[PFS/Shifty]The Hydras Fang Incident (T4-5) (Inactive)

Game Master Nik B.

"Perhaps we should send someone around to cover any other exits there might be before rushing in? We know the guy we are looking for has a habit of causing as much trouble as he can to help him escape."

Without actually opening it, Ill test the door to see if its locked. Depending on what the party says about covering the exit, I will either wait or open it now.

Torrel tries gently turning the handle, the resistance he meets indicates to him that they have indeed locked it from within. The lock itself is respectable, though within the capabilities of a decent locksmith to deal with.

Disable Device: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28

All those long nights of breaking into crypts and burning and salting the remains of naughty spirits seems to have paid off, (unless the party just wants to rush in and ask questions later).

The sounds of things being moved and shuffled neatly masks the sound of the lockpicks and Torrel feels the tumblers fall into place and turns the lock over quietly.

Door is now just closed, but not locked

Searlas sighs. "Well Hariwini.... Stick close. Probably fly a bit above me and to the side... My face seems to attract arrows on these Pathfinder gigs." He bolsters his vitality with a quick surge of psychic power, then cracks the door quietly and peeks inside.

False life: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

-Posted with Wayfinder

"Eh, let's send our little friends to look for other exits, then we go in yes? Go on Polly, check for windows, doors, any other exits yes?"

Korug grips his polearm tightly, waiting for the time to rush in. "Ready whenever your little pets report back."

The familiar flies out and comes back around half a minute later, it doesn't seem to have made any headway in getting inside the building.

Looking at the nearby windows, they are closed and have bars where you are, so if that is the store room for valuables etc, its likely to be similarly protected from entry.

Korug throws caution to the wind and puts his shoulder into the door, despite it being unlocked.

-Posted with Wayfinder

The door swings open and you see four men in studded leather armour with bucklers and longswords, their nautical clothing cut with Chelish colours. One by the door is rumaging in a crate whilst the other three stand armed.

A teenage girl hovers over the bloodied corpse of a middle-aged merchant. Her silent eyes filled with tears, she mouths the word “daddy.”

Red is riflig through a crate

Surprise Round
Standard or move action only
Malachi
Searlas
Korug
Torrel

"Eh, we got trouble, yes?"

I think you can take a swift action during a surprise round? I know you can take free actions.

Malachi steps into the building, and flicks his wrist. A wand slips into his hand. Malachi speaks a command word. He drops the wand, and places both hands back on his hammer. Polly swoops in and lands on top of the wand.

Actions:
5' step = free
draw wand from spring-loaded wrist sheath = swift
cast Shield from wand = standard
drop wand = free
replace hand on polearm = free

I don't think I specified that Malachi's polearm (lucerne hammer) was wielded by default. It is usually carried openly and casually, ready for action. If that means I would have to declare that I am drawing it, that's OK. Malachi is always threatening.

Seems reasonable about the weapon - might need to think on that in 'polite company'. Swift actions in a surprise round are ok

This post comes pre-censored by Hariwini.

Searlas takes a (5-foot) step forward and immediately gets a knot in his stomach. Hariwini chirps loudy for a few seconds as Searlas opens his mouth. "-ll is going on in there?"

He sees a few dribbles of blood from his line of sight to the doorway, and the chelish guards standing at arms. His voice starts to waver,
not from fear but from some odd force he begins to channel. "You the murderers of the guards out front? Just be good lads and deal with your own sorry" <Loud chirping> " selves."

Casting Murderous Command on Green since I think he's the only one I can see. Will save DC 18 negates.

"Don't scare master! Scared master is dangerous!"

Searlas begins casting...

Will 1d20 ⇒ 1

The man glazes over a bit...

Seeing the small girl endangered does not sit will with Korug, as his tattoos and scars begins to glow white hot and his skin shimmers slightly. He stabs out through the doorway with his long blade.

Raging and under the effect of blur
Attack vs yellow: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 11 - 2 = 281d10 + 10 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 10 + 6 = 19
Confirm: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 11 - 2 = 161d10 + 10 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 10 + 6 = 22

Not sure if the doorway even allows me to attack, if not will drop polearm and draw greatsword.

The polearm would be subject to partial cover, but that's still a hit, and a conversion as they are FF still

Before they know what is happening, Korug lashes out and strikes a lethal blow at one of the pirates!

Torrel up

Sorry, for some reason I couldn't load any of my games last night, so couldn't post.

Staying back for the moment, Torrel will place a hand on his scarf, and simply calls out towards the young lady, "It's okay, little one. We are here to help"

Move Action to "arm" himself.

No problem :)
OK Round 1 begins!

R1
Malachi
Searlas
ENEMY

I had the same issue for a few hours last night. I think it may have been Paizocon related traffic.

Searlas walks forward into the room while breathing in deeply. He slowly breathes out as he calmly speaks. "Alright guys, we've got a job to do... Lass, keep calm and you'll be just fine."

An aura of calm seems to emanate from Searlas as he collects himself, followed abruptly by a sudden jolt of disjointed logic. His eyes looks as though they can bore holes...

Casting Id Insinuation I on Red. Will save DC 19 or be Confused until I stop concentration on the spell + 1 round.

"Let's see if we can keep one alive for questioning...

Will 1d20 ⇒ 20

The fellow seems to have other ideas...

Malachi takes up a defensive posture and moves into the vault, positioning himself between Red and the young woman. Provokes AoOs from all enemies if they have Combat Reflexes; not sure if you can take an AoO when affected by Murderous Command either.

"You scum think you're pirates, eh? Cap'n Malachi will show you to Besmara's bosom, yes?"

Actions: move 20', fight defensively, attack vs yellow with lucerne hammer. Polly picks up the dropped wand, and remains in the ante-chamber.

lucerne hammer vs yellow, FF: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 7 - 4 = 19
damage, sneak attack vs FF: 1d12 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (7) + 4 + (1) = 12

Current AC: 25

Interesting one on MC, it appears that on their turn they will attack their ally, but it says nothing about not attacking any other foes in the meantime or any other actions it can or cannot take until then, it's attitude to you is still hostile and you are still a valid target.

The Lucerne hammer streaks past Torrel and the cover of the doorway and manages to strike the unaware pirate... he remains standing though. Malachi then rushes the room.

1d20 ⇒ 11/1d20 ⇒ 1 - swinging swords mark his passing, but they have no luck striking the passing bird.

Moments after the bird flies past...

The chest rummager draws his sword and strikes at Malachi 1d20 ⇒ 1 who easily evades the blow.

The next pirate tries thrusting at the bird 1d20 ⇒ 12 but equaly finds it fruitless.

The third fellow then strikes at his friend 1d20 ⇒ 13 and the blow strikes home!
Damage 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 - the already wounded man succumbs to his wounds!

The girl shuffles out of the way and casts a spell on the defensive 1d20 ⇒ 13 covering most of the party in Grease!

R1
Korug (Grease DC13 save)
Torrel

R2
Malachi
Searlas (Grease DC13 save)

ENEMY
R 0
G 0
Girl 0

Reflex: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Searlas wobbles on his feet for a moment but keeps his footing. "Gah! And I was THIS close to burning some power to sense thoughts..."

"Girl is bad! Girl is bad!"

"No #^&@, Shaine!"

This time Hariwini is a little to surprised to censor the edgy half-elf.

Seeing the young lady seem to act against the party, then looking at Searlas, "Are you certain you know how to control that new magic?"
:)

He the draws his sling, and readies to send a bullet at the woman if she attempts to cast more spells their way.

Readied attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Still raging and under the effects of blur
Reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Korug starts to slip on the grease but uses his polearm like a cane to steady himself. He takes his time, carefully moving into the small storeroom before striking out at one of the burglars.

Acrobatics to move: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

Attack vs red: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 11 - 2 = 271d10 + 10 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 10 + 6 = 20
Confirm: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 11 - 2 = 131d10 + 10 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 10 + 6 = 19

Provoked a couple of AoOs. Also, the DC to cast spells defensively within my threat range increases by 2. I believe the girl would be impacted if she tries again.

"You make a BAD mistake, yes mammal? SQUAWK!!"

Full attack vs mage-girl, with rage.

brawler strike vs mage, rage: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 nonlethal
peck attack vs mage, rage, secondary: 1d20 + 8 - 5 ⇒ (19) + 8 - 5 = 22damage: 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 lethal

Current AC: 21

Searlas and his fine parrot debate the nature of the girl, and seem in agreement she is not friendly.

Torrel readies his sling, taking aim at her...

Korug moves his way in, the pirates lash out with their finely honed reflexes for combat at him!

R Attack 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
G Attack 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Damage 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
One of them slashes him as he passes.

He replies by felling a pirate!

Malachi manages to land two blows on the girl, who is clearly hurt, but still in the fight.

***

The girl draws a blade, and then begins casting at Malachi 1d20 ⇒ 18 - Torrel sends a stone hurtling at her but it goes wide, fire springs from her hands...

Scorching Ray 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Damage 4d6 ⇒ (4, 2, 3, 5) = 14

The other pirate steps to help!
Attack 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Damage 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Crit? 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Add Damage 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Luckily the Tengu has survived, for now!

R2
Korug
Torrel (5)

R3
Malachi (20)
Searlas

Girl 9
Green 0

Ouch! I think I did 12 damage to the mage altogether?

Malachi drops his hammer and goes full out on the mage.

claw, rage: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21 damage: 1d3 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
claw, rage: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23 damage: 1d3 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
peck, rage: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23 damage: 1d3 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

"SQUAAAWK!!!"

If that drops the mage I 5' step into the space she occupied, in order to provide a flank for Torug.

Also, I think firing a scorching ray counts as a ranged attack, which provokes an AoO from those of us that threatened the mage in melee? I'll roll in a spoiler in case.

Loading another bullet, Torrell takes aim by closing his eyes and imagining his foe, listening carefully for the sounds of steps, trying to let his faith guide his aim. Sometimes it works.

Sling vs Green: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Suddenly Night's Star takes flight, rushing just behind the remaining pirate. As soon as she is behind the foe, she quickly screams "Squeeee!", then returns to her perch on Torrel's scarf.

Malachi correct there, the Ray itself would provoke - so your strike hits and she is down, and yeah I misread your numbers

Malachi drops the girl with a well-placed blow, she is knocked out and bleeding.

Torrel has little luck with the stone, as the man moving around in combat makes him hard to hit without endangering your fellows...

I believe I took the 5 damage, not Torrel.

Not an action he takes lightly, Korug drops his trusty polearm and draws out a massive blade, before swinging it at the last foe standing.

Attack vs green: 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 10 - 2 = 202d6 + 9 + 6 ⇒ (5, 1) + 9 + 6 = 21

I was having quite the morning...

The last pirate is felled by a mighty blow from Korug.

The room is bloodied and the whole scene is one of carnage...

Out of combat

"Eh...eh...b#!~#...eh. You...eh...want to interrogate...her, eh? Best... break her hands... first... tricky b%*+@."

As Malachi recovers from his bloodrage, he flicks his (other) wrist and a second wand appears. Malachi activates the wand and his wounds begin to heal. Wand of Infernal Healing, I will burn two charges to fully heal over the next 2 minutes.

Malachi begins picking through the equipment and possessions of the fallen pirates, starting with the mage. "Eh, a little light over here, Torrel?"

perception, assuming bright light: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 14 = 26
Reduce result by 3 if we don't have bright light.

Then Malachi replaces his wands in their sheaths and recovers his hammer from the floor.

"Caw? CAW!"

Polly flies up to Malachi and perches on his shoulder, obviously concerned. She proffers the wand that she picked up, and shortly Malachi takes it and reloads it into a wrist sheath. As Malachi's wounds heal Polly visibly calms down.

Malachi starts looking about and examines the storage space the pirate was moving crates in and out of - he easily spots a trap door in the floor leading to what you presume is a basement.

To what he thinks happened here, by the (albeit bloodied) clothing, you suspect the dead man with a slit throat is Lubor, perhaps this is a negotiation that went bad. By the outfits on the thugs, these are Chelish pirates, Du Moire's men.

Anyone taking other action? :)

Korug slowly catches his breath as his tattoos begin to fade back to normal. He wipes off the blade of his sword before sheathing it and recovering his trusty polearm. He digs through his pack for a wand and a length of rope, before using the wand on himself. As Malachi searches the room, he ties up the girl and uses the wand on her as well, bringing her back to the land of consciousness. "So how about you tell us a bit about what happened here and who you are exactly."

Wand of infernal healing.

Korug finds the girls spell component pouch as he ties her up.
She has a dagger, and you note a quarterstaff nearby that is probably hers, a blank scroll is also found in her clothes..

You rouse the lady from her unconscious state, she looks around for a moment and her eyes turn spiteful as she calculates her position, she spits something clearly unpleasant in Kellid, staring at you defiantly.

On the four pirates - each had the following:
potion of blur,
potion of cure moderate wounds,
potion of darkvision
Studded leather,
buckler,
longsword,
composite shortbow,
quiver with 20 arrows,
backpack,
50 ft. silk rope,
a grappling hook,
signal whistle,
silver earring

Searlas makes a quick trip around the room, assessing all of the fallen foes and victims alike for signs of life.

Untrained heal is at +0, you can roll on my behalf as needed.

Linguistics to discern the nature of the vulgarity: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 33

"All right ma'am. I'll admit you got me for a moment, but as it stands your compatriots lasted a whole quarter minute against me and my compatriots. Now we have a couple circumstances to deal with here... the most immediate being the murders that appear to have taken place here, and the most pressing being the potential war that may be starting. We can deal with you either as a robber and a murderer or we can deal with you as a prisoner of war. First option is you assist us as we deal with this potential war. We can turn you over to the local authorities once our business is completed where in all likelihood a person of your capabilities will get a nice nap before making a daring escape into the night. Alternatively we can take you as a prisoner of war and bring you back to Andoran where you'll likely be promptly executed. If you wouldn't mind making yourself useful quickly, that'd be wonderful."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28

During this... dissertation, Searlas focuses on her eyes and begins to scan for surface thoughts, digging deeper and deeper as he continues.

Using Detect Thoughts, DC 18

Searlas is pretty sure it is something to do with crossbreeding a mammoth and a goat, and not in a good way, perhaps she thinks your collective ancestry is 'suspect'.

Will 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

The woman seems unswayed by being offered what amounts to a death sentence for complying, or a death sentence for not complying - "I suppose all I can do is stall them then, until the information is no longer relevant. If he takes me to Andoran it's by sea, and Du Moire can stage a rescue. If he dumps me here it's just a matter of coin...".

"Oh I'm in such pain, I can't think" she offers in feigned helplessness.

"If that is how you wish to be... well... prisoner of war it shall be. We're not far from Absalom, and I'm sure we can convince the master of spells that we can afford having you teleported to a lodge in Andoran and escorted from there."

He thinks for a moment then adds. "Yes, I'm sure Colson would be more than happy to assemble a small retinue to accompany you on the final leg of your journey. For the better anyways... pathfinders are more difficult to bribe than local constabulary."

He smirks. "Our prices are much too high."

"Good, I have time then"

"Eh, just kill her and have done with it, yes? She's not worth mercy. She wouldn't give you any. Where's the booty, eh?"

Malachi has no care for the prisoner, and begins looting the dead unceremoniously. Taking one of each potion, a silk rope and grapple, and an earring.

Laying a hand on Searlass shoulder, but looking at the young woman in the eye as he speaks, "Perhaps a different approach is in order, my friend.", interested in seeing how the good cop, bad cop routine might go here.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

"This need not, after all, be about punishment. Perhaps we could all work together for mutual benefit. We seek Mr. Darsielle Du Moire, yes. He is our target, for his many crimes. The way I see it, once we capture him, if he is wise enough to be taken alive, and we shall, the Hydra's Fang will need some direction. Someone more wise that it's previous Captain, someone who knows who not to piss off."

"Maybe, if we can pull a few strings in the Society, the Hydra's Fang will not be scrapped, and the Society gets a new ally and friend out there on the open seas. Perhaps even one,. . ." nudge, nudge "with a bone to pick with Cheliax for what happened to their last Captain."

"Eh? What are you talking about Torrel? The Hydra's Fang will be mine! Not this idiot's! Kill her yes?"

Searlas shrugs. "Eh, forget it. Turn her over to the local authorities quick as possible. She's just stalling for time and hoping Du Moire rescues her if we drag her out to sea with us as a prisoner. Just make sure she has no coin on her person to use for a bribe and let 'er rot."

Torrel, Diplomacy was looking a bit iffy - but you have people openly talking about killing her anyway, so the odds of her talking are pretty much nil, she's a bit busy watching the Tengu

She remains silent.

She seems resigned to a prickly fate, but there is at least an upbeat note to her emotions "The longer they debate, the further away he gets"