Male Gnome Prankster Bard 1 [HP 10/10 | AC/ff/t 16/14/13 | F/R/W +2/+4/+2 (extra +4 vs. illusions)| CMB -1 CMD 11 | Spd 20', Init +2, Per +6 | Spell 2/2, Song 8/8]
Findlefarb catches and stores his clubs. He looks around with a shrug. "Well, if I were an archivist, and interested in memories and information... I'd start with the books."
He reads over the spines of the books before choosing one and reads.
Male Gnome Prankster Bard 1 [HP 10/10 | AC/ff/t 16/14/13 | F/R/W +2/+4/+2 (extra +4 vs. illusions)| CMB -1 CMD 11 | Spd 20', Init +2, Per +6 | Spell 2/2, Song 8/8]
"Well, I, for one, am utterly fascinated with why we'd be apparently attacked by a hag. And, more saliently, why it replaced Yuul, and she's not here anymore? Could she be... hidden?"
In an attempt to test out as much space in this apparent new room everyone stands in, Findlefarb pulls out his club set and starts juggling.
Male Gnome Prankster Bard 1 [HP 10/10 | AC/ff/t 16/14/13 | F/R/W +2/+4/+2 (extra +4 vs. illusions)| CMB -1 CMD 11 | Spd 20', Init +2, Per +6 | Spell 2/2, Song 8/8]
The lots go around, everyone apparently drawing a long lot.
"Well! I guess you're all safe! Congratulations!"
Looking to Lady Jenaris, Findlefarb smiles warmly and adds, "Oh, you're wondering why I'm holding two lots? Well, we've got one more member in our party. We've all met, we've all traveled together."
In his free hand, a bundle of white feathers emerges, resolving into Findlefarb's chicken. "Well, go on, pick a stick!" The chicken takes notice of one and picks at it. The gnome smiles and lets the chicken hold onto it--it is short.
Revealing the length of the last lot, Findlefarb triumphantly responds, "There we are! My chicken will give you fifteen years. Fun fact about chickens, they can survive for fifteen years, although they are usually sold and turned into a lovely meal after 40 days! She's nice and fresh, you'll have all the years you need!"
Male Gnome Prankster Bard 1 [HP 10/10 | AC/ff/t 16/14/13 | F/R/W +2/+4/+2 (extra +4 vs. illusions)| CMB -1 CMD 11 | Spd 20', Init +2, Per +6 | Spell 2/2, Song 8/8]
Findlefarb stands tall to all of his diminutive stature, and says, "Fifteen years it is! Now, Lady Jenaris, if you'll excuse us, our assembled company must agree on who receives the honor of making good on the payment. To that end, I've prepared lots for all of us! Step right up, and the short lot will pay."
ooc:
With my Pickpocket's Outfit, I receive a total +10 to Sleight of Hand. I take 10 and get a 20 to hide the short lot on my person. That way, no one can draw the short lot. It will stay with me. If you don't yet know what I'm up to, don't worry. I'm just making sure you don't have to give a single year.
I also have a Pocketed Scarf and a Wrist Sheath, should further legerdemain be necessary.
Male Gnome Prankster Bard 1 [HP 10/10 | AC/ff/t 16/14/13 | F/R/W +2/+4/+2 (extra +4 vs. illusions)| CMB -1 CMD 11 | Spd 20', Init +2, Per +6 | Spell 2/2, Song 8/8]
Spoiler for Prankster Bard shenanigans - if you don't want to know what I'm up to, don't read:
Okay, so, the whole idea with the drawing lots is to use what we've been told, combined with unexpected parts, to get us mostly out of giving up years while simultaneously staying true to the contract.
Basically, I'm going to use Sleight of Hand to make sure everyone draws a long lot. That leaves two sticks for me, one of them short, right? Well, there's still one more living being that's with us: my chicken. The chicken draws the short lot, and our merchant gets all the chicken years she wishes.
Male Gnome Prankster Bard 1 [HP 10/10 | AC/ff/t 16/14/13 | F/R/W +2/+4/+2 (extra +4 vs. illusions)| CMB -1 CMD 11 | Spd 20', Init +2, Per +6 | Spell 2/2, Song 8/8]
My goal while people are engrossed in the game is to see if I can locate the mirror, the tube, or anything else that could result in a threat or risk to the party.
Male Gnome Prankster Bard 1 [HP 10/10 | AC/ff/t 16/14/13 | F/R/W +2/+4/+2 (extra +4 vs. illusions)| CMB -1 CMD 11 | Spd 20', Init +2, Per +6 | Spell 2/2, Song 8/8]
"Insert a tube? Fascinating!"
Rubbing his fingers and humming while looking around, Findlefarb adds, "I'm torn between an utter fascination at the process, and the disappointment of not finding 20 years of job security."
Looking around for the tube in question. Perception:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Male Gnome Prankster Bard 1 [HP 10/10 | AC/ff/t 16/14/13 | F/R/W +2/+4/+2 (extra +4 vs. illusions)| CMB -1 CMD 11 | Spd 20', Init +2, Per +6 | Spell 2/2, Song 8/8]
"Oh? How many zeros did you have in mind? They're easy to lose, made of nothing and all."
Stroking his beard, Findlefarb adds, "So, you're asking for 20 years, payable by the living beings that have entered in service to Murqual, do I have that correct? I'm still uncertain about the nature of those years; are they imprinted on the soul? Simple indentured servitude? Instant aging? The binding of outsiders?"
With a sparkle in his eye, he finishes, "But I'm sure we can find a way to deliver a promise of 20 years from the beings present in this room right now. Unless... you're interested in a game of it."
Male Gnome Prankster Bard 1 [HP 10/10 | AC/ff/t 16/14/13 | F/R/W +2/+4/+2 (extra +4 vs. illusions)| CMB -1 CMD 11 | Spd 20', Init +2, Per +6 | Spell 2/2, Song 8/8]
Findlefarb smirks. "Oh, let's split them in five-second increments, of course. Much more manageable, that way. Is there a bag that you wish them to be placed into? And are those years of solitude? Barleycorn?"
Perform(Comedy):1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
ooc:
No, I know I don't need to roll, I'm just talking.
Male Gnome Prankster Bard 1 [HP 10/10 | AC/ff/t 16/14/13 | F/R/W +2/+4/+2 (extra +4 vs. illusions)| CMB -1 CMD 11 | Spd 20', Init +2, Per +6 | Spell 2/2, Song 8/8]
Findlefarb scowls. "Oh, now this will never do," he complains. "Chicken, return!" he calls out, and the chicken winks out of existence.
He tosses out a juggling club towards the mask, where it slides impossibly underneath it to lift in the air to carry it back towards him. "What do you think?" he asks. " Should someone put the mask on? What if I stuck it on my rear? Would it possess my bum?"
Drop concentration on Silent Image, cast Mage Hand on my club (gotta be on a non-magical item), use it to try to fetch the mask and add it toto my juggling.
Male Gnome Prankster Bard 1 [HP 10/10 | AC/ff/t 16/14/13 | F/R/W +2/+4/+2 (extra +4 vs. illusions)| CMB -1 CMD 11 | Spd 20', Init +2, Per +6 | Spell 2/2, Song 8/8]
Findlefarb pulls out a set of three small juggling clubs.
"I'm not really one for preparation," he begins, tossing the clubs in the air. "Good timing depends on reaction!" He catches one each hand and takes a bow. The third, hanging in the air a bit longer than the other two, lands on the back of his head, bounces off it with a flick of his neck, and is caught on the way down once again.
No preparatory spells, but plenty of crazy on-the-fly ideas.
Male Gnome Prankster Bard 1 [HP 10/10 | AC/ff/t 16/14/13 | F/R/W +2/+4/+2 (extra +4 vs. illusions)| CMB -1 CMD 11 | Spd 20', Init +2, Per +6 | Spell 2/2, Song 8/8]
Knowledge(Planes):1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Findlefarb chuckles. "Fine, yes, two tasks for the Archive, and if we do the third, it'll just cement the growing lucrative relationship between your fine establishment and the Pathfinders! Wonderful!"
Male Gnome Prankster Bard 1 [HP 10/10 | AC/ff/t 16/14/13 | F/R/W +2/+4/+2 (extra +4 vs. illusions)| CMB -1 CMD 11 | Spd 20', Init +2, Per +6 | Spell 2/2, Song 8/8]
How about we negotiate negotiate him down to two tasks, still do all three, and he agrees that working with the Pathfinders is good and they might ask a favor of him in the future to continue to celebrate the bond?
From the point of view of this adventure, nothing happens, but it's a fun bit of RP.
Male Gnome Prankster Bard 1 [HP 10/10 | AC/ff/t 16/14/13 | F/R/W +2/+4/+2 (extra +4 vs. illusions)| CMB -1 CMD 11 | Spd 20', Init +2, Per +6 | Spell 2/2, Song 8/8]
Listening to everyone, Findlefarb puffs bubbles from his pipe. "That certainly does seem to be a problem, the occupied mask. We'd be happy to assist with its vacating. So, it sounds like we have a deal, then. The promissory note and the spiritual cleansing of the mask, for the Archive."
Looking around to his companions, he adds, "Are we all in agreement of these terms?"
Male Gnome Prankster Bard 1 [HP 10/10 | AC/ff/t 16/14/13 | F/R/W +2/+4/+2 (extra +4 vs. illusions)| CMB -1 CMD 11 | Spd 20', Init +2, Per +6 | Spell 2/2, Song 8/8]
Sense Motive:1d20 ⇒ 17
Findlefarb grins from his cushion, raising his cup of mint tea. "Oh, let's not immediately impugn our esteemed business partner after he showed such generosity! We are Pathfinders, after all, and there's nary a more resourceful group anywhere to be found."
The gnome puts down his cup of tea and snaps his fingers. A pipe appears in his hand. Bubbles rise from the bowl as he puffs away. "Now then, I see your generosity. You could simply take another bid, but you recognize that working with the Pathfinders have greater, long-term potential. You are a most astute businessman. Let's continue this discussion. Explore your needs and your concerns, and let's see if there isn't a better deal to be had between your enterprise, and the most enterprising individuals anywhere in Golarion!"
Male Gnome Prankster Bard 1 [HP 10/10 | AC/ff/t 16/14/13 | F/R/W +2/+4/+2 (extra +4 vs. illusions)| CMB -1 CMD 11 | Spd 20', Init +2, Per +6 | Spell 2/2, Song 8/8]
Dr. John H. Watson wrote:
He turns to the gnome.
"While we are on this mission, may I entrust you with it, Sir Findlefarb? I believe bards are familiar with this kind of magic. Please use it on any member of this group if they get hurt. The command phrase is 'Klarum Purum'."
He draws his wand of CLW and offers it to the gnome.
"Certainly, Dr. Watson! I'd be more than happy to assist. I've got a healing wand of my own, as well, as necessary."
Ruby, Helpful Wanderer wrote:
Tucking low behind the others, she points to the glass cases filled with etched gemstones and glass bottles, and nudges Findlefarb gently on the arm. "Grand High and Most Inimically Holy and Extremely Esteemed Jester of the Buoyantly Joyful Court of Count Razimov, Fenwick Findlefarb Tippletree Woogodoo Nanoquick Balnibarbi Kruknik Whoopsalittleovertotheleftnexttime Nashizzar, the Fourth, wait, no, Mister Grand High and Most Inimically Holy and Extremely Esteemed Jester of the Buoyantly Joy- or is it Sir Grand High and Most Inimically Holy and Extremely Esteem- ugh, never mind! YOU, are those the animal baubles? They look like they could fit in my pockets so easily! And you're sure there are animals inside of them?" Evidently, the start to this social encounter just isn't as enticing as the wondrous possibility of having special little beasts nestled safely in one of her pouches.
The gnome chuckles. "Please, you're a friend, Findlefarb is fine! As for the baubles, these would likely not have animals already, as Murqual sells the tools for us to fill ourselves. We will just need to find our own companions."
phaeton_nz wrote:
An obese man swaddled in silks occupies a sofa before the samovar. Standing to his left is a slim, younger man holding a ledger. The fat man makes a series of complicated hand gestures to the standing man, who, after a moment, bows to the PCs and speaks. My esteemed master, Palhuna Murqual, bids you welcome. Please, be seated. Business should be conducted comfortably.
Findlefarb grins widely. "Thank you, good sir! Comfort is most welcome." He folds his legs beneath him, falling to the floor, only to be caught by a suddenly appearing blue cushion with yellow tassels on the corners.
Male Gnome Prankster Bard 1 [HP 10/10 | AC/ff/t 16/14/13 | F/R/W +2/+4/+2 (extra +4 vs. illusions)| CMB -1 CMD 11 | Spd 20', Init +2, Per +6 | Spell 2/2, Song 8/8]
"Goodness, imagine carrying around a number of baubles to store animal specimens! An enterprising fellow could safely transport exotic beasts for study in Absalom, but a nefarious ne'er-do-well could run around with a number of them trapped in balls to be used for gladiatorial combat."
The truth then dawned on the gnome. "This has nothing to do with specimen transport after all, does it? Dear me..."
Findlefarb brightens as Ruby examines the chicken. "Oh, this one? A hen. I always travel with a chicken. I've never found a situation where I'm better off without a chicken than with one."
He turns to face Ruby, tips his cap, and bows with a flourish. "I am Grand High and Most Inimically Holy and Extremely Esteemed Jester of the Buoyantly Joyful Court of Count Razimov, Fenwick Findlefarb Tippletree Woogodoo Nanoquick Balnibarbi Kruknik Whoopsalittleovertotheleftnexttime Nashizzar, the Fourth."
Keeping his bow low, but tilting his head up to look in Ruby's eyes with a beatific smirk, he finishes, "And who do I have the honor of addressing?"
Male Gnome Prankster Bard 1 [HP 10/10 | AC/ff/t 16/14/13 | F/R/W +2/+4/+2 (extra +4 vs. illusions)| CMB -1 CMD 11 | Spd 20', Init +2, Per +6 | Spell 2/2, Song 8/8]
A jolly gnome with bright red hair and beard smiles and chuckles as he learns the situation.
"Oho, so we're to appease Murqual, are we?" he asks, with a twinkle in his eye. He cracks his knuckles. "Surely he'll enjoy a good show. Would the archive be larger in size than... say... a chicken?"
As if on cue, a chicken indeed pokes its head out of the gnome's backpack.
"Ah," he adds, "It certainly should be. In any case, I'm sure we will be of service, to you, to him, to both, somehow I suspect it doesn't matter as long as we all come to an amenable agreement. Brilliant!"
1) Player name: Wrong John Silver
2) Character name: Findlefarb
3) PFS#-Character#: 118418-4
4) Character Class & Level: Prankster Bard 1
5) Faction: Sovereign Court
6) Regular or slow speed for chronicle: Regular
7) Perception and Initiative Bonus:+6/+2
8) Character Ancestry?: Gnome
9) Replay?: No
A) Anything else I should know?: Findlefarb carries a chicken. Not a chicken familiar, not a chicken animal companion, just a chicken.
Male Gnome Prankster Bard 1 [HP 10/10 | AC/ff/t 16/14/13 | F/R/W +2/+4/+2 (extra +4 vs. illusions)| CMB -1 CMD 11 | Spd 20', Init +2, Per +6 | Spell 2/2, Song 8/8]
Work has swamped me this week, and next week I'm traveling on business (but will still check in as I can). Please bot me as necessary, and I'll go along with whatever people choose.
Male Gnome Prankster Bard 1 [HP 10/10 | AC/ff/t 16/14/13 | F/R/W +2/+4/+2 (extra +4 vs. illusions)| CMB -1 CMD 11 | Spd 20', Init +2, Per +6 | Spell 2/2, Song 8/8]
Findlefarb pulls a juggling club out of his pack, tosses it in the air, and it starts to glow as he catches it.
"Here you are, more light as you need it!"
He grabs a few more clubs and starts tossing them in the air, each lighting as he continues to juggle them. "Light, light, who needs light? I've got extra light for everyone."
