Baldwin the Merciful's - CoT Campaign (Inactive)

Game Master baldwin the merciful

Andrea's friend from the morgue Nathaniel's knowledge local:

"There are many bands of bandits in the city and the surrounding area. Although, the Red Knife, has a leader by Henk. don't know much about them though...just a name really."

Andrea makes note of the names. Thank you very much Nathaniel, Be well and may you get home early.

Andrea then travels through the city until she reaches the temple. Taking the secluded path to the back, Andrea knocks to see if anyone is there to let her in.(Or enter herself if she has free access now.) There she leaves the shares of money for the rest of the party and leaves a message for Fiosa, asking if she would like to have lunch and to visit her at the money changers if she is able.

Andrea then uses her remaining time to go home for the next day. Planning to do some shopping for the items the group really should have brouth for the fight on the bridge. ;)

Kenji the remaining part of the meal is uneventual but pleasant, the walk back to the safehouse is without incident.

Janiven would explain, "That the main roads and a few select wealthier side streets are lit before dusk and the shadow beasts do not venture on those roadways. They are relatively safe. However, the shadow beasts rule the dark alleys and sidestreets. Those beasts keep the residents in fear, residents worry about their family and loved ones and pets disappearing."

Andrea also makes another note for the others at the safehouse. Detailing the possible connection between Henk and The Red Knives andthe death of Sir Edward Missepe and how his murder was made to look like a shadow beast death(Putting a question mark and arrow pointing to Henk and the Red Knives), and that his family is offering rewards on shadow beast deaths. 'Ask Missepes about any possible enemies or troubles Edward had?' Andrea writes in the margin.

I enjoy the meal and the company of Janiven. On the walk back I listen to her words. "We wiru stop dem. Now dat we are essembu, is onry matter of time before beasts wiped from streets. I hab great fate in us an da guiding right dat brought us ah togeter."

Before we enter the temple I open a small box and hold it out to Janiven. "Here, for you. Is art style of my homerand. I get it for you. Herup keep spirits up an tink of me." In the box is the oriental hairpin I purchased. I wait for her to take it.

Blushing as her eyes go wide, not accustomed to receiving gifts from anyone. "W..w..why thank ..y..y..you," she stammers. Shyly, taking the box from Kenji. She slowly removes the hairpin staring at the ornate gift. A smile crosses her full lips, "Thank you."

I blush and begin to fluster a bit. "I..weru...um...I tought it wud rook nice on you. I want see dat smiru more often. Gift is start. Streets wiru be my utimate gift. I wiru not stop tir is done."

"No time today, huh? Well, I guess that's okay. I should be heading out anyway, it's going to get dark soon. Gotta get to my little corner before the shadows come out. Have a good one, and give the missus a kiss for me!" Shinon waves and lets himself out.

Walking back towards the main street, Shinon closes his eyes and thinks about everything that's happened so far. "How is this all connected? Does this really come back to..." He opens his eyes and they dart around quickly, making sure he's completely alone before he dares utter the name, "the Council of Thieves?"

Looking down at the ring in his hand, Shinon frowns a bit, then slides it onto his finger. "Well, for the next few days, at least, it looks like I'm a member of House Grulios. Perhaps this ring will bring me the same unwanted attention it brought to its last owner?"

Shinon reaches his street torch and lays down beneath it, looking up at the sky and yawning, before closing his eyes and drifting off to sleep.

Gruum nods and smiles with yellowish tobacco stained teeth. Giving that silent nod of approval between dwarf's that a deal is struck, when a loud fop enters the smith's shop.

"Service here...hop to it...you are wasting my time." An arrogant man dressed in bright blue pants, fine laced boots knee high, and puffy sleeved white shirt announces. "If you sit all day and not bring me the gear that was suppose to be ready Yesterday, I will just have to tell all the "other" noble family's about the slackers here. See how much future business you get from the likes of me and the Salisfer, Gulios, and Nolmon families along with so many of my other friends. You will go back to making horseshoes for a living." Clapping his hand together twice.

"I'm Thesing Umbero Ulvaud but of course, YOU know that already, don't you. Now hop to it and bring me my emerald and saphire short swort " Clapping his hands again and again.

The two apprentices come running out from the back of the shop at the commotion. One is carrying the sword in quesition.

Duncan Knowledge nobility or local DC 10.

Duncan gives Grumm a look.

No ranks in local or nobility

There are various weapon and arms merchants around the city. You have frequented several in the past and have good relations with various merchants. Many know your mentor. The one you choose has an array of good to masterwork equipment. There are even a few minor magical pieces of equipment in the shop.

There are three off duty dottari there browsing the racks, and two sell swords haggling over price. There is young looking noble waiting for a longsword to be sharpened and a new tacky leather grip wrap.

A pretty blonde half-elf in her late twenties approaches you, her green eyes sparkle, 'Can I help you...anything special?'

Basically, a few +1 shields, armor and weapons. 60% chance of any +1 Shield, armor or +1 simple, maritial weapon, 35% chance for exotic weapons.

"I was looking for some new armor and a shield. I was thinking Banded mail for armor. As for a shield I was looking for a heavy steel shield." Thinking it over quickly John also adds "I'd also would like a sap and a composite longbow. I was also wondering if you happened to have a silver heavy mace?"

No problem with the gear but the price is off a bit: I have it as 673 GP. Banded 250, Heavy Steel Shield 20, Longbow 300 (100 base +200Str), sap 1, heavy mace, silver is 102 (12 heavy mace one handed melee weapon, 90 for silver CRB 155)

The firendly half-elf directs shows your various shields and armor. One of the seelswords looks over at you and comments, "New gear 'eh, someone's papa die to pass you the coin." There is laughter from the other sellsword.

You are able to obtain the items requested.

With a cock of his head and his palms facing up Thesing looks at Duncan, "You act as if you do not know who I am," in a disgusted and disbelieving tone. "What turnip wagon or rock did you crawl out from under, with a shocked expression on his face, "But of course, you crawled out from under a rock you are dwarf," sneering. His eyes now moving over to the sword. With a disgusted look on his face, "I should have had this made at Rensmith's, like Sir Guilos suggested." Taking it from you with a venomous look on his handsome face. "If I didn't ned it for tonight's show, I certainly would not be getting this here."

You can try a Diplomacy check.

Janiven have nothing to say about the promise I just made?

Janiven seems to not have heard your last comment/promise. her eyes fixated on the jewerly.

She walks towards the side doorway to the temple holding her gift. She turns to make sure Kenji is following her inside. Entering near the kitchen to find Andrea there writing something.

Andrea looks up from her writing to see Janiven entering. Oh hello Janiven, Kenji. I just stopped by to drop off the shares of the sales I made today. Andrea motions to some pouches. Plus I made some note
on what information I was able to find that might be helpful, especially pertaining those men we met in the sewers.
Andrea puts the notes next to the pouches alogn with a small letter. Would you please give to Fiosa if she stops by or if you run into her.

No problem with the gear but the price is off a bit: I have it as 673 GP. Banded 250, Heavy Steel Shield 20, Longbow 300 (100 base +200Str), sap 1, heavy mace, silver is 102 (12 heavy mace one handed melee weapon, 90 for silver CRB 155)

The firendly half-elf directs shows your various shields and armor. One of the seelswords looks over at you and comments, "New gear 'eh, someone's papa die to pass you the coin." There is laughter from the other sellsword.

You are able to obtain the items requested.

John glares at the sellswords. Then talking again to the Half-elf "I also would like some arrows as well."John will get 20 arrows.

The half-elf displays your gear, "Excellent purchases," taking your gold.

The sellsword comments, 'Well 'quiped now, you lookin' fer a party to join. Be headin' out towar's Pitax in a few days we could use another sword. We be known as Brightwater's Sword." Extending a hand towards you.

The Next Day:

With a cock of his head and his palms facing up Thesing looks at Duncan, "You act as if you do not know who I am," in a disgusted and disbelieving tone. "What turnip wagon or rock did you crawl out from under, with a shocked expression on his face, "But of course, you crawled out from under a rock you are dwarf," sneering. His eyes now moving over to the sword. With a disgusted look on his face, "I should have had this made at Rensmith's, like Sir Guilos suggested." Taking it from you with a venomous look on his handsome face. "If I didn't ned it for tonight's show, I certainly would not be getting this here."

You can try a Diplomacy check.

Beggin yer pardon Milord, but we ain't locals. Afraid if ones to find the finest DWARVEN crafted weapons an armor one needs to find Citidel born dwarves such as us. We come to provide millenia o' family trade to only the finest clientel such as yeself.

At Janiven's reaction I simply take it as a compliment. At least the gift was something special to her. I head inside and do my meditations contemplation the future of our mission to save Westcrown. If nothing or no one else has anything for me, I retire for the evening.

As Janiven and Kenji enter the house they both see that Andrea is there writing a note. She stops and says hello to each of you. Providing a brief description of her findings, the coin division and note for Fiosa.

This sort of summed up what had a happened in the kitchen. If Andrae or Kenjo want to go into details about her findings you can do so now. Otherwise, everyone can call it a night and wake up the next morning.

The arrogant man scoffs at your words dropping the remaining coin on the counter and taking his sword. "I have never been so insulted in all my life,' turning to leave the store.

Gruum jumps to his feet to start to help get the door for the man but he is bumped into roughly. "OUT OF MY WAY!

Duncan your Diplo score did not come close to persuading him.

Earlier today I visited a friend who gave me some news on the death of a young noble; Edward Missepe. Found this morning by a baker who works on Cook street it appeared that he had been clawed to death, but there was a puncture wound between the ribs that someone attempted to heal with minor magic. Very interesting that someone went to such lengths to disguise the death.

Andrea sips some water before continuing.The Missepe's have some shipping ties and are offering rewards for the deaths of shadow beasts. So there is the oppurtunity to find out more information about his death that may be connected to what is happening in the city and get paid as well. Andrea smiles slightly.

Jogn and Duncan may also be interested to hear that there is a bandit group called the Red Knives is lead by a man named Henk. Unfortunatly that was all the information I was able to get, perhaps someone with a nose for news like Shinon can aquire more.

If neither has any further questions, Andrea will bid them good night(With a wink at Kenji in regards to the blushing Janiven) and go home to sleep for the night.

Every girl is winking at the confused Kenji. Too funny.

Janiven would bid you good night, thank you for the information and suggest that you all talk agian in couple days time when Arael is feeling better. She would agree to pass on your note to Fiosa.

I listen to Andrea. "Pay is nice yes, but not necessary. I fight for safety of dis prace not its money. I accept onry what I need but onry if it can be offorded. Noting more. I will rook into dis murder tomorrow." At the wink I scratch my head clearly lost by the meaning. I go to meditation but have a hard time shaking the image of Janiven beaming of my gift from my head. I give up and go to bed.

Duncan shakes his head as the man storms out and winces as Grumm motions to draw his hammer, but only in jest. One needed a thick skin to be a merchant in a world dominated by arrogent humans.

People like that a part o the reason this place needs a shake up. Wonder if he even knows how to use that fine blade.

The half-elf displays your gear, "Excellent purchases," taking your gold.

The sellsword comments, 'Well 'quiped now, you lookin' fer a party to join. Be headin' out towar's Pitax in a few days we could use another sword. We be known as Brightwater's Sword." Extending a hand towards you.

While John is intrigued by the request, he is not sure if he will be free at that time "What will yo be doing on this trip?"

The sellsword boosts to John, 'We will be adventuring and looting of course. Hear there is need for swords by some ruler calling himself Castruccio irovetti, who is looking to squash some fledgling rebellion in an area known, as the Stolen Lands, near Brevoy. Say there is gold aplenty. " Pausing looking at the half-elf then continuing, "Lots of gold, riches, women and killing to be had by the mighty."

Duncan shakes his head as the man storms out and winces as Grumm motions to draw his hammer, but only in jest. One needed a thick skin to be a merchant in a world dominated by arrogent humans.

People like that a part o the reason this place needs a shake up. Wonder if he even knows how to use that fine blade.

Grumm chuckles loudly as he pours another tankard for each of you, "'suppose to be some 'actor' needin a glittery sword with a shiny handle, no tacky leather for him, shiny was the request so it glitters in his 'and. Told him slippery 'andle will fall right out of yer 'and." chuckling, "serves him right if it does."

"Bottums up, then home. signally that the two apprentices to get a tankard, tidy up a bit and get going. Ermolos nods appreciatively

Janiven tells Kenji, "It's your share; and yes, we all appreciate you helping to clean up the streets. It will be hard, honest work." smiling heading off to her room she turns one more time, "Thank your for the wonderful gift."

Shinon catches Janiven the next day in the safehouse. After a confessional to her, she appears flabbergasted with his proclamation. "Well, hopefully you don't have to lay your life on the line but it is possible. These are dangerous times we live in. Most the recruits are young and need guidance would be valued."

Taking a few bites of her eggs and bacon, "Each young recruit, and each of your party, brings a special talent and background. Your background attracted me to you. I found out that you had a life of hardship. Trust may be an issue with you but we will earn it.

Eating a few more bites and drinking coffee, "I'm passionate about this cause, this city is the world to me, the people need help. Cleaning up the corruption and providing some freedom to the people is critical. To get to the root of the shadow beasts." Areal comes in at this time and the conversation ends.

He considers the news that Andrea and chats about it.

Foisa comes down and sees her note that Andrea left her and he grabs it with a smile and heads out the door.

I rest well. The next day rolls around and I roll out of bed and head downstairs. When I see Janiven at the table I head over to where she sitting. I sit down. "Mornin. How da situation today. We hab a puran on what to do about da ting Andrea mentioned yesterday?"

Early the next morning Ermolos leaves to go to the smithy. Gorvio is out with his uncle's stable.

Arael and Janiven are speaking with Shonon. Arael is discussing Andrea's note.

"Be a good idea if some folks attempted to learn more about the Missepe boy that died. Perhaps, Janiven, Kenji and Shinon can go by the estate and learn a bit more."[b]

He looks around the group, [b]"I think Foisa was left for her job but was planning on some lunch with Andrea. Perhaps, they will dsicover more about the death."

He sends Larko out to track down Yakopuio to see what is happening on the docs. "Yak has her ear on everything. She may hear something about this Red Knife crew."

Andrea wakes up in the mornign with a feeling of exhileration. She had a number of plans about how to go about her day; work then lunch and then shopping for items the group seemed to lack. The thought of lunch however sent a thrill through her.

Quickly getting up and cleaning, Andrea pawed through her small collection of make-ups. While at work, she rarely used or needed any such items but at times she accompanied her employer and others to functions with the higer class and making sure one was presentable was a must. Her best outfit was rather simple though and she often found herself mingling with the other hanger-ons, they were more often than not much more interesting and the food and drink more satisfying than those tiny little bits the nobles nibbled on.

Picking something out for her lips and cheeks, Andrea applied them with a calm hand, making her lips bright red and cheeks glowing. Smacking her lips, Andrea hurried out to the money changers.

Shinon hesitates, looking at the woman seriously, before nodding and saying with firm conviction, "Janiven. You have my trust already."

Then Arael comes in. Shinon waves politely as Kenji also enters and takes a seat next to Janiven. Shinon listens intently and frowns. "A boy? What in Golarion are you talking about? I haven't heard anything about a boy who...wait!"

Shinon's eyes widen in shock. Slamming his hands down on the table, Shinon looks at Arael in alarm. "This boy, was he half-elven, like us?"

The sellsword boosts to John, 'We will be adventuring and looting of course. Hear there is need for swords by some ruler calling himself Castruccio irovetti, who is looking to squash some fledgling rebellion in an area known, as the Stolen Lands, near Brevoy. Say there is gold aplenty. " Pausing looking at the half-elf then continuing, "Lots of gold, riches, women and killing to be had by the mighty."

"I unfortunately must decline your offer. I have found myself oblidge to stay in this city for the unforeseeable future."

Arael and the others are startled with Shino's sudden outburst about a boy. Arael states,"young, Edward Missepe,was noble in his late teens or early twenties, not a mere boy. That was just an expression. He was human from the limite information that I have, so no Half/elf blood."

baldwin the merciful wrote:

The sellsword boosts to John, 'We will be adventuring and looting of course. Hear there is need for swords by some ruler calling himself Castruccio irovetti, who is looking to squash some fledgling rebellion in an area known, as the Stolen Lands, near Brevoy. Say there is gold aplenty. " Pausing looking at the half-elf then continuing, "Lots of gold, riches, women and killing to be had by the mighty."

"I unfortunately must decline your offer. I have found myself oblidge to stay in this city for the unforeseeable future."

"Just as well, we needed seasoned warriors not boys." turning to head towards out the door.

Midday Fiosa is at the local bar/tavern that Andrea suggested. She is dressed in a white lacy top and tight brown leather pants, boot to her mid calf. A small costume piece of jewelry on her neck. Smiling as Andrea walks to the table to greet her.

Shinon breathes easily and relaxes, his shoulders slacking. "Right. Right. Okay then."

Remembering what the merchants had said before, Shinon raises his eyebrows and looks at Arael. "The Council of Thieves orchestrated the attack. That half-elf means something to them."

Shinon didn't know what to make of Arael, but one thing was for sure. This guy was someone Shinon had to keep an eye on.

"So a human noble died the other day? And you want me to investigate it?" Shinon says, his face showing absolutely none of the intensity or passion it had just moments ago. "Well, I guess I don't have anything better to do today..." Sighing, Shinon shrugs his shoulders. "Alright. I'll go and check out the Missepe Estate. Kenji, you coming with?"

Shinon didn't have to ask if Janiven was coming. Janiven would do what Arael said no matter what, Shinon could already tell that much.

Andrea enters the tavern and scans the room, her fingers twitching in nervousness. Seeing Fiosa waiting there, Andrea nervously licks her lip as sweat forms on her brow. Oh there she is she actually came! What am I going to do? Lunch, yes! First get something and chat and perhaps talk about what has been happening in the city, perhaps something about her life with the nobles? Maybe she can find out about what is happening with the death of that noble.

Andrea gets to the table. H..hello. I'm happy you came. she says slightly hesitantly and sits down. Oh goddess did I sound nervous? Why am I nervous I need to just get to the point! I can't just get right to bringing her into the faith. Start small.. Food, that would be good. Work on our shared love of food. Oh $#^#%! that sounds so racist! Fiosa sees Andrea fidgit at the table and suddenly go slightly white at that thought. Oh..umm. Lets order. Andrea waves down the waitress. Deep breath, calm down. Andrea exhales and places her hands on the table. Well. I'm glad we can meet at a less hectic time considering what has happened. So, you said you worked with getting helping your friends out of difficult situations with the nobles? Andrea sort of flits about different subjects, trying to stay abit vague considering their location.

Oh, her eyes are so brown.

Duncan rises early and heads to the forge. He didn't plan on much today. Better to lay low till things die down. Besides he had 2 apprentices to look after...

Duncan over the next two day's your apprentices do well. Ermolos clearly knows his way around the forge. Other than hearing that the Hellknights have put out a bounty of 50GP for the dwarf involved in the brutal attack of the lawful prisoner transport, there has been little news.

Oops missed my que. Sorry Shinnon

At Shinnon I seem a bit confused. "You seem upset when tought it were haf eff, but once you know is human you fine? Boy dying aways a bad ting no matter da race." I straighten up. "Knights not seem to care bout common fok er eben rich fok for dat matter. I rook into it an we wiru find da answers. We start doin Knights job where needed an we start rooking better dan dose knights. Win more friends dat way yes?

Looking to Shinnon. "You read, I forrow. Dis good yes?"

Shinon frowns. "Of course the young noble dying is a bad thing. I just...when I heard him discussing a 'boy', it reminded me of a rumor I had heard earlier. However, if Arael thinks the death of this noble is relevant to the case at hand, then we'll investigate it."

Shinon nods to Kenji. "Very well. The Missepe Full Viras is located in the heart of Parego Regicona. Follow me."

On the way there, Shinon will stop by a merchant stall that sells nice fabrics for nobles. He will select the nicest thing that he can find for 29 gp (probably nothing) and if he cannot find something within his price range, he will instead just buy some new merchant's clothes (assuming that's around 10 gp) and change into them.

Shinon leads the way through the city, towards the Westcrown Islands. As he walks, he explains what he knows about the Missepe. "The Missepe family is beholden to the High Noble Mezinas family. Most of them are Taldans, not Chelish. The Mezinas are not a group you want on your bad side, so stay quiet while I handle the negotiations. The Nobles aren't known for their acceptance of outsiders."

After crossing the canal, Shinon leads Janiven and Kenji through the Parego Regicona. "Stick close, and don't let yourself get lost. You'll find that the law's eyes are as blind as their pockets are weighted here. You would be a fool to not consider each and every person we meet here as able to act freely with impunity."

Finally, Shinon reaches the gates of the Missepe Full Viras. Looking down at his House Grulios signet ring, and at his new clothes, Shinon nods firmly to himself. "Alright. We're not here to pick a fight, so don't do anything rash. Also, expect to be talked down to, and don't show any sign of reaction when they do it. Be submissive and polite. Say 'yes my Lord' and 'no my Lord' when spoken to, and bow whenever someone approaches you. And once again, let me do the talking. If these guys buy that I'm a member of House Grulios, they should be cooperative, since that is a major house that has a lot more power than them. But you never know."

He will approach the guards and give a friendly smile and a wave, making sure they can see his ring. "Good afternoon. I'm here to speak with the Head of the Family. I trust that won't be a problem?"

I listen carefully to Shinnon's instructions. "Reminds me of home. Used to stand up to nobus ah da time dere. Got in big troubu often enough. Bowing I good at, speaking I not so much. Is best I not say anyting. You can say I your sirent serbant or srabe an dat I do not speak common tongue. I not make a scene."

When we reach the house I stand silent with my head down trying to act the part of a lowly servant.

Shinon, Kenji and Janiven stand before massive iron gates in front of the Missepe full viras is heavily guarded at this time. The gate is draped in black cloth. Although the Missepe family is beholden to the major noble house of Mezinas, they certainly display an extraoridary amount of wealth. The Captain at the gatehouse responds to Shinon's request, "Family Missepe is in morning and not receiving vistors at this time. Should you care to schedule an appointment one could be requested in week's time."

You can attempt a diplomacy or bluff check but the DC will high. You may be able to an audience with a lesser advisor.

Andrea enters the tavern and scans the room, her fingers twitching in nervousness. Seeing Fiosa waiting there, Andrea nervously licks her lip as sweat forms on her brow. Oh there she is she actually came! What am I going to do? Lunch, yes! First get something and chat and perhaps talk about what has been happening in the city, perhaps something about her life with the nobles? Maybe she can find out about what is happening with the death of that noble.

Andrea gets to the table. H..hello. I'm happy you came. she says slightly hesitantly and sits down. Oh goddess did I sound nervous? Why am I nervous I need to just get to the point! I can't just get right to bringing her into the faith. Start small.. Food, that would be good. Work on our shared love of food. Oh $#^#%! that sounds so racist! Fiosa sees Andrea fidgit at the table and suddenly go slightly white at that thought. Oh..umm. Lets order. Andrea waves down the waitress. Deep breath, calm down. Andrea exhales and places her hands on the table. Well. I'm glad we can meet at a less hectic time considering what has happened. So, you said you worked with getting helping your friends out of difficult situations with the nobles? Andrea sort of flits about different subjects, trying to stay abit vague considering their location.

Oh, her eyes are so brown.

The halfling giggles at the stammering Andrea. She places her slender hand on Andrea's. To the serving girl she requests "A carafe of Cheliax Golden, please." Turning to Andrea, "Its my favorite its an oaky white wine with hints of apricots, plums and apples." Making small talk.

With the wine comes a basket of crusty rolls and a bowl of grapes, prunes and apples slices. She says a quick blessing to Pharasma.

Fiosa begins to explain "I have helped several halflings in the House Rufano. That house likes its halflings but certain members can be cruel. I only seek to lend some aid and healing touch."

John the next two days of training are intense and go well. Lumar Decan resumes his training with you but his mind is elsewhere. He boldly speaks that "The Rack is the original Order of Hellknights and it is a righteous honor to be asked to join its ranks. There I will train and hunt down rebels and stamp out all rebellion," he yells as makes a mighty hack at your head.

Your mentor steps in to call a break into the action before it gets out of hand.