[PFS] GM Lithrac's Murder on the Silken Caravan (#0-03) (Inactive)

Game Master Cyril Corbaz

“One of our number has fallen.” Venture-Captain Adril Hestram lets the grave words hang in the air before continuing. It’s difficult to imagine a large man like Adril defeated, but in light of this grim news his shoulders slump; he is a man who suffered a loss. “Targos Min-Katheer, esteemed venture-captain, is dead. His last wishes are simple: he wants his mortal remains to take one last trip along the Silken Way to his home city of Katheer, there to rest with his ancestors. He was one of our finest and we aim to honor his request. It is for this reason I’ve called you all together.” Adril points one sausage-thick finger at the map on the table, tracing a line from Absalom to the mouth of the Pashman River, then snaking up the river to the oasis city of Lopul. “Here is where you can gather up his remains and join the silken caravan, one of the only caravans daring the harsh journey across the desert from Lopul to Katheer. This mission is simple, joyride really, but we insist you give it the attention it deserves. A few weeks in the sun, seeing the sights of the desert. A dream assignment.”

Adril has a way of making every assignment sound like a sweet deal, but the last few weeks traveling by boat up the Pashman River and then hiking the short distance to the oasis city have been grueling to the extreme. A poisonous river snake claimed one of your guides; you remember his last gasps well, and how his face bloated to twice its usual size within seconds of the bite.

Before you now lies Lopul, the great caravan city, erected around the crystal life-giving waters of the Pool of Sihbon, the largest oasis for over one hundred miles. Mud brick houses baking in the sun and great canvas tents crowd the central copse of palm and date trees. Lopul is a caravan-city ruled by the Sheikh Samraf Al- Hadari, humble servant to the padishah emperor of Kelesh. The settlement’s population fluctuates wildly with the comings and goings of trade caravans, but usually has at least a thousand locals and travelers in residence at any one time. Most of the city is comprised of tents and temporary dwellings erected by merchants and caravan masters, with only about a quarter of the city’s structures being permanently built around the Pool of Sihbon itself. Among these permanent structures are a halfdozen caravanserai, the fortress of the sheikh, and twoscore domed dwellings constructed of mud brick. One such dwelling is the former residence of Targos Min-Katheer. All that remains is to collect his body and join the silken caravan.

At this point, I'll ask everyone to introduce his character.

Greetings and Salutations to you all. I am Zymir al-Qa'im, Chronicler of the Cave of Aroden, Explorer of the Fallen Fortress, uncoverer of deadly mysteries, assistant to both the Noble and Infamous, Sage of the Sands, and Humble Pathfinder. The well dressed Qadiran leans heavily on his staff as he bows to the assembled party. A small gold pendent falls from his collar and the light glints and sparkles off a the fragment of a ruby clasped in gold as he tucks it back away.

A bent-back old man stands in the shadow of a palm tree, sweating a lot, but grinning nevertheless. Despite of his obvious old age, all his moves seem quick and precise. When he decides to speak and thus to come out of the tree's shadow to join the party, he walks faster than you'd imagine him to.
"Kehehehe, grrreetings my pathfinderrs frriends. I am known as "Papy Shayn". Looking at Zymir he says: "I hope I can be of use, though I have no titles like this one. I am just an old man looking forrr adventurre."

Tall, dark, and handsome. That was how many described Vasily. With the traditional olive Varisian skin and haunting dark eyes, he was born a ladykiller. He softly strums a mandolin in the corner, those eyes taking all that occurs even if he doesn't seem to notice. He movements are quick and deft, full of the skill that has made his homeland a place known for light fingers and tricky bargains.

"I am Vasily. My last mission was in Bloodcove, anything has to be better than that place. Never been to the Qadirian Desert, but I guess there is a first time for everything. Hope to pick up a new song or two while on the trip."

Zymir, long time no see.

A dwarf moves up to the group, taking a long swig from a canteen. Though he looks as wide as he is tall, he moves with an unusual grace. His knuckles are covered in scars and his nose is crooked, as if it was broken several times without being set properly. He wears loose clothing for the desert with a bandolier filled with vials stretched over his barrel chest. At his hip rides a battleaxe of an odd coloration and metal and leather glove.

He extends a hand to Zymir before taking in the rest of the group.

The name's Argus. I've been around for a bit. Hopefully a trick or two I've picked up will be useful to us.

Ah, greeting's Argus. It is nice to see a familiar face in this mission. Zymir says shaking the brawler's scared hand.
I fear you will find the Deserts of Qadir are just as hot as the jungles of Bloodcove, Master Vasily, but it is a dry heat, which I find less oppressive. The people of Qadir are much more hospitable as well. Though nomadic they have a rich culture and finding a new song or adventure, will not be difficult at all. He says with a smile.

"Solemn day, fellow Pathfinders," greets a quiet woman from the back. She looks rather out of place in her Nirmathi furs, but she seems quite comfortable in the heat. "I am called Idgethun, though some call me the Silent, or Magesbane. I hope that I may bring the blessing of the Lady of Bones on our grave errand." A she extends a hand to each of the others in the Nirmathi fashion, the quick of eye not a pair of matching tattoos, one in light purple and the other in ashen grey, spiraled around each wrist.

Well met Lady Idgethun, we are blessed to have an agent of Pharasma with up on our journey. Zymer says respectfully as he shakes the woman's hand.

"Hopefully, you will keep the Grey Lady at bay from our group for at least a little while," smirks Vasily, shaking hands with the priestess of Pharasma. "I hope it's not yet my time for her judgement as I have a lot of good works to catch up on yet."

Yes, it's good to have one of yours on a mission like this. Argus says with a nod. Seems very appropriate.

"I expect that is why the Venture-Captain chose me," Idgethun responds with a slight smile. [b]"I also expect, for us at least, that we have a while yet to climb Pharasma's Spire. Oh! And if Idgethun is too formal for you, my nickname 'Odd' is much shorter," she adds with a wink.

GM: Odd will cast endure elements on herself each day, and, depending on the condition of the body, gentle repose on the cargo.

Understanding that they will be trekking across the desert, Vasily will by hot weather outfit (8gp). He already has 2 scrolls of Endure Elements.

Glancing up at the sun as he downs a bit more water, Argus will also go and switch out for a hot weather outfit.

After the advice of his companions, Papy Shayn will also buy a hot weather outfit and wear it, for he is not used to these temperatures.

Once you arrive in Lopul, you have no trouble finding the former residence of Targos Min-Katheer. A small mud-brick, domed dwelling lies at the end of a humble, sandy street here in the heart of the caravan city. The scent of the nearby oasis still reaches you, and a hive of bees, attracted by the nearby water, hangs from a date palm next to the house. The wails of mourners and cries of women and children reach your ears, and you can see a small crowd gathered outside the house’s single door, its members crying and tearing their garments. Whether professionally hired mourners or sorrow-filled residents outpouring legitimate grief for the loss of a local hero is unclear, but the emotion seems genuine enough.

Knocking at the front door brings an answer in the form of a man in sackcloth with ashes poured over his freshly shaved head. His face is sickly pale under the coating of ashes, and part of one ear if missing. His hands are wrapped in dirty bandages.

He allows you to enter without a word after respectfully moving out of your way. The front room of the house holds more leper mourners, and a curtained doorway blocks access to the house’s lone bedroom. Shortly after you enter, a man wearing priestly robes and a black jackal death mask emerges from behind the curtain.

His voice muffled by his mask, the priest introoduces himself. "Who are you? I am Ben-Garri, the priest in charge of his funerary preparations. You will need to return at nightfall if you wish to claim the body."

Intelligence: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (12) - 2 = 10 success
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13 failure
Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21 success
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16 success

"I am Idgethun the Silent," says Odd, bowing. "I am a servant of the Lady of Graves and I must respectfully request to take over the funerary preparations. It would not be... fitting... for a cultist of Lamashtu to conduct such delicate affairs." Odd is direct and to the point, her words plain and frank. Her hands, however, are wrapped tightly around the handles of her daggers, hidden beneath the fur folds over her heavy overcoat.

Heal: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Religion: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19
Zymir enters the mud shack bowing in respect to those inside. Clearing his throat he attempts to diffuse the tense situation. Idgethun the Silent he says with a soft laugh, Greetings, I am Zymir al-Qa'im, humble Pathfinder. My colleagues and I are hear to claim the body of Venture-Captain Targos Min-Katheer. We do not wish to bring trouble to this sorrowful home but our mission is clear and we must insist that we be allowed collect the remains.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19

Int: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (9) + 0 = 9
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Argus moves in to the side of Zymir, not liking the welcome they've received, but knowing his own lack of tact would probably not be the best at the moment so he bites his lip hoping Zymir and Odd can sort things out.

Heal: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Papy follows the brawler and nods at the man who opens the door, smiling. After the Odd's spoke, he keeps smiling, but wrinkles begin to appear in the corners of his eyes.

Heal: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Religion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

Narhamon will try to help Zymir Al-Qa'Im. And said with a delicious voice :
And in my quality of cleric, I'm also abilited to take care of him. We will do greatly and we will honor his last wishes."

Diplomaty: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Heal: 1d20 ⇒ 3
Int: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Nodding to the leper who allows them entry, Vasily stands back preferring to observe while the others begin talking with Ben-Gurri, who apparently is also a leper. The thought of catching the wasting disease gives Vasily the shivers. The fact that the priest is masked is rather odd, but Vasily assumes his face is simply disfigured. He does not recognize the ceremonial significance of the mask, until Lamashtu is mentioned by Odd. That gives him the willies even more.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Know Religion: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

As Ben-Garri tries to dismiss them, Vasily catches the subtext in the message, and as Zymir looks for a peaceful resolution Vasily's hands creeps to the hilt of his rapier.

"We don't want trouble, but you are not in command here, priest of Lamashtu. Not only will we take possession of the body, so my Osirian and Pharasman friends can conduct their rites, we will take it now. And thank you to leave the premises immediately."

K. Local: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

Does Targos have a family or relatives that are present?

Argus: No, there's only you and the many lepers.

The masked priest's anger swells quickly, finally bursting out:

"I won't have that! The Mother of Monsters reigns supreme, you won't get the body until the proper rites have been administered! Feel the wrath of Lamashtu!"

As he grasps his kukri, the lepers surrounding you come closer, bearing a threatening look...

Initiative - round 1 - bold may act!
1. Papy Shayn, Argus
2. Lepers
3. Zymir, Nahramon, Vasily
4. Ben-Garri
5. Idgethun
Map is up

Papy laughs to the face of the cleric of Lamashtu "You nauuuughty boy, you didn't learrrn to speak good in prrresence of the elderrrly? What a SHAME! KEHEHEHE" EVIL EYE: Will save DC 14

After his action, Papy steps back.

Well, we tried to be nice.

Argus says with a small smile as he remembers back to a trick he learned on how to make his attacks hit harder. Martial Maneuvers to Gain Power Attack

He quickly switches the way he holds his body, his feet and hands moving quickly before he strikes out hard at one of the advancing lepers.

Swift action to activate Dragon Style, then using Brawler's Flurry to attack the leper next to Argus. If he drops, second attack at the priest.

Brawler's Flurry w/ Power Attack: 1d20 + 3 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 - 1 = 6 Wow what a whiff
Brawler's Flurry w/ Power Attack: 1d20 + 3 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 3 - 1 = 13
Damage: 1d6 + 3 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 1 + 2 = 12

Papy Shayn, could you please specify what stat you are debuffing with Evil Eye whenever you're using it, please? Many thanks!
Will: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
The priest cackles madly at Papy's failed attempt to curse him!

Argus drops one of the lepers with a single blow!

The reminder of the diseased ones close in on the Pathfinders, striking them with their rotten fists and sickly flesh.
Punch vs Nahramon: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 121d3 ⇒ 3
Punch vs Nahramon: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 41d3 ⇒ 2
Punch vs Argus: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 171d3 ⇒ 1
Punch vs Argus: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 151d3 ⇒ 1
Punch vs Idgethun: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 91d3 ⇒ 1
Punch vs Idgethun: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 201d3 ⇒ 2
Punch vs Vasily: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 81d3 ⇒ 1

Please make a Fortitude DC 12 check for ever attack that hits you. It's a save against disease, obviously.

Initiative - round 1 - bold may act!
1. Papy Shayn, Argus
2. Lepers
3. Zymir, Nahramon, Vasily
4. Ben-Garri
5. Idgethun

"There seems to be a goodly number of unhappy lepers here. Can they all be followers of the Mother of Monsters?" cries Vasily as he wards off the attack. Vasily then deftly steps between two lepers, drawing his rapier. The new position allows him to strike one facing Odd from the rear,with precision damage.

Vasily rapier, flanking: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 2 = 16
Dmg, sneak attack: 1d6 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 1 + (1) = 3 (seriously?)

Sorry, not used to this character yet :p But I was cursing his AC to be honest.

No problem at all, low tier is all about learning to play your character. Hence my remark! ;)

Vasily strikes and hits his mark, only to find out that he's barely managed to graze him.

Initiative - round 1 - bold may act!
1. Papy Shayn, Argus
2. Lepers
3. Zymir, Nahramon, Vasily
4. Ben-Garri
5. Idgethun

Fort: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Argus takes a glancing blow off his shoulder, the next he turns aside at the last moment.

Ah, now this is my kind of wake.

Protecting himself behind his shield Narhamon touch Argus
"Oh please great Shelyn give your Luck to this beautyfull soul !

Bit of Luck :For the next round roll all d20 twice and take the best

Zymir shakes his head at the outbreak of violence. he calmly retrieves a wnd from his side and raises it above his head. May the stories of our adventures be told for eternity.
Bless
+1 to attacks and saves vs fear.

Ben-Garri prays Lamashtu and casts a spell. "Great devourer of lives, mother to monster, you humble servant begs you to protect him from these infidels!"

Initiative - round 2 - bold may act!
1. Papy Shayn, Argus
2. Lepers
3. Zymir, Nahramon, Vasily
4. Ben-Garri
5. Idgethun Still need a Fort save vs disease from you, Idgethun.

I have a guess based on his prayer... let's see...Spellcraft: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 nope

Fort save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Odd whispers her own swift prayer to Pharasma, "Lady of Graves, help me to defeat those who would defile the dead!" Using fervor to cast greater stunning barrier as a swift action (does not provoke). AC now 21, stun DC is Will 16.

Drawing her twin daggers (move action) she strikes with one against the leper between her and Vasily (highlighted in red).

Dagger: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 7 + 2 = 21
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

She then steps east five feet.

One move action allows you to draw only one dagger, Idgethun, not both.

Idgethun draws a dagger and swiftly strikes the wounded leper who consequently falls unconscious.

Two Weapon Fighting feat; apologies, should have specified that.

That would explain it, then. Thanks!

Your goddess can't help you now.

Argus growls at Ben-Gurion as he lashes out at the two lepers near him, this time remembering to pull his punches enough.

brawlers fury vs the two lepers within reach, non-metal damage.

attack 1: 1d20 + 3 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 1 - 1 = 10
attack 2: 1d20 + 3 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (15) + 3 + 1 - 1 = 18

using touch of luck on first attack
attack 1 reroll: 1d20 + 3 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 - 1 = 7 lol

damage: 1d6 + 3 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 + 2 = 10

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

"Beware, the priest used a spell of sanctuary, you can't hit him. Or at least not easily!"
Then, he turns to curse a leper. "You shouldn't hit people, boy. You will hurrrt yourrself!"

EVIL EYE (-2 attack) on the leper highlighted in red for 6 rounds. Will save DC 14 to reduce it to 1 round.

Will: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1
The leper appears to be impeded in his already clumsy assaults!

As Papy Shayn correctly identified, Ben-Garri has cast a sanctuary spell, so anyone attempting an offensive action against him (spell, attack, etc.) needs to succeed on a Will DC 13 check.

The lepers assault you with great zeal! "Lamashtu guides us all... leave this place!"
Leper vs Nahramon: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 141d3 ⇒ 3
Leper vs Argus: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 181d3 ⇒ 1
Leper vs Argus: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 21d3 ⇒ 2
Leper vs Vasily, flanking: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 2 = 91d3 ⇒ 2
Cursed Leper vs Vasily, flanking: 1d20 + 1 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 1 - 2 + 2 = 21d3 ⇒ 3
As before, those who are hit must make a Fort save against disease.

Initiative - round 2 - bold may act!
1. Papy Shayn, Argus
2. Lepers
3. Zymir, Nahramon, Vasily
4. Ben-Garri
5. Idgethun

GM: I realize I made an error. I consulted the PRD Spell List for clerics when I prepped spells for today, and for some reason it lists a number of 3rd level spells in the 2nd level list--including greater stunning barrier. If it's alright with you, I'll treat it as though I prepared the regular 1st level stunning barrier in that 2nd level spell slot, and cast it when I did. I've adjusted my AC and saves accordingly.

Fort: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Just curious, who does the token of the old man on the couch represent?

The corpse we are looking for I guess.

Zymir takes a step back, taking a look at the chaos surrounding him. Pointing at masked leader Zymir focuses his mind, DESTROY YOUR FOLLOWERS! he commands in an authoritative voice.
Will to break through Sanctuary
Will: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Cast Murrderous Command - DC 16 will
This should take care of one of the leapers and break his sanctuary

Thanks for correcting that mistake and being straightforward about it, Idgethun. That's alright.

Yes, it's the Venture-Captain's body on the couch, for lack of a better (yet unprovided) map.

Will: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
The chuckle behind the jackal mask somehow ceases, only to be replaced by paranoid sideways glances.

Initiative - round 2 - bold may act!
1. Papy Shayn, Argus
2. Lepers
3. Zymir, Nahramon, Vasily
4. Ben-Garri Murderous command!
5. Idgethun

"Hey what the hell, I'm not a fighter." cries Vasily as the rest of the group rushes away from the two lepers flanking him. Stepping back toward the rest of the group to keep the enemies in front, the Varisian youth stabs out again with his rapier at the leper suffering from teh witch's curse.

Vasily rapier: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Dmg vs Red leper: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Free action: [b] Five foot step
[b]Standard action Try to hit the Lepers.
Morningstar: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13 for B/P Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 7
"Hum, me neither..."

Vasily strikes swiftly, wounding the cursed leper. Nahramon's swing is assuredly clumsy, but the leper doesn't even try to dodge it and is crushed by the priest's morningstar! Yes, their AC/Hp are that low.

Ben-Garri, against all odds, pulls out a kukri and slashes one of the lepers in the back, almost killing him in one blow! The leper looks surprised, and utterly confused. Seconds later, Ben-Garri's gaze returns to normal, and the priest curses under his breath.
Kukri: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 191d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Initiative - round 3 - bold may act!
1. Papy Shayn, Argus
2. Lepers
3. Zymir, Nahramon, Vasily
4. Ben-Garri
5. Idgethun

Papy moves behind Zymir and cackles loudly at the priest. "KEHEHEHE looks like you'rrre out of luck, boy!" MISFORTUNE for 1 round. Will save DC 14 negates.

Thanks for correcting that mistake and being straightforward about it, Idgethun. That's alright.

Of course! Thanks for understanding!

"You'll live!" Odd shouts back to Vasily. "Besides, you look like you can handle yourself."

The battle-zealot hurries forward to strike at the enemy leader. I provoke an AoO from the leper adjacent.

Will Save: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
Dagger (Bless) @ Ben-Garri: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 7 + 1 = 22
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

GM: Idgethun has the Step Up feat. If Ben-Garri moves away from her, she will follow with an immediate-action 5-foot step.