mbauers' Slave Ships of Absalom PFS 6-05 (Inactive)

Game Master mbauers

Atlag, only recently enslaved in Sedeq to pay off debts she could not cover after a failed investment, is upset about her recent sequestration and believes herself innocent of the recent accusations of espionage. She was sold in Katapesh before being taken to Absalom, she says, and she appears to be telling the truth.

Nothing else to be learned there.

As you move to leave, Milana approaches Towyn tentatively, putting a hand on his shoulder.

“You seem to possess a keen understanding of how things work in Absalom, so perhaps you might be willing to perform a small service for my Lady. It would be unheard of for Lady Silviana to demand recompense for her handmaiden purchased from Mahjub Mahdi; however, were you to secure such a deal, it would be gracious gesture that might lead to a budding friendship, don’t you think? And should he refuse you, who were you to ask in the first place?” She shrugs her shoulders and frowns slightly, looking quizzically at the stone-faced individual who appeared to join the group out of nowhere.

Moving along to Mahdi's place, but anyone can feel free to retroactively respond to Milana's last request.

Misery Row is an enormous, elevated platform that runs along the eastern edge of the Coins district, and serves as the main destination to buy and sell slaves in Absalom.
The cages are set into the platform such that slavers and prospective buyers can walk over the pits to inspect the merchandise easily. Mahdi’s Chattel is located along the platform, where his many-windowed storefront can catch the eye of discerning buyers. The massive wooden
platform is well worn by foot traffic, and is active all hours of the day and night.

Knowing the name of the establishment, it is not difficult to find.

A hanging sign identifies the single-story building with large, full-length windows as “Mahdi’s Chattel— Absalom’s Finest.” Heavy curtains are drawn over all of the windows and a small painted sign that reads “Closed” hangs over the latch of the door.

Make a perception check and read all spoilers whose DC you equal or exceed.

"Hmpf. I don't mind playing a trick on a slaver. Sounds kinda fun." Acel nods at Milana.

At Misery Row, Acel doesn't seem as enthused as she used to. "I don't mind pranking people. Wouldn't mind tricking them for a long time, either. But buying and selling them like this? Definitely not my style."

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

Approaching the door, Acel glares at the latch. "What the- this door isn't closed at all. The latch is pretty damaged..."

Perception : 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

"Yes, Acel. It appears there have been unwanted visitors here already ."

Omar will draw attention to the portals.

"I would have to agree, Acel. This is quite reprehensible."

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

"Someone else is here! There are voices inside and by the sound of it, a disagreement! I hear a glass breaking, perhaps a bottle. I think now is the time for action. "

Other than hearing Atlag’s testimony, Ma’Huuk would be most concerned about her general health and her treatment at her owner’s hands. Is that information he could get while we’re there?

Ma’Huuk seems somewhat ambivalent to Milana’s request, but as they walk towards Misery row, the big man speaks up. ”I could care less if a slave-buyer gets her gold back for what she sees as a bad deal. Taking money from a man who makes a living in their buying and selling … that I will gladly do. This Mahdi will lose money on his deal of Atlag.”

"I don't mind pranking people. Wouldn't mind tricking them for a long time, either. But buying and selling them like this? Definitely not my style."

Ma’Huuk nods along with Acel and Faellynn’s words. ”Life is meant to be lived free. Slavery is not life.”

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

The mwangi also notes the door’s markings. At Faellynn’s words, however, he hefts his spear and rushes the door, crashing through it.

”DOES ONE NEED HELP?” he roars as his eyes adjust to the buildings light.

Seeing the hulking barbarian crashing through the door, Faelynn draws her bow and follows him into the building.

"Well, if the big guy is taking the heat..."

Stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Acel quickly darts into the office, drawing her rapier.

Atlag, though placed in isolation, appears to be treated fairly. At least, she does not appear to be malnourished or show any signs of injury. If you ask her, she will tell you that she'd rather be where she is than with many other potential masters she could have.

Ma'Huuk crashes through the damaged door, sending shards of wood flying in all directions. The others follow in behind, weapons drawn, while Acel uses the loud distraction to sneak in unnoticed.

Room flavor text (entrance, where you are)
Mahdi’s Chattel is pleasantly decorated. An Andoren rug lies over the polished wooden floor of the entryway, and a small decorative table holds a curious stone statue. The eastern half of the room is in slight disarray, apparently from light renovations that are nearly complete.

Eastern room flavor text
This large office doubles as a private parlor for Mahjub Mahdi to conduct his legal but objectionable business. The room’s furnishings consist of a round table with two comfortable chairs, a desk with a metal-banded strongbox beneath it, and a refreshment cart. Two paintings hanging on the north wall both depict the bustling harbor of Katheer.

Two armed thugs stand guard at the door, short blades drawn.

Nearby, several smashed bottles of wine lie on the floor next to the refreshment cart, and a well-muscled half-orc holds a bearded Keleshite man off the ground by his fine-spun tunic.

Get out! Can't you see we're conducting some business here?

He scowls at you, impatiently awaiting your reply.

There's not a DC on that spoiler. How do we access that info ... just if we've got a rank in either?

Sorry, DC 20

Saarai does not immediately enter with the others, but remains outside listening to the conversation and watching behind them.

All in a day's work...

Saarai does not immediately enter with the others, but remains outside listening to the conversation and watching behind them.

All in a day's work...

Sure thing, but that was a window, so I moved you by the doorway (unless you wanted to be by the window.

This reminds me--everyone else, you have editing rights, so if you want to move your character when there is a fight (if it comes to that), you should be able to move yourselves.

Oops, my stealth should be 12, not 13. Doesn't matter, though.

Not even bothering with diplomacy, Acel casts silent image. The thugs and Mahdi are surrounded by...more thugs, wearing Ma'Huuk's colors and allied with the barbarian. They nod to him, ready to leap in at a moment's notice.

Will DC 15 to disbelieve the illusions. Acel can use swift actions to maintain the illusion thanks to her Effortless Trickery Feat.

I actually moved Saarai’s position based on her post. :D
Good to know about the door/window thing, though. My bad.

Ma’Huuk thunders to a stop, his dark eyes taking in the situation for a few moments. Then, he grounds his spear on the floor, but his words and posture exude threatening menace.

”Do not bark at us, mutt!” he growls. ”We have business with this man. Business that will not wait. So YOU will wait outside. And YOU will finish your business afterwards.”

Intimidate: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

Hooohooo...nice!

Saarai cringes, but then smiles, as she listens from outside.

I wouldn't want to be on the other end of that...

The half-orc recoils as armed men appear seemingly out of nowhere. He snarls until his lackeys say: Boss, it's just a trick!

Violence seems imminent until Ma'Huuk lays down the law. The half-orc's hand twitches near his mace but he instead sets the Keleshite down, and nods his head in deference to the Mwangi man.

He turns one last time, scowls at his quarry saying: We'll be back, and we won't be so nice next time.

He navigates his way past you (if you'll allow), and his thugs follow.

The proprietor of the shop takes a minute to smooth out his ruffled clothes, runs a hand through his hair, and says: Thanks, friend. It seems your bark was worse than his bite. So, exactly what business do we have together? Please, have a seat.

He offers his chairs to you all and begins searching for an intact bottle of wine should anyone care for a drink.

"You have no idea about his 'bite'... his bark is actually quite soothing compared to the bite that follows," Faellynn responds. "Mahdi, correct? You can forget the wine. We're not here to drink or buy."

Saarai blows a kiss to the departing thugs, then enters the establishment.

Huh ... I figured that would just start a fight. Well-timed 20.

Ma’Huuk doesn’t move to bar their exit, and as they leave, he’s gripped with the intense desire to wrap his own hands around the slave-trader’s neck. Instead, he decides to make sure their interview has some privacy … a real trick given that he’d just smashed down the front door.

So Ma’Huuk gives Mahdi a baleful look, then turns around and takes up a guarding position at the door to the back room, where he can keep an eye on anyone coming in as well as on Mahdi himself.

"You have no idea about his 'bite'... his bark is actually quite soothing compared to the bite that follows," Faellynn responds. "Mahdi, correct? You can forget the wine. We're not here to drink or buy."

Selling then? Very well, which ones are for sale? That one would fetch a fair price to fight in the pits, I wager, Mahdi says, indicating Ma'Huuk.

Towyn has been waiting outside with Saarai, possibly sizing her up (and for a brief moment, his eyes actually seem to turn yellow... just for a split second...). As the thugs leave, he scowls back at them, snarling. "Then pray I'm not here when that happens."

Stepping inside and admiring the handiwork of the mess, Towyn passes by Ma'Huuk and reaches up to pat him on the shoulder. "Mine's still bigger... but your's is a damn close second." he commented, before settling into a seat, pressing his fingers together.

"Hey, now, speak for yourself. Nothing softens up negotiations like some liquid loose tongue, eh?" he replied, crossing one leg over the other and looking to their host. "You're a funny guy, Madhi. I like you... that's why I haven't burned the place down. Tell me something: can just anyone wander off the streets for some wheeling and dealing? Or, I suppose in the case of your prior visitors, start chucking bottles and strong-arm you?"

One of these days, illusions. One of these days! Acel has a +6 to Intimidate, but she's small so she'd take a -4 penalty, lol.

Acel watches the thugs leave, then removes the illusory soldiers. She maintains concentration, just in case.

Once Saarai walks in, Acel walks in with her. "Not here for sales. We're here for an audit. You gave Lady Silviana Dimora a slave three weeks back. Where'd you get her from?"

"Hey, now, speak for yourself. Nothing softens up negotiations like some liquid loose tongue, eh?" he replied, crossing one leg over the other and looking to their host. "You're a funny guy, Madhi. I like you... that's why I haven't burned the place down. Tell me something: can just anyone wander off the streets for some wheeling and dealing? Or, I suppose in the case of your prior visitors, start chucking bottles and strong-arm you?"

Mahdi smiles and pours a dark red wine for Towyn. Different people have different negotiation tactics, I suppose. You saw what it got Mezuk--he ruined some perfectly good spirits and left empty-handed. Hopefully you will prove smarter, he takes a seat one of the chairs if no one else takes it.

One of these days, illusions. One of these days!

Well, the thugs had terrible will saves but rolled exceptionally well. The trick to Silent Image is not giving them a chance to interact with it. Putting up an image of the wall continuing where a door actually is or something like that. Teleporting 3 fake people on top of someone is a bit of a stretch ;-)

Acel watches the thugs leave, then removes the illusory soldiers. She maintains concentration, just in case.

Once Saarai walks in, Acel walks in with her. "Not here for sales. We're here for an audit. You gave Lady Silviana Dimora a slave three weeks back. Where'd you get her from?"

I'm not sure I understand what you're saying. If you dismiss the illusion, what are you concentrating on?

Mahdi clasps his hands together and nods knowingly. Ah there it is, ok, down to business. Abadar would strike me dead if I gave you that information for free. But as you helped me with my previous engagement, I will give you a special price for special friends, yes? 400 gold and the information is yours.

Maybe I'm misreading Silent Image. Do I have control over five 10 foot cubes to draw any illusion as long as I concentrate? Or do I project a single illusion and I can't change its form? I'll keep the illusion up, then.

Instead of removing the soldiers, they will nod to Ma'huuk and block the way to the door, gently reminding outsiders to stay out. Heehee, there's my wall!

Intimidate, Lousy Size Penalty: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 6 - 4 = 13

"I don't believe this. We didn't come all this way and save you from a beating just so you could charge us! You're gonna tell us what we need, or my friends here are going to finish what those brutes started!"

"But Abadar isn't here. I am." Towyn responded, taking a sip of the wine and sighing contently. His sights narrow on Mahdi as he makes an offer. "You've got guts, I'll give you that." he said, setting his glass down and leaning back in the chair, pressing his fingers together again.

At Acel's outburst, Towyn raised a hand to try and calm her. " Easy, Acel. We're better than that... well, I am, anyways. I've got a counter proposal, but I need to know something first. The slave you sold to Lady Dimora... how much did she fetch?"

Maybe I'm misreading Silent Image. Do I have control over five 10 foot cubes to draw any illusion as long as I concentrate? Or do I project a single illusion and I can't change its form? I'll keep the illusion up, then.

Instead of removing the soldiers, they will nod to Ma'huuk and block the way to the door, gently reminding outsiders to stay out. Heehee, there's my wall!

[dice=Intimidate, Lousy Size Penalty]1d20+6-4

"I don't believe this. We didn't come all this way and save you from a beating just so you could charge us! You're gonna tell us what we need, or my friends here are going to finish what those brutes started!"

As I understand it, you may move the image around within the area of effect while you concentrate, but I don't believe you can change the image. I will tell you in this instance it won't matter, as you guys have already avoided the potential combat.

Mahdi looks confused at first, then finds Acel among the other tall folk.

Whoa, there you are! They say that a hammer sees every problem as a nail. Do you lot possess any other tools at your disposal? I grow tired of hammers, but it is the nature of my work, I suppose...

"But Abadar isn't here. I am." Towyn responded, taking a sip of the wine and sighing contently. His sights narrow on Mahdi as he makes an offer. "You've got guts, I'll give you that." he said, setting his glass down and leaning back in the chair, pressing his fingers together again.

At Acel's outburst, Towyn raised a hand to try and calm her. " Easy, Acel. We're better than that... well, I am, anyways. I've got a counter proposal, but I need to know something first. The slave you sold to Lady Dimora... how much did she fetch?"

I fail to see how that is relevant, but you intrigue me so I shall tell you: She is well-schooled and fit to serve nobility, so she commanded one hundred and fifty gold. Now, let's hear your offer.

"I'd say that's bull-hockey and I'd bet good coin it's more than that. A well-educated young lady sold to a wealthy member of Absalom's elite? 500 gold. Easy. Maybe 450 gold. Maybe."

Towyn leaned forward and smiled his best. "But I can find out if you're telling the truth for certain, so here's my proposition: give me an hour, tops, and I will have that girl back in this very room, fit for service once more. You won't owe Lady Dimora a copper. I bring her here, you give us the info we need. You get your slave back and are on your way."

Ma'Huuk—who'd entirely ignored the spear comment—fights to keep the anger from his features as Towyn and this man discuss the price of people. As Towyn makes his offer the big man looks down at him, eyes narrowing to suspicious slits.

"What are you doing?" He looks over at the slave-trader, "We did not come here to fatten a slave-trader's purse. Especially not a slave-trader who sold compromised ... " his tone hardens, "... property."

He nods towards the door through which the thugs wait, "This slave trader may heal from broken bones from thugs, but a broken reputation? What buyer can trust such a man to sell honest goods?"

Not trying to step on your toes, Towyn. It just sounds like you're scheme ends up benefiting this slave trader ... which Ma'Huuk is NOT going to be okay with. If you've got something up your sleeve that Ma'Huuk would actually be good with, it'd be good to know.

Omar remains silent since the others are doing fine negotiating with the merchant. He is glad the thugs left without further confrontation.

"Gentlemen, as long as we come to a common agreement. We are not here to provide any addition gold to the slave trader, but see it is in his best interest to aid us on this endeavor."

"It's a business exchange." Towyn said, turning and looking up at Ma'Huuk with a smile. "We don't have the 400 gold to buy the information, but returning his slave to him, which I fully believe will run 500 gold, would be more than a fair trade to get the info."

Smirking, Towyn gave a very quick wink to the big fellow, before turning back. "Of course, that's all dependent on if she WAS indeed sold for mere 150 gold. But I'm sure our friend here wouldn't exaggerate prices like that."

Oh no, Towyn's got a few tricks up his sleeve, but it'll require a bit of trickery.

bluff: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (6) + 18 = 24

The expressionless tiefling whispers to Acel, but just loud enough for the slave-trader to hear.

"He's not trying to get him to believe she's only worth 500 gold, is he?"

A couple things--Ma'Huuk, in case I wasn't clear, the thugs aren't waiting outside. They left entirely. Towyn, there was no gold value assigned, so I had to estimate. In Skull & Shackles, a strong warrior sells for 75 gp. Atlag is schooled in etiquette and for a noblewoman, so I doubled that price to 150 gp. Regardless, you can roll a Sense Motive to see if he's telling the truth or a Profession (Slaver) (I suppose) to try to determine the worth of a slave.

"It's a business exchange." Towyn said, turning and looking up at Ma'Huuk with a smile. "We don't have the 400 gold to buy the information, but returning his slave to him, which I fully believe will run 500 gold, would be more than a fair trade to get the info."

Smirking, Towyn gave a very quick wink to the big fellow, before turning back. "Of course, that's all dependent on if she WAS indeed sold for mere 150 gold. But I'm sure our friend here wouldn't exaggerate prices like that."

[dice=bluff]1d20+18

The expressionless tiefling whispers to Acel, but just loud enough for the slave-trader to hear.

"He's not trying to get him to believe she's only worth 500 gold, is he?"

Mahdi scoffs at Towyn and Saarai's words. I've no doubt Atlag is worth a good sum to the right people, but to me she has no...monetary value, he spares a glance at Ma'Huuk, choosing his words carefully.

I knew nothing of any treachery and did all I could to ensure the deal was sound. Why should I bear the cost when I am not to blame? I purchased the girl personally from a respectable source...

He stops and smiles, I almost gave the information away. Clever, getting me to ramble on like this. Yes, I have no interest in the girl, but money talks.

If you talk to the man amicably and want to make a deal that way, feel free to roll Diplomacy. If you talk to him in a threatening manner and want to bully him, please roll Intimidate.

Acel's out of ideas (and she intimidated already), so she flops onto a seat while her illusory warriors pull out paper fans and start fanning her.

I'm not really a diplomacy or intimidate person...I can pretty much only bluff. So if someone else wants to try either of those, I'm good. Otherwise I need to lie to him.

Dont forget you guys can all aid another on one of the rolls if you want.

Acel has effectively a +2 on him (lousy size penalty.) Can anyone beat that?

So, things have kind of slowed down a bit. I didn't mean to stifle your creativity, it's just with Towyn's particular suggestion Mahdi isn't interested. You've already resolved most of the scene, and the man has the info you want. At this point we just need someone to make a decision--pay him 400 gp (I wouldn't recommend that, that's a steep price!), diplomacy, or intimidate. You could also do a combination of those things if you prefer, like using diplomacy and counter offering with less gold, for example.

Sorry, all crazy busy weekend.

Ma'Huuk turns his scowl back on the slave-trader, "And yet yours is the name we will drag through the mud." He takes a threatening step forward, "Unless you can give us the name of the one who gave you this marked woman."

I only have a +2, also, but someone's gotta make the attempt.
Intimidate: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

That's ok, I figured the weekend was part of the delay as well. I'm finally done with school for the year, so every day is a weekend for me! ;-) I'll take that roll as an AA to go with Acel's (since she rolled first), so you all are at 15. I'll wait a bit to let everyone else roll AA for Intimidate if they want to before resolving.

Works for me.

I'll attempt to assist... but this isn't really Faellynn's thing.

AA: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Omar will chime in on assisting the negotiations....or not.

Towyn AA: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Saarai AA: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (18) - 2 = 16

I'll give Acel a +1 circumstance bonus for the supposed number advantage you have due to the illusions. Guess I was wrong about it not mattering now! ;-)

Mahdi's face reddens, But, I am not at fault! How dare you threaten my business... he exhales forcefully, calms down slightly, and says: I assure you, I took all precautions against this sort of thing. I am not at fault. I will tell you the supplier, but you didn't hear it from me and you will not be dragging my name through the mud, yes?

I acquired Atlag from a captain I only deal with sparingly, a woman named named Waheeda Wardak. Her ship, the At Sea, sailed with
those atrocious yellow sails the Okeno pirates are known for. She is bringing another shipment tomorrow, so the At Sea should be docking tonight if it hasn't already arrived.

The man hesitates, wiping a bead of sweat from his brow. I was told to expect an an enslaved Pathfinder as part of tomorrow’s lot. There, that's all I know! Now will you please leave me to my business?

"Finally! You stopped wasting my time!" Acel flops off the chair and confidently struts out.

Once everyone else has left, Ma'Huuk's allies make funny faces at Mahdi right before she drops the illusion. "Haha! Magic well spent. Guess we should see what that ship the At Sea is doing, eh?"

'Pray we don't come back. Most of us don't take kindly to those in the slave trade."

Faellynn storms out after the gnome. 'Acel... to be honest. You kind of creep me out. But I must admit, you were quite effective just now." She makes an awkward smile at Acel, but quickly subverts her eyes and stairs at her feet as she heads off with the group towards the docks.

Ma’Huuk completes Acel and Faellynn’s words by baring his teeth at the small man. He stands over Towyn’s shoulder, though, making sure their business is concluded before following the group out.

Want to be available to help Towyn’s efforts for getting Silviana’s gold back, if Towyn’s gonna give it a shot. Heck, I’d be down with splitting the cost of giving Milana the 150g, lying to her saying that it’s from Mahdi in return for the slave returned, and then setting the girl free. :D

When Mahdi’s distasteful establishment is behind them, the Bekyar tribesman frowns as he looks between Ael and Faellynn. ”Creep you out?” He shrugs, ”All of you northlanders are strange.”

Has Ma’Huuk ever heard of Waheeda Wardak or her ship? If so, what does he know?
Know (Local): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

“Make no mistake, this is an excellent opportunity for you to impress a well-connected friend of the Society. Lady Darchana requested that the Pathfinders call upon her at her estate in the Petal District once they learn something of the origins of this servant. The owner of the handmaiden is named Lady Silviana Dimora. Lady Silviana isn’t a councilmember or the like—at least not yet. From what I understand, though, she is an upand-comer who is rubbing elbows with all of the right people, and she likely has little knowledge of where the slave was purchased. I recommend speaking to her majordomo Milana about the handmaiden, or you can pay a visit to her solicitor, a Chelish fellow named Salbus over in the Coins. Questions?”

It's been awhile since we started, so here's your mission parameters again if it helps. ;-)

Ma’Huuk completes Acel and Faellynn’s words by baring his teeth at the small man. He stands over Towyn’s shoulder, though, making sure their business is concluded before following the group out.

Want to be available to help Towyn’s efforts for getting Silviana’s gold back, if Towyn’s gonna give it a shot. Heck, I’d be down with splitting the cost of giving Milana the 150g, lying to her saying that it’s from Mahdi in return for the slave returned, and then setting the girl free. :D

When Mahdi’s distasteful establishment is behind them, the Bekyar tribesman frowns as he looks between Ael and Faellynn. ”Creep you out?” He shrugs, ”All of you northlanders are strange.”

Has Ma’Huuk ever heard of Waheeda Wardak or her ship? If so, what does he know?
[dice=Know (Local)]1d20 + 4

Whoops, missed this post because I'm posting on my phone. When I get home ill check on the Knowledge roll.