PBP [PFS]#5-01 The Glass River Rescue Table 1 (Inactive)

Game Master Valeron De Stinzite

"Maybe some simple disguises then?" I say, responding to Selmy's issue with all the dwarves. "There has to be something on this boat that can help with that, maybe even make you out to be full time sailors, maybe?"

”I recommend you pose as religious pilgrims seeking answers to spiritual questions that require privacy and freedom of movement. says Metella.

Passad, rather deprecatingly says
”That's transparent nonsense.”a challenge that clearly offends Metella.

Passad counters “You should pose as merchants seeking a way station for a regular trade caravan, as such a cover would require unfettered access to the property in order to assess its amenities.”

Amauhak chimes in,”I strongly encourages you to stay overnight and perform your exploration under cover of darkness.” On this point, at least, Metella and Passad nod in agreement.

"There is just one major issue if we attempt to pose as merchants. Merchants often have goods with them to sell, we do not have such things to pose as wares for sale, the only reason it works here on the boat is because we can claim them under deck. However i suppose we could say that our wares are still aboard the craft. Then again, if we pose as pilgrims we have to keep up that act but it might bring those that took those we are looking for to us."
Lynn leaned a bit onto the ships side going over both instances in her head. Either way wont be easy, but those were her thoughts about each plan.

"Well...we are on a merchant vessel...which we told those brutes and we don't really look the pilgrim type. Merchants are nosey and have bodyguards which we do look the type." says in agreement with Passad with his arms crossed. Aside from that he listens intently as plans aren't his strong suit.

When Passad agrees with Selmy, the dwarf nods in approval.

"Right, best keep with the story we already have. We could just be looking to set up some agreement with local caravans, wouldn't necessarily need any goods on display."

"As for disguises, I am a fulltime sailor, you don't need a disguise for that, I'm more worried about the dwarf part, and I don't know that there's much to be done about it, just pointing out that it might be an issue."

Marius nods thoughtfully at the suggestions posed by their hosts and thinks about it carefully. He wasn't used to subterfuge either, which seemed to be a flaw in their group as a whole. Oh well he would need to learn to continue his tenure with the society. Hearing his allies retorts, the Crusader chews his lips as he considers their next move.

"I agree we look nothing like Pilgrims, especially in a country with a living God. Merchants on our way to the Crusade in the Worldwound may work, and holds a grain of truth to it." he proposes after he has thought. "Some of us have the look of guards, perhaps even crusaders on duty, whilst Lynn and Ironleaf could pass themselves as merchants."

"Just shave your beard and go barefoot Selmy. You'd look like a huge halfling. Otherwise, if we think they're looking up every drawf's skirt you work well-enough as a distraction."

" And, as merchants, we can be buying and not selling. "

As the Pathfinder continue to plan the Abacus continues on.

The river narrows ahead, narrowing around a central isle thick with trees and vegetation. The northern fork of the river runs beneath a canopy formed by the isle’s overhanging trees and riverside foliage while to the south, the river is open to the sky above.

Which fork is up to you. Choose wisely.

Leaning over the rails as they still ponder their cover story, Marius absentmindedly strokes the fur of his animal companion, Curze and whistles softly. At the call out from the crew, he looks at their two options with furrowed brow.

"What do we know of the river, Captain?" he calls out, wondering why indeed it was up to them to decide their path rather than the specialists. Lynn, Selmy you are sailors, I'll go with your instincts on this.

Marius does look at their surroundings to see if they can help shed some light on them.

Survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

"I can see the benefit of both forks. When night comes, having an open sky is always a blessing. However, being partial to the forests and tress, having cover could assist us in a more stealthy approach. But, yes, I do agree with Marius and let the final decision rest with Lynn and Selmy.",

Agirran thinks about it for a second while scratching himself.

knowledge (geography, local river hazards?): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Lynn looked to the two passes, "Going through the trees runs the risk of tearing our sails on low hanging brances as well as possible boarders, if you are all okay with fending that off I believe the added ability to hide ourselves as we approach our destination will come in handy. The other path leaves us open to sight, but we won't risk our sails or be at as much risk for boarders. I would go down the path that doesn't threaten the boat myself, but I am also not a combatant."

She let her thoughts be known and then went to assist the crew however they might need it. Regardless of direction they needed to get to where they were going as quickly and safely as possible. She hadn't ever traveled this river so her knowledge of the area's paths was an off-handed guess at best.

"I'd take the open sky to the south. Like Lynn says, it runs less risk to the boat, and we already know the dwarves that came before us got ambushed. Seems the southern path makes that a bit harder on the locals."

In either care, Selmy stays on deck when the boat continues and looks out for anything suspicious.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

"No need to hide at this point. We are just merchants, right! Let that beautiful sun beam down on us." Sulmoro laughs as he stands near the helm of the ship point towards the route with no cover.

As the Pathfinders decide to travel the fork that has clear skies the Abacus goes on. The river has no cover. The Pathfinders admire the clear sky when suddenly an eruption of water goes over the boat. On deck the Pathfinders see a giant river drake. After the wake of water a sea snake is also noticed dropped from the mouth of the river drake.

The river drake lashes out at the nearest Pathfinder(Lynn), but misses.
Tail slap: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Combat Round 1
Bold May action
Selmy
Lynn
Sulmoro
Marius
Agirran
Ironleaf

Drake
Snake

I move adjacent to the River Drake, ducking and weaving my way across the boat. On my way there I yell for Stripes to join me in my attack, to attempt to flank the Drake and attack him as well. I reach him easily, even with the swaying of the boat caused by his appearance on board. Sizing up my opponent, I attack with all my might.

Ironleaf To Hit vs AC: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Damage if hit successful: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Stripes To Hit vs AC: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Damage if hit successful: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

The is my first PbP combat, and first time ever with a pet. If I got any of my details wrong (especially with posting and whatnot), let me know and I will correct them. I did a bit of looking at various GM's and each had their own ideas of what to post for combat. I did look and see that you did want us to move our own images on the map, which I did.

know:nature: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Lynn ducks under the drake's attack, "Watch out everyone, let the fighters deal with this." She slapped her hands together causing her chimes to jingle, and then began dancing to inspire courage in her party members. She hadn't read about any river drakes before so she wasn't sure what to expect as she pulled her rapier free and spun around the drake slightly to avoid it's deadly maw.

Standard, bardic performance(everyone gets +1 to hit, +1 damage),
move to draw rapier(which provokes aoo i believe), free to move 5 ft without provoking aoo

K. Nature: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Selmy eyes the creature that appeared on the boat with a careful eye, but can't quite figure out what it is.

"Didn't expect to be ambushed from beneath us, I admit." He grumbles as he begins focusing on the air around him. Harnessing the power of the wind over the river, Selmy fires a concussive blast at the drake.

Air Blast-PBS-Bardi Perfomance: 1d20 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 2 + 1 + 1 = 131d6 + 5 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 + 1 = 11

Startled by the Drake's sudden appearance, Marius spins as he hears Lynn's cries and draws forth his well sharpened Greatsword. Taking a step to meet the challenge, Marius gives a curt whistle, signalling for Curze to also attack the scaled foe. "Well! That was rather unexpected!" he laughs, glad to get the chance to test his mettle.

Greatsword vs Drake, inspire: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 1 = 12 for damage: 2d6 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (5, 1) + 6 + 1 = 13

Unfortunately, he finds the boat's movement jarring and his swing is less than accurate.

Growling with menace, Curze pounces forwards as the Drake breaks the cover of the water and strikes out it in a frenzy of Claws and fangs.

Bite, Inspire: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 4 + 1 = 21 for Damage: 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 1 = 6

Claw, Inspire: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 4 + 1 = 24 for Damage: 1d4 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 = 5

Claw, Inspire: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 1 = 11 for Damage: 1d4 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 = 8

Agirran sweeps sweeps his great axe up at the drake.

greataxe (inspire, power attack): 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 5 + 1 = 23 damage: 1d12 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 1 = 11

What's the ships rails like? Solid or just a railing?

Ironleaf slashes at the drake and opens up a sizable wound. Selmy misses with her air blast. The great sword of Marius narrowly misses the drake. Curze bites and claws at the creature opening up a massive wound and tearing chunks of flesh from the creature. Agirran, feeling inspired, swings his great as and opens another massive wound on the drake.

The river drake, feeling weak from blood loss, spits a ball of caustic mucus at the Pathfinders.

Centered on Selmoro. Everyone with in 5ft please make a DC12 reflex save or become entangled. A successful save will also half the damage.

Acid Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 4) = 7

The snake, finally realizing it's been thrust on the boat lashes out at Selmy.
Bite+Poison: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Damage: 1d2 - 2 ⇒ (1) - 2 = -1Fort DC9 save to negate poison

The rails are solid.

Combat round 1
Bold may act

Selmoro
Drake-29
Ironleaf-7
Agirran -7
Selmy-7
Marius-7

After everyone rolls their saves I will update the damage.

Reflex Save DC12: 1d20 ⇒ 4

Caring more about how we are going to take down this Drake, I am completely unaware and unprepared for the large lugie that he just spit. Stripes, more aware than I am, growled a warning, but was to late to do anything else.

Reflex: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

The drakes acid drenches Sulmoro.

If this takes place before my attack add in the respective penalties.

"A glorious battle!" Sulmoro exclaims pivoting to strike at the snake with a powerful downward strike.

Katana: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 15
Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 1 = 14

reflex save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

Agirran leaps up onto a nearby barrel and down avoiding the worst of the mess, all while shouting "PAAAR-KOOOUR!" and laughing. "Ha-ha! It is fun!"

reflex: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Leping away from the acidic slime, Marius grimaces as the Drake's stomach acid chars at his skin. Landing with hardly a stumble, The Crusader is spared the rather gross fate of his companions.

"Well that is disgusting!" he exclaims.

Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Fort: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Selmy laughs as he ducks below the caustic blast, it puts him too close to the snake however and he grunts as it bites into him.

"Not much of a bite on you." He says when he barely feels the wound.

Selmoro slashes at the snake and cuts in clean it two. As he does the drakes spit drenches him , burning his flesh with acid. Agirran jumps onto the rails missing the giant spitball. Marius and Selmy also dodge the drakes spit. The drake, seeing the snake cut in two, jumps overboard and vanishes below the water.

End of combat. Everyone heal up.

Following the river drake confrontation and resumption of the journey east, Passad and the envoys emerge from
"I commend you in dispatching this latest threat. Clearly the Society sent the right agents for such a task." exclaims Passad."I wonder if the party’s wisdom matches its martial skills."

"The Pathfinder Society continues to amaze me, and it seems to me increasingly prudent to enter into a business arrangement that would certainly be to our mutual benefit—particularly for those with an eye for spotting profit. Let me make my case simply: my trade network is growing and already blankets the Inner Sea like no other, and the dwarves cannot hope to compete with the prices I offer. Let us not forget that the Pathfinders have had many mutually profitable business dealings with me in the past.”

Feel free to discuss what lies ahead or behind. You may also ask any questions you may have.

"Well, that was exciting! You know, there are times when I am glad I decided to become a Pathfinder, and there are times when I regret it. Getting a leugie spit on my by a Drake is one of those times. Come on Stripes, time to get cleaned up."

I slowly remove my armor and gear, grab a rag from below deck, and with a bucket of water start to clean my stuff from the leugie.

"Well, that wasn't so hard." Selmy shrugs as he kicks the two halves of the snake overboard. "It's a wonder that it showed up just to attack us a run, not that I ever claimed to understand animals."

Selmy continues assisting on the boat as the journey continues, when Temel proposes a trade agreement, he raises an eyebrow.

"What do you mean? I don't think we're exactly in a position to be makin' deals like this right now, do you? Not that I don't appreciate your help, but we're mid mission. I ain't much a fan of dwarves, but it seems like salt in the wound to rescue 'em and then take on a competing business partner."

While he talks, Selmy tries to see if Passad is withholding any information.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

"Oh oh oh. Why did that drake have to spit up on me of all people." Sulmoro weeps as he cleans himself off.

Sulmoro listens intently to Passad as he gives his offer.

"When we finish here we would surely be grateful for attempting to arrange something between you and the Pathfinders! You have already given us passage on your boat so your graciousness and willingness is evident, " he beams with his charm ", if possible once we get a chance could I have your ear for some specifics?"

Lynn sighed and leaned on the mast thankful that none of the acid damaged the ship. She put her rapier away and pulled out a wand, "Does anyone need their wounds tended to?" She would cast her CLW wand on anyone who came forward with wounds. Overhearing Passad talk to the other pathfinders she frowned a bit, "I believe we should see if we are able to rescue the others before debating if we, recruits, should make decisions fit for a venture captain."

(please roll for the cure i've got plenty of charges)

"The beautiful Lynn is gracious as well with her wand. I thank you from the depths of my heart."Sulmoro smiles.
CLW: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

"Please do steer clear of me friend Saint, I am afraid you will burn through Curze's fur." Marius tells Sulmoro as he moves away from the Nagaji to clean the remenants of spit from his boots. As he does so, he also draws forth a sturdy oaken wand from a sheath on his wrist and enchants a prayer to activate it. Suddenly, his burning wounds heal.

clw: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

As he cleans, he listens to Passad's proposal quizically. Does he not realise we are in the middle of a dangerous mission in enemy lands? he thinks incredulously as he hears the Merchant's proposition. "I am sure we could discuss this at great lengths my friend. However, can it wait until we have rescued our allies?"

Lynn sighed and leaned on the mast thankful that none of the acid damaged the ship. She put her rapier away and pulled out a wand, "Does anyone need their wounds tended to?" She would cast her CLW wand on anyone who came forward with wounds....

(please roll for the cure i've got plenty of charges)

Thanks but Agirran passes for now.

"Tis, but a scratch."

Following the river drake confrontation and resumption of the journey east, Passad and the envoys emerge from

"I commend you in dispatching this latest threat. Clearly the Society sent the right agents for such a task." exclaims Passad."I wonder if the party’s wisdom matches its martial skills."

"The Pathfinder Society continues to amaze me, and it seems to me increasingly prudent to enter into a business arrangement that would certainly be to our mutual benefit—particularly for those with an eye for spotting profit. Let me make my case simply: my trade network is growing and already blankets the Inner Sea like no other, and the dwarves cannot hope to compete with the prices I offer. Let us not forget that the Pathfinders have had many mutually profitable business dealings with me in the past.”

"Oh yeah?" Agirran spits over the side before coming to stand before Passad.

"So what's the deal?" Asks the former Shackles pirate.

Passad looks at Agirran,"A mutual business opportunity between the Society and myself is what I'm offering. As a sign of good faith I offer you this potion of cure moderate wounds."Passad pulls out a potion from his belt.

Passad looks at Marius and Lynn,"I am always thinking business, but if you wish to wait for later then we may do so. Shall we go on?"

I finally finish cleaning up my gear from the drake attack. I look at Passad, Agirran, and everyone else having the conversation about new business contacts. "More business is always appreciated, and I am sure the Society would be more than interested in talking to you about setting up some sort of agreement. But, right now we are on a mission, so negotiations should wait until afterwords, no?"

Ensuring he doesn't roll his eyes or show his frustration to their gracious host, Marius shrugs slightly. "I do think it is for the best to wait for now until we have rescued our allies and are in a position to discuss this properly. Now, we need to focus on infiltrating the Inn, are we happy to go along with the Merchants heading to the Worldwound?"

"Yes and a merchant can't walk around without at least one of their charming bodyguards!" Sulmoro nods along with Marius suggestion at moving forward with the plan after settling things with Passad. Eager to get back into the action and the rewards waiting at the end.

"Don't you worry, though, we will reconvene on that trade deal after we finish this up!" Sulmoro looks back with a sly wink.

Passad looks at Agirran,"A mutual business opportunity between the Society and myself is what I'm offering. As a sign of good faith I offer you this potion of cure moderate wounds."Passad pulls out a potion from his belt.

Passad looks at Marius and Lynn,"I am always thinking business, but if you wish to wait for later then we may do so. Shall we go on?"

"We'll consider it." Agirran says taking the potion. "Assuming we live so long."

After Passad tries making his case, Metella speaks up
“Yes, Temel has his bejeweled fingers in many pies and can offer cheaper wares, but consider the advantages of a business relationship with my mercantile concern: our network is many centuries old, and the quality of our goods is unrivaled. Furthermore, an arrangement with a firm with such deep roots in the Five Kings Mountains would reinforce the military alliance the Society is already negotiating.”

I have a busy day tomorrow so expect an update tomorrow evening.

Rolling his eyes, Marius keeps his back to the dwarf as they lean over the railings, fighting back a sigh of exasperation. "Yes milady, your networks are well founded I am sure." he responds diplomatically. "However, as we have just explained we can sit down and give any proposals our full attention once we have rescued your kinsman. Do not forget, if we fail, you plan on replacing them, ao it may be a moot point if we are torn between friends during an important quest."

Scratching Curze behind the ear, the Crusader finishes his piece and keeps looking out for their destination.

Passad, Metella, you guys have now peaked my interest. Your insistence on forming another trade agreement with the Society tells me that there may be another reason for it, other than to simply build your business more. Are you having financial troubles? Is this a subtle threat that if we don't agree to a trade agreement that you would sabotage this mission?"

I sigh, and realize that I may have just made a major mistake, maybe even forced their hand. I need to give them a way out, a way to save face.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

"Look, if your intentions are honorable and you simply want to make another trade agreement, it is best to wait. Show us how good you are, help us complete the mission we are on. Besides, if we fail, it won't reflect well with you."

Lynn listened to the continued talk of a business deal, if anything they could use the time between them saving the others and finalizing any kind of deal in their own favor. Bringing more chips onto their side of the table would only serve to make them an easier but more profitable buy for Passad.

She however kept working the sails and calling out minor changes in the river bend, the pilot was surely having a bit of a pained time navigating on their own after that drake incident.

The Pathfinders, not wanting to do business at this time, carry on with the mission.

Near dusk, the captain of the boat points out a pleasant country inn up a hill on the north shore of the Glass River, where a small dock offers a berth for the Abacus.
Passad and the envoys chime in "We will wait out the night in our cabins while you execute your mission at the Gray Revelation Inn."
Before leaving the boat, Amauhak speaks up "I advise you to refrain from violence on Razmiri soil if it can be helped."Metella and Passad, in rare agreement, concur.

A stone path leads from the dock about 200 yards through some light tree cover to the villa. All appearances suggest a very cozy establishment.

All appearances may suggest a cozy establishment, but I take a moment to do some serious looking, as prior experiences on this trip, namely the fork we traveled, weren't as they first appeared.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

"So, the plan still stands? Send in Lynn to do a bit of recon, the rest of us get rooms and act as merchants on a buying trip?"

Before leaving the boat, Amauhak speaks up "I advise you to refrain from violence on Razmiri soil if it can be helped."Metella and Passad, in rare agreement, concur

"Don't worry. This is me we're talkin' about remember?"

Glad that the two merchants leave the subject alone for now, Marius breathes a sigh of relief when the Captain points out their destination atop the hill. It was odd to think that such an pleasant, unassuming place may hold a dark secret, but that was what they were her to find out and he would be damned if they failed now.

"I am happy with the plan, we would be better served as a Merchant group, bodyguards and the like." Marius confirms as their gear is packed and his weapon's tested. "That way it is less suspicious if we are seen wandering around together."

Once they are ready, Marius stashes his unwanted gear in his quarters before arriving on deck. His armour is freshly polished and his Greatsword is well sharpened. Curze pads over to hsi feet and growls softly.

Lynn readied herself making to look presentable as a merchant. "I'll be going ahead and scouting a bit yes? If so then lets get this underway as soon as possible." When they landed she would make a b'line towards the tavern. Arrving inside she would rent a room and carouse a bit attempting to see if there were any roumors about the captured dwarves.

diplomacy (gathering info): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15