Ledt is able to carefully approach the edge of the hole where Sangre mended the floorboards and successfully drapes the net over the top of the crate.
Lifting the crate like this will not work, the net would have to be placed under the crate to lift it upward.
Yes, there are rope handles attached to the sides of the crate.
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"Well that's easy." Ledt goes out of the building and gets on the boat. A while later, he is behind the box and is tying the net from the bottom side so when the net is levered up, it will take the box with itself.
If the halfling is not tall enough, he just casts enlarge person over himself.
Once done he shouts to the upper companions "Go go go go!"
"Once we deliver the box I propose we follow up to the next task without much hesitation, it is already becoming late and we only have today to end all the tasks." he adds.
Ledt is able to reach the net after casting enlarge person on himself. The party, working together, is able to pull hard enough to snap through the planks holding the crate in place, raise the cargo and place it gently down on on the solid part of the floor.
The rescued crate holds a smaller mahogany box inside, which contains five books and a few loose sheets of paper in a leather folder. The titles and subjects seem completely unrelated to each other: Practical Thaumaturgy In Accordance with Creation, Geographic Anomalies of the Inner Sea, Under Kaer Maga: A Trial and Travel, Physiology of Dragons: An Illustrated Reference, Lost Sarusan. The leather folder contains cargo manifestos, warehouse inventories, and other financial logs from a dozen different merchant houses and trade guilds.
The crate also contains 10 sets of masterwork thieves’ tools, three flasks of alchemist’s fire, a flask of acid, a dozen jars of various inks, a footprint book, adamantine weapon blanch, three bags of powder, a deck of marked cards, and two sets of average loaded dice.
On returning to the Pickled Imp, Guaril greets you with a creepy smile.
Ah, good to see you back so soon. I expect you've collected the items I've requested?
As you turn over the items retrieved from the crate his smile widens and he chuckles. Yes, very good. VERY good indeed! Please wait while I gather your payment my friends.
Guaril takes the books and leather folder through a door in the back of his shop. He returns a moment later with six pouches that jingle as he walks and plops them down on the counter in front of you.
Give Aldrus my warmest regards and thank you, friends, for your help today. I've added a little something extra above what Aldrus and I agreed to for payment because I'm so pleased with your service. I do hope we can do business again soon. But now, if you'll excuse me I have a few things to attend to right now.
He smiles and motions toward the door.
Each of the pouches holds 111gp.
Remaining tasks:
☐ Ollysta Zadrian requested aid and is expecting you at the Temple
of the Shining Star in the Ascendant Court. She needs someone
to deliver a parcel of medicine and curatives to a needy orphanage
and verify the character of the recipient.
☐ Visit the offices of Osirian nobleman Dremdhet Salhar in the Wise
Quarter. The Pathfinder Society needs to obtain permission to
delve the Salhar ancestral vaults beneath Sothis. He has made a
verbal agreement, and your visit makes it official. You will receive an
official charter and detailed maps. Do not embarrass the Society in
this matter.
☐ Chelish Paracountess Zarta Dralneen possesses an item loaned
from the Vaults. Meet with her in her estate in the Ivy District and
retrieve the item in her possession.
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Sangre takes the items and put them away
"yes so let's move out my friends. "
-Posted with Wayfinder
You make your way to the Temple of the Shining Star and upon announcing you were sent by Aldrus you're immediately taken to the office of Ollysta Zadrian.
Ollysta, a paladin of Sarenrae, has a young face but carries herself with the poise of a queen and a warrior. When she sees the group coming she gets up from her desk and comes forward to greet you.
“Thank the light of Sarenrae you have arrived! I knew Ambrus would come through for us in the Silver Crusade. I desperately need you to bring medicine to an orphanage and let me know if the headmistress, Gilga Baltwin, is deserving of our charity. Since our quest began, the needy have clamored for our aid, and I suspect some are abusing our generosity. It may sound cruel, but there are plenty of dishonest people out in the world eager for easy gold."
"Do you know of the Silver Crusade? After discovering so many factions splintered the Society, a number of us banded together to proliferate the cause of charity and kindness using the Society’s resources. As it is said, ‘The Dawn brings new light’ and I’ve made it my life’s work to use our recent darkness to bring a new light to the world and to the Pathfinder Society."
"I apologize for straying off point. Will you bring this parcel of medicine to Auntie Baltwin’s Home for Recovery in the Eastgate district?" She motions to a medium size box on the floor next to her desk.
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Before leaving, Ledt picks up the medicine and the food. Then asks "Do you have any reason to suspect she is taking the money of the charity?"
After getting an answer Ledt looks at Absalom map and looks for the fastest way to Gilga Baltwin's orphanage.
"Perhaps we should approach carefully at first." he says before advancing stealthy within the orphanage exterior to have a look at the everyday of the institution.
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"hmm yes it will be simple, but do you have any reason to suspect that they are fooling you or are you just being careful? " Sangre ask
-Posted with Wayfinder
On your way to Auntie Baltwin's, Bralden sweet talks some of the locals who are happy to share some information.
Miltivis, who runs a nearby market, claims he’s served Auntie Baltwin for over 30 years, and while a good customer, she is quite demanding and often rude to the other customers. He says she’s kept his supplier of fine whiskeys in business for decades.
Gilga Baltwin’s neighbors Travost and Tirelle Anthos are frankly tired of the noises the children make and the retinue of cats—though they do appreciate the latter’s mousing skills. They admit to being happy when
Auntie Baltwin sends the children “off into the town” during the day, as it gives them a few hours of peace and quiet before they return in the evening.
At the estate across the street, Master Trebb Bonto, a retired builder, says nothing but nice things of Lady Baltwin, as he calls her. He recounts tales of tea and games on the sitting porch, even though she often cheats at games and sometimes had some shady characters coming to whisper in her ear and palm her small bags of what might have been money before slinking away. “Otherwise a fine lady, indeed.” he quickly adds.
You arrive at Auntie Baltwin's and find her upper-class home appears to be very well maintained. After a few wraps with the door knocker an old woman answers.
Oh, hello, I wasn't expecting guests... She says as she examines the party assembled on her doorstep.
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Doubtful, unsure on his ability to help in interviewing the old woman, and pretty sure its going to go poorly regardless, instead turns his attention elsewhere.
While the others talk to Auntie Baltwin, Doubtful will take a look around the place (inside if she lets us in, outside otherwise).
He's not really looking for anything in particular. Mostly just avoiding having to socialize.
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With a smile on his face Sangre walks up and bows to the lady
"good day madame and my the blessings of groum give you strength in any hardship you might face...as you already know we are hear to give you some medicine for the children and ask about your day...all is well I hope?"
-Posted with Wayfinder
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Seeing the woman is not reacting, Ledt adds to the conversation "But... we are not guests... we are Pathfinders in a mission. We came here to secure food and medicine for these poor orphans. Can we check the house dependencies to make sure?" the halfling is obviously mind blown out and lacks all kind of common sense. The waiting made the rest.
The old woman raises her eyebrow at Bralden and says in a mocking tone. Oh, you're here to investigate me? Well, by all means mr investigator, please do come in and have some tea. I'm sure that my home, which I open to these children out of the kindness of my heart, will exceed your requirements. I certainly wouldn't want you to leave today with any questions about the care I provide here, though the results should speak for themselves.
She looks Radagast up and down. Be sure you wipe your feet, dear, I try to keep most of the dirt outside.
She sees Doubtful slinking away and shakes her head.
To Sangre she says Children aren't on the menu, so don't get any ideas.
And finally, she bends her knees to get closer to Ledt's level, chuckles and pats Ledt on the head. Oh my little deary, don't be silly, you're always a guest in my home. Just remember, no running in the halls and only one lump of sugar. She holds up her pointer finger and says slowly one lump of sugar. Then nods at Ledt before standing with a bit of effort and a pop in one knee. She stands aside and motions for the party to enter.
She leads you into a mid-sized dining area and instructs you to put the package on a buffet cabinet. She asks you to have a seat while she gathers the water for tea and disappears through a door in the back which looks like it leads to a kitchen.
She returns a moment later with a tea service and a stack of cups which she distributes around the table. She begins pouring tea for each of you and when she finishes she smiles coyly, pulls a flask from inside her cardigan pocket and says can I interest anyone in a little extra love?
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Ledt looks at the woman unquietly in a conspirational way You b!$%%, how you dare his eyebrow tingles as the woman retreats.
Once she comes back the halfling clearly denies the flask whatever it is "Never" b+%*@.
He makes an effort to restrain himself in behalf of his party research. He takes a look at the place, trying to guess how rich is this woman and her office in comparison with the apparent richness of the children and the rest of the building.
Auntie Baltwin hobbles over to Radagast and tops off his cup with more than a shot of whatever is in her flask. A sip reveals it's a spiced liquor that compliments the tea she has served.
Ha! Seems most days you need it if you want to make it through the day in this house. These children are killing me! She says as she shuffles back to her seat at the table, tucking the flask back in her pocket. I have a big heart and this is my calling. Been doing it since I was little with my brothers and sisters then my own children. It's not a mission for a weaker being. She sips her spiked tea Mmm. That's the stuff She says with a wink at Radagast.
Took long enough for these supplies to arrive. That's always the problem, though. I have children here that need more help than I can provide alone and that's the most stressful part. She says anxiously and takes another sip of tea. But love gets us by in the meanwhile and I keep pushing through until health returns to these little rascals.
As Auntie Baltwin continues you're looking around from the dining area. In the adjacent seating area there looks to be an empty bottle under a chair. From the logo, you recognize this bottle as that of a fairly well known whisky. In the dining area there is a half full bottle of the same.
Ledt/all
The home is very well kept and in much better condition than you would suspect given the number of children Auntie Baltwin is said to care for here. In addition to the children, there are a number of cats here.
During the tea service a medium sized house cat begins purring loudly and rubbing its cheeks on Ledt's boot.
Do you like kitties, little one? Pickles seems to like you quite a lot, I think you've made a new friend. Isn't that nice?
You see 5-6 cats laying under chairs or darting between rooms. The cat food dish in teh dining area indicates there are likely many more cats slinking about the home.
The home is two stories and it looks like the main floor is kitchen, dining and sitting areas. Upstairs you hear a few coughs and gather the children sleep upstairs.
To determine where the medicines are stored, you'd have to ask or search around.
As Doubtful tries to slowly exits the room, Auntie Baltwin turns and says "Hold on there stubby, the tour will begin shortly. Exercise some patience or you will have to wait outside.
You do see a few children doing little chores, two little boys - maybe 10-11 years old are polishing the hand rail of the stairs leading up. One teenage girl is arranging books in a den on the other side of the house.
While Auntie Baltwin finishes her tea she tells you of the care she provides the children. You learn that not only orphans stay here, some wealthy families also drop off their sick children and donate to the program which helps her keep things running.
On wrapping up, she stands and says to Bralden "Come on then, mister investigator, let's give you a look around." She leads you upstairs first and on passing the two boys polishing the handrail she kisses one on the head and says "Good job so far but you have more to do. Keep at it!"
Upstairs there are four large rooms, two are filled with bunk beds and look to be the children's living quarters separated by gender. Two other rooms have fewer beds and a few of them have children in them. These are the care rooms. Auntie Baltwin shows you a few locked cupboards which contain various supplies from what look to be minor potions to herb containers to bandages.
Downstairs is Auntie Baltwin's room, a den filled with books and child sized tables, a large dining area, kitchen, a sitting room and a smaller dining area where you had tea.
The number of children around the house is less than half the number of bunks you see in the living quarters.
During the tour you see a box in the sitting room containing some supplies. On closer inspection while Auntie isn't looking you notice the seals of at least three different churches and charities from around the city.
"Good of you to notice. Some of the children help with chores at nearby houses in exchange for donations to the program. It's good for the children to have tasks and learn to work. The small donations help keep food on the table."
Something about her tone makes you suspicious about this program.
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Once they past the children polishing the stairs rail, Ledt stays behind unnoticed between the children.
"Hello children. You are working hard. How does Auntie treating you and your fellow friends. Do not be shy or scared I will not tell her anything, I just want to help."
Only after his talk with the children the halfling follows the others.
Ledt breaks away from the group for a moment to talk with the children on the stairs. They smile at her and one of them says "Auntie is very nice, she makes really good food!" But their discussion is cut short.
"Keep up little one! Auntie's house isn't too big but we don't want you to get lost. Imagine how your nice friends would feel if you were suddenly missing from the tour. Come now, let's keep walking!"
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In response to Radagast's comment Auntie Baltwin says "Yes, it keeps the children occupied and they're learning useful skills helping others.
When Bralden asks about payment Auntie scoffs and furls her brow Oh, please, they're not unsupervised. I work hard to keep these children healthy, I'm not about to put them in harms way if that's what you're implying." She seems a bit upset and takes a swig of her flask. "The modest donations we receive from the work program goes toward room and board. Living in the Eastgate district is not cheap, you know!"
Something's off when she mentions 'modest donations'
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Ledt looks surprised at the old woman "It doesn't seems fair to me that children are working for you to maintain the orphanage. They are children, they should be going to the school and learning to be of profit in this world, not working to achieve what you can. If you are unable to convince enough people to pay the taxes of living here, you should better look for a cheaper place to locate the orphanage." the halfling looks at the woman judgy "I will have to report to the Silver Crusade about this finding. I doubt they will like it... with so much money they are investing... that the poor children are denied to have a childhood by means of forced works." the terribly charismatic sorcerer looks imposing from the floor.
Auntie Baltwin looks at Ledt and shakes her head. "Oh, precious little one, you have much to learn about the grown-up world, please don't rush. Enjoy your youth."
She turns back to Bralden to say "If there's anything else you need to investigate, please let me know. Otherwise, I thank you and the Pathfinder Society for their contributions, it is greatly appreciated."
...
The team returns to the Ascendant Court to report back to Ollysta. She notes that she will follow-up on Ledt's concerns about the children doing work in other homes. She offers each of the party members 68gp for their help.
Remaining Tasks
☐ Visit the offices of Osirian nobleman Dremdhet Salhar in the Wise
Quarter. The Pathfinder Society needs to obtain permission to
delve the Salhar ancestral vaults beneath Sothis. He has made a
verbal agreement, and your visit makes it official. You will receive an
official charter and detailed maps. Do not embarrass the Society in
this matter.
☐ Chelish Paracountess Zarta Dralneen possesses an item loaned
from the Vaults. Meet with her in her estate in the Ivy District and
retrieve the item in her possession.
You have a feeling someone is watching you as you're making your way to the Wise Quarter to visit Dremdhet Salhar.
When you reach the grand Salhar estate, a guard greets you by the main gate and says they've been expecting you. He escorts you to the home where a servant tells you Dremdhet is not available as he's been called away on important Council business. He leads you down several well decorated hallways and explains Mr. Salhar's most trusted advisor will be meeting with you to negotiate any business you require.
You arrive at the open doorway of a study and an old man who is sitting at a table flipping through a large old tome waves you inside.
"Good day to you, Pathfinders. I am Amenopheus, the Sapphire
Sage, advisor to Master Salhar. I understand you were sent
here to discuss archaeological permissions. Knowing this was
coming, I spoke with Master Salhar at length on the subject
and have this to say.
Since Osirion was reopened to exploration a decade ago,
adventurers, historians, and treasure-seekers flock to my
country by the hundreds, perhaps thousands. While most
families with ancestral burial vaults maintain guards and keep
their sites out of the hands of casual thieves, not all families
have the wealth or power to restrict everyone, and as we all
know, not every defense is perfectly secure. Unscrupulous
tomb robbers and maligned merchant organizations cause
Osirion to bleed relics into the Inner Sea—something the
descendents of Ancient Osirion cannot afford. We Osiriani
have thousands of years of rich history coursing through our
veins, and while that power has been out of focus in recent
years, we are content to wait, knowing our enemies will wear
themselves down. As they fall into arrogance, folly, or greed,
we wait for our return to power, knowing we bear the riches of
our ancestors at our feet.
Master Salhar remains impressed by the Pathfinder
Society, orating in their favor a handful of times in front
of Absalom’s Grand Council, in fact. Due to previous
relationships between him and the Society, Master Salhar
has agreed to grant permission to the Pathfinder Society to
explore his family’s vaults below Sothis. The only thing he requires is that you retrieve the map of the vaults from his
own vault here. The servant will lead you to the basement
and show you the room.”
The Sapphire Sage’s eyes twinkle as he smirks knowingly, then he turns back to reading his book as though he had never been disturbed.