GM OfAnything's Darkest Abduction (Inactive)

Game Master KingOfAnything

Can't fail that Knowledge Local, modifier currently +25

"We should go to Tangledyne. It's a ruined estate about an hour's travel outside the city that sounds like it is that sinking manor she spoke of."

"I hope the road is good" sighs Vrald.

"Swamp muck is *so* hard to get out of ones armor."

He offers a partying bow to the departing ghost. "Please accept our thanks for your assistance."

Untrained perform: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

Omar looks down at the hair. "Found it!"

He looks at the nearby set pieces, but doesn't find anything he considers strange.

Looking towards Lurgh, he asks "Do you think there is anything a trained tracker might be able to find here?"

"That beast on a leash!" Zahra is horrified, her guilt over the attack giving way to a natural Katapeshi pride in the tiger she raised. "But Pumpkin is such a good boy. He is not beast... he is family! He understands more than pain and fear... He is our proudest defender. And who here has not fallen prey to spells from time to time?"

She looks near the hair on the nail. "How did that hair get there? Vas she dragged? Drugged? If there vas hair, there vere footprints near here. Did any of you find vun?"

"We have all been weight, tested and found wanting from time to time." agrees Vrald. "It is how one grows."

He thinks a bit longer.

"And speaking of that. If we have time, I'd like to acquire some air crystals. Just in case of a problem in the swamp. I'd hate to drown in my armor."

Would like to spring 200gp for air some air crystals if possible

Shaking his head, Omar says "No footprints I could find."

He quickly fiddles with a small gem and is ready to go.

Pearl of Power 1 used to bring Protection from Evil back into memory.

But he is still an animal, Zahra and susceptible to his baser nature regardless of his bond to you. That is why it is important that you always be vigilant.

Looking towards Lurgh, he asks "Do you think there is anything a trained tracker might be able to find here?"

I'm no trained tracker myself, so I cannot say.

At Omar's suggestion, Pumpkin perks up and attempts to track the scent from Olivina's hair.

Survival(Pumpkin): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

He circles the stage a few times, but is unable to catch a scent. The night's production has erased all trace of the girl from the theater.

Vrald stops by a waterside shop on the way out of town and purchases four pouches of air crystals.
_____________

20:10

Elapsed time is 1 hour, 10 minutes. Presumably, the journey back will take another hour. Will you recast spells when they expire, Garinol?

The fetid expanse known as Graidmere Swamp lies northwest of Karcau. Beyond the cosmopolitan confines of the city, the theaters and academies give way to ramshackle farmsteads—moss-draped shacks occupied by suspicious farmers. Gnarled vines seem to pull every structure down into the swamp, and the roads gradually deteriorate into muddy footpaths. The air becomes thick with mosquitoes and the shrill shrieks of unseen creatures.

You find their way to the ruined estate known as Tangledyne, approximately one hour’s travel from the city. Impromptu causeways of soggy debris wind through the swamp, several converging on a decaying stone manor whose walls have settled, sagged, and sunk unevenly into the wet ground. Garlands of sinew strung with animal bones hang from the stones like a threadbare spider web, partly obscuring the small carvings incised into the crumbling stone. A small hut of wooden posts and woven grasses stands atop a nearby hummock.

The air is rich with the buzzing of insects, calls of birds, and splashes of amphibious activity, but you see nothing bigger than a lizard in the area.

slide 6, move your tokens as you explore freely. Green on the map is boggy swamp and considered difficult terrain.

The wall carvings in the manor are very old and partly overgrown with moss and lichen, but if you take a closer look:

survival: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Vrald peers closer. "I can see nothing here. Shall I call out the phrase, or would one of you prefer to?"

And the sooner we are out of here the better. I think a mosquito has just got inside my armor, and is having a feast in there.

The knight swats at his face, but only once, as his armored gauntlet leaves a bruise.

Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25
Untrained Survival: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Barkskin is still in effect for another 110 minutes

Calling over Zahra, Omar says "Darling, I've found some footprints!" Pointing them out, he says "It looks like a human's prints, from the south traveling to the hut and back."

When he gets to the carvings, Omar frowns. "This has the markings of Bokrug, one of the Great Old Ones. They are linked to water and revenge." Looking up, he adds "Not the best of signs. Hopefully the reason the people were taken isn't connected to that."

"Oh you are so clever, Omar!" Zahra beams at her spouse, then applies her wand of Residual Tracking to the footprint. "Let us see vhat this footprint can tell us!"

UMD: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (19) + 21 = 40
Not that she needs to roll... She auto-triggers all wands.

Lurgh moves up near the front, but not to where he would disturb Omar's tracking and keeps an eye our for danger.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

20:11

Zahra spends a minute casting her spell on a promising footprint.

Taking a moment to catch try to smell the patch of hair as well, Garinol will likewise attempt to "follow his nose", but to no avail. "I suspected the trail would have already gone cold. However, all in not lost. Not yet."

For most of the journey, Garinol takes a back seat, remaining largely silent, taking notes in his personal journal to help remember details if needed for later.

For now, I will not recast the two spells that have expired.

"Gather near me please. Given what Omar found about Bokrug I will cast life bubble on us all. I need to touch you to have the spell take effect. Are you sure you can control that beast of yours Zahra?"

20 hours divided as follows: all humanoids 3 hours, Pumpkin 2 hours

"Did you learn anything from that footprint"

Omar rolls his eyes at Faeranduil's statement of distrust. "In our experience, far more Pathfinders have been overcome by supernatural influences than Pumpkin. You are really being unfair!"

"Thank you for the protective spell, Faeranduil."

"Thank you for the spell, Faerunduil," Zahra says. Faerunduil's comment stings, but Zahra does not wish to antagonize her party. Sniping is the wrong way to go now. "Hopefully you vill all see the vorth of my Pumpkin before long."

"As for what I saw, it vas this." She casts a silent image of the young woman she saw. The girl is walking toward the hut- anxious, but with hopeful determination. Her dress is nice, but not extravagant. She wears a small hat and veil over her brown hair and wraps herself in an unassuming shawl. One fist is clenched around a handkerchief, the other a small coin purse.

GM... Age? Other coloration? We don't recognize her, right?

Mid-twenties. You don't recognize her face. She appears to be a petitioner from the city, like Margaret spoke of. There are many footprints leading both to and from the hut, and she is one of several people that have visited in the past week or two.

Are you ready to invoke the powers Margaret told you about?

Looking to Vrald, Omar says "Go ahead and try the phrase."

Once sure everyone is read, Garinol takes out and reads the incantation from his journal, mindful of just what dark entity might be listening, "Dark marsh, dark secrets, I petition thee." and just to be safe repeats the phrase Margaret had said, unsure if it was meant to be included or a simple remark, "The swamp listens, and they’ll answer."

Repeating it two more times, as he looks for something to happen.

I have not gotten a chance to look at the map, but I mean to stay near the group.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Upon completing the invocation, the foraging birds, mammals, and insects pause, examine the party more closely, and then hastily depart the area. After a few minutes in the now nearly-silent swamp, it becomes clear you might be waiting for some time.

How do you spend your time? What does your character do when bored?

Seeing all the normal animals flee, Omar moves to be near Zahra and Pumpkin. Something is scaring the animals away. Best that I be in position to help if it affects Pumpkin as well.

"I might be unfair, but self-control and control of one's beasts is imperative if one wants to succeed at missions. I apologize if I offended you by speaking honestly"

While waiting Faeranduil gets his unseen servant to unfold his folding chair and table that are carried in the chests. He then takes out a pathfinder chronicle and starts to read while the servant makes tea.

Vrald stands at attention, his eyes looking out into the swamp as he does so.

"My thanks for your protection Faeranduil. I hope that it will not be required, and we don't have long to wait."

After ten minutes he looks around for something to sit on.

"While we wait, I was wondering if any of you could identify some of the local plants for me. As a member of the Society, I have been trying to broaden my breadth of knowledge of all areas of scholarship."

Zahra feels hurt. The anger leveled at Pumpkin is something she has never felt before, and she wants to cry. Instead she gathers her dignity. "Vell, now that you have so kindly shared your opinions vith us, perhaps ve can change the subject?"

She sits next to Pumpkin's warm flank and practices her flute.

Perform Flute: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26

The song fits her mood... Sad and haunting, with a note of hope.

On the notes, she sends out a prayer. Please Lady Shelyn, understand that they mean well. Please, help the team see the beauty and worth in Pumpkin. Please, help redeem him in their eyes.

"While we wait, I was wondering if any of you could identify some of the local plants for me. As a member of the Society, I have been trying to broaden my breadth of knowledge of all areas of scholarship."

Know Nature: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

"I am no expert, but I'll certainly do what I can, my friend."

Walking a bit to the side, "This is flower is the Atropa. Or Bella Donna. Yes, indeed, you have probably heard the name, at least in passing. It is also called the Night Shade, a natural poisonous plant, but one that, like most beautiful things, is much more dangerous than "pretty"., looking the two artists of the party in the eye as he speaks that last part. :P I'm only playing. I have no issue with artists or your characters.

"Here" pointing to a small but unique flower floating in a small puddle, not even a stream, "is a variety of lily. Lore has it that this small bud was somehow connected to the Nymphs, fey that exhibited a certain purity of nature even before, if not beyond the "old faiths" came to adapt them." As they continue to walk about the area, he points to another, allowing time for the warrior-defender to take notes if he wishes, "I've always been particularly fond of this one, the swamp pogonia. Perhaps it is the shape of that reminds me of some of the tenets of mine own faith? I'm not certain, but I it is only found in the wetlands like this. Other orchids are more common, but this one, the color,..."

He continues on, identifying those plants he knows, which, to be honest, is not many in the great orchestra of plantlife that makes up the swamps.

21:11 - It is dark now, Vrald and Omar have ioun torches

After an hour of waiting, a pair of mystics approaches your little circle of light, stopping near the hut. Animal bones and geometric patterns of mud adorn their armor, clothing, and skin. The eyes of a giant marsh cat glow in the dim light. Its tail twitches.

When the pair gets closer, you realize they are a man and woman. A painted face glares from under a giant cat’s skull and over the man’s painted wooden shield, only his eyes visible. The woman uses her feathered spear to push several ropelike strands of matted hair away from her face and addresses you in, ”How di’ you law’n to call awn us, outsidah?”

"It is said, where there is a need, the swamp will provide." says Vrald, doing his best to sound mystical.

"We have a need. A woman has been taken, and we seek help tracking her through the sewers - possibly to the darklands. Can you help us help her?"

diplomacy: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (9) + 15 = 24

Speakin slowly to help them understand his words, but not by implying they are somehow less, "Mad Margaret taught us, after we survived her test. We seek your help, my friends. Some of the folks from the city have been taken. We hope to find them. She said yiu would be our best hope."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 25

The swamp woman looks thoughtfully at Garinol, ”Yeh spea’t speerts, d’yah? Course, nun li'in’ dare spea’ so freely o’us. Ih do well by yoo.”

The man speaks up, ”Nawn o’ awrs‘d done't, dat be fah shawr.”

”Course naw’” she scolds him, ”No swampah’d 'are't. Teh city’d burn us awl oar come nea’ tryin’. Gods knaw we’d hahd ‘nuff a’ready.”

She turns back to the group and holds both hands in front of her, palms facing up, ”Yaw come seek’n awr knaw’n o’ deh sewah. In dis place, dat knaw’n come wit’dah price.” She pauses to take each of your measures in turn. ”A thou o’ gol' fer each o’ yah dat be on two legs.”

She seems impressed you learned the invocation from Mad Mad Margaret. +2 circumstance bonus on all Diplomacy or Intimidate checks

"That is a steep price for helping someone. Perhaps we might speak with the authorities about easing your troubles here?" offers Vrald.

"A case of you help us, and we help you..."

diplomacy: 1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 15 + 2 = 34 <- happy to do an aid if someone with a better bonus wants to go primary.

The woman exchanges a look with her companion, "Yer wor' is naw' guarantee. Bu' a wor' might be wort' more'n gol' inna righ' ear. Haf as mush an' a promise, aye'll tell yeh wha' I knaw."

She pauses and studies Omar again, "Migh' be aye take dat fancy wahsp clasp o' yah's as payment, troo. What d'yeh say?"

Faeranduil has given his book and cup of tea to his unseen servant when the swampers approach. He listens to the exchange of words, trying to understand the accent.

Omar shakes his head no when the woman indicates his clasp.

He then points out "It seems there are some very dark places you sometimes have to go into." Pointing to his grey Ioun stone, he says "I have enhanced the flame on this stone so that it is more powerful than a normal one. Having light even in magical darkness may be of interest to you?"

Aid on Diplomacy as we haggle.: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

It is a heightened Continual Flame on the Ioun stone -- not something everyone can do.

Like a true Katapeshi princess, Zahra's eyes light up at the prospect of a good haggle. It would be embarrassing to take the first offer. The key is to not look too eager, and to get a sense of what the other side might want.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

Looking apologetically at the duo, Zahra speaks. "My Omar is attached to his clasp. Is lucky charm for him. But perhaps you might also need protection of another sort? I train the best tiger cubs in Katapesh, and vould be villing to give you vun of Pumpkin's cubs fully trained to defend your svamp. This is not an offer I make everyone. I vant people who vill appreciate the tiger," Zahra's voice is light. She carefully does not look at her teammates. "They are fierce, but they are loyal, loving and the best companions vun could ask for. Pumpkin is not just my bodyguard. He is family, and part of my soul."

She pulls out a business card for Zenay tigers. "It is clear that you must be excellent guides, but perhaps ve can come to terms acceptable to us all."

Diplomacy, Aid Another: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (13) + 17 = 30

Combat trained tigers cost 900g, and I do have a Tiger Farm as my day job. I would be willing to put in 900g from the scenario's money to represent this gift.

Understanding that his mistess is calling his name, Pumpkin stands by Zahra, relaxed but warily studying the Swampers.

He knows that Zahra has been unhappy, tense and upset, and this has had him off-balance, so he waits for her word.
.

Seeing as people were content to wait, Lurgh decided he might as well take advantage of the wet terrain and see if anything was biting. Taking out his fishing gear, Lurgh baited his hook and cast it into a clearer spot where it was less likely to get tangled in the weeds.

The act of casting slowly drawing the line in by hand and then preparing the line for another throw acted as a form of meditation, repetitive action that helped clear the mind and center oneself.

Fishing: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

But fishing in this environment was different than fishing off a pier in Absalom into deep water. He would certainly have to practice more if he wanted to catch any fish.

Even though this appeared to be fruitless, Lurgh was much calmer now. Lurgh tossed a handful of the preserved bait fish he'd carried in front of Pumpkin. It would be incredibly salty, but it was all he could offer.

When the mystics arrive, Lurgh let the others do the negotiations, ready to act if they became hostile.

The woman’s face is proud, ”Di’naw misundahstand, strangah. I will nah haggle foah yer trinkets. I ha’ light fo’ myself, a’ready..” she turns to Zahra, hand raised to refuse the offered card, ”We have awr own marsh cats, thank yeh.” She gestures to the animal behind her.

Knowledge(nature): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (18) + 15 = 33

Both swampers pause a moment, examining the tiger as he comes to stand near Zahra. The woman continues thoughtfully, ”Coawse, aw’s naw’ as fine as he. P’haps fresh stock’d do us well.” She takes the offered card from Zahra and looks around at the group. ”My offah stands, haff a thou from each o’ yah. Will ye pay, or sha’ we be gone?”

Omar, I’m not quite comfortable giving value for your continual flame. Total is 3000gp, Zahra has offered 900gp.

Omar ponders the woman's words, trying to get a feel for the situation.

Is money all they are after? They mentioned the lack of respect they get, perhaps there is something that we can offer there?

Sense Motive, is money and a task all they will take?: 10 + 14 = 24

Sorry, I can never tell from the outside when the scenario allows other methods and since they had high-balled asking for the clasp it seemed appropriate to low-ball with an item not normally available.

Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Zahra looks the marsh cat over. Does she know anything about it?

"Your cat is fine creature. If I may?" She offers a treat to Pumpkin first, then kneels down and whistles to the strange cat, offering a treat. "Vhat is your name, قطة صغيرة?"

Handle Animal: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (20) + 23 = 43

Pumpkin looks hopefully at the salty bait thrown in front of him. The moment Zahra turns to offer the treat to the other cat though, Pumpkin furtively swallows the bait in a single gulp, then starts nosing the hand that Zahra is holding out with the treat.

If he won't take it, I will!

As the negotiations wear on, Vrald spends a few moments watching the big cats play. They are more like children than massive killing machines. Though it would pay to remember what Sniggles did to the mouse. My god, but that maid screamed when she found the mess. And the mouse still alive at the end. Just.

When the jealous Pumpkin pounces on the kitty treat, a low chuckle can be heard coming from the knights chest.

"How do you think Omar would act if you got friendly with Lurgh in front of him?" he asks as he sets down his backpack.

"I have coin enough to cover my share. I do hope the society will reimburse us for this."

Eventually the knight picks up a stick and tosses it. Well, the dogs like this
"Fetch!" he tries.

handle animal: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Lurgh just made a major purchase and only has 129 gp right now, so he can't pay his share.

I had a 25 -> 27 Diplomacy earlier. I'm not sure if that counted already or you want another one.

Diplomacy (Just in case): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (15) + 16 = 31

I don't mind paying Lurghs share if needed, I'm just not sure if there is another way to go. I have 1,000+ I will offer if needed. Not to mention more than a few potions and scrolls.

"My name is Garinol" he says, unwrapping his headdress for the first time to reveal a scarred and burned face, and while not revolting, he hopes to offer a bit of cause for empathy amongst the Swampers who he believes might be scorned by the more civilized locals from the city. "I'm curious, my friends. We are all members of a small organization, and like you, we are not,. . . well liked here by the locals that live in the city. Pathfinders are generally not welcome. We simply seek to explore and learn all of Golarion's lost history, and make allies with as many folks as we can. Rather than a tribute of money, would your people consider a partnership with our organization something of value?"

Waiting a few moments, to allow the idea to at least permeate in their minds, "I am also a follower of the Silver Crusade, a small group who aims to bring peace and healing to all those in need, spreading kindness and helping to seal rifts. Perhaps I might also offer my services in either healing or matters of faith, something I offer for free should any of your's find need of them."

Omar considers that these two seem like tribal leaders, not selfish or out for personal gain.

As written, they accept both gold and magic items (at full value), but not spells or spellcasting service. Selling a spell you cast yourself skirts a little closer to crafting than I'm quite comfortable with. As long as someone can pay gold now, I will allow reimbursement. If you replace your clasp at the end of the scenario, Omar, I'd let your party members chip in as well.

Zahra recognizes the marsh cat as an animal quite similar to her own Pumpkin. Though the feral creature would likely win in a catfight. stats of a dire tiger

At the offer of a treat, the animal’s ears perk up. It cautiously approaches Zahra, takes the treat, and then retreats behind the scampers again.

The swamper woman looks on approvingly, ”We ha' no names. We awe teh voice o' teh beasts, teh swamp, teh watah.”

The man has been silent, watching your negotiations. When he speaks, his voice is laced with contempt, ”Ih yeh cannah beah t' par' wit gol' or treashah, I wi' tayl yeh wha' you wan' t' knaw fer neithah.”

Her eyes narrow as she shoots him a glance, “He spea' troo. An' 'e ha' as'mush knaw'n as aye. 's yer choice whish price t' pay. S' witch i' be?” she spreads her arms in an invitation to decide.

Vrald looks surprised at the offer. "Why would we be better off taking your womans offer than your own?" he asks, suspicious.

Omar answers "Because we know the cost of her offer. He hasn't said what his would cost, only that it wouldn't be treasure or coin."

The painted swamp man smirks at the two men, "Teh swamp a'ways claim i's toll'n time, e'en wen somet'ing seem t'be free."

"Gold comes, gold goes. But I'll never have it said that a knight of Taldor didn't pay his way." boasts the young lord.

"I can advance the rest of you some coin if you need it. Surely we will find some battle loot on the vagabonds who have stolen the good lady away. We can settle accounts between ourselves at the end of this mission."

Faeranduil looks at Zahra at surprise when she mentions parting with one of Pumpkin's pups. He approaches her and asks "Are you sure you want to do that? I have noticed how dear he is to you, offering one of his offspring is something big."

Addressing the swamp people he adds "I have considerable magic and will put it to good use for your sake. Name the scrolls you want to have and I will provide for them. Within reason of course"

I will chip in, I have 774 gp in cash and also have a significant stash of scrolls that represent 7350 gp at full value