[PFS] Murder on the Silken Caravan (Tier 1-2) (Inactive)

Game Master Chyrone

Knowledge Nobility: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 7

"Surly you must be pronouncing the name wrong. There are no noble houses in Absalom with that name." Boldren makes his way through some of the shelves then adds a request to the conversation. "We will require some lint or a small amount of papyrus, assuming you have any in stock."

"I have lint. Papyrus is of no use in these parts.
Gaius Larue's my name, and i travel between establishments. For the time being, i am back in the cold lands."

He turns to a shelf with a box.
"How much lint were you looking for?"

Is everyone going to be in here, or will some remain outside/ go visit other places?

Boldren observes the merchant as he retrieves the box. "A small amount will do. I also could use a small piece of light weight wood."

"Ah?
I've got a few rectangular paperweights, as well as a few unfinished wooden seals.
No, not the animal kind, don;t look at me like that."

He shows you a cylinder about as thick as a man's finger.
"Some people can't, or simply won't, afford the rings for their signet seals, and therefor buy these and have their own carved in it on demand."

Yanda is a bit embarrassed by that introduction, but rolls with it - to a point. Hormonal Duchess indeed! Er-lack gets more than his fair share of the extra glares she is tossing about. But in the interest of avoiding more embarrassment, she distances herself. Besides, she is quite confused about their requests for papyrus and lint.

<== Is expecting some really silly twist somewhere along the road. X)

Brax will stay outside the shop with our goblin captives. He keeps to himself, ensuring he has a close eye on the little buggers.

Realizing that most of it was said OOC, I will drop the IC menstruation jokes from here on.

Erlathan shrugs as Yanda glares at him, then remembering he really has nothing to buy, heads back outside the shop to join Braxen in watching the captives.

Yanda shrugs at the shop owner and leaves flees.

Aarion gathers a small amount of the lint and winds it around the small piece of the light wood, creating a medieval tampon for Yanda.

After completing the process, the wizard looks around for the Alchemist. "Yanda, I have something that might help with your situation."

Turning to the store merchant, Blodren inquires on the cost of the lint and small piece of wood. "This looks like it will do. How much for the two objects?"

"3 silvers."

In case someone feels venturous and wants to try and ask around about who runs the village.

It might surprise you, but when asked about the one in charge, you hear the position is filled by a troll, named Rimetusk, who's here on behalf of the Jadwiga.

Diplomacy: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (12) - 2 = 10

"So a troll is running this place. Hmm, seems odd. Hey, you there! Who is this Rimetusk?" Erlathan looks for a nearby local, but no one really seems to care for his elven features or annoying voice.

Before Boldren can give her the item he was purchasing, Yanda has already left. His offer falling on empty space. He will have to go looking for her. Though his purchases do pique her curiosity, she is too embarrassed to stick around after the hormonal duchess crack.

diplo: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (8) + 0 = 8

She starts asking questions around town. Normally not much of a diplomatist, today she is even worse. Not willing to aid anyone she strikes off on her own. Her questions fall on flat ears, though, as she is unwilling to leave the goblins for too long and their influence is putting a damper on things. Not to mention her evident and pervasive general irritability.

After looking around the store for a moment, Boldren comes to the conclusion that his assistance with Yanda's problem is unwelcome. "Well, it seems the young lady I was going to buy this for has left the building. I'm afraid I might have embarrassed her by offering to help. Maybe this is something I should leave alone. "

Boldren places the lint and the wood on the table and heads out the door.

Knowledge (Nobility): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
Diplomacy: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (12) - 2 = 10

As the wizard makes his way back to the group he begins sharing what he knows about the nobility of the area.

"From what I can remember, A Jadwiga is a descendant of a daughter of Baba Yaga, they are nobility. They currently are the only ones ascending the throne of Irrisen."

Any knowledge check to know about the local laws?

I'm actually not sure how Yanda would have reacted to your offer, Boldren. It really depends on how diplomatic you were about it. Her main reaction was because of the comment by Erlathan; she had absolutely no idea what you were up to. I've found, IRL however, that most women would react EXACTLY as you assumed she would. It actually took a while before I could discuss things like that with my own wife even though we are married. With most women it seems like the elephant in the room. Everyone knows but nobody actually discusses it. At least not in a any male/female conversation I've been party to. But it was all well played in my mind. I enjoyed the role-play with you all.

Okay, glad to hear that. I wasn't sure if I hit a sore spot, or that it was mildly inappropriate with my comment, hence why I said I'd drop it.

Local laws would be a tough topic, since although it's a low DC by the mentioned rules, Irissen is a very reclusive country, where i imagine newcomers to the country would have some trouble of knowing each village's customs.
There's not much mentioned about it, so go with what you think is right, and we'll go from there.

If the group takes a look around, the path through the village gets you to a sign.
_____________
[<-- Village]
[--> Ferry ]
-------------

"A Jadwhatga? Jadweega?" Erlathan scratches his chin. "So that's what this Rimetusk is? Hmm... Perhaps we might make for the ferry? I doubt these villagers are going to tell us anything, especially with these things in haul." He glances at the goblins.

I'm actually not sure how Yanda would have reacted to your offer, Boldren. It really depends on how diplomatic you were about it. Her main reaction was because of the comment by Erlathan; she had absolutely no idea what you were up to. I've found, IRL however, that most women would react EXACTLY as you assumed she would. It actually took a while before I could discuss things like that with my own wife even though we are married. With most women it seems like the elephant in the room. Everyone knows but nobody actually discusses it. At least not in a any male/female conversation I've been party to. But it was all well played in my mind. I enjoyed the role-play with you all.

LoL ..You brought up the change in mood and allocated it to that time of the month, which I posted what I though was a funny, informative, out of character comment about (Probably shouldn't have attempted this). The GM moved the OOC comment to an in game action, which I felt was interesting, so I rolled with it. (Shrug) I didn’t mean to move things overly south. I was just trying to go with the flow <-----(Pun?). Well at a minimum, I’m willing to bet it was the first time you have been offered a tampon in a role playing game…LoL. And just think what’s going to happen if someone decides to roleplay taking a crap………Drum roll please!...........Medieval toilet paper! <--- my final attempt at informative hummer.……or is it? I’m not so sure Erlathan will find that one funny, seeing elves might not participate in the pooping process. That being said, I have no doubt that dwarves can handle their own in this department. Ok enough, enough,…back on topic.

Boldren glances down the road to see if he can see the Ferry. “Any idea where the ferry goes? It might be a better option then heading deeper into town. In addition to the public display of the goblins, I'm not overly familiar with this city’s laws. It could be quite possible that bringing these little guys into the city, in itself, is a violation.” Boldren glances back at the rest of the group. “What do you guys think.”

Brax seems a tad bit nervous about the onlookers. "I don't like how everyone is talking and whisperin' 'bout us. The ferry seems a good choice."

I told you i was expecting some silly twist in the posts. :)

Continuing the path, it leads out of the village.
Some birds nest in the trees nearby, and a few kids come running by, holding a small fish at the end of their improvised rods.

Taking a turn in the road, you see the Rime river, its icy current to be crossed only by a modest ferry.

Standing at the ferry, leaning on an axe, is a muscular looking troll.

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

From a distance, Boldren takes a good look at the troll and then turns to the group. "Well that doesn't look good. Does someone think they can actually parlay with the troll?" Boldren glances down at the remaining goblins. "At least we are no longer the most unusual thing in the city."

Is that the troll that we heard was in charge?

After taking a moment to think, Boldren offers a suggestion. "I'm hopping we don't have to fight that thing, but if we do, I have a spell that can Enlarge someone. Because the spell makes you bigger and a bit slower, you will become a little easier to hit, but you will also be able to attack a target from a distance with your longer much more powerful arms. This in conjunction with a much bigger weapon will make someone a wrecking machine. Would anyone be interested in the spell if we get into a skirmish?" (Enlarge Person) (+2 str, -2 Dex, -1 AC, Gain reach, and weapon size goes up 1 category. Full round cast and will last 2 minutes / 20 combat rounds.)

Is that the troll that we heard was in charge?

Maaayybe??

Am I right in assuming that we need to cross that river to get out of the country (with the goblins), which is our main objective?

"Thanks for the offer, Boldren, but I'm more of a lob-things-from-behind kind of gal. Maybe we could just pay him. I mean it sure looks like he is set up for business."

Yes, yes you are. :D
You can swim, of course, but it's very cold and the swim DC would be 15.

"Maybe we could just pay him. I mean it sure looks like he is set up for business."

"It does look like he is open for business, but I can't get past the fact that it's a troll. Eather way, I think we are in for some variant of skulduggery. I can almost say for certain that whoever says no to what he wants for using the ferry, is going to get their face smashed in." Boldren glances sideways at Braxen.

"Oh, but perhaps we can at least try to reason with him? We haven't even spoken with the troll yet. Maybe he's the reasonable variety!" Erlathan laughs, knowing such a being is rare or doesn't exist at all. "Who knows, maybe he'll like that we've been escorting these pesky goblins."

"A damned troll! This mission keeps getting worse." Brax looks to Galtorr and points a stubby, thick thumb over his shoulder at him at Boldren's suggestion of Enlarge Person.

"We should see what he charges ta' get across at least. Like his kind or not, he's got a right to make a livin'. He lowers his voice so the goblins can't hear. "Just need ta' make sure the goblins are better secured this go around. I'm not goin' after one if it ends up in the drink. Who wants ta' talk ta' the troll?"

Go ahead.

"Although I could probably tell you a lot about trolls, I will admit that I am not the person you want to talk to one. I will leave that detail for someone who, at the minimum, has the gift to gab. Or at least has a more smashable face."

"I know that they don't like fire, but that is about all."

The muscular troll has obviously spotted you now, and he waits for someone, if not all, to approach. Whoever approaches:

"Who are you, and what do you want?"

The pelt of a polar bear adorns his back and head like a mantle of victory, and his tusks are large and sharp, yet not as sharpened as his axe.

Be careful, this encounter can go either way. Everyone can talk to him, but only has one shot at it.
You can pass this with social rolls or the much riskier rough way, against this large brute.
All three social rolls (bluff, diplomacy, intimidate) can be used, though intimidate is the riskiest by far. It's a troll after all.

Erlathan whispers to Braxen, "You seem skilled at the art of bluffing, might you tell him we're oh, I don't know, traveling adventurers? Merchants? Perhaps tell him we just mean to pass through without trouble? A few coins may sweeten the deal!" Erlathan pulls out some gold coins from his pack, waiting for someone else to do the talking.

Brax nods to Erlathan as he approaches the troll. "Well met, mighty troll! My name is Braxen Dravensams, but you can surely call me "Brax". That is quite the pelt ya are wearing there! Why, in all my travels, I've never seen such a specimen! My friends and I would like ta' secure passage on the ferry, if we could. There's 6 o' us and some other passengers we're bringing with us, but I'm SURE they won't be any trouble at all."

Brax winks at Erlathan to hand the troll some gold and clears his throat. "What say ye'?"

Bluff: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

"As my friend Brax here says, we're just looking for safe passage. Surely a mighty being such as yourself has no time to deal with such underlings as us, yes? May as well have us be on our way!" Erlathan hands the troll 20 gold pieces. "Please accept our offerings, sire!"

Bluff aid: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (3) - 2 = 1

"Or if they do we can stuff them in bags for the trip."

Aid Bluff: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (1) + 0 = 1

Nice! I sense a fight coming shortly. Everyone KNOWS a goblin can chew its way out of a bag in three seconds flat.

Oh, the best is yet to come.

You are enjoying yourself WAY too much sir.

Oh? :3
Why not, i get to play the baddies' RP.

Boldren keeps a hand on his wand of magic missiles and glances over at Galtorr to insure he is prepared for the inevitable fight.

Meanwhile keeping an eye on the goblins, i take it, so they don't run away.

Yes, assuming that they are still shackled.

About 24 hours for the stuff, i reckon Galtorr's more into the axing than talking, so let's proceed.

Rimetusk looks sternly at Braxen, and the two standing near him.
"ACHOO!!!", comes from the goblins, whose fetters and manacles now loudly clank together. They shake their heads with grins on their faces, drawing attention, the goblin way.

"I've made a trophy out of the bear, i'll have your liar skulls on my mantlepiece! RRRRAAAAGGHH!!!"

Rimetusk, round 1

Holding his axe in 2 hands, Rimetusk moves up to Braxen and lets his signature teeth do some talking first.
Bite: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22Dmg: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Braxen is disabled.

The teeth hit deep, and the troll looks at Braxen with primal anger.
---------
Boldren & Galtorr
Braxen & Yanda
Erlathan

Boldren begins casting.

(Attempting to cast enlarge person Galtorr. Full round cast.)

Yanda will quaff her dex mutagen and step back.

Rimetusk, round 1

Holding his axe in 2 hands, Rimetusk moves up to Braxen and lets his signature teeth do some talking first.
The teeth hit deep, and the troll looks at Braxen with primal anger.
---------
Boldren starts casting a spell, as its effect might be sorely needed.
Galtorr
Braxen & Yanda (posted)
Erlathan & Inu

To the others, feel free to post ahead to speed it, but things will resolve in the init order.

I've noticed Galtorr's off the grid since September 29th.
None of his aliases have recent posts either.
If someone would like to bot him, feel free to do so until he returns.

He's a bloody barbarian. I've only ever seen barbarians do one thing - rage and engage. Since I do not see a great benefit from attacking in wolf form, let's have him go at it with the big honkin' sword he's toting about.

--Melee: Great Sword Power Attack +4 (2d6+9 19-20/x2)

Since one can't make an aoo vs a target with cover, and reach attacks count cover as well, Galtorr will come in from behind Erlathan.

Greatsword, PA: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 82d6 + 9 ⇒ (5, 1) + 9 = 15
It might be the size, it might be the sight of a beast slain that hangs on Rimetusk's back, Galtorr misses his attack.

You can also roll for him next time, if you want. Bad dice happen both ways.

Yanda steps back and drinks a mutagen potion, seeming to get hyped after it.
Braxen
Erlathan & Inu You guys can post ahead.

Braxen steps 5 feet away from Rimetusk, as per discussion thread.

Erlathan & Inu