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

Game Master Kobash

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Sense Motive: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (2) - 2 = 0

Seriously?

Did you reroll Barley's Sense Motive? 14

Barley, nope.

When Johendar and Chamius were plotting abovedecks, did either of them see anyone else in the time before they spotted the elves?

"Then why does your perfume linger upon the chamber?"

Barley, I need something to roll sense motive against and bluff is the best choice. Also, I don't see bluff as a skill used to lie. In this case it's manipulation based on untruth.

The elf glares at Hule, but seems wary of the dagger. "We are only four, and all are here. We never reached the envoy!"

Hule feels like the elf is being truthful.

Meanwhile, at the captain's cabin...

Azuretta arches an eyebrow at Barley's words. [b]"Whoever told you that was lying. I was in the forward hold, having polite conversation with Thanzeril. Ask him if you like. Or Snig. I'm sure he was only pretending to sleep.

[dice=Sense Motive]1d20+5
1d20

Barley is unsure if she is telling the truth.

Chamius, you remember Azuretta came out of the captain's cabin and headed below decks a little while before the attack.

Barley continues his "conversation" with Azuretta...

"I suppose that is because I met Thanzeril in the elves's cabin before we had our little chat." Azuretta smirks at Barley. "Now, did Thanzeril really tell you he wasn't with me? Because I'm sure if you used that perceptive nose of yours you might smell a lie."

Meanwhile, in the cargo hold, Velagon recounts his memories of the night...

"I was on my bedroll down here," The collector says to Kryssa. "Kept waking up because of foot traffic to and from the forward hold, but could't see who it was from here. The only people I did see were Kilik and Marzack. They came down together and took a look briefly at my rust monster. They whispered something to each other, knelt down in front of the creature, then left, heading back upstairs. Sorry I can't tell you more, but I was tryin to sleep."

Up with the aquatic elves, Hule continues his interrogation...

"Your people are the only enemy we saw." The elf says.

Hule puts away his whip and dagger. "Enjoy your stay, elf. You've earned another breath. Don't make me change my mind."

Hule walks about the ship, listening to the others talk and taking special notice of how each may or may not be armed.
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

As Barley is talking to Azuretta, Captain Veane brushes by and enters his cabin.

Hule returns to the main deck Hule where he notices Barley talking with Azuretta over near the Captain's door and the First Mate Marzack overseeing a couple sailors who are swabbing up the blood from the attack and pulling grapples from the railing.

Klaidingo mentions to Kryssa that the wererat could also be a suspect.

Hearing Velagon's story, Kryssa goes to check the rust-eater's cage to see if there are any remnants of whatever someone might have left there.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

After her search, Kryssa passes the info she got from Velagon to Klaidingo and the rest of her Pathfinder clan.

Kryssa finds nothing unusual near the rust monster's cage.

Kryssa finds nothing unusual near the rust monster's cage.

The dice... they are trying to kill me.

"Thanzeril was babbling quite at bit", Barley says evasively, -And you saw Snig that was down there the entire time?

Barley with Azuretta...

"Well, I didn't actually see him." Azuretta says of Snig. "But I can't remember the last time I saw that strange little man away from his hidey hole, so I'm only assuming he was there."

"Thank you my lady", Barley sets off looking Snig.

Chamius takes the opportunity to tag himself with his wand, curing the damage inflicted by the fall. Then he goes looking for Killik.

Perception check, if necessary: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

CLW from wand on self, 46 charges remaining: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Barley descends into the bowels of the ship and makes his way to the Forward Cargo Hold. The small space is full of barrels, crates, and burlap sacks. The room smells of a mix of wet animals and a heady perfume, and a nest of tattered rags and straw lies crammed in the prow of the ship. Moving closer to the nest Snig's rat-like human face pops up to peer curiously from the shadows.

Meanwhile...

Chamius finds Killik in the Crew's Cabin, resting in his cot, staring into space and ignoring everyone.

"Killik, I have a small favor to ask of you, for which I'm willing to make an offering to the Pirate Queen. You being a fine healer and all, I'd like to get your opinion of how long a body's been dead. Interested?" The bard watches Killik's reactions closely.

Diplomacy check: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25
Sense Motive check: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

Johender wonders down to the scene of the murder and takes a look around.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Untrained Heal: 1d20 ⇒ 15

To Chamius, Killik has only two words. "5 gold."

Johendar takes a look around the scene of the crime but finds no new clues.

The Pathfinder wordlessly passes Killik five gold pieces, then looks expectantly at the priest.

"Ah. You are Snig, yes? I am Barley 川から流木 and I am attempting to help your kind captain. Would you mind assisting me by telling me what you may have heard or seen during the misfortune?"

Killik swings out of his hammock, opens a small chest at the foot and drops the gold inside. He then leads Chamius to the elves' cabin, where Johendar is already looking things over. Ignoring him, Killik inspects Sephriel's body with a very clinical detachment.

"Looks like dagger or shortsword work." He touches some of the blood splattered on the floor and rubs it between his fingers. "Can't say for sure, but it might have happened before the attack."

"You have any suspects?"

1d20 ⇒ 8
Johendar Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 20

Meanwhile, Barley questions Snig in the Forward Hold...

"I was here during the attack." Snig says from his nest, trying to avoid meeting Barkey's gaze while keeping to the shadows. "Didn't even hear it really over the sounds of Azuretta... Uh... working."

"Was it Killik she was with?", once answered, Barley moves on, "If it would not offend you, I will offer you a reward to help me - say 10 gold pieces. And excuse my ignorance if this is false - are you able to communicate with other kindred creatures on this ship? My thoughts are, perhaps they heard or saw something?".

Bluff: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
gold Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

"Killik? No, no. She was with one of the elves. The bodyguard." Snig explains.

When asked about the rats aboard ship, Snig gets agitated, withdraws deeper into his nest and refuses to talk anymore.

No luck with 24?

"Come now Snig, you want to help the captain right? And help yourself, I don't want to have to tell the others that you ran off and disappeared when asked about a murder. Come out and talk like men."

Snig hisses from the darkness.

You had him until you mentioned the rats and his connection to them.

I suppose Klaidngo will go and interrogate Azuretta.

"interrogate"

Hule tries to get an idea of who might be carrying daggers aboard the ship.
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Hule, the majority of the crew has one, and some have more than one.

Klaidingo, you believe Azuretta is in the captain's cabin (she shares the space with the Captain). The door is currently closed.

Also, a note for everyone: it is currently the middle of the night and most of the crew are heading back to bed. This doesn't mean you can't continue finding and questioning people, but fatigue will eventually set in.

I *did* forget it was night. Good call.

I suppose I will go sleep under the stars.

Barley reports back to the other, relaying the story about Thanzeril, Azuretta and Snig. He heads back to the ambassador's room for another look - this time, for rat holes.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Returning to the scene of the crime, Barley finds Chamius and Johendar talking to Killik. Taking another look around the cabin, Barley finds a couple holes large enough for a small rat to pass through.

Aha... So, the miso soup thickens. Barley straps on his armor and weapons, then will spend time to see if he can trace a path back to Snig's spot, starting from the rat hole in the bedroom.

[Take 20 + 6]

Barley, I want to give Chamius and Johendar (and anyone else who wants to do something) time to post before continuing with your investigation.

Assuming Barley points out the rat hole.

Johender gets down on his belly and peers into the rat hole.

Chamius sighs theatrically. "A whole ship full of them, unfortunately. Any of you might have done it for the right price (no insult meant; we all know it's true, and it's nothing to be ashamed of), and the bodyguard didn't think much of the ambassador. How long ago do you figure he was done in?"

Kryssa grabs her bedroll and sleeps down in the cargo bay near animals and creatures... with an ear open.

"I told you." Killik says offhand to Chamius. "Around the time of the attack or before. Can't be certain. What are they doing?" He points at Barley and Johendar investigating rat holes.

"Looking for cheese", Barley answers a muffled reply, "At least Johendar believes my suspicion."

[still taking 20]

Barley finds a couple holes large enough for rats to pass through.

"You're thinking Snig might have done this." Killik says. "Hmm. Was thinking the same thing myself actually."

"Oh, you were talking about the attack from the sea. Sorry, it's too late at night for this sort of thing, hey?" The bard nods to Johendar. "Going to go see a man about a fish." With that, Chamius heads topside and goes looking for Ulamon.

"Evening, sir. Had a few questions, if you don't mind."

Perception check, if applicable: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Diplomacy check, if applicable: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

"Why would you suspect Snig?", Barley asks Killik.

Chamius finds Ulamon at the helm, looking over the area for any problems or damage suffered in the attack. The Bonuwat shaman gives a tired grunt, but nods. "I am tired, so make them quick words."

Meanwhile, Barley continues talking to Killik...

"He's a sneaky little bastard with an evil curse." Killik shrugs as if the answer is a forgone conclusion.

Barley suspects Killik might have a personal dislike for Snig.

Johender stifles a yawn and head back topside, looking for a place to lay out a bedroll.

"So am I. I'm guessing you've had the helm through--what is this, the dog watch? Did you see or hear anything out of the ordinary tonight besides the sea elves?"

Sense Motive to determine truthfulness: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

"I was sleeping when the attack happened. Only up here now to make sure the wheel and compass weren't interfered with." Ulamon tells Chamius. "Did hear someone get out of their bunk and leave the crew’s cabin at some point in the night, but didn't see who it was."

Chamius knows Ulamon wasn't at the helm that night, which is not unusual. He usually weighs anchor and sleeps when it is dark, and posts another sailor to watch the wheel if the ship unless the ship is in rough waters.