[PFS] GM - Mark Garringer's 06-05 - Slave Ships of Absalom (Inactive)

Game Master Zizazat

"You should never look death in the eye," Khamul warns the half-orc.

DC 16 Fort or permanently blinded

Bleeding profusely, Kilian takes a short step back from Mezuk and brings his guisarme to bear, sweeping the half-orc's legs out from under him (I hope).

Trip attempt on half-orc, incl. leaping attack: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 12 + 1 = 29

Crud, I thought I did a heal for 4 points but I guess that was Round 3. Sorry about that!

Jerrik will now move back and heal Kilian! Wand!: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Seems I should just let Mark roll for healing...

Round 5
Niko
Jerrik
Khamul
Kilian
Mezuk (-20 hp)

Mezuk Fort: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12 *fail*

The half-orc screams in rage as he is stabbed by the nimble investigator, and his world goes dark. Unable to see what's happening before him, Kilian knocks his feet out from under him. He lands with a thud on this back.

Without standing up, Mezuk releases his hands from his greatsword. "I yield!" he shouts. "I yield!"

Effectively out of combat.

Kilian draws his own cure wand and passes it over to Jerrik. "If you wouldn't mind?"

Jerrik will kindly heal the mobile fighter. Just roll when you need to use the wand, he'll always help you out.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Just roll if you need more.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
CLW; 45 charges remaining: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Kilian lets the better talkers talk, although he finds it difficult to conceal his disdain for Mahdi.

Mahjub's face changes to a broad grin, "Friends! Welcome new friends to Mahjub Mahdi's place of business! Mahdi's Chattel is Absalom's finest! Please new friends, if you don't mind." He gestures to the angry, blind, bleeding half-orc and the unfortunate Sven. Closing his hands together, "Perhaps they can be...moved elsewhere friends?"

Khamul looks to Kilian and then nods at the injured thugs, indicating to help him drag the two from the office. He then sets his scythe to the side and grabs ahold of Sven's feet.

"Jerrik, Niko-do you want to explain to him why we're here?" Khamul prompts.

Well, perhaps he could explain why they were here and see how that fits in with everything. Jerrik watches the man as he makes his explanation.

On the way out with one of the thugs, Kilian adds, "And ask him about Atlag, and that Chelish solicitor." He does not look directly at Mahdi.

Mahdi stretches out his arms a few times and smiles widely. "Special friends, of course! Pay no mind to this street trash. When one is successful, as Abadar has blessed Mahjub, others will try to feed off such success. I must again thank you for your timely intervention!" Mahjub runs his hands over his hair, slicking it back toward his ponytail.

"Ah, of course you are friends with Salbus! You are looking for something special, Mahjub has just the thing!" he rubs his hands together, and then again though his hair. He notices Niko's wayfinder "Pathfinder? Hmmm, you probably are looking for something else special then Mahjub is thinking! I see, I see. Yes of course." again with the slicking back the hair. "I hope you understand Mahjub's gratitude in this matter, but I must also protect my own reputation you see. The information you are seeking would normally please Abadar for 400 gold measures. But for you, special friends, I can tell you for a timely price of only 200 measures!"

Mahjub looks around expectantly...

Letting the better talkers talk.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Niko's eyes narrow as the man names has ptice, then struck by a thought, he raises an eyebrow and smiles slightly. "I believe your.....friends stated 200 measures was what you owed. Seeing how we have...settled that debt, we should consider the price named, already paid for. Right, my friend? "

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Khamul draws out 50 gp and hands it over to the man.

Sorry, in Chicago for the weekend watching Becca run the marathon.

Mahjub waves his hand dismissively, "Of course new friends. You have done Mahjub a great service! I doubt I see the likes of Mezuk or his kind in my shop again." He discreetly accepts and pockets Khamul's gold as he speaks.

"Because we are to be special friends, and because of your selfless heroism Mahjub is blessed by Abadar to offer you this information. The slave which was purchased for Lady Silviana, she was part of a lot I purchased from Waheeda Wardak. Waheeda is a very skilled captain and sometimes supplier of merchandise for Mahjub. When I met her at the Docks last time, her vessel At Sea was flying the yellow sails used by the Okeno pirates. This I believe means she will become a more frequent supplier in the future." he removes the tie holding his hair back, slicking his hands through pulling it all back again and deftly retying it. "In fact I am to be meeting with captain Wardak dockside tomorrow morning. I am told she has a new lot that I may be interested in bidding on. If the At Sea is not already docked, it will be coming through the Graveyard today."

Wringing his hands and grimacing, Muhjub's eyes flash briefly to Niko's wayfinder.

"New friends, it pains me to say but I was told to expect a ..." he takes a deep breath and then quickly says "...pathfinder in this lot."

Is that so? Any details or are you just going to leave us to wonder?

We'll see just how frequent a 'supplier' this Waheeda is, once we're through with her and her ship.

Mahjub looks quizzically at Jerrik, "I am sorry friend, but Mahjub has no other details for sharing about this pathfinder."

"Well now it has become personal. If we catch you selling Pathfinders again, you're history," the necromancer warns the man as he pulls his hood back on and brings his face once more into shadow.

Turning to his companions, he suggests, "Well, it seems we have our lead. Should we turn this information over to our benefactor, then? Seems like they might interested in this new development."

Seems prudent to do so, yes.

Kilian shakes his head. "Send a message to the Lodge, but I think we have to move quickly on this. Especially if there's a fellow Pathfinder involved. There's likely to be a crowd there for the bidding--with guards--so by then it'll be too late."

The Pathfinders leave the depressing sight that is Misery Row and easily travel to Lady Darchana’s estate in the Petals District. It is located much further north than Dimora Manor, much closer to Azlanti Keep. A tall wall of polished stone surrounds the property and its gardens, and many of the plants have arcane or alchemical uses in addition to their aesthetic value. A doorman greets the Pathfinders and escorts them into the three-story residence. He takes you to the estate manager, Jemina. She thanks and dismisses him.

"Pathfinders, excellent. Lady Darchana has been expecting you, please follow me." she says leading you to the upstairs study.

The walls of the study are inset with bookshelves that are brimming with texts of all varieties. A large drawing table in the middle of the room bears an unrolled map of the Inner Sea region. At the far end of the study stands an impressive darkwood desk, and seated behind it is a woman dressed in midnight-blue robes. Her piercing gray eyes look expectantly at Jemina.

The estate manager softly clears her throat and announces, “Senior Lesser Councilwoman, Archdean of the Arcanamirium, Second Spell Lord of Absalom, Lady Darchana of House Madinani, please receive these agents of the Master of Spells Aram Zey of the Pathfinder Society.”

Lady Darchana beckons with a short hand movement, “Pathfinders, join me. That is all, Jemina.” She folds her hands together and waits for Jemina to close the door behind her, then continues. “After my conversation with Master Zey, he agreed by necessity to keep the details that were passed on to you to a minimum. I am keenly interested to hear what you were able to learn based on what you were provided.”

Lady Darchana focuses her attention on Khamul and motions with her hand, "Please, tell me what you have learned thus far."

Khamul meets her stare and drones out, "The slave which was purchased for Lady Silviana was part of a lot purchased from Waheeda Wardak. Waheeda is a very skilled captain and sometimes supplier of merchandise for Mahjub. Her vessel At Sea was flying the yellow sails used by the Okeno pirates and Mahjub was to be meeting with Captain Wardak dockside tomorrow morning. If the At Sea is not already docked, it will be coming through the Graveyard today. Much to our distress, Mahjub told us that he was expecting a Pathfinder in the lot."

Nikomedes bows to Lady Darchana and begins to speak, but then sees the lady motion to Khamul. Snapping his mouth shut, he places his hands behind his back and listens intently, while studying the lady and the room.

Perception?: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12
Sense Motive?: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Still Looking: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12
Still Looking: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

Lady Darchana nods as Khamul explains what the Pathfinders have learned. Noting Niko's restraint she looks into his eyes "And what about you, what can you tell me about what you have learned?"

Niko notices that a cartographer's compass has been left on the map. It rests on the map near Katapesh and the Isle of Jalmeray. He sense no deception from Lady Darchana.

Niko bows again, and says. "I have very little to add. My esteemed colleague has done an admirable job explaining what we have learned...up to now." Tapping his finger to his chin, he says. "At this time, I'm not sure whether or not Lady Silvana had anything to do with her slave's actions."

“An Okeno pirate captain? Captain Wardak of the At Sea.” she nods her head, a brief smile. “Yes, that would stand to reason.” She flips open a ledger sitting on her desk that bears the seal of the harbormaster and begins scanning the pages, “When I became aware of the eavesdropping handmaiden, using my own magic I was able to follow the arcane trail back to it’s origin. I only got a brief glimpse of the heavily veiled perpetrator, but based on the distance and direction, I knew the culprit was on Stonespire Island—somewhere underground on the island at any rate, with a powerfully enchanted mirror. The Okeno pirates’ base of operations is a city on that island, and the Fleshfairs may be the largest slave markets on all of Golarion. It is a cunning place through which to move these sensored slaves.” Her hand finally comes to rest in the ledger. “At Sea, here we are. It has been to Absalom two other times in the last three months. According to this, however, it has been marked with a bounty. ‘Failure to fully declare cargo value for taxation.’” She clicks her tongue loudly. “Excellent. You said Mahjub Mahdi was expecting another shipment from the At Sea tomorrow? If it hasn’t already docked, it’ll be anchored outside the Ship’s Graveyard, waiting for a pilot. ” Lady Darchana continues, "By law, a ship like the At Sea must have a Pilot’s Guild member bring it in through the hazardous Ship’s Graveyard. If you will excuse me for a few minutes, please..."

---[15 minutes pass]---

“I have spoken with a contact at the Harbormaster’s Grange. There is an outstanding docking request for a ship called Kat Season, which is likely our ship with a flimsy disguise.” She writes out a letter, seals it in wax with her seal, and hands it to Niko. “Carry this note to the Harbormaster’s Grange—it authorizes the inspector to provide you with a rowboat and a pilot. So long as you can confirm the ship’s identity, you are legally free to claim the bounty, in the sum of 1025 gold, yourselves. We cannot allow those slaves to make it to the Docks unaccompanied! I trust I count on you to help?”

Jerrik's eyebrows raise at the mention of claiming the bounty. Why yes, yes I think that we should be able to handle the task most adequately.

Kilian merely nods and smiles tightly.

"I think we have taken enough of your time. We should go see the Harbormaster's office then."

"Excellent! I look forward to further word of your success!" Lady Darchana says excitedly.

The day wanes on, the Pathfinders head to the Docks and prepare their next move. The sun will be setting before much longer.

The Inspection and Pilots’ Office of the Harbormaster’s Grange is cramped and perfumed by a particularly smelly bowl of salted fish stew that’s cooling on one of its several desks. Ledgers and loose papers occupy most of the horizontal surfaces in the office, and a bookshelf on the southern wall sags under the weight of heavy files.

At present only one inspector is on duty. The sleepy-looking halfling woman sits up, covers a yawn, and says, “Welcome to the Harbormaster’s Grange. I’m Inspector Second Class Lilia Ginsi. How may I be of service?”

Handing over the letter, Niko says "I believe this will make everything clear. Many thanks."

Inspector Ginsi is happy to help after reading Lady Darchana’s request. It takes her only a few minutes after reading the request to confirm the pending docking request for the Kat Season in her ledger, locate and sign out a rowboat, and finally locate the pilot roster. She excuses herself to notify a pilot to prepare for departure, after six minutes Inspector Ginsi returns. She says they have a pilot waiting at Docking Slip 49, a dwarf named Zigil.
"She's a hoot and a half! You'll love her!" Ginsi offers.

Zigil grunts a greeting as you arrive a the small rowboat. "You row, I navigate." she says curtly. "Let's get underway."

Go ahead with any planning etc you wish to do before heading out to the Kat Season. Let me know when you are ready.

Kilian will purchase a potion of fly. "Jerrik, Niko--can you find anything more about this Waheeda person, and about her crew?" The Andoren will also ask at the Grand Lodge if any Pathfinders have recently gone missing from the Stonespire Island area.

ETA: Once in the boat, Kilian stows his guisarme and puts his back to the oars, obviously familiar with small boat work.

Khamul keeps his scythe nearby and helps out wherever he can on the way out to the ship.

Niko nods at Killian's request and spends some time loitering along the docks, trying to pick up any stray information.

Diplomacy (gather info): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Inspired!: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Feeling a bit inspired, he attempts to pick up the local sailor slang while speaking with the shoremen.

He also spends a little time brewing up an extract of sea affinity, and an extract of potion dividing. Touch of the Sea and Alchemical Allocation

Speaking briefly with Venture-Captain Valsin on the way to the Docks, the best answer Kilian can get is a qualified 'Not that we know of.'

Niko is able to learn that the crew of the At Sea is generally made up of the kind of riff-raff you'd expect. Half-orcs and gnolls, sometimes others. The captain herself is rumored to sometimes bring in exotic creatures for discreet sale.

As Lady Darchana eluded to, any ship that carries more than six people or 500 pounds of cargo cannot, by law, sail through the Ship Graveyard except under the guidance of a registered member of the Pilot’s Guild. Regardless of its own captain or pilot’s skill, a specially trained pilot travels out from the Harbormaster’s Grange to a waiting ship once it has signaled. This pilot then directs the ship through the ever-changing maze of wrecks that constitutes the Ship Graveyard.

Absalom’s harbor is an inky, shifting landscape of shadows at night, illuminated only by the city’s lights, the waxing moon, and the distant blaze of the Absalom Lighthouse on Pilot’s Island. Eventually, a three-masted ship with white sails comes into view. It’s just over one hundred feet in length, and its bowsprit is a weatherworn representation of a canine-headed mermaid. The crew is busy as they await an escort through the Ship’s Graveyard. A rope ladder hangs from the rail of its starboard to a foot above the waterline.

DC 10 Climb to get up the ladder.

A half-orc, wearing a black bandanna on his head, looks over the side of the boat at you and says "'bout Go-rum time!" He moves away from the side yelling "Pilot made it finally!"

Perception check: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

On the way out to the ship, Niko turns to his companions. "I have mixed an extract that will allow me to drink an invisibility potion and then return it to the flask for another to drink....if you don't mind backwash."

"Maybe Jerrik wouldn't mind it," Khamul responds to Niko.

Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7

Khamul looks to his companions, unsure how to proceed. "Permission to come aboard?" the necromancer calls up.

"I'll go up first--if that's all right with you, Pilot Zigil?"

Kilian has a +11 Climb check in armor on board a ship; I think he makes it look easy.

Zigil scoffs and spits into the water, "Ain't goin' up till you lot are done."

In response to Khamul's call, you hear "Get'cher butts up here!"

Jerrik will smirk, then smile weakly. He would take the extract when offered as invisibility would be a fine asset. Hope its better the second time.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18 Ah yes, I see what they did there. At Sea, indeed.

Jerrik will take time (3 rounds of it) to use his Bardic Performance, Careful Teamwork. All allies within 30 feet gain a +1 bonus on Initiative checks, Perception, and Disable Device checks for 1 hour. They also gain a +1 insight bonus on Reflex saves and to AC against traps and when they are flat-footed.

Ok, so Jerrik and Niko are invisible and Kilian and Khamul are going to climb up? And both your big, scary weapons are in the row boat?

No, Kilian will bring his guisarme with.

Niko follows up after the the two visible party memebers.

Climb T10: 10 + 6 = 16

Jerrik goes up as well, following Niko.

Of course Khamul will bring his scythe with him (bonded weapon!).

Khamul begins climbing up the rope.

T10 for a 12.

Kilian and Khamul climb up the rope ladder, and onto the deck of the At Sea. The invisible Jerrik and Nico following carefully behind. The main deck of the At Sea has two 10-foot-square wood grates that access the hold below. Two doors access the forecastle’s cabin, and a ladder leads up to the forecastle’s deck. The helm is positioned on the raised quarterdeck at the stern, accessible by short staircases on both sides.

The half-orc stands by the nearest of the staircases, practically on top of the two 'pilots' who nearly bump into each other and the half-orc in the nighttime gloom. There is a dim light coming from the helm, where a man mills around the wheel. Near the far staircase a gnoll crewman is coiling up a great length of rope, watching the new arrivals.

"We're ready to get underway." the half-orc says. Just as he starts to move out of your way, a three quick, piercing whistles comes from the man at the helm. The half-orc counts on his fingers, looks up at the both of you with a wicked smile on his face and roars "Ima toss yer scrawny butt intada drink bub!"

Surprise Round!
The half-orc tries to demoralize Khamul! 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28 vs. DC 12 (10+4-2) if I calculated that right for Khamul
The man at the helm pulls a top off of something and drinks it!
The gnoll drops his rope work, moves west around the view of the main sail while drawing a longbow and aiming it at Kilian!

Round 1
Half-orc
Helmsman
Jerrik
Khamul shaken (4 rounds)
Nico
Kilian
Gnoll

The half-orc takes a greatsword off his back and swings down on Khamul with a great chop!

Attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25
Damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (3, 3) + 6 = 12

The helmsman draws something quickly from his hip, then points it at Kilian and there is a loud, ear-cracking explosion!

Attack: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 9 + 1 + 1 - 2 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 1 + 4 = 12

Party up! Map updated!

Jerrik will move off invisibly! to the left and then begin to cast Sleep! I'll center it so that all three enemies are inside the burst when the spell goes off next round.