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"Venture-Captain Yuul?" Lucky enquires. "I'm Lee. Sir Lee of Taldor. I'm one of the team that Roderus brought in for today's, ah, festivities, shall we say? I'll be frank with you: Dulm seems like an a$$#@$*~ and I've no idea why this is even a contest."
"Yeah, you know, parties need a lot of organising. Music, food, drinks, door staff. A few extra bodies so all the Lodge regulars can concentrate on celebrating."
"Oh yes, he's always been a pill to work with," Wulessa agrees with a scowl as she takes another sip of her half-empty drink. "But now with dear old Roderus' retirement nigh Dulm's dialed his antics up to 11. I and everyone else know that he's behind the attacks on my agents and all the other disruptions I've been dealing with but there's no solid proof."
Wulessa takes another drink, her expression thoughtful.
"I bet there's proof-a-plenty in that potion shop of his. Did you know that he actually uses it as his own Kotargo Lodge, too? Dulm's always been about efficiency."
The venture-captain glances around and lowers her voice. "In fact, if a group of agents were looking to seek the truth...I might point out that nearly every Pathfinder in the city is currently here, including Dulm. Dulm is very obviously here and very obviously *not* at his lodge right now," Wulessa whispers to Lucky and Silver, who happen to be standing close enough to hear her. "And don't worry, your secret's safe with me. I've worked with Roderus a long time and old habits die hard. If you doubt me, go to him with my suggestion and see what he advises."
"Oh, I thought you said orgasms."
Is this actually *that* kind of party? If I'd have known I'd have worn something a little..."
Wulessa stops and anyone standing close can see her cheeks slowly flush a nice, rosy pink.
"Ah...never mind! Just a joke, haha...I've spent too much time having to work with Zarta Dralneen; seems like her sense of humor is rubbing off on me..."
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"Venture-Captain Dulm? I apologize for not recognizing you before."
He glances back in the direction of Lucky and Yuul. "What was Venture-Captain Yuul accusing you of? Why would she do that, here, disrupting our farewell celebration in honor of Venture-Captain Roderus? It seems bad manners, to say the least."
While Lucky (and Silver) have no trouble at all in getting Venture-Captain Yuul to open up to them, the same can't be said when it comes to Venture-Captain Dulm. The half-orc regards Santiago with a steely expression, his jaw clenched with anger.
"I have nothing to say to you on the matter. And I suggest that you and anyone else new to Katapesh stay out of matters that do not concern you. Now good day, sir."
Without another word Dulm turns and makes his way back to his table, ignoring any and all attempts from anyone else who attempts to get his attention.
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Lucky nods very very slightly at Yuul. "Enjoy your evening, Venture-Captain" he declares, and continues making his rounds.
After a respectable, but not too long, period has passed, Lucky looks for Roderus and the rest of his team.
"Captain Roderus, this looks to be clear cut. Now I've been around long enough" Lucky emphasises for the human's benefit "to know that things usually aren't that simple. But Yuul claims to have been on the receiving end of attacks and disruption, and Dulm comes across as a grade-A w@nker if you'll pardon my Galtan. Yuul suggested we might want to check out Dulm's potion shop whilst he's here at the party. Seems like a good idea to me."
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Disappointed at the half-orc's reticence, Santiago heads over to the band and joins them on-stage.
When the trio finally takes a short break between sets, he asks them, "So what's up with that sourpuss half-orc, Dulm? I got the impression he doesn't like you or your music."
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Is this actually *that* kind of party? If I'd have known I'd have worn something a little...
Upon hearing Wulessa's outburst, Wymarc arches an eyebrow and tries to stifle a laugh...but fails. Even without the half-Orc Dulm acting like an asshat, that statement alone already led the rogue to favor this lady as Rodero's replacement. He also makes a mental note that it might be nice to have a drink with her some time...
Wymarc gets back to business, mixing drinks as needed, while trying to keep an eye on both of the VCs from the bar, with a feeling of foreboding that some surprise was imminent...
"So what's up with that sourpuss half-orc, Dulm? I got the impression he doesn't like you or your music."
"He doesn't?" Kitt repeats, looking genuinely surprised. "I mean, that's not, like, unusual, because everyone's got their critics. But I dunno man, this is our first time here and we've never spoken a word to that guy. Or at least I haven't. Have either of you?"
He looks to Kaba and Kora.
"Nope, I didn't even know his name until you said something," Kaba replies, nodding at Santiago. "But I agree, he's definitely a sourpuss! It doesn't take a crystal ball to see that he's got some sort of beef with that woman over at the bar."
"Yes, but it isn't our business," Kora is quick to interject. "We've got other things to worry about."
She glances around but now that the band is on break no one seems to be paying them much attention. With a satisfied nod she leans in closer to Santiago.
"Like our own mission. We're here to play for the party, that's not a lie, but we're here as official Pathfinders, too. Our job is tracking down slaves who were illegally smuggled out of Absalom after manumission by greedy underground slavers who didn’t want to lose their 'stock'," Kora explains.
"That's right! You heard about the Fiendflesh Siege of Absalom, right? All sorts of slaves were promised their freedom if they'd fight to defend the city," Kitt chimes in. "That was us. We used to be slaves too but after the fighting was done they gave us our freedom and even greased the wheels a bit on getting all three of us accepted into the Pathfinder Society," he explains, proudly.
But then his smile fades and his expression grows serious.
"But not everyone was as lucky as us. Some of the slaves who were supposed to be set free got smuggled out of the city, like Kora said. And, like, it could've been us, man. So we owe it to them to try and find them and make sure they get the freedom they're owed."
"Well turnabout is fair-play, I guess." Lauranna shakes off like a dog.
Lauranna feels a slight tap on her arm and looks down to see Zig, now dripping a little bit as well, holding a towel.
"I help!"
After everyone manages to finish toweling off and conclude a couple of especially illuminating conversations, Lucky is quick to corral everyone and Roderus together in a small side room; hopefully without being noticed by any of the other guests.
"Captain Roderus, this looks to be clear cut. Now I've been around long enough" Lucky emphasises for the human's benefit "to know that things usually aren't that simple. But Yuul claims to have been on the receiving end of attacks and disruption, and Dulm comes across as a grade-A w@nker if you'll pardon my Galtan. Yuul suggested we might want to check out Dulm's potion shop whilst he's here at the party. Seems like a good idea to me."
Venture-Captain Roderus listens intently to what Lucky has to report, as well as anything that any of the rest of you feel merits mention. When you're finished, he closes his eyes and folds his arms over his chest, remaining silent for a moment as though in deep thought. Finally he opens his eyes and slowly nods.
"Do it. As much as it pains me to send Pathfinders to spy on Pathfinders this chance to find some hard evidence against Dulm can't be ignored. Don't worry about your duties here; I think things have finally calmed down enough that Dougle, Vinius, and Zig can manage on their own."
Roderus does raise a warning finger, though. "That said, be sure you don't destroy or take anything more than absolutely necessary - else I won't be able to take responsibility for you or your actions."
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"Well, guys, if I come across any evidence of slavers, I'll let you know," Santiago assures Kaba, Kora, and Kitt. "Love your music."
"Looks like we're doin' this B&E job pro bono," Santiago says with a sigh. Oh well, might have to wait to get that nice harpsichord.
"You trust Yuul?" he asks Lucky. "She could be hoping somebody messes with her nemesis."
"Best go now, I suppose, while Dulm's still here."
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"But I just got these from the kitchen!" Joe protests, holding aloft a plate of fried potato wedges. "This is food waste! A conspiracy to artificially drive up the price of potatoes by creating a 'shortage'! How else do you think the secret lizardfolk government can pay to keep their underground cities running!?" The philosopher is so distraught he almost drops the plate in question before setting it on the table. "But we will out-think them! We eat these potatoes now, and we don't have to buy more the next time we crave starchy substances! Fight back against the oppressors!" His ranting is stopped only by the potato wedge he stuffs in his mouth as he heads for the door.
Silver Bullet looks at Roderus Understood.
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Wymarc ponders a bit before turning to Santiago. ”You say the band members were ex-slaves?And they’re looking for slaves that got smuggled out of Absalom? That’s interesting...they didn’t recognize Dulm...but perhaps he recognized them, hence his uneasiness? Perhaps Dulm was somehow involved in the slave smuggling, recognized that three ex-slaves were performing, and got anxious they might expose him?”
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"WHAT?!" Lucky exclaims, clenching his fists.
"You serious, mate? I know slave-trading is legal here, but that doesn't mean the Pathfinder Society should be involved in it. If Dulm's a slaver, I've got a flaming hammer I'm eager to introduce him to."
There's a distinct smell of brimstone. For the briefest of moments a lick of flame shoots up and down Lucky's arm.
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Wymarc nods to Lucky. "So does anyone know where this potion shop lies? I do not..."
When the party his ready and knows the location, Wymarc will draw his bow and scout ahead, concealing himself as he moves and keeping a sharp eye out for any danger and ways in once he sees the layout to the shop...
The three siblings seem to be on the up-and-up as far as you can tell. Whether it's wise to broadcast details of their mission, even to you, is a bit harder to pin down.
With no other obvious leads or means of advancing your investigation you come to a consensus and set out for Dulm's potion shop - which, much as the Winding Road Inn doubles as the Winding Road Lodge - also serves as Dulm's Kotargo Lodge. Nestled in the heart of Katapesh's bustling Lower City district the shop is quite easy to find; a faded sign on the shop's storefront depicts stylized art of a smiling potion bottle and the name 'Good Potion' in eye-catching red-and-gold lettering.
Having had no trouble finding the store, the rest of you wait a short distance away while Wymarc slips into the shadows and moves to check the building perimeter. By this point it's late afternoon and the streets are beginning to empty out somewhat as the shadows grow long, making it even easier for the elf to circle around the building without being observed. He quickly notes that besides the building's front entrance and the open storefront window there's a second covered window further to the north on the building's eastern face and two more covered windows on the building's north side. Continuing to circle around to the rear of the building he also spots a single door here on the western side before scooting along the southern wall and back around to the front once more.
Even taking care to stand a reasonable distance away from the storefront all of you can see through the front window that the shop does indeed appear to be some manner of potion shop, its shelves lined with colorful bottles and vials of all shapes and sizes.
As you make your circuit around the building you're able to get a better view of the shop interior. A young female goblin stands behind the counter, looking extremely bored as she jots something down on a piece of parchment. A few feet past her you can see an interior door that leads further into the building.
In addition, as you pass the rear door you can hear what sounds like voices coming from the other side.
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After parking her camel around the corner so as not to draw attention, she joins the rest of the party in front of the shop.
"Right let's get going. The place isn't going to break in to itself." Lauranna says gamely. She hauls her huge maul off her back, and nearly overbalances herself with its weight.
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Wymarc comes back to his companions after surveying the shop and tells them what he has found out...
"The shop itself is just a part of the building; I suspect the larger part in back might be a warehouse of some sort and perhaps Dulm's office. There's another entrance in the back, but I heard voices on the other side so I don't know what awaits us there...
"In the shop there's a single clerk, a young female goblin, who looks extremely bored. There's also another door that I guess leads into the back of the building. I suggest we go and talk with her and find out what she might know before exploring further...bored people tend to talk more. Not to mention Roderus didn't want us to break anything and we'd have to break in to get in the back door which might cause a scuffle..."
He nods to Lauranna, "Alright, let's go in and talk with the clerk..."
Entering the shop, he walks up to the counter and bows. "Greetings, ...we just came from the retirement party of Venture-Captain Roderus. What is it you do here, if I may ask? Are you the clerk? If so, do you know of any good hangover remedies you might have here?"
Wymarc tries to get a read on the goblin as she speaks...
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"Wait. That little kid's a goblin? That's crazy. Letting illiterate, psychotic little green arsonists into your headquarters is like electing illiterate, psychotic, big orange narcissists your king.... No offense del Fuego. Nah, I don't believe it. The kids a kid. An ugly kid but still a kid. Teasing him by calling him a goblin just because he looks like one, is just plain mean."
"First off, the Venture-Captains in charge of all the Society's ancient history manuscripts wouldn't let them within a 30-foot-move of one of the libraries. It wouldn't be a matter of simply turning the page on a whole chapter of history--it would be like throwing the whole history book out, and switching editions! I mean what's next heroic drow rangers from the Darklands come up, and save the Lands of the Linnorn Kings? I mean really. Goblins. Why not let in mites, kobolds, orcs, hobgoblins, bugbears, nilbogs, gremlins, trolls, troglodyes, gnolls, lizardfolk, scorpionfolk, centaurs, minotaurs, derros, duergar, deep ones, mi-go, myconids, slithering trackers, aboleth, medusae, harpies, hags, vampires, mummies, and fire elementals in too. No offense again del Fuego. I'm sure you are one of the chaotic good ones."
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”She’s, like, so far in the future she’s seeing the past,” Joe adds before getting distracted by a label on one of the shelves. ”Oh man, you’ve got wolfsbane and potassium sulfite? Did you know you can combine those to make a magical experience you’ll never forget? They’ll tell you not to mix them, but that’s just Big Alchemy trying to keep you from seeing the truth!”
Silver will try to read what some of those potions say.
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A small bell above the inside of the shop door rings as the group of you file into the modest but well-stocked shop. The goblin - or maybe just a really ugly child - looks up from the parchment in front of her.
"Welcome to Good Potion, home of the Good Potion, can I take your order?" she drones, sounding just as bored as she looks.
"Greetings, ...we just came from the retirement party of Venture-Captain Roderus. What is it you do here, if I may ask? Are you the clerk? If so, do you know of any good hangover remedies you might have here?"
"Do you have a brother that works for Venture-Captain Roderus? We met a goblin named Zig there. He was a big help."
The goblin's expression perks up a fair bit as Wymarc and Santiago open up with some pleasant conversation and she smiles widely. "Hey, small world. Zig's my cousin. Did you see him? He was super excited about getting hired to help out at that party - wants to be a Pathfinder and everything. And you know what? Good on him! Gotta get that foot in the door somehow, right?"
She blinks and then hurriedly adds, "Um, sorry. Yeah, I'm the clerk. Well, clerk-in-training, sorta. You wanted a good hangover remedy, right? Alchemist's kindness, second shelf from the bottom," the goblin points. "Mix with water, suck it down, and you'll be feeling right as rain within 10 minutes or so."
"Wait. That little kid's a goblin? That's crazy. Letting illiterate, psychotic little green arsonists into your headquarters is like electing illiterate, psychotic, big orange narcissists your king.... No offense del Fuego. Nah, I don't believe it. The kids a kid. An ugly kid but still a kid. Teasing him by calling him a goblin just because he looks like one, is just plain mean."
"First off, the Venture-Captains in charge of all the Society's ancient history manuscripts wouldn't let them within a 30-foot-move of one of the libraries. It wouldn't be a matter of simply turning the page on a whole chapter of history--it would be like throwing the whole history book out, and switching editions! I mean what's next heroic drow rangers from the Darklands come up, and save the Lands of the Linnorn Kings? I mean really. Goblins. Why not let in mites, kobolds, orcs, hobgoblins, bugbears, nilbogs, gremlins, trolls, troglodyes, gnolls, lizardfolk, scorpionfolk, centaurs, minotaurs, derros, duergar, deep ones, mi-go, myconids, slithering trackers, aboleth, medusae, harpies, hags, vampires, mummies, and fire elementals in too. No offense again del Fuego. I'm sure you are one of the chaotic good ones."
"She's an...evangelist."
"Is evangelist another word for 'super rude'? I don't come to where you work and kick the broom outta your hand, do I lady?" the goblin huffs. "I'm Lobda and I'll be the best accountant in this city one day! Yeah, I'm just a clerk right now and I have to do a lot of the chores around here but Mister Snive is teaching me everything he knows and one day I'll be just as good with the books as he is - or even better."
"Oh man, you’ve got wolfsbane and potassium sulfite? Did you know you can combine those to make a magical experience you’ll never forget? They’ll tell you not to mix them, but that’s just Big Alchemy trying to keep you from seeing the truth!"
Lobda looks around nervously. "Hey man, not so loud, okay? We don't wanna be quoted on stuff like that; what people do in their own time with the stuff they buy here is their own business and not anything that Good Potion legally endorses."
"We've got a few questions to ask you-ooo--it must be catchy about--WAIT-. Why are we here again? Does this have something to do with that idiot, Wuul? Is this like one of the places she frequents? Because if it is I'm surprised it's not a smoldering crater the way I hear she handles things."
"Um...I just work here, okay? I've heard of Wuul but it isn't any of my business. Did she send you? I can take a message or something but handling that stuff directly is waaaaay above my paygrade."
Lobda seems to be a pretty straight-shooter and you get the feeling that bringing up Zig - on top of everyone's mostly-polite approach - has done quite a bit to improve her attitude towards the group.
Her body language and tone are also quite relaxed, suggesting that she really is an employee of the shop rather than working here under duress.
Lobda's body language and tone are quite relaxed from what you can tell, suggesting that she really is an employee of the shop rather than working here under duress.
While most of the group has a pleasant chat with Lobda, Silver begins scanning the labels on some of the various potions and ingredients that he can see on the shelves. There's quite the variety and many have rather interesting and amusing names:
Arsole
Powder of Algaroth
Bastardane
Cadaverine
Traumatic Acid
Periodic Acid
Diabolic Acid
Buckminsterfullerene
Black Cat Bitters
The shop also carries many of the usual items one might expect to find, such as alchemist's fire.
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Lucky has mostly been scowling at the back. Something about this mission feels off. Maybe it's the after effects of Roderus's casual condescension, maybe it's the civilised goblins. Most likely it's the suspected poisoner and slaver in such a senior Society position. Lucky wants nothing more than to confront Dulm and have it out with him. But first, there's evidence to find.
"Um, good day, miss Lobda." Lucky begins. She seems really smart for a goblin. "Is your teacher here too?"
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"Nice to meet you, Lobda," Santiago says. "I'm Santiago. Santiago del Fuego. Ever thought about joining the Society yourself? We're always looking for good recruits."
"I'm in the Silver Crusade faction, myself. Just want to do a little good for everybody, you know."
The bard leans in, whispering, "Can't stand slavers. Heard there might be some of their ilk about. You seen or heard anything?"
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A small bell above the inside of the shop door rings as the group of you file into the modest but well-stocked shop. The goblin - or maybe just a really ugly child - looks up from the parchment in front of her.
"Hey Silver, the kid looks a bit like you. She even has your chin." Lauranna says sidling up to the gun enthusiast.
"Do you have any kids? I mean--that you know about." she adds conspiratorially.
"Is evangelist another word for 'super rude'? I don't come to where you work and kick the broom outta your hand, do I lady?" the goblin huffs. "I'm Lobda and I'll be the best accountant in this city one day! Yeah, I'm just a clerk right now and I have to do a lot of the chores around here but Mister Snive is teaching me everything he knows and one day I'll be just as good with the books as he is - or even better."
"See? Like I said--teenage girl. And spunky too. So Lobda, what do have you got here for a headache since the stables exploded earlier today I have this ringing in my ear, or do just keep the books?"
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"Hey Silver, the kid looks a bit like you. She even has your chin." Lauranna says sidling up to the gun enthusiast.
"Do you have any kids? I mean--that you know about." she adds conspiratorially.
Silver laughs I yeah sure, I was unknowingly pregnant for nine months a baby came out of me when I was asleep. No I don't have kids, but 21 is too young to have kids, I'm barely old enough to drink. Err rather, I'm 21 in half-elf years. Really I'm in my 30s.
Lobda considers Lucky and Santiago's questions and her expression grows pensive as Wymarc tosses out a question of his own.
"Well...shouldn't gossip but since we gots such history..."
She leans in close, lowering her voice. "Phlegos Dulm's a pretty scary guy but even a scary guy like him can have problems. Big problems. Big money problems. Like, he doesn't really *have* any money and that's his problem."
"Been keeping track of those debts, in my spare time," Lobda adds, offering a soft and discomfiting cackle. "For Reasons. No, I won't tell you more than that because it ain't my place to say why. But you and me, I think we might be on the same side so I'll help you out. And because we gots such history."
The teenage goblin - because she's most certainly older than Zig but definitely not an adult just yet - slips her hand into a nearby drawer and pulls out a small notebook. "Records of his debts. But wait, there's more! If you wanna go looking for it, I mean. Mister Snive, he's been cooking the books and juggling debts for Dulm and I bet he's got it allllll tucked away in a secret ledger back there in his room somewheres. He's probably back there sawing logs - typical human, leaving the shorties to do all the work!"
"And you asked about slaves? Dunno, maybe...there's been a lot of banging and hammering and building going on back there lately," she jerks her thumb towards the western door. "Wouldn't put it past the Boss Man, you know? But I gotta play dumb and do my job."
Lobda pauses and gives the lot of you a rather large, mischievous grin.
"YOU don't gotta play dumb, though. There's some goons working back there but they gotta passphrase - 'break through'. Just tell 'em and they'll probably let you in. Probably. And I'll pretend like I didn't see none of you here."
The wily goblin clears her throat and casually remarks, "So headaches, right? Ginger tea's a good one, got a lot of customers that swear by it! Ooh, or I can direct you to our essential oils..."
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"Thanks, Lobda, for the password and everything else," Santiago says. "You're the best."
"I get most of my headaches in the morning, Lauranna," the ifrit adds. "Nothing a mimosa or a Bloody Mary won't fix, though."
He looks around at his companions. "Shall we head to the back, introduce ourselves to Dulm's thugs, and get our hands on Snive's cooked books?"
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Lucky nods at Santiago's suggestion, and heads out of the shop.
"Helpful goblins? I dunno what's what anymore." The halfling shakes his head in confusion. "But if she's as good as her word, I'm happy for the assist. Looks like Dulm's a bad 'un alright. Let's go, yeah?"
Lucky shakes his head again, and adjusts his weapons. Is the whole country like this? What else is topsy-turvy here?
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Wymarc nods Lobda and smiles, pocketing the small notebook. "Thanks, Lobda, we appreciate you...and we'll make sure the Pathfinders. our bosses, not Dulm, know that you've been most helpful..."
"Yeah, they are step above the usual murder hobos you run into." Lauranna says with a nod.
"See. I toldja she wasn't a goblin--books." she says nodding toward the leafy, marinated brain-food in Wymarc's pocket. "I betcha there's those word things in it, and not a lot of pictures. Am I right?"
"That and if she were a real goblin I'm sure you would have shot her full of rapid-fire arrows the moment the door opened. BUDDA, BUDDA, BUDDA!" she says making weird bow sounds.
As Lobda casually returns to her scribbling and pretending-to-not-see-you, Wymarc steps up to the western door and gives it a good once-over. It doesn't appear to be trapped or even locked and from the other side he can hear the sounds of footsteps and other shuffling noises.
*ahem*
Lobda, having apparently dropped the 'pretending-to-not-see-you' thing for a moment, whispers, "You guys going that way? Because if you are, think it's time for my lunch break."
But there does seem to be some confusion on this point as both Lucky and Lauranna are quick to exit the shop, presumably intent on circling around to the shop's rear door.
"Or both, whatever floats your boat..."
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