"The Devil We Know, Part 1" (Inactive)

Game Master JCServant

Since Channel is a 30' radius, and there probably isn't any reason the healers would NOT have healed the victims in their channel, I did rule that they were covered in the channel as well.

Some of the victims begin to stir, though Kafar is still unconscious. Harboth feels that the druid kook is telling the truth, at least insomuch as the druid sees it. Though Kafar isn't sure whether the druid is crazy or not.

No ranks in Knowledge (religion) but given the nature of the cult (no pun intended), perhaps Marisan knows something, so...

Knowledge(nature): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Marisan's ears perk up at the suggestion from the druid that there might be something else close by, and she readies her sling with the remaining imbued stone, scanning their surroundings for movement.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Should nothing emerge...

She then looks for the bullet that missed (50% chance of being usable, don't know how you'd like to handle that, GM) and then joins Harboth by the body of the Aspis agent, and attempts to determine whether he is stable and safe to leave as is for the moment.

Heal: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

"Cestis, are any among you Cestis or know where he may have been taken?"

Elwyn continues to look about the room for evidence of the cult or clues to their motives, among the prisoners or the Druid. Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

"Forgive me if the term "cult" offended you. It was not my intent to do so. I am a scholar of religion and simply seek the name of your god. I would like to learn more about him or her so that I may educate others."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

You can just roll a d100 I imagine...but in the interest of time...
1d100 ⇒ 22 The bullet is missing. You are not sure who or what he is calling out to. (Sense Motive)

The Aspis agent is pretty wounded and unconscious despite the earlier healings. He’s not tied to the other victims and is, instead, tied over the top of the bar, his abdomen bare, bloody, and bruised. One of the other victims, now awake, mention that Kafar did not take the idea of slavery sitting down and fought until he was subdued.

None claim to be Cestis, but in answering Elwyn, another victim states that the kidnappers removed several victims from the inn and took them to a ship called the Prancing Prince that’s moored on a dock on the other side of the shipyard.

The Druid looks up at Rhydderch, Why don't I believe you? How do I know that in 'educating others' you aren't simply turning them from nature's ways? Hmmm? He stares at Rhydderch for a moment, and suddenly looks cross. Fine. It's Groetus. And don't you say anything bad about him or the forest themselves will come after you. Or something. Suddenly he starts looking around Where is he?? Petey!! Get over here and chew through this damn rope will ya? There's ain't no cats over here, I swear!!

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Marisan looks at the druid, and then looks around for a minute. It then dawns on her... the larger rat must have been his companion. He went down before the rat, he can't see the rat's body from where he's tied up.

Marisan sighs, and heads back to the druid. "Your companion died in the fighting, I'm sorry to say. It was quick."

Since Channel is a 30' radius, and there probably isn't any reason the healers would NOT have healed the victims in their channel, I did rule that they were covered in the channel as well.

Reading back I think we channeled at the same time without realizing the other had done so...one of the joys of PbP!

"Thank you for your cooperation. I am sorry about your pet. Next time it would be best to keep your companion out of harms way."

Rhydderch turns to the group, "We may need to subdue him again if we want the rope back."

What does Kyle know about Nature's Cataclysm?
Knowledge religion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Kyle looks at the tied up druid and introduces himself. "Do you have a name?" Kyle asks. He waits for an answer before saying, "You speak of Nature's Cataclysm. Do you mind if I ask what diety they follow?"

He does so in his most diplomatic way. Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Kyle then looks at Kafar to see what is needed to heal him. Heal: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

"Is anyone here called Creighton Nish?"

Kyle also offers guidance to anyone making a skill check

running a little late...I will have follow up shortly

Rachele assists in the interrogation. Aid another on Kyle
AA: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

btw...Kyle...if you read up above, he already mentioned the name. It's not necessary to ask twice. If the condition is met by anyone, it counts for all with that faction mission. I'll get a full post up as soon as I get to a real computer Here.

The druid reacts to Marisan's news. You did what? You killed him?? He looks at the healers. Didn't one of you tell me ye were a follower of Sarenrae, just like my old man? How can you let Petey die? You have to bring him back! He's a good boy! Seriously! Pharasma wouldn't want him this early in his life!! You got to help him!! The man begins sobbing and seems unresponsive to Kyle's questioning.

None of the victims (who are still tied up) claim to be Mr. Nish.

"I suppose we should untie the prisoners. It seems like something rescuers would do. We'll use their ropes to secure the Druid so that Elwyn may have his rope back. I'd imagine the local authorities can take it from there."

With an exasperated look, Marisan responds to the druid's outcry, somewhere between consoling and stern. "He attacked us, as did you, and the other two rats. We're not in a position to bring him back to life. I doubt the Lady of Graves is overmuch concerned with the untimely death of a rodent, regardless of how much he meant to you."

Kyle casts cure light wounds on Kafar to restore 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 hit points.

If that doesn't revive him then he would channel for another 1d6 ⇒ 4

When Kafar awakes, Kyle explains to him why the party is there then shares his knowledge of Nature's Cataclysm with everyone.

Elwyn looks the druid over - is he wearing anything of interest or look to be concealing anything? [dice=Perception:1d20+9[/dice]

oops

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

The druid had nothing of value on him. The Aspis man wakes with the first heal and thanks you. As the party frees the victims, one introduces himself as the auctioneer. The auctioneer reveals that he heard one of the cultists saying, “Once Ismacco arrives, we’ll make a lot of money for the cause by selling these slaves into the Chelaxian
market.” The auctioneer is certain he saw a Pathfinder with them, as one of the guards had his wayfinder.

Elwyn whispers in Rachele's ear, "See if you can get the auctioneer to give up the location of the next relics auction, or his name, and perhaps give us an ID for who was behind this if he got a good look at him."

Aid Rachele in Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Marisan joins Kyle, squats down so she is at Kafar's level, and says, "You should know you may well owe your life, or at least your safety, to your assistant Nefti. It was with his help that we found you." She follows up by asking in an even tone. "What can you tell us about what happened?"

He answers, We were gathered for a secret auction of Taldan artifacts just after sunset in the shipyards. The auction was about to get started when we were attacked. Some of us were brought here. I did not take kindly to that, so when I woke, I tried to break free of these bonds. The druid and some half-orc henchmen he had beat me into unconsciousness.

Harboth tries to read the Consortium man's expressions - is he lying? Is there something he is not telling us?

sense motive (untrained): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Harboth leans down toward Marisan and suggests, We should ask him how he got word of the auction and who set it up. That might give us another clue about the kidnappers and where they may go next.

Rhydderch uses the rope that previously held the prisoners to tie the Druid more securely, making sure to bind both hand and feet. With a nod of thanks he returns Elwyn's rope before turning his attention to Kafar.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

"When you consort with dangerous individuals; you will often find yourself in danger. Tell us...where did you hear of the auction; and what more can you tell us about those who took you prisoner?"

"Do you know where the next auction will be?" She asks the man

Diplomacy+A.A: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23

You do not believe there's something he's hiding, aside from the obvious. Kafar looks at the Rhydderch. While I am thankful to you for my rescue, I am not at liberty to divulge the sources of my information. And, I do not have the information to answer your other question.

The auctioneer does indeed tell Rachele the location of the next auction.

Marisan stands up and stretches slightly. "Seems we're about done here. Must we wait for the next auction? I don't want to risk having our fellow agent, nor anyone else they've captured for that matter, sent into slavery if we can prevent it." She grips her spear tightly and her expression turns to one of disgust and anger as she speaks.

"We need to head to the 'Prancing Prince' before it leaves port," Kyle states. His concern is plainly seen on his face. "Pray to Sarenrae that it's not already too late."

THe party heads to the Prancing Prince. As they approach, they get a good look at the ship in port.

A tri-masted galleon, the Prancing Prince appears to be in good condition and floats lazily against its mooring along a wide, crate- and barrel-filled dock. No one appears to be aboard her, however, and the standard watch typically found at the gangplank of a docked ship is nowhere to be seen. Atop her bowsprit is a gaudily painted wooden man that appears to be the exact likeness of the Grand Prince of Taldor, Stavian III, hands on his hips, a huge smile across his face, and his legs bent as though he were dancing a jig.

I will be out this afternoon, and will post later this evening. Thanks!

Marisan squints, attempting to notice anything unusual about the ship from where they currently stand.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

"Seems odd that it's just sitting there, empty... but who knows who or what is below-decks." She looks back to her companions. "Any thoughts on our plan of attack?"

"How about you look for the best way to get aboard unnoticed," Kyle says to Elwyn as he casts guidance on him. "And this time I think we should all stick together."

Man! I was on the road, or I might have thrown some intimidation on that Kafar to reveal his sources. It's Harboth's one face skill.

Makes sense enough to me, Harboth replies. He, too, looks over the boat from the party's vantage point.

1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

The party doesn't see or hear anything else aside from what's described above.

"It would appear as though we may have to board the vessel to explore further. We should be cautious."

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

Kyle walks up to the galleon with the party as quietly as he can in his armor. He casts guidance on himself to do so. 1d20 - 5 ⇒ (5) - 5 = 0 He makes enough noise to wake up the dead.

Getting max usage out of cantrips. Kyle will fit right in.

Rachele walks towards the ship

Casting detect magic

Elwyn surveys the ship, the docks and evaluates any potential means of stealthy boarding. He also tries to determine why things are so quiet.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 9 + 1 = 25

"Do you think that there is any way word of our assault could have gotten here before us, any way that they could have been warned about our aproach? Elwyn whispers to the others.

I suppose it's possible, but kinda doubtful, unless they knew about our mission from the start. Maybe Elwyn and I should scout ahead a bit and make sure the coast is clear?

It looks easy enough to get on board, though if someone could see your party from anywhere in the vicinity, they could have clearly seen you by now. And with the loud noises the cleric is making, they most definitely would have heard you by now. Thankfully, there seems to be no one around.

"We may not have much of an element of surprise, if any at all. If we scout ahead we might be able to gain a flanking position, but I wouldn't want the others very far behind. If there are hostages here, I am concerned for their safety if our approach is known."

Harboth looks at the boat, glances back at Kyle and the rest of the party, and grunts. He turns back to Elwyn. Hm. You and Kyle are probably right. Let's all go check this thing out.

Harboth draws his axe and prepares to board the ship.

The party approaches the deck of the ship. The deck was recently scrubbed clean and still shows remnants of soap bubbles and puddles of water. It is otherwise deserted. You see a door that leads to a lower deck.

Marisan nods at the plan. She loads a bullet into her sling, positions her wooden shield, and walks with the group toward the ship.

"Elwyn, can you make sure that the door isn't trapped?" Kyle asks while casting another cantrip of guidance on him. Kyle loosens his grip on his shield after realizing he was clenching it tightly. He casts detect magic before pulling his scimitar from his sheath.

Elwyn draws his rapier, looks over to Kyle and responds, "Great idea." and carefully walks up to the door. As he does he is keeping an eye out for any traps, trip wires or other potential badness. Also, he looks to see if there are any footprints from the puddles that might show where people may have gone to.

Perception - deck: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
Perception - door: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

Kyle also takes a look at the door for any traps.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15