GM Valen's The Burden of Envy (PbP)(June 2020)(15 Challenge Points) (Inactive)

Game Master Lysle

Not really no.Katrina replies. But I heard you had a bonbon that was simply to die for .... and I really need tae stock up on dark chocolate .. something that's really good for what ails you

The ruddy-faced man smiles warmly and starts reaching for another tray of sweets, as the woman speaks.

[ "I'm afraid we'll need more than dark chocolate, Casey. It's hardly a substitute for actual medicine, or better yet an alchemical antiplague. I realize this city is 10,000 years out of date but you'd think you could actually buy somthing like that here. It's like these people just don't like gold."

The man suddenly pauses as the half-orc peaks of medicine, giving the half-orc a quizzical look as he listens to her.

"My lady, this is clearly a confectionary shop." he replies slowly and deliberately. "Although, just what sorts of 'ails' are you looking to have taken care of? And, just how quickly do you need them to be addressed?"

"And a very fine confectionery shop it is, clearly not someplace one might quickly find three or four alchemical anitiplagues to aid a friend that lies sick in bed, body riddled with disease." She gives the man a slight nod and a discreet wink.

"And just who is this 'friend', that you mention?" asks the man behind the counter, after looking around the immediate area to satisfy himself that no one else may be listening in. The suspicion isclear in his voice. "And just what is it that you think we sell here in our sweets shop?"

"Oh for Gorum's sake man have you not been listening? The who is not relevent to our conversation and the what should be quite evident by now. It's clear that there is more going on here than meets the eye. We are not here to cause any trouble for you or for ourselves. Now are you a businessman or not?" Zaza reaches down and jiggles her coin purse.
"The more we dawdle the greater the chance prying ears could cause us grief."

Sneak sighs a little dramatically, unsure how to contribute to the conversation but growing impatient with the fellow who seems to her to be unusually thick headed about sneaky things

"A business man, I most certainly am," snaps the man. "And, by your words, it would seem that someone has misled you as to the true nature of that business."

The man pauses thoughtfully for a moment, then smiles a devilish grin. "That is probably for the best. We don't need any unwanted attention. While, admittedly, antiplague and antitoxin are kept on hand here in short supply--only for use should the mixing of one of our own...'recipes'...go awry--i believe that I could spare a vial or two for you After all, I am certain that you aren't from around here and you are rather persistent. Just don't let it slip to any of the local bureaucrats that our shop is willing to part with antidotes or cures. We like our business brisk."

The man kneels down and slides back a floor board uncovering a box holding several vials of liquid. "Help yourself, but take only the green ones unless you really don't like your 'friend'--or unless you are looking for a route to a swift promotion."

How many vials would you like? And, then, back to The Rockfish Inn for the night, correct?

Katrina sighs a bit at Zaza's attempts at negotiation. But since it brought results, she doesn't say anything. Instead, after Zaza has finished her business she does purchase half a dozen bonbons and an assortment of chocolate blocks, ranging from 70 odd percent up to 95 percent dark. No 50 percent though (milk chocolate), explaining she's trying to give it up ... claiming she's on a diet.

On the way back, she tells Zaza KayCee huh? I like it ... Maybe I'll use it as a stage name or an alias

I'll take 2 antiplagues. Between that and future medicine checks we will hopefully be able to help the poor girl.

"If two doesn't do the trick then I don't know what else can be done. Thank you for your assistance good sir. You may be assured of my discreton should we encounter any of the local bureaucrats. I am not in the habit of causing grief to my friends. I trust you are capable of the same." Zaza takes two of the green vials and hands him eight gold.

I'm assuming 3 gold each for the antiplagues and I'll add another two gold for his silence. Unless anyone has other plans I imagine we head back to the Rockfish

On the way back to the Rockfish, Guntram says to Zaza, Cheers fer handling that. I don't have the patience I should fer situations like that. To the group, he adds, I do have some skill with treating illnesses and such, despite my fumbles earlier. Hopefully with this medicine we can cure the lass.

[ "If two doesn't do the trick then I don't know what else can be done. Thank you for your assistance good sir. You may be assured of my discreton should we encounter any of the local bureaucrats. I am not in the habit of causing grief to my friends. I trust you are capable of the same." Zaza takes two of the green vials and hands him eight gold.

The man accepts the coin and relinquishes two of the vials and quickly ushers you out the door without further word.

As the sun descends further toward the horizon, it is evident that curfew will soon be in effect. This is further evidenced by the number of patrols that can be seen in the streets, some appearing to perform spot checks on unfortunate citizens. After about two hours, you find yourselves once again at The Rockfish Inn. Yuleg, who had been keeping watch for you, hastily opens the door upon seeing you and urges you to enter swiftly.

"It is nearly curfew." he warns. "You would do best not to be on the street. For all of our sakes."

Once you are inside, he eagerly asks, "Were the rumors correct? Were you able to obtain some medicinals?"

Diagnosing the illness and how far along it is requires 10 minutes and a successful DC 15 Medicine check to Recall Knowledge. This is an open check.

Treating the illness requires 8 hours and a successful Medicine check to Treat Disease.

The party has about 16 hours before first bell indicates the curfew has been lifted. If there is anything else you would like to do during that time, please let me know. Otherwise, once two agree as to where to head after first bell on Day 2, I will move us there.

On the trip back Zaza suggests they take a slightly different route and keep an eye out for a tail. "We're probably fine but the candyman and his friends just might be curious about us. He seems to believe that we are not aware of their true business. It's for the best really. We don't need assassins on our tail. We'd better be alert though. Just in case."

Once you are inside, he eagerly asks, "Were the rumors correct? Were you able to obtain some medicinals?"

"Aye, Yuleg. They had a limited supply on hand for 'accidents.' Let's hope it does the trick."

Zaza approaches the sickly dwarf and raises a vial to her lips.

"Here girl, drink this. It should help."

Treating the illness requires 8 hours and a successful Medicine check to Treat Disease.

The party has about 16 hours before first bell indicates the curfew has been lifted. If there is anything else you would like to do during that time, please let me know. Otherwise, once two agree as to where to head after first bell on Day 2, I will move us there.

I'll give Vurna the antiplague and if possible try medicine to recall knowledge again but since I did it a few hours ago I'm not sure I can try again. Afterwards I'll step aside and let the folks that are actually trained Treat Disease. I believe that is Sneak and Guntram. I suggest that since we have 16 hours before we can safely exit the inn that they take shifts. One treats while the other sleeps. The antiplague is effective for 24hours so I'll save the second elixir until tomorrow evening. In the morning why don't we start at the top of the list and find Filtch, then move to Themolin and Daffrid if time permits?

Medicine-Recall Knowledge: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Not sure if Guntram can attempt a further RK check, but here's one if so...
Medicine, Recall Knowledge: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Guntram will agree to work to treat the girl's illness first.
Medicine, Treat Disease: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Yeah, I guess the second RK check won't help. However, the Treat Disease will.

The dwarf tends to the young, ailing woman into the early hours of the following day, but his efforts are fruitful. By the time dawn comes, Vurna's fever has broken and she is good spirits. She is surprised to see you. "Who? Who are you?" asks the young woman.

A picture of Vurna has now been added to Slides.

"They are here to help us." Yuleg assures her. "That, is, if you feel well enough to...travel."

A smile appears on Vurna's face, followed by a look of concern. She glances around. "Where is Flitch?" she asks. "Isn't he coming with us?"

Yuleg huffs. "Get your rest girl," he insists. "And forget about that boy for now."

Where to next? I see one vote for seeing Flitch. A second vote for Flitch or two for another client moves us along.

Guntram collapses into a chair, tired but pleased that his efforts have aided the girl.

Proceeding with Flitch next is fine with me.

With the final chimes of first bell dissipating in the air, you depart through the bustling city. After about two hours, you find yourself in a rundown, particularly impoverished, area of the city identified as Envy Row East. Following the directions provided in Guaril's note, you arrive at a rundown flat rather typical of the other residences of Envy Row East.

The front door facing the street stands shut. The windows of the flat have been boarded over, and fragments of a flowerpot lie beneath one of the windowsills.

What would you like to do?

Evgeni looks up the wall from the broken flowerpot. You say the windows are boarded up, are any not? Basically trying to work out what may have knocked this pot off the windowsill. And for that matter why would a flowerpot be on the outside of a boarded up window.

Evgeni looks up the wall from the broken flowerpot. You say the windows are boarded up, are any not? Basically trying to work out what may have knocked this pot off the windowsill. And for that matter why would a flowerpot be on the outside of a boarded up window.

One reasonable deduction is that the flowerpot fell prior to the windows being boarded. It may also have something to do with this.

A quick glance at the flat shows that its few windows have all been boarded and the door is shut.

An Athletics check to Force Open may be rolled openly in an effort to secure entry. Alternatively...

Did Katrina get her confections before they got hustled out of the store?

Katrina will indeed tap gently on the door. Receiving no answer she'll head over to the window above the broken flowerpot in an attempt to help Evgeni sort out the mystery.

Could you boost me up there please? she asks.

Did Katrina get her confections before they got hustled out of the store?

Certainly.

Evgeni stoops to catch Katrina's foot and boost her up the 3 or so feet that he can manage.

Athletics to boost?: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (7) + 0 = 7

Being a trained circus performer, Katrina uses that boost to get on to the window ledge to see what she can see though the gaps in the boards

acrobatics: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17
perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

Zaza tries to open the door. "it's locked."

She goes to the flowerpot and examines it. "This must be where Flitch found Garrla's note and money."

From her boosted vantage, Katrina peeks through the gaps in the boards of Flitch's flat. Within, she spies the floors of a sparsely furnished wood-walled apartment. A thin layer of dust covers the floorboards and the few objects set upon them. The northern wall bears crude etchings, graffiti, and other odd markings.

I get the feeling there's no one in here anymore. Dust on the floor and on what objects are left and the opposite wall has been grafittied. Cant quite make it out.

She then vaults back down to the ground and she cannot resist the temptation to add a flourish.

(Catfall feat)
acrobatics: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14

does it seem like anyone will notice if we try to break in?

Looking at the building. Hmmm... graffiti... Doesn't look like anyone has broken in. Maybe WE ought to in the interest of looking for clues of where he's gotten off to?

well, if you guys think it's necessary, I'll give it a go

She waits to hear what the party response is.

does it seem like anyone will notice if we try to break in?

It is a few hours after first bell, most laborers and merchants are afield or at the places of business. Few people walk the streets of this primarily residential section of the city. One of the windows is accessible from an alley that offers concealment.

"We need to get inside."

Sneak ducks into the alley "We go through this window. Sneaky." She assesses the window, trying to figure out how to get through, and taking action to do so if it can be done quietly.

Athletics check to Force Open the window may be rolled openly in an effort to secure entry through it.

Thievery checks to Disable Lock on the door may be rolled openly to try and open it.

While Sneak works on the window, Katrina attacks the door, as discretely and quietly as possible.

thievery: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

Katrina makes short work of the simple lock.
Two successes as a result of a critical success!

A thin layer of dust covers the interior of the flat. The northern wall bears crude etchings, graffiti, and other odd markings.

Each PC may roll an open Perception check to Seek in order to find something notable among the markings.

perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

Katrina studies the writing ((Society +8))

Katrina studies the etching of Flitch's name and the surrounding marks. She discerns that Flitch has gone into hiding within the city's sewers.

What do you want to do next? Start looking through the sewers? Spend time Gathering Information? Head to another client?

He's in the sewers. Do we go in after him?

Yes, lets head in after him.

"The sewers are likely to be quite messy. Perhaps we should visit the Ministry of Tithes first and speak to Themolin. Then we could go to the sewers afterwards and bathe once we return to the Rockfish for the night."

One set of sewers I was in was actually clean. That was in the Puddles District of Absalom. I was able to swim in them and I'm planning on getting property there. I hope these I like that ... but I doubt it ... probably like the ones when we had tae beat up a couple of otyughs.

And yeah ... lets make it a big and deep bath Katrina giggles in delight at the thought.

Sounds sensible to me, Guntram says in response to Zaza's suggestion.

"Ministry of tithes, yes, then be sneaky in the sewers." Sneak nods seriously

From the slums of Envy Row East, you make your way across the city to the west side where the Ministry of Tithes stands. This area of the city, close to the Runelord's palace, seems all the more secured by roving patrols and checkpoints, impeding your progress. Finally, after about two hours, you find yourself outside a large, marble building. A single member of the Emerald Guard stands at a post just outside and you are able to join a short line of people waiting to get in.

Once inside, you see an enormous statue in the likeness of Belimarius standing behind a reception desk. Beyond it is a wide-opened area filled with well-dressed bureaucrats tending to the paperwork piled upon the dozens of desks all neatly arranged around the statue.

At the reception desk sits a neatly dressed woman. 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.

What would you like to do?

Zaza discreetly eavesdrops on their conversation, making pains to not look like she has any interest in them at all.

Katrina moves to stand behind the man in order to listen in, making it look like she's joining the queue, while sucking on a piece of dark chocolate, the bonbon was consumed last night.

Or if the man is behind the desk, she'll just casually stroll up, still sucking the chocolate.

"Please, let me show you." urges the man as he raises his index finger. "Logus" he says aloud as he finger begins to glow. He then uses it to trace a figure onto the woman's desk, leaving behind a unique magic sigil upon it.

"And that is not the only way that I intend to... leave my mark on this place." he says with a confident grin. "Tell me, Debbriah, have you ever seen the sunrise over the Steaming Sea? I have the most beautiful view from my waterfront chalet. You should really come and join me sometime. This weekend, perhaps?"

"I'm sure that I am busy this weekend, Baralbus." replies Debbriah, clearly disinterested as she peruses through an appointment book.

Pictures of Baralbus and Debbriah now on Slides.

Katrina leans in for a closer look.

Oooooh .... Real magic she exclaims.

Arcana: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

She gets the impression that poor Debbriah needs this guy diverted.

Guntram walks up beside Katrina and says, Hello, I'm here to see an accountant.

Zaza steps up as well. "Yes I believe we have an appointment with a man named Themolin."

Guntram walks up beside Katrina and says, Hello, I'm here to see an accountant.

Debboriah keeps her head down and responds curtly. Her indifference is clear in the tone of her voice. "Sorry, I am busy and can't tend to you at the present time. You will have to try back again in a few hours."

Any PC may attempt an open Diplomacy check to Make an Impression to get Debboriah's attention.

Zaza steps up as well. "Yes I believe we have an appointment with a man named Themolin."

The man, Baralbus, trying his best not to appear to have just been spurned, turns toward the half-orc. "Themolin, you say? Just what sort of business do you have with him?"

Zaza gives the man an annoyed look.

"I beg your pardon? I'm not in the habit of discussing my private business with strangers, particularly those unimportant enough to secure the interest of a young lady. Good day sir."

Zaza turns to the woman and smiles.

"We're here to see Themolin regarding an important matter." She turns and glares at the man then back to the woman, smiling again. "I'm sure we're somewhere in that book of yours Debboriah dear."

Zaza waves her hand over the book then turns back to the man annoyed again. "Are you still here? Go away and stop pestering this young woman."

diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10