GMAndrewW Burden of Envy (Inactive)

Game Master andreww

Jeeves is amazed. He's never seen a giant up close before! He's very excited. But then he remembers the mission, and the giant's rumbling is unfortunately waking the dead. He understands Harsk's hesitation, but agrees with Gita that Pathfinders help those in need.

The small gnome looks around for prying eyes and ears, and yells up loudly to the giant, "Helping people leave? Heavens no, good Sir. That would be illegal. We're permit-holding, law-abiding, merchants." He tries to say the name, "Sedo...Seedoth..." Perhaps we can just call him Hodor. :)

After scanning the area once more to make sure they're alone, Jeeves motions for the giant to get closer and whispers, "How did you kno...never mind. We understand it's oppressive here. Before we continue, we need to know this isn't a trap." Jeeves peppers him with a questions, "How did you come to be stuck in this city? Are there more of your people?" Then looking at his cracked skin, he asks more gently, "Do you require medical aid?"

Jeeves finishes by putting his finger to his mouth, indicating for the giant to talk as softly as he's able.

Seddothrum seems rather shocked by Harsk's hostility, he takes half a step back and raises one hand to protect his face. I..I..I'm sorry Sir, I meant no offence. Of course, I shall leave you alone.

He half turns to leave...

Gita recognises him as a stone giant, generally a rather peaceful people, simple herders and farmers. They normally live high in the mountains. They are not usually found in cities.

Jeeves however realises that the Thassilonian Empire routinely enslaved giants to serve them as builders, guards and soldiers. They were not well treated.

He leans down to Jeeves to whisper in his ear but the quietest he can manage is a dull roar. I am slave to the Ruenlord. I heard you talking to the nice lady about leaving and the children chatter on about it too. I just want to go somewhere safe. There are other giants here, but none of my clam remain. I've been hiding from my master, a most cruel man, by pretending to be a pile of rocks. I just want to get out. Wont you help me?

He seems to be on the verge of tears.

do I recognize him as a stone giant too? ie not evil

As it happens, even though you have no training in Society yes you do.

As the giant tells his story, Jeeves feels for him. Pointing to the cracked skin, he asks, "Those look like scars. Are you hurt?"

Jeeves looks to the other gnome and agrees, "I think you're right, Gita...we should try to help him." He then looks to Harsk to see if his position has softened. "What do you think?"

Assuming no objections, Jeeves addresses the giant, "We might have a problem. Our employer was quite clear that we must collect payment for all passengers. Do you have anything you can offer in exchange for our services?"

On a side note, do we know if our boat could even hold a stone giant?

He seems to be on the verge of tears.

The human sorcerer tries to offer some words of solace: "There there, my friend. We all sometimes experience difficulties communicating effectively with each other. It's alright. Let's see what we can do to help each other."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

In general K'Anubis agree with Harsk. He show no hostility and hopes that they soon go ther way. But then realise, that party gonmes are escalate to a new client. Well. Seddoth-khm... I am here the only reasonable person with intensions to follow the mission probably. So That reminds me about one mission when we free poor azers at the PLane of Fire... but here is completely another situation. Even if we want to help, we got list of clients... and there is no name of yours. So, payment might be crucial point, friend!
Kanubis politely smiles, burps, excuses, but at the same time use sign language to give his fellows kinda message.
Our mission will be endangered! We got no raft for such a person! He is too large! He could be seen from other citys district! And probably cannot pay!

Actully it's funy to get out with a stone giant. But Kanubis is to lawful to provide this easy-beasy

Harsk shakes his head and turns to the giant.

These giants didn't kill your brother

"Sorry about that bud. I judged you wrong. We'd glad to help you. I wouldn't want your people to be slaves"

Seddothrum perks up significantly at the mention of helping him but then becomes despondent. I have nothing but the rags on my back sirs, we giants are not allowed property. Perhaps I could work for my passage?

He is entirely destitute. Yes he could fit on one of the boats/

Beckett steps forward and pats the giant reassuringly. "I for one am not interested in leaving someone in slavery if we can help it. There's going to be plenty to do over the next few days. If you're willing to lend a hand we can make room on the boat for you."

Turning to face the others he continues, "This will definitely alter our plans a bit. I doubt we're getting Seddothrum onto the boat in the harbor unnoticed so he will have to go on the other ship. Shitty as they are Flitch has papers. He'll have to come with us."

Jeeves nods to Beckett. "Agreed, Master Beckett. Besides, the Shard Cove boat is already full with Flitch and Daffrid's family of four, is it not?" Turning back to the giant, "Okay, okay. Yes, we can try to work something out by earning your passage on our ship. Who knows ... your rock shape ability may come in handy."

Jeeves looks to the group for approval and then says to Seddothrum, "Meet us at the Rockfish Inn the day after tomorrow, in the afternoon. We'll come up with a plan that evening."

He turns back to the group. "Shall we continue to the Ministry?"

Seddothrum grins in happines, Thank you, thank you, just let me know where I need to be and I will be there.

Jeeves turns back to respond, "Rockfish Inn. Day after tomorrow. In the afternoon." And, in an act of purest optimism, he adds, "Please be as discrete as possible."

The group head to the Ministry of Tithes. It is a large, impressive building in the centre of town. Emerald Guards are out in force in this area of the City where order is maintained with a show of force.

Heading inside you find well dressed bureaucrats tending to paperwork piled upon the dozens of desks, which are arranged in orderly fashion
around a prominent stone likeness of Belimarius. Within the shadow of the statue, a neatly dressed woman sits at a reception desk. Next to her stands a well-manicured man, also in fine attire, who is leaning over her. The two appear to be engaged in animate conversation. The man is causing small items on the womans desk to float around in mind air.

What do you do?

Day 2, four hours have passed

Seeing all the well-dressed bureaucrats, Jeeves feels right at home in his top hat and long black coat. When he spots the receptionist, he strides up, removes his hat, and waits patiently for her to complete her business with the gentleman ahead of him.

Once she acknowledges him, Jeeves bows politely, "Good afternoon, madam. I'm Jeeves and these are my ... associates. We have an appointment with Themolin. Would you be so kind as to direct us to his desk?"

He smiles warmly and awaits her response.

While moving through the city, K'Anubis gonna look around to find some sort of cart. At least he wnat to know prices and if it is easy to buy one here around. He thinks about transportin an amount of rocks upon it. Or a stone giant, for example...

***
Upon arriving to th Ministry K'Anubis start samll talk with teammates about merchant business and distribution of coal. If they have to wait for too long - the dwarf will fart sometimes to ewarn some attention.

When Jeeves get closer to bureucrats - K'Anubis start to сontrol flatulence to aid hopeing to quick negotiations.

At the mention of Themolin the well dressed man smiles and turns and shakes Jeeves hand. Why hello there, my name is Barralbus, what sort of business could the likes of you have with my esteened colleague?

The receptionist stares directly at Jeeves and, without even glancing at the diary on her desk says flatly, I am afriad your name is not on Master Themolin's list of appointments. The next opening in his schedule is in four days time. Would you like me to mae you an appointment Mr....Jeeves did you say?

Anyone who wants to may try and improve the secrretary's view of you with a diplomacy check to make an impression. She is currently indiffirent to you, if you can improve her to friendly then you can make a request to get an earlier appointment. You could try to bully her with intimidate but that may have consequences. You may also try and bluster your way in with Accounting or Legal Lore.

With a congenial smile, Dar addresses the receptionist with a tone meant to convey his respect for both her effort and the accountant's packed calendar. "Thank you for your help, ma'am. It's a terrible shame that Master Themolin's schedule is so full. I'm sure he'd like to hear from us. Is there, perhaps, a small window of opportunity to see him?"
__________

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26, to make an impression

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19, to ask for an appointment

Barallbus seems to bristle somewhat at Dar's interruption of his discussion. He takes the womans hand and brushes his lips against her fingers. Until tonight my sweet he murmurs before turning sharply and striding away, his blue and gold cape flowing behind him like a tacky stage magician.

Well, she says, glancing down at the diary, We may just have had a cancellation for tomorrow morning, you could come back then and meet him.

Barallbus seems to bristle somewhat at Dar's interruption of his discussion

I'm confused. Why is he mad? He was talking to Jeeves. I was talking to the lady. Is there not enough space in here for more than once conversation at a time? I was very polite.

Jeeves bows and shakes the hand of Barralbus. "A pleasure, good Sir. Oh, our business involves a minor financial issue our employer needs resolved. But we're not at liberty to discuss. You understand." He smiles warmly. When Dar sweet talks the receptionist, Jeeves is most impressed. When she offers tomorrow as an option, he brightens. "That would be very helpful. Thank you madam. You're very kind."

For the record, since Jeeves began the conversation with the receptionist...

Diplomacy-Make an Impression: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

After Barralbus walks away, Jeeves asks the receptionist with concern, "That gentleman, Barralbus. He wasn't bothering you, was he?"

Once they leave the reception area, Jeeves suggests to the group, "There's probably time this afternoon to make our final appointment. At the Guardhouse, I believe?"

Is there enough time to get to the Emerald Guardhouse and back to the Rockfish Inn?

GMAndrewW wrote:

Barallbus seems to bristle somewhat at Dar's interruption of his discussion

I'm confused. Why is he mad? He was talking to Jeeves. I was talking to the lady. Is there not enough space in here for more than once conversation at a time? I was very polite.

He was talking to the receptionist, he didnt like being interrupted.

The receptionist smiles at Jeeves, No, of course not, he's quite a sweetie she says with a grin.

You have enough time to get to one more location and then get back to your base. I realised I also missed K'Anubis question about wagons. Yes, you see plenty of wagons around the city, you could rent one for a few silver or there is one at the Inn you can use.

K'Anubis decides to use a wagon just nearby the inn.

I try to avoid burecrats as much as possible. Got especially toxic burps when they getting closer. Now. We can visit Garla... Or spend some time in a quiet meditation. I am tired of creating rafts. , - says K'Anubis when all team leave.

"K'Anubis I can help with the wagon if you need help?"

Gita is feeling a little suspicious of the last one; meeting someone at a guardhouse? Is it a trap?

We could look for an eating or drinking establishment near the Emerald Guardhouse -- something that guards might frequent -- and ask about "Garrla" before going inside.

"We should definitely scope out the guard house before we go asking questions. Check how many guards are on duty, see if anyone's hanging about looking suspicious that sort of thing."

OK, I take that as you heading off to at least poke around the Guard House area.

Heading over in that direction takes you into a heavily patrolled area of the city. Emerald Guards are out in force in this area. It appears that Garrla is stationed not in some llittle local jail but in a large compound. There is a large recruiting office, dozens of guards, coming on and off duty and a large training yard in which dozens more are being put through their drills.

Discretely wandering through the area makes it clear that finding one guard in amongst all of these will be very difficult without actually asking around. There is no-one who looks particularly suspicious haning about but you are conscious that almost anyone could be an agent for Belimarius.

What do you do?

Looking around the compound, Jeeves is overwhelmed. He confesses, "I'm not sure what we're expected to do."

Thinking back to the briefing, he says, "Didn't our notes on Garrla say: 'Ready to Join. Emerald Guardhouse' ?" He scans the area. "There is a training yard over there and a recruiting office. He pauses and adds, If you're 'Ready to Join' would you go to a recruiting office?" He shrugs.

"Makes sense I guess. Let's give it a shot." says Beckett as he watches the guards scurrying about.

K'Anubis won't refuse Harsk aid. Later.
***

compound approach, hm. Someone could appear as a message carrier and just push some sort of message to Garla. But this twist of words about recruiting sounds reasonable. I'd try this way as well. Moreover I am really disciplined and experienced guard. Tomb guard, but doesn't really matter. - K'Anubis ready to join...

As the group look around you get jostled by some new recruits being put though their drills by a young female officer. The officer bumps into K'Anubis and mutters Apologies sir but its a good time to be recruiting

As the group disappear into the yard Gita, K'Anubis and Jeeves notice a piece of paper has been dropped on the ground.

Harsk pauses to see the reactions of the others.

"Let's hope this doesn't go south

K'Anubis put up the piece of paper, walk away from the place a bit, ant read the just then.

Seeing K'Anubis pick up the paper from the ground, Jeeves asks, "Master K'Anubis, what did you find?"

Seeing K'Anubis pick up the paper from the ground, Jeeves asks, "Master K'Anubis, what did you find?"

Hm, let me check this out closer, Jeeves! Just a minute.

We need our GM to answer this qeustion %)

The piece of paper says "Ready to join"

Jeeves and K'Anubis both think it seems like an invite to head to the recruitment area, the rest of you are not so sure.

What do you do?

As soon as she sees the piece of paper, Gita tries to get a glimpse of the guards and officer who are leaving the area -- any distinguishing hairstyles or equipment? Was the female officer human, or perhaps half-orc? The name we were given sounds a little orkish to Gita.

After K'Anubis reads the note, Jeeves says, "Sounds like we should head to the recruitment area." He asks K'Anubis, "You said you're ready to join? Maybe that's what you should do. Try to join. Shall we go?"

Jeeves follows K'Anubis to the recruiting office.

Gita catches a glimpse of the guard, a human woman in her kate twenties with dar hair. You might recognise her again if you see her but its a pretty big facility.

What about the rest of you?

Kanubis checks if he looks properly to be volunteer -guard, drinks some water, and covers symbols related to Anubis at his bald head by wearing small coif. He then prepare some sign papers to prove he is a respected guard. After this the dwarf cover his palms with wrestlers wraps.
Yeah, Jeeves, ready as you are! Actually, I can go solo, but its usually better to cooperate and support each other...

Jeeves nods to the monk, "Perhaps you are right, Master K'Anubis. We shall both volunteer." Jeeves straightens his coat, adjusts his hat, and strides forward with K'Anubis to the recruiting office. He looks to the others, "Anyone else joining us?"

The group head over to the Recruitment Hall where Jeeves and K'Anubis head inside (anyone else is free to join them)

The room is hot, dimy lit and stuffy. A lengthy line is formed in front of a large desk. A dark haired human woman sits behind the desk, taking potential recruits through atedious looking form. A second guard, clearly bored, leans against the entance door.

As you enter the woman at the desk looks up and annoounces, Anyone with questions, form up at the back of the office. With a grumble several people ahead of you in line head off to one side.

As you reach the desk the woman taps her guard uniform and says If you like it and you have what it takes, it can be yours one day soon. Just tell me the time and the place

What do you do?

Gita puts on an excited expression and tells her party, hoping they will make the connection, I wasn't sure, but now that I see this lady here, I am thinking -- yes, definitely, ready to join!

(Gita is about 3 feet tall, and suspects that her being an excited little gnome will help uninvolved onlookers ignore her, she's found large folk often do.)

Jeeves isn't sure about the plan, until Gita says she has a good feeling about the female guard. He nods to Gita and steps up to the desk with K'Anubus. Addressing the guard, Jeeves says in a low voice, "Yes, we're ready to join. But our ... recruiter recommended we seek Garrla for assistance. Can you help us?" He gives her a knowing look.

Assuming the guard indicates that she is indeed Garrla....

Jeeves studies the note that K'Anubis picked up earlier, apparently left by Garrla. He takes a pencil on the desk and pretends to be filling out an application. Instead he scribbles something on the note and hands it to Garrla. "I believe this is yours."

Entering with Jeeves, K'Anubis shows muscles and silent for a while. And then sit to fill up real application at the same time fellow gnome prepares special note.
To continue discussion, after seeing that possible Garla read Jeeves note, K'Anubis asks..

how long is it usually takes to make a decision? Moreover, I have no weapon. Can I received any of you approve if it necessary ?

K'Anubis winks after question.

Harsk scratches his head.

Did she just proposition US?

He chimes in.

"I don't have any weapons either mam"

"Yeah, sure... that all sounds great. I definitely want to sign up for the guard." says the goblin.

The woman takes the piece of paper, opens it, reads it and then scrunches it up and stuffs it inside her uniform. Very well, I will need to see your travel papers sir she says to Jeeves.

Taking them she examines them closely and, visible only to you, slips a small black notebook into them. Looking past you towards the guard at the door she, pointedly, says, I hope you have what it takes as she hands the documents back to you.

To K'Anubis the woman says, I believe the decision has already been made to approve, it just needs a final meeting at the leaving spot.

To Harsk she says, The Guard properly equips all of its members, tapping the full plate armour she wears and the longsword at her side. Both are clearly magical. Its a hefty expense, the price of such equipment is very high.

Thank you for your interest in the Guard. I will contact you with the decision on your applications in two days time.

If you want to sneak out the journal she gave you I will need a stealth check. I am anticipating that some of you may not be terribly trusting of her and have made sense motive checks for each of you. Beckett is certain that the woman is to be trusted. Gita thinks something is off. The rest fo you are uncertain either way.