[Outpost VII]PFS1 #6-22 Out of Anarchy by GM Colin (Inactive)

Game Master Colin_Mercer

Ling set to sharpening his blade with a whetstone.

"We staying here or are we to get a room at an inn? And what is a tubmarket? Is that a bathhouse?"

"The basement quarters of the Academy are free to use for you guys. Your adventure captain mentioned that Passfinder need a safe place to sleep, and there is nowhere safer than our basements." Poppo thinks for a bit, "If you enjoy the weather outside, you could try to find somewhere to camp I supposed. If you don't mind having uninvited neighbors visiting you, that is."

"Thank you for the information; it's certainly filling many pages of my journal. What do you know about some of the locations on your map. For instance what is an 'Alchgarden'? Would it be fair to say the 'Glass on the Hill Theater' might be another gathering spot for the White Thistles? Who are the principal residents in the 'Tenements'? What about the 'Abandoned Tower'? That sounds like somewhere someone on the run might hide. 'Vim's Smithy'? And what's the best and/or fastest way to 'Whaler's Point'?

Poppo looks at the Kageryu: "I see that you have the desire for knowledge inside you, good! Perhaps you would consider joining the academy? Nah, wouldn't be a good college town. Right, where was I? The map......" Tired of crouching down, the pofessor grabs a broom and use it as a pointing stick."The alchgarden. Alch-garden. Get it? It is an alchemy shop run by a fellow gnome. Bonnifer Zoot is the name of the alchemist. If you have some ingredients, maybe she can make something nice. I wouldn't go to the theater if I were you. Haunted and abandoned for years. The Tenements are mostly burned down slums for the poorest, total chaos there."Poppo shakes his head, then continues: "People call it the abandoned tower because they abandoned it. They abandoned it because that place is full of those damn strix!" he pokes at the west side of the map, where the tower is.

"The smithy though, you can get some decent weapon there as long as you are not buddy-buddy with the Loyalist, and if you brings Vim something to fuel his furnance. The Whaler’s Point is the place to go if you want to smuggle Passfinders in, through the blockade. Folks there are happy to throw anyone who has the right 'currency' into their smelly cargos and sneak you through, but you know that part already. Sorry."

The tubmarket? You did not describe it, or was that because Ling was right in his guess?

Idly tapping a rhythm with his pipe, reminiscent of lullabies from several culture, Migsund ponders the information given. "Vell, it seems zhat our quarry has already ingratiated himself with all of the factions of ze town, and been run out of them as well. Most recently ze Loyalists. I vonder... should ve perhaps pursue ze remaining fifth faction, ze Strix? His most recent 'friends', ze Loyalists? Or proceed in an orderly chronology from Dockers, to Galtans, to Thistles, to Loyals?" he ponders, then takes a deep puff of his pipe, before politely capping it in this enclosed space.

He concludes his thoughts, "It seems to me, ze thieves are perhaps our best bet; simple exchange of goods for knowledge, and I have no doubts ve can suss out any... deceptions," then begins preparing his last spell slots for the day.

The tubmarket? You did not describe it, or was that because Ling was right in his guess?

Because it was 1:30AM when I wrote that and it got lost between all the questions about the locations. Sorry.

"And please refrain from going to the Whaler's Point unless it's absolutely necessary. DO NOT draw attention to our arrangement, thank you."

Idly tapping a rhythm with his pipe, reminiscent of lullabies from several culture, Migsund ponders the information given. "Vell, it seems zhat our quarry has already ingratiated himself with all of the factions of ze town, and been run out of them as well. Most recently ze Loyalists. I vonder... should ve perhaps pursue ze remaining fifth faction, ze Strix? His most recent 'friends', ze Loyalists? Or proceed in an orderly chronology from Dockers, to Galtans, to Thistles, to Loyals?" he ponders, then takes a deep puff of his pipe, before politely capping it in this enclosed space.

He concludes his thoughts, "It seems to me, ze thieves are perhaps our best bet; simple exchange of goods for knowledge, and I have no doubts ve can suss out any... deceptions," then begins preparing his last spell slots for the day.

"We were informed by the Venture Captain that the strix hate all outsiders and would likely be hostile so I do not think it wise to 'visit' them. And from the information Poppo has provided we should not approach the Loyalists at all."

Migsund nods along to the rebuttal, "Excellent points, yes. So vhere should we go first, in your estimation?"

Ling shrugs, ready to roll a die to decide. But he respects that others are more opinionated and keeps silent.

@GM: I think it's late in the evening? Assuming so:

"It is late in the evening and I would guess any wandering the streets would immediately fall under suspicion. We should rest here and then try to find information on Olandil's various guises in the morning. We have our barter goods to trade for information. From what Poppo has told us it would seem three places would make a good start. Gold Street because it would seem thieves have no interest in helping the Loyalists. Auntie's is a good place for gossip although we risk our presence being known; I assume either Auntie will know the Docktown faction or they'll learn about us there. The Inkwell since that was Olandil's last known identity. And Madge's since we'll be hungry and Poppo said she knows noodles. A food vendor might also be a good place to gather information."

Yes, you guys sneaks in this town under the cover of the night.

If the team decides to rest in the Academy's basement, the professor will finds a few emtpy rooms and grabs some mattress for you guys. The rooms are dusty, but they're at least dry, warm, and secure. You're also allowed and strongly encouraged to use the Academy's bathroom to take shower.

Time to discuss your plan. Where would you guys want to go? Which faction would you like to seek out? It would also be a good time for the spellcasters to figure out their daily routine and prepare your spells, unless you're spontaneous caster. I will move us forward on Monday.

Kageryu will definitely take advantage of the shower and test out some of their barter soap so he can honestly review its ability to make one smell fresh and clean.

Migsund will take the bath afterwards to thoroughly clean up, then spend the evening offering spell swaps with Kageryu, and generally discussing what options he has available. If anyone has suggestions from Migsund's spellbook, feel free to make them - he has a large number of enchantments and illusions that could be handy with a plan.

Migsund's vote for first stop is Gold Street, and has little preference after that.

Tempestas is quite content to let the more experienced Pathfinders decide.

Ling takes a nice shower and includes his armor and backpack and whatever was exposed to the fish in the cleansing. As for where to start, he thinks of himself as more of a bodyguard than mastermind and leaves the planning to others. Though for a warrior he is quite intelligent (some even called him officer material), so he hangs around ready to offer occasional advice if needed.

Tuke is okay with any plan yins go with.

Migsund takes a few notes in his journal as each of the warriors submits to higher authorities, muttering "Ja, truly fascinating. And mere hours into Cheliax, Empire of Devils, where Hell's law reigns."

He then patiently waits for Kaervek's input.

After the team wash up and rest for the night, you head off to the Gold Street after your daily preparation. The school backpack the professor lends you are surprisingly sturdy and carries your 'currency' fairly well. You can't help but to imagine how many heavy textbooks the students need to carry on a daily basis.

New map is up in position 1
After a short work, you arrived at what townfolks called Gold Street. The jagged cobblestone street is lined with storefronts looted to the buildings’ bones. Entire walls have been hauled away, stripped not just of stone and wood but also the nails that secured them, and anything remotely valuable was picked clean years ago. One shop stands relatively intact, however——Torandril’s Finery. Its windows are boarded shut, though lights inside appear to shine between the planks.

You knocks on the door, and the door is open from inside. "Come on in!" Inside, a dark-haired Chelish woman in her mid-30s sit on the east side of the room. Eight guards are also present in the room, giving you cold stares. "New students of the Academy. How may I help you?" she speaks in an indifferent tone.

Lings mouth twitches at the idea of studying.. Whatever they teach... Then the thought occurs to him that they might teach martial arts and hid eyes brighten. But THEN he remembers the name was Academy of Applied Magic and his face reflects disappointment.

Not aware that his face is an open book, he muses, Best not to say anything and let them know I am not student material.

Migsund makes his way in with everyone else, quietly thanking the doorman. "Ah, ja, ve students have been assigned a task to fetch an item. Ve know the previous possessor of it, and were hoping you could perhaps point us to ze individual. Ve would be most gracious for the assistance."

Migsund casually strolls as close to the woman as the guards will allow, hands empty, choosing his words carefully. "You zee, ve are looking for a Jax Telandril. Perhaps you've heard of him? He has a distinctive set of goggles, ja?" he offers questioningly, trying to get a read on the Chelish woman.

ConservativeDiplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
SenseMotive: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12

Ling nods, as if agreeing to everything Migsund is saying, because that is the extent of his skills at persuasion.

Tempestas is making like he's a bodyguard for the group

Kageryu waits to see what type of reaction/welcome Misgund receives.

GM waits to see if that's the Pathfinders' final answer

GM waits to see if that's the Pathfinders' final answer

I don't know if any other PCs have anything close to 'social skills' but Kageryu can try with a -1 and some barter goods.

Joining Misgund, Kageryu flashes some of the barter goods the party has with them and says, "I'm sure a storekeeper of your tenacity, resourcefulness, and success has all types of information at your disposal."

Diplomacy Aid - Yeah right!: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15

A good roll???? I can't believe it...

Her eye lights up when she sees the goods you guys are carrying: "Indeed I have the information that you seek. Unfortunately we're not a charity foundation, so if an information has value, it will has a price." she raises one finger, "One pound (of goods) for Jax Telandril."

Kageryu's eyebrows raise a bit and he says, "For one pound I think it should be exceptional information."
He then presents the goods to Torandril I'm guessing that's her name? and retrieves his writing supplies to take notes.

Migsund makes mental note at the confirmation of base mercenary [money-based] intent on the part of Torandril. (Guiding her to comply with our questions should be quite simple. Reminds me of home.)

"Excellent, thank you for your assistance." Migsund focuses on looking for any tells in the response they receive, but is perhaps distracted by the large number of guards (nat 1 Sense Motive earlier).

"How unprofessional of me. Cessia Florianthus, owner of the Torandril’s Finery, at your service." she stands up and does a professional bows to her customers.
She gestures one of the guard to take over and inspect the goods. Once the guard nods to her, she start to speaks up: "The man you're looking for, Jax Telandril, been doing odd jobs around Bruck’s little fiefdom in Docktown for years. My associates claim he’s been scrounging the harbor floor in his spare time in hopes of finding something valuable enough to pay off his debts, though I doubt even that will work. Auntie's is the place may want to visit if you want to know more. That is THE information hub in Docktown, and I do not intent to step on their toes for giving out too much.”

Migsund does not catch any sign of you guys being lied to.

"Is there anyone else that you might be interested in?"

@GM and Players: I'm pondering if we should ask about 'Olandil' since asking about the other similar sounding first names might raise suspicion or someone else to connect the various 'J' names with Olandil.

Not sure if he's gone public as that name, other than to the one who contacted us.

Migsund makes a quick note of the information, then extracts another pound of goods. He then asks "Proprietrix Florianthus, are you sure there's nothing else of particular note you could tell us? We will of course go to Auntie's, but it would be good to have.. corroboration of what they tell us."

"I'm afraid that's all the information I have on Jax Telandril, but I can guarantee that the information I sold will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. This is the luxury that the Aunties' customers do not have."

"Is there anyone else that you might be interested in?"

When they are alone, Ling will make a suggestion.

"Before we go to Aunties, we should probably just mill about and gather some information so we know what questions to ask."

There are other people / personas of Olandil you could ask, if you want.

Migsund shakes his head, "No, that's the only business ve haf... actually, the only business, but we were looking for some entertainment later this afternoon. Ve have heard ze poet Arunai is quite good - do you agree? Does he perform regularly?"

Migsund slides over the pound of trade goods.

If anyone has other ideas, let's get them posted.

Migsund shakes his head, "No, that's the only business ve haf... actually, the only business, but we were looking for some entertainment later this afternoon. Ve have heard ze poet Arunai is quite good - do you agree? Does he perform regularly?"

Migsund slides over the pound of trade goods.

If anyone has other ideas, let's get them posted.

I was going to go with the module's direction and go to Auntie's next since it was on our list anyway.

Migsund agrees with Kageryu's intended direction.

Deciding to focus on Jax Telandril, the Pathfinder leave the Gold Street and head to the Docktown. In Docktown’s chaotic jumble of ships, Auntie’s tavern still manages to stand out. Draped in bright curtains of white and red and bearing a huge, garishly painted former ship’s masthead of a woman as its sign—creatively augmented to hold two foaming mugs aloft, the three-story converted ship’s hold is perpetually packed with Pezzacki looking to drown their fears and boredom. Aside from drunkards swilling watered-down ale, Auntie’s also features a clear view of the former Manukirt Trading Co. warehouse.

The proprietor of Auntie’s, an elderly halfling woman who goes by Auntie, gracefully weaves about the room, conversing with patrons and intervening when tempers flare. You ask around for information about Telandril, turns out many of its patrons have heard of Jacks Telandril. The Auntie gladly shares what she knows about him: Telandrio works odd jobs around Docktown, often having to do with building second and third stories onto new ships. He is currently up to his ears in debt, while planning to start a new magic item shop business. She also heard that this Jax Telandril guy is having a relationship with revolutionary playwright Amalia Wraxton.

Figuring this is as good a place as any to start, ling sets to looking for rumors.

gather information: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (2) + 0 = 2

Unfortunately, since he has that contact phobia and does not remove his helmet, he is largely ignored when he asks a question and his hearing is severely limited.

Migsund listens to Auntie's words, trying to discern if she's holding back, before milling around the bar and trying to pick up anything else that may be of use, choosing his words delicately.

SenseMotive: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25
ConservativeDiplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Kn(Hist,for-the-giggles): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Yesterday evening:

Kaervek looks at his teammates with a smile of superiority, because he doesn't need a shower - a simple cantrip does the job just fine.

(casting prestidigitation to clean his belongings, his clothes and himself, and also get rid of the smell)

If his fellow pathfinders need help with cleaning their stuff, he gratiously offers his help.
Afterwards, the old elf spends the evening with the other arcane casters, offering spell swaps with Kageryu and Migsund before he goes to meditate for the night.

Another post will follow soon.

Tempestas keeps a wary eye - and mind - out for danger. Is anyone thinking hostile thoughts towards his charges.

perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (7) - 1 = 6

Earlier today at Gold Street:

Kaervek nods along and keeps to himself, as - you may have noticed - he isn't the most diplomatic guy.

At Auntie's:

Kaervek follows Migsund inside...

Knowledge: Nobility t: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

... but soon leaves the building again.

Earlier today at Gold Street:

Kaervek nods along and keeps to himself, as - you may have noticed - he isn't the most diplomatic guy.

At Auntie's:

Kaervek follows Migsund inside...

[dice=Knowledge: Nobility t]1d20+9

... but soon leaves the building again.

** spoiler omitted **

Migsund listens to Auntie's words, trying to discern if she's holding back, before milling around the bar and trying to pick up anything else that may be of use, choosing his words delicately. i.e. some of them are truth, some of them aren't whole truth

[dice=SenseMotive]d20+11
[dice=ConservativeDiplomacy]d20+6
[dice=Kn(Hist,for-the-giggles)]d20+8

Migsund can tells that the Auntie's is not lying, but she is also cares little about the authenticity of the rumors————she is simply relaying the 'good stories' she heard to her new customers. i.e. they're not the whole truth

That's basically all that is for the non-Dark Achive PCs, or I should say, all that you discovered.

Surprise, surprise, it's only DC10 Diplo for the faction mission. Let's just assumed you got it.
Dark Archivists around the tavern but didn't get very far with it. What gets far and wide, is the the fact that people are asking for Phelerosa. Soon, Phelerosa Ciucci herself shows up in the Auntie's to meet you guys, after hearing that someone is seeking her out.

She claims to be the wayward noble you seek, and invite you all to her room to show you her signet ring. Phelerosa tells the you that she wants nothing more to do with the backstabbing politics of her family and other noble houses, and that she is happier in Pezzack than she has ever been.

Zarta wants you to either bring her with you when you leave Pezzack, or find a way to get your hands on her 'secret'. How would you like to approach it?

Surprise, surprise, it's only DC10 Diplo for the faction mission. Let's just assumed you got it.
Dark Archivists around the tavern but didn't get very far with it. What gets far and wide, is the the fact that people are asking for Phelerosa. Soon, Phelerosa Ciucci herself shows up in the Auntie's to meet you guys, after hearing that someone is seeking her out.

She claims to be the wayward noble you seek, and invite you all to her room to show you her signet ring. Phelerosa tells the you that she wants nothing more to do with the backstabbing politics of her family and other noble houses, and that she is happier in Pezzack than she has ever been.

Zarta wants you to either bring her with you when you leave Pezzack, or find a way to get your hands on her 'secret'. How would you like to approach it?

@GM: Is there a way to handle this either through PMs or maybe in the Discussion tab? I don't want to derail the group's primary mission with this situation.

Migsund follows up with Auntie, "You zay Jacks haz an intimidate acquaintance, this Amalia Wraxton. Yet I understood that she had been missing since the Second Ashes began. Is this not zo?"

More subtly, to his remaining allies, "Perhaps ve should move up our investigation of ze Inkwell, zis 'Literati hangout'. I had hoped it would not be necessary to risk ourselves in such a well known place of miscreants, and yet... What do you think?"

Erm .... I do not know if this is useful .... but I do have some mind reading abilities .... surface thoughts only though

"As you wish. I'm here for the muscle support. But we could follow up a little on Jacks by going to the docks or Amalia's home, if we can find it. even if she is in hiding, there may be a clue."

GM_Colin wrote:

Surprise, surprise, it's only DC10 Diplo for the faction mission. Let's just assumed you got it.
Dark Archivists around the tavern but didn't get very far with it. What gets far and wide, is the the fact that people are asking for Phelerosa. Soon, Phelerosa Ciucci herself shows up in the Auntie's to meet you guys, after hearing that someone is seeking her out.

She claims to be the wayward noble you seek, and invite you all to her room to show you her signet ring. Phelerosa tells the you that she wants nothing more to do with the backstabbing politics of her family and other noble houses, and that she is happier in Pezzack than she has ever been.

Zarta wants you to either bring her with you when you leave Pezzack, or find a way to get your hands on her 'secret'. How would you like to approach it?

@GM: Is there a way to handle this either through PMs or maybe in the Discussion tab? I don't want to derail the group's primary mission with this situation.

Good idea, we can do it in the discussion tab.

Tempestas nods in agreement with Ling.

Migsund follows up with Auntie, "You zay Jacks haz an intimidate acquaintance, this Amalia Wraxton. Yet I understood that she had been missing since the Second Ashes began. Is this not zo?"

More subtly, to his remaining allies, "Perhaps ve should move up our investigation of ze Inkwell, zis 'Literati hangout'. I had hoped it would not be necessary to risk ourselves in such a well known place of miscreants, and yet... What do you think?"

The Auntie says that she does not know the whereabout of Amalia Wraxton, and she only heard about the relationship between Jack Telandril and Amalia from other customers. If you're looking for the information about the White Thistles, she suggests you guys to pay a visit to The Inkwell.