After fifty days at sea, the Pathfinder lodge at Heidmarch Manor in Magnimar is a welcome place to spend the night on dry land. In the shade of the gazebo on the shore of the manor’s exotic carp pond, the resident venture-captain, Sheila Heidmarch, speaks to the assembled Pathfinders in a low,
breathy voice.
“I hope you’ve found your brief stay here in the City of Monuments relaxing. The Pathfinder Society owes you a debt of gratitude for engaging in such an important and lengthy mission. When you set out from Absalom nearly two months ago, I’m sure you never anticipated the monotony of a life at sea, but I’m happy we can put you up as the ship restocks before the final leg of the journey to the Mordant Spire.
“Thus far, you have done an excellent job of representing the Society as the escorts of the Mordant Spire’s envoy, the distinguished Sephriel, whom we hope had a productive meeting with the Decemvirate regarding the Azlanti ruins over which the Mordant Spire elves hold such a protective position. If he was pleased with the meeting and doesn’t find you too reprehensible, perhaps we can launch full expeditions into the lost continent of Azlant from this very lodge in the near future.”
She winks, and her eyes glance around the assembled agents. With a wry smirk, she continues.
“Keep up the good work, and ensure that Sephriel’s final two weeks on the Throaty Mermaid are as pleasant and event-free as they can be on as disreputable a smugglers’ ship as it is. Thus far, it’s provided an unassuming cover for such an important dignitary. Let’s hope the unscrupulous crew delivers their current cargo on time and in pristine condition. When you arrive at Riddleport after dropping Sephriel at the Mordant Spire, a chartered boat will be waiting to take you back to Absalom. May Desna’s blessings be upon you."
Male LG follower of Irori | Tiefling | Outsider (Native) | Spiritualist 1, Paladin 2 | Resistance Fire 5, Cold 5, Elec. 5 | HP 33/33 | AC 19 T 8 FF 19 | CMB + 5 | CMD 13 | F: +12, R: +2, W: +7 | Init: +4 | Perc: +2, NOW: Perc: +4 | Smite 1/1 | Lay on hands 1/5 | Reroll 1/1 | Darkvision | Speed 20ft / 30 ft charge | Active conditions: ear clear
Djahan is glad that he is back with the team but he is clearly not the person that likes water.
His black hair and blue eyes look almost human but it is clear that the more bestial aspects of his fiendish ancestors dominate his appearance.
This Tiefling exhibits fine sharp teeth and has a long, flexible tail that is moving gracefully with each step. It is clear that his feet are more bestial than those of a human and resemble those of a clawed predator.
He wears a fullplate that looks like it has seen battle recently.
He has a sheathed longsword, a bardiche in his hand, a morningstar at his side and a heavy shield as well as greatsword on his back.
Resting on top of his chest, an amulet showing the holy symbol of Irori is visible.
~ ~
"It is great seeing you all again! Aurora, Demm tad-draguni, Tsamara, Data and Onye! Great team!!” he says and looks at all of you with a smile.
He looks at the Venture-Captain and nods.
"Can you please give us more information on Sephriel? Anything we need to know about the Throaty Mermaid and the smugglers? I have not been to Riddleport and Mordant Spire before - anything to know about these places?"
HP: 31/31 l AC: 18, T 14, FF 14 l CMD 17 l F +4, R +5, W +6; +4 vs. charm, compulsion, curse | Luminous Form (3/4) l Cat's Luck (1/1) l L1: 6/7, L2: 4/4 l Init +4 l Senses: Perception -1, Low-Light Vision
"Yes, remind me again...do we know of anyone that might try to disrupt our mission, if they knew of it?" rumbles feline figure, her pale whitish-gray fur marked with dark spots. She is covered by armor stitched together from animal hides and a simple pack sits on the floor next to her chair. A silvery mace hangs from her belt; she carries a longspear in one hand but more as a walking stick than as a weapon. Pale green eyes regard the room and everyone in it with curiosity.
"I know the question might seem silly, but things tend to become a blur when one travels for as long as we have..."
Her accent places her as hailing from somewhere far to the east of the Inner Sea.
Merfolk Cleric 4 | AC 19 T 11 FF 18 | CMD 11 | HP 31/31| F +7 R +3 W +8 | Init +1 | Perc +3 | Channel 6/7 | Divine Vessel 5/6 | Death's Kiss 6/6
"Hey Demm, I don't think that fleshy realises she's talking to a merfolk" Aurora whispers to the kobold as Heidmarch casually disparages ocean life - even if privately Aurora somewhat agrees with the assessment, having taken every available opportunity to explore the surface world.
"I do agree, Venture Captain, that the sea can be dreadfully dull. Still, it's good to get one's scales wet now and again. 'Throaty Mermaid', indeed, where do surface-dwellers come up with this stuff?.
I am ready to plumb the depths once more. For the sake of Knowledge, eh Djahan?"
Aurora appears much the same as she did before: a long black gown covers her tail and a breastplate protects her torso.
Onye looks over his companions. The amurrun's tail flicks from side to side for indeed he has found ship travel to be monotonous and with disappointingly few threats to the tapestry of creation to battle. The four wooden masks that hang from his belt--tiger, jaguar, lion, and cheetah--clatter musically from time to time as he fidgets.
His ears perk up as Tsamara asks her question, overly eager for the answer to be "alghollthu."
Demm waves at the tiefling with the closest thing resembling warmth the group can recall. "Djahan Ruuh, you am still live. Am good."
The kobold listens as Aurora leans in and shares her thoughts on the Venture Captain. He smiles and nods, "Fleshies am only think of fleshies. No am care they using offensive talk words."
Male LG follower of Irori | Tiefling | Outsider (Native) | Spiritualist 1, Paladin 2 | Resistance Fire 5, Cold 5, Elec. 5 | HP 33/33 | AC 19 T 8 FF 19 | CMB + 5 | CMD 13 | F: +12, R: +2, W: +7 | Init: +4 | Perc: +2, NOW: Perc: +4 | Smite 1/1 | Lay on hands 1/5 | Reroll 1/1 | Darkvision | Speed 20ft / 30 ft charge | Active conditions: ear clear
Demm tad-draguni wrote:
Demm waves at the tiefling with the closest thing resembling warmth the group can recall. "Djahan Ruuh, you am still live. Am good."
Djahan walks to Data and Demm tad-draguni with a smile.
He informs them about the mission objectives.
"So good to see you all again!! I really missed you to be honest! Demm tad-draguni, you look especially radiant today ... ehh ... and you always are radiant of course Data!!" the Tiefling says with a sly smile.
“Sephriel is a representative of the isolationist Mordant Spire elves who have stood guard over the ruins of ancient Azlant for millennia. His safe arrival at the Mordant Spire is of paramount importance, and your primary mission.”
“There isn't much information about the Throaty Mermaid and its crew, save that passagewas arranged by Sephriel himself. He knew that a military escort or even a respectable merchant vessel might attract unwanted attention, and felt that no one would suspect his presence on a disreputable ship like the Throaty Mermaid. That’s why you’re there: to make sure the smugglers and thieves who make up the ship’s crew don’t cause him any problems.”
She turns to Tsamara,
"Nothing specific, but there could be any number of persons or organizations interested in disrupting Sephriel's diplomatic efforts."
"So we am protecting of Sephriel's body? We am set guard then?"
It would make sense that as escorts/bodyguards we would stand watch. Probably not in the room, but at the door? I doubt there is time to Know: Local on the boat and crew, and Demm lacks the skill anyway, but I wanted to toss it out there just in case.
How would the party like to set watches, if at all? Your quarters on the ship are at the bow, just of the main deck. I have removed the fog of war from the relative part of the map.
“Yes. We should set up watches. I would say six hour shifts. What do you think team? Data, Tsamara, Onye, and I. Maybe Demm tad-draguni and Aurora could magically check on our guest?!“ he asks.
It's the dead of night a week out from Magnimar and Djahan is keeping watch on the deck accompanied by his phantom. He hears a soft thunk and a metallic scraping. Turning to investigate the noise, he discovers a grappling hook fastened to the railing. Before he can react, a second hook sails over the side of the ship!
Small Male LG Outsider | Phantom 3 | Incorporeal Form | Whimsy Emotional Focus | HP 16/16 | AC 19 T 19 FF 17 | CMB +3 | CMD 18 | F: +2, R: +5, W: +3 | Init: +2 | Perc: +6 | Hero-God Archmage 2/3 | Darkvision 60 ft | Speed 30 ft | Active conditions: None
Suddenly, the phantom flies into action.
The phantom is bluish and appears much as Djahan must have looked like in his early life! But somehow the twists in the phantom’s visage, mannerisms, and even personality show that it is comically broken.
Djahan's fractured mind starts to laugh out loud with a scary look on its face as it sinks below deck and floats through the walls and ceilings to reach the other Pathfinders.
"Boooooo!!!! We are being attacked on deck!!!!" the incorporeal creature shouts!
Hi GM, please you decide how fast the phantom could reach the others but it can walk through everything being incorporeal. You also decide the order in which the others are woken up.
Each of the elves takes a moment to smear a dark fluid on the points of their tridents. The rest of the party awakes to the sound of a screaming ghost.
Initiative Order:
Djahan
Elf 1
Elf 2
Demm (Prone)
Elf 3
Elf 4
Data (Prone)
Tsamara (Prone)
Aurora (Prone)
Onye (Prone)
The elf Djahan wound lashes out at him in turn, while their partner moves in to flank him. Both of their tridents strike home, and an agonizing burning sensation begins to radiate from the wound!
Data (Prone)
Tsamara (Prone)
Aurora (Prone)
Onye (Prone)
Djahan must make two Fortitude saves and may take an attack of opportunity! Data, Tsamara, Aurora, and Onye, you are up! Those of you in the cabin may move your token anywhere inside before beginning your turn.
HP: 31/31 l AC: 18, T 14, FF 14 l CMD 17 l F +4, R +5, W +6; +4 vs. charm, compulsion, curse | Luminous Form (3/4) l Cat's Luck (1/1) l L1: 6/7, L2: 4/4 l Init +4 l Senses: Perception -1, Low-Light Vision
"You people have the worst timing..." Tsamara growls as she quickly gets to her feet and pulls a trick similar to Demm's. With a flick of her wrist, a small wand drops from a sheath into her hand; she waves it over herself and her allies.
______________
Stand from prone, activate wand of Bless from her spring-loaded wrist sheath. Charges remaining (43).
Warned by the wailing phantom, Onye rises from his hammock. He looks at the chest holding his armor and growls quietly. With a fleeting glance at his pole arms resting against the rack, he steps next to the door. As he steps, his body shifts into that of a tiger. There he crouches back in anticipation of pouncing.
Small Male LG Outsider | Phantom 3 | Incorporeal Form | Whimsy Emotional Focus | HP 16/16 | AC 19 T 19 FF 17 | CMB +3 | CMD 18 | F: +2, R: +5, W: +3 | Init: +2 | Perc: +6 | Hero-God Archmage 2/3 | Darkvision 60 ft | Speed 30 ft | Active conditions: None
The phantom emerges again after seeing that everyone is awake and immediately send magical missiles towards the elf that is already wounded.
Archmage:
The phantom gains magic missile and sleep as spell-like abilities. It can use each spell-like ability a number of times per day equal to its Hit Dice, which it uses in place of a caster level.
Djahan manages to struggle through the worst of the poison and regains his muscle control.
One of your elven attackers throws open the door to your cabin, barely turning aside Onye's bite. He returns a stab of his own, catching the tiger in his side! His companion rushes into the room in front of him, aiming his own strike at Demm, striking the kobold as well!
Onye's transformed body resists the poisoned blade as it bites his hide.
He then takes a snap at the border as he passes through the door. (#1 moving out of the square occupied by #2 triggers AOO with the cover from the wall (presumably only +1 AC since the 18 hit Onye.))
The elves engaging Djahan continue their assault. The first one misses with his thrust before shouting past you in Elven "Caster!". His companion disengages from Djahan and hurls a net at the phantom form of young Djahan.
Net Touch Attack:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Initiative Order:
Djahan (-12, -1 STR)
Elf 1
Elf 2
Demm (-7, -2 STR, Bless, Nauseated)
Elf 3
Elf 4 (-18)
Data (Bless)
Tsamara (Bless)
Aurora (Bless)
Onye (-3, Bless)
Merfolk Cleric 4 | AC 19 T 11 FF 18 | CMD 11 | HP 31/31| F +7 R +3 W +8 | Init +1 | Perc +3 | Channel 6/7 | Divine Vessel 5/6 | Death's Kiss 6/6
"Sea elves? Why?" Aurora frowns as she grabs her buckler to defend herself, and raises her holy symbol with her other hand.
"No matter. The Divine Princess will lay them low!"
negative channel:2d6 ⇒ (3, 3) = 6half damage. Exclude the party and our guest. The elves get a DC17 Will save or be Sickened for 2 rounds and Shaken until the end of Aurora's turn in 2 rounds time.
HP: 31/31 l AC: 18, T 14, FF 14 l CMD 17 l F +4, R +5, W +6; +4 vs. charm, compulsion, curse | Luminous Form (3/4) l Cat's Luck (1/1) l L1: 6/7, L2: 4/4 l Init +4 l Senses: Perception -1, Low-Light Vision
Tsamara silently curses the cramped, flammable quarters as she takes a step up next to the wall and begins casting. Two barbed, ghostly chains burst from the floor and lash out at the lead elf...
Small Male LG Outsider | Phantom 3 | Incorporeal Form | Whimsy Emotional Focus | HP 16/16 | AC 19 T 19 FF 17 | CMB +3 | CMD 18 | F: +2, R: +5, W: +3 | Init: +2 | Perc: +6 | Hero-God Archmage 2/3 | Darkvision 60 ft | Speed 30 ft | Active conditions: None
The small phantom moves directly to the first elf and shows its tongue.
“Dumb little picky-ear attacking me!! Do it again!!!“
Standard action to use antagonize feat :1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28
Antagonize feat:
Benefit: You can make Diplomacy and Intimidate checks to make creatures respond to you with hostility. No matter which skill you use, antagonizing a creature takes a standard action that does not provoke attacks of opportunity, and has a DC equal to 10+ the target’s Hit Dice + the target’s Wisdom modifier. You cannot make this check against a creature that does not understand you or has an Intelligence score of 3 or lower. Before you make these checks, you may make a Sense Motive check (DC 20) as a swift action to gain an insight bonus on these Diplomacy or Intimitade checks equal to your Charisma bonus until the end of your next turn. The benefits you gain for this check depend on the skill you use. This is a mind-affecting effect.
Diplomacy: You fluster your enemy. For the next minute, the target takes a –2 penalty on all attacks rolls made against creatures other than you and has a 10% spell failure chance on all spells that do not target you or that have you within their area of effect.
Intimidate: The creature flies into a rage. On its next turn, the target must attempt to make a melee attack against you, make a ranged attack against you, target you with a spell, or include you in the area of a spell. The effect ends if the creature is prevented from attacking you or attempting to do so would harm it (for example, if you are on the other side of a chasm or a wall of fire). If it cannot attack you on its turn, you may make the check again as an immediate action to extend the effect for 1 round (but cannot extend it thereafter). The effect ends as soon as the creature attacks you. Once you have targeted a creature with this ability, you cannot target it again for 1 day.
The flanking elf goes down in a heap as Djahan lays him low!
The elves at the door of the cabin quickly step in the room, the first one lashing out at Tsamara and the second taking his companion's place against Onje.
