I'm sorry to hear that. Life happens, so I totally understand. Sounds like you're going through some rough stuff. If you ever need someone to talk to, feel free to message me. I'm no doctor or anything, but I'm willing to be a sympathetic ear. 

Asoel is relieved that Kheric took it better than expected. He fills in his comrade on all the details, including the preset time of the meeting, and recommends that if no other leads present themselves, they may as well head back to the inn and rest in preparation for tomorrow. 

((Assuming that nothing else happens today, Asoel goes to the inn and prepares his gear, taking care to disable safely the bear trap he'd set to protect his gear from thieves. Being deliberate in choosing what would best aid tomorrows adventure, he readies a pack with several torches, bear traps, flint and steel, a couple waterproof bags, chalk, his climbing kit, net, and other equipment. Frowning at his favorite spear, he decides to leave it behind since the tight environs of a sewer certainly won't favor the longer weapon. So, he decides to make do with his dagger, warblade, and sling. All of these changes are now reflected on my sheet. I should note that while carrying the bear traps I am medium encumbered, but as soon as I set or drop either one of them, I become light encumbered again. Again, if nothing else happens in the meantime, I'm fine with having Asoel rest tonight and go straight to the rendezvous.))

Asoel nodded thoughtfully. “Very well. I shall try to broach the subject tactfully with my companion. Tomorrow morning just before dawn, so as to not draw undue attention, we shall gather our gear and return here to speak with you about the location of your quarantine. If you have any information or materials that will aid us in this endeavor, please have them prepared by then.” With that, Asoel gave a reassuring smile, knocked back his last drink, paid his tab, and took his leave.

Finding Kheric, Asoel approached cautiously, trying to figure out the most diplomatic way of bringing up this extralegal activity to his new companion. Not missing the irony of the diplomatic nature of his visit to town, he chuckled to himself as he thought now is as good of a time as any to try his hand at improving his use of words. Thinking over his observations of his newfound friend, and especially remembering the compassion he showed in his interaction with Adamo, Asoel decided that that was most likely the best angle to approach from. “Kheric, I do believe I have found a potential ally in our investigation.” Asoel then indicated to talk in a more private area, doing a quick scan around to make sure no one was listening in. “The barkeep, Rikkel, has turned out to be quite a perceptive and insightful fellow and is quite verbal in his opposition to the drug. This establishment, of course, is the perfect location for gathering of rumors filtering through the community at large. Though he has no current information to offer, he has agreed to keep his ears open and pass on any pertinent information that comes through to him.”

Pursing his lips, he decided to continue on to the more risky request.

“In exchange for this wonderful aid, he has asked a small favor of us. One which I fully intend to give, since it will not only build trust with our newfound ally but is in and of itself an act of mercy. This request will not only work towards keeping the community at large safer by preventing a potential outbreak of disease, but will also ensure that a beloved family of pets will go through no more suffering than necessary.”

((Provided that Kheric’s reception seems good, Asoel will go pass on the information that Rikkel gave about the rats, the disease, and will try to carefully stress how, though these pets are illegal, it is important to ensure the safety of the healthy rats)).

Glad to see we're going on again! Fair warning though, school is hitting me hard right now, so I may need a day or two to really sit down and formulate a reply. But I am psyched to get this going again

I feel options 1, 3, or 4 would be best. I think we've waited long enough trying to add others, and we can't fully trust that further intrest will come (or, as in the case of my friends, interest will be there but won't be enough to actually cement interaction). 

Option 1 would be very fun, though interesting to balance. I do like the idea of a literal buddy-cop storyline within an actual investigation-based adventure. If we do go this route, I'm suddenly VERY glad I took Breadth of Experience, as we're gonna need a nice wide variety of skills with just the two of us. If we want things to be better balanced mechanically though, particularly for combat though, us playing 2 characters also works.

I would almost consider doing a buddy cop gestalt thing to even out the mechanics and our abilities. The problem is though justifying our characters suddenly becoming gestalt narratively, so not sure it is really viable. 

Well I've exhausted all my players too. Sorry that it stalled us. But I'm definately in. I think by this point in time, we've shown that the core of us three are surprisingly regular with our postings. So we could certainly pull it off. We just need to figure out the best way to adjust.

Sorry that it took forever!

So I regret to report that the players who were so excited to join and had started making characters have had to back out. One has been reassigned to a new military base/job (and so his wife is also dropping out), the other is too busy with classwork to even finish.

Sorry. I feel extra bad because I vouched for them so it is my fault nothing has happened in so long. They were all very excited though, it just didn't work out. I'm still here are raring to go. Do we wanna make this a two man party? Or have us control two characters each? Or have someone else find more reliable friends?

Idk if the actual cards will be posted. Last I heard, sounds like we're getting an oracle, warpriest, and wizard.

Just as an update, I asked them all how they are doing. They are still interested and want to join, but haven't had time to finalize characters. Idk if we want to continue until they are ready or keep waiting, but I'll keep encouraging them.

Echario would know more, but from what I've seen, two of the players should be pretty close. They went through and did all their background rolls, have great character ideas, etc. I just don't know how close they are to completing their character sheets. The new playtest may have something to do with that, our group has been rather distracted trying to participate with that . We play Monday though so I can ask then.

As for the last player, he's seen his card at least but I have no idea as to whether he's done much else. Good news is though, I see him in person tomorrow, so I can ask!

Ok, sweet thanks! I already contacted a select few of my friends and two of them already agreed. I'll send you their contact info via Discord since that's how we tend to stay in touch for our own campaigns.

They are a married couple. The husband is a good friend of mine, I worked with him in the Philippines (so don't be surprised if he has his character speak Elven ) and he actually introduced me to Pathfinder. His wife is a newer player, her first character is about to reach level 6 in my own campaign. She's picking it up really well and particularly enjoys the roleplaying aspects, so I think they will be a good fit for the campaign. 

As for the rat thing, I'm going to wait to see what info he gives (hopefully including that about the disease itself) before deciding who to involve. In character, Asoel doesn't yet know the party very well and doesn't know if the group would be as forgiving of Rikkel's illegal activity as he himself was, so if it seems like something he can handle alone with relative safety, he may attempt that. If it could be risky however, he'll try to tactfully broach the subject with Kheric (and perhaps our new players) privately since, as you pointed out, we're trying to appear to be separate at the moment.

Edit: Ok I figured the simplest way to share contact info was to set up a group message on discord. Already did that, so feel free to talk to them whenever.

Yeah, no problem. Thanks for keeping this going! I'm truly enjoying it. And I'm curious where the rat thing is going. . . 

So does it seem to me like we're the only two in the party now? How's that gonna work? Especially curious now due to the possiblity of combat. . . 

If you are willing to cycle in some replacement players, some of my regular group may just be interested. I'm not gonna say anything without permission of course, this is your game and I'd hate to throw in any wrenches.

((Asoel, realizing he only just met this barman, takes a quick moment to see if Rikkel's illegal activities were anything but an act of love to the rats. Sense Motive +2. He's not expecting otherwise, just trying to be perceptive. Assuming everything appear kosher, he'll reply as follows below))

Asoel nods and gives a reassuring smile. "Worry not friend, for my jurisdiction and, indeed, sole concern with the law at the moment is bringing an end to this candy. I told you moments ago that I'm a hunter by heart. Well, though a hunter kills of necessity, a true hunter desires not for the suffering of any animal. Tell me where to go and I'll do the deed, as painlessly as I am able. How many has the disease reached? And do they tend to stay together? I would prefer to do the task alone, but if you feel it best I bring my comrades, I'll try to broach the subject as tactfully as I can."

Asoel respectfully lifted up his glass and nodded to his new friend. Relief swam through him as he collected himself, a bit surprised at how his own passion bubbled up from him like that. He's glad Rikkel took it so well though.

"Pare (friend), what is this request? If it is within our power, we will be pleased to help! After all, your hospitality and willingness to keep us informed have been the best things to happen to us since we've started this hunt. I would consider the opportunity to aid you in kind an honor."

Rikkel seemed offended at Asoel's vagueness, yet his obvious distate merely made Asoel smile. Joining in with a spit of his own, he corrected Rikkel's statement, "Thrice damned drug you mean."

Hoping his agreement would hold Rikkel's attention, he quickly reached in pulled out the symbol of his newly gained position of investigator. 

"I didn't mean to imply you helped distribute the poison. Merely your perceptive ears and familiarity with the local denizens around may have given you an inkling of where to look."

Asoel leaned in over the counter, staring the barrman with stern eyes as a new passion crept into his voice, a fiery glare that would make his motives clear to the man.

"That filth is an evil sweeping through this community, and now the plague has begun to spread to my Norwood home, corrupting all it touches with a humiliating, meaningless death. Official search has gotten nowhere, we need local help if we're to have any hope to rid this town of the toxin. And nothing would give me more pleasure -" Asoel gripped his medal until his already fair skinned hand was noticeably white with tension. His emotions got the better of him, and he grabbed the ratman's shoulder to be sure he was listening. As Asoel got worked up, he began to lose a bit of himself, parts of his declaration now naturally weaving into his native tongue as he held up a sleeve stained by honey-blood. "Every petseng yawa that did this to Ate made an enemy of me from the moment I'd learned of the vile tae, but then it claimed a life I knew! To say that it has become personal belies the burning desire I have to cut out and eat ang mga puso nila. Sakit and pagod ako. I get sent here on a diplomatic mission. Well pakshet, I'm not a diplomat, nor am I an interviewer, I'm a tracker! Now please, I beg of you, lead me to a track, any track. I'm sick of talk. I need the hunt."

((I left those phrases untranslated on purpose, just a warning if anyone has strong feelings against swearing as some of those are particularly vile. I normally never swear, indeed I've never spoken those particular words aloud, but it felt warranted for Asoel and his state of mind.))

Asoel, impressed by Rikkel's perceptive ability to hear his whispered message and his cutting directly to the subject at heart, considered the barman again. It was a simple statement, yet this brought an immediate sense of kinship, for this barman seemed to be very similar to himself: a watcher of people, always perceptive and yet not a mincer of words. Asoel weighed his desire for tact and anonymity against the need for information. Despite not being the best with communication, Asoel admitted to himself he couldn't refuse the barman. 

"I can see your reputation as a man able to find things holds true, for you found my statement when I tried to keep it secret! Very well, we have come to your establishment hoping to learn where we could go to find those who distribute 'Magic Candy'." 

Asoel thought keeping his statement to the bare minimum truth would be the best course here, so he hoped purposefully avoiding the topic of whether they sought the candy for purchase or for apprehending the sellers, but he knew that if Rikkel asked, he would be hard pressed to decieve. He doubted any lie that he, blunt as he was, would slip by the perceptive ratfolk. He could only hope that either his statement before would be enough for the barman to trust him with some information, or that the fact the guards pointed them in this direction was indication that Rikkel's sentiments were in line with their own. Waiting for a reply, Asoel watched Rikkel carefully, hoping that this was true.

((Sense Motive +2 on any reply Rikkel gives. Asoel wants to know if he can trust this barman or if he seems he'd be more aligned with the sellers of the candy))

Yay! So glad to see this isn't dead! I'll await the update anxiously!

Aslo, good luck on your regular session prep. I know the feeling. Last session my level 5 party knocked out my sorcerer NPC who was 3 levels ahead of them while she was still flat footed (note: no sneak attackers in the party, and very few ranged attackers, so that was impressive). 

Sorry I've been busy the past few weeks. Are we still going on this? I loved how it was heading, I was just hoping to have something else to react to. Hoping this hasn't died out, I've truly been enjoying it. If everyone is just waiting on each other, I guess I'll send Asoel on some sort of stealth mission, but with what evidence he saw I'm not sure he's thinking it is warranted just yet. 

Asoel passed on his payment for the glass, then allowed the drink to sit in his mouth to capture the full flavor before swallowing it. It was much too course a taste than would have been appreciated by most of his elven friends, yet Asoel couldn't deny that enjoyed the way it burned in his throat. Smiling, and realizing that the sublter aspects of asking for delicate information may be better handled by those of smoother tongue than he, he contented himself by passing on payment for another glass and merely saying, "The Two Moons doesn't stock my favorite drink as you do. Besides, I may be a 'long ear', as you say, but I was not born in the Norwood. Your fine establishment reminds me of my original home." 

Asoel did have questions to ask, but though he was trained in the arts of physical stealth, he had to admit that his compatriots seemed far superior at suchs acts. Such deficiency annoyed Asoel, of course. He was never one who enjyed being worse at something. Yet the wise words of his people echoed in his head: hangga't makitid ang kumot, matutong mamaluktot (When the blanket is short, learn to how to bend). His vocal skills being his lacking blanket, he'd bend within what skills he did have and make do. Being careful to be descreet, he whispered into Iaka's ear, "I'll let you lead the discussion for now. I'm going to see what my eyes can discern."

Asoel scanned again through the faces of the customers of the establishment, trying his best to appear as if he was looking for an empty table for his comrades. In reality he searched for any sign of user or dealer of the candy. If no one was obvious enough to have a guilty appearance, then perhaps a secluded hall or door would be visible. You never know when establishments such as these lend themselves as locations for such dirty dealings. So, Asoel simply tried to soak in every detail of the place and see if anyting was amiss.

Oh didn't see this til now. Happy belated birthday!

On a side note, it wasn't Asoel who came up with the ploy to get the doorman to dig his own onions. It was Iaka. So thanks for the compliment, but Asoel doesn't deserve it.

Asoel steps up to the bar, reaching for his coin purse. He may not be the most diplomatic Elf, but he knows that bartenders speak best when paid. 

Would you happen to have any Elven wines? If not, a regular mead shall do. As he spoke, his eyes scanned the room, trying to notice anyone acting suspiciously or any sign that the inhabitants of the room would know anything of the magic candy. Before the bartender could reply, however, Asoel had a sudden inexplicable craving. Actually, this may seem like an odd request, but do you happen to have any Kobold liqours? 

((If anyone looks at him oddly at that request, which I assume they do, he'll reply with a shrug)) Always been a guilty pleasure of mine. My friends often joke that I used to be a Kobold in a past life. 

((As the bartender does his thing, Asoel will continue his examination of the room. Perception +10, Sense motive on the occupents +2 if non-human, +4 if human))

Ah my mistake. I misread what you wrote. I imagined this going on as you walked away entirely and didn't see this as an attempt to goad the doorman. I missed the part where you were purposefully saying that within earshot and thought you were leaving. I will adjust my statement to match what you were doing.

This is a time where I wish I had Asoel's perception

Edit: Ok I fixed my post. Turns out I had to change very little, just instead of saying this stuff out loud, he caught what Kheric was trying to do and is merely watching. Sorry to stop up the game because of a misread.

Catching on to Kheric's intent, Asoel watched the doorman discretely to see if the mention of candy brought any sort of reaction in the doorman. He couldn't help but think about how those who have been caught using tended to be common folk. A request to fetch onions would seem ridiculous and beneath an undercover officer, but for such common folk might be sseen as a simple and reasonable request. It may be an effort to test those who request the drug, and if so, Asoel would have no problem foraging for them if it meant getting a lead. After all, he grew up hunting and foraging for barter as a child. . .

((Asoel will do a sense motive check to see if this appears to be some sort of code or test. If the half-orc's other half is human, that's a +4. If it seems to be that, or even if Asoel is unsure, he'll spend the time on the mundane task unless some other lead comes up. +6 to survival, or +4 to profession herbalist to scrounge the onions, though I'd assume such a mundane task would allow taking 20.))

"Officers!" Asoel shouts, reaching for his medal with one hand while trying to prevent Aurae from harming herself with the other hand. "We're working with Captain Jirolin to investigate the drug problem. This girl's name is Aurae, and she'll die from an overdose unless you help us restrain her from hurting herself and get her somewhere she can detox." Watching the officers while still trying to keep Aurae safe from herself and others, Asoel idicates to the others to likewise bring out their proof of working for Jirolin. 

Well I mean I wasn't thinking you'd recognize it for Tagalog, but I thought you'd see it is structured in a way that was a real language.

Oh my goodness. I can be so stupid sometimes.

I'm sure everyone has noticed, but I'm using a real language (Tagalog) in place of Elven in my roleplaying. I lived in the Philippines for a couple years and was once fluent. Now it is disappearing, and I thought this would be good practice. Well, because I'm so rusty I've been making a bunch of mistakes. . .

I meant to say that the half-elf will die if she doesn't listen to us. What I *said* was "You will murder someone if you don't follow me". GAH.

Anyways, doesn't have anything to do with anything but thought I'd share something which might be funny to you but would probably be overlooked if I didn't explain it.