GM Chie's Gallows of Madness (Inactive)

Game Master Korolan

Knowledge (local) untrained: 1d20 ⇒ 3

Sure, down the list we go!

Untrained Knowledge (local): 1d20 ⇒ 13 Capping out at 10...

Miri thinks about shoes. "Wasn't someone a cobbler? They have to get their shoes from somewhere. Maybe she'd know who had yellow shoes."

She grabs a bit of bread from a ration and tosses it at the feet of "Yellowfeet" the crow and then follows the rest of the team.

K(local), untrained: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Fizzlebottom stoops down and picks up the satchel again and examines it a bit more carefully, wondering if it can tell him anything about its owner, and then begins to stare at it intently, too intently, for a minute or longer, as if he is reaching in to the soul of the satchel. Finally, however, he sits back, with a sigh of disappointment, "I can almost see the satchel's owner, but not quite - they are just out of my view..."

Appraise, Psychometry occult skill unlock: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13 The DC to know something is 15

Next on your list is the Witch's end tavern. As you head inside, the small bell over the door dings, followed immediately by a loud "F@%#!" shouted from the kitchen. A moment later, Alcie, her apron covered in scraps and stains, comes out from the back, sucking on her middle finger. "Did'n esspec ooo back fo foon." Pulling her finger out of her mouth, she grabs a bottle of whiskey from the shelf, pouring a small bit on her finger and wincing, before bandaging it up swiftly. "My hans are a l'il full at te moment. What brings ye back here?" Almost as if on cue, some of the regulars start arguing pretty loudly, and Alcie starts over to 'Break it up.'

It looks like she could use a hand around here. You could probably help keep the customers in line with a Bluff or Intimidate check. Alternatively, from before, you recall that she wasn't to friendly with strangers, so you might be able to endear yourself to her with some knowledge about the area or its past. (Local or History)

I can help with your finger, Hush indicates. He takes Alcie's hand and puts his other hand over it. A warm glow spreads into the cut and mends it.

Will spend one use of Fervor on Alcie.
Healing: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Intimidate: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (4) - 2 = 2

Hush then turns and punches the nearest table, straight down, in an effort to get the unruly patrons' attention. Unfortunately, one of them hits the same table at the same moment; not only does Hush not get the effect he wanted, they don't even seem to notice.

How kind of you Hush! I think that is enough to qualify as an 'Aid Another' for the rest of the party.

The small gnome marches directly over to the arguing customers. "My friends, do you really mean to be causing such a ruckus here at the Witch's End Tavern? I'm sure you've all heard that the tavern was built upon the petrified remains of the buttocks of a giant witch, but most people don't know that the witch-giant was exceedingly fond of decorum, and swore, as her dying wish, to haunt anyone who argued in her presence..."

Bluff, with Aid Another from Hush: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 11 + 2 = 30

Sense Motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1

Miri isn't sure whether to believe her comrade or not, and mutters, "You never told me that, Fizzlebottom." before she can help herself.

'You are absolutely right... Anyone who will behave exactly as described by my friend, will be cursed.'

Bluff: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22 aid

Not that he is lying very artistic (in fact, his face and voice has not changed at all), but when about curses says a huge bald brutal man (which obviously would rather prefer to beat you, not to talk), you unwittingly begin to listen.

Intelligence Check: 1d20 ⇒ 5

In a whisper: 'Sometimes these gnomes know something that for us is not available, Miri. The descendants of the fairies, anyway...'

Bash gives Fizzle a wide-eyed look of surprise "Well s$+#, I best keep myself in order too." He takes a seat next to the rowdy ones and gives them a glare to shut up. Intimidate + Aid: 1d20 - 3 + 2 ⇒ (7) - 3 + 2 = 6

He looks a bit more nervous about incurring the wrath of a witch giant's ass than scaring these guys straight, so he quickly order a beer and some more stew. "How 'bout another bowl of that stew from earlier ok? And more dark ale to wash 'r down wid."

Alcie, catching on quickly adds "See? Ye always wonder why I'm so against Magic for anything, and now you know. We're already doing enough by mentioning it, that she could come back and haunt EVERY LAST ONE of ye! You wouldn't be able to come in like that! SO! Settle down, and keep to yerself!"

With a grin, and a pat on the shoulder for Fizzlebottom, she hustles back to the kitchen, bringing out the stew for Bash, and a nice Dwarven Stout. She get's herself a shot of whiskey, and leans on the bar. "It's been tough keeping this place runnin' without Morvinarr. His stew is better'n mine, and he could always keep the riffraff in line with a shout. The whole lot of 'em, been lead around by the nose by Nolaria. Fightin' goblins, exploring old buildings, and coming back to boast and talk about what they found. They haven't been around here to off'n to talk an' drink though. They're probably doing some diggin' inna some sorta Mystical Nonsense, which is what got this town inna trouble in the first place! I'm sure Morvinarr an such will be back soon, but when I hadn't seen him for a day or so, I checked his room, and found this. Hopefully it will help find him? I wish he wouldn't have grabbed the nap-sack before he left though. Sometimes these knuckleheads need a little tap in the side to remind them who's in charge here."

Reaching into her pocket, she pulls out a small folded piece of Parchment, and hands it to Kiddir.

Bash smiles as the stew and stout arrive, digging in without pause. He looks up now and again to wipe the gravy from his beard and catch a bit of the conversation. After a solid pull on the stout he asks Alcie "So what's this fella Morvinarr look like? And what about the others in his crew of friends? I can't say anyone's described 'em or nothin."

With that said, he shovels another spoon full of stew into his face. If his stew's better we best find him quick. This stuff's pretty good itself!

You have any ideas where the usual place might be, ma'am? Could be real helpful in bringing him back safe.

Miri peeks over Kiddir's shoulder to read the note. "Yeah, it could be important!"

"Well, Morvinarr is a big strong lad, Pretty good with his fists, and comes up with the craziest stuff in a scrap. He's got a soft spot for Nolaria, but she seems so caught up with that Gellion and that bird of hers. He seems to be pretty well trained for a pet. She never goes anywhere without the little guy. I'm not too sure of the other folk, as Morvinarr won't shup up about the lass long enough to even think about talkin' bout the others. As far as I know, they tend to meet up in the Orchard in town, or the graveyard right outside. "

Miri hmms. "You mentioned the sap--I mean, the nap-sack. D'ya think he was expecting some sort of trouble, or did he usually run around with one?"

Miri elbows Fizzlebottom. Surreptitiously, she hopes, and gently.

Fizzlebottom startles to attention and then draws out the masterwork sap that he had retrieved earlier. "Don't suppose y' recognize this?"

Alcie's eyes widen at the sight of the sap. "Tha's the nap-sack alright! Where did you find it? Maybe Morvinarr dropped it on his way out? You'll tell me what you find in your Investigation, right?" Alcie reaches out to take the sap from Fizzlebottom, but then hesitates for just a moment. "Well, if Morvinarr doesn't have that with him... Maybe you should hold onto it until you find him. I should be fine without it for a bit, especially after that bit of knowledge you dropped on them," Alcie adds with a wink.

Next on the list!

Gunty’s Hearty Breads is a sturdy wood building with few windows, but the smell of wonderful fresh baked bread pervades the entire area. Inside, a few apprentices struggle with a broken bread cart, nervously trying to push it over to the shelves to stock. "Put your Back into it lads! I want those rolls on the shelf before they go stale!" Shouts a stout dwarf standing near one of several large ovens. The scars on his face and bulging muscles an almost laughable juxtoposition to the white apron with neat black embroidery in the center. Painted prominently on a sign above the counter is GUNTY'S HEARTY BREADS: The Heartiest Damn Breads This Side O’ The River. Barely an instant after you enter, the dwarf booms again: "Step to lass! This ain't a self service bakery! Help the fine people!" His voice demanding obedience in a manner more suited for a battlefield than a bakery.

A nervous girl in a white uniform approaches before stammering "W-w-welcome to Gunty's Hearty Breads. Can I interest you in a fine Brioche or perhaps a Galtan baguette?"

"I've never had a Galtan baguette! Could I get a sample?"

"Oh, but we do have some business here. Do you know anything about Noemi? We hear nobody's heard from her in some time, and we're seeing if we can help find her."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

"Noemi! That lass ain't been here since that pan of rolls she overcooked. The name says Hearty, not Hard-y! Also, Brianne, you heard the woman!" Within an instant, the dwarf grabs a bread knife off a nearby knife rack, and tosses it to the counter, where it sticks tip first into the cutting board. Brianne, obviously used to this, grabs the knife and very gently cuts 6 slices from the end of the baguette she was gesturing toward.

Bash heads inside the bakery, and stops short a bit seeing the baker is a Dwarf Didn't see that one comin! "Hey there Gunty, name's Bash. Whatcha say is the best bread ya got ta go with a dark ale? Anythin with some of them little seeds in it?" He peers back behind the counter.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

"Whatcha say we arm wrestle. Bet bakin bread turned them arms inta pie dough. I win, bread is free, you win and I'll take double!" Bash sets his long hammer down against the counter with a thud.

Gunty seems about to turn around to talk to Bash when he hears Bash's Challenge"Pie dough?!? You think I let these scrawny kids bring the flour in? Or chop the wood to light these hearths?" Slamming his elbow on the counter, he waves Bash over. "Let's Go!"

Gunty's arms bulge as Bash grips his hand over the dwarf-height counter. For the first few moments, it looks incredibly even, as GUnty and Bash both strain against the other's comparable strength. Gunty starts to make some progress, But eventually, Bash prevails (But just barely!) Gunty's face turns red, in a look that could only be anger.
The apprentices start to back off before he lets out a deep belly laugh. "HAHA I Haven't had fun like THAT since the War! Bread's on me friend! You really only here to look for Noemi?" Patting Bash on the shoulder, he ushers him to a small table off to the side. "I cna be a little hard on the lads and lasses, but it's only because I want them to become the best they can be! You know what I mean by that. Noemi burst out in tears because I was a little too rough on her after burning that tray of buns. She's got a good heart, but her No-Good friends are probably plotting some way to get back at me for that. I think they might have been working out of the Orchard on whatever they are up to. Between the weird lights and the odd buzzing, it's the only reasonable place!"

Hush traces a question mark in the air. What do you mean?

While not his best showing, its enough to get it done "If ya can't take an ass chewin' yer soft! Good fer the girl, we'll find 'er and get 'er back to work soon enough." He gets up from the table and points at a fresh loaf that just came out of the oven "And I'll take that there loaf thanks to yer pie dough arms!" He laughs and stomps his iron boots on the floor.

Hearin' a lot of the same places. If the cobbler doesn't have a new song to sing it might be worth revisitin' some old friends.

Looking at Hush, he strains his face before looking back at Bash. "What's his deal? Can't talk? Makes it pretty tough to do business, yeh?" Tossing the fresh loaf from the oven (and another of the small ones with the little seeds in them) into a bag, he tosses them to Bash. "Watch yer back if you head to the orchard yah Blockhead!" he adds with a jovial smile.

Onward! To the 'last' remaining location!

Dependable Drummady's is a well maintained shop on a prime street in Saringallow. The well lit shop has large windows, with a single register and a few workbenches. A collection of well made chairs occupies a front area of the room, with a small brass ruler inlaid into the floor in front of each chair.

Inside, a comely woman sits at a work bench near the back of the shop, stitching soles into a fine red pair of Alkenstar Style boots. Without even looking up from her work (and without even the sound of a bell to notify her) she speaks up. "Welcome to Dependable Drummady's! If you know your size, come on up to the counter, otherwise take off your shoes and have a seat up front."

Looking at Hush, he strains his face before looking back at Bash. "What's his deal? Can't talk? Makes it pretty tough to do business, yeh?"

Hush chuckles. It does sometimes, he has to admit. With luck, the 'lights and sounds' have stopped now and we won't need to go back.

Knowledge (local): 1d20 ⇒ 15

Don't need this anymore, Hush thinks as he removed the floppy hat he had purchased earlier. A pair of these might serve well, though, and not just to get in Drummady's good graces. We'll see how the others fare.

K Local: 1d20 ⇒ 1

Bash doesn't think twice as he hears the woman's directions If she insists... He stops at the door and starts unbuckling his heavy iron boots, dropping them with a clunk on the wooden floors. His thick, worn wool socks certainly look like they could be put through the wash, and then have some holes sewn up.

He leaves his backpack with his shoes and walks up and has a seat up front, pulling off his socks and tossing them aside, revealing the roughest, gnarly looking feet and toes anyone has ever seen. There seems to be a bit of a smell as well starting to circulate. "I'm ready!" Hollers Bash, smiling.

Appraise: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
K Local, untrained: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

Fizzlebottom sniffs and looks at Bash's gnarled feet with dismay. Covering his nose with a handkerchief, he too removes his footwear, while looking around at the wares to see what model might suit him best. "I don't suppose you have any steel-tipped Birkenstocks? In my size? I hear tell that you make some mighty fine shoes, with a guarantee and everything..."

"Weird lights?" Miri asks on her way out of the bakery. She looks at the rest of the group on the way out. "Did we know about weird lights? I know we know about the buzzing but the bit about the lights sounded new."

Knowlege (local) untrained: 1d20 ⇒ 17 Maxes out at 10

Miri stuffs an end of bread in her teeth, and takes her boots off. She looks at her black-callused, worn feet, and seriously considers putting her boots back on. Well, it's probably too late now.

She turns to Fizz. "What's a Birkenstock? Sounds like something you'd make a soup out of."

Appraise: 1d20 ⇒ 8
Knowledge (Local): 1d20 ⇒ 18

Dusty's immensely skeptical as he walks into the cobbler. These boots are already nicely broken in, don't need anything fancy.

But as he looks around the shop and notices the quality of the worksmanship, he quickly changes his tune.

Fizzlebottom turns to Miri, "Indeed, my understanding is that Birkenstocks can not only be worn, but also make a splendid base for soup. Once they are properly worn in, that is..."

"Birkensoup..." muses the exiled "elf." "I've had boot soup before, but not Birken-soup. What's it taste like? Shoe leather?"

Fizzlebottom looks quizzically at Miri. "Shoe leather? Do I look like the sort of chap that has tasted shoe leather? No, no, don't answer that. I suppose adventuring can make one look a bit off at times - just look at our friend Bash! But in any case, alas, I have not (yet) had the good fortune of either wearing or tasting Birkenstocks - I've just heard whispers of them in the bazaars of Daggermark of a time - that's why I thought this might be just the chance I've been waiting for. But..." here, Fizzlebottom looks a bit doubtfully around the room... "I've a hunch that we may not find them here neither, though if Miss Drummady can help us find our missing apprentices, I don't s'pose none of us'll mind too bad..."

Ugh, more corrupted posts. At least the site is letting me log back in now...

Huh, weird. Thanks, Miri.

Tech team says that recent posts are trying to access code they haven't deployed yet. I guess that explains some things, like how GZIP is involved; but not others, like why only recent posts are affected, or how you manage this sort of a partial deployment over the course of two plus hours. Sigh. Hopefully when that code gets deployed, we'll start seeing those GZIP code blocks turn back into posts.

"So... a pair of legendary shoes? Well, if she doesn't have one, maybe she can point you to a cobbler who might. What do they do? Are they enchanted with great power? Are the incredibly stylish? Maybe the Taldans ran off with them. Seems like a Taldane thing to do, running off with fancy shiny footwear."

Bash gives the gnome a dirty look "You try wearing steel toe boots fer a hundred years or so and see how yer feet look!" He pulls off his socks and waves over the woman. "Gonna need some comfy new socks too, these ar' worn out!"

Fizzlebottom catches a whiff of Bash's socks and nods solemnly at the cobbler. "If ye've got some scent-proof socks for our friend here, they'll do nicely."

Sorry for Yesterday! Winter War took a little more out of me than I expected. Back to Business today!

After finishing up the boots she was working on, Drummady grabs a small bottle of scented oil as well as a few pair of nice wool socks. "It's an alchemical mixture, with a bit of Lavender. The socks should help hold it next to your feet. Let's just say you're not the first dwarf in these parts, and I doubt you'll be the last." She gently measures the feet of all of you, using the brass rules on the floor in addition to an intricate set of metal tools to get the complex measurements. Without even so much as a scrap of paper, she returns to her workbench, and traces out shoe soles for each of you.

"So it sounds like a pair of boots or two, as well as a pair of sandles? What kind of footwear could I interest the rest of you in?"

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Ma'am, I'm afraid shoes aren't all we're after today. We've heard that Pavolus has gone missing along with some other youngsters. Have you got any sense of where they might have got to?

Miri nods agreement with Dusty. "Oh, and by the way, have you made anyone any yellow shoes or boots that you can remember?"

Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Fizzlebottom watches the cobbler's work with interest, looking around to see if perhaps there are any yellow shoes on display in the shop.

"Yes, I haven't seen him for a few days. Why do you bring up Yellow Boots though? I know that Pavolus made a beautiful pair of bright yellow all terrain boots for Gellion. He put so much time and affection into those boots. He's got a soft spot for that boy, and I don't think Gellion has quite figured it out yet. It's alright though, Pavolus is a sweet boy and will bring it up when the time is right." Drummady looks wistful as she glides the shears through the leather, barely looking at what she is doing.

She comes back over with the soles, making sure that they match the feet they were cut for. "Anyways, with these I should be able to start whatever shoes or boots that you like. As soon as you decide on a style, I should be able to have them finished by the end of the week!"

Giving a quick nod to Bash specifically, she laughs. "For you, friend, I'll throw in a bottle of that scented oil if you promise to use it! Whatever boots I make you should last for a good while, and keep those feet in better shape than the ones you have!"

So by this point, you have a good bit of information about what could be going on. Let's say that Meeting in the Mayor's Office, or perhaps a corner table at the bar to collect your thoughts might be in order? That way, you all can think a bit about where to go next!

"Hey! You tryin' ta perfume up mah boots?" He gives her a scowl, then takes the bottle anyhow, giving everyone else the evil eye if they try giving him any s%!* about it.

"Make mah boots steel toed n tough, I got gobbie skulls to crush and asses to kick with 'em!"

My vote would be to update the mayor I guess at this point and formulate a plan.

Just a reminder to my fellow party members that I've already played this (at least part 1 of the trilogy), so Fizzlebottom will take a back seat for the sorting out the mystery section to avoid any spoilers.

Just a reminder to my fellow party members that I've already played this (at least part 1 of the trilogy), so Fizzlebottom will take a back seat for the sorting out the mystery section to avoid any spoilers.

Same here Fizzle

Hush bows. Thank you for your help. He turns to the others. We all need to talk.

Outside the cobbler's, he stops at a knick-knacks shop. For this conversation, I'm going to need supplies. (Will purchase two pieces of parchment, ink, an inkpen, and a blanket because I like round numbers. 9 gp.)

Miri nods. "Sounds like we need to see if there are any other places in town where Gellion might be hiding."