Aryllan smiles at the situation. Well, on to the next task!
She claps Robertus on the back as he straightens from his bow. Good Job. It looks like you impressed them. They don't generally give out coin like that.
She turns to Uraisa, Densa smiled on us! Baladur seems to have a lot more manners and understanding than others I have traveled with before. Minor mistakes in the sceme of things. But I am sure with a little more knowledge of the region and our help, our travels together will be eventful and interesting. Best we can hope for in Life.
She lengthens her stride to catch up with the dwarf. Baladur, great job back there, getting the cart back together. I'm coming with you. She reaches the dwarf and slows her stride to match his. She looks back to see what the others are doing.
Continuing his run Volta reaches a fountain and does the quick, through wash off of a hunter splattered with spoor evading a predator.
Survival
Clean now, he continues running back. He then backtracks at an angle to where the party is if they followed the dwarf.
He arrives in time to hear Uraisa hope for better in the future and Aryllan compliment everyone except Volta. Sigh.
As usual, overlooked again, but I can use that soon I bet!
He joins up with the group led by the dwarf unless someone splits off.
Aryllan notices Volta as he is running toward the fountain.
Perception Check: Looking to see how Volta responds.
She notices how Volta shoulders slump slightly. As Volta catches up, she smirks, Volta, nice try back there.
After a short walk you find yourselves at the door to the Ascendant Court’s massive temple to Sarenrae; the Temple of the Shining Star (wiki link). Upon arrival you are Immediately directed to Ollysta Zadrian. This paladin of Sarenrae is young in her years, but holds herself with the poise of a queen and warrior simultaneously. As she notices the parties arrival, she strides forward, addressing the group in a strong voice.
Thank the light of Sarenrae you have arrived! I knew Ambrus would come through for us in the Silver Crusade. I desperately need you to bring medicine to an orphanage and let me know if the headmistress, Gilga Baltwin, is deserving of our charity.
Since our quest began, the needy have clamored for our aid, and I suspect some are abusing our generosity. It may sound cruel, but there are plenty of dishonest people out in the world eager for easy gold.
Do you know of the Silver Crusade? After discovering so many factions splintered the Society, a number of us banded together to proliferate the cause of charity and kindness using the ociety’s resources. As it is said, ‘The Dawn brings new light’ and I’ve made it my life’s work to use our recent darkness to bring a new light to the world and to the Pathfinder Society.
I apologize for straying off point. Will you bring this parcel of medicine to Auntie Baltwin’s Home for Recovery in the Eastgate district?
Perception To notice Aryllan Lanliss eyeing him.
The elf is looking me over, wonder why?
Volta does a quick check of his appearance. Seems Okay.
When Aryllan speaks, Volta brightens and replies, "Figured couldn't lose much by trying but grumps -err- grown-ups do not like to be told what to do by a kid."
He rejoins the group.
Arriving at the temple, he listens to the speech by the priestess and finds it odd. Why do they think Auntie Baltwin might be running a con? Or do they? Is this just a test to see if we make a false accusation? Does this uh Ollysta know more than she's letting on?
Sense Motive on Ollysta.
He thinks about what he learns before making any attempt to respond to the priestess.
Ace hurries to keep up with Uraisa and the rest of the group, his armor slowing him slightly. "Thanks Aryllan. I hope you don't mind me asking, but maybe later you could explain the significance of the coin? I don't know Sczarni custom that well." This is said as they approach the temple, the impressive outside of the church ending the line of conversation for now.
Robertus takes a quick view of his surroundings, as training often dictates, but otherwise keeps his attention focused on the paladin before him. He nods a couple times, and pulls out a small pad and charcoal pencil, making notes as she explains. Double-checking his notes, Robertus addresses the Paladin. "Alright, so we need to deliver a satchel of medicine to a Mistress Baltwin's Home for Recovery in the Eastgate District, as well as keep an eye out for anything that might suggest she is misappropriating the resources you have been donating to her." Robertus nods once at his summary, and then looks up. "In the unfortunate circumstance that we find such evidence, we should report back to you then?" Robertus's tone, while formal (almost like a soldier addressing a superior with questions concerning an assignment) contains a hint of hope that they won't find such evidence.
Uraisa nods at the words of the servant of Sarenrae, as she waits for the answer to Robertus's question. Hopefully Mistress Baltwin is above board. If not, I hope it won't come to violence.
Perception 1d20+7 To notice Aryllan Lanliss eyeing him.
Any question's or ideas on this, let's go to the OOC thread.
Volta studies the manuarisms of the paladin and feels her motives are pure. A desire to help others . She's very passionate about this. It is the paladins code, after all.
At Robertus query she looks at him; I'm not sure if Gilga Baltwin is honest or not, but I hope this delivery by Pathfinder agents will confirm whether the orphanage is operating on the up and up. I ask the you to be observant and report back any evidence that Baltwin isn’t worthy of the Silver Crusade’s aid.
To Robertus directly Your heart looks pure brave warrior. You would make a fine Paladin if you embraced the path of Lawfulness.
Baladur accepts the offered parcel, nodding to Ollysta "Aye, I've heard of ye, 'tis a just cause, helping those in need. We'll figure out Mistress Baltwin's game, if she has one."
Dhergen attempts to make the holy sign of Sarenrae
Knowledge Religion
"May the lady be with ye."
When the others are done with their questions Baladur makes a survival check (direction sense) to orient himself.
"All set?"
If everyone is ready, he heads off to the Eastgate district.
"Perhaps, Lady Zadrian. But I have never felt the divine connection that you and the other clergy always seem to have." Robertus places his notepad underneath his scale armor, and nods once to the Baladur. He is ready, the others might not be though.
Aryllan looks around the temple as they enter. Temples always look so beautiful, however they always seem so closed in. Never enough windows, in any of the temples. She thinks to herself.
Aryllan listens as the Paladin gives them their assignment, then to Robertus as he clarifies the details. As Baladur speaks, Aryllan looks towards Uraisa to see how she responds. She also looks around the see where Finnegan and Volta.
"Ma'am, might you tell us what is the basis for the suspicion of the Mistress? If we know what has stirred the worry, perhaps we could be better prepared to search for clues. Has anyone ever questioned her before?"
In a calm practiced voice the paladin speaks
The light of the Dawnflower teaches us temperance and patience in all things. Of the concerns I speak, they are only possibilities. Finding the truth I place in your hands. If I may suggest, inquiring of those who live and work near the orphanage may bring light to the dark.
If there is nothing further, I must attend to other matters. I wish the Everlight shine on you this day.
With that, she gently hands you the parcel of medicine, turns, and heads deep into her Temple.
Baladur knows the journey is a mere three quarter hour brisk walk away, for his years in the city.
The orange globe of the sun is fully above the horizon burning off the last whiffs of morning dew. The smell of morning pastries and baking breads fill the streets. The city is awake.
Your journey from the Ascendant Court to the Westgate district is enjoyable with the fall breeze on your faces and pleasantries from passerbys. You arrive within sight of Auntie Baltwin’s Home for Recovery in good time. It's a fine upper-class home and appears to be in good condition from your vantage point a block away.
How do you proceed . . .
As Volta was about to ask some questions Uraisa question to the paladin concisely poses the same inquiry Volta had. I wanted to ask that ... but Uraisa asked it better. I guess we'll learn more there, now.
As they approach the area of the orphanage Volta will look over the neighborhood, checking to see if anyone, especially children seem unusually drawn or repelled by the place. Also to spot ways in and out of the building that are unconventional. Is there a fence, and if so how high or difficult to get pass would it be?
Perception
If we enter the place do a similar visual check.
Perception
Unless we stop for some reason, or something odd is noticed, Volta will just continue on to the entrance to the orphanage.
Uraisa follow sthe group looking carefully around the neighborhood to see if anyone is paying their particular group any special attention.
Perception
Aryllan, ever observant of her surroundings as a Ranger, heightens her awareness upon entering the Westgate district and arriving within sight of Auntie Baltwin’s Home for Recovery. She notices Volta search of the obvious and not so obvious things about the place.
Sensing Volta is more trained than he lets on by playing to his young age, Aryllan walks next to him, What do you see?
She also looks around to see if there is anything out of the ordinary and to see how the rest of the group reacts to the sight of their destination.
Perception Check
As they near their destination, Baladur begins to scan the neighborhood looking for residents, local kids, street vendors, anyone that looks like they are around this area alot.
Perception:
Once he has located someone, he approaches and attempts to speak with them about the local happenings in general, the orphanage, and Mistress Baltwin.
"Oy, gods bless ye this day goodwife, how fare ye?"
While Baladur (or someone else) speaks to the locals, Baladur is making Sense Motive Checks.
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
The original Sense Motive rolls were:
20 + 7 = 27
19 + 7 = 26
14 + 7 = 21
12 + 7 = 19
7 + 7 = 14
The Professor looks around at the place. Not really having a great deal of experience in social situations, he keeps to things he knows. Looking at the walls and building, he looks for hidden doors or people out of place, scared children, and things like that.
As the group approaches the orphanage Volta's trained eye for detail picks up details not seen to the average observer. Uraias by contrast, having spent most of her formative years in seafaring towns feels out of her element in such a metropolitan neighborhood.
The broad street leads to a cul de sac of sorts with a wide two story converted inn serving as Auntie Baltwin’s Home for Recovery. A wide porch two steps hight than street level leading to the whitewashed double doors of the entrance. A high fence encloses what little grounds surround the building. Volta's keen eyes spy no other means of egress from the street level.
Aryllan trains her eye to the locals observing how the group is receiving double takes and even long stairs from the community. They do not seem unaccustomed to the occasional well armed visitor, but the sight of so many obvious adventuring types grouped together stirs whispers.
Baladur easily spots several locals that look approachable. A man at the local market is sweeping away the last of the morning sand from in front of his stall. A elderly couple sits outside on the porch of a multi unit residence, enjoying gossip and morning tea. Across the street there is a single residence estate with the master doing a bit of morning gardening. Baladur tentatively approaches, checking over his shoulder to see if a more silver tongued colleague will accompany him.
As the professor scans the area with his own unique eye for detail, he notices nothing out of place from his experiences.
Who would like to join Baladur in questioning the locals?
Aryllan quickly strides toward Baladur. As she does so, she motions for Uraisa to follow with a nod of her head in Baladur's direction. I think Uraisa maybe right, not that I am all that diplomatic but.... As she reaches Baladur's side she also says to the person, What a beautiful morning
Aryllan still glances around to see who else might be watching them.
Uraisa quickly falls in with the dwarf and the ranger, hoping to interject, before Baladur says too much. "Good morning, friend. Your garden looks divine," she says with a smile.
"Do you know if Madame Baltwin is in this morning? We've got a package for the tykes," demonstrating the pack given to them for the trip.
"Have you heard about anything strange going on around here at the home? There are a lot of rumors that everything might not be above board, so to speak, around here."
Diplomacy
At the estate across the street, Master Trebb Bonto, a retired builder, pauses from his gardening and says nothing but nice things of Lady Baltwin, as he calls her. He recounts tales of tea and games on the sitting porch. When pressed by Uraisa, he falls to her womanly charms, letting slip that she often cheats at games and sometimes had some shady characters coming to whisper in her ear and palm her small bags of what might have been money before slinking away. “Otherwise a fine lady, indeed.” he quickly adds.
Baladur senses that he has no ulterior motives as he speaks plainly of what he knows.
Aryllan smiles that Uraisa so easily jumps in. I hope Densa smiles on us too.
When Uraisa is finished asking questions and Master Trebb Bonto answers, Aryllan's eyes are wide but her smile is still there as if nothing had happened. Wow, not sure I would have been so bold as to ask out right, but Uraisa does not look as threatening as the rest of us with our Armor. And obviously has great diplomatic abilities.
As the party approaches the locals Volta murmurs so only the others can hear, "That house seems nice but its open area is small for kids to play in, and that fence is kinda large, good for a place to imprison the untrained. That's a bit overly suspicious though..."
Distracted by his examination of the house he misses looking over the nice old local as he first gives meaningless noise about how great Lady Baltwin is, but when Uraisa worms more out of Bonto, he continues even lower, "... or not."
Wow, that wizard lady is as charming as Euphemi, don't think he meant to say that much.
When they leave Master Bonto's vicinity he says, "Maybe we can ask about shady people showing up in the neighborhood, instead of being direct about who we are looking into; the goodman and woman of this area will be more comfortable dishing on the scuzzy rather than a neighbor."
By the end of their conversation, Uraisa is convinced she has made a new friend. "Hopefully Gozreh favors your vegetables this year, friend. I'll say a word or two on your behalf," she smiless as she departs with her companions.
Hearing Volta's thoughts, she ponders for a moment. "Very clever, young one. I have known to be a bit direct, maybe too direct at times. For that good idea, you pick the next person to speak with, Volta."
"I was paying more attention to the house rather than the neighborhood, has anyone suggestions as to who might be approachable?" Receiving the answers from others, especially Baladur, he says, "Well, the Shopkeeper is well placed but I suspect the old couple to be the local gossips. I'd start with them but no one ever called me charming, so if you would do the honors, Lady Uraisa. I think they may say a great deal, if they don't decide we are the troublesome element." He heads towards the elderly couple.
The unease in the air seems to settle out a bit as the concerned locals realize your well armed party is not here to raze their neighborhood. They are now simply curious to the nature of your visit.
Following Voltas line of questioning, some people claim the place looks odd because people are always coming and going, sometimes taking kids with them.
Additionally Gilga Baltwin’s neighbors Travost and Tirelle Anthos are frankly tired of the noises the children make and the retinue of cats—though they do appreciate the latter’s mousing skills. They admit to being happy when Auntie Baltwin sends the children “off into the town” during the day, as it gives them a few hours of peace and quiet before they return in the evening.
Miltivis, who runs a nearby market, claims he’s served Auntie Baltwin for over 30 years, and while a good customer, she is quite demanding and often rude to the other customers. He says she’s kept his supplier of fine whiskeys in business for decades.
As you pass by a gathering of four early twenties denizens picking out morning provisions, a young and lithe girl , with red hair hanging in ringlets asks giddily
Are you Pathfinders? Aye, you are Pathfinders right? Are you on a mission? Is there going to be trouble?
She seem in awe at meeting such heroes in person.
"Good afternoon to you," Uraisa says, nodding toward the group. She attempts to sidestep the question a bit, ignoring the part asking whether or not they were Pathfinders. "We are on no mission, just coming to see the good that Auntie Baldwin is doing, and giving her some support. She seems like a great lady that is doing wonderful work around here. I'm only worried about the rumors of unsavory elements in the neighborhood interfering with her. You've not heard anything about that, have you?"
Diplomacy
Diplomacy Assist
Baladur offers the teen some ale.
Robertus keeps his eyes open, but mostly his ears. He occasionally pulls out his notepad and makes some notes, but mostly keeps quiet. However, when the ladies come forward, Robertus puts on his most confident grin and speaks up.
Unfortunately, before he can let slip his silver tongue, he trips over an invisible wall, falling flat on his face.
Wonder what identifies us as pathfinders? Lots of odd people in this city...oh but not as eclectic a group as this is, that must be it.
"No trouble will come here, so to that end any troublemakers been around?" Volta tries to help Uraisa but subtle is not yet a strength of his.
Diplomacy
But the group of young people like unsubtle, +2 to Uraisa's diplomacy.
The young lady is visibly unsatisfied with the vagueness of Uraisa's response. Wanting to continue the inquiery, she is interrupted by Baladur's attempt at "liquid negations".
They say a person touches their face thousands of times a day unconsciously. This explains Baladur's rubbing his nose prior to opening the bottle. The younglings look at the glass flask, soaked with dwarf spit and some form of dried crusty residue, that apparently breaks off and floats generously inside the grime covered container. As a group they gasp eohhhhhh. Pointing a thumb over her shoulder the young lady says We, uh, got, ah, um.....thing. Umm, eh. Nice to meet you.
Seeing Roburtus tripping over his protruding long sword, she grimaces and backs away.
As one practiced unit, the group turns and leaves. Pausing halfway through her turn, the redhead poses allowing the fullness of her figure to show. Her eyes fix on the young Volta. They look down, then back up, ending in a sparkle and the slightest hint of a wink. Breaking eye contact, she finishes her turn and bounds up to her friends. Before leaving the square, she sneaks one small glance back at Volta. They disappear from view.
Professor Diggans, having had to take a moment to fix a loose cog on Delta finally turns up next to you all smiling and says So...find anything out yet?
"I can try again but need to go after her" Volta says as he locates a flower sales lady in the market, grabs a good looking bunch, and tosses a silver coin, then races off before anyone can says anything. Volta runs to catch up with the girl and her friends. Arriving he presents the flowers gasping, "Sorry about that, let this be an gift to restart our talk. Yes we are pathfinders but some of them have not been housebroken yet." If that goes well he says,""Volta is my name, what's yours? Assuming some sort of positive response he continues, "We are looking into some reports of lowlifes showing up in the area and want to know more. Has anybody you know of been bothered? Do you know anyone that has grown and left the orphanage? We just want to make sure everyone is safe and happy." In between the questions he will answer reasonable ones to them, shading the truth only so much as needed and respond to flirtations as best he can.
I'll subtract a silver soon.
Diplomacy
We will see where that takes us.
Not a good place Volta prepares to run away. Note he is obviously armed.
Aryllan covers her lips with her hand, and tries not to smile too big. The boys are trying to impress..... She laughs out loud as Volta runs after the girl.
She turns toward Roburtus and the others. I think we have gotten the idea here, we should go and see Mistress Baldwin and see what we can find out about the people that are coming and going as well as where Mistress Baldwin is sending the children during the day.
Baludar, you might want to leave the ale out of sight. she turns to go back to the house.
"Bah, and ye say dwarves don't know how t' parley! Ye all must be part dwarf then...." Baladur chuckles and walks towards the orphanage, stowing his ale jug reluctantly.
Satisfied your newly banded company has collated all useful information from the locals, you approach and enter Auntie Baltwin’s Home for Recovery, sans Volta.
Nearly swarming with cats and children, this fine upper-class home appears to be clean and in good condition considering the number and ages of its inhabitants. Three young boys shoot marbles in the dirt near the side porch, and inside strewn toys and more cats lie about on the floors. A few children take care of chores, while coughs and sneezes softly erupt from the children’s dormitories upstairs.
Holding out a pinch, Baladur says "Who wants t' let Mistress Baltwin know she has guests? Theres a copper pinch in it for ye!"
Sense Motive
Uraisa follows in line with the rest of the group, looking around for anything out of the ordinary at the quaint looking residence. So many cats around here. Something to be explored later?
"Delta, can you talk to breathing felines frm our side of the portal?" Uraisa wonders, asking the large cat, under her breath.
"Yes, duty calls I'm afraid, just leave a message at the Pathfinder lodge for me, if you wish, they can find me, pretty fire-haired lady." Volta makes a very awkward bow, draws another deep breath, and risks hyperventilation as he dashes to the orphanage.
As he enters the house he checks the latch to see if it locks and how good it is.
Volta stops breathing heavily and looks around at the predictable chaos. His eyelids blink rapidly as he tries to adjust to the relative gloom inside. "Wow, quite the smell, seems as much a house for cats as kids." Volta appears blithely unaware of the possible double-entendre.
Aryllan looks around, Perception check
She is looking for something that is just off. She a miles at Baladur's attempt to bribe the kids into getting Mistress Baltwin.
Seeing Volta join the group - Nice of you to join us. Did you make any friends?
Volta, still having the hazy look in the eyes of someone not yet seeing clearly, turns toward Aryllan. "Oh, hi Aryllan, yes I think the pretty girl likes me, but I didn't get anything out of them." Volta still seems a bit distracted and not paying full attention to his surroundings. "Meet anyone here yet?"
Delta looks at the cats running around with disdain. Forgive me lady Uraisa but that is not part of my design. Perhaps Professor Diggans... Delta looks over at the Professor who seems to be engrossed in looking at a particularly fine rose, before continuing ...knows a spell for that. Then again probably not.
The professor looks at the children running around with a kind of fatherly grin on his face. He heads over to Delta and Uraisa and says What a beautiful place for children. I sure hope there is nothing nefarious going on here. He says the last under his breath.
Getting up from dusting himself off, Robertus assumes his silent act. Marching into the orphanage, he watches the traffic with some mild interest, taking time to look over the structure of the building, as well as what the children are doing.
The presence of Delta, the giant golden gilded geared glowing rune headed grimalkin, causes quite the stir in the feline community, as a dozen cats screech, hiss, jump arched back and go hell-bent for leather to get out of the room.
The door latch is in good repair and well maintained. There is no mechanical lock mechanism, simply an interior double bracket system that a wooden plank slides through. Not uncommon really. No plank however, can be seen nearby.
Aryllan patiently waits for the appearance of Mistress Baltwin. She smiles has the two boys run off and looks around again to see if anything is out of place.
It has been awhile since I was in a town this long.
"Delta, you are are about as good a diplomat as the rest of us. Maye you can offer them a drink next time," Uraisa laughs as she watches the normal cats scatter in every direction from the large construct.