Shadow's Last Stand, Part 2 [PFS] by GM Chrios (Inactive)

Game Master Torilgrey

Igor shakes his head at Eredur's comment.

"No,they are charmed. Charm Person to be precise."

Zeldana drags the Captain back to the upper deck. "Who charmed these bards, dear Captain?"

Jilla hushes immediately when the actor speaks. She tiptoes around the hold to get a good position to watch. Wow, a real acting troupe doing a real rehearsal!

The captain, facedown on the deck, refuses to speak, I'm not telling you anything. he says. Meanwhile Jilla watches the actors rehearse in the hold for a few minutes, however, she notices they can't really move much given the leg irons they are in, and this frustrates and hampers the lead, Malcolm, who seems to cajole the others into trying harder to be 'on their blocking' whatever that means...

Zeldana, Winnie, Piotr, Jilla, Igor, and Pebble all hear the distinctive sound of a timer candle's nail hitting the lip of its candleholder. As it does, the countenances of the actors changes, and they look at Jilla. Help?? Can you get us out of here?? They convinced us to come here, that darn halfling jerk...

"We need to get these people out of here and someplace safe. I wonder if there's a key to the shackles on the captain's keyring."

Most probably. He wouldn't trust anyone else, and I'm not sure he would even trust himself. I'll check on him.

Eredur gets back to the captive captain, and looks out for a keyring.

Jilla looks stricken as it dawns on here that these are slaves! She rushes over to the lock holding the shackles in place and, with a hairpin, tries to spring it!

Attempting a Disable Device check on the locks (when -2 penalty for improvised tools). I'll use my Liberty's Edge Pin to add 1d4 to the roll. It probably won't work, but I've gotta try!

Disable Device (improvised tools, pin): 1d20 + 5 - 2 + 1d4 ⇒ (18) + 5 - 2 + (2) = 23

Igor stays below deck with Jilla. Tiny Pebble is at his side.

He addresses the performers.

"Not to worry we will get you out of here by hook or by crook. It is likely we will find the key to your lock soon."

"So, while we are waiting can you tell us who is behind this and what the scheme was?"

Jilla sets to work with a hairpin on the shackles, and unlocks the first as Piotr and Eredur find the right key. In short order, the actors are all freed from their shackles, and Malcolm, the apparent star, speaks.

Thank you for freeing us. We were all brought into a late-night audition at The Captive Audience, and Senlokto started telling us all about how this theater in Cheliax wanted us to come perform, and be artists-in-residence there. He was very dramatic about the whole thing, like he always is, and the next thing we knew we were all marching through the streets, singing and dancing. The ship's crew brought us down here, and convinced us to put the shackles on for our safety, but those Dhamphirs didn't look right to us, too many weapons and too gruff for our tastes.

Senlokto's been acting even more outlandishly since he completed the renovations on the theater, about a year ago, but I never thought we'd be clapped into irons for one of his fanciful schemes.

Piotr turns to his teammates,
"Looks like we should turn the captain and his crew over to the authorities, then check on this Senlokto fellow."

He then addresses the theater troup,
"I'm glad we were able to rescue you. We can get you to our Lodge... ahem... I mean our Safehouse where you will be safe for the time being until we can arrange to get you home. Or wherever you want to go."

The actors gratefully agree to go wherever you deem best, and as you gather them on the deck of The Sailswift the party can all hear and see a troop of guards approaching the docks, torches held high. What do you do?

"Quick! those in heavy armor in the cart! anyone else who can walk normally follow behind on the lily pads!" says Zeldana, loading the dhampir prisoners into the cart and attaching said cart to Winnie's harness. She then hops on the owlbear's saddle, helping the actors climb down from the ship and join the party on the lily pads behind. To the actors, she adds, "Your acting troupe is officially registered somewhere yes? if not, do so promptly when we get to the docks, and I'll stand by you as a witness that this ship here belongs to you guys and was part of your acting plans... for your Cheliax acting tour of course. I can vouch for you with the dockmaster's paperwork and for any statement the city watch requires when we deliver those slavers to the authorities. What you do with the ship after: sell, actually use it for dockside performances, etc. is up to you guys and none of my concern. Understood?"

Jilla has brief thoughts of running away with the circus acting troupe, but the sight of the guards reminds her that Pathfinder-ing brings in excitement by the bucket loads! Following Zeldana's plan, she hops away on the lily-pads, desperately excited to see what comes next.

Igor follows Jilla on the lily pads while Tiny Pebble boards the cart for transport.

"Quick! those in heavy armor in the cart! anyone else who can walk normally follow behind on the lily pads!" says Zeldana, loading the dhampir prisoners into the cart and attaching said cart to Winnie's harness...

Piotr hurries to help get the theater troup off the ship and onto the wagon floating on magical lily pads. He tries to convince members of the troup to get off the ship quickly as they shake their heads reluctantly. He glances at the approaching guards every so often to see if they are actually city guards of Almas.

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27
Or
Know: Nobility: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
To identify uniforms/regalia of the approaching guards.

The party scrambles onto the wagon and disembarks the ship. As Piotr lowers himself off the port side, he definitely spots the colors of the Almas city watch approaching the ship. Making your way back to the docks, you can make out the city watch talking with Malcolm, and they all disembark. Apparently Malcolm's improvisation skills aren't to be denied, and they all gather quietly on the pier, with the guards murmuring apologies for intruding on their shipboard rehearsal space....

If you want to rp with the guards, or get the actors to the safehouse here's your opportunity. FYI I'm travelling for work this weekend and may not have a time to do more than one post tomorrow, I'll try and make time, but conferences get busy quickly.

@GM: I'm similarly engaged this week so I'll wait for you to push the action forward when you are back from your conference. I don't 100% understand what's happening and why we need to bring the actors to a safehouse. To me it looks like we have saved these guys from slavery and concluded this part of the scenario. I'm not clear on our next steps going from here... Ttyl.

I mentioned it because Piotr brought it up above. So for clarity: 1. Slavers rendered unconscious/tied up 2. Actors rescued! This part is tied up and it is up to the party which leads they want to follow with the rest of tonight and into tomorrow. You have approximately 34 hours before Ouidda is set to speak before the parliament. Hope this clears things up? This adventure i suspect plays a lot better on a live table since there are more than a few nuanced things going on. Also my first time GMing PFS so I want to try and follow the story as tight as I can.

Thanks for the summary, which seems to indicate we need to investigate this Senlokto guy, as proposed by Piotr. 'Renovations at the theatre' sounds like he installed traps or locks, and Zeldana can help in that department. She advocates we investigate after hours and quietly break in if need be.

Glad to clear it up. There was also mention on page 1 of the posts (I don’t know how to link to a specific post) of a half-elf named Jarovar which may or may not be a specific lead.

Your first time GMing PFS? Really!?! Wow. Well, you are doing a fabulous job, GM Chrios!

To link to a specific post, right click on the time stamp and choose "copy link text". Then place it in your url expression.

Piotr approaches the Almas guards, hands over the captain's logs and journals, and explains to the guards that the captain and his crew were involved in the slave trade and other illicit activities. When the guards haul the captain away, Piotr asks to have a quick word with the captain.

He attempts to dissuade the captain from ever engaging in the slave trade again and to consider turning his life around and work with the Taldor Navy, or the Sovereign Court, instead.
"They pay quite handsomely, as well." he says as his final words to the captain.
Piotr tries to gauge the Captain's body language to see if he understood.
DC 20 Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
Yay! Success!

Oops! I meant Copy link "address"

Jilla is visibly excited at the idea of breaking into the theatre late at night. She whispers to the other Pathfinders: "I really should get one of those fancy sets of picklocks, but I bet my rolling pin could smash a window if needed! Though it might start to cry . . ."

Let's try to keep a low profile. It shouldn't be too hard for neither of us, Jilla.

says the dwarf with a self mocking grin and a wink

The guards take the accusation very seriously, believing the party and the actors. Piotr has a quiet word with the captain, getting some modicum of agreement out of him that clearer waters than the waters around Almas are better for his continued existence. Success!

The Theater District of Almas is filled with old architecture and buildings of a traditional style, save for one: a gaudy, tall structure painted several shades of bright green, everburning torches on either side of the face of the building illuminating the words “The Captive Audience,” painted in overly elaborate, nearly unreadable letters.

Jilla pulls another hairpin and eagerly approaches the main doors, but is surprised to find them unlocked. Disappointed, she opens them into the theater. Entering the main performance space, you quickly observe an armored gnome yelling and pointing at a number of actors on stage. Seemingly impossible requests are shouted at the top of the gnome's lungs and he gesticulates wildly with the blade in his hand. The actors wear assorted odd scraps of armor and carry weapons, giving some vague clues to what the obscure play may be actually about. The action on stage seems indecipherable to you, and likely, the bored-looking actors on stage as well.

Spotting you in the back of the house, the gnome turns, Welcome friends! This is the preview of the Dweomer Blade! But come, be welcome, I am sick of dealing with these amateurs anyway! he turns back to the actors on stage, Take ten! Go to the dressing rooms, and I want to see more emotion in act II! turning back to the group of you, he addresses you from the stage.

I am Senlokto the Fabulous! Owner, Director, Star and this is the Captive Audience. Be welcomed! the gnome is indeed very over the top in his comportment and mannerisms.

Brunhilde marvels at the grand theater's interior. "Oh, Piotr! Could this be my opportunity to sing?" she says excitedly.

"Not now, Brunhilde." he replies.
"We have some work to do."

Disappointed, she frowns at Piotr.
"Oh, Piotr, but the grandeur of this theater stirs my passion for singing opera."

Trying to stay focused with the matter at hand, Piotr gives Brunhilde a side-eye glance.

"Maybe later, then." she says quietly.

Piotr approaches the theater director and attempts to gauge the director's disposition, wondering if he's going to cause trouble.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

Not wanting to waste any time, he gets straight to the point.
"Good day, sir. We are here to ask about your involvement with Malcolm McWirsting and his group of actors."

Garsita stays quiet for the moment, not sure if this gnome might have problems with a half-orc. She is watching carefully everything going on.

So this is the local theater? It seems quite big.. I don't think I had the curiosity to watch a play, maybe I should try

The dwarf is happy to let the more talkative members of his group to , well, play their part.

He is intrigued by the director's armor, which looks real, as far as Eredur can tell

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 14

Is that a real weapon too? Why would he carry the real deal while his actors are only carrying fake weapons?

Igor stands quietly with Tiny Pebble. He is a master of knowledge but sadly not of conversation.

Piotr and the others approach some, asking questions and analyzing the scene. Eredur confirms mentally that the gnome is wearing actual armor, and that sword actually looks sharp. The gnome hears Piotr's question and answers, Of course! Malcolm and his company are en route to Cheliax where they will be performing at the Little Royal Theatre of House Thrune, thanks to a generous gift and my exceedingly hard work in getting performers from Almas recognized further abroad. Quite an amazing feat given the limited talent I have to work with, you are all quite impressive yourselves, have you considered acting?!? he asks, producing a vial with a flourish and quaffing it in one gulp....

Piotr and Garista feel themselves being drawn in by the gnome's words, unable to break away or think other than to consider his offer.

Will Saves from Piotr and Garista DC 17 or be fascinated... Please place yourselves anywhere but on the stage on the new slide.

Initiative:
Igor
Zeldana
Senlokto
Jilla
Garista
Eredur
Piotr
BOLD MAY ACT

@GM Chrios - Igor would like to cast Haste on the party so I will need to have everyone put down their tokens (reasonably close together please) before my character can act. My familiar (Tiny Pebble) can use his standard action to break a single character out of the Fascination effect but again I will need tokens to be down on the map to act.

@GM Chrios - Tiny Pebble has Tremorsense so he will automatically detect hidden or invisible opponents that are touching the ground as long as they are within 60 feet of his position.

"They're not en route to Cheliax any more," Piotr snarls.

"Hey! Me? An actor? That's...so... fascinating..."
Will: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21

Piotr snaps out of the fascinating effect.
"Your mind tricks will not work on me, you fool!"

will save: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

Away from computer for next two days... please put my tokens west of the party. Thanks!

PARTY IS HASTED
Initiative:
Jilla
Garista
Eredur
Piotr
2.
Igor
Zeldana
Senlokto
PARTY MAY ACT

Nice trick. As you have shown yours, mind if I show you mine now?

With these strange words, Eredur's warhammer flies back and forth quickly toward the bard's face. Twice.

+1 to hit with Haste, 2 actions of Apprentice's hand

The Trick: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 1 = 19
Dmg: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

The Trick, part 2: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 5 + 1 = 20
Dmg: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Spellcraft,identify spell: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (2) + 16 = 18

Igor chuckles and nods to himself as the bard's attempt to disappear from sight is foiled by Winnie and Zeldana.

"No, no. We will not have any of that."

Igor sends a blanket of glowing sparkles in the bard's direction.

Glitterdust Will DC 20 or be blinded, he will be sparkly for the next 7 rounds regardless.

Tiny Pebble holds his ground. He is attentive to any hidden or invisible opponents which would be revealed by his sensitivity to vibrations on the ground (Tremorsense 60 feet). He holds his actions for now in case of any new development.

Tiny Pebble is delaying his action for now.

Zeldana sends Winnie on the couch. "Love taps Winnie. Love taps. No kill!"

Bite, GMF, Subdue: 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 10 - 4 = 23
magic nonlethal dmg: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Zeldana flanks the caster with her pet.

+1 keen scimitar 15-20/x2, power attack, one-handed, nonlethal takedown via Jaguar's Grace slayer talent, ST, Flanking: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 9 + 2 + 2 = 21
magic nonlethal dmg, one-handed, power attack, ST, sneak attack: 1d6 + 9 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (1) + 9 + 2 + (6, 2) = 20

Piotr plows forward through the orchestra pit, knocking over music stands while drawing his Bec de Corbin. When he gets to the edge of the stage, he swipes his polearm at the gnome's ankles in an attempt to knock him off his feet.
CMB vs. CMD to trip: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

You guys all have Haste up. :)

Igor's right, feel free for Zeldana and Winnie to take their Haste attacks. Piotr moved, so he doesn't get one. I'm going to bed soon, I'll try and update in the morning to push the combat along and I plan on botting Jilla unless they are back.

Igor's right, feel free for Zeldana and Winnie to take their Haste attacks. Piotr moved, so he doesn't get one. I'm going to bed soon, I'll try and update in the morning to push the combat along and I plan on botting Jilla unless they are back.

+1 to Piotr's trip attempt from haste.

Winnie probably took a move action to get on the stage, so one attack only even if hasted; however, I'll have Zeldana throw another swing!

+1 keen scimitar 15-20/x2, power attack, one-handed, nonlethal takedown via Jaguar's Grace slayer talent, ST, Flanking, HASTE: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 9 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 17
magic nonlethal dmg, one-handed, power attack, ST, sneak attack: 1d6 + 9 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (5) + 9 + 2 + (4, 2) = 22

Jilla gasps when she realises Senlokto was trying to put the mind-whammy on her friends. "Another sneaky trick! Folks in this town sure have a lot of them!" She runs into the fray to help out Zeldana and Winnie.

Total Defense and a move action (with haste) so that I can provide flanking next round. My movement will provoke an AoO.

The bard's spell lost, he looks frustrated, and cries out, So foul and fair a day I have not seen! Zeldana's attacks sail over the gnome's head, and the warhammer sent flying by Eredur also sails wide of the performer. Jilla circles Senlotko, getting a quick swipe of his blade for her trouble which bites as she passes him. 10 Damage. The gnome easily hops over Piotr's attempt to trip him, and he grins madly.

Winnie's bite scores a hit on the diminutive performer 12 NL which causes him to grunt and cry out. Meanwhile Igor's spell coats the bard in sparkles, which causes him to smile, although he closed his eyes, negating the worst of the spell. Then seeing an opening in Zeldana's formidible defenses, he launches a pair of attacks thrusting low and then sweeping wide with his longsword, catching the druid unawares 11 Damage.

PARTY IS HASTED
Initiative:
Jilla -10
Garista
Eredur
Piotr
3.
Igor
Zeldana -12
Senlokto 12 NL
PARTY MAY ACT

Igor sends a quartet of mystical missiles at the gnome.

"Try to dodge this."

Magic Missile CL 7, Intense Spells: 4d4 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (2, 3, 4, 2) + 4 + 3 = 18