P'Aye De T'Aime's page

A quick note, the Knowledge skill should not take my whole action if I recall correctly. If that is the case, I plan on attacking the goblin that tried to set my hair on fire. I had already included my rolls for an attack action previously but, if it would make it easier for you, I can refrain from doing that in subsequent posts. I did not see that it was a suprise round so I am good with your taking what I have already posted or rolling again when called for now that it's a proper round. I'll defer to your choice on that. If you want, since a die roll is a die roll, it may be easier for you to roll for our actions instead of trying to pick it out of our posts. That might make it easier for you to oranize the rounds (i.e. players state actions and you roll for us using our modifiers as needed). Just a few thoughts.

I wouldn't say no. Here's hoping I survive to do so. =)

OK, but make sure to give me the high sign if you need me to draw aggro.

A critical hit as the first hit on me, followed by a nat 1 on my first attack. That's an ill omen if ever I saw one.

I can use my performance to render you invisible to all within 30' Vors, perhaps it's time I do that so you can recover to a more favorable position?

A third goblins pops out from behind a merchant's stall, and the canvasing upon which it stands dips beneath its weight. A piece of flint in each hand, it reaches out towards P'Aye and begins striking them together frantically, attempting to light her hair on fire. Before it can make any progress towards that end, however, the canvas gives way, and it falls to pavement below.

"What?!? Why you little...," I shout as I swing the oddly weighted longsword at the goblin that tried to set me on fire. "The blade is so heavy," I think to myself.

I'll presume that we're using the same attack roll and action noted above (since conditions of the ready are met). On my turn I am also going to see what I can recall about goblins, even common knowledge (DC 10) information that may be more useful to me than this ill-weighted sword. :)

"I am no stranger to a blade sir," I say to Vors. Testing the blade quickly, I take up a defensive posture making sure that Vors has no trouble picking out targets. "My name is P'Aye," I say with

If you would prefer that I not spoiler my initative or action, please let me know. I figure it would be cleaner this way.

Reflexively taking a defensive posture, I look to the north and, in a hissing whisper, say, "Goblins!"

I am going to hop down off of the stage and move close to Vor for protection. I am also going to look for a something that I can use for an improvised weapon be it a chair, table leg, or other implement that I can use as a club.

"Such a gentleman," I say overloud for the audience, "I have a special song to me about love and the confusion that comes with it called 'Hide and Seek'...

Taking a deep breath to center myself, I begin my song with a series of lilting notes:

Where are we?
What the hell is going on?
The dust has only just begun to form
crop circles in the wood floor.
Sinking feeling.

Spin me round again.
I rub my eyes,
this can't be happening.
When busy streets a mess with people
would stop to hold their heads heavy

Hide and seek.
Dreams and glowing evenings.
All those years...
they were here first.

Oily marks appear on walls
where pleasure moments hung before the takeover,
the sweeping insensitivity of this still life

Hide and seek
trains and sewing machines (oh, you won't catch me around here)
blood and tears (hearts)
they were here first

Mmmm whatcha say,
Mmm that you only meant well?
Well of course you did.
Mmmm whatcha say,
Mmmm that it's all for the best?
Of course it is.
Mmmm whatcha say,
Mmmm that it's just what we need?
You decided this.
Whatcha say?
Mmmm what did she say?

Ransom notes keep falling out your mouth
your sweet talk is just a paper word cut out.
Speak no feelings, no I don't believe you
you don't care a bit,
you don't care a bit

(hide and seek)
ransom notes keep falling out your mouth
your sweet talk is just a paper word cut out.

(hide and seek)
speak no feeling no i don't believe you
you don't care a bit,
you don't care a (you don't care a) bit

(hide and seek)
oh no, you don't care a bit
oh no, you don't care a bit

(hide and seek)
oh no, you don't care a bit
you don't care a bit
you don't care a bit

Perform Check: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Of course, I changed the lyrics from another one of my favorites. Imagine this song minus the autotune but if you are interested in hearing what it sounds like, you can check it out here: Hide and Seek - Imogen Heap.

Why thank you Lorebane! Every drop in the bucket eh? :) [ooc]

Stooping quickly to pick up the rest of the assembled silver and copper coin only to pause quizzically at the ferret that delivered a silver, I stand to face Cyrak who has barged onto my stage.

"Why Cyrak," I say with a smile on my lips and a tone with a sweet edge to it, "I did not figure you for much of a... religious man. Indeed, that was a Callistrian Hymn." Letting the pregnant pause before the word "religious" sink in a bit (knowing what many men visited the shrines of Callistra for) until the chuckles bubble to the surface, I continue by offering up a shiny coin over my head with a smile beaming on my face, "What say, Mr. Heretic, that we each put a gold piece on the wager to add some spice to the stew? You know we at the Rusty Dragon like it... spicy."

Letting the word "spicy" linger for a moment too, I turn away from Cyrak with an exaggerated pivot and play up to the crowd's jeers and cheers, "Good people! As Cyrak and I are humble performers at your service, the choice of victor will be yours by applause. Are you good people up for a bit of an artist's duel? My voice versus Cyrak's lute with gold to back it up!" Waiting for the noise to dim a bit, I flip my coin to Vors and say, "Be a dear will you and hold this for me? You seem like a fellow that a woman can trust." With a quick wink at Vors, I turn smiling to Cyrak, I say, "Are you ready?"

"Now here's a strapping fellow," I muse silently to myself as I make a point to end my song prematurely for Cyrak Drokkus' announcement and the opening of the festival. Politely giving deference to the mayor and sherrif's statements, I turn my eyes from their introduction back to Vors eyeing him intently. "I wonder if he could be enticed to escort me to Magnimar," I consider silently as I let a small smile twist on my lips. Continuing to appraise this man, I muse, "He seemed moved by that last one, I wonder if he can be reached."

My mind races for a song that I can use to reach out and, with a barely perceptable, arch of my eyebrow, I have it. I recall a song from my days in the temple of Callistra called "Sweet the Sting" about strangers meeting. It was usually sun to entertain the pious visitors at the temple before the more carnal portion of the evening would commence but it should do. Somewhat seductive in tone, the song should serve it's purpose and hopefully it will connect.

The festival leaps into activity and I set my shoulders. Taking a breath, I start to sway slowly as I begin the sultry song:

With a strut into my view
his shoulder squared sure defiantly
He said "I, I have heard
That you can play
the way I like it to
be played."
I said, "I can play, anyway
that you want
but first I want...
I want to know.

Is it sweet, sweet,
the savored sting?
Is it real... this infusion?
Can it heal where others
before have failed?
If so, then somebody
shake shake shake me sane.
Because I am inching ever closer
to the tip of this wasp's tail.

I don't have any blatant markings as a worshiper of Callistra though, perhaps the song may be recognized by it's theme as having some connection or perhaps some story of the singer will have preceeded me out into the world.

As a side note to anyone interested, I cribbed liberally from a song by Tori Amos for this little ditty modifying the lyrics to suit my purposes. The song name is the same if you would like to get a feel for how it sounds. :)

I am unusually pensive today and I find myself growing restless. I am grateful that Ameiko has allowed me to perform at the Rusty Dragon in exchange for my room and board, but the sleepy stagnation of the past few days in Sandpoint threatens to crowd out happier thoughts. It seems my performances at the Dragon have been well received but I find myself thinking, “I left the sisterhood for this?” Am I to sing for my supper for the remainder of my days? The festival seems to be an opportunity to perhaps find an escort to take me the rest of the way to Magnimar.

My somber mood clashes with the happy hum of the people around me as they prepare for the festival. Children dart and play with brightly colored clothes which elicit a thin smile from my lips and lift my spirits. They are so bright and vital... I think envy them.

I approach the booth where Bethana is serving up the Rusty Dragon's spicy fare and, from the line, business seems to be good. I agreed to sing to the patrons who visit the Dragon's booth and Ameiko has a small area has been set aside where festival goers can sit, eat, and listen. I promised Bethana that I would sing something with a bit more cheer today. She's so sweet. Standing on the stage, I turn away from the few assembled already. I close my eyes for a moment and recall the teachings of Sister Helena. "Awareness," she would start, "is not just what we see. It is not just what we taste. It is not just what we feel. Awareness comes from the harmony of all of these as we perceive the world around us." I breathe in deeply and smell subtle scent of perfumed wash that somebody has used too much of. I taste the dust on my tongue but yet, there is something that I feel that I cannot yet make out like a quiet shadow in my conscious mind. With my back to the assembled festival goers I open my eyes, and let my cloak fall, turn, and sing.

I am wearing my Courtier's outfit to perform in. It is a blatantly extravagant garment for Sanpoint. It is of elven craftsmanship and shimmers with a fluid grace. It's light yet opaque cloth clings suggestively only to shift and change with each subtle movement. It is black and I accompany it costume jewelry - a necklace, ring, and hair piece accented by yellow topaz-like stones that appear precious but are little more than purified resin from the trees at the temple of Callistra that is allowed to harden and then sculpted into semblance of precious stones. My long red hair is pulled up and held tightly in place with only a few well placed strands escaping like rivers of copper that frame my face.

As this is a festival and celebration, I am not carrying my armor nor am I armed. Thus (FYI to the GM), I will have an AC of 12 for now.

Alright guys, sorry it's taken so long to get underway. Normally I wouldn't jump the gun so fast, but we're JUST starting out, and I want to get things underway, so if we haven't heard anything from Ragnar and P'aye by tomorrow morning, I'll start shopping around for two new dudes, and we ought to be running again by Monday.

I'm here. Have no worries. Was away from the terminal for a race this weekend but I'm back.

That would cover it not being a cross-class skill. What do you think, P'Aye? Would you rather have Stealth back?

Well, in a party that has armored, non stealthy types, choices typically are to be separate from the party. That means there's a high likleyhood of a dead bard. I am OK with taking disable device and, even with only three ranks (since I am not especially dexy) I can still aid another and provide assistance when it comes to disarming traps. I am OK with keeping Disable Device.

A side question fro Lorebane. Should we multiclass, what is your position on selecting an arctype with the first level of a second class.

Haken, I usually find that it helps me understand posts by using the [ b ] tag on things that you say. Often, you will have things that you need to ask Lorebane on the side... [ spoiler ] tags are good for that. The main thing I find about PbP is continuity of a scene. Regular posters won't have a problem with it as we can keep up on the action.

At the introductory levels, I am going to be much more subtle in combat since I am mainly ranged (whip and Bow). Charm is good before combat but, in a party of Conans (who start with "Enough Talk" and throw a dagger), that becomes less useful.

I am up in the air about the Street Performer arctype. There was a rogue in my last PbP for this character so the ability to make the rogue invisible with performance was much more useful. I am open to other arctypes or suggestions with that and can easily fold most of them into my story.

Looking forward to the game!

A mistake already... That post was supposed to be from Haken, not Wildebob.

Technically, since it's an OOC thread, you're fine! :)

Thanks for having me. I should have the final polish put on the character by some time tonight.

Perhaps we could ask our bard to to devote a couple of ranks to Disable Device. That should help for at least the first book of the AP.

The luck of the goddess favors you all. I decided to sell my furs and a few odds & ends in my inventory to obtain a set of thieves' tools. The weather in Sandpoint has proven mild so far so I find that I have little need for them anyhow.

I dropped a rank in Stealth for Disable Device and made a few adjustments in my gear to counter that expense. Since we are first level, that's the best that I can manage. Also, I counted my backpack as "dropped" to better reflect my skills in most active situations. If we are haranged while traveling, I will be carrying them (unless maybe we have a strapping porter to do so for me) so I will adjust my skills as needed for that situation. I also polished up my background to make it more suitable for Rise of the Runelords in terms of city names and such.

Submiting myself for consideration. This is a character I started out wtih in a prior PbP that fizzled you can see my stat block in addition to the posts I have placed in the prior PbP. If the story is appealing and you like the flavor I can bring, I can certianly find a reason for being in Sandpoint. Thanks for your time!

Jeebus, you guys are machines! I am pretty sure at least. Thank you for the free clinic!

Congratulations on your back to back!

Personally, I like that it's scalable. Too often, a hero will discard their trusty sword simply because it's "on to the bigger, better one" which kind of bugs me. It would be great if you could find an item at third level, get some use out of it but still have it with you at 20th. This one you can.

Granted, you can get some pretty nasty stuff (Linorm venom or the Sard's poison come to mind) at those higher levels but, then again, if you defeat them in battle HELL YEAH you should be able to get awesome stuff from them or sell that distilled venom for phat loot. Just like people always fawn over a dragon's hide for armor...

That in mind, it does change the total value of treasure gained as you are now adding in the extracted poison into that mix as a bonus. Granted, compared to the rest of the hoard, it's probably a nonfactor but that's a thought that came to mind.

Thumbs up from me. Nicely done.

So are we still playing this? I know it's the holidays, but it's been a couple weeks since we've had any updates.

I'm here... looking for Grimm ATM.

Dungeon Master Grim - I am just not feeling this character. Sorry for dropping like this, but it just doesn't feel like he's meshing with the others. Hopefully if you find someone new, they will compliment the group better. Thanks for the opportunity, have a good game everyone.

Sorry to see you go.

Grim, do you want to replace him or shall we continue with the group we have?

"Honestly, that will depend on the quality of what you have to offer," I say coyly. Making small talk as I await him to guide me back to the stables, "So is it just you here? Seems like an awful lot of work for just one man no matter how capable."

"Perhaps I could have a look at your stock," I say in a discriminating tone and, a little overtly flirtatious, I add, "stamina is important to me."

"Well met," I say holding my hand palm down and casting a slight turn of the head toward Irian, I find myself in need of a horse to bear me on a journey of some length. Do you have such a mount?"

"Would you have such a steed Sir... um..." I continue leaving a pregnant pause where the balding man may inject his name.

To myself I think, "Surely this is not Varnis... unless the girl has a father fetish."

I will scan the room and what I can see of the open courtyard for any other people nearby. Perception = 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 26

Hope your family has a quick recovery and you steer clear of the crud!

I raise an eyebrow at the children's snicker when I mentioned Theria and my attention back to the girl playing the game, "What's this, I say to her quizzically as I open my right hand revealing that it too is empty and look at the girl with an appraising look, [/b]"I think I see now."[/b] Turning to the boy who guessed, "That explains why you could not find the coin dear boy... it was here all along!" I reach up with my left hand to smooth the girl's hair away from her shoulders and produce a silver coin from behind her ear. "I knew you were a clever girl," I say with a smile showing the coin to her. Pressing it into her hand, I say, "You are a most worthy player my dear. Perhaps we can play again some time? I regret that we cannot play more now but I have some business to attend to inside. The coin is yours!"

I have deducted the silver piece from my money in the expenditure journal

I make my way to the door to the stables and look to the others, "I am going to see what kinds of horses they have to offer... care to join me?"

Seeing the tension in Irian and Ghorum's movements I motion to Irian for patience.

Bluff Check to Convey a Secret Message = 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24 (DC 24 for others to intercept this message)

"Ah, so we have another player," I say with an exageraged look of suprise, "such clever children." I unfurl my empty left hand revealing that it is empty.

Turning to the new guesser without opening my right hand, "Now you must answer child. Tell me, have you seen a woman with dark hair - you may know her - named Theira who might have been in the company of Varnis?"

"Very good. Watch carefully now," I say putting my hands together and rolling the coin across my nuckles from my right hand to my left, "don't even blink or you may miss it."

As the coin rolls across the nuckles of my left hand, I roll it under my hand concealing the coin with a rippling undulation of my fingers back from left to right. Closing my fists again, I present them to the girl.

Sleight of Hand = 1d20 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 4 = 11

"Now my dear," I say with the same graceful smile, "find the coin."

Ahh, looks like she'll get me this time maybe. :)

Gotta love getting a good role for those type of actions... Nothing worse than trying to do something cool and then rolling a 1.

I was prepared either way. A fumble on that check only reels in the mark thinking that they've got you. ;)

"What a clever girl you are," I say looking defeated letting my shoulders slump a bit. "Only," as I slowly open my empty left hand with a wry smile, "the coin was over here." I open my right hand to reveal the silver piece.

"Now a deal is a deal," I say to the child, "Tell me, is Varnis here at the stables?"

Once I have her response, I continue, "I sense the luck of Densa around you my child and know I could not do that again but I have another question. So, would you like another chance to find the coin?"

"My aren't you an industrious one," I saw with a smile slowly twisting into place, "I tell you what, let's play a game... it's called 'Find the Coin'" I take a silver piece out with a flourish an hold it in my hand between my thumb and forefinger. I move it back and forth before switching it into my other hand quickly. I flip it with my thumb into the air and catch it in my other hand before rolling it across my knuckles and then back. "If you can guess which hand the coin is in, I will give it to you," I say watching her eyes follow the coin, "but if you guess wrong, you will answer the next question I ask... deal?" Thinking to myself, "Gypsies love games of chance... let's see if this one is any different."

I will make a Sleight of Hand check to palm the coin and, since she's observing me, it will be opposed by her perception check. Since the object is a coin, I am factoring in a +4 to the check.

I clap my hands together and then present the girl with two closed fists for her to choose (Sleight of Hand = 1d20 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 + 4 = 20). With my eyes glittering mischievously, I say, "Which hand is the coin in?"

No worries on the posting as long as you don't stop... :)

I listen as I approach the stables and start to melodically sing along with the nonsense rhyme. "Hello children, are your parents the owners of these stables? I'm looking to buy a horse. Are they inside?"

I am look around to see if I can notice anything unusual or anyone matching Theria's description.

Perception = 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Irian Du'Lac wrote:

Irian's eyes narrow slightly at the conversation aobut summoning creatures comes about. "Might be best to leave the beast where it is for now. I suspect the fine folk of this small town would take note of something like that walking amongst them. Either way, let's be off and get this done. Every moment takes or quarry further away from us and leaves the trail colder."

"I am inclined to agree with, Little Lady... such a creature might arouse the superstitions of the more simple folk,"[b] I say to Carawyn, [b]"if things get unpleasant, we have our guile to keep us safe."[b]

What say we discuss a marching order to make things easier on the GM?

[b]"What do you think Carawyn," I say with a teasing wink.

Looking Gwynn up and down, "Do you think this one is handsome enough to keep ladies such as ourselves waiting?"

Bold fail in my last post... lol. Presuming we wait ok... otherwise, to the stables!

Irian's eyes narrow slightly at the conversation aobut summoning creatures comes about. "Might be best to leave the beast where it is for now. I suspect the fine folk of this small town would take note of something like that walking amongst them. Either way, let's be off and get this done. Every moment takes or quarry further away from us and leaves the trail colder."

[b]"I am inclined to agree with, Little Lady... such a creature might arouse the superstitions of the more simple folk,"[b] I say to Carawyn, [b]"if things get unpleasant, we have our guile to keep us safe."[b]

What say we discuss a marching order to make things easier on the GM?

"Perhaps, but I think that should we get in a pinch, having their strong arms around might be nessasary," I say looking at Ghorum's axe.

"How long does it take for you to call Mouse," I ask Carawyn.

"Tell me Carawyn, you have mentioned Mouse on a few occasions. Is that your familiar? Perhaps a small creature like a mouse would be useful should we need to play a more subtle hand than Irian and Ghorum have in mind."

Finishing my plate, I move to await Carawyn at the foot of the staris and, when she comes down, I will motion to the rest to join me on my "shopping excursion" to the stables.

Tanner Nielsen wrote:

So, for planning purposes, how many players (minus the one GM) are we looking at?

This is the list of people that have posted responses to this thread.

Nightflier
Gandal
Smerg
DM Aron Marczylo
ubertripp
Tanner Nielson
Alexander Kilcoyne
KenderKin
Eric the Wicked DM

It might be a nice thing for other DMs interested in this thread to be engaged as NPC voices. That way the GM could (with minimal instruction) have NPC's that are dynamic and further the GM's agenda. I would encourage the GMs that spot this thread to post interest even if they are not PC's... that way we involve more people.

BTW, I would volunteer to GM the first installment... just to get things going.

I am playing it close to the vest with the authorities as I am not sure how "free spirited" this community is. Until I know the extent of Theria's involvement, I am not entirely sure that I can rely on the Sherrif. I would like to make sure Carawyn's friend is not wrapped up in this mess more than her trusting father assures me of. I want to discern the situation for myself. Based on Carawyn's reaction, I trust that my unspoken message was received and prepare to go to the stables.

"Tell me Master Ghorum, I say continuing with the notion that I am looking for a horse for my trip, "I may have need of an escort to Karcau... what is your going rate for a journey of that length? Surely ale is not the only compensation you desire?"

As Carawyn ascends the stairs, I turn pointedly to the sheriff, "After I see to the matter of purchasing horses, Sir Sheriff, perhaps I can look into this matter. Though, I must ask as horses are not cheap to acquire, what matter of compensation for information provided did you have in mind?"

Once the assembled draw near finishing their ale, cider, and meal, I say to them in an unexpected shift of topic from details of the murder, "I am on my way to Karcau to sing in the opera house there. I will likely need an escort there as the way is perilous. Tell me, would any of you be willing to accompany me? I have various means to... compensate Raising an arched eyebrow and casting a sidelong glance first at Gwynn then at Irian you for the journey if you require it."

Looking at Carawyn I say, "I read once that the folk of the first world have a mysical connection with animals of this world and some manifest that connection with the ability to converse with animals. I wonder... do you, Little Lady, posess those gifts? If so, would you be willing to accompany me to the stables to speak with the horses? I need to find a quality mount for the journey to come that is pliant to command and strong enough to bear me that distance."

Bluff check to convey a secret message to Carawyn amid the words above: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

"The silence is perhaps how the killer was able to perpatrate this act under the noses of everyone without rousing the inn,"[/b} looking on quizzically, I continue, [b]"It does not seem to silence our words now... is it's magic spent? Is it something that can be used again with the proper spoken word?"

"Can anyone read what the writing says?"

gotta get me some Knowledge: Local

Hearing this and still a little hesitant, I extend my hand to Gargos saying, "I must beg your forgiveness for my rudeness Gargos, it seems there is much I have to learn about this land... I did not mean to offend."

As the assemblage enjoys the meal, I stand for a moment and go to speak to the Thorson, "Your food is excellent sir, I wonder if you could share with me how you get the meat in the sausages so flavorful. Don't be bashful, your secret is safe with me..."

"Really?" I say backing away as if he has just told me a clever culinary tip. Then pausing for a moment to give a knowing look..."That can't be the only secret."

Leaning down a bit to hear Carawyn, I turn to look at her silently thinking to myself, So trusting... I pride myself on lessons learned but perhaps there is another one here.

Looking away to address Irian, I say, "You are correct sir. My inference was only if in reference to if we move beyond mere witnesses to the event."

Standing quickly I move to the inkeep while still paying attention (Using the rolls above.) and arrange for a meal for the assemblage (Presuming common meal quality for a day is 3 sp so a single common meal would be 1sp per person for a total of 6 sp... let me know if a different price is warranted.) and a mug of ale (Mug Ale = 4 cp).

Returning to the table, I set the mug down in front of Ghorum I say,"Let us consider this your first installment Ghorum," with a smile.

I have deducted 6 sp and 4 cp from my sheet tracked in a journal under tracked resources in my character sheet.

Scooting my seat a bit to make room for the gnome, I smile warmly at Carawyn and speak to her in a soft tone while being careful not to name any names, "Everything okay? Were you able to find where your friend is?"

Knowing little about dwarven temperament and interests, other than what I learned in my studies (and the brief interaction with the sheriff upstairs), I say to Ghorum, "What was your contracted rate for the pathfinder?" Thinking to herself... Perhaps I can seek a similar arrangement once this business is concluded.

She then surveys the assemblage carefully before saying, "I think it prudent to consider for a moment what becoming entangled in this business could imply. I let that thought hang in the air for a moment recalling the technique the Mistress of Toasts once used to impress the importance of a visiting client. "There is a person or creature (or more than one for that matter) in command of arcane arts that is willing and savagely capable of murder. We are seeking to pry into affairs most nefarious and may find ourselves the target of their malicious ire."

My gaze lingers on Carawyn momentarily before scanning the faces of the rest of the group. I continue by saying, "We all have our own motives for wanting to involve ourselves and the extent to which we are permitted to pursue this matter may be dictated by the law of these parts... or it may not be depending on how vested we are in the closure of this incident. If we do this... if we get involved, know that I will rely on each of you like I am prepared to be relied upon."

With that said, I scan the room of assembled townsfolk whispering among themselves with the brief thought, What if that person is here... watching us now." Dismissing the thought, I draw again on the lessons of my youth and set my mind to the task at hand.

Perception to Listen in on some of the whispered conversations around the room = 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20 and Sense Motive as I look to search the faces of those downstairs for anyone carrying themselves in a suspicious manner = 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

P'Aye De T'Aime wrote:

Agreed. There are all kinds of Varisian gnome communities. The forrest near turtleback ferry is one but I can't think of the name ATM.

The Sanos forest?

Yep, that's the one. I recalled a few yarns about gnomes in Kaer Maga (which I have integrated into my post). I am regretting not buying "Gnomes of Golarion" at Gen Con this year now... :)

@Carawyn: Walking down the stairs at Carawyn's side, I say, "Any why shouldn't you have admirers? You are lovely and charming. You know, I once was told a story about the lovely gnome ladies of Kaer Maga once from a man I once knew for a brief time. There was a particular story about a gnome girl he told me about, a madam. It was a story about a love she and a human merchant shared. Now, I was told that story a long time ago so many of the details elude me but I recall it was both a beautiful and tragic story. The point is that the multiverse is full of opportunity but it is up to us to be open to it, pay attention, and be receptive. Not all opportunitites end up as we plan, as the story of 'The Merchant and The Madam of Kaer Maga' illustrates, but it is not ours to choose the destination... the multiverse only affords us choices in which path to take us there." Leaning in closer to tuck in a piece of hair that had broken free I whisper:

Gliding to the table with all the grace I can muster, I pause as Gargos speaks. Not wanting to be rude but obviously uncomfortable, I do not take Gargos' extended hand but respond in a very polite and formal manner. @Gargos: "Well met Sir Gargos. You will excuse my forwardness but what manner of lineage is it that makes you so gaunt and so pale? Is it an... affliction?"

Taking a seat, I half listen to Gargos' response while keeping eye contact with him and glance Irian's way at his pointed question for Ghorum, but the focus of my attention is elsewhere. I strain my ears to try and overhear what Carawyn and the inkeeper are talking about without making it obvious I am listening.

Perception = 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Grim: Not sure of distance between us or other conditions like crowd noise so please feel free to modify the roll above accordingly based on those factors.

Strapping on her form fitting leather armor I muse to myself, Men, so predictable... so pliant. Best to keep that sheriff as an ally though as there's no knowing what this situation will turn into. The swordsman is such a strong, quiet type and the gnome... such a darling. Odd that I would feel such a maternal bond with her. Such an odd assortment of people... I wonder what drives their interest in this matter?

Coiling my scoripon whip and affixing it to my belt I think, Well, you wanted to quicken your life P'Aye and here it is. Such a brutal existence they lead... never knowing when the hours that make up life will end. Admit it. It's exhillirating... and terrifying. But this is what you wanted. You're not even here a week and already tangled up in this business."

Testing the pull on my bow before shouldering it and my quiver I ponder to myself, "Where are you going? You came here wanting to sing but it's not enough and now there's this surge in your blood. Is his what people talk about... that "sense of adventure" that drives people into the mouth of danger to risk everything for the sake of greatness?"

Pulling my pack on to my shoulder, I take one last sweep of the room to make sure no other belongings have been left in the room. "I wonder if I will even get to see Karcau."

Closing the door on the preamble to my story, I make my way downstairs to the assemblage below.

@Sherriff: Noting his eyes dropped before he looked back up to speak to me, I say, "We are delivered from chaos by your arrival sir.

I curtsey so that my cleavage is on his level and in his eye line then, I say as I stand up, "We do not seek to impede you in the administration of your duties good sir. We are obviously concerned by this happening and if you can keep me abreast of your investigation, I would be deeply grateful and sleep much easier."

@Carawyn: After addressing the Sherriff and Uldhazel, I turn to Carawyn with a smile, and reach out to tuck back another strand of hair that has come undone behind her ear, "With those eyes, I think it would be utterly impossible to be angry with you even if it were warranted... which in this case it is not." As Carawyn moves down the hall away from her room (to go find Theria) I touch her shoulder lightly, "Perhaps we should change into more suitable attire Little Lady... I fear if we continue to stroll around in our bedclothes, your admirers will start falling over themselves!"

With that, I piviot on the ball of my foot and trot back to my room so that I can don my equipment.

Agreed. There are all kinds of Varisian gnome communities. The forrest near turtleback ferry is one but I can't think of the name ATM.

@Carawyn: Blushing slightly I say, "I must apologize. I mistook you for a human child. I have heard of the folk of the first world before but never had an occasion to meet one. Please forgive me... I did not intend to offend you."

@Gohrum: I place a hand on your shoulder and say, "Don't take it to heavily friend. His death is not your failure. There seems to be something foul afoot. In addition to what our cowled friend has said about his destination, would you be able to recognize this woman you saw entering his room last night if you saw her again?"

@Uldhazel:

@Irian: "I think your inquiry would be better directed to this fine dwarven gentleman here." Gesturing to the sherrif that has ascended the stairs.
Helping guide the DM ninja back on track.

@Sherrif: "Something wrong has transpired here sir. Murder most foul and, though it would seem that this man (gesturing at Irian) indicates that his soul has passed into the embrace of whatever god he worshiped, the heinous nature of the crime and that there was sorcery involved lead me to believe that there are likely few that could perpitrate this atrocity. Do you know of anyone who could have done such a thing from what you know of the locals in town?"

That's draconic... the language of magic. I wonder what she's doing.

To Anyone Listening: "She makes a good point. Are there any among you fine gentlemen with your weapons in your hands who can track prey? It would seem that the first blow was the one that felled him but he was savaged after that. It seems that the killer or one of his associates either lacked control of themself or it was a personal... a need to harm this man. Did anyone know him?"

Three men of action! I wonder what their price would be. Pharasma eh? Strange, he does not have the trappings of a priest. Another one for his mistresses' boneyard it would seem...

To the guard who just added to the reek by disgorging the contents of his stomach on the floor: "When you are finished, I wonder if you could run along and bring the real authority. There's no shame in what you've done, mind you... the reek is terrible but surely this town does not leave matters of the law up to visitors."