[PFS] GM Brew's PFS Archons

Game Master Wicked Brew

Once back at the inn, I go upstairs and inventory my kit, making sure nothing is missing or out of order before returning down stairs, where hopefully I can order up the evening meal and a pint of oatmeal stout or another dark caramelized beer.

Alright, so what do we do now...the sands of time for them are are running low...

Looking back into my dark beer, seeing my image reflect back up, I softly chant

I'm waiting in my cold cell when the bell begins to chime
Reflecting on my past life and it doesn't have much time
'Cause at 5 o'clock they take me to the Gallows Pole
The sands of time for me are running low

Yeah, yeah, yeah,
Hallowed be Thy name
Yeah, yeah, yeah,
Hallowed be Thy name

Kat notices Havelockk taking stock of his items and follows suit, I suggest we all make sure we have everything we brought with us before we leave again.

Before continuing she makes damn sure no one else is witnessing their conversation.

Something about this is really bothering me. The Sherriff Mayor let us see one of the most damning pieces of evidence levied against the "guilty", an anonymous letter from a "scared and concerned citizen" stating that the three visiting Pathfinder agents were behind the murders.

Now, if I want to be an ass to prove a point I can go somewhere private, scribble out a note which says that I had seen the true murderer rise out of the river and it was really lizard man that was hungry for human blood and deliver it to the Sherriff Mayor and say I had gotten it from a "scared and concerned citizen" and felt it had to be passed on to the "proper authority".

Typically the position of BOTH Mayor and Sherriff are elected. If that is true for this town then the townspeople are confident that their Mayor Sherriff can fully protect their town, their persons and their way of life. So WHY would a "scared" citizen give a written letter of guilt to someone who is basically a transient instead of the one they trust?

I could understand such an action if the guy were corrupt, but from what I saw he's an honest person who is doing his best to uphold the peace of those he is sworn to protect while following the path of lawful justice.

There is something else about that letter that stinks, too. It was written by the same person that alerted the Society to the execution.

That makes me think of a few things.

First. The letter in evidence had been written by a real citizen but it was done under threat, duress or some other form of coercion. That person then felt that they needed to do the "right" thing and inform the Society that their agents may be falsely accused.

Two. The letter is forged and the citizen is fictitious. There may be at least one other reason for such a letter, but I can't think of it right now.

Now add to this letter written by the same hand that brought us out here the fact that the Mayor Sherriff has never heard of the ruins our fellows were supposed to be investigating. While it is possible I may be seeing conspiracies where there are none, hear me out.

But this has all the markings of a classic frame-job.

I will admit that what I am about to suggest is a fully unsubstantiated conspiracy theory; but it is a probability.

What if, just what if...

You were a person who wanted something in a particular area but the area was protected by someone you couldn't get under your thumb? Now let's say, three strangers from a very powerful organization came to that area despite not having any ties of their own to the town and its citizens.

Would you leave them alone or would you take the opportunity and cause a few incidents that could undermine both the town's unflappable protector and that powerful organization?

Now, let's say that it was not coincidence that brought those three strangers to the area.

Let's say that a certain "anonymous tip" pointing to the ruins of a powerful race had been found near this town was sent to this organization. This organization sends out three agents to investigate this ruin as they should.

However, those three agents cannot find the ruins and return to the town, only to be accused of heinous crimes the next day.

Now, what would you be doing during the time between sending out that "anonymous tip" about the ruins and the time the agents get to the area?

Me? I would ingratiate myself into the populous as a voice of virtue. And just in case I did something, said something, or, more importantly, happened to be somewhere something bad happened, I can just say that I hear the divine voice of one of the most virtuous deities even bumpkins could recognize.

But what does such a thing do? Wouldn't it be more of a danger to invite that powerful organization out?

Oh hells no. Not only does it call into question how much their trusted protector can truly keep them safe from outside influence, but it taints the opinions of the citizens against that organization.

This organization is diplomatic and tends to not throw its weight around because they do not want to be known as bullies. But murderers? Who would want to welcome murderers or those who hire and sanction murderers? Taint and bias the opinions of the citizenry enough and that organization will never be allowed to set foot in that area again.

Two birds with one stone.

And through this tumultuous time who will soothe the worries of the public. Who will be the one the turn to? After all, who else is a holy person who can actually hear the voice of a god?

I feel like I just wrote a novella. Even so I may have left out a thought and not realized it. Or maybe because of it...

Kat, you present some very good points to consider. As you mentioned before, Otto and Erika have come up in conversation quite a few times. I also wonder if this Sarkoran site actually exists. I find it odd that the Pathfinders were notified of the discovery but the Mayor knows nothing about it. I would also think there would be more chatter by the locals talking about such a discovery. If there is such a site then we should not discount the possibility of possession or mind control. Perhaps someone wishes to keep this site a secret. The two people who were murdered may have been the only ones who knew about it's location. I am fairly confident that the prisoners did not commit these crimes, at least not of their own free will. We must locate this Erika. Perhaps some of the locals may know of her whereabouts? Has anyone picked up anything in the conversations that may give us a clue as to where to look next?
The society has also played a major role in aiding with the worldwound. Perhaps someone wishes to discredit the society and have their influence removed from the affairs of Mendev. Having more people distrust the society would benefit the demon hordes.
Tarek scans the room to see if they are being watched and then continues

perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

If Erika is hearing voices then I am doubtful that it is coming from Iomedae or any other god.

If Tarek does not notice anything significant then he will continue talking

Tarek looks to Kat, gives a quick wink and whispers Play along
Tarek leans in close to Kat in a somewhat amorous way, places his hand on her shoulder and leans in close to her ear

Tarek pulls back after a moment and lets out a laugh. I think it is time we enjoyed a few more of their fine brews

Kat thinks for a bit and tries to look out a window from her seat. Did any of you happen to see a building that could be a school? In small towns literacy in not necessarily universally available so I wonder just how many citizens could have written that letter. Shopkeepers, government officials and clergy pretty much have to be in order to do their duties to the best of their abilities.

I guess it is possible for basic education to be available from clergy, but didn't someone mention that Erika would need to establish a church? Or is my head so full of theories right now that I am hazy on some of the finer details.

Eloriand is in agreement with Kat. Something stinks and it looks like the wool is being pulled over the sheep's eyes and innocent people are going to pay the ultimate price for the deception. Isador, maybe we should show the other half of the group what we found today in case they recognize it.

Isador nods upon hearing Eloriand's request and produces the button that was discovered.

We found this ornate button at the crime scene on Otto's farm. I did not get the impression that he was involved but more likely he is being used to lend credibility to the ruse

Did anyone see any matching buttons or an article of clothing that was missing a button?

Kat will take a look and see if she notices anything.

The Archons regroup and go over their findings thus far at the Heath and Harvest. Havelock checks his gear and is confident all of his items remain. The rest of the group follows suit and all appears in order. As they discuss the party's next cause of action, Kat is able to deftly take something from Tarek and makes it seemingly disappear. Eloriand peeks outside the inn's window and is confident the group can investigate a few more sites before sundown.

Investigation phase 2 on day 1 is complete. The party may investigate more areas before sunset or may rest for the night and begin again in the morning.

I wonder if we would be able to find this Erika lady now that it's approaching evening or if she only comes out when the sun isn't.

Did we ever catch where or what she is calling a temporary canctuary for worshp? I was told she is presently out of town. I thinkn we should look for her, if we have a description of her hile sweeping the area for these alleged ruins.

Pausing for moment... Kat, I think you make a lot of sense...do we know anything about Otto, his bride farmer? I think they may hold a reason why something is ammess, but I d think we need to continue our searches,,,timeis running out,

Caoilte says around a mouthful of bread dipped in stew. Who do you think has it in for the Pathfinders? That's how I see it. Figure, a guy could frame one and tie the other two Pathfinders down. But if he frames all three he discredits the organization. I'm guessing that's what he's after. Caoilte pauses to swallow Especially considering the gruesome deaths. That kind of thing gets people real emotional. Oh and if he can frame them three, there ain't much stopping him from trying to frame us.

Exactly, which is why we need to have constant tabs on all of our items at all times. We should also continue moving in groups just in case some form of charm or mental dominance is a threat.

The Mayor offered no information as to where we could find Erika. It does seem odd that a prominent figure in town and a significant archeological find are two of the most difficult subjects to locate. So far, we have only a button to investigate as tangible evidence. I think Kat should take a little time to survey the crowd here and then we can get a vibe on the people walking around the town at night. I do agree we need to be cautious. Traveling in numbers did not work for the recently incarcerated visitors and we don't want to get blamed for any mysterious incidents that may take place tonight. Perhaps we could search the area for this Sarkoran site tomorrow, at first light? I think tonight Erika should be our main focus and locating the man that Orug had seen running from the crime scene. Tarek finishes off his ale and looks at the group How do we wish to proceed? Do we stay in our current groups and see what information we can glean from the locals tonight?

Kat thinks for a moment before offering her opinion. Perhaps Caoilte, El and myself should "work the crowd" either in the street, inn area or the beer tent to see if we can find any information about where and when to find Erika as well as if any rumors about ruins can be heard. The three of us managed to at least partially ingratiate ourselves with the crowd that had attended the festival this morning, so they may be willing to open up to us.

I think that Tarek and Havelockk should hunt down Ericka and have a theological discussion or whatever. See if you can get her to talk about the murders as well as if she will voice an opinion on them.

Izzy should go with, perhaps his merchant eye can spot if she's missing a button somewhere.

I will be ready in a few moments, there are just a few things I need to attend to before we depart the inn. Tarek removes his symbol to Qi Zhong from around his neck and begins to inspect it for wear. He then sets it on his lap, fidgets with a few things in his pocket and begins cleaning off the symbol.

Before getting too involved in his task, Tarek addresses the group in a hushed tone. Let me know if anyone approaches. I want to know if there may be any unsavory characters in the inn that may be worth investigating.

Eloriand indicates his readiness to leave as soon as the party is ready.

Isador listens to the group discuss their options as he looks around the inn without stopping on any given patron for longer than a moment. He then turns to Caoilte.

Yes, it seems like the Society maybe the target and nothing brings people together more than a common enemy. It does seem like whomever is behind this frame up is confident that the charges will stick since they are sure to know that the Society will not let this drop. If anything is revealed after their deaths, assuming that happens, the full weight of the Pathfinders will descend and cleanse this place.

Perhaps it is nothing more than a ruse to distract anyone from their real purpose; anyone get a hint of where are those ruins might be located?

I would like to head out tonight and see if we can find Erika.

The Archons set out to continue their investigation in the late afternoon, early evening, hoping to uncover the truth behind the murders.

Kat, Caoilte and Eloriand head to the beer gardens to see if they can pick up any tidbits from the significant crowd that has gathered there to drink. The weather is pleasant, and the residents of visitors of Dawton are in full revelry. The crowd is lively and appears to be heavily involved in the task at hand...drinking! The splinter group of Archons settles in among the crowd...

Meanwhile, the other half of the party hit the streets in search of Erika. They talk among the citizens and learn that Erika is well respected and many believe her to be a very holy and zealous servant of the Inheritor. The group is confident that their paths will cross soon enough. The agents continue their search for Erika.

Ready when ever you are Tarek...who else is coming with us?

Was Tarek unable to safely use his wayfinder?

While we wait for Erika to show herself in town, do we want to see if any shopkeepers are still open that may give us some information about the button that was found?

Kat does her best to mingle until she see people she recognizes, or is recognized by, bystanders for her acrobatic performance. She will attempt to schmooze the revelers by complimenting their obstacle course and the other participants before leading into a query about places that would provide her enough of a challenge to further improve her acrobatics. If the ruins are not brought up by the crowd, then she'll casually ask if there is an abandoned building or ruin in the area that will provide her with plenty of obstacles to jump through but enough privacy that the town won't see her fall on her face a few times.

Eloriand does his best to blend in and appear to enjoy himself in the "celebration".

Kat exploits her new found fame as a local gymnast and wows the half drunk crowd with a few spontaneous tumbles. As Caoilte wanders the crowd he bumps into a taller man with a bald head who turns around with a purpose. His face grows wide with a grin as he spies the axe man. Oh its you again. Back for more? Sorry to disappoint you friend, this here is my drinking time and I can't waste that talking to the likes of you. Why hells! You ain't even drinking? What you never touch the stuff? Maybe that's why you can't take a joke, eh? He just offers Caoilte a wide grin and takes a monster draw from a tankard held in his right hand. Eloriand tries to blend into the crowd but sees nothing out of sorts. Given the mood of the crowd, Eloriand feels that some interaction with the drunken revelers may yield results.

Meanwhile...

Tarek and the rest of the boys hit the streets and confirm that the button Isador recovered is definitely unusual for the region. They are unable to locate any merchants who sell garments with anything even close to resembling the button.

As the party walks about town, Tarek pauses for a moment to contemplate their situation. As he stands in mediation, his attention is drawn upward. When he looks up, he spies a stork staring straight at him sitting atop a nearby building. The bird quirks its head and flies off.

I continue looking around and I raise up an eyebrow when I see Tarek distracted. Not sure what to make of it, i keep my present position, while concentrating all of my senses on anything that might be out of sorts, unique, or just plain different. I hook my thumb into my belt, right behind the boxwood hilt.

Did anyone just see that? Tarek's gaze falls upon his companions with a bit of bewilderment Did it look to you that the bird up there was watching me? I found it rather unsettling but it captured my curiosity. Maybe we should see where it is going?

Thinking a stork is an unusual sight in this area, Tarek scans the sky and does his best to locate the bird and determine the direction it is heading

Does this mean the GM just gave Tarek the bird? :-)

Motioning with his hand, Uh, ... barmaid .... I'll take a tankard of ale if you please. Thank you. Eloriand looked around for a target to strike up a conversation with. After the barmaid returned with his ale, Eloriand approached an Elven lad obviously enjoying himself. Eloriand spoke to him in Elven, Hail brother. I don't get much practice in the Elven tongue much these days. How goes the celebration?

Isador glances in the direction mentioned by Tarek.

Interesting... I don't know too much about animals but I find it odd that a stork is in the town; if indeed that is what it was.

Showed him the bird, yes. Possibly flipped it, too (did it do a loop de loop as it flew away?). But straight out give? Otherwise, no, Tarek is currently bird-free (though not necessarily bird-poo-free).

A stork eh?...makes me wonder if its not a wizard's companion or that of a druid. Best be cautious and to keep a look out for it. It it gets close enough, we might be able to capture it with one of my daze cantrips while not doing it any harm

The stork usually shows up nine months after I leave town.

Hmmm looks likes he got a head start on you this time...What exactly did you do on tent city and the beer garden?

The bald man shrugs and goes back to his beer as Kat and Eloriand work the crowd for information. An older but distinguished Dawton resident sidles up to Kat at the bar after her little display and slides her a full tankard of ale. The man, clearly into his cups, makes small talk and is clearly enamored with the lithe elf. Kat is able to fake interest long enough for him to eventually let slip Luin, the sheriff wants to hang them murderers h'self. Word has it that he has a written testimony from a witness that says they’re guilty. Written. Testimony! What more do you need, poor bastards... he takes another swig and eyes Kat for a long moment Say, you are one of those folks that fella was looking for. Kat does not let on her surprise but fakes ignorance Yeah, this guy was around here earlier today...young fella..Chellaxian if I had to guess...dark brown hair, same for the eyes, skin on the pale side.. yeah, asking all sorts of questions about you and your friends...must find you as irresistible as I do. The man winks at Kat and goes back to his drink.

Eloriand makes friends with a few folk of clear elven heritage. Eloriand shares tales of his life in the forest and the elves open up to him, although they are also a bit tipsy form the evening's festivities. Eventually, they begin to speak on the murders. One of them offers I heard that when they found the halfling one that he had blood all over his hands! The other elves shudder in disgust. One of the other elves, an older one and one bearing the tell tale signs of one of the Forlorn, leans in and speaks to Eloriand in hushed tones. I don't like it, friend. That Erika, she is not right. There are those around these parts who are convinced that she is not what she seems, but something far worse. A demon! She is using that inquisitor skin as a ruse. Some folks I know are certain she is the cause of 10 murders up and down the coast. 10, if it were 1! The sullen elf looks about then sinks back into his seat and returns to slowly nursing a glass of wine.

The party reunites as the sun goes down for a late supper and to go over the day's findings. The other group was unable to locate Erika as of yet. The party decides on how to proceed in their investigation the following morning.

Tarek listens to the group share their findings Funny how gossip distorts reality. It seems the locals think the sheriff is out for blood, but I did not get that feeling when talking with him. I think we have found our tall, evil looking fellow. The description of that Chelaxian does seem to fit with the murderer that Orug spotted running away. If it is the same person then I am certain if we can capture him then Orug would be able to clear those imprisoned of any wrong doing. Our presence has not gone unnoticed and it may be wise for us to take shifts while sleeping. Someone may try to slip into our rooms to attack us or possibly plant some incriminating evidence. It also seems that someone else shares our feelings about this Erika. The elves have seen through Erika's charms and I would take them at their word on their impression of her. It is frustrating that there is still no mention of this Sarkoran site, which leaves me the believe it may not exist. Unless anyone has any suggestions for the night, I say we make it an early night and an early morning. Tarek slaps Caoilte on the shoulder Maybe there was more to Valsin's reasoning for having us up so early at the lodge? Tarek laugh's and continues working on his meal I will take one of the final watches, if we think it is necessary, and use that time to prepare for the days activities After finishing his meal, if nobody presents a plan for the evening, he will head back to the room.

I can take a mid-watch. My eyes see better in the dark than most here, I believe. Are we keeping current room arrangements?

Eloriand volunteers for any watch that needs a watcher.

Tarek looks to Kat before leaving the table I think the current room arrangements should be ok, unless you have a suggestion about changing?

Just askin'.

Isador offers to take the first watch.

He takes up a position in the hallway leading to the two rooms and removes his sketch book and pretends to leaf through it all the while watching for anything out of the ordinary.

Yeah..I got a bad feeling about this. Same arrangements...but we need to make sure we have witnesses as we go bed. We need to be thinking of witnesses and air tight alibis.

We need to find this Chelaxian and we need to find Erika as well.

The Archons make it through the night unscathed and awake early of their own accord, which they are quickly finding to be the norm. They share a breakfast while they discuss how to proceed in their investigation.

On to day 2! Let me know how you guys hit the streets this day. You have explored much of the town already, but you have yet to get the general sense of the street. You may also explore any other areas you want. Let me know.

Wolfing down eggs, bacon, bread and milk Caoilte shares his thoughts. Today's going to be the big day. I can feel it. Somebody is going to make a move on us. He says cheerily. I'm thinking we stay around a lot of witnesses where we can unless we can find these ruins.

I agree....think we might hire a couple of folks to work for us that are honest? A good alibi with a reliable witness always works well

I want to take some time out this morning to explore the town itself. The streets, alleys, listen to more gossip-mongering, that sort of thing. Maybe find the tallest building in town and, if it is open to the public, climb to the top to view the surrounding area from above.

We should also keep an eye out for an opportunity for our silver tongue to interview Ericka as we were unable to find her yesterday.

Out of curiosity and so we don't waste too much time doing the wrong thing, what is different about our walk today and the one Tarek, Isador and Havelockk did last night? I thought the trio was walking around town to get a vibe on the people and to visit the shop about the button. Knowing the execution is tomorrow, would walking around town again make sense to them or would looking outside the town be their next plan of attack?