Glass River Rescue by TheBobJones (Inactive)

Game Master TheBobJones

"Aye, I am with Xull. I know a few things about the nobility, but don't have any recollection about the Razmiri. My guess is that if paying this group off was expected, and they are being held anyways, then there is another purpose behind it that money cannot get them out of, so we needn't waste our time with that angle. Which means..." Pooka rubs his hands together, a smile creeping over his face, "We get to bust 'em out. Way more fun, and pocketbook friendly if you ask me."

"So, Temel Passad is a merchant? I assume this is the merchant you would like us to improve society relations with? And the two dwarves, Metella and the mystic, they will be accompanying us on our rescue mission? Or are they simply waiting until we indicate our success or failure? I assume we meet them all in Durma, at which point we will take the boat down to the inn?"

Valsin glares at Xull like he just let a bag of weasels loose in his office. "You really need to get out more, possibly read a book or two. Might soothe that inner beast I have heard about you. Beating up innkeepers and such." Valsin shakes his head.

Turning back to address the group, "Regardless, Pooka has the right of it. Passad is very wealthy indeed. The Society would benefit greatly from his network of contacts around the inner sea. On the other hand, Metella represents the dwarven Five Kingdoms, also a very lucrative business partner for the Society in addition to their martial prowess. You are going to have to formulate your own opinions of these two. Passad and the society have had a falling out in the past, but that is water under the bridge. He is able and willing to help and that is all we need to concern ourselves with."

"As soon as you are ready, you are to travel to Durma's capital city, Kerse, where Passad's estate is located. The dwarves will meet you there. To answer Pooka's question, all three will accompany you on your mission. Don't embarrass us. That should also give you plenty of time to assess Passad, and the dwarves."

"Oh, and Razmiri are closed off to most of Absalom. We know that it is a strict theocratic government presided over by a vast priestly bureaucracy serving a being said to be a living god. All other faiths are prohibited in the nation, though foreign priests are tolerated as long as they are not proselytizing and just passing through. All nonresidents, which you will be, are subjects to sundry tariffs and unannounced inspections. Furthermore, they have our dwarven emissaries. Get them back, but do it quietly. It is imperative that you are not traced back to the Society. Anything else before I wish you safe travels?"

"It was only a small beat, or so I heard." Sun chuckles to himself before moving on. "If we are to be inspected, I assume that means we will also be questioned about who we are, where are we from, what are we doing here, etc. I doubt telling them that we are just passing through pathfinders will work well in that situation, especially since it is closed off. You mentioned that the Inn is about 30 miles away from the city. What else is in the area that we could use to aid in a cover story? Is it on the way to something where we can actually say we are passing through to to visit perhaps?"

The Venture Captian turns his gaze to Sun, softening a bit. "You will have plenty of time to concoct a cover story. Remember that Passad and the dwarves will accompany you. They are there to assist you so you might want to listen to their suggestions. Although the Inn is 30 miles east of the city of Xer, it is a popular way stop and is located just off the river. A ship pulling in there would not attract too much attention. Now if there are no more questions ..." the Venture Captain make eyes for the door.

by all means take your time and continue to ask questions. We have another info dump. Purchases need to be completed before we hit the river. Campaign tab updated w/ pictures and objectives (Imitation is the highest form of flattery Damo :)

"I think that is our cue to leave, gentleman," says August. "That means you too, old man." He says this last bit, nodding in Sun's direction. A moment later, August has bowed in thanks to Valsin and is passing out the door ready to depart for Kerse.

Xûll takes the admonishment in stoic silence. He bows when August does and leaves without a word. Sick wife or no, he was still a thief and he was still abusing his son.

As the pathfinders make there way across the grass lands of Druma, they finally reach the capitol city of Kerse. As the Pathfinders stride down the main thoroughfare, they cannot help but gape open-mouthed at the city. Whereas Absalom is the largest city, sprawling as far as the eye can see, Kerse is ostentatious. Buildings that would be traditionally made of sun-dried bricks produced form clay and manure are common place across Golarion; the residences here are made of granite brickstones flecked with gemstones. Tall structures in Absalom span stories into the air built on wooden latices, in Kerse, the Pathfinders see stories-tall statues made of precious alloys. The few wooden structures that they see are even made with the rarest of timbers. In between gapping at the marvelous structures, the Pathfinders find themselves the recipients of frequent glares from the passing agents of the Mercenary League. All ridiculous thoughts of theft are quickly forgotten as these well-trained guards stroll the peaceful streets of Kerse.

Eventually the Pathfinders reach one of the personal residences of Temel Passad. This residence, like all the others, is constructed from the finest cut stones, sparkling gems, and deep rich woods. The Pathfinders are quickly ushered to a comfortable sitting room. Deep, soft pillows offer a welcome respite to the long journey from Absalom., as well as thickly upholstered lounges. A handful of servants enter silently on slippered feet with wash bowls, and towels. Moments later, another handful of servants enter with platters of ripe fruits, soft cheeses, and chilled water. The Pathfinders notice that all the servants wear white gloves and do not make physical contact with them

After the Pathfinders have refreshed, replenished, and relaxed, a stout man clad in the crispest white silks enters. He sports a well-oiled blonde beard, and alert blue eyes. He also is wearing white gloves. "Well met Pathfinders. I am Temel Passad. It has been …. too long since men and women of your order have graced my humble abode. I do so love this residence. Should probably spend more time here. Ah, my apologies as I digress. My name is Temel Passad and I have been told to expect you. Venture-Captain Vaslin speaks …. of you in the highest regard. Well, let's be honest, of what I know about him I am sure that he would have some complaints with the woman that birthed him." Pausing momentarily for the Pathfinders to laugh at his joke, he continues, "I trust your journey was uneventful? Is there anything that you require, more food, more drink? Should you wish to partake of some alcoholic beverages, I can have some brought up from the cellars. You need only to ask and it is yours."

Pooka lounges comfortably in the plush surroundings, genuinely impressed at the air of sophistication around him. He listens intently to the merchant's introduction, and has a good chuckle at valsin's expense.

At one point he clicks his tongue, shooting Luna a stern glare, which stops her in her tracks before she climbs up onto the soft seating.

"Thank you for your wonderful hospitality, truly the road was not to harsh, but it is nice to sit back for a moment before the real work begins. I don't wish to impose, but some whiskey, and perhaps an ale for Luna here would do wonders for our parched throats. "

He pause for a moment before continuing. "I can't thank you enough for your efforts with this endeavor. I only hope that the society can repay you properly for your partnership. Tell me, we are a bit lacking in previous knowledge of the ramizar, do you have any tid bits that might help us? I am almost ashamed to ask, but anything you might know from your dealings would be helpful."

-Posted with Wayfinder

Clapping his hands, slippered servants vanish in a flourish to reappear moments later. A white-gloved hand lifts a beautifully hand blown snifter from a platinum tray before handing it to the halfling. A diamond encrusted bowl is placed before the dog. Other servants appear with a rich velvet cushion for the dog to relax on, while another pours a frothy ale into the bowl. The smell of hops and barley impresses the dog before he begins lapping it up.

Turning to Pooka, Passad begins, "Well you have to understand that they are a nation of religious zealots. And that is bad for business. They charge high tariffs and inspect vessels. Also bad for business. They only allow differing religions for people are passing trough, so that means I would be an intermediary in all sales. Also bad for business. I am sure that my knowledge is insufficient to worldly agents of the Pathfinder Society. A thousand-apologies." Bowing his head ever so slightly, Passad seems genuinely disappointed he could be of no further assistance on this topic.

Xûll gives a genuine belly laugh at Passad's joke. He considers briefly joining in with his own witticism, but thinks better of complaining about his superior in the merchant's presence.

"Be not apologetic, Temel Passad, we not know many of these things. Temel Passad has been most useful and generous with his knowledge," says Xûll appreciatively, "Thank you for offer of food and drinks. Me is having much thirst, and have been looking for good milk ever since incident some while back. Would the most gracious Temel Passad be having fresh milk of any variety? Otherwise, cool water be much appreciated also. As for food, me be sure that whatever you have suggest taste marvelous. We be very honored by Temel Passad's offers of sustenance." Xûll remembers from his training that one must always accept the food of one's host to allow them to feel that they have fulfilled their hostly duties.

"Me be concerned by these zealots and bad business. Tell, what would Temel Passad most want from us? What help can humble Pathfinders give such successful trader?"

Again clapping his hands, servants disappear like a ninja using his ki power to vanish and reappear. Holding a tray before them, a white robbed, white gloved servant presents Xull two glasses, both filled with a creamy white liquid. Fresh, chilled water has already been served so the servants assume that Xull is merely being polite by his offer of multiple beverages. Xull can see a small glisten of condensation forming on one of the glass, but otherwise they are indistinguishable.

Turning to Xull, "A fair question. I would only ask that if we If we work well together on this expedition, you pass on to your superiors a recommendation of how advantageous it would be to do business with me. It only bodes well for future endeavors. What most people unlike us don't know, is only fool purchase goods in the marketplace. Take the common longsword that any green recruit of the society buys before setting out. Where did he get it? Probably at some hawkers shop in the Coins District. Probably paid 15 gold pieces." At this he shakes his head. "I, on the other hand, have a small team of mining experts, Alchemists, and engineers that have sought out the best ore reserves in Golarion. I buy it buy the ton, and have it shipped to expert weapon smiths. Your typical county village blacksmith spends hours toiling over his anvil. I have teams of wizards and other users of the arcane using magical means in foundries to smelt the ore, and shaped into molds. These weapons are as good as any longsword that you will find, but cost me a fraction. To sell them though, I would like to move large quantities. Crusaders are great for that, but the Society is even better. They have agents everywhere. I am sure that Aaqir al'Hakam can assist me in moving items from one place to another. Pathfidners are also experts at finding rare items. Who doesn't love to increase his personal collection? You know the saying, those with the biggest paintings ...."

"... have the best connections," finishes Xûll, for once appreciating his father's love of the grandiose, "Me be happy to recommend Temel Passad to Society. Many strategies that Temel Passad has be making much sense. Very modern. Mutual benefit definitely to be had. When this is done, we will have proper beginning of things."

Xûll politely sniffs and sips both glasses of milk, before selecting what he believes to be the strongest tasting (and goatiest) of the two. He smiles appreciatively at the server before waving him away.

"A toast, then," says Xûll raising his glass, "To new beginnings. May the Prophecies guide us."

Would that all social interactions were as simple as those dealing with merchants. Their motivations are so apparent. Wealth. Profit. Power. When I have enough, I will return for you father... and end you.

After the Pathfinders and Passad have become comfortable with each other, he strikes a gong. Servants again disappear only to reappears this time leading a pair of dwarves. In stride two dwarves as Passad rises from his cushioned chair, "Allow me to introduce—”

One of the two dwarves, a redheaded female in deep scarlet robes, curtly interrupts the man. “We can introduce ourselves, Passad. I am Metella Raugar, representing the interests of several Highhelm mercantile consortia. My companion”, she gestures to a dwarven man with leathery skin baked by the sun, his head swathed in a bright yellow scarf, “is Amauhak of Reth Bezel, a mystic of the sand dwarves of Osirion. We are here to aid in the rescues of the first dwarven delegation, and if we can't do that, by Torag's beard, we'll travel to Mendev with you and figure out this Sky Citadel ourselves."

Amauhak remains silent as Passad tries to smooth over Metella's harsh words. "Of course we fully expect to rescue the dwarves." Casting a sidelong glance at Metella.

@ Sun Sorry for the wall of texts, info dump almost over

@ Everyone Please make sure to interact with the dwarves as much as Passad, too

No worries, just playing catch up from work. Guess it will make sense to just assume my character has been there this whole time instead of trying to interrupt the flow

Sun sips slowly on his crisp chilled water while trying to get comfortable on the overly soft cushions. He raises his glass just in time as the toast by Xull starts. Listening to the introductions, Sun gestures with a slight wave of his free hand to his comrades. "We also fully expect to rescue your brethren, well put Passad. We were just about to start discussing our plans and how best to approach the rather sticky situation. Our current best guess is they are held at an Inn located on or near the glass river. I believe it was called the Grey Revulsion? That doesn't sound right. The Grey Revelation perhaps? We only know that it is held by the Razmiri and of course subtly and non-detection are our best bets. Our Venture-Captain unfortunately was not able to provide us with much in the way of what is around the area and way in and out unseen." Sun says, wriggling side to side slowly ever adjusting his spot.

Rotten poofy things. Nice on the bones but darn annoying to get used to.

For continuity sakes let's assume that Pooka and Xull ask Metella the same questions

Tell me, we are a bit lacking in previous knowledge of the ramizar, do you have any tid bits that might help us? I am almost ashamed to ask, but anything you might know from your dealings would be helpful.

Metella considers the halfling's question for a moment, "To be honest, I am none too familiar with this human nation. I can't add too much from what Passad has probably already told you. Religious zealots, charge tariffs, have my kin held as hostage. Makes my blood boil but Amauhak and I know that you will set this wrong to a right. And for that you have our gratitude."

"Tell, what would Metella and Amauhak most want from us? What help can humble Pathfinders give such successful trader?"

Turning to the large Shoanti, the dwarf begins, "I am sure that Passad has bored you to death with his ramblings of wizards, fast production, and the like. Well let me tell you, we dwarves have been mining, smelting, and forming ore into our whimsy well before Passad's ancestors walked upright. A dwarf, there really is no other way to explain it, can feel the ore, feel it calling to us. Many of us have it running through our bodies. It is as much as part of us as water is to a fish. I have no way with words like Passad over here, but metal, ore, is DWARVEN to the core. When you come to market and you see our products, well the Five Mountains still means something. Stands for quality, craftsmanship, caring. With the aid of the society we can make inroads where we couldn't before. I know this might come as a shocker, but we are generally surly by nature. Myself excluded from that, we have trouble on the personal aspect. But you will find no finer product, or by Torag's beard I'll eat it!" In a flourish, Metella ends here speech, glaring at Passad as if to challenge anything she says.

Passad wisely take a page out of the yellow-scarved dwarf Amauhak's book and says nothing, merely shrugging his shoulders and flashing a mischievous grin.

After Augustus has a chance to weight in we'll hit the river. Light posting this weekend from some so let's say all purchases need to be done this weekend. I will post the river boat for a 'standard marching order' and then we will have some fun. A few more posts for flavor.

Our current best guess is they are held at an Inn located on or near the glass river. I believe it was called the Grey Revulsion? That doesn't sound right. The Grey Revelation perhaps? We only know that it is held by the Razmiri and of course subtly and non-detection are our best bets. Our Venture-Captain unfortunately was not able to provide us with much in the way of what is around the area and way in and out unseen."

Passad is the first to respond, "That is correct Sun. Once we enter the Glass River, to assist you, we will shelter below decks to try and avoid detection. A group this large will undoubtedly attract undue attention. Before reaching the Grey Revelation Inn though, we will pass the small village of Xer in Razmirin. It is my humble opinion that we dock there, as is expected of all vessels passing Xer. We follow the local custom, pay the toll, and proceed on. We can even chip in a little 'extra' for the guards trouble to make sure this goes smoothly. This way if we encounter any of those faith barges we will have already paid our toll. As a show of good faith, I will even provide the toll money." Retrieving his white silken purse, he takes out 2 platinum pieces and hands them to Pooka. Before his white sleeved glove reaches the halfling, Metella puts a hand on his arm.

"Friends, with the utmost respect to Passad, this is stupid." Taking her hand off Passad, she elaborates, "If we just pull this ship up to the pier at Xer, well we might as well give a street urchin from Katapesh your purse strings to watch. Mark my words, we will be boarded and searched. There are no hiding holes on this tub of Passad's to really hide in. Best to sail right on by those docks. Could we spot one of those faith barges" she pauses to spit "sure, but you boys look like you can handle some milk-fed fancy pants church boys. Your call though. Get us caught and there is no rescue mission come look for us." Amauhak remains impassively behind her as she speaks confidently to the Pathfinders.

Shaking his head, with a quick disapproving look at Mettela, Passad says, 'Well I have made my feelings clear on the subject. Pathfinders, this is your mission. If there are no more questions, perhaps it is better if we retire for the evening. Early to bed, early to rise." straining an unfelt laugh.

Passad again hits a gong. White clad servants again sweep in the room to clear trays and goblets. The Pathfinders are lead to their rooms for the night.

feel free to discuss Passad's, Metella's or your own plan for dealing with Xer.

As requested:
Knowledge Nature:

I would prefer in character here - out of character you can use the discussion tab for a 'big decision' like this. If you still have questions for either Passad or the dwarves, ask away.

August looks to the others as he contemplates what action they might take. "So, if I'm hearing this right," begins the middle-aged man. "Passad, you would prefer to stop in Xer and pay the toll, straightaway. This will keep us following the local custom and might keep from drawing unwanted attention upon us."

"And you, Mettela, would prefer to slip by Xer and avoid what you consider to be an inevitable inspection. And if that if we are inspected, the presence of all our passengers will become known...."

Once again looking to the other pathfinders, August continues, "I can say with confidence that my knowledgable about this region of the world is sadly lacking, and I would be of zero use in attempting to talk our way out of a jam. Humbly," August pauses. "I expect my real contribution to this group will be to run my blade through those who stand in our way. My vote is to attempt to slip by Xer unnoticed."

"I mean no disrespect to our gracious host for disagreeing, but if we attempted to hide in plain sight, my skills would be all but useless."

"Augustus-Aeyon-Though-Everyone-Call-Him-August-For-Short be having good points to make. Me thinks, though, it be unseemly to discuss competing strategies before the competitors," Xûll nods apologetically towards his host and the dwarf, "If we be having no other variables to ask for, then me thinks we can discuss in private."

Assuming everyone agrees, but essentially, when they are in private...

"Me has experience negotiating," says Xûll, clearly with a 'but' hanging in the air, "It be unseemly give these crooks money and just pay off. Me prefer good fight. Me say we sail past. Problem be, me think gracious host Temel Passad not like this. Passad's plan be good if Xer guards not find us, see us what we are. Me be having hiding potion, so me can hide. Or, me can talk. What for rest? If no good options, we sail past."

After many thanks and polite bows, Pooka retires with the rest of his group to discuss things in private.

"Aye, though I might not share August's eagerness to run someone through, I would agree. I say we just go for it and whatever fight we pick, bring it on. I do believe that no matter which method we choose, we will ruffle someone's feathers. They will both be valuable allies, and I also believe that the success of our mission will be far more valuable to winning their favor than whose ego we sooth by choosing their plan."

"Granted, if there is a way to sooth their egos by incorporating both plans, I am all ears. It might be guano crazy, but perhaps we could just pay the toll, and not bother hiding anything. Should they not agree to let us pass, we inform them that they can take our money and let us go, with full disclosure, or they can take our blades and watch us go. Either way we go, whether they like it or not. Temel gets the satisfaction of attempting to do things the proper way, and our fiery dwarf gets the hope of a good fight. Along with August. And me, if I am completely honest. Hey I said I wasn't as eager to run someone through. I didn't say I wouldn't."

"Pooka indeed be guano crazy (though me not sure why guano crazy, all animals must make poop and bats no exception)," says Xûll, a quizzical look on his face, "Me much rather fight river barge inspectors than whole town. If we be trying to pay toll, we must be try not fight."

Xûll ponders for a moment, "But if Pooka think we must fight, maybe we fight. Just pass town. We hurt Gracious Host and Canny Merchant Temel Passad feelings, but not so much as we hurt Razmirans, me thinks. Temel Passad be pragmatic man, and perhaps not hold against us."

"I hadn't thought of it that way Xull... Barge vs Town is a good perspective to keep in mind. In that case, my vote is to avoid paying the extortionists toll with gold... though I am sure August won't mind paying it in steel..."

"Not to be the devils advocate, but if we dock directly at the Inn won't it make getting in and out without causing a commotion all the harder?" Sun asks, hoping to not step on too many toes. "True, the act of transporting the Dwarves we are to rescue will be shorter as we won't have to ride the carriage, horses, or what not back to Xer."

"Me assume there be rowboats for to be getting to shore," says Xûll in response to Sun's concerns, "No need to dock at Inn. Get close, rescue dwarves, row back or run then swim, sail away. Good plan. Might need to be fighting. Not problem for me. We not go back Xer, we go past. Long way past. On to Skyreach, yes? Perhaps."

Xûll takes some more time to enjoy the goat's milk before concluding, "So sail past Xer, yes? Fight on barges if talk no work. Bring down fast. Break in Inn. Save dwarves."

@ Sun The Inn is 30 miles past Xer, so you will have time to figure out how to approach it later. From your understanding of the Geography, your planned route is Lake Encarthan, Glass River, Xer, Inn, Mendev. This is both the safest and fastest route. Time is a factor.

Ok it seems that you are going with passing Xer and taking your chances of running into a faith barge. You also might want to concoct a cover story for your journey up the river. If everyone can update their sailing order on the Abacus, I will move us along.

That order looks good. I don't want to get in the way of any charging cavaliers!

"Next thing decide, cover story. Mercenaries looking for work? We three be muscle. Sun be forest guide," Xûll notes the old man's lack of battle readiness with as much tact as he can manage (which is about 10% more tact with his lovely new perfumes sprayed generously about his body), "Any challenge cover, Pooka challenge them, no? Ha!"

Pooka enjoys a chuckle at the barbarian's clever pun.

"Aye!" he says heartily, with Luna vocalizing her agreement with a few resounding woofs as well.

"Mercenaries would be a great cover story. In fact, our merchant friends could instead be diplomats...." Pooka trails off as he remembers why they are taking this trip to begin with.

"Well either way, Mercenaries is a good cover. I suppose anyone who gets close enough to our business to find out we are pathfinders will be picking a fight anyways."

Sun gives an agreeing laugh at the pun along with Pooka. "I like the mercenaries angle, and as long as I grunt loud enough and brandish my Scimitar at the right moments they might even believe that I too am one!"

The following morning, after a great night's rest and a light repast (again on splendid dishware) the Pathfinders approach the docks with Passad, Mettela, and the yellow-scarved Amauhak. As they near a private pier, they notice the most wondrous yawl they have ever seen. The deep-rich wood is recently polished to such a fine gleam that it can double as a mirror. Every inch is elaborately carved into seafaring iconography, like the fore railing carved into a pod of leaping dolphins. One would think the handles and knobs are made of brass, but they are really made of solid gold. The fabric used for the sails is finer than any the Pathfinders have ever seen a person wearing.

The Pathfinders turn to Passad as if to say, "We sail on that?"

Laughing merrily, Passad responds, "Oh no. The Ingot is my personal sailing vessel. I bough this off a merchant" he points to the ship moored behind the Ingot. The Abacus is a much smaller vessel, scuffed, scrapped, and very normal looking. The Pathfinders, and envoys board the ship, meeting the captain, and his crew of four. They are quiet men that seem to not want to engage in conversation and just go about their business of being sailors.

Once on the Abacus, the crew goes silently about it's task, tightened lines, adjusting sails, cleaning and polishing the boat. The day is bright and calm. The warming sun and light breeze almost trick the Pathfinders into believing that they are out for a pleasure cruise rather than sailing into a hostile Theocracy to rescues a trio of dwarves. After a few hours sailing, the Pathfinders see Passad and the dwarves duo circled, head bowed close together. Although the Pathfinders cannot hear what they are saying in the stiff breeze, they can hear elevated voices indicative of an argument. Passad, quickly disengages from the circle and approaches the Pathfinders, followed closely by Mettela with the yellow-scarved Amauhak flanking her. Passad begins, "The captain has informed me that we near the mouth of the Glass River. There we will turn east and head into Razmiri waters. To not attract undue attention to our rescue mission, we" and he gestures to the dwarf duo who have crossed the fore-deck to stand astride him, "will spend the remainder of the river crossing below decks. My hired crew, although they know this is a dangerous mission, will not be partaking in any exercises which should put their lives at risk. As you know I believe that the best way to infiltrate Razmiri will be to stop at the docks at Xer."

Tisking loudly Metella says, "Best to sail right on by those docks." Amauhak remains impassively behind her as she speaks confidently to the Pathfinders.

Shaking his head, with a quick disapproving look at Mettela, Passad says, 'Well I have made my feelings clear on the subject." As Passad and the dwarves file below decks, Passad turns to the Pathfinders one last time, "Just let the captain know what you want to do. I will pray you make the right choice."

"My good sir, the right choice is so often determined after the results are clear to see for everyone." Pooka dips into a respectful bow.

"Rest assured that in our capable hands, whatever decision we make, we will endeavor to ensure that it is the right one, come what may. And had you not mentioned it, I would have insisted upon the safety of your crew. Should we need to defend this vessel, I would prefer the 4 of us, able warriors, to be left alone to do what we do best."

Pooka smiles again. Luna sits down to scratch at the strap holding her chain barding on near her neck, then is quickly distracted by a mayfly that flits by, snapping her jaws in the air in an attempt to snatch it from its erratic flight.

After the merchants have gone below decks, Pooka approaches the captain. "We have decided to sail on by the docks, as Mettela suggested. Not in preference to either of our fine hosts, but instead because it suits our collective skills the best." Pooka sweeps his arm out indicating his companions. "I assume you and your crew know exactly what to do should we be accosted because of our decision."

With the details taken care of, Pooka paces the perimeter of the small vessel, looking constantly in the distance for signs of trouble. He doesn't expect any until after they have passed the docks, but one must always be vigilant.

August steps beside Pooka after the halfling finishes speaking to the captain. Once both are out of earshot of the captain and remaining crew, he whispers, "Pardon me, but I don't think the captain will care as to the motives regarding our decision."

"I would hazard a guess that the captain would not want to be burdened with such information. Or," August pauses. "If the captain is under the direct employ of Passad, he will side with his boss no matter what logic we bring to bear."

"In such circumstances, it may be best to project an air of authority by not deigning to explain yourself to one who is of no consequence to us. Would you agree?"

The captain nods in assent as the Pathfinders make their wishes known. As the Abacus enters the Glass River, the Pathfinders immediately understand how this river got it's name. The wind is steady, but slow, and barely creates a ripple over the water. Though they are still moving at a decent clip thanks to the crews' masterful sailing, the going is agonizingly slow for the Pathfinders. The river traffic is considerably lighter on the river than on the lake. Wether this is due to high tolls, or a lack of interest in sailing into a crazed Theocracy matters little to them, Looking towards the bow, they see a small town grow larger in the distance. Rows of piers extend into the water like jagged teeth on a dirty comb. Flanking the piers are two and three-story warehouses. As the Abacus nears the city, the captain and crew cut a swift path away from the town. On the piers, the Pathfinders can hear soldiers shouting for the ship to turn around and dock, but at the behest of the Pathfinders, the crew just tighten the sail jibs, and sail past as quickly as possible. Some guardsmen loosed their crossbow bolts in their direction, but most, if not all fall harmlessly short of the ship. A lucky few make it the distance, but lodge in railings or masts. Spying an isolated pier bookended by high warehouses, the Pathfinders think that would have been a good place to dock had they decided to pay the toll.

Gliding past the town, the Pathfinders pray that the Abacus' speed is greater than any messengers sent from Xer. After a few agonizing miles, with the Pathfinders and crew constantly looking aft for signs of pursuit, they finally let off a sigh of relief. Just as they do that, a barge meandering in the middle of the river suddenly strikes the Ramaziri colors. Turning swifter than the Pathfinders thought possible, the barge has angled itself alongside the Abacus Despite the captain and crews' best sailing, what is now obviously a faith barge has pulled along side the Abacus. The Pathfinders see a crew of what appears to be professional sailors running to and fro on the deck, along with a free roaming baboon that is hissing and leaping up and down. A crossbowman in the aft castle has a crossbow trained on the Pathfinders, and a man who must clearly be the leader is standing on the rail, shouting, "Prepare to be boarded, by order of Razmir, the Lord of the 31 Steps." The Pathfinders can see sailors preparing to hurl grappling hooks, and some are walking a gang plank to the railing of the faith barge.

Pooka nods at August's advice. "Sound, why worry them about things they don't care about anyways. I see your point."

Down the river, he sees the expected confrontation with the faith barge looming.

"And what if we do not wish to be boarded? What would you do to us?" Pooka says, reaching for his lance, and making sure his halberd is tight to his back.

Luna bares her teeth and the hair along her neck and back that isn't covered by saddle or barding raises up, a low growl escaping. She lowers her front shoulders a touch, her ears perked up, completing the threatening stance. The chain links of her armor chatter slightly as her body quivers, muscles tense and ready to spring into action.

Her master makes no move to reign her in as her aggression slowly ratchets up.

"Let inspectors board and we take inspectors out close up," whispers Xûll to Pooka, "Otherwise, we have crossbows with arrows flying. Me prefers toe to toe. Me thinks so do Pooka and Luna."

"Please, please! Come on board!" calls Xûll, "We are having nothing to hide. Is something wrong? Me be new here. Tell what we can do for helping you."

Sun, coming to the top deck with a yawn and stretch after a delightful nap, shades his eyes as he breaks from the gloom from below the decking. He looks confused for a moment before looking around, a faint smile on his face, basking in the sunlight before he stops with a start when he sees the boarding ship.

What a delightfully boring little nap that was, but I don't quite recall why I am on a boat. What a gorgeous day it has turned out to be though. The sun is high in the sky, the river looks as smooth as glass and there is a second boat next to us. What a second boat? River as smooth as glass. This seems like something I was told about. I remember now! Glassriver, Dwarves, Inn, and bad guys! Sun shouts to himself in an inner monologue that takes all of two seconds from start to finish.

The trance is broken when Xûll shouts to the boarding ship. Sun finishes his walk up to the mast to provide a modicum of cover he can dodge in circles around should the need arise and tries to look nonchalant as he checks his equipment is clear to be grabbed at a moments notice.

Like the others, August prepares himself mentally for a fight. However, he does not speak aloud to the sailors of the approach vessel knowing diplomacy is not his strong suit. Standing ready, August does not draw any of the javelins poised on his back, nor his great-sword, hoping to keep at least some of his group's eagerness to fight obscured.

Eying the sailors on the opposite deck, August attempts to make mental notes of which are the biggest threat to his companions and himself, and which should be dealt with first, should the threat of a fight manifest into actual danger.

The captain and crew of the Abacus, holding true to their word, strike the sails and let the ship drift aimlessly downriver. The faith barge quickly closes into grappling hook range. A pair of sailors on the barge heave grappling hooks, one on the aft quarter, and one on the bow quarter. Once the vessels have closed to a distance of 5 feet, a gangplank 5 ft wide is extended from the barge to the Abacus.

The baboon races across the gangplank and begins to gambol around the deck of the Abacus pausing momentarily by Luna to empty his bladder, and bare his fangs. It takes every second of war training Luna has been given not to lash out at the impertinent baboon.

A man shoulders a crossbow, and strides across the gangplank to the deck of the Abacus. One hand resting on his sword, he approaches Sun. He begins in a high-nasally voice, "State you business here, and how many persons are on this vessel?"

The other soldier remains in the aft castle of the faith barge, crossbow trained on the Pathfinders.

If you are going to lie, please make sure to include a bluff check at the end of your post

"We are being here on secret business that we do not wish to divulge to you," says Xûll matter-of-factly, nodding to his friends as he closes the distance between himself and the man while drawing his Nodachi, "Many thanks for lowering of gangplank."

When Xûll reaches the official, spittle is pooling at the sides of his mouth and his white teeth break up his red-hued face in a demented grin of furious ecstasy.

Xûll charges full at the man, charge action (drawing weapon as part of the move), rage as a free action (before or after the move part of the charge, doesn't matter) and all out attack.

Attack, if allowed, charge, power attack (raging): 1d20 + 9 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 9 - 1 + 2 = 22
Damage, power attack (raging): 1d10 + 9 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 9 + 3 = 19

If you'd rather roll initiative first, I'm happy to roll again on my turn.

Run out for a coffee, come back to fun! Map updated. Yes Xull, I am going to do Int. but I will use your action on your turn.

The quick conversation is already too long in Xull's mind. Beginning his rage, he quickly covers the gap between he and the Razmiri. Swinging his Nodachi, he cleaves the man from shoulder to hip. The man goes down in a bloody mess never really knowing what happened.

Int.
Agustus: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Luna: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Pooka: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Sun: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Xull: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
Kanger: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
weirdos: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Combat Table- Round 1
=> Luna
=> Augustus
x Xull - talk is for wimps
=> Kanger
=> Zealots
=> Pooka
=> Sun
Current Conditions:
Job 19hps dead

Luna & Augustus are up

Kanger the Baboon is located at K9, Job at G8 is dead. Map updated - do you like it was the first one I made :)

Nice! I was wondering if this encounter wasn't really supposed to involve both ships or not... The only problem is I can't move my tokens...

"Luna, Sic!"

The command is not lost on the dog, quivering to leap into action. She bolts around her master and across the gangplank to the spot where the baboon sits, and snaps her powerful jaws at the yammering, long armed animal.

Power Attack, bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10 for Damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

The only problem is I can't move my tokens

Sorry about that, I though I shared the editable map - a thousand apologies. Luna is actually right next to Kanger so she doesn't have to move.

Relieved that her master has given her the command to attack, Luna lunges for the baboon, but the irritating creature deftly turns and her teeth are unable to pierce the calluses on the baboon's ischial callosities.

Combat Table- Round 1
x Luna - bit the butt
=> Augustus
x Xull - talk is for wimps
=> Kanger
=> Nut
=> Pooka
=> Sun
Current Conditions:
Job 19hps dead

Augustus is up

Kanger the Baboon is located at K9, Job at G8 is dead.

Sun, just about to speak up to the crossbow wielding man, is almost literally cut off as Xûll slices the poor fellow in half.

"Well, that handles that I guess."

A sinister smirk spreads across August's face as the man's demeanor unmistakably changes to an air of excited maliciousness.

kanger is at K9, which is next to August, so he will attempt an attack.

Move Action: draw great-sword
Standard Action: attack

attack(great-sword w/Power Attack): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
damage(great-sword): 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (3, 4) + 9 = 16

As Kanger piviots to dodge Luna's bite, he turns right into Augustus' two-handed sword which neatly chops his head right off. The baboon's head rolls to the end of the gangplank where it comes to a rest.

Seeing his leader and pet baboon cut ruthlessly down, the remaining Razmiri looses his crossbow bolt towards Pooka. he screams, "Cut the ropes, cast off now!"

Despite his panic, the crossbow bolt lodges in Pooka's shoulder.

Crossbow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 6

Combat Table- Round 1
x Luna - bit the butt
x Augustus - monkey see, monkey dead
x Xull - talk is for wimps
x Nut - shooting with his eyes closed
=> Pooka
=> Sun
Current Conditions:
Job dead, Kanger dead, Pooka -6

Pooka and Sun are up

kanger is at K9, which is next to August, so he will attempt an attack.

My bad, Kanger is at D9 - my mistake, but you can move and attack which you did!

great, thanks. That's my bad, I thought maybe the map hadn't been updated with their current locations.

Pooka grunts as the bolt cuts in.

Gotta get that $#*& full plate...

Pooka's silent curse is an afterthought as he realizes the boat is about to cut and run. Better to not let them escape to get friends...

"Luna, Down" Pooka barks as he moves to hop onto the lowered saddle.

Ride check to mount as free action, DC20: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Unfortunately, the roll of the ship is awkward enough that Pooka takes a few more precious seconds getting himself situated.

"Let's move!" He says, finally seated properly, and dog and rider take off for the gangplank, easily crossing over to the faith barge, ready to leap up the stairs to the elevated crossbowman.

Pooka can move 40 feet while mounted, I will get into a position where I can take a running leap to get onto the upper deck area if necessary - didn't look like much of a staircase on the map to climb. Also, now that I am mounted, Luna will be holding and acting on Pooka's turn in the order.