The Investigation Begins (DM JohnP) Tuesday December 27th, 2005 11:04:05 PM
As Fendrik and his supporter stand to leave the table, Mira asks her question. She doesn't, however, have any suspicions of the man.
"Me?," the follower asks. "I'm Davern Barber, if you really have to know."
========================================
After the two men leave, Mira has a quick conference with the others who are in Sampson's.
Mira wonders if Fendrik's wife and children are really dead. She is thinking of methods to determine this. Kadaz suggests that they might possibly be dead and simply unaccounted for.
Shadow plans to check with the Guild but, as he learned before, they have banned "work" of any kind.
Conner is justifiably concerned about the level of distrust in the city.
After hashing over things until their tankards are empty, the four head back to the flat. Arm has fallen asleep waiting for them but those with good ears can hear his thrashing about.
========================================
The morning dawns clear and clean, with a slight chill in the air. Everyone has plans for the day and it seems a good time to get out and do them.
Sub Needed - Evan (DM JohnP) Tuesday December 27th, 2005 11:07:18 PM
JimN posted in the L&B that a computer crash prevents him from posting.
Kathy forwarded me a copy of a character sheet but it predates the exp and cash reward from the last module.
Does someone want to sub for Evan? I will forward the character sheet. We can use an assumed HP roll, etc..
Mira Tuesday December 27th, 2005 11:57:56 PM
Crawling into bed rather late, the sorcerer falls asleep as soon as her head hits the pillows. She looks over at Evan's empty cot, and wonders where the ranger might be. Her sleep is not dreamless however and she replays the events surrounding the party's dealings with the avatar of Ebyron.
In the morning, she brings Arm up to speed on what they have learned, showing him the drawing of the necklace and the notes she has made. "I think you would be the best choice to confer with Fendrick's elven neighbor, Saerthil. Fendrick has given us no reason to suspect Saerthil (other than that he is an elf), but he may know something that might help us." Mira rubs her brow as she remembers.
...Saerthel lied to me and I thought...thought it would be best...
"I would know what Fendrick means by his accusation that Saerthel lied him.
(OOC: JohnP, sorry I can't help out with JimN/Evan, but I'm swamped at the moment.-Carla)
Arm Wednesday December 28th, 2005 6:05:55 AM
Arm nods at Mira and agrees to meet with Saerthel, "Only if at least some of you check the surrounding area first to make sure his house isn't being watched," he says. "Also," he continues, "I don't know how much longer I'll be staying in the city. With the current climate here, it's neither safe for me nor for the rest of you to be SEEN with me.".
Kadaz Wednesday December 28th, 2005 6:49:14 AM
The dwarf looks at Arm. "I don't care what they think, Arm. I'm safer with you at my back then without you."
Conner Wednesday December 28th, 2005 10:45:01 AM
The burly fighter wakes early and begins filling out the forms required by the registry. His mood grows blacker by the minute as one beaurocratic question follows another. "What does it matter when my parents were born?" he spits back at the form and then prints a 'U' for unknown.
With Mira's assistance he will complete the forms before heading out with the group.
Shadow Wednesday December 28th, 2005 12:48:06 PM
"Arm would you stop feeling sorry for yourself. We have much larger problems than worring about you and the current situation. If any of us felt that you were not worth having at our backs we would let you know. As to how others feel, we cannot control them, but we will surly not let them tell us what to do." Shadow is disgusted at the situation, but not at Arm. He just does not know how to handle the situtation of the city.
Fendrik's House (DM JohnP) Wednesday December 28th, 2005 10:21:13 PM
The party's first stop seems to be locating Fendrik Vaeder's house and visiting there. Mira has some nagging questions about whoever Saerthel is. Conner brings along the forms necessary for getting the list of the dead from the Trade Quarter. And while Arm debates staying with the party, Kadaz and Shadow encourage him to stay.
After breaking their fast, the group exits the flat and looks out on the street. Merchants have set up their stalls in Open Palm Market and someone is sweeping the street in front of Sampson's.
A quick conversation with someone in the market provides directions to Vaeder's house.
"Just go up to Gauntlet Street, on the north side. You can't miss it - look for the tree."
The party makes their way up there. On the way, they might be able to pick up some news in the market if they choose to "accidentally" overhear some conversations or gossip themselves.
Listen DC 10 - Highlight to display spoiler: {Two human men are talking - "I hear the Defense League were out last night." "Ya, we scared some elves off, kept them out of the market."
An older human woman is nearby - "Tsk, tsk! Won't they learn? Too much trouble already and asking for more."
A group of young humans and dwarves are taunting a half-elf or elf child - "Ha-ha, pointy ears! Get out of town or we'll chase you out!"}
Gather Information DC 15 - Highlight to display spoiler: {"Ya, the Plateau City Defense League - a bunch of ponces and spoiled brats, if you ask me. Vaeder's the only halfway decent one of the bunch, and he's half out of his tree ... ah, I didn't mean to put it that way."}
The party turns up Gauntlet Street and can see a large tree of rather unusual appearance standing in front of a house. As they approach it, it's obvious that the tree (or whatever it is) is growing through to ruins of a house.
When the party reaches the house, the "tree" seems to be growing from near the foundation of the house. In addition to the central crown, there are vines snaking into and over the house. Several of these vines are quite thick and their growth has ripped the front and roof from the house. The party can see into the upper floor of the house.
"Who's out there?," a voice calls from a darkened corner of the ground floor.
After a moment, the party can see the unsteady figure of Fendrik Vaeder peering out from the shadows.
Arm d20+11=16 d20+3=20 Thursday December 29th, 2005 6:06:28 AM
Hearing the taunts made to the half-elven child, Arm cannot restrain himself any longer (listen=16). Rising to his full height, he approaches the group and laying his hand on the pommel of his sword, says "Would you dare call ME 'pointy ears'? Remember this, we half-elves grow up, and we have LONG memories, right, little one?" he finishes as he looks at the affronted child.
After a bit, he tells the group that he will head to Saerthel's house (if he can find it-gather info=20), and asks if anyone would like to accompany him.
Kadaz d20+1=3 d20+1=18 d20-3=7 Thursday December 29th, 2005 7:41:46 AM
Kadaz walks through the streets with the others, trying to hear what's going on but unable to over the clanking of his armor. Birdie jumps back and forth at his feet, trying to figure out if this outing is for fun or much more serious.
When Arm moves to confront a group Kadaz moves to protect Arm's back. He doesn't have to have heard why Arm reacted, he will protect his friend as needed.
(listen 3; gather info 7)
Conner Thursday December 29th, 2005 10:19:51 AM
The fighter will cover his elven companions back as he goes in search of Saerthel.
Shadow d20+2=15 d20+2=7 Thursday December 29th, 2005 11:29:39 AM
Shadow is relieved to see that Arm has decided to stick with the group, but will keep an eye on him just in case.
As the group moves towards Vaeder's house Shadow hears the the conversations about the so called 'Defense League' and shakes his head. When Arm moves over to the children Shadow moves back aways to see if anyone will take offence. He hopes this will not be a repeat of last night.
Shadow Thursday December 29th, 2005 11:30:04 AM
Forgot (Listen=15 GI=7)
Saerthel's House (DM JohnP) Thursday December 29th, 2005 10:46:19 PM
On the way across the Open Palm Market, Arm overhears some young humans and dwarves taunting a half-elf. With Kadaz and Conner at his back, he easily scares off the youths. The half-elf child turns to him saying, "Thanks, Mister!". Then he runs off in the opposite direction of the human youths.
When he asks, Arm easily gets directions to Saerthel's house.
"Just down Gauntlet Street, right next to Vaeder's place with the tree now. Nobody'll be there, though. All died in the flooding and that."
Shadow follows along, keeping an eye on Arm.
Mira d20+2=11 d20+7=26 d20+3=19 d20+8=25 Thursday December 29th, 2005 11:58:29 PM
Mira witnesses the bad behaviour of her fellow citizens and wonders what is becoming of the community. She stands with Shadow as he watches Arm disperse the trouble-makers then makes to follow the rest to Fendrick's home.
"Did you catch that?" she asks her companions (Listen=11, Gather Information=26) as they make their way down Gauntlet Street. "Maybe if we can help Fendrick Vaeder and proove that his problems aren't the result of some conspiracy, he can keep a lid on this Defense League?"
Mira tries to recall if she had ever heard anything about the Plateau City Defense League before. (Knowledge Local=19)
When the party arrives at Vaeder's home, she is shocked at what she sees. "Mr. Vaeder? Fendrick Vaeder? May we come in?" (Diplomacy=25)
Arm Friday December 30th, 2005 5:56:28 AM
A bit surprised that Saerthel lived next door to Vaeder, Arm thanks the person and follows the group to Vaeder's house. To protect himself, he makes sure that his hat is pulled firmly down over his ears to hide them, hoping that no one will notice them. He silently berates himself for his shame, but at this point he sees no other choice, "I must work on a disguise for myself as soon as I can," he decides.
Kadaz Friday December 30th, 2005 6:35:17 AM
Kadaz is amazed at the tree growing out of the house. He just stands there, gaping at the new growth.
Conner Friday December 30th, 2005 9:39:26 AM
"I thought that nature's onslaught was finished" the fighter comments as he looks at the tree growing through Fendrick's house. "If that tree has swallowed it, we'll never find the necklace."
Shadow Friday December 30th, 2005 1:20:09 PM
Shadow follows the group as they head to Fendrick's house. Once the tree comes into sight and Conner comments about the necklace being lost in that, Shadow is not sure what they can do to find it. He hopes Mira is correct that they can find it and maybe settle some of the problems that have been going on.
Gauntlet Street (DM JohnP) Friday December 30th, 2005 10:25:48 PM
The party comes together on Gauntlet Street near the ruins of Vaeder's house. Fendrik Vaeder stands in the shadows of the ground floor, swaying slightly and squinting in the morning light.
Mira tries to recall anything about the Plateau City Defence League. She has heard rumors since the Fae King's Awakening of people who blamed the elves for what happened in Plateau City. Some have grouped together and begun using that name.
Arm was given directions to Saerthel's house in the market. He can see a nameplate on the house next to Vaeder's with the "Saerthel" name on it. Vaeder doesn't notice anything about Arm.
Vaeder responds to Mira's request to enter by waving the party in. "Sit where you can," he says as he retreats back into the shadows.
When the party enters the gloom their eyes gradually adjust. They can pick out details and realize that they're sitting in what looks like a former office. Broken furniture and rubble fills the space. Conner, Kadaz and Shadow find places to perch on more stable pieces of rubble.
Vaeder goes back into a corner where an intact chair still sits near a scarred desk. He plops down into the chair and reaches for a bottle on the desk. The smell of soured wine hangs over the room.
"What do you all want? Have you found Alena's necklace yet?" He blinks at the party.
Dm Note - Fire away with any questions for Vaeder.
Conner d20-2=5 Sunday January 1st, 2006 11:49:08 AM
"We have just begun to look", Conner replies to the distraut man. "Before I go searching blindly for something I have never seen, I must have answers to a few questions.
What was your relation to Saerthel? Was he a friend? You said Saerthal had lied to you...what about? And what did you mean when you said that you ...thought it would be best....?
Conner does his best to put the man at his ease, but his displeasure at the blind hatred shown to the elves is betrayed by the terseness of his questions. [Diplomacy=5]
Mira d20+8=20 d20+7=24 Sunday January 1st, 2006 12:05:38 PM
Mira steps in front of Conner, and using a more diplomatic tone (Diplomacy=20) repeats Conner's questions. She also tries to identify a time line.
"When did you last see your wife and daughters? How long were you away from your home? What compelled you to leave? When did this tree appear? Do you know how it got here in the first place?"
"Mind if we have a look around?" she asks, and if the man agrees, she confers in whispered tones with Shadow, "have a good look around. See if you can find any clues as to what might have happened here and who else might have been in the building."
In continued whispered tones, the sorcerer asks Kadaz if Birdie might be able to follow a trail using scent. "Hopefully the wife and children, but if not them a possible interlopper."
Mira is not yet ready to give up hope that the woman and her children yet live, and are just unable to contact the husband. She recalls the citizens the party had rescued earlier who had fled to the underground tunnels for safety. In the most gentle manner possible she enquires of the husband if any bodies had been found. (Gather Information=24)
Kadaz Sunday January 1st, 2006 3:26:28 PM
Kadaz whispers back to Mira. "Birdie is a guard dog, never taught him to track by scent. But anything's possible. Ask for something that will smell of them."
Mira (illegal 2nd post) Sunday January 1st, 2006 4:48:12 PM
Mira will ask Shadow, or any of the others searching the wrecked place to bring any interesting physical evidence to her (a scrap of clothing, a child's shoe). She will ask Fendrick to identify the item as belonging to his family, if he can.
This she will give to Kadaz for Birdie to try and track.
(OOC: Hope I'm not trying to have Mira do too much, but I'm intrigued!-Carla)
Shadow d20+8=24 Monday January 2nd, 2006 1:47:36 PM
If no one asks or if Kendrick is not forthcoming Shadow will ask, "Where did you keep the necklace, exactly?"
He will then go to that area/place and search for any signs of someone taking the neclace. (Search=24)
A Talk with Fendrik Vaeder (DM JohnP) Monday January 2nd, 2006 9:58:23 PM
The party settles into the ruins of Vaeder's office and ply him with questions. Conner jumps right in and Vaeder's eyes flash with anger. Mira's quick response seems to mollify hims somewhat. Whatever he is drinking, he seems to be in the mood to reminisce.
"We all lived here ... upstairs, I mean." Vaeder makes a vague wave to the upper floors. "Not safe up there now, the Fae King saw to that."
He lifts the bottle to his lips and his adam's apple bobs a couple times.
"Bought this place when Alena agreed to marry me. Out fathers helped set up our business ... not much help, but it was appreciated. One of the first things Alena did was plant that rose bush outside. Hated the thing, kept getting caught on it going in and out the door. Look at the damn thing now, thanks to the Fae King."
He waved towards the tree theat destroyed the building. Looking at it, the party realizes that it is a tremendously overgrown rose bush.
"We both worked hard, back then I'd go out to find suppliers and Alena would look after things here. We were so happy when Alean found out she was carrying Mari."
He sniffles a bit and wipes his eyes. He lifts the bottle again and takes another drink.
"Then little Josey came. The apple of our eye, just like my Ma who passed just before. All of us were so happy here."
Vaeder takes another drink from the bottle. He looks to Conner and gets a flinty look in his eye.
"Dommik Searthel lived next door when we moved in here. He and his missus welcomed us, introduced us around. We used to see each other time to time. His missus loved the little ones. Maybe their being elves made human children amusing, or something."
"When the Saerthel's had the Dream, the one about the Fae King, Dommik told me all about. All excited he was. Like a fool, I listened to him and believed him. Look at me now, sitting here like a damn drunken fool."
He takes a big drink from the bottle now.
"I wasn't home when the Fae King came. I wish I was instead of out buying cloth, I'd be dead with them all. The Saerthel's were gone, run away I figure. Others on the street told ... told me what happened." He takes a deep breath, settling himself. "I couldn't believe them, couldn't until I found Alena and Mari. I knew then that the elves wanted this for some reason."
He wipes his eyes and blows his nose with a tattered handkerchief. Those with quick eyes can see the faded monogram "FV" on the corner of the cloth.
"I stayed here after taking Alena and Mari to the burying ground. Tried finding Josey ... didn't want to think about what the neighbours said. I found the necklace, kept it locked in the desk here." And he points to a drawer.
Vaeder's voice grows more ragged, almost crying as he speaks.
"I used to bring it out and look at it. Thinking of Alena, Mira and little Josey. Always put it away safely. It wasn't here yesterday morning when I wanted to look at it. It had been here the night before when I went to sleep."
Vaeder is almost sobbing as he relates the end of the story.
"One more damn things those elves did. Saerthel had seen it, must have known I'd have found it."
Fendrik Vaeder stands up and walks away to look out onto the street. The party can hear him weeping.
Shadow has a chance to examine the desk. He finds that the drawer that Vaeder pointed to used to be concealed by a hinged flap of wood. The hinge was torn off and the locked drawer pried open with a tool. If he wants, he can examine the lock to determine how difficult it would have been to pick.
Open Lock DC 15 to examine Highlight to display spoiler: {You estimate that it was a good lock (DC 30).}
While Vaeder is outside, the party has a chance to examine the ground floor. In addition to the ruined office, the party finds an area where someone (probably Vaeder) has been sleeping. They also find the stairs to the second floor.
The sleeping area containts the following on a succesful Search DC 10: Highlight to display spoiler: {Vaeder has been sleeping on a ticking mattress without sheets but covered with blankets. The bed is neatly made and there is a carefully folded woman's dress under the pillow. A small purse is under the mattress.}
From the outside, the party hears someone greeting Vaeder.
Arm Tuesday January 3rd, 2006 6:59:59 AM
Trying his best to remain inconspicuous, Arm stands off to the side and remains silent, at least for now. However, he wonders to himself if by chance Vaeder has been drinking too much and had too loose of a tongue...telling others about the necklace...others who MAY have been the ones who stole it.
Shadow d20+10=28 d20+8=13 Tuesday January 3rd, 2006 9:58:12 AM
"Well the lock was fairly well made, and not many would been able to open easily." (Open Locks=28). "It would have taken someone with a lot of skill to open it, or perhaps using magic to open it." He is not sure he could have opened it up.
While they are searching, Shadow finds the stuff under the bed. "He really must miss his wife." Shadow says as he points out the dress. He will carefully look in the bag to make sure the necklace is not in there. (Search=13)
Kadaz Tuesday January 3rd, 2006 4:21:36 PM
The fighter looks uneasily at the gigantic rose bush that is lifting the roof off the house. He remains on the ground floor watching Vaeder through a window. His grief certainly seems sincere and he can understand why the man is looking for someone to blame.
Conner d20+4=16 d20+1=8 Tuesday January 3rd, 2006 5:45:27 PM
Conner abandons his attempts at questioning Fendrik and instead begins to examine the dwelling and it's intimate relationship with the rose bush. If he can find a way to the upper levels, he will climb up and have a look around. [Climb=16]
If necessary, he will use the rope, pitons, and grappling hook in his pack. Otherwise he will simply scale the rose bush, taking extra care near any thorns.
Once he reaches the upper level he will assist any others that wish to join him before searching the rooms [Search=8]
Mira d20+2=12 d20+2=17 Tuesday January 3rd, 2006 10:28:35 PM
The sorcerer's heart sinks when the man speaks of finding the bodies of his wife and eldest daughter, but then the hairs of her neck stand up and she shivers. The time line doesn't quite work out!
When Fendrick goes outside, Mira whispers to those still on the ground floor, "Fendrick said the Searthel's were gone when he returned and found his place destroyed and his wife and eldest child...dead. He mentioned hiding the necklace after taking the bodies away for buriel, and that it has only gone missing since yesterday. What makes him think his elven neighbors took it? Have they returned?"
Mira stands up and turns 'round to see what the sounds outside signify. She will peer through the wreckage or out of a window if able.
Spot=12 (to see who is with Fendrick) Listen=17 (to hear what they are talking about)
Vaeder's House (DM JohnP) Tuesday January 3rd, 2006 10:45:20 PM
With Fendrik Vaeder standing at the edge of his ruined house, the party takes the time to explore.
Arm can't help wondering if Vaeder allowed the wrong sort of people to learn about the necklace. He keeps standing in the shadows.
Shadow assesses the quality of the desk lock and searches where Vaeder was sleeping. He finds a small purse. Shadow only - Highlight to display spoiler: {Inside, you find a small quantity of gold and silver coins, an inexpensive girls bracelet and a gold ring.}
Kadaz senses that Vaeder was speaking truthfully, from the heart. Birdie sits at his feet, licking a paw.
Conner climbs the bush rather easily and cautiously explores the second floor. Everything has been nearly ruined by rain and wind but he can find chests of clothing for a woman and girls. There is a shattered headboard from a small bed entwined in the coils of a vine.
Outside, Vaeder begins speaking quietly to the man who greeted him. From the tones, it sounds like he is speakibg with a neighbour.
Then a second, louder voice hails Vaeder. The party recognizes the voice of Davern Barber.
"Fendrik, it's time that we need to be going. I'll get your jacket and we can be off."
Mira and the others see Davern Barber climb over the rubble and into the house.
"So, have you found the elves who stole the necklace yet?"
Arm d20+4=23 Wednesday January 4th, 2006 6:06:00 AM
Arm seethes at everyone's constant blaming of the elves for all of the Wold's problems. He is certain that, had the elves known what would have happened, none (at least none in their right mind) would have voted to awaken the Sleeper. He begins to realize that the prophecy foretold to him was not entirely accurate..."you will be blamed, but it's not your fault" actually meant that the elves as a whole would be blamed for what happened, although at this point that provides little solace for him.
Anxious to be gone from this place, he slips outside to examine the bush more carefully, reasoning that perhaps, in a drunken stupor, Vaeder may have dropped the necklace inside of it (spot=23).
Shadow d20+8=26 Wednesday January 4th, 2006 11:39:42 AM
Shadow will take one last look around and then return to the front of the house to get with the rest of the group. (Search=26)
"Anyone find anything of interest? I have not found much yet to go on." Shadow shakes his head, knowing that it would have taken an accomplished thief to get through the lock.
Kadaz Wednesday January 4th, 2006 4:56:29 PM
Kadaz looks at Mira. "We need to know who he told of the necklace after he buried his family. Someone else took the necklace. Can you ask him if someone else suggested the elves took it?"
Conner Wednesday January 4th, 2006 6:23:13 PM
The fighter retrieves the chest and makes his way back down to the main level. "Here" he offers the chest to Fendrik, "It'll get ruined up there."
Conner leaves without further comment and proceeds over to Saerthel's house where he looks for a way into the ruined building. "I wonder if he is even alive?" he asks out loud to whoever is around.
Mira d20+2=15 Wednesday January 4th, 2006 8:23:50 PM
Mira watches the familiarity with which Fendrick's friend Davern Barber moves through the distraught man's abode. She tries to get a feel for the man and wishes the paladin Uriel were still with the party. He was so good at sketching the character of people...
"What makes you think it was the work of elves?" she shoots back watching for the man's reaction. (Sense Motive=15)
When the man returns to Fendrick or is otherwise out of earshot, she whispers hastily to her friends, "Arm! Go with Conner and check out the Saerthil home! Shadow, you want me to make you invisible for a little while so you can follow those two and see what they're up to?" Mira inclines her head towards the street and the two wannabe vigilantes. "Kadaz, what to you figure? You and me, we can question some of the other neighbors or see if we can find a trace of Vaeder's youngest. What do you think?"
(OOC: If Shadow is in agreement Mira will cast Invisibility on the rogue.)
Gauntlet Street Neighbours (DM JohnP) Wednesday January 4th, 2006 10:32:29 PM
The entire party responds to the tone of Davern Barber's question. Arm tries to shrink back into the shadows. Shadow noses around. The only thing that the two notice in their examinations are bloodstains and some large hairs clinging to the rosebush's thorns.
Kadaz and Mira both want to question Davern Barber. He responds to Mira's question with some scorn.
"The elves woke or summoned the Fae King and look what that did to the City. They obviously resent our success here and petty revenge like this is their way."
Mira only - Highlight to display spoiler: {You get a sense that Davern Barber would blame elves for every misfortune.}
Meanwhile, Conner has retrieved a chest from the upper floors. He delivers it to Vaeder before going out on the street.
Davern Barber picks up Vaeder's jacket and carries it to him. He helps the bereaved man into it and then the teo walk off up the street. Barber is speaking quietly as they walk away.
Listen DC 10 - Highlight to display spoiler: {Barber says, "We're going over to the Guild Quarter today, talk to some people there. Then we've heard about some elves who are thinking of moving into the Quarter."
He looks back and then continues speaking. "Look, you have to be careful with them. I did some checking and they have a half-elf with them. Do you need something to eat before?"}
The neighbour who had been speaking to Vaeder looks in from the street and calls to the party.
"Are you helping Fendrik?" His tone is a bit tense but he relaxes slightly when he catches sight of Arm.
Arm d20+11=25 d20+4=22 Thursday January 5th, 2006 5:54:23 AM
Arm nods and smiles at the neighbor, then joins Conner in examining Saerthel's house, looking for, but not expecting to find, any sign that he could have been behind the theft (listen=25, spot=22).
Kadaz d20+1=4 d20+1=5 Thursday January 5th, 2006 6:42:42 AM
Kadaz listens intently to Barber reply to Mira's questions trying to determine if the man is hiding something, but he has a hard time reading the man. (sense motive 4. As Barber and Vaeder walk way Kadaz strains to overhear what they're saying but fails (listen 5).
"Mira, I can't tell if they're speaking truth or not. Let's find another neighbor and see if there is anyone else who had a grudge against Vaeder."
Shadow d20+4=20 Thursday January 5th, 2006 10:00:52 AM
Not finding anythin of value in the house or near it, Shadow will move out to join the rest of the group. He will listen to what is going on. (Listen=20)
Mira d20+2=21 d20+8=26 Thursday January 5th, 2006 9:53:10 PM
The woman exits Vaeder's home and watches the two men head off down the road. She hears the one named Davern say they are going to the Guild Quarter and tells Kadaz what she has learned.
"Lets talk to that gentleman over there. Afterwards we should find Conner and Arm and head over to the Guild Quarter and check things out."
Seeing that Shadow is still with them, she asks, "do you think you could trail those two," she hooks a thumb over her shoulder signifying Davern and Fendrick, "or would you rather stay with us?"
Mira acknowledges the neighbor with a friendly smile. "we're trying our best," she responds. "Were you around when this," she waves in the direction of the giant rose-bush, "happened?" (Diplomacy=26)
Conner d20+1=16 Thursday January 5th, 2006 10:41:40 PM
Conner searches those parts of Saerthel's house he can reach for any signs of the necklace or Saerthel and his family [Search=16]. He then rejoins his comrades on the street and lets them know what he has discovered.
Arm d20=7 Friday January 6th, 2006 5:53:31 AM
Arm tries his best to search for clues as well (search=7), but comes up empty handed. Along with Conner, he rejoins the group.
Vaeder's Neighbour (DM JohnP) Friday January 6th, 2006 7:58:20 AM Apologies, I could not get the DM post made last night.
After Fendrik Vaeder and Davern Barber walk off, the group continues investigating. Arm nods at the neighbour who came over, then goes to the Saerthel house with Conner. The two search the empty house but fidn only some forgotten rags in an upstairs room.
Kadaz, Shadow and Mira overhear Davern Barber speaking to Vaeder as the two walk off. After Arm and Conner rejoin them, Mira turns her charm onto the neighbour.
The human man looks up to where Vaeder and Barber have walked off before answering.
"I'm Thom Cooper. Lived across the road from Fendrik and his family since they moved in and the Saerthels for years before that."
He shakes his head and looks thoughtful.
"Bad. Horrible really. We had a nice neighbourhood here. Then the Fae King came and ... well ... Fendrik had to find someone to blame."
He steps closer and nods to Arm.
"I ... I don't agree with him, about the elves, you know. My great-grandfather was ... is, rather ... an elf and I'm worried about how far those people around Vaeder will go."
He looks at Mira.
"On the day of the worst of it, my sons and their families had come here and we'd boarded up the house. Those big dogs or wolves or whatever were roaming around here so it wasn't safe. We'd helped Alena close up their house. She didn't want to come over to our house or to the Saerthel's in case Fendrik made it back from his warehouse and couldn't find them."
"I was with my grandkids when we heard a big cracking and rumbling, like a house had fallen down. We looked out and saw that had happened."
He points to the hugely overgrown rosebush.
"I think that Alena was trying to get her two little ones either over to my place or to the Saerthel's when a pack of them wolf-things came in the street. She tried to protect the children and I saw Jan Saerthel come out too, and I sent my sons."
He wipes his eyes and looks away.
"My sons said that one of those wolves had picked up little Josey. Alena ... Missus Vaeder, that is ... tried to get her back with Jan Saerthel's help and the older girl tried too. All of them got torn up real bad before my sons got there. All my boys could do was drive them off, the wolves that is."
"Afterwards, when Fendrik got back, my sons and I went to help him. My boys wouldn't say what happened to Josey but they seemed certain that she was dead."
He looks up the street quietly for a bit, collecting his composure.
"Fendrik just sat in his office, after. We could look out and see him there day or night. After he said something to Saerthel's widow, she sent word to her son and they packed up. Think they went to the Hindquarter."
When Kadaz asks about anyone bearing a grudge, Thom Cooper shrugs.
"Like I said, we had a nice neighbourhood here. Now, with what he's spouting and the people around him, Fendrik makes a lot of us nervous. I don't think anyone on the street would want to hurt him ... we feel bad for him. But he wasn't careful, mind you. Like I said, anyone walking on the street could see him sitting there in his chair with the necklace."
"Couple nights back, my wife was up in the night and she saw two or three men around his house. Thought it was some of the riff-raff that hang on his words now. We didn't want to say anything ... in case, you know."
"Look .. all of us on the street are worried about Fendrik. We hoped that he'd come to his senses after a bit, but it hasn't happened. I better get back to the missus."
Thom Cooper turns and walks back to his house, stopping to look at the party on his doorstep.
"I hope that you can find the thieves who stole the necklace. Maybe Fendrik will come around then."
Shadow d20+9=29 d20+9=29 Friday January 6th, 2006 10:33:06 AM
Shadow was just about to follow the two men when Mira suggests just that, so he nods to her and takes off after the two men. He will catch up so they are in sight, but will remain far enough back that he can blend into the surroundings. If they do look back he will hide, and if they enter a building he will sneak up on it. (Hide=29 nat. 20, Move silently=29 nat. 20)
Kadaz Sunday January 8th, 2006 6:30:48 PM
"Thom, do you think one of Fendrik's new friends would steal the necklace just to send him over the deep end?" Kadaz is groping here for a motive and these jerks seem capable of anything.
Mira Sunday January 8th, 2006 7:50:16 PM
Mira's mind reels. Dead!? So little Josey is likely dead, and the elf neigbor as well!? What a tradgedy!
Mira snaps out of her funk when Kadaz gives voice to something she was thinking as well. More to the rest of the party then the well meaning neighbor, she offers the opinion, "that Devern is far to comfortable inside Fendrick's house than appears proper, and I don't like the way he fawns over the man...and does Fendick think the widow stole the necklace? It doesn't make sense."
Arm Monday January 9th, 2006 5:57:38 AM
Arm smiles sheepishly at Thom, realizing that he could discern his elven heritage, even WITH the hat on. He relaxes a bit when he sees that he means him no harm, however. "Tell us, Thom, do you know where Vaeder's friends live? We'd like to "observe" them, if you will.".
Conner Monday January 9th, 2006 7:41:57 AM
"So, Saerthel is dead?" Conner looks for confirmation. "Then why does Fendrik believe he stole the necklace?."
Questions (DM JohnP) Monday January 9th, 2006 8:38:44 AM DM Note: I'm switching to morning posts for this week. I'm also DM'ing DFR2 and there's about 200 orcs and kobolds about to make a wall assault in that game. So I don't have time to make two evenign DM posts.
Before he enters his house, the party questions Thom. He responds directly to Conner's question.
"Ahh, I've listened to Fendrik. You know, just to be polite. He's been ranting about the Saerthel's since it happened. I guess Jan Saerthel talked to him about the elves dream - I didn't dream about it, so I'm not sure. Fendrik hasn't believed me that Jan Saerthel had tried to help protect Alena and the children. I'm not even certain he believes that Jan is dead. He was though, the City took his name when they came through making the lists."
Kadaz and Arm both ask about the members of the Plateau City Defence League. Thom Copper shrugs and looks away.
"I don't want anything to do with them. Bunch of layabouts, if you ask me. Most live over to Purse Street but some, I think, might have used to live in Nightmare or Outcast Quarter before they flooded out. I stay away and mind my business, don't want any of them hearing about my great-grandfather."
Mira wonders aloud about Davern Barber and Widow Saerthel.
Meanwhile, Shadow sneaks off after Fendrik Vaeder and Davern Barber.
=========================================
Shadow only - Highlight to display spoiler: {Even with the difficulty of keeping up with the pair, Shadow is able to stay hidden and move quielty behind them. When the two enter Open Palm Market, Shadow is able to blend into the crowd.
Vaeder and Barber walk up to a food stall where several other human men and women are gathered. They speak to the food vendor and get some food. They mingle and talk with the other humans. From what Shadow can overhear, most of the men are being told to meet again after midday. Two of the larger ones are told to accompany Vaeder and Barber.
Shadow recognizes two of the men from his last visit to the Guild. They had been among the men lingering in the room with nothing to do. Shadow doesn't think that the two spotted him.
Vaeder and Barber finish their food and shake hands with most of the men. They begin walking west towards the Guild Quarter with two of the other men. The remainder, including the two that Shadow recognized, head in different directions. The pair that Shadow recognized walk together towards Gauntlet Street.
What do you choose to do? }
Shadow d20+9=29 d20+9=24 Monday January 9th, 2006 9:47:48 AM
At first Shadow thinks he should still follow Vaeder and Barber, but then realizes that he might have stumbled upon the true thieves so he follows the other group with the two men he recognized from the guild. (Hide=29 nat. 20 and Move Silently=24)
Mira Monday January 9th, 2006 8:36:40 PM
"Plateau City Defence League" repeats Mira as the neighbor takes his leave.
Turning to the rest of the party she shrugs her shoulders, "shall we try to find Shadow, or go check out one of these other Quarters?"
Kadaz Monday January 9th, 2006 9:11:23 PM
The dwarf hefts his axe a few times. "I think we should pay this Plateau City Defense League a visit and give them a few sparring lessons. Arm, Conner, want to help?"
Conner Monday January 9th, 2006 11:31:16 PM
"I don't like the idea of these guys picking on those who can't defend themselves...I like Kadaz' idea but lets go down to the market area and catch them in the act. Then we teach them a lesson in public defence!"
A gleam of excitement burns in the tattooed fighters eyes as he contemplates future action.
Arm Tuesday January 10th, 2006 6:03:43 AM
Arm thanks Thom for his assistance, then says to the group, "I'm all for observing this 'defense league', but first I need to pick up a few things to disguise myself better. If Thom could discover my heritage so easily, the last thing I need is for the defense league to do the same.".
While he tries to find what he needs, he ponders the point about Thom not having The Dream, "If his great-grandfather was an elf, then HE should still have elven blood in him, albeit a bit diluted...how odd...". Pulling Mira to the side as they walk, he voices this to her as well.
OOC: John, once I disguise myself better, do I need to do a disguise check every time I pass someone who notices me? I have a +9 to my disguise skill. thanks! :)
Company's Coming (DM JohnP) Tuesday January 10th, 2006 7:58:07 AM
The party is contemplating what to do next. Mira debates whether to look for Shadow or go to other parts of the City.
Kadaz, Conner and Arm all think that paying a visit to some members of the Plateau City Defence Leage is a good idea.
Arm is wondering about improving his disguise. He's certain that he should escape casual notice now. Maybe Thom just got lucky or is accustomed to noticing elven blood? DM Info - You will only need to make a roll when directly interacting with someone, not simply passing them on the street.
As they're deliberating this, the group notices a pair of men walking up Gauntlet Street from the direction of Open Palm Market.
If anyone rolls a '20' on a Spot roll - Highlight to display spoiler: {You see Shadow moving silently behind the pair.}
=========================================
Shadow only - Highlight to display spoiler: {You carefully follow the pair of humans into Gauntlet Street. Ahead of them you can see your companions still standing near the front of Vaeder's house.}
Shadow d20+9=23 d20+9=28 Tuesday January 10th, 2006 10:51:57 AM
Shadow will continue to follow behind the two men, making sure not to be spotted. Once he sees his companions, he will try to wave them off so they won't give him away (if the men continue on passed them). He will continue to follow the two men. (hide=23, move silently=28)
Kadaz d20+1=19 d20+5=16 Tuesday January 10th, 2006 4:34:58 PM
"Hey Arm, maybe you shouldn't disguise yourself. We'll see who gets all upset about you being around and then show them the error of their ways." Kadaz is grinning as he says this, so maybe he's not serious. But maybe he is. Kadaz is looking around on guard as he says this but sees nothing unusual. (spot 19, almost!) Birdie, sitting down, also doesn't see anything of concern. (spot 16)
Conner d20+4=17 Tuesday January 10th, 2006 8:03:18 PM
Conner continues to discuss the merits of teaching the bullies a lesson. He is so engrossed in this idea that he fails to notice the two men approaching them or Shadow.
Mira d20+2=5 Wednesday January 11th, 2006 12:01:15 AM
Mira listens to the guys talk and shakes her head, though her face shows no real concern. The bespectacled woman is too busy taking inventory of her Cure potions to notice anything. (Spot=5)
"If you want, I could make you Invisible, Arm!" she jokes, hoping the bard won't take it personally. "Better yet, I've got a couple of scrolls I could use if we do run into any...uh, trouble."
The sorcerer takes a couple of scrolls out of her case, and tucks them into her belt where they can be got more readily.
Arm d20+4=11 Wednesday January 11th, 2006 5:53:06 AM
Arm grins back at Mira and says, "No thank you, my dear.". As far as Kadaz' suggestion, he says, "Perhaps you are right. Let's just hope there's not TOO many of them, though." Too busy speaking to his friends, he fails to notice Shadow or his two quarry (spot=11).
Passing in the Street (DM JohnP) Wednesday January 11th, 2006 8:52:30 AM
The party sees the pair of men walk up Gauntlet Street. When they come up to the ruins of Vaeder's house, they look at the party and nod. They don't speak or ask any questions. After they pass, they glance at one another and continue walking along Guantlet Street towards the Flying Fish tavern and Purse Street.
Mira is too busy checking her spell components and potions to notice anything. Arm, Kadaz and Conner are busily discussing the best way to find some anti-elf bigots.
Shadow only - Highlight to display spoiler: {You watch the pair as they move past the ruins of their leader's house. They do not stop to question why your companions are standing there.}
After the two men pass by, Shadow comes up to where the rest of the party stands. He's moving quietly along one side of the street.
Shadow can use the party as cover, if he chooses, or take the time to speak to his companions.
ed. DM JohnP - to clarify that the pair of men kept walking past Vaeder's house and did not stop or go in.
Shadow d20+9=25 d20+9=14 Wednesday January 11th, 2006 12:18:35 PM
Shadow approaches his companions and quickly says, "I have tailed two men that met up with Vaeder, and they just entered his house. Why don't you continue what you are doing and I am going to keep following these two. I just have this suspicion that they were involved with the theft." He will then move back and blend into the surroundings across the street from Vaeder's house where he can keep an eye on the house.(Hide=25, move silently=14)
DM JohnP - see the above edit to the DM Post. I clarified it (I hope) and you may want to change your post.
Shadow (after DM edit) Wednesday January 11th, 2006 8:09:21 PM
Shadow will move on by his companions, so he does not give himself away to the two men he is tailing. (Hide=25, move silently=14)
Mira Wednesday January 11th, 2006 10:47:55 PM
Mira follows the tough guys wondering what kind of trouble she will have to get them out of.
Conner Wednesday January 11th, 2006 11:46:09 PM
"Sounds like thirsty work." Conner's stomach rumbles. "Let's get a bite to eat and a beer, then head back and see who we run into."
Arm d20+11=13 d20+4=21 Thursday January 12th, 2006 5:54:53 AM
Arm says to Conner, "You may go eat if you like, but I'm going with Mira in case things get ugly.".
Saying so, he falls in a little behind Mira, keeping a watch on her as well as being on the lookout for any other problems (listen=13, spot=21).
Kadaz Thursday January 12th, 2006 7:35:13 AM
Kadaz looks down at Birdie and pets the dog a bit. "Conner, we should stick together. Shadow is following these two guys and I think we should back him up. Let's stick with Mira and see where they lead us. But let's hang back so that the two in front can't see us."
Trolling (DM JohnP) Thursday January 12th, 2006 7:46:01 AM
The male members of the party have decided that looking for some members of the Plateau City Defence League is a good idea. It seems, however, that Arm is a little reluctant about being the bait. He would rather protect Mira who seemed intent on keeping Conner and Kadaz out of trouble.
Conner announces his intention of going for a beer first. Should he eat first, or should he drink on an empty stomach? Drinking first seems more appropriate for street fighting.
As everyone mills around in front of Gauntlet Street attempting to determine where to go and how to get there, Shadow passes by. It's evident that he is intent on quietly following the two men who just passed by. He's so intent that he makes no sign of recognition or greeting as he passes by.
Kadaz is the voice of restraint, suggesting that everyone back up Shadow. He suggests waiting a bit so that the men aren't alerted.
Ahead of Shadow, the pair of men reach the northern bend of Gauntlet Street. Instead of turning right towards Purse Street, they cross and head into the narrow alley that runs behind the Flying Fish tavern.
Once the pair is out of sight, everyone can follow Kadaz's suggestion or go off to find a tavern.
Shdow only - Highlight to display spoiler: {The men head into the dimly lit alley. Please make a spot roll, in addition to the Hide and Move Silent that you've been making.}
Shadow d20+3=19 d20+9=14 d20+9=13 Thursday January 12th, 2006 9:50:49 AM
Shadow follows the two men to the end of the street, but wants to make sure they are not waiting for him in the alley. (Spot=19, Hide=14, move silently=13)
Kadaz Thursday January 12th, 2006 4:49:26 PM
Kadaz waits for Shadow to get half a block ahead, then starts following him. "Anyone coming?" he asks the others. As he walks he ties his axe to his pack and pulls out his flail. This will be better for teaching these bigots a lesson. He swings it a bit, ready to help if necessary.
Conner d20+4=8 d20+3=18 Thursday January 12th, 2006 8:25:12 PM
"I'm with you" the burly fighter responds to the guardsman. He follows just behind the dwarf and keeps an eye out for any surprises along the way. [Spot=8, Listen=18]
Mira Thursday January 12th, 2006 9:35:52 PM
"What?" Mira blinks, and spins around when Kadaz sets off with Conner. She had missed Shadow as he had crept by, and blushes at her lack of perception. "Wait!" The sorcerer runs off after her friends, beckoning Arm to follow.
Arm d20+11=13 d20+4=13 Friday January 13th, 2006 5:36:41 AM
Arm follows with the rest of the group, ever alert for trouble (spot=13, listen=13).
Under the Stairs (DM JohnP) d20+9=13 d20+9=12 d20+5=9 d20+5=24 Friday January 13th, 2006 7:57:57 AM
Lurking near the back entrance of the Flying Fish tavern, Shadow keeps watching the two men as they continue past the tavern and onto the twisting street north of the tavern. The pair duck behind the stoop of the apartment house just across the street from the tavern. His eyes were keen enough to follow their actions. From what he could tell, though, the pair might have finally noticed him behind them.
Looking back down Gauntlet Street, Shadow can see his companions approaching.
=========================================
Kadaz leads the group off after Shadow and the two men. He's planning on providing some instruction on racial tolerance to the two men.
Conner is eager to assist and Arm follows along, glad to no longer be the bait for his companions hunt for the Plateau City Defence League. Mira distractedly stops checking her spell components and scrolls and follows.
Arm looks about and sees some other people walking on Gauntlet Street and around the tavern. Two potboys are scrubbing or peeling some vegetables behind the tavern.
=========================================
When Shadow comes up to the building's stoop where the two men disappeared, he can see a short flight of stairs leading down beside the stoop to a basement level door. The door is propped open by some sacks of garbage or refuse - whatever it is, it smells very ripe. Looking down, the entrance area still contains some stagnant water from the flooding.
Spot DC 10 - Highlight to display spoiler: {Shadow notices that the door carries the same Guild sign that he applied to the party's apartment building, identifying it as containing the residence of a Guild member.}
Shadow d20+3=18 Friday January 13th, 2006 9:53:19 AM
Shadow notices that the apartment shows the Guild sign, so he feels obligated not to enter. (Spot=18) It does however make him feel more sure about the involvement of these men.
He returns to the entrance of the alleyway and notices the group following him. He wonders on his ability to hide, but he aproaches the group. "I think I may have found some people that might be involved with this situation. I followed two members of my Guild that met up with Barber and Vaeder, so I followed them to their lair. I must follow Guild law, so they are untouchable in their apartment." He will wait to see what the rest of the group wants to do now.
Conner Friday January 13th, 2006 5:31:30 PM
"I'm not a member of any guild" the fighter cocks an eyebrow as he replies to Shadow. "Anything wrong with Kadaz and I busting in?"
Kadaz Friday January 13th, 2006 5:39:44 PM
Kadaz picks up on the theme. "Shadow, I think I lost a glove and the last place I saw it was at a party in that apartment over there. I think I'll just stop by and look for it."
Mira Sunday January 15th, 2006 7:46:37 PM
Mira listens to what Shadow has to say, and a frown creases her forhead. "Um, Shadow," she starts off, "um, I sort-of figured you to be a sneaky type. You know, a rogue, a rascal, maybe even a mischief maker," she hesitates before continuing on, "but these guys, if they did what we think they might have done, are thieves!" Gaining a bit of confidence Mira continues, "thieves of the worst sort! Thieves who have taken from a friend at his most vulnerable!"
Sensing that the fighter types aren't going to be stopped, Mira retrieves one of her scrolls. "Hang on there Conner." Mira recites the words she has all but memorised from previous study. Laying a hand on the tatooed fighter's shoulder she tranfers the magic* to the man. "This will make you feel strong...like a bull!"
*(OOC: Bull's Strength-1 hour)
Arm d20+11=16 d20+4=16 Monday January 16th, 2006 6:07:01 AM
After a quick look-around (listen=16, spot=13), Arm looks pointedly at Shadow and says, "If I'm not mistaken, didn't you say that, due to recent happenings in the city, guild members were prohibited from jobs for the time being? If these two ARE guild members, then it it THEY who are in violation of guild law. I think it best if you go to your guild and at the very least check to see if they are members, and if so report our suspicions.".
Outside Looking In (DM JohnP) Monday January 16th, 2006 9:02:24 AM
The party assembles outside the apartment building that the two men entered. Shadow explains that he spotted the two men meeting with Vaeder and Barber and recognized them as members of the Thieves Guild. He explains his problem with entering.
Arm reminds Shadow of his previous mention that the Guild had prohibited "work". He and Mira both emphasize the difference between these two and Shadow.
Meanwhile, Conner and Kadaz are inventing reasons why they should enter the building. Mira abets their plans by reciting a scroll to cast Bull's Strength on Conner.
Looking into the building, the party can see a dimly lit hallway. The only other light source is a open doorway at the other end, also propped open like this one. In the dim light, waterstains can be seen on the lower walls reaching about 6" up on the walls. The floor is covered with a layer of silt or mud. Many tracks can be seen in the mud close to the doorway.
Kadaz & Arm - Highlight to display spoiler: {Your eyes are keen enough to see that there are four doors from the hall. The doors are arranged in two pairs opposite one another, each pair about a third of the way down the hall. Footprints can be seen going to and from each door.}
Map to follow
Conner (Bull's Strength) d20+6=22 d20+6=17 Monday January 16th, 2006 10:50:24 PM
Aiming a booted foot at the door, he says, "think I'll knock!" The broad man gives two good kicks to the door, and prepares to step into the room. (Touch Attack=22, and 17)
Mira Tuesday January 17th, 2006 12:16:43 AM
Mira quickly draws another scroll, same as the last, and casts the magic* on Kadaz.
"If you can wait a sec, I'll make you invisible, Shadow. No one will know you are here," she whispers to the rogue.
*(OOC: Bull's Strength-1 hour)
Kadaz (Bull's Strength) Tuesday January 17th, 2006 6:00:21 AM
Kadaz feels his muscles swell a bit. "Mira, thank you very much, I appreciate that." Looking down at the confined space he gets a bad feeling about what may be coming. He quickly switches back to his axe, putting his flail away on his belt. He gets in line behind Conner, ready to enter the room.
Arm d20+11=23 d20+4=8 Tuesday January 17th, 2006 6:02:58 AM
Arm draws his sword and prepares to follow Conner into the room, keeping an eye open for the other doors to open (listen=23, spot=8).
Into the Corridor (DM JohnP) Tuesday January 17th, 2006 7:57:09 AM
Shadow stands quietly, caught in the moral and ethical dilemna that his companions have prevented him with.
None of these cerebral musings for Conner and Kadaz, however. Conner vents his pent-up fury on the helpless door, kicking it from its wobbly hinges.
Then he and Kadaz peer down the corridor, looking for any sign of movement from the four doors inside. Arm peers around them, too. Nothing is seen inside, however. And Arm's ears do not detect any sound of movement, either.
Mira stands back out of the way of the splinters from the door that Conner destroyed. DM Note: Duration of the spells from the scrolls should be 3 minutes, not one hour.
Examining the floor of the corridor, the players can see many footprints in the muck to and from each door.
Anyone entering the corridor must make a DC5 Balance check to remain on their feet.
Please make a Spot or Survival check for the footprints.
DM Addendum - I've been posting from work in the morning. I can't move files to my usual web location from here, so the map won't appear until tonight. My apologies on that.
Scott (ADM) OOC Tuesday January 17th, 2006 5:49:19 PM
John, I am sorry, but I have the flu (the past two days Ihave not been out of bed with a fever of 103-104). I am just not feeling well, so I am not sure when I will be able to post this week. Also, could you do the posting record for last week? Sorry, but I have to get back to bed.
Map (DM JohnP) Tuesday January 17th, 2006 10:46:57 PM
Here is the map. I apologize for not getting it up earlier.
I'm thinking that in order to do maps with the DM posts, I'm going to need to post in the evenings.
Conner (Bull's Strength) d20+1=12 d20+4=24 Tuesday January 17th, 2006 11:42:12 PM
Conner feels a rush of adrenaline when the door splinters satisfactorily. The fighter enters the hallway, his heavy boots provide him with a solid footing (Balance=12). A quick study of the tracks in the mud reveal those that were most recently made (Spot=24, nat. 20). Figuring those to be the prints left by the men the party is following, he traces their route.
Mira (AC 13, 35 HP) d20+3=8 Tuesday January 17th, 2006 11:55:36 PM
The sorcerer retrieves something small and malleable from one of her pouches, and then plucks at the lashes of one of her eyes until a single lash comes loose and is visible on her finger. Molding the lash into the gum arabic she invokes the ancient magic. " Amin quella!" she sings as she places a hand on Shadow's head. The rogue, and all his gear vanish from sight.*
"You're next if you want!" she says to Arm.
If the party starts to move into the hallway, Mira will follow at the rear. (Balance=8)
*Cast Invisibility on Shadow
DM Sanity Info:
0-level, 6 per day-Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Mage Hand, Open/Close, Ray of Frost 1st-level, 7 per day-Magic Missile, Burning Hands, Mage Armor, Shield 2nd-level, 4 per day-Glitterdust, Invisibility#
(OOC: Sorry DM John. Used the wrong edition PHB. 3 minutes it is for the spells!)
Arm d20=17 d20+4=16 d20+11=13 Wednesday January 18th, 2006 6:01:17 AM
Arm accepts the offer of the spell from Mira, then ventures after Conner, his footing solid as well (balance 17). Arm spots the footprints as well, (spot=16) and follows Conner listening for signs of trouble (listen=13).
Kadaz d20+1=6 d20+1=5 Wednesday January 18th, 2006 6:47:14 AM
Axe in hand, the stronger Kadaz moves up into the corridor ready to rush into whatever room Conner picks. Along the way he slips in the mud and barely manages to stay upright. He hears nothing but his boots sliding on the slippery floor.
(balance 6, listen 5)
Shadow d20+5=23 d20+3=12 d20+3=17 Wednesday January 18th, 2006 3:31:02 PM
OOC:Sorry guys, but I have been stuck in bed, but am starting to feel better.
IC: Shadow is about to protest what Mira does, but does not stop the mage. He was going to remain outside, but now will join the group in the hallway (at the rear, I guess). (Balance=23, Listen=12, Spot=17)
Arm d20+11=13 d20+4=19 Thursday January 19th, 2006 5:49:50 AM
Arm remains alert for signs of trouble (listen=13, spot=19).
Inside (DM JohnP) d20+9=18 Thursday January 19th, 2006 11:34:42 AM DM Apology - Sorry for the late post. I upgraded to Norton Internet Security 2006 last night and it borked my computer. I'm still figuring out exactly what it did but at least I'm connected again. Look for the next DM post tomorrow morning, if everone has posted.
Conner can easily tell which door has the most and freshest tracks in front of it. It is the far door on the right. Arm and Kadaz are right on his heels, moving through the slime that coats the floor.
The three move down the hall, making no attempt to sneak. One way or another, the two rogues that Shadow followed are going to get a visit.
Mira follows, preparing to cast a spell on Arm. Everyone notices the rank, mouldy odour of the hallway. Judging from the slime on the floor, this building was at least partly flooded. It is slowly drying out but not before it acquired a distinctive, stale odour.
Shadow trails in the rear, wondering what trouble he might be getting into.
Conner (AC=22, HP=52, Bull's Strength) d20+1=4 Thursday January 19th, 2006 5:35:26 PM
Conner strides purposefully towards the far door on the right, only to loose his footing and ends up sitting heavily on his backside in the slime [Balance=4...how embarassing]
Shadow Thursday January 19th, 2006 7:07:33 PM
Shadow will continue to follow the group (invisibly) and wait to see what transpires.
Arm d20=10 d20+4=13 d20+11=13 Friday January 20th, 2006 6:02:52 AM
Invisible as well, Arm follows Conner, and manages to retain his footing and avoids Conner's fall (balance=10). He still keeps an eye out for trouble (spot=13, listen=13).
Kadaz Friday January 20th, 2006 6:39:02 AM
Kadaz whispers up to Conner. "Just rush in. We're right behing you."
Outside the Door (DM JohnP) Friday January 20th, 2006 9:21:01 PM Conner sits down with a loud "thump" when he slips outside the door. Everyone else stands there, looking at the fighter on the floor.
Shadow still trails behind the strangely silent Mira. Arm hears the sounds of furniture being moved inside the room, while Kadaz encourages Conner to get going.
Everyone - DC 5 Balance check while walking, running, etc. in the hallway.
Map is unchanged
Conner [AC 22, HP 52, Bull's Strength] d20+1=12 d20+6=20 Friday January 20th, 2006 9:43:17 PM
Conner picks himself up from off the muddy floor, squares himself for the assault, and then throws his full weight against the door. [Balance = 12, Strength = 20]
Shadow d20+5=14 d20+3=12 d20+3=7 Saturday January 21st, 2006 6:01:00 PM
Shadow peers behind them to make sure noone else has entered. He will then make ready for whatever happens. (Balance=14, Spot=12, Listen=7)
Mira (AC 13+4 Shield, 35 HP) d20+3=20 Sunday January 22nd, 2006 10:30:38 AM
Mira keeps busy casting on her companions (Invisibility on Arm) and finally on herself (Shield). The sorcerer is able to keep her feet on the slippery floor (Balance=20) as she follows Conner and Kadaz. She isn't quite sure where Shadow and Arm are, and smiles to herself at the thought.
DM Sanity Info:
0-level, 6 per day-Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Mage Hand, Open/Close, Ray of Frost 1st-level, 7 per day-Magic Missile, Burning Hands, Mage Armor, Shield# 2nd-level, 4 per day-Glitterdust, Invisibility##
(OOC: Sorry about the missed post. Having some computer difficulties too! Hope it is okay that Mira cast 2 spells, one for the missed round, and one for the current one.-Carla)
Kadaz d20+1=14 Sunday January 22nd, 2006 9:30:49 PM
Kadaz reaches out to touch the wall and steady himself. He waits for Conner to get up, then readies for his turn to rush into the room. (balance 14)
Arm d20=19 d20+4=12 d20+11=17 Monday January 23rd, 2006 4:27:00 AM
A tinge of humor in his voice, Arm whispers to Kadaz, "Personally, I prefer Conner charges in on his feet instead of his backside.". Gripping his sword while maintaining his balance (balance=19), he prepares to follow Conner into the room, keeping an ever-watchful eye out for trouble (spot=12, listen=17).
Kicking down Doors (DM JohnP) d20+9=13 d20+9=21 Monday January 23rd, 2006 9:03:05 PM Conner gets to his feet and kicks the down into the apartment. The door slams back on its hinges, revealing the apartment to himself and Arm.
Kadaz is ready to rush into the room while Mira and Shadow protect the rear. Shadow looks behind and sees nothing.
Conner and Arm can see the two thieves inside the room. One is behind a table that has been pushed towards the door. The second is in an open doorway across the room. In addition to the table, a chest has been moved in front of the doorway also. Both thieves have their weapons out, ready to fight.
The one standing behind the table says, "We can offer you a split, or we can take it from you, too!"
DM Info - Consider yourself in combat rounds. Please include AC and HPs in your post header, please.
Conner (AC=22, HP=52, Bull's Strength) d20+13=33 d20+13=21 d8+9=12 d8+9=13 d20+1=18 Monday January 23rd, 2006 11:36:58 PM
Conner smiles broadly as he enters the room, sliding around the chest to the right. His spiked shield rests on his left arm and he pulls his longsword as he moves. When he gets within range he swings down viciously at the nearest of the two thugs (#1) [Hit AC=33 and 21 to confirm critical for 12 HP, 25 HP if confirmed.Balance=18]
"' only thing that'll be split round here is your melon" he growls as he swings.
Kadaz (AC21, HP53/53, bulls strength) d20+1=19 d20+1=14 Tuesday January 24th, 2006 5:49:12 AM
Kadaz holds his axe firmly and waits for his turn to move into the room. Once Arm moves in he will follow. In the meantime Kadaz walks very carefully throught the mud and keeps an eye on the other doors(balance 19, spot 14))
Arm (AC 14, HP 18/18) Tuesday January 24th, 2006 5:51:24 AM
Following Conner, Arm moves around the chest to the left and, gripping his sword firmly, says "Nay, it is US who will take from you what is not yours.". He waits for a moment to see what the thieves will do.
Shadow (AC 22/18 HP 28/28) d20+3=17 d20+3=20 Tuesday January 24th, 2006 9:47:59 AM
Shadow will continue to watch the rear until the group all makes it into the room. (Listen=17 Spot=20)
Mira (AC 17, 35 HP-Shield) d20+3=6 Tuesday January 24th, 2006 6:39:07 PM
Sensing the fighters have things reasonably in control up front, Mira's curiousity gets the better of her and she pushes carefully at the door to her right. If it cedes, she has a quick look inside. (Search=6)
Apartment Fight - Round 3 (DM JohnP) d20+9=29 d20+9=21 d20+6=16 d2=2 d20+6=26 d20+6=15 d6+1=6 Tuesday January 24th, 2006 10:18:21 PM Conner rushes in and delivers a mighty swing of his sword at the first of the two men that were followed here. The thief drops like a sack of root vegetables.
After Conner goes in swinging, Arm follows him through the door and moves to the left. He stays there, waiting to see what the thieves do.
Kadaz moves into the room then, keeping an alert eye on the doors across the room.
Meanwhile, out in the corridor Mira and Shadow are the rearguard. Shadow looks behind and sees nothing of importance. Mira nudges the door beside her open. Looking into the apartment, she sees a small collection of decrepit furniture. Judging from the slime pooled on the floor, no one has been living in this place. However, the furniture looks to have been ransacked.
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Inside the room, the first thief lies on the floor. Bloody bubbles spill from his mouth and the gaping wound that Conner opened in his chest.
The second thief dances forward across the slippery floor towards Conner. His shortsword whips out, nearly finding a joint in the fighters armor. Hit AC 26 (threat), not confirmed AC 15, 6 damage
Conner (AC=22, HP=46/52, Bull's Strength) d20+1=14 d20+9=23 d8+9=17 Tuesday January 24th, 2006 10:33:58 PM
Conner winces as the shortsword slips beneath his armor. He whirls on his opponent [Balance=14] and brings the pommel of his longsword down hard on the thief's skull. [Hit AC=23 for 17 dmg subdual; took -4 to inflict non-lethal damage]
"I'd rather take you alive" he spits out at his foe, "but if you don't care, then neither do I!"
"Mira!!" Conner yells out over his shoulder "See if you can revive this first one, I might have hit him too hard."
Mira (AC 17, 35 HP-Shield) d20+3=21 d20+2=16 Tuesday January 24th, 2006 11:10:26 PM
"Coming!" answers Mira as she picks up her pace and negotiates the slippery floor. (Balance=21)* Mira moves as fast as possible, drawing a potion from her pouch, though she does take the time to glance quickly from side to side before she steps into the room. (Spot=16)
(OOC: Are we to roll Balance every round? Wasn't sure.)
Arm d20=7 Wednesday January 25th, 2006 5:50:05 AM
Still invisible, Arm chooses to search the room to see if he finds anything (search 7).
Kadaz (AC21, HP53/53, bulls strength) Wednesday January 25th, 2006 6:44:29 AM
It looks like Arm has this fight well in hand. But just in case Kadaz moves into the room and moves up beside the thief. "Surrender now!" he adds to Conner's command while brandishing his axe threateningly.
Shadow (AC 22/18 HP 28/28) d20+5=11 d20+3=12 d20+3=9 Wednesday January 25th, 2006 10:06:18 AM
Shadow will follow Mira to the door, but will remain in the hallway to cover the rear of the group. (Balance=11, Spot=12, Listen=9)
Apartment Fight - Round 4 (DM JohnP) d20+9=25 d20+9=15 d20+5=6 Wednesday January 25th, 2006 9:20:56 PM
The fight continues in the small, shabby apartment. Conner thumps the second thief on the head but isn't able to put him down.
Mira carefully moves across the slippery floor in the hallway and stops in the doorway of the apartment.
Arm moves about, looking for anything of interest. Besides the chest and table in front of the door, there is a cabinet in the corner. He finds two shortbows hung in the cabinet. He glances into the room that the second thief came from and sees a simple bed and another chest.
Kadaz moves into the room and beside the thief. He backs up Conner's threat with a gesture of his axe.
Shadow moves up to the doorway, keeping an eye out for anyone following the party.
The second thief drops his shortsword, wavering a bit from the hit that Conner delivered. "Ahhh, maybe we should talk a bit ..."
The floor inside the room is not as slippery as the hallway. Rushes and rags have been used to soak up the worst of the slime and then sand has been sprinkled on the floor. Still, it's not the best of footing. No Tumble check required inside the apartment, but +5 DC on Tumble checks.
DM Sanity: If moving about in the room, please give co-ordinates
Mira (AC 17, 35 HP-Shield) Wednesday January 25th, 2006 9:30:54 PM
Mira will look for the fallen man, and minister to him if he is not dead. If he is beyond help, she will check out the chest near the entry, but not touch it. Unable to tell where the party rogue has got to she will call his name in a loud whisper, "Shadow! If you can hear me, come check out this chest. What do you make of it?"
While she waits for the invisible rogue to answer, she checks out the chest for any magic. (Detect Magic)
DM Sanity Info:
0-level, 6 per day-Detect Magic#, Read Magic, Light, Mage Hand, Open/Close, Ray of Frost 1st-level, 7 per day-Magic Missile, Burning Hands, Mage Armor, Shield# 2nd-level, 4 per day-Glitterdust, Invisibility##
Position: J12
Conner (AC=22, HP=46/52, Bull's Strength) d20=13 Thursday January 26th, 2006 12:30:22 AM
"Good thinking" the tattooed fighter growls at the man. Back away and let us tend to your friend. In the meantinme you can tell us all about the necklace..." Conner does not put away his sword and tries to look as menacing as possible [Intimidate=13]
Arm Thursday January 26th, 2006 5:49:30 AM
Witholding the urge to investigate the chests further on the chance that they may be trapped, Arm waits silently to see what comes of the conversation with their captive, although he still holds his sword ready in case the thief tries something.
Kadaz (AC21, HP53/53, bulls strength) Thursday January 26th, 2006 7:01:57 AM
Kadaz wants to make sure they aren't surprised by anyone hiding. He steps forward (to K9) to check out what's in the adjacent room. "Arm, what's in the room behind you?" he asks about the other opening.
Shadow (AC 22/18 HP 28/28) Invisible d20+8=21 Thursday January 26th, 2006 9:38:58 AM
Shadow will move into the room and take a look at the chest to see if it is trapped. (Search=21) (Shadow I guess would be at J11 with the chest.)
Apartment Fight - Round 5 (DM JohnP) Thief 3 d20+9=20 d20+9=18 Thief 2 d20+4=5 Thief 3 d20+4=17 d20+4=17 Thief 2 d20+4=16 Thursday January 26th, 2006 9:15:54 PM Mira takes a quick glance at the fallen man. Judging from the faint bubbles in the bllod flowing from his chest wound, he's still barely clinging to life.
Then she turns her attantion to the chest at the door. When she casts Detect Magic, she finds that something in the chest blocks the magic. She whispers to Shadow about checking the chest.
Conner threatens the thief, cowing hims somewhat.
Arm stays hidden in the doorway.
Kadaz moves over and glances into the room. He sees a bed and chest of drawers in the room. At Kadaz' word, Arm looks into the other room and sees two beds.
Shadow steps into the room and bends to examine the chest. From what he can tell, it isn't trapped.
The thief that Conner had tried to disable replies to his threat. "Necklace? Why are you asking about ..."
At that time, another man moves from the shadows in the room beyond Kadaz and swings his daggers at the dwarf. He misses with both strikes, however. First attack - misses AC 17 Second attack - misses AC 17
Seeing his companion reappear, the second thief lifts his shortsword again and swings it at Conner. He cannot get past the fighter's armor, however, and then steps back towards the doorway to the other bedroom. Thief 2 misses AC 16
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