(PFS 09-08) GM Dinketry and the Birthright Betrayed #1 (Inactive)

Game Master dinketry

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

"A wise choice." Badriyah says when the smuggler hands over the helm and surrenders. While examining the helm with Giovanni she watches the captured smuggler. Following her gaze to the river she asks "What are you looking for? Is there something there that you are worried about?"

"Ha! Victory!" Lovissa crows. Sheathing her sword she pulls out a healing wand and moves around, nonchalantly waving the wand at her wounded comrades as if she did it every day. As she does she listens to the conversations going on around her.

Healing everyone.

Healing Lovissa: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Healing Marcus: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Healing Marcus: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

I don't think anyone else is wounded. Did I miss anyone?

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
History: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

"That, my friends, is the Eye of Aroden. This is quite the helmet!"

"Hrmmm... THE Eye of Aroden or AN eye of Aroden? As the god of men one would presume he possesses two eyes. Although tales of one-eyed men are frequently told as a battle scar such as a rent face often implies an image of strength and valor. I was however, not aware of such a depiction of Aroden.... myesss."

He shakes for a moment as Lovisa tends to his wounds. "Oh... right... yesss... I guess I did suffer some incidental injuries during the skirmish. The care is much appreciated."

I too have a wand. Feel free to make use of it as needed. Just let me know how many charges to mark off when doing so.

”Payments were left at the drop site one week after shipments were delivered,” the female smuggler replies to the Gray Maiden’s question. ”Please excuse me,” she utters as she kneels down to the water’s edge and places her hand in the water after Marcus suggests that they can tend to their wounded.

Even the smugglers we dropped are only unconscious, correct? Even if we were lethal did we do enough to kill anyone outright?

After the maiden identifies and takes stock of the stolen goods, she reseals the crate and returns her attention to the smuggler. "You are guilty of a crime, and under normal circumstances the hand of law would take you. Today however, you are fortunate."

The maiden approaches the smuggler, exhuming an air of authority that leaves no room for questions. "You will give us information that will help us find your contact. Think hard to find information that will be of use to us. Furthermore, you will relinquish any and all of your stolen goods, including those uniforms. If you comply, you may leave. If you refuse, we will take you before the magistrate in chains."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

"What is your choice?"

PCs can always interject if they have a different plan, but in Maiden form she tends to have a "take charge" attitude, contrasting Amelia's more submissive personality.

To the smuggler brandishing his rapier, You should definitely choose to help here. I'd finish you off myself but she...she just enjoys it. motioning to the scary-as-heck Gray Maiden.

aid intimdate: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21 that that much help is needed, heck of a time for a nat 20 :)

Lady Finley moves forward to speak to the smuggler, "Someone will be along in the next week to deliver your payment? Do you know when the items would have be removed from the caves? I know I would wonder how long valuables would stay in a place like this, and come back and check to see what might have happened to them."

I too have a wand. Feel free to make use of it as needed. Just let me know how many charges to mark off when doing so.

There are three wands for the group. I think we spoke about this near the beginning, but I'll keep track of the charges used for the whole scenario and split the charges evenly between the wands.

---

Totally fine with the plan, Maiden.

As the others intimidate the smugglers, Lovissa smiles widely. "She's not the only one who enjoys it,"

Intimidate: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

"And unbar the other passageway while you're at at it. It takes a while to remove a door and I'd rather not let the Gray Maiden get too impatient... for your sake."

Aid Intimidate: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25 #IHELPEDTOO

Good lord that's 3 Nat 20s to intimidate.

Are their pants still clean?

The crate on the beach contains casks of salted pork, as do the remainder of the crates on the barge. Each barrel of salted pork bears a scratched-out maker's mark.

The female smuggler spills her story while the other conscious smuggler tends to the unconscious (but stable) smuggler and the bleeding (unstable, unconscious, but alive) smuggler.

"We began robbing Count Zespire’s shipments as revenge for the old boot dismissing us from the navy for shiftlessness. We got a fence here in Ridonport on a need-to-know basis, and these tunnels to use as a dead drop location."

She turns to Marcus: "I don't know what's behind the door in those tunnels, and I couldn't get you through there nevertheless - it's probably barred from us for insurance. The fence - we don't see anymore, but the payments - coins and trinkets like that helmet - they keep coming, so we guess business is booming, and we keep robbing Zespire's barges."

The other smuggler who survived the battle turns to the group and shares a bit of his own mind. "You ask me, I think my cousin in Oppara has got it true: she's training to be a senatorial aide, and she hears a lot. She says the Earl has got it in for Count Zespire, that he's trying to ruin the Iron Gar. Who else would pay us to rob salt pork every fortnight for half a year?"

Appraise: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

Lovissa nods in satisfaction as the others start telling their tales to the Grey Maiden. Satisfied that whatever they're talking about is BORING, Lovissa holds the ancient helmet in her hands and examines it carefully, sending her psychic powers out into the helm.

Lovissa's using object reading on the Eye of Aroden helmet. It takes one minute.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Badriyah shivers slightly at the cold, detached, and unemotional threat emanating from the Maiden as she begins questioning the smugglers. So different from Amelia's friendly and kind nature. Recovering herself with a quick shake of the head she once again scratches away in her journal, capturing everything the smugglers spill.

Unable to tell anything from the crates, she asks a few other questions.

"What other 'trinkets' have you received so far?" She asks, flipping back to the list of things stolen from the museum. "And how did you first contact or find this mysterious fence?"

Once everyone is finished asking questions of the smugglers, she writes a few more words and then harshly puts four lines in her journal under a section entitled 'Confession of smuggling.' Walking over to the leader she glances back at the formidable forms of her companions, then turns to look the smuggler in the eye holding her gaze for several seconds.

"You'll sign or place your mark here." She says holding up the journal and pointing to the first line. "As will the others."

"It is as she said, you'll be free to go since you've cooperated." She rattles a few coins in her pouch, "And since I believe in the carrot and well as the stick, I'll even see you compensated for your loss and trouble."

"But...." She says with a pause, "You'll not speak of us to anyone and you'll not be doing any further smuggling here in Taldor. Otherwise I use this confession to get warrants or approval from the magistrates and my friends and I pay you another visit." Tilting her head slightly to the side she adds, "I don't think you would enjoy that very much."

She continues to hold the book ready for their signatures, "The choice is yours of course." She says, her scarred face smiling brightly.

Badriyah playing a bit of the 'good cop' will give them 5gp each if they decide to sign.

Each of the rapier-wielding smugglers, happy to not being offered the jail cell or the sword, take Badriyah up on her offer, signing their names (Carlo, Dalan, Robin) on the line in exchange for 5 gold pieces each. The female smuggler seems to be a bit torn.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

After a few moments of consideration, she adds her mark to the document offered by Badriyah and takes the 5 gp as well.

"As I said, the boys got their studded leather in one payment, as well as their rapiers. There wasn't anything as fancy as that helmet in the other stuff we got, but most of that we sold. And as far as how we found our fence - I used to be a marine. I have some friends in buccaneer bunks. It wasn't hard to find someone."

Oblivious to the confessions flying around her, Lovissa suddenly lets out a boisterous laugh.

"Ahahahaha! A helm fit for a LEGEND!"

Then she puts it on her head and smiles widely.

Very impressive, Lovissa Giovanni ponders their next move.

I suppose we can check the door.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Lady Finley has no idea what is going on with the barrels. "It appears that whomever is giving out helmets may be removing them from museums. We should try to get into that door."

Hrmmm... well it does seem as though we've got what we need from these ruffians.... myesss. I guess if they don't have keys to the door we'll have to work it ourselves."

He takes Badriyah aside and speaks with her quietly. "Well, we seem to have evidence from... hrmm... most reputable sources.... but if they are not permitted through the barred passage perhaps there is an access from some other side? Nonetheless, we should not spend too much time here. Our protracted interference may cast a cloud over our claims later. We should get this signed confession into the right hands."

Expect spotty posting for a few days.

For all of those that would like to "check the door" a second time: A Previous Post

I presume they may have meant forcing it open. Unless it's solid stone surely our weapons could damage it. Whether or not it's a good idea is another thing.

"We should report this to the magistrate," the Maiden looks at Bodriyah's journal, "Although we need not share their confession yet. Have her come seize the stolen goods, and clear ourselves of any vigilante wrongdoing. We were attacked and defended ourselves. They fled."

Lovissa considers this. "A fine plan, Maiden!" After thinking for a moment she asks, "Should some of us stay behind, to guard the smuggler's drop? It wouldn't do to have the evidence go missing while we report it."

It is the middle of the night currently.

I should have added, "in the morning."

How would you like to proceed in the meantime? You have apprehended the smugglers and recovered stolen goods (about 10 crates of salted pork) of unknown origin. You have extracted a signed confession from them, but you've promised them that you won't use it unless they decide to pirate again. You have explored the smuggler's tunnels and found that they come to a DEAD END *ahem* It is the middle of the night - what's your way forward?

I thought a summary might help.

Listening thoughtfully to everyone's suggestions, Badriyah pauses to think for a moment after Marcus draws her aside. Her eyebrows drop into a frown as she ponders the stolen barrels, the confessions in her journal, and the blocked tunnel.

"Hmmm. We could go to the magistrates, it is true." She begins. "But what do we really have to show at this point?" Her hands flip through the journal and wave toward the barrels. "Confessions, true. But from low level salt pork smugglers who were already drummed out of the navy. We've no true evidence against our real target, the Earl. Going to the magistrates now would just alert him to our presence and intentions with little chance of actually stopping him. Exactly what the Venture Captain and the others wanted us to avoid."

Her pen taps unconsciously across her mouth as she continues to think out loud. "We've a few options before us from what I can see. First, we should check with Curator Reviamo to see if the helm we've discovered is the one missing from the collection. If so, then we've accomplished part of our main task of restoring one of the most important missing museum pieces."

She continues with more and more enthusiasm as her eyes gaze thoughtfully through the pages, "Then we could either stake out the tunnel, waiting for the fence, who as far as we know, is still expecting to pick up the goods. We could break down the door, but we've no idea who or what is on the other side and would be waiting for us. Or we could follow up with the other lead the Curator suggested." She flips back through her journal, "Ah, yes. Patrician Adimare, the naval supplier."

With a blush she looks to the others realizing she may have rambled on too long. "Ahem...anyway, I'd be for clearing this mess off the beach to limit signs of our being here, and then following up with Adimare. We should at least speak to him before we go to Magistrate Tantriano. But...um...what do you all wish to do?"

Lady Finley lisents to Badriyah's suggestions and recap of what they needed to do. She gives a bright smile and a nod of thanks for the recap, "Since the door appears to be barred from the otherside, I suggest we speak with Adimare in the morning. I'd like to wait in the tunnels to see if the door opens over the rest of the night, and then make our way into foot traffic during the morning hours. As we've seen, traveling around a night will just get us into trouble with the local guards. Those are just my suggestions."

The fence is the key, I agree. We need to get him to admit the Earl is involved. We can disguise ourselves as the smugglers and release them.

I'm awaiting a clear consensus on what the party would like to do next.

"If we are to catch our next target red-handed, I agree that we should wait here."

"I've never seen anyone collect the goods," the female smuggler suggests, indicating the crates of salted pork now resting on the beach, "but if you're planning on waiting here, me and my men will just get back on our barge and shove off, ok?"

The other smugglers look as if they'd like to go as well.

Badriyah nods at the smugglers. "We'll hold to our bargain. You are free to go. I'd suggest a visit to that cousin in Oppera might be a good idea." She says before turning back to her companions.

Stifling a yawn, she says "I'm not sure the fence will show up any time soon. And they may come by barge not through the door. With a shrug she shakes her head in uncertainty. "We can stay if you all wish, but I think a little sleep and a fresh start in the morning to the museum and the old naval supplier might be best."

She smiles at Lovissa wearing the helm with pride, but adds quietly "While the helm is quite stunning, you may want to be careful who sees you with it. The magistrates are likely to be suspicious of anyone wearing such an artifact right now."

I can stay or go, but would only stay until before first light so we can climb up before the morning patrols start.

vote to stay and see if anyone shows up

Lovissa waves the smugglers off, giving them permission to leave as she contemplates their options.

"Yes, let's lay in wait for the fence." After a moment she continues, "When dawn approaches we should return this brilliant helm to it's proper resting place at the Museum. Then visit the naval supplier."

"Do you often stay up all through the night?" she asks the others, clearly impressed.

Are you guys sure you want to go without sleep? Lovissa's fine with that, but I'm just checking.

If it's a 6-person stakeout, I'm fairly certain we don't need to all stay up all night, shifts would be fine. Maiden can sleep in her armor without being fatigued so she can fight as soon as she's alerted.

We can estimate that it’s about 130am. You’ve all been up all day. Please tell me how you’d like to handle it - those taking watches may be subject to being fatigued the following day.

I'm fine to stay and take the first watch.

Badriyah should sleep if possible. Her STR is low enough already without adding fatigue.

"I'm wiling to stay awake for a watch or two." Lady Finley offers. "The others cans sleep if they need to to gain spells."

Fatigued barbarians are like fighters without bonus feats.

"I cannot imagine that the fence would leave this unguarded for too long. And the longer we longer the more guilty we'll look if the guards find us. Perhaps a short stakeout... Will allow us to get our beauty rest."

"I will take a watch."

That’s three people taking three 2hr watches - those three will definitely be fatigued the next day. Is that it?

If it's a guaranteed fatigue ought to just have one person stay up.

Seeing the Gray Maiden so quick to volunteer Marcus concedes. "Fine... But bed head looks terrible in this form."

Will take a watch. Expecting to come home from the hospital tomorrow night.

I will hold the vigil all night. Everyone get their rest. Giovanni settles in for a night of watch.

Moving this pony along...

Giovanni convinces the others to allow him to take the entire watch during the stakeout. The lack of sleep sets in for the rogue during the morning as the others grumble out of bed after spending a dank and cold evening in the smuggler's tunnels.

Giovanni, you are fatigued.

The barred door remains closed and silent all night long, and no other persons trouble the group's stakeout after the smugglers slip away down the canal on their barge.

It is a rainy autumnal morning as the group determines how best to scale back up the rope and onto the bridge without significant ado under the low-light of a dim dawn.

Good morning, everyone. Uneventful, unfortunately. We should head to the museum to return the helm as we agreed. Giovanni yawns a bit and rubs his neck.

Sorry guys, Lovissa would have volunteered to be the lookout, for sure. Weekend got away from me. Haha.

"Are you sure?" Lovissa asks Giovanni. With a shrug she sits with her back against a wall and falls right to sleep. Apparently she's used to sleeping in uncomfortable locations.

---

Come morning Lovissa stretches and stands. She spends a while staring at her various ancient objects--a belt, a headband and an angelic figurine. Then nods at Giovanni.

"Agreed."

She claps him on the back then stalks out of the tunnels and up the rope onto the bridge.

"To the museum!"

Marcus, what kind of armour is your character wearing? Your character sheet does not include that vital information.

I will be away from good computer access this weekend starting tomorrow. Feel free to bot me as needed. I may be able to post, but can't guarantee it.

Advanced Warning: Tomorrow is both of my kids birthdays, so I probably won't be able to make a post. Also, Saturday is their birthday party, so I probably won't be able to post that day either.
Thanks!

They were born on the same day, a year apart?! That's cool.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our....oh, um.....HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

(Lovissa and I have another online game together; I've wished her kids a Happy Birthday in that other game already. There's the in-joke.)

My wife and I have birthdays 4 days (and 2 years) apart, so we always just have one big party on the nearest weekend. Generally involves overfilling our house with friends and lots of board games. Somehow I don't think I'll be getting away with that anymore.

Lovissa, you've indicated that you want to attack the Earl, a noble official and the leader of this town, prior to establishing any evidence of criminal doing or even attacking you directly.

I'm giving you a very clear warning: you are outsiders in this town. Attacking the leader of the town directly and publicly in front of a gathered population of the crowd WILL go very badly for you. You may, of course, act as you'd like to.

Fine.

In this scene, you are publicly facing down a demagogue. There will be a series of accusations levelled at you, and you may respond to each one, though if you do so, you will be identified automatically as one of the Pathfinders. So far, only Lovissa and Lady Finley have been identified as such given the disguises of Marcus, Giovanni, and Badriyah.

You have sympathetic ears - your NPC allies - somewhere in the crowd, and you may refute each of the accusations (for example, about looting and pillaging the chandlery) as they come, and call upon your allies to vouch for you.

At the end of all of the accusations, one of you will make a Diplomacy, Perform (oratory), or Profession (barrister) check, heavily modified by your role-playing and the evidence that you've presented (along with what your NPCs say of you). Each person who speaks up may roll an Aid Another check (and you cannot 'Take 10' for an Aid Another check), though Diplomacy will likely be the only useful Aid Another action that you all will be able to take.

The DC for this final check is HIGH because the odds are not in your favour - you are trying to convince a patriotic crowd that their beloved leader is a criminal. Proceed as you will.

The time for stealth to influence the people of Ridonport is over. Your choice is: speak up to affect the final argument roll at the end of this scene or remain hidden. One or the other. Badriyah and Giovanni, you need to choose which one you can do - you cannot do both. I don’t know how to be more clear.

What turn order should we take for these declarations? Should we take a sort of initiative order?

Nah, no need. Declare away - it’ll be a nice convo mash-up.

When I can get some time behind a keyboard (not a phone) I plan to post a diatribe from Marcus. I'll fit it into whatever accusation is at hand, but no, Marcus will not remain coy about this.

I think I have the highest mod at +9 for diplomacy and can make the primary roll.

Agreed. Giovanni should be primary. (No pressure! Haha!)

Makes sense to me.

Happy to do it. DM, what form should our posts take? Have we said all we need to say and just need the roll?

You're going to be getting a healthy bonus from roleplaying like BEASTS. Once we hear from Lady Finley and Marcus, we'll allow the aid another rolls.

I'm good with Giovanni making the roll.

We'll add up everything here so y'all can see how it flushed out:

The DC for the Diplomacy check was 30.

Giovanni got a 19 on his roll.

He received a +2 from Lady Finley, Marcus, Lovissa, and Badriyah as aid another actions.

That brings you to a 27.

You also got a +2 from:

You are all stuck in difficult terrain. Each square counts as two for movement purposes, and you cannot run, charge, or take 5 foot steps (as free actions). As a full round action during the start of this combat, you each may attempt a check to affect the now-panicked throng. A success will prevent any nonlethal damage coming your way that round, and it may allow you to move unhindered through the crowd. An excellent success could help your colleagues as well, and you choose who you want to come through the crowd with you (remember that Joleana is in the thick of it just like you).

Have fun!

whew! i was worried about that roll. great job, everybody.

Wait... this ability might be relevant??? What?

Urban Barbarian has the following ability:
Crowd Control (Ex): At 1st level, an urban barbarian gains a +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC when adjacent to two or more enemies. In addition, her movement is not impeded by crowds, and she gains a bonus equal to 1/2 her barbarian level on Intimidate checks to influence crowds. This ability replaces fast movement.

Would this help here?

It sure would! Marcus isn't impeded at all by the crowd. It's your choice, Marcus, if you'd like to use your other abilities to influence the crowd.

Wow! Relevant archetype abilities in use!!!

that is so awesome.

Ah, I see the confusion, Marcus, with my wording. My apologies. Nevertheless, you're stuck at the end of initiative order. I'll take your actions as posted when it comes to it.

Just so I'm clear. I can take a full-round action now to quell the crowd and help my compatriots. I can also take a 5-ft step since Badriyah paved the way for me?

Or is the are a sufficiently quelled and I should take full moves to the museum?

You can take the full round action to aid your friends to move through, but Badriyah has already quelled the crowd around you two enough to aid you with your moves. If you were to choose someone who has already moved this round (i.e. Lovissa), it'd take effect next round.

Hey folks, flying to Singapore tomorrow for the week. I'll be posting odd hours but will try to check in often.

I hope everyone's Passover Seder or Easter basket was delicious and gut-filling. Or even that last meal that you had!

Did we meet the Faction Journal goal of 'Recover blackmail or incriminating evidence against a named NPC aristocrat, noble, ambassador, or similar figure' via the dossier on Vernisant?

Also, I don't believe I made my 'allegiance' to Lady Glorianna known to anyone other than Giovanni if I recall, so would that also qualify for 'Fullfill one of the goals above without revealing your faction affiliation to anyone other than a present or prospective member of the Sovereign Court.'

Yes and yes.

We're coming near to the end of this scenario. I have day job checks from Badriyah and Lady Finley already. If Lovissa, Marcus, and Giovanni wish to give me day job checks, please do so here.

Also, Marcus, Giovanni, and Lady Finley - you've successfully completed the "retrieve incriminating evidence" faction goal for your characters if you'd like to make use of that particular goal. If not, let me know if there's an alternative goal you'd like to attempt. Lovissa and Badriyah - please let me know if you'd like to complete faction goals as well.

I believe everyone who will be getting a chronicle sheet in this group is standard track. Correct me if I'm incorrect.

Marcus has no day job. Unless being a pompous blowhard is a day job.

Isn't that how the Kardashians made their fortune?

HEY-OOOOOO

no day job for me, thanks.

I'll take that faction check mark.

i'll take the faction goal completion as well, thank you.

Lovissa's got no day job.

If we completed the secondary conditions of this mission, then Lovissa will be checking off this faction goal:
"Complete at least three consecutive scenarios in which you completed both the primary and secondary success conditions. Sanctioned adventures that do not include secondary success conditions neither interrupt nor contribute to this goal."

If we did not complete the secondary success conditions of this mission, then she will instead attempt this faction goal:
"Forgo your Downtime to finalize a report to the Pathfinder Society. Doing so requires a successful DC 15 Intelligence, Wisdom, or Profession (scribe) check."
Intelligence: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12 Which she will fail at, lol.

Either way, she will also check off one of the boxes for this faction goal, as this is her first time in Taldor:
"Adventure in a nation other than Absalom. You can receive credit for visiting a particular nation only once. Checking one of this goal’s boxes does not prevent you from checking one box for a different goal."

And please, don't forget to fill out this for me! Thanks!

@ Marcus and Lady Finlay: There were a total of eight charges used from our cure light wounds wands this scenario. That makes three charges from Lovissa's wand, three charges from Lady Finlay's wand, and two charges from Marcus' wand.

Badriyah - do you have a Faction goal that you'd like to try for?

Nah. With the Scarab Sages on the way out, I haven't figured out what to switch to yet. So I'll just take a pass this time around.

Thanks for the run GM Kinkerty, and the gang. It was fun.

I've sent off chronicles to those that I have email addresses for. Giovanni and Marcus, I don't have an email address for your two. Could you provide one, please?

It's been a lot of fun, and now the War for the Crown has been well and truly sprung (along with 2nd edition)!

I'll keep this thread open for a few more days before closing it. I hope all of your rolls are natural 20s.

Cheers,
Dinketry

I'll PM you my email, thanks.

Is there a natural sequel for this adventure?

Just confirming that I got the chronicle and Badriyah is level 2 now.

Thanks for a great game everyone!

Hi, Thanks for an awesome game!

My chronicle for this scenario's not loading properly. I emailed you back, but thought I'd let you know on here, as well. Full details in the email!

P.S. I love the personal note on my chronicle!

Giovanni, I think the scenario rolls nicely into the adventure path, but no other scenarios that I know of. It would seem, Lovissa, that the problem with your chronicle sheet is similar for all of the files. Let me work on it and get back to you all.

Cheers,
Dink

PS. Glad you like the personal note. It’s something to remember our game by.

Ok... Baronet Marcus Vulpares Fantailler... this will totally not get to his head or anything. Since he had no day job, can I attempt a Nobility check for the first box?

If allowed...
Knowledge (Nobility): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19 Passes if allowed

The downtime check must be done in front of your next GM. I can only wish you good luck with it.

Cheers, all!

-Dink