Grandmother! They didn't have a *chance*. I should have been here, I should have been protecting them, I could have gotten a message off. I--
It is the smallest of the flock, though, that brings the grandmother back to somewhat more of an even keel, from fluctuating from the many slices and dices she was going to put into Borvius to what was she going to tell the children to...
"Stali, Hikaru, Sara? Capture the others, please. It will be their only chance to not hang. We SAW THEM ALL, right?"
The grandmother sheathes her katana and pulls out her quarterstaff. She promised Justice. It may just come with some Erastil and Andoletta-guided bruises, is all.
More flavor than anything else, but felt important to note the whirlwind in the grandmother's brain atm.
M Tengu LG Rogue 9 | HP 66/66 +14 temp | AC 25 tch 18 fl 19 Mobility | CMB +5 CMD 22 (23 vs grapple) | F +8 R +15 W +11 | Init +5 | Perc +22 Low Light, Trap Spotter | Speed 60 | GM reroll used | clover 1/3 | Active Conditions: Haste
Seeing Hikaru taking care of the blue thug, Stali rushes halfway up the stairs to block the fleeing woman. Swinging his sap, he says "Drop your weapon and surrender now!"
Move action, move up stairs.
Readied action: If she does anything other than dropping the weapon and surrendering, hit her with the sap. If surrenders, start tying her up.
The rogue has barely a moment to get her sword up before the sticky swashbuckler grapples her on the stairs. She manages to nick him with her long sword, and then gets grappled in a gooey hug!
ORDER: Stali, Sarano, Borvius Monchello (pinned), Hikaru (entangled but mobile), Chak, Rogues (Dead male, Grappled female), Andrietta, Gallako, Vralk, Rainbow Thugs (Green, Red + Blue Captured, only Yellow still active)
Andrietta, Gallako and Vralk are up! Man, this has been an epic fight!
Male Tengu Shaman L3/Fey Sorcerer 1/Duettist Bard 1 |HP 29/29| Init +2; Per +15| AC 16, T 12, FF 14 | Fort 2, Ref +6, Will +12
Gallako first tries to daze Yellow (Will Save DC 13 to avoid). If Yellow is dazed OR if Gallako can move off the edge of the map he can move to where is he without provoking an attack of opportunity.
If not, he moves there anyway, provoking.
"Surrender now or die. Your choice. I think that I'd prefer if you die but I DID promise Andrietta that I'd give you all the chance to live"
intimidate:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
"Vralk, come over here and bomb this person if she tries and leave or attacks me"
The thug is not dazed, nor is she intimidated by either Gallako or Vralk. However, the splash damage is enough to stagger her!
Even if she full withdraws, when she tries to get away, she can only run a very short distance before keeling over. The mighty Vralk has captured a warehouse thug with his actions. Someone should get him a pie.
--- COMBAT OVER ---
You've captured or killed everyone. What do you do next?
Martim and Summer, still cowering on the bed, clutching each other look at you in fear. "Please... Can you keep Andrietta from killing our parents? They didn't do anything wrong!"
M Tengu LG Rogue 9 | HP 66/66 +14 temp | AC 25 tch 18 fl 19 Mobility | CMB +5 CMD 22 (23 vs grapple) | F +8 R +15 W +11 | Init +5 | Perc +22 Low Light, Trap Spotter | Speed 60 | GM reroll used | clover 1/3 | Active Conditions: Haste
"I'll take care of it, Hikaru!" Stali calls out as he slides down the banister. Going over to the curtains, he rips the sash cords off and hurries back to Hikaru with them. While Hikaru holds her pinned, Stali searches and then ties up the miscreant.
As soon as he finishes with her, he goes outside and takes care of the unconscious dock worker still laying there.
The rooms are elegant and well-appointed, save for the signs of casual and brutal violence in several rooms. You find signs of a struggle in the larder and the kitchen, and then the bodies of an elderly servant couple in a simple bedroom on the first floor. The room had cheerful paintings, a handmade quilt, and little wooden knick knacks, all spattered with blood now. The manner in the bodies have fallen shows that the man was killed trying to shield his wife from further violence.
The office is large and well-appointed, with a sturdy wooden desk filling in the center of the room. The walls are taken up with bookshelves and trophies and curios put on display. The desk has been rifled through and papers are scattered everywhere.
Stali, Hikaru, Sarano:
Fallen on the floor, near the door, is a metal scroll tube with a scrimshaw cap carved with the likeness of a turtleback ferryboat, the same symbol that hung outside the shipping office at Braeton Docks.
The upstairs has several other largely untouched guest bedrooms and storage areas, but no other lurking criminals.
You can also totally interrogate the thugs you caught, smite Borvius, or talk to the children, Martim and Summer, if you want to. Feel free to post questions or comments in flex-time if you need to do so.
Meanwhile, the Sheriff and Irv arrive, out of breath, with Vralk urging them on. The Sheriff pauses, looks around at your collection of tied-up villains and raises an eyebrow. “Well, you’ve been clearly busy tonight. What happened here? Vralk said something about murder and fighting and pie, but it didn’t make much sense... Dare I ask what Borvius Monchello and some of his warehouse workers are doing here?”
Male Tengu Shaman L3/Fey Sorcerer 1/Duettist Bard 1 |HP 29/29| Init +2; Per +15| AC 16, T 12, FF 14 | Fort 2, Ref +6, Will +12
In flex time, Gallako would have tried to calm down the childrem
"Its ok now. None of us Crow people were involved, and certainly not Andrietta. She is a grandmother and a paladin, she wouldn't hurt anybody who didn't REALLY deserve it. The nasty bad man was pretending to be her but we caught him too. Nobody is going to hurt you now."
diplomacy:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
To the thugs, one at a time, apart from each other
"Its the age old question. Whichever ONE of you decides to talk first very likely gets to survive this since he'll have cooperated and agreed to testify against the others. The rest of you, well I don't know about the law here but I strongly suspect murderers hang, or possibly are drawn and quartered, or maybe impaled? Not sure. Bet its pretty darn fatal and painful though"
Not sure if that is diplomacy or intimidate.
interation:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8 Or a 12 if it is a diplomacy check
To the sheriff when she arrives
"Vralk was here watching things when Marchello and his thugs came. They attacked the house and killed everybody inside except for the children. Somehow or other Marchello had apparently disguised himself as Andrietta. We heard him using a REALLY REALLY bad impression of her voice.
When you talk to the children they'll tell you that Andrietta killed their parents and Marchello came to the rescue. They're NOT lying, that is what they saw. But they were manipulated into seeing that.
Not sure why they chose to murder this family but they're trying to frame us."
Hopefully I can make another diplomacy check to convince the sheriff that we're innocent
diplomacy:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
M Tengu LG Rogue 9 | HP 66/66 +14 temp | AC 25 tch 18 fl 19 Mobility | CMB +5 CMD 22 (23 vs grapple) | F +8 R +15 W +11 | Init +5 | Perc +22 Low Light, Trap Spotter | Speed 60 | GM reroll used | clover 1/3 | Active Conditions: Haste
Could someone check Borvius and the others for magical items? What sort of things did we find on the various thugs?
Stali will suggest that they interrogate prisoners one at a time in a different room, so that the other prisoners can't hear what is found out. "We should probably start with the dock workers. They probably don't know much, but finding out what they don't know can be just as important."
If asked to help explain things to the two children, he will confess "I'm not very good with children. I can try...but wouldn't it be better for someone else to point things out? Like how Andrietta always carries a staff and wasn't covered with blood? I'm sure there are other things that were different."
---
Rewrite because Gallako ninja'ed me!
"I'm sorry sheriff, but we got here too late."
Gesturing towards Borvius, Stali says "I don't know much about him, but one thing I do know is that he hates losing."
"I imagine part of this was his sick and twisted way to try and win against Arhaneem Braeton and anyone else who he felt slighted by. I think the important thing is to find out who else is involved." We still have two missing Skulks, and I don't think Borvius did it all on his own.
HP: 8/8 |AC:12 T:12 FF:10,| CMD: 13 | Fort: +1, Refl: +3, Will: +9 | Init: +2, Speed 30ftSpells per day:First:4/8 Second 4/5| Heavenly Fire 7/7 day | Magic Missile 34/50 | Female Tengu Sorcerer 5
Sarano will help drag the red guy back in, she'll tend to the wounds of the various thugs as we tie them up.
Heal:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30
"Only have yourself to blame for this mess,".
Looking around while her group interrogates the men, she'll pick up a metal tube with a scrimshaw cap like a turtle ferry, showing it to the group, "Hey, um. anyone recognize this?"
Hikaru narrows his eyes as he observes the guilty parties, now all neatly tied up and waiting for interrogation. He gives them all a steely-eyed glare and huffs a moment, then speaks up. "My friend here is right, actually. It could happen, and has this time. Each of you has one opportunity to talk and earn some cred for it. One time offer, speak now. FIrst one who does, gets a pass on a death sentence for these murders..." He waits a moment and if no one speaks up...
"Tick tock.. the offer wears out in five... four... three... two... one... " Hopefully someone will interrupt his countdown and offer to talk.
Amazing Way-Back Machine Flex Times!But feel free to read!:
Andrietta's heart is heavy.
Starstone-scale 'heavy'.
The children were duped into thinking she murdered their parents.
This fool murdered them, and possibly many others in the community.
There is very little redeeming value there, if any.
No one in their right mind would fault Andrietta if she smote Borvius to the afterlife, even after he was bound up. Grandmother herself would probably give her a stern chiding and a warning to be mindful for the kids and what they learn from all of this.
Old Deadeye? He'd probably appreciate at least the chance for the community to perform it's justice on the bunch, as a means of closure.
The grandmother strides in quietly, feathers laid flat and head hung low.
"You're a very bad man. But it's not my call to judge you. That's up to the community. " She waits a half-breath, for the man to relax or to start bragging or even point the finger of blame back at her once more -- anything other than show proper penitence will do.
As soon as he starts to open his mouth/protest/gloat/whatnot, she strikes. Back of the head, just like with Stali, but with a great deal more... emphasis on the strike.
Non-lethally SMITING THE BAD out of Barfius Quarterstaff(Non-lethal, Smite):1d20 + 4 - 4 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 4 - 4 + 2 = 13
"THAT one, though, is for Sister Esrelda, you misbegotten piece of human excrement. She did nothing to you, and you and yours did her. You should be GRATEFUL for that mercy.
In Kwanlai, you'd never would've known what hit you as you tumbled to the floor."
The grandmother sags a bit and then looks to the children.
"What relatives can you stay with for a little while in town? Who do your parents have you stay with in emergencies when they are busy?"
Diplomacy(Aid if someone else is better)for the children:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
If Borvius is still conscious after Andrietta's wallop, she will then turn her attention back to him.
"It's looking pretty grim for you right now. Your ONLY hope is to come clean about everything, leaving no detail out about the actions going about Ilsurian.
Failure to do so will not go very well for you."
And now, back to the Future!
"My traveling companions have lined it up better than I could hope to, and this trash right here -- see that bruise, there?
That comes from the power of wholesome goodness and mercy. Old Deadeye would want him brought to trial..."
“WAIT!” Blue says. “I’ll talk. Me and the others were asked to come tonight to provide a little extra muscle, and maybe prove ourselves so that we can get better jobs. Maybe do some of the lucrative smuggling and night jobs. We were excited ‘cause we hadn’t been asked on any of the big stuff before. Borvius told us that we’d be there to teach a bunch of nosy birds a lesson, and maybe convince Braeton to let us ship more of our kind of goods from his docks... It wasn’t until we got here that the job turned nastier...” He swallows. He mentions hearing the screams from upstairs and the room in the back before you all came in, but being told to mind his own business.
The Sheriff looks with interest at the metal scroll tube that Sarano brings out. “May I?” Pulling out a scarf she takes it gently, and then opens it. Then she exclaims, “Oh... This is Braeton’s last will and testament!” She shows it to anyone who wants to read it.
Perception DC 10:
My, there’s a lot of legal sounding words in this and small print. How can anyone make any sense of one of these documents?
Perception DC 15:
Buried in all the legalese is a very interesting paragraph that mentions some familiar names.
In the event of my death, my business goes to my dear wife, Canalee. Should she predecease me, I entrust the guardianship of my children’s estate to Sister Esreslda Woodmere, with business oversight and guidance provided by Archivin Walder. In the event that either trustee cannot serve, hold my business in trust with the guidance of the town council for my two children, Martim and Summer until they are of age. If there is cause to suggest the business may deteriorate before they come of age, the council has the option of selling the business on their behalf at a price that the council deems fair.
___
Inventory to follow, but I wanted to get you all started on this.
"Hey, all... look at this paragraph! Someone's been killing off people mentioned in the will... it's almost as if someone conspired to turn the business over to the town council's trust. Unless I misunderstand this."
"...lot of legal stuff lot of legal stuff.... HEY!"
Andrietta points emphatically at the important section Feel free to flip the Perception 15 spoiler.
"...in the event of my death, my business goes to my dear wife, Canalee. Should she predecease me, I entrust the guardianship of my children's estate to Sister Esrelda Woodmere, with business oversight and guidance provided by Archivin Walder..."
Andrietta looks to the other Pathfinders and the Sheriff.
"The only people who would be party to a will like this would be the people involved and the person who *wrote the will*. Does it say who wrote this up?"
"That would likely be Archivin Walder," the Sheriff notes. "He usually wrote up all kinds of legal documents for people. However, see where the will got notarized? That's the Council's seal." Next to the seal are two neat initials: R.M.
M Tengu LG Rogue 9 | HP 66/66 +14 temp | AC 25 tch 18 fl 19 Mobility | CMB +5 CMD 22 (23 vs grapple) | F +8 R +15 W +11 | Init +5 | Perc +22 Low Light, Trap Spotter | Speed 60 | GM reroll used | clover 1/3 | Active Conditions: Haste
"Given the way that rumors fly in this town, I wouldn't be surprised if everyone knew about this then." Stali comments, gesturing to the will.
Looking closer, he asks "Who are the members of the council, and especially who would R. M. be?"
Pausing a moment, he looks hopefully at the sheriff and pleads "Please tell me that being involved in multiple murders will cause someone to be discharged from the council."
The Sheriff abruptly laughs. It's a near hysterical, high stress laugh, but genuine. "We'd be pretty messed up if it didn't. I'm guessing that R.M. is the Council's secretary, and his wife." She points to Borvius. "Robella is a quiet sort, but very organized. Always very helpful in Council matters, and has a reputation as a voice of reason. I don't think there's a committee in town she hasn't volunteered on. She runs a little gift shop by the Lake Syruntula docks called Mistress Robella's Curiosities. She's the council secretary. Braeton was the president. Walder served on it for a while, but he was taking a break from it this year. A whole bunch of other people serve on it, too."
The Sheriff names ten other names of business folk from town, including two of the officious ladies who had insisted that children had been eaten by the dragon, various fishermen, and the owner of the Big Trout Bar, but the only other name you recognize was Sally Needle's.
M Tengu LG Rogue 9 | HP 66/66 +14 temp | AC 25 tch 18 fl 19 Mobility | CMB +5 CMD 22 (23 vs grapple) | F +8 R +15 W +11 | Init +5 | Perc +22 Low Light, Trap Spotter | Speed 60 | GM reroll used | clover 1/3 | Active Conditions: Haste
Stali briefs the sheriff on the group's encounter in the Big Trout Bar. He points out the tied up dock workers who he had met there and describes a few of the others including the loud mouth.
"I believe you will be needing several new council members soon. Hopefully we can catch most of them before word spreads."
Male Tengu Shaman L3/Fey Sorcerer 1/Duettist Bard 1 |HP 29/29| Init +2; Per +15| AC 16, T 12, FF 14 | Fort 2, Ref +6, Will +12
"It sounds like Robella, at least, is definitely a part of this. The other Councillors may very easily be innocent. Kind of sounds like the Monchellos are in control of the council.
May we have your permission to immediately go and bring Robella into custody? And to use whatever force is necessary if she resists?
We WILL try and bring her in alive but we can't guarantee it. If she fights, she may die. But at this point she seems very, very likely guilty and if we spend any time she is going to hear and either flee or be prepared for trouble
And after her, at least bring in the other councillors for questioning?"
M Tengu LG Rogue 9 | HP 66/66 +14 temp | AC 25 tch 18 fl 19 Mobility | CMB +5 CMD 22 (23 vs grapple) | F +8 R +15 W +11 | Init +5 | Perc +22 Low Light, Trap Spotter | Speed 60 | GM reroll used | clover 1/3 | Active Conditions: Haste
"I want to make a surprise visit to Ilsurian Storage and Hauling first." Stali says, pointing to the dock workers they had captured. He emphasizes the word surprise.
Looking to the sheriff, he asks "I know you would like more proof, like some of the items stolen from the Locked Box. What else do you need, and what can we legally do with respect to searching and dealing with those involved."
While the discussion is going on, Andrietta is quickly writing two letters.
One is addressed to Venture Captain Shelia Heidmarch in Magnimar, detailing everything that has transpired thus far in very BRIEF detail.
The other is addressed to Mistress Almara, head of the Umbra Carnival, likewise briefly detailing the events thus far.
"Sheriff? Could you see that this letter gets into the post and sent to Magnimar? Our superior would like an update, if you would, please?"
There's a brief pause.
"And then we need to let the circus know what's going on. I put together a brief note for them, as well, in the efforts of transparency and full disclosure. Since we're heading to investigate further, maybe Irv could deliver that one?"
Male Tengu Shaman L3/Fey Sorcerer 1/Duettist Bard 1 |HP 29/29| Init +2; Per +15| AC 16, T 12, FF 14 | Fort 2, Ref +6, Will +12
"You're quite right Sarano, she may be innocent. I was perhaps jumping to a conclusion. But I think that we have more than enough evidence to bring her in for questioning. Only if she resists would we use violence.
"and perhaps this Sally Needle person is involved as well, since costumes seem to be an integral part of this whole scheme to shift blame elsewhere... or perhaps she is simply another tool of the perpetrators."
Inventory from Thugs:
1 Flash powder dose
4 Short swords
4 Padded leather
4 Short bows
4 Arrows
Inventory from Rogues:
2 Leather armor
2 Short swords
10 Daggers
Inventory from Borvius
2 potions of Cure Light Wounds
A bunch of empty vials that smell alchemical
Masterwork longsword
Masterwork shortsword
Masterwork Studded Leather
Most of the exciting things they had, they used on you in the manor battle.
____
Andrietta Ebonfeather wrote:
"Sheriff? Could you see that this letter gets into the post and sent to Magnimar? Our superior would like an update, if you would, please?"
There's a brief pause.
"And then we need to let the circus know what's going on. I put together a brief note for them, as well, in the efforts of transparency and full disclosure. Since we're heading to investigate further, maybe Irv could deliver that one?"
The Sheriff takes a look at the two letters. “I’d be happy to post the first, but the second...” She looks embarrassed. “It won’t take that long to deliver. You see, Almara is in custody at the jail right now.” The Sheriff grimaces, “She refused to hand over the sphinx. So I told her that if she didn’t, I’d take have to take her instead, and she handed me her wrists to cuff.” The Sheriff sighs. “My deputies are all over town trying to keep the peace, and to keep more people from rioting. I’ve got to escort two scared kids to their aunt, take care of the bodies and find a way of quietly hauling this lot off to jail without alerting the rest of the town.”
“If Borvius and Robella have been running a criminal gang, we need to get the entire den cleaned up tonight if we can. Start wherever you think best -- the warehouse or the curiosity shop.” She runs her hands through her hair. “I’m going to keep what happened here quiet for a few hours, but I can’t promise you more than that. However...” She reaches in her pack and pulls out a well-used wand of cure light wounds. “It’s only got ten charges, but if you get hurt in there, maybe you can use this to keep yourselves in one piece?”
Hikaru:
While you and Irv are out of earshot of the others, taking notes on the statements of various prisoners, he slips something into his hand. “The most beautiful lady I’ve ever seen found me at the circus and handed me this note. Told me to give it to you and only you. Said it was important! You lucky dog... Er... Can I call you that?”
The letter is sealed with a large “J” stamped into scarlet-colored wax.
___
Hikaru, I don’t know what to do. We are all made of stories and illusions. Me perhaps more than most, for without my stories I cease to exist. Now others tell my story, painting me as a murderer. Almara has gone to jail for my sake, and my tale has spun entirely outside of my control. I will break quarantine tonight and tell you one thing that is real.
Ten o’clock. The open docks near the Two Rivers Tavern. Look for the swirling blue cloak.
You can bring the others if you wish. Please, try not to despise me.
"Lucky duck, perhaps would be closer...?" He surreptitiously takes the note as he chuckles at the slight jest. "Thank you for your discretion, Irv. You're a good man." When he has a moment, he carefully opens the note and reads it on the sly.
After the sheriff leaves to do all these things she's recounted as her tasks for the evening, Hikaru pulls Stali and Andrietta aside. "I've received a note from Jherizhana, asking me to meet her on the docks near the tavern at 10pm.. She said bring anyone I can trust. that would be all of you, but I fear if we all go openly we'd attract too much attention. Perhaps a couple of us could go there while the others take up positions nearby without being seen? What do you think?" He hands the note to Andrietta and Stali to read when he's pretty sure no one else can see, except other party members, which would be alright.
M Tengu LG Rogue 9 | HP 66/66 +14 temp | AC 25 tch 18 fl 19 Mobility | CMB +5 CMD 22 (23 vs grapple) | F +8 R +15 W +11 | Init +5 | Perc +22 Low Light, Trap Spotter | Speed 60 | GM reroll used | clover 1/3 | Active Conditions: Haste
Stali reads the note, then hands it to Andrietta.
His voice filled with concern, he says "Sounds like someone that badly needs a friend and good advice. You need to be there, and don't have much time. I can certainly stay hidden if you want that," pausing to gesture at the others "but too many of us would be quite noticeable."
Something is off about this. Why the mention of the cloak?
"All paths are leading to the docks. I'll support whatever you decide."
M Tengu LG Rogue 9 | HP 66/66 +14 temp | AC 25 tch 18 fl 19 Mobility | CMB +5 CMD 22 (23 vs grapple) | F +8 R +15 W +11 | Init +5 | Perc +22 Low Light, Trap Spotter | Speed 60 | GM reroll used | clover 1/3 | Active Conditions: Haste
Earlier with the equipment.
"Hikaru, this armor looks better than what you are wearing. Do you want it?" Stali asks as he holds up the masterwork studded leather from Borvius. Nodding towards the bound murderer, he adds "I doubt he will ever have occasion to wear it again."
Picking up the packet of flash powder and examining it, Stali asks "Does anyone mind if I take this?"
There are still the two potions of CLW, a masterwork shortsword and masterwork longsword. Sarano might think about the shortsword.
Feel free to continue other conversations as well.
---
Now
"Well, we might as well finish our discussion on the way there then!" Stali says as he opens the door.
The group still needs to decide between the docks, Sally Needle's place, or Mistress Robella's Curiosities. I will go with group consensus.
Murder’s Mark of Crows: a PFS Experiment Tengus... Join the Pathfinder Society, Travel to Varisia, Meet Fascinating People and Solve their Murders!
The Adventure:
Murder’s Mark is an evergreen module. You can play it over and over at level one, but only once at level 2. It’s light-hearted, with tons of opportunities for role-play, but there are definitely opportunities for combat as well.
Murder’s Mark blurb wrote:
An urban mystery adventure for 1st-level characters.
Everyone in the fishing town of Ilsurian is excited when the legendary Umbra Carnival rolls into town—even if the show is run by members of the much-maligned Varisian ethnic group. With strange and exotic beasts, scandalous performances, games of chance, and all the other fun of a traveling fair, who could resist such an opportunity for entertainment?
Unfortunately for both the town and the circus, however, entertainment isn’t the only opportunity the carnival presents. Hidden within Ilsurian, a guild of thieves and scoundrels has been waiting for just such an occasion to launch a campaign of theft and murder—leaving the strangers from the circus to take the blame. With tensions mounting between locals and performers, and the body count rising on both sides, it’s up to the PCs to uncover what’s really going on and clear the circus’s name before the entire town erupts in a firestorm of ethnic violence.
Murder’s Mark is an adventure of mystery, illusion, and mob justice for 1st-level characters, written for the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game and compatible with the 3.5 edition of the world’s oldest RPG. This volume also contains a gazetteer of the traveling Umbra Carnival and a brand-new monster pulled from history and mythology, all of which can easily be adapted for use in any campaign setting.
Written by Jim Groves
The Experiment
A few weeks ago, I mused about the idea of running an all-Tengu or all-Kitsune group through a replayable scenario. I decided to do the Tengu group first, because I’ve never played one and I’d love to see a group of them in action. Besides, the pun is irresistible!
Yes, this is for PFS
All characters must be PFS legal Tengu characters at Level 1 or 2. Because this is a low level replayable, you can build a brand new Tengu, play a low-level Tengu that you already have, or remake an existing level one into a Tengu.
About Me
I only GM one PbP game at a time, but I give it my all. Expect RP, story and a quick, rewarding pace. (Also expect puns, filk and other strangeness.)
The Recruitment
I’m not necessarily taking the first people to apply. I’m looking for people who will roleplay, push the plot forward, investigate and post often. I’m looking for people who want to play Tengu, and who will have a blast doing this.
I plan to close recruitment on Saturday, June 25, 2016.
My Expectations
This will go at a quick pace, with most players averaging 2-3 posts a day.
Both the players and the GM will communicate absences, or days that are usually crunch days where they can’t post much. This GM has insanely busy Wednesdays, so does not post much on those days.
We all have fun.
Players will have a full character sheet in their profile, important information in their headers, and tactics listed in case I have to bot you.
Everyone will have a different avatar. If this means you have to take some other bird because we’ve run out of tengu avatars, so be it.
Player's forum handle: Character name: PFS# Race/Class(es)/Level(s): Faction: Day Job Roll, if any:
____
1) Any special rules, boons, or corner cases you need to let me know about:
2) A few sentences about your character and his or her previous adventures, both out of character and in character as your character would describe him or herself. Why are you in the society?
3) Why do you want to be in a wacky all-Tengu game? What makes you want to be part of the flock?
4) May I bot you in combat or for an occasional skill check to ensure a fast moving game?
5) What are your go-to combat tactics for botting purposes?
(Feel free to also include this on your character sheet, where you can even have your dice rolls ready to go.)
6) Will you be able to post 2-3 times a day on average, barring occasional days off (Cons, Work, Short Vacations, etc?)
Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Superscriber; Pathfinder Starfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Roleplaying Game, Starfinder Society Subscriber
I'd like to apply for this... I think a Tengu swashbuckler would be fun to play - but won't have time to create a character til I get home tonight... Hope there's still room by then..
Will make character and fill out your application sheet at that time...sounds like fun!
I'd love to see a Tengu swashbuckler! I'm very curious to see what characters will show up for this. I gave people a week before submissions close. You have until June 25, 2016.
Hmmm... maybe I'll have to look at PFS now. XD A Tengu party sounds like my kind of party!
Welcome!
If you've never done PFS, it has some interesting quirks. I highly recommend reading the Guide to Pathfinder Society Organized Play. In addition, you'll want to make sure that you own any of the resources you use in making your character, and you'll need to acquire a Pathfinder Society number.
Hmm, I can't resist one of your games. I'd love be in this, but I have to put a tengu together. I've also been interested in a shaman, having never run one. I think this would be a splendid experiment.
If someone else is working at swashbuckler I'll poke at a few other ideas I have in mind...
Very much interested in this thing!
Will I be seeing your 'Pretty Bird'?
Cult's Herald wrote:
I'm in! Will post here with my tengu character in 24 hours. I think it will be someone with divine magic - cleric, warpriest, druid etc.
Hello Cult, I don't think we've met before. I look forward to seeing whatever it is you come up with.
Gerald wrote:
Hmm, I can't resist one of your games. I'd love be in this, but I have to put a tengu together.
Like that would be difficult for you, Gerald! It'll be very interesting to see what you put together for this. I can already tell that you guys are going to force me to make some difficult choices in this recruitment.
Hello Cult, I don't think we've met before. I look forward to seeing whatever it is you come up with.
Sorry, I was so enthralled that I forgot to say "Hello!". Yep, we've not played before, but I hope that we will have the opportunity to fix it. About myself - I can easily post two or more times a day, a responsible player and stuff like that ;)
So, my character is a Warpiest of Tanagaar (Empyreal Lord, something like the Godlike Owl and the patron of rangers and scouts), armed with two kukri. Chack-Qetchack is the master of intelligence and the sudden disappearance, and by the blessing of darkness he can hide even in combat. With all this, he's still a priest. A couple of times a day can heal the wounded and stabilize those who are really bad. He will be glad to join such a team.
"Well, I never. I suppose you featherless have a hard time differentiating us from one-another, but please, it is an insult to be called a male," Kek says from behind dark-lidded eyes as she applies to join the band.
Player's forum handle: GhostwheelX
Character name: Kek Blackfeather
PFS#: 70389-4
Race/Class(es)/Level(s): Monk 1 / Unchained Rogue 1
Faction: The Exchange
Day Job Roll, if any: None
Regarding questions:
1. Am a maneuver master, for what that's worth.
2. Having entered the Crypt of the Everflame, Kek has been roped into the Society by her mentor, a high-ranking Pathfinder who wants her to develop her talents on her own. How disappointed he will be once he discovers she has not followed his monastic teachings entirely!
3. Sounds like a lot of fun :-D Bunch of misfit birds cawing about and generally making a ruckus.
4. Sure, though I tend to post at least once a day if not more. With that said, I live in the +2 GMT time zone at the moment, so I'm not always awake when those in the States are. But that's the point of pbp games, right?
5. Unarmed strikes combined with natural attacks, hopefully while flanking.
6. No problem. I'm a teacher by profession, and on the 20th school lets out, so I'll have the whole summer to enjoy this :-D
GhostwheelX, can I have Kek's full application for this? I'd also love it if Kek applied with his avatar in this thread.
This also goes for Chack-Qetchack and Bukka... I would like their full applications please, including responses to numbers 1-6.
Thanks, Everyone!
Hmm
GM Hmm wrote:
My Application Form
Player's forum handle: Character name: PFS# Race/Class(es)/Level(s): Faction: Day Job Roll, if any:
____
1) Any special rules, boons, or corner cases you need to let me know about:
2) A few sentences about your character and his or her previous adventures, both out of character and in character as your character would describe him or herself. Why are you in the society?
3) Why do you want to be in a wacky all-Tengu game? What makes you want to be part of the flock?
4) May I bot you in combat or for an occasional skill check to ensure a fast moving game?
5) What are your go-to combat tactics for botting purposes?
(Feel free to also include this on your character sheet, where you can even have your dice rolls ready to go.)
6) Will you be able to post 2-3 times a day on average, barring occasional days off (Cons, Work, Short Vacations, etc?)
Player's forum handle: JAF0
Character name:Tai Jasu
PFS#52335-11
Race/Class(es)/Level(s):tengu swashbuckler/1
Faction: GL
Day Job Roll, if any: none
____
1) Any special rules, boons, or corner cases you need to let me know about: none
2) A few sentences about your character and his or her previous adventures, both out of character and in character as your character would describe him or herself. Why are you in the society? No previous adventures... "I am a classy bird with sleek black feathers, except for this one pesky one that always grows in white." *plucks the offending feather and sticks it in his hat* [b]"Adept with swords of all kinds, I choose the rapier for it's agility and speed. I am friendly and affable with all who are worthy, and a quick and deadly to foe to those who aren't."
3) Why do you want to be in a wacky all-Tengu game? What makes you want to be part of the flock? Sounds like riotous fun... always wanted to be guilty of murder... If we don't get enough players, do we call it attempted murder?
4) May I bot you in combat or for an occasional skill check to ensure a fast moving game? Absolutely yes, but I am usually capable of posting multiple times a day, so it shouldn't be necessary often if at all.
5) What are your go-to combat tactics for botting purposes?
(Feel free to also include this on your character sheet, where you can even have your dice rolls ready to go.) Don't know really - I've never played a swashbuckler before...
6) Will you be able to post 2-3 times a day on average, barring occasional days off (Cons, Work, Short Vacations, etc?)yes
Does anyone know if Murder's Mark is repeatable? I played it with a level 1 as part of an all Bard party, died in the last round of the last combat, it was to say the least, splendid.
Does anyone know if Murder's Mark is repeatable? I played it with a level 1 as part of an all Bard party, died in the last round of the last combat, it was to say the least, splendid.
Murder's Mark is repeatable infinitely on level 1 but only may be applied once at level 2.
An all-bard party? I want to play in an all-bard party!
Everyone else -- I want to see personalities here. Please give me some idea of the personalities of these birds!
My intention is to put together an Amnesiac Psychic (Faith discipline) who worships Andoletta; should have full application together in the next couple of days.
Keeping an eye on this. But I think I'll hold out for the all gnome party ;)
That may be a long wait, Woran!
pH unbalanced wrote:
My intention is to put together an Amnesiac Psychic (Faith discipline) who worships Andoletta; should have full application together in the next couple of days.
That sounds rather interesting. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with here.
bluedove wrote:
Hah! A murder of crows investigating a murder... Alfred Hitchcock is rolling in his grave, probably from laughing. XD
Have fun all!
Yes! I hope we will!
mechaPoet wrote:
I think I'm going to make a spiritualist. GM Hmm, would you prefer that my phantom ALSO be a tengu? :)
It sounds like fun, whatever you do. Though I must say that I am amused by the concept of the "Ghosts of Tengus Past."
If you've never done PFS, it has some interesting quirks. I highly recommend reading the Guide to Pathfinder Society Organized Play. In addition, you'll want to make sure that you own any of the resources you use in making your character, and you'll need to acquire a Pathfinder Society number.
Hmm
Thanks! I've looked into PFS before, just never actually joined. If I can look over the rules and create a character in time, I'll probably go for a Tengu Cleric of Desna. Or maybe an oracle. Oracles are way too much fun to play. But probably cleric because I just built an oracle recently.
Player's forum handle: Gerald
Character name: Bukkah
PFS# 12445-18
Race/Class(es)/Level(s): Tengu Shaman 1
Faction: Dark Tapestry
Day Job Roll, if any: None.
____
1) Any special rules, boons, or corner cases you need to let me know about: none, as of yet.
2) A few sentences about your character and his or her previous adventures, both out of character and in character as your character would describe him or herself. Why are you in the society? Bukkah considers himself "The Flamebringer." He loosely follows Ymeri. the Inferno, the current Fire Elemental Lord. He also is associated with the DRk Archive, planning on helping spread their influence through their PFS association. He is enthralled by the Paracountess, as well.
He has a tenuous, at best, relationship with Tavi, his glowing mongoose companion. Tavi was sent to grant him power, but isn't quite convinced that Bukkah is up to the challenge. This leads to strange conflicts at time between the two.
3) Why do you want to be in a wacky all-Tengu game? What makes you want to be part of the flock? I want to be in your game. I've never played a tengu before, and I can't think of a better way to develop a character than with a wonderful DM.
4) May I bot you in combat or for an occasional skill check to ensure a fast moving game? Certainly. I try to let you know when I'm out. Most days I can do two posts (or more) in morning and evening, but I try to let you know if can't
5) What are your go-to combat tactics for botting purposes?
(Feel free to also include this on your character sheet, where you can even have your dice rolls ready to go.). I plan on being a switch hitter. Flaming spells to begin and melee attacks after. At early levels, the Daze spell will also be a regular part of my attack suite.
6) Will you be able to post 2-3 times a day on average, barring occasional days off (Cons, Work, Short Vacations, etc?). Yep. I think I've kept up pretty well in your games in the past. If I'm out, I'll let you know directly.
Player's forum handle: Mystery Cult
Character name: Chack-Qetchack
PFS# 198870-11
Race/Class(es)/Level(s): Tengu Warpriest 1
Faction: Silver Crusade
Day Job Roll, if any: No
____
1) Any special rules, boons, or corner cases you need to let me know about:
No.
2) A few sentences about your character and his or her previous adventures, both out of character and in character as your character would describe him or herself. Why are you in the society?
- Pleased to welcome you, noble warriors of my tribe! *click-click* This one is Chack-Qetchack, and this one welcomes you!
Chack-Qetchack has a deportment and posture, declaring his high birth or a high opinion of himself. Looks like he never removes the hood from his head, and the shade of his feathers lighter than usual. From time to time he makes a strange clicking noise which seems he is not aware.
- May our journey will cover the Holy Wings of the Empyreal Lords *click* and in their sacred shadows we will reach the goal without losses in our group! This one here to help this happen. And now it's the prayer time!
He departs a little to the side, sits down in the posture of meditation, gathering his legs under himself, and goes deep in thought.
3) Why do you want to be in a wacky all-Tengu game? What makes you want to be part of the flock?
First of all, I love the modules in the format of PbP. Long playing in the same team is the best it can be. There is the spirit of camaraderie. And the camaraderie in the team tengu... it's really unusual, that's what I would like to experience through this game. Also I like the claimed pace - it just allows the game not to lose its spirit. And finally - I've been thinking about this character, but there was no reason to create it and start playing. Now it's there!
4) May I bot you in combat or for an occasional skill check to ensure a fast moving game?
Absolutely. I don't like the idea that other players will wait me.
5) What are your go-to combat tactics for botting purposes?
Chack-Qetchack will use the Darkness blessing, which gives him the opportunity to do a stealth checks in combat without any diversions before (as part of the movement, as usual). Using stealth, he'll get into flanking position. There he will attack three times per round (two kukris plus bite), trying to compensate his low accuracy by bonus from the flank. And, of course, with his low AC, he will rely on this '20 percent' from concealment.
6) Will you be able to post 2-3 times a day on average, barring occasional days off (Cons, Work, Short Vacations, etc?)
I usually do exactly that. Even in the busiest days, I find a time to post twice a day (morning and evening), and it is not difficult to check the topic once a day more (via the phone for example).
Player's forum handle: Wei Ji The Learner
Character name: Andrietta Ebonfeather
PFS# 145296-6
Race/Class(es)/Level(s): Tengu Paladin 2
Faction: Silver Crusade
Day Job Roll, if any: Helping others out is it's own reward! No day job
____
1) Any special rules, boons, or corner cases you need to let me know about:
Deity Note: Andoletta (Grandmother Crow) is very much the tough old grandmother of giving second chances, but don't expect it to be easy. Nothing easy is ever worth the work you put into it. This also means if there's even a *smidgen* of good in a person that has a chance to be redeemed, that effort needs to be made, even at the potential of personal harm or injury. If something is Pure EVIL, though, the bed has been made, as it were.
TL;DR This means she is able to deal with 'evil' people IF they show a legitimate inclination towards wanting to be better people (ie. work towards becoming 'good').
2) A few sentences about your character and his or her previous adventures, both out of character and in character as your character would describe him or herself. Why are you in the society?
Andrietta started as a humble cleric of Grandmother Crow, fussing over the health and safety of her fellow Society agents. From the sewers of Augustana to the streets of Absalom, she brought her wisdom and patience to a few Society missions, including a visits to an earthquake-sunken school twice.
Along the way, Andoletta gently insisted to the aging matriarch that with her own hatchlings all grown up and away -- and they never write, even! -- it was time for Andrietta to step up and be a bit more pro-active in the 'good works' department.
She doesn't know one of her grandchildren is fighting for the cause of Freedom via Liberty's Edge, because the grand-kids never write.
This character is the brainchild of personal play experience plus insight provided by folks on the forums as the idea of making a tengu paladin grabbed me oddly one day.
A tengu with white head-feathers, black neck-feathers, and brown plumage for the rest stands before you, decidedly uncomfortable in the well-crafted mountain pattern armor adorning their person. A katana rides on their left hip, and a heavy shield rides on their back, over their backpack. A quarterstaff rides on the side of the pack, easily accessible should the need arise.
"Oh, hello there. I'm Andrietta Ebonfeather. Grandmother has sent me along to keep an eye on you kids today. If we all do good and behave, there's frozen treats for you when we're all done. Promise."
3) Why do you want to be in a wacky all-Tengu game? What makes you want to be part of the flock?
Tengu are my 'elf'. They are arguably the most favorite race I've ever had the privilege of playing in thirty-something years of tabletop/PbP/VTT gaming, despite their relative frailty. Unfortunately, as a result of said perception of frailty, they are often overlooked by other players -- in almost two years of Society play I've only had the opportunity to sit at a table with another tengu at it twice when I've been playing one, and there was hardly any time to role-play the interactions between the two characters. The chance to interact with other people playing the same race is significant and huge.
4) May I bot you in combat or for an occasional skill check to ensure a fast moving game?
Absolutely. In addition, reasonable reactions that can be assumed are also encouraged.
5) What are your go-to combat tactics for botting purposes?
If there is time to talk, Andrietta will take the time to concentrate and assess the 'spiritual health' read: Detect Evil of individuals the party is talking to.
If there's even a smidgen of good, but combat has broken out, she will shift to non-lethal attacks and attempt to encourage the party to do likewise. She's also not afraid to throw herself between the party and opponents if it looks like the situation can be salvaged during a tense situation, and she's also willing to fight with the guile and experience of a grandmother who's seen how unruly kids and grand-kids can be.
If non-lethal is ineffective or dealing with entities that refuse to stand down, lethal force will be reluctantly moved to.
She has a katana, but she'd prefer NOT to bring it out as that's usually a sign that *someone* is going to die.
(Feel free to also include this on your character sheet, where you can even have your dice rolls ready to go.)
6) Will you be able to post 2-3 times a day on average, barring occasional days off (Cons, Work, Short Vacations, etc?)
Yes. I work in retail, so my posting times are erratic for those 2-3 times per day. I have three personal days coming up in July where I may not be able to post and GenCon at the start of August. Even at conventions I try to keep up to date on my posting whenever possible.
Went with my grandmother tengu follower of Grandmother crow, as she is more of a 'group' player. There's a 'pretty bird' out there, still, but she wouldn't fit with the group as presented so far...
@GM Hmm: How long do you think the game will last? I would love to play, but I'll be without Internet for the whole month of August.
If that's not a problem, I think I'd like to play an investigator, otherwise no problem, I'll wait for the next fun game.
If someone spots the shout-out in that character, I'll send them a cookie.
@GM Hmm: How long do you think the game will last? I would love to play, but I'll be without Internet for the whole month of August.
If that's not a problem, I think I'd like to play an investigator, otherwise no problem, I'll wait for the next fun game.
If someone spots the shout-out in that character, I'll send them a cookie.
I've completed two scenarios in 3 weeks a piece, Risen from the Sands and Ironbound Schism. My Overflow Archives game dragged to 5 weeks, in part because one player deployed and another went on vacation, and they were the two who generally pushed things forward. Doom Comes to Dustpawn sprawled a lot more, but it's a complicated module and we had to deal with two character replacements mid-stream as real life issues suddenly hit two of my players. Still, the people who played in Doom liked the pace that we kept. There was always something happening!
My unofficial goal for this module is 6-7 weeks, but there is a con in the middle of this (Convergence) which will significantly slow down my posts to only 1-2 per day during that period around the 4th of July. If we have good group chemistry and players who participate, I could see this going even faster, but I don't want to push the pace so much that the story is lost or that we stop having fun.
Those that have played under me know that I'm really good at pacing a game. It's one of my strengths as a GM. However, pace is not just about going fast. It's about balance. There needs to be time for discovery, for roleplay & character development, and for consensus building. I'd love for us to finish before August, but I cannot guarantee it.
I apologize for the random application. I expressed interest in the PFS forum. But I missed it her. I hope I am not too late.
My Application Form
Player's forum handle: Z...D...
Character name: Pazacku
PFS# 133462-13
Race/Class(es)/Level(s): Tengu Paladin of Shizuru level 1
Faction: Silver Crusade
Day Job Roll, if any: NONE
____
1) Any special rules, boons, or corner cases you need to let me know about:
Nothing too extraordinary at this point in time. Other than the face that he speaks only tengu and tien. He has the Glide racial ability.
2) A few sentences about your character and his or her previous adventures, both out of character and in character as your character would describe him or herself. Why are you in the society?
Pazacku is brand new to the society. No adventures so far. Pazacku comes from Tien Xia form a middle class family. He started following the lessons taught from Shizuru of Honor and to look to our ancestors for guidance and wisdom. He does not approve of violence and will look towards diplomatic solutions first. However, in the face of true evil, he will be brutal and swift.
3) Why do you want to be in a wacky all-Tengu game? What makes you want to be part of the flock?
I would love this opportunity. One reason is that with Pazacku only speaking tengu and tien. It's kind of hard to communicate to none tengu. Plus it will be cool, we will be considered a Murder when we travel.
4) May I bot you in combat or for an occasional skill check to ensure a fast moving game? Of Course
5) What are your go-to combat tactics for botting purposes?
(Feel free to also include this on your character sheet, where you can even have your dice rolls ready to go.)
Talk first. Unless the evil detector is going off like crazy. Then he draws his steel and let that do the talking.
He goes non-lehal with his combat scabbard against humanoids and most animals. Once he takes damage, he turns to leathal.
If he detects evil, he goes strait to evil.
He does not actively try to avoid AOO's. He is a point a to b kind of bird.
6) Will you be able to post 2-3 times a day on average, barring occasional days off (Cons, Work, Short Vacations, etc?)
Of course.
Andoliesa -- Warpriest of Grandmother Crow 1 or 2 -- Caps Currently in a game
___
For those worrying about being too late, you have until June 25th to complete an application. I wanted to give people a couple days to find this. I am looking for personality and complete characters here, as well as a mix of abilities.
Z.D., I have now PMed those who expressed an interest in the idea in PFS General Discussion.
@GM Hmm: Makes perfect sense, I just asked because I'm a beginner with PbP. No sweat, I'll look for you when I come back in September!
September should be a good time. I suspect (and hope) that's when the forums will finally host PbP PFS Gameday V -- a convention for play-by-post.
Keep in mind that pace varies widely in PbP. Three weeks for a scenario is considered rather quick by most people, but there was one PBP scenario that finished in 6 hours. They must have all been glued to their keyboards the entire time. Others can take a while to finish.
One of my fellow Venture Agents suggested that you can estimate for the average scenario to a week in PBP for every hour that it would take to run in real life. So, 4-6 weeks is a good average for a PbP scenario. Your average 32 page module should run twice that long.
This can vary widely, though. If everyone's invested and in the similar timezones, it can go pretty quick.
Player's forum handle: Codanous
Character name: Sarano Snowfeather
PFS# 60921-12
Race/Class(es)/Level(s): Tengu Sorcerer
Faction: Liberty Edge cause why not
Day Job Roll, if any: No day job yet
A tengu shambles in, her form slight, crooked, feathers devoid of all color, a hood over her eyes. As she looks around the room, her eyes crackle with an otherworldly power, albeit her eyes are the only source of strength her frail form conveys.
Her voice, barely above a whisper, "Hi. . I'm Sarano. .um.. Sarano Snowfeather, pleased to meet you all, um. . yeah, thank you. ."
She'll take a seat if a seat is available, otherwise she'll stand awkwardly in a corner, leaning with her back against a wall for support.
1) Sarano has a 5 Constitution so she is pretty frail. She is an Empyreal-Wildblooded Celestial Sorcerer which lets her use Wisdom as her casting stat.
2) She only has 1 chronicle on her, a We Be Goblins game, gives her some gold but not enough prestige for a useful wand :/
3) It seems like it'd be fun to see how other people took the Tengu and made something completely wacky, off the wall or otherwise different than what I built. An example of the versatility of each race
4) Bot away, she doesn't have much she can do though unfortunately, Color spray and Acid Orb
5) If she can catch a group, she'll try and Color Spray, otherwise its Acid Orb, I really wish she had 2 prestige for that wand of magic missile,
6) I can probably do 2-3 posts a day without a problem
Oh, man! I would die for a chance at another Hmm game! I'd have to throw together a fresh tengu. (I should also mention I have both played and run this module).
I have been wanting to make a sentai-hero tengu for a while as the student of my shonen-hero tengu magus. Now that vigilante is a thing, I may just have to pull the trigger and build them....
Still working on the details, but intend to apply.
Okay, Bret! I look forward to seeing what your clever mind will come up with, but we'll have to figure out a different avatar. This one is creeping me out! That face shouldn't be on a tengu unless something went very wrong.
:p
Hrothdane wrote:
Oh, man! I would die for a chance at another Hmm game! I'd have to throw together a fresh tengu. (I should also mention I have both played and run this module).
I have been wanting to make a sentai-hero tengu for a while as the student of my shonen-hero tengu magus. Now that vigilante is a thing, I may just have to pull the trigger and build them....
Don't die, darling! I like you very much alive. It will be very interesting to see what you come up with for a tengu vigilante.
The only downside to all this is you're all going to force me to make some very painful choices!
