GM ShadowLord's PFS #29: The Devil We Know—Part 1 (PbP Gameday 3)

[GM ShadowLord]

Open!

[Watkins]

"Reporting for duty."

Watkins smiles.

[Bennybeck Wabbittracks]

Is it ok to post here?

[GM ShadowLord]

Bennybeck - it's ok to dot the thread, but anything that is out of character like your post above should be done under the context of [ooc] tags so that it is marked out of character.

[Kimiya Sayo]

Kimiya polishes the blade of his Naginata and leans against the wall and laments the lack of Nagaji avatars.

[Gashgamer]

Gashgamer grooms his horse Cinnamon.

[Bennybeck Wabbittracks]

The halfling will look at Kimiya and her strange weapon and then will go up to the half-elf and and begin to pet the horse.

[GM ShadowLord]

It is early in the day, as you are going about your business in the Pathfinder Lodge in the city of Cassomir, when an errand boy tracks you down during your regular duties and hands you a note with the seal of the Lodge Venture-Captain on it. Eager for a mission you quickly break the seal and read the contents of the letter. You have been summoned for a mission! You are directed to report to the main hall of the lodge at 2 bells past noon. You rush off to complete the rest of your duties, eagerly looking forward to the meeting.

At the appointed hour you find yourself in the main hall of the lodge. Gathered beside you are other Pathfinders you have seen in passing during your stay.

Venture-Captain Hestia Themis, a small, unassuming woman of Taldan heritage with dark hair and eyes, holds a large sheaf of papers in her small hands and clears her throat. Her booming voice, the antithesis of her stature, fills the main hall of the small Pathfinder Lodge in the Taldan city of Cassomir.

“One of our own has been kidnapped. Pathfinder Cestis was taken just days ago from a relics auction in the Imperial Naval Shipyards, and we believe his disappearance to be related to the six dozen or so kidnappings of the last several months. Now that one of our own is missing, this has become a Society matter—something we’ll get to the bottom of.”

Themis gestures to a teenage boy standing beside her, who nervously regards his surroundings and sweats profusely, his thick brown hair matted and wet against his head. “This is Nefti, the assistant to the biggest thorn in my side in Cassomir—an agent of the Aspis Consortium named Kafar. Kafar is also missing, taken from the same relics auction along with Pathfinder Cestis and a dozen other citizens of Cassomir. Nefti was at the auction, saw where a small group of the kidnapped victims were taken, and his handlers in Cassomir have given us access to him so that he might guide us to our missing Pathfinder. If you happen to find Kafar...”, Themis grinds her teeth, “Let him go, per the agreement I’ve just made with his superiors. Your priority is Cestis, and I think Nefti can lead you to him. Any questions?”

[Jeffrey Warren]

Jeffrey steps up to Nefti, smiling his usual big smile. "Hi kid, could you describe where they were taking the people?"

"And what does Cestis look like?" Jeffrey asks the Venture-Captain.

[Moumoku]

Moumoku stands beside Jeffrey, her dark-eyed sightless gaze falling on the boy.
"Perhaps it would be best if you start from the beginning and tell us exactly what happened when they were kidnapped?" Moumoku suggests.

[Bennybeck Wabbittracks]

Yes, Venture Capatain, any information that you can provide will be most helpful says the halfling, even though he seemed a little shy about making the statement.

[Watkins]

Watkins says nothing; his attention on Cestis waiting for him to speak.

[GM ShadowLord]

The Venture-Captain describes Cestis to the party as a middle aged male human with brown hair, well trimmed beard and Chelaxian accented Taldane.

Themis answers first, “They started a few months ago. Cassomir has always had some trouble with its citizens going missing, but this was different. Only those associated with the Imperial Naval Shipyards were taken—shipwrights, carpenters, navy guards, and so on. This recent kidnapping, where they took Cestis, was brash and bold. They grabbed more than a dozen people in one attack, neglecting to grab Nefti. Their mistake is our fortune.”

Nefti considers Moumoku's question and looks at Themis. "As your captain said, we were at a relic auction in the shipyards when a large group of people came in and started rounding up the people. I barely escaped by leaping into the harbor and swimming away. It was very close!"

Nefti then speaks up again, "I am going to take you to where the Consortium believes the kidnapped victims, including my mentor Kafar and your Pathfinder friend, are being held. We have no time to lose. It will be getting dark in a few hours, and the Imperial docks are no place to be wandering around after the sun sets."

[Bennybeck Wabbittracks]

The halfling will follow the lead of the much larger folk.

[Kimiya Sayo]

Kimiya bows his head to Themis, "have any of the other kidnap victims been released or found? Were any of the relics stolen?"

[GM ShadowLord]

“So far no one who has been kidnapped has been found, dead or alive. The authorities have been unable to recover the dozens of other Cassomir citizens who’ve gone missing in recent months. I believe all relics were accounted for by the authorities."

[Moumoku]

"Perhaps then we should attend the docks, should more questions come to mind we may speak on the way, lead on Nefti."
She turns and offers a slight bow to Hestia, "With your leave, Venture-Captain."

[Bennybeck Wabbittracks]

As they make their way to to the docks the halfling will get walk close to Jeffrey and toss him an apple from a pack.

My name is Benny, Bennybeck. as he extends his small hand, his long spear on his back, Master Sneak and expert handler he whispers.

[Watkins]

After listening to Nefti's story he tries to see if he is being truthful.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

Not sure one way or the other he decides to take his words at face value for now.

Watkins gives a curt bow to Venture-Captain Hestia Themis "I will do my best to return Cestis unharmed. As per your order Kafar will be allowed to leave if found."

While trying to maintain a respectful tone he says with a grimace "Is it safe to assume the Aspis Consortium has given us this lead so that we may do there dirty work for them?"

To the rest of the group he says "I am ready to depart with haste when everyone is ready."

[Jeffrey Warren]

"I'm ready, let's go!"

"Jeffrey Warren," Jeffrey says as he walks, shaking Benny's hand after catching the apple with the other. "Owner of Warren Inc, we specialize in odd jobs."

Jeffrey takes a bite from the apple. "Not bad. Thanks, Bunny."

[Bennybeck Wabbittracks]

It is Benny, not Bunny, though the last name is Wabbittracks he says.

[GM ShadowLord]

Watkins wrote:

"Is it safe to assume the Aspis Consortium has given us this lead so that we may do there dirty work for them?"

The Venture-Captain addresses Watkin's concern first. “Difficult situations sometimes call for difficult choices. The Aspis have the information we need about where to start in this mystery, and if it takes dirtying our hands with them to get Cestis back, I think it’s

worth it.”

Moumoku wrote:

"With your leave, Venture-Captain."

The VC nods to the party and gives her leave, dismissing you.

The party follows the directions from the boy, and gets to the pier in under an hour by foot. They stop about 120' away, around the corner of another building as they make some observations about the Inn of the Unlucky Sailor.

Perched precariously overhanging the dirty harbor water stands the Inn of the Unlucky Sailor. A fresh coat of white paint glistens on half the inn’s outside walls, and most of the windows are boarded up. The roof leans slightly toward the harbor, as if at any moment the entire thing could come off and slide into the ocean. The dock leading up to the inn is made of rotting wood connected to thick, rank-smelling pilings. Several small rowboats are currently tied up along its length. The street entrance is boarded up.

"There." He points at the building. "I think they are in there. I'm leaving now, good luck!"

He is shaking visibly and is unwilling to go in with you.

[Kimiya Sayo]

Kimiya looks for any additional details that may be helpful. "Did you see them enter? How many kidnappers were there?" Are you sure you cannot help us further? How will we recognize Kafar?"

Rolls:

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

[GM ShadowLord]

Neft shakes his head, [b]"Nope, didn't see them enter. I swam as fast as I could, I wasn't sticking around! I swam under a pier a good ways off and waited until the last of them left. I then tried to follow a group of them as far back as I could and it looked like they came back here."/b]

Forgot to do the letters before you left. Assume the VC handed these out to you all.

Liberty's Edge:

Your presence in that snake pit gives me pause in my daily complaints about Absalom. Watch your back in Cassomir lest you find a poisoned dagger in it. One of our own, a relics dealer and former shipmate of mine, was not so careful and we’ve heard he, too, was taken in the raid on the relics auction a few days ago. His name is Creighton Nish—it would be a personal favor to me if you would return him safely to Absalom. Also, whispers have reached my ears about the patron deity of these thugs who are perpetrating these kidnappings in Cassomir. So close to our borders, we’re worried about their origins. Find a member of the group responsible and get him to admit who his patron deity is.

Silver Crusade:

Your presence in that snake pit gives me pause in my daily complaints about Absalom. Watch your back in Cassomir lest you find a poisoned dagger in it. One of our own, a relics dealer and former shipmate of mine, was not so careful and we’ve heard he, too, was taken in the raid on the relics auction a few days ago. His name is Creighton Nish—it would be a personal favor to me if you would return him safely to Absalom. Also, whispers have reached my ears about the patron deity of these thugs who are perpetrating these kidnappings in Cassomir. So close to our borders, we’re worried about their origins. Find a member of the group responsible and get him to admit who his patron deity is.

Grand Lodge / The Exchange:

Your time spent in the land of the infidels may just help us solve a few mysteries of our own. We have word from our business associates in Cassomir that those responsible for these recent kidnappings are being supplied by none other than Andoren smugglers. These smugglers are an uncreative lot and mark their crates with a giant red “X.” If you see a crate marked thusly, do whatever you can to bring it to the surface unopened and put it on a ship for Katheer immediately. My agents there have also informed me that one of our former vessels, a slave galleon called the Prancing Prince, may be involved in this mess. If so, find and destroy the captain’s log book. His trade with us cannot be known.

[Watkins]

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Waktins also wants to know if Nefti knows how to get in.

"Calm yourself Nefti, we have no intentions of making you go any farther. You are more than safe enough with us here for the moment."

To the rest of the party Watkins says "Combat is likely and this is our first time working together. It might be wise to go over some tactics. My strength is with my bow, I am good enough that I can fire into melee without endangering anyone. Just please, if you can, don't stand directly in front of the enemy providing them cover."

[Kimiya Sayo]

Kimiya nods to Watkins, "an excellent suggestion." He sets the butt of his Naginata firmly on the ground before continuing, "I spent many years killing. I am atoning for that now. Unless I am in mortal danger, I will always attempt to remove our targets from combat through nonlethal means." He smiles and indicates his daisho, "fortunately I have trained to do so even with these bladed instruments."

[Jeffrey Warren]

"Pardon, I'm not very good with names," Jeffrey explains to Benny. "Funny coincidence though, with your your surname."

When Watkins suggests going over tactics, Jeffrey also explains his own strengths: "I specialize in taking physical hits. Meanwhile, I usually swing my sword to hit the enemy."

[Kimiya Sayo]

At some point in the travels, Kimiya pulls Benny aside for a few moments.

Benny:

He extends his hand in a familiar greeting, "well met fellow Crusader. Let us keep an eye out for Nish." Kimiya cracks his knuckles against his leg, "and maybe we can vanquish the thugs encroaching on Absalom."

Still learning the geography so I may have flubbed that bit.

[Bennybeck Wabbittracks]

I am Bennybeck Wabbittracks and I am a master burgler and sneaky sneak who can take advantage of my small size and the bigger folk to poke people, with my spear, when they are distracted, in places that aren't too nice for them. Since I am small many people don't notice me he says.

Kimiya:

I will do what I can. Too many thugs and strange things ready to hurt good and decent folk

[Moumoku]

"I am Moumoku, Oracle of the Heavens. I am no warrior, though I can use weapons if required. Since you appear to have limited ability to heal you, my role will be to not suffer too much injury so I can restore your health after battle."

[Bennybeck Wabbittracks]

Healing is always good especially if someone catches us looking at things that we shouldn't be or in places that are not always open to the wee folk the halfling says with a mischevious grin.

[GM ShadowLord]

Waiting on our Barbarian to check in before continuing.

[GM ShadowLord]

Nefti nods to Watkins, "Th-Thanks. Can I go now?"

Map updated, let me know how you are making your approach and place your characters on the map accordingly.

[Watkins]

"Thanks for your help Nefti, take care.

To the group he says "It looks like there are two side entrances. We could split up or go all together. I believe going together is the safer approach. My biggest worry in that scenario though is someone could escape out the back while we breach. The right side has more room to maneuver, so that would be my preference."

perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

Watkins has his bow ready.

[Kimiya Sayo]

Kimiya follows Watkins out on to the dock. "I have a bit of a reach with this," he indicates his naginata, "I'm right behind you."

Perception on doors: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

[Moumoku]

[b]"I have limited skill at combat and even less at breaking and entry, but I can effect a reasonable bluff, if we wish to try and draw anyone out?"[b]

That does potentially spoil any element of surprise bursting in however, and may be of questionable use if they're kidnapping people.

[Bennybeck Wabbittracks]

Maybe we could set a little trap or leave caltrops at the other exit to impede someone who might want to escape?

[Watkins]

Watkins says to Benny"That is a pretty good idea, do you have any caltrops?"

[Bennybeck Wabbittracks]

As a matter of fact I do. I might even be able to jury rig a pot and pan or something else to make noise that will let us know if someone left the building. Of course, all of this is contingent with them leaving the building and not entering.

[Watkins]

"I should think the caltrops would be good enough. If you could scout over there and spread them out before the docks that should be sufficient. After that we can begain our frontal assault."

[GM ShadowLord]

Can you clearly mark on the map where you would like to put them please?

[Bennybeck Wabbittracks]

The halfling will slink away, stealthly and see what he finds and will then spread out the caltrops.
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

[Jeffrey Warren]

Jeffrey takes his shield and longsword, readying himself for the assault that's to come.

"Good thinking, Bu... Benny! If there are caltrops in front of one exit, and we use the other, anyone who plans on circling us will step in the caltrops."

He walks to the front of the group, standing at the corner for an overview. "Let's hurry. You never know what they're doing to those people inside..."

[GM ShadowLord]

I don't see the caltrops or Bennybeck placed on the map yet. If you guys can place where the caltrops are going and then move yourselves to whichever entrance you are planning on taking that would help.

Visible entrances - Aside from the street entrance which is boarded up, there are double doors on the east and western docks and a single door at the north-west most entrance on the docks.

[Bennybeck Wabbittracks]

Which exit am I putting the caltrops at?

[Kimiya Sayo]

We're going in the East/right entrance.

[Watkins]

Watkins suggested putting the caltrops in front of the dock on the west side. It cuts off an area, you don't have to get close to the door or windows.

[Bennybeck Wabbittracks]

Okie Cokie. Are we still waiting on the barbarian?

[GM ShadowLord]

No, the barbarian isn't coming and we're moving on with five for no to keep things rolling. Just waiting on you guys to place yourselves on the map, place the caltrops on the map and tell me how you are entering.

[Bennybeck Wabbittracks]

It looks like everyone but the barbarian is on the map, the caltrops as well

[GM ShadowLord]

We're open for business!

[Deliyah]

Deliyah reporting in for duty. NB: May switch to using Moumoku, my Kitsune oracle (level-1)if she's free by the time we start, if not, then no problem I'll just stick with Deliyah.

[GM ShadowLord]

What's your ETA on clearing her to start? I don't think we have a specific date/target yet?

[Jeffrey Warren]

Thanks for the chronicle sheet, GM! I'll have Jeffrey updated with his new gear tomorrow.

Deliyah/Moumoku is in my Glass River Rescue game, and the party just beat the last enemy in the last fight. I'll write and send out the chronicle sheets for that scenario tomorrow as well.

Could the gameplay thread be opened for dotting?

[GM ShadowLord]

Ok that won't be a problem.

Gameplay is open!

[Nym the Wizard]

dot.

[GM ShadowLord]

Ok so I have spinningdice, StephNyan and Mapkat for certain. I have a probable from Ozone77.

That's four so I'll go recruit a minimum of two more.

[Jeffrey Warren]

I deleted my post in the gameplay thread after dotting. Didn't want to clutter the thread.

Jeffrey's ready as soon as we've got some more people, and everyone else is ready :)

[Ozone77]

In. Off to make a character.

[Moumoku]

Moumoku is now free then. Just need to make some minor changes to gear.

Scratch that, just needed some healing gear, all ready now.

[GM ShadowLord]

Alrighty! We've got six, just need everyone to check in and then we may start the devilry!

[Gashgamer]

Just checking in. I will be updated win I get the chance tonight.

[GM ShadowLord]

I'll give Gashgamer a few more hours and then we move on. If we want to finish this for PbPG3 credit we need to be on the quick fast and in a hurry pace. The game needs to complete by the end of January which gives us about 3 have a half weeks. This means we'll need to stick to the post a day pace from everyone and I'll move things along if we are hovering too long.

[Nohwear]

I am sorry

[GM ShadowLord]

Sorry to hear that Nohwear, I hope things improve for you at home.

[Watkins]

;_;

[GM ShadowLord]

Does the party prefer we continue on with five or that I pluck a sixth? We haven't done anything yet so it's not too late for me to get another.

[Kimiya Sayo]

I'm good either way.

[Jeffrey Warren]

If a 6th can be added quickly, sure. Otherwise I'd rather just move on, to keep the pace.

[Watkins]

GM ShadowLord wrote:

Watkins can you set your quick-stats line please if you don't mind?

I'm not sure what is missing?

[GM ShadowLord]

It's showing up great now!

[Watkins]

I didn't do anything!

[GM ShadowLord]

Nice work!

[Watkins]

What is the PbP code / format used to show text inside of a dice roll to explain bonuses? I've seen other people do it before; I just tried and it thought I was trying to solve for x or something :p

[Jeffrey Warren]

[dice=Longsword, Flanking]1d20+6+2[/dice ]

But without a space in front of the last ]

You can find this kind of info in the "How to format your text" spoiler, below the field where you type your text :)

[Kimiya Sayo]

Would that work with the actual bonuses as well?

Attack, Flank+2, Prone+4: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

[Watkins]

Test

Ranged Attack, +1 PBS, -2 RS: 1d20 + 5 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 5 + 1 - 2 = 20

Ah, I see, I thought the descriptions where being added to each number in the math section.

Thanks!

[Jeffrey Warren]

Kimiya Sayo wrote:

Would that work with the actual bonuses as well?

Not entirely sure what you mean, but it's basically like this:

Write the text you want displayed in between [dice= and the first ]
Place all the numbers for the calculation in between the first ] and [/dice ] (No space after /dice)

Watkins wrote:

Thanks!

No problem! ;)

[Bennybeck Wabbittracks]

Sorry I havent been on much, changing jobs. I start back at teaching on Monday.

[GM ShadowLord]

My availability through the weekend will be spotty. I'll still be checking in but there may be gaps.

[Jeffrey Warren]

For Kimiya, from the CRB:

"Multiplying Damage: Sometimes you multiply damage by some factor, such as on a critical hit. Roll the damage (with all modifiers) multiple times and total the results.

Note: When you multiply damage more than once, each multiplier works off the original, unmultiplied damage. So if you are asked to double the damage twice, the end result is three times the normal damage.

Exception: Extra damage dice over and above a weapon's normal damage are never multiplied."

Meaning you'd roll 4d8+32 instead of 1d8+8 on a crit with your naginata. So your damage would indeed have been 49! :)

[GM ShadowLord]

Yeah otherwise known as DEAD!

[Jeffrey Warren]

Very much so!

[Kimiya Sayo]

Thanks :) I think that's the third kill I have with my nonlethal guy haha

[GM ShadowLord]

Your nonlethal guy is turning out quite lethal...

[GM ShadowLord]

Morning gang! I drove up to Boston last night ahead of the snowstorm so I wouldn't miss my fun filled weekend! I'm out of town for PAX through Monday and as such my check-ins will be much less regular as I dig my hand into games, games, games! :)

[GM ShadowLord]

It appears Moumoku's player hasn't been on in three weeks, a significant amount of time that I assume she isn't returning soon. Normally I'd drop the player from the session but since you're already down a man I'll GMPC her for the remainder of the session. When it's completed I'll get two replacements.

[Jeffrey Warren]

I currently don't have the time, but I'll post again tomorrow!

[Bennybeck Wabbittracks]

I am really enjoying this game and group. Is this module almost over? If it is, can we do another one together?

[GM ShadowLord]

The module is almost over, this is our last encounter, we should be able to wrap pretty quickly after this is done.

The original plan was to play out parts two, three and four. Is everyone still interested in that? If most are I can open a recruitment to pick up two more.

[Kimiya Sayo]

In.

[Bennybeck Wabbittracks]

I'm interested!

[Jeffrey Warren]

Yes, I'd like to play all parts! :)

[Bennybeck Wabbittracks]

I am on Spring Break this week so will be around most of the week, TH-Sun might be a little sporadic due to the Triduum.

[Kimiya Sayo]

Is it our action or are we waiting on the baddies to act?

[Bennybeck Wabbittracks]

I think we are waiting for the baddies to act. Did I hit the undead thing before I went down and up again?

[Bennybeck Wabbittracks]

How does leveling work in Pathfinder Society?

[Kimiya Sayo]

Every 3 campaigns/missions you level. So it's basically 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 2.0, ...

-Posted with Wayfinder

[Bennybeck Wabbittracks]

So where are we at?

[Kimiya Sayo]

If this is the first time for Benny then he is 1.0 :)