[PFS] #7-10 The Consortium Compact (1–2) — GM Crucible, Table B (Inactive)

Game Master TomG

Thrandomir will help Lem with what he wants to do, but has no ideas on anything else to prepare.

Aiden re-crates the dog and goes to help them moves the boxes. "I'll use some of that poison later. Anyone else want some?"

Let's block all the entrances except the lower loading dock one. Then maybe get Huck a sniper's nest?

It's easier moving the boxes and greasing the gears when most of you pitch in and help. So I assume most of you do.

The entrances are blocked (although there's really only time to move a single crate in front of each of the doors. But they're heavy crates, so it will probably be sufficient.

With that, all of the entrances are blocked, except for the lower loading dock one ...
That's the one Aiden asked for. Is that okay with everyone?

With the crates moved and the dog secured, Huckleberry finds a nice perch above some crates.
Any other preparations?

———
Quick retcon, that I neglected to add earlier...

As Delroya departs she hands you another parchment. "Perhaps you'll find this useful. Our activities here aren't entirely legal. This may help."

"No thanks. The only poison I favour comes on tap." Lem says, with a grin, white teeth a stark contrast to his grease-stained face.

Wisdom: 1d20 ⇒ 1 "That's all the entrances blocked off, one way or another. What could possibly go wrong?"

Lem will scatter some caltrops in front of the main entrance, and take cover behind one of the boxes, a smokestick at the ready. Stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

"Maybe coat the caltrops in the poison we found? It would be hilarious if they walked in, stepped on them and just fell asleep"

Take 10 on the wisdom check for 10+2 = 12

"..well not all entrances..."

Thrandomir points up at the skylight

Segray will take the parchment from Delroya's hands.

"Thank you miss. I'll use it with care."

I love the "what could possibly go wrong" from the halfling :D It suits the race so much in my mind!

Aiden helps the others board up the skylight using several of the boards that were found. Then, as they wait, he applies a thin layer of drow poison to his sword.

Applying poison (1 is bad): 1d20 ⇒ 18

Huckleberry, listening to the effects of the poison seems interested in getting a dose, "Maind, if Ai coat a bullet in some o' that?"

Aiden looks at Huckleberry quizzically, like he was speaking some alien tongue. Only after several long moments, does he nods. "Oh, right. Help yourself." He holds out one of the vials of poison.

Taking a vial and pouring it on a bullet, he'll load that bullet into his musket so his first shot is poisoned.

Poison chance: 1d20 ⇒ 4
Oh close one

"Thankee kindly, sir"

Haha, as a foreigner, that's nearly what I read :D an alien tongue! I nearly have to read it out loud ^^

Oh sorry, if the accent is a little too strong I can back off a bit, I figured someone would say something earlier on if it got too bad, no one did so I was like "I guess everyone is familiar with upper Appalachian Accents!" Too be fair, its about as close to a Regional Dialect as our American English has.

No worries, Buck! I can understand almost anything :) don't restrain yourself because of me!

Sounds like preparations are nearly finished. I'll move ahead to the next scene this afternoon/evening.

Aiden enlists some help moving boxes nuder the skylight, then climbs up and nails it shut.

Lem hides near the (now blocked) main entrance with his smokestick after scattering caltrops by the main entrance.

You've blocked off all the entrances except the southern loading docks...

Thrandomir and Segray haven't moved or described their position (that I recall), so I'm leaving them in the same place ...

Evening comes, and you hear the main doors rattle as someone tries to open them. There is a bit of cursing. A moment later, those with good hearing hear the same repeated outside the guard room.

After a predictable delay, you see four figures enter from the south. Two are unarmored, but look tough, and mostly unarmed save for a single kama within easy reach. The third wears scale mail and carries a heavy wooden shield under dark robes. The last figure hides scaly skin and blue claws under a dark hood.

The clawed figure steps forward when they see Aiden. "Who are you, and why have you come to our warehouse. This are is property of the Kortos Consortium."

Segray bows elegantly and greets the men with a warm smile.

"Greetings, good sirs. We are not here to compromise the Kortos Consortium's business. On behalf of House Arnsen, we are here to warn you about the Aspis Consortium! We have evidence of them smuggling goods and about the actions of the Aspis in the city! This business is gonna seal the end of the Kortos Consortium."

She prepares to hand evidence if asked to.

Diplomacy (enhanced): 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 10 + 2 = 13 Oh wow! I'll use my GM reroll (+1)

Diplomacy (enhanced) reroll: 1d20 + 10 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 10 + 2 + 1 = 23 Much better. I may need some aid, though. :)

"All right," says the dragon-ish figure. "I am prepared to hear your evidence."

"The evidence is in their actions. They're trying to use a ship called the Blue Dragon’s Bite to smuggle drugs out of your city without paying you. We have the shipping documents to prove it. In fact..." He laughs at the scaly agent. "We heard rumors they're making these drugs right under your noses to spread to Diobel's people!"

"I'll tell you what. If you agree to leave the warehouse to us tonight, I'll give you what we know about the drugs and who's making them. You can exact your revenge on him yourselves."

"Or you can be fools about it. I heard they already played you for fools at the Overflowing Oyster this afternoon."

Diplomacy, Aid: 1d20 ⇒ 10

Diplomacy, Aid Another: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

"The drinks at the Unkempt Virgin are better, anyway." Lem chimes in, unhelpfully.

"Humph." The leader with the dragon heritage seems not wholly convinced, but is clearly considering your words. "That would explain a few things, all right."

"Show us these documents, and explain your interest in this affair, and we will consider leaving you to deal with Aspis."

Huckleberry stands up from his prone position, "We just want ta have a few words with tha Aspis about how they be screwin' their business partners over"

Diplomacy to aid: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

Segray hands the evidence found in the boat. "That's what we have. We are pathfinders. I think you know of our long struggle against the Aspis corruption and actions."

Thranodmir hangs back a bit, not wanting to blunder into the negotiations and mess stuff up with his blunt way of wording things.

Aiden nods as Segray hands over the shipping papers. "There. You see? Backstabbing Aspis scum. They've been playing you."

The Kortos leader looks the papers over and nods.
"I cannot say I'm happy about this turn of events, but it would be best if we could deny any knowledge for a time. I believe we were not here this evening." He returns the documents you shared and motions to his companions. They leave without a word.

Huckleberry, watches carefully from his high perch.
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

About 30 minutes later, he is the first to notice the skylight open, and figures moving in the darkness above.

Assuming he does not yet act ...
The briefest of moments later, he and Aiden see two more figures moving in the warehouse from the north side. The front one has a short sword; the man behind him has a crossbow. There must have been a secret door that you missed.

As they step around the crates, a thin silk rope drops 20' to the floor from the skylight above.

Aiden and Huckleberry may act. Standard action only (treat it like a surprise round, should you wish to start combat.)

Huckleberry watches, silently waiting with his loaded poisoned rifled for the right opportunity.

Readied Action to shoot when someone starts sliding down the rope + Deadly Aim vs Touch: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
damage: 1d12 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

I imagine Huckleberry needs a stealth roll

Stealth: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

Aiden slowly moves behind one of the crates, getting ready to ambush the intruders. He quietly draws the poison covered sword.

Stealth: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

-Posted with Wayfinder

The shadowy figures move further in to the warehouse. As the first figure begins descending the rope, Huckleberry's shot rings out. The figure falls and lands in a wet thump, unmoving.

Aiden draws his sword and moves in to attack.

The attacker with the blue belt hustles to Aiden, and swings his short sword, but misses as Aiden dances out of the way.
short sword: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

The woman on the roof in the pink tunic raises her bow and sights on the area below.

—COMBAT—
Huckleberry
Segray
Trandomir
Aiden
* gray (delayed)
* green
Lem
* blue
* pink (readied)
Those in bold may act.

Huckleberry remains prone and reloads his rifle.

Standard action to reload my rifle with a regular bullet

Aiden hurls a net at the Aspis who attacked him. He circles around the man, trying to leave an open avenue for Thrandomir. "Huck, I thought I saw something in the darkness. Check out behind you!"

Ranged Touch: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Showed Aiden's move via arrows, since the straight path would provoke. Also, Aiden gets +1AC vs opponent only he threatens (blue).

Thradomir charges forward at the only still standing opponent he sees, drawing his sword as he goes raising it wide to his side and taking a swing with it as he twirls past Aiden turning his body into the swing and not only putting this significant muscle behind the swing, but also momentum

To hit AC Blue: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 6 + 2 = 26
Slashing damage if hit: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (1, 5) + 6 = 12

Segray shouts at the aspis agent wearing the pink tunique.
"You were decieved! Pathfinder agents infiltrated your squad!"

Murderous command, DC 20.

Huckleberry calmly reloads, with the quiet grace of a practice hunter.

Segray releases her spell. The elven woman's eyes cloud briefly, then become bloodshot with rage.
Will: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Thrandomir charges, and splatters the blue agent. Indescribable pieces fall from a red mist where the rogue used to stand.

Aiden readies his net against the next agent he sees. (Restating for you, as nearby agent is dead.)

The gray-cloaked agent scuttles out from behind the crates into view. Aiden takes a step closer, and throws the net as he appears, entangling the man. The agent releases his crossbow bolt in retaliation. The bolt strikes true, taking Aiden high in the chest.
light crossbow-entagled(attack)-entangled(Dex): 1d20 + 2 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 - 2 - 2 = 18
THREAT: 1d20 + 2 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 - 2 - 2 = 9
dmg: 1d8 ⇒ 7

—COMBAT—
Lem
* pink (murderous)
Huckleberry
Segray
Thrandomir
Aiden (-7)
* gray (entangled, net)
Those in bold may act.

Sorry for the wait, birthday festivities ran a little on the long side.

"Come on, you slaver bastards. Have a taste of this!" he says, beginning a sleep (DC 15) spell targeted at the mouth of the skylight.

Full round action, cast on next turn. Can ready for an opening if none are targetable.

Lem begins his casting.

The half-elf woman in pink continues her climb down the rope.
Climb: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21

... she hits the bottom, and, rapier drawn, attempts to skewer her ally. In her rage, her thrust misses.
murderous command, remember...
rapier: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

The attack completed, her eyes turn to shock as she realizes what she'd just done. She turns on you in anger.

—COMBAT—
Huckleberry
Segray
Thrandomir
Aiden (-7)
* gray (entangled, net)
Lem (casting)
* pink
Those in bold may act.

"..I don't like that look she's giving us...even if she did try to stick it to her own team...I'd better deal with this"

Thrandomir moves in a round about way past some boxes to get near the woman ..hoping to distract her so that Aiden can set up a flank if he wishes to do so

To hit AC red: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Slashing damage if hit: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (4, 1) + 6 = 11

Move, S, SE, NE to avoid provoking an attack for moving to get closer and possible set up a flank instead of just 5ft stepping. Standard; attack

Aiden steps forward to flank the woman in pink, ignoring the man entangled in his net for the moment. He watches her movements for a split second before slashing at her with his poisoned sword.

Move Action to Study Target. Standard to Attack Pink. If she's down from Thrandomir's attack, then go after gray.
Attack (ST, flank): 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 5 + 1 + 2 = 23
Damage (ST): 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 = 6

If he hits, targets needs to make a Fort save DC 13 for the drow poison.

Huckleberry will take aim at the one behind Aiden as it looks the one in the middle of him and Thrandomir is already in a bit spot.

Attack - In Melee + Bless: 1d20 + 6 - 4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 6 - 4 + 1 = 4
Damage: 1d12 ⇒ 3

Unfortunately, that most recent bullet must have been badly crafted and banged around in gun on firing till the whole thing was black and smoking!

"Damn gun, o'all tha times!"

However that isn't enough to stop him and he quickly clears his gun.
Spending a grit point to Quick clear my gun as a move action

Huckleberry's gun misfires, and he swears quite creatively in a drawl that you can't help but smile when listening to.

Thrandomir takes out the (pink) half-elf woman in one neat blow.

Aiden stabs at the foe trapped in the net. The man shakes off the poison, but just barely.
Fort: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
(I'm going to pre-roll his Will save for Lem's sleep, too.
Will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

—COMBAT—
Huckleberry
Segray
Thrandomir
Aiden (-7)
* gray (entangled, net, -6)
Lem (casting)
Those in bold may act.

Just waiting on Segray.

Segray takes a booming voice and orders the man "On your knees before me, weakling!"

Command (drop prone), will DC 20

Will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
The man in gray, his armor clanking under the net, drops prone and genuflects toward Segray.

Lem's sleep spell fires, but the man shakes it off.

—COMBAT—
Lem
Huckleberry
Segray
Thrandomir
Aiden (-7)
* gray (entangled, net, prone, -6)
[i]Those in bold may act.

Huckleberry will draw out a special Alchemical Paper Cartridge, give it a kiss and load it quickly and then aim and fire at the remaining thug.

Attack - In Melee + Bless + Point-Blank: 1d20 + 5 - 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 5 - 4 + 1 + 1 = 18
Damage: 1d12 ⇒ 9

"Yipppeeee Kayaaah!"

Aiden raises his sword and lets it fall to finish the last of the Aspis. "Good riddance!"

Attack (ST, prone): 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 5 + 1 + 4 = 28
Damage (ST): 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Ah I missed he was prone, my bad, subtract 4 from my Attack Roll again

Between Aiden and Huckleberry, there is very little of the poor mercenary left.

Out of combat.

Should you search the bodies of the fallen and captured Aspis members, you would find the sorts of sundries you'd expect from low-level mercenaries: several potions of cure light wounds (5), two tanglefoot bags, 3 smoke sticks, 5 daggers, a thunderstone. Your attack overwhelmed them before they could use any of these items.

You stand guard further into the night. All is quiet.

In the very early hours, Delroya returns with a few well-built stevedores. They load several crates onto wagons, and hurry off into the night. "These few items need to be destroyed before the Aspis Consortium can turn them to their evil ends," she explains. "Thank you for buying me enough time to get this transport arranged. The worst of these crates will be destroyed. You have my word on that. A few may find their way to the Pathfinder Society as thanks for your assistance."

Delroya eyes the warehouse. "Huh. You managed not to burn the place down. Perhaps the Pathfinders' reputation for wanton destruction is overstated. Thanks for not making life more difficult here. Kortos still has a strong hold in this city, and we don't want to be on their bad side."

She gestures at the wounded Aspis members. "As for this lot, it looks like we might be able to salvage one or two of them. Or let them die. Your choice—you decide what to do with them. I can have them delivered on charges to Lord Arvis, or I can simply have them handed to the Kortos Consortium, where they'll either be punished or bartered for, depending on how much they're worth. Either way, it will be a blow to the Aspis Consortium."

"Did you need to use the letter from Lord Arvis? No? ... Ah, I neglected to give it to you ... Sorry. Well, good job not needing it, I say."

"Do you have any final questions before we part?"

When you later return from Kortos, Ambrus Valsin personally congratulates you on the successful mission, stating that you've dealt a major blow to the Aspis Consortium’s operations on the Isle of Kortos, and prevented a great deal of suffering from spreading across the Inner Sea region. "I've heard from several sources, including Lord Arvis, regarding your discretion. You are to be commended. Well done. I hope we see you on future adventures."

There is a bit more RP to be had, but all of the heavy lifting is done. I'll try to get chronicles to you soon, probably late tomorrow.

Lem sheathes his shortsword, a little dejectedly. Listening to Delroyas commendation, he holds up a finger. "Not questions as such, but..." he begins, waddling over to the nearest Aspis thug and giving him a sharp kick in the ribs. "There. That'll about do it."

"Save this for your living enemies, halfling." says Segray with a cold voice.

"Thank you for your help, Delroya. I'm glad we could stop these thieves!" she says with a wink.