[GM Computerpro82] 3-08: Foundation's Price and 3-12: Fury's Toll (Inactive)

Game Master Eric Parker 82

Gameplay

You have all been working various duties around the Grand Lodge in Absalom, when you receive a letter from Ambrus Valsin.

Slide added with Letter from Ambrus Valsin

You can start character introductions and talk about your mission. The scenario starts with a Knowledge check, so I am waiting for the Macro spreadsheet to be completed. Looks like just one more person on the Macro spreadsheet, and two on the slides.

A hunched gray half-orc woman, whose features look older than her years, limps toward the assigned meeting place with the aid of a very heavy cane (club). She's dressed in a simple black tunic over pocketed trousers and a pair of practical black hiking boots. One of the pockets bulges and occasionally shifts to reveal the beady eyes of a black rat popping out to catch the view.

Glancing around, she mutters to herself. "Hmp. Not often these bones are the first to arrive." She eases herself into a chair with a groan, then slouches forward to lean on her cane as she awaits the others assigned to this mission.

Her thoughts drift back to her previous mission. Hmp. Another rescue mission. ... I hope this one is more successful than the last. Her hand slips into the bulging pocket, caressing the rat like a worry stone as memories from that mission haunt her. This time...it *has* to be different. But time is not on their side.

Next to arrive is a handsome Taldan man who looks like he exercises regularly. He wears a holy symbol over his animal-hide armor and a case of javelins on his back.

When he comes upon the half-orc woman he gives her a cheery wave and a big smile, "Greetings stranger! Are you here on Valsin's business, too?"

He grabs a chair, puts a foot on the seat and begins stretching his quads, "My name is Rexon, by the way. Yours?"

A somewhat small and indistinct kayal (fetchling), whose skin appears to be absent of color and partially void of substance, arrives to the meeting place. They wear fashionable yet functional clothing underneath a somewhat bulky half plate that fits well and has a series of dots and lines etched into it forming what appears to be constellations. At their side is a kukri and a starknife with a central grip that depicts a silver dragon whose neck, wings, and tail wrap around the blades. Lastly, a moon-shaped medallion is worn around their neck and rests atop the armor.

They remain standing, "I am Zenith, nice to meet you Rexon and... they nod their head in the direction of the seated half-orc agent.

"I too am on Valsin's business...." Zenith's face appears somewhat concerned when they speak, "I have read the stars and the lodge has been caught in the clutches of something more powerful than all of us. Soon we will gain the wisdom that we need..." they trail off into silence, seemingly lost in thought. But the stars have been very clear...Any shackles broken may be replaced with worse ones... they ponder while clutching their moon-shaped medallion.

The half-orc woman stops working her jaw like a cow chewing cud as others approach. Her prodigious resting-grouch-face doesn't change a bit as she introduces herself. "Hmp. I'm Itka, here for Valsin too. .. There have been too many Pathfinders going missing lately. I just finished a rescue mission... Rescue and recovery..." Her eyes unfocus for a brief moment before snapping back to Rexon and Zenith, a foreboding frown darkening her features. "Hmp. Be prepared for the worst."

Yup, she's all sunshine and rainbows, folks.

A young looking halfling with a mutton chop beard skips into the room and waves to those assembled. "Hiya!" A satchel at his side clinks with several bottles within. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a half a biscuit cake. "Sorry, just a small snack. I'm never sure if refreshments might be provided, so I've started to stop off for something on the way."

He munches happily on the biscuit, not introducing himself until he's finished it, wiping the crumbs from his beard. "I'm Argoni. Ari if you want. We got a missing set of Pathfinders? I can probably help locate them."

Her eyes unfocus for a brief moment before snapping back to Rexon and Zenith, a foreboding frown darkening her features. "Hmp. Be prepared for the worst."

"And hope for the best! the man's smile is one of genuine enthusiasm for being here,"That's one my granda would always say. I think you two would get along."

"Good to meet you, Itka, Zenith, and Argoni" Rexon nods to each in turn. "I've just got back from the Balgirdtrek in the Land of the Linnorm Kings. It was tough, but the Open Road Racers won the day in the end. Kurgess bless!"

Rexon nods mostly to himself, "All we can do is our best."

The imposing lodge stands, quiet and forgotten, at the end of a narrow road. The gardens surrounding it are choked by weeds, and the impressive fountains have long dried up. A cobblestone path leading to the entrance is barely visible through tall grass growing in the cracks in the path.

A massive brass door stands partially open, its hinges unable to hold the weight of the metal.

We are all here for the same business.

The human who said that has a coppery skin, is armored and carries a composite longbow and a katana on his back. But the most strange and impressive thing about him should be the fiery leopard which lurks around him. Sometimes the man caresses his pet without suffering any burns.

My name’s Drilwenwënas. She’s Catlyn.

A growl from the fiery leopard concludes.

You just see a women dressed more like she's ready to break into the lodge. Her skin gives off a slight glow. She just looks around and says,"Oooo right.... Im Sola pleasure to meet you all. Im hoping this mission goes a lot more smoothly than the last one. Seriously, aiding a con artist and scammer.... I quit my previous job hoping this one would be more ethical."

Upon thinking more about Qdaira she adds,"Oooo great genie binders. A group of people who even make the Aspis look like saints by comparison."

"Genie binders? Deena al-Parishat, Shahiyan of Qadira, is supposedly working to end the heinous practice of genie binding, among other injustices." Argoni shrugs. "Be nice to see that sort of thing end."

What a pleasant boat ride.

Rexon approaches the brass door cautiously, shield in hand, "Come on, then. Let's see what's going on." After ensuring his allies are ready to proceed, he opens the door fully and peers into the lodge.

Itka works her jaw side to side, gives a "Hmp," and follows at the back of the group as they approach and enter the lodge. As she comes within range of the building, she begins casting a cantrip to Detect Magic, just in case.

"Good to meet you, Itka, Zenith, and Argoni" Rexon nods to each in turn. "I've just got back from the Balgirdtrek in the Land of the Linnorm Kings. It was tough, but the Open Road Racers won the day in the end. Kurgess bless!"

"I am not familiar with the Balgirdtrek" Zenith says but shares proudly, "My last mission I got to do my greatest stunt yet -- I long jumped across a 30 foot chasm!" They then listen intently as others introduce themselves and get ready to set out.

----

"Very well" Zenith says as they open the door, "Let the stars guide us"

Argoni peers around the area as they approach the house. He looks for and signs of recent passage, which he hopes should be easy since so much seems untouched.

Can Ari estimate how long this place may have been abandoned? Perception +10; Survival +2

We have to tell Ambrus that the Society should send some clean up personal.

The ifrit approaches from the entrance as the monk open the door.

Hmp. Not me. Itka's had enough of cleaning others' property.

"I am not familiar with the Balgirdtrek" Zenith says but shares proudly, "My last mission I got to do my greatest stunt yet -- I long jumped across a 30 foot chasm!" They then listen intently as others introduce themselves and get ready to set out.

"Wow! That's impressive. I certainly couldn't manage that on my own." Rexon gives Zenith an appreciate look. "The Balgirdtrek is a footrace up North that takes several days to complete. This was the first year that non-Ulfen folk were allowed to compete."

----

"I think we are the clean-up personnel, Drilwenwënas."

As you look around the outside of the Lodge you can see through the dust-caked windows that the rooms are filled with formerly elegant furniture, now decaying. A thick, undisturbed layer of dust covers everything, giving the rooms a muted appearance.

Ari, it looks like many, many months, if not years since this place was occupied.

"Well, it looks completely abandoned. Has been for months now." Argoni goes up to the door to check it for traps. "I doubt they would have bothered to trap it if they weren't coming back, but you know even if you're paranoid it doesn't mean you're wrong."

Perception +10

Once he's finished and found nothing, he'll open the door.

The ifrit stays ready to react because that’s odd to find the lodge in such a shape. So something would have claimed it for their hideout for sure.

"Is this a joke for new people? What is going on?"

"I think we are the clean-up personnel, Drilwenwënas."

Hmp. Heck no.

"Is this a joke for new people? What is going on?"

"Hmp. Patience. Traps suck."

Once it's determined that it's safe to do so, Itka hobbles into the first room and looks around.

Perception + 7

Zenith draws their starknife and keeps their eyes peeled, "Well, we knew it was abandoned, but we don't know why the other agents disappeared..."

As you walk into the first room, you hear a voice

“Do not enter as uninvited guests, lest I must assume you are thieves or scoundrels.”

Strong winds coalesce in the form of an elegantly dressed djinni wearing multicolored silks. Their azure skin is draped with jewelry of gold and bright lapis lazuli that jingles briefly as the winds dissipate. Along the djinni’s arms, the thin gold jewelry is elegant, but its purpose is clear: these are chains of gold, but chains, nonetheless.

“I am Safa, and I bring you a chance to save those who came before you and reclaim your lodge.” Safa extends their hand to create a translucent orb. Six figures sleeping on comfortable pillows are visible within.

“He who has bound me demands you complete three tasks in exchange for your friends. Fail, and your friends shall share my fate, becoming bound to the one who commands me,” they say, joylessly, before dismissing the orb.

“First, he wishes you to bring ruin to his rival: Azam ibn Bashemi, a historian seeking patronage from the illustrious Avisha al-Isman of the Satrapian Guard. Sabotage his feast in the nearby parks, and replace his gift for Avisha with this trinket, and his humiliation is assured—but try not to draw attention to yourselves.” The djinni reveals a small toy soldier.

“Second, he demands you 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.” They pause with a cunning smile. “What you do with them once you acquire them is not my concern, but I urge you to seek Raha Shul so that the purpose of these objects may become clear and you can make the right choice.”

Safa creates a small glass orb filled with moving smoke resembling a brewing storm. “This valuable bauble may help you in your trades, but a kind heart or a sharp wit may help you more.

“Lastly, he demands that you punish the hobgoblins of the Iron Ring for defying his will. Slay Tadrun, the captain of the Swift Huntress.” Safa pauses, and lowers their voice to a whisper, which somehow is as clear in the mind as their normal voice is in the air. “There are those on board the ship I hope you can free from imprisonment. Find Zoha, an undine walking in Sarenrae’s light, and ask for his help to board the ship, which is undergoing repairs. Free the ship’s captives, and prove that the Pathfinder Society has sympathy for those sharing my fate. Then—once they are free—burn the ship.”

Safa speaks once more in their normal voice. “It is just after sunrise now. You have until sundown to complete these tasks in whatever order you choose. Then return to the lodge. I am sure you have questions, and I shall try to answer.” The djinni whispers once more, “After all, I am on your side.”

New image on slide 5

The problem is that I don’t kill or slain anybody for nothing. So what did these people to be slained?

The ifrit is not very enthusiastic to do what was asked.

Sola just looks at Drilwenwenas and says," They're slavers. She wants us to free the slaves. Now I'm not entirely sure what the other reason is but I'm more inclined to help her since well she's also a slave. "

She adds," Are you sure helping you sabotage your situation isn't going to harm you. I appreciate the help but you sound like a victim yourself. "

Safa quietly responds to Sola:
I am a djinni bound to serve a cruel genie binder. I have to obey his orders, but I have discretion in my interpretation of those orders. I choose to exercise that discretion to advance my own agenda, and any consequences are mine to bear and worth the cost to me.

Safa responds to Drilwenwënas:
“The Hobgoblins in charge of the Swift Huntress are members of the Iron Ring, a hobgoblin organization of cruel corsairs. They refused to trade with my binder, and he wishes to see them punished. He cares not for the recent captives still aboard the Iron Ring’s ship, but I expect you share my desire to see them freed. Punishing the Iron Ring may serve my genie binder’s aims, but hopefully such action is also in line with the Society’s goals in Sedeq, yes?”

Safa gives you two items:
a crude soldier figurine wearing an oversized Qadiran uniform, and
a glass orb filled with colorful smoke.

Know also that I will be watching as you accomplish these tasks.

Any other questions for Safa?

The ifrit simply nods now and is ready to set some slaves free.

"Listen all I am saying is that it might just be better for both of us if your slaver ended up with a sword implanted in their body. But I get it. You are putting yourself in danger and I'll gladly help you in any way possible," she says with a slight edge to her voice.

"It is clear to me that you do not share the evil heart of the one that binds you, Safa. Rexon begins, "We find ourselves in a distasteful position, but I hope that by performing these tasks the Pathfinder Society will secure a lodge in Sedeq from which to advance our mutual interests. May the chains that bind you soon be broken."

Rexon picks up the soldier figurine and looks at it, "This is the trinket with which we are to replace Azam ibn Bashemi's gift for Avisha al-Isman, I presume. A soldier for the soldier" he then picks up the glass orb, "But what is this? What does it do that we might trade with it in the market?"

Itka's hackles rise at the mention of the ship's slaves. Hmp. Happy to free the slaves and punish the slavers. Don't need to ask me twice. What really bothers her, though, is being used as a puppet without any understanding of the broader consequences of her actions. And, of course, the fact that this djini will still be under that jerkwad's power after all this is done.

"Hmp. Safa. We'll gladly do the last one, for our own reasons. But we have questions about the other two tasks. First, though: who bound you? Where can we find them? What are we up against there?" Itka pauses for her answer. Once satisfied that she's gotten all she can on that subject, she continues: "Now, give us some history of the rivalry between that brute who bound you and Azam ibn Bashemi. What side effects do you anticipate in the region if we ruin him? Who is Avisha, and why would gifting them a toy soldier be particularly bad? Regarding the second task: who is Raha Shul? Where can we find them? What are we up against there?"

Argoni instinctively looks over his should at the mention of slavers. "No offense, but I hope they are just interested in binding genies and not others. For some reason, lots of slavers find halflings ideal to clap in irons. I won't be a slip to anyone."

[u]Who bound you?[/u] “I am a djinni bound to serve a cruel genie binder. I cannot reveal his identity to you, or act directly against him.”

[u]Who is Azam ibn Bashemi?[/u] “A Qadiran traditionalist of the worst sort—one who espouses imperialism and subjugation of others. Even though it furthers my binder’s agenda, I’ll take satisfaction in you bringing humiliation to Azam. Just try not to let the blame fall on you!”

[u]What’s the toy soldier for?[/u] “Replace Azam’s gift for Avisha with this toy soldier, and it should bring great humiliation upon him. Avisha is a recent addition to the illustrious Satrapian Guard, and takes the business of being a soldier quite seriously, you see.”

[u]What’s the orb? “[/u]A small curiosity, but valuable. Its warmth brings comfort, and the smoke twists depending on the mood of those who hold it. Use it to aid in your trades in the Overmarket as you seek the brass stopper, silver chain, and cold iron container.”

[u]Who is Raha Shul?[/u] I can tell you Raha Shul is a merchant with a shop in the marketplace, and they can provide you some information. I can tell you no more than that.

”All there is to do now is to play along, I guess. But, keep your eyes and ears open. We shall meet this challenge.”

So the plan is to go to interrogate the merchant, right?

this mission given more by a djinn than by a venture-captain is beginning quite curiously. Well the main goal is that the lodge can be opened once for all.

Interrogate is a strong term, for she not your adversary unless you make her so.

I always interrogate. Then we see if friend or enemy.

"Well, something tells me we ought to leave the first task for last. So should we go after this merchant to get the items from the market or see these slavers ruined?" The halfling hops on one foot to the next in anticipation.

"Let's begin at the market. We might pick up some items to help us combat the Iron Ring there." Rexon opines.

"Hmp. Thank you for the information, Safa." Itka bobs her head in respect to the djini, something she is loathe to do for most people in the world, but which she'll readily do for slaves.

As the others discuss heading to the market first, her brow furrows deeper and deeper. Hmp. The slaves need to be freed now! Rexon makes a good point, however. One eyebrow rises as she concedes that point. "Hmp. Yes. And perhaps there will be intelligence about the Iron Ring in the market as well. Market first, free the slaves second, play at politics third. Hmp."

Zenith ponders as the djinni unfolds the situation, Desna of course would want me to free the slaves. But who is the Iron Ring? They sigh. This could be what the stars meant by being in the clutches of something more powerful than us all....

They keep their thoughts to themself and step forward, "The market would be a good starting point for this time of day. Of course, it can't compare to the information we could get from the stars." Zenith looks up, unironically, in the direction of the sky despite the roof overhead.

The round plaza of the Overmarket is crowded but well kept. Long, curved stalls surround an imposing fountain in the middle of the market. On the eastern side of the plaza, 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.”

Picture of the girl added on slide 6

We can look to the stars for information all day long, or we can just ask nicely. Kurgess give me strength...

Rexon's broad smile does not betray his thoughts as he addresses Melika, "Hello, Melika. We're looking for a few particular items. Could you point us in the direction of the metalsmiths? We'll need brass, cold iron, and silver." The Taldan man pulls a whole silver piece from his belt and offers it to the girl.

Thank you kind Sir! You are very generous and kind. I am Melika, and you kind payment has purchased as a guide for the day! The stalls in the market frequently change, so I survey the market every morning, locating the very best merchandise at the best prices! Here is a copy of my list for today. Which location can I take you to first?

Advertisement added to slide 6

The ifrit replies to the young girl: Well we want to get a brass stopper, a silver chain, and a cold iron container. So I would say Glittering prisms should be a right place.

"I agree, let's begin at Glittering prisms. Once we have what we came for we can stop by Dreams of Prada Hanam."

Argoni offers the girl a small piece of candy. "What do you think, Melika? Would the Glittering Prism have those sorts of things? And will they offer a fair deal? Do you know who runs the shop?"

"Glittering Prisms would be a good start. But Dreams of Prada Hanam would be a great to visit and see if it is there we will be able to obtain wisdom as told by the stars."