John "the Antagonizer" Carlos |
John replies quickly, "oh absolutely I would love a blessing. I'll be honest though, I'm not much of a religious fellow but I'd be interested if I found a good one to follow. I grew up under a really bad deity, so maybe you can at least understand why I've pushed most gods away."
He pauses a second, "you said your citizens fell ill? I'm quite happy everyone is better, but if you don't mind sharing, what kind of illness was it?" He emphasizes the word 'everyone' and looks hard for any sort of reaction to that, thinking to himself, if they are sacrificing anyone, this may give it away.
Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 16
diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28
GM RePete |
Eyeing the man wearily, the high priest stoops to inspect the roots. Frowning, he touches the stained dirt. "You know, I hate to say...you may be right. We'll look into this at once."
"But first..." Turning back to John, the man raises a walking stick and lightly taps John's right shoulder. With closed eyes, he recites "“Wood of the tree speaks a whisper to thee. The sun rises soon. To you, a boon. Such is the will of Robori.”
With but a glance at the roots, the man excuses himself. "I apologize, but I must go and see to this. Pleased to see outsiders take interest in doing right."
You all gain +4 diplomacy while in Mercy for the rest of the scenario
What do you wish to do now?
Azrael the Talon |
Azrael nods with an expressionless face, what an odd town. I have no idea how these people think. He waits patiently around for the pathfinders to decide the next course of action.
Azrael will follow suit with whatever we do during the day, and insist on attempting to find the child once night falls.
Kaminari Raijan |
Is there a doctor or an apothecary or anyone in town? This illness seems concerning. And I suppose we should probably find out the last time anyone saw Amenira too.
Jiggo Maelerant |
"Well, I'm glad we were able to help. May Robori live long and bless Mercy forever." Jiggo waves goodbye to the priests.
"Where to, next? We checked out Amenira's home, the temple...maybe we should look for a doctor? Amenira may have learned a bit about the disease and maybe she tried to deliver a message."
John "the Antagonizer" Carlos |
John smiles as the priests leave and he waits until any townsfolk are out of earshot. "Well, I certainly feel blessed. Odd deity name, I've never even heard of it."
As the others make their suggestions he adds, "Amenira apparently infiltrated 'the weaver's' residence at some point and was also worried about the blacksmiths and carpenters. It is obvious she managed to get hold of the ointment, though we don't know what it is. I concur, let's try to find an herbalist or doctor first and go from there."
Diplomacy Gather Information: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (16) + 17 = 33 for time: 1d4 ⇒ 3 hours.
Omar Posada |
Roland bows in respect to the priest as they leave.
***
Seems to be a nice enough fellow. A shame he did not have more information on the girl, but some good tips with contacts at least.
Omar leans against the wall while thinking.
While John is asking around would it be worth checking outside the building or home for any clues or tracks? Or have one of you already tried? Maybe an abduction or other clue.
Azrael the Talon |
Azrael notes the request, and decides to be useful instead of hanging aimlessly around waiting.
"If there's value to the job, I'll tend it immediately."
survival, tracks: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
Jiggo Maelerant |
Jiggo goes sight seeing with John. So much of the town to see, so much to explore!
I have a +9 to diplomacy, so I automatically aid his efforts.
GM RePete |
Searching around outside the temple, you find numerous footprints of varying sizes, but nothing sticks out as unusual.
You easily find your way back to the painted house and double check outside. Again, you find nothing suspicious.
You have two more hours before Jiggo and John finish their inquiries - what do you do?
At the mention of a doctor or herbalist, the citizens look at you strangely. "We've no need for doctors. Robori and the clergy provide for our health. We all pitch in to grow the plants."
"No one in particular is in charge of it."
"I supposer if anyone were to be called an herbalist, it would be based off garden size, right? Well, the sheriff has the biggest garden in town."
As you continue to press, you simply find the same response with varying degrees of confusion at the notion.
When you finish this line of questioning - it is around noon. What do you do? Give me a perception roll please.
Kaminari Raijan |
Should I be with Jiggo and John? Since we were all talking about apothecarying?
GM RePete |
Up to you Raijan - didn't want to lump you in with either in case you chose a different path. Whichever group you are with, feel free to react to the spoiler appropriate
Azrael the Talon |
"Perhaps I shall look over the house, while you the temple?"
Jiggo Maelerant |
"Well then, they seem to rely exclusively on the church. That's both good and bad."
Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
"So then, John, where to next?"
John "the Antagonizer" Carlos |
John thinks for a bit, "well, I honestly don't know. But let's meet up with the rest of the group, I don't like to be split like this. Then go talk with the Sheriff unless they have a better idea. Maybe he will know something about at least the issues in town that might have led to Amenira getting into something she couldn't get out of."
While taking the time to search around town, John will periodically and discretely reapply his mage armor. 3 more charges used.
Kaminari Raijan |
Makes sense to me. Being split up is just an invitation to humanoid- well you know the rest.
Along the way, Raijan will spend some time attempting to find out what if anything the townsfolk think of Amenira and her disappearance.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30
GM RePete |
You notice one of the message boxes outside a house has its flag raised. The building looks very much like every other house around it with orange curtains covering the windows. Three sets of orange robes hang from the clothesline outside. Though two are sized for an adult, the third is obviously for a child.
It suddenly strikes you, you've not seen any children in your travels about the town.
As you travel, Raijan stops and speaks with one of the villagers about Amenira.
"“A woman named Amenira lives in the painted house and makes toys for the children. She’s an outsider, but she dresses like one of us. If she would convert to Robori, maybe she could join us someday. She’s been gone for a while now.”
“Amenira has been gone for two months now, and people are starting to worry about her. No one remembers her saying anything about being gone for longer than her usual trips back to Alkenstar to send letters to her family.”
"Her favorite toys to make," remarks the man "are those dolls. For some reason she puts her face on all of them."
Perception Azrael: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Omar: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Omar spots some children playing off in the distance. He can just make out they wear the same clothes as their parents, but wear bandages on their arms, legs, and faces.
Kaminari Raijan |
What's involved in converting to Robori?
Once there's no one literally staring right at me
Raijan will attempt to subtly check the message box.
Stealth: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29
Omar Posada |
A bit odd, wouldn't you say? I think we should talk with them. They may know our other missing child.
He will approach the family.
diplomacy, city bonus?: 1d20 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 8 + 4 = 19
Hail and well met. I am Omar, a visitor to this city in search of a lost child. Can you please help us?
Azrael the Talon |
"Hmm. I suppose." Azrael reacts indifferently to the scene, doesn't pay much thought of it, but nonetheless helps Omar in the cause if he believes it to be value. "I am also visitor. Please help."
I will never understand people.
Diplomacy, Aid Another, city bonus?: 1d20 - 2 + 4 ⇒ (16) - 2 + 4 = 18
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14
Jiggo Maelerant |
Wh-where are the children? Jiggo seems lost in thought. He lets Raijan take the lead.
"Thanks for your time!" Jiggo waves them away. "She makes dolls, distributes them in town...I don't see the children anywhere. Should we ask about it? You'd think a village would be deeply worried that their children disappeared."
"Maybe we should join up with the rest and- Where did Raijan go?"
GM RePete |
As you approach, you hear two of the men arguing.
"As a carpenter, I build and maintain this town. Without me, there would be no Mercy! Thusly, I'm obviously much more important than you!"
"Yeah?! Well, without the nails we blacksmiths make, how would you hold your wood together, huh?! HUH?! You'd be useless then! Obviously we're more importa..."
Stopping suddenly as he sees you two approaching, he glances towards the children. "Oh, uh..." and a third adult rushes towards the young ones. A few quick stern words cause the children to scatter out of sight. Once they have been removed, he turns back to Omar. "To my knowledge there are no lost children." he answers gruffly, glaring at the carpenter.
"Robori? Well, he is the god of Trees. He lives in the tree at the center of town, and protects us all from harm, and makes the plants grow. Talk to High Priestess Zuri at the temple if you want to learn more.” replies the citizen. "As for converting? Well, first you'd have to live in town for a while without causing problems. Then, well...the High Priestess Zuri would be a better one to ask, but there's a process."
With a friendly nod to you, the man turns and heads towards the cashew fields.
GM: 1d20 ⇒ 13
Within the box, you find a pot of a thick, green ointment and a letter. The letter reads...
'Be mindful of the curtains for we have visitors in town'. The sheriffs signature appears at the bottom of the page.
Kaminari Raijan |
Thrugg |
Guess I'll tag along with Azrael and Omar.
"Does it really matta who is more important, when both of you together built such a wonderful town." the dwarf says trying to soothe the debate. "How did this spat even start?
Jiggo Maelerant |
"The mystery thickens." Jiggo sees the information and thinks to himself. "Let's meet the rest of the party, they must have figured out something."
John "the Antagonizer" Carlos |
John plasters his normal friendly smile to his face as they walk back to look for their allies whispering, "Something is definitely up with the children. We need to find the one who is shacking up at Amenira's house. They should be able to tell us more."
Back at the house John will Detect Magic and Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 the green goop.
GM RePete |
You believe his words are sincere.
@Thrugg, feel free to give a diplomacy check with that - I'll give Omar a little longer to responde
You don't detect anything magical about the goo and no new auras appear
As you make your way back to the guest house, you spot your companions in the square talking to a few craftsmen.
Omar Posada |
Omar doesn't like the response and motions Azrael away.
"There is something fishy here. I bet we need to talk to the kids. The adults seem to be covering something but I am not sure what they know. ."
.
John "the Antagonizer" Carlos |
John walks up as well, looking closely for any signs of agitation from his allies or the craftsmen.
Perception or Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 10
Thrugg |
here goes nothing diplo: 1d20 ⇒ 11
Omar Posada |
Omar will nod and head back to the rest of the party.
If for no reason than to get out of spoilers :)
Once he spots the others, John etc.
I think they have some information and shushed the kids away right quick. See if they will talk to you.
Jiggo Maelerant |
Jiggo walks up to the people. "Mercy is quite a beautiful town. How are you all doing?" Noting their agitation, Jiggo tries to calm them down.
Diplomacy(Aid): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14
"The best part about any town is cooperation. Blacksmiths create the nails and carpenters put it all together. Everyone needs to work together to get work done."
John "the Antagonizer" Carlos |
John steps up with a smile, "hello new friends. I am John and we are just wondering if we can help out with anything. What seems to be the problem here?"
diplomacy: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (8) + 17 = 25
GM RePete |
"Well, in the grand scheme...it may not matter I suppose. But it matters to us." replies the blacksmith.
Grinning, the carpenter adds "It only matters to him, because he knows the truth is we matter more."
Looking towards Jiggo, both men nod. "So, what you're saying is we're both equally more important in keeping the town together than the rest." Considering the thought a moment, the blacksmith smiles. "I think I can live with that."
With a broad grin, the carpenter looks towards John. "No problem, sir. I think we've got it figured out now."
And now...you have become friends with the blacksmiths and carpenters. What do you wish to do now?
Azrael the Talon |
Azrael looks perplex but nonetheless impressed at the result of the encounter, Humans.... His curiosity piqued, whispering towards Jiggo, he asks, Ask them about the wounds on the children, it does not seem normal to have wounded children.
Jiggo Maelerant |
"Hmm, oh, yes." Jiggo nods to the carpenter and blacksmith. Hopefully he's not infringing too much.
"Like I said, we're new to Mercy. Beautiful town here, and the folk are so nice." Jiggo rubs his chin, deep in thought. "Although, I haven't seen many children around here. The few I've seen have been wounded. I hope the mana storm didn't hurt them too much."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
Jiggo carefully chooses his words... a complete stranger talking about your wounded children. Very personal.
GM RePete |
Both men stop and turn slowly to look you in the eyes. After a pause, the carpenter speaks. "Yes, we're sorry you had to see that. We were a bit careless."
Nodding, the blacksmith adds "We'll be more mindful for the remainder of your stay." Considering Jiggo for a moment, he states "The were not hurt by the mana storms. Thank you for your time and I hope you enjoy your stay, but we must get back to work."
The two men offer a slight bow and return to their businesses, leaving you in the square.
Kaminari Raijan |
So, we found some odd goop, we found out the sheriff has been telling people to keep the curtains drawn to make sure we don't see anything, and we found out Amenira puts her own face on all the dolls she makes. Which is exactly the kind of thing that leads to your doll collection murdering you, but I digress.
How about you guys?
Jiggo Maelerant |
"Thank you sirs. Have a great day." Jiggo waves them goodbye.
"Hmm, I believe they weren't hurt in the storm. This Robori must be doing a good job." He muses. "But we they didn't really explain where the injuries came from. With this and the sheriff ordering the curtains drawn, we have quite a mystery on our hands."
"Let's...return to Amenira's house. Maybe we can investigate those dolls a little more closely. They seem like the best lead that won't get us into lots of trouble."
Omar Posada |
"There is definitely a connection with the dolls. I still wonder if some of the townspeople or children know something important they have not shared. But what? ."
Azrael the Talon |
Azrael shrugs, mostly at a lost at the situation in hand, but attempts to make useful suggestions nonetheless. " Perhaps returning in the night, catching the people off guard would answer more questions. We should gather tonight at the house of Amenira."
GM RePete |
Jiggo: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (18) + 0 = 18
Azrael: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
John: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (8) + 0 = 8
Thrugg: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19
Raijann/TTS: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28
Omar: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
You find your way back uneventfully to the Painted House as the sun begins to set. The townsfolk still give you your distance, but seem to be warming up to you.
As you enter the residence a second time, you find it in very similar condition to where you left it. Everyone (Except John) notice some of the dolls have been moved since you were last here.
As the door swings open, you spot a small figure bolt from the main room into the bedroom.
If you investigate it, you find a large wooden doll hiding beneath the bed. The head hangs at an odd angle with little bits of twig growing out of some of the joints. (See Maps/Handouts Slide 1)
A scroll is clutched in the dolls hands.
Jiggo Maelerant |
"Someone's been here, yes? One of the dolls has been moved." Jiggo looks at the journal again. "Maybe Amenira left some note about the children here..."
Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11
Kaminari Raijan |
Just after the door swings open, Raijan springs into action, darting towards the bedroom and diving under the bed.
His feet scrabble on the hardwood for purchase as he interrogates something under there.
No playing games. I saw you move! Can you talk? What's on that scroll?