Kathy Saturday April 23rd, 2005 3:08:31 AM
Shut in his room, Arm can still hear the swelling chorus of elven voices; he can't quite chase them out of his head.
Mira, too, can hear the voices, but cannot hear how the "vote" is going. Will the Sleeper be awakened?
The others step outside the apartment to complete their errand, and notice something odd. Although it's the middle of the day, it's dark out. Looking up, they see the sun is blocked by something, a disk that obscures the rays of the sun and turns day into night. All around, the people of Plateau City stop and look fearfully at the sky, asking one another what it might mean.
All of you feel the strangest sensation, as if you are standing on the cusp of something incredibly vital. You can almost feel the Wold spinning on its axis below you. Then....
The Wold stirs....
A breeze springs up, seemingly from out of nowhere. On the Sargass Plains, the unending grasses begin to move and toss, and the rapkes pace, restless and uneasy. In the Windbourne Hills, horses whinny and break into a run for no reason. In the tunnels beneath Dirt City, sewer rats begin to flee their hiding places, running into well-traveled corridors while the people wonder what it all could mean. And in the Emerald Kingdom, the anticipation is very nearly palpable as the animals awaken and the trees stir in the wind.
Something is coming.
The Wold seems to hold its collective breath as the Sleeper stretches, turns, sighs...and awakens. Eyes the color of the sea blink and focus as the Sleeper regards the Wold around him. The expanse of New Elanna, the great bulk of Shadow Mountain, the mysteries of the Southern Continent, even the wonder that is Floating City--all of these are known to the Sleeper in a heartbeat. A frown of concentration crosses his face, then a satisfied smile as he begins to know what must be done.
The Sleeper takes a breath and stretches out his hand...
There is a sudden cacophany of joyful noise, and the skies are filled with songbirds. They seemed to spring up out of nowhere, and they are now everywhere--perching on streetlamps, darting above the streets, swooping in and out of open windows and doors. Their massed song is incredibly loud, but it's such an uplifting sound that you can't help but smile. The song continues as the disk moves away and the sun shines once again.
Conner Saturday April 23rd, 2005 10:14:11 PM
Conner prepares to complete the task they accepted from Shadows bretheren when the sky grows dark. The fighter has never experienced such a thing and can only wonder at what it may portend. When the sky once again lightens the fighter realizes he has drawn his sword in readiness. Embarassed at his over reaction he quickly sheathes the weapon and mutters something about "damned birds" in a low voice.
Kadaz Sunday April 24th, 2005 2:29:43 PM
Kadaz first tenses at the signs of an oncoming storm then breaks out in a broad smile as song birds swarm around them. "Now you don't see that every day!" he exclaims.
Uriel Sunday April 24th, 2005 4:35:36 PM
Uriel mentions his thoughts on the plan, "I don't see how this is going to help Shadow's friend. Why don't we go and meet with captain of the watch and see if returning the goods will help with his incarceration?"
He is about to continue outside when he notices the sky. "I..." at a loss for words he says nothing else.
Evan Monday April 25th, 2005 5:38:44 AM
Much like Conner, Evan's instinctive reaction to the eclipse is to fill his hands with swords. Waiting in readiness, he stands just outside the door of the flat, eyes scanning the area constantly, unable to relax despite the pleasantness of the songbird's music.
Arm Monday April 25th, 2005 5:58:35 AM
Laying on his bed, Arm curses the voices that remain in his head and thinks, "I've voted and STILL you won't let me be!!". He opens his eyes just in time to see the eclipse. Fearing the worst, he vaults to his feet and hurries outside with the rest, sword at the ready as well. Like Even, he cannot shake the feeling of uneasiness even after the songbirds appear. Not quite ready to sheathe it, he grips his sword tightly and mutters to Mira, "For better or worse, it's begun.".
Shadow Monday April 25th, 2005 10:03:32 AM
Hearing Uriel agree with his own thinking, Shadow does speak up, "I really think we do need to talk to someone about it and not just drop it off." he waits for Uriel to speak.
He suddenly looks up to see what is going on in the sky.
Mira Monday April 25th, 2005 7:04:01 PM
Mira takes in the natural phenomena of the eclipse. When Arm informs her of what he knows, she places a firm hand on the bard's shoulder, gesturing to the sky with the other, "the sun is shining, and the birds are singing joyfully. This bodes well for the decision elven-kind has made."
The sorcerer blinks when she spots the bulky bag being debated by the party. Looking at Evan, she moves her hands and fingers to form the ranger's language,"did anyone try to see if there were any marks or engraving on the items to identfy the rightful owner?"
DM Kathy Tuesday April 26th, 2005 2:03:47 AM
With the birds still twittering all over the city, you set out with the sack to see what you can do for Shadow's "friend." [Mira and Arm, you can catch up to the rest of the group if you like, or stay in the apartment.]
If the skies are full of birds, the streets are nearly as full of people, milling back and forth, asking one another what they saw and what it means. You catch bits of conversation as you pass: "--completely blocked the sun, and I thought we were done for!" "--never seen anything like--" "--they say the elves did it--" "--about fainted, I was that frightened--" "My! What a noise they do--" "--do you suppose it means?"
It takes a bit longer than it normally would because of the thronging people, but you do eventually find your way to the Guard post. Inside are three or four panicky Plateau City residents, all demanding that the Guard "do something!" about the day's strange happenings. The harried-looking sergeant on duty is doing her best to reassure them; there do not seem to be any other Guards present.
Evan Tuesday April 26th, 2005 5:52:06 AM
Evan blinks, not having thought of looking for identifying marks himself but then, he wouldn't really know what to look for. He's not very savvy where things like jewelry are concerned. However, it would seem that neither is anyone else in the party. He follows the group to the guardshack, watching the crowd's reaction to what just occured and wonders silently what they think the guard can do about songbirds in the sky.
Arm Tuesday April 26th, 2005 6:00:50 AM
Arm remains expressionless and says to Mira, "NOTHING about this bodes well...I can FEEL it. There's nothing to do now though but wait and see how things play out.". Regardless of whether Mira follows the group or not, Arm returns to the apartment where he will try to get some sleep, the ache in his head beginning to return.
Conner Tuesday April 26th, 2005 8:00:44 AM
"S'cuse me, S'cuse me" the tattoed fighter gently but firmly parts the crowd and clears a path for the party to approach the guard. "Seargeant, sorry to bother you when all this is going on, but my fniends and I have some official guard business to discuss with you. Can you spare a moment?"
Shadow d20+2=16 Tuesday April 26th, 2005 9:58:04 AM
Hanging near the back Shadow follows the group into the guardhouse and then with Conner as he apporaches the lone guard. He will make sure nothing unseemly is happening here (Spot=16) He is not sure of how the group is going to handle this, but is hopeful.
Mira Tuesday April 26th, 2005 11:05:14 AM
Mira watches Arm turn for the apartment and signs to Evan "the bard takes on too much responsibility. He is too hard on himself." She then trails after the party as they make their way to the guardhouse. Watching Conner bulldoze his way to the front, she stays near the back of the small crowd near Shadow. "Now this should be interesting!" she says to no one in particular, curious to see how the tatooed fighter will be recieved.
Wilfire Ironhouse d20+3=7 Tuesday April 26th, 2005 4:26:15 PM
Wilfire hangs back and listens in on some of the conversations going on around the room.
Kadaz Tuesday April 26th, 2005 4:39:46 PM
Kadaz looks closely to see if he recognizes the sergeant. He whispers to Conner "Don't push too hard. She'll just push back and we need her cooperation."
Uriel d20+5=18 Tuesday April 26th, 2005 11:52:50 PM
Uriel will smile encouragingly at the Sergeant as he moves up to Conner's side.
{Diplomacy:18}
DM Kathy Wednesday April 27th, 2005 2:28:50 AM
Kadaz vaguely recognizes the sergeant, but he doesn't know her name. She seems almost relieved when she sees Conner approaching her with something that might vaguely fall into her job description. "Certainly, sir," she says. "One moment, please."
Turning to the group of concerned citizens, she raises her voice a little to be heard over the babble of their questions and demands. "As I've said," she says patiently, "we have doubled the Guard patrols in the city until further notice. There will be Guards on hand to protect you all, should anything else unexpected occur. Please go about your business; this is being taken care of."
Grumbling, the group files out. When they are gone, the sergeant turns again to Conner. "I don't know who you are," she says with a faint smile, "but your timing is impeccable. What do you have there?"
Back at the apartment, Arm can hear the faint sound of birdsong filtering in through the closed windows, and the murmur of excited voices on the street outside. Within the apartment, all is quiet.
Evan Wednesday April 27th, 2005 5:37:20 AM
For once, Evan is glad he cannot speak because he won't have to try and provide an excuse for having the loot. Moving to Mira's side and taking her hand in his, he waits, curious to see what sort of story Conner comes up with. Hopefully, he'll tell them he just found it gardening. That thought brings a smile to Evan's face. Too bad Arm isn't here to charm the woman.
Arm Wednesday April 27th, 2005 5:57:18 AM
Turning away from the window, Arm finally falls into a fitful slumber, for once free of concerns but that probably due to his sheer exhaustion after the recent events.
OOC: Evan, since Arm wasn't present during the mini-mission I would have to self-impose a penalty on my diplomacy rolls as he wouldn't be all that sure what he was talking about. Factor that in with his inner turmoil, and I doubt if he'd be much help to you at ALL at this point...sorry :)
Kadaz Wednesday April 27th, 2005 7:09:24 AM
Kadaz watches Conner closely and waits to hear what sort of story is going to come out. He glances around at the others in the group who are also wondering what is coming next.
Shadow Wednesday April 27th, 2005 10:01:29 AM
Shadow tries not to show his nervousness, but is having a hard time. He has tried all his life to stay out of places like this (guardhouses, prisons, etc.). He will remain near the back of the group trying not to be noticed.
Conner Wednesday April 27th, 2005 5:41:42 PM
"Name's Conner ma'am" he replies to the seargeant. "My friends and I are adventurers of sorts... helped rid the Shanty Quarter of goblins beneath the trash heaps not too long ago." The tattooed fighter pauses momentarily to allow his introduction to set in.
"Yesterday we got tipped that some missing goods were hidden in a greenhouse and that the City Guard wanted 'em returned."
Conner waves Kadaz forward with the recovered loot.
"Long 'n short of it is we found this sac and brought it here. I reckon them that told us about the goods were lookin for some kind of leniency..." Conner lets his last comment hang in the air, more of a question than a statement of fact.
Mira Wednesday April 27th, 2005 6:31:01 PM
Mira looks at Evan and then back at Conner and smiles. "The fighter did good!" she whispers to the ranger, giving his hand a squeeze.
DM Kathy Thursday April 28th, 2005 1:56:55 AM
"It is good to meet you, Conner," the sergeant replies. "My name is Verinel. Yes, I had heard of some activity recently in the Shanty Quarter."
She takes the bag and empties the contents out onto the counter in front of her. She picks up the faceted pendant. "Ah," she says. "Him." Reaching under the counter, she pulls out a logbook and begins paging through it. Finding what she wants, she reads a passage, then takes the faceted pendant and sets it aside, making a little tick mark on the page as she does so. For some time there is no sound in the small room but the rustling of pages and the faint scratch of the sergeant's pen as she matches the jewelry to the descriptions in her book. At last, all the jewelry has been moved into the "accounted for" pile, and she shuts the book.
"Well, it's all here," she says. "The results, I should point out, of several different robberies. Your friend--or whoever he is--is certainly a busy fellow. Leniency, eh?" She frowns, then shakes her head. "I don't supposed you'd be willing to be responsible for his future conduct." With a wave of a hand, she dismisses whatever answer you might have made. "On second thought, never mind. That isn't fair to ask of anyone."
She bites her lip for a moment, then says, "Well, I'd have to run it by my lieutenant, but what if we banished him instead of locking him up? He'd have to leave the city and never return, but he could make a fresh start someplace else. I'm afraid that's as good as he can get, though, at this point."
Arm Thursday April 28th, 2005 5:53:34 AM
zzzzzzzzzzzzz-SNORE-zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz-SNORE-zzzzzzzzzzzzz
Evan Thursday April 28th, 2005 6:07:35 AM
Evan sighs with relief when it becomes apparent that they won't be held accountable for the stolen jewelry. He returns Mira squeeze, smiling brightly, happy to have her at his side once again and happy that this little adventure is working out so well.
Conner Thursday April 28th, 2005 7:47:49 AM
Conner watches as the sergeant methodically accounts for each of the items in the sac, and is relieved that she is satisfied with her findings and that none of the party seem under suspicion for their actions.
As talk shifts to leniency and banishment, the fighter replies "Whatever their lordships decide, ma'am. For my part, I think it sounds more than fair." When it is clear that the sergeant of the guard is done with them Conner will gather his companions and head back to the apartments.
Uriel Thursday April 28th, 2005 7:54:20 AM
Uriel nods in agreement with the possible sentence. "You are very fair Sergeant, Thank you."
Shadow Thursday April 28th, 2005 10:10:22 AM
Shadow really starts to worry as the sergeant starts going through different pages of the log book. He starts wondering just how many jobs this was.
He is very relieved when she suggests there might be some leniency, so he feels they have done their part. It will be another positive for him and his group with the Guild. He is anxious to return to the Guild and then to the apartment.
Wilfire Ironhouse Thursday April 28th, 2005 3:46:03 PM
Wilfire breaths a sigh of relief and then begins mentally counting his money. Already his beginning to think about just what he'll spend it on.
OOC- Did we ever divide uo the gold from the previous adventure? If so, how much did we get each?
Kadaz Thursday April 28th, 2005 9:10:21 PM
Kadaz looks around the station house carefully, just checking to see how it compares to his old one.
Mira Thursday April 28th, 2005 11:55:01 PM
Soundlessly Mira files out of the building. She stays near the back of the party, letting the bigger and stronger lead the way.
Evan Friday April 29th, 2005 5:40:51 AM
(ooc: No, we didn't, we're waiting for mom........I mean Mira *g* to divide it up for us [whispered: she's the only one of us who can cipher]:)
Evan hooks Mira's arm though his and turns the walk back to the apartment into a pleasant afternoon stroll.
DM Kathy Friday April 29th, 2005 10:46:45 AM
Satisfied that you've completed the job to the best of your abilities, you return to the apartment. Shadow stops off to see Grey and tell him all you accomplished.
"Banishment, eh?" Grey says, and shrugs. "Not what I'd have done, but I suppose he's out of our hair now. Anyway, we owe you and your group our thanks, and a little something else besides."
He counts out 100 gold and gives it to Shadow.
The songbirds, meanwhile, have settled down a little bit, but are still chirping and twittering from every conceivable perch in town. People are still clearly concerned about the events of the past few hours, but most of them are willing to take the birds as a good sign.
Wilfire Ironhouse Friday April 29th, 2005 10:55:37 AM
Wilfire is eager to divy up the gold and make some purchases, cause he has the strange feeling that now is the time to stock up on goods.
"Git deh queerest feelin dat a strom be brewin" Wilfire said. "Better ta'have a 5 gol piece umbrella in yer hand, den 5 gol coins in yer pocket when da rain comes."
Kadaz Saturday April 30th, 2005 7:16:56 AM
Kadaz listens to Wilfire but wonders "Stock up on what? Food? Weapons? Butterfly nets? And should we get out of town? I'd prefer to meet what's coming head on, not running away."
Conner Saturday April 30th, 2005 9:10:34 AM
Conner slumps down into a chair and kicks off his boots. "So what's next?"
Shadow Saturday April 30th, 2005 11:41:32 PM
Shadow returns to the apartment and lets them know what his contact said and that they got another 100gp for their effort. "I don't think we want to do that again, I don't know about all of you but I was quite a bit jumpy the whole time. Then we had to deal with that plant." He just shakes his head.
When Conner asks what's next, Shadow listens up. He has no idea what the group is going to do from here.
Uriel Sunday May 1st, 2005 9:53:45 PM
Uriel listens to everyone's comments as he works on his gear.
He says nothing on the subject of what is next, but he makes a note that Arm has been troubled later. He remembers to try and talk to him soon.
Mira Sunday May 1st, 2005 11:12:22 PM
Mira will get to one of the corner cupboards by the fireplace and pull out the bag left by Maline. "2000 GP. That's 250 GP each if we divide it 8 ways. Then there's the party kitty..." Her voice trails off, as she thinks for a while, "how much is in there in the pot? Uriel? Do you remember?"
DM Kathy Monday May 2nd, 2005 1:17:45 AM
Back in the apartment, you eagerly begin divvying up the proceeds from your latest adventure.
[If I remember right, you put 10% of your last haul into a party fund, which would make it 1300 gp and change.]
And speaking of funds, you'll need to pay rent again before too much longer--that is, if you want to go on living here. Most adventuring groups make the Dragon Quarter their home. Of course, that means the rents there are significantly higher....
Arm Monday May 2nd, 2005 5:50:45 AM
Falling into a deeper sleep than he expected to, Arm rises and joins the party in the common room, rubbing the sleep from his eyes and not feeling very refreshed at all. "I wonder if they have an 'ease your troubled mind' spell around here somewhere?" he thinks. He seats himself at the table and waits for the party to decide what to do next.
OOC: Kathy, how much WAS the rent here? I know, I'm too lazy to look in the archives... ;)
Evan Monday May 2nd, 2005 6:05:14 AM
(I thought we put an equal share into the party kitty which was something along the lines of 1500 gp)
Once back at the flat, Evan spends the rest of the day, unless something interesting interrupts, cleaning and making what repairs he can on his gear so as to be ready for the next adventure.
Uriel Monday May 2nd, 2005 7:42:13 AM
{Evan - You bit my head off on the equal share thing in email, so we ended up with the slightly more complicated calculation of ten percent, which in your own post was set at 1364 gold 2 silver}
Uriel mentions the amount of the share to Mira, "We have 1364 GP and 2 silver before this haul".
Kadaz Monday May 2nd, 2005 7:00:55 PM
Kadaz has his ideas on how to spend the party treasure. "I think we should use the party money to buy magical healing. Something that will benefit all of us if hard times hit."
Shadow Monday May 2nd, 2005 9:52:19 PM
"We also have the 300 gp from the job to add to this." Shadow adds. He is really not good with the calculations, so he waits for the group to give him his share.
When the group starts talking about the rent and what to do with the group share Shadow tries to figure out his opinion. "Do we pay the rent from the kitty or do each of us pitch in? We need to make sure that we keep some of the party fund for emergencies." Shadow says.
Mira Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 12:06:17 AM
The lone female rolls her eyes when the 'boys' start to discuss how to divvy up the loot. "How about 250 GP each, and Shadow's 300 gets added to the party kitty. We can pay the rent, with some of it." Mira turns to Uriel when Kadaz mentions 'healing'. "You still got that wand? How many hits of healing you got left?" she asks matter of factly, eyeing the paladin.
(OOC: BTW, rent is 30 GP per month, unless Hamm raised it. Jan. 15, 2004)
DM Kathy Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 2:22:42 AM Math is hard!
Just to recap, the party kitty has 1364 gold, proceeds from your adventure with the goblins underground. Each of you also received a share of that money, which you presumably added to your character sheets.
Since then, the party as a whole has received 2000 from Maline for escorting the scholar to Angel Springs. Shadow is reporting that you took in another 300 for the greenhouse job.
[The pay for that was in fact 700, but I'm not sure whether Shadow is holding out on the party, or whether Scott just forgot. :) For the time being, though, the rest of the party only knows about 300.]
So, that makes 2300 [or 2700] that needs to be divided up somehow. You also will owe 30 gp in rent before too much longer. Shadow's question about this is a good one: do you take it out of the party fund, or do you reserve that fund for emergencies and levy rent money from each member of the group?
Multi-post as you need to during this discussion, or feel free to take it to e-mail if you'd prefer. I'd like to start the next adventure by the end of the week.
Evan Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 5:40:12 AM
*chuckle* I thought I lost the divvy arguement.
If we each cough up 30gp, we'll have the rent paid for the next 8 months :) This way we can save the party kitty for rezzes.
Kadaz Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 5:48:10 AM
The dwarf looks at the pile of gold in front of him. "I agree with evan. 30 gold from each of us isn't a great hardship at this time." He counts out this amount. "Who holds the money for the group?"
Arm Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 6:01:14 AM
Arm nods his head in agreement, "Aye, I think it best if we EACH pay 30 gold while we have it. That way, if lean times loom on the horizon, we know that we'll have a place to stay for some time to come, and not need to worry about it.". He looks around expectantly at the rest of the group for their input.
Shadow Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 10:11:54 AM
OOC: First, Shadow would not hold back, so it is 700gp not 300gp (I forgot the post that told him the original amount and for some reason I thought it was only 200gp.)
"I am okay on 30gp each to make sure that we have a place to stay." Shadow agrees with the group.
Wilfire Ironhouse Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 7:50:56 PM
"Aye, here be me thirty" Wilfire said, eager to secure the room for the next few months.
"Sa'ow much we git lef'ta spen?" Wilfire asked.
Conner Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 8:47:45 PM
Conner fishes into a pouch on his belt and extracts 30 gold coins. "Here's my share", trhe fighter tosses them on the table and returns to sharpening his weapons.
Uriel Wednesday May 4th, 2005 12:23:12 AM
Uriel scratches his chin at Mira's question.
"I can't say that I have done a good job of keeping track of the taps. I didn't normally think of that in the thick of it... I probably have used over half of the charges."
Uriel uses 30 of the current coinage to pay his share of the rent.
DM Kathy Wednesday May 4th, 2005 2:31:15 AM
The group (or most of the group; we haven't heard from everybody yet) agrees to chip in 30 gold apiece so there is a "rent fund" in addition to the "party fund."
Someone can be designated to hold one or both funds, or you could buy a strongbox and keep them in the apartment.
Meanwhile, there is still 2700 gold to be divided among you.
Evan Wednesday May 4th, 2005 5:41:03 AM
(This works out well cause 9 goes into 2700 just fine, giving each of us 300 gold)
Seeing that Mira is busy, Evan quickly divides up the kitty into 9 equal piles. Taking one pile, he counts out another 30 gold and adds it to the growing rent pile, then pockets the other 270 gold. He looks to the others to take their share.
Arm Wednesday May 4th, 2005 5:47:11 AM
Arm contributes HIS share to the rent as well, saying "Instead of us keeping all these separate tallys, why don't we just ask Hamm if we can pay in advance? I'm sure he'd be happy to accomodate us, as we've been such good tenants.". Regarding the 2700 gold, he continues, "By my calculations, our remaining shares, after the 10% party kitty, comes to roughly 303 gold. I say we either take what is ours and go shopping, or if we agree to stock up on healing potions, delegate one of us to go and get whatever we can from the 2430 gold for the group, then split them up when they return. I, for one, don't really require much else at the moment, so I say we just get whatever healing we can afford.".
Kadaz Wednesday May 4th, 2005 6:48:12 AM
" I get 303 gold after the rent is paid and we all chip in for group items?" Kadaz asks, just to make sure he really understands. "I don't think we should pay the rent for 8 months in advance, just in case we leave Plateau City for several months. Probably 2 months in advance is sufficient."
Uriel Wednesday May 4th, 2005 7:51:24 AM
"I am sure there is a bank in town that would be willing to hold our extra funds, party and rent, for us. Otherwise I would suggest keeping it offsite. The Church of Domi has strongboxes - maybe we could store it there," Uriel suggests.
Shadow Wednesday May 4th, 2005 10:00:01 AM
Shadow again just could not believe the wealth the group has, and really is not sure of how to handle so much money. He will follow along with the group as to how they are going to store the money. "I am not sure about how much we should pay in advance for rent, but let me know."
Mira Wednesday May 4th, 2005 6:45:50 PM
Mira pushes her 30 GP into the pile of rent money. "Kadaz has a point, however regardless of where we are, we need a safe place to come back to and a place to keep any gear we don't bring along with us."
"Whatever we don't pay out of the rent money this time can be put into the kitty. Future rent can be taken out of the kitty, which, I think, we all have plans to build on in the future, right?" The sorcerer looks around at the group, hoping for consensus.
"It is a good idea for everyone to invest in healing, but don't forget Uriel has a wand that is good for around 30 taps, and I've got 6 potions I'm more than willing to hand out in time of need!"
Wilfire Ironhouse Wednesday May 4th, 2005 10:24:01 PM
"An Aye have me healin' spells" Wilfire adds as he passes over his 30 gold, while pocketing the rest of his gold.
DM Kathy Thursday May 5th, 2005 1:39:26 AM
You set aside a Rent Fund and a Party Fund, and divide the spoils of your latest adventures. You are still discussing where to actually maintain these funds over the course of the next few days.
As you move about the city during those few days, you can't help but notice the drastic changes you see about you. Apparantly, the birds were only the beginning. Every tree in Plateau City suddenly puts forth more leaves than it has ever displayed before--even the scrawny and rather sad-looking things along the main thoroughfares are suddenly robust and leafy. Smaller plants spring up from cracks in the cobbles and along the sides of streets--even on rooftops. Green vines are growing on buildings throughout the city.
Many of these new (or newly enlarged) plants seem to be fruit-bearing. Giggling groups of young children dart about harvesting berries and figs. The back door of Sampson's is nearly blocked by an extremely fruitful tomato plant, and your own building is teeming with wild strawberries. Their sweet smell wafts in through the open windows.
And that's not all. There are rumors that some people have caught glimpses of the Wee Folk, the Fae--right here in the middle of the city.
Whether these things have anything to do with the Sleeper or the eclipse, nobody knows. For the moment, the people of Plateau City seem content to listen to the birdsong, eat the wonderful fruit, and enjoy the unexpected bounties of Nature.
Arm Thursday May 5th, 2005 5:55:27 AM
After a moment's thought, Arm agrees with Mira, "You're right, lass...perhaps it's best we keep the rent in the party kitty. That way we won't have multiple piles of gold to account for, and we can use it if we are in dire need of it.". Turning to Uriel, he remarks, "Why don't you look into a strongbox for us? As I said before, I really don't require anything at the moment, and what I WOULD like is more expensive that my funds allow, so I think I'd like to save up for it.".
Venturing out into the city, Arm still cannot shake the feeling of uneasiness that he has...he cannot help but wonder if this newfound bounty is even SAFE to eat, and limits himself to eating meat and bread, hoping that the bread was made with older grains.
Evan Thursday May 5th, 2005 6:11:42 AM
Evan takes adavantage of the bounty of wild strawberries, gathering up as many as he can find. Once he has enough, he heads down to the market to see if he can locate any honey or cane sugar so that he can turn the strawberries into jam. He spends the rest of the afternoon at the fire, stewing the berries.
Kadaz Thursday May 5th, 2005 7:12:21 AM
The thought of hiding the money away doesn't make sense to Kadaz. "I have a suggestion. We all seem to have extra money now but not enough to purchase a significant item. I proposes we pool funds to purchase one or two of us magic items. That person will have to repay the pool when we come into more money, then another one can purchase an item.
From my perspective, I would like to see as many of the fighters as possible with magic weapons. And I would rather my funds be used in purchasing part of something that will help us rather than sitting in a chest here under a bed."
Shadow Thursday May 5th, 2005 9:57:48 AM
Hearing Kadaz's suggestion about pooling the money to purchase something for one or two of the group, he is a little surprised to think it is a sound idea. He had never once in his life thought about working so close with anyone, even his own mother. "It is a strange concept to me, but I think I can support that idea." Shadow says to the group, about Kadaz's idea.
Mira Thursday May 5th, 2005 5:48:37 PM
"Wise words, friend Kadaz," says Mira supporting the dwarf's suggestion. I have chosen my magics with a view to what would be useful to the party, but I personally would feel more secure if those who take the brunt of combat had better weapons.
Conner Thursday May 5th, 2005 9:01:24 PM
"Agreed then" the fighter looks up from his work, "We'll pool our money and buy a single item for one of the group. I for one would purchase a magic longsword if I were selected, but perhaps the honor is better spent on another."
Uriel Thursday May 5th, 2005 10:30:42 PM
Uriel says, "That is a good idea. Another one would be to increase all of the party's effectiveness with an item that could bolster say, the bardsong of Arm. I don't know of any such items per se but they most likely exist. Or some potions to increase our fighting levels that we could take."
DM Kathy Friday May 6th, 2005 3:43:14 AM
After some discussion, the group hits upon the idea of pooling their money to buy one or two items which would go to individual characters for the benefit of the party as a whole.
The question now is: what to buy and whom to buy it for.
Arm Friday May 6th, 2005 6:06:38 AM
Arm smiles at Uriel's suggestion, "Thank you, my friend, but I am unaware of anything that would help me either, althought I COULD use a magical sword.". He continues to the group, "I think it best that all of us that wish to be involved put our names into a hat and have Mira pick out 1 or 2 of them...that would be the fairest way.".
Evan Friday May 6th, 2005 6:11:18 AM
Evan listens to the discussion of pooling money without comment as he will follow whichever path Mira chooses.
Shadow Friday May 6th, 2005 10:03:22 AM
Shadow watches the group as they decide who and what should be bought. When it comes to group combat he is really new to this and will remain silent as the group decides.
Kadaz Friday May 6th, 2005 8:41:51 PM
Kadaz counts out the coins in front of him, then pulls out a purse that jingles. "If I understand this right, we each got 300 gp from finding and returning the items. Take away 30 each for rent, and we each get 270 gp. Am I right so far?"
Kadaz pulls out some more coins. "Here are 600 gold coins. I already have magical armor and shield. And my axe, while not magical, is of very good quality. So I am willing to lend this to another to buy an item. This gold will be put to better use hanging off a weapon belt than setting in a strong chest."
"I suggest the fighters who do not have a magical or fine weapon roll dice and the highest gets to visit the weapon shop. Is this reasonable?"
Mira Sunday May 8th, 2005 8:03:09 PM
Names in a hat or rolls of the dice, it is all the same to the sorcerer. Once the matter is decided, the sorcerer will suggest dinner out.
"Either Sampsons or some other place," suggests the sorcerer. "How about the Flying Fish, or we could go sluming and try the Flying Pigs in the Outcast quarter or The Crypt in the Nightmare Quarter?" Mira's green eyes flash difiantly in Evan's direction.
Uriel Sunday May 8th, 2005 11:40:03 PM
Uriel sighs and says, "I will not roll for the item. I have nothing really to put in except from our current haul."
Conner Monday May 9th, 2005 12:44:53 AM
"Aye, well in that case we may not need to roll. I've got a blade better than most. It's not magical, but it holds a good edge and is well balanced." Conner puts away his whetstone and sheathes his blade before continuing. "Let someone with gretaer need go to the catacombs."
DM Kathy d4=3 d3=3 Monday May 9th, 2005 1:20:59 AM
Everybody is being terribly polite, but at last Mira agrees to draw names from a hat. She, Kadaz, Uriel, and Conner have bowed out, so the only names to go in the hat are Arm, Evan, Shadow, and Wilfire.
Mira draws Shadow's name from the hat, so Shadow gets first crack at buying a magical or enhanced weapon with the pooled funds. Mira's second draw is Wilfire, who can spend the remaining money if there's any left after Shadow's purchase.
[OOC: sorry to strong-arm you but I think it's time to move on. If anybody has objections or would like to make alternate suggestions, please contact me via e-mail; I'm still kice6 at comcast.net. Provided this method was okay with everybody, Scott can go ahead and make his Catacombs purchase.]
That bit of business out of the way, you find a place for an evening meal, then get back into your normal routine. Plateau City continues to be a place of surprisingly abundant nature. Butterflies have joined the birds flitting all over the city, and trees, bushes, and vines continue to bear fruit--many of them quite out of season. And you hear a few more reports of people actually having seen the Fae Folk.
One afternoon, you are all sitting in the apartment. The windows are open, because it is a warm day, and the bustling sounds of the city drift into the rooms.
[In your next post, please state where you are in the apartment, what you are doing, and what weapons, armor, and gear you have on you. Be as specific as possible, and if you're in one of the bedrooms be sure to say whether your door is open or shut.]
Arm Monday May 9th, 2005 5:46:14 AM
The feelings of foreboding perhaps finally behind him, Arm sits in his bedroom, idly strumming his lute. Catching himself several times missing a note or two, he shakes his head in wonderment at how rusty in playing he's become. "I need to practice more than I have been," he muses to himself.
Losing himself in his playing, he lets his mind wander, and inhaling deeply from the fresh outside air, begins to wonder if all of his worrying was for naught.
Evan Monday May 9th, 2005 5:50:27 AM
With it being such a lovely day, Evan left early in the morning to take Ariel out for a nice run through the city. After making certain Ariel is brushed down well, dried and well-fed, Evan returns to the apartment. Happily exhausted, he flops down onto the bed and watches Mira for a bit before falling asleep. (no gear to speak of, except what is in his pouches, his only weapon is the throwing axe he keeps under his pillow, just in case of an emergency [ever since the dragon atack, he's kept an axe at hand when he sleeps]}
Kadaz Monday May 9th, 2005 6:31:18 AM
On such a fine day Kadaz is relaxing in the common room. He is talking with whoever else is in the room, discussing the changes to Plateau City. And where exactly might the Fair Folk be coming from? Should they put out a saucer of milk for them on the doorstep at night? Or a horseshoe pointing up over the door? What has anyone else heard about how to not offend them?
As they talk Kadaz keep his hands busy by honing his axe. His armor and pack are neatly stacked up in his room, the door and window open to allow air to move through.
Birdie is at Kadaz's feet, sleeping off his lunch. He is eating much better now that that Kadaz is an adventurer and visting Sampson's on a regular basis and bringing back leftovers. When he wakes up he will go outside and chase butterflies again for a while.
Conner Monday May 9th, 2005 7:51:31 AM
Conner relaxes in the common room, his chair tilted back and his feet resting on the open window sill. He is without armor or weapons, all of which are laid out at the foot of his bed in the adjoining room. "I've heard they like music", Conner answers Kadaz.
Shadow Monday May 9th, 2005 12:10:57 PM
Shadow is acutally stunned that he is really going to be allowed to purchase something that will help with the party.
OOC: How much money does the group have in the pool?
IC: After making his purchase (seeing if he can get a +1 short bow or something to that affect) he will be getting used to it in the common room with Conner. He would not be wearing his armor (it would be in his room).
Mira Monday May 9th, 2005 8:22:44 PM
Sitting at the large table in the common room, Mira half listens to Kadaz talk of fairies, as she studies her new scrolls. The sorcerer is dressed in regular clothes, with her many pouches at her waist, and a dagger in her boot. Her pack sits on top of the small trunk at the end of her bed, and her weapons hang from pegs on the wall inside the room. She looks up from time to time casting a glance through the open door to the room she shares with the ranger. From her vantage point she can only see the lower part of his form, sprawled out, asleep on his bed.
Uriel Monday May 9th, 2005 11:30:00 PM
Uriel goes out to do some training in the courtyard and after rinsing off in the trough, he comes back in, changing into his trousers and tunic.
He sits in the common room. For weapons, he carries his sword belted on his hip, a long dagger along his waist as well. In his boot he also has a dagger which he sharpens as he listens to the group conjecture about the Fae.
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