True agrees quickly.
Algus agrees with Idrian and decides to accompany him to the cell Banger's being held. having few gripes about physical torture, especially after what had happened to old Viznett, he proceeds ready to pry the information in any reasonable way possible.
along the way he tries to remember and/or ask anything in particular that could be related to the local, seemingly mythical organization known as the Sczarni.
Never one to sit on her laurels, True decides to make something of the day.
"There must be something we can do, Feldspar. I shall follow the others to this Banger and observe his reactions to their questions. Just to see if it helps find the hidden leader of those goblins. Coming?"
True does indeed follow and will take a back seat using her skills to observe and learn what she can.
Jo'No
He shakes his head in frustration when Jo'No talks about teh Creedy's. "Those boys were never accepted. You speak about the tribe my boy, but this place is no tribe. The people would not have left those boys to struggle as this town did. The Creedy's are misguided fools, and easily led into trouble if they think they can earn good money to help their Mother and younger siblings."
His face is stern when provides his last bit of information "You have a strong and good hert Jo'No Screaminghawk. I give you this information now with the hopes you'll see justice done rather than petty vengence. The Creedy's smuggle out of Crest's Cove, taking furs from the tribes for sale to merchants off shore to avoid some of the taxes. If you find them there, be careful how you proceed. And for the love of the tribes don't let Belor find out."
It is very clear that he is placing great trust in the young Wizard.
Idrian, True and Algus
At the main barracks, the group are met by one of the town guards, an older man by the name of Maddock. He looks them up and down before letting them through to the holding cells. "Sheriff said some of you may call in. He also said you're to keep it civil if you go and ask Banger any questions." H smiles then, a large gap in his teeth telling of the many fights he's had to break up as a wathman. "I think you'll be wasting your time though. The old fool 'aint got much of a brain on him to start with, and all o' this has got him reeling a bit."
The mans words seem to be prophetic, for when the trio first catch sight of Banger, he looks dazed and somewhat frightened in his cell. At the sight of Idrian, and then Algus, he cowers back in his cell and cries out "I daen know the gobbo's 'd be involved. Nae one tells me notin', I just use me muscle ter help 'em a time or two is all. You lot cant lay notin' on me I tells ye" He's talking tough, but Anya can tell that the appearence of the two men who helped capture him have clearly unsettled him as well. They can't physically reach him through the bars, but the right kind of questioning could reveal alot of information here.[ooc]Throw me some questions please. Also, some intimidation rolls would be good from Idrian and Algus. I'll also put Tania in the mix if she han't returned by tomorrow for some good cop bad cop action. Idrian and Algus both have a +2 on intimidate in this case as Banger is quite worried about the two of you (one from reputation and one from appearence)
Algus (on the Sczarni)
"You really aren't too bright are you? They won't care that you didn't know about the goblins. You're as good as dead already. You teamed up with the goblins against your town, against your people. They set fire to the bakery and the tailors. Lot's of folk died - Inara, Jayne, Wash, Zoe, The Shepherd Book, Captain Reynold, little River and her brother Simon, sweet Kaylee - lot's of folk. Claiming you didn't know won't due you a lick of good. They gonna take the sky from you. I'm just hoping you know something worthwhile. Something that could save your life. Otherwise..." Idrian strings his bow to accent his point. "... you tell me if you prefer the bow or the hangman's noose."
Intimidate aid another
Feldspar nods to True. "I don't know the people in this town well enough to go amongst them demanding answers to questions. I'll follow your lead, my friend."
Listening to the man Banger's words, Feldspar examines him carefully to try and get a sense of his honesty.
Jo'no will thank Garidan for the help and trust he places in him. As he parts, Jo'no will display to Garidan a sign of great respect.
Jo'no then goes down to the dock area and pays a visit to the Hagfish and the Feedbag. He will spend up to 10 gold coins total (5gp at each location) to try to find out information on the Captain.
Hagfish diplomacy check:
(+ any modifiers for the bribes with gold)
Feedbag diplomacy check:
(+ any modifiers for the bribes with gold)
"Tell me, Banger. is the one behind all this that much of a monster?" Algus calmly tells to Banger. He pulls out a small vial out of his robes, containing the mutagen formula he regularly uses.
"I'm sure you remember my brew and its...strange effects. now, this thing is only designed to work with me...I wonder what would happen if you were to drink it.", he tells Banger in a serene, eerie tone.
"Of course, there's also my friend Idrian here...who knows? maybe he's a bit of a torture fellow himself...and I can hand him brews to keep you alive for as long as needed, until we pick apart every single piece of your mind.", he explains, keeping a steady, serene monotone on his voice.
"we're only looking to find the culprit. I realize that you were in it only for the money...so it's best that you simply give us all the knowledge you may have. or I can assure you that I'll give you a true reason to be frightened." , he says, returning the vial back into his robes and fixing his look on Banger, in hopes that his mere visage is enough to trigger any revelation.
Those working with Banger
He looks up then, his eyes red with the threat of tears and fear. "I swear, none of us knowed the gobbo's was gonna come. Those little freaks are savage and coulda hurt folk we know. If you want more, you'll need to find Jonas and Will. I can't help you with that though. They've got places they lay low in that I don't know about."
He is telling the truth, completely and utterly. Both fear of consequence and disapointment he hasn't been sprung by his friends yet.
Feldspar notes he has a weak aura of evil about him. Self serving and greedy, happy enough to hurt others for gain, but not so hopelessly steeped in dark thoughts that he wasn't redeemable.
Jo'No and Tania
The Hagfish is a roudy place, but not rough or violent. When the two of them enter, they are atually greeted by calls of welcome and offered a drink at the bar by Jargie Quinn himself. The sound of his wooden leg clopping along the bar as he pours the new comers an Ale each is teh perfect counterpoint to the loud conversations and laughter of the sailors and dock workers as they sit to their lunch time meals.
After the initial ruckus of their arrival has settled, Jo'No and Tania both ask about the Vestrit and its enigmatic captain. Jargie refuses the young mages gold "You'll not need ter be paying me fer some information me boyo. You two and your friends did more to help us in the docks when you fought those fires and helped beat off the Goblins than I can repay you for." His grin is rough, pulling at old leathery skin around his eyes and causing the grey flecked beard to bistle around an old scar on his chin. "Manius Crispin and his crew are'nt exactly the most happy of folk, and the man has made a few enemies down the docks with how he treats the labourers there. The Vestrit is fresh out of Cheliax, and they have their own ideas about what a persons freedom means out that way. Still, the dockmaster tells me he's been fair with his billing, and runs a tight unit on his ship. Thomas Blunt piloted their ship into harbour and he says the crew moved well and responded unquestioningly to the Captain. Says he has them under control. His first mate seems a quiet one, but he's big, and as mate he's likely to know his way in a scrap so I wouldn't be taking his quietness as anyhting to go by. Still.." he pauses a minute here, pouring himself a stiff rum before going on. "Some of teh boys who helped unload the ship said they found the dimesnsions in the hold all wrong. There's a section in that ship that 'aint bein' used to move normal cargo, and those boys said there was a smell about the place. Like old sweat and blood. The first mate was keepin' a fairly tight eye on them though, so they didn't get much chance to look around. General feeling from those in the know is get the job done and leave those folk well enough alone."
He looks up then and moves off to serve another customer, suddenly distracted again by the business around them.
"Thank you for the information, Banger." Algus' voice returns to a less eerie, yet still soft-spoken voice. "Believe me...it's nothing personal. but like Idrian said, many people died. we've got to find the true culprit...and your information may just help us on that."
"if you're ever in any harm or injury, you can head over to me, and I'll hand you a brew or a couple of salves, free of charge. don't worry, they'll not be poisonous.", he says to Banger. in a way, Algus feels remorse for having treated the poor folk to such words. They're only thugs, He thinks. simply muscle. it was not their intent to have people die due to their antics.
Perception checks please. I'll leave it at that since you got a lot of information from the Hagfish without having to go to the fatmans feedbag as well.
Perception check:
The Shoanti is captivated by the merchant's tale, and yet frequently notices the flickering light of the fireplace dancing across Tania's face illuminating and shadowing her attractive features in altering waves. Jo'no appears to be completely oblivious to anything else happening in the Hagfish.
True makes a mental note to remind the Sheriff of all this, especially how readily Banger helped them. Maybe the man will not be punished so much since his help could be valuable and his part so minor.
Tania frowns at Jarguie Quinn's tale. Is the Captain Crispin a slave trader of sorts? True, your mom is in serious trouble!
Perception:
Later, as she walks with Jo'no, she smiles and says: "Love is indeed the strongest force on this orb. I wonder how we're going to get her mom out of Calistria's clutch..."
A look of concern shows on Jo'no's face, when Tania suggests the Captain is a slave trader.
"Hrmm, I suppose that is what the Captain was alluding to, and could explain the mysterious smelly cargo. However, I don't think we have enough to accuse this man of any wrong doings. The only thing a person could do is sign up as crew to investigate what is going on..."
Jo'no's voice drops off. He was simply speaking matter of factly, but now realizes he suggested a course of action which was brave, daring and certainly quite crazy. The Shoanti studies Tania's eyes closely for that certain "spark" they ignite with, when she plans to do something "adventurous".
"We'll tell the sheriff what you told us. Maybe it will help you or maybe it won't. Me I'd see you hang. Worst of luck to you." Idrian puts his bow away and waits for the others so they can go inform the sheriff what they've learned here. Their next destination is rather obvious.
Those working with Banger
As they move out of the cells, they are greeted by the sheriff coming back in from the streets. He raises hi eyebrow in query as the group emerge from the holding area, and shoots the man on duty a look which doesn's appear overly encouraging. However his face quickly changes when the pary relays their findings to him.
"Someone paid them to steal those damnable alchemical devices then. Makes sense I guess. I can't imagine those boys would need something like that on their own. Well, it's imperative we find those lads right smart then." He sighs deeply and frowns at the party before finally relaxing and smiling broadly. "Well, since you haven't kept your noses out of this already, I don't see why I shouldn't keep allowing you to help. I've just paid a visit to Ma Creedy, and she's no telling where her three eldest are. The rest of the kids are probably more than she needs right now as it is I guess. Wherever they've gone low, its most like they'll be back before too long to get supplies. Keep your eyes peeled for them and if you see them, for Desna's sake, come find me or Marcus before yo try anything. Enough people have been hurt because of this stupid thing without any more coming to grief." It's hard to know if he's referring to the Creedy's or the party when he says this.
Tania and Jo'No
[spoiler] As Jo'No asks his questions about the captain and the Vestrit, Tania notices a older looking man listening in. When he catches her watching him, he quickly finishes his drink and leaves the tavern, glancing once over his shoulder at the two of them as he does so.
Tania and Jo'No
"Hey Jarguie, who's that man who just left? One of your crew? And where can we find Crispin's ship?"
If she feels she can intercept the man, she'll use Expeditious Retreat once outside, and tell Jo'no: "Meet me there! I'll wait for you as long as possible."
"Find the Creedy's and don't hurt anyone else. Got it."
Feldspar remains silent during the interrogation and the Sheriff's words. He felt more like an outsider than ever. At times he felt like intervening, not caring for some of the tactics that were used or the words that were spoken but as a stranger to the town and amongst the humans, he was unsure of his place.
He decided it would be better to remain silent and listen so that he might better understand the ways of these people. For the time being he was content to follow along and offer whatever aid was his to give.
True nods to the sheriff and before they part makes sure that he realises that Banger volunteered the information, even if under duress and that he seemed to be being truthful.
Afterwards True moves outside to Feldspar and shakes her head. "how do we find a trio of needles in this haystack. I doubt their mother will talk so what next? Frankly I do not feel suited to this."
"Idrian and Algus seem far better suited to the seamier side of Sandpoint."
Feldspar nods. "I feel the same. Amongst my people, you either slay evil or you seek to teach them the errors of their way. Tormenting them, by word or action..." he shakes his head with distaste. "It is not our way."
He looks hopefully to his friend. "Perhaps we can track down Jo'No? Torag willing, he's learned something that may lead us to action."
"Yes, lets do it! Idrian, Algus good luck with your search. See you later at the Rusty Dragon perhaps?"
"I hope Jo'no has good news. It would be hard to find that the Captain is a con man, hard for my mother that is."
"I figure to go ask after them from one tavern to the next. Eventually, we'll shake them out of the tree."
"seems like a plan. we'll meet at the Rusty Dragon later, True; no worries."
"Hey Jarguie, who's that man who just left? One of your crew? And where can we find Crispin's ship?"
If she feels she can intercept the man, she'll use Expeditious Retreat once outside, and tell Jo'no: "Meet me there! I'll wait for you as long as possible."
Jo'no appears a little stunned, not knowing who Tania is asking about. He will follow Tania outside, and if the person she points out is within Daze range (25') then Jo'no will cast the spell, otherwise as Tania suggested he will head to where he believes Crispin's ship is, trying to use the most direct route (Knowledge (local) Check: .
Jo'No, Tania, True and Feldspar
Tania quickly rushes to the door and activates her innate magic as she catches site of teh man hurrying down the road. With a burst of enhanced speed she quickly catches him and pulls up in front of the sailor, who gawwps in surprise at the sudden appearence of the beautiful girl in front of him. "Gods o' the sea girl! What are you about!"
Jo'No meanwhile moves out of the tavern behind her, a few interested patrons trailing him just in time to see his friend catch the man some distance down the road.
His head turns sharply though as a familiar voice calls a greeting to him from the opposite direction. True and Feldspar where moving towards him, having spent the last ten minutes tracking them down by asking about town. They both look curiously at the tableau down the street, having just witnessed Tania dash after what appears to be a sailor at phenominal speed.
Algus and Idrian
June suddenly notices Algus and she flinches back slightly in shock at the alchemists appearence. "Oh, you have a ...friend with you." She looks a little unsure for a moment before continuing. "Perhaps he could go find father while you come and deal with the "thing" that attacked April in the cellar?"
Her tone isn't unpleasent, but she isn't seeming very responsive to Algus.
Tania smiles first at the man's comment, their she let the smile disappear from her face, looking menacingly: "Before my friend here turns you into a talking frog, how about you tell us why you're so interested in us?"
With a nod to Feldspar, True hustles after Tania at best speed, which isn't any faster than a dwarf in full plate.
"If there's trouble, then I'll need him close by to help. June, you continue to search for your father while April leads us back to take care of the thing." Idrian puts a comforting hand on April's shoulder. "It will all turn out ok. Just trust me."
Feldspar returns True's nod and hurries after, hand on his warhammer.
"My apologies if my appearance is unsettling, but Idrian is right. we can't be taking any risks...." Algus says to the young woman, trying to slightly comfort her.
Algus lifts the mask off his face as if a lid, giving a faint smile to April. "Worry not. there's but a simple human under this mask..."
Jo'No looks back at the patrons following him out, "Just some personal business, please leave it be."
Diplomacy check:
Jo'No runs ahead to catch up to Tania.
Tania, True, Feldspar and Jo'No
The small crowd of folk that are gathered near Jo'No and the now running True and Feldspar, let out a shout of protest as they see one of their new hero's treated so roughly. The chase is on.
Explanation for Tania and Co.
Algus and Idrian
Behind them, an old drunk sitting out the front of the Barracks chuckles at the looks on the faces of both men before swigging deeply from a jug of spirits."Women eh? Who can figure 'em he slurs through his blackened teeth and sour smelling beard.
Idrian stands stunned for a moment. "Algus, I think you may have just saved me from a fate both wonderful and terrible at the same time. Stay close, though, you never know when they'll strike next."
Tania curses as she falls to the ground. Rolling on her stomach, she pushes herself back up but, instead of running, flashes a grin, moves her hands in a complex pattern and intones, with a perfect pitch: "Luuuuuubrrrrikaaaaaaaaah!"
"Wait...what just happened?" Algus asks Idrian, rather quizzed at this strange happening. having lived so long as a fringe hermit and shut-in, these kinds of things are all bizarre happenings in his mind.
He firmly places the mask back into his face after a moment, however. "It was a favorable result though, yes? in which case we ought to make haste. tell me, where would you think these Creedy fellows would be hiding around?..."
"We'll continue with the plan. Ask after them at each tavern in town. We'll have some drinks, get into a fight or two, and, hopefully, find what we're looking for."
Angered by the actions taken against Tania, Feldspar redoubles his effort and runs at his top speed after the fleeing human.
True calls out help as she plods at dwarf speed, "someone stop that man. He is wanted for assault!"
Tania, True, Feldspar and Jo'No
"If'n you wanna tangle then I got a sharp 'n shiny too wench" he spits out, brandishing the thing in front of him. He seems extremely angry for a man who Tania merely asked a question of.
The others are far behind the scene, but closing fast since they are running to catch up. True and Feldspar both feel they will close the gap in a few short seconds, their combat experience helping them work the distances as they run.
Despite Jo'No's best efforts, the crowd simply ignores his pleas to go back inside and begin jogging down the road after "the towns newest celebrities". The shouts of "Fight!" are soon heard down the street, attracting more attention.
At the extra attention, the man facing Tania truly becomes angry. "If the town guard gets me, it'll be both our lives girl. Now leave well enough alone!" There is a hint of desperation there now as well.
Algus and Idrian
A tired looking waitress moves over to the men, her lips stained with the tell tale blue of a Pesh user, her eyes a little glazed and vacant. "What can I get you boys" she states, standing a little close and pushing her ample chest out a little, in a bid to be aluring. It is obvious that her heart isn't in it though, and she is just going through the motions.
Looking at the motley and dangerous gathering within the enclosed space, all Idrian can think about is that he really does need to get a weapon better suited for fighting in such quarters.
"Just some information. We're looking for the Creedy's" He says as smoothly as he can, hoping to prevent the violence that he knows is coming. He did promise the sheriff after all.
Diplomacy
Knowing that the words Idrian just uttered may certainly bring trouble, no matter how smooth or sweetened they may be, Algus starts looking around for anyone that was particularly piqued by them.
"I hope you know what you're doing, Idrian...I don't think either of us are equipped for close-quarters. I have my bombs, but...that could be more trouble than it's worth.", he whispers to Idrian, as he examines the surroundings.
"You starting the shoving, and you're getting trouble for it. Now I just want to talk, but I can hand you your ass first if you prefer!"
Tania raises her sword, but actually stands ready to cast Grease instead if the man moves to attack her or flee.
Idrian and Algus
The look on the waitress' face told another story though. At the mention of the Creedy boys, her eyes widen a little and she quickly casts a glance around the area to see if anyone heard them. Seeing that no one had, she quickly laughs and puts a hand on Idrians arm, leading him towards a table "Sure thing hon, I'll get you what you want, no problems"she says a little too loudly.
Once both men are in their seats, she leans in close an whispers "Don't throw that name around here too loudly boys, or you're like as not to get your throt slit." She appraises both men briefly, before standing back a little and resting her hand on her hip. Her eyes have cleared slightly, most likely with the adrenaline that Idrian's question obviously triggered in her. "Now me.." she says quietly "for a few slips of the kings own crown, I could let you know a thing or two about those boys". Again she syas loudly "I'll be back with your drinks gents" and walks quickly away, giving Algus and Idrin time to talk.
Algus notes at least two groups looking at them, but for what reason he's not sure. The glances are certainly fertive enough, but at this stage, no one has made any aggressive moves.
Tania, True, Jo'No and Feldspar
Tania (sense motive DC14)
"I guess I can part with some gold...so long as it helps on the quest to find these Creedy punks...", Algus whispers to Idrian as he pulls out a small amount of gold coins in order to pay for his information.
He looks around for a moment too, taking out a small flask of his usual drink. As he opens the lid-like mask he wears, he tries to check for any individuals that could be related to the Creedy Boys, or have collaborated with them in the past.
Idrian whispers while covering Algus' purse. "Don't show your money. Some of these 'gents' would likely come at us for a silver let alone that much money." He gives the room an intimidating glare. "If trouble starts, lead with your best and move toward the door. If you have to set this place to blaze. It might give us the door we need to make good our escape." He smiles at the thought of burning down the establishment. "If it comes to that that is."
Perception check to notice who is noticing us.
Perception
Sense Motive to figure out where our trouble will come from
Sense Motive