#6-09: By Way of Bloodcove (1e GM rotation) (Inactive)

Game Master Mustaparta

Kiyoko draws her adamantine katana and slashes at the hull of a nearby boat.

Reitenseiya, two-handed Power Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 11 - 2 = 28
Two-handed Power Attack dmg: 1d8 + 15 ⇒ (4) + 15 = 19
I don’t recall if you can crit inanimate objects, but if you can, then x2 on the damage. If not, she’ll swing a second time to finish the job on that boat’s hull.

After staving in the first boat’s hull, she shakes her head and mutters, “Once again, I have cut a worthless object.” She then moves on to another boat, and does the same again.

Reitenseiya, two-handed Power Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 11 - 2 = 15
Two-handed Power Attack dmg: 1d8 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 20

Kiyoko cuts the half-orc down and performs a chiburui slash, clearing her katana of blood. She resheathes the blade and looks over at the sleeping man.

“What do we do about him?” she asks, hiking a thumb at him.

"Best we tie him up, gag him and hide him somewhere." Ki Chin replies, giving the sleeping man a look. [b]"An army marches on its stomach. Let us spoil their supplies. It will divert their attention longer if they run out of food while on their journey." the magus suggests.

Aylanna's problem solving is often tilted toward burning things. Some fireworks may be in order too.

Would a few castings of Burning Hands work similar to a fireball? The spell mentions igniting flammable objects, similar to fireball if not as dramatic.

Burning hands works fine here

Aylanna burns things with her hands

I used 2 castings, let me know if more are due

Before casting, you spot flask of oil, which serves as accelerant making the fire burns long enough. Destrucion is fairly massive and you're certain that Aspis agents will be searching you frantically.

Before continuing to last mission of scenario, its time for cover checks again.

Cover (intimidate): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

As the whole warehouse goes up in flames, Kiyoko resheathes her katana and beats a hasty retreat outside. [i]Was there any point to smashing things inside if we were just going to set the whole place on fire?[/] she wonders to herself.

Elemenar looks over his shoulder at the burning building and allows himself a small smile. Fire is good. Then he starts to orient himself with the surroundings. That fire is going to attract attention and he needs to find a way to blend in.

Knowledge(local) for cover: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

Diplomacy for Cover: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27

Once away from the disaster they have caused (on purpose), Aylanna gets back into character to pass as a merchant in the crowds.

Stealth: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Finished with sabotaging the expedition Ki Chin attempts to melt into the crowd.

Once again, you manage to blend in without too much attention. You head to meet Novaria of House Cartahegn, whom Aya Allahe mentioned as potential ally in the city.

House Cartahegn is based in an imposing two-story trading post in the northeastern part of the city. The storefront bustles with citizens and merchants alike, most purchasing staple commodities such as sugar and rice. A busy clerk greets customers as they enter and provides helpful directions to any who ask.

Does anyone have chronicle for #2–01, Before the Dawn, Part 1: The Bloodcove Disguise on this character?

I do not have that Chronicle- on Kiyo, anyway.

Kiyoko follows after the others into the trading post. She makes a point to go in ahead of the group, and to stand off to the side as soon as she is inside. Her posture vigilant and alert, she aims to look the part of the bodyguard she is pretending to be.

Ki Chin does not have it

Aylanna doesn't have those chronicles

When you mention that Aya sent you, the clerk pauses, requests you wait for a moment, and retreats into the building. When she emerges several minutes later, she bids the visitors to follow her. Novaria receives you with a pleasant but detached demeanor. She gives each character an appraising look before smiling in approval and saying, “Always a pleasure to work with your illustrious Society. The last time I dealt with your people, it led to a mutually beneficial arrangement that I have not forgotten. In fact, my current position at this trading house is a direct result of our last encounter. I sincerely hope that you come today with another such opportunity.”

To convince her to consider the proposal of moving Pathfinders and Society supplies through Bloodcove, you need to succeed at a DC 18 Bluff, Diplomacy, or Profession (merchant) check.

"We hope to stage more Pathfinders in the city, and getting more Pathfinders moving through Bloodcove will surely lead to even more opportunities going forward. Not only are you helping us out just by getting into the business, but think of all the new rumors, merchandise, and favors that might come your way!"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29

"Yes, I shall look into details how this might work out, but I must ask you a favor before agreeing to such risky deal." She smiles and continues

“Recently, a local pirate crew led by a thug named Ungala has been intercepting our trade barges and wagons and stealing our cargo. It is the gods’ fortune that you came to see me today of all days, as we are preparing to move an exceptionally valuable shipment to Warehouse Row to be loaded onto a ship bound for the Inner Sea today. After our usual guards’ failure to protect the last two shipments from Ungala’s raiders, I’ve lost confidence in their abilities. But where they have failed, you might have a real chance. Up to this point, Ungala and her ruffians have always attacked while our supply carts were passing near Free Trade Square, where they can strike in the narrow streets and disappear into
crowds quickly. I have no doubt that they’ll be planning such an attack for today’s shipment, and I want you to be there and ready to intercept them.”

"It will be our pleasure to deal with these ruffians. When will today's shipment leave?" Ki Chin declares as he tightens his grip on his sword's sheath.

Kiyoko nods her silent agreement with Ki Chin.

"Throw in a lunch, and you have yourself a deal!"

"The shipment will be ready very soon." There is nothing else to do at this point

While her workers load the cargo to wagons, you have a chat about Aspis among other things. “The Consortium has been exploiting the people and the lands of the expanse for too long. We at House Cartahegn oppose their continued expansion and seek to rein in their excesses.” she states

Once you are ready to begin, Novaria introduces you to the teamsters driving the wagon, shows you the expected route, and wishes you luck.

----
The tiny caravan winds through the northern half of the city while sticking to the sturdier streets, which are increasingly crowded as the procession approaches Free Trade Square. Make a DC 21 Perception or Sense Motive check

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Kiyoko remains silent while they are at the trading post. Once the caravan begins its journey, she takes up a position at one of the convoy’s flanks, alert for any signs of trouble.

If I were to stage an ambush, where would I do it…?

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Another babysitting job. Elemenar sighs and waits patiently for the wagon to be loaded and for everyone to set up. He follows the wagon and remains mostly lost in his thoughts as it trundles its way through the crowded streets.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Ki Chin is tense as he sits inside the wagon as the caravan makes it way. The magus closes his eyes and tries to use his hearing to try and find anything amiss.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Aylanna keeps an eye on the crown looking for anyone acting suspicious.

A local woman and her two accomplices have erected a barricade in middle of street. The woman seems blurred and is wielding a shortbow.

Kiyoko, Ki Chin and Aylanna can act in surprise round

Eyes snapping open upon sensing the the ambush Ki Chin whispers words of magic and suddenly copies: 2d4 ⇒ (4, 1) = 5 copies of the magus suddenly appear beside him.

Kiyoko tenses as she prepares for the inevitable fight to come.

Ready vs approach.

Aylanna fires off Burst of Radiance at the leader, and minions if there are any near her.

10 foot radius blinded, or dazzled if she makes a reflex save DC 17. Evil creatures take damage regardless of save.
blind or dazzle duration: 1d4 ⇒ 1
damage to evil: 5d4 ⇒ (1, 2, 1, 3, 4) = 11

Spell Link

Reflex save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

She doesn't seem to be harmed as much as you'd expect. Thugs 1 and 2 draw their weapons. She shoots Aylanna once then moves south.

shortbow vs. Aylanna, point-blank, dazzled: 1d20 + 7 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 1 - 1 = 15

Kiyoko, Ki Chen and Elemenar can act

Ki Chin moves up and leaves the wagon from the front and moves to close with thug 1. The magus sends a ray of frost at thug 1.
Ray of Frost: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
damage: 1d3 ⇒ 2

What do the 'U' and 'B' icons represent?

Seeing her opponents refuse to come to her, the sword saint moves toward them. Double move.

Letters are starting locations of enemies. Nothing special. Elemenar can act.

Sorry for the delays. Had a family emergency so I spent most of my time in the hospital for the last week. All is good now. Anyway, I can't access the map when I'm on my work VPN (which is now) so I'm not sure what I'm close to. I will probably have a chance to look at the map later today, otherwise tomorrow morning. Also, are we still the same day as the previous encounter?

Yes, no more than a hour has passed since last encounter.

Elemenar casts a quick spell and his eyes begin to glow. He focuses on the enemy in front of him.

Burning Gaze at blue. DC 18 Fort to negate dmg. If the target takes dmg, then also need a DC 18 Reflex to avoid catching on fire.

dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Ki Chin misses, but Elemenar's gaze scorches the brigand badly.

Fort save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Ref save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Brigand 2 steps forward and haphazardly slashes at Kiyoko.

longsword: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Aylanna can act

Aylanna fires off a scorching ray at the leader.

Scorching Ray vs Touch: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27Fire Damage: 4d6 ⇒ (6, 3, 5, 5) = 19
Crit Confirm vs Touch: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9Fire Damage: 4d6 ⇒ (6, 5, 6, 1) = 18

The leader is severely burned. “Please, lets talk this out. Do you even know what you are transporting? Those crates contain cultural relics of Mwangi people. By guarding the caravan you're an accomplice.” she implores. Combat over

Kiyoko nimbly sidesteps the brigand's slash, her hand moving to the hilt of her katana. She tenses, preparing to draw it, just as the brigands' leader calls out for a truce. The samurai maintains her ready position, staring the brigand before her down as she waits for her companions to respond. What has that to do with me? she thinks, hearing the accusation of being an accomplice. Why should she care?

"If you were willing to talk then take it up with House Cartahegn. Why should we listen to a pirate?" Ki Chin glares at Ungula.

"I'm not inclined to agree with someone who attempted to kill us over at worst what they call stolen property. Or do you merely want it for yourself? Whatever merit your argument may have had is lost."

Elemenar's eyes still glow but he withholds his burning gaze. He waits to see Ungala's response to Aylanna's questions before taking further action.

"Would it make you reconsider if I offer you same thing Novaria promised you, that I promise safe passage for agents and supplies of Pathfinder society in exchange for those relics?" she asks

You can attempt DC 20 Sense motive check

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Kiyoko keeps a wary eye on the thug in front of her, even as she ponders their leader's words.

Ki Chin gives the woman a dubious look.
Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 6

"I believe she would honor her word." Ki Chin announces to the others. "Though if she is only offering to match our current deal I see no reason to break our word to Novaria."

“It seems to me that she is hiding something,” Kiyoko says over her shoulder. She calls to the woman, “What is the real reason you want these relics? Magic power? To claim the throne of your people for yourself?”

"While wanting the relics for my people is the primary reason, I also make money by selling them back to their real owners at a discount. A woman has to make her coin somehow, no?" she admits "But you have already made up your minds so I give up" she says and leaves

The supply cart safely reaches its destination and you return back to Novaria, who is pleased with your performance signing the deal she promised.

With everything wrapped up, its time to leave Bloodcove. Exiting Bloodcove is relatively easy, but less than a mile from the city the road leads to a narrow bridge crossing a small tributary of the Vanji River. On the other side of the bridge stands the Consortium agent, Na’alu (the man whom you first at Witchlight Inn), accompanied by a strange, artificial looking humanoid. “I’ll be taking those documents back now.” he says smugly, “My employer would very much like to know their contents.”