Iovo manages to stanch Green's bleeding, making sure that he'll live another day...or at least long enough to answer for the midnight shenanigans. By this point everyone has congregated into one room and your three goblin friends nod when Iovo mentions Zig and Lobda.
"That's right! I Frick," one of them pipes up. "Father want to see you now. Tonight. Right away!"
"I Frack," the second one chimes in. "Father is Father. He takes care of goblins in Katapesh, help us find honest work!"
"And I Flick," grins the third. "Father not happy about mess Zig in and Father know who to blame. And he know about you, too. Says you have common foe. Think he wants to make a deal."
When Phinellippa expresses interest in meeting with the mysterious 'Father', Frick grins widely. "Great! We can take you to him! To secret hideout!"
"But secret hideout gotta stay secret," Frick adds, pulling out several small burlap sacks. "You wear these over head and we take you to meet Father...okay?"
It's not quite a request and it's not quite a demand, delivered in a cautious, hesitant tone. All three of the goblins look a little nervous as they await your response, having recognized just how well-armed and armored you are (and can be).
The three goblins look at each other as Iovo begins gathering up her gear.
"Look, we wanna help," Frick answers, awkwardly shifting from foot to foot. "But goblins stick together. Can't let just anyone know where super secret hideout is...y'know?"
Though the goblins are clearly reluctant to just show you where they have their hideout it doesn't take too much for Damiar (and perhaps the rest of you) to convince them of your general trustworthiness...not to mention the fact that it's quite a big ask to make, even if they did warn you about the impending ambush.
"Okay, meeting Father more important right now than keeping secret hideout secret. Can always find another hideout. So, um...no hoods, unless you like that sort of thing. But time to go, alright! Night is short and there work to do!"
______________
After gathering up your gear and pausing long enough to check in with Roderus - who is fine and encourages you to attend this clandestine meeting - you accompany your three goblin friends out into the nighttime streets. Sans hoods, unless you prefer otherwise, of course. The trio take you on a winding route through the back alleys and side streets into the Lower City district, where the docks and the world's largest bazaar can be found. You're eventually led to a darkened shop with a sign hanging above the door that reads 'Finest Traders' and ushered down into the shop's basement.
To your surprise, the room is filled with goblins, each dressed in a different outfit: a goblin lamplighter, a goblin cobbler, a goblin barmaid, and more all stand around in a semicircle. You also spot a familiar face - Lobda, who gives you a wave and a mischievous smile. At the front of the room stands an older goblin, taller than the rest and wearing a silk suit stretched over a protruding waistline. While the other goblins might fidget and chatter quietly among themselves, this older goblin stands perfectly still with the air of easy command one might expect from a nobleman, and when he speaks, it is with an easy, husky voice.
"Welcome, my friends, to my humble home. My name is Moneymaker," he smiles. "Yigrig Moneymaker, at your service, and this is my family," he continues, gesturing to the gathered goblins. "I have heard good things about you from my son, Zig. Sweet kid. A sweet kid who should not suffer for a crime he did not commit, wouldn’t you agree?"
"I am led to believe you have been looking into Phlegos Dulm, courtesy of my daughter, Lobda. He was your friend, but he betrayed you. He was my friend too, but he has betrayed me, sacrificing my very own son to do it. It is in the best interests of both of our organizations to see him pay for his crimes, wouldn’t you say?"
|
Iovo leaves the unconscious attacker with Roderus for later questioning.
——
Iovo is relieved when the goblins are willing to allow them to proceed without bags over everyone’s head.
She is quite impressed with the size of the gathering in the hideout. She smiles broadly as she sees all the gathered goblins. She waves back to Lobda when she sees her.
“Greetings, Yigrig and family!”
“Yes, we would like to see him pay for his crimes. We have gathered some evidence but need more.” Gesturing to the gathered crowd, she says “I would guess you have better information than we do.” This looks like quite the nice information network!
"I would guess you have better information than we do."
"You might say that," Yigrig replies to Iovo with an enigmatic smile. "I'm a businessman, and information is just one of my interests. But I know that small nugget alone will not satisfy your curiosity - nor should it. You're all much too cautious and clever for that and in the interest of goodwill the least I can do is share a little of my own history with you."
"The short version of my story is, oh, you might call it, 'Local Goblin Makes Good'. I was once a slave myself, in my youth, but earned my freedom after teaching myself to read and demonstrating to my former masters my wit and knack for recognizing a good investment when I saw one," he explains. "Once I was in a position to be my own goblin, as you might say, I delved into the mercantile business. One of my partners, was, yes, Phlegos Dulm."
As if sensing potential objection or outrage, Yigrig quickly lifts a hand. "I did not deal in slaves myself. But being entwined with those who did afforded me a unique opportunity to secure the freedom of any goblins who passed through the markets here. Once freed, they would be welcomed into the family and helped to find more gainful, legal employment at various locales here in Katapesh."
Yigrig grins. "And of course it does not hurt to have such a network of eyes and ears throughout the city, wouldn't you agree? It is how I came to know of your own involvement with Dulm, after all. He is a fool to think that it is only his fellows from the Pathfinder Society who've taken notice of his antics and dealings. He has earned himself one enemy too many with the framing of my son. This is where you come in, my friends."
The gobfather spreads his arms wide, in a welcoming manner. "I wish to see my son's name cleared in the matter of these poisonings and you wish to put an end to Dulm's schemes. Those that were poisoned came here in search of slaves that should have been freed and yet were not - I can tell you that they are currently in Dulm's custody. What's more, I can tell you where to find them. In exchange, I ask that you collect any evidence you might find that would clear Zig's name."
"Do we have a deal?"
"Ahhh, that's the sort of go-getter spirit I like to see," Yigrig smiles. "The slaves in question, they are housed in what was once an old pub near the docks. Not only is this location the heart of Dulm's slavery dealings but I believe it is also headquarters of the gang Dulm has been employing in his little war with Wulessa Yuul."
"I can also tell you that the compound consists of three different buildings: one to the north, one to the west, and one to the south. The northern building is where Dulm's associates sleep as well as receive their orders and payments, while the slaves are kept in the southern building. As to the western building, it currently seems to be unused. Ah yes, there are also guards and dogs that patrol the entire compound...so do be careful."
He glances over to where Frick, Frack, and Flick stand and motions for them to approach. "Cousins, I know you have had a busy night but would you be willing to indulge me just a bit more? I would have you accompany our new friends to Dulm's compound and assist them in their efforts, if you are willing."
"Yes! We help! Kick stupid slaver butt for Zig and new friends!" the goblins reply, nodding eagerly. Yigrig's smile widens and he turns back to address you. "Then it is settled. My cousins here will accompany you to Dulm's compound and help you to the best of their abilities. Provided you have no other questions I'll encourage you to set off now, while you still have the cover of darkness to your advantage."
|
|
“Any idea how many guards and dogs there are? About how many pikers do you think are in the northern building?”
“If we just get the slaves out, do you think that will give us enough evidence?”
“Do you know where Dulm is right now?”
Looking to her own group, she asks “Is there some sort of dog treats we could pick up to help handle them?”
"Exellcent questions," Yigrig nods. "From what my sources have said the numbers there do fluctuate a bit depending on what dealings Dulm has in the works, but...I would expect perhaps somewhere from 10 to 14 total, including the guard dogs."
At this, Frick pipes up, "We can free slaves! You take care of goons in north building, okay?"
"As far as evidence...hmm...while more evidence is never a bad thing, the testimony of the slaves themselves combined with the information you managed to obtain from Dulm's shop - oh yes, Lobda told me all about that - should be enough to put an end to Dulm's activities here in the city for good. As to the exact whereabouts of Dulm himself..." Yigrig shakes his head. "That information has eluded even me, despite the best efforts of my family."
When Iovo and Phinellippa discuss ways to distract or perhaps bypass the guard dogs, Yigrig looks thoughtful. "Hmm...depending on how invested they have been in training their dogs, a mere bribe of food may not work. Perhaps you have some magic among you that might do the trick?"
After making any last preparations that you deem necessary, your three goblin friends once again lead you through the city, taking many shortcuts and back alleys in what turns out to be a very efficient if somewhat unconventional route. When you arrive at your destination, you find that the pub is a small complex of three buildings, one to the north, one to the west, and one to the south - just as Yigrig said. All three buildings look pretty run-down and in need of repair.
Before you can get too close, one of the goblins suddenly holds up a hand and points; you can see a half-orc guard patrolling the perimeter of the compound, three large dogs in tow. After taking the time to watch for a few minutes you're able to get a pretty good idea of the route they take as they patrol. You also note that there's a wind coming from the south, which may make approaching from that direction without being sniffed out by the dogs more difficult.
______________
|
|
Iovo renews her Mage Armor and casts Message just before the group gets to the compound.
Seeing the situation, she asks the others “How do we want to do this? I think we could sneak into the western building without raising an alarm. Otherwise it is sneak into the northern building and have the guard at our back or attack the guard and try to take them out before they raise an alarm.”
“I have some supplies that would allow someone to sneak up on the guard.”
She digs out two potions from her gear: one of invisibility and the other of pass without trace.
After watching the patrol for a few minutes you quickly hatch a plan to try and take out the patrol with as minimal noise as possible. Iovo chugs her two potions, rendering her both invisible to the naked eye but more importantly, invisible to the noses of the three guard dogs. The rest of you also make any additional preparations you deem useful and then you begin to put your plan into motion. While the rest of the group waits a short distance back, hidden, Iovo waits until the guard has her back to everyone and her dogs are up ahead...and strikes!
______________
Damiar
Iovo
Rees
Phinellippa
Goblin Friends
==============
Guard Dogs
==============
Kleines
Garif + Nico
==============
Guard
Active Conditions: None
Environmental Conditions: Dim Light (20% Miss Chance)
Everyone is UP!
Iovo suddenly appears as she attempts to strike the guard with her sap and whiffs it. These targets really should have the decency to hold still!
______________
Damiar
Iovo
Rees
Phinellippa
Goblin Friends
==============
Guard Dogs
==============
Kleines
Garif + Nico
==============
Guard
Active Conditions: None
Environmental Conditions: Dim Light (20% Miss Chance)
Damiar, Rees, Phinellippa, Kleines and Garif+Nico are UP!
A beautiful, shifting pattern of colors suddenly wash over the guard and her three dogs! It's very pretty - and super effective. All three of the dogs stare intently, tongues lolling out of their mouths.
______________
Damiar
Iovo
Rees
Phinellippa
Goblin Friends
==============
Guard Dogs
==============
Kleines
Garif + Nico
==============
Guard
Active Conditions: None
Environmental Conditions: Dim Light (20% Miss Chance)
Damiar, Rees, Kleines and Garif+Nico are UP!
Damiar breaks it down and does an impressive interpretive dance, granting everyone a boost of much-needed courage while Rees sighs and simply fires at the guard. Even with Iovo standing in the way the arrow flies true and sinks into the half-orc's shoulder! Kleines rushes up to give Iovo a hand, ready to hand out the beatings to anyone that attempts to move past him.
Your three goblin friends also raise their crossbows and fire on the guard...
...and even with the distance and number of friendlies in the way, two of them manage to score hits on the half-orc, leaving her bloodied!
GarifBot lets fly with a bullet from his sling while calling for NicoBot to attack the guard...
...and cracks her upside the head! The half-orc now looks like it wouldn't take much more than a stiff breeze to knock her over.
______________
Damiar
Iovo
Rees
Phinellippa
Goblin Friends
==============
Guard Dogs
==============
Kleines
Garif + Nico
==============
Guard
Active Conditions: Inspire Courage +2
Environmental Conditions: Dim Light (20% Miss Chance)
Damiar, Iovo, Rees and Phinellippa are UP!
Damiar quickly tries firing a shot of her own at the half-orc guard but misses - just too many people in the way! But never fear, for Iovo finally has a good handle on the sap and brings it down atop the guard's head with a solid *WHAP*! Her eyes roll up in her head and she collapses to the ground, unconscious but stable!
Now you just have the three dogs, currently enthralled by Phinellippa's spell, to contend with...
______________
Damiar
Iovo
Rees
Phinellippa
Goblin Friends
==============
Guard Dogs
==============
Kleines
Garif + Nico
Active Conditions: Inspire Courage +2
Environmental Conditions: Dim Light (20% Miss Chance)
Rees and Phinellippa are UP!
The three goblins grin mischievously and nod.
"Right! We go now, take care of business!"
As you watch the three goblins carefully slip into the shadows and make their way over to the nearby door, carefully easing it open. Frick and Flack head inside first with Flick bringing up the rear. Just before Flick steps inside he shoots you all a thumbs up and gently pulls the door shut behind him.
Meanwhile, Kleines uses his glaive to hook into the unconscious guard's armor and slowly pulls her away from the dogs and over to the group. A quick perusal of her belongings yields the following:
Masterwork Falchion
Masterwork Chain Shirt
Masterwork Composite Longbow (Str +2)
Arrow x20
Potion of Cure Moderate Wounds
+1 Flaming Arrow x3
During this time you're pretty sure you can hear the faint sounds of something happening inside the southern building but you're not entirely sure what. After a few minutes the nearby door opens a crack and Frick sticks his head out, all smiles.
"Building secure! Slaves here, they okay, just tired 'cuz we woke them up," he hisses. "Woke up stupid Pike thugs too, bweehehe! Boy were they surprised!"
Though you know from Yigrig's intelligence that there are likely more thugs lurking (or maybe just sleeping) inside the building to the north, you're also fairly sure that between you and the goblins that you could sneak the slaves out of the compound right now with no one being the wiser - especially if Phinellippa is willing to keep the dogs fascinated with her magic.
______________
It's little trouble for Phinellippa - with Kleines keeping lookout - to keep the guard dogs enthralled while the rest of you help your goblin friends unshackle and free the slaves. While they're weary and a little malnourished they're thankfully unharmed and extremely grateful for the rescue. Just before the first slivers of predawn light begin to peek over the horizon your large, ragtag group makes good their escape, slipping away and leaving nothing behind but a trio of very confused and dazed dogs and about five Pike thugs, unconscious and bound in the southern building.
You escort the freed slaves back to the Winding Road Inn where Roderus eagerly awaits your report. After the testimony of the freed slaves there's more than enough evidence for him to send a second (well-rested) group of Pathfinders out to Dulm's compound, where they round up the remaining Pike thugs and, to your surprise (or not), Vinius Borr. They also recover additional evidence of Dulm's misdeeds; not only are there papers detailing people to be bribed and businesses to be harassed but there are several sacks of coins that correlate to these bribes and payments. One, in particular, is designated to Vinius Borr for “special services rendered at Roderus retirement party.”
Presented with overwhelming evidence of his crimes a formal warrant for Dulm's arrest is issued...yet it turns out that there's no trace of him to be found. Apparently word got out that his days in Katapesh were numbered and the despicable Dulm was able to flee the city. While this development is certainly unfortunate and pretty damn galling, it does at least put an end to his schemes in Katapesh, his association with the Pathfinder Society, and his feud with Wulessa Yuul - who is now one of two acting Venture Captains in Katapesh.
One of Yuul's first orders of business is to extend a formal pardon and apology to poor Zig for his incarceration. She's also very interested in hearing the details of the goblins' involvement in bringing proof of Dulm's crimes to light, which inevitably leads to a meeting with Yigrig Moneymaker himself. By all accounts, it's the beginning of a beautiful friendship and partnership between Yigrig, his goblin connections, and the Pathfinder Society...
End: Treason's Chains