GM Faelyn' Falcon's Hollow Series

Game Master Faelyn

Catch up with fam, introduce Ruhk, eat, and then sleep with one eye open.

Make sure the bar and the girls are alright, tell Valeria that Zirren's doing fine and is waiting for her at home, eat something, and get some sleep.

Nothing special

Well as far as the town is concerned, we're probably local heroes at the moment, but we're also only level 2 adventurers. We aren't exactly overflowing with monetary resources, considering we just donated it to the local and legitimate authorities. I suppose after realizing that Zirren's mother was still working at the Ugly Duck, we could go and sell/trade some of our unwanted gear, assuming the shops are open for business at all. That's the only other things I can think of to do... wait, hold that thought. I'd completely forgotten in all the time and chaos that's occurred since then. But I think we've got a little more hero work to complete for a man spirited away by the Fey, for his crimes.

When Zirren arrived with Zilka and Art at his mothers home to find it empty he turned to the others with a shrug and a heavy sigh, he took a leather bound book out of his bag.

Zirren's eyes widened as he realized something.

"I can't believe I'd forgotten. Zilka, Art. Do you remember the night we fought the Icy Fey, the night we met Xanotar? I made a promise to one of the men who was taken away for his crimes against the Fey. Aaron Nelly. He told me about his sister, Jessa,who works at the Rouge Lady and his mother Sara who works in the lower market. The entire cause of his desire for the golden Fae blood. His sister was in an abusive relationship with her husband. I... I want to help with that. I know it might not seem right to meddle in other people's affairs, so I don't expect either of you to step in, but I can't just ignore it either. I suspect I might be able to leverage something with our current status." He paused, stuffing the book back into his bag.

"I don't want to use force, and maybe we want to bring Caine in on this but I'd rather do this as painlessly as possible. I'm going to the markets. Maybe we can sell some of this off." Without even really waiting for the others he was starting to move away from his mother's house.

Sounds good folks!

Belladonna and Ruhk make their way to Bella's home, bringing along a portion of the cure for her little sister. They arrive there without any incident.

Caine heads back to his place in the Ugly Duckling and finds Valeria working hard with handling the breakfast rush for the midnight crew of jacks. He also spots Jalene, who spins around with a smile when she spots him coming through the doorway. "It's about time you came back, Caine! We thought you went off and got eaten by a werewolf!"

[ooc]Zilka & Art, are you going with Zirren to handle the matter of notifying family members of their son's/brother's situation?

"Maybe I just got bit? C'mere, I'll share." Caine said biting the air in Jalene's direction before sweeping her up in a hug while growling like a wolf.

"It's good to be back." he said as he put her feet back down on the floor again.

"Hey Val! Zirren's at your place planning a slumber party."

Is it still late, or is it the next day?

If you made this promise, Zirren, and you you want my help in this, I will be there.

It is technically the next day since you arrived back from The Wood. It's mid-morning right now, roughly 9:00 AM. Since you didn't sleep the night before you all would be Fatigued.

Jolene laughs and playfully whacks Caine atop his skull with her tray. "Savage." She winks and then whisks back to work, Caine intuition picks up that she was much more worried than she led him to believe.

Valeria looks up at Caine and smiles with a sigh. "A slumber party? Oh my." She shakes her head, but he can tell she is very relieved to her that her son returned safely.

"I've been eating nothin' but trail rations and sleeping on the ground for a couple days. If you need me, I'll be in the kitchen. Then bed." Caine said wandering into the back.

He slapped together a meal and scarfed it down, shaking of the growing fatigue that was setting in, and then went next door to the other half of the Duck to find Sylvanna. Her door wa shut, which meant she was with a client, or 'pilgrim' as she called them. So he stuck his head into the Madam's office and said "Hi Josie. I'm back. When Sylvanna comes up for air, tell her I'm not dead. I'm going to crash for a while, but I'll be up for the evening shift."

And then he went to his tiny room and slept.

Belladonna introduces Ruhk and Lucky to her family and explains the situation. While they're all happy that she helped get the cure, Belladonna's mother is outraged. For Belladonna to give all that money to the freemen instead of bringing it home for the family, she cusses Belladonna out in the Halfling language.

While eating dinner in her room, a few of Belladonna's siblings show support. Milo tells her that he's going to join the freemen.

When it is time to get shut eye, Belladonna tells Ruhk to set up his sleeping gear in her room. The room itself is only 5 feet long, so he has to curl up. Belladonna sleeps in a hammock she's had since she was young.

Ruhk chuckles a little to himself as he lays out his bedroll.
Well, this is a novel experience, I always did wonder what it would be like to sleep with my knees under my chin.

Zilka will go with Zirren since no matter how tired the half-orc is, she can't let a scholar like the half-elf show her up.

Emboldened by his companions willingness to aid him, Zirren set out for the low markets to find his one time acquaintance, Aaron Nelley's, mother.

I'm assuming that at this point, between our current status and Zirren's skill at Diplomacy, find Sara Nelley should not be difficult.

Zirren looks back at Zilka and Art before going up to meet the woman. "I'll talk to her about this part."

Walking up to the shop where the woman works.

"You are Sara Nelley, correct? I have something important to tell you, it's about your son, Aaron. You may not know me, but I am Zirren Jenefone. I was part of the group that found the ingredients to help cure the plague. You may want to sit down."

He paused for a moment before continuing.
"During our journey, we briefly came across a group of men, loggers, who had come across several kinds of trouble. One of which was a man who later claimed to be your son, Aaron. We managed to help protect the three of them from the more immediate threat they had come across, a dangerous Fey creature from the woods. Unfortunately however, he was caught up in the middle of something else too.

During our brief time I learned what had occurred as well as the reasons he had gone into the woods in the first place. He'd just wanted to earn money to help you and his sister, Jessa, too. One of the other loggers supposedly had a way to do so, but when he'd found out what was involved, he tried to back out. But when they threatened his life, he was forced into helping."

Not actually done with the story yet. Just giving a pause to give her a moment to react. Would you care for me to write out the entirety of what I would say in the future and just have the NPC respond appropriately? I don't want to eat up too much game time on a small sub-plot.

Linguistics/Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17

Sara looks up when Zirren approaches her. She watches him with a calm, cautious demeanor while he lays out his story. Obvious concern paints her face while she waits for the exact nature of her son's fate. "Is my boy alive? Where is he?"

Zirren glanced away for a moment, he was sure this might lead to more pressing questions but he had to deal with this matter. "He is alive, of that I can almost guarantee. As to where... well he was spirited away by a different set of Fey. I did what I could to ensure he would not be executed for being part of... whatever it was the other loggers had done."

Linguistics/Bluff: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13 Zirren knows what it is but he's trying to fast talk his way past that point.
Well, clearly he paused too long and the rest of his story really doesn't hold up when he mentions the fact that he's adding it to a book. But still maybe she's too engrossed in his wordy explanation to notice.

"This may be of little comfort to you, but I am a member of the Pathfinder's Society. I was in the middle of documenting both the histories and recent events of follies and vices that even the most basic people are prone to be victim to at some point in their lives. That and their consequences.

Aaron agreed to be published in my works. As such, his story was to be documented by me and therefor I learned of his reasons for going along with his associates in their matter. In return he asked for my help in dealing with those problems. Of which, this," he paused and opened his pack, removing a large coin pouch, with 200 gold, 5 platinum pieces, and 2 silver pieces for disparity's sake. Handing it to Sara. "is compensation for the publishing rights. It is for the first part of what he asked me for."

He paused again giving her a moment. Then continued, "The second of which, is as I mentioned before, is to help Jessa. He believes she was in a horrible situation with her husband. I have agreed to help extract her from that situation. Hopefully, we can do this non-violently."
He said, gesturing to his companions Art and Zilka a ways behind him.

Sara stares suspiciously at the coin pouch, especially at its weight. Her eyes widen when she finally opens it to peer inside. "Why are you giving me this? What have they done to my boy? What was he involved in? Tell me, please! I must know what happened to my son!"

Zirren looked at the woman for a few moments.

I just told you the reasons for the gold.
"Was I unclear? The money is for the eventual use of your son's name in my book."

Why are you denying such an opportunity?
"I can't speak to what has happened to him. I could only convince the Fey who spirited him away to not execute him, not their leader."

You should be jumping at the chance for enough resources to take your family and leave the Vale.

"From what I could discern, he was tired of toiling his life away working for the penance offered by the lumber consortium. Several of his coworkers lied to him about the simplicity of a task from which they would acquire wealth to quickly. He simply wanted to get his family, you and Jessa, out of the Vale for good. It didn't turn out to be what he thought and when he tried to leave he was threatened into staying and helping. Then things got worse."

Why are you being so emotional? Is this what it's like to be completely human?

Zirren's tone changed at this point, becoming cold and direct as his thoughts altered.

"His initial plan failed, but luckily I came along and our goals momentarily aligned because of his circumstances. He made a deal with me and I intend to try and keep it. I'm not doing this for free. Don't let his efforts for you to have been completely in vain. Do you want our help with your daughters situation or not?"

Linguistics/Intimidate: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28

There's only one smart choice to make.

Zirren is tired of straight Diplomacy and attempting to fast talk at this point. If Sara continues to press his patience or refuses to back down and continues to confront him about her son, he will tell her what happened but then he will leave. No longer intending to help with Jessa's situation.

Sara stares at Zirren in shock for a moment, but then quietly slips the bag of coins into her pocket. "Yes." she says meekly. "He was right about Jessa. Her husband is a drunk brute. I do not understand why you are helping us, but if you can I'll be in your debt."

Zirren blinked once at her mention of debt. "... Alright, now tell us what you know of the situation beyond that. Where do they live? What is her husbands name? Where does he work? Do you think your daughter will want help?"

"Her husband's name is Gauwis, he's a Jack and they live on the west end of town. I can take you there if you think you can help. As to Jessa wanting the help, I... I just don't know. I've tried to get her away from him, but I think she's fearful he will just come after her or me. They have two little boys that----" She chokes back some tears as all the events suddenly start to break through her shock. She begins to openly weep. "Aaron loved those two boys with all his heart. Oh gods..." She turns inconsolable for a few, brief moments before she weeps her eyes with the rough sleeves of her patched clothes. "I'm sorry, this is not your problem, goodsir. Gauwis can be a violent man, I don't know how he will handle this meddling."

Zirren let out a small sigh. Two boys? That hadn't been mentioned. he'd hardened himself for this, but everything was becoming more complex.

"I was not aware of that fact. It could complicate things greatly if even one of the children has a fondness for their father and does not wish to leave. Aaron's intentions had been to get all of you out with the money that is now yours so her husband taking any sort of revenge wouldn't be an issue." he paused.

Would the two be old enough now to really understand what is happening. If they are, did you or Aaron ever hear them speak poorly of their father? As though frightened of him? This is important, even if only once."

Sara nods. "Yes, the boys are terrified of their father. I don't know that he's ever beaten them like their mother, but I think he beats on her when they get out of line. Or maybe she gets in the way to protect her children... I don't really know."

Zilka growls at the new information. "Sounds like someone oughta show him what happens to folk who do that to their partners."

a small man steps out from behind Zirren, his face is awash with rage

he

hits

children?

Do you mean in the way that a parent disciplines an unruly child, a swat on the rear, or a tug of the lobe of the ear, Nathaniel mimics the actions he describes on himself, and then tightens his grip on the haft of his sacred weapon, and growls

Or do you mean to assay this man, this adult, strikes a child as he would strike another adult that is his equal?

Sara's gaze swaps over to Nathaniel when he presents himself. "Well, I don't know, sir. I... I don't think he's ever hit the children, but frankly I wouldn't put it past him."

Zirren was almost surprised by Art's anger, but he had to keep his head. "Either this situation has to stop now. What you have to do now Sara, is prepare to leave. You'll need a wagon and you'll want to leave as soon as possible. Do you have family outside of the veil? If so, do you believe they'll be willing to take you in?"

"We don't, at least none that I know about. My family was all here in Falcon's Hollow and they're all dead. I don't even know where to go."

Nathainiel lets out a long sigh, and then

Well, accusations are not proof. I am still just a stranger in a strange land and this man's relationship with his wife sounds troubling. Mister Jenefone is telling you the truth of the matter. You will be better off if you can leave this place, if your laws and customs allow such things. For what it is worth to you, I promise, on my oath as a tomb guard of the lady of Mittonwir that if I should find he is abusive, and is in violation of this communities laws and practices, he will be held accountable.

Nathaniel will try to get Zirren's attention and will speak quietly to him

Well done, sir, now, if you can spare me a moment. I wonder if we might now pay a visit to this man, Gauwis. I cannot agree that as outsiders we should be encouraging the breaking up of a family, but there are troubling issues here, troubling issues indeed. Let us do what we can to see if there is a way to bring peace to this family. Perhaps this man's temper and rage are byproducts of his unfortunate circumstances as so many people here seem to suffer from economic disparity. If these funds can give them all an opportunity to start new, maybe this man can have the peace of mind he needs to reflect on his choices, and with sound advice, and the support of his family, maybe he can become a better man.

Zirren's brow creased at this. "With no other family outside of the Vale, that makes setting a destination difficult. Your son Aaron was set in his goals of leaving. In a manner of speaking that also makes you free to choose wherever you might choose to go. I've studied enough to know a good bit about various regions around this side of Golarion. I can help you understand various countries, the languages they'll be likely to speak, the sort of climate you'll find, and what sort of people and cultures you'll likely run into there.

Perhaps you should take some time and consider this."

As Art caught Zirren's attention he listened to the man's words.
"That's not an area I would know much of, Art. My father would occasionally check in on me as a child every few summers but he wasn't really around other than that... that may be part of why I left here.

This Gauwis does not sound like the kind of man to rehabilitate very easily, and if you want to talk to him I'll help you because you've been willing to help me. But I won't offer him the same help I'm offering to Aaron's family."

"I don't rightly know, sir, perhaps the best bet would be to make for Olfden first, but the roads between here and Olfden are wild and dangerous. I don't even know how we would make the journey, but mayhaps will all this gold I could arrange an escort..." She shakes her head, clearly overwhelmed by the events. "No sense gettin' the cart before the oxen through. First, I suppose I aught to take to Jessa's home. Please, if you'll follow me."

In short order, the group arrives at a small hut, similar to nearly every home in the direct vicinity. "That's their home."

Zirren nodded and headed that direction first. "Right, I'll go to speak with her first."

He walked up to the house and knocked on the door.

"If you can get to Oregent I can give you the name of some folk who help those who need help getting back on their feet after unfortunate events."

Sarah nods to Zilka and smiles. "Thank you, dear."

A few moments after the knock, Zirren can hear movement inside the small building before the door opens slightly to show a blonde woman peeking around the door, the left half of her face hidden. "Can I help you?" she asks, the suspicions in her voice clearly evident.

Zirren nodded to the woman. "Yes. You are Jessa, correct? My name is Zirren Jenefone. These are my companions, Art and Zilka." he said, gesturing to each in turn.

"We were part of the group that managed to help find the cure for the plague of this town. We've come to speak with you of an opportunity to change your life. One that your brother Aaron Nelly desperately wanted to see come true. We've spoken with your mother Sara and are fully aware of your situation at this point. We have a lot to tell you and we can help but only if you want us to.

First though, I must ask, is your husband home?"

Linguistics/Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21

She nods when Zirren asks her name, glancing at each of the group as they are introduced. "No, he's out for a few days at the logging camp. Why? What is this all about?"

Zirren let out a mixed sigh of relief and a little aggravation at having to explain everything a second time.

I just hope she's quicker on the point of understanding what's happened than her mother was.

"I'll be as informative about this as I can. It is unlikely that you will ever see your brother again.

When it was all said and done, the Dark Fae was slain and the court Fae declared your brother was to be taken."

LOL. Sorry Zirren, I didn't even think about you having to explain that all over again. We'll try to do the condensed version of this so that the others aren't getting too sedentary.

Jessa stares at Zirren in shock for a moment, not quiet sure how to process all the information suddenly presented to her. Sara then makes her presence known and eases her way to the door. "Mom? What are you doing here?" Without thinking about it, she opens the door fully this time to reveal the first of her face, and a large, dark purple bruise around her left eye and broken blood vessels in the eye itself.

Sara gasps at the sight of the injury. "Jessa, these folks have agreed to help us get away from here. From that!" she points at the injury. "From what I can gather, Aaron was involved in somethin' awful out in The Woods. This young man won't tell me what, but he's been taken prisoner by the fey. And we both know what that means..." She caughs out the knot in her throat that chokes her words. "This young man is givin' us this money," she holds up the coin purse "to allow you, me, and the boys to leave this place behind finally. So lets get goin'! Get your things and I'll gather the boys."

Jessa's eyes grow wide at the prospect. "But mama, what about Gauwis? We can't just leave him like this."

"Like hells you can't! You seen yourself in a mirror dear? He is a bad man and I won't stand for it, no more. I can't stand up to him, but I can at least get you and your boys away from him before he kills you!"

Jessa stares at her mother, then looks at you all standing before her door... She looks frightened and ready to slam the door in your faces...

Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 8 No idea! Guess I won't be playing the sympathetic card

Zirren's eyes widened at the woman's look as he now clearly saw her bruised face and bloodshot eye. He quickly turned to look back back at Zilka and Art. He knew that after seeing this, the two of them were likely to be more vengeful given their earlier words.

He let the mother finish her pleading.

I was working up to that full explanation.
But at the end of it he could see that she was not convinced and was about to shut them out. Thinking fast he fell back on his old slang from the days when he lived here and began trying to convince her otherwise.

"Look, we're only trying to help! I'm from here myself, a Valer, just like you. When I got a chance to leave here, I took it. Aaron was clearly worried about your situation enough that he was willing to risk his life going into the forest, rather than work the next ten to fifteen years of his life saving the tiny wages the cutters are given.

Though I argued for him with the Fey and he may not be dead, he certainly lost his life in pursuit of this task. I promised him that I would try to help you. But only if you want our help. It's a lot to take in but know that you only have a small window to decide what to do with our help. We aren't leaving tomorrow, so I think you can take the night to think about it... but we will be gone not much longer after that."

Zirren's expression calmed as he looked away from her, his voice becoming saddened. "If you'd rather stay... well then that's your choice."

Linguistics/Bluff: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32
Zirren is spinning his story just a little about how much the brother was trying to act the part of a hero and is guilt tripping her about the possibility of her rejection. He's also not really sad, just getting cold to the situation.

Zilka or Art want to assist at all? If I don't hear anything from either of them by Monday, then I'll continue onward.

Believe me ma’am. Zirren speaks the truth. I am not from around here so much and I don’t know your customs, your ways, but what I have learned is that the law here does not forbid you from leaving as long as your debts are paid, and we promised your brother to help see that that was done for you, and for your family. If leaving this place can bring some peace into your lives, some respite from the hard life that you are living, then please, take it.

Nathaniel will bow as he speaks, and when his is through he will pause, then stand straight and add

If there is anything else that you need, please don’t hesitate to ask for our help. We have a small group of friends and among us there isn’t any problem you might have that I believe we cannot find a solution for that will help you toward a better life

Okay, I think we'll just hand-wave the rest at this point so that we can keep things moving again. I don't wan the others to lose interest!

Eventually Jessa comes to understand exactly what the others are trying to get her to see. She begins to quickly pack her meager belongings while Sara gathers the two boys. The three of you escort them as they begin to search for an escort to Oregent. Well done folks!

Anything anyone else would like to do before we begin the next chapter?

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Zilka doesn't notice anything about the woman's behavior, and just backs up Art and Zirren. "We're tough enough to keep him from coming after you, don't you worry."

ready to move on. Sorry about the delay.

"So Bella, shall we head out and meet the others? When we have some time, remind me to tell you of an idea I have.
You see, I've actually been applying my brain on how we might undermine Kreed AND do some good at the same time.
Best of all, we can do good, undermine Kreed AND actually make some money in the process."

At first, Belladonna does nothing but groan. Ruhk can tell that she is NOT a morning person. However, after the mention of Kreed, her eyes open up and she gives Ruhk this lazy, grumpy look. "I like money.," she grumbles.

After she gets out of her makeshift hammock, she shoos Ruhk out so she can get dressed. Later, Belladonna exits the little shack next to Ruhk and asks "Do you have coins for food? I'm running a little bit low, and I need to keep a few silver to help keep the family running."

"Not a problem, we'll get you some breakfast, lunch too if we don't leave until tomorrow.
And I have enough to buy a few supplies so we won't have to eat hardtack all the way either."

Pausing for a moment, Ruhk makes up a rough shopping list before continuing.
"Food is actually one of the reasons Kreed is so successful, so we, Ruhk directs his biggest grin at Bella, are going to him him in the belly."

"So long as it doesn't hurt our merchants. I, I've always felt really really bad about it. Sometimes you just gotta eat though."

"Ah, but see, the merchants are owned by Kreed, that is both the crux and the solution to the problem.
Kreed owns the merchants, so Kreed can set the prices.
Kreed is the only real employer so he can set the wages.
The wages do not cover the cost of living, so you have to buy on credit, and soon your debt is so great you cannot afford to not work for Kreed or he will call in your credit."

"But what ol' Kreed doesn't reckon on is that there are people who might manage to find coin through adventuring, people who have the skill to bake, to cook and the like.
People who are willing to start up a business with reasonable prices and who are willing to train up a few people to run the businesses for them and then maybe sell them at a reasonable price."

"We ARE going to take Kreed down, but because he hides behind the law when it suits him, we're going to use the very core of his rotten business practice against his ol' ass."