Syr (Flurry of Blows, Bless=+1 to hit, +1 vs fear) (AC 18, HP 30/56) d20+9=10 d20+9=29 d8+5=6 Wednesday July 14th, 2004 10:57:56 AM
Sweat mixing with the blood from a split lip, and one of his eyes starting to swell shut, the monk is starting to show the toll the battle is taking. Still, he smiles his crooked smile, Ouch! That hurts!
Noting #2 still standing, the elf misses with his first jab, but connects with his second (Hit AC 29, for 6 pts dmg.) "Take that, tough guy!" Syr then shifts once more and finally senses the presence of the alley wall behind him.
(OOC: Al, you got it right. I was moving towards the wall opposite Xenia and Tionel. Sorry if my post wasn't clear.)
Florin Jadenth-AC:19(with barkskin spell)-HP:49/52 d20+11=18 d8+5=10 Wednesday July 14th, 2004 12:29:50 PM
Florin having dropped his shield growls low and glances over to Syr, "You have some help coming it looks like, becareful Syr."
Florin decides to hold off on his plans for a moment longer and glances to those attacking him and pickes one that is already bleeding and swings his longsword at him, "Just abit longer."
(Can hit AC:18 Damage:10)
Xenia (AC 20, HP 22/28, Bless) d20+15=31 d20+15=24 d20+10=29 d20+10=12 d6=5 3d6(5+4+3)=12 Wednesday July 14th, 2004 8:48:23 PM
"Grrr," the red-headed rogue growls in irritation before diving past the trashman directly in front of her. When she arrives, she finds that Syr has slipped his noose, and left her without someone to flank against. She spins west, ending up opposite Florin, and drives her sword home, narrowly missing critical organs.
[[ ROLLS ]] Tumble through #4 space Tumble to flank #4 vs Florin avoiding AoO To Hit 29, No Crit Damage 5, Sneak Damage 12 = 17 [[ EndROLLS ]]
Lang (AC 18; HP 36/36) Sunshine (AC 16; HP 13/15) d20+5=23 d20+7=18 d20+7=18 d8+2=9 d8+2=8 Wednesday July 14th, 2004 10:17:31 PM
Lang once again drops his shortswords to the ground (free action) and draws an arrow and prepares to fire it at the thugs surrounding his friends down the alley. With a quick look (spot 23) he sees that he has an unobstructed shot at the enemy engaged with Xenia and an obstructed shot at anyone else. He releases his arrow and watches as it sinks deep into Xenia's opponent (#8). Lang will quickly draw a second arrow and fire at #8 again or at the next available opponent if #8 has fallen (#4 or #15).
PBSrs hitting AC 18 & 18 for damage of 9 & 8.
He will then direct Sunshine to move in front of him and command him to defend.
OOC -- How tall are the piles and what kind of protection do they give from missile shots from my position?
BTW, with the rolls you made, you hit your targets regardless. However even unobstructed as they are, in this case, Xenia was engaged in combat, so this would be considered firing into melee. You take a -4 penalty on the shot.
Piles are five to 10 feet in height.
Alley fight - rd 6 (ADM Al) d100=1 d100=68 d100=44 d100=57 d100=47 d100=72 d100=4 d100=30 d100=53 Wednesday July 14th, 2004 10:47:51 PM
The gang of nine, now reduced to drastic un-nine-ness, Tionel, Angus and Lang turn their attention to the thugs assaulting their companions down the alleyway. As Syr, pokes his opponent and then slides at last up next to the wall, Angus lets loose a barrage of missiles charring Syr's opponent to the bone. (#2 Down) A third missile draws a yelp from the thug next-door. (#14)
Florin attacks the tough that he had already previously cold cocked. Staggering, the man slips to the dirty ground. (#15 Down) Once again, the feeling comes to the paladin. The black blood spreads through the crystal waters, clouding and staining it's purity.
Xenia jinks one way and then another. Coming up behind her opponent, she strikes. The pain nearly drops the man to the ground. Nearly. By the barest thread he hangs on to consciousness. (#4)
Arrows fly out of nowhere as Lang puts feathered shafts into one of the men threatening Xenia. The pain sends blackness to his brain, and he crumples to the ground. (#8 Downed)
Meanwhile, at Tionel's call, the clack of claws sounds across the cobblestones of the alley, as three yellow eyed wolves dash silently toward the fray. The black bear, not one for silence, opens it's pink mouth, showing sharp curving canines, and lets loose with a roar before she too lopes toward the fight.
All eyes turn. The crowd (somewhat thinned) at the east end of the alley ogle with bulging eyes, as a wall of animal flesh descends upon them. At the same time, the pair flanking Wynn flinch at the roar from the alley. The pain and tension is too much for them, and they hightail it down the street.
The crowd in the alley is not so lucky. Panicked, they now rip at each other to escape. Those nearest the mouth of the alley turn and scramble to freedom. Those behind them fare not so well. Grasping at anything from mounds of garbage to their own fleeing companions, they scramble to climb to safety, only to find, their progress leaves much to be desired.
[[ Leftovers are defenseless, and in full rout. They can be cut down at will. ]]
This is a Thursday Morning Post.
Wynn (AC 18, HP30/35) d20+3=13 d20+1=5 d20+1=18 d20+1=7 Wednesday July 14th, 2004 11:35:52 PM
Wynn watches the two thugs flee and finally lets out a sigh of relief. He will be sure to remember them if they cross his path again, for each bears the mark of his sword. The half-elf retrieves his shortbow from where he dropped it and sheathes his longsword. He then removes his hat of disguise, and any vestiges of either the warrior or the old man simply fade away. He is now instantly recognizable as Wynn Brightsong.
Wynn walks towards the mouth of the alley, and seeing his friends have the situation well in hand he stops to examine the fallen thugs for signs of life as well as for any possessions of value. [Search=13, heal checks of 5, 18, and 7 on #21, #18, and #22 respectively]
Xenia (AC 20, HP 22/28, Bless) d20+6=24 d3=2 Thursday July 15th, 2004 12:20:00 AM
"I had her! I HAD HER!"
Xenia is so mad she just goes right up to one of the stupid idiots and socks him one in the face.
POW! (Hit AC24, 2 subdual rp damage)
"And you let her get away!"
Then she turns and stomps back down the alley in the opposite direction she had raced not moments ago.
Florin Jadenth-AC:19(with barkskin spell)-HP:49/52 Thursday July 15th, 2004 12:52:01 AM
(Al: Hope your able to allow this to slip in some how. I figure with the bottle neck going on with peopel rush to get away that it won't be to hard for Florin to make more then one action.)
Florin sees his enemies turn to run and quickly stabs his sword just far enough into the garbage to make it stand and pulls a length of 4ft rope from his pouch that he had cut awhile back now and loops one end around both hands before moving to cetch up to one of the men he had been attacked by earlier.
Once he reaches one he quickly tries to loop the rope around his was enemy's neck and twists it tight as he leans close and whispers, "struggle and see how far you get gutter trash. Now I offer a simple offer that you can accept to save you no good, trash keister or you can tell me just because it's the right thing now....the simple question is "Do you know where the Anvil Heart's real hide out is?" just stomp your foot twice if you agree." Florin whispers once more, "As I said, gods have nothing to do with this, Jonas and your friends released a very much new feeling in me and I might embrace it more if I do not get the answer I so muchly want."
Florin is trying to ignore the feel he had earlier and has a feeling poison is involved but with a iron resolve he wants the info or will end this miserable person's life who so willingly minutes ago attacked him and his friends.
Syr (Flurry of Blows, Bless=+1 to hit, +1 vs fear) (AC 18, HP 30/56) d20+10=30 d20+13=26 Thursday July 15th, 2004 7:39:57 AM
As the thugs turn to run, Syr makes a dive at the nearest escapee. "Not so fast buddy!" he shouts as he hits the guy in the low back with his shoulder and wraps his arms around him tackling him to the ground. (Touch attack=30, nat 20!, Grapple check=26)
Angus d20+3=14 d4+1=3 d4+1=3 d4+1=4 Thursday July 15th, 2004 9:16:01 AM
Angus will survey the scene in front of him as he moves forward again (30 feet) and see (spot 14) if he can determine if any of the fleeing thugs that are not engaged with his friends are hurt of look to be leader types.
If Angus can spot a fleeing leader thug he will fire three missiles into him. If not he will fire three missiles into a hurt fleeing thug or any he can see. Three missiles streak out for 10 damage.
Angus will look to Tionel "Lets not cure any of the thugs just yet, lets stabilize any of them we can with non magical means for later questioning." Angus is relieved to see Wynn attending to the possible captive at the west end of the alley and gives him a wave.
Tionel Thursday July 15th, 2004 1:08:50 PM
Tionel dismisses his creatures with a wave and looks to Angus. "I say we grab one or two, then get out of here, before the guards arrive." The elf does set a few wounds, apologetically. (Using healing skill I guess)
Lang (AC 18; HP 36/36) Sunshine (AC 16; HP 13/15) d20+5=20 Thursday July 15th, 2004 9:08:40 PM
Lang watches as the thugs are routed and quickly run from him and his companions. He quickly stows his long bow in his quiver, and it is followed shortly by his 2 shortswords. He retrieves his quarterstaff from his quiver and kneels down at Sunshine's side and examines his wound.
"Are you ok boy? It doesn't look too bad, just a scratch. You'll be ok."
Lang stands up and looks around at the rest of the group to see what they are doing (spot 20).
Alley fight - The Remnants (ADM Al) d100=22 d100=14 d100=65 d100=44 d100=42 Thursday July 15th, 2004 11:03:20 PM
Wynn examines the bodies of the three at the head of the alley. One looks stable. (#22 already Stable) The other two are bleeding out. For one of these two, he is able to staunch the flow of blood using direct pressure. (#18 now Stable) His healing efforts don't allow him to perform as thorough a search as he would want. And the cursory glance at their clothing reveals nothing of note.
Xenia clocks a guy as he scrambles in fear hoping upon hope, to get away. After the terror of the deadly melee, he seems momentarily stunned at the absurdity of the meager punch. The tension almost brings him to the verge of tears, as he races off down the alley with two of his compatriots.
Angus sends magic missiles to hurry them on their way. And the stench of charred flesh marks their passing.
Tionel dismisses his animals. He then stops to bring the nearest street thug back from his rush to death. (#7 now Stable)
Lang stows his weapons, and then looks to Sunshine. Though wounded, Sunshine pants happily at his master's attention, and licks the side of Lang's face. Lang looks around. Nothing appears concealed from his sight.
Florin and Syrdeth each run down a villain in their own idiosyncratic styles. Florin's capture chokes and thrashes. His hands clutch at the rope about his throat. Hacking, desperate sounds of strangling are his only response.
For the third time, the feeling comes to the paladin. Another black drop of blood strikes the still surface of the crystal water.
[[ End of Combat Rounds ]]
This is the Friday Morning Post
Florin Jadenth d20+4=10 d20+8=17 Friday July 16th, 2004 12:03:45 AM
Florin shakes his head now as his mind whirls on itself and he pulls the rope abit tighter before easing just alittle and calls a quickly yell to Xenia, "Xenia, come get this man please." Florin has a weird feeling and doesn't like the symtoms he feels. Florin wonders if he is going to black out or anything from this and calls once more abit more urgently, "Someone get this thug before I kill him or...soemthing happen to me."
Florin tries jerking the thug to the wall as Florin more falls back to the wall for it's support then anything and holds the man, gripping the rope tight enough around the man's neck to try and cut off his air flow just enough to weaken him. (Rolled str of 10)
Once someone takes the thug Florin gives his would a quick look at (Heal check:17 to see if he has been poisoned and also to try and slow the poison down alittle if he can before they have to get out of here."
Angus d20+3=22 Friday July 16th, 2004 8:26:07 AM
Angus looks around and surveys the damage he and his friends have caused. "Hopefully that puts a damper on the gang hiring thugs in the future. What do we do with them after we extract as much information as possible out of each one? Any thoughts, how about the Crying woods for banishment....."
Angus sees Florin in distress "Florin are you ok? Maybe we should take our captives an go especially if Florin is not well. Want to question our new unconscious friends at the sea monster lock. It could be pursausive."
Angus quickly looks around "Lets beware of other challenges from the thieves. Everyone keep their eyes open." (spot 22)
Xenia d20+15=27 Friday July 16th, 2004 8:47:29 AM Frustrated. Angry. Frustrated. Angry.
Xenia barely hears Florin's voice from back down the alley.
I had her! Well, maybe she didn't. And, well, maybe it's not really these thugs she's really frustrated and angry about. Maybe it's something entirely different, and a little closer to home.
"Huh? Florin?" Xenia turns as her name finally penetrates the armor of her thoughts. "Uh, yeah. Sure." She grabs a handful of the guy's greasy clothing, and puts the point of her short sword up against his spine.
"Maybe Tionel's right. Maybe we should, you know, take off for somewhere." She tries to figure the distance to the locks from here.
"Um, someone else want to take this guy? I wanna search the rest of these before we leave."
"Hey, Florin. You ok?"
[[ If time, switch lenses and Search 27 ]]
Wynn Brightsong d20+3=22 d20+6=25 d20+2=21 Friday July 16th, 2004 5:24:30 PM
Wynn looks up from his ministrations upon hearing Xenia's voice and relaxes when it is clear that she is all right. "Two of these three will survive" he calls out, "but this other one doesn't look real good." The bard thoroughly searches the three thugs and their clothing, removing any weapons from the immediate vicinity as he does so.[Search=22]
Wynn keeps an eye open for the city guard as he goes about his business [Spot=25, Listen=21]
Syr (AC 18, HP 30/56) d20+8=19 Friday July 16th, 2004 11:09:46 PM
Syr gets up from the flattened bad guy. He tenderly feels the swelling around his eye and dabs at his cut lip. "I'll help round up those we want to interview," volunteers the elf, limping a little as he prods his man into action.
When he passes Florin, he thanks the paladin for the blessing of his god, "Domi's blessing gave my strikes extra power this day. Thank you for sharing his gift." The monk scrutinizes his friend, concerned by the tenor of his words. (Spot=19)
The Alley - Aftermath (ADM Al) Saturday July 17th, 2004 9:27:23 AM
Florin hauls back on his makeshift garrote, and the thug in his grip makes a sound like the desperate hawking of a cat with a hairball.
When released, the man drops to his knees. Between choking coughs, he begins a nearly constant stream of gibbering supplication.
"Spair me pleez don kill me Ah don wann die now pleez oh pleez yer 'Onr Sir pleez Ah ken see yer a man o' hi staishun en Ah kno yew has mercy pleez don kill me Sir mai wahif en three li'll wonz is waitin fer me et howm we was only tryn t' maika livin' we was paid twenny gopins a peace ta put the killin on yu but we weren ganna kill yu too much pleez pleez spair mai laif Sir Ahv gots faiv kids ta suppor' en they wou be pynin fer their deddy if Ah was kilt ... "
The man continues, fawning at the paladin's lower legs, kissing Florin's feet, even putting his lips to the greasy filth covered floor of the alley.
Xenia grabs the man by the shoulder and presses her sword against his back. He flinches away and gibbers to her a bit as well. But it's more than clear that he's not going anywhere for the moment. The kissing and fawning and gibbering is soon too much for the rogue, and she withdraws to search the bodies of the fallen.
True to the gibbering thug's words, both Xenia and Wynn find exactly 20 gold pieces on each of the bodies. Aside from that, the shortswords, and the filthy clothes on their filthy backs, the street thugs have nothing. Working independent of each other at opposite ends of the alley, the two half elves turn up nothing peculiar or special about the blades that the thugs used. Not even the weapon of the thug who took the lead; identified by the green glow of Tionel's Fairie Fire. There certainly seems no sign of poison. Though neither Wynn nor Xenia are particularly looking for poison. In the process of the search, Xenia notes that none of these guys are really quite dead yet. They're simply not terribly conscious.
Both Angus and Wynn see the streets of the Trash Level begin to once again stir to activity. Pale curious faces peer down the alley, and Wynn hears the whisper of gossip and rumor. Neither sees nor hears any sign of the city guard.
Syrdeth takes his prisoner's hand and twists, bringing him to his feet with a simple one handed control-hold. This business well in hand, the elven monk looks at his friend with concern. Though Florin seems shaken, he looks physically fine.
Florin, himself, detects no signs of poison in his blood. His wound looks as clean as a wound can be down here on Trash Level. Further, the color of the skin on his palm appears pink and healthy.
[[ Note: Add 180 gold ]]
This is an extra post to tie up loose ends.
Tionel Saturday July 17th, 2004 3:56:10 PM
The elf goes through and tries to prevent the deaths of as many as he can...if any have stopped bleeding of their own accord (or passed on) he moves on to the next one...
Wynn Brightsong Sunday July 18th, 2004 10:10:27 PM
As Tionel moves through the field of battle tending to the wounded, Wynn checks in on Xenia to make sure she is not injured. "Xenia, are you hurt? Can I help?" the bard asks the rogue.
Lang (AC 18; HP 36/36) Sunshine (AC 16; HP 13/15) d20+5=15 Sunday July 18th, 2004 10:11:37 PM
Lang looks around at the rest of the group gathering items and captives. He also looskdown the alley to see if anyone is coming (spot 15).
"We should get out of here before we have more company, in the form of the City Guard or Anvil Hearts."
"Sunshine heel."
Florin Jadenth Sunday July 18th, 2004 11:06:17 PM
Florin shakes his head again and smiles lightly, thinking of the feeling briefly, "Let us retreat to the flood lock for the moment and deal with info gathering. From there we will decide what to do with our captives."
Florin glances to Xenia and Syr, "They from the sounds aren't Anvil Hearts and I do not like the idea of making more kids orphans when the city has enough. We'll get our info and then decide on what to do from there."
Florin's mind goes back on what he thought he felt and whispers mainly to himself, "I'll have to talk to someone knowledgeable and see what that was about."
(OOC:Got me curious now also on what the comments on the black drop of blood and water was inless it just went over my head.)
Xenia Sunday July 18th, 2004 11:16:55 PM
"I'm, I'm ok, Wynn," the dark rogue replies, feeling the heat of his presence rise up into her face.
Her green eyes go wide and she reaches out to him. "You're hurt." One hand, like a curious kitten quests about the wound, exploring without touching. When it does touch, it is the strength of his face. The hand moves as of it's own volition, going where her lips so long to follow.
"Um, he-here," Xenia fumbles at her haversack, finally coming back with vials of sky blue liquid. "Um, I guess we're all hurt." She hands one to Florin, two to poor Syr, and then she puts one in his hand; in Wynn's hand. And she feels all swept up inside. And her eyes speak for her the things for which her mouth cannot find the words.
[[ OoC: Sorry, they're CLW ]]
Syr (AC 18, HP 30/56) Sunday July 18th, 2004 11:34:31 PM
With stiffness setting into his muscles, and the swollen eye starting to throb, Syr shoves the guy in front of him. "Get moving" he grunts as he pushes him in the direction indicated by Florin.
Syr accepts the potions handed to him by Xenia, unstoppering one, with one hand, and drinking it down.* He prepares to chase it with the second.
*(Sorry! Don't know the provenance of the potion. Assume some sort of heal? DM please roll if roll required.) Carla's last post for Scott.
Prisoners (DM MikeK) Monday July 19th, 2004 9:39:47 AM
[OOC - Thanks Al! Thanks Carla! Welcome back Scott!]
Following Florin's lead, the group quickly exits out the far side of the alley and makes for the deserted area around the flooding lock -- the door which started this whole chain of events so long ago.
Florin's prisoner bows and scrapes and whimpers all the way there, repeating "pleez don kill me, pleez don kill me, pleez don kill me" over and over and over and over and over again.
Syr's prisoner doesn't say a thing, although the fear emanating from every pore on his body is easy to identify. The man is plainly preparing himself to meet the gods, and is trying to maintain some shred of dignity for his trip.
Within thirty minutes, the group is at the flood lock. As before, the 100' or so open area before the metal door is deserted. The door itself is sealed shut by a metal arm.
Note that the old timers will remember that it REALLY stinks on the other side of that door.
Xenia d8+1=9 d20+15=18 d20+12=14 Monday July 19th, 2004 8:23:33 PM
Xenia downs one of the potions herself. She feels her single wound close up, and a smile comes to her lips as the sense of well being travels up her spine.
"Wynn?" she says softly. "Can we talk? I mean later? I think ... I think I ... I need to talk to you."
And then things get moving. Xenia switches lenses again, and keeps her eyes open for Anvil Hearts and any spies they might send. Then, with one last look around, she enters the lock as they close themselves into the smelly grody garbage hold one more time.
Back once again, she looks in the direction that Mama Seamonster had once sat. Curiosity overcomes her, and she leaves the questioning to the boys. Placing a hand on Wynn's arm to let him know where she's going, she walks quietly over the piles of garbage toward the mound that was the Seamonster nest.
[[ Spot 18, Move Silently 14 ]]
[[ CLW +9 HP now at full ]]
Lang (AC 18; HP 36/36) Sunshine (AC 16; HP 13/15) d20+5=10 d20+5=16 Monday July 19th, 2004 10:02:33 PM
Lang keeps an eye and an ear out for any of the City Guard, which will probably be more troublesome than the Anvil Hearts at this point (spot 10 & listen 16).
"Florin, some of us were down here a few days ago and did not see anything out of the ordinary."
Angus Monday July 19th, 2004 10:15:24 PM
Angus hustles along after the group towards the lock. He is too busy concentrating on his breathing than to notice anything around him as he runs.
Angus nods in agreement at Lang's comment about being down here a few days ago.
Florin Jadenth d20+3=9 Monday July 19th, 2004 10:47:13 PM
Florin nods at the comments and pokes a thumb at the two thugs they caught, "I want to be out of sight when we question these boys and if the anvil heart happen to follow us then there is one entrance and one exit that I know of in this area."
Once inside the lock Florin looks to the thug who is begging for his life before Florin pulls off his helmet, "Now, this is the way it goes you two good for nothing, dirty, trash scum. I want to know all the details you know about the anvil heart. You better tell me every little detail and you both may walk out of here, if not then I guess this area isn't visited very often and another floating pile of garbage will be nothing new for this lock."
Florin glances to the others and grins as he thinks and motions to Syr while leaning close to the really scared thug, "See that man there? He really likes to kick and punch people in places, he even has been known to use dull weapons to try and cut things off of people. Now if you tell me what I want then I'm sure I can persuade him to not do nothing to you and we'll let you both go. I mean, I may of try stranggling you to cetch you but I didn't plan on really killing you, I'm a man of peace." Florin gives a exagerated grin and can just picture his friends laughing at this.(Bluff:9)
Florin winks to Syr, hoping his friend can take his comments in jest.
Wynn d8+1=6 Tuesday July 20th, 2004 12:29:41 AM
Wynn pushes his hair out of his eyes, and stares intently at the dark half-elf as she addresses him. He nods his head, in acknowledgement of her request. "Later," he whispers. He watches the Xenia as she slips away, then drinks down the potion that the rogue placed in his hand [CLW for 6 HP]. The bard turns his attention to the thugs being questioned by Florin.
Tionel d20+7=15 Tuesday July 20th, 2004 3:27:34 AM
Tionel listens in on Florin's interrogation and frowns...but accepts it as necessary. He waits to see if it'll be effective, as he has a few charms that might just work on these petty fellows. But moreover, he keeps a watch, expecting at any time arrows to fly out of the shadows. (Spot 15)
Syr (HP 42/52) d20+11=28 d8+1=7 d8+1=5 Tuesday July 20th, 2004 3:46:40 AM
On the way to the lock, the elf harshly hauls the prisoner around after him. However, he does take a moment to drink the two potions handed to him by Xenia (CLW=7, 5).
Syr stares coldly at the thug and with one hand makes a motion that seems suggestive of clawing out the man's eyes with two fingers(Intimidate 28). Quietly and without losing the thug's gaze the elf utters one word, "Talk"
Interrogation (DM MikeK) d20+8=23 d20+8=16 Tuesday July 20th, 2004 10:16:36 AM
Xenia opens the flood lock door, and everybody troops in. The stink of the refuse and detritus of Floating City slams into the group like a physical force. Lang and Wynn have never experienced an odor anything like this. The others remember it, but memory is one thing, reality is altogether something else.
[Everyone except the dog - Fort save DC 15 or be nauseated 1 round and sickened d6 rounds after that. Those that have been in here before get a +2 bonus. Nauseated -- lose your breakfast and make no action other than movement. Sickened - -2 penalty on atks, damage, saves, and skill/ability checks]
Both prisoners wrinkle up their noses, but do not appear disabled by the stench.
As expected, there appears to be no one else in the lock.
Florin can't tell whether his prisoner is buying his threat or not. Not that it matters much. The man again drops to his knees and grabs the paladin around the legs, sobbing "PLEZ! PLEZ! PLEZ DON KIL ME! I tolju! She gives us 20 gol ta kil yu. But I wasn gonna really. Jes preten. Don kil me. Plez don."
As for Syr's prisoner, the blood empties from his face as the monk demands he talk. "Wha, wha, what he said" the man stutters fearfully. "The blonde Heart. She paid us to kill you."
Xenia is able to find the nest. It is empty, and is beginning to lose its form. Not knowing anything about nests, she can't tell how long it has been unoccupied. Several days, anyway.
Florin Jadenth d20+11=17 Tuesday July 20th, 2004 12:14:25 PM
Florin is able to hold down his lunch as watches the groveling man, sickened by the display. (Fort DC:17)
Florin glances to Syr and the others and then looks back to the two thugs, "Where did you meet her at exactly? If you have any idea what hole they climb out of then I want to know."
Florin glances to Syr, "Any other questions my friend?"
Florin steps back by Tionel while waiting and whispers to him to get his opinion, "Tionel, I do not wish to make the mistake I made earlier but these two are not anvil hearts. They do not act and have no insignia of any type. As I said, we do not need more orphans and if these two have kids then we would be adding to the problem of the orphans then anything."
Florin thinks and then comments, "Are reasons for being in the trash level would not be known by the city guard and the Anvil Heart can not step forward and save these two from what punishment the guard would pull."
Xenia d20+4=17 d20+15=27 d20+2=15 Tuesday July 20th, 2004 3:05:16 PM
Coming into garbage central again ain't fun. But at least this time she's kind of ready for it. And it helps that Wynn's here. She is so not gonna barf her guts when Wynn's around. No way no how. (Fort 17)
Xenia smiles looking down at the old nest. Looks like mom and the kids got of ok. She guesses.
The dark rogue makes her way around the various unnamable things of garbage, back toward the others. She kind of looks around more closely on the way back, 'cause you never can tell. (Spot 27)
Back with the others, she stands next to Wynn, and just watches the two Trash guys worming around and trying to get pity from Florin and Syr. 'Wasn't gonna really ... ' Puh-leez, don't even try to pretend that one's true. She, just, kind of watches them. (Sense Motive 15)
Wynn Brightsong d20+5=22 d20+1=10 Tuesday July 20th, 2004 5:44:07 PM
Wynn takes a step back at the overpowering stench behind the door. After a brief moment of queasiness he follows the rest of the party into the lock [Fort=22]. The bard watches Florin and Syr as they intimidate the prisoners and listens with disbelief as they squirm and beg for their lives. [sense motive =10].
When Xenia makes her way over to him he leans over and whispers "You sure know all the romantic places to bring a guy."
Xenia Tuesday July 20th, 2004 8:37:15 PM
Xenia pouts a bit at Wynn's comment, and she whaps him one on the shoulder. Still, she has this tiny pleased sort of smile on her face, as she goes back to watching the dirtbags plead for their lives. And she moves just that tiny little smidge closer to the bard.
Lang (AC 18; HP 36/36) Sunshine (AC 16; HP 13/15) d20+6=24 d20+5=16 d20+5=16 d20+5=11 Tuesday July 20th, 2004 9:59:27 PM
Lang cannot believe the smell that is coming from the refuse. Fortunately for him he is able to keep his last meal in his stomach (fort 24). Sunshine whines softly at the smell inside the lock, but is not overcome by the stench (fort 16).
Never one to torture people, whether for real or implied, he keeps quiet and keeps an looking and listening for the city guard (spot 16 & listen 11).
During a lull in the questioning Lang says, "Ask them if they are supposed to meet with the female Anvil Heart after they accomplished their mission."
Angus d20+1=9 d6=2 Tuesday July 20th, 2004 10:05:27 PM
Angus walks through the door into the lock and immediately takes a deep breath from his exertion from running. Big mistake as the odor overwhelms him and he drops to the floor and begins the throw-up all over the place (Fort 11 with +2 bonus).
Sickened for 2 rounds.
Syr d20+6=10 d6=4 Wednesday July 21st, 2004 3:28:34 AM
The elf clearly recalls the odor from the previous time and is once again overcome (nauseated for 4 rounds). His tough guy act is ruined as he collapses on all fours and begins showing everyone the color of his lunch.
Too sick, he fails to answer Florin's question but waves a weak goodbye.
More questions (DM MikeK) Wednesday July 21st, 2004 10:06:31 AM
Xenia doesn't spot anything of interest on her way back from the nest.
Lang keeps watch at the door. He sees no one approaching.
Syr and Angus succumb to the odor of the lock, throwing up noisily, and spending the good part of a minute trying to get their bodies to obey them again.
Syr's prisoner grins for just a moment at the sight of the monk's discomfort, but it evaporates quickly at the sight of Florin's face.
He answers the paladin's question while the other man continues to grovel uselessly at Florin's feet. "I dunno where the Hearts are. Really." Thinking that might not be a good answer, the man barrels on, volunteering, "They use ta hang out at the Black Thorn, but they been laying low 'bout two weeks now. I hear the City Guard is lookin fer em. Someone said they got some o theirs kilt." A dawning realization on who might have done that widens the eyes of the prisoner. He swallows convulsively. " I dunno know where they is now. The blond gives us the money an' says to kill ya. She don't say nuthin bout us seein her agin."
Florin Jadenth d20+4=9 Wednesday July 21st, 2004 11:56:54 AM
Florin looks to the thugs and then nods as he looks to the others, "I think we got all the info we can get inless you want to learn about there childhood."
Florin looks back to the thugs and speaks lowly, "This is the way I see it currently. Your not anvil hearts and not part of a gang from the looks or we would have more people breathing down our necks by now. I believe we should beable to let you both go, what you seen become of your friends, what I did to cetch the groveling one and what we very well could do here to you should serve as enough."
Florin grabs the man by the hair thats groveling and jerks him up and pushes him to the wall beside the other thug <Str check:9>, "If either of you are family men I would advise you NEVER let this happen again. If I even feel you coming up behind me in a threatening manner or one of my friends gets hurt and I think it's either of you there is nothing in the Wold that will stop me from hunting you both down and killing you and everyone you know."
Florin glances back to the others and nods to them, "This is much different then the anvil heart gang. We either let them go or we can turn them into the guards for attacking us." Florin knows that turning the thugs into the guard would be a bad idea so hopes the group allows the thugs to go as is.
After saying this Florin glances at Wynn and Xenia, trying not to be to noticeable before he looks at his helmet and putsi tb ack on, strapping it on afterwards. As if on a second though Florin checks the minor wound he obtained earlier and nods to himself since it's not to bad and is barely bleeding.
Tionel Wednesday July 21st, 2004 12:13:32 PM
"Let the hired thugs go. But if we ever see them again, or hear of them messing around with people, we won't be so lenient," Tionel suggests, trying to sound nasty in his good-boy voice.
Wynn Brightsong Wednesday July 21st, 2004 8:22:21 PM
Wynn catches sight of Florin eyeing Xenia and wonders to himself if there is something between the paladin and the rogue. He hopes his advances towards the beautiful half-elf have not made an enemy of the groups leader or put the cohesiveness of the group in peril. Refocusing on their present situation, Wynn slides over towards Syr and helps him stand after he has finished wretching. He gives a particularly grim stare to the man Syr had been guarding.
Xenia Wednesday July 21st, 2004 8:40:13 PM
Xenia watches Florin with something that feels kind of like alarm. I mean, Syr can get kind of angry when he wants to. But even he doesn't get, well, that violent. Still, she's not really sure what to say. So instead she says, "Um, yeah, I think you're right Tionel. I think people mighta seen us take them away. And, um, it would give kind of a bad impression if they went missing. Maybe we ought to make sure they make it back to some place with witnesses before we let 'em go. Maybe, kind of make the warning loud enough so other folks can hear it too."
Then she kneels next to poor Angus. Untying a hanky from around her wrist, she puts an arm around the sorcerer and dabs at the side of his mouth.
Lang (AC 18; HP 36/36) Sunshine (AC 16; HP 13/15) d20+5=14 d20+5=20 Wednesday July 21st, 2004 10:48:50 PM
Still watching out the door for the City Guard or anyone else, Lang glances back when Florin offers up a choice (spot 14 & listen 20).
"You know my thoughts on the City Guard, so my vote is to let them go."
Angus Wednesday July 21st, 2004 10:55:39 PM
Angus struggles to rise from the floor after his puking episode.
"Thank you Xenia. Not exactly how I would have like these thugs to see me. Perhaps now I can compose myself to appear menacing," Angus says with a chuckle.
In getting himself compsed, Angus misses Florin's question on letting the prisoners go and does not offer up any choice.
Syr ( Thursday July 22nd, 2004 4:59:03 AM
The elf smiles weakly at Wynn's assistance and stands up straight. With a sour look on his face, he moves to the door and holds it open for the two thugs to leave.
After they have gone, "Well at least we now know the druids kept their promise and cleared the nest." with a small pause, "Any ideas on what to do now?"
We are outta here (DM MikeK) Thursday July 22nd, 2004 9:49:05 AM
The open door is all the invitation the two prisoners need.
Nodding stupidly to Florin, they are out the door in a flash, and are last seen scrambling away as fast as they possibly can.
Syr asks the $64 question. "What now?"
Angus Thursday July 22nd, 2004 10:51:15 AM
Angus again thanks Xenia "Thank for your assistance. I will clean your garment as you do not want it in its current state."
Angus steps out the door after the thugs and breaths deeply. "We may have made another mistake. We did not set an example of the thugs, besides the thrashing. We may be set upon by all manner of mercenary at this point, maybe more expensive ones. We must communicate to the locals that working with the Anvil heart Gang is worse than their current lot, which I admit will be difficult. 20 gp goes along way down here."
Angus further muses "We were noble in sparing their lives and killing them would have been of little gain. Let us hope that our deeds preceed us and help us rid this area of the Anvil Heart."
Angus pulls himself to his full height and looks at his soiled cloths and says "At this point, I want to get cleaned up and ready for the funeral tommorow. How about we see what we can turn up after the ceremony. We can all use some rest and baths"
Xenia d20+15=30 Thursday July 22nd, 2004 11:30:12 AM
"Me too," Xenia echoes Angus' sentiment with regards to the bath. "Lets head back."
The rogue does a full turn directly in front of Wynn as she passes in front of him on her way out the door. Her green eyes look up into his, and, for that moment, she imagines they are her favorite color. She mouths the word, Talk?, and then completes her turn, moving out the door on the way back up from the Trash Level.
Despite distractions, she keeps an eye out for trouble, watching rooftops as well as windows and dark alleys.
( Spot 30)
Lang (AC 18; HP 36/36) Sunshine (AC 16; HP 13/15) Thursday July 22nd, 2004 9:37:58 PM
Lang and Sunshine head out the door as the general consensus is to had back towards the apartment.
"Come on Sunshine, let's get home and clean and bandage that wound."
Florin Jadenth d20+10=20 d20+5=21 Thursday July 22nd, 2004 10:00:01 PM
Florin watches his friend slip out the door and stays behind a moment, taking in a deep breath and letting it out slowly before dotooring his wound alittle (mainly wiping it off, heal check:20).
Afterwards Florin moves to cetch the others and comments to them, "You guys should go back to the apartment as commented and get some rest and relaxation." Florin looks to Xenia and Wynn, glad his vizor helmet is on so it isn't noticeable and adds after a moment, "I will cetch you guys later, I'm going to go meet up at the GG, wash and change and go see what kind of trouble I can find." Florin steps close to Wynn, speaking quietly so the conversation is between just them, "Sometime we should go and hang out my friend. I'm sure with your natural charm to the ladies we could find quite abit of trouble out on the town."
Once the group reaches the streets heading to the apartments Florin quickly slips from the group and goes to the GG, renting a room from GG like he has been, washing and changing there before coming down and spending some time in the GG.
For the most part Florin will stay near the bar and watch the ladies come in, deciding on which ones to approach before finally doing so and speaking to a couple and trying to persuade a couple of ladies into a dance. (Diplomacy:21)
Wynn Brightsong Thursday July 22nd, 2004 10:32:14 PM
Wynn admires Xenia as she spins before him and nods in acknowledgement of her desire to talk. His blue eyes follow her every move as she sashays out the door. The bard prepares to follow when he is approached by their leader. He leans in to Florin to make sure he hears the paladin's words. Expecting an explanation of the rationale for releasing the prisoners, the bard is surprised by the invitation and finds himself lost for words. "Er...sure Florin...that sounds like er... fun. But you overstate my allure with the ladies."
Wynn follows Xenia and the rest back to the apartment to clean up and prepare for the next days' ceremonies. Those that are observant will notice the lost expression in his eyes as he continues to compose his lament, and any that walk next to him will hear him singing under his breath...
Tis a sigh that is wafted across the troubled wave, Tis a wail that is heard upon the shore Tis a dirge that is murmured around the lowly grave Oh hard times come again no more.
Tis the song, the sigh of the weary, Hard Times, hard times, come again no more Many days you have lingered around my cabin door; Oh hard times come again no more.
Sunshine (Justin Webber) Thursday July 22nd, 2004 11:42:24 PM
Sunshine seems happy to be heading back and besides being slightly injured he rushes forward alittle and then back to Lang many times on the walk back to the apartments. Sunshine still working off the excitement of the fight that happened earlier.
Syr Friday July 23rd, 2004 5:34:52 AM
Syr takes a few deep breaths from the semi fresh air. Looking over at Lang he speaks. Correct me if I'm wrong but we know the Black Thorn inn is a favorite of the Hearts Right? Next we have been inside and noticed many other rooms thazt we haven't explored. I'd say are choices are obvious to find the Anvil Hearts? First, we check out the rooms for any clues as to the gang's location. Second, we shake down the innkeepers for any information. And finally, we stake out the place wating for Specialtuy or someone else we know and follow them." His intensity seems to rise as he reasons it out.
Tionel d20+7=22 Friday July 23rd, 2004 6:23:17 AM
(Sorry, forgot about the smell roll. And a question: What race is Bralin?) Tionel seems to have fortified himself against the smell of the nearby trash level and ponders. "If we leave now, it might be difficult to get back this far, but we still have no information on the inhabitants. What we really need is one member fo their pack, to charm and then lead us to them. I suggest we return here after the funeral when we're healed, and come down here again prepared to take prisoners."
Home (DM MikeK) Friday July 23rd, 2004 9:42:01 AM
The group returns to the Fence Level without incident. Along the way, Syr lets it be known he'd prefer to stake out the Black Thorn Inn. However, as it is late afternoon, the general mood seems to be toward getting ready for the funeral.
Florin breaks off to spend some time at the Giggling Ghost. Daphne greets him warmly, and he settles into what is fast becoming his "usual" table. He finds several willing lasses for a dance or two.
A message at the apartments lets everyone know the funeral ceremony will take place at mid-morning tomorrow. The gnomes have created a pavilion in one corner of the old orphanage site.
The evening passes without any outside incidents.
Xenia Friday July 23rd, 2004 11:02:13 PM
Xenia walks next to Wynn on the way back to the apartments. Every now and again, she glances in his direction from out of the corner of her eye. What she sees is the same expression that he had this morning. And, as she walks, she reviews the events as they had unfolded. She wants to reach out and touch him, but instead, she just smiles and walks along side.
When they reach the apartments, it is just soooo tempting to haul on up to the room for a nice hot bath, wash the grime out of her hair, and put on some nice non-stinky clothes. Instead, though, she goes to the kitchen and makes up a mug of something warm and soothing. Bringing it out to the bard, she places it quietly before him, and then does nothing but sit and watch him work.
Florin Jadenth Friday July 23rd, 2004 11:13:59 PM
Florin enjoys his night of dancing and talking to the ladies. After a few dances and getting to know a couple of the various ladies he choses one and takes her to his regular table and sits down, ordering something for a late supper and orders the lady something also as he just engages in friendly confersation. Mainly what the lady's name is, what she does in the city and such.
After eating his meal and spending more time talking to the lady he met and finishing off just a couple glasses of wine Florin finally bids goodnight to the fine lady and asks if she would be willing to meet him tomorrow night.
Angus d20+7=17 d20+3=9 Friday July 23rd, 2004 11:42:41 PM
On the way back to the apartments those around Angus hear him muttering "I detest physical confrontantions, especially smelly one."
Once back at the apartment Angus takes a hot bath and then cleans his cloths, although he did consider burning them instead.
Once clean Angus gets a glass of wine and sits lazily in a comfortable chair in the common room and plays his flute (perform 20)before going to bed.
Angus watches any interesting interplay amongst the group memebers (spot 9), but is mostly concentrating on his music.
Tionel Saturday July 24th, 2004 1:57:09 AM
Relaxing to the cheerful flute sounds of Angus, Tionel celebrates a first round of victory with a mug of ale. "While they may find it easy to pick on orphans, they will no doubt find us a more menacing threat." Tionel notices Florin dancing with women and frowns, looking at them. If Florin seems to go about with many women, at first Tionel is alarmed, then he reminds himself that Florin is a paladin, and paladins do things like that, albeit not much more.
Wynn Brightsong Sunday July 25th, 2004 7:33:52 AM
Upon reaching the apartment, Wynn finds a quiet place to sit and spends an hour completing his verse for the next days ceremonies. He jots the words down on paper in elvish as they come to him, occassionaly crossing them out and starting anew. All the while he hums.
He is almost unaware that Xenia has joined him until the smell of hot tea makes him look up. He smiles warmly at the rogue, takes a sip of the hot drink, and returns to the last few lines of his work. Finally completed, the bard leaves the paper on the table, rises and offers Xenia his hand.
Lang (AC 18; HP 36/36) Sunshine (AC 16; HP 13/15) Sunday July 25th, 2004 10:47:24 PM
Upon reaching the apartment, Lang will immediately clean and bandage Sunshine's wound. He will then get some food and water for Sunshine and bring him outside in the garden. He will watch Sunshine to make sure that the wound is as minor as it appears.
Once satisfied with Sunshine's health, Lang will go to his room and strip out of his armor. He will then clean and inspect his armor and weapons and then put them away. After a quick bath he will join everyone in the common room and listen to Angus play while he has a bite of food.
Syr Monday July 26th, 2004 7:17:40 AM
Syr joins the others walking back to the apartment. On the way, he glances around often in frustration and sighs. His body language shows that he would obviously rather not be here. When he arrives he stays outside and spends an hour looking over the construction work that the gnomes are doing. He enters in a slightly improved mood and proceeds to the shower. Taking a long shower, he tends to all the cuts and bruises left by the fight (Wholeness of Body, 10hp) Finished, he sits on the couch next to Angus and listens to the flute performance. After he his complete Syr smiles and asks, "So, why did you pick the flute?"
Lazy Evening (DM MikeK) Monday July 26th, 2004 9:05:19 AM
At the Giggling Ghost, Florin picks out a rather good looking brunette, and leads her back to his table.
The conversation is pleasant, but it soon becomes apparent that the paladin has again picked out a woman whose profession involves mostly the evening hours. Daphne gives him several looks during the dinner. The woman, who gives her name as "Candy", readily agrees to a meeting the next night.
Florin goes back to the apartments.
At the apartments, the rest of the group sits around, winding down from the events of the day and week. The articially blue 'sky' of the Fence Level gradually dims into darkness, and a street worker ambles down the avenue, uncovering the Continual Light of streetlamps. The gnomes keep working as night falls.
[OOC - Another day to finish up your conversations. I'm bringing morning on tomorrow.]
Florin Jadenth Monday July 26th, 2004 4:30:37 PM
Before leaving the GG Florin walks to the bar and talks to Daphne as he lays money for the meal and drinks on the bar, "Seems I'm really good at picking out the...ummm...more professional night ladies huh?" Florin thinks and with another thought speaks to Daphne a min longer, "Daphne I was thinking of talking to the guys and lady about throwing a small party here after the funeral for Mama Flaust. It might sound funny or maybe stupid to throw a party after a funeral but the kind lady Mama Flaust seemed like she would want atleast some of her fairwells to be good and not filled with tears. Can you talk to Happy and see if he would allow that and get word to us so we will know if it is possibly to have one here? Thanks Daphne and I owe you one, don't know how to pay back such a good looking ghost."
Florin before leaving also will go upstairs to visit Gordo and speaking to him about adopting one of the orphans. Florin is curious of how to go about doing this and will explain to Gordo if he is worried about Florin not being around that Florin is still in good standings with his sister who is a priestess of Flower and can have the kid stay with his sister while he is away and also will go about to seeing the childs other needs. He smiles and slaps his big friend gently on the arm and smile, "Anyway, I might as well help with the orphans more then I am and I do like kids my friend."
After leaving the GG Florin will also stop in where ever he needs and see about renting a place that he may beable to buy at a later date so he could actually own it. He will explain to the person he meets that he is planning to adopt a kid and needs a good size place that a kid would have room to play around and such at.
Finally after all this is done Florin finally finds his way to the apartments where he meets up with everyone else and will only tell people what he has been doing if asked. Florin looks to the others and speaks up, "If everyone would agree I think we should throw a small party at the GG after the funeral. Please excuse me if this sounds harsh but I doubt that Mama Flaust would want the whole day of saddness, she seems like a very happy woman who lived everyday to it's fullest."
Florin looks to Syr and smiles to the man knowing Syr might be the one who doesn't like this idea the most, "We will do scouting and more info gathering after the party but I think the kids, and us can use the small party after the funeral to help lighten the dark mood we will all be in."
Later Florin will think and pull a few members to the side that might be willing to listen to him and speaks to each, "I have plans on adopting one of the orphans and also renting for the time being a small house. I was wondering...ummm...if I happen to not have enough money if any of you would be willing to lend me some money and I will pay you back as soon as possible I promise." Florin bites his lip and looks alittle embarassed to be asking to borrow money from his friends if it comes down to that.
Tionel Monday July 26th, 2004 6:55:49 PM
Feeling somewhat sickened of the slaughter and remorseful over the orphans' deaths, Tionel drinks and drinks...finding himself drinking perhaps a bit too much and slumping with his head to the tabletop.
Xenia Monday July 26th, 2004 7:42:12 PM
Xenia takes Wynn's hand and follows where he would lead. Maybe the garden for a stroll? Or the roof to lie together and watch the lights of the Fence Level?
The feel of her small dark hand, warm within the palm of his brings a smile to her lips. She watches the edge of his jaw as he leads, and she feels like she's walking on air.
Angus Monday July 26th, 2004 8:52:18 PM
Angus tell Syr "My mother taught me to play the flute and when I struck out on my own, I trade up from my wood flute to this silver one."
Angus bids all good night and heads off to his room for a good night sleep.
Wynn Brightsong Monday July 26th, 2004 8:56:56 PM
Wynn takes Xenia's hand and leads her to the small garden at the back of the apartments. The garden is quiet and peaceful. Only a few sounds from the street penetrate the quiet enclave. Still holding her hand in his, he turns to face her.
"Xenia, I'm sorry if I seemed distant earlier. I have had much on my mind, what with the funeral and trying to fit in with a new party in a new city." The half-elf pauses for a moment, seemingly lost for words.
"Anyway, I'm sorry if I...well if I ignored you".
Wynn reaches out with his free hand and brushes a stray whisp of hair from off Xenia's brow.
"So what was it you wanted to talk about?" he asks her.
Alexandria Next Monday July 26th, 2004 9:22:10 PM
"I ... I thought you didn't like me. I ... when other guys didn't like me ... they got distant ... and cold."
"But, I understand now." Xenia takes his hand from where it touches her brow. She places her lips against the ridge of his knuckles. "You have your work. It's important to you."
"I don't think I'd ... I'd like you so much if it wasn't. And, and I do like you. And that's what I wanted to tell you. How much I like you. The way you make me feel. Ever since I saw you coming out of the water in that cave."
"I ... Wynn." And Xenia buries her face in the bard's chest and holds him tight, hoping upon hoping that he won't take this badly. That he won't turn her away.
Lang & Sunshine (HP 13/15) Monday July 26th, 2004 9:42:26 PM
Lang, after feeling his head nod for like the millionith time, decides it is best to head to bed for the night.
To no one in particular he says, "Are we posting guards tonight? Wake me when it is my turn."
With one last check on Sunshine he goes up to his room and falls fast asleep.
Syr d20+9=20 Tuesday July 27th, 2004 3:11:42 AM
Sitting next to Angus, Syr quietly listens to the sorceror as he is lost in his own thoughts. He smiles warmly at Florin as the paladin enters and listens carefully to what he has to say. Upon conclusion, the elf erupts out of the sofa and begins pacing around the room.
Loud enough for the house to hear, "A party??? How can you possibly think of throwing a party at a time like this? I really don't think anyone here can understand the emotion of having your mother die!" To Angus, "My first mother never had the time to teach me the flute." His eyes stare off into his own memories for a moment.
He gets quiet for a moment and speaks softly, "Not only did I lose my birth mother to violence, now the woman who raised is murdered too! Can ANYONE here actually say they lost 2 mothers? Did YOU look under that blanket? I looked under every blanket and saw the people I grew up with stiff and cold.
Voice rising to a shout he approaches Florin and gestures wildly in his face, "TO TOP IT ALL OFF, YOU WANT TO THROW A PARTY??? Is something wrong with you people? Parties, holding hands, stolen kisses, picking up women, WHERE IS YOUR SENSE OF PRIORITIES??"
Ranting now on a tirade as all sorts of pent up emotion come rushing out, "WHY DON'T YOU JUST INVITE THE ANVIL HEARTS TOO? I'm SURE they could use some cheering up!!! How can you even think of a party as Mother's killers roam free out there with smiles on their faces?"
With that he pushes the paladin roughly aside and heads for the door. Rage still burning inside, he makes his way down to the trash level and stealthily approaches the Inn. Finding a dark shadow, he stakes out the inn for the night to watch for any unusual happenings. (Hide 20)
Good Night Moon (DM MikeK) Tuesday July 27th, 2004 9:10:06 AM
Daphne smiles brightly at Florin's suggestion about a party. "It's called a 'wake' dearie," she giggles. And Happy just LOVES to throw parties. She giggles again at his compliment, winks, and literally disappears.
Florin meets with Gordo, and the big monk runs a hand over his bald head as he considers the paladin's offer. "Adopt one of the wee ones? Well, son, that IS the whole point, getting someone to take 'em in. You should probably clear it with your sister, and get her on down here herself." The monk thinks some more. "First one of these I've done," he muses. "OK son, you and your sister come by. We'll talk. We take her to meet the tykes. Then, we see what she says. No offense son, but with your line o' work, she may end up being Momma for a long time."
On the way back to the apartments, Florin stops in at a couple places offering an upper flat for rent. Neither is available for sale, but the matronly woman at the second place refers him to The Trade House up on the Gold Level. There, the Brokers of Ffloy would surely be able to accommodate him. The Trade House would be closed for the night, however, so the paladin returns to the apartments, and tells everyone his ideas.
|----
However, most of the group is pre-occupied with other matters.
Lang is pretty tired, and goes to bed. Tionel is pretty drunk, and goes to sleep, albeit not in his bed. Wynn and Xenia are pretty infatuated, and start down a long, slippery road toward the unknown. Angus finds he is pretty much all by himself, and decides to get some rack time.
And Syr is pretty hacked off.
The monk gives Florin a piece of his mind, bulls past the paladin, and sneaks down to the Trash Level. The few, scattered, Continual Light Posts cast a dreary pall over the street, and the temperature has cooled about 10 degrees. Still-warm piles of refuse steam in the cooling twilight, adding a layer of fog along the surface of the streets.
The place fits Syr's mood perfectly.
The monk spends the evening staked out across from the Black Thorn Inn. Dirty, ragged men go in and out, singly and grouped. Each set is pretty much like the last. An unending supply of unknowing, uncaring, unwashed bodies looking to spend their last few coppers to temporarily fog their own brains.
And so the night passes in Floating City.
Dawn comes slowly to the Fence Level, and barely at all to the Trash Level.
Angus Tuesday July 27th, 2004 1:09:28 PM
Angus feels refreshed after his sleep. Angus picks out his best and least colorful set of cloths (which takes some doing)and proceeds to the common room.
Angus asks for Syr and looks to find him, after hearing his rant last night. Angus says to anyone in the common room and Syr if he is available "Losing two mothers is difficult, my father is missing these last four year and I do not know if he is dead or not, but two mothers. That is tough." Angus looks mournful "I truely do hope the Anvil heart do show up today, so that we can squeeze some blood out of them." Angus adds with relish.
later in the morning Angus will pull Syr off to the side "Is Florin having a problem with himself? His behavior has changed since the orphanage was burned down. We must be wary of possesion or worse."
Angus spends the morning preparing for the Funeral.
Florin Jadenth Tuesday July 27th, 2004 1:45:37 PM
Florin spends his time in the main room of the apartment while Syr is gone. Sleeping as lightly as his trained sesnes allow him. He wants to make sure Syr makes it back and thinks of how he only stuttered when Syr had his out burst.
When everyone gets up and starts moving about Florin will look to each person abit and speak after a moment, "I'm heading for the GG everyone to see about somethings and will be back. Tell Syr if he shows up before I do that I'm sorry about my comments last night and no I do not know what loosing a mother is like since both my parents treated me and my siblings as pawns to increase their social status and title within this city."
Florin leaves the apartments and heads for the GG. He stops only briefly to speak to Daphne, "It would seem my question of the party afterwards went over like a lead weight, please let Happy know we won't be holding a party after all dear lady Daphne." Florin gives Daphne a small smile and heads up to his room, thinking over things as he goes about strapping on his half-plate and his weapons and gear.
Florin whispers a simple prayer, "Domi, I know this isn't the route you or the order would want me to take so forgive me for what is to come." Florin knows his friend will be by later and probably will come to the room he has rented from Happy, Florin takes his holy symbol of Domi and lays it on the desk in his room, running a finger over it, "Just incase, my friends will take care of you and see you get to the temple if the worst shall happen."
Florin now heads down stairs and out the door inless otherwise stopped, heading now to the Black Thorn in the trash level. He is deterimed to get some answers and knows what he will do to get them, just not wanting to put the group in danger while he does it and hoping he can bring some type of news or a anvil heart scalp back with him.
Wynn Brightsong Tuesday July 27th, 2004 7:08:43 PM
Wynn enfolds Xenia in his arms and feels her warmth against his chest. Her hair is soft under his chin. After a moment he gently pushes her back and holds her at arms length, his eyes never leaving her face. Reluctant to surrender the moment, he nonetheless breaks the silence and suggests they join the others. "I think we should see what Syr is so upset about. Besides, we have a big day tomorrow with the funeral." Wynn wrinkles his nose and continues "I think I need a bath, and no offence but..." The bard gives the rogue a crooked grin and leads her back towards the apartment.
Wynn sees Syr storm out of the apartment, and before he can interject, the monk is gone. By the time he reaches the rooms he shares with the rest of the party they appear to have all retired for the evening, including Tionel whose head rests beside the bottle on the kitchen table.
The bard takes a quick bath to wash the grime of the lower levels from his body and goes to his room. His sleep is uneasy as he thinks about the funeral for Mama Faust and the orphans, most of whom he has never met. His thoughts turn to the erratic behavior of the group's leader and his concerns about his own place in this new party.
Lang Tuesday July 27th, 2004 9:36:19 PM
Lang comes downstair after a very peaceful sleep, feeling refreshed. After feeding Sunshine, he strolls into the kitchen and makes himself some breakfast.
Lang notices a lot of tension in the room and looks of concern on everyones faces. He wonders if it is due to the upcoming funeral or something else.
Lang makes his way to Angus and asks him, "Are we going armed and armored to the funeral? Or woul dthat be inappropriate?"
Sunshine (Justin Webber) Tuesday July 27th, 2004 10:10:37 PM
Sunshine can feel the tension in the air as he makes his way around the house, greeting each person slowly and alittle reluctantly. After this he quickly moves to Lang's side and gives a gentle whine to his owner.
Xenia Tuesday July 27th, 2004 10:11:24 PM
Its like being happier than you've ever been in your life, the best kind of scared, like being able to fly.
"Ok," Xenia says, trying to burn every line of Wynn's face into her memory. Then she smells them both, and she giggles. Xenia actually giggles. Ouch.
They come back inside just in time to see Syr close the door behind himself really hard. And that's gotta mean something's wrong. Florin's kind of looking like he took the brunt of whatever was eating Syr, and the dark rogues eyes cloud with worry for him. Florin is one of the nicest guys, and he just hasn't been himself lately.
Xenia walks slowly up the stairs, her head full of a lot of stuff, and all of it kind of the opposite of the rest of it. It's like it's not fair to be so happy when other people are sad and having so many problems. She's really not sure how this should all go and what's really right.
She spends a long hot bath thinking of nothing but this. Then the red-headed rogue lies in bed wide awake and thinking some more. Thinking thinking until she's not anymore and she's fast asleep until morning.
The next morning, Xenia wakes a little later than she usually does. She walks downstairs a little less briskly and makes kaffe a little less cheerfully. She sets out a cup for Wynn.
Walking into the front room, she notices that Florin's gone. Last she saw him, he was sitting in the big chair, and she can still see the imprint of his armor on it. He must not have left too long ago. Angus is up and about. Maybe he knows. The dark rogue slips back upstairs to change out of her pj's. Picking out something suitable for the funeral, she comes back down and washes her mug.
"Anyone seen Florin?" she asks. She looks to Angus and Lang. Xenia shoots Wynn a worried look. "Anybody?"
Syr Wednesday July 28th, 2004 2:24:32 AM
Syr continues to keep his vigilance over the Black Thorn Inn. He thinks over everything he said to Florin and the group and wonders when he will ever be that happy carefree elf once again. He gnaws a lip as he contemplates what to say to Florin the next time they meet.
Tionel Wednesday July 28th, 2004 5:26:14 AM
Tionel wakes up from his hangover...well, not that he was ever in a sleep, just dazed and too drunk to come out of it. The pain is incredible. He pays Happy and threatens the happy barmaid to silence his namesake's jovial voice momentarily, while he flees upstairs, and goes to a room. There, he closes the door, sealing himself off from the accursed light that seems to pierce his brain, and tries to recover. To some avail. Eventually, he gives up, as the invisible ogres with clubs seem to be thwarting his best efforts to silence them with peace offerings, and he cleans up. Silently he lies down, trying to think about the funeral, and preparing his mind for it. Then, praying there are no bagpipes, he heads off to the home, to be early.
Arriving, he heads upstairs, looking dreary, dull, and dazedto anyone in the main room. He forces himself to take a bath, then put on his mourning suit...something he'd designed for himself and not really thought he'd ever wear. He stays upstairs till he knows the time is approaching for the funeral.
Morning (DM Mike) Wednesday July 28th, 2004 9:23:32 AM
Florin spends the night awaiting Syr's return, but when the artificial sunlight creeps through the windows, the monk is still gone.
Angus, Wynn, and Lang are up with the dawn, and each comes downstairs with various questions concerning both the funeral arrangements, and what happened with Syr.
Florin lets the three know Syr hasn't come back. The paladin tells them he's got some business at the Ghost, and then he's gone as well.
Xenia comes downstairs a short time later, and heads for the kaffe.
Tionel drags himself through the front door, and slowly tromps upstairs. By the look and smell of him, he's headed for a bath, or at least he'd better be.
|-------
Florin lets Daphne know the party is off. "Oh dear, that's too bad," the ghost responds sincerely.
The paladin goes to his room at the inn, arms himself, divests himself of his holy symbol and strides purposefully to the Black Thorn Inn.
It may be morning on the Fence Level, but it is still dark and gloomy one level down. Syr maintains a lonely vigil near the Black Thorn, as Florin approaches the inn. The streets are deserted.
Syr -- Spot check DC 5 to see Florin. Florin -- Spot check DC 22 to see Syr.
|---
Everybody is aware that the funeral for Mama Flaust is about 2 hours away. Those at the apartments can see the gnomes have built what appears to be a small, stone mausoleum at the corner of the old orphanage site. Black cloth hangs over the 5' deep, 10' high, 15' long wall of stone. For now, there is no one about.
Angus d20+3=5 Wednesday July 28th, 2004 12:32:40 PM
Angus finishes getting ready and is just too agitated to stay in the apartments any longer.
On his way out the door he mentioned to Lang "My weapons are in my head. I say leave your armor at home, but do not come with out some means of defense as the Black Heart gang are unpredictable."
Angus leaves and heads over to the ceremony area ahead of time to be alone with his thoughts and to scout the area (spot 5), but apparently he is too lost in thought to notice much.
Xenia Wednesday July 28th, 2004 8:16:22 PM
Dressed in nice clothes for the funeral, Xenia goes out the front door for the third time. For the third time she looks first up and then down the street again. The door shuts behind her with a click for the third time. Still no Florin.
She takes Wynn's hand and cradles it to her chest. "I'm worried about him, Wynn," she says to the bard. "He just hasn't been himself lately. He's so ... harsh. He didn't used to be that way at all."
"I'm gonna run down to the Ghost and ask if they've seen him." She gives Wynn the smile that she feels in her heart. Then leaves for the Giggling Ghost.
On the way, she has some bad thoughts. What if this is the way Florin is? I mean, he seemed like such a nice guy before. But how long has she really known him? Or, what if he really was a nice guy, but he isn't now? Can people change that badly? Is he really that mean now? Or is it that she's just not used to it?
So many questions, when she finally gets to the Ghost, Xenia's pretty much got a frown on her face.
"Hi, Daphne," she collars the ghost as she's floating by, "have you seen Florin? The funeral is pretty soon and he was kind of upset last night and now he's not around."
Wynn Brightsong d20+16=36 Wednesday July 28th, 2004 8:39:09 PM
Wynn spends the first part of the morning frantically looking for the sheets of paper he knew he left somewhere in the apartment the night before. When he finally discovers them on the table, right where he left them, all he can do is shake his head and remind himself how distracting women can be.
The bard runs over the verses in his head while humming a melody to accompany the words until he is comfortable that he can perform the piece without any significant blunders.
The apartment gets quieter and quieter as the morning wears on. First Angus leaves, then Xenia, and then Xenia again. Wynn remembers she told him where she was going, but his mind was occupied elsewhere. He is quite sure that Tionel is still somewhere in the building but he didn't look all that ready to be anywhere else.
When it nears time for the funeral, Wynn puts on his armour and sheathes his sword. The last piece to go on is his Hat of Disguise and with a brief flicker of shadow and light he appears to be dressed in a dark but elegant suit of clothes with all the trappings of the wealthy class. It is as if he was without armor at all. [Disguise = 36; Nat 20]
Florin Jadenth d20+2=19 d20+2=11 d20+3=10 Wednesday July 28th, 2004 9:52:46 PM
Florin walks to the Blackthorn, not seeing Syr at all and pauses only for a moment at the door to the place and moves a bottle of the lantern oil he has to a pocket in his belt pouch and then walks into the place, scanning the place slowly as he reaches up and lowers the vizor to his helmet with a clink.
Florin waits just till the visor of his helmet closes and speaks up loadly as he scans the room <spot:11>, "You all know the anvil heart did what happened at the orphanage. Some kids died and so did the only mother those kids had. You all would not live here if you didn't have too and those kids deserved a chance...Most of you probably already remember me but let me refresh your memory. Yesterday I came down and was attacked by a stupid plot of the anvil heart. NOW I'm tired of it a WILL get answers one way or another. This is how it stands as of now. We been told this place is a base of some type for the anvil heart and you all know the guards are searching for them. I either am allowed to search the place completely or I can go tell the city guards about my findings as they stand and lead a group of guards down here to look it over....even worse I can go speak to the nobles after making up with my father and tell them how the anvil hearts want to grow in power and could pose a threat to them. I'm sure I can get the point across and I can lead a group of noble's bodyguards down here to get what I want. You decide how you want to make your play and I will make mine and for any stupid people here, the word will get back to the guard and nobles if I happen to be killed here and then this place is insured a swift burning and death to those who pull a weapon."
Florin glances around once more and pulls his longsword as his shield is already strapped on, "So your answer!? Keep in mind that if you attack I will defend myself and I carry along with me enough alchemical oil that will burst into flames on contact with air to burn this place to the ground if I'm left with no choice."
(Bluff:10 on the burning even knows Florin will use the lamp oil if he has to force hands.)
Lang Wednesday July 28th, 2004 10:27:44 PM
Lang discusses how to dress for the funeral with Angus and taking Angus's view in mind he heads back upstairs. Once there he puts on his clothes, puts all his weapons in his quiver except for his quarterstaff and puts on his cloak (armor will be left behind and will carry quarterstaff).
After he is dressed he will head downstairs. About 1/2 hour before the funeral he and Sunshine will head over to the site and scout out a good spot to see the service, but also keep an eye on the crowd.
Tionel Thursday July 29th, 2004 2:58:44 AM
The thin elf prepares for the funeral via bath and changing clothes, then heads to the garden. While he cleans and waters it, he hums softly a song, the lyrics coming to him, for what he will do at the funeral.
Syr d20=6 Thursday July 29th, 2004 3:03:24 AM
Syr sees the black clad paladin enter the Inn and his brow wrinkles in puzzlement. Muttering to himself very softly, "Why would Florin be here instead of the apartments? He's in black now... Black Thorn Inn... Maybe he's tied to the Anvil Hearts? THAT would explain why he let them live. Now he's down here meeting with them plotting something to ruin the funeral..." Shaking his head quickly, "That can't be it, it must be some other reason."
The elf continues to wait outside looking for any signs of activity.
Goin Postal (DM MikeK) Thursday July 29th, 2004 9:30:26 AM
Angus gets himself ready and walks over to the old orphanage site. The sorcerer takes a look around the area, more curious than anything else. He notes that 5 small alcoves are set evenly in the back of the black cloth draped wall. He can also see the façade of a new building has been erected on the back and sides of the site.
Tionel, Wynn, and Lang continue their personal preparations.
Xenia waits for awhile until her patience gives out. Then, she trots down to the Giggling Ghost looking for Florin. Daphne thinks a moment when the rogue asks her question. "He came in to tell us the wake was off," she replies slowly. "Then he left. I don't know where he went."
Syr watches with interest as Florin enters the Black Thorn Inn.
Florin strides into the Inn, clamps down his visor, and starts his speech. It nearly dies in his throat as the paladin belatedly realizes that early morning is not the best time to find people in a bar. The common room is deserted except for the innkeeper, who is cleaning up, and two dirty men on the far wall sleeping off a bender.
The innkeep, armed with a broom, takes in the speech with a concerned look. "Now look ye," he replies with resignation. "The Guard's been through here twice in the last week and didn't find squat. Yer noble's goons won't find 'em either. You wanna tear the place up, well, I ain't gonna stop ya. We tol the Guard and we likely tol you, they ain't been here fer a couple weeks. They're hiding. I don' know where. From the looks of you, s'probably a good idea."
Florin Jadenth d20+2=14 d20+2=4 Thursday July 29th, 2004 10:01:40 AM
Florin thinks over what is said and sheathes his longsword and looks to the bar keep, "show me the other rooms then, you know which ones they might of visited. I warn you barkeep, with hold info and I will not take it kindly on you, if you get my meaning. You can also be most kind enough to tell me of people the anvil hearts hang with when they are in here." <spot:14 while Florin looks around the place with the help of the barkeep and also to keep a eye on the barkeep for any changes in attitude, etc while he looks.)
After Florin looks around (most likely not finding nothing) he walks out of the Blackthorn and turns around in flusteration and slams his gauntleted fist into the wall, growling lightly.Florin being quite angry now at finding nothing before looking around the Blackthorn, the ally where the fight happened and around the way Specialty was last seen running. <spot:4 for anything unusual> After while Florin sighs and shakes his head and wonders what to do next....the anvil heart just seem to well hidden and he himself can not let this go...he can't say good bye to the orphans who died or Mama Flaust till his feelings of guilt over what happened are dealt with.
Florin closes his eyes and whispers to himself while leaning to a building, "This might be against your teachings Domi but I need your guidance. You know my thoughts and you know till justice is done I can't not say goodbye to the dead and move on myself."
Angus Thursday July 29th, 2004 12:57:24 PM
Angus stolls the ceremoney area and waits for others to arrive. To pass the time he blows notes on his flute.
Angus spends quite a long time stareing at the five small alcoves and the black draped wall. Angus mumbles to himself "You will not be forgotten or go unavenged....."
Xenia Thursday July 29th, 2004 7:37:54 PM
Xenia returns from the Giggling Ghost, mostly shaking her head a lot.
She comes in the front door, and shakes her head again. The funeral's coming up pretty quick here, and of the three that were here before her, the three that have the strongest connection to Mama Flaust, only one is here; Tionel. The red-headed rogue just wants to, like, throw up her hands.
Why should she care?!? She didn't know Mama Flaust for that long. Or that well. Why should she care?!!!
But she does.
"No sign of Florin!" the dark rogue calls to anyone still in the apartments. "Daphne said he was in to cancel the party, but then he left."
She wanders a bit till she finds Wynn.
"You all set to ... Wow! You look nice. But then you look nice to me anyway," Xenia says with something of a coy smile. She hooks an arm in his. "How's the song? All finished? I saw Angus across the way at the site. All set to go?"
Wynn Brightsong Thursday July 29th, 2004 11:18:36 PM
Wynn is pleased to see Xenia and gladly takes her arm. "I'm ready" he tells her, "but where is everybody else? I haven't seen Flroin or Syr at all."
Wynn picks up his papers, gives himself a once over in the hallway mirror, and heads across the street with Xenia on his arm. "Do you know the order of the ceremonies? Am I on near the end? Do you think my piece is appropriate, I mean I didn't even know these poor souls that seem to have meant so much to everyone."
The bard's normal veneer of self confidence appears to be waning as the event draws closer.
Lang d20+5=17 Friday July 30th, 2004 12:01:34 AM
Lang and Sunshine find their spot to watch the service and the crowd. While doing this he notices Angus looking at the 5 alcoves. If Angus notices them, Lang will give a small nod to let Angus know he sees him.
After a few minutes Lang realizes the significance of there being 5 alcoves. He half hopes the Anvil Hearts try to disrupt the funeral service so that he and Sunshine can exact some vengeance for the dead.
Syr Friday July 30th, 2004 3:34:25 AM
Syr watches as Florin moves around the outside of the building and follows his actions closely. After the paladin leaves, he stays another 10 minutes to see if anyone else emerges. Realizing the time, he breaks out of his hiding spot and goes back to the apartments, lost in his own thoughts of Florin's possible treachery.
Once back at the flat, he quickly changes into more suitable attire and joins the others down stairs. If pressed, he says nothing about his outburst other than blaming it on his grief.
Tionel Friday July 30th, 2004 5:45:56 AM
Looking thin, tall, and grim, Tionel emerges and walks over to the remains of the site. He waits patiently, figuring a long and painful ceremony to be ahead. Inwardly, he reflects that there's a good chance they'll be arrested at this funeral...
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