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Pozuket shrugs off his backpack and tucks his crossbow away in it. Stretching, now that he's free of the weight (it looks almost as heavy as he does), he approaches the hole. "If someone can transport my backpack when they leave, I can ride the crate down to guide it. I'm going to add far less weight to what that decrepit contraption will need to support than anyone else here."
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With the party working well together it is only a short matter of time and some slightly madcap antics before the crate is neatly lowered into the boat Florentine has positioned below. The crate was rather heavy, and Grogson was surprised with the weight of it.
That being said, the odd man/crane combo and some iffy moments ends in a triumph and the crate is brought back to be unloaded.
Cracking open the weighty crate reveals a bit of a surprise haul, The rescued crate holds a smaller mahogany box inside, which contains five books and a few loose sheets of paper in a leather folder. The titles and subjects seem completely unrelated to each other: Practical Thaumaturgy In Accordance with Creation, Geographic Anomalies of the Inner Sea, Under Kaer Maga: A Trial and Travel, Physiology of Dragons: An Illustrated Reference, Lost Sarusan. The leather folder contains cargo manifestos, warehouse inventories, and other financial logs from a dozen different merchant houses and trade guilds.
The crate also contains 10 sets of masterwork thieves’ tools, three flasks of alchemist’s fire, a flask of acid, a dozen jars of various inks, a footprint book, adamantine weapon blanch, three bags of powder, a deck of marked cards, and two sets of average loaded dice.
Seeing your work here is done, you return to Gauril and complete the task, he seems rather thankful and spreads his wise grin knowingly as you conclude your dealings with him "Perhaps there's more work in future, should you be interested..." he suggests as you leave.
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The Ascendant Court is closest to the Docks...and helping those orphans get their medecine should very well be a priority. So off to the Temple of the Shining Star?
Jivokun passed around the map and their list of tasks to anyone that cared to check. He patted his pouch to reassure himself that his shiny new set of picks were secure and checked their surroundings...I know we were being followed before...
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Departing from a job well done, it isn’t long before the party departs the Docks and finds themselves in the Ascendant Court where a celebration appears to be picking up pace.
No one enjoys paying taxes. Every year, though, on the 15th of Gozran, priests of the church of Abadar spend the day walking city streets, doing what they can to make the bitter pill of annual taxes a bit easier to swallow. From dawn to dusk, clerics of Abadar attend the tax collectors of sizable communities as the tax wagons roll from door to door. More than just aiding in the yearly errand, the faithful personally thank every citizen for contributing to the improvement of their city, extol the public works funded by their contributions, and foretell the grandeur of civic projects to come. The disenfranchised and destitute they attempt to comfort as best they can, quoting from their god's dogma on work and worthiness, but this is not a day for discounts or deferrals.
At dusk, the Abadarans host several celebrations in parks, plazas, and other communal areas about the city, organizing donations and contributions from local vendors to feed and entertain all comers. Having already preached to most of the city over the course of the day, the clerics perform only a brief opening ceremony, dedicating the feast to Abadar, the city, and its great people. These celebrations are often quite distinct from neighborhood to neighborhood and are almost always divided along economic boundaries.
The festivities involving the wealthiest citizens usually happen on the steps of city hall or other grand civic buildings and feature the best music and food, but often little more than polite card and guessing games. These galas usually wrap up by midnight.
For the common folk, the parks and marketplaces take on a carnival atmosphere, with simple but good food, local ales, performances by talented citizens, and games of chance going on well into the night. A prevailing superstition through these festivals is that, during the celebration, it's lucky to kiss—or in some regions, pinch—a cleric of Abadar, leading to many a rosy cheeked cleric.
Even the city's poor are given reason to celebrate, as the local temple of Abadar hosts a cheery but unabashedly religious gathering on its steps, feeding all comers, doling out a hearty ration of wine, singing hymns of the faith, and providing tokens for a second wine ration for any who return to attend a service within the month.
For a holiday that revolves around paying taxes, this Abadaran festival isn't as reviled as one might expect.
The party stops briefly to enjoy some of the festivities and to partake in some of the feasting laid on as part of the Abadarian celebration. With satiated bellies and high spirits from participation in a little relaxation, you turn your minds back to the job at hand...
Entering the center of the City at the Center of the World you find yourseves in the Ascendant Court — Absalom's religious hub, the site of ascension of four gods, and the final resting place of the Starstone itself. The streetscape is crowded with temples and shrines to the various deities of Golarion, and standing out amongst these marvels is the cathedral of the Starstone. Located at the heart of Absalom, it serves as a hub between other districts: all roads in the Ascendant Court lead to the Starstone. You pass several of the local guards, the Graycloaks, so called because of their uniform light gray wool cloaks, keeping the peace dutifully and with an even handed approach.
Pozuket continues imparting more of his local knowledge, informing the party that apart from the Starstone Cathedral one can find a number of major temples such as Sarenrae's Temple of the Shining Star, the Pleasure Salon of Calistria, Cayden's Hall, and the Seventh Church, site of one of Iomedae's miraculous acts, and the Cathedral of the Fallen which honors those who attempted and failed at the Test of the Starstone.
Religious fervor and zealotry can be found in the streets and plazas of the Ascendant Court and with a religious celebration in full swing it is certainly living up to its reputation, and once again, Jivokun is quick to point out some other ‘colour’; with the crowds of pilgrims, fools and heroes with aspirations of divinity, and gawkers who don't care whether they witness a success or a failure all flocking to this holy site come those interested in pilfering a few purses or running a little racket at the expense of the out-of-town rubes...
Arriving at the Temple of the Shining Star, you are immediately directed to Ollysta Zadrian. This paladin of Sarenrae is young in her years, but holds herself with the poise of a queen and warrior simultaneously. As she notices you all, she strides forward, addressing the group in a strong voice.
“Thank the light of Sarenrae you have arrived! I knew Ambrus would come through for us in the Silver Crusade. I desperately need you to bring medicine to an orphanage and let me know if the headmistress, Gilga Baltwin, is deserving of our charity. Since our quest began, the needy have clamored for our aid, and I suspect some are abusing our generosity. It may sound cruel, but there are plenty of dishonest people out in the world eager for easy gold”.
She looks a little dismayed, but continues “Do you know of the Silver Crusade? After discovering so many factions splintered the Society, a number of us banded together to proliferate the cause of charity and kindness using the Society’s resources. As it is said, ‘The Dawn brings new light’ and I’ve made it my life’s work to use our recent darkness to bring a new light to the world and to the Pathfinder Society. I apologize for straying off point. Will you bring this parcel of medicine to Auntie Baltwin’s Home for Recovery in the Eastgate district?”
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Florentine looked a little comfused. He had heard of a few different factions within the pathfinders but as far as his limited information went they all tried to do good, though inslightly ddifferent ways. If the crusade was dedicated specifically doing good then he was greatly disturned at how splintered the society might be. A group is strongest when united. Whatever I do, I must try to unite the pathfinders in any way I can
"We will confirm the sincerity of the headmistress. What should we do if we find she is not fit for her job?"
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"Dishonesty does seem to run rampant in this city and around those who seek to do good. I hope that we can find the answers you seek, as well anything positive we can do for your Crusade," Aranan says as he watches the paladin carefully, hoping he doesn't need to suspect her of any misdeeds after his last...task.
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Pozuket leafs through the books on the way to return them, particularly Geographic Anomalies. He reluctantly lets them go back to their intended recipient, but then follows along to the next district.
"How long has she been running this orphanage? And do you care whether she is simply not as effective at her job as she could be, or are you only looking for active fraud?"
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The paladin listens thoughtfully to your questions, measuring them well and taking the time to consider her replies,
"Madame Zadrian, are there any specific reasons you are suspicious of this headmistress Baltwin?"
”Only that there are rumour of her curious nature, and whispers here and there. The Silver Crusade gives no credit to sourceless whispers and idle gossip, and seek only to determine the balance of an individual based upon their true deeds and actions, thus I would appeal to you to keep an open mind and not rise to judgment early”
"We will confirm the sincerity of the headmistress. What should we do if we find she is not fit for her job?"
”Should you find evidence of her wrongdoing, or hold grave suspicions, simply bring the sum of your fears and report them to us. Evidence, direct witness accounts, anything of the sort would certainly help us form an opinion”
"How long has she been running this orphanage? And do you care whether she is simply not as effective at her job as she could be, or are you only looking for active fraud?"
” Auntie Baltwin’s Home for Recovery has long been known for being a place where sick kids go to get better, and the results seem amazing, and she has been running the place for many, many, years. There is no doubt she is effective at her job, and without the Home for Recovery many young lives may have been lost or damaged, however we need to ensure that our benevolence is spread to the needy of righteous hearts and where it can do the most good. If there is fraud in such a place, then our benevolence is in vain”
Ollysta meets the reassurances of Aranan and Grogson with a comforted and reassured smile, one born of dignity and grace.
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Raoul carefully studies the paladin. Normally I can't stand those who conduct themselves so righteously. However, Madame Zadrian seems to walk the walk. He furrows his brow a bit as if in deep thought, then gives a slight bow to Ollysta Zadrian. "Thank you for your guidance, Madame. I'm sure that we'll be able to complete this task for you."
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Raoul finds himself eager to fulfill this task as quickly and cleanly as possible. "I say we head to Miss Baltwin's establishment. Perhaps we can ask around and see if the neighbors feel she's on the up an' up." With that, Raoul begins to head towards the orphanage, but turns to wait for his companions.
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As the group starts to walk to the orphanage, Aran looks to them, "Perhaps, Raoul, I believe knowing more of what we are walking into would be a good plan. I don't know about you gentlemen, but I always prefer to know as much of what I am about to be dealing with before I actually face the task at hand. Proper planning prevents pot poor performance is what my father always said..."
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As he gets to the doorway, Raoul lets out a sigh and turns to the half-elf, "We're delivering medicine to an old woman and finding out if she's been honest in her dealings with this Silver Crusade. What could happen?" Raoul's hand then goes to where the rat bit him in their previous encounter. He shakes off his moment of doubt.
"Well, what do you think we should do, daddy's boy? You can tell us on the way to the orphanage. I don't wanna waste any time."
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Eastgate appears to be a typical sort of residential district that could be found in just about any larger city that you could name. Small houses sit cheek by jowl along cobbled road and pathways, with thatcthed rooves sitting like badly fitting wigs atop the tenancies, which consist of single story dwellings through to two to three level terraces. Occasionally a more stately home is passed with the smallcomforts one might expect of a trader or merchant, with most of the houses likely belonging to ordinary folk working ordinary jobs. Only occasionally do you get splashed with the odd drop of water falling from clothes lines suspended above the streetscape like the sails of a fleet of galleons making way down the roads.
Generally the place appears fairly quiet and orderly with the Guard keeping a more discerning eye out in an area where crime would have fairly personal tones, whilst scallywags might thieve from a business and that is to be expected, and to some extent understood, returning to a robbed house is another thing again.
The party now finds itself outside the orphanage, staring at a nice home with a wide open doorway. Nearly swarming with cats and children, this fine upper-class home appears to be clean and in good condition considering the number and ages of its inhabitants. Three young boys shoot marbles in the dirt near the side porch, and inside strewn toys and more cats lie about on the floors. A few children take care of chores, while coughs and sneezes softly erupt from the children’s dormitories upstairs.
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Just slightly reassured that this Silver Crusade was also working to do what it could to keep the Society together; Jivokun followed along as the elf and dandy bantered. The half elf had a few doubts which came when dealing with anyone of a highly religious nature.
How could anyone run an orphanage with ill content? Seems abhorrent. Her sincerity should be plain to see. But a few questions here and there wont hurt.
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Glancing at Raoul over his comment. "Honestly, I think we should see what sort of reputation this woman has. If the Pathfinders are giving her resources and there is some doubt in her...needs...then we should see what those near her think of her. It is how you handle business dealings. If you are on the up and up, that is," completely ignoring the daddy's boy comment, knowing how far and how close it is to the truth.
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Keeping a look out as they walk, he remembers the faces that seemed to disappear last time. You're just being paranoid on your first mission. Likely there is absolutely no danger and we are just being tested.
Getting to the orphanage Flo stands to the side, letting someone else knock on the door. He wasn't sure why he was being so apprehensive.
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Raoul gives Aranan's words some thought, "Well, how about some of us ask around and the rest deliver the goods and take a look around. If she's mistreating the little 'un's, it shouldn't be too hard to suss out." He glances at the children playing in the yard. "Hmm, maybe asking the kids what they think of Ms. Baltwin."
He then makes his way to the nearest group of kids. "Hey there! My name is Raoul. My friends and I are here to visit with Ms. Baltwin. Tell me, what do you think of Ms. Baltwin? Does she treat you well?"
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Pozuket has been thinking on the walk over, and distracted, so he doesn't realize what Raoul is intending before it's too late. To the others, in a low voice: "We ought to inquire among the neighbors as to how they feel about the presence of this orphanage on their doorstep. Whether Ms. Baltwin mistreats those in her care, has odd deliveries in the middle of the night, or simply has some unusual eccentricities... In a place like this, the neighbors will know."
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The boys shooting marbles out front were the sort that reminded Jivo of himself at that age and he figured that they had a good handle on the state of affairs in the orphanage. He decided to stick around and see how they answered Raoul and let the others know that.
Go ahead and check with the neighbors. Most are typically nosy and will no doubt fill you ears with tales. I'll back up Raoul here.
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Pozuket - "We ought to inquire among the neighbors as to how they feel about the presence of this orphanage on their doorstep. Whether Ms. Baltwin mistreats those in her care, has odd deliveries in the middle of the night, or simply has some unusual eccentricities... In a place like this, the neighbors will know."
Florentine - "I will do some asking around as well. Perhaps we should start with the neighbours."
Miltivis, a nearby market vendor, claims he’s served Auntie Baltwin for over 30 years, and while a good customer, ”she is quite demanding and often rude to the other customers” and also adds almost jokingly that ”she’s kept my supplier of fine whiskeys in business for decades!”
Closer to home, Baltwin’s neighbors Travost and Tirelle Anthos are frankly tired of ”All the the noises the children make and the retinue of cats, but at least the cats are worth something in that they keep the mouse numbers low”
They also mention that ”Suppose it’s not noisy all the time, we get a few hours peace and quiet when the old crone sends the children “off into the town” during the day, and can at least have some silence til they all come home for dinner”
At an estate across the street, Master Trebb Bonto, a retired builder, says nothing but nice things of ‘Lady Baltwin’, as he calls her. ”She’s lovely with those kids she is” he gushes ”warms my heart to see her holding games and tea parties on the porch for the kids, sometimes she even has the adults over after for a few games”. Pozuket and Florentine exchange glances quickly as they sense something else and press the man further ”Well alright I suppose, look, she often cheats at games and sometimes has some shady characters coming to whisper in her ear and palm her small bags of what might have been money before slinking away again, but I suppose it takes all shapes and sizes, suppose those kids could be anyones, can’t judge eh?” he seems to almost half plead ”Otherwise a she’s a fine,fine lady, indeed” he adds before begging his leave and getting back to work.
Raoul - "Hey there! My name is Raoul. My friends and I are here to visit with Ms. Baltwin. Tell me, what do you think of Ms. Baltwin? Does she treat you well?"
Jivokun - “Go ahead and check with the neighbors. Most are typically nosy and will no doubt fill you ears with tales. I'll back up Raoul here.
The children initially look a touch surprised, you expect they are some of the younger ones. They seem to react fairly positively to Raouls approach, and then warm even more as Jivokun joins him. Whilst most of the kids go back to playing, a couple circle round and look at the pair of scallywag grown ups ”Are you fairies?” the child enquires, pointing at your ears ”In the fun stories Auntie reads us each night they always say you are a short, but you are much taller. Do you go on fun adventures? Auntie says fairies and pixies are always stealing lollies and cakes and making people laugh. She makes nice cakes Auntie does, she’s a great cook. I like apples best, do you like apples?” some other kids join in on the talk of food, and pretty soon they forget the pair of you whilst they debate which meal she makes is the ‘best’.
Meanwhile Grogson and Aranan maintain a careful watch on the comings and goings of people, keeping an eye out for any familiar faces that might be creeping around. Whilst there aren’t any people of suspicious nature, they do a slow but steady stream of children making their way back to the orphanage, looking rather wearied and tired but still upbeat as they exchange questions with each other and speculate on the evenings meal. Both Grogson and Aranan note soot marks on some of their clothing, whereas others seem to be a bit damp. Striking up a conversation with some other local kids kicking rocks around the street as some sort of odd game to which the party doesn’t know the rules, some of the kids and their parents seem to paint a picture that they think Baltwin is a mean old bag, but everyone agrees it is still great what she is doing for the children.
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Aran doesn't like the look of the children, so before one of the children walks in that is covered with soot, he leans down and waves the kid over.
Good afternoon, m'lord, I was hoping you might tell me something. You and your friends are all coming in looking as if it has been a long day working, could you tell me what it is you have been up to? I may need some work done about my house and I was wondering what sort you lot are getting done,"
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Raoul laughs a bit at the fairies comment. He's been called much worse in his day. He steps away from this group as he notices the older children returning to the orphanage. Is she sending them off to work all day?
He turns his attention back to the kids, "Yes, yes, I love cakes too. It sounds like 'Auntie' makes some lovely treats." He then gestures towards the older children returning to the orphanage, "Wow, those boys sure look like they've been hard at work. That's nice that Auntie lets them work and earn some money for themselves..." He watches the faces of the children, hoping to get at the truth of the matter. I do hope she's not collecting all their wages, that's not something that would sit right with me.
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Aranan:
The kid looks at Aranan, not sure what to make of him, "You'd best come in and speak to Auntie if you need help, Auntie is good at finding helpers for things" The child seems fairly happy, just a tad washed out "There will be afternoon tea on soon, with cakes and all, better get in there quick if you plan on getting the best ones!" the kid gets caught back up in his gaggle and heads inside, clearly intent on not missing his share.
Raoul:
"Lots of jobs to do if you want to earn your keepsies!" the child replies, but says nothing further on the matter, instead getting back to determining if Raoul is a fairy or actually a really tall pixie. The children seem to form a bit of a council on the matter and continue to offer wisened counsel to one another on the nature of Fey folk.
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Whispering to Aranan, "What sort of work might a child get themselves in to in a place Abaslom? I am thinking it might be of the sort people of normal height and age may have difficulty." Looking the children over he further attempts to tell what their health appears to be. "Not too sure how in need these kiddos are of this package neither."
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Pozuket muses outloud, for the benefit of his companions: "A drunk, a gambler, and perhaps even shadier dealings. Or so we are being led to believe. Still, it may be forgivable if she treats the kids well and doesn't use orphanage funds for it, although I don't know if Lady Zadrian would see it that way."
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Grogson gives the kids a quiet once over, looking at theier skin and noting its healthy colour, and seeing that they are certainly not malnourished. They seem to be in pretty good shape and well looked after in general, only the fresh dirt of the day is caked upon them; it looks as though they would otherwise be kept fairly clean.
"What happens if you don't earn your keepsies?"
The kids look around a bit confused, as though this might be some sort of possibility. "No Mister Elf, everyone earns their keepsies, we all have our chores to do, don't you have to do chores?" The child seems still a bit bewildered, as though he never thought of not doing his job. "We like helping Auntie, if we dont do the work then she has to, then who's going to make our cakes and read us stories?" the child appeals to your sense of reason.
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Hah! You're too smart shorty. Jivkoun said with a genuine smile. We do have chores. Thats what sucks about growing up; you cant escape having chores no matter how old you get but they can go hand in hand with adventures.
The stocky half elf fished in his pouch for the four silver pieces there and handed one out to each kid.
Right now we need to see your Auntie. Is she in?