GM Dak - Shattered Star 2

Game Master Dakcenturi

Having rested, Lexi seems to be back to her old weird self, her aqua eyes unblinking, their expression semi-vacant. She takes a deep breath and launches into encyclopedia mode.

"Now that I've had time to rest and think, I can give you all some details about the Irespan's pilings and the Crow in particular. Like all the surviving pilings, it's 200 feet wide at its base, though it widens to about 250 feet near its peak. It's made of a strange basalt used by the mages of the Golemworks to build some of their creations, though the practice of actually quarrying the rock of the Irespan was banned several decades ago. Still, there's enough of its crumbled pieces lying submerged in the shallows off the coast that a recovery industry exists that specializes in raising great pieces from the ocean floor."

"Anyhow, the Crow itself.... Wait--did I mention that all the surviving pilings are decorated with statuary and bas reliefs of a particular animal or monstrous beast? There's a Rat piling (she turns to Davor briefly), though I don't know if that piling's sacred. Back to the Crow! As you've probably guessed, its exterior is decorated with gargoylesque crows. It's located maybe half a mile out to sea, stands 220 feet tall--shorter than the Shadow Clock in Underbridge…. Did you know that the Shadow Clock's the only one of Magnimar's monuments that never seems to give a boon to those who visit it? One day I'll unlock that mystery."

"Um...the Crow piling is also said to descend 50 feet below the water to the ocean floor; it likely descends further. Did I mention that at least some of the pilings are hollow? Well, that is to say they've got staircases and rooms and chambers inside them. Some are said to contain horrific monsters from the time of ancient Thassilon."

Turning to Adistan, the girl concludes by saying, "En route to the waterfront, perhaps we could visit one or more of the monuments to try to gain their boons...maybe the Eyes of the Hawk* again in case we encounter some creepy aberrations inside the Crow."

* Study the monument’s complex carvings for 10 minutes, then attempt a DC 15 Perception check. Success grants a +1 morale bonus on all weapon damage rolls against aberrations for 24 hours. This bonus increases by +1 for every 5 points by which you exceed the initial check.

Another nearby monument is the Cenotaph (DC 15 Knowledge [religion] check to gain a +1 morale bonus on Fort saves for 24 hours).

Amelexis Dusk Knowledge (local) Check: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

"That's a good idea, Lady Dusk," Temmer says, trying to absorb all the information the aasimar has just dumped on the group. "I was also thinking of picking up some other armaments, just in case."

I seem to have awfully little to contribute, he thinks, still unsure of his own place in the Pathfinders. In this city, I'm the one who's far out to sea.

I like the idea for the moment, but want to see what we get from questioning Natalya.

Verris eyes go wide as Lexi spouts every piece of knowledge she has about the crow piling. "Hope yer not expectin' me to remember all that! Still, there's a lot of useful stuff in there too. Thanks, Amelexis! And...I think any help we can get is useful so these monuments sound like a good idea."

You all are welcome to talk with Natalya if you like, just keep in mind she is still under the influence of the shard until at least the morning. It's up to you if you want to wait for her to hopefully be more helpful or try now. If you need to make purchases and the like feel free to have done that while Lexi was 'napping' just let me know what you plan to pick up. You also still need to see about getting additional transporation since not everyone would fit in Davor's rowboat.

Lexi blushes at Verris's praise, and it's obvious the young aasimar is happy to be an asset to the party again after the influence of the shard of pride had made her...well, somewhat of an annoyance.

Shortly thereafter, she sidles up to Adistan. "I learned a new spell," she informs the Andoran sailor. "Since you're at a disadvantage in dark places--such as the interior of this Crow piling we'll be visiting shortly--I decided to learn how to cast a basic light spell. It produces as much light as a torch, but can be covered with a cloak or the like without setting said cloak afire. It only lasts for 20 minutes per casting at this point, but I can recast the spell at will. If you need to cover the light for any reason, I can be your eyes in the darkness: I inherited the ability to see in the dark from my father."

With those last words, a shadow of sorrow fills Lexi's eyes as she remembers a parent now apparently lost to her.

*****************************

As for questioning Natalya, I figure there's no time like the present, since Verris has already made the roll (with Lexi and Davor contributing to the cause with Aid Another actions). We might learn something that'll affect what we want to purchase before raiding the Crow, plus we can always try the following day if the Diplomacy fails. Asking where Natalya found the shard of pride and why her old gang was hunting her would be good questions to start with.

"My thanks, Lady Dusk," Temmer says with a respectful nod of his head. "But you shouldn't go to such trouble just for me. I'll manage."

I'm going to get a quarterstaff en route. I finally realized I want a double weapon for Temmer. That way once he gets sneak attack he can eventually use it for two-weapon fighting when he's in a flank but can still just go with a double weapon when he's not. Of course none of that is going to come online until he can get two-weapon fighting, which will have to wait until 5th level.

Also, is there any reason we can't just question Natalya in the morning with the same questions if she's not responsive at night?

Also, is there any reason we can't just question Natalya in the morning with the same questions if she's not responsive at night?

I looked under the Diplomacy skill and it says you can't try to change someone's attitude more than once in a 24-hour period, so we'd have to wait until the following night to question Natalya again if we failed the first night. Also, it'd be possible to worsen her starting attitude with a low check (though the general rule is that Diplomacy changes the attitude for only 1-4 hours, so Natalya most likely would be back to her starting attitude by morning).

Amelexis looks at Temmer without emotion a few moments before saying, "Don't we want to do more than just 'manage?' We managed to recover Natalya and the shard, but it was no sure thing. We all need to do better and act as a more cohesive unit. You're one of our best warriors, and you help keep our foes away from me, Verris, and Bixby so we can attack or cast spells from a distance. It just won't do for you to have to juggle a torch while you're trying to cut down our foes...and it also won't do if your blazing torch gives our position away to such enemies when the rest of us don't need much if any light to see."

"Besides, the other spell I was considering just made phantom sounds, and I'll bet Bixby's got that covered."

Verris puts her hands on her hips and looks indignantly towards Lexi, "Hey! I can handle myself in a scrap. Reckon I'm just as good as Adistan here with a blade and I can take as good a beatin' as him too! Just makes sense softenin' up any folk attackin' us before I get close. It's more efficient! Don't need anybody to protect me!"

She gives a little huff but then loosens up, arms dropping back by her side before looking towards Adistan. "Asides from that, Amelexis speaks sense. No point makin' things difficult fer yerself fer no reason. Facin' yer weaknesses head-on and honestly is the best way to deal with 'em! If ye can't see well in the dark, that can be used against ye in a fight. That spell can overcome that. Makes sense to make use of it!"

Verris is happy to approach Natalya now or wait until tomorrow when the shard's curse wears off. Ditto for going to the crow piling. If we are waiting until tomorrow to go, I suggest going to the place Lady Heidmarch suggested and organising transport today.

Lexi cringes when Verris snaps at her. She seems to consider replying but then opts to keep her mouth shut, slowly slipping into the background to let the others make plans.

Why did Lady Sheila tell me to try to be more assertive? To try to make some friends? Even when a magic shard isn't messing with me, I seem to say the wrong thing...or the right thing the wrong way. I should just stick with my books: It's a lot harder to hurt their feelings, as they have none.

And it's a good thing Verris wasn't the one to pick up the shard of pride....

Amelexis Dusk Sense Motive Check: 1d20 ⇒ 13

I'll second looking into getting another boat today as well. In fact, Lexi is likely foolish enough to buy a second rowboat. (It'd kinda be her version of having a pony.)

Bixby is glad to see Lexi working to coordinate spells. "I indeed have a cantrip that can make ghostly sounds, as well as several others that will prove of utility. Before we head out, I will also purchase a few scrolls," he adds.

Going to go shopping and purchase a few scrolls.

Verris winces and a guilty look passes over her face as the shy girl withdraws from the conversation. "Sorry Amelexis! Shouldn't have snapped at ye like that. Just don't like it when folk question my ability. Used to get it all the time back home. Rubs me the wrong way."

She sighs and then says, "Like I said, we all have weaknesses. This is one of mine. One I don't always manage to overcome. Please forgive me fer bein' nasty to ye! No need fer it. Ye made some good points!

Davor watches the two women go around in circles, and smiles, taking deep puffs from his newly acquired calumet, seemingly enjoying himself.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

"Gurk teach you how to stab longshanks right," Gurk says to Vers encouragingly.

"I suppose you're all correct," Temmer replies, chastened. "I merely didn't wish to burden you. It appears none of you have my own inabilities."

I think it makes the most sense to just wait until morning to question Natalya and then head for the monument and then the Crow, but I'm fine with whatever others want. Let's plan to get some transport today.

Lexi raises a hand in protest toward Verris. "There's nothing to apologize for: You weren't nasty, I was just...(the girl flips through her mental thesaurus for the right word)...being ignorant."

When Adistan speaks up, seeming to question his own abilities, Lexi has another of her strange little near-seizures, as she tries to find the right words while simultaneously working up the courage to say what's on her mind. Ultimately, though, the peculiar girl keeps her mouth shut, falling back into a brooding silence.

With Verris

Lexi shakes hands with Verris (a weak-gripped handshake, as one might expect) and gushes, "Deal!" Then Lexi suggests going back to speak with the others about procuring a second boat.

With the Others

Lexi broaches the subject of a second boat by confessing that she's always daydreamed about having a boat of her own. "I'm told most girls dream of having their own pony, but I've always fancied a boat. But I'm not sure what owning one encompasses. Sure, you don't have to feed it like a pony, but where do you store it when it's not in use? I'm too weak to carry it up the Seacleft to put it in the lodge's backyard...even assuming that Lady Heidmarch would allow such a thing, which I doubt. Davor--you have a boat. How do you leave it at a dock without someone coming along and stealing it? And what sort of costs am I looking at if I buy one?"

"Typically you would pay a dockmaster to watch over your boat at its berth, though I'm afraid they're not always as trustworthy as one might want. I'm sure Copperpot could expand upon that," Temmer answers for Davor.

"As far as a simple boat, that likely won't cost too much. Certainly not after what we got from our last expedition. A proper ship, on the other hand..."

"Do water hut come with ratsies?" Gurk asks, chewing on some unidentifiable meat.

"Unfortunately, it's nearly impossible to rid ships of rats completely, though the best captains and bosuns make the effort," Temmer admits.

Lexi goes into zombie mode as she devotes all her brainpower toward whether to purchase or rent the needed rowboat. A minute later, she stirs.

"After giving the matter more thought, perhaps its best we merely rent the boat for our mission. I'm not sure how much free time I'll have for pleasure boating, nor if the Heidmarchs trust me enough to go off on my own on such excursions."

After an awkward pause, the girl squeaks, "And then there's the fact that I never found enough time off from my studies to learn how to swim properly...."

"You don't know how to swim?!" Temmer asks aghast.

A moment later he stills.

"My apologies for my outburst, Lady Dusk," he says. "I was merely surprised. If you would like, I would be willing to teach you or find someone more suitable to do so. Especially in a coastal city such as Magnimar, there may be reason to need to know how to survive on water."

"Gurk no like getting wet. No know why longshanks make so many water huts," Gurk comments. His natural odor testifies to his statement.

Verris listens to the others talk about the costs and complications of owning a simple rowboat. She had seen Davor perform some of the necessary tasks on their journey to Magnimar, even helped out in some cases, but the requirements to keep the boat in good condition still surprised her.

She was surprised again when Lexi admitted she couldn't swim properly. Verris herself was hardly a master, but she was capable enough to avoid embarrassing herself most of the time. "Master Temmer has a good point. Swimmin' is a pretty useful skill to have in a port city. It's useful anywhere really, but it's particularly useful in port cities. I can help too if you'd like."

Verris' nose wrinkles as the smell of unwashed goblin wafts towards her as the goblin makes his statement. Gurk could do with a good swim too...preferably in a bath. I don't know how he's so sneaky when you can smell him several feet away

Amelexis starts to fidget nervously as both her favorite new Pathfinders offer to help her learn to swim! Unfortunately, learning to swim will likely require her to actually set foot in the water.

"I think I know the basics already: thrash your arms and legs like mad and try not to scream. Sharks can sense fear, especially when you're screaming."

Knitting her brow and pursing her lips, the strange aasimar questions aloud, "Or is that dogs?" A moment later, one eyebrow quirks and she asks, "Or dogfish!"

Then she's off on one of her giggle fits.

Gurk gives a small growl at the mention of the horrid dogs. "Gurk stab all dogsies that attack. Dusk no mind bad beast."

After some discussion the groups decides to go see about renting a boat. Gathering up what they need they set out to Dockway, to find Sheila's contact. Asking about for Jerris Torv you are directed to the Old Fang, probably the best known of the Dockway's taverns. Heading inside, the place is decorated with the nautical trophies. The head of an enormous swamp barracuda hangs above the bar. It is about mid-day and the place is pretty packed. You see a burly, no-nonsense looking woman behind the counter tending to people's needs.

Lexi immediately falls under the (questionable) enchantment of the place, wandering aimlessly while taking in the nautical décor. She stands near the bar and looks up at the swamp barracuda's head, totally slack-jawed. It's clear someone will need to speak with the awestruck girl to get her to refocus on the mission at hand.

Gurk's mouth waters a bit as he enters the tavern full of food. His eyes lock upon the largest meal currently unattended; a large, strange creature hanging above their heads. "How Gurk get that?" he mutters, trying to form a plan.

"You don't want to eat that, Gurk," Lexi says, still in awe of the great fish head. "It's a decoration. It doesn't have meat inside: It's stuffed with...well, stuffing."

Sawdust, maybe?

Davor approaches the no-nonsense woman, "Jerris? hi! name's Davor! we're here to rent a boat, and Lady Heidmarch told us you might know someone? What barrels of ale have you tapped yet?"

Davor looks beyond the counter at the various ale kegs, and occasionally looks to the left and right to see what people are eating to see what's good...

Verris smiles in amusement at Gurk and Lexi's antics. She stands near Davor, ready to help and weigh in if needed.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22 If needed. The usual +2 if unfriendly/hostile.

While Davor talks to the woman, she intends to look around to see if anything catches her eye in the tavern but Lexi and Gurk's interest with the enormous swamp barracuda head seems to catch her attention too. She stares up at it with the same fascination as Lexi.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

The woman rolls her eyes and shakes her head at Davor "I'm not Jerris, but I can get ya an ale if you like." The woman points to a man drinking alone at a corner table. He is an older man, probably in his late 30s or early 40s. His hair and beard are white and his face is well weathered. He looks to be a man that has had a hard life on the sea.

Temmer walks over to the man, nodding in a gesture that's perhaps more relaxed than any he's made since the group met him.

"My pardon, Master Jerris, but we're in need of a boat. I've a firm hand and will have no problem handling her," he says.

The man gives Adistan a nod of acknowledgement "Well young man, you came to the right man then. Did you have something specific in mind? Were you looking to buy or rent?"

Sorry for the delay, I'm back from my trip.

As the group discusses boats and ships and water, Bixby expounds ad nauseam on the potential dangers associated with either one.

"I do not blame those who avoid the water--there are all kinds of unseen things lurking beneath, any one of which could turn your feet into a chew toy. Though I recommend the rental, rather than the purchase, of a vessel, we must inspect it vigilantly."

He waits for Adistan to negotiate for the boat--he seemed to have a better grasp of what they needed.

"Rent! Temmer and I are both excellent sailors and we'll take care of her like she's our own, promise!"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Not wanting to get covered in sawdust if/when Gurk decides to try to make a meal of Old Fang, Lexi allows herself to drift along with the tide of her curiosity to the corner table where Adistan and Davor are chatting up an old sailor. Still gazing in wonder and admiration at all the nautical do-dads in the bar, Lexi finds herself half-humming, half-singing some strange sea shanty.

"Oh, Scarport she be the worst port on the seas,
Swimmin' with women, thieves an' disease...."

The aasimar lass catches herself, ceasing her song long enough to offer Master Torv a friendly smile and say, "Good day to you, sir!"

The man gives Lexi an acknowledging nod as she casually comes over when Davor exclaims that they would like to rent the man chuckles "Alright... you're an enthusiastic one aren't you?" He shrugs not actually looking for an answer. "Well if it's just the three three of you, you can get by with one rowboat unless you are looking for something else. Mind you, you'll obviously have to row 'em out yourself, so be sure ya got someone with a bit of muscle."

He pauses a moment and takes a sip from the mug in front on him. "As for the price, since ya seem like nice folk. How about 1 gold a day per boat? Of course, you break it you buy it and those boats aren't all that cheap..."

"One gold per day!" Temmer exclaims. "I'll thank you to not try to cheat us, sir. We're offering honest silver, and as Master Davor noted will care for the ship as if it were our own. We're not going to be scraping the hull along stone..."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

I have no idea what would actually be considered fair.

"Do you have a bigger boat we could all fit in? like a cog or jolly?"

The man shrugs at Adistans rebuke "No offense, but I have to protect my investments you understand."

As Davor asks about a bigger boat the man nods "Aye, I've got a small sail boat that could fit up to 8 people. Though it requires a bit more skill than a simple row boat and it would cost you five gold per day. I mean, how long do you plan to be out?"

"A day or two at most... how about we take it out on your quietest day business-wise? 3 gold for the first day then 6 gold for any additional day after that? win-win: she'll be back for the weekend when the nobles' sons and daughters need it and ye'll get money instead of havin' it tied up on the jetty doin' nothing. Plus, I promise to give it a good scrub at the end; it'll be ship-shape for the noble brats."

Lexi starts daydreaming, wondering if she's cool enough to party with the 'noble brats' Davor mentions. Then she has a sudden on-point thought and whispers something in Adistan's ear.

"Um...how do we moor a boat to a giant rock column to keep it from floating away?"

Bixby wasn't sure how much a boat usually cost, though he was certain the merchant was trying to swindle them--that was always the case.

Still, the gnome smiles appreciatively at Adistan's bargaining.

He knows, at least, that everyone is always trying to take advantage--

Verris sticks with Davor and Adistan as they begin bargaining and discussing their options with Jerris Torv.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

"Ye can be sure Davor and Adistan here will keep yer vessel in top shape. Might be that we'll need to rent a boat again in the future. A good price now could earn ye some loyal return customers!" she adds, trying to aid the men in their bargaining.

Gurk continues to stare at the head, uncaring of the attention his race is bringing. Longshanks no know what be important here.

The man nods when after Davor and Verris both butter him up a bit. "Alright. You've got yourself a deal then."

The man finishes up his drink and then stands, grabbing a nearby wooden crutch and starts to head for the door "This way then."

He hobbles along leading the way to a nearby pier with a few various boats tied up. There is a iron gate with a lock that blocks access to the pier. He pulls out a key and opens the lock then pushes the gate open and motions with his crutch for you to go ahead. "On you go. Down at the end, the Siren's Purr is just what you'll be needing."

Out of the various boats that are docked there are a handful of rowboats and one small sail boat. They all appear to be in good condition.

If you are taking it out now, give me a Prof. Sailor or Intelligence check DC 12 to get things started.