Cwethan's Siege of the Diamond City (Retrocon! Tier 7-8) (Inactive)

Game Master Cwethan

Excuse me, but what do you know about this Zuka? And then, what kind of medical supplies should we get from him?

“Well, he’s a trader, formerly from somewhere to the south, though I don’t know where, exactly. He believes himself to be a champion of merchants and foreigners alike, despite his somewhat aggrandized title. He is nice enough, but has an ego. As for the supplies, he recently received a large shipment, and we need all of it. It contains items ranging from bandages and splints, to wands and potions or useful components for more powerful ritual magics. All of these are needed to aid the wounded.”

"And you don't think he'll make an exception for an emergency? Has he ever seen what demons can do? If the city falls, his own life would be in danger, not to mention there's no one to trade with!" Kargen shakes his head. "Maybe at least we could get him to take some coin as an upfront payment with the rest to follow if we're all still alive later."

The archer's mind is now focused to find the man and the shipment.

He says to Kargen: It's the kind of arguments you'll have to serve Zuka.

Ready to go.

"Make ZUKA be NICE AGAIN. Got it!" El Garrapata turns and walks off in the wrong direction.

Sister Amira nods along with Styfis's point, adding, “Zuka has endured several sieges in his lifetime. He may not realize the severity of this incursion into the city and will likely need to be persuaded.”

With Amira's directions it is simple enough for you to find Sovereign's Rest. The inn remains relatively unscathed from the demonic assault with no obvious signs of structural danger. Inside, roughly two dozen patrons drink and mingle despite the ongoing siege outside. Seated above them on a makeshift wooden throne in the back of the inn is a Garundi man with the expression of a monarch looking over his kingdom. Presumably you have found Zuka, the Sovereign.

On the way to Sovereign’s Rest I bop everyone with Endure Elements so Dax is less chilling, unless someone objects. I also gussy up to make myself look presentable and get ready to butter this self proclaimed monarch’s bread for the good of the city. Entering the inn and seeing a man sitting on an actual throne, I start to lay it on thick.

“Goodness! This place is indeed fit for a king. Fantastic craftsmanship with this woodwork and I bet the drink selection is one to match.”

I gracefully step before the Garundi man and curtsy. Speaking without a hint of sarcasm, I address him as I would the noble of a house.

“I assume that you are the sovereign of this establishment? I have traveled far in my life and this is one of the finest and most welcoming places I have been too.”

The Sovereign gives a beaming smile and a mighty chuckle. "Indeed, we're as generous with our food and drink as you are with your compliments. But you are new here, yes? What brings you to troubled Nerosyan?"

"What else? Coin. Money makes the sun rise and fall, money moves mountains and it is why we are here also." Dax has not dismissed the chill, though the gnome's nature seems at least to have warmed. Putting on a good face for a mark, as it were.

OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT

Pathfinders have struck a blow against the invaders in the Battle District
Condition yellow

"Well, I'm no bank, but if you're looking for a place to unburden yourself of unwanted coin," his grin somehow stretches wider, "there's no finer establishment."

Nodding in agreement with Dax, Alexandra motions to the large, jingling bag.

“I myself have come in search of goods. As I have perused the shops of this city, I saw great quality, but not the proper quantity. I was told that The Sovereign would be the only one who would have what I was looking for. ”

So far so good. Keep the conversation moving around him. Kings love talking about themselves, money, and how everyone loves them.

"Goods, yes? Well, I am known far and wide for my goods and my greatness. What goods do you seek?"

I flash a wide smile in return.

“I am in need of medical supplies. The purpose of these goods will be to aid the people of this city, it’s crusaders, it’s civilians, and specifically its tradesmen. If you happen to have a bulk shipment, I will purchase that.”

The archer is finding that the time is going.

Well, where is all your medical shipment? So we can have a look to make a deal. We need it for the people of Nerosyan.

"Ah. I have indeed received such a shipment recently. Fortunately for you, despite supply and demand being what they are, I will do my patriotic duty and sell them to you for only 16,000 gold pieces. Or equivalent value of goods, of course."

Since I assume you all would rather haggle than cough up the extra 8,000, each of you can make an appropriate check (or aid). Bluff, Diplomacy, Intimidate or Sense Motive could all help, but you could also use Appraise or Heal to use your knowledge of the supplies value during negotiations.

The elf stares a short while at the shipment. Then he concludes: These materials and goods don't cost so much. You overestimated the value of these. So please calculate better.

Appraise: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

The Sovereign quirks his eyebrow in amusement and responds, "What? Like there is some book out there that says how much every item should cost at all places and times? I assure you, the market will bear these prices."

Diplomacy!: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

"You SEEM LIKE A NICE CHAP! You SHOULD HELP US! WE ARE HEROES, YOU KNOW!" Garrapata adds in a booming voice.

"Exactly! Heroes are always slaying dragons and staggering under the weight of their hordes of hoards, yes? Only 16,000 gold, and you could stagger under the weight of wands and medicines instead.

"For only 16,005 you could even have one of these strapping porters carry the weight!"

You all will have a few opportunities to influence the Sovereign, but don't forget that aiding is an option!

When it comes to aiding are we taking the highest and others will auto-assist or do we need to need to say that we are aiding? I ask to know if I should roll now or wait.

Sadly I can't offer the auto-assist, this is a situation where the number of successes is relevant. It's fine if you just want to say that you're aiding the next person to make a stand-alone roll though if you like.

Understood, thank you for the clarification. I will wait and see if anyone wishes to assist me. Because I am already out on a limb, I have the Race trait Silver Tounged, which allows me to improve someone’s additude by 3 instead of 2. This is a different system of influence, but will this give me some advantage?

I think that's a reasonable stretch, though as usual for Silver Tongue, you'll still need to achieve a high result to get the extra effect. That said, go ahead and roll - while I can't just have auto-aids work, I will allow retroactive aids (otherwise the timing just falls to pieces in PbP).

Understood.

Alright Zuka, lets haggle.

“Your grace, I find these goods to be acceptable. The price however, is far too high. You have the supply correct, but you are wrong about the demand. There has been an influx of Pathfinders in the city recently. Pathfinders have these supplies as well, but not in one place. Your wares provide the convenience of getting everything in one location rather then having to run around the city. These goods are not worth 16 thousand to us. They are worth 6 thousand.”

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (18) + 17 = 35

"Six?! Perhaps if I were to sell you my goods for twelve my family and I would not starve!"

Dax, Rallas and Kargen can still post. Since Kargen may be unavailable, I'll roll a Sense Motive check for him tonight and press on to the next 'round' of social checks.

"I could make this, given sufficient time. Perhaps I could help replenish your stores after. We have need of this with a bit more urgency, however." Dax says, and flashes a smile, as well as opening a pack and displaying the contents, nearly a full alchemy lab rests therein.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20 Unless I could use Craft (Alchemy), in which case a further +10

"Fah! Perhaps I could part with these for 8,000 if you aided in replenishing them after."

+18?! I'm only counting up to 16 with traits and racial. Does that include a +2 from your Alchemy Lab (which since it's 40 lbs and you're Str 10 I assume you don't have with you)? Both a 28 and a 30 will have the same effect, just curious for any future rolls :-)

You guys have the price down to the amount you were given by Sister Amira, but you might be able to get the price even lower. Buy now or head back to the Cathedral? (Rule of Two)

Ahem. ELEVEN (Masterwork backpack). Which puts me at a medium load. I don't jump or climb unless someone grabs my slightly over 40 pound pack. It helps that it's basically all I carry aside from clothing. But yes, I carry around most of an alchemy lab. I just now notice they have something called a "portable" alchemist's lab... might have to look into that.

Kargen has been watching the man silently, but he finally speaks up. "Zuka, I see that you prize your reputation and standing above all else. A Sovereign not only commands respect from his subjects but also acts responsibly to earn their trust, respect, and even love. If word gets out that you helped provide for the care of the city in it's time of crisis, think about how that will make you look compared to your competition. We can make it known that you provided these supplies as significant cost to yourself. You will be seen as a savior of the city, and everyone will hold you in the highest esteem."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (17) + 15 = 32

OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT

Pathfinders have struck a blow against the invaders in the Battle District
Condition green

I think we go with the supplies to the cathedral to deliver them.

“Group huddle.”

Gathering everyone together, I lower my voice so Zuka can’t hear.

“First, well done Dax. Great work Kargen. We now have what we came for. We could knock this guy down even more but I’d rather just leave to help in other areas or the city. I don’t want to find out someone needed our aid and we didn’t get there because we wanted to save another thousand or two. What does everyone else think?”

Rule of Two says move it along

Sister Amira is thrilled that you were able to bring the much needed supplies to her Cathedral, and promises to divert what she can to support the Pathfinders in their efforts as well.

Back at the Lodge you have a chance to rest and recover your wounds, but plenty of other situations demand attention.

Where to next? The Battle District is going well, so encounters would be easier, but they might not need the help. Egelsee, Confluence, Woundward, and the Outer District are all in more peril.

Also, you probably don't need it now, but twice you will be able to requisition support when you return to the lodge. You'll be able to get: 3d8+9 points of magical healing, an oil of align weapon (good), the effects of a lesser restoration spell, or regain a spell of 2nd level or lower (as if he had used a pearl of power).

Is it per person or one for the party?

I vote again for Egelsee or Outer District.

I vote for Egelsee, let's continue what we started!

Egelsee if there's more otherwise I vote confluence.

The Egelsee district seemed to be holding up well for now. If there is fighting in the Battle district and the fight is going well, it might be time to push into the Outer district. We would make a great strike team. The idea for actually fighting demons terrifies Alexandra, but I think it makes sense.

OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT

Pathfinders have started pushing back against the horde in the Egelsee and Outer districts
Condition Yellow in both locations

OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT

Pathfinders have continued driving back the hordes in Egelsee!
Condition green in that location

Since you guys are tied between Egelsee and the Outer District, but Egelsee has since been made (relatively) safe, I'll send you to the Outskirts since it didn't seem like you were trying to avoid fights.

Outside the walls of Nerosyan, crusaders and Pathfinders alike move with haste to support those caught unprepared by the demonic onslaught. A single messenger bearing the Glyph of the Open Road on his steed’s barding approaches. “Friends, we have one ship still in the docks. All the other vessels have all cast off, but this one needs to complete some last-minute repairs. Her captain is allied with the Pathfinder Society and has precious cargo bound for Absalom. Please go see to it that the ship is protected and gets out of port safely.”

The journey to the docks is unimpeded, and as you arrive the captain, Victor Protonicus, flags you down with a haggard grin. "Always good in a pinch, you Society types. The ship has a host of relics that can't be allowed to fall into demonic hands, but we've still got some repairs to finish before we can set sail safely. Please, keep my ship safe."

But after a while it becomes apparent that no demons are nearby to threaten Captain Protonicus's vessel, as the sounds of battle can be heard mostly from the walls of the city and scattered areas away from the docks.

Just as the repairs near completion, however, a huddled mass of dozens of frightened looking townsfolk approach the docks, demanding to be let aboard the Sea Templar.

"I'd like to help these poor souls, but is it safe? Do you have any way of making sure none of them are possessed or all... demony?"

What do you do?

Having his bow in hand, the archer remains doubtful. Sure that something is hiding in the middle of the crowd.

I'm able to cast Seek thoughts if needed. But someone else can make a Detect evil and/or something else better.

Kargen asks the group to line up. While they are doing so, he turns to the others. I can sweep them to see if any are evil. If we really want to be sure, I also have a scroll of Align Weapon that someone can use to see if any of them react abnormally to a blessed dagger. Just a scratch or a prick from the dagger ought to get a reaction from a demon."

Kargen is willing to follow through as needed. He can cast Detect Evil at will.

I raise an eyebrow.

“Detecting evil sounds ok. Cutting townsfolk? Umm does that seem a bit extreme? If you do wish to continue with that, wouldn’t it make the most sense to scratch them without the oil? Demons are resistant to the damage of normal weapons so by finding that you can’t scratch someone, that would be a sign that something is wrong. I’ll try detecting any magic. ”

Before I begin sweeping the crowd with Detect Magic, I cast mage armor from one of my wands and use a scroll to cast Ward the Faithful, selecting Torag as the deity.

If I see anything magical on the crowd I will not immediately react.

Garrapata looks at the ship with wonder. "Ooo, nice SHIP! I love IT! OF COURSE WE WILL HELP!" Garrapata strides with the others and nods along as they talk of evil detection. "YES! I TOO WILL DETECT EVIL!" He strides into the crowd, picking up random people and staring deeply into their eyes. "NO EVIL HERE! But this ONE NEEDS BREATH MINTS!"

After watching El Garrapata shake an old man, I pause my sweep to give him a friendly pointer.

Well he might not be evil, but he certainly has a concussion.

Hey Big Blue, you’re doing well, but you can increase your accuracy with your detection it you try it this way.

I pantomime rocking a baby with both arms.

Less like soda pop, more rock-a-by.

El Garrapata's enthusiasm and Kargen and Alexadra's diviantions are not greeted well by the crowd. "Do you mean to leave us for the demons?!" "The blue one looks like a demon himself!" "The others could be witches!"

I do not like were this is going. Even without magic possibly effecting them, these people would be scared.

I continue to concentrate on my Detect Magic. If I get another round after that I will use my Savant ability to take 10 on my Spellcraft check, giving me a 25. Another question, what is the plant life like around here?