DM Kathy Tuesday October 5th, 2004 2:15:27 AM
Hrithgen shakes his head. "I'm not sure where that boy and his friends got to," he replies to Mira, "but I can't think there'd be much in the Shanty Quarter to interest any of them."
He willingly tells you, though, that two of the friends were named Deber and Wym.
At Sampson's, Anya looks resigned. "Off for more heroics, I see," she says with a mock sigh. "Ah, very well. I shall just stay here and practice. I am crushed, you know, to learn that there is someone in the city who had not heard of me." She sends Arm away with a smile.
Arm and Kadaz join Wilfire and Evan, and are joined in turn by Uriel, Mira, Conner, and Shadow. Once the group is gathered, you set out for the Shanty Quarter.
You follow a route that is familiar to those who followed Indrel the fighter to her home. You cross the river and go through the Circus Quarter. You skirt the Sister Temple in the Hindquarter and head for the wall.
The Shanty Quarter huddles outside the wall, as dismal and depressing as you remember it. A few solid structures are scattered here and there, especially near the walls, but most dwellings look as if a good stiff wind would knock them over. The few people you see shuffle about, heads down. Making eye contact in this part of town can be fatal.
Clearly, you have your work cut out for you.
Arm d20+4=8 d20+4=5 Tuesday October 5th, 2004 6:12:39 AM
Arm, seeing the condition of this area for the first time, sighs inwardly, realizing that he'll make no extra coin here from performances...no amount of singing can bring cheer to a place such as this. He resigns himself to scanning the area for anything interesting, but sees & hears nothing. (listen=8, spot=5).
Mira d20+3=18 d20+2=13 Tuesday October 5th, 2004 6:13:30 PM
Glancing quickly at those beside her, Mira whispers, "do any of you follow Alemi, the Healer? The only place I know where we might get some information in this place would be at the shrine near the Water Gate."
The sorcerer keeps her eyes open, hoping she might recognize someone or something.
Search=18 Spot=13
(OOC: Kathy, Mira grew up in Plateau City, so I hope it is okay if I use the maps. If you prefer that I don't, let me know.)
Conner d20+3=19 d20+2=12 Tuesday October 5th, 2004 8:12:01 PM
"We could see if the woman that escaped us last time has returned to her home." Conner reminds the group of their fruitless night- watch in the Shanty Quarter. "She might be persuaded to talk to us." Conner keeps his eyes and ears peeled as they walk through this desolate part of town [Spot=16; Listen=12]
Kadaz d20+1=20 Tuesday October 5th, 2004 9:26:09 PM
Kadaz also keeps his eyes open as they move through Shanty Town. (spot 20)
"I like your idea Conner. They may have returned by now."
Uriel Tuesday October 5th, 2004 10:11:24 PM
"Let's go then, to her house and see if she has returned"
Shadow d20+1=9 d20+2=22 Tuesday October 5th, 2004 10:56:38 PM
Once in the Shanty Quarter, Shadow will try and spot any of his old friends while the group decides what to do. (Spot=9)
He will see if he can talk to any of the locals (since he grew up in the Shanty Quarter he should be able to talk to some of the individuals using their dialect), "See ya here, old fella." He says to one passerby. "Ya seen anything not in the norm lately?" (Gather Info=22)
DM Kathy Wednesday October 6th, 2004 2:24:04 AM
You look about in the Shanty Quarter, a bit at a loss as to what to do next. Mira has a suggestion for a possible place to get information (using the maps is fine), and Conner suggests that the fighter they followed here may be willing to help them. That house, as best as you all can remember, is a little ways north of where you are now.
Shadow has a bit more success, addressing one of the residents in the Quarter's familiar slang. The man peers suspiciously at Shadow, but does stop to talk to him. "An' who're ya friends, youngster?" he asks. Then he lets out a snort of derision. "Never say it's the City Guard, come for to save us at last."
Arm d20+4=18 d20+4=18 Wednesday October 6th, 2004 5:58:01 AM
Arm says to Mira, "Alas, I am not a follower of Alemi, but Conner may have a good idea.". Turning to Conner, he says, "Lead the way, as I was not present the last time you were here.".
If the party decides to follow Conner, Arm will keep an ear/eye out for something out of the norm, otherwise he'll stay put until the party decides where to go and do the same (spot=18, listen=18).
Mira d20+5=16 Wednesday October 6th, 2004 8:33:58 AM
"Hold up, Arm," whispers the sorcerer, reaching out a hand to stay the bard. "It looks like our newest member may have struck a cord with one of the locals," Mira nods in Shadow's direction.
"Nope! Not the guard," admits the woman aloud as she looks encouragingly at the stranger, hoping the rogue will press his advantage.
Diplomacy=16, Aid Another +2 bonus to Shadow's Diplomacy check, should he proceed to question the Shanty Town fellow.
Shadow d20+4=15 d20+2=8 Wednesday October 6th, 2004 6:29:27 PM
"Nevr ya mind them, they are tagn along." Shadow says with a wink to the man. "Sum ol friends of mine sent for me. They said something not of norm was hapening. Ya know of Gornid and Jorum?" (Knowledge [local]=15,some old acquaintances from his youth)
If the man sticks around Shadow will try and get what information he can from the man. (Gather Information=8)
Conner Wednesday October 6th, 2004 10:49:40 PM
Conner waits for Shadow to continue questioning the local. Once he has completed his enquiry, the fighter will lead the way to Indrel's place.
Uriel d20+4=8 d20+4=15 Wednesday October 6th, 2004 11:54:35 PM
Uriel is not dressed for the occasion. He looks to be at best a member of the guard. He tries to stand off to the side while the others talk to the locals, keeping an eye out and ears out. {Spot:8 Listen:15}
DM Kathy Thursday October 7th, 2004 2:37:20 AM
The man seems to make up his mind about Shadow. "Never heard of 'em," he says of Shadow's friends. "I keep meself to meself." He shakes his head. "Don' know nothin' about anything agoin' on." With that, he shoves his hands in his pockets and moves away, head down.
Conner then leads the way back to the place where they followed Indrel. The house looks the same as usual, but when the door is opened in response to Conner's pounding fist, you see a middle-aged woman that none of you recognize. She levels a crossbow at you. "G'wan now, take yerselves off. We got nothin' here for the likes o' you." Despite her brave words, she is clearly nervous about confronting so many armed adventurers.
Arm d20+8=27 Thursday October 7th, 2004 6:13:10 AM
Stepping forward with palms up in a gesture of peace, Arm says, "Hold your weapon and calm your fears, my dear woman. We are simply looking for an acquaintance that we were told lives here. Does anyone else besides yourself live here? Not to worry, we mean you no harm.". (diplomacy=27)
Evan Thursday October 7th, 2004 6:38:08 AM
When Mira asks about Alemi, Evan pulls a small flask from his pouch and shows it to her. It contains holy water from a shrine to Alemi. I don't follow Alemi exclusively, but I will certainly make use of any goodwill sent my way. Evan grins to Mira then puts the flask away.
While the others speak to the crossbow weilding woman, Evan stays close to Mira, keeping a close eye on the crossbow. Anytime the crossbow moves to point in Mira's direction, Evan moves in such a way that he stands between the quarrel and Mira.
Mira Thursday October 7th, 2004 8:12:05 AM These folks seem really scared Mira signs to Evan. If Arm's charming ways do not loosen the frightened woman's tongue, Mira will suggest the party visit the temple and speak with the clerics.
Not wanting to bandy the names of Evered's 'friends' around, she thinks it best to stay quiet. The clerics should know their flock best, and might have knowledge of Deber and Wym, and maybe even reliable information regarding the goings on that have these people acting so nervously, she thinks.
Wilfire Ironhouse Thursday October 7th, 2004 9:02:25 AM
Wilfire does his best to look non-threatening, while he takes note of Arm's excellent way with people.
'I must remember his techniques' he thinks to himself.
OOc- Sorry about the slow week of posting. I had some computer problems. All fixed now.
Shadow d20+1=20 d20+6=14 d20+2=21 Thursday October 7th, 2004 10:33:59 AM
Shadow will once again move to the back of the group, after his unsuccessful attempt to get information from his old home area. As the group moves through the Shanty Quarter, Shadow will attempt to spot children playing (Spot=1).
If he spies any children he will approach them and do a little 'magic' (sleight of hand) with a pebble in one hand and then make a copper coin appear in his other hand behind the shilds ear (Sleight of Hand=14). If the child or children loosen up he will inquire about anything they have seen (Gather info=21 - again he will use the local slang - at least as he remembers it) "Hav ya lil one(s) seen anything amiss lately? Like people that shoulnt be around?"
If this comes to naught he will just follow the group to the home and then to the temple.
Kadaz d20+1=7 Thursday October 7th, 2004 9:10:27 PM
Kadaz keeps a firm grip on his battle axe as he watches. The guard always patroled in groups in Shanty Town, you never were sure what was going to happen. (spot 7)
Conner d20-2=15 Thursday October 7th, 2004 11:42:38 PM
"We're just calling on Indrel. Thought she lived here," apologises the fighter humbly. He thinks to add, "If she doesn't live here anymore, did she leave a forwarding address?"
His humble presentation and deep voice come off as quite genuine. (Diplomacy=15)
Uriel d20+4=14 d20+4=7 Thursday October 7th, 2004 11:59:07 PM
Uriel will smile at the nervous woman to attempt to ease her fear, but will let others do the talking for now. He also keeps an eye out on the surroundings, rubbing on his chest where the arrow brought him down during the last adventure.{Spot:14 Listen:7}
DM Kathy Friday October 8th, 2004 2:37:30 AM
Thanks to Arm's and Conner's efforts, the woman lowers the crossbow. She still doesn't appear friendly however. "We moved in yesterday," she says. "Gotten the place from Varno, and not knowin' or carin' who had it afore." She shakes her head. "I don' know yer friend." With that, she steps back and closes the door.
Shadow is able to spot some kids nearby, poking sticks into holes to scare up the rats. [I'm assuming that your real Spot check was the 20 you rolled, and not the 1 you typed, right? :)] They aren't terribly impressed with Shadow's sleight-of-hand, but they seem willing enough to talk.
"Nah, we ain't seen nobody don't belong," one says.
"'Cept for you," the other chimes in. "Wot ye don' here?"
Neither Uriel nor Kadaz notice anything unusual.
Arm Friday October 8th, 2004 5:49:29 AM
Somewhat dejected by the woman's brush-off, he mutters to the group, "The gods must be turning our backs on us. Two assignments in a row full of dead ends and no help...". In frustration, he kicks a rock so that it skitters into a nearby alley.
Mira d20+5=21 Friday October 8th, 2004 8:51:05 AM
"Varno?" Mira says aloud. "Who's Varno?" The sorcerer joins Shadow over by the kids, "any of you know some older kids by the name of Deber and Wym? A friend of their's from the Merchant Quarter has gone missing, and we're trying to find him."
Diplomacy=21
Wilfire Ironhouse d20=6 Friday October 8th, 2004 9:47:42 AM
Wilfire waits to see how Mira's diplomacy check goes. If he gets the impression that the kids might know something (sense motive=6) he'll pull out a shiny gold coin and ask the question again.
Shadow d20+2=19 Friday October 8th, 2004 11:23:34 AM
Shadow hopes that Mira's inturruption doesn't turn the kids off of him trying to get some information, so he continues in hopes to maintain their attention.
"Heard sum strange stuff was happenin over here, and thunk we might be sum help. Ya have any of your group come up missin? Or ya notice anybody hangin out wer they shouldn't?" (Gather Info=19) Shadow hopes that the kids might prove to have some knowledge of strange things happening.
Kadaz d20+1=9 Sunday October 10th, 2004 1:21:31 PM
Kadaz leaves the talking to those who are good at it. Instead he scans the area, watching the nearby folks, trying to see of any have more than normal antipathy towards them. (spot 9)
Uriel d20+2=22 Sunday October 10th, 2004 1:41:04 PM
Uriel steps up to the door and knocks,"Pardon us. We want to ask a few more questions. We would like to pay you for your time. We want to help out with some problems we have heard rumors of here of late." {Diplomacy:22 Nat 20!}
Conner Sunday October 10th, 2004 2:14:59 PM
The fighter listens to the woman's reply and then steps back from the door himself. "There is little to go on here" he states.
DM Kathy Monday October 11th, 2004 12:16:58 AM
Arm is discouraged when the woman closes the door, but Uriel decides to try again. He is persuasive enough through the closed door that the woman cautiously opens it a crack.
"Well...." she says "well...we could use the coin, certain sure. What d'ya wanta know?"
Conner stands by, but doesn't hold out much hope.
Kadaz scans the area, but everyone seems to be very carefully not looking at your group. It's a familiar scene to the former Guardsman, and typical of the Shanty Quarter. He doesn't note anyone especially hostile.
Mira asks the boys about Varno, and they roll their eyes in disgust without answering.
"Nah, we ain't seen nobody where they shouldn't oughtta be," the one kid replies to Shadow. "An' we ain't lost nobody."
"We stay clear o the scrap heap," the other chimes in.
Evan d20+8=11 Monday October 11th, 2004 6:28:14 AM
Evan stands to the side, keeping an eye out for anyone who might be taking an unusual amount of interest in the group. With Uriel tossing money about in this part of town, they could easily end up the target of a group of theives. (spot-11)
Arm Monday October 11th, 2004 9:17:13 AM
Overhearing the children, he asks them, "Please tell us where this "scrap heap" is located. We would like to see it.".
Mira d20+3=19 Monday October 11th, 2004 4:04:17 PM
Mira stands beside Evan, and quietly reaches out to hold his hand. She waits to see how the children will answer Arm's question about the scrap heap.
The sorcerer tries to remember what she has heard about such places (Knowledge-Local=19), after all, her adoptive father made his living as a river sweeper, cleaning the garbage out of the Endless River and salvaging whatever was useful or valuable.*
*see Adventurer's Repose: Plateau City: Mira
Shadow d20+4=24 d20+2=15 Monday October 11th, 2004 6:17:38 PM
Shadow tries not to roll his eyes at his over eager partners, he is the one that was raised here, and he thinks he will be the one to get the information from these children.
Trying to recover what he can he tries to think back about his childhood working with his mother cleaning up the entryways into Plateau City. (Knowledge: Local = 24)
If he remembers about it he will use that info to try and gather more info from the kids. (Don't really know what to post yet, waiting for further details from his memory. Gather Info=15)
Kadaz Monday October 11th, 2004 6:57:35 PM
Kadaz eyes the little urchins warily. Street kids like this often have quick little hands that steal coin pouches.
Uriel d20+2=18 Monday October 11th, 2004 9:07:24 PM
In a low voice, mindful of the surroundings, Uriel speaks to the woman at the door. "We have heard of disappearances and fear amongst those who call the Shanty home. We are worried at what this bodes for the rest of those who live here. Have you heard any rumors about the disappearances or other strange happenings here?" {Diplomacy:18}
Conner Monday October 11th, 2004 9:59:40 PM
Conner listens in on the discussion of the 'scrap heap' with interest. "Why should these children fear a pile of rubbish?" he thinks to himself.
DM Kathy Tuesday October 12th, 2004 2:00:15 AM
The woman at the door gives Uriel a crafty look. "I might," she says.
Evan and Kadaz keep a sharp eye on their surroundings, but so far nothing strikes them as especially suspicious or out of place.
Mira recalls her father explaining that the Shanty Quarter, being outside the city walls, is also outside of the municipal waste-disposal system. Garbage in Plateau City is magicked away, but the Shanty Quarter must fend for itself.
Shadow knows this, too, and also has a vague sense of where the garbage heap is. Even for the Shanty Quarter, it is a pitiful and dangerous place.
Arm asks where the scrap heap is, and he, too, is treated to a round of eye-rolling from the two urchins. "Ya don' wanna go there nohow," one of them says dismissively.
Kadaz Tuesday October 12th, 2004 5:47:26 AM
Kadaz remains the strong, silent type. Birdie, however, has gotten tired of waiting and moves forward to try to play with the kids.
Evan d20+8=10 Tuesday October 12th, 2004 6:25:07 AM
Evan gives Mira's hand a soft squeeze but doesn't release it. He pauses in his scanning of the area to offer Mira a warm smile, then returns to looking for any possible trouble. The poverty level is so low here that he is fairly certain they are looking like a rich take for someone. However, Mira's closeness is just a bit distracting, which makes Evan glad that Kadaz has an eye out for trouble as well because Evan does not particularly feel like letting go of Mira at the moment. (spot-10)
Arm d20+4=14 d20+4=14 Tuesday October 12th, 2004 7:57:33 AM
"Fine, as you wish," he says to the children. Clearly disgusted with the situation, he turns to find Uriel conversing in the doorway with the woman. Still sore from their confrontation, he doesn't bother joining him, electing rather to scan the area for possible trouble (listen=14, spot=14).
Shadow d20+2=15 Tuesday October 12th, 2004 10:29:00 AM
"We's know that it be dangerous, but anthing unusual lately with the scrap heap?" Shadow asks the youngsters (Gather Info=15).
He feels that the group will need to explore the scrap heap to see what is going on around it.
Conner Tuesday October 12th, 2004 8:33:32 PM
The fighter waits patiently for the group to decide it's course.
Mira Tuesday October 12th, 2004 10:34:27 PM
The sorcerer watches how the newcomer, Shadow, operates. Maybe we can learn something from this rogue? she signs to Evan.
Uriel d20+2=16 d20+4=20 Tuesday October 12th, 2004 10:42:16 PM
Uriel presses forward with the woman while trying to get a feel for her {Sense Motive:16}. If he feels like she is only trying to be duplicitous, he will hand her 5 silver and move back to the group.
If on the other hand, she seems only tenative or uneasy, then he continues to question her. "What rumors have you heard? It is important, especially if you have children that you help us help you." {Diplomacy:20}
Wilfire Ironhouse Wednesday October 13th, 2004 1:52:42 AM
Wilfire remains close to Kadaz, and also stays quiet. His finger begins its usual tapping at his side, a sure fire signal that he grows impatient.
DM Kathy Wednesday October 13th, 2004 2:20:24 AM
"I heard same as allfolk," the woman replies defensively. "Folk agoin' missin' round by the scrap heap. Tha's why we come here ta live." Longing shines in her eyes. "Movin' is awful expensive," she hints broadly.
In the street, Shadow hears a similar tale from the kids. "Allfolk that up an' gone was over by the dump," the bolder one explains. "Folk're gettin' robbed there, too. We don' go thatwise no more." His friend begins edging away, eyeing Birdie nervously.
Arm spots a couple of toughs looking the party over, but they apparently decide your well-armed group is beyond their reach. They move on.
Nobody else sees anything.
It's pretty clear, though, that you at least have a more specific location for the disappearances and the thefts.
Arm Wednesday October 13th, 2004 6:02:03 AM
Arm sidles over to Mira and asks, "Do YOU by chance know where this "scrap heap" is located? It looks like we need to begin there if we're to get anywhere.".
Shadow Wednesday October 13th, 2004 9:55:27 AM
Sensing this is all the group is going to get from the children, and that one of them is edging away, Shadow digs out four silver coins. Handing two to each child says, "Thanks, now off with ya, don't be spending that all right away." Shadow watches the two little ones run off, and turns to his new comrades, "Well it looks like the scrap heap it is."
He will wait to see what the group decides to do, but if asked will suggest they head to the scrap heap directly. He will help lead the group to where he believes it to be.
Mira d20+3=22 Wednesday October 13th, 2004 6:55:18 PM
Mira shakes her head at Arm's question, trying to remember if she has ever seen this scrap heap and can remember it's location. (Knowledge-Local=22)
If she can, she will confirm the direction being taken by Shadow.
Uriel Wednesday October 13th, 2004 7:36:00 PM
Uriel opens his mouth to say something and then closes it. He reaches into a pouch and pulls out 10 Silver. "May Domi guide you. Thank you for the information."
Uriel turns back to the others and says, "Where to now?"
Conner Wednesday October 13th, 2004 8:31:53 PM
Conner gives the kids a toothy grin and a wink as he readies to leave for the scrap heap. Those silver pieces won't go far, but for at least a short time each of those children will feel rich he thinks.
Kadaz Wednesday October 13th, 2004 9:18:36 PM
Kadaz calls Birdie back to him. What could be so bad about a scrap heap?
DM Kathy Thursday October 14th, 2004 2:44:03 AM
"Thankee, sir," the woman replies before shutting the door.
The kids, too, seem pleased with their reward as they dash away, filled with excitement.
Mira doesn't remember hearing where the garbage dump or scrap heap (the terms are interchangable) was located--just that there is one. Shadow has a general idea where it is, though, and begins to lead you in that direction.
You hadn't thought a neighborhood could get much worse than the one you just left, but as you get farther away from the gates and closer to the outskirts, you realize that you truly were in the "good" part of the Shanty Quarter. There are no more streets now, just a bewildering collection of rutted lanes that crisscross aimlessly among tumbledown shacks. The few people you see shuffling along the lanes or sitting in front of the shanties seem lost in another world, glassy-eyed with poverty and despair.
The deeper into the Quarter you get, the worse the smell becomes--which is actually a good sign to Shadow. To find the dump itself, he'll need to follow his nose.
[Everybody please make Spot checks. Also, some idea of marching order and/or strategy might be good. This is not a safe part of town.]
Arm d20+4=21 d20+4=22 Thursday October 14th, 2004 5:58:32 AM
Clearly uneasy at the sights (and smells) that permeate the area, Arm sticks close by Mira and asks Kadaz & Connor to watch their backs, assuming that Evan with accompany Mira as well and not really caring where Uriel walks at the moment. All the while, he keeps an eye out for any trouble that might be noticing them (listen=21, spot=22).
Kadaz d20+1=9 d20+5=17 Thursday October 14th, 2004 8:32:17 AM
As requested, Kadaz takes up a position at the back of the group, watching backwards and to the sides. The folks in front of him prevent him from seeing exactly where they are going but the smell makes it clear that they are headed in the right direction. (spot 9)
Birdie walks along at Kadaz's side, also alert. The smell is bothering his more sensitive nose, but he has picked up on the increased tension in the group and is also on alert. (spot 17)
Wilfire Ironhouse d20=2 d20=19 Thursday October 14th, 2004 8:53:50 AM
Wilfire remains near the back of the group as well. His battle senses on alert in this district (listen 2, spot 19).
"Sad that so many have to live like this" he whispers to himself.
Shadow d20+1=5 d20+1=4 Thursday October 14th, 2004 10:03:22 AM
(Not a good spot check = 5)Shadow will be in the front of the group (not unusual, except that he is normally alone) trying to locate the scrap heap. He will keep an eye out for anything that might be trouble coming towards the group. (even worse spot=4) Knowing that this is not a great place to be he will keep a hand on his rapier, just in case.
Uriel d20+4=21 d20+4=5 Thursday October 14th, 2004 10:32:26 AM
Uriel will remain near the front of the group. His face shows his surprise at the pitiful conditions here.
He walks with his quarterstaff in hand, glancing at the ramshackle surroundings {Spot:21 Listen:5}
Conner d20+3=6 d20+2=7 Thursday October 14th, 2004 5:24:33 PM
Conner takes up a position ahead of Kadaz and Birdie but a few steps to one side whenever that is possible in the jumble of trails and passageways. The fighter's mind is pre-occupied with thoughts about the potential dangers that might lurk within a garbage heap. [Spot=6, Listen=7] He keeps one hand on the hilt of his sword and his shield slung over his shoulder.
Mira (AC 13+4 Mage Armor, 22 HP) d20+2=15 Thursday October 14th, 2004 6:31:44 PM
Sensing that this is not a safe part of town, Mira removes a small piece of cured leather from her pouch. She makes a gesture with both hands, bringing them down in unison along her body, while speaking some words of magic.
She catches Evan's eye and nods, taking a place in the middle of the group, behind the bard. The woman looks about nervously. (Spot=15)
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