GM Dak - PFS First Steps: I, II, & III (Group 2) (Inactive)

Game Master Dakcenturi

"I'm better at talking rather than skulking. I'd be happy to accompany you Volker, if you wouldn't mind the company."

I am about as stealthy as a drunk giant in glass shop

Jirani smiles in return, "Forgive me. I just thought that might be another skill you 'just know how to do'. It does seem like it might also pay off for a ... alchemist."

After talking with the neighbors, Jirani agrees with Salador's assessment of the woman. "Yes. And if that wasn't enough, we'd just need to prove that the children's sleeping arrangements are inadequate to seal our judgement. Though I suspect tracking down these children's whereabouts during the day may also be destructive to her case."

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.

Let me know who is doing what before entering the house.

Tessara, my beloved aunt, could you do your little trick where we can whisper to eachother, even though we are far away. We did that when we 'liberated' those biscuits from Elder Terania's house, remember?"

Tamarie will refrain from talking to the woman, and will skulk around a less visible corner and look for an open window.
Looking around and waiting for Jirani to say 'when', she'll climb up and enter through the open window.

Olik will stay with the group as we initially enter the house.

"My speciality, dear, but remember to stay within a hundred feet or so, or it stops working," the elf tells her niece.

Cast Kessage on Tamarie.

"Thank you."

Message response.

The group, minus Tamarie, enters the house. Children and cats running about, as soon as you come in one of the kids runs into a back room "Auntie Baltwin there are visitors." Shortly after an elderly woman comes hobbling out a cat skitters across her path and she gives it a swift kick. "Yes, is there something I can help you with?" Only half paying attention to you, she points at one of the kids climbing on some furniture "You, you get down from there!"

When the party starts approaching the house :

"I agree Salazar things do seem suspicious but at this point all we really have are rumours and even they aren't clear. Perhaps she's just a surly lady who enjoys her whisky and cheats at cards. Our task is to see if she's taking care of the children reasonably well. Volker see what you can get out of her but don't do it too fast, I'll need some time as I'm sure Tamarie will."

Looking about at the cats "Heh, maybe ask her about her cats. Does anyone have the ability to talk with animals?"

Salador will be quiet knowing his own limitatiins in social.situations but he will actively look around and see what he can without being obvious.

perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

He will also guage the general welfare of the cats if possible
know nature: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

He will also look for drugs alcohol.alchemical.agents
alchemy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

Voker strikes up a conversation with Baltwin.
I'm really trying to do a few things with this conversation. I would like to get a feel for Baltwin and her motives of course. Also I'm trying to stall for time knowing that Tamarie is climbing in the back window.
"How are you this evening Mam'm, how are you. Do you have help running this place, you must. Who is it that offers you the help and how is it that you can make due. How do you decide what kids come and what kids are turned away."
I wonder if she will come out and ask for the medicine, or If we're going to need to offer it up.
Volker looks over the woman and the surroundings for any thing suspisious durning his conversation.

Volker Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
???: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

Baltwin replies "Well aren't you the nosy Nancy... Of course I have help, do you think I could manage all these kids on my own. Many charitable organizations help provide support for me to run this home. We don't turn any children away, they come sometimes for a short time others for longer, it all depends. What are you all doing here, is this some sort of inspection? The city just had one a few months ago..." She let's out an exasperated sigh as she hears something break in the kitchen. "Excuse me a moment." She walks off into the kitchen and you hear "Hey you, yes you. Clean up that mess and go outside to play!" She returns moments later shaking her head. "Kids... So anyway, what is this all about? Maybe I can get some tea and we can sit down to discuss whatever it is you are here for?"

A drink sounds grand but just between me and you do you have something with a little kick. If ya know what I mean

Salador looks for a seat.

actually we came to offer help

Volker will graciously accept the offer for tea, then follow Baltwin and sit down.
"It's been brought to my attention that you may have some sick youngsters in need. I may be able to offer some assistance, it my not be apparent to you, but I do know a thing or two about medicine and the healing arts. May I see the sick young one? "
Not sure if I need to roll anything here but I'm basically attempting to check if there is/are infact a sick child/ren in the orphanage in need of the medicine or if it is more likly that Baltwin will resell the medicine due to the lack of children.

So many children, truly it is a fine service you provide to the community madam. It was my role to get Mr. Valhalson here safely, not much of a task in such a well established neighborhood but then easy money is still money eh? Anyway perhaps I can be of assistance while you talk. I've always had a soft spot for the youngsters and I've been told my songs and tales can be entertaining. With your permission I'd be more then happy to try and distract them in the other room to let you all talk and drink in peace.

Diplomacy 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Any rough layout of the building we can see? Specifically looking for the stairs up to where the coughing was coming from

Rough Layout
There are 5 rooms downstairs, in the NW corner of the house is the kitchen, NE is some sort of office, MidE the meeting room she has directed everyone into, SE dining room, SW living room, MidW stairs leading up with closet underneath them. Upstairs is just lots of bunkbeds. Outhouse outside.

She takes everyone into the room and brings some tea from the kitchen. She nods to Olik "Of course, if you can keep them entertained, they are less likely to get into mischief." Turning back to Volker [b]"Of course, kids are kids they get sick. Many of the people in these parts will bring there kids to get better. Who was it that sent you again? Any assistance you can provide is always welcome. There is only so much I can do on my own. You're more than welcome to head upstairs and take a look at the children." She starts pouring out tea and offering it to anyone who wants some.

I'll give a run down of Oliks actions assuming he's left alone with the kids for a bit, you can rope them into the timeline as is appropriate

My thanks Olik replies with a slight bow

Olik will head towards the living room collecting kids as best he can along the way. Take 10 Diplomacy (17) if needed to convince them.

Tess helps herself to a cup of tea, listening to the conversations between the others and the old crone. She had no reason to whisper a warning to her niece yet.

Jirani follows Tamarie around the side of the house. When she begins climbing, he keeps walking around casually. As he circles the house, he'll slow his pace each time he walks along the side that Tamarie climbed up, so that he'll be within earshot of her longer in case he's needed.

After serving everyone tea Gilga Baltwin takes out a small flask from a pocket and pours some into her own tea before sipping on it. She looks at Salador for a moment before stashing the flask back in her pockets.

Olik sings to the children in the other room, after his song you hear chatter from him and the kids but most of it is indistinguishable.

With the singing coming from inside most of the children rush inside to see the entertainment. With the yard mostly empty Tamarie snoops around the house. Climbing up to the second floor you peak in the window to see a number of bunk beds some with ill children in the midst of bed rest. Climbing back down the only other noticeable thing is the one office room that seems to be closed off from the rest of the house. You climb up and attempt to jar the window open.

Strength: 1d20 ⇒ 10

Getting it open you sneak inside and start rummaging around for any incriminating evidence.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

However, there isn't really anything that stands out to you.

Volker, not sure if you went upstairs or you were still talking?

Can I take ten on perception when rummaging? I'll whisper to Tessara what I'm doing.

Pending the group going upstairs I'll continue singing to the kids. I'm guessing from the house description I can see if people are heading upstairs? If so then when the group goes up (if Gilga goes with them) I'll first check the closet and then head to the kitchen. If she stays downstairs then I'll go up with the group.

oh my good lady if you wouldn't mind allowing me a little hit from your flask. It hqs been a rough day for me and it always makes it better. if gou know what I mean.

Salador will.await the wiskey and pour a good shit in if she allows.

After getting some or not Salador will continue

I have heard that you procure some of the finest wiskey in town. I wish I could do the same some days are just hard don't you think. I am sure you of all people can understand.

I think I will go upstairs and check on the children.
Volker heads upstairs to check on the sick children. Once in the room with the children Volker begins to look around for anything out of the ordenary while speaking with the children.
How are you feeling today? What are the symptoms of your sickness? How long have you been sick? What kind of medicine do you get for your sickness? What are your feelings about Madame Baltwin, does she treat you well, what kind of people do you see with her, can I trust her?

Seeing Volker heading for the stairs by himself Olik will step out of the room and whisper to him :

Having passed his message Olik asks the children to wait just another moment while he gets a drink from the kitchen to wet his throat. Once there he looks about for anything odd but specifically for signs of tea, tea leaves or potions. If he finds some he'll take a bit to bring to Salador later. Either way he then heads back to sing for the kids again.

Take 10 on Perception (15)

Diplomacy-Salador: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1
???: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Baltwin almost completely ignores Salador and starts talking to the elf. "You've been awfully quiet for as talkative as the others are. What's your story?"

Volker heads upstairs to find a large number of bunkbeds. Not noticing anything particularly out of the ordinary he begins speaking with the various children.

Volker-Heal: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Volker whispers back

Volker will head back to the sitting room and rejoin the conversation.
The kids look like they're well enough; none of them are excessively ill, most things are the cold or maybe the flu. What do you give them to combat their sickness?

Heading back into the living room Olik smiles and pats one of the kids on the head.

So what shall I sing about now. Ah I know! I see you have many cats here. Are they pets of yours?

Olik will pause a moment to see if he can get any info about the cats and then continue.

I know another Varisian song about a champion mouser named Thomas.

Olik begins to sing a whimsical song about the cat and his adventures chasing a particular elusive mouse through a Varisian camp. Normally the song turns quite bawdy as it recounts what the cat comes upon going on in the various wagons but Olik skillfully alters it for his young audience.

Same skill checks as before : Diplomacy T10-(17), Perform T10-(17)

"I'm just here with the group. We've heard there are some very sick children here. No one wants little ones to be ill, so we are just checking on them. We don't want the whole town to become infected you know," the elf adds as she sips the tea she was offered.

Gilga turns to Volker as he enters the room and replies "I'm glad you found their care satisfactory. I treat them with this and that depending on the circumstances. The aid of some wonderful organizations goes a long way in helping to treat the children. Oh, speaking of which your companion over there," she motions toward Salador flippantly, "mentioned you came to offer help. Did one of the charities send you? Do you have a new package of medicine for the children?"

Well my fine audience, one more song and then I will let you get back to your adventures outside.

Olik begins a fast paced humorous song about mouse who eats a kernel of corn and is then eaten by a cat who in turn is eaten by a dog and so on until a dragon finishes the them all.

Off you go then my little friends. If you tiptoe outside and play without disturbing Auntie then I'll come join you shortly.

Once they head off Olik checks on the closet under the stairs. Perception (15) and finally heads back to the sitting room to join the others.

GM I would like to take 10 when searching the room I 'broke' into, be sure I haven't missed anything.After this, I'll drop down to the street, and close the window behind me.

After this, Tamarie will return back to street level.
She will tell Jirani: "Can't find anything wrong here. No evidence that would suggenst that she is up to no good."

Tamarie will then look for a group that is playing with marbles or something, and ask if she can play along.

"I think I know this game. Might I play along? I can tell you, I was the marble princess of my hometown."

Returning to the sitting room but not quite entering it :

"Mr Valhalson I'm sorry to interrupt but Ms Baltwin I must say that is a fine group of scamps you have. I'm afraid they've convinced me to play with them out front for a bit." He says with a smile " Salador if I could borrow you for a minute to help me take off some of this gear..."

If Salador comes out of the room Olik whisper to him :

While talking Olik unbelts his sword and takes off his pack and then heads outside (taking his gear with him).

Seeing Tamarie and Jirani he'll fill them in on what he's found (go ahead and read the Salador spoiler above).

"Did you have any luck with your scouting? Also can you pass along that bit of information to Tessara?"

Jirani crouches next to Tamarie, giving a friendly nod to the children. "I'm sorry, Ms. Tamarie. We should probably be going. Can you let Ms. Tessara know we are ready to deliver our supplies and carry on with our errands if they are."

Indeed you may be right my friend. We can give Volker, Tessara and Salador a bit more time to see if they can uncover anything. Now if you would be so kind as to keep an eye on these things... he says with a grin.

With that Olik leaves his pack and sword near Jirani and then heads over to play the big lumbering troll with the kids.

Tamarie starts mumbling to herself, and then turns to the guys.
"Done. I told her what you said, and we'll wait for them to finish up their own ideas."

She looks over to Jirani, and says (more) silently: "Maybe I should shoot down the lumbering hulk, and save the kids? I have these blunt arrows..."

Tamarie seems to imagine how everything plays out, in her head. She twitches shortly, when she imagines the face of Tessara rounding the corner, at exactly the same moment that she shoots Olik.

"...or maybe not..."

Whispered to Tama

Would volker know "how the potions taste"? Just trying to figure out if you need to use tea to make it go down better.

Olik considers for a moment.

A clever plan Tamarie if there is something to be found perhaps it might reveal it. That said most of what we've found would seem to show that, beyond a few oddities, the woman is taking care of these kids pretty well. I do not wish to submit an innocent old woman to too many trials without cause.

From what we've learned, despite his initial suspicions, I think Olik would be leaning towards believing things are legitimate at least as far as it matters for the kids to be cared for. The two major items of interest of him at this point would be how the discussion goes around the potions when they're given to her and if Salador can find anything of interest in the "medicine tea" (assuming any is even around). That said he's bonded enough with the group that he'd back their play either way.

If nothing of interest comes from the group inside and you still feel this is the thing to do then I am with you little Huntress. I can bring you in as two who just got here if you'd like

Olik will then extricate himself from the games and put his sword and pack back on.

Seeing he is adding nothing Salador will get up and go outside. Once there.he will address.those there.

I feel she is dirty but don't have the social skills to prove it. someone should press.her.on her drinking and child.labor.

Salador, not sure if you saw my earlier comment on possibly using Alchemy to take a look at the medicine tea. If you did and you don't think he'd be interested in looking that's cool just wanted to make sure you saw it amid all the chatty stuff :)

Volker will begin to reach into his bag, while speaking to Baltwin, and remove the package we were asked to deliver.
I do happen to have a package for you that contains some items that will help keep your children healthy. I was wondering what you give the children for their ailments? I know it can be very difficult to have anyone there age take any medicine in general.
Volker will hand the package to Baltwin looking her over once more to see if there is any hint of “foul play” so to speak.

"I don't think I'd be convincing enough to pull off that bluff, Ms. Tamarie. Olik, has anyone inside had a chance to look around the house?"

After Olik affirms that they did, "She may not be an ideal caretaker, but no parent is perfect, either. We were asked to offer our opinion of her, and it sounds to me like she's doing the job the children need."