PbP GameDay VI: DM Sfounder's Treacherous Waves [CORE] (Inactive)

Game Master Chris Marsh

"Allow me."

Varian does his best to recall what he can about aquatic botanical lore...

Knowledge(Nature): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24.

Simon helps Varian with recalling information. Can't fail to aid another on Knowledge (Nature).

"As well, if we think that the animals may have useful information, I could cast Speak with Animals." So rare it comes up but gnomes just get it!

Rogar pulls out his CLW wand. "Would magic cures help?"

Simon, by all means feel free to use it.

As Rogar inquires about options, Varian and Simon manage to work out a solution that stabilizes the whale sharks. This alone causes a noticeable change in the giant's demeanor. Honoke calms down with profuse thanks. "I shall tell you what I know..." Honoke corroborates Zahra’s assertion that there was rhythmic clanging shortly before the disaster, and he felt the tide change direction towards the caravan soon after the sound. He has no explanation for either of these events.

Meanwhile, as the giant tells his story:

Perception: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (3) + 18 = 21.

As he is looking over the sharks, Varian notices a strange pattern of notches down one of the shark's fins.

"That's odd..."

Linguistics: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21.

Varian's eyes light up with recognition.

"Hang on a moment; that's some kind of code!"

He then turns to Honoke.

"Did you put that there?"

If Comprehend Languages would help to translate the code, I am happy to spend 15 minutes to prepare it into an open slot.

Honoke looks at the marks and frowns, "I know not what that is."

Simon casts Speak With Animals to converse.

In Common, Simon translates, "Another Shark that had arms and legs did this to you?" Is there a knowledge check that can be done on something like that?

"Let me know if you want me to ask anything else, but I just asked them what made them sick."

I'll allow a Knowledge (Nature)

"They said poisoned water. Got any other questions?"

Knowledge (Nature): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

"Did this limbed shark say anything about why? Or what these marks are for?"

Land shark??

Just assume Simon conveys any questions party members want to ask the sharks. It lasts 6 minutes so it's quite a bit of time to talk.

While this is going on Anwar simply practices swimming with the whale sharks, fascinated by the creatures. Mirage easily slides alongside him, keeping an eye on things.

The sharks don't have very useful answers. They have no real knowledge of why this happened, just that they should look for sharks. The animals aren't being vague on purpose, they just have little understanding of the entire situation.

I've updated the TRACKER, but feel free to either ask Honoke additional favors/questions, or move on to another name on the list.

As the conversation with the sharks is drawing to a close Anwar will direct Mirage to carry him over to Honoke.

Honourable Honoke, our society is interested in putting together a coalition of those who depend on the reef for their livelihood to act to protect it from any further damage. Would you be interested in joining such a group to work together to repair what has been done?

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

Anwar's request doesn't immediately win the giant over, but he does look back and forth at the healthier sharks. His expression is one of tiredness.

Close, but no cigar, even with a bonus due to your help with the whale sharks. I ask that anyone who tries to aid another include something you say, not just a dice roll.

Zora is quick to chime in.

"I have found that many beings of different races and cultures can work together for the betterment of all. There is certainly more that we have in common than what separates us. I hope you will give it some thought."

Diplomacy Aid: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

"I can see how much you love your sharks; think about how many other animals will die if the reefs die..."

Diplomacy(Aid): 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (11) - 2 = 9.

"The hand that hurt your sharks will surely also have hurt the reef. By helping to repair the reef you will be showing that this force is not able to cow you, or your pets." notes Oggil.

diplomacy(aid): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

"We would be able to get together the waters so that we can insure that more animals don't get hurt."

Aid another, can't fail.

"If everyone here gets sick and dies you'll have to move gar away. Your sharks might be to hurt to make the journey."

diplo aid: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (4) - 3 = 1

Two dwarven monks! And you won't why the giant doesn't like us.

The party's rapid fire attempts to convince Honoke begin to backfire as the giant retreats within himself. "No, no more, just my sharks now." Indeed it looks like the giant is done with you....

Three fails on aid enough are a bit hard to overcome with that initial roll... Where to now Pathfinders?

*shrugs* Fair enough. We'll ignore him, then, and move on to the next name on the list...?

It takes another hour to reach Tsomo's offices, although before you can enter, you see a quartet of marajau conversing at the entrance. The certaurish humanoid/crab creatures are speaking to each other in Aquan, but one switches to Common to address the party. "Greetings, I am Chailai. Are you looking for current-chasers?"

"As the birds fly south for winter, so do we bid you farewell" says Oggil to Honoke.

"And as the sun progresses across the landscape, shall we progress down the list? I suggest we try Tuomo next"

Can't fail the check.

Rogar points to a bamboo cage held by one of the crab people.

"He must have just bought one of Honoke's sharks. It even has the same notches."

"We have come" starts Oggil, who pauses as Rogar comments on the shark.

"As flotsam on the tide. To ask you about a recent expedition you were part of under Zahra. As the shell repeats the sound of the sea, so would we like you to repeat what happened on that trip."

Simon ignores the sharks for now to hope to get to the bottom of this part of the mission, but nods at Rogar to acknowledge his phrase did not go lost.

Simon looks at Oggil then back to the hosts and explains, "In layman's terms, we are here to look at the mapping for the recent expedition of Zahra. We're just trying to figure out what with wrong with the excursion. I hope that won't be a problem?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (15) + 18 = 33

*cough* I support letting Simon be the primary for all future Diplomacy checks that the party needs to make ;-)

Perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 25

Anwar will head over to the man with the shark in the cage. He addresses him in perfect, unaccented Aquan.

Your shark is really quite fascinating, I wonder if you might tell me where you purchased him from and the meaning of these fin notches? Is it some recent trend?

Could Anwar catch what they were discussing when we arrived? Also, Simon, would you be so good as to tap Mirage with my mage armour wand every hour please.

Also, Simon, would you be so good as to tap Mirage with my mage armour wand every hour please.

No problem! But you gotta keep track of charges. ;)

While you couldn't catch what they were talking about when you arrived, they seem quite happy to answer questions. "Ah yes, all of Tsomo’s sharks have similar marks, in order to prove Tsomo’s ownership."

One of the murajau, named Chailai, eagerly shows you maps of the plotted route and where the algae bloom should have been if the maps were correct.

Chailai also explains the murajaus’ interest in the shell settlement, "murajau legends that the shell was once a funeral site for the last followers of Lysianassa. She and her fellow murajaus have a strong interest in taking a pilgrimage there."

Knowledge(Planes): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (19) + 17 = 36.

"Hmmm..." Varian muses thoughtfully. "If Zahra had followed the route properly, this could would *not* have taken them anywhere near the algae..."

He perks up when they mention that all of Tsomo's sharks have the same symbols.

Interesting...

"Where is Tsomo now?"

Varian then nudges Simon.

"They seem like capable folk; perhaps they could help with the reef problem?"

"He's not here, but his assistant Sorrin is. You can talk to him. As for the reef, we're happy to offer our help, but we fear the damage is more than we alone can undo."

One of the murajau opens a door to an office. Inside is a blue-skinned aquatic elf who looks fairly busy (and stressed). He is juggling piles of maps and charts when you enter and does not introduce himself.

Varian bows politely to the harried-looking elf.

"Sorry to be a bother... We will just take a second of your time. Could you tell us where Tsomo is? We were hoping to have a chat with him about the Expedition..."

Anwar smiles as the Marajau agree to help, I am sure that you will not be on your own, the Society wishes to help and we are hopeful others can be convinced to join in as well.

"We were wondering if your company and Tsomo could agree to helping us in an effort to clean up the reef around here. We really could use the help to make the city a better place to live for everyone." Simon gives an almost magical smile as he speaks.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (5) + 18 = 23

"Agreed. Assistance would be most helpful."

Diplomacy(Aid): 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (12) - 2 = 10.

Yes, if we can all work together we can help to fix this situation.

Anwar auto-assists on diplomacy

Behind him Mirage slithers towards the maraujar with the shark basket, his eyes alert and shiny.

Anwar gives her a friendly swat on the snout, leave the poor thing be...

Sorrin shakes his head, " Mr. Qorra is very busy and not accepting new clients at the moment, and since that expedition is done, it would be a new contract. I'm sorry. Additionally, if you're insinuating that Mr. Qorra owes anything, you're misplacing your efforts. This is Zahra aiming to use Mr. Qorra as a scapegoat and hurting business."

hiiiiiiiiiiiiiissssssssssss

Just testing out my new profile for Mirage

"We are not here to blame anyone, nor are we inclined to believe Zahra's story, but we are here seeking answers. Were you on the expedition yourself?"

"I was not. Sorry. Now, if there's nothing else I can do for you, I'll be going. Clients don't like delays and waits."

"Damage to the reef must also be hurting your business as well." notes Oggil.

"Would you be able to help in the repairs for it?"

diplomacy(aid): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

"Which of your people were on Zahra's expedition?" he enquires.
"And could you be able to let us know when Mr Qorra is due back?"

sense motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

"Yes, we'd like to know when we can see Mr. Qorra when is back. Can you schedule a meeting for us?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (14) + 18 = 32

Anwar sits back as the group talks to the assistant, assessing his words and watching his demeanour. Zahra has warned them to watch out for a traitor. Is his reluctance just bureaucratic obstinance or is he hiding something?

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (11) + 16 = 27

"It's not my place to say, I'm just the assistant and I know how to keep a job!" All attempts at sweet talk seem to fall on deaf ears, but Anwar gets a hunch that there's more to this story than he's letting on. Unfortunately it doesn't look like anyone is going to be able to talk him into revealing it.

Right then. On to the next source of information, then...?

Where to then? I've updated the HANDOUT to reflect your research thus far.

The party strikes out finding Tsomo, and Zahra's entreatment to hurry weighs on their minds. So they hurry over to...?

I think we just planned to take them in order so Razethka next.