Thod runs Cyphermage Dilemma (Inactive)

Game Master Thod

The ferocity leaves the half-Orc and he goes down.

Markus cracks his knuckles as we waits to see if the thug is going to get up. After a moment he bends over to pry the brass knuckles the half-orc had been wearing out of his grip.

The Varisian's monkey, that had dismounted during the brawl, runs over to the scarred man dragging the dagger and wand that he'd discarded earlier.

"Forgiveness. That took too long."

You manage to get to the habour master without any further incident.

Chanix glances around to see if there are any other takers.

Perception on spectators / for suspicious looking people
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

He retrieves his dagger from the dog and walks over to the enforcer. Bending low he wipes the dog's blood on the enforcer's pants and looks to Markus, "Friend of yours?"

As Markus examines the weapon, his monkey chatters excitedly and digs through the man's pockets.

Does the knuckles have the inscription I'm looking for? Also, are they masterwork at least? I'm sure Gauril wouldn't mind if I used them for the course of the mission. =P

"Markus, if it's all the same to you, could I take his sap? Might give me a lighter touch for such incidents."

"Friend? No", Markus says shaking his head.

"He took something from associate. We were asked to recover the thing that was taken and to make sure that others within Riddleport learn about this man's mistake."

The big Varisian flips the limp half-orc over with a foot so that the monkey can finish its search.

As if reading his mind, the monkey runs over to Chanix's feet dragging the sap in tow.

Priscilla looks away from the body, not wanting to think of what just happened. "Is he dead?" Follows the others a bit less chipper.

Cue power up sound effect. Thod, standard sap I assume?

Sense Motive? 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16

Markus notices how troubled the halfling is.

"A broken nose, busted ribs, and a headache but he will live", the scarred brute says. "A dead man has trouble telling others about the beating he took."

Once its finished with looting, the monkey begins undoing the lacing on the half-orc's leggings. With a titanic effort, the tiny simian pulls the thug's breeches midway down his thighs leaving the enforcer exposed and in a thoroughly humiliating position for whoever comes by the alley and finds him.

Pleased with its work, the monkey dances back and force on its hind legs before chattering and climbing back up on the Varisian's broad shoulders.

"I am beginning to enjoy traveling with you all. All these hostilities and I have yet to have to lift a finger. Makes it easier to take it all in for future recollection."

Atermis then catches up with Markus and claps him on the shoulder.

"Where did you learn to fight like that? I'm going to have to invite you to Oppara sometime, see if you can measure up to a couple of our fist fighters."

Tal sheathes his sword and checks on the clearly distraught Priscilla. Despite his obvious discomfort with personal contact, he gently puts a hand on her shoulder.

It can be a difficult thing to watch...but I'm willing to bet that one earned every single punch he took. He'll be back on his feet again soon...a little embarrassed maybe. But sometimes we all need a lesson only humility will teach us.

Markus glances at the hand on his shoulder.

"Before I was a Pathfinder I was very poor. An easy way to make coin among my people's camps is to put your body to the test in the fighting circles", the Varisian explains. "They called me 'The Earthquake' back then."

"But that was the past. I am a simple organgrinder now, no?", the Markus says smiling with that mouth full of crooked teeth again.

Chanix can't imagine a more awkward moment in Pathfinder history.

More like an internal organ grinder my friend. Remind me to never anger you!

"Nothing to worry about friend. I am a gentle spirit", Markus says flatly as he cracks his knuckles again and tests his new weapon's fit.

"Thanks Tahl."

Treasure:
The sap is a MW sap
MW studded leather
Potion CLW
14 GP
Ornate bronze Knuckles with an inscription on them

2Markus - no MW - but these are what you are after

You get 2 pieces of information at the Harbormaster :

A) the Lionfish is ankered in the outer parts of the harbor. Only reachable by boat - which Chanix has organized for you.
B) only a single ship is expected this week from the direction of Karlsgard - a Tian Zia ship - the Topaz Titan - arrival expected tomorrow

Well done everyone so far. I'm really enjoying this - but I'm now spaced out. Last minute change in scenario. Wasn't a cold run - but was nearly a year ago - PaizoCon UK - that I ran the scenario.
The fun of late cancelations.

Bummer, I'll use them anyway for style.

Content that this is the item he's after Markus weighs the coin taken from the unconscious half-orc in hand.

"Let's see what the Harbormaster has to say."

Edit:

"Chanix, can your vessel leave immediately? It sounds like we do not have much time."

Markus examines the pieces of studded armor taken from the increasingly naked and unconscious half-orc thug.

"This is fine armor and well cared for", the scarred brute says. "It would be big on you, but do you want to wear it?", he says to the elf.

If your sheet is correct, Chanix only has normal quality studded leather.

"I'm sure I can make it work with some adjustments."

Chanix accepts the armor from Markus.

You are correct. Just using standard leather cuz I couldn't afford better. I'll update my character sheet later.

This Armour might oddly fit me :O

Takes a closer look at the inscription, if she can?

Instinctively, Markus hides the inscription.

Upon thinking about it further, he lowers a fist so that the halfling might examine his prize.

Chanix looks the armor over and decides it won't be much better for him than his own which fits him perfectly.

"Priscilla, I think you would be better suited with this."

Chanix hands over the masterfully crafted armor.

"It's too pretty for me. I'll just get blood all over it."

"The armor is big for you. It's too big for her."

Chanix is small. Priscilla is small.

The dinghy vessel bobbing in the water looks like it's in dire need of a new paint job, its maroon paint having faded to a grimy puce and peeling away where the water laps at the hull. The planks appear sturdy though, and the boat's sails are carefully mended. The word “Lionfish” is painted across the side of the ship in clumsy blue letters, and a light on the ship's deck illuminates the work of several figures hustling to and fro.

Take all the tme you want - but as I won't be able to post until much later today ...

"How are we to get aboard?", the Varisian asks aloud. "More deception?"

Artemis sighs and says.

"Give me the hood and rope."

Chanix scans the hull of the monstrous ship looking for hand holds or even a conveniently placed ladder.

Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Smulwarts Gultrock sees Chanix searching for a ladder. She quietly holds up a grappling hook with a rope tied to it that was lying on the floor of the boat.
She then points towards the front or the back of the boat - waiting for instructions.

It is a 20 foot climb up. Trying to climb up without a rope seems not impossible but requires a very good climber - with the risk to fall into the sludge of the water that has gathered in the harbor.

Toren leans on his polearm and glances around the area to see if anything catches his eye...or ears.

Perception 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

A sigh escapes from him, smile not so ready right at the moment, I had hoped life as a Pathfinder would help my gemfindin'. Hopefully I don't disappoint m'lord as well.

"Well I guess I can't shimmey up a rope with my hands tied now can I?

"Smulwarts you're a dear. Got any clues on where men on an anchored ship are likely to be least congregated?"

Chanix turns to his fellow adventurers,
"What do you guys think about a diversion? Send one or two up on one end and the rest up the other?"

"Shall we try the prisoner bluff again?"

He begins to coil the rope of the grappling hook for an efficient toss.

"Deception may not work. Why would we be bringing a captured scholar out into the water."

"The direct approach is best here. We scale the side and seize the ship by force, no?"

"Let me not be the one to argue a direct approach! I'm ignorant of the workings of such ships though.

Right up the middle seems foolish. I suspect they don't look towards the rear and there will little cover towards the front.

At best we're dealing with a skeleton crew if Alejia is off kidnapping."

Sorry was under the impression it was docked and we would be walking aboard.

"Sure, sure who wants to go first?"

Well we could always say we fished him out of the water...but you're probably right. Perhaps the direct approach is the best approach.

Tal stops to think for a moment...

Everyone knows how to swim...right?

"Does anyone want to volunteer to go aboard, search out a ladder and drop it down unseen?", Chanix says as his hand is raised.

"Do it quickly", Markus says as the elf volunteers himself.

"I'm gonna need some rope or somethin' to help me get up, what with all this gear. And I'm not likely ta be too quiet neither. Not that I would be even nekkid!"

Two more pictures

Your approach

The Lionfish

How best to proceed ?

I keep it freeflow until we are in initiative - when this happens depends on what you do / maybe dice rolling. Once this happens I start 'combat' aka we go into rounds and you are allowed 2 move action or 1 standard / 1 move.

Let me know what you have to help you up. You have at least 1 grappling hook with rope offered by Smulwarts. Other items are only ready if I read about them before 'combat' starts.

Similar - if you want to strip out of armour for better climbing.

You did spot at least one sailor somewhere in the middle of the ship. The cover you have from the much higher ship currently protects you from being seen - at the same time it prevents you from seeing what other dangers there are on the ship.

So far you are pretty sure that you managed to get aside the ship without raising suspicion. The harbor is not that far - so small boats sailing past close to ships is very common.

edit: And please let me know where you want to board.

"Take us to the rear Smulwarts."

Chanix hands the grappling hook to Tal.

"You're probably a better toss than I am."

Hmmmm. If'n only I was bigger or stronger I could probably climb up without leavin' any o' mah gear. If I do have to leave some, I gotta make sure I can get it back!"

"Hand it here and I can carry some of it up for you", Markus says.

"You should be unhindered and free like little Grigo", the Varisian says pointing at his tiny monkey as it scurries up and down the hanging rope.

Toren shrugs off his backpack and looks at his shield and then the pack. He keeps looking between them with the same worried look for both items. Finally, sweat beginning to glisten on his brow, he closes his eyes and holds out his shield toward Markus. "Thank you Markus, yer a strong one indeed. Make sure you don't drop Tessa here, she's been mah friend fer years."

45 lb Tower Shield. It takes me to a -1 Climb check...should be able to make that with a rope?

"Not only that but if you drop her, she'll sink this ferry and all of us with it."