DM Rah's "Murder on the Throaty Mermaid" (Inactive)

Game Master Kobash

Chamius, I'm going to move this along for now. Don't worry, there will be time to work on missions.

About a week out from Magnimar, on the open waters of the Arcadian Ocean, the Throaty Mermaid finds unexpected trouble...

On the night of the seventh day Johendar is taking his turn in the crow's nest. Chamius, having no luck trying to chat with the elves, is sitting up there with him, plotting a heist. Both suddenly notice shapes slip over the railing of the ship below and start to move towards the forward cabin. As they near a lantern they are revealed to be blue-skinned elves. They have weapons in hand, and seem to be up to no good.

INITIATIVE - Surprise Round!
Chamius <=UP
Aquatic Elves
Johender

MAP linked above.

Johender smiles. "Great minds think alike. I was contemplating something similar. Let us figure out when she is in the galley and where he quarters are. To answer your question, I can sneak when needed."

Perception on cook's habits/quarters local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Diplomacy (gather info): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

Ninja'd! Had to step away while working on my post. Get'em Chaim!

"TO ARMS, ALL! ATTACKERS ON DECK!"

If Chamius is actually up above, he'll cast a quick spell to draw the elves' attention. Casting hypnotism, DC 14 Will save, affects 2d4 ⇒ (3, 1) = 4 levels of creature.

Hypnotism has a casting time of 1 round, so it will complete on your next action.

One of the elves turns and hurls a javelin up at Chamius, but the weapon flies off into the darkness. Another opens the door to the forward cabin, allowing 2 others to rush inside.

Chamius completes his spell and the elf that threw the javelin relaxes and stares up at him with a blank look on his face.

Javelin at Chamius: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 3 - 4 = 0

Will Save vs Hypnotism: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Will Save vs Hypnotism: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

INITIATIVE - Round 1 (keep in mind all PCs in the cabin were resting and should be prone and outfitted appropriately.
Johendar <=UP
Klaidingo <=UP Prone
Barley <=UP Prone
Chamius <=UP One elf hypnotized
Hale <=UP Prone
Kryssa <=UP
Aquatic Elves

"Ohhhp!", Barley had been snoring comfortably in his ceremonial silks, "WHAT!". ::SLAM!:: He spins off the hammock and onto the floor, still trying to figure out the floor from ceiling as he stands.

Stand up, grab nearest weapon in the dark:
Katana +2 (1d8+2/18-20/x2)
Kusarigama +2 (1d3+3/x2)
Nunchaku +2 (1d6+2/x2)
Sai +2 (1d4+2/x2)
Wakizashi +2 (1d6+2/18-20/x2)
Ranged Blowgun +2 (1d2/x2)
Ranged Shurikens +2 (1d2+2/x2)
1d8 - 1 ⇒ (7) - 1 = 6

Blowgun!

LOL. I can imagine him swinging it like a katana.

Klaidingo tosses and turns in a dream like torpor he mutters in his sleep
"No Zarta, no... Yes Zarta, yes."

He awakes at the sound of the intruders entry and quickly tries to protect his most vital assets.

I need to remember that dream.

Klaidingo casts mage armor defensively DC 17

concentration: 1d20 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 2 + 4 = 24

Kryssa hears Chamius' warning and puts down her tools and reaches for her flail. With a small curse the sailor with a half-finished sea monster on her chest also jumps up and scurries out the door to head to whatever her station. With her flail at the ready, Kryssa heads above decks.

"Ocean's children, come a-calling, arms in hand and mayhem-bound/Spill their blood into the water, send them back into the sound!" Inspire courage.

Hearing Chaimus raise the alarm, Johender stays in the crow's nest amd tries to snipe with his bow.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Can't see map atm. If within 30', please add in +1 for PBS. Targeting non hypnotised elf.

How high is the nest? What does it take to climb down?

Hule not Hale stands and throws a punch at the elf near the center of the cabin. "I'm not done sleepin'!"
punch: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18, damage: 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
probably +2 for flanking with Kryssa

Oops. Sorry Hule. I have a template for group rolls and must have mistyped. I'll fix that. Busy today, so might not be able to update until later. Also, can't adjust the map at the moment but Kryssa was below decks tattooing a sailor. She will arrive topside next round. Last, I placed Chamius in the crow's nest with Johendar since they were talking and Chamius stated he stays up late.

As those in the forward cabin prepare for a fight Johendar wounds the elf outside the door with a well-aimed arrow and Chamius begins a rousing song to inspire courage.

Inside, Barley scrambles to his feet and avoids a thrust from a trident. Hule is stabbed as he tries to get to his feet, but returns the favor with a solid punch to the elf's midsection.

The elves then stab out again, injuring both Barley and Hule. Assuming Hule is not wearing armor.

AoOs for standing from prone.
Trident AoO on Barley: 1d20 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 4 = 12
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Trident AoO on Hule: 1d20 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 3 + 4 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Normal Attacks
Trident on Barley: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Trident on Hule: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Poison: if you are hit, please make a Fort save vs DC 13 (frequency 1/round for 6 rounds, Effect staggered for 1 round; Cure 1 save)

PARTY UP!

Hule gets stabbed twice and thus decides that stabbing is a pretty good idea. He picks up his sword and takes a swing.
Longsword, 2-handed, PA: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (14) + 5 - 1 = 18, damage: 1d8 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 3 = 9
Well, that's slashing, but still.

EDIT: I think I'll activate my Fast Healing judgement as well.

”Ooh!”,Barley whince at the wound, and manages to eek out,”Blue!”. Suddenly realizing that he was holding a hollow bamboo stick, he remembers the ninja creed - adapt, improvise, overcome (and stay hidden). Surrounding the elf with Hule, he whips the reed across sensitive parts.

Save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Imp Weapon: 1d20 + 3 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 3 + 2 - 4 = 15, damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 2 + (6) = 10

(Hule +2 flank)

Johender fire another arrow at the elf near the door.

Attack, Inspire, PBS?: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 22
Damage, Inspire, PBS?: 1d8 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 1 + 1 = 9

If he sees the elf go down, Johender begins climbing down from the crow's nest.

Climb check if needed: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

Climbing down from the crow's nest is not hard (DC 10), but it is 30' up and will take 3 move actions to climb down at normal speed. At a DC 15 you can make it down in 2 move actions.

Klaidingo, Kryssa, and Chamius are up.

Chamius maintains his inspiring performance and starts to climb down.

Climb check: 1d20 ⇒ 8

Make that tries to climb down.

Chamius, you can make 2 attempts per round to climb if that us all you are doing. You only fall if you roll 5 or less.

Second climb check: 1d20 ⇒ 11

Realized that Kryssa is still making her way topside. She arrives on the deck at the end of her turn this round and can act next round. That just leaves Klaidingo left.

Moving on. Placing Klaidingo in full defense.

Hule, picking up your weapon provokes an AoO.
AoO on Hule: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Hule grabs his weapon and takes another wound in the process, but it is not enough to stop him from giving the elf one in return. The elf staggers, then goes down from a blowgun to the temple.

The other elf tries to stab Klaidingo, but the tiefling easily evades the attack.

Attack on Klaidingo: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

From the crows nest Johendar puts another arrow into the elf at the door and he drops unconcious to the deck.

Chamius begins climbing down the rigging as Kryssa emerges from below decks.

INITIATIVE - Round 3
Johendar <=UP
Klaidingo <=UP Prone
Barley <=UP Prone
Chamius <=UP One elf hypnotized
Hale <=UP Prone
Kryssa <=UP
Aquatic Elves

Chamius, I think we forgot to roll duration for your Hypnotism spell.

Hypnotism duration: 2d4 ⇒ (3, 3) = 6

Climb: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Climb: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Johender tries to climb down, but gets stuck in the rigging.

Sure full d works

Can I ask why "Hale <=UP Prone"?

Hule, Copy-paste error. :)

But why am I prone?

Really bad copy-paste error. Here is an accurate version:

INITIATIVE - Round 3
Johendar Climbing down rigging
Klaidingo Full defense
Barley <=UP
Chamius <=UP
Hule <=UP
Kryssa <=UP
Aquatic Elves

Haha! Alright. Glad we got that sorted.
Hule steps up and swings hard at the remaining invader.
Power Attack: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (8) + 5 - 1 = 12, Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 3 = 15
Flanking?

The Taldan gets hung up briefly on his way back down to the main deck, but manages to get a little further down the rigging without falling. He continues his inspirational orations.

Climb check #3: 1d20 ⇒ 8
Climb check #4: 1d20 ⇒ 13

Kryssa charges the one living threat she sees after getting above deck.

No rage, charge, power attack against mr hypnotized

Attack+IC: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 1 = 16
Damage+IC: 1d10 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 7 + 1 = 18

Barley attempts to sweep the elf's legs out from under.

Trip: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Johendar and Chamius begin to make their way down from the crow's nest.

Klaidingo succeeds in avoiding injury.

Barley attempts to trip the elf, but fails badly and takes a deep wound when the elf takes advantage of his untrained attack.

AoO on Barley: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Poison: Barley needs to make a Fort save vs DC 13 (frequency 1/round for 6 rounds, Effect staggered for 1 round; Cure 1 save)

Hule swings at the elf, but misses. Klaidingo doesn't threaten and cannot provide flanking.

Kryssa charges across the decks and takes down the hypnotized elf before it can recover from Chamius' spell.

INITIATIVE - Round 4
Johendar <=UP
Klaidingo <=UP
Barley <=UP
Chamius <=UP
Hule <=UP
Kryssa <=UP
Aquatic Elves

Climb check: 1d20 ⇒ 5

Chamius falls the last ten feet to the deck.

Klaidingo summons forth a spear from the planks of the ship and attacks the sea elf.

attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Climb: 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 + 1 = 18

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 1 = 17

Johender climbs down further, then jumps the final bit, then moves toward the melee.

Chamius can attempt a DC 15 Acrobatics check to avoid damage from that 10 foot drop. It can be attempted untrained.

Untrained Acrobatics check, incl. ACP: 1d20 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (5) + 2 - 1 = 6

Nope.

Hule continues swinging like a barbarian and hoping for the best.
Power Attack: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (12) + 5 - 1 = 16, Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 3 = 13

Barley withdraws away from the elf and towards this gear.

withdraw

Johendar and Chamius reach the deck, one landing like a cat, the other like a sack of potatoes.

Dalling Damage to Chamius: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Barley retreats to get a real weapon while Hule presses the attack, giving the last elf a deep wound. Klaidingo sends a spear at him as well, but it misses.

Kryssa is up!

Kryssa rushes into the cabin and swings her mighty ball and chain at the last standing aquatic elf.

Attack+IC: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 7 + 1 = 26
Damage+IC: 1d10 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 1 = 16

Kryssa's attack kills the last elf where he stands.

COMBAT OVER

Captain Veane arrives topside with some of his crew, armed and ready for a fight but finding it already over.

"What happened?" Captain Veane demands, crossing to look down at the elf laying near the main mast. "Are these sea elves? Were they here looking for you Pathfinders?"

Hule ignores the captain for the present while he gets his wand and heals himself.
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Johender shrugs at the captain as he begins to search the elves. "I don't know. Has everyone been accounted for?"

Kryssa shakes her head, "There is no proof they were after us. My friends could simply be the first people the sea elves happened upon."

"Well they certainly meant business", Barley ladles out some water and flushes his leg wound.

Captain Veane says, "When you raised the alarm I headed straight down to muster the crew. Didn't see any trouble below, but haven't done a head count yet so can't say if all of them are accounted for." He looks at the men and women that arrived with him. "Marzack!" He calls for the first mate.

"Here!" Marzack replies from the hatch as he steps up onto the deck and approaches, a scowl furrowing his brow. "We got a problem Captain. I was checkin the ship and noticed the elf's cabin door was open. Someone's killed the envoy."

"WHAT!" Captain Veane pushes past his crew and hurries below uttering foul curses in Besmara's name.

Following along you soon come to the cabin where Sephriel and his bodyguard Thanzeril have been quartered for the journey.

Inside, the finely decorated cabin contains a brightly colored Qadiran rug, a small bookshelf, several storage trunks and barrels, and a modest bed. Lying face down on the ruffled, blood-soaked sheets rests the body of a tall, golden-haired elf in elegant bedclothes, his face covered in an intricately carved wooden mask.

Veane leaps toward the bed, checking the body for signs of life and knocking the mask away to reveal Sephriel's face staring off in a death gaze.

Chamius stares for a long minute, mouth agape, before closing it with an audible snap. "There goes our chance at any bonuses, hey?" He continues in a more serious tone. "Captain, it's your ship and all, but this is our business now. Whoever killed him will answer to us and our masters...and don't be thinking there's a hole deep enough to hide from them." He looks over at the rest of the party. "Did you leave any of those water elves alive to question?"

Kryssa blushes, "Uhm, I didn't."