fine_young_misanthrope |
What you know
Calogero Gaetano |
"Ok, thanks, Winston," said Calogero, "you really know the neighbourhood well".
He looked at Auntie Baltwin house.
"I don't like to jump to conclusions to soon, but I think that she is running some kind of scam there", he correctes his belt, "lets talk with her and may be we can see, what's happening there".
fine_young_misanthrope |
You all make your way to Antie's Baltwin’s Home for Recovery. It is nearly swarming with cats and children, but this fine upper-class home appears to be clean and in good condition considering the number and ages of its inhabitants. Three young boys shoot marbles in the dirt near the side porch, and inside strewn toys and more cats lie about on the floors. A few children take care of chores, while coughs and sneezes softly erupt from the children’s dormitories upstairs.
Standard Pregen |
"I get the impression that she really likes cats..."
Hans looks around thoughtfully.
"Should we talk to the children first, before we head inside?"
Diplomacy is really not Hans' forte, so I will let someone else do the actual talking ;-)
Karuut |
Sure, but many people are put off by my demeanor and physical appearance. If you want answers, or hell even talking, I would recommend someone other than me do it.
Calogero Gaetano |
"hey, I have quite good negotiation skills.. You know, life of sailor is about talking your way out of troubles as often as using muscles.. I can talk with her to find out, what she is hiding."
Calogero Gaetano |
"Hey, lad,", silver coin and start tossing it up, catching it mid-air. "Boy, are you from there?", sailor pointed out Auntie's house. "Want you mind playing game of questions and answers?"
Calogero threw coin to boy, so he could catch that.
"If you answer well, you get coin; If you don't want answer - you just go away. If I like what you are telling, you might even get gold. But, I'm long time ashore, so not many of those funny shiny coins in my pouch. Anyway, I offer you fair change - information in exchange of silver..."
Diplomacy (gather info): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
fine_young_misanthrope |
The boy grabs the coin and runs quickly to your side. In an adorable street urchin accent he says, Golly mister! A whole coin! I wonder if this will pay my rent, so I don't hav' ta work no mor'. Auntie makes us all work so we can stay here. We all go out some days and clean houses so we can get food and a place to sleep. We take day trips to Eastgate a few times a week where we get payed all kinds of coins, but Antie says we have to give 'em all to her so we can say here. She's mean to us all, but she does cook great food and tells great bed time stories.
The boy waits expectantly for you to give him something.
Calogero Gaetano |
"Oh, Golly, I have a great news for you," Calogero brought out another silver coin, "because you got another coin!".
Sailor did pause for a moment and then said:
"But to earn it, you'll need to go and walk till evening. You can buy some butter corn or fresh juice there. And never say anyone, where did you got this coin from".
Then he turned to his companions: "Ok, now I'm pretty sure it's some kind of scam and need your help. I think she is using those kids and of course great stew and bedtime story is less, than they earn. But what should we do? If we break her dirty deals, kids will stay on streets."
Senne Rasa |
Our job is to discern whether or not she is "...deserving of (The Silver Crusade)'s charity...and if (Gilga Baltwin) is abusing their generosity."
Before we pass judgement, let's gather some hard evidence. Then we can decide what to do.
fine_young_misanthrope |
You set inside the building, and a greeted by the sights, sounds, and smells of several small children. As you enter the house, you can see its filled up with rooms full of children's bunks. Many children stop and stare at you. Continuing, you are challenged by a hagered looking women.
She stops in front of your group, ushering as many children behind her as she can, and says in a crotchety voice Can I help you? I'm Antie Baltwin
Calogero Gaetano |
"Good day, missis Baltwin!", Calogero felt himself not very comfortable, but still was keeping with his manners, "My name is Calogero and I'm here on behalf of lady Zadrian. She said, that you are working hard and might need some help with orphanage. I'm here to find out, what's happening and how we could help you."
Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (1) + 0 = 1 Looking around, trying to see something strange/unusual
Karuut |
Karuut stares at the Auntie, then snorts at her response. It sounds like you got some sick kids here, if you don't need help maybe the kids do. If you say you are fine, then we will tell the Dawnflower to quit send aid and take their parcel with us.
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
fine_young_misanthrope |
Looking close at Antie, you spot broken blood vessels in the eyes and
nose, shaky hands, glassy eyes, and a fine sheen of sweat
on the woman. heal check
Karuut-Antie visibly blanches at your words. Oh, I still need the assistance of the Dwanflowers. Their kind donations do help provide for the children, and without their supplies, these children would be on the streets.
Senne-You easily slip away as Antie is talking to Karuut. However, you don't see much as you walk along the halls.
Karuut |
heal: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
Baltwin, you are drunk. How many have you had today; three, four or more than that. I will make sure to let my employer know that you were drunk when we delivered these supplies...that is presuming you even use them for the children. For all I know you could sell them to fund your drunken stupor?
fine_young_misanthrope |
Antie Baldwin visibly slumps I....I've had problems mot of my life. Can't you find some mercy in your hearts for an old women who just want to help children! I'm just trying to help where I can! I try to stay sober, but I've seen so many things that....I can't help all of Absolom's children. I.... I just need.... a little help sometimes to keep all that suffering from hurting so much.... You can tell them if you think it will help them, the children, and me.... She looks visibly saddened her confession.
Sense motives from everybody
Standard Pregen |
Sense Motive: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (19) - 2 = 17.
Hans shifts from foot to foot uncomfortably, before clearing his throat, and adding:
"Fair enough. In my time, I have seen more than a few people search for clarity of purpose at the bottom of a bottle of spirits. If you are burning out, though, have you considered asking for help around the establishment?
After all, from what I have heard, you have no qualms about sending the children out to work as domestic staff during the day, so hiring someone to help around here should not be too much of an imposition..."
Calogero Gaetano |
I cannot beat 26 anyways
"Hey, alcohol has driven lots of good sailor limp and they end their life not the way they wanted to. I believe, you could ask for help in Saraenrae temple any time. They are all about redemption and stuff, so don't be afraid... As you accept your issue, means first step is taken.. Affliction can be hard and you need help to fight it..." Calogero was trying to support poor lady, that was fighting her demons.
Karuut |
I don't decide if you get aid for the children or not, nor is it my job to care to be truthful. I will simply tell my employer and they can decide what to do with you.
Calogero Gaetano |
"Hey, Karuut, give lady some slack", said Calogero, "I think we need to help her now, and then we'll tell lady Z, that missis Baltwin might need some help... I believe, she will send someone to help you".
Calogero did his best to comfort old lady and show her, that drinking can be stopped and she might get out of that...
Let's vote, what to do.
My character has no reason not to believe her, and since she need drugs, he'd like to give it to her. On the other hand, Calogero is not so chaotic to keep it by himself, so he will report her to Ollysta with best recommendation to replace and send someone to help with her drinking problem.
Standard Pregen |
Well, since we were asked by Ollysta to: 1) Deliver the medications and 2) See if she was deserving of ongoing charity, I am happy to hand over the medications, and then report back that she is a alcoholic, who benefits from child labor, and may have something even more shady going on the side (since shady characters are occasionally seen giving her bags of gold).
Karuut |
agreed, drop off goods and report she is a drunk at the very least
Karuut will drop off the packages. He snorts at Cal's comment, but leaves it at that.
Shall we head back to our employer?
Karuut |
The kids are sick. We KNOW she drinks a lot, cause she was drunk when we arrived. She had bags under her eyes an a bead of sweat crossed her brow. She had the classic symptoms. She may me doing other things. The kids said they go do odd jobs for her, but we have no concrete proof of it
Calogero Gaetano |
"She claims that she is fighting her addiction to alcohol, so it's understandable, that she is in hard time now, probably she might need some helping hands there or she need sometime to rest, while someone else take care about orphanage.."
fine_young_misanthrope |
Ollysta pauses for a moment, then says What news you bring to me is disturbing. I would have like Antie to be better equipped to care for the children. I will send agents of the church to talk with her. She will either change her ways, or we will help another who is better prepared to handle the children.
She pauses, looks up to the sky for a second, then turns back to the group You have done a good thing today. I work with another group who specialize in doing good things. If any of you are looking to help others in this tired world, consider joining out group the Silver Crusade. Is there anything else I can do for you?
Calogero Gaetano |
"Let's go to Cheliaxian Paracountess," said Calogero, "I've never met paracountess before, but being raised in Augustana, Andoran, I expect that any Cheliaxian can spoil appetite and I don't want to end my day, meeting one"
Senne Rasa |
Ditto, Senne nods wanly, seemingly agreeing with Calogero.
Ideologue, she thinks to herself. Still, what did I expect? I am not going to win any popularity contests as a conscripted convict. No, better to do your job and get out quick.
fine_young_misanthrope |
You travel across the city, arriving at Paracountess Zarta Dralneen’s townhouse in the Ivy District, and come upon a magnificent gothic structure three stories in height. The ebon lacquered double doors wrought with gleaming silver fixtures greet you all, a prickly brass cone hanging from a chain serving as the door chime. Moments after ringing it, a servant in loose casual attire opens the door, Ah, the Pathfinders as expected. Please follow me.
You are led through well-appointed sitting rooms, ballrooms, and a grand stairway granting a view of an elaborate study finally arrive on the third floor of the house, at the door of Zarta’s personal study, which lies beyond her bedroom. Knocking upon the door and announcing his presence, the servant opens the darkly stained wooden door.
A large intricate carpet dominates the marble floor in this sitting room. A chaise sits along the north wall and a desk spans the southeast corner, its chair positioned with its back to the southwest corner of the room. Three comfortable chairs are positioned around a small, low circular table. A pale women regards you with a wry smile, putting a few papers in a meticulous pile, then turning her full attention to the group. She then states Aldor, you are dismissed. Close the door behind you and attend to your other tasks. She then turns her attention to the group. Hello, I am Paracountess Zarta Dralneen. It’s always so incredibly adorable when I see a fresh faced batch of Pathfinders. I mean, look at you scrumptious little teacakes. I could eat each and every one of you up. Well, maybe not you. Zarta points to the tiefling. I assume this isn’t a pleasure visit since most of you are terribly overdressed for that manner of occasion, so that must mean you are here for that trinket Valsin has been nagging me about. Seems I can’t get that man around these parts anymore, she gestures, sliding her hand down her body and widening the gesture to sweep out and across the room as if her home were a secondary thought. “On the good side, he always sends me all the precious new recruits. Many think we in Cheliax serve and worship devils, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, we use the creatures for their power. They serve us and we sculpt their power in our own interests. The world must come to terms with the order of things. People need to know their place and operate accordingly. It is the only way to make order from this world. Too many people stretch too far beyond their station, making waves and eroding the true order.
From the other room you hear several loud crashes and bangs.
Ah, that would be the problem right now....You are here to get a trinket for Ambrus Valsin. It's in the other room. However, I have a misbehaving....servant in there right now. The object you she pauses a bit as she gestures up her body desire is in the other room in a box with seven-iron locks. If you could deal with the small problem in the other room, you can retrieve the case and have some of my gratitude.
She then reaches in the desk and pulls out a jewel encrusted silver dagger. I think you might need this. She then give a sly grin as more crashes are heard from the other room.