GM Silbeg's "Murder on the Throaty Mermaid" (Inactive)

Game Master Silbeg

"How .... dare you strike the great man, and noble... warrior that is Amaranti!' In a rare display of emotion, Finarin screams arcane words and rushes towards his fallen friend.

Cast Daze at Marzack; DC 13 vs Will.

Lort delights in the spray of the priest's blood. He even licks flecks from his beard, lost as he is in the glory of battle. Menacingly, he points his freshly slaked blade at the first mate.

"You're next, Mallick! Take your best shot while you have life enough in you to stand!" Lort tries his best to draw the skilled combatant's next blow.

Seeing the murderous priest go down under Lort's thunderous blow, Miro tries another spell on the First Mate, hoping to end the fight quickly.

Cast sleep, making sure to not target my allies. Will DC 15 or fall asleep if he is 4 HD or under.

As Marzack's sword pierces Amaranti, the big Garundi's vision goes dark and he starts to fall on top of his eidolon. However, just as he is about to hit down, the serpentine creature fades away into sand and dust, and Amaranti's fall is met by just wet boards of the deck.

Just corrected the description... Eidolon is dismissed is the summoner is unconscious. Also, healing would be appreciated, soon :)

Spell save on the way! FYI - Sleep is a full round cast, so hasn't gone off yet. Good ting that Miro is not near Marzack!
daze save: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (14) + 0 = 14 (Of course he saves...)

Killik, stabilize: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Ibid is up, then Marzack.

Ibid takes a few steps forward, attempting to maintain a clear line of sight to Marzack. As Ibid pulls back on the bowstring, drawing back the arrow, the rolling pitch of the ship causes him to loose his balance as he fires.

attack(comp. longbow): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
damage(+2 str., +1 point blank): 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

The arrow flies wide of it's mark, disappearing into the looming dark of storm and sea.

As Ibid's arrow goes wide, Marzack closes on his next... victim. You all can see in his eyes that surrender is not an option, and that he plans to bring as many of you down with him as he can. 1d2 ⇒ 1

He takes a swing at Finarin, though now his attacks are far less effective since Killik fell. He is definitely taking a more defensive stance with his fighting.
scimitar attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7for: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

His swing goes quite wide of its mark.

Cyrus seizes the opportunity to surround the now heavily outnumbered pirate. Rolling and ducking he moves into position to flank the man with Finarin on the other side. Once there he slashes out with his Sickle, aiming for a particularly vulnerable spot.

Attack, Flanking: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 6 + 2 = 20 for Damage w/ Sneak Attack: 1d6 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + (4) + 1 = 11

Cyrus nails Marzack with his sickle... a chunk of something that Marzack would probably prefer inside of him comes out with the blade, as the treacherous first mate falls to the deck... bleeding out.

Amaranti stabilize: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21

Amaranti stabilizes.

Are you going to let the two conspirators die, or are you going to save them?

Lort moves over to the bleeding men, his greatsword crying out to him for a coup de grace. Instead he chants three prayers.

"§†Åßḯլḯȥэ" (stabilize x 3)

The first prayer is for Amaranti, then Killik then Marzack. The villains will receive no further healing from me.

Returning to the downed Garundi, Lort prays to Kurgess once more.

”כµຈົ້э լḯğ‡† ₩φµກ∆§” (cure light wounds, sacrificing protection from evil)

1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

As the big man does is not roused by Kurgess's piteous bounty, Lort tries again.

”כµຈົ້э լḯğ‡† ₩φµກ∆§” (cure light wounds, sacrificing bless)

1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

"Well," says the half-orc with a shrug, "There's always the wand."

1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

With his friend back to health somewhat, Lort surveys the scene, "Ha! Well fought all. I have to say I far prefer this to the investigations!"

Now that I'm not posting as GM Damo, it's back to the "roll bad". Sigh.

Cyrus wastes no time in retrieving his wand of cure light wounds to use on Amaranti as soon as he sees the rogue fall to his curved blade. He stubbornly and angrily tries to activate it several times before Lort gently takes it from his hands, and expertly activates the device, bring a warm glow of healing to the unconscious garundi.

I could roll, I like the thematic result of that much better though.

An internal struggle rages in the mind of Cyrus, his anger has taken control of rational thought. He hasn't even paid any attention to the thoughts and questions created by the revelation given to him from Ibid, he just knows he is mad, and he doesn't even really know why.

"I'll alert the captain. He can decide whether or not to save the mutinous crew members. I'll even use my wand if he so orders, but I won't go out of my way."

With that, Cyrus stalks off to the captain's quarters, banging on the door to get his attention. As soon as the captain appears, he explains the entire story, making sure to emphasize the fact that Killick and Marzack ambushed the party.

EDIT: Gaahh! Out Cyrus'd at my own game!

Miro takes the time to untie himself, going to check on his companions. He will add his healing ability to Lort's, if needed.

"I understand Killik's motivation. What was Marzack's? Perhaps we should toss his room?"

After the PCs defeat Marzack and his co-conspirator, Captain Veane comes from below deck with a surprised look on his face.

"Why have you attacked my crew members!?" Vaptain Veane bellows.

The Halfling whirls on the captain, fierce look on his face. "Because they are murderous scum, Captain! They attacked my companions while the storm raged, hoping to end us as everyone was too busy to notice. We will go and search their quarters now, while some of us secure them belowdecks. You will no doubt accommodate us in this, yes?"

"Why have you attacked my crew members!?" Vaptain Veane bellows.

"Well capatain, let us look at the litany of ... offenses that have been committed on ... your ship. First, your crew ... specifically Marzack and Killik attacked us during ... the storm. They are ... responsible for the ambassador's death. Next, my companions were attacked by your ... rust monster you house below deck. Really .... a metal lock? Also, your ill-tempered ... cook ... violently attacked Ibid and myself. Unprovoked I might add. Lastly, you have .... assembled the worst crew to ever transport an ... elven ambassador. I for one would love to hear why this ship is littered with such ... elf haters. What have you to say about ... this?"

"What evidence do you have of their guilt? At this point, it is your word against theirs."

"I believe Finarin has already put it out quite nicely already." Cyrus responds, in forced, even tones.

"Two men were spotted down near your wretched rust monsters right after the murder. Just ask Snig and the keeper of those monsters. These leather wrappings were found with blood on them, obviously the killers were disposing of the murder weapon. And if you speak with the rest of your crew, as we did, you will find that Marzack and Killick are the only two without a verifiable alibi. Your hot-headed cook who attacks people with no cause was busy poisoning the crew. Your guide was busy being sick from your hot headed cook poisoning her food. Your harlot and the elven bodyguard were busy making the beast with two backs, snig can verify that since she lets him watch."

Cyrus puffs his chest in defiance towards the captain, his mood is doomed to be sour for the rest of their travels on this ship.

"We don't need our word to be put up against theirs, though you will find that anyone we have dealt with in the past will agree that our word is above reproach. You can take the words of your own crew as the proof you need that these murderous, muntinous scum are the ones who put your ship, the rest of your crew, and YOUR REPUTATION at risk."

Cyrus stands on the deck, arms crossed over his chest, leaning back with his weight primarily on one leg. He breaths deeply, but steadily as he keeps his stern visage locked on the captain.

I am assuming the rolls are done with, though if we need a check to sway the captain to our side, I would prefer to use Miro's diplomacy in this instance... only fall back on intimidate if absolutely necessary.

Cyrus'd by Cyrus!!! Let's just say that in their haste to prove themselves, the two speak pretty much over each other.

"Evidence? Well, two men were spotted feeding a dagger to one of your blasted rust monsters belowdecks at the time of the murder. Clearly getting rid of the weapon. The leather wrappings were found in the creatures' cages. That narrows it down to Ulamon, Killik, Marzack or yourself." begins Lort, "You are innocent of it, since you came out of your cabin during the aquatic elf attack. That leaves three possibilities for our two killers. Mallick lied about his alibi, saying he was with you at the time. Given other accounts from around the ship, he could have been nowhere but the cook's galley (in which case he saw the killer and did nothing) or Sephrial's cabin itself during the time of the attack. Killik we have little against save that he attacked us with Mallick here... and by process of elimination. That is, assuming Ulamon was telling the truth about going over the charts with you when the attack occurred, he couldn't have done it which leaves Killik as the only remaining man."

Lort lets out a long sigh after he finishes his conclusions, "But the best evidence is that they attacked us. For that, we should by rights kill them. However, as we are not the wretched kind of scum that you ally yourself with, we instead stopped their bleeding and immediately fetched you. If that's not good enough for you, then tough shît."

I've had just about enough of this gods forsaken ship. If I never have to deal with another smuggler again it will be too soon. I swear, if that captain comes after us for this, he'll have my blade to contend with.

Amaranti opens his eyes, and surveys the situation, and starts to rise wearily. The wounds have stopped bleeding , but the pain is still there. Amaranti takes his healing wand, and spreads the black blood on his wounds. As the dark magic starts to work, the Garundi sighs in relief. Only then he starts to pay attention to the discussion between the captain and the others.

"Proof!? Amaranti full of holes, First Mate's sword makes. Kill me, if not for Lort. What proof you want?"

Cast Infernal Healing from wand

The Captain looks up to Ulamon and Anera, who are still manning their posts on either end of the ship. They both nod.

The captain cools down, nodding to himself. "Yes, it makes sense. Mallick was definitely not in my cabin during the attack of the elves. I was in there alone. He must have offered Killik some sort of reward, because that bastard of a Besmaran won't do anything without compensation. Why, I'd even imagine that he would have used his Disguise Self spell to look like me... that would have been his style.

"Well, I believe I owe you all an apology, and my thanks, for rooting out this evil on my ship. It is good that you kept them alive... it allows me to question them... in great length... at my ... leisure."

In the morning two days following the squall and the PCs’ confrontation with Sephriel’s killers, the Throaty Mermaid arrives at the Mordant Spire as planned. An enormous, extravagant elven galleon meets the smugglers’ vessel a mile from the shore, sending a smaller boat between the ships as an envoy. Captain Veane explains the events of the journey since Magnimar to the small band of masked elves who come aboard.

They nod solemnly, and seem unusually calm given the cold-blooded murder of one of their diplomats. As Veane ends his story, another figure climbs over the ship’s rail onto the deck — Sephriel!

He explains to the captain and any PCs present that he never leaves the Mordant Spire for human lands without ensuring that a clone awaits him in safekeeping. He thanks the PCs for hunting down and uncovering his murderer and says that he now has a better idea of who the Mordant Spire’s enemies are and who can be trusted, such as the Pathfinder Society whom the PCs represent. As a reward for their service to the Mordant Spire, Sephriel awards the PCs 450 gp.

After a lavish elven meal for the entire crew and the Mordant Spire envoys, Sephriel and his retinue depart for their island home, and the Throaty Mermaid sets sail for Riddleport, where the PCs will catch passage back to Absalom.

Finarin, Anera returns you the letter, signed with her signature. She tells you she will contact Baron Jaquo herself upon arrival at Riddleport.

Primary Condition: PCs clear their name by finding the real murdered (check)
Secondary Condition: Complete the faction missions (check, check)

Everyone gets 2PP!

Once I have everyone's information on the day jobs, etc., I will work on getting the chronicles out.

Good job, everyone! It was a blast running this, and watching you all interact and solve the puzzle!

Lort actually smiles at this, Maybe this captain is a bit more my style of man than I thought.

"Aye, captain. They are all yours. If you get a little to, erm, aggressive and need someone to bring them back around, don't hesitate to call. No charge," Lort favors the captain with a wink before turning to go back downstairs. The big half-orc pauses at the threshold to turn to his companions, "I'm going back to my quarters to see what can be done about my rusted armor and get some sleep. Care to join me?"

Thanks GM Silbeg. It was crazy but fun. Wonderful job! Have you got some more for the discussion about how the killers were randomly generated and what impact that had on the plot? As a result, is this a replayable scenario?

Many and more questions do I have. If this is repayable, I will save them. If it is not, I would like to ask what we did intelligently and with we did stupidly (tie ourselves up,split up). If you feel like you want to divulge the info, you can put it in a spoiler. As always, thank you for the time and resources you put in. I truly enjoy the time spent playing and I owe that to you and Damo first and foremost, Amaranti second, and the rest of you third ;) . If you ever travel through the Windy City - drinks on me ... er ... I'll pay for them.

All I'm hearing is "free drinks in 2016" - planning on heading to Chicago then!

I wish I would have known about the free drinks last week, I was just in Chicago this weekend for a concert :)

This is not replayable. The choice of whodunnit is based on the factions being played... more to the point, the factions NOT being played. The GM is giving RP hooks which are slightly modified for when they are guilty.

Finarin, got time to head to Madison this weekend? There's a convention going on, Game Hole Con at the Sheraton, and I'll be GMing or playing PFS all weekend!

Finarin, got time to head to Madison this weekend? There's a convention going on, Game Hole Con at the Sheraton, and I'll be GMing or playing PFS all weekend!

So tempting but booked for the weekend. Keep me in mind should you head to the Cheese State in the near future. We are fairly close between Minnesota, Michigan, and Illinois - seems Damo is a US traveler and then there is Amaranti ....

Free drinks!? You really know how to tempt a Finn! :D Well, I'd really love to visit U.S. one day, let's see when that day comes.

"Stupid ship, stupid sea, stupid sneaking elves and first mates... I want dry land, tavern and table full of beer. Only then Amaranti happy!"

Thanks for the game Silbeg, and everyone! It was a fun scenario! Amaranti got pounced a few times, so he'll be moping for some time. But he'll get over it, especially since level 3, woo! Interesting mechanism on the semi-random murder, and refreshing way add up challenge. No wonder this scenario is well regarded! And excellent playing, all of you!