Sailing From the Fallen Star; Freedom for the Pressed

 

A band of  escaped human laborers from the excavation site on the north side of the island stalk through the jungle, searching for a way off Foch’Mat. The party hears the prisoners arguing with each other from a hundred ft. away. It appears two of the former prisoners, Rufos and Stelton, have differing opinions on the directions to their salvation. They almost come to blows by the time the party reaches them. Half of the group carries improvised or stolen weapons; clubs, spears, slings,and short swords. The rest hold rocks for flinging. If surprised, the group takes up a defensive position. 

Freedom for the Pressed Moderate Influence 

Once they realize the characters are not with The Armada, they are no longer hostile, but still keep their guard up. They inform the characters of their recent escape from captivity at the hands of Wulfkirk’s men after their fishing vessel was attacked without provocation. 

Influencing the Fugitives

Discovery DC 13 Society, DC 15 Perception

Influence Skills DC 10 Sailing Lore (Establish camaraderie with the escaped prisoners), DC 13 Society, DC 12 Intimidation, DC 16 Performance, DC 13 Diplomacy, DC 14 Deception

Influence Thresholds

Influence 4 They offer basic information about the excavation, as well as what they know of the island. They don’t know what the Garvfang soldiers are searching for, nor do they know anything about the Iron Chain - though they have seen more than one of the mysterious cloaked figures around the excavation site.

Influence 6 the group is convinced to join the party, they accompany the characters provided they are assured passage on their ship. If they survive and reach the lava tunnels with the party, they won’t risk their lives to go in, and will await the characters’ return at the tunnel mouth. Seeing the power of the party, they bide their time, but once on board the ship, they may consider commandeering the vessel at a future hour.

Influence 8 reveals the laborers to be lying about an aspect of their story. In truth, they were prisoners, and prior to that, criminals sentenced to death for robbery and murder.

Resistances The prisoners have suffered dehumanizing indignities at the hands of their Garvfang captors. Influence Appeals by a Garvfang or a character disguised as a Garvfang soldier increase the check’s DC by 2.

Weaknesses the escaped prisoners are obviously hungry offering them food reduces the Diplomacy DC by 2.