(PFS 09-08) GM Dinketry and the Birthright Betrayed #2 (Inactive)

Game Master dinketry

Chelk's mustache wobbles from side to side as he chews his breakfast.
"We have evidence that suggests the Earl have corrupted officers in the navy. Now we need evidence that he has done so to close the deal. If we can tie the piracy to the Earl, and the piracy to his contacts in the navy, then we have all the evidence we need, what? The magistrate seems a good sort - I'm sure she can take it from there."

He finishes his plate and pats his mouth with a cloth. "Thing is - we need to move quickly. By now the Earl will know we've been to his office. He'll be changing his plans. But stuff already in motion won't be able to be changed."

Where to?

Considering the options, I'd say going over to the magistrate is never a bad option. What do you think?

I am merely a servant to the players; I don't think. Where are you going?

"I say it's high time we finished our investigation of the docks. Deputization is for the common folk, and I have seen enough of Taldor to know that they know this - *I* am a foreign lord! If Taldor cannot be moved to act in its own interests, then Ustalav shall!"

Remmy raises a fuzzy eyebrow.

That... makes it much more likely we s-should go get d-deputized. Less it end up in a w-war. Let's go get d-deputized and then handle things.

The rat wipes off his lips and gets ready to move out, his decision being made.

The group leaves their inn and heads back to Ridonport's courthouse. Magistrate Tantriano is holding court for the morning, but one of her legal aides invites you to await her return in one of the conference rooms. The aide indicates that the magistrate informed her to be on the lookout for your return, as she was interested in your case.

I'll let the group decide if they'd like to wait.

Since Chelk changed his vote (I think), I guess it is ok to continue with this thread.

"I am sure the magistrate is a very busy woman. I will gladly wait on her. How long would you anticipate the magistrate being?"

She'd probably make us wait even if the wasn't holding court. Officials are the same in every country.

"If others of you think that there are more valuable things to be done while we are waiting, it shouldn't be a problem. I am sure a couple of us would be sufficient to handle the conversation with the magistrate, if it comes to that."

"Oh, she shouldn't be too long. It's a short session this morning, so she shouldn't be too long. Could I offer you a cup of tea or water?" The aide provides liquid refreshments to whoever who chooses to wait.

Kita sips his tea and sits (if there is a bench that will support his armor).

Uzziah drinks tea as well, maintaining a fairly wall-flower position and demeanor.

Magistrate Tantriano hustles in about an hour later and tosses two large leather-tied files onto her desk. "Ah, Sir Kyuichi and company. Many apologies for waiting. You would think that I would have been waylaid from rejoining your efforts by something sincerely important to the townsfolk of Ridonport, not disputed clam-digging rights on the estuary for the second time in a fortnight. Service to the community is service to all things, mundane and glorious in equality. Enough of me - please tell me what brings you back to my chambers."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (1) + 0 = 1

As the magistrate enters, Kita puts down his tea cup and stands. He bows to the magistrate and begins to describe their purpose.

"Your Honor, a concerned citizen brought to our attention a set of documents. Remmy, if you will please show the documents to the magistrate."

Kita motions Remmy forward and waits for the magistrate to begin looking at them.

"As you can see, the Earl has bought the Chandlery. We have spoken to the previous owner, and he has stated that the prices the Chandlery is charging have been escalating.

It is clear that the Earl is stealing money from the people, as well as artifacts from the museum."

Kita pauses to let the charge sink in, then continues.

"However, we suspect there is more to the story. We suspect that the Earl may be financing piracy on the river. We have learned that pirates appear to be using an old tunnel system with an entrance under the St Lymirin Street bridge.

We request your permission to investigate these tunnels to determine the truth of these claims."

Diploamcy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

That is an odd set of die rolls to include in one post

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Religion: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14

"If others of you think that there are more valuable things to be done while we are waiting, it shouldn't be a problem. I am sure a couple of us would be sufficient to handle the conversation with the magistrate, if it comes to that."

"Jolly good, you do that."

Mercutio heads out to visit the Royal Menagerie, sample the local pastry, see how (if, indeed, at all) the musical conservatory compares to those of Ustalav or Cheliax, and magically heckle anyone he sees along the way wearing those ridiculous Taldan wigs.

"My good Not-Knight Kyuichi," Magistrate Tantriano says after listening to the samurai make his case, "you would do well as a constable, I should think, if that ever were to appeal to you." She takes the ledger, and contemplates its contents for a short spell.

"These are grave charges that you bring to me. The Earl, as elevated as he is, is a servant to his family's name and the honour of Ridonport and Taldor. These allegations are equivalent to claiming that he leads a criminal life, his birthright betrayed. This is a strong piece of evidence, but it is a singular piece. I trust that where there is one, there may be more."

She begins to write as she talks. “Of course I’ve heard rumours of the same piracy you reference; that rumour would change to reality if someone brought me actual evidence. Now that you've been deputised for the week, you're authorized to hunt and collect bounties on pirates in the Tandak canals. I suggest you do so."

She hands over five writs of deputisation to Kita.

Mercutio is the only one who specifically stated that he didn't want to attend. Everyone else either stated that they wanted to get deputised, or that they were going to go to Magistrate Tantriano's offices.

"One more thing, Sir Kyuichi," Magistrate Tantriano says. "You're a righteous sort - you remind me of myself when I was a young legal scholar. This might be helpful to you as you seek justice," she pronounces as she lifts an ornate gold crown from a bust on her desk. "See that justice remains blind to the station of those that would do wrong."

Kita, you've been given a minor crown of blasting.

You have not yet seen Remmy's Rattooth grin grow so wide.

S-s-so I can hunt p-pirates now?! W-w-wonderful!

Kita takes the crown and examines it with awe, once told what it dies.

He bows deeply. "Your Honor, I am not worthy of such a boon, yet I will see that it is used justly."

He attaches the crown to his helm, where it almost seems to fuse with the metal, forming a ghastly visage almost like a demonic king of stirges. Looking on it, he smiles. "Those pirates will learn to fear justice this day."

Turning back to the magistrate, he queries. "Your Honor, so there is no confusion, what are your expectations with regard to the collection of bounties? Will you expect us to bring back prisoners for the courts to prosecute?"

The magistrate's expression is stern. "The punishment for piracy is severe, Sir Kyuichi. If you were to uncover any pirates stealing from Ridonport or the people of Taldor, I would expect whatever is left of them to be brought to me for prosecution. Are we clear?"

Clarity and efficiency is always the best practice.

"...as glass, Your Honor"

Kita stands, salutes, and turns to see if others have questions.

Uzziah maintains a sly smile as he bows extravagantly and opens the door to the office to allow the others to exit.

Hmm... looks like my post was eaten by forum goblins. Nevermind, Segray was trying to aid Kita's diplomacy roll.

"(...) These allegations are equivalent to claiming that he leads a criminal life, his birthright betrayed. (...)"

hahaha ^^

Segray nods. "Thank you for your trust, your Honor. I'll do my best to honor it."

She stands ready to leave the office.

The group leaves Magistrate Tantriano's office, their authority now clearly established.

Where to now?

I have some rope. We can go to the bridge or hire a boat to get us there, if people don't like the idea of Climbing. Either way, Once more, to the bridge.

To the bridge!

To the bridge! Or Remmy could start to tear us apart ^^

The group head off to the bridge in the middle of the day. The Saint Lymirin Street bridge appears busy during the mid-day period, situated as it is over the main canal leading into the city.

Saint Lymirin St Bridge map

I didn't know if Kita was bringing his mount again...

I didn't know if Kita was bringing his mount again...

No, I think I learned my lesson on that regard.

Do we see any guardsmen around?

Chelk has taken the opportunity to don his full armour, and his shield is slung over his back, although he tries to avoid attention by erapping himself in a voluminous cloak.

No city guards appear to be present on the scene at the present.

OK. I'll tie my rope to the end of the bridge and toss the end down.

Chelk first, I'll go last in case guards show up?

Remmy waits impatiently as the rope is tied and thrown down, though stops and make sure it has some knots in it.

I'm a digger, not a climber. He notes.

Segray raises an eyebrow.

"Errm. Maybe we should make a diversion, don't you think?" she asks.

We're d-d-deputies now. Why b-bother? Remmy says, licking his fangs... he seems a little more eager than is healthy to go after the pirates. Perhaps his little trip into the gloomspire hadn't left him completely unaffected...

Kita watches as Remmy ties knots in the rope. Wise. I forget that not everyone is as strong as I am.

In response to Segray, "I agree with Remmy, there is no need for a diversion. In and out, as quickly as possible. I don't think that Stealth is really an option.

I'd like to get a guard to watch the rope, but if none show up, we still have the proof that we are acting within the scope of the law, so we should have no problems."

Uzziah speaks up, "I can stay and guard the rope. I would likely be of little use down there anyway. Fine words do nothing against tunnels and stone walls."

Mercutio arrives at the bridge, more or less on schedule, with a Taldan torrija in his hand, the faint imprint of a slap on his cheek, and a pensive, ambivalent look on his face.

"As you wish, Uzziah, though I am sure you are wrong. If we do find pirates down there, they may need to be questioned. Your skills would be invaluable in that eventuality."

Kita greets Mercutio, and gives him a wink. "Taldan maids are a tough lot, are they not? A woman like that can teach you a lot about personal honor.

All is set. Ready to join us in the quest for justice?"

If Uzziah is really going to stay behind, Kita will make sure he has the documents and scurry down the rope. Accelerated Climb DC 10

Climb: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

Kita greets Mercutio, and gives him a wink. "Taldan maids are a tough lot, are they not? A woman like that can teach you a lot about personal honor."

"I don't know," Replies Mercutio as he finishes off his pastry. "When she has the sentiment delivered to you by her sycophantic footman while she barely moves her head to look at you, it feels just as much like a *vindication* of the remark you made about her wig in the first place."

I take 10 on Climb...for a result of '10'.

Remmy wipes his hands and grabs the rope to go over...

Climb: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13

and does a fairly decent job of it, though he's obviously unhappy and mutters something about being a rat on a line.

If you truly do need my 'skills', as it were, you can always arrest them or come and get me. I'm not much for blood and I've already almost died once today," Uzziah replies calmly.

Segray nods. "Fair enough. I'm not used to be deputized." she says with a shy smile.

Climb: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (15) - 2 = 13 Phew!

With Chelk and Uzziah as the only members of the party still lingering on the bridge, watching Mercutio painstakingly climb down the rope, a city guard dressed in green and gold hails the pair.

"Hang on there, fellows, what's all this, then?"

He eyes the armoured noble and the curious elf with a grave expression, glancing down at the rope tied to the side of the bridge.

Uzziah locks gaze with the guard. "This is official business. We are following up on a complaint," he says flatly as he shows his writ of deputization.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

The guardsman looks a bit taken aback, but examines Uzziah's documentation.

"I'm sorry to have troubled you, Sir. Is there anything I can do to aid your investigation?" His tone has changed considerably.

"For your and your family's safety, walking away and forgetting you saw this would be your most prudent course of action," Uzziah says with a softer voice and adds, "You seem like a good man and great in your service. I encourage you to heed my advice."

”Good man” mumurs Chelk to Uzziah as the watchman walks away. ”Still think we are rushing in to this blind somewhat, but best catch up with the others, what? Good luck up here, old man.”

With that, he clambers somewhat nimbly for someone in full armour,down the rope.

climb: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

The guardsman quickly salutes Uzziah. "As you wish, sir," he says in departure.

Chelk makes his way down the rope. Below, his teammates mill about on the beach, looking for evidence of the reported tunnels.

I'll need a successful Perception check in order to proceed.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Kita peers under the bridge, but can't see anything.

"Bother! In all the excitement, I forgot my torches with Okane's saddlebags.

Does anyone have some light?"

Remmy rummages around in his robes and pulls out a wayfinder and hisses something in ratfolk. The bauble begins to glow with light.

Never leave h-home without it.

He passes it to Kita.

I can see f-f-ine without it.... you hold onto it.