GM BPC's PFS of Awesomeness! (Inactive)

Game Master Black Powder Chocobo

@Kintampo (and assuming Raevin as the others are going with Benson): There are few people in the inn right now (you were awoken out of bed just before 6am). However, your rabble rousing did attract some attention. "Alleged?! They were convicted wif evidence and they gonna get wat dey deserve! Same for the damn bloke who offed poor Gillins! Gonna be mighty quieter without him here, and dun need you tryin' to make a poor replacement for 'im."

Shortly after that outburst, Ekira, fully armed, descends back down the stairs. She eyes you quickly, but says nothing as she makes her way towards the exit, her red cape billowing behind her.

@Benson, Marduk, and Wyeth: You walk across the street to Orug's, where things are unusually busy right now. "Alright, folks, gotta sale on bear traps goin on! And we got sum homemade peppa bombs to throw at any would be attackers!" Orug is shouting out offers while Tessa is hurridly trying to ring up frantic customers.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (8) + 0 = 8

Wyeth nudges Marduk and then tips his head subtly towards a half-elf pacing nervously near the counter.

"That looks a bit odd, don't you think?" he asks quietly.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Benson will look over the crowd to see if he sees the person picking up letters. If he sees no one who seems to be doing that, Benson will skulk in a corner where he can keep an eye out for the currier and observe the crowd. Every minute or two, he'll look out a window or step out of the front door to look around the area.

After Wyeth points out the annoyed half-elf, the man finally bursts out. "I just need any parcels to out!" Orug, however, doesn't seem to hear the half-elf, who sighs and goes back to his corner, tapping his foot rapidly.

Marduk looks as Wyeth points at something.

"Certainly looks like unusual behaviour to me. We could ask him directly, or stand and wait here. Personally i'd hate standing around, but if we are to observe, maybe we can do so from a better angle."

Marduk looks around for a spot to perhaps sit down and "enjoy the view of town"

Thinking perhaps the half-elf is the currier, Benson strolls over to him and says, "Are you with the letter delivery service?

The half-elf answers with an annoyed harumph, "I would be if this dolt would confirm if there's any fofutgoing messages. Been waitin 10 minuges now!"

The half-elf answers with an annoyed harumph, "I would be if this dolt would confirm if there's any outgoing messages. Been waitin 10 minutes now!"

"Lucky for me, then, since I've got a letter for you. I got delayed by that brouhaha out there." Benson fishes in his pouch for the letter Orug wrote for him. "Can you get this to Karcau, in Ustalav?" Benson pulls out his pouch of silver pieces and prepares to pay what is asked. Once the transaction is taken care of Benson will offer him an extra five silver, saying, "This is for you if you don't mind answering a few questions." He gives him the story about being scouts for a merchants group that got delayed by illness, hence the missive to distant Karcau. Then he asks, "How long have you been working with this delivery service?"

If needed:
diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

As Benson talks, a suspicion forms in his mind. He causually as possible gives the guy a once over, looking for any indicates the guy may have been involved in any fights recently.

perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

@Benson: "If you're the only one with something to go out, then this saves for waiting for that gossipy dolt!", the half-elf smiles, taking the letter and placing it in his backpack. With the offer of coin, the half-elf nods. "Sure, but can we do it out there? I can barely hear a thing!"

Assuming you agree and follow him outside. "Been on the job for over a year now. Figure it was good work to do without having to get my hands dirty out fightin' demons. Although did have a few close calls in my time already.", the man shuddering as if trying to push out a vile memory.

While inspecting him you do not see any scrape marks on this hands.

Wyeth steps aside to let the pair pass, but doesn't follow Benson outside for fear of affecting the conversation.

Benson will ask a number of questions, after explaining that if the trading consortium elects to pursue trade in the region, they will need a way of placing orders and alerting merchants to their intentions to visit and purchase items, as well as give local merchants a chance to purchase wares from Absolom and parts in between.

"Before I get to the questions about the service, I'm curious what you meant by 'close calls'? Were you attacked while doing deliveries?"

@Benson: "Well, we can do small parcels and letters, but we don't do the wagon thing. Also, we mostly stick to Mendev, making sure cookies and biscuits or letters from loved ones reach the front lines. We stop by along towns like this for some good regional support and to keep operations goin'. If your consortium keeps things small, we may be able to work things out. Though you'd be better off talkin' to Marvis Burks in The Light's Beacon tavern in Nerosyan. He'll be the one to see if your trade organization's goals will fit with ours."

At the last question, the half-elf chuckles. "Heh, shouldn't laugh, but when danger comes 'round, ol Quinnley does what he does best... run like hell!", slapping the side of a nearby horse the turns to look at the half-elf before going back to its drinking trough. "Luckily, I haven't been attacked, but I've heard that a couple of units that I delivered to got assaulted a day or two after. Marvis re-routed those travel lines to make sure that we ain't being followed and to ensure our protection."

"Cayden willing, we'll be passing back through Nerosyan, so I'll pay Marvis a visit. But I'm curious about the assaults you mentioned. They wouldn't be those two unfortunates who were murdered here in Dawnton last week would they?"

"Huh? Heard 'bout that from Orug on my return trip south. But I'm talking 'bout demons teleporting in the middle of a sleeping unit and causin' all sorts of havoc. Far tamer compared to these murders."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Benson frowned, genuinely confused. "Are you saying a courier was attacked by a demon after making a delivery or someone who received a delivery was attacked?"

"No no no, I'm saying that a few crusaders got attacked after I made a delivery!", the man confused by your line of questioning.

"So other couriers were attacked by demons? Where was that? And what might these attacks have to do with your deliveries? Sorry if I'm being dense, but this is interesting. And it might shed light on some strange things happening in town."

"No couriers, thank goodness, just the crusaders. Not sure how guys getting killed up north answers some murders by a drunk redneck over here, though."

I'm sorry, I misunderstood. You made deliveries to crusaders who later got attacked by demons. It was my understanding that the delivery service is crewed by former crusaders, so when you said crusaders were attacked, I thought you were talking about the delivery team. Speaking of crusaders, are you acquainted with Ekira, the Iomedae Inquisitor? She's been in this town for about a month, as I understand it.

Marduk follows the conversation from a short distance.

"Well Wyeth, it seems Benson's doing a good job interviewing the guy."

Is there anything else you guys doing outside of listening to Benson and the courier?

@Benson: "Heard of her, she gave me the fifth degree after I made a poor joke about the first murderer. Guess she didn't like the idea of a man-skin rug in someone's living room. Let me go after an hour of yapping."

"Yeah, she's a real charmer. Listen, you've been very generous with your time answering my questions. I have one other thing you might be able to help me with. On our way through Nerosyan, I checked in with the Pathfinder lodge and when the venture captain learned I was heading to Dawnton, he offered me a 10 gold reward if we could locate the person who sent this letter." Benson fishes out the letter from the lodge that suggested they send some people out to locate a ruin. "This would have been sent about a week ago. Perhaps you picked it up for delivery to Nerosyan? I'll split the reward with you if you can help identify the sender."

"Good job of confusing him, more like." Wyeth replied quietly while trying to simultaneously eavesdrop the conversation and scan the crowd. "But maybe that's part of his plan. That Gangtee fellow thinks way above my head."

Raevin keeps watch on the crowd in general - looking out for the 'thin man in a long coat'.

@Benson: "Can't say I got the name of the guy who sent that letter... do remember him, though; tall guy with a creepily charming smile. Met me first thing in the morning before I even hit up Orug's. Dark hair... oh and his coat had those stylish Chelish obsidian buttons that were the hot thing a decade ago. I remember that 'cuz my father still wears his despite how gaudy it looks now. Had me send a second letter shortly after that, also to Nerosyan."

@Raevin: Perception check?

perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

@Raevin: You do not notice anyone matching that description in the crowd.

"Can't say I got the name of the guy who sent that letter... do remember him, though; tall guy with a creepily charming smile. Met me first thing in the morning before I even hit up Orug's. Dark hair... oh and his coat had those stylish Chelish obsidian buttons that were the hot thing a decade ago. I remember that 'cuz my father still wears his despite how gaudy it looks now. Had me send a second letter shortly after that, also to Nerosyan."

Benson smiles for the first time this day. He hands Quinnley a gold coin. "That information may save the lives of three innocents. If this guy turns out to be the author of the letter, I'll leave the other four gold pieces with your boss in Nerosyan. I wonder if I could delay you just long enough to step into the shop and tell Orug what you just told me. I don't want to be the only person in town with this information."

Benson gives Wyeth, Raevin, and Marduk a significant look.

The courier pauses for a moment upon Benson's request. "Give me the coin now and I'll bother to wait for that lug."

Mayor Luin tips his hat as he approaches, noticing the crowd at Orug's. "Heh, I dun mind this town, but sometimes, folks just get carried away with things.", he mutters to himself.

He moves to Wyeth, Raevin, and Marduk. "Well, the priests took a look at the fellas. Ona them happened to have ordered a scroll of speak with dead since the last murders and had me there to talk ta one of the new victims. Course they happened to choose Gillins...", the Sheriff sighing and shaking his head before standing upright and taking a swig of his flask. "He had a lot to say, lil on the crime. Said he was killed in his house in the wee morning hours while sleepin' on his rocker. Didn't get a look at whoeva killed him. Figger I outta let you know, since it doesn't do anything to implicate yer friend. Course I woulda liked to have gotten something, one way or another so I can put this matter to rest."

Benson gives him a gold coin. As they are about to go inside, he notices the mayor. After the mayor says his piece to the others, Benson invites the courier to talk to the mayor instead of Orug. To Luin, Benson says "This gentleman--Quinnley isn't it?--and I may be able to shed more light on the matter. It might be best if we had some privacy. Maybe we can go to your house or the Inn."

"Heh, Quinnley's my horse. I'm Raffelo.", the half-elf bows. "But if talkin' to the mayor satisfies you, then sure."

Sheriff Luin simply nods at the request.

Give me a Diplomacy check Benson. The others can aid, too.

Diplomacy: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (5) - 2 = 3

Marduk stays silent, estimating Benson's better at the smooth talk.

Benson has apparently uncovered something of some import... I agree further talk seems in order.

diplomacy aid, dc 10: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

Benson might need the help. He talks a good game, but doesn't always know how to read people or predict what motivates them.
diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

As I said....

Sorry guys, I failed my Fort save and caught a fever

Kintampo waits a short while, leaves a coin on the bar and then follows Ekira out, trying to see where she heading to.

@Kintampo: Ekira doesn't go far, when she sees Benson and the rest of the party across the street talking to someone, she stares at them, mumbling something quietly to herself.

@Benson + others: The sheriff ponders over the request and sighs. "What ya got to say, son?", despite Raffelo being twice the Tobias' age.

The courier gives his account of the person who sent both letters, but Mayor Luin only seems to be half interested in the description. "Can't say I know anyone like that. Could be intriguing...", he responds.

"Only if you want bought testimony!", comes a voice from across the street as Ekira struts forward. Kintampo can be seen shortly behind her. "Those two are planning to deceive you, Sheriff! I saw the exchange of coin from the suspect and his tainted witness!", she cries out, pointing accusing fingers at the two men.

"This true?", Tobias asks, hands on his waist as he stares at Benson for a reply.

Note, while this is directed at Benson, anyone can reply and chime in for him :) In this case, I'll take the highest roll for the given skill check and others of the same type will be used to aid.

I call time stop and a hogtie for the zealous nutjob.

A bit late to the party, but:

Diplomacy (Aid Another): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26 BAM!

@Wyeth: I'll allow that roll for the second part of The Sheriff/Ekira questioning the witness's validity. What would you like to say on Benson's behalf?

I tried five different ways and every time I strayed too close to ripping Erika a new one. There's a very good reason Wyeth's kept his mouth shut around that shrew.

Any chance he can just stand there and smile beatifically, allowing his radiance to influence the Sheriff? :o/

Hmmm... sure, but only as an aid and not a primary roll (which was your first intention anyway). After all, there is some benefit to having a fellow rugged man of adventure smiling from behind, Captain Morgan style.

"Now now, he didn't pay for any testimony... he simply rewarded the man for recalling some facts. If you want the fellow to give testimony, Mayor Luin, I'm sure all you need do is ask him, and he'll voluntarily give such."

diplomacy, aid: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

Benson gives a "what have I done to deserve this" look to the sheriff and then addresses Ekira. "From the venom that drips from your mouth, one might think that you are a devotee not of Iomedae but some demon lord. Of course, to accuse of that without evidence would be wrong. Even a humble follower of Cayden Callean such as myself knows that. You yourself were given coins from a man in the inn around suppertime yesterday, were you not? Benson glanced around at Wyeth, Marduk, and the others for confirmation. "Should those who witnessed that conclude you were being paid to commit a murder or perhaps some other services?"

"I gave this man money because I also gave him a letter to deliver." Benson points to the letter in Raffelo's hand and encourage him to show the sheriff. "I gave him a generous tip because he was kind enough to answer some of my questions about his delivery service. And that led me to ask him about a letter that was sent from Dawton to the Pathfinders in Nerosyan that lured the three now in your jail to this community. I believe the person who wrote that letter is involved in the murders. The man Raffelo described as sending the letter sounds very much like a man Orug said was looking for me yesterday and much like the man I sold my dagger to. You don't have to take my word for it; you can ask Orug. Of course, I gave Orug some money last night as well so maybe I bought his testimony as well." Benson finishes his rant, all the while glaring directly at Ekira.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21

While it's the right milieu, I'm not sure Wyeth can pull off a Captain Morgan with a peg leg...

@Benson: I think this just applies.

Anyone else want to chime in? Otherwise, I'll move along. I'll wait until 4pm MST

Well said Benson!

Kintampo hands tightened firmly around his staff as Ekira spoke, almost as if he thought it was her scrawny neck in his hand. Luckily for her it wasn't and Benson did the correct thing, trading words for words. His hands slowly relax again.

Alright, I'll post the reply tomorrow and looks like the next phase can begin after that :)

Ekira is utterly stunned by the counter-accusation by Benson. She opens her mouth to say something, but no words escape her lips. With a sour frown, she eyes Benson and the rest of the party before stomping off towards the beer garden.

Sheriff Luin can only blink his eyes for a minute, leaving you all waiting in anticipation for his reply. When the inquisitor is finally out of earshot, he bellows out a laugh, slapping himself on the leg. "I outta pay you for that kinda performance! The look on her face... ha!" Raffelo eyes him and Benson and shrugs before the halfling regains his countenance. "Well, for shutting her up like that, I guess I can hear what this chap has to say. Come over ta my place; I'll get some tea going and you can tell me about the feller Mr. Benson so wants you to tell me about."

With that, the two men head over to the mayor's residence, leaving you all together in front of Orug's shop. Business has died down as the half-orc is simply running out of goods for survival a bloody murder.

What do you all wish to do before we enter the next phase?

"I do not trust Ekira one bit, anyone want to join me at the beer garden so we can keep an eye on her?"

(Seems to me Benson got the information he wanted -- or at least what's available -- given the "speak with" and the deceased having been identified?)

Despite the seriousness of the situation, the combination of Benson lighting into Erika and Kintampo mentioning "beer" puts a smile on Wyeth's face. "Sounds like a plan to me. You in, Marduk?"