[PFS - PbP Game Day 3] 0-17: The Pirate Pact (Inactive)

Game Master GM Aarvid

Rhuul, you cannot make out the figure on the altar but can tell it has not been used in hundred(s) of years by the original builders of this place for any ritual purposes.
The creatures here seem to have happened upon this abandoned cave by chance or fate.

As you exit the loathsome shrine, with Holman and Nokazi hanging to the back shadows,
it looks like the sun itself decided to celebrate your
victory over the denizens of the mound.

But the sun didn’t come alone...

“Well,” says the jet-haired pirate woman, lips twisted in a
grin.

“Shiver me timbers! Look who made it out alive. I hoped
the crawling horrors would be the end of you, but I suppose vermin don’t eat each other.”

Riverbane spits on the moss covered ground before continuing.

“Why do Pathfinders always have to meddle in what doesn’t concern them?”

Pulling out an ancient-looking tome from a pouch, she throws
it unceremoniously in the mud.

“Fools! All this for a book …”

She erupts in laughter.

“Bazzak dies tomorrow and you die today! KILL THEM!”

Her 8 crewmen standing in a ring around the cave mouth, with weapons in hand and sneers on their faces move to attack.

Woods map has been updated. No surprise round since both sides were aware - or a least suspecting.

====Initiative====

21-Holman
20-Riverbane and Archers
16-Malus
13-Nokazi
12-Eadie
10-Rhuul
6-Swordsmen

Holman and Nokazi are hiding in the shadow of the cave at the start. There is a 5' wide trench in front of the cave

acrobatics to cross it or you can go around either end

Holman is up...then Riverbane and archers.

See discussion prior to posting...

"Fire at the three of them!"

The 4 archers target Malus, Rhuul and Eadie, not apparently noticing Holman or Nokazi in the cave shadows.

Archer on Malus shortbow: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13 for dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 6
Archer on Rhuul shortbow: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17 for dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Both arrows hit their flatfooted targets. However the other archers only bounce a pair of arrows off Eadie's thick armor.

Archer on Eadie shortbow: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 for dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Archer on Eadie shortbow: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14 for dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Then Lady Riverbane chants some arcane words and a spot of slick greasy substance coats the ground under Eadie and Rhuul (DC13 reflex or fall).

Party up...saves needed for anyone in the greasy spot.

Malus intones a spell, and a small ball of ice appears above his head, launching at Lady Riverbane. An almost palpable accumulation of power activates during this incantation.

Malus uses 1 point from his arcane reservoir in order to increase the CL by +1 on his spell.

Snowball! vs Lady Riverbane's Touch: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Damage: 4d6 ⇒ (1, 5, 6, 4) = 16

DC 15 vs Fort or Staggered 1 round.

As sudden as his actions, a crack in the air, darker than night, appears behind him and Malus steps through, the crack quickly closing behind him. A keen eye notices him re-appearing behind the archers and he quickly takes off for cover behind the tree-line.

Dimensional Slide takes 1 point from his arcane reservoir and he moves up to 30' to a new location that he can see, taking 5' of his movement (indicated by the transparent Malus icon). He then moves his remaining 25' to his final position.

Ripper squeals with frustration at his master's wound and sudden disappearance, and launches himself at the archer responsible!

Bite + Charge: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 4 + 2 = 21
Damage (Sudden Swoop): 1d3 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) - 2 + 2 = 2

I will update his location on the map once his icon is added to the map. Right archers pack, lower archer is his target.

Nokazi will delay until after Rhuul and before the swordsmen.

Holman rushes around the end of the chasm and attacks one of the archers.

Move action: As indicated on map
Acrobatics (if needed): 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 11 - 4 = 8

Standard action: Attack archer
Attack (+1 Adamantine Dagger): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
Damage (+1 Adamantine Dagger, Sneak Attack vs. FF): 1d3 + 1 + 2d8 ⇒ (1) + 1 + (6, 6) = 14

Rhuul tries to keep his balance
reflex dc 13: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
But fails to and falls to the ground. Still, even on the ground he waves the pathfinder flag.

"Ye can greaze the ground under me foot, but not the palm of the Pathfinder society." growls the dwarf.

"Not that that is necessarily true" he adds under his breath.

"My slipping up may be your last mistake!"

Inspire Courage and flagbearer. +2/+2

He then climbs carefully to his feet.

You hear a groan from somewhere behind the trees right after Rhuul's 'quip'...

Nokazi fires two shorts from the shadows at the eastern swordsmen in clear sight.

Rapid Shot 1: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 8 + 2 = 27
damage: 1d8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 2 = 9
Sneak Attack: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Rapid Shot 2: 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 2 + 1 = 13
damage: 1d8 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 2 + 1 = 14
Sneak Attack: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Studied Target as an immediate action on second attack granting +1 hit and damage if the the first attack hit for sneak attack damage. I think they are also flat footed, so rolling sneak attack for second shot if hits.

Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

“Nice shot, Mr Stoneclaw!”

Eadie steps directly out of the greased area NE-E-S-S past the flat-footed (and likely dead swordsman) so no AoO.

“Excuse me, Holman.” Before continuing S-SW-S. I assume Holman's archer is dead or not wielding a melee weapon - so again no AoO.

So glad I bought those featherstep slippers for myself as a Crystalhue present! Eadie takes no movement penalty for travelling through difficult terrain.

Eadie ends her double movement in the bush, threatening the archer directly to her SW if he makes a ranged shot. The young warrior is also hopeful the undergrowth will provide her partial concealment/cover from Lady R’s ensuing attack.

You hear a battle cry ring out from Eadie’s position. “I DO THIS FOR TALDOR!”

I have no idea why people say that – but it sounds COOL!

Holman dashes out of the dark cover of the cave at Riverbane's words and stabs his small dagger thru the throat of the archer.
The man falls to the ground bleeding.

The other archers fire, scoring hits on Malus and Rhuul. Rhuul slips on the arcane grease.

Malus lobs a snowball at Riverbane. The woman obviously has never been in a snowball fight and forgets to duck. She takes the ice full to the face.

fort: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14 and is staggered by the blow.

Ripper bites an archer in a flurry of teeth.

Little Red Eadie dances over the trench and through the woods hoping the pirates are do not all have combat expertise with their spiked vorpal gauntlets.

Rhuul tells a quick joke then stands to his feet to get a better view of the carnage.

Nokazi fires a pair of arrows, dropping a pair of swordsmen just as quickly.

I told you this would not last long. :P

The two remaining swordsmen gulp and move to engage Eadie in the woods.

Sword on Eadie shortswd: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12 for dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 4
Sword on Eadie shortswd: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12 for dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Their perfectly synchronized sword swings are no match for the woman.

Holman is up (or can delay) and then Riverbane and remaining archers.

Holman will delay until after Eadie, in the hopes that he will be able to charge the southern swordsman.

=== Round 2 ===
20-Riverbane and Archers
16-Party
6-Swordsmen

Not being able to see Malus and exact her revenge, Lady Riverbane steps back and points a wand at Eadie and a pair of glowing bolts of force unerringly strike the warrior in the torso.

"You fools! This is not the end but only the beginning of the fall of Pathfinder Society you cherish!"

dmg: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (2, 1) + 2 = 5

The two remaining archers aim their bows at the dwarf.

Archer on Rhuul shortbow: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8 for dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Archer on Rhuul shortbow: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10 for dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Party up...

Eadie … hopes the pirates do not have combat expertise with their spiked vorpal gauntlets.

Noooooooooooooooooooooo

Little Red Eadie dances … through the woods

Eadie curls her heavy blade over her right shoulder with both hands and lifts her elbows, exposing her torso to the incoming magical bolts.

"Is that the best you got? My turn now!"

The young Pathfinder moves 10' to the south Provokes from both swordsmen? and chops downward at Lady R, like a woodsman executing a wolf in drag.

falchion + PA + FF + flag-inspired: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 11 + 2 = 20
damage + flag-inspired: 2d4 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (1, 4) + 14 + 2 = 21

She then looks back to her right at the survivors and smiles showing all of her (rather large) teeth. “I’m very honorable and will accept your immediate, unconditional surrender.”

“You know, I almost passed my paladin’s entrance exam at the Metro-Cathedral of Abadar in Absalom.”

She sings out to her companions. “Do you guys know it? It’s the old church in the Puddles with the Silent pipe-organ – not far from Grandmaster Torch’s old digs.”

Rhuul continues with the quips while trying to get out of the grease
acrobatics: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (11) - 1 = 10

It's dicey, but be does get clear of the spell, eventually.

"Why don't witches fly when angy?" he asks Lady Riverbane.

"They are afraid of flying off the handle!"

The two pirates gladly take the swings at Eadie, hoping to slow her down from reaching Riverbane.

On Eadie atk: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14 for dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 4 plus fort
On Eadie atk: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 for dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 4 plus fort

Rhuul starts a joke to Riverbane while sliding around in the grass before the cave. Lady Riverbane has a puzzled look on her face as she ponders the riddle...and you almost see a glimmer of a smirk as she watches Eadie's falchion cut deep into her torso, dropping her lifeless form to the ground without a sound.

The remaining pirates watch as their leader falls. Rather than surrender, they fight to the very end, seeking revenge for the termination of their plans to overthrow the Black Marquis.

"Hehe! Metro-Cathedral!?! "Haha!. In the Puddles was my first Pathfinder mission!" "Hoho!

Snickering in the cave attempting not to give away his position, Nokazi fires another two arrows from the shadows at the southern swordsmen in clear sight.

Rapid Shot 1: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 2 = 30
confirm: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 8 + 2 = 21
damage: 1d8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 2 = 6
extra crit damage: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (4, 4) + 10 = 18

Rapid Shot 2: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 8 + 2 = 21
damage: 1d8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 2 = 10

Nokazi fires and drops two more of the pirates as their band is falling faster than the forest leaves.

Malus and Holman then the remaining pirates.

Malus advances and takes a backhand swat at the archer with his Cestus.

Cestus + Flank + Rhuul Bonuses: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Confirm Crit: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Damage: 1d4 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) - 2 + 2 = 1
Damage: 1d4 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) - 2 + 2 = 1

Ripper bites the archer again.

Bite + Rhuul + Flank: 1d20 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 + 4 = 27
Damage: 1d3 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) - 2 + 2 = 3

Malus and Ripper manage to finish off the last of the northern pirates with a couple quick strikes.

Rhuul looks over the fallen, especially Riverbane for any risidual magic, or clues as to what their plans were.

"She acted... oddly." he asks "Don't you think? "

And casts detect magic

Rhuul, to be clear, there are two pirates standing next to you that will swing at you if you cast there.

Oopse, forgot about them. Silly Rhuul

Realising that there are still pirates about, Rhuul akss "Why did the pirate have red eyes?"

While he sets to work with his waraxe.

attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
damage: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

"Too much Sea Weed."

Keeping up inspire and flagbearer

"Why did the pirate have red eyes?"

“Is it because he stayed up all night reading trashy romance novels by candlelight?”

Eadie looks about sheepishly. “Not that I’ve ever done that of course …”

Holman makes his way toward the remaining pirates, ready to charge next turn.

Move action: As indicated on map

He's got a 20' move, so can't reach and attack this round. If they survive till next round, he'll attack then.

As Holman moves into position, the last two archers drop their bows and draw their scimitars as they step into flank around the joking dwarf.

"If we are going down, at least we will shut this jabberin' dwarf and his smart-aleky remarks up!"

On Rhuul scimitar, flank: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 + 2 = 19 for dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 5
On Rhuul scimitar, flank: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 2 = 5 for dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 6

One scores a slash on the dwarf's shoulder.

Party up...be gentle :p

Rhuul, I have your attack from above already

Eadie takes a 5’ step to the north to flank with the bearded jester, feather step slippers are a pretty cool item. I think I like them better than boots of the cat.

… and swings at the easterly pirate. “It’s not too late to surrender …”

falchion + PA + FF + flank + flag: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 11 + 2 + 2 = 31
dmg + flag: 2d4 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (3, 4) + 14 + 2 = 23

Sadly "... but now it is."

Rhuul hacks into one of the remaining pirates with his axe and Eadie slashes the other with her falchion...nearly decapitating the poor man with her blade.

Holman, Nokazi and Malus...one heavily injured pirate remains.

Malus, seeing the situation handled to the south, sets to work cleaning up the area around him by kicking the weapons a good distance away from the prone bodies nearby.

"Hey Rhuul, what does a pirate say after he messes with pathfinders?"

Malus winks, leaving his joke unfinished...

Nokazi fires another two arrows at the wounded pirate, but this time through cover.

Rapid Shot 1: 1d20 + 8 + 2 - 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 + 2 - 8 = 15
damage: 1d8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 2 = 10

Rapid Shot 2: 1d20 + 8 + 2 - 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 + 2 - 8 = 21
damage: 1d8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 2 = 7

Nokazi shoots through the trees and is able to drop the last pirate with a well-placed arrow.

* End Combat *

You are left with the bodies of the 8 crew and Lady Riversbane laying in the woods. Your two rescued prisoners look on with some satisfaction.

The book Lady Riversbane dropped in the mud appears to be the tome 'Memoirs of the Silver Brotherhood' promised to the Society for this mission.

The combat clear, Malus casts Detect Magic and searches the spellcasting captain for magical artifacts and spellbooks.

Malus finds the wand in the hand of Riversbane to be magical as is her mithril chain shirt and a ring on her finger. A couple vials in her pack also show as magical. She does not appear to have any spell books in her possession.

The eight other pirates and the tome in the mud do not radiate any magical auras.

"Well, me hearties. Do we head back and let the pirate lord know he has been made a fool? Or just take the book and run?"

He looks at the two wounded pirates.

"I do wish you would take up a more... wholesome profession. See where piracy gets you?" he points to the bodies all around.

Without any pirates left standing to reply to the dwarf, he has no problem recovering the discarded tome of interest.

Rhuul was directing his comments to the two we saved from the spider cave.

OOps - my bad.

Both of the freed pirates are eager to return to the Black Marquis.

One-Eyed Farl says "At the very least we need to inform the Black Marquis of Riverbane’s treachery...and we need to sail back anyway if there are any crew left aboard her ship."

Rhuul nods to the pirates "Treachery should be noted. Good thing we are heading down river, eh? If there are not enough of us, we can take a row-boat."

Nokazi is unable to hold his laughter any further and releases it like a busted dam rolling on the cave floor and cackling despite the fresh human carnage. After the final chuckle has ceased, he dusts himself off and inquires if anyone was injured.

"You guys kill me with your wit. Is everyone okay? I'm ready to get back to the boat when you are."

Rhuul grins. "Lets hope there are oars, because otherwise we really would be... up the creak without a paddle."

He assists the two wounded pirates back to the river and (hopefully) a non hostile reception.

Conclusion

With Riverbane dead or captured, you return to the Scrag Fisher. Two pirates still on board plead ignorance of their captain’s conspiracy and readily offer to bring the Pathfinders back to Deadbridge.

"We had no idea, honest Miss Eadie. . " says the sailor that spoke to her early in the voyage.

Following an uneventful return trip, you meet again with the Black Marquis. The man listens to their tale with great interest

"That is a most incredible tale. I owe you a great debt for not only uncovering the plot against me by one of my own trusted captains, but also for the rescue of my friend, Farl. . "

Bazzak refuses to reward the Pathfinders beyond letting them keep what they looted.

“Such is the way of the River Kingdoms "
he declares. “If nothing else, your involvement in this affair helped free the region of a dangerous ettercap menace. Hopefully, that’s worth a quick mention in a Pathfinder Chronicle. No?"

Once you depart the Pirates and the Black Marquis, your trip back with the tome is uneventful.

Istivil Bosk, greets each of you and is eager to hear your story and more importantly to get his hands on the 'Memoires of the Silver Brotherhood.'

"Ah yes, let us see this hard won book. " as Rhuul hands him the tome, he accepts it with excitement and eagerness. Which soon turns to dismay and disappointment.

"This is not the real tome we sought. This appears to be nothing but a forgery. No doubt part of the plot to lure the Pathfinder Society in as scapegoats for the overthrow of the Black Marquis . "

He is certainly disappointed by the turn of events but doesn’t hold it against you.

"Oh well, you win some and you lose some, right? All part of a day's work in the Society "

"We had no idea, honest Miss Eadie …"

Wearing a frown and with her arms crossed, Eadie’s response is scathing. “Oh suuure, Tormer! I suppose you thought Lady R and her small army were preparing a celebratory picnic in the woods for us, huh?”

She throws up her arms in disgust. “Just get to your post and plot a course for Deadbridge. If the Fisher needs to be warped, take your orders from Mr Nephmet and One-Eyed, Farl.”

The Black Marquis can decide what to do with you and your mate, Tormer …

♞♞♞♞

“Hopefully, that’s worth a quick mention in a Pathfinder Chronicle. No?"

Eadie lifts her eyes towards Axis and shakes her head.

‘No’ sounds about right …

Thanks again for the game, guys! Hopefully we’ll be able to game again sometime.

"While I am glad to be of assistance to the Society, I am thoroughly upset. Not because the Memoirs were fake, but because our senior leadership were so easily duped by the promise of it. As a member of the Dark Archive, I understand the need to aquire items of power, whether they are powerful in and of themselves or they provide important knowledge, but this appears to be a lesson that we cannot let greed blind us to the situation around us."

Malus stares off pensively for a second.
"It is a shame I could not spend time conversing with the rogue captain, it seems we could have learned a lot from each other..."