"Do you have any idea when she will be back," says Jeorik through the door, "May we come in and wait for her?"

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 7

Muffled voices behind the door. The a small shutter opens allowing a large brown eye to look out at you. "It's the Guard, " rumbles the deep voice.

"What do we do?" asks the higher voice.

We a moment wait to see if clever PCs want to try anything right now.

"We really need to talk to Trinia, before things get out of hand," says Jeorik.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

"Look..if you let us in to see Trinia we can get her to a place of safety...otherwise the next people knocking on this door are going to be a mob with torches and pitchforks..now which would you rather prefer?"

Bluff 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

The eye disappears to be replaced with shaggy black hair surrounding a small bald spot. You can hear the higher voice easily now, "NO! We can't let them take Trinia. She .." The bass overrules it. "It's the Guard, whelp. And they're right. If it's not them it'll be a crowd looking to fix her right now. Get upstairs and wait for me there!"

A nose. "Hold on there a second. The whelp lodged a chair here.

The crown of the shaggy black forest. The sounds of wood scraping on wood. A pause.

The eye. "Can I see some badges or something? My cousin Will was a Guardsman at a masque last year."

Istas continues to probe their thoughts, delving deeper for any truth that Trinia is indeed inside.

Round 2 and 3 thoughts? It can pick up thoughts within 60 feet, so she'll sweep through the entire range, hoping to note Trinia herself if she's there. It also lasts for 3 minutes as long as Istas keeps concentrating. I believe she can still move and concentrage, but she can't take any other actions or the spell will end.

Istas:

Do we have badges?

Do we have badges?

Assuming Jeorik has, I would assume he carries it on his person most of the time.

Jeorik shows his badge.

"We appreciate the cooperation."

"Ohh, OK that's good then." A bit more sliding wood and the door opens to reveal a portly thick-limbed man with whose shaggy black mane you are already acquainted. Behind him a hallway stretches straight ahead. Along the left side of the hall a stairway descends. At the bottom about 15' beyond the man, it turns sharply and opens into the hall. The walls are scratched and stained. Some of the uprights of the bannister are missing or broken.

"How can we help you then?" The man says. He retreats a few steps to let you in, but his bulk remains centered in the hallway. It would be difficult to just brush past him.

Istas:

Heather always carries her badge..she used it on the dock at Eels End

Heather tucks her badge away again and smiles at the Doorkeeper.."I'm Heather Whiteraven,..and I want you to know that I don't believe Trinia has done what they say she did for one instant...but..there are those..like the Grey Maidens and the Hellknights who are not as interested in justice as we are..I intend to take Trinia to a place of safety if we can get her out of here without attracting too much attention. But you have to trust us..and I know it's not easy too trust the watch..mistakes have been made in the past.."

Diplomacy1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

"Right,... if you could just tell us where her rooms are, we'll head up there and have a conversation, see if we can't work this out."

"These men aren't being entirely truthful," Istas interrupts, continuing to listen for the man's thoughts as to which room Trinia calls home, "The girl's fate touches on theirs, but they only seek to delay and hinder us. This one's friend has run ahead to warn Trinia before we can arrive. But she is most definitely here. and not at the tavern, as they claimed."

The man smiles and nods pleasantly at Heather and Jeorik. Istas' speech triggers a rush of blood to his face. "Just a moment. I'm a good law-abiding, tax-paying citizen. There's no call for that kind of talk. The Whelp's just a boy. Smitten with her. No harm meant when he told you about the bar."

"Trinia's on the top floor. Back right corner."

"Trinia's on the top floor. Back right corner."

Can she verify he's telling the truth about her room? Or is he trying to give us the wrong directions?

"Let's go," she tells the others, "We are wasting time here."

"Thank you," says Jeorik to the man

Before the words are out of Istas' mouth, Jeorik is heading purposefully towards the cited location.

Heather takes on a pained expression as Istas nearly undoes all the goodwill she had tried to build here...making a mental note to speak to the Shoanti woman about the benefits of tact and diplomacy she follows Jeorik up the stairs

Istas:

The big man turns his back to the wall to let you pass. After closing and bolting the door he begins to climb the stairs behind you.

From above you hear the higher pitched door voice calling, "Trinia! Trinia!" The yelling and Jeorik's purposeful tread on the creaking stairs bring the tenants to their doors. Someone asks what is happening.

The big man replies loudly, "They've come for Trinia." The reply is greeted with indifferent stares, some scowls at the party, and muttering about whether the Guard has more important things to do. By the time you reach the top floor, the big man is a full flight below you.

On the third floor hall a weedy adolescent boy and an old man stand in front of the door in the back right (northwest) corner.

Finally the post took. 3rd time's the charm.

Istas continues casting about for the thoughts of those living in the tenement, specifically searching for Trinia's mind, as it seems obvious she must know of their arrival by now. Despite the onlookers, she remains silent and impassive.

The spell lasts for 3 minutes, so let me know when it runs out. Clearly, we took some time at the door...then climbing the stairs...so I expect it will run out soon enough.

Istas:

The old man looks you up and down. "We've heard the rumors already. Shame on you if you think this poor girl has done anything wrong. She wouldn't hurt a fly."

I head towards the two (and the door they are near), "Is this Trinia's place?" I ask trying to be friendly, "We need to get her to a safe place. We're not a jury or a judge. Just need to get her away before a mob gets here."

I move to open the door.

The old man looks you up and down. "We've heard the rumors already. Shame on you if you think this poor girl has done anything wrong. She wouldn't hurt a fly."

The old man harumphs and steps aside. The boy remains in front of the door his hands curled into fists. The old man says,"Let it go, Simeon. You'll only get yourself and your folks in trouble if you fight the guard. They're right about a mob. "

The boy unclenches his fists and sags against the wall. As Jeorik passes him he can see tears running down the boy's face.

"Thank you lad," says Jeorik, not unkindly, and he opens the door and enters the room beyond.

"Thank you lad," says Jeorik, not unkindly, and he opens the door and enters the room beyond.

Strength: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

With a scraping of wood on wood, the door swings back to reveal a fifteen-foot-square one-room studio, cluttered with three easels, a work table, a long cupboard and bench. A stack of cheese and bread sits on the cupboard next to several full waterskins and surrounded by jars of pigment and bowls of dried paint. In the far wall a single window looks out over the tangled rooftops of the Shingles, while just under it, a woman sleeps in a curled-up position on a low bed.

Istas:

Jeorik heads over to the bed, cautiously as he is suprised to find the woman sleeping.

"Excuse me ma'am," says Jeorik, "But we need to get you someplace safer. You're wanted for questioning and there are rumors starting to fly around the city that will doubtlessly cause some tempers to flare. i doubt you're going to be safe here."

He reaches forward to gently wake her if she is really asleep.

As a matter of course Heather casts a quick detect magic when entering a possible confrontation

"Something isn't right," Istas announces, "If this girl's asleep, her thoughts wouldn't be so...awake. It's a trick of some kind, Jeorik! Heather?" She looks to the sorceress for confirmation in case Trinia has the arcane skill to make herself unseen.

Istas casts about the room to try and pinpoint the mind she felt from before...starting with the sleeping figure.

Heather:

Istas:

Jeorik steps forward, speaking gently and reaching out to shake the woman's shoulder.

Jeorik:

Perception(sound) DC 18:

Perception(sight) DC 14:

Perception check... 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 3 + 2 = 16

"There!" Istas points towards the window. "She's trying to run!"

Initiative check... 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

According to Tim, everyone can roll Initiative checks as a result of Istas' warning.

Will Save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 6

Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Jeorik hesitates, confused and then Istas' shout make him turn his attention to the window.

Perception 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Initiative 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

Heather turns and sees the girl before Istas can speak..her fingers begin to shape the forms of a charm spell as she speaks to her..

"Trinia..it's me Heather Whiteraven..do you remember we met at Lord Salar's Yearend Party...we don't wish you harm..just want you to be our friend,you want to be our friend don't you Trinia?"

Cast Charm Person DC 15

"Sure, sure, I want to, " Trinia replies, "but how do I know I can trust you?" She shuffles another few steps backwards. She is about 30 feet away.

The window is high and small enough that it's a squeeze to get through. Only one person at a time so Jeorik and Istas must work out which goes first. The rooftop beyond is cluttered with laundry, chimneys and junk. Standard Action to get through the window. The rooftop is difficult terrain.

Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Heather:

Realizing that Istas might get out there and try to talk to the girl, Jeorik hurriedly step out of the window first, looking to make sure there are places to easily stand.

"I won't lie to you," Jeorik says, and then says to Heather, "Let's try talking first shall we,..." Once more to the girl, "...Won't lie to you, we were told to bring you in, but these two women are dead convinced of your innocence and we'll see that you get treated fairly. There's others coming who won't be so nice or understanding and we would much rather get you someplace before they get here. Now what did you do to make people so upset at you?"

Sorry, work was tough (busy all day & late days) and this cold has been sending me to bed as soon as I can eat.

Trinia shivers. She's white-faced and jittery. "I haven't done anything!" she bursts out. "They're spreading lies about me and if I don't get out of town they'll kill me." Her voice takes on a staccato cadence. "I'm nearly at my wit's end. (And if I don't hold them near, my wits will end.) Look for me tomorrow. You'll find me a grave woman."

Trinia shivers. She's white-faced and jittery. "I haven't done anything!" she bursts out. "They're spreading lies about me and if I don't get out of town they'll kill me." Her voice takes on a staccato cadence. "I'm nearly at my wit's end. (And if I don't hold them near, my wits will end.) Look for me tomorrow. You'll find me a grave woman."

"Your fate isn't written yet," she confidently tells the girl, "We can protect you. If you're innocent...and I fully believe you are...then it will be shown. And then they'll have to look elsewhere for someone to blame for the King's death."

Diplomacy check... 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

A bit surprised at Istas' diplomatic tact, Jeorik nods his agreement, "Innocence will out and the gods of goodness will care for the righteous. Better you come with us then risk your wits with the rumor led mobs. If you come with us you can just think of us as personal bodyguards who will escort you to a hearing to clear your name."

aid in diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

Heather smiles softly to herself..maybe as isn't as tactless as she thought

"You have to trust us Trinia..I certainly don't believe this accusation..and I'm certainly not letting you be taken by those who would rather see you made the scapegoat for this.But you have to trust us..otherwise you're on your own against the entire city establishment"

Diplomacy(aid) 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

Trinia wavers. She is obviously tempted by the offer, but something is holding her back. "You might just be trying to trick me into coming with you. You might really want to help me. Either way once they get me into the Citadel or under the Arbiter's Hall, I won't get out alive and there's nothing you could do about it." Another step back and her heel hits the parapet of the roof. She looks around behind her.

From the street below comes a growling rumble, a multiphonic mosaic of voices, distant, but loud and angry.

"They're saying I killed the king! That I killed that poor lonely old man. Who started that story? Do you know? I'll bet it was Illeosa herself the b@~&%. Once they've got me there's nothing anyone can do."

"We weren't asked to bring you to Ileosa," Istas offers, "Just the Field Marshall. She should be able to determine your innocence and convince everyone you didn't do it. And, if nothing else, I'll add my voice to yours. Pharasma, the goddess of fate...the one who holds power over life and death...knows your soul hangs in the balance. And she knows it isn't guilty of this crime. I had a dream about you. I believe the goddess led me to you. To prove your innocence and change your fate. But if you don't come with us, I can't help you. Your fate will be determined by your choice alone. Come with us if you want to live."

Trinia is obviously unsure what to do. Another round of diplomacy like the first will definitely bring her in.

Not much I can add to the words I've already had Istas say, so here's another Diplomacy check...
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

"You are right that your ultimate fate isn't up to us, but if you are innocent, you will be championed by those who love the truth. The whole city can't be corrupt can it?"

Aid Diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

From below a new sound rings clearly through the growing growling rumble, iron on stone clip-clopping. A unnaturally loud voice calls out, "Citizens, return to your homes! Clear the streets."

Trinia is almost pleading, "Who will know the truth?! If they've made up this lie; they'll make up evidence."

Wellard, it's up to you. A high (15) aid diplomacy roll bring Trinia in.

Heather sighs.."yes you're right Trinia..the queen herself has made this accusation and I for one believe it is in the royal bedchamber that we must look for the real culprit."

She looks at the others having committed herself to treason.."I swear by my families honour that I will see you safely out off this..."

she holds out her hand..."will you trust me?"

She looks at the others having committed herself to treason...

diplomacy1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Istas, too, remains as stoic as ever, not shocked at all by Heather's proclamation. She's just as much an outsider to Korvosa as Jeorik, given the history between the Shoanti people and these southlanders.

As Trinia ponders her choice, the priestess closes her eyes and offers a simple, silent prayer to Pharasma.

'You led us here, my Lady. Now we stand in awe once more at a moment of choosing and great importance in this poor girl's life. Her will alone shall determine the course her fate takes, but guide us where it will undoubtedly intersect ours.'

Trinia looks over the parapet into the street. Her shoulders droop. "All right. I'll trust you. But what do we do now."

Looking over the edge you see an angry crowd. On one street it surges against the wall of mounted Korvosan guards. Looking the other way, a thin brown line of Guards is barely holding back more protesters. They are badly outnumbered. You can't see down the cross street.

Sugar. I was afraid that a well-placed arrow, charm, or hold person were going to preempt a chase. Instead you diplomacied her . Well-done. Of course having been thwarted one way, I'll just have to take it out on you another. Where did I put those human swarm rules ....