Thod runs Cyphermage Dilemma (Inactive)

Game Master Thod

"Do you know what ship?"

Artemis asks as he pokes around a few of the boxes.

As he hears the bit about the captain being a viper and leaving on a ship, Toren perks up a bit from watching the wounded Grunts, "Tell us, what was 'er name. What ship did she leave on if'n you know." He keeps a watch on the other two grunts, by this time having slung his tower shield over his back and putting his hands on the Bec de Corbin.

Priscilla uses the rope to bind the prisoners writs behind their backs. "Any more exotic cargo like feathers, hats, or dusty old books?"

When Pricilla notices the prisoner she will go tend to his state. Heal 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Chanix bends to inspect the loose floorboards. He pulls out a dagger for closer inspection to determine if the boards are trapped or just a secret storage area.

What have we here?

Perception on the floorboards for traps 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 7 + 1 = 24

If trapped, Disable Device
1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 8 + 1 = 18

Unsuccessful disabling, Reflex save
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Twilla replies to Artemis, Toren and Pricilla

"I never saw the ships name - was too far out. She only came in via a rowing boat the one time I spotted her."

"Books - who is interested in books. At least they don't rot like the foodstuff here" she kicks a box and some rotten food comes out smelling badly.

"But if you are like the scholars - wanting some books which nobody can read - maybe in one of the boxes close to the bound one. Nobody would have taken them."

Chanix pries open some floor boards. Beneath is a crate - containing some ornate and exotic silk flags. The design distinctivly different to the ones seen in the harbour.

Artemis is poking around in some of the boxes. He seems unable to spot what he is looking for - but retrieves a good looking sword instead. MW Longsword.

He is close to give up when his eyes light up seeing what Chanix has retrieved from beneath the floor boards.

"Curious."

Chanix leaves the crate of flags on the floor and begins searching through some of the nearby crates.

Perception: searching crates for scholarly materials and utility gear 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Did she say 'foot'stuff?
Chanix wonders to himself as he starts going through the warehouse items.

Tal hears talk of books and offers a knowing nod to Priscilla before going through the boxes that Twilla indicated.

Only a few more pieces that seem worthwhile to keep are unearthed by you.

Will list them tomorrow. Last post of the day from phone before shutting down here.

Oops - corrected foot to food ...

My mind must have been already elsewhere.

Tal begs Priscilla closer and speaks to her in a low voice.

"Well aren't these a find. I've been studying nautical flags for awhile. You wouldn't mind if I took these would you Chanix?"

Artemis asks as he sifts through the box.

Out loud "Well boys, do you want me to wake him up!"
If the party agrees I will cast cure light wounds using my magic stone slot

If given a discrete moment I will cast comprehend languages. Perception on who may be watching 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19 If not discrete I will hold off

Chanix looks over his shoulder to Artmeis.

"They're no use to me beyond a clever sale. I don't mind if you take them."

"Have you found somethin', I dunno like a salt, to keep the foodstuffs fresh?" Toren asks, "I've got a bit o' the same problem mahself!"

"Yeah, hoping that this scholar knows something of our quarry's whereabouts or we are out of leads. Go ahead and wake him up Priscilla."

Chanix overhears Toren and begins actively looking for some sort of food preservative. He notices the new sword Artemis is carrying around and assumes he must have found it in a crate.

Perception for salt/food preservation stuff and other weapons
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

While sifting through more boxes he asks, "Has anyone talked to the scholar yet? Do we know who he is?"

Priscilla will see to him soon enough. Hopefully the knock he took to the head didn't empty his memory.

"That would be most unfortunate. Knowledge is a terrible thing to waste."

Cure light wounds 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Priscilla! You've...grown. In more ways than one! What sorcery is this?

ACK! What foul magic is this?!

Chanix cannot believe he has been deceived so vividly.

Toren

All the food here seems in such a bad condition that you are sure - if such a salt exists - they just refused to use it here.

The scholar opens his eyes and looks around disoriented.

More after breakfast.

"You should not worry, you are among friends now", the hulking Varisian explains. "We will take you from this place and then you tell us how you came to be captured, no?"

"Thanks, Thanks for rescuing me. I wouldn't know what they wanted to do with me but all the others on the ship got killed already at sea."

The scholar - a woman of middle age - Explains herself.

"My name is Iatha Oedricius - I'm a theologian from Absalom. I was on boad of the Starfish when the pirates attacked. We never did have a chance.
Their leader - a exotic looking woman - was already on our ship. Disguised as a crew member she and some members of her crew backstabbed us when the attack happened."

"She took the starfish and sailed on towards Karlsgard. Likely to wait in ambush or to infiltrate the next ship coming from that direction.
I was the only one to be moved to her ship - the Lionfish - and brought here. I'm now here for a few days and I'm very grateful for your rescue."

"Karlsgard? I do not know this place."

"So we need to head to Karlsguard to stop this. Do you know how long ago that was?"

Chanix turns to the guards, "You three, where is this Karlsgard."

Iatha shakes her head - seemingly surprised about the lack of knowledge shown by her rescuers.

Could have given Pricilla the chance for Knowledge Geography but rather move on.

"Karlsbard is north in the Lands of the Linnorm Kings. It is their largest port. But I doubt that the Starfish will go that far. It is likely the ship will just sail up a day in the direction and wait for the next victim.
I doubt there are great scholars from the barbarian lands itself. But the shipping routes in this direction merge with the routes from Tian Zia, the northern parts of Varisia and the islands in the steaming sea - like the Mordant Spire.
Not that I think she would be a match for the elves from the Mordant Spire."

Artemis groans.

"Last thing I want to do is head up north again. If it is only a day's sail it shouldn't be too bad though. Can anyone sail a ship?"

"Perhaps we teach this pirate whore a lesson and use her own ship to capture her", Markus suggests.

"If we visit the docks, we can see if the Lionfish is still there, no?"

"That would be quite fitting, and make a great story. Count me in.

I have access to a ferry for us. I don't know what kind of range it has though. Also, I wonder if we aren't better served looking for the Lionfish and lying in wait for Alejia to return."

"It may be days before she returns to Riddleport with more captives."

"We look for Lionfish first. Plans can wait."

"The harbor master should know which ships are in - and which are expected in the next days. But you go there without me. I don't want to be ungrateful - but I had enough for a while with sailors and similar scum."

"We visit the harbor master then."

Along the way, Markus will gather whatever info he can on this guy.

Knowledge Local - 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Chanix cuts the binds of the prisoners as an act of good faith and sets off to find the harbormaster with Markus.

While Markus is looking around, Chanix visits Smulwarts again.

"Smulwarts. Your information was most valuable earlier. Thank you but I have need of more."

He looks around out of habit.
Perception for being followed 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

"Might you know the whereabouts of a ship called 'Lionfish'? If not could you point me to the harbormaster? Prepare your ferry for departure. We may need to leave soon. "

Artemis also sees what he can dig up on the harbor master at any establishment along the way.

Knowledge (Local) 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Diplomacy 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Smulwarts:

"The Harbormaster is the last building in the other direction of the docks. If the ship you are looking for is somewhere moored in the outer parts of the harbor then I'm ready to get you there."

Artemis

Your information confirms what the dwarf has said. The harbor master tends to be a position of trust and power. It isn't unusual that such a person can be bribed - but that isn't different to any other official in a position of power.
Mainly his job is to ensure ships pay taxes and order is being observed.

Chanix asks Smulwarts to be cautious for the next couple of hours for he may have brought undue attention to her business. He then takes his leave and locates Artemis and Markus heading towards the Harbormaster's office.

He falls in behind them, discreetly using shifty eyes and a low voice,
Perception for Burly man 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

"We're being followed, burly man with a mangy dog. Head to the harbormaster and see what info you can get. I'll see if I can't determine this shadow's purpose. Our ferry is ready and waiting. Hopefully the others catch up soon."

Chanix slows his pace and glances around for Tal. Using reflections in shop windows, Chanix snags a hat from a street vendor to help him blend into the crowd.
Sleight of hand 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Upon getting Tal's attention he sends him a hand signal for "up" and veers off into an alley.
Stealth to hide in the alley with a good view of the street
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Once he feels like no one can see him and even less remember him turning into the alley to begin with, Chanix grabs hold of a drain pipe, shimmies himself up to a windowsill and further to a balcony where he crouches in wait for the burly man and his mutt to appear.

Climb 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21

Sorry I've been away all

Toren follows Artemis around, like a bearded and scruffy dog. He looks around and listens as he is walking to see if he can catch anything interesting. Chanix comes up and whispers something to Arty and then curiosly trails behind, but Toren doesn't really notice as he is busy listening and watching.

Perception 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

I will need positions and where people are heading. Chanix went off to ambush position. I will need to know roughly a marching order of the other 5.

Chanix - do you want to sneak up ahead or behind ? I will then interpret as best as I can and post a map with positions.

I also want to ensure Pricilla is around - so a little bit slow own until I have positions.