Looking for a House (DM MikeK) Thursday May 20th, 2004 11:00:21 AM
The kids don't react much to Florin's color change. They're more interested in food, finding a bathroom and exploring. Kids are everywhere, and its very difficult to move around without having to step on or around someone.
Gordo gives Lang a cursory nod, but the big monk has obviously taken it into his head that he's the primary caregiver, and he sets about organizing the children into groups, assigning them "living" areas, and coming up with things to do (mostly cleaning).
Florin gives the sack of money back to Xenia, as Happy provided this first day's meal out of charity.
The group discusses their next actions: - Lady Firiona is due tomorrow. - Florin's scheduled meet with Jonas is also occur tomorrow. - Some suggestions for temporarily housing the children are discussed: A nobleman, the Temple of Domi - Another suggestion to contact the Circle of The Alder. - And another to contact the Guard
Gordo passes by the conversation. "First thing is to find these wee ones a cot and three hots. Who do we know that has a place big enough to hold all these laddies?"
Florin Jadenth Thursday May 20th, 2004 1:51:41 PM
Florin thinks over what Gordo says and holds up long enough to help out in this problem. After a few mins thought he speaks up, "The temple of Domi might be willing to take care of some of them. But it would have to be the older ones or some of the kids willing to split from the others alittle easier. Not meaning they won't beable to see the others or anything, just that the temple will probably hope to make them into cleric of Domi or a follower."
Florin looks at his helemt and turns it slowly in his hands as he thinks, looking at the now black helmet, "The temple will protect the children atleast, thats the benefit if Tionel's druid friends can help out."
Florin glances to the children and thinks of his meeting with Jonas tomorrow, specially if the man showsup.
Angus d20+5=24 Thursday May 20th, 2004 2:10:44 PM
Angus looks at the chaos around him and just smiles and thinks to himself. Kinds having fun. Gordo has a good handle on them, Angus smiles to himself.
Angus talks with the adults " I still think we need to find out more information about our foes and options for the kids. I need some air and will go out and see what information I can find out about the gang. Any one interested in coming as I hate to travel alone?"
Angus leaves, hopefully with an escort and begins asking around about the anvil heart gang. Angus will attempt to find out what kind of grip the gang has on the population of the fence level and how they interact (extortion, etc.) and how they are viewed (positive or negative). Angus will use silver if necessary to loosen tounges (gather information 24) preferably female tounges.
Tionel Thursday May 20th, 2004 2:41:40 PM
"Okay guys, here's the deal. I think our first priority is to find someone to take care of these kids while we are away, a temporary solution. So, I'll go find a few women and offer them an outrageous sum to watch after these kids, like a gold piece each. "Then, we need to get finished with previous business. Go see these druids, and return to them their item, as well as ask them for help. "After that, we'll restock our items, sell stuff, and so on weapons and magic. We need to be prepared for whatever comes up next. "Then, we look for a more permanent solution to our problem. The most obvious guess is to find another orphanage and ask them to accept a few more kids. I'm sure they don't have room for everyone, but we have no real choice in the matter..they are orphans, they belong there. Others we can bring to the temple of domi, or to other patrons...the more we spread them out, the less a burden it will be on any one orphanage, but also, I don't think we're the right sort of people to decide who should watch after these kids. I mean, what if the person we choose turns out to be a ... well, something bad? "So, we can only trust that the other orphanages will be accepting of a few kids. Now, no other one's going to be as good as Mama Flaust,..." Tionel falls silent, saddened and not wanting to say what he was going to say next. "Ummm...But anyways, after that, we can begin choosing how to deal with those who did this to us. "So...and I hope you guys don't mind if I sound like a sorta busybody for a minute, I just want to get this done, but here's the assignments for now: "Florin, go to the temple of Domi and see how many they can afford to look after. "Angus, you can go look for information on the Anvil Hearts if you wish right now, but I don't think that's a big problem. Could you and Syr instead post watch outside, looking out for the Hearts? We don't know if they're going to come back. "Gordo, Wynn, Lang, you three stay here to watch after the kids while me and Xenia go out to find six or so wives or teenaged girls willing to babysit a group of orphans. "After we get back, we'll have some girls to watch after the place and Florin should be back. Gordo can stay here, overwatching the situation. We'll all go out and meet the druids, then cash in our prizes, then split up to check out various orphanages, then come back here at the end of the day. "Sound good, everyone?"
Xenia (HP 21/23) Thursday May 20th, 2004 4:10:59 PM
Xenia turns, mug of kaffe in hand and smiles at Wynn. She puts the rim to her full dark lips, "Want some?" she says, and takes a sip. Then she leads him into the kitchen to show him where they keep the mugs. She helps him pick out a nice one. One with a picture of flowers and dancing halfling maidens painted across the bottom.
Then the guys start getting serious.
Xenia frowns as Tionel speaks. "Orphans don't belong in an orphanage, Tionel," she says with her obstinate face on. "They belong in a home where they can get love and caring."
She glances with longing at Kyria, playing out in the garden. "But, you're right, Tionel. We can't keep them all here."
"Watch out for doggie doos out there!" she calls out to the little blonde girl.
"Which do you want me to do? Go with Florin to the City Guard or go with Tionel to round up some sitters?"
Lang Thursday May 20th, 2004 4:27:07 PM
Lang listens to the group getting organized for taking care of the children.
Following Tionel's suggestion, he watches the children and tries to keep them out of trouble.
Lang occasionally takes Sunshine and a few children out for short walks around the apartment building. This is to stretch his and Sunshines's legs and to keep the kids busy.
During these walks he keeps a careful eye out for anything suspicious, like someone watching the apartment.
Wynn Thursday May 20th, 2004 8:05:08 PM
Wynn accepts the fanciful mug from Xenia, and helps himself to the kaffe. He savours the aroma, before taking a sip.
The half-elf listens to all the different ideas, then turns to the Gordo fellow he met the other night. "You seem to be the one the kids trust most right now. Which idea do you think is the most practicable?"
Since Wynn hasn't had much experience with kids. He figures if they had been wanted, they would have been recruited or adopted out already. Better to keep them all together, and let them strike out on their own adventures once they come of age.
The bard is content to stay put for now. If it's okay with the fatherly Gordo he will take some of the older kids into the garden and teach them a game of balance and agility. When the children have formed a circle, of which he is a part, he fishes out a colourful macrame sac the size of a small apple. He tosses it into the air, then, hands at his sides, he kicks it high in the air, bounces it once with his knee, and directs it towards a youngster across from him.
Doing Stuff (DM MikeK) Friday May 21st, 2004 10:37:43 AM
Wynn, Lang and Gordo spend the morning playing with/taking care of the kids. Wynn's impromptu hackey-sack quickly becomes the rage, and ALL the kids want to play. Those that can't are generally satisfied with taking Sunshine for a walk. Sunshine takes a lot of walks this fine morning.
Tionel strikes out to find some temporary babysitters. By noon, the dashing elf has found many a volunteer to clean up after the kids for a 1gp a day. He has also had several proposals not involving kids and costing slightly more than a gold piece... I'm assuming Tionel wants the ladies to show up at the apartment, and is not splitting the kids up amongst the ladies' homes
Angus spends the morning in a fruitless search for the activities of the Anvil Heart Gang. Being the morning, he can't pay for many drinks. But merchants are generally free speaking, and merchant's wives even more so. Nevertheless, just about everyone shrugs their shoulders at mention of the Anvil Hearts. Those that don't usually say something like 'isn't that a group tryin' ta make trouble down on the Trash Level? I got a cousin lives down there. He said something 'bout a heart." By noon, the sorcerer has come to the conclusion that the Anvil Heart Gang is either VERY secretive, or is not a factor on the Fence Level.
Not sure what Florin or Xenia are doing. Give me a quick post and I'll fill in their morning.
Xenia (HP 21/23) Friday May 21st, 2004 12:19:34 PM
Tionel goes off without her. Well, that solves that minor dilema.
"Well, Florin," she says, "you wanted me to go to the City Guard with you?"
"Oh, what did you want to do there again?"
Florin Jadenth Friday May 21st, 2004 2:29:55 PM
Florin nods to Xenia on her question, "I plan to file a report with the guard on the orphanage fire. I figure you might be of some big help considering you will know more of what details to leave out." Florin winks to Xenia and smiles as he moves to the door and holds it open for Xenia, "Afterwards I will go to the temple and see if they can take care of any of the kids for awhile or maybe see if they can atleast take some of the older ones who might be good choices as members. You can see my home there also if you like."
Florin now goes to hunt down the guard house or where ever he needs to go to file a report on the orphanage and then heads to the temple, ignoreing the fact that his armor is now pitch black and might make some of his fellow paladin friends and clerics ask questions.
Guardhouse (DM MikeK) Friday May 21st, 2004 2:51:38 PM
Florin and Xenia head over to the Guardhouse to report the fire.
The frazzled Desk Sergeant looks at them like they're idiots. "Uh, thanks. But since it only emptied out half of the Level, we kinda know about it already. Now if you know how it started, we'd have something to talk about."
At the mention of Anvil Hearts, the man looks up thoughtfully. "Never heard of 'em," he says. "I'll pass this on, and maybe someone will come 'round to see you this afternoon."
And that's that.
Xenia goes home to rejoin the others, while Florin heads for the temple.
This takes care of last turn. Everyone gets to post again. Its about lunchtime in Floating City.
Florin Jadenth Friday May 21st, 2004 7:27:46 PM
Florin lets Xenia go back to the orphanage if she wants to while he heads to the temple. He walks past the front door guards as he moves in and seeks out one of the priests. Once he finds one of hgih enough ran kand knowledge to give a good answer on his question he speaks to the priest. Once again Florin ignores the fact that his armor is now black and just figures he will not be asked about it.
Florin, "I need to know if the temple might beable to take some of the orphans from the burnt orphanage in? if nothing else someone could come and pickout the ones who have a good chance of becoming a priest of paladin of Domi."
Tionel Friday May 21st, 2004 8:00:58 PM
The cheerful elf reports back with a few babysitters (hopefully, women of decency, those fit to be sitters). "Now then," he says to the others. "Let's go to the druids." Along the way, he asks Florin how the temple responded, and queries the others as to their little excursions. He seems in a much better mood now.
Wynn Brightsong Sunday May 23rd, 2004 3:31:38 PM
As the children get tired of playing with the foot sac, the bard begins to sing a story to the children gathered in the garden.
A prudent thief should never drink so much that he becomes bold. Because a thief who boasts and brags will rarely live to grow old. For silence is a thief's best bet and if he breaks this etiquette. Undoubtedly what he will get...will be more trouble than gold.
Consider Zhele a thief from Greel, who drank at the Swan and Grouse. He made himself quite popular by buying rounds for the house. One night in drunken revelry, he made a bet with prideful glee, But later on he would agree...he never should've been soused.
A thief's best friends are luck and speed, alertness, cunning and stealth. And ale can cause these all to flee and cheat a thief of his wealth. But add to this a drunken dare to steal a lock of the Empress' hair, Then even a fool should be aware...this may be bad for your health...
Xenia (21/23) Sunday May 23rd, 2004 3:56:35 PM
On the way back to the apartments, Xenia zips into the Giggling Ghost to thank Happy for the free meals. (Happy meals?) Her ponytail bounces as she strides through the door. She corner's the proprietor and gives him a smile and a big hug. Daphne would get a big hug too. If that were possible. But it's not, so she only gets the smile.
Hoping up on a stool, the red rogue gives them both a rundown on how the kids are doing. She mentions the little ball game that Wynn is teaching them. She laughs as she tells a little story about one boy's diving save and an encounter with a pile of doggie-doo. That reminds her to pick up some soap on the way home.
Before leaving, she asks the big man who pretty much lives up to his name, if he knows where there might be a place big enough for the some fifty orphans to stay? Someplace where they might take over, or be taken in? Someplace with the facilities for them? And, well, you know, if he doesn't know right off, could he maybe ask around? Not just everybody, but good people. Good people who wouldn't let word get back to the Anvil Hearts. Not that they aren't watching anyway, you know.
Then she heads back to have lunch with the kids. And maybe tell a story later. Or maybe play that game of Wynn's. And watch out for the doggie-doos.
OoC: Hey, guys, want an easy way to find the Anvil Hearts? Go to Duncan's Travel and look at the map for Floating City:Trash Level. See what they've added. ^_^
Sunshine (Justin Webber) Sunday May 23rd, 2004 5:30:38 PM
Sunshine enjoys his day of chasing and playing with the kids, even all the walks. It is pretty clear that he will sleep good tonight but even so he loves the attention. He will make sure to check on Lang from time to time to make sure he is okay and everything.
Lang Madchel Sunday May 23rd, 2004 8:49:49 PM
Lang will help prepare lunch for the children and will see to Sunshine's food and water.
When he gets a chance he will wash up and check his clothes and armor. He will also check his weapons and perform any maintenance on them that is needed (oiling, sharpening etc,).
If it is possible, and the materials are available, he will set up a target in the garden and entertain the children with some archery practice in the afternoon.
Angus d20+7=8 Monday May 24th, 2004 8:45:04 AM
Angus will spend the day at the apartments with the kids, attempting to keep them entertained and out of serious trouble.
Angus pulls out his flute and begins to play (perform 8, not good) and quickly puts it away. Angus just can not keep his dark thoughts out of his music, and now he must concentrate on the kids.
Talkin to Folks (DM MikeK) Monday May 24th, 2004 10:07:47 AM
After checking in at the Guardhouse, Florin heads back to his temple. No one comments on his new appearance, but it's quite a coincidence that it is again Father Dremond that the young Paladin finds. The lean man with the soft gray eyes and soothing bass voice again listens to Florin's request. "I will send some brothers to interview your charges and see if any fit with us," he promises. The man looks pointedly at the paladin's armor. "Are you still bent on vengeance, Brother Florin?" he asks sadly.
Tionel returns to the apartments with a half-dozen twenty-something ladies ready to watch some children. The druid is fairly comfortable with their reputations. He suggests heading off to to Alder House, but no one seems to be interested right now.
Wynn entertains the group with a ballad. He'd better finish, because right now he's got their complete attention. "What happens next?" one boy asks eagerly.
Lang and Angus also concentrate on helping out and entertaining. The addition of Tionel's babysitters make the task easier. Although keeping the bathroom clean is proving an uphill battle.
Xenia drops in on the Giggling Ghost, bedazzling owner and namesake with her stories and charm. When the rogue asks about accommodations, the innkeeper's face slips into a guilty look. It is rapidly replaced by a thoughtful one. "Uh, I'll ask around," he replies evasively. Daphne, who has been hovering over Xenia shoulder, flies through the elf (a very odd sensation) to confront him. "You know perfectly well we've room right here!" she scolds him.
Happy flashes Xenia a quick "excuse me" grin, and fervently motions the ghost over as he retreats out of earshot. A brief, quiet, but highly animated discussion ensues. The elf catches an occasional baritone snippet of "too many kids", "bad for business", "pay for this?". They are countered by a soprano "saved my life!" "And your business!"
After a few moments, Happy looks back at Xenia. He wears the sour expression of a man looking for a reason not to by his girl that promised bejeweled necklace, but not coming up with anything that'll keep him alive. "How long would the uh, person have to put up the kids?" he asks carefully.
Florin Jadenth Monday May 24th, 2004 12:23:04 PM
Florin nods at what Father Dremond says about the kids and merely shakes his head about the armor comment before speaking, "Father Dremond, I feel it's mainly my fault for the orphanage fire. When the children are safe I was to see that the people who done it is held responsible. I do not think the guards of the city can or will do anything really, till I see justice done then this armor will remain black, it also shows my grief of what happened."
Florin will shake Father Dremond's hand if he offers or allows and speaks once more before walking out of the temple and back to the apartment of the group, "Father Dremond, I'm sorry if my actions displease the temple and can only hope you and the other father's and followers can forgive me. Domi has always guided my actions in some way so I can only lay faith in he guides my actions now and watches over me as he always has. Forgiveness only goes so far, I think even Domi would of been angered and sad about the orphange being burned down by people who seem to have the backing to get away free with it. Unfortunetly I'm a simple paladin of Domi, not a saint."
Florin at the orphanage seeks out Syr, Xenia and the others and talks to them, "Someone from the temple will come by to interview the children and pick the best ones to become followers, trained, etc."
Florin now looks to Tionel, "I'll go with you to the Druid's place if you do not think my armor will cause a problem. I do not want anyone thinking you bring a evil person with you."
After speaking and waiting for whatever is said Florin heads to the kitchen and gets hismelf a glass of water, sipping it and closing his eyes before whispering to himself, "was one of the top paladin's in training and now look at me...ohh what a great example I must be making for the students who might be following in my foot steps. Thank Domi none have approached me saying they want to train and be like me."
Wynn Brightsong Monday May 24th, 2004 2:27:27 PM
Seeing that the children are taken with his lyrical tale, the bard continues...
So Zhele did stumble through the door in his most fearless state. He slipped in shadows past the guard and snuck through the palace gate. Then giggling he scaled the wall so drunk he thought he could not fall. For wasn't he the best of all...and surely favored by Fate.
As he climbed in he saw a girl who was dressed in cloth not fur. A palace maid? Perhaps a cook? T'was difficult to be sure. A homely lass she did appear, but anyone looks good through beer, So when she asked, "Why are you here?"...he said he was there for her.
He showered her with compliments for flattery was his skill. And so they spent a pleasant time as any young couple will. But as the dawn lit their embrace, he recognized the lady's face From every golden coin it graced...and suddenly he felt ill.
He'd heard that drink was dangerous and now he knew for a fact. For theives caught in the palace were hanged or stretched upon a rack. But as this thief was kind and bold, the empress gifted him with gold. (Then the guard made sure that he'd been told...he'd be killed if he ever came back.)
And so he was a thief no more for that was part of the deal. His bet was lost because she gave him what he went there to steal. So other thieves may scorn and mock his name and tale but still they flock For a drink and a look at the Empresses Lock... the finest tavern in Greel.
Xenia (HP 21/23) Monday May 24th, 2004 6:53:01 PM "REALLY?!?!? Xenia jumps up and throws her skinny arms around the bartenders neck. She plants a big kiss on his cheek. "Thank you! That's the most wonderful thing!" She wants to grab up Daphne's hands and dance around with her. But ... no hands. Oh well. She dances in a small circle. "WOOO!!!
"They won't stay long. Around a week. Not more than three weeks. Or four weeks. No longer. I mean, that's not really a month."
"Thank you Daphne! Thank you Happy! I'm so happy. I mean, I'm happy for the kids. I mean, well, you're Happy for the kids. I mean ... wait till I tell the guys!"
The dark rogue runs the few blocks and around the corner to their apartments bursting through the door.
"Guess what!?!? Happy is volunteering the Ghost for the kids to stay at!"
Tionel Tuesday May 25th, 2004 9:03:08 AM
Tionel beams at Xenia's news, and watches the others for their reactions. "Wonderful...now, we're most of the way done. Only a few things more to do...Yes, Florin, do come along. I'm sure the druids will be most pleasant, but nonetheless I can use your presence for advice and input."
Xenia (HP 21/23) Tuesday May 25th, 2004 9:31:53 AM
"What? Huh? You're off to see the druids? Oh, wonderful, the druids of Alder House."
Xenia reaches to her back for the stuff she found in the hidden tree niche, but stops.
"I wanna go too. Find out why that beautiful temple had to be destroyed for their stupid old bowl."
Making Progress (DM MikeK) Tuesday May 25th, 2004 10:59:58 AM
Father Dremond takes Florin's hand with a kindly smile. "'Displease' may be too strong a word, Brother Florin," he replies softly. "'Disappointed', perhaps, is more accurate. Be well, Florin. And may Domi's strength support you." Florin heads back to the apartments.
----
Happy waves his hands energetically. "Now, hold on just a moment," he calls, stopping Xenia from skipping on out of the inn. "We need to talk about some things. I can put the orphans up here for that time, BUT you all need to provide some adult supervision. I'm not letting a bunch of kids running around loose on their own." "AND," he adds, ticking off another point on his fingers, "I'm not doing it for free. I'll charge just cost, but someone will need to pay room and board for them. Week by week. In advance." The innkeeper pulls a piece of paper and does some quick calculations. "For 50 people..." he works a bit more, "that comes to 430 gold a week," he announces.
"If that's acceptable," he finishes somewhat unhappily, "I'll put them up."
---
Wynn finishes his rendition to the rapt attention of the group. "What were they doing?" a tiny halfling asks him curiously. "'The pleasant time' they spent together. Did they play games? What kind?" The boy halfling's sincere question earns a couple of snickers from the older kids listening in the back. Nearly in unison, they turn to Wynn, false innocence beaming from their faces, as they await his answer.
---
Tionel, Xenia, and Florin head up to the Gold Level and Alder House. The same servant meets them at the door, and escorts them to the same sitting room they occupied only a few days ago. Again, the man returns with a silver platter laden with tea and cakes, and sets the snack before the trio. "Master Keran will be with you shortly," he says, addressing Tionel. The servant quietly takes his leave, leaving the three alone for about ten minutes.
The plain looking Keran enters the room, dressed in an unobtrusive tan shirt and dark pants. He beams expectantly at Tionel and his companions, crosses the room, takes the druid's hand, then Florin's, and then Xenia's. The ravishing rogue earns an adequately graceful and entirely proper kiss on the back of her hand. "I trust everything went well?" Keran inquires, sitting comfortably across from the group.
Angus Tuesday May 25th, 2004 12:37:44 PM
Angus loves the kids, but needs a change of senery. "Syr, Wynn, Lang anyone up to scouting out the trash level for more information on the evil Anvil Heart scum, while the others are at the Druids? Whay say you? Gordo can handle the kids for a little while.... can't you Gordo." Angus adds very much looking for more adult conversation.
Angus looks over to sunshine " Lang bring the puppy. You never know what he might smell down on the trash level, that is besides the Anvil hearts."
Florin Jadenth Tuesday May 25th, 2004 6:44:16 PM
Florin goes to the druid's house and looks to the man who greets them and takes a seat and listens to what is said and done for the moment. Otherwise Florin is pretty much in his own little world, thoughts going through his head as he waits to see what goes on.
Xenia (HP 21/23) Tuesday May 25th, 2004 8:35:55 PM
Riding the crest of enthusiasm, Xenia zooms out the door to the Giggling Ghost. Not quite.
"Um. Oh. Yeah. Money. And you deserve it Happy! You've saved these kids. You should be so proud, the kids will love it here. And I don't think the guys will mind at all, either." The red-headed rogue reaches behind her, and the same pouch that Florin had brought with him to the exact same place the evening before makes it's appearance in the Giggling Ghost once again.
"Um, this has gotta be at least 430 gold, Happy. If it's more, you should keep it. It's so nice of you to take them in, and you should get something for that. And if it's not enough, give us a shout, and we'll bring around the rest."
"What say we bring the kids around this evening? They need some place to wash up. I mean, after going through all that smoke and soot, and they can't do it at our place."
"Oh, Happy, this is so nice of you." Xenia gives the proprietor one more big hug and zips back out the door.
"They won't mind," the dark rogue says to herself as she covers the short distance between the GG and the apartments. "Yeah, it's ok. It's for a good cause, right? And they were ok with spending it yesterday. Yeah. Sure," she says, in an attempt to convince herself.
++++++++++++++++++
No sooner does she return, than it's off to Gold Level.
Xenia's never been to Gold Level.
The dark rogue's green eyes can't help but rove as they make their way through the streets past parks and grand houses. She's glad she decided to wear the new silk outfit that Florin had given her. She smiles at him, but he seems lost in thought. A small crease of concern forms above her eyes.
Copper Way and Ruby Walk. They go up to this house and knock. A jeeves kind of fellow opens the door and serves them these really nice cakes with tea while they wait for a "Master Keran." Xenia has two and some tea in an incredibly light and very expensive looking cup with a dish under it. She quickly wipes the crumbs from her lips when the guy shows up. And she's very surprised, though inwardly quite delighted, when he takes her hand and places a dry kiss on it's back.
Xenia seats herself when their host settles into a chair. She looks to Florin or Tionel to begin the discussion. Oh, and she decides not to give the druid a piece of her mind. But, it was so sad to see the temple die.
Lang Tuesday May 25th, 2004 8:48:21 PM
Lang looks up from taking care of some of the children when Angus addresses the remaining members of the group.
After a quick glance around and if Gordo doesn't object Lang says, "Count us in". He will then get prepared to leave the apartment.
Wynn Brightsong Tuesday May 25th, 2004 10:31:27 PM
"What kind of games did they play?...er...games..."
Wynn is caught off guard by the innocence of the question and stalls for time as he tries to think of a plausible answer. His discomfort grows as the older children wait for his answer. Finally Wynn recalls a childrens game taught to him by his mother, "Foxes and Hares I should think" the bard answers.
Sunshine (Justin Webber) Wednesday May 26th, 2004 12:08:49 AM
Sunshine barks at Lang and comes running to his side then Lang comments on getting ready to go. Sunshine wags his tail and sits waiting for some instruction. Sunshine might be abit tired from all the walks but Lang is his master and he will follow him no matter what.
(OOC:Please give me opinions on my performances as Sunshine. I'm not use to rping a dog but am willing to take opinions and suggestions. Specially from Matt who's character owns Sunshine :).)
Tionel Wednesday May 26th, 2004 3:53:05 AM
The skinny elf pumps Kerran's hand excitedly in greeting, and then he stands back, nodding politely to his inquiery. "Well, the place you spoke to us was indeed difficult to pass through, but not too troublesome for a group like us. Then we found an area holy to the Wold. I can't describe the beauty of the place in words, though perhaps someday a song will suitably do it justice... "At the center was this bowl... I believe the item that you speak of." With a flourish, he pulls back his cloak, displaying the bowl to the druids. "My friends and I found this job to be quite exciting, and really, we would like to help you in the future." Sighing, his smile fades and he plops down into a chair tiredly. "We really need no reward, though any aid you can give us in certain matters will be well-accepted, and please, if you or anybody you know needs some people willing to brave risks and dangers, well, consider us." 'cause we're idiots, he silently thinks, and smirks.
Then Tionel sighs, and, gesturing with his usual flair, slowly begins to speak in a solemn tone. "Now, Kerran, I trust you and your elder druids, and I want to pass on information that really concerns them.
"A group of witches were kidnapping and experimenting on several Floating City residents. They lived in your Forest, and seemed to have intimite knowledge of it and its secrets. Perhaps they even were druids...but not of your circle, for sure, because of their actions. Anyways, they had kidnapped orphans and even a ghost, and using a borrowed turtle, we wandered through your forest till we found them and dealt with them. "However, when we got back, this current mess began, because the Anvil Heart Gang claimed we stole their turtle. "Now, the Anvil Heart Gang. They're that group of petty thieves and lowlives, led by a murderous, heartless fellow, who live on the Trash Level, among other places. Their leader ordered us to deal with the sea serpent that you said you'd deal with, and threatened to burn down the orphanage that we patronaged. "When we went to the place where you told us to go, we encountered a group of them unexpectedly. After a fight, they loped back, while we fulfilled our mission. Then, we come back...to find that the orphanage we supported was burning. "Yes, yesterday, they burned down an orphanage that we supported, killing several children and the woman who watched over them. I know that we druids usually recuse themsevles from the city, but the loss of life is one thing we hold truly sacred. That is why my companions and I plan to dispose of the Anvil Hearts Gang. "Besides, their actions so far indicate not only a lack of regard for life, but also a desire to steal from the Forest. They showed up at the place where we were going...at the same time we were going to...all on the supposed say so that they were collecting more flowers. I believe they may be harvesting those flowers for poison or other use. They seem to be addictive and almost relaxing, but also deadly in lethal uses. "So, yeah. We are now going to go find and get this Jonas guy, with or without the support of the law of this city. It has become a sad personal war between us and them."
Tionel adds some personal thoughts, now. "I cannot personally explain it, except that the leader, Jonas, is a man used to power and absolute authority among his own kind; a tyrant who commits himself fully and lacks any sort of morality. He may have once been the sort who protects his people, but now he has become his people's destruction. He ordered the death of children, merely to get his way. That sort of person would kill the animals of a forest not for their food or hides, but because he wishes to harm the carekeepers who protect and love them."
Realizing he's just sort of going on and on, vexing his hatred towards Jonas, Tionel stops, sighing. "Basically, we're asking you and your elders for help. Please, can you take care of any of the children? Accept them as initiates, or whatnot? And, can you offer us help in fighting against Jonas? Not people or lives, we will only risk ourselves. But perhaps magical protection? "Thank you, Tarketh. Please, put my words to your elders, but only explain what you think they'd need to hear. If my pleas seem unlikely to motivate them, do not bother...I know we druids try to avoid involving ourselves in matters that can be complicated." He sighs, and wipes his brow.
Talkin and snoopin (DM MikeK) Wednesday May 26th, 2004 10:28:26 AM
The halfling child accepts Wynn's explanation easily. "Hey!" he cries in sudden revelation. "We can play that right here! Who wants to play foxes and hares?" The boy bounces around the garden, gathering playmates. The two young elves in the back, one male and one female, can barely contain their amusement. The boy whispers something to the girl, causing her to blush and grin. Whatever they're talking about, they seem to find it VERY funny.
|---------
Angus, Lang, and Syr decide to do a little snooping. Gordo agrees to stay in the apartments. Wynn?
The group leaves the apartment and heads down to the trash level. Angus and Syr know what to expect, but this is a first for Lang. The Trash Level is well named. It's a hovel, no more and no less. The stink of the refuse, deposited by the upper levels, intrudes with every breath. Unlike the upper levels, there are no real streets, just meandering pathways amongst the hastily built hovels in the street. Permanent stone structures mark where the streets used to be. Its crowded, with the odor of unwashed masses joining the other fragrances of the street, but most people pay no mind. The people immediately pick out the trio as non-residents, and watch them closely with a mixture of fear and resentment.
|-------
Keran leans forward on the edge of an overstuffed chair, takes the bowl, and listens intently to Tionel's recount of the group's recent travails. All three of you can tell the nondescript man is quite a good listener. He nods thoughtfully, and a range of emotions cross his face as he takes in the tale. When the elf is done, Keran sighs pensively, "Well", pours himself a cup of tea, and sinks back into his chair.
"Well," he says again. "Quite a lot going on, isn't there?" He sets down his cup, and rubs his chin thoughtfully.
"OK. First, thank you for recovering the bowl. We'll get started on figuring it out right away. And you're saying it wasn't in the cave? It was in some kind of holy site? Where is it? What does it look like? Who created it?" Keran rubs his hands together. "I mean, there's a whole kettle of questions just on that."
"Then we've got witches in the Woods, thieves in the Woods, and of course now that idiot Perimon is in the Woods." The man makes a face. "We're doing a real bang up job on our mission, aren't we?" he remarks to himself sourly.
Remembering his guests, he looks back up. "I haven't heard of an Anvil Hearts Gang," he confesses. "But if they're harvesting those flowers, that's a city level problem I plan to take to the Council. Plus, we can throw a murder charge into the mix. That'll get the Guard involved, and they'll take care of this gang of yours." Keran speaks with the conviction of a Gold Level resident. Its obvious to him the City Guard can handle the situation. He grins, "Plus, if we get this bowl working, we'll render their little flower harvesting operation moot."
"As for helping with your orphans," the man pauses with a grimace before continuing. "I don't know. I mean, I'm sure I can swing a reward for the bowl, so there's some cash that ought to help. And we're always recruiting. If you think a couple are suited for our philosophy, we'd be happy to take a look at them. Other than that..." He spreads his hands helplessly. "Well, you're right. It's the kind of thing our Order would REALLY prefer to leave to someone else. I mean, fighting Trash Level folk? You're talking about police work, and we're not in that business. Again, the Guard should be involved in that kind of thing."
Angus d20+5=9 d20+5=18 Wednesday May 26th, 2004 2:49:17 PM
Angus feels free of the constrains of massive parenthood. Although he greatly enjoys the orphans, one needs their own space every now and then. The break from the apartments will give him time to think of a new melody to play for the little ones.
Angus is also very glad to have the to physical type along for the ride (Syr and Lang)and he prepares to find out what he can about the anvil heart gang. Angus will spread a few coppers and silver if necessary to find ou more information on the workings and whereabouts of the anvil heart gang (gather information 9), but be as diplomatic about it as possible (diplomacy 18).
Angus will approach those residents of the trash level that appear to be working or serving a purpose and not beggers (at least on this trip).
Xenia (HP 21/23) Wednesday May 26th, 2004 4:51:27 PM
Xenia's face gets just that little bit sulky, and she puffs out a small breath that, for those who speak her kind of language, says well-that-didn't-help-much-did-it.
"Can-I, can-I, can-I, just, you know, make a little suggestion," she asks, holding up her hand as though she needs to do that in order to be recognized. "Um, you should really get out more, you know. Go see things for yourselves. Get some hands on, you know what I mean? I think a lot of tragedy could be avoided that way, you know. I mean, like this bowl. I mean, like, if you had been along, you could have studied it over there. And then maybe the temple would still be alright instead of being eaten up by the Crying Woods."
The rogue pulls back with a sigh. "I, I don't mean that it's your fault. I mean, it's not. I don't understand all kinds of things. I don't understand the things you need to do here. But ... I ... It's just ... It's just kind of hard, you know? To see something as beautiful as that temple just die like that. And what is it for? I mean, you have this bowl and you're not even sure what it does. I ... I'm sorry. I'm sorry, this really isn't helping, is it?"
"Um, you might want to take a look at these things too." Xenia reaches to her pack and removes the other bowl and the wand. "We found these in a little shelf in one of the trees."
Florin Jadenth Wednesday May 26th, 2004 4:53:54 PM
Florin looks to the druid Keran and thinks before speaking, "If you can look over the children and possibly find any suitable for recruitment then that will be very helpful. I have already asked that a follower of Domi be sent to possibly recruit some of the children also."
Florin thinks of what is said more and his conversations with the town guard, "The guard know nothing of the anvil heart either. With your help though I'm sure they will get more active in this situation since I think on the current info they have that the guard plans to do little. This however is mainly my opinion as a paladin of Domi and one who seeks to find justice for the lives lost and the decision I made."
Florin looks to Tionel and comments to him mainly, "If you agree I think we should try to have a general warning sent out to the nobles that they should be on guard. We have no idea how much of the flowers have been collected by the anvil heart or if their goal is to poison one of the nobles or whay with the flowers. The druids here are more able to get this to the guards from the sounds then we are and being druids and nature being their buisness then it would seem a wise person would take their suggestions on plant uses to heart."
Florin offers his hand to Keran, "I thank you for any help you can give us Keran. We have been looking to the children and soon we will need to make sure we are outfitted correctly for the path we have chosen." Florin glances to Xenia and smiles some and also to Tionel, "Forgive me you two but I need to do abit of scouting out now for my meeting tomorrow. Thank you for your time also Keran."
Florin will leave now to go to the GG and talk to Happy about his plans to have the meeting with Jonas here. Florin will make sure he gets Happy to a private place before talking more.
Wynn Brightsong d20+6=16 Wednesday May 26th, 2004 6:01:26 PM
Relieved that the children have accepted his story about what went on in the empress' chambers the bard beats a hasty retreat and accompanies Angus, Syr and Lang to the Trash level. "Safety in numbers my friends" he says, "Safety in numbers".
Wynn keeps an eye out for danger as they make their way through the shantys and hovels of the trash layer [spot=16] and lets Angus concentrate on asking questions.
Lang d20+5=6 Wednesday May 26th, 2004 9:21:01 PM
After only a minute or two on the Trash level, Lang incredulously thinks to himself, how can people actually live like this? He thinks back to his life as a child on his parents' farm, the fresh air and the forest he used to spend so much time in. He whispers to Angus, "How many people live like this and why don't the officials do something about it?"
Lang will try his best to blend in to the environment. He will keep his armored covered by his cloak and will only have his Quarterstaff visible in his hand (bow and swords will be in his quiver). He will keep Sunshine close by saying "Heel". As Lang has very little experience in these types of proceedings, he will let Angus do all the talking. He will stay focused on guarding Angus's back and keeping lookout for anything unusual, but is obviously distracted by the poverty and the filth. (Spot natural 1).
OOC -- Justin I think you are doing an excellent job. Sunshine is a normal animal, not magical like a wizard's familiar. He is loyal companion and I consider him like a well-trained police dog. Except he is trained more towards guarding than towards attacking. I would expect to follow his learned tricks almost all the time. For things he does not know I have to get a Handle Animal DC 25 for him to do it (like following me into the water and into the cave). Perhaps this number could be lowered if I used my Speak with Animals spell first.
Sunshine (Justin Webber) Wednesday May 26th, 2004 11:39:02 PM
Sunshine stays near Lang as he sniffs the air and seems to be taking in the smells alot better the Lang is. He licks Lang's hand once as he moves along and sits near Lang whenever the group stops to talk to someone.
Tionel Thursday May 27th, 2004 6:32:32 AM
Nodding at Florin's words in concord, Tionel then looks to Xenia with amused eyes, then to Kerran. "The Domite is right in many ways... I doubt that you'd find many candidates among the orphans, who have grown up in this city their whole life, and will lack the aesthetic discipline that really must be born with, not learnable. And it's hardly a teaching profession... I know, for I was born a druid, though it took me much of my life to teach myself." Tionel smiles self-satisfied, then looks to Xenia again. With great attention to detail, he describes the temple. Afterwards (I assume he answers all questions about it), Tionel comments, "Xenia is right that perhaps the temple would not have collapsed if there had been a druid who knew about the area with us; but since it seems you know nothing of it, I doubt any would have been of great help. The temple is gone now; which is doubly sad...and confusing. I really am confused by that; most holy sites of nature do not just fall apart like that, nor is a bowl exactly a druid object.
"But as to these other problems dealing with the Anvil Hearts, take note that most of those who live outside the trash level don't know who they are and would express little concern, even after such a horrible act of their's.
"And I really don't expect they'd understand your interest, and I don't expect your elders to particularly care, even so. After all, you are druids, devoted to the protection of the surrounding areas, not to cities or people, but to the land itself. Death and destruction, those are things that happen as a result of human misanthropy. It is not natural, not part of something druids understand. People like priests, who worship gods that represent humanity, take care of humans in return.
"And finally, Kerran, you do lack a knowledge of the city's ways, as even you would admit I'm sure. Especially that of the reality of the lower levels. And these fellows, they live on the Trash Level, far below the scope or interest of the guard. All that said, this is the sort of problem that I don't think it's good to get large parties involved with."
(not my clearest post...I'm not doing well on these of late. :P)
Dead Ends (DM MikeK) Thursday May 27th, 2004 10:47:59 AM
Angus and company spend a few fruitless hours on the Trash Level. While the sorcerer's easy manner, well timed words, and occasional copper does manage to keep the local population willing to put up with them, he can't seem to find out anything about the Anvil Hearts. So far no one is even willing to acknowledge their existence. Angus suspects, however, this has more to do with him asking the wrong people the wrong questions than anything else.
Lang, Syr, and Wynn follow along, keeping a lookout for any nasty surprises. They see evidence of occasional bands of thugs, but so far it looks like the quartet is being regarded as too difficult a target for any opportunists.
|-------
Keran calls in the servant and whispers something to him. The man nods and leaves. Looking back to the three adventurers, Keran proceeds to pepper Tionel with questions and details concerning the temple. He takes the bowl and wand, and inspects them carefully before handing them back to the rogue. "You found them, they are yours," he says. "But that wand is constructed of amber, not wood. Nobody does that. And this temple you've described," he continues, gesturing at Tionel, "that's totally unexpected. Nobody in Floating City created it, that's for sure." He sits back, thinking. "Could there be a civilization already living in the Crying Woods?" he asks himself in astonishment.
Looking back at the trio, he continues. "Look, I don't know what your thinking, but believe me, we're not leading you all around to do our dirty work. We haven't been around all that long, we've got a lot to do, and not nearly enough people to do it. The Circle is working three fronts." Keran ticks them off on his fingers. "Politically, we're trying to keep a lid on how many Floating City people are allowed into the Woods. We're aiming for zero, and that's not making us a lot of friends. On the home front (second finger), we're trying to identify and counteract threats by the Woods to our city. And finally (third finger), we're trying to understand what's out there in tens of thousands of square miles of an intelligent, and unfriendly botanical system. So, no, we don't have the answers. But we're doing the best we can."
The servant returns with a leather sack, and gives it to Keran, who reaches across and passes it to Xenia. It jingles pleasantly. "There's 500 gold as a reward for recovering the bowl," he says. "Maybe that will help your orphans a little. Now, it happens I've got the Overlord's ear. And when I tell her some group on the Trash Level is harvesting up a poison flower, and murdering her citizens in the process, I can pretty much guarantee the City Guard will get involved."
He rises. "You guys have done great. Really you have. And The Circle would be happy to finance any more expeditions you'd want to make into the Crying Woods. There could be an entire people out there waiting to be discovered."
"Well, good luck. And let us know. I'll have Tarketh run by in a few days to keep you posted on what we've up to."
Florin Jadenth d20+5=23 Thursday May 27th, 2004 7:00:18 PM
(OOC:I don't know if you had Florin leave the druid house already or not by my last post but here is a continuation of Florin's last post.)
Florin continues talk to Happy about his plans with the anvil heart, "I mainly want to let you know that if the anvil heart leader does showup then I will be having a meeting here with him. I have no plans of fighting inside your fine buisness I do need a small favor from someone if you know someone I can get help from. Before Jonas shows up I need someone outside to keep watch and see how many people he brings with him. I some how will need to be alerted on how many if someone can without being noticeable."
Florin thinks and grins, "You wipe out and clean your glasses so you could wipe and lay a glass per anvil heart member Jonas brings on the bar and then put the glasses up like you normally would." Florin feels the small pouch hanging on his belt that holds his loose money and sighs, "I know this could be dangerous so I will pay who ever I need for the help, I just will need abit of time to come up with the money to do so."
(Diplomacy:23)
Wynn Brightsong d20+7=27 Thursday May 27th, 2004 8:59:01 PM
Wynn tries to look nonchalant as he follows Angus, Syr, and Lang. [Bluff=27; nat 20] He has never seen the trash level before, and the general squalor of the place is unsettling to him, but he acts as if he has seen and endured much tougher places than this.
Xenia (HP 21/23) Thursday May 27th, 2004 9:28:05 PM
Xenia sits thinking as Tionel and the druid guy Keran go back and forth about the temple. Her eyes rove to the room around them from time to time. Her posture straightens. When the bowl and wand are returned, she holds them quietly in her lap. And when Keran hands her the pouch of jinglies, she accepts it with a quiet, gracious nod. When they stand to leave, she curtsies gracefully. And when they finally walk out the front door and out onto the street, Xenia sighs and says, "Oh well. That was kind of interesting."
Florin smiles and says something about scouting, and she knows pretty much exactly what he's talking about. She shoots a worried look at Tionel, but, you know, a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do. Before he gets completely a way she shouts after his retreating back.
"You tell us when you're all done, so we can bring the kids down, ok?" He knows what she's talking about. Because he knows that she knows what he was talking about.
Before they leave Gold Level, Xenia turns and takes a long look around. "You think it's living all the way up here that makes them seem so far away from things?" she asks Tionel.
+++++++++++++++
When they get back to the apartments, the red-headed rogue checks in with Gordo, asking how the kids have been behaving, and telling him about Happy taking them on at the Giggling Ghost. She finds Kyria.
"Hey, Punkin, wanna go upstairs and hang out? I'm gonna try some experimenting."
"I'm gonna be upstairs," she shouts to Gordo, and then dashes on up.
Xenia shows Kyria the room. Such as it is. Not much time to decorate it yet. She changes into her daily kit -leather pants with the short sleeve cotton shirt- then she sits on the floor and begins taking potions out of her haversack. She lays out five different vials. These are hers. These she knows. The one to Cure Light Wounds, she's already looked at. So she takes the one for Curing Serious Wounds. She looks at the liquid. You figure it would be kind of the same color and stuff, right? She sniffs it. And finally tastes it too. She smiles and gives Kyria a taste as well, and they laugh.
Neutralize Poison, Levitate, and Endure Elements. She tries each of these and writes stuff down on each one.
Angus Thursday May 27th, 2004 10:29:42 PM
Angus is somewhat frustrated with his attempts to find out information about the anvil heart gang, but heartened by the company of Lang, Wynn, and Syr.
During the information gathering Angus askes Wynn "What instruments do you play? We have to set up some recitals. You have immence talent, you will have to teach me some."
Angus asks the new group "Do we press on and ask questions in some of the shadier areas of the trash level....if that is possible. I say we go for it, what say the three of you!"
Sunshine (Justin Webber) Friday May 28th, 2004 12:46:50 AM
Sunshin almost growls at a few of the thugs that are seen but doesn't since his master said nothing to him about them being a possible threat. As the walk and the group do some talking yet Sunshine does spot a cat and growls openly at it and leans down so he's in a pouncing position.
Tionel Friday May 28th, 2004 3:10:54 AM
The elf smiles and nods graciously to Kerran. "Thank you very much, friend."
Upon leaving, he glances at the departing Florin, then looks to Xenia. He nods in response to her question. "Yes, things seem far away to them. But, unlike those who have lived hardened lives below, they are at least interested in the welfare of those they don't know. Very few people are actually raised well and are in contact with those who most need what they can give..." Tionel stops, realizing he sounds like a teacher or something. He pats Xenia on the shoulder awkwardly. "I've been meaning to say, dear, thank you for helping me back in the fighting. I'm afraid I'm not really that good at that sort of thing. Also, you look like you still have a little bruise there. Can I heal it?" (if she lets him, he will use cure minor wounds on her twice...) Tionel smiles at her, waves goodbye when she leaves, and then departs for a familiar crawl.
Lang d20+5=21 Friday May 28th, 2004 10:07:36 AM
"Angus we need to find out more info so I say we press on and see what happens."
"Sunshine leave the poor kitty alone, it isn't bothering us", Lang will laughingly say to Sunshine as he ruffles the fur on top of his head.
Lang keeps a watchful eye. Spot 21.
Getting Ready (DM MikeK) Friday May 28th, 2004 10:26:49 AM
It is now mid-afternoon on the day after our heroes' return to Floating City. Lady Firiona is expected tomorrow in the late morning at Tionel's request. Florin's proposed meeting with Jonas is tomorrow at noon.
Florin, Xenia, and Tionel take their leave from Alder House and split up.
Tionel partakes in a little R & R.
Xenia returns to the apartments. As she picks up Kyria and heads up to her room, Gordo calls out from the next room. "Could you stick around lass? I've got more news to share, but you kids keep taking off." The monk waves a piece of paper, but says no more, turning his attention back to the kids. The rogue and her sidekick head up to her room and examine some potions: Levitate -- A cloudy, white liquid with no discernable odor or taste. It leaves Xenia with a lightheaded feeling for a few moments. Neutralize Poison -- An opaque steel blue, this liquid also has no odor. Its tastes slightly metallic and leaves a calming effect. Endure Elements -- Opaque avocado green in color, this liquid smells and tastes slightly of vanilla. A chill runs through the rogue as she tastes it, followed immediately by a warming sensation. Cure Serious Wounds -- Pretty much like CLW, but stronger. A deeper blue, and more pronounced taste/smell of almond. The warming sensation is about the same.
Florin goes to the Giggling Ghost. "Well friend," Happy greets him, "I've a wing ready for your kids." The innkeeper looks like he's not entirely sure this is good idea. As the paladin lays out his plan, the familiar smile establishes itself on the man's face. "A little spy work, huh?" he chuckles. "Oh, keep your money, Florin. It sounds like fun."
Angus, Lang, Syr, and Wynn decide to keep snooping. [Need another Gather Info check. Also, how long do you plan to continue?]
Florin Jadenth Friday May 28th, 2004 3:27:47 PM
Florin smiles and nods his thanks to Happy, "Thank you for going to help me Happy. I don't plan to let Jonas slip through my fingers, you have my word though that no harm will come to your buisness inless Jonas starts it first. In that case I will do my up most to get the fight outside."
Florin now rubs his foreheard slowly and stands up, "Thank you for your help with the children, we are doing our best to lighten the number you will have here. I know that it probably won't be easy to have so many kids here. We are working on having a place for the children soon so with luck and Domi's help." Florin smiles once more even knows he is in deep thought on tomorrow and what is to happen if everything works out, "I need to talk to my friends now and we will be bringing the children here today I believe along with whoever will be watching them."
Florin shakes Happy's hand before leaving and going to the apartments. Once at the appartment he smiles seeing Gordo and pats the man's shoulder, "I need to speak to Xenia a moment. In alittle while we can move the kids the the GG where they will have alot better living arrangements my friend. I figure Xenia is in her room."
Florin walks up the stairs and knocks on Xenia's door, "Xenia, Happy knows and should be expecting the children at anytime now. He has devoted a wing of the GG to their use." Florin stretches some, his ribs still sore from his fall and he thinks of tomorrows meeting and clenches his jaw before speaking more, "If you go to the catacombs I would like to go with you. Depending on how much everyones split is I need to pick up some things in the catacombs."
Florin walks back down the stairs and looks to Gordo, "Anything new?"
Angus d20+5=16 d20+5=21 Saturday May 29th, 2004 11:49:36 AM
With the general agreement of Lang, Wynn and Syr, and heads off to find an even seedier element on the trash level. Thinking to himself, maybe the thugs will be a place start asking questions.
With the muscle in tow, Angus will attempt to get a group of thugs attention for parley. If not possible Angus will look for a soloon to visit.
Gather info 16 Diplomance 21
Angus will be attempting to find out where the anvil heart frequents, member strenght, immpressions from the trash level populous.
Angus will chat up Lang and Wynn " Have you two traveled together before, where are you from?"
Talking specifically to Wynn "Can you mentally subdue any of those we fortunate to question about the gang for find out further information or if we are lucky enough for catch an anvil heart. Just a thought....."
After another two hours of information gathering Angus suggests "Lets get back to the fence level, I certainly do not want to eat down hear and surly need a bath now."
Xenia Saturday May 29th, 2004 1:50:38 PM
"I'm not going anywhere, Gordo" the red-headed rogue shouts back down the stairs as he calls out after her. "Be back in a bit. Just gonna be up in my room."
Kyria is drawing and Xenia is scribbling some notes, when a knock comes on the door. It's Florin. She takes his arm and pulls him in.
"You've never been in my room, have you? I mean, since it's been my room. I haven't got things decorated up yet, but I'm thinking on it."
"This is Florin, honey," she says, introducing Kyria to Florin. "He's a Paladin of Domi. You wanna be a paladin someday?" The rogue asks with a smile. "This is Kyria, Florin," she says, completing the introduction. "She's my best bud, huh Kyria?"
Florin looks pretty serious. Looks like he's still kind of hurt too. Maybe shoulda had Tionel look at him like he fixed her, she thinks.
"Sure, I'll go over to the Catacombs with you. We can find out what some of this stuff is if nothing else. We shoulda asked those guys before we let 'em go. Woulda saved a lot of trouble. I wonder if anyone wants some of this stuff? Or if we should just sell it all? Looks like some good armor. This blade looks nice too. Well, maybe we can talk about it later."
"All finished with your picture there, Punkin' Head?" she says, mussing Kyria's hair. "Lets go downstairs with Florin, huh? We're going over to the Giggling Ghost pretty soon. And I think Gordo's got something important to tell us."
Wynn d20+6=11 Sunday May 30th, 2004 10:24:34 PM
Wynn accompanies Angus deeper into the bowels of the trash level. He is careful where he walks and remains vigilant as they move through the crowded nooks and crannies [Spot=11]. "I've managed to distract a person with music once or twice, but I don't think that really counts as mental domination" the bard replies to Angus. "I'm told that a longsword pressed against the throat can have a subduing effect."
Lang d20+5=7 Monday May 31st, 2004 9:28:31 PM
Lang continues to follow Angus as he tries to gather information about the Anvil Hearts. He tries to stay alert for any dangers, but the stench and the poverty are bothering him (spot 7).
"Don't worry Sunshine we will be out of here soon", he says more for his own benefit than for Sunshines.
Sunshine (Justin Webber) Monday May 31st, 2004 10:42:33 PM
Sunshine stays close to Lang, giving the cat he seen earlier a good growl to make himself feel better more then anything.
Mo Money (DM MikeK) Tuesday June 1st, 2004 10:01:09 AM
Angus, Syr, Wynn, and Lang spend several more hours trolling the depths of the Trash Level. The bars, such as they are, are opening, and the crafty sorcerer leads his friends into one dive after another in search of the elusive Anvil's Heart Gang. The places Angus heads into are progressively worse. The stench of human waste drives them out of a couple back roads after only a few steps. Occasionally, they spy a patch of the white flowers. And, on more than one instance, Syr and Wynn take one look at the murderous eyes of a bar's patrons, grab their thin friend, and turn right around.
One place seems to have all the right elements, however, and Angus finds himself plying a friendly drunk with a few extra drinks of what he calls 'ale'. One sip convinces the sorcerer not to join his new found friend in his toasts. The man, unshaven for several days, and unwashed for longer than that, gives Angus and his guardians a long look from his good right eye. "Hearts, heh. Tryin' to take over, they is. Not many round right now. Wasn' that many ta begin wit', but I ain't hardly any last couple days. Dey got plans, dey do. Wanna be rich, wanna be in charge. <Snort> Like everyone else I spect. Don't got no house or nuthin'. Jes' run around the Black Thorn over on Beggar's Alley."
As the afternoon wears on, a female dwarf, wearing leather armor emblazoned with the Hammer of Domi appears at the door of the apartments. Florin recognizes her as Dregan Stronghand, one of the Temple's recruiters. The dwarf gives Florin a brusque nod, eyes Gordo appraisingly, and then gets down to business. "I seek persons of noble bearing to further the work of Domi," she cries in a voice that shakes the walls of the apartment. "Those with the courage to follow in the footsteps of a God who died to save another, step forward." A small group of children do take the challenge, and Dregan inspects each carefully, asking muted questions to each candidate. In the end, she accepts two children, and bids them to gather their things and make their farewells. 45 minutes after she knocked on the door, Dregan and her two charges are gone.
Gordo can finally wait no more, and pulls Florin and Xenia aside. "A banker delivered this," he says disgustedly. "Mama owed 1250 gold in loans on the orphanage. The banker says he needs the money in five days, or they'll take the plot and sell it to a developer."
Xenia Tuesday June 1st, 2004 1:58:44 PM "Whaaaaaat!" Xenia slams a small hand down on the table. "They want WHAT?!?"
Then, all of the sudden, she gets very quiet. She taps a finger against the top of the table, and her lips purse for a moment in thought.
"Ok." She nods her head. "Ok. I wanna meet this banker. I'd like to see the lien. See what it's for. I wanna see if this same guy holds the deed to the property and what payment of this lien leaves pending on the mortgage. It's no problem raising the money. I could do that by myself. But I wanna see what we're getting for our money."
Two skinny arms planted on the table top, the red-headed girl looks at both Gordo and Florin with a serious eye.
"This could be our chance to buy the orphanage and make sure nobody bothers them with this kind of thing again."
Florin Jadenth Tuesday June 1st, 2004 2:17:33 PM
When Florin sees Dregan Stronghand he walks over to her, "Thank you for coming Dregan. I know the temple will watch over any you find fitting and the life ahead of them will be one of virtue and honor."
Florin almost laughs to himself, "We'll, orphanages don't run for free so it's not a surprise that she left some type of debt. I'm not saying it's true either my friends."
Florin rubs his chin abit and nods, "The money would be fairly easy to come up with I think but I will wait and see. With the noble lady coming, we could ask happy to put a help the orphans fund and such."
Angus d20+10=29 d20+10=13 d20+10=20 d20+10=21 d20+10=29 d20+10=19 d20+7=27 d20+7=22 d20+7=25 Tuesday June 1st, 2004 3:38:26 PM
Angus is inwardly pleased to hear some useful information, albeit weak, but something.
Angus will say to his new drinking buddy. "Thanks for the conversation, but it is time for me and my companions to head to our last appointment of the day." Angus leaves two silver pieces and the mostly full tankard of ale (?).
Once out of the Bar (?) Angus relates what his barfly said and says to the group "Lets get off the trash level, the stink has entered my pores. We also need to tell the others what we have found out."
To Wynn, Angus answers "Longswords as knowledge extraction, I like that. A man after my own heart, although I do not us a longsword, but more magical, physical means, as, by the look of me, can not do it myself, at least not physically."
Once at the apartments Angus will detect magic the items collected again to see what he can discern, type of magic, etc.
OOC: Follow are the spellcraft rolls for any individual item: 29, 13, 20, 21, 29 and 19
Knowledge arcane if needed: 27, 22, and 25
Wynn Brightsong d20+6=19 Tuesday June 1st, 2004 9:01:42 PM
Wynn follows Angus from the bar, "I agree, let's get back to the apartments and share your hard won knowledge. If we plan to take on these 'Hearts' I think we may need the whole team." He maintains a level of vigilance as they retrace their steps back to the fence level [Spot=19].
As they make their way back, Wynn reflects on Angus' earlier questions. The half-elf explains how he had just met Lang prior to being sent to find the group in the underwater caverns. "Bralin's kin thumped a group of hill giants on my behalf and I agreed to take on his life pledge in return. I'm originally from Cinnamon Valley in the Windborne Hills. I used to run a trading company, truth be told I was lousy at it. My heart just wasn't in it, but when my dad died I felt obliged to return home and make a go of it. I've let them all down..." the bard's voice trails off into a whisper.
Lang d20+5=8 Tuesday June 1st, 2004 9:20:34 PM
"Good work Angus, at least it is something to start with. Interesting that they have not been seen in the last few days. Maybe they left the city for good and their last poke in our eye was the fire."
"I agree, let's get back to the apartment and see what the rest of the group has found out."
Lang is so happy to leave this level he practically has blinders on and is oblivious to almost all around him (Spot 8).
Checking out the Goods (DM MikeK) Wednesday June 2nd, 2004 9:44:52 AM
Angus and company return to the apartments. It is now about supper time. The kids are starting to whine about getting some food. And the babysitters want to know when they get to go back home.
Gordo assures Xenia and Florin that he gave the banker a thorough interrogation, and the bill is legitimate. "Mama needed supplies, and was too proud to ask us for more."
The group assembles in the upstairs rooms, accompanied by a few of the children, and set out their gains from the trip to the caves. Angus casts some spells, and by the end of it, this is what our heroes know about what they've got:
MW Studded Leather, MW Buckler, MW Short Sword MW shortbow w/ 20 arrows magical Cloak (Faint Abjuration) 1 Potion (blue stopper) - clear light blue color, smell/taste of almond (Faint, school unknown) magical Studded Leather (Faint Transmutation) MW Buckler magical Short Sword (Faint Transmutation) 1 Potion (green stopper) -- opaque red color, smell/taste of raspberry (Moderate Abjuration) 455 gp -- Xenia gave to Happy 1 emerald 3 white pearls 6 clear quartz magical Wand (Faint Transmutation) An intricately designed ceramic bowl
Florin Jadenth Wednesday June 2nd, 2004 2:31:15 PM
Florin looks at the stuff with the others and shakes his head before looking to Xenia, "Can you appraise these gems by chance Xenia?" Florin gives Xenia and winks and smiles, "You seem to have a knack for doing that stuff."
Florin looks to others and shrugs his shoulders, "If the gems are worth enough then we can pay for the identifying with them. Either way we really need to see to our own outfitting since soon I think we will be seeing battle once more."
Florin shrugs and smiles, "Anyway, Gordo my big friend. Can you help me get the kids to the Giggling Ghost. Happy has a wing set up for the children and they will take care of food and everything for them. There are alot of kids so can you give me a hand Wynn and Lang." Florin gives Xenia's shoulder a gentle pat and looks to the others, "You guys and ladies can finish up what we should do with the treasure. I need to go to the catacombs also with whoever goes. I hope to upgrade my armor for better protection."
Xenia (Figuring Stuff Out) d20+2=12 Wednesday June 2nd, 2004 4:28:22 PM
With a crease of concentration between her copper red brows, Xenia looks at the magic stuff. She puts them into piles, grouping them by types.
She crosses her arms and hmph's to herself. What do the cloak and the potion have in common? This one with the green stopper made some kind of shimmery field around her arm. She hmph's again. And what does a sword, a suit of armor, and a clear brown wand have in common?
Fash and Farmack, she throws up her hands in surrender. "This magic stuff is harder than I thought," she comments to Angus.
"Hehe," Xenia grins at Florin. "Like them sparklies." She goes through the pile, putting aside the pearls. "These, I kinda know. Pearls are a hundred gold a piece. We can get maybe 90 for 'em. Don't you think we might want to keep them though?"
The quartz, she holds up to the light. "Too bad this isn't rose quartz," she murmurs to herself. She picks up the single emerald too, playing the green light refracted from the gem across the table.
Lastly, the red-headed rogue eyes the little ceramic bowl. "Hey you," she says to the bowl, "didn't you have some gold coins inside of you when I first saw you?" More hmmm'ing from the dark rogue. She takes a single gold from her pouch and tosses it into the bowl to see what will happen.
"Um, I'll be right with you, Florin," Xenia replies with her eyes still on the bowl." (Like, it's gonna be walking off on little legs or something?) "Lemme just figure a couple things out first."
[[ Appraise 12 ]]
Angus d20+2=18 Wednesday June 2nd, 2004 9:06:56 PM
After Angus relates to the group what he found out about the magic item he stretches and yawns. "That is about all I can find out about our new found loot. I suggest we cash in the gems for a proper magical identification as we may get more value for the rocks, especially the pearls." After scratching his head Angus adds. "I can try to see if I can get the magic identified properly tomorrow, but right now I need a bath after our romp on the trash level. I will need an escort tomorrow to take all of the items....any volunteers?"
Angus thinks to himself of where to take the items for identification. There are plenty of wizards around. (Knowledge local 18)
Angus then fills in Xenia, Florin, and Tionel about the possible wearabouts of the Anvil Heart Gang, Black Thorns! Angus warns the group, but looks at Florin "We can not go alone to Black Thorn's as we have no idea of the gangs actual strenght. If we have someone(s) interested we can go back down to the trash level and scout our Black Thorns invisibly, at least those of us who are nimble enough....." Angus leave the proposition hanging as he goes off to the bath.
Wynn Wednesday June 2nd, 2004 9:57:27 PM
Wynn searches out a bath and cleans the filth of the trash level from his body. Once he is finished he joins Angus and the others around the treasure. "I'll accompany you Angus" he offers. "It will give me a chance to learn more about this city."
Tionel Thursday June 3rd, 2004 1:58:54 AM
The elf probably doesn't return for quite a while, till that night. By then, he's obviously quite drunk. If asked, he waves disinterestedly at the pile of items. "Oh, I'm not really interested in any of the items, just a cut of the profits...all the money I get I put in the bank." Looking at the others, he adds, "Tomorrow, we're going out into the Trash Level and find those Anvil Hearts. Trust me...We Will. Just find ourselves one member, and I'll charm him into giving us the entrance. The rest'll be history for them... So rest up for now..." Despite his dreading tone, Tionel is cheerful as a peach. He tries to teach the orphans how to play poker (or the nearest card game to it) and leads a few songs appropriate for youths.
Lang Thursday June 3rd, 2004 9:59:58 AM
Lang cleans himself and Sunshine of all the dirt and grime from the trash level. he then feeds and gives water to Sunshine out in the garden.
"Florin I am ready to help bring the kids over to the Giggling Ghost now"
Bye Kids! (DM MikeK) Thursday June 3rd, 2004 6:00:53 PM
At Xenia's outburst, Kyria silently raises her arm and points a finger at a 12 year old girl. The girl gives Kyria a 'mean' look, then turns red and holds out her hands.
They are full of the gold pieces that Xenia remembered coming with the bowl. "I just wanted to touch them," the girl says defensively. "I was gonna put em back."
The rogue gathers up 250gp from the girl. Xenia figures the emerald at 1100gp, the pearls at 100gp each, and the quartz at 50 gp each.
Pretty much everyone knows to go to the Catacombs for identification needs. Other places might do it cheaper, but the results aren't guaranteed.
Florin, Lang, and Gordo take the kids to the Giggling Ghost. Happy ushers them up to a wing on the second floor directly over the tavern. The wing is shaped like a loop, with rooms on both the inner and outer side of the loop. Gordo takes the one room which just happens to overlook the only exit from the wing into the rest of the inn.
Florin and Lang go back to the apartments, which are suddenly very quiet.
It is early evening.
Florin Jadenth Thursday June 3rd, 2004 6:26:15 PM
(OOC:Sorry for not posting for Sunshine, there will be a post for him later today I promise.)
Florin comes back to the groups apartment and sighs softly as he looks around, "This place sure is quiet now."
Florin thinks for a moment and calls everyone down stairs as he waits for them he stretches and feels his ribs, noteing that they arej ust abit sore from the fall but that will go away.
Once everyone is downstairs Florin looks to each person and sighs, "Okay everyone. We will need to get the stuff taken care of and any requiping done before my meeting with Jonas tomorrow. I have asked Happy and have a plan worked out to be let known how many men Jonas brings with him to the meeting." Florin looks to Tionel directly and then the others in turn, meeting each persons eyes, "I will not fight Jonas inside the GG but he is NOT making it back to his base. We start with the snakes head and then we mop up from there."
Florin looks to Syr, "If Jonas showsup the meeting will most likely be short, I'm going to try to get out the door shortly after him but either way he does not make it home. I refuse to let him live and anyone he brings will meet the same fate or I'll die trying." Florin sighs and brushes a hand overh is black armor, "I can not ask any of you to help me with this since the battle will be in the open and can cause guard problems. If you decide to help then your help is much welcomed."
Florin thinks a moment and realizes going to the temple tonight might not be good, he would not want the temple connected to his plans if things go bad, "I'm going to try and get a room some place to keep the group and the temple of Domi out of blame for the actions to come. If you decide to join me then you must wait outside for Jonas. I meet him inside the GG alone. He will not make a move with so many people around and will not be completely ready for a open attack. With the note on the door and what happened in the cave, plus the burnt orphange I do not think we have much problems with the law but I or we will see."
After Florin gets done speaking he turns to the door and gets ready to go see if Happy has a spair room, speaking over his shoulder as he does, "Someone who goes to the catacombs please come and get me so I can go with you." Any who pays attention can clearly tell that Florin is upset and holds himself sole responsible for the orpahange fire and he plans to make amends for the choice one way or another.
Angus Thursday June 3rd, 2004 7:03:20 PM
Angus speaks up after Florin. "Florin please do not get upset if Jonas does not go along with your plan. I still want to scout out the trash level to see what we can of the gangs hangout."
Taking a breath. " I will want all of my spells for your meeting so we should move up our scouting. I say we go now. Then when I come back I can recover all of my spells for Jonas and friends, although I doubt he will show, as there is no honor among Aronists!"
Angus looks to Wynn "You said you were game anyone else want to go to the trash level for a 40 minute information gathering trip, invisible mind you."
Wynn Brightsong Thursday June 3rd, 2004 8:00:48 PM
"Aye, I'll go with you Angus. I've never been invisible before. How many of us can go?"
Wynn listens to Florin and finally starts to understand the terrible burden that the Paladin has placed upon himself. "I'll go with you to the GG Florin. If someone will pick up a disguise kit for me at the Catacombs I could enter incognito. I could also disguise several others so that we wouldn't be recognized." Wynn fumbles in his purse and comes out with 5 platinum pieces. "This should cover it!"
Xenia Thursday June 3rd, 2004 8:25:27 PM
Xenia's eyes narrow and she gives the older girl a sidelong glare of suspicion. She purses her lips in a harsh warning sort of look and then says, "Not bad. Not bad at all." The dark rogue smiles. "I never even noticed. One lesson, though, 'Don't mess in your own back yard.' It's more trouble than it will ever be worth." Xenia ruffles the older girl's hair. "My dad taught me that. And it's true, you know."
Before the kids troop off to the GG, Xenia kneels and hugs little Kyria. For a long time. I wish you could stay here with me, Punkin," she says into the little shell of the blonde girl's ear. "But you wouldn't have anyone to play with. I'll come and see you, though, huh? You take care of the others now, ok." More hugging, and then as Florin, Lang, and Gordo march the kids out the door, Xenia sits back on her heels to a very quiet and empty place.
When Florin returns, the red-headed rogue curls up on the sofa and listens without comment.
"Ok, if that's what we're doing," Xenia begins as though there was never any question of whether they were going or not, "then we'd better get this stuff sold and some supplied bought. I'll go down to the Catacombs and see what I can get for it. I'll come find you before I go, Florin."
"Last call for dibs on any of this stuff." Xenia calls out each piece as she stuffs it into her haversack.
MW Studded Leather, MW Buckler, MW Short Sword MW shortbow w/ 20 arrows MW Buckler 1 Potion CLW 1 emerald 3 white pearls 6 clear quartz An intricately designed ceramic bowl
To Be Identified: magical Cloak (Faint Abjuration) magical Studded Leather (Faint Transmutation) magical Short Sword (Faint Transmutation) 1 Potion (green stopper) -- opaque red color, smell/taste of raspberry (Moderate Abjuration) magical Wand (Faint Transmutation)
Xenia pockets Wynn's five 'p'. "Anybody want anything else while I'm down there?" she calls.
"Still don't know how we're going to divvy up this cash," she mumbles to herself.
Sunshine (Justin Webber) Friday June 4th, 2004 1:53:33 PM
(OOC:Was worried I got in to late to make this.)
Sunshine looks around at the empty house after the kids leave but stays near Lang also. Sunshine is very happy to be clean after being down in the trash level. Soon he is laying on the floor, yawning some as his pink tongue hangs out.
Lang Friday June 4th, 2004 10:17:49 PM
Lang takes a look around the now empty apartment and sighs at how quiet it is. "You know it was hectic with all the kids here, but at the same time it was fun."
As Xenia displays all the items from the adventure, he looks them over one by one and will closely look over the 2 short swords. "Well I would at least get the cloak and wand identified before you sell them as they may be useful for the group. The cure potion will probably be useful tomorrow if Florin meets with Jonas. The 2 short swords are of better quality than the short sword I use with my left hand. As they were found before I joined group I cannot lay any claim on them though."
"Xenia, all I need for supplies is about 20 arrows to replace the ones that I shot the grove guardian with. If I end up going with Angus back to the trash level could you pick me up some while you are at the catacombs? Here is a gold piece to pay for it."
"Angus if time permits I will go back down to the trash level if you need me."
"Florin, I will find a nice spot outside the Giggling Ghost where I will be make some pin cushions out of any Anvil Hearts that show up. Sunshine will run any down that try to escape."
More Prep (DM MikeK) Saturday June 5th, 2004 8:15:17 PM
[This is my Friday post. Sorry]
Florin starts making plans for the coming encounter with Jonas.
In the meantime, Angus suggests paying another trip to the Trash Level. The man suggests using an invisibility spell, although everyone remembers its a 20 minute trip from the apartments to the Trash Level itself.
Xenia takes off for the Catacombs.
Tionel sleeps it off.
Xenia Saturday June 5th, 2004 8:39:19 PM
Xenia pops her head into The Catacombs hoping to find Florin already there. Nope. Musta missed him somewhere. That really nice Renik guy, who she was half hoping to see here again, is not here either.
With a shrug, she bops in and takes a ticket, then dumps all the stuff out onto the counter. She puts the pile to be identified on one side, and the stuff they know in another.
"Hokay, first, get the stuff identified and priced," she says, going over her plan out loud with herself. "Then, once we know what we have, and how much it's worth, we can decide what we want to keep and how to split it all up."
Good.
A cute little pixie comes barreling out of the back room.
Well, that's service. The dark rogue smiles.
The pixie huffs a few times, out of breath. She's covered in soot and her robes are in tatters. A bit singed too.
Something's happening out there somewhere, the dark rogue thinks to herself.
Florin Jadenth Sunday June 6th, 2004 2:21:25 AM
Florin stops in long enough to see about renting a room from Happy before heading to the catacombs to meet up with Xenia.
(OOC:I'll post here that I'm in the catacombs till the transaction stuff is done so I'm not counted as missing a post during the week.)
Wynn Brightsong Sunday June 6th, 2004 9:26:19 AM
"Angus, if the invisibility spell will not last long enough, perhaps we should wait until Xenia returns with the disguise kit. I could make us up to look like the unfortunates we saw living on the trash level. We would be less conspicuous. We could use the invisibility spell at the last minute to find out what their plans are and to use that to our advantage at Florin's meeting."
Syr (is back!) Monday June 7th, 2004 1:50:04 PM
Syr looks at Florin and waits a moment before speaking, "The time for regret is over. Justice must be served. Jonas must be held accountable for his actions. I agree that we can't bring the violence to Ghost especially with the children there. You have my support as long as your resolve is strong." Those watching sense a burning fire inside the small elf.
Chiming in after Wynn, "Angus, depending on what happens at the Ghost, you may want to save that invisibility spell to follow Jonas. The quickest way back to the snakes lair is to let him lead us."
The elf heads up to the roof where he spends the rest of the day staring down at the burnt ashes of the orphanage.
Sunshine (Justin Webber) Monday June 7th, 2004 3:32:59 PM
Sunshine continues to relax and hang close to Lang as he rests. All the walking and playing with the kids has sucked alot of the energy from him and a small rest is helpful.
(OOC: MikeK, the game is fine so far I think. I have noticed that the post are kind of coming slow but I was just thinking it was do to summer, school being out, etc.)
Another Night (DM MikeK) Monday June 7th, 2004 9:14:01 PM
Not coming to any consensus, Angus' idea about another excursion to the Trash Level dies a lethargic death.
Xenia and Florin go shopping, Syr contemplates the ruined orphanage, and Tionel sleeps off a bender.
Lang and Wynn will notice the green marble statuette is still in their new room when they retire. It depicts a blacksmith forging a glaive and shield. The isignia on the shield looks like Florin's. Perhaps the statuette belongs to the paladin?
The night passes in eeire silence.
Morning dawns, and preparations begin. Lady Firiona is due in a couple hours. Florin's meeting with Jonas is a couple hours later. But first, somebody has got to answer the steady banging on the door.
Its a Guardsman, an officer by the look of her isignia. "I'm Captain Elveran," the half elf says crisply. "I'm looking for Florin, of the Temple of Domi, or any member of his group."
Angus Monday June 7th, 2004 9:15:55 PM
"I still think we should try to make one more trip down to the trash level to find the Anvil Heart's hideout. We can wait until Xenia gets back but only if it will allow enough time for me to recoup my spell ability. How many of the group are willing and ready to make another trip down there to bring justice to the orphanage?"
"Wynn, perhaps it will be best to use the disguise kits to get down to the trash level and then use the invisibility spells at that point."
"Xenia I will take the Cure Light Wounds potion if no one else desires it."
Florin Jadenth Monday June 7th, 2004 9:56:38 PM
Florin is still in the catacombs taking care of re-outfitting.
(OOC:Just have to hope MikeK allows stuff to be delivered before the meeting ot Florin will be introuble :) .)
Xenia Monday June 7th, 2004 10:36:32 PM
"Chromatic Dragons!" The dark rogue bursts into the apartments. "Plateau City is being attacked by Chromatic Dragons!"
"I'm not finished at The Catacombs yet. Be right back," she says in a rush, and dashes back out.
Comment (Justin Webber) Monday June 7th, 2004 10:38:09 PM
(OOC: MikeK, you might want to erase this note off the board later but with the worm infecting my computer for alittle longer I have to post this here for the other players to see. I think this time around that the players should see about self imporvements before we donate money to the group fund. I personaly would like to improve Florin's armor and his primary weapon. I do think the group fund is a good idea and am willing to donate some of what money my character has left to the fund, keeping alittle for misc things. I know not all of the group might agree with this since some character's need less stuff then others but please remember that the tank like members who wear heavy armor and such really need the updated stuff to keep themselves going in combat and to help protect the other members as much as possible. Thats my piece and I hope no one is offended by any of my comments here. Thank you MikeK for allowing me to post this here to, if it was okay with you anyway.)
Wynn d20+6=24 d20+1=17 Monday June 7th, 2004 11:47:16 PM
Wynn moves towards the door, and opens it slowly. He gives the guardwoman called Elveran the once over, and asks "how may I help you?" (Diplomacy=24) He tries to ascertain her motives from the tone of her voice. (Sense Motive=17)
Tionel Tuesday June 8th, 2004 5:28:04 AM
Tionel comes downstairs...rubbing his head. So drunk he couldn't even reverie...most elves would be embarassed. He's just bemused.
Syr Tuesday June 8th, 2004 2:33:55 PM
The elf sees the Captain of the Guard approaching from his vantage point and comes down to join the others. As he drops down from the roof, his spirits seem slightly better.
Arriving at the door he addresses the Captain, "You've found the people that put up with him, is that close?" Adding as an afterthought, "Is this because he painted his armor? I thought that black was a little excessive but you know those ... Domites? Nothing gets done without a vow, oath, or pledge it seems."
Winding down as he sees Elveran is unamused he echoes Wynn's question, "How may we help you?"
Behave Yourselves (DM MikeK) Tuesday June 8th, 2004 8:17:42 PM
Captain Elveran takes in Syr's bantering with a bemused half smile, until monk figures out she seems to be serious.
While hardly physically imposing, the half elf with the cropped black hair carries an air of command. She is used to giving orders, and even more used to having them obeyed.
"We've been investigating the fire across the way," she says in a businesslike tone, "and it seems you folks have already decided who is responsible." She looks at each person in turn, her face softening just a touch. "I understand you've a personal interest, but I must warn you that the City Guard will not tolerate vigilante justice. If you've got evidence, give it to us, and let us do our jobs. Because if folks with an Anvil Heart on their outfits start turning up dead, you fellows are going to find yourselves in front of a judge."
She looks at Wynn, Syr, and Tionel in turn, appraising each one for several moments.
"Please. You're good people. And you helping the orphans from that place is great. Don't screw it up by murdering a couple Trash Level thugs. Because we will have to come after you. We won't like it. But we will."
As far as Wynn can tell, the Guardswoman is totally sincere.
Wynn d20+7=19 Tuesday June 8th, 2004 11:03:06 PM
"Lle Lakwenien?"* says the bard as he steps back from the door hands raised to shoulder height and palms out with a look of total innocence on his face. (Bluff=19)
"Whatever gave you the idea that we're out to get the...what-did-you-call-them...Anvil Hearts?"
Wynn will let those with more experience and knowledge of Floating City and it's laws continue the dialogue with the guardswoman. When she turns away from him, he will give her form an appraising look.
*Are you joking?
Xenia Tuesday June 8th, 2004 11:16:39 PM
Xenia returns from the Catacombs. She's wearing this pair of lenses on her little dark nose. It almost makes her look kind of studious. She comes in on the tail end of the "please don't screw those murdering Trash Level thugs" speech.
"So? What? She ask us to leave off?" The dark rogue gets this pouty stubborn look on her face. "You know what they said when Florin and I went down to see the City Guard? They guy said he never heard of the Anvil Hearts and that they'd send someone around to us." Her green eyes narrow behind the new lenses.
"I guess that was that someone. I wonder if she's actually heard of them? Or if she just doesn't want someone to get cut up on her watch?"
Her own words trigger images of the dead Anvil Hearts stacked up like so many sacks of grain, dead and staring hacked up meat. She sees the bodies of the witches and the guards hired by the witches; dead as well in the Crying Woods. Xenia draws in a long slow breath, and lets it out in a quiet sigh.
"Here's your disguise kit, Wynn," she says, and flops down onto the couch with arms crossed, staring up at the ceiling.
Tionel Wednesday June 9th, 2004 3:15:25 AM
The normally pleasant skinny elf flies out of his chair, gripping his morning glass of juice, and bursts into outraged stuttering at the guardswoman. "I can't believe you...you're going to let that (swear word) Jonas get away with this? He killed little children, for Wold's sake! And why shouldn't we go after him ourselves? When was the last time you guards dealt with a real problem?" With an, outraged growl, he flings the glass on the ground, smashing it messily. "I will not let a moraleless murderer get away with this out of respect for the law or this city's authority. But..." he visibly calms down... "Okay, I will let the laws try to get him, and aid you however we can...but if you don't have this *expletive* in a week, I'm going after him." After a bit, he plops down into the chair, cradling his hangover-aching head... "I'm sorry I insulted you guards. I know you're just trying your best... But this whole business is so unfair and frustrating."
Lang Wednesday June 9th, 2004 9:28:31 AM
Lang will listen to Captain Elveran's warning about taking matters into their own hands and the responses from his comrades.
Lang asks Captain Elveran in all seriousness, "So what has your investigation revealed so far? Have the person or persons responsible for the killing of innocent children been apprehended? What has been done so far to find the killer or killers? How come know one has interviewed the only surviving adult of the fire on what he saw? Or any of the children for that matter?"
"How exactly are you going to know that a dead person is an Anvil Heart and not just a citizen of the Floating City? Let's say for instance that a dead person is found in the Floating City and the city guard determines that it is an Anvil Heart. Are you going to go after that person's killer with the same determination as you are with the killer of innocent children?"
Lang's last question to her is meant to get a response out of her (said with a serious look on his face), "Well I guess if the city guard does their job and arrests the responsible parties, then concerned residents of the Floating City will not have to take matters into their own hands."
After Captain Elveran leaves Lang will turn to his companions and say, "It appears that the Hearts have a hold on the city guard if they can get them to come over here and threaten us. What she said does not change my resolve on bringing justice for the children."
Florin Jadenth Wednesday June 9th, 2004 3:04:35 PM
Florin is still at the catacombs but will talk on the matter when he returns and is filled in on what happened.
Syr Wednesday June 9th, 2004 3:21:04 PM
A rush of emotion swells up in the elf and he quietly asks the captain, "Where was the guard when the thugs broke in and attacked the orphanage? Where was the guard when they murdered Mother Flauset? Where was the guard when children died?" With a sarcastic and almost hostile tone he glares at Elveran, "Sure the guard was there for crowd control but isn't that after the fact?"
He takes the note that he took from the door after the orphanage burned and hands it to the captain, "Does this look like it wasn't planned? Instead of threatenting us, why not go after the real criminals."
He waits a moment before slamming the door behind the Elveran and growls out, "I'll be on the roof if anyone needs me." He then stalks back up the stairs obviously in a sour mood once again.
Hi Mom! Send Money! (DM MikeK) Wednesday June 9th, 2004 4:04:04 PM
Wynn's profession of complete innocence earns him an amused half smile from Captain Elveran, but it quickly fades in a long sigh as the rest of the group chimes in. The Guardswoman does a remarkable job maintaining her professional composure as the group accuses her of everything from plain incompetence to outright collaboration.
At the end of it, she takes some extra time to carefully choose her words, lips pressed together tightly under flashing green eyes.
"I am sorry for your loss," she says eventually in a soft monotone. "I understand your frustration, and can only say we are investigating this tragedy as best we can. I am not trying to threaten you. You are good people. But you are also very upset and heavily armed, and therefore I am compelled to ask you to not take matters into your own hands, and make a bad situation even worse."
She takes the note from Syr, and scans it. "I'd like to keep this," she says quietly. "It will help with the case."
The half elf takes her leave. Anybody paying attention to her departure will see her shoulders slump as he shakes her head in resignation.
A couple hours pass as Florin returns and gets filled in.
Then, another visitor is at the door. This one is expected.
A fine horse drawn carriage rolls to a halt in front of the apartment. A man in red livery descends to open the side door for a well-dressed matronly woman with dark hair. The man taps on the door. "Lady Firiona," he announces to whoever opens it "Here to speak with the druid Tionel."
As he speaks, the woman takes a long look at the burned out orphanage with sad eyes.
Florin Jadenth Wednesday June 9th, 2004 7:16:43 PM
(OOC:MikeK, my buisness at the catacombs is very close to being finished but if you don't mind I will post her now for game matters.)
Florin hears what is happening and frowns at what he is told. Florin after many moments growls, "The guard be danged. I'm not going to wait and let this get out of hand. What are they going to do anyway? arresting them isn't going to help considering they won't get them all and the anvil hearts will just want revenge for this matter and we will be their first target. We all very muchly know that."
Florin shakes his head more, "The stupid guard doesn't even know where to find the anvil heart or heard of them the last time we spoke." Florin hears the knock at the door and knows who it is but looks to Xenia and the others, "I'm going to go up and sit with Syr alittle while. I'm not in a good mood and do not want to offend the kind lady."
With this said Florin goes up to join Syr, sitting down alittle ways from the man and closing his eyes as he sighs, "Syr, you guys should back out of my plans now. I don't want none of you in jail. The guard may not do anything to the anvil heart but they surely will to us." Florin glances over to Syr and smiles to the man gently, "the laws the guard speaks of can be smashed on Domi's anvil, only Domi will stop my actions now and no sign has made itself clear to me. Some godly act or vision." Florin closes his eyes again and sighs, thinking of the life he is chosing and the penalties.
Xenia Wednesday June 9th, 2004 8:03:29 PM
Xenia answers the door. Oh. Oh. Another Gold Level type.
"Please, come in," she says, opening the door and standing aside to underscore her offer. "Please, come in," she calls again more loudly to the woman in the street.
"Um, would you like something to drink? Maybe some kaffe or some tea. I think we have some lemwedge juice, and I might be able to scrounge up some cookies."
"Oh, um, maybe not," she says reversing the statement. "And I bet the lemwedge is all gone too. We just had the children in here, and haven't gone shopping since. You know how that is. Or ... maybe you don't."
"Um, I'll just start the kaffe, and put some water on for tea. Um, have a seat. I'll be right back."
Wynn Brightsong Wednesday June 9th, 2004 8:25:57 PM
Wynn opens up the case of supplies brought by Xenia from the Catacombs and inspects teh contents. A number of different hair pieces, false beards and moustaches, powders, dyes, make-up, as well as the materials to alter the shape of various facial features.
Wynn brings the case to the room he is sharing with Lang and stores it behind the dresser. He will look for a more secure hiding place later.
As he is about to leave he spots the green marble blacksmith. "I wonder whose this is?" he thinks. The bard picks up the statue and brings it down to the common room. "I found this in our room, did one of you leave it there?"
Lang Wednesday June 9th, 2004 9:46:21 PM
Lang will conveniently excuse himself when the Lady Firiona arrives with her servant, mumbling something about taking Sunshine for a walk before he makes a mess in the house.
Once outside Lang breathes a sigh of relief. He will slowly, stroll around the apartment building, letting Sunshine lead the way for the most part. He is lost in thoughts about Florin's and the group's next actions.
When his trip brings him back to the front of the building, he will try to strike up a friendly conversation with the lady's servant.
Angus Wednesday June 9th, 2004 10:07:36 PM
Angus listens to Captain Elveran and decides that it is best to keep his mouth shut as she speaks and as the rest of the group asks her questions and vent their frustration.
When she is gone, Angus turns to the group, "I still think we should make a trip down to the Trash Level to do more scouting. Perhaps only 2 or 3 should go to make it quick and easy to move around. Wynn are you still game to go? And to try out your new disguise kit?"
When Wynn brings the green marble blacksmith statue down, Angus will cast a detect magic to see if it is magic. He will state that it is not his and also tell the group if the statue is magic or not.
When the Lady Firiona arrives, Angus will sit in on the conversation, but let Tionel and Xenia do all the talking to her. He will introduce himself if the opportunity presents itself.
Sunshine (Justin Webber) Thursday June 10th, 2004 12:59:34 AM
(OOC:Thanks for bringing the statue up again. I had completely forgotten that Florin asked Bralin to carve it for him. Thanks once more for the reminder.)
Sunshine walks around the house with Lang, sniffing everything he comes acorss and of marking his territory, etc. When he gets to the front of the house with Lang he looks to the servant guy. Sunshine's hairs begins to stand alittle and he stands very still as he watches the man. He just is being cautious since he has never seen the man before this time.
Syr Thursday June 10th, 2004 2:29:55 PM
As the paladin joins him, "We make for a gloomy pair don't we? You, in all black, and me perched up here like a gargoyle."
After Florin finishes speaking he sighs and the two sit there for a while, "You still don't understand, once my parents were killed the orphanage is all I have known. With Mother Flauset gone, it just doesn't feel quite right anymore. What does feel right... is you guys. YOU are my family now. When you walk in to the Ghost you don't walk in alone, you walk in for all of us. I only see two choices at this time, seeking vengeance or getting the law to take action."
Staring down at the husk of the orphanage, he shakes his head sadly, "To get the law involved we must have irrefutable proof of that crime or another crime. For that reason, I like Angus' idea of finding out where their hideout is. Then we just have to find proof. On the other side, what if Lang's right? The guards are protecting the Hearts? Proof may not be enough."
The elf gets up and squeezes on the paladin's shoulder, "Sitting up here it's easy to get perspective looking at things. It's obvious that if we do go after the Anvil Hearts the law will come after us. For now, I'm okay with that. To me, the city was the orphanage. With it gone, why should we remain? Assuming things were ugly with the Anvil Hearts and we had to flee, where would we go? The mainland of course. I've thought this through, the druids need more of a presence on the mainland and there is the new settlement starting... I'm sure we could use that somehow." He looks down at his hand bemused and wipes the black stain on the roof, "After all, what do we have to fear besides overgrown snails and hyperactive vines?
As the carriage comes to a stop in front of the house, "I see Lady Fiorina pulling up. Hopefully, she can help the orphans with more permanent housing. I'm guessing Gordo will take Mother's place. I hope he's ready for the responsibility."
Tionel Thursday June 10th, 2004 4:03:35 PM
Tionel comes downstairs to see the Lady has already accepted Xenia's offer and entered. "My lady," he politely greets, and takes her hand while bowing. After offering her a seat (and pulling it back like a gentleman and such), he sits across from her at the fine table that makes up the center of the room. "Thank you for coming, and I apologize for having to notify you of this tragedy. It is a sad day when suffering happens to innocents so undeserving of it, and yet what can we do but pick up the pieces and attempt to restore their happiness and bring some measure of normality to their disrupted lives? Orphans already live in a sad enough world. But with Mama, er, Madame Flaust now gone, it must be a dark state indeed. She was like a mother to so many. "I know it is asking a great deal from your compassion and charity, but we alone cannot find homes for these orphans. We need to find another orphanage that can accept them, or a woman willing to oversee one. Or perhaps Gordo, who has always had such a way with the young, can oversee them, while we assist when we can... So, I'm asking, no, begging you, my lady, for help for the children." He looks at her with heartfelt eyes. "I never wish to see such young souls so sad again..." He waits to hear her reply.
The Lady (DM MikeK) Thursday June 10th, 2004 4:31:29 PM
"Oh yes, thank you. Some tea would be lovely dear," Lady Firiona responds politely to Xenia's invitation. She looks at the girl more closely. "I don't recall your face. Are you new here?"
"Or you either," she remarks as Lang and Sunshine leave. "Or you," as Angus sits down.
The Lady starts getting a bit cross. "Is there anyone living in this house that actually earned it?"
Before anyone really has time to reply, Tionel arrives to save the day. Lady Firiona beams at him and sits down next to the elf. She has already quite forgotten her poorly worded outburst from a moment before. As Tionel explains the situation, Lady Firiona reveals herself as a woman who wears her emotions on her sleeve. She sighs in melancholy agreement of his assessment of the loss of Mama Flaust. Her eyes flash in righteous indignation at the group's inability to find homes for the orphans. And she nods sympathetically as he ends with his plea for help.
"Well of course I'll help you. After all, you saved my life! And the lives of many of those sad children I'm sure! My lady friends and I have been collecting donations ever since your note came the other day. And I like Gordo. He's a good man, a kind man."
She pauses, looking about.
"Where is Gordo? If he's thinking of becoming master of those dear ones, he should be here to discuss their future home. In fact, where are the children?"
Once she learns Gordo and the kids are at the Giggling Ghost, she is on her feet. "Well, lets go then! Terrance, prepare the carriage. We're off to this Ghost place!"
---
Meanwhile, Wynn brings down the statuette he found. Nobody claims it, and Angus can confirm it has no magical properties.
The statuette depicts a large human blacksmith standing behind a huge, waist high anvil. The blacksmith has close cropped hair, and stripped to his waist. He holds a large hammer high in a massive hand, just beginning his downstroke upon the blade of a glaive which he holds in tongs with his other hand. Engraved on the front side of the anvil is the Woldian symbol of Domi. Leaning against the anvil is a completed shield, also engraved with Domi's symbol. Upon the base of the statuette are raised block letters, which read 'DOMI'S PRIDE' in the Common tongue.
---
Florin and Syr contemplate choices and repercussions up on the roof.
Florin Jadenth Thursday June 10th, 2004 8:11:31 PM
Florin looks to Syr and ponders before standing and patting his friends shoulder in return, "I have to admit that this all has made me wonder if me being leader is smart my friend. The result of what I said before had a heavy penalty and I do not know where to even begin making amends for that. This is something the temple doesn't train us for...the father I spoke to just said to keep forgiveness and compassion for the enemy and everyone but it is truely hard to do it right now with the anvil heart and even worse is that showing it again to the..errr..anvil heart will cause problems with my current friends." Florin shakes his head and looks down at his hand he weilds his sword in, "My father sent me to the temple to try and gain higher ranking in the city. I bucked him by taking on a commoners standing in the city. He would be over joyed or maybe even want me back if I start breaking my vows now and acted less like I have been."
Florin sighs and motions to the house, "We should go inside my friend and meet with the noble lady." With that said Florin heads back inside with the others. When he sees Wynn and the statue he notices the stone that statue is made out of and smiles, "Bralin finished it. Bralin was going to carve a statue of Domi for me. He finished it before he had to leave. I will have to try and get a letter or something to him thanking him."
Florin moves over to the noble lady lastly and bows deeply to her, "I'm sorry for leaving so abruptly earlier. It was not polite to not stay long enough to atleast introduce myself and greet the noble and kind lady that has helped with the orphans all this time." Florin smiles to her, "My name is Florin Jadenth, a paladin of Domi and of some ranking in the temple of Domi but not enough to be mentioned really. I'm sure sooner or later that word might get to you so I will say now that I take part responsability for what happened to the orphanage. I have been told by my friend Gordo that the two leading the attack were a pair of anvil hearts that I showed mercy to."
Florin bows his head and steps back, "I am sorry for the loss it has caused you and the orphans and can only pray that you will not hold this against me noble lady."
Florin will shoot anyone who speaks up on Florin taking half blame a dirty look since he does feel to blame on the matter.
(OOC:MikeK, I bought some stuff in the catacombs but have a small problem. With the worm currently possesing my computer I can't chance emailing you the info so I'm looking to see if someone will email it to you for me or maybe you might beable to drop in the catacombs and look at it. Sorry for the trouble here.)
Lang Thursday June 10th, 2004 8:59:38 PM
Lang sees the Lady come out of the apartment and get into her carriage. As she and members of his group head towards the Giggling Ghost he and Sunshine will trail behind them.
Once at the Giggling Ghost he will find a comfortable spot near the front door and hang out with Sunshine until the group is done inside.
Angus Thursday June 10th, 2004 9:10:35 PM
Angus is glad that there is someone who is willin to help out the children of the orphanage. He introduces himself to the Lady Firiona and tells her that even though he is a new companion of Tionel and the group, the safety and well being of the children is first and foremost on his mind.
When Lady Firiona decides it is time to go to the Giggling Ghost to see Gordao and the children, Angus will politely excuse himself, saying he is exhausted from the days activities and must get some rest for his frail body.
After she has left, Angus will inquire from Wynn or anyone else if they desire to go to the Trash level again for more scouting.
Xenia Thursday June 10th, 2004 9:26:21 PM
"Um ... " Xenia starts as the Lady gives her the once over. "Er ... " She interjects as the Lady gets on a roll. "Whew," the red-headed rogue breathes when Tionel finally arrives and calms the woman down.
Xenia goes to the kitchen to fix some tea.
She comes back in a few moments with a tray of tea things and a small plate of crispy fish snacks that the kids wouldn't eat. The Lady says something about Gordo and going down to the Ghost. She rises, and then charges off. The dark rogue stands in the doorway to the kitchen. She blinks a few times, and then puts the tray out on the table anyway, pouring herself a cup.
Wynn comes down with a statue. "Hey!" Xenia says around a mouthful of crispy fish snack. "I think that's the statue that Bralin was carving just before he left." She looks at it again. "I think."
"I think he made it for Florin. Hey, that's pretty good," she says, taking in the details while munching on a fish snack.
Suddenly Xenia freezes mid-bite. She stands bolt upright and looks at Wynn, and then Angus, and anybody else who's around.
"That woman said she was going to the Giggling Ghost, right?" she asks.
"Isn't this the day Jonas was supposed to meet Florin at the Giggling Ghost too?!?!?"
Wynn Brightsong Thursday June 10th, 2004 11:13:39 PM
Wynn hands the statue to Florin and bows deferentially to the leader of the group. "Florin, I will have your back when you meet Jonas, but first give us leave to visit the trash level and infiltrate the headquarters of the Anvil Hearts." He nods towards Angus, "We may discover what plans they may have for your upcoming encounter with Jonas, or more about their motives."
"Xenia, will you join us?" Wynn wonders how they will disguise her exotic beauty but knows that her skills will serve them well on their mission. As he thinks about what is required he realizes that he has been staring at her, and quickly looks away, hoping he hasn't been to obvious.
Tionel Friday June 11th, 2004 1:17:56 AM
"My lady, thank you." Tionel's voice contains deep sincerity and a sigh of relief. He accompanies her in the carriage to the Giggling Ghost, giving the driver directions if need be. Along the way, he explains some of his new friends as emissaries from the druid, and blatantly (but entertainingly!) lies, explains Xenia as one of the freed prisoners of the witches in the Crying Woods. He goes on to then explain some of that mission, entertaining her on the way with a few of their heroics... When the carriage comes to a stop at the Giggling Ghost, he hops out after the driver opens the door and offers her his hand to assist her to the inn. "Gordo is looking after the orphans inside...along with Daphne, that darling ghost maiden who I mentioned we had rescued in the forest."
Syr Friday June 11th, 2004 5:00:03 AM
As he follows Florin downstairs he quietly says, "You have my confidence, if being a leader was easy then everyone would be one."
Joining the Lady in the carriage he kisses her hand lightly and sits down, "I guess you heard what happened with us? How have you been, busy?"
Confluence (DM MikeK) Friday June 11th, 2004 2:11:34 PM
Florin and Syr come downstairs. Lady Firiona beams at the monk and extends her hand with an easy grace. "I'm a noblewoman," she answers Syr with a twinkle in her eye. "Noblewomen are never busy." The dark haired woman beams broadly at her own joke.
When Florin introduces himself and takes the blame for the death of the orphans, she waves a hand at him dismissively. "Oh fiddlesticks," she retorts. "The only people responsible for that fire are the horrible bunch that set it. Now, I'll hear no more of that kind of talk. Crying in your tea about the nature of the Wold gets you nothing but bad tasting tea."
She takes Tionel's hand. "Now let's speak with Gordo."
Lady Firiona and Tionel ride to the Giggling Ghost, with Lang and Sunshine trailing behind. The woman hangs on the druid's every word. It is a fine performance, and she is suitably impressed with the group by the time the carriage arrives at the inn.
Tionel and Firiona enter the Giggling Ghost and are directed to a wing on the second floor. There, they find Gordo in a room overlooking the others. All three greet each other warmly, and the big monk invites everyone in. Immediately the discussion begins, concerning the location of the new site, the possibility of Gordo taking over as master, and even funeral arrangements for Mama Flaust and the poor children who died in the fire. The discussion shows every sign of continuing for a while.
Lang enters the Ghost about 10 minutes later. He can join the trio in Gordo's room, or head someplace else?
Angus and Wynn still want Florin's permission to go down to the Trash Level, but Xenia interrupts everyone with her recollection of the time. The meeting with Jonas is in 100 minutes. Just getting to the Black Thorn Inn and back will take nearly an hour.
Florin Jadenth Friday June 11th, 2004 3:33:25 PM
Before leaving the group apartment Florin will go to one of the free rooms for just a moment to change into his newest equipment purchased in the catacombs. Tinting his armor with the charcoal once again so it is black in color for now.
Florin walks out of the room and lets those he can know his plans to go to the place to meet Jonas. Florin now is wearing a half-plate armor and at his side rests his old sword but now the handle has been designed to look like a dragon, the hilt resembling the dragon's wings. The two eyes of the dragon have a single ruby in it to resemble eyes.
Florin looks to those he sees at the apartments and comments, "I do not know if you will have time for scouting before my meeting but you all must do what you think is best needed at this time. For now I go to be ready for the meeting." Florin moves out the door and makes his way to where he is to meet Jonas.
Xenia Friday June 11th, 2004 6:22:23 PM
Something in the dark rogue responds, and her green eyes seek Wynn's as she touches him gently on the arm. "Well yeah, I'll go with you guys, Wynn," she says. "But, I dunno if we should go now. I mean, I can just imagine those two in the same building together."
"I mean, you know, that Gold Level woman looked like she can get pretty hot under the collar. And, you know, I can see her, like, figuring out who Jonas is, and, you know, not having the smarts not to give him a piece of her mind."
"She could wind up dead! Or kidnapped!"
"Maybe we should go with Florin for now, huh? Maybe we could do like Syr suggested? Follow Jonas from The Ghost?"
"Oh my god! Do you think Tionel knows that Jonas is due at The Ghost any minute? Where's Syr? Where's Lang?"
And the wheels keep turning.
Lang d20+5=25 Friday June 11th, 2004 9:37:23 PM
Lang enters the Giggling Ghost and sees that the group is not in the main area and realizes that they must be upstairs in Gordo's room. He stays near the door and looks around the Giggling Ghost for anything that might concern him (Spot 25 - natural 20).
He waits a short time to see if the discussions with Gordo will be over quickly. When the group does not come down from Gordo's room after a few minutes, he decides to leave and hustle back to the apartment with Sunshine.
"Tionel and Lady Firiona are at the Giggling Ghost with Gordo up in his room.", Lang will tell the remaining group members in the apartment.
*** If Lang saw something unusual at the GG he will tell the group.
Lang asks the group, "The meeting with Jonas is coming up quickly, do we have a game plan?"
OOC - I am assuming that Xenia, at this point, hands Lang the magic shortsword after returning from her trip to the catacombs.
Sunshine (Justin Webber) Saturday June 12th, 2004 4:05:00 AM
Sunshine follows Lang and licks his owners hand as he follows close by. Sunshine has had a small nap and is ready to go again.
Wynn Brightsong Sunday June 13th, 2004 11:16:21 AM
"I will go to the ghost in disguise before the appointed time to make sure that Florin is not walking into a trap. This Jonas does not know me, and in disguise I will attract little attention."
Wynn looks over the rest of the group. They look like adventurers. Certainly not common folk. "I suggest we all attend incognito. That way we will not be recognized by either the Anvil Hearts or the City Guard. I will assist in disguising any who wish it."
Wynn will scour the neighbourhood for old clothes and other assorted items to compliment the items in his disguise kit.
Syr Monday June 14th, 2004 2:30:58 AM
Syr gathers anyone still left at the aprtments and heads to the Giggling Ghost. Once there he signals to everyone to gather together, "Guys, can we discuss a plan to help Florin?"
Angus d20+3=10 Monday June 14th, 2004 9:21:47 AM
Angus thinks to himself that there just is not enough time to go to the trash level and be back to the GG for Jonas's execution/meeting. Angus also heads to the GG ghost and upon hearing Lang's inquiry speaks up also. " Do we have a plan or are we winging it? Do we talk, capture Jonas for the authorities, not my preference, or burn him alive, most preferable. Just wondering?" Angus adds as he orders a glass of wine, sits down and puts his feet on the table.
Looking to Xenia. "My I buy you a drink for all the troulbe you went through at the catacombs? Also thanks for the CLW potion."
Angus will survey the GG (spot10) but is more interested in his wine.
Tionel d20+2=20 Monday June 14th, 2004 9:45:50 AM
Tionel will, of course, take as much time as necessary to talk over the changes with the Lady. He's obviously grateful for her aid, and shows every sign of doing whatever she asks, and helps as much as he can, which isn't that much. He mentions, for example, that the group has a close relation to the clerics of domi, so perhaps they could help with the funerals. In any case, he probably loses track of the time, as he is completely forgotten about the meeting with Jonas.
The Clock Ticks.... (DM MikeK) Monday June 14th, 2004 11:02:28 AM
Lang looks around the Ghost, but sees nothing out of the ordinary. The tavern floor is only sparsely populated, as would be expected in the midmorning. Satisfied that nothing out of the ordinary awaits, the ranger returns to the apartments and reports what he found to the group.
Florin heads off to the Ghost, and the rest of the group discusses next steps.
Wynn performs a quick "Find some local clothes" mission, and in half an hour scrounges enough capes and old clothes for a couple of people. Any more scrounging and the half elf is in danger of not getting to the inn early enough.
With the bard back, Xenia, Lang, Wynn, Syr, and Angus get together to change into a disguise and come up with a plan. Again, Wynn only has enough clothing to disguise two people.
Florin walks onto the mostly empty tavern floor of the Giggling Ghost. Other than Happy, who studiously ignores the paladin, there is no one around that he recognizes. A couple of humans sit in one corner, whispering to themselves. And two more humans are playing cards near the center of the floor.
---
Gordo and Lady Firiona have agreed that Gordo will take over running the new orphanage. The big man nods in approval of Tionel's suggestion to include the Temple of Domi in the funeral arrangements. "Good thinking, son." he says, slapping the druid on the back. "I'll get word to them as soon as I can." There is a difference of opinion on the new orphanage's location. Gordo wants to rebuild on the old site. "We've got to show we won't be moved," he argues. "Plus, the group will be nearby most of the time to help. Plus, that's where Mama died, and we should honor her on that site." "We can bury the good Mother Flaust on that plot, Gordo." Firiona replies, "But, placing the kids on the Merchant Level keeps them safer. They'll be farther from the Trash Level, and away from the bad influences of those dirty sailors here. There's a lot of good hardworking folks on the Merchant Level, and that'll rub off too." Eventually both turn to Tionel. "What do you think?"
The meeting is in one hour.
Angus Monday June 14th, 2004 12:54:05 PM
Angus comments to Wynn. " I do not need to be disguised as I will bend light instead. I can make invisible those that can not get a proper costume or find a suitable hiding place."
Angus looks around the room. " It it gets hostile, which is a possiblity, we may want to ask some of Happy's clientel to leave or at least check them out to see if they are with the gang." Inspecting the card players and the two whisperers Angus remarks. "We can not have Happy loose money, maybe we can buy the patrons dinner, tommorow. Any thoughts folks?" Angus leans back and finishes his wine and looks for Daphne for a refill.
Looking to Lang " I will give you two to one that the child killer Jonas does not even show up."
Angus adds eyeing Syr. "Since Florin is meeting with the scum, where should we all be positioned? I can turn two other people invisible in addition to myself."
Syr Monday June 14th, 2004 1:44:38 PM
Gathering the group around he continues in hushed tones, "Okay guys, here is what I suggest we do. You let me know if it's okay? Florin's kinda flaked out on us from his guilt-ridden self pity act. I think we are just going to have help those that don't want to be helped."
Looking at the two newest members of the party,"Wynn and Lang? Neither Jonas nor any of the Anvil Hearts has ever met you. You two show up shortly after Florin. He can't say anything without giving away that he knows you. Just stay on hand in case things get ugly."
In a hurried whisper he turns to the sorcerer, "Angus? Do you think you can do your invisible trick on you and short, dark, and lovely to stay close to their conversation? After the meeting, it will be time for the two of you to do some scouting and trail him down to the trash level."
"Lang, I know you are the most skeptical in regards to the guard's loyalty, what do you think of getting Captain Elveran and using Angus' last invisible spell? If Florin can get Jonas to admit that he burned the orphanage... It might be worth a shot if you want to go get her quickly?"
Turning to the druid, "Tionel, keep Lady Fiornia busy. Talk floor plans or decorating? The last thing we need is a noblewoman injured. Besides, she is just too kind natured to understand Jonas. " Nodding to Angus, "Oh, and buying off the existing patrons is a good idea. Tionel, can you use your persuasive powers and get them out of here?"
"Finally, I'm probably the fastest, I'll be up the stairs awaiting your call if there is trouble." Looking calm and resolved his eyes question everyone present, "Is there anything I missed?"
Florin Jadenth d20+2=6 Monday June 14th, 2004 6:21:38 PM
Florin pulls up a chair at one of the tables and sits down. Thinking over the matters at hand as he watches the people a waits to see if Jonas shows up. (Spot:6) Florin's mind is to much on the meeting though to pull any info from his surroundings so he waves to Daphne, "Can I get something to drink please Daphne, prefer something with not to much of a kick to it though." Florin almost smirks to himself since this is his first drink he has ordered with alcohol in it.
Florin closes his eyes while thinking to himself and a single thought goes through his head. He thinks a moment a moves to the bar and places his backpack with his gear on it on the bar, "Could you set this behind the bar for me." This way Florin only has his armor, longsword, and seems alittle less threatening hopefully. Florin does pull a small 2 ft length of his rope and cuts a piece of it and sticks it in one of his belt pouches.
Xenia d20+15=28 d20+15=28 d20+9=17 Monday June 14th, 2004 8:38:37 PM
"Hey," Xenia smacks Syrdeth on the arm. Though she smiles and her green eyes light with mirth. "Short, dark and ... yeah, ok."
"Just don't let Goldie downstairs, huh?"
"Lemme go in and have a look around." She pushes her new lenses up her dark nose with a gloved finger. "That's what these things are for."
Invisible or disguised, Xenia scouts the street outside of the GG, and working all the way around the building. (Spot 28) Once inside, she eyes each set of humans looking for clues that might mark them as Hearts. A liberal amount of eaves dropping is also in order, and she tries to piece together the bits of their conversation that she can pick up. (Spot 28 / Listen 17)
Wynn Brightsong d20+8=26 d20+16=36 d20+6=18 Monday June 14th, 2004 9:33:29 PM
Wynn brings out his disguise kit and sets to work on Xenia. First he mixes some powders together and brushes the mixture into the rogue's hair. In just a few minutes her hair has taken on the washed out appearance of a middle-aged women. Wynn quickly sets it in a tidy bun and then begins on her face. First he adds some breadth to her nose with some putty. The effect is two-fold, first to broaden the nose, the second is to de-emphasize her high cheekbones. Some cream here and a touch of powder there, and Xenia's face is several shades lighter than normal. Lastly, he hands Xenia a blouse and skirt he has pilfered from the neighbourhood. Both are large enough to fit over her armour, and with a bit of padding in the right places, the body of a plump, well endowed, merchant women takes shape. [Disguise = 26]
Once Xenia is finished, the bard dissappears and puts on his new hat. A few moments later he greets Xenia, resplendant in a bright red vest with gold buttons and black edging. A white shirt and black trousers complete the outfit along with what appears to be a walking stick and a feathered hat. The vest buttons appear ready to pop under the strain of a spreading waistline. To the untrained eye, Wynn looks almost a foot shorter and perhaps a foot wider than his normal appearance. His thin well trimmed goatee has been replaced by a greying beard that covers his jawline. [Disguise = 36]
"Ah, Alexandria" the bard exclaims, "a fine sight aren't we?" Wynn gives Xenia a playful hug from behind, his arms around her waist. "The very picture of middle class success. Husband and wife, out for a celebratory evening at the Giggling Ghost, an anniversary perhaps."
Wynn nods his head at Syr's suggestion that Lang fetch Captain Elveran and slip into the ghost under Angus' invisibility spell. If Jonas spills the beans he can be arrested, if not...well...
Wynn heads to the inn with Xenia and scouts the familiar tavern and it's surroundings for suspicious characters. He plays the role of doting husband and eventually takes a table from where he and Xenia can see the entire room. [Spot=18]
Lang Monday June 14th, 2004 10:46:57 PM
Lang also gets ready as everyone gets prepared for the meeting. He stows his Short Swords in his quiver and pulls out his Quarterstaff. He puts on his cloak to cover his chain shirt armor and will leave his backpack in his room.
"It may not be wise for me to not be near the group if it turns into a big battle. However, I understand the need to try to do this within the law. Sunshine and I will station ourselves outside, but nearby and try to remain inconspicuous."
"If Jonas shows up alone or in a small enough group, signal me and we will run & fetch Captain Elveran. If all heck breaks loose then we can either enter the building to help or prevent other Anvil Hearts from joining up with Jonas."
"What does Jonas look like so I can keep an eye out for him?"
Lang and Sunshine will take a different path and will leave shortly after the rest of the group leaves to go to the Giggling Ghost.
OOC - Did Captain Elveran tell us how to contact her?
OOC - How many entrances does the Giggling Ghost have?
Xenia Monday June 14th, 2004 11:02:57 PM
Xenia wiggles her bottom ever so slightly as the bard hugs her around the waist.
"Yes, Papa." The pleasingly-plump-and-not-so-dark-at-this-moment rogue leans back into Wynn's embrace. "We should get dressed up more often. And go out on the town."
This is going to be much more fun than she thought.
Stood up (DM MikeK) Tuesday June 15th, 2004 11:04:36 AM [The layout of the GG is available on the Library board. There are a couple entrances. Captain Elvaran did not leave contact instructions, although heading back to the local Guard house is a safe bet]
Florin gets rid of the bulk of his gear, which Happy stows in a side room.
A plump, middle-aged couple enter the inn and take seats along one wall. They are unremarkable. They have also rather closely inspected the exterior of the inn and found nothing of interest.
Syr enters the first floor and lounges in the lobby area.
Lang and Sunshine take a special interest in spices in a shop across from the inn. The ranger notices that Daphne the ghost frequently sticks her head out of the front door to giggle at passers-by.
Angus finishes his wine, and turns himself invisible.
Tionel continues speaking to Gordo and Lady Firiona in Gordo's room.
Minutes pass. Then dozens. Then scores.
As time rolls by, Angus reappears. It is also becoming evident that no guests are coming. Happy shrugs at Florin.
[Let me know how long you wait. Jonas never shows up. Nor does anyone else that raises any alarm bells.]
Upstairs, Gordo and Lady Firiona wait for Tionel's opinion on the location of the new orphanage.
Tionel Tuesday June 15th, 2004 12:46:42 PM
Tionel ponders that a moment, then replies, "Well, you both have good points. Let's think of what's best for the kids... And while I'm sure we want to be close to them, perhaps an environment up a level would be better for them. Especially if they're near the merchants, who can teach them trades or take apprentices, maybe we can arrange something like that with them. If we're going to take these kids off the streets, let's take them somewhere better." He hopes his decision is not met with derision, and looks somewhat apologetically to Gordo. "Plus, we take them away from bad memories...Gordo, these children need to move somewhere new, not stay there. And I'm sure our group will visit them, no matter where they are."
Angus Tuesday June 15th, 2004 12:57:27 PM
A while after Angus turns back visible he exclaims and hits the top of the table. " I knew that child killing scum would be too cowardly to show up!"
Angus orders another wine to calm his nerves. "Daphne one more please."
Angus takes his new glass of wine and introduces himself to the plump middle age couple. " Hello. I think I will go shopping for toys for the kids. We should consider our earlier scouting trip for tomorrow morning. I will see you at the apartments."
Angus leaves the GG and tracks down Lang across the street. "Want to help pick out some toys for the kids? In the mean time we can talk about a new scouting trip to the trash level tomorrow."
Angus will attempt to spend 10 gp on toys for all ages and sexes and has them delivered to the GG. The toys will center around grop games whenever possible, since we have a big group of kids.
Syr Tuesday June 15th, 2004 1:48:57 PM
The elf jumps when Angus reappears and becomes aware of the late time. He gets up to call Lang inside. Moving into the main room he beckons Wynn and Xenia over where he joins Florin at the table, "Sorry big guy, it looks like you were jilted." Sighing, "It appears we have to take the battle to them, I, for one, am not willing to let things just lie. Shall we regroup at the apartments?"
Florin Jadenth Tuesday June 15th, 2004 4:53:46 PM
Florin nods and sighs, "I doubted he would make things easy. Thank you all for going to have my back if anything started."
Florin stands, abit tired but also very flusterated. He walks to the bar and speaks to Happy a moment, "Thank you for your help in this Happy. I guess I will get my stuff. Can you hold a room for me please? I have abit more stuff to do this night and then will be back."
Florin lastly walks over to Angus, "Angus, your info about the trash level has me interested. Do you have a invisiblity spell yet?" Florin looks to Syr and speaks to him slowly, "Well, it seems my plan didn't work so we will see about plan B. I want to go down and take a look around the trash level abit now and will come back. First I need details on the info that was gathered down there."
Florin smiles abit and speaks again while thinking, "We need to figure out how or when we can bring the law into this. Inless we plan to leave this place as our home and possibly not look back. The only other way would be leaving no link in anyway to us handling the anvil hearts." Florin grins as a idea pops into his mind, "The guard is surely seeking Jonas to answer questions and I highly doubt he has went in on his own. We can always offer to help the guards find him, this will ensure that we have law on our side and also will show if the guard is being payed off also."
Wynn Brightsong Tuesday June 15th, 2004 10:19:58 PM
Wynn gives Xenia a conspiratorial wink and tells Syr and the others that he will join them back at the apartment later. "Why waste this fine eveining my dear" he holds Xenia's hand in his and continues "you look divine, and I'm told the food here is rather good". If Xenia agrees, the bard will call over a waitress and order dinner for the two of them.
Lang Tuesday June 15th, 2004 11:16:04 PM
Lang and Sunshine head back to the apartment when it becomes evident that Jonas will not show up, and the rest of the group makes their way out of the Giggling Ghost and starts moving towards the apartment.
Xenia Tuesday June 15th, 2004 11:54:36 PM
Xenia moves her smaller hand within Wynns larger. Then she folds her other hand up around his. Her full dark lips bow into smile which dances in the green of her eyes.
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