[PFS/PbP] Tiaburn's Murder's Mark (Inactive)

Game Master Nik B.

Situated at an important crossroads for waterborne trading vessels, Ilsurian sees many travelers. Despite that, it had no temple of Desna, but local temple of Erastil was accepting worshipers of most good deities and "providing clerigy services upon request and availability". That's would be expected in small agricultural city. Overall Ilsurian seemed to be very forth-comming: local Two Waters Tavern offered bed & breakfast service for reasonable price, people around were rumoring about travelling carnival that will open its gates for the show tonight.
But, not everything was so nice. For example, people were hidding their wares or turning away, when Madam Iridestine was approaching. Young man whispered to his friend once they passed:
- "I've found one of those in my home last Oathday. I put my dagger deep in his back, but he was fast and could ran away. I couldn't get a good look, but that vagrant..
- "Filton! I've heard this story several times already. You should spend less time in a den, and then you won't see things that never happened. Speak with Sister Esrelda. I've heard she has a job to be done and looks for capable person. Or, ask at the Be Docks, they have always have work..."
Actually, most of Shastia's questions and information gathering hit the wall: there is so many strange people in the city nowdays coming with the carnival or to see it, so no one could say for sure are there any Aspis agents in the city. At least, nagaji understood that Ilsurian is a nice place to be and most of local inhabitants ever heard "Aspis Consortium" brand. As well as "Pathfinder Society", by the way.

Ayla has a somewhat concerned look on her face as she walks with her allies.

"Our mission did sound simple enough when the venture-captain gave it, but now we're here I have to admit I don't know where to start..."

Diplomacy; gather Info: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

Ayla tries to gain information from the citizens of Ilsurian, but she doesn't know exactly what to ask. As a result, there's no actual result.

Keelee helps gather Information on the whereabouts of Mr. Archivin Walder. Asking a likely merchant or barkeep.

Diplomacy; gather Info: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

Camaenor asks about for the location of The Locked Box, Archivin's establishment.

Diplomacy; gather Info: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

A quaint little village here, and the villagers much live up to expectations. Iridestine says. She'll add her own investigation, trying to divine where Walder may be holding up.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 +1 if attracted

The owner and barmaid of Two Waters, Noria, were very welcoming for everyone, who had a coin. She shared that Locked Box is a Archivin Walder is town's pawnbroker. Locked Box is located to the north from the tavern. Map #1. Archivin has a wife, who is helping him with the shop, while he works on books and solve "special issues". Special issues are usually moneylanding or keeping something very valueable in his trap-infested . In her speach, Keelee catched couple of specific words, that definitelly point Noria as former sailor or something close. Barmaid said, that Archivin is usually very picky and wants only best merchandise, so if you are planning to sell "just usual stuff", better to look for Robella's Curiosity Shop. As well, if you are willing to sell any weapons, Vea Semere might offer you a better price than anyone else.

"Great! Seems we know our destination! Shall we go there right away?"

It seems this man is in interesting business. Let's move there straight away.

"No point waiting around, I have refilled my empty bottles so let's get to it!"

Keelee agrees, "Let's go visit the lockbox."

Locked Box appeared to be sturdy and solid building with 12-foot-high ceilings, heavy wooden doors and no windows. Main door led the team into large showroom, filled with cases displaying jewelry, some antiques and couple ornate weapons. Old woman, polishing silver spoon set were standing behind one of displays in the center of the room. Several doors were seen on the other side of the room.
Small bell announced your visit by loud ringing sound.
- Hello!- she quickly put away the silver back into the box and turned to you.

Philthy smiles broadly and enters, smiling his usual ungainly smile.

"We're here on business..." he looks to one of the smoother talkers to do their thing, better a pleasant face than a disreputable looking one.

Bluff: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

"We are here to deliver a word of appreciation from Paracount Marcellus Thurvian of Belde to Archivin Walder. Is he about?" Camaenor says with his best smile.

-Oh, I probably will disappoint you, but he left just quarter an hour ago. We are closing earlier, because he wanted to see the carnival performance. It should be something special, I've heard they have sphinx that speak riddles, baby dragon from far away land of Kyonin and lady of dozen faces. I'd like to see them myself. Could I ask you to come tomorrow? - she seemed sincere, speaking about her husband and willingness to see the performances. No shadow of recognition appeared on her face after the key phrase been said.

"Where's the carnival at?"

- It's north from the city border, quarter an hour from here, you'll see it after you pass old rotten pier. You know, those varisians wanted to use our arena, but it's means to allow them into city,.. let them bring those monsters, where the children walk.. - while saying that, she recognised Madame Iridestine origin, so may be some of those phrases would be more harsh otherwise.

"If you are walking that way perhaps you could guide us? And then we may have a chance to meet up with Archivin, too." Camaenor asks.

- I need to finish here first, - she said, - I think you won't miss. Just go down the road and then turn left on the big crossing, near the river. Part of the town will be there tonight.

Keelee looks disappointed, "Tomorrow it must be then. I suppose a carnival would be entertaining. "

"I've never been to a carnival before," Ayla says excitedly once the party's left the shop. "Have any of you?"

She starts walking toward the carnival, eager to see what it's all about.

Iridestine smiles at the woman. We have long moved on from eating babies, you know. BIgots taste much better...

Philthy also heads out looking for the carnival "Reckon it could be a relaxin' night eh?"

It is just a show after all... Iridestine says to Filthy.

"I've put on a few shows, they weren't real relaxin'..." he gives a bit of a chuckle as he lights a cigarillo, once again offering the packet about before putting them away again.

Camaenor walks with the others to the edge of town and the carnival. He begins to seem a bit fidgety as they approach the fairgrounds, muttering something about a visit later from an old companion...

- I wonder if there are any pugilist teachers in the crowd. Would sure enjoy a bout of friendly fisticuffs.

Ananda looked at the other agents.
- But probably it would be better to stick together. Does anybody here have much combat experience?

The Carnival appears from a distance as a loud and big attraction. There are stilt walkers and acrobats, that tumble through the crowd, and drumming music could be heard. Area of several hundred square feets is surrounded by colorful wagons and carts, forming a fence and laugh is heard from the other side. As you come closer, you see, that the Midway offers a multitude of fun: there is big lion head on a high post, which makes a sudden "meow" sound, when someone hits the lever. There is a game of wit, when you see the reflection of the ball, travelling through the glass maze cube and you need to get it out from the other side. Some people enjoy varisian pasty - boiled dough decorated with sugar, grated fruits and country cheese. There is a shortbow with dozen of arrows and people are competing to get the better prize. To make aiming more difficult the arrow should go through to metallic rings and there is a swinging melon between those to distract aiming.

All the attractions are 1cp, you may take part in any one. You may win a ticket to a bigger events of the night: The Lair of the Sphinx, Lovely Madame Masque show or even All-Seeing Hajeck Harrow Reading. I will do complete rules as you select something. As well there are queues for other events. Knowledge (local) for a random fact

Let's do this! Shasta will do the lion lever, the ball game and the shortbow copetition.

- On the other hand, this might be a good training! Dibs on the lion lever event!

After coin changed nagaji hands to Ulfen, big guy offered Shasta the heavy mallet. 3-foot-wide post was decorated by a lion's head.

- Look, who is ready to tame the beast! - announced organizer and group of carnival-goers quickly gathered around the 12-foot-high pole to see, who going to demonstrate "power and passion".

Strength DC13 to make the lion roar

"Hey what's the test of wits with the balls?"

Shasta grabbed the mallet and assesed the pole.
- Power and passion, you say. Good, I have both.
He took a deep breath and then gave out a loud cry.
- Kiai!
He dropped the mallet and the ball surged upward.
Strength check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

- Come here, my dwarven friend, that smells funny.. I appreciate your taste in tobacco, but better to sleep in fresh hay. Look there! This is a box, with a spherical glass mirror on the top of it. You can see reflection, there glass cube hidden in the box. This glove, - lady takes a intricatelly woven glove, - will magically repeat every move you take. So, if you can get the ball out of there in 1 minute, you'll get a free ticket for Lady Masque show. If not, you need to pay another coin for me to get your hand free :)
Int DC12. If you beat DC18 or can beat DC12 twice in a row - you get that special prize ticket

As Shastia stroke the lever, ball skyrocketed into the sky, circling around the yonder pole. It hit lion head, making something move inside and suddenly, thundering roar could be heard around the carnival. People for a moment stopped their work and then started to applaud nagaji.
- Ladies and gentlemen, natives of Ilsurian, - started the Ulfen, - let me introduce you "The King of the Umbra". He retrieved the yellow crown made from paper and sticks. Tamer of the Beasts should be recognized, so he can get the appropriate attitude. Wear this, and you get into the Zoo for free!

Congratz! Crown gives you 50% discount for major shows, that The Lair of the Sphinx (4sp), Madame Masque (2sp) or All-Seeing Hajeck (2sp) or free entry into the Zoo (2sp)

I'll join you, Philty. Let's see who gets that marble out first. Crystal balls hold no secret to me

Philthy looks at the game 'Why not eh?"

"Like that?" he grins and exhales a large volume of smoke...

- Well, that's fate for you Madame Iridestine. Sometimes you can't do it yourself, but you can show the way to others. Congratulations, Philthy!

When Shasta walks off Ayla picks up the hammer and hands a copper to the Ulfen man. "I'd also like to try this."

Strength: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

"Not as good, but I think it was a decent hit."

Camaenor looks around for a game of wit or one involving storytelling. He had a way with words and a winning smile, and was eager to display them for the crowd!

Something with a CHA check, or where he can use Bluff or Intimidate... =)

k(local) for a random fact: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Keelee steps up to try the shortbow competition of firing an arrow through metallic rings with a swinging melon.

I should stick to extracting the future from crystal balls, much easier than marbles.

Philthy used the glove, but quickly understand simple magic behind it, and could manupulate with marble ball easy. He several times demonstrated previously unseen agility, throwing maze cube into air and catching it with a ball. The trader gave him "periapt of wisdom" - woolen headband, decorated with small pearl and several other stones.

- You may exchange that one to a free pass for Lady Masque show or get a discount in others, - he said. Dwarf walked away leaving the ball so deep in the cube maze, that probably no one will get it out for a while.

Congratz, Philthy! Periapt gives you 50% discount for major shows, that The Lair of the Sphinx (4sp), the Zoo (2sp) or All-Seeing Hajeck (2sp) or free entry to Madame Masque show(2sp)

Keelee got herself shortbow and 3 arrows. She has three shots to make and hit the target. Each position has number of scores written nearby, so it easy to see, how much you score. (Roll - DC)*coef.
First roll is just to try the weapon. DC11, coef=1
Second roll is to shoot through the rings. DC14, coef=2
Third roll is to hit the target, while being distracted by a swinging mellon DC17, coef=3
So, roll 3 ranged attacks with shortbow If you hit the mellon 3rd rolls = Natural 1 or scored 12 points you get the toy. If you score more than 18 points, you get special prize - silvered hairpin in the form of arrow - which grants you big show discount or free entry into Lair of the Sphinx.
Keelee was listening, but not the host. There were two guys, speaking that Two Water Tavern owner is a former pirate, that decided to leave her banditry for good and build a tavern, but she has been scheming ever since she came into Ilsurian, because how she could get the fine wine selection there other way.

Lion made a roar, but this time it wasn't that loud. Ulfen host patted Ayla on shoulder and said a word of support for her:
- Great muscles, but you need to work on your technique. Try your luck next tomorrow, - and he whispered, so only Ayla could hear him, - after Almara recharges the Lion head, - and then he started to shout again, - Common, people of Ilsurian! I believe there are lots of guys, who can make the Lion to do a loud roar as the scaled guy did! Show you power to tame the Carnival beast and get free entry to the Zoo!
People were queueing to get to yonder pole for pure strength check.

There is a small tent, near the Madame Masque scene. People tend to play guess the face game. Actually, it's one minute single man show, when you get to impersonate someone else. The cute varisian girl is observing the preparation, providing some cosmetics to work on the face and simple clothes to shape your body otherway around. Jokes told from the stage get some support and applause.

Disguise+Bluff or Perform (oratory) challenge

Philthy is keen to go and have a look at the sideshows.

"Anyone else coming to the Lair of the Sphinx?"

Keelee test out the bow with the first shot.
first vs DC 11: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Taking the second shot through the rings.
ring shot: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Then the final money shot through rings with melon.
ring shot with melon: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

-Posted with Wayfinder

"I plan to," Ayla replies to Philty. "I'm curious to see what a sphinx looks like!"

You mean, you don't know? A real pity, then. There was one at the Grand Lodge a while ago. Not any longer, last time I was there it was gone.

I'll come with you if you want to see it. They should be treated with respect, though.

"Looks like the curiosity tents aren't open yet, but games on the midway aren't really my bag - a bunch of crooked carnival folk shilling copper piece prizes for silver piece games, reckon I at least get entertained more by a bearded lady and a kid with two heads" Philthy explains as he takes a slug of his 'supper rum'.

Camaenor looks a bit overwhelmed by all of the people, noise, odors, and activities going on around him. He just follows the group from one activity to the next, secretly wishing he had skills in any of these challenges...

- I want to check the Zoo first and then I will accompany you to the Silver Sphynx Show. I hope to catch the Madame Masque performance, but don't count on it. Ayla, that was a good strike. I can pay for you at the Zoo, if you want? After all I am the king tonight.

Shasta adjusts the crown on his head.

The Zoo is quite an impressive part of the carnival. A portable fence of wooden posts and rope cordon off this section of the rest area. Several wagons are constructed to serve as animal cages line the perimeter, with occasional haystack piled between them. In the center of the area is a large tent whose wall flaps have been lifted up and tied off to allow easy viewing.
Mostly harmless creatures are located in the cages with "dangerous" names. For example, handsized sparrow with intricate yellow and black stripes, were called "Wasp-killer bird" and description text said it inhabit the spires of Linshen in Tian Xia, where the human-fist-sized wasps often attack local villages. Other interesting species, were highly poisonous snake, choaker toad, osirian hyena, manticore and of course baby yellow dragon. Description text near the manticore cage said, that it isn't so dangerous, because after the incidents her fangs and tailspike were surgically removed.

It's a shame to see these fierce creatures caged. I sense great distress in them, as if their prowess if fading. Iridestine says.