[PFS2, GameDay10] 2-16 Freedom for Wishes (GM Watery Soup) (Inactive)

Game Master Watery Soup

A missive arrives from Esmayl ibn Qaradi!

Loyal Pathfinders, Pleasantries and suchlike to you.

A dire situation has arisen in Qadira, and I find myself unable to resolve it without some assistance. Please travel expeditiously to Sedeq, a port city on the southwestern coastline of the Alavah Peninsula which, presently, has no Pathfinder lodge of its own.

Yours sincerely, Venture-Captain Esmayl ibn Qaradi, Katheer Lodge

If you have signed up on the spreadsheet, feel free to jump right in and introduce yourself. Describe where you were before this adventure, and how you arrive in Sedeq.

Gameplay will begin on September 6, 2021.

Disembarking a boat in the port city of Sedeq, an unusually well-dressed gnome, cradling a fine lyre, approaches the gathered group of Pathfinders. He's wearing a tuxedo-length black coat over a chain shirt, while a black silk top hat covers much of his unruly bright sea-green hair.

He doffs his hat and bows formally to the group. He says cheerily, "Greetings, fellow Pathfinders! Greetings! I am Jeeves. And I'm humbly at your service. I just came from Sarkoris helping to secure some Society allies. Very happy to be back in warmer weather." The gnome smiles and adds, "My goal is to lift spirits, help with spellcasting and healing, and live long enough to sing our tale of glory back at the The Surly Sailor in Absalom." He strums a pleasant chord on his lyre.

Jeeves notices a few members holding a letter like his own. He holds his up and says, "Oh excellent. It seems we received a similar letter from Venture-Captain Esmayl. It will be my pleasure assisting you however I can with our upcoming assignment." He looks around bright-eyed, clearly excited for his latest adventure to begin.

A tall, slender half-elven woman wanders off the boat. She seems slightly distracted as she meanders through the harbor, seeming to already know multiple people of different stations and greeting them in turn before making her her way to the appointed meeting place.

Master Jeeves, the pleasure is all mine. I am Wolstine. I certainly hope we can acquit ourselves admirably in the service of the society. Perhaps we can duet our tale - the most glory is always in collaboration.

A small green figure comes of the ship, the duration on the ship he was locked in the room doing things. A small goblin wearing leather armor with stains and burn marks. He seems thinking about something and is not terribly focused on what is happening here and now. He is wearing a bandolier which is full of bottles, behind his belt is a dagger. Only right half of his head is covered with hair, while the other is covered in tattoos of horrible quality.

Right behind him walks a big grew wolf, his head is bigger than the goblin's and he has massive paws. On his back is a saddle.

Just when goblin almost falls of the plank the animal stops the goblin with his head and pushes him the right direction.

Goblin walks past Wolstine and Jeeves and comments "Why do those musicians have to stand in the middle of the road!? Don't they have a gig somewhere in the tavern of a Drunken Donkey?"

After few steps he turns and looks at gnome and half-elf

"Are you Pathinders? I am Hop-p-per, and this is Wolfie." Wolfie comes forwards and sniffs Jeeves and Wolstine.

Jeeves bows to the half-elven bard, nodding, "Oh yes, madam, I would very much love to collaborate." He pauses and quickly explains, "But please ... it's just Jeeves. A former employer, as a joke, had Master included in my official Pathfinder papers. Because I tend to be formal when addressing others as Master and Madam." He continues, "But as a humble servant, I'm much more comfortable simply with Jeeves."

When Wolfie approaches him, Jeeves extends the back of his hand for the wolf to sniff, and he utters a couple barks mixed in with a low howl. In the language of wolves, the gnome says, "Greetings! Aren't you a fine steed! It shall be a pleasure traveling with you, my friend." If Wolfie allows, Jeeves gently pats the marvelous animal on the head.

Diplomacy-Make an Impression: 1d20 + 18 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 18 + 1 = 38

Jeeves has Animal Elocutionist allowing him to speak to all animals. A feat I rarely get to use, so thanks, Hopper!

"Hey, not to be the doom and gloom guy, but perhaps we should move this meeting off the street, eh? It's not uncommon for orders to come through and then we get there and folks don't particularly like us." The orange haired gnome let's out a small sigh. "Shame really. Our society gets dragged through the mud in some regions, but it is what it is. Even if the people don't like us, I like to think we still do good for this world."

He starts to head towards a nearby tavern then stops and blushes a bit. "Oh, sorry bout that. I'm Gnestor by the way. With a bit of luck, we won't need most of my talents, but I expect the invite wasn't just for my good looks." Chuckling, he resumes his walk.

"Hey! It's Pathfinders! HELLLOOOO!" A small goblin waves to the group, stretching his arm as high as it can go and waving it back and forth. He's nearly the opposite of Jeeves' dapper look. The goblin is dressed in patchwork leathers, some ill fitting and other parts that look like they have teeth marks on them. He's dirty and has mud caked on his legs. He carries a worn shortbow, though you do see magical runes on it. The most obvious feature though is the goblin's razorsharp teeth.

He waves again at the group and runs up to you. A wide grin shows again shows you the row of nasty sharp teeth. "I know you Pathfinders! Me Raznik. I come to help!" You are startled as a brown owl flashes by with less sound than a whisper. It lands on a window sill, dropping a dead mouse to the ground. "Yay! Bitey get dinner!" Raznik rushes over to the dead mouse, picking it up by the tail and then bashing it into the ground to ensure it's dead. "Bitey good hunter. Raznik good hunter too. We find food for Pathfinders?"

Jeeves is in awe as the goblin joins the group. He doffs his top hat and says to the patchworked Pathfinder. "Hello Raznik. It's a pleasure. What fine teeth you have!" When Bitey brings over some food, Jeeves nods, "We clearly won't go hungry on this adventure. May I say hello to your friend?"

Jeeves looks up to the Owl on the window sill, cups his mouth, and hoots in owl-speak, "It's an honor to meet such a capable hunter."

Diplomacy-Make an Impression (with the Owl): 1d20 + 18 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 18 + 1 = 36
(Animal Elocutionist provides +1)

When another gnome steps off the docks, Jeeves smiles brightly and gives a respectful bow to Gnestor. In gnomish, he says, "Greetings, my friend. You look like you're headed for the tavern. Care for some company?" With Gnestor's permission, Jeeves follows his fellow gnome to the bar.

Khunbish the elven druid steps down from the ship on silent feet, just as silently as the cougar that follows him at his side. Khunbish is tall as most elves are, but unlike most, rather than being slight of build, he is rather brawny. His long black hair falls down his back, and he is dressed quite simply, as one who spends most of his time outdoors then in cities. Although ageless in appearance as most elves, you can tell from his eyes that he has seen the passing of many years. He looks at the rest of the short-lived humanoids, not with disdain, but certainly with some distance.

He sighs faintly in relief to have solid ground under his feet, but looks around at the crowded docks with some disgust. The cougar by his feet growls in more audible frustration.

"I'm Khunbish," he introduces himself in his low soft voice. Gesturing to the cougar who has taken to lounging at this feet, he adds, "And this is Irves." He otherwise doesn't contribute to the conversation.

Irves, however, seems to find the gnome rather fascinating, as the small humanoid makes all kinds of bestial noises. He pads over, and sniffs Jeeves curiously.

Jeeves looks up to the Owl on the window sill, cups his mouth, and hoots in owl-speak, "It's an honor to meet such a capable hunter."

The small owl studies at Jeeves for a few seconds, then bobs her head up and down. She swoops down towards the goblin hunter, her talons flashing and for a brief moment, you think she's going to attack her hunting partner. Raznik must think so too because he shrieks and covers his face.

The owl swoops down and snatches the mouse from the goblin's hand and wheels up and back around, flying low towards Jeeves. It drops the dead mouse at his feet with a splat. Bitey glides over to nearby railing and lands. She bobs her head at Jeeves again.

Raznik peeks out from behind his hands covering his face, seeing the mouse at Jeeves' feet. "Stupid bird! That our dinner!" He rushes up to Bitey and points a finger at her. "Now what we eat? Fat mousemeat tasty and you give to funny hat gnome!" The owl simply responds by biting his finger.

The goblin shrieks again, though something tells you this has happened before. Raznik makes a face at the owl and begins to sulk and turn away. That's when both he and Bitey spot the large cougar coming close and both back away a bit.

Raznik looks at the tall elf and then back to the cougar. "Nice kitty?"

When Wolfie approaches him, Jeeves extends the back of his hand for the wolf to sniff, and he utters a couple barks mixed in with a low howl. In the language of wolves, the gnome says, "Greetings! Aren't you a fine steed! It shall be a pleasure traveling with you, my friend." If Wolfie allows, Jeeves gently pats the marvelous animal on the head.

[dice=Diplomacy-Make an Impression]1d20+18+1

Jeeves has Animal Elocutionist allowing him to speak to all animals. A feat I rarely get to use, so thanks, Hopper!

Wolfie stops and looks at Jeeves, he turns his head to the side and stops gasping for air. He is surprised to see and hear reasonable signals from one without a fur. Wolfie approaches Jeeves from the side, walking around him, to let him sniff the smell and see that the wolf is not aggressive towards him. He walks closer and sniffs Jeeves hand and then face, he walks close to Jeeves rubbing him with all his sides to leave its smell on Gnome as he is part of the pack now.

Jeeve can see that his doings made good impressions on Wolfie and that Wolfie is treating Hopper as a vulnerable pup, with no fur grown so far.

That could be interesting, as Wolfie has a scent which now we might try to get a bit more value of.

When Irves and Bitey shows up, Wolfie steps in between the newcomers and Hopper, for us long as it takes to convince the Wolf that new pack members are not hostile.

Hopper looks at the elf approach, he rolls his eyes. "Another slow thinker, need tens of years to learn what I was able to do in 4. " comments to himself. He glances at elf with similar weight that he gives to a rock, as long lasting, as flexible and fast learning.

He looks at cougar and thinks for a moment

"Do you have an armor for Irves? Look at what I got for Wolfie? Sturdy, natural leather, it is of better quality than mine is. "

Since I was not aware of that till the last couple of games. There is Barding for animal companions.

Jeeves smiles as Bitey drops the mouse at his feet. He hoots a reply, "Thanks for the fine gift! But let's give it to your friend." Jeeves turns to Raznik and mutters, "ascendant rodent", and uses Prestidigitation to lift the mouse up off the ground into the goblin's hands.

Jeeves removes his top hat and nods a greeting to Khunbish. When Irves pads closer, Jeeves holds out the back of his hand and growls in cougar-speak, "Welcome my fine feline. We're lucky to have you on our side." He smiles and if the cougar allows, scratches behind its ears.

We have quite the menagerie here, with nearly everyone having a companion. If the Pathfinding thing doesn't work out, we can open a zoo.

So many animals. This is PF2, right?

Wolstine looks a bit taken aback by the animals sprouting up all over.

Have we been recruiting in the woods?! Don't get me wrong, I will happily take all the help I can get. I've just never seen so many animals in one pathfinding team before.

Oh, wait, there's a back side to the missive!

One week past as of this writing, reports from Sedeq arrived that the slave merchant and genie binder, Corvius Vayn, hosted a large party in his manor home. None who attended have returned. I have been advised of an aura of strong and persistent conjuration magic surrounding the manor, and Sedeq’s citizens have reported strange lights and noises within. It is unclear what, precisely, transpired during the party. What is clear is the danger the Vayn estate now poses to the city. Something is very wrong with the manor, and Sedeq’s government beseeches the Society for assistance.

Enter the manor and determine what happened at Vayn’s party. Then resolve, or at least document, the unnatural phenomenon occurring within, and evacuate as many people as you are able. The guest list of the party was composed predominantly of other slave masters and merchants, and while I appreciate these individuals may not garner your sympathy, please also consider the staff, both free and enslaved, who remain similarly trapped within. The necessity of your success in Sedeq cannot be understated, Pathfinders. Impress the city with the neat resolution of this problem, and our new Qadiran lodge will be set for success before it even opens.

Present this letter if you require assistance from guards or other city officials in gaining entry to the Vayn estate.

The letter references a Corvius Vayn. If any of your Pathfinder Society 1st Edition characters have played PFS1 #10-21: Slavers End, and received the Debt to Corvius boon, please remind me. Otherwise, if your PC would like to make a Recall Knowledge check, please post your Society modifier for a secret check.

The letter references genie binders. If your character would like to make a Recall Knowledge check about genies, please post your Arcana modifier (or Genie Lore) for a secret check.

Khunbish would be casting Lognstrider (L2) on himself every morning.

Khunbish looks down (literally, not figuratively) on the goblin then turns to examine the wolf silently. He takes a moment to consider, before replying, "Yes, that is a good idea. Thank you, young Hopper."

He otherwise doesn't respond to the rest of the party. He merely mutters under his breath with some distaste, "Freeing slavers..."

Not doing any of those checks.

Jeeves holds out the back of his hand and growls in cougar-speak, "Welcome my fine feline. We're lucky to have you on our side." He smiles and if the cougar allows, scratches behind its ears.

Irves grins in delight that this two-legged creature actually speaks his language, something not even his master often do. Or speak for that matter. He growls/purrs, and turns to look at his master as if to share this wonderful discovery, but his master doesn't seem to notice.

Hopper nods to Khunbish and reads the note

"That sounds like one of the parties in Puddles. When I went to one I was also gone for a week, and the strange lights could have been seen and noises heard. Ha!" he laughs at the recollection, unsure if it was the party that took him out or his test of new mutagen...

"If you ask me, I wouldn't mind if some of those slavers would not get out..." comments out loud

Society +11, Arcana +11 sprinkled with Dubious knowledge ;)

"Oh, we going to a party!" The goblin does a little dance, twirling around. "Maybe they have food there?" He doesn't quite seem to have grasped the actual mission.

The feral goblin doesn't have either of those skills.

@GM I have 2 PCs with the Debt to Corvius boon (GM Replay).

Hmm, I've heard of this Corvius. He's unscrupulous, but fair in his dealings.

Arcana, Bardic Lore, and Society are all +11

After his glorious chats with some of the animal companions gracing our party, Jeeves reads the back of his letter along with the group.

When Wolstine mentions she's heard of this Corvius, Jeeves is very impressed. He whispers aloud, "Now, there's a proper emissary. With all my travels, this slave merchant remains a mystery." Jeeves looks upon the half-elf with a newfound respect.

Not having any past business dealings with this particular genie binder, Jeeves tries to recall what he's heard in his travels as an emissary.

Society +13, Arcana +14

---

Arriving in Sedeq, boisterous crowd surrounds the manor grounds outside of the Vayn Estate. In addition to onlookers hoping for strange sights, the crowd also consists of the family and friends of those trapped inside and slighted aristocrats who didn’t receive an invitation to the party and are now reveling in Corvius’s predicament. The local guard commander, Suada Al-Sabri, keeps the peace and watches and the manor gate, which is sealed shut. Soldiers posted around the clock ensure no one enters by climbing the exterior fence.

You may ask questions of Suada Al-Sabri, or, Gather Information from the crowd. If the latter, please post your Diplomacy modifier for a secret check.

Well, I do know that Corvius Vayn is a slave merchant and genie binder living here in Sedeq. As such, he hold influence with most of the wealthy elite. I suspect the guards fear the power of those genies.
A runner stops Wolstine in the street and hands her a note, which she opens and quickly reads. Seems we should seek out Murad if we need assistance within the estate.
She considers for a moment, then continues. Genies are powerful creatures native to the elemental planes, ruling kingdoms in all four. They are often bound to leverage their magical power, specifically the ability of noble genie to grant wishes. Those wishes are often dangerous, however, and care must be taken to word the wish correctly lest it be twisted by the genie themselves.

Diplomacy = +12

Jeeves nods as Wolstine speaks of Corvius Vayn and of genies. "Indeed, Madame Wolfstine, I've heard similar tales of genies. Fascinating creatures." He reflects and continues, "Yet, it's horrifying to think they are bound by slave merchants such as Corvius Vayn to work their magic against their will." He shakes his head sadly.

Jeeves flits easily in and out of the gathering crowd. He engages in conversation with any that have family and friends trapped inside the manor. "And you haven't received any word from them since they entered?" He keeps his ears open for talk of any plans to break in. "I'm in. How can I help?" Finally, he'll ask the locals, "That guard commander, Suada Al-Sabri, seems a capable fellow. What do you know of him?" He continues passing through the crowd before eventually returning to the Pathfinders, sharing any information he gathered.

Diplomacy +18

Raznik is awed by the manor and the people pressing around the gate. He tries to push his way to the front of get a better look, occasionally elbowing someone in the back of the knee or lightly biting a leg as he passes. As he makes his way to the front, he looks over the manor, trying to see if there are other ways in besides the front gate.

I forgot to point you to art of Esmayl ibn Qaradi, on Slide 3, earlier.

---

Wolstine and Jeeves both canvas the crowd, who regale them with stories of flashing lights, as well as elemental discharges of fire, water, air, and dust. Those trained in Arcana will recognize these as the breath weapons of mephits.

Some of the people press the Pathfinders to help find their loved ones - thirty people have been reported missing after attending the party, not including Corvius himself. But that’s far from the full picture: the numerous servants and slaves who live at the estate aren’t included in these reports.

he looks over the manor, trying to see if there are other ways in besides the front gate.

OOC, the front gate won't be a barrier - the guard will happily let you in whenever you are ready. I'll address alternate entrances to the manor itself when you approach.

Khunbish stands at the edge of the crowd, while Irves keeps even the most desperate from encroaching to near. But even the aloof elf can't ignore the desperation in their voices.

Turning to Suada, he asks brusquely, "Do we know how many in total? Not just the guests. The common people."

Raznik approaches Suada Al-Sabri. "Hello! What happening inside? People saying there's a party in there. Exclusive! No one in or out."

Hopper nods his head when Wolstine is telling about Corvius and Genies. "Genies abhor being bound and forced to serve mortal masters. Though many respect genie binders for the sheer power necessary to control such beings, a genie never serves their master willingly. A genie who detects a weakness in their master will seize any opportunity to punish and destroy their controller." he adds something that he knows of, or he is almost certain.

He looks at the place, and when Wolstine and Jeeves head to gather the information he finds a calm spot and quickly prepares his potions.

The goblin goes back to the others and passes two bottles of liquid silver to Raznik. "Those will alter your body and make you more accurate and quick on your feet. But prepare for the pain."

Raznik happily takes the two bottles from Hopper. Goblins always give the bestest presents! He sniffs at them. "Pain? Like the whiskey-water that hurts when it goes down? Raznik take them!" He gives Hopper a wide pointy grin before stashing them away.

Turning to Suada, he asks brusquely, "Do we know how many in total? Not just the guests. The common people."

The guard looks a little surprised. "I am heartened to see that you care about the lives of all, rather than just the rich. Unfortunately, those in charge do not share your concern - I have only been given the number of wealthy guests."

He looks around.

"Just between you and me, any servants trapped inside will likely have fared better than the served. The servants are used to dealing with adversity - they've probably holed up somewhere safe and banded together."

He stands back up straight and opens the gate for you to enter.

---

From the outside, the Vayn estate looks unchanged and almost normal, with the exception of the occasional belch of mephits or rainbow of lights cascading the sky above. The manor grounds remain relatively untouched by the chaos wreaked within.

Tall stone walls with an iron gate surround the Vayn estate. Within, fruit trees, flowers, and fountains fill the grounds. Manicured stone paths lead to the house and to each individual outdoor area. There are gazebos of various sizes, a stream, and a large fish pond. The manor itself is two stories tall and made from red adobe bricks. Windows of various sizes dot the walls, along with balconies small and large. The manor has a disjointed silhouette, as if the architect attempted to fill a single building with the dominant feature of every palace and castle they had ever seen, each now fighting with each other to be the focal point of the finished estate. A pair of ornate stone staircases guide the way to the manor’s main entrance.

Raznik takes some time to explore the grounds and look in the windows before entering the estate. He sees shadows moving inside but is unable to make out specific creatures. Some rooms look like lavish but ordinary dining or sitting rooms, while other windows seem to peer into verdant jungles, sandy beaches, or underwater vistas.

See Slide 4. Doors have been marked with yellow arrows for clarity. Please rearrange yourselves on the map.

As we head in, I want to remind everyone that they start with 1 Hero Point. If anyone has any GM glyphs, they can hand out extra Hero Points - please use Slide 2 as a tracker.

When Raznik returns from his reconnaissance, Jeeves listens to the ranger's report with interest. "That is most interesting, Master Raznik. One doesn't often get to enjoy jungles, beaches, and oceans without leaving the comfort of home." Jeeves follows the others up the stairs, periodically checking for magical auras once they enter.

Unless we learn more information about north vs. south, Jeeves follows whoever chooses to make a command decision.
Exploration Mode: Detect Magic.

Raznik stalks carefully up to the door. He listens at it to see if he can hear anyone inside. Bitey lands on an outcropping overhead, watching the small goblin. As much as Ranik made a frenzy of noise before, the goblin seemed to channel all his attention into staying silent now.

Perception +11

Exploration: Avoid notice (Stealth +13)

I have 1 glyph. If it's the only one, I expect it should go to Raznik or Hopper as the two level 5s.
Exploration Mode: Investigate (Bardic Lore(trained) +11 or Occultism(expert) +13)

Would like to request that Irves always stick beside Khunbish, as in combat, he might sometimes lay a buff in the first round of combat.

Khunbish follows closely behind Raznik, his ears perked up to pick up noises that might give a clue for what they might face. Irves pads along silently beside him.

Discussion thread on exploration mode activities.

Hopper jumps onto Wolfie and follow the others. He keeps his eyes open on any sign of danger.

Wolfie sniffs the air with his nose. scent 30 ft imprecise

Hopper looks for a reaction of Wolfie I hope that maybe Jeeves can learn from Wolfie if something is within 30 ft and it is not us ;)

Raznik hears, and Wolfie smells, many creatures. And yet, when Raznik looked inside the windows, all he saw were shadows moving around, unable to discern different creatures.

Recall Knowledge would be Arcana or Nature.

Arcana +11 with Dubious knowledge pls ;)

Hoppper glances through the window trying to calm down Wolfie

"There is a lot of creatures inside..."

"I think those are mephits, but I can't really determine their size, those are either swarms or big individuals covering the whole window."

Feel free to open the spoiler.

Jeeves gives a knowing look to Hopper, and mutters a series of soft growls to Wolfie, "You sense anything, my canine friend?" The gnome then focuses his attention on the unknown creatures.

Arcana +14

Wolstine can roll any recall knowledge with Bardic Lore with +11.

Wolstine peeks just over the sill into the room. Anything to worry about?

Nature +9

Raznik tries to see inside more to understand what he might be hearing.

Raznik put a finger to his lips and turns to the others. "Mephit swarms. Like many little tiny mephits. Kind of tickle. Things that hurt lots at one time be better than using arrows on them. Also they mephits." He shrugs but then looks at his bow and frowns. Then he pulls out a flask of alchemist's fire.

As swarms, they are resistant to physical damage and weak to area and splash damage. They also have elemental traits, meaning they're immune to bleed, paralyzed, poison, precision, and sleep.

I need some time to adjust the scenario for the revised number of Challenge Points. Tomorrow, I'll assume whoever is in the front opens the door, and you all have your weapons out, unless someone objects.

"No worries, you have a bomber for swarms, just keep them entertained I will throw bombs."

These swarms tend to form around planar rifts, so there must be one nearby. Wolstine pulls her bow and nocks an arrow.