GM Carimac's (PBP Gameday VI) #2-15: Shades of Ice—Part I: Written in Blood (Inactive)

Game Master CariMac

I'm confused, who suggested splitting up?

Agreed, I don't think anyone said it outright. My guess is that someone read Solstice saying 'I'll try to chat up the swordsmith' as meaning she'd go off on her own, and just wanted to suggest we stay together. Not meaning to cast blame or aspersions on anyone, just theorizing. As for the social encounters, I find the scenario often defines if it needs to be individual checks or can be a group effort, so we'll see.

Archon the Divine Caller wrote:

I'm confused, who suggested splitting up?

Agreed, I don't think anyone said it outright. My guess is that someone read Solstice saying 'I'll try to chat up the swordsmith' as meaning she'd go off on her own, and just wanted to suggest we stay together.

*raises hand* I'm the guilty party, in exactly as Prothero said. Sorry if this caused a problem.

No, no, I was just unclear and wondering if I had missed something. I had read Solstice's post as more forecasting a likely skills set attempt than splitting up.

As for the rest, it seems like we are split between going to the Swordsmith and everyone in order. I personally have no preference, but I expect that only the Gnome and the Swordsmith will really have much information we want and also be forthcoming with it.

Is anyone particularly against just going down the list?

I'm for going down the list. We'll probably end up wanting to talk to everyone and it's an easy way to keep track.

Fine with me.

*thumbs up!

The group starts asking around about Hjort and Runa.

At the inn where you find rooms. you come a cross a female Ulfen named Arvida Bergthor. Arvida stands at a height of nearly 6-1/2 feet and is skinny as a spear, and her hair is dirty and tousled.

She looks very down on her luck, and slurs her words when she speaks. I'm a writer. Writing the grea, the grea, the greatest saga the Land of the Lin.. Linor.. Linnorum Kings has ever seen." She almost knocks over her plate as she continues. "I lost my notes a few weeks ago. Now I have to start over." She starts to cry, and then stops looking up as the Pathfinders approach. "Buy a girl a drink? I may have information for you."

Diplomacy (gather information) or Knowledge (local) checks, and some role playing please.

The bard walk into the common room, wary of any other potential ambushes. Afterall, this would be the next most likely stop for travelers.
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Seeing nothing to put him on edge, the gnome drags a chair over to the huge Ulfen drunkard and offers to join her.
"Well now, since yer already in tha middle o' prayin' ta Cayden, it would be rude ta stop the service. Ah'm thinkin' I kin spare a few copper. Call it donatin' me tithe. But tell me lass, whataya think ye be knowin'?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Looking concerned towards the rest of the group, "Are we certain we want to do this? Looks, and sounds like she might have done enough "praying" already."

Diplomacy Aid: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

"A saga! I do love a good saga. Perhaps you would like to recite some of it to us?"

I do love a good saga, but I also hope she is up to a decent telling. I may have just signed up for a long slurred torturous meandering mess. The things I do for the Pathfinders!"

Despite his upbringing in the Taldan court, Prothero has never picked up the trick of ingratiating himself with others - but he does his best to help Spackle do so. "No cause for tears," he says kindly enough, "perhaps the new version will be an inspired version of the first."

Diplomacy, Aid Spackle : 1d20 ⇒ 6

"What jarl is the saga about?" Carina asks, as she pulls a chair up to chat with the sloshed authoress. "Maybe I can try to help piece some of your notes back together, and something is better then nothing."

Then she pauses for a moment. Wait a second.... A few weeks ago? I wonder if that was connected to the torching of Skagni's house..."How did you lose your notes?"

Diplomacy aid: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 *Laughs*No help here
Knowledge(Local): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Arvida starts to cry, "I loss them in a drinkin game. It weren't my fault. They cheat, cheated I say. I can't remember who took em."

She brightens when Spackle buys her a drink. Taking a swig of the ale she sits back and grins. "Ye be wantin to know about Hjort and Runa eh. Here's what I be knowin. Nothin abut anyone named Runa. I heared
about an Ulfen warrior named Hjort—don’t know his family name—who came here while back after his entire village was slaughtered on the Arc, Arc, Arcadian coast."

"People say his rage toward the Pathfinder Society burns bright, as they were the ones who slaughtered his people—a people, I heard, that he was destined to be the jarl of. Those trad, trad, traditional warriors from the coast are serious brutes—I wouldn’t want to be one of their targets. That be the stuff of a saga right there.” She finishes her drink.

Zero, unable to contribute much to the conversation, nods and takes notes at Arvida's description of Hjort and his animosity towards the Society. They - we - killed his people? Surely there was some reason, he ponders. He also considers making up a board to contain a dire threat to those who took the scholar's notes, asking for their return in a less-than-polite manner. He abandons the idea when she reveals she has no memory of who did it.

Nothing like a good revenge cycle for a good saga, with a dragon or two thrown in. Brutes we have a plenty up here. The weather can soften or harden you, or kill you just as happily.

"Any idea where we find them?"

"Sorry if this seems rude," Prothero asks the sorrowful drunk, "but why would anyone want to win your notes in a drinking game? Were they planning to use them to claim to have written a saga of their own?"

"Well, lady, it seems we are his targets," as he approaches and suddenly stumbles, "accidentally spilling his wayfinder on the table before scrambling to tuck it away. "How clumsy of me, I was just trying to say, if only we had someone who might write this epic. . . It would have to be someone with a sharp mind, unrestrained by,. . . vices. There are always so many hidden details and depths to such tales, yes. I suppose we could request a scribe, but that might take a few days, and we would likely all be dead by then. It's a shame it all might be lost by then, and no one would know. . ."

Diplomabluffidate: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Arvida seems to drift off into her own world as you ask her about her notes. She starts when Archon lets the Wayfinder fall onto the table. That's a pretty piece. What iz it?" She clearly doesn't recognize a Wayfinder. "It was a fantasitc epic, but I'll never finish it now. I don know why someone would want me notes. It's just the scriblings of a writer. Not good for much else." She looks maudlin.

She's given you all the information she has to give about Hjort and Runa. If this was a home game, we would have a new arc to find the notes. Off to the next person?

My guess is that there was some information on an artifact or location in the notes that they wanted. I'm ready to move on.

Prothero stands, sighs, and moves toward the door.

Next!

"Well lass, of all the conv'rsashuns Ah've ever had, that wuz one of 'em. Best o' luck to ya."

Solstice murmurs to Spackle "That was one of them? Very elegant way of saying nothing." and chuckles.

Carina follows the others out after making a gesture of thanks to the writer. "Well, like for like, I suppose," she whispers as she follows Solstice out of the bar. "She didn't give us much to work with either. "

Zero bows deeply to Arvida in thanks for what she has helped divine, little as it was. He hopes she isn't too far gone to not take notice and that she will persevere. "Who's next?"

Gather Information: 1d6 ⇒ 1

I need a Fort Save from eveyone unless you have something like Endure Elements up. Your cold weather gear and furs give you bonuses.

It only takes an hour of asking around before you locate Kadlin Helge,
a female Ulfen warrior.

Kadlin is a hulking, heavily muscled woman of middling years with slightly graying hair and an enormous greatsword strapped to her back.

Kadlin stands at attention with a serious expression on her face. She watches everyone on the street sizing them up, and shaking her head at the silliness of the children running up and down the street singing songs.

As the group approaches she sighs, "What can I do for you? Look at those babies running around. They should be taking their lessons seriously. Not wasting time singing silly songs." she indicates the children with her chin.

Diplomacy or Know Local are your checks here unless you have another skill you fell would work better.

Fort, Cold Weather Outfit: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 2 = 16

Prothero keeps quiet, letting others break the ice in the conversation, as it were. He eventually joins in, nodding and smiling agreeably and contributing as best he can.

Diplomacy, Aid someone: 1d20 ⇒ 17

Fortitude, Cold-weather gear: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 2 = 18

Zero follows the more social elements of the team. He nods in agreement to Kadlin's opinion but makes no other move.

*chuckles* Carina has permanent Endure Elements... for the hot end of the spectrum. So, useless here.
@Zero and Prothero: The Cold-weather gear is a +5, not +2. I double-checked before I rolled.

Fort save(Cold Weather Outfit): 1d20 + 4 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 5 = 16

Carina nods and approaches Kadlin. "We're looking for a coastal man by the name of Hjort Fastaxe, and a woman by the name of Runa White," Carina responds, attempting to discuss in a rather forthright tone. "We've been told that you keep an ear to the rumor mill and an eye to the streets, So we came to ask you. Have you heard anything about those names?"

Knowledge(local): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

fort: 1d20 + 2 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 2 + 5 = 20

Solstice has no problem with the cold.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Well, I think songs are important. They keep tradition alive.

Perform Sing: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

She launches into a song about a mammoth hunt.

Kadlin readily answers Carina's question about Runa.

“A dark-haired Chelish woman, family name of White, has been seen about the market recently. She’s hiring mercenaries and low-life thugs for Gorum-knowswhat."

If you’re looking for her to right some wrong, I’d bring a dozen more of you—she was cornered in one of the market’s darkest corners by some of Trollheim’s biggest miscreants, and just when they thought they had gotten the drop on her, she called to her god and blasted them with holy fire. She’s tough, that one, and not someone I’d mess with.”

Kadlin ignores Solstice's singing. However, the children come running to listen to the song. The merchants and other adults on the street stop for a moment and listen as well. Smiling at the happy song, and the memories it brings to the old ones.

Solstice finishes her song and, buckling under the insistent requests from the adorable kids, starts another one about the wind swept norther mountains where she was brought up, naming the winds and giving them personality.

"Thank you for your help. I've enjoyed this time. I do love children and songs. I hope you didn't mind too much."

Solstice is much more into her own personal experience than the mission it seems, though she does seem ready to leave once the group starts stirring. There are, after all, 45 names and nobody actually ever sings all 45. At least not at one time.

"Thank you for the help, and the warning," Prothero replies to Kadlin. "I don't suppose anyone happened to hear what god she called out to? Might help us deal with her to know that."

Once he has the woman's answer, he turns to his companions and says, "On to the next one on our list?"

@GM_CariMac: I have a boon from a chronicle sheet that provides Endure Elements, but only in cold weather. Can send it to you in a PM so as not to spoil anything.

@Spackle go ahead and send it.

"I heard it is that demon god for Cheliax. Asmosomething." She nods at you briskly, and turns away.

The crowd claps widely as Solstace leaves the area after her two songs.

Hours: 1d6 ⇒ 1

One hour of searching, and one Fort save as before please. Theu usual Gather Information or Know Local along with the role play.

After another hour of following rumors you come upon Ludin Swordsmith, a male Ulfen retired swordsmith.

Ludin is an old man with a thick, well-trimmed gray beard and a shiny bald head. His body is covered in dozens of sheaths and scabbards of various sizes, all filled with various knives, daggers, and shortswords, and he moves more like a winter wolf and less like a man of many years.

"Well met all of you. I see you are well prepared adventurers." He indicates Prothero's bow, and Archon's longspear. "Almost as good as I could make myself." He pats a couple of the weapons he is wearing. He looks like a walking weapon shop. The weapons are all finely crafted and well maintained. "Did you find those weapons nearby? Too bad I'm retired. I could make you a sword that would take behead bear in one swipe."

Fort Save(CWG): 1d20 + 4 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 4 + 5 = 27

Carina is lost in thought as she follows the others through the streets, doing her best to stay some sense of warm. A coastal warrior, and now a priestess of Asmodeus .... I'm not liking what's happening here. What's their goal here? Is it just attacking the Society, or do they have a larger prize in mind?

Fort ST: 1d20 + 2 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 2 + 5 = 17
"Actually, we are looking for information about a group that passed through here and were led by Hjort Fastaxe and Runa White. They attacked one of our own and we seek retribution. It's a matter of honor!"

Hopefully the whole honor thing will push a few buttons. He looks like the type.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

OK. That's two Fort rolls we had to make. The weather rules in Pathfinder are nasty and unrealistic and I'd like to see if I can get a scroll of endure elements before the next roll if this is going to continue or Solstice is going to end up a frostbitten mess (even if she has been lucky so far).

Fort: 1d20 + 8 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 8 + 5 = 31

Prothero lays an affectionate hand on his bow, for all that he knows he should eschew such worldly connections. "It's a fine weapon, though not from here. Thank you for saying so. I've little use for a sword, but would certainly be interested in well-crafted arrowheads. As my companion says, we are also on the hunt for information."

Diplomacy, Aid Solstice: 1d20 ⇒ 17

Fortitude: 1d20 + 6 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 5 = 27

I wondered how long I would be out of Cheliax before encountering an open worshipper of Asmodeus. Zero says nothing, but inwardly marvels at the sheer mass of weapons attached to Ludin. Makes one wonder quite how retired he is....

Sorry, work has kept me stupidly busy all week, and I got off yesterday and just passed out. I do have Endure Elements, and it's from a wand, so am perfectly willing to share if other want it. Just let me know and I'll mark off charges. It lasts 24 hours, and I don't mind doing a charge a day if needed.

"Well met, and thank you sir smith. It is a sacred relic of my faith, though, I do find myself considering having a backup weapon for those too far for my immediate reach. I understand it might be outside of your purview, but if one where in the market for a battle sling, could an expert such as you make such a weapon?"

Diplomacy (Aid): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

If it's possible, I'd like to purchase or commission a Masterwork Sling and Sling Bullets. If not, no worries.

If the GM rules I can get a wand of my own I'll pay PP for it and use my own charges; otherwise, I'll take you up on that offer. Nobody could survive the pathfinder cold weather rules over a long period of time. The entire north should be a wasteland.

Being from the environment gives something like a +4 bonus, and allows you to ignore some of the temperature ranges, I believe. But also, being able to rest a short while also kind of resets the time.

Yes you can purchase the wand with PP. We'll say you commissioned it and they were out of stock. It was delivered by ship the day after you arrived.

Ludin grins broadly as Archon and Prothero mention the fine craftsmanship on his weapons. "I'm retired, but I know an honest weapon maker. He'll have your sling and bullets young man. As well as your arrow heads." He gives you directions to a shop where you can buy the sling and bullets.

He answer's Solstice's question, “Yeah, I know those two. They approached my friends and me and offered us a ridiculous sum to work for them. No way was I going to work for a washed-up Ulfen warrior and a foreign she-devil from the south. Hjort’s eyes told all the story I needed to know: he wasn’t doing whatever he was doing for profit—he was doing it for revenge. That business has only one path, and it leads straight to Pharasma’s ample bosom. And Runa? Well, she’s a foreigner, ain’t she?”"

"What type of work? Did they have a place to meet at?"

"I wasn't interested so I sent them on their way. I wasn't interested in getting details." He bids you good day.

Searching: 1d6 ⇒ 6

It takes you six hours to find your next contact. I'll need six fort saves unless you have Endure Elements up. If you want you can in the middle of the searching head back to the inn for the night. That would heal any NL damage you have.

The group searches high and low for more information, and finally come upon Rafarta Rannveig.

Rafarta is young and strong and, at odds with her profession, quite attractive. She does bear a few small scars on her chin and cheeks, but they seem to only add to her beauty rather than detract from it.

As the group approaches she is glaring and snarling at a man who just made comments about the fit of her armor in an attempt to get a dinner date.

If Archon is willing to use his wand on others, I'll accept it! Better than six Fort saves.

As with the others they've spoken to, Prothero waits for someone with better people skills than he to pose the first question, though he does his best to seem agreeable.

Diplomacy, Aid somebody: 1d20 ⇒ 19

Solstice, eyes ablaze, glares at the offensive churl. Belying her glare she assumes a demure posture and states, "it's quite obvious the lady has other plans. Do be polite and allow her to conduct her business without further distraction."

I'm going to go with an intimidate roll on the man and diplomacy on the woman.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

I can give you a tap of Endure Elements off my wand Prothero.

"Oy, Seaman Stains, lookin' like yer ship the S.S. Loser is 'bout ta set sail. Best ye get back ta the dock 'n 'mount' yer teeny tiny dingy all alone...again! Maybe try an'not ta get yer palms all 'rope-burned' when ya ...'shove-off' ... this time."

Intimidate (Aid): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Switching his attention to Rafarta, "Hopin' ya don't mind the assist. Doubt ye be needin' us ta put 'im in 'is place. Me name's Spackle. This here's Solstice, Prothero, Archon, Carina 'n Statue. Wonderin' if now thet the fleet has left ifin ya have time ta answer a question er two?

Diplomacy (Aid): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Can I ask for a casting of Endure Elements too?

Carina takes up the rear as the others 'assist' Rafarta in hopes of getting information. I think they have this under control.... she muses, as she holds back, watching to see if she needs to help out.