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Ogren finds that most of Nex's common folk don't actually know much about their ruling class. Not that they're shrouded in secrecy, but their workings are quite...arcane. It's hard to be bothered by such things when you work at least one grueling job. But by chance, he gets a similar answer several times. "Try Ladhlia's shop. Big Blue over there has sold wares to pretty much every Arclord worth their spellbook, and us commoners too. She's got her finger on everyone's pulse, she knows a lot." You decide to follow the advice, doubling back a bit per their directions.
The shop’s interior is cool and shaded, a welcome change from the bold sunlight on the streets. Though the building seemed large enough from the outside, the space within seems small, perhaps due to a mazelike tangle of shelves filling all but a narrow walkway through the center. Each shelf bears a trove of trinkets, tomes, bottles, and boxes and a boggling array of bits and bobs. Customers quietly browse the shelves. Only a few steps into the shop, a high glass-lined countertop offers a break from the tall shelves everywhere else. An 9-foot woman with sky-blue skin sits behind the counter, holding a magnifying eyepiece over one eye while examining a dark, gleaming gemstone the size of a human’s palm. A moment later, she looks up and then stands, towering in a surprisingly nonthreatening manner. “Well, well,” she booms. “I don’t recognize you, so you must be new customers. My name is Ladhlia. How can I help you?”
Sam feels a near euphoric wave rush over and through him as he extends his Arcane Sense.
Mmm...
Alright, I'm back. Dannggg young lady, you sure are a tall glass of water. Sam seems appreciative of the woman's stature.
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Elgolion follows Sam's example and attempts to play nice, vaguely complimenting Ladhlia's pristine and well-organized shop. The woman doesn't take kindly to some particular of what he said. At her annoyance, a few of the 'customers' bristle and turn your way. Thankfully, they stand down when beckoned to. "You really are new. Flattery doesn't buy much around here. But you haven't climbed up the counter with your purchases yet, so you want something less material. Come on, dish."
Actually, I need something for these hand wraps and doubling rings, nothing too fancy. Would you mind making a suggestion?
In addition to that, what we want is some assistance. You're right, we're new. At least I am, and was a little awestruck but the shoppe, and you frankly.
I think everyone is just a little nervous asking for what they want.
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Ladhlia doesn't look like a very judging or angry person. At the moment, that's hard to tell from her gaze as she looms over you. "I think you're right," she says first, to Mordack. She motions to whoever has the parcel with her insignia. "But let it not be said that I hold grudges. Hand that over, and I'll help you out."
"Well, that's troubling," she remarks of the death, sounding a little bored. "Everyone knew he had enemies, though. Last I saw him, he came in to buy these parts, make a safeguard for some valuable doodad. He mentioned a few people to be on guard for, but two stick out: Arclords Prakhavu Khibenid and Ngasi Bakolo.
"Both are occasional customers of mine. Prahkavu's a Vudrani man from Oenopion. Usually summons minions to do his dirty work, lazy and abrasive conjurer that he is. Interested in all things Nex, he'd research his old table scraps or diary for weeks in search of hidden meaning. Ngasi's a transmuter from the Mwangi Expanse. Nearly all she cares about around here has to do with the fleshforges of Ecanus - big golem plant, malfunctions early and often. I wouldn't rule either out, but what were they after? Letting me in on it might help."
Sam gulps... Jackpot!
They done like quite the pair, probably fast friends... and idea where they might be found when not spending hard earned good in the finest emporium?
I was serious about something for these wraps and rings. Something affordable.
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"Fast friends?" Despite her annoyance, Ladhlia bursts into laughter. Customers and 'customer' bodyguards alike turn to stare. "Most Arclords hate each other on principle, and these two are no exception. Not enough to kill each other, but...you know. They'd never work together to get this book; who'd end up with it at the end?
"Though now that I know what started all this...either could want the thing. Ngasi is always looking for stuff related to golem production, to make those crazy processes easier. And of course, Prakhavu would be on the warpath to snatch something Nex wrote. He seems a little more likely to kill for it, in my mind. Ngasi would just try to buy something off you and never let it go if you refused."
Ladhlia produces a few thin vials. Considering they look made for normal humans, it's a wonder she doesn't break them between her fingers. Inside are flakes of the same blanch Zanhanal had. "I usually sell this to the city guard. Can't trust golems, and you could run into more on this investigation. This'll turn whatever weapon you want into an easy off-switch."
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Ladhlia hands over the blanch, setting the little coins in a till. Barring any more purchases, she notes that closing time is near. She seems eager to chase you off, but grudgingly wishes you luck in the investigation.
You trudge back to Nexus House, seeing little else for it at the moment. Hopefully you can reach it before the table conjures up a bounty! But taking a shortcut through a market, its bustling crowd starts to disperse, screaming and shouting. The reason quickly becomes evident: Fire elementals have emerged from behind corners, surrounding the team. From a rooftop a ways away, a humanoid with fiery skin and hair loads her crossbow. "Shouldn't have meddled in our business, Pathfinders," she calls.
Elgolion moves to where he can see the foe and then fires a pair of arrows at her.
Mordack will shift step back while pulling out his wand of acid arrows
vs TAC acid and persistant damage
Frost is the closest thing to water that Sam had in his evocation arsenal... he slings an icy Ray at good assailant!
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Elgolion dances into the water and fires two wild shots. Halgir tries to shove an elemental away, failing, but he still wounds it with his shoulder and a mighty hammer swing. The fires aren't as effective, except the one fearfully follows Elgolion onto the water. It steams in a painful-looking way, but manages to knock the elf down. At least he isn't on fire, and the pool doesn't leave him in danger of drowning.
Sam knows cold and water magics are more effective, his own doing a fair bit of harm. The elementals will hurt as long as they touch water, and explode violently upon death.
Mordack will spend a full action to get rid of persistant damage, which allows me to roll twice
Blasting the thing again...
"'ey, greenskin! Th' pointy-ears needs ye over there in th' pool!" Halgir shouts to Ogren.
"Get in th' wat'r, Mordack!" He shouts to Mordack.
Then he raises his shield and Rolls over the fire elemental like a Boulder.
You push the triggering creature, either automatically Shoving it 5 feet or causing it to become flat-footed until the start of your next turn. The triggering creature chooses whether to be moved or flat-footed. If it chooses to be moved, you choose the direction. If that would cause it to hit a solid object or enter a square of difficult terrain, it must become flat-footed instead of being moved. You can’t Shove it into another creature’s space.
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Halgir tries to shove past an elemental, but it holds surprisingly firm despite the hit. Sam's continued barrage takes its toll on another. It writhes, the fires that make it up dimming before returning as a miniature explosion!
16-25: 3 fire damage.
7-15: fire damage.
6-: 14 fire damage.
Halgir makes a grumbling noise in the back of his throat as the elemental holds firm. He lays into it with his axe before raising his shield. "Get in th' water like th' oth'r pointy ears!" Halgir shouts at Mordack again.
Elgolipn strides through the water "Thank you for saving me, master Ogren. I believe you can handle that one." He strikes at the woman on the roof with his bow.
Is there a disengage in Pathfinder 2e, cause I would like to do it, moved my position.
[ooc]Oh that is water? Thanks I fixed my position. I'll do that, 5 foot step and then go into water. Unfortunately casting spells is two actions, so I just end up with 1 unused action but no longer burning.
Things are getting crowded, best Sam... he steps back and launches another icy ray... this time, at the roof runner!
Guys, is it just me, or does she look... hot?! Smokin'...
But, she needs to chill.
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His shield up, Ogren is forced to start slicing away at the elemental. Sam manages a great shot at the faraway archer, while Elgolion's goes wide.
Sam realizes that she is an ifrit - a mostly humanoid with some ancestor or other influence from the Plane of Fire. Resistant to heat and flame, but not vulnerable like these pure fires.
Halgir shoves at the fire elemental with his Warhammer
Then he shoves at it again and raises his shield.
Elgolion fires three more arrows at the fire lady.
Come down and lets talk it through... Sam shoots once more.
Mordack moves out of the water and fires his wand of acid arrows at yellow vs touch and persistent
Mordack! Get but that wall and take cover, man! No heroics, were just taking out the trash...
What wall, oh, you mean those buildings.