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While the ninja wasn't exactly sure what the gnome had saying, the smile he gave Twitnit as he accepted the gift made it clear he understood the gesture. "Thank you, Twitnit." Chiba said, obviously appreciating the gift despite how serious his demeanor usually was, "This will help keep my mind off the pain." The human took a bite... It was good! Quite good, in fact. For a few moments, the pain in his leg didn't bother him quite as much.
"Thank you, Ollystra. I am glad my injury can serve a greater purpose." If Auntie Baltwin proved to be a good caretaker, she would have no trouble aiding a man with a disease as relatively simple as filth fever. If she did not, Ollystra herself would have no trouble curing him. "Mild discomfort is a small price to pay for a method of immediately discerning Auntie Baltwin's kindness. Especially considering we're delivering her medical supplies." If she didn't know how to use them, or otherwise was stingy in giving them out for their proper purposes, they would know right away by how she reacted to Chiba.
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Well it seems we have some time until we reach the orphanage. Twitnit my friend, what is that language you speak whenever you cast your spells? Fascinating sounds, and obviously fascinating results...
Pooka strikes up conversation with his new companions as they travel along, in between speaking with the neighborhood folks about Auntie Baltwin's orphanage.
Chiba, I am intrigued by your combat training and background. Where did you study? Did you ever have a Ninternship?
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Chiba, along with Pooka, would remain alert as they traveled to the orphanage.
"I studied at a dojo in Tian Xia." the ninja said, "It is difficult to speak its name in this tongue, but I believe it translates loosely to 'Winds of Desolation.' In a way I was a nintern from birth - though that was not the term they used - and would still be now had I not desired freedom from their questionable ethics. It is why I fled Tian and became a Pathfinder. They would not dare target an organization so powerful as the Pathfinder Society."
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That is fascinating Twitnit! I want to teach Luna's next command in Ignan. She is capable of retrieving, but we are still a week of solid work away from reliable retrieval on command. How would might I say something to the effect of 'Fetch' or 'Retrieve' in Ignan? It seems fitting considering her attachment to your crossbow bolts...
I have always been intrigued by the Tian Xia, Chiba. Mostly because the culture is so foreign. I may not have the same physical training background as you, but I can certainly appreciate the discipline it takes to bring yourself to the capabilities you have. Luna and I spend significant amounts of time together, perfecting the charge. As is common with my race, people frequently underestimate the two of us, but riding together we can be a deadly force! Pooka pats Luna gently on the side of her face and scratches behind her ear.
Hans, where did you say you are from? You seem so out of place in this giant city, but you still carry yourself so well for a man so large. I am also greatly intrigued by your background Valya. I imagine we have a common problem, with people judging us by our race or appearance...
As the young pathfinders travel towards the orphanage, Pooka uses his considerable powers of scmoozing to ask around about the Matron. It seems she and her charges are infamous in this area. A few people speak freely concerning the woman.
"Well yea, of course I know her and her kids. She's a mean spirited ol' cuss, that one. I know she does some great things for the kids. Children come in sick and go out healthy almost without fail, but she's got a mean side for sure."
He grins.
"She does keep my fine liquor suppliers in business though, and for that I love her!"
"Yes, that neighbor of mine is a big of a bother. So much noise from that house of hers. It's hard for a man to hear himself think! Still, it's not so bad. Once the kids get a bit better she sends them off into town on errands and for shift work, which makes things quieter around here!"
Chiba searches the crowd, and his ninja instincts serve him well. As the Pathfinders finish their questioning and head towards the orphanage, he catches a glimpse of their two followers, having a quick and to the point conversation with a certain booze salesman they met with earlier.
Looking your direction, the male that was with the women earlier taps them on the shoulder, and the trio leave, to be joined by a fourth individual you had yet to notice.
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The ninja smiled at Pooka's response, appreciating his recognization that hard work was important where martial skill was concerned. "Then perhaps you are more of a ninja than you know. Martial skill through discipline and training - the key to success in many parts of Tain Xia. I do admire the bond you've formed with Luna. While I can throw a shruiken with a moderate degree of skill, I likely couldn't train a hound as you have. Not if my life depended on it."
Chiba allows the rest of the party to do the talking. Diplomacy wasn't his strongsuit, and Pooka and Valya seemed to be doing a great job. After they were done collecting information, he let them know what he thought of Auntie Baltwin.
"A noisy orphanage supplying liquor. Does that sound right to everyone?" It sounded strange to Chiba, but he'd never run an orphanage before. "Though it is good she is healing the children, and perhaps finding them work. I hope she is not using them as unpaid labor for her own gain."
Once he noticed the women questioning the eccentric salesman, Chiba scowled and quietly let the party know. "We are still being followed. The same two women and one man. They just questioned the man we finished speaking with ourselves."
Hans shrugs.
"Up in the Land of the Linnorn Kings, mead is consumed like water - babes go from suckling their mother's milk, to downing mugs of the stuff. However, I understand that you foreign devils might have other customs...?"
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Our customs might not be so terribly different from yours Hans, where children are both taught to, and encouraged to learn to fend for themselves at an early age. My people tend to do it with chores and shared labor, not necessarily with mead... Pooka smiles disarmingly, hoping the lighthearted nature of his comments didn't unintentionally offend the giant man.
Pooka nods towards the ninja to acknowledge the respect they share for the discipline and dedication to their respective martial craft. My skill with animals must come from my mother's side. She is unceasingly compassionate, and my father is beyond stubborn. I suppose it comes with the farming life though. Luna was one of many working animals on our farm, but she seemed to bond with me more than the other pups during training, so the transition to a combat mount was quite natural.
At the mention of the group's fan club, Pooka gets an uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach. I wonder if the society is just keeping an eye on it's fresh recruits, or if something more sinister is going on. Something tells me they might not be as enamored with our rugged handsomeness as I originally thought... Or perhaps they are, but it might not have as much to do with why they are following us after all...
Pooka smiles graciously and thanks each person for the information they offer, whether it was helpful or not. After waiting to see what information Valya is able to garner, he turns to his companions, speaking low enough so only the group could hear. My first impression is that Auntie Baltwin might not be so benevolent as the Paladin had hoped. While the children seem to be getting treated effectively, it may be at the greater cost of indentured service to this woman. If there is one thing I will not stand for, it is slavery of any kind, particularly that of vulnerable children. I wonder if we should find a way for some of us to speak with her, and deliver the medicine, while the more stealthy of our group could try to sneak in and get a better idea of what is happening here behind the scenes.
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<In response to Val's questions, she finds a plump, and apparently wealthy Tengu, out enjoying his wealth at a gamblers den with some friends.>
"How many children does she care for? Who knows! They are always coming and going out of that place. That old woman is certainly a piece of work, caw!
<grumble> And a dirty cheat at cards.
The Tengu's eyes light up!
"Not like she needs to cheat. That woman constantly has people bringing her trinkets and pretty coins in exchange for boring bottles and pills!"
< Pooka finds a ruddy child running about, in the direction of the orphanage >
"Yessir, Auntie helped me sir. It didn't take her that long, no sir. She used magical powers to heal me sir.. took that Cackle right out of me it did. I'm an orhpan sir, so I didn't pay her nothing so instead she sends me out to work for her!
She puts her hands on her hip and speaks in an old crone voice.
"Thar's always a bill ta pay you heathen demon monkeys! Now get out there and keep the doors open for yer Auntie Baltwin, who keeps you alive and feeds an' waters ye!"
She points an imaginary cane, then breaks into giggles.
"Wow mister! A silver piece! I've never had so much! I did see a stack of GOLD PIECES once. Some kids, the ones with parents, some kids pay more and some pay less for Auntie to fix em. It depends on how much gold the mums and dads got. Well, see ya! I know a guy in the docks who sells the best orange candy!"
The child turns heel, and flees for the candy-man.
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Pooka smiles to see the child so excited for simple pleasures, and giggles along with her at her impersonation. I had better make a mental note to see just how spot on that is when we speak with dear old Auntie Baltwin...
Well my friends, it seems all we need to do is have Chiba present himself to be healed by Auntie Baltwin, and I am guessing she will inevitably charge for services rendered, or even require that we complete some task for her. I would guess this goes against what our friend the Paladin from the Silver Crusade intended, considering she is likely not paying for the medicine we are about to deliver. Let's get this done with so we can move on to the next task, but I think we should keep the information gathering portion of our mission to ourselves when it comes to dealing with the matron of the house. It would pain me to see the aid to these children cut off, so hopefully there is some way they can still receive the care they need without being taken advantage of. We may have to leave that for the Silver Crusade to decide though.
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At hearing Pooka's conclusion about Auntie's character, the finest of lines creases Valya's forehead, marring her genial demeanour.
I shall be very cross if she is taking advantage of the children, the church or people in need...
She thinks for a while, then adds
Well hopefully she will help Chiba regardless, I'd hate to think our friend will remain in pain for any longer than necessary. I would offer to heal you this minute were it not for the need for your wounds as part of the cunning plan to prove Auntie's character. Also, I don't really have the hang of the entire healing thing yet either
she chews her lip in consternation.
Twitnit, your candy seems quite popular, how does it taste?
Valya greets Auntie warmly, displaying her holy symbol the way a peace officer would his badge of office, she is bubbling over effusively about how wonderful it is to meet Auntie at last, how she has heard so many wonderful stories about her wonderful work and that it will be simply wonderful if she is able to help her wonderful friend who was injured today prior to being able to deliver these important, needed and above all wonderful supplies to the wonderful orphanage to help those in need!
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.
Auntie Baltwin herself is a terrifyingly ufly woman. She opens the door when you identify yourselves as part of the Pathfinder Society. She snuffles and looks at the lot of you.
Auntie ignores your initial greetings, her red rimmed pointy eyes darting to each of the Pathfinders. She sighs, then begins...
"Well, your from the society eh? Come in! Come in! Be careful, halflings. Heaven knows when the last time is you washed your feet. You did bring the supplies right? Anyways I ... WAIT!
Auntie glares at Pooka.
"Young man, you will leash that .. animal.. and keep it outside AWAY from my cats, do you hear me? Society or no I'll not have wild animals other than these children rushing about!"
Auntie then notices Chiba's wounds and grins, licking her lips.
"Dear boy! You are hurt! Why didn't your friends say so? Come in!"
Auntie ushers you inside and sits you in a large formal seating area. She fusses over Chiba a bit, then leaves the room and re-enters. She hands Chiba a potion.
[b"Drink up, young man. That will cure the disease. Filth Fever is a nasty condition.. It's admirable you held out this long. As for healing the flesh.. well.. THAT requires some hands on healing."[/b]
Auntie Baltwin puts her old wrinkly hands under Chiba's shirt, and presses hard.
"Oh my! Feel those firm abs! No wonder you held off the disease, you strong piece of man you! Eh heh heh!"
There is a soft white glow from under Chiba's shirt, and his wounds are healed.
"Well, that should do it! Thanks for the supplies, really! I'm sure the kids'll be relieved that more medicine is here!"
Hans stays silent, doing his best to minimize his somewhat looming presence, although Auntie Baltwin's somewhat lecherous handling of Chiba leaves him a tad uncomfortable. He does, however, remain impressed by Twitnit's seemingly endless supply of candy...
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Pooka is taken aback by the reaction of the crotchety woman to his canine companion. He bristles briefly, but quickly puts on a disarming smile before his expression to betrays his feelings toward the matron.
Luna Sit. Stay.
Pooka brushes his pride aside for the greater good of the mission.
Wow you certainly are busy here! It does my heart good to see the innocent youth running and playing despite their circumstances. Bless your heart Madame Baltwin for taking them in. It takes a special heart to sacrifice so much to care for so many who cannot care for themselves. Tell me, how many children live here, and how many afflicted do you serve each day?
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"Taking advantage of the children?" Chiba's ultimate loyalty was to the leaders of the Society themselves, but today those leaders had sent the ninja to the Silver Crusade, and the Silver Crusade had sent them to assess Auntie Baltwin. Thus, while it was due to a combination of moral factors and loyalty rather than simply the former, Chiba shared Pooka's great concern over whether or not the children were being used as slaves. "We cannot allow an operation like that to continue. Though hopefully, through a combination of our diplomatic and stealth abilities, we will be able to assess her character without much trouble."
Once Chiba actually met the woman, however, only two words ran through his mind.
Oh dear.
He gratefully accepted the potion, smiled and nodded when appropriate, and was generally as polite as someone could be , but that didn't stop him from feeling slightly awkward at having such an old lady... Well, he felt awkward. I'll leave it at that.
"You are far too kind, Ms. Baltwin. I can feel the fever leaving me already, and my wounds are well-treated. The children under your case must be exceptionally lucky to have you." Whether or not that was true still remained to be seen, but given that the woman had healed his wounds and cured his disease instantly, the ninja felt flattery was appropriate. Though hopefully it wouldn't reinforce her affections!
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Whilst Auntie is distracted, Valya innocently paces up and down the walls looking at any photos or pictures, then surreptitiously exits as the old lady is busy with Chiba. Valya makes a beeline for the nearest child she can see, smiling sweetly and eyes open in wonder and warmth.
Wow so this is Auntie's house! I've heard so much about it! Are you one of Auntie's kids? Is it fun being here? Do you get out much to play with other kids!?
Valya's demeanour is much like an enthusiastic puppy ;)
"Auntie cooks good, and we can play with other kids when we don't have to go to work. She says that the money is to pay for our stay, but she takes all of it from all of us. It must be expensive to stay here! But were only happy to help. She tells us stories to keep us happy sometimes.
Auntie sees a few members slipping off from the common room, notably that rascal of a gnome.
"Eh? Why are you all still here? Come now, whats the meaning of this! You made your delivery, so unless you have other business you can scoot!
Hans gives Auntie a bemused look, and shrugs his shoulders with a long-suffering sigh.
"I am afraid that trying to get Twitnit to do what you want is like trying to herd cats - practically impossible. The trick is to try and find something that he is interested in, but even then, it won't hold his attention for long. Still, he is fairly harmless... nonetheless, I would be happy to keep an eye on him to make sure he doesn't get into trouble, or meddle where he shouldn't..."
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My apologies Madam, I didn't see anyone slip off, I am preoccupied with my Canine Companion's preoccupation with your cats... It seems the tabby is pushing his luck just a bit...
Once we can gather our crew we can be out of your hair. And thank you again for your healing expertise, our friend Chiba appreciates it, as we all do.
Pooka gives one more firm Stay! command to Luna before walking down a DIFFERENT hallway than what Valya and Twitnit walked down. Where did you guys go? I think we need to be on our way...
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On hearing Pooka's words, Valya replies
Sorry Pooka! I get so distracted with all the lovely cute children running around!
Valya will make a circuitous route to return to the front room, recalling the shopkeeper's mention of drink bottles, and will also look for a safe or similar (a picture that looks like it has been hastily put up and down frequently), in which a cunning matron might be stashing all the money she makes from sending kids out to work for her, despite the fact she gets charitable awards and clients pay her.
It must be stashed somewhere! fumes Valya. Sadly it doesn't occur to her to mention this to any of her colleagues, as they are not in the room when she thinks of it, and her mind does wander so...
Auntie begins to sputter, distracted by the Pathfinders splitting up and going through all avenues of her home!
<to Pooka> You there! Come here this instant! Sit down! It's rude to ask a question and wander away! I lose count, they come in sick and leave healthy!
<to her cat> Stay away from that dog!
<to Twitnit> To stay costs money, same as it does all these other little beggars!
<to Valya> Where did you go dearie?!
<to random children playing with toys> ENOUGH! ONE OF YOU BRATS FETCH AUNTIE A DRINK!
Miserable, the old woman throws herself down on her couch and crosses her arms.
It doesn't take much to notice a few children scramble in multiple directions. One dives under a bed and pulls a bottle. The other gets one from behind a desk. A third pulls one from a closet. The old crone is prepared indeed!
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Valya hastens her step and ensures she is present in the room where they spoke to Auntie, so she can witness the kids dropping off the various bottles in front of the old lady. She stares at her like only a paladin can and raises an eyebrow before replying to Auntie's question.
I'm here Auntie she smiles sweetly
Is there anything I can help you with, are you unwell?
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"Auntie, you know what would really calm your nerves? A nice stew to go with this refreshing beverage. Here you go. Unless you have some other suggestion to eat with this? Got anything yummy prepared? Why all the excitement? You were so kind to help me companion Chiba."
"What can I do around here to help you out?"
if needed or helpful
Auntie shakily adds more than a few nips of alcohol to her tea.
"You could start young man, by leaving.
Auntie sighs and looks at Valya
But I don't suppose you all are going anywhere soon. What is this all about, really?"
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Valya is all sweetness and light, but doesn't sit down. She stands almost in the exact centre of the room. Anyone with military training might notice that she's equidistant from all available exits.
In the best vein of all policeman everywhere in the world, she ignores the question asked by Auntie and proffers her own in turn
Why do you ask? Is there something bothering you? Something you want to tell us about?
"No. I want you all to leave now. I've asked three times and you are still here! Thanks for the supplies, but you have other more important things to do than sit around an old womans home, I should think!"
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Very well Auntie, we can see you're busy and of course we wouldn't want to trouble you more than necessary for our purpose here
she smiles again, before walking briskly around the house picking up her pathfinder companions and ushering them out through the front door.
Come now, we have work to do, let's not dawdle!
Once they are safely away from the house and walking towards Dremdet Salhar's Office, Valya talks, sotto voce
Well I don't know about you, but I did find her a little suspicious. I don;t like to think ill of people, but she evidently has a drinking problem, and I'm not entirely sure she can be called a charity if she charges for the services of the children she sends out on 'jobs' as well as taking donations for their care
she is frowning now, looking really quite cross.
Anyone else have any thoughts?
"Agreed. This is all definitely information that should be brought to the attention of the one of sent us there. Perhaps we should let her know now?"
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Hmm, we're pressed for time so I suggest we drop by the Silver Crusade if it's on the way to where we're going next, otherwise we can do it on the way back...I don't think the information we have on Auntie is pressing enough to warrant a 'drop everything else' response, after all the kids aren't in danger, we just have our doubts about their caretaker's motivations
Valya considers things for a while
That being said, I'm not the wisest head here, what say the rest of you?
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After the team was out of the orphanage and away a short distance, Well that was an interesting experience wouldn't you say? Valya, I agree with you, though I would be willing to take it one step further. We witnessed her drinking problem and the way the children reacted to her when she began to get cross. She even admitted that she charges the "little beggers" just to stay at the orphanage. Between that and the information we gathered from the people and children we met before even entering the place, I think we have ample information to submit to the Silver Crusade for their judgement on the matter. If it is all the same, I think this information is best brought to the Silver Crusade immediately, and I believe they are on the way to our next stop anyways.
Pooka pats Luna's head affectionatly, Nice job with those cats my sweet. You were elegant as always.
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"Yaa, very strange behavior indeed. Who doesn't even break a little bread while sipping from a bottle? I didn't smell any porridge. I prefer my cats hairless, these fiery hands don't work well with fur. Where are we going now? Where's Chiba? Oh, there he is, those silly sneaky ninja-types. Isn't it my turn to ride Luna yet?"
The Pathfinders return to the Silver Crusade, and share their findings about Auntie.
The Silver Flame extends a commission to each of you worth 68gp!