[Gameday XII] GM Jhaeman's PFS1 # 4-15: "The Cyphermage Dilemma" (Inactive)

Game Master Jhaeman

K'Neepuncher sees K'Nee, and what does a K'Neepuncher do when he sees a K'Nee?

If it's of any interests I once had a German (Hogan's Heroes-sounding) Ysoki bounty hunter mechanic Starfinder character named 'Onda Fritz.' Technically I still have him. ;)

"Good choice.". Vindex glares at the last pirate. He moves over to the woman and goes to cut her bonds. "Hold still."

"Good choice.". Vindex glares at the last pirate. He moves over to the woman and goes to cut her bonds. "Hold still."

"I already freed her Mr. Personality. You and Fester go question that putzy pirate."

The surrendered pirate quickly spills everything he knows! Before they took to their latest unlawful deeds, Aleija and her crew were well known among the pirate gangs of Riddleport. Her crew is known for its ruthless tactics and efficiency in commandeering and sinking targets, often switching or altering ships to conceal her true whereabouts. While she appears human from a distance, Aleijia is actually a vishkanya from distant Vudra, making her blood and spit deadly poison against foes. In addition to her charming wiles, Aleijia is known for her elaborate disguises and magical ability to alter her appearance. The current prisoner is an Andoren theologian named Iatha Oedricius. Her ship was raided on the way from Kalsgard about a week ago by Aleijia's ship, The Lionfish, which is currently in the harbor.

The formerly bound and gagged theologian would need to be magically healed to consciousness before she can speak.

"Blood and spit deadly poison?"
Arioch looks over at Vindex and says, "Sounds like your perfect date!"

Arioch presents his Wand of Cure Light Wounds for Zarjkil to use on Iatha Oedricius.

"Let's see what she knows about what's going on."

Arioch presents his Wand of Cure Light Wounds for Zarjkil to use on Iatha Oedricius.

In the same tone of voice as Scott Evil, Igor says "But I have a pothion. I could jutht get it off my belt and give it to her."

Then after some consideration he adds "Bethideth in her condithion I doubt thhe will be able to get that down... or is applied rectally?"

"Save the potion Igor in case I go down...and if I do, just pour it into my mouth. As for the wand, thank you for the offer Arioch but save it and I can take care of it myself. Zarjkil said as he carefully made his way down the crates. Once next to the Theologian, he said some magical words.
CLW: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

The woman comes to, groggy and a little disoriented. "Wha-- where am I? Who are you?" She speaks in an Andoren accent.

The woman comes to, groggy and a little disoriented. "Wha-- where am I? Who are you?" She speaks in an Andoren accent.

"Hello I'm Arioch, this is Zarjkil, the ugly guy over there is Fester, the even uglier guy is Vindex the Smooth-talker, I have no idea who this other half orc is, there's a gnome flying around, and then there's the talking pile of rags. You're in a warehouse after being captured by some slaphappy pirates led by some broad named Aleija. So who are you and what were you doing before you were captured?"

"Save the potion Igor in case I go down...and if I do, just pour it into my mouth. As for the wand, thank you for the offer Arioch but save it and I can take care of it myself. Zarjkil said as he carefully made his way down the crates. Once next to the Theologian, he said some magical words.

[dice=CLW]d8+2

"Good thing you instructed him how to use the potion; he seems way too excited about the rear entry option."

Vindex looks from Arioch to Igor, then raises an eyebrow as he looks back at Arioch. "....sure. Whatever you say." He goes back to looking at the crates and his surroundings, watching for threats.

The woman stammers, still clearly confused. "I was aboard a ship, the Starfire out of Kalsgard. We were just a day or two out from Riddleport when we were attacked by pirates! I remember, their ship was called the Lionfish! There was a fight, and . . . I guess I got hit. That's all I remember."

"Well, its good you're not dead. Sound like we've got a ship to raid. Everyone good to go?"

Relgar snaps his fingers dismissing the flame around his hand. He draws forth a couple of scrolls. He completely heals his faithful familiar and refreshes his innate magical abilities.

Infernal Healing and Recharge Innate Magic scrolls are consummed.

"All right. It is time to head out."

After Relgar climbs down Gregor shrinks down and climbs into a handy pocket in his master's vest.

The surrendered pirate quickly spills everything he knows! Before they took to their latest unlawful deeds, Aleija and her crew were well known among the pirate gangs of Riddleport. Her crew is known for its ruthless tactics and efficiency in commandeering and sinking targets, often switching or altering ships to conceal her true whereabouts. While she appears human from a distance, Aleijia is actually a vishkanya from distant Vudra, making her blood and spit deadly poison against foes. In addition to her charming wiles, Aleijia is known for her elaborate disguises and magical ability to alter her appearance. The current prisoner is an Andoren theologian named Iatha Oedricius. Her ship was raided on the way from Kalsgard about a week ago by Aleijia's ship, The Lionfish, which is currently in the harbor.

The formerly bound and gagged theologian would need to be magically healed to consciousness before she can speak.

"Time to go look for The Lionfish then."

@GM: Since he spilled the beans do we know exactly where in the harbor The Lionfish is?

The Pathfinders head back to the docks, past a series of cheap grog houses and warehouses, both filled with rum-soaked merchants, labourers, and ship’s crews. Here, inns and shops have grimed windows and peeling paint. Riddleport doesn't make a good impression on travelers, unless they're looking for something of a more disreputable flavour.

Suddenly, along an otherwise deserted stretch of the wharves, a pair of burly half-orcs jump out of an alleyway, each holding a sap. A fierce dog accompanies them, teeth bared! "We'll teach youse ta turn down Boss Croat's protection!"

We will proceed to a Surprise Round. Everyone except Arioch made the Perception DC to act in the Surprise Round.

Initiative (Surprise Round)

Relgar
Vindex
Zarjkil
Dog
Enforcers
Arioch (surprised)
Davor
Igor

Bold should go!

This encounter takes place on Slide # 2. During a Surprise Round, you can only take one move or standard action (not both, and no full round actions). Please treat visible obstacles as difficult terrain that provide partial cover to those on the other side.

Relgar sends out sheets of flame in an attempt to cook the dog and its master (black). He wonders how the rows of fish next to him will taste when blasted with arcane fire. He then steps (5 feet) out of sight behind the ramshackle cart.

Burning Hands, CL 7, Draconic Bloodline, Reflex DC 17 for half damage: 5d4 + 5 ⇒ (2, 2, 4, 2, 2) + 5 = 17

Relgar's spell incinerates the dog and badly hurts its master!

Both fail the Reflex save, and the dog is dying.

Vindex and Zarjkil are up.

The Pathfinders head back to the docks, past a series of cheap grog houses and warehouses, both filled with rum-soaked merchants, labourers, and ship’s crews. Here, inns and shops have grimed windows and peeling paint. Riddleport doesn't make a good impression on travelers, unless they're looking for something of a more disreputable flavour.

"Why Mathter, it'th amathing!" says Igor pointing out all of "creaky doorwayth" "leaky awningth" "hanging cobwebth" and "loothe thhutters.

"If only the other Igorth back home could thee thith plathe! It'th-It'th tho 'atmothpheric.'"

After speaking his piece to his master, he pulls a handkerchief forth from his sleeve and begins dabbing it at the front of Vindex shirt.

Suddenly, along an otherwise deserted stretch of the wharves, a pair of burly half-orcs jump out of an alleyway, each holding a sap. A fierce dog accompanies them, teeth bared! "We'll teach youse ta turn down Boss Croat's protection!"

"They thertainly have pulled out all of the thtopth for uth, Mathter." says the hunchback admiringly.

After a moment's reflection, he goes back to dabbing dry the moisture from Vindex's tabard.

**Thrrrrp.**

"Why Mathter, it'th amathing!"[/b] says Igor pointing out all of "creaky doorwayth" "leaky awningth" "hanging cobwebth" and "loothe thhutters.

"Yeah. Gotta love a good slum."

Suddenly, along an otherwise deserted stretch of the wharves, a pair of burly half-orcs jump out of an alleyway, each holding a sap. A fierce dog accompanies them, teeth bared! "We'll teach youse ta turn down Boss Croat's protection!"

"...and there's the locals that make these sorts of places so great."

Vindex side steps quickly, slashing with his Naginata while gaining distance to stop the opponent from closing. He gets the distance wrong and cuts the air in front of his target.

Naginata, Power Attack vs. Yellow: 1d20 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 6 - 1 = 9
Damage: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
Sneak Attack?: 1d6 ⇒ 1

If there's an AOO from movement through Vindex's threatened range
AOO, Trip, Power Attack: 1d20 + 8 - 1 ⇒ (9) + 8 - 1 = 16

If there's an AOO from standing up
Naginata vs. Prone AC, Power Attack: 1d20 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (17) + 6 - 1 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Zarjkil was impressed as a wave of flames struck the foes and gave a blessing for battle.

Cast Bless

Zajkil blesses the group for battle just as Vindex's naginata only cuts air!

Badly burned from Relgar's fiery wave, one of the half-orcs turns and bolts! The other one darts in to attack but is knocked to the ground by Vindex's polearm!

Vindex's attack missed. Folks can add bless to Active Conditions in their taglines.

Black turns and flees.

Yellow does a move action to get closer and is tripped by Vindex.

Initiative (Surprise Round)

Relgar
Vindex
Zarjkil
Enforcer (prone)
Arioch (surprised)
Davor
Igor

Bold should go!

This encounter takes place on Slide # 2. During a Surprise Round, you can only take one move or standard action (not both, and no full round actions). Please treat visible obstacles as difficult terrain that provide partial cover to those on the other side.

Davor feels a sudden blessing covering the battlefield. "Excellent!"

He steps forward and attacks the thug.

trident, bless: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 1 = 12
bite, bless: 1d20 + 3 - 5 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 3 - 5 + 1 = 19
confirm crit bite, bless: 1d20 + 3 - 5 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 3 - 5 + 1 = 16

bps dmg: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
additional dmg if crit succeeds: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Seeing Zarjkil do his best impression of Edvard Munch's The Scream in a nearby five-foot rectangle of space, Igor drops his hanky and pulls forth his morningstar. "Thtay near me, Mathter! I thhall protect you!"

Scraps unfurls the giant wasp wings from beneath his back chitin, and buzzes upward into the air to see what all the hubbub is about.

@Davor: Black has fled--apologies, I must have forgotten to remove the token. Yellow is the only remaining combatant, and he's on the other side of the group. You'll have to choose a different action.

Davor looks around, trying to see if any bystander got hurt or if some of their belongings got damaged...

Delay

Initiative (Round 1)

Relgar
Vindex
Zarjkil
Enforcer (prone)
Arioch
Davor
Igor

Bold should go!

Please treat visible obstacles as difficult terrain that provide partial cover to those on the other side.

Attack, Power Attack, Bless vs. Prone AC: 1d20 + 6 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 6 - 1 + 1 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Vindex slices down with a mighty chop, cutting deep before flicking his Naginata into position to strike if the thug tries to stand.

"You might want to stay down and give up if you like being alive."

AOO if there is an attempt to stand.
Attack, Power Attack, Bless vs. Prone AC: 1d20 + 6 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 6 - 1 + 1 = 13
Damage: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

Zarjkil tried to calm down but the words seemed foreign "Looks like you will be answering for your failures in life with the Lady of Graves, as you have been fated." he said, in Infernal.

Delay

Vindex brings his naginata down hard, grievously injuring the sap-wielding thug. He groans and raises his hands in surrender. "Sheesh! We wuz just gonna rough ya up some!"

We can go off Initiative. You Pathfinders play mean :)

Relgar has no sympathy for ruffians and has no compunctions of immolating this thug should he get out of line.

"See if he has anything good to take and what his business is. Anyone that tries to rough us up deserves to leave with empty pockets at the very least!"

"You gotta be a lot smarter than this if you want to stay alive in the enforcer business, buddy. You're lucky I didn't decapitate you."

Vindex offers the thug a hand up from the ground.

"As you might have realized by now, we're not potential clients of Boss Croat. We're not business and we aren't paying protection, so you jumped the wrong damn people without scoping out what's up. Pull that against someone important, strong or mean enough and you're going to get knifed and left to bleed out in a gutter. You're lucky we're so soft hearted."

Vindex barks a short laugh, then makes a face scowling at the weapon the man is holding. "Also, what is this sap shit? Get yourself a real weapon if you're going to run protection. You can beat someone just as well with a spear haft and you don't get completely screwed when you run into someone who's prepared to fight back." He twirls his Naginata to punctuate the statement.

Vindex will attempt a diplomacy check to make an impression bonding with the man over their background of shared thuggery :)
Diplomacy: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (17) - 2 = 15

Relgar has no sympathy for ruffians and has no compunctions of immolating this thug should he get out of line.

"See if he has anything good to take and what his business is. Anyone that tries to rough us up deserves to leave with empty pockets at the very least!"

"Yeth. We'll have no truck with theiveth." Igor agrees with a firm nod as he paws at the thieves' pockets.

Vindex barks a short laugh, then makes a face scowling at the weapon the man is holding. "Also, what is this sap s*~#? Get yourself a real weapon if you're going to run protection...."

"Like thith, Mathter?" Igor enthusiastically offers his huge spiked morningstar up as an example.

Diplomacy (aid another): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0

Relgar wrote:

Relgar has no sympathy for ruffians and has no compunctions of immolating this thug should he get out of line.

"See if he has anything good to take and what his business is. Anyone that tries to rough us up deserves to leave with empty pockets at the very least!"

"Yeth. We'll have no truck with theiveth." Igor agrees with a firm nod.

His terrible little construct slaps its stitched-together forehead with an floppy appendage and rolls all of its eyes--even the compound ones.

"Prblulph." it gurgle-sighs.

"Like thith, Mathter?" Igor enthusiastically offers his huge spiked morningstar up as an example.

Vindex glances over at Igor approvingly. "Exactly. I like my weapons with some reach to them, but at least that's gonna hurt if you need to really hit someone with it."

The thug takes Vindex's proffered hand. "It weren't nuthin' personal-like! You came outta dat warehouse, and they ain't paid Boss Croat protection money, so we hadda make an impression, dat's all."

"I don't suppose you have inside information on that wench Alejia?"

"Alejia! Sure I do!"

The thug does have information, but it's information you already got from the warehouse thug and kidnap victim (the scenario presents multiple ways to get it, which is probably smart adventure design).

"Alejia! Sure I do!"

The thug does have information, but it's information you already got from the warehouse thug and kidnap victim (the scenario presents multiple ways to get it, which is probably smart adventure design).

Ah okay I was going to suggest torturing the thug by having him stare at Fester and Vindex but no need for that then. ;) Unless someone wants to do something else we're back on the way to the Lionfish!

The Pathfinders move on, and with a little scouting, spot their prey!

The dinghy vessel bobbing in the water about 100 yards out from the shore looks like it’s in dire need of a new paint job, its maroon paint having faded to a grimy puce and peeling away where the water laps at the hull.

The planks appear sturdy though, and the boat’s sails are carefully mended.

The word “Lionfish” is painted across the side of the ship in clumsy blue letters, and a light on the ship’s deck illuminates the work of several figures hustling to and fro.

You'll need to figure out a way to navigate the perilous waters of Riddleport’s Inner Harbor to reach the ship (unless you want to go for a swim!).

The Pathfinders move on, and with a little scouting, spot their prey!

The dinghy vessel bobbing in the water about 100 yards out from the shore looks like it’s in dire need of a new paint job, its maroon paint having faded to a grimy puce and peeling away where the water laps at the hull.

The planks appear sturdy though, and the boat’s sails are carefully mended.

The word “Lionfish” is painted across the side of the ship in clumsy blue letters, and a light on the ship’s deck illuminates the work of several figures hustling to and fro.

You'll need to figure out a way to navigate the perilous waters of Riddleport’s Inner Harbor to reach the ship (unless you want to go for a swim!).

@GM: Is there another boat nearby the PCs can buy/borrow?

Igor calls upon all of his personal assistant skills to find a dignified way for his master to cross.

Profession (personal assistant): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

Relgar asks the two thieves in the party to expedite a method of transportation.

"Vindex, Arioch why don't you 'borrow' a row boat for the party?"

The Pathfinders consider the best way to reach the Lionfish.

@Arioch: There are indeed several small, unattended rowboats tied to the docks.

Relgar has secured a pouch of 10 gold to use for bribes and tolls at the beginning of the adventure if this helps to expedite the decision making process. :)