Winds of Fate

Game Master Joy

"Yes actually. A few weeks ago a red-haired man with a beard did come into my shop. I almost sent him right back out since he looked rather scruffy, but he was offering to pay half up front so I figured that even if he couldn't afford the other half I would have at least that money and I could always refit the clothes for another client. I had one of my assistants deal with him for that first visit, but I had to deal with him personally for his fitting and then his pick up last week. I see too many clients to remember them all, but it's not often I have an assistant refusing to service one. Something about a symbol on the man's necklace, a goldish yellow painted hand, meaning he's not the type who's business we want. He could afford my prices, so that is the kind of business I want."

'So he was here, must have been getting the nice close the halfling saw... a symbol on a necklace? yellow painted hand?' I wonder what it means. Hearing about the necklace, Ivar gives Raziel a significant look, then blurts out, "Pardon, did you perchance here der mans name?"

any appropriate knowledge check untrained: 1d20 ⇒ 1
LOL big and dumb!

"A yellow painted hand... Do you know anything about the meaning of this symbol? Is it tied to any religion?"

"Well, that is a curious turn of events," she thinks to herself concerning the symbol.
Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

Hopefully Ivar burned away all the bad brain rolls lol

"I'm curious, let's show him the garment to confirm," she mutters to her companions. "I trust him."

Hopefully, by showing him the tear-away garments he can tell whether he constructed them, whether they are of good construction, poor construction, and any other information that may help them.

Pelipe, you do not think that is is a symbol of any religion.
Knowledge local is the skill for this.

Levann will look over the garments, grimacing as he does so. "Well, I suppose such a horrendous mixing of colors is expected for this sort of costume. The construction itself is very poor quality, though an a casual observer might assume the look of that was done on purpose for the costume. However, there is a severe lack of skill throughout the whole construction of it. Obviously not the work of an actual tailor. The threads are knotted at the end as if they were ropes and not tucked down to avoid getting snagged on anything. Even the lowest of my apprentices could do better than this."

Untrained Kn. Local: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

"I guess that symbol might make sense for a local..." - Raziel comments with Zelladania in whispered tones - "I don't think I have ever seen it or heard about it though"

Have I WoF? :D

"I've never stitched anything in my life except some patches and those were roughly done. So what you're saying then is basically that the person who did this is probably more of my skill level...or lack thereof? Interesting. Thank you. You've been a great help to us Mr. Levann. When we are done with our investigation, I'll have to come back to your store and reward myself with some of your wares. How does that sound?"

She smiles to him, doing her best to impress him. Why? Because of shopping needs of course!
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 (oh gosh...this poor girl and her diplomacy!)

Edit: In mid-sentence, Pelipe seems to have a bit of fluff from some separated linen fly right into her throat and she hacks right into Mr. Levann's face.

"*Cough*...sorry..." she continues to cough but now covers her mouth.

Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23 (Here is that KL roll instead)

'Thank you? I'll come back to your store and reward myself? How does that sound? ... that sounded ... terrible!' Watching Pelipe verbally stumble over herself as she hacks up linen on Mr. Levann's face, Ivar digs into his purse and draws out two gold coins. Palming them he walks up to the tailor, extending his hand placing the two coins into the tailors as they shake. "T'ank you, sir, you have been very helpful. Ve vill not repeat anyt'ing ve have discussed here vit anyvone. You have our vord."

As they leave the establishment, Ivar looks keenly about then asks, "Does anyvone have any ideer vat der 'golden hand' means?"

perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Gm if I remember correctly we had three free nights staying at the inn for killing the werewolf, this evening is the third night correct?

Levann tries to keep a polite smile on his face despite Pelipe's awkwardness in order to make a future sale.

Pelipe rolled high enough to associate such a symbol as most likely belonging to the Gilded Hand. It is a thieves guild that was founded in Korvosa, but has been spreading out to various cities in Varisia and the surrounding nations.

Ivar, yes, this should be the 3rd night

No one seems to respond to Ivar's question as you all leave the shop.

"As edifying as this was, it seems that we don't know much more about Red Beard," Selkyon comments as the party leaves the shop. "Shall we pay a visit to Robella Monchello, or wait until tomorrow? I assume the street performer could potentially know about the Gilded Hand as well."

"Yes...*cough*...I know who they are."

She steadies herself now that they are out of Levann's shop. Seeming apologetic, she groans, "I'm sorry, all. I'm not good at stuff like this." She will gesture back toward the shop.

"Um...yes...the Guilded Hand is a thieves' guild founded in Korvosa. Like the drugs, it has supposedly come to this town. As I suspected, there is an organization behind this. It reeked of sinister cooperation..."

Taking in a breath, she looks to Selkyon. She would disagree about Red Beard, but doesn't say as much.

"I'm conflicted. I don't want to delay, as the murderers have shown they are quite content to kill while the carnival is here. If we sleep...does another person die? Do they take a step further from us catching them? On the other hand...I'm not sure of how to even approach this. I mean...statistically now we are closer to the real threat if any of this is based in reality."

She chews on her lip a little bit in worry.

Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28 (Is there any traditional views on street performers in connection with thieves in this area (such as gypsies are in real life)? Are they seen as good people (such as balloon artists in real life)?

'Hmmm, talk to the street performer tonight or in the morning?' Pondering Selkyon's question Ivar turns when Pelipe answers that she knows what the 'gold hand' necklace represents. 'Korvosa mobsters, that makes sense.' Looking from Pelipe back to Selkyon, then to Raziel, (hoping their own thief would have some insight). He adds, "It is a good qvuestion, any information ve gather tonight vould help, but ve don't vant to 'tip off de 'guild' before ve are ready to confront dem." He points back towards the inn they've been staying at. "I vote ve call it a night and retire to der Inn."

"I don't expect the Gilded Hand to keep a conveniently low profile while we rest," Selkyon admits."But we don't know exactly what we're facing, and I think Ivar has got a good point. We don't want them to know we're investigating. Maybe it'd be safer to wait until tomorrow. What do you think, Raziel?"

As the others leave the shop, Raziel comes up to the owner - "Apologies for interrupting, but we weer wondering about the cost for this here garment...?" - he nods at the one Zelladania had shown an interest in.

-----

Outside:

"I don't expect the Gilded Hand to keep a conveniently low profile while we rest," Selkyon admits."But we don't know exactly what we're facing, and I think Ivar has got a good point. We don't want them to know we're investigating. Maybe it'd be safer to wait until tomorrow. What do you think, Raziel?"

"Since we have arrived in town, I have not come across this Gilded Hand , or their representatives Selkyon, though maybe I should make an active effort to reach out" - he ponders - "Things have been happening fast enough, which seems to indicate we should act with a certain matter of urgency I agree - but we also need to rest and keep our heads clear"

I guess Raziel's opinion on whether we should continue the investigation now or not, depends on what time of day it is :D

"To be honest, I didn't like getting the rude awakening we had this morning. I'd certainly love to sleep. We've also been walking all day. I could use some food and rest for my poor feet."

She can feel some pressure pain on her feet from their activities. Getting used to new boots was hard as well.

It seems the group is generally in agreement. She will head with them back toward the inn (unless there is still time in the evening).

Diplomacy (Gather Information): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Once in the bar, she will try to learn what she can about the missing information on her list. About the farmer, the other curio shop, and even about Levann. She will stay away from asking about the street performer and Robella so as to not tip off potential allies of them. While she is kind and very pretty, she doesn't know seem to comprehend how to speak to people in that charismatic way.

Raziel, Levann takes in the appearance of you and Zelladania, looks like he is about to say something, but glances back at Pelipe and others and seems to change his mind about whatever he was going to say. "The cost of that dress is 10 silver. If you wish to purchase it I will have one of my assistants wrap it up for you."

If yes, he waves an assistant over who will wrap it up for you.

The common room of the Inn is about half full of people, some having a late evening meal and others talking and drinking by the bar and at a couple of tables.

From her attempt to gather information, Pelipe learns that the farmer is actually a well known figure to both the waitress and bartender. He stops by the Inn roughly once a week to deliver some various root vegetables and also the results of his distillery. Little prompting is needed to get them to comment on his various concoctions, regardless of the awkwardness of the questions. The bartender will even sell you a glass (or bottle) of the liquor Ephram produces if you are interested. (Likely the potential sale is responsible for such willingness to tell you all about the famer.) The available liquor is something like a poitin or vodka that has been infused with the blackberries that are currently in season. It is likely to be the strongest liquor available at the bar and even one sip tells you that it is probaly too potent for you.

On the topic of Risha and her shop, one of the waitress shows Pelipe a bracelet that she is wearing. It appears to be a shiny copper charm bracelet with very well made glass "gems" dangling from it. She tells you that Risha is a really talented glass-blower who can get the most amazing colors in her glass that look so close to the real thing that she feels so fancy wearing her jewelry even if it is really just glass. The waitress is clearly proud to own such a lovely trinket and enjoys showing it off and talking about jewelry in general. If you express continued interest in Risha's work, the waitress will tell you that you should stop by the shrine to Shelyn because there is a beautiful stained glass representation of Shelyn's holy symbol that Risha crafted and donated to it because she is a devoted follower of the goddess.

Those who work at the Inn don't have much to say about Levann other than that his prices are usually to high for them. Some of the patrons will confirm that while his prices are high and he can be a bit haughty, the quality of his work is worth the prices he charges and he guarantees his clients satisfaction. Despite his usual arrogance about charging the prices he feels his work is worth, it is common knowledge that the local priests of Shelyn and Pharasma go to him for their formal robes. For priestly attire, Levann only charges them for the cost of whatever materials they want used, but doesn't charge them for his time spent crafting them.

Though it is getting to be fairly later in the evening, it is the summer season and though the sun is low in the sky it will likely be at least another hour before actual sunset.

Pelipe seems relieved upon entering the room, why could be anyone's guess. "I am hungry and thirsty," she will say to her companions, but more directed at Selkyon and Ivar than Raziel, as she is sure both he and Zella are going to want to spend some time along. As she is at the bar ordering her food and drink, she speaks with the staff briefly about their various topics.

She will purchase a 1/4 shot of the vile liquid as she just wants to sample it. After smelling it, she will only let a tiny bit on her tongue and will shake her head "no" as it completely burns her. It will travel with her to the table to see if Ivar or Selkyon wants it.

"I'll just take a glass of wine. Something local please. I'll be sitting over there," she will speak to the server before turning back to the bartender in their brief conversation.

As she asks about Risha, and while normally she is not a conversationalist, Pelipe is genuinely interested in the jewelry on her wrist. The fact that Risha must use alchemy to pull out unique realistic colors also helps get her interested. More and more, the fingers point away from those she had already ruled out.

Turning to her table, she will sit down and offer the shot with a warning to whoever wants it; assuming anyone sits with her. If they do, she will quietly share what she has learned.

Selkyon gladly has a go at the bottle of liquor that Pelipe offers him. He takes a sip, coughs, winces, and puts his glass down.

"Were did you get that?" he asks, with the face of a man who has just bit into a lemon and can't take the taste away from his mouth.

As the team enters the room, Ivar follows Pelipe to a table against the wall. Sitting with his back to the wall Ivar orders some mead and stew, watching Pelipe work the room, Raising an eyebrow, when she sips the liquor, then chuckling as Selkyon accepts Pelipe's 'dare' and drinks the liquor. Waiving at the waitress, he orders, "I vould lke to try a shot of der potetbrennevin er potato liquor."

He listens carefully as Pelipe describes what she has found out, nodding between bites of stew and sips of mead. Waiving his wooden spoon he comments, "If Risha der glass-blower is dat religious, I vould vager dat ve could remove her from suspicion."

Raziel, Levann takes in the appearance of you and Zelladania, looks like he is about to say something, but glances back at Pelipe and others and seems to change his mind about whatever he was going to say. "The cost of that dress is 10 silver. If you wish to purchase it I will have one of my assistants wrap it up for you."

"We do wish it indeed" - Raziel smiles, and winks at Zelladania - "Would you please make sure it is adequately fitted to my lady friend?"

-------

At the inn:

"Red wine for me" - he nods as the waitress comes over, then turns to Zelladania (if she is still with us) - "What would you like to drink?"

"If Risha der glass-blower is dat religious, I vould vager dat ve could remove her from suspicion."

"It could be no more than a ruse, designed exactly to make the town react like that, and not meddle too much in other affairs. If they exist of course" - Raziel shrugs - "But I agree - she is probably not an immediate suspect"

"I believe the farmer uses his alchemical supplies to make it," she answers Selkyon. "That is not my kind of drink..."

Pelipe nods with Raziel and Ivar's assumptions. Ultimately she doesn't know. Statistics can only go so far, but the more information they are finding, seems to confirm her original suspicions.

"I could use your advice," she will voice to her friends as her food arrives and she begins to eat. "I think I'm going to prepare my magic to sway the minds of the other two targets tomorrow. We might get the answers we need quicker. What do you think?"

"It's risky, but worth a try," Selkyon says after considering Pelipe's idea. "Are you sure you can cast the spell without getting caught?"

"I can cast it from a small distance away, and in doing so possibly not be caught. I can cast quietly, but I'll still have to meet the verbal requirements which can be heard if people are paying attention. My best chance would be to have you all meet them and I could cast at their backside from a distance. That's what I've done so far and it's seemed to work. I can't say I can overpower someone though, so it might be good if we act like we are interested in joining a gang. Then, because the target will see me as a friend, they might welcome us with open arms. If one or both of them seem repulsed by the idea, then we will know they are innocent. Gosh...I'm just not used to this type of thing. I've mostly cast utility spells..."

They would recall her enlarging someone with magic as well as making the surface of dirt beneath their prey become like grease.

Chewing the mouthful of stew, then washing it down with mead, Ivar sets his stein down wiping the froth from his beard with the back of his hand. Giving a light belch, "Pelipe, if you vere to try and tell me how to sving der axe, I vould laugh at you. I vould not presume to tell you how to use der magi." He shrugs, "For vat it's vorth, You have been doing vell dealing vit der people."

Since it's not dark out yet, Zelladania would have joined you all at the inn unless you requested she do something else. She will have taken a seat next to Raziel and at his question on drink, replies with a smile: "Red wine sounds good to me to me as well." She will drink her wine quietly, not wanting to interfere with your groups plans to find out the real murderers and exonerate the "sphinx".

For now, the evening seems calm as you all discuss your plans.

So WoF... No reactions from her to the dress? :D

Pelipe observes the mannerisms of Ivar and is tempted to grab his napkin and show him how it's used, but restrains herself. She will visibly close her eyes as he belches, however, as if enduring some pain. His words to her make her reopen them and she smiles kindly to him with a chuckle.

"Thank you...," she will voice warmly to him as she herself eats and drinks a in more proper manner. "...but I bet I could swing that axe better than you...," she will playfully reply in an almost threatening way, as if she contains some hidden power Ivar doesn't know about, although it's clear she doesn't believe her own words. For a moment, she almost could seem flirty, but a moment later, she is consumed in thought.

[i]"I just don't know if I'm comfortable with this...the consequences could be dire..."[/b]

'She's always so polite.' Hearing Pelipe's 'thank you' he holds his stein up, in a mock toast, then begins to drink. When she continues. 'Huh, What?' Guffawing aloud, he spews the mouthful of mead across the table. His mustache full of froth, he laughs heartily. "Ha, Ha! Du er hysterisk!" Realizing he had just sprayed the table and his companions with his drink, he shrugs and smiles, holding the stein aloft. "To Pelipe both beautiful and funny. Ja!"

Selkyon raises his glass with a strained smile, and carefully avoids to drink from it. Glancing over at Raziel, lost in conversation with Zelladania, he clears his throat and stands up:

"I'm feeling quite tired. I'll leave you to enjoy your evening, and meet you tomorrow morning."

oops. Back at the tailor's . . .
Zelladania is too surprised to protest as Raziel buys the dress and blushes when it is handed to her. One the walk back to the inn, she recovers enough to speak again. "This dress is so beautiful, thank you so much for buying it. " A faint blush still remains on her cheeks during the walk back.

Back to the present, are you all going to retire for the night? If so, Zelladania will request being escorted back to the carnival. With the tensions in town, she doesn't feel safe walking back on her own.

Before going back to his bedroom, Selkyon is of course willing to walk back to the carnival with Zelladania... Except if Raziel would rather do it himself, and would frown on any additional company.

oops. Back at the tailor's . . .

Zelladania is too surprised to protest as Raziel buys the dress and blushes when it is handed to her. One the walk back to the inn, she recovers enough to speak again. "This dress is so beautiful, thank you so much for buying it. " A faint blush still remains on her cheeks during the walk back.

"No need to thank me - it suits you perfectly, so you should have it" - he smiles and winks - "A beautiful dress for a beautiful mermaid"

---

Escort:

"By all means Selkyon, do join us - I am sure the night is amazing for a walk" - the half-orc nods at his companion, then turns to Zelladania - "And of course we will walk you back"

"You're coming?" - Raziel asks of Pelipe and Ivar - "The night is the time of wonders my friends - one last stroll before bedtime? Maybe we can find a street lamp for Pelipe to practice her axe swing?" - he chuckles - "We should also pay for and take the bottle and glasses with us actually..."

Walking and drinking - lets hope we are not arrested for public disturbance :P

In a laugh of half horror and delight, she will mirthfully revel in her ability to crack a joke while she pulls a cloth out to wipe her face and plunging neckline of the ale. To the dress, a simple flick of her wrist and a word seems to right it as good as new.

It seems Selkyon has had enough of them and she wonders at him. Is he truly tired?

"Good night, Selkyon," she will answer him. He then seems to volunteer to escort Zelladania back, which will further move the cogs spinning in her mind concerning him. To Raziel, she will shake her head.

"No, I'm all talk," she will confess. "I'm going to linger here, I suppose."

She doesn't know what her goal is for remaining, but she knows she doesn't want to walk all the way across town to the carnival again. Her feet are sore already. For now, she just enjoys her wine and wonders what Ivar will do.

Pelipe will not retire until Selkyon and Raziel return, so unless Ivar is wenching, she'll linger with him.

'So Raziel will return the lovely Zelladania to the carnival, and Selkyon will escort them.' he turns toward Pelipe as she speaks, 'and our fearless leader will stay here,' he shrugs, "I vill stay here as vell. Since ve seem to be hunting der Gilded Hand ve should have each other near, vatching der backs."

lingering it is.

"I'm sure they've seen us," she comments to him after the others leave regarding the Guilded Hand, "Especially this evening at the gate in stopping the mob. I don't think they'd know our full involvement yet though...I hope."

She looks around in the inn before looking back to Ivar. "Is there something we could inquire about here that could help us? Maybe asking if anyone knows anything about Robella Monchello or Kylin Windsong?" She will reach up over and behind her head and then will tug all of her hair to one side to play with in her idleness.

Selkyon is happy to do the walking, and leave most of the drinking to Raziel and his young friend. He adapts to their pace, letting them stay a few yards ahead or behind should they desire some intimacy.

'She's right they have probablys seen us, I hope they were not paying too much attention.' Nodding in aggreement with Pelipe, He shrugs, when she asks about inquires. "If you vant to ask der local patrons more qvuestions I vould not stop you."

Pushing the empty bowl away from himself, he lifts his stein and waives it at the nearest barmaid. "As for me, I vill enjoy our last free evening here at der inn."

Nodding, Pelipe stands. She will kindly take her plate with her, as if doing the waitress a favor by returning the plate herself. She will leave it in the bin used by the employee to collect dishes for washing and then will order a couple of ales, one for Ivar, and one for herself.

"That was quite a strong drink," she mentions to the bartender. "It's been a while and I can still feel my heart thumping hard. I'd imagine it would be good when it gets cold."

With general discussion done, she will move onto the information she needs.

"My friends left for a nighttime stroll. They were looking for a street performer I think. I heard tale of a man named, Kylin around these parts. Is he any good?"

She hopes to direct the conversation to discover why he may be using alchemical reagents.

Diplomacy (Gather Information): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18