The Pardoner's Tale: In what tone is the prologue written? How does that tone effect the reader's reaction to the Pardoner?

I think there is a general helping of irony in Chaucer's tone. The narrator indicates there is a lot of space between what the pilgrims unfold and what is actually true. The narrator's often easy acceptance of tall tales sets a ton for a humorous dose of skepticism for the rest of the play.