[Outpost III] PFS #3-02 Sewer Dragons of Absalom - GM Hawthwile (Inactive)

Game Master Hawthwile

Igor has little facility with animals or even people. He keeps his eyes open to trouble while the party tries to play with the dog.

Take 10 Perception of 30.

The dog leaps to its feet and starts to bark furiously as Gervase steps closer, but doesn't leave its position by the desk. The ranger tries a bit of dried meat, but the dog either doesn't notice the offering or chooses to ignore it as it howls loudly. Reluctantly, Gervase closes the doors.

Meanwhile, Rami, Rossby, and Nalaia head back to the office with wands at the ready.

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

At Rossby's second tap, the man suddenly jerks. "I TOLD YOU I DON'T HAVE ANY MONEY I SWEAR I'M NOT HOLDING OUT ON YOU..." His shouting trails off into labored panting as he scrunches his face, perhaps in preparation for a delivered beating. When none arrives after several seconds, he slowly turns his head and opens one eye. "You... you're not... Greeves... who... are you?" His voice is hoarse as if from screaming. "What are you... doing here?"

What do you do?

Igor shrugs with approval indicating that the use of the healing wands was a good idea.

"We convinced Greeves to let us see you. Are you Emrel Xarcious?"

"Please please please tell us you're Emrel." Nalaia shouts, still shaken from the dog. "We're looking for some information. We'll trade 'saving your life' for 'telling us where the Kobolds are'. Deal?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27

Somewhat embarrassed that a wet-wilderness ‘expert’ couldn’t bring a domestic animal to heel, Gervase stands at the back of the group, quietly reinforcing Nalaia’s strong efforts.

“You’re clearly not well, Mr Xarcious. I am sure your health will improve once we spirit you away from the clutches of Master Greeves.”

aid diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (12) - 1 = 11

"You... I... what?" The man pauses to catch his breath, then continues with tears in his eyes. "You... take me away? From Greeves? Yes... yes, I'm Emrel. Why... kobolds? Oh..." He closes his eyes for a moment to gather his feverish thoughts.

"I did... take a job from the Sewer Dragons... I was to tutor the chieftain's children... Yiddlepode and Yippitok. They live... they've taken over a massive theatre. Underground. City must have built over it. Not easy to get to. They've closed off most of the passages. Still one way in... from the sewers. In the Ivy District, look for the hatch near Lusila's hat shop. You... don't want that one. Flora's hat shop. That's the one. Go underground. Always turn left until you find the... it's a large scorch mark straight ahead, can't miss it. Turn left there, then turn right immediately after. I think. Guards would find me if I got too lost..." His voice starts to trail off before he coughs violently. "But... why do you want to know?"

What do you do?

Satisfied with the answer, Nalaia quickly turns for the door, immediately forgetting the man's poor health. "Just need to make a connection is all. We don't intend to harm them, just want to have a conversation about a partnership. Or something along those lines."

"There are reports the Sewer Dragons' behavior has changed. We want to find out why, so that hopefully we can help them."

"... near Lusila's hat shop."

That place sounds heaps dodge.

Gervase frowns at Nalaia's attitude. "Can you walk, Mr Xarcious? Are you aware you have Filth Fever? Is there anything else we can do to help you?"

"Greeves and his goons will come around eventually, and likely find you again. Did you want to come with us to visit Yiddlepode and Yippitok?"

"I assume you never made it to them before you got sick. How did you get back to the surface?"

"Partnership?" Emrel asks, raising himself up slightly to peer after Nalaia's departing form. "What kind of..." Another bout of coughs interrupt him before he can finish his thought. As Gervase explains further, the man's gaze falls on the wayfinder clipped to her belt. "Ah. Pathfinders."

"If you want... partnership, your best bet is Yiddlepode. She's the eldest child of the chieftain, probably taking over for him eventually. Clever girl. Always thought things through, never hasty. She loves opera, you know. Made herself a disguise with magic so she could see the ones in the Ivy District. Never did change that blue cloak she would wear though. She'd find a poorly-attended show, make herself up to look like a halfling, see..." His voice trails off again, and he seems to be fading in and out of consciousness.

What do you do?

As Gervase explains further, the man's gaze falls on the wayfinder clipped to her belt. "Ah. Pathfinders."

"Yes, but we're a new generation. We prefer to advance our aims through diplomacy."

She hooks a thumb back at Greeves and co. "You should have seen how nice we were while knocking out your creditor's crew."

☤

As Xarcious drifts in and out of consciousness, Gervase turns a worried face to the others. "He'll die within 24 hours if we don't get him to a healer."

"I am NOT OK with that, people."

The ranger turns options over in her mind. "We haven't Pathfindered all of Greeves' building yet. I guess we'd have to put down the guard dog to see if our favorite lender-of-last-resort has any healing magic stashed here someplace."

"Alternatively, if someone helps me, I'll rig a stretcher out of Greeves' door and drag/carry/float Xarcious to the temple of Erastil in the Ascendant Court."

"I have 300 gold, which will pay for two lesser restoration scrolls which Nalaia could cast. If everyone chips in the cost will be far less per Pathfinder."

"Thoughts?"

The wizard turns around at the blonde speaking.

"Chip in...pay? Do I know you? We have a whole day to find some magic that might help him and if not..."

Igor does not seem particularly moved to help a stranger.

"I'll split the cost with you, but should we consider reviving Greeves and seeing if he has some items that could help? It might be easier than searching the facility."

Nalaia continues her waltz out the door, "Or we could inform the healers when we get back to the Grand Lodge tonight, and they could just come pick him up? We got the information we needed, and this man should survive until tonight, right?" Nalaia looks at the man one final time, her lip trembling a bit as she looks. "Fine. I'll chip in as well. Let's get this done with so we can mess with some 'dragons'"

Gervase and Rossby break a few creaky chairs and lash them together to make a stretcher. Nalaia and Rami help move the unconscious Emral from the table, the tiefling almost dropping the sweat-slick man as she does so while Igor watches from the door. Carefully, the Pathfinders make their way out of the puddles district with the rescued tutor.

-------------------------------------------------

The priests at the temple of Erastil quickly take the stretcher from Gervase and Rossby as they enter. "It was very responsible of you to bring him here," another says solemnly, putting up a hand to refuse any offers of payment. "We tend to all members our community, regardless of their ability to pay." He bows his head. "May the Hunter guide your footsteps."

Outside, the Pathfinders gather to discuss their next steps.

What do you do?

Whoa! No charge?

Gervase smiles at the priests. "Thank-you, brothers. I will see you on Sunday. Will Old Deadeye's Alehouse in the God's Market be open? I might ask a couple of friends to come with me."

She looks pointedly at Igor and Nalaia.

➳

"I think we should head to this sewer hatch near Flora's Hat Shoppe in the Ivy District.”

The ranger frowns as she thinks. "I'd like to buy a gift for Yiddlepode on the way. I was thinking a hat with a veil, gloves … or maybe opera glasses. Again, we could reduce the cost if everyone chipped in.”

“But regardless, I feel Mr Xarcious’s bout of Filth Fever is a clear warning. I’m going to make sure I have a vial or two of antiplague packed.”

Igor's eyes twitch at the mere mention of spending money on a gift. How frivolous he thinks. He perks up at the mention of purchasing a vial of antiplague.

"Shame, I just crafted a batch of antiplague last week. If I would have known I would have kept some. Still I guess spending some coin to keep oneself healthy is a wise investment even if it means paying the full ... retail price."

"Igor, is there a reason for your ... efficiency with coin?"

Gervase tone is curious. "My father claims acts of kindness and generosity return to the one bestowing them manyfold over their lifetime. Just not always from the direction or at the time one expects.”

Igor listens carefully to Gervase as he values her curiosity greatly.

"It has been my experience that coin well invested tends to grow over time as well. So being efficient with coin is useful to both invest with or (long pause and tinged with regret) give away."

"Arcane and alchemical research is both laborious and expensive but I feel that with time and experience I will be able to push the boundaries of our knowledge of the universe. This is worthwhile goal and worth the forgoing of emotionally based spending."

Rossby nods solemnly to the Erastilan priest and agrees that the hat shop is the next step.

"If we're willing to run to the lodge, I could offer the arm of an emerald automaton. It may be a bit too big for them..."

Nalaia agrees to the hat shop.

"Yeah ... may-BE ..."

Gervase spends a full five minutes trying to think up something politely encouraging about Nalaia's offer, but in the end:

Nuh. I got nothin'

The ranger listens attentively to Igor's claims of investing for the long term. While she makes no comment, it's clear she doesn't buy the line.

"Does anyone know much about opera? I'm thinking Yiddlepode will be well-versed in it to take the risks she does to attend."

"She'll be disguised as a halfling, right? Hopefully she's friendly."

"Halflings are friendly so she will at least be pretending to be friendly."

Rossby is not smart.

Igor nods at the Ranger's request.

K-Local and K-Nobility should cover some basics in terms of what is currently playing and where I imagine.

"Well we are in a big city. It is difficult not to know a little something about it..."

Igor's words trails off as he notices that Rossby is possibly disproving his theory.

On their way through the Ivy District to the Hat Shoppe, the Pathfinders spot posters for three different operas currently on the stage:
- A traveling Andoren troupe's performance of the Chelish history Fall from Glory
- A local diva's rendition of Serpent's Song
- A comedic opera called The Trouble with Swans

What do you do?

untrained Knowledge (local), capped at 10: 1d20 ⇒ 15

"If I remember my Absalom by-laws correctly, armor and conspicuous weapons are not permitted at the opera."

"I might need to have a think about what to about that ..."

Diplomacy (Gather Information): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4

"So which opera do we want to try first? Do we just take them in order?"

Gervsae smiles. "Gotta admit, I thought this mission would have us slogging through stinky sewers for the most part."

"I am really digging it so far."

Kn. Local: 1d20 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 6 + (6) = 14

"Can't say I'm much for operas."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

"The Trouble with Swans is a hugely popular show performed by a largely gnome troupe. Serpent's Song is a tragedy about a dragon who falls in love with a princess.

What? Fighters can't like the theater?"

Igor winks at Rossby.

"Fighters can certainly talk to other people that like the opera and parrot back what they say. But yes you are correct. They can genuinely like the opera."

The Pathfinders discuss their options and begin to form a plan of action as the sun slowly passes overhead.

What do you do?

"i vote Serpent's Song."

"I agree."

Gervase claps Rossby on the shoulder. "A tragedy about a dragon who falls in love with a princess."

"Sounds like it would be right up Yiddlepode's alley."

"Maybe she's gone there looking for her princess! Brilliant!"

"I guess I should try to look presentable then."

Igor tries to see if he remembers any more. Sadly not.

K-Local: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

"Sure why not. I guess one distraction is as good as another."

The Pathfinders decide to stake out Serpent's Song, playing tonight at the Red Rose theatre by one Arnaut Danièl. As the evening falls, they watch as the ticket queues spill out onto the streets - presenting a perfect opportunity to search for their own dragon princess in the crowd.

Go ahead and describe where you're watching from and how you're searching the crowd, then roll Perception (not a Take 10 situation).

What do you do?

Rossby will stand by the entrance and keep an eye out for a halfling wjth a blue cloak.

Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (12) + 0 = 12

Rami finds a higher vantage point and looks for any smaller figures moving through the crowd:

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20

Igor will stay near Rami for protection. He will scan the crowd for anything of interest.

Perception: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (18) + 20 = 38

Gervase remains within eye shot of the others, occasionally kneeling to search for a halfling female wearing a blue cloak that has been to a poorly-attended show on her own.

She watches the faces of likely candidates for someone studying a program or clutching merch with unusual reverence or glee.

From time-to-time, the ranger calls to her companions in a conversational tone. "Rossby, thank-you for helping with Emrel Xarcious."

"It's such a shame he's so unwell."

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

Botting Nalaia

Nalaia stays close to Rossby and Gervase, trying to keep an eye out for anyone responding oddly to their conversation.

Nalaia Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

As the crowd funnels into the show, none of the Pathfinders spot a halfling in a bright blue cloak amongst the mass of people. After a few minutes, the queue is nearly empty and the street grows quiet once more as the ticket-takers and ushers look for any "unfashionably late" arrivals. The sounds of an orchestra tuning can be heard from inside the theatre.

What do you do?

"Should we send people to the other one just in case? I feel like we may have misjudged because of the whole dragon thing..."

"Couldn't we just hide by this sewer hatch and see if she returns that way? Or maybe just wait for the morning and head into the sewer to find her."

Rossby wants to go inside amd talk to her directly.

Igor would like to watch the opera from inside the opera house if at all possible.

How much are tickets?

Rossby marches up to the ticket counter, followed by Igor. A young woman with a pleasant face greets them. "Hello, and welcome to the Red Rose! If you have your tickets already, please proceed to the entrance and our friendly staff will help you find your seats before the show begins. If you still need to purchase tickets, I'm afraid we're sold out of our premium seats for tonight's show, but there are still a few balcony seats for five gold pieces each. Party of two, or...?" She glances behind the two men at the other Pathfinders arguing in the street.

What do you do?

Darnit! Mr Xarcious said she preferred poorly-attended shows. Perhaps this one was too crowded?

"Couldn't we just hide by this sewer hatch and see if she returns that way? Or maybe just wait for the morning and head into the sewer to find her."

“Like, we could totally do that, Rami – but there’s plenty of time to kill in the meantime, that I think should be put to better use.”

The ranger looks racked with indecision, until she calms down and puts the thoughts of the others together with her own. “I don’t think we should split the party.”

“And it’s possible she is using a different disguise tonight, or that Mr X’s intelligence is outdated.”

Seeing Rossby and Igor’s obvious intention, Gervase makes up her mind and pushes to the front of the queue. “Pardon, I’m with those gentlemen.”

She sizes up the ticket attendant and smiles. “Is there a discount for groups?”

Rossby will buy 6 nosebleed seats. (-30 gp, minus any discount, but he's not going to haggle too much because the orchestra is starting already!)

"I mean, if you're paying, I wouldn't mind a show!" Nalaia bumps Rossby on the shoulder and whispers "I owe ya one! I heard Arnaut is a phenomenal singer, I hear he might be a Pathfinder too! Been meaning to make it to this!". With that, Nalaia accepts her ticket and begins scanning the crowd before eventually getting lost in the show, completely forgetting her mission.