[PFS] 2-13 Murder on the Throaty Mermaid (subtier 1-2) (Inactive)

Game Master chadius

Kelsier, believing his companions have the last two in hand, runs to follow Sabha.

please move me as appropriate

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Sahba races down the stairs (move action), and sees...?

If no one is visible, pound on the Captain's door quickly, and yell for help, then race to get to the elf's room. If friendly sailors are in the room, direct them to get the captain and mate instead, and continue directly to the elf. If enemies are in the room then I'll want to see the tactical map.

EDIT: Sorry, read the map wrong... We're already on the level of the captains quarters.if friendly sailors are visible, direct them to find the mate, and anyone that can fight.

"Someone get the Captain!" Sahba screams, before racing down the stairs.

Seeing his opponent disarmed, Rolando moves around the elf, distracting him with the flag.

Wilm, get him!

aid another for Wilm's attack, vs AC 10: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

So that should be +3 to hit, +1 to damage, another +2 to attack if you can flank. Nit sure if you can fit in that square across from me.

Sahba pounds on the captains' door and screams for help. Then she and Kelsier and Sahba run downstairs and find First Mate Marzack slowly backing out of Sephirel's quarters. He slowly closes the door with a shocked look.

"Damn, I gotta get the Captain, quick. I think he was checking the cargo." In area 9 "Can you get Mallick in the crew's cabin?" In area 7

"There's been a Murder on the Throaty Mermaid."
Title Drop. Dramatic Horn.

The door to Sephirel's room was closed, but Marzack was backing away was just closed by Marzack.

Round 3
- Sahba, Qillian, Wilm, Febida
- Green Elf (13 damage, unarmed)
- Kelsier, Rolando

Meanwhile, Rolando quickly runs up the stairs and cuts off the elf's escape route. He notices several grappling hooks on the aft deck, with ropes dangling into the sea.

Those in bold may act.

Febida needs another Fort Save DC 13 to fight off the poison.

Fort Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22 May I ask how may consecutive saves are needed for the poison to subside?

Febida takes a deep breath in, keeping her body from feeling like it's on fire (again).

She quickly says a prayer and does a few hand signs, casting a spell on herself.

Spontaneous Casting and turning Doom into Cure Light Wounds. I need to get a wand of the stuff.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 9/14hp

[dice=Fort Save]1d20+5 May I ask how may consecutive saves are needed for the poison to subside?

Just one save gets rid of the poison.

Febida's prayer to the forge pays off, and the worst of the poison seems to wear off. She then prays again as some of the trident wounds close.

Round 3
- Sahba, Qillian, Wilm, Febida
- Green Elf (13 damage, unarmed)
- Kelsier, Rolando

Those in bold may act!

Qillian snaps the whip at the elf.
Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

"Give it up, elf. You have no chance here! Surrender now!"
Intimidate: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Wilm nods with determination, seeing Rolando supporting him. Then he hears Qillians' play and holds back a moment to see if the elf surrenders.

holding action, if the elf swings will give him the chop... assuming i can squeeze into the square to get flanking?

axe: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
dam: 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

The elf hesitates as Qillian cracks his whip, but then he screams at the top of his lungs and tries to charge with his bare hands. He doesn't get far as Wilm quickly overpowers him.

Combat over

The captain comes up, quickly followed by his first mate. The other crew members follow and remain in the Main Hold (area 6).

This finely decorated cabin contains a brightly colored Qadiran rug, a small bookshelf, several storage trunks and barrels, and a modest bed. Lying face down on the ruffled, blood-soaked sheets rests the body of a tall, golden-haired elf in elegant bedclothes, his face covered in an intricately carved wooden mask.

"Oh, oh no." Captain Veane's face turns pale. He checks the body for a pulse, but it's clear even before he gets there that Sephirel is dead. "Killik...preserve the body, please. I'll pay you double your rate."

Killik smiles as he hears the word "pay" and walks into the room, casting a spell on the body. "You know captain, those elves will blame you for this." He chuckles . "Ah, the price of being the captain."

Captain Veane shakes his head as Killik touches the body. "Where is the bodyguard?" Right on cue, the Elven bodyguard Thanzeril runs in, sees his failure and weeps silently. "Everyone back to your posts. Except for you. Come to my quarters. Azueretta, stay outside." He points to you and directs your to his cabin. Azuretta shrugs and hums to herself.

Keeping the door shut in his quarters area 4, he turns to you all. "Killik's right: Those Mordant Spire elves will have my rear on a platter for this. And you. This will look bad for your Pathfinder dealings, even though you didn't do it." He pours a glass of rum and takes a swig.

"We have to find the murderer before we reach the Spire. We'll be there in three days. If you can get evidence, you can present it to me. Don't openly accuse anyone, I can't risk a mutiny."

Sorry for the big info dump here. Any questions?

Bah. Was hoping for some time alone with the crime scene before all the big brief.

Despite being the youngest of the party, Sabha feels this may be her time to step up. After all, she practically ran her father's estate, before .... Well, she puts that out of her mind. She knows, the way to get results is simply to expect to be obeyed. In times of stress, people look for someone to be in charge.

"Captain," she says as she steps forward. "We are most pleased to investigate, and do all that we can to exonerate your crew."

"If we can impose, there are a few items that will make our investigation easier. First, might we request a guard be posted outside of Sephirel's quarters until we have identified the perpetrator. Second, in the interest of eliminating any of your crew as suspects, it would be helpful if we could speak with each of them in turn. My companions may have additional requests to expedite our inquiry."

Golly that's a mouthful. Diplomacy check? I'd prefer to take 10 ...
Dimplomacy: 10 + 4 = 14
Bluff: 10 + 8 = 18

Once the conversation finishes, Sahba would very much like to be alone at the murder scene, where she casts Detect Magic. Hopefully before the body is "preserved".

EDIT: Spelling

Oh. No. Of all my characters, this is the worst possible one for this kind of mission. :-(

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Ha ha - me too! Guess I'll just try to intimidate everyone into confessing. I call 'Bad cop'!

Where I come from, it is a grave sin to drink alone amongst friends, but given the dire circumstances, I won't fault you too badly, Rolando says as the captain helps himself to some spirits.

You're right, this will reflect poorly on us. We need to find evidence to show that we weren't at fault, and bring justice to those that are. Sahba, I believe I can assist with any interviews. We should determine the whereabouts of everyone at the time of the killing. I'll go first--I was being attacked by four elven boarders. Captain?

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

I'm glad we have you both, Kelsier and Qillian. Intimidation and skill at arms will still prove useful. The one thing I wish we did have was one with Sneak/Sleight of Hand.

"Of course. Ask my crew all that you can. The sooner we find out what happened, the better." Captain Veane nods at Sahba.

"As for me, I had went down to the Cargo Hold. I heard a noise from there. Clumsy Velagon had fallen off his cot again. When I helped him back up, my First Mate came running to tell me he heard fighting and noticed the dead elf."

For convenience sake, I will add these locations to the campaign description so you can look it up quickly.

Looting the Aquatic Elf bodies, you find 2 potions, 4 sets of masterwork hide armor, 4 tridents, 3 javelins, 3 sunrods and a set of masterwork manacles.
Remember these only last until the end of the adventure, so make them count.

Once your business is concluded, you step out the Captain's Cabin. Azuretta is sitting outside the cabin door, reading a book. "Done? Good." She quickly enters the room and flops upon the bed, continuing her reading.

Before they depart, Sahba asks, "Captain, why was it there were no crew above deck when the attack occurred? Don't you usually have a watch and a navigator posted?"

"Hmm. Anera was supposed to be on watch tonight. Ulamon helped me chart a course, then went to bed. I was going to do some navigation myself when I heard the noise in the cargo hold."

I added the locations to the map, and I'll add a legend soon. Where to next? Sahba suggested area 8 to check the murder scene.

Sahba speaks softly to the group as they depart the Captain's cabin, "Let's find out where everyone was at the time of the attack." She continues in a quieter whisper, "We don't yet know when the elf was murdered. It could have been hours earlier.".

She looks around at the diverse group of assembled Pathfinders. "I'm sure each of us can contribute to this investigation. Febida, as I suspect you may have some skill in healing, would you be so kind a to accompany me in examining the body. Rolando, may I suggest you and one of our more intimidating companions speak first with Anera and Thanzeril."
(Anera should have been on watch. Thanzeril is (was) the elf's bodyguard.)

Sahba continues musing as the party sorts through the gear left by the fallen aquatic elves. Manacles? Were they intending to capture Sephirel, rather than murder him?

Sahba peers at the potions intently. What is the best way to identify the potions?

Detect Magic plus Know(Arcana): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21Spellcraft: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

With that done as best she can, Sahba heads down to the murder scene, hoping Febida (or another healer) follows.

Sebida quickly deduces the 2 potions are potions of Cure Light Wounds.

I was going to suggest the same two crew as starting points

I don't think it is wise for us to split up with the murderer's identity still undiscovered. It could be anyone on the crew. Maybe we should accompany you to the body, then speak with Thanzeril.

Yaaay the party isn't splitting up!

Thanzeril is leaning against the frame of the doorway outside Sephirel's room. You hear him mumble "They will punish me dearly..." and he barely seems to notice you. As you approach the room he suddenly stands up at attention, his hand on the hilt of his curved blade.

"Oh. Sorry." He relaxes and keeps his hands away from his weapons. "Every since Sephirel died, I've been a bit on edge..." he shudders. "Two years, wasted protecting him. I told him he should be more open about this, and not hide like this. Now it got him killed and it will get me punished." He shakes his head. "At any rate, go ahead and inspect the room."

He steps out of the frame, giving you access to the body.

Sephirel's body has at least a dozen gashes in his backside.
Make one heal check and read both if you beat 20

Make one perception check, read both if you beat DC 20

Dude, I don't even have Intimidate trained... Anyway, Kelsier will go along with whatever you guys suggest. I'll roll untrained aid checks where applicable.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
"Perfume." Kelsier says as he enters the room.

He looks over the body, trying to notice anything unusual or out of place.
Heal, aid, untrained: 1d20 ⇒ 1
Perception, aid: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Heal (Untrained): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (15) - 1 = 14
Perception (Untrained): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13

"Interesting,' Sahba murmurs to softly. "These appear to all be dagger wounds." She attempts to count them.

Sabha attempts to unobtrusively cast Detect Magic, looking first at the body, and then the surrounding area, and finally the room, to perhaps divine whether the murder was by accomplished with the aid of magic.

With this accomplished, she turns to Thanzeril. "Perhaps you can acquit yourself by seeking out clues to the killer, and letting us know what you find? Maybe they will honor you, instead of punish you, if you can bring the villain to justice?"

Bluff?: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

"To help aid our investigation, where were you before the attack occurred, and were any others with you?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Personal roll: Wis: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2

Sabha doesn't consider it odd that there are multiple wounds when one clean coup de grace might have been just as effective.

Heal: 1d20 ⇒ 16

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Whoa, yes, that is a lot of perfume. Reminiscent of a Taldan Gala, except there it's used to cover up the smell of sweaty aristocrats, not dead ones.

Rolando approaches the bodyguard and puts a hand on his shoulder:

That is to say, you seem distraught--a good bodyguard who is remorseful that this happened. I don't think you'd leave your post so idly. Did someone or something draw you away?

Diplomacy Aid Another for Sahba: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Heal, aid Rolando: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

Yikes, not sure what i can contribute bit of bluff and diplomacy... guess we're going to need to use our brains!

Wilm calls his wolf down and looks around for any more clue.

perception max aid another: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
wilm perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Good thinking so far Sahba. So, what have we got. Funny perfume is an obvious clue. And did you notice, the door wasn't forced, if you look closely, it wasn't even picked...Lets hear a bit more from the body guard, before we go and talk to anyone else

Looking over to the distraught elf, trying to be sensitive Wilm asks Thanzeril, was that smell of perfume here earlier? For that matter, when did you last see your master and what was he doing? Do you know why he was hiding, any idea who might have wanted him killed and why? And another thing, this door wasn't forced, did he normally lock it?

Heal: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15 A Warpriest without Heal ranks. I'm a failure!

"Knife wounds. Lots of them." Do the wounds look like they came from the same knife or different ones?

Everyone else has asked the same questions I had.

Febida, Rolando, Qillian and Sabha investigate the body. There are at least a dozen dagger wounds in Sephirel's back, all from the same weapon. They are quite fresh, too. Probably the same time as the elven attack on the deck.

Wilm's keen eye notices no forced entry on the door whatsoever.

Thanzeril looks up at the party as they ask him questions. "Y-yes. Sephirel and I disagreed on how open we should be with the outside world. I think we should be more open to outsiders, but Sephirel still had doubts. He was old, and so stubborn."

He sighs heavily. "Azuretta and I had been talking. She was curious about the Mordant Spire. She wanted to know more about our culture, our ways, and...myself." He blushes sheepishly. "She knocked on the door and invited me to the Forward Cargo Hold to talk more. In private. And then...um. I must have blacked out. When I came to, I had a bad feeling and ran up to this room. But I was too late."

"Anera was always trying to play kniveses with me, always claiming she was better than us Elven 'scum.' " He shakes his head. "She'd never do something like this though...right? Was I wrong?"

"I'm guessing there are a lot of daggers on board, so finding the exact one that did this would be impossible, even if it hasn't been thrown overboard by now."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16 Doesn't take a genius to know what she wanted to "talk" about.

"We should talk to her next. Any idea where we can find her?"

So, no effect from Detect Magic?

Sahba recalls Sephirel typically wore a mask. (Introductory description.) Is Sephirel wearing that mask now, or is it nearby? "Thanzeril, what significance did the mask have to Sephirel? Why did he wear it so frequently?" (If it isn't visible, she also asks the bodyguard about it's location.)

To Febida and the party, Sahba says, "We left Azuretta in the Captain's cabin. Although we do eventually need to speak with each member of the crew, we should also speak with Anera, who was supposed to be on watch during the attack, and with the Mate, Marzack Malilk, who discovered the murder. I would prefer to speak with Anera first, but we should move by consensus."

Sephirel is still wearing the mask. "These masks were carved to protect us from the outside world. An outdated fashion statement." He shakes his head, and takes his mask out from a pouch. "We believe the outside can corrupt us absolutely and take every possible precaution to protect against it."

There isn't anything magical in the room.

Blacked out? I've had my share of rendezvouses, but what you're saying, sounds like you may have been drugged. Did Azuretta offer you any food or drink before your...talk?

Rolando smiles at the elf's uncomfortable chivalry.

And yes, Anera should have noticed something if she is a lookout worth her salt. We should speak with her next.

"No, we just went to the Forward Cargo Hold...I'm afraid I don't remember much until after I woke up." Thanzeril shakes his head, upset that he can't remember.

Kelsier shuffles his feet, feeling a little uncomfortable.

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Sabha eyes Kelsier, approving of his quiet impatience.

Is there a set number of responses the GM is waiting for (I thought the PbP standard was two), or is this a hint that we've missed something?

Fear not, friend. We will discover who is behind this heinous crime

I think that puts Azuretta as #1 suspect, but we can go see Anera first.

Nope, I'm just letting you guys ask questions. You're done with Thanrezil. Anera next?

On the Fore Deck (area 3), the Taldan woman with shoulder-length hair is looking out into the sea. She plays with a knife in one hand and holds her other hand out while talking to an Osprey.

"We'll talk later, Keeneye. Go find some fish." She waves the bird away and it flies off to the sea. She turns around and rubs her stomach before addressing the group in a rather kurt manner. "I'm Anera. What do you want?"

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

Being oblivious typically leads Sahba to be direct. She steps forward forcefully, allowing the heat from her fire magic to radiate off of her as whispers of flame dance up her arms.

"You were away from your post as lookout at a critical moment. That led to the death of the emissary. Even worse, my friends are injured and poisoned because of your carelessness! You and your bird couldn't keep a keen eye and do your sanding job?!"

"Desert sands!" she swears, "You could have prevented this whole mess. What is it you're hiding?"

Intimidate(untrained): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Apparently, little 16-year-old girls aren't terribly intimidating.

he felt uncomfortable in that particular social situation

Perception: 10 + 6 = 16

Kelsier notices something on the girls arm, but isn't sure what to make of it. He stands, watching this new social situation unfold.

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Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Gah! So close!

That tattoo looks so familiar...

But Rolando can't quite recall.

Perhaps sensing she's not as intimidating as she hoped, Sabha looks back to her party for support. Can't one of those big scary men try to be intimidating, too? she fumes internally. Golly, you have to push men to do anything except fight.

;^)

Wilm let's sabha's words hang for a moment then gently starts talking.

who'd have thought the 16yr old chick would be bad cop ;-)

aneria, this must have hit you hard. You have keen eyes and I know a strong sense of duty. You must feel terrible that this attack happened when you were on watch... Help us work out what happened, and together we can put this situation right and you can regain your honour.

Wilm pauses to see if any of his companions want to come in and support his argument.

pausing to allow for dramatically appropriate aid another rolls

diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

"Uh. You want to help us figure this out, right?"

Diplomacy, aid Wilm, untrained: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (16) - 2 = 14 yay!

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Anera sighs and focuses on Sahba. "I like you kid. You got guts. But you see this?" Anera moves her cloak to the side, revealing a large scar on her back. "You'll need more than guts to boss me around."

"Listen up. Everyone here is looking out for themselves. Ever since Captain Veane invited those stupid elves, everyone has been on edge. Don't care about honor. The only good elf is a dead elf, anyway..."

She juggles her knives for a second.

Giving others a chance to ask her stuff and/or aid Diplomacy. Almost there!

I see you've had some...hardships in your life, but it may not be wise to share your thoughts on dead elves when our elven emissary has been murdered. Some may think you did the deed, and if you didn't, you shouldn't have to pay for it. There's nothing worse than misguided punishment. Please, how did you manage to miss the invaders? I noticed the grappling hooks they used...

Diplomacy AA: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Having failed to intimidate, can I still aid Wilm's Diplomacy?
Diplomacy, aid Wilm, untrained: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

"We all have scars. Just not all of them are on the outside ..." Sahba trails off.

Trying to be intimidating only made her look cute, so Sahba tries a different approach. "You wouldn't have missed your post unless it was important." she tries, more politely. "What kept you from being on watch?"

"Okay, okay kid. I'll lay off the melodrama for a minute. Gods, this is so embarrassing..." She laughs. "I didn't feel too good after dinner. Figured I would sit down and rest for a bit in the crew cabin. Too cheap to pay Killik. I must have fallen asleep while I dealt with this tummy ache. Didn't hear a thing until the elf died and the Captain yelled at us."

She sighs. "Big bad tough Anera brought down by a stomach ache. I'll never live this one down."

No, no, the elf's bodyguard spun a similar tale. I think the killer may have poisoned everyone who would be on watch. Who else was present when you were eating?

I think we should go see the cook next. What do you guys think?