The Adventures of Mesdoram and Rameth

Game Master Vuvu

Alright then I will drink for both of us.

He pours two goblet and proceeds to drink from both, one in each hand, occasionally toasting himself.

I dunno, Katapesh is not known for being particularly corrupt...

ready for the trial, or you gonna start drinking?

Ready I guess.

Mesdoram snorts.

They don't call them the dark markets because Iomadaean paladins jaunt down all the streets my friend.

I still think you are blowing it by not pounding one of these.

He says as he begins to slam down another bottle, even Rameth is starting to sway a bit

Not long after both of you are collected and taken to a courtroom

the court stands within a grand
hall, one of the most opulent structures
in the Inner Sea. Dozens of courtiers and
soldiers line the magnificent hall, the
Peerless advisors of the Satrap. In a small
alcove off to one side, an executioner
sharpens a massive axe, his face covered
by a frowning golden mask.
A herald’s voice booms forth,
“Pathfinders! You stand
accused of murder, theft,
and the looting of graves!
Come forward and answer
for these crimes!” A woman
sits on a folding chair beside the
herald, her features veiled.

One. We aren't actually Pathfinders. I mean I was, but no longer. Two. What the crap are you talking about!

Diplomacy. By Rameth

Mesdoram just starts laughing. After a bit of time, holding his sides, he wipes a tear from his eye.

Oh gods, you're serious. That's even funnier!

He collects himself after a bit longer and stands up, still amused.

Wow, well, let's start with asking who's accusing us of these crimes? I'm hoping you're not taking the word of what's his face - Rameth, who was the guy who hired the death cultists to have people eaten by lions at a wedding because he couldn't...hmmm, how should I put this...satisfy the bride? Rabid and Shabby?

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18

G!% d+$mit. Burning Dice

The judge pauses and listens then continues

“You stand accused of plotting the theft of ancient relics, and
of the planned murder of Master Bashir al-Mudaris so that
your masters among the Pathfinder Society might claim the resources of the House of Silver. What do you say to these
accusations?”

She then gestures to several exhibits, all of which appear to be documents in Rameth or Meso's handwriting. These documents appear to confirm all that is being said

Funny, considering I haven't written anything here.

I say you haven't answered my question. I say your accusations are lies. And I also say you should produce this accuser now, immediately.

He crosses his arms.

First of all, Your Honor, and here contempt drips from Mesdoram's voice, as only it can from an Andoran encountering a corrupt official, you need to tell me where this "evidence" came from. I've been in this city for all of two days, and agreed to collect gifts from the house of Bashir al-Mudaris as a favor to the Pathfinders in return for information on an outbreak of undead in the city of Wati in Osirion. In that time I have written no letters, notes or missives to anyone in this place.

Mesdoram rolls his eyes at the absurdity of this "evidence".

And in fact, I'm interested in how this evidence even exists, and you know that it is somehow real and mine with your exceptional expertise, at this point a freeman of Andoran would start taking offense at Mesdoram's tone, given that I have surrendered no samples of writing to you or your guards. Of course, this would probably go faster if you cast a spell to ascertain the truthfulness of my response. I'm sure that a noble, upstanding court would want to make sure that my responses were true.

But if you're not willing to do that, I'll simply say that this is ridiculous. My companion and I risked our own lives to kill lions set loose by a rabid cultist in a wedding at the house of Bashir al-Mudaris. What's the court's reasoning for that if we wanted him dead?

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30

You must not be aware of how a court works. I do not answer your questions, Mesodram formerly of the high seas, formerly of Wati. Yes we have done our research into your past. Now if you say you did not write these missives you are welcome to take the appropriate steps to prove that.

Further you misunderstand me young man. The court wants only the truth. You have been accused and evidence is provided. It would appear that this is an elaborate set up by your society.

Now that I have indulged your questions, please proceed to prove your innocence, or not.

She says firmly but politely

hard for me to have Rameth act here, since I know how this goes...

Mesdoram will spit on the floor of the "court".

I know well how a court works when it is interested in justice - all Andorans do. You say I am accused - and refuse to supply the accuser. You say you have evidence - and refuse to state how or where it was obtained. You say you know me, and that "my society" is trying to frame me. Yet you don't know that I am not now, nor have I ever been, a member of the Pathfinder Society.

He opens his arms wide.

You claim you want truth, yet refuse to provide a simple spell that would show that I am being truthful - most likely because it would also force you to put any witnesses, if any even exist, because you haven't produced any - to the same test, which would show who originated this fraud.

Now he levels an accusing finger at the judge.

You want us to prove our innocence, being summoned to trial without notice, without knowing who our accusers are, without being allowed to examine any so-called evidence and the people who supplied it, in other words to prove my innocence WITHOUT ANY TOOLS TO DO SO because you know damned well that this entire proceeding is a FRAUD!

By the Gods - you have an executioner in the courtroom when you are supposedly interested only in truth!

Mesdoram spits on the floor again.

Iomadae would weep would she see the "justice" of this land of the corrupt, this court of deceipt, this "judge" of chicanery. You should be proving your own innocence, liar.

I demand trial by combat, as the gods know my innocence and surely no so-called judge in the forsaken land can provide justice. Send your champion and be damned.

Are you sure you wish to claim trial by combat? I am giving you opportunity to examine the evidence. Do not ignore my calm again.

1d20 + 8 + 1d6 ⇒ (13) + 8 + (2) = 23

Your on your own on that one bud. I'm not fighting that monster.

He glances at the evidence. Sure you don't want to at least look at it first?

Oh, now I can examine the evidence? Before now I could simply "prove" they weren't mine. Where did you obtain this evidence?

If whoever wrote this module didn't anticipate the objections I brought up they're pretty damn stupid - this court is a railroad!

actually it is not at all. It gives leeway to go many directions... She said feel free to prove your innocence and presented the evidence. In fact they treated you very well, you were held in luxury, you are not shackled or roughed up...also No one said you can't look at the evidence.

Young man. I will say this once. I have been calm and polite. No one said you could not look at the evidence. However, I am finished with your disrespect. You WILL speak respectfully or I will allow you your trial by combat.

you are welcome to have Rameth do anything you would like...but since I KNOW how this part works and all the options it would be lame of me to suddenly be able to solve it...especially since the solutions are ones that I would probably come up with

No one said he could, either! And there really aren't any witnesses or statements on who "provided" this evidence in the module?

there are not. I know who arranged for it, yes,

also for the record to me this implies that you looked at it and had the opportunity.

These documents appear to confirm all that is being said

Crazy town. I can't believe they didn't think a single PC would ever ask for a witness.

Mesdoram will turn to Rameth.

Did you see anything when you examined this "evidence"?

Hint, roll Linguistics, hint!

1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11 linguistic
1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33 percep
1d20 + 3 + 1d6 ⇒ (13) + 3 + (6) = 22
lol biff!!

Rameth looks at the documents and frowns, then he waives Meso over.

Look at this here, this reference to being "just like Shackles". I don't think that is accurate...is it? If not this must be a forgery. Though a good one. Really good.

So when you look at it you are at first convinced you wrote it. Almost to where you want to confess!! Then Rameth poibts out the one thing. It is wrong, very subtle but totally inaccurate. I will let you decide exactly what it is.

Just before Meso speaks, Remember, don't be a jerk about it. You don't like court, and we got framed, but this is a fair judge, if you point out the fact she will follow up and we will be fine. If you throw a fit of I told you so's we probably still get off, but have to stay here for a while and we are already behind schwdule!

please don't have meso be an ass. I am willing to do many things but Meso has been warned about being disrespectful.

You rolled a 1 and a 20 next to each other? Harsh.

Linguistics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

It is a very good forgery. You do apot a slight discrepancy in the way that you would write your y's

same warning applies. if he is a jerk I have to act accordingly

Mesdoram sighs.

How good are you at reading Taldan?

He'll pull out his formula book and hand that and a letter over to the judge.

Pay particular attention to the y's - they don't match. Also no one - no one - who sails refers to the Shackles as "Shackles" without the definitive article in Taldan. You'd have to be a particularly idiotic lubber to do so.

She examines it. She calls over and aid

Go get the text on Shackles culture please. If you two will wait while we examine this.

she studies while I pray I catch my plane

So it would appear that the evidence, apparently conveniently, discovered is indeed a forgery. Perhaps if you cooperate fully immediately in the future you could have saved half a days time. However, the youth do tend to be foolish. Release them. You have our apology for the false arrest.

The champion that brought you in approaches with your weapons. I am glad I did not have to kill you. I would hate to kill an innocent man. Take this for what it is worth. Rumor has it, that some other pathfinders have been setting up at the old tomb on the outskirts of town. I suspect that is also a set up. By my way of apology I will give you a 6 hour headstart should you wish to take care of it yourselves. If not be sure that I will.

He offers his hand to each of you and then is on his way.

Damned oligarchical corrupt legal systems.

Mesdoram will slap Rameth on the back.

Well, time to go find some answers. Someone wanted me dead - me! - and I'm insulted. You should be too, Mister Don't-Rock-the-Boat.

Mesdoram gives a predatory smile as he resheathes his weaponry.

Come Rameth, the game's afoot: Follow your spirit, and upon this charge cry "Gods for Liberty, Andoran, and Talamandor!"

Mesdoram's becoming much more Andoran in my mind than he was on the pirate ship. I kind of like the change though.

Rameth frowns Seemed fine to me. I got some great booze, a good nap and now we got more info about where this guy is and that he has some allies there, we didnt know about. AND I got to watch you almost get your head cut off, all in all one of the better days I have had in years.

He takes one more swig, then puts it away.

Damn right I don't rock the boat. I don't like boats. They sink

100 xp per person for making it through the event

Shall we go get some horses or you wanna walk?

Horses? Are you sure they don't use camels or something here?

Camels are grosser than you.

Wow, uncalled for. Do I call you a sloppy drunk never-will-be? No, because I value a little something called professional courtesy.

I said grosser.

As if that explains everything

so camels or walking?

What the hell, let's try to find some horses. Or a donkey for you.

Mesdoram will go to find a stables to see what beasts are on offer.

There are horses available for purchase 50 gold, it takes about 30 minutes to locate someone willing to sell horses

overpayment considering the quality, but do you want to take the time to negotiate?

What would I use to negotiate?

Diplo and Appraise (Rameth will help of course), but keep in mind it will cost you a significant amount of time, as you will need to do some serious comparison shopping as it were. Think about walking into he used car lot and saying, I will take that one vs trying to get the best deal for it

Eh, it's just money, we'll pay it and get going.

That's what I recommend you would have saved 20% tops

Rameth and Meso race off to the tomb/temple and arrive with about 30 minutes of sun left

On a lonely promontory overlooking the sea, the memorial
chapel of Ubaidah Abd-Hikmah presides over the gravestones
of Sarenrae’s faithful. Scoured clean by the restless winds near
the sea, many of the stones’ inscriptions are as forgotten as
their inhabitants. The forlorn cries of gulls drift on the breeze.
The ancient chapel’s iron doors stand closed, but fresh scrapes
mar their rusted metal.

Well, down the hatch Rameth downs his Mutagen

S*%%, s@#!, s@@~.

No kidding.

Drinking his own mutagen and drawing his sword, he'll look out for any ambushes.

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25

Neither Rameth or Meso sees anything so Rameth throws back a few more extracts

bears end and shield and bull str, iron skin and enlarge person

Shall I know or just pop it open or shall i knock

Before we do, 5 gold says this a!#%~#% has already raised some undead in there.

Way to look on the bright side.

Mesdoram will grab his shield, cat's grace and longarm extracts and nod at Rameth to open the door.

Note: AC 27/20/21, CMD 24, Init + 8, Reach 10 feet.

Rameth unlocks and kicks open the door.

Inside they see at man at the far end grinning evil, and in between are two ogres that immediately advance on the two Invstigators

baddies win init!

Luckily for Rameth one of th ogres tries to clamber over the benches and is slowed down

1d20 ⇒ 1 the ogre misses,

the caster moves and sends a scorching ray at Rameth

1d20 ⇒ 12 which slams into Rameth's chest 4d6 ⇒ (6, 4, 4, 1) = 15

Rameth studies the ogre, then attacks

Mutated Enlarged Spear: 1d20 + 12 + 2 - 1 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 12 + 2 - 1 + 3 = 28 for 2d6 + 14 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (2, 3) + 14 + 3 + 3 = 25 and he discharges his studied combat 1d6 ⇒ 1
Aid: 1d20 + 12 + 2 - 1 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 12 + 2 - 1 + 3 = 33 vs AC 10 to aid Meso's attack

The ogre looks much less than happy

Mesdoram will study the ogre, move to the tile south of Rameth on the stone terrace and strike at the ogre with his unnaturally long arms.

Attack (Rapier): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35
Attack (Confirm Critical, Rapier): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35
Damage (Rapier): 2d6 + 20 ⇒ (4, 5) + 20 = 29

Ogre kebab, coming up! I don't suppose you want it well done?

The ogre dies screaming in pain

Mesdoram will wince at the screams.

Damnation. Why can't these things die with dignity? Maybe a nice speech about how they regret how they have only one life to give for their evil master, and so forth?

1d20 ⇒ 2 another ray flies at Rameth but it misses wide

The ogre closes in and attacks Meso who killed his brother

1d20 ⇒ 8 but he easily steps aside

GO

Stop Shooting me!

He moves and sets up a flank for Meso and he attacks the ogre, drawing an AOO as he goes. He plunges his spear into it and releases his new study on it

1d20 ⇒ 4 the AOO misses

Mutated Enlarged Spear: 1d20 + 14 + 2 - 1 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 14 + 2 - 1 + 3 = 28 for 2d6 + 12 + 3 + 3 + 1d6 ⇒ (6, 5) + 12 + 3 + 3 + (3) = 32
Aid: 1d20 + 12 + 2 - 1 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 12 + 2 - 1 + 3 = 31 vs AC 10 to aid Meso's next attack by +2

The ogre screams and collapses.