[AP] The Shackled City Adventure Path by GM Rutseg (Inactive)

Game Master Balacertar

When he's studied the man enough, his pupils constrict, the blues of his eyes becoming more discernible. Well, that doesn't make this any easier. Kikinnin looks to Dandarrion. "You think of a way these men can avoid facing the law for what they've done?" His own time with the guard, he'd never run into a situation where guards themselves would abuse the law like this. When Ryan speaks up, he nods in agreement.

He turns to Ruphus. "I suppose if you consider your beating in the alleyway a 'misunderstanding', you'd give these men a chance to avoid prosecution. Otherwise, I can't let them go, myself." The black-beard dwarf looks at the others, interested to hear what they may think.

Dandarrion considers his companions remarks then looks at the guardsmen as he addresses his companions, "They're telling the truth about the poor pay of the town guard."

Shaking his head he addresses the guardsmen, "But that doesn't excuse your criminal behavior. I have some questions and your honesty will determine what is to become of you." Pausing to look each of the assailants in the eyes and he resumes, his questioning, "Where can we find this Jill and how do you usually contact the last laugh?"

He considers for a moment, "who else in the guard earns extra coin this way?"

Sense Motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7

At Ruphus' words, Marigold feels a tightening in her chest.

Three days ago...no wonder I've not heard about it and I've not been by since last week, I've just been so busy...

Nonono, stay calm or you won't be able to make any sense to anyone but JJ again!

Though she had remained largely silent while the others interrogated the one conscious thug, something in his tone grabs her attention and she gives him an appraising look.

Sense Motive (DC 15): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

"H-he's telling the truth," she offers quietly. "If the wages are as poor as Dandarrion says, and I believe him, then it's no wonder they're all taking to crime. They can't keep their families fed as it is." She gives the man a disapproving look. "Y-you should've gone to Pelor's shrine or St. Cuthbert's t-though. Surely one of those p-places would've offered to h-help."

Ruben gives a little nod to the indignant halfling before him.

It's Lachance, Ruben Lachance.

And for what it's worth, he's right. Barely a dozen silver between them - which you're not getting back by the way - I say let them crawl under whatever rock they came from, they won't forget that beating in a hurry.

Besides, I have great connections at the town guard and I know everyone of your faces and your addresses. You think they don't keep records of that stuff? Luckily for me I have what they call a 'perfect recall.' Doctors reckon they've never seen anything like it. I ever see you on the street doing anything but patrolling it won't be the flat of the blade next time, understand?

bluff: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Maxim stares hard at Ruphus, then back to Marigold;

"Huh... Seems Miss Montajay is a better judge of character than I. If you reckon his words ring true, then that's good enough for me little lady..."

As he mulls the moral discussion, the gun mage shrugs his shoulders;

"Folks do all sorts for coin. Seen it myself plenty. More desperate the need, more desperate the deed..."

Ruphus answers Kikinnin "As much as I do not want harm to these people's family, I do fear to walk in a city where these things can go unpunished." the cleric thinks on it for a while then resolves "I am sure their reasons can be taken into consideration by the authorities, but the ultimate responsibility of what happened is theirs. I say hand them to the guard."

The thug implores "But we are no part of the Last Laugh, we have no idea where they are based if they are based anywhere. This Jil just contacted us when going out of the Tipped Tankard Inn as she has done before." he makes a pause "We were to leave when you arrived, you draw your weapons first, she was observing us... it is no good to have the Last Laugh against you... we could not show weakness in front of her"

The man continues answering Dandarrion questions "We do not know whom else might have worked before for the Last Laugh, but you know how so many people have to take on extra tasks after the watch. Sometimes those tasks are just not that honorable as you would have expected"

The thug and Ruphus make a halt then waiting for your decision. The watch barracks are not far from the temple of Abadar.

Dandarrion considers for a second then responds to the guardsmen, " you deserve to be locked up for what you've done." He pause takes a breath and continues, "however, I was once given a second chance so I'll do the same to you. Here are the terms, forsake your criminal activities and if this Jill contacts you again let me know."

Turning to the others in the alley, he realizes he know most, he says, If these men agree to the terms, I suggest we let them go and escort this good priest back to his temple."

The man nods to Dandarrion "Of course Dandarrion. We will let you know if she tries to contact us again. It is the fault of the Lord Major and those merchants against raising taxes" he looks at Maxim at this point "But what can we do... we will look after other sources of income. If I can talk for my friends, we will avoid the Last Laugh and try to starve with dignity. We are the defenders of this city... but whom defends us?"

He looks down and says "Agreed..."

You know what, I left my violin in my other breeches. You think you're the only onea who have it tough? Give me a break. You do what you need to do to survive in this place. Either work to make it better or if you get caught, you better know there's gonna be a consequence.

He shakes his head at the man's naivety.

Maxim matches the thug's stare and scoffs a gout of cigar smoke at his assertions;

"Heh. Always the way of it. Man's greed means he does crime. Gets caught, so blames the coin and not his own lack of moral backbone... Textbook."

The dwarf pauses to spit momentarily;

"LaChance has the right of it. So save the preaching to the priests and prophets... Don't be blaming those who make their way and their living without betraying what and who they stand for..."

Maxim also shakes his head and claps Ruben's shoulder;

"Hel's Teeth! If this a fine example of this city's defenders best we that quiet from its enemies eh? Har!"

Kikinnin nods in firm agreement with Ruben and Maxim. "Sorry, Dandarrion, I don't think you're in the seat to be giving second chances, to of all folk, those sworn to uphold the Law. Ruphus has the right of it. Can't have two-faced guards getting set free to breed more."

The black-beard dwarf looks at the clown guard. "At least you won't be starving, for the time you're locked up. Can't say the same for your families. You best pray they find their way to temple."

Kikinnin will insist the captured are delivered to the barracks.

Sense Motive (Ruben): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

Marigold gives Ruben a curious look but then shrugs. "W-well, stranger things have happened than someone with p-perfect recall."

Turning her attention back to the thug, she sighs. Though she was inclined to be sympathetic like Dandarrion, she also knew that there were some things there was no arguing with Kikinnin about. "It doesn't look like letting you all go free is an option. But I think if you explain yourselves, they'll go easier on you."

Don't really want to get involved, but their families don't deserve to starve for their mistakes.

"Um...and I'm not a cleric or anything like that, but I do know Kristof Jurgensen at Pelor's shrine. I can try talking to him, maybe they'll be able to help your families in the meantime. Was already planning to go speak with him anyway..."

With 2(+Ruphus) vs 1 and 2 abstentions I think we can move on with this

The man becomes silent as you start to push him to the town's guard barracks. There Dandarrion takes the lead to hand them to the guard explaining everything that happened. There are some moments of tension until Captain Terseon Skellerang intervenes "This is not acceptable in Cauldron's guard. Let this be an example, arrest them and place a 50gp fine for each of them."

Turning to Dandarrion he acknowledges his work "I understand how difficult this had probably been for you, but holding the reputation of the body is important for us. I will remember this Dandarrion" and to the others he says "Thanks all of you for helping keep the order in the city"

After interchanging some words (feel free to add anything even if we move on) you escort Ruphus Laro to St. Cuthbert's Church. The two-story temple, its white marble walls suffused with veins of vivid blue, stands in stark contrast to the buildings of bare black stone that flank it on the north end of Obsidian Avenue. A pair of white marble statues depicting armored warriors stands on either side of the temple's heavy oaken door. Each of the statues raises a great mace to the sky. Above the door's marble architrave are boldly inscribed the following words: WITHIN LAW LIVES HOPE.

As you reach the entrance with the rain over your heads, you see through the water curtain a couple of guards standing side by side of the doors. One of them advances "Ruphus? What happened to you? Have you found the kids?"

Aleck Tercival rapidly acknowledges also Ryan and his nephew among the group "What is going on? Why such a large party here today?"

Standing on the threshold of The House of St Cuthbert, Maxim looks up at the engraved words and inwardly sighs:

Ah these Cudgelites... Whose hope I wonder? Whose law? Feh. Who am I to argue. Who am I to care? Plenty of marble means they have plenty of coin... means they may reward...

As Tervicel addresses the company, Maxim answers wryly;

"Oh just some honest sheepdogs bringing safely home one of your precious flock from the jaws of corrupt wolves Master Tercival..."

Sorry, can be hard to get a post in while at work somedays. As Maxim's prone to say this is a chatty bunch.

While in the Alley
Ryan listens to the conversation going back and forth, with valid points made on both sides. Himself, conflicted because the law has been his structure growing up; Kikinnin and Reuben both siding with the law in this instance. While he also has the understanding that the nobility and Merchants guild have a responsibility to people. One that they don't seem to be fulfilling, with Marigold's assertion the men are speaking the truth and Dondarrion also seeming to back their claim that they guard pay is not enough to support a family.

At the guard's barracks he take a moment to speak with Captain Terseon Skellerang if he will take the time to do so.

Later at the Church

Smile growing wider at Maxim's reply...

"Greetings Aleck, it seems that the Last Laugh took exception to Ruphus' inquiries into the childrens disappearances and sent a group over to 'ask' him to stay away. When we indicating the group with his arms came upon them, the good cleric was on the ground being kicked. They have been subdued and turned over to the guard captain, however, one named Jil got away across the rooftops.

Before I go, you should know, your nephew there has a good way with his hands when it comes to healing. Acquitted his self well with the sword as well in defense of Ruphus."

Ryan will take his leave for the moment to report to his superior.

"Corrupt wolves in the town guard..." muses Aleck as Maxim speaks. He then nods to Ryan report "Well done Ryan, you are becoming a basic pillar of this Church. I have been fearing this corruption to be rampant for a time already, this is just a confirmation of my fears. Those Last Laugh criminals need to be weeded from root. I am sure they are responsible of all those kidnappings, although I have also heard the responsible is a secret guild of halfling rogues. But let's join with Jenya." the paladin makes a signal to the other guard to keep on the temple's door and then he moves inside with your group.

As JJ crosses by the paladin tabs his shoulder "So you have decided finally to place your sword to the side of light... your father would be proud of you. What are those healing capabilities Ryan is talking about?"

Upon entering the temple, Ruphus is greeted by an acolyte and taken to Jenya's chambers. Meanwhile, you are given warm blankets and invited to dry off and enjoy some hot tea.

While you wait for Ruphus to get out from his meeting with Jenya Aleck shares even more rumours with you "I have heard Gryffon Malek, the barkeep from the Tipped Tankard tavern disappeared 66 days ago. Although I think that might be related to his planned wedding to this singer, Lyssa Haventree"

Aleck seems very troubled and worried "In addition something has been rilling up wild animals in the area for the last several months. In particular, the lowland baboons seem to have become especially hostile lately. Something is moving in Cauldron, I tell you. I will get to the end of this"

Although grateful for the warm blanket and hot tea, Marigold fidgets nervously as they sit and wait for Ruphus to finish giving his report.

They mean well, but this place is so imposing...

When Alek inquires as to JJ's healing ability, she shoots him a surprised look but then catches herself and quickly looks away again.

Dummy, of course JJ wouldn't have told him about that! Would've just made his uncle press him harder about joining the guard...or even the clergy here.

As the paladin continues sharing rumors with the assembled group, the mention of Lyssa causes her to perk up. "I know Lyssa! We've been friends since, well...since forever. It's been harder to keep in touch now that we're older, but that's okay. She's really been enjoying singing and it sounds like she's been doing well for herself, too. She'd told me a little about Gryffon and I think I met him, once, but..." she trails off and suddenly looks embarrassed. "Um, sorry, I'm rambling...but you say he's been missing? That seems strange. Even though I've not talked to her in several weeks I'd have thought Lyssa would've said something if they were going to elope. Then again...I guess telling someone would defeat the point of eloping. But I've never heard of only one half of the couple eloping at a time..."

As the group sit being served hot tea, Maxim produces a small hip flask and perks up his beverage with its contents.

He then offers it to any of the others;

"Perhaps a small tincture of single malt to warm the bones and lift the soul... Any takers? Tis a good drop, aged one score and 5, and Sasserine Sherry casked..."

As the others consider his offer the gun-mage muses Aleck's words;

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Specifically wondering what Maxim may know of Malek and the Tipped Tankard? (not much based on that roll ;)

Tis strange indeed these missing people. Why hasn't the guard heard anything about this, Dandarrion wonders as he listens to the conversation.

Upon hearing Maxim's offer he replies, "certainly," and takes a swig of the malt beverage.

While some acolytes offer you dry towels to dry yourself, Aleck Tercival nods to Marigold "Perhaps the girl was scared you would not approve the wedding or maybe I was just bad informed. And they are not the only disappeared ones." he makes a pause to kindly reject Maxim's offer and then looking at Dandarrion he continues "I have informed the town's watch of every case I have get to know about in the last month but Terseon Skellerang keeps insisting he already has enough problems trying to keep order with the current watch, and he cannot afford an investigation. All they have done is to keep a list of the disappeared people"

At that point the door opens and a calmer Ruphus Laro comes out "You can go in, Jenya is waiting for you inside. I am going to rest now to my chambers, if there is anything I can do for you later do not hesitate to come and check with me. And thanks again for your help" waving to you Ruphus Laro disappears into the temple inner chambers.

Taking the lead Aleck Tercival goes into Jenya's office and let's you in into the room.

Inside you find a woman with premature streaks of gray in her rich brown hair, and wears a brown robe with golden trim and the key holy symbol of Abadar around her neck. "Thanks a lot for coming to Ruphus help. We are in debt with you and will look after to pay for it. I am sorry Sarcem Delasharn, high priest of the order cannot attend you now" she makes a sign to you offering to sit down and finally enjoy a warm fire.

Jenya protrait

"Despite the recent attack on Ruphus Laro, I have not given up on helping the Lantern Street Orphanage. I guess you are aware of the late disappearances in our city" explains the woman with soft voice.

Aleck intervenes then "Excuse me Jenya, let me go in place of Ruphus, those Last Laugh thugs will not dare to stop me. I can find out what has been done of the children"

"You are our champion Aleck, we need you here, and you walking around town asking for the children would expose our Church too much" answers Jenya patiently, then looking at you she continues "Instead, if let's say one of our acolytes still to be test and his friends check around, no one will consider it an interference." she looks deep at your eyes and smiles "And after the beating you gave those thugs I do not think the Last Laugh will bother with you again"

"If you accept the proposal I can offer a cure moderates potion for each of you if you find the children, plus 2500 gold pieces for the whole group. Do you want to hear the full story?" she looks at you then waiting for your answer.

Maxim sips at his whiskey infused tea, whilst watching and listening intently.

At the mention of the monetary reward, the dwarf momentarily pauses;

"Hmmm... By my reckoning that sum would constitute 357 gold suns, 10 silver moons and 4 copper stars to the purses of each of our company... A generous amount... should we all sign up to this endeavour of course."

Knew these Cugelites had coin aplenty. Seems religion is a profitable enough business... maybe I'm in the wrong line of work.

The dwarf smiles and takes a drains the reminder of his cup;

"I for one would like to hear more Mistress Urikas... and if I may suggest, should we pursue this course of investigation on behalf of our great city, perhaps an advance on our reward... to purchase some minor items that would assist us, could be considered?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 20

350? For asking some questions and finding some runaway kids? And they wonder why those guards were turning to thumb-breaking to feed their families when the church is giving sums like that. Idiots.

Sure, I'm in. he says with a smile. People talk to me, I'm a likeable guy after all.

The black-beard takes a blanket, and briefly wipes his face and neck off, then tosses it near the unused stack of blankets, before joining the others.

Kikinnin sniffs out Maxim's offer of distillate, so downs his tea hastily. He burns his tongue a little, but it serves the greater good, as it makes more room for whatever the blond-beard dispenses. He walks up to Maxim, a tight-lipped grin on his face. "Yes, please, and thank you. I find the whiskey to be the quicker way of warming up against the cold night, myself. Been low on my supply, lately." He chuckles sheepishly.

Listening to Jenya, Kikinnin's demeanor darkens, as it becomes clearer to him there genuinely seems to be an issue with kids missing. Kids are kids, sure. Some of 'em run off, most of 'em come back. The Lantern sees plenty come and go, but now this...

"Talk more about the children, and less about the money."

"Winter tea, by all means. And thank you Maxim" Ryan replies to the dwarf while drying off with the others.

In Jenya's office
The loss of the children bothers Ryan. "Do continue, Jenya. I have met many of these at one point or another in the orphanage over the past 6 years, and likely the ones missing as well on my trips with Ruphus.

Aleck also mentioned the barkeep from the Tipped tankard has been gone almost 2 months. "

That's a long time to go missing and not turn up anywhere. One way or another if you know what I mean. Ruben says, leaving against the wall and picking at his nails with the point of a dagger.

Does he have any family looking for him?

"Talk more about the children, and less about the money."

Dandarion is quick to add, "Although any coin you could spare would be appreciated."

Kikinnin raises an eyebrow at the town guard, but doesn't speak. Well, now. I suppose he's hurting as much as those guards-turned-thugs. Unless he's one of them, with a night off. Gotta keep my eye on him now.

Maxim nods at Dandarrion's charitable appeal;

Lad learns fast. Cold hard coin always oils the path of righteousness...

2500 gold? That's an enormous amount! Even split eight ways...

She flinches.

Shame on you Mari! Kikinnin is right. Money isn't the issue here, it's the missing children.

But how nice would it be to be able to come home and just toss a bag of gold coins on the table like that? It'd be like heaven...maybe then I could afford to actually enroll at Bluecrater...take care of Anafa...

"!"

Ignoring the strange looks that her sudden outburst is likely to garner from the others, Marigold gives Jenya an imploring look. "P-please Miss Urikas, do you know who's gone missing from the orphanage? I...I still have friends there...JJ too, maybe...I didn't know anyone was missing until just a short while ago, I've not been able to go by and visit in several days..."

Jenya nods serious at Maxim “I will advance you a small sum for helping Ruphus, sure”

Aleck Tercival answers Ryan and Ruben worries “As far as I know Gryffon had no family other than his fiancee. He had been living here for more than 20 years now. From what I could come up in the Tipped Tankard, he was last seen with a regular customer called Krylscar Endercott.”

The woman then attends Kikinnin and Ryan petition and glad for the interest starts exposing the facts “Four children were kidnapped from the local orphanage three nights ago. Their names were Deakon, Afana, Lucinda, and Terrem.” she turns to Marigold “I hope those are not one of your friends. The children are the most recent victims in a series of strange disappearance and robberies.”

“Gretchyn send the gardener, Jaromir Copperbeard, to let us know about the disappearances desperate to see no one was doing anything about it. None of the other children and none of the resident staff heard or saw anything when the children disappeared. Jenya makes a pause looking deep into the flames of the hearth “The children were locked into their rooms at night to prevent any midnight mischief. In the wake of the kidnappings, we decided the clerics of Abadar could not rest impasible. We have publicly vowed to locate the missing children and bring the kidnappers to justice.”

“To locate the children, I borrowed an item from the church's vault. This is a holy heavy mace called the Star of Justice. It has access to powerful divinations. Only the church's
high priest is supposed to use it, but Sarcem Delasharn is in Sasserine blessing a new temple and making arrangements for the Flood Festival, and in his absence, I felt justified calling on the mace's great power.” the priestess face becomes grimmer as she talks “I asked the mace the question, ‘Where are the children who were abducted from the Lantern Street Orphanage?’ but the response I received was a cryptic riddle.” she then opens a cupboard and draws a piece of parchment with the riddle written down handing it to Ryan.

The locks are key to finding them. Look beyond the curtain, below the cauldron. Beware the doors with teeth. Descend into the malachite ‘hold, where precious life is bought with gold. Half a dwarf binds them, but not for long.

Well you ask a simple question I guess... So what does that mean? Any of that sound familiar to anyone. Ruben asks.

Jenya looks determined to Ruben "I carefully thought about it, having only one available I needed to focus on the main thing. Abadar has talked, but about the meaning of it..." she walks placing herself in front of the hearth "I believe the first line of the riddle holds an important clue, but I am uncertain of which 'locks' the riddle refers to."

"... I suspect the riddle might be referring to the locks at the Lantern Street Orphanage. But I might be wrong. Anyway I am not a lock expert" she looks back at you "Will you accept the task then? Where will you start your investigation?"

Dandarrion chimes in, "I've heard of this man Krylscar who Gryffon was last seen with. He was kicked out of the local militia for drunk and disorderly conduct some months ago."

"As far as the riddle goes I don't have much but it seems to suggest the children are in the caverns beneath the Cauldron. Has any one heard of such a thing?"

Marigold's face instantly falls when Jenya reads off the names of the missing children. "I...Anafa, she...she's like a little sister to me, since Mi-my brother died," she replies quietly, looking down at the floor. "I wanted to take her with me when I left the orphanage but I c-couldn't, I don't m-make enough to s-support anyone else right now." As the halfling continues to whisper her voice grows more and more shaky until it's apparent that she's trying very hard not to cry. "B-but I've gone to see her as much as I can and I p-promised her...I'd...I'd...અને હવે તે ગઇ છે..."

As the alien-sounding words pass from her lips, she suddenly bites down hard on her lower lip and shudders.

No, I won't cry! I won't!

She looks up and wipes at her eyes. "I-I'll g-go. I h-have to. And m-maybe the other m-missing p-people can be found, too. Is Lyssa Haventree m-missing too or just Gryffon?" As she waits for an answer that she's not sure she wants to hear, she looks at Dandarrion. "That m-makes sense, b-but I'm not sure. The c-city is really old though, so it's p-possible..."

"I do not know. Last time I was in the Tipped Tankard Inn I was able to cross some words about Gryffon's disappearances. Yet that was a month ago so I cannot tell by sure" explains Alek.

"As about the caverns benath Cauldron. Well, that makes sense, it would explain why the mace has been so cryptic and I have found no more info in my small attempts to solve the mystery" adds the paladin "Perhaps you being more people and able to more freely move around will be more successful"

Ryan thinks about the words of the riddle before responding to the others

"You may not know this because of growing up within the Orphanage, and by no means is this a failing of the headmistress there; but there used to be two large subterranean complexes below Cauldron. One at least Maxim will be familiar with, Malachite Fortress, the other was called Jzadirune. Both of these drew the attention of both dwarves and gnomes. However, Jzadirune was lost to the Vanishing over 75 years or so ago. So other caverns could well be located below the city, there are also parts of the city that have flooded due to the annual rains, the Church's here combat the flooding with specialized wands."

"If the Last Laugh wants us to stay away from the Orphanage then perhaps we should begin our search there. Perhaps the locks are not a lock after all but until we've checked we'll never be sure"

Wow, I missed a bit in two days!

JJ looks apprehensively at his uncle as he asked about the healing.

"Sometimes when I touch sick things.. they get a bit better. I normally just use it on birds and things. " he shrugs. "You remember when I was eight and you wanted to know how I had shredded my trousers but came out without a scratch? That was the first time I remember it happening."

-- in with Jenya --

"Well, I have to say that the locks at the Orphanage are not really the best..." starts JJ. Then, remembering that Alek is in the room he adds "Or so I'm told."

"But we can't just let this slide. Those were my little brothers and sisters we are talking about."

When the talk of money starts his eyes go wide. "That is certainly the church putting its money where its mouth is. I'm impressed. I didn't realize anyone in Cauldron had that type of cash..."

Another glance at the paladin causes a "not that we need it, but it might help to cover some expenses."

He nods to Ryan. "Yeah, that was what I was thinking. "

He looks around the rest of the group. "Let's go over to Lantern street and have a talk with mother. Maybe have another look at those locks - could be they have been changed recently. Odd riddle."

Maxim bows his head in acknowledgement at Jenya's affirmation at an advance on coin.

When talk turns to the disappearances and finally the riddle, the dwarf's expression darkens before speaking his thoughts;

"I am familiar with the Malachite Fortress, as no-doubt is Kikinnin. Left there as a stubble faced youth, and til now, had no desire nor reason to tread there once again."

Maxim gives a resigned sigh:

"... Reckon the trail of church gold will lead me back... An' as for the this prophetic "half a dwarf" the talking bludgeon speaks of... nothing springs to mind... I'll ask my employer, see if it gleans any significance..."

The gun-mage's mood is lightened at JJ's niave exclamation about the Cauldron's coin reserves, before wryly adding:

"Heh. Cauldron's pockets are deep Surabar... Everyone looks to our Merchants for where the wealth sits... but let's just say her Churches want for nothing eh?"

Jenya nods to the idea of visiting the orphanage "You might find clues there we are yet not aware of. Before you go, please accept these as reward for helping Ruphus and help in your pursue." the priestess brings over the desk a couple of Cure light wounds potions, two vials of holy water and a bag containing 50 gp.

As you are up to leave she asks Kikinnin "You do not need to go Kikinnin. This is a dangerous mission. You can go back to your ratcaching"

Once you leave the rain seems to have ceased. It does not take you long to reach the orphanage.

After knocking the door, an elderly halfling woman opens the door a crack and peers out. Not recognizing you in the darkness of the night, her eyes flicker with suspicion "Who is it? Who sent you?" she asks curtly.

As aloof as he seemed, the thought of these missing children played heavily on Ruben's mind. Especially if they were down in those halls beneath Cauldron. He'd never been there but he imagined them to be something like that closet he hid in all those years ago.

Could these kids have wandered off? I mean if if they'd been taken the first motive I would think of is ransom. But ain't no one paying to get them back he muses to no one in particular

The gun-mage tips the nod to one of the group's resident Cudgelites to collect the gift of coin, potions and holy water.

Much obliged ma'am. We'll endeavour to bring these lost lambs back to the flock..."

... Hopefully not for burial.

We can decide who carries what and what we spent our fortune on when we've reconvened...

Maxim shrugs at Ruben's words, offer his own grim thoughts;

"Food maybe? Heard tell that some decadent types pay for exotic meats... Maybes that orphan ended up on their menu? Bad business regardless of their fate I reckon..."

Church of St. Cuthbert

As their meeting with the church officials winds down and the group makes ready to leave, Marigold offers Jenya a quick bow. "T-thank you for the supplies, Miss Urikas. I h-hope we won't need the p-potions or holy water t-though..."

"And if one or two were m-missing, I could believe m-maybe they'd just run off," she adds to Ruben. "I-it happens sometimes, n-not everyone likes the orphanage."

I remember you didn't.

"B-but four? I'm not so s-sure..."

When Maxim offers his own theories about what might've happened to the missing children, her eyes widen in horror.

"Nonono d-don't say things like that!" she gasps. "T-they could've snatched b-bums off the s-streets if that's what they wanted! B-but Ruben's right, there's no one to p-pay a ransom, so..." her voice trails off mid-sentence as another grim theory comes to mind. Better than the food theory, but not by a large margin. "M...maybe s-slavery of some s-sort?"

At the Orphanage

Caught off-guard by Gretchen's curt demeanor, Marigold manages to squeak out, "U-um, it's m-me, M-Marigold. And JJ and Kikinnin and s-some others. Um, it sounds strange b-but w-we're here to look into the d-disappearances. There were some c-complications with the St. Cuthbert clergy a-and...and m-may we come in? I-it's awfully damp out h-here..."

"Oh my! Marigold! It's you!" she opens the door full "Sorry for my gruff demeanor. After what happened three nights ago there was need to become specially careful here"

The old halfling female let's you inside the orphanage. In the hall you observe a tall half-orc with a staff ready, Gretchyn makes a sign to calm him down "Take care Patch, they are our children back home trying to help their little brothers"

“You are probably hungry. Will you be so kind to go wake up Temar and ask him if he can prepare some food for our old children?” requests Gretchyn. Patch automatically leaves but he stares with only his right eye at those of you unknown in the orphanage.

“Come and have a sit. We are so worried and affected by what happened… Lucinda…” the woman starts to sob as she reminds the names of the missed children “They were locked into their rooms while sleeping… they were retrieved from both common rooms, the girls and the boys ones. The windows are barred, and the locks protecting the doors are excellent, I cannot understand how this happened”

The halfling makes a visible effort not to start crying in front of strangers.

JJ pushes his way to the front and gives the halfing a big hug.

"Mother! We only just heard about it. And a priest who was coming to talk with you and the children about it was attacked!"

After escorting the elderly Halfling to a seat he picks one himself.

"With all due respect mother, the locks didn't use to be quite so good. Have you had them replaced recently?" he asks gently.

Gretchyn. Ruben says simply by way of greeting. It was unfeeling, business-like.

It wasn't so much her. In truth she was always kind to him during his time at the orphanage and it is really in spite of her efforts that he hated the place. It was (sort of) warm, and the kids rarely went hungry.

But every day he spent in there reminded him of every day he had lost with his parents.

No one heard or saw anything? Not even the other kids when they were being taken out? he asks with a raised eyebrow.

The woman takes the hug with a tender smile "Oh my kid. You always so straight and open. I have missed you so much, always finding a way out to the cookies locked box" she draws one key from her pocked "Only I have the key, and I always lock the doors before I retire for the night. The locks were not forced, or so the town guards told when they came to fill their report, same the half-elf investigators that came just before you"

She stands up and moves to the lower common room door pointing to the locks "We changed them just few years ago and Keygan Ghelve fashioned the locks for me personally so you cannot force them any more, and he charged a pretty coin, let me tell you!"

“No Ruben, on the night the four children were taken, no one saw or heard anything” she makes a thoughtful pause then says “Although one of the young boys remembered having a nightmare about an evil gnome with crooked teeth and a tattered cloak trying to snatch his breath. Andro”

Takes ten with perception for 15

"I didn't take that many.."
He looks at the locks "But these are good. So either a ghost stole the children away or... someone has a copy of your key. Did you lend it to anyone recently?"

Turning to the rest of the group he mentions "Ghelve's locks really are some of the best in the city."

He scratches his head at the mention of Ruben. "Is he asleep now? Could we maybe talk with him? Did the gnome have a hard time breathing, or did he try to steal Ruben's breath?" A shiver ran down the orphan's neck. "It sounds pretty scary.."

A thought struck him then. "I suppose the guard checked the windows, and roof and didn't have any loose bars or tiles that could have been moved?"

If only the guard itself were not under suspicion."

"Maybe we could come back in the morning and have a look ourselves?"

In the Temple

As Jenya tells the recent account of the missing children, Kikinnin doesn't think too much of it, until Deakon's name is mentioned. That boy wouldn'ta abandoned the Lantern without saying his peace, and settling Gretchyn's mind. This has merit, the problem here.

"The locks are key to finding them. Look beyond the curtain, below the cauldron. Beware the doors with teeth. Descend into the malachite ‘hold, where precious life is bought with gold. Half a dwarf binds them, but not for long."

Kikinnin tries to work out the riddle. He's never been good with them, but 'Malachite' and 'half-a-dwarf' makes his mind snuffle over the words brought forth by, of all things, a metal weapon with special power. The idea of delving below Cauldron is nothing new to the black-beard, but he debates the fate of one child versus four. Figuring his sister is in good hands, for now, he sets himself to pursue this task.

"I am familiar with the Malachite Fortress, as no-doubt is Kikinnin."

"Aye. I am. I can't imagine Malachite has any hand in stealing children. It's been about thirty some-odd years since I've been, but it irritates me to hear a riddle accuse my home of foul play."

"You do not need to go, Kikinnin. This is a dangerous mission. You can go back to your rat-catching."

Kikinnin frowns at the woman. "You figure I'm not up to the task, but Marigold is?" The dwarf looks to the halfling, apologetically. "Nothing personal, Marigold, just making a comparison here." He looks back at Jenya. "You have something against me, say it plain, Jenya. I donate to the temple, same as most, figure my work can wait, 'til the children are back in their beds, safe." He moves to join the others heading to the orphanage.

When Alek approaches him, Kikinnin waits for a moment.

Hearing the others contemplate the genuine reason for the orphans' disappearance, Kikinnin walks along, silently. "The riddle talks about buying life with gold. That's either purchasing healing potions from the Temple, or buying kids like cattle..." The black-beard looks at the blond-beard uncomfortably. "You don't think someone's stealing kids for some kind of dark sacrifice on the altar, somewhere below Cauldron?" Kikinnin swallows some spit, trying to take back the words storming past his teeth.

In the Orphanage

Kikinnin lets the 'little ones' speak with Gretchyn. He nods to Patch, then wanders off eventually, looking for Jaromir, in hopes of catching him up on the events of the evening.

In the meantime, he listens patiently.

Sense Motive v DC 20: 1d20 ⇒ 14
Perception v DC 15: 1d20 ⇒ 2
Knowledge(Local), Untrained v DC 10: 1d20 ⇒ 11

He nods when the locksmith's name is mentioned, having dealt with him in the past for minor rodent infractions. When the nightmare is mentioned, the dwarf snorts.

"Boy makes a monster outta a gnome. Interesting choice of nightmare villain. Suppose that's only possible in the mind of an eight-year-old."

When the others discuss the possibility of kids being stolen, he waits to hear the hypotheses. "You can put magic to dark deeds, or you can put your best lockpicker to the task. Doesn't matter much. You want to steal, you'll find a way."

Gretchyn negates strongly and tabs her pocked "The key has stayed with me the whole time. You know how much attentive I am to these details"

"Sure, Neva is still readying them a book in the second floor chambers. The last nights have been difficult and we try to sooth them now that way. Andro is surely there and you can talk with him" he offers then you to climb up "And you can check also the windows and loosen tiles. The town guard did not, but the half-elf investigators climbed to the floor and checked it out."

When Kikinnin asks for Jaromir Gretchyn adds "Good, I will tell him you wait for him in the hall as we go up"

Feel free to move up and check with Andro whomever wants to, or look after anyone else like Kikinnin did.

"Tell me some more about this investigator. Who sent him, and did he have a name?" asks JJ.

Once he has an answer he'll climb the stairs and sit with the children listening to the story for a bit.

"Hi everyone!" he smiles at his 'little brothers and sisters'.

Once settled he'll have a look around for other ways in and out.

perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Once the story is over, JJ gestures for Ruben to come with him.

"Hi Ruben. Mother said that you saw something odd the other night. I was hoping you would be able to tell me what you saw in your own words."