GM Tyranius (PF2) Flooded Kings Court (Tier 1-4) (Inactive)

Game Master Tyranius

Dot in here

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All of you, this morning, received the following message from Drandle Dreng:

Greetings fellow seekers of knowledge!

The Society has been presented with a unique opportunity and I think you're just the ones to help out. As you have likely heard, Absalom has recently become the home of a group of goblin refugees displaced by the Whispering Tyrant's armies. They have settled in the Puddles, quite content to live in some of the abandoned buildings there.

We've also learned from Ziraya al-Shurati, a Muckrucker in the Puddles, that the goblins have been digging around in the basement of the old playhouse that belonged to the Greater Absalom Performing Arts Guild. They've claimed this building as their own. In the process, they stumbled across some manner of beast they could not defeat but instead managed to seal away. With the local guards, the Muckruckers, unwilling to help, we have a perfect opportunity to step in and learn something new about the history of Absalom.

Several of our more experienced goblin Pathfinders have been working hard to build inroads into the goblin community, and this has led to an offer by “king” Zusgut to hear our plea. Your job is to meet Zusgut, explain that we wish his permission to explore beneath his playhouse, and then perform an initial exploration and assessment. You'll likely not have much time for exploration given the tides probably flood the chambers below each day, but do your best!

Sincerely,
Drandle Dreng

P.S. I almost forgot! Eando Kline of the Vigilant Seal is watching this mission closely. He's worried about ancient evils being released into the world by Pathfinders and what that will do to the public's impression of us. While I know such things can't always be avoided, it would be best if you either destroyed anything dangerous that you find down there or if you must bring it back to the Lodge, be very discreet!

It's a beautiful day in Absalom as you walk through the Puddles district. The sun is shining brightly on all the slop in the streets, and there are even a few dry places here and there to put your feet.

Feel free to introduce your characters. Also give me a few rolls behind a spoiler if you so wish to see what more you know.

Chulyin, an unusually dark-skinned Sarkorian wearing a layered cloak fashioned from the skins of animals not native to the Realm of the Mammoth Lords, moves down the street with his staff squelching with each strike into the eponymous puddles of this region of the city. While his accouterments are reminiscent of an arcanist's, he has the build, vigor, and work-worn hands of a woodsman. His engraved wayfinder hangs prominently at his belt. Most notable--though less so among the members of today's assigned team--is the jaguar that pads along dutifully behind him.

"There is much history in Absalom, I have heard in the tales of the last siege," he comments to his companions. "It seems we are as likely to find an arcane golem designed to protect the people of the city that merely followed it programming when disturbed by goblins as we are to find a long buried devil."

Azu returns to Absalom after having finished several tasks for the Society. His tan skin and black hair give away his Garundi heritage. His dromeosaur at his heals as he makes his way to the Puddles District.

GM can make any Secret rolls I need to make.

Sounds good Azu, just let me which ones and your modifiers as these offer a lot of options.

I have no modifiers for any of those checks.. so any/all are fine.

Erevan, an elf with a very unusual backpack, tries to share to the group what he remembers about the district and the rumors of what's beneath it. "Quite an interesting mission, I dare say so myself," he muses as his backpack emits sounds of clanging bottles. "I just hope all of our preparations are worth it. Wouldn't want to run into trouble unprepared."

Alchemical items prepared: 4 alchemist's fire, 2 minor elixirs of life, 2 eagle eye elixirs. Grabbing a potion of healing from the Society.

Mal seems to be truly enjoying her stroll, not flinching aside in the least from mud or puddle or stranger. Her fiery hair is worn up in a simple bun to keep it out of her way, matching the practical lightweight armor she wears, and the healer's tools strapped in easy-to-reach places around her. She bears a pair of daggers at her hip, and a shield on her back, but doesn't seem to pay them much mind.

A raven quorks merrily along with her as she walks from pathfinder to pathfinder, shaking their hand in greeting. "Hush Orev. Hello! Hi, I'm Mal! Ah, hello!"

A goblin stumbles into the midst of those already gathered in the Puddles. Hey hey! I'm Arfsnarf. Who wants a fortune today?

He proceeds to stop in front of each of the first several teammates assembled so far, to briefly blow on a kazoo, roll a polyhedral die, and after viewing the result says You probably not gonna die today, but things could get pretty rough. This indeed happens three times as if the "fortune" was individually applicable and accurate.

He comes to Mal last, who seem to get an actual unique fortune, as perhaps the goblin is more comfortable with her similar (or at least not so towering) stature.

Clacky rock: 1d20 ⇒ 16

His eyes light up as he exclaims Ooh, I have a feeling you gonna save the day somehow! I don't know how yet, but we see. Clack rock accurate.

Also taking a potion of healing as the free society item. Note that because mage armor lasts until the next day's preparation, Arfsnarf will always start the day with it already cast and one spell-slot expected (see his status line).

A man in brown and grey leathers - the outfit of a local Hunter's Guild - joins you. He is a hair under six feet tall with short brown hair and beard, and a pair of hatchets riding in reverse sheaths on his thighs. On his back is a shortbow.

"Sorry I'm late. Apparently someone else was slated to go with you and they got called away or something. I'm Martin. Martin Shadestep. I'm a bit more comfortable in the wilds, but we'll just have to see. What is this place? Looks like the leftovers after a River Lord's cleansing."

NO modifiers to any of those skills. Martin is more of a country boy.

Arfsnarf knows a thing or two about goblins.The Crookedtoes goblins are led by Zusgut, who is obsessed with performance and acting. His tribe has taken over an old playhouse in the Puddles district that no one else wants because the Puddles are slowly sinking. Though Chulyin seems to know a bit more that surprises even Arfsnarf. The goblins who have taken up residence in the old playhouse are slowly being corrupted by the spirits that haunt that place. They’re being compelled to act out the performances that led the former owners to ruin and have no idea how to escape the same fate.

Erevan knows a bit about teh area below the Puddles. Or at least he has heard of such things happening. There are certainly ancient structures below what is now called the Puddles. In the past, such places have been troubled by corporeal undead such as ghouls, ghasts, skeletons, and zombies. Older residents of the area tell stories of screams that would occasionally seem to emanate from somewhere deep beneath the streets.

You finally reach the old Playhouse of the Performing Arts Guild. The structure has proven resilient to the daily flooding. It is roughly square‑shaped and measures 120 feet on each side of the outside walls. The stone foundation is in rather good condition considering the earthquake 20 years ago, and the wooden walls are still solid, but the exterior's paint is mostly chipped away, many windows are broken, and the wooden shingles rotten and failing. A few creeping plants grow along the exterior.

"Yes. I have heard that the goblins are obsessed with acting because they are compelled by restless spirits from the Theater's past," Chulyin adds to the sorcerer's information. "I wonder if the terror they uncovered below the playhouse is related to the haunting and might be a way to set them free. Be wary for haunts."

He checks his tools and other supplies one last time before they enter the Playhouse.

Exploration Mode: Search
Religion +8 (T), if it matters.

Azu is impressed by the groups knowledge, or at least he listens. "Corporal undead are preferable to incorporeal undead. Azu grips his longsword in one hand and his light mace in the other. He Scouts for danger as the group enters the building.

"I'll second that. Anything I can get the sisters into is better than things I can't." Martin patted one of the hatchets at his belt.

He moved slightly ahead of the group, taking the time to search carefully and make sure they weren't walking into an ambush.

Scouting exploration activity when possible

Azu is already Scouting, so there's no point in both of us doing it.

"We should announce our arrival," Chulyin suggests to the rangers as they move forward. "This is King Zusgut's residence."

Flickering torches fail to fully illuminate this large auditorium within the mostly‑ruined playhouse. Hints of the former beauty and majesty of the building are marred by the smell of mildew and ever‑present water puddles. The northern end of the space is occupied by a raised stage, with a large chair that must have once been used as a throne in a theatrical production long ago.

Goblins move throughout the room, some gathered in small clusters roasting food over open fires, others sleeping in what remains of the auditorium’s chairs. On the crumbling balcony, a goblin choir rehearses, each member singing a different song, or perhaps the same song with different words, lyrics, and tempo. Goblin children chase each other about, their leashes dangling from their necks as they screech and shout. Occasionally a leash catches on a bit of furniture or rubble, bringing the wearer crashing to the ground while their companions laugh uproariously.

Chulyin makes your arrival known with a sounding announcement.

From atop the throne a voice rings out, cutting across the chaos, clear and enunciated, although obviously still a goblin’s. “Oho, what’s this! Another group looking to throw their hats into the ring, as it were? Probably the Pathfinders I was expecting.” There is an angry yell from a group of humans wearing armor and bearing sheathed weapons dimly visible near the stage. The goblin turns and addresses the interruption from the grousing warriors. “Now, now. I never said anything about exclusive rights, did I? Hah!"

“So, Pathfinders. I’m sure you’ve heard about our trouble with a creature in the basement. What is it your organization is willing to do for my kingdom, and why should I let you go instead of these fine folks?” he asks, gesturing to the warriors.

Now is a good time to slot boons and collect school items if you have not done so already.

"We are the Pathfinders you were expecting as you, King Zusgut, have astutely surmised," Chulyin says with a formal Taldane bow. "We are willing to help keep your kingdom safe and secure, and you should favor us over these competitors because we are an inclusive organization."

He turns to Arfsnarf and says, "Would you like to argue our case, or would you prefer me to continue. I feel the message would be less well received coming from a longshanks, but I do not want to put you in an uncomfortable position."

The jaguar watches the trailing leashes zip about the room, his tail slowly flicking to the left and then the right.

"Why do we need to compete at all? Why not both groups go down below and handle this monster or whatever? It's not like having extra hands is going to make it less likely to subdue it. And the goal is to get rid of your problem, isn't it?"

I'll go ahead and take two Holy Waters, Slot Verdant Wheel and Nexian Researcher.

"You're right Chulyin, it's not like we aren't invited!"

***

Mal peered through the shadows at their apparent rivals. So who else is Zusgut trying to court?

"I believe he is bargaining the exploration rights, which we also seek," Chulyin answers Martin while awaiting Arfsnarf's decision. "Not the right to slay the beast."

Arfsnarf starts on Chulyin's cue. Yeah, Pathfinder's are pretty goblin friendly. See, here one right now! I'm Arfsnarf!

He waves his clacky rock in the air as he exuberantly exclaims.

But, Longshanks #2 is right, I don't think it help you to pick just one. Send both down! First...

He points towards the other, disgruntled group of warriors.

Send them down as tasty snackrifice to basement dwelling creature, then we heads down and slays it during after-meal power-nap! Plan is perfect!

He flashes a toothy grin at King Zusgut in self-satisfaction.

Chulyin pales a bit at Arfsnarf's suggestion. He turns his head and mutters at his jaguar companion, "Clearly, the academy did not prepare me for goblin negotiations."

The jaguar looks up at his human companion and sniffs before going back to watching the scampering faux-mouse tails.

"We come seeking to get rid of the beast down below. I think that's good enough contribution on our part. But if the King has other things in mind. Just let it be known to us."

"If we do not believe they are capable, we should not send them to their deaths," Chulyin says. "That is not the way. Or worse, freeing the beast below that the king sealed. If we believe they are adequate to the task, then we need to access the ruins below before they take or ruin what history is left behind."

He turns back to the stage and says, "I believe you will find that Pathfinders have many more talents than slaying beasts, and a relationship without organization would be beneficial and profitable to you and your tribe, King Zusgut."

I'm playing Sewer Dragons of Absalom concurrently on PbP, and I feel like I'm making the same negotiation... hopefully, a *spoiler* doesn't *spoiler* here.

"Why do we need to compete at all?

"Of course you need to compete. Or it wouldn't be a competition!" Zusgut leans forward incredulously in his chair.

"I believe he is bargaining the exploration rights, which we also seek," Chulyin answers Martin while awaiting Arfsnarf's decision. "Not the right to slay the beast."

Zusgut waves his hand. "Tomato.Tomato.." He says phrasing it two different ways.

No one in the group recognizes the warriors as being from any of Absalom's gangs. Mal's best guess is that their cheap hired swords... but hired by whom? Meanwhile Arfsnarf realizes something really important about Zusgut. While the King seems to approve of your group of Pathfinders (which after all includes a goblin), he's also delighted at the prospect of you competing with the mercenaries to provide entertainment for the tribe!

You each have one opportunity to make an argument for why the Pathfinders are best suited for the job.

"As I said, our organization is made of those with many talents," Chulyin says with a deferential bow. "I would be happy to return with craftsmen to help restore your fine theater to its--and your--due glory."

Donate Downtime. We each can only offer one thing, right? I.e. I cannot also bribe him?

Arfsnarf elbows Chulyin, but given his height it hits at the knees instead of the ribs. He whispers to the druid and his other companions.

Look fellas, he does like us, but he still want to be entertained by us. Just make him feel important, we'll get by in a hurry.

He turns back to the king to speak up.

So, Zusgut, I'm really happy to see this fine Goblin home, smack gob in the middle of huge longshanks city! We really going places here now, and it all because of you! I hope these whelps appreciate what you create here! Let another goblin handle you pest problem, and we have great goblin community accepted by great city! he exclaims, grinning ear to ear to sell it.

Flattery, of course (diplomacy): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

"Sure, I can lend a hand fixing up this dump. Why not?"

Donate downtime...begrudgingly

Chulyin clears his throat and says, "And by dump he means the sorry state that this building was left in by the city."

@Chulyin- Correct, only 1 thing.

While you don't have the time now Martin and Chulyin promise to spend some time with Zusgut, fixing his playhouse up, giving him notes on his work and introducing the goblin to various artists around the city. This will come in at the end of the scenario.

Zusgut looks quite proud and and excited to see so many clamoring over him. He seems quite proud of his dump and takes no offense. "These whelps are most appreciative!" Small groups of goblins give loud cheers from all over the seating area.

You have earned 3 favor points

Azu has neither the disposition for diplomacy, nor the inclination to labor for goblins. However, he considers how he might assist the effort in their present endeavor.

"You would do well to embrace the Society, for we have many talents you might find useful in your theater."

Azu coaxes his companion, Ako, to jump and leap and flip and dart about him as he tosses treats in the air.

Acrobatis for Ako: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

"I'd be happy to chip in! It's been a while since I worked any carpentry, but I'm a fair hand with a hammer."

Donate downtime, cheerfully!

Erevan looks lost in thought. Finally, he speaks to the goblin tribe. "Though I may not seem fit for the job. I'll help out in cleaning up the theater."

Donating downtime as well.

Zusgut gains two more volunteers as he bounces in his chair in excitement while Azu leaps and flips all over. The goblin children begin to clap and cheer with short whistles breaking the short moments of silence.

The goblin leader sits thinking for a while, then springs to his feet and points a finger high in the sky. “I know!” he says. “We should have a contest to see who goes! You can read lines from my play.” The surrounding goblins cheer. He squints at the mercenaries. “Since you got here first, you can go first! Show starts in two minutes!” At this news, another cheer goes up from the Crookedtoes goblins and they begin to crowd toward the stage.

An older toothless goblin toddles up to you with her bucket. "You're going to need costumes!" She dumps costumes from the bucket onto a nearby table.

There on the table are some costumes — a bent and tarnished crown (it's not nearly as "nice" as Zusgut's), a moth-eaten tuxedo and slide whistle, a rabbit suit and wooden great axe, a green bycocket hat and a toy crossbow, two matching pink ribbons, and a soggy paper maché suit of what might have once been a full plate mail costume.

There are 7 parts, and 6 of you. Whoever plays Siathorn and her pet poodle Mitzli (who's not a dog! Ferocious wolf!) can play both parts.

She explains the costumes to all of you as she hands you the play's script. The script can be found in the tactical map link above

“King Zusgut will wear the crown.
Ulthun will wear the plate mail.
Grenek will wear the rabbit costume.
Siathorn and Mitzli wear matching ribbons.
Crimsi will wear the bycocket hat and crossbow.
Pizzaz will wear the tuxedo and use the slide whistle.”

She nods to you and toddles off. The young sell swords from the other team yell, “Hey TOOTHLESS HAG, where’s our costumes?” She shoots the a dagger like expression and tosses them stained and even more tattered costumes.

Zusgut rises. "The Masterpiece begins in Two minutes!" He yells holding up a single half finger. "The group first to arrive will go first!" He then points to the group of young sellswords.

"It seems this mission might have been better served with a member of the Uzunjati," Chulyin says wryly. "I can take the part of Siathorn and Mitzi."

"This is ridiculous! First, we have to much around in this urban swamp. Now, we have to degrade ourselves with this nonsense? Really? Fine! At least I can wear something familiar."

Martin grabbed the bycocket hat and toy crossbow. He held the toy weapon up and aimed it over at the other group before dropping it to his side and shaking his head ruefully.

Hey! What you complaining about Longshanks #2! We never got so easy a job as this! Get that voice ready!

Are there size restrictions on any of the consumes? If not...

Arfsnarf quickly claims the tuxedo and slide whistle. He begins practicing the whistle far more than anybody would like... or think is necessary.

Arfsnarf the virtuoso performer! Slide whistle has the gusto of a trumpet, the delicacy of a fine-tune harp, and the comedic value of a stand-up bard!

"Not every mission will be freeing elemental gods from their comet prison, and not every culture will have the same negotiating standards," Chulyin says, trying to be understanding. "Until we enter below and put an end to whatever spirits or curse plague these goblins, the request to perform theater is not a surprise."

Erevan lets out a loud sigh and takes the worn-out crown. "I guess this will suffice. I'll take the part of his majesty, King Zusgut." He shudders as he mentions the last sentence but tries to compose himself.

Azu and Ako take the matching ribbons without complaint.

Chulyin watches as Azu takes the ribbons from his hand. "Very well, then I suppose I can be Greneck," he says.

Azu stops short, "Apologies, I had thought you were just holding them for someone else. I will play Greneck. It is for the best, Ako is not much of an actor and tends to forget his lines."

Azu returns the ribbons and dons the rabbit suit.

No size restrictions, though being goblin wear it never truly fits anyways.

Zusgut: (Erevan)
Crimsi: (Martin)
Grenek: (Azu and Ako)
Siathorn w/ Mitzi: (Chulyin)
Pizazz: (Arfsnarf)
Ulthun: (Mal)

The mercenaries climb the stage like condemned prisoners expecting to be hanged. the mercenaries are rather terrible in their performance: not funny‑terrible, just plain terrible. They read in a wooden way and mostly just stand on the stage looking uncomfortable, as if reciting lines a teacher has required them to memorize.

"BOOooooooooOOO!" The goblins begin to shout and toss rotten garbage onto the stage. The mercenary playing Ulthun has to raise his shield as the unimpressed goblins begin throwing bits of rotten fruit and pieces of wood (some of it on fire) at him and the other performers. "AAaaaaaarrrgh!"

You may also undermine the opposition if you wish to do so, making trouble during their reading as the goblins seem to be doing quite well. Describe a sufficient disruptive task and a Bluff check to follow.

Chulyin watches the performance with sympathy for their competitors.

Mal is slightly confused by the bunny-suit, but then with a glance over at Arfsnarf's regular attire, decides that maybe it isn't that strange after all.

"I can play Grenek!"