| GM Advocate |
The notary bows slightly at you, "Of course I shall show you Geria Rohalendi's tax documents... it is my job after all." He moves towards one of his shelves, looking at some labels, "It is my job to keep the records updated so when someone with the proper authority, like yourselves, need to check on them... ah, here it is..."
He goes back to his table with the doctor's file, "Let me see..." The man slowly inspects the file, meticulously reading it. It takes more than a couple minutes before the man takes his eyes from it to face you once more, "Geria Rohalendi's taxes are not linked to her business since she produces no income at all... if we were in the despicable Andoran I believe she'd even get some refund, but I digress... Her taxes are those referring to her property, the town's maintenance and defense taxes, our glorious realm's crown, army, and maintenance taxes, and finally the Dark Prince's taxes to make sure all our realm is able to revere and respect our Lord Asmodeus..."
He pauses for a moment before continuing, "Miss Rohalendi have been toying with the taxes lately... by the Archbaron's order, I'm allowed to permit some of our citizens to pay their taxes a bit latter if they agree to pay some interest as compensation. As you might see, everything is perfectly legal and documented."
A Knowledge (local) DC 10 is enough to know that all these taxes indeed exist and are all within the law. The doctor is truly late on her payments.
| Melani* Starsmite |
Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (1) + 0 = 1
Melani looks at the records Yes. Everything is in order as you say. I expected nothing less.
Bluff to pretend she understands: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22
And the interest is also both reasonable and within the law?
It is my assessment that Doctor Rohalendi will be unable to pay the current assessment all at once. And while the property is quite large it is in deplorable shape. Foreclosing on it would only displace a lot of elderly that have no other place to go and deprive the Archbaron of any revenue at all. I'd say its in the best interest of all to come to some terms with the woman if possible. What are your thoughts good Notary?
| Vicenzo, human witch |
knowledge local: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Vicenzo nods, "Thank you notary for your diligence on this matter. I see that these taxes are indeed within the law."
He thinks for a moment, "Is there a way to reassess her property for its current value. Is there a way for her to turn over her property to the Archbaron while still make use of it?"
He added, "What solution do you have other than kicking her (and the people that depend on her) out on the street?"
-------
reverse mortgage?
| Pava Arioch |
Knowledge (local), untrained: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (16) + 0 = 16
Pava stands quietly, a frown on her face. She owed these taxes; why didn't she pay them when she was supposed to? Are we just going to be making exceptions for everyone all the time? The Archbaron's going to just love that. She crosses her arms and remains silent as the conversation continues.
Anarxos Voralius
|
Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 7 + 1d6 ⇒ (13) + 7 + (4) = 24
A frown adorns Anarxos's brow as he thinks the matter thoroughly. "These taxes are absolutely correct and long overdue. What if she continues not to pay, though? Will her property be taken from her and turned to the state in compensation?"
| GM Advocate |
The notary shrugs at Melani's and Vicenzo's question, moving to get the documents back to its place, "It is not my place not my job to think about what Doctor Rohalendi should or should not do." once he goes back to his desk and sits, he continues, "Law abiding townspeople should pay their taxes not just because of a legal responsibility but also from a moral aspect... how they suppose our good lord pays for the guards, or the maintenance of the streets? The expenses don't simply diminish just because someone isn't able to pay... someone else needs to cover for that expense and this usually costs more if you know what I mean."
To Anarxos, the man nods affirmatively, "You are indeed correct, my good sir. The Doctor still has about three weeks to pay her debts since she already used all the legal maneuver possible. If she doesn't pay what she owes, the law will take her property, even if it pains me to know she and those she takes care will be put on the streets."
You all can see clearly that it doesn't pain him at all. The notary is completely indifferent to such thing.
| Pava Arioch |
"Thank you, Mr. Notary; you've been very helpful. Unless anyone else has more questions, I think we can leave you to your tasks." Pava looks for confirmation from the rest of the group; she clearly has something on her mind.
Assuming we've learned all that we need to from the notary.
When the party leaves, she waits until they are outside and out of earshot before continuing.
"Okay, I'm getting upset now. Why are we trying to save this woman's stupid hospice anyway? She owes taxes—taxes that were legally assessed. Does she think that she doesn't have to pay because she runs a charity? It seems she's way behind. Either she pays them, which more than likely means she gets the Church of" Pava spits on the ground with force, "she gets that stupid church to pay the taxes for her. But if not, let's shut her down! She should have paid her taxes on time before the bill got so large!"
Pava turns, starting to step towards Melani but holding back still at the last minute. "You said you're the 'vessel' of Asmodeus; even devils grant healing magic. Let's set up our own 'hospice' in place of theirs, run it efficiently and well, and we'll show them how a hospice can provide a service and pay its taxes at the same time!"
| Vicenzo, human witch |
Vicenzo shakes his head, "We don't want to run a hospice. At least I don't."
"If the taxes are lawful, which they seem to be, then that's that."
He added, "If she gets thrown out, perhaps she buy a smaller place with whatever she sells her home for and relocate the hospice. A smaller place would probably be OK. It didn't seem like she had many guests there."
---------
so no reverse mortgage in Cheliax, eh? :)
Anarxos Voralius
|
"Exploring our options was a necessary, wise move. Now that we know where we stand, we need to do our duty as you say, Pava. Let's return to the hospice." suggests Anarxos.
Anarxos Voralius
|
"Very well then, let's leave the keg of powder with the wick lit for the time being. I have other tasks to see to anyway." shrugs the historian.
Like reporting to the Archbaron our encounter with the paladin, and Anarxos's findings so far. Or return to his books.
| GM Advocate |
With the matter of the doctor having been taken care of... or not, the rest of the day transpired with nothing really of note. As is got dark, the streets emptied, none daring to try their luck against the Archbaron's decrees. You get back to the Ash House and Anarxos reports his findings to Razelago in his office, this time not hidden. The devil showed himself surprised by such information, "You've got quite an interesting report, Anarxos... the Archbaron will be pleased with the eradication of the last Bacusis near Longacre... it is true that the old man seemed not to be a treat but now we are certain that he won't be. I'm still curious though about who was the recipient he was hoping to send his blasphemous tomes..."
********************************
The following day also run smoothly from the beginning. The sun was bright in the sky and there were no dangerous meetings, to sermon in the church streets, no nonsense talk about revolution. It seems that you are doing fine in keeping Longacre on the right path... at least until the evening, when one of Cimri's street urchins comes running, telling you that Caggan has once more opened his tavern...
On your next post, besides reacting to the scenes, please give me some information of how you spent the day. I figured out the whole downtime system is not working as I intended, so lets leave it behind in favor of a more straightforward development of the story itself.
| Vicenzo, human witch |
Vicenzo took his sweet time going around town and buying things. He was obsessed with improving the way people looked at him so he bought expensive clothes to make himself look more important.
He also spent some time trying to determine what sort of healing magic was available for purchase. And whether it made sense to buy a healing wand, if one was found.
anything available?
--------
Vicenzo was happy trying out his new coat, a noble red with black overtones, when the urchin came in.
He looked, "Not breaking the law there by opening up his tavern again, is he? The problem is how many people are in his establishment."
He smiled, "Who wants to go out for a drink?"
| Pava Arioch |
Pava has been wandering through Longacre, looking for people from her past. Her goal is twofold: to be visible in town wearing the sash, so that our 'policing' presence is visible, and to place a familiar face on that presence so as to (hopefully) generate some goodwill. She will almost certainly visit Vernal at some point in that time.
Anarxos Voralius
|
Anarxos strokes his beard as he ponders the situation, then proposes the following. "I will endeavor to find who this recipient was, but I already have a list of potential candidates - this Angel Knight, for instance. What's more, we have uncovered a clique of potential rebels, which we placed under surveillance lest they should sow more seeds of rebellion in Longacre."
The historian stops, then asks. "I have two requests to make, Razelago. First, could you see these tomes sent safely to Egorian, to the Ministry of Historical Accuracy, along with this explanatory note? I would appreciate it, and lack the means of doing it in a safe manner myself. Since I can't leave town, I was wondering whether you could help or not. My second request is whether you know a blademaster or master fencer willing to take students here in Longacre? I find my swordmanship rusty at best, and with the troubles brewing, I would not like to be deemed unworthy of my education."
Depending on Razelago's answers, Anarxos may be searching for a master fencer, or meeting one Razelago knows to see whether he/she's taking students.
| Ahreni, Fallen Angel |
Ahreni seems largely disinterested in the unsuccessful resolution of the tax issue. Embracing her new role as quarter-master she has been working hard to sell off the various legitimately, and not-so-legitimately, acquired goods.
The next day, upon learning of Pava's plans, Ahreni promptly begins to load her down with a number of weapons and instructions of who to sell to and how much for. Assuming you don't mind doing a little selling on the way Pava? You get all the leather armour, shields etc. Nothing incriminating. Cimri is fencing the tricky stuff! Cimri is then dispatched with the more difficult items (All MW or magical weapons) to use her underground contacts.
Having dispatched the others on their shopping trips Ahreni takes a large bag of gold, leaving a note for Melani which asks her to meet at the Dcotor's hospice, dons an elaborate disguise as a stern-looking middle-aged woman, and departs; heading to the hospice.
Ahreni is planning to try and effectively buy the hospice, by offering to pay off the taxes (and some extra to actually own the house) in exchange for the doctor no longer accepting Iomedean donations and various other things. This will be financed entirely out of her wealth share so don't worry! She's asking Melani to be there as a legal witness (and to back her considerable bluff... :D ) Also, assuming Cimri and Pava can sell everything I've updated the loot tracker. Pop the gold into your spreadsheets and delete your cell so I can see who's done it. :)
| GM Advocate |
To your requests, the accuser devil once more nods, "Done, and done. I'll make sure these books reach your ministry... On a different time I'd say for you to send them via the river trade with Mr. Ingoes, but there is no guarantee that anyone could not intercept such cargo... I'll take it myself. About the fencing mentor... you could try Astavor Losteri... he lives in the corner of General Branver and Willowbark streets. He was once a respected fencer in Ramesiana but once he decided to retire and live in the country, he wasn't well accepted by the others. I believe you'll be pleased."
********************************
You have no time in finding Mr. Loteri's home, a sizeable house in almost the middle of Longacre (n° 23 on the map) and as soon as he opens the door, it is made clear why he had faced some scorn by his fellow neighbors: despite his striking appearance, the man had a single horn protruding above his right eye. The man measures you for a couple seconds before saying a single word, "Yes?"
Guys, I still need a direction about what to do with Caggan... Vicenzo voted to pay him a visit, but by the rule of two I need at least one more of you so I can move on!
| Pava Arioch |
Pava is happy to help sell the more mundane items of loot we've acquired; it gives her more of an
excuse to meet people doing business in the town.
Pava is also willing to join a visit to Caggan's bar. "Is this a formal visit" she asks, tugging the
Archbaron's sash with her thumb, "or should we dress down for the occasion?"
| Vicenzo, human witch |
Pava is happy to help sell the more mundane items of loot we've acquired; it gives her more of an
excuse to meet people doing business in the town.
Pava is also willing to join a visit to Caggan's bar. "Is this a formal visit" she asks, tugging the
Archbaron's sash with her thumb, "or should we dress down for the occasion?"
Vicenzo answered, "Well, it's sort of both really. I want first hand information on what his plans are."
He then added, "And if everything is well and within the law, then we can hang around and have a drink."
with Ahreni and the others
The witch explained to the woman what he'd found out about the healing options in town. read spoiler above
He said, "I think that investing on a healing wand will go a long way here but the only option is toi get one from the Iomedaens and they won't sell one to me. While we could probably force them to sell one, I think it's easier if someone just bought it in disguise."
He looked at Ahreni, "Well, what do you think?"
Anarxos Voralius
|
Provided he agrees:
Anarxos closes the door behind him and walks into the room, adressing the tiefling as if he didn't notice the horn protruding from his forehead. "I understand you were once a respected blademaster in Ramesiana, but that since you decided to retire the common folk of Longacre have proved unable to accept you as you are. Perhaps there is a way to have their way of looking at you change for good. You see, I work for Archbaron Fex, and belong to a small group of like-minded individuals who strongly believe that proper order, the Archbaron's word, should be restored in Longacre. Surely you have heard of the nonsense the Iomedaeans have been feeding the guilliable common folk. Sedition is not far, and we stark supporters of Order are counting our allies in the hard times to come. By helping our cause, you could be offered a chance to prove your worth to the eyes of all. Gain a social status, recognition for your talent, and a decent living where you won't have to put up with the rabble's scornful gaze."
"It so happens that I was once trained in the noble arts of fencing. Yet my masters saw fit to sharpen my mind more than my swordmanship, and I had to set aside my fencing studies for a while. In the times to come, I will need to be ready to match my intellect with my skill with a rapier, since I know there are times when a sharp wit can't prevail over a keen blade. With your guidance and mentorship, I could hone my skills far beyond what I used to master. Through me, you will have a hand in the changes to come. I humbly ask of you, please accept me as your student. You will not regret it."
"Of course, you will be handsomely paid for this work, and should you choose to align yourself with Archbaron Fex, I could see your fortunes much improved. What say you?"
I guess Anarxos's errand will take a bit of time, so a visit to Caggan will be without me this time (unless I can do both? GM's call).
Anarxos frowns, thinking the situation over. "I'm sure Ahreni could help us in that endeavor to acquire a healing wand. I'll trust her abilities in the matter, though she will need a good cover and story. Moreover, I come with information. Razelago was content with the information we provided on House Bacusis's elder scion, and he would like us to push the matter further once the dust around the old man's body has settled. We should keep our eyes on these plotting rebels."
| Melani* Starsmite |
Mel also does not wish to visit Caggan. She does not want to antagonize the man or stir things up that are not currently stirred.
The cleric makes her plans for the day. She intents to gather information on her mother again. And at the same time try to find out more about Kol and this fire mage, Sathursta. She also has agreed to support Ahreni in her quest to buy the hospice. Mel had cautioned Best to become a silent partner with the good doctor and not buy her out completely. You want her around after all.
A few gather information rolls, say two for the morning and two for the afternoon?
Gather Info: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
Gather Info: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
Gather Info: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Gather Info: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
| Ahreni, Fallen Angel |
"Doctor Rohalendi. My name is Anya, Anya Damiensdottir. I have recently arrived in Longacre and have found myself with an inheritance which I wish to use. From asking around I have found out about your clinic and it seems a worthy cause to me. My father died fighting for our country and I think it is a terrible shame to see so may of our veterans uncared for. What I propose is this. I will become the patron of the hospice and will pay off the back taxes that you owe. Additionally, if you feel it needed I will attempt to organise the renovations for this building - this would likely require me to purchase the property but I am happy to give you a fair price and more. It is my hope that you will stay and continue your good work here with our veterans. Your hospice would of course function rent free, as would you own residence. All I ask in return is that you lend your voice to the side of peace in these troubling times." Ahreni plasters a mournful look across her face. "With the current unrest I fear more of our young men and women may soon be in need of your services, Doctor. If those of us with compassion and wiser heads can lead a call for restraint then we may well save lives."
She pauses and gestures to Melani. "I have asked this representative of the Church to be here as an official witness to any bargain we might make. Please, if you feel you should take some time over the matter do so. I can return at a time that would suit you."
Would you like a dice roll with that? I wasn't sure what would be appropriate.
*****************Later*******************
The news that Claggan has opened his tavern again causes Ahreni to raise an eyebrow. "A visit might be in order, but unless they have got a lot of patrons he breaks no laws. I'd suggest this be an unofficial visit." She responds to Pava. "If Anarxos and Melani aren't coming then if you two go and 'just want a little down time' you might be seen as less threatening, especially you Pava." She pauses. "I should probably go as Anya, keep building my new cover in the town. If I can establish her then going to the temple for a healing wand won't be out character or unusual. It might take a couple of days, but we aren't in a rush are we?"
Ahreni takes some time to fix her make-up, checking with the others to see if she's missed anything, (Will take any aid anothers if people care to try) before leaving a few minutes before Vincenzo and Pava.
Hope I'm not side-questing too much. Shut me down if it's too much hassle everyone!
| Pava Arioch |
Pava helps Ahreni with her makeup. ”You’re really quite good at this, you know; I’m not even sure if I’m helping!”
Disguise, aid another: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19
”So, Vicenzo, is it a date then?” Pava blushes, as if on cue, then smiles with a wink in her eye. ”I see you’ve been shopping; you can take one of those fancy new outfits out for a ride.”
| Melani* Starsmite |
I was unable to help your cause through coin of my own or by an audit of your legal taxes so I looked for anther way to help. I believe I have found you a benefactor Doctor Rohalendi. As I hope you can see my group is working to promote both peace and prosperity for this town. Yes we have rules we must follow and we must enforce the law but I hope you can see that we are doing all we can to promote peace and help where we are able. I do not ask that you join us but I do ask that you speak fairly of our deeds.
| GM Advocate |
Disguise - Ahreni: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Perception DC 21 - Doctor: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11 fail
Ahreni tries to impersonate someone else so there is no chance of the Doctor link her to the other 'thugs' under the Archbaron's paycheck, and the Doctor isn't able to pierce her disguise... she still doesn't trust her and since Ahreni is accompanied by Melani, her initial attitude is unfriendly.
Bluff - Ahreni, aid another: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 2 = 18 The Doctor can't beat this check with the Law modifier of -3
The doctor believes on Ahreni's story and because of this she is no longer unfriendly, since she believes Ahreni has no connection to Melani at all.
Diplomacy (influence attitude) - Ahreni: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
With her story, Ahreni is able to improve the doctor's attitude to friendly through conversation. Melani can't help here, since vouching for Ahreni would work against their purpose.
Aid Another (diplomacy) - Melani: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Diplomacy (make a request) - Ahreni, aid another: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 7 + 2 = 28
With Melani presence to give her credibility, Ahreni is able to convince the doctor to accept her offer. She is even willing to sell her hospice! The only downside is that Ahreni don't currently have all the gold that would be necessary to buy it and also pay for her back taxes (1500gp for the building and 300 for the taxes).
________________________________
Doctor Rohalendi is a bit suspicious by Anya's appearance but soon after she starts to talk about her goals, the Doctor smiles, clearly relieved and almost not believing her luck, "Are you sure about your proposal? And I can actually still work with my patients?" she raises her eyebrows in surprise, "I'm really tempted to accept your offer milady... I'm definitely accepting your offer to pay for my back taxes, but about selling the hospice... could you give me a couple more days to think, though I must say I'm really tempted. We'd have also to discuss the value of my property..."
About Kol, even if you found no information connected to his name, there is another man, a farmer by the name of Melkor, that fits his description. You discover that his farm is about four to five hours south along the road to Ramesiana, where he live with his wife and three girls.
********************************
At the Last Stand
Since it is not yet too dark, and there are fewer than twelve patrons on the tavern, this time Caggan isn't breaking any laws and even when the night falls, only those patrons that linger would break the curfew. Unwilling to confront you (Vicenzo and Pava), Caggan practically ignores you and sends one of his barmaids instead to take your order, "How may I help you tonight?" her voice doesn't hide her disdain of having to serve you. "We are out of our usual smoked trout, but instead we have lamb stew with stout sauce and rosemary bread..."
Anarxos Voralius
|
On the contrary Ahreni, it's a pleasure to see such a proactive player!
| Ahreni, Fallen Angel |
Ahreni spends most of her time at the tavern mingling with the townsfolk who are there, making a point to leave a reasonable time before curfew. Anya is a respectable and law-abiding member of society afterall! Having not observed any overt law-breaking she returns directly (well as directly as Ahreni ever goes anywhere) to Ash House, where she removes much of her disguise and collapses across one of the remaining couches.
When the rest of the group return she takes the time to lay out her situation with the Doctor. Consider the spoiler info dumped!
| Vicenzo, human witch |
Pava helps Ahreni with her makeup. ”You’re really quite good at this, you know; I’m not even sure if I’m helping!”
[dice=Disguise, aid another]1d20+1
”So, Vicenzo, is it a date then?” Pava blushes, as if on cue, then smiles with a wink in her eye. ”I see you’ve been shopping; you can take one of those fancy new outfits out for a ride.”
Vicenzo smiled, "Why, you are quite right. I do have some new clothes that will make me the talk of the town."
-------
At Caggan's
Vicenzo's good mood was quickly soured as he was once more treated like he did not belong. What do I need to do to get some respect?
He smiled weakly to the server, "The lamb stew sounds wonderful. And some of your best wine please. Can I get a smile to go with that, sweetie?"
Vicenzo will enjoy his meal and keep his eyes open.
| Pava Arioch |
”I’ll have the same.” Pava responds coldly. Having intending this to be a friendly visit, she’s suddenly quite upset at the rude treatment and how Vicenzo seems to be responding. He must have had so much rejection in his life. They shouldn’t be treating him like this. We’re just trying to build an ordered society, where everyone can prosper!
”I think your clothes look fantastic, Vicenzo; thanks for joining me tonight. You know, it’s not you; they’re rude to me too. It’s not… that.” She nods her head towards Vicenzo’s mangled eye. Speaking loudly, looking at Vicenzo but clearly intending to be heard by all, she continues. ”Some of these people could show a bit more gratitude to the folks who are actually working to make this a better place, you think?”
| GM Advocate |
The barmaid gives Vicenzo a polite smile, even if it is clear she is just doing so not to provoke something worst, and soon retreats to the kitchen to grab your order. The other patrons look worryingly to you but make no comments, clearly fearful of any reprimand.
A couple minutes later, the barmaid returns with your order. Caggan might be a rebel but he seems to know how to cook... his stew seems to be delicious. The bottle of wine isn't as promising though, but in such a small town that enjoys ale much firstly, this wasn't unexpected at all.
Perception DC 20 - Pava: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19 fail
Perception DC 20 - Vicenzo: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 fail
You notice an unusual oily substance covering your plate... after a couple seconds you recognize it as oil of taggit!
| Vicenzo, human witch |
The barmaid gives Vicenzo a polite smile, even if it is clear she is just doing so not to provoke something worst, and soon retreats to the kitchen to grab your order. The other patrons look worryingly to you but make no comments, clearly fearful of any reprimand.
A couple minutes later, the barmaid returns with your order. Caggan might be a rebel but he seems to know how to cook... his stew seems to be delicious. The bottle of wine isn't as promising though, but in such a small town that enjoys ale much firstly, this wasn't unexpected at all.
** spoiler omitted **
| GM Advocate |
| Pava Arioch |
"Well, the service is awful, but at least the food looks good. This stew smells amazing." Pava begins eating the stew. Sampling the wine, her mouth sours a bit. "I've never been a person of means, so maybe I don't know much about wine. If this is the good stuff, I don't think I like wine."
She keeps an eye on the activity about the tavern, uncomfortable with the quiet that their presence seems to cause, but unwilling to allow the rebels a victory by appearing rushed or awkward.
| Vicenzo, human witch |
Vicenzo recognizes the special ingredient in the meal and lays a hand on Pava before she tastes the stew.
He then whispers to her what's going on. read spoiler
"I don't think they want us here and we need to leave."
He empties his wine on the floor and then scoops the stew into the glass and asks Pava to take her bowl with her.
"C'mon, let's go talk to the others. I don't think Caggan has learned his lesson."
propose to leave and take evidence of foul play with us
| Pava Arioch |
Vicenzo stops Pava as the spoon is on the way to her mouth. She slowly drops the spoon to the bowl as he explains the poison that he’s noticed. ”What?” She asks, incredulous. ”What?!?” She asks again, anger growing in her voice. She looks around the room, trying to see if she can identify conspirators based on the look in their eyes. All eyes she meets look guilty; all downcast eyes also guilty for avoiding her gaze.
She turns back to Vicenzo. ”I knew they didn’t like us. I didn’t know they would try to harm us.”
Leaving her spoon in the bowl, she picks up her dish, cradling it in two hands as she follows Vicenzo out the door, her face fixed in a grimace that all but challenges someone to try to stop her.
| Melani* Starsmite |
When told the story Mel is pretty outraged. Poison? That bastard!
Maybe jumping the gun here...
| GM Advocate |
Caggan starts to walk towards you but stops midsentence and lets you go, "What are ya..." After leaving the tavern, you are able to get to the jail without any trouble.
| Pava Arioch |
Pava glances back when she reaches the door, hearing Caggan start to try to stop them.
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Hmmm, this must have been done by that waitress. I don't think that Caggan even knew? She makes sure to study the face of the waitress that's gone pale.
| Vicenzo, human witch |
perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Vicenzo leads Pava back to the jailhouse and gathers the rest of his team and tells him what happened.
"It's obvious that Caggan is a slow learner and this needs to be addressed."
He looked at his companions, "Do we go in and arrest him or do you propose another method?'
He smiled, "Could one of you perhaps slip the poison so that Caggan tastes his own 'medicine'?"
------------
Unless I hear otherwise, I propose we all go and arrest Caggan early next morning when there's hopefully few or no people around.
| Pava Arioch |
Pava sets her bowl down on the Sheriff's desk with disgust. Listening to Vicenzo's thoughts on the evening, she shares some of her own. "Actually, I don't think Caggan had anything to do with this. I think one of the barmaids acted alone." (Pava explains what she noticed before they left; go ahead and read the spoiler)
Pointing to the bowl, she continues. "So, our evidence is there. But what is the evidence, exactly? I don't know poisons." She pauses briefly. "Poisons! They tried to poison me...."
"That barmaid must be acting for this Resistance. Clearly, we need to arrest her and find out what she knows. How do we do that? There must be a process? Is it our word that there's poison in these dishes? Do we need some expert to verify it? Do we seek, or create, a warrant?"
| Ahreni, Fallen Angel |
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Seeing nothing untoward Ahreni returns to Ash House as stated in the previous post.
| Melani* Starsmite |
If you are sure Pava, then we arrest the barmade, if she has not already fled. I say we act now.
Anarxos Voralius
|
Anarxos ponders things over and over again, stroking his goatee nervously. "Do you have proof of this, Pava? If you don't and that we don't obtain a confession from her, we may end up going to trial with her word against ours. With the current situation in town, it might tempt more people to side against us on the long run. However, if this becomes public knowledge and that we appear lenient, we may lose face, which could be far worse. Hence my question, Pava."
| Pava Arioch |
Pava looks to Vicenzo. "Oh, I should have said something at the tavern! She's probably already gotten away." Her brow scrunches as she considers the situation. "The owner certainly maintains responsibility under the law for the actions of his staff while they're working. If she has fled, we could arrest Caggan under those terms. If he protects her by not helping us find her, he'd also be obstructing justice, I think."
"I agree, we should go now, before they have more time to flee or hide."
I posted this earlier today, but it looks like the post got eaten. It was in response to Melani's post. I will post a follow-up to Anarxos later."
| Pava Arioch |
Pava listens to Anarxos' concerns, and attempts to answer them with reason, as she sees it. "The proof is there, in the bowls. If we need to find an expert to verify the presence of the poison, then let's find an expert. But we need to arrest the barmaid, and possibly Caggan, as soon as we can, before they avoid capture." She closes her eyes and mutters "Stupid! to herself, quietly but forcefully.
"We were attacked! Through subterfuge, mayhaps, but it was an attack on Vicenzo and I nonetheless. They're already against us; how much worse can it get?"
| GM Advocate |
By the time you are able to get back to the Last Stand tavern, you can see no more patrons inside, just Caggan and a couple employees. As you are noticed, you get the feeling that you have been expected but see no signs of a trap or foul play. There is also no sign of the panicked barmaid... probably long gone.
Caggan eyes you severely before speaking, "We are closed... there is nothing here for ya, so get lost... unless you came back to pay for the meal and the wine from before." he crosses his arms still holding a mop. Behind him stands two barmaids with rags on their hands.
| Vicenzo, human witch |
Vicenzo was seething with rage, "Pay for the meal?! I'll have you know that we were poisoned. Where's the wench that served our meal?"
tag?
He looked about and asked, "Please tell me that you knew nothing about what she did and that she acted on her own. Otherwise, you could be facing charges yourself. Very serious charges. So... did you know about her using poison on us?"
tag?
| Pava Arioch |
Pava looks around the room in fury. When her eyes confirm what her brain already knew to be true, she turns to Vicenzo. "She's gone. I knew she'd be gone. Damnit!"
"Damnit!!!"
Vicenzo is barely done with his questioning when Pava rounds on the owner. "You. 'Caggan'" Spittle flies as she punches his name out of her mouth. "You've got a lot to answer for. The actions of your staff are your responsibility. You pay her wage. She served poisoned food under your roof while receiving that wage."
She looks up and away from everyone as if seeking some answer in the rafters of the tavern. "You know what? Consider yourself arrested." She returns her gaze to the proprietor, a determined glint sparking in her teenaged eyes. "Do you plan on resisting?"
Intimidate, law modifier: 1d20 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 4 = 19 (Not 100% that the law modifier applies here; please ignore it if not)
| GM Advocate |
Vicenzo was seething with rage, "Pay for the meal?! I'll have you know that we were poisoned. Where's the wench that served our meal?"
"Which wench are you talking about?" he points to the two behind him, "Arlana and Varia are my only regular employees... occasionally I hire someone else for the night, but I don't quite remember who was today... Lara, Anna, Vicenza, old Beth... can you describe her for me so I can better help you?" he raises his eyebrows, trying to feign surprise and doubt, but clearly failing miserably.
He looked about and asked, "Please tell me that you knew nothing about what she did and that she acted on her own. Otherwise, you could be facing charges yourself. Very serious charges. So... did you know about her using poison on us?"
"Now... you are talking about poison poison or perhaps food poisoning? I try my best to cook everything perfectly but there sometimes a mistake happens and some patron ends up emptying their bowels on their pants... It happens."
Vicenzo is barely done with his questioning when Pava rounds on the owner. "You. 'Caggan'" Spittle flies as she punches his name out of her mouth. "You've got a lot to answer for. The actions of your staff are your responsibility. You pay her wage. She served poisoned food under your roof while receiving that wage."
She looks up and away from everyone as if seeking some answer in the rafters of the tavern. "You know what? Consider yourself arrested." She returns her gaze to the proprietor, a determined glint sparking in her teenaged eyes. "Do you plan on resisting?"
Caggan turns red once more with anger and perhaps thinks about resisting but then he looks at the horrifies barmaids behind him and cools down a bit, "Very well... you are talking shit but I'll come with you if I must..."