GM TOP #0-14: The Many Fortunes of Grandmaster Torch (Inactive)

Game Master Pete H.

"Do you do seperate checks? If my teammates want to throw gold at you as their payment that's fine, but you will received a favor from me so that you can call upon me or my family members...including 2 Venture-Captains...in the future."

The grandmaster rolls his eyes, ”I guuuueeeessss so. I see cooperation isn’t that big with this group, but whatever. A few favors and some gold works. Are you all in agreement then to accept my information?”

I don’t see good enough reason why it can’t be an individual choice here. Each PC pay 333g or promise a favor to Torch. The chronicles can be adjusted for a split party. But I need to know which you choose now and I need to know that everyone is agreeing to ‘pay’ Torch for the information.

Tusk will pay cash money!

"'K, fine. Seein' as how they'll pay me 'fterwards anyhow."

Iladora will pay the gold. A scroll of speak with dead is about the same price anyway.

Seeing as none of the others caught on to her idea, and not wanting to set their only alternative on fire by causing a scene, Iladora reluctantly pays the man.

Corba sighs at Bobbie's failed attempt to negotiate. Why cannot they let the pro handle it?

Trying to get back to the 'final offer' of 2000 gold - or even lower:

"Grandmaster Torch, may I remind you that when we first met in Absalom we Pathfinder Agents went the extra mile and opened all five safes for you, not only the three you requested. I am sure my fellow pathfinders here didn't mean to threaten you. You see, they do not have that much experience in negotiating, so they are trying to get their feet wet..." She trails off and looks at the pool Torch is still sitting in. "...not in a literal meaning, of course."

Perform: Oratory: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (15) + 16 = 31 (add a +1 trait bonus on Diplomacy and Sense Motive checks)
using Versatile Performance to substitute for Diplomacy. This total bonus includes a +2 circumstance bonus from a MW tool designed for oratory: Bullhorn

That's better, dicebot. That's better.

@GM: Corba will pay the gold price, whatever it is.

Shannon will pay back with Favor in the future

Bobbie hates the thought of paying the man - but she hates the thought of owing him one even more. She adds gold coins to the pile with gritted teeth.

Paid 333gp

Gold it is!

Grandmaster Torch is impressed again with Corba's eloquent speech, no matter how loud it is as she uses her bullhorn again.

And since Corba can't fail the next Diplomacy Check y'all get all the following information.

Torch makes notes into his ledger about payments and favors, then snaps it shut and looks up, "Very well then, you have four buyers at this moment to worry about. If you take too much time, I can't guarantee they won't have resold anything. But as of right now, Nasir Tandir, Viraj Arpani, Buri Buri-ban and Saldin Marafi are who you need to find."

"And since I am of course a gracious and competent source of information, I already know where they likely are located. “Nasir Tandir is a jowly fellow who runs a warehouse in the Overmarket near Candlewood and Zephyr. Viraj Arpani tends to hang around the Overmarket too—he’s new in town, but he’s unmistakable. He’s Vudran and covered with little bells. Buri Buri-Ban’s a Garundi fellow—pretty beefy. His favorite café fronts on Sengali square. Saldin Marafi has a shop in the Secure Market. It’s toward the back in one of the more secure nooks. Good luck getting in there."

After that he adds one more thing, "Oh, and I've heard that the statues should be kept in a thick bag and away from arcane magic, or bad things will happen. Any other questions?"

Bobbie takes a look at the party. Perhaps that was why the Venture-Captain didn't call on arcane casters for this job.

"How much security can we expect, with these men?"

He shrugs, ”It varies. Maybe a bodyguard or two. Maybe a protection racket they pay into. The secure market is the toughest spot though if you want to solve everything with violence. What is the secure market, you ask? It’s a market for the paranoid—no weapons allowed in, anti-magic field, the whole works. I guess the sort of people who set up shop there would be buying so many guards and security measures that the license seems cheap in comparison. Of course, they tend to keep guards around anyway—big bruisers who don’t need weapons.”

"So I guess we need a silver-tongue for that one."

Bobbie involuntarily glances at Corba. "We can manage."

Torch nods, ”Anything else? Not that you can’t ask more, but I do have to get this body managed.”

Where too first?

"Let's visit Viraj first. With some luck, it will be quick."

"Why not."

Tusk has no opinion and planned on agreeing with the first person that spoke, just to get the group moving. Staying in a bathhouse full on naked humans is just not his thing, even if he doesn't see any of them.

Shannon silently nods in agreement.

The sooner we leave this fool behind, the better. For him.

In the Overmarket, the streets are broader, the buildings farther apart, and the alleyways less dark. The spice levels in the air are much more breathable as well. This is the middle class portion of the Qalli—not as crowded as the Central Market where the poorest of the poor rub elbows with high powered merchants. The Overmarket almost has the feel of a residential neighborhood, albeit one with many more shops and stalls than houses and apartments.

After wandering around the overmarket looking for a Vudrani covered with little bells, the group practically runs right into him.

What Torch said was true—he is unmistakable. Sitting on the rim of a fountain, the man appears to be contemplating the contents of a small intricately carved wooden box. The many pouches of his flowing, bell-covered robes bulge with various small items, and wands and rods stick out from odd folds. Under his arm he casually carries an item wrapped in shipping linens but by its shape it is almost surely a statue.

Map is up! Act as you see fit, I will stop things as necessary if something is done that requires interruption or backtracking.

Not one for subtlety, Tusk suggests, "Let's rough him up a bit and take it back. Surround him first so he doesn't get away."

"Remember, no arcane." Shannon walks to the other side of the fountain, waiting for her teammate's next move.

"I agree. Spread out." Easily one of the least persuasive group members, Iladora takes a flanking position and hopes someone can reach the far side of the fountain before Viraj notices the potential trouble.

"Go and distract him." Bobbie suggests to Corba.

If the halfling manages to get his full attention, maybe he might not notice he's being surrounded until it's too late.

The fighter carefully goes around the fountain and behind the stalls. When she is close enough, she pretends to be looking at some apples.

Bluff checks or Stealth checks if anyone is trying to be discreet. Otherwise this dude will definitely notice y’all surrounding him.

Stealth + Favored Terrain (urban): 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 7 + 2 = 22

stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

Whoa! Tusk manages to blend in!

Bluff: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31.

Jarlaxle acts nonchalant.

Stealth: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 3 - 2 = 2 Not yet using the shield

EDIT: Haha!!

Even in a crowded market, the tall fighter stands out. A lot.

Especially when shooting the occasional glare at her target whenever he turns around.

Stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 Yes, positive modifier for a paladin
The pretty lady in shiny breastplate also stands out.

Viraj eyes the women as they very poorly attempt to not be noticed, ”Ladies I am sorry, I don’t have time for you two today. I have important business to attend to.”

Corba wanders in the general direction of the Vudrani, throwing searching looks left and right. When she gets closer, she pretends to notice him and makes a beeline for him.

"Good sir, are you Viraj Arpani? I've been looking for him and you fit the description I got to a T. My name is Corba, Corba Nana, and I have a business proposal for you!"

Perform: Oratory: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23 (add a +1 trait bonus on Diplomacy and Sense Motive checks)
Using Versatile Performance to substitute for Diplomacy. NOT using the +2 circumstance bonus from a MW tool designed for oratory: Bullhorn

He glares at Corba, ”Listen lady, I don’t have time for this. Now leave me alone. If you don’t, know that I am a POWERFUL magician and will not abide any more wasting of my time.” As he says the word ‘magician’, he pulls out a wand.

Sensing trouble, Jarlaxle lunges forward, and attempts to grapple the man before he can cast a spell.

Grapple: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 9 + 2 = 31.

So aggressive! :P The poor writer apparently doesn’t know pathfinders well. You will get a surprise round action, but that only lets you move in.

Initiative
Iladora: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
Tusk two-blade: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Jarlaxle: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Shannon: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Corba: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Bobbie: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

Enemy: 1d20 ⇒ 2

But since you win initiative against this barely sketched out plot device NPC, you get to grapple him.

The incredibly heavily armored and surprisingly sneaky till now Bard rushes in and GRABS the definitely very innocent merchant, pulling him into a half nelson hold.

He screams at the top of his lungs, ”THIEVES! THIEVES! GET OFF ME!!!” Everyone in the entire market square turns to watch.

Round One: Thieves!
Buffs: NA
Jarlaxe (grappling)
Shannon
Corba
Iladora
Bobbie
Tusk
Viraj (grappled)

Bold may go!

Tusk rushes towards the man and leaps into the fountain to cut off his escape in that direction.

Why do I think that was stupid idea?

Shannon moves up, drawing her longsword in the process. She will wait to disarm the "Magician"'s wand if he tries to use it.
Ready Action Disarm: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

"The only thief here is you, sir... for dealing in stolen property. We merely seek to reclaim what was stolen."

Jarlaxle continues to truss-up the man like a thanksgiving turkey.

This seems like exactly the sort of action we were supposed to avoid. Iladora moves close to Viraj but doesn't draw her weapon just yet. "That statue you're holding is stolen property. We're here to reclaim it."

Double move.

In our defense, we asked the VC if we could rugby tackle half the city to get the statuettes, and the answer was 'I guess so?!' :P

Since all subtlety is lost, Bobbie moves in to check on the statue wrapped in linen. "Beg your pardon, but we are looking for priceless artefacts smuggled out of Osiria, and your name was given as one of the suspects."

She checks if this is the droid the statue they're looking for.

I’ll give Corba a little more time to post (I also need sleep and just got off work) and then hopefully be gtg when I get up to get everyone’s actions resolved.

Perform: Oratory: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22 (+1 on Diplomacy, and Sense Motive)

Using Versatile Performance for Sense Motive. Is he really a powerful magician or did he bluff?

Corba wiggles a finger.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk. Do you always threaten harmless polite halflings with a business proposal? That's not very nice."

She moves close and lowers her voice.

"It was indicated to us that you traded in stolen goods. It would be wise to return those immediately. Otherwise we'd have to take it by force..."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Alright, I'll do the best I can with this one. Just so you know, this 'enemy' doesn't even have a stat block. This was SUPPOSED to be a pure railroad. But Pathfinder encourages quick thinking and alternative options, so I'm going to manage this as best I can. And that means there is a CHANCE things don't go full railroad. But we will see.

Shannon draws her sword and looks ready to stab the merchant. Pretty bloodthristy looking, but it's hard to tell that she is aiming for a disarm or a 'disarm'.

Corba is frozen as the chaos erupts around her.

Crossposted. Yes, it took me more than 45 minutes to make this post. Thanks, I know. I love scenarios that require massive amounts of work.

Corba senses that Viraj is bluffing about the wand, BUT he is probably pretty dang powerful. Her little squeak of intimidation does very very very little.

Iladora moves up and claims the statue to be stolen property.

Bobbie confirms the pathfinders believe this claim and tries to get a closer look. It LOOKS like a statue generally fitting the size the pathfinders are looking for, but it is wrapped in linens and they don't have a perfect description of each one so...

Tusk jumps into the fountain! He quickly realizes it WAS a bad idea as his boots start filling with water. Gross, wet socks.

Viraj sputters, "WHAT? ME STEAL? THE NERVE OF YOU OUTSIDERS. I purchase my items fair and square. If you have complaints, running up and grabbing someone IS NOT THE WAY TO DEAL WITH THEM. LET ME GO!!!"

He is frantically looking around for someone to help him. With no one coming quickly, he tries to cast something...

Conc v Grapple DC 22: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25

Arpani chants and moves his fingers in intricate arcane patterns. His form loses substance and turns to a wispy cloud, but as it does, the bundle under his arm begins to vibrate, crackle, and grow. His eyes widen as his body resolidifies and the statue bursts out of its wrappings, seemingly absorbing the arcane energy from Viraj’s failed spell. Linen, strings, and little bells skitter across the pavingstones. On the ground now, the statue continues to grow, taking on the form of writhing, giant centipedes.

Choo-Choo

The huge summoned vermin attack the pathfinders immediately!

B 1, S 2, I 3: 1d3 ⇒ 1

Blue v. Bobbie: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

I 1, J 2: 1d2 ⇒ 1

Green v. Iladora + Flank: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 2 = 9

C 1, J 2: 1d2 ⇒ 2

Yellow v Jarlaxe: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22 for BPS: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (6, 1) + 4 = 11

And the only one injured is the full plate wearing bard! The third centipede chomps right through his elbow joint, delivering a painful poisonous bite.

Jarlaxe, please make a Fort Save vs. Poison. I will provide the results as quickly as possible. You are welcome to use a re-roll at any point before those results are given, unless said re-roll specifically grants you the ability to do so after the result is given.

Round Two: Holy Crap!
Buffs: NA
Jarlaxe (-11 HP, Fort Save Due First, grappling)
Shannon
Corba
Iladora
Bobbie
Tusk
Viraj (grappled)
Blue Centipede
Green Centipede
Yellow Centipede

Bold may go!

The crowd in the marketplace scream in terror and everyone starts fleeing!!!

AoO vs Casting: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9vs Grappled AC Longsword: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 I didn't see casting defensivley which mean everyone around him should get an AoO

Atking blue bug: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12Longsword: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

"Guessin' dats why deys warndus 'bout spellin'."

I'm trying to make Tusk use a lowbrow form of language, but I'm not all that good at that sort of thing. Please be merciful as I may pop in and out of it by accident.

Seeing no alternative to violence, though he rarely looks for an alternative anyway, Tusk sloshes up next to the nearest bug-thing and takes a swipe at it.

to hit orc double axe on yellow bug: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
slicing damage, adamantine, whetstone: 1d8 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 11 + 1 = 20

Note: he will wait until after Corba and Jarlaxle go because, bard, you know. And if one of them starts a performance, please add the bonus.

Fort: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10.

Jarlaxle narrows his eyes.

"Congratulations. You have now been upgraded from 'annoying recipient of stolen goods' to 'target for death'."

He then attempts to pin the man.

Grapple: 1d20 + 9 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 9 + 5 = 31.

Even amidst the absolute chaos, Bobbie finds time to glare at Viraj. "This is exactly what we wanted to prevent," she growls. "Looks like you don't know what you purchased," the last word is almost spat out.

She whirls around, unsheathing her sword in one smooth motion, and brings the blade down right on the centipede's neck. Attacking Blue

Power Attack: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 8 - 2 = 25
Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 4 = 9

Crit?: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

EDIT: Wow, she's pissed.

Too bad this can't count as an automatic Intimidate roll! :P She somehow did more damage than the half-orc fighter wielding an adamantine double axe!

The lawful good paladin stabs the unarmed merchant in the gut, painfully. He gurgles blood and starts crying, "BUT WHY? WHY ARE YOU ATTACKING ME?!? I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW THE STATUE WOULD DO THAT!!! I WAS JUST TRYING TO GET AWAY FROM YOU MURDERING THIEVES!!!"

She turns her back on his pure evilness and strikes at a centipede, missing.

The chaotic good bard sentences Viraj to death for not knowing things he was never told. He tries and succeeds in securing the other arm behind the merchant's back.

Tusk moves. All three centipedes attack as he provokes.

three attacks all +5 to hit: 3d20 ⇒ (17, 5, 10) = 32 for one hit: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (1, 3) + 4 = 8

Tusk, please make a Fort Save vs. Poison. I will provide the results as quickly as possible. You are welcome to use a re-roll at any point before those results are given, unless said re-roll specifically grants you the ability to do so after the result is given.

Tusk finds a nice centipede to hack at. He hits it and blood sprays across the ground. The creature is wounded but not down.

Bobbie does the same harm to her target, just a bit angrier like.

Round Two
Buffs: NA
Jarlaxe (-11 HP, Poisoned, -1 Dex, pinning Viraj)
Shannon
Bobbie
Tusk (-8 HP, Fort Save Due)
Corba
Iladora
Viraj (-6 HP, pinned)
Blue Centipede (-21 HP)
Green Centipede
Yellow Centipede (-20 HP)

Bold may go!

If Corba uses IC I'll still apply the damage.

fort vs. poison: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Tusk will not be taking an AoO on the ignorant wizard, particularly since he is currently being grappled so nicely.

Bobbie takes a deep breath. "STOP ATTACKING VIRAJ!" she shouts out to her companions, without daring to turn her back on the centipede. "IF HE KNEW WHAT THE STATUE WAS, HE WOULDN'T HAVE CAST A SPELL SO CLOSE TO IT!"

"JUST GET HIM AWAY FROM THESE THINGS!"

Poor Viraj. He's not having a good day.