[PFS] Murder on the Throaty Mermaid (Inactive)

Game Master StephNyan

"Very well, Captain, as long as we have your blessing to conduct the investigation. You are captain of this ship, after all."

I've updated the Google Doc with every crew/passenger and some details about them, including Azuretta and Thanzeril's mutual alibi. I noted Anera's dislike of elves and Ulamon's sinking at the hand of Mordant Spire elves as potential motives. Please review and add anything else that you think pertinent.

Kolris decides to follow Azuretta's advice, and seeks out Anera for questioning.

You find Anera on the fore deck, where she stands looking out over the
water while fiddling with a black-bladed knife. The Taldan woman turns her head toward you as you approach, and there's a hard look in her eyes when they briefly rest on Kolris.

Kolris notices the hard look, but approaches full of confidence. "Ahhh yes, Anera, correct? I can see that you're not happy to see me. Answer my questions quickly and accurately, and you'll be rid of me soon enough."

He pauses, and lets his gaze travel across the water where hers previously wandered. He lets his eyes stay focused across the water as he asks, as if it's of little concern, but keeps his ears and peripheral vision firmly focused on her response.

"It's quite simple, really. Where were you during and after the attack by the aquatic elves, when Sephriel was murdered?"

does we smell here the same perfume?Does Anera carry a dagger?

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

@Tsakuris: You don't smell the same perfume now, but you did smell it with Azuretta around. Anera does have a dagger; it's the black-bladed knife she's currently holding.

Tsakuris may immediately read this:

Anera spits in front of Kolris's feet. "I turned in for an early night after falling ill shortly after supper, you elf scum. Now go bother someone else."

I believe, through my mission, that I also know this information. Checking to be sure.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

"Spare me your contempt; I simply don't care. I'm more interested in this," Kolris reaches out to grab her right arm, twisting it so the tattoo is fully exposed, "and why you think I should believe the word of a Woodbane Hunter in the wake of an elegant assassination. So let's try that again, and try to impress me this time. What were you really up to last night?"

Intimidate, inspiration: 1d20 + 8 + 1d6 ⇒ (11) + 8 + (1) = 20

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Tsakuris sees a tatoo in Anera's Forearm. He knows in some regions tatood are a way to concentrate magic, so, he decides to cast a Detect Magic spell and tries to check for any magic Item in the room, including the tatoo.

I hope my friends knows what that tatoo means

@Talathel: You do.

Anera gives Kolris an ice cold stare. When she answers it's through gritted teeth. "I. Was. In. Bed."

She yanks her arm free and points her dagger at Kolris. Her other hand goes to the handle of the short sword at her hip, but she doesn't draw the sword. "Now leave me be, elf scum. I didn't murder anyone on this ship, but you may be the first if you harass me again."

Tsakuris doesn't sense any kind of magic coming from Anera's tattoo, but there's a faint transmutation aura coming from one of her pockets.

sense motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

"You could at least try to be a bit more convincing in your tone... I believe the phrase is, my dear, that 'I think thou dost protest too much."

do I believe her? whether or do or not, what was said stands...

bluff if nec: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Talathel's eyes widen as accusations are thrown everywhere.
"No one murdered anyone! Anera, we just needed to know."
He thinks to himself and adds.
"Well someone murder somebody, but we don't know who."
He smiles at Anera, hoping he hasn't ruined their standing.

Seijiro's a hundred percent convinced Anera speaks the truth.

Anera's expression softens a bit when Talathel speaks. She turns her head and speaks politely to him: "I did not kill the elf you were tasked to protect. I was in bed, like I said I was."

After turning her head so she can continue staring out at sea Anera nonchalantly adds, "Though the world becomes a better place every time an elf dies, so I sure don't mind his death..."

Despite the grave situation Talathel chuckles at Anera's comment.
"Who shall we go to next?"
He asks the group, convinced that Anera's innocent.

ma'am. You know, I always like to see magic items. Do you have any one I could see?

When the gnome chuckles at Anera's comment, Kolris looks down at him sharply. I didn't have him pegged as a bigot. Hmm, it takes all kinds. Well, he's a Pathfinder, and the mission must be completed; I can't make a fuss.

In answer to the gnome's question, Kolris suggests "Ulamon. His ship was sunk by Mordant Spire elves and he could barely contain his disgust over that at dinner. He's our only other obvious suspect. We should go find him next." Kolris looks up from the railing towards the ship's wheel, to see if the navigator is currently standing at his station. If so, he'll begin approaching him there; if not, he will head belowdecks to try to find the man in the crew quarters.

"Wow... lots of folks who don't like elves... I don't see the problem with them myself." he shrugs.

Anera frowns at Tsukaris and answers with a blunt "No."

Kolris sees Ulamon's currently at his station, manning the steering wheel. When Kolris approaches Ulamon the navigator nods in the elf's direction. "Evening..."

Tsakuris concentrates his magic on the item Anera carries. He tries to identify it

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Tsakuris is able to identify the item in Anera's pocket as a vial containing oil of magic weapon.

"You questioning everyone?" Ulamon asks Kolris, meanwhile looking at a sea chart he's holding.

"Indeed." Kolris replies. "Although I'll not try to delude you that you are like all the others. Given your prior experience with the elves of the Mordant Spire, you must understand that you have more motive than almost any other on this ship." Kolris states this in a very matter-of-fact manner, without the outright accusatory tone that he took with Anera.

"Can you account for your whereabouts during and after the attack?"

This is going to be interesting

i hope you can answer us fast. This is a long night and I need a good rest

Ulamon nods affirmatively. "Yes, I was sleeping after I'd finished setting a new course with Captain Veane."

You know for a fact Ulamon wasn't on deck at the time of the attack, considering that's where the battle moved.

Does he lies us?
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (14) + 0 = 14

"Is there anyone who can attest to your whereabouts, anyone who saw you go to your bunk, perhaps?"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

Seijiro watches the others interrogate Ulamon with interest, but has little more to offer himself. He does watch intently for signs that the fellow might be lying.

sense motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

It's obvious to Tsakuris, Kolris and Seijiro that Ulamon's telling you a partial truth. He may have gone to bed after setting the ship's course, but that's not all he did.

"The captain can confirm I was with him," Ulamon replies to Kolris.

Seeing the doubtful looks on the other people's faces Talathel speaks up.
"Are you sure you have said everything? I'm not so sure you have told us the whole truth..."

well observed, Thalathel. I also have the impression he doesn't has tell us the truth

It seems Tsakuris wants to be listened by Ulamon

"I heard someone leave their bunk at night while I was in bed, but I have no idea when exactly or who."

You'll have to roll new sense motive checks if you want to use the skill on this bit of info.

sense motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Seijiro listens and observes intensely regarding this latest statement, but cannot discern the man's veracity. He scowls in frustration as he accepts the statement as given and finds it only muddles the playing field.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

"Who all sleeps in your bunk area?"

Seijiro and Kolris have no idea if what Ulamon says is truthful or isn't.

"Uhm, everyone but the captain does," Ulamon informs you.

Sense motive: 1d20 ⇒ 13

"Who were in their bunks when you went to sleep?"
Talathel asks Ulamon.

Talathel is more perceptive though. He instantly knows Ulamon's lying when he says he heard someone else leave their bunk at night. Talathel's even got a hunch it was Ulamon himself who got out of bed.

Ulamon shrugs in response to Talathel's question. "Everyone I think."

"You know... I hope Veane is punished harshly for this crime," Ulamon says out of the blue, with a hint of frustration in his voice. "I'm sure Marzack would make a better captain."

Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 11

What do you have against Veane?

Just like Talathel, Tsakuris knows Ulamon was lying about someone else leaving their bunk at night.

"I specialize myself in navigating, but with Captain Veane there's no way for me to move up in the ranks. I feel like I'm being pigeon holed due to my specialization, which isn't fair."

Ulamon nods in Marzack, who's at the main deck, his direction. "I believe he'd make for a better captain, who gives me a chance to move up."

Talathel's eyes narrow.
"You sir, have just cornered yourself!"
The small gnome pokes the man in his chest.
"You did it. You've been lying to us from the start! You have been telling us half truths and now you tell us you'd rather have another captain. You better start talking now, the whole truth, and be done with it."
Forch walks over to Talathel and starts growling at the man, backing Talathel up.

Kolris takes a half-step back upon hearing Talathel's accusation, his hand slipping down to his sword. "Sharp observation, my short companion. That does fit."

Kolris returns his attention to Ulamon. "I think you had better start talking very fast. If we're wrong, you have a very small window of time to convince us of that before we send for the captain and get you in chains."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Intimidate: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20 + 2 if from Cheliax = 22 (due to parade armor)

Kolris keeps alert to any sign that Ulamon might run.

Seijiro watches the proceedings avidly.. and when an accusation is made, lofts a brow, wondering how Ulamon might react. Even though he is well guarded by others, the kitsune quietly pulls out his sap, ready to knock the fellow out if he tries to run.

Ulamon takes a step back when Talathel accuses him. When Kolris puts pressure on Ulamon the navigator starts sweating. "You have no proof to back up these accusations!"

Before you can press the navigator further a tolling bell sounds from the Throaty Mermaid's deck, and the entire ship jolts to life as though awakened from a startling dream. Crew members rush between cabins and up and down the narrow stairs between decks. Captain Veane rushes out of his cabin and toward the stairs.

"All hands to storm stations!" the captain calls into the
ship's bowels. "We got ourselves a mean one comin’!"

He turns toward you and yells. "We be needin' yer help too, landlubbers!"

You have 5 rounds to prepare yourselves for the incoming storm, which will last a certain amount of turns and will throw random events your way. Possible actions include casting spells, tying yourselves to the ship, or securing loose objects on the deck. Creative solutions will be awarded when applicable to what happens during the storm.

I've rearranged you on the map based on your conversation with Ulamon. Feel free to place your token elsewhere if it's not where you want to be during the storm.

Seijiro will move to help secure loose items on deck... anything that might be lost in a storm or create a danger to those working on deck during the storm. since he's got prof. sailor as a skill, I assume he knows his way around a ship and can at least identify items that need to be secured.

Who is going to push Ulamon off of the ship? >:)

Talathel glares at Ulamon.
"All the evidence points towards you..."
He grabs a rope out of his bag and ties himself to the nearest post. Having 50 ft of rope should save him from falling off of the ship.

Not sure what we can do during these rounds?

"This isn't over..." Kolris' voice trails off as he reaches into his vest, pulling out a small flask. He keeps his eye on Ulamon as he sips down the small draught of liquid.

Drinking Heightened Awareness extract

Not really an expert on ships, Kolris looks around for something on deck that he can use to stabilize himself. Feeling the castle railing at his back, he snugs in tight to the mast, wedging himself between the two, hooking one arm around the mast and the other entwined into the railing.

Profession (sailor): 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (14) + 0 = 14 untrained with Breadth of Experience

Feeling somewhat secure, he tries to both keep an eye on Ulamon and stay alert to danger from the storm.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Tsakuris is not used to storms. The only ones he has seen before are the sand storms in the osiriani dessets, where the best thing you can do is take shelter and wait.

He think about follow thalantell example and ties himself to a post, but he doesn't like the idea, so, he decides to go downstairs and check the cargo is secured and won't move when the storm arrives

While Seijiro secures loose items with his rope, Talathel secures himself and his wolf with his own rope. Kolris uses a spell to heighten his senses and wedges himself in between the mast and railing, and Tsakuris moves belowdecks to check on the cargo.

Murdoth's been absent for over a month. I removed her from the game.

You had 5 turns to prepare, and during the 6th turn the storm 'acts' after you. I assume there isn't anything more you'd like to do during your 6th turn, considering there isn't much more to do. So moving on...

1d10 ⇒ 1

Some more time passes without anything actually happening.

Guess we'll move straight on to the next round.

1d10 ⇒ 6

The steering wheel spins out of control, lurching the ship to one side. Talathel, his wolf, and Kolris are safe due to being tied down or holding on tightly to the mast and railing. Meanwhile Seijiro and Tsukaris have trouble staying on their feet.

Until the ship is brought under control all non-flying and non-tied-down characters must make a DC 15 Acrobatics check each round to avoid falling prone. Anyone who succeeds at a DC 14 Strength check while adjacent to the wheel on the aft deck ends this effect.

Round 8:
Seijiro
Tsukaris
Talathel
Kolris
Storm

acrobatics dc 15: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Tsakuris is checking the cargo when a strange turn makes him to loose his balane and falls prone

Str check: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (15) - 1 = 14

Talathel, safely tied down, throws his body into the wheel and it stops turning. He rubs his should, which is later definitely going to be bruised.

Seijiro manages to stay on his feet, but belowdecks Tsakuris goes prone.

Talathel's able to throw his body into the wheel and stops it from turning.

1d10 ⇒ 2

There's another moment of calm, giving Tsakuris a chance to get back up.

1d10 ⇒ 8

A large wave hits the ship and again the steering wheel spins out of control.

Same checks as before. Not a lot of variety here with the rolls I'm making.

Round 10:
Seijiro
Tsukaris
Talathel
Kolris
Storm

Str check: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (20) - 1 = 19

Talathel throws himself against the wheel again, this time nearly breaking off one off the handles.
"Hooooold oooooon~!!!"
He yells to the others through the storm.