[PFS] GM Brew's PFS Archons

Game Master Wicked Brew

Brew, is there anything in here that hints to some sort of worship or respect of Cayden Cailean?

Tarek is starting to wonder if Lord Vlasic, the pickle merchant, is behind all of this
Turning to his companions The only thing I am certain of is how important it would be for the society to hire a few public relations representatives. There is definitely no love here. After talking with that last fellow, I get the feeling the Sheriff may be dead tomorrow and we will be fingered for the crime. Should we keep an eye on him tonight? Tarek looks around with frustration on his face There is no shortage of rumors but still nothing that would shed more light on this crime. I think I am left with more questions than answers. What do your instincts tell you both? Anywhere you feel should be our focus of this investigation? Tarek looks to Eloriand and Havelockk for some insight

Isador looks at the bar keep and then towards Caoilte and finally back to the bar keep.

Look, we are only looking for a drink and I was told this place was one of the few places where I would not have to be asked anything other than if I can pay. So if you you don't mind, my friend and I could use a strong drink.

He then sets a few coins on the counter and takes a seat at the bar.

I am at a loss Tarek. It seems that this town is quite backwards and that whoever does not want us here, now knows who we are and we will be blamed for anything that goes wrong here. Its hard to fight ignorance. I don't want to see those three hang, but our options are running thin. We need to find our mysterious person as well as those boys the woman talked about. Short of that we need to find a way to protect the mayor.

Did I mention how much I really don't like Jorsal?

I think we should warn the Sheriff and try to protect him. I can't think of anything else to do.

The barman gives Isador the stink eye of all stink eyes as he sizes the merchant's son up. He glances to his left then his right, smacks his teeth, puts the glass eh was cleaning down nods while taking a step towards the pair. Caoilte, sensing trouble, flexes his bulk and successfully keeps what was certainly almost an escalating situation from further escalation. The barman grits his teeth and stops just short of the pair. Look here you two this here is place where hard men like to get drunk fast, and I don't know you two from Aroden or ox! Word around town is that you part a them Pathfinders sent here to cause trouble. We don't like trouble here. First that Erika. the barman turns and spits then all the murdering, without permission I might add. Something ain't right abut all this. One o' my boys says they saw one of those Pathfinder sops dancing in a devil circle outside o' town in the woods. If that ain't enough, another one o' my boys thinks that all this nonsense brought one of the hedge witches to town, ready to raise those half pint fools the moment they are hanged. Attack the town then all sorts of hells breaks loose. No thanks. We ain't getting involved. Now out you two pixies go, trew the door or trew the window! The barman waves his hand toward the door, giving the pair the clear prodding to leave the establishment.

Outside of the speakeasy, Kat watches the door from her lofty perch, growing increasingly concerned for her fellow agents

Meanwhile...

Tarek, Eloriand and Havelock try to parse the information they are receiving. They contemplate regrouping at the Heath and Harvest with their fellows to plot their next move.

No worries Izzy, I have been similarly swamped but should be back on my post a day track. Izzy, Caoilte and Kat, I assume you would get out of dodge and head back to the inn, but did not want to presume so please let me know if anyone takes another action in or around the speakeasy or if the group heads back.

I think we need to regroup at the Inn, but before doing so, I think we need to recon around the town and se if we can find out shady fellows...and as frustrated as I am with this down in their suspicious minds, I think we do have a duty to warn the mayor/sherif. I keep coming to the matching handwriting samples...did it seem to be masculine or feminine in style?

I am concerned for the Sheriff's safety but we need to be cautious. Our presence around him may look as if we are plotting a move against him. Perhaps we can send word to him that his life may be in danger? Tarek listens to Havelockk I agree that we should regroup back at the inn and share our discoveries. Perhaps the others have uncovered more valuable clues than we have. If the Sheriff allowed us to keep the letter then we may have been able to compare the handwriting to another. I am not sure if my recollection of the writing style will be of any use to us. I have a feeling this will be a very late night Tarek begins his walk back to the inn with the other Archons.

Whoa Hoss. Take it easy. We're leaving and using the door. If one of your guys puts a hand on us, he ain't getting that hand back. You hear me. Caoilte says as he back toward the door.

Oh and I'm headed for the inn and assuming Izzy and Kat are too.

Isador raises his eyebrows upon hearing the barkeeps response but quickly regains his composure and follows Caoilte's lead towards the door.

Once outside, he turns to Caoilte.

Thank you for.. well, being you. That would have turned very ugly if you were not there; I owe you one.

Glancing about the street before continuing his conversation.

For not wanting to share information, he let quite a bit spill out of his lips. It also seems that Erika is not liked by everyone.

I also wonder who the Hedge Withches are and what is there stake in this affair.

Let's get back to the inn and see if anyone else was able to uncover any useful information.

The Archons regroup after leaving the sketchy speakeasy. The party once again shares information as they make their way back to the Heath and Harvest.

AHHHHHHHH!

The group hears a loud cry nearby, just around the corner from the inn before they reach the threshold. As they get closer, they can see a crowd has gathered around two men that lie on the dusty sreets in a pool of what appears to be their own blood. The smaller and yonger fo the pair has a dagger still plunged into his lifeless chest. The dagger seems all too familiar...

A voice rings out from the crowd as the Archons approach. The dagger! It belongs to that one! The crowd tuns and regards the person to whom the comment was directed, Havelock! It is only then that Havelock discovers that his dagger is in fact missing and appears to be the one embedded in the young man's chest.

The crowd grows visibly and audibly more agitated and begins to surround the Pathfinders. The crowd begins to yell at the agents and begins to jostle a push a few of them. Before things escalate, Mayor Lubin appears at the scene. He cannot hide his shock when he sees the two dead men and his face grows hard as his lips purse holding back his rage. He looks about and quiets the crowd a bit and addresses the Archons By the gods, what has happened here?

I knew Havelockk was up to something!!!!

We just heard the screams as we approached the inn. Mayor, allow us to search for this murderer before any tracks are mucked up by the townsfolk. I give you my word that we had nothing to do with this but we will do everything in our power to bring the murderer to justice. If we act now, we have a chance to catch the attacker. Any delay will surely give this individual the time to escape and never be seen again.

If any of us committed this crime then we most certainly would be covered in blood.

Tarek also scans the crowd for the person who shouted about the knife

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

I raise a eyebrow as I stare at my blade, quite amazed at the skill of the thief that could cut or untie my leather securing thong that normally runs over the cross guard of the blade.

We need to find the person that did this, as you can see, there is no blood or blood splatter on me. That blade is a standard issue pugio in the Chelaxion legions, manufactured by the thousands. Whether my dagger fell out of its scabbard, was stolen, there is no way to determine if that blade is mine or not, but what I will promise you by both Aroden and Iomedae is that I certainly did not murder these two men.

I am soldier, a legionary, and all the scars on my body are on my front side, none are on my backside. I am the first in battle and the last to leave it and I have learned the weight of my sword. Without my heart to guide it, it is worthless-my strength is not in my sword, but in my heart. If I lose my sword, I have lost a tool. If I betray my heart, than I have died I do not lurk in the shadows to cowardly strike out. I may not be the most personable man you have met, but I do have honor and believe in the sanctity of life. If I speak falsely may Saint Lymirin herself strike me down where I stand.

I look the mayor dead in the eye with my words as well as many of the towns folk as I can. Images of campaigns, battles and sacrifices flash through my mind.

Let's hope none of the victims look like Havelocck's dear friend Jorsal

Seeing the bodies on the ground and the reaction of the crowd, Isador tries to get a better view of the person who called Havelockk out.

Whispering to Caoilte.

Out of frying pan...

He quickly takes a sidestep towards Caoilte.

be ready to make a strategic withdraw...

Pax Deorum, Let us not stand falsely now!

Luin looks very troubled, but he listens to the party's plea attentively and without prejudice. As the crowd grows increasingly angry, grumbling and talking over the sheriff/mayor at points, Luin waves his hands in a calming gesture and the crowd respectfully responds to his request. He speaks to those present Alright now, everyone just calm down. Did anyone actually see these folk harm these two men? Luin awaits a response as the members of the crowd look at one another or look at the ground. After a few moments, Luin runs a tired hand through his hair and lets out an exasperated sigh. I see. Well I will tell you one thing, we are not jumping to any conclusions here. I am not sure what is happening, but I aim to find out. He turns to Tarek and the Archons I am keeping that knife. I am not convinced, yet, that you folk did this but I ain't convinced you didn't. You are free to go, for now, but me and my boys will be keeping an eye on you from here on out. If I get a whiff of any trouble from the lot of you, I will not hesitate to lock you all up. Now get out of here before things get worse. The sheriff looks down, clearly troubled, holding a hand on the back of his head as he contemplates what to do next.

Eloriand whispers to a few of his friends in the party, I think we need to warn the sheriff about what we heard today .....

Tarek removes a scroll from his bandolier I think someone should warn the Mayor of what we heard today. I will prepare a spell that may help me aid Eloriand in tracking down the murderer. I think it may be helpful if we all look around. Tarek turns his attention to the parchment in his hand

There is an echo. El beat me to the post :-)

we're doomed

Mayor, I understand you must do what you feel is right, and I emphasize in you must do what is right for this town, but we do have reason believe that somebody or something may strongly desire to harm you. Pausing for a moment to look him in the eye. My companions can go into a bit more detail, but for you sake, please remain vigilant for your own personal safety.

Mayor, take a look here. Had these fellows died from an arrow to the neck I could see suspicion. Were they cut in half I could see suspecting me. But a shiv in the ribs? That's clearly not our style.

Luin nods as Caoilte makes his point but looks up sharply at Havelock's warning. I appreciate your understanding of my doing my job, and I am usually vigilant. Is there a reason I should be more so? He gives Havelock a very wary eye.

Isador, Tarek and Eloriand do their best to try and find and or track the voice in the crowd who dimed out Havelock. Isador thinks he may of seen
a man dart from the scene, but between the setting darkness and the physical interference of the angry crowd, he is unable to to follow. Because this is a well traveled of town, it is virtually impossible to track a single person through the crowd.

I look at the Mayor and shrug... I don't think you'd listen anyhow, so unless you have a change of heart, I won't waste your time. As I walk away... Just because something is legal, does not make it necessarily morally right...the town is fortunate to have a leader of such strong moral courage.

As I take a few more steps, I shrug looking at Tarek. I think we should go looking for lost places before the sun sets as well as blood splattered persons of interest. Everybody else have all their kit?

Tarek looks to the Mayor after Havelockk speaks with him I am sorry your town is suffering these horrific crimes. I wish we knew who was behind this mess and we hope to find out before morning. We heard rumor that someone wished to bring you harm and our desire is to see that it does not come to pass. Post extra guards, if they are available. This town needs your leadership Tarek listens to Havelockk and checks his gear. He then nods in agreement Let us explore outside of town before the hour gets too late Tarek whispers a blessing over the bodies of the the deceased before they depart

Isador slowly makes his way forward and stands next to Luin. He glances around the crowd before speaking in a low whisper.

Mayor, I know this looks bad and that you have little reason to believe us but I swear to you that we are innocent of this crime. You have my word that we will cooperate with you in the search for justice.

During our travels in the city, I have heard several accounts of a hedge witch possibly being the root of the trouble. Can you tell me anything about this witch? The townsfolk seemed very troubled by the news.

Sorry, I meant Mayor and not Sheriff.

Eloriand follows Havelockk while eyeing the crowd warily.

Luin looks at Isador warily, but not unkindly. He runs his hand though his hair again and just looks to the crowd. He speaks to Isador Well I certainly have trouble in bunches eh? I'll tell ya, I aim to get to the bottom of all this. I am hoping what you say is true, stranger. You seem honorable folk, but it wouldn't be the first time I was hoodwinked if it goes the other way. He turns to Isador Hedge witches? Heh. I suppose it's possible but I ain't seen anything like that around here since I came into town. I love these folks, but almost to a man they tend to inflate things a bit. I appreciate the information, but I'll give you a bit. Careful what to believe from these folks, best to find something to back it up before you take things at their face. He nods and walks away to examine the gruesome scene a bit further.

The party has one phase left this day to investigate if they want. Or they can regroup for the night at the inn.

My vote is to investigate outside of town.

let's press on and investigate

Isador glances at his companions.

Well, at least we are not sharing a cell with the other poor souls. I think that I will take the advice of the good Mayor and try to gain some hard evidence about this hedge witch. I am sure that someone in the tent city will know something.

Caoilte and Eloriand, care to join me?

I haz two unused percept rolls... can one of them still be used?

I think we should all hit the tent city...last we thing we need is to have a few us get lynched, or more likely, us walking away after appropriately defending ourselves with a very misunderstanding bunch of townsfolk. I think its best to stay in numbers.

Eloriand nods to Isador. Lead on.

Caoilte grunts Yeah, let's go. What do you got in mind, Izzy?

Tarek follows along with the rest of the group

Tarek speaks casually to the Archons as they make their way to the tent city We need to be cautious about our interaction with the townsfolk. We are in good standing with the Mayor because he met with us earlier, I don't think the people will be that easy to win over. Erika definitely has their ears and she has painted us in a very bad light. If things get tense, then I say we leave immediately. I have a feeling that any evidence we have yet to uncover won't be found within the towns borders. I think whoever is behind all of this is camping out on the outskirts of town.

GM: I read that a sense motive check can be made to detect if someone is being controlled or dominated. Do our characters get the feeling that anything like that may be taking place with some of the people we have interacted with? I don't want to make random rolls but if something like that is going on behind the scenes then feel free to make a check for my character when it is appropriate.

GM: I read that a sense motive check can be made to detect if someone is being controlled or dominated. Do our characters get the feeling that anything like that may be taking place with some of the people we have interacted with? I don't want to make random rolls but if something like that is going on behind the scenes then feel free to make a check for my character when it is appropriate.

** spoiler omitted **

Tarek has not sensed that anyone he has interacted with so far is being controlled or manipulated by magic.

Isador listens as Tarek expresses his concerns about the remaining information being found outside of town.

I don't disagree with your thoughts but I was hoping that we could gain some insight on where to look by trolling the tent city. I have yet to canvass this portion of the town yet so I would like to have a go before I just wander the outskirts of town.

Your concerns about Erika are justified which is why I suggested that Caoilte and Eloriand come with me while you and the rest of the party continue your search. If we break into two groups, we still have strength but we will not be so suspicious.

Since we have very little to go on at this point, I am going to try and fish for more information on the Hedge Witch and the Dancing Fire Circle. If the good mayor is correct, this might be a complete fabrication but I have found that most stories have some kernel of truth.

Caoilte, point us to the watering hole and lets see if the fish are biting.

If we are to split into groups again does anyone have any thoughts where to search? My brain is exhausted of any ideas of where to look inside the town and is why I mentioned going beyond the town limits. My skills in tracking are extremely limited and may prove useless in discovering additional clues. I am open to any suggestions at this point. If Caoilte, Eloriand and Isador are going to the tent city then where do the rest of us go?

If we must separate, there is a lone house on the river just north of tent city, we could head there and then head back westward to the few remaining separate structures. Just saying....

The Archons gather themselves after the blatant attempt to frame them surfaces. The event leaves more questions than answers and the hearty agents plot their next move.

Isador, Eloriand and Caoilte make ready to head to the Tent City to the north of town while Tarek, Havelock and Kat decide to accompany them or head in a different direction.

Tell me where you are going and throw a few rolls down.

Brew, take a look at the map, you should see 4 blue stars with a corresponding text number near them 1-4. That is the sweep of the general area that I am proposing, with agreement from the remainder of the party. I am not not really sure what dice throws to add so I will just list a few general purpose ones.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

sense motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

survival: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Professional Soldier: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24