PbP GameDay 2: PFS Module: Murder's Mark (Tier 1-2) (Inactive)

Game Master GM Aarvid

Bo'alo still wary from the outer planes clowns neglects to release the grip on his pistol. He wanders with the rest of the company searching for a beer and turkey leg.

Holman leaves the big tent as well, but doesn't have any particular hankerings. He tags along with the others and keeps looking for anything else out of the ordinary.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

As you make your way out, you see some of the crowd head to the east (#6) While others head to the west (#3).

East(#6)Sideshow

This eccentric collection of trinkets and biological oddities
serves as the carnival’s true foundation. Part museum
and part freak show, the sideshow boasts ancient artifacts,
foreign costumes and jewelry, and a variety of magical
artifacts and technological innovations.

West(#3) Midway

Here you see the midway with games of chance. Prizes are awarded for winning at the games: you see paper dolls, dried flowers, ribbons, and sweets from distant lands.

August starts to wander to the west. Look! They're playin' some sort of games! Let's play some of them, An!

"Woah now August, I thought we were going to eat? Lets do one thing at a time. Food first, then play some games."

An steers his friend towards the smell of food, and buys he a number of small 'midway' snacks before they wander back to the games.

"Ok, now what do you want to play?'

Kath grumbles a little but will travel around with August and An. This isn't the place for him, he could probably out tumble those acrobats and they would fall in a second if faced with a real threat. He then takes a breath attempting to calm hims.

At least this is better then weird Druidic cultists and rats

Kath tries to enjoy himself and will turn his attention toward the games.

Heading towards the games then...

A path runs east here from the midway toward the traveling
zoo. To the south are booths with pavilion tent tops that provide
shade for the games of skill and chance played beneath. Behind
them are circus wagons, some clearly only for transportation
and equipment, while others are attractions and portable shops
for merchants. To the north is a gigantic tent erected on tall
poles with a stage curtain pulled shut across its front.

August will go into the area with the booths and try to play any games where brute strength would be favorable. After some time inside there, he will spot the tent to the north and approach it with more curiosity. Whatcha 'pose this 'ere is all 'bout? August asks as he stuffs his face with some more carnival food and treats. Is it 'nother show?

There are many townsfolk and a few clowns wandering around in the Midway trying to win at the various games.

The first large tent you pass as you enter the midway. A couple exits "That was too difficult. I could not tell which one was the real one."

(A2) Three raised runways meet at a point like an arrow beneath
a brightly colored pavilion tent. Where the runways meet sits
a tall, rectangular box covered in mirrors. Off to one side is a
raised speaker’s podium. Posters on makeshift signs depict an
attractive woman in a provocative gown and silver mask, with
the words “The Lovely Madame Masque” in bold print.

This tent does not appear to rely on brute strength, so August might be more interested in the next tent halfway down on the left.

"Greetings one and all! I, Narthi, invite any of you to demonstrate your “power and passion” by “taming the savage beast on yonder pole.” as he points to the lions head.

(A3) A heavy, long-handled mallet leans against a 3-foot-wide and
12-foot-high wooden tower crowned with a stuffed lion’s head.
At the base is a lever attached to a puck that slides up and down
a pole running the length of the tower up to the lion’s head.

A dwarf and another businessman are looking at taking up the mallet.

An nudges August and they move towards the contraption to stand near the other dwarf and businessman.

"So what's the deal with this thing? Just smack the lion with the mallet?", An asks.

The dwarf and the human businessman finish their tries with the mallet.

The businessman takes a determined swing with the mallet and hits the machine pretty hard. The weight goes up halfway, and the lion's head animates at the top "Meow!" and lick's its golden lips. The dwarf chuckles to himself. "Nice kitty!"

The businessman looks embarrassed and drops the mallet at An's feet as he walks off. "Yes, that is all you have to do, genius."

Narthi, the machine operator, picks up the hammer and says, "Yes, you two look like strapping warrior types, do you want to take a try and become the King of the Carnival?"

The other dwarf smiles and watches intently as he bows to August and Nguyen.

Sure, why not? Don't look hard!

"Excellent, we have our next competitor."

Narthi hands August the mallet.

"For one small copper piece, you get one swing at the base of the lion. If you can make it roar, you win a prize.
Step back folks. Ok, give it your best."

Str check, August, assuming you pay him for a chance.

Meanwhile, the rest of the party is watching the crowds enter and exit the other booths. Jugglers approach with colored pins or rings. After finishing, they smile and hold their hand out, looking for a tip.

An will pay for both himself and August to have a turn. He will keep a close eye on the barker to make sure no 'funny business' occurs. Once August has his turn, An will go.

An turn: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Woot!!! A critical with the mallet!!

Wow! That was great An! You're such a great leader!

August tries his hand at the game now. **spit, spit**

Strength: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Haha! Almost as good as you, my liege! August certainly seems to be enjoying his time at the carnival!

Kath looks on approvingly. As deadly with a mallet as with your weapons you two are!

August goes first and with a mighty whack, the lion’s thundering roar can be heard across the entire carnival. "RRROOAAAARRRRRR!"

Narthi (who takes the game quite seriously) bows in respect and presents August with an additional prize,

"I bestow upon you the title “King of the Carnival.”" He motions for August to lean his head forward to receive (ala knighting) a paper crown with the described title on the front.

A few onlookers from around the midway point and cheer.

Not to be outdone, Nguyen An takes his turn with the mallet and the lion again animates and "RRROOAAAARRRRRR!"

Narthi looks in utter amazement and presents the warrior with his own paper crown. "I likewise bestow upon you the title “King of the Carnival.” I have never had two in the same day before. Very impressive, gentlemen."

As you turn to leave you hear Narthi say to the dwarf "I hope that last strike did not break my poor lion." The dwarf mutter under his breath. "Ah,I bet those two were juicin'" and he turns with a smile and walks away.

Juicin'? We can get juice in the carnival? Why would we do that when there's beer and ale to be drinkin'! August walks on, wondering why anybody would think he would drink juice over ale.

As the warriors are being crowned kings of the carnival, the others (Holman, Bo'alo and Morvius) see a large tent to the opposite side of the lion tent.

This enormous tent is dwarfed only by the big top itself. The
southern side has no wall, just a tall curtain pulled across its front.
A sign posted outside advertises that this area has been set aside
for meeting the sphinx at limited times throughout the day. Just
inside is a large metal cage with no floor and bars running across
the top. A single large door is set on the north corner of the west
face, secured by a heavy lock. Strewn about the grass beneath the
cage are silk sheets and piles of cushions and satin pillows.

Morvius whistles. You guys sure know your business, congratulations. He says to the two kings. Hey, lets check the sphinx out. Looks like the queen has open her palace for visitation. The taldan says pointing the new tent.

Holman nods, "Sounds good to me. Let's go check it out." With a wide grin, he heads toward the tent.

I feel stangely drawn to that tent as well, *hic* Bo'alo starts stumbling towards the tent taking more care not to spill his beer than anything else.

The neatly painted sign advertises times when
Jherizhana the sphinx is available to meet the
curious and wonderstruck.

A circus showman

"Come one, come all! See the amazing sphinx from halfway around the world.
The Circus has the rare creature you will likely never see again."

Two circus guards are stationed here during Jherizhana’s
appearances. Visitors are not permitted to enter early. Once they are inside, any attempt to interact with the sphinx physically is prohibited for the safety of the spectators.

After watching for about 15 minutes crowds form to see the sphinx, Jherizhana is announced. The creature makes a brief appearance at midafternoon. You are able to watch as the sphinx lounges in the center area with no regard for humanoid taboos concerning her state of undress.

A woman in the crowd remarks. "Oh, there she is! Little Jimmy cover your eyes!"

Visitors are free to walk around and speak with her.
Provided they’re friendly or polite, she replies in kind.

"She saves herself for performances only in the evening shows.
She is just stretching and getting some air now.
Come back tonite to get the full experience."

The rest of the time this area is empty. The guards ensure that no spectators are allowed to get too close to the large cage.

August is fascinated by the creature. So that's a sinks! Didya ever imagine anything like her, An? August keeps his distance but still watches every move and listens to anything the sphinx says, but he doesn't attempt to speak with her himself. What would you say to a sinks anyways?

"I don't know...but she is quite beautiful! I have never seen anything like her before. I wonder if she is here of her own free will, or ....or maybe they are holding her captive!!"

A prisoner? If she's a prisoner, is she a villain or a slave? August really starts to wonder more about this creature and her past.

"I do not know...maybe we will need to talk to her and find out!"

Kath just shakes his head Just try not to start up too much trouble.... my leiges Kath jokes. Still a conversation may not hurt

Kath walks up as close as is allowed to the sphinx and will attempt to be polite. Greetings fine Jherizhana, enjoying your time amongst the people?

The sphinx smiles and answers a few questions from the audience with an air of indifference. With a sultry voice she responds to Kath.

"I enjoy my time to myself mostly. It is best that I do not mingle with the common people. I save myself for the performances in the evening shows. Please be a dear and tell me you will be attending, yes? I will look for you in the audience."

The guards continue to keep watch and prevent people from approaching the cage to closely. "Beware, for your own safety!"

After a few more minor questions from others, she retreats into the back part of the cage and door within.

The next performance in the Midway is already drawing a crowd as a flying humanoid with elephantine ears is spinning and twirling. Suddenly there is a scream from the crowd.

"Help! HELP! The baby dragon has escaped! Please someone save my little Jimmy!"

People are running in all directions trying to get away from the large cage (A6 on the map). There is a reptile (albeit without wings) hissing and snapping at the audience as they flee.

You are about 100' from the reptile when this occurs.

Bo'alo will rush forward to the aid of the child. Come to me child. double move and drawing pistol.

An, did you hear that? A dragon! We gotta help! August will start running toward danger. 80' run speed, AC is 19 afterwards.

Holman begins moving stealthily, although just as fast as he might otherwise given his short legs, towards the 'dragon'. In addition, he triggers his wrist sheathes to deposit a dagger in each hand.

Full-round action: Double move, as indicated, stealthed
Stealth: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31

An moves with his friend towards the 'dragon', readying his weapon as he goes.

=== Round 1 ===
24-Bo'alo
22-Dragon
11-Nguyen An
9-Holman
7-Phardaen
3-Kath
2-August
1-Morvius

As the party reacts to the shouts from the crowd, Bo'alo rushes off as he draws his pistol.

He catches sight of the "dragon" snapping at a man in the audience as he tries to escape.

Nguyen An likewise draws his weapon and follows the gunslinger.

Holman practically disappears in the crowd and chaos.

The flying elephant-ear boy(?) is about 15' up and flies towards the dragon but does not appear to engage, but rather calls out.

"Please! You with the weapons, it means no harm. I beg you, it is just scared. Do not hurt the baby dragon. We just need to capture it."

August runs full speed towards the scene and falls only slightly behind the leaders.

Kath and Morvius are up....then top of the round as the "dragon" notices your approach and the crowd disperses.

Morvius too double moves to the baby dragon.

Ok, what the @%#& do we do?

Hit the serpent nonlethaly! Kath shouts as he moves up while drawing his rapier.

Double move, draw weapon while doing so

At the mention of nonlethal August draws his sap as he charges the creature!

Down, dragon! Down boy!

Sap: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 2 = 18 for Nonlethal: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

AC 18 after charge.

An also changes to non-lethal methods of attack, setting aside his no-dachi and pummeling the beast with just his fists.

Attack-melee: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Damage: 1d3 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Bo'alo will charge the 'dragon' and apply a stunning fist attempt DC 14

1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 3 + 2 = 141d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Bo'alo reacts first, and rushes up to the 'dragon' and tries to pummel it with his fist, but swings just wide.

The dragon snaps back at him with a "Hisssssssss".

Dragon bite: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

But the creature misses badly and steps back from the monk.

Nguyen An sets aside his no-dachi and tries to punch the lizard as he moves around Bo'alo.

His punch provokes it and it snaps at him.

Dragon bite, Aoo: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19 for dmg: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 plus FORT

Nguyen An is bitten by the 'dragon' but manages to land a solid punch for his trouble.

"Please! Do not hurt it...it is scared." yells the flying elephant-eared boy from above.

August, there is no charge lane and too far to reach in one move

9-Holman
7-Phardaen (yelled down)
3-Kath
2-August
1-Morvius

Morvius runs to the dwarf's side.
Tell it not to hurt US!

Holman runs as fast as his little legs will carry him.

Full-round action: Double move, as indicated, stealthed

Fort Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

As An strikes the creature, it whips around lightning fast and bites him on the arm. The sharp teeth penetrate his armour and sink into the flesh below.

"Ow...that is no way to treat the King of the Carnival!", An quips.

This won't hurt it.... much

Kath moves up while drawing a dagger and will throw it with his left hand

Move Action Move while drawing weapon

Attack: Throw Dagger: 1d20 + 2 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 2 + 3 - 4 = 14
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

This is a lethal throw, -4 penalty is for ranged attack into melee

Ah, I was too far down the initiative, OK. I'll just double move to my spot on the map and use my attack for the next round.

Holman runs to join the fun.

Kath hurls a dagger at the 'dragon' but the hurled blade just misses as the creature spins at the last second.

August arrives later and joins to see blood dripping from Nguyen An's arm. At least there is no other ill effect from the bite.

Morvius moves up to the spot vacated by the dwarf.

=== Round 2 ===
24-Bo'alo
22-Dragon
11-Nguyen An
9-Holman
7-Phardaen
3-Kath
2-August
1-Morvius

Bo'alo

Bo'alo will kick the dragon
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 91d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Note to self - invest in a sap