GM Silbeg's "Murder on the Throaty Mermaid" (Inactive)

Game Master Silbeg

I am creating the gameplay thread, so that you can all post here when accepted (is you were in Slave Ships of Absalom with me, you are in. Please post here, intro into yourself briefly. Also, if you could note ooc any "gotchas" that your character has, especially if I haven't seen it in play, I would appreciate it.

I will also be using many of the tricks that we've learned from GM Damo, including his rolling rules, etc. For the social interactions, I will give you all enough time to post, and then determine which skill you are using based on your posts, and also make Aid Another rolls. FYI - you must post, and interact, to Aid Another. Finally, I will make my "shirt" reroll available to the table (but without my three stars). If you have a folio or shirt, I will take it on faith that you have it.

we will get started in a few days, probably Wednesday. I want to give everyone time to level up their characters as needed.

Miro sits back, enjoying a bitter ale as he mulls over the recent run of success he and his fellow Pathfinders have enjoyed. While the success brought a plethora of material for his songs, and garnered attention he was certainly seeking, it was also certain to bring on harder quests. Being wildly successful tended to make one unprepared in the face of adversity, so Miro chides himself for his hubris, taking care to keep his spirit humble, lest he and his companions fall due to pride.

After a period of reflection, he begins to sing softly, a soft ballad he has just recently written about the struggles of the young to distinguish themselves, of the flash in the pan they strive to be before they are done in by overwhelming odds, ill luck, or the dearth of everyone, Old Man Time.

If you have a folio or shirt, I will take it on faith that you have it.

Ah man, I just wanted you to take a photo of yourself in it for fun! I almost asked you to make sure the game thread was open on your computer when you took the photo, but thought it was a bit much. I may just grab a shirt and take a selfie just to prove how much fun it is... then again, in writing that... perhaps it won't be that much fun.

A dark and shadowy figure enters the bar and throws a few coppers the bard's way. A long blonde beard would tell this man to be a northerner, but the two protruding tusks on his lower jaw and the green pallor to his skin betray a half-orc. His enormous, muscular arm pulls an equally enormous sword from his back and places it on the table next to the bard. When the waitress brings his favourite Ulfen gulping whisky the half-orc waves it away, making only a single soft, mournful moan of regret.

"Water, please," says the warrior in a tone that suggests he is struggling very hard to keep a loud voice muted, "and the pheasant, if you will. Thank you."

When the song is finished, the half-orc applauds loudly. "Well done, Miro!" he roars, the masculine bellow returning to his voice, "Truly a masterpiece. If half of what was told in that tale is true, you had quite the adventure since last we swapped stories. Care to share some more?"

dot

"Friends, there appears to be some confusion. I've been told, by Venture-Captains Ambrus Valsin and Drandle Dreng both, to have you report for missions. However, one wants you to go to Varisia, the other wants out to meet with Kreighton Shane. Well, stay here while I go back and talk with them. There have to be enough agents around for both, don't you think? Oh and I heard a rumor about sending you all to Irisen!"

Gunari gives out a hefty sigh, grabs the nearest tankard and drains it. He then grabs some crusty bread and some venison, shoves them together, and heads back out. "Lort, don't do anything I wouldn't do!" he says, winking.

Miro listens to Gunari with amusement. He loved being a Pathfinder, but sometimes the heads didn't talk to one another, and mix-ups like this happened more often than was needed. Nothing to do about it but wait for things to be settled. He turns back to Lort, nodding.

"Indeed, good sir. Our companions and I here, not long ago, delved into a wonderful tower just outside of Absalom, where the mad wizard set up his siege. There were all kinds of neat gizmos and gadgets inside. Well, besides for the murderous chap at the end. But it all ended well! Then, before that, I was sent on a mission to infiltrate into Ramziran and try to find some missing dwarven ambassadors. It turns out they were being held in an Inn on the Glass River, and we spirited them out with little collateral damage."

dot - again

"Why do I get the feeling Gunari and I will never adventure together again?" asks Lort to no-one in particular, "Fated to only meet in pubs and discuss past glories forevermore."

I wonder where that elf is? I've kept my promise - it was hard, but worth it. I do miss the drink, though. Working at the temple has been rewarding enough... but I really offended that elf. Finnegan, was it? Wow, better get that right before I greet him.

"So, Miro, are we expecting that elf any time soon?" Lort asks suddenly, "I'm afraid his name escapes me, care to fill me in?"

I get the feeling that elf keeps tapping on the table for some reason...

A thin, dark skinned young man strides into the room, rather confidently, and pulls up a chair at the table.

"Hows the water Lort?" Cyrus says with a grin. "You know, you can't beat yourself up forever about that. Just remember, all things in moderation. That includes fighting AND booze," He says with a content grin.

"Kelish fire mead if you would please. In fact, a round for the table if you would." Cyrus flips a gold coin to the barmaid with a smile. "Don't let us go thirsty." He says with a wink.

Sleight of Hand: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

Moving to get the drinks, the barmaid finds an Orchid pinned to her blouse. Funny, that wasn't there before.

"Well, I'm not normally as prompt as I should be, so I expected him to already be here actually, Lort. Finarin was his name. A fine fellow to have at your back. Or front, in my case." Miro laughs, then follows up with a "Hail Cyrus!" as the first round of mead goes round.

"Amaranti bored of Absalom... City life makes head hurt. Varisia sounds good change!", the Garundi mutters, a healthy number of empty pitchers in front of him.

Lort looks down at the glass of clear liquid in front of him. A big grin appears on his face, accentuating his lower tusks somewhat.

"The water is lovely here, Cyrus. It is cool, refreshing and slakes the thirst well after a fight. I'd rather take my drink in moderation than my fighting, that's for sure! Though, of course, I have vowed to no longer fight my friends - which actually brings me to my next point - I am surprised that it is you, of all in this group, who is encouraging me to drink again. I hurt you the most," Lort looks down, sombre again.

Okay, time to just move on, Lort. They clearly have. When Finarin comes, you'll let him know what you've done and that will be that. You may even toast with him using this lovely fire mead here.

"Actually, my ancestors used to fight heartily all the time," says Lort, brightening once more, "It kept their battle instincts sharpened when there were no enemies to slay. My great-grandfather, Jort the Insane, was a full-blooded Ulfen human, roaming the frozen wastes in the Lands of the Linnorm Kings. It is from him that I have this pale skin and bright blonde beard. Half orc, half north!" chuckles Lort, his hand reaching instinctively for the mead. He catches himself at the last minute and goes for the water instead.

When Amaranti chimes in, Lort's face lights up.

"I like you, Garundi. I am tending to agree with you about getting out of the city. Varisia has its share of cities, sure, but are so massive and crammed tight as Absalom. I think Magnimar is the largest city, but I'm not sure. Kreighton Shane would be most displeased. I just hope we aren't tasked to go to the pirate haven of Riddleport. Although if the other task involves listening to the Master of Scrolls drone on again, I say send me North regardless! I may even visit my ancestral home while we're there. Irrisen is quite close... just don't tell them I have Ulfen blood, or we may need to leave in a hurry. Ha!"

Cyrus regards Lort with a smile, taking a long draft in contemplation. He leans back in his chair, propping his right foot on his left knee after he sets the mug down and twirls his finger in his goatee before offering his thoughts.

"I come from a harsh and unforgiving childhood Lort. The street teaches cruel lessons with even crueler consequences for failure. Why sometimes the price of success is no different than the price of failure. To survive, one must learn to glean wisdom from every action they take, regardless of the outcome." Cyrus leans forward, stretching his back, and flips his left foot to his right knee, then leans back again.

"Take for example our fight. The obvious lesson for me is to first throw a larger mug, and then NOT tumble through an enlarged, drunken, half-orc's legs." He says with chuckle and a smile.

Leaning forward, with a more serious look on his face now, Cyrus continues. "The less obvious lesson, one that has been taught to me many times over by virtue of seeing the other side, is to offer forgiveness when there is genuine repentance. No one will ever mistake me for a man of the cloth, but I do know that pent up bitterness is a far more detrimental wound than superficial bruises."

Dad said he was sorry. Said he would pay the man back. Nothing was good enough for that selfish prick. If that stupid merchant had only let dad pay him for the damages from the museum money he wouldn't have had to go into that stupid tomb...

Cyrus stares into the bottom of his mug for a few moments. He makes to say something else, but stops short, and quaffs the remaining mead instead. He Forces a smile (bluff): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23 and says, "Besides, now that we are fighting on the same side, if I tumble through your legs at least I won't have to worry about getting hit by you!"

"Another round!"

Says the ninja with an 8 for a wisdom score... Let's just say he is more aloof than anything...

As Cyrus finishes his soliloquy, the group notices the Varisian Caydenite re-entering the room. He has with him a satchel embossed with the symbol of the Open Road.

"Don't mind if I do! Where's Ibid? No matter...

"While I have to put in some time at the orphanage, 'cause we all have our albatrosses around our necks." He looks at the satchel in his hand.

"Funny I should say that, because apparently you are booked for a voyage first to Magnimar, to meet with Venture Captain Sheila Heidmarch. You'll stay at her estate for a day or so, and then she'll be sending you out on your mission. Apparently she has already heard of our... discretion... during the At Sea affair, and has asked for us by name. Lort, I recommended you as a solid replacement, though I wish I could be adventuring with you."

"Your passage to Magnimar has been booked on The Major Prophet, a merchant ship out of Katheer, captained by one Kamal al'Mossad. He is an honest trader, and a follower of Abadar, rather than the Dawnflower like many Qadirans. He will bring you to Magnimar, which should take about 50 days. Your ship will be leaving tomorrow, which should give you plenty of time to check in, get anything you need, and get situated. Once in Magnimar, you are to check in with Venture Captain Heidmarch, and she will give you your mission."

Gunari looks around the room, sets the satchel on the table, and grabs a chair. "Guess it wouldn't hurt to have just one, would it?" He pours himself a drink from the nearest tankard, purposely spilling some on offering to the Drunken Hero.

The ship and all is just color. Nothing happens until you get to Magnimar. Just let me know when you are ready to go. Oh, and you'll have a chance to make additional purchases in Magnimar before you leave that fine city.

"Ah, perfect, Gunari! While saddened that you can not accompany us, I am heartened to know we have such a capable replacement as Lort along for the ride. Fair travel to you, good sir, and may your mug always remain full." Miro pours out a bit of the mead in his mug, nodding his head respectfully to the Caydenite.

wanted to dot the gameplay thread. This is going to be awesome! :)

Great, we're all dotted in. I am going to change the title of the game now, just to get it right. Wanted to wait until we were all here!

Faction missions are now posted on the Campaign Information page... please look at your faction mission. I hadn't realized that three of the five faction leaders from Season 2 had changed!

Oh, and it would have been funny had we any Qadiran members (such as if Gunari had been playing, not me running) -- the faction leader for Qadira is Pasha Muhlia Al-Jakri at this time!!!

"Thank you Gunari. I will do my utmost to keep these fine fellows from harm. If anyone is going to kill them, it'll be me, right?" the carefree and battle-hungry Lort that Gunari knows best seems to return for a while.

"I guess we'll wait for Finarin and Ibid before moving on," Lort settles comfortably into his chair, resting his head on the wall behind him, "Though I could swear I can hear them tapping on the table. Must be my imagination." *yawn*

Lort closes his eyes and begins to daydream. This time travel thing looks like it will be fun. I wonder if we can convince Pasha Muhlia Al-Jakri to forgo her future quest for vengeance against Absalom. I guess if I did that, though, they wouldn't have done so well as to get sent on this mission in the first place to go back in time and convince her... "Wha'?" says Lort with a start as he wakes up back in reality.

Ready to go when you are, GM Silbeg, let's do this thing!

Got a wand of CLW, too. I'm happy to use as much as is needed to keep everyone alive. Only costs 2 PP after all.

I've also got the membership to a temple vanity, allowing me to make heal checks for my day job. If you don't mind, I can roleplay that in to our prologue and roll the check now. I found it easier in the last session to have the day job checks pre-rolled and ready to go (even if I didn't have the sheets printed and filled in at the beginning as I had intended).

Arriving fashionably late, Fianrin strides into the bar. He produces a silken rag from his sleeve, wipes his chair, and sits between Lort and Cryus. Turning to Lort, "Well met once again, mighty Lort. Methinks it will be ... splendid to watch you wield your greatsword with fury ... at someone other than us. I jest, and as so far as I am concerned, the past shall stay in the past. I shall miss Gunari's .... noises. Who will hiccup for the betterment of the group I wonder? And Miro, it seems that your pockets are ... overflowing. I would not place it too close to Cyrus or it will wind up at the feet of Sheeba. Well gentlemen, before we embark on a three-hour tour our journey, let us savor the fact that we can look at each other and ...know that we are among true friends. My Lady, a glass of Chelish red please."
Finarin settles in for a night of drinking, boasting, and jesting.

Every time I read Finarin's speech, I think of William Shatner. I get to an ellipsis and I imagine a pregnant pause, followed by a quick follow up. Classic. Not sure if that's the intention or not, but it amuses me to read it that way nevertheless. :-)

"Good to see you again, Finarin." says Lort loudly as the elf sits down, "I shall attempt to match Gunari's noises with mine own. Though from what I heard, he's been trying to match my approach - jumping through that grating to face the remainder of your enemy head on was inspired!

"For my part," continues the big warrior, "I have been keeping to my promise. I am happy to say I exceeded my goal for healing the sick and wounded, and have decided to take up with the temple of Cayden Cailean full time. Well, until they build a temple to Kurgess here, that is! Still, his shrine within Cayden's temple here in Absalom is larger than many temples outside this grand city. I can't complain.

"To friendship, good health and healing," Lort raises the mead in toast. His frost-flecked blue eyes glance over at Cyrus. Lort smiles at the Keleshite and then downs the sweet, fiery liquid in one gulp, "Ha! It feels good to leap off the wagon."

Now, pace yourself you fool.

Gunari downs another mug of mead, keeping pace with the half-orc (or is he keeping pace with Gunari?).

"To good adventuring, my friends. I shall be thinking of you, when I am taking care of the kiddies." Gunari remembers the last time he was at the orphanage. Giving the orphans beer to calm them down didn't work exactly as planned. More like giving Lort beer, in fact.

"As for jumping through the grate... it seemed like a good idea at the time. After all, does not Cayden Cailean teach us that it is better to be lucky than good? Or something like that. You know, his doctrine is a little sparse on... everything. My original plan was to throw one of the gnolls down the hatch, but he seemed taken care of, so I did the next best thing. It was a riot! You should have seen all of your eyes! 'What is that crazy priest doing this time?' 'Is he drunk?' Well of course I was drunk, but that isn't the issue! Ok, I might have been a little concerned when I was laying on my back in front of that trollhound, but Cayden's Luck guided my blows! It wasn't that bad, after all! Plus, it was fun!"

"Well, I should be going. Have fun in Magnimar!"

Lort falls way behind Gunari on drinks. He looks sourly upon the dwarfed collection of glasses in front of him.

Huh. I guess it has been too long since you've done any kind of serious drinking. That, and the moderation. Oh, and he's a Caydenite. Is he drinking more than he used to? Nah. Must just be that I'm noticing more now that I'm drinking less.

"Fun is what it's all about, friend! I wish I could have been there to jump in right after you," a whistful look comes upon Lort's face before he downs the last of Cayden's bounty, "Ah, I guess it was not to be. Please give my best to the orphans, especially little Theodore. I was happy to be there to help him out with that broken leg.

"So, have we drunk enough yet to call it a night before setting sail for Magnimar on the morrow?" Lort does the little half stand that says he's ready to leave, but also happy to stay if that's what the group wants.

Cyrus looks around one last time as he finishes another mug of spicy mead.

No Sheeba tonight. Bummer. Well at least I didn't do anything awkward...

"The old man never showed up either. Probably passed out from the fumes from his muscle pain ointment," Cyrus says with a chuckle and wide grin. Not fair man, at least wait til he is here to defend himself...

"I think I will wait a bit longer Lort, just in case Ibid shows up. Besides, Finarin just got here! Coincidence that we are going to Varisia, I heard the kitchen got a special shipment of Sandpoint Crab Cakes. I haven't eaten all day, so I think something for the mead to wash down is in order."

"I've an idea. Let's play a game to test our skills against each other. Take this coin," Cyrus sets a gold piece down on the table. He grabs one of his daggers, sets the point in the middle of the coin, then bangs the hilt to drive a mark into the center. He then flips the marked coin to Lort. "Your eyes against my... well perhaps its just a battle of cunning and wits." He says with a smile.

He turns to the passing maid, One more round of Fire Mead if you would please." Then turning back to Lort, and the others at the table. "If that coin is still on your person by the time we finish this next round, its yours, and I'll take your first watch on The Major Prophet. If I have it back in my hands, and you haven't caught me, then you take my first turn swabbing the decks on the way to Magnimar."

Making this up as I go. Start with opposed perception/sleight of hand for you to hide it and me to see where you hid it. Then reverse the rolls to see if I can steal it from you without you noticing. Checks should be pretty balanced both ways, slightly favoring Cyrus, because that's how he rolls. :) If you are inspired, then you can suggest the next contest... I did see Lort is a rather competitive sort... Or all of us find a way to get in on this! Especially if we don't start the actual game for another day or two...

"Ha! Deal!" booms Lort, shaking Cyrus' hand. Taking the coin from the table, Lort promptly swallows it. He chases it down with his mead.

"Enjoy the first watch!" Lort's grin is as wide as it is insufferable, "Unless you want to go double or nothing for the first and second watch? I'll even stipulate to not consuming the coin this time."

Cyrus isn't the only one here who grew up on the streets.

Finarin looks from Lort to Cryus, and back to Lort. "Great, now Cryus will try to get Lort drunk enough to ... regurgitate it back up. Here we go again."

The group of Pathfinders hear a melodic giggle behind them. As they turn around, they see a voluptuous Varisian woman with a tiny golden tankard icon hanging about her neck.

She the walks behind Lort, dragging her hands across his broad shoulders, "You really should be more careful with your belongings, my dear."

She then slinks away into the back of the house, making sure that all eyes are upon her.
Soon after, Finarin notices a envelope in his tunic, with the seal of Baron Jaquo Dalsine of Taldor upon it. His faction mission!

just having a little fun delivering a faction mission. May have to use her again!

Miro looks on in amusement as Cyrus suggests a game he is likely to win and Lort uses a different sort of logic and problem-solving to defeat the shifty little man. His amusement deepens as the curvy woman approaches and apparently is all hands.

"Looks like you made a new friend, Lort! Praise to Cayden, eh?" Miro laughs, downing the last of his mead, the brew leaving a fiery torrent down his throat as he gives a satisfied sigh.

"Hmm," muses Lort, "Her teeth are too blunt and her lower jaw doesn't stick out far enough for my tastes. Now Sheeba, there's a woman with a sharp underbite!"

Lort pulls out another coin, marks it by biting down hard upon it, shows it to Cyrus and then hides it subtly upon his person.

Lort sleight if hand: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

"Good luck!" says Lort, and then slowly and confidently starts sipping his mead.

I wonder if he saw. That's about as good as I've ever done hiding a coin... or anything!

Lord Finarin marvels at the wealth of his companions that they think so little of coin that they can not only mark-up coins destroying the value, but Lort seems to want to consume the coin itself. The barmaid is so wealthy that she can wear it on her person as decoration. Mayhaps they need join the Soverign Court ....

Cyrus smirk fades to an incredulous look as Lort gulps the gold coin down. Pausing for a few moments, he finally says, "Round 1 to you then, and first watch to me." as the smile creeps back onto his face.

Cyrus' jaw drops to the floor as the stunning woman saunters around the table. He would have laughed out loud, spitting out his beer at the shot she took at Lort and his wand if he wasn't already completely mesmerized.

By Sarenrae, what goddess left her avatar behind... Stop staring, stop staring, stop starin.....wow... wait, stop staring! He tries several times, unsuccessful to break his eyes away from the lovely barmaid. His attention is finally broken when Lort shows him the coin before hiding it on his person.

"Ahh, a chance to redeem myself, though it may take some time to beat you as cleverly as you already have beaten me..."

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Cyrus tries his best to watch for where Lort has slipped the coin, but loses sight of it, constantly distracted by the deliberate sway in the

No way I am letting him get the best of me again...

I am going to get started, but won't really get into it this weekend. We'll do the briefing, questions, etc., just won't start the actual meat of the scenario until Ibid is back around. FYI - if you haven't decided on all of your purchases, you'll be in Magnimar with a little time.

After fifty days at sea, the Pathfinder lodge at Heidmarch Manor in Magnimar is a welcome place to spend the night on dry land. In the shade of the gazebo on the shore of the manor’s exotic carp pond, the resident venture-captain, Sheila Heidmarch, speaks to the assembled Pathfinders in a low, breathy voice.

"I hope you’ve found your brief stay here in the City of Monuments relaxing. The Pathfinder Society owes you a debt of gratitude for engaging in such an important and lengthy mission. When you set out from Absalom nearly two months ago, I’m sure you never anticipated the monotony of a life at sea, but I’m happy we can put you up as the ship restocks before the final leg of the journey to the Mordant Spire.

"Thus far, you have done an excellent job of representing the Society as the escorts of the Mordant Spire’s envoy, the distinguished Sephriel, whom we hope had a productive meeting with the Decemvirate regarding the Azlanti ruins over which the Mordant Spire elves hold such a protective position. If he was pleased with the meeting and doesn’t find you too
reprehensible, perhaps we can launch full expeditions into the lost continent of Azlant from this very lodge in the near future."

She winks, and her eyes glance around the assembled agents. With a wry smirk, she continues.

"Keep up the good work, and ensure that Sephriel’s final two weeks on the Throaty Mermaid are as pleasant and event-free as they can be on as disreputable a smugglers’ ship as it is. Thus far, it’s provided an unassuming cover for such an important dignitary. Let’s hope
the unscrupulous crew delivers their current cargo on time and in pristine condition. When you arrive at Riddleport after dropping Sephriel at the Mordant Spire, a chartered boat will be waiting to take you back to Absalom. May Desna’s blessings be upon you."

She takes another look around those assembled at the gazebo, looking like she is expecting something...

Previously on BGN (Bar Game Network)...

Lort left-handedly finishes his beverage. With a gigantic tusky grin on his face, Lort opens his right hand to reveal the marked coin.

"Even if you had spotted the coin, I would have loved to see you take it off me without my noticing! As my mother always said, 'Älä koskaan pelata katu örkki! Parempi olla yksi.'*"

"Tell ya what, little Flea, I'll give you one last chance. This time I'll play it the way you were expecting me to. I'll hide it somewhere in my clothing. If you win, I will erase your previous debt and I'll do all of your shifts for you. If I win, you do all of the shifts for me," suggests Lort strongly.

Still grinning, Lort bites yet another coin, barely noticing Finarin's horrified expression, places his hands behind his back and then pats himself down, rummaging through his own clothing. When he is done, he places his empty hands palm upwards on the table.

Lort sleight of hand: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

Lort's smile is as big as before. He reaches for his mead and eyes the Kelleshi ninja suspiciously.

Meanwhile, in the present...

"Riddleport," says Lort disappointedly, "I should have known it." Realizing that he perhaps shouldn't have voiced his displeasure in such company, he straightens, "Sorry. No matter the destination, Sephriel will arrive safe and sound if we have anything to say about it." Erm, the title of this adventure notwithstanding.

"If I may be so bold," continues Lort, stepping forward a little, "Must we all return to Absalom? I was hoping to head northwest after this mission is over. I would very much like to visit the home of my ancestors while we are so near, comparatively speaking. My Ulfen roots are very dear to me."

"You are welcome to make other arrangements, Agent. If you feel the need to visit the Lands of the Linorn Kings, perhaps we can find a mission for you up there. Otherwise, of course, you are free to go on your own coin... unless I have further need of you..."

Though it is obvious to both Finarin and Miro that what Sheila Heidmarch means was quite a bit different than what Zarta Dralneen would mean, Lort immediate blushes, and there is some giggling coming out of Cyrus. Ibid shushes the young ninja, while Amaranti looks confused.

The Venture Captain shakes her head, and all but Amaranti and Cyrus hear her mutter under her breath, "Pathfinders!"

She clears her throat, and waits for further questions.

sort of testing out how I am going to be doing mass rolls... this should work.

Cyrus lets out a long sigh. "Well I suppose either way you have beaten me soundly, though I will give this one more try. Either way, I sit before you, humbled. For now..." He says with a slightly cocky grin.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

For crying out loud... Not going to find that, and a few extra chores on the boat. I will need to come up with something far more ingenious to outwit this clever brute...

Ohh the rolls!!! Thats why its fun :)

Cyrus sees the lovely maiden returning in their direction, screws up his courage, and stands up. With a bow and a flourish he says, "I didn't catch your name Mi'lady. If you would be so kind as to share it with me, I'll have something to sing about on this long trip overseas..."

Nice work! Now stop before you say something stupid!!

Sleight of hand: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18 As the maid leaves, Cyrus plants another of the rare Ghost Orchid flowers in the lovely varisian's hair. Will she notice? Will she realize it was me? Probably not, but that is half the fun!

Cyrus has realized it is just not his day to match wits with Lort, and suddenly has what is probably a terrible idea...

Sleight of Hand: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

flashback! do-do-do-do! do-do-do-do!
Sirena saunters over to Cyrus...

In an angelic voice only matched by her namesake's sultriness, she says, "Honey, my name is Sirena Kirste, though I am no lady" She giggles at this, a giggle that sends chills up and down Cyrus's spine. She gently touches the youth, raising goosebumps of excitement up and down his arm. "But, no matter. I would love a song in my honor. When you return to Absolom, you must sing it for me!"

She then picks up the flower that Cyrus was attempting to place in her hair, seemingly forgotten in his smitten state. "For me? Why thank you!" She delicately folds it into her hair, and gives Cyrus a quick peck on the cheek before turning to leave. Over her shoulder, as she walks away, she says, "You boys be careful out there, now won't you? I don't like to get out my little black dress."

end flashback! do-do-do-do! do-do-do-do!

Last time on BGN...

Lort perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14 - Wow. An exact pass. It is not your day for dice, Cyrus. Just wait until combat is joined, then it will be Lort's turn to stuff it up.

"The crow's nest will be fine in the beginning, but as we approach Varisia... the nights will be cold," Lort's smile disappears and his grip on Cyrus's hand tightens, "and if I catch you fiddling with my breeches again, I'll throw you up to it."

Lort bluff: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4

Lort cannot maintain his frown however, and lets go of Cyrus almost immediately after the comment, a jolly expression returning unbidden to his face. Cyrus continues on to his encounter with the very forward waitress.

Huh, I was wrong about that Sirena, she does have fangs. After the devil-worshiping warden I had an affair with in Korvosa, though, I at least know better than to get involved with women like that again!

"Hehe... If you can't beat 'em... I actually don't even know how to follow that up..."

How about, "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em... to the chair!"

Flash forwards to a more recent flashback....

The ship carries the companions ever further north. The southern coast of Varisia will be in view any day now. The night is growing deathly cold as Lort climbs the mainmast to the crow's nest, warm blankets and a large pot of hot soup in hand. While Lort can be a sore loser, he is at least a gracious winner. The half-orc had come to look forward to sharing the latter half of Cyrus' watch with him. The Keleshite was remarkably good company.

Lort was greeted by the sound of snoring. The watch must finally be getting too much for him. He lasted a good long while, though, before getting this exhausted. Lort sometimes took over the watch to allow Cyrus an hour or so of shut-eye after their conversation, but the determined ninja had never fallen asleep prior to their chat before.

"Rise and shine, sleepy one," Lort gently shakes his friend awake, "Let's share this soup, and then you can take those blankets down and get some proper rest. I'll finish tonight's watch."

Flash forwards to the here and now, set in the past...

Lort's heart flutters, and his palms sweat nervously. The Land of the Linnorm Kings! Just one more mission and then I will be on my way. I can visit Jort the Insane's tribe, and test my skills in combat against those of my kin. Ah, the battles we will have!

His mind awhirl, the subtleties of the mission and what is going on in the room completely bypass the excited half-orc.

"Sing? Did someone mention singing? You, Cyrus? Oh, I see! Yes, Sirena, a ballad to your loveliness is certainly on tap for this singer, leave no doubt. Although I doubt that any of us, certainly Cyrus here, would be saddened by your little black dress. Perhaps we shall pass through here again and you can grace us with it?" Miro laughs, looking over at Cyrus as he does so.

---------------------------------

"Worry not, Venture Captain. We'll make sure the envoy has a wonderful time, and that the unseen hands that surround him will ensure his trip is uneventful and productive."

The Venture Captain sighs quietly to herself, as the Kurgite cleric is obviously distracted. She perks up as the halfling starts talking, and realizing he's more like a 12-year old child, eager to please, but not thinking through. The distaste shows on her scowl, as she is concerned that she will be let down, once again, by a team of Pathfinders sent out her way.

'Do they not realize the importance of this Lodge? We may be all that stands before the coming storm. Rumblings of an ancient evil stir across the land of Varisia, and Valsin sends me these for an important diplomatic mission? Has that Chelish tart addled his brain?'

Amaranti: Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Cyrus: Sense Motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5
Finarin: Sense Motive: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (4) + 0 = 4
Ibid: Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Lort: Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Miro: Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

All but Cyrus and Finarin realize she is waiting for the team to ask important questions. Lort realizes that she is trying to train the agents at the same time, so isn't just blurting out all of the answers, but is hoping that they will ask. Cyrus, on the otherhand, seems to be falling into infatuation with the beautiful Venture Captain, and hasn't seemed to have heard a word she said, though he is poised on every word! Finarin is doing his best to hold in excitement at meeting some "civilized folk" (read elves), especially ones so secretive as the Mordant Spire Elves!

"Miro certainly can ensure a wonderful time," Lort slaps the poor halfling a little too hard on the back, "The time at sea would have been most dull without his singing to cheer us up. What a voice. Angelic, I believe is the way to describe it."

Seeing Sheila's displeasure at the inane pleasantries, Lort tries to wrack his brain for some intelligent questions. Failing a that, he decides to just ask some obvious ones.

"So, erm," he begins, inauspiciously, "I know we've been on a voyage with him for fifty days or more, but I'm afraid I didn't socialize much with this Seraphim fellow," Lort notices Sheila recoil at the name, oh, that name's wrong for sure, must have angels on the brain today... crap, better just roll with it, "How is he going to help the Society out with the Mordant Spire exactly? I mean, what exactly is it that we expect him to be able to do?"

Sheila perhaps rolls her eyes and begins to speak, but once he begins, Lort cannot help but continue in his questions.

"And if his safe journey and the results of this mission are so important, why aren't we just teleporting him to Mordant Spire? If that won't work, why not somewhere nearby? Wouldn't that be better than traveling on - as you describe it - a 'disreputable' smuggling ship? It all seems a rather unnecessary risk..." Lort finally manages to hold the torrent of words in for long enough to think, oh Nine Hells, you've just insulted what was very possibly her own plan, shut up, Lort, "...but I'm sure there are good reasons for it."

Nice recovery! Phew, Lort blithely feels his criticism has gone unnoticed by the sharp witted Venture-Captain.

Sheila raises an eyebrow at Lort's quite cogent questions, almost ignoring his mistake with the elven ambassador's name. "Sephriel is a representative of the isolationist Mordant Spire elves who have stood guard over the ruins of ancient Azlant for millennia. His safe
arrival at the Mordant Spire is of paramount importance, and your primary mission."

She pauses a moment, to consider his second question. "Passage on the Throaty Mermaid was arranged by Sephriel himself. He knew that a military escort or even a respectable merchant vessel might attract unwanted attention, and felt that no one would suspect his presence on a disreputable ship like the Throaty Mermaid. That’s why you’re there: to make sure the smugglers and thieves who make up the ship’s crew don’t cause him any problems."

Yeah, the question of teleporting and all... would make more sense than a 3 month voyage, wouldn't it? BTW - I was planning on tweaking the soliloquy, but I guess I got distracted. Oh, well... still works. In any case, Sephriel has kept completely to himself... and has never been seen without his mask.

"Venture Captain ... if I may. Since we have had few interactions with Sephriel, and since the nature of this mission is so ... sensitive, I was wondering how overt you would like the protection on the dignitary. Are we merely bodyguards ... hired hands ... food tasters....shall we set nightly watches on his door? Does he know our primary objective?

Is this the same boat we just spent 50 days on? It seems odd if we never interacted with him or the crew.

Back on the ship...

Cyrus is stirred awake by the half-orc settling down next too him and is brought out of his half sleep by the smell of the delicious soup. He greedily grabs his bowl, and almost takes his first sip before remembering to thank Lort for his generosity. He had come to quite enjoy the conversations, even if he did tend to get sleepy near the end. Well at least he knew sailor wasn't going to be a profession in his future. As he drinks the stew down, he tries to non-chalantly close the journal full of crossed out lyrics and rhymes, but still can't seem to shake the trail of little black dresses dancing through his head. He smiles at his new friend and stares off at the unchanging horizon.

Aaaaaand scene!

Back with the Venture Captain...

In Heidmarch Manor, Cyrus can barely contain his fast beating heart. He looks the picture of attentiveness, though not a single word the venture captain has said has registered in his poor, overwhelmed mind.

Ok. Focus. Don't stare down. Look up, look up! yes, at her face, those eyes, those lips, those... no look up! You dolt she is going to notice. Look up.. Aaahh.... Look up, Cyrus' mind races to think of something to say once he realizes his thoughts escaped out loud again. He focuses his eyes on the venture captain's eyes now that the whole room's attention is on him. A couple of uncomfortable seconds pass before he finally spits out, Looook up aaaaat the Fancy Ships! The venture captain is right, a merchant vessel might attract pirates. Definitely don't want that attention. Not to mention, his look of terror melts into a cocky smile, the way we tore through those last sets of pirates, we'd put any regular military escort to shame.

Don't wink, don't wink, dont.... I winked. There is no hope for me.

His smile is smug for a few moments before it turns to another confused look. Turning back to the lovely venture captain he blurts out, Why exactly would this guy need a military escort? And why is it so important to keep it low key?

"Ha, with a vessel of this repute, we might BE the pirates, Cyrus. Venture Captain, wouldn't Sephriel be more low-key if he actually fraternized with the crew? A man with a mask who is never seen is an enigma, no matter what ship he is booked on." Miro cocks his head, elbowing Cyrus in the ribs nonchalantly.

" Venture Captain, wouldn't Sephriel be more low-key if he actually fraternized with the crew? A man with a mask who is never seen is an enigma, no matter what ship he is booked on."

"Venture Captian, my friends are not as familiar with ... other elves, having been in my company so long. Our esteemed dignitary wears a mask as it is a custom of the Mordant Sprire elves. They also do not like to make .... eye contact. One also hopes he speaks the common tounge, as many choose to only speak ancient Azlanti."

Props for reading the Inner Sea Guide which is pretty good actually.

"Venture Captain, to state the obvious ... who specifically would be opposed to unearthing the ancient treasures of ancient Azlanti .... besides everyone not affiliated with the Society?"

After listening to each in turn, the Venture Captain responds. "Master Flea, you are not military escorts, nor are you bodyguards. You may have seen the tall elf, who goes by the name of Thanzeril, outside of the Ambassador's cabin. He is the bodyguard, and quite proficient at it, as I understand it.

"You are all more of an honor guard; though one who's primary job is to make sure this crew of scoundrels performs their duties, and gets the Ambassador home safely."

She then turns to Finarin, "I believe you have it right there, Lord Moonstep. You will need to respect their traditions. I cannot stress how important having access to the ruins of Ancient Azlant would be for the Society. For as long as anyone can remember, the Elves of the Mordant Spire have guarded the ruins of Ancient Azlant, preventing anyone from exploiting the riches that could be found there. Ambassador Sephriel's takes this mission eery century, to determine if we are 'ready' to search the ruins."

Guess I needed to create this as well!

Indeed! Was getting worried there that I wouldn't have a place to ramble. Got plenty of rambling out in the other threads, though. Bed time now. Sleep well all and I'll do some sober posts tomorrow!

"Hey, Lort! Why did you bother buying non-masterwork full plate. For another 10% (150gp) you get masterwork, and you can get it enchanted later. Just wait to buy it until you chronicle from Slave Ships, That's what I am gonna do. Hic!

I didn't buy anything or even level properly on my chronicle sheets. I was just playing around with options and posted whatever BBCode I had so you could do the bar fight. That's not Lort's proper sheet!

Masterwork all the way and a wand purchased with prestige points (none of this "caster level 3 CLW" bullsh*t).

Drunk posts are way more fun than "hung over and my kids woke me up early" posts. :-(

Okay, Lort is properly up-to-date. I've also fixed up his previous slap-dash inventory and chronicle sheets (I wasn't sure how to do the GM versions). Should be all good now: Lort Chronicles & Inventory Tracking. Please let me know if anything is out of order and I'll do my best to fix it!

Cool.

FYI For everyone here... We may be switching scenarios. Please stay tuned. This may end up being Murder on the Throaty Mermaid.

Please not your factions here. Due to the nature of these scenarios, we'll be running faction missions (old school) of both.. Note that some scenarios do use faction missions as their secondary missions ;).

Thanks!

Hoping to hear from Amaranti soon.

Grand Lodge, here. I am properly leveled. Still have to make a decision on what to dump all this gold into.

Grand Lodge for me! Lort is good to go.

Sovereign Court/ Taldor

Need a day or two to get ready

Scarab sages here, this might be my first chance at a faction mission!

Without a Sheeba to flirt with I am stuck doing Maths and it is not fun. According to my calculations, next scenario I level up to 2, have to figure out how to use spellstrike, and can buy some nifty +1 armor.

I need to update my character sheet as well, and see if there is anything to spend my hard earned golds on... :)

There is a "Magical Weapon Enchantment" in the PFS Field Guide I desperately want for my character. It allows me to add my dex bonus to damage. Its kinda weird that it is a weapon enchantment, and not a feat, but it is. Either way, I will have to save up a boatload of gold in order to get it... sigh.

Either way, my character sheet needs to reflect the thieves guild vanity, and perhaps any equipment upgrades. I need to find a non-lethal weapon I am proficient with also, apparently Saps are martial weapons and ninja's don't have martial weapon proficiency... Always something!

Cyrus, you are talking about Agile... it is a +1 Enchantment, which means you need to already have a +1 Enchantment bonus on your weapon... so the minimum cost to that would be weapon costs + 300 (Masterwork) + 8000 (+2 Enchantment).

It is a good enchantment for a DEX based character, but it is a LOT too early for you to be able to afford it.

As for non-lethal weapons... consider taking Improved Unarmed Strike... you are always armed, and always have a potential non-lethal weapon on your person.

Otherwise, another +1 Enchantment that can be good would be Merciful.

So, as a note: We'll be doing 2-13, Murder on the Throaty Mermaid.

Looks like we have the following factions (remembering this is season 2)

Osirion: Cyrus, Ibid, Miro, Amaranti, Lort
Taldor: Finarin

This matters for this scenario, because what actually happens is dependent on which factions are represented.

FYI - you'll have faction missions, too. I will add them to the campaign info, in spoilers.

Erm... only Cyrus and Amaranti are Osirion. Lort, Miro and Ibid are Grand Lodge. I don't know anything about factions pre season 5... so it is possible Grand Lodge wasn't around then (but that would seem odd to my new-to-PFS senses).

Also, would you mind unchecking the "inactive" box on the campaign info tab? That way it will appear on my profiles properly. OCD. :-)

Ok, math done. I am saving up for a mirthril chain shirt after this adventure - 1,100 gp baby!

BTW, I am super jealous that each of you gets to do cool faction things like join a guild, and temple. My faction only have rewards at the 20 PP level, which incidentally is a title. So no more Lord Moonstep officially until I pony up 20 PP, except for jesting of course.

Erm, anyone can join a temple or guild... the faction stuff is a pretty minor part of the prestige rewards system, really. Read further on in the Field Guide, my friend! Society Resources -> Vanities on page 62+ are particularly awesome, and probably what you're looking for. Businesses, followers, memberships and properties. All pretty cheap (relative to some of the faction awards!).

Cyrus, if you don't want to burn your hard-earned gold on agile enchantment, there's a couple of feats which will also give dex to damage. Classic Dervish dance is one (might not fit your character, however..) Slashing grace is another, from ACG. And I think there will be yet another one for piercing weapons in some upcoming book.

With season 3+, Grand Lodge does the Osirion missions, much like Sovereign Court does Taldor missions.

This actually all in the guide.

As for the active members, I've update them.

FYI - Ibid will not be available full time until this weekend, and I'd like a little time to prep some stuff (mainly images and aliases). There is a pretty good sized supporting cast here, so I want to do this the right way, and have some fun with it!

Hope that's ok with you all!

Slashing Grace is cool, but you need weapon focus + weapon finesse before taking it so it is feat heavy. On the other hand you open yourself up to any finessable weapons whereas DD is just for the scimitar.

@ LortNot so much Schatner as a slow, deliberate speech minus the 'ponce'.

@Finarin: I still prefer to read it as Shatner. ;-) I'll try it your way, too, though.

@Silbeg: Ah, the GOP... I get more out of it every time I re-read it. I didn't understand a good chunk of it until after I'd actually played some PFS. Understanding more all the time.

I'm happy to play whenever you guys are good and ready. I currently check the forums way to often out of old GM habit. Maybe a week will teach me to relax a little and check less than 1-2 times or more every hour. Maybe.

@Cyrus: Dervish dance also requires ranks in Perform (Dance) - though perhaps it's only one rank. I did an entire character concept based around being Varisian and still having the feat (the Dervish Dancers in Golarion were originally Qadiran - I think). Slashing grace seems better if you want to focus on melee in my opinion. Weapon finesse is a must regardless, and weapon focus isn't entirely wasteful - especially if you're a human. You can always get the weapon training ninja trick, too.

So, just for fun, I am making messageboard aliases for all of my NPCs. I hope this doesn't end up burning me in the end.

Guess we'll see!

Just from my experience with the bar brawl, I ended up wanting to describe other NPCs actions (and words) when I was playing as any given NPC. It also seemed weird telling players what was going on as the other character, meaning I wanted to head back to the GM alias. All that means is that in order to get it to flow, you'll need to be putting up 2-3 posts for what would previously just be 1 (admittedly probably with no extra text added).

Oh, and I know how often I forget to change which alias is posting. All the time. Focusing on one game at a time has been a real help, but when I was doing the bar thing with Lort, Dave and Sheeba, I had to do a lot of post editing straight after posting.

The other thing is that, especially just for a Pathfinder Scenario, you're cluttering up your message board profile with a lot of aliases that likely won't see the light of day again (unless you run this over and over). I've seen it before, but it was for a Pathfinder Adventure Path, where you're getting a lot more bang for your buck out of the aliases. Even a module is more worth it.

I'd suggest doing just the major ones (especially if, as you say, the cast is very big), those you'd expect to be posting often as.

Anyway, just be careful. Don't get burnt or burnt out!

"Lort, I am sure that your GM will be able to handle it, just fine. I am have the utmost confidence in him... as much as I have in you. Why it has been years since I have lost a team of Pathfinder Agents. Years, I tell you. And don't believe any rumors you have heard about during the so-called 'Season 4 Special'... the 'Race for the Runecarved Key'. Pay not attention to that.

"In fact, I am a proud supporter of the better, kinder Pathfinder Society"

An aide comes quietly into the study, where the Venture Captain is addressing you. She continues, nodding, "I am reminded that this is a much earlier scenario than ones you might have experienced. Things worked differently in the older days. We were freer with live, took higher risks, but for such rewards! So, it has been nice knowing you, Pathfinders!"

This could have been Sheila Heidmarch addressing you... but you aren't there yet!

Nice work! I see your "alias tree" blossoming. ;-)

So many options! The feats would definitely work, but then it would put me "behind" on all the amazing ninja tricks I could take, such as...

Vanishing Trick (Su): As a swift action, the ninja can disappear for 1 round per level. This ability functions as invisibility. Using this ability uses up 1 ki point.

What?! Ninjas that can disappear and suddenly reappear to get sneak attack damage? Imagine how the fight with Lort would have gone if I had tumbled between his legs and then DISAPPEARED!!!!

Of course... being able to just add +4 to all my damage rolls would be pretty amazing also... I can't make up my mind! and I don't even level for 2 more scenarios!

Of course if I went with Slashing Grace, I wouldn't be able to get it until level 4 (weapon focus as a 3rd level feat, then ninja trick to get the slashing grace combat feat at 4th...) I could still get the vanishing trick, but then not until level 6....

look at me, planning out my character 15 scenarios down the road... That is part of the fun of this though, right?

There you go Finarin, now I sound like the 2 year old gnome...

Don't you sound like.... Cyrus?

...

Maybe.

...

Not enough self deprecation for Cyrus - I vote gnome ....

Just came up with a random skill game in the gameplay thread. Might be cheesy, might be fun, probably more fun with RP...

Alright Mr. Silbeg, GM, Sir...

I've gone through hero lab looking for shiny new toys and settled on enchanting my masterwork chain shirt. After the gold from the slave ships game, my total was at 1515, so I spent 1000 for the enchantment (already had the mw chain shirt) bringing me down to 515.

We didn't need it in the last scenario, but I have a wand of CLW that I will absolutely add to the "pool" of uses.

And alas, there is no non-lethal damaging weapon that I am proficient with. Seriously considering the unarmed strike ninja trick. (But... invisibility!!!)

...

(there is even a ninja trick that essentially gives me the mirror image effect! O.o Ninjas are fun...)

Who all is pooling in their Wands? Not required, of course, but like GM Damo I'll keep track of the charges. So far, I see Cyrus the Sarcastic and Lort.

Up to you all!

Now someone get Miro to spend some of his 1300 + gp. FYI since Miro and Ibid have the Grease Spell prepared, I swapped it out for Color Spray.

Subtle GM hint. You'll have plenty of time to swap put spells if you need (at least fifty days, unless something happens upon the way!)

You should probably discuss spell selections... Never a bad idea!

Any suggestions for what to spend it on? All I keep fetishing on is magic armor. I have a CLW Wand with 25 charges I will throw in, as well.

Miro, some scrolls are always nice for surprising situations. Besides armour, bards can use shields/bucklers, right? Cloak of resistance +1 is also great purchase for 1000gp

Amaranti doesn't have CLW wand to pool, but a Infernal Healing wand which can be used...

You can never go wrong with a Mithral chain shirt, Miro. Mithral buckles are nice, too.

Other than that... Maybe a Swan Boat token?

Mmmm. Masterwork Mithral Chain Shirt. At 1,100 gp, it's the sweet spot for sure when you're a bard with 1,300 gp to spend!

As an aside, I just found an old sketch I did of Lort! I often like to do concept art for my characters and/or a background before even touching the character sheet. In Lort's case, I believe I did the concept art first. I eventually changed my mind from greataxe to greatsword, and he's now wearing plate mail... but this is definitely the half-mad Lort. Certainly moreso than my character avatar (though it's pretty close aside from the hair length and color, and definitely the closest half-orc avatar available on Paizo).

Lort Sketch

Also been working on the spoken version of Lort's spells. How's this work? I'll always put the ooc bit in parentheses, but I like to put in strange characters to represent that he's uttering a magical prayer.

0th Level

"∆э†эכ† ∏Åğḯכ" (detect magic)
"כຈົ້эņэ ₩ņэຈົ້" (create water)
"§†Åßḯլḯȥэ" (stabilize)

1st Level

"ßլэ§§" (bless)
"эກլÅຈົ້ğэ ¶эຈົ້§φກ" (enlarge person)
"¶ຈົ້φ†эכ†ḯφກ 于ຈົ້φ∏ эƔḯլ" (protection from evil)

Also, any comments on spell selection based on our mission description? One of my favorite things about clerics is the ability to select from such a wide variety each day.

Spell selection:

(hahahahahahha... Ninja)

Looks great to me Lort! You have way more covered than I do :)

GM Silbeg, I think I will go with the +1 Cloak of Resistance for 1,000 gp.

Sounds good to me.

(grumble groan have to update my save charts... guess he always fails)

Hey Cyrus, I just wanted to say that it was a great game that you invented there. Thanks for rolling with it when Lort started to borderline cheat as well! Not that he needed to as it turns out.

Also, what does everyone think about this spell?

Weapons Against Evil

Maybe not for this scenario, but it has real potential in the future: broad spectrum overcome DR! According to the PFS rules, would I need to buy Faiths of Purity to get the spell? How would I find out if it is it even legal in PFS?

**EDIT** Just noticed that the source on d20pfsrd is different from my way out of date Spells app. It was reprinted in Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Inner Sea Gods, which is a legal source... but do I have to buy it?

Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Inner Sea Gods, which is a legal source... but do I have to buy it?

That is for DM to decide .... cool spell though.

Lort - One time, a long time ago, I was in a game with a clever player. The DM put us up against a dragon that was beyond our abilities, kind of as a test. The player challenged the dragon to a contest that (the details escape me) eventually required both of them to drink something. I think it was supposed to be poisonous (a la princess bride). The DM foolhardily rushed right into the challenge and had the dragon drink the "concoction" and triumphantly (rolled a high fort save) and said "Haha! No effect! I win!" To which the player replied, "Nope, that was a potion of transmutation, now you are a frog." The crestfallen look on the DM was one my my favorite memories of gaming.

You, my friend, were the player and I was the dragon in that little game, and I did say it was a battle of wits and cunning more than a skill challenge... I couldn't very well accuse you of cheating! :) I will find a way to get you back though! I loved the way you finished it up by joining me in the crow's nest. I thought that was very appropriate, especially after the bet escalated to more than just the "first" chore. That was fun.

Just came up with a potential "thing" for me rolling things like perception and the like. I need to know from each of you if you would prefer to "Take 10" or roll for things like Perception, Sense Motive, Diplomacy, etc. It can change, but I'll need to have an [ ooc ] from you stating that you are taking 10.

This is one of the oddities with PbP... since there is some distance between the rolling and the role-playing.

So, if you would like to default to taking 10, please note it in a post here, and which rolls you would like to take 10 on. Thanks!

I would always like to roll, please.

Roll.