GM TK-421 Agents of Edgewatch

Game Master CtotheZ

There was a society check, which I realize now, that I missed when snipping things out so we'll just say Mason succeeded on his check. Chadrax, the hobgoblin proprietor of Chadrax's Cheap Loans has filed complaints against Orvington Moneylenders. Seems many of the other complaintsfrom and fir Chadrax are of a petty nature. This individual seems to be quarrelsome and an annoyance. Thecrest of the files are scant on details. These are the preliminary reports. You lot will need to follow up to gain further details.

Yeah Mason I agree, makes more sense to start with Penny and Sphinx since they had a break-in. Then we can go from there.

”Excellent. Maybe this time we’ll get a lucky break.”

Mason sighs and looks at the pile of papers before committing them to memory.

Maybe one day I’ll break out of this cycle of failure after failure. First the problems in the Lotus Guard and then here as a fallback assignment. It’s a wonder they don’t cut their losses and drop me.

dropping other leads and will Follow a Lead on Orvington and P&S for now

"Orvington might be a good second choice. The vandalism could be a nice cover for scouting the place and seeing response times or tactics used by security."

After a few blocks of pondering, "Uhmm, Mason. Have you kept in touch with the ratlings? They seem like a good source to find about the possible digging around Stonesworn,"

A grand stone building stands in the middle of an immaculately manicured lawn encircled by a tall wrought-iron fence. The large main entrance is beneath an impressive portico and flanked by a pair of stone sphinxes. Engraved letters above the building's front doors declare the structure to be the Penny and Sphinx Trust.

The agents are greeted by a Garundi man who introduces himself as Ugwu, the teller supervisor. He asks the agents to wait momentarily in the lobby while he retrieves the manager.

Ugwu returns shortly with a well dressed halfling man who walks with a limp and the aid of a stylish cane. Ugwu introduces him as Bertram Softwhistle. Bertram invites the agents to speak with in a conference room. He seems eager to usher the agents from the lobby.

The agents don't spot anything noteworthy with passive perception.

Slide 1 uodated with a picture of the bank manager. is there anything you wish to do here, or follow Bertram to the lobby?

Roscoe would follow and motion the group to follow.

Mason nods as Bertram requests moving to a more private location to discuss.

"By all means, lead the way."

Once everyone is settled into the conference room the verbose halfling explains that he and his stepson, Kolo Harvan, were closing up the bank several evenings ago when a group of thieves burst into the lobby from the office wing obviously having broken in from the employee entrance. As soon as he saw the thieves, Bertram slid open a disguised wooden panel in the accounting office and activated the bank's alarm. Most of the thieves quickly made their escape save one, a goblin named Quidly, who was apprehended and turned over to the Token Guard.

"A goblin was collected, eh? Well, that gives us something. Do you have an details on the others that were here? How many? Size? Height? Build? Anything odd about their clothes. Any markings or symbols?"

Running down the checklist in his head, he thinks for a moment if there was anything else he might have missed.

"And we would like to have a look at where the entered from. Might have been something left behind that will help in the investigation."

"Did any of the intruders see the location of the hidden panel? You need not answer this, but do you have more than one if that one is compromised?"

"It all happened so fast... I didn't get an accurate count. There were more than five but I don't think I saw more than ten. They had on dark clothing with nothing particularly memorable about it. Their builds varied. Some were small and medium height as well as stout and thin. I couldn't possibly tell you how many of each. Their faces were covered and hooded." he describes as he directs the agents to the employee entrance. "We take our security seriously here and I will not divulge the information to anyone, including the guard." he says with a serious demeanor, "However this is the accounting office where I activated the alarm." and he indicates and office down the hall from the employee entrance.

The employee entrance shows no signs of forced entry. Bertram insists the door was locked and offers that they must have a skilled lock picker to have gained entry.

Roscoe, Mason, and Aeric spot a collapsible ladder stashed in the bushes near the entrance.

The path from the exterior fence to the employee entrance isn't observable from any of the windows within the bank, and is screened from the view of other nearby buildings as well, making it an ideal location to approach from for nefarious purposes.

Looking in the accounting room Mason spots an open ledger and something appears off at first glance. Upon closer inspection Mason is able to glean that Kolo, Bertram's stepson, had a significant reduction in his pay about a month ago before the halfling collects the book and tucks it under his arm.

Roscoe would like to look more into the ladder that is stashed in the bushes. Trying to look if anything was left behind with the ladder. Also looking for an area that would be a good place to use it.

”Do you know of anyone that might have an axe to grind with you? Seen anyone suspicious around the bank lately? Or ever just anyone acting oddly. We would, of course, like to speak with any employees, just as a matter of due diligence. If you could provide us with their addresses, we wouldn’t need to take up space in the bank for this little formality.”

Mason gives a warm, reassuring smile.

”We’ll keep things discreet for you too.”

Diplomacy is a +8 if needed here, possibly with a +1 from Pursue a Lead

Other than the ladder, there isn't anything else that stands out. The ladder would likely be used to gain access to something above average height, and while there are several second story windows as well as the fence, none stand out as more likely as any other to be the target for the ladder's use.

"Guardsperson, we are a banking institution. The list of people who feel our practices have wronged them is extensive, not to mention those who would abolish money systems and ownership all together for political ideology. You might as well step out in the road and begin questioning people at random." his eyebrows draw narrowly at the mention of questioning the staff. "No, I think not. If you find some evidence of wrongdoing of my staff then you may of course follow that lead. My staff is held in higher esteem than those who patrol the streets around d here for our 'safety'. I'd suggest you begin questioning the Token Guard before you cast aspersions towards those I trust, it more likely that they were involved than anyone within these walls."

Would there be a reason for a ladder to be placed here? It seems to be in a curious location.

Roscoe would ask for assistance from someone to place the ladder up and climb up to try to get a better vantage point as to what they would of been trying to access.

"That is not our ladder." Bertram replies.

You can prop the ladder up. This is more theater of the mind currently. So imagine a bank that is two stories tall on the exterior but only a single story on the interior. There are windows above the ground floor but they're probably only for use of natural light to illuminate the interior during daylight hours. They are more of a picture window, not windows designed to be opened. It's conceivable the ladder might be used to gain access to the roof. If you poke your head up there you don't observe any potential modes of entry. You could use it to get over the fence and get away if you were looking for a quick exit but presumably the retreating thieves would have used it for that purpose.

Ok thanks that helps.

I didn't think it would be yours but just wanted to make sure to cover all bases.

"Oh, I certainly wasn't casting aspersions on your staff. It is merely a formality. They may have seen or heard something that could be relevant and not even know it. Just needing to tap their knowledge pool a bit so we can cross our t's and dot our i's as it were. Something it sounds like the 'Token Guard' is a bit too lax on."

Mason shrugs and relents if the manager continues to refuse.

"Only myself and Kolo were present at the time, as I previously mentioned. Kolo and I were together the entire time and witnessed the same things. My staff is well aware of the occurrence and know to come forward with any information, no matter how mundane, if they feel it warrants attention. They have not. You should probably try questioning the goblin that we apprehended and turned over to the guard. They were actually here and probably know more about the thieves than we do. Try to tap that knowledge pool. Though far be it from me to tell members of the guard how to do their jobs."

OK we will go and interview that Goblin that was apprehended and get all of the information that the Token Guard has. Thank you for giving us the information.

Roscoe will motion to the rest of the group to head out.

The Edgewatch agents make their way to the Coins Guard HQ with the knowledge provided by Rocky. Upon their arrival they find themselves scrutinized by the Token guards coming and going. They enter to find the desk Seargent, a human man of light complexion with bald head and bushy brown beard. With a glance at the assembled faces, his eyes widen when they see Rocky. With an impish grin and loud voice he says, "Well, well, well, if it isn't little lost Pebbles, returned to us? Did you and your new friends forget where the Precipice Quarter is? Or are you here to beg for your old job? I bet that Edgewatch guard fell apart already. Sorry. No open positions at the moment. Maybe try back never."

still with the pebbles thing huh? We are actually here following up some leads if you got a moment can I run some things by ya to see if you guys have heard anything

Rocky will giggle the coin purse and give a nod

can we talk privately?

The Seargent nods and yells out to a nearby gnomish officer, "Hey twinkle-toes! Watch the desk! Follow me to my office pebbles." and the burly man leads the Edgewatch agents to a nearby office and closes the door behind them after the enter. After taking a relaxed leaning pose on the desk, he asks "What do you want?"

so we are here on assignment these are my partners Mason, aeric, tower and roscoe. We are here following up on numerous leads, roscoe do you mind filling in the sarge

My name is Roscoe Talbot and on behalf of the Edgewatch we are wanting to question the goblin that was apprehended in a alledged break-in at Penny & Sphinx Trust.

The Seargent takes in the information without an indication that he heard anything. As the silence hangs for a beat, long enough to be uncomfortable, he clears his throat then looks pointedly at the pouch of coins Rocky jingled, then to a jar on his desk with a collection of coins inside.

Roscoe will take a step forward and get a little sterner with his voice.

As a fellow officer you should allow us to question the goblin that was apprehended. There is no compensation needed to share information with other districts. So where is this Goblin that was apprehended, so we can get out of each other's hair.

The Seargent steps even closer to Roscoe, looking down on him from his full stature, and says, "You're not in your district anymore little man. Don't try to intimidate me or you'll find yourself in a cell and wrapped up in so much red tape you won't see the light of day again until after the Radiant Festival is over." looking towards Rocky he continues, "Pebbles, you need to put your pup on a leash before it gets bit." looking back at Roscoe he opens his mouth wide and snaps his teeth shut with a loud clack and a predatory grin. "I don't volunteer. This is a job and I don't work unless I get paid. If you aren't paying, then get the hell out."

Mason watches the exchange between the two before clearing his throat.

”Fair enough officer.”

He scoops up the coin pouch from Rocky and opens it. Pulling out 10 gold coins. Tying the strings back up, he gives it a shake to indicate there’s still plenty within the bag.

”We need to talk to this little goblin and see what we can squeeze out of him. If things go well…”

Mason shakes the pouch again but says nothing further at this time.

Diplomacy just in case?: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

"Its pronounced Seargent actually." the Seargent says, and indicates his rank insignia. "Let me check my records." then leaves the Edgewatch Agents to sit in the office as he steps out.

There is a brief interlude where you can speak amongst yourselves before he returns.

The Seargent returns with a log book in hand, very similar to the one the Agents have seen Ollo filling out. "I got here we received the report of an alleged break in at the Sphinx but no arrests were made. Sorry, no Goblin here. Who told you we had a suspect in custody?"

Assuming a round of Sense Motive.

None of the Agents Sense any duplicity, at least from the Seargent. Though, the agents can conclude that if he is this district's counterpoint to Ollo, he wasn't physically at the Penny and Sphinx, and only knows what was reported to him from the officers at the scene.

While the Seargent is gone.

Thanks for the save Mason, I lost my cool a bit. I will calm down just need a breather.

Roscoe will take a deep breath and focus.

Sorry about my ignorance before Seargent I meant no disrespect. We were told by Bertram Softwhistle that him and his stepson Kolo Havan chased away the thieves but was able to capture one goblin named Quidly. Then they said they handed them over to the Token Guard.

The Seargent looks back at his record book, then back to the Edgewatch Agents. "That one was handled by Moredew and Grissom. Nothing in here about an arrest. Says here no leads from initial investigation. No one else has been around for a follow up. Not sure what else I can tell ya. Maybe you got some bad information."

"Are Moredew and Grissom on duty today? Maybe we can go out and have a chat with them?"

"No, sorry. Those two are on leave. Said something about taking a cruise. You could leave a message for them."

The Seargent, perhaps sensing some frustration on the end of the Edgewatch Agents, speaks up in the prolonged silence, "Look you all paid for my services so let me give you your money's worth. You said you're investigating a potential bank robbery? Have you spoken with any of the competitors? This is the Coins district and information is a form of currency. It pays to keep tabs on what going on in your business avenue. Maybe they'll know something. Anything else I can do for you?"

No I believe that is all for now. I can assume we will be back if other questions arise if that is OK. But for now we shall make our leave.

Once we all leave and are out of earshot of the Token Guard.

I really hate how they do things. But since talking to the other guards can't happen then we should keep this information noted and continue on to another location. Any suggestions on where to go next?

Ok let's head to Orrington Moneychangers to follow up with the vandalism and harassment they have been having.

The agents, unable to piece together a connection from the information they have, decide to look elsewhere. They agree (from their conversation on Discord) to seek out Orvington Moneychangers.

A squat stone establishment displays a polished wooden placard carved with "Orvington Moneychangers" in flowing script upon its surface. Stout iron bars cover every window of the building, and a pair of mastiffs nearly the size of dire wolves growl in wooden dog houses neat the main doors. A loud buzzing sound eminates from somewhere nearby.

When the agents arrive, a middle-aged, barrel-chested man runs out of the bank, swatting wildly at his face and arms. His skin is speckled with angry looking red stings, and his blonde hair stands out wildly in all directions.

"Ah, the constabulary! Praise Abadar! This is the third time my shop has been attacked in less than a fortnight. 'Token' Guard indeed, my daughters dolls could do a better job keeping the peace! Bottles of burning liquid thrown at the walls, crude graffiti painted at night, and now wasp nests lobbed onto the roof in the middle of the day!"

Slides updated with picture.

Could I try to identify the sound to see where exactly its coming from or what it is?

Hello sir my name is Roscoe Talbot, my associates and I are with the Edgewatch not the Token Guard. I would like to know more details about all of this as well as being able to see the areas of the vandalism so we can get down to the bottom of this.

Before Roscoe can finish his introduction, he and everyone else learns where the buzzing sound has come from as two swarms of wasps pour down from the roof.

Green surrounds and begins stinging Uthen.
Stings: 2d8 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4

*** Round 1***
Bold may act

Green
Mason (40/40)
Aeric (52/52)
Roscoe (38/38)
Towerr (56/56)
Red
Rocky (62/62)
Uthen (-4 hp)

After the rebuilds, everyone begins with a hero point.

Roscoe is going to move forward and say to Uthen, We will take care of those the wasps fall back behind us as soon as you can. Then Roscoe will ball up his fists as they turn bright red and thrust his hands forward shooting out fire towards the wasps and Uthen, using Rejuvenating Flames. This will heal Uthen and damage the Wasps.

◆Stride
◆◆Rejuvenating Flames
Fire Damage: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 4) = 6
Basic Reflex DC 20
Healing Flames: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 1) = 3
Allies that are healed get +1 to Fort saves for 1 minute.

I adjusted by focus points to be 2. Was confused at first because Pathbuilder says Max 3 and I had 3 but everything I am seeing is that I should have only 2

◇ Ten paces mason draws his pistol and moves at the start of his turn

◆ Devise a stratagem vs green: 1d20 ⇒ 3

as the results of the recall knowledge may change my actions, I’ll wait to post his last two actions

Mason turns slightly and levies the pistol towards the red swarm instead.

◆ Strike vs red: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22
Piercing: 1d6 ⇒ 5

◆ Reload

forgot to say, but Mason would have called out to the others the results of the recall knowledge too

Aeric will move over to get a clear sight of the swarm. He clenches his fist and throws a small ball of flame at Green.

Produce Flame: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
Flame Damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Sneak Attack: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Edit Cantrip is 2nd level
Flame Damage: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (1, 3) + 4 = 8

Roscoe blasts his contradictory flames at the Red swarm. Uthen appears better for it, while it seems extra effective against the swarm despite what Mason said.

Mason fires at Red and is unable to hit any of the flying swarm with a single bullet.

Aeric throws a ball of fire at the Green swarm and does some damage, felling some of the swarm.

*** Round 1***
Bold may act

Green (-8hp?)
Mason (40/40)
Aeric (52/52)
Roscoe (38/38)
Red (-6hp?)
Rocky (62/62)
Uthen (-1 hp)

Rocky will move up and flurry the swarm

flurry: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

flurry: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Rocky swats at the wasps but doesn't seem to do any damage.

Uthen runs away.

Red comes off of delay and moves to surround Roscoe.
Roscoe: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18 Fail
Stings: 2d8 ⇒ (5, 4) = 9

Green moves to surround Rocky.
Rocky: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16 Fail
Stings: 2d8 ⇒ (4, 6) = 10

*** Round 2***
Bold may act

Green (-8hp?)
Mason (40/40)
Aeric (52/52)
Roscoe (29/38)
Rocky (52/62)
Uthen (-1 hp?)
Red (-6hp?)

Rocky will go into her stance and and he hands will be enveloped in flames

Then will flurry against the wasps

flurry: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22
damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

flurry: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

fist now do fire damage