GM Brew's 03-18 The God's Market Gamble [OutPost 2018] (Inactive)

Game Master Wicked Brew

FYI GM map is on view only..will need to give permissions, if u want us to move our own tokens. Newmark will take a diagonal 5ft step so that he ends up on the right of Umberto Ricci, use his conjurer ability(acid dart) then draw his crossbow.

Newmark is somewhat surprised to be accosted by street thugs in the middle of the day in a good neighborhood. Never-the-less, He's not one to let impudence go un-punished. So you like having your mongrel dog attack innocent people for you huh..brigands!? We'll lets see if the dog is so loyal to you after I burn off it's fur! Newmark uses his acid arrow ability against the dog. acid arrow: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 6

No bodies, eh? Hope that include our bodies

I think it is a pretty fair assumption that the thugs are going to fire their crossbows. Reidog is lined up nicely for a charge, so he will do so, giving up an AoO to the dog if it isn't considered flat footed. Note that his shield has been strapped to his back while walking around town.

"Methinks yer mother forgot to teach ye ta count above two."

Sorry about that folks! Could have sworn I allowed edit. I changed permissions to allows edits. Please let me know if anyone has trouble moving their token and I will re-set the link.

Newmark responds to the unknown thugs' aggression in kind, calling forth arcane power in an attempt to stop the charging canine in its tracks. An arrow, dripping with hissing green liquid, is conjured from the ether and launched at the mutt. Newmark's aim is off, though and the arrow hits the ground, sizzling and scorching the stone of the street.

The thugs fire their crossbows at Newmark and Lumo. The bolts luckily sail high and arc out of sight, missing both agents.

Reidog charges the thug in front of him, running right by their dog before the four legged assailant can react. The dwarf tries a running tackle/grab but the thug is able to sidestep the blitzing dwarf.

Brax and Umberto are up.

***ROUND 1***

Newmark
----------
Thugs
----------
Reidog
Brax
Umberto
---------
Dog
---------
Lumo

Stuck on my phone for the next few days and can’t seem to grab my token and move it. Brax moves one square NW of Lumo.

Brax moves quickly into a better position to fire from, pulling his bow as he does so and firing at the dog.

hit: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16 damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 sneak damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Umberto walks up to the dog, flanking with Reidog, and draws his mace to match the tankard ever-present in his right hand.

mace: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 171d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Brax pulls his bow, cautiously advancing and fires a shot off at the attacking dog. The arrow lodges deeply into the animal's ribs, causing the thing to issue a high pitched yelp of pain. The dog is hurt badly but still in the fight.

Umberto tries to finish the mutt off but misses the mark.

The dog, its attention previously drawn to the charging dwarf, bites the armored pathfinder. Its teeth sink into Reidog's armor but fail to bite through the metal.

Lumo is up then back to top of order. Newmark may post round 2 action as well.

***ROUND 1***

Newmark (round 2 action)
----------
Thugs
----------
Reidog
Brax
Umberto
---------
Dog
---------
Lumo

sorry, point of clarity: Umberto would hit AC 17, is there something about a melee attack that kept it from landing?

Note that I don't currently threaten, as I foolishly never bought gauntlets to go with my breastplate. So, no flanking from me, I think.

Ah, i'd just be a hit on AC 15, then.

Newmark steps to just in front of the dog and cast Color spray: Cast defensively : 1d20 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 1 + 3 = 24 should catch the dog both thugs and Reidog DC:14 will save or suck! Could someone move my pawn please?

You'll need a CL check vs. my SR 7

Will: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

Sorry Umberto, I just read that number wrong. You do hit the dog. My apologies, old eyes see things sometimes. Commencing with retcon.

Umberto brings his mace down upon the dogs skull, crushing it completely.

Newmark may change action and Lumo is next up in order.

cool cool. yeah the notation isn't always clear.

Lumo draws his earthbreaker, which shines in the sunlight. "Gorum, teach these fools about your power!" He steps up beside the fallen dog's corpse and looks to Newmark. "Get 'em, magic-man."

Newmark proceeds with the colorspray still DC:14
CL check: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

Lumo cheers on Newmark and the Wizard does not disappoint. Stepping over the bleeding dog carcass, he is easily able to fire off some magical might. A burst of swirling colors burst forth from the dwarf's hands and engulfs the thugs.

Both of the thugs drop their crossbows as they stare at the pretty lights. Their eyes dilate, their heads loll to the side, and they both fall into each other, then crumple to the floor. They are alive but unconscious.

OUT OF COMBAT

Actions?

"Aye, that'll do. Well done, that."

Reidog will confiscate their weapons, get out a pair of manacles and use them to secure one of them to a light post.

He'll then stand over the other thug while someone searches their pockets.

"Chance encounter, or were they paid?

Let's try to figure that out before we call the Graycloaks."

We can interrogate this one. Umberto prods the manacled thug with his mace. Ok, loser. I know the last 5 seconds happened pretty quickly for you so let me help you out. You were set to ambush 5 Pathfinders that are way out of your league. Now, I can let these ravenous dwarves appease the old gods with your sacrifice or you can tell me exactly who sent you here and why.

intimidate: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
gah, that's disappointing

Let's see what they got in their pockets before the interrogation starts, at least.

Reidog will glare at the thug while lifting his weapons one by one, as if not sure which one to use to dismember the prone man.

Brax will step over the dying dog and rifle through the ruffians belongings.

Newmark inspects his fingernails and yawns. Petty thugs, not much of a challenge. But, me thinks being waylaid, after our interview with the halfling lass, is not a coincidence. Newmark nods at Reidog and Umberto, Try not to be too rough with them, we have a reputation as Pathfinders to uphold...but, remind them we mean business. The menace and scowl in Newmark's voice and features, are un-mistakable.

Lumo chuckles loudly and pats Newmark on the back. "You know, for a man who doesn't wear armor, you're not bad. Not bad at all. " He goes about helping the others look through pockets and restrain the unconscious thugs.

After a few long moments, the thugs come too to find themselves shackled and at the mercy of the Pathfinder Agents. Umberto tries to scare the thugs into submission, but his efforts seem to have little effect. The first thug just laughs at the warpriest, a man that undoubtedly has had a rough life to stoop to these means. He just shakes his head.

"We ain't gonna be much use to ya. We have no idea who put us on to you louts. Some woman, gave us a bit of coin and told us to 'make and example' out of you dogs. Do your worst. Ain't gonna help you none." The angry man spits on the floor and looks at Umberto with cold dead eyes.

As the man speaks, his fellow brigand just hangs his head, staring at the ground. This man does not seem to share his fellow thug's disposition. Lumo believes he can hear the man weeping softly. He looks up to Umberto, tears streaming down his face...

"I am so sorry for this... The man hangs his head and sobs.

Repent and tell us what you know. Unburden your soul. Umberto takes a slightly different tone this time.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Repent and tell us what you know. Unburden your soul.

Nemark *snorts* in disgust at hearing the weak man break down in sobs. Pathetic...if you can't stand the heat step out of the forge me Grand da used to grumble...it's true no matter what line of work ye find yourself in ...even a lowlife like him... Newmark spits in front of the man..Sad excuse of a person...better to find the nearest bridge and throw yourself off! At least your companion has some mettle!

Diplomacy, aid: 1d20 ⇒ 16

Lumo kneels down beside the weeping man. "Aye, friend. You have brought dishonor to yourself in Gorum's eyes. Tell us what you know and clear your soul. " His reptilian eyes display his passion for the truth.

The man looks up to Umberto with a hopeful expression, then to Lumo and nods his head affirmatively. The man sniffs and steels himself, but he faces Umberto and looks him directly in the eye.

"My name is Kanebti. I am far from my home... Kanebti again gathers himself I was happy once, content, living in Rahadoum but for...but for my faith. Despite my homeland's edicts, I could not ignore the call of justice and light put forth by the Inheritor, Iomede. I fled my home, though it pained me. I thought this place, this glorious city at the center of the world, they would allow me to practice my faith unhindered. How wrong I was." The man's eyes grow cold, angry. "That woman! That evil woman! She found me, threatened to turn the family I left in Rahadoum over to the Pure Legion...something I could never put them through, ever. She has been forcing me to do things for her ever since. Please, all of you, forgive me. I am sorry I am not strong enough to resist this woman and aid my family. I wish I could help you further, but I do not even know my tormentor's name."

Kenebti exhales deeply, clearly unburdening himself has set the man at ease for the first time in a long time, if just for the moment.

The man looks up to Umberto with a hopeful expression, then to Lumo and nods his head affirmatively. The man sniffs and steels himself, but he faces Umberto and looks him directly in the eye.

"My name is Kanebti. I am far from my home... Kanebti again gathers himself I was happy once, content, living in Rahadoum but for...but for my faith. Despite my homeland's edicts, I could not ignore the call of justice and light put forth by the Inheritor, Iomede. I fled my home, though it pained me. I thought this place, this glorious city at the center of the world, they would allow me to practice my faith unhindered. How wrong I was." The man's eyes grow cold, angry. "That woman! That evil woman! She found me, threatened to turn the family I left in Rahadoum over to the Pure Legion...something I could never put them through, ever. She has been forcing me to do things for her ever since. Please, all of you, forgive me. I am sorry I am not strong enough to resist this woman and aid my family. I wish I could help you further, but I do not even know my tormentor's name."

Kenebti exhales deeply, clearly unburdening himself has set the man at ease for the first time in a long time, if just for the moment.

Newmark looks on with distaste. He covers his mouth with a yawn and says to Lumo, Have you searched them both yet? They may be holding something back. Use your bulk if you have too. But, squeeze everything out of them...our investigation may depend on it.

"Ye don't know her name, but what's a name anyway?

Where do you meet her? What does she look like?"

Reidog gives the tough-guy a kick in the ribs, "and how'd ye end up with this foul smelling sack of lard?"

“Well, thas’ one way ta’ do it.“ Brax says after finishing going through their belongings. Concerned about drawing too much attention to the interrogation, Brax keeps his eyes peeled for Graycloaks or others that may appear to be too nosy.

If you were sent to stop us here, we're on the right track. If you are truly repentant and worship Iomede, I hope whatever remaining honor would have you drag this ruffian to the local authorities to turn yourselves in. We will see your family released from the clutches of this woman.

Lumo pats Umberto on the back while giving Newmark a glaring look. "Exactly. Iomedae will take you back if you turn the lot of ya's in and confess to your deeds. Worry not about your family, we'll take care of this woman. Can you tell me anything else about her? " He helps the poor fellow up, ensuring he is stripped of all weapons. "Besides, if she won't take you, report to a temple of Gorum. They'll take you and your family in. 'We are the armor of the weak, and a sword for the strong.' " He smiles fondly as he recites the creed. "Besides, they'll teach you to fight better. " He lets out a loud laugh at the man's expense.

Newmark, is angry. Bah! these thugs just tried to kill us and sick a street dog on us besides! And you want to let them turn themselves in! Newmark hastily loads his crossbow and points it directly at the snarky one as he's getting is manacles released. So you like ambushing travelers with crossbows do ya? Hows it feel to be on the other end of it for a change?! We know ye ain't told us everything! Who's the woman?! How'd she pay you!? Have you helped her before?! My finger is getting pretty jumpy! You better hurry and say something meaningful! intimidate: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13

Kanebti nods and seems to take the words of the group, save for Newmark, to heart. He looks to Lumo and Umberto "I am not sure, but I believe you both. I suppose faith got me into this mess, perhaps a bit more will be my salvation. I will do as you ask and will agree to speak to whomever I must to absolve my sins." The man looks to Newmark, unshaken by his harsh words "Perhaps you should look for a little faith yourself dwarf. I have faced more menacing things than you before breakfast this morning."

Kanetbi leaves, taking his fellow thug with him to turn them both to the authorities. He can m of no more use to the party.

Where to next?

We still need to talk to Friar Horace. I suppose we continue to there.

Agreed.

Newmark lets down the crossbow and his shoulders slump as the Thugs had called his bluff. He laughs a little and says, Well I suppose I just don't want to meet the hangman anytime soon murdering a no good dog such as that one...even if he did fire on me first. Newmark shoots a hostile glare at his friends and murmurs, and that, group there ain't got me back at all even though it was me that saved their skin! Well that, be the last time I step out in front of danger for their sake! Newmark stomps down the street, I'm off to Erastill's Alehouse if maters to ye.... Newmark sneers the next word, friends, are ye coming? Newmark doesn't look back if the others follow..He just moves through the streets as quickly as possible, anxious to get to the next lead and take his mind off his comrades, betrayal.

"Hey there, ye durned elf-loving son of a gnome. Ye got no call ta take that kind of tone.

Even fer a dwarf yer a durn ornery ogre, and ye best get with the team and reign in yer attitude afore ye find yerself set outside the hall and on yer own."

Whether Newmark acknowledges him or not, Reidog will stomp off in the direction of the Alehouse. After all, it's been at least ten minutes since his last mug of ale.

Lumo shakes his head and sighs. He follows Reidog to the alehouse, in step with the upset dwarf.

Umberto lets slip a low whistle and fills his tankard with a sour ale to match Newmark's mood and takes a swig while he follows the group.

The party collects themselves after the brief encounter with the thugs and continues to Erastil's Ale House. Their journey this time is thankfully uneventful and are able to make their way to the tavern in short order.

Erastil’s Alehouse is a thriving brewery and alehouse run by monks of Erastil. Located near the edge of the Avenue of the Hopeful, it’s currently a challenge to enter, with a mob of followers of a would-be-god crowding around the entrance hoping to catch a glimpse of the future godling drinking a swig of ale. A monk stands at the entrance blocking the path of some of the more aggressive followers who are trying to squeeze into the alehouse.

As the five agents head toward the door to the ale house, a monk at the entrance of the door spies their approach. He shakes his head, looking a tad frustrated with the throng trying to bust through the door. The monk speaks to the group in a polite apologetic tone

“I’m sorry, my friends, but the Alehouse is a mite full at the moment.”

"Aye, we can see that, more's the pity.

We ain't here to drink, though. Well, at least not primarily.", Reidog says with an exaggerated wink.

"We were looking ta talk ta one Friar Horace fer a bit, if ye knows where we kin find 'im."

The monk smiles amicably to Reidog, momentarily turing his attention to the crowd to ward off prospective patrons trying to sneak into the packed house, he asks the dwarf "The Friar is a busy man, may I ask why you need him presently?"

Lumo smiles as wide as he can and speaks above the din. "We are investigating a crime he witnessed. Hopefully the Friar can help us find justice for a dead man."

The monk's eyes go wide and the monk nods sympathetically to Lumo. "Oh dear, yes of course. I am certain the friar would be eager to aid in your investigation. Please, there is an alley behind the tavern. Go there and Friar Horace will meet you there shortly." The monk motions over a nearby brother and says a few hushed word to the fellow acolyte who disappears into the tavern.

The wary agents make their way cautiously to the alley, but once there are all but certain the alley is indeed a safe place to speak to the Friar who appears a from a back door of the Ale House soon after the party arrives.

Friar Horace is a thin, precise man with a hawkish nose. His description of events is precise and to the point. “Aye, I saw what happened ; they attacked that Pathfinder right over there,” the friar says as he makes a curt gesture to a patch of dirt in the alley behind the alehouse. “They were wearing gray cloaks, but I don’t think they were guards. Your friend was holding her own, but then someone shot her from that rooftop.” He makes another precise gesture pointing to a building across the alley. “I called out for Brothers Ellis and Freel and grabbed my staff, but by the time I got outside, it was all over. We were able to help your friend back into the alehouse and Brother Freel went to fetch the Graycloaks."

“I didn’t see what happened to the relic your friend was carrying—they must have grabbed it while I was getting my staff. When Brother Freel tried to follow the thugs, he found their cloaks discarded at the delivery entrance to the bakery. After that, things open up to the market proper and it’s almost impossible to follow anyone out there.”

Friar Horace sighs as he recounts the events of the encounter "I do hope this aids your investigation."

Reidog nods along as the Friar talks. "Did yer happen to notice if one o' them in gray cloaks were a woman?"

He marks the location of the rooftop for future searching, while listening to the response.

Horace frowns a bit and shakes his head "I could not see the archer on the far side of the roof, I was only able to see the deed through a window. Those brigands who attacked the courier though, pretty sure none of them were a woman. I could see they had dark skin and spoke a foreign tongue I could not understand. Sounded like Orisani, or perhaps Kellish...I am not certain."

"Please, feel free to look around for anything else you may find useful." Reidog believes a moderately skilled climber could get to the roof.

Reidog motions to the dirt area where the scuffle happened.

"Someone can look over there for clues. I'll climb on up ta yon roof. Don't suppose anyone thought to bring a grappel?"

Putting his words into action, Reidog goes over to the building and grips onto the exposed bricks.

If someone has a grappling hook, I'll throw that up first, otherwise here are a few climb checks

I'll look for clues around here.

perc: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

Brax thanks the friar and assists Reidog as he tries to get on the roof.

Aid Another: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16