[PFS] GM Brew's PFS Archons

Game Master Wicked Brew

Eloriand agrees with the party conclusions and accompanies the group heading to see the farmer.

Isador looks towards Eloriand.

I hope we can get a chance to see the place where he he he found the body. We will need to work on a cover story since we are not officially assigned to the case.

Any suggestions.

Curiosity. Morbid but common.

Yeah, I am all up for seeing the Mayor/Sheriff. Any bets he is also the Judge in this town? I wave my hands in the in a mocking tone but if its there ways and customs we must not interfere on a more serious note, it would be rather funny if we found Erika leaving the Mayors office when we arive

Well, for a cover story El can claim to be doing some research regarding domesticated, wild and feral animals. It's a farm after all so it'll have domesticated stuff and all of 'em have feral cats

The red gives a sly grin, Cats can never truly be tamed, after all.

When they eventually split up and head to their separate destinations, Kat will do her best to remain unseen and focus on trying to find things out of place.

The Archons finish a light lunch and prepare to continue their investigation. Using the information obtained thus far, they group sets out.

Sounds like Tarek, 'lock and Kitty will head for the mayor's house while Izzy, El and Caoilte head for the farm. About right? Tarek, I will note your use of the shining wayfinder and let you know if it yields any results. Note, however, that wayfinders are very much a hallmark of the Pathfinder Society.

That is why he will only use it in a situation where nobody is watching. If Tarek, Kat and Havelocck are walking along and there is nobody near and he can hide what he is holding, then he will give it a try.

How are we dressed walking around? Is wearing full armor, shield and weapons common in the town? If Tarek has his shield then he will view the wayfinder behind the shield to aid in keeping it out of sight. Tarek is wearing a bandolier and he will keep the wayfinder stored in one of the pockets closest to his waist.

Eloriand, keep your eyes open as we near the farm.. odd that he seemed indifferent to finding a dead body.

Tarek, good point on what to wear. My guess is minimally we are not carrying our rucks/backpacks. I think personal weapons, and items like a wand, spell book, and a few other things would certainly not be out of the question. Armor potentially also. I will post once we are on teh way to the house/office.

The part's attire is completely up to you guys. I had assumed everyone was traveling equipped with their standard gear. Let me know if anyone is not in their normal gear/armor.

I believe the party is being split as I mentioned in my last post. I will give everyone the rest of the night to post any other actions and my intention is to move forward with that assumption tomorrow unless I see a post to contrary.

I wish you told us sooner about the attire. Tarek would have brought his lederhosen and done some knee slapping at the beer tent. Oh well, guess he will have to come visit during the next hanging.

Eloriand will do as Isador suggests and looks for anything that may be of interest as the sub-party group approaches the farm.

The Pathfinders set out back on the path to exonerate their Society brothers.

Isador, Caoilte and Eloriand make their way to Otto's Farm on the outskirts of town. The farm covers 10 acres that are presently unplanted. A farmhouse sits at the center of the fields. As the approach the farm, Eloriand is surprised to see that, despite the many people crowding Dawton, the area around the farm seems fairly undisturbed.

As they near the farm house, the party sees a powerfully built, clean-shaven man in his late thirties near the house. He seems to have noticed the group approaching and yells out to them as they near That's far enough! I don't know who you are, and I don't care. You are trespassing on my farm, now turn around and go the way ya came. Ain't nothin' t' see here. The splinter Archons see the man holds a sling and appears to know how to use it.

Meanwhile...

Tarek, Havelock and Kat travel to the mayor's house. Tarek knocks on the door which is soon answered by a thick-chested halfling with a long white braid of hair. The short but unusually stout halfling has a tired look upon his face and the lines of a man (or half of one) that has had much worry on his mind. He looks the party over skeptically, a bit of a suspicious expression on his face. His brow furrowed I am sorry, but none of you look familiar. Is there something I can do for you?

Good day to you sir. I hope we are not intruding? I am Tarek Delrin, humble servant of the gracious Qi Zhong and traveler of the lands. Tarek gives a respectful bow I was speaking with Orug at the General Store and he informed me of the events that had recently taken place in Dawnton. I was hoping to speak with the Mayor. Are you, good sir, the honorable Luin?

to speed things along: If this is the mayor then Tarek will continue with the following statement

I was deeply saddened to hear of the recent deaths and I would like to make a donation to the families of the slain. Orug did not know of the whereabouts of Erika, the local priestess. I thought that she would be the one providing assistance to the families and was hoping you could direct me to her location?

diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

I am not certain if we are all together knocking at the door.

Caoilte addresses the farmer. Whoa my good man. What's that you have there? A sling? Pointing to his own sling Caoilte continues to talk and walk forward. I favor one as well when I need to reach out and touch a fella. Lemme guess, former soldier or mercenary perhaps? You got the look of one anyways. As I can see you have no other trespassers, what with all the commotion here, my guess is you know how to use that thing well enough that others know it too. Truth is, I ain't so good with one, hard to use with this get up Caoilte waves at his armor. Got any pointers on how to use one while sporting all this steel?

Brew, should the fields be planted at this time of the year? Does it make sense for the fields to be barren?

I smile pleasantly at the tired slip, and respond in greeting Pax Deorum Peace of the gods be with you looking around as best I can to see if anything appears out of order or sorts while Tarek, much the better talker than I, buys me a bit of time to take be complete in my appraisal.

El, the season is such that the farm fields are appropriately barren. Nothing unusual about the fields that you see.

Luin casts a sideways glance at Tarek, but definitely seems to lighten towards the asasimar oracle. Um, Erika holds no official post in this town stranger. She is her on her own accord. Tarek catches a flash of annoyance but it is gone as quickly as it came If you stick around long enough. He eyes the unfamiliar Pathfinder once more. Do you know the families? Beg pardon but I don't think I can remember strangers coming through town readily offering coins to aid folks unfamiliar. The mayor shrugs I suppose you can leave any offerings you have with me, I'll make sure the coin reaches the families. Very kind of you.

Havelock keeps his eyes open for trouble, but does not see anything out of the ordinary.

Meanwhile...

Otto, the old farmer, eyes Caoilte warily. He glances down at his sling then back to the veteran Pathfinder blade. I'll give you a pointer all right, right off your noggin'! Not get on with ya. Otto spins the sling and lets loose a bullet far enough over the heads of the Pathfinders to show it was a warning shot. Otto continues to menace the agents and they are certain his next salvo will likely hit closer to home.

Otto does not seems entirely crazy and may be persuaded by a Diplomacy check.

Looking at Tarek, I say in Celestial, I don't trust him with our coins. I bet he will just pocket them, just every other corrupt official we have met along the way, while trying to ease the suffering of the disenfranchised.

I apologize if my actions seem a bit unusual. My order believes that doing good applies to all and not just to those that we know. I have been very fortunate in my travels and have been blessed with enough coin that it allows me to be more generous than others. I have been to the Mendev region before and understand that many suffer so close to the worldwound. I may not be a crusader, but small deeds can go a long way in spreading the word of good and halting the evil that seeks to poison the soil of this world. Tarek nods in understanding to Havelockk's statement but still reaches for his coin pouch. Before Tarek begins to count out the coins he looks back at the Mayor and gives a friendly smile I do not mean to wear out my welcome, but may I make a minor request? Is it possible to speak with those who have been accused of the recent crime? I have found that when faced with death, people seek divine guidance and possible absolution for their deeds. The common thought is that criminals are undeserving of such an honor. As you can tell, I don't quite fit in with what is normal and I believe that all people deserve a chance at making amends for their deeds.

Tarek counts out 12 gold coins from his pouch and hands them to the Mayor It is my honor and my duty to aid anyone in need. I hope this will help, although it is little consolation for the loss of a loved one

Tarek looks to Havelockk and speaks in celestial To be trusted, we have to be willing to offer trust.

The profession skill states that the average income is 1 silver piece a day. I am thinking that if I offered 60 silver for each family that would be equal to 2 month's pay. I am assuming that is a fair amount

We are looking for Otto. We were told he might have some livestock we could buy for a celebration feast in town. It seems whole animals are becoming scarce with all of the celebrating going on. Do you know where we can find him?

I'm afraid to roll diplomacy with the way I have been rolling lately. Is anyone trained in diplomacy or have a high Cha score?

Isador turns his head and watches the sling bullet narrowly miss Caoilte before turning his gaze back towards the farmer.

Well, from your reaction to us being on this land, you must be Otto, correct?

You are obviously a man who protects his privacy and have the ability to enforce it. Your skill with that sling is quite impressive but we are not seeking a quarrel with you.

Truth be told, we are actually here because of a body that was found on your property a few days ago. We only seek information, which we are willing to pay a handsome sum to obtain, then we will be out of your life.

Isador pats his coin pouch.

Can we buy a few minutes of your time?

The guards standing outside the mayor's home shift a bit and look about the street as Tarek counts out the gold. The mayor seems genuinely surprised by the offered amount. Well that is he runs a hand through his hair and lets out a sigh mighty generous of you. This will indeed ease the suffering of the families of those poor folk. I will see the gold, all of it, reaches them safely. The white haired halfling takes the gold and places them is a separate pocket of his coat, clearly taking care to keep the amount separate from his own money. He turns his attention back to Tarek after taking a moment to look over Kat and Havelock. I suppose you may offer the prisoners religious counsel, but I must insist on being present when you speak to them. These folks have powerful friends and though your motives seem true, I would not be doing my job properly if I were to allow you to visit the prisoners unescorted.

The mayor signals to his guards and they allow the under cover Pathfinder agents to enter the mayor's home. He leads the agents into the basement were the three prisoners are being held. Th three look up to the visitors with a bit of a puzzled look. The mayor allows Tarek to approach the captives and maintains a respectful distance near the entrance to the basement chamber. The prisoners stand as Tarek approaches.

Meanwhile...

Otto's demeanor softens as Isador pats his purse. He looks about then back at the Pathfinders, Well, as long as your quick about it, and take care not to mess with my home and farm, I guess I can give you a look. He accepts a gold coin from Isador and leads the party to the location where he found the body. I had been up before the dawn, as I am every day, to feed my chickens when I saw him. He nods to a tree that he has led the party to Swinging right there by his neck. Hardly knew what it was at first. Nothing on the poor bastard, including his skin! Gruesome sight I tell ya. The toughened farmer shakes his head, clearly still a bit disturbed by his discovery. Well, feel free to look around, just don't break nothin' The farmer flips the coin acquired from Isador and returns to his farm, leaving the Archons some time to search the scene.

The farm group may ask Otto a few questions before he leaves. Each PC can make one Bluff, Intimidate or Diplomacy check with relation to their interaction with Otto. The farm group may also make perception, knowledge and survival checks to examine the scene.

Isador winces slight at the description of the flayed man.

Thank you for letting us look about. We promise not to mess with anything and we will leave shortly.

After Otto leaves the area he turns to Eloriand.

I think it best that you look about first but I will lend a second set of eyes after you have made your preliminary search.

Thank you Mayor for being so understanding. Tarek approaches the cell and has a look of bewilderment upon his face Excuse me Mayor, but are these all the prisoners? When speaking with Orug, he made mention of witnessing a tall, evil looking man running away from the scene of one of the murders. I thought all the criminals in this matter were apprehended? I know evil looking may be a bit subjective but....and I mean no offense by this...these three are hardly what I would describe as tall.

Tarek then proceeds to speak with three condemned men I came here to offer divine guidance as the day of your execution approaches. I can not offer such aid if you are not willing to free your hearts of your past deeds. Was there another with you who is still free in these lands? It may be wise for you to explain your purpose in Dawnton and why you felt the need to take the lives of the innocent? Tarek looks over the three and tries to get a read on their body language Feel free to speak at will. I will listen and determine if you are being honest with your intentions.

Not sure what checks need to be made in this situation. If a different check is needed, let me know and I will post additional rolls

Watching and not saying too much, I also observe and listen.

Throw me another Diplomacy check T.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13
Boo!!!

Eloriand will approach the tree in particular and search for any clues (Tracks, anything left behind, whatever). He will continue around the farm looking for anything else.

Once Otto is out of earshot. Man, he's lucky you stepped in Izzy. He was gettin' ready to have me floss his ribs with my axe. Coailte looks over at the tree. Now why do you suppose somebody would flay a guy and try to pin that on a Pathfinder. I'd figure if you were going to put a frame on an organization you make the death look all assassiny, garroting, needle in the ear, maybe a good old throat cut but a hanging and flaying, I hope in that order, just doesn't make sense.

The prisoners approach Tarek, and one of the diminutive agents speaks to the aasimar. I don't know who you are, and I appreciate the counsel holy man, but we ain't confessin' to things we did not do. We came here about a week ago to set up an investigation into some Sarkoran ruins. We know nothin' about these killings other than that we had nothing to do with them. The Dawton's came and arrested us in out beds second night we were here. We didn't fight them, these folk ain't evil and are just following the law, same reason we won't try to escape. We couldn't live with ourselves if we hurt any of these people, mayor included.
The Pathfinders look well treated and properly fed, but are clearly distraught over their impending execution.

Meanwhile...

Eloriand searches the area where the body was discovered and indeed finds tracks at the scene. The tracks are humanoid and, the experienced ranger can determine, appear to go to and from Dawton. There is blood in the foliage around the area. Near the blood, Eloriand finds a lone obsidian button as one would expect to find on a jacket or coat. Isador spies the button found by Elorian and examines it. Isador, leaning on his merchant background, is certain that the button is unusual and not typically found in this region.

Tarek looks to the others in the basement Do any of you wish to speak openly and release yourself of any burdens or does he speak for you all? I find it odd that the town would place blame on visitors if there was no evidence. My companions and I were only passing through but I felt compelled to offer aid under the circumstances. If you truly are innocent of the crimes then why do you feel you were singled out? My companions were on our way to meet with brother Jorsal of my order, but if you are innocent then I am certain he would want us to aid you.

The dwarven man shakes his head as he speaks to Tarek Nay lad. We didn't do this. We are all innocent. The dwarf's eyes alight with recognition at the mention of Jorsal. He looks quickly to Luin, then back to Tarek. Uh..I am sure your..er...friend...would not want to get involved. This is a local affair lad, and intervention could have dire consequences. As for why we were targeted, I have no answer for ya. As for the evidence against us, I am rightly not certain what they have on us. I am sure the mayor would though.

Tarek nods in response and has a look of disappointment on his face. He then turns his attention to the Mayor I believe I have done all that I can here. I think it is best we take our leave. Tarek looks back at the prisoners and speaks a blessing upon them I pray the gods will aid you in your journey into the afterlife. It seems you have found peace with your actions and if you find that you need further guidance, you can request to speak with me again. I will be staying at the inn.

Did the mayor respond to Tarek's question earlier in regards to the tall, evil looking man?

Tarek leaves the basement and speaks with the mayor once more I was hoping I would have been able to provide more assistance to the prisoners. I do find their responses disturbing. I have met many people who have committed horrific deeds but I do not get the same feeling from these men. Are there any concerns you have for their guilt or are you absolutely certain they committed these deeds? It would be a travesty to condemn innocent men. It would be equally tragic to have the true perpetrator roaming free and able to commit more murders. Is there anything you can share in regards to this incident?

I continue to listen and observe as best I can in any of the dialogue that I might have been privileged too. I constant scan and look,....while actively listening.

Not knowing if the three captives can understand but willing to try anyway, the red attempts to subtly use Cant to ask the prisoners some questions of her own, doing her best to not draw attention to herself.

Well Isador, this button is all I could find. How do we match it up to who owns it? Can the blood be used as any kind of evidence. There is no way for me to tell if it the victim's blood or the perpetrator's. Can your magic's determine anything? The tracks I found are from a humanoid, but I am unable to discern anymore information.

The dwarven man steps up and grabs Tarek's hand before he withdraws. He nods once and speaks seriously to Tarek We appreciate your counsel, padre. I know I speak for all of us when I say we are...more than hopeful...that your providence here will prevail. I have prayed to Torug to deliver us, and I believe he works his will to answer my prayer. What do you think sir? Will my prayers be answered?

The three small agents show no signs of understanding Kat's attempt to communicate via the cant.

Tobias sighs as he leads Tarek, Kat and Havelock back up to the street. Can't say as they seem the type, to do what they did. But I've been fooled before. Some downright evil bastards can seem the saint if they want to...but the evidence is all there. The mayor retrieves a note and shows it to Tarek as he breaks down the evidence. Your statement about the size of the culprit notwithstanding, here is what I know..
the murders began the night those three came to town and ceased as soon as they were arrested. At Otto's farm, I found a dagger belonging to that lady dwarf down there. Add that to the fact that all three of them were seen at Otto’s farm just hours before someone found the first victim. Shortly after that, that Iomede servant Erika brought me an anonymous letter from a concerned but frightened citizen identifying those Pathfinders as the murderers. Luin hands Tarek the letter he refers to. Trust me, I don't want to believe them Pathfinders are capable of that butchery, but the facts paint a pretty clear picture. Luin allows Tarek and his companions to review the note before he retrieves it and shows them back to the street. Might kind of you to think of the victims, maybe they will see the light and seek forgiveness before...well before the end. Where are you staying in town?

Meanwhile...

Isador's group finishes their investigation and have one opportunity to speak to Otto before they deapart.

I need one check from Izzy, Caoilte and Eloriand. Player's choice of Intimidate, Diplomacy or Bluff.

Not having succeeding in getting her questions asked by the incarcerated trio she tugs on Tarek's sleeve and tries to speak soft enough for his ears only before they get fully turned out into the street.

Hey, Silvertongue. See if you can ask about the ruins, how far they are from town, if the locals have any interest in it, so on and so forth. And see if we can't examine that knife, too. Also, his take on this Erika lady who seems to have her fingers in every pot around town despite not living here.

Listening, I say nothing to offer up where we are staying at, not sure if the mayor may now be putting the spotlight on us. Once we are clearly out of hearing range, even for an elf, I look around to make sure we are not followed before speaking.

I don't like this Tarek and I agree with Kat, Erika and Otto seem to keep coming up. It would be nice to have a conversation with Erika, and while Ia not a saint, as a practicing worshipper of Aroden and Imomeade, I bet I could get a good idea if she is the real deal or not. We should gather the others...and find a way to also check out the ruins. I've got hunch we may find answers there. The evidence is hardly concrete on them, and my guess is that our comrades in chains don't want to se us dying for their sake.

After a few more steps... I think it is a good idea from here on out to make sure we are carrying all of our kit unless we can really store/secure it by a method that Kat approves of. Last thing we need is arrow, dagger, scroll or something that belongs to us come up missing and being used as evidence against us.

We are staying at the Heath and Harvest. It was a bit full upon our arrival, but we managed to procure a room to accommodate us. It does disturb me that there may be a villain still lurking about. Would you mind if we had a look around the town? If we can not find this other individual then maybe we can at least shed a little more light on the captives involvement in these crimes. The dwarf mentioned something about a Sarkoran site. Does this place hold any relevance to Dawnton or these recent incidents? If it is close by, I would not mind taking a look. I do appreciate you allowing us to meet with the captives. Dawnton is a pleasant looking town and I would hate to see that change due to these recent incidents. I understand how important it is for the people to feel safe and that is why we offer our assistance in this matter. As Tarek begins to step away from the Mayor's house he turns to ask one more question Do you think Erika would be in town around this time? I would love to speak with her about the divine influences in this world and what we can do to aid the people of this region.

I am not ignoring some of the inquiries, I am just concerned if we ask too many questions it may seem suspicious. I feel we are already teetering on the edge of being called investigators/pathfinders.
GM: Was there a name on the letter the Mayor showed us?

It was anonymous, though Kat is ready to take out a sheet of paper, scribble a note implying the murder is a pig from Otto's farm and hand it to the mayor saying it was from a scared citizen who wished to remain anonymous...but even she knows when to refrain from being a complete ass to make a point.

Isador looks about the crime scene one final time before turning to Eloriand.

That button is certainly a key piece of evidence. Would it be okay for me to carry it?

Once we get back into town, I will seek out a tailor to see if anyone came to get a matching item repaired.

I don't have anything to ask of our host but it is odd that he just let us up here for one gold coin if he was involved in the crime.

Either of you have anything you need to speak to Otto about?

Sure Isador. See what you can figure out. I would like to see if Otto heard any strange noises or anything else out of the ordinary the night before. Eloriand will wander down toward Otto's house. Maybe you should show the button to Otto and see if he recognizes it.

Mayor Luin smiles and addresses Tarek. Dawton is a free city stranger. You may go wherever you like, unless you fix to cause trouble, then you may find your liberties abruptly curtailed. The short sheriff crinkles his brow as Tarek mentions the Sakoran ruins. I am afraid I cannot help you there, friend. I am not sure what you are referring to, I am not aware of any Sakoran sites near these parts. Sakoran eh? Not sure I like the sound of that. These days, when I hear someone mention that old nation, all I can think about is the demon infestation that did them in. Luin shakes his head Right then. I'll send word should the culprits suddenly feel the need to confess their sins. The mayor sees them to the back onto the streets of Dawton.

Meanwhile...

Isador, Eloriand and Caoilte finish up their investigation. Otto allows them a fair amount of time before he, a bit more politely, asks the trio to leave his farm in peace. He is unable to provide any additional information regarding the murder.

The party reunites at the Heath and Harvest to freshen up, share notes and plan their next move.