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

Game Master Silbeg

Miro, you can detect that with Sense Motive... and that check was already made on the bodyguard. Should be under one of the spoilers... it is DC25. So, if you made the DC 25 before, you'll know the answer to that!

Lort casts his spell, and does see a couple of auras in the room, mostly in Azuretta's purse. There are auras of conjuration, transmutation, and illusion, all relatively dim.

So please move your minis to where you are going to be (next to whomever you are talking to). If you haven't moved, I will assume you are still in the cabin, and the NPC will not interact with you. :D

Thanzeril for round 2 first, right?

I would think so. We need to know if he talked to anyone. Whether this was a spontaneous urging of lust, or someone had given him a nudge, saying..."you know there's a whore on here, right?"

I concur with Miro. Sorry I have been taking more of a backseat on these last couple, work and home have been very busy and I haven't been able to put as much time into the posts. It sounds like we already know what we want to ask Thanzeril.

With that said, what do we want to do if we dont get any good information from him? We are going to have to question all of the crew anyways, but where do we start, and what do we ask to people we haven't really interacted with yet? The way I see it, they all had the means during the attack. Who has the motive? I'm just not sure how to go about starting to uncover that...

"Thanzeril," Lort decides to approach talking to the failed bodyguard gently, "We have spoken to Azuretta, and I'm afraid we have a few more follow up questions to ask you before we question the rest of the crew. Worry not, you are no longer under suspicion - we simply want to get to the bottom of this."

Lort lets his words sink in before continuing, "First, however, we may yet be able to salvage something from this mission. The Ruby Prince is aware of your opinions regarding the lost ruins of Azlant, and has similar views on the ruins of his own homeland. The secrets of the past should be open for all who thirst for knowledge. He is very much sympathetic with you, and sends this gesture of friendship with us for you." Lort slides Thanzeril the perfectly smooth ruby from the Ruby Prince's scribe, "Of course, he did not know what would transpire here, but at the least you are not without friends outside of Mordant Spire. Hopefully the discovery of the true killer will allow you to regain some regard within your own society and we will find a way to work together in the future. Who knows, maybe knowing that Seprhial's opponents are such bloodthirsty murderers will help sway the council to our view. Perhaps." Lort's expression grows wistful as his gaze wanders off to the side.

"But I digress," Lort looks back to Thanzeril, "We must know, did anyone lure you away from your post? It seems odd that on last night of all nights that you would succumb to your, for want of a better word, urges. We had much time in Magnimar for you to find comfort in a woman's bed, not to mention over a week at sea on this very vessel. Did someone suggest it at any time before last night? Azuretta is usually with the captain, was it even mentioned that she would be otherwise free to service you at a particular time? Finally, did you see anyone skulking around beforehand that wasn't usually there?"

Miro decides just to nod and smile at the man, letting the half-orc do the talking, but trying to put his cheerful demeanor into the mix for a more relaxed conversation with Thanzeril.

I've moved everyone for now, since it is apparent that you all are going to talk to Thanzeril. Those who haven't talked may not be in the room.

First, in response to the offering, "Thank you. Hopefully some good can come out this, as you say. Though that will not diminish my shame."

In response to the other questions...
"No one other than myself suggested that I leave. It was just bad luck, I guess, that I should leave my post at the perfect time for the killer to strike. As for the timing, remember it has actually been more like six months for me. I've not had the freedom to go off on my own, as I have had to be a guard, and show the 'superiority' of the Mordant Spire. While I had a little time in Magnimar, well, I never saw anyone that was appealing to me.

"Azuretta, however, she is lovely, and I've watched how she interacts with the crew. I don't normally dally with half-bloods, but I couldn't help myself."

"I have interacted some with the crew. Azuretta let me know she would be available as needed, and suggested to the Ambassador that she was available to him as well. He was... stronger... that I was."

"If it matters, Anera more than once challenged me to a game of 'knivesies' and referred to the Ambassador and my self as 'pointy eared bastards', among other things, but I have no way to prove that."

"Well met again Thanzeril. I know that among the Kyonin elves, we .... appreciate all that our long life has to offer. I have visited the Temples of Calistria, and .... learned much. But a Forlorn ... that I cannot understand.

What about the other crew members, did any of them attempt to speak with Sephrial like we did? We need help of we are to uncover his .... murderer."

"Also, how long had you been...entertaining yourself with Azuretta? Your best guess, please. Perhaps the window of time will help us, as well."

Looking up from his journal, Ibid watches Thanzeril as he answers the questions to the party gathered in the room. Following Finarin and Miro's question, Ibid adds one final thought to the mix. Even Ibid is unsure whether this comment is meant to reassure Thanzeril, or torture him.

"Fear not, Thanzeril, there is nothing you could have done," the old man says with a smile, even rubbing one shoulder of the clearly troubled Thanzeril. "It is true you were tasked with defending Sephrial, but the attack happened at the exact moment you decided to up and leave your station, without so much as consulting one of us to relieve your post. You could never have known this murder would have happened. And yet, in the at one moment... that exact, fleeting instant in time, your charge was slain. To me, that sounds of divine providence. It is true, you failed Sepherial, and moreover, failed in your task, but if it was the god's will... you can rest easy."

After a moment's consideration, Ibid is sure he meant this comment to torture Thanzeril.

Cyrus cringes at the condescending tone Ibid speaks with, but doesn't offer any words of comfort.

I can't help but feel bad for the poor sap, but I can't shake the feeling that this is all way to coincidental.... Something or someone is pulling strings behind the scenes here...

Cyrus doesn't cringe nearly as much as Thanzeril, who is practically crying at this point. He's staying put, in the room, holding vigil for the fallen ambassador.

I think you are done, here. Nothing more to see here.

Left to interrogate:

• Anera (guide)
  
• Killik (priest)
  
• Marzack (first mate)
  
• Shira (cook)
  
• Ulamon (pilot)
  

You could also talk to Captain Veane, but you are pretty sure that his reaction was true... that's he was incredibly upset and mad when he found out about the murder.

There is also the lower hold which you haven't investigated.

At this point, I will say that it is getting close to noon. You have heard banter that a storm is coming, and will be hitting the ship in a couple of hours. Suggestions have been made that you'd better hurry up... it sounds like it might be a doozy (and you don't want the storm to be used as cover for the culprit to escape or hide evidence).

When the group is back alone, Cyrus mentions to the group, "I will head down and investigate the lower levels of the ship. I don't know what might be down there, but we haven't been allowed down there yet. We might not get an opportunity again with this storm coming up. Perhaps it might be a good idea to split up to interview the rest of the crew as well. While I take the hold, lets have everyone else split up and take a crew member. We will meet back here in 20 minutes to compare notes, and then split up again to ask follow up questions."

"We need to know what ill will any of the members might have had against the ambassador, and if anyone saw anything out of the ordinary during the attack. It would also probably help to know if any of the crew had interacted with the ambassador at all, who might have had access to a key, and if anyone has a specific passion about the Mordant Spire and its treasures, either for or against its opening to the world. If anyone else has any questions to ask, lets get them all on the table now, so we can all ask the same things when we split up."

Once the questions have been decided, and the group splits, Cyrus heads down to the lower reaches of the ship, taking his time to do a very thorough inspection. Take 20 for 24

"Cyrus, I'll come as backup," says Lort immediately, "You could use another set of eyes - especially some that can see in the dark - and I don't think any of us should wander around the ship alone." Lort gives Cyrus a look that says he will brook no argument on the matter.

"We should have two of us at a time per crew member - and at least one of the two should be a brawler. Miro with Amaranti together and Ibid with Finarin? I say we question the first mate and the ship's cook before the others. They would seem to be best placed to know the most. Miro and Amaranti, want to take the cook? Ibid and Finarin the mate? If Cyrus and I finish before you do, we can question Anera the guide."

Oh, I hope they just straight out attack when questioned. It would make all this so much easier.

If he can, Lort will also take 20 on perception for 28. Also, GM Silbeg, the captain needs to be added to that list. We haven't questioned him or ruled him out as the murderer or an accomplice yet.

Cyrus grunts, grudgingly accepting that Lort's plan is more sound than his.

Ill change my roll to aid Lort, giving us a 30 total perception to search underneath. I much more happily accept your plan than Cyrus did. He has to be the impetuous child once in a while still, he has a while before he grows out of that... :)

"Lort's suggestion is sound. However, I would prefer to talk to Anera, and you talk to the cook, if you have time before the squall. As a guide she is likely perceptive, and might have noticed something telltale."

Unless anyone puts up too much of a fuss, he will go with Amaranti towards Anera.

"Quite a sound plan friends. I would love to question the ... cook, although I think I am giving her too much praise for the swivel she has been serving. Is there a way that we can communicate in case we run into trouble that is too ... much to handle? I for one would be most upset should any harm come to one of us."

So Ibid and Amaranti just decide who you would like to talk to and we can start the questioning.

"Ha!" chuckles Lort, a little too loudly, "Just scream, my friend! Scream. Miro, good idea talking to Anera. Since Finarin wants the cook, Cyrus and I can take the first mate if time allows - or we can draw straws again after we discuss what those two have to say."

Unless there is anything else, Lort will accompany Cyrus down to the lower hold.

• Anera -- Amaranti and Miro
  
• Captain Veane
  
• Killik
  
• Marzack
  
• Shira -- Finarin + Ibid
  
• Ulamon
  
• Hold - Lort + Cyrus
  

I am moving people to this position. If I have it wrong, please fix it. Things are now going to start moving a little faster, so let's have some fun!

At 15:00 CDT (or so) I'll start in with Lort and Cyrus. The two of you see the following: To the aft of the ship, amid the crates and cargo of the Throaty Mermaid’s lowermost hold stand two sturdy wooden cages filled
with straw and sawdust. A man stands outside the cages, tending the beasts within. To the fore of the ship is a closed wooden door.

Have we ever seen this man before?

"Lort's suggestion is sound. However, I would prefer to talk to Anera, and you talk to the cook, if you have time before the squall. As a guide she is likely perceptive, and might have noticed something telltale."

"Yes, let us go talk to woman with knife. Maybe we want to see her knife? Kaisharga can stay and watch the elves. I will make it promise not to eat them."

Miro nods to Amaranti amiably, waiting for Amaranti to take care of his communication. Once ready, he will proceed with the Garundi to Anera's usual haunt.

@Lort, you do not recognize this guy. He must never have come up to see fresh air.

So, do you and Cyrus go through the door, or talk to the guy?

Ok, let me know when to post my questions for the French Fry Jockey

Do you all want me to do these sequentially, or in parallel. Either is possible.

I would prefer parallel, if possible. Sitting around waiting (even for a quick group like this) doesn't appeal to me.

Parallel is also my preferred - otherwise why split up?

"Excuse me, you there," bellows Lort across the hold upon spying the man downstairs, "We have been sent by the captain to investigate a murder and need to ask you a few questions. First up, what is your name and what are you doing down here?"

Lort stands ready for anything, but doesn't move until the man responds in some way. Strange that Veane didn't mention this guy when she told us about the hold. He doesn't seem to be an intruder... but he wouldn't be the first stowaway to stow aboard with the animals.

Upon entering the ship galley, Finarin does everything in his power to not pull his scented silken rag from his sleeve. Trying to breathe more through his mouth than nose, he approaches the statuesque dwarf.

"Ahhh, fine Shira Acidaxe, well met again. I am Finarin Moonstep, once from Kyonin, a short repsite in ... emphasis hereTaldor, and now based in Absalom. I have to say that I quite enjoy the eclectic mixtures of foods and spices from across Golarion. I even hear that some are using ... alchemical methods to turn liquid foods into solids. Quite the ... gastronomical trend in all the noble houses I frequent. But my dear lady, if I may refer to you in the .... familiar, I am sure that I am telling you nothing that you don't already know, having tasted your fine ... cuisine. Had I but more time, I would love to peruse through your ... cookbooks. The crew talks about one in particular that is to ... shall I say ... die for. I for one know quite a few people that would give quite a coin for a copy of that ... book. If you should be interested once all this ... nasty business is taken care of I am sure you will let me know.

"Which leads me to the ... unpleasant matter at hand. As you know we must leave no ... stone unturned. My fine dwarven fellow, you must ... understand that I would never suspect, though I must ask, ... what can you tell me about your ... whereabouts during the unfortunate murder of our fine ... ambassador? Could anyone corroborate this? Have you seen anything that might point to our ... killer? Mind if I look at your ... knives? I know how ... precious they are to one in your ... profession. I am sure that my astute companion here, Ibid, will have some ... queries of his own, my lady"

To make it easy here are my questions

• Alibi
• Witness to alibi
• Clues for us
• knife check

@Lort & Cyrus...

The man is standing in an area lit by only a small candle, and whatever light makes it down through the cracks.

He looks your way, but doesn't seem to see you (you haven't stated you are bringing any light down with you).

"Who are you?" he asks. "Why don't you come over here, into the light where I can see you. I heard there was a murder, but I don't know nothing about it"

Lort clutches his Wayfinder and wills a light to appear.

"Sorry, I sometimes forget that others need light to see," Lort also takes a few tentative steps forwards, "My name is Lort, and this is one of my traveling companions, Cyrus. We represent those who hired this ship, and are acting in the interests of both the captain and the one who was murdered."

Lort tries to size the man up, and waits a little while before repeating his line of questioning, "Now that I've answered your questions, it is time for you to answer mine: who are you and what exactly is it that you are doing down here? We've not seen you above and we've been over a week at sea."

Miro approaches Anera alongside Amaranti, a pleasant smile on his face. "How are you, Anera? Pretty crazy, all this unpleasantness, isn't it? Listen, we have a few questions for you, as we're trying to get to the bottom of all of this mess."

"Where were you when the Mate called out that there was a murder?"
"Do you have anyone who can corroborate your story?"
"Did you notice anything unusual? See anybody skulking about or that you normally wouldn't see?"
"Was anyone acting peculiar in the minutes or hours leading up to the murder?"

"We certainly appreciate your cooperation in all this. It's a terrible tragedy, and we're just trying to make sure innocent parties don't get punished, and all."

The halfling looks up at Amaranti, silently opening the way for any follow-up questions of the Garundi's.

In the meantime, Miro uses his powers of observation to both check the woman out for a dagger that could have been the murder weapon (Perception), and to study her as she answers to tell for hints of a lie (Sense Motive).

@Lort & Cyrus... this person only has a couple of candles, which give very poor light. I've noted now on the map where normal and dim light are (and that's being generous, actually.

"I am called Velagon Dorhay, and I deal in rare and exotic animals. Would you mind coming into the light? I'll answer any questions that you have if you would be so kind."

@Finarin and Ibid - note that I had things a little of place, so I moved you to where she is supposed to be
The fore starboard corner of the hold is filled with various crates and barrels of foodstores, a modest washbasin, and a strange alchemical apparatus apparently used for heating food. The one-eyed, grizzled dwarven cook, Shira Acidaxe can be found there, preparing the next meal.

"What do you want?" She bellows, as the two approach her, "Can't ya' see I'm busy?"

hhh, fine Shira Acidaxe, well met again. I am Finarin Moonstep, once from Kyonin, a short repsite in ... Taldor, and now based in Absalom. I have to say that I quite enjoy the eclectic mixtures of foods and spices from across Golarion. I even hear that some are using ...

Finarin: Sense Motive: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (15) + 0 = 15
Ibid: Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

At this point, both get the idea that she is hiding something, but cannot tell exactly what. For she, she is very agitated, and has a slight bestial look in her eye.

tell me about your ... whereabouts during the unfortunate murder of our fine ... ambassador? Could anyone corroborate this? Have you seen anything that might point to our ... killer?

"Oh, that. I was here washin' dishes all night, if you must know. But I didn't see nothing!

Finarin: Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Ibid: Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

She looks quite agitated at this point, looking like she is trying to decide what to do.

@Miro and Amaranti
Anera is waiting for you, watching you climb up to the foredeck. You are surprised by this for a moment, until you notice her osprey, Keeneye. She turns back to look at the water, twiddling her black-bladed knife.

"How are you, Anera? Pretty crazy, all this unpleasantness, isn't it? Listen, we have a few questions for you, as we're trying to get to the bottom of all of this mess."

"Ok. Make it quick.

"Where were you when the Mate called out that there was a murder?"

"I was in my bunk. I wasn't feeling very well after dinner, so turned in early."

"Do you have anyone who can corroborate your story?"

"The other crew members? I was in my bunk, asleep."

"Did you notice anything unusual?"

"Nothing. I was deep asleep while my body fought off the sickness."

Amaranti: Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Miro: Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
Amaranti: Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (2) + 0 = 2
Miro: Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Amaranti: Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (5) + 0 = 5

* You'll know if you got the roll

This woman is dangerous. I must tread carefully. Amaranti doesn't look like he suspects a thing. Miro nods at each answer, giving an encouraging smile. One thought keeps crossing his mind throughout. This woman was a murderer.

"What did you eat that sickened you so? Pray tell so I can avoid the same calamity!"

Anera replies to Miro, "I don't know. I ate the same dinner that all of you did. Tore my stomach up something fierce, though."

And with that, I am off to bed.

Lort clutches his Wayfinder and wills a light to appear.

"Sorry, I sometimes forget that others need light to see,"

In case it wasn't clear (or if you missed it), Lort casts a Light spell using his Wayfinder. I realize now that the command should have been verbal. Anyway, by my calculations, that should make it normal light all the way up to Velagon, except for a thin 5ft strip of dim light just outside of his candles' radius. Lort can see everywhere in the hold as though it were lit anyway with 60ft darkvision.

"Shiny," Lort commands, clasping his Wayfinder. The amulet at his chest gives off a bright glow, illuminating both him and Cyrus, and most of the hold.

Does that change his request about coming into the light? And perhaps most importantly, do we recognize those creatures behind him? Are they secured?

Oblivious to Miro's worries, Amaranti keeps asking the questions.
"Maybe we ask cook about food, then. You, I see with knife many days. Can we see this knife?"

Miro does his best to control himself, a slight widening of his eyes his only betrayal of his emotions as Amaranti asks to see the knife. The woman might have had enough time to make it back to her bunk before the murder was discovered, which would have made her seem truthful to the man. Miro suspects she was out and about before the Mate called out, however. The halfling keeps the smile firmly plastered on his face, seeming perfectly at ease. In truth, he is going over his short list of spell options, in case this turned sour quickly.

Lort, I figured neither of us was afraid of a fight, so I took the liberty of moving us both forward. The wayfinder should fill the whole room with light, I will also use my wayfinder to cast light as well, so we both have a source.

"We don't mean to cause any trouble sir... wow, what are those? What a beautiful creature..."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Lort has this questioning down, I'll see if I can soften him up by appreciating what appears to be something very dear to him... Though I would guess since we haven't seen him, this is some illegal smuggling going on. We might be able to use that...

Lort wrote:

Lort clutches his Wayfinder and wills a light to appear.

"Sorry, I sometimes forget that others need light to see,"

"Shiny," Lort commands, clasping his Wayfinder. The amulet at his chest gives off a bright glow, illuminating both him and Cyrus, and most of the hold.

Does that change his request about coming into the light? And perhaps most importantly, do we recognize those creatures behind him? Are they secured?

I will admit it probably got lost in all the posts I was working on. My pologies. However, you were still 50' away... which is not polite talking distance! You are much better where you are.

Neither of you know what the creature is (neither has Knowledge: Dungeoneering).

This insectile monster has four legs, a strange propeller-shaped protrusion at the end of its tail, and two long, feathery antennae.

"Ah, that is much better. How are you folks doin'? Investigatin' the murder of that elf, are you? Well, lemme see if I can help you out. As I said, I am a supplier of rare and exotic beasties, like my pretties behind me here."

At that, Lort notices that one of the beasties has somehow opened its cage and is rushing towards him, antennae flailing!

critter attack: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 2 = 13 for: 3d6 + 5 ⇒ (1, 1, 6) + 5 = 13
Ref Save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

The creature reaches out, and brushes its antennae across the largest concentration of metal in the area... Lort's plate armor. Rust instantly covers the once shining metal, with flakes of it falling to the ground. Luckily, it was not a clean hit, and the armor's integrity is still good.

Lort is up... I assume he doesn't have his weapon out, though.

Cyrus, sure thing about moving me. Lort won't let Cyrus go in alone no matter what... but who moved the rust monster? Oh, man, I hope they're not really rust monsters. Giant ants? Please?!? I just bought this new shiny suit of armor and new shiny sword...

Lort draws his Greatsword in the least menacing way he can possibly manage as he walks there. He eyes the creatures behind Velagon as he pulls out his blade, and keeps the blade between him and them, 'Thank you for introducing yourself... and what exactly are those creatures? I'm not as enamored as my friend over here is... they certainly look beautiful, but I don't like the way they're looking at me."

They look familiar also... I'm sure one of my trainers showed me a picture of them at some point. What was it about them? Something that all true fighters should be wary of... man, I wish I paid more attention to the book reading.

Cyrus nearly panics when he sees what the monster does to Lort's armor. Without hesitation, he quickly bellows, "Get them back or we will kill them outright!" While reaching for his sickle, hanging from his side.

**EDIT** Cyrus'd by the GM. Gotta remember to preview more often before I post... and scroll up when I do. Leaving the original unmolested.

... and now for something completely different.

Lort recoils when he sees his armor rusting! Rust monsters! That's what they're called. That's what they do! I wish I could remember more.

Attack, greatsword, power attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (6, 4) + 9 = 19

If you don't allow Lort to have had his greatsword out (I really did do that last post while you posted yours), then he will flee instead!

**EDIT** Cyrus'd again!!! By Cyrus this time. No change, if his weapon is out, Lort's first instinct is to strike. If it isn't out, his instinct is to flee while his armor remains intact.

Just a heads up, Lort will request to use that re-roll on any further failed reflex save to defend his armor. He will also draw his greatsword while fleeing if that option happens.

@Amaranti and Miro

Anera looks annoyed at the two questioning her. "My knife? What, you think I did it?"
She throws the knife thrown knife: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24, which sticks in the ledge right by Amaranti's right hand. Remarkably close, but not hitting him.

"There. Take a look. Wasn't my blade that did the deed."

@Lort -- that's fine.
Lort swings his greatsword, that he had 'nonchalantly' pulled out. (maybe I should have had it attack your greatsword then.... ;)). He hits the bug hard, hoping that hitting it wouldn't cause his weapon to rust. (it doesn't)

Note: I reread the Rust Monster, and

The object touched takes half its maximum hp in damage and gains the broken condition—a second hit destroys the item.

So, Lort's armor is broken. One more hit, and it is a pile of rust. If Lort wants to change his action, and withdraw, I would understand it.

Cyrus is up, Round 2

"Gaaahhh! Stay away creepy bug!"

Cyrus is positively creeped out at the incredible effectiveness of the monster on Lort's armor. Worried about his precious sickle, he cringes as he lashes out, hoping to end the creature quickly and save his precious metal.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20 for Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

I am going to wait to see if Lort changed his plan... and ran. He has until 13:00 CDT and then the Rust Monster goes. Also, FYI - for the future... you can attack on the defensive to take -4 to hit, gaining +2 Dodge bonus to AC.

No running! As I said, if sword is out his instinct is to hit it. Definitely using the reroll (if allowed) on another failed armor reflex save though! Lort may well go on the defensive when it's his turn depending upon if his armor survives or not... and what Velagon does!

Lort waves his freshly bloodied sword tantalizingly in front of the rust monster. Hit this! It's so much cheaper than my armor... and if you don't, you'll be eating it anyway you little fücker.