[Outpost VII] DM Carbide's PFS2e 5-04: Equal Exchanges - Necessary Introductions (Inactive)

Game Master John Woodford

The party arrives at the Hwanggot Lantern Lodge early in the morning, ready to begin.

Dot in here after you sign up.

Hello

The Lantern Lodge is already bustling despite the early hour, Pathfinders exchanging greetings as they make their way in and out. Several local vendors have parked their food carts just outside the door with wares pre-marked for their regulars, who snatch up their breakfasts and make payments with practiced ease. In the midst of it all stands Venture-Captain Yi Da Som, smiling serenely.

“Good morning, Pathfinders. Thank you for being so punctual. Please, follow me and we’ll get your briefing started.” She heads into the lodge, politely greeting everyone the group meets on the way, and opens the doors to a private meeting room. A covered meal of dumplings and rolled eggs as well as a large pot of tea sits on the large table for guests to serve themselves. Already seated is a woman in flowing robes and an equally flowing waterfall mask that obscures her entire face. An empty plate with a few crumbs of food sits on the table in front of her.

“Hello, Pathfinders,” she says. “You may call me the Waterfall. Help yourself to some breakfast--it's quite good--and introduce yourselves.”

Zac moves over to the breakfast table and enjoys. Thank you Captain Yi Da Som assuming we actually know her name, if not, he introduces himself to learn it.

You know her name--she was the one who requested your presence for a mission.

The goblin's eyes go wide as he bustles into the room, followed by a juvenile brown bear, who both set course straight for the food. He lifts up the lid, taking several of the dumplings and eggs, and holds them out to the bear who eagerly begins eating them up. The goblin is clearly mostly intent on making sure his ursine companion is fed, but he doesn't miss the opportunity to eat a bit of the food himself.

Once properly sated, he glances around and says, "Me am Deerslicer, mighty hunter! D'is is Gracie. She a good girl." Gracie licks some dumpling juice from her paw as she rolls around in a corner.

The Waterfall? Is that something of a code name? I am Nikma, Pathfinder agent and monster hunter.

A quiet, generally reserved man with a thin, gaunt face asks. He wears a black cloak with the hood pulled up over his head, but still his wiry long black hair falls out of the front in an unkempt mess. A hefty bastard sword is slung over his back along with a longbow.

He bows slightly to The Waterfall in a show of respect.

"Um, hello, miss...uh, Waterfall." A half-orc awkwardly bows his head. He seems underwhelming with no weapons or armor on him. Instead he has a pack with multiple pockets and marked with a healer's sigil on it.

"My name is Desmond. Your lodge contracted for a medic, yes? I've worked with Pathfinders often. I can keep up with them and keep them safe." He nods to Deerslicer and glances towards the bear. "Even the unorthodox ones."

He tries to use the odd sticks to pick up a dumpling and ends up dropping it on the table. He grabs it quickly with his hand sheepishly.

While I play Desmond as a hired medic rather than a Pathfinder himself, he's obviously a full character. He also will claim not to want to hurt anyone, so his flurries are often reflavored as slaps or shoves.

"It's what you can call me." Although the mask doesn't seem to move, there is something in the tone of her voice that suggests she's smiling.

Trailing the group (because she got caught up in a conversation with a passerby) is a plump, petite elderly woman with short, curly white hair, rosy cheeks, twinkling eyes, and an absolutely ridiculously enormous knitted blood-red sweater dress. It's so voluminous that she's tied bunches of it with cords so she doesn't trip over it or lose her arms in its folds, making her look somewhat like a rather misshapen octopus. Bustling into the room, she greets a familiar face as she plunks down at the table and begins serving herself expertly with the provided chopsticks.

"Oh, hello Desmond, dearie! So glad you're here. You can heal me with those magic hands of yours any day! Heehee! Ahh, what a lovely breakfast! Just be warned, everyone: old folks like me can't hold their gas. Heehee!" Mrs. Crinkle giggles as she begins chomping on eggs and dumplings. "Mmmm! Dee-lish! So, The Waterfall, to what do we owe the pleasure, hmm?"

Following her comrades into the room, is a tall elven woman dressed in black and white robes. Her elaborate hairstyle and haughty air clearly marks her as someone who thinks is important.

Greetings Waterfall, as you certainly know, I'm Eldryon Spearheaven. May the blessing of Nethys be upon you. What is the mission of the upmost importance that you need to personally give me?

On her back a strange weapon looking like between an elaborate leaf and a spear, at her side a large book.

Nikma takes a step away from Mrs. Crinkle. Perhaps it is the threat of gas.

Desmond winces as Mrs Crinkle comment about her gas. "Ma'am, didn't we talk about trying to eat less cruciferous vegetables? And eggs can be particularly filled with sulphur."

Deerslicer sniffs at Mrs. Crinkle's mention of gas, then shrugs. "Me smell worse before."

"Oh, pooh-pooh, Desmond, dearie! I have a finite number of years left, and I'm going to eat whatever I want for the rest of them. And as for you--" She points at Deerslicer with a wink. "--I think we'll get along famously. Heehee!"

Once everyone has had something to eat, The Waterfall leans forward intently in her chair. ”You’ve been called in because we need assistance forging a potential alliance with a powerful entity. An ancient dragon by the name of Valashinaz has many lairs scattered across much of Tian Xia. She’s known to be a collector of great knowledge and artifacts and has recently become more open to sharing said knowledge.

“I was able to contact Valashinaz’s assistant, a kobold called Purepurin, who has been arranging meetings between her mistress and interested parties. Venture-Captain Yi Da Som and I have secured a meeting with Valashinaz this afternoon, in about—” She glances at a water clock in the room. “—five hours. We will be meeting the dragon at one of her lairs that's only three hours' travel from here.

“The Decemvirate and I have other business to attend to prior to the meeting,” Da Som chimes in. “It would be remiss of us to attend such an important meeting without presenting a gift beforehand, but we are unable to arrive until the exact meeting time.”

Da Som takes out a stack of exquisitely bound books, each bearing an embroidered symbol of the Pathfinder Society. She carefully wraps them in a patchwork silk cloth and places it on the table. “Pathfinders, please take this gift and present it to Valashinaz. Her assistant Purepurin will be waiting at the cave entrance to her vaults to introduce you to her mistress. Show them the respect and dignity of the Pathfinder Society so we can present our case for a partnership that will benefit all the people we serve. Do you have any questions?”

"Show them the respect and dignity of the Pathfinder Society..."

Oh, I'll show them dignity, all right. Heehee! Mrs. Crinkle can't help but chuckle a bit at that point, though she'd never intentionally sabotage a Pathfinder mission.

"What information do we have on Purepurin, dearie? Some folks take themselves very seriously and need to be handled carefully, while some folks are easier to work with. Just how stuffy and strict do we need to be here?" She doesn't specifically ask about Valashinaz’s and Purepurin's tolerance of sulfurous smells, mostly because she doesn't want to be told to wait outside the whole time. Borrrriiing!

A Dragon! That's a First for me and a mission, worth my time.
This mission seems straightforward, do you think another group could try to sabotage our meeting?

"So it's about charming a kobold and her dragon master? Oh man, I know a little kobold who would have loved this. He can't stop talking about dragons." Desmond shrugs. "Hopefully no one gets hurt."

Deerslicer glances around. "Anyone here talk dragon talk? Lots o' people 'round here not talk like back in Varisia, and not understand goblin either. Me can take out kobold, no problem, but if dragon thinks we tasty treat because we not able to talk to it, d'at be a problem."

The Venture-Captain sighs a little at Mrs. Crinkle's question. "Purepurin seemed reasonable enough, but a little...flighty, I suppose. Certainly she didn't stand on ceremony when we spoke."

In response to the elf, The Waterfall replies, "I know of no one who has both the capability and knowledge to deliberately interfere with this meeting. However, don't let that keep you from being on guard."

Deerslicer's question is greeted with a small smile from Yi Da Som. "Velashinaz knows a great many languages. I don't think you need to worry about communicating with her."

Would anyone like to try a Society check to recall knowledge about the dragon? If so, let me know your bonus and I'll roll it.

What should we do with the extra two hours before the meeting? It seems like we'll have some spare time.

+8 Society

Eldryon tries to remember something about the Dragon.

I know the language of Dragons. But sometimes people says I'm rude, I don't understand why.

Better to be in advance than late, I will suggest that we start early, we could manage any inconveniance that we could find on the way. she adds after Nikma's remarks.

"What are these books that we're giving to Purepurin? Something valuable or rare?"

Society +5

Society +0, yes he will still try.

Deerslicer glances around. "Anyone here talk dragon talk? Lots o' people 'round here not talk like back in Varisia, and not understand goblin either. Me can take out kobold, no problem, but if dragon thinks we tasty treat because we not able to talk to it, d'at be a problem."

"No worries, dearie. I speak Draconic too, and I'm never rude!" She cuts a mischievous glance at Desmond before continuing. "Crude, yes, but I'm an absolute joy. Heehee! Anyway, having some extra time to...experience a dragon's lair sounds like a fine idea. If she likes books, I'll wager there'll be enough to keep me busy for a good long while. Heehee!" Is it all esoteric and academic, or will I find any funny gems in her collection, hmm? Heehee! Mrs. Crinkle muses briefly on the odds of finding a treatise on chamberpots in the library.

Society +6: What does Mrs. Crinkle know about this dragon?

Eldryon and Desmond have heard of Velashinaz, and know that she lives in a massive underground cave system normally inhabited by run-of-the mill vermin (rats, ROUSs, giant centipedes, and the like). Her kobold attendants usually keep her lair free of pests like that (or worse: avaricious adventurers). The steward Purepurin curates the guest list and arranges tours and trades of goods or information.

The Venture-Captain replies to Desmond, "The books are valuable, yes. Valashinaz is known to prize knowledge, so if we wish to learn some of the secrets she has kept we must offer some of our own. These are copies of Pathfinder Chronicles related to treasures she has expressed interest in, as well as the wayfinder of the open road. It is unique in its curious ability to detect nearby magical portals."

Wasn't able to connect at all today. Has Paizo.com been struck by the annual Outpost demons?

My Society is +6

Deerslicer can't recall anything else about the dragon.

ROUSs! I've been wanting to hunt those for some time!

Nikma grins widely.

Can he know something about dragons with Arcana +6?

Deerslicer grabs a couple more dumplings, passing some off to Gracie, and then glances around. "So, we ready to go?" he asks, pulling his piercing wind musket, with a long curve blade mounted on the bottom, from his satchel and waving it around haphazardly. The blade cuts through one of the dumplings, causing it to fall from the table onto the floor in two pieces ... a fact which Gracie happily takes advantage of.

Nikma would be able to determine things about dragons in general, but not necessarily specific dragons.

Nabbing a couple of rolled eggs and stuffing them into the folds of her sweater dress, Mrs. Crinkle chirps: "Ready!" She hops up, surprisingly spry for one of such advanced age, and bustles to the door. "If you don't want to smell my gas, don't walk behind me! Heehee!"

Any other questions?

Nikma runs ahead of Mrs. Crinkle.

Desmond sighs to Mrs. Crinkle. "Following you, ma'am."

None

The party sets out! Venture-Captain Da Som provides you with a horse and cart (the cart carrying a minor enchantment to keep it stable on uneven ground), a fine hand-drawn map to the cave that serves as an entrance to the dragon's lair, a potency crystal, and a gecko potion.

The bustle of cart vendors and morning greetings gives way to rolling hills and birdsong on the path out of Haseong. Farmers in the distance occasionally pause their work to give friendly waves. Cattle dot far off fields colored by flourishing crops. The cart lent by the Lantern Lodge, enchanted to deal with unpaved terrain, leisurely rolls off the road without issue, the horse at its head expertly leading its charges into rockier countryside. Time passes peacefully, swirling clouds blotting out the vibrant sun to gentle its gaze on the world below.

It's well into the third hour of the trip that the party comes upon a minor obstruction: a cart tied to two unbothered goats lies toppled on its side, one back wheel firmly trapped in a divot in the dirt path. A cheerful working song mixes with Goblin swears as a flustered goblin tugs uselessly at one of the goats’ reins. There’s a small grilling table built into the cart (and apparently designed to be leveled even when the cart itself isn't), where two goblins roast brightly colored skewers of something that's probably meat despite the conundrum. A dangerously loose sign dangles off the back proclaiming “SPICY DEATH CHICKEN CHALLENGE” in multiple languages with prices for their wares. If the aroma from the cooking is any indication, the sign may be an understatement.

Several other goblins have set up in the grass to pickle vegetables and sing a merry tune, surrounded by glass jars
chock full of meat and pickles as well as ceramic jugs flowing with spices and sauces. Many of the ceramics look too finely crafted to be cookware, their elegant designs and patterns smeared in chili powder and garlic paste.

Desmond stands up on the cart, looking out ahead at the group of goblins. "Hello? Do you need help?" He leaps down from the moving cart, waving for them to stop.

"Well, it seems like you've made the best of things. But how can we help? Is the wheel broken?"

Desmond is very straight-forward and eager to help.

Mrs. Crinkle is unlikely to use the Potency Crystal or Gecko Potion, but will carry them if no one else wants them.

"Ooo! 'SPICY DEATH CHICKEN CHALLENGE'? Stop the cart! I want to eat death chicken and breathe fire like a dragon! Heehee!" Mrs. Crinkle hops off the back of the cart, where she'd chosen the most-aft seat for the sake of her teammates. "And yes, we have time to help you un-stick your wagon, too, dearies." She adds as an afterthought as she takes a closer look at the roasting meat, inhaling the aroma deeply. "Mmmmm! Smells like it's got some good kick. Heehee! I'm Mrs. Crinkle, sweetheart. And you are?" She extends a plump hand to the goblins roasting the meat.

The senior goblin saucemaster (see slides for picture) shakes the old woman's hand, inadvertently transferring some of the sauce ingredients she was working with. (Any minor cuts or abrasions on Mrs. Crinkle's hand are suddenly much more obvious than they were a minute ago.) "I'm Dokk! Nice to meetcha! You, ah, wouldn't mind helping us out, would you? I can at least treat you to lunch."

Athletics checks to push the cart out of the rut.

Nikma approaches the cursing goblins, along with Desmond.

It seems your friends don't even know there's a problem. We see it. What can we do?

When directed, he sets down his weapons and gets to pushing with free hands.

Athletics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
hero point Athletics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

From afar, Eldryon explains how to get the cart out of the way with minimum effort.

Crafting: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

left, no! the other left.

Athletics Aid: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Desmond gets down near the ground to help Nikma lift the cart out of the rut.

I forget the Remaster changes to the Aid rule, but that's at least a +1 to Nikma's total.

Nikma sets a shoulder to the cart, causing a momentary panic as the cooking goblins have to quickly rearrange the grills. After repositioning, the ranger heaves the wagon close enough to upright that the goats are able to pull it free. A ragged cheer goes up from the goblins. Dokk smiles toothily and pats Nikma just above the waist. "Good job! Thank you a whole lot! Here, have some food." She offers the party a boxed lunch of chicken skewers, a canteen of goat milk ("If the chicken is too spicy for you, this will help!"), and a flask of pickle juice. "Don't look at me like that--it's magic! Makes you feel better quick!" It's a minor healing potion.

One of the other goblins looks up from where they'd been focused on spices. "Wow, there's a lot of you. Where are you going?"

"Oooh! Dibs on the pickle juice! It's a perfect pick-me-up for breakfast. Thanks loads of bunches, dearie!" Mrs. Crinkle exudes, licking sauce off her hand. Her eyes go wide. [i]"Whoooo! That's good heat! Yowza! Dokk, I like your cooking!"

One of the other goblins looks up from where they'd been focused on spices. "Wow, there's a lot of you. Where are you going?"

"Oh, just to give some books to a dragon. Like folks normally do midway through the week, dearie." She quips with a wink.

Dokk nods knowingly. "Ah, you're going to see the mighty Velashinaz! I haven't had the pleasure, but we're recently come from her lair. Purepurin offered us a tour. I learned a lot about creating alchemical foods while the rest of the crew upgraded some of the traps in the vaults. If you show me your map I can point out a shortcut for you. This might help, too!" She hands Mrs. Crinkle a slip of parchment on which is written the word "persimmon." "I don't know what it's for, but Purepurin wrote it down."

Shortcut! Sweet, what kind of shortcut? The shortest distance between two points is a straight line, but if it involves say climbing a mountain rather than going around it just to get a straight line, it ain't much of a shortcut.

Dokk frowns. "The kind that will get you to the lair entrance in less time than it'll take you following this road."

Nikma wonders about this "shortcut"

Perception to Sense Motive +7