Zeno Loxley |
Knowledge (Nature): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27
"I understand that this very city retains a tribe of primitive Sahuagin as part of its military."
For a moment, Zeno does not elaborate, but pauses long and conspicuously enough to allow whatever thoughts this observation may provoke in others to surface. He then continues:
"Sahuagin are also renowned for the number of radical mutations they spawn - most of them advantageous. Having four arms, or long lethal spines, are common manifestations...rarer are the ones known as 'malenti'. Though their hearts and minds are Sahuagin, superficially they appear identical to Aquatic Elves."
Again, Zeno allows the silence between words to elaborate on his behalf.
Grandmaster TOZ |
"Would it be possible that the Sahuagins used their strong affinity for sharks, that allows them to telepathically communicate with the creatures, to somehow sabotage the mission?"
The thick, powerful tail breaks the water, waving and quirking as Razethka considers the party. "I see the Pathfinder Society employs knowledgeable agents in these matters. A most commendable choice." Without a splash, the tail slides back into the pool. "I would not expect them to be able to command the whale sharks without some enchantment, but I cannot discount the possibility. Their riders were not bonded with them, as some are."
Shardra - Iconic Shaman |
After Thaddeus Treeskipper's question was answered we can go!
Thokzazt |
"Thank you for your time Miss Razetha. If your testimony is further required in the Courts of this City, I'm certain that you will be more than Cooperative. I would encourage you, as profession Legal Council, to not leave the city until this investigation is concluded."
Ready to go when you all are! William, how do you feel about a Buddy Cop Adventure? You can be Good Cop, I'll be Neutral Cop.
Grandmaster TOZ |
"Other than the sahuagin tribes, I cannot say for certain who else would benefit from the expeditions failure. If you have further need of my opinion, you are most welcome to return." The beautiful glass doors slide closed behind you, and the noise of the city grows louder without the barriers between the party and the rest of Vialesk.
Who would you wish to interview next?
Thokzazt |
That's the First rule of Pathfinders: A.B.N.
Always. Blame. Nigel. Chances are, he did SOMETHING wrong to cause this mess.
Shardra - Iconic Shaman |
„Yes, let us proceed to Tsomo!“ Shardra says
Grandmaster TOZ |
I will update with your trip to Tsomo's when I can, but I am flying to Disney in the morning, so this weekend will be a little busy.
William Iosef Blazkovich |
Chatting with Thokzazt on the way to Tsomo's, William seems to cross back and forth between admiration and unease. "...so you wish you alternate lines of questioning? You taking the position of an unyielding constable, and I more willing to... wheel and deal as they say?"
He shrugs. "I have employed such a tactic in an interrogation but I am certain that we could make it fit the present assignment."
Grandmaster TOZ |
You make your way across the mercantile district, including the wide marketplace, for roughly another hour, the directions clear but the path very unclear. The cartography house is a stately building of many small offices, and with the help of a few friendly elves, you arrive at Tsomo's main office. Four large creatures occupy the largest office you have seen within, a necessity given the shells they carry on the back of their chitin-plated lower bodies. The only other occupant is a harried sea elf that appears to be assisting with the organization of numerous maps and charts. One of the crab-centaurish creatures turns and smiles. "Welcome, travelers. I am known as Chailai. What directional needs have you that I might satisfy?"
Shardra - Iconic Shaman |
"Dear Chailai, and sorry may I have your attention dear Tsomo as well." Shardra says with some sense of urgency.
After getting Tsomo's attention she continues "We are here because of the sad incident that has caused this community so much trouble. We already had the pleasure to talk to Razethka and were also pointed in your direction."
She pauses a moment and apologetically adds "And to be honest our line of questioning has to start with some of the accusations that we are hearing that we do not believe at the moment and would very much like to verify with you."
She takes out a piece of paper.
"We know that you were responsible for mapping the route that was taken. Would you be so kind and give us your view on the following two questions.
1. Is it possible that some of the murajau guides had an unhealthy interest in the shell settlement and have behaved suspicious during or since the incident`?
2. Is it possible that you failed to keep your maps up to date and did not properly account for the shifting Plane of Water?"
diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23
Grandmaster TOZ |
Chailai bows apologetically. "Forgive me, but Master Tsomo is not in the office at the moment. I will answer your questions as best I can in his stead." He listens intently, nodding as Shardra finishes laying out the initial inquiry. "I believe that I can clarify this issue, if you will direct your attention to these maps." Gesturing to one of the cartography tables, he and the others open long narrow drawers, holding unfolded maps within. One murajau sets down a glass tank, within which is a small shark of some kind, while the assistant continues his work organizing other maps.
"Here is the route which was charted to reach the Lambent Bloom. I do not believe any of our clan would have ill intent, as the shell is culturally significant to our people. Legends say that it was the funeral site of the last worshipers of Lysianassa. Our participation was in part a pilgrimage of sorts, what we hoped to be the first of many." He traces out another section of the map, marked with red ink. "Here is where the algae should have been, well off of the path we charted."
Ebonwolf Metalbender |
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Know. Plane: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Looking over the maps Ebonwolf really knows nothing much more than it being a map. "Tha is interesting, might we 'ave a copy fer verification purposes of course."
Shardra - Iconic Shaman |
Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30
Kn Planes: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
"Very interesting. Excuse me asking but the shark there. It appears to have notches in its fin that do not seem to be natural. Have you noticed that?!" Shardra says prepared that something happens.
Grandmaster TOZ |
"Ah, yes. It is Tsomo's marking, to identify his ownership." Chailai answers. The woman who carried the tank speaks up. "I had found it in the marketplace and collected it for Master Tsomo."
Thokzazt |
Kn(Planes): 10 + 12 = 22
"These charts seem to be in order. According to these maps, they should have avoided the Lambent Bloom with no trouble." Flipping through his Notebook, he looks back up toward Chialai. "I hear that there was a bit of Clanging heard before being overcome by the Algae. Would you be able to further elaborate? Additionally, Where did you say 'Master Tsomo' was? His testimony will also be required."
Laying a hand to his mace from his notebook, he gives it a light tap. "Now if someone were to be, say 'Harboring' Pun intended a conspirator, there would be consequences for such an action. Those that obey the law though, have nothing to fear. The Prince of Law's reign is absolute and unflinching."
Intimidate: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
William Iosef Blazkovich |
William sits in the back with his palm firmly planted on his face. Finally he taps on Thokzazt's shoulder, the metal spikes at the end of his armor sleeves clanking against the Hellknight's plate. He takes him aside for a moment and whispers.
"What was that Zahra said about not being too overt in our questioning? I know we are supposed to be questioning those involved, but I didn't expect this sort of Chelish Inquisition."
A dice roll: 1d20 ⇒ 15 If this is Bluff its +11, if it's diplomacy it's +12. You can decide which based on the dialogue below.
He sighs and walks back to Chailai.
"Ahem... What my friend here meant to say is that should we need any additional information we'd like to speak with Tsomo. However, as it seems that our questions have been answered satisfactorily, I suspect it would put him at unnecessary distress if he found out that a loud overbearing ~Minister of the Price of Law~" He rolls his eyes visibly as he says that. "- was marching around asking for him. If you could simply let us know when and where we could find him should we have any more questions, we would be most gracious. No need to inform him though. There is a strong chance that we will not even need to speak with him anyway, and I would not want to inconvenience him by having him clear space in his busy schedule just in case."
Grandmaster TOZ |
The murajau cough and exchange glances, radiating discomfort. Chailai answers for the group. "I am deeply sorry, sirs. We meet with Master Tsomo here in his offices, and have not been to his residence. Our travels take us from the city for long periods of time, and so the currents move the residents of Vialesk, if not nearly so far." Each of them are clearly disappointed in their inability to help. "I do recall hearing the noise you speak of, but I thought little of it at the time and dismissed it. I am sorry I do not have more insight into its cause for you."
Thaddeus Treeskipper |
The gentle little grippli smiles at the murajau. "My friends have gotten a little overenthusiastic in their search for truth, and have forgotten the importance of goodness and gentleness. If you don't know of anything else you think would help us, we will leave you in peace to do your important job. Blessings of the Lady of Light be on you."
Grandmaster TOZ |
The murajau nod, relief crossing their faces. "Is there anything else we can help you with, Pathfinders?" Chailai asks before the party departs.
Any last questions? If not, what would you like to investigate next?
Thaddeus Treeskipper |
I'm ready to move on.
After the team leaves, Tad lectures the others on treating others with kindness. It's probably rather humorous to hear such solemn pronouncements coming out of the mouth of a barely 2 foot tall frog-man.
After he thinks his point is made, he suggests, "Let's go see Honoke next."
Thokzazt |
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Thokzazt claps William on the shoulder after leaving the Murajau. "I think that was sufficiently Inquisitive. You did a Fantastic job as 'Good Constable' William! I will continue my Best as 'Lawful Constable.'"
And once again, the Wis 8 rears its head.
Thokzazt |
To Honoke!
Grandmaster TOZ |
The party finds their way through the busy mercantile district, working slowly through the crowds, to find themselves in a field of stone and water. The pools stretch out in neatly spaced clusters, and beneath the water swim countless fish and other aquatic life. At the pool Zahra's directions lead you too, a few whale sharks float within. A blue giant, easily more than 20 feet tall, drags a shark behind himself with each hand as he swims laps in the enclosure. His pace is noticeably slower than his massive limbs should support.
Zeno Loxley |
Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30
"Don't let the interesting fitness regimen throw you off. This one's very old for his kind, and more than a bit sick on top of that," Zeno observes quietly to his comrades.
William Iosef Blazkovich |
"Good afternoon Comrade Honoke!"
Does anyone here have Handle Animal and want to give him a hand? Go swimming with the sharks?
Clearly not having any frame of reference for training animals, William elects to draw an utterly irrelevant parallel to his own field training, hoping to butter him up a bit.
"I see you take a hands-on approach to training! Commendable! The Commander who marches with his troops not only gains their respect but sets an example."
Diplomacy (Improve Attitude): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24
Ebonwolf Metalbender |
"Aye Sir. As me fellow mate says you appear ta be a bit under tha weather. Might I be'in of some medical assistance?" Ebonwolf begins to pull out his healing suppies and kit thinking to himself "Imma need so'm bigger bandages."
Diplomacy Aid Improve Attitude: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15
Heal Check + healer's Kit: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 6 + 2 = 27 Or will expend some wand charges/a Lesser Restoration if necessary
Zeno Loxley |
"Aye Sir. As me fellow mate says you appear ta be a bit under tha weather. Might I be'in of some medical assistance?"
Zeno puts his hand to his face.
"I was trying to be discreet," He mutters.
Grandmaster TOZ |
You see the giant release the two sharks to the herd, taking two more in hand and pulling them along his route. From the way the released ones float, it is obvious they are not moving much of their own free will. Honoke seems to not even notice William and the rest of the party, but Ebonwolf's offer of medicine turns his head, and the arc of his swimming rises, until he breaks the surface. "If you have healing to offer, offer it to my charges."
Ebonwolf is able to treat the unhealed wounds with Thaddeus' help, although he can see they are so weakened by poison they can barely swim. Without Honoke's efforts, they would be unable to breathe, ignobly drowning in their own element. Ebonwolf thinks he has helped enough to keep them from dying, but can help them further by removing some of the Con damage if he wishes. Honoke is suffering from the same effects.
"You have my thanks, little outworlders." Honoke rasps, his voice not nearly so deep and strong as one would expect of his huge size.
Thaddeus Treeskipper |
Tad looks carefully at the sharks.
perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
"Look at the notches on this one's fins." Tad points out to the others."[/b]
He also aske Honoke "Is the poison still active in any of your charges? I can slow the effects of poison, but only for one creature right now. There is also something I can do for you to help you be strong to take care of your charges."
Tad lifts his holy symbol and prays for a moment. He then reaches out and gently puts a hand on Honoke's arm, or some other reasonable and not offensive place he can reach.
casting lesser restoration from his bonded holy symbol, restoring 1d4 ⇒ 3 points of con.
also offering one use of delay poison for one of the sharks.
Ebonwolf Metalbender |
"Thank ye Thaddeus. I could be usein' tha help especially with so many bein' in need." Ebonwolf continues working diligently and tirelessly to ensure the Sharks are healed enough to hopefully move about. He calls upon Torag to provide some divine healing expending a spell to heal another Shark Cast Lesser Restoration Con Dmg Cured: 1d4 ⇒ 4 "I also be havin these, though I'm Not sure if it will help with the current conditions." the Half-Orc pulls two vials from his kit and sets them out for use. Two Vials of Anti-Toxin
Shardra - Iconic Shaman |
"Dear Honoke, we hope that you are feeling better now. Do you have any information that you can provide to us that could be important to investigate the dramatic events that led to you and your charges being poisoned?" Shardra says with concern in her voice.
Diplomacy to influence attitude: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18
Shardra hears Thaddeus remark and looks closer as well. She points at the shark with the strange fins and says [b]"It is very kind of you to also take care of Tsomo's sharks. This one has the characteristic fin notches. We heard that an associate of Tsomo found one of these sharks in the marketplace and collected it for him." and waits to see the reaction.
sence motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Grandmaster TOZ |
Ebonwolf thinks that the poison has run its course and the antitoxin will not noticeably aid their recovery.
Honoke's pallor improves greatly from Thaddeus' magic, while Ebonwolf is able to restore enough health to the whale shark that it begins to swim freely about the enclosure. "What is it that moves you to such charity?" Honoke asks, the rasp diminished in his voice. Spying the wayfinder at the halforc's side, he smiles. "Pathfinders, Zahra must have sent you. I will help you however I can, as you have helped me." As the markings on the shark are pointed out, his brow furrows in puzzlement. "I had never seen them. They look quite fresh, must have been made within the week. You say Tsomo uses this mark? I will have to ask him why he did it. I have raised these ones from near birth, after my wife passed. "
Shardra - Iconic Shaman |
"Yes, that would be a very noble act of yours that we would very much appreciate!"
Diplomacy - aid: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17
William Iosef Blazkovich |
"Do you know what toxin caused this malady?"
"I must say, seeing someone willing to carry these animals personally even with imminent risk to yourself sure leaves an impression. Your aid to restoring the damaged reef could inspire others to help as well."
Thinking about the mark, William asks, "Do you know if others have been marked as such? And if the marked ones were present during the ill-fated expedition?"
Diplomacy Aid: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17
Grandmaster TOZ |
The elderly giant weighs the request for long moments, looking out at the small herd of sharks swimming before him. "I cannot ignore this danger to others. I know not how I can assist, but I will lend whatever aid I can." He turns back to William, resolve evident in his eyes. "It was the algae, that which they called the Carmine Scourge. I was outside of the vessels the expedition traveled with when it swept upon us, only by luck did I survive it. Many of my charges were not so lucky. I had felt the tide change some time before, but thought little of it then." He grasps his beard in thought. "I have not seen other such markings. These were present, yes. I would ask Tsomo if there were others."
Honoke the Ocean Giant has joined your cause! :D
Shardra - Iconic Shaman |
"Thank you very much dear Honoke! We are very grateful for your support and guidance. Do you have any further suggestions for our investigation?" Shardra asks.
Grandmaster TOZ |
"Why is it that you cannot speak with him at his office? I would not wish strangers to call upon me at my home unannounced."