Kryssa slashes Marzack's neck, Barley cuts his hamstring, and Johendar puts an arrow deep in his chest. All questions remain unanswered as Marzack falls from multiple mortal wounds.
Shortly after the defeat of Marzack and Killik, Captain Veane comes from below deck with Chamius in tow. After observing the scene and giving Kryssa/Sephriel look of confusion, he asks, "What the hell is going on here?"
Kryssa reverts back to her natural form and slumps, fatigued by her exertion in the fight. After catching her breath she says, "We were attacked by the pair of them while recovering from the havoc of the storm. I figured if they were attacking us, it likely meant mutiny and moreover that they probably killed the ambassador."
The aasimar gestures at her body and says, "If they murdered the ambassador, then seeing him alive might make them want to finish the job. I can handle myself in a fight and didn't want the others to get hurt. Plus, causing a little chaos and confusion for your enemy can be useful."
Kryssa goes over to check if Killik or Marzack survived. "Let's see if either of them can still talk."
A reminder: this scenario is a rare exception to the new faction mission changes. Chamius and Johendar have completed their faction missions, but no one else has.
Kryssa frowns and mutters, "Hrm, I'm getting too skilled at this." She stands up and continues, "They've both gone to be judged by their ancestors in the court of Pharasma."
"How are you with women?" Hule inquires in hushed tones.
Johendar:
"Perhaps you could enlist the ship's lady into the service of the paracountess? It seems she would have a much more respected position in the service of Cheliax than on this humble criminal barge. For her own good, you see?" I suck at diplomacy
Male Human Bard/5 HP 38/38 AC17/T 12/FF 15 Fort +4/Ref +7/ Will +5 Init +2 Perc +8|Sense Motive +13*
Chamius eyes the mutineers' bodies and shakes his head. "Too bad; would have been good to be able to turn them over to Mordant Spire alive, but their fault for attacking."
AC20/Touch15/Flat16/CMD23(25 vs grapple, overun, trip)||HP44[44]|Fort:+5;Ref:+11;Will:+4[+4 vs water, air, and trip]|Percept.+11|Init.+4 Aasimar Ranger (Freebooter) 4 / Bard (Sea Singer) 2
GM:
Johender nods and goes to seek out Azuretta. Upon finding her, he nods and smiles. "Greeting milady. I have come to talk you about an opportunity. There are many people in high places that think you talents are being wasted, that you have a much more potential. My companion, Hule has a contact, in Cheliax, Paracountess Zarta Draleen. She seeks to offer you a respected position in the service of Cheliax. A chance to get off this ship and explore the world a bit. What say you?"
Captain Veane thanks you for your efforts, and assures you that he no longer holds your group accountable for Sephriel’s murder. With those responsible identified and dealt with, he knows his own skin is safe as well.
With the murder solved and the storm abating the ship begins to settle back into normal business, though perhaps running a little smoother with Captain Veane nominating Johendar to act as first mate for the time being.
With his newfound authority Johendar easily convinces Azuretta to accept Hule's offer on behalf of the Paracountess.
Kryssa, with these older missions I tend to assume the new factions are sent with orders to aid older ones, so I don't see a problem with them being aware of each other's missions.
"Alright, Mr. Snig we haven't got much time", Barley stands with arms crossed, "When we land in Riddleport, the constable will likely arrest the entire crew. The Crusade is willing to offer you safety, if you disembark with us; you have Maldris's word on it.".
Kryssa rolls her eyes at Barley's story, "Let's cut to the chase. Our sponsor would like to be your sponsor as well. They have a different ship they'd like you to travel with. And, based on what I've had here, it would undoubtedly have better food."
Male Tiefling (Grim Spawn) Wood Wizard 2 |HP 13/15|AC 15 *19* |T 13| FF12| CMD 13| F:+2| R:+3| W:+1| Init+3| Perc +0| Sense Motive +0 l DR 1/Cold iron
"Plus, There will be plenty more to watch on the other ship" Klaidingo winks twice and points a finger at the ratman before continuing. " If you know what I mean?"
Assist Diplomacy:1d20 - 1 ⇒ (10) - 1 = 9
Somehow it seems as though Klaidingo is doing more harm than good.
AC20/Touch15/Flat16/CMD23(25 vs grapple, overun, trip)||HP44[44]|Fort:+5;Ref:+11;Will:+4[+4 vs water, air, and trip]|Percept.+11|Init.+4 Aasimar Ranger (Freebooter) 4 / Bard (Sea Singer) 2
Johender wanders down to the where the rest are talking to Snig. Overhearing the last bit of conversation, Johender says. "Look here man. Though my people and her people don't always see eye to eye, the Society is a damn fine place to have connections!"
Poor attempts at diplomacy by Barley and Kryssa, plus an awkward comment from Klaidingo, does little to convince Snig. But when Johendar shows up, wearing his new authority as First Mate, the rat man comes around quickly.
Thanzeril looks curiously at Hule, but does not leave. "I have failed in my duty once. I will not leave his side again, even in death."
Hule:
Your first bluff did not reveal anything from his behavior. Your second made him a little suspicious. You'll need to make a stealth or sleight of hand check to place the coin.
Extremely anxious to get off this ill-fortune boat, Barley seeks out Ulamon; once found, he forces a hearty hand shake, "Well done, good man! Great job handling the storm"
Barley filches Ulamon's ring with the ease of a.. well a ninja.
Hule waits for the right moment and slips his coin onto Sephriel's corpse.
All missions done. Congratulations!
In the morning two days following the squall and the confrontation with Sephriel’s killers, the Throaty Mermaid arrives at the Mordant Spire as planned. An enormous, extravagant elven galleon meets the smugglers’ vessel a mile from the shore, sending a smaller boat between the ships as an envoy. Captain Veane explains the events of the journey since Magnimar to the small band of masked elves who come aboard. They nod solemnly, and seem unusually calm given the cold-blooded murder of one of their diplomats. As Veane ends his story, another figure climbs over the ship’s rail onto the deck and removes his mask, revealing Sephriel himself.
"I never leave the Mordant Spire for human lands without ensuring that a clone remains behind in safekeeping. Pathfinders, you have my respect and gratitude for your uncovering my murderer. I now have a better idea of who the Mordant Spire’s enemies are and who can be trusted, such as the Pathfinder Society whom you represent."
As a reward for your service to the Mordant Spire, Sephriel offers a small fortune in gold and gems, and after a lavish elven meal for the entire crew and the Mordant Spire envoys, Sephriel and his retinue depart for their island home.
With your mission accomplished, the Throaty Mermaid turns about and sets sail for Riddleport, the first leg on another long voyage back to Absalom.
