PbP Game Day - 5-01 The Glass River Rescue (Inactive)

Game Master Scott Young

This one fears much has yet to be assuaged.

Hoping the captain just requires some time realign and pontificate on the matter, Cepsihir approaches Pavanna in a low, gruff voice.

Cepsihir bows and takes leave, allowing Pavanna some space. His attention turns to Krystiana, the same low whisper used.

Cepsihir gives Krystiana a reverent slap on the back of the thigh out of friendship and offers a rare smile to the paladin.

Are you sure that's not an intimidate check?

In Cheliax that was a diplomacy check :)

Pavanna arches an eyebrow at Cepsihir, "We are already bound to each other by our oath to the Ten. If you purpose something more...specific, I'm sure we can come to some kind of agreement."

Krystiana wrote:

Are you sure that's not an intimidate check?

In Cheliax that was a diplomacy check :)

True, but these folks are from Druma where capitalism is the local religion. That means a captain of a successful boat has more societal worth than you or I do because we do not produce wealth in the economy. So, he's our better. We're just clients.

The hairs on the nape of Diana's neck stand on end as the Captain and Pavanna exchange fierce words. She chooses to stay out of it, and remains on guard in case the drake returns.

With how shes been rolling I would rather not make things worse.

Yeah, definitely not a diplomacy check!

The Captain recoils from Pavanna's fierce words, but manages enough bravado to respond. "And how did you think things would end if I left my post? Those drakes would have had their choice of snacks after the ship grounded out in the shallow channel and knocked you all on your asses."

Passad quickly intervenes. "Friends, please, let us be reasonable. We have come through a dangerous encounter mostly intact, and we should quibble about the means." He pulls a pair of small crystal vials from his purse, as well as handful of platinum coins. "Here, Captain, take this for your wounds, and this for your trouble. We must reach the Grey Revelation Inn before dusk."

The rest of the trip proves relatively uneventful, although the crew avoid Pavanna like the plague.

The sun is just dipping behind the trees as a large wooden structure comes into site. The Grey Revelation Inn is a broad, single-story country inn with a stable and a well-maintained picket fence enclosing the courtyard. There is a small pier on the river which would accomodate Abacus easily.

Passad gathers you all on the main deck. "We will remain aboard for the night while you go ashore and accaomplish your mission. As discussed, it would be best if the Razmirans did not know of our presence. I recommend you accomplish your goals under cover of darkness to avoid unwelcome eyes."

Amahaut voices a rare opinion as well. "It would be best if you could avoid any Razmiri casualties as you accomplish your task," he states flattly, looking at Pavanna significantly.

"I recommend you accomplish your goals under cover of darkness to avoid unwelcome eyes."

Cepsihir scans his comrades, most of which clad with armor and armaments not conducive to stealth. Even more important, the fact he is the most unusual among the group.

This one is both conspicuous and inconspicuous...

[b]"Our approach is a delicate one. This one fears he is both extremely and poorly suited for the job at hand. This one is a strange creature among native species, though a stealthier one among us there is likely not... Does this one approach with the rest, or approach incognito on his own?"[b]

"I am definitely not a scout. Cepsihir, if you could sneak just ahead and let us know if it is safe to keep moving, that would probably be the most useful and keep you from getting caught without support," Krystiana thinks aloud.

She continues, "What would be useful is if someone could go shopping for supplies during the day to see the layout of the town. That way we have a little bit more of an idea of the current layout."

Profession Soldier: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21 to sound like I know what I'm talking about and to make sure I hit all of the major points.

Scorpion raises his tentacle in the air and wiggles it.

I can wrangle supplies from these puny merchants! Zer has not been born a money pusher that I could not squeeze into a reasonable deal, or shape.

Diana nods to Krystiana, "I to have little skill in scouting, I'm more suited to defense."

Passad turns to Krystiana. "Perhaps you misunderstand, my dear. The Grey Revelation Inn is a wayside inn, for travelers along the river. There is no 'town' to speak of. There may be some supplies available at the Inn, though."

Metella stands, scowling, and speaks. "You seem to ignore my counsels, but please here this. My kin may be imprisioned in this place, perhaps wounded, perhaps in imminent danger. We need to learn if they are here immediately, and get them out!" Her voice rises, impassioned. "We don't have time for sighhtseeing. It is imperative that we use the cover of darkness to ascertain where my kinsfolk are, and rescue them from the Razmirans!"

Cepsihir bows to Metella.

"It shall be done; we only seek to avoid whatever foul scheme waylaid your compatriots."

Live together, die alone Cepsihir...

"This one shall approach as though he belongs. Representing mercantile interests from the east, this one shall be the newest member among a small consortium of traders and their caravan leaders."

Cepsihir points toward his fellow party members.

"Judging the lack of ships docked, this one imagines few people will be at the inn, save for its keepers. Does this initial plan offend?"

Cepsihir will approach the Inn, non-sneakily, and maintain the merchant cover story.

Pavanna enjoys the reactions of the crew, their fear, confusion and avoidance making her smile each time it happens.

She approaches Krystiana above deck at some point privately.

Pavanna seems perplexed by Amahaut's input. "Dear sir, how do you purpose to free prisoners from the Razmiri authorities without hurting them? Perhaps you are a silent expert in Razmiri law? Please share with us what you can. For it is we who take the risk, and break Razmiri law to rescue Metella's kin."

Pavanna acknowledge's Cepsihir's plan, "I am willing to speak to those at the Inn to learn what we can of this situation, and can likely keep the ruse of traders going as well as any here."

We have not rested from the drake encounter, correct? Still the same day?

Ossok will follow along with wherever he is asked to go.

Krystiana, concerned at Matella's outburst, tries to determine if the dwarf is concerned for her kin or if there is something else going on.

Sense Motive on Matella: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Amahaut responds to Pavanna's question. "Locating the missing envoys requires no violence. Rescuing them may, but as long as no Razmirans are killed, we should be able to avoid serious complications for the Society. However, any delay in finding them could prove fatal. If the Razmirans move them from here, we have no way to locate them. As the Diamond Sage says, 'when time is of the essence, the war can be lost before the ink on the battle map can dry.' "

The crew and Captain all seem to regard Pavanna with fear, and the rest of you with suspicion, after the incident with the river drakes. You overhear muttering that, "the Pathfinders view us as tools, to be discarded when convenience outweighs need," and similar words. It is clear to all of you that the Captain and crew do not trust you to ensure their safety, and they are only holding to their duty out of loyalty to Passad. You also guess that they won't go out of their way to help you unless Passad orders them to.

Yes, this is all the same day, and it sounds like you are being asked to continue your mission without resting.

Bump.

Failing any additional planning on the party's behalf, Cepsihir will head toward the inn.

I thought the plan was head to the Inn, pose as merchants and snoop around?

Well, from my reading there's still a bit of daylight and we're waiting for night.

Krystiana says in an attempt to placate the dwarf, "Matella, we know how important this mission is and we're not going sight-seeing. We need to find out what the entrances are, if we can climb up to certain windows, if there are guards and where they're stationed. That sort of thing. The type of information we could get with the little bit of daylight we have and that would let us get in and out of there more safely. Either that or we can walk in blind and wing it which would add a lot of risk."

Diana waits patiently, content to follow when then party moves to the inn. She watches the exchange between her fellow pathfinders and the Dwarf, and opens her mouth to speak several times, closing it again though without sharing her conflicting thoughts.

"This isn't what I trained for, these aren't brigands attacking farmers or villagers, they're the law of the land, we're the ones commin on their land to take these dwarves back by force... If this truly is the right why do I feel so bad about this?"

She sighs loudly.

"It's a rescue mission focus on that country girl and try to keep your head down till we get home."

Abacus docks, after Passad and the other envoys return below, where they plan to stay for the night. As the crew preapres the ship for the night, Cepsihir strides down the gangplank. (I assume that the rest of the party follows, since the "stealth" option was dropped...)

You see no people around the dock area. A neat stone path leads through the thin trees along the river bank towards the inn, about 200 yards from the dock area and up a slight rise. Lights are burning inside, and you can smell the aroma of something savory cooking within. The inn itself is a sprawling, single-story affair, and the gate to the open yard hangs wide and inviting. A sign above the gate reads, "Welcome to the Grey Revelation Inn". To the right of the gate is a stable, and ahead is an open yard with a well. On your left is the door to what is presumably the Inn's common room, although it seems rather quiet compared to inns you have visited in cities. Many of the windows in the two "wings" of the Inn and unlighted, with only the central area showing signs of light and life. The only person you spot on your approach is a stablehand, a burly fellow piling up hay in one of the stalls. He doesn't seem to notice your approach.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22 Does Cepsihir see anything of interest?

Stables. This one is curious if this Inn receives the foot traffic to necessitate such facilities.

Cepsihir speaks low to the group.

"Could someone handle introductions? This one does not wish to shock with his appearance."

Pavanna will remove her choker before leaving the boat, keeping it tucked away in her armor. Approximately how many animals can we discern in the stable?

Pavanna calls out to the stablehand. "Ho there. Looking for a room and a meal."

The stableboy looks up, squinting into the growing gloom. He spots you, and waves, putting down his pitchfork and jogging over with a strange, loping gait. He gestures to you with both hands, and his mouth moves, but no coherent sounds come from him. As he approaches, you can see he is trying to indicate that he is mute, and indeed there seems to be some sort of deformity around his head and neck as well which hint at a condition that goes beyond the mere lack of speech. He gestures towards the door to the Inn, and then heads in that direction, indicating you should follow.

Heal: 1d20 ⇒ 19 Any idea what's wrong with the stableboy?

This one will monitor him; the simple and invalid are easy to manipulate. The charity of these keepers should be scrutinized heavily.

Pavanna takes an interest in the boy's condition as well. Heal: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Pavanna looks over her shoulder at the pair of paladins, "Perhaps my maidens should wait outside for a few minutes? Or at least until the hellfire of Asmodeus starts flying..." she chuckles, amused with herself.

Weather or not they wait outside, Pavanna follows the boy into the Inn.

Cepsihir will enter with Pavanna, hoping they can manage a convincing dynamic.

Diana dawns her cloak before following after them. She draws up her hood as they enter, glumly standing by outside. Unhappily obeying the woman who clearly was more experienced with deceit.

Krystiana walks over to stand next to Diana. She begins to mentally recite all sixty-nine tenets of Arshea as a way to pass the time. Sadly, she's not remembering any useful passages on whether or not to gag people that annoy her.

The stableboy opens the door and holds it open for Cepsihir and Pavanna. The smell of something savory cooking wafts out, and some of you realize you haven't eaten much solid food since leaving Xer.

The common room is a welcoming space, with dark oaken tables, chairs and benches. The faint odors of tobacco and ale permeate the air, mixing with the smell of some sort fo stew frmo the kitchen. Narrow windows with panes of smoked glass along the north and south walls allow some light into
this welcoming space.

Sitting at the center table is an elderly woman, clad in simple peasant clothing and apron. Her white hair is tied in a conservative bun, and she wears a plain red scarf around her neck. She looks up as you enter, and immediately stands and bustles over to you.

"Welcome, welcome, travelers! Welcome to the Grey Revelation Inn! Are you seeking lodgings for the night? Certainly it is too late now to travel farther before a good rest, a warm meal, and a comfortable bed?" Her eyes widen slightly as she scans Cepsihir's strange appearance, but doesn't flinch.

"I am Addas, the proprietress, and I am at your service."

The four of you in the courtyard hear this exchange through the doorway. The stableboy is still holding the door open uncertainly, and grunts and motions you inside. The courtyard is actually quite well-maintained for a typical wayside inn; flowers grow everywhere, and the yard is tidy and well-groomed.

Scorpion ducks his head but takes a resolute stance outside the door as if he makes to be a statue.

Let me know if you need any squeezing. Otherwise I will remain until lodgings are acquired.

Pavanna motions for the boy to come to her reaching for her coin purse. "Hello Addas, I am Pavanna. My companion and I certainly are in search of these things. Boat travel is simply dreadful." she shakes her head, rolling her eyes, "A comfortable, stationary bed and a warm meal sounds absolutely fabulous darling."

Pavanna tries to discern if Addas' scarf is an attempt to conceal what the stableboy seems to have on his neck. Pavanna walks to a table which affords her a clear view of all doorways if possible. Sitting down she again bids the stableboy to come near her. "Your stableboy was quite helpful. If he hasn't taken is meal tonight, please, allow him to join us. We are quite hungry and the savory smells from your kitchen are quite wonderful. Please, let's eat." Pavanna motions for both the boy and Cepsihir to join her, placing 3 gold coins on the table.

Cepsihir struggles to stifle a stomach growl.

"This one is humbled by your hospitality, lady Addas. This one is called Cepsihir, purveyor."

Making no real effort to screen his address from Addas, Cepsihir speaks to Pavanna.

"At first glance, this appears to be a suitable candidate. Our caravan may have finally discovered a bit of fortune. Enough talk of business, we can wait until after we dine."

Diana dutifully waits outside. Obedient to her lady's commands as any handmaiden would be.

Calm now Diana, that wicked woman knows best how to sneak among the shadows, have patience. It is all for the greater good.

The other "maiden" follows Diana inside. Thankfully, years of boarding school as a child had taught her how to act in situations similar to this.

Addas calls out, and two more elderly women appear from the kitchen. "My sisters, Tarsi and Eugynia. Tarsi, please bring out supper for six." The youngest of the three, still at least 60, nods and heads back into the kitchen. "Our stableboy, Rosh, has already eaten, and has work to do. Thank you on his behalf, though."

At this point, the group can all file in and/or ask any questions you'd like. With some basic discussion, you learn that you are the only guests at the inn tonight, as most of the locals are off to a market day in Xer. Cepsihir, you do notice that Addas glances at you as you mention "business", but doesn't otherwise react.

Cepsihir breaths deep, taking in the aroma of cooked food.

This one must be excused, our compatriots await outside.

Cepsihir steps outside, closing the door behind him.

"Comrades, please gather your things; dinner is soon to be served."

Significantly quieter, Cepsihir continues addressing those outside.

"This one apologizes if your role in this appears subservient. We are aware of four: three ladies of advanced age and the simple smithy; they are aware of six and confide no other guests are here. We have hinted at business but have yet to broach it with the proprietors. The less they know about us, the better, so this one recommends a final check of belongings."

Cepsihir holds the door open for his compatriots.

Diana gives Cepsihir a nod and takes a seat near her "mistress". Making sure she keeps her head down and acting subservient. She does her best not to make eye contact with the staff and keeps her mouth shut.

Krystiana wipes her boots on the front porch before coming inside. Once inside, she quietly asks to the mistress of the inn, "Excuse me, but is there a water closet where I can freshen up a bit before dinner?"

Rule number one of dealing with these situations from boarding school: Get out of there before you say something to get yourself in trouble.

Scorpion will walk inside and pull up a seat, waiting hungrily for sustenance.

Ossok gathers his belongings and heads inside, eager for dinner.

Diana give a little nervous cough to help alleviate the silence.

Cepsihir turns to Diana, concerned.

"This one would recommend some honeyed spirits... hopefully it will quiet that cough tonight, so that you may rest sound."

Everyone still alive?

Hope Lamplighter is alright.

Well if we delve into the question of whether we are alive or not we can follow many tangents...O! Yes I am still here. Thought you meant something else.

Doobie doobie dooooooooooooooooooooo

The three elderly sisters bustle about, bringing food and drink to all of the newcomers. They are obviously pleased to be receiving visitors in the otherwise-empty inn. "I'm glad you came by, with the farmer's market in Xer we feared it would be a quiet night," says Tarsi.

"Oh, yes, it is nice to have visitors," replies Addas. "Where are you bound? And can you take a day or so out of your travels to rest and enjoy our hospitality?"

The dinner passes uneventfully, with much small talk from the sisters as they attend to you. You learn that the sisters' last name is Grymble, and their family has run the Inn here for three centuries, long before the Living God seized power in Razmir. "Hospitality is our creed, though of course we recognize the Living God as our overlord," as Addas delicately put it.

"This one is interested in lodging options; a night of rest would do us all well."

Now, for the deception.

"We," motioning at himself and Pavanna, "represent a pair of mercantile interests hoping to expand. We are examining trade routes for viability, sustainability, and hospitality."

Not entirely a lie.

Diana picks at the food glumly. As much as she's happy to be off the boat, the situation leaver her with a sour stomach. She does her best to appear humble and tired. "Thanks for your concern friend, the cough is nothing though. Perhaps I should retire early, m'lady if I have your leave?"

"I think I'll join you, Diana. Mistress Tarshi, do you think you could show us to our rooms?" The young paladin looks back and forth between Pavannah and Tarshi Grymble waiting for answers.