GM BPC's Deepmarket Deception PbP (Inactive)

Game Master Black Powder Chocobo

"One time, I touched this giant statue and my consciousness went into the Goliath warrior statue and I went out and fought a similarly huge ape with four arms!"

Wyeth nods and looks at the lawman. "Some pursuits take longer than others to reach fruition, sheriff. Just carving a wooden doll is pretty straightforward. As for the rest, it sounds like the product of a fevered imagination, but it's true: I was there, fighting alongside that golem. Astounding stuff."

Diplomacy (as Aid Another): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

The first part of Benson's comment might have been a bluff, but the rest of it was true. Wyeth's hoping to add an air of legitimacy by honestly supporting the latter.

At Aspex's comment, he takes a step back, away from the bed.

Hakime backs up a bit and gives the doll room and time to emerge if she chooses to, mentally kicking herself for doing any of this in front of the sheriff, though seeing little alternative since he seems to want to shadow the party while they investigate here.

@Wyeth: Perhaps, but the crux of the lie, that the doll is a mechanical toy made by Amenira, is still the bluff and even with your aid, the Sheriff still has reason to doubt the claim.

The doll creeps out slowly from under the bed, the scroll still clutched in its tiny hands. "My word, it does look like one of Amenira's dolls, but I say, I've never seen one move or speak before."

It looks up at Hakime, and pleadingly asks the paladin monk: "You find Nira! You find murder?"

Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 18

"I know a little about these, if I have your permission I'd like to take a closer look." Gob says to the Sheriff.

The Sheriff ponders it for a second. "I guess I outta; this thing is definitely not my area of expertise."

To the doll, she says softly: "We will try to find Nira... and murder... can you tell us more?"

To the party, and the sheriff she says softly and a bit unsure of what she's actually saying: "I think maybe she seems to think Amenira has been murdered and wants us to find who did it?"

"Sheriff, if there's a chance she's right, will you allow us to investigate this potential crime? Perhaps we can do so without violating any of your rules."

"I'm Nira, but you find murder, too!", the doll corrects Hakime.

The sheriff nods solemnly, contemplating the answer. I need a Diplomacy check!

"We have a moral obligation to find her, as she is a fellow-Pathfinder. And if she has been a victim of foul play, we have an obligation to try to see that justice is done."

Diplomacy Aid: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Gotta give Benson some ranks in diplomacy. I think of him as a smooth talker, so it's frustrating that he's not doing better.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Diplomacy: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (1) - 2 = -1
You were saying, Benson? :)

Marduk was thinking of what to say, but a string of subtle words eluded him.

Diplomacy will never be my strong point, i am positive of that.
He hopefully looks at the others.

Hakime nearly has it... just an aid or push from anyone else will do it!

Diplomacy Aid Another: 1d20 ⇒ 15 Sometimes lucky's better than good. :)

Aspex nods at Hakime as she looks up from the spell Gob had pointed out. "We will do our best to work within your laws, sheriff. And honestly, do you have anyone else free to look into this? I'm sure you and everyone who lives here is busy with their own work."

Aspex's logic seems to sway the sheriff. "Alright, guess I can't make sure everything's good here and investigate this; especially anything that would take me outside of town. Just keep me in the loop and let me know if you need to head out of Mercy so I can get you your equipment back."

Molune straightens himself out, looking at the strange assortment of people with the talking doll. "Guess I outta be making my rounds again.", the sheriff tipping his hat as he steps out of Amenira's home, closing the door behind him.

Once the sheriff is gone, Aspex opens Amenira's spellbook to the spell Gob had pointed out to her. "She has a spell that allows her to see through the eyes of any likeness of her- and I assume she made these dolls to that specification- and also allows her to enter and animate one her dolls." She looks at Nira. "Do you happen to know anything about this, Nira?" From her tone, Aspex seems to expect Nira to actually be Amenira herself.

"Dolls see why children hide. We find murder?", she answers, tugging on Aspex's robes.

At this point, you really have free reign through the town. You'll need a decent Diplomacy to get information from just about anyone, and it would be prudent to read through the unofficial rules of Mercy found in the journal.

Possible locations to explore:
Artisan's Square
The Temple of Robori
Villager on the Street
Check out a villager's house

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17
Know arcana: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

"If she did transfer herself to the doll did it does not look like it was completely successful."

Would it be possible to prestidigitate some of the dolls faces to look like my own?

Aspex pats the doll on her head. "Yes, I think we will." She then shares with the group what she didn't want to say in front of the sheriff- namely that Amenira used the dolls to observe the children that the town keeps secluded, that the children undergo some strange transformation, and it appears Amenira had vowed to stay to help the children as she could while trying to figure out the cause of the transformation.

"I can't believe this Robori isn't related to these changes. We should investigate the temple."

@Gob: I'd need a Craft: Toymaking or a spell like fabricate

Although, a good disguise or spell like alter self would allow you to use the current dolls

I only craft books. Perhaps I can purchase a scroll in town?

In Mercy, no.

For your interest and benefit, a picture of Nira has been added to Twisted handouts link. The one difference between the picture and her full description is Nira has a green stone amulet around her neck.

Gob looks closer at the doll's green stone necklace. "Well I think I know how to turn it off if we need to." The half orc then steps outside and looks over at the temple. "Anyone else feel like learning the local religion?"

Last question, is it possible to use know local or is everything diplomacy to gather info?

Diplomacy in this case. If you make enough progress that I believe Kn: Local could be used, I'll let you know.

Unless there are any other objections, to the temple then?

Aye, to the temple then.

Wyeth snerks at Gob's question. "Sure, I'm all about religion," he says sarcastically. "On the other hand, any chance to bring down a false god means a good day. Let's go!"

Speaking of false gods, my auto-correct is very insistent on turning Gob into one...

-Posted with Wayfinder

Nira tugs on Aspex's cloak as the party begins to move out, seemingly wanting to follow them.

Do you take Nira with you, leave her here, leave her somewhere else?

Building description as this part isn't relevant if you have Nira with you or not.

The temple is the largest building in Mercy. Wooden pews line the east and west side of the building, with a garden on the south. An enormous, twisted tree takes up the north side of the building. A pleasant walkway snakes around the tree up to the temple opening, which has no door. Animals made of twisted twigs adorn the branches, and vanilla orchids flourish in the shade.

The inside description can be observed through windows as the curtains are opened for daylight illumination into the large building

There are three people inside, two men and a woman, all in fading orange robes.

"'Nira, perhaps you should wear a cloak if you accompany us, honey. It would be best, I think. If I had a small one or a resizing one, I'd lend you mine... " She turns to the rest of the party "Do we have anyone small enough to lend her a cloak? Or perhaps a minor magical one that would resize?"

Heh, I am now thinking of Geno from Super Mario RPG :P

I'll say that there's a spare sheet or pillow case that could be cut into a crude cloak, if you wish. In this case, I'll make Stealth checks for Amenira, mostly to see if others are aware of her presence.

Once the sheriff leaves, Benson tracks his movement if he can from the house to see what he does next.

Then he looks through the journal. He tries to determine when the last entry was written and whether it gives any clues to what she intended to do next. He will also want to try to determine if he can what sort of illness she suffered from. If that can't be determined quickly, he'll do that later. He will also look around for anything that would indicate what illness she might have had, such as medicine, rags with residue on them, and particularly that ointment she mentioned in her letter.

He calls people's attention to the unwritten rules of town. He suggests those with blue in their clothing also find a way to cover that up.

When he gets to the part of swearing, his eyebrows go up. "I believe the sheriff let a swear word slip. Said something like 'What in tarnation is that?' Maybe he's not been here that long."

He puts his ale mug away, so as not to absent-mindedly make a reference to Cayden Calean.

"This rule about no unleashed dogs--seems maybe there could be some kind of lycanthropy or other strange types who cause animals to become upset or disturbed. If the children are undergoing transformations, it could be related. While we're exploring town, let's keep an eye out for dogs and children."

Finally, he turns to the doll-child: "Nira? What happened to your maker, Amenira?"

Depending on her answer, he'll mostly likely follow up with a question like, "Who was murdered?"

Once the group gets to the temple, he'll let someone with the most diplomatic ability do the talking and then try to aid as he is able, unless none in the group is accomplished at diplomacy.

Hail Mary Survival: 1d20 ⇒ 11

@Benson: You see the Sheriff heading to the west side of town, seemingly just walking around.

The journal seems to be more of observations than any personal references or reflections; if there were anything that would indicate an illness in Amenira, it isn't mentioned. Unfortunately, you do not find any other evidence of this, either.

When Benson talks to Nira, the doll points to itself. "I am Nira. Murder."

Know Nature: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

"Forgive the intrusion, but I was just curious about the large tree outside. Is it just me or does it appear to be suffering from some sort of blight?" Gob says as he steps inside the temple. The half orc looks around for any religious markings or symbols for something he might recognize.

Know Religion: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

Gob's sudden intrusion gets the attention of the priests and priestess inside. "I am Zuri, the high priestess of Robori. What is the cause of this outburst?"

ADD powers activate: 1d20 ⇒ 19

"Oh sorry I must be disturbing you. Perhaps there would be a better time to learn more about your tree spirit?"

-Posted with Wayfinder

She whispers in close so only Gob can hear. "If you are serious about the tree, come back in an hour." Zuri then steps back and bows. "May Robori's seeds grow within you.", the priestess stepping back and returning the other two priests.

Gob, you sense that she must be the leader of the temple and that the other two here are her acolytes.

Anyone else want to do something in the temple or leave it be and head somewhere else?

"Grow within..." Wyeth mutters to himself. "Eugh."

Man this is one seriously screwed up village...

But can you figure out how much? :)

This is one of the few cases that after the game I may give a recap on whatever information you may miss, and there's a good potential for a lot of it due to how the scenario is set up and written.

Hakime sighs, not sharing their faith, and the blessing makes her skin crawl... She says softly, "Returning later seems a good option. What shall we do for the next hour. Perhaps visit the artisan's square and learn more about the difficulties between the craftsfolk?"

Man this is one seriously screwed up village...

<-- Shares the sentiment on the vibe. :)

"I grow through Irori's teachings, but the gesture is appreciated."

When outside of hearing of the locals, Marduk speaks in hushed tone.
"She spoke as if one would have a seed of a plant inside themselves. Such a prospect is disturbing."

Wyeth suppresses a shiver. "Kowtowing to gods always ends in tears, but this..." he waves a hand vaguely and shakes his head.

"I suppose that's as good an option as any, Hakime. Since their so-called 'god' is a tree, I'd wager their perverse religion is involved somehow. 'Use the holy bounty the tree provides us' versus 'wood is sacred so metal must be used' or some such divisive rot."

Did we ever hide our blues?

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
When out of earshot of the temple, Benson comments. "One reason I like Cayden Cailean is that he doesn't make people worship him, nor does he issue stern commandments. Just embrace life with the same zeal one has at an enjoyable night out, and try to make sure everyone can do the same. Marduk, remember that they don't acknowledge the existence of other gods. I realize you like to speak your mind and don't like to lie, but maybe when we're trying learn about what's going on, don't mention Irori. I'm sure He understands the needs of the moment and won't mind if you leave his name out of the conversation for now."

"Since their so-called 'god' is a tree, I'd wager their perverse religion is involved somehow. 'Use the holy bounty the tree provides us' versus 'wood is sacred so metal must be used' or some such divisive rot.""

"I met a worshiper of Erastil and they have a stag's horn in their holy symbol, so you might think they would be against hunting, but they're not. So it may not be so strange, or even perverse, if they worship a tree but use wood to make their dwellings and furniture."

"Let's try to spend some money at the stalls," Benson adds, checking his purse. "Usually makes merchants more willing to talk."

Has Benson spotted any children playing in the streets or anyone with a dog, leashed or otherwise?

I'm taking the assumption yes, the blue has been hidden.

Oddly, no children in sight and no dogs.

Trip to the Artisan Square coming up later!

That not odd, since Amenira's notes mention that the children are hidden away somewhere.

If Aspex was wearing blue (she's more of a black and red kind of girl), she would have covered it up after reading that note.

Aspex nods at Nira's comment. "I think some remnant of her soul was somehow preserved in this doll. I doubt we will find Amenira alive."

Gob nods and returns the saying before stepping out of the temple. He chuckles at Wyeth's comments about the seeds. "I don't think she was talking about actual seeds Wyeth. Seeds have many symbolic meanings usually tied to new beginnings. I can see how you all might see their ways as different, but aside from the doll mentioning murder, I have not seen or heard anything terribly alarming. There is a difference between secret and sacred when it comes to worship."

Benson notes the absence of children and wonders if the 'Nira doll will raise suspicions if she is walking around in public. "We should be prepared to deal with questions about the 'child'. It could give us a way to learn about where the children are, which might be important to discovering what happened to our Pathfinder, particularly if she was trying to help the children. But it will make others even more suspicious of us than they already are. You who don't care to lie might want to prepare your answers to such questions as 'who is this?'"

Marduk shrugs.

"Someone we've recently met, leaving you the details of any further inquiries."

"Though it's still amazing, to create something like this."

Sorry for the lack of an update; tomorrow morning!

Artisan's Square is just south of the guesthouse the party is staying at, and as you approach, you catch the words of a heated argument between two groups of craftspeople: carpenters and blacksmiths.

"Yeah, all the wood in the world wouldn't mean a thing without the nails and hammers we make for you!"

"Oh, and I'm sure you'd like to sleep on a bed of nails, too?"

"No, but I'll be happy to make one for you!"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

"Do we want to stop this before they start beating on each other or watch and see what happens if they do?"

"Might go a long ways in getting the locals to trust us if we peacefully intervene." Gob says as he watches the to people argue.