[GDXIV] Zero's #6-99: Under the Eye of the Mantis

Game Master Super Zero

The Seekers’ Quest is a large ship of the line with two lower gun decks mounting seventy-four guns, three square-rigged masts, and a crew of nearly 500 sailors dedicated to the Pathfinder Society. In many ways, she is the equal of nearly any vessel in the Inner Sea, and many of the more vicious pirate ships plying local seas. Over her years in Pathfinder service, she’s been captained by four of the most prestigious sailors allied with the Pathfinder Society and today is no different.

But before we get to that, why don't you introduce yourselves?

An elven woman, carrying a longbow, is watching the scene. Her eyes seem to want to catch everything, switching from the horizon, to people working around, to small details on the ship, and back again.

When her eyes stop momentarily on the people next to her, she introduces her simply: "I am Zuza", as if that explained everything, and returns to observing the environment. When the listeners looks turn a bit confused, she stops a second time. "Zuza the scout. I am your eyes and ears."

"My name is Zisiro," says a man with black hair and rather pale skin despite the clearly Vudrani angles of his face. His eyes are a warm brown with spots of amber sectoral heterochromia. His clothing is loose-fitting, including a long linen kilt. Tattoos resembling floral vines wrap around his bare arms. "I am usually assigned for my strength, but I also have some familiarity with religious and spiritual oddities."

A small shrub, sort of crudely crammed into a nearly doll-sized suit of leather armor, scrambles around looking closely at the ship. Dotting the vines of his leafy body are occasional clusters of berries, round like a blueberry but more of a deep purple in color.

Blueberry Peat image

The creature has a vague semblance of a face at roughly the place that a face should be, which is helpful, and he turns it toward the others gathered and nods. "Hey there. I'm Blueberry Peat! You can call me Peat. Or, I suppose, Blue ... though I guess I'd know to answer to Berry, too. Or Blueberry, if we're being formal. But most people back on the farm just called me Peat."

You notice some alchemical tools strapped to a bandolier across his armor, and his backpack is stuffed with repair tools. Hanging at his side is a rapier and a hand crossbow.

Agate Stark is a pleasant traveling companion, an inventor with lots of tools and know-how. She is accompanied by Cranky, a mechanical minion that looks like a cat (although it is obviously a construct and would only be mistaken for a real cat in low light situations). Agate is moderately well-armed and armored, with her pride and joy, a modified crossbow called a Sukgung that can switch between ordinary bolts and blunt ended bolts and is particularly deadly when fired with both hands. It can be fired with just one hand however and has other features like a hidden mechanics tool kit and small explosives. It can also be adjusted to do additional damage.

Agate is of modest height, with blond hair, glasses, a set of safety goggles that usually rests on her forehead or around her neck. She wears a practical set of overalls with lots of pockets for tools, work gloves, and sturdy shoes. She usually has grease stains on her hands and sometimes on her face. She is soft-spoken, but if roused can get seriously angry.

Fort: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15 Just checking to see if she was sea-sick but apparently not.

Agate introduces herself to each of the other Pathfinders. "Let me know if you have anything that's broken. I'm pretty good with repairs. This is an impressive ship." She spends her time on the voyage observing the sailors at work, offering to help fix anything that needs repair.

Cranky generally just wanders about nearby.

Any mission that starts with joining such a prestigious crew promises glory and excitement, but alongside venture-captains like Eando Kline, Zarta Dralneen, and Viore Ciobanu and their mysterious, yet well-appointed guest, the benefits surely outweigh the risks. And, considering her shining sawtooth sabers, there surely will be risks.

Yet as the Seekers’ Quest pulls away from its moorings after resupplying in, of all places, Ilizmagorti, more questions arise than answers. Why is a Pathfinder vessel stopping at Mediogalti? Who is the woman dressed in Red Mantis leathers? And what does the mysterious destination, The Island of Claimed Souls, have in store for the Pathfinder Society?

Jared and Peat both know that the Red Mantis Assassins are an assassination guild devoted to Achaekek, the mantis god. They don't deal in espionage or information collecting. However, once they accept a contract, the target is exterminated and stays dead. They have often been at odds with the Pathfinder Society and are commonly considered among the Society’s most formidable enemies. Ilizmagorti on Mediogalti Island is considered their stronghold, even if they have a relaxed hand on the reins on the often bloodthirsty and dangerous city.

**HOUSE GM ANNOUNCEMENT**

Eando Kline directs the Pathfinders to their berth aboard the Seekers’ Quest with little patience. “Hurry, everyone. The captain wants to set sail momentarily so we can catch a good headwind toward our destination.”

Nearby, Zarta Dralneen and Viore Ciobanu share a look as their other guest, an athletic woman in red and black leathers joins them on the forecastle.

As the last stragglers make their way up the gangplank, the bosun turns towards the ship’s captain near the rear deck. “Cap’n, we’s fully loaded from resupply. All ready to make sail for the Isle of Claimed Souls. Quick as you can!”

From somewhere on the pier near the rear deck, the dockmaster gives a high-pitched whistle as the mooring lines are pulled up and the Seekers’ Quest pulls away from its slip.

GMs, you may begin the Introduction!

Blueberry Peat runs over to watch along the railing as the ship leaves the dock. They wave at people on the shore, even though there really isn't anyone there who knows them in particular. One confused person leisurely fishing off a pier does wave back as you pass, though.

Zuza points at the direction of the dockmaster.

"My whistles, front:", she whistles a long low note followed by a short higher one "Fiiiii", and continues with the the list of whistles, "Right 'Fiiiiiiiii", back 'Fiiii', left 'Fiiiiii', stop 'Fiii iii'".

She watches the ship leave the dock a moment, then adds a small explanation: "Where the danger is."

"You're going to have to repeat that a few times before I'll have any hope of remembering which is which. Wouldn't it be simpler to whistle once to get our attention and then point in the direction of the danger?"

"It might be helpful if she is out of sight," Zisiro says, stepping to the railing. "Though it might also be conspicuous."

A human in his early thirties arrives, panting from running his way to the meeting place. He just hopes he isn't late.

"Jared, at your service. I assume I am with the right group for this mission?" he introduces himself while trying to catch his breath.

"Rising has R, as front and right. Descending, back, left don't. Two is simpler, so on path. Three, to side. No rise or descend, stop", she explains her mnemonics for her whistles.

She looks at Zisiro. "They carry better in noise", she gestures at the dockmaster. "Also tells enemy less than shouting 'Danger left!'"

Zisiro raises an eyebrow as he watches the horizon.

Agate spends some time reviewing the instructions. Then she asks Zuza to makes some whistles to test if she knows the code.

Peat listens to the whistles politely, but with no real knowledge of music or performance, they have trouble telling the sounds apart. They do their best to commit the "stop" sound to memory, since that seems likely to be the most important whistle.

A halfling runs up the gangplank as it is being withdrawn. Undaunted, the nimble little fellow decides to jump the fifteen feet of empty air that now separates him from the ship. Unbelievably, the young warrior makes the gap, and lands nimbly on the upper deck, his equipment and weapons jostling slightly with the sudden stop.

As you look closer, you notice that instead of a sword, the severe-looking fighter appears to have a frying pan sheated at his side, ready for a quick retrieval. On his back is a staff-sling, anchored solidly between his backpack and a stowed buckler.

Looking at the various agents and venture-captains assembled, the young lad swallows hard, now very aware that his lateness will be forever remembered by not only this ship's crew, but probably also everyone at the Grand Lodge.

As he stands, he sheepishly salutes everyone saying, "I'm Clides, here for your protection and for some hard work if you need some done. Apologies for the tardiness."

Peat looks toward the curious person in the Mantis armor. o O (Definitely want to learn more about this situation)

Open Investigation: The Mysterious Mantis - Why is the Pathfinder Society working with this Mantis person?

'Fiiiiii' Zuza whistles and nocks an arrow on her longbow as the halfling jumps to the ship.

When the halfling stops and salutes, she lowers her bow. "Left." she says and gestures to her left, where the halfling came from.

Hearing the whistle and remembering the code, Agate hustles over in time to hear Clides' arrival comments.

"Why don't you join Zuza, Peat, Zisiro, and I. We could use someone who knows which end of a ... uh ... frying pan is which. I'm Agate," says a pretty blond with glasses and grease stained overalls.

"I am Zuza", Zuza adds her introduction to Agate's invitation.

**HOUSE GM ANNOUNCEMENT**
With the voyage well underway, Zarta Dralneen calls all Pathfinder agents aboard to a meeting in the galley. As the field agents pile into the slightly too small room, “Quiet down, everyone. We’ll begin as soon as everyone is seated.”

Viore Ciobanu stands up as Zarta notes down everyone’s attendance. “You have questions. As some of our most trusted agents, we would expect no less. We’re enroute to a small island near Mediogalti called the Island of Claimed Souls. As we’ve discovered over the last few weeks, this island is likely the headquarters of an organization calling itself the Red Mantis Dispatch.”

Eando Kline takes his cue to rise and take over the conversation. “Make no mistake. This organization is not the same as the Red Mantis Assassins we all know and loathe.” He gives a cursory glance at the head table’s other remaining occupant. “They are imposters, trading in death with the Red Mantis name. But there’s more. Let me introduce you to our advisor on this mission, Vernai-Appoint Giovana of the Red Mantis.”

A hush falls over the assemblage as the mysterious woman rises to her feet. “Thank you, Eando for that glowing compliment. But yes, this Red Mantis Dispatch is a group of imposters taking contracts with no honor, no faith. They dare to deal with our name and sully it without our consent.” She lets the anger wash away before she begins again. “The Red Mantis perform a service, dark and sometimes vile, yes. But a necessary one. Instead, this Red Mantis Dispatch kills for the quickest coin. They target those that are protected. And they take prisoners,” she turns to the seated venture-captains. “This includes your own, Khione Thidos.”

The murmuring rises to an audible din as only Eando Kline’s forceful clearing of his throat draws the attention back to the head table. “Our mission is obvious. We are to investigate this island, find this Red Mantis Dispatch, and–”

“Kill them,” Giovana says much to the consternation of the assembled leadership.

“Put them out of business.” Zarta corrects with a stern voice. “Pathfinders, we’ll have some assignments for you back up on deck to make this mission run smoother. Find us up there and we’ll give you your orders.” And just as quickly as it had begun, with a bang of a gauntleted fist on the head table, the meeting ends.

Table GMs, please begin Act 1!

Eando Kline pulls the group aside, talking with his hand covering his mouth away from Vernai-Appoint Giovana, several yards away up on the foredeck. “Pathfinders, I need your assistance. It’s no secret that our unlikely ally on this expedition is, at best, an untrustworthy ally, and at worst, a cherished enemy.” He motions to Giovana. “But we don’t know how far down either path she goes and what information she has decided to keep to herself. I need you to get a better read on her, find out what she thinks—er... knows. She has been, frustratingly, not exactly forthcoming to me.” He pauses a moment before clearing his throat, awkwardly adding “...or the other venture-captains.”

As the Pathfinders approach Giovana, she turns to face them with a wide, satisfied grin. “I see Eando has yet to muster the strength to flirt with me himself, so he sent you in his stead.” She gives an appraising look at the Pathfinders.

“Still, he could do worse for someone that has already saved his life once.” She allows the wind to tousle her hair a bit, indulging in the drama of the moment before returning her piercing stare toward the team. “You may ask me your questions, but only two of them. Anything else, Kline will have to... beg me for.”

You can ask questions without a check. If you'd like to try to convince her to take more questions, you can make a check for that.

Agate speaks up. "Perhaps VC Kline is a bit smitten. No doubt his reticence is due to his official duties. I can see why. I am intrigued by something you said, about these upstart assassins targeting those who are protected and then something about taking prisoners. Sounds like there is a story behind that. Can you tell it?"

Just to clarify: She is saying that Khione Thidos is a prisoner, right?Is that new information, or would we have known he is missing?

Peat considers the mission assignment, mulling over the facts presented to formulate questions for further investigation.

Open Investigation 2: Red Mantis Dispatch - Where are the headquarters and leadership of the Red Mantis Dispatch?

Peat hears Agate ask the question, and listens to the answer. When she is done speaking, he says, "Thanks so much. Let us consider the next question carefully ... although, perhaps you might be so kind as to offer us another?"

Diplomacy w/ Pursue a Lead Investigation Bonus: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 6 + 1 = 21

They then pull the other Pathfinders aside and says quietly, "We have only one more question ... Perhaps we should ask her about the leadership of this Dispatch? It might be useful information to know who is coordinating things. Or how they get their orders? Maybe we could intercept their communications somehow."

"I'm curious how this splinter organization managed to form," Zisiro says as they huddle. "I thought using their name was a certain way to get marked for death."

Khione left a note saying she was captured in an earlier scenario. I don't believe it was known by whom, though.

"I can only tell you a little about them, I’m afraid. They seem to have started as a smuggling and courier service that moved goods with the protection of a Red Mantis stamp. A terrible plan—comical even. And if I knew who the owner of the business was, I would have made an example of them, but sadly, I don’t. Recently, they seem to have begun taking contracts in our name, and that cannot be allowed.”

She smiles at Peat. "Adorably direct. Two questions minus one... I believe you have three remaining. Perhaps I am not good at math."

"If these Red Mantis Dispatch pretend to be Red Mantis Assassins, how do we know they’re really Dispatch and not Assassins? I just want to be sure that when we meet one, we can tell for sure who they are and not end up mistaking them for your Assassins..." Jared's words are heavy with distrust.

"... who might be waiting to double-cross us." he murmurs under his breath.

"I just hope this isn’t some twisted trap, like Dispatch pretending to be Assassins, but really just Assassins in disguise, waiting to lure us into this mission and eliminate us all." Jared’s tone is now accusing.

She lets out a slow breath, preparing to admit something she doesn’t want to. “This Red Mantis Dispatch has evaded my grasp, even as they operate in my city. And once one of my informants disappeared while bringing me one of their contracts, I knew I had to take personal interest. But I didn’t have the necessary resources prepared to perform a largescale investigation and invasion. But you do. So, I called in a favor the Society didn’t realize it owed. We may not be friends, but we do have a mutual enemy.

"What would be the point of disguising ourselves as your enemies to attack you? You already know they're going to attack you either way.”

"Their members? Are they all humanoids? Any beasts, fiends? Or the area and tactics? Terrain, ambushes, traps?" Zuza asks about possible topics previous scouts might have discovered.

Agate lets the others ask their questions. She knows that the way these things go, you always think of good questions after the opportunity to ask them has passed.

Clides nods at Zuza's question, adding "Anything you know that can give us an edge in the upcoming fights would be well appreciated."

Huh. That's one that's not on the list of "likely questions." Let's see...

"I'm not aware of any beasts, but they have also used undead. The members of the Dispatch themselves are well-trained at teamwork tactics. Try not to let them gang up on you.

"And I'm sorry, you asked about them targeting those with protection. I know of four of their recent contracts.” She begins counting them off on her fingers. “First was a contract on Dhrami Blakros, one of the prestigious Blakros roses. But there has been no movement on it, so I suspect the contract was vacated. One of them is for a woman named Kassi who enjoys an immunity from Red Mantis involvement. That alone would cause my concern. A third is for a teacher from the Magaambya. Though that contract goes beyond a simple assassination, so it is, again, something the real Red Mantis would not entertain. And finally,” she points her finger at the Pathfinder’s head archivist, “there is the Ice Queen, thrower of the best parties in Egorian, and Paracountess icon, Zarta Dralneen. It was her contract that finally drew me forth. Her ladyship enjoys some protection from Red Mantis attention for reasons only she can tell you.”

Giovana closes the conversation with mirth. “That is enough for now, Pathfinders. But please, do tell Eando to ask for himself, if he has any more questions of me. I’ll be right here, waiting.” She waggles her fingers playfully at the Pathfinders as they depart, a smile dancing on her lips.

Success reported.

Peat nods, though he feels that exchange offered up more questions than answers.

There was a vote for mission 3, so let's go there next.

From his spot up in the perch atop the mainsail, Venture-Captain Viore Ciobanu slides down the rigging to land near the Pathfinders with uncharacteristic flair. “Good, you lot. I need you for a moment.” He leans over the deck rail, gazing through his scope at something far ahead of the Seekers’ Quest. “Somewhere ahead of us is a creature I’ve spoken to through a message spell only briefly, named Tesparisod. He has agreed to meet with our representatives when we slow down to get past a maze of reef ahead. It will be up to you to parlay with him, see if he has any valuable information that can help us, the crew is preparing a rowboat for you as we speak.”

As the Pathfinders reach the indicated area, out of earshot and barely in sight of the Seekers’ Quest, a massive green snake with a face that oddly resembles a humanoid peeks its head out of the water, looming over the rowboat. The vicharamuni does not attack, instead waiting patiently.

Image added to Slides.

Zisiro waves his arm. "Greetings... Tesparisod?"

"We represent the Pathfinders. Venture-Captain Viore Ciobanu told us you agreed to give us information that might help us deal with a threat. We don't have much time. What can you tell us and is there anything you need from us in return?"

Agate's not much of a diplomat but she does feel she can get a diplomatic discussion started with a few salient facts.

Peat says aside to his companions, quietly, as they board the rowboat, "You really shouldn't trust people you've only met via message."

They really don't have much to add, and waits for the creature's response to Agate and any other possible reactions it might have.

"Yes, I'm Tesparisod. Pathfinders! I thought so. Does that mean one of you is my new pen pal?" He looks slightly crestfallen as he processes what Agate said. "Oh... Ciobanu stayed on the ship? That's too bad, I hoped to meet in person..."

He sulks a little, apparently too distracted to remember she also asked a question.

Looks like Peat is our best diplomat (unless Zisiro can beat +6). I suggest an attempt to break through with diplomacy, assisted by the rest of us if needed.

"We don't have much time," Agate reminds. "I expect Ciobanu told you, but we are trying to uproot a rogue group of assassins pretending to be with the Red Mantis. Do you have information that could help us?"

Agate will roll a diplomacy aid if someone with a better bonus than +1 can get the diplomatic ball rolling.

"Yes," Peat says, "but we're very happy to meet you. My name is Blueberry Peat. Is there anything I can do to help you? We are about to go through a maze of reef up ahead, but if you have any information about the ara, we'd be oh so appreciative."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

"Hm? Oh no, I don't need anything.

"Right, yes! Of course." His serpentine face twists into a mildly terrifying, yet friendly smile. “I do have information for you, in fact. Based on what I have seen of their refuse, you are going to the Island of Claimed Souls in search of the Red Mantis Dispatch. They do dwell on the island, but it is one of their leaders you must seek out. Sotroz. They are a ghoul of unheard power for their kind. They force their will on others of their creed and use their organization to dispose of those they cannot control. Be prepared, their magics are unholy and myriad—and they possess a magical means of transport well beyond their capabilities. Though I can say no more about it, for no matter my suspicions, I have not been able to prove my hypothesis.

"The entrance to one of my nests in the depths is blocked by these crates. If you promise to get them out of my way, I will show you where they lie. I hope you find something useful in them!”

Jared stays behind those who do the talking. He wonders if that Tesparisod bites.

"Go to Island of Claimed Souls."
"Seek their ghoul leader, Sotroz."
"Help him investigate about the red substance leaking under a bouy."

He mentally notes while listening to the conversation.

Blueberry Peat nods, listening intently to the information.

Investigation 1: Mysterious Mantis Sotroz: Powerful ghoul

"Yes, that is very good information to have." They then listen to the request and nod again, emphatically. "This certainly seems like something we can take care of, and would be happy to do so in exchange for the information you provided. Where is it again? Will these crates fit in our rowboat?" They do what they can to help row the boat toward the crates.

Zuza stays with Jared, listening carefully.

"Thank you. We help", she thanks Tesparisod for the information. She starts looking for the buoy on the water.

"Will we need to swim underwater to get to this red nuisance? I'm a reasonably good swimmer but I'm also an inventor who may be able to craft something to help us manage the situation."

"If they're under a buoy, hopefully the crates would be tied to the buoy. If they won't fit in our rowboat, maybe we could just bring the buoy aboard and tow them back to the bigger boat."

Zisiro unlaces his shirt. "I'm fairly adept at swimming," he says. "Though I suspect that there will be more than I can move on my own. Quickly."

"Clanky," Agate points to her bipedal cat-like construct companion, "can swim as well. He could fetch something underwater if it does not require any complex fiddling."

"Uhm, I don't know how to swim." Jared smiles timidly, now that they are talking about bouys, swimming, and all. He hopes that there are other things that he can do besides from swimming, or anything going into the water.