[PFS] DM Kludde's 5-01 The Glass River Rescue (Inactive)

Game Master Kludde

Our opening act: we have seen the heroes enter the lavish manor of Temel Passad. They have been sat down by servant and have been served the finest Chelish wine and sweetmeats. Our heroes have come on a mission. Before their hurried departure, they have been handed a letter by Venture Captain Ambrus Valsin.

Letter

Two servants open a pair of richly lacquered doors, and a human and two dwarves stride into the lavish parlour. The man, clad in immaculate robes of whitest silk, is short and round with a blonde oiled beard, and his eyes are alert and amused. He takes a touch of snuff from and golden box and sneezes before saying, "it is a pleasure to welcome Pathfinders to one of my estates once more.

I am, as you may know, Temel Passad. Allow me to introduce...

One of the dwarves, a redheaded female in deep scarlet robes, curtly interrupts the man: "We can introduce ourselves, Passad.

I am Metella Rauger, representing the interests of several Highhelm mercantile consortia. My companion" she gestures to a dwarves man with leathery skin baked by the sun, his head swathed in a bright yellow scarf -

is Amauhak of Reth Bezel, a mystic of the sands dwarves of Osirion

Temal attentively sees to his guests' needs

"Are the refreshments to your liking?"

He then turns to dicuss business: "My boat, the Abacus will depart from Kerse to hug the shore of lake Encarthan, before we enter the mouth of the Glass River. This is where we'll see to our first task: search Gray Revelation Inn. Hopefully, we'll manage to liberate the dwarven envoys there, and sail on to Mendev.

...of course, keeping the presence of myself, Metella and Passad a secret is the wisest course, given what happened to the earlier envoys.

Seiomi stood in solemn attention, paying attention to the words they where saying, as well as the plan. It was solid enough, infiltrate the inn and find ether the envoys or a clue to where the envoys had been moved to. This was ignoring the fact that they could have already been tortured for secrets and killed off; but that's what their swift action was for.

" And our presence will not be wanted will it? Can we assume we are entering completely hostile territory, and that every single inhabitant will be our enemy?" She spoke up after having a sip of water that was offered by their host, cane twiddling in her hand eagerly.

The nation of Razmirian is a dangerous place for the reckless. It's a strict theocracy, presided by a vast priestly bureaucracy that worships a being said to be a living god. Foreign priests are tolerated, as long as they do not profess their faith.

and Metella adds:

All foreigners are subject to sundry tariffs and unannounced inspection.

Alia nods at Temel Passad with a gentle smile and a confidence that is not reflected in her heart, and pushes her plate away from her.

I sure miss Pizzmic, and Sevin.

The pipius claw was excellent. I also enjoyed this bregitlung.

Turning to Amauhak,

How entrenched is this theocracy among the populace? Any chance of help from that quarter?

The clergy holds a firm grip on the populace. It's hard to tell what elements of dissent you will find, but I know of none that would challenge the clergy openly.

In addition to questioning your hosts, you may also attempt to probe your own knowledge. Knowledge (History) or Knowledge (Religion) would be the rolls to attempt.

Zalanda gives Temel an enchanting smile and offers him her hand.

"Thank you Lord Temel for the refreshments they are most welcome after a long road. I am Zalanda Geitus."

Listen intently to the information about the mission Zalanda quickly gets lost trying to follow the conversation and racks her brain trying to remember anything about Razmirian.

she has no knowledge skills that will help

Seiomi sat silent, thinking back to the vast number of books and scrolls she had read through while back at the guild. She knew she had red some things about Razmirian in one of the many many books she delved into, now the goal was remembering it all. Or anything that could be of use.

Skill Check Knowledge-History: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
And Seeing as it's free to trained knowledge checks I'm gonna add Inspiration to it
Inspiration: 1d6 ⇒ 5
So that brings my crappy rolled 3 up to a solid 17. Not bad, in the end.

Mind mostly focused on remembering anything she could about the place she introduced her self a bit halfheartedly. " I am sorry, I am Saiomi Telanaa. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance..." she spoke to their dwarven hosts, words drifting off deep in thought.

"Too many darn humans here", Shayla mutters as she looks around the room. She takes some of the meat that's served and takes a bite out of it.

As the mission is explained the words don't all make sense to her. Shayla however nods as if agreeing, then speaks with her mouth still full of meat. "I see, we just go there and... do stuff... I get it."

Zalanda turns toward the dwarven envoys and bows. (speaking in Dwarven) "It is an honor to meet you both. My companions and I will use all of your skill to help your kinsman."

As the audience is over, the heroes gather to sail for Razmirian, boarding the Abacus. The journey across lake Encarthan is uneventful, but a slight tension comes over Passad and the dwarves as the boat enters the Glass River, and Razmiri waters.

I would suggest we take the prudent route and dock at Xer. The Razmiri authorities are likely to expect a toll from us, and we can show our goodwill by adding a gratuity. We might run into trouble if we encounter one of the 'faith barges' on the river, and have no proof that we paid our duties.

I'll happily provide the toll myself, if that is a problem. he adds, as he retrieves two platinum coins from his purse.

That is a foolish plan! Stopping at Xer would give the authorities the chance to search our ship, and we would be uncovered. I say we take our chances with the faith barges.

Metella says, as she looks at the heroes for support.

"I agree with Metella better to take then chance on the river. We can deal with the faith barges when it comes to that. I have been know to talk my way out of many a difficult situations."

Zalanda is very skilled at lying +14 Bluff

Zalanda leans toward Temel and whispers."There are better things to spend your money on Lord." Giving a sly wink and a smile.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Yeah right, I'll trust the dwarf.

"Metella's plan seems better", Shayla says. As Zalanda explains why she also thinks so, Shayla shrugs. "I just don't like the idea of paying those Razmiri. Even if it's not my coin being spent on them."

Only comming up with fairly basic knowledge, and nothing that would help them too much, she put the search out of her mind for the time being.

" Normally, I would have to disagree with you, and say the path that uses the least violence would be the best solution. However-" She looked at her companions she was assigned to from the guild. "If we where to be searched as we are, no doubt it would take too long, as well as our weapons having to be in the hands in others, and our... Replacement Envoys, discovered. So I suppose we take a chance on encountering a Faith barge." she said after a long winded mini-speach.

Ceasing her extravagant canes twirling she tapped the bottom onto the ground and lifted herself from her seat. With a small clap of finality "That makes 4-1, Unless you two disagree?" She ended her sentence looking at Alia and Amauhak, eager to hear their preference.

Alia looks carefully from Seiomi to Shayla and then to Zalanda, feeling their gaze almost physically.

I must seem so young, and yet they seek my counsel, nonetheless. I hope that I am worthy of their trust.

I agree with you. The difference is between a certainty on Razmiri terms or a possibility where we may yet make our own luck.

Shayla stuffs her mouth full of meat again. "Lk hell yha", she announces, chewing the meat meanwhile. "Oh else I sho em!"

And so the Abacus moves on, to bypass Xer. The dwarves envoys and Passad are wise enough to stay belowdecks, and the sailing crew is able enough to have the boat stay out of sight of the coastline. The boat has almost cleared Xer waters, when a merchant vessel suddenly hoists a Razmiri flag and approaches. By doing so, it reveals itself as one the faith barges that intercepts boats travelling near Razmiran.

There is no choice but to comply to their demands to stop the boat. Grappling hooks are cast, attaching the two vessels, and a gangplank is extended.

Two enforcers appear, along with a screeching furball of a baboon. It jumps and howls until one of the men shouts "Kanger! Stop!.

The other man then addresses the heroes: "State your business in these water? Party of how many, and for what purpose?"

After swallowing the last bit of leftovers Shayla had on her, she sits down next to the ship's mast and gazes into the sky. She then hears some shouts, and stands up to see what's going on. "Curse our luck", she says in a soft voice.

Okay, I got this!

She walks up to the men and the babboon, and observes them for a brief moment.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19 (+2 versus the humans, for they are favored enemies)

"Good day to you, sir", she says as she turns to the babboon, preferring to speak to the animal instead of humans. "We're simply passing through on our way to the next country. We're a party of four, all explorers."

The enforcer looks at Shayla with equal parts suspicion and disinterest Explorers. For the River Kingdoms I suppose. Well, if that is the case, you don't mind us having a look at your equipment, now?

Kanger! Let's search this ship. They are clearly making their move for a thorough search of the vessel...

Zalanda was down below deck talking with the envoys and Temel when the ship was boarded. She comes up the ladder as the enforcers try to go below deck to search the vessal. "Good day gentlemen, how can we help you this day? Flashing her best smile and acting nonchalantly but blocking the ladder.

Zalanda was talking to Temel and the dwarfs about a cover story and who we would have checked in with at Xer if we had docked. This way she could build a lie with some true into it.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Seiomi sighed upon encountering resistance. I guess I should have seen this coming; now how do I approach? she though to her self in quiet contemplation. Sanding up from her seat on the bow she walked over to the inspectors, using her cane as a cane would be used.

She didn't say anything, simply remained quiet and looked out at the other barge, attempting to spot others on the ship that might cause them issue if this got violent.

Perception check: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19
Go for broke! Useing 1 point of Inspiration to add 1d6 to my total
Inspiration bonus: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Well that's kinda disappointing, but a solid 20 it is!

Well, well, another explorer? Just how many of you are there? I've got the four of you, these five crewmen, anyone else?

Zalanda, with the glibbest of her tongue, says something about the toll station in Xer, but the enforcer wants none of it. He raises his crossbow in a rather threatening manner. Kanger lets out a screech and the other enforcer follows suit in threatening with his crossbow.

Allright, I want all of you waiting on the barge there while we inspect the ship. Leave your weapons here. There had better be no more surprises belowdecks, or you're going to answer for it. Go ahead, off with those weapons.

Zalanda digs into here spell component pouch while putting here dagger on the deck. With the few quick hand motions and keeping completely silent she casts Sleep on the Enforcers. (Using here Magical Trait.)

Dense as she is Shayla still notices what Zalanda's doing. "I... will... lay... down... my... weapons...", she says slowly to the enforcer as if speaking to someone not too bright, glaring at him as she actually tries to buy time. She draws her swords and slowly lowers herself as she pretends she's going to lay them on the floor.

Alia, hearing the sounds of the boarding party, waits, with her scimitar drawn, just below decks. At the sound of Shayla's halting words, she emerges.

Did we reach The River Kingdoms, yet...?

Saiako watched at the brilliance of her magical companion, thought she had no weapons to give. She eagerly told the boarding party, "Sorry chaps, I don't have nothing but my walking cane, and unless you want to sit there and laugh at me limping around I think it's safe to keep." Her bag filled with her normal gear was still under the deck luckily, and she had nothing on her person besides her pouch containing her special brews.

Zalandra, with a seemingly simple gesture, tries to put the two thugs and the baboon to sleep.

The two enforcers collapse onto the deck. With nothing to constraint the screeching baboon, it goes on the attack.

Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Please roll initiative. If you have better than the baboon, post your action. You may advance-post your action within a spoiler tag

I've put up a combat map, you can find it under Combat Maps/GRR in the header above

Alia's initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Init.: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Faster than the babboon can attack her, Shayla moves toward the babboon and attacks it with both of her blades. "Hyaaa!"

Attack main hand: 1d20 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 3 = 5 Wow, good start...
Damage main hand: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Attack off hand: 1d20 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 1 + 3 = 21
Damage off hand: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9 Way better!

"Take that, mister monkey!"

Shayla, don't forget the -2 for two-weapon fighting. Also, you add only 1/2 the str bonus for offhand slashes. You hit with the second slash either way.

Shayla moves up to the jumping baboon and delivers a nasty scratch to the nose. Kanger is severely displeased about this, and tries to bite right back, but misses.

Bite: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 161d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Meanwhile, Seiomi charges up to the wild animal, delivering a nice swoop with the cane sword

Seiomi's cane sword: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 181d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

The creature howls in pain, but gets only more enraged.

Zalanda shouts at the crew members, who are very distraught at the presence of the baboon. One tentatively removes a grappling hook, while others are too afraid to act.

Baboon damage: 13. Shayla is next

Shayla
Baboon
Alia
Zalanda
Seiomi

Totally forgot that. The -2 is only on the attack rolls, isn't it? And the 1/2 strength on both the off hand attack roll and off hand damage?

"Got you now! Hya!"

Attack main hand: 1d20 + 1 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 3 - 2 = 7
Damage main hand: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Attack off hand: 1d20 + 1 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 1 - 2 = 2
Damage off hand: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Slashing at her foe twice, Shayla fails to hit the babboon with either attack. "Ugh..."

Ook ook. Aah aha aaaah!

Dodging the two blades, the baboon tries to bite Shayla's ankle.

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 261d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Where the monkey's vicious fangs draw blood...

Half strength bonus for off-hand, full bonus for main hand

Damned monkeys! Visions of a huge ape draped in torchlight and the shadows of The Blackros Museum swim in Alia's inner eye.

Help is on the way, Shayla! Alia shouts, in encouragement.

Pulling out her Wand of Cure Light Wounds with her free hand, she moves about the ship to position herself next to the wounded woman.

Alia moves N, N, E, E.

Zalanda chants in the cryptic words of magic causing the ropes of the shipping to come to life. She guides the rope with movements of her hand to wrap around the two humans asleep on the deck. Cast Animate Rope

Taking another slash at the Baboon she stayed perfectly calm, almost disinterested look. It did not please her to have to kill this animal, but there didn't seem to be much of a choice, given it's rage at it's masters' ensorcelment.

Hit: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14 Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

After biting Shayla, the monkey jumps back just in time to see a slash of Seiomi's weapon cane woos past it's ear. Zalanda, meanwhile, ties up the helpless enforcers, while Alia moves into aiding position.

It's Shayla's turn, then the baboon is up

Biting her lips, Shayla tries to ignore the pain in her ankle, "I'll get you for that!"

Attack main hand: 1d20 + 1 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 3 - 2 = 8
Damage main hand: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Attack off hand: 1d20 + 1 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 1 + 1 - 2 = 7
Damage off hand: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Her ankle however hurts too much to keep up with the swift monkey, and both of her attacks miss target.

Ugh... not again...

Kanger takes another bite as it remains out of reach of another flurry of attacks.

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

With a hastily spoken activation word to the wand, Alia gently touches Shayla, a divine spark leaping from the slim sliver of mahogany.to the stricken ranger.

[dice=Wand of Cure Light Wounds, targeting Shayla Amye (49 charges remaining)]d8+1[/dice]

Now, to deal with this critter! Alia springs to her feet, moving around the ship to catch the baboon from behind, her weapon at the ready.

Alia moves E, E, S, S, W.

Zalanda moves to the side of the boat where the grapping hooks are hooked in and starts to cut the boat loose. Yelling at the crew again. "Are you deaf? I said cut us loose unless you want to spend time in a Razmirian prison."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Attack on rope: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (10) - 1 = 9
Damage: 1d4 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3