[PFS_CORE_Aerondor] 00-03 - Murder on the Silken Caravan [Tier 1-2] PbP Gameday 4: (Inactive)

Game Master Aerondor

"Please, we are all friends here, let us find a way... Meridith, no!"

Seeing the tension turn into a fistfight, Miriel takes a determined stance, pulls out her wand and touches her blade with it.

"We both know that touching you might spread the disease. I just blessed my sword, if you try to touch me I consider it an attack and will cut you in return", she growls at the closest leper.

As it seems like a combat started, taking combat actions. Move pull out bless weapon wand, standard use it on elven curve blade.

Just so you are aware, each contact with a diseased person/item requires a new save...

Duly noted. Yikes, leprosy explodes. Good thing I missed, huh?

"No man will EVER hold me again!" Meredith growls.

Giovanni will inspire his friends to use nonlethal force should blows continue.

"They're lepers, for Cayden's sake. The least we can do is use the flat of our blades."

Inspire Courage, +1 to-hit and damage.

He then draws his Rapier, though he's wielding the handle and basket as the striking portion.

Sense Motive Vs Priest: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Nodding at the Priest "Not a unreasonable request. Many of the outsiders allowed to see the traditions of the Shoanti find them unusual as well." Turning to his fellow Pathfinders. "I will be just outside if you need me."

Reflex DC8: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

Calvin easily avoids contact with the lepers due to him being outside and only coming inside to check on the group every once and a while.

Sense Motive (Giovanni): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

Once while Calvin was checking on the group the flashy Taldan was giving him weird looks."Giovanni what do you want?" The Barbarian says from across the room but the Bard just shakes his head and frowns. ... what a strange man ... Calvin steps out the door shaking his head.

As the sun nears sunset Calvin enters the house just as Meridith throws a punch at the Priest. The Shoanti quickly draws his blade.

Kevan tries to come between the quarreling groups. "Please, some decorum!"

He looks to Gen-Garri. "We are required to see the body, sir. We have to know that we are transporting the real corpse." He turns to the Pathfinders. "These people are sick and are allowed to finish their rites. If we are allowed to monitor the body, this should be no issue."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Miriel pulls out a wand, while the flamboyant Giovanni strikes a post, and gives instructions to the rest of the team, careful to stay away from the lepers himself :-)

With the fight developing, Calvin comes back into the room. He hears Kevan try to calm things down

Status: bold may post ; Inspire courage active +1/+1
Pimwrick
Lepers
Miriel weapon blessed
Giovanni
Calvin
Kevan
Meredith

I'll NPC Pimwrick tomorrow if he has not posted. Have to keep the speed up here if we are to finish on time.

I'll likely be busy tomorrow for most of the day, until maybe the evening, so I'll post my action now in case it's needed.

Giovanni athletically positions himself into a nearby flank, if possible, and delivers a haymaker punch.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11 (sad face)

Unarmed Strike: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22 (+2 if flanking; this will provoke an AoO)
Nonlethal, Power Attack: 1d3 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Reflex: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Fortitude: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
(and if a second set is needed...)
Reflex: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Fortitude: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

I will be on a plane much of tomorrow, so won't be posting as much as I have been - unless the plane's wifi works!

"I hate to say it, Kevan, but I think a fight with these guys is unavoidable," Pimwrick remarks as he approaches the nearest leper, drawing his blade over his shoulder as he moves. "But I agree with Giovanni, we should try not to kill them, hard as they have it already."

Move action to move to nearest leper, drawing sword as I go. Standard to attack for non-lethal damage.

Greatsword, Inspired, non-lethal: 1d20 + 5 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 1 - 4 = 10
Greatsword damage, Inspired, non-lethal: 1d10 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 1 = 12

Pimwrick would easily have taken the lepers head off if he had been trying, but the man just ducks as the paladin pulls his blow.

The priest advances, blessing the leper in the middle. All in the room can see his muscles bulge with power!

The leper in yellow rags tries to do exactly what Meredith doesn't want.
strike: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
The poor man almost loses another finger trying it though.

In the middle, the leper in blue robes and with bulging muscles approaches Miriel. "You had your chance to be friends" and strikes out at her
attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Her heavy armour (she realises how hot she is going to be wearing it!) protects her though.

Lastly the leper in red seems to take offence at the words of Pimwrick, and strikes out at him!
attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
crit confirm: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12
He lands a solid blow on the little paladin
damage: 1d3 ⇒ 2 The halfling gasps in horror at the contact!

Giovanni dashes into the middle of the battle, slipping behind blue,
AOO: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Who lashes out at him but misses. Giovanni's own strike lays low the muscle bound leper!

Status: bold may post ; Inspire courage active +1/+1
Miriel weapon blessed
Calvin
Kevan
Meredith
Pimwrick 2 damage fort DC 12 required (disease based)
Lepers
Priest
Red
Blue (strong) 6 NL, unconscious
Yellow
Giovanni

Fort, DC 12: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

"Ouch!" Pimwrick exclaims. "These guys mean business, they're not pulling punches!" He sidesteps to his left, then takes another swing with the flat of his blade, with just as little effect as the last time.

5-foot step into flank with Giovanni, attack for non-lethal.

Greatsword, flank, inspired, NL: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 2 + 1 - 4 = 7
Greatsword damage, inspired, NL: 1d10 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 3 + 1 = 13

"This is madness! Get off her!" Miriel shouts. She drops her wand and charges the leper attacking Meredith, pulling her curve blade out and swinging it flat-sided on the leper.

ECB non-lethal, inspire, charge: 1d20 + 4 - 4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 4 - 4 + 1 + 2 = 231d10 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 3 + 1 = 13

Automatic crit if he's evil

Crit confirm non-lethal, inspire, charge: 1d20 + 4 - 4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 4 - 4 + 1 + 2 = 121d10 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 1 = 10

Pimwrick misses, again.

Miriel strikes another of the lepers with the flat of her blade. Unfortunately she still connects with his neck. There is a nasty snapping sound and the leper drops. From the angle of his head it appears to be very dead.

Status: bold may post ; Inspire courage active +1/+1
Calvin
Kevan
Meredith
Lepers
Priest
Red
Blue (strong) 6 NL, unconscious
Yellow DEAD
Giovanni
Miriel weapon blessed
Pimwrick 2 damage fort DC 12 required (disease based)

Kevan whips the butt of his spear around at the leper who is attacking Pimrick, but it sails far over his head.

Attack (IC, NL): 1d20 + 3 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 - 4 = 4
Non-Lethal Damage (IC): 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 1 = 11

Meredith runs around the priest. "You really don't want us to stay. And you really don't want us to see the body."

Improved Unarmed Strike, Inspire Courage: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 2 + 1 = 12
NL Damage, Inspire Courage: 1d3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 1 = 6
Fort Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

… I will finish this fight right here and now … Calvin’s mind goes blank and the rage courses thru his body. He screams a warcry as he charges the Priest ”GRAAAAHHHH!!!”

Greatsword + Charge + Inspired + Rage + Power Attack : 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28
Damage: 2d6 + 13 ⇒ (4, 6) + 13 = 23

Not sure which one is the Priest so can someone please move me. Thanks.

Meredith lays low the last of the lepers, while Calvin cuts a bloody arm from the priest. Maybe he could survive with a little assistance.. Maybe.

Combat over

Status:
Calvin
Kevan
Meredith
Giovanni
Miriel weapon blessed
Pimwrick 2 damage fort DC 12 required (disease based)

And we may be having a 7th join us, who has been a little slow on posting but reiterated his interest.

Meredith checks her hands for obvious bruises or signs of infection. Finding none, she turns towards the back to find Min-Katheer's body without hesitation.

Miriel stares at the dead leper at her feet in disbelief.

"I didn't mean to hit him that hard! Really!" she explains to her companions. "We warned them, they didn't listen, they attacked first. I shouldn't get so angry", she continues, comforting herself.

She sees Meredith going to search for Targos' body, and stops her mumbling. "I have a duty", she says, turning calm again. She walks after Meredith, carefully cleaning her blade on the way and putting it away.

DM - I wasn't sure if you really meant there was a chance we could heal the priest or not. It might be worth it to find out what he was after.

Pimwrick snorts in frustration at how little he contributed to the fight, and gives respectful nods to Miriel and Calvin. "Nice work, everybody. Do you think we could heal the priest enough to ask him what the heck he was up to? I'm okay with leaving him dead too, as nasty a fellow as he was."

Calvin stands over the Priest with his blade at the ready and looks over at the group. "Do I send him to see the Gods?"

Heal: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Kevan rushes to help the man. He is unable to bind the man's wounds, so he pulls out a wand of healing and uses it on the leper. "Someone go check the back room for the body. I'll see if I can get him awake."

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

The priest is not actually dead, but is bleeding out. If you want to make a heal check or cast stabilise or a cure spell, that would stop him dying. He is a leper, and doing any of that would mean touching him...

Kevan lays a gentle hand on the man, stopping him dying. He is still very sick, and likely out for days - if he can find anyone to care for him for that time.

The VCs body is in the back room, all prepared for moving.

Let me know if there is more you want to do, then we can move on.

The team knows the society has arranged for a number of domesticated dromedary camels to serve as mounts for crossing hte high desert. Each of you has a camel which is equipped with waterskins and food. There is an additional camel for the body. As for crossing the desert... it would be best to join a caravan...

Status
Fort DC 12 saves required for Devan and Pimwrick.

Calvin steps away from the Priest when Kevan comes to his aid. "I will guard the door. We do not want anymore surprises." Calvin cleans his blade as he walks out of the house.

"If we are terminado, perhaps the local authorities can handle these... men? As for our mission, there still may be time this evening to locate our camels. Maybe even to partner up with a larger group before sunrise."

Diplomacy to gather information for our camels and a caravan.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Fort save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

"He'll be out for quite some time. I suggest we get the VC's body and be long gone by the time he wakes." Kevan ensures the priest's body is in a comfortable position. Then he helps load Targos Min-Katheer onto the waiting camel.

DM - I already rolled that save in this post, but if you need another (I wasn't hit again), here it is:

Fort: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

"We're going to ride camels?" Pimwrick inquires, with less enthusiasm than might be expected. "They're so darned tall... Ah well, nothing for it but to get started, I guess."

Ready to begin the journey.

Meredith notes the body is intact. "To think, people will fight over your body. Truly you must be important." Meredith grunts.

"We need to leave as soon as we can." Meredith shakes her head. "We've intruded on this house for long enough."

Meredith turns to Miriel on the way out. "You gave them fair warning. The smartest predators know when to retreat against superior foes. We respected them- did not treat them as outcasts. You played music for them. I touched someone while feeding them- and did not bat an eyelash. We offered to sit patiently and give them space to make their ritual. Respect is mutual. We gave them our day, and they tried to throw us out. Pray for his passing if you must."

Meredith spends the night looking for a caravan. Her discomfort with this town irritates her, so she puts on her nice face.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

Are there any hazards Meredith should know about desert travel? This will help her prepare her spells.
Knowledge(Nature): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Too bad Hot Weather Outfits aren't CORE!

As Giovanni leaves the house in search of transportation Calvin tags along. ”This town has been dangerous to Pathfinders. One of use lies dead and we were just attacked. You should not travel the city alone.” Calvin sheathes his sword and fall in behind the Bard.

"I, I think, maybe you are right. It was so needless, and we don't even know why. There shouldn't be any reason for them to fight over a late pathfinder. Now there is nothing more for us to do to them than pray", Miriel answers. True to her word, she sings a prayer to the enemies while helping Kevan make the live, unconscious ones comfortable, taking care not to touch them.

Perform(sing) untrained: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Miriel picks up her wand and straightens her outfit.

"Now, our journey. Joining a caravan sounds very reasonable."

Miriel follows Meredith's example and tries to find a caravan and remember what there is to know of deserts.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Knowledge: Nature: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Desert travel is hot. Wearing anything other than light clothing (e.g. any armour) will make things much harder.

NB, that in CORE hot-weather outfits don't exist so far as I can see.

Giovanni and Meredith locate a caravan that is heading along the "Silken Way".

The leader of the caravan is a dark-skinned beauty with henna streaked hair. She dresses in traditional desert rider grab, but of a luxurious fabric and cosmopolitan cut. Serious Wealth.

She is seated with a large Taldan man in battered half plate armor, another Qadiri man wearing a fez and an Osirian trader in white robes they are all bargaining to join her caravan.

"The desert heat will be intense. I can conjure water as needed if we run out. Wearing anything more than cloth will make the heat even worse. I can protect myself and one other person, if needed."

Meredith can cast Endure Elements twice a day. One casting will always be for herself. Anyone else wants protection from the heat?

Calvin nods at Meredith. "I will not need magical protection from the heat but the water will be welcomed." Calvin helps get the remains and any other supplies ready for transport.

Calvin should be good in the desert he has a high CON and the Tireless and Armor Expert Traits.

Tireless is good, but armour expert won't help as this is not ACP related.

The woman looks up. Her green eyes are highlighted with Kohl.

"Can I help you?"

@GM - can we make purchases here in this city. Is it big enough?

What do you want to buy? It is a trading town, population of around a thousand people.

Miriel joins the team at the caravan.

"It would most certainly feel wonderful, but I couldn't take such a spell if others are left without", she answers to Meridith's offer.

She introduces herself and their task to the caravan leader: "I am Miriel Magol, of the Pathfinders. We have been given the honor to escort our esteemed late captain to lay at rest in his home. As travels in these parts of land are challenging, I would request permission to join Your caravan. Of course, all of our skills would be in Your service during our journey."

Her voice is calm and confident again, with no sign of the weakness after their battle.

You want to include a diplomacy check with that?

Giovanni will doff his Chain Shirt in favor of traveling light.

AC updated in statblock.

"Wow, you're beautiful..." Pimwrick says to the caravan leader before collecting himself. "And I'm sure very, very good at what you do. It is as my friend says, we'd like to join your caravan, and we'd be happy to help as we travel. We're pretty good in a fight. And we're not lepers."

Diplomacy, Aid Miriel: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Pimwrick will also remove his armor for the desert journey, wearing only a light shirt and pants.

Sounds like everyone is set, then? I'll keep my other slot ready for Magic Fang, then.

"As they said, we'd like to join your caravan. I can produce water as needed, in case we get lost. It's easy to get lost in the desert if you're not careful, but you know that better than me."

Diplomacy, Aid: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

Kevan removes his armor like the others, just wearing his shirt and pants. He balances his spear over the camel. He glances at the Qadiri man. "Pleasure to be traveling with you, sir. I'm Kevan, priest of the Drunken Hero."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Before the caravan sets off Calvin makes his way to the market to purchases some supplies for the trip.

She nods, and introduces the other additions to the caravan.
"I am Jamilla al-Shafah"

The Taldan man stands, he appears to be a somewhat aging knight. "Gaspar du Mer" he says extending a hand as he strokes his luxuriously large moustache with the other.

The next is Mahoud, a souk for Katheer. "A partner to Gaspar in the weapons trade."

The third of them is the Osirion. "I am Hokama Pashket" from the look of his goods, he is a watermelon merchant. His beasts of burden are laden down with waterskins and dowsing rods and has a young slave boy to help look after them.

"We leave at dawn from the west gate." says Jamilla.

Calvin nods to each of the people of the caravan in turn lingering on the slave boy. ... every man should live free not chained to another against their will ... he lets the thought pass and focuses on the task at hand. ... I must honor the fallen then I can see about the liberation of the oppressed ...

"I am Calvin "Cleaver of Skulls" Cark of the Skoan-Quah of the Shoanti. Well met."

Diplomacy (2 aids): 1d20 + 7 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 7 + 4 = 23

"Well met, my future traveling companions. I am certain we will have a delightful time, as far as desert travel comes", Miriel returns the greetings. "At dawn it is, then. I thank you and will be on my way now, for final preparations", she continues, bows gracefully to the caravan members and leaves to prepare her travel.

Miriel follows the example of her companions, and removes her breastplate, stashing it into her backpack, which she then straps on her camel.

If food or something else needs to be bought, Miriel goes for that now. I presumed it was included in the camel-deal. Otherwise, all ready.

"Meredith." She plucks a flower out of her hair and offers it to the slave boy. "It's from a flower that grows not too far from Absalom. Don't worry, it's not poisonous."
Today I can only offer you this gift. But one day, boy. You will earn your freedom.

Calvin and Meredith would probably get along well, if they spoke to each other, haha

GM? Would you allow the purchase of a masterwork tool (Turban) that takes up the Head Slot and provides a +2 bonus on Fortitude Saves when in hot weather?

Giovanni appraises the older Taldan with a grin.

"Gaspar? Is it?"

Knowledge (nobility): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

"I've heard tales of you! House du Mer? You're a famous knight! My sir, I aspire to be half the swordsman you are."

Giovanni draws his Mithral Rapier and does a couple quick feints with it.

"And only such a stolid warrior would venture into the sands in his armor. You, sir, are truly an inspiration."

Diplomacy, to flatter: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24