GM G's Frostfur Captives (Inactive)

Game Master Magabeus

Darmut, i have an android char and her cha is 5. So your diplomatic skills trump hers :)

Lol, I've got a Cha 5 Tiefling, remember Silas? But he uses that Int for diplomacy trait so is actually pretty good at it now.

Wyeth's Charisma is "okay," but:

Knowing that his being an amputee makes some people uncomfortable, Wyeth hangs back and stays quiet, so as not to jinx Merevelyn's efforts. He keeps a watchful eye out for indications the situation is turning sour.

I understood that the magical efforts (including Wyeth's) would only kick in if they turned hostile or things started getting out of hand.

I will leave it to Merevelyn to announce if she wants her charm person to be rolled back or not.

Yes, if you could roll back the Charm Person that would be good. It seems overly threatening for what little we know about their motivations or intentions at this point.

Having stated the plain needs of her party, Merevelyn awaits the Ulfen man's response. Everyone is on edge ("Well, except perhaps Saitama..."): escaping Irrisen with a band of goblins as companions will have that effect, especially now that the end seems to within grasp, and even more so considering the betrayal and violence of the war with the Shadow Lodge, of which this is a trailing end. But, there seems no need for hostilities. At least yet.

The man shrugs.

"Fine with me, come. I will show you our storeroom, where you can keep your prisoners. Before I forget to introduce myself, I am Enrik Longjaw"

He enters the building and shows you a storeroom.

"Here is the key, now I believe that Annik has dinner ready." He shouts "Annik, where are you?".

Moments later a woman appears, she wears chainmail and has a twohanded sword strapped to her back. She introduces herself as Annik Rolfsdottir and asks you to follow her to the eating room. There the table is set with simple, but hot, food and mugs of mead.

See map, I have placed Darmut in the storeroom with the goblins and the rest of you around the table with Annik and Enrik. If you want other arrangements let me know. I also assume that Shersth is outside.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
"The man is disappointed we're being cautious with the goblins. Something's fishy here..."

Darmut shakes his head, "Not leaving Shersht outside he comes in or we stay out. He is clean and polite, when required," The Hunter says in his emotionless voice, tensed and ready to fight should his request be denied.

"Watch what you eat and drink, we have to be able to function at full effectiveness. One man's pleasure is another man's poison."

"Should we rotate guards in the room while the rest of us eat? The vermin have tried to escape before... Some of us will relieve you in a bit Darmut."

"Yes, perhaps in two groups of three; one hand for each goblin!"

If no one else volunteers, Saitama offers to wait for his meal and help watch over the escorted.

Assuming Shersht is allowed in because otherwise Darmut is just going to start knocking people out and asking questions later.

"This is ludicrous we should not be splitting up when chances are these idiots are Shadow Lodge. We are on a covert mission where are foes are disguised as Pathfinders, there is no way a Venture Captain would endorse this set up, the food will be poison falvoured poison washed down with poison" Darmut complains to Saitama.

"Ick, I hate things that taste like poison!"

Love Darmut's complaint!

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Merevelyn doesn't get the same sense as Marduk does, but she knows that sometimes one should trust the suspicions of others. Helping situate the goblins in the storeroom, she casts Mage Armor on herself, and waits to see what the group's decision will be.

Just looking around the area for dangers or whatever:
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
Bah!

Remember that Enrik is with you, so it is probably hard to discuss matters. Shersht is allowed in

Keep cool :), everything will be juuust fine.

Ah, OK. Well, Merevelyn will still definitely want to check out the room, as above, and put the goblins in there, perhaps giving everyone a chance to discuss a bit, especially if her bluff works.

Just based on everyone's initial suspicions:
"Give us a moment, then, Sir, to make sure the goblins are secured and we will then join you," Merevelyn suggests to Enrik, before situating the goblins in the room, attempting to seem harmless and trusting.
Bluff: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

Situating the goblins, she starts to admonish them, "Now be good..." before catching herself, "'Good'? Don't be silly, Mer." "Get some rest and don't destroy anything and there will be more food and fire for you," Merevelyn promises, casting her cantrip to cause a bit of fluff to burst into flames at her fingertips, before she blows it out and casts her other spell.
Diplomacy: 1d10 + 15 ⇒ (9) + 15 = 24

She then whispers to Caelum, her thrush familiar, "Hide outside the room and come get me if you see or hear anything suspicious," before she goes to join Enrik and Annik with the others.
Caelum's Perception is +9, Stealth +14

"I agree we should guard the little terrors in pairs, at least. Go eat, my friend," Wyeth says to Saitama. "I'll watch our charges along with Darmut."

In the dining area Merevelyn, Saitama and Sterelin notice that Enrik and Annik keep giving each other significant looks while entertaining the Pathfinders. Marduk is eyeing his food, afraid that it is poisoned.

In the storeroom the goblins are sitting on the ground while Shersth, Wyeth and Darmut suddenly tense as they hear a sound on the roof.

Map updated, everyone except Marduk can take one action as if this is a surprise round.

Darmut/ Wyeth, what is the status of the door: locked or not locked?

"I hope he is weak-willed..." Merevelyn thinks, as she says, "I hope, Enrik, that we can become the best of friends," and casts Charm Person on him.
Charm Person on Enrik, DC 16

If it's latchable/lockable from the inside, I think it's only reasonable to secure it, so I say we would have done so. But Darmut, what's your thinking?

"Did you hear that?" Wyeth hisses as he leaps to his feet, fauchard at the ready. He looks to the ceiling for any signs.

What is the construction: thatched, etc? Is there any way to gauge by sight or sound how big/how heavy/how many/what/etc?

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Lol...

somehow i'm getting the impression this food has been mixed with.
After the close observation of his food, Marduk looks quietly along the table and it's occupants.

Missed your post before Wyeth. I suspect it would be lockable from outside? Honestly Darmut would prefer to keep the door open and stand in the doorway himself, not keen on being trapped and wants to see anyone coming.

I think it's been sufficiently demonstrated that Wyeth defers to those he considers wiser/stronger/more skilled, so GM: Door not only unlocked, but open it is!

Darmut stands in the doorway peering up at the roof as they hear something... Shersht looks to the hunter black eyes calm while his great talons flex expectantly.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

"So, what's with the looks? You two aren't up to something, like some under-the-table footsie are you?"

Darmut and Wyeth notice a trapdoor in the wooden ceiling, just outside the door (map grid Z3). They think they hear two humans moving on the peat covered roof towards the trap door, although it could also be elves, dwarves, orcs or even demons. One never knows on Golarion!

- - - - - - -

Enrik replies to Merevelyn's comment "I also hope that we can become friends. I propose a toast: May Hagreach prosper forever and friends be welcome always!

Hagreach is the name of this land within the Land of the Linnorm Kings

At Saitama's question Annik blushes and answers "I am very sorry, you are correct, we are lovers and I do not like to sit on opposite ends of this table.

DC 10 Sense Motive to see through her lie

Keep what you do limited to what is possible in one combat round, no hostilities (yet)

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Oh... for Irori's sake come on :P

Marduk stands up.
"Pardon me, i just need to stretch the legs. A leg muscle just twitched the wrong way you see."

Marduk merely stands up, making the motions and stretches you'd expect.

Darmut motions for the goblins to move out of the door pointing to the ceiling and then running a finger across his throat.

Oh, Annik is a girl. Missed that up above.

SM: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

"Shenanigans! Romantic fraternization between soldiers is not an appropriate method for discipline or order!", Saitama wagging his finger in shame at the pair. "Speak the truth, for while footsie is not in order, I believe that thou hast surely been naughty!"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

"Even without Caelum, it is an obvious lie," Merevelyn thinks scornfully, but suppresses a great laugh at Saitama's remarks. XD

Merevelyn stands up and suggests to her new friend, Enrik, "A special toast from my people, if I may, Sir:"

(Or doesn't stand if that would take an action.) Casts Sleep, will try to target Annik (and only her) when it comes into effect.
Bluff?: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

Annik moves her hands in a intricate manner and mumbles something, she then rises while drawing her greatsword. "Treachery! Why are you casting the sleep spell?"

Enrik responds with "There surely must be a very good reason for that, after all we are amongst friends." he looks at Merevelyn for an explanation.

It is clear that Annik is confused, she hesitates and stands still, greatsword at the ready.

In the prison room some goblins shrink back from Darmut's throatslitting motion, they want to get as much room as possible between him and themselves. Others correctly understand him and move towards the hunter, being hindered by their fellows. As they are still chained up the net result is that they do not move. Then the trapdoor opens and you see the face of a man who quickly moves his head back as he sees Darmut and Wyeth looking up.

Party can act!

By Irori's divine fist, this is escalating here.

"Miss Annik, please. I have no clue why my elf companion is casting a spell, but i'd like the reason too. Likewise i'd like to know why you're drawing your greatsword at us."

Diplomacy: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (12) - 2 = 10
Lol...

It will depend some on whether Annik goes to sleep at the start of my turn, but:

"Annik has been lying to us, Enrik, and my familiar tells me of treachery!" Merevelyn responds, casting glances of blame her direction.

Shersht kill!" Darmut calls and the roc launches himself at the man in the trapdoor.
Screeching the great bird's beak snaps shut upon his foe sending gore flowing.

Shersht Bite: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20 Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

"Treachery, is this true, Merry?", the bald man asks the elf-thing. "Shenangians and footsie-ing are one thing, but treachery shall require some Iroran justice to meted!".

Delaying until confirmation from Merevelyn and, to some degree, if her sleep spell goes off.

"Enought of this %*&*$*&" Sterelin pushes back from the table and attempts to drop Annik into a slumber with a hex.

DC 14

Will Save vs Sleep Spell: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Will Save vs Sleep Hex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

The lullabies do not have the desired effect

Annik shouts back at the accusations "Enrik, remember the plan you made! What is the matter with you?

She then casts a spell at Saitama
DC 14 will save or become shaken

Now Enrik is the confused one, he looks to Annik, then back to Merevelyn and back to Annik again.

- - - - - - -

Wyeth and Darmut hear commotion on the roof as battle is joined between Shersth and the man / men. A scream is proof that Shersth has drawn blood. After that you hear the sounds of two weapons slashing through the air, without making contact.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Darmut and Wyeth, you can take a single move action to climb up to the roof if you want. I am fine with you drawing a weapon in a previous round.

Status

Rooftop man 1: 6 damage

Next
Party

Saitama Will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

"You dare to bamboozle us? Prepare for Iroran justice!", cries out Saitama as he steps up to give Annik her muscleitude lesson.

5' step into P9, swift action to use Blessing of Strength
Iroran Knuckle Upper: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 5 + 1 = 24
Damage on hit: 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 = 10

Annik was in the act of raising her sword high above her head for a massive downward stroke when Saitama steps up and punches her right on the nose. She shouts out in pain and lowers her sword to the side. She quickly shouts "I yield!"

HAHAHA! Saitama...you are gold. :)

"I decked you in the schnozz!", smiles Saitama, pleased his training is still paying off.

"Now that you've been told your lesson, what kind of tomfoolery were you planning?"

Darmut waits for Shersht to tear into their foe before he climbs up in the Roc's wake.

Shersht Bite: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25 Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Shersht Talon: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18 Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Shersht Talon: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16 Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

"Dodge and flee! Come to me!" Merevelyn desires Caelum to return safely.
(I don't know how to put it, or exactly how much can be conferred. Hopefully, he's hiding and getting away.)

"Drop your weapon and you won't be harmed!" Merevelyn commands Annik.
Intimidate: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

If Annik drops her weapon:
"Caelum is in trouble!" Merevelyn exclaims, momentarily forgetting that, in her caution, she never introduced her small, thrush friend to the group, her group. "Enrik, help secure Annik for now: she will not be harmed, and I must go to Caelum!"
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (14) + 15 = 29 For Enrik. Or, if more appropriate:
Cha roll: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

Also if Annik drops her weapon and is secured:
Merevelyn runs off around the corner towards the next scene of trouble.
Move out and down the hallway, I think getting her to I11.

Simply getting this into the queue; use when appropriate.

Wyeth starts to follow Darmut upward, then realizes doing so would leave the goblins unsupervised. A growl of frustration morphs into "గైడెన్స్!" and a quick gesture ending with a touch on Darmut's ankle as he climbs up and out of sight. Guidance; +1 competence bonus to single attack/save/skill check within 1 minute).

Annik drops her weapon and is secured. Merevelyn rushes of in search of someone / something called Caelum.

Caelum's emotions: relieved, stress levels are decreasing

- - - -

Darmut feels Wyeth's touch on his ankle and carefully raises his head above roof level. There he sees two axe and shield wielding Ulfen man in battle with Shersth. The closest one has been suffering from Shersth's attacks and is bleeding from multiple wounds. Darmut does not waste time and attacks the man. Unfortunately his aim is off and his attack misses.
Darmut Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

The bleeding man shouts "I have had enough, you deal with this fury!" and runs to the west side of the building
Withdraw action

The remaining man attacks Shersth again, but misses.
Axe 1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Status

Annik: 10 damage
Fleeing Ulfen: 14 damage

Next
Party

Darmut skirts around behind the remaining man trident in hand to provide a flank for Shersht and the two strike in coordination as the hunter nods to his friend. Trying to fend from both sides the man in left vulnerable and trident, beak, and talon bite home covering him in his own blood.

Darmut Trident: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 4 + 2 = 19 Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Shersht Bite: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 2 = 23 Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Shersht Talon: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 6 + 2 = 25 Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Shersht Talon: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 2 = 15 Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Darmut and Shersht make short work of the last assailant, he goes down in a pool of blood!

Combat over and scenario over!

What you get from Enrik / Annik when they are questioned is:
The family of Enrik was killed in a winter wolf raid. Freyr Darkwine, who is both the Blackravens’ commander and Trollheim’s castellan, passed word to Ironjaw to expect the party to pass through the area with their captives and to let them through with the goblins in tow.

Unfortunately, the castellan underestimated Enrik’s desire for revenge against Irrisen and overestimated his willingness to follow any order given. Enrik’s small detachment of Blackravens are all relatively green and inexperienced and obey the lieutenant’s orders, even those he makes himself, outside the chain of command. Now the Blackravens, on Enrik’s orders, planned to lure the goblins into a trap.

After having a well deserved rest the last stretch to Trollheim is a breeze, you hand over the goblins to the extraction team and are told to report to Venture Captain Sheila Heidmarch at Heidmarch Manor in Magnimar, Varisia for your next assignment.

Chronicles will follow soon, please make your day job rolls.

Haha, this was quite a "peaceful" scenario, compared to our brawling in the museum.