PFS PBP - From Under Ice #6-18 (lvl 1-5) (Inactive)

Game Master Revvy Bitterleaf

Naldak's point


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Scarab Sages

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The hull of the Grinning Pixie creaks and groans in the freezing waters of Kalsgard, at the mouth of the Rimeflow River. Venture-Captain Calisro Benarry, the half-orc captain of the vessel, shivers as she strides in to her well-furnished cabin and out of the bitter winds. A Varki woman clad in leathers and a snow leopard fur coat is already seated inside the cabin. “Welcome to the Linnorm Kingdoms,” says Venture-Captain Calisro Benarry.

She takes a long drag from a hip flask before continuing. “The North is no place for a free captain, but here we are. Oh, Kalsgard is fine—they’ve got stiff drink here—but you’ve got to head inland, where it’s even colder.” She pulls her mammoth-fur coat tighter across her body as she continues. “I hope you all weren’t planning to freeze to death and packed for the weather.”

“You’ve all heard of Jormurdun? Well, that dwarven sky citadel contained an artifact called the Sky Key. King Gutheran broke it into five pieces and gave four of them to his heirs as they fled the invasion, keeping the fifth for himself. One of Gutheran’s heirs, Naldak, traveled into what is now southwestern Irrisen and established a small town called Naldak’s Point. That’s where the trail goes cold. Most likely, Baba Yaga wiped them out when she invaded. The piece of the Sky Key and the ruins of Naldak’s Point are probably buried under a millennium of ice and snow, just waiting for someone—you—to go dig them out.

I’ve packed you ten blocks of blackfire clay to make the task more manageable,” the venture-captain says, handing over a backpack stuffed with black bricks. “Don’t forget to take these with you.”
“You’re heading east, up the Rimeflow and Thundering Rivers, past the Grungir Forest, and into Irrisen. Desna smiles—the site is
about half a day’s hike north of Dalun, a small trade city on the Irrisen border. Take a small river boat packed with supplies and a letter of trade, make nice with the city officials, and see if you can get permission to travel inland. Head to the site and find our missing Sky Key piece. You’ll know you’re on the right track if you recover signs that the royal family settled there.”

"Watch yourselves in Irrisen. Antagonizing the locals is like poking a sleeping ice bear in the eye, except it won’t kill you as quickly. The Society is not especially welcome in Irrisen, so try to keep what friends we have, and if you can, make new ones. With that it mind, I’ve hired a local to bring you safely to Dalun.” Venture-Captain Benarry gestures toward the Varki woman. “This is Haltani, and she will guide you into and out of Irrisen alive.”[/b]

The Varki woman springs to her feet gracefully and addresses the party. “It is always a pleasure to meet travelers from faraway lands. It is true that Irrisen is a harsher land than most. Keep your wits about you, and your journey should be profitable.”

Venture-Captain Calisro Benarry says; "Do you have any questions for me?" as she hands you some items.

She provides you with a map of Irrisen. The rough location of Naldak’s Point is marked on the map. In addition, she gives you a letter of trade, which they can use to trade for goods in Dalun and 10 blocks of blackfire clay.

Blackfire Clay:
You can apply blackfire clay to your skin as a full round action to gain a +4 alchemical bonus on saving throws to resist cold weather for one hour. Alternatively, you can combine 5 blocks over the course of a minute to create a heat source
equivalent to a small campfire. More information on of
blackfire clay can be found on page 102 of Pathfinder RPG
Ultimate Equipment.

Finally, Venture-Captain Benarry loans you the use of a small sailing boat.

Scarab Sages

(1 check per skill, you can read the spoilers up to the result you got)

Knowledge (history)
You may already know the following information about Irrisen’s history.

15+:
: Irrisen has a violent history with all of its neighbors,
but especially with the Ulfen from the Linnorm Kingdoms.
Jadwiga sometimes capture and enslave Ulfen people.

20+:
: Baba Yaga and an army of monsters, including ice trolls, winter wolves, and evil fey, invaded the eastern portion of the Land of the Linnorm Kings in 3313 AR. They took only 23 days to conquer the entire region now known as Irrisen.

25+:
: Every 100 years, Baba Yaga returns to Golarion and
replaces the current queen with a new one. She takes the old queen away with her in a magical hut that stands on a pair of chicken legs. No one really knows where Baba Yaga takes the monarchs or why they never return.

Knowledge (local) or Diplomacy (gather information)
You may already know the following information about modern Irrisen.

15+:
: Irrisen is known as the Land of Eternal Winter, as it stays freezing year round. Powerful witches known as the White Witches rule the nation and allow monsters the same rights as humanoids. The human descendants of Baba Yaga are called Jadwiga, and are the aristocracy of Irrisen. Ulfen people who find themselves in Irrisen at the bottom of the social hierarchy; the fortunate are serfs, and the rest are slaves.

20+:
: Intelligent monstrous races, such as ice trolls and winter wolves, are citizens in Irrisen. Though not as socially powerful as the Jadwiga, they command considerable respect and are often able to do as they please without consequence.

25+:
: Recently, some younger Jadwiga have begun to question the insular culture and closed borders of Irrisen.
They seek to learn about peoples outside of Irrisen, the more “exotic” the better. The White Witches have dubbed them the stilyagi, or “culture crows,” as they disregard the culture of Irrisen and mimic the cultures of other foreign lands. However, because they rarely have the opportunity to interact with foreigners, their depictions are often wildly outdated, stereotypical, and even downright offensive.

Silver Crusade

Male Tiefling Alchemist (Chirurgeon) 3 | HP: 21/21 | AC: 12 (16); Tch: 12 (14); FF: 10 (12) | Init: +4 | Perc: +6 (+5) | Fort +4; Ref +6; Will +3 (+2); +2 bonus vs. poison

Misforstått has no knowledge of history. But, he will try to Gather Information: Diplomacy: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (2) - 2 = 0

BWAHAHAHA! :-D

The tiefling approaches someone who looks like they might know something. He bows low as he introduces himself, accidentally mooning a passing group of children who start screaming: "Just say no to crack!"

He turns around quickly, surprised by the screaming. As he turns, his pants fall down around his ankles. He trips, falls and lands, tail over teakettle, at the person's feet.

Then he farts.

Scarab Sages

Qinggong Student of Stone 4 HP: 35/35 AC: 15 FF: 15 Touch: 13 Init:+0 F:+8, R:+5, W:+8 Perception+10 Sense Motive+10(effects)

Onix shakes his head no when asked if he had any questions. Onix is a short Oread, roughly 4 1/2 feet tall, skin made of brownish and gray rock. He wears little clothing save trousers and a backpack. He knows little about history and knows better than to try to talk to people.

Dark Archive

Female Half Elf (mysterious Stranger) 1 | hp 13/13 | AC 14 | Touch 11 | FF 13 | Fort +4 | Ref +5 | Will -1; +2 vs Ench | CMD 14 | Init +5 | Perc +1

No Knowledge, so no rolls

Caswallon made her into the cabin of the Grinning pixie, clasping her hands together for a brief moment to shake of the cold of. Then a brief nod to the captain followed by a brief smile caressing her lips. She pushed the coat a bit to the side to let some of the warmth of the cabin to seep inbetween her layers of cold weather clothing. For a brief moment she wondered if her companions would be prepared for the trip but when the Blackfire clay was handed out she hoped for the best it would all work out. When Misforstått made his entrance a raised brow was all that was given to the Tiefling before she shook her head to the Venture-Captain. Taking the items needed for the trip and putting them away in her backpack she quickly went over the mission and thought of things needed, but none came to her mind. Then turning her head she regarded their guide and once more a brief nod was given before taking a bit of a step back to let the others ask questions.

Silver Crusade

F Aasimar (Angelkin) Bloodrager/4 Oracle/1 (HP 52/52 | AC:22 | T:15 | FF:17 | CMB:8 | CMD:22 | Fort:+9 | Ref:+5 | Will:+4 | Init:+3 | Perc:+3 | Speed:30) PFS#: 115025-5
Bloodrage Stats:
(HP 62/62 | AC:20 | T:13 | FF:16 | CMB:10 | CMD:24 | Fort:+11 | Ref:+5 | Will:+6 | Init:+3 | Perc:+3 | Speed:30)
Abilities/Spells:
Bloodrage: 11/11 | Lv1: 2/2 | Destined Strike: 3/3 | Alter Self: 1/1 | Oracle Lv1: 4/4

"I have no questions, Venture-Captain," Aryn says as she brushes her silver hair from her face.

Though I expect I'll be able to gather some extra information when I ask around.

Diplomacy, gather info: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Aryn lets out a deep sigh when Misforstått scares the locals, drops his pants to the ground, hits the floor and farts. Afterward Misforstått's little accident Aryn is no longer able to find anyone willing to talk to her.

Great... We're off to a good start...

A smile then shows on Aryn's face as she shakes her head softly.

Ah well, we'll see what happens.

Liberty's Edge

Human Male (Fighter/1 | HP 10/10 | HP(NL) 10/10 | AC:19 | T:12 | FF:14 | CMB:6 | CMD:15 | Fort:+3 | Ref:+2 | Will:+3 | Init:+2) Survival +6, Perception +3, Sense-Motive +3. Intimidate +4, Knowledge(Dungeoneering) +6;

"No questions, Venture-Captain"

Kellner shivered and drew his coat tight around the neck.
Kellner shivered at the thought of Irrisen and damned witches, damned magic, damned cold.

He cast a weary glance about the boat and his companions. He caught the eye of their guide, the Varki.

"Greetings, Haltani! What cursed luck landed you this cosy job?"

She eyed him with amusement, saying nothing.
"I must ask her about her experience in these parts" he thought to himself. 'Local Knowledge on the ground', his training taught him, 'is better than any map alone'.

He looked around at the others: the tiefling clown; the quiet student of stone; the elf and the angelkin.

"I'm Kellner ... or, Tomas - if you like", he said, curtly, to the group. At that his words failed. A letter of introduction would have served him better, but he didn't have one. The last, from an old Captain he served under, he remembered well.

Short and to the point: "Tomas Kellner, a sergeant in my platoon is a capable, if inexperienced soldier. He fought commendably under my command in several marine and alpine assaults. He has my recommendation. You will recognise him thus: 6'1, 185, brown hair, brown eyes. Yours ..."

Silver Crusade

Male Tiefling Alchemist (Chirurgeon) 3 | HP: 21/21 | AC: 12 (16); Tch: 12 (14); FF: 10 (12) | Init: +4 | Perc: +6 (+5) | Fort +4; Ref +6; Will +3 (+2); +2 bonus vs. poison

"Captain? May we buy cold weather gear from your ship's stores? Hail, fellow Pathfinders!" The alchemist smiles at each of you. It's a horrid sight.

Scarab Sages

The captain graciously allows all of you who don't have a set of cold weather gear yet to buy it from the ships quartermaster (who can also sell you nearly any mundane or alchemical gear in addition to magic items worth 2,500 gp or less if you want to make any last minute purchases, this is one incredibly well supplied ship)

Haltani answers Tomas Keller with a wink "It's all I have to see more of the world, sailing a boat get's me around"

Since you have no more questions the Venture-Captain leaves you in the capable hands of Haltani who checks if any of you have experience with sailing a boat (profession sailor for example), if you do she will assist you..if no one of you knows how to operate a boat she will do it and asks for the occasional hand to help her out.

The wind carries the small sailing vessel upriver. On the banks, the occasional elk or deer dashes away at the sight of the ship. At night, the temperature drops dramatically while wolves howl in the distance. The trip up the Rimeflow and Thundering Rivers takes several weeks, but passes in relative safety. Most of the landscape is comprised of rocky grassland and rough hills. The Land of the Linnorm Kings is a rugged land with rugged people. Occasionally you pass fishing villages where
grim people give them evaluating gazes, scowl at them, or ignore them completely.

As a way of introducing yourselves (further)

During the trip, usually when the group camps for the night, Uliyara speaks with each of you individually. She asks you about yourselves, bringing up topics such as their homelands, your religious beliefs, your roles in the Pathfinder Society, the strange lands they have visited, and any unusual or noteworthy objects they possess. Her questions often show how little she knows about the rest of Golarion

So please, each of you tell a story about yourself. You can attempt a single skill check to represent the impression that you
make on Haltani. You can for example use Diplomacy to befriend her, Bluff to tell wild stories, Intimidate to appear tough or dangerous, or Knowledge (geography) to accurately recount their travels. Or anything else you can come up with that also makes sense to me. Based on how much information you divulge about your background, beliefs, and experience, I can award a circumstance bonus on the skill check.

Dark Archive

Female Half Elf (mysterious Stranger) 1 | hp 13/13 | AC 14 | Touch 11 | FF 13 | Fort +4 | Ref +5 | Will -1; +2 vs Ench | CMD 14 | Init +5 | Perc +1

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Caswallon regarded the tiefling for a brief moment and when he smiled she shook her for a brief moment, ugly at it's finest here. Then there was the Aasimar who seemed to add some beauty to the party. Then ofcourse there were others as well, overall this was a colourful group she got herself mixed up in. Her cold weather outfit helped her to remain topside and assist Uliyara when it was needed. She kept to herself unless approached for the time being, just to see who was what in the group. When Uliyara came up to her and made small talk with her she was huddled in her cold weather cloak, a scarf covering her mouth to keep her warm enough.

"Greetings Uliyara, I hope this evening finds you well?" A smile touched her lips for a brief moment when asked more about herself "I was born in Chelliax where my father raised me for the most of my life, my mother... No idea..." She seemed lost in thoughts for a brief moment before continuing "During my childhood I became obsessed with gunpowder and shortly after that with pistols. This didn't sit well with my father and he removed me from his estate. After that I wandered around till I hooked up with some members of the Society and after that... well here I am" The last response brought a wry smile on her lips as she waited to see if any of the members wanted to know more about her or if their host was going to ask more from her.

Scarab Sages

To avoid some confusion about the name being used, they seem to switch between using Haltani's first and last (Uliyara) name in the scenario, but it's the same person

Halatani responds with sympathy to the story Caswallon is telling her.

Onix:
During the trip you hear a voice as if someone is standing right next to you even though no one is there which tells you:
"Scarab Scholar, I require your help. Find an ice diamond in Irrisen, high quality. Mined in Wintercrux, very rare. Bring to me. Possible Sage Jewel.” (You can try a DC 15 Knowledge (geography or local) check to see if you know more about these diamonds

Silver Crusade

F Aasimar (Angelkin) Bloodrager/4 Oracle/1 (HP 52/52 | AC:22 | T:15 | FF:17 | CMB:8 | CMD:22 | Fort:+9 | Ref:+5 | Will:+4 | Init:+3 | Perc:+3 | Speed:30) PFS#: 115025-5
Bloodrage Stats:
(HP 62/62 | AC:20 | T:13 | FF:16 | CMB:10 | CMD:24 | Fort:+11 | Ref:+5 | Will:+6 | Init:+3 | Perc:+3 | Speed:30)
Abilities/Spells:
Bloodrage: 11/11 | Lv1: 2/2 | Destined Strike: 3/3 | Alter Self: 1/1 | Oracle Lv1: 4/4

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

"I used to think I was human," Aryn tells Haltani and the others. "Both my parents were human, and the only difference in appearance between myself and humans is my hair. It was blond once, until I was... fourteen? Something like that. It then started to turn white, but it glisters silver whenever the sun shines on it."

"I joined the Andoran army when I hit eighteen and made it to General over the course of years. While I saw everyone around me age I noticed I barely did. I was convinced there was something strange about myself, but wasn't sure what it was. When I was nearly fifty, still looking like at twenty-year-old, I finally met someone like myself."

Aryn shifts a bit before she continues talking. "Her name was Masizu. She told me she was an aasimar and explained to me what that meant. It was then that I realized what I am. It took me quite a while," she says the last with a soft laugh.

"After serving the Andoran army for exactly fifty years I decided to quit. I then joined the Silver Crusade, to which Masizu had introduced me. this is only my fifth mission for the Society, but I've been to the lands of the Linnorm Kings before during one of those missions. I had to escort a party of goblins back then."

Aryn takes her wayfinder and shows it to Haltani. It has 'Aryn Seavon' engraved on the back. "This is my wayfinder. Most Pathfinders have one. I earned mine after my first mission, which involved exploring and mapping a cave system."

Scarab Sages

Haltani is clearly impressed by Aryn opening up about herself and sharing how she started in the Pathfinder Society aswell.

Scarab Sages

Qinggong Student of Stone 4 HP: 35/35 AC: 15 FF: 15 Touch: 13 Init:+0 F:+8, R:+5, W:+8 Perception+10 Sense Motive+10(effects)

Revvy:

No knowledges here.

"Okay. I find Ice Diamond"

"Monks find baby Onix next to volcano named Sokar's boil in desert named Footprints of Rovagug. Take me back to Sothis. Train me to fight. I grow strong and they send me to Pathfinder Society. First I fight little half-man with axe in Absalom, he hurt. Then I go to funeral, very sad, but unliving go too and we fight. Then I go fight machine-men, they hurt alot. Then I go fight more undead and they tell me to eat a soft-skin, but I say no. Then I go here." He says very slowly and methodically as though he was not used to speaking this much. He does however aid his story with visual re-enactments.

Profession(Mime)!: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

Liberty's Edge

Human Male (Fighter/1 | HP 10/10 | HP(NL) 10/10 | AC:19 | T:12 | FF:14 | CMB:6 | CMD:15 | Fort:+3 | Ref:+2 | Will:+3 | Init:+2) Survival +6, Perception +3, Sense-Motive +3. Intimidate +4, Knowledge(Dungeoneering) +6;

On a mild night, the wind no longer howling but whispering, Tomas found himself on deck with Haltani. The other passengers resting after a cold day and a hot meal sat huddled about sheltered spots on the deck.

"I never understood them - the stars - as a boy", he said, staring up at the clear bejeweled sky. "They were just random dots. I knew they had names and there were lines to be drawn but the only one that stood out was ...". He paused. " ... well, my people called it Sarenrae. As a boy, gaurding the family flock at night from predators of the four and two-legged kind, if we got lost, I always knew if I could see her arm pointing to the pole-star and spy the temple-spire I could find my way back home".

He looked across at Halani, wondering what the local folk-wisdom from her lands called the constellation. He knew something of navigating by the stars, picked up as a soldier - often as a soldier on boats. He'd seen a device - the sextant, used expertly with a celestial almanac by navigators - guide ships safely home after storms. He wished he had one or knew how to use one. "Soon!", he said to himself, "When I have enough money.".

He wasn't a zealout, or a particularly observant acolyte of the deity but an indomitable faith burned in his soul guiding him like that star on a path he couldn't clearly discern but knew was right.

"I was a soldier, a boy soldier. The recruiters came to the village one summer, bought the lads food, beer, regailed us with tales of brave battles, busty wenches. Said there was treasure and glory out there if we followed them. So, we did. Five of us, upped and left that very day. Kissed our crying mums goodbye, packed our bags and marched into the sunset singing and laughing".

His face suddenly contorted with anger and disgust. He spat over the side and wiped a sleeve across his mouth. "And there were plenty battles, alright; and a few kind-hearted women along the way, but it was bloody and evil, and for every good meal and cold pint there were a dozen lashes - mostly for nothing".

His tough life on the farm had made him resilient. The harsh weather and never-ending toil enured him to a cold and brutal climate. The beatings his father gave him accustomed him to cruel and arbitrary punishment. Without these, he'd likely not have survived to 19.

He glanced at Haltani. She nodded, silently, listening, letting him talk. She had the look of someone who might have known similar woes but he never could tell. "Often, the more a person suffers, the easier they bare it", he thought.

"Well ...", he continued, "I chucked that in 3 months back. Cashed in my chips and caught a ship to Bloodcove, hoping to earn my keep as a sell-sword. I'd been there before, with the army: liked the climate and the food. I could live with seeing sell-swords die but I'll never soldier again. I saw too many friends snuffed out, hanging on to their guts while their blood watered worthless dirt, oceans from home: all for love of the King".

"That didn't work out so well. Had a bit of a celebration when we landed. Fell into merry company and drank enough grog to kill a horse. I woke up on the floor of an empty tavern the next morning: my face burst like an orange, bruised knuckles, cuts up and down my arms. The money ... all gone. No sign of my new friends, only a soldierly looking bloke at the bar sitting watching me".

The man was an agent of 'Liberty's Edge' and he offered Tomas a way out of his situation if he'd work for the faction conducting 'missions'. He knew all about Tomas, growing up on the farm, his short service in the army. Apparently 'the edge' had friends everywhere. "You're our sort of man", he'd said. "You know Engineering, how to disable - and enable - traps; you're an athletic swimmer and climber. You're the sort of man who could do well for us, if you go where we tell you ... and we'll pay you good coin!".

Tomas didn't much like the sound of "go where we tell you" but he needed the money - and a job - and he'd rather work for 'the edge' than any puffed up monarch. All his life he'd watched good, hardworking people ground into the dirt by lying, corrupt rulers. Maybe the edge would give him a chance to set things right in a few places. "Okay, I'll do it!".

Tomas looked over at Haltani, her hand on the tiller looking serenly up river; snow-capped peaks lit eery blue under the moon. "So ...", he continued, "The man gave me a job. Sent me up here, told me to find 'a friend' who'd mention my name to the Venture-Captain and get me aboard this boat. I know I'm young and inexperienced, dont have much money or gear, but I can earn my keep. I reckon I might be our best climber and swimmer; got a rope and some pitons - case anyone needs hauled up a cliff - a vial of Alchemists' Fire and a set of Thieves' Tools from Bloodcove. I was told I might need them for this 'mission."

He smiled, meekly then fell silent. A look of strange contentment settled across his features as he looked to the pole-star.

Scarab Sages

Haltani is very much impressed by Onix visual re-enactments. He spins a very impressive tale.

As he finishes telling the story Haltani takes out a a pale blue diamond necklace from under her furs and gazes longingly at it as if remembering something and then puts it back, as Onix thinks about it, she has been doing that from time to time ever since you got on the boat with her.

Haltani listens to Tomas story as he tells it and is glad to know more about the man she's on a boat with right now and about the world outside the land she's lived in all her live.

Over the course of a few days it seems you made a strong impression on Haltani who already was friendly to you to start with.

Going to wait a bit to give Missforstatt a chance to tell his story (if he wants)

Silver Crusade

Male Tiefling Alchemist (Chirurgeon) 3 | HP: 21/21 | AC: 12 (16); Tch: 12 (14); FF: 10 (12) | Init: +4 | Perc: +6 (+5) | Fort +4; Ref +6; Will +3 (+2); +2 bonus vs. poison

The alchemist is pleased with Haltani's attention! "There's not many who speak to Misbegotten Misforstått so politely or with such interest!" the tiefling thinks to himself.

Misforstått details his first mission:
"Well, Gracious Lady Haltani, my very first foray with the Pathfinder Society was in Absalom. As a new field agent, I was sent to do many tasks for many people--Venture Captains and other persons of interest to the Society! I had to go to the docks and retrieve a box. I had to speak to a nice lady who took care of sick children, I had to go into Zarta Dralneen's bedroom, and then I went into a basement beneath Amenopheus' office. He seemed pleased that I did not turn blue."

Misforstått details his second mission:
"Thank you, Most Gracious Lady Haltani for continuing to listen to this Misbegotten one's stories! For my second outing as a field agent I want to a Fallen Fortress near Absalom. There were very many stinky lizards there. I also worked on improving my home-made tanglefoot bags! You'll never guess what the special ingredient is." He looks around conspiratorially, as though keeping a secret between the two of them. As he leans in, the warm noxious breath from the tiefling washes over Haltani. "I start with the tar from birch bark, chiclero trees, or mastic shrubs." He lowers his voice to a whisper, "Then I mix in molasses or maple syrup." His voice lowers again, "Then finally, I added in... Boogers!"

Misforstått details his third mission:
"I found my most recent mission to be most confusing! We were sent on vacation! I saw a circus. There was a dragon who was not a dragon. There was a sphinx who was not a sphinx, but liked to show her... uh... woman parts. In truth, I just threw my bombs where my allies told me to."

Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16

(GM: I made a typo earlier when I gave myself a -2 to gather information. I'm only at a -1 for diplomacy. It won't affect my Gather Info result! :-) But I wanted to let you know.)

Scarab Sages

Against all odds the man who farted while asking for information before manages to make a favorable impression..even while describing how to make his own tanglefoot bags with "special" ingredients.

Scarab Sages

As you continue your trip along the river;

A bend in the river and several large rocks cause white-water rapids across most of the water’s breadth; only a narrow channel with a swift current flows without obstruction near the southern bank. Tall trees grow on either shore, casting shadows with their large overhanging branches.

At that point a net springs up in the water with your boat heading towards it - and will soon be caught in it which will stop your ship from moving further - and 2 humans of Ulfen linage step forward from behind some foliage. They carry longspears and have some javelins strapped to their backs. "Halt!, We demand to know what business you have traveling toward Irrisen, and to search your ship"

The guard’s weapons are not drawn.

DC 15 Sense Motive:
You discern that the guards are wary, but that they don’t intend to initiate violence.

Liberty's Edge

Human Male (Fighter/1 | HP 10/10 | HP(NL) 10/10 | AC:19 | T:12 | FF:14 | CMB:6 | CMD:15 | Fort:+3 | Ref:+2 | Will:+3 | Init:+2) Survival +6, Perception +3, Sense-Motive +3. Intimidate +4, Knowledge(Dungeoneering) +6;

Sense Motive: 3 + 2 = 5

Kellner is uneasy. Sense tells him that legitimate authority doesn't hide in trees and set traps: brigands and deserters do. Though, he doesn't know the country or this stretch of the river. It may be used by smugglers and renegades ... even soldiers, supplementing their income.

One thing he knew: without the boat and its supplies this mission is over. Unless ...

"How far are we from our destination, Haltani?", he whispers. "Could we make it overland if we lose the boat?

Would now be a good time to don armour (if it's not on me already and I've not exhausted my actions)? Could that provoke an attack of opportunity?

Liberty's Edge

Human Male (Fighter/1 | HP 10/10 | HP(NL) 10/10 | AC:19 | T:12 | FF:14 | CMB:6 | CMD:15 | Fort:+3 | Ref:+2 | Will:+3 | Init:+2) Survival +6, Perception +3, Sense-Motive +3. Intimidate +4, Knowledge(Dungeoneering) +6;

Kellner looks to Onix, with a feeling the taciturn monk can sense if the Ulfen are up to something.

Peering in to the trees his straining gaze picks nothing up. It's just too far and too dark.

He peered at the water thinking: 'once we get in to the calmer shallows, I might quietly slip over with a weapon and flank the Ulfen'. Not knowing how cold or fast the water was, though, he wasn't sure how to calculate his chances. Haltani might know ... or someone trained in the ways of nature.

Scarab Sages

@Tomas; Depending on what type of armor; it takes a while to get into armor. From the top of my head..about a minute whithout help..and you have a few seconds before the boat will hit the net. It's up to you if you want to have been traveling on a boat in armor. It's not unwise to wear armor when you expect trouble (which you do), but it's also smart to not wear a whole lot of heavy stuff if you think there's a chance to fall into a river and drown (due to armor check penalties). Also..you are basicly in a large open boat..so if you start to put armor on, the guards might not see that in a favorably light

Haltani whispers back "It's going to take a bit longer, we are close and can most likely make it with the suplies we have..but I'd prefer to not loose the boat"

Going to wait for a more responses from people before continuing

Dark Archive

Female Half Elf (mysterious Stranger) 1 | hp 13/13 | AC 14 | Touch 11 | FF 13 | Fort +4 | Ref +5 | Will -1; +2 vs Ench | CMD 14 | Init +5 | Perc +1

Sense Motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13

She made her way on the deck when they were stopped. A frown caressed her brows for the briefest of moments as she took a step back to let others handle this situation, for now. She leaned casually against the railing of the boat, hands tucked under the heavy cloak, close to the pistol and ready to take action should the time require it, yet she hoped they could pass without any incident

Silver Crusade

Male Tiefling Alchemist (Chirurgeon) 3 | HP: 21/21 | AC: 12 (16); Tch: 12 (14); FF: 10 (12) | Init: +4 | Perc: +6 (+5) | Fort +4; Ref +6; Will +3 (+2); +2 bonus vs. poison

Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 19 (Woo hoo!)

Fellow players: Sorry if this messes up your intent, but Misforstått is a lonely, ugly, misbegotten, misunderstood outsider. Anytime someone isn't trying to kill him, he wants to be their friend. I've always played him this way. (You can check my previous play by post games.)

Adressing the party, the tiefling says: "Pathfinders, they mean us no harm. Ease yourselves. You can see that they haven't even drawn their weapons. Besides, Venture-Captain Calisro Benarry told us not to antagonize any locals. Ooh! Perhaps we can make friends!"

Adressing the Ulfen, the alchemist says: "Friends! Please come aboard! This Misbegotten one's name is Misforstått! What are your names? Oh! When you get aboard, let me show you how how to make tanglefoot bags!" Misforstått smiles his biggest, sincerest smile and bows very low from the edge (railing?) of the boat. Thankfully, since he's facing the Ulfen, the only people that he accidentally moons is the party--and Haltani.

Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16 (Woo hoo, again!)

GM: Are there any other Ulfen (or other creatures) along the river or elsewhere nearby? In hiding or out in the open? What is the terrain along the riverbank like? Are there good places to hide for an ambush?

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Misforstått looks around: "Um, new Ulfen friends? Where should we dock?"

Scarab Sages

A bend in the river and several large rocks cause white-water rapids across most of the water’s breadth; only a narrow channel with a swift current flows without obstruction near the southern bank. Tall trees grow on either shore, casting shadows with their large overhanging branches.

Sorry, no map for this encounter atm, I'll set one up if you decide to start to fight

As far as you can tell there are no other Ulfen (or other creatures - well..larger then a chipmunk anyway)) around. And yes, there are some pretty decent places for an ambush, that and the narrowing in the river is pretty much why they picked this spot. The 2 Ulfen emerged from hiding when you arrived here.

As Misforstått wonders about where to dock the boat moves forward and bumps into the net - instantly stopping it's forward motion

(A DC 15 reflex save for everyone or end up prone in the boat)

The Ulfen stand at ease as Misforstått adresses them, weapons still in reach but not drawn or aimed in your direction.

One of the guards speaks:

"I am Schorrie, this is Morrie"

"We would like it very much if you would join us on the shore and join us in a visit to Whiterook and talk to our battle leader, Halvor."

Even though they sound very polite about it, it's not really a question.

You can easily stow the boat somewhere at the riverbank and get to the shore if you decide to do so.

Haltani keeps quite through all of this
Up to you guys on what you want to do here, it's a pretty sandboxy scenario

Silver Crusade

Male Tiefling Alchemist (Chirurgeon) 3 | HP: 21/21 | AC: 12 (16); Tch: 12 (14); FF: 10 (12) | Init: +4 | Perc: +6 (+5) | Fort +4; Ref +6; Will +3 (+2); +2 bonus vs. poison

In character, the alchemist will happily comply with the request from his new "friends."

Since the reflex save is just to avoid falling prone, the tiefling will simply fail and fall onto his face. "Oof!!!"

Asking Haltani as he gets up: "We've been sailing for so long. Whose lands are we in now? Do you know anything about these local Ulfen?"

Scarab Sages

Map of the country

Haltani quitetly answers to Misforstatt's question that you are roughly on the border between Southmore and Irrisen, near the town of Whiterook.

Yeah, the reflex save (other then flavor) just matters if you decide to start a fight and some of you might start prone

Dark Archive

Female Half Elf (mysterious Stranger) 1 | hp 13/13 | AC 14 | Touch 11 | FF 13 | Fort +4 | Ref +5 | Will -1; +2 vs Ench | CMD 14 | Init +5 | Perc +1

The tiefling will make this a fun adventure :P

Reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

The moment the boat hit the net it took a mere sidestep and she was steadied once more. Her eyes flashed up to see what caused them to stop before looking at the Ulfen to see if their stance changed. Judging by how they remained standing they knew it was comming apparently. A mere shake from her head to indicate this was going to be an interesting adventure. Going over the possible scenarios her mind was going over the options "This will be an interesting change of scenery for sure, not sure what to expect with the Ulfen..." Turning her head she saw that the Tiefling was playing ragdoll on the deck. Taking a step forward, yet remaining outside of the range of the Ulfen she spoke up.

"We thank you for the offer, however due to circumstances I would ask you if we could postpone the meeting and go on our way, we mean no insult to the honorable Battle Leader..."

A smile touched her lips as to drive home the point that they were just harmless travelers not looking to be involved in any fights or politics with the Ulfen.

Silver Crusade

Male Tiefling Alchemist (Chirurgeon) 3 | HP: 21/21 | AC: 12 (16); Tch: 12 (14); FF: 10 (12) | Init: +4 | Perc: +6 (+5) | Fort +4; Ref +6; Will +3 (+2); +2 bonus vs. poison

Thanks! :-D

Misforstått whispers to the gunslinger as he looks hopefully at the elf: "Mysterious Lady Caswallon, do you suspect our new Ulfen friends of bad intentions? We have been sailing for several weeks already. Surely a brief delay won't hurt our mission."

He kind of wears his heart on his sleeve; it's very easy to tell what he thinks and feels. Much like a puppy meeting other dogs on a walk in the park, the alchemist is metaphorically "tugging" on his "leash" and "wagging" his "tail" very excitedly. (Wait. He has a tail.) The tiefling is literally wagging his tail very, very excitedly!

Scarab Sages

"I am sorry, but I'm afraid we will have to insist on you accompanying us to our leader. You can sort out everything with someone who is above our paygrade. But don't worry, it's not that far and shouldn't take too much of your time"

The guard slowly moves his hands to where he keeps his weapons as he smiles at Caswallon

Dark Archive

Female Half Elf (mysterious Stranger) 1 | hp 13/13 | AC 14 | Touch 11 | FF 13 | Fort +4 | Ref +5 | Will -1; +2 vs Ench | CMD 14 | Init +5 | Perc +1

She regarded the Tiefling as he whispered to her, his actions did indeed seem to be that of a puppy looking to get a pet on the head, just for the extra treat. It was in a way amusing but it could spell trouble. She was about to answer the Tiefling when the Ulfen spoke up once more, this time with a hint of more violence in his statement and getting close to drawing weapons. She let out a sigh and then shook her head, now wasn't the time to start a fight or initiate one, better to finish this on her terms and not his.

"There is no need for any veiled threats to nudge us towards your Battle Leader..."

Scarab Sages

K, going to give the others some more time to see if they want to fight their way out..otherwise I'll assume you guys will follow the guards back to their leader

Liberty's Edge

Human Male (Fighter/1 | HP 10/10 | HP(NL) 10/10 | AC:19 | T:12 | FF:14 | CMB:6 | CMD:15 | Fort:+3 | Ref:+2 | Will:+3 | Init:+2) Survival +6, Perception +3, Sense-Motive +3. Intimidate +4, Knowledge(Dungeoneering) +6;

Tomas cursed himself for not donning his armour earlier. He daren't make a move, though, in sight of the Ulfen. A twitch could provoke slaughter: he'd seen it many times before. The situation did not look good from his point of view. His couldn't but he knew some races' sensitive eyes could pierce the dark with their vision. They might discern if those two were alone or the front-guard of a band of 10. Similarly, his sense of the motives of others and skills in diplomacy were ... well, 'limited'.

With seconds until the boat hit the net, his frame tautened, mind focussed, in fear and incipient violence. No armour, no bloody shield. He daren't draw either or a weapon. One of the Ulfen would have a spear through his chest in seconds if they were any good. That is ... if there were only two, not ten! Talk, fight, run (or, rather swim), or surrender. He gritted his teeth in anger. Sods odds and a closed book to boot!

He glanced quickly about the deck and saw Caswallon leaning nonchallantly against the rail as if unware of the danger. He was about to hiss something abrupt at her when he saw the hand, the ruffles in her cloak and the outline of a pistol. "Good lass!", he thought "We're two, at least (if I can get my crossbow out in time)".

He saw the Tiefling, Misforstatt, looking intensely at the Ulfen - as if he were picking a scent up in the wind. He hadn't much liked the look of the ugly creature at first but when he thought about it, he'd known uglier humans - good, brave, kind men - he'd happily fought and drunk with.

When Misforstatt spoke, Kellner let out a sigh of immense relief and relaxed. "Ah Misfortatt - the Goddess bless you, you strange creature", he said to himself. After Misforstatt spoke to the guards he called to him saying "Nice work, Misforstatt", without saying how grateful he was to be out of that situation.

Reflex: 21 = 21
The boat stopped at the net with a jolt. Seeing the Tiefling fall to the ground he smiled to himself. Then the guards spoke.

"We would like it very much if ..."He could guess what that meant: the same as a captain's "you men will be volunteering for ...". Questions ran through his mind. "So, Halvor wants a visit does he?", "I wonder why?", "Are we on the same side?", "Is Halvor the competition?", "Are we walking in to a trap?". "No, not a trap: if they'd wanted our gear or our lives they'd have taken it a moment ago". "What does this bloody Halvor want with us?". Then he smiled and said to himself: "Well Kellner, this is what you signed up for - an adventure!".

An armed guard through unknown territory was no bad thing. Whatever Halvor's intentions his guards would surely see them safe to Whiterook. If they didn't, know doubt Halvor would make them suffer. "We need to endear them to us ... ", he thought: "... make them feel we're comrades, not prisoners. Perhaps the more diplomatic of the group could help with that".

When Caswallon spoke he feared for a moment it might provoke a more heavier handed invitation. He saw the guard gesture to his weapon and smile and he knew for sure this wasn't an invitation, and they weren't going to be comrades any time soon. He'd don his armour at the first opportunity.

Scarab Sages

Qinggong Student of Stone 4 HP: 35/35 AC: 15 FF: 15 Touch: 13 Init:+0 F:+8, R:+5, W:+8 Perception+10 Sense Motive+10(effects)

Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Onix is knocked over and rolls into a ball as he falls. "We go." The Oread nods.

Silver Crusade

Male Tiefling Alchemist (Chirurgeon) 3 | HP: 21/21 | AC: 12 (16); Tch: 12 (14); FF: 10 (12) | Init: +4 | Perc: +6 (+5) | Fort +4; Ref +6; Will +3 (+2); +2 bonus vs. poison

"Excellent! Let's go!" Misforstått exclaims excitedly with a smile. (It looks absolutely hideous!)

His tail wags even faster. He disembarks the boat as fast as he can to greet his new Ulfen friends. He does not hug them, though. He learned, the hard way, during his first few missions as a Pathfinder field agent: most sentient creatures don't like it when he gives them all-over body hugs. Go figure...

Just for RP fun:
"Schorrie and Morrie, eh? Are you related?"

"Say, you fellows are truly impressive physical specimens. Would you mind if I took some tissue samples for my research? I am an alchemist, you see. I've been collecting samples of powerful beings. I believe I can help them become even more powerful." The alchemist says whilst picking his nose.

"Have you ever used tanglefoot bombs? They're great! Let me tell you how I make mine ..."

"Have you ever been to Absalom? If you get a chance to go, I strongly urge you to stay away from Zarta Dralneen's bedroom! There are invisible things in there that attack you without warning or provocation! Why, once we ..."

"How do you gentlemen deal with such extreme cold on a day to day basis? I've never encountered a people so comfortable in such a harsh environment. The harshest thing I ever had to deal with is ..."

"Did you know that most people don't like to be hugged? Strange, is it not? Once, I met this wonderfully powerful barbarian, Imposing Lady Evenstar. She punched me every time I got close! Why, one time ..."

Scarab Sages

to add to the fun:
Yeah, this here is my brother says Schorie as he points at Morie. And no, I'm rather...attached to my tissue, so I'd be keeping it with me if you don't mind. ..he skips a few breaths as he tries to keep up with the questions..and then gives up and just skips a few No, never been further away from town then well...the next town....and what cold are you talking about? It's a lovely day...nah, cold..cold was what we had a few months ago..Morie sneezed and the boogers just froze inside his beard..now..that was cold.

You dock your boat somewhere out of the way (for as far as that is possible) and get out and prepare for travel.

The guards understand that walking through a country that has bears wandering around (not to mention Ice trolls, wolves and even worse things) without your armor and weapons isn't the most.....health conscious choice so they have no objections to you putting on your armor and taking your traveling gear (including weapons) with you.

One of the guards stays behind while the other one guides you back to his leader.

Haltani stays quite the entire time, she seems nervous and doesn't seem happy about the circumstances.

The village of Whiterook sits against a tall cliff wall. A line of close-growing birch trees and tangle of vines shield the village, acting as a natural palisade. One of the larger birches bears a carved bird, which lends the village its name. In the center of the village, a massive fire pit sits stocked with timbers and dry brush as if ready for a massive bonfire.
Several humanoid bodies hang naked in the trees outside the palisade. Hanging next to them is the skinned corpse of what appears to be a bear-sized wolf.

Haltani stares at the hanging bodies, muttering under her breath, “Savage butchers… monsters all.”

The guards lead you into Whiterook, their small but well defended village. The people here are tough, worn down by regular raids from the forces of Irrisen. While going about their daily chores, they give you wary looks

The guards lead you to the center of the village, near the unlit fire pit, while one of Whiterook’s citizens fetches the village’s battle leader, Halvor. He is a tall man with massive muscles, long blond hair, and a thick beard, whose face bears numerous battle scars.

Halvor says: "State what business you have this far east"

Silver Crusade

Male Tiefling Alchemist (Chirurgeon) 3 | HP: 21/21 | AC: 12 (16); Tch: 12 (14); FF: 10 (12) | Init: +4 | Perc: +6 (+5) | Fort +4; Ref +6; Will +3 (+2); +2 bonus vs. poison
Revvy Bitterleaf wrote:
...just froze inside his beard..now..that was cold.

BWAHAHAHAHAHA! :-)

____________________________________________________________

Revvy Bitterleaf wrote:
Haltani stays quite the entire time, she seems nervous and doesn't seem happy about the circumstances.

Sense Motive on Haltani: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0

"Constipation, eh? Don't worry, I can make you a laxative when we get back to the boat," Misforstått offers the Varki woman.
____________________________________________________________

Revvy Bitterleaf wrote:

Several humanoid bodies hang naked in the trees outside the palisade. Hanging next to them is the skinned corpse of what appears to be a bear-sized wolf.

[...]

Halvor says: "State what business you have this far east"

The tiefling tucks his tail between his legs and waits for someone more charismatic to speak.

Silver Crusade

F Aasimar (Angelkin) Bloodrager/4 Oracle/1 (HP 52/52 | AC:22 | T:15 | FF:17 | CMB:8 | CMD:22 | Fort:+9 | Ref:+5 | Will:+4 | Init:+3 | Perc:+3 | Speed:30) PFS#: 115025-5
Bloodrage Stats:
(HP 62/62 | AC:20 | T:13 | FF:16 | CMB:10 | CMD:24 | Fort:+11 | Ref:+5 | Will:+6 | Init:+3 | Perc:+3 | Speed:30)
Abilities/Spells:
Bloodrage: 11/11 | Lv1: 2/2 | Destined Strike: 3/3 | Alter Self: 1/1 | Oracle Lv1: 4/4

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

"Greetings, Halvor," Aryn says as she steps up. "My name's Aryn Seavon, and my companions and I are on our way to Naldak's Point. There we'll do some archaeological digging. We have great interest in what we may uncover from an earlier period."

"Since we ended up here on our way to our destination, perhaps you or other locals could tell us some more about the region and its history. This seems to me like a perfect opportunity to learn more about it, as there's no doubt locals know their country best."

Scarab Sages

“Going into Irrisen expecting anything but death is folly. Ice and pain await you there; even if you live, you will have lost much by going there. Turn back. Abandon whatever fool’s errand has sent you.”

Scarab Sages

Qinggong Student of Stone 4 HP: 35/35 AC: 15 FF: 15 Touch: 13 Init:+0 F:+8, R:+5, W:+8 Perception+10 Sense Motive+10(effects)

"We have job to do. We go do it."

Liberty's Edge

Human Male (Fighter/1 | HP 10/10 | HP(NL) 10/10 | AC:19 | T:12 | FF:14 | CMB:6 | CMD:15 | Fort:+3 | Ref:+2 | Will:+3 | Init:+2) Survival +6, Perception +3, Sense-Motive +3. Intimidate +4, Knowledge(Dungeoneering) +6;

"Sir, my master is a harsh man. If I return without completing my mission I expect death - or great pain - from him. He has many mercantile concerns and expects me to further these in Dalun. If we're successful, I expect a trade route there might be established. If the route passes this way, I'm sure you would receive levies for the grant of passage."

Kellner saw how Haltani reacted and sensed there was the taint of chaos in these peoples' hearts. Though, their behaviour showed a certain regard for law and order. "Out and out predators would have killed us all by now and stripped our bodies and the boat of anything valuable.".

Perhaps Haltani was just shocked at the sight of cruel and unusual punishment meted out to what may have been the poachers or brigands hanging from the trees.

He didn't like the empty fire-pit, though. Something would be happening later. It might be a celebration and a good opportunity to make friends and build alliances. It might be some vicious pagan ceremony, or cannibalistic feast. "Perhaps we're dinner - fresh from the water?" he thought.

With only half a day's march to Dalun - their penultimate destination - perhaps it would be wisest to just continue through.

Scarab Sages

"You people seem friendly enough, so let me give you a free piece of advice ; we are about to launch a strike force at the town of Dalun. So if you don't want to get caught up in the conflict I suggest you turn around and head back. Or if you want to fight at the side of justice you can join us and we extract our revenge!"

Let me tell you of Dalun their so called claims of peace. I believed those claims myself, up until the last moon. They sent envoys to talk of trade, but as we were about to let them in, we were attacked by winter wolves, ice trolls, and a dozen Jadwiga soldiers.” He spits on the ground before continuing. “We slew enough of them to scare them off, but lost many good warriors. I just wished we had captured that Jadwiga witch while she was here, but she vanished into the night.

“My warriors demand retribution!

Dark Archive

Female Half Elf (mysterious Stranger) 1 | hp 13/13 | AC 14 | Touch 11 | FF 13 | Fort +4 | Ref +5 | Will -1; +2 vs Ench | CMD 14 | Init +5 | Perc +1

A chuckle nearly slipped from her lips when Halvor offered his insight in their current endeavor. She shook her head for a brief moment and most likely hardly visible by those around her. She let the talking over to the Aasimar for now, her skills were more suited to intimidate other groups. Leaning back in the group she would keep a clear line of fire on Halvor should it come to a worse solution. For now, they were just having a chat... possible till the tiefling would say or do something...

When Halvor went on about his rant about war, retribution, holy cause and possible more ego boosting stuff a brow raised for a mere moment. Assisting them could give them an opening into the town, vanish during the fighting and then shoot those who oppose them, no matter what side they were on... win/win situation it seemed, and hey, possible money to make?

Silver Crusade

Male Tiefling Alchemist (Chirurgeon) 3 | HP: 21/21 | AC: 12 (16); Tch: 12 (14); FF: 10 (12) | Init: +4 | Perc: +6 (+5) | Fort +4; Ref +6; Will +3 (+2); +2 bonus vs. poison

@Party: I will try to dissuade the Ulfen. Our mission is to use the trade letter (that Captain Benarry gave us) in Dalun. It's really hard to trade when you're with a raiding force! It is also hard to trade when your trading partner is being attacked. I don't want to be forced to choose between attacking Dalun or defending it against the Ulfen.

@GM: How many Ulfen can we see here? Just a handful. More? If very many, I will try to dissuade Caswallon from shooting. Also, we had "several weeks" on a small boat (it's a river with rapids) with Haltani. Since she's our guide, can we presume she shared some Irriseni history with us? We are Pathfinders; history is our thing--we want the sky key, after all.

"Battle Leader Halvor. You and your people are very strong. No doubt: you are a fearsome force."

We were shown a map of the region. Misforstått will show it to Halvor.

"What proof have you that your attackers came from Dalun in particular? It is so far downriver. It makes more sense for Jadwiga from somewhere closer to have attacked. If you go as far as Dalun, you run the risk of exposing your home and exposing yourselves to being surrounded. It is better to know your enemy and know that you bring retribution to the correct foe. Else you risk a war on multiple fronts. Is that not so, Wise Leader?"

Misforstått isn't charismatic, but he's super smart. (Int 20) I hope that Halvor can be convinced with logic.

Scarab Sages

Twelve Whiterook raiders watch you from nearby as you speak to Halvor

But theres an entire town filled with strudy folk around you. And just to point out...2 of these guys count as one encounter for you guys..this is 6 times that, along with the battle leader and some more back-up nearby

As Misforstatt asks for proof Halvor produces scraps of uniforms and other equipment. There is an insignia clearly visible on one of the uniforms

"Look, if my word of a witch along with Ice trolls isn't enough proof, look at these, these are clearly from those blasted people"

DC 15 Knowledge (nobility) check:
You recognize the insignia of Saarbotten, an Irriseni town near the border

Silver Crusade

Male Tiefling Alchemist (Chirurgeon) 3 | HP: 21/21 | AC: 12 (16); Tch: 12 (14); FF: 10 (12) | Init: +4 | Perc: +6 (+5) | Fort +4; Ref +6; Will +3 (+2); +2 bonus vs. poison

"Haltani? Can you tell if these uniforms are from Dalun?"

Scarab Sages

Haltani answers the question;

"This is the insignia for the town of Saarbotten, an Irriseni town near the border.Nearly every Irriseni settlements has its own forces and acts independently.

Silver Crusade

Male Tiefling Alchemist (Chirurgeon) 3 | HP: 21/21 | AC: 12 (16); Tch: 12 (14); FF: 10 (12) | Init: +4 | Perc: +6 (+5) | Fort +4; Ref +6; Will +3 (+2); +2 bonus vs. poison

"Thank you, Haltani."

"You see, Battle Leader. It is a ruse. Perhaps the Jadwiga from Saarbotten wish to lure you away from your home. Knowing this, it would be tactically risky to send your warriors all the way to Dalun."

Misforstått lets the evidence speak for itself. He hopes that more charismatic party members will follow-up.

Liberty's Edge

Human Male (Fighter/1 | HP 10/10 | HP(NL) 10/10 | AC:19 | T:12 | FF:14 | CMB:6 | CMD:15 | Fort:+3 | Ref:+2 | Will:+3 | Init:+2) Survival +6, Perception +3, Sense-Motive +3. Intimidate +4, Knowledge(Dungeoneering) +6;

Kellner listens to the discourse with interest.

While Misforstatt makes good points, he doesn't know how wise it is to question the tactical insight of a man in his own home - even if Halvor is wrong. Not, at least, while 12 of his warriors surround you in well guarded, bottle-necked terrain. Not while we're just five. Or, six counting Haltani, but he suspected Haltani would not want to make enemies of her neighbours.

With no knowledge of nobility he couldn't assess the relevance of the Saarbotten insignia. It wasn't unknown for commanders to dress their men up in an enemies insignia to provoke an advantageous political and military conflict. Nor for militias to contribute forces to their allies' activities. Or, indeed, be involved in a pincer movement: Saarbotten from the west, Dalun from the East.

There was still the possibility Halvor was lying: tricking them into lending men and arms for his assault till it was won. After which they might yet end up floating dead back to Kalsgard.

He cleared his throat, and spoke tensely.

"Sir, I'm sure my Alchemist colleague does not mean to question your tactical insight; nor your knowledge and experience in your own affairs; nor how to weigh the costs of risks you take. He is an eager, helpful soul and means only to help. We are unaware of the dangers in these parts and at Dalun. For us to choose wisely - whether to fight as comrades, or part as friends - it would help us greatly if you could inform us of the dangers about: troop strengths, armaments, factions ...? I'm also curious to know more about the Jadwiga Witch. Does she hold an evil sway over the creatures and peoples of the lands to the east?"

Silver Crusade

Male Tiefling Alchemist (Chirurgeon) 3 | HP: 21/21 | AC: 12 (16); Tch: 12 (14); FF: 10 (12) | Init: +4 | Perc: +6 (+5) | Fort +4; Ref +6; Will +3 (+2); +2 bonus vs. poison
Tomas Kellner wrote:
"Sir, I'm sure my Alchemist colleague does not mean to question your tactical insight"

Yes I do! :-) I mean to advise against attack. Explicitly. The Ulfen will be wiped out completely, if they attack. I am Silver Crusade; I don't want to see anybody wiped out. I am obligated, by my faction, to advocate for peace.

Also, Halvor did not invite us to join his raid. I expressed an out of character concern: IF the Ulfen attack, then we might be forced to choose sides because our mission orders include executing a trade letter with Dalun.

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