GM Kyshkumen's PFS 1-51: The City of Strangers Part II (Inactive)

Game Master Kyshkumen

"Now don't that take all. Ye say he didn't kill 'im, an' I know we did'na do it. So who did? I'm nay as dense as I may look, but I do be stumped!"

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Miyako touches Bram's wound and casts a spell to heal it. She then casts the same spell on her own wound.

CLW on Bram: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
CLW on Miyako: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

"Hmm... not much happened there..." She takes out her wand of cure light wounds, and tries healing Bram and herself again with the wand instead of her own magic.

CLW on Bram: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
CLW on Miyako: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

"It seems to me we should go after this killer," Miyako says, "and figure out why Collgardie was killed."

"Will you join us in our search for the killer, mister-who-still-owes-me-his-socks? You were hired to do so, meaning our goal's pretty much the same. No, seriously, give me your socks."

"We..." he looks around at his fallen compaions. "I mean I was only hired to watch the house. I have no interest in a wild goose chase across the city. Now if I give you my socks can I go?"

You can save your spells for now Miyako, at least on my account. Findlefarb got me back to 14/15 with my wand. Thanks though! Could be I'll need healing again before long.

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Ferabras can't help but smile, baring his ferocious teeth, at the silliness of Miyako's demand, but he supports her in it nonetheless. "Give up the socks and you can go," he says.

The man starts taking off his boots so that he can give Miyako his socks. "So how do you plan to find his killer? My boss doesn't even know who did it, and you are several steps behind him if you didn't even know Collgardie as killed."

"Yer boss, eh? Maybe we should talk to' him. Who is yer boss anyway? And where can we find him?"

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"You'll want to speak with Besel Ardoc. As to where he might be I have know clue, you know how busy those Ardocs are."

"Can't say I do, really. New to town. Are they important?"

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The man pulls off his socks and hands them to Miyako. Then starts putting on his boots as he explains. "The Ardocs control the Kiln, a local golem factory, and own a lot of the city. It's them and the commerce league that make up most of the power base here in Kaer Maga." With his boots back on he stands up and walks to the door. He pauses a moment and looks at the man Bram took out with an axe. "Poor Jimmy, what will I tell his mother". The man takes a moment to consider and shrugs. "Oh well more pay for me." With that he steps out into the night.

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@Bram: Okaydokay, then I heal only Miyako.

@GM: If possible, I'd like to count the 2 uses of my wand for my own healing and save my spells. That okay?

Miyako accepts the man's socks and holds them up high, one in each hand. "Victory is mine!"

She ties a sock to each of her earrings before she joins the conversation again. "Yes, poor Jimmy. Or actually just poor mother, because Jimmy's dead."

Grandfather: Those socks look good on you!

Miyako: Thank you!

Ferabras stares at Miyako in a combination of puzzlement and awe as she dons the captured socks. "Um, they look good that way..." he says. "How about we check out the rest of the house for any clues to what happened here, then go visit this Besel Ardoc?"

With that, he takes a careful look through the living room and dining room, then enters the hall leading to the unexplored area of the house.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

"Thank you, Ferabras! You may have the next socks we acquire from battle!"

Miyako helps Ferabras search the place, but not after she's taken a quick look in a mirror. "Lovely. Absolutely wonderful."

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

The room north of where you found the body of Collardie is a small meeting room with a thick wooden table. The other north western room looks to be a store room for Collardie's business and a bed in one of the corners indicates that he probably slept here as well.

Just to confirm: have we checked the whole building? I thought it was multiple stories.

That's all there is, nothing really much at all here.

"Well, it seems we hafta find this Ardoc feller. Let's get going, could take awhile..."

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At this point you'll have to ask around the city to see if you can locate Besel Ardoc. This will take knowledge local or diplomacy checks, however it is getting late and each attempt can take several hours. You may rest at this point and start fresh the next day if you like.

"Guys, I'd like to go to bed now." Miyako places a hand in front of her mouth and yawns. "Sleepy sleepy time, you see."

I suggest going to an inn so we can rest, and searching for Ardoc the next morning.

"Okay," Ferabras responds, "maybe we can chat folks up at the inn and see if they know where to find Ardoc."

Diplomacy to gather info: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

"Aye, I could do with a bit o' shuteye. But I'm not much for talkin', so it's best if the rest of you handle that sort o' thing."

As the group gets their rooms in order Ferabras finds a talkative dwarf at the bar. While he does seem a bit intoxicated he introduces himself as Saul Coalbreath and responds well to Ferabras's question about the location of Besel Ardoc. "I knows a bit bout that Ardoc fella you was askin bout. Though I've fall'n on some hard times me self." He takes a long swig from his mug. "Maybe we can be helping each other out if ya catch my meaning."

"And what would helping you out involve?" Miyako asks, then yawns.

"You know it'll have to wait till tomorrow, right? That okay?"

"That seems fine, I like helping people," responds Ferabras. "As my friend asks, what kind of help can we provide?"

Sorry this got buried on my list so I forgot to post yesterday.

The Dwarf looks a little miffed you didn't take his subtle hint. "I'd be ask'n for some coin fer the info."

"Ah, of course, sorry," responds Ferabras, unaccustomed to such dealings. He drops a handful of coins into the dwarf’s outstretched palm and waits for an answer.

5 gp seem okay?

The dwarfs eyes go wide as the coins are placed in his hand and he hastily puts them away. "Not sure what them Ardocs are inta but I know this Besel fella drinks alot. Not sure which place he frequents but I don't blame the man for drinkin away his problems. Hope that helps ya."

[ooc]So you got one clue you needed but everyone can rest up and you start fresh in the morning. Feel free to roll play your morning out and start knowledge local or diplomacy rolls to find the next clue.[ooc]

Bram finds the quarters adequate. He is not too picky, and has certainly slept in far worse conditions.

In the morning he done his armor and gear, then heads downstairs for a breakfast of sausage and eggs, if it can be had.

"Well I feel much better now tha me belly's full. What say we hit the town? I''ll try talkin' a bit, but me tongue ain't so smooth..."

Bram asks locals and passersby about the Ardoc's favorite pub.

Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15

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When Miyako wakes up she rubs her eyes and walks over to the bathroom. She locks the bathroom's door, and shifts to her actual appearance. A fox tail appears as she shifts, and Miyako's entire body's covered in a deep red fur. Miyako takes a look in the bathroom's mirror sees her familiar snout and whiskers.

Miyako: I know you! yes, I do!

After she's refreshed herself Miyako changes back into her traveler's outfit, attaches her earrings again (including the socks attached to it), and shifts back to her human appearance. She then unlocks the door, gathers her belongings, and heads back to the bar.

While eating breakfast Miyako tries to get some info from people at the bar. Once done asking people for info inside, Miyako heads outside and asks the people in the street for some info. "Hi! How do you like my socks? I got them recently! I'm by the way looking for Besel Ardoc, do you know him?"

I'll take 20 if possible, or otherwise 10. That'll make for either 28 or 18 to gather info.

Half an hour later Miyako returns from the street and sits down at the bar, where she shares whatever info she's been able to obtain with the other Pathfinders. "Hey Bram, I see you're finally up! I was awake quite early I must say. Already went out for a bit."

Granny: Kid, you should remove those socks...

Miyako: Yes, thank you. I like them a lot. They compliment my boots, they do.

Sorry for the delay, since each roll takes a random amount of time I can't allow the taking of 20.

Bram and Miyako spend some time in the morning but neither is successful in turning up any new information.

I am going to need to send out some PMs to see who is still playing. It seems we only have 3 active players at the moment.

Though he's a bit concerned that people will be alarmed by his appearance, Ferabras decides to venture out and explore the area a bit, and see what he can learn. He stops at a weaponsmith's shop to inquire about having his blade sharpened and casually mentions Besel Ardoc.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

As you probably guessed, I'm still here. Nice meeting you last weekend, Kysh!

As Ferabras walks about the city his apprehensions about his appearance fade. In fact no one seems to pay him a second glace here, unlike some of the other places he has visited.

While he does manage to get his blade sharpened the weaponsmith does not have any information on Besel Ardoc. However on his way back he feels a slight tug on his coin pouch and reflexively grabs the thief's arm. Looking down he discovers a small mouse of a girl, she's dressed in rags and it looks like she's missed a few meals. She struggles to break free at first but gives up. "Don't call the watch, I heard you asking about asking about that Ardoc fellow. If you don't call the watch and maybe buy me some hot food I can tell you." She gives Ferabras the best sad puppy face she can.

It was nice to see you again, sorry we didn't have to much time to chat. It was a busy day for me.

Ferabras has a generous heart and an optimistic view of the motivations of others, and he agrees to feed the little girl. "Of course, little one, you look like you could use a decent meal. Here, let's step into this kebab stand, what do you like?"

No worries, the nature of cons - see lots of folks, most of them very briefly as you run to the next thing.

"I really like these cereals," Miyako informs Bram. "They crunch between my teeth."

I hope some people will return :/

She points out several kebabs and she shares what she knows between bites. "Besel is that guy that works at the golem factory right? He has a fat coin pouch so I've shadowed him a few times. I usually give up when he heads into the Downmarket." By the time she has shared what she knows she has finished off her kebabs faster then you thought was possible. She then slips off into the crowd in the blink of an eye.

Ferabras watches the girl vanish into the crowd, then returns to his fellow Pathfinders and tells them what he's learned. "Seems we could head for the golem factory and ask around, so we know what the fellow looks like, then follow him. Sound good?"

Back at the inn:

"Aye, lass, a good grain can do a world o' good. Still, after a long a day like we just had, a hot meal was just what I needed!"

On the search:

"Well, that sounds as good as anything. Sounds like he headed to this 'Downmarket' a lot too. May be we'll end up askin' at both places."

1d6 ⇒ 6

This mornings information gathering took about 6 hours so it is now around 1 in the afternoon. It looks like you can go to Kiln (do you know what Besel Ardoc looks like?) or you can follow more leads in the Downmarket.

Miyako nods at Bram's words, and sings a little rhyme: "~If everyone in the world had good grain, then there would be less pain~"

"Where's this girl you talked to?" Miyako asks Ferabras. "Maybe she knows what Ardoc looks like? What, she's gone? You're sure she wasn't just inside you head, aren't you?"

Greatgrandfather: That'd be weird! I'd advise a doctor.

"Perhaps we can go to the Downmarket first, figure out what he looks like, then go after him? If he goes to the Downmarket a lot, we may even find him there."

The group decides to move down to the Downmarket to continue looking for Besel Ardoc.

Know Local or Diplomacy rolls

Ferabras, growing a bit more confident since his appearance doesn't seem to frightening people, makes an effort to ask around about Ardoc.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Ferabras's search comes up empty this time. Though his companions can also make use of this time.

Miyako casts guidance on everyone, then runs of to talk to random strangers. "Hey you! If you tell me about Ardoc, like what looks like and where he lives or works, I will sing a song for you!"

Diplomacy, Guidance: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 8 + 1 = 18

Even if no one answers her question, Miyako will sing a song.

Perform (Sing): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

"~Row, row, row your boat!~" Though the song's quite easy, Miyako sings it with the skill of a professional singer.

"The other side of the deal," adds Ferabras with a somewhat toothy grin, "is if you tell her about him, she might stop singing. So there's that."

Diplomacy, Aid Miyako: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Bram tries his best to tone down the gruffness and attempts to help Miyako in her investigation.

"This Ardoc feller, they say he shops 'round here a lot. Can ye tell us where he might be? We need to deliver a message..."

Diplomacy, Guidance, Aid: 1d20 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 + 1 = 14

1d6 ⇒ 6

After scouring the Downmarket you eventually find someone with some information. A large muscular man with a pink feather boa and deep booming voice introduces himself and Miss Feathers. "Oh I've heard of that one, he walks around here with his golems like he owns the place. Never had him as a client myself, but he doesn't really seem my type. I prefer the more..exotic." He traces a finger down one of Ferabras horns. "Anyway one of my regulars was talking about seeing him ealier at a pub called Augur's Entrails. The sign out front has a troll pulling out his own entrails. Not really what I'm into so I've never been there myself. Now would any of you be interested in spending some time with Miss Feathers?" He tickles Bram's nose with one of the ends of his feather boa.

In case none of you have heard of Miss Feathers, he is actually written into the scenario and not made up by me. You have now had the Miss Feathers experience. It is now around 7 in evening.

"I'm confused," Miyako tells the man after she stops singing. "Do feathered boas taste more like snakes do, or more like birds do? Could you compare it to something more commonly eaten in this region?"

Regulars? Regulars for what? thinks a puzzled Ferabras, freezing in place as Miss Feathers strokes one of his horns. As politely as he can manage, he says, ”I’m sure you are a pleasant person to spend time with, but we have work to do.”

As Miyako asks her question, the red-skinned tiefling thinks, I don’t think he was offering us food…but I’m not really sure what he was offering. ”Um, sorry, we have to go. Miyako, you coming?”

A meeting between Miyako and Miss Feathers - quality entertainment!

Bram's face turns an odd shade as the burly man tickles his nose. He harrumphs loudly and tries to avoid using dwarven diplomacy.

"Umph, like my friend here said, we really must be goin'. Got a lot to do yet, an it be gettin late..."

Beam turns to lead the way to the tavern.

"At least Ardoc'll likely be quaffin' ale. Hope I have time for a pint."

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Miss feathers looks down at Miyako, "Oh I'm sorry dear I didn't see you there." He takes a moment to look Miyako over. "I love what you did with the socks, maybe it'll catch on." He then leans down and whispers in Miyako's ear.

Welcome please feel free to introduce yourself and we can also discuss character levels and level tier before we get started.

Hi all - I'm wondering if folks are okay with playing this low-tier, as all my other characters are booked at the moment. I have a couple of ideas I'm thinking about putting together - a zen archer (with a level or two of inquisitor early on) and a paladin, because in 30+ years of gaming I have never played one.

I'm pretty flexible. Only my highest level characters are in use right now. I currently have free:

Level 4 fighter - Dex based rapier guy
Level 3 Inquisitor - Reach weapon melee
Level 1's - Cavalier, Barbarian, Sorceror

Hi everyone! I wouldn't mind playing this at a low tier.

I have the following characters available:
Level 3 - Ranger
Level 1 - Oracle, Gunslinger, and possibly my Druid

Good morning everyone,

Available:
Caikahn - Aasimar Paladin - 1 (one credit)
Susan - Dwarf Urban Ranger - 7
Fijit - Geeked out Gnome Rogue - 1 (originally designed for Serpent's Skull)

Edit:
Going through old .por files, I found more Lvl 1 characters:
Pillango - Human Ninja
Belor - Shoanti Barbarian
Wilrine - Gnome (Undead Bloodline) Sorcerer

I've only got Findlefarb available right now for this: a L1 gnome prankster bard. It's either him, or I make a new character--also L1.

Okay, sounds like there are enough low-tier characters amongst us for me to play either of the two builds I mentioned.

GM Kysh - who else are you waiting on? Just wanting to figure out how much time I have before we start, in order to get my build and alias done.

Looks like everyone is here. I will be face to face gaming today over at Ronin Games so you'll probably need to be ready some time tomorrow Khelreddin. You can also come hang out at Ronin tonight. I believe we are playing The Infernal Vault and Feast of Sigils.

I don't think I'll make it to Ronin today, but I've heard great things about PFS there. I'll likely be at Games of Berkeley on Friday - in fact, I've got a tiefling paladin pretty much together, was thinking I'd run him Friday night and then jump him into this game. Is that okay with you, as long as we haven't gone beyond the intro scenes of this scenario?

Sure I am flexible.

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Khelreddin here - thanks, Kyshkumen. I'll be playing with this guy, looking forward to playing with you all. Aside from a game I've just started with Jellyroll (I'm Mohok in Shadow's Last Stand), I don't think I've played with anyone in this group.

Derek here

I think it'll work best for me if I play my dwarf barbarian. He's got a single chronicle to his name, so after this he'd make level 2!

I don't think I'll make it to Ronin today, but I've heard great things about PFS there. I'll likely be at Games of Berkeley on Friday - in fact, I've got a tiefling paladin pretty much together, was thinking I'd run him Friday night and then jump him into this game. Is that okay with you, as long as we haven't gone beyond the intro scenes of this scenario?

I read something about tieflings and aasimar not being allowed anymore in PFS after August 14 this year, unless they already have a chronicle sheet on their name before that date. Anyone knows more about that?

Yes, it is as you say. There's a blog post about it, but the blog tag-finding feature is acting a bit wonky at the moment, so I can't find it. Here's the short version, posted a while back my DM Kludde:

Aasimar and Tiefling PCs will no longer be PFS legal. Any Aasimar or Tiefling having 1 XP by Aug 13 (subtle wording in the blog post) will be 'grandfathered', meaning you can continue playing it. After Aug 14, you can no longer build a new PC that is Aasimar or Tiefling (the races are being replaced by Kitsune, Nagaji and Wayang)

This is why I want to get a chronicle on Ferabras on Friday night, as mentioned above.

That is correct. As long as you have 1 XP, either as a player or GM, you can keep them.

For PBP games they might be ok so long as the game starts by the 14th, but that would be less clear.

But if Khel plays his paladin on Friday, then hops in here, he's golden.

Offical blog thingy.

My understanding of it GM Derek is that the PbP games need to be finished by the due date not after.

This is Jellyroll.

With the Paladin and Barbarian in I'll play Pillango, Ninja skill monkey.
Any healers out there?

Also, I will have limited access to internet 08/01 - 08/09. I'll post as often as I can, feel free to bot if necessary.

StephNyan here! Miyako's an oracle and has a wand of CLW. So she can provide some healing ;)

So, here's the thing. Kysh gave the okay for me to play a PFS scenario tonight. We ended up playing the first Thornkeep module, wherein I almost died - in fact, I thought I had died at one point. But what that means is that after asking everyone to play level 1 (or at least low-tier), I'm now level 2.

Hope that's cool with everyone. Boy, there are some brutal encounters in that module!

It's still going to put us in the low tier so not really a big issue. Maybe if you came in with a level 3 it might have been a problem.

Yeah, that's more or less what I figured. And this way I'll be more effective at helping to keep us alive and the monsters dead. I'll update my alias soon, likely tomorrow.

Alias is updated, just in time to whack some goblins.

I will be camping from Tuesday to Saturday, 8/12-8/16, likely with no cell signal. I expect I will be unable to post until I'm back, feel free to bot me as needed.

Back!

Well...kinda:
1) Gen Con on Thursday = 08/14 - 08/17 limited posting.
2) Took a new job which is much more demanding. Posting will be less than previous efforts, last week excluded of course.
3) If you need to boot me I completely understand.

Back!!!

I'm so sorry for me absence, everyone. Still adjusting for a change in work situation (new office, mainly).

If there are just 3 players at a table the GM may fill the 4th slot of the table with a pregen. Or at least that's allowed when the table hasn't started yet.

If no one else returns, could we have a pregen join us so we're with 4 again? It'd make the boss fight less worrisome.

I was giving a little more time but yes I am leaning toward a pregen.

I think going with a pregen at this point makes sense. We seem set on melee and healing, we're a little short on skills and definitely lacking any arcane ability.

Wizard then?

The low-level pregen wizard and sorcerer aren't great. Maybe the bard?

I think Inspire Courage would benefit this party quite a bit.

I agree. And you, Miyako, are a seriously entertaining person to PbP with!

Haha, thank you!

Miyako's by far my 'weirdest' character, but most of my characters have something odd. I like playing characters that aren't entirely 'normal'.

It is in fact chronicle sheet time. I need PFS # and day job rolls.

Yay!

Player Name: StephNyan
Character Name: Miyako_Okori
PFS#: 115025-6
Faction: The Exchange
Day Job: -

#80015-6, Silver Crusade

No day job.

Thanks for running this!

#85794-8

Grand Lodge

No Day Job.

Thanks for running this one! Definitely looking forward to part 2!

Hello all! So, who's heading in to number two?

Pali, Oracle, barbarian, Bard, Ninja?

What levels?

Picking my character ...

Ferabras, level 2 tiefling paladin - looking to compensate for his devil blood by doing some good in the world - he'll be along for #2.

Bard was just a pre-gen since we were down to only 3 players. Feel free to finish what you were doing in game. I am just going to flow right into part 2.

@Ryan,
I have a 1st level Investigator that is joining the party for part 2.

Hello all! So, who's heading in to number two?

Pali, Oracle, barbarian, Bard, Ninja?

What levels?

Picking my character ...

Oracle, level 1 :)

I'll be carrying on with my dwarf barbarian. Still 1st level, but just 1 XP from 2nd now!

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Meta-gaming a wee bit here, but I assume Pratt's defeat represents the end of Part 1, and there's not a lot of reason to heal and question him. Is that so? I just don't want to keep us from starting part 2 by dragging out the end of part 1.

I expected another briefing from the venture-captain, but perhaps that's not how it works with most sequel scenarios?

(I'm GMing part 2 of Shadow's Last Step, and it had another briefing. Which is why I expected such a briefing.)

Yeah, there would normally be one, even for a second part, so that's what I was thinking too.

This one has a more natural flow so if you would like more story by all means continue with what you are doing. If not you can simply turn him over to the authorities and move along and see how it unfolds.

Links to the chronicles have gone out as PM's. Let me know if you have any trouble printing or if I goofed up on something.

Chronicle sheet applied, Ferabras is ready to go.

RyanH - have you decided on a character to play?

I'll have to look into some things for Miyako to purchase. I'll let it know when she's ready :)