Outpost VII - GM Valen's PFS 1-12 The Burden of Envy (Author's Table)(12 Challenge Points) (Inactive)

Game Master Lysle

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Noggin looks back up at the guard and gives him a look that says "She seems fine with it" and heads to the back of the line, eager to get his new armour. He notices Norbwald pick up some litter, but thinks little of it as he happily waits "That armour is as good as mine!" He exclaims to his comrades with a big smile.

Achurius adds to the rumors picked up as they travel to the guardhouse.

"This came as no surprise to me, considering the focus on greed around here, but the guards happily take bribes. Should we get into trouble it is probably a better idea to buy them off than take the risks associated with fighting them."

perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Once there Achurius gets a little impatient.

"This Garrla fellow is proving a bit elusive or, perhaps, does not even exist. Perhaps someone heard the name and will come forward. But we should not linger here too long. Certainly not long enough to become a guard."

Norbwald palms some paper off the ground and then looks to his allies. "We shouldn't waste anymore time, lets put aside our questions and head in"

Drakmak takes one of his trinket rings off his fingers as he passes the guard that spoke to Noggin, "Don't worry about my little friend honourable guard. Here take this present, it might look good on .... a friend." He winks at the man, attempting to put the ring into his palm unnoticed as he shakes the guards hand. "I'm glad you'll help him to try and impress Garlla. Where is Garlla by the way?"

Thievery 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Drakmak moves off to follow Norbwald.

Drakmak takes one of his trinket rings off his fingers as he passes the guard that spoke to Noggin, "Don't worry about my little friend honourable guard. Here take this present, it might look good on .... a friend." He winks at the man, attempting to put the ring into his palm unnoticed as he shakes the guards hand.

The guard notices the ring and wastes no time pocketing it.

"I'm glad you'll help him to try and impress Garlla. Where is Garlla by the way?"

"Quite impressive, indeed." The guard responds. "And I don't know who or what this 'Garlla' is. So you had best be on your way."

Noggin looks back up at the guard and gives him a look that says "She seems fine with it" and heads to the back of the line, eager to get his new armour. He notices Norbwald pick up some litter, but thinks little of it as he happily waits "That armour is as good as mine!" He exclaims to his comrades with a big smile.

With an impressive efficiency, Captain Kallade processes each of the potential recruits in line before the goblin.

"Next!" she calls, before peering down to see that Noggin is at the front of the line.

"Say, we haven't had any goblin try to join up before. Aren't you one of the recent arrivals that I processed earlier today? May I see your travel papers?"

Expecting the goblin to comply, Kallade leans back in her chair. "I've noticed you've eying the uniform."

As she waits for Noggin to provide her with a set of papers, she thumps the chestplate of her uniform. “If you like it and you have what it takes, it can be yours one day soon. Just tell me the time and the place,” she emphasizes.

Clearly Noggin joined the line. It appears that Norbwald and Drakmak have also entered the recruitment area, but it is not clear if they decided to wait in line. If you are in line, please so indicate. If you are outside the recruitment area, please so indicate.

What do you wish to do, Pathfinders?

Noggin gets very excited at the captain's words "Well these papers are only good for five days, so before then!" He thinks for a second, wondering on the emphasis on time and place, then realises something "Oh, drat! I might be catching a ship, Rolanna’s Prayer out from Shard Cove in four days..." he looks a little crestfallen "Is that enough time to find a set of armour to fit a goblin?" He's not entirely aware of the captain's intentions, or his accidental slip of important information, but the furry goblin really does think he'll look good in that armour!

I'm having Achurius react IC ignorant of the subtle communications going on, but hopefully someone that made their perception roll will follow up on that paper.

Achurius will linger in the area, waiting for the silly goblin to get or, more likely, fail to get his armor.

Drakmak stays out of the recruitment line, just in case by some horrible mishap, he should be accepted into Emerald Guard. He does however watch and follow the conversation between the Captain and his companion Noggin.

Sense Motive on the Captain as she responds to Noggins enthusiasm for the green armour. Especially if he hears the exchange.

Noggin gets very excited at the captain's words "Well these papers are only good for five days, so before then!" He thinks for a second, wondering on the emphasis on time and place, then realises something "Oh, drat! I might be catching a ship, Rolanna’s Prayer out from Shard Cove in four days..." he looks a little crestfallen "Is that enough time to find a set of armour to fit a goblin?" He's not entirely aware of the captain's intentions, or his accidental slip of important information, but the furry goblin really does think he'll look good in that armour!

"Serving within the Emerald Guard requires a much bigger committment than four days," notes Captain Kallade.

"As claims of departure via Shard Cove?" Captain Kallade shakes her head. "I doubt any ship would be foolish enough to approach the city from that direction. The jagged crystals lying just beneath the waves of the cover are nearly impossible to avoid, even during the day. Besides, it is a fairly steep drop from the city's edge to the waters below. I'm not sure how one would even get there."

Kallade releases a sigh. "I must admit, I am beginning to have some doubts about your ability to rise to the demands that service would require."

What do you wish to do, Pathfinders?

"Oh, but that's the point! If I do the impossible, you'll see that I'm worthy of that armour... I can prove myself in just four days!" The enthusiastic goblin stands a little taller, trying to emulate the guard outside once he saw the captain. However on trying to think of a convincing argument for Kallade, Noggin remembers that it is Flitch who knows the way down to the cove. "I'll find a way down those cliffs and you'll see how heroic and crafty we goblins can be! If you don't accept me today, I'll just come back tomorrow, then the next day, and every day until you believe me." The furry knight looks back at his companions to see if they have anything to add to help his cause.

Darn, I guess we should have gone to Flitch first? Could always come back when we have the information we need for a place and time.

"Are we done here then? Has nobody slipped us a message regarding Garrla?"

Woith a head gestures back towards the way they came, he suggests, "Well, this nephew of his is a high priority. So lets find this pad of his and see if we can rescue him."

Before the goblin gets us into trouble. Who decided goblins in the society was a good idea?

Drakmak shakes his head, "Indeed the moons above the oasis are not light enough to show Noggin the way to the sweetest water." He moves towards Achurius and quietly says in his ear, "Honorable Achurius, I do believe that the Captain is indeed the Garrla we seek? Noggin does not see it. Can you speak with the Captain whilst I encourage Noggin to seek a different interest."

When Drakmak tries to take Noggin to the side, letting him in on the situation in an attempt to dissuade him from seeking the coveted armour, realisation suddenly kicks in. He whispers in reply "Don't worry, they don't call me Noggin Discretion Ninetoes-" It sounds like that sentence should have continued, but the enthusiastic goblin instead heads back to the captain and dramatically proclaims "I will not give up! Be ready to be proved wrong about me. Four days from now, before dawn, I will complete my training in the place where the potted plants grow and I will show you the way of the goblin, worthy of the emerald guard... And that armour." he adds with a hopeful sparkle in his eyes.

Drakmak, makes a grab for the goblin, but Noggin is too fast and Drakmak staggers forward a bit before he regains his balance. With a slap of his hands on his forehead he lets out a loud sigh. He mumbles quietly to himself, "Why or why? It's a goblin, what did I expect!" and as if his mind is tuned into Noggins he almost sings in time with Noggin "....And that armour."

Drakmak walks over to the Captain and the Noggin, "Please forgive my over enthusiastic friend, I'm sure we can make it up to you. I will have some more of these trinkets in a few days time, when you come to us, I'm sure there will be ring fit for you. I have some stones ready to fit, would azure, the colour of the sea suit your finger?"

He bows and gestures his thanks with his hands, before taking his leave and with Noggin in tow.....

Noggin nods and points to Drakmak in a 'see, he gets it' gesture.

"....And that armour."

Drakmak walks over to the Captain and the Noggin, "Please forgive my over enthusiastic friend, I'm sure we can make it up to you. I will have some more of these trinkets in a few days time, when you come to us, I'm sure there will be ring fit for you. I have some stones ready to fit, would azure, the colour of the sea suit your finger?"

He bows and gestures his thanks with his hands, before taking his leave and with Noggin in tow.....

Captain Kallade gives a polite nod as the goblin speaks. When the half-orc intervenes and begins to take his leave, she says to Drakmak. "A few days time? I believe your friend's papers expire in five days. Come to think of it, that's when my colleague, Ellvard, is next scheduled to cover the docks."

"Before you go," she says, quickly piling a number of papers on the desk together. "If your friend is serious about recruitment--or you for that matter--then you shouldn't leave without taking the proper paperwork."

Captain Kallade picks up the stack of paper, then holds them out to Drakmak, expectantly waiting for him to take them. "I hope you and your friend have what it takes."

She casts a long glance to the guard stationed outside the door, then turns her gaze down to the offered papers, before returning her gaze back to the open door.

What do you wish to do, Pathfinders?

Achurius is about to follow up on Drakmak's lead and see if the captain is indeed Garrla (somewhat tricky with all the watchful eyes about), but figures the passing of papers could be just the signal they were looking for, and he waits to see what they contain before asking any questions.

Drakmak takes the papers, "I'm sure my little friend will be more that please to fill in these papers and read what he must do next. I'd best take them, he can sometimes get over stimulated. It is my pleasure to have met and with luck to see you again when my friend is ready." Once more he bows and walks away with the papers under his arm.

Upon reaching the rest of the group, he says in a very hushed voice, "I have been given a small notebook, does anyone know the best way to smuggle it past the guard?" He asks as he thinks of a plan.

"We have the paperwork!!!" Noggin exclaims, looking up excitedly between the captain and Drakmak "You won't regret this captain!" he heartily thanks Drakmak for the assistance "Would you mind filling that out for me? I'm better at being heroic and handsome in armour than I am with paperwork..."

Once they reach the rest of the group and the halforc reveals the presence of a secret notebook, the furry hero offers "Well, I can be very distracting when I want to be."

Noggin has fascinating performance if people are willing to let him entrance the guard with his dramatic performance of how good a guard he would be if accepted... Also, goblin song :)

Noggin has fascinating performance if people are willing to let him entrance the guard with his dramatic performance of how good a guard he would be if accepted... Also, goblin song :)

Go for it, if you wish. A successful check to pull off the fascinating performance on the guard would reduce the DC for the guard's Perception.

"For instance..." Noggin walks outside and proudly announces to the guard that they will soon be brothers in arms. "I'll be all like 'Stop! Who goes there' and they'll be, like 'Just a merchant trying to make some metal' and I'll be like 'Ha! Likely story, what's that under your hat!'" he pauses his routine here to let the guard know that this hypothetical merchant is wearing the largest fez you'll ever see "I cannot be fooled by headwear!" he continues enthusiastically.

Performance Vs Will DC: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21 If successful，the guard takes a -2 penalty to perception for whoever is sneaking the book out.

Achurius is not stealthy, but he waves to the guards as if to say 'the goblin is your problem now' and makes a quick exit.

"I cannot be fooled by headwear!" he continues enthusiastically.

The guard focuses his attention on goblin and the size of his faux fez, distracting him from whatever else may going on around him.

Next...

"Well, let's see what the captain provided us. Hopefully more than just recruitment papers."

"Well, let's see what the captain provided us. Hopefully more than just recruitment papers."

The party needs to smuggle the papers past the guard before the notebook can be examined without notice.

You can do it Drakmak! Noggin believes in you :)

The party needs to smuggle the papers past the guard before the notebook can be examined without notice.

Ah, I misinterpreted 'distracting him from whatever else may going on around him' as us getting the book out vs. us getting a +2. So who's going to roll their thievery or stealth? I assume either would work.

Norbwald dejectidly takes a swig of his beverage and shoves the book in between the legs of his chair.

Chair Stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Drakmak looks on with amazement at Norbwald's sudden swift movements, taking the book and making it blend into his walking chair. Yet to Drakmak the blur looked just like the gnome's normal awkward movements. He resists the urge to do anything that might compromise Norbwald's clever work.

Instead he makes a positive effort to watch Noggin's dramatic impression of a city guard, his hands almost clap in appreciation of the goblin's fine effort.

Without any notice by the posted--and with the admiration of Captain Kallade--the party manages to get the black notebook out of the recruiting area.

Well done!

Once the party has gotten to a relatively hidden area in which to examine the notebook, they find that it contains a ledger, which indicates that it belongs to a member of the Emerald Guard by the name of Ellvard. Of note with the ledger is its reference to the recent sale of an expensive piece of artwork made by Ellvard to one Belimarius, Runelord of Envy.

Shortly after the party makes this discovery, the tolling of the midday bell can be heard, indicating that the day is half-spent and only four hours remain until the tolling of the last bell and the start of curfew.

The Party's Timeline in Xin-Edasseril now created on Slides to indicate where party has been, time elapsed, and pre-scheduled events known to party.

PCs may either spend 2 hours attempting to Gather Information about Ellvard or head to another location in the city.

What do you wish to do, Pathfinders?

Noggin whistles, "That's impressive! Didn't know Ellvard was an artist." after a hopeful look at Drakmak, and a gentle reminder about filling out the paperwork for his 'best friend' Noggin, the furry goblin claps his hands together "Right! So what's next? We could ask around about Ellvard, then find a place to stay for the night... I'd love a good meal, and I bet the Rockfish Inn sells tasty fish heads!"

We should probably find a place to stay before it gets too late, and we can pick up Yuleg while we're at it? But if we have time, we should see Filch as soon as possible.

After scratching his head for a bit, Achurius wonders out loud.

"I wonder why Captain Kallade 'lent' us this ledger. You think Ellvard has something to do with Garrla? Or perhaps that reference to the docks and this valuable art might be referring to some shady dealings from Ellvard and the Captain is hoping we will deal with it. Somehow I doubt he is an artist. Dang. I wish Captain Kallade would have been more straight forward."

Drakmak is intrigued by the contents of the notebook, "Noggin, seems you've made friends with an usually talented guard. It would be interesting to learn more, but finding our customers is probably more important, that's where the money is." he says scratching his chin. A golden coloured bird lands on the half-orc's shoulder, producing a smile on the wizard's face. "Racvern, where have you been, so glad you've returned. Tell me what do you think, should we find more customers." The bird seemingly whispers something into Drakmak's ear, "Yes you are probably right" the wizard replies.

Turning back to the others, Drakmak touches his brow, "Well my friends, it is time I introduced you to Racvern, a friend of mine." The bird looks at each of you in turn and almost winks to you all, although his gaze lingers on Norbwald, longer than any of the others.

"The Rockfish Inn sounds a good option, though I might miss on the fish heads." His nose turns up slightly and a look of disdain crosses his face at the word, "fish head".

The party heads across the city, again passing through checkpoints and crowded streets, until reaching a less busy area of shops and residential buildings where Guaril had indicated the Rockfish Inn could be found.

The party comes upon a sturdily-built, stone building with a meticulously thatched roof. It is marked by a hand-carved, wooden sign with silver inlays that declare the building to be The Rockfish Inn.

All of the windows of the inn are shuttered and there is a sign upon the door.

Next to the inn is a stable.

What do you wish to do, Pathfinders?

Reading the sign on the door, Drakmak looks a bit crestfallen, "Looks like the innkeeper and their staff are ill, means the Inn is closed. No room for the night here. Looks like we've lost some custom and profit." He shrugs and looks plaintively at the door, looking to his companions for help.

"Or... We could offer to help in return for board. I know quite a bit about medicine and have a little divine magic at my disposal too."

Without waiting for a response, he heads to the door and knocks.

Norbwald mumbles "Could just be cover to keep prying eyes away before their escape, we should at least check it out."

Noggin can't help but peek into the stables while Achurius knocks on the door "If there's no room at the inn, we could always try in here... That hay looks comfy!"

Without waiting for a response, he heads to the door and knocks.

After the elfknocks at the door, a series of heavy footfalls coming the interior of the building towards the door. It soon opens and reveals a red-bearded dwarf wearing spectacles.

"I'm very sorry, very sorry. But, The Rockfish Inn is closed at present. My daughter, Vurna, is quite ill." says the dwarf as he shakes his head in apology. "As much as I would like to tend to guests, I'm afraid her sickness demands my time and, while I do not think her contagious, the last thing I would want is to risk any of my fine patrons getting sick. Thank you for your interest and do come again."

He raises a meaty hand in a pleasant wave as a sendoff and then prepares to close the door.

What do you wish to do, Pathfinders?

"Hold on, sir. I am a medic and a cleric with healing spells. Perhaps there is something I can do to help?"

"Hold on, sir. I am a medic and a cleric with healing spells. Perhaps there is something I can do to help?"

"While I cannot deny that my daughter is in need of such services, I am afraid that I do not have much with which to pay you." Yuleg says. "Though, I do have a few barrels of fine, pickled fish, that I would gladly part with in exchange for your aid."

"Otherwise, I have only lodging and a few basic amenities to offer." The dwarf admits. "What say you? Do you wish to come and tend to my daughter or be on your way to paying customers?"

What do you wish to do, Pathfinders?

Noggin's ears perk up, and quickly looks up at the dwarf "Pickled fish!?" he licks his lips and looks glances excitedly between the cleric and inn keeper.

"Fair enough. Trade accepted. Now, let's see what is ailing your daughter."

Drakmak winces when he hears that Achurius accepts the trade, Where's the profit in that. but he calms downm when he realises they have found a bed and lodgings for the night. He nods in agreement with the young cleric and follows him into the Inn.

Norbwald whispers to Drakmak [smaller]"Assuming he's who says he is, him and his daughter are on our list. Lets make sure they are who we think they are before we let them in on who we are."

DRakmak winks at Noewald, "May the waters of the oasis bless you sir, but we don't know what to call you and your daughter. I myself am named Drakmak, jewelry maker to those that have purse, not that I am selling my wares today. If we know your names, I'm sure my companions will feel more relaxed and be able to better treat your daughter." He bows to the innkeeper.

"Fair enough. Trade accepted. Now, let's see what is ailing your daughter."

"Oh?" The dwarf replies, his face showing a pleasant surprise. "Then, by all means, do come in! Do come in!"

"If we know your names, I'm sure my companions will feel more relaxed and be able to better treat your daughter." He bows to the innkeeper.

The dwarf returns the bow. "My apologies. I am Yuleg. Yuleg Bluingot. My daughter is Vurna. Her mother...passed some time ago."

He ushers the party into an entry way and past a small supply room. "The fish is in there. While you tend to Vurna, the others are welcome to help themselves to it."

Leading those who follow to one of the rooms on the first floor, Yuleg gently opens the door. The room is spartanly furnished, but is dominated by a bed where a young woman lies covered in heaps of blankets.

Yuleg over to the bed and places one of his large hands on the woman's pale, sweaty brow. "These people are here to help you, My Sparkling Jewel." Yuleg tells the woman softly. The woman stirs just a little and gives no other response beyond a weak, throaty cough.

Turning to the Pathfinders, Yuleg inquires. "Please, do what you can. Do know what ails her?"

medicine, recall knowledge: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

"She has stage 3 filth fever. Unless she has an amazing constitution she will probably die in two days. Though my magics are too simple for this malady, I could tend to her and make it more likely that she will survive. And a good alchemist can increase her odds by crafting an antiplague elixer. Or you could hire a cleric more capable than me to cast the remove disease spell. That would certainly work. Normally costs 18 gold for a spell like that. A pity the disease is so advanced and I do not have a week to tend to her."

"Two days?" Yuleg repeats in quiet lament.

The man releases a woeful sigh. "I am grateful that you came along, but I do not have the amount of gold for a spell that you indicated. I [i]do[/] have some gold, I suppose, but I was saving it for--" The dwarven man pauses for a moment and shakes his head. "It matters not now. With Vurna in her current condition, she and I will remain together in this inn until she improves."

A PC can spend 8 hours attempt a Medicine check to Treat Disease to help Vurna get better by helping her reduce the stage of her filth fever. Note that the PCs do not need to go outside to treat Vurna, so they can do so after curfew.

Curfew is set to begin in two hours.

Most of the inn’s foodstuffs are diminished. However, six large barrels of pickled fish remain. Various rooms in the inn are modestly furnished with beds, drawers, wash basins, blankets, pillows, towels, and linens. The wagon is a four-wheeled open vehicle capable of carrying up to 1,000 pounds of cargo.

What do you wish to do next, Pathfinders?

Norbwald takes a sip of their beverage, seeing the illness of the child is convinced of their identity finally reveals the truth behind the curtain.

"We also here to help with your other problem, we just had to be sure it was you first. I'm sure you understand why we're cautious. I know you were expecting a certain cousin K, but after his face showed up on a few posters, he decided some unfamiliar faces would increase your odds of getting out. It'll be a few days until we're ready to go, but I'm certain we can help her condition out a bit and get her ready to travel, so we can get out of this country and get some real help. A safe place to rest, and some fish for my companions at least I'm certain would increase our chances of getting everybody out of here alive."