the repose of clientele in each chamber. A door off the northern balcony opens to a staircase leading down to the street, while another set of stairs to the east leads down to the garden.

There you are accosted by a lithe elven servant who seems dressed in little more than draped fabric. "Welcome to the Dancing Dunes," she greet in a voluptuous voice. "Feel free to take your ease here. It is one gold piece for a performance, just grab one of the girls. Oh, and we do not allow weapons to be drawn, so I am afraid yours will have to be peace-bound. Sorry for any inconvenience."

Darvik doesn't seem to mind the peace-bound thing as long as he has the time to be entertained properly. Can't see why we can't take a moment to enjoy ourselves.

Inspired by the unusual beauty of the place - he'd been expecting a tawdry, depressing cathouse with little to redeem it - Prothero speaks to the slender elf woman with a silver tongue, "But of course, there is no reason we would need weapons in a place of love, my sweet. If I may make a request of you...I mean no offense to your loveliness, but I have heard that Madam Zelekhati is a breathtaking beauty. Would it be possible to meet her?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (20) - 1 = 19

The young elf woman tilts her head and frowns an apology. "I'm afraid the Madame does not usually do private performances during the day. Even if she did, she is presently with a client. Perhaps she would make an exception. May I ask what your relationship is with her?"

Borax leans close to Teric and whispers in Draconic

"We need to scan this area for magic"

Our relationship is that of potential business partners.

aid diplomacy: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (20) - 2 = 18

Look at us grumpy types, Defah, winning over the pretty girl! Come on, liars and charmers, leap to our aid!

You just hit DC 20 on Diplo which should take an Indifferent person to Helpful

Perhaps aids should only be rolled after a primary is rolled?

With a nod to Defah's answer because there was no other roll to be aided from it, the stewardess leaves you for a moment before reappearing to beckon you downstairs. There, among the narrow walkways over intricately raked sand pits, Madame Zelekhati stands waiting.

"Welcome to my humble establishment. I am told you wish to speak business. How may I assist you?"

Defah was aiding my Diplomacy roll, which took my 19 to a 21 - which is why Borax said we had hit the DC 20. Now I'm going to leave the Bluffing to people better suited to it, and will Aid if I can.

Borax will let Teric do the talking to start things off.

Sorry for the small absence. Traveling for work and had to handle some other items. I'm back now.

Teric smiles as he meets the beautiful half-elf. "A pleasure to meet you, Madam. I have heard so much about you and your business. In fact, it's why we're here. We heard you are a woman who can provide answers to questions. And we do have some questions."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

"Well this is a place of relaxation and business both," she says gesturing to the surroundings. Perceptions if you like. "You may speak freely here."

Darvik seems to be much more interested in the relaxation than the business at the moment, looking at the surroundings with a bit of interest.

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 9

However he doesn't seem to notice anything other than what seems to have attracted his initial attention.

The phrase "you may speak freely" seemed to be a warning that everything said was being listened to. Borax continued to examine the place

Since Diplo takes about 1 minute, Borax will Take 20 on Perception during that time. Everyone stand back as Borax lays down a whopping 24.

Prothero chimes in with Teric, awkwardly saying, "Yes, questions, that's what we have..."

Diplomacy, Aid Teric: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5

Giving his head a slight shake of frustration as he bungles yet another moment with a beautiful woman, in a life of many such bungles, he opts to look and listen carefully instead.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Defah doesn't think he should push his luck trying to outmatch a professional at games of wits and silently looks around the area.

Since apparently everyone in this town is not what they seem and even those who are supposed to uphold the law can apparently be convinced otherwise, I must assume that this woman is trying to hide something by telling us to speak freely.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 8

Teric smiles at Zelekhati. "Of course it is. By any chance, do you know the name of a man named Torch? He often styles himself as 'Grandmaster Torch', but I find that a trifle flamboyant for my tastes, don't you?"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Sigh. Dice not cooperating