GM Tyranius (PF2) Quest #5 The Dragon Who Stole Evoking Day (Tier 3-6) (Inactive)

Game Master Tyranius

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A powerfully built young ulfen man arrives on the scene. Clad in oiled leathers and armed with a long knife, he's the picture of your standard burly northern sailor. Perched on one shoulder is a large black-feathered bird.

Looks like we have 4 players checked in.

The tea shop is filled with lively conversation as dozens of Sothis’s citizens enjoy their midday refreshments. An older human man, Amenopheus sits at a small table in a far corner just beyond the sight of the other patrons. The man picks at a pastry that has been mostly falling away to crumbs. He looks up and puts on a relieved smile.

“Pathfinders!” he calls out. “Yes, yes, over here, please. I’m glad Norden was able to reach you on such short notice. I’m sure you’re all quite busy with preparing for the upcoming festivities. As am I! Well... to be honest, I was expecting to be busy, but things are not going as I’ve expected.”

He produces a note from his breast pocket. “You see, I have been happily performing a variety of duties for Pharaoh Khemet for some time now. However, as of late, the Ruby Prince’s requests have grown far more demanding, and he has given me far less time to meet his needs.”

Amenopheus sighs and stares into his tea for a moment, a forlorn look on his face, before placing a note on the table. “The Ruby Prince has requested that I handle festivities in the Old City for Evoking Day—a holiday sacred to the faith of Nethys, the god of magic. It’s a big celebration, with dancing, magical duels, and brilliant fireworks. The fireworks in particular are something the public looks forward to, especially those who want to participate but who lack magical skill of their own, and the Ruby Prince specifically asked that I distribute a supply of fireworks that were ordered for the event. The holiday’s tomorrow, but unfortunately, my busy schedule kept me from finding the request until quite recently. When I finally located it, I rushed over to the storehouse where the fireworks should have
been awaiting distribution, only to find it empty. I fear I must locate the festival supplies so the Evoking Day celebration is not ruined for the people of Sothis. However, attending to my other duties has left me short on time, so I thought it was best to call in a favor with the Society."

“Pathfinders, I need you to find those supplies as soon as you can! But I request that you keep my name out of your investigation. If the pharaoh were to learn about this, er, situation, it would not do my reputation any favors. I suggest heading to the storehouse in the Old City down by the docks to see what you can find there. Perhaps one of the locals noticed what happened to the supplies. It wouldn’t hurt to ask around. We haven’t much time, so it’s best that you get going from here.”

With this, Amenopheus sits back and enjoys his tea, seemingly the first break from his duties in some time. He is happy to answer any last minute questions you may have.

With a huge bastard sword wrapped in scraps of leather and fur strapped to her back, the dark haired woman steps forward. She speaks in a softspoken, yet low, feminine voice.
Well met, Amenopheus. I am Amiri. I have a question. Could someone else in your household or employ have gone ahead and distributed the fireworks for you? Maybe they saw the note from The Ruby Prince before you did.

Red is a rugged young man of mixed descent with sandy brown hair. He wears a suit of well maintained full plate and a holy symbol of Shelyn over his neck. "Just finding some fireworks? I mean I'm not complaining but I thought you'd ask us to explore some long forgotten society where we'd end up fighting a deity. It'll be a nice change of pace."

The old wizard addresses his young associate, smiling: "*Just* some fireworks? Oh, believe me when I say that you have seen nothing of the kind before. I had the good fortune to be able to attend Evocation Day once, many years ago, and I still remember the fireworks above all. Such vivid colors and beautiful patterns... It truly is a celebration blessed by Nethys. Finding the fireworks is of utmost importance, if only so you can enjoy the spectacle first-hand."

Turning back to Amenopheus (after he has had time to answer Amiri's and possibly others' questions): "Since time is of the essence, I think the information you provided shall suffice to start us on our investigations. However, should something come up that requires your counsel once again - where can we find you in a hurry?"

Eager to get underway, Ezren will urge his fellows to hurry to the warehouse as soon as the conversation is over. "Ah, but one can never be too careful in unfamiliar territory, isn't that right?" He will pause for a moment outside the door of the tea shop, taking a wand from his pocket and using it to cast his Mage Armor (1st level) for the day on himself.

Should we arrive at the warehouse without incident, Ezren would apply himself to questioning some of the locals, as suggested by Amenopheus. His Diplomacy modifier to Gather Information is +9 (expert).

"Agreed", Olaf adds when Ezren chimes in encouraging urgency. "Every moment that passes the thief's trails gets colder."

"I'm decent tracker. Once we get to the warehouse I'll canvas the area. There might be signs of who or what visited the warehouse last other than our friend Amenopheus."

Well met, Amenopheus. I am Amiri. I have a question. Could someone else in your household or employ have gone ahead and distributed the fireworks for you? Maybe they saw the note from The Ruby Prince before you did.

“That I can’t say. I hardly think that enemies of the pharaoh would bother themselves with stealing festival supplies. Though, the effect on local morale would be significant, now that I think of it. My only guess is that a local vendor may have stolen the fireworks to sell them for the festivities at an extreme markup.”

Eager to set off to the warehouse you make all due haste. The note from Pharaoh Khemet clearly notes the location of the storehouse used for the festival supplies, which you are able to reach without issue.

The storehouse is a relatively small building, about as tall as a human, built mostly for tools and supplies. Doors on the front open to the city road, while the back doors open toward a dock to facilitate loading or off-loading cargo.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

"Well then, I suppose you would like to investigate these cart tracks, Olaf? In the meantime, I shall ask around a bit to see if the locals know something. Would someone care to accompany me? Or shall we reconvene later and share what we found?"

If the others do something else, Ezren will make his own Gather Information check (with a +9 modifier). (I'm not sure how secret checks should be handled here, so for now I'm leaving this for the DM to roll.) If someone else would like to Gather Information as well, he will instead try to Aid, with a +13 modifier (due to Cooperative Nature).

Kneeling, Olaf studies the tracks. "I'll see where these lead."

Olaf will use Hunt Prey and then follow the tracks.

"I'm pretty good with people, most people anyway."

+15 Diplomacy over here so I can come along.

While we're following the tracks, why don't you socialites ask locals questions along the way? I don't see any reason to split up. We are in the middle of a big city, after all. Amiri says bluntly.

"A fair point. We shall try not to stray too far."

Ezren and Amazing Red immediately begin to branch off and start knocking on some doors. The locals don't seem to be too worried at the sound of some missing fireworks. Several shut their doors in your face, but you do find one older lady able to answer a little bit of information for you. She hangs out of her window, "Kolima came with a cart the other day. Saw her myself." She seems to frown. "Only reason I know is that it was awful late and her rickety old cart woke me up."

Olaf studies the tracks and thinks he might be able to follow them easily enough. Though his eyes do catch other faint trails within the storehouse itself as the door easily swings open with the slightest of touches.

Inside the storehouse, faint outlines in the sand that has settled on the stone floor give the impression that crates and bags once filled the storehouse, but none of the containers are left.

Amiri steps inside the shed with the others after the door creaks open. She notices the indents in the sand where crates and sacks once sat. She stoops down to get a closer look.
Something just doesn't look right.
survival: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
Amiri can't find anything out of the ordinary.

"I'll look around the warehouse first", Olaf suggests.

Thievery: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27

Finding unusual marks on the lock itself the young ulfen man's brow furrows. "Usual tool marks on the lock. The thieves didn't use standard picks. Smells strong. Maybe some sort of acid? Ezren, when you've got a moment can you take a look?

No craft here. =(

It appears I'm needed for survival too.

After looking over the lock, Olaf joins Amiri in studying the tracks.

Survival: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28

"Hmm. These look to be separate tracks. I think they lead down toward the river."

"Thank you so much for the information, dear lady. Would you be able to give us some directions as to where we may find this Kolima person?"

---

At the storehouse entrance:
"Of course, of course, let me see if I can be of help." Crafting modifier of +11, trained. He will share what he finds with the group.

"Separate tracks, you say? Hmm, this Kolima has come and left with the cart, so this must be someone else. It may be worth paying her a visit anyway, but I will admit these tracks seem more pertinent for the moment."

"She usually has a stand set up near the docks." The older woman points off in the general vicinity of the docks.

Having gathered a little bit of information Ezren heads back to the storehouse and finds Olaf investigating the broken lock. Taking a look himself he notices an acidic secretion covering it.

The tracks continue down the docks to a square where a vendor has set up a stand to sell fireworks. A younger human woman works the stand as a small crowd forms a line. "I will have enough for all of you. I have bouncing bobbers, burning breaths, charmers, Desnan candles, dwarven daisies, firelicks, firesticks, skydragons, and more!" She says very chipper and enthusiastically.

Ezren surreptitiously takes stock of her inventory and compares it with the supplies that went missing. If there's anything I have learnt in my years of adventuring, it's that things are never this easy. But who knows? We might get lucky for once. He addresses the vendor. "You wouldn't happen to be Kolima, would you? We are investigating an incident at the nearby warehouse." Perception +9 to Sense Motive.

Will need a Diplomacy check to prevent the queue from becoming upset as your group cuts their line :). They are eager to get their Evoking Day supplies.

Amiri uses her imposing presence to just glare at any crowd members that have an issue with her companions cutting in line.
We have business to attend to. She says in a stern voice.

intimidate: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28

Ezren carefully pushes his way through the crowd. "Pardon, ma'am... I'm very sorry... This is an urgent matter regarding tomorrow's festivities, I'm sure you'll understand... Please, this will take just a moment..."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

The crowd quickly parts a path for Amiri as he stern voice breaks through the clamor. Red-faced Ezren apologizes to all that he passes as the pair get to the front of the fireworks stand. The young woman looks a bit confused. "Yea, I'm Kolima, what's this about?"

Ezren scans the fireworks stand. She has quite the supply to include some of everything that is on his list. Which she should as she sells it. It doesn't appear that she has an extra surplus though.

We have no firm reason to believe her guilty at this stage. Better to get in her good graces and see if she knows something. "We are investigating a missing shipment of fireworks that disappeared from the warehouse. Currently, we are in need of witnesses that could provide us with leads. We have been told that you were seen in the vicinity last night. Did you notice anything unusual while you were there?"

Realizing what is happening Kolima begins to explain. "I received an order for a number of fireworks on short notice and was told to take them to that storehouse. I delivered them last night with my cart." She thinks for a moment. "Come to think of it. This morning as I was setting up I saw some sort of reptilian creature dragging a large burlap sack towards the Old City docks."

The crowd seems to be losing some of their patience as their are eager to pick up some of their reserved fireworks. Kolima tries to push some of her product onto you.

You are able to purchase Dwarven Daisies from her. Information on them is in the Tactical Maps link at the top of the page.

Amiri quickly turns towards the merchant.
"Reptilian creature"? She scowls.
What kind of reptilian? Humanoid like an uruxi or bestial like a dragon? How big was it?
Amiri ignores the groans and complaints from the queue of patrons, waiting for the merchant to answer.

"Do you know who made the emergency order or a record of who it was? We just need some information." Red puts his hand up to Amiri to perhaps calm down the angry barbarian for a moment.

Ezren listens intently as the vendor (presumably) describes the creatures to Amiri. Recall Knowledge to figure out what they are, I assume either Society or Arcana; both are +13 in my case.

He also makes further conciliatory gestures toward the crowd. "Please, please, this is official business. It will not take much longer, I assure you. This investigation is in everybody's best interest, so tomorrow's festival can go off without a hitch. So please, just a little more patience."

If necessary:
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

"Reptilian creature"? She scowls. What kind of reptilian? Humanoid like an uruxi or bestial like a dragon? How big was it?

"Not quite sure, it was pretty far away and the sun was just starting to come up. Seemed small though." Ezren isn't quite sure what it sounds like it could be.

"Do you know who made the emergency order or a record of who it was? We just need some information."

"Amenopheus sent the request I believe, It was a last minute order, since usually everyone has their orders in months in advance."

The crowd seems to have had enough as a few of the men and women begin yelling at you to stop cutting the line and get to the back. Kolima quickly draws out a crude map where she saw the reptilian creature and where it went down to the Old Docks. "Here, I hope this helps. I have to get back to work."

"Of course, of course. Thank you for your help." Ezren holds up his hands in a placative gesture to the crowd as he steps aside. Turning to his companions: "Sounds like a strong lead. We should check it out immediately. I wonder what kind of creature it is that she saw..."

Does this sighting match up with the area Olaf tracked that second trail toward the river?

Amiri addresses the agitated crowd.
Sorry for the hold up, people. We just needed a bit of information. Oh. And, uh, Happy Evoking Day. Be safe with those fireworks.

Anxious for a fight, Amiri heads straight towards the docks.
C'mon, guys! Let's head to those docks.

"We'll find out soon enough." Red nods his thanks to the woman. "No more time to waste I think."

It does Olaf.

As you head for the lower dockside, you all notice a group of people rushing out from the south. Their screams are barely audible, but it doesn't take long for them to reach you!

"MONSTERS!"
"THEY'RE GONNA EXPLODE!"
"GET OUT OF MY WAY!"
"TEETH! LOTS OF TEETH!"

As they rush past, their panic is infectious and the other people around you stampede. You receive numerous elbows and shoves as even the queue disperses and the firework saleswoman leaves her stall, a loud angry roar comes from the south.

*FWOOSH!* *FWOOSH!*

The sound of a sail catching air reaches your ears as children scream and run teary-eyed past you.

"It's him! Run for it! Don't let it catch you!" Far to the south are glistening scales and sleek, fin-like wings on what appears to be a drake, that looks to be some sort of relative to a black dragon.

The pile of fireworks to the north appears to be lit as several of the fuses begin to catch from the same acidic substance found on the lock.

The Map is updated. The yellow outlines are the four piles of fireworks. The one with the flame symbol and number is lit. Craft, Engineering Lore, Explosives Lore, Thievery to put the fuse out. Or another clever method as long as it makes sense.

Olaf catches some movement from within one of the water barrels near the side of the building. Movement is marked with the green x. Though only Olaf has noticed it.

Round 1
Olaf
Amazing Red
Amiri
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Ahrkinos
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Ezren

"What the- Damn it all!" Olaf curses as he rushes to the pile of lit fireworks.

Working as quickly as he can, the rogue snips off the lit fuses with his blade. As he works he grinds out the severed fuses with the heel of his boot. He takes a moment to glance back at his companions.

"Take that thing out quickly. We can't risk the fireworks going off."

Thievery: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24

"I'll do my best anyway. Just don't let us get blown up."

Red will Inspire Courage and attempt Lingering Performance before moving forward and drawing his longsword.

Performance check DC22: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30 So it will linger for 3 rounds.

Amiri quickly gives her bracelet a twist to activate it, giving her a rush of speed. Catching a glimpse through the buildings of the reptilian creature, she then hefts the giant sword from her back, gripping the hilt tightly with both hands, and darts next to Amazing Red.
Careful with those fireworks, Olaf! Maybe there's a bucket around and you can douse them with seawater!

Olaf quickly rushes to the pile of lit fireworks and begins carefully pulling fuses. He seems to get lucky and get the right ones as the embers cease for now.

The Amazing Red stands nearby inspiring Olaf as much as possible so the pile of explosives doesn't blow up in his face. Amiri gives her bracelet a small twist as she runs through the street.

Ahrkinos snarls and spits a massive ball of acid at Olaf. It bursts out into a 10 foot radius, striking Olaf and Amiri

Caustic Mucus (Acid) (Amiri and Olaf): 7d6 ⇒ (4, 3, 3, 4, 6, 5, 4) = 29 DC 23 Basic Reflex; Failure you also gain the 1d6 persistent acid damage effect and -5 feet penalty to your speed.

The drake snarls once more before guttural words hiss forth from his maw in an irritated voice. "Leave now!" Next to Olaf the pile of fireworks reignites as the caustic acid lights another fuse.

Round 2
Olaf
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???
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Amazing Red
Amiri
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Ahrkinos
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Round 1
Ezren

Gahh! It burns! Amiri yelps in pain as the caustic spray sizzles her skin.
reflex save: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
Whew. Half damage.

Seeing the smoke and sparks from the various piles of fireworks she shouts to her companions.
Just throw those bundles of fireworks into the water!

Reflex: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16

Coated in caustic fluid, Olaf howls in pain. "That hurts..."

The rogue sets to work again snipping the freshly lit fuses. He spares a moment to glance at his companions. "Amenopheus needs these fireworks. I'm not tossing them into the bay. You let me worry about the explosives. You take that thing out or its going to turn this section of the docks into a crater! "

Thievery: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21

If that doesn't do it, Olaf will try again.

Thievery: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32

If the 21 was enough I'll double move instead.

Acid Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1
Persistent Check: 1d20 ⇒ 1

Ezren takes a second to wrack his brain for information about this thing. Surely I have read about this somewhere... Recall Knowledge, I presume Arcana (+13). He shares his insights with the group.

He will then try to knock the creature off the docks, casting True Strike followed by Hand of the Apprentice (ignoring cover):

Attack Roll 1: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14
Attack Roll 2: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24
Too bad, a crit would have been so nice here.

Damage: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (8, 3) + 4 = 15

Damn! I forgot Amenopheus needs the fireworks! Alright, Olaf, I'll focus on the beast!

@Olaf- Where are you double moving to as this will affect my next action.

Ezren's blade magically flies through the air as it strikes the drake. He isn't completely sure what sort of drake this is but is sure it is likely a baby black dragon.

Olaf continues to masterfully pluck the lit fuses from the pile of fireworks.

Round 2
Olaf (50/80; 1d6 Persistent Acid; -5 speed)
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???
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Amazing Red
Amiri (69/83)
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Ahrkinos (-15)
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Round 1
Ezren

Sorry. Did it take one or two actions to disable the fuses?

Assuming it only took one, Olaf will double move in the interest of spreading out and not being adjacent to the fireworks for the next blast.

It takes 2 actions to disable a device.

Olaf spreads out to try and keep his distance. From the water barrel emerges a small humanoid creature has thin, leathery wings, small horns, and a mischievous smile as acidic water sprays from it's mouth.

Breath Weapon (Acid)(Amazing red and Amiri): 2d6 ⇒ (6, 6) = 12 DC 20 Basic Reflex
Rounds: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Round 2
Olaf (50/80; 1d6 Persistent Acid; -5 speed)
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Enemy (Arcana / Nature to ID)
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Amazing Red
Amiri (69/83)
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Ahrkinos (-15)
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Round 1
Ezren

Reflex: 1d20 + 10 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 10 + 3 = 22

Red activates his bracelet of dashing and rushes directly into the drake's face.

He slashes at it with his sword.

Inspire Courage: 1d20 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 13 + 1 = 21

Hero Point!: 1d20 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 13 + 1 = 28
2d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2, 2) + 4 + 1 = 9

Ahh! What is with these acid-spraying creatures!?!
reflex save: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

Enraged by the impish creature, Amiri moves towards it, flying into a rage. She swings her giant sword over her head and brings it down on the creature, smashing the barrel into splinters.

+1 striking bastard sword: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34
slashing: 2d12 + 6 ⇒ (2, 9) + 6 = 17

Rage, step, attack.

Yesss! Nat 20!!!

The Amazing Red dashes quickly across the docks and right into the maw of Ahrkinos. As he leans back to strike the drake's tail lashes out.

Reaction Tail Lash vs Amazing Red AC 25: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (18) + 17 = 35
Damage: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (6, 2) + 8 = 16 32 Crit Damage

The tail slams into the man but doesn't seem to slow him down as it dents in his armor painfully into his ribs. His sword still manages to hit as it takes out a couple of scales.

Enraged at the entire situation Amiri strikes a serious blow into Muraxi as fresh blood seems into the water barrel.

Ahrkinos seethes, biting and clawing at Amazing Red as it looks to make a bit of distance between the pair.

Fangs vs Amazing Red AC 25: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (8) + 17 = 25
Damage: 2d8 + 8 ⇒ (5, 3) + 8 = 16

Tail Strike vs Amazing Red AC 25: 1d20 + 17 - 5 ⇒ (10) + 17 - 5 = 22
Tail Strike vs Amazing Red AC 25: 1d20 + 17 - 10 ⇒ (3) + 17 - 10 = 10

Red feels a set of sharp teeth tear into his arm as Ahrkinos leaps into the air, landing on the other side of the dock.

◆◆ Draconic Frenzy (Fang and 2 tail strikes in any order)
◆ Speed Surge (Double Move)

Round 3
Olaf (50/80; 1d6 Persistent Acid; -5 speed)
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Enemy (-34; Arcana / Nature to ID)
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Amazing Red (26/80)
Amiri (63/83)
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Ahrkinos (-24)
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Round 2
Ezren