DM Kathy Thursday February 26th, 2004 8:37:35 PM
You bring the leader back to your lodgings, search her for weapons, and tie her up.
(Since she is unconscious, we'll assume that you Take 10 and Aid Another and do all of those things to tie her up real good. :) )
You don't find any other weapons. She does have some coin on her, but not much.
The Cure Light spell heals her enough that she wakes up, although she still seems a trifle groggy. She is aware enough to glare at you all, though.
Kadaz and Birdie remain outside, keeping an eye out for trouble (Spot checks for both of you, please).
Kadaz d20+1=6 d20+5=18 Friday February 27th, 2004 4:53:24 AM
Kadaz finds a place in the shade to stay cool as he watches the people passing by. It has been a hectic couple of days and a lot has happened. As he sharpens his axe he worries about the deaths this afternoon. No good can come from that. With the honing and the worrying his attention is not on watching his surroundings (spot check 6).
Birdie is still excited from the battle. He eyes keenly the passerbys, probably thinking "That ankle, I could take that one. No that ankle looks better. Let me at it." (spot check 18)
Arm d20+7=14 Friday February 27th, 2004 5:10:18 AM
Arm looks at their captive and says, "Whether you believe me or not, ma'am, we do not wish to hurt you. All we want to do is have a few questions answered, then you're free to go. Now, who was it that sent you to attack us?". While he tries to keep his tone placating, the recent encounter with the half-orc is still on his mind, causing him to be a bit harsher than he intended {diplomacy=14}.
Uriel Saturday February 28th, 2004 12:44:52 AM
"Who would cause you to choose death over disarmament?" Uriel moves in closer to the woman and offers her a drink. "You shouldn't be so careless with your life. Let us help you. The only way we can though is if you give us information about who sent you.
Conner d20+3=10 Saturday February 28th, 2004 8:05:44 AM
Conner maintains a watch on the street below from the window [Spot=10] and lets the more charismatic in the group deal with the prisoner. The burly fighter spends the time cleaning his weapons and making sure his gear is in order.
Mira d20+3=7 Saturday February 28th, 2004 9:54:04 AM
Mira stands near the bed on which the woman has been tied. The light glints off the lenses of her spectacles. Thinking of some of her more painful spells, the sorcerer adds, "we have ways of making you talk!" However, the young woman's light feminine voice fails to sound very threatening. (Intimidate=7)
Arm Saturday February 28th, 2004 2:21:37 PM
Arm looks at the captive and says sarcastically "Hm....I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm getting hungry.....too bad SHE won't be getting anything to eat for some time....".
Mira Saturday February 28th, 2004 7:29:35 PM
Mira looks at Arm, and asks, "do you think we should blindfold her before she regains consciousness? We wouldn't want her being able to identify our home, or lead other's back now, would we?"
If the rest of the party are in agreement, the sorcerer will rip off a strip of fabric from the woman's own clothing, and tie it around her head, covering her eyes.
Arm Sunday February 29th, 2004 3:54:27 PM
Arm smiles evilly at Mira and says, "I thought of knocking her out before we left, but your idea has merit as well.".
DM Kathy Sunday February 29th, 2004 10:14:19 PM
Kadaz and Birdie scan the area, but neither spots anything untoward. Connor does not see anything unusual from the window, either.
The prisoner seems unimpressed with the group's efforts to get information. "Kill me if you're going to," she says flatly. "Or hand me over to the Guard. I'm not telling you a thing." She is clearly still feeling the effects of the fight; her voice is weak and she gaspsp for breath after she speaks.
Uriel Monday March 1st, 2004 1:01:14 AM
"What we could do is turn you loose back on the street and spread it around that you gave up all your info so you would not get arrested by the guard. Why else would we let you go after all?" Uriel pauses for a while to let that sink in. He motions for the water again to offer her a drink. "I am afraid your friends would do much worse to you then we ever would - after all you are willing to die for them. I can offer you a chance to live, though. Give us an indirect clue as to your employer - something that won't violate your honor or oath. I understand the value of both and I respect you keeping that vow. What do you say?" Uriel asks.
Arm Monday March 1st, 2004 5:49:04 AM
Arm bends down so that his face is less than an inch away from the leader's nose and says, "Oh my dear, there are things far worse that we can do to you besides killing you.......".
Kadaz Monday March 1st, 2004 12:43:03 PM
Kadaz divided his time between honing his axe and watching the surroundings. Occasionally he moves slightly relieving the pressure on his wounds.
Evan (I'm back-Yea!) Monday March 1st, 2004 3:57:46 PM
Evan follows behind the others, moving more slowly so that he doesn't tear open his wound. While he does have a few healing potions in his pack, they are all back at the house. Had he realized that thier investigations would upset someone so, he would have been much more prepared for the battle.
He listens while the others question thier captive. He doubts they'll learn anything important. They were most likely swords-for-hire and have little info to impart. However, it took time to find these sellswords which means whoever is out to get them is someone the group had encountered early on. More and more, Evan is beginning to believe that the house down the lane is somehow responsible for the goings-on here.
Mira d20+5=16 Monday March 1st, 2004 6:33:45 PM
Her green eyes narrowed to thin slits, the sorcerer calls the captive's bluff, (Bluff=16), "Yeah, Uriel. We can just go over to Samson's and spread a few rumours..." The sorcerer lets her voice trail off, expecting the captive's imagination will fill in the details.
DM Kathy Monday March 1st, 2004 9:12:00 PM
Kadaz and Birdie continue to watch the street, but see nothing out of the ordinary.
The prisoner looks alarmed as the group begins to talk of releasing her and spreading rumors. Then she shakes her head and smiles slightly as she seems to think of something. "Turn me loose? You're right, that might not be good for my health. On the other hand, maybe my conscience will get the better of me and I'll feel compelled to turn myself in to the Guard." She watches you through narrowed eyes. "Then you may be the ones with some explaining to do."
She breaks off and closes her eyes, as if the effort of speaking has tired her.
Shakka Zul d20=13 Monday March 1st, 2004 10:01:24 PM
Shakka looks out the window (Spot = 13), and fights off the sickening feeling he has for this foul female. Once again master Tzu's words come to him:
"Observe people with cool eyes, listen to their words with cool ears. Confront feelings with cool emotions, reflect on principles with a cool mind."
Feeling his confidence swelling Shakka approaches the women and speaks:
"Resistance is easy now, for we have taken nothing away from you. But in time you will tell us what we want to know, for time can wear down the highest mountain, and it will wear down you".
Conner d20+3=19 Monday March 1st, 2004 11:15:54 PM
Conner sits, his back against a wall, and draws his whetstone along the cutting edge of his longsword. It makes a whispering sound with each long smooth stroke, removing the smallest imperfections with each pass along the blade. If the sound is unnerving to their captive, all the better. The fighter periodically shifts his gaze to look out the window to the street below [Spot=19].
Uriel d20+2=22 d8+1=9 d20+2=16 Tuesday March 2nd, 2004 12:36:58 AM
{Sense Motive:22}
Uriel gives her another tap of the wand {9 Hps} and smiles down at her. "Do you think we would release where the guard can get to you first? We would spread the rumors generously at first and then let it be known where you were going to be...How long do you think you would have to get to the Guard before your friends came for you? And besides, I have nothing to answer for with the Guards. I am a Paladin of Domi and I would submit to any test they would give me to prove the truth of my story, while you can provide nothing to prove yours without breaking your own oath." Uriel sighs and shrugs, "I tire of dealing with you. The offer is on the table - we ask only for a lead, a nudge in the right direction. For that we will help you leave the city - say as a caravan guard if you like. And then you never need come back. At least until we take down your employer. I bear you no grudge.... - For my own part, I give you the width of two fingers burning on that candle (OOC:~20 minutes) before we go out and begin spreading the rumors."
With that, Uriel moves to one side and drinks some ale, watching the captive wrestle with her thoughts.
Arm d20=6 Tuesday March 2nd, 2004 5:51:53 AM
Arm says to the woman, "I am rapidly losing patience with you, woman...". He rests his hand on the pommel of his sword and continues, "Even if we do decide to release you, there's no guarantee on what condition you'll be in at that point.".
OOC: sorry for the inadvertant die roll, guys...
Kadaz Tuesday March 2nd, 2004 12:30:15 PM
Outside Kadaz and Birdie maintain their vigil.
Evan Tuesday March 2nd, 2004 6:38:14 PM
Evan watches Uriel zap the captive again with the healing wand. Evan hopes there will be a charge or two left for him once the captive is fully healed. Evan gingerly checks his bindings as the others question the captive.
DM Kathy d20+1=18 Tuesday March 2nd, 2004 9:14:05 PM
Kadaz and Birdie continue to watch, aided by Shakka and Connor from the windows above. None of them sees anything alarming, although Connor does spy an especially good-looking woman walking along the street.
The woman smiles grimly at Shakka and Arm's threats. "I can hear street noises," she says conversationally, "which means that this place isn't soundproof. If you're going to do things that make me yell, you'll need to do them elsewhere."
Uriel gets the distinct impression that she's worried, and not for herself. She's protecting someone, or something.
"A Paladin of Domi!" she replies. "Tell me, Sir Paladin, do you always run away when you hear the Guard coming? That hardly seems upstanding to me. I don't think they like that very much. As for my 'story', I need tell no more than the truth--we attacked with saps, intending only to deliver a beating, and were answered with deadly force." Her eyes flash. "How many of my friends lie dead? I saw Xev run away; did you kill all the others? No, Sir Paladin, your actions were not above reproach, whatever you may be telling yourself now."
Uriel Tuesday March 2nd, 2004 10:02:48 PM
Uriel snorts and looks over at the 'leader' with disdain.
He stands again and moves over towards the bed. "Your view of good and evil are as childish as they are mistaken. Just because I am good, a Paladin, does not tie my hands when dealing with rabble like you or your masters. I don't have to defer killing a person just because they used a sap! What does that mean - that I have your word you were only going to 'teach us a lesson' and smack our arses. For all we know, after beating us down in the alley, you or your employers may have shown up to take and torture us. No, simpleton. I do not show mercy to those who lie in wait and ambush us in alley just because of their idiotic choice of weapon. Do you know your employer has put an ensorclement on a child!"
Uriel stops, his nostrils flairing, the big man's arms flex and his armor creaks in response.
"Yes think on that a moment. Think what someone who has done that could do to one you love, someone you do care about. Oh wait, since you are not good, you could never care about a person - the same way I would never kill someone just because I am good. Does your pathetic logic begin to tear and fray now? Do you begin to see that there are many more sides to a person than your one dimensional view? Know you this, if you do get turned out to the street with the rumors that you have aided us, ALL that you hold dear will be forfeit! Aid us and we will help get you and yours from the city. What you fail to see is that this is your only real option - is your oath to your employer worth the death of that which you hold dear?"
Uriel turns back to the candle. Uriel speaks again, his voice calm and matter-of-fact "one fingers width left, your time is almost out." He sits back down, holding the woman's eyes.
Conner Tuesday March 2nd, 2004 11:25:13 PM
His sword now honed to a fine edge, the fighter lets out an exasperated sigh and rises from his seated position. "Let us put an end to these games...I will go and get our friend the sergeant of the guard and we shall see this one locked up until the truth be told."
Uriel Tuesday March 2nd, 2004 11:30:49 PM
"Hold, Conner."
Uriel moves close and speaks in a low voice. "She is close to breaking. Why would you say that after I told her we were more willing to release her after spreading rumors? That may have just destroyed what I just worked on so hard. Give it a bit longer and pray you didn't spoil it."
Kadaz d20+1=2 Wednesday March 3rd, 2004 12:35:56 AM
While sitting outside Kadaz tries to overhear what is taking place inside but hears nothing at all (listen check 2, natural 1). He pulls a doggie snack out and gives it to Birdie.
Mira d20+5=11 Wednesday March 3rd, 2004 12:49:57 AM
The sorcerer sits quietly on the bench at the table. She frowns when she sees the stain of blood seep through Evan's awkwardly tied bandages. As she gets up to go to the ranger's aid, she places a hand on the paladin's shoulder, and giving it a light squeeze, she bends to whisper in his ear. Mira looks conspiratorialy in the direction of their captive, with a steely glint in her eye, (Bluff=11) but her words have nothing to do with the woman. Whispering, so that the woman can not hear her, she asks Uriel to use the party's wand to heal the injured Evan.
Uriel d8+1=8 Wednesday March 3rd, 2004 1:38:32 AM
{OOC: At the risk of being a posting hog - I would like to post a wound heal on Evan ... if there are no objections I will, otherwise ignore this and accept my apologies. :)}
Uriel moves towards Evan, and puts his back to her so she can not see what he is doing and uses the wand on Evan, signing Sorry Friend. {Wand Heal = 8}
Arm d20+7=22 Wednesday March 3rd, 2004 5:46:24 AM
Arm smirks at the woman and says, "I think it best you heed the words of our friend....I, for one, don't see any other way out for you...". {diplomacy=22}
OOC: NICE post, Uriel...well written!! :-)
Shakka Zul Wednesday March 3rd, 2004 8:28:18 AM
Shakka leaves the intimidation and diplomacy to those that are better at it than he is. Instead he just sits back and eyes the woman without any hint of emotion, knowing that every person has a breaking point and that patience is the best weapon against this woman.
DM Kathy Wednesday March 3rd, 2004 10:01:52 PM
Kadaz and Birdie continue their vigil, but see nothing.
Inside, the woman rolls her eyes at Uriel's speech, then gives in with poor grace. "All right, fine. We'll play it your way. I'll tell you what I know--most of which you've probably already figured out--and you let me go. Without spreading your rumors. I doubt you know the right people to talk to, but you may get lucky and I don't want to take the chance. Do we have a bargain?"
Mira d20+2=18 Wednesday March 3rd, 2004 10:42:48 PM
With gentle hands, Mira checks over Evan's healing wound. She doesn't say anything to betray her emotions, but they are there, in her eyes, for the ranger to read.
When she is satisfied that the man is on the mend, Mira returns to her seat. In a low voice she responds to the woman, "tell us what you know." The sorcerer is disturbed by their captive's profession of innocence regarding the gang's intentions. Even what appears to be a 'simple beating' can lead to serious injury or death, she thinks to herself as she studies the woman's body language. (Sense Motive=18)
Conner Wednesday March 3rd, 2004 11:03:57 PM
Conner accepts Uriel's advice and tries to be patient, but this cat and mouse game is not his style.
Uriel Wednesday March 3rd, 2004 11:05:43 PM
Uriel snorts at the woman's poor acting ability.
"Believe what you will, as long as you are talking. You are making the right decision whatever YOU tell yourself. It is a bargain." Uriel walks to the window, opens it and signals Kadaz with a low whistle. "The bird is going to sing."
Uriel sits down next to the bed. "Tell us what we already know and what you already know."
Shakka Zul Thursday March 4th, 2004 5:19:18 AM
Shakka studies the woman carefully.
"Tell us everything you know and you have yourself a bargain... just do yourself a favor and don't lie or leave anything out."
Shakka waits for her to speak.
Arm d20=5 d20=4 Thursday March 4th, 2004 5:48:05 AM
Arm leans against the wall and says, "Yes, please tell us what you know...we'll know if you're lieing, though..". {bluff=5, sense motive=4}
ooc to Kathy: can "sense motive" be used to detect if a person is lieing or not? I did poorly on the check, mind you, but I was just curious..
Kadaz d20-3=5 d20+1=8 Thursday March 4th, 2004 8:49:54 AM
Kadaz nods his head, trying to appear as though he knows what that means. However, it is clear from the blank expression on his face that he has no clue what "The bird is about to sing" means. He scans nearby trees looking for birds but doesn't see any. (bluff check 5, spot check 8)
DM Kathy d20=19 Thursday March 4th, 2004 9:38:52 PM
The woman sighs. "I was hired by a middleman, a go-between--somebody who's hired me before. No, I'm not going to tell you his name. It wouldn't do you any good, and would do me a lot of harm. I was hired to put a team together and knock some sense into you." She glares. "And that was all we were supposed to do, whether you believe it or not. You were poking into something, something somebody didn't want discovered. I don't know who. My contact doesn't tell me those things; that's not the way this works. I don't know what it is, either, and I certainly don't know anything about people putting spells on kids."
"That's it. That's what I know. Now, how about untying me?"
(Both Mira and Arm believe she is telling the truth. And yes, a Sense Motive check can be used to tell whether somebody is lying; in fact, that's one of the main ways it's used.)
Conner Thursday March 4th, 2004 10:25:29 PM
"This is getting us nowhere" Conner's patience is running out. "She has told us nothing! Bring her to the guard and see if they can get a name from her."
Mira Thursday March 4th, 2004 11:07:28 PM
Mira nods at Conner's suggestion. "I believe she speaks the truth, as she knows it. I think she should be turned in to the guards." The sorcerer rubs her forehead, as if she has a headache, then adds, "if she has made a habit of jumping passers-by, the guards would surely be interested in detaining her a little."
Evan Friday March 5th, 2004 12:14:58 AM
Evan smiles his thanks to Uriel and with Mira's help, slowly peels away the blood soaked bandage to reveal fresh pink skin where the slash used to be. Evan's deep sigh a relief speaks volumes.
Evan listens to the woman's confession, confirming his suspicions. Evan moves over to Mira, crouching down next to her. His eyes study her as he begins to sign, mouthing the letters she doesn't seem to understand. We need to check out that building, the one that has the dragon people in it now. We need to check it out when no one's home. Evan smiles, seeing the worry for him gone from Mira's lovely eyes.
Uriel Friday March 5th, 2004 12:52:33 AM
Uriel sighs at the pathetic story as the woman knows it. He says, "So, someone who you don't know hires you through your contact to rough us up for some unknown reason...You've given us nothing. The deal was for a lead, there is no lead to follow up on. So, come up with something or it will be the guard for you. Let's start with your name and where you are contacted for jobs. That is the deal. Take it or leave it."
Uriel sees Evan signing and conveys the content to Mira.
Arm d20=5 Friday March 5th, 2004 7:54:27 AM
Arm snorts derisively at the woman's statements, "My dear, I applaud you...I don't think even I could be more vague if I tried...this is the stuff of children's stories, and it's far from good enough. Try again!". He hopes to intimidate the woman, but his phrasing doesn't come out quite as he expected, probably due to the length of the day. {intimidate=5}
Kadaz Friday March 5th, 2004 12:31:29 PM
Kadaz's axe is getting quite sharp now so he puts it down beside him and starts on his dagger.
DM Kathy d20+2=16 Sunday March 7th, 2004 8:47:31 PM
The prisoner frowns when she hears first Connor, then Mira talk of turning her over to the Guard. When Uriel speaks, she replies. "What I said, if you recall, was that I would tell you what I knew. I said you knew most of it already. I asked if you would let me go, and you agreed. I did not promise a 'lead,' for I have none to give you. Do you seek now to change our bargain?"
To Arm, she replies, "I'm sorry if I was unclear. Let me spell it out for you. I was approached by my contact, a man for whom I have worked before. He said he had a job for me. He did not tell me who his client was, nor did I ask. People who can afford to have this sort of thing done can afford a layer of anonymity; it's part of what they pay for when they hire my contact. I have worked for him several times, and never--not once--have I known who was behind it. That is standard procedure, in case," her mouth twists wryly, "someone is captured."
"What my contact told me was that the client was unhappy because you were investigating something that the client did not want investigated. I don't know what you are investigating, although I assume you do. He said the client wanted somebody to rough you up and deliver a verbal warning. Which we attempted to do."
She looks around. "These seem like elementary concepts to me, but perhaps you need to discuss them among yourselves to reach a full understanding. Anyway, I'm done talking."
With that, she turns her face to the wall.
Arm d20=16 d6=5 Monday March 8th, 2004 6:15:10 AM
Arm proceeds to strike the woman behind the ear in an attempt to knock her out {ac=16 5pts subdual dmg}. If it succeeds, he says, "She is of no further use to us.". Knowing that Uriel will have a problem with his action, he turns to him and says, "We cannot take the chance that she would discover where we are staying and lead another attack against us. Assuming that the "business" earlier this day has been cleaned up, I say we drop her in the alley where we found her.". To the group he says, "As I think of it, I think it prudent that we keep a closer eye on those coming and going around us...this hovel is our sanctuary, and I'd like to keep it as safe as possible.".
Evan d20+4=24 Monday March 8th, 2004 8:43:41 AM
Evan is a little alarmed at the harshness of Arm's actions but he does understand Arm's reasoning. Evan turns to Mira and begins signing slowly again. She did tell us something we did not know before. Whoever is trying to stop us is a person of means Evan knows he should be signing to Uriel but Evan enjoys the way Mira gazes at him when he mouthes the letters she doesn't understand, enjoys the way she gives him 100% of her attention when he's signing.
Evan quietly pads over to the (hopefully) unconscious woman and kneels down next to her. He begins to search the woman's clothing, seeking any sort of concealed or hidden pockets. His search is thorough, as he slowly turns her clothing inside out, searching for any clue, particularly any symbols that might be imprinted on her clothing or on her skin.
(search-24 nat 20)
Shakka Zul Monday March 8th, 2004 9:42:44 AM
"I don't think we should let her go", Shakka says. "At least not yet."
"There is nothing to be gained from letting her go, and she hardly deserves to be set free. I fear if we let her go we could be in for trouble".
Kadaz d20+1=2 Monday March 8th, 2004 12:24:56 PM
From outside, Kadaz hears nothing at all of what is going on inside (listen check 2).
Conner d20+3=8 Monday March 8th, 2004 5:30:06 PM
Conner is just about to press once more for her immediate employers name, when Arm strikes the woman behind the ear. "I guess there's not much more to learn here". The fighter walks back to the window and keeps an eye on the street [Spot=8].
Mira d20+5=19 Monday March 8th, 2004 7:10:26 PM
Mira opens her mouth in shock, and then seals her lips in a grim line when Arm strikes their captive. She takes in what Evan is able to communicate to her, and nods her head in agreement. The sorcerer follows Evan over to the woman and checks to see that she is indeed unconscious, and not dead, and nods again in the ranger's direction, when he initiates his search.
Assuming the woman is knocked out cold, Mira will look at Evan, but speak loud enough for the rest of the party to hear. "We know very little more that will help restore Kethlorn to his father and sister, and have very few real leads." The sorcerer's face reddens, but she continues in a bold voice, turning to face the others, "I suggest we deliver this woman to the alley where we first discovered her, but do not abandon her. If we post a watch, someone quiet and sneaky," Mira casts a glance back at Evan before continuing, "she can be followed once she regains consciousness. Maybe she will lead us to her contact?" in a slightly lower voice, Mira adds, "at the least she might be discovered and picked up by the guards, and we will be no worse off."
(Diplomacy=19)
DM Kathy Monday March 8th, 2004 9:39:44 PM
The woman does not hear Arm approach.
"Hey!" she yells after he hits her. "What are you doing?!"
(No, that was not enough to knock her out. She is, however, tied up and helpless, so if you want to bludgeon her unconscious, you can. :) )
Evan searches her thoroughly. On a leather cord around her neck he finds a small piece of natural glass--somewhat interesting, but not terribly valuable. Otherwise, she has only her clothing, armor, a few coins, and her weapons.
Uriel Monday March 8th, 2004 10:49:50 PM
"Listen, friends. I feel we must keep our end of the bargain. She has told us 'all' she knows and I am not ready to beat her back into unconsciousness. Arm, why don't we take her back to the bar that we ate at and let her go. I don't think the alley is of any real import for us and I don't think her friend will be returning for her."
{OOC: Those who want to discuss ghosting her after we let her go, could do so out of earshot in the next room before we take her back to the bar. That way we can move this along.}
"Let's talk in the other room," Uriel suggests. To the woman, "I still would like your name. We will be back to release you in a few minutes."
Conner Monday March 8th, 2004 11:44:35 PM
Conner follows Uriel into the other room. "I say either make her spill her bosses name, or follow her to him."
Mira d20+5=23 Tuesday March 9th, 2004 12:24:48 AM
The green eyed sorcerer winces when the woman answers Arm's blow with a rebuke, then she narrows her eyes and stares hard at the bard. "She's blind folded, and won't be able to identify this place. Let's just escort her back to the alley, and let her go."
Mira makes brief eye contact with Evan, on the other side of the bed, and as she waits for the others to come to a concensus on what to do with their prisoner, she asks the woman in a soft voice, "do you have any children?" (Diplomacy=23)
Shakka Zul Tuesday March 9th, 2004 5:32:48 AM
"Yes, tell us lady. what is your name? Do you have children? who do you usually work with? How long have you lived in this town? What is your bosses name?"
"Tell us something because until you do I think you should stay right here."
Arm Tuesday March 9th, 2004 6:18:19 AM
Arm follows Uriel into the other room and says pointedly, "Irregardless of what Mira says, she may be blindfolded, but as far as I can tell, she can count her footsteps and the directions that she turns, and I for one do NOT want to awaken to a knife against my throat, IF I awaken at all. I will abide by whatever else is decided, but you know my opinion on this.". Saying so, he crosses to his room and slams the door, fatigue and exasperation at their situation finally getting to him.
Evan Tuesday March 9th, 2004 9:16:27 AM
Evan studies the bit of glass, seeking any sort of symbol or markings. He holds it up to Mira, raising an inquisitive brow, hoping she'll realize he wants her to detect magic on it.
Evan meets Mira glance. He will follow the woman as Mira suggested. Mira's next question takes Evan a little off-guard but then Evan realizes that by making the woman think of her children, Mira is manuevering the woman into a more vulnerable postion. Evan looks to Mira with renewed respect, not realizing that she could be so devious.
Evan touches Mira on the shoulder and nods towards the other room where some of the others have gone to talk. He rises and quietly leaves the room. After listening to Arm's concerns, Evan turns to Uriel and begins to sign I can take her back to the alley. I will make many turns and perhaps even carry her over a few rooftops. That way she'll be completely disoriented.
Kadaz Tuesday March 9th, 2004 5:16:04 PM
Kadaz pauses in sharpening his knife to play a bit with Birdie.
DM Kathy Tuesday March 9th, 2004 7:06:17 PM
"My name is Indrel," the prisoner replies.
"No," she says woodenly to Mira, "I don't have any children."
She listens to Shakka's battery of questions with a frown. "My name is Indrel, I don't have any children, I've lived here all my life, and most of the people I work with are dead in that alley."
Evan sees no markings on the glass, although it appears to have been polished.
Birdie appreciates Kadaz's efforts to play with him. He bounds about, barking joyfully. A couple of neighborhood kids drift over and seem to want to join in the fun. "Can we pet him?" one of them asks.
Uriel Tuesday March 9th, 2004 8:35:58 PM
Exasperated with Kadaz, Uriel goes back to the window. "Come back inside we getting ready to leave."
Uriel will meet him outside the room and brief him on the happenings so that he isn't lost.
"Ok as long as everyone agrees that we are going to take her back. Let's move. I personally don't think it a good idea to send just one of us with her. Especially since she is conscious. Mira can you..." Uriel wiggles his fingers in a clumsy attempt to pantomime spell casting.
"We can rig up a stretcher and cover her up and her bindings as well as disguise her blindfold and gag with fake bandages and use the wounded person going to heal...if that sounds good."
Mira d20+5=12 d20+4=21 Tuesday March 9th, 2004 11:46:58 PM
"I'm sorry, Uriel, but most of my spells are pretty lethal. I was instructed in my arts by a combat caster who saw action on the frontier. I shall endevour to expand my repertoir, but for now, I think I can only help by disguising our captive."
Mira turns towards the prisoner, then spins back to face the paladin. "Do not be so brusque with the dwarf," she whispers. "He may be on to something. We are not far from the boy's home, and maybe these children would know of Kethlorn, his friends, and places where they were known to play? If these children will talk to Kadaz, he may learn something from them. Maybe you or one of the others should go out there too. Evan and I will deal with the woman."
Mira will select the oldest sheet she can find from the cupboard in the apartment, and will rip it into strips. She will assist Evan in binding up the woman in such a way that it would be difficult for her to struggle and impossible for her to see. While doing this, Mira will try to calm the woman, calling her by name. Without naming names, or giving away any identifying details, Mira explains that the party's goal is to help a stricken child who is under some curse. The sorcerer hopes to soften the tough woman's heart a little.
Diplomacy=12 Use Rope=21 (for the bandages?)
If the party is in agreement, Mira will tuck her dagger in her boot, and prepare to leave the flat with the woman, and any of the party who wish to help get her back to the alley.
Uriel Wednesday March 10th, 2004 1:11:27 AM
{OOC: Mira - just trying to play a bit in character, we don't know he is out there with kids I only know he didn't come inside after my poorly coded message - it isn't a bad idea with the kids though}
Kadaz Wednesday March 10th, 2004 6:51:08 AM
Kadaz looks at the two kids. "You have to be gentle but yes, you can play with him. His name is Birdie and he is a guard dog. What he likes best is to play tug-of-war. Here, use this." Kadaz pulls an old piece of leather out of his pouch and hands it to the taller child. Kadaz will watch carefully to make sure that Birdie behaves himself. "Play nice now Birdie" Kadaz says as he pats the dog's head.
Arm Wednesday March 10th, 2004 8:09:22 AM
Arm flops down on his cot and broods, "This situation is really starting to wear upon me....I long for a point of direction to go, or an enemy to battle...this constant spinning and spinning and not reaching anywhere is NOT good. Perhaps I shall move on to seek adventure elsewhere...we shall see...". He then tries to relax at least a little bit before they move out again.
Evan Wednesday March 10th, 2004 6:45:10 PM
Evan works with Mira to make certian the woman is secured. Once they are done, he will once again show Mira the neckleace with the piece of glass on it to see if she can detect anything magical about it.
Conner Wednesday March 10th, 2004 7:21:09 PM
The burly fighter assists Mira and Evan with trussing up the captive. He turns to Arm and speaks to him through the open doorway "Don't lose heart friend, I too am frustrated by our lack of progress, but Kethlorn needs our assistance."
Once the captive is secured, Conner crosses the threshold of the room and sits on the cot across from Arm and whispers "We must have missed something, let's follow this wench from a distance and see if she leads us to the man who hired her".
Kathy Wednesday March 10th, 2004 8:53:53 PM
Indrel submits quietly to being tied down. She seems to be listening as Mira talks, but she doesn't say anything.
Outside, Birdie and the kids play tug-of-war. Birdie is able to yank the smaller one off his feet a couple of times, which seems to please both dog and child. The older one keeps his feet and is able to give Birdie a pretty good match.
The others come outside, carrying their awkward burden.
You reach the inn where you had lunch with relative ease, although a few people come up and want to know what happened. Indrel cooperates with a few well-placed moans.
It is now late afternoon.
Uriel d20+4=23 Wednesday March 10th, 2004 11:25:19 PM
Uriel looks at the others who came, and then does a spot check for either Indrel's friend or anyone seeming suspicious. {Spot:23}
"Anyone else see anything suspicious before we head back to the alley and drop off our friend?" Uriel asks.
Arm d20+2=4 Thursday March 11th, 2004 6:18:36 AM
Arm rises from the cot and smiles at his friend, "I sincerely hope something breaks soon, my friend...I feel the urge to wander in my veins again...". He then proceeds to follow the group out the door with their captive.
Upon reaching the inn, Arm looks around to see if he recognizes anyone, but for some reason, can barely recognize even the members of his own party. {spot=4}
Evan d20+4=5 d20+4=14 Thursday March 11th, 2004 9:22:26 AM
Evan studies the alley carefully, searching for the best place to hide, to lay in wait until Indrel is ready to leave, but doesn't seem to be able to locate anything. So he makes sure he is well-hidden before Indrel's blindfold is removed, by drapping some trash over and hiding in the middle of it.
(search-5, hide-14)
Mira d20+3=5 Thursday March 11th, 2004 5:19:57 PM
Mira loosens some of the bonds that bind the captive woman. She leaves the blindfold on. "Do not try anything until we are gone," she admonishes. " When you can no longer hear us, count to 100, then you may free yourself."
Before departing the alley, Mira tries to help Evan hide under the trash, but she is reluctant to place the filthy rags upon him.* She mentions to him that she had already tried to discern if there was any magic about their attackers and had not found any.
* Aid Another with Hide=5, not likely!
Fearing that she will just get in their way, the woman will make her way back to the flat to await the return of the sneakier types. If the children are still hanging around, she will try to engage them in a conversation.
Conner d20+3=12 d20+3=23 d20+2=22 Thursday March 11th, 2004 5:43:34 PM
Conner piles some more refuse on top of Evan (Aid another = 12) before climbing up to the rooftops and finding a vantage point to spy upon the woman [Hide=23]. From his elevated location the fighter keeps an eye open for any activity in the alleyway [Spot=22].
Kadaz d20+1=12 Thursday March 11th, 2004 5:49:54 PM
After sitting out in the sun for a bit Kadaz has stiffened up. The wounds he suffered earlier today have clotted and stopped bleeding but they still hurt.
When the group comes out of the room with a bundled captive Kadaz raises one eyebrow in surprise but says nothing. "Kids, sorry but Birdie has to go now" Kadaz says to the children playing with the dog. "We'll be back soon."
As the group heads off Kadaz follows along, axe strapped to his back and dog at his heels. He is clearly moving more tenderly than usual, but he loosens up as they keep going. Along the way he'll have a whispered conversation with Mira to find out what happened in the room.
In the alley Kadaz looks around carefully, taking special care to look up at the roofs (spot check 12). Once the captive is dumped Kadaz will return to their rooms. He is one of the noisest members of the party and knows he has no special skills at hiding in the shadows.
Shakka Zul d20=19 Thursday March 11th, 2004 10:29:00 PM
Shakka follows conner and also looks for a place to hide. (Hide 19)
DM Kathy d20+4=13 Thursday March 11th, 2004 10:40:09 PM
The kids accept Birdie's departure philosophically. "'Bye, Birdie!" the younger one calls as they move away.
On the way to the drop point, neither Uriel nor Arm notices anything suspicious or out of the ordinary. You are able to remove the bindings without incident. Then Uriel, Arm, Mira, Kadaz, and Birdie go back to the lodgings while Evan, Connor, and Shakka hide and wait for the opportunity to follow Indrel. (Let me know if I've got that wrong.)
When the "non-stealthy" group returns to the lodgings, the kids have gone.
Indrel waits for a time after they leave, then removes the blindfold and looks around her. It probably wasn't a count of 100, but it was enough time for them to get clear. She looks about her, frowning, but does not seem to see any of the hidden ones.
She moves to the end of the alley and looks about. Apparently getting her bearings, she begins to move northward with purpose.
Uriel Friday March 12th, 2004 5:45:29 AM
Uriel will go down and get some ale, water and bread and cheese, bringing it back to the apartment.
Uriel will pass the time talking more to the others. Trying to get a feel for their outlook on life and what their objectives are if they are open to talking. He takes care not to push anyone if they are not interested in talking.
Arm Friday March 12th, 2004 6:01:26 AM
Arm accompanies Uriel to the inn, where he too picks up some food, then brings some back for Mira and Kadaz (and a bone for Birdie), as well as some for the rest of the group when they return.
Conner d20+4=8 d20+3=16 d20+3=8 Friday March 12th, 2004 5:20:48 PM
Conner waits quietly until Indrel leaves to the north, and then moves as quietly as possible across the flat rooftop [Move Silently=8]. He keeps low to avoid being seen and will drop flat if she looks up in his direction [Hide=16]. He keeps an eye on the woman to see where she is going and will direct Shakka and Evan as necessary through hand signals from his vantage point above the streets[Spot=8].
Mira Friday March 12th, 2004 8:15:05 PM
While they wait for the sneakier types to return to the flat, Mira opens up Conner's journal and studies the neat notes scripted by Evan.
"We know from the healer that the 'curse' was set by one who weilds magic with an evil aura, and is likely to be removed only by he or she who set it." Mira pushes her glasses up upon her nose with her fore finger. "We also know that despite his coarse manner, Hrithgen is as worried about Baldis' son Kethlorn, as he is about his own son Evered." Mira sighs, "this is so confusing." She looks to Arm, "what do you think about questioning Jelzix Otterbrook, the landlord of that building now rented by the 'Society for Draconic Research'? It might be good to talk with Maline again, and even check back with Baldis and Hrithgen. If this leads us nowhere, we could call on the fletcher who was robbed the other night." Mira runs a finger down some lines of script, before announcing "his name was Gyfli Scummel...something."
Arm Saturday March 13th, 2004 6:48:29 AM
Arm listens to Mira's idea and nods, "We might as well, my dear...after all, leads aren't exactly jumping out of alleyways at us and begging to be followed up on....however, I think it best for us to start anew in the morning. Am I to assume the usual "split up to cover more ground" is still a good idea?".
Evan d20+6=22 d20+4=22 d20+4=23 Saturday March 13th, 2004 9:00:53 AM
Evan waits until he hears Indrel's footsteps fade to ease out of the trash pile. He jogs down to the end of the alley and looks out to see which direction Indrel is heading. (spot-22) Once he has spotted Indrel, Evan begins to follow, staying back enough to hopefully not be spotted. With the afternoon crowd, it shouldn't be too hard to stay out of sight.
(Hide in crowd-22, track-23)
Kadaz Sunday March 14th, 2004 9:05:19 PM
Kadaz head is swimming with all of these names and leads to investigate. "We are definately stirring the pot. I am eager talk more with other shopkeepers on this street to see if then knew anything aboutKethlorn. Perhaps our hidden opponent will make a mistake that we can take advantage of."
DM Kathy d20+4=9 Monday March 15th, 2004 12:28:51 AM
(OOC: Late again! I'm sorry; I was out with friends and just got back.)
Indrel does look around once or twice, but she seems intent on getting where she's going and doesn't look carefully. Anyway, she doesn't spot Evan following her, or Connor on the rooftops.
(One or two people inside the building are wondering how the minotaur got up on the roof :) but by the time they get outside Connor has gone.)
Indrel continues north to the river, and crosses the Buckler Bridge into the Circus Quarter. She turns east then, following the river into the Hindquarter. She skirts around the Sister Temple and heads for the city wall. She passes through a gate and you realize she is heading into the Shanty Quarter.
There aren't really streets in this part of town, just rutted tracks where the traffic generally goes. Indrel heads along one of these, close to the wall of the city. Here, the buildings, while crude and unadorned, look as if they were built by somebody who knew how to build structures--as opposed to parts of the Shanty Quarter farther out where the structures truly are shanties thrown together from whatever materials are available to hand. Indrel reaches one of these humble buildings, opens the front door, and disappears inside.
The building is a simple structure, one story with an attic, obviously a dwelling place. The tiny front windows are shuttered, as are all of the other windows on this "street;" there are apparently few in the Shanty Quarter who enjoy looking at the view. It is very close to its neighbors, with only about 8 feet or so separating it from the buildings on either side. You can't see the back of the building from here.
Arm and Uriel go into Sampson's to procure another takeout meal. Hamm bundles it up for them, shaking his head. "When am I going to see you all in here again?" he asks. "You're all obviously working too hard! You should relax, have everybody come in for a proper meal."
Back at the lodgings, the others discuss possible strategies and await the return of the stealthy group.
Shakka Zul Monday March 15th, 2004 3:03:07 AM
Shakka follows Conner carefully and then stops when he sees the structure she entered. Eyeing the structure carefully, Shakka tries to get a rough idea of how big the structure is, and how many people would likely live there. He also looks for windows.
"Maybe we should keep an eye on this place until she leaves. Then one of us can take a look inside and the other can follow her again."
Arm Monday March 15th, 2004 5:44:33 AM
Arm idly strums his lute hoping that music will help to soothe his chaotic mindset as of late, and waits for further developments.
Evan d20+4=17 d20+4=7 Monday March 15th, 2004 8:31:23 AM
Evan nods in agreement with Shakka. He searches about for a hiding spot where he settles down to watch the shanty, curious as to whether Indrel lives here or is just visiting.
(search-17, hide-7)
Conner Monday March 15th, 2004 5:44:32 PM
The fighter keeps a safe distance from the house and commits it's location to memory.
"I think at least one of us should go back and notify the group that we have been successful" Conner whispers to Shakka and Evan. "I will return if the two of you keep watch."
If the other two agree, Conner will slip away from the shanty and when safely out of view run back to Sampsons with the news.
Mira Monday March 15th, 2004 7:29:30 PM
Mira nods her agreement to the bard's suggestion. "Yes, let us get a good night of rest and start anew tomorrow." Arm's musical interlude is pleasant to her ears, and puts the sorcerer in a contemplative mood. She fingers the silver and jade pendant of her necklace. At first her thoughts are for Kethlorn and Baldis. 'What must it be like to worry for an ailing child? She wonders if her real parents have ever had a thought for her and what happened to the babe set adrift on the river. Mira's thoughts then turn to those who are trailing Indrel.
"Don't lock the door. One of the other's might not have remembered their key," volunteers the green eyed woman. "I'll stay up a little bit, but I'll need to get my rest if I'm to be of any use tormorrow."
Mira turns to the bard, "you play so sweetly. Won't you keep me company a while longer?" she enquires.
Kadaz Monday March 15th, 2004 7:49:57 PM
Kadaz eats supper with the rest and makes small talk with them. After helping to clean up after supper he says "I'm going to visit Baldis to see if there is any change in Kethorn's condition. I will be back soon. I will not mention our encounter today but only say we have a few leads we are following. I don't want to get the man's hopes up without a good reason."
As Kadaz walks to the leathermaker's shop he keeps an eye out for the children who earlier played with Birdie. If possible, he will use Birdie as an opening to ask if they know of any strange things that have happened recently.
Kadaz d20+1=19 Monday March 15th, 2004 7:50:43 PM
Spot roll =19 for looking for children in neighborhood.
Uriel Monday March 15th, 2004 8:32:37 PM
Uriel lets the music wash over him while he eats. He gives the bard a hardy clap on the shoulder after he finishes and puts down his instrument.
"Good show friend. Beautiful. Your fingers are blessed."
"We should go back over to the shops if our Indrel lead goes nowhere," Uriel pauses, "Although we could look into the more obvious employers of Indrel or her friend that got away..."
"I will definitely stay up to await our friends. If they don't show by the novena {Nine o'clock} mass, we should go looking for them. We should have made a cutoff for their search and a contingency plan before they left," Uriel slaps his head and curses his stupidity.
DM Kathy Monday March 15th, 2004 10:17:52 PM
Shakka examines the outside of the building. It's a house--that much seems clear. It's hard to tell for sure how big it is since you can't really see how far back it goes, but it would seem to be adequate, if somewhat cramped, housing for one family--say 4 to 8 individuals. Given the poverty of the area, however, it's entirely possible that the building houses more than twice that number. You can see a total of three windows on the front. The ones on either side of the door are shuttered; the one in the attic is not, but it's impossible to see through it from this angle. None of them are especially big. You think you see at least one window along the side of the house, but it's hard to be sure. And of course you don't know about the back.
Evan tries to find a good place to hide, but they're in short supply. Buildings are plain and unadorned, and the neighborhood doesn't boast streetlamps or anything of that kind. The best Evan can do is slip into a doorway across the road and hope nobody notices. Luckily, this seems to be a "mind your own business" kind of neighborhood. The few passers-by show no apparent interest in finding out what these strange men are doing here.
Arm plays for his companions, and they enjoy the music as they eat and think. After the meal, Kadaz and Birdie go and talk with Baldis. Kadaz keeps a sharp look out, but the kids from earlier today are nowhere to be seen. The trip is uneventful; Baldis has no new information and there has been no change in Kethlorn's condition.
While he is gone, Connor returns.
Arm Tuesday March 16th, 2004 6:13:36 AM
Arm looks up from his playing, acknowledges the compliment from Uriel, and smiles at the sorceress, "Thank you, my dear. If it pleases you, perhaps I shall compose a new song for the occasion.". Before he can do that, though, Connor arrives, and he looks hopefully to him for any new information, "What news, my friend?".
Conner Tuesday March 16th, 2004 8:12:13 AM
Conner explains to Mira and Arm that they had tracked the one called Indrel to a small shanty house where he had left Shakka and Evan to keep watch. Conner sketches a map of the area on a blank page in the journal and writes down the details of the shanty so that they will all be able to locate the correct one.
"Two ideas come to mind...continue following Indrel to see where she leads us and sneak into her home when she is gone or confront her in her abode where she may be more willing to talk."
Mira Tuesday March 16th, 2004 8:43:17 AM
Mira covers her mouth, trying to stiffle a yawn. "I trust the others do no more than watch the woman's home, and return safely before the morning. If Indrel could not give us names when her life was at risk, I doubt she could now. However, surveillance of her home might yield some clues regarding who her 'employer' might be."
The green eyed sorcerer casts a Light spell on an old cracked cup, and makes her way to her room. As she passes the paladin, she places a hand lightly on his forearm, "I'm sure Evan and Shakka will be fine. They are both prudent as well as cautious." Looking to the others, she adds, "maybe tomorrow we can have breakfast at Sampsons and catch up on the local gossip?"
Mira makes for her room, and prepares for sleep. Tired, she falls asleep as soon as her head hits the pillow.
Evan d20+4=5 d20+4=21 d20+4=11 Tuesday March 16th, 2004 10:36:07 AM
Evan settles in for the evening, pulling his hat down low over his face. He searches the area for an empty wine bottle, thinking he might prtend to be a passed out drunk. Unfortunately, bottles seem to be in short supply around here. Most likely, the local children collect them and turn them in for coin. Evan returns to his doorway where he will wait and watch until sunrise or Conner returns to fetch him. (search-5; hide-21; spot-11)
Kadaz Tuesday March 16th, 2004 12:56:13 PM
Kadaz makes his way back to home and passes along the information that Kethlorn is unchanged. When he learns of Conner's news about where Indrel is holed up he immediately volunteers to take night watch. "After all, I can see in the dark. So it will be harder for Indrel or someone else to slip out past my gaze." If Conner agrees to guide him Kadaz will go to Shantytown to take over.
Uriel Tuesday March 16th, 2004 9:00:43 PM
After Conner gets back and fills everyone in, Uriel congratulations them on tracking down Indrel.
"Good shadowing. Kadaz that is a good idea, but keep an eye out for how rare dwarves are in that part of the city when you get there. If you are going to stick out like a sore thumb, Evan is probably a better choice."
Shakka Zul d20=10 d20=19 d20=20 Tuesday March 16th, 2004 9:28:52 PM
Shakka whispers to Evan, "Perhaps one of us should look into the window under the cover of night?"
After hearing a response Shakka will find a nice place to hide (hide 10). Once there he will set his things out, like he is resting there for the evening. He'll scan the area for any sign of trouble (19), and then scan the house for any sign of someone looking out the windows (20).
DM Kathy Wednesday March 17th, 2004 2:11:15 AM
(Gaah! I'm really making a hash out of the posting schedule this week. I was babysitting tonight.)
Evan settles into his doorway. He is disturbed only once, when the person who lives there comes home and shouts at him to move along. He can return, though, once the man is safely inside.
Shakka has much the same difficulty finding a place to hide. He eventually settles for lurking at the corner of one of the buildings, partially hidden from the street and out of sight (he's pretty sure) from the windows.
Both watch the house until evening falls. There is no sign of trouble, and nobody looks out of the windows. You do both notice, as the street goes dark, that although chinks of light appear at the doors and windows of other houses on the road, the house you are watching remains dark.
Connor fills the others in on what they've found, and Kadaz volunteers to go to the Shanty Quarter and keep watch through the night. Uriel advises caution, and Mira retires for the evening.
Evan d20+6=23 d20+6=8 Wednesday March 17th, 2004 7:47:40 AM
Evan frowns and nods in agreement with Shakka. It concerns him that there are no lights on in the house. He wonders if Indrel may have slipped out the back. Perhaps she noticed that she was being followed.
Evan motions for Shakka to stay put. He slowly creeps up on the house, moving as silently as possible. (move silent-23) Rather than try and look in one of the windows in the front, Evan tries to reach the side window. He listens at the window then raises his head to peer into the house when he doesn't hear anything. (listen-8)
Conner Wednesday March 17th, 2004 7:51:18 AM
Conner escorts Kadaz to the Shanty quarter and points out the house that Indrel entered. He can barely make out Evan and Shakka lurking about in the shadows.
"I'll head back to Sampson's. It's been a long day. Tomorrow we need to decide how to proceed. Do we continue to follow her, or do we force entry and confront her?"
Conner leaves Kadaz to work out watches with the other two and returns to Sampson's where he will quench his thirst and hunger. With a little luck Amy will be coming off her shift and be able to spend some time with him.
Arm Wednesday March 17th, 2004 9:19:08 AM
Before Conner leaves, Arm voices his agreement with Mira, "If we force ourselves into her home or whatever that building is that she took refuge in, we may ruin our only chance at discovering her employer...I, for one, would not be more willing to volunteer information if MY home was invaded, that may very well end up causing her to disappear permanently. I say surveillance (spelling??) is the best action to take.". Turning to Mira, he says, "Aye, lass...I think I shall retire along with thee...it's been a long day.". Saying so, he bids the paladin goodnight, goes to his room and falls asleep just as quickly as Mira does.
Uriel Wednesday March 17th, 2004 10:26:17 AM
Next morning, Uriel gets up early to do his devotions and martial training. He also takes stock of who is and is not here to find out who did and did not go to watch the house. {OOC: I think I qualified that enough...}
Uriel is ready to either talk again to the shop owners or to follow up on the Indrel lead if anything more comes of it...
Mira Wednesday March 17th, 2004 11:51:51 AM
The sorcerer wakes at dawn, and after a hasty toilet, straightens up the main room of the flat. She converses briefly with Uriel to learn if those who kept watch over night had made their way back safely.
Mira will do her best to get a little fire going, and boil some water for tea or joe.
She looks at the closed door in the wall opposite her room, and hopes that the ranger is sleeping in the room beyond.
If everyone is back at the flat, she will suggest breakfast at 'Sampsons'. "A hearty breakfast and an opportunity to catch up on the local gossip, you know."
Kadaz d20+2=12 Wednesday March 17th, 2004 6:45:48 PM
Kadaz will very, very quietly confer with Shakka about watching positions. There may not be many dwarves in this part of town, but that also means that there probably aren't many who can see in the dark. Kadaz picks a dark shadow to hide in from which to watch the house. (hide check 12). Now those long hours spent on watch in the guard come in handy, he is used to standing in one spot and observation. He slips a doggie treat from his pouch and silently gives it to a drowsy Birdie.
DM Kathy Thursday March 18th, 2004 1:00:34 AM
Concerned about the lack of light from the house, Evan approaches stealthily and tries to peer through one of the side windows. Although the window is not shuttered, the room beyond is completely dark; Evan can see very little. He makes out what he thinks might be a doorway to another room, and a splash of white or light color that looks like a curtain. There is no movement, though, no sound, and no visible light.
Connor escorts Kadaz to the house, then returns to Sampson's. Amy is there, and although she's a bit tired, she gladly makes some time for Connor.
Kadaz finds a decent spot to hide and watch the house. He sees no light and no signs of life.
(Just to double-check: Connor, Shakka, Evan, Kadaz, none of you have been around back, right?)
Arm retires for the evening, and presumably so does Connor at some point. :)
The next morning, Uriel goes through his morning routine, and Mira suggests a breakfast at Sampson's to pick up on local gossip.
Arm Thursday March 18th, 2004 5:58:00 AM
Arm awakes refreshed but still troubled, and upon seeing that the rest of the group is not in residence, agrees with Mira that breakfast and questioning of the shopkeepers is in order.
Uriel Thursday March 18th, 2004 7:57:38 AM
"Shall we wait a bit longer to hear back from our watchers before we go back to the shopkeepers, or should we just leave them a note and go for the sake of expediency?" Uriel looks for any opinions by Mira and Arm.
"It looks like Conner had a long night...and Kadaz, Shakka and Evan are still gone."
Conner Thursday March 18th, 2004 9:32:56 AM
Conner rises at the sound of the others preparing to leave for Sampson's. "Hang on a minute" he says as he pulls his shirt over his head. Over breakfast he will describe the nights events, well at least some of them :)
Evan d20+6=24 Thursday March 18th, 2004 11:10:44 AM
Frustrate at not learning anything significant, Evan continues around to the back of the house, moving as quietly as he can. Once he reaches the back, he will try to look into the house if there are any windows available. (move silent-24)
(this is my first time to the back)
Kadaz d20+1=13 Thursday March 18th, 2004 4:29:42 PM
As dawn comes the the street lightens Kadaz becomes less and less hidden. He sees Evan makes his move towards the house and tenses up. If something is going to happen it might be now. Axe in hand Kadaz is ready to come to Evan's assistance if necessary. (listen check 13)
Mira Thursday March 18th, 2004 8:01:45 PM
Mira tears a page from the back of Conner's journal and writes a brief note to Evan, Shakka and Kadaz.
Gone to Sampson's for breakfast, look for us there.
MLS
She puts the note in the middle of the table, a corner tucked beneath a mug, so that it cannot be missed and then leaves with Conner, Uriel, and Arm.
DM Kathy Thursday March 18th, 2004 10:26:06 PM
Evan continues around to the back of the house. It's still quite dark out, so his vision is limited. There's a back door, and eventually he finds another window. This one, like the side window, is unshuttered and shows no light from within.
A narrow lane runs along the back of this row of houses, and across the lane is a long, low building--some kind of shed or barn. It's difficult to see in the dark.
Kadaz, meanwhile, keeps an eye on the front of the house, axe ready to hand. He hears nothing out of the ordinary.
The next morning, Mira, Uriel, Arm, and Connor make their way to Sampson's for breakfast and gossip. Neither Hamm nor Amy is there this early; Sampson himself is presiding over the bar, and your breakfast order is taken by a pleasant halfling girl named Summer. The food is tasty and plentiful, and as for the gossip....
(Let me know in general what kinds of things you ask about, and make a Gather Information and/or Diplomacy roll. Also, Connor, did you ask Amy for information last night, or were you...otherwise occupied? :) )
Arm d20+7=19 d20+7=19 d20+7=11 Friday March 19th, 2004 8:39:32 AM
Arm smiles broadly at the halfling and says, "Summer, is it? What a beautiful name for such a beautiful woman. would you do me the honor of allowing me to sing you a song?". If she agrees, he proceeds to sing a song of halfling beauty and especially hers (OOC: sorry, I don't have anything prepared, but for the sake of expediency, plz assume that Arm DOES ;-) perform=19). After the song, he asks her if she is not busy, and if she'd like to converse for a bit. Again, if she's agreeable, he takes her to an unoccupied table and, after some small talk, such as "where has Samson been HIDING you?", he asks her if she has heard any kind of rumors regarding the missing/charmed children or if anyone with a sinister purpose has been sighted and/or eavesdropped upon {diplomacy=19, gather info=11}. After this exchange, he asks her when she will be getting off work and if she'd like to spend some more time with him. OR (OOC: I know Kathy, you're gonna kill me...LOL!!!), if she IS too busy, he asks her this question and ignore the info roll for now...{yeah, I'm chatty today, go figure... ;-) )
Mira d20+4=16 d20+5=11 d20+2=15 Friday March 19th, 2004 9:26:26 AM
Mira will nod and wave at any of the patrons she recognizes from the neighborhood and make a general enquiry about the news of the city. (Gather Information=16). While waiting for breakfast to be served, Mira will take a stool at the bar where the proprietor of the establishment is working, and make small talk with the man. (Diplomacy=11) Specifically, she will ask Sampson if he knows anything about the 'Society for Draconic Research' that has set up in the nearby Guild Quarter or if any of the members have been seen about.
When breakfast is served, Mira will eat quietly, keeping her ears attuned to the conversations taking place about her (Listen=15) and keying in to those mentioning the 'society' or goings on in the neighborhood where Baldis has his business and makes his home.
The sorcerer hopes the party's actions of the previous night have gone unnoticed, and that the party will join up again, soon.
Evan d20+4=5 Friday March 19th, 2004 5:41:05 PM
Evan kneels and examines the porch and ground behind the house, searching as best he can for any recent tracks. Unfortunately, in the dark, it is impossible for him to find anything. Evan works his way back to Kadaz and Shakka and shakes his head to signify that he couldn't find anything. (track-5)
Conner d20-2=0 Friday March 19th, 2004 11:03:33 PM
Conner tucks into his breakfast with gusto. He pays little attention to the conversation going on around him until his meal is finished. Only after he is satisfied does he strike up a conversation with one of the patrons. In particular he asks any of the old-timers if they know the area near Baldis' shop and what they might know of it's previous history, or any future designs on the area [Gather information=0]
[OOC Conner did not broach the subject of the stricken boy with Amy. Still it was a successful evening]
Uriel Saturday March 20th, 2004 12:53:01 AM
Uriel broods while he eats, keeping his mouth shut except when he shoveling in the food.
He does not contribute to the discussion, the only hint to his thoughts are the attention he pays to what others are asking about.
Kadaz d20+1=19 d20+1=4 Sunday March 21st, 2004 3:44:27 PM
Kadaz whispers to Evan "Give me the layout and I'll check." Kadaz believes that he'll have a better chance in the dark of noticing something significant. He'll then make his way to the back of the hut and examine the lane, as well as the building in back (spot 19, listen 4).
DM Kathy Sunday March 21st, 2004 9:09:09 PM
Evan does his best to convey to Kadaz what he saw in back. Kadaz slips back to take a look for himself.
The lane behind the houses is smaller and obviously less travelled; small tufts of grass poke up here and there. Across the lane is a long, low barn with several large doors facing the houses. All but one are closed and padlocked. The remaining door, one near the house you've been watching, stands open. Inside, Kadaz can see a couple of animal stalls and some open area for storage. It appears to be empty.
At Sampson's, Summer is flattered but a bit puzzled by Arm's attentions. "I'm here until after the midday rush dies down," she tells him. She does not appear to have time to sit and chat.
Mira hears a few interesting things. Old Man Warder has raised his prices again, which seems to be cause for general grumbling. A group of adventurers got drunk at the Flying Fish some nights ago, and apparently behaved very badly. A group of people were found dead and unconscious in an alley in the Guild Quarter yesterday, and nobody knows who might be behind it. Sampson hasn't heard of the Society for Draconic Research, nor has anybody else here.
Connor is unable to find anyone who knows much about the Guild Quarter.
Kadaz Monday March 22nd, 2004 5:40:36 AM
Kadaz returns to Evan and Shakka and whispers what he saw. "The long building behind the house is a barn with different section. The section just behind the house we'watching is open and has stables in it. But there are no horses in it. All the other sections are locked shut. It looks like someone left in a hurry on horseback down the lane behind this house. Maybe if they left so quickly that they didn't lock up the barn door they also left their back door open. Want to check?"
Arm d20+7=22 Monday March 22nd, 2004 6:02:44 AM
Arm smiles broadly at Summer and says, "I can understand if you're busy, my dear. I shall return later today before you leave, and perhaps we can enjoy each other's company then." {diplomacy=22}.
He then sits back and awaits the rest of the group's actions.
Mira Monday March 22nd, 2004 7:24:37 AM
The sorcerer eats her meal, and waits for Kadaz, Uriel, and Evan to show up. Looking at her breakfast companions she enquires, "Shall we go see if the others are okay and afterwards, perhaps, we can find Master Otterbrook, the landlord of the building which is being rented by the Society?"
Mira sighs, "we seem to find nothing but dead ends." Looking unseeingly at her empty plate, then away from her friends, she wonders about the boy, Kethlorn, and adds, "I feel so useless."
Evan d20+4=5 d20+4=20 d20+6=21 Monday March 22nd, 2004 7:27:06 AM
Evan nods and quickly heads over to the barn. He checks for tracks outside of the barn then works his way inside. He searches the stall for anything interesting then returns to the house. (track barn-5, search barn-20) Evan carefully tries the back door to see if its locked, moving as silently as possible. (move silently-21)
Conner Monday March 22nd, 2004 7:46:52 AM
The burly fighter tries to look surprised when he hears that a group of people were set upon in the Guild Quarter. An observant person would notice that the tattoo running across his right temple and beneath his right eye seems to intensify as he hears of the news.
Conner agrees to go with Mira and question the owner of the building now being occupied by this Draconic Society.
Shakka Zul d20=14 Monday March 22nd, 2004 8:08:22 AM
Shakka remains at the side of the house, serving as a look out. (Hide 14)
OOC: Sorry about the posting delay... got a little crazy at work last week.
Uriel Monday March 22nd, 2004 6:14:40 PM
{Uhmmm, Mira - I am right here at the table eating, see see}
"I know how you feel Mira. It does seem frustrating. I hope we can come up with something with the shopkeepers..." Uriel shrugs and looks at his plate of food. He shoves it away, "My appetite is gone."
DM Kathy Monday March 22nd, 2004 7:06:20 PM
After hearing from Kadaz, Evan goes back to the barn. From the smell, it's obvious that something equine was living here until quite recently.
The sun is rising now, and it's easier to look around. Evan can see clearly where some kind of wheeled vehicle was moved out of the barn and into the lane. Once out in the lane, its tracks become lost amid the general traffic; Evan can't tell which direction it headed. Back in the barn, he finds there is still hay in the hayrick and a stack of fresh straw in the corner. Curiously, there is no pitchfork or any other tools. Pegs on the wall mark where tack and harness once hung, but they, too, are gone.
Evan tries the back door and finds it unlocked. It opens into a kitchen. There is a table--a little too big for the room--with a bench and a couple of mismatched chairs. All of the cupboard doors are open or ajar, and seem to be empty. A little searching turns up two big, heavy iron pots and a forgotten wooden spoon far to the back of a cupboard. Otherwise, there is nothing in the kitchen.
Evan continues through the house (I'm assuming, in the interest of catching up to the others). He moves through the doorway into the "front room" and finds himself looking out the side window he looked in last night. Turning, he sees clearly the faded print cloth he saw as a splash of light color last night. It is a makeshift curtain, hung to separate the small front room into two tiny rooms. In this one is the front door and a couple of mismatched, neglected-looking pieces of furniture. On the other side of the curtain is a bedframe and mattress, and a wardrobe. The bed has been stripped and the wardrobe is nearly empty--just a couple of faded dresses hang within. As Evan moves into this room he smells a faint aroma he associates with the sickroom.
He returns to the kitchen and climbs the steep stairs (more like a ladder, really) to the attic space. Here he finds a cot, and a double mattress on the floor. Like the bed below, they have been stripped. Nearby pegs on the wall may have held clothing at one time, but they are empty now. Between the cot and the mattress is a chest, its lid flung open. It, too, is empty.
From his spot near the house, Shakka sees the neighborhood gradually awaken. It seems to have a hangover.
Summer smiles and agrees to meet Arm if he returns. "Did you want to discuss something particular, sir?" she asks. Is she flirting? Hard to tell.
The others discuss their plans for the day. Jelzix Otterbrook would seem to be the first stop. (And by the way, I got this wrong, but Maline would have gotten it right. The Wealthy Quarter is just houses. Otterbrook's office is in the Gold Quarter. Sorry. My bad.)
Mira d20+2=13 Tuesday March 23rd, 2004 12:03:06 AM
Mira apologizes to Uriel, giving the paladin a lopsided smile, "I'm sorry. I'm just worried about the others."
The sorcerer gets up and goes to the bar to settle the tab. She asks Sampson if the kitchen could spare a loaf of bread, a wedge of cheese, some apples, and a bottle or three of something to drink.
Mira gestures to Arm, who seems smitten by the pretty halfling. To Conner and Uriel she whispers, "he should pick on someone his own size!" With a wink, she heads for the door of Sampson's and returns to the flat to await the return of the three missing party members.
The sorcerer scans the room one last time, for anything that might appear amiss. (Spot=13)
Conner Tuesday March 23rd, 2004 12:11:39 AM
Conner pats his full belly, and lets out a satisfied burp. He doesn't try to hide it, but rather smiles at whoever might look his way, showing a set of even, white teeth framed by his dark mustache and chops.
The fighter pushes away from the table, and follows Mira outside.
Arm Tuesday March 23rd, 2004 6:30:03 AM
Arm again smiles at Summer and says, "Aye, lass, I wish to discuss many things with you, not the least of which is your beauty. I shall make it a point not to be late for our meeting. Until then..." he takes her hand in both of his and kisses it warmly. Upon hearing Mira's voice, he turns and, for a moment, doesn't even seem to recognize her. He then gains some semblance of reality and says, "What? Oh, yes....being that since it's now daylight, I don't think it would be wise for too many people to be standing around watching that building...best we go and see master Otterbrook. Actually, I shall keep an eye on The Society's building....I have an, um....pressing engagement later (saying so, he looks fondly in Summer's direction), and I don't wish to be late getting back. I shall meet up with you later at the flat....maybe..." he adds with a sardonic grin as he leaves the table. Before he leaves he waits to catch Summer's eye and bows deeply to her, then heads for his observation spot, intending to play a ditty or two to amuse the crowds while watching the comings and goings of the building. He doesn't expect to find any new information, but then again, the party isn't really getting anywhere with their other leads, either..."Might as well gain a few extra coins while I'm at it." he thinks.
Evan Tuesday March 23rd, 2004 8:33:09 AM
Evan rejoins Shakka and Kadaz, exiting the building they've been watching through the front door. He motions for them to walk away then lays his head against his hands to signify sleep. He'll wait until they rejoin the othersand he has light, paper and ink to write with.
Evan (ooc) d20+4=14 d20+4=10 Tuesday March 23rd, 2004 8:35:10 AM
(how dusty was everything in the house? Did it look like it recently been stripped or was everything covered in dust? Here's a tracking and search roll if needed)
Shakka Zul Tuesday March 23rd, 2004 7:22:52 PM
Shakka finds a fairly hidden place and slumbers against the wall, trying to appear as if he is resting. While doing so he continues to serve as look out for any sign of trouble.
Kadaz Tuesday March 23rd, 2004 8:01:52 PM
Kadaz nods at Evan and looks at Shakka. He points at himself, and then makes walking motions with his fingers. He starts walking back towards home as the sky slowly lightens, a yawning Birdie at his heels.
Uriel Tuesday March 23rd, 2004 8:36:25 PM
Uriel seems confused a bit by Arm's behavior, but he smiles finally, admiring his charm.
To Mira, "Shall we head back to the shops today without the others or should we wait or go check on them first." He also gets up and heads back to the apartment.
DM Kathy Tuesday March 23rd, 2004 10:22:59 PM
Evan lies down for a quick rest. (There was no dust to speak of in the house; it appears to have been vacated quite recently.) Shakka continues to watch the area, but sees nothing untoward. Kadaz and Birdie begin to make their way home as the sun climbs.
Arm decides to keep an eye on the Society for Draconic Research. It's difficult to find a spot to perform; the Guild quarter is bustling at this hour. Ironically, one of the quietest spots seems to be directly in front of the Society's door. They don't seem to get a lot of foot traffic. In fact, Arm sees nobody enter the place all morning. A couple of youngsters press their faces up against the windows to see inside before hurrying on their way, but no more than that.
Mira, Connor, and Uriel head back to the group's lodging, Mira remembering to get some breakfast for those who have been watching.
Mira Wednesday March 24th, 2004 12:28:14 AM
Mira sighs a heavy sigh when she sees the ranger, and the others haven't returned. She sets out the food picked up from Sampsons and turns over the scrap of paper previously torn out of Connor's journal.
"We might as well seek out this Jelzix Otterbrook. If he's in the Gold Quarter, we likely won't be back before dinner. It's past the Cathedral of Light."
Mira picks up a writing tool, "I'll leave a note, but maybe we will run into some of the others, since we have to go through the Guild Quarter anyway."
Gone to Gold Quarter to speak with Master Otterbrook. Will be back before dark.
MLS
Mira will look enquiringly at Conner and Uriel before she leaves.
Conner Wednesday March 24th, 2004 12:34:25 AM
Connor belts on his sword, and puts a few items into a sack before picking up the writing tool in his hand. It feels awkward, but he manages to make his mark under Mira's.
"Back before dark, then!" he says to no one in particular as he follows the sorcerer into the street.
Arm d20+3=20 d20+2=11 d20+2=5 d20+2=20 Wednesday March 24th, 2004 6:15:23 AM
Arm strums his lute idly, increasing his performance should anyone stop long enough to listen. Even though his thoughts are on other things like observing the building and Summer, he still manages to put on quite a show (OOC to Kathy-I took the liberty of taking a -4 to my performance roll due to watching the building ;-) ). While playing, he thinks to himself, "What kind of business gets no traffic, especially with it being new and, knowing people, they tend to at least be curious? Either she won't be in business long, or she has another agenda...".
He continues to hang around until the sun is almost overhead (spot=11), then heads back to Samson's to meet Summer. On the way, he looks for a stall that sells flowers, eventually finding one (spot=5, spot=20). Once there, he procures a table for himself and orders a light lunch. When Summer brings it, he gives her the flowers and says to her, "I shall remain here until your shift is completed. Then, we shall see where the fates take us.".
Kadaz d20+1=8 Wednesday March 24th, 2004 6:06:35 PM
Kadaz make it back home and looks around, wondering where everyone is. He then spots the food set out on the table and then looks at the note. "So" he mutters to himself "they've taken off." Kadaz adds to the bottom of the note "Took food back to watchers. Thanks. Someone back here at dusk. Kadaz"
He sets out a fresh bowl of food and watches the dog drink. Kadaz then picks up the food from the table and starts back to the house, intending to share the food with Shakka and Evan.
(spot = 8)
Uriel Wednesday March 24th, 2004 8:33:22 PM
Uriel will go with Mira and Conner. He will fully equip himself again. With his staff in hand and his armor on.
"Let's go, then!"
Evan Wednesday March 24th, 2004 9:34:36 PM
After a short nap, Evan gets up and finds a place where he can watch the comings and goings of the barn.
DM Kathy d10=5 Wednesday March 24th, 2004 10:05:28 PM
Kadaz returns to the flat, finds the food, and takes it to the other watchers. He does not spot anything unusual in his travels.
Evan looks around for a spot from which to watch the barn. Slipping into the unoccupied house is one option, or he could remain relatively hidden on the narrow strip of ground between houses.
Arm whiles away his time playing, and eventually manages to turn in some creditable performances. He nets 5 silver from passers-by, which he promptly spends on flowers and lunch. :) Sampson's is in the middle of the midday rush, and Summer is very busy. She accepts the flowers with a puzzled frown, and minutes later brings out a savory soup and a fresh loaf.
Mira, Conner, and Uriel make their way to the Gold quarter to find the offices of Jelzix Otterbrook. After a couple of wrong turns, they eventually find the place and go inside. They find themselves in a cramped little office. Daylight valiantly makes its way through the small windows, but the interior remains dim. There are two large desks and a mismatched assortment of chairs, most of them halfling-sized.
Sitting behind one of the desks is a half-elf woman, apparantly absorbed by the ledger she is working on. There is a smudge of ink on her nose. She looks up an blinks at you, startled, as if you had just materialized there.
"Yes? Can I help you?"
Arm d20+2=15 Thursday March 25th, 2004 5:58:37 AM
For the moment, Arm puts off Summer's expression as her being busy, and idly eats his lunch while listening to the surrounding conversations for clues (listen=15). All the while he thinks, "That building must be the key, or perhaps the lock, to this whole mystery...now, all we need do is find the key to it.". Arm will sit here and wait until the lunch crowd leaves, and see if Summer's attitude has improved any.
Mira d20+5=15 Thursday March 25th, 2004 7:58:47 PM
Mira smiles graciously at the half-elf woman sitting behind the desk. The sorcerer clears her throat, and says, "My friends and I are conducting a little investigation in an effort to solve a mystery and help a friend in need. We would like to speak with Mr. Jelzix Otterbrook since we believe he may have some information that would be useful to us." Mira pauses, to adjust her glasses on her nose, "it concerns a property of his located in the Guild Quarter and recently let to 'The Society of Draconic Research'. Mira looks at the woman and asks, "do you know the place?" (Diplomacy=15)
Conner d20+3=9 Thursday March 25th, 2004 9:14:25 PM
Conner stands by the door and keeps an eye on Mirqa, the woman behind the desk, and his surroundings in general [Spot=9]
Evan Thursday March 25th, 2004 10:44:06 PM
Evan decides to watch from the strip of ground between the buildings just in case someone returns to the house. When he is brought food, he tries his best to convey to the others that they should try to talk to the people that work around the barn.
Uriel d20+4=23 Friday March 26th, 2004 1:40:55 AM
Uriel does a spot check as well {23} while Mira talks to the half-elf.
DM Kathy Friday March 26th, 2004 2:22:23 AM
Evan slips between the buildings to watch. The lane gets some traffic, but not very much. A few people come to the shed/barn, some from the row of houses, others walking up the lane, presumably from other locations.
One man, presumably a peddler, emerges from his part of the barn leading a rather decrepit-looking donkey. He hitches it to an even more decrepit-looking peddler's cart, then leads it away.
The others who go into their sections return again without animals in tow. A few notice the open door of the vacant section and peer curiously within, but nobody says or does anything.
Kadaz joins Evan and Shakka with food, and, after they watch for a while, a young boy of perhaps twelve comes running up to one of the doors on the end of the barn, looks around, and hastily begins to open it.
Arm watches Summer, who seems busy but is pleasant enough to her customers (including him). He listens to conversations around him; a couple of tables over, they seem to be discussing the adventurers who got drunk and unruly at the Flying Fish last week.
"It's a miracle nobody was killed," Arm hears one of them say. The next part is nearly lost in the general noise, but Arm distincly hears the word "curse."
The half-elf regards Mira, Connor, and Uriel with an air of professional politeness. "Mr. Otterbrook is not in the office," she says. Then, "Guild Quarter? Mr. Otterbrook owns several properties there. Which one did you want to speak about? I may be able to assist you."
Connor spots nothing out of the ordinary. Uriel spots a stray silver piece that has apparently rolled into a corner. (Sorry, Brent, there's really nothing to see, but I hate to waste a good spot check!)
Arm d20+2=19 Friday March 26th, 2004 6:00:28 AM
Arm is instantly alert at the mention of the word "curse", however he does not show any outward signs of interest. Stretching, and pretending to shift his position in his chair, he attempts to move slightly closer to the group so that he may hear better, all the while making a conscious effort to screen out the other conversations around him. (listen=19)
Shakka Zul d20=10 Saturday March 27th, 2004 10:19:53 AM
Shakka was just about ready to head back to the rooms to catch up on his sleep when he noticed the boy.
"What do you suppose he is up to?", he whispers.
He will then try to get in a position where he can see what the boy is doing, withough looking to obvious. (spot 10)
Kadaz Sunday March 28th, 2004 6:35:42 AM
"Shakka and Evan, we really should talk to that boy. Kids often see more than adults realize."
Kadaz and Birdie walk over to the boy. Kadaz starts a conversation while pointing at the newly abandoned house.
"Good day, young sir. I wonder if you might be able to help me. I was to meet some folks in that house there but they aren't in. Might you be able to help me? I really need to talk to them."
Conner Sunday March 28th, 2004 7:32:59 AM
The fighter waits patiently by the door until Mira has concluded her questioning. He wonders how things are going at the shanty, and what if anything Shakka, Evan and Kadaz have learned.
Evan d20+4=22 d20+6=26 d20+6=24 Sunday March 28th, 2004 7:07:01 PM
Evan nods to Kadaz, then points to his eyes and his ears with the index fingers of both hands. With a smile he fades into the shadows and keeps his ears attuned to the conversation and his eyes open to all that is going on around the barn and vacinity.
Hide=22 Listen=26 Spot=24
Mira d20+5=15 Sunday March 28th, 2004 7:17:31 PM
"Our enquiry, " Mira motions to Uriel and Conner, "concerns a property recently let to 'The Society of Draconic Research'. Mira looks at the woman and asks, "do you know the place?"
"We would like to know who may have let the property before the new tenants, and if it was vacant, how long was it empty and were there any 'problems' at the site?"
The sorcerer keeps an even and calm tone of voice and hopes the clerk is impressed by her sincerity. (Diplomacy=15)
DM Kathy Monday March 29th, 2004 12:08:32 AM
Shakka watches the boy for a moment as he unlocks the door and pulls it open. He looks around again, then jumps with a start as he sees Kadaz approach. Kadaz asks about the house.
"No," he replies hastily. "No, I don't know them." He turns and vanishes into the barn.
Evan does not see or hear anything untoward.
Arm drifts closer to the group that mentioned the curse. "I hear he was just fine the next day, though," you hear one of them say. A burst of general noise drowns out the rest, and when you can hear them again, the conversation has moved on to other topics, as tavern conversations are wont to do.
"I'm not familiar with this society," the half-elf woman replies. "Can you give me some idea which building it is? What street it's on, perhaps, or what it looks like?"
Uriel d20+2=20 Monday March 29th, 2004 12:57:05 AM
Uriel looks over at Conner at runs his hand through his hair. He takes a couple of steps over to the corner and picks up the silver piece. He flips it up and catches it again. Uriel will describe the location and general appearance of the building to the woman. {Diplomacy:20}
Arm Monday March 29th, 2004 5:52:31 AM
Discouraged at the lack of any useful information, Arm broods into his mug of ale. Once again, thoughts of leaving this group and moving on prey upon his mind. "Perhaps things will get better after Summer's shift is over," he thinks, "But with my fortune as of late, probably not.".
Kadaz d20-3=16 Monday March 29th, 2004 6:15:52 AM
The jumpiness of the boy convinces Kadaz that he does indeed know something about the people who were in the house. Kadaz tries to be convincing and comforting.
"Son, those folks have moved out. They've emptied their house and stables. I doubt they'll be back. My friends and I need to find them because they may have information we need. If you can tell us who visited them or where their friends live, we'd appreciate it. we'd be willing to pay a gold piece. And we'll never tell anyone that you talked to us.
(diplomacy check 16)
Conner d20+1=8 Monday March 29th, 2004 5:30:16 PM
"Luck be with you Uriel", the fighter is genuinely pleased at the omen of good fortune found by his friend. Conner is less pleased at the clerks answer and wonders if she is telling all she knows [Sense Motive = 8]
Evan d20-1=17 Monday March 29th, 2004 7:06:53 PM
When Kadaz makes reference to 'his friends', the young ranger steps from the shadows. He smiles disarmingly at the boy (Diplomacy=17)hoping to set him at ease and calm any fears he might have about the three adventurers.
Evan has sudden idea. He riffles through his pockets for a scrap of paper, and draws a quick sketch of a young boy. He writes the name 'Kethlorn' under the picture, and shows it to the boy, with an inquiring look.
Evan wonders if this city youth might have knowledge of an age mate.
Mira d20+5=15 Monday March 29th, 2004 7:14:02 PM
Mira nods as Uriel gives his description, and adds, "yes, it's an odd little shop on Saddler's Row. A two story building on a corner lot with an unusual shape, but pleasant and filled with light!" Mira smiles at the half-elf,(Diplomacy=15) "can you help us?"
(OOC: 3 Diplomacy=15 rolls in a row!)
DM Kathy d20=8 Monday March 29th, 2004 9:04:44 PM
From their position just outside, Kadaz and Evan can hear the frantic bleating of a sheep or goat coming from inside the barn.
The boy's eyes turn crafty at the mention of a gold piece. "Oh--uh, those people?" he asks. He nods vigorously. "Sure, I know them. They, uh-- they, uh-- they moved. To another house." He points toward the city wall, and, by extension, all of Plateau City. "That way."
He glances down at Evan's pad, and gives another vigorous nod. "Yep. That's right," he says. He looks at Kadaz expectantly.
After a bit, Summer comes over to Arm's table, smiling and removing her apron. "Done for the day," she tells him. "I promised Mama I'd try to find a bit of nice fish at the market. Would you care to accompany me?"
The half-elf woman listens to the description, and a light dawns. "Oh, the Kiss of Death!" she says. "Yes, I'd heard we'd managed to fill it again."
She stands up and moves to a nearby bookshelf, scanning the ledgers stored there. "Not that it's fatal, or anything," she assures you. "But we do have a terrible time keeping the place leased." She glances up and sees your alarmed expressions. "In a good way. Businesses do well there, and can afford to move to better quarters. So they do."
She finds the book she was looking for and carries it back to her table. "The place isn't very big, you see," she explains, opening the book, "and with that awkward shape there isn't a lot of usable space. People decide they want more room."
She finds what she was looking for in the book. "This time it was vacant for about five months." She shakes her head. "Not good news for Mr. Otterbrook; he never likes to see a building stand vacant. The previous tenant was a Daisy Cottonmeadow--halfling, of course, with a name like that. Milliner's shop." She looks at you again, then remembers another question asked earlier. "We've had no problems there that I'm aware of," she says. "Somebody broke into the building one time when it was vacant, but that has to be--oh, two or three years ago now."
Uriel d20+2=21 Tuesday March 30th, 2004 12:16:04 AM
"Thank you for the information. Do you have a forwarding address for Daisy Cottonmeado? I don't have anything else, do either of you?" Uriel smiles warmly at the half-elf. {Diplomacy:21}
Arm Tuesday March 30th, 2004 6:03:56 AM
Arm smiles broadly at Summer and rises from the table. "Certainly, my dear. I will gladly accompany you to wherever your heart desires. Let us be off, then."
Crooking his arm so that Summer may put hers through his, they set off out the door of the inn.
Kadaz Tuesday March 30th, 2004 3:58:55 PM
Kadaz digs into his pouch and pulls out a gold piece. He waves it alluringly before the young boy's eye. "I'd like to give this to you but I need details. Who visited them? Where did they move to? What were their names? You know, I bet that if you were to answer these questions, as best you could, and then walk with me to the place they moved to, I could even find another gold piece in here for you."
Evan d20+2=17 Tuesday March 30th, 2004 5:49:13 PM
Evan cocks his head quizzically when the young lad acknowledges the drawing of Kethlorn so quickly. He waits until he has Kadaz' attention and rubs his thumb and index finger together in the universal sign for money and then looks suspiciously back at the boy. (Sense Motive=17)
Conner Tuesday March 30th, 2004 5:53:09 PM
Conner looks to Uriel..."another dead end my friend". The fighter slips out of the room and heads towards the street.
Mira d20+4=19 Tuesday March 30th, 2004 6:17:56 PM
Mira hangs her head, disappointed that there appear to be no clues to the mystery of Kethlorn's illness here. Still...Kiss of Death. What kind of a name for a rental unit is that? There has to be more to it than this clerk knows...thinks the sorcerer.
Mira tries not to show her true feelings, as she thanks the half-elf for her time, and makes her way towards the door. Resting her hand on the doorjamb, she turns back towards the clerk and asks, "Um, how did the place get that name? You know, Kiss of Death. Who first called it that, and why?"(Gather Info=19)
Kathy Tuesday March 30th, 2004 8:59:04 PM
"Names?" the boy repeats. "Uh...well, one was Kethlorm. And...uh....there was Kethlorm's...cousin. And that one lady. And...uh, the baby." He considers for a moment. "They moved to the Hindquarter, but I don't know where. Visitors...I visited them sometimes, and...uh...my friend Keela, she visited them, too." He finishes, and gives Kadaz and Evan an ingratiating smile.
Summer eyes the proffered arm dubiously--which isn't hard to do, seeing as the crook of Arm's arm is about eye level for her. "Perhaps I'll just walk beside you," she says.
As you start out, she asks, "What did you want to talk to me about?"
The half-elf woman chuckles. "It isn't really called that," she explains. Sobering, she adds, "And truth be told, Mr. Otterbrook would blister my ears if he heard me talking that way." She gets up and carries the book back to the shelf. "It's my own stupid joke--we have so much trouble keeping that place rented, you see." She slides the book back in among its fellows. "One year we had five different tenants. I think Mr. Otterbrook would sell it if he could, but he can't find a buyer. Not with a history like that." She returns to her seat.
"I don't have a specific address for Daisy Cottonmeadow," she tells Uriel. "I think her new shop is somewhere in the Trade Quarter, though."
Evan Tuesday March 30th, 2004 9:33:00 PM
The ranger's heart starts to beat wildly with excitement when the boy starts to name names. Then his keen sense of hearing takes over, and he feels that something is not quite right. Evan scribbles something on the ragged piece of paper and shows it to Kedarn and Shakka. He then proceeds to make two 'signs' with his right hand. First he makes a fist with his thumb protruding between his index and middle finger. He points to the name Kethlorn on the scrap, jabbing at the 'n'. Evan then makes a fist again. This time, his thumb protrudes between the middle and ring fingers. He points to the newly scribbled Kethlorm, then at the 'm'.
Hope and worry fight in his expression.
(OOC: May be nothing, but Baldis' son is Kethlorn, and this boy is talking of Kethlorm)
Uriel (Supposition) Tuesday March 30th, 2004 9:36:08 PM
After they leave the meeting with Mr. Otterbrook's secretary, Uriel turns to Conner. "Actual Conner I think we really are on to something. If that building has an odd shape on the inside but looks alright from the outside then the chances are there is some sort of secret room INSIDE the building. Also, it would be interesting if the only reason that Ms. Cottonmeadow had for leaving was the expansion of her business - maybe something scared her out. Maybe whatever that was - was the thing that Kethlorn ran into before he took ill..."
Mira d20+2=18 Tuesday March 30th, 2004 9:41:40 PM
With a sigh of resignation, Mira nods and waves her final thanks to Mr. Otterbrook's clerk, as she closes the door, and follows Uriel and Conner out into the street. "Let's find the others," she suggests, "they must be exhausted." Mira frowns a little. She hasn't seen or heard from the ranger in 24 hours.
As she follows the paladin and fighter through the various quarters of Plateau City Mira tries to keep her eyes open for anything out of the ordinary. (Spot=18) She listens to what Uriel has to say, and wonders if the place should be checked for magical auras.
Arm d20=15 Wednesday March 31st, 2004 6:38:43 AM
Arm smiles at Summer as they walk and says, "I would like to talk about many things, my dear, not the least of which is you. Also, I am relatively new to this city, and I was wondering if you could tell me of some of the more interesting parts of it. Foremost on my mind, though, is the mystery that my friends and I are trying to solve for poor Baldis. May I count on your secrecy?". If she says yes, Arm ponders for a moment {sense motive = 15}, realizes that they really don't have any secrets or leads that should be kept quiet, then proceeds to tell her about the problem with Kethlorn, and their inability to find out ANYTHING regarding the curse or who might have been responsible for it. He then asks her, for Baldis' sake, to let him know if she hears of anything that might help the group. He goes on to talk about other things, listen to what she has to say, and enjoy the rest of the afternoon with her.
Arm Wednesday March 31st, 2004 6:41:55 AM
OOC: You're right Kathy, sorry about the miscue with Summer's height...LOL!!!
Evan, good catch with Kethlorn(m)'s name, but I have a feeling that it may have been a typo on Kathy's part...we've ALL done it from time to time ;-)
Evan Wednesday March 31st, 2004 7:21:23 AM
OOC: Could be. But Kathy's a tricky DM :-)
Kadaz d20+1=5 Wednesday March 31st, 2004 8:35:35 AM
Kadaz nods at Evan and resumes his conversation with the boy. "Did you say Kethlorm? And not Kethlorn? Well, that was good information so I will give you a gold piece. But first, do you remember the names of the cousin, lady and baby? Any idea? And I'd like to talk with your friend Keela too. I'd be willing to pay her just like I'm going to pay you."
Kadaz focuses on the child's words and body language to try to figure out if the kid is telling the truth, but Kadaz is clueless on how to read this kid. (sense motive check 5). He looks over at Even and raises his eyebrows.
Conner d20+3=7 Wednesday March 31st, 2004 8:22:12 PM
"Follow me", Conner says to Mira and Uriel as he leads them across the city to the Shanty Quarter to meet up with Kadaz, Shakka, and Evan. The fighter keeps an eye out for trouble as he crosses town [Spot=7] however the size of the city and the complicated route he follows soon occupy most of his attention.
DM Kathy Wednesday March 31st, 2004 9:22:26 PM
(OOC: Yesss, preciouss, the DM is tricksy. :) Actually, Evan, I forgot to post the results of your Sense Motive. You're pretty sure the kid is spinning tales in order to get the coin.)
The boy reaches for the coin. "Ummm...we just called his cousin 'Junior.' I don't know his real name. I don't know the others names, either, but I seen them lots. Keela, too." He glances at the barn behind him, where the frantic bleating continues. "Uh, I gotta go."
Arm spills the whole story to Summer. "My word!" she says. "That poor boy--that poor family." She thinks a moment, then continues, "It's funny you should mention a curse, though. Have you heard about what happened at the Flying Fish the other night?"
If Arm encourages her (and I'm sure he does), she continues, "My friend Mara was working there that evening and she told me all about it. It seems this group of adventurers was in there drinking pretty heavily all evening. Apparently they were out of sorts because the man they'd been working for, some merchant or other, had refused them a payment they thought they'd earned. So they drowned their sorrows for a while, and Mara says the mood just kept getting nastier and nastier. Every now an then one of them would stand up in a rage and break something, then go back to drinking.
"Anyway, shortly before closing, this one man--Mara thinks he's a mage--stood up and declared he was going to curse the merchant. He was so drunk he could barely stand, but his friends were all egging him on. So he started casting this spell--Mara said it was really scary, this guy weaving on his feet, making all these gestures and slurring out some kind of curse. His friends all cheered him when he finished.
"Anyway, they closed up and sent the adventuers home. Mara said she was worried about the merchant, so she and the barkeep went over to his place the next morning--but he was fine. Still is, as far as I know. And later that day one of the adventurers showed up, looking sheepish and hung over, and paid for the damage to the place as neat as you please. Still," she concludes, "it's a funny coincidence, the curse and all."
Connor leads Uriel and Mira through town to the Shanty Quarter. None of them spots anything untoward along the way, although Mira does see a jacket in a shop window that she thinks would be very fetching on her.
Uriel Thursday April 1st, 2004 12:52:46 AM
"Do either of you remember the outside of the building - if it seemed to have an unusual shape?"
Along the way, Uriel will stop a few people to ask if they know of Daisy Cottonmeadow's shop.
Arm Thursday April 1st, 2004 6:04:04 AM
Arm is very surprised and delighted with the information that Summer has just provided, and he says as much to her. "Perhaps this mage, in his drunken state, either slurred his wording of the spell or mentioned Baldis' name in error and ended up causing the curse. However, that would not explain why someone hired thugs to kill us, unless this mage has a fear of retribution from the city guard or whatnot....but hiring killers would only make things worse for him if he is found out. There still has to be something that we're missing," he continues.
Arm, although wishing to share what he just learned, does not want to simply leave Summer in a lurch, and upon further reflection realizes that all or part of the group may not be back at the apartment yet anyway, decides to spend more time with Summer. Getting down on one knee, he thanks her deeply for the information, and tells her that she may just have saved Baldis more pain and grief. Then then gathers her into his arms in a warm embrace.
Kadaz Thursday April 1st, 2004 5:13:47 PM
"OK kid, here's your gold. We'll be here watching you and waiting for Keela. Where does she live?"
Conner Thursday April 1st, 2004 5:22:06 PM
Conner finally rounds the corner and sees the shanty that the group had been watching. "I don't see Shakka or the others, perhaps they are around back" he offers to Mira and Uriel.
Mira Thursday April 1st, 2004 7:47:42 PM
The sorcerer follows along behind the paladin and fighter. "I think the building was irregular of shape outside, Uriel," she answers in response to his question, "but I, too, wonder that it doesn't figure into this mystery somehow."
Mira nearly looses her partners, when she stops to admire the pretty jacket in the window. When she looks around, she can just barely make out the glint of light off the paladin's armour, and she hustles to catch up.
Evan Thursday April 1st, 2004 7:51:28 PM
The ranger yawns hugely. It's been a tough 48 hours, and he is starting to feel a little dizzy from lack of sleep. When the youth isn't looking, Evan catches his friend's eyes, raises his hand, fingers spread and palm down and tilts it back and forth, while making a sour face.
Can't really trust the boy's information, he thinks to himself.
DM Kathy Thursday April 1st, 2004 9:00:30 PM
"Keela lives on Slash Street," the boy replies, then tucks the coin away and goes into the barn.
Evan doubts the boy's story and tries to convey this to Kadaz.
Just at that moment, Connor, Mira, and Uriel come around the corner.
Summer steps from Arm's embrace as gracefully as she can. "Uh...you're very welcome, I'm sure," she says. "I hope you can help that poor boy. Now, I'd better get this fish home before it spoils." With that, she slips her basket over her arm and begins walking toward the river.
[If you guys want to multi-post over the weekend, feel free. Assume that everyone can make it safely back to the flat.]
Arm Friday April 2nd, 2004 8:28:02 AM
Arm, seeing that she was offended, says, "I deeply apologize to you my dear...I never meant to offend you. I shall walk you to the market, then I really should be getting back to my friends.". Once they reach the market, he again thanks Summer for her help, apologizes again, asks her to let him know if she should hear anything else, and promises to let her know if her information did in fact make a difference in solving the mystery. He then continues to the flat, where he tries to sort out what he has learned before the rest arrive.
Arm Friday April 2nd, 2004 8:29:31 AM
OOC: oops...sorry...I misread your post, Kathy..I thought we were headed TO the market...so sorry..
Conner d20+3=14 Friday April 2nd, 2004 7:17:12 PM
"Shakka, Kadaz, Evan! Tell us what you have discovered". Conner greets each of the men with a warm smile and inquires of the nights events. He scans his surroundings while listening to their replies. [Spot=14]
Mira Saturday April 3rd, 2004 2:44:09 PM
Mira doesn't say anything, letting Conner do the talking for once. She has trouble taking her eyes off the ranger, and is worried by the dark circles under his eyes.
Kadaz Sunday April 4th, 2004 3:15:21 PM
With a sigh Kadaz sinks onto the bench and leans on the table in the center of the room, rubbing at his eyes. "Evan and Shakka followed Indrel to a home in the Shanty Quarter. While we watched at night it appears she, and whoever else was in the house, slipped out the back. In the morning we searched the building and discovered nothing. We questioned a child who claimed to have visited a man, woman and child in that home, but Evan claims the kid was just leading me on with falsehoods."
Kadaz turns to Evan and Shakka and asks "Did I miss anything important?" He then gets up and fills Birdie's food bowl and water bowl. "I'm tired and still wounded from that fight in the alley. I need to rest." Kadaz will stay to answer any questions and then heads off to bed for a long sleep.
Uriel Sunday April 4th, 2004 10:37:23 PM
Uriel will fill in Kadaz on the findings of the property and of the unusual rental history of the address.
DM Kathy Sunday April 4th, 2004 11:47:57 PM
Summer giggles. "You didn't offend me, Arm, so much as squish me. But I must be going. See you at Sampson's?"
[You started off on your way to the marketplace, but I figured that as you talked, you reached it and she made her purchase. There was a fair amount of exposition going on there. :) ]
The others meet back at the apartment and exchange information. Those who were on watch all night in the Shanty Quarter take the opportunity to get a little shut-eye as the others discuss their next move.
[Continue multi-posting if need be.]
Kadaz Monday April 5th, 2004 12:38:59 PM
Kadaz sleeps for 10 hours and wakes up stiff and sore. He dresses (not in armor) comes out into the common room.
"So, what did everyone else learn yesterday? Hopefully something interesting. And is anyone a healer?" He looks around for food. If none is available he offers to go buy some porridge to cook up.
(OOC: get a hit point back?)
Arm Monday April 5th, 2004 1:26:52 PM
After the party has once again become whole, Arm recounts the events of the previous day: the fact that the society had no visitors during the day while he was there, again wondering what kind of business can survive with no customers, and more importantly the information that Summer provided regarding the incident that happened at the Flying Fish. "I believe we really should head over there today, and inquire some more about this 'miscast curse'. Perhaps this wizard was not as drunk as he appeared, intending to curse Kethlorn but appearing to curse this other person. I could be wrong, but it's worth looking into, as we have no other leads available.".
Mira Monday April 5th, 2004 5:22:01 PM
When Kadaz enquires about healing, Mira shakes her head with a sour look on her face. "We really need to recruit a healer for our group." To the group she asks, "any one of you know an out-of-work cleric who might be interested in joining our group?"
Spying the paladin, Mira asks, "Hey, Uriel! Do you still have that wand? It's got about 17 charges left, eh? Can you use it to fix up our little friend here?" With that, the sorcerer gives the rock-solid dwarf a good natured punch in his (un-injured) shoulder.
At the suggestion of porridge, Mira wrinkles her nose. "Naaah, " she drawls, "let's wait for everyone to rest up, then head out to that bar Arm is talking about. We can kill two birds with one ioun-stone. Get something to eat, and make some discreet enquiries about this 'miscast curse.'
If the party are in agreement, Mira will clean up a little, combing out her long brown hair so that it ripples down her back in shiny waves and don the silk mage's robe given to her by her old mentor, Terin.
Uriel d8+1=9 Monday April 5th, 2004 8:45:09 PM
Uriel shrugs, "Of course I still have the wand. I didn't realize Kadaz was still wounded."
{Wand heals:9 points}
Evan Monday April 5th, 2004 9:20:04 PM
Evan heads straight to bed, leaving Kadaz to fill the others in with what they had discovered.
Mira d20+3=12 d20+3=13 Monday April 5th, 2004 10:29:53 PM
Mira tries to be quiet, as she makes her way surreptitiously past the hearth and over by Evan's room. (Move Silently=12) She tries to check on the ranger through the door which is slightly ajar. (Search=13) The smell of horse is still strong in the room.
Mira returns to the table at the center of the room, and sits down, using her spare time to jot notes down in Conner's journal. She absent mindedly runs a hand through her hair.
"Arm?" she asks, "can you play something kinda' quiet and romantic?"
Conner Monday April 5th, 2004 10:31:24 PM
When Mira mentions visiting The Flying Fish Conner says, "count me in."
DM Kathy Tuesday April 6th, 2004 12:30:06 AM
Arm catches the rest of the group up on what he heard from Summer, and they discuss going to the Flying Fish for an evening meal and a little information.
If you're going to go this evening, then Kadaz will come up short on that ten hours of sleep, so do you wake the ones sleeping (or try to)? Kadaz, if you're awakened, do you want to accompany them, or do you roll over and mutter "lemme sleep"? :)
At any rate, if you do decide to go to the Flying Fish this evening, please make a Gather Information roll for when you get there.
Kadaz Tuesday April 6th, 2004 7:08:42 AM
Kadaz is extremely appreciative of the heal. "Thank you very much, Uriel" he replies.
Later, when Kadaz is prodded awake, he will reluctantly get up and accompany the group to the Flying Fish. "They never heard of letting sleeping dwarves lie?" he mutters to himself, but very softly.
Those next to Kadaz notice that it is past time for his weekly bath. And Birdie needs one too.
Arm d20+7=22 Tuesday April 6th, 2004 7:47:38 AM
One of Arm's naturally arched eyebrows arches even higher at Mira's request for a romantic song. He then grins and begins playing a soft, soothing instrumental. After a while, he stops at the mention of going to the Flying Fish and says, "Aye, I could do with a bit of gnosh, and, as Mira said, I couldn't think of a better way to check the new place out. However," he paused, looking to the rooms where Evan and Kadaz slept, "I don't think it wise if ALL of us go. Uriel, if you are up to it, would you care to join me? Mira, if you are tired, or would like to stay behind, we will bring food back for you, otherwise, you're welcome to come along, but I think it best if we leave sleeping dwarves lie, as it were.".
Arm Tuesday April 6th, 2004 7:49:07 AM
OOC: oops....I was away from my desk for a bit, then finished the post....seems you were reading my mind, Kadaz...LOL!!!
Evan Tuesday April 6th, 2004 9:53:06 AM
Despite Evan's exhausted state, he snaps awake 6 hours later. If anyone had tried to wake him sooner, they might have thought him dead for all the response they got from him. Evan gets up and quickly washes up in the bowl of water left on the dresser the night before. He dreeses in an old green tunic and leather breeches then joins the others to see what has been learned.
Mira Tuesday April 6th, 2004 12:34:00 PM
Mira's lower lip sticks out in a pout, and her face takes on a look of stubborn resolve.
"We won't draw more attention than any other group of friends out to have a good time for the evening," she volunteers, "and besides, we each have different talents when it comes to trying to get information from the locals."
Mira links her arm through Kadaz's, and in a sweet voice, weedles, "if you an' Birdie take a bath, and you promise not to be cranky, I'd like to sit next to you!"
When Evan enters the room looking refreshed and quite handsome in his green tunic, Mira's cheeks flush red, and she stares at her toes, suddenly shy.
Conner d20-2=1 Tuesday April 6th, 2004 10:41:45 PM
Conner removes his tunic and shirt, then proceeds to wash his face. After a quick inspection of his mustache and chops, he decides a bit of a trim is in order. Satisfied that he is presentable, he dons the tan coloured shirt and brown tunic. The ex-soldier applies a quick shine to his studded leather belt and heavy boots.
"Ready to go," he announces waiting by the door for the others.
Upon arriving at the tavern, Conner is distracted by the smell of food, and doesn't take in much. (Gather Information=1)
Mira d20+4=24 Tuesday April 6th, 2004 10:53:47 PM
When Mira arrives at The Flying Fish, she moves comfortably about the room, eavesdropping on the different conversations. (Gather Information=24, nat. 20!)
Uriel d20=19 Tuesday April 6th, 2004 11:06:37 PM
Uriel will also eavesdrop on the conversations after they arrive in the Flying Fish trying to gather information. {Gather Info=19)
DM Kathy Tuesday April 6th, 2004 11:35:14 PM
The Flying Fish is somewhat smaller than Sampson's, and the interior is darker and feels somehow older. The food is good, though, and the company lively.
Between Arm, Mira, and Uriel, you are easily able to piece together what happened here the other night. A group of adventurers, who call themselves the Fellowship of the Oaken Shield were out of sorts because their client, Kedloren the wine merchant, had paid them less than he promised for a job.
They drowned their sorrows, growing more bitter and resentful as Summer had described, until finally one of them, a mage, had tried to curse Kedloren. The next morning, one of the serving maids and a barkeep had gone to the wine shop, but Kedloren the merchant was hale and hearty.
However, you realize that on that same morning, Kethlorn the leatherworker's son could not be awakened.
You also find out the location of Kedloren's shop, and the information that the Fellowship of the Oaken Shield operates out of lodgings somewhere in the Dragon Quarter.
Mira Wednesday April 7th, 2004 12:14:24 AM
The sorcerer blanches when she hears the name 'Kedloren'. "Wouldn't be hard for a drunk to mispronounce the name and come up with 'Kethlorn'," she mutters under her breath, shaking her head.
Even with her low levels of magical abilities, Mira knows she must keep a clear head when casting. That someone with an obviously high skill level could be so careless boggles the mind.
"Better not jump to conclusions, we've gone down dead-ends before," she mumbles, "but this seems the best lead we've had in days."
Arm Wednesday April 7th, 2004 6:31:54 AM
Arm feels strangely disconsolate after gathering the information. "You know," he says to the group, "It's not always good to be right.". Resolutely, he says, "Well, I suppose the next plan of action is to find this 'Fellowship' and perhaps convince the sorcerer to remove the curse. It's possible that, if he's made aware that it won't be reported to the guards, that he would do it. I doubt if Baldis would press charges, either, as he'd be more than happy to have his son back. My only question is this, though...could his fear of prosecution have caused him to send people to kill us? Or is there STILL something that we're missing?".
Evan Wednesday April 7th, 2004 10:12:39 AM
Evan, who somehow always seems to be sitting in the chair next to Mira, reaches out to tap Mira's wrist. When he has her attention, he slowly signs and mouths, Let us not forget, Kethlorn's friend is missing as well. To what purpose would the Fellowship have for making off with the boy?
Uriel Wednesday April 7th, 2004 2:22:09 PM
"Evan, it is quite possible that those are completely unrelated - remember the other boy did have more problems with his family..."
Uriel looks at the others, "I am sure we can persuade them to remove the curse - but we are missing something. If this was an inadvertant curse, who are we scaring enough with our investigations to warrant the planned alley beating?"
Kadaz Wednesday April 7th, 2004 5:11:00 PM
When the party leaves the house for the Flying Fish Kadaz insteads for a public bath. There he takes a nice long soak and cleans up as much as possible. He pays a little extra for another bucket and also washed Birdie. This takes him a while so he is quite late getting to the inn.
Mira Wednesday April 7th, 2004 8:28:46 PM
Mira watches as Evan signs, and mouths the words. The sorcerer is getting better at communicating with him, but there are still gaps in her understanding. When he touches her wrist, she reaches for his hand, and holds it, if he is willing. Looking into his clear eyes, she voices her concerns, "I am unhappy about Hrithgen's situation and the disappearance of his boy, Evered, but, our primary concern is for Baldis' son, Kethlorn." Mira holds Evan's hand with both hers and looks in his palm as if to read it, but her thoughts are elsewhere. "Once Kethlorn is restored, he may provide us with information on the other..." she says, staring unseeing at the ranger's open palm. She wonders if her own mother or father ever worried for her the way these parents fret over their children.
Conner d20+3=13 d20+2=19 Wednesday April 7th, 2004 8:36:24 PM
The solid fighter orders a good meal and a tankard of draft. He hadn't realized how hungry he had become. Now, with a full stomache, he surveys the room (Spot=13) for anything out of the ordinary. He listens to the party discourse with half an ear, keeping his senses attuned to what is going on in the Flying Fish (Listen=19).
DM Kathy Wednesday April 7th, 2004 8:47:01 PM
The party spends a convivial evening at the Flying Fish; Kadaz gets there a little late, smelling April fresh. :)
The party seems to have an intriguing new lead, but how best to follow up on it? You know how to find the shop of Kedloren the wine-merchant, but you do not have a specific location for the Fellowship of the Oaken Shield--although you can always just go to the Dragon Quarter and ask around.
So, what is the next step? And is it to be carried out tonight, or tomorrow morning?
Arm Thursday April 8th, 2004 6:08:30 AM
Looking at the group, Arm says, "Well, regardless of what we do, I think it best we start out tomorrow morning...some of us have not gotten any sleep, and those who did have had it interrupted to come here. Tomorrow may very well be the break we've been looking for, and we should face it at our full capacity.".
Uriel Thursday April 8th, 2004 3:36:54 PM
"Tomorrow it is then for all of us I think..." Uriel looks to the others for their opinions.
He downs a hastily ordered ale and orders up a meal.
Mira Thursday April 8th, 2004 4:48:35 PM
"Tomorrow is good for me too," volunteers the sorcerer.
When Kadaz joins the party, Mira asks, "you and Birdie see much action in the Dragon Quarter?" The woman reaches for the silver pendant at her neck, and rubs it nervously between her fingers.
Turning to Arm, she asks, "dear bard, can you sing a jolly song to lift our melancholy mood?"
Conner Friday April 9th, 2004 12:06:37 AM
"Back it is then!" Conner prepares to return to Sampson's and perhaps a brief interlude with Amy...
DM Kathy Friday April 9th, 2004 1:09:38 AM
Having decided to continue the investigation tomorrow, the group spends a convivial evening before returning to the apartment.
[I'm afraid I don't have anything else until you guys decide what to do next. Multi-post over the weekend if you need to.]
Arm d20+7=19 Friday April 9th, 2004 6:24:35 AM
Arm plays a light-hearted and lilting ballad that turned many a head at the Flying Fish (perform=19), then went back to the apartment with the party to rest and prepare for the day ahead.
Evan Friday April 9th, 2004 11:43:04 AM
How can he be concerned about one boy and not be concerned about the other? But Evan realizes Mira is correct. Find one boy and clues to the other may be discovered. It would seem a trip to the Dragon Quarter was in order to locate the mage who may have cursed Kethlorn.
Evan's pulse quickens as Mira takes his hand. He will gladly allow Mira to hold his hand for as long as she desires. He watches as Mira gazes silently at his palm, wondering what she sees there but not wanting to interrupt her musings.
As Evan is well rested, when Kadaz joins them, he signs to Mira, <i> Why don't we do a little tavern hopping down in the Dragon Quarter?</i>
Conner Friday April 9th, 2004 12:50:45 PM
Conner searches out Amy and spends the evening with her. He will ask if she has ever heard of this 'Fellowship of the Oaken Shields'
Kadaz Saturday April 10th, 2004 6:06:17 PM
Kadaz mentally counts the contents of his coin purse. It's lighter than it was when he left the guard and there has been no coin coming in. The bar hopping tonight will have to be more hopping than drinking.
"Yes, we should look for the 'Fellowship of the Oaken Shields'. But I have a question. We decided that we were attacked in the alley because we were getting too close to discovering the cause of the curse. But what if the boy's curse is unrelated to what we were getting too close to? We could be looking at separate issues here."
Uriel Saturday April 10th, 2004 8:45:58 PM
"Thank you Kadaz. That was what I was getting at when I asked my question. It might mean that there is another undesirable enterprise in the same vicinity," Uriel looks back to others again.
Mira d20+5=21 Sunday April 11th, 2004 11:44:28 AM
A look of concern crosses Mira's face when Evan suggests an evening visit to the Dragon Quarter. "I will come, for I do not like the idea of you venturing alone, dear ranger, however I feel we should not split up the party. Furthermore, I will be of little use tomorrow if I do not get restorative sleep each night." Mira blushes to reveal a weakness to the handsome young man.
Hoping she can convince Evan to return to the dark flat (Diplomacy=21) the sorcerer asks, "if you would be willing to put off your investigations until morning, I would be happier about it." Mira smiles a little selfconsciously, and adds, "let us buy a bottle of wine, and bring it back to the flat. You can teach me some more of your language of the dancing fingers," and Mira than makes the four signs that spell E-V-A-N.
DM Kathy Sunday April 11th, 2004 9:57:52 PM
Connor spends a convivial evening with Amy. She thinks perhaps she's heard of the Fellowship of the Oaken Shield, but doesn't recall anything specific about them. "There are so many groups of adventurers working out of the Dragon Quarter," she says. "I don't even try to keep track of them all."
Kadaz and Uriel are concerned becasue the attack in the alley really isn't consistent with the curse-by-mistake scenario. Is there something more going on here?
Evan wants to go to the Dragon Quarter tonight, but the rest of the party (judging by the earlier posts) would prefer to rest and go in the morning. Eventually, everyone finds their way back to the flat and gets a decent night's rest.
The next morning after a good breakfast, you all head out toward the Wold-famous Dragon Quarter. You make directly for Adventurer's Square, where....well, I'll just shamelessly rip off the description from Duncan's:
"...where Adventurers are catered to in most every way and means. Statues of current Dragon Consortium Groups fill the square as stores by the dozen surround it selling everything an adventurer might ever want or require.
"Some of these stores include Insignias by Polo, Moneychanging by Gayley, Grubb and Chub Supplies, Sally's Petite Armor, Waldo's Armor, Tuff Stuff for the Barbarian, Paso's Headgear, Jehosephat's Rare and Ancient Emporium, Puula's Components, Krall's Axes, Poles by Shook, Slade's Blades, Sticks and Stones, and many others.
"The area is full of inns and taverns as well. Chief among these is the Red Wyrm Inn. Containing 24 hr. entertainment, a tablecloth level restaurant, daily events, and the famed main entrance to The Maw, an untamable dungeon created by a mad archmage, this establishment is one of the wonders of the Wold. It is owned and managed on behalf of the legacy of the Red Wyrm Adventuring Troupe by the Gold Dragon Adventuring Troupe...Other taverns and inns in the area include: The Green Tortoise Club, Jazz's Comfortable Emportium, Finlon Vod's Party House, The Golden Griffon, and the Beer and Bath."
So...where do you begin? :)
[Please make Gather Information and/or Diplomacy rolls as you ask around.]
Arm d20+7=25 Monday April 12th, 2004 6:06:05 AM
Arm stops a passerby and inquires as to the locations of the taverns in the quarter (info=25). He then reports the locations to the group, then continues, "It seems we have quite a bit of searching to do here, so I feel it necessary that we split up to maximize the search in a minimum amount of time. The Golden Griffin Inn is for elves only, so that task MUST fall to me. The rest of you may decide as you like, and what say we meet back at this spot in an hour to compare notes?".
Mira d20+2=7 d20+4=17 d20+5=24 Monday April 12th, 2004 7:25:05 AM
Mira accepts Arm's direction, and volunteers to check out the places that magic types like herself might frequent. Given just 1 hour, the sorcerer makes discreet enquiries at Jehosephat's Emporium and Puula's Components. She then makes her way to the Red Wyrmm Inn. Mira is alert to any conversations that might yeild clues, but she finds the famous tavern very noisy. The woman's main effort involves singling out the bar keep and asking him what he might know of the group called "The Oaken Sheild."
Listen=7 Gather Info=17 Diplomacy=24
Evan d20-1=10 d20+6=15 Monday April 12th, 2004 10:36:37 AM
Mira finds it no trouble at all to get Evan to change his mind and spend the evening with her. The prospect of spending some quiet time alone with Mira fills Evan with delight.
The next morning, Evan heads to the Dragon Quarter with Mira and the others. While he cannot ask around himself, he can listen. He will escort Mira on her rounds, keeping his eyes and ears open for anything of interest.
(gather information-10, listen-15)
Uriel d20+4=21 d20+2=3 d20+2=11 Monday April 12th, 2004 12:49:30 PM
Uriel does some listening, some information gathering and some diplomacy in the Quarter, frequenting some market areas and some of the more martial establishments.
{Listen:21 Diplomacy:3 (bluh!) Gather Info:11}
Conner d20-2=2 Monday April 12th, 2004 2:44:14 PM
Conner accompanies the party to the Dragon Quarter and starts asking about the "Fellowship of the Oaken Shield". He concentrates on asking anyone who looks as if they may have some kind of experience in the militia, guard, or any of the mercenary groups.
"G'day, the names Conner...I'm looking for the Fellowship of the Oaken Shield. Have you heard of them?"
[Gather Information = 2]
Mira Monday April 12th, 2004 7:14:30 PM
The sorcerer is happy to have Evan as a companion during the search. She will reach out a hand, to hold his, when they are in crowded areas, in order not to be separated. She likes holding the ranger's hand very much.
DM Kathy Monday April 12th, 2004 10:55:29 PM
Connor displays a remarkable gift for choosing exactly the wrong people to ask about the Oaken Shields. He spends a frustrating hour trying to talk to people who keep giving him the brush-off.
Mira, Uriel, and Evan have better luck. They learn that the Fellowship of the Oaken Shield occupy lodgings not too far away, although technically they are in the Hindquarter, not the Dragon Quarter. They get good enough directions that they think they can find the place easily enough.
Arm gets all of that, and a bit more. As he leaves the Golden Griffin, another half-elf pulls him aside. "If I was you, friend, I'd avoid the Oaken Shields for the time being," he says. "I hear that a former client of theirs is none too pleased with them. Apparently, they tried to put a hex on him or some such, and it failed. Now he's pretty upset--in an unhealthy way, if you take my meaning. You'd do well to keep clear."
Arm Tuesday April 13th, 2004 6:17:33 AM
VERY anxious to return to the group, Arm thanks the half-elf for the information, and hurries back to meet the group, where he relates the information to them. "I have a bad feeling that WE were mistaken for the Oaken Shield, since we were asking around about the curse, and that is why we were attacked in the alley. If so, we need to find them as soon as possible. Also, I have a feeling that they won't be cooperative, since apparently there's a price on their heads.".
Kadaz d20-3=2 Tuesday April 13th, 2004 6:42:23 AM
Kadaz wanders around the area to see if he recognizes any of the guard. If he sees a guard he knows he will approach and ask about the Fellowship of the Oaken Shield.
(Gather Information check = 3)
Conner Tuesday April 13th, 2004 7:42:46 AM
Conner rejoins Arm and the others, thoroughly disgusted at his inability to find out anything. "I need a beer!" the fighter is tired and thirsty.
Evan Tuesday April 13th, 2004 10:10:44 AM
Evan sighs, afraid that Arm is right. He reaches out to take Mira's hand in his. He is no longer worried that Mira might be offended by his touch. In fact, he is fairly certain she enjoys his presence. He turns her palm up so that he can sign into her palm, his eyes watching hers to make sure she understands him. I think it would be in everyone's best interest if we can get both parties together to work this out. It might be a good idea to have Kethlorn present so that they can see what the price of their petty fued is.
Mira Tuesday April 13th, 2004 12:46:39 PM
"First and foremost we need the mage from "The Oaken Shield" group, 'cause if he set the curse, he's the only one who can lift it."
Mira whispers, "lets check out their location, and see if we can at least learn the whereabouts of the group's magiker."
As the party moves along, Mira converses with Evan, "you are right, of course, about getting the two parties talking. Apologies are owed all around, and reconciliation desirable. I trust neither party is too closely aligned with Jancasis!"
LOG ON