GM Doug's Lost Maid of Anactoria (Gameday X) (Inactive)

Game Master Doug Hahn

Pietr nods. Ahh, yes, we love saffron. We had some in last night’s stew — Solace and Evgeni cooked it. Perhaps they overdid it with the seasoning? Luckily, little Olena does not eat the stew and Even was called away by his … friend — Pietr's voice drips with vitriol at the word — before dinner.

"It sounds like you do not approve of Even's associate," the goblin remarks.

Solace harumphs. Ottos Pavlik is a drunkard and a layabout! I do not know why my university-educated beautiful boy loves to hang out with him! No good will come of it!

Evgeni harrumphs in turn. And you should let your GROWN SON choose his own friends! You can tell this is a sore spot for the family. Added Otto to your list.

This is all you can get here. I will move you on. Hart wanted to talk to the granddaughter next.

⚰ ⚰ ⚰

Olena is is a shy five year-old girl with large eyes and a soft voice.

When you enter her room she stares at the floor and clutches her stuffed teddy bear, beginning to withdraw.

You need to make a DC 12 diplomacy check to get any useful info from her. As a side note, I am usually cool if you have appropriate replacement skill you can sell me on! For example, performance here or crafting her a small new toy.

Jiki sits not too close to the girl, smiles and takes out the flute, playing a tune popular with children in his hometown.

Performance: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31

"Well, I'm sure the bad dreams will go away soon, dear."

Parnes opens up his visor and bends down to greet the girl. "Don't be afraid of me, for I am a good knight, honorable and true. We just want to ask you about the events of the night the Maid disappeared."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

Ottos and Evgeni... what are you two up to? Who's the leader and who's the patsy?

"I'm sorry to hear about that, Olena." Manny takes a seat on the floor. "Funerals were always sad and happy for me. It meant a good friend was going away. But it also meant they were going to a better place."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

"Now then, we're trying to figure out what happened to the... er Maid. Someone took her away last night. Did you see or hear anything in particular?"

I didn’t see who was at my family funeral. Sometimes its hard to remember.

I want to avoid potential frustration and will signal when an interviewee is tapped out. Thats all she has for you. Evegni is also here at the house for an interview and there is the crime scene here. Or you can visit any other witness elsewhere.

"Yeah, it is hard to remember. If anything comes up, just tell your grandparents, okay?"

Manny stands up. "By the way, we'll come back and play some music if you want." He points at Jiki. "Whatever it takes, we'll be back."

He turns to his teammates. "Well, let's talk to Evengi, eh?"

Teja looks confused "Your family funeral?[b]" she asks.
"[b]I'm not sure I understand." Then with a look to the others she mouths 'Evgeni'.

Teja looks confused "Your family funeral?[b]" she asks.
"[b]I'm not sure I understand."

Solace whispers: She saw her family die last year in a carriage accident. She has been traumatized, and has constant nightmares of her loved one’s deaths.

"She says she saw a funeral outside her window. Perhaps it is just a childish fancy, but would not a group of dark clad figures carrying a mummy in the night look something like a funeral?" Parnes ponders out loud.

The parents stare at Parnes and slowly nod. Why… yes. Could be… why didn't we think of that sooner?

⚰ ⚰ ⚰

Interviewing Evgeni next as far as I understand it.

Evgeni is unhappy being interviewed, but accedes. I am going to run my own investigation into the lost maid as well, if you must know. I am not sure why you Pathfinders are even needed here, as there is a trained scholar in town already. Mother has wasted our collective time.

At any rate, I am sure you desire an alibi. Alright. I arrived back home in the early evening and retired. I was in my room, asleep all night. His parents confirm this.

I have made several cogent deductions on my own, and in the interest of professional courtesy, detective to detective, I shall share them. The Aspis made an offer on the Maid to my father three weeks ago, and were furiously rebuffed. Thus stymied, I believe that they conspired with some local — likely the bog-elf — to abscond with the Maid.

Does this not fit the Aspis Modus Operandi? I'm sure you have read many similar tales in your own Pathfinder Chronicles, yes?

What do you think? Sound theories, yes?

The Black Hart nods impassively It does somewhat. But the Aspis, they usually need some sort of motive. What would they want with the bog-mummy. They only do things that would reap them serious profits. What would you theory of that be? Because no motive, no crime. That's just basic.

Your racism against elves is most unappreciated too. they say with a withering glare that pierces the mask.

Parnes thinks something doesn't add up about this person. "You seem quick to get rid of us, but we have vowed to return the Maid to it's rightful place. On my honor, i will not leave till we have overturned every stone and *all* parties involved have faced justice. I am sure my allies feel the same way.". Parnes locks eyes with Evgeni, maintaining his gaze an uncomfortably long time.

Intimidation: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16

Motive:

The Aspis asked to buy the Maiden three weeks ago. They clearly have a motive to do something with the artifact. He shrugs. Sell it to a museum? A grim trophy? I cannot be sure. Why does one buy any old artifact?

Pietr will corroborate that three weeks ago Aspis agents offered to buy the Maid but were rebuffed.

Leaving no stone unturned

Evgeni blushes. I hope what I have said aids you in your search. Please, ummm… keep me informed of any developments!

"So..." says Teja, trying to get onto the good side of the overly sensitive scholar.

"I'm an academic to." she smiles.

"I was wondering which subject you were specialising in? And... what can you tell us about your friend." She leans closer "The one your parents don't approve of. I know just what that is like. Of course, my mother didn't approve of my becoming a scholar at all."

Academia lore: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22 to try and discuss topics of mutual interest

"Taking something they first tried to buy is stupid enough to be Aspis," Jiki adds, "but I agree that having the Maid is not their endgame. What do they know that none of us do?"

"'Sup Evengi." He waves. "Relax, man. We're all working together here to find the Maid. Two investigations are better than one." Another shrug.

"Who's Ottos? Why are your parents so mad about him? I had a tiefling I worked with for a few years. Man, my parents were so mad about her. She had this trick with her tail, she could pick locks with her back turned to it. And also she could-" Manny pauses. "Anyway."

Glad Hand Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 - 5 ⇒ (10) + 12 - 5 = 17
Diplomacy if Glad Hand failed: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29

"Did you cook dinner for your folks? There's a lot of saffron in that meal. Did Ottos add the spices?"

Someone or something worked on knocking out Evengi's parents and making everyone fall asleep. Ottos seemed the most likely. The Black Hart was right - Aspis didn't feel like they were behind it.

"I was wondering which subject you were specialising in? And... what can you tell us about your friend." She leans closer "The one your parents don't approve of. I know just what that is like. Of course, my mother didn't approve of my becoming a scholar at all."

Ahh! Another scholar. Evgeni perks up. I study medicine, anthropology, and minor in cryptozoology at Lepidstadt University. He says the word with gravitas. Have you read professor Shurgun's The Mosquito Witch of Shimmerford: Toward a Scientific Approach to the Comparison and Validation of Cryptid-Influenced Bionomics in Local Culicidae Populations? It's in the latest Cryptologia. Fascinating stuff!

He moves closer to Teja. I do wish my parents appreciated the importance of the mortal sciences. They just love their old superstitions.

--

As Jiki thinks alous about a possible endgame of the Aspis, Emmanuel works on befriending Evgeni, though the scholar blushes as the bard tells his tale. No need to hero point.

"Who's Ottos? Why are your parents so mad about him?

Ottos is a good man. We just carouse a bit at the local taverns when I come back from university — what else can you do in a two-bit town like this?

"Did you cook dinner for your folks? There's a lot of saffron in that meal. Did Ottos add the spices?"

I helped cook, yes. They do love their saffron… perhaps we overdid it?

Evgeni seems excited to talk about his studies and about the town, and almost sems to like you for brief moments before getting cantankerous again.

But truly, we can gosspip and talk shop later, yes? There's a job to be done, no?

That's about all you can get from him at this point. Where to next? You have a crime scene here to investigate if you like, or witnesses elsewhere in town.

No reason to leave before we've looked at the crime scene.

Jiki returns to the glass case and looks it over.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

The glass case is behind velvet curtains; it's fitted with a complicated lock to prevent visitors from tampering with the Maid. The only key is on a cord around Pietr’s neck. He still has the key.

Jiki notices that the case’s rusty hinges were recently oiled.

⚰ ⚰ ⚰

The Crime Scene

There are other locaitons to explore here. I trust you not to read spoilers until you succeed at a check. Each PC can attempt each check once but for now let's do one at a time each. You may get a bonus on your check if you describe syour activity in a particularly useful way.

Paranus rides around the outside of the house, checking doors and windows.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

"I hear ya. Sometimes these towns get too quiet, you know?" Manny leans in for a high five. "Anyway, just lay off the saffron, alright?"

Leaving the room, Manny mentions "We'll need to check out Ottos. But first, let's take a look at this scene."

He takes a look at the kitchen, hunting for the saffron.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

He looks in the trash and sees a lot of saffron. "Alright, makes sense."

He continues walking around the grounds to clear his thoughts.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

That poor kid... is this where she say the "funeral" procession? Manny can't help but feel badly for her...

Emmanuel finds an obvious indentation outside the back window, about six feet long by two feet wide, where something heavy was placed in the soft earth. He feels a twinge of pity for Olenam, who probably saw the disturbing scene.

The Crime Scene
Available locations in bold

Glass Case: Success: hinges were oiled.
Kitchen: Success; excessive saffron.
The Grounds
Doors and Windows

Hart begins to examine Doors and Windows

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

They harumph No signs of a break in. Whoever did this would have needed to have a connection inside here. Not likely to have been the big dweller given that...

While the rest of the team looks at doors and windows, Teja takes Evgeni for a walk about the grounds, asking him to point out things that have changed since he was a youth. As she does so, she tells him of her own experiences with the mosquito witch..

perception, grounds: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

However she is a bit too interested in the academic conversation and fails to notice anything in the grounds.

Parnes continues searching the grounds while astride his steed, allowing him to get the same vantage point that a tall human would have had.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

He notices a few tracks in the mud. "Precious Gloria! Track where these foot prints may lead with your fine nose!" he exclaims, patting his pony's mane affectionately.

Gloria; scent tracking: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22

From the windows, Hart determines that it may have been an inside job. They relay this info.

Parnes finds tracks leading into the bog where they begin to vanish. He might be able to follow them further if the party agrees to spend time traversing deep into the bog.

This would be a higher DC check if the party wants to go that way; no guarantee of success.

This concludes the investigation of the crime scene. You have a lead out into the bog with tracks to follow, or more witnesses to interview. Slide 1 is updated with notes — but please feel free to write your own notes there too, or move any NPC in or out of the "Suspects" column.

Where to next?

"Well, isn't that convenient. Maybe they just wanted to conceal where they had been, or maybe they want us to think that someone in the bog was responsible. I guess we should follow them to find out..." suggests Teja.

"People in the village will still be there, and we may get a chance to meet up with and interview Jahandreal."

"Either way, we need to check this lead out. And if someone scarpers while we're gone... well, that's information, too."

Jiki heads out towards the bog.

Out in the bog the tracks become much harder to follow.

While no expert, Teja knows a little about tracking, so she is more that willing to help out the rest of the team by pointing out the odd track or two.

"I did learn a little about tracking before I moved south.." she admits.

Manny looks at the tracks. "Anyone good at tracking? Definitely not my strong suit."

As they follow along, Manny thinks aloud. "My bet is Evengi or Ottos is responsible. No forced entry means the family probably knew the thief and let him in. Then there's the dinner, cooked to incapacitate the family while the theft took place. Ottos and Evengi did the cooking. And then a mysterious group came in, lifted the Maid and took off, looking like a funeral procession."

Manny tips his imaginary corn cob pipe. "Feels like Ottos may be the next person to interview." The bog tries to swallow his left boot. "Or maybe the so-called bog witch, since we're en route."

Manny has a +0 Survival, so he can't help.

I believe Parnes's mount has survival +11, which the party is waiting for.

Parnes encourages his horse to pick up the scent again, whispering softly into his horse's ear.

Survival: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28

Parnes' horse picks up the scent. The tracks seem to lead into the swamp and then vanish, but the horse suddenly veers sharply to the East. You spend a couple of hours moving through the bog, careful to follow the scent. Eventually, you pick up an ancient old country road — really more of a trail at this point; the horse's hooves clatter on the stone.

The road ends at the stone ruins of what was once a farmhouse. Most of the walls have fallen in, and a circular outbuilding is overflowing with peat harvested from the surrounding bogs. Recent boot tracks lead down the trail and to the doorway of the only intact building in the overgrown yard.

Things happen fast from that point on.

Evgeni (The scholar must have gotten here on a road, much quicker than you did tracking an old trail in the bog), and a grizzled-looking fellow come out of the barn carrying a coffin. It looks strangely heavy… they're struggling mightily with it and they both look spooked. Evgeni is talking a bit too loudly, his back turned to you. You see, Ottos, the clatter of hooves on the trail. The stagecoach is here — and early! We'll have the Maid away from this podunk backwater before those Pathfinders even catch —

— on…? He sees you and drops his side of the coffin in utter shock; it falls to the ground and breaks open. A wave of fresh blood sloshes out — it seems there were gallons of it inside the coffin — along with the Maid. The gore spreads in a five-foot radius that covers everything before boiling away.

A bone-chilling cry rises from the bog… and streams of red mist begin to drift towards the farmhouse!

Map on slide 1. NPCs on SLide 2; Evengi has art but I opted not to tip the scenario's hat by showing it. Now I can.

You can have weapons drawn. I am not putting the NPCs on the map as they are noncombatants.

⚰ ⚰ ⚰

The Lost Maid's Tears

Bold is up. All areas off the road difficult terrain (shallow bog)

----
Teja 58/58 HP
Jiki the Flatulist 42/42 HP
Parnes Soranus 80/80 HP
Emmanuel Holysmith 48/48 HP
The Black Hart 34/34 HP
Mist 1 -0 HP
Mist 2 -0 HP
Mist 3 -0 HP
Mist 4 -0 HP

Teja starts by trying to size up exactly what the team is facing.

◆ recall knowledge (not sure exactly which skill, but guessing religion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18 +13 rather than +7 if it is occultism

Other two actions will depend on what I learn.

Forgot to paste in my spoilers. Usually, I put them at the bottom of the init block and they will be there next update for anyone else!

Teja will spend a bit longer seeing if she can determine more about the mists.
◆ RN (assurance gives a result of 19)
◆ RN (assurance gives a result of 19)

"The mists are vampiric!" she warns.

"Fire is their weakness, but they are highly resistant to physical damage, and precise strikes won't find any weakness at all. Try to avoid letting them hurt you, as they drain your soul as well as your body..."

Hopefully that is a useful round.

She waves her rapier menacingly, but avoids closing on any of them, hoping to keep her distance.

This is going to be an easy song to write, Jiki thinks as Evgeni twirls his moustache. I've heard a hundred versions of it before."

◇ Cast Lingering Composition

Performance DC 20: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19

Rats

♪ "Pathfinders boldly rescue the maid"
♪ "Though this time she's already dead"
♪ "The jealous son stole her away"
♪ "And tried to hide 'hind minions red"

◆ Cast Inspire Courage

Party gets a +1 status bonus to attack rolls, damage rolls, and saves against fear effects for 1 round.

◆◆ Cast Mirror Image

"'Sup Evengi. You and Ottos gotta teach us about those shortcuts you took-" The culprit is caught red handed... uh literally.

The mists form as Manny's whip is already uncoiled. "Normally, mists don't congeal like that..." He hears Jiki start up a tune and nods, tapping his feet to the beat.

"Vampiric, you say?"
"A question, I ask:"
"Can they speak?"
"Are they proud?"
"They'll hate it when I get loud!"

Occultism: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Manny wants to know if Blistering Invective and Bon Mot will work on them. Both have linguistic and mental traits.

"Hey Shylye! Ask you boss to help me with Mist #1 over there!" Manny casts Spiritual Weapon. A glaive bursts forth from a spiritual bloom of roses and takes a swing at mist #1.

Spiritual Weapon, Inspire Courage: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 10 + 1 = 23
Force Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 1 = 11

Manny mumbles thanks Shylye as his other Pathfinders prepare for action.
"Luckily for me, I don't mind a crowd!"

◆ Recall Knowledge
◆◆ Cast Spiritual Weapon
◇ Strike with Spiritual Weapon

"Giddy up! Ho!" the knight shouts as he spurs his mounts towards one of the deadly mists. Gloria charges forward and Parnes lowers his lance to meet the creature.

"My allies say you are resistant to steel, but not immune to its effects. Let us see what the gallant lance of Parnes can do to you!"

Power Attack, IC: 1d20 + 16 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 16 + 1 = 26

Piercing, Magic, Powerattack, jousting, IC: 3d8 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (3, 7, 1) + 6 + 1 = 18

One action to Command (and Gloria has to move twice), and Two actions for Power Attack

The Black Hart nods Fire? Say no more fam.

Hart waves the staff around and focuses, lobbing a flame from their staff at the mist.

This is either at number 3 if its still alive or at number 1 otherwise

Reach Produce Flame spell roll: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Hero Point if that misses

Reach Produce Flame spell roll: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

Fire Damage: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (3, 2) + 4 = 9

Players' actions
Teja spends the round recalling knowledge, telling you about Vampiric Mists.

Emmanuel learns Vampiric mists speak Aklo only. Blistering Invective doesn't have the Linguistic trait. They will reveive a +4 circ. bonus to save on Invective. They are immune to Bon Mot as it does have the Linguistic trait… unless you speak Aklo. You got immunities already from Teja: Precision. He then strikes with a spiritual weapon! 11 +1 inspire

Parnes' mount runs along the road through the muck before he strikes mist 3, but he misses!

The Black Hart expends a hero point to help their produce flame connect. Normal hit for 14 damage net + 1 inspire.

Evegni and Ottos cower in fear. Why are these horrible things attacking us we just wanted to mess with an ancient mysterious artifact waaahhhh whhhyyyyyyyy

⚰ ⚰ ⚰

Enemies' actions
The mists fly in — they move fast. They glide through the trees; though they are incorporeal they have similar qualities.

The mists glide in, strike the Black Hart and Emmanuel once, and Parnes thrice! Parkes gets off an attack of opportunity, at least. 1 DC 22 fort for each time you were hit.

⚰ ⚰ ⚰

The Lost Maid's Tears

Party Conditions: All allies inspired 1 rnd
Bold is up. All areas off the road difficult terrain (shallow bog)

----
Teja 58/58 HP
Jiki the Flatulist 42/42 HP, 3 images
Parnes Soranus 49/80 HP, 3 DC 22 fort saves needed, Bleeding 1d6 (3 this rnd) DC 15 flat EoT
Emmanuel Holysmith 37/48 HP, DC 22 fort save needed, Bleeding 1d6 (1 this rnd) DC 15 flat EoT
The Black Hart 29/34 HP, DC 22 fort save needed, Bleeding 1d6 (4 this rnd) DC 15 flat EoT
----
Mist 1 -27 HP
Mist 2 -0 HP
Mist 3 -13 HP
Mist 4 -0 HP

Hmm, that first verse didn't go over so well. Let's try again.

◇ Cast Lingering Composition

Performance DC 20: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30

♬ Critical tune! ♬

◆ Cast Inspire Courage

Party gets a +1 status bonus to attack rolls, damage rolls, and saves against fear effects for 4 rounds.

◆◆ Cast Soothe

Parnes regains 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8 HP and gets a +2 status bonus to saves against mental effects for 1 minute.

As the mist approaches Manny, he gets a chance to strike. He tries to lash out with his whip.

Manny has the Opportunist feat and his whip has reach, so he would attempt an AoO.

Whip, Lethal attack with Nonlethal, Inspire Courage: 1d20 + 9 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 9 - 2 + 1 = 11
Nonlethal Slashing: 1d4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 1 = 4

The mist reaches into Manny, seeping through his armor and his skin.

Fort Save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

"That's some strong stuff, vampire!" Manny cracks his whip. "But my family has hunted cowards like you for generations. Come on, my grandma's beet beer is redder than you!"

Manny casts Blistering Invective on Mist #1, hoping to ignite it. Will Save vs DC 20. Mist gets a +4 bonus since I don't speak Aklo.

"Shylye, a little help for your number one fan?" He calls the spiritual glaive over to attack Mist #2.

Spiritual Weapon, Inspire Courage: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 10 + 1 = 26
Force Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 1 = 7

↺ AoO via Opportunist against Mist #2 as it approaches
◆◆ Cast Blistering Invective on Mist #1
◆ Sustain Spiritual Weapon against Mist #2

Jiki — Parnes is 45 feet away from Jiki. Soothe has a 30' range. Please redo your 2 actions or let me know what I'm missing here OOC

--

Rolling in order operation

WIll save mist 1: 1d20 + 4 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 11 = 17 fright 1 2d6 Pers. fire

Manny's Flat check to stop bleeding: 1d20 ⇒ 6 Manny keeps bleeding. I will roll when monsters are up again.

Manny's AOO misses Again intelligent enemies will be Stepping near you; the force weapon hits mist 2, doing some more damage 7 damage, but 5 temp hp from your failed save means net 2. Also, note that your max HP is reduced by your level from Drain so you have a max 44 HP right now, reflected in the init block.

⚰ ⚰ ⚰

The Lost Maid's Tears

Party Conditions: All allies inspired 4 rnd
Bold is up. All areas off the road difficult terrain (shallow bog)

----
Teja 58/58 HP
Jiki the Flatulist 42/42 HP, 3 images, 2 actions left
Parnes Soranus 49/80 HP, 3 DC 22 fort saves needed, Bleeding 1d6 (3 this rnd) DC 15 flat EoT
Emmanuel Holysmith 32/44 HP, Drained 1, Bleeding 1d6
The Black Hart 29/34 HP, DC 22 fort save needed, Bleeding 1d6 (4 this rnd) DC 15 flat EoT
Mist 1 -27 HP, 2d6P fire, Frightened 1
Mist 2 -2 HP
Mist 3 -13 HP
Mist 4 -0 HP

Give the Soothe to Emmanuel instead.

Fort save: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24
Fort save: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32
Fort save: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22

Flat Check: 1d20 ⇒ 9

Pretty happy with those Fort Saves!

Recognizing that he may have bitten off more than he can chew fighting two of the mists by himself, he commands his steed to gallop away, riding at a break neck speed to get into a good tactical position with the one fighting Manny.

Using Command, then gallop, which grants a +10 circumstance bonus to move speed, letting him get into that position even with the difficult terrain in the bog. He does provoke reactions from the two mists he was fighting, but is just going to risk it.

Power Attack, vs. Flat-footed: 1d20 + 16 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 16 + 1 = 32
Piercing, Magic, Powerattack, jousting: 3d8 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (8, 6, 4) + 6 + 1 = 25

I'm assuming that doesn't crit, since I missed with a 26 last round.