GM Bold Strider's PFS 01-31 Sniper in the Deep (Subtier 5-6) (Inactive)

Game Master rpblue

Adril Hestram, a venture-captain with a severe face and an even more severe disposition, stands with his eyes locked in a gaze of professional appraisal, his hairy arms folded tightly over his powerful chest. Finally, after a long moment, he heaves a weary sigh, allowing his shoulders to slump as if defeated, and says, “All right, fine. I don’t have time to be picky. I need you to go to the Lusty Mermaid in the Docks. One of our Pathfinders, an aging man by the name of Airk Jarigan, hasn’t reported in for two weeks. He’s supposedly close to finding a priceless Andoren artifact called The Sniper, lost right here in Absalom, or so he’s been claiming. As the sun isn’t even up yet, he’s probably still asleep. I need you to go down to the Mermaid, drag Airk out of bed, and find out why he hasn’t been reporting in. More importantly, I need you to get that artifact. You’ll recognize Airk by a gold amulet he always wears around his neck. It’s of an owlbear clutching an amethyst. He should also be with his protégé, a whelp by the name of Dargo Mar. That’s all. What are you waiting for?”

"Alright... anything more we should know about this 'Lusty Mermaid' or Airk before we go?"

"Don't trust anyone. Now get a move on!" Venture-Captain Hestram bellows before pushing you out onto the street in the wee hours before dawn. The door slams behind you.

dot

Dotting in the name of My Lady.

o

Will do Quarr hops off of his chair. His dark purple wings give a small twitch as they furl around him inside of his cloak. Seeing his companions gaze he offers a hand. Greetings I am Quarr He says in a higher pitched voice. Pointing a thumb at his wings. Long story but it seems that the Ruby Sage gave me a small portion of power while I was under the effects of my mutagen. It seemed to have caused a whole new mutation.

.

Varian, please report to the Discussion tab and get me a little information before we start, so I can GM a bit better! Much appreciated!

Everyone has checked into the thread, thus we are on track to start on the 15th without a problem!

The darkness has melted away, leaving Absalom in the gray grip of dawn. Rolling in off the sea, a chilling fog hangs thick in the air like a cold, pale wraith seeking to steal warmth from the living. Cries of seagulls pierce the otherwise dull stillness of the Docks. A dim yellow light spills from the stained windows of the Lusty Mermaid. The front door opens with a moan, and inside sits a scattering of fisherman, returned from a predawn haul. The overwhelming stench of raw fish clings to these men, and it mingles with the savory aroma from the pot of stew hanging above a snapping fire in the hearth. The proprietor, a greasy-looking human with thick arms and an even thicker belly, looks up from behind the bar and says, “A little early for customers, idn’t it? I have stew cooking, but that’s it. If yer lookin’ fer enthin’ else, ya best shove off.”

The Lusty Mermaid is a disreputable inn located in the Docks district, owned and operated by a shady human named Larro. The fishermen currently inhabiting the inn are regulars. When you first enter, you are treated with cold indifference by the locals.

"We are looking for Arick or Dargo. Don't suppose you could help us out with that could you? I'm sure we could make it worth your while," the dwarf grumbles as he pulls out two gold pieces.

Andwewillhavesomestew! Quarr says quickly and excitedly as he digs out another coin.

The Pathfinders have noticed that one of their fellows does not seem quite right. He appears a ferocious, possibly mentally unhinged tiefling with wild, bestial eyes. Though he exhibits the infernal characteristics typical of his kind, he also appears draconic element.

Though he tries to focus on their assignment, but has had some difficulties.

Listen to me, and you will take power from others...beyond your wildest imagination...none shall stand in your way!

No...do not listen to him, Insidion...there is another path...one where you control your own destiny...

The tiefling appears, at times, to be possessed, and has had some episodes on the way to the inn. His erratic behavior is unnerving, and his shifty eyes stare at the others for a moment, though he does not appear to see them.

Shortly before arriving at the inn, he shook his head wildly and seemed to come to himself.

Now, he looks darkly at the inn's inhabitants, awaiting their reply.

Once at the tavern Pandora observes all the corners of the room looking for detail and hints of the people the Pathfinder Society is looking for.
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Standing just at Hagrym's back, the woman reinforces the inquisitor's statement "He has left a job half-done, we need to need why and help him complete it. Have you heard anything about him recently?"
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25

Pandora tries to remember herself any useful information about Arik and Dargo, and the Sniper itself.
K. nobility: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
K. local: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
K. arcana: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Varian keeps a close eye on Insidion, not entirely trusting the possessed tiefling... he seems most distracted by the fellow's strangeness.

Back before the Pathfinders head out, a young man with long brown hair and a light beard bows. He dresses in green armor, with a tabard of blue, an open hand surrounded by yellow daffodils in the center. "I am Sir Tristan Elsid Calidore, of the Cassomir Tilernos's. I am humble knight in service to two great ladies: the Eternal Rose, My Lady Above, and the Glorious One, My Lady Love."

---------------------

Sir Tristan gives a casual salute to the proprietor, his demeanor suddenly becoming far more informal as he leans against the doorframe.

"Certainly, it would be simpler to allow us ingress, proprietor? We are Pathfinders, after all."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (19) + 16 = 35

Insidion makes an obvious effort to change his threatening sneer into an unsettling smile. Though he does not appear friendly, it does seem to be enough.

Good job, tiefling. From here that looks good.

aid diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

The innkeeper ladles some stew from a boiling vat behind the bar and puts it on the table in front of the gnome. Roughly carved wooden spoons sit in a small cylinder on the bar just in front of Quarr.

As Hagrym mentions of both Pathfinders, the mood in the inn suddenly drops. What once was an atmosphere filled with crass and loud conversation becomes eerily silent, almost to the point of a simmering hostility.

The greasy man behind the bar scowls. "Ain't heard of either man. Now either get stew or drink or get the hell out of my inn." he sneers at the Pathfinders.

Not one to easily back down, Insidion strides into the inn.

"Mmmmm...stew. Just what I've been craving," he says as he takes a seat at the bar. He throws some coin down in front of him.

perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Pandora notices the fisherman wearing the gold pendant and makes a cryptic sign for the group to notice.
Bluff (secret message): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32

She then walks to a table next to the man and asks for something to it pointing the table for the party to join.

While the waiter comes with the order she sensually lets her half-skirt to open and turns to the fisherman with a kind and open smile "Nice pendant" holding the sight with her pale grey eyes for a second she adds "I am sure it was a prize for your manhood, did not it?"
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19

"Payment for some debts, is all." the man shrugs as he keeps eating his stew.

Sense Motive 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (4) + 14 = 18

Oblivious to what was going on, Hagrym continues talking to the bartender. " Arick or Dargo. Do you know when they will be back? I've got it on good information this is their haunt."

"Wow, that should have been a large debt." Pandora looks at the stew hoping his own lunch does not feel that terrible. With impressed expression she approaches the man sitting next to him "That seems a great history. Worth from a great man. How was the debt obtained if I might ask?"
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25

@Hagrym, the Sense Motive DC for the intended target(s) to receive a secret message is only 15 for a simple message (which I would assume pointing someone out is), so you probably got it. The bluff roll from the person giving the message is to determine the DC for unintented recipients picking it up.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (6) + 16 = 22

"I think I will have a drink. My associate appears to have found us a table."

Tristan bows slightly to the proprieter and heads in to join Pandora.

Ah, I was unclear on that. Makes more sense then. Hagrym will continue to speak to the barkeep, allowing the rest of you to more stealthily do your investigating.

From the bar, Insidion waits for his stew while he carefully watches Pandora's gambit.

perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
diplomacy aid: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

The barkeep rolls his eyes. "You deaf, boyo? I said, I ain't heard of no Arick or Dargo. Now either shut up and eat or get out of my bar." the man says angrily at Hagrym.

---

"Work was done. Payment rendered." the man says gruffly to Pandora. "I ain't interested, honey. Got a wife at home that looks and probably cooks better than you."

He stands up and nods to the man behind the bar. The man reciprocates as the fisherman walks out the front door.

For reference, I don't allow Aid Another attempts unless you actually do something. Sitting at the bar watching isn't really Aiding on a Diplomacy check.

Hmmm...standing still and looking pretty wasn't enough? ;P

:D

Suddenly changing her face Pandora takes the fisherman's shoulder before he can leave "Sorry to tell you this, but for much good cooker your woman is I doubt she is more charming than me"

The woman makes a sign to his companions to be readied in case things do not go appropriately. She then looks worried at the man and very serious she closes by to the ear of the fisherman and whispers him "We have to talk with you about the previous owner of that pendant. We fear he might be in danger. Please attend us, or at least me, in one of these privates if you are scared of someone here."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31

"I don't know what your deal is, lady. I got a shrimp boat leaving at dawn and I don't got time for some hooker lies." says the man as he pushes her away from him.

He looks at the bartender and scowls. "You need to keep better care of your bar." He leaves boldly through the door.

The greasy man serving stew and ale does not look pleased. "Alright, that's it. All six of you can get the hell out of my bar."

Pandora indeed leaves following the fisherman.
Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

The fisherman sees that Pandora is following him. "Woman! Begone! I don't want your overpriced "wares". The man begins to walk away from her faster, nearing a run.

Now that they are out of the tavern, Pandora starts singing to fascinate the fisherman.

If it succeeds she performs another song of suggestion to make the man explain the truth about Arick.
Both Will DC 17

Hopping down from his stool Quarr follows quickly behind Pandora. Once he is outside he realizes that he is still holding his bowl of stew and eating it as he watches in rapt silence at Pandora's tune as she chases the man.

Fascinating! the little gnome says with a full mouth.

He looks to the rest of the group. Is this how all humans find a life partner?

The man sits down about 60' from Pandora, who is already about 30' from the doorway to the tavern. Quarr joins her as she serenades the man.

Initiative:
Pandora: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Hagrym: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
Insidion: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
Tristan: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Quarr: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Varian: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Larro: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Initiative:
1st: Tristan
2nd: Larro
3rd: Hagrym; Insidion; Quarr; Pandora; Varian

Tristan strolls towards his companions at the bar.

As he walks, he speaks with a calm confidence, enunciated every word with the practiced perfection that could only come from the Taldan stage.

"Now, now. Such boorish behavior is unnecessary, and quite unhealthy. I would drop that sword and walk away, if I were you."

Tristan casts Grease on the man's sword (DC 15 Reflex save)

Initiative:
1st: Tristan @ 28/51 HP
2nd: Larro; Goons (Green; Blue)
3rd: Hagrym; Insidion @ 26/42 HP; Quarr; Pandora; Varian @ 32/44 HP

Is that water I'm next to an opening into water below, or is it some kind of tank?

Tristan's eyes widen in surprise at the effectiveness of the man's swing. Though he is heavily wounded, he quickly collects himself, and his tone remains unflappable.

"What can I say? I'm an actor; everything is a scene to me. I would have rather kept this scene focused on dialogue."

Tristan pats his chest, healing himself ever-so-slightly--

Lay on Hands: 1d6 ⇒ 6

--then draws his rapier.

"Having the bar scene turn into a brawl is quite a bit overdone. Alas, we have to work with the script we are given."

Tristan brandishes his rapier with daring flairs and flourishes that would seem to be more in-place on an Opparan stage. A more perceptive eye would note that his technique also serves the purpose of making him an elusive target.

Fighting Defensively w/combat expertise: 1d20 + 10 - 1 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 10 - 1 - 4 = 25
Damage: 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2
Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 10 - 1 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 10 - 1 - 4 = 6
Damage: 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0

If he attempts to attack me again, I will use Dodging Panache, which will raise my AC by 4

Hagrym pulls he sword with a grin. "My kind of diplomacy!". He attacks the blue enemy.

Attack 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19
Damage 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (1, 1) + 6 = 8

Insidion throws the bar stool he had been sitting on to the floor, and it shatters to kindling.

"I was just trying to enjoy my stew! You're gonna pay for that!" he snarls as his claws begin to glow with arcane power.

The eyes roll back in his head, and he lashes out at the man who had cut him. A voice not his own yells "DIE!!!" as the tiefling's claws and maw tear into the enemy.

Maw attack, arcane strike: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 9 + 2 = 241d6 + 6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 2 + 2 = 12 activating arcane strike as a swift action, then raging!
Claw attack1, arcane strike: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 9 + 2 = 141d4 + 6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 2 + 2 = 11
Claw attack2, arcane strike: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 9 + 2 = 221d4 + 6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 2 + 2 = 14

As Pandora begins to question the man Quarr hears a commotion coming from the entrance of the tavern. Dropping his stew he flaps his wings and takes to the air reaching the tavern entrance in a single bound.

Wings; double move for 120 feet

Pandora casts Heroism on Quarr as he flies to the entrance of the tavern to see the rough and tumble fighting. He has to land to get into the tavern and there isn't much room to fly inside as the ceiling is only 8' off the ground.

The bartender laughs at the whelp in front of him as the man stabs him. "What is this? A joke? You should call your weapon "Paper" because I think it just gave me a papercut."

Between Insidion and Hagrym, the enforcer quickly falls to the ground, dead from mauling.

Varian decides to sit and casually sip tea.

The big man roars as he sees his man fall. He sweeps his greatsword around, as Tristan tries to dodge out of the way, using all of his ability, but the man has decided that it is time for the young man to learn his place.

Greatsword: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 12 - 2 = 30
Greatsword Confirmation: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 12 - 2 = 30

The man lands a sickening blow in the same spot as before, sending the young man to the ground in a heap of blood and good looks.

Damage: 4d6 + 16 + 12 ⇒ (2, 1, 1, 3) + 16 + 12 = 35 Lucky! Could have been death!

The other man continues to stab at the seemingly comatose Varian.

Rapier @ Varian-16 FFAC: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Damage: 3d6 + 2 ⇒ (6, 3, 2) + 2 = 13

Sent message to Varian.

Initiative:
1st: Tristan-Bleeding Out @ -1/51 HP
2nd: Larro @ 2; Goons (Green)
3rd: Hagrym; Insidion @ 26/42 HP; Quarr; Pandora; Varian @ 19/44 HP

Fluttering near the ceiling so that the tables don't hinder his movement or sight Quarr tries to asses the situation as best as his mind lets him. Seeing that there are innocent people still about in the inn he panics. I can't release my bombs in here I will kill everyone.

He pulls his light crossbow from his back and takes aim at the Big man Red

Light Crossbow: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Turning his head he yells at the innocent bystanders. Everyone get out now before you get injured!

Seeing Tristan fall, Hagrym takes a half second and activates his Destruction judgment and charges the bartender!

Swift action: Declare judgment. Then charge.

Charging Attack 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 10 + 2 = 19

Damage with Destruction Judgment 2d6 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (3, 1) + 6 + 2 = 12

Hagrym's charge clatters off the man's armor.

Quarr's bolt goes wide as it imbeds itself into the wall 10' away from Larro.

Initiative:
1st: Tristan-Bleeding Out @ -1/51 HP
2nd: Larro @ 2; Goons (Green)
3rd: Hagrym; Insidion @ 26/42 HP; Quarr; Pandora; Varian @ 19/44 HP

What does the fisherman answer to Pandora's questions? She was using bardic performance with suggestion on him to get all the information he has. Particularly Arick's relation with the tavern and any hint on where to find him or whom might now about it.
Her next actions totally depends from his explanations as she is not whiling to drop and left the only single small hint we got until now. Without knowing his answer I don't know how to react to the current events :/

Insidion follows the inquisitor toward the bartender. The tiefling's claws cackle with electricity as he strikes with wild abandon.

Maw attack, arcane strike: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 121d6 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 2 = 13