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Walf says in exasperation, "So be it. . .Roscoe, would you please show the deputy the gods-forsaken map. I was trying to prompt someone to do it discreetly, in case someone thought it was a bad idea, but that's clearly not working. Deputy, if he shows you the map, can you please tell them if there is any landmark on the map that corresponds with the X on it? I'm going out for fresh air. Make sure you ask them about the Shoanti and the Honored Lady." Walf walks out to enjoy the morning air.
We have: A sliver serving set (70 gp), a silver decanter (35 gp), and 6 copper mugs (15 gp total) (120 gp all together) A crystal decanter stopper inlaid with gold tracery (95 gp) 9 bars of gold (200 gp each, 1,800 gp total) If we get full value for all of these items, that would be 2,015 gp, which works out to 370 gp, 8 sp, and 3 cp each with 2 cp left over, assuming we can sell/barter the items for full value immediately or cannot haggle a better deal.
Walf is making the following changes:
Derek, if we are going to change anything about our characters before we hit second level, do you want us to post something about it, or just include it in our updated character when we hit 2? Since Walf is going to multiclass into fighter, I'm just going to change what his trained skills are under his traveler of a hundred lands trait, and maybe a couple of the initial spells I chose for his spellbook that he's never cast.
"That is an excellent idea. I will do just that." Walf pauses, then tentatively and very quietly asks Roscoe a question that has been on his mind for some time since his arrival in the Cove. "Isn't Roderic's Cove a colony of Riddleport? I thought the Port-Captain here and the Port-Governor were appointed by the authorities in Riddleport, as despicable as they are. However, the Port-Captain's comments about Riddleport are so clearly negative that even I can ascertain his feelings. Does he work for Riddleport and hate it at the same time? Or is the local government more independent than that of a colony?" Walf, having grown up in a very rigid society that has hardly changed since its founding finds these concepts fascinatingly confusing. He is smart enough to know that he keeps stepping in it, but sees no way to learn how things operate here. He traveled to Golarion to experience it, and learning about its chaotic governments and inter-municipal relationships is part of that experience. Walf decides he could also learn more in the town guard. He turns to Freson. "Port-Captain, if you are still taking volunteers to help with the town guard in emergencies, I would be glad to lend a hand, too. This has become my home, and I want to help protect it."
"Listen, I know you like rules. Here's one super important rule: when we find stuff, don't offer to give it away! I've got to make a living here! So you're welcome to give away your own stuff, but I'm in this for the gold--don't volunteer to give my share away!" Walf takes a step back as Roscoe expresses his . . . anger? Walf has such difficulty reading people on Golarion, he is unsure, but the halfling has made himself clear that he did not like Walf asking the Port-Captain about keeping the treasure. Curious, Walf thinks to himself. I mentioned asking about the issue to the group when we were making plans for today. I wonder why he did not say anything then? Walf composes himself and responds to Roscoe. "I acknowledge your concern. I apologize, I was merely attempting to ascertain if it was indeed ours. I understand now that it is." "I have no particular feeling about rules themselves. Rules exist. They can be broken, particularly where doing so serves the greater good.
For example, when my uncle Alois passed and the Probate Court of the 127th District announced that there was sufficient likelihood of resurrection to warrant holding his belongings in trust, including a clock that my mother particularly valued, we hired a spellcaster to verify my mother's memory that her brother had specifically indicated he had no intention of returning, even if someone were to cast the necessary spell . . . ." Walf trails off again, having clearly lost anyone's attention. He thinks to himself, This group's intentions seem to be good, I can put up with a certain amount of law-breaking to help save this community from the evil that appears to be welling up here, at least for now.
Where should we stash the case for the missing rapier while we are going around town and adventuring? It seems like a really big thing to be carrying, and it would advertise what we're doing to whoever took the sword. Or is it something we want to make sure we have with us in case we come across the sword and want to stuff it in there to protect ourselves?
"My apologies, Port-Captain. You are correct, I am familiar with the inexcusable way that Riddleport treats the Cove." Walf thinks to himself, but does not express, the rest of the thought: But that doesn't mean the Cove does not dance to Riddleport's tune. The law is the law. "Perhaps we should then add a visit to the Port-Governor to our list of things to do today." Walf considers that list for a moment. "Port-Captain, we have heard twice now that Morley saw these creatures before. Do you recall what he reported, such as where he saw them or what they were doing? It may be important." "Also, the timing of events is curious. Sir Roderick seems to have become restless at the same time the Roadkeepers killed six of the Horned Fangs. It seems unlikely to be a coincidence. The attack may have made the spirit restless, but in case the restless spirit provoked the attack, or the same thing provoked the attack and made the spirit restless, it would be useful to know more about the attack. Would you share with us what you have learned about it? We will, of course, share anything we learn about it with you."
"Perhaps my Common is not so good, but did you mispronounce what you were saying? From what little I know of Riddleport, "cheat" is what they would be interested in." Walf chuckles. "Cheat, indeed, effendi, given the stories of Riddleport piracy! The word is 'escheat.' In Axis, when an individual dies and has no heirs, his or her personal effects go to the government. However, if he or she is wealthy, well-connected, or powerful, the law recognizes the possibility that he or she will return from the afterlife. Therefore, the personal effects are held in trust by the city's probate courts for a period of ten years. If they are not collected by then, they are distributed to the heirs or, if there are none, they escheat to the government. Real property is far to valuable in the Eternal City for a court to hold for so long. The probate court distributes it after a year. Those who want to ensure their land stays with them if they return therefore put it into an everlasting trust administered by the axiomites...." Walf stops talking, noticing the glazed looks of boredom or lack of comprehension this explanation of inheritance laws in Axis is probably eliciting. "Er, perhaps things are regulated differently in this colony."
I see a few more things we may want to ask the Port-Captain about or mention to her, in addition to anything else you can think of. Feel free to jump in with them! Speak to Morely about what he saw the strange creatures that jumped us doing [we could ask the Port-Captain more about what Morely said to see if this is worth doing] Ask Port-Captain Freson about the recent altercation between the Horned Fangs and the Roadkeepers Ask Kreela McIntosh (Port-Captain Julit Freson's deputy) about her time in the Churlwood with the Roadkeepers Check the bodies of the monsters that jumped us in the night and bit Roscoe, Frantino, and Nasir Look into the deaths of the six Horned Fangs caused by the Roadkeepers about two weeks ago Ask around about the Shoanti Roscoe saw in his vision, maybe he's still in the Cove or someone observed him while he was here (within about the last month) Ask around about the moniker "Honored Lady" and who the Shoanti may have been referring to by using it it (within about the last month)
"Captain, we found a number of other valuable objects in the house that clearly belonged to Sir Roderic and his family when they perished. What is the law regarding those in this area? May we keep them under the law of finds and use them to fund our further efforts on Sir Roderic's behalf, do we need to travel to Riddleport to turn them over in trust to the probate court in case he is resurrected, or do they escheat to the government of Riddleport?"
Walf gestures toward Nasir, "It was the esteemed Captain who noticed the likeness and thought it might belong to you. We found it under the stairs leading to Sir Roderic's house. Can you think of any reason it might have been there? We are attempting to determine why his spirit is so unquiet." Walf observes Captain Freson as she examines the amulet, as she speaks of it, and as she answers his question about it, to determine whether she might is being honest about the locket and how it was left at Sir Roderic's home. However, he has great difficulty reading reactions of the people of this plane.
"It cannot be a coincidence that we were accosted after starting to look into this and searching Sir Roderick's house. These creatures must be linked to these strange events somehow. Perhaps they attacked the Horned Fangs? When we get to The Lady's Chapel, we should inquire whether the Horned Fangs had bite marks like some of you received."
"I do not believe any of us have, Captain. After we finish speaking to you, may we examine them? Where there are two, there are probably more." Walf pauses a moment, then pulls out the locket. "Captain, at Audrahni's request, we went into Sir Roderick's house yesterday to try to determine what has disturbed his rest. We found this, among other things." Walf holds out the locket for Captain Julit to examine.
Walf tucks the rod under his cot, thinking its history might make it a good base for creating a magical rod later on. Walf then prestidigitates the slippers to make them fresh and clean and returns them to Frantino at breakfast, explaining their powers. "You should wear them for now. They may be useful. If they are too feminine for you, we could offer them to Ayita, but I suspect they then also would not suit her as a Shoanti huntress. In that case, we could sell them with the other things or hold onto them until we can go to Riddleport or Magnimar." Regarding where to go, Walf speaks up, "I think we should go seek the Port-Captain first. We can find out what he learned about the creatures, learn what he might know about the locket, and make sure we can sell the items we found in Sir Roderic's house without getting into trouble. Maybe he can also tell us about the Roadkeepers, the Horned Fangs, and what that old man reported to him before."
"What, was that?" Walf asks in exhaustion. "I expected someone to try to rob us, but not monstrosities!" Walf examines the bodies, looking for any clue about what just happened.
"We should warn the Port Captain. Do we need to pay some sort of fine for engaging in combat in town? Can we hire a clean-up crew?"
Review the Gazetteer provided earlier to decide what you're living arrangements are. Although Walf normally stays at Perik's, he's concerned about the safety of this many valuables. He'll suggest that the group take a large room at Creekside for the night and share it, keeping watch until they can sell the items or find a safe place to store them...especially if they are getting jumped out on the town.
After getting cleaned up and changing his clothes, Walf joins the others at the table. He brings the ship painting with him and spreads it on the table before him. As everyone speaks, he listens and nods. However, he also repairs the painting, casting mending upon it. Once it is repaired, he rolls it back up and makes a mental note to buy some scroll cases during the shopping the next day. "There are many more things to do than this, but I think it is a good start to fill all of tomorrow with tasks. What say you?" Walf finds Nasir's suggestion sound. "I will prepare detect magic in the morning and can identify the items, if they are indeed magic, before breakfast." "If either of the objects are magical, I suggest we just collectively retain them. We can assign them to whomever can best make use of them for now, but we can wait to travel to Riddleport or Magnimar before we sell them. Such items are so valuable that is difficult to sell them for a good price in a community as small as this, and we may have use for them in the Churlwood." "Also, The Poleiheira teaches that it is often a good idea to hold onto valuable items and divide them once there are several, making the decisions about them more equitable. The only way to divide a single gem among many is to sell it. But when there are many gems, there are as many ways to divide them." Walf thinks about the valuables recovered from Sir Roderic's house. "We will not run into any...legal trouble selling what we found, will we? Perhaps we should speak to the Port Captain before we sell them. They may belong to someone. That will also allow us to investigate the locket before selling it, if we decide to do so."
The next morning, when Walf rises and prepares spells, he switches out acid splash, replacing it with detect magic. Once that spell is prepared, he uses it to examine the slippers and the rod.
"Perhaps there are some traders that would be willing to take some of these items off of our hands. For the right price, of course." "I do odd jobs for Lyndwyn Suvasa at the Cove Armory. She trades with a dwarf merchant from Riddleport that comes through once a month. Perhaps she would take these items from us, give us a credit to purchase items, and pass them on to the trader. I could ask her to keep their origin quiet, to avoid attracting any attention to our investigation. She will certainly buy any used arms or armor off of us, though for a fraction of what we paid for them. She drives a hard bargain. I feel we should not hesitate before proceeding to the Churlwood, otherwise I would offer to make something for you. Perick lets me use his smithy and work on his commissions. Perhaps once we return." If Possum has his cart out in the Circle Market, Walf will steer the group toward it before reaching Creekside.
"So--what now? Rest and refit in town, then try to find the 'X' marks the spot?" "Yes, that sounds good. But as Nasir fears and as the Poleiheira teaches, it is times like this when one gets ambushed. If anyone is watching the house or has gotten wind of our activity, now would be the optimum time to jump us and take what we have found. As Nasir advises, we should be on our guard as we return and refrain from discussing it where we can be overheard until we have had a chance to rest."
The hole in the floorboards looks like a secret hidey hole that’s been discovered and recklessly opened. It is the perfect size for the sword case. Are there any indications how recently it was broken open? The rest of the house seems to be long undisturbed and is covered in mold. Does this look like it happened more recently (e.g., there is less grime buildup on the case since it hasn't been out very long)? Does it seem possible that the removal of the case from the hidey hole happened in the last month? "It seems like whoever opened this knew just where to go to find it, but then needlessly damaged the floor and forced the case where a little patience and care would have sufficed. Whoever did this is ver quick to use force and will not be someone to be reasoned with."
Roscoe nods as Ayita explains. "I wasn't quite sure if he was pointing to you, or just past you at the wall. Or, like you said, replaying some event. He definitely knew I wasn't the honored lady. Bizarre." A puzzled expression crosses Walf's face. "Who did you see? What did they say beyond referring to an honored lady? It might help us figure out why Sir Roderic is unquiet or what happened to the rapier, though I suppose they could be one and the same thing." As he speaks, Walf crouches down and examines the floor, attempting to see if he can ascertain how long ago the hole was made and whether it is large enough for the case to have been in the hole.
He clearly has no idea. Turning to the party he asks, "Can any of you tell how recently the hole was made and whether the case was in it? Perhaps the removal of the rapier is what has disturbed Sir Roderic's rest. Certainly his statements to us were about it."
"Have we found the gauntlets yet, by the way? It sounds like those might be important if we do find that rapier, from what Sir Roderick's ghost said." "No, we haven't. Perhaps that is what is at the 'x' at the Stone House in the Churlwood. I agree, they seem very important. We could come back here tomorrow when I can detect magic and scan for them quickly."
Walf examines the silver locket the group found on the porch. If one of the others has it, he asks politely if he can examine it for a few moments. If it seems it can be opened, he opens it. After examining it, he hands it back.
"So--no one else has any insight on Ayita being an 'honored lady?' Does that mean anything to anyone?" he wonders. Walf frowns. "It does not sound like any honorific the Shoanti used during the time I lived among them. Unfortunately, my knowledge of Golarion is limited. I am still learning." Walf considers whether the title "honored lady" might have some religious connection and, on the off chance, whether it might have anything to do with the planes.
I entered what I could think of for notes about what's going on. Please feel free to add to them and fix them. I also entered what we came up with today for treasure so far. Same there, feel free to add and fix things. I had just gone through today trying to figure out how much we have and thus what Walf might be able to afford to learn spell-wise (e.g., identify). In doing so, I made some correlations, so I documented them, as well as the others I can remember us making. I am sure there are others, though.
Derek, Palvi suggested we compile what we know as players. How about we do a shared note in Roll20 like we did in a Roll20 Starfinder game? That way everyone can add their 2 cents, but it's preserved in one spot, rather than across a half dozen or more posts that quickly fall pages back. That will also make it easy for us to update it over time as we learn what information is important, what is not, and new information. Could you create one so we can try it?
Loot haul by my reckoning: Ooh, I was soooo close. I didn't catch the locket! That brings my tally up to 2,365 gp, 2,015 if we keep the cabinet...just in case. ;) (sorry, not sorry, about the pun) Are you sure we found that, Derek? I'm not finding a reference to it in the threads. Did we look inside? Oh, we also have the wand of CLW and 4 holy waters left.
"Wait," Walf says, stopping with a startled expression on his face. "Baraket? Didn't Sir Roderick mention Baraket when he appeared last time? Something along the lines of 'Baraket' controlling 'them,' but it was not clear who 'them' referred to. Then he said it would control 'you,' possibly meaning us. And then he said something about gauntlets he should have used." "This rapier is something important and dangerous. It could be an intelligent weapon. In my training as a weaponsmith we were told stories about such swords and their tendency to control the weak-willed. We need to be very careful looking for it and especially careful if we find it." Walf shudders at the idea of a weapon taking over his mind and controlling his actions.
"Let us completely search this room and then get out of this house. Once we are somewhere safe, we can recuperate, take stock of all that we have found, and decide our next course of action." "Let's go to Creekside for some food. Afterward, we can check the map at the town hall, check in with Audrahni, pawn the items we found her to fund our efforts, and maybe do some research or asking around."
"Perhaps we can do some research back in town?" "We definitely should. However, let's keep the name of the sword to ourselves and even the fact that we are looking for a sword, at least for today. Whoever took it might not appreciate us asking around about it. I am exhausted and would rather not get into a fight with the new wielder today if we can avoid it."
It once held a rapier. Whoever stored it in the case didn't want anybody scrying its location, or so he assumes from the lead lining. Walf rubs his chin as he looks at the case. "It seems this case once held a rapier. One someone was trying to shield from scrying." "Clearly, we need to find it. Whomever Sir Roderick was hiding the rapier from likely had something to do with his death." Walf continues, "But why would you hide a rapier from scrying? He must have known someone was after it. Perhaps he stole it or is some evil artifact he was protecting." "If we do find it, we will have to be careful with it. And we might not want to advertise that we are looking for it."
Walf examines the case to try to determine what type of sword would have been held in it.
He also considers what magical reasons might cause someone to line a sword case in lead.
Finally, he considers whether the damage to the painting of the vessel might have been caused by a sword cut, particularly the type of sword he might determine was in the case.
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