[PFS2e] GM Chadius: Bounties and Quests Jamboree (Inactive)

Game Master chadius

Quest 12: Putrid Seeds

The air of Geb is warm and humid as dawn breaks on Mechitar and the Pathfinders disembark. The waters are not as fetid as they were closer to where the aptly named River of Rot enters the harbor, but the toxic waterway is clearly devoid of life— though every so often, an undead gull chases the reanimated exoskeleton of a crab as it scuttles across magnificent, glossy obsidian rocks. To the west, sunlight glints off the Cinerarium, a massive black pyramid that serves as the royal palace of the country’s eponymous ruler. Though some living creatures go about their business on the docks, more numerous are the hordes of zombies and other undead that load and unload ships.

Feel free to introduce yourself.

On the ship boarded a goblin. A 3 ft height, wearing leather armor with stains and burns on its sleeves. Only left-half of his head is covered in hair, the other half is covered in horribly looking tattoos. They look like someone would learn the art of making tattoos while doing them, oddly shaped without keeping to proportions. His look is mostly thinking about something else, he frequently mumbles and talks to himself. Behind his belt, he carries a simple dagger and a bandolier of bottles. Usually not far from him is a big grey wolf with enormous sized jaws, whom the goblin call

"Wolfie"

During the sailing of the ship, the alchemist would spend his journey experimenting with mutagens which he would gladly consume himself, sometimes passing out for half a day. In his book, he would make notes on which ingredients should be used in the future and which should not.

When he meets a new Pathfinder agent he would say

"My name is Hop-pp-er, nice to meet you. Ever been to... where are we going again?"

But when he sees Meadow, Hopper looks at her more closely

"May my eyes fall out and change into diamonds if this is not Meadow. What are you doing here girl?" looking to the sides he lowers his voice

"Slave ships are not a place for a person of your.... ehh height." he chuckles for a moment

After too many trips on the Sunken Maiden, the second goblin on board the ship, a pale-skinned and well-dressed man, is happy that the journey is free of practical jokes. Still, despite his best efforts, only minor keys emerge from his flute after a short time in this oppressive area. He keeps up the humor as best he can, but his smile seems forced.

He said his name was Jiki when he boarded the ship, and he spends equal time entertaining the passengers and crew and poring over books, some in his own hand and some in languages few understand.

When the boat finally makes landfall, he packs his gear and says, "I don't often long for the company of my people, but even having my bottom set on fire seems like it would be welcome now. Not that that's an offer, mind, but let's do what we came for and depart for joyful shores posthaste."

...when he sees Meadow, Hopper looks at her more closely

"May my eyes fall out and change into diamonds if this is not Meadow. What are you doing here girl?" looking to the sides he lowers his voice

"Slave ships are not a place for a person of your.... ehh height." he chuckles for a moment

Meadow gives Hopper a concerned look.

"This isn't really a slave ship is it?"

She narrows her eyes and nods her head knowingly while pointing at the goblin. She chuckles.

"I see. You're playing a trick on me. That's a good one you almost got me." She turns her head and looks up in the sky.
Hey Silence! Look who's here. It's Hopper!"

"Screech!" A piercing cry sounds from high above the ship and a snowy owl swoops down to perch on the ships railing near Meadow.

The young half elf turns back to the alchemist. "Anyway Silence and I are here on an important mission. We were in the Grand Lodge trying to find something to do since we're still banned from the library when Silence saw a mouse running down into the basement. Well you know how much he thinks with his stomach so he flew down there to catch it. I was afraid that it might be someone's familiar so I followed to make sure it wasn't.

I thought that we were going to get into trouble but he said that he needed to send us on a mission to keep his hair from going white. So anyway I think we're here to get some sort or hair dye or something? I dunno. I'm sure we'll get some more instructions soon." She shrugs and grins.

Meadow is a young half elven woman wearing leather armor with a shortbow strapped to her back and a rapier at her hip. She is wearing a striking dark green cloak embroidered with an owl and what looks like a cat maybe?

She waves at the other pathfinders and smiles.

"Hi everyone. I'm Meadow. I'm an archer. Over there is my friend Silence. He's...well... an owl."

A green goblin (not this guy!) steps down the gangway onto the dock. His armor appears to be made of different patches of leather stitched together. The items on his back seemingly jutting out haphazardly. It's obvious from the various tools and bottles and elixirs hanging from bandoliers that he is an alchemist, though it would be hard to say how successful he is at his craft. He sees the assembled Pathfinders and approaches.

"Ah! Yous prolly the Paffinders I sent to meet. Fumbus is me name."

I thought that we were going to get into trouble but he said that he needed to send us on a mission to keep his hair from going white. So anyway I think we're here to get some sort or hair dye or something? I dunno. I'm sure we'll get some more instructions soon." She shrugs and grins.

Hopper nods his head and grunts

"When the society sends this many goblins on a mission, you know it's going to be fun," Jiki shrugs as they walk off the boat. "So where are we supposed to go for our briefing? A tavern or lodge would be most welcome now, and I'm sure once I have something in my belly other than hardtack and grog, I'll perk right up." He looks around a bit more. "Assuming people around here eat and drink, that is."

An elf joins the party accompanied by his feathered companion. They take a quick survey of the scene before the elf introduces themselves.

"I am Mindartis Nightbreeze. And this is my companion, Mialee. It's nice to meet all of you. I look forward to working with you all."

Fumbus looks around and sees the other goblins. He immediately brightens up with delight! "Ooh! Lets go eat somethin' first! Then we can makes things burn." Fumbus seems to take delight in the idea. He sticks two of his fingers under his armor. What emerges appears to be some oily substance that immediately catches fire. Fumbus chuckles, as if tickled, as the fire plays along his fingers and hand; and doesn't appear to harm him.

Essentially he's playing with a bit of alchemist's fire from his reagents...

It isn't long before you enter the Last Rites, one of the few taverns that exclusively serves the living. The wait staff wear all-black or all-white formal wear, sport pale skin, and reek of garlic and rosemary.

Your waiter is about 7 feet tall, has two vestigial arms wrapped around his back and his jaw bifurcates as he speaks. "Welcome to the Last Rites, zombies stay at the door. Lemonade is half off, can I take your order?"

Fumbus stares at the waiter briefly before saying "Oooh. Lemnade! I's wants some. Lessee if this good."

"Surprise me," Jiki says cheerfully. After the waiter departs, he whispers to his companions, "It makes a good impression to eat what the locals prefer... assuming it's compatible with your digestive system."

A male human, with short black hair and a goatee, enters the tavern. He wears fine clothing in black and burgundy, with gold trim. A tiny green snake is draped over his shoulders. He spots the group at their table, and heads over.

”I hope I haven’t missed anything”, he says. ”Delorn Malix, Esquire”

Turning to the waiter, he says, ”A glass of red” He glances around the room, then back to the waiter. ”Wine”, he adds dryly.

Fumbus turns to Delorn.

"Yous got strange name. What 'esquire'? I's got something red, if yous wants to try." He reaches for a vial on a bandolier and holds it up. "Yous wants to try?" he asks mischievously.

It isn't long before you enter the Last Rites, one of the few taverns that exclusively serves the living. The wait staff wear all-black or all-white formal wear, sport pale skin, and reek of garlic and rosemary.

Your waiter is about 7 feet tall, has two vestigial arms wrapped around his back and his jaw bifurcates as he speaks. "Welcome to the Last Rites, zombies stay at the door. Lemonade is half off, can I take your order?"

Meadow stares at the waiter in astonishment, mouth agape. She doesn't place an order but simply stares at him, trying to figure out if he is some sort of undead and if so then what type.

Recall knowledge on the waiter. Arcana +1, Crafting +1, Nature +7, Occultism +1, Religion +1, Society +6

Hopper sits in the tavern, Wolfie lying down next to his chair.

"I would take some beef stew and a pint of ale, leave the surprises to Jiki if I may ask." says Hopper not wanting to be surprised with his meal.

He looks at Delorn and nods his head "That's Jiki, Fumbus, Mindartis, Meadow and I am Hopper."

Delorn nods back at Hopper. ”Thank you”, he says.

Then he addresses the table. ”A pleasure”, he adds.

Turning to Fumbus, he replies, ”I’m a barrister by trade, hence the title. And while I appreciate the offer, I’ve already placed my order”

The waiter calmly writes everything down. "I'll get... two specials and a pitcher of lemonade. I will return." And with that the waiter leaves to take on another order.

It isn't too long until the waiter returns holding a pitcher of lemonade in one hand and a glass of red wine in the other. His vestigial hands pass out forks, straws, knifes and napkins to each of you. The next round brings beef stew and ale for Hopper.

Today's special is chicken and mushroom stew (or extra mushrooms if you don't trust the "freshly expired" chicken.) The broth is warm and salty, and you can taste the rosemary within. The waiter's jaws bifurcate long enough to notice a smaller mouth lick its lips before he swallows it back in. "Enjoy your food. I'll return when you're all set."

“My ‘new merchants’, I’m so glad you’re here,” booms an elderly human—very much alive—with closely cropped curly gray hair and wearing antique but functional armor, whose polished silver sheen contrasts against the cool brown tone of their skin. Their voice drops in volume noticeably. “My name is Selu. I’ve received Venture-Captain Rashmivati Melipdra’s missive that you were on your way. When you're finished here, meet me outside. Be careful not to raise your voices too loudly—the dead are everywhere.”

"Yuu gmrt tt, brfs," Jiki mumbles through the surprisingly good stew.

You're one of those people who has no idea how loud they are, aren't you, he thinks.

Hopper sips the stew with a loud noise. After the waiter is gone Hopper says out loud

"That waiter was a nice gentleman, don't you think? Such passion for the job." says and goes back to eating.

When Selu begins to talk Hopper looks at him and... continue eating. After a second he stops and says

"The dead are everywhere? What kind of nonsense is this, we are in Geb, the realm of the undead, if we want to avoid the UNdead, we should not have come here." says and takes a solid gulp of the beer.

After done with eating the goblin and his mount go with everyone else outside.

Fumbus chugs down the lemonade, making faces and comments as the citrus flavors tickle his taste buds. "Hmm.. lemons too green when they squeezes this. Buts sweets balances sourness. Oversall, mebbe two glyphs outta fife. I's think I's can do better than this..." the goblin muses, as he wipes his mouth with the back of his sleeve.

His drink finished, Fumbus follows the other Pathfinders outside to find out what the task is.

Mindartis takes a sip of his lemonade and almost chokes as Selu makes his entrance.

After listening to Selu's nearly deafening request Mindartis nods his head in agreement and waits for his companions to finish their drink before going outside.

Meadow taps the side of her nose with an index finger and winks at Selu. She leans down and whispers to Silence.

"This must be a secret mission Silence. Try to look natural."

The young woman speaks overly loudly to Selu. "Yes of course. I'm eager to discuss debt to equity ratios in regards to tariffs and erm..." her lack of mercantile knowledge begins to show itself, "...other business stuff." She winces a bit before following the old man outside.

Silence hoots softly.

Meadow gives the owl an annoyed look.

"I know, I know. I started out pretty good but lost it at the end. I'd like to see you do any better. Now stop criticizing and follow me. "

She motions for the owl to follow her outside.

The lemonade is a bit bitter, the chicken is chunky and the mushrooms are mushy- just the way you like them. Once you finish feasting you pay the restaurant and take your leave.

Selu quickly shepherds the group down the docks, batting flies away from their face. “Geb’s got more than just skeletons and ghosts. Bet you didn’t know that we grow most of the agriculture in these parts. Our produce gets shipped off to Jalmeray, Katapesh, and beyond. Fresh fruit does a lot of good on long hauls across the Obari Ocean, too. Scurvy and whatnot. But lately, it’s been one thing after another. Reports of shipments reaching their destination with rot, inventory losses, or the wrong products... It’s too many for simple error, and yet all the records state the shipments were accurate when they were loaded for transport. I hope you can get to the bottom of it.”

“But be careful. Though the living are allowed here in Ossum Harbor, that’s only as long as the undead who rule this city don’t feel threatened. I’ve prepared some identification that will show you all to be new merchants here to rent some warehouse space—best to play the part of simple traders rather than investigators from the Pathfinder Society.”

The lively docks give way to a quiet, desolate bay. Down this road, you see a small temple of Urgathoa on your left. At the end of the road, a pair of warehouses.

Selu stops to see if you have any questions for them.

Delorn joins the others outside. ”A noble effort”, he mutters to Meadow, ”but if you don’t know specifics, stick to generalities”

After Selu’s briefing, he says, ”I’m unfamiliar with local custom. Is there anything we should avoid doing here, that we wouldn’t usually?”

Fumbus looks confused. "So whats we supposed to do? Can we burn the undeads if theys the ones causing problems?"

"If you are under attack, of course you should defend yourselves." Selu replies. "But most importantly, I need you to find out what's wrong with these shipments."

"Right now, you are merchants. The only custom is not to ask too many questions. Remember you're just merchants, not traders. The last time someone asked so many questions, their body was found in the river one day and it was a zombie the next."

Selu stops in front of the temple of Urgathoa, right underneath the symbol of the fly at the front door. "I will stay here. I've built an alibi over the last week as a potential convert." They shudder as the look at the door.

Feel free to ask any more questions. Otherwise, you can proceed to the two warehouses.

Meadow gives the man a confused look.

"We're merchants and not traders...? Aren't they the same thing?"

Silence flaps his wings.

"Screech."

Meadow nods at the owl. "Silence brings up a good point. How are we supposed to investigate without asking questions?"

"I believe one or two inquiries would suffice. Any further probing would give away our identities."

Mindartis then turns to Selu. "I have nothing more to ask. We'll do our best to get to the bottom of all of this confusion."

”Well, to start with, some of us could act the part of merchants asking about the warehouse”, says Delorn, ”while the others look around and see what turns up”

Fumbus shudders at the thought of being converted to a zombie. "Longshank elf correct. Wes shoulds goes sees our warehouse. Sooner wes gets out of here."

"I can squeeze myself into a few interesting places, if you don't want me chatting folks up at the front door."

Would you prefer Jiki use his Deception/Diplomacy +10 or his Stealth +9 for this mission?

Glancing at the southern warehouse, you see two guards standing outside the northern double door. You see two other entryways: a western smaller door not too far away and a southern door far away from the guards.

You see the northern warehouse door is open, and you do notice humanoid bodies shuffling in and out of the doorway.

Which warehouse will you approach first?

"I's can go all sneaky-like too. Wheres shall wes go"

Fumbus loosens his dogslicer in its sheath and makes sure his alchemical bombs are readily accessible.

Fumbus has Stealth +8 and can sneak into a warehouse as well

After Selu’s briefing, he says, ”I’m unfamiliar with local custom. Is there anything we should avoid doing here, that we wouldn’t usually?”

"I wouldn't slap a zombie if I were you." Hopper chuckles on that advice and moves forward. Find out who messes with the merchandise.

He looks at the warehouses and leans towards Meadon "Did you finally get the answer on the difference between Merchants and Traders?"

Hopper takes out a coin and tosses it:

1-southern, 2-northern: 1d2 ⇒ 1

"Let us try to sneak into this southern warehouse" Suggest goblin

Hopper has +11 to stealth, Wolfie +10

He looks at the warehouses and leans towards Meadow "Did you finally get the answer on the difference between Merchants and Traders?"

Meadow whispers back. "I know, right? They're the same thing."

Meadow has stealth +11 and Silence has +8 stealth

What a sneaky group we are!

"Right. To the front doors I go. Anyone joining me, or do I need to provide distractions for all of you myself?"

After the team splits up, Jiki will head to the front doors. "Good day, chaps! I am a merchant not a trader and have some perishable goods stored here. I would like to inspect them. Would you mind letting me in to take a quick look?"

Deception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

The Pathfinders Merchant Trading Associates approach the Southern Warehouse.

Jikl goes toward the northern door and overhears the two guards talking. "And I say the Queen hasn't been captured- it's just propaganda, Toro!" The pale skinned halfling stamps her foot as she shouts. The human man shakes his head. "Khala, it really happened. You know it happened. Nex got their grubby hands on Queen Arazni." The man spits. The two yell back and forth.

Finally the halfling notices Jilk. "Whatever Toro, we'll discuss this tomorrow." She looks up to you. "Oh, a new merchant? Welcome to Geb."

Toro glances at all of you and his itinerary. "Wait, who are you with again? I thought all of the merchant companies moved their merchandise already..."

Looks like Jikl wants to use Deception. Anyone else wants to join him? Anyone wants to Aid his attempt? I haven't declared if he succeeded or failed yet.

While Jikl distracts the guards, the rest of the Trading Merchants approach the Western door.

Away from the guards you notice a pair of doors used to move large palettes through the warehouse. But the door is heavy. So heavy it will make a lot of noise, unless you're quiet.

Exactly 1 of you can make a Stealth or Crafting check, OR an easier Engineering Lore check. Everyone else can Aid if they wish. Who is leading? Who is Aiding?

Fumbus has +11 Crafting.

Meadow turns to Hopper.

"Pssst...Hopper. Do you have any grease or something to lubricate the hinges on this huge door? I'm going to try to open it and take a look inside."

Meadow has +11 stealth. GM Chadius, you can roll for me.

Meadow turns to Hopper.

"Pssst...Hopper. Do you have any grease or something to lubricate the hinges on this huge door? I'm going to try to open it and take a look inside."

Meadow has +11 stealth. GM Chadius, you can roll for me.

"Do I have grease?" asks Hopper looking at Meadow

He thinks for a moment "I have exactly what we need!" he shares as he reaches for his tools and prepares a mixture. It does not look like grease at all. Hopper raises it towards the sky and ...

Drinks it all. His face looks all nicer, his completion cleaner, even his hair stops looking messy. He pulls his sleeves up, puts his dagger in front of the belt and fixes a bit his clothing.

"You have the doors covered Meadow, goblin cavalry needs to once again come to the rescue!" he says in an inspiring voice.

He departs from the team and goes towards Jiki

"Jokie my friend, you seem to have found the warehouse, did you not? Have you inspected the goodies? We need to ensure that the materials for the construction are intact!"

Deception, aid another, silvertongue mutagen: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 10 + 2 = 31 Woohoo! Critical success on aid which means +2 to Jiki the slick lier ;)

Hopper would make Silvertongu mutagen(moderate) and drink it before the spiel. It makes him a tad dumber but who cares!

Mindartis joins the group sneaking towards the Western door. "It seems to be shut real tight. Might have a bit of trouble opening this."

Stealth +9