|
Archmoon decided that it was proper to answer Thosar: "I have also noticed the halfing, and he did look suspicious.. very suspicious, but I've never seen him before. What are your thoughts in this matter wizard?"
Archmoon also remembered that his halfling companion might know something:"How about you Thessel, did you notice the suspicious halfling?"
She steps back and looks at your entire group in surprise.
"I beg your pardon. I thought you were here for healing or handouts. Most excellent. You are the Pathfinders Lady Zadrian is expecting. She is waiting for you in the first chamber on the right, through the double doors. I will get you in past the crowd. Please follow me."
She leads you up the polished stairs and directs you over to where another acolyte greets you and escorts you to a side chamber.
+---------------+
Ollysta Zadrian.
+---------------+
Your are 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 your 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 Society’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?”
|
Archmoon decided that it was proper to answer Thosar: "I have also noticed the halfing, and he did look suspicious.. very suspicious, but I've never seen him before. What are your thoughts in this matter wizard?"
"Barring some kind of personal connection to one of us, he..." - here Elf pauses for a second, before continuing - "...or them, could be sent by Pathfinder Society to monitor our progress. But considering the simplicity of the tasks so far, I do not see this as a very likely option. Then there is a real the possibility that him, or them represent one of many adversaries of the Society. What better way to lower the morale and credibility of Pathfinders then to strike at new recruits?"
Later, while being briefed by Ollysta, Thosar listens intently, trying to memorize all the needed details. This task also sounded simple enough - deliver parcel, make sure that the headmistress is "worthy" of their cause. Having heard previously a bit on the order led by Ollysta Zadrian, paladin of Sarenrae, Thosar had a pretty good idea what she considered "worthy" of Silver Crusade's cause.
Ollysta Zadrian addresses each of your questions eagerly.
To Eli she says
"I am not sure if Gilga Baltwin is honest or not, but I hope this delivery by you Pathfinder agents will confirm whether the orphanage is operating on the up and up. I just do not want to be squandering resources that could be better spent elsewhere."
Then to Elindrial
"If you indeed determine that Baltwin is not acting in the best interest of the donations, please withdraw the medicines and return it here with your report."
To the group
"Now if that is all, please make haste to the Eastgate as children may really be in dire need of the medicine."
Assuming no other questions, both Dahr and Thessel are offered topical ointment or salve to help their respective injuries (cured 1 hp each). Minor donations are always welcome. :-)
Eli and Thosar are able to check their memories and contacts in route...overhearing a few comments and gossip as they approach the buildings and shops prior to the orphanage.
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.
At the estate across the street, Master Trebb
Bonto, a retired builder, says nothing but nice things of
Lady Baltwin, as he calls her. He recounts tales of tea
and games on the sitting porch, though if pressed, he
lets 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
a place where sick kids go to get better, and the results
seem amazing. Some people claim the place looks odd
because people are always coming and going, sometimes
taking kids with them.
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.
|
|
Eli, with a stoic face, says to the group,
I believe that the there may be some cause for concern with Auntie Baltwin. I have come into some information that points to possible shady dealings. nothing concrete but she seems able to purchase fine bottled wiskey on a very regular basis and there are transfers of money that happen under the table so to speak on a regular basis as well. I think it wise if someone might slip these things into a conversation in a more diplomatic fashion while I sneak off and see what I might find when we are there.
|
|
Thosar bids farewell to Ollysta, and hurries along sharing what little prior knowledge he had on the Orphanage.
"From one side, Auntie Baltwin’s Home for Recovery results seem amazing. Sick kids go in, and some time later they are cured. There is some talk of place looking odd, because people are always coming and going, sometimes taking kids with them."
Scratching his chin, while his gaze is focused at an undetermined point somewhere in front of him, wizard continues to talk, while walking.
"Gilga has neighbors, Travost and Tirelle Anthos, and they are usually unhappy with all the noise kids make throughout the day. Interesting, it seems that Auntie Gilga often sends the children “off into the town” during the day, and result of that is that her neighbours get some piece and quiet. But I really doubt she does that solely to provide some piece and quite to her elderly neighbours. Why she would be sending the kids away on a regular basis is a matter of...speculation on my part. I would go so far as to suggest we try and find some of those kids while they are away from the orphanage. I am guessing that kids will not tell us much when Auntie is around, while when they're alone, we may get some more facts leading us to a better analysis."
Thosar looks at Eli straight in the eyes - "If we are to entertain Auntie Gilga for a while, you might try to...check her bearings. Nothing illegal, of course, just fact gathering. Would that be an acceptable course of action on your behalf?"
|
Elindriel takes Thessel aside, "I think you and I, each being very capable of gathering information, should ask around the neighborhood regarding the orphanage, but more specifically where the kids go during the day, whether Gilga Baltwin has any kids available for hire...that sort of thing. What do you think?"
|
|
Dahr walks with the group while discussing the issue at hand and says: "So this will be a three fold plan. Some of us will go talk to Gilda and distract her while gathering any information we can gather from her. Elin and Thessel gather information around the neighborhood. And Eli can snoop around the orphanage, hopefully undetected and see what he can find."
Looking at Thessel. "I promise i will share any whiskey i get my hands on!"
Then looking at Eli: "If you are caught snooping around... make up a convincing argument of being part of our group and that you lost your way trying to catch up with us on the orphanage."
To the group: "What do you all think?"
|
|
Archmoon felt the need to break his silence to answer Dahr's question: "I did like Thosar's idea of having the rogue sneaking around searching for clues, and I agree that we should keep the old lady occupied while he does his job, but as for information gathering with the locals, one of us is enough, we may need a bard with us to help keep the old lady occupied, don't you agree?"
Elindriel, your check confirms what Thosar and Eli have already heard
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.
At the estate across the street, Master Trebb
Bonto, a retired builder, says nothing but nice things of
Lady Baltwin, as he calls her. He recounts tales of tea
and games on the sitting porch, though if pressed, he
lets 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
As you approach the house mid-day, you pass different local residents and an occasional city guard. Eventually you reach the correct street and Eli separates from the group to work his way quietly down a side alley.
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.
+-----+
| MAP |
+-----+
Position yourself where you want to be as you approach the house. The welcome mat is positioned inside the fence gate to the orphanage. Kids are visible playing and the red front door is currently closed.
|
|
Eli quietly and patiently waits for the rest of his companions to make their approach to the door. He waits to hear them engaged in a conversation with someone that would seem to be Auntie Baltwin or they go inside.
At that he will make his way to the side and then the back of the house and look to find a way into the premises as quietly as possible.
Eli rounds the corner and out of sight from the rest of the party as they approach the front yard and see a trio of children on the front porch. No adults are evident.
However, Archmoon sees the neighbor, Master Trebb (the friendly man Elindriel chatted with while walking here), enter his estate across the street and shut the front door.
Archmoon watches as Elindriel and Dahr approach the front door.
Eli rounds the back and he thinks he has managed to stay out of sight from the neighbors prying eyes.
Thosar and Thessel, I will assume you move up to the front gate unless you are intentially staying back in the street.
|
|
Archmoon leans forward and whispers Elindriel: "It seems that your latest acquaintance is peeping through the window, who is he? and what does he know?" referring to Master Trebb.
He then leans back to his original position and still whispering but now addressing everyone around him: "A child folding laundry inside, its seems that Gilga Baldwin might be not only undeserving of charity, but she is also using children as labor.. I do have particular distaste for such cruelty"
In less than half a minute after knocking at the door, Elindriel is greeted by an old human lady...Auntie Baltwin
"Well, hello missy. I am sorry, are you lost? This is an orphanage for sick children not a snooty hotel for a troop of elf vagabonds."
Then looking to Thosar and Archmoon and finally down towards Thessel with a broad smile (showing several missing teeth)... "Oh deary, me oh my. Aren't you a cute little guy. My apologies. I thought you were salespeople and did not realize you were here for our services. Is that your butler standing back in the street? And where are my manners? My name is Gilga Baltwin and I am the owner of this orphanage. How might I help you?" She steps forward and holds out her hand...
"The Silver Crusade? Well that is sight for sore eyes. We were expecting the shipment and the timing could not have been better. Our supplies were completely used up just this morning. I had no idea what we were going to do."
Just as she finishes, the 3 children from the front porch come over to see what the group brought, trying to see the boxes or parcels. Auntie Baltwin shoos them away...
"Run along and play children. Please do not bother these folks. They are just delivering our medicines and then they will be on their way. They are busy people and we must not delay them."
She turns back to Elindriel...
"Well thank you very much. Now, if there is nothing else, I am sure you have other more important business than talking with a poor old lady."
|
|
Elindriel attempts to discern any motive behind not letting the group into the orphanage.
"Perhaps you misunderstood. Our task is not merely to deliver this medicine and leave, but to determine the worthiness of this facility to receive them. The Silver Crusade has been made aware of some disturbing rumors from several sources. I know they couldn't possibly be true, but we still need to investigate. Could we please discuss them inside? In private?"
|
|
Eli looks down at the girl and then drops to one knee in order to get on the same eye level with her.
Well I am Eli. My friends and I have brought medicines and other supplies for you and the other children
Eli is talking slowly and calmly hoping to ease the childs concerns.
We are also here to make sure that you are being well taken care of and that you are not being forced to do work or other things that you shouldn’t be doing
Eli smiles even bigger tryiing to get the girl to relax and maybe tell him something of interst.
Eli flourishes his hands and pulls a copper out of his hand acting as if it came out of the girls ear and holds it out to her.
Auntie Baltwin, smiles at Elindriel's persuasive request and says...
"Well, certaintly. Please come in and have some tea and I will be happy to answer any of your questions. We want to make sure the Silver Crusade is happy with our work."
She watches to see if the men want to join as well, as she directs Elindriel to the small sitting room to the right of the front door.
bottle of whiskey on the table, and you smell a bit of it on her breath as you walk past her.
There is a set of stairs leading up from the small foyer.
At that you hear people entering the downstairs foyer, sounds like Elindriel speaking and others walking into the house.
|
|
Smiling at the little girl and talking at an almost whisper
I don’t like beets either they taste funny and they always make my fingers a funny colors
Eli wiggles his fingers in front of his face while making a funny looking expression
But I love cookies and bedtime stories that sounds very nice
Eli smiles again and then holds the copper out to the girl
Do the other children have chores like cleaning people’s house or are there different ones? Ohh and do you know what is behind this door?
Eli points at the door behind him that appears to be locked
|
|
Elindriel smiles and motions for the old woman to take a seat, and takes one herself. "So, Auntie - as I said, the Silver Crusade has been told several disturbing rumors regarding your establishment."
She pauses a moment, making sure that she has Gilga's full attention.
"We'll go ahead and get the first one out of the way, and that is that you drink entirely too much to be able to take care of all of these children." She looks around conspiratorially, then winks at the old woman, "I think we can disregard that one. If I had to take care of so many young children (and sick ones, at that!), I would need something to calm my nerves as well. Do you have anything to add?"
Auntie Baltwin, stands up and looks shocked at Elindriel accusation. She shoots her an incredulous look and then laughs.
“Ha! Seems most days you need it if you want to make it
through the day in this house. These children are killing
me! I did not want to admit it, but it does wear on you day after day. I probably need to get help from someone in the temple. Do you think they could help me? I am willing to do whatever it takes.”
Dahriakt and Archmoon hear sounds and movement upstairs. Auntie notices and barks out a command.
“You kids better get to your rooms. I am sure you are not all done with your chores!"
You hear shuffling and a couple doors close shut. She smiles at each of you..
"Discipline is the best way to raise children. Otherwise, they will grow up to be criminals you know. So many parents these days do not understand."
Auntie Baltwin continues...
"Well, where was I? Oh yes, so you have the medicine packages? I will see that they get put away safely upstairs. I keep them locked up...we do not want the children to get into them you know. Safety of the children is very important. I do not want to delay you any longer than I already have. If there is nothing else then, thank you and have a great day."
|
|
Archmoon decides that he must intervene quickly as he senses that the old human wants to end the conversation as she is hiding something.
Addressing Gilga Baltwin:"One second.. Since we've been tasked by the Silver Crusade to make sure that their charity is been put to good use.. May we see where you keep the medicine you've been getting from them?"
"Well Mr. Elf, I told you that we ran out of medicine today, so I do not have any to show you. I am not taking you to see anything else in the house. You have seen enough. I have been patient to this point, but now I am going to have to ask you all to leave. And shorty...yeah you. Get away from those cups, those are breakables! " she stares at Thessel, then back to Archmoon and others. Auntie then walks to the front door holding it as if she expects you to leave.