[PFS] 5-22 Scars of the Third Crusade by GM Upaynao (Inactive)

Game Master Upaynao

"I doubt we will be in much danger, unless the potential murderer catches onto us. Given that, it seems fine to split up, at least at the beginning of our investigation." Arnold shakes his head a bit sullenly. "I don't feel I'll be at my most useful doing this, but I can try whatever you think will help us all."

Alright! So finish it off, a little overview of the places that have been marked down. A is Orug's General Store, B is the Heath and Harvest, C is Tobias Luin's "manor" house, D is the beer garden that has been set up because of the execution (don't ask) and E is Tent city (because one triple hanging is sure to bring /tons/ of people from all around to watch. Yeah. Channel your suspension of disbelief!

Looking around town, the pathfinders can spot two main places of business. On one side of the road a storefront with a big sign stating "Orug's General Store, Purveyor of Fine Goods" is still open despite the late hour. On the other side of the road stand an inn, which is having it's shutters closed by a gruff-looking old man. The sign up front identifies it as "The Heath and Harvest Inn".

A man in sturdy-looking armor turns into a courtyard off of the main road, followed by several men at arms. They all seem to be headed in the direction of a rather tall building behind the inn. Down a bend in the river, people seem to be carousing over drink, while a little further away, tent after tent has been set up for a crowd that must number at least in the hundreds.

Arnold, unless you attempt a disguise check to try and pass yourself off as something more common, you will be at a -2 on all charisma related checks. You should all have the ability to edit the map of Dawnton and thus place yourselves where ever you want to investigate. I must stress that while these previously listed locations are big they are not the end-all, be-all. You can certainly try and have a drink at the beer garden but you can also try and drink at the Inn. Be creative. Go wild.

It's one location per character per 'scene,' right? Is this the evening scene?

"I'm going to head over to the tent city. I'm more likely to get an answer from the common folk than the not-so-common folk," Quentin confesses. "Fargrim, you and Frankie seem more equipped to talk with the local leaders."

Quentin rides over to the tent city, hitching his horse near the beer garden. Once there, he begins to mingle with those gathered to witness the hangings. He spends time delving into local gossip, fishing for why different people have come to watch the hangings, how they feel about the recent murders and hangings here and in the surrounding towns. He also trades stories with the people: trading stories of his home in Ustalav for local myths and legends (infamous villains, local ghost stories, local ruins of significance).

Fargrim, upon arriving in town, does what any self serving traveler would do, heads off to the inn.

"Lots of folk in town today.." she starts.

"Can you spare a glass of mead to wash the dust from the road, and let me know if you have any beds for the night?"

Frankie has offered to disguise you Arnold if you want

Frankie rides into town with 'Mom' and you couldn't imagine him playing the part any more perfectly, almost as if he wasn't really playing at all. "Woah Mom, you sure you want to go to the boring old inn first? We could go check out the funner stuff before bed right?" Frankie spends his time waving at anyone they pass on the streets and smiling.

He doesn't run off on his own though and heads to the inn with boring old Ma. Once inside he starts chatting up the place and seeking out any old women as his primary quarry. "Hey I'm Frankie! What's going on out there? So many people! Is there a festival in town? Is it over by all those tents? What time does it start? Do you like cocoa? I do!" Diplomacy (Gather Info): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

I'll use my Luck bonus to add +2 to that gather info roll

That would be welcome, thanks, Guisseppe.

Disguise, will take Guisseppe's if higher: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (7) - 1 = 6

Arnold tries to disguise himself, going for an ashen-skinned halfling or gnome look but not doing himself any favors or changing his appearance enough. He then defers to Guisseppe in hopes of a better result. He, too, decides to go to the inn, but staggers his arrival time and keeps a short distance from the others, as he has explained beforehand. He orders a small flagon of ale and asks whoever will listen, "What's going on around here? I used to train with a Mendevian crusader, but now that I'm on my own, my travels have brought me to this nice town! Tell you what, let's make it fun. Think you can out-drink or beat a halfling in an arm-wrestle? Might want to think that twice around me. I win, you guys tell me what's up. You win, and drinks are on me. What have you got to lose?"

I'm not sure just how creative I can be, but I'm wondering if a Strength, CMB, or Constitution check would work. If not, I can try for a Diplomacy or something else I think up.

I never realized you were small! A darkskinned Halfling it is!

Disguise + Kit + Race Change Penalty: 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 10 - 2 = 16

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

While several of the others proceed directly to the Inn, Falshin makes a stop into the general store and approaches the owner. "Dawnflower bless on this beautiful day, goodsir. I am newly arrived in Dawnton and seek to replenish my supplies from the journey. Would you happen to have any apples by chance? My poor horse has had a weary time of it and enjoys a good, crisp red." He takes a moment to drag from his waterskin as he looks around. "Have I arrived in time for a festival of sorts?" he asks excitedly.

Fargrim starts to work the inn, trying for rumours and to hear about what happened. If possible she steers conversation towards the murders and trying to find out who was killed, where and how.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

Surely these people were killed for some underlying reason, if we can find that, it would be a good start.

Which skills did we have to use to remain discrete?

Marcus tries to blend a bit more into the background while Quentin interacts more directly with the locals. He uses his knowledge of local customs to try and fit in, while watching others to see who reacts to Quentin's stories or seems to be watching the Occultist with any kind of suspicion.

Just found the earlier post, bluff, disguise and stealth for remaining below the radar

Fargrim tries to keep up her guise as a wandering priest. She is happy to call on the blessing of Desna to heal someone if required. And if gives a bonus that is even better
bluff: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23 to help keep us from being discovered.

Stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23 Falshin learned early on its best to keep a low profile...

@Quentin:you got it all right. Yes it is the evening scene.

At Orug's general store Falshin is greeted by a half-orc with a salesperson's wide smile. "Apples? Why certainly! Although none fresh, all dried from last year's harvest. But this year promises t'be a good one." He grins warmly and offers his hand. "Orug, I'm the owner! You want a bagful? I'll throw in som' jerky my wife makes. Tessa! Bring some of the jerky 'round!"

As he begins shoveling dried slices of apple into a bag, he continues: "I'm sorry you had to ride through 'ere during such dark times but we've done had some fowl murders of late. And yer never gonna guess who done 'em. Pathfinders! I've heard of them charging into battle without attempting to parley so I can't say I'm surprised though. You know, if it weren't for that cheap shot one of them took at me, I woulda stopped them before they finished off poor Jorham. I heard 'im slicin' the poor kid's throat. I came round the corner of my shop t' find out what's the racket and I see one of them, the tall one, standing over Jorham's dead body. I charged in, but that's when one of them got me in my bum knee."

At that, the side door opens and a charming half-elven woman with a mischievous expression walks on in with half a dozen pieces of jerky wrapped in linen. "Are ya waggin' yer tongue again Orug? Sorry 'bout that, he'll talk yer ear off."
-Just makin' conversation with our client here. He's a Qadiran pilgrimin' for Sarenrae.
-He ain't Qadiran ya foul husband of mine! He's Varisian, clear as day!

She chuckles, but brushes her brown hair with a slight hint of nervousness as she adds. "I hope y'aint one of them types trying to hear the voice of yer god. Heavens know we got 'nough of them."
-Hush woman! We don't want to bother our traveler with these things.

Orug chuckles nervously before adding hastily: "That Iomedaen inquisitor, Mother Erika Corum. She been sayin' she's heard the voice of the Inheritor since she's been here. Probably what done helped her find that the Pathfinders were behind it all. I heard her say that mayhaps she's gonna stay here. Git a church going an all that. Maybe even run for Sheriff or Mayor. We all like our current mayor and sheriff, so we're all a little .. ya know."

@Falshin: Based on this interaction, you believe that perhaps using profession skills might be an adequate substitute to the classic social skills.

Meanwhile within the tent city, Marcus joins Quentin and while one observes, the other talks about stories from his homeland. The words hit all the right notes with the locals.

In future, I'd prefer if you picked a skill and just stuck to that one. I'll tell you if the skill you are using cannot be used based on your description of it's use.
@Marcus: From the way you presented your use of the skills you rolled, I unfortunately cannot sign off on them. However, I will point out that you can use non-skills in this location. Everyone respects a great drinker, and people are willing to share dirty secrets with such champions.

"Aye. Foul evil work their ways no matter where you come from." states on older man with a mix of Kellid and Iobarian traits in his looks. "Dunno if you heard, but young men have gone to meet great Pharasma, may her judgement be kind. Their deaths weren't natural, no sir, but they weren't supernatural. They be the work of them Kortosi dogs, the pathfinders." He hawks and spits. "Shoulda known it was them when Otto found poor Dancel in his fields, right on the mornin' they arrived in town. Gotta commend him though, he's still workin' the fields, tryin' to pretend nothin' done happened."
"Aye" continues a second man, younger but with some Varisian blood in him as well. "When they are hung, it'll be a good thing. And maybe that'll stop that Iomedean inquisitor from tellin' everyone "I told you so" and acting so smug and happy. Folk died, gods damn it she should show some respect" he barks disdainfully. Taking a few gulps of his drink he continues: "She was talking about how it must have been the pathfinders from the day they found the lad. Before that she was just mumblin' to herself on how the pathfinders were responsible for Nerosyan's attack by the demons, and the fall of Kenabres."

From what you can tell, you think that you could try and buy a round for the people here, which would make people's lips a little looser (+2 bonus on your checks, buying a round would probably be 10gp).

Back at the Inn, both Fargrim and Frankie begin listening in and talking to the patrons. The Innkeeper mentions in passing: "It'll be one gold for a room for yourself and your boy Mother." as a rather strong looking farmhand says to Arnold "Yer a funny-looking halfling, but I'll tell you this. I've never lost an arm-wrestling contest and I ain't about to now! C'mere! Let's see what you've got" as his friends clear away from the table, a table he clear half of for the match.

@Arnold: Certainly! Strength, CMB checks are all fine, so long as they are presented in a way that would fit into a roughshod village who is about to get entertained by a triple hanging.

Before I delve into what the results are here, I am going to wait for Arnold to decide on his course of action.

Forgot about Stealth: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18

CMB: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Arnold steps up to the table and clasps the proferred arm, pushing the opposite direction with all of his considerable might. Whether or not he wins, he still buys another round for the competitor, but if he loses, he lives up to his word and buys for everyone. He then stays downstairs for a little longer, chatting amiably and soaking up any information he recieves. Eventually, he expresses his fatigue and rents a room, learning his lesson from his last mission in a small town and paying in silvers.

Upon getting to his room, he sees about transferring anything he has learned to Fargrim and Guisseppe, but does not try if many people are still up. He has tried to lay somewhat low, acting the somewhat boisterous foreigner, but he still leaves a bit of an impression. Very few halflings, or other stout folk, are quite so strong.

Of course, Profession would work after I removed the 1 point I had in Profession: Fortune Teller... Oh well, the diplomacy dice seem to be giving me some goodies tonight.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

At Orug's general store Falshin is greeted by a half-orc with a salesperson's wide smile. "Apples? Why certainly! Although none fresh, all dried from last year's harvest. But this year promises t'be a good one." He grins warmly and offers his hand. "Orug, I'm the owner! You want a bagful? I'll throw in som' jerky my wife makes. Tessa! Bring some of the jerky 'round!"

Falshin takes the offered hand and shakes it. "Falshin Korvaska. A bagful would be splendid, and dried is just as well as they keep longer on the road. Jerky? That is something near and dear to my heart!" He gives the shopkeeper a sly look. "You must be a mind-reader, Orug. My mother used to make the most delicious jerky for my brother and I."

As he begins shoveling dried slices of apple into a bag, he continues: "I'm sorry you had to ride through 'ere during such dark times but we've done had some fowl murders of late. And yer never gonna guess who done 'em. Pathfinders! I've heard of them charging into battle without attempting to parley so I can't say I'm surprised though. You know, if it weren't for that cheap shot one of them took at me, I woulda stopped them before they finished off poor Jorham. I heard 'im slicin' the poor kid's throat. I came round the corner of my shop t' find out what's the racket and I see one of them, the tall one, standing over Jorham's dead body. I charged in, but that's when one of them got me in my bum knee."

Falshin gives a look of concern. "Oh my, murders? As in plural? You even witnessed one? By the Dawnflower, that was courageous of you to try and help that poor victim. Were you injured? I am a healer by trade and could take a look at your injury if you would allow me." He starts to remove his pack, but stops when....

At that, the side door opens and a charming half-elven woman with a mischievous expression walks on in with half a dozen pieces of jerky wrapped in linen. "Are ya waggin' yer tongue again Orug? Sorry 'bout that, he'll talk yer ear off."

-Just makin' conversation with our client here. He's a Qadiran pilgrimin' for Sarenrae.
-He ain't Qadiran ya foul husband of mine! He's Varisian, clear as day!

Falshin smiles and even chuckles at the mix-up. "I am, indeed, Varisian, although I can understand the mistake. My people tend to spend more time devoted to Desna for her love of the journey. I found my devotion to the Dawnflower in a very dark time of my life."

She chuckles, but brushes her brown hair with a slight hint of nervousness as she adds. "I hope y'aint one of them types trying to hear the voice of yer god. Heavens know we got 'nough of them."

-Hush woman! We don't want to bother our traveler with these things.

"Oh, not at all. My devotion is more for the tenants that Sarenrae seeks; forgiveness and redemption."

Orug chuckles nervously before adding hastily: "That Iomedaen inquisitor, Mother Erika Corum. She been sayin' she's heard the voice of the Inheritor since she's been here. Probably what done helped her find that the Pathfinders were behind it all. I heard her say that mayhaps she's gonna stay here. Git a church going an all that. Maybe even run for Sheriff or Mayor. We all like our current mayor and sheriff, so we're all a little .. ya know."

Falshin nods his understanding. "Sounds like a very tumultuous time; it can be difficult for a newcomer to suddenly arrive and shake things up like this Mother Corum seems to be doing. Here I thought I arrived in time for a festival and found more than I was expecting! Although, it will make for an excellent telling at my next stop." He leans in a little closer, dropping his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "Did you say Pathfinders were the ones responsible for the murder? How dreadful. I wonder why they would do such a thing? Was there some sort of misunderstanding between them and this Jorham fellow?"

I was going with disguise, not sure if you want me to roll it or you the GM, but please add +3 from my Halfling Luck, I always use it on my disguises for myself. +9 total for human child.

Frankie hears the commotion of something and breaks off his talk with his prey as soon as possible to watch. "Woah arm wrestling? MOM come see this! Look at the pipes on that Halfling! Can we bet coins on one like Grampa used to? Plllleeeeeasseeee??" He points eagerly at the farmhand as his favored matchup.

When he gets a moment to speak with Quentin in private, Marcus gives him a whisper, "So it sounds like we have an inquisitor who doesn't like pathfinders, and I believe this Otto is worth investigating. Our skills may be best used at his fields, especially if that is where the body was found."

"Why did they think it was the Pathfinders if they found, Dancel, you said? If they found him in this man Otto's land? Obviously, I don't know the man, but he would have been my first suspect. Is there something special about his land?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Quentin nods in agreement with Marcus, "Yes, the inquisitor sounds quite suspicious. I might be able to get a bit more out of them, but the beer here is terribly expensive." He reaches into his pouch and tries to subtly show Marcus his four gold coins.

Orug shakes his head in disbelief. "Not that I know sir; Jorham asked 'bout their society. He was always 'round trying to sing a tune, so I was thinkin' he probably wanted to go South at some point. Maybe they jest don't like new folk. Or maybe they been possessed. If only I had gotten to that tall one" he finishes wistfully.

In the Inn, Arnold beats the farmer with a strength that one would not suspect in such a small frame. As he takes on the next challenger, a client and a serving girl, possibly the innkeeper's daughter begin talking within earshot of Frankie and Fargrim. "I'm so happy we got all them strong folk here. Even if that one is a little on the weird side. Maybe they'll be able to help when the witch brings them Pathfinders back from the dead to add to her army. Maltha says she saw her looking over the village" whispers the young woman loudly.

Between bouts, the innkeeper, a fellow named Darius provides refreshments to those whom spectating has made thirsty. "Good as this is, gonna be better when the sheriff done hung them pathfinders and we finally get some quiet. You know, he says he's got written proof, so I ain't sure why he's waitin' but heck if I know lawkeepin' " he confides to Arnold.

Falshin, the price for the goods is a silver piece. Arnold, Frankie, Fargrim, Marcus, Quentin, you all feel like you've learned all you can from the crowds that enjoy carousing, so please save your gold. That doesn't mean that you cannot investigate the area again, but that a different tack might be needed.

"I'm running in circles, now," he says to Marcus, "Let's see if we can sneak back to the others to compare notes. And get some sleep."

Did we happen to get a description of the Agents sent on this mission?

Orug shakes his head in disbelief. "Not that I know sir; Jorham asked 'bout their society. He was always 'round trying to sing a tune, so I was thinkin' he probably wanted to go South at some point. Maybe they jest don't like new folk. Or maybe they been possessed. If only I had gotten to that tall one" he finishes wistfully.

Falshin makes a grimace at the grim words. "Possessed? As in by a demon? You all have such demons around these parts? I best keep an eye around every corner... Are you sure they got all those Pathfinders? What did the others look like? Just in case they escape and I know who to look out for." He then takes a bite of the jerky and smiles. "Just like mom used to make." He takes out two silver pieces and slides them across the counter top to Orug. "For the goods and the gossip! Do you happen to know if the Inn has any rooms available?"

Fargrim's ears prick up at the mention of a witch. With a passing glance at Frankie, she asks the innkeepers daughter.

"Did I hear something about a witch? Is it safe to stay in the village with one so close? "
As she fishes around for information about where the witch might live, and how best to avoid her.

"A witch? Don't witches EAT children?" Frankie rushes over to stay close by Fargrim just in case.

"Oh no worries about that good sir" replies Orug with a vengeful smile. "Sheriff done caught all of them, he did. They're all in the jail and if the gods are kind they'll stay there till they done hangin'." He slides the money into a drawer on the other side of the counter as he adds "Gothry's inn should have a room or two if ya got the coin fer it. People from all over done come to see them hang. After all them demons done to our homes, it's like justice fer all o' them."

***Meanwhile in the Inn***

"Aye, she eats children little one. Especially those who've been naughty. And carouses with men of ill intent and dark hearts. They say she lives in the hills beyond the copse, half a day's walk to the east, in a house made from the bones of her fallen enemies" continues the serving girl, for Fargrim and Frankie's benefit.

@Marcus: You are correct in assuming that it would take a "phase" to go to Otto's farmstead. Between the travel involved and the investigative work, it would be a time-counsuming endeavor, not suited for this late in the day.

The old fellow turns to Quentin, realizing he impolitely didn't answer the man. "Well, none of the local folk would have killed Dancel. He was a bit simple in the mind, but well liked. Or at least, he was handy to have 'round when harvest came. The Pathfinders just killed him on their way in because it is their way. I've heard tales of how some of them killed Olivina Sharnau, and how another group of them just set fire to a perfectly good library. There's no understanding the mind of a Pathfinder, they ae all bloodthirsty and live for wanton destruction."

Is there time tonight to visit other areas to gather info or? I assumed it was one place tonight.

Frankies eyes grow wide with a look of nervousness, at least until she says they only eat naughty children, then a smile parts his lips. "Oh, well, naughty children deserve to get eaten by witches. I'm not naughty so I don't need to worry!" Bluff: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18 He smiles like a little angel towards Fargrim.

"How come she didn't eat you when you were a little girl? Or did she just move into the woods?" He asks the server. "Oh, is there anything good to eat here? Mom promised me some pie if I would only stop asking how much longer till we got to town so..." He looks up at Fargrim expectantly.

"When did the good inquisitor turn up?" asks Fargrim, hoping to find out more about their sacred servant of Iomede.

I'm not sure how much questions we can ask outside of the regular "phased" of this scenario.

She pays for a room for her and Frankie. "Straight to bed after dinner Frankie. It's been a long day, I just hope the inn doesn't get too noisy in the late evening."

"Who is Olivina Sharnau?" Quentin asks in sincere ignorance.

"Oh, did you hear how Dancel died? Was it fire or blades or some other dark magic?" he asks later in less sincere if equally legitimate ignorance.

"She came when the 'Wound let the demons through, punching through them holy barriers we had" she replies to Frankie, a little flustered at the implied insult from the child but unwilling to get a member of the clergy on her bad side. Shaking her head she then replies to Fargrim: "Mother Corum arrived a month after Nerosyan came under siege, talking about how traitors, demon-worshippers or possessed agents were the cause for the city's fall. She has an eye for outsiders, yaknow; always can tell if someone's gonna cause trouble or not. Not that we had a lot of visitors before them Pathfinders came 'round."

***Round the beer garden***

"An Ustalavi actress. Real pretty too. Anyway, Dancel was killed with a knife. They cut his heart in four, and then to be sure, sliced his throat right open. Right like the animals they are."

Have I answered everyone's in character questions to everyone's satisfaction? If I did, since some of you have expressed interest in Otto's farm, I'll move things to the following morning so you can have a chance to go see the farmstead. Or anything else that catches your fancy.

I'm good till morning.

"Wow.." says Fargrim.

"You had demons walking the streets?"

I think we might need to meet this Mother Corum. I pray she is just a zelot, not something worse...

Giving Frankie a hard look she sasy "Bed. I'll be up in ten minutes."

Ha, now that I reread that I can see how it could be taken badly...lets see if he notices his offense.. it isn't likely. Sense Motive vs Server DC10: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (19) - 1 = 18 Woah he's on his game!

Frankie's constant smile flattens out as the girl replies to his questions with a look he knows all too well That's the look Mom used to give me when I made her mad, hopefully there won't be any slaps heading my way, I best try to smooth things over!

Frankie quickly stammers out an apology to the girl Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20 "I'm real sorry Miss, I didn't mean to call you naughty. I'm glad you didn't get eaten up by the witch, pretty girls like you are too important for that!" He gives her a big hug then scurries upstairs to bed.

On the way up he sneakily snatches a scrumptious looking tart from a plate while the owner wasn't looking. Take 10 on Sleight of Hand for a 20

Falshin nods appreciatively to Orum. "Thank you kindly, Orum. Anything else going on around town that might be interesting for me to check out during my stay?"

I think you might've missed my question in my last post. Did we happen to get any kind of description of the agents we are coming to rescue?

Quentin takes his leave of his new 'friends' and sneaks back to town with Marcus in order to share what they've learned.

Once reunited in private, Quentin shares what he's heard. "People around here are scapegoating the Pathfinders for the murder of several young men--and murdering one actress who I've never heard of, and burning down some library somewhere, and... apparently the Worldwound." Quentin rolls his eyes at the last.

"It sounds like the prejudice is fueled by some Iomedean inquisitor. A woman, though I didn't get a name. She's been here a while and predicted the murders once the Pathfinders arrived. I know. Not suspicious at all.

"One of the local murders was a simple young man named Dancel. Someone cut his throat and removed and quartered his heart in a farmer's field--Otto's the farmer."

"I think Otto's field might be our best lead, other than confronting the inquisitor. I'd rather get as much evidence as possible before a confrontation. We might also want to send someone to sneak I and get the pathfinder's side of things."

@Falshin: Ah, yes. Actually you were not. You were told Pathfinders. You'd have to either send a courier to Nerosyan and hope it got back before you ran out of time, or go see them to get a description

Also, I strongly encourage you to take time to share your evidence among yourselves. Otherwise keeping up with who knows what will easily become a nightmare for everyone here.

I'll update further tonight.

Okay, no problem! Thanks for the update.

Falshin joins his comrades later at the Inn. "The inquisitor's name is Mother Erika Corum and she claims that she can hear the voice of the Inheritor directly. That she predicted the murders is highly suspect, whether she is a godly woman or not. I learned that Orum, the owner of the general store, was a partial witness to the murder of Dancel. He informed me that he heard the murder occurring and charged in to stop 'them' and kept referring to one of the suspects as the 'tall one'. He claims he 'tall one' was standing right over the boy's body when he rushed up, but another of the suspect's stopped him by injuring his bad knee." He shakes his head. "Oh! And Orum also mentioned that this Mother Corum plans on sticking around the town to start a church and even seek to take over the position of mayor or sheriff. We need to know from where this woman came. Perhaps she was visiting these other towns around the time of the murders."

Assuming we are meeting in private, perhaps in one of the inns rooms

"The good mother sounds suspicious to me too. Mother Corum arrived a month after Nerosyan came under siege. Now she maybe totally innocent and dislike pathfinders because of some run in in the past, or maybe it is something more than that. I think we should try to meet her. There is also rumours of a witch living in the outer areas as well."

She listens to the story about the murder.

"So... how many murders has there been? Just the one? And nobody saw the deed being done, just someone standing over the body? Which could be innocent if they were trying to help."

She looks around the room.

"How to find out what went on at the trial, without attracting any attention? Maybe we should go look at the murder sight too, bound to be folk around here who can point us that way - even if it did happen quite some time ago now."

Gonna hold off on the update, I'm curious as to how your conversation develops. :D

"The murder site is a field of a farmer named Otto. I plan to head that way in the morning to see what I can find. Maybe tracks that are out of the ordinary. Perhaps something else left behind. Don't know how this Otto will be to deal with, or if he will even still be there, but someone might want to come along to smooth things over with him if doesn't like people poking around. I might be able to get in and out without notice if someone else wants to chat with him while I do it."

"A field? I had assumed it happened outside the mans shop. Why would you kill someone in the middle of a field? This is most odd. So we have the witness, the mother, and probably at some stage the captives and the sheriff to talk to... while trying not to blow our cover."

"Not sure how hard it will be to get into the captives without attracting attention, it would certainly be valuable though. I think the field will be the lowest profile of our options. The sheriff and this inquisitor will be key, but I think we will no longer be below notice once we commit to either of those actions, so I think we should wait as long as we can."

Frankie listens to the back and forth from his seat on the bed, legs swinging wildly back and forth, hopped up a bit on sugar from his tasty snack. He begins rattling off questions and statements as they pop into his head in no real logical order.

"Oh a farm? That sounds fun! Who wouldn't want to go meet those nice animals?"
"Ummm what's an 'inquiztor' anyhow? Sounds like we should meet her?"
"OO maybe we can get a tour of the jail and meet the Pathfinders... er murders!"
"I wonder what they serve for breakfast down stairs?"

Frankie is game for anything, great cover story, distraction, fibber, or a sneak.

"Between what you've said and what we heard among the visitors, I think there were two murders here: Dancel in Otto's field and someone by Orum's shop," Quentin says to Falshin, "Though both reports have their throats being slit. If Dancel's heart really was quartered, it might be for some ritual. Given the source of information, that's a palpable 'if.'"

He looks down at Frankie. "I could go talk to Otto while someone looks around the fields."

Is the witch an investigation site that falls in the 'don't fear death for splitting up' category or something else?

I will be giving fair warning (at the risk of spoiling immersion) when something does not fall in that category. I'll be moving things on tomorrow, for realsies this time. Also, if anyone knows Savin' Capt' Crunch IRL, could you check up on him? He has not posted in a week now. I'm not casting stones, I'm more concerned.

Just as a reminder, room and board is 1 gp, unless you want to stay in the common room, at which point it is 1 sp. Camping outside, whould you have the gear for it, is free.

Morning comes swiftly, and with it the sounds of normal activity. Another day lies ahead of you.

Morning Phase: I've heard that some of you wanted to go investigate the witch in the hills, others wanted to investigate Mother Corum, others wanted to check out Otto's farm and finally, someone wanted to meet with the jailed pathfinders. Sound off on where you'd like to go.

The night before
"I will go and visit with mother Corum in the morning. Paying my respects to the local priest would seem the right thing to do." announced Fargrim the previous evening.

"Frankie, you can either come with me, or mooch around town. You might be able to find some of hte local kids, they might have a better idea about who is doing what to whom here than the adults."

At breakfast

After enjoying a night in a real bed, Fargrim settles into a modest but wholesome breakfast. Complementing the cook/barman/barmaid she asks
"Where might I find Mother Corum? And are there any other priests in town?"

Marcus considers camping, but then decides a night in the common room might give another opportunity to observe people and potentially pick up information.

Quentin spends the night in the common room in an attempt to further conceal his association with the other visitors form casual observers.

In the morning, he heads out to Otto's farm.

Cap'n was posting in another PbP I'm on Monday, but not since.

Frankie gets up early with 'Mom' and comes downstairs ready for breakfast! "Hrmmm how about that pie I never got a chance to have last night? Pie with fruit, that sounds like a good breakfast right Mom?"

He swings his legs on the barstool as he inhales his breakfast before heading out into town. "I'm gonna go explore town some ok Mom? Maybe play with some kids, see what kinda neat stuff is around here!"

If Quentin wants company/help, Frankie will head with him to the farm and go chat with the kids later on.