[PFS/DMK] 2-13 Murder on the throaty mermaid (Inactive)

Game Master Kludde

Acrobatics: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (18) - 1 = 17

Seeing that nearly all her companions had lost their feet, Azura struggled to keep her own and move toward the steering wheel.

Showing her true sailor blood, Azura maintains a steady footing despite the heavy rocking of the ship. Working her way to the aft deck, she is halfway there as the winds keep blowing

--
Gale - No new effect
--
Loenor
Liara
Eolowyn
Hagrym
Darvik
Azura
--

Do you need help with the wheel? Darvik will call out to anyone that will listen. If they do, Darvik will head that way, untying himself if he needs to in order to get there. If he can, he'll try to help control the wheel.

I guess I will, anyway... don't know what else to do.

"Yes, we must steady the wheel if you can get to it."

I think we are on the opposite end of the ship, and the wheel is at the #1 part of the map?

Loenor, being by the wheel, tries to stop the spinning handles with his trident.

Roll?

seeing Darvik untying himself Liara places a gentle hand on his shoulder wishing him luck.

casting guidance on him

Hagrym, after regaining his footing, stood by, focusing only on keeping his balance. He kept his now magical blade drawn, ready for another onrush from the aquatic creatures that used a situation like this to ambush them before.

Loenor, roll me a strength check (DC 14)

Strength: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Pretty sure I haven't used my folio reroll as yet, so will use that now.
Strength: 1d20 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 2 + 3 = 22

With force, Loenor halts the spinning wheel in the prongs of his trident and holds it steady. Quick as he can, he relashes the securing line to it and stows his trusty sea-fork.

Loenor manages to fix the steering wheel, and the boat becomes a bit more stable in the gale, giving everyone a bit of respite from the wild storm. No sooner has the boat stabilised as a freak wave hits the ship, engulfing the main deck in a mass of salty foam.

Please everyone on the main deck (that's everyone except Loenor) perform a Strength check against DC 15

--
Gale - Rogue wave
--
Loenor
Liara
Eolowyn
Hagrym
Darvik
Azura
--

Loenor delays to see how everyone fares against the wave.

str check: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (15) - 3 = 12

Strength: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Darvik manages to hold fast as the rogue wave hit the ship. If I never board a ship again, it'll be too soon!

Strength Check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

Azura hears the rush of the oncoming wave and plants her feet firmly, flexing her toes in her soft leather boots to grip the deck just as her surefooted halfling family had shown her. She bent her knees, lowering her center of gravity as the foamy sea water washed over her, unmoved by it's force.

Str check 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

"Gorum curse this bedraggled vessel!"

Or let all the devils of Cheliax destroy it! Darvik adds to his dwarven friend's curse. No more boats, I promise you!

"No more boats," Hagrym screams, agreeing with his friend.

I am sure that could be arranged Liara thinks dryly as she is engulfed by the fury of the sea.

The big wave knocks Liara and Hagrym prone, and almost wash them into sea, but for the rope that is stretched taut. Eolowyn suffers a similar fate, and in the rough and tumble get knocked badly against the board.

Another few bad bouts of wind, and some more heavy waves follow, but the worst of the storm seems to have passed.

You have two free rounds to spend gathering yourself up and preparing for what comes next

--
Gale - Dissipating
--
Loenor
Liara
Eolowyn
Hagrym
Darvik
Azura
--

Damage, Liara: 1d4 ⇒ 1
Damage, hagrym: 1d4 ⇒ 3
Damage, Eolowyn: 1d4 ⇒ 2

All damage nonlethal

Seeing the sense in being at the wheel, Eolowyn quickly moves over there. If time permits she uses a piece of rope to tie herself to the ship on the aft castle.

"Be quiet and endure!"

I'll endure but quiet I will not be just because some elf woman says so! Darvik has obviously been rattled by the storm at sea. He then steadies himself while moving over to assist those that have fallen back to their feet. For now on I travel by land only.

"Be careful untying yourself early, Darvik! The wind could pick up at any time," the dwarf yells, as he climbs to his feet, waiting to see what other awful weather was in store for the group.

Climbing to her feet with a expression that would mirror a wet cat Liara curses the misfortune of being on this boat pirates , murder, crazed cooks, what is the next test on this accursed vessel she says in a bitter tone

perception to see what is about to happen?: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
sm on crew: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

From his vantage point at the aft of the ship, Loenor looks to the sides for any new mysteries that may be coming toward them.

Perception Starboard (right): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Perception Port (left): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Azura squeezes some of the sea water from her long blue locks, chuckling to herself internally at the Chelaxian land-lubbers.
"You might want to wait until you are off the boat before you begin calling for your gods and devils to destroy it, no?" Grinning, she unfurled her flag, both so it might dry and because she sensed a turn in the wind.

"I don't think you will need your tie-downs now, is anyone hurt?"

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

"why must you insult the choices of others and laugh at our misfortune? I think that the fact that your allies are having a hard time would inspire you to assist us not insult us" the cleric says some what confused at the bards cruelty.

Loenor also asks Eolowyn to help him with his curatives if she doesn't mind.

"why must you insult the choices of others and laugh at our misfortune? I think that the fact that your allies are having a hard time would inspire you to assist us not insult us" the cleric says some what confused at the bards cruelty.

"And when did I insult anyone? Calm yourself, Liara. I speak only the truth of what I see. The storm has lapsed, if we are threatened those lashes will not help you any longer. If you are hurt, I can help you. This is why I ask, yes?"

Azura takes her wand from her belt and holds it in her hand expectantly. She shakes her head ruefully, Chelaxians see devilry wherever they look.

CLW to whomever claims it: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

The storm subsides, leaving our adventurers coughing up salty water and rubbing their bruises. Azura shakes out a couple of healing spells from her wand, one helping Loenor, the other helping someone else (Who?)

Looking around for what may happen next, Loenor notices the deck is empty, save for the adventurers. Marzack and Anera are the first to emerge from belowdecks, looking somewhat weathered from the effort of controlling the ship in the storm

Heh, looks like the storm roughened you up good. Liara senses that they are not really interested in the adventurer's wellbeing.

Liara grudging accepting the healing from the bard letting out a sigh as the holy energies wash over her. thank you she says still embarrassed at her lack of seaworthiness compared to the others.

rolling her eyes as Marzack talks Liara slowly unties the rope along her waist before taking "yes it did but do not be mistaken we are still on to you and no amount of feigned interest in our well being will persuade us otherwise" she says her eyes narrowing at the man.

Temper flaring a little after the ordeal with the storm, Loenor spouts "I've had just about enough with you, Mallick. Quit beating around the bush. Why did you kill Sephriel? It was your key which opened the door, and you're not explaining where it went to. Seems you just don't want to admit you had it all along and incriminate yourself. Well I'm calling you out. Right here! Explain yourself!"

You're wrong. Anera says I killed the elf.

I had eaten half the meal that dwarf prepared for me, but I didn't trust him enough to eat more. Feigning sickness, I went to sleep. I go tup in the middle of the night, just before the commotion started. When you rushed out to aid your friends on deck, that was my chance!

Mallick here, he was my lookout, making sure none out you would meddle. Later, we went to the hold to discard the murder weapon. These rust monsters - nom nom nom - and it's gone!

And now, now you DIE!

Anera's sudden outburst takes Loenor - and everyone around him by surprise. Mallick smirks arrogantly, but it significantly slower to react. Before anyone knows what it happening, Anera pounces on the most forward elf And why? Elves killed my beloved! This is my revenge!. In her zeal however, Loenor manages to easily avoid the sloppy attack.

Attack, Loenor: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Anera
---
Azura
Loenor
Liara
Hagrym
---
Mallick
---
Eolowyn
Darvik

Can we hear the ruckus from above decks ? If so, Hagrym will pull his sword and move to assist.

As far as I am aware, you are all on the main deck. Where did you think you were?

Smirking at the woman's confession Liara laughs at the simplicity of the whole circumstance. "fools as a servant of the first god Asmodeus lord of Hell binder of contracts I find you in contempt of murder, attack on a government official of the Imperial nation of Cheliax and most important of all breach of contract with both your captain and the pathfinder organization. I see that you have chosen death as your punishment let us oblige" the cleric says as she clasps her hands together producing a tendril wrapping its way around Mallick "Submit to your fate"

move full speed back and cast murderous command On Mallick DC 14 to resist unless he is unable to attack his friend then she will cast bane

Sorry, I thought I read that we were the only ones above deck. Good for us!

Hagrym moves to strike at the closest combatant.

Attack 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Damage 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (6, 4) + 4 = 14

now that I see the map I think I will 5ft forward and cast Murderous command

The combat map is here

Hagrym, the logical step up would put you in range of both enemies. Which one do you want to hit?

"Seems like not only the weather turned foul!" Eolowyn shouts as she draws her longsword, being to close to get a shot at Anera. She strikes with the flat of her blade to incapacitate the woman, not kill her

Attack, Nonlethal, Favored Enemy: 1d20 + 4 - 4 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 4 - 4 + 2 = 17
Nonlethal Damage, Favored Enemy: 1d8 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 2 = 7

Happy to cure you Loenor, "Cooperate" is one of the duties of each Pathfinder ;-)

Finally, the questions have been answered! Darvik slowly prepares for battle. He isn't too quick in this adventure, is he? Waiting to see what the battlefield is like before deciding.

The combat map is here

Hagrym, the logical step up would put you in range of both enemies. Which one do you want to hit?

Hagrym will try to strike Anera. He had a bit of a conversation with her and blames himself for not investigating her further.

"The Baron will not stand to have a traitor among his employ! Least of all one that is discovered!"

Tumble: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Loenor tumbles around Anera, flanking if he can, while drawing his trident with which to impale the heartless woman.

Trident: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9 +2 if able to flank
1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9 of unlikely damage

"Hah! I had a feeling it was you two. I'm afraid you won't find us as easy meat as a sleeping dignitary."

Her flag held in one hand, she raised the other to cast. She had one spell left in her arsenal that might make this a short fight indeed if Mallick were susceptible. It was worth a try. Her voice cajoles as she flourishes her fingers, beckoning the first mate. "Veniți acum și vom fi prieteni!", she spoke the words, casting Charm Person on the first mate. (Will Save, DC 15)

Azura's flag is displayed, all Pathfinders gain a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, and saving throws against fear and charm effects. Standard action to cast, move action to draw her longsword.

Will: 1d20 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 1 + 5 = 14

Loenor tumbles and tries to make another contact for the Szcarni faction, but fails this time around. Hagrym, on the other hand, dishes out swift and brutal punishment to the assassin woman.

Marzack is hit with a barrage of mind-affecting spells. Looking somewhat confused, he gathers his senses, then scream Die, useless assassins! I will strike up this reward myself, and promptly drives his scimitar through the woman, leaving her bleeding on the floor.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 5 + 2 = 25
Critical: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 2 = 20
Damage: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (3, 4) + 2 = 9

Anera is down, Mallick is under the effect of a charm spell

Azura - Charm, courage
Loenor - Tumble, trident
Liara - Murderous command
Hagrym - Attack
---
Mallick - Attack Anera
---
Eolowyn
Darvik
Azura
Loenor
Liara
Hagrym
---
Anera - Down
Mallick - Charmed
---

Azura smiled as she saw the spell take hold. "There now, Mallick, let's go and tell the captain about naughty Anera and what she did to poor Sephriel, yes?"

That charm will only hold him so long as no one attacks him now, but I'll bet we can talk him in to telling the truth about his involvement now that he is charmed. It lasts for an hour.

Eolowyn sheathes her longsword and looks at Azura for guidance.

no honor amongst assassins I suppose Liara thinks to herself with a twinge of guilt as she watches Mallick strike down his companion with ruthless efficiency

"maybe we should be telling him to remove his weapons and equipment first"? she suggests to the group "or we could stabilize his friend there" she says her guilt for the ironic blow finally overcoming her senses.

Murderous command = awesome

I do not know how this would work but do we tell him to do something or do we have to diplomacy for it?
diplomacy to remove equipment if needed: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Hagrym holds his action, waiting to see how things play out. Readied action to attack if he breaks free.

Darvik will double move up next to the first mate, ready and waiting to see what the man will do next.

Mallick meekly walks up to the captain's cabin, and start recounting the whole story. With the adventurers, and several crew members overhearing the whole thing, the damage is done before the spell wears off.

Does anyone actually try and stabilise Anera, or will you just let her bleed?

Captain Veane is grateful to the adventurers for uncovering the true murderer. My eternal thanks he says, Killick, you sorry piece of manure, you make sure these fine adventurer's wounds are healed! What the devil am I paying you for. Get on it! Right now!

In the morning of the second day after the squall, the Mermaid arrives at Mordant Spire as planned, where it is greeted by an enormous, extravagant elven galleon comes alongside and sends a smaller boat between the ships as an envoy.

Captain Veane explains the events of the journey since Magnimar to the small band of masked elves who come aboard. They nod solemnly, and seem unusually calm given the cold-blooded murder of one of their diplomats. As Veane ends his story, another figure climbs over the ship’s rail onto the deck—Sephriel.

I never leave for human lands without knowing a clone awaits me in safekeeping. he explains. Nevertheless, my gratitude for avenging my murder, and for uncovering who my murderers are - it has improved my view of whom I can trust.

After a lavish elven meal for the entire crew and the Mordant Spire envoys, Sephriel and his retinue depart for their island home, and the Throaty Mermaid sets sail for Riddleport, for the adventurers to catch passage back to Absalom. What a fine ship she is.

That concludes our little (chaotic) murder mystery. I hope you enjoyed it. Please make your day job rolls and provide me with your PFS number, and I'll prepare the chronicles! Thanks all for tuning in!