GM Tyranius Age of Ashes (PF2E) (Inactive)

Game Master Tyranius

Kelvin spends much of the night, and bits of the boat ride, chewing out Dori. Most can catch snippets of him saying things to Dori like:
"You're a doddering old fool, with zero understanding of the differences in faith! It's Torag or no one, right?"

"You turned away good coin! Coin that will help pay for all the repairs we have to do. All because you're scared and aren't willing to understand others. It's no wonder..."

When Kintargo comes into view however, the angry dwarf has moved on. After all, three days of arguing is, by dwarven standards, a short fight.

"I'm fine with sleeping aboard the ship, and grabbing a drink by a dockside tavern. The regulars there will be better informed about the Triad, I bet."

Dori is as cold and unmoving as stone during Kelvin's daily verbal assault. He calmly repairs and cleans his armor and shield. After that's done he spends some time watching the crew and doing his best to 'learn the ropes' without getting in the way. He has never been on a ship before and he is quite happy to see a new craft in action.

"I'm fine with sleeping aboard the ship, and grabbing a drink by a dockside tavern. The regulars there will be better informed about the Triad, I bet."

"Aye, Kelvin might have burnt himself out during the trip. He needs a good drink to relight his fire!" he completes the friendly jest with a hardy slap on the young dwarf's back and walks down the plank.

Dori will gather information about the town and the Triade as he moves through the town.

collect info (hobnobber)Expert diplo: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (10) + 19 = 29

With its population of nearly 12,000, Kintargo is nicknamed the Silver City for three reasons: the silver salmon that make a run up the Yolubilis River annually, the silver sheen of the silty river water at dusk and dawn, and the unique silver-streaked white stone from which many of Kintargo’s buildings are constructed.

Despite his initial confusion about going to Kintargo, Raspar gets 'onboard' with the ship idea and begins to enjoy the voyage. And the freedom that comes with travel.

He spends most of the voyage in the bowels of the ships tearing out and replacing anything that might have been used for slaves. He tears out manacles and any loops or braces that might have been used to imprison anyone, and definitely removes any bars or the like, happily tossing them over the side.

All in all, he works most of the journey, which makes him very happy.

Dak assists Raspar.... but he doesn't make any small talk with the halfling. He answers any fishing from him laconically.

----------

Once in the city, "There is much danger here. We should stay alert lest we find ourselves out maneuvered by our shadowy nemesis."

Shipboard life does not agree with Cuthberwyn. He spends perhaps the most miserable three days of his life on board, sicker than he can remember.

When at last the Cypress Dream docks in Kintargo, he is so relieved to scramble back onto land that his enochlophobia doesn't even register for quite some time...though he is quickly giddy at the prospect of the libraries and knowledge available in such a city.

Raspar continues to throw manacles and chains overboard into the bay as the dwarves leave the boat to head to the nearest tavern, Clenchjaw's. Clenchjaw's rests right within the Yolubilis Harbor district of Kintargo. After a few sizeable drinks Dori begins to tell tales and ask questions asking for whereabouts of the Scarlet Triad organization.

Dori's questions are met with confused looks as noone here seems to have heard of the Scarlet Triad. As the day unfolds Dori comes away with a bit more information, though none on the Scarlet triad itself.

Kintargo’s citizens have a lot on their minds, particularly when it comes to the ongoing diplomatic talks with Nidal or recent sightings of strange apparitions associated with the rebellion in the city streets and alleys. Some of Kintargo’s citizens hope to develop a relationship with Nidal that enriches the city, while others fear that the Umbral Court is making preliminary moves to annex or assault Ravounel. Most people, however, simply don’t know what to think at this early point in the political development.

The recurring reports of mysterious hauntings include stories of ghostly hell hounds, echoes of somber bells, and even visions of Barzillai Thrune, the tyrant who ruled Kintargo for a short time. Many fear that Barzillai himself may have risen from the grave.

At some point, when the party is alone, or at least unlikely to be eavesdropped. Perhaps on the ship, or in the corner of some dank pub.

"So it sounds like the Triad is pretty quiet, at least by that name, huh? They must be here though, right? I mean, that's why we're here!" he chuckles, but a little uncertainly. "Do you think they might be involved in this ghost mystery? I mean, they're all about crating mischief and mayhem. They could be behind the uncertainty."

"Tomorrow let's just walk the streets and soak it all in a bit. See if anything jumps out at us as it were. Maybe there's something obvious by day that isn't so obvious in the bars at night. Besides, I'd like to see the city." He grins with honest eagerness. "Then in the afternoon, we should split up a bit - two or three groups at most - and see what we can learn about these apparitions. Then decide what to do over dinner."

If the party agrees, Cabaguil will spend the morning walking the streets of town, getting to know what's where, and how it all seems to fit together. In the afternoon, he'll see what he can learn about the mysterious hauntings, asking around all over town, in the shops, in the pubs, wherever people congregate.

"So it sounds like the Triad is pretty quiet, at least by that name, huh? They must be here though, right? I mean, that's why we're here!"

Raspar looks concerned at Caba's words.

"Well, that's poop. What do we do about that? Maybe we should camp out at our gate and see who comes through? Or destroy the gate on our end so that there is no more worries? Have we done enough to think that might be a better path?" Raspar asks of Cuth and Caba, the smart ones.

"I have no objection to rolling boulders over the Gate and sealing it away forever."

"Sleeping on it sounds good. We also have a fair bit of gear to unload, yes? I would not mind seeing what a city of this size has to offer."

I apologize, this is not a campaign where I'm on top of gear. Shopping for some upgrades seems like a good idea if we have money."

We should ask about Sunset Imports, Cuthberwyn says, helping Dak catalog their spoils for sale. It's our best link to Sedranni Vashnarstill without asking for him directly.

Judging by the treasure sheet GM Tyranius has at the top of the page, we should all have some coin to spend, not including the loot and reward we got from Cypress Point.

Ahh, Clenchjaw's. That's awesome.

At every mention of Nidal the muttering from Kelvin grows. What a wasted opportunity!

He drinks to improve his mood, and it eventually works. At Cabaguil's suggestion he agrees. "I'm sure I can find more information than bumbling old Dori here."
I know Gather Information is a secret check. Kelvin has a +14

Dori just grunts at the Kelvin's remarks. He's dealt with worse temper tantrums before.

Dori leaves the ship and starts to check out the town with an eye on new shields and herbal remedies for poison, plagues and other maladies. As he shops he inquires if there is a company called Sunset Imports in the city.

gather info is a +19, crit fails are normal fails.

Raspar walks around, his tiny, but strong, hands clasp behind his back and he thinks about what he can do to help figure things out.

He’s happy to march up and down the streets yelling for the Triad to come out and face him, but maybe that won’t work and just result in tired feet?

You catch a bit more word on the ghostly sightings around Kintargo. they don't seem to be localized and seem to happen at random. Some folks explain a diabolic bell ringing close by shaking their bones while others speak of ghostly apparitions that only they can see in a crowded room. Witnesses describe the victim burning to death but with no visible flames being present, nor any heat.

With a little asking about several residents point out the location of Sunset Imports as well as a little gossip.

The Vashnarstills have long been proud citizens of Kintargo, but their business’s financial dependence on House Thrune made some in the family less than enthusiastic participants in the recent rebellion that resulted in Ravounel’s independence. Unfortunately, even before Ravounel’s freedom was established, House Thrune canceled all of Sunset Imports’ contracts, costing the business most of their income. The Vashnarstills responded by working hard to secure an exclusive contract with the city’s new leadership, the Silver Council. In traditional Chelaxian fashion, the Vashnarstills sponsored a theatrical banquet and other expensive entertainments. But Ravounel’s government, dedicated to principles of liberty in mercantile pursuits, was eager to establish a tradition against exclusive contracts. The Vashnarstills came off as old fashioned and decidedly unpatriotic, costing the family contracts with the Silver Council as well. Today Sunset Imports is a struggling business. The current owner of Sunset Imports, Sedranni Vashnarstill, continues to carry herself like a Chelaxian aristocrat, seemingly unaware that she’s out of fashion—if not downright offensive—in the reborn city. Rumors that Sunset Imports have recently taken on a mysterious new client have begun to circulate on the streets.

"Ghostly sightings is an odd thing to be going on. I'm surprised the city hasn't done anything about that. Though I guess it's possible that there's a bounty out for it. If we're ever looking for work, that might be something worth looking into."

Pleased at the news about Sunset Imports, Kelvins says, "That place is worth checking out. Down on their luck, but with a new client? That's exactly the kind of mix that suggests we might find something about the Triad. I say we pay that place a visit. Thoughts?"

”Are you sure we shouldn’t destroy the gate on our end? If there is nothing here, then there is nothing here and we should get back to the Rainbow DreamCastle Citadel so that I can continue making it nice for our guests,” Raspar queries impatiently, feeling useless and not having a good place to labor or focus upon.

Agreed, Cuthberwyn says to Kelvin while patting Raspar on the back reassuringly. We'll have plenty to do soon enough, I'm sure. And no, we don't want to eliminate the gates. They predate our civilization by millennia.

Cuth thinks a moment. Now as to Sunset Imports. Mayhap we pose as a mercantile vessel looking for cargo to move? We have the ship, after all. This may give us a change to learn how they're tied up with the Scarlet Triad.

"Do I look like a salesman or a trader?" Dori grunts.
"maybe the direct approach would be better..." Dori nods to Kelvin. "just send the lad in and have him lose his temper. They will tell us everything we want to know just to get rid of him."

Cabaguil likes Cuthberwyn’s suggestion, ”I’ll be the merchant, I think I can pull this off. Anything in particular we want to trade in? I suppose it doesn’t matter.”

Grinning he’ll stride into the shop, fidgeting with his ring as he enters, casting Glibness (•>>, +4 deception, 10m). He’ll also adjust his Diplomat's Badge (link) to try and boost his diplomacy with other humans for the day.

Arcana/Nature/Occult/Religion/Society: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (7) + 16 = 23 vs DC 20 for a bonus to diplomacy for 24 hours.

”Hello! Hello! Anyone home?”

Not one to act a role, Dak goes with Cab, but acts like the taciturn bodyguard type. He ignores the suggestion to return and destroy the gate.

Deciding to head to Sunset Imports you wind through the cities streets. This thirty-foot-high building stands at the harbor’s edge. Large rectangular windows alternate with elegant pilasters along the building’s facade of silver-streaked stone, and an enormous, fifteen-foot-tall double door facing west is flung wide, revealing an intricately woven carpet that stretches into the subdued golden light of the interior. Upbeat Varisian mandolin music beckons from within.

For all its welcoming appearance, Sunset Imports is relatively empty. No boats are anchored at the private piers and no customers or workers enter or exit the building.

Dakapos and Cabaguil enter through the open front doors to the showroom. A multitude of luxury home goods fill this showroom. Rugs in vibrant geometrical patterns cover the floor. A tall human woman draped in elaborate shawls and elegant jewelry, rushes over to greet you. “Pardon me, are you lost? I am Lady Sedranni Vashnarstill, the owner of this establishment, and I assure you there is little to here to interest anyone of your…” she looks Dakapos up and down. “…pedigree. Good day.”

Perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35

Cabaguil looks to Ðakaþos, and wishes he had setup some sort of sign language they could use while being observed, but alas, that is not the case. So he blusters on...

"My dear lady I understand the elves are a fair race, but I am the merchant who requires your services."

"My name is Cabaguil, and I have recently acquired a ship, and look to you my dear lady to suggest supplies to fill her. We're only in town a short while, so negotiations must begin at once, and in earnest!"

He turns to Ðakaþos, "Get the others, I'll need everyone's notes for the negotiation."

Raspar comes along, not sure what he's pretending to be, but could happily be a laborer, and actually hopes there is laboring to be done. Maybe some nice row digging or shoveling, that would really hit the spot. He trusts Cabaguil to assign him to any really interesting tasks, like loading cargo or pruning the hedges of many small villages.

"Good day."

1d20 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 14 = 19 Perception

Editing for ninja. Damn.

"Oh, good day to you too. Now, do you have any handiwork that needs to be done? I'm just asking because sometimes people like you need something hauled or lugged," Raspar asks. "I work for tithes too! Just for something I can give to the nearest orphanage or food bank. You just tell me what you need done." Raspar beams and puts his hands on his hips.

Raspar smiles and lets Caba speak.

Perception: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (16) + 17 = 33

Aye, Mr. Cabaguil, I done told ya, Sunset Imports is the best! Cuthberwyn says, making a great show of toadying properly. Me pa always told me, you need anything in Kintargo, see Lord Vashnarstill! I done told ya, I did! This one'll help for sure! She's eager to! She's all full of excitement!

Performance: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (16) + 18 = 34

Perception: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (11) + 17 = 28

Kelvin comes in when Dak brings him, then eyes the shopkeeper. He puts on a broad smile, then looks around at the wares. "You weren't wrong, my gnomish friend. This looks like good stuff. And a fair bit different than what you'll find back home. Might have a market to sell to after all."

He does his best to help with the subterfuge.

Perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (2) + 16 = 18 Feeling way out of his element, Ðakaþos as he's told and fetches the others.

Dori walks in trying to look as aloof as possible. His armor shining and his beard is tightly braided and tied quite neatly.
"You must be Vashnarstill! I can see what the others were talking about. You are indeed the the embodiment of Chelish nobility." He nods slightly to the woman.
diplo (Glad Hand attempt to make impression): 1d20 + 19 - 5 ⇒ (9) + 19 - 5 = 23

Her eyes grow wider and wider as more of you walk into the shop. She looks back behind her to the back door, holding her arms out wide she tries to usher you from the shop. "I simply do not know what you are talking about. I think you ought to focus on mending your tattered robes, or help your halfling friend find an outfit that fits him better and doesn’t expose his various... parts. Now, I believe I said good day! I'm busy. Yes, quite busy. Far too busy to chat with you,”

perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (1) + 16 = 17

Oh, she wanna make an appointment, Mr. Cabaguil, sir! Cuthberwyn pulls out a book and deftly ducks under her outstretched arm to place it on the counter, scribbling furiously. Right, if today is out, then, how'bout tomorrow morn, an hour after daybreak, aye?

"My lady, I know it's good negotiation to walk away from a deal, as a method of tilting the rate in your favor, but I always assumed it occurred after negotiations had begun in earnest!"

He laughs at his little joke, "I think we should begin again. I am the proud new owner of a large vessel, with plenty of room in my hold to carry your goods to cities far and wide. All we need do is determine what goods are best for my planned destinations," he leans in close, "alterable I assure you pending the quality of your fine goods."

"So come, let us see what you have to offer! I shall not be denied!"

He attempts to brush past her and into her back room to 'get a better sense of the goods'.

"I am doing just fine without your ship...." Cabaguil jukes her as he spins around a rack of fabric and makes a rush for the back door. Pushing it open she screams and quickly muffles it with both of her hands. "No! You must leave...now!" She rushes towards Cabaguil to get him to leave her store.

Crates and boxes fill this warehouse in several tall columns, stretching nearly to the twenty-five-foot-high ceiling in places. Some of the columns of containers have toppled over, scattering bolts of colorful cloth and broken furniture all over the floor. Other crates have been smashed open and their contents strewn haphazardly about.

In the center of the room is an opened crate containing a blocky humanoid statue with an enormous headdress and a round face like a calendar stone. Further to the east beyond the crates you hear a muffled scream of pain. "Desna help me...I have told you everything....Everything."

Map is posted

Raspar moves forward with Cabaguil, triple moving ahead so he might bleed and his friend Cabaguil does not.

Upon hearing the cry of pain, he dons his shield.

Dak immediately heads towards the sound, blade out.

Kelvin lets Dak and Raspar rush in, instead moving up behind Cabaguil to protect him while watching the front door of the shop.

Cuthbereyn breaks character instantly when he hears the scream, racing after the long-legged elf.

Sedranni can't possibly stop all of you from rushing the back room and she ducks down behind her shops counter. You quickly fan out as the pleading voice to the east gets a little louder with each step.

”Madam, what are you hiding? Who do you have trussed up in here? This place is a mess! Hardly a way to run a business.”

He’ll rush deeper into the warehouse with the others looking for trouble.

I've moved on the map, but Cabaguil would not go that far alone, preferring to follow the front liners, knowing a bit about how squishy he is... :)

Sedranni pulls Cabaguil back and speaks in hushed tones. “We were desperate to stay in business. We had unpaid bills, outstanding shipments, more goods than would fit in the warehouse, and no one to buy them. The Scarlet Triad seemed like the only way forward. I just really had no idea what they were really like. I’m not part of any of their frightful activities. I just want them gone, but instead, they’ve taken over. I can’t even get into the warehouse, and there is something horrific going on back there. I would give anything—I would give up this business, which has been my whole life—to reverse this whole sordid mess.”

Cabaguil looks pityingly on the poor woman, "We've been hunting these bastards for a while, and clues led us to your door. Never fear, we will rid you of this problem, and now!"

"Indeed, your life is about to improve."

Raspar moves forward and draws his very nice starknife, now glowing with holy energy.

"What is that, Cuth?"

Sedranni wipes away some of the tears, though she still looks incredibly frightened as she whimpers a nod. The screams of pain seem to be coming from the blackened area to the southeast.

Dori moves into the warehouse after hearing the screams...

Getting no answer from Cuth, Raspar moves up to support Dori.

Once Raspar (at least) moves ahead of him, Cabaguil moves up as well, and takes a look at the statue, from a safe distance.

Arcana/Nature/Occult/Religion/Society: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (9) + 16 = 25

This just looks like a stone statue to Cabaguil. As he ponders the statue another painful scream echoes from the southeast. "Not my finger....AAAARGGGH!"

At the sound of that, Dori runs toward sound of the screams. He doesn't think twice about the statue.

Raspar pads closer. He's not trying to be quiet, but he's unassuming and not clumsy and just doesn't make a lot of noise on his small, but strong, frame.

Kelvin rushes in, though he briefly stops short at the sight of the statue. "I don't have a good feeling about that."