Alrinkiri |
"Thank you for the story. We have not always been the Southern hunter in our experiences thus far; perhaps we can take the story to heart."
GM Doug H |
The next morning you head to the Powderpile. Xhokan is there with your stipends. It's a day to do some shopping, and while you're at it talk to the kobold about his troubles. You are probably excited to begin your very first job as Conversants!
Xhokan closes his ledger. “As you already know, I’m always looking to find the best alchemical and magical powders in the most thrifty way. I work with many different suppliers from around Nantambu — quality items are fine, but quality items at a low price are far better.
“That said, I just got a shipment in from Bamidele, my old friend and longtime supplier… and the deal was excellent. A steal, one might say. Too good. Cheaper than I’ve ever gotten alchemical powders before.
I have also been hearing of several classes where major things went wrong with alchemical mixtures or experiments. Just to be sure, I’ve recalled all the powders from Bamidele until I can assess what is going on. In the meantime I would appreciate if you could go talk with him and ask where he got his last shipment.”
Xhokan tells you where Bamidele can be found and what he looks like — he peddles wares at one of the busiest stalls in the market, dresses in bright colors, and is exceedingly tall. Easy to spot.
Questions? Would you like to make a purchase today?
The Powderpile, if you need a refresher on the location or what items are sold here.
Soomdevi |
"I'm not sure I understand. You're worried the powders might be fake or something because the price was too cheap? Can't you just examine them to find out?"
GM Doug H |
As I said I’ve recalled all the powders from Bamidele until I can assess what is going on. That process may take me time. While I do that I would like you to talk to him.
GM Doug H |
Bamidele is easy to spot. The tall merchant wears a feathered hat and peddles wares at one of the busiest stalls in the market.
There's a line; word about any accidents hasn't yet spread, so Bamidele's business is brisk. The man in front of you talks about how Bamidele’s alchemical powders are an excellent additive to furniture polish. The woman behind you opines that they impart a medicinal benefit and spice to her favorite soup.
Finally, your turn comes up. The stall is fastidiously organized with understated presentation: simple pouches of powder, nearly labeled. How can I help you today? A pouch of "Bamidele's all-around-alchemical"?
GM Doug H |
He smiles brightly back at Wisps. A better question would be what doesn't it do? Bamidele's all-around-alchemical adds extra flavor as a spice, extra power as a cleanser, and kick to any elixir! It fizzes your drink and cleanses your pores. It smells lemon-fresh when mixed with a base and like savory cumin when mixed with acids. It crackles and pops in fresh milk and clears the sinuses when burned with sage.
In fact, its effects seem to differ even when added to the same substances — that’s part of the fun!
Who can say they make something so good so cheaply… I pass these savings on to you!
Chimwemwe |
"We who make use of your alchemical reagents appreciate the savings," Chimwemwe says. "It has been noted that your reagents behaved differently than the reliability your products have been known for. Have you changed your suppliers recently?"
GM Doug H |
“As I said, reliability is not a feature. Half the fun is seeing how Bamidele's all-around-alchemical reacts in various situations! And I don't know if I should give you my supplier, haha!
Alrinkiri |
"We are here on behalf of one of your loyal customers, and only wish to ensure that they can continue to rely upon your product in the future."
GM Doug H |
Perhaps we should talk over here. Much to the dismay of the crowd he closes the booth and takes you to a quiet corner of the market.
Who are you? What is the problem, with my product? He seems genuinely bemused. But also cares about his customers.
Curling-Wisps-of-Smoke Reliava |
"There have been several problems with your products during classes at the Magaambya. If this continues, we won't be able to purchase from you at all, and neither of us wants that. If you tell us your supplier, we can help investigate."
Diplomacy if needed: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22
GM Doug H |
Oh. He seems crestfallen. Is it dangerous? I don't like losing business, but I like the thought of inadvertently hurting people even less.
“I get them from Abeo. ‘Abeo the Calm,’ I call him because he’s just so serious all the time. He meets me here for supplies, but I haven’t seen him in some time—which is a problem, because I’ve nearly sold out of my powders!”
I don't have his contact information. Abeo comes to see me with the powders, and I haven’t ever needed to chase him down.
Chimwemwe |
"I don't think anyone was seriously hurt, but, yes, the results were significantly concerning," Chimwemwe adds. "So you've always traded with Abeo? When was your last exchange? Was it a different time of the year than usual?"
GM Doug H |
I used to make my own powders, but have used suppliers for years now. I met Abeo a few weeks ago; he came to my stall and arrives from time to time with fresh powder. He gives you a description including a bright, floppy hat Abeyo wears.
Bamidele no longer smiles. He seems dejected as he packs up his booth.
The output of this scene shpumd be a plan of how to find Abeyo.
Alrinkiri |
"Hm...perhaps while you do that, I will try to reach a high vantage point to look for a bright, floppy hat."
GM Doug H |
I'm an honest merchant. My ethical credo is 'I PASS THE SAVINGS ON TO YOU!"
That's why Xhokan buys from me. Make sure to tell him I closed my booth to alleviate any concerns/
Chimwemwe |
"I think anything you sell that is not made from Abeo's powders should be fine," Chimwemwe says. "Unless, hmm, unless someone is directly contaminating your supplies and Abeo's powders aren't the problem. Hmm. I suppose closing your booth today is wise. We will try to find the truth as quickly as possible." He tries to reassure the merchant.
He nods to Akoril. "That is a good idea. Maybe someone else deals with Abeo or knows him."
GM Doug H |
Alrinkiri's Perception (E): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15 Low-Light
Soomdevi's Perception (T): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13 Darkvision
Wisps's Diplomacy (E): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 24
Chimwemwe's Diplomacy (T): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12 Casc. B. Influence +1
You spend hours scouting the market and asking around. Finally Wisps hears of a fence named Abeyo who was seen going in and out of a house near the Carnivorous Gardens in the northeast part of the city.
Alrinkiri |
"We could just go knock on the door. This could all be a simple mistake, easily solved via a polite conversation."
GM Doug H |
You make your way to a house alongside the Carniverous Gardens. You knock on the door… there's a long pause before the spy hole in the door slides open. You get a brief flash of a bright floppy hat before the man puts his eye to the hole and speaks:
What do you want?
GM Doug H |
At the mention of "Reagents," the spy hole slams shut and you hear footsteps running away. The back door slams and you see a man leap over the fence into the Carnivorous Gardens.
The chase is on!
Carniverous Gardens
The lush gardens are full of plants that take a keen interest in anyone passing through… you can make a DC 20 Acrobatics to weave past snapping plants, DC 18 Nature to trick the carnivorous plants, DC 22 Survival to plot a clear path.
──────────
BOLD IS UP!:
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➤ Alrinkiri (44/44 HP)
➤ Akoril (48/48 HP)
➤ Chimwemwe (48/48 HP)
➤ Soomdevi (36/36 HP)
⠀⠀➤ Blinks (32/32 HP)
➤ Wisps (44/44 HP)
Chimwemwe |
Lore (jungle) (T): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15 3 less if no Lore substitute for Nature... and that doesn't look to matter.
"I love the Carnivorous Gardens," Chimwemwe says. "But not like this!" He ducks as he jukes too near a young snapping flytrap.
Alrinkiri |
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22
Alrinkiri slides a bit on the loose gravel, but just manages to dodge the plants as the bound through the garden.
GM Doug H |
You barely make it through the garden, thanks to critical successes from two of your teammate. Abeyo slips past the entrance gates to the gardens.
You can make a DC 25 Athletics to run past the guards and climb, DC 18 Deception or Diplomacy to convince the guards to open up the gates, DC 20 Stealth to slip past the guards.
Everyone is up! See slack for discussing your posting order.
Alrinkiri |
Alrinkiri slinks along the fence, moving among the shadows of the plants beyond before attempting to slip in when the guards aren't looking.
Stealth: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15 Well, crap.
Soomdevi |
Soomdevi flashes his beads, and says to the guards.
"There's no time. We've got to get inside. The plants are escaping!"
Deception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
GM Doug H |
A guard moves toward Alrinkiri. EXCUSE ME did you pay the ENTRANCE Fee!?
— huh!?
Alrinkiri is almost caught, but the guard is distracted by Soomdevi's deception and they slip by!
1 success so far.
Akoril, Chimwemwe, and Wisps are up!
Curling-Wisps-of-Smoke Reliava |
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16
"We're on important business for the Magaambya, and it's critical that we get in there at once."
Oh no!
GM Doug H |
2/5 successes.
Abeyo moves further ahead… past the canals. You see him duck into an alleyway. Tectical map updated so we have a viaual.
Everyone us up!
You can make a DC 25 Athletics to run past the guards and climb, DC 18 Deception or Diplomacy to convince the guards to open up the gates, DC 20 Stealth to slip past the guards.
GM Doug H |
Some of the guards begin to move off… Two more successes needed!
Chimwemwe |
I've only a 50/50 chance of making this challenge, so defer to others with better odds, but I don't know what the rest of my day will play out like:
"You're letting a saboteur get away by delaying us," Chimwemwe says. "I'll pay the entrance fee twice next time I visit if you just let us go."
Diplomacy (T) vs. DC 18: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Alrinkiri |
While Chimwemwe distracts the guard, Alrinkiri tries to slip by once more.
Stealth: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26
GM Doug H |
You finally get past the guards. Abeo is pulling ahead and you desperately need to catch up!
Clotheslines hang across this narrow section of the canal, which is filled with boats carrying bird cages, stacks of pottery, and other impediments.
DC 20 Acrobatics to vault across using poles or hanging lines, DC 18 Athletics to leap from boat to boat.
If you are a member of the rowing club you can drop a name or wave to a friend for a +2 circ. bonus because people in the waterways know and respect your hard work.
Chimwemwe is up!
Chimwemwe |
Chimwemwe scuffs his herl on the ground to activate his inscribed blast boots before leaping off of the ground.
Athletics (E) vs. DC 18: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15
GM Doug H |
Salaynesh waves at Chim as he rockets over the canal. Bring those to the next race why don;t you!?
Success with the boots and rowing notoriety
1 success.
DC 20 Acrobatics to vault across using poles or hanging lines, DC 18 Athletics to leap from boat to boat.
Everyone is up!
Alrinkiri |
Alrinkiri leaps up onto a passing cart and onto a line hanging across the canal, where they nimble balance across.
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (15) + 14 = 29