[PFS] GM Derek W's Our Lady of Silver #27 (Inactive)

Game Master Derek Weil

Here it is!

Vrald reporting for Duty!

A slightly inebriated Taldan makes his entrance... "Here I am! Where are you VC?" he... mumbles.

The sylph earlier seen delivering invitations at the lodge rushes in. "I hope I'm not too late!"

A scrawny elf with a goatee enters, and speaks in a thick Northern accent. "I'm not too late, am I?"

A brisk breeze carries the scent of the sea up to the Pathfinder Society’s lodge in Katheer, the capital of Qadira. The lodge’s shaded balcony gives a panoramic view of Katheer’s harbor, revealing hundreds of ships moored in the busy port, lateen rigged merchant dhows and the bright-sailed warships that protect Qadira’s shipping.

“Thank you for getting here so soon,” the nasal voice of
Venture-Captain Osretia Cassomiran calls from within. She is a tall, gray-haired woman of Azlanti lineage, and she rifles through papers as she speaks from inside her office. “Have you met the groom, Farendir Faireven? He’s quite bright, especially for someone from the River Kingdoms.”

Venture-Captain Cassomiran’s quest continues fruitlessly as she searches a sagging bookshelf. “The bride’s quite a catch, too; called the Lady of Silver for her father’s wealth. It’s certainly a coup for young Faireven.”

Clambering beneath her desk, Osretia’s voice is muffled by stacked texts. “Anyway, during the wedding feast, the girl’s father, Master Bashir Al-Mudaris, plans to donate several valuable relics to the Pathfinder Society. Clearly, Master Bashir wants to promote his new son-in-law’s status in the Society. That’s where you come in: we need you to escort these antiques to Absalom.”

Suddenly, the Venture-Captain’s shouts, “By Irori! I found them!” She places several elegantly scripted invitations on the disheveled desk. “You do have something decent to wear for the wedding, do you not? You’re going to represent the Society, and we certainly can’t afford any embarrassments.”

Vrald nods to the VC.

"I have formal courtwear. In Taldor, formal armour is also acceptable wedding wear. Is it the same in Qadira?"

He thinks about what he might know about the area and the noble families from there.

Trained skill checks
know(nobility): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
know(geography): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
know(history)untrained: 1d20 ⇒ 5

Shonne looks down at her hunter's leathers and elven chain a bit perplexed. "What?"

Shonne's Kyonin accent sounds like Fran and the Viera's from Final Fantasy 12. She looks like 'Female Elf' link in her tag line.

"I think military outfit should be more than adequate. We cannot have the quadirans think we are as soft and weak as they are after all!" scoffs Rogar, flaunting his bias against the ancestral enemies of Taldor.

Then he adds:"By the way, what can you tell us about this wedding? Any disgruntled parties we should watch out for? Any would be thieves or enemies of the Society?"

As if it were not obvious enough by the simple peasant's garb he wears, Altair adds, "I am a long-distance messenger. My clothing is all picked for comfort rather than fashion. I'm afraid I possess nothing fancy."

"Guard duty? Could be worse. I'll have to stop by the tailor on the way though."

-Posted with Wayfinder

Vrald looks at Altair.

"We are attending a wedding. Courier's surely must have respectable clothes to wear when dropping off items or messages for important people. We are here representing the Society!"

The young knight shakes his head. Clasping a strong arm around his fellow Taldan he sighs at the lack of etiquette among some of his fellows.

I specialize in traveling long distances over dangerous terrain. Wearing fancy clothes wouldn't do much good as they'd be ruined before I reached my destination. How far away is this wedding exactly? Tailors can't make formal wear in a few hours."

Altair takes a moment to look over the invitations. He wondered if they were legitimate invitations or clever facsimiles.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

Maybe he knew some useful information about the place where they were and were going.
Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24

The woman looks at Vrald and Rogar. "Well, most of the men will at least carry ceremonial weapons, so your armor shouldn't be too out of place, provided you spend the night polishing it!"

She says this without even looking to see how well-kept your armor is.

"As for the rest of you, there are tailors nearby. You won't find the trendiest clothes, but many will still carry a variety of outfits in last season's style. Given that you're all foreign, that should help you."

Also said without a glance at your apparent ethnicities.

Altair can tell that the invitations are indeed genuine.

Unfortunately, I have no information to provide for your skill checks.

You may choose to act as you like. You can take care of any shopping needs, as Katheer is quite large and the wedding isn't until tomorrow.

Also, I'll ping the stand-bys to get us up to 6.

Vrald is more than happy to spend an evening shining his armour.

"It is a knights duty to keep his armour and weapons in top condition. Mine will shine like the sun itself for the wedding."

Buying a noble's outfit on the way out of town.

Rogar shrugs a little at Cassomiran words:"Eh... I was thinking of joining the wedding wearing my military outfit, but if no one would feel threatened by it I would gladly bring my trusty armor along. Better safe than sorry, as they say"

Then he nods at the others:"If anyone knows the city I think we could spend the night getting better aquainted with its taverns... I suppose there could be something salvageable in here... somewhere!" he chuckles.

Altair will buy a courtier's outfit. He'll wear his mithril shirt underneath.

"If we are supposed to be guarding relics, what about our weapons? Are we expected to have them or have them close by?"

She also rearranges her spells, and though it pains her, she leaves much of her camping equipment behind (rations, torch, waterskin, flint and steel, hot and cold running outfits).

She turns up for final inspection not really looking any different at all.

A smallish gnome with wild hair enters quickly in a hurry from running.

"Well hello everyone. Sorry I am late. I am Wembletonian Horatio Aurturillo Templeton. But my friends, you can call me Wembly. I hail from the Sanos forest. Although I did not quite fit in there and traveled here and became a Pathfinder. I have a cat that has followed me from Sanos. Although I do not think he is really from the forest but beyond the First World. I call him "Whiskers". Where are we heading this time? A ceremony? How wonderful. They always have the best food."

Wembly will pick up a courtier outfit and De- summon his eidolon

Preparations made, the team retires for the evening and makes their way to the wedding the next day.

Hundreds of guests crowd the temple of Sarenrae this morning while prosperous merchants and courtiers strut in silken finery and scholars and clergy nodd gravely, clad in sober robes. Scores of servants and grooms wait outside as the High Priest of Sarenrae intones the couple’s vows.

Afterward, the newlyweds lead their guests to the splendidly decorated courtyard of Master Bashir’s estate for the wedding feast. Young men whirl through an ancient sword-dance to the frenzied pounding of doumbeks, their blades clashing louder as the song’s tempo increases. Servant girls bring forth a dazzling array of dishes and iced sekanjabin drinks, as daring snake charmers mesmerize a dozen lethal asps.

After the feast, challenges ring out across the courtyard. Warriors swagger forth, clad only in loincloths and swinging cudgels, to battle atop a bed of red-hot coals.

At this point you may choose to participate in the challenge and fight on the coals with the other warriors. It has no effect on the outcome that I'm aware of. Of course, you may also wish to speak with people here. The bride and groom both appear to be greeting attendees, as well as the bride's father and the High Priest of Sarenrae.

Vrald spends a bit of time watching the men fight on the coals.

"Their bravery is without doubt" he comments to Rogar. "It is there common sense I worry about."

However after assessing the merits of the warriors he makes his way over to the bride and groom to pass on his own well wishes for their future together.

His duty done, the knight scans the gathering, looking for a nobleman he might spend some time discussing the ways of the Society with. After spotting a likely target, he quickly consults his book on local etiquette to make sure he has his manner of address correct.

Looking to recruit a named NPC aristrocrat, noble, ambassador or similar figure to the Sovereign Court. Hopefully there is one here?

Diplomacy DC 26: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24

Having failed to secure a firm alliance, in spire of many exchanges of good will, the young knight then turns his attention to one of the hosts servants.

"You could advance your master's enterprises considerably..." he starts...
diplomacy DC 23: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31

GM - I'm hoping there is a named aristocraft here. May I tick off recruiting the servant of a named NPC aristocrat, noble or ambassador from my FJC?

Wembly tries his luck at conversation.

"I was never much of a warrior myself...you know...not having the size for it. I prefer books. Do you know of any ancient tomes around here? Or read any good architecture manuals lately? I always got picked on in school. I am not sure why. Is this the best wedding ever? How many people attended the wedding? I bet that cost a pretty penny.."

Diplomacy : 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Altair did not participate in the fighting, nor the mingling. He pretty much kept to himself. These weren't the sort of events that made him comfortable. He's be much happier when they were down to the business of securing and moving the relics. That was something he was comfortable with.

He wanders around exchanging a pleasant greeting, a glance, or nod of the head where he must, but mostly keeps an eye open for trouble. Trouble always seemed to find important people. Perhaps that's what he liked about being a courier the most. Messengers weren't important people. They didn't cause trouble, even if they occasionally had to bear it. All the drumming and fighting, was all too convenient a distraction for someone who wanted to sow mischief here.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 10 + 2 = 31 (includes urban favored terrain bonus but not other situational bonuses such as danger sense or trapfinding).

Shonne slips in her normal outfit hidden beneath a glamour and then makes her way to some nook from which to observe the goings on while remaining unobserved herself.

disguise: 1d20 - 1 + 10 ⇒ (2) - 1 + 10 = 11

stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Every now and then she sweeps the area with detect magic and detect poison

Belousov attends the party in his fine clothes under armor, with his shield on his back. He chooses to forgo the fighting, and instead greets the bride and groom.

"A lovely event you've put on here. I wish you many happy years together."

-Posted with Wayfinder

After congratulating the newly wed for their union (and trying very hard not to ogle on the bride...) Rogar takes his leave and joins the rest of the festivities. He considers the fighting carefully and nods at Vrald's comment:"Yes, but Quadirans are not famous for their common sense, aren't they?" then he adds:"Besides, as foolish as this might seem I think I want to prove myself against them. Let never be said a scion of House Valertis backed down from a fight with a Quadiran!"

So saying the taldan moves towards the fighting offering to participate.

What does Rogar need to do? No armor and fighting with a cudgel, I guess, but what about the coals?

Without Armor Rogar has an AC of 13 against multiple foes or 14 if against a single opponent. Fighting with a cudgel he strikes at +10

Ok, there's a bit going on here! Let me address each of you in turn (it will be mainly Vrald and Rogar at this point). I may break this up into a couple of posts throughout the day. First, Vrald. I think we've a few people who could qualify.

Vrald pays his respects to the newly married couple. Farendir Faireven and Lujine appear to be quite giddy and talk mostly about each other. They seem pleasantly impressed with the young Taldan's social graces.

As Vrald asks around a bit more, several partygoers and servants mention the name of the bride's father: Master Bashir al-Mudaris.

They point the man out to Vrald. He is a wizened older gentleman, leaning on a gnarled cane. Vrlad spies him speaking to another guest, a tall-dark-skinned younger man, and notices him rap his cane when making a point.

For Wembly, Altair, Belousov and Shonne.

The bulk of the group manages to mingle without causing any scenes. None of the guests seem to notice as Altair and Shonne find convenient hiding spots.

The bride and groom seem happy to receive Wembly and Belousov's well-wishes.

To Wembly, the groom says:

"Well, we don't know of too many books like that - but there could be some in the stash my father in law is giving to the Society."

If anyone else is working on a faction card, let me know. It's a bit fiddly with these older scenarios, but I'll do my best.

For Rogar: All you need to do is pass a DC 12 Fort Save each round on the coals. Fail one, you become sickened by the heat and smoke, fail two in a row and you must leave the coals. There are 5 other warriors on the coals. They are clearly not up to your own skill level with a weapon. There isn't a map - assumes that everyone is in a small area and are all pretty nearly adjacent to each other. Let's say that 3 of them could wing at you and the other 2 are farther away. Go ahead and roll a few attack, damage and Fort Saves (say 3-5). I'll do a block roll for the bad guys later. There's only a minor risk to you, so this should help it move along.

Vrald will make his way over to Master Bashir Al-Mudaris and make his introductions.

"Vrald Sehir. Representative out of Absalom and agent for representatives from a number of members of the nobility.."

Given I (just) failed the first check above, I'm not sure how much you want to distract from the scenario for my FJC. Let me know if you would like more RP for it

Rogar leaves his armor and greatsword near the fighting ground and steps on the coals wearing only his loincloth. Weighting his new weapon for a moment the Taldan then smiles at his opponents bekoning for them to come at him.

It's a risky move but lukily it seems Rogar's confidence is not born out of mere arrogance. As the Quadirans approach the fighter seems ready for them!

Fortitude save 01: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

Fortitude save 02: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

Fortitude save 03: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Fighting on the coals would be a major inconveniece for most, but the Taldan manages to keep his cool (quite literally) stepping lightly upon them...

Attack roll 01: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19 -> Damage roll 01: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Attack roll 02: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17 -> Damage roll 02: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Attack roll 03: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12 -> Damage roll 03: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

As for the fighting the results are mixed: more than a few hits land on the incoming fire dancers but the Taldan fails a couple too...

I don't know the amount of dmg for a cudgel so I treated it as a club, feel free to change this if it's incorrect please. Not knowing the opponent's AC I went for a general description. Edit: Noticed you don't need an Initiative roll

Wembly nods in agreement regarding the books.

Sounds like a wonderful collection. Was your father-in-law more of a scholar or adventurer?

Rogar strips off his armor and joins the fracas on the coals.

Some of the warriors swing at each other, but 3 take swipes at Rogar!

Attack 1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Attack 2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Attack 3: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

In the initial stage, only one lands a hit. Rogar's return blow sends the man reeling. In the meantime, the one of the other 2 fighters falls.

2 of the 3 remaining foes square off, while the third continues to press Rogar.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

It's a miss, and the Taldan fighter's next swing cracks the man in the skull!

The last warrior can't take the heat, and dashes off the burning coals as Rogar claims the victory!

This was designed to run almost entirely theatrically, I did my best!

As the warriors battle on their bed of hot coals, extravagant gifts and displays amaze the crowd. A pair of white elephants from distant Vudra, two dozen silken-haired dromedaries, robes of precious silk, and other treasures appear, each more exotic than the last. Cloth-draped wagons promise additional wonders.

Vrald, I believe in circumstance bonuses, so if you'd like to get a bit more involved I'm ok. Where does the DC come from BTW?

The men turn toward the fighter. The older man speaks first.

"I am Bashir al-Mudaris, father of the bride. Many know me due to my successful business ventures. My daughter and her Pathfinder bride have little interest in such matters, but my friend here shows great promise."

The taller man now speaks:

"Al-Jahar abu-Targos, at your service. While my own enterprises are not as extensive as Master Bashir's, I continue in my family's tradition of trade. One cannot be too well connected, no?"

*Bride and groom talking to Wembly*

"He is actually neither. A very successful merchant and a man of considerable means. He is something of a collector, and is hoping to strengthen his alliance with the Society. it's a great help to me in my own career."

The DC is calculated as fourteen plus his level plus three times the number of previous successes he has had

Vrald smiles at the father-of-the-bride.

"I think you have made an excellent choice in a husband for your daughter. An important pathfinder for your son in law will open many doors for you. "

He pauses.

"Of course there are other doors that don't cost a daughter to open. The various noble families around the inner sea have scented a change in the winds. Yes... they have their differences, but they have much in common. Were you to want an introduction to some, I would happily speak of your wisdom and the rather splendid events here."

He lets out a cheer as Rogar emerges triumphant from the coals.

"A good man that. And good men can be very useful to know."

The men consider.

"You speak well. We are already well-connected in some places, but it is never a bad idea to keep an eye open for expansion. Speak with us again on the morrow, and we'll see if we can reach an agreement."

I have no problem giving you a +2 for your efforts. Let's call it good and forge ahead!

As the warriors battle on their bed of hot coals, extravagant gifts and displays amaze the crowd. A pair of white elephants from distant Vudra, two dozen silken-haired dromedaries, robes of precious silk, and other treasures appear, each more exotic than the last. Cloth-draped wagons promise additional wonders.

Many thanks!

Vrald continues to talk and schmooze with as many of the gentry as he possibly can.

"Such a happy occasion, and so splendidly hosted by Bashir al-Mudaris!"

He eyes up the elephants with wonder!

"I have never seen such creatures before. They look rather formidable."

His eyes however are drawn to the horses. "Such beautiful creatures. Look at the way they stand and how they hold there heads. A magnificent gift!"

Shonne quietly makes her way toward the wagon (not sure which one it is) using what cover she can. She got in under cover of a scroll of disguise self (10 minute duration) and used her own blending spell (50 minute duration) to move into a vantage point from which to observe. If she needs to she casts blending from a scroll to get close to the wagon.

stealth: 1d20 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 8 + 4 = 17

As the last fire dancer flees Rorag roars in triumph: "For Taldor!".
He raises his fists at the sky staring at the audience before stepping out of the coals. After a while he moves near his belongings and redons his armor:"That was fun! Let's do it again sometimes soon!" he laughs.

Once set the taldan rejoins the others just in time to hear Vrald praise horses, elephants and what not. It takes some effort for the chauvinistic Taldan to keep his mouth shut, but considering how he probably just made the residents angry by defeating their champions and calling the victory for their ancestral enemy he decides that it's better not to press the issue more.

"Let him go on with the praise... it could be our "good Taldan, bad Taldan" routine..."

Belousov approaches the nervous-looking guard. "Greetings, friend. You seem on edge. Is there something amiss, or is this merely your first job?"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (6) + 0 = 6

I assume these wagons are being guarded? If so, does the adventure talk about them at all?

Also can you help me understand what type of place we are in? I am unsure if I should be applying my favored terrain (urban) to any of my rolls. Urban terrain bonus kicks in within the confines of buildings, streets, and sewers.

Wembly will join Belousov in approaching the nervous guard.

Hi there. Those are some impressive lions. Do you know where they came from? How much do they eat? Do they perform any tricks? What are their names?

diplo: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

As Belousov and wembly approach, the man quickly gestures with his hand.

His voice is full of nervous energy

"Yes, well, thing is, see...you're in for it!

He darts into the crowd, and you see some associates knock out pins to the lions' wagon. The lions leap out and spook one of the elephants!

Altair, I should have added the favored terrain bonus last time. It's in this one. The red squares are the lions, the brown square is the elephant.

Round 1
Belousov
Lions
Rogar
Vrald
Elephant
Shonne
Altair
Wembly

OK, first encounter, Belousov is up!

I hope you don't mind, but I put in some prettier pictures for the elephant and the lions.

Seeing Rogar right in the path of the beasts, Belousov rushes to him and bolsters his armor.

Aegis power to make your +1 full plate into +2 Animal Defiant full plate. That's +3 AC and DR 2/- against animals.

On phone. Can someone move me behind Rogar?

-Posted with Wayfinder

Readied actions? Also, I need to know how much blending was needed based on overall wedding timing. If this encounter happens longer than an hour after the group's arrival she might have used a scroll of blending before closing in on the lion cage (which originally was unmarked). If that is the case and the southern cart on the map is lion cage and the door is at back it would take her 4 rounds to get there and 'ready' (see about where the little red dot on map is, assumes half-speed stealthing about and normal terrain), 5 if she needs to 'scroll up' first. This would have happened while all the more observant and diplomatic members of the party walked over and tried chatting the guard up. Shonne knows her weaknesses. ;)

AND I hate the website for swallowing the previous version of this post. Always copy yer stuff when posting here. It's like using punctuation. ;) *select all, copy*

Thanks Belousov! That's much appreciated!

Empowered by the wizard's magical assistance Rogar briefly assesses the situation before judgingdeciding the rapaging elephant to be the most dangerous threat (and the easiest one to immediately reach). So the fighter moves near the animal slashing with his greatsword as he comes into close range...

"I'll get the big one, you deal with the kitties! And Belousov... I owe you one! Next time the ale is one me!"

Power attack roll: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28 ->
Damage roll: 2d6 + 11 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (6, 3) + 11 + 6 + 1 = 27

I suppose the elephant gets an attack of opportunity on Rogar for moving near, thanks to Belousov against a single animal Rogar's AC is 28 and he also gets DR2/-

Ok, the reason everything was unmarked is that is the way it was presented in the scenario. I didn't quite realize it until it was too late. Now, in-game it has been well over an hour since you left your quarters, as you have arrived here from the temple of Sarenrae after the full wedding service. That said, let's magically roll back the clock just a bit, as I described in the discussion thread. It think Shonne's solution is clever and I apologize for reading over it before.

As the sweaty, nervous guard makes his escape his associates by the caged lions attempt to free them. But Shonne is ready! Her spear jams the lever, preventing it from opening. The astonished men attempt to flee.

Master Bashir calls out "Seize them!". The other guards move to assist you in restraining the ruffians.

After they have been subdued, another voice calls out:

"The artifacts! The wedding gifts have been stolen!"

A short search proves this to be true.

At this point, Pathfinder Faireven and his bride Lujine approach you.

"Please, will you help us to recover the lost items? The Society would be greatly indebted to you."

Please don't push the plot envelope too hard. The artifacts had to disappear - either while you fought the lions or otherwise. There is still time to question folks if you like.

Ok, so we are out of combat...or rather, avoided it and now artifacts are missing?

Wembly will blurt out a number of questions to nobody in particular as he tries to make sense of what just happened.

Missing? The Artifacts? But who would do such a thing at a wedding? And why? Are there any Blakros involved in the wedding party? Are any of you able to track? Where were the items last noticed?

Vrald puffs out his chest.

"We most certainly will help. We were here to help guard them, and I for one don't want it to be known that they were lost on my watch. Let us query those ruffians and see what they have to tell us."

He turns on the prisoners. "Now would be a good time to speak. Fully and truthfully. "

He asks one of the nearby guards "What did they have on them? Anything that would give us a clue? Does anyone recognize them? Someone must have helped them get in and take the job of the guards, who employed them?"