[PFS]DM Elanmorin's #9-08 BIRTHRIGHT BETRAYED (4-5) (Inactive)

Game Master Rogar Valertis

Zomo knows full well that General Arnisant died in 3827 AR... which is the correct combination for the safe!
Within it the aged pathfinder finds two important documents. The first is a ledger that records a long series of payments vaguely labeled as “gifts” to various naval officers, spanning the course of a year. The second is the deed to the chandlery, showing ownership officially transferred to Earl Vernisant over a year ago.

Anything else you wish to do here or shall we move on?

Do you want to move on?

I believe we're done here, so yes.

Zomo takes the files, locks the safe again, and prepares to depart.

He then looks to the ledgers left out front and speaks quietly to the others, "I don't think those are needed?"

Ready to move on.

After Zomo locks the safe again and closes the back office door behind him you are ready to go. As you approach the front door the half-orc guard meets you, fortunately Zomo remembers to change his visage back before leaving the chandlery, so the half orc lets you go without further questions:"In the end you didn't need to fight those infernal ships, eh? Crafty... anyway I'm glad you found what you needed. Hope to see you 'round sooner or later. I might just take you up on that offer, after all!"

Once outside you congratulate yourselves for the successful infiltration. It's well past midnight but you'll have to decide what your next move will be before calling it a night...

"Not much of a new lead here, but maybe enough to speak with the magistrate? And returning the deed to Neffery may cement his trust?"

Unless there are smugglers out tonight, I don't see a reason not to call it a night.

I agree, except if smugglers or pirates decides to pop up on your feet, nothing else to do tonight.
I also agree to go to the magistrate, but I don't think what we found will be enough to incriminate the earl.

Looking over what Zomo was able to retrieve from the safe, and noticing the inconsistencies in the ledger, Nei-lung weighs in.
"'The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.' Vernisant is anything but modest, if his painting is any sort of true reflection, and these records strongly point to his actions being less than honest. I believe we may have enough to approach the Magistrate. Neffery may also be very surprised to learn that he no longer owns the Chandlery. He told us he believed he was investing in a partnership with the Earl.”
He pauses and looks thoughtful for a moment. ”I will admit I do not like the thought that pirates are still active here. But, perhaps we will mention this to the Magistrate when we approach her.”

After considering what you found you decide you had enough excitement for the night and go back to the museum where you find your beds waiting for you. The next moring you head for Ridonport’s courthouse. Locating magistrate Joleana Tantriano isn't difficult at all as you find her at work and she easily accepts to meet with you. Joleana is in her late sixties, and she proudly wears the symbol of Iomedae as part of the half-cloak that denotes her judicial role.
"Well met and what can I do for you, exactly" she asks in a pleasant tone as you approach...

Give me a bit of roleplay before I tell you what to roll, please... any of you can be considered a guard or agent of the law by any chance?

"Good day lady Joleana!" bows Q'lack to the magistrate.

"Your town seems to be prosperous! During my time here, not a single person has tried to waylay me or even lighten my purse. Apart from the inn keeper" he croaks, trying to break the ice with a jest.

"We had heard some rumbles from your neighbors about shipments of goods to the coast not all making their way down the river. We were wondering if you too had any insights in this matter."

"We're tasked with investigating this. Cooperation is appreciated." Slade states folding his arms, playing the role of guard comes naturally to him.

Did being a soldier count?

Henry bows in a martial way to the magistrate.

Greeting magistrate. I'm Henry de Khartys, former officier of the Grand Prince Army. We are here on the behalf of the museum where some artifact were removed without authorization.
We've heard that despite the wonderful work of you're earl, people still complain about smuggler and pirates in the middle of the darkest night.
We come to you in hopes that could enlighten us about these rumors and to discuss strange occurence we find during our own investigations.

”Thank you for seeing us, Magistrate.” Nei-lung bows respectfully. ”We have been informed you are a just and honorable person to bring this before. A third party has brought us in to investigate what appears to be a person of influence abusing their power, possibly consorting with pirates and smugglers, and wrongly claiming ownership of property that does not actually belong to them. I am sure you can understand the desire for discretion.”

"Lucky you then... we've got our fair share of pickpockets and ne'er-do-wells I'm afraid. But no more than the rest of our great nation I suppose. It's not that bad at least"Joleana answers Q'lack's quip with a smile and friendly manner. Then she continues:"... as for piracy, that's another matter entirely, but let's get to know each others a bit more before indulging that unpleasant topic"

To slade, Nei-lung and Henry Joleana answers:"Oh, really? So you are investigators? And who hired you? The museum? Really? I didn't know Cincia had money to spare. Good for her then" she looks at you strangely as if unconvinced by your words before going on, her tone turning serious:"? wasn't told about any thefts happening inside the museum. Care to elaborate on that? I hope not to offend you but you look to me like a bunch of Lastwall's younglings caught trying to steal some horses to go searching for "adventure" in Belkzen and refusing to explain themselves. The purpose may be noble but the way you go at it leaves much to be desired, yet even Iomeade teaches some endeavours need to be covert in order to have a chance at success at all... So, what is that you are not telling me?"

You must roll ONE between Diplomacy, Knowledge (history or religion), Perform (comedy) or Profession (barrister). You need 2 successes before you fail twice and those must be rolled in 2 different skills. You get a few unspecified bonuses for roleplay and for other things

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

We may seems like a bunch of mismatched people, but I can assure you that the last thing we want is getting on the wrong side of the Law. That's why we took care to not bypass any law of our great Empire Magistrate. That's also the reason we are coming to you now. Because we found evidences that could led to some problems. We all hopes that in your capable hands justice will be served.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 11 + 2 = 21

"Evidence of what, exactly" Joleana asks, sounding interessed.

sense motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

The dandy smiles. This was a type of battle he could contribute to, size or not.

"Did not Iomedae rescue her friends from the stomach of Nakorshor'mond? Our task is similar. To rescue the town from the slow progress of corruption." starts the Grippli.

"Such a process requires care, and discretion.. .which you allude my companions may be short of. Still in our short time in your town we have heard much that disturbs us."

"Just as the inheritor reforged her sword into Hearts Edge, after being shattered, so do we hope for a greater rebirth of Taldor. But while pirates haunt your waterways there is surely weakness in the steel."

diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

"Still, let us be frank. The removal of the arefacts from the museum was not done by stealth. Nor would the one who removed them regard himself as a thief."

"Your words show wisdom... You want to hunt pirates down... which is a sensible and respectable notion. Despite Varnisant's claims I'm not deaf and I've heard rumors, but I can’t build a case based on hearsay. That would change if someone brought me actual evidence. Now, if you’re interested in bringing outlaws to justice, I can sign papers that would deputize you for a week, authorizing you to hunt and collect bounties on pirates in the Tandak canals. That said you haven't told me the whole truth yet. Believe me, I'm an expert as sensing such things... so, out with it... what are you doing in Rindonport, exactly?”

sense motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

"Your know better than us the history of Forath Bozbeyli and his fabricated heroic past. And for that reason alone you should take the concerns of the museum seriously, have you seen the recent additions?"

knowledge history; take ten: 10 + 17 = 27

"The recent additions? You mean Varnisant ridicolous talking painting or his fabbricated allegations about the Inheritor? The courthouse holds Ridonport’s official genealogy records. Feel free to check our esteemed Earl's lineage out if you wish. I did so myself when I saw the kind of stuff he likes to suggest about his ancestry. He's a senator and a politician to boot, so he's expected to practice propaganda although I doubt he realizes how silly it makes him appear. Aside from that... are you suggesting he's stealing from the museum? It's a serious accusation and one that may very well be impossible to prove. He will argue he's just "borrowing" items that belonged to his great ancestor and will give them back in due time. The courts are unlikely to chastise him on such grounds I'm afraid, but at least I seem to understand you don't like the Earl and would love to investigate him more closely, and perhaps you'd like me to support you... am I right?"

"Yes, we are interested in finding truths of the Earl. You need investigators. Some Lastwall younglings from out of town..."

"And we do have some... circumstantial evidence." adds Q'lack.

Turning to the others he suggest "Show her the ledger.."

"You may be aware that the earl took a ownership stake in the chandlery a year ago...In the meantime, being deputised to eradicate pirates would be helpful."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19

"Here is the ledger. The previous owner told us he entered in a shared investment, while these seem to indicate that ownership changed to the earl..."

I agree, any legal help will fortify any evidence of the Earl involvement in illicit activities.
As a former officer of the Grand Army I'm quite disappointed at our elite and hope to help cleaning the good from the bad.

"We'll make sure he gets what's coming to him."

"Magistrate, we are not here to cause subversion within Ridonport, or Taldor. Rather, we are here on behalf of Cincia Reviamo, who expressed to our superiors that she feels the earl has illicitly removed items from the museum. Not a small accusation to make lightly. We have been sent by our superiors to investigate the claims. We are attempting to do so impartially. Admittedly, our superiors are doing so with hope of compensation, the ability to research these artifacts. Cencia's true concern is to protect the museum's collection. Unfortunate as it is, it would seem that her claims appear to be true, as you can see by these documents my compatriots carry."

Joleana smiles at Zomo's comment:"Eh... I suppose I can't blame you for using that saying against me, can I? It's not like I need investigators but you seem willing to investigate anyway and the subject of your research is worrysome yet vital to ascertain. Here's my concerns about this thing: Vernisant and his family have been a pillar of this community for hundreds of years, so it’s difficult to accept that he’s abused his position. And with that I mean he's got a lot of good faith built on his ancestry. People here bear with him and even support him because of it. Keep this in mind. That brings up my second concern. I have to take into account not just the letter of the law, but the effects of an investigation on Ridonport’s long-term stability. That is my duty as this town's magistrate. With that I mean you'll need compelling evidence if you want to bring this to court. Prosecuting a powerful noble is always a risk, so I want to see some proof of your accusations before I start an official investigation."

Then she checks on the ledger and papers recovered from the Chandlery:"This, I must admit, is a good start. It's purposefully written so nothing can be pinned on the Earl, but it does paint a pretty awful picture of the current situation. It alone won't hold in court but maybe you could change that by catching those pirates, eh?" so saying Joleana hands you the ledger and papers back and starts writing something down on several letters bearing Taldor, Rindonport and her personal insigna. Once she's finished she gives them to each one of you and adds:"Well... consider yourselves deputized. You are hereby designated as official pirate-hunters... for the span of a week, at least. Perhaps I can help you a little more. Obviously, no one’s caught the pirates yet, but we have a few suspects. Three local boys from villages on the Tandak plains were ejected from the navy a few months ago for theft. Around the same time, a midshipman by the name of Gayleigh Knar went on leave and never reported back. Knar was well known locally for her affinity for animals, and they say she had just brought back some fanged beast she purchased while at port in Osirion. This is what we know about the canal pirates, but I'm sure you'll soon discover more, you seem like the right kind of younglings after all", she concludes, smiling motherly at you.

Nei-lung bows once again and returns the smile. "Thank you, Magistrate, for your understanding, and your support." He turns to the others.
"It seems we are now officially part of Ridonport's constabulary, however temporary." Looking at Slade, he adds, "It would seem, friend Slade, that we may be about to embark on a venture more suited to your expertise."

"It's about time." Slade replies as he cracks his knuckles. "I thought my talents were going to go to waste."

Myrd bows to the magistrate "Thank you magistrate, we will be back. Hopefully with those pirates"

Assuming you wait another couple of days the moon finally waxes away and night-time turns much darker than before, the ideal lighting for illicit dealings along canals made decrepit by age and lack of efficient repairs...

The walk from the Museum to St. Lymirin Street Bridge takes you 45 minutes. Where Saint Lymirin Street meets the main canal into Ridonport, a weathered stone bridge arches over the murky shipping lane. Fifteen feet below, in the bridge’s shadow, a long canal barge is tied up in the still water. As you approach you hear the soft sound of waves in the distance and then, something else... people trying to unload cargo from the barge as silently as they can...

The area is shrouded in dim light and the people unloading cargo haven't noticed you, yet. If you want to advance un-noticed you'll need to roll stealth though.

"That must be them..." he quietly croaks.

Q'lack slips forward, reading his bow as he does so.

take ten stealth: 10 + 8 = 18

Nei-lung activates his spring-loaded wrist sheath, then taps himself with the Wand of Mage Armor that was contained within. Then, trying to keep his mind and body as balanced as possible, he eases forward...

stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Slade starts moveing forward, blade drawn though low to the ground.

Stealth: 1d20 ⇒ 10

You may be great investigators and diplomats but your are not skilled infiltrators. The canal pirates notice you immediately as you approach. A fight is about to ensue!

Round 01 - Bold may act

Zomo
Q'lack
Henry
Nei-lung

Canal pirate
Canal pirate
Canal pirate
???

Myrd

Gayleigh Knar

Slade

For this mission, Henry takes his mitral armor instead of his weathered ceremonial armor.

Let's try to be better than last time...

Stealth: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

@Henry:Previous post updated

"Halt, in the name of Imperial Taldor!" cries out Q'lack.

If they are legitimate sailors, which seems doubtful, we should at least give them half of a chance.

Delays. Once the first pirate takes an aggressive action..

delayed rapidshot: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
rapidshot: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
damage#1: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
damage#2: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

So focused on trying to move stealthily, Nei-lung completely misses seeing the stray rock in the middle of the road and kicks it, clattering along the gravel!
Oh well. One who does not learn from his mistakes is committing another mistake.
Realizing all pretense for stealth is lost, he comes out of his crouch and poises himself for action. Focusing on his years of training, he enters into his favored style. swift action to enter Dragon Style
Channelling his draconic bloodline, he draws on his magical powers, placing his hands face-down in front of himself, right on top of left, then pushes them outward from his body, palms out and chants "ternok fethos". standard action to cast Shield on himself.
He then moves forward to the edge of the bridge so he can gain the upper ground and see his opponents better. move action, 25 feet
Perception to notice creature in the water: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Addressing the Pathfinders, "Be wary friends. There is a large creature in the water."
Knowledge(nature) take 10: 10 = 10

Oopse, best make those checks
perc#1: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
per#2: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Post above stands unchanged.

False life: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Knowledge local: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (4) + 17 = 21
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Knowledge nature: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29 What is it? How will it attempt to hurt my allies? Feel free to volunteer information.

Looking to the pirate in the very back, Zomo intones "We are the law, approach!"

Cast metamagic reach Command. Use one Phrenic Pool Point to apply Mindtouch. If he fails his save I read his mind as per the third round of Detect Thoughts.

Will Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

Zomo's command fails to have effect on the far away pirate woman, yet he manages to perceive she's a sentient being, and apparently made quite agitated by the party's interference, and he doesn't need magic to ascertain this.

Q'lack prpares to shoot on the pirates as soon as they decide to turn to violence while Nei-lung advances and activates a protective spell on himself.

Round 01 - Bold may act

Zomo
Q'lack
Henry
Nei-lung

Canal pirate
Canal pirate
Canal pirate
???

Myrd

Gayleigh Knar

Slade

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Henry moves to the edge of the bridge and jump on the barge.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

"There is a Hippo in the water! Careful!"

Henry jumps on the barge and 2 of the pirates move to meet him, steel in hand.

Attack roll (blue vs Henry): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17 -> Damage roll: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Attack roll (black vs Henry): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14 -> Damage roll: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Neither is able to pierce through the ex soldier skilled defense though.

The other pirate takes out his crossbow instead and targets Nei-lung...

Attack roll (green vs Nei-lung): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15 -> Damage roll: 1d8 ⇒ 2

As this happens the hippopotamus decides to join the fray jumping on the barge, which causes it to shake and become quite unstable...

Treat the barge as difficult terrain for next round

Round 01 - Bold may act

Zomo
Q'lack
Henry
Nei-lung

Canal pirate
Canal pirate
Canal pirate
Hippo

Myrd

Gayleigh Knar

Slade

Before the pathfinders set out to catch the pirates Myrd casts his protective spells duration 50 mins and 5 hours

At the bridge Myrd moves a bit closer and readies to cast haste, including all the pathfinders except himself.

Ready to cast as soon as I can include all the other pathfinders. Slade needs to move forward for that

Myrd approaches the barge cautiously, and prepares to cast a spell.

The woman in the back of the barge takes out her longbow and starts shooting at Nei-lung!

Attack roll 01: 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 9 - 2 = 20 -> Damage roll: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Attack roll 02: 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 9 - 2 = 8 -> Damage roll: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Luckily both attacks miss.

Round 01 - Bold may act

Zomo
Q'lack
Henry
Nei-lung

Canal pirate
Canal pirate
Canal pirate
Hippo

Myrd

Gayleigh Knar

Slade

Start round 2 as well

Slade moves in and slashes at the only reachable pirate.

Power Attack: 1d20 + 8 - 1 ⇒ (8) + 8 - 1 = 15
1d8 + 7 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 3 = 14

Zomo moves up and attempts to 'remember' the spell Murderous Commannd to fill the mind of the Hippo with a hateful fog:
Amnesia Roll: murderous command: 1d100 ⇒ 39 The amnesiac remembers and can cast the new spell.

Zomo casts Murderous Commannd on the Hippo. DC 18 Will save. If it fails it has 'a mental urge to kill its nearest ally, which it obeys to the best of its ability'.

Seeing Henry alone on the barge with two bandits and an aggravated Hippo nearby, Nei-lung jumps down in an attempt to draw the ire of the large beast, while also providing a flank for him.
Acrobatics to jump down Acrobatics: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22
He strikes at the hippo, his fist trying for the soft flesh around the eyes, hoping the enormous maw of the beast does not manage to find purchase on him.
Unarmed Strike w/ PA: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Damage+Dragon Style+PA: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16