Search Posts
I will wrap up tonight or tomorrow, and have the chrons then. I can bring the chrons for folks going to paizo con with me, if that is preferred. I think that is everyone except Rafael, actually! If you could just post the gold, I could at least get my Hero Labs entry more or less ready to go. That would be awesome.
Question - are you sure that the effect is panicked and not frightened? I know of few low-tier baddies (if any) that are capable of immediately triggering the panicked condition. Frightened would mean we can stand our ground (at a -2 penalty) if we can't take any other actions to flee (in which case, would the crowd count)? Frightened would also mean we don't drop our weapons (which is of course, important).
Ehr'lynd collects himself and begins speaking in a near monotone, "Sherrif, I think once we are done talking to you, it should be clear who needs to be arrested in this case. Regardless of Ekira's overzealous and archaic accusations harkening back to the witch hunts of the third Mendev Crusade, you will find more compelling evidence when you don't go looking for a scapegoat in the Pathfinders before the investigation begins. Cooler heads will prevail here." Ehr'lynd looks at Ekira before continuing, "We have spent some time talking to your residents, the very people you trust. So not listening to the stories we have to share would be akin to ingoring your own citizens. Please keep that in mind as well." Ehr'lynd stares down Kruune" Kruune here is also new to town, that is a known fact, noted by a number of your own citizenry. He too has been asking questions about the murders and the accused Pathfinders, a fact also noted by many locals. If not being a local and asking questions is reason enough for accusations of our company, the knowlege that he too has been asking just as many questions should be just as compelling a reason to point fingers at him. But as it's not, we shall continue on to more relevant materials of the evidence before you. He smiles pleasantly to the sherrif, "In regards to the evidence. I know that you have several local children that were eye-witnessess to the mutilation of the body. They have claimed only a single person involved with the crime. It should be intruiging that only one person was seen in that situation, not a group. In fact, as it should be clear to all of you, having a large group of individuals is hard to cover, which is interesting considering that today you have accusations of one against such a large group. Also noted by these eyewitnesses, was that the assailant was a tall man. This was corroberated by Orug, who even noted that the person was taller than he, quite a feat indeed! What makes it more curious is that to-date, the only person accused with blood on his hands was a halfling. Interesting..." He smiles before continuing, "Now, I am aware that the Pathfiner's weapons were found at the scene of the crime. While I find the weapon at the scene of the crime circumstancial at best, and more than likely a plant, it is very curious that just yesterday one of our own had one of his weapons stolen immediately before another murder. What makes this situation more intriguing is that all of us have solid alibis. The five of us were in clear sign of Ekira the entire time, and Rafael here was being assailed by a group of your citizens for asking too many questions. So if the murderer clearly cannot be one in jail, and is not one of us, who could it be? At this point I would again consider the eyewitness descriptions of the murderer and Kruune here. Lastly we come to the written testomony... Ehr'lynd points to the letter sent to the Venture Captain, "We have three letters, one to a Venture Captain of the Pathfinder Society, one to you Sheriff Luin, and lastly, one calling us to this very house, a house where Kruune here brutally stabbed a Rafael here. Ehr'lynd points to the fresh blood. "At this point we knocked out the assailant Kruune, and find ourselves here. I know you're smart Sherrif, and you just want to protect your village, so please look at the evidence you have in front of you. Consider your own eyewitness accounts from the people you trust, and tell me, have you seen a more clear cut and dry investigation in your life?" Ehr'lynd finishes as smugly as he began, crosses his arms, and waits for a reply.
Ehr'lynd clears his throat, "Before we fully begin with presenting our evidence..., he looks at Kruune, "I would be interested to know how we both lured you here and ambushed you, and yet we also tracked you here and then attempted to silence you. You have claimed both, so I would like to know which statement you claim is true."
Ehr'lynd quietly puts his weapon and shield away before walking down the stairs. He comes out into the street looking quietly for the best straight-line out of town if needed. He thinks quietly, "If it comes to running, I need not be the fastest, merely not the slowest." He looks to the sheriff, "I'd be careful trusting what words come out of his mouth sir. He... looking around and making a pointed glare at Ekira, ...led us in saying he had information and then ambushed Rafael. You'll notice the gushing wound compared to the more innocuous knock on the head."
Ehr'lynd gives another whistle to his colleagues, points to the window, and slips inside from the rooftop hoping that by going inside everybody takes a hint and stops wasting time. GM:
He looks around carefully, moves up to the door, and listens. GM: I'll let you roll perception, if I hear nothing I open the door and keep moving.
Ehr'lynd, whispers, "Be wary, watch for it being a trap. I doubt the front door is the best way in, so I'm going to see if I can get to the roof." He moves off the main street onto a side alleyway. Spotting a pile of boxes he tries to get a running jump up to the roof where he can hope to have a better view of the area. GM: Quietly make my way down the alley. Climb up the wall if I can find a place with adequate handholds (feel free to aid me with an awesome acrobatics if you feel it appropriate).
Ehr'lynd nods, "I find this whole situation..." he carefully scopes the room, "...too suspicious. From the writing I suspect that it is..." a deep sigh, ..."probably legitimate. We must be on guard though. If the killer can sneak one of Rafael's knifes, she can do a lot more." Ehr'lynd scopes out the room, "And we should be on the lookout for Ekira. I still suspect he is somehow behind this."
Ehr'lynd has a look of, what did they get into this time? on his face while walks to the edges of the crowd thinking to himself, this much blood, the murderer must have gotten some on him or herself. Staying a fair way out from the murder scene and Rafael, he begins scanning the crowd, looking for any signs of somebody out of place.
Ehr'lynd shakes his head and says very quietly, "That...", an exceptionally long pause follows, as if Ehr'lynd is desperately trying to find a more diplomatic term, "...fool is going to draw more attention to us than is necessary." He takes a long sip on his drink, watching the room to see if anybody else has started to watch them. While watching he speaks, "We have quite a bit of information at hand, does anybody have any theories yet of what we're dealing with? Foul play seems more than likely, and Ekira is probably behind it all, but I feel like the puzzle isn't put together yet. Ideas?"
Ehr'lynd smiles at the opportunity to get out and stretch his legs a bit. Intrigued by what he can get by simply listening, the temptation to know more by getting involved is too much. "I agree Rafael, perhaps getting involved is the right choice. Interesting you think I should focus on the games of wit. Most...interesting." Ehr'lynd watches Rafael try to the obstacle course, a quiet chuckle emanating from under his breath. He pats Rafael on his back and then says quietly to him, "Not bad for a youngster." He then lines up at the starting line himself, carefully eyeing the rules and where he might be able to shave some time off his run. GM Only: Ehr'lynd couldn't let that stand and would clearly have not just let him "win" at the obstacle course. So I'll take a run at it too. Some reminders: I have the run feat (x5 movement speed in runs and I keep my dex bonus when running. I also have the "roof runner" special ability as a rogue. Basically I'm designed to run along unusual courses such as this and would even say that he's designed as a "parkour expert". I'll let you figure out the rolls and modifiers.
Ehr'lynd gathers with his compatriots and shares everything he has learned with the rest of the group, "Quite...interesting. He waits for effect, "I suspect something is up with the so-called follower of Iomede. She's almost as new as the Pathfinders having arrived only a month or so ago. She seems to have something in for them. This is...telling." Ehr'lynd gathers himself, "Those of you that talked to the sheriff, did you see anything off about him? I was told she put him in her pocket as soon as she got here. Perhaps, before just wandering off, we should talk about our thoughts on this case? We are supposed to be..." a pause "cooperating."
Ehr'lynd continues to watch Tessa for anything else that might lead him to a better understanding of the situation or a good idea of who else might be in the know, "Murders you say? I heard something about those when I got my room at the inn. I take it this isn't a common occurrence? How long has it been since the last murder in a quiet village like that. I cannot imaging many of you have seen such a thing before...", a pause..."assuming anybody saw anything I suppose." Ehr'lynd chooses his next words more carefully, "I met this Ekira; I wouldn't be surprised by what you said. She...", more careful deliberation, "...accosted me as well. Has she been in town long? By her garb I'd guess some time. Has she...pushed for a death sentence like this before?
Ehr'lynd sees Kirin start to talk up the barbershop and quickly realizes that his observational skills, while likely useful for his own needs, probably aren't terribly appropriate under the circumstances. He nods to Kirin and says quietly, "Enjoy yourself ma'am, I'm going to look at what the general store carries. Ehr'lynd walks into the store confidently, as if he knows where he is. He begins to look through the goods focusing on comparing quality to value, as any good merchant would do. He says causally to the owner, "Looks like we walked into some excitement here in Dawnton. Did we pick the wrong time? Oh, and who makes this hammer, a local merchant or do you import?"
Ehr'lynd's eyes narrow as he contemplates what will go into his next report. He speaks to Rafael, "It is not my fault you have not, until now, told me where your skills lie other than a casual mention that you've 'traded'. We've spent little time together, and while I am an Elf and have a lifespan that has given me the opportunity to learn to assess the value in things, I, like you, am not infallible. I leveraged the information at-hand. I would suggest being more forthcoming about your talents in the future so that I can make more informed suggestions." Ehr'lynd seems to become less tense, "So I would suggest, rather than passively attacking my capabilities by using a title I've never used myself, you remember our mandate to cooperate and realize every..." a much longer pause for a much longer dramatic effect"...suggestion...I make is merely that. I am hardly trying to lead this group, as I do know my limitations. Perhaps you should learn yours."
Ehr'lynd looks very confused at the interaction, "It seems you may have a chip on your shoulder and a complete misunderstanding of my words. I merely made a..." another pause, "...suggestion." Ehr'lynd continues, "We agreed very early on in our mission that we had two individuals more trained in the art of diplomacy, that would be," Ehr'lynd points, "Kirin and Kali." Although his words do not betray the tone, you can sense a certain smugness and finality to his words, " Rafael suggested we join them, which would seem counter to our original decision to make sure we do not upset the locals. Furthermore, Idris here has demonstrated a distinct lack of respect for subtlety, which I would think we can all agree would be most detrimental to place in front of the individual with the most power to accuse all of us of some crime as well." As if to make a point Ehr'lynd pauses yet again, "Therefore, Celeste, when assessing Rafael's suggestion, I was addressing the immediate need to both add somebody with a more calm touch, and remove a known issue. The only option left when splitting into two groups, without slighting Rafael for his suggestion was to leave him in the group and swap out the two members. So while you may take this as a negative statement on your capabilities as a Pathfinder, it is far from it. It is a testament to the capabilities of Kirin, and Kali and made out of respect for the fact that Rafael did come forward with an idea that warranted discussion. Please do not let your ego get in the way of what is best for all of us as a whole." Ehr'lynd looks unhappy, "You have also made a fine decision of suggesting that somebody look through the scene of the crime. That sounds like an ideal task for Idris, but are you not worried that your..., at this point the pauses become irritating, "...unique skills...will be wasted?"
Ehr'lynd eyes Idris, "With all due respect Rafael, are you sure Idris is the best choice to...ahem..." he clears is throat, "...visit the Sheriff? If we are separating in this manner, perhaps it would be better if I go with you and Kali to the Sheriff, and Kirin continues her ruse as a merchant where Idris can get into less..." again a pause..."trouble?" Ehr'lynd, clearly trying to be as diplomatic as possible, but failing not to insult people in the process tries again, "But it is merely a suggestion. I do think it may serve us well if Kali and Kirin continue to do the majority of the talking."
Ehr'lynd responds to Kirin, "Agreed on our accommodations; that is what the charter says we should do when out adventuring. Guards might not be a bad idea either. Both are covered in our handbooks as reasonable precautions." He looks deep in contemplation about the interaction with Erika before continuing, obviously more concerned with the task at hand than sleeping conditions, "That inquisitor is most unsettling. I've heard such accusations were commonplace during the Third Mendevian Crusade." He pauses for dramatic effect, "What makes things during that time particularly intriguing is that those accusations were quite quasi-legal. While legal processes and tenants can be..." another pause for effect, "...flexible. Those crusaders would sometimes stretch the ideology of Iomedae to the breaking point. When you are that zealous, corruption of one's ideals is not difficult, and witch hunts often arise." Clearly losing his audience Ehr'lynd makes his point, "Curiously, her uniform is not part of the newest campaign. More curiously, it's more akin to the garb worn by the soldiers of that time. Perhaps there is a connection?" He returns to looking at Kirin, "My skills are likely best used continuing to accompany you. I agree though that we need to find some way to talk her. Or examine her more closely without rousing suspicion." Ehr'lynd completes his activities for the evening and retires for everybody else, deep in thought at what he witnessed.
Ehr'lynd starts to outline the activities that just took place in the inn, "Hopefully your luck was better than ours. While we were able to secure a room, even that almost didn't happen. I did hear something most interesting while leaving though, somebody made a comment about being a witne...", he trails off suddenly as Ekira barges in on him. If Ehr'lynd is startled by her entrance, he does very well not to show it. He gives Idris a stern look before turning and standing towards Ekira, looking as proper as possible. He does not speak, but waits for those he knows to be more capable to start with whatever lie they've cooked up. He thinks to himself, "I wonder if somebody will actually speak the truth. Although her accusations make me wonder if something else is at hand. I suspect the other team may have murder-hoboed their way through town, but she, she takes it to a new level."
Ehr'lynd places the coin on the desk, "Thank you for the room." He whispers into Kirin's ear, "It is imperative we stop drawing any attention, might I suggest we remove ourselves from this room and have any discussions with the shopkeepers needed?" He then begins to make his way to the door and out to the street.
That evening, after the Pathfinders gather in their room at the Inn, have discussed anything needing discussion, and retired, Ehr'lynd takes pen to parchment. The Letter:
Dear Venture Captain Jorsal,
This letter is in regards to actions taken by Pathfinder Field Agents during the activities described in the Pathfinder chronicle issued as "Scars of the Third Crusade" on 24-02-4714. I wish to lodge a formal complaint on Agent Idris Mael due to outbursts unbecoming an agent, pursuant to section 45R, subjection 12 of the Pathfinder Code of conduct. This note does not contest or otherwise argue on the proper assignment of said resource, but rather comments on specific actions related to direct altercations with non-hostiles an open setting. On said date, the individual noted accused a shopekeeper of "making [Kirin] a fool" and ending with to a direct threat to her safety. Due to the tone taken despite orders to maintain a degree of anonymity during an ongoing investigation to the legal status of Pathfinder agents, this may negatively impact both directly and indirectly our stated objective and the outcome of said chronicle. I am writing this note prior to determining the outcome of said investigation such that future knowledge does not produce undo leniency on the actions taken. Please consider this my request for proper and formal disciplinary action on Agent Idris Mael. I do not request formal dismissal, but would suggest that perhaps retraining on proper field etiquette would be appropriate. I leave myself, and the other member of my party present during said altercation, Agent Kirin Quetzal, available for any questions regarding the situation. Thank you for your consideration in this difficult conversation. Kind Regards,
Ehr'lynd smiles to himself, places the note in an envelope, scrawls out the name of its recipient, and finds his bed for the night. Later...: Weeks later Ambrus Valsin is reviewing his incoming mailbox. Along with the assortment of official memorandums, invitations to formal balls, and correspondence with Zarta Draleen he comes across a letter with a familiar scrawl across the front. "Another one," he grumbles as he stands from his desk and nods, knowing what needs to be done regarding the latest infraction. Letter pinched within his fist as if it might get away, Valsin quickly walks over to a dusty file cabinet in the corner of his opulent office which he throws opens to reveal personnel files of Pathfinder Field Agents under review. Inside, he flips to one of the manila colored folders, which he struggles to open beyond the capabilities of its overstuffed maw. Without care or formality Ambrus shoves the letter inside, where dozens of other letters have found their home, unopened".
When offered a moment of quiet away from prying ears, Ehr'lynd speaks abruptly and with obvious frustration to his colleges, "To achieve our goal here we must not draw attention to ourselves, and particularly should not cause a ruckus. Negotiating under the legitimate guise of a trading caravan is one thing, verbally accosting our hosts is another. You will appear in my report, and I suggest you hold your tongue in the future. If you have a concern, address it to one of us...", he grits his teeth and nearly whispers, "...quietly." He turns his attention away from Idris, "Miss Quetzal, I am not a trained negotiator, but I know a thing or two about people and I am trained in watching humanoid behavior and in understanding the value in things. Please do not hesitate to use my skills as you see fit. I will let you know if I see anything." |
