The Red Arm of Absalom - Ongoing Campaign (Inactive)

Game Master GM Red

"As everyone is saying, the mission was very successful. I'll reorganize my notes and have them back to you by morning Captain."

Mr Peppers spends a bit of time above deck, resting and relaxing. Chatting with whom ever is interested about a wide range of topics. If they are crew members he mostly just talks about the sea and their home lives, avoiding his own personal life.

After a couple hours of relaxation he'll retire down below and begin detailing out his journal of the adventure, now that they are safely back on the ship he'll include names of the agents involved, minus Delroya. Details of Laszo, his abode, the rat statue, the notes on the test subjects, the temple in which they were left with.

He'll also include the location of the warehouse in question, along with descriptions of the Kortos agents they encountered as best he can describe them. He'll also include the location of the secret entrances and the password for the arcane lock.

The notes from Delroya are also included but her name has been torn off. Finally, once this is done Mr Peppers seeks out all of the party members and asks them to verify the accounts and sign off on them. If sleeping he'll meet with them first thing in the morning.

As I go back in the posts to remember... we did save the whip recipe from Laszo as well as a sample to bring back with us to the Society. I'm correct in this right?

Bishop signs the paper when Mr. Peppers finds him and goes back to rolling his bones.

That's right. You still have both.

We've got two different instances of time being posted about here: the evening on the ship, and the arrival at Absalom/Valsin debriefing you. I'll wait until Mr. Peppers hands over his information... Assuming he's going to do so and not instead add it to what's probably his extensive library :)

Ah yes that's right. I was thinking Valsin was on the ship for some reason.. too many Captains I guess. I just wanted to give people a chance to chime in on what ends up in our report and what ends up in Valsin's hands. If in a few hours no one pipes up on the contrary then I'll be handing everything over to Valsin with names signed.

Meeting with Captain Valsin

Once the group has gathered to meet with Valsin, Mr Peppers rushes to get the last of the signatures on the mission notes and documents. I heard no issues so I'm assuming everyone signed off on explaining all of the details of the mission and handing over a sample of the Whip as well as Laszo's recipe/notes on it and who he was working with.

"Good morning Captain Valsin." Mr Peppers nods politely. Then hands him a folder of paperwork, tucked in neatly and organized. Followed by a small vial that is wrapped in cloth.

"I believe you'll find everything you're hoping for documented in there, all organized chronologically. This vial is a sample of whip from Laszo. Our encounter with him is also documented in the notes. If you have an additional questions or if my handwriting is somehow illegible, please send for me for any clarifications."

As Peppers finishes delivering their report, "Not sure if this is indicated but the Kortos Consortium for all their other faults seem to have some misgivings amongst their lower ranked members with allying with the Aspis. We were able to leak some information on how the now dead Laszo Leper was creating mind control potions for the Aspis.

Planting this ruse gave the Kortos agents something else to focus on instead of us. This information might be useful to keep the two from engaging in any future talks with one another."

Valsin flips through Mr. Peppers notes', briefly skimming them. His astonishment is clear. "Desna smiles... If these aren't the most thorough notes I've ever seen... You've really outdone yourselves! The vial will serve as proof for the proper authorities to stop these Aspis from continuing to distribute or create the drug. Combined with your information leak, the damage between the two consortia is irreparable."

Delorya steps up for a moment. "Their work is commendable. I'd given them Lord Aven's writ, but they didn't use it, and managed to convince the Kortos agents by simply telling them they were handling... A vermin problem."

Valsin smiles and chuckles heartily, "A vermin problem? Haha, genius! Now if only they'd fix the vermin problem at these docks..." He mutters.

"Pathfinders, your discretion among the nobility here in the Isle of Kortos is laudable. Thank you once again for all your excellent work.

"Delroya, I was told you sent some provisions for the Society as a thanks. You have our sincere gratitude. Now, if you'd truly like to join us, please accompany me and I will tell you everything you need to know, starting with well, you know," He holds his head high and gives you a thumbs up, "Explore, Report, Cooperate!"

Delroya can't help but stifle a laugh, and the two walk off the ship and back into Absalom.

~ FIN ~

I've already prepared 4/6 chronicles. I just need the final say from D or Mr. Peppers on whether they're slow tracking or not. Let me know in Discussion.

You said you missed seeing a Gameplay post so I figured I'd put something up at least.. for your sake.

Mr Peppers smiles and nods at the Captain. "Thank you Captain. I appreciate the kind words. I wasn't quite sure how you wanted them formatted, so while they are well organized and complete, they could take some getting used to. If you have any templates on how things should be formatted please send it my way."

Mr Peppers pauses and looks around the group, then back to the Captain. "We've become quite fond of working together Captain. Our group chemistry is developing nicely. I hope if there is another mission in the near future that we're allowed to work together again. These young folks need to be looked after once and a while."

Mr Peppers then thanks everyone for the job well done, including Ms Delroya, and takes his leave. "If you need me I shouldn't be too hard to find. I've taken up a near permanent residence in the Society's Library."

"Looked after?
Relatively speaking, you'd not be too old for an elf either.
Who knows...", and D. smiles in a rogue-ish way, in a next life you might be so old, that it is we that have to look out for you."

"I will be...in the city. I favor the pier but I go where the wind wants me to. Thank you for taking me with you."

Isa chirps a simple tune as Sirettis excuses herself to wander the city...

"My friends it was a pleasure to make your acquaintance I do hope that Desna sees it in her wisdom to allow for another meeting in the near future. I will spread word of your exploits in hopes of inspiring others.

Now priestess of Bolka I do believe you were off to find your betrothed might I come along I would hope to meet this lucky gentleman."

Plus having you along with me will allow me to better to blend with your audacious ways. A subtle sleight of hand to keep others looking the other way...

He smiles at Begrilda and waits for her.

"Oh! Mr. Bishop, it would be a delight to have you along! Why, I think I may even know of a place to look for him. Come along now, we're off to the tavern!"

Good. Now I can keep a close eye on this criminal and make sure he doesn't go around murdering innocents!

She follows along with Bishop, a slight skip in her step. "Nice to meet you all!"

As Mr. Peppers sits in Absalom's grand library quietly adding to his already vast pool of knowledge, a familiar-looking man passes through the entrance, walking from bookshelf to bookshelf as he looks around purposefully.

He notices Mr. Peppers seated with his nose in a book and excitement washes over his face as he marches over to the table.

He leans over and whispers quietly, "Oh, there you are! I've been lookin' everywhere for one of ya! Where are the rest of yer group? After your work in the warehouse, I got somethin' you and your exterminator friends would be just perfect for."

Mr. Peppers recognizes the muscular man as the leader of the Kortos Consortium group that you had encountered back at the warehouse in Diobel.

Anyone else who's in the library can also participate. I figured this might be a good jump off point for Cup. Those who aren't, not to worry, this is just a tie-over into the module and I'm sure you'll soon be rounded up.

Mr Peppers looks up as the echoing of shoe-falls stops at his table and addresses him. Oh boy... He then begins wracking his brain quickly to recognize the face and voice, and finally lets out a half hearted laugh and pushes aside the book he was reading Nobility: The Who's Who of the Inner Sea, Vol 1

"Oh yes, I remember you. I don't believe I ever got your name though. I'm Mr Peppers. I hope your warehouse is in good working order? How's that lock and password working out?"

Before he can answer, the expression on Mr Pepper's face changes a bit when he finishes rehearing the rest of the man's statement... exterminator friends... I don't think I like where this is going.. "What sort of thing are you talking about. I hope it isn't more spiders..."

Sirettis spends her time in Absalom learning the cultures who call this place home, learning their desires and fears, and trying to help calm people down the best she can. If she hadn't made a promise to stay here she would have left already.

At least the library is interesting. They are also quite accommodating for Isa; with all of the Imps, Archons and Raptors coming through, a simple Thrush barely bats an eye. They do ask Isa to keep quiet, though.

She is deeply focused on the history of the Azlanti empire and the events of the Starfall. For the most part history is unchanged, although the writer notes that a group of strange foreigners turned the tide, then vanished. She begins to ponder the ramifications of this when a man yells loudly, breaking her concentration. She stands up, ready to put the man to sleep when she hears Mr. Peppers making small talk in response.

She approaches Mr. Peppers, but she doesn't have much to add.
Bluff: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
A charming smile and curtsy will do.

Cup balances precariously on the slightly too tall chair she’d selected. There were shorter chairs and tables in the Sky Reach Library, many better suited for Pathfinders of her size, but none of those had such great views out the Sky Reach windows. Janira is right. You really can see almost all of Absalom from here.

Then she looks back at the book she’s selected, Gallivanting in the Great Beyond: Your Ticket to Extraplanar Adventures. It was a fascinating read, but it made her ache even more to be on an adventure of her very own. Yes, she’d had a bit of travel, a rescue mission in Sauerton, a whole bunch of explorations of phantom phenomena in Ustalov, and a spy mission in Diobel, but it had been weeks since her last real assignment. She was getting bored. Books were great, but Janira had emphasized how important it was to also see the world and get your own data.

At this rate, you’ll get bleached for sure...

Then she noticed the tall dark brooding elf, all in black. So cute! Look at him, all dark and studious and angsty. I wonder what it would take to coax a smile out of him? He looked up for a moment to pull the hair out of his eyes.

Quick. Pretend that you weren’t staring at him...

Bluff: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Cup looks down quickly at her book, but can’t help peeking out at the elf again.

Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

When the muscular man from the Kortos Consortium approaches, she recognizes him right away from her own time doing covert work in Diobel. Interesting. What is Barry ‘The Boot’ Bartos doing here in Skyreach? This isn’t his usual territory.

Stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

She attempts to sneak up and listen on the conversation, but instead trips, falling right at ‘The Boot’ huge feet.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

“Barry!” She flashes the enforcer her most dazzling smile as she gets up from the embarrassing position. “So great to see you again! Maybe I can help you out, too?”

"Ah Sirettis, good to see you browsing the library. Much more pleasant than chasing spiders in a warehouse don't you think?" Bluff Pass Message DC15: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20 *Cough* Play along! As Mr Peppers looks at the wild haired woman and smiles. "You remember this man here from that warehouse don't you? Seems to have some sort of work for us, I was ju... " As a studious looking gnomish librarian crashes at their feet.

Glancing down quickly, then returning to the conversation between Sirettis and the man "Sure, you can take the book Miss, I'm done reading it for now. Might I suggest a chair, though, it was on the 5th shelf up. Thanks." He shoos her off with a smile. "So what was your name again Mr...?"

"Those spiders were quite annoying, but we did find the big one. A successful mission." Sirettis carries on with the conversation when she hears a Gnome trip and land nearby.

Sirettis kneels down to help the woman back to her feet. "Do you know Barry? We crossed paths while exterminating spiders." I wish my hair could lift her up right now, but people react strangely to it...

Cup completely ignores the attempt to shoo her away. "Oh, I don't need a chair or a step ladder to reshelve something. Hmmm... Nobility of the Inner Sea. That's a pretty good read, and I remember just where it goes. It's right in between Nigel Aldain’s History of the Blakros Clan: 400 Years of Absalom’s Most Pre-Eminent Noble Family and Lady Glorianna Morilla's A Most Noble Cause: An Action Plan for Today's Sovereign Court!" She's so excited, she's speaking at a rapid pace. With mage hand, she floats the book up, shelving it.

Cup then smiles back up at the tall elf, delighted to show him her clever trick. She takes Sirettis's outstretched hand. "Oh, thank you! Yes, I've met Barry while working in Diobel." She grins up at the huge Kortos Consortium enforcer. "We helped each other out." She carefully omits how she helped out the Kortos Consortium. "You were exterminating spiders? How fascinating! You'll have to tell me how you got into that business sometime." Then she takes another glance at Sirettis. "By the way, has anyone ever told you that you have awesome hair? Because you do."

Then she holds out her hand. "Where are my manners? I don't think we've been introduced. I'm Calpurnia Underhall Poshkettle. 'Cup' to my friends."

Barry laughs at Cup as she crashes into him, then bends down to speak to her, ensuring he bends his arms just enough for his biceps to be noticed as they challenged the cuffs of his shirt. "'Ey there Ms. Kettle, fancy seein' ya. Think I last bumped into ya back at The Tawdry Frog Tavern over in Diobel, was it? I was wrestling the arm off of half patrons there!" He chuckles. "Not my fault they chose to challenge me after they'd downed a few rounds."

"Ah, I remember you from the warehouse as well. Heard ya had some ties to witchcraft? Not somethin' I'm so familiar with. I prefer to stick to these babies." He says to Sirettis, standing tall with his chest flexed hard enough for his face to take on a rosy glow.

"As for what we're needin', I scoured most of Absalom lookin' for you guys. You really knew what you were talkin' about back in the warehouse, so I needed to find ya. Basically, there's been rumors of enormous insects over in Isger in a town called Saringallow. The Mayor's sent a few couriers over to the Society here to see if anyone's willin' ta help. That, and she mentioned the situation may be even worse than some big bugs, but I didn't get all the details."

Cup auto-makes those rolls on a take ten.

She raises an eyebrow. "Saringallow? How interesting. Not the kind of place to flout your nobility or any interest in withcraft or diabolism, despite its proximity to the Chelish empire. Giant bugs, you say?" She claps her hands in excitement. "That sounds positively dangerous! Songworthy, even! Count me in!"

Cup auto-makes those rolls on a take ten.

Must be your Cup of tea.

"Calpurnia Underhall Poshkettle. I will try to remember that." Sirettis doesn't react to the hair compliment. It disarmed her, and she remains silent until Barry distracts her. "Ah yes, very impressive. You could probably lift me overhead!"

"An intriguing history of House Sarini. The citizens rebelled against the house when they found out about the sacrifices to their..." Sirettis strokes her hair. "Unfortunate. Let us cleanse the house of whatever miscreants they have."

"...Assuming the rest of the Red Arm agrees. We should find them, Mr. Peppers."

From up on the top of the books case you hear a snort.

"Can you all PLEASE keep it down? Some of us are trying to get a good rest in..."

Looking up, you see a familiar fox-face peer over the edge. "Have you no respect for a library? It is supposed to be a quiet place!"

With that, the face retreats, and you hear soft snoring almost immediately.

Travelling tomorrow, but will be good to go on Friday. A little slow to post over the weekend, but will try to keep up!

Mr Peppers watches at Cup lifts the book into place. "Fine use of that spell Ms Cup. I can see how you landed this position, even with your height disadvantage. Very clever." Next she's going to be making the lights dance and flicker..

Mr Peppers focuses his attention on Barry, but out of the corner of his eye he keeps watch on this little gnome woman. "Nice to formally meet you Barry. You definitely seem well equipped to win a few arm wrestling matches. We can definitely mention this to Captain Valsin, see if something can't be arranged. As for the others Sirettis I'm not quite sure where they are hiding out. I can't say for sure if Gallix and Uesugi have even gotten back from the jungles yet. I'm sure if we can find a tea house D can be located quickly enough. As for Blaster.. I think he's busy napping."

As they leave he turns to Cup and waves goodbye. "Have a fine day Miss, I'm sure you'll see me back here in the future. Big fan of those glasses!"

"I'm a big fan of my glasses too!" Cup says happily. Tall, dark and broody likes my glasses!

Cup doggedly follows, her little legs going as fast as they can go. "Oh, if I'm going to be a Miss, it's 'Miss Poshkettle'. Cup is a nickname for my friends. Do you have any nicknames, Mr. Peppers? By the way, I like your name. Peppers are small, colorful and quite challenging. Much like gnomes!"

Then she looks up at Sirettis quizzically. "So... You said your group was the 'Red Arm of Absalom'?" She pauses. "None of you have particularly red looking arms, though your sleepy friend... Blaster, right? He's sort of reddish. Do you all have jackets? Arm bands? Or is Red some sort of anagram or symbol?"

'I don't know who your Mr. D is, but I know several great tea shops. My parents run one of the best in the Ivy District, so I know tea. I can help you look! Do you think he'd be the type to seek his tea in the foreign quarter? Or do you think you would you be more likely find him in other parts of Absalom?"

Meanwhile elsewhere, D. had finally, finally found a tea house, run by a settled Tien couple.

I can assume the foreign quarter.

He was enjoying this leisure time, recalling some of his childhood from before the family's move to the western continent.

1d20 ⇒ 11
At least, he was, until his cup of tea he was holding, got shattered by another cup crashing into it.

(Drip....drip)
He was holding just the ear.....
"By the rising sun, who did that?!"

A rowdy looking westerner seemed unsettled with Tien tea, and was causing a fuss. "What's this sah-posed ta be, piss?"

As the man was about to sit down, demanding a refund, D. made a thrusting movement towards the stool.
I doubt i'll ever get to properly use it, but a kitetic bull rush..
The stool falls over, and so did the man, trying to sit down on empty space. He became the laughing stock of the room, and left.

He put the stool back in place, and hello.....the man lost some coins?
D. ordered a new cup of tea, paid with the man's coins.

Barry calls out as Mr. Peppers and Cup walk off, ignoring Blaster's warning. "Quick to leave, are ya? Yer not even going to have a drink with me!?" He sighs loudly, then begins to walk out of the library alone, mumbling to himself. "A classic case of nobody loves Barry... There's so much more to me than this body and no one can see it... All I am to them is some fists, firm muscles, and a handsome face... Oh if they only knew..."

"The Red Arm became a nickname for the group of us." Sirettis ponders. "One particular adventure gave us an opportunity to join forces."

Isa and Sirettis chirp and squawk at each other briefly. "My apologies. This bird, Isa, is a companion. She says hello. If D were to find tea, he would look for one with a Tien style and approach. It would remind him of home."

Ha! Poor Barry! I honestly thought he was coming with us to find Mr. D. I wasn't planning on abandoning him so soon, since he's the only one here who actually likes Cup. Oh well.

"Tien style and approach?"

Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26*

"I can think of three in the city." Cup enumerates them on her fingers. "There is the Temple of the Plum Blossom, the Cup of Four Enlightenments and Po's Pour House. Of the three, Po's Pour House is the most likely. Friendly couple, not too fancy. Not only do they welcome adventurers, but they recently started carrying Wu Chai. One of the other bards in the society, Jasmine**, promotes that tea brand. I think her family in Tien makes it or something. Have you met her? She has a great voice and a performing monkey!"

"ඔයා හරි, මට කුතුහලයක්!" Cup laughs, enthralled by the thrush. "එය, යෙසායා ඔබ හමුවිම සතුටක්. මම හැම විටම පියාසර සහකාරිය අවශ්ය තියෙනවා. Sirettis ඔබ වාසනාවන්ත වේ." Then she pauses as another thought occurs to her. "ඔබ ගායනා කරන්නේ කෙසේද?"***

She is speaking fast, which is hard since both of her new friends have such long legs. She has to run to keep up.

___
* Ha! When she said she knows tea houses, she really meant it.

** Jasmine's flag has the Wu Chai symbol on it. It's 'the tea with the monkey on the box!'

*** I have discovered here that this character is an absolute chatter box. Sorry, guys!

Barry calls out as Mr. Peppers and Cup walk off, ignoring Blaster's warning. "Quick to leave, are ya? Yer not even going to have a drink with me!?" He sighs loudly, then begins to walk out of the library alone, mumbling to himself. "A classic case of nobody loves Barry... There's so much more to me than this body and no one can see it... All I am to them is some fists, firm muscles, and a handsome face... Oh if they only knew..."

"Oh my mistake Barry. You should come along, have some tea. Once we're gathered we can all go and speak with the Captain."

"Oh, if I'm going to be a Miss, it's 'Miss Poshkettle'. Cup is a nickname for my friends. Do you have any nicknames, Mr. Peppers? By the way, I like your name. Peppers are small, colorful and quite challenging. Much like gnomes!"

Mr Peppers clears his throat, with a slight hint of agitation. "Miss Cup, I'm happy to say I don't have any nicknames, and while I'm pleased you enjoy my name, I can assure you it has no connection in any way to Gnomes." At least not in a positive sense.. "And don't you have duties to perform at the Library? I'm doubtful Captain Valsin would be interested in a Gnomish Librarian assisting in this, no matter how stylish her glasses are, this is likely to be official Pathfinder business."

Mr Peppers picks up his pace, but not before hollering back to Blaster.. "You coming with us for tea?"

Isa's singing: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (12) - 2 = 10

The small thrush on Sirettis hops across her shoulders, fluttering across her hair. It then begins chirping in a strange melody.

"I must apologize. Isa takes compliments easily."

Ha! Poor Barry! I honestly thought he was coming with us to find Mr. D. I wasn't planning on abandoning him so soon, since he's the only one here who actually likes Cup. Oh well.

In PbP, you can always go back. :)

"Tea, ya say? Is there alcohol in that?" Barry stops his descent out of Skyreach when he hears Mr. Peppers call back to him.

Hope the elf didn't hear me. His invitation sounds like a pity invite.

"Alright, I'm with ya. I'm not headin' to Isger with ya, but I can join ya for a drink of this tea." Barry tries to hide his excitement. They actually want to spend time with me...!

"Hey, Cup, wait up!"

"You're dragging me to ANOTHER teahouse, Uesugi?" The sound of Gallix's voice cuts through the low hum of noise of the teahouse like a samurai's blade through a simulacra. "I thought you said we were going to get a DRINK?" The brawler pushes aside the canvas flaps at the door and enters the teahouse, wearing a sleeveless tunic with a flexing red arm and the words "Red Arm of Absalom" stitched across the back. Gallix bears a frown on his face as his eyes adjust to the dim light of the tea house, but once he takes a look around, he sees his friend D. Arthraven sitting quietly at a table, sipping a cup of tea and looking incredibly pleased with himself.

Looks like a normal day in D.'s life.

Gallix begins to stride toward the table, but calls back to Uesugi on the way, "Hey, 'Sugi! Get in here. Looks like we're joining D. for tea." He reaches the Tien's table and pulls up a stool. "Hey there, D! How ya been?"

Oh. Maybe he's not tall, dark and dashing. Maybe he's tall, dark, and a bit dreadful.

Her smile wavers slightly, but she draws herself up to her full height of three feet and puts her hands on her hips. "Mr. 'No Nickname' Peppers, perhaps it's best if we clarify a few matters. Number one. I may be a gnomish librarian, but I'm not currently on duty. I'm a fully qualified Pathfinder Agent like yourself."

She raises an eyebrow, attempting to look down her glasses at him. This is difficult, as she's already craning her neck to look up at him. Why does he have to be cute as well as difficult? No matter. If she could deal with the whims of Dr. Qlororum in Sincomakti School of Sciences, she could deal with this elf.

"Number two. Several months back I did an espionage run for Ambrus Valsin in Diobel, which is where I met Barry. Since then I've also dealt with kidnapping galtan revolutionaries and then spent quite a bit of time in Ustalov, chasing ghosts, working for a crazy mad scientist and tracking down mind molds, ambulatory plants and a giant cerebral fungus that was causing a lot of trouble."

"Number three." She sighs. "Just like halflings, we gnomes sometimes get underestimated because of our height. This can be an advantage. I grant you that I may not be the most awesome melee combatant, but I'm a fantastic teammate. If you can't see that, well, than that's your loss."

Turning away from Mr. Peppers, she waits for Barry to catch up. Smiling up at the enforcer, her face lights up again. "I bet we can get you a shot of something alchoholic at Po's. Do you like rice wine, Barry? They have the warm salty kind. It's a little weird, but it tastes great with the fish they serve!"

I imagine the tea house being a mixture between this and a more modern eating café. So likely the above, but with stools at the bar.

D. was thinking about his past, his present, and his future.
That is, until a familiar voice and two familiar faces showed up.

He puts down the cup of tea. I should have recalled those tea cups don't have ears.
"Gallix-san, Uesugi-san, hello.
What brings you to this tea house? I did not take you for a drinker of tea."

He motions for the two to have a seat at the table.
Prepare your leg muscles, Gallix, you'll be sitting either in yoga position, or on your knees.

No worries there, D. Gallix is well-versed in yoga-type positions, given his training on Jalmeray.

Gallix smoothly lowers himself into a lotus position beside the kineticist. "Oh you can leave the tea to Uesugi. If I remember right, these kind o' places tend to have some kinda eastern wine, though, right? I'd take some o' that in a minute!" He motions over to the bar for a waiter and gives his order when someone comes over. He turns back to D and nudges the man with an elbow, nearly causing him to spill some of his tea. "Oh! Sorry. Nearly spilled there. Anyhow, what've ya been up to? Uesugi and I are just coming back from the jungles of Jalmeray. Helped some nobles hunt down a beast that had killed off some o' their friends several years back, then ended up finding an old temple to this Vudran monkey god. I won't bore ya with the details, but I did take some notes and send 'em to the Chroniclers if ya wanna give em a read sometime."

Uesugi is quiet – as usual – during their walk towards the tea house. Setting foot back in Absalom gave him a sense of pride and although he was not about to admit this out loud the city for all of its strange mishaps and people was growing on him. I wonder if I shall ever see Tian Xia again?

His thoughts began to drift to his late master and the oath he had made Uesugi swear to. He was fulfilling his late master's request and while he would never question that the people he had been sent to assist he did wonder about their ways. Had Lord Takamori known this? He must have that is why he swore me to aid in their cause but not to swear to serve the woman..

"Hey, 'Sugi! Get in here. Looks like we're joining D. for tea." hearing the barbarian's gruff voice he looks into the tea house to see his old friend D. sitting down towards the back of the room.

"Barbarian" lower your tone we are in a place of respect and honour. You shall get your drink soon enough." Uesugi bows respectfully to the tea house proprietor and then to D. "The winds bring us together again D. How have you passed your days and how are the others?" he lowers himself and kneels down nodding to the proprietor to bring another pot of tea.

"Some wine for this one here too, please." he points to the barbarian who is still fiddling with the stool. "Put that down and sit like one who is civilized." His tone is direct but not stern or scolding.

"You might find yourself disappointed, Gallix-san. If you tried your hand at the proper pronunciation of 'tea', a slight difference can get you grape flavored tea, which is as close to the taste of wine, tea could get."

D. rises to his feet, and returns the bow, before sitting down again.
"I have wandered the city, since i had the time. While you two were away, Sirettis-san and Mr. Peppers-san and myself had to work with an ebony skinned burglar....and someone in sarch of Gallix-san."

He stares straight at Gallix.
"The words, with which the...not so fair lady announced her presence, were: Gally-Poo. Gallix-san, you ware her groom-to-be?
Also, did you publicly declare yourself the leader of our group?"

(Questioning look)

Mr Peppers silently stands and listens to Miss Cup's tongue lashing, giving her more respect than he typically does for someone of her kind, especially once she says she's a Pathfinder, and not a neophyte one at that. Fiery one, I bet she dyes her red hair. I can't say I didn't deserve at least some of that.

Mr Peppers glances embarrassingly at Barry, then back to Cup. "My sincere apologies Miss Cup, I had no idea you were a member of the Pathfinder Society. I can't say I've run into many Gnomes in the Society, I was starting to think there could be some sort of decree against them joining. For good reason really. Bluff: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19."

Mr Peppers clears his throat as if a bug suddenly flew into his mouth. "You seem like a nice enough person, lets go get some tea, I could use one. Afterwards, if Captain Valsin and the group decides to accept this mission then you'll hear no complaints from me." They'll likely be sent to Valsin directly in writing...."

With that he nods in apology and slows his pace somewhat as they head to the tea house.

"You might find yourself disappointed, Gallix-san. If you tried your hand at the proper pronunciation of 'tea', a slight difference can get you grape flavored tea, which is as close to the taste of wine, tea could get."

Gallix shakes his head and smiles. "No no no. None of that grape flavored stuff. The...what was it called, Uesugi? Sake? Yeah, I'd take some o' that to be sure." He laughs and sets aside the stool he had been pulling over, resuming his pose beside the table.

D. rises to his feet, and returns the bow, before sitting down again.

"I have wandered the city, since i had the time. While you two were away, Sirettis-san and Mr. Peppers-san and myself had to work with an ebony skinned burglar....and someone in sarch of Gallix-san."

He stares straight at Gallix.
"The words, with which the...not so fair lady announced her presence, were: Gally-Poo. Gallix-san, you ware her groom-to-be?
Also, did you publicly declare yourself the leader of our group?"

Gallix is just about to ask how Peppers and the others are, and whether D had seen hide or hair of Blaster, when he catches what D had asked. He nearly chokes on the sake the waiter had brought, but manages to swallow it down and ask, through the delicious burn of the liquor, "Wait, what did you say she called me? Gally-poo? Ohhh boy. Dwarf girl wasn't it? Oh man, Uesugi why did you let me drink so much last time we were in town?" The brawler puts down his cup and, to everyone's surprise, shoves the still mostly full bottle away.

After a moment of thought, he takes a deep breath and tells his story. "I thought that was a nightmare! Young dwarf lass comes up to me at the bar while I'm a fair ways more than half-drunk and she starts talkin' to me. Tells me all 'bout her life, I tell her 'bout mine. Haha. I did tell her I was the leader of the gang, yeah. Sorry 'bout that one. Anyway. We keep talkin' and get to dancing, at least, it looked like she was dancing. I might-a just been swaying on my feet from the drink. Y'know, I don't think she was just dancing. I think she put a spell on me, cuz next thing I know she's saying we should get married, and I said yes! Can you believe it? I don't even fancy lasses, let alone troll-faced dwarfs like that one. Oh gods above and devils below. Tell me the Red Arm's got another mission to go on. Anything to get outta the city."

D. looks towards Uesugi.

D. sips a bit more of his tea.
"We would know soon enough. The dwarf went away looking for you like a fox chasing the rabbit. She may return some day, picking up your trail again."

"Rice wine, ya say?" Barry pulls his hand to his chin as the four make their way towards the tea house and thinks back to all the different types of spirits he had spent years sampling. Kortos agents have their fair share of questionable tasks to undertake, and finding The Boot at Diobel's tavern with a stack of empty glasses in front of him wasn't exactly a rare sight.

"Sure, I'll try it! I'd try anything once, ya know! Well, almost anything. Drugs are off limits in my books, especially the stuff ya found the Aspis makin'." A frown forms on his face as he remembers its effects on the locals, but his negativity fades as quickly as the group arrives at the teahouse moments later.

I assume Blaster accompanied you guys

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16 Ha...Failed!

Cup blinks. He honestly thought that gnomes were illegal in Pathfinder Society? How many missions has tall, dark and deluded been on? She shakes her head. The poor boy needs an education. She would have to provide one!

"What? You haven't met any other gnomes here? Not even Lini or Balazar? I'll have to introduce you to them sometime. They've been everywhere!"

She smiles again up at him. "Apology accepted. But you'll have to let me introduce you around. Just think about how many gnome friends you can make!"

She bows as they enter Po's Pour House.

In common, she asks, "May I have some Wu Chai Dragon tea, and a cup of sake for my big friend, Barry? What would you guys like?" she asks Sirettis, Mr. Peppers and Blaster.

While D. wouldn't be surprised at the speech of Tien, in the tea house, the light voice draws his attention.

"Uesugi-san, 小さな人、ちびはティエンを話す。 面白い、しかし独特の。"

A middle-aged woman wearing the poofiest of dresses gracefully floats between tables, carrying a tray filled with cute gray cups. Each cup is engraved with a green Wu Chai sigil, likely promoting the tea as it grows in popularity. She hears Cup call to her and glides over, a joyful smile on her face.

"My dearest Cup! It is so great to see you back in Absalom!" She leans over to offer the gnome a warm hug.

She smiles at Sirettis, Blaster, Mr. Peppers, and Barry. "Ah, and you've brought friends. Any friends of Cup are friends of ours. Please, come in."

"What? You haven't met any other gnomes here? Not even Lini or Balazar? I'll have to introduce you to them sometime. They've been everywhere!"

Mr Pepper's stomach knots up when he hears her grand plans. "I guess I've spent most of my time studying and learning the Arcane and haven't gotten out much. I appreciate the offer, but I'm sure I'll run across them sometime if they are indeed all over. But until then lets get some tea." I may need something stronger by the end of this day... He then opens the door for them all and follows them inside.

"Ah, and you've brought friends. Any friends of Cup are friends of ours. Please, come in."

Mr Peppers nods politely to Po "I'm Mr Peppers, nice to meet you Ms Po. We're looking for a couple Tian men, one with a long mustache and the other bald and serious looking one likely carrying a Tian sword. They could be with a loud local man. Are they perhaps here?"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

Sirettis is surprised Mr. Peppers didn't know about other Gnomes in the Pathfinder Society.

Entering the tea shop, Sirettis sits down gracefully.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Or at least decently. Isa begins chirping and flying about the shop and Sirettis has to usher her back.

Sirettis gently cups the bird and calms her down. Isa leaps on the table, hopping about.

"Isa is pleased to be here." She explains.

In common, she asks, "May I have some Wu Chai Dragon tea, and a cup of sake for my big friend, Barry? What would you guys like?" she asks Sirettis, Mr. Peppers and Blaster.

Sirettis pauses for a moment, stiff as a board. My preferences? What do I prefer... I must choose. Isa notes Sirettis's hesitation right away and chirps at her in Auran.

"Green tea will suffice. Maybe with lemon." She blurts out.

After Uesugi would have given his response to D.'s mention of 'the little one':

D. eats a dried rice cookie, that came with the tea.

"Have one Uesugi-san, i am sure you haven't had any of these in a while, am i right?"

The distinct sound of a bird in a usually serene tea house, has D. looking back at the counter again.

"It seems the little one is accompanied by the others from our time travel ordeal, and they are here for the tea, by the looks of it?"