Good Behavior [DM Jerry] Monday November 18th, 2002 7:42:39 PM
The party takes a few days off to relax and bask in the glow of their recent successes. The town is gearing up for Mask Day (see the legend on the site about this to learn more) and so is the party.
One evening near dusk as the party wanders the streets, looking for the right mask and also for a bit of work, an alabaster Carriage drawn by two alabaster horses slowly moves down the street in front of the orphanage and our heros' apartment across the street.
The driver is wearing a white mask. Even the horses wear matching masks.
A cultured female voice from within says,
"Halt! There!"
The carriage stops. Two bodyguards leap out looking this way and that.
The voice from within sounding with the rich accent of the top levels says,
"There! Them! They will do wonderously. Bring them to me."
The bodyguard's visage softens as he spots the party.
He speaks. His voice is raspy as if laid bare under the sun for too long.
"Honored ladies and gentlemen. Milady would have a few words with you. I give you my sword as sign of good behavior. Please. Come. This way."
He bows, smiling a mysterious smile that twitches as if he's not used to this type of request from his lady and opens wide the door of the carriage.
The inside looks to be larger than expected. Even Drew might fit within.
Barick Monday November 18th, 2002 10:21:08 PM
Barick looks suspicously at the carriage. He studies the bodyguard as he speaks but when offered a chance to enter the splendid carriage he grins widely. "Well I'm glad I had a chance to bathe and have my clothes laundered the other day," he says remembering his involuntary swim while returning from the jungle, "I wouldn't want to sully such a gorgeous vehicle." He hops inside gazing around, his grin only widening.
Tionel Tuesday November 19th, 2002 1:23:32 AM
Not wholly unused to being selected in such a way, though usually it happens while giving a performance, Tionel pays no attention to the bodyguard (who is only doing his job). Not even having seen the woman, he pipes up in a courteous, cultured voice, (one that addresses the nobility in quite as much respect as need be, though not as much as a commoner should use), "An opportunity, milady? We would be delighted to assist, if we can..." With that said, he sweeps his hat off, so as not to be disrespectful, and hops into the carriage with the grace of a juggler. "Ah, watch your head, Drew." He offers a hand to the next person to assist them, if they need it, in the meantime turning his piercing dark eyes to try to find the mysterious noblewoman.
Gordo Tuesday November 19th, 2002 6:08:56 AM
"You need a favour? Well then, it would be churlish to refuse!" grins the big man, and clambers inside the carriage. He has no experience of high society, and no time for courtly protocols. He sits himself down, beaming widely, and says "And how may we help you, lass?"
Drew Tuesday November 19th, 2002 11:29:31 AM
Drew looks into the carrage wide eyed. "By Domi this is not normal!" Then seeing that his family and friends are climbing in no questions asked waits till the last of his mates are in and climbs up after them, grumbling to himself the whole time. "come on is the web is fine, why not jump in my pool of hot lava, heres my dragon pet dont worry he dosent bite . . .much."
Syr Tuesday November 19th, 2002 1:17:13 PM
The smallest member of the group slides in easily and finds a spot to sit near the side of the carriage. Unused to dealing with the upper classes he remains silent and fidgets nervously.
Here, I'm blushing! [DM Jerry] Tuesday November 19th, 2002 6:45:26 PM
As Barick enters the carriage, he sees that the inside is as opulent as the outside. Covered in gold trim, the alabaster seats are comfort to sit in beyond measure.
Inside is an overweight lady with way too much makeup on. Her golden dress matches the inside of the wagon. She smiles at Barick as he enters and waves him to a seat beside her.
Tionel enters and the lady returns his gestures by offering her hand. She then offers him a seat on her other side.
"It's been a mighty long time since I was surrounded by such handsome young men. I am honored to meet you."
As Gordo steps on and calls her "lass" she blushes and says, "I think that I'm way to old to be called a lass. Here, I'm blushing! Have a seat."
With a smile she directs him to sit opposite to her.
As Drew enters the wagon, even it's stout suspension creaks causing the wagon to lean to one side. Once settled, the wagon settles itself. One of the horses whinnies in protest.
She smiles warmly at the Half-Orc with not a trace of falsehood. Deftly she comments, "My dragon is about 12 inches tall and is made of crystal. It sits upon my dresser and lights my fireplace at night. My pool of lava is a spa pool in back of my house. My web...I guess that would have to be the net that surrounds my poor hair. You are safe here sir. I doubt I could cause you harm, although the favor I wish to ask of you is possibly a bit dangerous."
Finally as Syr enters the wagon and sits next to Drew, she takes a breath and plunges right into ther business.
"I am Lady Firiona and I have lost my mask. I must find my mask in time for Mask Day tomorrow or I am sure to be picked. Both my seer and my gypsy fortune teller tell me so!"
Her distress is clear. She truly believes that htis mask is her salvation from being chosen to serve the Underlord for the next 20 years.
"I believe that young folk like you know the city much better than rich old fools like me. I will pay you whatever you think is fair for your time and efforts.
"The mask has the appearance of a guant man in much pain. Nothing as pitiful as the look of this mask could ever be chosen. Don't you agree?"
She pulls out a sketch she has made of the mask and it is true. The sketch shows a guant faced man with worry lines on the forehead and sunken cheeks. The skin appears to be leathery and worn by the sun.
"I had an artist friend make this sketch for me."
She hands it to Barick to begin passing around.
"So, make me an offer young ones. Will you help me find my mask? I am willing to denote to your needs very graciously."
The jewels on her neck and dress glimmer occasionally as she leans back after talking.
Turin Tuesday November 19th, 2002 7:12:14 PM
(OOC note: blarg I would've posted earlier but I didn't get the email until just a few minutes ago)
Turin comes in last, just in time to see the sketch. "You need help finding your mask... Where did you see it last?"
Barick Wednesday November 20th, 2002 12:13:46 AM
Barick takes the sketch from the lady. "Hmm, so grim for one of such radiance," he says giving her a sly look. He passes the picture around nodding at Turin's question, "Do you have any suspicions as to someone who may have stolen your mask? I suspect masks don't just get up and walk away on their own. Who did you commission your mask from? Did you get it recently or have you had it long?"
Gordo Wednesday November 20th, 2002 7:50:51 AM
The big man scratches his bushy red sideburns and puffs out his cheeks. "Hmm, OK, so your mask went missing. Well we can certainly try to help. Where was it before it vanished? Was there anyone with it? Could we talk to your servants, and perhaps this seer and gypsy guide? Can you think of anyone else who might have been able to get close to the mask? Can you think of anyone who would want to cause you harm? The more you can tell us about yourself, and those around you, the better chance we will have of finding it."
He winces, as if all this thinking is making his brain hurt. But he screws up his eyes in concentration, trying to think this through. "Did anyone else know about the prophesy made by your seer and fortune teller? Can you think of anyone else you told? I mean, this is a pretty ugly mask, lass. I can't see anyone stealing it unless they already knew how much you needed it, and wanted to cause you harm."
Drew Wednesday November 20th, 2002 9:35:58 AM
As Drew watches his family mentaly plunge off in search of the mask he clears his throat. "My lady. I will be the uncooth one and speak of the reward you are offering. Having not been raised in the social graces it bothers me not what you think of me personaly. If I offend I am sorry. My family may ask for something diffrent but this is what I ask. What I ask is this, There is an orphanage here in the Float on the lower levels. Mama Flauests. It is a place of hope, love, and caring. A place where the street children that are cast out can find a home. As such places are rare it is a full place and a poor one. It is in constant need of patrons. Loyal, constant patrons through the years. I would ask that you consider this place with your heart and soul as a place that could use yours and your friends patraonage through the future. My price is that you consider this. I do not ask that you take up the cause, just that you seriously consider it. If it is agreed then I will look for your mask."
Syr Wednesday November 20th, 2002 3:03:48 PM
Syr begins to feel slightly more at ease as the lady quickly responds to Drew's wit with a clever jest of her own.
Nodding as Tionel asks his question to discover the mask's whereabouts he remembers one Mother Flauest's favorite phrases, "You lost it, did you retrace all of your steps up until the last point that you had it?"
Grinning to himself he comes back to the conversation and Drew's question spark some suspicion, "You are obviously a person accustomed to getting what you want, is there any ... competition for the recovery of this mask? Either friends of yours or those that wish you ill?"
Finally, the elf coughs delicately, "Ma'am, please don't take this the wrong way but we were unfortunately involved in a incident a while back when the self-proclaimed owner of a piece property was not the true owner. Pardon me for asking but I don't like being caught in the middle of things over my head. If you hadn't noticed, I don't stand much taller than his waist." Syr smiles innocently and points to Gordo. "Forgive me for asking but... how do we know you own the mask?"
Tionel Wednesday November 20th, 2002 4:00:16 PM
"Why, Syr! Do you think that this fine lady would steal someone else's mask? Why, it's practically a holy day in this city, and the masks the relics that constitute it! I already have my mask, and I can't imagine someone stealing it maliciously. It's customary to trade a mask or exchange it with one's friends...but to outright steal it? That's definitely against both the spirit and the laws of this fine holiday." Tionel obviously has no malice in the voice...he assumes that Syr has just recently arrived, and so he seeks to educate him a little upon Floating City customs. Somewhat poetically, he addresses the noblewoman with the kindest of voices, "Milady, we gladly accept your commission, though we do have a few more questions, if you should merely benefit the orphanage which seemingly is the great benefactor of us, as well as our base of operations and sole comfort in life, to think of all the children who merrily think of us as heroes and count us as their fathers ipso facto..." Tionel privately jokes to himself that some of these party members could be their fathers for all he knew. "And if it's not a horrible suggestion, m'lady, I do know that it takes a long time to procure these masks, especially one that must certainly be of such fine craft, but should you not at least ask the maker of this mask if he could make an alternate, perhaps a substitute? We will probably need to talk with him anyways, to learn more about this mask and who would want it. So, if you would give us his name and location..." "One last thing occurs to me, and I apologize," he holds up his hand, "for taking up so much of my gracious lady's time. Some of Gordo's questions do seem to resonate...who would do this? I'm afraid before we can accept this task, you should know something about me, if not the other members of the group. We are truth-seekers to the core. If we accept this mission, which I'm sure we will, then we will pursue it no matter where it goes or whom it accuses. Of course, we would always keep my lady's confidence, so answer Gordo's and the other questions as well as you can without fear of anything." He bows his head slightly. Tionel feels quite proud of his performance. When he needs to, he definitely doesn't talk like a nature-loving elf, and he loves chatting with humans.
Divinations and Clues [DM Jerry] Wednesday November 20th, 2002 9:54:46 PM
To Barick she says, "My mask is not stolen as much as it is lost. It disappeared during the ceremony last year. I recently heard as well as had it divinated that it was for sale again in a shop here in the city. I want you to find it for me.
"I have no clues as to who took it. Whoever it was went to great pains to hide all trace of themselves. I even hired a witch to discern the nature of the thief. She had the gall to tell me that it was not stolen at all!
I was told as well that I would not be able to find it. That task would fall to others. To you if you'll do this for me.
I have heard of Flaust's Orphanage. Some of the ladies groups that I am associated with have considered her in the past as a possible charity; however, everytime we've tried to help her, her uh, no offense--her charisma prevented much from being collected. You however, have great charisma. They'll simply adore you!
If you do this for me, I'll hold a luncheon for you to raise money for your orphanage. If you'll tell me where you live, I'll see that Gesic here bring you $1500 within the hour to buy the mask with and to cover any other expenses you may obtain in the quest for my mask. If you succeed, I'll reward you with a personal reward as well in the form of a wondrous blue diamond that you may put up for auction. After you become a hit with the ladies, it should bring you a pretty penny if they know you are the seller.
"I also have a list of shops that sell masks of quality as a starting place for your search."
She passes the list of shops to Gordo.
It says:
Normal Businesses that carry Masks:
Ozmic's Works of Wax Fence Level Auctions The Glittering Ghost Tavern
Stores that specialize in Masks:
Ye Old Mask Shop The Mask Emporium Living Masks Turtle Masks
"I do not want any of my set of friends knowing that I still persue this mask. I would instead prefer that they think I have given up on this folly. So I ask that you do not try to interview anyone other than storekeepers and the like. Do not mention my name or why you search for the mask. I do not want the reputation of being obsessed with this, even though I literally am.
There is no twin or possibility of reproducing this mask. It is unique. Part of it's charm.
So do we have a deal?
Turin Thursday November 21st, 2002 1:32:40 AM
Turin shrugs. "Keeping it quiet should be no problem on our side." He looks at the others. "This sound good to you?"
Gordo Thursday November 21st, 2002 4:20:05 AM
Gordo seems a little surprised at the offer of a reward for their good deed, but seeing that he is with a group now he says nothing.
"Sounds fine to me, Turin. It shouldn't be too much trouble to visit the shops to begin with and ask some questions. Lass, we'll do our best, on that you can rely. Well, fellows, where to start? How about Ye Olde Mask Shoppe? Is that the nearest?"
The big man beams at everyone in the carriage, eager to get on with the hunt.
Drew Thursday November 21st, 2002 9:30:25 AM
"It is her Cherisma that leads me to ask for your help, someone with your standing could find a front man to take up the cause with better skills in this area, someone who could make it thier mission to make sure the life of the orphanage is forever a high priority in this city...something like that... again all I ask is that you consider it. We will find your mask if it can be found." Drew then pulls out his mask from the last mask day. "I have no need of a new one, I have this Treant mask." Placing the piece of cloth over his face Drew dissapears and an ancient Treant suddenly appears in his place.
Tionel Thursday November 21st, 2002 12:28:10 PM
"It sounds good to me, Turin." The elf claps his hands at Drew's display. "Marvelous!" He beams and turns to the lady. "Obviously, m'lady, we accept your gracious offer and will start on your mission immediately." Note: Tionel asks the lady where her house can be found if he doesn't know. (I'm assuming Tionel would know this sorta thing) As they hop out of the stopping carriage and begin to walk towards the location of the first shop, Tionel comments to Drew, "Lovely mask, there. Mine is one that I've had for simply ages now. I'd ask to exchange it, but I've already talked with Muriel, this other entertainer I know, and we've agreed to exchange. Where did you get it? I simply adore the effect."
Show them this! [DM Jerry] Thursday November 21st, 2002 6:30:46 PM
Lady Firiona simulates a bow sitting down. I will be up all night filled with worry. Simply come to the Gold Level and ask a guard. They all know where my residence is. I throw a Guardman's Ball each year for them.
Show them this, my signet ring and you will be led directly to my residence.
She pulls a male sized ring on a necklace over her head and hands it to Gordo.
Now tell me where you live and I'll have your shopping money dropped off within the hour.
Once she hears the address, she wishes you well and holds her hand out for each to kiss as you leave.
Her wagon then streams towards the upramp and is gone.
About 30 minutes later, it returns bearing a nice chest filled with 3 smallish bags of platinum.
Turin Thursday November 21st, 2002 8:45:42 PM
Turin looks in the bags. "Platinum!" He reaches for one of the bags, then stops himself. "I guess we should be going now," he says, eyes fixed on the bags.
Barick Thursday November 21st, 2002 10:05:07 PM
Barick takes the lady's hand awkwardly in his giving her a quick shake. "It will be a pleasure to do this task for you Miss Firiona," he says beaming a smile at her.
While waiting for the money to arrive Barick mentions to Gordo, "You know these city folk are a strange lot. So much money dumped on such trivial things. I really think we need to talk to these friends Firiona's though, I'm really curious to see just how much money they'd unload on the orphanage."
Barick minds himself until the carriage arrives again. Looking over Turin's shoulder he gasps in amazement, "All this for a mask! It's practically obscene! Well I agree Turin, let's get this job done with."
Drew Friday November 22nd, 2002 9:45:56 AM
Drew removes his mask and places it back in its pouch, then he exits the coach. Once out he stretches and pops anything that was too bent up and sighs. I dont know how people can travele with out being able to see the outside. I know the skyt here is just magic but with out at least the illusion of it I think I would go quite mad."
Gordo Friday November 22nd, 2002 12:26:13 PM
Gordo takes the ring, then looks at the lady's proffered hand in puzzlement. "Is your wrist hurt, lass?" he inquires, curiosity writ large upon his face.
Then, seeing Barick shake her hand he assumes this is the correct thing to do, and so shakes her hand vigorously in a firm grip. "Fear not lass! All will be well!"
He nods at Barick's comments. "Aye lad, all this for a mask, it boggles the mind. Still, if it can help Mama Flaust I'll not stare a gift horse in the mouth."
He clambers out of the coach stretching, and heads back to the orphanage to await the platinum. He stares at it in open mouthed astonishment, having never seen so much money in one place before. "Well take me to the top of our stairs!" he rumbles, laughing in amazement.
When the excitementt has died down he says "Well then, shall we be off to Ye Olde Maske Shoppe first? Or should we question the servants at the lady's house?"
Barick Friday November 22nd, 2002 2:00:55 PM
Barick nods at Gordo's question, "I say we head off to the mask shop first. Try to keep this whole thing under our hats for now and then if nothing turns up there then we'll go talk to them."
Syr Friday November 22nd, 2002 4:53:37 PM
Syr nods at Barick's suggestion, "To the shops then. Good point with the secrecy, should we invent a plausible cover story? I would think that it would be fairly obvious to people when a handful of people are looking for a mask that there is something special about it. If we do find it, wouldn't the seller raise the price accordingly?"
Tionel Friday November 22nd, 2002 4:55:58 PM
Tionel, grinning, annoints the woman's proffered hand with a kiss, and then hops out of the wagon. He listens to the others plan out and comment upon their situation. "Okay, I guess we'll head to the Ye Olde first. I know the way..." He begins walking along there, leading the group so as to make good time. "At least we can be sure of a few things. Any mask maker who came across such a unique mask would hardly risk his reputation being ruined by claiming it his own when he knew not where it come. On the other hand, I doubt whoever has the mask, specializer or just emporium, would risk openly carrying someone's unique mask for obvious sale, if it was so rich as to be a nobleman's. I suggest we explain our situation to each shopkeeper, offering them a decent amount should they have it. "Remember, this isn't just a mask...why, it's a tradition that goes back years! It is even involved in the political control of this city! I, for one, wonder why a mask would disappear without being stolen. Perhaps a nightingale picked it up? Mayhaps a spell misfired? In any case, it's a peculiar occurence."
Turin Friday November 22nd, 2002 8:46:01 PM
Turin shrugs. "I say we split up. Three bags, three groups, we meet up at the Glittering Ghost when we've checked the others." He looks around. "That we, we do it faster."
Drew Monday November 25th, 2002 12:04:47 PM
Drew looks about and then says "Perhaps we should say that someone wearing the mask gave us something and we wish to find them and thank them? I have this diamond pin we can say was given to us." he pulls out a nice diamond pin. "Or perhaps we can say they droped it and we wish to return it?"
Barick Monday November 25th, 2002 4:04:47 PM
Barick nods his head with what Turin and Drew say, "Yes those both sound like good ideas. My only reservation with Drew's idea is that it does not put us in the position of acquiring the mask. Whoever has the mask, or knows the person who does, could quickly uncover our ruse and raise suspicions. However, if we were to pose ourselves as buyers of masks, that we were looking for something frightening and, especially, unique for Mask Day then we may very well use their greed against them. If we split of into three groups as Turin said then each group would have 50 platinums at least as a down payment should we uncover the mask's location. What say you all?"
Gordo Monday November 25th, 2002 5:10:46 PM
The big man scratches his head, a bit puzzled. "Pretend to be buyers eh? Well it's an idea lad, I grant you that. I was just going to say we were sent to find a mask that had gone missing." The subterfuge does not come easy to his way of thinking, being used as he is to saying everything plain and as he sees it. But these young tearaways know the streets of the city better than him, and if there's one thing he knows it's that there's plenty he doesn't know. He nods and says "Well then, I'm with you Barick. You can do the talking, lad, I tend to get a bit muddled with all this sort of thing."
Do a little Dance! Make a little love! Get down tonight! [DM Mask] Monday November 25th, 2002 7:13:02 PM
The party, having decided to go shopping, follows Tionel to "Ye Ole."
--wherever that is. ;)
The sun completely sets. Luckily, none of the shops looks to be closing as the whole town is out for a party the night before Mask Day. Nearly everyone is masked. Those who are not wear paper bags over their heads or have drawn hoods.
Music is playing. Fireworks is going off over the lake. Music is everywhere as people who don't even know each other spin in a dance down the streets following a troupe of masked bards in an open wagon.
Turin Tuesday November 26th, 2002 12:07:52 AM
Turin watches the people partying, and looks for Ye Olde Mask Shop, thinking that he can buy a mask for once.
Drew Tuesday November 26th, 2002 10:12:50 AM
Drew, very uncomfortable with all this dancing watches wearily, wondering if now would be the appropriate time to don his mask.
Tionel Tuesday November 26th, 2002 1:38:15 PM
The elf is also tempted to slip on his mask and join the bards, playing his own instrument, but he pulls himself to the task at hand. After all, he tells himself, there will be plenty of time to party tonight after the quest is done and the others go to bed. And that's when the real fun begins... "Looks great!.." without saying anything else (strange for the elf), he hurries up to the door and opens it. Quickly, he glides through the people who are looking or buying, searching for that elusive mask of the lady, as well as making sure that the current customers aren't examining it...
Baick d20=12 Tuesday November 26th, 2002 3:18:38 PM
Barick looks around at where Tionel has led the group and tries to place it with regard to his nearly nonexistant knowledge of the Float (12 INT check, Barick has Intuit Direction of 5 if this helps), "Now where are we he mumbles to himself?"
He then focuses on Ye Olde Mask Shop and makes his way towards the door. Upon entering he looks around and smiles at all the masks. What a strange celebration he thinks to himself.
Gordo d20=20 Tuesday November 26th, 2002 4:36:52 PM
The big fellow had all but forgotten the strange festival that is Mask Day. Such a harsh custom, he thinks. Still, it wouldn't do to disparage local traditions. He wonders what sort of mask he should choose for the day, all but forgetting their mission. A bear? A bison? Hmm, decisions...
Realising that Barick is not too sure of his destination Gordo asks passers by for directions, then attempts to follow them as best he can (Int nat 20!)
Here Poor Fella [DM Jerry] Wednesday November 27th, 2002 1:03:33 AM
Turin is lost in thought.
Drew looks uncomfortable.
Tionel enters a shop, but finds that it's the wrong one. A Leather shop called Hero's Hide.
Seems you can't just enter a shop and expect it to be the right one.
Barick, watching Tionel, wonders if he knows where he is or where he wants to go or how to get there.
Gordo asks passersby and finds that the Ye Ole Mask Shop is on the Gold Level of the city near the intersection of Emerald Cross and Gold Lane. It is across the street and down a bit from Wardd's House of Luck.
The party gets stares in that they don't have masks on yet. How unlucky! How rude!
A woman comes up to Gordo with a Skunk Mask and gives him a gold piece.
"Here poor fella. Go buy your wards some masks."
She pats him on the shoulder, smiles from under her mask and moves on down the road.
Gordo d20+4=13 Wednesday November 27th, 2002 9:36:23 AM
"Oh! Thank you lass, but these aren't my wards! And we were just off to buy masks. I'm very grateful and all for the gold piece, but we are not poor! At least, not so poor as we couldn't afford masks!" He looks down at his rather shabby clothing and grins, "despite how I might look! Please, lass, if you have a gold piece to spare, give it to someone who is really needy!"
He does his best to give the coin back without causing offense (Diplomacy 13).
Then he sets off (with as many of his companions as wish to follow him) saying "I've got directions, now let me see... Ye Ole Mask Shop is on the Gold Level of the city near the intersection of Emerald Cross and Gold Lane. It is across the street and down a bit from Wardd's House of Luck, or so I was told...
Setting off from the Fence Level Gordo does his best to remember the layout of the city (Using last post's nat 20). "OK, so we need to go all the way up through the Barracks and Merchant levels to reach the Gold" he mumbles, heading on up (OOC: Jerry, how does one move between levels? Are there lifts or stairs?). Finally arriving at the Gold Level he makes his way from the center of the city past a shop called, coincidentaly, Gordo's Transport. "Oh look!" he points, "I wonder if it's owned by a relative? My old da was from a long line of Gordos."
He carries on along Emerald Cross until he reaches a shop called the glitter Sanctuary. "OK, well this is the crossroads, and there's Wardd's House of Luck over there. Does anyone see the Mask Shop?"
Turin d20+4=15 Wednesday November 27th, 2002 2:19:22 PM
Turin looks around at the signs for any announcing Ye Olde Mask Shop, and, if he sees it, points it out to the others (Spot 15).
Syr Wednesday November 27th, 2002 4:37:50 PM
Syr quickly dons his tiger mask and smiles behind it as Gordo is taken as a charity case. He shrugs his shoulders as Gordo leads the party to the proper level and looks around for a Ye Olde Mask Shop.
Barick d20+3=13 Wednesday November 27th, 2002 8:56:58 PM
"This city is incredibly confusing. We're on 'fence' level you say? Is this where they make fences? What would city folk need fences for anyway? This is silly."
Barick follows Gordo and wonders if the blind are leading the blind. "We're on 'gold' level now? This is where the rich live then? Hmm, Ye Olde Mask Shop," Barick says looking around (Spot 13).
Drew Wednesday November 27th, 2002 10:09:38 PM
Drew looks at Barick and gapes mouth open. "You do know where you are tight? On the Bir Float. The sky you see above your head on every level but the top one is an ilusion. The fence goes around here so no one falls out and off."
Syr Thursday November 28th, 2002 2:30:37 AM
Syr looks over at Barik and says, "I've been here some time, did you know there is a half-level beneath the Gold called the Silver level? I think it's where older explorers retire to enjoy the sun." He walks away from Barick with a small smirk on his face to peer into Drew's eyes. "Tight? Bir? Have you been sipping some fruit drinks that were left out in the sun too long again?"
Tionel d20+7=20 d20+5=19 Thursday November 28th, 2002 1:07:56 PM
Having actually thought about the Ye Old Maske Shoppe, Tionel remembers where it is, after having actually been told. He giggles slightly to himself. (Yes, the man can giggle) He looks around trying to spot it, holding his tongue... "Ya know, this is harder than I thought it would be..."
Enter the Maw of the Mask? [DM Jerry] Saturday November 30th, 2002 9:50:09 AM
The lady takes back her gold coin, and leaves wishing him well and some new clothes.
"Live free sir!"
The group makes their way to the central shaft and finds the ramp entrance. The upramp circles up and in a clockwise motion. The downramp is above and cannot be seen. The upramp opening for each level always faces south. The downramp faces north.
As it is morning, you dodge and skip past carts of fruit and vegetables on their way up from storage to the Diamond Midway, The "hole"--which is short for "The Hole in the Bottom of the Sea", and Campfire Court above which serve the city as open marketplaces. The city, always crowded and stretched for space has little room for such luxuries as wide open marketplaces.
Curving upwards and always to the right, the central shaft magically allows one to see out to the sides to prevent claustrophobia. However, strong stone walls prevents anyone from actually falling off.
Passing the exits to the Barracks and Merchant Levels, you arrive on Gold level.
There are several coaches parked nearby hoping for a fare. A few stands are set up in a circle pattern in the middle of the street here and seem to be doing a brisk business.
Emerging on Platinum Pass you travel west and a bit south until you hit Emerald Cross where you take a sharp left back to the east. Following this road you soon spot the Glitter Sanctuary in the distance on your right and the signpost for Gold Lane. Further down the road on your left you see an old purposefully antique sign on a oddly rectugular building announcing Ye Ole Mask Shop.
There is a huge mask nearly 20 feet tall on the side of the building and rising above it's 10' height. The mask has an enormous mouth which serves as the door for the establishment.
Even from the outside, you can see that the store is jam packed with customers. A couple of two-headed weenie dogs are leashed to a post outside and greet those who pet them with a lick in the face. Even the 4 weenie heads wear paper masks although one of the heads on the 2nd dog is about to come off as the dog scratches at the top of his head.
Turin Saturday November 30th, 2002 1:29:22 PM
Turin looks inside. "Yeah, a lot of last-minute shoppers. Finding one mask in there will be fun." He goes to pet one of the weenie dogs and straighten the paper mask before heading inside.
Drew Sunday December 1st, 2002 11:26:41 AM
Drew looks around at his friends and family. "I have no skills for subtelys, so if it is accecptable to the rest of you I will simply sit and watch?"
Gordo d20+3=7 d20+3=13 Sunday December 1st, 2002 12:04:18 PM
"I'm with you Drew!" grins the big fellow. "All this trickery is not really my best point. I'll just be looking around."
He wanders around the shop, peering at the various masks, hoping to spot the one they were sent to find (Spot 7) or a wildebeast mask for himself (Spot 13). If he has absolutely no luck he will ask a sales assistant when one becomes free if they have any bison or wildebeast masks, and how much they are. He leaves the sweet-talking to the more silvertongued of his companions.
Tionel d20+5=14 Sunday December 1st, 2002 8:07:40 PM
"Ack...there's so many people here!" Tionel sighs, not sure how he'll ever get the attention of the assistant. He wanders around, looking for the mask (Spot 14). After a while, he will slowly head over to an assistant to ask...but that's only if he can't find it.
Syr d20+5=17 Monday December 2nd, 2002 4:24:30 AM
Syr reaches down and softly pets one of the dogs on his way into the store. As he does, he straightens the dogs mask and says softly, "Can't have you chosen... although it would be interesting." He straightens up and heads inside.
Once there he looks around for the mask or one fairly similar. (Spot 17) Assuming he finds something similar, he beckons to one of the shop's staff with an uprased palm.
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