GM Doug's Foundation's Price (Inactive)

Game Master Doug Hahn

"There they go" Max says, watching the pirates sail off. "I still think we should have killed them, slaving bastards. Anyway, can we get off this bucket n--" His shoulders slump a little and he sighs as he's interrupted by the singing. "Or we can go deal with that first."

Scerzaq shrugs, "As abhorrent as it is what they do, it isn't worth killing them if we don't have to. Hard to fault them when Society had it legal until recently in this backwards time. People will do what they are allowed to do."

He jumps at the small explosion. "On cue, that must be our goblin." Scerzaq smiles. "If goblins can change for the better then so to will those pirates over time. Trust me it will get better." Scerzaq refers to his time in the far distant future.

You go into the galley. Perched on a three-legged stool, a goblin wearing a chef's hat stirs an iron cauldron twice his size with a large wooden spoon.

Gwah hahahaha! He cackles as he pulls a small vial from the bandolier draped across his chest and shatters it at the base of the cauldron, making the flames burn hotter.

He turns and looks at you, apparently thinking you're crew or not really caring all that much. Nar is not done making stew for fancy dwarf prisoner yet. He gives the stew a turn, chunks of something bob around in it then sink rapidly to the bottom. Nar is good chef, but never cooked for a dwarf before. He spoons up some broth and gestures at Dramar. You want to try? Nar welcomes positive feedback.

Scerzaq shrugs, "As abhorrent as it is what they do, it isn't worth killing them if we don't have to. Hard to fault them when Society had it legal until recently in this backwards time. People will do what they are allowed to do."

"Squox-s!%%. I think it's pretty damn easy to fault them. It's not hard to tell slavery is evil; just because terrible laws allow it doesn't mean it isn't abhorrent, and doesn't mean they aren't wrong for participating in it."

"Arguing about whether slavers deserve to die entirely misses the point behind my deception," Aurika says, a scolding tone for Scerzaq and Maxel. Pointing at one, then the other, she continues. "It was about whether I wanted to risk any of us getting tortured and killed. You know, because they are dangerous hobgoblins who will do just that."

"Of course none of you have lived as a slave or had family who were enslaved. So maybe take the word and follow the lead of someone who has," the halfling woman finishes, hoping the topic drops. Especially when the goblin starts making noise.

Aurika follows the others to see Nar. Trying not to see too much of what's in the soup, she breaks the news to the goblin. "Sorry friend, but Tadrun won't be sailing this ship anymore. And since we don't need a cook, you're out of a job. Best you pack up your things and find new work," she says, then adds on some friendly advice. "Oh, and you going to want to steer clear of Vaggas. He does not like you."

But Nar is good cook!

You can try the soup and then make a DC 11 Cooking Lore check or a DC 13 Deception check to Lie about the quality of the stew, or a DC 15 Diplomacy check to Make an Impression without trying it.

He cringes at the mention of Vaggas. Here. Try dwarf stew. You see. Maybe you hire Nar or help him.

"We can't hire you, but...what kind of help do you need?"

Scerzaq blushes, "You are right Aurika. If you wish to I would love to hear your tale sometime."

Heading in the little ratfolk finds Nar and his strange concoctions. "Are you using alchemical fire to keep the heat going?" His eyes go wide tin fear that the ship hasn't burned down yet, heck maybe it could still burn down.

Seeing noone else approach to try the stew Scerzaq slowly leans forward, not wanting to offend the goblin's cooking skills.

Deception: 1d2 ⇒ 1

The vile stew immediately flares up Scerzaq's lung disease as he spits it out on the floor and begins hacking and coughing. He holds his hand up to let everyone know he is okay. "Your stew was great, I just started coughing."

1d20 ⇒ 5

Somehow it's saltier than even sea water. Nar knows dwarves like rocks. Salt is a rock. So, Nar use lots of high-grade salt to make dwarf happy.

Nar seems sad and hurt.

Looks like I missed a 0 in my roll. No wonder I got a 1. Go ahead and lets use it though Scerzaq is an awful liar anyways.

Realizing that making a credible attempt at friendship with Nar is the best path forward for her next idea, she steps forward. "I'd love to give the soup a taste. I'm no dwarf, but I've dated one once."

Aurika finds the soup absolutely vile. It is not only saltier than the sea, but also rather pungent and reminiscent of stinky feet.

Aurika is able to keep a straight face through this experience. Nar looks at her eagerly.

"That is the best dwarven soup I've ever tasted," she says, keeping a straight face. It's the only dwarven soup she's ever had, so it's not technically a lie. "Alright, you're hired Nar. Keep cooking for now, but I'm going to have another job for you in a little bit."

To the group she says, "Let's attend to the prisoners now."

Good! The goblin claps. Ship is out of salt, but Nar find high-quality salt in captain's used socks. Not just any dumb sailor socks. Best socks, for our best fancy dwarf prisoner. Nar glows with pride and adjusts his chef hat.

OK! Nar will help! Nar is team player, and open to new employment opportunities.

Scerzaq tries dearly to clean the sock taste off of his tongue. "Yes, let's free the rest of those prisoners. [b]"Keep cooking Nar, they will be hungry." Scerzaq scampers on ahead to work out any locks that might be in their way.

Down in the hold you find a halfling at the top of the stairs leading below to steerage. He crouches to fill a rusted bucket with seawater. Three more captives form a line to toss the water from a porthole.

With no more hobgoblins on the boat, the captives are easily freed. They tell you about crate in steerage marked with the seal of the Andoren navy containing valuable supplies. The crate’s sturdy and airtight construction protected its contents from being spoiled by the water. The crate contains a mixture of trade goods worth 5 gp and weighing 2 bulk. The captain also had a spyglass in his cabin that you took too. Mint can HUP! it along.

In the meantime, you can load the captives onto the remaining life boats and get them back to the docks safely.

--

Here on the mid-deck, there's a cannon and a barrel of gunpowder. The gunpowder is too wet to explode violently, but it will definitely make a good BOOM and burn fiercely.

You can make a DC 15 crafting check to create a fuse if you like, or start a fire using persistent damage nearby, or sell me on something else.

"Hmmm. Let me see what I can come up with here. This isn't exactly my specialty. I prefer to preserve rather than destroy, but in this case, I'll certainly make an exception."
crafting: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

"Suppose we let the goblin have at this gunpowder?" Scerzaq knows he will blow off a couple of digits trying to set up a fuse of any sort.

Nar insists on bottling up some of his "salty rock soup" for the road. He gifts a large jar to Aurika, and another to Dramar because Dramar is a dwarf and therefore will also like his rock soup. He also gives a bottle to Ganthur, who pours it over the side of the lifeboat while Nar isn't looking. Yum, Nar! The chef beams. Nar doesn't seem actively evil like the hobgoblin crew, and no one seems to hold a grudge against him. He's just sort of willing to work anywhere and only these awful hobgoblins would actually hire him on.

You wait on the last lifeboat for Nar, who uses one of his alchemist fires to kick off some persistent damage on a delayed fuse. He comes running out and scrambles down the rope ladder. How long fuse again? Um… You say make fuse long enough to count to hundred, or ten? You frantically row away. Nar sometimes mix up decimal. Good cook do not need to count —

BOOM!

Your little lifeboat is thrown a dozen feet through the air by a shock wave as the Swift Huntress is blown in half. A flaming timber catches Nar's chef hat, knocking it into the bay. The lifeboat lands right-side up and rides a surge to the shore, where crowds are gathering to watch the glorious destruction. Luckily, the boat was far out enough in the bay that no other ships were harmed. Back at the docks, Karija The sailor you freed from belowdecks before helps you out of the raft.

You Pathifnders sure have a flair for the dramatic.

Ganthur and Zoha are grateful. The undine grins. Aye. Normally us smugglers prefer to keep a low profile, but them's Iron Ring jerks kidnapped one of me own. He nods at Ganthur. Ganthur helps me free captives, an' smuggle 'em away. He watches the as the crow's nest sinks into the briny deep. Now they know not ta mess wit us. He gives you a sack of 10 gp as a reward.

An' now ta fade away. I hear the guard coming. They slip away into the crowd, and recommend that you do too.

"Right you are. Let's get out of here."
What's next on our list?

One thing left. see slide 1:

Acquire a brass stopper, a silver chain, and a cold iron container from the Overmarket. He asked me to ensure you acquire these objects, so acquire them you must.

Safa’s hint: I personally urge you to seek Raha
Shul so that the purpose of these objects may
become clear and you can make the right choice. Raha Shul is a merchant in the Overmarket.

You disappear, making your way to the round plaza of the Overmarket. It's easy to get lost here — too easy, in fact. The Overmarket is many blocks long and even more blocks wide. It's thoroughfares are a labyrinth of shops and carts set up on the sides of the street (or even in the middle, in alleyways, inside buildings, on rooftops, and in gardens.

Nearby you see an empty wooden auction platform stands as a grim reminder of the cruel practices that continue in the city. Sitting cross-legged nearby, a young girl displays a handmade sign proudly stating, “Melika, local guide, two copper pieces.” Art on slide 2

Aurika smiles at the enterprising girl, while at the same time aware that not everyone offering a service can be trusted.
Can I Sense Motive? When appropriate, of course

Regardless, she approaches. "Oi, Melika! Your services available right now? I'm looking for someone named Raha Shul. You know of them?"

Sure do, misssus! Know them all. Every morning I get up at the crack of dawn to make my rounds of the market and see who's got the best stuff, and where. I write it down, and my notes come free when you hire me for my guide service. This is valuable informatin, along with customized guiding services, is a downright steal at 2 copper.

Scerzaq looks over the small list of items he wrote down. He tosses the young girl an entire silver piece. "We will make it worth your time." He scratches at the fleas furiously

She eyes Scerzaq and hesitantly takes the coin. She balances it on a finger and fishes another coin out of her pocket and gently taps the coin against it, creating a resonating ping that rings true. Wow! A real silver, no lie. I'll offer you lot my services for the entire day for that price. She pockets the coins and hands you her advertisement.

Searching for the greatest treasures? Visit the Overmarket and be ready to weep with joy at the incredible prices!

• Jalal’s Books: Spellbinding stories and bookbinding of the finest quality!
• First World Metalworks by Ary: Visiting her stall is just like stepping through a portal to the world of the fey. Firrah’s Expeditions: Purveyor of fine goods and silks. Here only for a limited time!
• Glittering Prisms: Metals, gems, and glassware by the talented Elyon.
• Drawn to Scale: For all your mapmaking needs, ask Basu.
• Tinctures and Tonics: A craft almost as old as Lissom himself!
• Dreams of Prada Hanam: Seek wisdom and potions from Raha Shul, the astounding arcanist.

So, bosses, off to Raha's?

"Let's go! Hup. hup!"

Worth the silver just local cover. Easy to say when it's not my coin, I guess.

Max nods at girls suggestion and says "Lead the way."

Melika takes you through the market, nodding at friends and familiar faces as she slips between stalls and through alleyways.

Raha Shul's stall is filled with pendants, potions, and the sweet scent of innumerable spices. Behind the counter, a dignified woman dressed in elegant Jalmeri fashion smiles and holds out her hands in a welcoming gesture. "Ahhhh. Melika. Have you brought me customers?" She turns to you. "I am Raha Shul, purveyor of mystic gifts for the wise. Or perhaps you seek a cure to what ails you?” she says with a small bow.

Scerzaq nods. "Please, lead the way."

Scerzaq holds onto Melika, "Please stay a moment, we may need to go somewhere else after." He looks back to Raha Shul. "We were given a list of items to acquire. A brass stopper, a silver chain, and a cold iron container. You know what sort of ritual these items could be used for?"

Melika winks. You got it, boss! She watches Scerzaq scratching, and nimbly dodges jumping fleas.

--

Raha grins ear to ear. How fortunate you are to have been brought to my booth; surely the mysterious hand of fate has guided us together. That is what we believe among the mystic circles of Jalmeray, you see.

She makes a show of rummaging about her shelves, where there are piled instruments of divination, ancient curios, talismans, amulets, and librams. She gets out a dusty old tome and carefully opens it. She spends several long moments turning the pages.

Yes… of course. According to the Library of Obligations & Esoterica, these items you seek are not valuable in and of themselves.

A brass stopper, a silver chain, and a cold iron container are not valuable by themselves, but together they can be used together to create a prison for genies. A bottle such as this allows even the untrained to trap a genie, but making the binding permanent requires expending considerable additional resources — and no small amount of willpower — to create a powerful genie seal. Without it, the bottle is just a snare for unaware genies, who tend to seek quick vengeance against the would-be prankster who tricked them.

If you manage to acquire such items, I would generously offer you valuable alchemical items in exchange — items worth more than the cost of these materials alone.

"Duly noted, Raha," Aurika says. She looks ready to move on, since they still need to buy the items. "We'll see then if we get to do business with you. I have a sneaking suspicion they won't be that easy to come by."
Aurika is ready to leave. Will want to ask Melika about the items we're after once out of earshot of Raha

Raha smiles. Of course. Of course. I merely to remove such dangerous items from circulation.

Once out of earshot, Mint says, "I don't trust her. She doesn't seem like a mystic to me. I think she's likely to resell the items and make a profit!"

"I don't know Mint, Raha is willing to give up a large profit margin to get us the items." Scerzaq explains the numbers. "That has to be a shw of good faith how much she hates genie-binding."

"Let's just watch out is all I'm saying. I'm going to keep an eye on her.'

"I got the same feeling, Scerzaq. I think we can return to Raha if need be. But we still need to find the items in question."

She looks at Melika. "Any thoughts on where we might be able to get a cold iron container?"

Melika shrugs. First world metalworks is the place to go for that! She leads you through a labyrinth of carts and alleyways to a tiny in the basement of a warehouse on a side-street.

Inside, metal creations ranging from refined silverware to sturdy iron pokers rest on shelves and hooks; all are decorated with intricate patterns. Behind the counter, a gnome with strong arms and a mane of untamed, deep-green hair absentmindedly inspects a leaf-shaped earring, visibly dissatisfied with the result. She looks at a tall iron carafe displayed prominently on a small, raised shelf and sighs.

As she turns around, her face lights up with a wide, welcoming smile.

“Welcome to First World Metalworks. I imagine it, you buy it!”

Crafting: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

"That's an impressive piece of craftsmanship" Max says, nodding to the carafe. "Though I can't help but wonder why someone would need cold iron housewares."

Fey love cold iron! But that piece's for a big client, a commission.

She turns to mint. Are you from the First World? Can you tell me about it? What's the weather like? What color is the sky? I'm always looking to collect amazing items from there. I'm an expert on the First World, in fact. She seems obsessed… gnomishly obsessed. She turns and polishes the carafe.

Her attitude right now is Indifferent. You will need to improve it to Helpful to get the carafe. Several options should be clear to you, or clear with a knowledge check.

Cold Iron

Give her a a gift from the first world

Melika whispers to you: I saw a sketch for sle, that might be of the first world, in a booth we passed on the way here.

Befriend her

You can befriend the vendor by appealing to her sense of partisanship (DC 15 Crafting) or sharing knowledge of the first world (DC 13 nature)

[ooc]Use the orb

If you give Ary Safa’s glass orb, she will probably exchange it.[/ooc]

"Hmmmmm." He looks at the others. "Shall we trade for the bottle?
I must admit something about this whole thing still seems very odd to me."

Mint hops onto the counter with a hup and beams with pride over the first world.

"Oh, the weather is delicious. And the sky is always blue, unless it's the second Toilday, and then it's azure," Mint savors the word as it slides off his tongue.

"Of course, we don't have Toildays in the first world, or toils for the matter. I doubt anyone in the First World has ever even seen a toil. Why should we give them their own day? It makes no sense. We have a lot of Sundays though, and the sky is always cerulean."

nature: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Melika nods at dramar. I can show you.

--

Ary beams at Mint. Right!? That's exactly what I've always said!

She is very excited to talk about the first world, exchanging theories and imagined ideas. Indifferent => Friendly

Nature: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Scerzaq grabs the cold iron carafe looking it over. "Fey love cold iron you say!?" He sounds impressed. "Is that why they keep coming over to this side?"

That's right! It's in the folklore. I know because I'm an expert. They love cold iron. For example, you can drive a cold iron nail into your own footprint under a willow tree at midnight during the harvest moon to call forth the Rabbit King. If you manage to catch him, he has to grant you any single wish you want. Or, in other cases, you never use cold iron scissors or knives in your kitchen else you attract pranking pugwampis. Their unlucky aura will lead to lots of cut fingers and spilled spices.

She enjoys talking about the fey, but Scerzaq hasn't taught her anything new and therefore she is only friendly.

"I've heard that cold iron can be difficult to work with. It seems you have not found that to be the case, however."

Crafting: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

It's true. You have a good eye for talent! I was taught by a local master smith. By the way what kind of weapon is that? It looks like you're no stranger to innovation yourself!

She fairly beams. It's so nice to meet such interesting people as yourselves. I'm so happy you stopped by! She is now Helpful, and it would be a good time to seal the deal for the carafe.

Scerzaq rolls out Ary Safa’s glass orb. "Perhaps you would care for a trade?" He offers a grim and awkward smile.

Ah wait. I don't think you should offer that up there!

"Oh, OH!" Scerzaq tosses the orb back to Mint. "Sorry, that wasn't mine to give away. It's his."

"But that is a nice carafe. How much for a friends and family discount?"