While on a routine mission to escort a dignitary to the mysterious Mordant Spire aboard a disreputable smuggler's ship, the PCs find themselves embroiled in a murder mystery that could jeopardize the Pathfinder Society's relationship with the isolationist elves who call the citadel home. Can the cunning Pathfinders discover who among the ship's crew of scum and villains is responsible for the crime in time to clear their own names? This murder mystery upon the open sea features a mechanic allowing for a different killer each time it's run to ensure that no amount of word of mouth will spoil the investigation for any team of canny players.
NG Male Dwarf Fighter 3| 20' speed|init+2, Perc +0,| 60' darkvision|37/37 HP|AC21, T12, FF19|Fort+6, Ref+3, Will+1, +1 bravery|
"Permission to come aboard...this barnacle cover dung heap." the last part whispered after shouting the first part for all to hear. Kimlo Grimmerkin stand legs stread, head high. He has a battle axe for disagreements and a breast plate and large shield for protection. He has a mane of golden hair and a braided blond beard full and hanging to his belt. His equipment, rope, backpack and boots are all clean but showing much wear. "Where can I find the others of our group?." he flashes a piece of cloth with the symbol of the open round, a sure sign of a pathfinder to the ensign as he boards. "And where can I stow my stuff?"
LN Human Fighter 3 | Mods: Cold Weather Clothing | HP 37 (-0) | AC/Tch/FF 18/11/17 (Sleeping 15/11/14) | CMD 18 (+2 vs. Grapple) | F/R/W +7/+3/+2 (+1 vs. Fear) | Speed 30 ft (Nimble Moves) | FJC Orator 1/1, Bond Breaker 1/1 | 2 Star Reroll 1/1 | Perc: -1, SM: -1 | Init: +1
A large man unloads a few crates onto the ship and then collapses into a bunk in the crew quarters. When woken later he discovers this is definitely not the right ship.
Fortunately there are pathfinders aboard headed to some mission so he manages to talk his way into joining them.
Physically he is a hulking brute. Covered in armor and with a nasty sharp farming tool strapped to his massive back he looks quite dangerous. Especially those massive hands that each look like they could snap a normal human in half.
While chatting over dinner the first night he shares his story, ”Names Lee-awn, I work da docks an hep da paffies out sumtimes. Nawmushmoah den dat.”
#2-15: Shades of Ice - Part I: Written in Blood (CORE) Female NG Halfling Bard 4 | HP 27/27 | Riding dog HP 13/13 | AC 18 T 13 FF 16 | CMB 2, CMD 14 | F: +5, R: +8, W: +5 (+2 vs. Fear) | Init +2 | Perc +7 | SM +16 | Speed 20ft (40ft on riding dog)
"Leon? Is that you?"
A small red-haired female halfling in a Mithral Chain Shirt armor with a small longsword on her hip comes walking towards the fighter. She is wearing a regular sized spell component pouch around her waist - and also an adorable little backpack on her back. The halfling starts shaking the big hand of the even bigger pathfinder.
"What are you doing here? Were you also summoned by the VC?"
When hearing about his sleepover on the wrong ship she somehow manages to keep a straight face.
Don’t laugh, Corba, don't laugh...
"Come with me, I'll introduce you."
The halfling leads Leon towards the group.
"Fellow pathfinders, this is Leon. On my last mission we successfully teamed up to secure the Runecarved Key for the Society. He could be a great help on our mission!"
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.”
NG Male Dwarf Fighter 3| 20' speed|init+2, Perc +0,| 60' darkvision|37/37 HP|AC21, T12, FF19|Fort+6, Ref+3, Will+1, +1 bravery|
"First of all, thank you for putting us up here while we wait. The food and relaxation is nice. Plus the cruise to get here was nice too once we got our sea legs" Kimlo coughs a little and looks from side to side. He continues, "Who is after this guy anyway? It would be easier to watch things if we knew what we were looking out for. And why doesn't this dignitery, Sephriel, have some of his own protection? And why are we on a barnicle like the Thoaty Mermaid, and not on something fancier? Why the secrecy hiding on a smuggler?"
Who is after this guy anyway? It would be easier to watch things if we knew what we were looking out for. And why doesn't this dignitery, Sephriel, have some of his own protection? And why are we on a barnicle like the Thoaty Mermaid, and not on something fancier? Why the secrecy hiding on a smuggler?
Who is Sephriel?:
“He 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.”
Why are we traveling on a smugglers’ ship?:
“Passage on the Throaty Mermaid was 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.”
LG (she/her) half-orc paladin of Erastil 1 || HP 12/12 || AC 17/12/15; -3 ACP || Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +2 || Perc -1 (darkvision) || Stealth -3 || Speed 30/20 ||
A tall imposing half-orc races up to the group, winded and staggering slightly from the run. "Hi....I'm.....Kuikka..... Sorry to be....so late..... I just....got the message now." Her half-plate armor is burnished to a soft silvery gleam with a golden arrow emblazoned on the front. She carries a greataxe and a longbow slung across her back. Taking deep breaths, she arches her back and looks up a the sky for a long moment as her breathing slows again.
LG (she/her) half-orc paladin of Erastil 1 || HP 12/12 || AC 17/12/15; -3 ACP || Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +2 || Perc -1 (darkvision) || Stealth -3 || Speed 30/20 ||
Nodding a greeting to the venture-captain, Kuikka asks, "What dangers does Sephriel expect on the trip? Is there someone in particular who is trying to keep him from his duty?"
#2-15: Shades of Ice - Part I: Written in Blood (CORE) Female NG Halfling Bard 4 | HP 27/27 | Riding dog HP 13/13 | AC 18 T 13 FF 16 | CMB 2, CMD 14 | F: +5, R: +8, W: +5 (+2 vs. Fear) | Init +2 | Perc +7 | SM +16 | Speed 20ft (40ft on riding dog)
On board before leaving the harbour...
"Hi, Kuikka! Nice to see you again! You're right on time, we will leave in the next few minutes."
LG (she/her) half-orc paladin of Erastil 1 || HP 12/12 || AC 17/12/15; -3 ACP || Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +2 || Perc -1 (darkvision) || Stealth -3 || Speed 30/20 ||
"Corda! Leon! I didn't know either of you were going to be on this mission. It's very good to see you again. I'm so grateful you were able to patch me up so often last time."
LG (she/her) half-orc paladin of Erastil 1 || HP 12/12 || AC 17/12/15; -3 ACP || Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +2 || Perc -1 (darkvision) || Stealth -3 || Speed 30/20 ||
"I can unless we need to split them up. As you might remember, I have a habit of falling down." She grins wryly, remembering all the times she woke up on the floor last time they were adventuring.
I just read the Secondary Success Condition and realized, this is the one mission left where you actually have to do faction missions. Could everyone please post their factions below, so I have them in one place?
NG Male Dwarf Fighter 3| 20' speed|init+2, Perc +0,| 60' darkvision|37/37 HP|AC21, T12, FF19|Fort+6, Ref+3, Will+1, +1 bravery|
"Didn't mean to ruffle your feathers there, boss. Just was wondering. That's all. Got it, secrecy. And no known enenies, assassins or such, just general protection from the crew. Got it.
Kimlo sits quietly for the rest of the briefing and stays that way until the group is aboard the ship.
Seeing all the others catching up, Kimlo approaches and introduces himself to Kuikka. "Welcome aboad, I'm Kimlo. You look like you know one end of an axe from the other. Seems like you done work with a few others too. Good to have ya along."
LG (she/her) half-orc paladin of Erastil 1 || HP 12/12 || AC 17/12/15; -3 ACP || Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +2 || Perc -1 (darkvision) || Stealth -3 || Speed 30/20 ||
#2-15: Shades of Ice - Part I: Written in Blood (CORE) Female NG Halfling Bard 4 | HP 27/27 | Riding dog HP 13/13 | AC 18 T 13 FF 16 | CMB 2, CMD 14 | F: +5, R: +8, W: +5 (+2 vs. Fear) | Init +2 | Perc +7 | SM +16 | Speed 20ft (40ft on riding dog)
#2-15: Shades of Ice - Part I: Written in Blood (CORE) Female NG Halfling Bard 4 | HP 27/27 | Riding dog HP 13/13 | AC 18 T 13 FF 16 | CMB 2, CMD 14 | F: +5, R: +8, W: +5 (+2 vs. Fear) | Init +2 | Perc +7 | SM +16 | Speed 20ft (40ft on riding dog)
Leon the Brute wrote:
”No prollem, godda nudder poshun case we needs it. Either of you wanna carreh mah healin stick case I need patchin?”
”I can carry yours, of course, but I also have my own healing stick.”
NG Male Dwarf Fighter 3| 20' speed|init+2, Perc +0,| 60' darkvision|37/37 HP|AC21, T12, FF19|Fort+6, Ref+3, Will+1, +1 bravery|
"We have a long trip ahead. Good to see you all worked together before. Hope they were good times. Sharing sticks of healing seems smart. I have not got one myself. I do have a potion I picked up. Now, about our mission, do we need to set up a watch schedule? One of us should probably be near this guy at all times." Kimlo drums his axe hand fingers on his breast plate. "Can we arrange to get a cabin or birth near his? Stationing ourselves outside his door might work too. Also, probably need to have the Captain's permission."
Ok, some serious wibbidily wobbildily, timey wimey going on here. None of your factions existed at the time of the scenario, obviously, so Corba gets the Taldor faction mission, and the rest of you get the Andoran.
Corba:
Esteemed Agent of the Empire,
I am glad it’s you who will be spending so much time at sea and
not me. The salty air is bad for my complexion. Also, while
you’re there, you’ll be able to help the Empire maintain our
power and glory.
Among the Throaty Mermaid’s crew is a skilled assassin from the
Woodbane Hunters guild. I want to hire this woman, named Anera, to
eliminate a particularly annoying elven problem I’ve been having. Enclosed is
a sealed letter to Anera; ensure that she gets it. If she accepts the assignment,
she’ll sign and return the letter to you. In this case, get it to me as soon as you
reach land.
I’ve also received a tip that the ship’s cook owns a rare tome on disguising
poisons in everyday foods. If you can, bring me her copy of Concocted Libations
to Die For. I’ve an upcoming dinner party where it may be useful.
Taldor Faction Handout
For the Grand Prince,
Baron Jacquo Dalsine
Everyone else:
Defender of Freedom,
Though your current mission puts you at sea for months, you may still be of use to the Eagle Knights
and the nation of Andoran. We have obtained a list of the Throaty Mermaid’s crew and believe several of
them have information or skills we can use in our efforts to gain control of Absalom.
First, the ship’s navigator, Ulamon, has served on many ships, including the Polished Barnacle,
which the Mordant Spire elves destroyed. The Polished Barnacle was among the fleet of Sargavan vessels
that defeated Cheliax’s navy in 4643 ar. All of the Barnacle’s crew since received special rings from the
Sargavan government that I believe may serve us well in our ongoing feud with the Chelish fleet. Do what
you need to in order to gain this from Ulamon.
Additionally, a not-so-secret stowaway on the ship, a wererat named Snig Lacorse, could be used as
an asset on another vessel were he spying on Andoran’s behalf. Convince him to disembark in Riddleport
where we will place him aboard a more strategically beneficial ship.
For Democracy,
Captain Colson Maldris
You will know the others who are in your faction and working with you. I'll give you a little while to digest that, then move forward tomorrow.
NG Male Dwarf Fighter 3| 20' speed|init+2, Perc +0,| 60' darkvision|37/37 HP|AC21, T12, FF19|Fort+6, Ref+3, Will+1, +1 bravery|
Not knowing much about rank on a ship, but aren't navigators officers?
"Aye, Leon, I can help with that stuff. But probably want to be in a more private setting."
Kimlo will pull Leon aside when no one is around and explain the note and answer any questions. " ... so you see, Leon, we need to get the ring from the navigator and get the stowawy to agree to leave the ship in Riddleport for more Andoran related work. Got it?" Kimlo shakes his head to clear it and continues, "How we do all that is the question. We need to figure that out."
NG Male Dwarf Fighter 3| 20' speed|init+2, Perc +0,| 60' darkvision|37/37 HP|AC21, T12, FF19|Fort+6, Ref+3, Will+1, +1 bravery|
might try putting it in the url format. Just paste the copied link in after the = and the key link word which will be made blue between the bracket pairs. Examples are in the hints from paizo below.
"First we got to find the stowaway, then convince him he is better off leaving. Maybe a bribe, maybe say we saw silver sheen an silver daggers brought on board." Kimlo continues spitballing ideas to Leon quietly.
#2-15: Shades of Ice - Part I: Written in Blood (CORE) Female NG Halfling Bard 4 | HP 27/27 | Riding dog HP 13/13 | AC 18 T 13 FF 16 | CMB 2, CMD 14 | F: +5, R: +8, W: +5 (+2 vs. Fear) | Init +2 | Perc +7 | SM +16 | Speed 20ft (40ft on riding dog)
I agree with Kimlo's plan She rubs her hands across her face to check for cleanliness and finds out she is clean, then heads out with the group in a careful but normal stride.
LG (she/her) half-orc paladin of Erastil 1 || HP 12/12 || AC 17/12/15; -3 ACP || Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +2 || Perc -1 (darkvision) || Stealth -3 || Speed 30/20 ||
"I would much prefer not lying to the stowaway. They may be able to provide us with more information about the ship and the crew."
NG Male Dwarf Fighter 3| 20' speed|init+2, Perc +0,| 60' darkvision|37/37 HP|AC21, T12, FF19|Fort+6, Ref+3, Will+1, +1 bravery|
Yep that did the trick, I can access the slides and edit them on the link posted by Corba. Looks like you are thinking of not using roll 20 for maps? "Lying? I don't think that would really matter to someone stealing a ride. He is still in danger should the wrong people find out. He can still be thrown overboard if caught."
"Anyway, we need to set up our protection first. That os our primary task. True?"
Kimlo looks to find the mordant spire elf, Sephriel, and stay close until they have a chance to make arrangements with the Captain.
LG (she/her) half-orc paladin of Erastil 1 || HP 12/12 || AC 17/12/15; -3 ACP || Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +2 || Perc -1 (darkvision) || Stealth -3 || Speed 30/20 ||
"Since we have some time, let's start as we mean to go on and set watches. I am terrible at actually noticing things, but I can see in the dark. Maybe we can stagger them, so the noticing people can point things out to the not noticing folks?"
