(GM boon)
Zeke mosies over to the 'testifier', "You're here for more Liniment... and a little something else perhaps?" Zeke says as he nods inquisitivly towards the various perfumes that the man is browsing.
Ralof takes an interest in Zeke's conversation with the man,interjecting a question of his own... "A burn, eh? I recently burned my own leg with a torch... Stuff works good then?"
The man simply says, "Well, I thought I'd just check out the stock while I wait. Vendra, are my liniments ready yet?"
In response to Ralof, "A torch, you say? Are you sure you just weren't rejected by pretty barmaid drinking piping hot coffee?" The response draws some in the room to chuckle at the notion.
Vendra replies with a snap to one of her employees, "Roshana! Get the man his liniment already. We don't like to keep customers waiting." One of the pretty girls moves back to behind the counter to grab a vial to bring back to the man.
Amendithas thinks to himself, I have yet to hear her use the word "cure". Her customers say they have been cured, but she keeps using flowery prose to avoid making such a claim.
Out loud, he'll ask, "I have been told that those who are cured eventually get sick again. Have you had any customers with this problem?"
She responds to Ammendithas, "While some have indeed regained symptoms, those who have been taking a daily regimen of my Liniment have remained symptom free."
Upon hearing of the possibility of re-infection several of the customers start digging further into their coin-purses for the money to buy some extra doses.
Vendra adds, "I'm afraid I must ask you to make a purchase or leave my shop, gentlemen. I have many customers waiting, and you're disrupting business"
After the man ribs Ralof, Zeke catches Ralof in a cold stare, his left eye squinted and twitching, and decides he ought to start coaxing Ralof towards the door.
Ralof tries his best to contain his growing annoyance, and says in a restrained way while forcing a slight smile, "Yes, I would like to purchase a dose of the Linement, please... For my leg."
He steps around Zeke and slaps two gold coins down on the counter.
The pretty girl returns to the man with his vial of liniment at about the same time as Ralof slams down his gold. The man thanks Vendra, and leaves the shop.
Another customer is let inside and is promptly met by the pretty girl.
Vendra fumbles around behind the counter for another vial for Ralof. She has to move an empty crate. "Roshanna! Be a dear and set this crate outside for me?"
The girl comes to Vendras aid quickly to grab the crate. As she turns to take it outside, Vendra says, "Not so fast!, I still need to take the last few vials out."
The pretty girl then stands there holding the crate, while Vendra takes out a few vials of the liniment and places them behind the counter. When finished, Roshana takes the crate outside to stack with the other empty crates.
After the girl heads out with the empty crate, Vendra grabs a vial and places it on the counter in front of Ralof and takes the gold. "A pleasure doing business with you, Sir. I know it will heal your leg up in no time."
She then expects you to leave her shop, as she gives a gentle look towards her bouncers, you get the sense that you are no longer welcome here.
Dylan says to the owner [b]"Mam, if what you are selling is not a cure, but just suppresses the visible symptoms of the disease, we will be back to arrest you.
(enhanced diplomacy)
Dylan then hurries out to flag down the man that said he was cured.
When Dylan mentions possible arrest, the patrons inside begin to murmur among themselves about the possibility it's all a fraud. However, they seem convinced by Vendra and the mans testimonial enough to stay and purchase.
Vendra is quick to respond, "Your large friend said it himself, even those that have supposedly been cured by those expensive clerics eventually get the disease again. I offer no promises that you wont get the disease again, only that my Liniment will cure it when you get it."
She then proceeds to deal with Ralof and the empty crate (as described above) as you leave to track down the man.
He did not get very far.
You can see him walking back along the long line of people to the east. You can catch up to him fairly easily if you hurry.
When Dylan catches up withe stranger Dylan asks "Sir, I have a few more questions to ask. You said you had the disease, may I examine you while I ask those questions? Did you really have it, or were you put up to it as a marketing ploy to take advantage of the sick? Because lives are at risk if she is just trying to fill her coffers."
(enhanced diplomacy)
When Dylan catches up to the man, he is visibly agitated. "We are citizens of Korvosa! We demand respect!" Several in the line, already distrustful of Korvosan authority of late repeat the sentiment.
"Fine!, Examine me. You don't look like no doctor."
He stands there arms defiantly open as you examine him. You see no sign of the Blood Veil, but you do notice a rather large burn mark on his left leg. It looks to have been there for a little over a week.
After you finish your examination he snidely comments while saluting, "Can I go now, SIR!?"
His motives are clear, he wants to get out of there as fast as he can, and is irritated, and perhaps a little nervous, that you stopped him.
"Sir, you have a burn on your leg that looks to be over a week old. You said you took the linement so your leg should be healed. So in that case we have to assume you are not being completely honest and we no choice but to take you in for more questioning. I would appreciate it if you would cooperate and come with us peacefully, but we are more than capable of brining you in be force if nesseary."
(enhanced diplomacy)
Amendithas arrives to hear the discourse between Dylan and the propaganda-spewing customer. Standing up straight and glaring, he adds, "I'd recommend listening to my friend....SIR."
*EDIT - Amendithas trys to add a bit of intimidation to the mix, but for some reason began speaking Orc instead of common. The man just looks at him with confusion...
Maybe it's the threat of bringing the man in for questioning, or the calm demeanor in Dylans delivery when he was expecting Dylan to be equally smug back, but your message gets through.
He brings his hands up to his chest with his palms out and takes a step back, "Woah. Woah. There's no need for that, sir. I'm just doing my job."
Assuming you press him further he will continue, "She pays me to generate hype about the product. Keep the customers coming in so to speak. I never actually had the Blood Veil"
This admission in front of the long line of customers begins to rile up the citizens. You hear cries of "Fraud!" and "Snake Oil!" to which the man is quick to defend "No Seriously people, it does work, my leg really is feeling a lot better!"
The raucous is loud enough to draw the attention of Vendra whom comes storming outside. "What in Desna's name is going on here? Are you bastards pestering my customers now?!"
With fire in his eyes Dylan turns around to reguard Vendra. Dylan yells "You are done exploiting the sick to fill your coffers.
Taking a deep breath, Dylan walks over to Vendra and continues "You are under arrest and being taken in for questioning. Generating business by paying someone to lie and possibly putting people's lives in danger." anger flashes in Dylan's eyes as he finishes the statement.
Zeke will have escorted Ralof out of the store immediately following his purchase, so as not to escalate matters (Ralof abides). Outside, Zeke and Ralof watch the interaction between Dylan and the man. When Vendra approaches, Zeke steps up and stands beside Dylan as he issues his arrest.
A thunder erupts among the crowd as the full wroth of Dylan's ire comes crashing down on Vendra. People begin to throw whatever they can at her: Rocks, fruit, ect. The bouncer stands between Vendra and the projectiles and inadvertently Dylan.
As you roll up on her, a clearly shaken Vendra shouts! "ON WHAT CHARGE? ON BEING LIED TO?" She points to the man whom just admitted he lied. "YOU TOLD ME YOU HAD BEEN CURED! I PAID YOU TO GIVE YOUR TRUE TESTIMONY. IF YOU ARREST ANYONE, ARREST THAT MAN!"
However, fraud is illegal, and if you can provide proof of fraud on Vendra's part you would have legal grounds for arrest.
A lot of the customers in line begin to leave as Dylan runs up for arrest. Vendra starts to get desperate, "Please people, don't leave, it works, trust me! The next 50 customers get a free bottle of Liniment with purchase!"
The offer is enough to get a few of them to stay and wait it out, on the chance her claims of a cure are true.
(no chance)
Zeke purses his lips and his eyes dart around a bit, he shifts uncomfortably a bit.
Dylan replies You are the one who sells the liniment, so I believe you knew he never had the disease. The only reason for you to hire him would be that you recognized him as one who had the disease and bought the liniment for use on the disease or you hired him to outright lie to promote business. Since he told me he never had the disease, you paid him to lie. Hiring someone to promote your business is not illegal, but we will investigate the claims of the liniment. I would quite this practice before a citizen loses a family member and blames you and your "cure" and takes matters into their own hands. "
Vendra responds, "Do you honestly think I'd risk my shops reputation by selling these fine folks a sham? Yes, I was lied to. I sell hundreds of bottles a day to many customers, and this con man tricked me into hiring him by telling me that he bought some yesterday and that he'd like to offer his services for testimonial. I'm ashamed to admit I bought his lies."
"Go, do your little investigation, it will only prove my Liniment is the real deal. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to get back to work. These people need me. I'm trying to save them, which is more than I can say for the guard!"
The rousing speech is enough to get several nods of approval, and even a few, "Yeah!, what has the guard done to solve this crisis! Nothing!", comments from the crowd
(no chance)
(GM boon)
Ralof says to the man in an irritated tone, "Calm down, sir. We're only interested in verifying the veracity of the claims about the cure."
The hype man replies to Ralof, "Oh! Well then you don't need me then, and turns to continue his Journey back East in the direction of the docks."
Whoops.. the last post should have read:
The hype man replies to Ralof, "Oh! Well then you don't need me then." and turns to continue his Journey back East in the direction of the docks.
That's what I get for not proof reading.
Ralof replies to the man with nothing more than a blank stare and a slack jaw, a bit befuddled by the simplicity of his logic, but unable to muster a retort, he lets him go.
Assuming Dylan also allows the man to leave, Ralof allows Dylan to finalize his interaction with Vendra, and when she leaves, says to Dylan, "Look, I've got one of her linements... maybe Zeke can make something of it, or we give it to Ishani. Meanwhile, we'll keep tabs on Vendra."
Ralof then turns to Zeke, who is staring intently at something between his feet, seemingly oblivious to what's going on, "Hey! Let's go!"
Zeke is mumbling something barely audible... "...bugs ...so many legs ... design ... two wings ... leaps ..."
As you decide to leave, Vendra storms back into her shop. obviously upset at you costing her some customers. Those remaining continue to file in hoping for a chance at a cure.
When you meet up with Ishani, presumably to tell him of your suspicions, his eyes turn from one of hope to one of despair. "I was hoping for some good news. But this is disturbing to say the least." He takes up the vial. "Are we sure that this doesn't work? Perhaps it would be a good idea to test it, or analyze it's components, maybe both." He hands the bottle back. "Either way, we need to confirm whether it's a sham or not. If it is, I'm sure Field Marshal Croft will want to hear about it."
Ishani continues, "I agree, that a stakeout might be a good idea as well. Perhaps we can see what they are up to."
Zeke takes the vial, "I'll see what I can make of this."
Zeke takes the vial of Linement back to his work area at the house and analyzes it.
After an hour of careful analysis,
"Hmpf!
Zeke meets up with the group, "It's a sweetened, aromatized vial of estuarial liquid!" he says with a wink.
"Well, that's a relief," says Amendithas, completely misinterpreting Zeke's meaning. "It's good to know there actually IS a cure."
"Mr. Amendithas, please go tell Ishani that it's nothing but river water with perfume and sugar. I'll go report this to the Field Marshall." Zeke motions for Ralof to follow.
Ralof follows Zeke. "Did you drink it?"
When Ammendithas gets to Ishani...
He is busy attending to the daily routine of going over yesterday's transaction records for error. He stands to greet you as you enter the room. "So, my friend, what did Zeke discover?"
----
Zeke and Ralof find there way to the Citadel. It's rather empty as of late with all the protection being afforded to the Queens Physicians. Cressida is alone in her office when you enter the Citadel.
She looks up from some paperwork. "What can I do for you, gentlement?
Zeke says to Croft, "Ishani asked us to investigate a place called Lavender's Liniments, where the proprietor, a woman by the name of Vendra, has been selling a purported 'cure' for the Blood Veil. We purchased a vial for ourselves - I've inspected it and found it to be nothing more than river water, sugar, and perfume. Ishani thought you'd want to know. "
Zeke holds up the vial for Croft to see.
Amendithas tells Ishani the bad news. "Unfortunately, it looks like rumors of a cure have been greatly exaggerated. I believe Zeke referred to the concoction as--" he struggles to remember the exact wording, "a sweaty, amortized vial of equinian liquid."
Assuming Ishani gives him a confused look. "...River water with perfume and sugar."
Zeke -
Cressida examines the vial for herself, even taking a small dab on her finger to taste, making a face as the liquid touches her tongue. "Are you positive that it doesn't work? I'm no healer or alchemist, but I do know you've had extensive training in the field."
Assuming you tell her that you are sure, she responds, "Very well." She opens a drawer on her desk to grab a stack of papers. "I'm going to give you a warrant for her arrest and the search of her property for evidence. We will hold her for as long as we can while you gather up any evidence you can find."
She fills out the forms and hands them over to you. "Thank you for bringing this to my attention."
-------
Ammy -
Ishani is indeed confused by your comments, but after you re-explain yourself, he responds, "That is just sick! Someone needs to arrest her. Take it to Cressida at once."
Since Zeke went to Cressida first, he would have accompanied Ammy and the others to Ishani. So... After informing Ishani, off we go to make an arrest...
Sorry. I forgot about the ret-con. Either way.. Off to arrest Vendra!
It didn't take you incredibly long to get the warrant and inform Ishani, but to set the scene, you approach Lavender's a few hours before the sun sets. People are still waiting in line, hoping she doesn't run out before they get a chance to buy a dose.
The same man stands at the doorway. He stops you as you approach. "You are no longer welcome here, please vaca-tiate the premise!" He says, badly messing up what you can assume is a rehearsed phrase..
Before we approach Dylan instructs Ralof or Zeke to head arond back to secure the back door so she does not escape out the back. Dylan also casts enhanced diplomacy.
Dylan replies in an authoritative tone "Stand down, we have an arrest warrant for Vendra, unless you would like to be arrested too for impeding the official duties of the guard. "
(enhanced diplomacy and gm boon)
------
A startled crowd begins to gasp as Dylan's forceful words pierce the casual conversation of the citizens
The guard at the door is no doubt troubled by the threat of his arrest, but with great caution, he politely musters up the courage to ask you for the warrant. "May I see the papers, sir?"
---
*Edit - I should mention, since Zeke and Ralof are in the back alley.. There are three doors on the map.. The one on the far right is boarded over looks like it has been that way for some time. The other two are locked.
Dylan replies "Go get Vendra, I will show her the arrest warrant."
Dylan will hold the warrant for him to see but not hand it over.
The doorman (#1) looks at the warrant you are holding out. It takes him a while to read through it. He's oviously not the best reader. In the end he says, "Ok, I'll go get her." and he moves into shop. He closes the door behind him if you let him. If you force the issue, he just grunts and the door remains open.
Do you follow him into the shop?
Dylan and Amendithas will follow and enter the shop. When we enter Dylan announces "Vendra, we have a warrant for you arrest. Please come peacefully, and you might be shown leniency. "
(enhanced diplomacy and GM Boon)
After Dylan and Ammy enter the shop, Ralof and Zeke move up from the back alley closer to the doorway, to see what's going on, and to cover the exit.
Vendra says, "Shop's closed!, everyone out." The shocked customers as well as the "eye-candy" sales women head out the door. Assuming you'll let them pass, Vendra will continue, "Well, you're back quicker than expected, What lies did you tell to get yourself a warrant?"
Before you can answer she interrupts, placing her hands up... "Don't worry, I intend to come peacefully."
Ralof realizes something doesn't seem right about the way she said the phrase "I intend to come peacefully". You feel it may have been a message to someone rather than a statement of fact, you are on high alert right now.
Guard 3 begins to take a step towards the door, but Ralof has a chance to act before him.
Ralof will move one square forward right up to the doorway while drawing an arrow back on his bow, saying, "Nobody moves! " He'll aim right at G3 if he sees him start to move.
G3 will indeed continue his step to the door (I'll allow you to release the shot if you so choose). When he gets to the door (provided he survives), he slams it shut and latches it.
Ralof - Initiative = 17
All Guards - Initiative = 9
Order
Zeke
Dylan
Ralof
Amendithas
Guards
Vendra
So Ralof has the opportunity to finish his surprise action. And, provided G3 survives, he will carry out his action of closing and latching the door. It would then go back to the top with Zeke.
As of now, none of the guards are brandishing weapons.. They all have Saps attached to a belt at their waste.. Vendra does not have any weapons that you can see.
From everyone's perspective other than Ralof, G3 is doing this on his own accord. Ralof, however, realizes that Vendra gave a subtle commanded to him to act.
Ralof releases his shot... Because.. he said not to move.. and well, someone did.. Seems reasonable :)
(PBS) (Deadly Aim)
(Deadly Aim)
Ralof's shot misses the Guard as he moves to close the door. The Guard closes and latches the door, locking Zeke and Ralof out.
Dylan moves to Vendra drawing his sword and strikes.
(crit confirm?)
as Dylan swings he yells "surender"
Zeke will move out to the front of the building, drawing his morning star. When he gets to the window, he'll rap on it firmly with his morning star, "Open the door or I'm coming in through the window!".