DM Haldhin |
The group moves through the trees and onto the farm property. A large field lies ahead of you, with a small shed and a house on the far side. On the back of the house, you clearly see a large pile of firewood leaning against the wall.
The wheat in the field is about three feet tall, still a few months away from harvest.
Korvus Slade |
Korvus' Perception check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 - nope, I see nothing!
Maximus' Perception check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
"Oy! Look sharp there, lads! Some bloke was eyein' ye from th' front o' th' house. He's gone now," the small blackbird perched on Korvus' shoulder chirps in warning.
No, I don't know why Maximus speaks like a pirate's parrot...
DM Haldhin |
I assume the group is walking beside the field and not through it.
As you get closer to the house, Gibs comes around the corner carrying a loaded heavy crossbow. Another man you don't recognize follows him holding a shortbow.
Gibs stops beside his house about fifty feet away from you and calls out, "I don't take kindly to trespassers, so just move along back toward the stream and we won't have any trouble."
-----
Gibs is unfriendly, but neither he nor his companion are currently aiming their weapons at the characters.
Alexei Dawnreach |
Perception check 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Sense Motive check 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Alexei immediately stands at guard, his eyes fixed on Gibs. He takes a deep, calming breath before attempting to talk to the man. "Be calm, חבר, we're just here to ask you some questions. We aren't trying to start anything."
inb4 I ain't yo friend, pal.png
Diplomacy check 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Korvus Slade |
Korvus' DC 15 Perception check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Korvus' DC 15 Sense Motive check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Maximus' DC 15 Perception check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Maximus' DC 15 Sense Motive check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
"There's a woman inside the house observing the proceedings," Korvus announces to his companions in a lowered voice.
"Th' bloke ain't as stormy as he was at th' boneyard. Like he's a diff'rent person now," the blackbird twitters softly.
Bjorn Stonehand |
Perception - 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Sense Motive - 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13
Bjorn growls as the armed farmer and his friend come into view.
He stands his ground while Alexi tries to talk them down.
Korvus Slade |
"Please excuse our intrusion, Master Gibs. Sir," Korvus says, tipping his bowler hat respectfully to the farmer and to the gentleman holding the shortbow. "As my compatriot stated, the statue of Warden Hawkran was defaced last night, and evidence at the scene of the crime suggests that the culprit or culprits may have passed through one of the nearby farms along the river. We offered Sheriff Caeler our assistance with the investigation, and he directed us to speak with you, a Master Johann, and a Master Tyon. If I may ask, have you seen or heard any suspicious activity in the past day or so?"
Diplomacy check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Korvus' Sense Motive (for Gibs' response): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Maximus' Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
DM Haldhin |
"I know it happened with everyone going to see it. But the only thing 'picous around here is you lot."
He hefts his crossbow suggestively, "If that's all, I reckon you all will be moving along now, won't you?"
Bjorn Stonehand |
Sense Motive - 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Bjorn growls again looking to those with a softer touch to smooth things over.
Alexei Dawnreach |
Sense Motive check 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Alexei frowns at the man. "I know there is something you are not telling us, Ser Gibs. We don't want to cause you any trouble, but we absolutely need you to be honest with us."
Diplomacy check 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
Oliar |
Sense Motive 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Oliar nods at Alexei's comment, the man was hiding something. He hoped the man would spill the beans now he knew they saw through him, otherwise there might be need for some old fashioned breaking and entering to recover the information. Would be a nice change of pace though.
DM Haldhin |
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Gibs' face flushes and turns red, "You come over here trespassing on my land, then call me a liar? I'm through talking! You got three seconds to get out of here! 3..."
Bjorn Stonehand |
Perception - 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
Sense Motive - 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
I just realized Bjorn isn't wearing his armor.
"Don't do anything foolish Gibs. Put the weapon down and I won't have to hurt you", the Ulfen threatens.
Intimidate - 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Korvus Slade |
Korvus' DC 5 Perception check: Auto-success (+5 bonus to Perception)
Korvus' DC 10 Sense Motive check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Maximus' DC 5 Perception check: Auto-success (+5 bonus to Perception)
Maximus' DC 10 Sense Motive check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
"Now, now, gentlemen. There is no need for our discussion to escalate into violence," Korvus says placatingly. "Why, Sheriff Caeler likely would toss us all into an oubliette for causing trouble! Master Gibs, thank you for speaking with us, and please accept our sincerest apologies for imposing upon your time. If you will excuse us, we still need to visit Masters Johann and Tyon, as Sheriff Caeler directed. May Desna smile upon you and yours. Good day to you, sirs. Gentlemen, shall we be off?" Korvus says this last to his companions, bowing to Gibs and the bow-wielding gentleman before backing away at a leisurely pace.
Alexei Dawnreach |
Perception check 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Sense Motive check 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Alexei stands his ground. "You don't have to do this, Ser Gibs. Just talk to us. I promise we can come to an understanding if you'll just put down the weapon."
Diplomacy check 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
DM Haldhin |
Gibs sneers, "The only understanding we need to have is for you to follow your half-orc friend there and get off my land. 2..."
Gibs raises the crossbow and puts the stock to his shoulder. He isn't aiming it at anybody yet.
His friend sees Gibs move and pulls an arrow from the quiver on his back. He puts it to the string, but doesn't draw or take aim.
Bjorn Stonehand |
Sense Motive - 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
"He isn't interesting in talking anymore", the big Ulfen warns.
Bjorn glances in Harold's direction.
"I'll take down Gibs. You deal with his friend."
Korvus Slade |
Korvus' DC 15 Sense Motive check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Maximus' DC 15 Sense Motive check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Seeing Gibs and the bowman ready their weapons, Korvus mutters the words of a spell to surround himself in an invisible field of magical force. Cast Mage Armor on self.
Alexei Dawnreach |
Sense Motive check 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Alexei sighs, hard. "No Bjorn, Harold, let's go. This won't be solved with violence." Alexei looks frustrated, shaking his head at the situation. He turns his eyes on Gibs and looks him directly in the face. "Know that we tried to handle this diplomatically. Next time you see us, it will likely not go so well."
Alexei turns his back on the man and begins to leave the premises.
Oliar |
Sense Motive 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Oliar nodded when others suggested moving on, "We have two more farms to visit. We can come back later when Gibbs has cooled down." Or they could come back when he was sleeping and simply take the guy with them. Pull up some hoods and they could blame the cultists.
Korvus Slade |
Korvus continues to back away, maintaining a position between Kendra and Gibs and the other bowman.
"We have two more farms to visit. We can come back later when Gibbs has cooled down."
"My thoughts exactly, Master Oliar," Korvus mutters, giving the cat-man a knowing look.
Bjorn Stonehand |
Bjorn growls at the other's apparent cowardice but backs off.
"This isn't over Gibs", he threatens.
Once he's out of range he addresses the group.
"Why do we let him walk away? If he's in league with the cult, he could be tossing the evidence now!"
Bjorn Stonehand |
"I'm not afraid of his little stick-shooter", Bjorn retorts.
"I say we go back, break down his door, and get to the bottom of things. He's a gutless snake but he's been acting strange even for him."
Alexei Dawnreach |
Alexei makes a comforting gesture. "Patience, Bjorn. Even if you could shrug off such a weapon, that doesn't mean I should let you do so. I have all of your safety in mind, and you must remember Miss Kendra is with us, as well." The oracle takes a deep breath. "After we talk to the other two farmers, we can talk to the Sheriff again. It is likely Gibs' silence says more than he realizes."
Bjorn Stonehand |
Bjorn glances at the present Kendra and relents.
"Aye, perhaps you're right."
"Let's get to the next farm."
DM Haldhin |
After a short five-minute walk, you arrive at the next farm. A small house sits to the side and chickens wander around near the front door. A small shed is visible behind the house, with a small wood pile stacked against its side. A large field lies to the west of the house. Several tools lean propped up against a fence on the south side of the field.
There does not appear to be anyone around the property.
'Horrible' Harold Grimsley |
After Gibs goes all backwoods yokel on them, Harold heads off to step just onto the perimeter of his farm. It wouldn't be good to break the bloke's fool neck yet, especially being a half-orc in this part of the country. He'd have the law stringing him up from a tree before a magistrate could even be hunted down. Harold hacks up something foul from the back of his throat as he watches Gibs from the distance, spitting it upon the ground as he points two fingers at Gibs in warning.
When the rest back away and catch up to head to the next farm, Harold looks at the others, "So, we got one possible suspect? We should probably keep an eye on 'im fer da next few days an' nights. If 'e is just bein' an overall twit, we can at least terrorize da little wanker, if there is somethin' mawer goin' on though, Bjorn an' I can take turns tenderizin' da side ov pawk named Gibs." On the way to the next farm, Harold keeps scoping out the town and possible paths that one might sneak around in the night to avoid detection that others might of used or that he can use himself.
Perception Check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Korvus Slade |
While leaving Gibs' farm:
"I say we go back, break down his door, and get to the bottom of things. He's a gutless snake but he's been acting strange even for him."
"Patience, Bjorn. Even if you could shrug off such a weapon, that doesn't mean I should let you do so. I have all of your safety in mind, and you must remember Miss Kendra is with us, as well." The oracle takes a deep breath. "After we talk to the other two farmers, we can talk to the Sheriff again. It is likely Gibs' silence says more than he realizes."
"Indeed, Master Dawnreach. Did you notice the reaction of Master Gibs' companion when you intimated that Gibs was withholding information? The gentleman stepped back and pointedly glanced toward the field, as if to imply that whatever Gibs is hiding bears some relationship to that field. In fact..." Korvus pauses and then glances toward his feathered companion perched on his shoulder. "Maximus, my good fellow, would you be so kind as to perform a bit of aerial reconnaissance, and report to us the actions that Master Gibs and his companion are taking now that we have departed? Unobtrusively, of course. I would hate for them to target you with their weapons."
"Aye-aye, Cap'n!" the blackbird tweets cheerfully, bobbing its head in understanding before taking wing and flying back toward Gibs' farm. If necessary, Maximimus' Stealth check: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21.
"Now then. Despite what I implied to Master Gibs, I need not remind you that we are currently serving Sheriff Caeler in a strictly unofficial capacity. As a result, if we provoke altercations with Master Gibs or any other residents, it is likely we who shall find ourselves incarcerated by Ravengro's constabulary. Therefore, I believe discretion would best serve us as we conduct our investigations today. Then let us report our findings to the Sheriff and hope that he will allow us to follow-up our suspicions as his official representatives. However," Korvus pauses, holding up a hand to forestall any potential objection from Bjorn, "even if the Sheriff does not grant us official permission to investigate Master Gibs' farm further, let me assure you that I fully intend to return here this evening to investigate whatever he may be hiding in that field. I assume that the rest of you are of a like mind?" he asks, glancing in particular to Oliar and Harold.
Alexei Dawnreach |
Alexei nods at Harold and Korvus in turn. "I was speaking the truth when I said it would not go so well the next time he meets us. If we are lucky, he won't meet us, though." The man coughs into his hand, clearing his throat. "Regardless, we should check this farm for evidence. Try not to wreck up the place, comrades."
Perception check 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Bjorn Stonehand |
"I didn't get involved in this for the good of the city or for the sheriff. I'm doing this in the name of the professor and if I have to bust a few heads and step on the law to see it done, I will", the hulking Northman warns.
Arriving at the otherwise empty farm, Bjorn participates in the brief search of the property.
Perception - 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13
DM Haldhin |
The group searches around the farm for ten minutes, but you quickly notice that neither the dirt in the field, nor the pieces of wood in the pile, seem to match Bjorn's discovery at the monument.
Bjorn Stonehand |
"There's nothing here. Let's take a look at the last farm", Bjorn says in frustration.
DM Haldhin |
The final farm also appears devoid of people. A small house is flanked by a larger barn. From the scent and sound, pigs make the barn their home, though you cannot see inside as the doors are closed. The field has been divided into two areas, one growing wheat, and another that is being prepared for the next season. A large wood pile is stacked under a shed near the barn.
Korvus Slade |
"I didn't get involved in this for the good of the city or for the sheriff. I'm doing this in the name of the professor and if I have to bust a few heads and step on the law to see it done, I will", the hulking Northman warns.
"Indeed, Master Stonehand, we are all doing this to avenge the Professor and to ensure the safety of Lady Kendra," Korvus agrees with Bjorn. "However, it would be a great disservice to both of them if we were to be incarcerated for accosting any of the residents of the town, thereby allowing the murderers even more time to roam free. Therefore, we must strive to function within the bounds of the law and remain within the good graces of Sheriff Caeler so that we may find solid evidence upon which we can act."
A couple of minutes later Korvus' blackbird Maximus returns and perches upon the half-orc's shoulder. "Oy! Th' blokes stowed their weapons in th' house an' went out to tend th' crops in th' field. They didn't seem to be up to no good."
Korvus Slade |
At the final farm:
Korvus' DC 20 Perception check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Korvus' DC 15 Survival check: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
Maximus' DC 20 Perception check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Maximus' DC 15 Survival check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
"There! By the wood pile. A few drops of blood," Korvus announces to his companions.
The half-orc studies the lay-out of the farm carefully. "There are several areas around this farm with signs consistent with locations for small animal traps," he observes aloud. "If I'm not mistaken, traps of that size would have been used to catch a variety of rodents."
'Horrible' Harold Grimsley |
Perception Check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Survival Check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Harold nearly steps on one of these small traps before stopping his foot in mid-air and placing it carefully back in its previous position. The half-orc crouches down to examine the small trap before turning his head to look at the others, "Seems deese folk 'ave rat problems awer maybe rabbi' issues. Just da type ov vermin what wouldn't be muchly missed if yew was ter sli' a few ov their froats an' pain' a monumen' wiv their blood." He then prods the trap with a stick to see it go off, just cause.
Bjorn Stonehand |
Perception - 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Survival - 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Bjorn nods.
"Let's try to find whoever calls this place home."
The big Ulfen approaches the small house and knocks sharply.