[RD][PFS2] 1-01 Absalom Inititaion -- Grand Lodge (Inactive)

Game Master Andrew Harasty

The creature turns to listen to Mirtha's song. They try to sing along as well, but you realize its tongue is rotted and can not easily form words. But it is otherwise enjoying the song.

Listening to Keemul he grins and points at his art. Then points tough the gun port.

Katami does recognize some key land marks but is not sure what to make of it.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

As her comrades seems to have tame the beast, for now, she looks around.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

"Well, that got a reaction," Keemul whispers. "And not a bad one, I think? I hope. Still not sure what it's deal is, though."

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

"The creature seems curious. It wants to know what we are and who we are. It doesn't seem hostile."

Mirtha replies back to Vanak, her expression dark and her voice morbidly cheerful, "They call it the Graveyard of Ships but I am sure the bones of many a sailor lie on the sea floor below."

Perception (Sense Motive): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

"Arvax, I think you are right. It does not seem hostile. Perhaps it here at night and wonders what the fiery lights are that it sees upon the shore. I'm not sure whether it has the capacity for speech but it does seem to have some dim sense of reason at the very least."

Mirtha takes a deep breath and digs her journal out of her rucksack. Using her fingers and drawing pictures in her journal, she tries to explain that beyond the ship there is a city filled with lots and lots of people similar to the Pathfinders aboard the ship.

Society?: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

The creature smiles? but you sense it is content with what Mirtha tells. You get the sense that it is happy to have you around and does not interfere with your investigations.

You search around the cargo hold area and realize that the construct originally came from Nex. There is a broken shipping create and some manifests.

Searching the Forward crew area:

In stark contrast to the rest of the ship, this cabin has been somewhat cleared of algae and cleaned. Six simple beds, complete with fresh linens, are crammed into the space. A few small footlockers are shoved under some of the beds

You do find a discarded pair of magical talismans rolled up in a smelly, salt-crusted rag. These are two crying angel pendants

Searching the Aft Room:

This cabin’s floor has been cleared of the algae present everywhere else on the ship, and a simple table has been set up in the center of the room, with a few chairs pulled up around it. The aft wall bears a large carving of a coat of arms, visible even despite the wear of the elements. An antique lantern hangs above the carving, casting a faint light over papers strewn over the table.

A closer inspection of the lantern reveals it is in fact an everburning torch formed into a lantern rather than a simple torch, and the lantern’s glass can be manipulated to change the color of light it sheds. The age of the lantern and its multicolor function, combined with the obvious Taldan insignia carved into the wall here, strongly suggest the ship is in fact a relic of the original Silent Tide invasion—the evidence Calisro Benarry wants you to find. Unfortunately, repairing the ship sufficiently to sail it back into the harbor is a multiday salvage if even possible.

You have found what you need for the Faction Leader

Fola -- The Petrified Pathfinder
Gorm -- The Haunted House

Society: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

I'm not that familiar with this part of the world, but I think that the coat of arms on the aft wall is in fact the insignia of the Taldan navy.

Says Katami.

Society: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

"Taldan Navy, you say? Interesting.". Arvax shrugs. "That creature seemed nice. I wonder what exactly it was and what it was doing there."

"Well, I say we investigate this petrified Pathfinder. Then tonight, haunted house?"

"I think we should mention this thing to Calisro. Maybe toss in how it's in more need of protection than anyone here." Keemul can't keep the construct out of his mind, to the point he isn't paying much attention to the evidence they were hoping to find. He vaguely comments about how it could be worth a fair bit to some historian.

"Sounds like a plan. Saving Pathfinders, at least, I can do."

society: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

The coat of arms tells Mikaela nothing, but apparently it does to Katami.

"Interesting. A Taldan navy vessel with a creature from Nex aboard? Well, as long as we have what we need, I say we let the Venture-Captains decide what to do with it. And we should definitely mention him...it, whatever. It needs to not be left here to sink beneath the waves again. That would be too cruel. On to the next place, I suppose."

"Hmmmm....if this was a vessel from the original Silent Tide invasion , how did this construct end up on board? It seems unlikely that it's been here the when time."

"Yes, Keemul, this creature seems to have the intellect of a child and could be turned to wicked ends if it falls into the wrong hands. Perhaps we should bring it back to the Lodge with us?"

Mirtha tries to see if the creature would accept being covered in a blanket and then tries to lure the creature onto the boat.

Vanak lowers his bow and puts the arrow back in his hip quiver as soon as the situation is no longer hostile. He isn't sure what to make of the creature, but he agrees with Mirtha's assessment that it's safest for everyone if they can bring the creature ashore as longs as they have it's trust.

"Let's try to bring it with us, if it doesn't object. It seems to have some longing for the city and the lights, so maybe we can convince it that way. I agree with you, Mirtha. It's best we don't leave it here. I wouldn't want to risk one of these smugglers fancying a pet all of a sudden; and unfortunately it seems quite trusting."

He leans back from his position at the top of the stairs to get a good view of the sky. "We should have plenty of time to deal with the petrified agent, before nightfall. Let's get moving, shall we?"

For several blocks, the quiet lanes of Westgate’s residential neighborhoods feature small houses, low-key cafes and taverns, and the occasional specialty shop. The fragrant scent of tended flower gardens in the warm sunlight blends with the low hum of distant conversation over what would normally be a pleasant boulevard. But the stone statues—at first appearing only here and there, like odd decorations—now number several per block, and the otherwise plain square ahead is outright cluttered with stone figures. They take countless forms, from humans and halflings to orcs, lizardfolk, and even stranger, all forever frozen in acts of desperation, defiance, or despair. The quaint, statue-filled square is also filled with people; several dozen townsfolk shout and argue, their voices somehow out of place among the silent statues.

On your way, you pick up that the bulk of the crowd is being led by some of the community "leaders".

* The local drunkard
* The local charlatan
* An acolyte of Cayden Cailean
* the local brewer (cafter)
* The local socialite.

You sense that if you could appeal to the leaders directly through their trade or just coerce them, you could get the crowd to disperse.

Mikaela moved tot eh nearest person, her colorful scarves out in full force and a big smile on her face. "What's going on here? Why all the shouting?"

diplomacy, if needed: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Mirtha's experience arguing cases in the courts of Cheliax has granted her the Group Impression feat, which lets her Make an Impression on two people at a time. It sounds like each leader has a specific skill we would need to target, but is this something that Mirtha would be able to make use of?

Mirtha eyes the angry crowd but chooses to bid her time and see how her companions fare with the leaders before stepping forward.

Arvax, as a known crafter of alchemical goods, heads up to the brewer. "Greetings. I am known as the Great Arvax, hobgoblin Pathfinder Extraordinaire. I see you are a crafter of the finest ales. I too am a professional craftsman - mainly liquids of a variety. Want a sample?". Arvax shrugs as the hobgoblin talks with the brewer. Arvax is trying to distract him from the shouting. "What's your name, fine sir (or madam?)? Perhaps you can tell me what's going on."

Should I roll diplomacy or crafting here?

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (11) + 0 = 11 If Crafting -> 18

Keemul hangs a few feet away from Mirtha or Arvax, waiting to see if anyone needs (the threat of) punching.

Will use Intimidation, if possible, depending on who steps up.

Society: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Katami tries to appeal to the socialite sense of social elite.
What are you doing with these people! Do you really want to be seen mingling with them?! I would not want to be associated with drunkard and ... one of the drunken god sycophant!
But if you want your social status to be thrown out by such a faute de gout, be my guest.

Vanak stands next to Keemul and Mirtha overlooking the small gathering of angry townsfolk. He agrees with the assessment of his fellows in who the leaders are and if they could be handled the mob would fall in line. However, it is not entirely clear to him how he could tackle this situation, as he is not very good with words. He scans the scenery one more time and hopes to find a weak spot in any of the leaders' behavior.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Unfortunately he can't identify any. "Let's see. Maybe I can get this charlatan's attention with some sleight of hand" he quietly mumbles to the two gnomes at his side and walks over the square briefly glancing up to the sky where Orel is circling.

"You seem like the right person that would fancy a proper thimblerig, my friend." he bellows at the charlatan in his thick Irriseni accent to make himself heard over the surrounding crowd. "How about you take on someone with equally nimble fingers?" Vanak suggests and tries himself at a challenging grin.

Thievery: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
I'd like to use my Hero Point here
Thievery: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Mikaela is rebuffed by the crowd. "Go away! You have no right to be here!"

You get the sense that the crowd is well beyond simple diplomacy. The "Make an Impression" action will not work here. Coercion (Intimidation) or appealing to a leader's profession is what is needed.

Arvax does get the attention of the Brewer and turns. "Well we kind of like our little trophies here. Not to keen on you all taking any way. It was justice! Still..." He looks over the crowd, "I think we are just angry at the inevitable." The brewer and Arvax talk shop for a bit then the brewer states. "Well when this dies down people will be thirsty. I guess I should go get some fresh kegs ready"

Katami talks to the socialite. "Yes this is all dreadful. But this is my home. I and do stand by these people, even if they are a little rough around the edges. I am partial to our home ale." Looking over to the brewer leaving. "I think I may go and help Reginald. I know he has a few cases of some vinitage porter stashed away. Let me go give him a hand"

With some of the other distracted Vanak head over to a brightly dressed woman. He dose recognize another con man in action. In Vanak's hand is a keg tapper, she looks at you and holds her composure. "Ahh yes, I was about the return that you see. Reggie must of dropped it. Let me go return it" She scampers off following the others that have left.

The Drunkard and the Acoloyte both start signing drinking songs of liberation and getting some of the crowd to join along.

Keemul, Mirtha, and Mikaela can still make attempts this "round" and everyone can make a second attempt as well

Here is the location MAP

Two of the leaders still remain the agent you are looking for is in the red box statue. The mob is in the yellow box

Keemul moseys over to the remaining agitators. He keeps his voice reasonably low, but his intent is likely obvious even to the crowd. "You know, if I don't beat anything up, my fans over there and elsewhere are liable to. And no one's exempt from that besides my momma. But one can make themselves a smaller target by abstaining from problematic behavior."

Intimidation: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Hero Point!: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Well-muscled as he is, however, it's hard to take the little gnome seriously.

Mirtha hones in on the acolyte of Cayden Cailean, marching over to them with fire blazing in her eyes.

Intimidation: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Assuming that's a success.

"Shame! Shame on you! Why are you out here causing trouble with this riff raff! I know the head Brewmaster at the church! What do you think he'd say seeing you out here acting like a common drunken fool? Get out of here! Now!"

The fierce gnome starts swatting at the acolyte's legs, chasing them out of the square.

Though Keemul is not that impressive even with his heroic reserve, Mirtha more than makes up for it. Her commanding tone rebukes both revelers of the Drunken God and the quietly move away.

Without any people agitating the crowd, it slowly disperses peacefully. You can freely apply the anti-paralysis salve.

place yourselves where you want to be in the area and who will be doing the application

Good tone Mirtha, well said.

Says Katami who moves next to the statues, but ready to defend the Pathfinder if someone from the crowd tries to come back to stop them.

Mirtha frowns as she watches the rest of the crowd depart. "Alright, let's rescue this Pathfinder before the crowd comes back." Mirtha takes the magic salve and rubs the contents onto the statue of the petrified Pathfinder.

Keemul gets in close. He lays a hand on the statue's shoulder, both as a means of steadying and making sure they don't immediately bolt or freak out.

Vanak quickly takes the few steps onto the podium in the center of the square. He's scanning the vicinity in case some of the crowd has a change of heart and comes back with ill intentions.

A sharp whistle through his teeth commands Orel to land close to Mirtha and Keemul.

You go to apply the salve on the agent when a few of the remaining crowd scream as three fleshy bulbs with teeth appear and fly towards you as a coordinated swarm.

Vanak and Mirtha can act before the creature fly towards you.

Street of Daemons!

Group conditions:
Round 1

Vanak --
Mirtha --

Cacodaemons -- R: G: B:

Keemul --
Mikaela --
Arvax --
Katami --

Vanak's head flies around as he hears the screams of the bystanding remaining crowd. By Erastil...

"Orel! Cover the flank!" he barks a command at the arctic vulture that soars quickly through the air to scratch and peck at one of the fleshy monstrosities.

"Guide my arrow, Old Deadeye" he murmurs a prayer to Erastil before he fires an arrow at one of the creatures.

♦Command Orel to ♦Move and ♦Support
♦Draw Bow
♦Fire an Arrow at the green blob

Shortbow: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15 Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2 piercing
Support: 1d4 ⇒ 4 persistent bleed + Dazzled (only if I hit)

Mirtha tries to remember what she's read about these fiends as she channels forth a ray of holy light from her hands.

Recall:Religion: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Divine Lance: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
Good damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Mirtha recognizes these cretures as Cacodaemons, they hunger for and consume souls and bind them to crystals to create suffering.

Their bite can infect a creature with mental anguish.
However, you do realize they are weak to Good damage as your lance burns them greatly.

The green one ignores Orel and goes for the Vanak's soul
Cacodaemon Bite: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
Cacodaemon Bite: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 8 - 4 = 15

The blue one flies up to Keemul
Cacodaemon Bite: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Cacodaemon Bite: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 8 - 4 = 8

Then the red one flies over Arvax and directly to Mirtha
Cacodaemon Bite: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Cacodaemon Bite: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 8 - 4 = 15

None of them getting their teeth in to some juicy good souls.

Street of Daemons!

Group conditions:
Round 1

Keemul --
Mikaela --
Arvax --
Katami --
Vanak --
Mirtha --

Cacodaemons -- R: G: 9 dmg B:

"Whoa!" Keemul has his hammer out in a flash, without a care about being surrounded. "These aren't locals, let's take 'em down!"

♦ Draw Large Gnome Hooked Hammer
♦ Rage
♦ Strike vs. Red: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16 Damage: 1d10 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11

Acrobatics : 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21 Impressive Performance, Focused Fascination,Acrobatic Performance

Katami starts to dance in an hypnotic way around the one fighting Mirtha then moves to flank with Keemul!

Acrobatics (Tumble Through): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

and strikes with her fan!

War Fan vs FF AC: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Damages, S: 1d4 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 2 + 1 = 9

Arvax looks at the cacodemon and attempt to study it. "Hmm, well it's weak to good, but I don't have any good weapons. But look at how their muscles move. Right there! I found their Achilles Heel."

[A] Use Devise a Stratagem vs. blue cacodemon Devise a Stratagem: 1d20 ⇒ 5

"Yes, yes. I know what to do now."

[A] Draw crossbow

[A] Shoot crossbow using Devise a Stratagem

Attack, devise a stratagem: 5 + 7 = 12
damage: 1d8 ⇒ 1
Strategic Strike (precision): 1d6 ⇒ 2

"Keemul! Smash!" The gnome strongman feels an overwhelming urge to pound the cacodaemons into a bloody pulp.

Using diabolic edict on Keemul, giving him a +1 status bonus to attacks and skill checks to carry out Mirtha's command, and a -1 if he does something different. He can also automatically resist the effects of the spell.

Diabolic Edict

Mirtha then blasts another ray of goodness at the creature biting at her.

Divine Lance: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Good damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

"Ha ha! With pleasure and gusto!"

Mikaela moved into flank the nearest cacodaemon, drawing her knives as she went. Slipping in behind it, she thrust upwards into its bulbous body.

attack, flank: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15
P damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 2 + (2) = 8
attack2, flank: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 8 - 4 = 23
P damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 2 + (2) = 8

A - move
A - quick strike
A - quick strike

Vanak evades the snapping demon, before he bellows yet another command at Orel. "Help me out, would you?"

♦Command Orel to ♦Move and ♦Support

"Let's see if we can send you back to where you came from!" Vanak shouts at the Daemon and fires to quick shots at his target.

♦Hunt Prey (green)
♦Hunted Shot (green)

Hunted Shot: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17, Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Hunted Shot: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5, Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Precision Damage on 1st Hit: 1d8 ⇒ 7
Support: 1d4 ⇒ 4 persistent bleed + Dazzled

Keemul swings with a light touch (for a raging barbarian) on the fiend.

Katami grabs the attention of the one on Mirtha them moves and strikes at blue tinted one, hitting it while it is flat-footed.

Mirtha invoke some diabolical power to encourage Keemul then lands a stikes on creature again with her blast

Arvax's clever idea does not pan out as the bolt goes wide.

Mikaela quickly repositions and with one more strike, takes the one cacodaemon down

Vanak turns and shoots the one on him with, one arrow striking true, and Orel gnashing in to the creature

The remaining two continue on their targets

Green on Vanak
Cacodaemon Bite: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Cacodaemon Bite: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 8 - 4 = 6
Cacodaemon Bite: 1d20 + 8 - 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 - 8 = 8
But getting nothing but air.

Bleed: 1d4 ⇒ 2
Flat Check: 1d20 ⇒ 9

The other continues on Keemul

Cacodaemon Bite: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Cacodaemon Bite: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 8 - 4 = 11
Cacodaemon Bite: 1d20 + 8 - 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 - 8 = 2
Jaws Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 4 P plus 1d4 ⇒ 1 evil and Sv v Disease

Getting its teeth in the tasty gnome once. One Fort saves

None of them getting their teeth in to some juicy good souls.

Street of Daemons!

Group conditions:
Round 1

Keemul -- 5 dmg
Mikaela --
Arvax --
Katami --
Vanak --
Mirtha --

Cacodaemons -- R DEAD: G: 20 dmg, 1d4 bleed B: 9 dmg

Mikaela leaped over the now-dead cacodaemon in front of her, and ran to the one with blue markings. She slashed high with her left hand, then low with her offhand strike, both blades flashing in at the same time.

twin feint1: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
S damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
twin feint1: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 vs Flat Footed
S damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 2 + (2) = 8

A - move
A - strike
A - strike

Arvax studies the blue demon again. "Well, that tactic didn't work. Maybe I can find another weakness..."

[A] Devise a Stratagem on blue: 1d20 ⇒ 19

[A] Reload crossbow

[A] Crossbow, Devise a Stratagem: 19 + 7 = 26
damage: 1d8 ⇒ 8
precision: 1d6 ⇒ 2

"I don't know what'd embarrass you more; if that little love bite was or wasn't your best effort!" Keemul doesn't let the daemon's eldritch nature get in the way of his smack-talk.

Though it probably can't understand me, I do have Intimidating Glare.

♦ Demoralize Blue: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
♦ Strike vs. FF: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23 Damage: 1d10 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13
♦ Strike vs. FF: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20 Damage: 1d10 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

Katami finishes off the last creatures!

War Fan: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
Damages, S: 1d4 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 2 + 1 = 8Deadly: 1d6 ⇒ 4

War Fan: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 7 - 4 = 12
Damages, S: 1d4 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 2 + 1 = 8

Mikaela dances around and slashes at the closest fiend. Then Arvax figures out his calculations correctly and the bolt explodes the floating orb.

Katama and Keemul then rush up and finish the last one fighting Vanak.

With the last of the cacodaemons dealt with, the petrified pathfinder slowly aimates.

"Oyi. That is was not something I would recommend." As he woozily gathers his wits, he pulls out a small gold idol of Acavna (Azlanti Goddess of Magic). "Here, take this little trinket. Did not help me here, but you may get some use out of it

Mission completed. If anyone used a hero point get it back. For the last mission

Mirtha sneers in contempt. "Trust me, I do not intend to get myself petrified for plundering relics. Be grateful that the Pathfinder Society decided to go through the trouble of rescuing you from your folly."

After saying her piece, the angry gnome turns and says to the party, "Alright, where to next?"

"Let us know if you need anything else. We are here to help." The hobgoblin tries to be more cordial that normal.

"Wasn't there a haunted house of sorts next?"

Gorm ask us to uncover the history of a partially collapsed house in the Precipice Quarter, long rumored to be haunted, that has been marked for demolition in the next few days.
I think it's the last place we haven't checked.
As we have few days, we could recover and enjoy at least one day off before this last mission.

Says Katami, satisfied to have killed one of the creature and saved a Pathfinder.

Whoops, forgot my save.

Fortitude: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

"C'mon, what else would be have done about it? We aren't about to not save one of our own," Keemul remarks to Mirtha. He then turns back to the object of discussion. "I'd hope so, anyway. Let me know if you need any help getting back on your feet!"

"Now, off to the haunted house, you say. Let's!"

Vanak dances around to avoid the gruesome bites of the creature, before Keemul and Katami are quick to react and strike it down before Vanak can knock another arrow.

"Thank you, both." he says and gives each a nod. He walks over the fellow Pathfinder that has fully recovered from his petrified state. "Stay safe, friend. Take a couple of days of to fully recover, maybe." he says and puts a hand on his shoulder.

"I agree with Keemul, off to the haunted house!" Vanak says in a good mood, while he joins the rest of the party with a anticipating smile.

Can we assume, we have enough time to heal up before the next stop?