[Outpost VI] PFS1 # 0-27: "Our Lady of Silver" [GM Jhaeman] (Inactive)

Game Master Jhaeman

"One without peer has come for those without guilt? No matter. We shall see to it that justice is satisfied," assures Azelwarred. The lawful gnome acquiesces.

Having thought through the matter in silence, Tabar acquiesces as well. With all the Pathfinders having turned over their obvious weapons, they're escorted through the streets of Katheer and into what, in any other land, might be mistaken for a wealthy noble's extravagant compound. But actually, it's an extraordinarily opulent prison with "cells" that are elegantly appointed with beautiful rugs, colourful tapestries, and plush divans.

The only reminders you have of being prisoners rather than honoured guests is the heavy iron door and an arcane rune on the ceiling. "You will be brought before the Satrap's court in the morning," says Min-Omash. "Please refrain from violence or spellcasting, as doing so will arm the symbol of death on the ceiling. An evening repast will be brought to you shortly." With a respectful nod, he leaves.

Botting Tabar as following the others.

Having thought through the matter in silence, Tabar acquiesces as well. With all the Pathfinders having turned over their obvious weapons, they're escorted through the streets of Katheer and into what, in any other land, might be mistaken for a wealthy noble's extravagant compound. But actually, it's an extraordinarily opulent prison with "cells" that are elegantly appointed with beautiful rugs, colourful tapestries, and plush divans.

The only reminders you have of being prisoners rather than honoured guests is the heavy iron door and an arcane rune on the ceiling. "You will be brought before the Satrap's court in the morning," says Min-Omash. "Please refrain from violence or spellcasting, as doing so will arm the symbol of death on the ceiling. An evening repast will be brought to you shortly." With a respectful nod, he leaves.

Botting Tabar as following the others.

Trajan stops Min-Omash and requests to speak to him in private.

@GM: Sending a PM.

I'll wait about 12 hours RL to see if anyone wants to do anything crazy (like try to escape) or have any other preparations they'd like to make before appearing at the Satrap's court in the morning. Unless you try something dramatic, the night in the luxurious cell will pass uneventfully. With a good night's rest, you'll all regain hit points equal to your level and reset your daily use abilities, etc. Please adjust taglines accordingly.

The following morning, you are brought before the Satrap’s court. The Satrap’s court stands within a grand hall, one of the most opulent structures in the Inner Sea. Dozens of courtiers and soldiers line the magnificent hall, the Peerless--advisors of the Satrap.

In a small alcove off to one side, an executioner sharpens a massive axe, his face covered by a frowning golden mask.

A herald’s voice booms forth, “Pathfinders! You stand accused of murder, theft, and the looting of graves! Come forward and answer for these crimes!”

A woman sits on a folding chair beside the herald, her features veiled. Her voice is measured but stern, and her voice carries the weight of authority. “Azelwarred the Wise, Decimus Gallonica Trajan, Hamish the Bard, Jaako Varpunen, Tabar, and Zeldana Bordana, you each stand accused of plotting the theft of ancient relics and of the planned murder of Master Bashir al-Mudaris so that your masters among the Pathfinder Society might claim the resources of the House of Silver. What do you say to these accusations?”

Zeldana takes a proud step forward, holding her head high.

"Your Honor, these accusations are not based in facts, and a means to distract and deceive so that the true criminals can gain time to escape justice! Master Bashir Al-Mudaris planned to donate several valuable relics to the Pathfinder Society in order to promote his new son-in-law’s status in the Society. Our instructions were to escort these antiques by ship to Absalom upon completion of the festivities, but thieves appeared and interrupted the wedding by freeing the caged lions and setting an elephant free! we restored the peace, managed to calm down the majestic elephant, and amazingly, I must admit, Mister Tin Can over there and our Master Bard over here even managed to catch the one lion that had escaped to the streets! But... the thieves escaped into the crowds of Katheer, alas. Our local chapter of the Society even donated topiaries for the wedding... it is... troublesome that all these efforts and preparations had to go to waste... I even won the ceremonial battle upon the red-hot coals, for the honor of the bride and groom, and was STRIPPED of my victory by these despicable thieves! may they never be pardoned by Sarenrae and draw her righteous fury!!"

I'll wait about 12 hours RL to see if anyone wants to do anything crazy (like try to escape) or have any other preparations they'd like to make before appearing at the Satrap's court in the morning. Unless you try something dramatic, the night in the luxurious cell will pass uneventfully. With a good night's rest, you'll all regain hit points equal to your level and reset your daily use abilities, etc. Please adjust taglines accordingly.

After speaking with Min-Omash, Trajan waits by the door. A servant brings him a small object wrapped in a towel. Trajan thanks the servant and then asks Hamish and Jaakko for assistance in removing his plate armor.

He rises early in the morning, probably before most of the other Pathfinders, and seeks an area furthest from the rest of the group. He begins the day with prayers and recitations from his copy of Acts of Iomedae, calling for divine guidance in the group's upcoming trial.

Reckoning, Non-lethal: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Reckoning, Lethal: 1d4 ⇒ 1

When the other Pathfinders awaken Trajan will again ask Hamish and Jaakko for assistance this time for putting on his Hellknight Plate.
He smiles to each and says, "I just bought this armor. If I am to die I may as well die wearing it. Praise be to Iomedae and the Godclaw for our victory today. Even though neither of you is Chelish I hope you don't mind if I share a common greeting before battle."

Trajan shakes each man's hand firmly and says, "Strength and Honor."

Trajan, while wearing his Hellknight Plate, will *NOT* be wearing his helm.

”Good morning ladies and gentlemen of the Satrap's Court. As my fellow Pathfinder Zeldana has so passionately spoken of the events surrounding the wedding, I would like to add my own statement. As a Paladin of Iomedae and a Hellknight of the Order of the Godclaw I cannot and will not lie to this assembly. In fact I would gladly accept any use of divine magic to prove the truth in my words. We were sent here to support the marriage of Farendir Faireven to the Lady of Silver and then to escort the gifts Master Bashir al-Mudaris gave to the Pathfinder Society back to Absalom. One should ask, since Master Bashir al-Mudaris gave the ancient relics to the Society, why would we need to steal them? It makes no sense; one steals items they cannot gain by other means. Similarly why would we plot to murder Master Bashir al-Mudaris? If he has, and is willing to donate, such valuable and ancient relics to the Society, would it not make sense for us to do everything within our power to make sure he remains alive and in good health? I will swear on my holy sword, which I willingly submitted to the Honorable Garahn Min-Omaha, I have never and would never consent to such a heinous act! As for the looting of graves I have not done that either and I am not even sure what graves the madam is referring to or where they are located. And murder? As Zeldana previously mentioned she, Hamish, and myself subdued or calmed some of the lions and the elephant. Because we did so, we missed out on the opportunity to pursue the two men who freed the animals. In fact it was our investigation into those criminals that led us to some interesting information and the recovery, not theft, of some of the relics.”

To avoid an even larger 'wall of text', Trajan will summarize the persons and places uncovered so far in the investigation. He will stress the presence of the Erinyes as proof of the evil-doing of those actually responsible for the theft of the relics.

”In closing it was the Erinyes itself who identified Raamiz ibn-Chadli and stated, and I quote, 'You busy-bodies should have let well-enough alone! My Master will have his revenge on the Pathfinders and the ignorant woman who spurned his affections!' I ask the Satrap, in all his wisdom, to see the truth of our words and recognize it is Raamiz ibn-Chadli and his 'vizier', who now sleeps in Hell, who are the real perpetrators of this crime!”

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

"Your honor, I concur with what my friends here said. These accusations hinder our pursuit of justice and return of stolen property. You haven't presented any motive for murder of Master Bashir al-Mudaris, or satisfactory evidence of our guilt. Accusation of grave desecration is simply bizarre and confusing, as we haven't been near any graves in last week or so. Thus, we demand apology and our immediate release from captivity."

Diplomacy aid: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

Hamish admires the Hellknight's dedication and grasps the man's hand strongly, "Strength and Honor will prevail today, one way or another."

At the trial he simply adds as a point of legal order, "I believe we were advised we could face our accusers? I don't see anyone here other than court officials and an executioner. And have yet to see any evidence we actually completed any of the acts blamed upon us. I presume the holy court wishes justice to be met out. If so, I would appreciate a solid attempt be made to adjudicate actual justice and not just provide the true suspects an opportunity to blame outsiders for their crimes and escape with their heads still attached."

Diplomacy seems to be the best skill here? Though I'd rather rely on logical arguments and not a simple number result for my fate. I've already failed one mission AT A TRIAL due to a single bad roll: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 14 = 19

Diplomacy 2-star reroll, and for the above reason I'm using my reroll: 1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 14 + 2 = 22

The veiled woman listens carefully, and then nods to an attendant who comes forward with a bundle of letters tied with a ribbon. "And how do you respond to these?" she asks. "They purport to be from leaders of various factions within the Pathfinder Society, outlining a conspiracy to betray the House of Silver by using Farendir Faireven as a hapless pawn."

@Hamish: The scenario explicitly provides that proving your innocence here can be done through role-playing or through a Diplomacy check, so if you want to save your reroll, you can.

Thank the maker scenario designer!

Hamish inspects the evidence, the first actually presented against them, "Oh dear Pharasma. They could have at least spent some time on these. Your honor, these are quite blatant forgeries. The names are misspelled, the titles are wrong, and our culture doesn't use that phrasing at all. Heck, the ink is practically still wet. If you like, I can break down in detail each issue."

The veiled woman listens carefully, and then nods to an attendant who comes forward with a bundle of letters tied with a ribbon. "And how do you respond to these?" she asks. "They purport to be from leaders of various factions within the Pathfinder Society, outlining a conspiracy to betray the House of Silver by using Farendir Faireven as a hapless pawn."

** spoiler omitted **

@Hamish: The scenario explicitly provides that proving your innocence here can be done through role-playing or through a Diplomacy check, so if you want to save your reroll, you can.

As Hamish has the best collection of Knowledge skills, I'll rely on him and any other PCs to prove the letters are forged.

"I ask again, madam, where would the logic be in betraying someone who could provide insight, information, and contacts into even more relics and items of historical importance? For an organization intent on research and acquisition does it not make more sense for the Pathfinder Society to see to it that Master Bashir al-Mudaris is healthy and alive to assist us in our goals? And while I am no expert in information even I can prove these are forged as no Pathfinder would ever misspell these names and incorrectly identify and use these titles! And just who supplied the Court with these lies?"

#2: Since the executioner isn't actively trying to kill us I'm assuming we can take 10 on Knowledge checks. If so then Trajan would reach a 13 in Knowledge (Nobility) and (Religion) and 11 in Knowledge (Planes) to help identify some of the errors.

Looking over the poor forgeries, Azelwarred declares, "I could prepare for you far more convincing forgeries than these and, likely, within a fraction of the time spent--though it would appear that quite little was to be had."

"Assuming, however, that we are not dealing with clear incompetence, then it would seem these have been offered by someone who was in haste to frame us. This suggests that the culprit is someone local, who did not have the information regarding our identities until more recently after we arrived." concludes the gnome. "The question, then, to be explored is who among the locals has the motive for doing so? Answer that question and your villain is revealed."

After listening intently during your explanations, the veiled woman finally holds up one hand to halt further discussion. Instant silence fills the room, save for the scratching of a scribe hastily trying to catch up.

The veiled woman speaks: "I, Samara the Insightful, Peerless of the Satrap's Court, declare upon my lawful authority that these Pathfinders standing before me are innocent of the allegations made against them."

She stands up, and a throng of attendants form around her to escort her out of the room. Various functionaries and minor nobles filter away, some grumbling that they were hoping for a little more excitement. Even the executioner sighs as he stops sharpening his axe and gathers his equipment to leave. Soon, you're standing almost alone in the magnificent hall. But a tall, dark-skinned man wearing clothing identifying him as a merchant rushes over. You vaguely remember him from the wedding. He bows low.

"Honored Pathfinders! I had no doubt you would be found innocent of these vile, baseless accusations. I am Al’Jahar Abu-Targos, nephew of deceased Venture-Captain Targos Min-Katheer, whose remains your associates braved great dangers to return to our family some months ago. I have brought magic to heal your wounds and information to aid your quest for the truth! Yesterday, I witnessed a group of Pathfinders looking exactly like you headed north of Katheer, toward the ancient cemetery where the Chapel of Ubaidah Abd-Hikmah can found. It wasn't until I heard this morning that you had been arrested in Katheer that I realised impostors were traveling up the Inner Sea coast disguised as you in what must be a nefarious scheme to discredit the organisation that has done my family such a great service!"

Abu-Targos is referencing events from Murder on the Silken Caravan. He has a fully-charged wand of cure light wounds and will let you use as many charges of it as you need.

Hamish cracks his knuckles and smiles, ”Ooooh? Oooh, yes. I do believe meting some holy justice on evil doppelgängers will improve my mood. I say we go quickly. Can we get mounts on short notice to catch up?”

A shimmering field of force strengthens his vitality.

False Life for 8 hrs, temp hp: 1d10 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Trajan speaks with the merchant, "Greetings Al’Jahar Abu-Targos and well met. We are honored with the presence of the nephew of a Pathfinder as great as Venture-Captain Targos Min-Katheer. Thank you for the information and if you could provide us with a map or details on how to reach the Chapel of Ubaidah Abd-Hikmah, it would be greatly appreciated. Do you know what the imposters might be looking for? Is this ancient cemetery well-guarded or attended? I'm concerned the imposters might harm any guards, workers, or relatives visiting their honored ancestors."

@GM: Any Knowledge check for general information or maybe rumors/stories about what's in/at the Chapel?

If asked about his wounds Trajan will decline any offers of healing saying, "I gave freely to myself to Iomedae and the Godclaw; that they saw fit to claim so little from me is a blessing I will not refuse."

Sorry for the extra posting my brain doesn't work so well anymore.

Trajan pauses for a moment, hoping to utilize the local knowledge of Al’Jahar Abu-Targos, and asks, "Is it normal for someone like Samara the Insightful to stop the proceedings without revealing the source of the forged documents? I would've bet money the 'source' is either Raamiz ibn-Chadli or his blasted 'vizier.' Al'Jahar, given the shall we say 'intensity' of the justice system in Katheer, how much trouble would Raamiz ibn-Chadli be in for trying to frame us and, in the process, embarrassing someone like Lady Samara or even the Satrap himself?"

"I'm afraid I don't know much about proceedings in as lofty as place as the Satrap's Court. I am but a simple merchant, and fortunate to have been admitted to watch the proceedings," says Abu-Targos, looking apologetic. "But I can supply you with mounts. The chapel is less than a day's ride to the north. It is a place sacred to Sarenites, as it houses the tomb of the honored high-priest, Ubaidah Abd-Hikmah. I cannot fathom why these impostors would be headed there. . . . Unless . . . no, even they would not have the temerity to defile such a holy place through tomb-robbery!"

"I'm afraid I don't know much about proceedings in as lofty as place as the Satrap's Court. I am but a simple merchant, and fortunate to have been admitted to watch the proceedings," says Abu-Targos, looking apologetic. "But I can supply you with mounts. The chapel is less than a day's ride to the north. It is a place sacred to Sarenites, as it houses the tomb of the honored high-priest, Ubaidah Abd-Hikmah. I cannot fathom why these impostors would be headed there. . . . Unless . . . no, even they would not have the temerity to defile such a holy place through tomb-robbery!"

"Thank you very much for the loan of the mounts; speed and time are of the essence. Assume for a moment they would have the temerity, what would they be looking for? This could be extremely important; think of it as continuing the work of your honored Uncle."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

"Alas, I cannot even imagine. But surely they will be seen in their blasphemy and you will be blamed! Hurry, my friends, before it is too late!"

I hate to rush, but because this is a convention game, I need to make sure we finish in time. Does anyone have anything they'd like to do before leaving Katheer?

Nope!

Nothing besides getting the mounts. I thought Al'Jahar was here to provide some additional information for the NPCs but it appears we've learned all we can from him.

Al'Jahar Abu-Targos is as good as his word, and arranges several fast mounts to carry you on the road north. After less then a day's travel, on a lonely promontory overlooking the sea, you reach your destination: the memorial chapel of Ubaidah Abd-Hikmah and its accompanying cemetery for heroic Sarenites of centuries past. Scoured clean by the restless winds near the sea, many of the gravestones’ inscriptions are as forgotten as their inhabitants. The forlorn cries of gulls drift on the breeze.

The ancient chapel’s iron doors stand closed, but fresh scrapes mar their rusted metal . . .

Before leaving Jaakko thanks Abu-Targos for providing mounts.

"That owl over there is looking at us. Have you ever seen owls around here? If its a familiar, it likely has alerted its master by now." Jaakko says looking concerned

Hamish is about to rush towards the chapel but stops at the comment, ”Well, one can’t do much alerting if one can’t speak, now can they. Hello bird, be silent.”

Cast silence on the owl, Will DC 15 negates.

If that doesn’t immediately trigger us into rounds of actions.

”That will only give us a few moments, let’s move with speed and hope we aren’t too late.”

Cast Good Hope on Everyone.

Zeldana nods, walks behind a nearby tree, and while out of sight of the owl, pulls a javelin. She then darts out from her cover position and fires at the owl!

spear vs. FF AC: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
piercing dmg: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
sneak atk dmg: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 6) = 12

Hamish silences the owl with magic, and Zeldana impales it bodily with a hurled spear! It tumbles from the branch. The sound of tools at work from inside the chapel stop, and you hear one voice call out to the others. "Something's wrong--Achmiti is badly hurt!"

The owl failed the save vs silence and (with the sneak attack damage) is knocked into negatives.

Due to your quick action, you've earned a Surprise Round. You can each take one move or standard action before I start formal Initiative. Hamish, we'll treat your casting of good hope as your Surprise Round action unless you want to do something different.

Trajan murmurs a prayer over his nodachi which begins to glow like a torch.

Standard action to activate the Divine Bond on his nodachi, granting it the merciful weapon quality.

Azelwarred casts guidance on Trajan.

Jaakko casts Divine favor.

Greater magic fang on Winnie.

Blade in hand, Tabar pushes open the door hoping to get a drop on the foes!

Inside the chapel, your Pathfinder ally Faireven and an enlarged Trajan and Hamish are wrecking the place! There's shattered sarcophagi, upended stonework, and damaged statuary.

Botting Tabar.

This encounter takes place on Slide # 2.

Initiative (Round 1)

Hamish
Trajan
Tabar
Jaako
Zeldana
Faireven
Large Trajan & Hamish
Azelwarred

Bold should go!

The pews are difficult terrain that provide partial cover (+2 AC) to those on the other side. Standing on them provides a +1 to melee attack rolls for attacking from higher ground.

The REAL Hamish strides into the room and *tsks*, ”Really? That’s the best impersonations you could do? You don’t even have black robes. At best those are grey. Anyway, we are here to stop your evil nefarious plans and well… get ‘em!”

The last part was inspiringly directed at his allies.

Move and Begin Inspire Courage.

She casts barkskin on Winnie, and moves indoors. Seeing the large Trajan, she nods at Winnie wickedly.

"Yes, Winnie... but not yet sweetie... for now, DEFEND me, Winnie, DEFEND!"

"Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr..." answers the owlbear, staying near Zeldana.

Trajan advances into the room and goes to confront the non-enlarged person and smites him just for fun.

Double move, he'll provoke from the enlarged Trajan if he has Combat Reflexes or something similar. Swift action to Smite Fairhaven and I guess we'll find out if he has an evil alignment.

Tabar moves forward.

Double move.

Jaakko walks in and blasts enlarged version of Hamish with musket.

+1 musket, point blank, GH, divine favor: 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 12 + 2 + 1 + 1 = 21
damage: 1d12 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 2 + 1 = 9

The Pathfinders charge into the room, with Jaako offering covering fire from his Alkenstar special!

Even with partial cover from the pew, the attack hits. Those buffs pay off!

"Get them, you fools!" snarls Faireven to his oversized allies.

He backs away from Trajan and says "And don't you think you had better guard the door? There are bandits in this area!"

A suggestion spell has been cast. Trajan, please attempt a DC 16 Will save vs a mind-affecting enchantment (compulsion) effect. If you fail, that suggestion sounds eminently reasonable.

Meanwhile, the enlarged Hamish and Trajan draw blades and swing at Tabar!

Both attacks against Tabar miss.

Initiative (Round 1)

Hamish
Trajan (Will save)
Tabar
Jaako
Zeldana
Faireven
Large Trajan & Hamish
Azelwarred

Bold should go!

The pews are difficult terrain that provide partial cover (+2 AC) to those on the other side. Standing on them provides a +1 to melee attack rolls for attacking from higher ground.

Azelwarred cautiously approaches the imposters, seeking cover.
Double move

Initiative (Round 2)

Hamish
Trajan (Will save)
Tabar
Jaako
Zeldana
Faireven
Large Trajan & Hamish
Azelwarred

Bold should go!

The pews are difficult terrain that provide partial cover (+2 AC) to those on the other side. Standing on them provides a +1 to melee attack rolls for attacking from higher ground.

Hamish moves quickly, darting up onto a pew and drawing his morningstar. He angrily swings it at the doppelgänger, ”I don’t care what you do, normally. But desecrating the dead really pisses me off. AND ON TOP OF THAT YOU DECIDED TO IMPERSONATE SOMEONE ELSE LIKE A COWARD!!!”

Move while drawing weapon, attack other Hamish. Keep IC up.

+1 Undead Bane Morningstar - ACP + IC/GH: 1d20 + 10 - 1 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 10 - 1 + 4 = 25 for Magic/Bludgeoning/Piercing + IC/GH: 1d8 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 4 = 10

"Get them, you fools!" snarls Faireven to his oversized allies.

He backs away from Trajan and says "And don't you think you had better guard the door? There are bandits in this area!"

A suggestion spell has been cast. Trajan, please attempt a DC 16 Will save vs a mind-affecting enchantment (compulsion) effect. If you fail, that suggestion sounds eminently reasonable.

Will with Good Hope, Guidance: 1d20 + 13 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 13 + 2 + 1 = 28

"Yes and I'm looking at one. Surrender now and you'll save yourself some pain."

Trajan moves forward a bit to pin Faireven to the wall and swings his glowing nodachi at the desecrator!

+1 Nodachi with Power Attack, Inspire Courage, Good Hope, Smite, Merciful: 1d20 + 12 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 12 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 4 = 301d10 + 7 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 5 + 1d6 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 5 + (3) = 32

+1 Nodachi with Power Attack, Inspire Courage, Good Hope, Smite, Merciful, 2nd Attack: 1d20 + 7 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 7 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 4 = 201d10 + 7 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 5 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 5 + (5) = 28

It's Hamish vs Hamish in a battle to the death, but the bigger one seems to be losing! Despite that spectacle, all eyes are drawn to the other corner of the room, as Trajan smashes "Farendir Faireven" into unconscious to reveal it was a robed Qadiran sorcerer all along!

Hamish's attack hits.

Both of Trajan's attacks hit, knocking the bad guy out instantly.

Jaakar, Zeldana, and Tabar are up.

Trajan turns to face the other two phonies, "Surrender now!"