GMTrex's PFS [CORE] 04-15 The Cyphermage Dilemma (Inactive)

Game Master Andrew Trexler

Werner will take a moment to heal himself with a wand.
Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

"They vere not very smart, yes?"

"Stupid gits. Why wouldn't they just surrender?"

Because they went from 4 hp to negative hp too quickly. XD

Brak leads the search through the warehouse. Most items are ship's tackle, rotting food supplies, and other uninteresting hauls. One crate does have a few interesting items, however, including three acid flasks, a masterwork longsword, and a box with six tar bombs. Brak also uncovers a loose floorboard hiding a crate filled with ornate silken flags.

The most interesting find, however, is a battered woman stuffed in crate, bound blindfolded and gagged. She is unconscious.

"Ummm.... Hey guys. I don't think she's on travel. Can we get her to?" Brak lays her down with unexpected gentleness, but while waiting he looks at the tar bombs and acid flasks with a mischievous smile, and pockets one of each.

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

"Can we wake her?"

Taerel offers his wand of CLW to heal her, if someone would like to activate it.

One charge will do.

The woman wakes with a sudden start, and begins breathing quickly and heavily against the gag. Beneath her blindfold, she listens carefully...

"Who are you? We are here to help."

Taerel unties the gag and removes the blindfold.

Brak knows he's not one to calm anyone down, nor to ask the questions. He keeps his axe in hand, looking around for any more surprises, Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

The woman looks at Taerel and the others with distrust, but soon softens. "I'm Iatha, Iatha Oedricius. Who are you?"

"I am Verner Albern, and ve are Pathfinders. Vhatever fate was in store for you, consider yourself spared," the Caydenite smiles. "Perhaps you can help us? Maybe tell us vhat you know about Alejia? If you know vhere ve can find them, even better."

Hingle is most excited. Ooh! Greetings, Iatha! It is a genuine pleasure to meet you! As Werner stated, we are Pathfinders, investigating Alejia — she's a Vudran pirate, you know! — and her crimes against Riddleport. If there's anything you can tell us to help, we would be most appreciative!

Diplo check, if desired: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

Do we have a description of Alejia? No chance this is her, right?

@ Taerel: she's been described to you as a vishkanya. I'll take a Knowledge (Local) or Perception check. :)

"Oh," Iatha says, relieved. "That's good." She relates to you her story: she is a scholar, bound for Riddleport to study the Cyphergate. Her ship, Starfire, was beset by Alejia, who disguised herself as one of the crew and mounted a mutiny just before her own ship, "... the Lionfish, I think it was called..." attacked. Alejia then commandeered Iatha's ship to Kalsgard, scuttling it there and rowing into Riddleport by hand.

Iatha is most eager to get the hell out.

Hrm. Why was her ship attacked?

"Any idea why your ship was attacked specifically? Do you think it was just a random pirate attack?"

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

"We got what we be needin'. Let's let her get outa here. We need to find this Lionfish." Brak stops and thinks for a bit, "How many pirates are we talking here?"

Otherwise he seems eager to get a move on.

Knowledge, local: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

"A dangerous foe, indeed. You are lucky they kept you alive. Did they ask you questions? Any idea what they wanted from you?"

Iatha shakes her head. "Not a clue! It was strange. First they burnt my ship and killed the crew, then they stuffed me in a crate. Never asked any questions." She shudders at the memory.

How do you intend to find this Lionfish?

Are the thugs here dead or dying/stable?

"Lass, might you know here in the docks this ship is docked? IT's a big city, and time is of the essence. We're not asking you to come, just point."

Iatha shakes her head again. "I wouldn't have the faintest idea! I've been here for what must have been days. Hard to tell though, inside a crate. I don't recommend it."

I'll take a Diplomacy (Gather Info) check from somebody.

The Pathfinders head back out into the afternoon sun to search for the Lionfish. As they pass through the crowds by the several docks and run-down warehouses, they have the distinct sense of being followed.

Hingle shudders as he looks about, asking Chip, Did you ever have the feeling you're being watched?

Diplo (gather info): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

"All the time! Those gnome-watchers." Chip winks. "Be on the lookout."

Chip makes sure to check around as the party moves. Perception (Urban): 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 10 + 2 = 19

Hingle snatches an urchin pickpocket as he tries to wriggle by, and extracts both his coin purse and the location of the Lionfish from the child. Like many ships in Riddleport, she's anchored out in the bay--about 400 feet from shore.

The Pathfinders head out towards a pier to take a look when Chip notices two half-orcs, both leading dogs, follow in their wake. He's about to point them out when a whistle cuts the air ahead.

The brutes release their dogs, which come bounding towards Zipper! The half-orcs follow close behind. At the head of the pack, Brak turns to see the commotion and misses the half-orc woman stepping towards him from behind a pile of nets. The mace catches him in the back of the head with a bloody crunch.

Mace @ Brak FF: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Round I -- bold may act!
1. Leader
2. Brak (22/34 hp), Chip, Hingle, Taerel, Garrick
3. Goons
4. Werner

Taerel takes up his longbow and fires at the blue half-orc.

Atttack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

"Oi! Bloody 'ell!" Brak looks at his wound like he doesn't believe it happened. He responds with a swing of his own: ATK : 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 8 + 1 = 14, but he's too in shock to do it well.

-Posted with Wayfinder

and a 5' step NW

-Posted with Wayfinder

Garrick draws his sword and rushes to protect the party's flank.

5' step and attack on purple!

attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
damage: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (3, 1) + 4 = 8

"We will defend ourselves!"

Free Actions
"Zipper, attack that one!" He points to the Yellow dog right in front of Zipper.

Chip then quick draws his longsword and short sword.

Full Attack
He begins attack the Blue half-orc next to him.
Longsword Attack (TWF, Power Attack): 1d20 + 11 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 11 - 2 - 2 = 9
Longsword Damage (Power Attack): 1d6 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 4 = 11

Short Sword Attack (TWF, Power Attack): 1d20 + 11 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 11 - 2 - 2 = 19
Short Sword Damage (Power Attack): 1d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 2 = 7

Full Attack
Zipper attacks the Yellow dog in front of him.
Bite Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Bite Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Claw Attack 1: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Claw Damage 1: 1d3 ⇒ 1

Claw Attack 2: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Claw Damage 2: 1d3 ⇒ 3

Hingle casts a spell!

Color Spray, DC 15 Will save

Taerel fires off an arrow, but he overcompensates for trying to shoot over the half-orc in front and the arrow sails high. Brak's axe-swing scrapes noisily on a set of scale mail and Garrick's sword cleaves naught but nets.

Towards the back, Chip and Zipper fare better, the gnome landing a blow and the badger two more.

Will: 3d20 ⇒ (18, 10, 9) = 37

Hingle's spell catches several pursuers unprepared. One dog and one handler both keel over, eyes rolling madly in their sockets! I'm just going to say they're out for the remainder.

The brawl in the back continues regardless. Fortunately, both Chip and his companion are used to that sort of thing.

Sap @ Chip: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17 MISS
Dog Bite @ Zipper: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11 MISS

Round I -- bold may act!
1. Leader
2. Brak (22/34 hp), Chip, Hingle, Taerel, Garrick
3. Goons (two down, Red @ 7 dmg, Yellow @ 4 dmg)
4. Werner

Can't update the map from my phone unfortunately.

Werner moves toward the half-orc by Brak and Garrick, drawing his sword as he goes. With an overhand chop, he swings!
Attack w/Greatsword: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Crit Confirm w/Greatsword: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 5) + 4 = 14
Crit Damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (4, 3) + 4 = 11

Werner's sword bites deep at the shoulder blade! The steel comes away in a wash of blood that rapidly stains the cobbles. The woman recovers from the blow and delivers a vicious upswing with her mace that shatters Werner's jaw. "Boss Croat spits on the likes of you!!!"

Mace @ Werner: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22 HIT Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Round II -- bold may act!
1. Leader (25 dmg)
2. Brak (22/34 hp), Chip, Hingle, Taerel, Garrick
3. Goons (two down, Red @ 7 dmg, Yellow @ 4 dmg)
4. Werner (5/17 hp)

Werner, are those your actual stats? Are you actually level 2?

"Stand still ye filthy pirate!" Frustrated Brak slides over a bit and swings again.

ATK!: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 8 + 2 = 15 for DMG: 1d12 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15.

Bloody hell!

Yup, I'm the low level guy. Living it dangerous, I know.

"Nice show Hingle!" Chip doesn't change orders for Zipper.

Full Attack
He attacks the Red half-orc next to him.
Longsword Attack (TWF, Power Attack): 1d20 + 11 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 11 - 2 - 2 = 20
Longsword Damage (Power Attack): 1d6 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 4 = 10

Short Sword Attack (TWF, Power Attack): 1d20 + 11 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 11 - 2 - 2 = 16
Short Sword Damage (Power Attack): 1d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 2 = 5

"You should stand down!"

Full Attack
Zipper continues to attack the dog.
Bite Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Bite Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Claw Attack 1: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Claw Damage 1: 1d3 ⇒ 2

Claw Attack 2: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Claw Damage 2: 1d3 ⇒ 1

Chip and Zipper each cut down their opponents! Brak aims poorly and curses his throbbin' noggin!

Round II -- bold may act!
1. Leader (25 dmg)
2. Brak (22/34 hp), Chip, Hingle, Taerel, Garrick, Werner (5/17 hp)

Werner takes a 5ft step away from the danger, trusting in Brak and Garrick to occupy the half-orc a moment. He calls upon his god, and grasps the holy symbol hanging on a chain around his neck. "Lucky Drunk, aid me. Invigorate me so that I may continue to play vith chance."

The prayer is a bit mangled by his broken jaw, but Cayden Cailean gets the gist. Werner places a hand on the wound, and positive energy infuses him.

Cure Light Wounds (converting a prepared Comprehend Languages): 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Hingle five foots over and draws his wand of magic missile from his handy haversack, loosing a charge at the foe.
1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Spitting is a dirty habit, my good lady. Please be sure to tell your boss Croat.

Garrick does his best to protect and uses his "a sure thing" trait for this attack.

"you will submit!"

power attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
damage: 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (4, 1) + 6 = 11
confirming: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
crit damage?: 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (4, 3) + 6 = 13

Hingle pricks the woman with his missile, and Garrick takes things to a new level by decapitating her. The head rolls into the drink and starts floating out to sea.

Out of combat!

Heading along the pier, the Pathfinders can see many ships anchored in the bay. There's a couple of seemingly-abandoned rowboats nearby which could get them there, or they could hire a pilot for a cheap price.

"Well, that's one way to do it, I guess..."

I vote for rowboat, if we can work it.

Brak pales a bit at the idea of a rowboat, "I don't like boats. I don't know how to work one. It's damned near wizard magic if you ask me."

Garrick has no experience with boats. He suggests a pilot to get us to where we need to be.

"Nice teamwork everyone!"

"If we think we can work the rowboat, sure. Otherwise, a sailor might be wise."

Chip sheathes his weapons and pats Zipper on the head. "Zipper, heel! Good boy!"

We should also check these bandits' bodies for loot.

Zipper grunts a few times in content at the praise.

Ooh! Hingle says excitedly. A boat! I don't know that I've ever used one of these before. Should we ask someone if they're willing to hire out? I can do that! I like talking to people...

"Yes, let's get a professional out here..."

Hingle will take 10 on Diplo for 19 to locate a hireling sailor.

Chip finds a fair bit of loot!

Hingle asks a few folks in the nearby area. A dwarf fisherwoman gives a silent nod and holds up her hand with five fingers outstretched, the holds out her palm. 5gp for the trip.

The voyage out into the bay is choppy; Hingle sits eagerly in the bow of the rowboat and watches as the sun sets ahead. Brak grips both sides in the very rear and looks like he's about to be sick. Soon, the Pathfinder's target comes into sight in the growing gloom.

The dinghy vessel bobbing in the water looks like it’s in dire need of a new paint job, its maroon paint having faded to a grimy puce and peeling away where the water laps at the hull. The planks appear sturdy though, and the boat’s sails are carefully mended. The word “Lionfish” is painted across the side of the ship in clumsy blue letters, and a light on the ship’s deck illuminates the work of several figures hustling to and fro.

A climb straight up the side looks difficult. DC 20. There is an anchor chain leading up to the deck that could be easier. DC 10 but noisy.

Can't we ID those potions first?

Brak holds on to the gunwales like his life depends on it.

-Posted with Wayfinder