[PFS] 5-22 Scars of the Third Crusade by GM Upaynao (Inactive)

Game Master Upaynao

Falshin gratefully accepts Orug's invitation and returns to find Quentin. "I hope so as well. I confirmed the shopkeeper's description that the kill was indeed tall and slender. He said that the killer also seemed to be able to command the shadows. Perhaps some sort of caster? I do hope Arnold and Marcus corner the fiend. He sounds like our killer."

"What's he up to with Frankie's sword?" Arnold mutters to Marcus. "Does he know who we are, trying to implicate us? We should gather the others. You want to round 'em up to get this guy, or should I? I'm fine either way."

I'm still here, just hangin' with the sheriff.. eatin' his sweets and whippin his butt at some games...

"He seems to be the source of our problems. Not sure why, but he needs to be stopped one way or another. I'm fine with him being revealed, or putting an arrow in him. Whichever it takes. If we can catch him in the act, the town will likely take care of him for us. I'll gather the others. Make sure you leave a trail I can pick up again."

Marcus heads off to find any of the others, telling the first one he finds to gather everyone, and the approximate location we last tracked to. Then Marcus goes to find Arnold again.

You can find Falshin and Quentin in the Inn, and you do know that Frankie and Fargrim are with the Sheriff. However, that guy is seconds away from committing murder, are you certain you want to leave Arnold on his own?

Nevermind, if it looks like he's heading somewhere with a purpose, I'd rather be ready to break things up.

You and Arnold can give me a Sense Motive check, DC 5 to figure out what he is planning, but yes, he looks like a man with a mission.

Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 1

Ha! Figures...

"Well, he's up to something," Arnold whispers. "Looks like we should follow along, figure it out, break it down if possible."

sense motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

"Yeah, he's planning something, hopefully we figure out what before it happens."

Stunning...

At the sheriff's office...

Frankie seems to be having the upper hand on sheriff Luin, who looks a little desperate to shift the "child's" attention elsewhere. "I understand you think the gnome's a little effeminate, but I assure you he's a he." he offers in a tone that suggests that it's a joke, but his face tells another story. "You know, in the hubbub, with that holy woman breathin' down my neck, I felt like I was missin' somethin. Orug can't shut up about how it was a tall fellah... How the..." He gets up, looking more troubled by the second. "Is there anything else they've told ya?"

OoOoOoh Fraaaaankie??? Could you please give me a perception check?

In the Inn.

"We got a couple more barrels to bring on in, but we're gonna take a break, alright?" calls out a sturdy looking older man.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever, just don't go drinkin' from the barrel again. Don't think I'm dumb, you old geezer" replies the innkeeper.

Behind the Inn.

The soul-patched man tentatively looks around a corner. From Arnold and Marcus' point of view, it looks like there is at least one person back there.

Here's what we're going to do to adjudicate this. You two have missed out on the very obvious body language that he's about to murder a couple people with Frankie's rapier, a fact that makes me giggle to no end. So you two need to roll initiative. This isn't for a regular combat. If you beat our good friend soul-patch here, you will be able to, if you so wish to, warn the man who is about to get a foot and a quarter of halfling steel in his back. If you don't, well... You might be able to stop a second murder.

BBEG Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

Arnold draws his sword, wanting to shout a warning but stopped by a combination of being too slow and trying not to make the Chelaxian aware of their presence.

"As you are asking... I overheard that there were some suspicious tracks and questions about the amount of blood. Something about a slaughterhouse I think. "

She sighs.

"It is difficult trying to do justice and keep everyone happy at the same time. This is a difficult road you travel sheriff. I will pray for your successful journey. Now, I suspect that Frankie is growing restless and hungry."

She pauses. "Frankie, did you overhear anything else about the murder while you were trying to beg scones off the other tables?"

initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

"Lookout!" Marcus scrambles for his bow, mad at himself for not realizing what was going on sooner.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18 I'll add my luck in for +2 for a 20.

Frankie stops his game for a moment and taps his chin, doing his best to focus on the mission and not the half eaten pie almost within arms reach. "Well I did hear someone say they saw where the body was found.. in the field? And there wasn't much blood there, not near enough for such a gory act. They said they followed the trail back to a butcher's shop I think? I left for someone else's cookies at that point before I lost mine!"

Again, my apologies if you're in a hurry. :(

Back with the Sheriff

"I don't know, kid just polished off that apple pie I had offers the sheriff, clearly trying to fake some cheerfulness till he means it as he walks towards his actual office and begins grabbing some papers and buckling on a longsword. In a more serious tone, he continues "Who did ya talk with about that? I wanna talk to him. CLEM! CLEM, GET YOUR A... GET YOUR BEHIND RIGHT OVER HERE."

As Frankie goes to get up, he realizes that his rapier is no longer there. Simultaneously, a town guard comes rushing in. "SHERIFF? SHE SAYS SHE'S HEARING EYE-OH-MAYDAY'S VOICE 'GAIN. AND SHE'S GOT A MOB O' FOLK. THEY'RE LOOKIN' FER..."

He stops as he notices both Frankie and Fargrim.

"Well S+#@. They're lookin' for 'em an' others."
"Why?" asks Sherrif Luin.
"She's sayin' Eye-Oh-Mayday's told her they be agents of evil trying to free them Pathfinders."
"That's really convenient. Also Bueller, you are washing you mouth with soap when this is all done, you d... Potty mouth sonnov... Get Randy and Em. There's been 'nough of this holy vision stuff 'round these parts. 'Mam, if I could ask you to wait in the Inn so I can sort this all out?"

At the Inn or around it.

Frankie's Rapier vs Commoner: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 5 - 4 = 18
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

The blade cuts the old man, but does not end him, as he recoils back and cries out in pain. A cry everyone in the inn can hear. Panicking, the would-be killer drops the weapon and tries to make a run for it!

Frankie and Fargrim are too far away to be able to meet with the rest of you in time (I'm going to say they are at least five rounds away, assuming they run each round) but you do have two thirds the group. The choice is yours. Imho, I would prefer you all get a chance to whack the guy, but I'll defer to your preference.

Just to clarify, Falshin and Quentin are close enough to hear the cry of pain where we are currently?

Fargrim follows the sheriff out of the office.

"Frankie... Frankie... Don't you dare run off to see ....FRANKIE"

If Frankie runs for the battle, Fargrim will follow after him.
Otherwise, not knowing what the disruption is about, she will head for the inn as requested.

I'm not entirely sure how this will be working, but given that Marcus and I are near him, I assume he's within range of a charge.

Arnold rushes the attacker with a sword of his own, one a lot larger than Frankie's. "Are you all right?" The wayang calls to the old man. "Stay strong, we can patch you up once we subdue this scum!"

Masterwork Greatsword, Charge: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17
Damage: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Will also use my A Sure Thing trait for this. If he is evil, add a further +2 to that attack roll.

Frankie wouldn't know about his missing rapier, its been hidden away in his backpack. Hard to look like a kid with a rapier at your side I figured. I'm sure he'll notice though later when he sees it or if he goes looking for it when their cover is no longer needed.

Frankie looks around a bit surprise at what's going on Sense Motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7 "Someone's trying to free the Pathfinders? Aren't they here at the jail? Shouldn't we stay here ma?"

Yes, Quentin and Falshin both hear the cry of pain coming from out back. It's loud enough to cause a bit of a commotion.

"What now?" Quentin gets up to see what the commotion is.

If the consequences of waiting for the full group are solely narrative, Quentin can can take his time getting where he needs to be.

Falshin looks up at Quentin at the scream. "That sounded suspiciously like a cry of pain! I don't like this... We need to find th others." He immediately makes for the door and begins making his way towards the commotion.

Its more of a "There's probably going to be only one fight here so lets not deprive some of the joy of rolling damage."

It doesn't matter to me, Frankie isn't a combat type of rogue.

And Fargrim is not a combat sort of an inquisitor.

"I do hope not" she says to Frankie.

"But if they are, we don't want to be around here. "

She offers a quick nod of thanks to the Sheriff before grabbing Frankie and heading towards the inn.

"We'll see you later at the inn Sheriff."

OK. Then I guess it is 'as fast as he can.'

As he begins a hasty retreat, Arnold manages to score a hit. Dropping his stolen weapon, he almost manages to get across the street before whipping around at Arnold and Marcus.

"So be it Pathfinders" he snarls, whipping out a stick of ... Incense? "Let's see how you deal with this!"

Round 1

Falshin
Fargrim
Arnold
Soul Patch - 7 dmg
Marcus
Frankie
Quentin

Battle Map

Fargrim hurries towards the inn making sure Frankie doesn't get out of sight. Well, trying to.

She looks around for a moment to see where the Sheriff is.

Damage rolls?! *Spasms in excitement*

Arnold tries to remain wary of the incense and whatever threat it likely poses, but starts to become lost in the thrill of battle. "Stand down for a life sentence, keep this up for a much shorter one! The game is over, you've lost!"

Masterwork Greatsword: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
Confirmation: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

Damage: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Extra Damage: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Well... not sure that Falshin's actions will matter much after Arnold just critted the pants off the BBEG, but....

Falshin spots his companions in combat with the man they had been seeking and rushes over to join them! Double Move.

Posting from my phone, could someone move Falshin's icon to the square "southwest" of Arnold?

Moved you, it didn't look like you could go all the way to where you wanted, though.

Well... That was over fast.

Arnold's greatsword cleaves neatly into the man's heart. As he drops, he emits a painful wheeze; this man doesn't have much longer to live.

Stabilize?: 1d20 + 1 - 10 ⇒ (3) + 1 - 10 = -6
Stabilize?: 1d20 + 1 - 11 ⇒ (1) + 1 - 11 = -9

Unless anyone can stabilize him in the next 12 seconds, I'm going to call him dead.

***Barely a minute later.***

Fargrim and Frankie finally arrive upon the grisly scene; whoever this person was, he won't be available to answer your questions.

It also seems that a mob of townsfolk and other onlookers has grown, exhorted by the Iomedaen. The Sheriff seems hard pressed to contain them, and they are heading towards the inn's back streets, where you are.

You have a few moments to organize your thoughts and perhaps seek further evidence. Although, perhaps you have a pretty solid case as is?

I was planning on feeding him a potion of CLW, that would have taken slightly less than 12 seconds. Your call as to whether that would work. Also, where is the man who got stabbed? I feel like he could use one of those as well.

Heal: 1d20 ⇒ 2

Quentin approaches the scene and begins to desperately attempt to stem the flow of blood from the downed man's wounds. "Falshin, we need him alive to interrogate."

I believe Falshin or Arnold can do it faster than Quentin can get there.

Yes, Falshin can get to him next round and heal.

Falshin sees the man go down in a spray of blood. "No! We need him alive!" He rushes up to the dying man and places his hands upon him. Using his telekinetic powers, Falshin begins to knit together the ruptures of organ, bone, and tissue... Once that is complete he gives the man's heart a thump to get it pumping in the correct rhythm.

Kinetic Healer: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 If that's not enough to bring him to consciousness, then he will do it again.
Kinetic Healer: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Forcing 2 points of Burn into the man, giving him 2 points of nonlethal damage for each Hit Dice he possesses.

"Personally, I say the Chel can lie and bleed. However, I think that would just add to our problems here. We need to get him to the Iomadean." Marcus turns his attentions towards the man who was attacked in the alley. (The victim, not soulpatch.) He makes sure he's alive and looks to see what healing he might need.

After Falshin's first round of healing to get him stabilized, he would hold off further healing until the man was bound with rope or shackles.

"Exactly. Personal feelings aside, we have a mission here, Marcus. Three innocent lives hang in the balance until we can prove their innocence. And this man will do just that." Once the suspect was handled, he approaches the older man who was attacked. "Sir, as you can see I am a healer of Sarerae. She has gifted me with the ability to tend to your wounds if you would let me."

If the man allows him, Falshin places his hands upon the man and draws out the power of the aether, his hands begin to shimmer with a smoke-like white glow. The tendrils of aether seep into the man and seek out the severed arteries/veins, muscle tissue, tendons and begins to knit it all back together. It works speed up the process of red blood cell regeneration to bring the man's body back to strength. Sweat begins to bead upon Falshin's brow as his body strains to keep control of the conduit opened to the astral plane...

Kinetic Healer: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

"Wow Mom, what happened? Was there another adult fight? Who's that guy on the ground there? Cool sword!" He says pointing at the small, familiar looking rapier.

"That should be enough to prove our case," Arnold says grimly, wiping the man's blood from his sword with a rag and sheathing it. In a whisper he adds, "Think it's safe to come out as Pathfinders before we present this evidence? And that blade's yours, Frankie. Not quite sure how he got it, but he was trying to further implicate us."

Frankie cocks his head to the side and looks a bit closer "You sure? I don't remember having any swords... I've got a sweet wooden axe though!" Which he promptly pulls out of his backpack and starts waving it around in a mock sword/axe fight with whoever will participate.
Bluff: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

"On guard you evil swine! Desna the great butterfly in the sky will take you down!" Wooosh Wooooosh! Goes the axe as it is swung around awkwardly.

Frankie breaks character FOR NO ONE!

"Our own lives likely hang in the balance as well," Quentin says, worried, "Given the Iomedan feels about us. I would also like to know 'why,' honestly. Why kill innocent people simply to take a grudge out on the Pathfinder Society?"

"I have a feeling she may have a grudge, but I think she has likely been duped by this man laying in the street. He seems to have a great many people fooled."

"Put away the axe Frankie, before someone else gets hurt."

Fargrim rushes up to inspect the injured, starting first with the local, before moving on to the badly cut up man with the beard.

Will use CLW on the local if he is still injured, and once the sheriff is on the scene, happy to do the same on the assassin.

"Perhaps you should ask this man some questions Sheriff?"

Frankie gives Mom an annoyed look She never lets me have ANY fun! Just like Mom! Frankie stops his antics and puts his 'axe' through his belt and stands out of the way. Once the sheriff and the crowds start to show up he'll head over to them and start talking excitedly. "These guys just saved this poor old guy from this other guy! Stabbed him with a sword he did! I think he was trying to MURDER the poor fella!"

Diplomacy + Halfling Luck: 1d20 + 8 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 8 + 3 = 24

Falshin first attempt at healing stops the blood from pouring out and mends the man's heart. He is stable, for the time being.

The local man stumbles out from the side street where he was, accompanied by his partner. He has a nasty gash and seems to still be shocked by the events that just unfolded, but does not refuse Falshin's healing. "Good gods on high, Ah thought he was gonna kill me dead! Thank you and thank blessed Sarenrae!" he gushes, before taking a look at the prone form of the would-be assassin. "JASPER! GIT THE ROPE. Ah hope y'all don't mind me tyin' him up extra tight before y'all do anything else to him."

He and his fellow cartsman take great pleasure in tying him up with a knot that looks pretty nasty, as other pour on in, some from the Inn, others from the mob. It seems like tempers are running high, with the mob thinking that you are somehow here to free the Pathfinders and begin killing more inhabitants, and with the Inn patrons barking back, especially with Jasper and his once-wounded friend taking your defense, Jasper especially having none of their nonsense and threatening to crack some skulls. "Y'alls brains takin' a va-ca-tion or sum'thin?" roars the would-be victim. "Them folk saved me, and you! Yeah, you s%%# fer brains, y'aint even from her, Ah saw you in Renders the other day for the fair! Ah should shove this Chel's face up yer a%@~~@* you dumb f#%@ing c@!#%*$~$&!"

AS this is happening, the Chel regains consciousness. "F*+@ing PATHFINDERS! You watch, I'm getting out of this." He chuckles evilly, wincing as the extent to which the ropes are tied might be dislocating his shoulders. "It's not over till the Taldane lady sings."

Going to give you a few moments before the Sheriff and the Inquisitor arrive.

I was really hoping my diplomacy roll would have some effect on the crowd...

Edit: Okay, Frankie spends his time trying to calm the crowd with Diplomacy. Carry on.

It is, but I can't tell you the results just yet. Your words are being mulled over and will have their full effect once the Sheriff and Mother Corum arrive.

"Do they teach that laugh in some academy in Cheliax?" Quentin ponders as the assassin struggles against his ropes.

Somewhat more seriously, the occultist asks, "Do you have an ally coming to rescue you? Because otherwise, I think Jasper tied you rather tight."

Fargrim raises her hands for quiet.

"I think this town has seen enough death and killing recently. You there..." she says pointing to the two men who had just been attacked.

"Point out to the people who attacked you. And which weapon he used."

Hoping they will point out the Cheliax man and Frankie's rapier

She searches the crowd for the only man who had seen one of the previous assaults. "And you... do you see the man who did foul murder in the back of the inn? Is that man here?"

Here she is hoping he again points to the tied up man

"And all of you. Look at that weapon... It looks far too small for his size... it is almost like he is trying to FRAME someone."

She pauses, letting this sink in.

"Wait... the earlier murders, were they not also done with unusually small weapons?"

diplomacy - aid Frankie: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24