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The Assignment ...


Woops! There are nine of them!! .... [Inge] 
Monday October 24th, 2005 10:17:36 AM
At last, the young adventurers of Dirt City spend some time talking. Once Rose joins the group the discussion finally starts to make sense. Amazingly enough the "bold" adventurers seem to value the thought of leaving this great City! Too scared are they to wander the streets both above and below.

Plans are made to visit Rose's parents first and afterwards leaving the City for Berlon's Gnome Village in order to create a hideout and center of operations within that town. Sure they would be able to keep an eye on the City but how will they ever get information or get new contacts if they will continue to be "those strangers".


"So... you're thinking to leave my City are you..." a sneering voice suddenly says.

Out of the shadow in the corner of the apartment steps the Prince of Thieves!! You knew he would pay you a visit to question you about the book, but never did you expect he would actually be right here! Right under your very noses!!

Before either of you are able to speak of do anything a second Prince emerges from the shadow! And a third, a forth, a fifth... soon nine exact images of the Suran Corell, the Prince of Thieves stand before you. They eyeball each and every one of you and you can tell there's anger and hathred boiling in those charcoal eyes.

"You do what you think you ought to do, but I tell you this, leave the City now, and never will you come back. It would be foolish to assume you would ever arrive in that Gnome's village!"

Suddenly all nine figures stare directly at Berlon.

"You should know when to hold your manners Berlon. No one speaks like that about me in my own castle. No one has ever done so without paying... oh don't worry! Do not grab for your weapons just yet... "he says to Vauhwyt who clearly has to control herself not to attack the most important man in the City. Attacking him would certainly mean death.

Then 9 pair of eyes observe Jack. "Well Mr. Mad Jack you sure have got my attention if that was what you were trying to prove." It surprises you that the Prince knows Jack's name, but then again when did he actually enter your apartment?!? The Prince obviously is extremely powerful indeed. He must have heard you talking about all your wild plans!

"Let's not fool each other friends. I hate you, I despise you, I would enjoy feeding your stinking bowels to the snakes in my Castle, I would much rather see the lot of you leave my City for ever. And... I'm sure you do not want me to be your friend either. You refuse to abide to the way this City has evolved for ages, to join a House. The Power of this City belongs not to me! It belongs to the Houses! Instead you all prefer to wander out there alone, making friends here and there yet making more enemies than would be healthy to you. You have failed to retrieve a simple book, you have insulted me, attacked my men and thwarted my plans.
I salute you. No men or woman has ever angered me so much."

Then all nine figures of the Prince pace back and forth as if they are thinking things through. The Prince simply radiates power! His clothing, armor and weapons are not those of a Prince. They belong to an extremely powerful person. He would be able to take you all! Why then hasn't he finished what you may think he came to do here?!?

"There's this saying that says: Keep your friends close, and your enemies even closer.", again the Prince stops moving... at least he and his 8 figments. There's no way of telling who actually is the Prince. It could be the one behind Rose, the one next to Vauhwyt, or even the one facing Berlon...

"Here's deal. Things are going wrong in the City. There are those who do no longer want me as their Prince. There have been whispers of assassination! Here's a thought. I need someone to find out who is behind all this. Some... independent group like you guys. You all have the ability to walk among the people in this city without arousing suspicion. Instead, your lack of respect on my address and your stint against that Foul Frey creature will probably give you even more friends... I will let you guys freely leave this city on one condition. You stay till Mural Day and guard me while I'm on this tour of the City. Find those who want me dead and you are all free to go where you want."

9 Princes look at you all waiting for your reactions. But before you can speak he continues. Now would be a good time to show some manners and let him speak...

"Why would you help me! Yes I can hear your thoughts. Why would we help this man? Why would you help me... for one simple reason... you do not want me to be your enemy... I will leave you in peace if you agree to lend me this last favor. After that you are free to go where you want and I will handsomely pay you for your services. Get to the bottom of this, find those who plan to disrupt the city with assassinations. There's anger brewing not only against me, but among the various houses as well. I know all this has begun from one group, yet I know not which one. They plan to disrupt the entire City! An uprising is close at hand. You are one of the only independent groups in the City. So far the City below as been fairly safe, without this mission there will come an end to this peaceful City Below! The City Below will be as dangerous as the City Above!"

Well, on the one hand the Prince is an intolerable annoying pain in the ***, but on the other hand he's offering you a free exit from this place with a lot of Gold to spend with just one simple mission! Guard him on his tour around the City Tunnels on Mural Day, and find out who is plotting his assassination.

Choices ... so many choices...

Leave the City at your own risk?
A new assignment from the Prince of Thieves?
Leave? Stay? Leave? Stay?

Or... would you rather just kill the Prince right here?!? Would you dare to take your chances?!?


Vauhwyt and Mookie 
Monday October 24th, 2005 11:29:57 AM
Mookie gapes and has not the wit to say anything. Thank goodness.

Vauhwyt, far from being brave enough to touch a weapon, is actually very daunted. She practically cowers before the anger and madness she sees in this prince.

She says, "Um, sirr, uh, but of course we have always been friends of the Prince! We have always wished you well! We have always taken your jobs gladly, both because they helped the city and because you asked."

"We would be glad to do a service for you again. Whatever the Prince asks! We have protected the Alpha Wolf's dauhghter. We have protected many children. We have protected the Temple of Wardd. It would be an honor to help protect you, great Prince."

Inside, in her mind, Vauhwyt is terrified. In fact, although she always did have a fond feeling for the sophisticated, urban, suave Prince of Dirt City they had dealt with in the past, this madman horrifies her. She really has nothing but the desire for this interview to end, and to get far away.

All she can think is that the Evil Book has fully corrupted his mind, and that he is insane. But none of this shows on her face as she agrees to whatever he wants.

"Prince," the liontaur adds, "just command us and we will gladly follow. As always, we are happy to help you and Dirt City."

She waits to hear what he will say. And she prays that her more volatile friends will either remain silent or agree.

[Inge : if Vauhwyt is bluffing about the fact that she will "gladly help" please roll Bluff so the Prince can "sense motives" :-)]

Theodore and Macaw  d20+14=30
Monday October 24th, 2005 3:00:42 PM
Theodore is more fascinated with the extent of the Prince's magical power than the fury which he is exhibiting. His crafty eyes follow the differing figments as they move about. (Spellcraft check 30 to determine spell's school)

When the Prince has finished with his tirade, Theodore's lips tigten in thought. So much anger in this city. Too many dominant personalities. Each wanting to take the city in a different direction.

Another, probably more important, thought strikes him then, Why would he trust us with ferreting out assassins when he regards us as enemies?

Knowing the Prince to be a man of unequaled cunning, Theodore is more than perplexed at the possibilities the question entails. But, for right now, the most obvious thing to do is to play along.

"We will find those who seek to end your life, my Prince," he says. "But we will need information. Where have these rumors of wanting you dead been heard. How frequently, and when did they start?"

Dietrich  d20+4=12 d20+3=10
Monday October 24th, 2005 3:08:28 PM
OOC: Greetings noble friends! I think I´m back again.

Dietrich just came back from his trip to the lands of his father and forefathers, happy his family was not harmed by the turmoils of the Fey rising, but a little more serious and caloujed by all the destruction and his near death.
He was listening to his friends, and exactly at the moment he would have given his own opinion, this illusion of the Prince appears in such a menacing way. The warrior is shocked enough, as he shares Vauhwyt´s perception of all the deeds done by the group to Dirt City and its Prince.
Not really knowing what happened during his absence though, Dietrich decides to keep quiet, but his gaze to the other friends are clear: don´t cause any trouble! (intimidation 12, diplomacy 10)



Zayne 
Monday October 24th, 2005 3:35:09 PM
(OOC: It's good to be back, even though the on person that Zayne really LOATHES is in this room right now.)
Just as Zayne was going to say his piece on the group's path, the Prince shows his head. Amazed at the insanity in his eyes he is instantl hit with images from his dream during the fight at the temple.

Zayne stands there with balled fists and a look of pure hatred on his face. He stares balefully at the Prince, and for a moment contemplates killing him, but where does that leave Zayne? No better thatn the monster he see before him.

Deciding to hold his tounge for once he keeps his mouth shut, but if looks could kill the Prince would be dead ten times over.

Berlon 
Monday October 24th, 2005 9:22:05 PM
Listening quietly to the rest of the group, the eyes of the others grow slightly wider as Berlon finally takes a step forward. Berlon then... bows and kneels??

He speaks while still on one knee. "My liege. Despite the... differences... of everyone in this room, we all desire one thing: that which is best for Dirt City. None of us condone murder, especially one which would result in chaos and mayhem throughout the entire City."

Berlon stands.

"I, personally, would like to thank you for this opportunity." (Did the group just shimmer for an instant? No, it must just be an effect of the prince's spell.) "Today may be the most important day in the history of Dirt City."

Vorelle 
Tuesday October 25th, 2005 1:07:59 AM
Vorelle watches the events unfold, trying to make sense of it all.

Leave. Don't leave. The Prince doesn't trust us. The Prince trusts only us. Is it just me, or does his story change every minute? And what in Wardd's name does Targo think he's--

Vorelle gasps. No, she thinks wildly. No, even Targo wouln't be that stupid. That arrogant. But of course she knows better. Targo is exactly stupid and arrogant enough to get mixed up in an assassination attempt.

She supposes she really ought to tell somebody, although she has only her own wild guess to go on. For the moment, though, she's too stunned to do much more than stare blankly ahead of her.

rose  d20=8 d20=18
Tuesday October 25th, 2005 2:04:20 AM
Rose is stunned when the prince appears but remains calm and when he is done speaking says. "I'm sorry my prince were my friends talking about leaving? I havent noticed very much these last few days. I'm sure they have a good reason for wanting to leave, but it would not be one that would hurt you or dirt city. We did get the book for you but the gold and platinum dragons took it from us. We couldnt stop them as they are so much stronger than us. They did say that they would talk to you about it, why dont you ask them to bring the book back. Maybe they though WE were stealing it and wanted to keep it safe. Of course we would protect you, if you die it would be awful for the city and we would miss you. I know that some of our group dont speak well about you sometimes, but they speak that way about everyone including me!. I wouldnt take it too personally it's just their nature to talk about people."

diplomacy: 8 use hero point to reroll for 18

Mad Jack 
Tuesday October 25th, 2005 2:09:35 AM
Jack listens carefully to the Prince. Nothing this man says makes any sense. To think his new found friends trusted, and even worse, were willing to work for such a man is appalling. Some powerful magic was going on to make so many images of one person. It didn't matter though, there was no way to decide which to attack first. He leans on the wall, and lets out a very audible yawn.

"So, we are enemies. We are your enemies, and you 'hate' us. Okay with that much. You hate us so much you have come here offering us salvation if we can find out who is plotting to take your life. A little odd dont you think? Coming to us, and pleading for this help, surely shows that you are in a very weak position. Anyone who is a so called 'Prince' should have the power to destroy his upstarts. Maybe it is time there was a new Prince in town, a stronger one?"

Stifling another yawn, he continues. "All right, these people have fought for you in your name. They have risked life and limb. and for this their reward is your hatred and disgust. I'm new around here, and that seems like a horrible way to lead. You offer us the chance to leave the city, but we gain no salvation if we stay. Sounds to me as though you are threatened by our presence."

Looking at his fellows he says, "I am here to do what I can for you, not the 'Prince'. So I follow your lead, your decision."

Zayne 
Tuesday October 25th, 2005 9:39:45 AM
Standing there biting his tounge, hoping that the Prince leaves before he loses what little self-control he has.

The Assignment... [Inge] 
Tuesday October 25th, 2005 12:01:48 PM
The Prince definitely is amused by the behavior of some among you. The Large Liontaur suddenly looks less threatening, and the otherwise so bad mouthed gnome, Berlon, suddenly has found his manners. Nine Princes stair at you one at the time. First all eyes are fixed on Vauhwyt.

"So, Vauhwyt, you would be glad to help me once again. Good. Maybe this time you will succeed to finish the missions you accept. Still..." , he says as he looks directly in Zayne's eyes, "there are some who would prefer to kill me themselves."

Theodore feels the tingling magical powers radiate from all nine images. "An Illusionist! The Prince has the powers of an illusionist!" he thinks to himself as he closely inspects the Prince's movement.

"Yes Theodore", the Prince says as 4 figments come to stand directly in front of Theodore, "I know you can almost touch the powers that radiate here yet you can only dream about them can't you. Your master Geoffrey has taught you well but there are so many things you have no knowledge of yet. In time maybe, I could show you what real power means..."

9 figments continue to walks around the room. Whenever they are about to bump into each other, they just appear to blend one into the other only to continue their path on the other side. Rose tries to explain to the Prince why they have failed to retrieve the book of all Evil, yet it appears as though not one of the images is paying her any attention. As if the book no longer matters to him.

"Berlon, Berlon, Berlon... at last you have learned some manners. I may just forgive your insolence earlier if you lend me this favor"

But just at the moment where the Prince seems to get a little calmer Mad Jack falls in! But... instead of shouting, scowling or even just slicing Jack head from his torso he starts to laugh.

""pleading for help"?!? I'm in a weak position?!? ... whahahaha ... oh wait the best one yet: "ME being threatened by your presence?!?" WHUAHAHAHAHA... ", the Prince burst out in maniacal laughter but then suddenly in one split second his attitude changes back!

"Clearly my friend you are new in this city. In no way do I fear this assassination attempt. No one could possibly do me any harm! I am aware of this conspiracy and I need some... independent group to investigate this. Oh I would be able to sneak into whatever Houses Tower if I wanted, yet those are a lot better guarded than you all have done with your places and they do not talk so freely like you did earlier.

"Yes I have offered you salvation should you accept this mission. Your friends Jack have failed for whatever reason to retrieve the Book for me, so basically they owe me this. Who said you would gain no salvation should you decide to leave the City AFTER you have completed this mission? If you plan on leaving after this conspiracy has settled I would only be cheerful about it."

At last the Prince eyeballs the rest of you once again. Then he turns to Theodore to answer his questions.

"I had the plan to increase trade to Dirt City. After the terrible time with the Fey uprising food is nearly exhausted, and with the fear for the water pollution, the demand for wine and beer has increased drastically. I needed to persuade the Houses of the City to restrict the Clean House actions and limit the attacks on Merchants inbound for the City. I called it the Clean House. Several of the Major Houses were strictly against this. House of Darts was very aggressive about it and warned me that they would replace me if I went through with it. By the end of that meeting several Houses went home predicting my death."

Then the Prince sighs. Has he come to the wrong people? He hates them for they have gained lots of respect from their dealings with the avatar and from previous missions when they saved several people in the City. Yet, he, the Prince, who has been trying to make this city flourish once again, is threatened with assassination...

"In two days it's Mural Day. That is the day where I will walk around the entire City admiring the children's Murals. Even though it is strictly forbidden to carry arms in the City Below or to perform operations on Mural Day, I expect some uprising that day. I do not fear for my life, Jack, I fear for the City. Do you accept?... oh don't worry... if you accept and decide to leave the City after all I will personally rip your hearts out."

Now was he "asking" you to accept this mission or threatening you if you would not?!? Still the choice is yours.



Dietrich 
Tuesday October 25th, 2005 2:41:54 PM
Dietrich continues to be surprised, Berlon behaving like that and that new warrior with his loose toungue... He thinks:"Is everybody getting crazy here? The Prince seems to be mad and we´ll have to work for him...But he hinted at interesting problems. Only strang he doesn´t see how similar we think and doesn´t recognize his allies."

Dietrich the Bear stands up and he too confirms what others already said, nodding his armoured head:

"My Lord! As we did in the past, we will serve you and the City. Our enemies will perish!"

The fighter just hopes the illusion will disappear soon, so that the party can start working.

Berlon 
Tuesday October 25th, 2005 6:08:59 PM
"Since time is of the essence, it probably makes sense if we split up. I am long overdue to visit the Cloaks, so I volunteer too see what I can find at that house."

Turning towards the images, he adds: "I believe I will need the cloak and ring that I... "left"... with your subordinate the other day. Perhaps you can let your people know that I am coming to pick those things up, so as not to delay matters?"

Theodore and Macaw 
Tuesday October 25th, 2005 9:46:08 PM
Theodore gulps and nods, finally beginning to understand the severity of the Prince's tone. "I can check with my master Geoffrey, see if he might have any tricks up his sleeve."

Vorelle 
Tuesday October 25th, 2005 10:30:40 PM
Vorelle has never dared speak in the Prince's presence before, but she sees that he wants an answer from everyone. "I-I-I-I'll d-d-d-d-do wh-what I c-c-c-c-can," she says, almost inaudible.

Vauhwyt 
Tuesday October 25th, 2005 10:58:15 PM
Vauhwyt nods in agreement and says simply, "As everr, we are yours to command, Prince."

Mad Jack 
Wednesday October 26th, 2005 2:50:37 AM
"Thank you your highness for answering my questions, or suppositions as they may be. Sounds as though these people are sealing their fate with you. For now, you have my allegiance as well."

Zayne 
Wednesday October 26th, 2005 9:25:15 AM
Zayne looks i to the Prince's eyes when he looks in his direction, and sees only madness. His anger leaves and is replaced by pity, and disapointment. He was hoping to prove that the Prince is evil and, now he sees that he isn't evil only insane.

It isn't evil to be insane, it is a shame. Then he thinks to himself,"Maybe we shouldn't kill him, just take him somewhere, he can no longer put other people in danger from his insanity."

When the Prince is finished speeking, Zayne looks at the Prince with his pity plain as day upon his face.

His only response to the Prince's ramblings is,"Lost."

Finally! He's gone... now what?!? ... [Inge]  d20+15=33
Wednesday October 26th, 2005 10:44:54 AM
Finally the Prince appears to be pleased with the response of the adventurers in front of him, and calms down so he can once again answer their remarks and questions.

He smiles at Dietrich's promises to serve him once again and to root out his enemies from the City and gently chuckles as Berlon asks back his cloak and ring he left in his Castle. "They will be returned to you."

Nodding to Vorelle, Theodore and Vauhwyt the Prince is clearly pleased with their proposed actions and is even pleasantly surprised by Jack's final answer and says to him: "Your loyalty and friendship for these new friends of yours is both remarkable and admirable. It's in your own interest to stay with them Jack, for with your attitude you would not last long in this City. I accept your temporary allegiance."

Then Zayne says one simple word: "Lost".

9 figments simultaneously gaze at the Ranger with a puzzled look upon their faces. "What do you mean Zayne?" The Prince's eyes seem to read Zayne's mind (sense motive 33) and suddenly his face gets an angry look once more as he sneers to Zayne: "I do not need to be pitied Zayne, you will find out what I ask you, and afterwards you will all understand why I put this pressure upon you! Then you will understand why I am this mad and in your eyes act insane! Do as I ask you to do and you will understand."

The Prince casts one last look upon you all and then quickly all nine figments start to head towards the shadowy corner in the room once again and one by one they disappear in the shadow! The nimble movement with which they tumble and dance across your apartement is impressive and give you another hint of the Prince's terrible powers!
The last figment - or was this the real Prince? - turns around and says:"The Parade at Mural Day will start at the Crescent Moon Market. Find out where the ambush will strike and be there at dawn! Don't fail me again!!"

With that the last figment disappears in the corner of your room...

Rolls:
Sense Motive vs Zayne : 33

Vauhwyt and Mookie  d20+3=12
Wednesday October 26th, 2005 5:04:01 PM

Mookie says, "Jeezum Crow! That's a case for a head shrinker, if ever I saw one!"

Vauhwyt grabs her bird and stuffs him in her pouch. "Hush! He might be listening!" she says.

"Okay, we have two days to find out what we can about this ambush. I think we should split up and see what we can find out. Meet back here in this evening, and we'll pool what info we can gatherr. By the way, do NOT go aboveground alone! I say three people together at a time minimum under the sky."

If there are no objections, Vauhwyt will explore two sources of info. Please, DM Inge Only: Highlight to display spoiler: {Untrained Gather Info check is a 12 for Vauhwyt's visits to the WLA and her temple.}

On her way home, Vauhwyt will stop by the establishment of Samule the Fence, to see if he has sold the skull/gem.



Theodore and Macaw 
Wednesday October 26th, 2005 7:20:30 PM
"I will return to Master Geoffrey's to see if he has any suggestions or information," says Theodore as he slings his backpack over his shoulder and retrieves his staff. "See you all later."

He opens the door and steps out into the underground city, making his way to Geoffrey's. Once there, he will inform his master of the situation and ask him if he knows anything about what's going on.

Berlon 
Wednesday October 26th, 2005 8:24:48 PM
"Well!" Berlon says with a broad smile. "This couldn't have gone any better. Seriously, remember this day, my friends, remember...."

"For now I'll return to my lab, as I'm under the impression that You Know Who is going to have my cloak and ring returned to me there. Once I get those back, I will poke around the House of Cloaks."

With a mischevious grin he adds, "See you all soon..."

Vorelle 
Wednesday October 26th, 2005 11:29:40 PM
Vorelle watches as her friends scatter on their various errands, not sure whether to tell them of her suspicions. No time now, she tells herself, watching Berlon's retreating back. Anyway, what if I'm just being silly? What proof do I have, after all?

Lost in her own thoughts, she chews her lip and stares blankly into space.

Rose 
Thursday October 27th, 2005 1:56:59 AM
Rose grabs Vorelle's hand "Come on Vorelle I want to see my parents and then we'll ask around the halfling quarter to try and find out who wants to assassinate the prince."

rose will drag Vorelle out the door and towards the halfling quarter.

Jack 
Thursday October 27th, 2005 2:29:38 AM
Jack just stands there watching his new friends, er, whatever he should call them, run their seperate ways. They all lived here, and had things to do. As for him, he needed to check on his horse, and to put this bothersome sword with his gear. So he heads off toward the stable where he first arrived to look after his horse.

Investigations ... [Inge] 
Thursday October 27th, 2005 10:34:23 AM
TIME : afternoon Mural Day -2


The Prince came as sudden as he left and has left the Dirt City gang with a lot of unanswered questions and an assignment. Quickly they abandon their plans of leaving the City and instead agree to separate and pursue on different investigations.

Without hesitation Vauhwyt informs her friends that she will make two efforts on her own and leaves the Castle Mookie in her pouch.

Vauhwyt Highlight to display spoiler: { Vauhwyt goes to see the Woldian Leage of Adventurer's outpost here in Dirt City. Upon showing her Woldian badge she's free to enter the league's quarters.
Now... you can't just barge in there asking out loud who is planning on assassinating the Prince... can you?
Several men and woman kindly nod to the Liontaur and Vauhwyt notices some making faces to each other and making sure those next to them are aware of the Liontaur.}

Vauhwyt listen DC14 : Highlight to display spoiler: {You can hear a few men whisper: " There's that show of! Hah I knew she would come here bragging about her exploits!"}

Vauhwyt continued Highlight to display spoiler: { Several people now look at Vauhwyt wondering what she stands there for... (ooc Inge: how will you question around? You can't just ask who's going to kill the Prince ;-) )

Later the Liontaur will go over to the her temple. (ooc same here. How will you start asking questions about all this?!? When these two interrogations are over you can go visit Samule the Fence.)}

Theodore agrees with Vauhwyt's proposal and decides to test his luck once again with his mentor Geoffrey.

Theodore Highlight to display spoiler: { Geoffrey isn't surprised about what you tell him. "Yes Theodore, the Prince is not to take lightly. One moment he can be kind and without mischief, the next he's a cool killer. How else could he have become the Prince of Thieves!
As for a possible assassination... hmmm... It is true that lately the Prince has lost a lot of respect around the City. Especially his lack of action during the Fey uprising and his new proposals for the Clean House rules have made him very unpopular.
There are several possibilities Theodore. It could be one of the Houses, for as you tell me, the Prince said the House of Darts has been very aggressive and threatened to replace the Prince. However there's another reason why the Houses could be upset with the Prince...

The Prince has invited the leaders of the Merchant quarters to his meeting where he proposed the Clean House rules. The Merchant have been trying to reach House status in this City for some time now. But so far the other Houses have managed to avoid this to happen. As the Prince has now invited them to this meeting he almost accepted their House status as well as these meetings are normally only attended by the House leaders!!

Be careful Theodore. There's so much going on lately in the City. Nosing around in the City is very dangerous. No one likes when people start asking too many questions."

Later Geoffrey invites Theodore to have dinner with him, and talk of good times.}

The little Gnome appears to have taken a whole new stance to the group and decides to corporate! Immediately he barges of for his Laboratory expecting to find his ring and cloak there sooner or later.

Berlon Highlight to display spoiler: { After a brief walk around the City you come to your lab, and it all appears to be as you left it. You avoid the glyps you have places to protect your lab and somehow you are a little disappointed that you can't find your ring nor cloak anywhere.
As you walk around your lab searching for both items there's a light knock on the door. When you open it a young boy stands in front of it holding a small package. "I... I..I was asked to deliver this here..." the boy stammers, "Got myself a gold coin for it!" and the boy laughs with his mouth wide open showing pieces of candy sticking to his teeth. He clearly spend his money already. He looks at Berlon and from the look on his face Berlon can tell that the boy fancies some more candy...}

Vorelle doesn't know what to do. She has certain suspicions yet feels uneasy to tell them without proof. But before she can make up her mind Rose pulls her by the arm and drags Vorelle to her parents. Walking towards the Halfling Quarters, Rose and Vorelle marvel at the countless murals all over the City. There's almost nothing to be found anymore from the terrible effect of the Fey uprising. Somewhat later they stand in front of Rose's parent's door and Rose shakily gives a knock. Expecting to be shouted at once again, Rose waits for someone to open the door. At last the door opens and there stands Thyra.
"Rose!", she says and hugs Rose. "Come in! They are in the living room..."

Even though all first advised Jack to stay indoors, the Mad fighter leaves the apartment in search for the stables where he left his horse. Along his path he also marvels countless Murals and wonders the crazy behavior in the city.


Vauhwyt and Mookie  d20+4=6
Thursday October 27th, 2005 11:08:08 AM
For DM Inge ... Highlight to display spoiler: {Vauhwyt does not hear any interesting news (Listen Check 6).

At the WLA, she makes sure her membership pin showing her (lowly) rank is visible on her shirt. She says hello to the people who are there and introduces herself. She looks for their pins so she can tell their ranks. She tries her best to remember the names of people who she meets.

She declares that she has some important information that she would like to tell Liam or Fiedel. If she gets the chance to report to one of them, she says that she has heard there will be an ambush of the Prince at the Mural Day celebrations, and she thought Liam should know about that. In fact, the Prince asked her to help learn more about the plot. Vauhwyt then asks if anyone has reported any info about that.

If she does not have the chance to speak to Liam or Fiedel, she will just talk in general with the people she meets ... has anyone heard anything interesting? If anyone asks or seems interested, she tells the story of the pumpkin, the Fae King, and the fight at the Temple of Wardd.

At the Church of Our Lady of Ineluctable Vengeance, Vauhwyt seeks out the good padres who tested her so recently. She has two questions for them.

First, she got this amulet as a reward from the Temple of Wardd. Would it be okay for her to use it? Or is it inappropriate condsidering it is from another god?

Second, and more important, the Prince of Dirt City has recruited her and her friends to help protect him from attack. Have they heard of any threats on the Prince that they think she should know about?

She thanks them gratefully and goes on her way.}

Dietrich  d20+3=13 d20+4=21 d20+3=23
Thursday October 27th, 2005 11:08:09 AM
Still a little stunned by the recent events, Dietrich took some time to react. He finally decides to try to meet some guys he knows from the works at the city wall, others from the Knives and finally some from pub brawls. MAybe someone heard something... And money also has the habit of making people talkative. (he is willing to spend the necessary amount)

He uses the following skills:
Diplomacy 13, Intimidation 21,
Local knowledge 23 (nat 20)



Zayne 
Thursday October 27th, 2005 5:03:18 PM
Watching for a second, as his friends go about their various methods of finding trails, the young ranger heads out the door, taking a different path than Berelon he also heads to the Cloak's quarters.

Unsure of what he is looking for but if it's anyone would know anything it's there.

Berlon 
Thursday October 27th, 2005 6:46:37 PM
"WELL, aren't you a good little boy?" Berlon says, taking the package from the child. He rifles through his lab, finding some of his homemade candy, the same that he tosses to Mookie every once in awhile. "Here you are. Don't eat TOO much candy!"

Once the boy leaves with his treat, Berlon will inspect the contents of the package, assuming it is his cloak and signet ring. If it is, he will make his way to pay a visit to the Cloaks. If it's not what he expects, well....

Theodore and Macaw 
Thursday October 27th, 2005 10:32:44 PM
Theodore frowns at the table as he mulls over this latest information. "The last thing we need are more suspects. Heck, there are a bunch in my group that wouldn't mind seeing the Prince dead!"

He shakes his head before looking back at Geoffrey. "It's not your fault. I'm just thinking out loud." Then he stands. "I'm afraid I need to put our dinner off for another night. Thank you for the information, master."

Theodore makes his way back to the apartments to relate his information to the party and deliberate on their next move.

Jack 
Friday October 28th, 2005 2:02:10 AM
Jack goes to the stable and sees how his horse is doing. It is being well fed. He removes his scimitar and places it under his gear. Talking to the stable hand, he pays for a few more days of stabling his mount. At least until after Mural Day.

While he brushes the horse and talks to it, his mind focuses on the problem at hand. After an hour he makes his decision.

Going back to the underground, he makes it back to the inn where he had first met Thurid and the Darts. They would have no idea he was working for the prince now, Since it was Digger who had dismissed him maybe the others didnt know. But he felt realitively safe anyways since Dirty Ops was off limits. He would just go to the inn, and do alot of listening.

Investigations part II ... [Inge] 
Friday October 28th, 2005 9:52:45 AM
Inge OOC to everyone : sorry some spoilers are rather lengthy, but some of you are asking around many questions :-)

Vauhwyt Highlight to display spoiler: {
Upon mentioning she has information and wants to talk to either Commander Liam Kent or even Fiedel one man beacons to the far end of the room where the large sofa and armchairs are.

When Vauhwyt looks in that direction she immediately notices the two of them arguing similar to the first time Vauhwyt encountered them! Then the Halfling with his spiky white-blond hair turns is face in Vauhwyt's direction and gives Kent a nudge. As Kent notices the liontaur he raises his hand and beacons Vauhwyt to come closer. All others in the room turn to their own business again.

"Welcome back Vauhwyt.", Commander Kent says. "You have been doing some fine things in the City lately. We have kept an eye on you. Even though many will frown upon your actions I am pleased with the works you have done so far. What brings you here?"

Vayhwyt starts to tell her tale. Mookie is dying to get out of her pouch and is relieved when she's finally freed. "Let's have some tea while you tell your tale Vauhwyt. Fiedel has brought some fabulous scones this morning!" Kent says.

Vauhwyt is asked to tell all she knows and even to tell everything from the Dark Fey as well. After all, the league is all about information as well! Than after a second refill Vauhwyt tells of her meeting with the Prince Suran Corell. As she closely observes Kent and Fiedel's reactions she notices they are not too surprised to learn about a possible assassination.

"Yes we've heard the same rumors. It's not surprising some want to replace the Prince. After all, he has done some stupid things lately! You probably know he hasn't been cooperating much during the Fey Uprising. Then he issues that crazy idea of restricting the Clean Ops. And on top of all that, he's willing to grant the Merchants House status. You can imagine the major Houses of Dirt City aren't too pleases with all that!
For one thing, the WLA will not interfere with House politics.
My best advice would be to gently try to learn more from the various houses. Though be very careful... most won't like the fact that you are nosing around and possibly even suspecting them!"

Then there's some small talk between the WLA commander and Vauhwyt, and after a third and a forth refill (and because of that a visit to the bathrooms) Vauhwyt thanks both and leaves the WLA headquarters once again.

Then Vauhwyt goes over to the Church of Our Lady of Ineluctable Vengeance for asking guidance. A priestess steps forward when Vauhwyt enters the temple and listens to the Liontaur's questions.

"Young follower, if the powers of other deities will help you in your quest and searches why not would they be of service to you. Your oaths here will bind you from devoting others. Use this amulet wisely young Vauhwyt and may it help you on your journeys for I sense many adventures await you in your life.", the Priestess calmly says.

"As for a possible assassination, why would you keep those who seek revenge from reaching their goal?"

With that, the Priestess stops. Gently makes a small bow to Vauhwyt and returns to her business. It's clear to Vauhwyt the disciples of the Lady of Vengeance won't interfere in all this.

By the time both interrogations were over it's getting rather late in the afternoon. Time to head back to the apartement, but first Vauhwyt decides to check on Samule the Fence.
As Vayhwyt enters the Fence's shop, Samule warmly greets Vauhwyt.

"Yes yes my lady, come on in! It's always a pleasure to see good customers return!! I've been able to sell the skull you gave me to a collector of rare antiquities. That sucker knew little of the actual price this skull was worth and has paid me 3000gp for it! So according to our deal, here's your additional share.", and Samule offers Vauhwyt another 1000gp.

Then suddenly Samule turns to whispering and leans over the counter: "Say... you are quite powerful aren't you... Word goes around that you and your group will kill the Prince! Is that true? Just lemme know, if I can give you anything to complete that assignment feel free to ask me. It would be a pleasure to see that Suran's guts spread on the walls instead of those Murals. Harharharhar !"
But then another customer comes in the shop, and Samule waves Vauhwyt goodbye.

"Good luck in you know what !" Samule says smiling.}

Later that day, Vauhwyt arrives back at the apartement where he finds Theodore and Macaw waiting for all the others to discuss what's going on in the City and to report what they all have learned.

Dietrich also decides to make an afternoon walk around the City to talk to various people.

Dietrich Highlight to display spoiler: {Dietrich first tries to find a few men he knows from way back, but seems to fail in finding them. After all, it is a big city. He decides barging in a Knives place and question them seems a little too dangerous for they might feel threatened, and ends his afternoon in a pub. Much to his surprise the bartender offers him a free drink!

"Here Lad! This is for what you are about to do! May good fortune await you."
Then he turns to his wife who is washing the dishes in the back room and Dietrich hear's him say: "Look lass. That's the one who's group will strangle the Prince to death! He just walked in here! He came HERE to have a drink!! We'll have to put him up on our wall of fame!!!"

Many others in the pub smile at you and raise their glasses to your health and good fortune. Has this City gone mad?!?

There's little more these man are willing to say. All they do is smile at you and wish you good luck. Odd...}

Zayne and Berlon, who indeed found his cloak and ring in the packages brought by the candy eating rat, both decide to meet the Cloaks.
Highlight to display spoiler: {They appear at the House of Cloaks with just seconds apart. Upon entering the Cloaks Quarters several turn to them to say "hello".

One of them comes closer to them and shakes hands. "Welcome welcome! At last we shake hands with the men who will bring justice to this city!"
Berlon and Zayne look each other speechless in the eyes...

Little more do they both learn this afternoon in the Cloaks Quarters. For some reason everyone seems to think they and their group will assassinate the Prince! After spending a few hours in the Cloaks quarters all they can do is to return to the apartment and report to their friends.}

Jack finds his horse in good condition and turns to the Pub where he first met Thurid and the others of the House of Darts.

Jack Highlight to display spoiler: { As Jack enters the Dancing Knives his eyes immediately fall on Thurid who seems to be in a pretty heated discussion with a few men Jack hasn't seen before. As one of them notice Jack they all fall quiet and stare at him. Thurid gets up from her chair and addresses Jack: "Jack. I believe Digger was crystal clear when he told you, you were no longer welcome here? Please leave and... " she looks to those sitting at the table who appear to be frantically trying not to burst out in laughter "... go kill the Prince".}

After this, Jack is skillfully escorted to the door of the inn which almost hits him in the back as it is closed so quickly! Well... there's little more to do alone this afternoon so Jack to decides to return to the apartment and report his findings.

Early in the evening most are back at the apartment and can start swapping their findings. Only Rose and Vorelle are not accounted for.

Rose and Vorelle: Highlight to display spoiler: { When Rose entered her parent's home both her mother and father were in the living room. It seems they were expecting her to show sooner or later. Rose's father gets up from his sofa and embraces his daughter. "I'm sorry Rose. I've said things I shouldn't have. It's just... the shock of loosing Junior... but now... Rose we have to talk. Sit down and your friend as well as this concerns you both."

Rose's mother gets up and fetches some drinks and snacks while Rose's father starts to talk.

"What are you up to Rose? We heard rumors that you were thrown out of the Prince's Castle and that you will kill the Prince? What are you doing girl? We've already lost one son, we don't want to loose a daughter to! Is it true?"

Both her parents look at Rose and Vorelle with serious worries in their eyes. They haven't been able to get a single bite down their throats.}

Jack, Vauhwyt, Dietrich, Zayne, Berlon and Theodore all gather again for dinner in their place. It appears this City is filled with rumors of all kinds! All about killing the Prince that's for sure. Though some are more believable than others. Who is behind all this?!? It could be either of the Houses... what about those Merchants... and... what about the other rumors... ?!?

TIME : Evening Mural Day -2

Inge OOC : feel free to post multiple times this weekend. I think you may need to ;-)
ENJOY !!


Zayne  d20+8=26 d20+8=25
Friday October 28th, 2005 11:17:08 AM
After leaving the Cloak's quarter's he is more confused than when he left. He thikns to as Berelon, only this can't be dicussed in the street, or anywhere for that matter.

He walk in silence, and he is paying attention to his surroundings.(Listen 26 Spot 25)

When he gets back to the apartment, he begins checking and making sure ll of his equipment is in good shape and ready ready for sudden travel if need be.

Vauhwyt 
Friday October 28th, 2005 5:41:41 PM

DM Inge, Please Highlight to display spoiler: {Vauhwyt thanks Liam, and is also very respectfully grateful to the Reverend Mother. "You have taught me to think before I act, Holy Motherr. I will pray and ponder your words very carefully."

At the fence, she sees an opportunity to learn more. "Tell me, friend Samule, why you would be glad to see the Prince's downfall. Has he injured you or yours? What is your grievance? Lord knows he has used me ill, but what has he done to you?"}

Vauhwyt is glad to return home and see her friends. "We should all share our news. First off, I got the proceeds of the skull sale. The total loot of that and everything else comes to 9,217.4 gold!"

She looks around and counts on her fingers: "Me, Vorelle, Rose, Zayne, Dietrich, Berlon, Theo, and Jack. That's eight. But Jack, I don't think you had joined us when we got any of this. So between seven people, that's 1,316 and change each. But Jack, you need cash to live on. How's this sound -- 1,300 gold to each of us, and 117.4 walking-around money for Jack? Fairr?"

She shares what she has learned about the Prince's ambush ... Bupkiss! The Houses have it in for the Prince because of his new Super-Clean Ops thing that favors merchants. We knew that. Nothing else new ...

"Except the Fence, Samule, had something interesting to say. But let me hear from everyone else first, please."

Zayne 
Friday October 28th, 2005 6:01:43 PM
Looking first at Berelon, and then at Vauhwyt,"I...we went to the Cloak's quarter." There is a long pause. "I didn't start this, I swear." Then he mouths the words,"The Cloaks think we are going to kill the Prince." The look on his face is grave.

He then spits out a string of curses he picked up from Dietrich.

Rose 
Friday October 28th, 2005 10:35:34 PM
Rose gives her parents a hug then sits down. When her dad starts talking about the prince she replies "Well we did get kicked out of the palace, theres a few people in the group who dont know when to shut their mouths, we wont be taking them to see the prince anymore. But as for killing the prince, he wants us to find out who is trying to kill him. So have you heard any rumors about who wants to kill the prince on mural day?"

Jack 
Saturday October 29th, 2005 1:02:06 AM
"Thank you for the consideration on money, but I have enough. You all should use it.

"On another note, those who I met, those from the house of Darts, seemed to be planning something, with others. They also joked about killing the Prince. They escorted me out of the tavern, before I could talk to the owner. I would like to go back, but with some of you along as well. You know strength in numbers. They think they have gotten rid of me. Because they have dismissed me out of hand, I now have a vendetta against them. some day, some way, they will pay for their disrespect."

Vorelle 
Saturday October 29th, 2005 2:18:58 PM
Vorelle frowns, troubled by the rumors. If the Prince does end up falling to an assassin in two days, will she and her friends take the blame? It's a sobering thought.

With a little sigh, she resigns herself to waiting in Rose's home for a little longer. Rose's family are nice people, which is precicely why they are unlikely to know anything about the assassination. But Rose has missed them, and deserves to spend a little time here.

Dietrich 
Sunday October 30th, 2005 12:59:00 PM
Dietrich returns home, a little worried about what happened at the tavern. When he hears from his friends, that almost everybody thinks the "Dirties" are going to kill the Prince, his apprehension augments.

The fighter also listens to Vauhwyt´s proposal concerning the money and would have approved it, but he is satisfied the new Warrior doesn´t need anything and he takes his share of the loot.

Finally, he says:

"Friends, this rumors about us aren´t good at all. Who would benefit from spreading them and who would have the means to do it? Any clues?

Also, who would benefit most from killing the Prince? Which houses would suffer more from the Prince´s prohibition of dirty ops? Who would assume power with his vacancy?
Perhaps still some Power from outside the City, just like the last time? Possibly allied to someone inside?

Another very disturbing point is the fact that the people of the City seem to cheer up at the assassination plan.

Finally, have you heard anything about that attack on the City? Anyone planing to attack the City would benefit from the chaos after the Prince´s assassination."

Ahhh... the fine taste of INTRIGUES... [Inge] 
Sunday October 30th, 2005 2:04:33 PM
Vauhwyt Highlight to display spoiler: {Before leaving to head back to her friends Vauhwyt tries to learn a bit more from Samule the Fence.

"Don't you know?", Samule asks rather irritated, "don't you know about his clean House plans? And his liking to the merchants? Remember lass, I euhm... enjoy trading..; euhm... rare antiquitties, and if the Houses are no longer allowed to attack merchants who would be selling me goodies?!? It's not all meat and vegetables they bring to this city!"

Seems he knows little more... Just as Vauhwyt is about to leave the shop Samule calls out one last time: "Good luck lass! You're gonna need it, but if I can help ya with something stop by!"}

Back at the apartement everyone starts to share what they have learned so far. Evening is falling. Looks like there will be only one day left to find out more. Rose and Vorelle haven't returned so far.

Rose and Vorelle Highlight to display spoiler: {
Rose's parents appear to be releaved when they hear Rose knows nothing about killing no prince. But when asked who told this, or who else could be planning this assassination both her parents remain quiet. "It's a rumor that hangs around the city. We don't know exactly who started it. I guess I first heard it when I was fatching bread for breakfast."

"You want to have dinner with us? In memory of Junior? Will you honor us with your presence too Vorelle?"}

Feel free to continue to post miltiple times untill you have new plans. Probably for the next day... the day before Mural day...


Theodore and Macaw 
Sunday October 30th, 2005 2:32:07 PM
Theodore sends out his trusty spy, Macaw, to flap about the city and observe the general interactions between people, perhaps get a feel for any strange vibes going about.

Back at the apartment, the wizard muses on what everyone has to say. "Well, I learned from Master Geoffrey that the Prince had a meeting of the Houses and invited the leaders of the Merchant Quarters. Seems they've been seeking House status, themselves. The other Houses aren't too keen that the Prince allowed them to sit in on the meeting. It's a pretty big thing, and the Houses are seething."

He shakes his head. "But rather than adding to the list of suspects, we need to be zeroing in on who it could be. From what I'm hearing, our prime suspect is the House of Darts. I don't know if anyone here has any inside knowledge of their agenda, but perhaps we should spare a little energy for looking into what they're up to."

Rose  d20=17 d20=11 d20+6=25 d20+10=18 d20+4=14 d20+7=27
Sunday October 30th, 2005 9:15:39 PM
Rose and Vorelle eat with her family and talk about who could be the ones who want to kill the prince. Then Rose and Vorelle will leave and start asking around the halfling quarter.

gather info: 17
diplomacy: 11
knowledge, local, dirt city: 25
listen: 18
sense motive: 14
spot: 27, natural 20


Vauhwyt and Mookie 
Monday October 31st, 2005 6:58:04 AM
DM Inge, please, Highlight to display spoiler: {As Vauhwyt leaves Samule's place, she thinks to herself, "Someone wants to hurt us. Someone is spreading ugly rumors about us. I wonder who would want revenge against us?"

Then she says to herself a little prayer. "Great Lady, have I wronged anybody? Is there anyone who wants revenge against me? Who is there who has such an anger towards me?"

Then she casts her brand-spankin-new Detect Victim spell (see the write up of the Avenger, please. Scroll to bottom for new spells). She uses a lock of her own hair for the spell. She wonders if an enemy of hers is in range. She tries that again two more times before arriving home, at places that seem fairly crowded.

"A shot in the dark, but who knows, huh, Mookie?"

"Whatever you say Boss."}

Back home, Vauhwyt is very aware that the Prince may be scrying or spying. "I was shocked to hear there are rumors that WE want to kill the Prince."

"But I've got nothing concrete."

"I think we are being set up. I would rather not go, but then the Prince would have our heads."

Vorelle 
Monday October 31st, 2005 9:35:26 AM
Vorelle stays through the meal, and tries to be patient while Roses asks around the Halfling quarter for information. She is anxious to meet up with her friends again to share her suspicions.

Finally, she touches Rose on the shoulder. "W-w-we sh-should g-g-g-go b-back," she says.

Berlon 
Monday October 31st, 2005 10:52:55 AM
"Yeah!" Berlon says, looking back and forth between Zayne and the rest of the group, "it was SO strange! We went there with lots of questions. I was going to ask about the Prince, about my Great Uncle Knobby, maybe about even joining, but the time absolutely FLEW by." He passes his hand over his head with a *whoosh* sound. "We didn't end up asking anything. Strange, really..."

Dietrich 
Monday October 31st, 2005 1:49:33 PM
As it is, Dietrich realizes that the party is not making any progress in relation to the assassination attempt. He suddenly has another idea.

"Friends, we have been trying to find out who is behind all of this and couldn´t discover anything other than that people think we are the guys!

Instead of going after them, perhaps we could them come to us! If we could spread the rumour, that the Prince changed his mind and is going to anticipate his tour through the City, maybe we could force the killers to take some precipitated action and reveal themselves.

One possibility would be to use ilusions and disguises, pretending to be the Prince and having a route prepared in a way to lure the enemy into OUR own ambush.

Another, simpler plan, would be just to spread the rumour about the anticipated tour and a pre-determined route and than observe if anyone behaves in a suspect way, like renting strategically located places, magic movements etc. If we see anything, we act.

What do you guys think?"

Investigation plans... [Inge] 
Monday October 31st, 2005 4:12:35 PM
VauhwytHighlight to display spoiler: {As you follow the sewers back home you come to the crossing of the Main Sewers and Garette Sewer you suddenly the moment you cast the Victem Spell. Suddenly you get a feeling that someone would rather see you get dead. From your knowledge of the City you are able to detuct this emanates from the Prince's Castle!! Well... that's no surprise... he hates you indeed :-)}

Time to make a list of who wants the Prince dead...

- either of the Houses though the House of Darts appear to be suspect nr1.
- the merchants?
- you?!?

The rest of this turns post comes tomorrow morning. You can continue to post multiple times untill you have a final decision what to do. It starts to get late.

Zayne 
Monday October 31st, 2005 5:52:36 PM
The young ranger begins to pace around the room, his long nose twitching slightly. "I know we don't have much time but let's start with what we do know, that sometimes helps me think. Someone is out to kill the Prince. All of the houses are suspect, although the Darts stand slightly higher than everone else on that list. The Cloak's think we are going to do it. We can't let the Prince die." Pausing and waiting for a smart remark from Mookie.

"Yes I know I have all but swornto kill him, but for the city to recover from all it's been through lately, it needs as much stability as possible. I have a feeling that should the Prince die the houses will be at one another's throats like rabid dogs. Which means that innocents will get caught in the middle, as much as I hate the Prince I couldn't sleep at night knowing I was responsible for the deaths of innocents." His face is somber as he speaks.

"I don't know why but the remark about the merchants trying to establish themselves as a house worries me too. They probably have the most to gain from it, without the Prince to stop them they become a major power in the city, not to mention they have the money to fund a move like this."

Taking a deep breath,"I knwo I am all over the place...I'm nervous, this is big, and there is no room to fail." Walking towards
the back of the room he leans against the back wall."That's pretty much all i have to say right now."


Theodore and Macaw 
Monday October 31st, 2005 6:07:59 PM
"I don't know if we should wait until the assassin's strike, Dietrich," begins Theodore. "We've seen how powerful the Prince is. If these assassins have any intelligence at all, they have something big planned. Something, most likely, we're still too weak to prevent. I believe our best bet is to uncover the plot, give the Prince the specifics, and let his guys do the dirty work. That way, our skins are relatively in tact, plus working directly with the Prince might reestablish good feelings between our parties."

"As to the Merchants wanting the Prince dead, I don't think that's the case. He's the one supporting their press for becoming a House. If anything, they'd want him alive and well." Theodore puts a finger to his mouth. "Hmmm. Perhaps one of us might approach them as allies. We could use their resources to help discover the plotters."

Vorelle 
Tuesday November 1st, 2005 12:05:24 AM
Once she is back at the apartment, Vorelle shares her suspicions with all of her friends.

"Th-there's a.....a m-m-m-man I kn-kn-know," she begins, wincing a little at the inadequate phrasing. She deliberately does not meet Vauwhyt's eye. "H-his n-name is T-T-T-T-Targo F-F-F-F-Flatjaw. He-he's not a n-n-nice p-p-p-person. M-m-mean and v-violent." A deep breath. "L-l-last t-t-time I s-saw him, h-h-h-he w-was acting d-d-d-d-different. St-strange. He s-s-s-said," she closes her eyes for a moment, fixing the scene in her thoughts. "H-he b-b-b-bragged that soon h-he'd b-b-be a w-w-well-kn-known adventurer. H-he w-w-wasn't acting l-l-like himself. He...he w-was ch-cheerful."

She stops at that, spreading her hands in frustration because she can't really express what she's thinking. This is by far the most anybody has ever heard Vorelle talk all at once.

"I-it's p-p-probably n-n-nothing," she mutters.

Mad Jack 
Tuesday November 1st, 2005 1:58:15 AM
Jack listens to Vorelle. his mind is hard at work. Finallt he makes a suggestion.

"Vorelle, I am sure you could recognise this Targo on sight. I would like it if you and some of the other would escort me to the tavern of the Darts. I think we could learn what we need to, either by diplomacy or force. I think this Targo may be in cahoots with the house."

Investigation plans... [Inge] 
Tuesday November 1st, 2005 7:17:46 AM
Talks go on late that evening. Vorelle tells what she knows about a man called Targo. Zayne pretty much sums up all possible suspects. However Theodore seems not to agree that the Merchants might be in on this and prefers to approach them as allies... have either of you tried this allready? Perhaps something for tomorrow morning.

Jack's positive that he House of Darts are their prime suspect. He even has the uncanny feeling that Targo has something to do with them! Could be a wild guess but any guess is better than waiting till Mural Day.

Theodore and Zayne both realise all depends on them now. Zayne's probably right that should the Prince die the City will be upside down, and the last they all need is to be caught in the middle of all that. Yet Theodore realises that he who would kill the Prince should match the Prince's incredible powers! Who are they to stop an epic warrior like that?!?

Vauhwyt Highlight to display spoiler: {Your victem spell showed you the Prince wants you dead, but it can not reveal who wants the PRINCE dead, and after all that's what you are after... Could it help if you could find a hair or a drop of blood from the Prince himself? Of course that would probably mean asking him for a hair... and that might mean blowing yoru cover...}

Multiple posting still alowed. Try to discribe what you will do the next morning or should you split up again - grumble grumble - where you all will go.



BigTim 
Tuesday November 1st, 2005 10:29:08 AM
ooc
Inge, i have lost your email addy, mind shooting it to me to jaqem@hotmail.com please, wanna talk to you about possible reinstatement to the game and whatnots.

thanks, Tim

Inge: Hey Tim! Good to see you're back. Can't make a mail right now, but contact me at demuynck_ingeAThotmail.com
Try to read back to where this module started. Things have become somewhat more... intriguing in the City :-D (hope ya all like it so far)

Vauhwyt and Mookie 
Tuesday November 1st, 2005 1:24:46 PM
[OOC: D'Oh! Missed a post!]

Vauhywt tries to make some sense of it all. She is very aware that other people may be eavesdropping.

"Is it possible that the Prince is just getting what he justly deserves? I do not think so. Yes, the Prince has enemies. People may not like his policies. But has he done any wrong? has he hurt anybody that we know of? Yes, he has been over-emotional, and angry. But has he done anything to deserve assassination?"

"I have tried to find proof or even rumor that the Prince has done something wrong, but I cannot discover anything."

"And yet he seems really angry at us. I don't understand that, since we have done our best work for him and never acted against him."

Mookie pipes up, "That Book! It made him crazy!"

"Maybe you are right, Mookie," says Vauhwyt.

"But the bigger danger is that there will be an attempt on the Prince's life and we will be blamed. How can we avoid that?"

"Maybe we should show up with no offensive spells prepped and no weapons. If we are disarmed, it would be hard to accuse us of doing harm."

"I like the idea of a distraction to draw out the attackers, but how could we pull it off? besides, the Prince has to be there for the big Mural Day celebration. We can't change the time of that."

"I do think we should show up early and go over the place Detecting Magic and looking around."

Mad Jack 
Tuesday November 1st, 2005 2:56:18 PM
"Well miss, er Vauhwyt, I do think us skulking around on the day the Prince is to come on by, makes us look more guilty, than not. Is all it will take is some citizen, or enemy reporting us to the authorities, then we get thrown in the dungeon, for suspicion. Cant save the Prince from there can we?"

Zayne  d20+8=28 d20+8=19
Tuesday November 1st, 2005 6:43:39 PM
Leaning against the back wall,"Has anyone thought to talk to Jeraldh? He's a political big-wig around town." Then suddenly his eyes get very wide, he looks around the room,"There is something I just thought of, only we can't talk about it here, and we can't all go a place we can talk about it. Which means we can't all know what is going on when it happens. The way I see it I cn take three people with me, Vauhwyt, because she is in charge, Dietrich, because I need to ask him something specific, and someone else," after a momentary pause,"Except for you,and Mookie, no offense Mookie but this is important, and you get too excited sometimes." He ponts to Jack.

Highlight to display spoiler: {}Taking Vauhwyt,Dietrhich and whoever else decides to come along on a very winding and roundabout trek to a noisy sewer canal in the halfling quarter of town, he motions for them to all draw close to him, in a barely audible voice he looks at everyone barely able to stay composed.

Taking a deep breath and holding it,"I know



Zayne Spoiler post  d20+8=20 d20+8=13
Tuesday November 1st, 2005 7:07:07 PM
Highlight to display spoiler: { After finding somewhere he feels safe to discuss things he asks,"Vauhwyt," he blurts out barely able to contain himself, "What if we let whoever is trying this to think they succeeded? You know let them think the Prince is dead, or better yet, make them think someone beat them to the punch. I got to thinking about what I heard when I went to see the Cloaks, they were so certain we were going to do it. It will either force them to take credit for it or go away, either way we throw a major obstacle in their path." After say his piece he looks fairly smug,

"Now Dietrich, what I wanted to ask you is do you think this we can get someone inside to talk to the Prince? I mean who can we trust, and better yet who can be afforded to be seen with us? We are too high profile around the city." Looking to Vauhwyt,"I know this is a wild out there plan, but we HAVE to pull this one off, if you say no I'll forget it, but I think it can work. Here's how I see it, we stage the fake assassination, before the parade, I figure that whoever is really behind this will want to act fast, so we wait three days, whoever makes the first move is most likely who we are looking for." }

(spoiler tag fixed by Cayzle)

Vorelle 
Tuesday November 1st, 2005 8:58:08 PM
Vorelle hesitates, then nods at Jack's suggestion. She would recognize Targo, after all.

She just doesn't want him to see her.

Theodore and Macaw 
Tuesday November 1st, 2005 9:08:38 PM
Theodore is not surprised as his friends begin spouting off wild schemes to trap, or even attack, the would be assassins. He doesn't see it happening, though.

"My friends, we must calm ourselves first. We've gotten to where we are now by making rash decisions. This is definitely one of those moments when calculated thought and GROUP decision-making are necessary." He gives everyone a stern look, which might be humorous coming from the short, skinny wizard.

"I must reiterate my opinion that our purpose should be detecting the assassins, not thwarting them. Leave that to the Prince's men. If we interfere directly, we most definitely make ourselves a die hard enemy. I for one don't need that kind of pressure. My suggestion would be to continue to press our sources until all paths are exhausted." He sighs. "And if all else fails...I don't know."

"I will try to contact the Merchants tomorrow morning. I will send Macaw to keep an eye on the Darts. And I think Zayne has a good idea about speaking with Jeraldh. He owes us a bunch of favors. Has anyone spoken with the Wolves? We might send a few to speak with them, brandishing the rings they gave us."

Rose 
Wednesday November 2nd, 2005 1:32:02 AM
Rose sits and listens to the others at one point she pipes up and says "We didnt find anything out in the halfling quarter, maybe we could try somewhere else?"

When Vorelle starts talking about a guy and sounds really scared Rose gives her a big hug. "Dont worry we wont let him hurt you."

Rose will stay behind with Vorelle and let Vauhwyt go with the others.

Investigation plans II ... [Inge] 
Wednesday November 2nd, 2005 9:53:29 AM
Most of you continue to discuss possible options. Some more feasible than others. Zayne's wild idea isn't really picked up by anyone so far, but no one knows where this might lead to. Question is will the Prince agree with this? Mural Day has never been cancelled before, and who would be strong enough to impersonate him! After all, he wasn't really afraid of the actual assassination. He only wanted to know who's behind all this!

Theodore seems to make quite a decent resume of all the possible options. Better get a good night sleep so you are all ready fro the next day as it seems things will get stressful! Only one day separates you from Mural Day!

Get your thoughts and plans together folks. Mural Day won't wait and neither will the assassin... assassins?... whatever... You don't want to end up on Mural Day still bickering what to do do you?

Hmmm... don't you just LOVE that fine delicate taste of intrigue, stress... fear?...

Vauhwyt 
Wednesday November 2nd, 2005 10:58:21 AM
Vauhwyt is glad to hear Zayne out. Here is what she says to him and Dietrich: Please Highlight to display spoiler: {"I like your idea. In fact, I love it! Let's throw fuel on this fire! I have no idea how the city will react to the assassination of the Prince, but let's stage an "assassination" and find out! If we are lucky, we will draw out the ambushers and find out who they are. If we are unlucky, we'll be killed by people avenging the dead Prince! I like that kind of gamble!"

"Here's what we do. First, we go back home so I can tell the everyone the plan. Don't worry, I'll be discreet. Then I'll run off to Samule the Fence for some scrolls and a Disguise Kit. Then we stage the "assassination." Rose or Theo or me will use a scroll of Alter Self to don a disguise as the Prince. Then, in a prominent place, the rest of us "attack" the Prince, "killing" him. We have to do it in a prominent place with lots of witnesses. After the "assassination" we use illusions or magic fog to get away."

"Then we high-tail it to the Crescent Moon Market where we hide out for dawn, and our rendez-vous with the Prince. We might send out one or two people to scout in disguise for news while we wait for dawn."}

Vauhwyt is so excited about this plan that she immediately leads her friends back to the apartment!

Mookie 
Wednesday November 2nd, 2005 11:02:21 AM
Mookie is stressed out as Vauhwyt leaves him behind. "What are they talking about? Why couldn't I go? I bet that Zayne is getting the Boss in danger!"

The raven says to Theo, "You are so right, Mr. Wizard! Why should we stick out our necks? Find out what we can and then step back! We don't need to be in a fight!"

Then he adds mournfully, "But I bet the Boss won't see it that way."

Vauhwyt 
Wednesday November 2nd, 2005 11:38:45 AM

Vauhwyt arrives back at the apartment out of breath and very excited. Without saying a word, she douses all the lights in the place. It being underground and all, that makes it very dark. Then she orders Mookie to sing, as loud as he can, the "99 Bottles Of Beer On The Wall" song. Under the cover of darkness and cawing, she casts several Message cantrips so that she can whisper the plan very quietly to all her friends.

But if anyone could read lips in the dark, or hear over Mookie's song, the conversation would consist entirely of Vauhwyt's harmless comments on the weather, how much she is looking forward to Mural Day, and her loyalty to the Prince. In fact, she is slowly and carefully using her Bluff skill to send secret messages to her friends. She is taking 20 on the roll so that there will be no confusion. Here is the true message that Vauhwyt tells her friends:

Zayne had a great idea. We can stage a fake assassination of the Prince and then see who that draws out of the woodwork. The ambushers may well expose themselves, or stumble in surprise. And when it appears that we killed the Prince, then whoever is tryng to frame us will see his plan backfire! There's no predicting what will happen, but this will surely disrupt the plans of our enemies! When the Prince -- who of course will not be dead -- shows up on Mural Day, no one will be ready to ambush him because they will think he is dead!

Here's how we do it. I get some scrolls and a Disguise Kit from Samule the Fence. Theo or Rose uses an Alter Self scroll plus the disguise kit to look like the Prince. The rest of us "ambush" the "Prince" and "kill him." We have to do this in a public place with lots of witnesses. One person would have a wineskin full of blood to spill on the ground. We then use an Obscuring Mist scroll and maybe a few illusions to cover our escape. We high-tail it to the Crescent Moon market, where we are supposed to meet the Prince at dawn. We use another illusion to make an illusion of a wall or a booth at the market -- we hide in the booth until dawn, covered by the illusion. Maybe as dawn approaches, we use a Rope Trick scroll to make a place to hide.

Maybe we send someone out in disguise to get information and see what happened after our ruse.

When dawn comes, we meet the Prince as scheduled. Ta da!

Then Vauhwyt asks her friends to say what they think, but only if they can speak with discretion, and not give anything away. "Who knows who is listening," she warns.

Berlon 
Wednesday November 2nd, 2005 1:12:10 PM
Berlon listens to the plans being formulated. He nod and smiles a lot. "I'm not quite sure what you're all getting so worked up about. The Prince will, er... has, no, wait, will have had already? This part always makes me confused. Anyway, verb tenses aside, everything will be fine."

He flips Mookie one of his candy cracker things. "What do you think, Mookie? I've changed the sugar content a little, it should be a little sweeter now..."

Mookie 
Wednesday November 2nd, 2005 7:46:59 PM
The raven drops the biscuit on the ground and then pecks at it. "Not too shabby," he tells Berlon. "More extract of worms, please."

Theodore and Macaw 
Wednesday November 2nd, 2005 8:28:25 PM
"You're being hasty, again, Vauhwyt. Too many things can go wrong with that, and there's no guarantee the would be assassins will slip up. I really think we need to find out who is trying to kill the Prince, and why they want him dead. Once we understand that, then we can formulate a plan. We absolutely MUST exercise caution."

Rose 
Wednesday November 2nd, 2005 10:01:43 PM
"Vauhwyt thats crazy! Do you think it will really work?" Rose whispers in the dark.

Vauhwyt 
Wednesday November 2nd, 2005 10:52:35 PM
Vauwyt Messages a secret to her friends.

Theo, if we can find out who the ambushers are, great. If not, then let's go with Zayne's idea. At least we should try *something* if we can't get any good info.

Rose, yes! I think it can work!

Vorelle 
Thursday November 3rd, 2005 1:09:33 AM
Vorelle listens to Vauhwyt's plan. It's a bold idea, and it has its merits, but.... "It r-r-relies too m-m-much on m-m-magic," she says aloud.

Mad Jack 
Thursday November 3rd, 2005 2:43:54 AM
"Again, I think it folly, when we get throen in to jail, the Prince will have no help. Then again, if we do get throewn in jail, the ambushers may get lazy and mess up. Also the Prince could not fault us, we were in jail.'

Walking around the room, he asks Theo, "Since noone will go with me to the tavern, could I lay here tonight for sleep? If you object, Im sure the stablemaster wont mind."

Dietrich 
Thursday November 3rd, 2005 6:46:00 AM
After listening to everybody, Dirtrich says:

"I agree with Theo that this is a group decision, so let´s debate and than decide.

Of course we have to be careful, but that doesn´t mean that we have to be conventional.

My whole point of trying to get the assassins to move was only to discover them, not necessaraly to fight them, and only if our other investigations don´t lead to anything, as seems to be the case.
Zayne´s basic idea sounds good, if the Prince agrees, but I also see a big political risk for the CIty, not so much for ourselves.

Who knows what can happen during the time everybody believes the Prince is dead? Once chaos takes the place it will be very difficult to restore order. The very fake could precipitate the civil war we all want to prevent!

For that reason I still prefer the idea of luring the wouldbe killers into an ambush of our own. If the group is against that proposal, I stay with Zayne´s and Vauhwyt´s suggestion, but only after trying all other options of getting information, like talking to Jerald etc."

Investigation plans III ... [Inge] 
Thursday November 3rd, 2005 9:17:23 AM
Wild - wilder -- wildest...
Crazy - Crazier -- Craziest...
Bold -- bolder -- boldest...
Wicked -- more wicked -- most wicked...

... plans are being brooded upon by the brave Dirt City wanderers. Some are in favor -- others in doubt. Question is... what will it be? What is the best decision to make...

Ooc Inge: keeping my DM post short as I want to give you all some more time to build up your fun ideas. You're doing great guys and girls! I really admire your wits and bright ideas. I won't tell you if they will work of course ;-) That depends entirely up to you! Keep up the brilliant work but try to find a group decision.


Vauhwyt 
Thursday November 3rd, 2005 9:52:54 AM
The liontaur continues to do her best to keep this whole conversation on the QT. She passes bits of conversation back and forth, trying to be subtle all the way, and to keep the group in the dark so that scryers won't be able to see what is going on. She urges everyone to keep their whispers very quiet, so that Mookie can continue to cover.

The raven's voice is a little bit rougher than usual, by now ... 56 bottles of beer on the wall. 56 bottles of ...

Vauhwyt is encouraged by the conversation and tries to find a synthesis.

First, while I'm getting the things we need, let's try to find out more, like Theo says. We need to talk with Jeraldh. Has anybody talked to Father Clueth at the Temple?

I do not suggest going to the Wolves -- they'll rip our heads off. We know the Houses are against the Prince in this, so what could we gain there? Too risky.

If that all turns up nothing, then let's take Dietrich's idea of using illusion and magic to make it seem like we are escorting the Prince around town. We'll see if this draws out anybody. If not, we can still "betray" the "Prince" and "assassinate" him at the end of the tour.

To Vorelle's point, Vauhwyt says that she knows that this relies on magic a lot. But we rely on our weapons in battle -- why not rely on magic for trickery?

Anyway, in the worst case scenario, we high-tail it to the Crescent Moon Market and hide there until dawn. How's that sound?

Theodore and Macaw 
Thursday November 3rd, 2005 10:12:00 AM
Theodore is greatly relieved that there are others in the group stressing patience and teamwork. "Well, it looks like we are all in agreement in attempting to discover more information on the morrow. Hopefully we will not have to resort to any wild schemes."

The wizard stands and grips his staff with a slender hand. "I say we meet back here tomorrow evening to come to a consensus on what we will do on Mural Day. As I said, in the morning I will go to the Merchant's Quarters to see if I can acquire any assistance or information. I'll have Macaw keep an eye on the Darts' base."

"Now, if you'll all excuse me, I'm tired. Jack, you can take Olyn's bed. He is at the temple, I believe."

Vauhwyt 
Thursday November 3rd, 2005 10:34:23 AM
[OOC: Inge said on Nov. 2: "Better get a good night sleep so you are all ready fro the next day as it seems things will get stressful! Only one day separates you from Mural Day!" Does that mean that Mural Day is tomorrow? Or the day after tomorrow?]

"Wait!" Vauhwyt says to Theo. "We have to get our timing exact before anyone leaves!"

ooc Inge: the day AFTER tomorrow. You have all day to investigate more tomorrow. The day after tomorrow will be Mural day.
Today is thursday. Mural day is saturday so to speak.

Zayne 
Thursday November 3rd, 2005 12:15:22 PM
Zayne is clearly surprised that Vauwyt accepted his idea so enthusiastically. He listens to everyone debate their points of view,then he steps in,"Look everyone I know the idea is crazy and risky as I dont know what. Whoever is plotting against the Prince is desperate, why else would they resort to murder." He begins to pace about the room.

"I am willing to bet the whole plan is based on timing, and for something this big I bet the timing is very precise. So by staging one of our own, should throw their plan into shambles. Whch forces them to either move ahead of schedule or count their losses. I am hoping for the first option. Something like this has very little wiggle room and I want to make them wiggle." He says the last with feeling.

Berlon 
Thursday November 3rd, 2005 12:45:19 PM
"Of course," Berlon adds while staring intently at Mookie pecking away at the treat on the floor, "we don't even know for sure that the Prince's life *is* in danger. We don't even know if that WAS the Prince."

"Sugar, water, berry extract, but no worms, Mookie." Turning to Theo, he adds, "The Prince *was* throwing around an awful lot of magic when he visited us, don't you think, Theo?"

"Does Macaw want a treat?"

Dietrich  d20+4=22
Thursday November 3rd, 2005 2:01:26 PM
Dietrich continues listening, as he´s already given his own two cents.

First he thinks that Berlon has a point, about their uncertainty concerning the guy who came to speak with them. But than he remembers that the gnome got his stuff back from the Prince´s men, which should be proof enough.

The fighter listens to Theodore and wonders a little about his caution. Very different from his reckless behaviour inside the giant pumpkin...
He says:
"Theo, we came up with this other ideas precisely because the investigations didn´t lead to anything in the first place. I prefer too to have better information before acting, but actually, forcing the enemy to take a move and reveal himself doesn´t seem that crazy to me. Of course we have to see to the details..."

And about the details, Dietrich still has some apprehension.

"Friends, I remain worried about the possible consequences of having the people think that the Prince is dead. If only the killers would think so, alright, but the Houses? The risk of civil war is still great.
Finally, as time is pressing, I propose a vote on the whole issue."

The warrior will stay till the end of the discussion and possible vote. Than he leaves to look after a good route to lure the assassins into an ambush, should this be part of the final plan.

military knowledge 22



Vauhwyt 
Thursday November 3rd, 2005 7:29:45 PM

Vauhwyt continues to do her best to keep the volume of the conversation low and the level of innuendo and secrecy high.

I say we should try to gather supplies and info until midday tomorrow. Talk to Jeraldh, and Father Clueth, and anyone else you can think of, sure. If we have no good intelligence, then tomorrow in the midafternoon we go on our Tour with the "Prince." In the evening we make our way above ground to the Blue Eel, where we make a small scene. If we have not drawn out any ambushers, then we stage our own ambush. After we "kill" the "Prince," we carry off the "body" and regroup at the Crescent Moon Market. That's where we have to meet the Prince at dawn, so we hide there until then. In the night we might send out people in disguise to gather info and see what we can find out.

That's my vote.

Theodore and Macaw 
Thursday November 3rd, 2005 7:38:42 PM
Theodore stops when Vauhwyt asks him to. He turns. "Do you mean when to meet tomorrow? How about five o'clock?"

Theodore shrugs his shoulders at Berlon. "I'm unsure as to what you're hinting at, but yes, the Prince is EXTREMELY powerful."

When Dietrich brings up his exploits at the great pumpkin, Theodore blushes in embarassment. "Um, well, yes...I did act rather rashly. But I was the only one in danger until, of course, you guys intervened. Which I'm most grateful for," he adds hastily. "But my point is that we should be maturing beyond that kind of behavior. We still leap about chaotically in combat. We still speak our minds at the most innoportune moments. We still rush into things swords drawn rather than attempting to resolve the situation with intelligence and diplomacy. All I'm suggesting is that we expand our options."

"Anyway, I'm not committing to anything until I've done some more investigating. I REFUSE!!" He stomps one foot, looking much like a child. "Tomorrow evening is the soonest you will get any committment from me. Now, good night." Theodore nods curtly and walks out the door.

Macaw flutters down by Berlon and cocks his head to one side. "TREAT?" The raven asks loudly.

"MACAW!!" The black bird caws in indignation at his master's call and then flies out the door.

Berlon 
Thursday November 3rd, 2005 8:04:21 PM
"Speaking of supplies, did we get final numbers on who gets what from our last sale at the Catacombs?"

Vauhwyt 
Thursday November 3rd, 2005 9:15:11 PM
"Yeah," says Vauhwyt, "Since MadJack said he didn't need anything, that means each of us aside from him gets 1,316 gold pieces."

rose 
Thursday November 3rd, 2005 10:07:27 PM
"I'll go with Vorelle and investigate this Targo person. As for supplies, Vauhwyt did you get the money for the stuff you took to the catacombs?"

Mad Jack 
Friday November 4th, 2005 2:46:54 AM
"I am going to get some sleep. In the morning I am returning to the tavern the Darts convene in. Again, I would like anyone who wants to come with me."

Pleasant dreams [Inge] 
Friday November 4th, 2005 7:18:50 AM
Looks like we've got ourselves a plan!

Seems our adventurers plan to try to talk to a few more people first, and if nothing really useful can be found the bold plan of walking around the City with a fake Prince will be given a shot hoping to draw the real assassin(s) to harsh and radical changes in their plans. Still some wonder what will happen should the people think their Prince is dead...

Well... time to go to bed now! After a long and tumultuous day you all go to sleep at last.

...pleasant dreams...WHUHAHAHAHA



Vauhwyt and Mookie 
Friday November 4th, 2005 11:19:10 AM

Mookie starts to snore with three bottles of beer still on the wall. Vauhwyt feels her eyelids getting heavy, too. But wait! The night's work is not done! Not by a long shot!

Vauhwyt puts on her grey sneaking-around shirt, drops her sleepy familiar in her belt pouch, and lets herself out quietly. She makes her way over to the apartment of Samule the Fence, doing her darndest to be silent and keeping to the shadows. [OOC: V's Hide is a +6 check; her Move Silent is a +11]

As she walks, keeping to the more lightly travelled sewers, she goes over in her head all that she wants to buy ... and worries about how much the Fence will gouge her for them. "I know how much things would cost at the Catacombs," the former magic shop clerk thinks to herself, "but Samule may be pricey. How am I going to save up for my WLA dues! Those are coming up, and that's five grand I don't have. Maybe I'll have to sell some stuff."

The liontaur absent mindedly rubs her Ring of Protection, as if pondering its resale value.

At the Fence, she says to Samule, "My friend, you know what you said about coming to you if I needed some things for a job? Well, here I am."

She explains that she needs these things by noon tomorrow, delivered to her with discretion. Here is her list: At least two scrolls each of the following spells: Alter Self, Rope Trick, Unseen Servant, Reduce Person, Shield, Obscuring Mist, Silent Image, and single scrolls of Darkness and Minor Image.

She also needs a Disguise kit, two 10-foot pieces of rope to use with the Rope Tricks, and a waterskin filled with fresh blood. Pig's blood would be fine -- no need for people blood.

She may have to haggle, since she may not have enough cash.

In order to drive down the price, she says to the Fence, "Would you cut me a deal if I told you about the job? Just for your ears only, of course."

Vauhwyt, of course, actually expects anything she tells this fellow to be all over town within hours -- or at least certain people will hear what she is telling the fence "in confidence."

If he knocks the price down some, Vauhwyt will hint that a well-known high palace official will be touring the City tomorrow, hoping to surprise particular elements by looking around a day early. Vauhwyt and her friends will be providing an escort.

Theodore and Macaw 
Friday November 4th, 2005 4:47:14 PM
When Theodore reaches his bed, he falls into a well deserved sleep. Waking, he eats a cold breakfast while studying his spells for the day before gathering his things together and proceeding towards the Merchant's Quarters.

A little ways before entering their territory, he moves to a spot where no one would see him and casts alter self upon himself. He becomes a slightly taller, non-descript human and quickly continues on into the Merchant's Quarters.

Once there, he seeks out one of their important buildings. "I'm looking to speak with someone regarding and exchange of...information. Very delicate...information...you understand. Would I be able to speak with someone privy to the Merchants' relations with the Houses?"

Zayne 
Saturday November 5th, 2005 7:11:20 PM
Waking up the rnager sits down and counts up his money surprised at the sum, he puts it away, and head over to the ladies apt. He knocks and waits for someone to let him in.

Once inside he will sit down and see what Vauhwyt needs from him today. He feels confident, today for some strange reason. Like for once things are going to run smoothly.

Vorelle 
Sunday November 6th, 2005 7:01:25 PM
Uncertain how to be of any kind of help, Vorelle makes herself available for any investigatory trip that's going forward.

"I d-d-don't t-t-t-talk v-very well," she says, "b-b-b-but I'm p-p-p-pretty good at s-s-s-seeing stuff."

Rose 
Sunday November 6th, 2005 9:46:17 PM
Rose makes sure to leave most of her stuff in the apartment so that it cant be stolen. She then follows Vorelle.

Inge - Only 5 posts ?!? 
Monday November 7th, 2005 8:15:59 AM
waiting to post for more

A new day! ... [Inge] 
Monday November 7th, 2005 11:24:38 AM
Fighting back the whispering and inviting chant from her bed, Vauhwyt sneaks into the city below avoiding any unpleasant encounters by walking among the shadows cast by the evening lights. She walks through the abandoned sewers with a single goal in her mind... Samule the Fence.

As she arrives at the shop she is not too surprised to see everything is closed. After a few muffled knocks on the door she hears scraping behind the door. A little peep hole opens... only a few moments later the door widens to let the liontaur enter.

"What's yar business lass?" Samule asks rather irritated. He's clearly surprised by this nightly visit.

Vauhwyt Spot DC14 spoiler: Highlight to display spoiler: {It's obvious that Samule is not only surprised by your visit, but he appears to be rather uneasy as well. Somehow it doesn't look that he has been sleeping already. Looks like he came from the back as there's light in there... As Samule notices you are looking to his backdoor he shifts place to block your view. Suddenly he's not only annoyed by your presence but also slightly worried that you may have seen things you weren't supposed to see... From the look at his face you'd best avoid the subject and act as if your nose bleeds...}

The list he gets in his hands does bring back a light smile at his face.

"Well well Vauhwyt. So you're planning the big thing are you?" Samule smiles. He still clearly thinks you're the ones who will kill the Prince.

"Odd spells though for nailing such a character... no?" he says while his eyes dart of the list of scrolls

But then he sees that last item and his eyes widen...

"You want blood do you... now that's pricy if you want human blood! Don't worry lass I can help you to human blood. I don't believe you would settle for pig blood!"

Vauhwyt then tries to bargain the price and Samule closely listens at what you are revealing.

"If I understand you correctly he who we want dead will be going through town a day early??!!?? It's good that you told me this lass. No no don't worry I won't tell anyone else."

"As for the price... I've got two offers for ya...

- 2 scrolls of Alter Self (200go each)
- 2 scrolls of Rope Trick (180gp each)
- 2 scrolls of Unseen Servant (35 each)
- 2 scrolls of Reduce Person (35 each)
- 2 scrolls of Shield (35 each)
- 2 scrolls of Obscuring Mist (35 each)
- 2 scrolls of Silent Image (35 each)
- 1 scroll of Darkness (180 gp)
- 1 scroll of Minor Image.(180 gp)
- 1 disguise kit (75gp)
- 2 10-ft pieces of rope
- A waterskin filled with blood ( pig blood 50gp -- human 1000 gp)

So that would be a total of... 1200...1420... 1595gp ... let's say 1600 ok? Or would you prefer human blood... then it's 2600...

Now there might be an alternative... If you take the second option you are bound to me by your word and you and your friends will return me a favor in due time... The choice is yours..."

"You'll have the items by tomorrow morning delivered at your place... what's the address? Confidentiality guaranteed. You either bring me the gold or accept the free alternative... "

Later that evening I suppose Vauhwyt will go to the girls apartement and sleep on this. In the morning she can discuss things with her lady friends as Rose and Vorelle are spelling already.

The next morning Zayne and Theodore show up at the girls apartment and hear what Vauhwyt has to say. The others have only come to arrive as a light knock on the door makes you all jump up your seats. Who could that be?!?

"It is I ... Samule"

As you allow him to enter he carries a plain shopping bag with seemingly nothing inside. But one by one he pick out the items requested by Vayhwyt.

"Now concerning the Price... What will it be Vauhwyt?"


Time : 9 o'clock AM -- the day before Mural Day


Theodore is the first to leave the girls apartment again and heads straight for the Merchant Quarters. Once there he disguises himself and asks around to find someone to whom he can reveal certain sensitive information.

One nicely dressed -- obviously he's rich -- comes forward and asks Zayne: "Who are you and what information do you have? Do you have new word from that rat of a Prince?"

[OOC: Inge edited post]

Dietrich  d20+3=15 d20+4=9
Monday November 7th, 2005 12:39:39 PM
After having checked the route for good places for an ambush, paths to retreat and so on, Dietrich returns to the appartment.

There he reminds his friends of something:

"Guys, should we go to execute the alternative plan, the Prince has to be informed and he has to agree to it. He could also help us by letting people know of his anticipated tour through the city."

The warrior puts himself at disposal to do this task and walks to see the Prince. If necessary, he will remind the guards of services done in the past, including his good personal relationship with the now dead Th`Ayvannen.

Diplomacy 15, Intimidation 9

Berlon 
Monday November 7th, 2005 8:19:24 PM
Berlon still seems oddly amused by all the plotting and planning, the comings and goings. "The only thing that matters is that we all make it out in one piece...."

Zayne OOC post 
Monday November 7th, 2005 9:10:33 PM
(OOC: Did I miss something there? At what point did Zayne end up putting on a disguise? I am just asking, at what point did this all happen?)

Inge: Wooops! Sorry! I meant Theodore!! He was the one to visit the Merchant square casting an alter self on himself.

whack whack whack... stupid stupid stupid!...

Vorelle 
Tuesday November 8th, 2005 12:45:18 AM
Uncertain what else to do, Vorelle makes for the Grubber quarter, looking for news of Targo. She tries to find her father, or her brother, and ask them. She avoids her mother if it's at all possible.

Zayne 
Tuesday November 8th, 2005 5:44:49 AM
Zayne will head next door to Jeraldh's house, and to talk to him and see if he has heard anything about who might be behind the murder of the Prince.

After that, he will head back to his apartment to check on Jack and offer his company if he is still dead set on going to the tavern.

Vauhwyt  d20+4=10
Tuesday November 8th, 2005 7:34:09 AM
AT NIGHT

The liontaur is so glad to get to the fence without being accosted that she has no eyes for anything else (Spot 10).

She is pleased with all the arrangements. But she cannot accept the favor-for-a-favor offer. "I can't promise for my friends, and there is no time to consult with them. I'll just pay the cash."

But she decides against the scrolls of minor image and darkness. Subtracting 360 gp from the total puts the entire package in range of her purse. That's with the pig blood, of course.

She insists on paying gold right away. She will be happy for delivery tomorrow.

NEXT MORNING

Since no one else is pursuing this route, in the morning early, Vauhwyt heads to the Temple of Ward to seek out Clueth, the priest who had helped them in the past. She remembered his gruff ways, but felt that he was good at the core, and would not lie.

She says to him, "Hello, good sirr. I hope you can help us. Maybe rumors pass through the Temple, I am surre. Have you heard about any threats to the Prince? Some rumors say that me and my friends are plotting against the Prince. Have you any idea who could be spreading such rumors, or who the Prince's true enemies are?"

She returns to the apartment in time to be there for the delivery. Then she waits for her friends to return so that they can execute their plan.

More investigations! ... [Inge] 
Tuesday November 8th, 2005 11:27:33 AM
Back in the apartment Dietrich reminds his friends that it might be best to warn the Prince about their plans. After all, they would be "killing" him! He volunteers to takes this undertaking.

Berlon has clearly gone through some psychological changes as he's amused by all bold plans that are being brooded upon. Before he would probably have stamped his feet hoping to talk some sense into you all... I wonder what is/was best... ***evil grin***

Zayne went out to see Jeraldh...

Zayne Highlight to display spoiler: {As you go to see Jeraldh you knock on the Oval door of his apartment. "Whose there?" you hear someone say inside, and as you speak up to tell the man you name he says: "Come in!"

As you enter the room Jeraldh is sitting at his desk bend over several parchments with lots and lots of writing on them. He folds them neatly and stored them away. Then the pale eyes eyeball you as if they are reading your mind and questioning you why you are here.

"Who is behind the murder of the Prince? Is he dead already Zayne? Are you THAT eager to get this over with?? Wasn't it you and your friends who would be doing this job?"

Defending yourself by claiming you are definitely not planning to kill the Prince puts wrinkles on the man's face.

"Yes... yes... there could be other suspects that's for sure. Many of the Houses, including the House of Keys, were enraged by that foul Clean House plan." Jeraldh speaks the words Clean House with so much contempt that the hairs on your arms are tingling.

"And then there was his ludicrous idea to allow the merchants to build themselves a House of Merchants! Luckily we have been able to persuade him not to do this and so you can bet your name on it that those merchants out there aren't too pleased with our Prince either! Hahahaha"

Jeraldh strokes his chin while he's clearly thinking things over.

"These are troubled times Zayne. Someone might get hurt...just make sure it's not you..."}

Vorelle moves out and slowly wanders around in the Grubber region. No real goal in mind she tries to find a trace of Targo. Rose does not come with her it seems so she wanders of alone ... frightened yet confident to unravel this plot.

Vorelle Highlight to display spoiler: { Vorelle asks around a bit at some people she meets yet no one seems to have seen him in the past few days. Something does appear to be wrong for they haven't seen him in the pub either! Some do look with sympathy at Vorelle as they clearly believe all the gossip that goes around the city.
Then suddenly she stands face to face with her father!

"Well well! Look who's here! The brave Vorelle! The one who will kill the Prince! Hahg... Who's paying ya to do this? Make sure to come over to see us when you are paid. You won't forget your father now will you..."

There wasn't much for her to learn here so somewhat disappointed she returns to the apartment until suddenly...

Vorelle is grabbed by the arm and pulled into a little alley just outside the grubber regions!! TARGO!!!!

He grabs you close to him and you can smell he has been drinking... he smells like ale and has a bewildered look in his eyes that match those of a drunkard perfectly!

"WHAT DO YOU TKINK YOU ARE DOING LASSY!" he slithers into Vorelle's face. Spit flies from his mouth wetting Vorelle's face. God his breath is unbearable!
"Want to get all the glory for yourself now don't you! Stay out of it Vorelle or you'll get hurt! Where do you think you're going? Back to your friends huh?"

His grip on Vorelle's arm is very tight and will certainly leave a nasty bruise on it yet Vorelle's able to wriggle free. His drunken mind appears to react rather slow and Vorelle is able to escape!!!

"STAY OUT OF IT OR I'LL KILL YA!!!!!!!!!!" are the last words Vorelle hears Targo shout. She can tell he screams a lot more but somehow she blocks her mind from it all...}

Samule the Fence is a little disappointed that Vauhwyt does not take him up on his second "free" offer and even more when he ears the Liontaur will settle for Pig blood.
He accepts the money, still pretty happy as you know he made some good money...

"Good luck to all of ya" he says as he leaves the apartment.

When Samule has left, Vayhwyt decides to take one of their last chances to find out more about the coming and goings in this city.

Vauhwyt Highlight to display spoiler: {Entering the Temple of Wardd again you are strangely affected by it's tidiness and sacred atmosphere. It hasn't been long since she has been here, but these priest have been budy.
Upon noticing the large Liontaur enter the temple a young disciple goes to the far end of the temple. Moments later Clueth comes to see Vauhwyt.

"Ah welcome dear Vauhwyt! Look around! We have removed all traces of what has happened here in the past few days. Nothing a few spells couldn't change. Of course..." he suddenly says with a grey look on his face "We could not change the deaths this has caused..."

"What can I do for you? Oh yes I have heard about your threats! Oh are they rumors are they? Vauhwyt let me be blunt with you.... I'm a priest of Wardd. I do not meddle with politics. Maybe you ought to do the same?"

Apparently Clueth is not interested to spend a lot of time on this topic. He's just not interested in these things. There's nothing else for Vauhwyt to do but to return home.
Just as he is about to leave the temple Clueth says: "Be careful Vauhwyt. You have helped us well in the past. I would be happy to help you, but not to resurrect your bones. Take care, and think about my advice..."

Vauhwyt did not learn much this time, but Clueth did warn her... as so many others have done before him...}

Back in the Merchant square the well dressed merchant man watches Theodore. He has never met Theodore before so will not reveal anything to a stranger.
"You here to tell me something or what? I've got things to sell, and every minute I spend here with you will be noticeable on my account at the end of this month! So speak up! What do you have to offer?"

Once Vauhwyt gets back he sees Zayne is already back at home as well. Zayne had just offered Jack to go out to see that Tavern Jack talks about.

Suddenly they hear stamping little feet outside the door! The door crashes open and a bewildered and scared Vorelle stumbles into the place! She goes to cower behind her bed... pale... shaking like a leaf...


Theodore  d20+1=18
Tuesday November 8th, 2005 2:27:22 PM
Theodore is momentarily taken aback by the disgust in the merchant's tone. This is unexpected.

He tries to cover his surprise, quickly. "You are distrustful of a man who will support your bid for becoming a House? Hmph. I came here to discover if you knew of any group that would seek to do harm to the Prince. But I suppose I have found my answer. I will inform him at once..." (Bluff check 18)

Dietrich 
Tuesday November 8th, 2005 3:50:09 PM
Aprehensive about what the Prince´s men reactio will be to his appearence, Dietrich keeps his weapons peace-bound and goes to the meeting. Hopefully they won´t arrest him immediately for plotting to kill the Prince...

The warrior behaves in the most humble and peaceful way his honour allows and trys to have the help of the powerful and lately very strange Prince.

He thinks silently to himself:
"By Domi, let´s hope our whole trick won´t be necessary. Blood will flow if the Houses start fighting out the Prince´s succession..."

Olyn  d20+9=19
Tuesday November 8th, 2005 6:26:39 PM
not but a second passes by after Vorelle barrels into the apartment then in rushes the Half Elf cleric of Wardd. not even a hello or nothing he rushes past everyone in the room to kneel beside Vorelle where he speaks:
I guess you didnt hear me calling for you as you raced by me. what's wrong my child? what has spooked you so bad that you feel the need to hide here?
*uses a Heal check to help calm Vorelle, rolled a 19*

Zayne  d20+8=24
Tuesday November 8th, 2005 6:46:01 PM
As Vorelle rushes by Zayne rushes to the door to see if anyone is chasing her.(Spot 24)

If he sees someone he will call for help and chase them down and give them the scare of their lives.

If not he wiil close and lock the door and then rush to aid Vorelle anyway he can.

Vorelle 
Tuesday November 8th, 2005 10:30:40 PM
Sobbing and gasping for breath, Vorelle curls herself into a little ball, holding her arms protectively over her head. She flinches away whenever anyone tries to touch her.

"D-d-d-d-d-don't t-t-t-t-t-tell him I'm h-h-h-h-here," she begs.

Rose 
Wednesday November 9th, 2005 6:11:22 AM
Rose had nightmares about her friends and family dying in various ways; disease, torture by the prince, execution for knowing or being rose's relatives and friends if the prince dies and it's believed that the group killed him. Finally after tossing and turning she takes a little bit of sleeping herb in a tea so she can get some sleep.

When Vorelle wakes up in the morning rose is dead asleep and cant be woken up which is very unusual until Vorelle sees the sleeping herb and teapot and remembers being half wakened by rose's nightmare.

When Rose finally wakes it's almost lunch time, she spends the few hours until her friends arrive back getting ready for a quick departure from the city if needed and making sure her weapons are sharp.

Rose is extremely concerned when Vorelle bursts into the apartment and hides in a corner. She quickly shuts and bolts the door then goes over to Vorelle. "What's the matter? Who's following you?" She finally gets shoved aside by the others and goes make some tea to calm Vorelle down.

ooc: see what missing a post gets, Rose didnt get her first visit to the grubber area.

Vauhwyt and Mookie  d20+4=8
Wednesday November 9th, 2005 9:46:45 AM
Vauhwyt returns to the apartment a little after noon. She counts in her head ... WLA, nada. Church, zilch. Temple, zip.

"I got nothing, Mookie," she says to her familiar, referring to useful information about the ambushers.

"You got me, Boss!" says Mookie. "And I've got a big appetite. I wonder if Berlon has made any more of those worm biscuits. They were tasty but not enough worms. I was thinking that if I left some under Rose's bed for a few days, they might get wormier."

"Worth a try, old friend," says Vauhwyt, stifling a giggle.

Back home, the liontaur is happy to take the items she purchased. But she is unhappy to see that something is wrong. She wants to ask Vorelle what happened, but with so many people around her, she hesitates. The last thing to do is to intrude too much on her personal space. Instead, Vauhwyt takes a look outside in the sewer beyond the door. (Spot check 8)

Olyn 
Wednesday November 9th, 2005 10:19:48 AM
ooc
you people are blind as a bat at noon on the sun, Olyn has been gone for what, almost 2 months real time, thats however much time in game and when he reappears its like hes invisible. Olyn rushes in behind Vorelle and someone rushes to the door to see if she's being chased and shuts the door, someone else posts they shut the door. seems the only one to acknowledge his presence is Vorelle. and if you think this is a rant, it kinda is. roleplay is roleplay that includes someone leaving the game and coming back. I do it for you, i expect it in return.

[Inge: I felt the same way Tim and did add it in the DM post. Though I have not stopped anyone from acting the way they chose. - glad to see you're back!!]

Cayzle OOC 
Wednesday November 9th, 2005 10:39:12 AM
Sorry Tim, I didn't see your post. I *am* blind. :-(

Welcome back! We DID miss you!

PUT YOUR HANDS WHERE WE CAN SEE THEM RAT!... [Inge]  d20+12=16 d20+12=29 d20+12=16 d20+12=14 d20+12=28 d20+12=20 d20+12=21 d20+12=20 d20+12=14 d20+12=18
Wednesday November 9th, 2005 10:58:54 AM
Theodore stands face to face with a wealthy merchant and clearly strikes the right tone!

Highlight to display spoiler: {The merchant in front of you inspects you closely as he listens to your answer.

" SUPPORT US?!? HAH! Oh yes, he did promise us he would grant us House rights, but he has crawled back when the so called real houses threatened him! You should have heard the way the Darts cursed him! And the Keys and Knives! Yes EVEN the Knives were angry about him!!

We of course were very happy about his brilliant Clean House plan and the fact that he would grant us House rights yet now he has cancelled all this!! Oh he's a real politician! He makes promises and breaks them with a simple twist of his split tongue.

Who are you? My name is Eystein. I have been trying to persuade the Prince to allow this House of Merchants, yet just as we were about to make a breakthrough, the other Houses have thwarted our plans. I guess we'll just have to go on strike to show the power we hold on this City!! Don't forget that WE are the ones who bring most of all food and other goods into the city!

However we are no fighters and we do lack the cunning strength of thieves several other Houses do have. We could use a sort of protective wing or a retaliating wing who would be able to defend our rights through metal and steel when words no longer seem to help. If only we would be able to recruit such a group or even convince them to become a member of our House! Oh don't worry, we WILL eventually build our House with or without the Prince's acceptance! Besides ...if we are to believe some of the rumors, there's this group of dangerous adventurers who is about to kill him tomorrow!"
}

Once again Dietrich approaches the Prince's Castle yet he sees no guards! The doors are closed... Looks like you won't be able to warn him of your plans...
There's nothing else to do but to return to the City Below and praying for the afternoon mission to succeed...
Just as you are about to enter the sewers to go back to the City below ...

(Please make 1 SPOT roll and highlight spoilers that are lower than your spot roll. -- sorry that there are soo many spoilers, but the Hide rolls came out like this :-D )

Dietrich Spot DC14 Highlight to display spoiler: { You see two cloaked men hiding behind a bush pointing arrows at you!}

Dietrich Spot DC16 Highlight to display spoiler: { You see two more cloaked men hiding in a tree above you also pointing arrows at you!}

Dietrich Spot DC18 Highlight to display spoiler: { One men is hiding behind a barrel on your left about 25ft away pointing a crossbow at you!!}

Dietrich Spot DC20 Highlight to display spoiler: { Two more very strong looking men are also lurking in the bushes holding rapiers ready to jump on top of you!!}

Dietrich Spot DC21 Highlight to display spoiler: { There's one man ready to ambush you from the tree also but he holds a net!!!}

Dietrich Spot DC28 Highlight to display spoiler: { Another one to your right hand side, holding a bow, carefully aiming and ready to fire.}

Dietrich Spot DC29 Highlight to display spoiler: {Looking through the hole that leads down to the sewers you see someone waiting for you holding a sword.}

Dietrich Highlight to display spoiler: {"PUT YOUR HANDS WHERE WE CAN SEE THEM RAT! AND DON"T BE FOOLISH TO ATTACK! YOU ARE SURROUNDED!!!"

As you look around you see 10 men emerging from various hiding places. Seems you are completely surrounded! They have been waiting here for you to return to the sewers. There's no telling exactly what House of so they belong to, no way of telling even if these are the Prince's men!

"So you're the ones who will kill the Prince huh! Don't mess with affairs that don't concern you lad! We'll get to you all if you interfere our business!! We even heard about... no... give our warning to your friends. DON'T MESS WITH OUR AFFAIRS!!"

He backs up, his eyes fixed on you and then suddenly shouts "EVASION!"

All 10 men suddenly run away from this scene! You could try to catch them if you like. With a simple spot check you see some run north, east, south and west... The man below in the sewers appears to be gone as well... no telling where he went from up here. }

Vorelle's entry in the apartment has startled you all and you didn't even notice Olyn followed her in!!! Some walk up to her hoping to comfort her, others rush out to see who's chasing her. NO ONE is chasing her! And it seems whatever she was scared of is no longer present... of course there's no telling where she came from either! All you know is that she was going to the grubber territory...

The strange behavior from Vorelle clouds the return of Olyn. At last he returned, and immediately feels at home trying to calm Vorelle as he did last time when they were all together in the dream sequence.

Vorelle's not talking much though. Guess you will have to find a way to calm her first.

Vauhwyt is greatly disappointed. He was hoping to learn more from Samule, the WLA, the Temple etc etc. Even though many have warned him about what is about to happen he was hoping to find out who was spreading the awful rumor or who could really be behind an assassination...

TIME : noon, the day before Mural Day!

Remember, tomorrow morning you are expected to be at the Crescent Moon Square... plenty of time to give your plan a try... or do more attempts to find out more.

Theodore hasn't returned, neither has Dietrich. And no one has reported the latest things they all learned.



Dietrich  d20+4=23 d20+4=17 d20+2=5 d20+3=16
Wednesday November 9th, 2005 1:11:01 PM
Dietrich wonders about the abscence of the guards, when he spots a bunch of hidden men waiting to ambush him! (spot 23) BEfore he can even react, they shout and the warrior puts his hands up. As much as he wants to be a hero, he doesn´t want to be a dead hero.

Than they suddenly run away. Dietrich just takes a quick look around, hoping to see what made them run (spot 17, listen 5) and than starts running (and cursing a lot) after the group with the heaviest equipment (the slowest runners). The fighter uses his knowledge of the City, so as not to loose the guys or get into another ambush (local knowledge 16) and he takes the longbow from his shoulder.

To bystanders he shouts:

"100 gold to whoever stops those running rats! They belong to the traitors that caused the plague!"



Rose 
Wednesday November 9th, 2005 2:02:03 PM
Rose is upset by Vorelle's arrival and turns to make tea when suddenly she spots Olyn. "OLYN!!" squeals the little halfling as she runs towards him and launches herself in the air for a great big hug. "We missed you"

Olyn will notice a few changes to the little halfling, her eyes have a hint of sadness to them and there are black borders on the hems of her clothes.

Zayne 
Wednesday November 9th, 2005 5:34:46 PM
(OOC: Sorry Tim, I was tired when I posted yesterday and I was skimming. WB it's good to have you back. )

So intent was Zayne on seeing if anyone was outside, he somehow managed not to notice Olyn come in right after Vorelle.

A little surprised to actually see Olyn kneeling with Vorelle, he stands there mouth agape for a second.

He waits his turn to welcome his friend back to the group.

Vauhwyt and Mookie 
Wednesday November 9th, 2005 6:31:14 PM

While Vauhwyt is looking outside, Mookie pecks her on the head. "Boss! Boss! Hey, Boss!"

"What is it, Mookie? I'm trying to look for enemies, herre."

"Boss, wasn't that Olyn back there next to Vorelle? Didn't look to me like you saw him."

"Huh?" Vauhwyt pokes her head back in the apartment. "Mookie, you are so right! I can't believe I missed him! D'Oh!"

The liontaur rushes in and beams at the cleric. "Olyn! Wowsy! It is good to see you!"

Then she sees that Vorelle is still upset. "Hey, friends," says the liontaur, "give Vorelle a chance to breath.' Then to her friend she says, "No worries, you're as safe here as can be. We're all togetherr, so try to relax." She fetches Vorelle a drink.

...

After everything calms down, she says to her friends, "I have learned nothing about anyone who would want to attack the Prince. We have to wait for Dietrich and Theo. Has anybody learned anything useful?"

Theodore 
Wednesday November 9th, 2005 9:32:16 PM
Highlight to display spoiler: { Theodore gives the Merchant a thoughtful look. "I am Tomas. Eystein, I can understand your distraught. But you must understand that things in Dirt City work a little...differently...than elsehwere. One of the most important resources the City trades in is information. Those with information also hold power."

Theodore turns as if to leave, pauses, and turns back. "Should you have any information pertinent to the Prince, say which House stands to gain the most from his death, it would be most beneficial to the Merchants to let him know. And of course, if you were to send this information via myself to the Prince, he would be extremely grateful."}edited by SteveK for spoiler :)

Olyn 
Wednesday November 9th, 2005 9:38:25 PM
smiles wide and hugs Rose back and gives her the we'll talk later look.

shakes hands heartily with Zayne, patting him on his back with the other hand.

steps up to the Liontaur, Olyn smiles, pats her on her back near her mane saying: its good to see you again my friend. and without skipping a beat to Mookie: and you too.

then turning his attention back to Vorelle he ponders for a few minutes. then kneeling next to Vorelle again he gently places a hand on her shoulder and holds his Holy Symbol and prays over Vorelle asking Wardd to safeguard everyone in this house, especially Vorelle. to take her fear from her and turn it into bravery.

then asks Vorelle: do you trust that I only have your best interest at hand? I am going to cast a spell given to me by Wardd to help you, if you trust me then do not resist.
*Casts Remove Fear, and yes, I had it memorized*

Mad Jack 
Thursday November 10th, 2005 2:52:38 AM
After waking and eating, Jack just hung out at the apartments. It seemed that everyone else had things to do, places to go. Since he was still new, and not in any hurry to execute the plan they were about to carry out, the relaxation was good.

When Vorelle entered he sat up straighter in his chair. Then the one they call Olyn comes running in. Where had he been the last few days? Scratching his ear he makes a mental note to watch the man. More than one note he thinks to himself, it had been Olyn who had shot him for no reason.

Vorelle speaks again, and she is visibly frightened. She continues to stutter, something bad must have happened to her as a child. As Jack hears the emphasis on the word he, there is only one man who could cause that much fear in her. Standing he walks over to the group assembled with her. It is not his place, yet he feels some feeling of companionship for the girl. Odd.

"V," he says gently. "You have friends here, and protection. Rest for now, when you are ready, then tell us what you want to." Looking over to Vauhwyt, and the parrot, he furrows his eyebrows in concentration, a direct sign of his seriousness. "And V, 'he' will pay dearly for harming you, you have my solemn oath."

OOC Sorry Tim, I am not hugging you, or gushing over your return, you shot me for #$%@'s sake. Also I think maybe 4 game days have passed since you left, so your absence in game play is not to excessive. But, glad to have you back, you add flavor to the group.



Vorelle 
Thursday November 10th, 2005 3:39:26 AM
Eventually, Vorelle realizes that she left her pursuer behind. She calms somewhat, although she is still trembling visibly.

Gathering herself together, she looks up at her friends, realizing that they don't yet know what she learned. "H-h-h-he's in on it," she says. "T-T-T-T-Targo. H-he's g-g-g-g-going to k-k-k-kill the P-P-P-Prince. W-we h-h-have to f-f-f-f-find him."

She glances again at the people hovering over her. "O-Olyn? Where have you b-b-b-been?"

"T-T-T-T-Targo. H-he's g-g-g-g-going to k-k-k-kill the P-P-P-Prince." ... [Inge] 
Thursday November 10th, 2005 7:59:47 AM
Dietrich Highlight to display spoiler: {As you watch the 10 men scatter of in various directions you are able to see one of them appears to be slightly slower! It's one of the rapier wielding types.
You notice he happens to have a slight limp. That's probably why it appears to you that he is slower than the others. He does know his way around the city though!

You pick up the chase for this guy hoping to capture him. He might provide VERY useful intelligence that's for sure!! Go Dietrich!! Go!!!

While Dietrich is running after the man he shouts to anyone who willing to listen that he offers a bounty to whomever stops the rat. This chase happens in the City Above so there's not that many people standing by. However when hearing that the one Dietrich is chasing was the cause of the plague that killed many of their relatives spurs 2 young men into the chase! }

Dietrich roll the following DC's to highlight the next spoiler:
Spot DC12; Listen DC14; Jump DC12

If above is true Highlight to display spoiler: {The chase takes you through various little alleys in the City Above yet you succeed in not getting lost. You see the men going into a little alley on the left side... BONG... rattle rattle... 2 of the young men chasing are in front of you and already turned round the bend! ... splash splash splash... you hear the sound of splashing water...
As you come round the bend as well you see a pool of wine that covers the entire alley... in front of you lays a barrel that blocks your way... a quick jump and your over it!

Further down the alley you hear shouting and a small racket. Looks like the two young men's legs were faster than that other guy you all chased!!

As you come closer the poor bloke's face is all bloody and the two guys are shouting in his face that he will pay for releasing that plague onto the city!!!}

If you failed make a new listen check DC10 Highlight to display spoiler: { The chase takes you through various little alleys in the City Above yet you succeed in not getting lost. You see the men going into a little alley on the left side...
As you come to the alley there's no trace anymore of them all! All you can see is a broken wine barrel and a pool of wine...
Wait... what's that? Suddenly you hear a lot of shouting coming from down the alley!
As you come close to the noise you see those two men captured that rat! The poor bloke's face is all bloody and the two guys are shouting in his face that he will pay for releasing that plague onto the city!!!}

Back in the apartment everyone finally greets Olyn who just returned from his walkabout. His calming spell works excellent on the thoroughly shaken Vorelle and she manages to reveal some of her worst nightmares and what could very well be the best clue you had so far!

"H-h-h-he's in on it," she says. "T-T-T-T-Targo. H-he's g-g-g-g-going to k-k-k-kill the P-P-P-Prince. W-we h-h-have to f-f-f-f-find him."

Then Vauhwyt wants to know where Theodore and Dietrich could be hanging out. Time draws near to your bold plan! Or would hunting Targo help?!? WAS Targo referring to the assassination of the Prince?!? Maybe it's just Vorelle who got things wrong and in her frightened state of mind lost track of reality?!? (no offence Vorelle :-D )

Theodore is still somewhere wandering around the City...

Theodore Highlight to display spoiler: {"You still haven't told me who you are and why you are nosing around lad. Guess you could lend me some courtesy no?

What House would benefit most? Well lad that could be every House! Guess that would include us as well! Maybe not the Knives as rumor says this Prince comes from the House of Knives. No one knows for sure, but you know what they say about smoke and fire right?

So you're close to the Prince... what makes YOU so special that he's willing to listen to you?? Don't you agree that if WE were to kill the Prince we would certainly not tell you nor the Prince himself right? And don't you agree that if WE would know WHO would be planning to kill him, knowing that revealing this to the Prince himself would CERTAINLY put us in his grace, we would tell him right away?!?

Sorry sir... what was your name, but I don't know more.
}


Olyn 
Thursday November 10th, 2005 11:20:31 AM
finally spying Jack in the room off of Vorelle's Olyn's left eyebrow raises.

Vauhwyt, what is he doing here? last time I saw this person he was sneaking up behind Berlon, sword drawn, ready to strike.

and would someone fill me in on whatever plan you've got cooking!

/ooc Jack, I dont expect a hug from you, remember, it was you who was sneaking in the temple, after a huge battle where some people escaped, sword drawn bearing down on a party member. what was i suppose to do, stand there and let you kill him? and dont forget, I wasnt the only one to shoot you, I just did the most damage.

Inge OOC 
Thursday November 10th, 2005 11:40:31 AM
DM post tomorrow will probably come late as it's a holiday or on saturday

Monday Post will also be a late one as that's also a holiday :-)

Thursday and Friday SteveK, who has been creating the next deadly module for DC from the sandy desert of Kuwait, will post as I will be on a business trip in Germany.

Theodore and Macaw 
Thursday November 10th, 2005 11:47:49 AM
Highlight to display spoiler: {"I told you, my name is Tomas. And I came as a good will ambassador from the Prince. He likes to know what's going on in his city. Don't get me wrong, he has other methods as well. But sometimes the direct approach is the best. Admittedly, not that often, in this city." Theodore gives the Merchant a quirky smile.

"I must be off. But a little parting advice. The Prince has the city's best interests at heart. Those that share his goals will undoubtedly benefit. You have been helpful. I will inform his Majesty as such." Theodore bows slightly to the Merchant and departs, making his way back to the apartments.

On his way, he connects to his familiar Macaw, who has been keeping an eye on the Darts. Have you learned anything?}

Berlon 
Thursday November 10th, 2005 1:08:55 PM
"So this Targo person thinks he is going to, I mean, thinks he will have had already," Berlon shakes his head, "this Targo person thinks he's the guy, hm?"

"No, no, I don't think he's the one that has, er, will have had, er, nevermind."

Zayne 
Thursday November 10th, 2005 6:34:29 PM
"Hmmm, Targo huh. Jrealdh seems to think we were hired to do the deed. He seemed a little different, slightly maddened. Like the Prince himself only not as much. He was highly angry at the Prince's move to make the merchants a house as well." He looks at everyone.

Out loud to noone in particular,"I keep getting this feeling that there is something we aren't seeing, and it's right in front of our eyes."

Vorelle 
Thursday November 10th, 2005 11:53:27 PM
Vorelle gets to her feet, a little ashamed of her outburst. After all, she had gotten away from Targo in much better condition than she'd been in last time.

Absently, she rubs her arm where a bruise is already forming.

"E-e-everybody thinks w-w-we're d-d-d-d-doing it," she says sadly.

Vauhwyt and Mookie 
Friday November 11th, 2005 10:57:38 AM

The liontaur's mouth sets in a determined line when she hears what Vorelle says.

"Vorelle, that's the only lead we have. I think it is up to you, but my preference is to seek out Targo and put some pressure on him to talk. In fact, I think that would be a very good idea."

The lash of her tail reveals that Vauhwyt has no fondness for this person.

"I suggest that we here go with Vorelle to find Targo. I'll leave Mookie here to wait for Theo and Dietrich. If we hurry, we can get this over with in an hourr, say."

"Okay?"

Mookie says, "No! I don't like this!"

"Hush, Mookie," says Vauhwyt.

If Vorelle agrees, Vauhwyt leads the group out into the city.

Olyn 
Friday November 11th, 2005 11:48:35 AM
stepping directly in front of Vauhwyt, Olyn reaches up and pulls her muzzle down to be looking directly into his eyes and says: I will repeat myself, what plan do you all have cooking? I have been to the swamp and back for the temple getting some special healing herbs to help in the recovery of the sick and just returned in the past hour.

Vauhwyt (illegal second post) 
Friday November 11th, 2005 12:15:58 PM

[OOC: Vauhwyt is as human as you or I from the waist up! Well, her eyes are cat's eyes, and a few of her teeth are somewhat pointed. But she does not! (not!) have a muzzle! No more so that a centaur has a horse's mouth! Bleck! The idea!]

Vauhwyt fills in Olyn on everything:

"First off, Jack here is a good guy. He helped us find the Fae King and the antidote to the disease and poison the fey were spreading around. We could not have done it without him. So be glad he has joined us."

"Second, the Prince came to us and said he thinks someone is out to get him tomorrow, at the Mural Day festival. He was acting crazy, but he commanded us to help him. We are supposed to find out who the ambushers are and then meet the Prince tomorrow at dawn at one of the Moon Markets -- I forget which one right now."

"Third, the only thing is, everyone we talk to has heard that WE are the ones who plan to off the Prince!"

"Fourth, the only lead we have is that this Targo person Vorelle heard of is in on the plot."

"Fifth, in order to draw out the Ambushers, we planned to disguise one of us as the Prince and walk around town. If no one took the bait, we planned to stage a fake "assassination" f the "Prince" to sow confusion in the Ambushers."

"Sixth" -- Vauhwyt has run out of fingers on that hand and switches to the other one -- "Sixth, we were waiting for Theo and Dietrich to come back from some last minute info-gathering before we started our plan. But now Vorelle brings this news about Targo. I say, go put pressure on Targo now, then return here in time to execute our plan this evening if we still want to."

"How's that?" she asks Olyn.

Mookie says, "Pretty good, Boss, so long as no one was listening in!"

"D'Oh!" says Vauhwyt, slapping her hand over her mouth.

What plan do you all have cooking? 
Friday November 11th, 2005 12:30:46 PM
As much as Olyn would like to be informed about all that has happend during his absence, and why his friends are so stressed up about this Targo person no one gives him any explanations. Ultimately he blocks Vauhwyt on her way out and tries to take Vauhwyt by her muzzle... instead he ends up with his fingers in Vauhwyt's nose... yuk!

At last Vauhwyt fill Olyn in about everything... A lot has happend since Olyn left!

Theodore Highlight to display spoiler: {says goodbye to Eystein telling him the Prince will look favorably upon those who helped finding the assassin or the ones behind it. Eystein calls after Theodore as he leaves: "Come back anytime Mr. Tomas. The soon to be founded House of Merchants may need types like you..."

With that said Theodore returns to his friends and retrieves Macaw. The bird has been spying around the Dart's Quarters. Macaw did notice a lot of commotion just has he left a few minutes ago... Apparently someone has captured a man who would be responsible for releasing the plagues upon Dirt City!! The mentionned that a man called Dietrich caught him... that's not our Dietrich is it? There MUST be more than one Dietrich in Dirt City...}

Well Dietrich...Highlight to display spoiler: {
As Dietrich comes closer to the man allready several men, woman and childres are pummeling the poor guy around. He's wobbeling on his legs and almost in tears!

Only by mentionning the Torturer Dietrich is able to break the mob and free the man. The idea of watching the spectacle as the torturer slowly opens the man's bowels puts evil smiles upon the men and woman...

"Get me out of here and I'll tell you everything..." the man says to Dietrich.
}

Back in the apartment they are planning to hunt down Targo hoping to catch him before Mural Day... could this mean they are abandoning their fun plan?!? :-(



Theodore and Macaw 
Friday November 11th, 2005 2:58:16 PM
On the way back, Theodore again ducks into a dark place to change back to his normal self before proceeding on and into the apartment.

"Hello, all. Well, hi there, Olyn. It's great to see you back again." Theodore gives the cleric a wide grin. "It seems we've gotten ourselves into another pickle while you were out." This last sentence seems to amuse the wizard to no end. He covers his mouth with a smooth hand to hide a titter.

"While I haven't had the success I had hoped for, I did learn some useful information from the Merchants," he addresses the whole group. "It seems they aren't as happy with the Prince as I suspected. For some reason, the Prince has withdrawn his support for them becoming a House. At least at the moment. And the other Houses are still ticked off with him. Though I don't think any are upset enough to try to kill him. If they failed, surely they'd know it would mean the destruction of their House."

Theodore shakes his head. "I'm more inclined to think it's another organization that we haven't investigated, yet. And it looks like we don't have the time to discover them, now."

The young mage leans his staff against the wall, drops his backpack to the floor, and sits at the table. "I'm going to think for a bit."

Dietrich  d20+4=18 d20+2=17 d20+4=8 d20+3=4
Friday November 11th, 2005 5:55:53 PM
Dietrich gets worried when he sees what is left from the man and wonders in disgust about human nature and its cruelty. "By Domi´s bottom hair!" Ok, he had his own amount of guilt in it, but well, it´s DIrt CIty after all and he couldn´t risk to let the guy flee...

The fighter gives 50 gold to the two guys and says:

"You two, come with me to get the rest of your reward!
To the crowd he throughs another 50 gold and says:
"Let something left of this @$&#, I want my fun too! Now go after your businesses"

Then he quickly leaves with the prisoner, making a quick search for hidden weapons, papers etc. and whispering to him:

"Nothing personal you know."
Flexing his muscles, he continues: "Don´t try anything funny, or I´ll break your neck." (intimidate 8)
"Speak now, who are you working for?"

While he moves in direction of the appartment, Dietrich stays very attentive, looking for other ambushes and companions of the prisoner and taking the safest paths:

spot 18, listen 17 local knowledge 4



Zayne 
Saturday November 12th, 2005 3:45:27 PM
"Vauhwyt, if this Targo is behind it all, do you think he might be willing to die for his cause? I mean you remember what happened when we tried to capture Ba'Bac. Do you think we could manage to slip a message to the Prince, about what we found? Maybe Macaw or Piper could fly it in?" The ranger fires of a multitude of questions.



Vorelle 
Sunday November 13th, 2005 2:49:34 AM
Vorelle nods agreement to Vauhwyt's suggestion. Confronting Targo is pretty nearly the last thing in the Wold she wants to do, but perhaps with her friends along it won't be so bad. Anyway, it has to be done.

Vauhwyt and Mookie 
Sunday November 13th, 2005 4:18:43 AM

Vauhwyt is glad to see Theo back! "Theo! Before you think too much, listen to Vorelle's news! Some guy she found named Targo is planning an attack on the Prince! We're going to leave Mookie here to wait for Dietrich, while we go find this Targo and lean on him to make him talk."

"After that , maybe we'll do the original plan, maybe not. But we have to go right away! Time's a-wasting!"

When Zayne wonders if this Targo might rather die than reveal anything useful, Vauhwyt says, "I'm sure I don't know. But there are a dozen cowards to every bravo in this world, so I think it's worth the gamble to try to get this guy to talk. Rememberr, if it comes to a fight, capture Targo alive. We'll kill him after that."

"There's no time to send word to the Prince. Besides, we're supposed to find out stuff and report back in the morning to him at the market. Not earlierr."

"Come on, everybody! Let's get going!" If no one objects, she asks Vorelle to lead the way. Vauhwyt will walk right next to her ranger friend.

Theodore and Macaw 
Sunday November 13th, 2005 2:43:26 PM
Theodore nods at Vauhwyt. "All right, then. Where might we find this Targo?" he asks as he stands and retrieves his backpack and quarterstaff.

Olyn 
Monday November 14th, 2005 12:13:43 AM
walks out the door with and stays beside Theo.

just tell me whatcha need me to do Theo. exact info as for my part in said operation was not discussed.

"Come on, everybody! Let's get going!" ... [Inge] 
Monday November 14th, 2005 12:44:33 PM
Theodore has little time to tell all of his newly found information gathered at the Merchant Quarters. All of his friends just prepared to go out to hunt down a man called Targo. A man who seems to put fear in Vorelle's heart yet she agrees finding him appears to be their best solution.

Dietrich Highlight to display spoiler: { Gold makes the Wold go around and this does not appear to be different in Dirt City. The clinging sound of the gold coins on the pavement make all people around the man crawl on the floor hoping to grab a few nick nacks... Seems the plague has caused several crops to go to waste and hunger and poverty might proove to be the next problem for this City...

Finally Dietrich can get his hands on the poor man, and a quick search of his pockets enables Dietrich to dig up a few daggers - one with a serrated edge - a few coins and a simple piece of cloth that appears to be used as handkerchief...

Dietrich questions him, and even though Dietrich's intimidation appears to have little effect, the man starts to talk rather eagerly...

"I am Gizur, member of the House of Cloaks. We know you and your friends were hired to guard the Prince tomorrow at Mural Day, and we wanted to teach you a lesson so you would no longer stick your noses in our businesses!"}

Dietrich Sense Motive DC12 Highlight to display spoiler: {You have the feeling this man is lying! Or at least it was too easy and the information he released to sensitive to be told this easily... Maybe one of your more persuasive friends or magic users might get him to tell the truth? }

The others back at the apartment don't seem tp be interested in waiting for Dietrich and head out of the apartment right awy. But... What a coincidence ! ;-)

There comes Dietrich around the corner with a man in custody. Who is that, and why has Dietrich captured him ?!? Is that Targo?

Vorelle Highlight to display spoiler: {it's definetely not Targo}

Vauhwyt and Mookie 
Monday November 14th, 2005 1:17:21 PM

When Vauhwyt sees Targo, her face tightens in a snarl. She immediately casts Enlarge Person to become more intimidating. She says to Dietrich, "Excellent, Dietrich, you are just in time!"

Then she asks Zayne and Berlon to take custody of the prisoner and bring him into the apartment. That way Dietrich can tell his story without Targo listening.

After hearing all that Dietrich has to say, Vauhwyt proposes an interrogation. She thinks she would be the bet to do so, with help from one or two others. [OOC: Vauhwyt's combo of Intimidate ranks and size mods and Chr mod makes her a natural. But a couple Aid Another bonuses would be great!]

Then she looks at Vorelle and says to her privately -- Please Highlight to display spoiler: { "What so you think, my friend? I think I can get him to spill his guts. You can be there or not, whatever makes you more comfortable. But I think it might begin to offer you you some closure and end his power over you for you to see him as the worm he truly is."}

Dietrich  d20+4=5 d20+3=7 d20+4=24
Monday November 14th, 2005 1:55:37 PM
Dietrich is glad he managed to get alive with the prisoner (also alive..) to the appartment. He continues looking nervously around and listens to the guy. Unfortunatelly his nerves prevent him from paying very much attention to it (sense motive 5, nat 1 aargh).

The warrior checks if the handkerchief reveals anything useful (local knowledge 7).

Than he sees his friends and opens a smile. He quickly helps Zayne and Berlon to push the prisoner inside and nods to Olyn in recognition. "Just right for some trouble old man!"

Afterwards he says to the group, and specially to Vauhwyt:

"I was going to warn the Prince about our plans, when several guys ambushed me. They fortunatelly didn´t attack, only made some comments about minding our own businesses and that we had been warned. They suddenly fled and I run after this one here. With the help of some 'righteous' citizens and 100 gold pieces I managed to catch him.
He told me his name was Gizur and that he works for the Cloaks, but I couldn´t really interrogate him on the way and I certainly agree with Vauhwyt´s proposal. He also had this stuff with him (Dietrich shows the daggers and the handkerchief).
Before we start though, I strongly recommend to stay alert and with guards, possibly Vorelle, Rose and Zayne, as many people saw me and whoever is behind this won´t stay idle. The first thing they will do is try to neutralize the prisoner."

Dietrich helps with the interrogation: (aid another intimidation 24, nat 20 *&¨*)

Zayne  d20+5=24 d20+1=11
Monday November 14th, 2005 3:03:43 PM
Seeing Dietrich walking up with a prisioner in hand, he quickly scurries inside and returns shortly with some good rope. Wasting no time he begins binding the captive.(Use Rope 24)

After he finishes he tries to push the captive inside the apartment.(Str 11)

Theodore and Macaw  d20+13=28
Monday November 14th, 2005 4:29:55 PM
Theodore is surprised more by Dietrich and his prisoner than Vauhwyt suddenly growing in size. He's seen her trick a hundred times, by now.

"Is that him?" he whispers to Vorelle, keeping his eye on the prisoner. He casts a detect magic spell on the prisoner. (Spellcraft check to determine school of magic, if necessary 28)

Olyn 
Monday November 14th, 2005 8:05:47 PM
as Dietrich passes him he walks up next to him, slapping him on his back.

and follows everyone back into the building.

Berlon 
Monday November 14th, 2005 8:25:32 PM
"Great work as usual, ursine one!" Berlon still seems unworries and unusually upbeat about the whole situation.

Rose 
Monday November 14th, 2005 8:29:51 PM
After hugging Olyn Rose listens to the others talk, she gets a bit cold so she takes a blanket and sits on Vauhwyt's back covering up her toes.

If Vauhwyt or anyone asks why she sits on Vauhwyts back Rose will reply "Because I'm cold and Vauhwyt is warm and furry."

Unless Vauhwyt asks her to get down Rose will remain where she is as they leave the apartment. Suddenly Dietrich comes with a prisoner and Vauhwyt grows. Rose will listen to Dietrich and then ask "Does anybody have a truth spell that we can use?"

ooc: sorry for not posting the last few days. I would get on the computer and check my email, go to the wold, check in at the loot & booty then get off for some reason (someone needed phn, sis needed comp for homework, i was tired) and later i would just remember that I had been at the wold and forgot that I hadnt posted.

Vorelle 
Tuesday November 15th, 2005 2:29:35 AM
Vorelle shakes her head upon seeing Dietrich's prisoner. "I-it's n-n-n-not h-him," she says.

Nevertheless, she is interested in what the man might have to tell them. If Targo is involved, he certainly isn't the only one; this man is as likely to have good information as he is.

Mad Jack 
Tuesday November 15th, 2005 3:47:07 AM
Jack simply watches from the rear, observing the group. He keeps one eye constantly on Vorelle, watching for any hints of fear, or rage.

Vauhwyt and Mookie  d20+8=15 d20+20=23
Tuesday November 15th, 2005 6:27:12 AM
[OOC: There is no "building"! We live underground, and our apartments are off the underground thoroughfares (i.e., sewers). I always imagined they were carved out of the bedrock under Dirt City Above.]

Vauhwyt listens carefully to Vorelle and Dietrich. Why did she think this was Targo? Well, never mind -- this fellow might well have good information anyway.

Then she says to Rose, laughing softly, "Dear friend, I think I will be less effective interrogator with a halfling lass on my back. So please do get down."

"Now, let's see what this fellow has to say."

She enters the apartment with a grim look on her face. She starts with a lie [Bluff check 15] -- "Well, you unlucky dog, I know about half of what you are up to, so I'll have a good idea if you lie. If that happens, you will regret it."

"Now, unless you want my friend here to work you over" -- she looks at Dietrich -- "you'll tell us what you know about this business." [Intimidate check, with +2 Aid Another and +8 size bonus, is 23]

Zayne 
Tuesday November 15th, 2005 10:58:40 AM
Zayne stands behind the prisonerWaiting for him to make an escape attempt.

It's a HANDKERCHIEF!!! [Inge] 
Tuesday November 15th, 2005 11:31:23 AM
As the group notices Dietrich approaching with who they believe to be Targo, Vauhwyt enlarges herself to enhance his already fearsome appearance. Vorelle however shakes her head as clearly this is not Targo. She never saw this man before.

Dietrich greets his friends and immediately asks for aid in the interrogations. Also the sound of guards keeping an eye out for possible attempts to kill Gizur before he can say anything appeals to him and to the others.

Everyone looks in anticipation hoping this man, Gizur, will have any clues for them.
Vauhwyt wastes no more time and drags the poor bloke (with bloody face -- he's been pummeled upon by men, woman and children! Dietrich can tell you all about that ;-) ) in their apartment and starts the interrogation.

Gizur visibly shakes for the great fearsome look of Vauhwyt yet apparently there's some greater fear somewhere inside him!

"I am Gizur, member of the House of Cloaks!
I am Gizur, member of the House of Cloaks!...
I am Gizur, member of the House of Cloaks!...
I am Gizur, member of the House of Teeth .. no Cloaks!...
I...I ..."

The poor man is on the brink of passing out! It seems as though he doesn't know what he's saying anymore!

While Vauhwyt enjoys his interrogation skills Dietrich also shows the daggers he took from Gizur and the piece of cloth that apparently serves as handkerchief.
Two daggers appear to be good normal daggers, could be masterwork, and one of them has a serrated edge. It has a foul look...

Still, the handkerchief seems to catch most of Dietrich's amazement and he carefully studies the piece of cloth. Yes... yes... there do seem to be some remains in this handkerchief from ... euhm... Gizur blowing his nose? Yup, Now with firm certainty Dietrich can tell this is a normal, not even masterwork, frequently used ... handkerchief :-D

Outside all is quiet. A few people are gazing upon you all as it's not very common in the City Below to see such a stir up and certainly not to see a huge liontaur bullying a resident of Dirt City! Yet all appears to remain calm. The well known silence before the storm?

Inside Gizur's efforts to resist to the interrogation seems to fail. Vayhwyt and Dietrich are doing a tremendous job in breaking the man's mind and ultimately just before passing out he says:

"I... G..Gizurrr... Pri .... nce. 's... guard... orders of... the ... Prince.. . him.. ..self... "

TIME: 2 PM, the day before Mural Day

Who is in the apartment questioning Gizur? Who is outside guarding the neighborhood sewers? Please mention this in your next posts!


Vauhwyt and Mookie 
Tuesday November 15th, 2005 1:42:42 PM
Vauhwyt is in the apartment, not outside in the sewer.

She is intrigued by the prisoner's statement that he works for the Prince. But she sees that she will get no more useful information from him for now.

"Gosh, Boss," says Mookie. "Lighten up a little next time. You practically made this guy soil himself. And Dietrich, buy some breath mints!"

"Heh." The liontaur gives a short laugh. Then she casts Detect Magic on the stuff Dietrich is looking over, as well as on the prisoner. Those daggers could be magic. So could too could be that handkerchief. [OOC: or its contents! hee hee!]

She thanks Zayne for his good tying. She ends her enlarge spell. She says to Dietrich, Zayne, and anyone else in the apartment, "Come on! Let's leave this guy herre. I still think we have to find Targo."

She goes out into the sewer and says as much to her friends out there. She asks Vorelle to lead the way.

Theodore and Macaw 
Tuesday November 15th, 2005 3:11:45 PM
Theodore waits outside, watching the people watching him. When Vauhwyt exits, returned back to normal size, urging them to go after Targo, the wizard says, "I'll stay and keep an eye on this guy. We shouldn't leave him by himself, tied up or not. This is the City of Thieves, after all."

As he enters the apartment to keep an eye on their prisoner, Macaw flutters over to Olyn's shoulder. "So I can keep in contact with you," Theodore says before entering the apartment.

Once inside, he pauses at the door for a moment. He takes in the prisoner for a bit before pulling up a chair a few feet from him. He pokes the unconcious man with his staff, not overly gently. "Hey, wake up! I'd like to speak with you. What's your name and what are you being accused of?"

Olyn *inside*  d20+11=25 d20+2=12
Tuesday November 15th, 2005 3:53:33 PM
performs a heal check upon the prisoner to make sure the efforts of the members of the group doesnt go from simple interrogation to murder.

peforming first aid, minor healing (through use of zero level spells) and cleaning him up some and keep him awake.(heal 25) but in a way as to make it feel like im helping to make the pain, through visual effects, to seem to worsen.(bluff 12)

Dietrich 
Tuesday November 15th, 2005 4:18:34 PM
Dietrich is pleased to see the prisoner being tyed up and the interrogation working so well, though he shakes his head in disgust at the man´s unmanly behavior. The warrior is quite surprised at the news about the Prince and wonders if that could be really true. What would the Prince win with all the rumours about the "Dirties" (what about that name...?) assassinating him? Does he consider us a treat to be eliminated? Is this all a kind of test?

When the guy passes out, DIetrich takes a bucket of water to wake him up. He than gives the man some beer and is satisfied that Olyn is taking care of him. The whole episode with this prisoner still lets him feeling a little guilty...

The fighter laughs at Mookie´s comment and doesn´t know what to reply to the impertinent bird. Maybe he´s right...

At the talking about going after some Targo, Dietrich looks askingly and he agrees with Theodore.
"Theo is right, we can´t let him here alone. Not only could he try to escape, as someone could come to slit his throat during our abscence. I suggest at least some of us stay here to guard him."

Curious as he is about this Targo, if nobodyelse wants to stay at the appartment, Dietrich volounters to keep an eye on him.

Rose 
Tuesday November 15th, 2005 6:51:32 PM
Rose slides off Vauhwyt and goes to her room, she looks around to find a fuzzy blanket. Once back in the main room with the others she curls up and casts prestigation on the blanket and her clothes to warm up.

Berlon 
Tuesday November 15th, 2005 8:46:13 PM
Berlon will wait outside, and will join any of the group that might leave to confront Targo...

Vorelle  d20+10=12 d20+10=23
Tuesday November 15th, 2005 10:36:08 PM
Vorelle also waits outside, keeping her eyes and ears open for anything that might be helpful.

[Spot 12; Listen 23]

Rose 
Wednesday November 16th, 2005 11:02:04 AM
After a few minutes Rose notices that Vorelle is no longer in the room and goes outside to stay by her.

Is this all a kind of test? ... [Inge] 
Wednesday November 16th, 2005 11:55:34 AM
The odd answers from Gizur have aroused Dietrich's suspicion. If this man speaks truth, why would the Prince spread these rumors about them?!? Why did he send his guards upon Dietrich if he and his friends are all trying to find who is planning to assassinate him!?!?

.. and what about that Targo figure? Where does he fit into the picture?!? Vauhwyt still believs they ought to go looking for this man. He asks Vorelle if she's still into finding him.

Vauhwyt also inspect the bounty - including the handkerchief :-D - and finds nothing usefull on Gizur, but that dagger with the serrated edge sure radiates magic! The black dagger smells funny too. It smells dangerous ... it smells like some sort of venom...

And surprise, surprise, the handkerchief remains a plain piece of cloth filled with you know what :-)
(ooc. give'm something stupid, ordinary and they'll go crazy :-D - sorry this must have been a fragment of my twisted mind that got passed the barrier WHUHAHAHA)

Theodore and Olyn join Dietrich and Vauhwyt in the interrogation while the others remain outside.
Olyn manages to wake Gizur and Theodore immediately questions him again.

"My name? Gizur. I allready told this. I'm a guard of the Prince. You and your friends were asked to guard him tomorrow! Instead of asking US that he asks a bunch of annoying no-gooders to do this very important job!! So we wanted you all to go away and let us to our job! We're fed up with the Prince's behaviour lately!! Don't put your noses in our business. It's OUR job to guard the Prince."

It looks like Olyn's healing did a good job. The man regained his conciousness, and with it also his wits. You do feel he is speaking the truth. This clearly is a young guard - dispite the limp. Probably they were hoping to get the job and they seem pretty angy you got it ...

Odd.

Or... is there still more?!? WHY then has the Prince asked you, whoom he hates, rather than his own guards?!?

Odd.

Outside, Berlon, Vorelle, Jack keep watch. No trace of anyone trying to decapitate that man inside to stop him from talking.

Odd.

(ooc. SteveK will post tomorrow and on friday as I will be on business trip in Germany (Dusseldorg - Medica messe). Enjoy!)

Olyn 
Wednesday November 16th, 2005 12:58:24 PM
pulling the others to the side Olyn pipes up:
you know, this guard made a point. the Prince has shown his disdain for us a few times and with his behavior lately it goes to wonder just how much he dislikes us. especially after having Valdor's crew come give him a talking to a while back. that anymosity is sure to well up in someone like him. and with us helping to stop the plaque that affected the city, I am sure he feels threatened by us. I mean, what better way to get rid of us and help to expand his ego than to secretly get us to protect him from some assassination when in fact he is setting us up to take the fall for it.

I hate to say it but I wonder if Dirt City wouldnt truly benefit from his departure and someone else stepping in to lead the city. Wardd knows there are already qualified people out there who would do a tremendous job in uniting the city with their leadership.



Zayne 
Wednesday November 16th, 2005 2:44:00 PM
Zayne, listens to Olyn's comments, and then says," We have to find this Targo, and we have to find him now. He is the missing piece to the puzzle right now. We have to strike him hard and fast before he can react." He heads into the house and grabs his daggers and ties the peace ties loosly, so a quick tug will undo them. Then comes outside ready to go.

Dietrich 
Wednesday November 16th, 2005 3:06:51 PM
Dietrich listens to the man again and also to his friends. If that "ambush" was just out of jelousy they are not very far with discovering what is going on..

"*¨%%&$ Who is spreading that we were going to attack the prince? Was this the guard too?"

The warrior thinks about Olyn´s comments and if a substitution is really feasable. But for now, he absolutely agrees with Zayne and is ready either to go after this Targo or to keep watch on the prisoner.

Theodore and Macaw 
Wednesday November 16th, 2005 4:00:33 PM
Theodore's face pales when Olyn voices his suggestion for removing the Prince. "Not something we should be talking about," he whispers to the cleric. Olyn was not here when the Prince popped out of nowhere while they were all talking about him before. "He has ears everywhere. Definitely not a good topic to discuss, Olyn." He shakes his head violently before returning to speak with the prisoner.

"We really don't have a choice in the matter, Gizur. The Prince didn't ask us to take this job. He COMMANDED us to. Being his loyal subjects, like you, we were inclined to obey."

"Dietrich, what was the situation in which you came by Gizur?" He makes sure to ask the fighter in front of the prisoner. "To be specific, why did you take him captive? Did he attack you?"

Vauhwyt and Mookie 
Wednesday November 16th, 2005 10:42:35 PM

Vauhwyt puts away the daggers and returns the man's hankie to him.

"Come on, my friends. We have urgent business to manage."

She offers her best wishes to whoever wants to stand guard, then leads the rest off to find Targo. Hopefully with Vorelle offering direction.

Vorelle 
Wednesday November 16th, 2005 11:18:07 PM
Vorelle will willingly lead anyone who wants to go into the Grubber part of town, and to the very spot where she last saw Targo. Privately, she wonders whether it'll do any good. Last time, she hadn't found Targo; he'd found her.

Mad Jack 
Thursday November 17th, 2005 3:09:24 AM
Jack keeps close to Vorelle. All the talk about the Prince, and saving him, has made his stomach upset. He was still certain the Darts were to have something to do with the kill. Jack is still new to this group, so he keeps to himself.

Rose 
Thursday November 17th, 2005 5:37:31 AM
Rose will keep near Vorelle, if Vorelle goes to the grubber area Rose will make sure she has her weapons and toss her blanket back into the apartment. She will go with Vorelle staying close with piper flying overhead.

Berlon 
Thursday November 17th, 2005 3:45:49 PM
Seeing the uncomfortable look on the others outside, Berlon whispers to Vorelle (without getting TOO close) "Don't worry. No one will hurt you, I promise. This will all be over soon."

Zayne  d20+8=13 d20+8=25
Thursday November 17th, 2005 7:02:35 PM
As they walk Zayne pays attention to his surroundings and tries to steel himself to the possible violence that might ensue.(listen 13 Spot 25)

And a One, And a Two.... [DM SteveK]  d20=9
Thursday November 17th, 2005 10:15:39 PM
Dieterich stays with Guzir and guards him

Vorelle, hesitantly, leads Vauhwyt, Olyn, Mad Jack, Berlon, Zayne, and Rose through the tunnels of Dirt City. All weapons are peace-tied (though Zayne's loosely) as they move through the final preparations for Mural Day.

It looks like the citizens of Dirt City put great effort these last two weeks (remember there was a two week break from the end of the Fey King to the the time when the Prince and all his mirror images suddenly appeared to you in the boy's apartment). The streets Below are mostly clean(er), the bodies of the diseased dead are not littering the streets, the roots and plantmatter cut and scoured away. And yet there are less people than there were a month ago.

Zayne really notices and begins to count heads, while the antidote saved many, how many actually died? From your walk, it looks like the city was decimated; a full ten percent of the citizens succumbed to the plaugue. No wonder feelings and tempers are high!

Coming to a public entranceway to the City Above, the heroes prepare for the surface and then it is out into the open air. Out here, the destruction is still somewhat evident despite the efforts of the people. And near the burn, there is a new burial mound....

Vorelle hesitatingly continues to lead her friends to the poorest part of town...

Mad Jack  d20=11
Friday November 18th, 2005 2:29:46 AM
Jack brings up the rear of their procession. Landmarks are now becoming more familiar to him. His direction sense is also returning. Grubber, that was the word she had used. No idea what a 'grubber' was, but didnt sound good. Jack continually is on the lookout for any signs of the Darts.

Spot 11

Olyn 
Friday November 18th, 2005 9:20:38 AM
stops to let his eyes adjust to the light and to fill his lungs with fresh air.

*thinks something to himself and smiles*

then continues following Vorelle, eyes wary.

Rose  d20+8=12 d20+8=21 d20+5=13 d20+5=17
Friday November 18th, 2005 12:27:44 PM
Rose follows Vorelle, staying close to her and reassuring her that they wont let anything happen. Once they are above ground Rose removes the peace ties from her weapons and keeps a look out, she's never been to the grubber area but she has heard rumors about it and is being very careful.

listen: 12 & 21
spot: 13 & 17

daily spells

0 level
mage hand, message, ray of frost, acid splash

level 1
mage armor, shield, color spray

level 2
scorching ray x2

Zayne  d20+8=25 d20+8=12
Friday November 18th, 2005 2:28:00 PM
Thinking sadly about the losses of the city, he can't be swayed from what he might have to do.

He is also wary of danger.(Listen 25 Spot 12)

Vauhwyt 
Friday November 18th, 2005 3:41:15 PM
As she walks throgh the city and thinks about the damage that has been done here, Vauhwyt's anger runs cold. The Fae King did this, him and his minions. Only their death will bring a just closure to this story, she thinks, but she fears that revenge against an immortal would be too large for her small hands to hold.

Still, she looks around and remembers. She is learning patience, and may be one day the fey will be held to account.

Above ground she unbinds her trusty spear and is ready for anything.

Dietrich  d20+4=10 d20+2=18 d20=17
Friday November 18th, 2005 4:04:58 PM
Before his friends leave after that Targo guy, DIetrich answers Theodore´s question:

"I wasn´t actually atacked, only threatened, but I obviously realized the men had something to do with the whole affair and decided to take a prisoner for interrogation. I´m sorry for the, er, excesses, but I absolutely don´t regret what I did. He´s a professional too, just take a look at his poison dagger, and occasionally getting kicked is part of a thug´s live."

Dietrich will keep all doors and windows closed and lights off, staying in the shadows and guarding the entrance with the great-sword.

spot 10, listen 18, hide 17 (wearing armour)


Grubberville [SteveK] 
Friday November 18th, 2005 10:33:52 PM
Dietrich informs his friends that he wasn't attacked, only threatened, and does anyone wonder what this means? Which story is the right one; that the guards did this on thier own because the heroes are usurping thier place, or that the Prince ordered the group to waylay Dietrich for some reason of his own?

Walking to the poor shanty town side of Dirt City gives each of the heroes time to think.

Soon buildings are seen that are little more than driftwood and vines, the occasional wall of debris held together with whatever was available, wattle-and-daub, and canvas bits making out walls and doorways. These people grubfor a liveing.

And the people are even dirtier than ususal.

But no sign of Targo.

Dietrich Highlight to display spoiler: { guarding Guzir is a boreing job. He sits there, sullen and uncooperative, and you have to remain alert and not distract himself with reading or cooking or anything else. (Will save DC 10 to remain alert) }

More [steveK 
Friday November 18th, 2005 10:34:50 PM
asking around, it seems he disappeared but an hour ago, sprited off by men in black

Vauhwyt and Mookie  d20+8=18
Sunday November 20th, 2005 7:22:54 PM

Aware that in public the group may be under observation, Vauhwyt communicates via secret message with the others in the group (Bluff check to send a secret message: 18)

He was taken away. We should go back now and revert to Plan A.

Theodore and Macaw 
Sunday November 20th, 2005 8:46:14 PM
Theodore remains with Gizur and talks nonchalantly with the guy, hoping to draw some more information out of him.

Vorelle 
Sunday November 20th, 2005 10:16:40 PM
Vorelle shudders. This is all way beyond her. She doesn't think Vauhwyt's plan will be successful, but right now it's the only plan they have.

Sighing, she turns to make her way back down Below.

Dietrich  d20+3=19
Monday November 21st, 2005 11:21:23 AM
Despite the dullness of guarding the prisoner and staying alert, Dietrich manages to keep his concentration. The warrior remains as he was in the dark, watching and listening out for troble.

He listens to Theodore´s talking and wonders about what his friends are discovering.



Back to Plan A?... [Inge] 
Monday November 21st, 2005 11:29:58 AM

OOC: ONLY 3 POSTS ?!?!!? SHAME ON YOU!!! Sorry 4 posts... Dietrich posted while I was writing mine :-)

All are dissapointed to learn Targo seems to have dissapeard. There's no use to look any further, and the depressing athmosphere in Grubber town lowers our friends mood.

The route back to the City below is uneventfull. Vayhwyt mentions Plan A is likely to be their only hope now, but no one seems to be thrilled about trying that.

"What's the use?!?" seems to be the thought in everyone's head at the moment.

Back in the apartement Theodore and Dietrich spend some more time with Gizur. As gizur hears Dietrich calling him a tug he replies: "I'm no tug. I'm one of the Prince's guard."

His chat with Theodore gives our friends little extra details. Apparently the young guard is very dissapointed that he was captured and told too much with too little resistance. He's young, and this won't look favourably on his resume... if he's ever be hired by the Prince. The sad look upon his face tells Dietrich and Theodore that the young guard has little hopes for his future now...

TIME: 2.45 PM - the day before Mural day.

Suddenly Dietrich and Theodore hear noise behind the door!! At the same time Gizur's face turns grey... his head twists - his eyes roll to the back of his head - druel and foam drips from the corner of his mouth...

spoiler to ALL BUT DIETRICH AND THEODORE Highlight to display spoiler: {The trip back is pretty boring, but you once again are able to admire all the works that are done to make the most beautiful mural's. After some time you are back at the apartement and proceed to the door.}

Olyn 
Monday November 21st, 2005 12:01:36 PM
(ooc Inge, there are times when a post isnt necessary, especially for me. If all we are doing is walking, for 2 posts, and I say im walking the first post, I see no need to post again until my action changes)

stops to buy some fresh fruit at the market then heads back to the apartment.

Theodore and Macaw 
Monday November 21st, 2005 2:11:23 PM
"You know that you're being extremely stubborn. Gizur. Now listen..." Theodore trails off as Gizur begins to go bonkers.

The startled mage stands bolt upright. "Dietrich!" Theodore rushes to the bound man and grabs at the man's head, turning it so he might look in the stricken man's eyes.

"What's wrong?" he shouts.

(OOC - In reply to Olyn, you should always post, even if your actions are the same. As evidence, I recall Cayzle being berated by Al for not posting when his character, Vauhwyt, was unconcious. Although we're not trying to be slave drivers, we are attempting to get everyone to be consistent. Get creative if nothing's changed from post to post. Think what you would do in real life in that situation and post that. This goes out to everyone, not just one specific person. I've noticed some folks are dropping the ball on posting lately. That severely detracts from gameplay. I've been guilty of it, myself. Just last week to be specific. Sometimes things come up. Understandable. But sometimes we just get lazy. That's not an excuse.

Anyway, not meaning to hurt anyone's feelings. Just trying to keep some consistency.

ADM Shegger)

Cayzle OOC 
Monday November 21st, 2005 2:31:57 PM
As a DM over on the Windhorn Hamlet game, I try to give everybody a chance to post before I write the DM post. If a few people have not posted, I delay the post to give them a chance. So even if you have nothing to say that's new, even a one-line post says to the DM, "Yes, I've read the board, and I'm ready for the next DM post."

It takes only a minute, so why not.

Vauhwyt  d20+8=24 d20+8=23 d20+8=18 d20+8=23
Monday November 21st, 2005 2:45:55 PM

The liontaur perceives a bit of doom and gloom among her friends.

"Come on!" she says, "This is a good plan! We need to do something to shake this place up. Come on! Let's give it a try!"

Being discreet (Bluff checks 24, 23, 18, 23 woot!), she recaps the plan:

A person who can read an arcane scroll -- Rose? Theo? Maybe Berlon? -- uses a scroll of Alter Self and a Disguise Kit to pretend to be the Prince. We go on a tour, first under the city, then above the city. We make it seem like we are guarding the Prince. In this way we hope to confuse the ambushers and maybe draw them out early.

If not, then a little later we continue our tour above ground, and we "ambush" our "Prince" outside the Blue Eel.

If at any point events go belly up, we excape under the cover of mist. We regroup at the Crescent Moon Market where we will hide in an illusionary stall until dawn, when the real Prince will arrive. That's important ... if we get split up, regroup at the Crescent Moon Market, not the Apartment!

OOC: Vauhwyt purchased the following to use on the Plan:

- 2 scrolls of Alter Self (200 gp each)
- 2 scrolls of Rope Trick (180 gp each)
- 2 scrolls of Unseen Servant (35 each)
- 2 scrolls of Reduce Person (35 each)
- 2 scrolls of Shield (35 each)
- 2 scrolls of Obscuring Mist (35 each)
- 2 scrolls of Silent Image (35 each)
- 1 disguise kit (75 gp)
- 2 10-ft pieces of rope
- A waterskin filled with blood ( pig blood 50 gp )

Note to self: subtract 1,240 gp from character sheet!

Berlon 
Monday November 21st, 2005 4:06:13 PM
On the way back to the apartment, Berlon talks with Vauhwyt. "As a last resort I can, although my arcane skills are a bit, well, let's just call it unpredictable... I'm probably best as a last resort..."

OOC: The site was down very early this morning EST, and if I can't post first thing in the morning I can't until the afternoon....

Zayne  d20+8=13 d20+8=16
Monday November 21st, 2005 4:41:16 PM
(OOC: Sorry for missing my post this weekend, I was putting in a lot of overtime.)

Zayne is disapointed in Targo not being around, as he walks back he begins looking around for any signs of being followed.(Listen 13 Spot 16)

Loretta 
Monday November 21st, 2005 8:08:09 PM
Rose is a bit excited and will sometimes run in front of the others a few feet, or hop on one foot for as long as she can, or skip, or play jump Vauhwyts tail, ect as they are walking. When Vauhwyt mentions that someone needs to pretend to be the prince she says "I cant pretend to be the prince, I'm to small. The instant I dropped something and it changed size everyone would know."

OOC Post SteveK 
Monday November 21st, 2005 10:28:06 PM
[All, sorry about the hasty post on Friday; I ran out of minutes at the Cyber Cafe and couldn't get back on. But it was going to be fantastic post, really it was. Mysterious and dangerous, dragons flying about... oh no wait , that's for next week :) ]

Vorelle  d20+10=27 d20+10=20
Monday November 21st, 2005 10:55:35 PM
Still lost in her own thoughts, Vorelle accompanies the others back to the apartment. Having no arcane skills of any kind, she will have to be an "extra" in this little drama, which suits her just fine.

On the way, she keeps an eye and an ear out for anything unusual.

[Spot 27, Listen 20]

Mad Jack 
Tuesday November 22nd, 2005 6:26:36 AM
OOC Guilt of acting like Olyn. A few times in the past week, I have felt like a post just didnt fit, to continue walking or whatever. So, now a sentence no matter what. Oh ya, I notice Brahmah, a character in the DFR 1 game does write one word, or one sentence posts. I thought he was being stupid, but alas he is just following the rules.

IC Jack is truly getting fed up with all this walk here, walk there. Even when just standing around, he feels as though nothing is getting accomplished. He so wants to get his horse and just ride away. But that would solve nothing.

When they arrive back at the apartment, Jack is too tired to notice anything. He does say to Vauhwyt, "Just assign me any job."

Time for some action? ... [Inge] 
Tuesday November 22nd, 2005 10:00:30 AM
The group spirit really starts to drop below zero. In a way they all feel the inevitable, but Vauhwyt continues to promote his bold plan.

(ooc: This is your call gentleman! The past few in game hours beginning where the Prince has left your place were completely winged. The better the searches you did the more intell you would gather. You got quite a lot actually, but of course me and SteveK are looking at it from a different perspective :-D
If you want Vayhwyts plan to happen YOU are the once to make it happen. I allready have a few possible reactions in mind... )

Back in the apartement Dietrich and Theodore are startled by Gizur's apparent illness. Theodore lifts up his head, and an ugly smell comes from Gizur's mouth... poison...

From the look of it, Gizur had some sort of poison pill in his mouth and his depressing thoughts about his future made his put an end to his life... the poison was quick.

As Theodore releases his grip on Gizur's face, the lifeless head drops onto the body's chest. Foam drips from it's mouth and drench Gizur's vest.

This really gets depressing!

At that moment the door opens and everyone is united again.

TIME: 3.00 PM - day before Mural day

Time for some action? Or will you rest and strength for the big day tomorrow? The choice is yours.

Olyn  d20+10=20 d20+10=12 d20+10=26
Tuesday November 22nd, 2005 10:55:58 AM
immediately goes to Gizur's side and starts attempting resusitation. including applying anti-poison syrum from his healer kit.
Heal check 20
and attempts to determine the type of poison and how it was administered.
Heal check 12 (disregard 3rd roll)

Dietrich 
Tuesday November 22nd, 2005 1:05:43 PM
Dietrich just swears when he sees Gizur´s strange behavior. He swears in common, he swears in dwarven and in orkish, thinking that it could be magic, maybe someone invisible, maybe the Prince... He almost jumped in the dark to attack a possible invader... (ooc: was just too slow to post...)

But than it comes out to be poison.

"(¨()*&, me standing here to protect this ¨%#% and he kills himself! $%¨&¨, people will think we did it!"

Visibly irritated at this waste of life and another investigation without results, Dietrich presses for action when his friends arrive.

"Let´s go for our plan. I´ll 'play' the part of me guarding the Prince. I also checked a good route beforehand (ooc: just reminding the DM of a trip and military knowledge 22 check during the last weeks to look for good places to lead an enemy to an ambush and to avoid them ourselves).
The sneakier guys like Rose and Vorelle could stay prepared there to cover us if necessary.

But before we start, someone has to spread the rumour in the city that the Prince is anticipating his visit and will make his tour before the scheduled time."

Looking up: "Domi guards us!"


rose 
Tuesday November 22nd, 2005 5:46:03 PM
"I guess it's our only choice, but who's going to tell the prince what we're going to do?" Rose asks

Vauhwyt and Mookie 
Tuesday November 22nd, 2005 7:05:11 PM

Vauhwyt comes back and is sorry to see the Prince's man dead. "People value their lives too little, I think, or maybe he was in deeper than he let on."

She takes a deep breath. "Okay, here's the deal. I've already spread a rumor that the Prince is ambulating a day early. So that is covered. And Dietrich already tried to tell the Prince ahead of time -- so we're covered therre, too."

"So the first thing is, who will be our Prince. Rose, you could do it, but I agree that if you drop something it will give you away. So don't drop anything."

"Theo, how about you?"

"I could do it, but watchers will be expecting a liontaurr, so someone else would have to play me. That seems counterproductive."

"After we ready the Prince's disguise, we follow the route Dietrich has mapped for us. We need to finish it up in a mere 25 minutes, since the spell cast from the scroll ends in 30. We might have more time if Theo casts his own spell."

"If that fails to draw anyone out, then we recast and take a tour above ground a while laterr. We end up at the Blue Eel, where if nothing has happened, we stage the assassination."

"When we are perambulating, I suggest that the "Prince" stay remote and say nothing. Let me or others do the talking."

"If we have Alter Self spells to blow, someone else might want to impersonate our dead friend there -- that would be easy since we know what he sounds like and can use his gear for the disguise."

"Are we ready? Theo, what do you think?"

Theodore and Macaw 
Tuesday November 22nd, 2005 10:16:28 PM
"You want to use me as the bait to lure out the assassins?" he asks for clarification. "Essentially, you're hoping that someone will try to kill me? Someone powerful enough to take out the Prince? How are you planning to protect me, or whoever else takes on the disguise, when you don't even know who the assassin is?"

The small mage sits and hugs himself. He shivers. "You know that I've never been a brave person," he says with head lowered. "I...I can't do this. I'm sorry."

Vorelle 
Tuesday November 22nd, 2005 11:00:24 PM
Vorelle nods in agreement with the general plan.

"Sh-sh-should I w-w-walk with the g-g-g-group?" she asks softly, "or st-stay out of s-s-sight?"

Berlon 
Tuesday November 22nd, 2005 11:44:20 PM
"Soooo... what are we going to do with the body? Dietrich is right, this will be attributed to us, so we need to figure out what to do with the corpse. On one hand, it might be best to not make this public, but on the other hand we can't just leave it here uninterred. Perhaps we could discretely bring it to one of the temples.."

Vauhwyt (illegal second post) 
Tuesday November 22nd, 2005 11:52:02 PM
Vauhwyt nods at Theo's words. "I think you underestimate yourself, my friend! But that's okay. You will be fine as an escort."

"Rose, that means you or me. I'm glad to do it, but do we need someone to pretend to be me, then? I stick out like a sore thumb, and if there is no liontaur in the group, it may not be as obvious that it is us."

"Theo, would you consider pretending to be me?"

Mad Jack 
Wednesday November 23rd, 2005 2:33:23 AM
"Hold on, hold on. I am the only one here who has the ability to 'pretend'. Also I have some fighting abilities. The best answer is for me to be the Prince. There not be any more discussion on that matter."

Jack move over to where Vauhwyt is standing.

"Any thing you can tell me about him will help the process."

Vauhwyt (illegal *third* post, sorry) 
Wednesday November 23rd, 2005 5:59:36 AM
Vauhwyt is surprised! "Jack, I didn't know you had arcane power! You can cast Alter Self, or read it from a scroll? Wowsy!"

If the answer is that he can, then Vauhwyt says, "Great! Well, you met the man, so you know what he looks like. Play him as detached, cynical, and competent. Generally keep your mouth shut and look like you expect everyone to revolve around you."

Mookie pipes up, "Yeah, and slouch a little. Wouldn't hurt to carry a wine glass, too."

Vauhwyt says, "Well, the wine glass might be a bit too much."

(Inge: ABSOLUTELY no problem! When you are not in combat mode and are making battle plans I'm glad of you coorporate well. Just make sure not to make contradictory posts or I'll get confused :-D )

We've got ourselves a plan! [Inge] 
Wednesday November 23rd, 2005 10:57:56 AM
Olyn and Dietrich are amased to see the Prince's guard commit suicide. Closer inspection reveals he had some sort of capsule hidden away in his mouth. His despressing thoughts about the future made him use it.
Berlon does have a point though... what will you do with the body?!?

Enough chit chat! Looks like we've got ourselves a plan! Dietrich urges all for action and so does Vauhwyt. At last final plans are being made, but wait... who's going to be the fake Prince?!?

Theodore is right that if this plan should work, someone might get hurt! Pretending to kill the Prince in front of the Blue Eel is one thing, collecting bolts and daggers from the assassin(s) is a different thing. The mage turns down Vauhwyt's request.

Unnexpectedly, Mad Jack bravely steps forward to impersonate the Prince. At last some of the action the brave foreigner was longing for. Too much running around and too little exercise will make a man lazy! Vayhwyt is both amazed and thrilled and gratefully accepts Jack's offer.
Rose and Vorelle seem to be given scouting orders.

EXCELLENT! Now MOVE OUT!

ooc:
All in places? Does everyone know what to do?
When and where will Jack be altered into the Prince? Won't it look odd when you all leave your apartement with the Prince by your side?!?
What route do you plan on taking? Just give directions. Dietrich has explored the city well enough not to get caught in little alley's and knows his way around the City.

I need:
- starting point (where Jack will become the Prince)
- directions - what quarters will you pass by. Given the fact that the spell only works half an hour you will probably only reach 3 different locations. Choose wisely my friends.
- what will you do on your tour through the city. What will the Prince do? How will you explain the Prince is a day early?!?
- roll in advance if you want to spot or hear things along the way! Otherwise I will have to make too many IF THEN ELSE posts...

Vauhwyt 
Wednesday November 23rd, 2005 2:28:25 PM

Vauhwyt makes sure everyone understands the plan before the group sets out.

The route is up to Dietrich per his recon earlier, but Vauhwyt suggests that the group start in the Prince's Sewer, then follow the Main Sewer to the Trade Quarter, and then to the Merchant's Quarter to finish.

THE PLAN

Everyone goes to the Prince's Sewer together -- not all the way to the underground door to the Palace, though. Half-way down the sewer, a scroll of Silent Image creates illusionary walls that appear before and behind the party, "sealing" us in so no one can see.

Then Jack uses the Alter Self scroll and the Disguise Kit to appear as the Prince. Then the illusionary walls melt away and we are off. Everyone sticks to gether and plays the part of guards / escort for the "Prince."

Everyone except Jack looks like him or her self, unless Theo or Rose wants to be disguised as the guy who ate poison in the apartment.

(By the way, was that in the boys or the girls apartment? I'm hoping it was the boys apartment. Mookie says: That place already stinks, so no one will mind or notice if we leave a corpse there for a day or two.)

Then we take our tour: Prince Sewer to Trade Quarter to Merchant Quarter, per Dietrich's route.

IF WE ARE ATTACKED OR VIOLENTLY THREATENED --

Vauhwyt casts an Obscuring Mist. If the danger is grave, she may also trigger her precious group invisibility seal, making everyone invisible. Under the cover of mist and maybe invisibility, the party flees, carrying anyone who is unconscious. We gather at the Crescent Moon Market, where Vauhwyt uses a Rope Trick to hide everyone away.

IF WE MAKE IT THROUGH THE TOUR SAFELY --

Use an Obscuring Mist to act as cover while we slip away.

PERSONAL PREP

Mookie and Vauhwyt will be under the effect of a Mage Armor spell. Vauhwyt will creat an Unseen Servant whose job is to help Mookie handle the Bag of Tricks.

BY THE WAY

As for the body, Vauhwyt says leave it for now. By this time tomorrow, either the Prince will love us, and it won't matter, or he will hate us, and we'll have other things to worry about!

Vauhwyt looks around for suggestions or ways to improve the Plan.

Olyn 
Wednesday November 23rd, 2005 9:27:35 PM
**Inge, nothing was said about my Full post. I administered a vial of anti-poison after determining what type of poison was used**

so let me get this straight, we are going out, to pretend one of us is the Prince, to facilitate a false assassination in the hopes that the real culprits are found out. so the Prince who may or may not want us dead can may or may not become our friend? and since his mirror image came to you noone has seen or heard from the Prince?

*now, its just me, but i'm the type of person who doesnt read archives if i missed something that i was not privy to. when i asked someone to fill me in on what was happening all i got was a rough, very rough description and a "fills Olyn in on the plan" from Vauhwyt but nothing really was said. so with this in mind, Olyn is completely dumbfounded and is only getting bits and pieces of info.*

[Inge: please excuse me for forgetting your post but he was dead right away. That was deductible from my previous post. What kind of poison... euhm... I'll let you know ;-)
Hope you don't get angry with me.]


Vorelle  d20+10=27 d20+10=11 d20+10=26 d20+10=18 d20+11=15 d20+11=28 d20+11=31 d20+11=22
Wednesday November 23rd, 2005 9:40:05 PM
Vorelle didn't get a concrete suggestion from anyone to stay with the group, so she decides to follow her own instincts. She will parallel the group, watching and listening while attempting to remain unnoticed herself.

[OOC: Here are some checks. I'm not sure what all is needed. Spot 27, Spot 11, Listen 26, Listen 18, Hide 15, Hide 28, Move Silently 31, Move Silently 22]

Berlon 
Wednesday November 23rd, 2005 9:41:04 PM
OOC: As a reminder for any Euro types, tomorrow is Thanksgiving. I am having it at my place and shouldn't have a problem posting. Is anyone going to be unable to post or post at an odd time?

Berlon listens to the plan intently, although he is of mixed emotions of what to do with the recently deceased. "Does anyone have any special requests as far as spells from myself and Olyn? I have a few... thoughts... but if anyone, especially Jack, wants anything special..."

Vauhwyt (second post) 
Thursday November 24th, 2005 12:42:11 AM

[OOC: Sorry Tim if things were not clear. But I think you have the gist of it. The Prince commanded us to discover who was going to ambush him. Conventional detective work pretty much failed, exect we found out that everybody thinks WE are the ambushers! So we are escorting the "Prince" around a day early in order to draw out the ambushers. If that fails, we'll stage our own "assassination" in the hope of sowing confusion that will help protect the Prince.]

Vauhwyt emphasizes that she thinks everybody, including Vorelle, should stay fairly close and act as the escort of the "Prince."

She encourages Berlon and Olyn and anyone else to help out with whatever spells they deem suitable.

Mad Jack 
Thursday November 24th, 2005 2:52:19 AM
Jack looks from Vauhwyt to the others.

"I bought a couple of magic books from a vendor the other day. I seem to be able to read a few of the spells with in the book. So, as I have read, I think I have some latent ability, that I never knew about. The book has allowed me to cast one or two spells."

Reaching into his backpack he reteives one of the books. Looking through it, he finds some infomation on the alter self spell.

"Vauhwyt, I am sure I can not cast the alter self spell as of now. I read the information, but nothing comes to my mind. Therefore I will need a scroll. Even though I have never used a scroll, it is plainly explained in the book, and I feel it highly probable that it will work."

"So when I change into the Prince, I would ask Vorelle, Mookie and Macaw to keep an extra special lookout for Targo, and the house of Darts people. I will explain to you what this Thurid, and Mr Digger look like in a moment. I still feel they will be in on the assassination. Berlon and Olyn, I would feel much safer if you had your crossbows out, which may or may not deter the bad guys. Rose dear, I think it best if you are yourself. You have a gift of gaining peoples trust. I feel if you can keep your eyes open, you will catch the killer before he strikes. Dietrich, If yourself and Theo would be next to me, I would feel safe as well. Each of you can offer offense up close and personal, which will make it harder for the assasin to get away. Vauwhyt, you are very large and imposing. I think it best if you constantly move around. If you are moving it may make the assassin wait, or hurry his attack. Either way, if he makes a mistake, we have a better chance.

"We havent talked much on the actual assassination. For this I would like to ask Olyn to shoot me. He has shown in the past he can shoot me, without killing me. The pigs blood can be given to me, right before the shot, and I will spill it all over myself.

"Now, the Prince has acted in many ways to many people of late. I wont know how to play it until I see peoples reactions. I will warn you now, I am good at this type of diversion. Do not take anything I do to heart. Keep your mind on what is at hand. Beleive me, you will want to watch me, but dont. My life will be in your hands. Ok I think thats it."

OOC I dont think I missed anyone except Zayne, and I havent seen him post for a while. Happy holiday to all those celebrating one.

The Great Pretender ... [Inge] 
Friday November 25th, 2005 8:52:32 AM
Vauhwyt unfolds the entire plan to her friends. Especially Jack is very keen to make this work. He will be the one to impersonate the Prince! Not an easy task! You do need to be a little "Mad" to succeed in this. Everyone feels confident Jack IS the right choice for this dangerous task. Olyn gazes at his friends with widened eyes. "What in the name of the second sun of the Wold are they talking about?!?" he thinks to himself. Vauhwyt sees his friends grown and explains the whole thing.

The suggested tour sounds acceptable for all, and Dietrich's knowledge of the City will be very usefull. Starting at the Prince Sewer, following the main roads to Trade Quarter and then towards the Merchant Quarter. Pretty busy streets so there could be some success... even though success probably means someone will see Jack as Target Practice...

A bold plan!

It is wise indeed to think about possible actions when things go bad. Vauhwyt proposes a few escape routes, which spiced by Dietrich's direction sense will most likely pay.

Mad Jack is the chosen one to impersonate the Prince, and with his ability to read scrolls he will be able to cast an alter self.

(ooc from the PHB: If you use this spell to create a disguise, you get a +10 bonus on your Disguise check. In other words, Mad Jack will have to roll Disguise checks while you're walking though the City -- counter spot checks will be made to see through the Disguise)

Berlon, Vorelle and Rose see what they will be able to do. At first Vorelle feels flanking the group and blend in the crowd will be most beneficial. However her idea's are countered by Vauhwyt who prefers to stick together. After all, the Prince hired you all to guard him!

The plan looks solid enough to give it a try. Just before heading out Jack gives everyone a brief description of the Darts people he encountered. Some realize you saw Jack with the one he calls Thurid earlier when you were going to meet the Prince.
Jack's description are good enough for everyone to be able to identify them.

What does Targo look like?!?

Furthermore Jack gives clear orders about how he thinks you all should walk through the City. It appears this is not the first time this man gives orders! He sure knows how to pull this together.

Now... let's get down to business...

Separately or in pairs you move towards the Prince Sewer. Some in the tunnel recognize you all as you pass by their work. Here and there, you catch glimpses of yourselves on the Murals as the defenders and protectors of the common people during the Fey King uprising.

"Greatings noble men and women!", someone says as he turns away from his work on the last details for this segment of the Mural. "Fine day today no. I can't wait for Mural Day to come tomorrow!! Oh I sure hope I get all this finished by tomorrow before the Prince passes this tunnel..." and quickly and nervously he returns to his work.

What will people say when the Prince visits them a day early?!? You had better be prepared to give some plausible explanation...

A scroll of alter self is searched for and all gather in the Prince Sewer.
This is it guys and girls!

Jack takes one last look at his friends. Once the spell is casted you only have about 50 minutes to complete this task!

Good luck friends! Then Jack activates the spell. Everyone watches how Jack's figure appears to melt into that of the Prince. In only one or two seconds Prince Jack stands before you.

TIME: 3.30 PM -- the day before Mural Day
Alter self time left: 50 minutes

Everyone make 4 spot and listen checks or any other rolls you like. Jack make 4 rolls for disguise as well.


Theodore and Macaw  d20+4=20 d20+4=8 d20+4=16 d20+4=7 d20+4=7 d20+4=8 d20+4=20 d20+4=22
Friday November 25th, 2005 2:16:01 PM
Before they move out, Theodore drapes himself in magical protection. As they move through the city, he keeps an eye out.

(Cast mage armor for 5 hours; Spot checks = 20, 8, 16, 7; Listen checks = 7, 8, 20, 22)

Vauhwyt  d20+16=36
Friday November 25th, 2005 4:17:34 PM

[OOC: Jack, also add a +2 to Disguise checks for the use of the Disguise Kit! Also, I thought the duration of the scroll Alter Self was 30 minutes?]

Vauhwyt walks next to the "Prince" and scowls if anyone comes too close (Intimidate 36! Nat 20!)

Olyn, shield other-theo  d20+3=19 d20+3=13 d20+3=10 d20+3=15 d20+3=18 d20+3=9 d20+3=4 d20+3=18
Saturday November 26th, 2005 12:50:15 AM
when at the rendevous, Olyn hands Theo a platinum ring saying: wear this at all times. <shows Theo an identical ring on his hand>

/casts Shield other on Theo, duration 5 hours

Olyn will remain within 50 feet of Theo for the time being.

will just go with the flow, keeping an eye out for someone who seems to see through the illusion or who is stalking the group.

spot: 19,13,10,15
list: 18,9,4,18


Mad Jack AC21  4d20(8+15+9+5)+15=52 d20+15=18 d20+15=19 d20+15=29 d20+15=16 d100=83 d20=15 d20=14 d20=14 d20=18 d20=14 d20=11 d20=3 d20=4
Saturday November 26th, 2005 1:01:44 AM
Before Jack reads the scroll, he casts a spell of mage armor upon himself. Then he takes the scroll and reads it, and waits as his body changes. Interesting feeling that was, he thinks.

"Ok and off we go."

As Jack begins to see the citizens of Dirt Cty, he grins. He continually wears a smile as they begin passing people in the streets. When he approaches the murals he stops and talks to each artist, giving encouragement. Sometimes he just thanks them for doin their part to liven up the city after such hard times. Sometimes he ruffles childrens hair, or shakes their hands. He makes sure to kiss young ladies on the cheek. All in all he is happy to be among the people, and his demeaner shows it.

At small intervals, he asks Dietrich to look over their shoulders to watch their backs, while stopped, talking to the artisans. Some of the artists are so bad he has to make comment and laugh with them at their expense. Even those people who are not painting, Jack tries to smile and gain eye ontact with each one. Which he finds increasingly hard with the very presence of the Liontaur.

"Ms Vauhwyt, if you dont mind can you give me a bit more room with the people," he asks in a sweet tone as they stopped at one extremely hideous mural. He also does his best to introduce or at the least inform the people of the group who is guarding him. He tells his so called guards it only is proper of course, they had saved the city.

OOC Rolls Disguise-OOPS ignore first roll, Disguise rolls, 18,19,29,16 Spot 15, 14(Window wont allow me to see the rest of my rolls, 6 rolls, 2 spot 4 listen no wis bonus.)
Oh ya casted mage armor for 1 hour, ASF10%

Dietrich AC 18  d20+4=20 d20+4=11 d20+4=24 d20+4=10 d20+4=23 d20+2=20 d20+2=4 d20+2=17 d20+2=6 d20+4=23 d20+4=17
Saturday November 26th, 2005 8:13:56 AM
Dietrich is quite amazed the massive Jack is proficient in the mystirious ways of magic. He agrees with the general plan and positioning, and he agrees with Vorelle´s idea of circling around the group and looking out. If we´re going to enter an ambush, nothing better than seeing it beforehand.

During the parade, Dietrich shows off his excellent equipment and keeps a cold look through the slits of his heavy steel helmet, great-sword ready to strike (intimidation 20). He stays close to Jack, as a personal bodyguard would do.
The fighter understands the need of having a good story to tell, but he lets this task to more street-wise friends, like Olyn, Rose, Vauhwyt and Zayne. If asked personally, he just tell the asker to shut up and that it is a decision of the Prince!

The warrior keeps his eyes and ears open:
spot: 11, 24 (nat 20), 10, 23;
listen: 20, 4, 17, 6

If the group is attacked, he suggests:

-People directly under fire take cover and fire back with missiles and magic
-Clerics use supporting and healing magic, defend position
-He himself and VAuhwyt try to make an encircling movement to get at the back of the enemy (and use sneak attacks etc.), trying to take at least one prisoner.
(military knowledge test 23 to check soundness of this plan)

If the correlation of forces is against us, the group retreats through the prepared escape routes, Dietrich will try to lead the pursuers into a good place for an ambush of our own.

Vorelle  d20+10=14 d20+10=22 d20+10=13 d20+10=22 d20+10=27 d20+10=29 d20+10=11 d20+10=19 d20+11=25 d20+11=19 d20+11=19 d20+11=24 d20+11=15 d20+11=18 d20+11=21 d20+11=16
Saturday November 26th, 2005 10:52:32 AM
Vorelle stammers out a brief description of Targo.

She is still confused about her role. Vauhwyt wants her close to the "Prince"; Dietrich likes her idea of remaining at a distance. Privately, she's not sure that they should all be clustered so closely together that one fireball could take them all out, nor is she convinced that real bodyguards would deploy themselves that way. So she remains at a distance, trying to blend with the crowd and move quietly.

Spot: 14, 22, 13, 22
Listen: 27, 29, 11, 19
Hide: 25, 19, 19, 24
Move Silently: 15, 18, 21, 16

Rose  d20+8=12 d20+8=18 d20+8=19 d20+8=14 d20+4=24 d20+4=23 d20+4=17 d20+4=19 d20+5=6 d20+5=14 d20+5=8 d20+5=13
Sunday November 27th, 2005 11:19:53 PM
Before leaving Rose will cast Mage Armor on herself.
As they leave Rose asks Piper to fly above and keep an eye out. Since Vorelle seems scared Rose will stay near her.

listen: 12, 18, 19, 14
sense motive: 24, 23, 17, 19
spot: 6, 14, 8, 13
add +2 to spot & listen if piper is close enough

ooc: sorry for not posting I was busy with thanksgiving and getting ready for the nw wold meeting.
mage armor will last 3 hours

Berlon 
Monday November 28th, 2005 5:45:50 AM
Berlon continues on as described, with his crossbow at the ready as per Jack's wishes. He has to conceal a smirk, as the group gets the idea that he finds this whole display unnecessary, but he still seems more than willing to go along for the ride.

Down the Prince Sewers and into Trade Quarter ... [Inge]  counter disguise (guard1 d20+4=16 /guard2 d20+6=23 / citizen1 d20+1=19 /citizen2 d20+2=8 /citizen3 d20+3=20 /citizen4 d20+4=16 / Eystein d20+4=15) Ranged attacks tomatoes and eggs ( d20+4=14 d20+4=10 d20+4=19 d20+4=20) d10=4 d10=2 d10=6 d10=2
Monday November 28th, 2005 9:13:30 AM
Down in the Prince Sewer Mad -- and Mad you have to be to pull off a stunt like this -- Jack takes on the physical appearance of Suran Corell, Prince of Thieves. Thoughts of what will happen if they are exposed to not darken the minds of our friends.
Courageously they begin their own tour of Dirt City... a day early...

Dietrich and Vauhwyt take position close to Prince Jack, now in front, then behind, left to right. On the one hand their movement may seem rather annoying, but is intimidating as well. The large Liontaur is intimidating enough, and the shiny armor of the strong fighter makes people stay at a distance.
Theodore and Olyn get ready for some trouble and follow along. Rose and Vorelle also team together, and Berlon... well... he's actually having a good time and finds this whole thing pleasantly entertaining -- yet on the other hand he understands the danger they are all putting themselves into and keeps his crossbow readied.

Steadily the group begins to walk towards Trade Quarter...

First they all walk down Prince's Sewer. It was to be expected to bump into a few of the Prince's men down here. With open mouths they gaze the group as they walk by. Then suddenly one of them frowns as he looks closely at his "Prince".

(guard1 counter disguise spot 16 vs DC18)
(guard2 counter disguise spot 23 vs DC19 - DISGUISE FAILED!!)

He tries to step forward and speak up but then suddenly the large Liontaur stands in front of him! The guard is only a few inches away from Vauhwyt's massive chest and as Vauhwyt even stretches her neck ever higher the guard stands down.

You all realize this man saw through Jack's disguise. These guards know their Prince... they won't be so easily fooled as the rest of the City. As the Prince usually operates under the veal of shadows and disguises few will recognize Jack or the Prince. The guards are a different matter though. Vauhwyt and Dietrich's menacing presences combined with the confident looks upon the "Prince's" face and behaviour makes the guard turn around.

There are few Murals here and steadily the group moves further down the road towards Trade Quarter. Gradually more people fill the streets. All gaze in complete amazement seeing the Prince approach.

You can all hear various remarks being said, whispered and even yelled...

"He's a day early!! We're not ready! Hurry home go quick!!"
"Look who he's accompanying him"
"What's he doing?!?"
"Why do they even bother guarding such a lowlife..."

On the one hand you see amazement, on the other some seem to be very nervous as well.

(citizens counter disguise vs DC29: spot 19, 8, 20, 16)

Spoiler for all but Jack: Highlight to display spoiler: {Suddenly Dietrich notices two men running of in the distance. They are too far to chase, and you'd better stick with the "Prince" but you can tell they are off to warn someone or some to tell the Prince in walking through the City a day early... affiliates to the assassin(s)? Better keep an eye out!
Dietrich carefully warns his friends without attracting extra attention. No need for Jack to know... let's not make him nervous? }

Jack is doing a great job back there. Smiling at "his citizens", shaking hands, ruffling through the hair of a few rats. People are smiling, and apparently... convinced this IS the Prince! GOOD JOB PRINCE JACK! (only the guard was able to see through your disguise, but Vauhwyt and Dietrich ended his suspicions)

The tour goes somewhat slower than Vauhwyt had hoped for. Jack takes his time to greet people, admire murals -- even the hideous ones -- and making friends all around.

"Look here your highness... look here..." a young girl says as she tries to pull his sleeves. But there stands Vauhwyt once again! The little girl backtracks with a frightened look upon her face, but "Prince" Jack asks Vauhwyt to step aside so he can listen to the young girl. She leads him to a Mural on the left wall that displays a brave group of adventurers... the ones that are guarding him as we speak! Jack sees figurines or Vauhwyt, Dietrich, Vorelle, Olyn, Zayne - hmm we haven't seen him in a while haven't we?!? -, Rose, Teodore, Berlon and of a ninth figure that somehow resembles his true self...
"Oh" the little girl says "this last man is not here I see... too bad, but really your highness, I have seen them with someone else as well... you HAVE to believe me!" The young girl almost bursts out in tears as she realizes she probably made a mistake in her Mural.

Jack ... Prince... you'd better comfort this little girl.

(INTERMEZZO for Jack's reactions)

At least 15 minutes down the road they arrive at the Trade Square.
What's this! The roads are blocked!!

One man stands in front of the barricade and comes forward as he sees the Prince approach. Theodore recognizes this man to be Eystein, a leader of the merchants and a strong persuader to create the House of Merchants. (Eystein counter disguises spot 15 vs DC16)

" Greetings your highness. As you can see, you're not welcome here. We've decided to block our quarters for all till you have accepted our proposal to build the House of Merchants. Please turn away from here."

Suddenly out of the crowd a bunch of rotten tomatoes and eggs are thrown towards the prince and his guards!

2 rotten eggs are hitting Dietrich on the armor (hit ranged touch AC10 and AC20)
1 rotten tomato hits Olyn in the face (hits ranged touch AC14)
1 decomposing banana sees Theodore's back ideal for impact (hits ranged touch AC19)

The crows breaks out in laughter and sheers from joy! Eystein tries to keep his face in place and tries not to laugh as well.

Yup... the Prince sure ain't welcome here!

TIME: 3.45 PM -- the day before Mural Day
Alter self time left: 35 minutes

[ooc to Cayzle: why would the Alter self last only 30 minutes? The spell duration is 10min/level, and Jack has level 5. If I'm wrong please forgive me and correct me if you please. thanks.]

Dietrich, AC 18 
Monday November 28th, 2005 11:07:37 AM
Dietrich gets a little worried with all the people around and the reaction of the first guard. How much better would things have been, had they been able to get the Prince´s colaboration for the whole trick...
When he sees the guys running off, he immediately warns all his friends, including the mad one, and asks for some of the featheres friends to fly after the suspects. Maybe scouting Vorelle could follow them from a distant too.
As the group finally arrives at the merchants quarter and the crowd throws rotten stuff at them, the warrior gets really angry. He shouts:

"You &¨%¨&$! That´s the gratitude for saving this rotting place from the plague? Come forward and I´ll smash your foul teeth into the ground!"

But he knows the delicacy of the situation and keeps calm enough not to attack anyone.
"Friends, let´s take another way. Come!"


Olyn 
Monday November 28th, 2005 3:11:17 PM
wiping the fruit from his face, his cheeks redden. wanting to react, Olyn follows D's orders to stand down and move.

Vauhwyt 
Monday November 28th, 2005 3:14:08 PM
Vauhwyt casts a Prestidigitation, and in a moment all the garbage is wiped away from her friends. She maintains the spell to continue to clean up any thrown filth.

In her role as the Prince's guard, she says to Dietrich and Olyn, "My friends, I am concerned about the Prince's safety, too. But the decision must be made by the Prince. Perhaps the Prince will not choose to even respond to this insult. Or perhaps the Prince has an answer for this rascal." She nods to the "Prince" and obeys his orders.

A neutral observer might look at the liontaur and see a faithful subject who is respectful and enthusiastic about the Prince. But her friends might realize that in fact, Vauhwyt is very proud of the great job Jack is doing!

[OOC: If Jack is a level 5 caster who can cast Alter Self himself, then great! 50 minutes it is! But if he is using the scroll Vauhwyt bought, then the standard assumption is that the scroll is at caster level 3, the minimum at which Alter Self can be cast. With the scroll, I figure 30 minutes is all we get. Part of the confusion here comes from my utter ignorance about Mad Jack's class!]

ooc Inge: ahhh. Missed that indeed. Thanks for explaining Cayzle! 30 minutes it is!

Berlon 
Monday November 28th, 2005 7:02:34 PM
"Hmmm, we didn't really take into account public reaction, did we?" Berlon mutters to the rest of the group. He shrugs his shoulders. "It doesn't matter in the long run., I suppose."

If anyone else gets pelted, Berlon will clean them up with Prestidigitation, following Vauhwyt's lead.

OOC: Prestidigitation as per Gnome spell like ability.

Theodore and Macaw 
Monday November 28th, 2005 10:11:14 PM
Theodore brushes the rotten banana pieces from his robe, gagging on the smell. He stays with the group, moving on and trying to keep a low profile.

Vorelle  d20+10=11 d20+10=23 d20+10=22 d20+10=21
Monday November 28th, 2005 11:50:12 PM
Still drifting along to one side of the group, Vorelle keeps her eyes and ears open for anything more dangerous than rotten fruit.

[Spot 11, 23; Listen 22, 21]

Inge 
Tuesday November 29th, 2005 9:33:44 AM
I really need Prince Jack to post...

Great expectations... [Inge] 
Tuesday November 29th, 2005 12:05:51 PM
Suddenly all laughter falls silent. Olyn, Dietrich and Theodore manage to controle their anger and wipe of the smelly goo with help of a few spells...

The Prince though makes no movement...

This is beyond everyones exactations! The least you could expect is for the Prince to react! Vauhwyt nods to her "Prince" and awaits his orders.

Time slowly passes...

TIME: 3.44 PM -- the day before Mural Day
Alter self time left: 14 minutes

ooc: alter self spell lasts 30 minutes as Cayzle pointed out. So that means you only have 14 minutes left... And with the hesitation from the Prince you're wasting time!


Rose  d20+8=28 d20+5=23
Tuesday November 29th, 2005 3:10:57 PM
Rose continues to stay near Vorelle, looking around trying to see or hear something or someone that isnt right.

listen: 28, natural 20
spot: 23

Mad Jack 
Tuesday November 29th, 2005 5:38:46 PM
OOC Internet access can never go down when life is dull, always when you absolutely need it. My apologies to all.

--To the girl whose mural was wrongly depicted. "Ah my dear, you did paint him in, he will be so happy. He arrived very late, didnt help that much. But you have done a fine job on the rest. Thank you very much!"

As the merchant talks to Jack, Jack smiles his best smile. "Ah yes, the Merchant Guild. I wanted to allow it, but I am slow in deciding, because other guilds are offering quite large sums to not allow you in. Since we have a city to repair, that money will come in handy. So, you will need to come up with a larger payment to gain guild status." At saying these words, he turns to the crowd.

"My people listen, there are several things going on that need to be taken care of." Raising his hands above his head, and waving them vigoriously, he tries to get everyone attention. "I apologize for the lack of care that I have given you, my people, but i stated, many things are happening behind the scenes. Enjoy your day, and enjoy your holiday tommorow."

Looking to his companions, "So, the merchants will not 'allow' us entry. A batttle would be senseless."

Turning to go back the way they had come he announces to his people. "Apologize to those in the merchant quarter who I could not reach, because of their merchant guildmembers. I surely wanted to admire the murals there as well. Alas, guilds are for the good, and the bad" The last words he nearly spits out.

"On our way back. keep your eyes peeled, our enemies will of had time to set up an attempt." Jack continues back the way they had come.

Theodore and Macaw 
Tuesday November 29th, 2005 6:41:14 PM
Theodore doesn't say anything, following Jack's lead. He follows after the "Prince," throwing a cautious look over his shoulder, now and then.

Olyn 
Tuesday November 29th, 2005 8:33:10 PM
burps

ooc Inge: lol

Vauhwyt  d20+16=34 d20+8=18
Tuesday November 29th, 2005 9:08:34 PM
Vauhwyt follows Jack's lead and glowers at anyone who seems like they are about to toss more fruit. (Intimidate 34! Vauhwyt is on a roll!)

Secretly, she is relieved. Cutting out this quarter will save them a lot of time.

If it seems to her that the Jack's Alter Self spell is about to run out, she will have her second scroll ready to hand him. But she had hoped to save that for use later on in the evening, if needed.

She suggests in a secret message to Jack that maybe they should not try to go to the Merchant's Quarter, given the reception here at the Trade Quarter. (Bluff check 18 to send a simple secret message beats the needed 15.)

Vorelle  d20+10=21 d20+10=11 d20+10=19 d20+10=14
Tuesday November 29th, 2005 9:36:48 PM
With a kind of horrified awe, Vorelle watches Jack play to the crowd. Better him than me, is all she can think.

Still, she keeps her eyes and ears open for any signs of trouble.

[Spot 21, 11; Listen 19, 14. Vauhwyt's hogging all the good die rolls! :) ]

Dietrich ac 18  d20+4=16 d20+2=11
Wednesday November 30th, 2005 11:11:15 AM
Still angry at the crowd and the humiliation, DIetrich follows the lead of the "Prince", satisfied with the impersonation the new member of the party is doing.

He shows the way mapped out beforehand and keeps looking for trouble.
Spot 16; listen 11

The warrior just hopes that if an attack occurs, his friends keep calm and remember his suggestions for combat, not simply frontally running into the enemy.

NOOOOOO!!!!!.... [Inge]  (bolt Jack: d20+10=22 d6+2=8 3d6(1+3+5)=9 Bolt Prince: d20+5=25 d6+2=6 3d6(6+3+5)=14 d20+5=18)
Wednesday November 30th, 2005 12:21:19 PM
Prince Jack makes a fine display of royalty and is able to get the entire crowd to believe him! With a touch of delicacy he manages to insult the Merchants in a way most won't even understand they have been insulted. Eystein on the other hand closes his eyes so only little slits remain visible. He wants to speak up, but Prince Jack turns away from the crowd to continue his tour elsewhere.

Suddenly a man hooded in cloaks comes out of the crowd and simply disregards Vauhwyt's menacing presence. The crowd gasps as this man risks closing in on the Prince!

"WHAT do you think you are doing!"

That voice! That strangely familiar voice sends a shiver down your spine! How could he be so STUPID!!??!! Suran Corell... Prince of Thieves... RUINED EVERYTHING!!!!!

The man throws of his cloak and once again the crowd goes "OOOHHH". In front of them stands a second Prince! Out of the crowd a few of the Prince's men step forward, and you all recognize one of them as the one Vauhwyt scared away when you were leaving the Prince Sewer...

"What AUDACITY to walk around the city like THIS! You are not worthy to impersonate ME"

When things start to go wrong... they keep going wrong terribly...

Vorelle notices a few men act weird from the corner of her eyes. They are eyeballing each other with some sort of panic in their eyes and then they gaze to the western corner of trade corner... They appear to make some sort of signal!

Vorelle gives Rose a nudge, and both try to see what those men are looking for...

NOOOOO!!!!!!

The men Vorelle spotted turn away into the crowd and spread up mingling among the crows that gathered to see all that happened here. But from that western corner a venomous bolt veers towards the Jack... then a second aimed for the second Prince... the real one... with deadly accuracy...

Bolt 1 hits Jack AC22 for 8Hp + 9Hp sneak damage + POISON FORT SAVE DC14
Bolt 2 hits the Prince for AC25 -- NAT 20 / no Crit -- for 6Hp + 14Hp sneak damage + POISON

POISON: DROW poison DC14 save
Initial damage: Unconsciousness
Secondary damage: Unconsciousness for 2d4 hours

The Prince falls to his knees and is immediately surrounded by his guards who pick him up and start to drag him away back to the Prince's castle. They refuse to let anyone among you get any closer, and scowl any attempt to cure the Prince by claiming they have clerics of their own...

Jack on the other hand is left alone. Unmasked... Eystein is no where to be found anymore, nor are the men Vorelle noticed at first.

Vorelle and Rose notice the assassin run of towards a little alley. So does one of the guards (apparently the Prince's Lieutenant -- the one who saw through Jack's disguise) and he scowls at you all:

"GO CHASE THAT MAN IF YOU WANT TO DO AT LEAST ONE THING RIGTH!!!"

The assassin disappears in the small alley to the west. If you chase, make a spot and listen check to see if you can follow him.


Berlon (OOC) 
Wednesday November 30th, 2005 1:18:26 PM
OOC: A couple quick things before we start making posts...

How far away is the assassin from the group?

(Inge: as he made a sneak attack he sits at 29.5 feet away from you all - he tries to outrun you by going through a few alley's at a speed of 30ft.)

I don't know if it matters, but if Jack still has Olyn's Shield Other on him, he gets +1 AC (which I know I always forget about) in addition to Olyn taking half Jack's damage for him.

see Olyn's post

Rose 
Wednesday November 30th, 2005 2:32:14 PM
Rose starts running towards the alley. (of course she doesnt realize that the bolt that hit jack was poisoned)

DaveM OOC Post 
Wednesday November 30th, 2005 3:52:54 PM
Stupid ISP crashes. I missed out on God knows how much. I am posting this to let you all know I am still here, and I will catch up on what I missed, and try to get back ASAP. Why is it that there is always a crash during the holidays and it's always impossible to get somone to come in and check it out? (Ok venting there)

Sorry about holdong things up.



Mad Jack  d20+7=27 d20=2 d20=3
Wednesday November 30th, 2005 6:16:23 PM
OOC Sweet, nat 20 on fort roll.

Jack watches as the 'Prince' steps out of the shadows. What an idiot he thinks. The prince is his usual nice guy today. As the prince is talking, Jack just stands as stately as possible.

Jack feels something odd hit him, but it doesnt hurt that much. Then he sees the Prince slump to his knees, as a bolt appears in his body. Looking around he looks to see if Olyn had fired to early. No, he still has his loaded. Woo hoo, the plan worked and the assasin shows humself. Looking around at his comrades he sees Rose run off to an alley way.

"Follow Rose, she has his scent!"

The crowd is really confused and the situation needs to be difused quickly. Jack begins to wave his arms and ask for silence. Well, silence never arrives but when the roars is stifled a bit, he says, "Good people. Good people. We knew there would be an attack on the princes life today. Alas it is so. You have all seen it. We now need to search out the culprits. Calm your selves we shall find the perpetrator."

Smiling, he did not tell thecrowd who was the real prince, they would be talking about this for some time. Talk was good, maybe good would become of this.

Jack follows his friends after Rose

Spot 2 listen 3, guess my mind is on something else, hehe.

Theodore and Macaw HP 22/22 AC 17 (mage armor, dodge)  d20+2=8 d20+2=4
Wednesday November 30th, 2005 9:12:51 PM
As Jack moves past Theodore, the wizard touches him lightly on the shoulder to bestow some magical protection. Then he proceeds with the rest.

Macaw soars ahead after the fleeing attacker.

(Cast magic circle against evil on Jack. Lasts for 50 minutes)



Olyn  d8+2=4 d8+2=9
Wednesday November 30th, 2005 9:40:44 PM
*no, i casted it on Theo*

the group hears Olyn say aloud.

I told you so.

Olyn turns and shoots Jack with his cure light wounds wand (9 points-used hero point)then does something noone would expect him to do, he walks away saying: let the assassins have the Prince. he is better off dead and the city is better off without him.



Vorelle  d20+10=25 d20+9=17 d8+1=9
Thursday December 1st, 2005 1:24:44 AM
Even before the lieutenant gets all snarky, Vorelle pelts off in pursuit of the escaping assassin. Still not clear in her own mind why she stood around gaping like a tourist while the guy fired two shots, she resolves not to make the same mistake again.

[Spot 25. If she has a clear shot at the guy, she will take it. Hit AC 17 for 9 points damage.]

Vauhwyt (AC22, HP44) and Mookie (AC19, HP22) (Mage Armor, Unseen Servant)  d20+4=15 d20+4=18 d20+5=11 d100=15
Thursday December 1st, 2005 7:11:55 AM

[OOC: Vauhwyt rolled a 15 on the listen check and a 18 on the spot check]

Vauhwyt quickly takes it all in -- attacks on both Princes. The real one falls, the fake one stands ... and has the chutzpah to continue to bluff it out! Her admiration for Jack grows!

But the would-be assassin is running away!

IF VAUHWYT SPOTS THE ASSASSIN ========

-- If the assassin is within 80 feet and Vauhwyt has a straight line to him, then she charges and tries to grapple. First she tries to grab him with a successful melee touch attack. Her touch attack hits AC11 -- almost surely not a hit. But at least she ends the round right next to the enemy.

-- Else if the assassin is within 40 feet with no straight line to charge, then Vauhwyt moves 40 feet and tries to grab him, but fails.

-- Else if the assassin is farther than 40 feet away (with no clear line for a charge), then Vauhwyt uses a Double Move action (move 80 feet) or a Run action (move 160 feet) as needed to catch up to the assassin.

-- AND in all cases, , when Vauhwyt is done moving, Mookie perched on his Mistress uses the Unseen Servant to help pull a trick animal out of the Bag of Tricks ... rolls a 15 and gets a Wolverine (see below). If the assassin is nearby, Mookie tosses the fuzzy ball either right next to the assassin or on the far side, ahead of him.

IF VAUHWYT DOES NOT SPOT THE ASSASSIN ========

Vauhwyt grabs the broken arrow that hit Jack (move action). She follows after Rose, Vorelle, and Jack (second move action). After she has moved, Mookie uses the Bag of Tricks. Mookie commands the Wolverine to smell the arrow and TRACK.

=====

WOLVERINE

Medium Animal
Hit Dice: 3d8+15 (28 hp)
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares), burrow 10 ft., climb 10 ft.
Armor Class: 14 (+2 Dex, +2 natural), touch 12, flat-footed 12
Base Attack/Grapple: +2/+4
Attack: Claw +4 melee (1d4+2)
Full Attack: 2 claws +4 melee (1d4+2) and bite -1 melee (1d6+1)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Rage
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent
Saves: Fort +7, Ref +5, Will +2
Abilities: Str 14, Dex 15, Con 19, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 10
Skills: Climb +10, Listen +6, Spot +6
Feats: Alertness, Toughness, TrackB

=====

OOC: Vauhwyt will surely grapple the assassin if she can, so it might be helpful to post the assassin's grapple DC?

Zayne  d20+7=27 d20+8=21 d20+8=16 d20+1=7 d20+1=11 d20+1=8
Thursday December 1st, 2005 7:22:26 AM
Zayne choosing to let the crowd engulf him uses it to his advantage, and "hides". He is alert to anything unusual happening.
(Hide 27 Listen 21 Spot 16 *Str 8*
When the real prince gets shot he does his best to pursue, attempting to push his way out of the crowd.(Str 8 burned two hero points) Drawing one of his daggers, letting out a string of Dietriech's more colorful curses.

If he is able he is going to chase them down, and do his best to bring one or all in alive.

Dietrich AC 18  d20+4=18 d20+2=6 d20+4=12 d20+3=11 d20+4=12
Thursday December 1st, 2005 10:37:08 AM
Dietrich curses silently when he sees the real Prince arriving, doubting the man´s intelligence... Than chaos brakes out, as expected, and the warrior immediately runs after the assassin, Rose and Vorelle:
spot 18, listen 6

He looks out for other suspects (spot 12) and calculates possibilities of short-cuts and ways he could get actually in front of the fugitive, letting the guy bump into him.
local knowledge 11
military knowledge 12

Finally, the knight trys the so successfully used money-trick again:

"Catch the man! 100 gp for whoever catches the &¨%$#¨%"

GO GO GO!! CATCH THAT MAN!!... [inge] 
Thursday December 1st, 2005 11:10:39 AM
The moment Rose spots the assassin - dressed in a very dark blue cloak with the hood covering his head - she runs after him. So do Vorelle and Dietrich, and Vauhwyt can spot the assassin with some help from Rose and Vorelle. As they all engage in the chase Vorelle checks for a clear line of sight and fires at the assassin. Avoiding shooting either of her friends the bolt hits the man in his right leg. He cries out in pain and falls on the ground.

He turns around to see who shot him, and then sees the impressive body of Vauhwyt close in on him with great speed! This was not supposed to happen!!!

The man stumbles to his feet and makes a second attempt to outrun you, but Vauhwyt soon overruns him and attempts to grab him. Despite the pain the man obviously feels he dodges Vauhwyt's paws and continues running, almost certain all will be in vein.

To make things worse suddenly a Wolverine appears right in front of him! Blocking his escape route! The Wolverine snarls at the assassin and shows his menacing claws and fangs. Clearly the man wobbles on his legs! This was not supposed to happen!!!

Positions:
1) The Wolverine stands in the 5ft wide alley and blocks the assassins path.
2) the assassin
3) Vauhwyt stands right behind the man
4) Vorelle and Dietrich are all 10ft behind
5) Rose is 20ft behind

The assassin turns around to face Vauhwyt... his face covered by the dark blue cloak.

Olyn refuses to engage in the chase, and Prince Jack's doesn't appear to be too keen to ruin his nice outfit by going on a chase this time. Jack instead plays the crowd some more, and clearly they are confused as to who was shot really. But that other man was carried away by the Prince's men... for sure they would know who is the real one no? Or... was this all part of the charade?

(Zayne, I'm not really sure who you are chasing now. The assassin or the ones who carry away the real pRince? -- please go on with your chase no matter who it is you chase, but please be a bit more specific next turn -- thanks! - Glad you're back by the way!)


Berlon 
Thursday December 1st, 2005 11:55:52 AM
Berlon will make a 5' step closer to the fleeing assassin, then yell "Fall!" hoping his Command spell will work.

Command - range 35', duration one round, target save vs Will 14 or fall to the ground

Olyn - Invisible 
Thursday December 1st, 2005 8:58:21 PM
when out of sight from the crowd Olyn casts Invisibilty on himself (from his domain spells) and then rushes round-a-bout towards the direction where the other Prince went.

if he sees them he tails them as best he can. doing his best to be undetected even though he is Invisible.

if he doesnt see them he will go back to where the assassin made his attack and watch the crowd to see if any of them seem to be involved.

Vorelle  d20+9=12 d6+1=7
Thursday December 1st, 2005 11:15:45 PM
Seeing that the chase has become a melee combat, Vorelle puts away her bow. She moves the remaining 20 feet to the assassin, drawing her handaxes as she goes. She is careful to stay out of Vauhwyt's way, though.

[OOC: Too many actions this round to get an attack, but I rolled just in case there's an AoO. Vorelle would hit AC 12 (AC 14 if she's flanking) for 7 points damage.]

Vauhwyt (AC18 squeezed, HP44) and Mookie (AC19, HP22) (Mage Armor, Unseen Servant)  d20+11=24 d20+6=15 d20+2=16 d20+12=22 d4+2=6 d20+4=23 d20+4=10 d20-1=9 d4+2=3
Thursday December 1st, 2005 11:53:39 PM

Vauhwyt says to the assassin, "Give up now while you still can!"

Note that in the five-foot-wide corridor, Vauhwyt is squeezed. Check out the Squeezing rules on this page.
In some cases, you may have to squeeze into or through an area that isn't as wide as the space you take up. You can squeeze through or into a space that is at least half as wide as your normal space. Each move into or through a narrow space counts as if it were 2 squares, and while squeezed in a narrow space you take a -4 penalty on attack rolls and a -4 penalty to AC.

"I'll distract him, Boss!" says Mookie. The tiny bird makes a flying roll into the assassin's space (Tumble check 24 to avoid an AoO). Then he flaps at the man's face, distracting him (rolled a 15 to successfully Aid Another). Mookie's antics give Vauhwyt an opening (Mookie gives Vauhwyt a +2 to hit).

Vauhwyt uses Mookie's opening to reach out and grab the man. A Touch attack to grab (including Mookie's +2 and a +2 from the flanking Wolverine as well as the -4 squeezing penalty) hits AC16 (and that's a melee touch attack).

Then the liontaur tries to grapple him (if a 16 succeeds as a melee touch attack). Her grapple check beats a grapple DC 22 (probable success?) If it does, then she inflicts 6 hp nonlethal damage as she puts her arms around the fellow and squeezes.

Then the wolverine attacks the assassin. (Rules say that although if you shoot into a grapple there is a chance of hitting a friend, you can make a melee attack into a grapple with no chance of that happening. Moreover, the target loses his dex bonus.) The animal hits AC23 for 3 hp paw damage. A second paw and a bite miss.

Rose 
Friday December 2nd, 2005 2:41:34 AM
Rose is sort of hopping up and down trying to see what is happening.

Mad Jack 
Friday December 2nd, 2005 4:31:13 AM
Looking around, Jack finds himself alone. Well so much for protection. He will continue to play the crowd, hoping not to get killed.

Theodore and Macaw  d20+2=8 d20+2=10
Friday December 2nd, 2005 9:34:22 AM
Seeing that Jack is not taking up the pursuit, as well, Theodore stops his chase and returns to be by his side. Don't know what I can do, but I'll do it.

He tries to keep an eye on things. Macaw sticks with the mob after the would-be assassin, serving as Theodore's eyes.

(Spot 8, Listen 10)

Zayne 
Friday December 2nd, 2005 4:37:27 PM
(OOC: Oops, he will be chasing the assassin. Sorry fo not clarifying.)

Zayne will do his best to get out of the crowd and to the assassin.

Dietrich  d20+4=23 d20+8=21 d6+3=8
Saturday December 3rd, 2005 1:28:11 PM
Dietrich continues looking for other suspects (spot 23) and shouts to his friends:

"Don´t kill the *Y%* under any circumstances!"

Than he punches the guy with his heavy fist:
hits ac 21
9 non-lethal damage
(ooc: it´s actually +4 not +3. I´m not sure I calculated it right, please correct it if necessary)



ok! We got him!! [Inge]  (will save d20+2=22)
Monday December 5th, 2005 8:01:20 AM

(ooc Inge: sorry to have missed a post folks. Something came up at work that could easily disrupt my entire life next year so I missed a post. )

The command spell cast by Berlon doesn't seem to affect the assassin at all. He is more intimidated by the large liontaur in front of him, and the menacing Wolverine behind.

It starts to get pretty cramped in the little alley. Vorelle tries to squeeze past Vauhwyt but the liontaur is already pressed against the walls so Vorelle's only option would be to squeeze between Vauhwyt's legs. Mookie manages to harass the assassin some more and quite frankly... he doesn't seem to put up a lot of fight! He actually acts more like a coward or someone... inexperienced!

The assassins gasps as Vauhwyt puts her arms around him -- and you can tell it's definitely not because he enjoys Vauhwyt's hug... and the Wolverine opens up the mans cloak and armor from the back drawing blood from the use of its fangs. Four bloody marks cross the mans back and he yelps in pain. All this has caused the assassin to loose his cloak and suddenly his face is uncovered.

Vorelle Highlight to display spoiler: {As vauhwyt tries to grab hold of the assassin and he looses his cloak you suddenly catch a glimpse of his face... it's... Targo!}

Dietrich attempts to get passed Vauhwyt to land a heavy fist on the mans uncovered face, and only by somewhat climbing over Vauhwyt he could reach him and connects to the pour guy. (deducting a -4 as you are now also squeezes somewhat due to Vauhwyt you still hit him)

He falls limp into Vauhwyts arms. Unconscious. (all non lethal damage made him go below 0 Hp so he falls unconscious)

Outside the alley Prince Jack continues to play his role in front of the public. But time is running out and soon his alter self spell will end. Better get the hell out of there Jack!
Theodore notices Jack is not following and returns to him. Zayne on the other hand feels there could be one more in the little alley and walks in behind Rose who is hopping up and down to get a peak of what is going on in there. All they see is Vorelle trying to look between Vauhwyt's legs, and Dietrich half climbing over the liontaur hitting someone in the face... actually from this end of the alley it looks quite funny :-D

Olyn Highlight to display spoiler: { decides to try and find out what happens with the Prince. Once he's out of the crowd he turns invisible and tries to see where the guards are going. It's not really a big surprise for him to see they are taking the sewers back to the Prince's castle! The public in the other sewers have heard about all the commotion and are coming out of their houses to see what goes on. As they see the guards walking by with the Prince carried between them some gasp in shock... others have to conceal their faces to hide a wicked smile.

After a few moments they arrive at the Prince's castle and enter. Would you dare to enter the castle alone? Invisible ...ok... but would you dare to enter one of the best guarded dangerous places in the whole City? It's up to you...}


Vorelle 
Monday December 5th, 2005 8:56:09 AM
Now that the would-be assassin has been subdued, Vorelle scrambles backward out of the scrum. She retreats to where "Prince Jack" is standing. She seems quite preoccupied.

(ooc Inge: you did read your spoiler right? Just checking.)

(Hence the preoccupation.)

Zayne  d20+8=13
Monday December 5th, 2005 9:22:46 AM
Zayne will stop and look at Vauhwyt and then take a look down the ally for anything funny(Spot 13)

Theodore and Macaw 
Monday December 5th, 2005 9:59:04 AM
"We need to get you away from here," Theodore whispers to Jack. "Your spell will be wearing off shortly. Let's continue on with the plan and head towards the market like Vauhwyt suggested."

Dietrich  d20+2=16
Monday December 5th, 2005 11:56:25 AM
The warrior is glad they´ve got the assassin, if in fact that guy was the assassin... Pretty easily subdued he was.

Anyway, he climbs down from Vauhwyt´s back, apologizing, and searches the man for weapons, armour and anything suspect, specially poison pills! Search 16. If that is the attacker, he should at least have a crossbow.

Dietrich hopes someone trained binds the suspect and than returns to the "Prince". It just occurred to him, that two bolts were fired almost simultaneously, so where could be the other assassin?



Mad Jack 
Monday December 5th, 2005 7:08:02 PM
Jack looks at Theo, "Maybe plans should change a bit. If the spell wears off, all these good people may learn, if we tell them the great service we have done for the prince. Maybe the prince, will get more support from them now? What do you think?" Jack will start to walk in that direction though.

Olyn 
Tuesday December 6th, 2005 12:31:04 AM
will stay outside watching who comes and goes from the castle, making sure to watch the sides and rear as well.

Berlon 
Tuesday December 6th, 2005 1:02:15 AM
Berlon wrinkles his nose, annoyed that his spell didn't have the desired effect. He'll then move to catch up with the rest of the group.

Rose 
Tuesday December 6th, 2005 1:41:40 AM
Rose waits for the others to come out of the alley and wonders what is going on.

Vauhwyt and Mookie  d20+4=8 d20+2=9
Tuesday December 6th, 2005 6:22:48 AM
Vauhwyt carries the unconscious man out of the alley. She looks around for dangers (spot 8). Seeing none, she says to her friends, "Come let us stick to plan. Let us split up under cover of mist and regroup where we said we would."

Vauhwyt reads a scroll of Obscuring Mist, and then in the mists Casts Alter Self on herself (made scroll reading check easily). In minotaur form, she ties up the assassin and tries to discreetly carry the assassin with her as she makes her exit and heads for the market. Once there, she casts Silent Image from a scroll to create the illusion where there is none. The illusion of the merchant stall is big enough to conceal all her friends. She sits and concentrates on the illusion while looking for friends to arrive.

On with the plan! [Inge] 
Tuesday December 6th, 2005 11:51:46 AM
One by one the adventurers exit from the narrow alley. Dietrich gets back on the ground and appologises to Vauhwyt but she's too preoccupied with the assassin to notice the fighter. Vorelle appears to be in deep thoughts.

Theodore and Jack try to evaluate their best options while Dietrich searches the assassin for pills or other weapons. At first sight he can't find a thing and even by opening his mouth no dangerous pills can be found. Then what about his crossbow?!?

As Vauhwyt starts to leave the alley and checks the streets for trouble - besides all people looking at you you don't seem to see a lot - she conjures up a thick cloud of mist ... then as she starts to move out she hits her left paw against something that lies on the ground... there it is! A repeating crossbow! Probably this is the weapon used by the assassin.

Dispite the fact they allready have the assassin all decide to stick to the original plan and aided by the cover of the mists - mists that once again draw a few ooohs and aaaahs from the crowd - all leave this place and walk towards the Crescent Moon Market where they were supposed to meet the Prince on Mural Day.

Olyn continues to keep his watch outside of the castle. Apparently no one goes in and no one comes out... No sign of the Prince either.

Dietrich 
Tuesday December 6th, 2005 2:10:06 PM
After finding the repeating crossbow, Dietrich´s suspicions diminish a little and he sticks to the plan. He´s curious about the rare weapon and examines its mechanism.

The warrior is eager to interrogate the prisoner and hopefully find something out. He´s worried about the Prince, if the *&%&¨dies the consequences will be felt by the party.

Theodore and Macaw  d20+2=21 d20+2=4
Tuesday December 6th, 2005 2:55:04 PM
"We have gone with too many 'maybes' and 'what ifs,' my friend," Theodore whispers to Jack. "Rather than supposing, we should make haste to our final destination and have a serious talk about our next move."

The wizard tries to hustle the "Prince" away from the crowd. Macaw glides overhead, searching for any suspicious persons that might seek to impede their progress. (Spot 21, listen 4)

Mad Jack 
Tuesday December 6th, 2005 3:51:47 PM
Looking at Theo eye to eye, he says, Thats easy for you to say. As I remeber you didnt want to 'die'. I guess i am still willing to die for the cause. I hope Olyn makes it a clean shot."

Jack continues moving to the next destination of the plan.

Zayne  d20+8=21
Tuesday December 6th, 2005 5:35:57 PM
As they take the prisoner away he helps Vauhwyt as best he can, while keeping an eye out for more trouble.(Spot 21)

Vauhwyt and Mookie 
Tuesday December 6th, 2005 8:38:38 PM
Vauhwyt smiles at Zayne as she heads to the market. When she arrives, she makes sure that the assassin is well bound and gagged. She also searches for any capsule or secret vial of poison or any hidden weapons. She uses her illusion scroll to create a large illusionary stall in one corner. She hides in the stall and concentrates on maintaining the illusion.

She asks Zayne to keep an eye out for the others and bring them here when they arrive, trying to be as subtle as possible.

Mookie perches on the assassin, alert and silent for once.

Berlon 
Tuesday December 6th, 2005 11:22:27 PM
Berlon looks over the crossbow with Dietrich, as he has some familiarity with the weapon. He will, discretely as he can, cast Detect Magic to see if either the weapon, or anything else on the assassin, is magical.

Vorelle  d20+10=30 d20+10=19
Tuesday December 6th, 2005 11:56:13 PM
Vorelle sticks to the plan, and somehow is able to keep up her usual vigilant watch. She still seems troubled.

[Spot 30, Listen 19]

Olyn 
Wednesday December 7th, 2005 1:27:08 AM
continues watching in a secluded spot and when the invisibilty begins to wear off hell head back to the others.

Rose  d20+8=18 d20+5=15
Wednesday December 7th, 2005 5:12:30 AM
Rose stick near Vorelle as she keeps watch. Rose is a bit worried about Vorelle as she's been acting strangly.

listen: 18
spot: 15

Plans? [Inge] 
Wednesday December 7th, 2005 11:32:28 AM
Once at the market square Vauhwyt makes sure everyone is well concealed and teh assassin is gagged - he still unconscious anyhow! You gave him a few well aimed hits back there!

Dietrich and Berlon examine the assassin's weapon and besides obviously being well made there's no magic found on it.

(ooc. who's willing to keep track of all items you find and keep? So far you have a dagger of venom and this masterwork repeating light crossbow - i thought you all could use a little extra gold so I'm throwing in a few thingies here and there ;-) )

Theodore and Jack argue about showing the public Jack's in disguise.

(Decide what you will do by next turn for the alter self spell will be gone by then - either you take cover behind Vauhwyt's or you let the spell fade in public.)

Time slowly goes by and soon evening will start to fall. Olyn's fed up with waiting and once his spell is about to wear of he leaves the castle. Nothing happend back there.

(tell me what you will do. Will you spend the night in cover on the market square? Are you going to shoot Jack as planned earlier? Feel free to make multiple postings if you need to consider this over. Also what with the assassin?)

Dietrich 
Wednesday December 7th, 2005 2:37:12 PM
As the party succeded in making the enemy appear, Dietrich doesn´t consider it a good idea to continue with the alternative option.
Now it´s time to interrogate the captive.

The warrior presses the group to meet at a secure place, where they can discuss and listen to what the assassin has to say.

Theodore and Macaw 
Wednesday December 7th, 2005 3:54:31 PM
Theodore's face turns red at Jack's insult. "Yes, well, unfortunately, not all of us are hulking brutes like you. Some of us don't want to fight and die, but live and settle things through compromise. I know that's a hard concept to believe in a city such as this. Why would you want to die for a cause when you could live for one?"

He walks a few steps ahead of the "Prince" the rest of the way to the "stall."

Olyn 
Wednesday December 7th, 2005 6:06:53 PM
goes back to where everyone is.

The Prince was taken to his castle and noone went in or left that I saw.

I can only guess as to why he was out. Like I had warned everyone. He is going to blame Us for what went down. He's mad and we are going to be his Scapegoat. We have more popularity than he does. We saved the city, repeatedly and everyone knows it. And his ego is too big to let us live in the same city as he rules. His madness is such that he thinks we are after his title and will do anything and everything to make sure that never happens.

and you know I am right.

Vauhwyt and Mookie 
Wednesday December 7th, 2005 10:53:44 PM
Vauhwyt concentrates on maintaining the illusion, leaving only a little mental energy left over for talk.

"We said we would meet the Prince here in the morning. We have to keep our word. After that, we can go."

Berlon 
Wednesday December 7th, 2005 11:04:24 PM
Even though he's used crossbows for many years, Berlon seems a little confounded as to this weapon in front of him. "Maybe you ought to hold onto this," he says to Dietrich.

"Now now, Theo! We mustn't speak out of turn to the Prince, right?"

Vorelle 
Thursday December 8th, 2005 12:24:38 AM
"I-i-it was T-T-T-T-Targo," Vorelle says once everyone is together again. "Th-the m-m-man we c-c-c-caught was T-T-T-T---" Somewhat to her surprise, she then bursts into tears.

Mad Jack 
Thursday December 8th, 2005 2:03:39 AM
Noticing his words inflicted harm on Theo, he immediately apologizews.

"Hey Theo, I am new to the city, I dont have the same outlook on life here as you do. I aplogize for speaking the way I do. It is hard for me to follow someone who I do not respect. I hope you accept my apology. Jack continues to go on to his 'death'.

Waiting till dawn? [Inge] 
Thursday December 8th, 2005 9:37:55 AM
Theodore and jack suddenly find themselves in a heathed discussion behind Vauhwyt's summoned concealments. The liontaur does his best to maintain the illusion but it does not stop a few people that are passing by to gaze strangely at the cover for they hear Theo and Jack argue!

Luckily Berlon falls in and finally Jack apologises to Theodore. Pfew!

Dispite the fact that Dietrich feels they ought to question the assassin first in private Vauhwyt does not want to leave this place and wants to wait for the Prince in the morning. Olyn shares his concerns that teh Prince will not put the blame on them for sure!

Rose still wonders why Vorelle is acting weird and almost as if she felt it Vorelle blurts out what somewhere deep down you all expected...

"It's Targo!"

Vorelle's tears soon cover her face.

Now what? It sure ain't going to be a comfortable night behind this hastly conjuers cover, and somewhere during the night Targo could wake up.

TIME: Let's say it's 17.00 by now - the day before Mural Day

Dietrich  d20+4=19
Thursday December 8th, 2005 3:03:39 PM
Dietrich doesn´t feel at all comfortable in the open; from where the poisoned bolts came, there could come others... He keeps the weapon, as Berlon recommends and takes a closer look at the bolts (military knowledge 19).

Than he hears Vorelle and, frowning, wonders why she is crying. Silently he thinks:
"What is it with these women? We got the ¨%#¨%, great!"

The warrior is quite satisfied with the news and slashes the prisoner in the face to make him wake up, looking down on him with his scar- marked face and cold grey eyes.

"Wake up ¨%$#%!!"

Vauhwyt 
Thursday December 8th, 2005 6:31:41 PM

Vauhwyt shushes her noisy friends. "Hush! If you have to be noisy, or you want to talk to the assassin, use this Rope Trick scroll I bought! This is supposed to be an empty stall, so keep it down! Silent, like!" She hands the scroll to anyone who can use it.

When Vorelle makes her revelation, Vauhwyt almost loses her concentration! "That's Targo!" she hisses in a whisper. She hands Vorelle a hanky. (actually, it's a pillowcase, but it will do.)

When Vorelle has her composure back, Vauhwyt says to her in a whisper, "You have some choices, my old friend. We can let him go, or we can kill him, or we can turn him over to the Prince. Whatever you want to do, I'll back you up. If I were you, I'd plant a dagger in his neck and end it quick-like. The Wold -- and your heart -- will be better off with him gone."

Zayne  d20+5=19 d20+5=6
Thursday December 8th, 2005 6:38:00 PM
(OOC Stupid thunderstorms, can't have the computer on because of all stupid lightning.)

Zayne asks, "Does anyone have any rope? I left mine at the ladie's apartment." (If he gets some Use Rope 19)

** If there is no rope he will grapple with the assassin if needed.(Grapple check of 6)

Vorelle 
Thursday December 8th, 2005 8:01:04 PM
At Vauhwyt's words, Vorelle looks down at the bound, unconscious form. Could she really do it? Kill him while he lay there, helpless?

Yes, she decides, she could. The Wold would be a better place without Targo in it. The point, though, is: Would it help their current situation? And that, she doesn't know.

She hesitates, one hand on the axe at her side, considering. "Wh-what will the P-P-P-Prince say?" she finally asks in an undertone.

Theodore & Macaw 
Thursday December 8th, 2005 9:43:45 PM
Theodore regards Vorelle in silence. His friend is obviously having a difficult time with this revelation. He holds his tongue during Vauhwyt's suggestion to kill Targo and Vorelle's indecision.

She speaks up, asking for advice. Theodore offers some. "We are deeply enmeshed on the Prince's bad side. I think the only ace we hold is Targo."

Theodore squats beside the others and quietly incants some magical words, waving his hands back and forth, a bit of fleece in his right. An image of the Prince appears standing with arms folded over his chest staring down at the prone Targo. The Prince lifts cold penetrating eyes to survey the rest of the group.

"Think hard, everyone," whispers Theodore, still maintaining the spell. "If we go against the Prince, we must leave Dirt City. I believe he honestly has the City's best interest at heart. He's a bit unorthodox, but I still maintain that he is a good person. But whatever we decide, we must decide as a group. We only hurt ourselves by acting outside of the group. I vote for handing over Targo and proceeding with the plan tomorrow, unless the Prince asks otherwise. However, I will agree with the consensus."

Theodore leaves the image of the Prince standing patiently, as if also waiting on the party's decision.



Olyn 
Thursday December 8th, 2005 10:49:53 PM
sits there and shakes his head without saying a word.

Vauhwyt and Mookie 
Friday December 9th, 2005 12:24:54 AM
The liontaur speaks softly and calmly. Her demeanor is more serious maybe than any of her friends can remember.

"This Targo is an evil scoundrel. Who knows what calumny he would spread were he to talk to the Prince. But more to the point, he is a rot that infects our wounds. His swift death would be cleansing, and more merciful than he deserves. Once the rot is cut out, healing can begin. Closure follows justice, and then life can go on."

Mookie, catching his mistress's mood, is silent as he perches on Targo's chest.

"As for the Prince," Vauhwyt continues, "We tell him the assassin died trying to escape. Does anyone have a problem with that?"

Berlon 
Friday December 9th, 2005 9:06:40 AM
Berlon is concerned for Vorelle and confused by Theodore, but doesn't fully understand either. "We need to decide quickly what to do..."

Dietrich 
Friday December 9th, 2005 9:45:32 AM
As the guy doesn´t wake up with his slashing, the warrior kicks him.
Dietrich is definitely and strongly against killing this Targo right now:

"Friends, I don´t know who this Targo is, and probably he deserves for Vorelle to cut his throat, but in the current situation we really need his information. We don´t know who´s sent him, maybe it was even the Prince himself! We have to press him and get the names of who is behind the assassination attempt, before anybody else gets this info.

I also agree with Theo about having the Prince alive. Despite all madness, better him in power than chaos or even worse people.

You can send him to GArgul after the interrogation, one more day of his foul existence won´t hurt anyone."

Rose 
Friday December 9th, 2005 11:53:00 AM
Rose gives Vorelle a hug and when she bursts out crying and glares at Targo before saying

"I think we should give Targo to the Prince. Then the Prince can get the names of those behind the plan to assinate him and I'm sure that Targo will be executed as well as those he names. I dont want to get on the Prince's bad side, all of my family lives here in the city and I dont want to leave and never be able to come back. Also if the Prince dies the next person in charge of the city may punish my family for my working for the Prince."


Mad Jack 
Friday December 9th, 2005 1:02:34 PM
Jack sits there in silence.

Vauhwyt and Mookie 
Friday December 9th, 2005 8:03:31 PM
"The choice is Vorelle's."

Vorelle (illegal second post) 
Friday December 9th, 2005 8:14:38 PM
Sighing, Vorelle replaces her axe. Her friends are right. Targo may have valuable information.

"W-w-we sh-sh-should t-t-take him to the P-P-P-Prince. R-r-r-right away," she decides.

Send him to the Prince... [Inge] 
Saturday December 10th, 2005 5:51:26 AM
Vorelle's revellation shocks most. Rose tries to comfort her friend, and Vauhwyt gives a large siwed hanky to her friend. As to decide what to do with Targo the group seems to be in disagreement.

Vauhwyt would prefer to slice the thug's throat! Theodore prefers to keep him alive and tries to remind everyone how the Prince would react if they simply kill this man and would take him to the Prince.

In the end Dietrich probably has the best remarks ready... Who sent this man? Why did they send him? You don't know! Killing him right away will probably make you all loose quite valuable info...

Behind the hasty conjured cover the discussion goes on. Luckily Vauhwyt has warned everyone to stay as quiet as possible.

The slaps Dietrich has sold to Targo gradually bring Targo back to this Wold... His eyes dart from one to the other in fear. The his eyes stay focused on Vorelle...

"Vorelle..."

Vorelle 
Saturday December 10th, 2005 10:02:19 AM
Vorelle turns away. Targo can't possibly say anything she needs to hear right now. "B-b-b-bring him to the P-P-P-Prince," she repeats.

Olyn 
Saturday December 10th, 2005 3:07:46 PM
agreeing with Deitrich he kneels beside Targos saying: answer his questions, truthfully for I will know when you are lying, or we will let the Wemic sit on your head after I enlarge her with this. (shows wand of enlarge, received for LnB lotto win)

Theodore and Macaw 
Sunday December 11th, 2005 6:26:55 PM
"I am not adverse to questioning for a few moments before we hand him over to the Prince. However, we must make it quick."

pfff... what a whimp! [Inge]  d20=17 d20=6 d20=12 d20=11 d20=19
Monday December 12th, 2005 10:59:13 AM
As Targo adresses Vorelle she turns away in disgust. There's nothing this man can say that will make her help him!

Theodore agrees with Olyn that they need to interrogate this man as soon as possible. Olyn's intimidating look and threats of the Liontaur sitting on top of Vorelle shocks Targo a lot. He stammers and shakes his head wildly.

"no no no... don't.. I will tell all I know... don't make this... this... this thing sit on top of me... please... Vorelle... Vorelle!..."

Pfff... first threats and this guy allready gives in!

A small group of merchants walks by the empty booth and look at it wondering who could have opened a new booth here. Two of them frown as they seem to hear voices... They stop and seem to listen carefully, looking around hoping to find the owner of the booth...


Dietrich  d20+4=11
Monday December 12th, 2005 1:36:43 PM
Dietrich wonders what the brave ranger could possibly have to do with the scum they are interrogating, but that is a question for later..
He suggests to Vorelle:
"Vorelle, could you please take a round of scouting, we are uncomfortably in the open here, your skills would be valuable."

The warrior is satisfied with the effect of Olyn´s threat and adds menacingly:
"Speak calmly. Who has given you the task of attacking the Prince? We want all names! And what for? What would you personally gain from it?"

aid another intimidation: 11



Mad Jack 
Monday December 12th, 2005 6:00:01 PM
Since his disguise was all gone, Jack finds himself useless in this spot. Knowing that he can get the inormation from the Targo fellow if he has a chance to interrogate him, he figures his friends wont let him. The voices outside their stallhave stopped and dont look to be moving on. Seems like he could take kare of the situation.

Moving out of the so called booth, and the protection of the spell, Jack moves over to the passersby.

"Hello, hello. Sorry for the late entry into the festivities, but i have recently arrived with my caravan just in time for the festival. I was able to get this stall, only by paying much more than its worth, if you know what i am saying. No, no, I will not give the secret of what I sell away until tommorro, you will need to show up just like the rest. Now, go along with you, no loitering. I will give you discounts on the morrow, now be off I have work to do." Jack herds them away from the tent, and then keeps a watchful eye out for anyone else, lurking where they shouldnt.

Rose 
Monday December 12th, 2005 7:25:29 PM
Rose stays close to Vorelle.

Theodore and Macaw 
Monday December 12th, 2005 10:33:42 PM
Seeing that Jack has emerged to divert the attention of passerbys, Theodore remains squatting, eager to hear any information Targo might have.

Seeing as Targo was unconcious when Theodore called forth the image of the Prince, Theodore keeps his concentration on the image. The highest authority of the city is staring down at Targo with hate filled eyes.

Vauhwyt and Mookie 
Monday December 12th, 2005 11:44:13 PM

Vauhwyt listens carefully to Vorelle. She hears whatever Targo has to say.

Then she says, "Okay, let's bring him to the Prince. Agreed?"

Vorelle  d20+10=25 d20+10=30
Monday December 12th, 2005 11:50:22 PM
[OOC: Inge, I think the word you're after is "booth." :)]

[Inge ooc: ah yes indeed Loretta! thanks a lot for pointing this out to me! Word did not underline boot as being incorrect... thanks again ]

Glad to be doing something, Vorelle makes a quick circuit of the area, eyes and ears open.

[Spot 25, Listen 30]

Berlon 
Tuesday December 13th, 2005 12:01:15 AM
"Make sure he talks," Berlon whispers to Dietrich, "just not too loudly."

He will then assist in shooing away anyone that gets too close.

Have you registred to the Guild?!? [Inge] 
Tuesday December 13th, 2005 11:48:28 AM
While most are trying to interrogate Targo, Dietrich notices Vorelle's acting weird so he asks her to scout the surroundings. Vorelle seems eager to accept this welcome task and comes out from behind the booth. Jack also leaves from the cover of the booth with her and turns to the merchants that were looking suspiciously at this new place.

Jack once again manages to play the crows wonderfully. They cast suspicious looks at this man who is rather dressed like a fighter than as a merchant but when they heard about a discount their eyes grew bigger!

Most of the merchants standing by are pleased enough by Jack's answer and especially the sound of a discount rings in their ears.

However one of them steps in closer disregarding Jack's efforts to lead them away from the booth.

"Say, mr. new merchant, I haven't seen you listed in our books... have you registred to the Guild?"

Behind the booth Targo spills his guts.
"I was asked to do this. It was a chance for me to break free from Grubber Town. To be someone. I was paid by the House of Knives. I was supposed to meet them after shooting the Prince in a tavern and would be accepted in their House if I succeeded...
Please don't send me to the Prince... he deserves it... I bet you agree. I'll take you to the Pub..."



Dietrich  d20+4=11
Tuesday December 13th, 2005 2:34:34 PM
The warrior is quite satisfied mad Jack took care of the nosy crowd. "¨%$% place, always someone looking at what you´re doing."

He´s also happy Vorelle goes for the scouting. Her eyes looking after possible dangers make him feel more secure, and, if, as it seems, she had anykind of feelings towards this piece of ¨&%*&¨Targo, Dietrich feels more comfortable with the interrogation without her presence...

Than he sees Theo´s ilusion and is surprised. Hopefully it´ll have a "positive" effect on the prisoner.

Dietrich pays special attention to the man´s behavior, trying to discover if he´s lying (sense motive 11). When the guy says something about leading the party to the pub with the contractors, Dietrich gets quite interested.

"Hum, maybe we shouldn´t be too hasty in delivering this thug to the Prince. It´s our duty to discover what´s going on. And it´s much better for our own skins too!"



Mad Jack 
Tuesday December 13th, 2005 6:42:02 PM
"Well of course I made paynebt to the guild." Leaning closer to the man so only he can hear, "We are to take care of that tommoro, the tresurer had no time this evening.'

Stepping back from the man, Jack roves his eyes around to all the other boothkeepers. He will nod and wave uf anyone shows any interest.

Vauhwyt 
Tuesday December 13th, 2005 7:23:43 PM
Vauhwyt's mind is made up. "I agree with Vorelle. We need to take him to the Prince. This scum can tell us nothing else useful. Come on, everybody. Let's go."

Olyn 
Tuesday December 13th, 2005 8:56:26 PM
All that is going to happen when we turn him over to the Prince is cause this fellow his death and put the Ptrince in a frenzy to destroy the House of Knives. I say we take his someplace safe and keep him hidden, then head to the House of Wolves, for they are our friends, and ask their leader for direction. We dont want to go alienating ourselves with a house especially one like the Knives. Perhaps we can use this new information to our benefit. A ace in our deck persay and by going to those who can help us better in this matter sounds like the smarter thing to do.

Theodore and Macaw 
Tuesday December 13th, 2005 9:48:52 PM
The image of the Prince draws his rapier and taps his boot, his eyes piercing those of Targo's. "The Prince is already here," says Theodore. "Tell us everything now and he will spare you."

Vauhwyt 
Tuesday December 13th, 2005 11:05:49 PM
The liontaur smiles broadly, and around her sharp teeth, her words are a little thicker in her accent than usual. She whispers so that Targo will not hear.

"Perrhaps you do not understand, frriend Olyn. This is Vorelle's personal enemy, and she is the one who chooses the course of action to take with this prisonerr. She has said that she would like us to bring him to the Prrince. Personally, I would like to see Vorelle put a knife in this fellow, or failing that, I'd like to kill him myself. But Vorelle says we're taking him to the Prince, so that's what we're doing. The only question that remains is this -- who wants to come with me to deliverr the scum?"

Vauhwyt waits to see if Theo's bluff gets Targo to spill any more information. Then, after he is done, she cancels the illusion and picks up Targo, hoisting him like a large sack of flour. With a glance at Vorelle to see that the ranger is set, she is clearly about to head off.

Olyn ~ 2nd 
Wednesday December 14th, 2005 12:18:40 AM
All of us have personal enemies. You dont see me demanding his head on a platter. I'm sorry Vorelle has been put in this situation but this is not the time and place to settle the score, especially when it will have consequences to the rest of us. And dropping him off to the house of wolves would be more painful to him than the Prince, being he'd just slit his throat. Perhaps if she told the Wolves who he is in relation to her they'd let her do the vile deed. But I dont see Vorelle as a murderer nor should you.

I'll tell you this though. If we do take him to the Prince and everything comes to light like I know it will. Don't be suprised of the consequences.

Vorelle 
Wednesday December 14th, 2005 1:44:46 AM
Vorelle hesitates, unsure how to explain to the others how potentially explosive the situation is. "I-I have t-t-t-t-ties to h-him," she says, indicating the bound Targo. "Th-the P-P-P-Prince may kn-kn-know. I-i-if we t-t-t-t-try to c-c-c-c-conceal h-him..." she breaks off, uncertain how to continue.

"W-we n-n-need to t-t-take him to the P-P-P-Prince. It's t-t-t-too d-d-d-dangerous to d-d-d-do anything else."

Vauhwyt (illegal *third* post, sorry) 
Wednesday December 14th, 2005 6:37:44 AM
"Vorelle is the most loyal of all of us, and she never asks for anything. This is the first time I remember her really being so sure about something. It is the least we can do."

"Frankly, if she asked us to stand on our heads in an undersewerr, I would be for it."

Mookie sticks his head our of the pouch in which he had been stuffed. "Boss, I think you got some sewage on the brain!"

Igoring the bird, Vauhwyt continues, "but in fact what Vorelle is saying is also the only thing that makes sense. Surre, I would prefer to kill this dastard, but we are loyal to the Prince before we are loyal to anyone else in this foul town, except maybe the Temple of Ward. We have to bring this villain to the Prince because it is the right thing to do and because if we don't, he'll have our hides."

Mookie pipes up, "Your hide is pretty sweet, Boss. So's your move silent."

"Hush up, Mookie!"

Decide my friends ... [Inge] 
Wednesday December 14th, 2005 11:29:51 AM
"A payment?..." the merchant says to Jack "yes yes, the payment. Ok, I'll leave you now. Pleasant Mural Day to you"

The merchant looks suspiciously to Jack and joins his friends who are walking away from the booth. Jack can tell he doesn't seem to believe a thing Jack told him.

Behind the fake booth discussions go on about what to do with Targo.
Vorelle hears shards of their conversation and asks them to hand him over to the Prince.

With pure fear in his eyes Targo watches the figment of the Prince in front of him. He gasps and says once again: "I told you I was hired by the House of Knives in exchange for a chance to become a member of their House. I am not told why they wanted the Prince dead."

Olyn, Dietrich and Theodore seem to be reluctant to give away this ace in their hand. After all you were asked to investigate this assassination plot! Guess this is the closest you could get to the truth! Olyn mentions council of the House of Wolves yet bumps into Vauhwyt on this toppic.

Vorelle and Vauhwyt seem determined to bring this man to the Prince dispite the fact that Dietrich, Olyn and Theodore stress multiple times that that would certainly mean Targo's death and who knows what other consequences this will lead to.
The Prince will surely execute Targo - much to Vorelle's satisfaction it seems - and he will probably retalliate against the House of Knives. Still... he will most likely be very thankfull to you for having found who is behind all this, and let's face it... you all could do with a little gratitude from the Prince....

Vauhwyt grabs Targo like a rag doll and prepares to take Targo to the Castle. Vorelle is standing next to her.

Decide my friends.

OOC Inge: May I thank you for this multiple postings.
Indeed you need to communicate more with eachother. This module is not high on fighting encounters, but it is high on intrigues and decisions. Your skills to work together and solve the mysteries in Dirt City are the most important things in this strange module. You either hate such a module with little fighting or you love it. I hope you all like it. The decisions you make will influence this City. You need to remember this. Think about how the Prince will react if he hears that you caught the assassin but not bring him to him... yet on the other hand... how will the House of Knives react if you hand Targo to the prince? What will the House of Wolves say if they learn the House of Knives did this?!? Think about your actions and know that this City is filled with intrigues, mysteries and danger. Choose your friends wisely and consider who you make your enemies due to that.

Just liked to chat a little about this module :-)

Olyn 
Wednesday December 14th, 2005 12:25:03 PM
*not influenced by Inge's ooc, had this post planned already*

You claim our allegiance is to the Prince but the Prince has shown on 2 occassions his friendship to us is naught but a whim to him. He is still sore at us for sending the Platinum Dragons to "talk" to him. Threaten more like it. And if anything we have seen, he doesnt take to being threatened. If the knives truly wanted the Prince dead, he'd be dead. And without anyone ever knowing it. You ever think about that? It's too convenient that this Targos person, who has ties to one of our group, was involved in the plot to "assassinate" the Prince and he did it so openly that even Jeraldh's son could of spot it across the square.
There is alot of forces going on with this attempt and I feel that turning Targos to the key player in all of this is the worst possible thing we can do. I say the best bet is the Wolves. They will know what to do, who to confront and will know how to keep US safe.

turning to Vorelle:
Why does it matter who we turn him over to, either way your "justice" against this fellow will be dealt with.
And why exactly is this fellow your sworn enemy?





Berlon 
Wednesday December 14th, 2005 12:26:39 PM
"I agree with Vauhwyt. The simplest solution is usually the best. Bring this scum to the "Prince" and it will be that much sooner that we can end this manipulation and foolishness."

He goes to put his hand near Vorelle's shoulder, but thinks better of it, stopping a few inches short. "We also owe it to Vorelle."

Dietrich  d20+3=15
Wednesday December 14th, 2005 12:27:12 PM
Dietrich is a little annoyed that the discussion is getting hot, and he certainly doesn´t like Vauhwyt´s impulsive action of simply taking the prisoner to the Prince now.

"Hey friends, calm down!
I understand Vorelle and don´t have a problem at all with you setting your problems right, neither with delivering this scum to the Prince, but why this hurry??

The guy gave us some info, maybe they´re just lies! Also, he said he would meet the contractors at a pub, why not go there? Actually, we need to find out more!
Not only the fate of the Prince is at hand, not only our own fate and Vorelle´s and Rose´s relatives fate, but the fate of the whole CIty! If we precipitate a civil war, the consequences could be worse than the plague! (diplomacy 15)

Let´s make a compromise. We go check his info and after that we give him to the Prince. I would like to consider Olyn´s option, but better not risk too much with this crazy Prince. And I don´t trust the Wolves either."

Mad Jack 
Wednesday December 14th, 2005 7:11:28 PM
Continues his vigilance of the hidden booth. Now voices are being raised even more, and the booth gets more strange looks. Well, as long as noone asks, noone needs to know.

Vauhwyt 
Wednesday December 14th, 2005 7:57:25 PM

The liontaur says, "Well, going to the tavern is risky, but not without potential rewards. If we meet with the enemy, the Prince my suspect our loyalty even furtherr. And yes, he's been a jerk lately."

"I'll second that," says Mookie.

Ignoring the bird, Vauhwyt continues, "But he's still our Prince."

She pauses. "Anyway, its a moot point. I'll stick with whatever Vorelle wants to do." She looks at her friend patiently.

Theodore and Macaw 
Wednesday December 14th, 2005 8:49:19 PM
All the talk about taking Targo to the Prince while the "Prince" is right there defeats the purpose of Theodore's image, so he dismisses it.

"I can make an illusion," he says to the others, not taking his eyes from Targo. "An illusion of our friend here. If he gives us the name of pub, I can create an illusion. I can't make him speak, but seeing Targo should be enough to draw a reaction from those he's supposed to meet. Then we can pounce."

"But first, let us turn the real Targo in to the Prince. While it is not an advantageous choice, it is our best choice."

Vorelle 
Wednesday December 14th, 2005 11:33:46 PM
When Olyn asks what advantage the group would get turning Targo over to the Prince, Vorelle says simply, "We'd g-g-g-get to l-l-l-l-live. P-p-p-p-probably." When he asks why Targo is her enemy, she doesn't answer, merely looking troubled.

As the debate rages, she begins to look more and more frustrated. Finally, she interrupts, shaking her head. "You d-d-d-don't g-g-g-get it," she says, speaking about as loudly as she ever has. "The P-P-P-P-Prince will b-b-b-b-blame me for th-th-this. " She gestures toward Targo. "I-- H-he-- W-w-we--" She closes her eyes. "W-w-we're m-m-m-married."

Vauhwyt and Mookie 
Thursday December 15th, 2005 12:09:53 AM

Mookie caws in surprise at Vorelle's words. "YOU'RE --"

Whatever he had in mind to say is cut off as Vauhwyt stuffs him in her pouch.

Calmly, she says, "Theo, great idea. We go to the Prince and drop off the assassin now, and go to the tavern and meet his contacts with an illusion laterr."

"I have a seal that lets ALL of us be invisible for a short time. We can use that and Theo's illusion to draw out the real villains. They might not approach a fake Targo if he were among us, but if it seems he is alone, surely he will be approached."

Olyn 
Thursday December 15th, 2005 12:13:38 AM
*blinks*
*blinks again*
*blinks a 3rd time*

You and this fellow (pointing to Targos) are married???

Rose 
Thursday December 15th, 2005 2:54:17 AM
Rose has been listening to the debate and jumping over Vauhwyt's tail as it lashes about. "Come on! Lets take him to the prince before the prince gets really mad."

Then Vorelle makes her announcement and Rose stops jumping Vauhwyt's tail and turns to face Vorelle. THWAP Rose gets hit in the back with Vauhwyt's tail but doesnt notice MARRIED!! HOW CAN YOU BE MARRIED?!" Rose yells startled then continues much quieter "You're to young to be married."

Vorelle (second post) 
Thursday December 15th, 2005 9:32:06 AM
The tears begin to fall again as Vorelle faces her friends' astonishment. She tries to find some way to explain. "I-I-I d-d-d-d-didn't w-w-w-want to," she says.

Rose (2nd post) 
Thursday December 15th, 2005 12:53:39 PM
As Vorelle starts crying Rose runs up and gives her a big hug, another handkerchief, and glares at Targo. "Don't worry as soon as we can we'll make sure he'll never bother you again."

Vauhwyt 
Thursday December 15th, 2005 1:33:24 PM
Vauhwyt makes sure Targo is gagged (in case he isn't) and puts a pillow case on his head.

She walks off a little ways out of earshot, drops her prisoner, and sits down to wait. She starts to take out her spear, wanting to poke someone, but remembers that drawing weapons is illegal underground. So she settles for sharpening her claws on the bound man lying underpaw.

Dietrich 
Thursday December 15th, 2005 2:39:08 PM
At Vorelle´s revelation, Dietrich swallows and just contains his swearing. "By...!"

The fighter is really surprised and shocked by the idea of seeing Vorelle married to that piece of &$%&* and he´ll have to stop and think a little, before forming a position about what they should do.
Olyn´s earlier comments about the convenience of this "assassination" attempt for the Prince make even more sense now and caution is specially needed.

Theo´s idea sounds good, but the party would have to extract some more information of the prisoner to make it realistically, such as code-words, description of the contacts, etc.
Also, if Olyn is right, the problems could start directly from the delivery of Targo to the Prince...

"I still think we discover more about what is going on first, and than act accordingly."


"W-w-we're m-m-m-married." [Inge] 
Thursday December 15th, 2005 4:51:49 PM
Olyn marks the "conveniences" in this whole mess that from all people of Dirt City Targo - who seems to have ties to Vorelle - was chosen to perform this act. You could almost swear it 'suits' the Prince!
He sticks to his prior ideas of sending Targo to the Wolves to ask for guidance. All now happens very fast...

Olyn turns to Vorelle asking her: "Why does it matter who we turn him over to, either way your "justice" against this fellow will be dealt with. And why exactly is this fellow your sworn enemy?

While Olyn is watching Vorelle closely the others continue discussing Targo's fate and where their allegiences are. Dietrich wants to get more informations, Vauhwyt agrees to whatever Vorelle decides, Berlon agrees with vauhwyt and Theodore wants to send a figment of Targo to meet with the Knives in order to extract more information... but... suddenly Vorelle's words blend in the conversation...

A shockwave goes through the party as Vorelle cracks and speaks the words she feared most. "W-w-we're m-m-m-married."

The words ring in your ears and everyone is completely taken off guard. At first you seem unable to grasp the size of this revellation! This was something unexpected!

All suddenly turn on Vorelle asking - no almost shouting - why in the name of the two suns of the Wold she is married to this low life piece of scum! Vorelle bursts out in tears.

In the corner of the booth Targo casts a wicked smile on Vorelle... apparently his wife... and snears: "They didn't know! My my my... They didn't know... hahahaha"

But then he suddenly is gagged and picked up by Vauhwyt who menacingly draws her spear! Targo shrinks to nothing his eyes wide like a maniac!

Now what?!? Dietrich seems to be the first to overcome from this shock and tries to get his mind on the business again. He likes Theo's idea to extract more info from the Knives...

Jack still walks outside the booth and suddenly hears Rose shouting "MARRIED!! HOW CAN YOU BE MARRIED?!"

Several faces turn to see what goes on behind the booth, but Jack makes clea to them that he does not want anyone to come any nearer...

Now what...

Theodore and Macaw 
Thursday December 15th, 2005 9:33:36 PM
"We need at least to know which pub he intends to visit," Theodore agrees with Dietrich. "Otherwise we won't know where to go."

Mad Jack 
Thursday December 15th, 2005 10:49:47 PM
To all the onlookers, Jack says, 'oh you are all in for a treat!!1 We have travelled far, and seen many things. On the morrow we will show you secrets from other places, that will, really, make your dreams seem trifle." He continues directing traffic as best he can from the booth and the voices carried from within. Did he hear that right Targo and Vorelle married. Interesting, but doesnt change the situation, Targo will still pay, if not at the princes hands, at Jaks. He smiles broadly at the thought. Happier now than at any other time since entering this city.

Olyn 
Thursday December 15th, 2005 11:01:42 PM
whispering to Dietrich, I need to go get some information so whatever you do stall them from taking Targos anywhere.

Olyn reaches into his pouch at his side and removes a Vial. opening the vial of milky blue liquid
he swallows it all, and as he drops the vial he disappears from view.

and off he goes.

*Inge, please resubmit your email, what I am gonna do should be done with email plz*

demuynck_inge@hotmail.com
WHATEVER YOU SEND< SEND IT TO KUP AND STEVEK AS WELL!!!

Vorelle 
Friday December 16th, 2005 12:40:09 AM
Trembling, Vorelle wipes the tears from her face. Her friends all know her terrible secret now, and she feels awful. Even Rose's exuberent hug does little to comfort her.

Worse yet, it doesn't seem to have done any good. Heedless of the danger this places them in, her friends seem determined to play games with assassins.

Vorelle tries to muster the words to persuade everyone to her point of view, but they simply will not come. She makes a couple of strangled squeaks, but nothing more.

Rose 
Friday December 16th, 2005 4:41:41 AM
"Everyone calm down. Targo could have been chosen by anybody there are alot of people who dont like us. Now we know that if we dont turn Targo over to the Prince there will be trouble, not only for us but for our families and friends as well. I'm sure that Theo doesnt want his teacher to get into trouble, and Vorelle also has family.

Lets get all the information from Targo we can but quickly and then give him to the Prince. Does anybody have a truth spell or potion?"

Inge 
Friday December 16th, 2005 9:35:44 AM
Not enough posts to post allready. I'll see if I can check in on saturday or sunday to make a friday post.

As of next week DM Kup will return to the City. SteveK is is unable to get access in the desert, and I'm going on holiday as of next week. I'll still be at work next week so I'll drop by to help Kup wherever I can.


Dietrich 
Friday December 16th, 2005 12:19:31 PM
Dietrich is still numbed by the strange revelation, but the urgence, importance and danger of the question prevails. He listens to his friends and wonders what Olyn is going to do, hoping it will help.

"Rose, Vorelle, I see the danger for your families if we upset the Prince, but there is also a great risk for them if we act rashly.

Should this be a part of a plot against us, (even if not by the Prince, but by any other enemy) delivering Targo will have exactly the contrary effect you wish.
Nobody, except us and the contractors of this assassin, know that we have him, so I consider that, on balance, the risk for us and your relatives is HIGHER if we give the %#$# to the Prince now, instead of discovering who is behind this, and for what."


Vauhwyt 
Friday December 16th, 2005 4:43:05 PM
Out of earshot, Vauhwyt waits for her friends to come close so that all can go to the Prince's palace.

watsitgonnebi ?!? [Inge] 
Sunday December 18th, 2005 6:43:54 AM
Still the group fails to agree on their plans with Targo... Send him to t¨he Prince? The Wolves? The Knives? Find out more about his contractors?

Oh my... time goes by, Jack has more and more trouble keeping everyone away from the fake booth as the arguments grow louder and louder. But still there's no concensus...

Vauhwyt still waits with Targo on her back ready to take him to the Prince. It seems the others are doing their best to convince Vorelle not to take Targo to the Prince...

My my my... You HAVE to decide my friends. This is not something your poor DM's can do for you...

Vorelle 
Sunday December 18th, 2005 10:38:22 PM
"We're w-w-w-working for the P-P-P-P-Prince," Vorelle says. "Let's not d-d-d-d-double c-c-ross him. Ag-again."

DM shift - Inge to Kup!! 
Monday December 19th, 2005 11:07:19 AM
As of today DM Kup return and will post here for the next two or three weeks.

Enjoy lads and lasses! He who almost killed you with his Remorhaz returns!!

DM Kup: Um, actually, it was a giant fey worm-thing called The Watcher. It only bore an uncanny statistical resemblance to a remorhaz. But I wouldn't do anything like that again ... would I? ; )

Expect the DM post to come by around 9 pm Woldian time. Y'all remember the drill--I may have to post earlier on Fridays.

Berlon 
Monday December 19th, 2005 5:49:12 PM
"I still vote for whatever Vorelle thinks should be done."

Vauhwyt 
Monday December 19th, 2005 7:53:27 PM

Seeing that the group is stymied, and that Vorelle is adamant about her position, Vauhwyt breaks the impasse. She sends Mookie over. The bird flaps into voice range, caws, "Come on! The Boss is going! Last one to the Prince's Palace is a lazy wastrel!"

Vauhwyt hoists the assassin and heads off to the Palace. Mookie follows.

OOC to DM: Highlight to display spoiler: {She stops once she is out of sight to see if her friends follow. She prays that they will. Or that at least Vorelle will, since she's doing what she hopes will give Vorelle the most peace and closure. She also takes a lock of Targo's hair, just in case she needs it later.}

Out the door, on the count of four (DM Kup) 
Monday December 19th, 2005 9:52:34 PM
ooc: Hiya, folks! Nice to be back!

Vauhwyt decided that actions spoke louder than words. Hoisting the apparent villain on one shoulder, his form draping her extended leonine back, the wemic set off to find the real Prince. Soon, the illusory hut she had created by her force of will and concentration vanished, leaving an astonished crowd of merchants gawking at an equally awkward group of suddenly visible, huddled adventurers.

Mookie looked at the group and rolled his beady eyes in exasperation. "Well? Who's coming, and who's not?"

Vorelle 
Tuesday December 20th, 2005 1:28:13 AM
Not needing to be told twice (well, okay, not needing to be told three times, and I guess it serves me right for posting late), Vorelle strides down the street after Vauhwyt. She tries not to think about what Targo will do to her if he gets away.

Mad Jack 
Tuesday December 20th, 2005 1:55:32 AM
Raising his arms in a plee that he knew not what was going on, he hoped the crowd would not judge them to harshly. Jack seen the prisoner now on the liontaurs back, Vorelle following closer behind. Looks like it was decided then. Jack runs up to Vauhywt and asks her as they walk, "you did see the prince was hit by that arrow? Do you think he still lives? If he does not, I hope his men wont blame us prematurely." Then he winks at Vorelle. Now why did he do that? Weird.

Rose 
Tuesday December 20th, 2005 2:15:20 AM
Rose will hop up onto Vauhwyt's back to help hold Targo. She has a nice sized rock and if Targo tries to escape or call for help he'll get wacked.

Olyn 
Tuesday December 20th, 2005 10:45:47 AM
continues doing what hes dong elsewhere

Dietrich 
Tuesday December 20th, 2005 12:10:10 PM
Dietrich is annoyed none payed very much attention to his arguments and he grumbles around when Vauhwyt takes the prisoner on her back.
"&&¨&¨grumble, &¨*% grumble, moving without enough reconnaissance of the situation like that, $&¨%¨%"

The fighter accepts the situation though, as the group was divided and Vauhwyt is the leader for this kind of decisions. He follows along, making a short prayer to Domi (we may need it...) and hoping Jack´s last comments won´t come true.

Than he says: "At least hide the prisoner from this other guys. If we´re going to check his story at the pub later, his contractors shouldn´t know we´ve captured him."

Dietrich also uses the time to ask Targo about details concerning the meeting, where it will be, code words, descriptions of the contacts and topics to be discussed.

Berlon 
Tuesday December 20th, 2005 2:15:34 PM
Berlon follows Vauhwyt, struggling to keep up, staying near Vorelle's side.

Vauhwyt and Mookie  d20=11
Tuesday December 20th, 2005 5:36:23 PM

Vauhwyt is very glad to see her friends follow -- she was not sure they would! She tries to hide her relief, but the swish of her tail gives her away to those who know her.

Jack has a good question: What if the Prince is dead? Will we be blamed? Mookie wonders about that too: "We could be in hot water, Boss!"

The liontaur answers: "No way! He's not dead. No one dies of poison these days. It's not like in the old days, when poison was always fatal, and you only had one chance to resist it. Nowadays your system fights it twice as hard, and even if you succumb, the most it does is tire you out, or make you stupid, or weaken you, or maybe put you to sleep. It takes a lot of poison damage to actually kill."

Then Rose decides to take a ride. At first Vauhwyt is a little annoyed, but then she has a revelation. It is like being widely known in Dirt City. Sure, it would be better in lots of ways to be anonymous and discreet, but when you look at how things have played out, there's no way to avoid being pubic figures. Might as well roll with it, take advantage of notoriety, and go with the flow.

Same thing with Rose. She is a dear friend, a litter-mate, kind of, who would probably die for her. And she liked to take rides. "Look at those stubby legs," Vauhwyt thinks to herself, with words she would NEVER speak aloud. "No wonder she likes to ride! Poor slow thing. Have some pity for your friend!" Vauhwyt decides to reconcile herself to Rose's love of riding.

"You all set back therre, Rose?" calls Vauhwyt. "Hold on tight!" Vauhwyt wonders about getting a riding saddle made. And if she could convince Rose to get some training in Riding, it might be more comfy. The WLA might have some Riding classes. Did Rose ever join up? Plus maybe Rose could help her avoid foes. [OOC: Hmmm ... Mounted Combat Feat ... mmmm]

But between Mookie, Rose, and Targo (in ascending order), Vauhwyt is feeling a little slowed down. She casts an Enlarge spell, and finds it much easier as a huge liontaur to carry everybody.

"Good idea, Boss," says Mookie.

"That's 'BUS' to you, rider!" Vauhwyt laughs.

Vauhwyt notes that Olyn is still invisible. She hopes he is okay.

Dietrich has a good idea! The enlarged Vauhwyt keeps the pillow case over the villain's head (for anonymity) but ungaggs him enough to ask him Dietrich's questions.

[OOC Gosh Darn can;t remember V's Intimidate Check to interrogate. Maybe 7 ranks +3 Chr +2 Bluff Synergy +8 size bonus? Call it +20? She rolls a base 11 on the attempt.]

In the gentle hands of a liontaur ... (DM Kup) 
Tuesday December 20th, 2005 8:30:55 PM
Vorelle, Jack, Dietrich, Berlon, and Theo moved quickly to follow Vauhwyt, as did Rose, who bummed a ride from the enlarged liontaur.

Dietrich wanted details concerning Targo's meeting: where it will be, code words, descriptions of the contacts and topics to be discussed. Vauhwyt ... helped Targo ... to be more candid.

One sight of the feline teeth in the huge wemic's otherwise human mouth was all it took for the Grubber to spill his guts--not to mention a few other, unsavory bodily fluids. "I--I never got the location for the meet--honest! I was supposed to get it later--they--they were supposed to contact me, you know? Like, after the, um, after the shooting. It was--it was an initiation thing, you know? I was--I was finally going to be a made man. Like--I was going to be--I was going to be somebody. Falquan, he promised me. A made man of the House of Knives, you know?"

Targo looked at Vorelle pleadingly. "I only wanted to be something you would be proud of. You've made it--I only wanted to live up to it. You don't know what it's like, the way people talk about it--a Grubber whose wife is bigger than him? Please, Vorelle, you have to make them believe me!"

There was a palpable sense of tension as the party made its way through partially deserted sewers. Once again Dirt City was thrown into upheaval--with the Prince's whereabouts and well-being in question, most of the jaded and understandably cautious denizens of the City had wisely chosen to avoid public places. It did not take long for the group to make its way to the Prince's Palace, where barred doors greeted them.

There was something else, however. To one side of the sewer that led up to the Prince's Palace, a small, glowing glyph in the shape of a coin was hanging in space--and it seemed to be watching the group!

Sense Motive checks on Targo, if anyone wishes to attempt them:
Vorelle: Highlight to display spoiler: {Add +10 to any Sense Motive check you attempt. Targo's always had you fooled, even when he was telling the truth!}
DC 10: Highlight to display spoiler: {Targo seemed credible to you. But who knows--maybe he's lying. You just can't tell.}
DC 15: Highlight to display spoiler: {Targo seemed credible to you. He's trying to be tricky about something, though.}
DC 20: Highlight to display spoiler: {Targo seemed credible to you overall. He's likely telling the truth about the House of Knives. The name 'Falquan' seemed like a blurt, and therefore more credible than the rest. He's trying to manipulate Vorelle about something, though.}
DC 25: Highlight to display spoiler: {Targo is genuinely frightened and therefore likely to be truthful. He's telling the truth about the House of Knives and his contact 'Falquan.' He's manipulating Vorelle in an attempt to play her against the rest of you--probably to avoid being turned over to the authorities.}

Olyn: Highlight to display spoiler: { Olyn headed straight to the Wolves' quarter. He spotted a guard outside of a familiar post and flashed his Wolves signet ring. The guard studied Olyn quizzically for a moment, then waved Olyn past. A few moments later, Olyn stood inside a large antechamber decorated with lupine statuary and tapestries. An older man sat at a desk immediately to the right of two large, heavy oaken doors with metal studs. The old man looked harmless enough; but the arrow slits that flanked both him and the doors, and the murder hole poised directly over the interior entranceway, spoke volumes.

The old man was reading in a large book on the desk in front of him. As Olyn approached, he placed a worn ribbon down the length of the page and looked up at the elf.

"What can I do for you ... Olyn?"}

Vauhwyt and Mookie 
Tuesday December 20th, 2005 10:53:12 PM
As the would-be assassin fouls himself, Vauhwyt barks an expletive best left untyped on a family Web site. "Ugh! Idiot! Now I need a new shirt!"

She has a question. "This 'Falquan' character. What did he look like, and did he give you anything? Did he give you the weapon? the poison?" Vauhwyt confiscates anything he names.

Vauhwyt shuts the dastard up as soon as he starts talking to Vorelle -- with a squeeze and then with the gag.

She says to her friends, "Going to the meeting in his place was a good idea, but we have no idea where ir would have been -- IF it would have been, which I now doubt."

Vauhwyt stops and looks at the Magic Glyph. "Theo, you kn ow what this is?" she asks. Then she addresses the glyph, speaking to it as if it were a person.

"We are the Prince's men, bringing him the assassin who shot him. Let us pass, please."

Rose  d20+4=12 d20+1=17
Wednesday December 21st, 2005 12:04:29 AM
Rose isnt sure if Targo is lying or not, but she doesnt like him talking to Vorelle and decides it's time for a wack on the head with her rock.

sense motive: 12

attack (with rock including -4 nonproficent penalty): 17
damage is up to dm

Vorelle 
Wednesday December 21st, 2005 12:45:06 AM
[OOC: Kup, I'm going to have to disagree with your assessment. Targo did not so much fool Vorelle as drug her, beat her, and keep her tied up. It doesn't matter, though, because I'm not even going to roll a Sense Motive. DM Kup: Fair enough!]

Vorelle begins to giggle. Targo is asking her for help! Her giggles turn to laughter. Targo, who showed her no mercy, is asking her to intervene. The man who used his fists on her until blood poured and bones broke now wants her help. Her laughter turns hysterical. Tears roll down her face, and her breath catches in a sob.

Vauhwyt (illegal second post) 
Wednesday December 21st, 2005 2:06:32 AM

Vauhwyt whispers softly to Vorelle, "It's okay. He's done now. And it's not to late to stick a knife in his gut. That's what he did to you, after all."

Olyn 
Wednesday December 21st, 2005 10:05:20 AM
does what he said he did in the email Kup.

Mad Jack 
Wednesday December 21st, 2005 4:57:16 PM
Folows along not saying a word.

The Man of the Coin (DM Kup) 
Wednesday December 21st, 2005 9:02:56 PM
As the group of companions neared the Prince's Palace, Vauhwyt addressed the coin-shaped glyph.

"Er, yes, ahem," a voice echoed from the glyph in reply. "Is this thing on? Can they hear me? Can you hear me? Ahem, yes."

A silvery apparition began to form in front of the glyph. It coalesced into the semi-transparent image of a corpulent man dressed in the finest robes any of you have ever seen. His multiple chins were covered with a slight beard, which only added to the sense of his enormity. The image you were seeing, however, was flickering and faint.

"Ahem, yes," the image continued. The man in the image was looking down at something in his hand--papyrus, it appeared: notes, perhaps. "Greetings, noble adventurers! I bid you salutations and good will from the mightiest of Dirt City's Houses, the House of Merchants. My name is Kassif. I am a Guild Master in the House." With that, Kassif--or so he called himself--puffed himself up slightly. Whatever that title meant, it seemed to convey importance--to Kassif, at least.

"Word of your exploits has reached our ears, and we wish to form a strategic partnership with your enterprise. We believe that such an alliance will create important efficiencies and the potential for increased profitability for both of our long-term interests, naturally enough, with the possibility of profit sharing in a long-range venture that would operate with an appreciation for appropriate cost recovery and risk management, capital investment, and protection of intellectual and other non-tangible assets. All rights reserved, with fees and pro ratas to be agreed upon at a later date. Ahem."

The jowly gentleman in the image adjusted his stiff, starched collar, and continued. "We understand that you have come to be in possession of certain assets, to wit, an individual, and the intellectual property associated with him. There are, naturally, certain principles of capture and salvage involved, as basic property law would dictate, but we feel confident that our advance property and acquisition team could negotiate a suitable exchange of consideration for the relinquishment and abandonment of rights and assignment of title to said property, given all necessary riders and disclaimers, et cetera, et cetera. Ahem."

The man calling himself Kassif looked up in the general direction of the companions. The image flickered silently for a moment. "You may indicate your assent, if you wish. I am assured that this channel is quite confidential. We paid a significant premium to ensure that we would be afforded the utmost privacy and security in transmission. No expense spared, you know."

Targo, meanwhile, sunk into sullen and beaten silence, a large welt forming above one eyebrow where Rose's rock had connected. He was still awake--just not speaking. He glared silently at Vorelle.

Olyn: Highlight to display spoiler: {The old man listened to your tale. "You have done well to bring this information to us," he said. "Our superiors will be ... most pleased. But tell me--where is this ... Targo, now? Why have your companions not brought him here, to us?"}


Vauhwyt and Mookie  d20+13=30 d20+20=24 d20+15=34 d20+18=35 d20+20=38
Wednesday December 21st, 2005 10:42:08 PM
Vauhwyt looks at Vorelle, and her expression tells the ranger that Vauhwyt thinks Targo is hers to dispose of in whatever way she things best.

OPTION ONE ======== =======

If Vorelle indicates that she still wants to give Targo to the Prince, then Vauhwyt feigns confusion and misunderstanding. "What's that? Your voice sounds funny! You say you're Castor the Killed Tasterr? You want to leave a dalliance? And part our fancies? You're breaking up!"

As she is talking, Vauhwyt flicks a button on her soiled shirt (see Seal info below!).

Mookie gets into the ruse and caws, "Boss, I think he said he wants to possess your properties and give you a rider. You know what that means!"

Vauhwyt puts a look of disgust on her face. "Look, buddy, you are most certainly NOT my type! BLECK! I wouldn't consort with you even if you DID have an extra two legs! Take your sick solicitations and get out of herre!"

Mookie's Aid Another check is a 30! That adds +2 to Vauhwyt's check. Her Bluff check is a 24 to pull this off.

Vauhwyt hoists the gagged Targo and keeps on walking toward the Prince's palace.

OPTION TWO ======== ========

If Vorelle seems open to this fellow's offer, Vauhwyt will negotiate. "Cut to the chase, Guild Masterr! How much are you offering. Baby needs a new pair of shoes, not to mention some magic weapons and armorr. We'll talk, but we don't come cheap."

As she is talking, Vauhwyt flicks a button on her soiled shirt (see Seal info below!).

"Let's be serious about this," Vauhwyt continues. "I think I could get 25 grand easy from the Prince for this fool -- and if not him, then from certain unnamed Houses. Top that, and we can talk. We are reasonable, you'll find. But don't even try to cheat us -- you would pay for that!"

Diplomacy 34, Bluff 35, Intimidate (inc Huge size bonus) 38 to deal with this windbag.

======== ========

SEAL INFO: • Seal of Approval: Once activated, this seal allows a +10 to diplomacy, bluff, disguise, and gather information skills. The seal lasts for 3 rounds and affects all party members. (awarded by Silk Tap DM Mikey on 28 Aug 05)

Note Seal helps all party members!

Berlon 
Wednesday December 21st, 2005 10:57:20 PM
Berlon rubs his chin, twirling his short beard as he ponders the magic in front of him. He listens to the vision's big words and wrinkles his large nose. "I should have dispelled it when I had the chance..." he mutters.

Vorelle 
Thursday December 22nd, 2005 2:02:56 AM
The man in the coin certainly likes to hear himself talk. Vorelle frowns in puzzlement, trying to discern the meaning through the big words. When he finishes, Vauhwyt asks her opinion, Vorelle answers with a slight shake of her head. She isn't interested in money, which is what she understood the wordy man to be talking about. She wants to get her friends (and herself!) out of this mess--and that means taking Targo to the Prince.

Rose 
Thursday December 22nd, 2005 5:31:00 AM
Rose is watching Targo carefully and not paying attention to the magical talk. She is also thinking about those dogs she saw in the catacombs shop a while back and wondering how much one would cost. Vauhwyt will get a sore back if Rose hitches a ride to often, if only the others didnt always run away from her.

Olyn 
Thursday December 22nd, 2005 12:43:53 PM
same as last post

Mad Jack 
Thursday December 22nd, 2005 5:15:00 PM
Jack watches as the ghost thing appears and talks. He moves over behind it, moves his hand through it, and is baffled by the sight. When the voice stops, he sees the group has a grand oppurtunity. Looking atthem, he can tell none of them see it, so he will take it himself

"Wise one, from the house of the Mrchants you say/ Well we all know you do not exist at the moment, but if you were able to lay at the hands the assaaainator, hmm, nice ord, yes the assassinator to the Prince, he would look favorably upon you and allow for your house to be. And we will just assume that it wasnt your group who planned the attampt in the first place."

He pauses for the information to sink in. "Now, we can not give you the man, but we could sell you a hand, or an ear. Lets say if you paid us real well, we would sell you the hand, ear and foot of this criminal would be assassin. Ok. so that would be 50000 gold. Now wait, before you answer. You would have our word, we would spend that gold on only your merchandise. So you actually would not lose anything in the bargain. In fact you would be gaiig 50000 gold in business. now of course I need the approval of the whole group, but I think they will find the offer appealing. Go now and get us a decision, we need to deliver this man as soon as possible."

Cayzle OOC 
Thursday December 22nd, 2005 8:23:17 PM
Jack remember your +10 on Diplomacy checks thanks to V's seal!

Good thing there's no centaurs about (DM Kup) 
Thursday December 22nd, 2005 9:52:20 PM
Berlon seemed to mistrust the Merchant Kassif's message. So did Vorelle--a glance between her and Vauhwyt sent a message the liontaur clearly understood. While Rose kept an eye on Targo, Vauhwyt feigned confusion and misunderstanding. "Look, buddy, you are most certainly NOT my type! BLECK! I wouldn't consort with you even if you DID have an extra two legs! Take your sick solicitations and get out of herre!" With that, Vauhwyt hoisted the gagged Targo and walked toward the Prince's palace.

"No, wait!" Kassif implored. "You misunderstand me! This is not that type of solicitation, I mean, that is to say, er, wait!" But the liontaur was quickly moving out of earshot, with several of her companions as well. They could barely hear what was being said behind them.

Jack waited a moment and attempted some negotiation. "Wise one, from the house of the Merchants you say. Well we all know you do not exist at the moment ...."

Kassif hastily interjected. "It is true, of course, that our House has not, heretofore, been recognized as such, but that will soon change, I assure you, with our enterprise launch and brand recognition campaign ...."

But Jack was continuing [paraphrasing]. "But, if you were able to lay your hands on the assassin ... then the Prince would look favorably upon you and permit your House to be. And we will just assume that it wasn't your group who planned the attempt in the first place."

"What?" The image of Kassif appeared nervous. He pulled at the collar that strained to cover his bulging neck, and--even through the gossamer image--beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. "No, that is to say, of course, we had no-nothing to do with it! We would never, I mean, I--why only the other day we had a meaningful and constructive dialogue with the Prince himself, where we had a candid and frank exchange of views in a session that provided progress toward a successful conclusion to negotiations. Er, yes. We would never--I mean, that would not advance ...." He paused. "Surely you do not mean to suggest that your group would convey such a suggestion to the Prince! But of course, that would be nothing more than a complete fabrication that would serve no useful ...." He stopped again, and his eyes narrowed.

Jack was still speaking. "Now, we cannot give you the man, but we could sell you a hand, or an ear ... that would be 50,000 gold ...."

Kassif sputtered indignantly before recovering himself. "Those terms are completely unacceptable. No, my good man, you misunderstand your position. Let me illustrate."

"Our House is prepared to accept you as members, to become an advance negotiations team for us, in return for which you will be granted favors appropriate to your station. Our House will control passage in and out of the City, which we will offer to you at no charge. In addition, we control all goods passing into and out of the City--your group would be permitted to purchase and sell items at our employee rates, which I believe that you would find most attractive. You would be provided with exemplary lodging and board within our spacious and luxurious Towers. You will find that joining the Merchants is rewarding service ... in many respects."

"However, should you refuse us this ... token of good faith willingness to negotiate a business model, you may find yourself at a ... competitive disadvantage. There are many things that we can do that you may find ... uncomfortable." Kassif's eyes lowered and his brows furrowed slightly, as if he disliked saying such things. His pudgy fingers wiggled and his lips smacked in a distasteful manner. "You will not refuse us."

Olyn:Highlight to display spoiler: {"They were in Merchant Square when I left but were going to heading to the Prince to deliver Targos. I dont think everyone was in agreement when I left. They would probably have taken the less traveled road to avoid mobs of people. Dietrich was the most agreeable with coming here but the Liontaur seemed to have a bur up her rear. As for Vorelle, she claims vengeance against her husband but refuses to voice her reasons. It all seems to me as my group is changing and some of their views are going a different direction than mine. Vauhwyt seemed appable to slit Targos' throat right on the spot, and that may be normal for the House of Knives and acceptable but my conscious wouldnt of allowed it without first speaking my opinion. Hence my decision to go to the one place other than the Temple with people I could trust."

The old man nodded. "You have chosen wisely, Olyn, for your friends are clearly lost. Here, then, is what you must do. Locate them. Bring the assassin to us. Under no circumstances should he be provided to the Prince. Persuade your friends not to put aside the friendship of the House of Wolves."

"Convince them. By any means necessary. Is that clear?"}

Vauhwyt and Mookie 
Thursday December 22nd, 2005 11:49:33 PM

"Good job, Mookie," says Vauhwyt softly as they walk away from the Sending and towards the Palace. She keeps on moving, hoping to get there without being attacked.

Berlon 
Friday December 23rd, 2005 11:47:25 AM
"Oh, now, see, you almost had me there, right up to the very end," Berlon says over his shoulder as soon as the fat man stops singing, "but then you got all crazy greedy at the end..."

He then quickens up a few steps to catch up to Vauhwyt. "Still," he says to Vauhwyt, "we may want to take a moment's pause..."

DM Kup: Hi everyone. So that everyone can relax and enjoy the holiday weekend, there will be no DM post until Monday at the earliest--Tuesday, if people need more time. Happy Holidays!

Olyn 
Friday December 23rd, 2005 5:44:53 PM
I will do so my good lord. And off he goes, racing along the route to where he knows the group is going.
Intercepting the group he rushes to block their progression forward.

out of breath Olyn takes a moment to catch his and then begins.

I know you are set at turning over him to the Prince but it has come to my attention that we will be walking into a trap should we take him there. And I am assured that we will not be able to thwart this group sent to intercept us. Also, there are alot of activities happening in the shadows surrounding this assassination attempt and I have been asked to persuade you to take him someplace else. To a place we have quasi-sworn an allegiance to.
Vorelle, I know you are scared, but I would rather you be scared than dead and I am sure you would think the same and the only choice we have right now, at this point, is to take Targos, with all haste, to the House of Wolves. They are awaiting our arrival.
It has been told to me it is of the Upmost importance we do this and not go to the Prince. The Prince is still ill and doesnt know about our package yet so the sooner we get him to the House of Wolves the sooner we will have the information we need.

waits for a response

Vauhwyt 
Friday December 23rd, 2005 9:25:34 PM
Vauhwyt listens carefully to Olyn. "Wowsy," she says to him, "You've been busy working hard! I can only imagine what you had to do to find all that out."

"Brave, too," says Mookie, for once in his life without sarcasm. "Didn't know you had it in ya, elfie-boy!"

But Vauhwyt again turns to Vorelle. She says softly, "You know what I think. I still say a knife is the cleanest answerr. But it is up to you, my friend."

Rose 
Saturday December 24th, 2005 2:54:16 AM
"Olyn, who told you this?" Asks Rose as she keeps an eye on Targo ready to hit him again if necessary.

(You may have noticed that Rose doesnt like Targo as he sacres Vorelle)

Olyn 
Saturday December 24th, 2005 11:45:49 AM
Looking at Vauhwyt he responds: for once Vauhwyt your way is not in the best interest of the group. And I will not let you commit murder. You want to slip a knife into Targos? Do it and we part ways. And the authorities learn of it.

Rose, the Lord of the Wolves informed me of this. He is shocked that the group will not listen to reason and bring Targos to the only place than can assure us protection. For yes, our lives are in danger and the closer we get to the Prince's abode the closer to trouble we get.

Vauhwyt 
Saturday December 24th, 2005 12:17:58 PM

Vauhwyt smiles at her friend Olyn. " 'Murderr'?" she says. "My friend, we commit murder with grreat regularity. We murder any creature that does wrong to us, or who is a villain, or who has hurt the innocent. We deal in murderr."

"There is a place for mercy. You will recall Kernorn, the insect lover, who we convinced the Prince should live."

Her voice drops to a whisper for Olyn only: Highlight to display spoiler: { "But for those who are evil, who harm innocents, who beat and bind and imprison and force to marry against their will -- and worse -- there is no better answer than murder. So I believe."

"Vorelle has suffered at the hands of this villain in ways you cannot imagine. Would you deny her the healing and empowerment and closure of his swift death? Or if we hand him to the Prince or the Wolves, what if he lives to return and hurt her again?"

"My friend, do you not see that by threatening me all you do is put more pressure on Vorelle? Now her choice is further constrained by her knowledge that her closure, her empowerment, her healing, and, yes, her vengeance would split the group. Now she will never choose that, and she will put your words before her own well-being. All I can ask is that you take your words back and tell Vorelle that the choice is hers. Let HER decide."}

Vauhwyt stops her whispering and says in a normal voice, "I still think that the choice should be Vorelle's."

Olyn 
Saturday December 24th, 2005 11:31:32 PM
Listens to Vauhwyt and when the question is asked he calmly says: No.

and No we dont Vauhwyt, we dont regularly murder evil doers. We defend ourselves when they attack us. We help to thwart their evil ways. Not once have we walked up to a bound and helpless foe and stuck a knife in their heart or slit their throat, watching the life blood seep from them and if Vorelle does just that, she becomes that which she despises.

And I do not threaten you Vauhwyt. I tell you like it is.

Proceed forward with Targos to the Prince, perhaps survive the trap just to be entraped in the Prince's web.
Or take Targos to those who know how to deal with him.
And like I said once before. I am sure, after Vorelle explains to them what relationship she has with Targos, that they will allow her her retribution.

To Vorelle he turns and says: Vauhwyt thinks the decision is solely yours. I disagree but it seems my opinion is not mutually acceptable at this time. So against my judgement I ask you to decide, Prince or the House of Wolves. Decide now.

Dietrich 
Sunday December 25th, 2005 12:52:32 PM
Dietrich is worried about all the interest in the prisoner, the merchants, the Prince, the Wolves; very easy to take a wrong step.
He is glad Olyn is back and has found out something. He listens to the discussion and says:

"Friends, as much as I respect and love Vorelle, this decision should be of the whole group. As much as her personal reasons are just, the question has implications that by far exceed the interest of any individal."

Than he says to Vauhwyt and the others:

"It´s not important now to discuss filosophy. I don´t care at the moment if this &¨%$$ deserves this or that.

We have to think about what´s best for our safety and the safety of your relatives and the City.

I believe Olyn says the truth, but I´d like to know where this piece of info came from.

Also, the wolves don´t seem to be a neutral place, I´d rather suggest the Temple of Wardd, at least till we know more about what´s going on. We have strong ties to the Temple and I trust them more than any of the other options.

If you don´t agree with that, I vote to follow Olyn´s suggestion and avoid the trap."

Olyn 
Sunday December 25th, 2005 1:55:47 PM
As I said, the information came from the Lord of the Wolves. As for going to the Temple, they can't help us with him. And you are right D, the longer we stand here bickering the more time we lose assuring our safety.

Vorelle 
Sunday December 25th, 2005 7:38:53 PM
Vorelle doesn't trust anyone in Dirt City, and that includes the Wolves. They are just as likely to sell out her friends as anybody else, and they could easily have lied to Olyn.

On the other hand, this is what her friends want, and she doesn't have the heart to deny them.

"A-a-alright," she says, "the W-W-W-Wolves."

Vauhwyt 
Sunday December 25th, 2005 10:14:08 PM

Vauhwyt agrees with Dietrich ... now is not the time for philosophy, but some other time she would very much like to continue her conversation with Olyn.

When Vorelle answers, Vauhwyt shrugs. "Let's try it out! The Wolves have been good to us."

She hoists the villain and follows Olyn.

Mad Jack 
Sunday December 25th, 2005 11:36:11 PM
Visibly disappointed, he had wanted to sell one of Targos limbs. He satifies his desire by walking by Vauhywt and Rose.

"Hey Rose dear, could you thunk him a nother time for me?"

Olyn 
Monday December 26th, 2005 11:42:50 AM
leads the group in a safe route to the House of Wolves. when stopped by one of the guards, Olyn pointedly responds: The Lord of the House is expecting us. Tell him Olyn and friends has a gift for the House of Wolves.

Theodore and Macaw 
Monday December 26th, 2005 1:19:49 PM
"Oh, no!" Theodore slaps his head. Sooo close to the Prince. "I can't believe this! We're placing ourselves in jeopardy...again! We make foolish decision after foolish decision. I tell you know that if we do anything other than take Targo to the Prince, we condemn ourselves to exile or worse. The Prince will not forgive us for this folly."

"What do the Wolves have to do with any of this? Why should they concern themselves? Doesn't that seem a bit suspicious to you? People are coming out of the woodworks to get a hold of this guy. We have him and our orders, the ones we agreed on, the ones we PROMISED to the Prince, we are going back on?! Well, I am no liar. We must, I repeat, we MUST take this criminal to the Prince."

"Several of us have objections to the Prince's methods. But I submit the following evidence to you all: Has he ever done anything to us save throw a fit? He's threatened and even kicked us out of his home, but never without reason. And never has he raised a hand against us. How can we condemn him when he has done nothing to us to condemn? Why do you hate the man so? I just don't get it."

"But more than this, we must make a decision as a group, to a man. For where we take him dictates the fate of all of us, to a man. If we take him to the Wolves over the Prince, I need a darn good reason to do so."

Maybe we should call ourselves The Debate Club? ; ) (DM Kup) 
Monday December 26th, 2005 2:00:34 PM
More information, more apparent directions, still less certainty. Paths fraught with apparent perils. Whispers, innuendos, promises, entreaties, threats.

In short, business as usual on the mean streets of Dirt City.

Olyn had returned to the group with claims of information received from the House of Wolves, and had apparently persuaded Vorelle to take Targo to the Wolves rather than to the Prince. Vauhwyt, her mind still rather fixated on vengeance, agreed to follow Vorelle's decisions. Rose wanted to know more about the source of Olyn's information.

Jack wanted to see Rose clobber Targo with a rock again. Fun!

Dietrich suggested yet another course--back to the Temple of Wardd. They had, after all, proven worthy allies during the dark fey episode, only recently concluded.

Theo came back to his senses and pleaded for consistency. Would they throw away their loyalties to the Prince? Would they alienate the one power in the City with whom they were seemingly inextricably linked?

No one suggested paying any attention to the Merchant, Kassif, and his message glyph, except perhaps for Berlon's casual dismissal of it. As the companions ignored and moved away from the image, the virtual Kassif pursed his fat, distended lips and squinted sourly. "So be it," he declared. "You will regret this course of action. The friendship of the House of Merchants is not lightly cast aside." He waved a chubby arm and the image faded, along with the glyph that had seemingly created it.

The choice now belonged to the companions. Where to? And, what had happened to the Prince?

Olyn: Highlight to display spoiler: {An important point of clarification. Olyn has said things IC that have no basis in the facts presented above--re-read what was written in the spoilers if there is any uncertainty. Does Olyn mean to lie, as part of convincing his friends "by any means necessary"? He is free to do so, of course, but I wanted to be certain that he was making the choice deliberately.}

Dietrich 
Monday December 26th, 2005 3:12:20 PM
Dietrich is not really satisfied with the course of action, but a decision has to be taken and he trusts Olyn´s recent investigations, so the warrior will follow for now.

"Theo, I don´t hate the Prince either, on the contrary, I´d say I´m one of the most pro-Prince guys in this party.
But there is a trap awaiting us if we go in the direction of the Palace.

I have been thinking about the whole affair; maybe someone inside the Palace is involved with the assassination attempt. We´ve already had problems with the guard, and to put the blame on us would be perfekt for any coup-d´état by one of the Prince´s minions. We would be eliminated and the killer turns into the new Prince.

Anyway, if there is an AMBUSH, we have to avoid it, not run into it."

Concerning the merchants, Dietrich doesn´t like to have them as enemies, but better the merchants than the Prince or the Wolves...

OOC: DId you Dms receive my updated charactersheet, with the new purchase?
The Debate Club is great, suggests a democratic and civic spirit...

Vauhwyt 
Monday December 26th, 2005 4:33:43 PM

[LOL! "The Debate Club" suggests other, all too accurate, things about our group -- all talk, no action; full of hot air; indecisive! :-) ]

Of her own, Vauhwyt agrees with Theo. Our loyalty is to the Prince. But she says nothing of this, wanting to help Vorelle follow her own heart.

Rose 
Monday December 26th, 2005 7:02:20 PM
Rose looks at targo and thinks about giving him another thump, then shakes her head and tells Jack "Well if we want him to be able to talk then I probably shouldnt thump him for a little while longer."

OOC Dietrich 
Monday December 26th, 2005 7:45:36 PM
OOC: It was an irony.
But what can we do? The characters (and probably the players) are quite different and have very different values, approaches etc.

The way I see it, we can only take decisions by majority, which means prior debates.

Dietrich would actually support a more decisive leader with broader powers, but Vauhwyt is too impulsive and emotional for his taste. Any candidates?

Cayzle OOC 
Monday December 26th, 2005 8:52:02 PM
Peter, I know what you mean. But personally, I rather like our "organization" ... rather more familial than military. Sure we're dysfunctional, but it works because we put each other above all others! Right? Right??!!

It may not be the most efficient way to solve problems, but it offers great RP, and so far we've managed to get things done, pretty much!

:-)

Mad Jack 
Monday December 26th, 2005 10:56:34 PM
"I personally havent heard that we were going to give the Wolves our prisoner. We are just going there for help, or advice or whatever. Ultimately i know we all agree the Prince gets first last crack at him, but these other sources may help us in the future as well, for some considration on out part. We would do the honor of Dirt City a great injustice if we didnt try to work every angle. In the end, Targo is the Princes prisoner."

Vorelle  d20+10=27
Tuesday December 27th, 2005 8:58:07 AM
"L-l-let's n-not walk into a t-t-t-t-trap," is Vorelle's only contribution to the debate. She glances around anxiously, nervous that they might be drawing attention to themselves.

[Spot 27]

Theodore and Macaw  d20+4=21 d20+4=22
Tuesday December 27th, 2005 10:48:14 AM
"Here, then. I'll send Macaw ahead to scout out any trap. If he doesn't find anything, I say we move ahead to the Prince, or take a different way. Going to the Wolves is simply the wrong decision. They will take Targo by force. Don't doubt they will. They only want Targo as an ace against the Prince, as do the merchants and everyone else."

Theodore sends Macaw flapping down the tunnel in search of hidden enemies. (Macaw's Spot 21, Listen 22)

Vauhwyt 
Tuesday December 27th, 2005 11:00:51 AM
"I have a seal that will turn the entire party invisible for a little while ... long enough to sneak past any trap or ambush, probably."

Olyn 
Tuesday December 27th, 2005 11:58:51 AM
take Targos to the Prince.
do what you want to do.
Ill have no further part in this folly.

and Olyn turns and walks away from the party, heading in the opposite direction from the Palace.

DM Kup: great posting, everyone. We're missing Berlon, and I'd like to give Dave a chance to post if he'd like to--so feel free to post away! More actions and interactions if you'd like. DM post to come by no later than 9 pm Woldian tonight--possibly earlier, if Berlon checks in before then.

Vauhwyt and Mookie 
Tuesday December 27th, 2005 7:57:24 PM

Vauhwyt calls after OIyn, "Hey! Olyn! Come back! Isn't it better to do it all togetherr, whatever we end up doing?"

Mookie adds, "Come on, be a mensch, you big dummy! Don't go off in a huff!"

Vauhwyt tells Mookie, "Good work, Mookie. Insults always make me change my mind."

Olyn 
Tuesday December 27th, 2005 8:44:40 PM
saying over his shoulder as he continues in his direction.

Not when it's suicide.

And now, for the rebuttal ... (DM Kup) 
Tuesday December 27th, 2005 9:40:00 PM
Dietrich followed Olyn, explaining to the others that he feared a trap. (Dietrich: I didn't receive the updated CS, but perhaps SteveK and Inge did. They're the ones that matter, anyway.)

Vauhwyt supported her friend Vorelle, as before. She offered a Seal of Invisibility, if it would make sense to use it.

Rose thought about giving Targo another thump, but decided to hold the senseless violence for another, slightly more sensical moment.

Jack suggested a clarification--seek help from the Wolves, but don't give Targo to them. But did the others share this view?

Vorelle nervously suggested avoiding a trap. A sensible notion--but now, what course of action would that suggest? She watched about them, anxious about attracting attention, and indeed, they hadn't made it far from the Prince's Palace before resuming their discussion. Perhaps a more private locale would be called for?

Theo sent Macaw toward the Wolves' Quarter. It might take the raven a while to get there. For now, the bird's empathic link with its master indicated no danger--yet.

Olyn lost his patience with the group's deliberations. "Take Targo to the Prince. Do what you want to do. I'll have no further part in this folly ... Not when it's suicide." He walked away from the party!

Vauhwyt and Mookie insisted that Olyn be a "mensch," meaning, in Gnomish, "one who eats barley with goats." The significance of this word was lost utterly upon the elven cleric, however.

A few minutes later, Macaw reported empathically that he felt no danger while flying through the Wolves' Quarter. Of course, the bird had felt no danger before, either, when he set off from the group's location just outside the Prince's Palace. And the group had been idling about in a public tunnel for some time now, with a gagged and bound man slung over Vauhwyt's shoulder. Ordinarily, of course, in Dirt City, such a sight would attract little attention--if only because no one would be so foolish as to linger long enough to look. But now, with time passing, it was becoming harder to avoid attention. And indeed, it looked like there was movement over by the doors to the Prince's Palace.

.... And?


Theodore and Macaw 
Tuesday December 27th, 2005 11:45:13 PM
"There is no danger," reports Theodore. "We should make our move. Now."

He notices the palace doors open and points them out to the others. "Look. Someone comes."

Vorelle 
Wednesday December 28th, 2005 9:06:53 AM
Vorelle hates to see tension in the group. Distressed, she looks from Theo to Olyn and back. Then she looks to where a door seems to be opening.

"Th-the P-P-P-P-Prince, then," she says. "Olyn, p-p-p-p-please d-d-d-don't be m-mad."

Vauhwyt  d20+11=23
Wednesday December 28th, 2005 3:07:28 PM

Vauhwyt urges everyone to hold hands and try to be quiet! She casts her Blood Armor spell on herself and Mookie.

"Here we go!" she says. Then she flicks a green button on her shirt, and the entire party turns invisible.

Seal of Invisibility: Each party member is rendered invisible for 5 minutes or until they attack, or the individual is granted the benefits of improved invisibility for 5 rounds. (awarded by Silk Tap DM Mikey on 28 Aug 05)

"Come on!" she whispers, as she leads the way into the Prince's palace. [OOC; Move Silent 23]

Dietrich 
Wednesday December 28th, 2005 4:01:46 PM
Dietrich sighs in desperation, than suddenly he can´t see neither his friends, nor himself!

But this doesn´t solve the problem at all.

He doesn´t want to give the prisoner to the Prince´s men, under which there could be people connected to the assassins.
He doesn´t want to give the prisoner to the Wolves either, as Theo´s words could be very true indeed.
He doesn´t want to give the prisoner to the Merchants, not for now at least.

Considering all these points, the warrior still suggests to go first to a more private place, perhaps the Temple of Wardd, decide there as a group what to do in definitely and investigate more before simply giving Targo to anyone.

As he´s already invisible though, he´ll accompany the party to where the majority wants to go, hoping Olyn will come back, as the party will need his powers and his counsel.

Berlon 
Wednesday December 28th, 2005 4:13:42 PM
"So," Berlon says as quietly as he can, "exactly how far away are we from that abandoned bakery we found? We could use that as a spot to gather our wits..."

Rose 
Wednesday December 28th, 2005 7:33:16 PM
"Come on lets go already it cant be comfortable for Vauhwyt to carry both Targo and me."

Mission: Invisible (DM Kup) 
Wednesday December 28th, 2005 10:06:26 PM
Theodore urged the party to move as the gates to the Palace opened. Vorelle indicated that the move was to bring Targo to the Prince, Olyn's warnings notwithstanding. Vauhwyt cast a protective dweomer over herself and Mookie, and then used a magic seal to make the group invisible! Silently, she led the group toward the Palace gates. Dietrich sighed--an invisible, but still audible sigh!--but accompanied the others, as did Berlon, who still hoped for a moment of quiet reflection. Rose urged haste--Vauhwyt couldn't hope to carry her and Targo forever.

Indeed. Could the enlarged liontaur, carrying three passengers, really hope to pass the Prince's gates undetected? And with a party of muttering, commenting party members along with her, no less? It was time to test the mettle of those who would claim to be among the stealthy denizens of Dirt City. Just beyond the opened gates, two guards stood conferring with a superior in the narrow hallway that led into the Palace.

ooc: Move Silently checks for everyone attempting to enter the Prince's Palace. Vauhwyt, factor encumbrance and size into the check. Olyn, if you reconsidered at the last moment, I'll allow Vauhwyt's spell to cover you. Otherwise, you're visible and walking the other direction.

Olyn 
Thursday December 29th, 2005 12:21:16 AM
goes back to the House of Wolves and reports in.



Mad Jack  d20+2=8
Thursday December 29th, 2005 12:47:42 AM
Not used to following another who makes decisions for herself and then just does them, he plays along. Maybe something could be learned from this.

Dietrich 
Thursday December 29th, 2005 8:32:23 AM
Dietrich hears Berlon´s idea and couldn´t agree more. But alas, it´s too late.
He swears silently to Domi and is annoyed enough about the situation, thinking: "When this is over, and should we still be alive, we´ll have some stuff to discuss about."

The warrrior goes with the rest till the entrance and decides to stay there, waiting outside till he´s needed. He isn´t exactly the most silent guy, with all the steel climpering around, and would only put the whole enterprise at risk, should he try to enter the Palace.

Theodore and Macaw  d20+1=4 d20+1=15
Thursday December 29th, 2005 3:07:58 PM
Although Theodore tries his hardest to keep from being heard, he has never been known as a sneaky individual. Always one to wear his feelings on his sleeve, the sneaking simply doesn't come naturally to him. (Move Silently 4) But he understands the necessity of being quiet in this endeavor, and remembers to hoist up his overflowing pant legs to keep from making a shuffling noise. (Burn a hero point for Move Silently 15)

The rest, is up to Wardd.

Vauhwyt and Mookie 
Thursday December 29th, 2005 4:43:24 PM

Vauhwyt cast her Enlarge back at the market, and the spell only hjas a duration of 2 minutes, so I'm sure it has expired. That leaves the large-size Vauhwyt carrying both Targo and Rose.

Let's guess that Rose weighs 50 lbs. let's guess that Targo is 200 lbs. As a large quadruped with a 14 Str, Vauhwyt can carry 177 to 348 pounds as a medium load. That imposes a check penalty of -3 on her move silent rolls. Per the rules, there is no size penalty for movine silently, but of course the DM is always well within rights to impose circumstance adjustments.

Since V rolled a 23 on her Move Silent check last post, that becomes a 20.

She does her best to sneak into the Palace past the ambush.

Vorelle  d20+11=24
Thursday December 29th, 2005 5:20:38 PM
Silent as a ghost, Vorelle glides through the gates with the rest of the group.

[Move Silently 24]

Early rolls  d20+5=19 d20+3=14 d20+3=4
Thursday December 29th, 2005 9:52:35 PM
DM post on the way--Kup

Inside, and Out (DM Kup)  d20+4=23 d20+4=17 d8=5 d20+4=6 d20+4=11 d20+4=22 d20+4=12 d8=5
Thursday December 29th, 2005 10:25:23 PM
While Dietrich and Berlon stayed outside, invisible, Vauhwyt (with Rose and Targo on board), Vorelle, and Jack cautiously made their way inside the Prince's Palace gates.

The two guards who were swinging the gates open were occupied with speaking with their supervisor. "--And we must appear as if things are entirely normal," the more senior man was saying. He was tall and reedy, with a drawn face, thin lips, and close-cropped gray hair. "The populace must not suspect anything is awry. They--"

He paused and studied the seemingly empty corridor in front of them for a moment, as if listening to something, then continued slowly. "They would not appreciate it. Anything that would add to the--instability--of the moment would only serve to enhance the strength of our enemies. Is that clear?"

"Yes, sir," the gendarmes replied, and saluted crisply. They stood to either side of the gates, the feet of their polearms resting on the tunnel floor. Their superior officer, meanwhile, had not bothered to stop long enough to acknowledge the salute, but merely turned sharply on his heel and returned back inside and disappeared around a corner that branched off to the left in the distance.

Mercifully, luck appeared to be with the group. The gates were open, the guards were staring off down the tunnel beyond them, and there was no one else in view.

The group slowly made its way forward with silence and caution. Vauhwyt carefully squeezed her way past the guards, her tail just narrowly passing the poles of their pikes. Vorelle came next, silent and smooth.

Then it was Jack's turn. He passed the metal bulwark that buttressed the floor along the gateway--and his boot scraped against it! There was a silent, collective intake of breath as one of the guards' head snapped in the direction of the noise.

"What was that, Marek?" he demanded of the other guard.

"What was what?"

"That noise. Didn't you hear it?"

The second guard stifled a yawn with the back of a lobstered gauntlet. "Rats."

The first guard's shoulders slumped and his face darkened with apparent disgust. "With you, it's always rats," he retorted. "It's a wonder they don't eat your codpiece, with so many of them." The second guard, called Marek, merely snorted in response.

After a few moments of tense silence, those who were proceeding inside could breathe a collective sigh of relief. The guards had not seemed to detect them.

Ahead of the inside group, three pathways diverged. To the left was the small hallway down which the officer had recently traveled. There were a set of turnpike stairs leading up at the end of it--perhaps it led to a guard room. To the right, there was another narrow passage, with a straight staircase that led down at the end. There were voices speaking low but urgently in that direction. Immediately before them were two large, heavy, oaken doors. They were closed.

Dietrich and Berlon: Back near the gate, "Marek" and his companion guard were speaking in quiet voices.

Listen DC 12: Highlight to display spoiler: {
Marek: Did you hear about the poison?
1st guard: Aye. Deadly, I hear.
Marek: Not as I heard it. I heard that it was a set-up.
1st guard: A what? But why?
Marek (looking slyly): I heard this from a wench at the tavern, who has ... friends, you know? You didn't hear it from me, of course ...}

Olyn: You made your way quickly back to the Wolves' Quarter and returned to the guard's station. Displaying your Wolves' signet ring, the guard looked at you askance and indicated that you should wait. Another guard joined him, they conversed quietly for a moment, and then the second one withdrew within. Shortly, he returned and nodded for you to follow.

You accompanied the guard to the same antechamber as before. Inside, the old man was sitting behind his desk, his hands steepled over his large book. You noticed that three physically unimposing, unarmed men dressed in simple shifts with Wolves' insignia stood along the wall that flanked the door through which you had entered the room.

Without looking up, the old man spoke. "Leave us," he declared. The guard nodded again and withdrew, closing the door behind him. The three unarmed men remained.

Again the old man spoke, without looking up. "Olyn, you have returned." It was not a question.

"You have failed to bring your companions. You have failed to bring the assassin. Your directions were explicit."

The old man sighed, placed a long feathered quill in the binding of the book and closed the cover, looking up at last. The light of the torches in the wall sconces that lined the room glittered in his dark, expressionless eyes.

"You have failed in your service, Olyn. There is no margin for failure in this House."

The old man's eyes darted to either side for just a moment. You sensed, even without seeing them, that the three unarmed men stepped forward silently and lithely from their places on the wall to flank you on either side and from behind.

"Fortunately, you can still be of service to our House--as an example that we do not abide failure!"

With lightning speed, the three men struck! Legs and arms flew at you, seemingly from all directions at once. (ooc: you are not surprised or flat-footed. You have your full AC. However, the most recent CS I have for you shows an AC of 21 and HP of 19! If that's wrong, please let me know.)

The first man connected with a solid blow to your sternum, knocking the air from your chest (5 HP nonlethal damage). The second man's legs swung up at you, but you were able to deflect them. The third man's elbow connected with the back of your neck, sending you stumbling forward (5 HP nonlethal damage).

"Finish him," the man behind the desk intoned as the men circled about you.

Mad Jack 
Friday December 30th, 2005 12:10:03 AM
As his foot scraped he froze immediately. Oh he did not like this none at all. When the guards continue talking as though noithing happened he continues with the others.

Berlon  d20+6=25
Friday December 30th, 2005 12:57:13 AM
Berlon stands immobile and silent, and is able to hear Marek's conversation easily with his big Gnome ears.

Listen check 25

Olyn 
Friday December 30th, 2005 1:02:45 AM
ac21, 55hp is current. I sent a updated CS back in november.

and im curious, was this part of the module or is this your way of punishing someone who chooses to go against the norm, ie not agree with the group and go off without them?

if its the later, just remove me from the game, kill me if you want, but dont insult me.

Rose 
Friday December 30th, 2005 4:51:59 AM
Rose quietly (very very quietly) whispers into Vauhwyt's ear. "Do you want me to open the doors?"

Rose would be very very quiet as her lips are pratically touching Vauhwyt's ears.

Theodore and Macaw 
Friday December 30th, 2005 10:05:44 AM
(OOC - Theo went with those into the tower, as well. See above post.)

"Methinks the path directly ahead would logically lead towards the Prince's meeting room," he whispers. "However, we might take a peek down the right passage to see if one of the Prince's men owns one of those voices. The Prince might still be incapacitated and we might need to go through another right now."

He then waits for the others to mull it over and proceeds in whichever way the consensus chooses.

DM Kup: oops! Sorry for neglecting to mention you above, Theo. Got it--you're with the sneakers.

Folks, owing to the holiday weekend, there may, or may not, be a DM Post prior to Monday. Please don't feel pressured to rush in a post to beat a deadline we don't intend to enforce. : ) Happy New Year to everyone.

Dietrich  d20+2=6
Friday December 30th, 2005 5:45:47 PM
Dietrich is too tense to notice what the guards are talking about (listen 6) and just continues in silent prayer to the gods for courage, wisdom and luck in their endouvors.

He stays ready with the great-sword at hands, should any signs of trouble arise.

Vauhwyt and Mookie  d20+4=11 d20+1=3
Friday December 30th, 2005 5:59:32 PM
Vauhwyt tries her best to remember how the group came before when they were under escort. (Int check 3 -- not really remembering!)

Vauhwyt pauses. She saw no sign of an ambush getting in, and now the group (or most of it) is prowling around the Prince's Palace invisible and uninvited.

She wonders if the group has bypassed the danger that Olyn mentioned yet, or if it is still ahead. Darn that cleric! Why couldn't he have been more precise! And why rush off like that? She hopes he is okay and is not too angry.

Vauhwyt tries to hear what is being said to the right: Untrained Listen check 11 -- not much hope there!

Vauhwyt asks Theo if he would detect magic on the door.

The liontaur answers Rose in a very very soft whisper, and a deliberate lisp: "Yeth, good idea, but let Theo detect magic firtht, and altho look for trapth before trying the lock."

Theo has a good point. "Vorelle, you are the thtealthietht of uth. Would you thneak a little wayth to the right to thee what there ith to thee. Or Lithten at leatht."

Vauhwyt casts a quiet message spell connecting herself, Rose, and Vorelle. She wishes she had thought to cast the spell earlier, so that she could talk with Dietrich and Berlon too. Next round she'll cast it on Theo and Jack, probably as Rose is working on the door.

[OOC: Could we get a sense, each post, of how much time has gone by from the duration of the 5 minutes of invisibility? Thanks!]

Spells used: 3 of 5 1st level spells, 1 of 6 0th level spells.

Mad Jack 
Friday December 30th, 2005 6:21:47 PM
Why had he come here, this is idiocy. He puts his mind to work, fast and hard, he knows he will be acting soon, hoping the madness will again save his hide.

DM SteveK 
Saturday December 31st, 2005 2:09:08 AM
OOC: Hi Everybody! I've finally gotten to be back on woldian access from my unanticipated time away. I'm going to start posting on Monday to continue with the module.

As a summation of where everybody is...

Vauhwyt, Vorelle, Theodore, Mad Jack, and Rose has Targo in tow and they are invisible inside the Prince's Palace with the intent to sneak past the ambush at the Palace and bring Targo to the Prince.

Dietrich and Berlon await outside the Palace invisible and watch and listen and pray their companions are successful.

Olyn Highlight to display spoiler: { is at the House of Wolves where he has failed to do as told and the old man is having the elven cleric roughed up as an example. Olyn can fight back, meekly be beaten, run, or try and talk with the old man some more. }

Vorelle  d20+11=20 d20+11=17 d20+10=18 d20+10=16
Saturday December 31st, 2005 11:15:20 AM
Vorelle sneaks a short way down the right-hand passage, watching and listening for anything that might help them.

[Hide 20, Move Silently 17, Listen 18, Spot 16, and I'd just like to point out that that was FOUR rolls under 10. The dice hate me. :) ]

Vauhwyt 
Sunday January 1st, 2006 9:21:21 AM

(Uses the Delay action to waits and see what Theo detects, if anything, and what Rose finds, if anything. May post again.)

Theodore and Macaw  d20+14=28
Sunday January 1st, 2006 3:55:10 PM
(OOC - I've already posted, but if I'm allowed another one, I'll go ahead and detect magic. Otherwise, please ignore.)

Theodore casts detect magic, as Vauhwyt suggests and informs the Liontaur of his findings after aiming the magic down each of the three hallways and then on the door in front of them. (Spellcraft 28)

Talk and Plans [DM SteveK] 
Monday January 2nd, 2006 3:00:52 AM
Vauhwyt, Vorelle, Rose, Theo, Mad Jack:
At the beginning of your action, two minutes have past since the invisibility spell had been cast and the group moved across the cobblestones to the Prince's Stronghold and walked through to where they are standing now. (OOC: Big SWAG for me on the time, but I fugure that is about right and gives you time to do a little action before you have the decision to get out or become invisible inside with all the guards.)
- Rose and Mad Jack await with the bound Targo for what Vorelle and Theodore can find out.

- Vauhwyt may have her mind playing tricks on her, but they so very recently came through the same Palace gate to talk to that mousy little man, that the liontaur is certain that they spoke with him in a chamber on the other side of those closed double doors.

- Theo casts the detect magic and senses that besides the magic carried by his friends, only the doors radiate (a moderate abjuration) magic.

- Vorelle moves silently enough down the right-hand passage, for she can hear the voices continuing, and can even make out some words.
"You have the ringleader?" asks an angry voice.
"Falquan is in our custody, yes" replies a cold voice.
Angry: Not here?
Cold: No, at the safehouse. You know the one? At the abandoned farmstead towards the mountain with the crazy dwarfs.
Angry: Ah, yes. The logging track with the large rowan tree. That is good. And the others?
Cold: We have not found the assassin, the one called Targo. But we have rounded up most of his conspiracy.
Angry: Most???
Cold: (Placating) All his family and in-laws, but have not yet found the wife he is supposed to have.
Angry: Wife and Husband gone to ground... No matter, Falquan by the axe and the others hung on the trees for killing the Prince. Tomorrow is soon enough.
Cold: He is dead then?
Angry: Food for the worms.
Cold: (eager) And the next Prince?
Angry: (eager) For daggers and poison to decide. I never liked the peace anyways.
There is the sound of a door opening and shutting and the voices are gone.

Dietrich and Berlon:
Waiting outside, Dietrich can hear nothing, but is ready for anything with his hand on his sword. Looking about he notices Berlon's ears are twitching as he watches the murmuring of the guards intently, and sometimes nodding in time to a comment by one of the guards.
Berlon himself can hear the conversation like the gnome was standing right next to Marek.
1st Guard: "Nay, I heard it from nobody."
Marek: "Well, (he says with a finger to his nose) I've been on guard for the Prince before, and he's a wily one he is. If the poison isn't deadly and the announcement is that the Prince is dead, what do you think will happen?"
1st Guard: "Power plays for the Princeship."
Marek: "And all the anger against the Prince directed against each other with himself to pick up the pieces!" he chortles.
1st Guard: "I jes don't envy those as was supposed to guard him."
Marek: "Aye, a failed guard may as well slit his own throat. Just as dead..."
1st Guard: "...And less pain!"
They both laugh as at a common joke.

Olyn: Highlight to display spoiler: { The scene at the House of Wolves mercifully fades to gray. What may be going on in there is but speculation at this point, and may in the course of time be fully revealed. }

Vauhwyt (AC22 HP44) and Mookie (AC19 HP22) (Blood Armor, Invis, Messages)  d20+1=3 d20-2=10
Monday January 2nd, 2006 6:08:28 AM

[OOC: My friends, to be completely out of character here, can I emphasize that if we screw this up we are dead. This is it. We have to be 100% right on target in everything we do. No screw ups, no missed posts, no forgetting anything. Read over your character sheet. Keep in mind how many hero points you have and then use them. Check out your seals and use those too. Let no potion of scroll be ignored. Play smart -- real smart -- and maybe we can still make it out alive.]

[OOC: Remember that Jack, Theo, Rose, and Vorelle are linked to Vauhwyt and Mookie by Message spells. Whisper as silently as you can, and Vauhwyt will relay what you say to the others in the link.]

Vauhwyt whispers to Theo (assume the lisp if you like), "Theo, do you have a Read Magic prepped? If you do, you might want to use it to tell if the doors are guarded by a glyph or symbol."

After that, Vauhwyt asks Rose to look for traps without touching the door! She herself will try to help ... but her untrained Search roll (3) is useless. Mookie, standing on Vauhwyt's shoulder, whispers via the shared Message spell, "Hey short stuff! Look there!" The bird actually is useful, giving a +2 on after an Aid Another roll.

Vauhwyt listens with an eager ear to hear what Vorelle has heard, if anything.

[OOC: Steve, since we have 30 rounds of invisibility left, but only three minutes of invisibility left, can we count down the spell that is saving us in rounds rather than minutes? :-) Thanks!]

Spells Used:

3 of 5 1st level spells
2 of 6 0th level spells.

Vorelle  d20+11=26 d20+11=24
Monday January 2nd, 2006 12:08:03 PM
Cold terror grips Vorelle as she listens to the two voices. Shaken, she slips back to where her friends wait.

"O-Olyn w-w-w-was r-r-r-right," she says. "W-w-w-we n-n-n-need to g-g-g-get out of h-h-here."

[Hide 26, Move Silently 24]



Vauhwyt 
Monday January 2nd, 2006 12:27:22 PM

"Vorelle, why? What? What did you learn?"

Dietrich 
Monday January 2nd, 2006 1:20:38 PM
Oblivious to the fact that his suspicions about an internal coup and having the party as a scape-goat are unfortunately true, Dietrich continues waiting at the entrance.

The warrior sees that Berlon is listening to something and he gets curious, looking at the gnome for answers. His fingers are itching to use Wardd´s gift and the adrenalin in his blood is rising.

Theodore and Macaw 
Monday January 2nd, 2006 7:29:41 PM
Theodore nods to Vauhwyt. (Spontaneously cast read magic in place of detect poison to read glyph on door, if there is one)

Vorelle (illegal second post) 
Monday January 2nd, 2006 8:33:40 PM
"Th-th-th-they--" Words are coming with more difficulty now as the enormity of their peril becomes clear. Vorelle tries, but the harder she tries, the more pressure she feels, and the worse the stutter becomes. She manages a couple more incoherent sounds, and that's about it.

Vauhwyt (second post) 
Monday January 2nd, 2006 8:50:28 PM

Vauhwyt is filled with empathy for the frustration that Vorelle must feel. She thinks again that Targo's death would be a good step towards helping Vorelle. But she has no time for such thoughts.

Instead, she whispers, "Vorelle, take a deep breath and listen. If we leave now, the Prince will brand us as traitors. We already refused the Wolves and the Merchants. The Temple of Ward will not take us in. We do not have enough pull with any other House. The WLA is too weak, except maybe to help send us into exile. If we leave now, we kiss our future here goodbye -- maybe foreverr."

"But if we press on we can still get to the Prince, bring him the assassin, and convince him we are loyal. If he is lying poisoned somewherre, then he really needs our help. It is like Theo said, our honorr, our duty, and our hope is with the Prince!"

"So Vorelle, my friend, if you think our only chance is to go into hiding and exile, then I will agree with that path. But are you surre? Is there no better hope? No chance for something else by pressing on?"

"Here it is, by oldest friend: Do we go back, away, into hiding, and maybe into exile?

Nod yes or no."

Catching his master's mood, Mookie is silent. Vauhwyt's claws dig hard at the floor, and she feels like she is perched on the tall limb of a tree. Which way will we fall? Vauhwyt thinks, or can we walk further on this narrowing branch?

Berlon 
Monday January 2nd, 2006 9:09:48 PM
Berlon listens intently to the guards' conversation, wrinkling his nose as it concludes. He waits to relate the story to Dietrich, not wanting to alert anyone to their position.

Vorelle (illegal third post) 
Monday January 2nd, 2006 9:23:59 PM
Having had a moment to reflect, Vorelle realizes that their only chance lies in thwarting the real assassins, two of which are in this building. And if Vauhwyt's right about the Wolves, their only chance lies in convincing the Prince to clean his own house.

"N-n-n-no," she whispers. "W-w-w-w-we g-g-g-g-go on."

Mad Jack 
Tuesday January 3rd, 2006 1:57:12 AM
OOC I am a bit confused here. The conversation that is goin on , about the assassins, and this Targo character, too me doesnt sound the alarm. I mean he said 'we have rounded up the conspiracy.' So I dont understand Vauhywts message that two of the assassins are behind the door. Also Vauhwyt gives 4 options to Vorelle, "back, away, hiding, and exile'. Then asks her to nod yes or no. Also even if Vorelle heard that she is being searched for, who knows she is Targos wife? So Im confused.

Jack, not understanding any of what is going on, simply stands as still as he can. All this talk of leaving, after all the convincing of bringing the man here. Its absurd to leave now he thinks. Jack whispers, "Lets drop him off like planned and get out of here."

Unseen, Unheard [SteveK] 
Tuesday January 3rd, 2006 4:16:17 AM
OOC: Sorry if there is confusion. Inevitable where the DM can't do non-verbal communication :) I think that Vorelle has correctly assumed that when Targo's family was 'rounded-up', that they spilled the beans on Targo having a wife and who she is, which is why the round-up included Targo's in-laws (ie Vorelle's family)

OOC: Invisibility by round: 29, knowing it took 20 rounds to reach this far undetected, so there are 9 more rounds to take action before the point of no return.

Vauhwyt, Vorelle, MadJack, Theodore, Rose, and Targo:
Highlight to display spoiler: { In a hushed little group, Vorelle comes to the group scared nearly witless. A concerned Vauhwyt lays out the rapidly dwindling options of the group, and Vorelle's nod indicates that the group still try and find the Prince to deliver Targo.

Theodore prepares a Read Magic but doesn't need to use it. Neither does the nimble Rose have to ply her trade on the doors, for the massive oaken portals are opening! Pulled from the inside, they ponderously swing open on expertly oiled hinges. Glimpsed through the opening is a troop of the Prince's Men marching out the audience chamber with the obvious intent of going down the hall. Marching? Yes, marching. Not with the sharp step of an Alsidurian Brigade or the House Guard of Plateau City, but marching none the less. Each have headless pikes and black armbands on, and the small column is shoulder to shoulder for the cooridor. The headless pikes and armbands say louder than any words what the word is going to be in the city; the Prince is Dead!

Uh oh! There are the two smaller cooridors (one to the left that had the officer walk down, and the other to the right was where Vorelle heard the voices and door shut) that may be a refuge, or the Heroes can precede the procession back down the hallway, or they can confront the ranked mass of men-at-arms walking down the hallway. The good news is their armor is making such a clatter that being quiet is no problem.}

Dietrich and Berlon: Highlight to display spoiler: { Dietrich watches Berlon who ignores the bigger man to concentrate on anything else the guards say. Unfortunately, they seem to have come to the end of thier conversation. }

Olyn: Highlight to display spoiler: { willing to talk if you are still reading posts }

Vauhwyt (AC22 HP44) and Mookie (AC19 HP22) (Blood Armor, Invis, Messages) 
Tuesday January 3rd, 2006 6:05:00 AM
Vauhwyt whispers to Jack, Theo, Rose, and Vorelle, "Quick! To the left! Then we sneak in before the doors close again!"

[OOC: Steve, from Vauhwyt's experience in the palace before, how far as the mole digs (in a straight line) is the heart of the palace from the outside gate where Vauhwyt thinks Dietrich and Berlon are waiting? If it is within 120 feet, then Vauhwyt is pondering sending Mookie out behind the marchers. That way Vauhwyt could message Mookie, who could talk with D&B, and be in communication. If it is further than 120 feet, then that serves no purpose, since the message spell would fail at that distance.]

[OOC to Jack: For what it is worth, Vauhwyt is of the opinion that if the group were to turn back, then hiding and exile would follow. The choice she intended was "Turn Back" or "Go Forward." Vauhwyt is glad that Vorelle seems to have understood what she meant. Maybe it's a girl thing. :-) ]

Finally, as they stand off to one side and watch the marchers go past, Vauhwyt whispers an opinion: "I do not believe it. I do not believe that the Prince is dead. But his enemies are evidently in control. That must be the source of the ambush. We have to find the Prince and restore him to powerr. And even if he is dead, we need to fetch him and bring him to the Temple so that he can be brought back to life! Our situation is now that much more dirre. But we still have hope and a chance! Be brave, my friends!"

As soon as the marchers pass, Vauhwyt will lead her friends through the oak double doors.

Theodore and Macaw 
Tuesday January 3rd, 2006 10:17:24 AM
Theodore would look deathly pale, if he weren't invisible. He manages to move into the left tunnel as Vauhwyt suggests and moves again with the party when they move into the room from whence the marchers came.

Mad Jack 
Tuesday January 3rd, 2006 1:46:31 PM
Jack follows as silently as possible. The sight of all the guards, or armsmen has him feeling mighty queezy. without knowing it, he begins to mutter softly under his breath. A new plan, new plan, this one is going bad in a hurry.

rose 
Wednesday January 4th, 2006 2:13:06 AM
Rose whispers to Vauhwyt "I have another seal to make us invisible when this one runs out." She tries to stay quiet and hang on to Vauhwyt and hold Targo in place as Vauhwyt quickly moves.

Unseen, Unheard [SteveK]  d20+5=10 d20+5=22 d20+5=7 d20+5=9 d20+5=15 d20+5=14 d20+5=19 d20+5=7 d20+5=17 d6+5=7
Wednesday January 4th, 2006 6:42:15 AM
OOC: Invisibility by round: 26, knowing it took 20 rounds to reach this far undetected, so there are 9 more rounds to take action before the point of no return.

Vauhwyt, Vorelle, MadJack, Theodore, Rose, and Targo:
Highlight to display spoiler: { The Heroes hurry into the side cooridor and not a moment to soon as the crash and tramp of thirty mailed warriors march past. Most are stoic, some worried, and one or two have tear streaks on thier faces as they move down the hallway within arms reach of the Heroes.
It takes two rounds for the marchers to go past and another for the group to come around and slip inside the doors. Not to worry, for the doors have no one there to close them and they remain standing open. And the group can see the audience chamber where they were tested by the clerky little man only a few days ago.
The echoes of the march are still in the room, and each of the heroes again can move without fear of being heard. Of course, that means it is difficult to hear what the man who is standing at the far end of the room is saying. Dressed in finest black silks and kidskin, the man looks to be in his mid thirties, with a receding hairline that still retains its raven colour. He is turned and is talking to a chair that is beside him, a expertly carved and velvet covered chair that has a princely crown carved into the back.
It seems that you will have to get closer or wait for the echoes to die down to hear what is being said. And that much more movement or time to get found out as well.
The thought comes unbidden to Vauhwyt, Vorelle, Theodore, MadJack, and Rose; careful my friends, risk and reward are balanced on a razor's edge... }

Dietrich and Berlon: Highlight to display spoiler: { A sound begins low, and then grows as surely as the ticking of a clock, gets louder and louder. Marek and his companion turn and put thier shoulders to the door, opening them just in time.
Out marches (marches?) Marches 30 Prince's Men, shoulder to shoulder, in the cooridor the others took to go in the Palace. They all carry headless pikes and have black armbands on thier sleeves. Spreading out, they ring the courtyard at 'parade-rest' in a half-moon facing outward. Oh, this is bad, this is very bad. There is only one person who could have died to bring the warriors out in funeral array... }

Olyn: Highlight to display spoiler: { Olyn stands amazed that after all that he and his friends have done for the Wolves that he will be treated this way! And the men continue thier attacks. A flurry of blows come from the men, but only one manages to connect in a bruising strike to the back for 7 points of damage.
The old man actually cracks a smile and begins to instruct the young elf. "Good, you take discipline like a Wolf. Submit to the Alpha of the pack and you will become a Wolf. You are no longer a jackal sniffing around the Wolves den."
"A Wolf sacrifices for the good of the Pack."
"A Wolf submits to the will of the Alpha."
"A Wolf..."
The instruction and the beating continues }

Cayzle seeks clarity 
Wednesday January 4th, 2006 7:15:07 AM
Steve, can you confirm something? The man is talking to a chair? Is it a throne? Is it facing us or turned away? Is it possible that we cannot see someone seated ion the chair because the chair is turned away? Or is it possible that there is someone invisible in the chair? Can we make listen checks to hear if there are two voices or just one? How about spot checks to read lips? How far is the man from the party?

Olyn 
Wednesday January 4th, 2006 8:10:20 AM
stands there.

in shocklike state.

ashamed of the thoughts that ran through his head.

(ooc and mine too)

Theodore and Macaw  d20+4=21
Wednesday January 4th, 2006 9:51:35 AM
"I also have an invisibility spell prepared," Theodore whispers via message. He hangs back to let one of his stealthier friends listen in on the conversation.

As he stands, he scans the room for any other doors or possible nasty surprises. (Spot 21)

Vorelle  d20+10=27
Wednesday January 4th, 2006 1:14:50 PM
Taking her time, Vorelle moves cautiously closer, straining her ears to overhear what the man is saying.

[Take 10 on Move Silently for a result of 21. If I can't take 10, let me know and I'll roll it. Listen 27]

Dietrich  d20=18
Wednesday January 4th, 2006 4:12:18 PM
Dietrich is getting slightly nervous about the delay of his friends. When all the soldiers come out of the palace and he recognizes that the Prince is probably dead, the warrior gets really worried.

He moves to a more protected place, to observe the entrance and to get out of sight for when his invisibility vanishes (hide 18, with armour). He sheaths his sword and takes the long-bow at hands.

Dietrich remembers the strange right-hand man (can´t remember his name now) and Th´Ayvannen´s mysterious and painful death. After that, things got worse and worse.
Could this guy now have killed the Prince to assume his power? Which other, more evil powers could be behind that?

The fighter continues waiting, with a feeling of impotence, not able to sneak into the castle and help his friends. He prays again to DOmi for the sake of his friends and of the City and hopes that the other options are not closed yet.
Maybe the Wolves or the Merchants could still be interested in the party´s allegiance... When out of distance to be heard by the guards, he asks his gnomish budy:

"What do you think about calling Olyn and maybe the Wolve´s help? I´d prefer to have more muscle, for the case we have to fight our way out of the prepared ambush."

Berlon 
Wednesday January 4th, 2006 5:16:12 PM
Berlon isn't sure what to do, but follows Dietrich, retreating to a safe conversation range.

"I'd prefer our reinforcements to be a little more... let's just say reliable. And frankly, I think we're at the point of no return..."

Mad Jack  d20=2 d20=16
Wednesday January 4th, 2006 6:41:46 PM
Jack simply stands there. Knowing if he moves now, he will reveal himself.

Spot 2
Listen 16

Vauhwyt (AC22 HP44) and Mookie (AC19 HP22) (Blood Armor, Invis, Messages)  d20+11=25 d20+2=20 d20+2=22 d20+2=21
Thursday January 5th, 2006 4:10:43 AM
[OOC: Last post I asked about the distance back to Berlon and Dietrich "as the mole digs." If the distance is less than 120 feet, especially if it is much less, then Vauhwyt will cast Message on Piper and Mookie as the soldiers march by and then send Mookie following them. If Mookie can find D&B, then the two of them can communicate with the five inside via Mookie and Message. But if the distance is more than 120 feet, then that won't work, and Vauhwyt will keep Mookie close. For what it is worth, since the group has been making Move Silent checks without the -5 penalty, we have been travelling at half-speed, that is, 30 feet per round with Rose on Vauhwyt.]

Vauhwyt whispers to Jack under the cover of the fading boots, "Jack, stop muttering and hold onto Targo." She hands the assassin off to her newest friend.

She continues, whispering, "This is clearly the Usurperr."

SUPERFAST RUMINATION BEGINS ========

Vauhwyt, a rogue herself, knows that an attempt to sneak attack this fellow is doomed to failure under normal circumstances. With his Uncanny Dodge, he cannot be flanked, and he retains his dex bonus even against unseen foes and if surprised or flat-footed.

"However, he still loses his Dexterity bonus to AC if immobilized."* That means if he is GRAPPLED!

So a plan hatches in the mind of the liontaur. If she were to cast her Enlarge spell and then charge the man, a successful grapple will immobilize him. That in itself would be good, but thereafter he would be susceptible to sneak attacks ... not from her, the grappler, but from others attacking into the grapple! Like Rose! Who has a green seal of backstabber, just like Vauhwyt's!

Vauhwyt's surprise attack would grant a free attack on the usurper in which to establish the grapple, and then the subsequent pin would let Vauhwyt cover his mouth before he could shout for help.

Vauhwyt goes over the plan in her head one more time.

Round 1: Cast Enlarge. Move silently to within 30 feet.
Round 2 (surprise round): Leap with surprise, touch, and grapple. Others attack into the grapple.
Round 3 (first round of combat): Pin and cover the man's mouth. Others continue to attack into the grapple.

The biggest problem is Who is he talking to? If he is delivering an evil soliloquy to the chair, then fine. But if there is someone present ... someone she cannot see? Invisible? Concealed by the chair? Then the whole plan goes belly up. The other problem is that initial grab. What if she misses? She used up all her luck at church, and does not feel particularly heroic (has no hero points!). But she is invisible, and Mookie will help ... unless he is off talking to D&B!

ALL THIS flashes through Vauhwyt's head in the blink of an eye! Then she makes a start.

RUMINATION ENDS ========

"This is the usurperr!" Vauhwyt repeats in a whisper to her friends -- a whisper that does not conceal the liontaur's faint accent. "We need to take him down! I'll cast enlarge and get a little closerr. Then I'll grapple him while everyone else attacks. Then I'll pin him and shut him up so that he cannot call for help, cast spells, or activate magic items. Keep attacking until he goes down!"

Still under the cover of the fading boots, Vauhwyt casts her Enlarge spell (shared with Mookie unless she has sent him off behind the troops). She moves silently so that she is 30 feet away from the man. She watches carefully and listens.

Move Silent -- if she can take ten, that's a 21. If she is rolling, that's a 25.

Listen -- 20 or 22 if Mookie is near to lend alertness.

Spot to look for people -- Wowsy! A nat 20 is a 22 or 24 with Mookie. Per the Wold House Rules, "CRITICAL HITS AND FUMBLES: We will use the 3.5E rules for critical hits. We add to that the rule that all rolled 1's automatically miss and all 20's always hit, on skills, saves, any roll of a one fails and any roll of a 20 succeeds." So Vauhwyt is confident that if there is anyone invisible or hidden in the room, she'll sense it.

Spot to read lips -- 21 or 23! Gosh darn it! I'm using up the good rolls I'll need to grapple on skill checks!

Spells Used:

4 of 5 1st level spells (just cast Enlarge)
2 or 3 of 6 0th level spells (3 if cast on Mookie and Piper)

OOC to DM: Highlight to display spoiler: {Sorry for this insane post, and for rules lawyering. I can't help it when I am excited!}

==========

*From the SRD rules for Uncanny Dodge.

Clarity Post [DM SteveK] 
Thursday January 5th, 2006 7:09:12 AM
OOC: I seemed to have this problem before :) (ie of not giving enough information to the players so thier characters can act as the Players wish them to act) And I completely forgot to mention about any of the 'mole digging' distances in the Palace (sheepish DM)

1) It is certainly further than 120 mole feet from the current party location to where you left Dietrich and Berlon. Certainly best to keep Mookie with Vauhwyt.

2) The man is talking to an empty throne which is facing you. Yes, Listen checks are a great idea if you want to hear what is being said.

3) Rumination was great to bring thoughts out and settle in my mind what can/can't be done. Understand that you players blew out of the module storyline a long time ago and your DMs are madly trying to keep up with all your great ideas. It has been a fun challenge keeping with your posts and seeing how we could use the module as a framework for some semblance of order! :-)

Unseen, Unheard [SteveK]  d20+5=17 d20+5=13 d20+5=22 d20+5=24 d20+5=19 d20+5=15 d20+5=18 d20+5=20 d20+5=17 d6+5=11 d6+5=11 d2=1
Thursday January 5th, 2006 7:22:12 AM
OOC: Invisibility by round: 25, knowing it took 20 rounds to reach this far undetected, so there are 5 more rounds to take action before the point of no return.

Vauhwyt, Vorelle, MadJack, Theodore, Rose, and Targo:
Highlight to display spoiler: { Theodore looks around the room to spot any surprises. All he sees is the man in black standing on the left of the throne and talking to the empty seat. There is one more door out which is behind the throne and the man. The Heroes are about fifty feet from the throne. Theo is certain that apart from themselves and the black-clad man, there is no one else in the room.
Vorelle takes a careful path (taking 10) and moves to within 30 feet of the man in black. With her well-trained ears, she can clearly listen in on what he is saying.
Mad Jack Vauhwyt hands off the bound and gagged Targo to Mad Jack. The mithril-wearing hero knows that his movements may reveal thier position and stands stock still by the doorway. Unfortuneately, he can't hear more than a murmur of the black-clad man's voice.
Vauhwyt A very quick rumination runs through the liontaur's mind and she comes up with a plan. Handing off Targo to Mad Jack, she casts Enlarge on herself and Mookie and carefully sneaks to within 30 feet of the throne and black-clad man. Her Mookie-enhanced ears also easily pick up the conversation from the man to the chair. Vauhwyt is certain that apart from themselves and the black-clad man, there is no one else in the room.
Rose stays with Targo to keep the rock handy for his head. She gets off Vauhwyt and is by Mad Jack (OOC: Had to flip a coin whether you would be with Targo or Vauhwyt (d2=1) :) }

Vorelle and Vauhwyt Highlight to display spoiler: { "I understand now. I'll make the announcement that you're dead and the Houses will be stunned then start going for each other's throats. That will give you all the cover needed to execute that bothersome Falquan and the 'conspiracy'. (The last word is said with a sneer) The heroes that messed up all your plans with the Book, the Fey King, and the Clean House with the Merchants are blamed and soon will die since they have no one to protect them anymore. And after a time, you come back all the more powerful. It is simply brilliant, my lord!"

"My lord? My Prince?" The man in black shrugs, looks up, and begins to walk to the open double doors where the Heroes came in. "Must've gone to gloat over Falquan again", he says to himself.

The man will pass within ten feet of Vauhwyt and Vorelle. }

Dietrich and Berlon: Highlight to display spoiler: { The Prince's Men stand still, headless pikes grounded, black armbands fluttering. The spectacle is not one to be missed, and a crowd is beginning to gather; three here, another there, a couple from over there. And the next thing is nearly inevitable; the murmuring starts. "What is going on?" "See how they are dressed?" "You know what this means?" "There has to be an announcement." If the guards weren't bad enough, if the crowd gets much worse, it is going to make it impossible for Dietrich and Berlon to move about unnoticed or for the ones inside to get out unnoticed... }

Olyn:Highlight to display spoiler: { (OOC:thank you :) for me, that was better than a paragraph. And now, on to Olyn's fantastic roleplaying opportunity :) }

Olyn Highlight to display spoiler: { Another flurry of blows rains down on Olyn, and he is struck with the heel of a hand twice in the head for a total of 22 points of non-lethal damage. Total so far of 39 points.
Through the fog of pain and the whirlwind attacks, the careful litany of the old man continues.
"A Wolf does not fail. If a Wolf fails in a hunt, it is brought down by the others in the Pack. The weak die that the Pack will live."
"A Wolf protects the den and cubs, even at the cost of his own life."
"A Wolf..." }

Vauhwyt (AC18 charging HP44) and Mookie (AC17 HP22) (Blood Armor, Invis, Messages, Enlarge)  d20+7=25 d20+9=26 d20+17=22 d6+3=6 d20+17=19
Thursday January 5th, 2006 10:04:43 AM

For DMs and Vorelle: Highlight to display spoiler: {
In a flash, Vauhwyt's mind shakes. Unless this was some kind of ruse -- And how could it be? Why would it be? -- the usurper is The Prince Himself!

He is faking his own death in order to re-establish control after the chaos that follows. And he will kill us or have us killed. And he sees us as enemies and a nuisance, not allies and friends.

Now Vauhwyt understands the depth of the Prince's betrayal.

She remembers talking among her friends such a short time ago ... We are the Prince's men. To stand with the Prince is the only honor left to us ... We cannot look to anyone but the Prince.

The taste of bitter ash fills her mouth. She focuses on a single thought -- vengeance. She does not know when she will feel the Prince fall under her claws, or how long it will take to bring him to the rough justice he deserves, but she has a good place to start.

When the man is 30 feet from her, she gives a whisper to Mookie and charges.

Mookie flies five feet ahead of her, and uses his action to distract the target. (Aid Another roll is a d20 +2 invis +2 charge +BAB and adjustments I don't have at hand but which total at least +3 ... Mookie's roll of 25 gives Vauhwyt a +2.

Vauhwyt grabs the man (ten foot natural reach when huge). She gains +2 for being invis, +2 for charging, +2 for Mookie, and her normal base attack is +3 IIRC. That's a total +9 for the melee touch attack. Her roll of 26 should be fine to grab him, even though he retains his dex bonus when surprised!

Vauhwyt grapples! Her adjustments are +8 size, +4 feat, +5 BAB +Str for a +17 adjustment. Not sure if the +2 charge bonus applies, nor sure about the +2 invis or the +2 aid another. Just using the +17, Vauhwyt grapples a grapple DC22. That's not a 1, 2, or 3 (auto fail results). And it should suffice to grapple the human ... I hope! Check out the Wold rules for special attacks in the Constabulary Castle. The man's grapple DC is 10 + Str Modifier + Size Mod + BAB + Feats. If he has no feats, and +0 for being medium, that means his combined Str+BAB would have to be a 13 or more to resist the grapple.

Plus maybe figure in the Aid Another, Invis, and Charge bonuses?

If he is grappled, he takes 1d6+3 nonlethal damage. That's 6.

That's the surprise round. After that it is a combat as normal. In tabletop D&D we would roll initiative, but I'm hoping that Wold-style, the good guys go first.

If he does not resist the grapple, then in this round Vauhwyt tries to pin him. Her grapple check is 19! That's an auto fail. He is still grappled, but not yet pinned! Darn!

If he resists the grapple, more later. Got to fly back to NY. }

To Vorelle, Rose, Theo, Jack: Highlight to display spoiler: {Vauhwyt charges the man, and tries to grapple him. Whether she succeeds or not depends on his grapple DC, which our kindly DMs will let us know soon.

Vauhwyt whispers, "Attack! Fast! Hard! Rose, sneak attack him while I hold him!}

Olyn 
Thursday January 5th, 2006 10:40:40 AM
drops to his knees with a umph. still listening and 1/2 in shock still.

Mad Jack 
Thursday January 5th, 2006 5:29:12 PM
Holding Targo buy the waist, Jack is totally taken unaware by the charging liontaur. She is actually attacking this figure she knows nothing about. Not only that, but the invisibilty fades from around him, as he can see everything clearly. Dropping Targo to the ground, he draws his sword from off his back, and whispers his battle cry.

OOC Cast True strike on weapon.

Dietrich 
Thursday January 5th, 2006 6:55:31 PM
Dietrich swears silently at the crowd gathering near the gates. He moves further away, not wanting to put his friends at even more risk by suddenly appearing out of the blue in the middle of the populace and the guards.

Than he says to Berlon:

"Comrade, I don´t like the Wolves at all, pretty dangerous and inescrupulous people, but at least we served them already in the past and should have earned their favor. I´d actually prefer to deal with the Merchants, but don´t have any contacts with them and don´t know their power.

I also don´t know what is going on inside that palace and, for the delay and that show, can only assume it´s nothing good, and I can´t see what else we two could do. This waiting is killing me.

So I´m going now to try this card and let´s pray to Wardd he doesn´t forget us now!"

After that, Dietrich marches fast towards the Wolve´s Tower.



Vauhwyt Ruminates 
Thursday January 5th, 2006 9:28:49 PM
To the DMs: Highlight to display spoiler: {As Vauhwyt tries to grapple with the man she believes to be the current nominal head of Dirt City, she thinks to herself, What next? What if we DO capture this man?

As she wraps her arms around him and stares into the man's face, she has a sudden flash of herself wearign that face! Of course! With the Alter Self and the Disguise Kit, she could pose as this man, and then march her friends and her prisoners out of the palace right under the guards' noses! And she could give orders as she left!

"Guards!" she imagines herself saying, "The Prince is NOT dead! He was pulled back from the brink by the heroes who defeated the Fae King. He has declared them all heroes under his personal protection! Spread the word! The Prince lives!"

"But there may be invisible spies in the palace. The Prince orders all floors to be covered in sawdust, flour, sand, and dirt! Attack all invisible creatures as soon as they are detected!"

"Now I have business of my own with these prisoners!"

In the glory of this vision, Vauhwyt's concentration slips, and she fails to pin the man. "Idiot!" she thinks to herself. "Win this fight before tackling the next one!"

[OOC: Just to give you guys a possible course of action for the party.]}

OOC: If we survive this, I'll eat Mookie's tailfeathers!

Theodore and Macaw 
Thursday January 5th, 2006 9:41:04 PM
Theodore is also baffled as to why Vauhwyt would be attacking the man standing there. He remains where he is to keep an eye on things. If someone else enters the room, he hollers to alert the others.

Berlon 
Thursday January 5th, 2006 10:49:23 PM
Watching Dietrich head off to the Wolves', Berlon mutters under his breath: "Maybe we don't have to choose."

With that, Berlon will move at top speed towards Merchant Square. If he encounters any townsfolk (not guards or anyone else affiliated with the Prince) he will make a single statement.

"I am looking for a merchant named Kassif."

He will keep asking, as discreetly as possible, until he gets an answer....

Vauhwyt OOC 
Thursday January 5th, 2006 11:29:48 PM

Note that just because V attacks, the others' invisibilities are not ruined, I don't think.

Note that Vauhwyt's Grapple DC (if the man tries to grapple free or escape artist out) is a 23 (10 +8 size +2 BAB +3 Str)

Vorelle  d20+11=25
Friday January 6th, 2006 1:41:30 AM
Vorelle heard the same speech as Vauhwyt, but put an entirely different interpretation on it. Now she steps back, wondering what in the Wold could have possessed her friend to act so rashly.

She concentrates on remaining undetected. [Move Silently 25]

Rose  d20+6=15 d20=7 d8+4=6 4d6(2+1+3+5)=11
Friday January 6th, 2006 3:59:02 AM
Rose is a bit surprised at Vauhwyt's charge, but knowing that there is now no other choice Rose does as she's told. As she breaks sneaks up behind the guy and attacks she breaks the seal that will help her attack

attack: 15, + any bonus for being invisible
damage: 6
sneak attack: 11

Mad Jack 
Friday January 6th, 2006 4:03:38 AM
OOc I thought we all had to be real close to be under the seal of invisibility. Thats why I assumed when you left with the seal, Vauhywt, then whoever did not move with you would immediately become visible.

Unseen, Unheard??? [SteveK]  d20+5=18 d20+5=11 d20+5=25 d20+5=24 d20+5=11 d20+5=15 d20+5=7 d20+5=23 d20+5=18 d6+5=8 d6+5=9 d6+5=7 d6+5=11 d6+5=7 d20+7=12 d20+7=19
Friday January 6th, 2006 4:56:13 AM
OOC: Invisibility by round: 24

Vauhwyt, Vorelle, MadJack, Theodore, Rose, and Targo:
Highlight to display spoiler: { Vauhwyt attacks and becomes visible along with Mookie who is distracting the man in black. The man is startled at the crow suddenly flapping about his face in the heart of the Prince's Palace and he hesitates for a fatal instant. Quickly, he is grappled by the liontaur, and they wrestle for leverage; he to escape and her to pin his arms. He hasn't a chance (Grapple:12) but tries nevertheless, taking 6 points of non-lethal damage from the liontaur.

Rose quickly scoots over and strikes, turning visible, and wounding the man further for 17 more points.

Mad Jack remains invisible, but is sure the manure is going to hit the winnowing fan, and lets go of Targo in order to draw his sword and cast a spell (Roll Spell Failure for armor please).

Vorelle also remains invisible, stepping back and keeping quiet.

The man can't get away, but there is nothing wrong with his mind or voice. "HELP! He screams, "Assassins in the castle!" And then a hint of recognition appears in his eyes. "You! The patsy heroes!" }

Dietrich: Highlight to display spoiler: { Not liking the Wolves but not seeing another choice, Dietrich heads to the House of Wolves, praying that Wardd's Luck is with him. He sees that Berlon is not following him. The last you noticed the gnome, he turned visible and was moving into the crowd calling for 'Kassif, has anyone seen Kassif?' }

Berlon: Highlight to display spoiler: { The wiley gnome listens to the big figher and watches him move quickly towards the House of Wolves. "Maybe we don't have to choose.", he thinks, and moves off quickly for the Merchant's Square. "Kassif, has anyone seen Kassif?"
Several people know of the merchant, and you are quickly pointed to the largest storefront in the City Below on the square. It looks recently upgraded with fresh stucco and signs. Two halbrediers in gaudy 'swiss-guards' finery stand at the doorposts. }

Olyn Highlight to display spoiler: { On his knees and not fighting back, Olyn is at the all too little mercy of his three assailants. He is struck again and again with a final blow to the head sending him into merciful darkness. (+4 to hit defenseless, five strikes for 42 points of non-lethal damage, totalling 81 points and putting Olyn out cold.)

The last thing the elven cleric hears before blackness engulfs him is the old man's voice, penetrating, insistant.

"A Wolf obeys the Alpha."
"A Wolf does NOT fail."

(OOC: Olyn won't be unconscious for long in posting terms. You can take the time to roleplay his mind wandering and what he is thinking about. It will give me good material on which way to go in the future. Expect to revive in a post or two :) }

Vauhwyt (AC20 HP44, Grapple DC 27) and Mookie (AC17 HP22) (Blood Armor, Enlarged, Messages)  d20+17=37 d6+3=6 d20+4=19 d3-4=-1
Friday January 6th, 2006 6:10:10 AM

[OOC to DMs: Highlight to display spoiler: {Um, can we use the new Wold rules for special attacks? See link below. The gist of it is that opponents don't get opposed rolls in grapples any more -- instead they take ten. The take-ten result is the "Grapple DC" ... and if DMs post the grapple DCs of foes, then players don't have to worry about the If-Thens of did the attack work.

Oh, and just to be a buttinski, Jack's True Strike requires no armor failure roll because it is a verbal-only spell.}]

OOC: The new but official Wold Rules for Special Attacks. I made a mistake calculating V's Grapple DC last round. It is 27, not 23.

Spoiler for DMs, Vorelle, Theo, Jack, and Rose: Highlight to display spoiler: {Vauhwyt knows she has to shut this guy up, but fast! She attempts to pin him and cover his mouth. Her grapple check is a 37, a natural 20 (alas, no crits possible while making grapple checks), so she wrestles him into a lock and covers his mouth, pinning him. But has the damage been done? Did his cry alert anybody? She prays a quick prayer that the distance and corners around which his short cry would have to travel will suffice to keep his allies in deaf obliviousness.

Her pin inflicts another 6 hp of nonlethal damage on the man.

She whispers, "Theo! Close the doors if you hear anyone running up! And watch Targo!"

"Good job, Rose," she whispers. "Hit him again!"

As she has the man pinned, she holds him so that Rose, Jack, and Vorelle can take swings at him. "Be careful! Put him under but DO NOT KILL HIM!" she whispers through the Message spells.

"Did you hear him?" she whispers hard to her friends, "He said we were the patsies! It was all a set up, and we were to be the fall guys! Well we'll show him who the real patsy is!" She squeezes harder to emphasize her words. [That's a RP squeeze! Doesn't really mean anything damage-wise.]

Vauhwyt whispers to the man, "I'll look real pretty wearing your face!"

Mookie takes advantage of the situation to peck at the man. The bird hits AC19 for 1 hp of damage.}

[OOC to DM: Highlight to display spoiler: {"Jeezum Crow on a stick! This is amazingly amazing!" Mookie whispers for Vauhwyt alone to hear, "Boss, if we get out of this alive, I'll eat your tail-tuft!"}]

Rose  d20+6=22 d8+4=9 4d6(5+5+4+1)=15
Friday January 6th, 2006 6:50:23 AM
Rose quickly makes another strike at the man, this time trying not to do any permanent damage.

attack: 22, -4 nonlethal, +? he cant move and is grappled by Vauhwyt
damage: 9
sneak attack: 15

sneak attack seal: 2 rounds, used 1 left

Theodore and Macaw  d20+4=22 d20+4=6
Friday January 6th, 2006 9:29:40 AM
Theodore remains where he is, turning his head away from the violence to keep an eye on the door. He also keeps an ear open, though he is consistently drawn back to the sounds of struggle.

(Spot 22, Listen 6)

Dietrich 
Friday January 6th, 2006 10:32:48 AM
Dietrich sees the cleric of Alemi turning visible and going after the merchants. He isn´t disappointed at all; the more options the better, and even better not to stay completely at the mercy of the Wolves.

The warrior continues marching as fast as he can to the Tower of his "allies".

Berlon 
Friday January 6th, 2006 12:23:53 PM
"Hello, friends," Berlon says to the guards, "I understand the merchant Kassif might be inside? My name is Berlon Daengle, and while Kassif is not expecting me I am very sure he would be interested in seeing me....

(OOC: What DM email address(es) are we currently using?)

Olyn 
Friday January 6th, 2006 5:40:15 PM
walking through a meadow in full bloom and a small brook running slowly to his right Olyn feels at peace. stopping to look to his left, into a great expanse of trees, he is is sure he sees movement. dropping to his belly he slowly moves towards it, not to startle what he thinks he sees as his heart starts pounding more rapidly in his chest. he is sure to think that the creature he is sneaking up on can hear it. stopping just outside the treeline he sniffs the air, smelling....fear and blood.
standing up he spies his prey, a young deer, not quite an adult but at the same time not a youngling either but to Olyn that makes no difference. he notices the creature limping, bleeding from what looks like a small gash along its side. talking softly to the creature he begins moving slowly and steadily to it, and to his suprise it just stands there.
as he gets within reach, and as he begins thinking about the healing magic within him, a blur comes from his right side, and then his left, then from in front of him but not attacking him. it is 3 wolves, all of them ripping into the young deer as he stands there. first he feels disbelief, then anger, then pain as he is knocked to his knees as another wolf bowls him over to get to the fresh kill. then he feels.....no, he tastes salt, and blood, and fur and hears the sound of flesh being torn and bones breaking and its at this time he realizes it is he who is tearing into the young deer.

and watching his from a few feet away is a man, with blood on his hands and around his mouth and chin, and as Olyn continues to eat the man is saying over and over: A Wolf does not Fail, a Wolf obeys the Alpha.

DM SteveK OOC: Oh, what a great post and scene!

Vorelle  d20+11=30 d20+10=15 d20+10=23
Friday January 6th, 2006 7:36:50 PM
Her friends seem to have the man in black under control. Meanwhile, Vorelle tries to work the situation out logically.

The man had been speaking to the throne. As if someone were there. Then, he seemed to realize that nobody was there. An odd circumstance--unless the person he'd been talking to was invisible.

Vorelle moves toward the throne listening with all her might. Maybe the invisible person had come back, or maybe he had never left.

[Move Silently 30. Listen 23; used a Hero point to re-roll.]

Mad Jack  d20+28=34 2d6(2+3)+3=8
Saturday January 7th, 2006 3:07:05 PM
Jack stands at the ready. Looks like the man and Vauhwyt are locked in a loving embrace. Shaking his head in confusion, hewould never understand the female mind. Looking down at Targo he fights back the urge to strike the man. The trouble he had caused. Looking over at Vorelle, his emotions turn ugly. He was the only one left in the assasination plot, and he knew nothing. Fine. Jack wheels his sword around in a full arc and strikes Targo while prone on the ground.

OOC Hit AC 34 8 damage.
True strike is a Verbal only spell, luckily didnt need to roll for arcane failure.

DM SteveK: gotit :) verbal only needs no armor check :)

Vauhwyt (illegal second post) 
Saturday January 7th, 2006 4:36:25 PM

Vauhwyt is flabbergasted! "Jack! What are you doing! No, help me take down this man I am grappling!" she whispers fiercely. "We have to take him down fast before the guards arrive!"

"Good job Rose! Now hit him hard!"

"My plan," she whispers to her friends as she holds the villain fast, "is to escape into a Rope Trick as soon as this guy goes underr. Rose or Theo, I'll need one of you to read the scroll. Jack, you'll have to grab Targo and bring him to the trick." I'll use magic to clean up the blood."

Fight, Flight, and Philosophy [DM SteveK]  d20+7=24 d20+7=22 d4+3=6 d4+3=5 d20+15=33 d20+15=32 d20+7=24 d4=3 d3=3
Sunday January 8th, 2006 10:58:10 PM

Vauhwyt, Vorelle, MadJack, Theodore, Rose, and Targo: Highlight to display spoiler: {
(OOC: Does Vauhwyt want to pin his mouth or his arms? In a grapple your opponent can still fight and can't in a pin. I'll allow Vauhwyt to pin the mouth or the arms but not both. I'm assuming that the mouth is more important from your posts and act accordingly...)
Theo keeps watch at the door, and sees nothing down the hallway. Noises down the hallway are another matter as the fight is hard to hear over.
Vorelle moves quietly as a mouse and listens with all her might to hear over the combat in the center of the room. She is mortally certain that there is no one else in the room besides her friends, Targo, and the Man in Black.
Mad Jack, certain that there will be no escape, he's gonna take out the idiot who got them into this mess, and his sword takes a chunk out of Targo as he cowers in a corner. Mad Jack is now visible. The would-be assassins eyes go wide at the descending blade, then roll up in his head as he starts to bleed out.
Vauhwyt moves the man into a locked hold (grappled) that hopefully he can't get out of and covers his mouth(pinned), squeezing him for another 6 points of damage. And Mookie helps for another point.
Rose with the assistance of the Seal of Backstabbing is able to inflict a terrible wound on the man, yet he still struggles.
The Man in Black Pinned, the Man can't move nor speak (at Vauwyt's option, which she is using). Therefore, using his Escape Artist ability (rolled 33) the Man is able to escape from Vauhwyt's pin and is still grappled (second rolled 32). He draws his dagger (Quick Draw: free action) and stabs at Vauhwyt once (second action; hit AC24 for 3Hp + Poison DC 13 Fort for 3 CON points (serum of scorpion poison) }

Dietrich and Olyn: Highlight to display spoiler: { Dietrich quickly moves through the City Below alone to come to the entrance to the Wolves stronghold, with two men on guard. Just as he is arriving, the door opens. First is one man followed by two others, all three wearing the badge and brand of the Wolves. The two following are dragging a body between them. It takes Dietrich a moment to go beyond the bruises of the dragged body to really see the sculpted face underneath. It's... it's Olyn!!Highlight to display spoiler: {<span class="spoiler">}

Berlon: Highlight to display spoiler: { The guards look uncertainly at Berlon; there are few enough gnomes in Dirt City... "Didn't Neezer say something about a group that may come?" asks one guard to the other. "Yep", replies the second, "some folk with a lion-woman and a gnome." He looks Berlon up and down. "Where's the kitty?" }

Olyn Highlight to display spoiler: { Olyn dreams of a young deer in need of help. An innocent. Yet before he helps, the wolves move in for the kill... and he becomes part of the attack! Will he join this pack of killers? Will he deny them and put himself and his friends into greater danger? Will Wardd give him just a hint of luck to get through this in one piece? Tune in next time... }

Olyn 
Monday January 9th, 2006 12:25:27 AM
Lays there bleeding.

Vauhwyt (AC20 HP41 of 44, Grapple DC 27) and Mookie (AC17 HP22) (Blood Armor, Enlarged, Messages)  d20+17=33 d6+3=9
Monday January 9th, 2006 6:13:51 AM

For DMs, Rose, Vorelle, Theo, Jack: Highlight to display spoiler: {Vauhwyt's top priority is to minimize the sound the combat makes. Vauhwyt grimaces at the wriggly man's successful attempt to escape her pin. Then the man manages to nick her with a dagger. She feels a coolness enter her blood ... a familiar, comforting coolness that reminds her that she needs to be deliberate, careful, and consider all that she does. This reassures the liontaur, and she smles at the Man in Black [OOC: Immune to scorpion poison.]

Vauhwyt attempts to pin him again. Her grapple check is a 33, which should beat his grapple DC. That pins him again, for 9 points of nonlethal damage.

"Please friends," she whispers, "Be ready to close the door if you hear guards come, or help me fight this guy. And please don't kill Targo. Yet."

She instructs Mookie, "Be ready! If or when he goes down, get the Rope Trick scroll out of my pocket and give it to Rose or Theo, whoever has not acted yet!"

"Okay, Boss," Mookie whispers back. The bird tenses, using the delay action, to move as soon as the Man in Black drops.}

Theodore and Macaw 
Monday January 9th, 2006 10:22:24 AM
"Jack, what are you doing?!" Theodore is suddenly visible, shaking his arms about wildly to get the man's attention. "Don't!"

The wizard is so baffled by Jack's actions that he can't articulate a coherent reply. He is simply bewildered.

Dietrich 
Monday January 9th, 2006 11:05:43 AM
Dietrich is completely shocked by the sight of the unconscious Olyn. His first instinct is to draw his mighty sword and liberate his friend, but he controls himself for the moment. Having even more enemies now wouldn´t be exactly helpful... $#&¨%&*(, so much for the Wolve´s protection..

The heavy man steps in front of the guards though and asks them:

"What happened to that elfie-boy? Are you going t

Continuation Dietrich (computer crashed in the middle) 
Monday January 9th, 2006 11:19:42 AM
"Are you going to get rid of him? He could still be of some use."

The warrior just hopes their reactions are the right ones, as he feels his adrenalin rising again and would be sorry to have to cleanse his blade from their parts...

Berlon 
Monday January 9th, 2006 1:45:17 PM
Berlon cocks his head and looks confusedly at the second guard.

"I'm sorry, friend, I am new at all this. Am I to give out confidential information to someone other than the person I am making the contract with? Or should we instead focus on coming up with a plausible excuse for Kassif as to why I was delayed when time is of the essence? I admit, friend, your big city ways often scare and confuse me..."

And then, after a short pause: "So... can I go in now?"

Vorelle 
Monday January 9th, 2006 7:53:49 PM
Vorelle isn't sure what to do now; she keeps an eye on Vauhwyt's struggle with the man in black, ready to assist if need be.

Though she's not sure what she'd do.

[OOC: Can we see each other? Those of us who are invisible?]

Mad Jack  d20+10=26
Monday January 9th, 2006 8:25:14 PM
Squatting on his heels he gets down to Targos level. Jack slaps him hard across the aface, continueing until the man wakes up.

"ok, Targo, I gave my word I would avenge Vorelle. My word is my life. So you have one chance of surving. I am your new master, and you will do what Isay. If you do not, I will deliver you to muy friends on the plains. They are well known for their flaying techniques. Woud you like to know one of them? Well yes you would, since it will be your reward if you cross me. The cut a piece of your flesh under your breast. Then they tear with a very sharp knife about a 2 inch strip of skin down to your stomach. Theuy do that on both sides. Then they make you heal. Death, oh no my boy, you will not die."

Intiidate roll 26

rose  d20+6=25 d8+4=5 4d6(2+3+3+6)=14
Monday January 9th, 2006 11:50:22 PM
Rose strikes the man again, still trying to do no permanent harm. "Piper fly out of here and be ready to carry a message if you need to"

attack: 25, -4 nonlethal, +what ever for the pin
damage: 5
sneak attack: 14

last use of seal of backstabbing.

Fight, Flight, and Philosophy [DM SteveK]  d100=76 d100=88
Tuesday January 10th, 2006 5:06:47 AM
ooc: just a question... how does Mookie know which scroll or potion is which? Can he read?

OOC2: Kathy, I'll research your question, but it's moot for this spell since Vorelle is the only one still invisible. :)

Vauhwyt, Vorelle, MadJack, Theodore, Rose, and Targo: Highlight to display spoiler: { Vorelle is the only one who is currently invisible (for 23 more rounds), and stands with indicision, waiting to help in whatever direction needs it most.
Vauhwyt re-pins the man and in the process squeezes him for points of damage. She smiles at him and fear replaces resignation as he realizes that the liontaur is not affected by his dagger. He begins to wiggle out of Vauhwyt's grasp again, but is stabbed a third time by Rose, whose precise strikes render him limp and bleeding from three wounds.
Theo turns visible, and pleads with Mad Jack not to kill Targo, arms and legs akimbo as he tries to get the warrior's attention.
Mad Jack stops his second strike, and instead tries to revive Targo to hiss in his ear. Unfortuneatly, Targo is still unconscious and still bleeding out his life's blood onto the floor.
Mookie grabs a scroll and seeing Rose stabbing the Man, he flaps over to Theodore trying to get the mage's attention.

And now that there is no fighting involved, from out of the double doors, the clatter of metal on stone is clearly heard. As if many people in thick armor and sharp weapons are quickly trying to reach this spot and carve up whomever is in this room into little bitty bloody bits. }

Dietrich and Olyn:Highlight to display spoiler: { Olyn feels like he is floating in a blackness, and the dream disturbs his mind, but it is so hard to think... [b]Dietrich[b/] controls himself and doesn't draw steel in the City Below, even when confronted by three men holding a battered Olyn. His agressive stance is noticed by the men and the two guards, who are more alert with this intimidating armored man in front of them.

"This grubbing elf just got a little lesson in displeasing the Wolves. Alpha still thinks he's got some use, so we're gonna toss him by a doorstep as an example. And if you don't want to displease the Wolves, you'll stand aside and let us go about our business."

One of the men holding Olyn makes a psst sound. "Ain't dat der one of dis 'ere one's friends? Ain't dis 'ere a lessen for dem?"

The first man looks back at Dietrich consideringly. "Well I don't know..." }

Berlon: Highlight to display spoiler: { At the word 'contract' the two men stand a little straigter and the look of curiosity goes out of thier eyes. "G'wan in", says the second guard. "At the desk, Neezer will get you to the Man." }


Vauhwyt (AC20 HP41 of 44, Grapple DC 27) and Mookie (AC15 HP22) (Blood Armor, Enlarged, Messages) 
Tuesday January 10th, 2006 5:38:52 AM

For the DMs: Highlight to display spoiler: {Vauhwyt as a liontaur was required to spend two skill ranks on literacy. Since a familiar has the same skills as its master, my interpretation of the rules is that Vauhwyt shares her skill-based literacy with Mookie. So yes, my interpretation is that Mookie can read.

As to Mokie's ability to manipulate objects, please feel free to 86 anything that seems too bogus!}

Note that when Mookie gets more than 5 feet from Vauhwyt, his shared spells go poof. That means the bird is not enlarged nor armored.

Vauhwyt begs Theo to use the Rope Trick scroll, and for everyone to get in it FAST, before the soldiers arrive. Vauhwyt has a 10-foot length of rope for the spell if needed.

She also asks Jack to bring Targo, and to pour a healing potion down his throat or something. She has a CLW potion (1d8+1, reroll 1s) if he needs one.

And she asks Rose and Vorelle to close the doors, because otherwise the party will be caught. She suggests that Rose not to send Piper out there, since although he might be invisible, it is probably too risky!

All communication is through whispered Message.

Vauhwyt herself casts Prestidigitation to clean up the blood on the floor and try to remove all signs that the party has been here.

Her intention is to do everything she can to get the whole party (five people), plus Targo plus the Man in Black plus the rope itself into the Rope Trick before any soldiers look into the room. Maybe all that can be complete within two rounds?

Vorelle  d20+10=26
Tuesday January 10th, 2006 8:56:09 AM
[OOC: Targo is visible?]

If Vorelle can see Targo, she moves to him and attempts to stablize him, shaking her head at the irony. Really, she shouldn't care if the man lives or dies--except that he may be worth more alive.

[Heal 26]

If she can't see Targo, she moves to close the doors as Vauhwyt suggests.

Dietrich  d20+3=22 d20+4=15
Tuesday January 10th, 2006 11:38:17 AM
Dietrich is very relieved to hear the Wolves don´t intend to kill Olyn. This makes it possible for the warrior to keep control and not simply cut the guards into small meat.

As they seem to start recognizing him, Dietrich considers it time to do what he came there to do in the first place.

"Alright!
I´m Swordmaster Dietrich the Bear of the Windbourne Hills, member of that famous mercenary company which saved the City from the plague and already served the Wolves in the past.
I have extremely important news for your Alpha, so important that I´m going to forget what you did to my friend for a while."

Diplomacy 22; intimidate 15

Dietrich hopes he´ll be able to get some help. He doesn´t have the Wolve´s ring (ooc joined the party slightly later), which means they don´t see him as a member of the pack, but also means he´s an independent mercenary, not subject to the Wolve´s authority and disciplinary actions (let´s hope so...).

Olyn 
Tuesday January 10th, 2006 11:46:55 AM
Lays there bleeding.

Mad Jack 
Tuesday January 10th, 2006 2:19:22 PM
Jack simply doesnt care whether this man lives or dies. Hearing the footsteps coming fast toward the room, he simply waits on his haunches.

Berlon 
Tuesday January 10th, 2006 6:05:56 PM
"Such courtesy and efficiency! Thank you, friend!" Berlon will proceed past the guards, humming a happy tune...

Theodore and Macaw 
Tuesday January 10th, 2006 9:46:17 PM
Theodore takes the scroll from Mookie. "I need rope," he says as he moves to Vauwhyt.

"Bring the assassin," he says to Jack. Stopping near Vauhwyt, he casts read magic to decipher the spell on the scroll, takes any offered rope, and uses the scroll, rope trick.

Rose 
Wednesday January 11th, 2006 1:34:06 AM
Rose quickly moves to Theo and digs in her bag of holding for some rope which she offers to him.

ooc: Piper should be invisible as the seal affects everyone in the party and the familiars are part of the party. Therefore she's not sharing it with rose and since she didnt attack would still be invisible.

DM SteveK Gonna have to say no. 'Party' is PCs and NPCs that are together. Familiars are associated with thier PC or NPC, not one themselves. Piper and Macaw are both visible.

Fight, Flight, and Philosophy [DM SteveK]  d100=15 d20+10=19
Wednesday January 11th, 2006 1:47:48 AM
d100=76 d100=88
Tuesday January 10th, 2006 4:06:47 AM
ooc: Familiar Skills, not going to change something that has been assumed for a while in the middle of a combat. So for now, Mookie can read (and Macaw, too), but this will be revisited

OOC2: Invisibility, again not going to change what everyone has been playing throughout, so for the purposes of THIS spell, those affected by the invisibility spell can see the others also affected. (Not normally the case)

Vorelle is the only one still invisible; 21 rounds

Following posts take 2 rounds to complete...

Vauhwyt, Vorelle, MadJack, Theodore, Rose, and Targo: Highlight to display spoiler: {Theo takes the scroll Mookie gives him, casts Read Magic, and gets the rope that Vauhwyt provides. He casts Rope Trick and urges everyone up the ten feet of rope. Finally, he wants MadJack to bring Targo, but the warrior looks to prepare to meet the onrushing hordes they hear clattering in the corridor. Vorelle can't believe she's doing this, but staunches the flow of blood from the visible Targo and saves his life. Vauhwyt casts prestidigitation and starts to clean up the blood on the floor by the Man in Black. The Man doesn't cooperate because he is still bleeding on the floor; plus there is the blood over where Targo was hit. It's gonna take at least three rounds to clean all that up with prestidigitation after the Man stops bleeding...

The doors are still open (nobody has closed them) and the sounds are getting louder. The Heroes think that within a round, there will be armed men coming out of those two small corridors and will be able to see inside the room. It'll take one more round for them to reach the doors. The Heroes are certain that it will take two or three rounds to all get into the Rope Trick. }

Dietrich and Olyn:Highlight to display spoiler: { The man doesn't seem too intimidated by Dietrich, but a further thought makes up his mind. "Why don't you take your Fey-loving friend and take care of him? This here is a good enough lesson, and you seem to be the right audience."
At a signal, the two other men toss the battered body of Olyn at Dietrich. Then all three back up towards the door to the Wolves stronghold.
"You can't see the Alpha. You want further answers, it's all in the note."
Dietrich as you catch Olyn, his blackened eyes flutter open in pained awareness.
Olyn feels a dull pain and a sudden movement. Opening your eyes you realize you are face to face with Dietrich. In fact, he seems to be supporting you. }

Berlon: Highlight to display spoiler: { Berlon thanks the men and goes through the door. Opulence surrounds him as he goes to the indicated desk where there is an old thin man. }

Mad Jack 
Wednesday January 11th, 2006 2:05:55 AM
Laughing loudly, Jack picks up Targo and moves him towards the door.

"Vorelle, go with the others, decision has been made. Save your hide girl!"

Jack then moves off in front of the open doors in plain sight. The onrushung guards will see the bleeding body of Targo. Also Jack has his sword drawn, but pointed at the ground. Jack will then throw, push Targo out in front of him, Targo landing on the ground.

"The assassin of the Prince. He is yours to do with as you like. I wanted to kill him, but it is not for me to say. This one is just the patsy. There is a man dressed in black, who was behind the whole affair, and we seek to take him down at this time. I will answer any questions, and I am here to serve as the Prince ordered of me." With his left arm, he crosses his chest, and slightly bows his head. Jack doesnt know if the custom is used in this area, but he does know the importance of military salutes,and respect.

OOC Up to all of you, but Jack is creating the diversion you need to get away. Hence the title 'Mad'.

Vauhwyt (AC20 HP41 of 42, Enlarged, Armor, Messages, Prestidigitation) and Mookie (AC15 HP22)  d20+4=15 d20+4=16
Wednesday January 11th, 2006 4:36:07 AM

In a flash, Vauhwyt has a vision: The guards round the corner, see Jack and Targo, and then -- through the open doors behind Jack -- they see the rest of the party climbing into the Rope Trick carrying the Man in Black!

Vauhwyt knows that if her vision becomes reality, then Jack's sacrifice will be in vain!

Therefore, Vauhwyt immediately closes the doors behind Jack! Mookie rejoins his master at the doors.

While she does this, Vauhwyt whispers, "Wowsy, Jack, I think you just saved our behinds! But it will only work if you DO NOT TELL them that we are here and DO NOT TELL them that we captured the Man in Black! Okay? Please?"

While Vauhwyt is closing the doors, she hopes that her friends are getting in the Trick! Then Vauhwyt turns her attention to the Man in Black. She hoists him into the Trick! "Let him bleed in there!" she thinks to herself.

[OOC: I assume that the reference to the Man in Black still bleeding is a role-play thing? He's not actually losing hit points, is he? Nor is he dying -- that is, in the negative hit points, is he? With all that nonlethal damage, no way he could be, I figure.]

Vauhwyt continues to urge her friends up into the Trick. She will be last, and as she waits for everyone else to enter the Trick, she uses her already cast Prestidigitation to continue to clean. In fact, for good measure, she casts a second Prestidigitation, in the hope that two spells will be twice as fast!

Vauhwyt will be right under the Rope Trick, ready to leap and climb up into it in the moment that the doors start to open (or as soon as the place is clean). She keeps her eyes on the door and her ears pointed that way too!

Spot check 15, Listen check 16.

Note that Vauhwyt's last action will be to pull the rope up after her!

Spells Used:

4 of 5 1st level spells (Blood Armor and Enlarge are still active)
4 of 6 0th level spells (2 Message, 2 Prestidigitation)

[OOC: We'll need to be thinking about how Rope Tricks work real soon! Can a person in the Trick hear what is going on out of it? Can a person out of the Trick hear what's happening in it? Can a Message Cantrip let Vauhwyt whisper to Jack, even if she is in the Trick?]

Dietrich 
Wednesday January 11th, 2006 11:53:46 AM
Dietrich isn´t very happy that he´s not going to see the alpha now, but the battered Olyn in his arms forces him to delay this question for a while, including his curiosity about the note.

"Olyn! Are you ok? Do you need a healing potion? What the &T$%$*& happened! I thought the Wolves were your allies, *¨%*&¨ dogs!"

He´ll help Olyn sit down and will listen to him, but he already starts opening the note, as the warrior remembers his friends inside the dead Prince´s palace.

Olyn  6d8(3+4+8+3+5+3)+6=32 4d8(3+3+2+1)+4=13 d8=3
Wednesday January 11th, 2006 12:34:27 PM
when tossed to deitrich, out of his mouth comes: ooommmppphhh.

when moved and sat down, out of his mouth comes: aaaccckkk.

finally and carefully Olyn inspects, and winces at the extent of his injuries. reaching into his waist and pulling out his wand, he aims it at himself and lets off 6 charges in unison. (healed self for 32 points)
and does it again but only 4 times in unison. (healed self for 15 points)

finally looking up at Deitrich, and proceeds to clean the blood off his face and hands, he responds:
Vauhwyt in her holier than thou attitude did this to me. All we had to do was bring Targos here and all would be well, now, instead, (points to bruises and blood) this happens. But noooooo, Vauhwyt had to go to the Prince's house. I hope his minions slit her throat, would serve her right for not listening to me. She thinks we can just waltz wherever we want, doing good deeds and noone will get angry at us for our medling. mark my words Deitrich, we keep following her lead, one or all of us are gonna end up in a gutter, and our life's blood seeping out of us.
she needs to wake up and realize, her Liontaur body doesnt intimidate people like she thinks she does. matter of fact, im sure there are already people now being hired to hunt us down. and unless we change our tactics, we are as good as dead.

looking directly at Deitrich Olyn says: the time has come to choose sides. we can no longer walk the line. we must choose our allegiances and stick with them. we cant use houses to benefit us at the time for there are consequences when we do. we can no longer run as an independent. I tell you this D, I chose the Wolves cuz they can protect their own, even against the Daggers. and like all houses, each have rules the members must abide by. and that witch, Vauhwyt helped me to break one of those rules. she wont cause this on me ever again. i'll kill her myself before I take a beating again.

*doesn't require a roll D to determine the look in Olyn's eyes has changed*

Berlon 
Wednesday January 11th, 2006 4:52:59 PM
"Yes, hello, friend," Berlon says approaching the old man, "the guards outside told me I could find Kassif here? I believe he is expecting me, or at the least would be very interested to speak with me. I have a... business proposition for him..."

Rose 
Wednesday January 11th, 2006 6:20:08 PM
Rose helps to haul Targo and the man in black up the rope.

Theodore and Macaw  d20=9 d20=5 d20=3 d20=16
Wednesday January 11th, 2006 9:24:10 PM
Theodore attempts moves up the rope when it is his turn. (Aid another to climb 9, climb check 5, aid another to climb 3, climb check 16; did two checks for each since you said this was taking 2 rounds.)

Fight, Flight, and Philosophy [DM SteveK] 
Thursday January 12th, 2006 4:27:06 AM
Vorelle is invisible; 20 rounds

Hero point to MadJack for being, well, heroically mad.

OOC: Ooops! Forgot the Man is unconscious, not negative hit points. He's not in danger of dying. :)

OOC: Caster (Theo) knows all this... Rope Trick; 8 creatures any size can fit (rope if pulled up counts as one) Rose, Theo, Vauhwyt, Vorelle, Rope, Man (=6). No spells or senses can breach the interdimensional barrier (no Message, can't hear); but those inside can see through one-way window. Spell will last 5 hours.

Vauhwyt, Vorelle, Theodore, and Rose: Highlight to display spoiler: { MadJack, laughing loudly, picks up Targo and moves through the door. Vauhwyt immediately closes the doors behind Jack! She whispers, "Wowsy, Jack, I think you just saved our behinds!" And then turns to the others to help get folks into the Rope Trick. Rose, ManinBlack, and Theo all get up in the Rope trick.
Vorelle remains quiet and invisible in the room.
Vauhwyt cleans blood from the floor and knows that she is the only one left to get into the Rope Trick. (It'll take some seconds to get in and some more to get the rope up to 'disappear' and you don't know how much of a delay MadJack is going to give you. }

MadJack: Highlight to display spoiler: { MadJack, laughing loudly, picks up Targo and moves through the door. Vauhwyt immediately closes the doors behind Jack! She whispers, "Wowsy, Jack, I think you just saved our behinds!", and then the clatter of men becomes a reality when out of both side corridors runs out some of the Prince's Men. Swords drawn and grimfaced, they stumble perplexed to a halt only 10 feet away.
Two immediately lay hands on the sprawled Targo and take him into custody, but they aren't sure what to do about MadJack. He's not one of them, but he gave them a prisoner. He's not threatening them, but he's blocking them from where they were going. MadJack gets the feeling that these guys are not being paid to think hard...
But the pause is only for a few seconds. There is a pushing from behind, and a man in better splint mail with a well-cared for sword moves to the front. "What? Who's this? The Prince's assassin? Secure him!" (Targo already is) He continues to ask questions and give orders without waiting for answers. "You captured him? Good, you will be rewarded! A conspiracy? Let us through!"
The man advances towards Mad Jack.
Jack figures the stop, milling, and officer talking has given his freinds about a minute of extra time. }

Dietrich and Olyn:Highlight to display spoiler: { Sitting in the dust in front of the Wolves Stronghold is not the most comfortable or inconspicuous spot. As Olyn heals himself (47 points), a small crowd is beginning to gather.
And whisper. "What happened? / He was carried out of the Wolves Den / That poor man! / Don't get involved Lydia / Ain't no man, its a fairy loving elf / Some lessoning going on with the Wolves no doubt / Grubbing elves and fairies brought on the plauge, should run 'em out of town!"
Dietrich seems to blame the Wolves for the beating, but Olyn has a more personal antagonist; the high and mighty liontaur! }

Berlon: Highlight to display spoiler: { "Profit to you," replies the old man. "My name is Neezer, and the House of Merchants has been expecting one or more of your bretheren. Come in, come right in." And the man moves from behind his desk and takes Berlon into a well fashioned sitting room with plush carpet, padded chairs, and a tea tray with steam rising from the urn.
"Have a seat, have a seat", he smiles at the gnome. "I've sent a message to Kassif and he will be along momentarily. You are very important to us, very needful to the profitable operation." He pauses while he sits and pours himself some hot water and steeps some herbal smelling leaves. "Tea?"
"I am excited you are here, good Master Berlon." he smiles. "Yes, the House of Merchants has done quite an analysis on you and your group. Diverse marketable skills. I feel confident that Kassif will assign me your portfolio. We'll work closely together, and profit to all." }

Vauhwyt (AC20 HP41 of 44, Enlarged, Armor, Messages, Prestidigitation) and Mookie (AC15 HP22)  d20+4=10
Thursday January 12th, 2006 6:21:56 AM
Vauhwyt knows that MadJack will delay them for at least a round, maybe two. And another round to open the door. So she takes a final round of cleaning (that's three total, I think) and a final round to go into the Trick and pull up the rope.

As she works, she'll whisper to Vorelle, "Vorelle! are you coming in the Trick? What if the Invisible Prince of Dirt City wanders by with a Detect Invis or True Seeing?"

She'll leave the area directly under the Rope Trick for last to clean; if she has to, maybe she can stick her head out and clean that after she is mostly in the Trick.

Before she goes in the Trick, she listens to hear what Jack says (maybe Message spell will relay words he speaks to others as well?). She also listens hard: Listen 10. Oops! Distracted by cleaning up blood.

OOC: From a scroll, wouldn't the duration be 3 hours? LOL! Had this same talk with Inge about Alter Self scroll duration!

Vorelle 
Thursday January 12th, 2006 8:55:07 AM
Vorelle was ready to give herself up to save her friends, but Mad Jack beat her to the punch. Now she hesitates. It isn't just that she doesn't want to run away and possibly place the others in more danger, it's also something they told her when she bought her quiver.

"M-m-my qu-quiver," she whispers to Vauhwyt. "I-it c-c-c-can't g-g-go in there."

Theodore and Macaw  d20+3=14
Thursday January 12th, 2006 9:21:03 AM
"How's he doing?" Theodore asks Rose as he squats near the man they had beaten into unconciousness. He was still unsure whether the man had anything to do with the Prince's murder or was attempting to usurp the leadership. But it was too late to turn back now.

Theodore looks the man, trying to determine if he is stable or in need of any medical attention. (Heal check 14)

Olyn 
Thursday January 12th, 2006 10:14:51 AM
Jumping up when the crowd appears and when the man calls Olyn a name.

Staring right at him, and pointing a finger, Olyn goes off: You know what's wrong with people like you? You're inbred rejects! You think all people of a race are the same when in fact each person is different. You call me something without evening knowing who and what I am. (pokes man in chest) Did you know I was a part of the group of people that cured this !@#$% town of the plague? Did you?!? Did you know I've put my life on the line to save your worthless $%& and I don't even know you?!? Did you know that if you spent 1/10th of your time helping someone in the @#$%^ city instead of being a *(&)^ that maybe, just maybe, Dirt City could be called a decent city instead of the City of Theives and Morons?!?

You know what, if you cant say something nice to me, or anyone else for that matter, just keep your god forsaken mouths shut. The next one of you who opens their mouths and lets fly a curse at me or my friend here, gets my boot up their %@$ and my fist in their mouth. (spittle flies from his mouth)

(face and ears burning with anger) turning to Deitrich saying: lets get out of here before one of these jerks makes me kill them.

Dietrich 
Thursday January 12th, 2006 12:28:27 PM
Dietrich is quite shocked and disturbed at Olyn´s state of mind and talkings, so different from the normal holy cleric of Wardd he´d come to respect and appreciate. He himself didn´t agree with the idea of going to the Prince eiter, but the tirade against Vauhwyt is a little too strong. He´d say something, but Olyn´s nervous attack continues and DIetrich is worried the beating was too much for his friend.

The warrior reflects on his words though. He´d bet his chips on Farquan and ThÁyvannen, both dead now, and the situation in the City is certainly getting more dangerous than ever. But he isn´t so sure the party couldn´t live as an independent mercenary company. Everybody needs mercenaries and most rational people respect the contracts. Anyway, that´s a question for later.

He says to Olyn:

"Olyn, tell me all you know about what´s going on. We came to the Palace and it seems Farquan is dead. Berlon went to call the Merchant´s help, while I went to try the WOlves, but the rest of the party is inside the Palace and maybe already ran into the ambush.

The wolves told something about a note. What does it say?

With Farquan dead, whoever is behind the assassination is already moving, and I suspect we´re going to be used as a scape-goat. How are we going to get our friends out of the Palace and continue alive in this &$&¨% place?"

Mad Jack 
Thursday January 12th, 2006 4:48:47 PM
Jack listens as this well armored man seems to take charge. Jack then turns, and for the first time seems to realize the doors are shut.

"Now who shut these doors? I just walked out of them a moment ago, weird. Hold just one moment sir and I will get them back open."

Jack then sheathes his sword, and plays with the latch a couple of times, finally getting the doors open, and swings them wide. As he leads the men in, he hopes there was enough time for the others to escape, or use that rope trick, whatever that had meant.

"Looks like noones here. Probably be best to get the prisoner into the questioners hands, he may die soon, form the wounds recently taken."
Jack moves away from the door and allows whoever needs to to get by.

Berlon 
Thursday January 12th, 2006 4:50:46 PM
"Errr, yes, profit to you, as well, Friend Neezer," Berlon says, bowing slightly to the old man.

"But as you know, time is money, and I'm afraid that if we don't come to some sort of agreement quickly, all of our potential profits and resources might be lost, so time is of the essence..."

Vauhwyt (second post) 
Thursday January 12th, 2006 11:07:23 PM
"Hide it behind the throne," she urges Vorelle. But she won't wait for the invisible ranger if the door is about to open.

Rose 
Thursday January 12th, 2006 11:38:14 PM
Rose peeks out "Hurry up. she whispers

Vorelle (illegal second post)  d20+1=20
Friday January 13th, 2006 1:31:22 AM
Vorelle conceals the quiver as best she can [is that a Hide or a Sleight of Hand check?], then moves to climb the rope. She scurries up with little difficulty.

[Climb check 20]

Fight, Flight, and Philosophy [DM SteveK] 
Friday January 13th, 2006 3:26:45 AM
Vorelle is invisible for 19 rounds. She remembers that it took them 20 rounds to go from the far side of the plaza to the entrance of the double doors.

OOC: Rope Trick Duration 3 hours. (Silly me)

Vauhwyt, Theodore, Vorelle, and Rose: Highlight to display spoiler: { Vauhwyt stays off the spell for as long as possible trying to clean up (all clean), speak quickly with Vorelle, and listen to the doors. She can hear the clatter and a few shouts easily enough and is certain that there is NOT the sound of combat, but that's about all.
Rose pleeds with the liontaur to hurry, and Vauhwyt leaps into the Rope Trick, pulling the rope in after her.
Vorelle moves up the rope worried about her quiver.
Theo keeps quiet, but he notices the Man in Black is coming around. He also notices that nobody has tied him up!
Those looking in the Rope Trick window can see that Vauhwyt got in none too soon. Within a couple of seconds, the doors are opened... by Mad Jack! He leads the Soldiers in who spread out and search the area thouroughly. They go to the small door behind the throne, but do not go through. MadJack and a better armed man are talking in the middle of the room. There is no sign of Targo. }

MadJack: Highlight to display spoiler: { Turning his back on armed men to open the doors seem to put the Soldiers at ease, for when MadJack opens the doors, they all but ignore him and stream into the room weapons ready. The officer walks beside you and begins to talk.
Talking, the officer and MadJack stand near the double doors. "That assassin will be taken to the others and be executed tomorrow. Check the door you! And I want four men abreast on this door! Where is Logan, I heard him shouting?" He turns to MadJack "Where is this conspiracy and where is the Prince's Man, Logan?" }

Dietrich and Olyn:Highlight to display spoiler: { Olyn's outburst seems to quell the crowd and they step back a pace or two. Concentrating on his healing, neither Olyn nor Dietrich knows who made the 'anti-elf' comments, nor do they currently know the general crowds feelings (Sense Motive Check?), but there is enough space to move off and go somewhere more private. And as Dietrich has noticed, there is a folded piece of paper stuffed in Olyn's belt. Aha! That must be the note the guard was talking about...}

Berlon: Highlight to display spoiler: { "Ahem, er, yes", says a voice from the doorway, and Berlon sees the opulent form of Guildmaster Kassif come in. "You wish to reconsider the contract so graciously extended you your party? Yes, ahem, it is easier to speak with one agent than a board of directors."
Kassif sits and as Neezer politely extends a cup of tea to the Guildmaster, the fat man continues. "The House of Merchants is still interested in contracting for your services and can extend almost the same terms. Your associates do not seem pleased at the accomodations and necessary assurances are required to ensure a successful conclusion to the contract."
He and Neezer await your reply. }

Vauhwyt (AC20 HP41 of 44, Enlarged, Armor, Messages, Prestidigitation) and Mookie (AC15 HP22) 
Friday January 13th, 2006 6:00:43 AM
If Vauhwyt notices (or is told) that the Man in Black is coming around, she'll pounce on him and hold him down (another grapple).

"Okay," she says, still whispering despite the security offered by the Rope Trick. "Let's wait a minute and keep watch. Who has the sharpest eyes? Rose? You want to keep an eye on the window? Let us know as soon as the coast is clearr."

[OOC: If the seal was set to last for 5 minutes, and there are two minutes left, then we've been on this madcap misadventure for three minutes so far? Does that sound right? I'm thinking about the Enlarge duration, which is 20 rounds for Vauhwyt. But she cast it when? Hold on ... (looks at old posts) ... Okay, V cast it just before jumping the guy ... maybe ten rounds ago? So she has ten rounds left in the duration. Sound about right?]

Olyn 
Friday January 13th, 2006 11:13:43 AM
*reads the note*
**how do you do the spoiler thing again?**

[DM Steve: spoiler (as if you haven't noticed) is one of my favorite things to use.

To use,
1) you type a bracket, the word spoiler, and a back bracket
2) type what you want spoiled
3) type a bracket, a slash, the word spoiler, and a back bracket

it will look like this, just take out the quotation marks

["spoiler"]
type stuff
[/"spoiler"]

Highlight to display spoiler: { type stuff }


Dietrich  d20+4=16
Friday January 13th, 2006 11:39:16 AM
Not knowing if the cleric listened to him, Dietrich waits impatiently for his friend to read the note. He moves to a more discret alley, preferentially a dark place, and encourages Olyn to do the same.

"Maybe they´re already looking for us, by Domi!"

The warrior is worried enough about his friends and eager to move on. He observes the crowd (sense motive 16) and keeps ready for trouble.

Mad Jack 
Friday January 13th, 2006 3:33:27 PM
Jack puts on a face of utter confusion. "They were right here, over there by that throne. Several men clad in black talking about something, well dont know I couldnt hear. That is so weird." Looking around, he hopes his comrades have found shelter somewhere.

"You know, i am sure magic was involved. Do you know anything of that art?" Jack shivers with disdain. "Well I bet they ran out that door over there. Instead of posting men in an empty room, lets get to finding this Logan and his conspirators. I did hear one of them say, 'it has all been taken care of, just like you ordered sir, the Prince is dead.' So I assumed they were involved. Whatcha think?"

Vorelle 
Sunday January 15th, 2006 1:47:25 PM
[OOC: Am I really the only one carrying extradimensional space? Nobody else has a Heward's Haversack or a Bag of Holding? And just for the record, Vorelle stashed her quiver before climbing into the Rope Trick.]

Vorelle lets the others watch and listen at the "window" into the room below. She is already worried enough, and figures she won't see or hear anything that'll make her less worried.

Berlon 
Sunday January 15th, 2006 10:09:40 PM
"Things are happening very quickly, even as we speak. The potential for diminishing returns is... great. Why don't you reiterate your terms once again so I can understand them, as I am just a simple country Gnome, and we can decide on the wisest course of action..."

Happenings in Different Places [SteveK] 
Monday January 16th, 2006 3:17:26 AM
Vorelle is invisible for 18 rounds. (Please note on your post)

Vauhwyt is enlarged for 9 more rounds. (Please note on your post)

Vauhwyt, Theodore, Vorelle, and Rose: Highlight to display spoiler: { The Man moves weakly and tries to sit up, but the movement is noticed by all, and Vauhwyt is the first one who jumps on him. Stabbed and squished earlier, the Man is in no condition to fight, and subsides any struggles. (no need to roll anything for now)
Theo and Rose are very quiet, probably hoping that the armed guards will go away prior to the end of the spell.
Vorelle is really worried about her Efficient Quiver and Rose's Bag of Holding, but so far it looks like neither are affecting the Rope Trick. So far...
Still looks like an awful lot of people down there! }

MadJack: Highlight to display spoiler: {Men-at-arms move at the officers direction, a search is rapidly conducted, four men across the double doors, and two more across the smaller door in back. And reports start coming in. "Sir, the back door is locked, we can't get through." "Sir, no one in the room." "Sir, a house mage is on the way to check for magic." At each report the officer nods.
"You must be mistaken in what you heard, for I was with the Prince when he died. It was the Marteus-damned poison from that assasin what killed our Prince." The officer turns to walk out of the room and motions for MadJack to follow.
"You are an enterprising and quick thinking man. How would you like to be a Prince's Man? Arms, apartment, comrades in arms. And I'll even make sure you can be the one to execute that assassin you caught?"
The officer walks you out of the room into the corridor with two guards that seem to follow the officer around. }

Dietrich and Olyn:Highlight to display spoiler: {Olyn pulls out the note to read it. Amazingly enough, it is written in a code of some sort, and it may take a while to piece it together. Dietrich moves to a side tunnel, and motions Olyn to join him. "Maybe they´re already looking for us, by Domi!", the warrior states, obviously worried about thier companions. Meanwhile, the crowd still watches the spectacle of the half-elf healing himself after being brought out of the Wolves Headquarters all beaten-up, and watches to see what else will happen.}

Berlon: Highlight to display spoiler: { "Yes, ahem, diminishing returns." It seems that term is a bad word in the House of Merchants, and Kassif leans forward to emphasize his position.
"You, as representing agent of your party, requires the intersession of our House in order to assist in extracating your party from immediate personal debt, to whit, the hazard of death. And we will be willing to assist in this endeavor conditionally." His eyes bore into Berlon's, and the gnome can see that whatever his clothes or appearance or words, that Kassif is a man to be reckoned with.
"First, that irrespective of any future contract, you and your party would be in debt to the House of Merchants for one advance negotiation contract.
Second, your entire surviving party come to the House of Merchants and consider our offer of a more permenant association."}

CUT SCENE (everyone can read)
A mist seems to go across your eyes, and, for a moment, you see a vision of from somewhere else...

In a well dressed parlor, little Berlon is sitting and drinking tea from delicate cups with two other men. One thin older man no one has seen before, but the other, opulently dressed and enormously girthed, is that Kassif from the coin, all those many minutes ago...
Leaning back, Kassif becomes affable. "For that permenant future contract, know that the House of Merchants will control passage in and out of the City, be it goods of material, personnel, or empherical nature. Further, our House will supervise the exchange of goods within the City as well, be it in stores, markets, or even... the Catacombs." (Kassif says the last with a sly nod and finger lay aside his nose.)
For your part, you and your compatriots will become an advance negotiations and procurement team, provide an increased level of security to our establishments, and, when necessary, augment the enforcement arm for our House. Your contact would be Neezer, and you would be utilized only for special assignments fit to your stature and unique skills.
For our part, we are prepared to accept you as members of Our House and grant favors appropriate to your station. To whit, your group will be permitted movement in and out of the City without charge; ability to purchase and sell items at our employee rates, which are, ahem, most attractive; each of you will be provided exemplary lodging and board within our spacious and luxurious Towers; and finally, you would have our considerable influence and monetary backing in the event of political protection." CUT SCENE ENDS

BerlonHighlight to display spoiler: { "So", says Neezer for the first time since Kassif entered, "do we have a deal?"}

Vauhwyt (AC20 HP41 of 44, Enlarged, Armor, Messages, Prestidigitation) and Mookie (AC15 HP22)  d20-1=4 d20+20=33 d20-1=19 d20-1=19 d20-1=4 d20-1=13 d20-1=5 d20+22=29 d20+22=24 d20+22=23 d20+20=37 d20+20=27
Monday January 16th, 2006 10:07:13 AM
Vauhwyt whispers via Message to Theo, Rose, and Vorelle, "Leave this fellow to me! I'll get some answers out of him. Rose, please keep an eye out. Theo, would you please detect magic on this guy? for any active spells or magic items? Vorelle, could you please strip him down to his small clothes and tie him up, while he and I have a little chat? Search him for anything he might have hidden on him. If you guys have any suggestions, just message them to me."

The Huge Liontaur uses up to the remaining nine rounds of her Enlargement to threaten and talk with the Man in Black.

"Well, my friend, now we have a chance to become better acquainted. Let me tell you a little secret about me, and then you can tell me all about yourself."

She whispers in the man's ear, for him alone to hear (DMs only please) Highlight to display spoiler: {Did you notice, my friend, that I was immune to your venom? Yes, often have I felt the cool rush of the scorpion's poison, the bite of the snake, the sting of the spider. Those three are sacred to me, my friend, and to the one I serve. Come, you are wise in the Wold -- who is immune to poisons? Who relishes the numb tang that offers a reminder of holy purpose? Let me give you a hint, my friend. I am no druid, whose connection to nature offers immunity to poison. I am no monk, with control over her own metabolism. Who am I, to creep unseen on many legs, to pounce and grab you, my prey, and to tie you up firmly in my silk thread?}

No longer whispering, Vauhwyt says, "Now, my friend, if you do not want to see me wearing your face, let us begin with simple questions."

Vauhwyt then interrogates the man, seeking to draw out the following questions: What is his name and position? What is the truth about the Prince's plan? What does the Prince intend to do?

If the answers do not fit with what she knows (the Prince is alive, he intends to set up the party and then take control after the City is engulfed in chaos), then she will use the opportunity to reinforce her superior position, without driving him into unconsciousness.

Who was the leader of the guards he sent into the city to spread the lie that the Prince was dead? What are the names of the top two guards now in the Palace, and what do they look like? What is the magic on the door to the chamber? Where does the other, small door lead? What are these things he had on himself? (Vauhwyt is assuming there are keys or seals or magic items ... if there are magic items, what are they and how are they activated?)

When he gives an order, what does he say? Is there a special phrase or word he always uses?

If all this requires more than 9 rounds, Vauhwyt will cast another Enlarge (her last first level spell of the day) to finish the interrogation.

She may ask more questions based on her friends' suggestions.

Mookie stands on the man's shoulder and pulls hairs from his head from time to time, not too gently. "Keep those," Vauhwyt tells the bird. "I meay need them for my magic laterr."

That's Mookie trying to aid another on the Intimidate checks.

If you only want one Intimidate check, then Mookie's aid is a 4 -- no help there. Vauwyt's roll at +20 is a 33.

If you want more rolls ...

M: 19 gives a +2; V: 29
M: 19 gives a +2; V: 24
M: 4 gives NO +2; V: 37
M: 13 gives a +2; V: 23 (Nat one!)
M: 5 gives NO +2; V: 27

Olyn 
Monday January 16th, 2006 10:47:38 AM
looks at Deitrich after having the daydream and says: what the hell.

turning to the gawkers he replys: go away you nosey busybodies.

turns back to D and follows him while trying to decipher the note.

*anything special I need to roll?*

[DM SteveK; A Decipher Script DC 25 will do it, and Comprehend Languages spell should do the trick as well]

Dietrich 
Monday January 16th, 2006 3:26:23 PM
Dietrich is also astonished by the vision. But the Merchant´s proposal seem very attractive to him, that is, should they really become a House and not be destroyed or subdued by more powerful actors, like the established Houses or whoever assumes Farquan´s position.

He looks again at Olyn and asks eagerly about the contents of the note. Time is pressing.

"Let´s move to the Merchant´s quarter. That vision wasn´t without a reason and after what just happened to you we can´t count with the Wolve´s help. Any support we can get will be most welcome if our suspicions are true."

He starts marching fast to try to find Berlon and maybe some new allies.

Theodore and Macaw  d20+14=16 d20+14=21
Monday January 16th, 2006 4:11:53 PM
Theodore nods at Vauhwyt, but remains silent. His face is white and his lips are drawn. Clearly he is afraid for the life of his friends and himself.

He casts detect magic on their prisoner. (Spellcraft 21; used a hero point)

Mad Jack 
Monday January 16th, 2006 4:17:07 PM
Putting on his best face, and appearing eager, Jack looks at the military man. "Ah, a position in the guard. Well, i would have to decline. My whole life has been spent in military, would like to be a civilian for a while. Thank you for the gracious offer though.'

As he finishes his eyes go hazy, the sorta like dream thing goes on. Wow thats weird.

When he comes back to his senses, he merely continues looking at the man, hoping nothing of import wa said.

Olyn 
Monday January 16th, 2006 5:40:05 PM
* I checked and do have the spell memmed on my list so i'll cast Comprehend Languages and then read the note *

Berlon 
Monday January 16th, 2006 9:52:31 PM
"Yeeesssss...." Berlon begins slowly, "that all sounds well and good, and I am sure that we can arrange a partnership that will be mutually beneficial."

"But," he continues, "there are a few things you may not have taken into account, and I would like to expand the arrangement a bit..."

"Firstly, I do not presume to act as an agent or broker for my companions. Your agreement shall be with me, and me alone. When you request a party to achieve the necessary agenda, I shall provide one for you, usually comprised of my current cohorts, if they are willing."

"Simply put, I shall be responsible for any contracts drawn up, and if there is any failure to meet said contracts, I and I alone will be culpable for any penalties incurred."

"Secondly, any contracts, current or future, shall not include any actions, performed directly or indirectly by the group I provide, that would go against the tenets and beliefs of either Alemi or Wardd. I am afraid this part is non-negotiable."

"Thirdly, in addition to the honors and benefits already spelled out by you, I will require a lump sum payment in advance. If this needs to be considered pre-payment for future contracts, so be it. Frankly, most of my associates are dirt poor, and any monies awarded in advance shall be used to more efficiently, and profitably, fulfill our contractual obligations. This sum can be decided by you, and, if you prefer, can be in the form of equipment instead of hard cash."

He looks over the two men slowly.

"I know this is a lot to agree to on short notice, and would seemingly weaken your end of the agreement while strengthening mine. However..." he continues deliberately, "there are additional riders I can offer to you to make it more profitable for your House."

"While I do not presume to act as an agent or broker for my companions, I *do* presume to act as an agent for the Elders of my village. First, I offer to you the services of those able-bodied residents of my village. If your House has need of any of the not-insignificant number of Priests, Mages, Alchemists and Footsoldiers in my village, they will be at your disposal, at a fair rate of pay to them, of course."

"I also offer to you the sole rights to establish any branches of your House in my village, including but not limited to setting up shops, banks and other such exchanges and branches. If you choose to act on this part of our contract, you agree to make a fair financial offer to any existing establishments you might be replacing. While I am not an expert on such matters, I am confident that any such sums you might pay out on your end to any villagers would be considered by you to be, let's just say paltry..."

"Finally, and most importantly, I offer you the exclusive mining and salvage rights to the mountains bordering our village. Long ago they were home to a dwarven clan, but many decades have passed since they inhabited the area. The potential profit from this aspect of our contract is unknown, but," Berlon says with a dramatic pause, "potentially limitless."

"Potentially."

"Limitless."

"As soon as my companions are... extricated... from their current situation, I will work with the elders of my village to finalize this aspect of our contract."

The Gnome once again looks over the two men.

"If any of this sounds presumptuous or hasty on my part, I apologize. I do not pretend to have the negotiating skills of those of your House. Once again, time is of the essence, and I hope we can come to a mutually profitable arrangement."

"I thank you for your time."

Vorelle (invisible for 17 more rounds) 
Tuesday January 17th, 2006 9:06:20 AM
Vorelle doesn't want to touch this skeezy weasel, let alone undress him, but there's nobody else for the job. She strips him as efficiently as she can, not wanting to linger over the task.

Happenings in Different Places [SteveK]  d20+12=27 d20+12=14 d20+12=25 d20+12=27 d20+12=24 d20+14=29 d20+14=31 d20+14=27 d20+14=17 d20+14=24
Wednesday January 18th, 2006 5:03:55 AM
OOC: and some amazing posts, too. This is going to take some thought...

The characters saw the mists before thier eyes and the scene. Quite curious, don't you think?

Vauhwyt, Theodore, Vorelle, and Rose: Highlight to display spoiler: { Theodore and Rose stand mesmerized by fear and watches the scene below the rope trick window. There seem to be less people in the large room, but there look to be at least six that you can see, four by the double doors and two more by the smaller door behind the throne.
Vorelle doesn't want to touch the Man, but strips him efficiently. She has his dagger in the scabbard, and also has a well made leather armor, a pouch of clinking coinage, his beret, clothes, and hand axe by way of equipment.
Theo detects magic and the dagger, the leather armor, and two feathers on the pin in his beret emit magic (besides your friends, of course)
Vauhwyt strikes a whispered conversation with the man and ends by intimidating and tormenting answers out of him. His eyes narrow at the whispered conversation, but the Large Liontaur is not to be denied.

Vauhwyt then interrogates the man, seeking to draw out the following questions:

What is his name and position?
Marteus! (he says with a sneer) ow! argh! Lady Jane Grey. Aaauhh!! Logan, the name is Logan! (pale and panting)

What is the truth about the Prince's plan?
(still pale) Suran will leave the City for a while to let his enemies kill themselves. He will have gotten rid of his worst enemies by framing you and executing Farquan tomorrow at the safehouse outside the City. (Upon the obvious question, he gives you directions to get to a seemingly abandoned farmhouse where Farquan and the families of Targo and Vorelle are being kept.)

What does the Prince intend to do?
Already told you. Kill you all (ow!) and lay low for a while. I don't kno-- ouch! I swear, I don't know where!

Who was the leader of the guards he sent into the city to spread the lie that the Prince was dead?
It's me, and I already spread the word (he says with a sneer) (lots of pain filled explicatives later) Morgan... it's Morgan... Captain of the Guard...

What are the names of the top two guards now in the Palace, and what do they look like?
Morgan, blonde blue eyed and a scar on his cheek. Everyone else is at the farm or out in the city (pain stuff) Morgan and me. Everyone else is gone.

What is the magic on the door to the chamber?
Don't kn--- aaiieee!!! know! I don't kn-kn-know! aarrrgh!! Wizard Lock. Powerful.

Where does the other, small door lead?
Really, please, no more. I've only seen the Prince ever in or out that door.

What are these things he had on himself?
Dagger. of venom. protective armor. feather tokens. tree. and whip. no keys. only given them when needed.

When he gives an order, what does he say? Is there a special phrase or word he always uses?
Nothing special. (ow owwwie ow ow) Lissen, I say lissen. (argh!!) Capice! I tell them what to do and then say Capice! Please, please no more! }

.....
MadJack: Highlight to display spoiler: { It seems like the vision was in an instant, for the officer doesn't seem to notice anything as he and his guards lead Mad Jack out of the room and away from his companions. "I'm sorry you feel that way", he tells Jack, "but it is a poor guard who is coerced into it. We'll just let you out the front door, then."
And the officer with guards takes Mad Jack down the corridor and out the entrance to the market beyond. As the doors open, Jack sees that a cordon of men (headless pikes and black armbands) are keeping a semi-circle in front of the doors free of a large crowd that has gathered in front of the Princes' residence.
The officer takes you to the edge of the semi-circle and presses a small clinking bag into your hand. "Thank you for your assistance. Again, if you change your mind, the executions will be tomorrow noon at an abandoned farmhouse. Just ask here for directions and the guard will have a sketch made by me."
With that, he passes Jack through the cordon and turns back to his work, Mad Jack being finished business. }

Dietrich and Olyn:Highlight to display spoiler: { Dietrich tries to get Olyn to come with him in order to collect the party back together again. However, Olyn has other plans. Knowing a spell to read the note, the half-elf casts Comprehend Languages on the note to be able to read it.

"Not a jackel, not a pup, but you have passed the first two tests to becoming a Wolf. Lesson One; failure is not an option. Lesson Two; obey the Alpha. By submitting to your discipline you have proven you may become a member of the Pack. By your ring, you may call on us, and we will call on you in the future to determine your worthiness."

But the note is spoiled by the splatter of a tomato. Looking up, the crowd that is still around has grown angry; and they brandish cleavers, eggs, knives, rotten vegetables, hay forks, and pots. A voice in the back leads them on... "He's doing elf-magic! He's trying to conjure fairies and the disease! Stop the elf!"

Dietrich's sense of tactics easily sees that the crowd has not surrounded the heroes; they can easily get away.

Sense Motive DC 10; the crowd looks scared about the heroes, but also determined to drive them away. }

Berlon: Highlight to display spoiler: { Kassif and Neezer look at each other and at Berlon several times before speaking. "Yes, er, ahem" sounds off Kassif, "We see that you as an individual party can not contract for others."
"Yet if we do nothing, the services we want to contract for may no longer be available" points out Neezer.
"And the contract for Haven's Edge is potentially lucrative" concedes Kassif. "Expansion. Long term investments. Possibly more than we can make at this time. Ahem, hmmmm"
And then Kassif leans in again. "Let us table long-term contract negotiation until such a time as all involved parties are present. We will speak of money, contracts, and investments at another time." he says with finality. "What position you broach is a short term contract between yourself and the House of Merchants in order to ensure the contract viability of current parties."

"We will assist in preserving as we may the life of your current companions from thier current predicaments (yes, we know who they are) and as payment, you agree to one acquisition contract performed by you and whatever companions you may provide for yourself, (be it from your current companions or from Haven's Edge). We agree now that the contract will not be against the precepts of Alemi or Wardd, and you will be able to lay in a loan from the House of Merchants prior to said contract."

"Deal?" asks Kassif

"Time is growing short" reminds Neezer to Berlon. }

Mad Jack 
Wednesday January 18th, 2006 5:32:11 AM
'An abandoned farmhouse'. Now that was trully odd. Why not a public execution in the city? Jack watches as the man walks away. Not counting the gold, he places it inside his shirt, next to his other gold. Fidgets abit, working out the kinks, making sure the bulge is not apparent. Then he walks over to the armed guards with the arm bands. Trying to spark up some conversation, he queries into what is happening.

Vauhwyt (AC22 HP41 of 44, Armor, Messages, Prestidigitation) and Mookie (AC15 HP22)  d20+1=13
Wednesday January 18th, 2006 6:18:50 AM

[OOC: Steve, how long did that take? Was Vauhwyt able to get that done in the 9 rounds left on her Enlarge, or did she have to use another spell? Stats above assume that the original Enlarge is sufficient, and has expired, so she is back to normal size.]

[Also, Steve, did the guards below close the main door or is it still open? Oh, and did Logan have any poison on him?]

Vauhwyt feels a trace of poison still in her veins, and it reminds her to neither grimace in disgust nor gloat with gladness as Logan tels her what she needs to know. Instead, her face remains still and professional, and remains so as she slowly and carefully ties Logan up as firmly as she can with her silk rope (take 20 on an untrained Use Rope check. Then she blindfolds him, gags him, stuffs his ears with bits of cloth, sacrificing her extra set of clothes to use as gag, blindfold, and hood.

The liontaur uses her Prestidigitation to clean the blood off Logan's gear and mend any obvious damage inflicted in the fight.

Vauhwyt wonders if the man in black is telling the truth ... "Logan and Morgan," she whispers. "Those names sound too alike." She racks her brain and asks her friends if they remember ever hearing the names Logan or Morgan as the Prince's men. [Untrained local knowledge check 13]

Then Vauhwyt whispers to her friends, Theo, Rose, and Vorelle.

"I have three plans -- a cautious one, a bold one, and a crazy one. Here they arre." She lays out her thoughts very quietly.

Cautious plan: Use Rose's Seal of Invisibility, sneak out of here, take Logan with, and find Dietrich, Berlon, and Olyn, and then go try to trade this information to the Wolves or the Merchants in exchange for protection.

Bold Plan: Use the Alter Self scroll and the disguise kit to make herself look like Logan. Wear his clothes and gear, too. Walk out like we own the joint. You guys would be disguised as guards, with Logan here as a prisoner. Demand that the guards bring Mad Jack to us. As Logan, tell the guards that the Prince is not dead. Tell them that he was saved by us! Tell them that our group has been declared an independent mercanary company under the Prince's protection, and that we are to be honored as heroes throughout the city. (say all this as "Logan," of course.) Tell the guards to find Morgan, tell him this news, and have him spread the new word around the city. Tell the guards that there may be invisible spies in the palace, so they must spread flour and sand and sawdust everywhere. Leave with MadJack. Maybe spread these words as Logan around the city. Then talk with Logan. Tell him that he has earned his life, and that the Prince will lose face if he backs off of what "he" has promised to us. Send him back to the Prince with a message: We are his friends and Dirt City's friends. He must see it that way or risk alienating the City. Then, after releasing Logan, the party has to make lots of public appearances talking up how we saved the Prince, how we are so glad he is not dead, how we are the Prince's men, how we are proud to be under his protection, etc.

Crazy Plan: Leave Logan here for now, and go through the small door. Explore and learn more. Check for traps as we go! After some exploring, revert to the Cautious or the Bold plan on the way out.

Some notes: Vauhwyt has a Seal of Escape that gives the whole party +5 on ALL checks on an escape attempt. That would apply to the Bold plan, giving us a +5 on disguise, bluff, and other checks.

It might be hard to disguise Rose as a guard -- one option is to give her a potion of invisibility Vauhwyt has so that she can walk along quietly as the group escapes.

You can tell that the Bold plan is Vauhwyt's favorite. It has the advantage of rescuing Jack, as well as forcing the Prince to acknowledge the party as independent heroes or risk the weakness of being seen to go back on "his" word. It also prevents the chaos and damage that will affect the city following the Prince's "death."

Another possibility, especially if the guards won't leave, is to use Rose's Seal of Invisibility to get out of the Trick, then declare ourselves (all or some).

Vauhwyt hopes that her friends will also prefer the Bold plan, and will have ideas on how to make it better.

Oh, and Vauhwyt has one more question for her friends. "Who the heck is this Farquaan characterr? Logan seemed to think we would know, but I have totally forgotten, if I ever knew him! And Vorelle, what about your family? Should we go rescue them?"

Olyn 
Wednesday January 18th, 2006 10:03:08 AM
rolling up the note as the tomato hits and stuffing it back into his waistband Olyn looks over at the crowd with disgust.
moving with Deitrich, Olyn pulls a chain necklace from around his neck. taking the Wolf ring from it he noticeably takes it and slips it on his finger.
looking at Deitrich he says: that crowd throws one more thing at me and im going to take that sword of yours and show them why pissing me off is not a good thing.

Dietrich  d20+4=17 d20+3=18 d20+4=22 d20+2=7
Wednesday January 18th, 2006 12:36:43 PM
*If Olyn tells him about the content of the note, Dietrich is quite disappointed, as he was hoping to get any useful info or offer of help. Olyn´s obligation to the Wolves doesn´t appeal very much to him either, but he doesn´t make any comment.
*If Olyn remains silent, Dietrich asks him insistently about what the note says.

In any case, the warrior is annoyed enough about the populace. He refrains his swearing this time though, eager to get away and not call any attention to him and Olyn.
He more than understands the cleric´s anger and reaction to the ungrateful lot, but for the moment his fear (as much as he doesn´t like it, Dietrich has to admit that this is exactly what he feels)about what is going to happen to his friends and himself prevails above everything else.

He moves fast but cautiously towards the Merchants. (local knowledge 18, spot 22, listen 7)

sense motive 17 to "read" the populace

Theodore and Macaw 
Wednesday January 18th, 2006 8:09:40 PM
"Let's just get out of HERE," whispers Theodore. "I don't have anything left. Not now. I-I just need to think. Please."

Theodore's head slumps into shaking hands.

Vauhwyt and Mookie (extra post) 
Wednesday January 18th, 2006 9:59:53 PM

"Theo," the liontaur says, "where's the hero who entered that pumpkin alone and brought back the seeds we needed to save the city?"

"Dirt City is in no less danger now! If we run away quietly, the city will descend into chaos and innocents will die. If we bluff our way out and reverse the chaos that is on its way, we can prevent needless bloodshed!"

"And," adds Mookie, "turn ourselves from scapegoats to heroes at the same time!"

"That's true," says Vauhwyt. "We just have to pull ourselves together and act like the heroes we say we want to be!"

"If we're the patsy heroes, let's be our own patsies, not this jerk's!"

Olyn part 2 
Thursday January 19th, 2006 12:09:31 AM
the Note is personal. should you become a member of this house, you'll receive one too.

Vorelle (invisible for 16 more rounds) 
Thursday January 19th, 2006 1:06:57 AM
Vorelle hesitates. Neither plan is likely to save her family--in fact, the Bold plan will likely get them killed.

"I d-d-d-don't kn-kn-know," she whispers.

Happenings in Different Places [SteveK] 
Thursday January 19th, 2006 5:54:19 AM
Vauhwyt, Theodore, Vorelle, and Rose: Highlight to display spoiler: {
1) The interrogation took about ten minutes with the arm twisting (literally) that was going on. Vauhwyt certainly is back to her normal Large size by now.
2) The doors are closed and the guards standing right in front of them. Both the double doors and the little door.
3) Sorry, no poison, other than the magical poisoned dagger that Logan tried to use on Vauhwyt.

The heroes have been in the City for long enough (and been in the Prince's Palace several times to have heard many names. 'Morgan' is a name that has occured in the past, though no specific person leaps to any of your minds. 'Logan' is new, though with the recent death of so many lieutenants, it is no great stretch of the imagination to think that some independant operators could have been hired in.

Vauhwyt lays out her plans, but Rose doesn't speak, Theo is worried past reason, and Vorelle is afraid they're all going to get killed.

While the Heroes Intimidate and debate, the double doors open again, and in comes that officer with eight more armed men, and two unarmed men. The doors immediately shut once more, pushed together by someone on the other side in the corridor.

One of the unarmed men makes some obvious magical passes, and the other looks ready to do... something. (Spellcraft DC 11 to know the first cast Detect Magic)

All the soldiers look tensed and ready.
}

MadJack, Dietrich and Olyn: Highlight to display spoiler: { MadJack, the guards don't seem that inclinded to talk, and the officer went back into the Palace. Seems like the best thing to do is make some headway through this crowd. And what? Lo and behold! At the edge of the crowd is Dietrich and Olyn! But where is Berlon?

Dietrich clearly sees the crowd is scared that the heroes will kill them, but if they don't stand up for thier City, that the heroes will kill them all. He doesn't get any information from Olyn, but is able to steer him away from the Wolves. For now.
As Olyn and Dietrich move toward the House of Merchants and where hopefully Berlon is, they must pass close by a crowd gathered around the Prince's Palace. At the edge of the crowd is... Mad Jack! But where are the others? }

Berlon: Highlight to display spoiler: { Neezer presses his offer. "Short term contract. We help your friends, and you do one thing for us which is not against the teachings of Alemi or Wardd. We'll even let you have a loan from the Merchants to help you on your feet."

"Deal?" }

Vauhwyt (AC22 HP41 of 44, Alter Self, Armor, Messages, Prestidigitation) and Mookie (AC15 HP22)  d20+2=6
Thursday January 19th, 2006 8:07:45 AM
"Jeezum Crow," says Mookie, "The coppers!"

Vauhwyt isn't sure why Mookie is insulting the guards by referring to them as cheap coins, but she has no time to ask. "Wowsy, the jig is up," she whispers to her friends. "Plan B is now the only plan we got! Can't use Invisibility because they would detect it!"

But Vauhwyt is enough of a mage to know that the group has at least three rounds ... that's how long Detect Magic takes to pinpoint a magic aura. Those three rounds will be a life saver.

In the first round, she takes out her skin of pig's blood. "Wet the prisoner with that," she says to Rose, Theo, and Vorelle, "but make sure you get NONE on me!" She thanks goodness that she has already bound, gagged and [/b]hooded[/b] Logan.

"I'll pretend that you brought me this assassin and I was debriefing you privacy of this spell. I'll act outraged at the interruption. Go along with that!"

"I'll tell the tale of how the Prince is not dead after all, that you heroes saved him, and that the Prince has ordered you honored throughout the city."

Vauhwyt reads the Alter Self scroll. Her caster level check to do so is a 6, so no problem. She changes herself into Logan (and shares the scroll with Mookie so that he is a diminuitive mouse in her pocket).

She puts on all Logan's now-clean clothes and gear except the armor -- no time for that now. She asks Vorelle to stow away the armor. She uses the disguise kit to help her disguise. She activates her seal of captivity, since lady knows they'll need all the help they can get to escape this one!

• Seal of Captivity: Once activated, all members of your party gain +5 on any attempts to escape captivity. This applies to skill checks, saves, any check. (awarded by Silk Tap DM Mikey on 28 Aug 05)

Vauhwyt waits to see what spells or suggestions her friends come up with. Then she gets ready to jump down. "Better to jump down than be spilled out," she says. Once I'm down, I'll wave you down, and bring the prisonerr."

OOC: Steve, you want that Disguise check, or do you want to roll it in secret, per the PHB? Vauhwyt is untrained, with +10 from the Alter Self, +5 from the seal, +3 from her Chr, +2 Synergy bonus from Bluff ranks, +2 from the kit, and MAYBE a circumstance bonus from wearing Logan;s clothes and having just spent ten minutes listening to his voice? That's a +22 at least. Vauhwyt's Bluff is +8 usually, with that extra +5 from the seal making it +13.

Rose 
Thursday January 19th, 2006 11:12:59 AM
Rose is pale and worried about her family, but she quickly does what Vauhwyt says and prepares to leave the rope trick.

ooc: sorry for not posting. for some reason I've been sleeping about 15hrs/day and I havent touched my computer in the last few days. I would have posted yesterday but my sister is dogsitting for friends and her back has been troubling her more than usual so she had me stay there why she waited at the doctors all day for a cancellation.

Mad Jack 
Thursday January 19th, 2006 12:49:00 PM
Thoughts are all jumbled in his mind. As he walks he is not paying attention, to much of anything. On a whim, he looks up, and recognizes two people. What are the odds of that?

"Olyn, Dietrich, wait up!" He yells this over the crowd. As he catches up to them, he sees the bruised face of Olyn.

"Olyn, my new friend, I sure hope the other guy looks worse than you do. Dietrich, good to see you as always." He slaps the man on the back of the shoulder. He leans close.

"Ok, the princes men have Targo, Vauhwyt and the others disappeard inside the palace, while I created a diversion. The main guard, sergeant, whatever paid me for Targo. So, no idea what the others are doing, you know them, 'heroes'." He chuckles at that, giving them the eye. "Ok, one thing bothers me greatly, the sergeant said they were to execute Targo at an abandoned farm house. Now wouldnt you think they would want a public execution for the murderer of the Prince? It is odd. I beleive the sergeant to be in on the assassination. But i want to hear from you 2. Then we can figure out what to do next. And by the by, where is Berlon?"

Dietrich  d20+2=17
Thursday January 19th, 2006 12:50:52 PM
Dietrich feels the danger posed by the crowd and wonders why they think the party wants to destroy the City. He says to himself and Olyn:

"Bunch of ¨%#%$#. How often do we have to save this sewers for them to trust in us? If they think we killed the Prince, as is probably the case, why are they so pissed off? They were congratulating us for that just some hours ago. Our enemies are working fast and efficiently and we´ll have either to find some powerful protector soon or get out of the City."

He continues moving with Olyn, still disappointed the whole attempt of getting the Wolve´s aid didn´t work. The fighter just hopes Berlon has been more successful.

Than he sees Mad Jack and is relieved. He makes signs to the warrior for him to meet them and than enters a darker alley. (hide 18) At least Dietrich will now find out what is going on with the rest.

Berlon 
Thursday January 19th, 2006 2:42:44 PM
Berlon takes a moment to ponder.

"Deal."

Theodore and Macaw 
Thursday January 19th, 2006 10:00:15 PM
"They will also detect the alter self spell on you," he says to Vauhwyt. "But I see no other alternative. I have a few more tricks up my sleeve."

Theodore draws himself up a little and nods his head in resolve. "They are just tricks, mind. I'm ready."

Vorelle 
Thursday January 19th, 2006 11:51:07 PM
Vorelle says nothing, but gathers herself and prepares to exit the hiding place.

Happenings in Different Places [SteveK] 
Friday January 20th, 2006 7:02:33 AM
Vauhwyt, Vorelle, Rose, and Theo Highlight to display spoiler: { There is some serious work going on in the Rope Trick spell, that's for sure!
Vauhwytgives directions, hoods Logan, and casts Alter Self to make herself look like Logan and prepares to do the Bluffing of a lifetime. But will even a bluff that would do the famous Bill Troublefinder proud be enough to get you out of this mess? Only way for sure is to go through and hope it pans out!
Vorelle drips pig blood all over Logan, and holds the man as if he were the assassin. It is difficult to stow the armor, that is unless you want to use Rose's Bag of Holding??...
Rose is pale and worried about her family, but she quickly does what Vauhwyt says and prepares to leave the rope trick.
Theodraws himself up a little and nods his head in resolve, and prepares to fling the rope out of the opening, and thus show where they are...

WHEN...

You can't hear the men below, but you can see what they do. All the men at arms are ready for anything. As the one man is concentrating, the other unarmed man jumps as if he was stuck by a pin! The first man obviously doesn't lose his concentration, but looks at the second man and (DC Spot 20). Where upon the first man (DC 22 Spot), and the spell continues. After a couple of rounds, the man who cast the Detect Magic looks directly at the Rope Trick spell and then deliberately turns his back in another direction!

A heated conversation ensues between the two men and the officer. You can't hear what is said, but the urgency of the guards is unmistakable. One unarmed man waves his hands in another spell gesture (Spellcraft 13: Knock), and opens the small door. Then they all... ALL... run through the door!

The last one through the door is the man who was casting the Detect Magic spell. And before he goes through, he again looks directly where the Rope Trick spell is. He makes a "fingertips rubbing against the thumb" gesture and points urgently at the double doors.

And then the door is shut.}

V,V,R,T DC Spot 20: Highlight to display spoiler: { He makes a "fingertips rubbing against the thumb" gesture and a thumbs up }

V,V,R,T DC Spot 22: Highlight to display spoiler: { He blinks rapidly in response to the first signal }

MadJack, Dietrich and Olyn: Highlight to display spoiler: {Three are together and can compare notes, and there are certainly a lot of notes to cover!
"Our enemies are working fast and efficiently and we´ll have either to find some powerful protector soon or get out of the City." Dietrich has a good insight on why the common crowd would be jubilant at the heroes at one place and angry at the heroes in another place only a couple of hours later. Yet, which is the normal reaction? And who is inciting the crowd? And why? These shadowy thoughts pluck at the minds of Dietrich, Olyn, and MadJack as they stay in the shadows of a nearby alley. }

Berlon: Highlight to display spoiler: { "Deal." Kassif beams. "We save your friends now, on one procurement job in the near future. No need for written contracts THIS time. Your reputation is sufficient collaterol that you will honor your committment." Kassif stands and turns to go. "Neezer is your direct liason. The House awards the management of your contract to him as well as the further marketing of future permenant operations."

Neezer is all business and doesn't seem to hear all Kassif is saying. Instead, he takes out a coin, very similar to what Berlon saw hanging in the air as he and his friends had gone towards the Prince's Palace. Pressing it, he waits two seconds and says "Deal. Save the group if able."

The thin man then stands and looks at Berlon. "Let us go to the Prince's House and see if we are successful?"}

Dietrich  d20+3=13 d20+3=23
Friday January 20th, 2006 12:06:36 PM
Listening to Jack, DIetrich is happy to hear his friends were still alive the last time the crazy newcomer saw them... He can only hope his even more crazy leonine friend will keep them that way.

When the fighter knows that Targo is now with the Prince´s men and is going to be secretely exectuted, his alarm bells go wild.

"&$¨%#*%. We´ve just lost the only trading coin we had with the Wolves or the Merchants.
Our enemies can invent whatever they want now, exploring Targo´s link with Vorelle, and there will be none to deny their version of the story.

Is the Prince really dead? Have you seen him? Who is commanding the guards and the palace? That´s a strong suspect for the plot.
¨#$&*%, let´s find Berlon. Maybe he´ll have better news."

He starts moving fast towards the Merchant´s quarter, keeping a low profile and using short-cuts. (hide 13, local knowledge 23)

Mad Jack 
Friday January 20th, 2006 3:12:27 PM
Looking over at Olyn, afterr hearing his plight, Jack says, "all of these houses are a bit odd to me. Its like they are all little kingdoms."

Shaking his head in obvious frustration, he follow Dietrich to find Berlon.

Berlon 
Friday January 20th, 2006 7:07:57 PM
Berlon shrugs his shoulders.

"Okayyyy..."

"So," he says, following wherever Neezer leads, "do I get one of those coin thingies?"

Olyn 
Friday January 20th, 2006 9:32:19 PM
following with Mad Jack he responds to his inquiry:
each house is a group of people with like minds all trying to achieve the same goal. power and wealth. some use above board means to attain it and some use not so above board means. in addition to this each house has a specialize trade they sell out. like the House of Daggers, you need a spy or an assassin, they are who you see. House of Wolves, we are soldiers for hire in addition to other shady trades for hire.

the Wolves and Daggers are by far the strongest of the 2 houses in Dirt City.

Vauhwyt (AC22 HP41 of 44, Alter Self, Armor, Messages, Prestidigitation) and Mookie (AC15 HP22)  d20+4=5 d20+4=9
Friday January 20th, 2006 10:27:08 PM

Spot checks for Vauhwyt: 5 and 9! nada!

Vauhwyt wonders who made that spell caster jump. She wonders if it was the Prince, a known illusionist, running around invisible.

In Logan's form, Vauhwyt says, "Well friends, that buys us a respite. But someone knows we are here, so we can't stay long. Here, help me on with that armor, and then we will go."

"Our first priority is to find out where they locked up Mad Jack, and break him out. If we can also get Targo, then great."

"I'll keep the disguise. Remember, I am the Prince's lieutenant. This is one of the assassins. You are the heroes who saved the city. After we pick up Jack, our next job is to clear our names. We'll do that by telling the truth -- that the Prince is alive, that we foiled the plot and captured the assassin."

"Then we'll tell some lies -- that the Prince is pleased with us and has put us under his protection. With luck, the Prince will be forced to play along with this, or risk seeming wishy-washy to the people."

After the armor is on, Vauhwyt descends the Trick, then waits for her friends and the real Logan. She leads the party out the doors through which they came and then looks around.

Assuming no one disagrees or has a better idea.

[Cayzle: Edited to fix a braino. That's a typo of the brain.]

Vorelle  d20+10=29
Saturday January 21st, 2006 7:32:12 PM
Vorelle sees the gestures [Spot 29], but she doesn't understand them. [OOC: or perhaps she does, but Kathy is unable to guess what he could be saying. Give me money because I need an eye operation and then I'll be happy? I saw some money on the roof?]

She follows the others out of the Trick, keeping a sharp eye on their captive. Once back in the room, she retrieves her quiver from its hiding place.

Theodore and Macaw  d20+4=20 d20+4=19
Sunday January 22nd, 2006 1:46:04 PM
Theodore does see the first gesture and can guess what it means, "He found our rope trick and is going for reinforcements. We need to get out of here, and quick!"

Theodore prepares to follow Vauhwyt's lead. He pushes a stray lock of hair from his eyes and signals that he is ready to go.

Happenings in Different Places [SteveK] 
Sunday January 22nd, 2006 10:16:54 PM
Vauhwyt, Vorelle, Rose, and Theo Highlight to display spoiler: {
VauhwytWell friends, that buys us a respite, says Vauhwyt, and she lays out her plan to get out of the Rope Trick, find Mad Jack, clear their names, convince the City the Prince is alive and the assassin captured, and all before the Alter Self spell wears off or anyone sees through the disguise. The liontaur descends the Rope Trick and moves to the double doors, opening them silently. There is the long corridor to the front door, as well as the two smaller halls, the one on your right leading up stairs and the one on your left that led downstairs to that door where Vorelle heard the plot.
Vorellesees the gestures and immediately knows it is a money gesture, but the rest is murky. She follows the others out of the Trick, retrieves her quiver (the search didn't find it), and follows Vauhwyt out the double doors.
TheodoreAgrees that they need to get out of here, and quick! He prepares to follow Vauhwyt's lead, decending the Trick and following out the doors.
Rose also follows Vauhwyt's lead out the Trick and doors.
The corridor right now appears empty.}

MadJack, Dietrich and Olyn: Highlight to display spoiler: {Dietrich, in fluent &$¨%#*%esse, tells his friends what he thinks of the whole plot, the execution, and thier missing companions. Using his knowledge of the City he parts the crowds and begins moving towards Merchant's Square.
MadJack wonders about the Houses acting like little kingdoms all in one City. Very good analogy actually...
Olyn explains about some of the Houses, the backstabbing Daggers, and us warriors of Wolves. They both follow in the wake left by Dietrich.
On the other side of the crowd, Dietrich is about to hit that shortcut when they all spot Berlon trotting up to the crowd next to a thin older man with a gray mop of hair. They are no more than 30 feet away from you.}

Berlon: Highlight to display spoiler: { Neezer cracks a smile at the gnome at his side. "I am an Associate Master Second Class in the House of Merchants," he says importantly. "And I only have it on loan because I am your contact and of the time sensitive situation. These are not cheap. Perhaps as you prove yourself useful and loyal to us, you may recieve one for some missions."

Neezer looks old, but his gaunt frame and long legs eats up the ground, and Berlon has to half-trot to keep up. They weave through the streets of Dirt City, thankfully in the daytime so it isn't TOO dangerous, and rapidly approach the Prince's Palace.

There is a crowd before the door, and Berlon can't see over all the big people. But in one case he doesn't have to; just breaking through the crowd is Dietrich, Olyn, and Mad Jack! They are no more than 30 feet away from you.}

Vorelle 
Sunday January 22nd, 2006 11:13:47 PM
"Th-that g-g-g-guy," Vorelle tells the others. "Th-the one d-d-detecting m-m-m-magic. H-he d-d-d-did th-this," and she repeats the gestures, more slowly for the others to see.

"Wh-what d-d-do you th-think it m-m-m-means?"

Rose  d20+5=21 d20+4=19 d20+8=15 d20+6=20 d20+8=28 d20+8=21
Monday January 23rd, 2006 3:19:57 AM
"I bet he means he wants money for helping us." Says Rose as she follows the others quietly.

spot: 21
sense motive: 19
listen: 15
know dirt city: 20
move silently: 28, nat 20
hide (if necessary): 21

Vauhwyt (AC22 HP41 of 44, Alter Self, Armor, Messages, Prestidigitation) and Mookie (AC15 HP22) 
Monday January 23rd, 2006 4:11:01 AM

"Wowsy!" Vauhwyt whispers to her friends via her Message cantrips. "We can make a break for it, or we can go a-stumble-bumming around to try to find Mad Jack. But we have no idea where he is!"

"What's more, we seem to have Wardd's own luck giving us a chance to escape. Maybe we should take it!"

The liontaur-in-sleazebag's-clothing watches Vorrelle's gestures carefully. [OOC: Don't want to read the spoiler text without permission ... so what *are* those gestures Vorelle makes?]

The liontaur is torn. On one hand, it seems stupid not to get while the getting is good. On the other hand, part of her was actually eager to try the bluff. And if they just run for it, then they will still be fugitives, maybe with a price on their heads.

But if they escaped, they could still take Logan around to the different Houses and have him confirm their story. Of course, the first House that they take him to might just as likely grab Logan and kill them for kidnapping the acting head of Dirt City. Kidnapping a head of state has got to be frowned on, even here in this city of rogues.

Mookie whispers, "Well, at least you got some nice armor and a magic dagger out of it, Boss. Maybe you can pay your WLA dues with that."

Vauhwyt does not even bother to tell the bird to hush up.

[OOC: Can I delay until I hear what Vorelle's gesture's look like? Either way, we'll spend no more than a single round here in Indecision.]

Vorelle (illegal second post) 
Monday January 23rd, 2006 9:04:11 AM
The gestures are: rubbing together the thumb and two fingers, then blinking rapidly, then thumbs-up.

Theodore and Macaw 
Monday January 23rd, 2006 11:07:05 AM
Theodore whispers to Vauhwyt, "Perhaps we can use Logan as a bargaining chip. Take him out to the farm where the Prince is. Exchange him for a beneficial deal. First, we need to get out of here, though."

Dietrich  d20+3=7
Monday January 23rd, 2006 12:35:02 PM
Happy to see Berlon, Dietrich goes to meet Alemi´s cleric.

"Fine to see you alive friend!"

Greeting the thin man, the fighter presents himself and waits for an introduction. Hopefully his gnomish friend was more successful in getting help; the deal offered in the vision was better than anything the party could expect.

Dietrich remains cautious though, staying in the dark(hide 7), as the memory of foul tomatous being thrown at him are still fresh.

Mad Jack 
Monday January 23rd, 2006 2:55:49 PM
Jack doesnt see Berlon until Dietrich yells his greeting. Then jack eyes the man. Jack walks up to him as well, awaiting the little man to speak. It is odd though, the gaunt looking man with him.

OOC Was wondering about what time we looking at. I will assume, Mural Day is still tommorow, but what time is it now/ I figure it will be a late night, hehe.

Berlon 
Monday January 23rd, 2006 5:49:03 PM
Berlon is happy and relieved to see his companions. "Hello!" he says with a smile. "This is my new... associate, Coin, I mean..." he shakes his head, "Neezer. This is Neezer."

"Neezer, may I present Dietrich the Bear and, uh... Jack. Neezer is helping us with our current... situation."

Happenings in Different Places [SteveK] 
Tuesday January 24th, 2006 1:50:57 AM
OOC: Vauhwyt, how long does the Seal of Escape last?

OOC: Correct me if I'm wrong, but based on the assassination happening in the early afternoon the day before Mural Day, and the intense activities since the attack, I say it is no more than an hour since the attack, we are looking at the heroes are currently at mid afternoon? Comments?

Vauhwyt, Vorelle, Rose, and Theo Highlight to display spoiler: {
Using the message spell to keep things quiet, the four companions do a quick, (very quick), comparing of notes. Logan, hooded and bound, unresistingly goes wherever someone pushes him.
The gesture with thumb and finger that Vorelle demonstrates is undeniably a 'money' sign; both the initial one the mages did to each other, and then again when the first one looked at the Rope Trick and did the 'money' sign again. He definately did the 'money' sign to the rope trick, and then led the arms men into a different direction...

There are the two side corridors (one up stairs and one down stairs) and the main corridor to the outside. Whispering with the message spell back and forth, it is very quiet. Very, very quiet...

Listen DC 20 please? }

V,V,R,T Listen Check: Highlight to display spoiler: { There are muffled and faint metal on stone, and metal on metal noises coming from one, no... both side corridors. }

MadJack, Dietrich, Olyn, and Berlon Highlight to display spoiler: { Neezer is introduced to the others, a thin older man with whispy gray hair, he has the face and squinty eyes of an accountant. The brown eyes are bright with intelligence and cunning, and he smiles tightly at MadJack, Dietrich, and Olyn. "I see Master Berlon, that you are already gathering your procurement team." He turns to the others at the introduction and nods his head. "I am Neezer, and Master Berlon's contact with the House of Merchants. He has concluded a temporary deal to assist his companions in extracation from a situation where thier commodity futures are rapidly declining. To facilitate the transaction, I have come with Master Berlon in the hope that I may be of some small service." }

Vorelle  d20+10=20
Tuesday January 24th, 2006 9:11:39 AM
Vorelle pauses, head cocked as if to catch some sound. "S-s-s-someone's c-c-c-c-coming," she whispers [Listen 20].

Olyn 
Tuesday January 24th, 2006 9:50:35 AM
thinks to himself, this guy, help us, riiiight.

chuckles to himself.

Dietrich  d20+4=14 d20+3=16
Tuesday January 24th, 2006 11:13:30 AM
Despite Neezer´s strange appearance and talkings, Dietrich doesn´t make the mistake of underestimating the man and keeps a sharp eye on him (sense motive 14). He´s himself interested in dealings with the Merchants, but that is business for the future. For now, the fighter says:

"Well master Neezer, I guess my comrade already explained the situation to you, so what is the idea?

We don´t have all necessary information at our disposal and the operation would take place in the heaviest guarded place of the city, maybe against the most powerful interests.

Also, what is the plan for the immediate future, that is, for after the rescue? Do you have any cue about what is going on? If we´re going to work together I suggest a more transparent relationship, that is, you share what you know with us!" (diplomacy 16)

Dietrich prays silently to Domi this new "ally" has powerful magic or similar, for how are we going to help the party inside the palace?

Mad Jack 
Tuesday January 24th, 2006 1:12:12 PM
Jacks eyes roll as the man speaks. 'Can you repeat what you just said in common please.' He then looks at his friends and says, "umm do you really think we need to 'save' our hero comrades. I am sure by now they have the whole situation under control. No use barging in on their parade, you know how women get. Poor Theo..." With an exaperated sigh, jack turns away, looking at the crowd. This Neezer fellow did not need to know any of their plans, jack thought.

Berlon 
Tuesday January 24th, 2006 2:22:06 PM
Berlon chuckles uncomfortably. "Yessss..." he directs towards Neezer, "I am under the impression that the business in question is..." he narrows his eyes directly towards Neezer, as if attempting to understand each other, "...already in motion?"

"And please keep in mind," he continues to Neezer, "the general populace is not always attuned to the ways and means of fiscal contracts and the fiduciary responsibilities they entail..."

"Is that the right word? 'fiduciary'? My Common is not always as good as it could be. You don't speak Gnomish, do you, Neezer?"

Theodore and Macaw  d20+4=24
Tuesday January 24th, 2006 9:57:15 PM
Theodore also hears the approaching sounds. "Let's go," he says, giving Vauhwyt a nudge towards the exit.

Vauhwyt and Mookie 
Tuesday January 24th, 2006 11:22:40 PM
"Okay," says Vauhwyt in disguise. "Move it out. That way!" She orders her friends toward the exit.

Rose  d20+8=24 d20+5=22
Wednesday January 25th, 2006 1:04:30 AM
Rose moves as fast as she can following the others.

listen: 24
spot: 22

Happenings in Different Places [SteveK] 
Wednesday January 25th, 2006 5:24:28 AM
Vauhwyt, Vorelle, Rose, and Theo Highlight to display spoiler: { Vorelle, Theo, and Rose, thier ears tuned to the slightest sound, hear the unmistakable sounds of armored men moving about down both of the smaller hallways. And it is coming closer.
Vauhwyt who looks like Logan is quick to make a decision "Move it out. That way!" and the four with prisoner in tow head towards the way they came in.

At the closed entrance doors the heroes pause, and they clearly hear the sounds echoing louder in the hallways. At this point the only possibility is to open the doors and walk out, as brazenly as possible to bluff thier way out of the heavily guarded area.

When the doors open, you see that the plaza has a semi-circle of Prince's Men facing outward, holding headless pikes and wearing armbands. You are in the epicenter of the semi-circle and about 50 feet from any of the guards. They are facing outward towards Dirt City and on the other side of the orderly semi-circle is a crowd of people avidly watching, and they look at the doorway and the three humans, one halfling, and one bound and hooded man with a great interest.

Seen at the edge of the crowd (in the 2 o'clock position) is the tall forms of Dietrich and Mad Jack. They seem to be in a conversation with another tall older man and some others who you can't see because of the crowd. The older man sees the four emerge and says something urgently to Dietrich and MadJack which is unheard by Vauhwyt, Vorelle, Theodore, or Rose. What you can see is the urgent "come here" wave by the man to you, coupled with the "money" sign you saw earlier! }

MadJack, Dietrich, Olyn, and Berlon Highlight to display spoiler: {Neezer seems to drop some of his pompousness. "To bargain with the customer, a merchant has to speak many languages. I don't know gnomish, Master Berlon," he begins, "but unlike Guildmaster Kassif, I can use simple words, and the noise of the crowd will cause others to not overhear us."

"And simply put is this; Money talks. The House of Merchants has agents in the Palace whom I have notified that they are to use every means short of discovery to help your companions to escape. As soon as your companions get out of the palace, you will need to get them away from here. Then my part of the bargain with Master Berlon will be done, and he will owe me one job to be named later."

As he finishes speaking, an excitement comes over the crowd. Looking, only Dietrich, Mad Jack and Neezer are tall enough to look over the crowd towards the Prince's Palace. "Three of your companions are coming out with a man in black", states Neezer, "but the lion-woman is not with them!" He waves in an urgent "come here" gesture and then rubs his thumb and fingers together like he is asking for money.
Dietrich and Mad Jack can see that Vorelle, Rose, and Theodore can see them. There is a Man in Black and they have a hooded prisoner with them}

Vauhwyt (AC20 HP41 of 44, Alter Self, Messages, Prestidigitation) and Mookie (AC17 HP22) 
Wednesday January 25th, 2006 7:22:23 AM

[OOC: Gosh darn it! Not enough time in the day to do this post justice. Hope what follows will suffice.]

Just before exiting the palace, Vauhwyt whispers to Theo, Rose and Vorelle, "Rose, dear, please be ready with that Seal of Invisibility! If this all goes belly-up, it may be the one thing that saves us. If we get seperated, DO NOT GO to the apartments or to Rose's family or Berlon's shop! Let's regroup at the market, where we did before. Maybe some of the others will have thought to go there, too."

And if anyone has any Bluff skill, an Aid Another would be very welcome! Any chance for an Eagle's Splendor from Theo before we go out?

Vauhwyt-as-Logan steps out of the Palace like she owns it. She looks around at the guards and people and smiles.

She will bluff the guards and the assembled masses:

1) She is Logan, the Prince's right hand. She speaks for the Prince and for Dirt City.

2) The Prince is not dead! It was a clver ploy of the Prince's to draw out the assassins, and it worked!

3) Take off the signs of mourning and instead, rejoice! Let the word go out that the Prince lives!

4) The assassins were foiled by the actions of these heros! If there is any confusion about who he means, "Logan" elaborates" "The Black Bird Gang! The Fey Killers! The Liontaur's Crew! The Patsy Heroes, or so they are calling themselves!"

5) The Prince has declared these heroes to be an independent party under his protection! All praise to them! They are a credit to all Dirt City!

6) The Prince will emerge soon, maybe tomorrow when affairs of state allow, to greet the people and inspect murals!

7) Spread this news throughout the city! Guards, go out, recall any who have already departed. Tell every House and Burrow, Every merchant and pauper! The Prince lives! "Logan" adds a "capice" here for verisimilitude as he orders the guards to go spread the word.

8) Now he (Logan) must resolve the mysteries that remain about the assassination attempt. He will return soon.

Meanwhile, Mookie, a raven in rodent shape, cowers in "Logan's" pocket. Is he the consummate actor, playing his role to the hilt? Or is he frightened out of his wits, mousey in fact as well as form? He utters not a peep, for a change.

[OOC: Steve, I think you have to make the rolls anyway. The seal had no duration that I know of. I pray that I can still get the +5 ... it's only been what? maybe a minute, if that? Vauhwyt's Bluff is 8 ranks +3 Chr +5 Seal + 2 per Aid Another. Vauhwyt's Disguise is 0 ranks +10 Alter Self, +5 seal, +3 Chr, +2 Synergy bonus from Bluff ranks, +2 from the kit, and MAYBE a circumstance bonus from wearing Logan's clothes, etc.?]

Then we all go off with our new friend and Logan. Huzzah!

Vorelle  d20=16
Wednesday January 25th, 2006 9:06:31 AM
As Vauhwyt makes her announcements as Logan, Vorelle does her best to look proud and happy.

[Aid Another to Vauhwyt's Bluff Check; 16 succeeds, Vauhwyt gets a +2]

Theodore and Macaw  d20+4=18
Wednesday January 25th, 2006 9:51:47 AM
Theodore is his normal self, eyes downcast, nervously fiddling with the hem of his tunic. I hope they buy it, he thinks.

Macaw sits atop the wizard's head, head bobbing as he keeps a sharp eye out for any hostile movements. (Spot 18)

Dietrich  d20+4=11 d20+2=9 d20+4=8 d20+4=17
Wednesday January 25th, 2006 11:34:32 AM
Dietrich understands the merchant and sees how this plan could have worked, especially in Dirt City... So much about the loyalty of the guard..
Concerning Jack´s comments, Dietrich realizes all women of the party are in the palace, quite an interesting fact. "They´re just crazy beings!"

The fighter sees most of his friends appearing and wonders about Vauhwyt not being with them. Then this Logan guy starts talking and Dietrich is really amazed.
"What the ¨%#$#! That´s too good to be true!"

He remains in the dark though, observing the events and ready to use the great-sword if necessary.
(spot 11, listen 9, sense motive 8, military knowledge 17)

Mad Jack 
Wednesday January 25th, 2006 4:38:04 PM
Something was definately wrong. His skin tingled with anticipation. The best course of action was to stay still, allow things to transpire.

Berlon 
Wednesday January 25th, 2006 9:30:30 PM
berlon resists moving forward, keeping his eye on Neezer. He wants to try to make sure everything is going as expected in the operation...

Together (?) Again [DM SteveK]  d20+10=23 d20+10=30
Thursday January 26th, 2006 12:46:02 AM
OOC: Hasn't been quite 24 hours, but this is the only time today I'll be able to post...

OOC: There are so many people in the crowd and with the guards that I'm not going to roll for every one of them, but take a percentage of the ones who'll believe the Bluff and Disguise based on the skill level.

Vauhwyt looking like Logan, strides out into the clear area in front of the Palace. "I am Logan, the Prince's right hand. I speak for the Prince and for Dirt City!", she says in a loud voice.
Vorelle looks confident and supportive of the man called Logan (ie Vauhwyt) and looks confident at the crowd of hundreds.
Theodore and Rose nervously fiddle behind "Logan" and Vorelle and watch for anything amiss.
Dietrich can't believe his ears! He, Mad Jack, and Olyn stay silent, watches Logan and the crowd, and wait for things to transpire.
Berlon keeps his eyes on Neezer, wanting to make sure everything is going right in this operation.
Neezer (the old man with Dietrich and Mad Jack the others can see) looks nervous when "Logan" strides out and begins speaking. He speaks urgently to the group he's with.

Berlon, Dietrich, Mad Jack, and Olyn Highlight to display spoiler: {"I do not know what his game is, but he is bluffing his heart out about something. As a merchant, I've had long experience in reading other people. That is not Logan and whoever it is is lying his head off."
Neezer is looking very nervous. "I have alerted my agents to help and it appears three of your companions have made it. I can do little to affect what is going on right now. We MUST get them away from here!" }

"Logan" continues to speak; "The Prince is not dead! It was a clver ploy of the Prince's to draw out the assassins, and it worked!" Now the guards holding off the crowd begin looking back at Logan and the three heroes with him, puzzlement on thier faces. The crowd becomes very silent, waiting for the next words.
In the silence, the clinking of metal armor and the scuff of booted feet is heard in the corridor from the Prince's Palace.

"Take off the signs of mourning and instead, rejoice! Let the word go out that the Prince lives!" shouts 'Logan'. The crowd's murmur increases as the news that the Prince is not dead is shouted to the back of the crowd and beyond. The Prince's Men look puzzled and confused, as if they've been told one thing and now another. There are the disbelieving faces in the crowd, and the occasional shrewd face as if they think they know something that the others don't, but the majority of the crowd looks relieved.

And running out of the Prince's Palace is a blond armored man with a troop of Prince's Men behind him. There are at least 10, and the hallway behind contains more...

"LIES!!" he bellows, "These are the assassins who have killed the Prince, kidnapped his Lieutenant, and seek to usurp power for themselves!"

The scene: in front of the Princes' Palace, four heroes are standing in the middle of a 50' radius semi-circle (ie 25' from anyone else).
The semi-circle is held in place by an arc of Prince's Men with headless pikes, who are not watching the crowd, but looking in the circle in confusion.
At the doors of the Prince's Palace shouts one man with at least 20 Prince's Men and they look ready to kill.
The crowd is shouting and pushing and... no catalyst has touched them to action. Yet.
Four heroes are on the outside ring of the crowd, separated by at least a hundred milling bodies from thier companions.

And it all rests on the edge of a knife...


Olyn  d20+6=18
Thursday January 26th, 2006 1:38:19 AM
spot check of 18, looking for other people wearing the wolf ring or insignia.

snorting Olyn says: I told you this would happen but nobody listens to Olyn.
Then he says: I'm gonna go to the temple and warn them with what's happening and to expect casualties soon.

GM's eyes:
Highlight to display spoiler: { I will head back to the apartment, gather all my belongings, and go back to the Temple. Right now Olyn has seen pass everything that he warned the group would happen and each one turned their noses up at him. Now, this is how he thinks: they ignored him and his warnings and because of it not only have they threatened the lives of EVERYONE in the group including Olyn, but also all the family members of the people in the group including the little girl Olyn kinda took under his wing 3 or 4 modules back. And with his change of attitude after the beating he received from the Wolves, you can say his alignment went from Good to Neutral and except for Deitrich, Rose and Thomas, he doesnt really care what happens to them. }

Vauhwyt  d20+7=9
Thursday January 26th, 2006 5:43:48 AM

Sure, Vauhwyt is worried. Most of all, she is worried about Rose. The halfling has seemed distracted, and as the situation goes belly up -- and truly it seems to be going belly up -- Vauhwyt fears that the halfling will not acivate the seal of invisibility that Vauhwyt is counting on to get them out of here.

Vauhwyt sees Olyn snort and then leave. She senses that these events are not decided yet, that it all rests on the edge of a knife ... but Olyn has evidently decided that the situation is hopeless, and there is no reason to stick around. "Thanks for the vote of confidence, old pal," she thinks.

Vauhwyt also wonders what went wrong. How does this person know, this blond guard, that she is not Logan? Was her disguise pierced? Was the invisible Prince still lurking about? Clearly, THIS man is lying. Vauhwyt knows that the Prince lives. She tries [a free action] to tell if this guard knows that he is lying [she is making an untrained Sense Motive check opposed by his Bluff ... but her untrained Sense Motive, even boosted by the +5 seal, is a 9]. She hopes that people in the crowd will see through this man's lies.

And how, she wonders, how could he know that they had kidnapped Logan rather than slain him? His seeming omniscience frightens her, and she rather wonders if the Prince of Dirt City isn't standing invisible next to him whispering in his ear. But even invisible, would not the Prince show some sign of his presence? Would there not be even a chance to hear or spot him?

Well, Vauhwyt sees no other course of action but to try to see it through. She is also very careful to speak only the truth. She tries her best to keep her voice confident and sure.

"How dare you insult and accuse me, the most loyal of all the Prince's servants!"

Vauhwyt figures that that must be true. What other fool would still be loyal to the Prince after learning that the Prince wanted them dead?

"There is no question that the Prince lives! How foolish you will look when he stands before you, smiling. How you will shake in your boots when the enormity of your lie is exposed! How could I grab power when my goal is to support the Prince? What deep advantage would it gain me to support a dead man? In fact, I support a live man! The Prince of Dirt City, Suran Corell!"

"Think carefully, man! Do you want to be known as the one who argued against the Prince? Are you so confident that he will be pleased with you when he learns of your falsehoods and deceptions?"

After that, Vauhwyt prays with all her heart that Rose will activate the seal of invisiblity if there are any attacks made against the group, or if a spell is cast, or even if this guard refuses to back down.

[Note that Vauhwyt has not actually done anything but think fast and talk. If I can say that her speech is a move action, I'd love to use V's standard action remaining to Ready an Action. To wit, if Vauhwyt turns invisible, then she move action, Logan in tow, travelling only 20 feet toward the guards in order to move silently.]

[OOC to DM Only; Highlight to display spoiler: {Sorry Steve, I know I should not metagame, but I could not help looking at the die roll fields for your post. I'm just not seeing either a Bluff Check or a Disguise Check for Vauhwyt. But wasn't there even the slightest chance that her disguise would be believed, that her bluff would work? Maybe you rolled them and then erased them so I would not see them ... if so, I sincerely apologize. But if not, is that fair? I didn't even get a roll? Wold house rules say that a skill check of a nat 20 always works. That d20+10=30 roll is a natural 20 for someone! If it is Vauhwyt, why didn't she see more success? If it is not Vauhwyt, then why does someone or something else get the chance to roll a nat 20, but Vauhwyt does not? Just food for thought. Of course and as always, glad to accept whatever your ruling is.}]

DM Note Back: Highlight to display spoiler: { Metagame stuff: I apologize if this has been rather confusing. For the people outside, since there are so many, I didn't roll for any of them, just took a percentage who would see through the Bluff and Disguise (about 1 in 20 in the crowd and among the guards), and they reacted the way they would if hearing a strange truth from a trusted one. I rolled for Neezer to see if he saw through the Disguise and Bluff, (the rolls) which he did, because he is currently an important NPC with the group.
I didn't roll for the blonde man or the guards with him for two reasons 1) the guards are following the blonde man, and 2) does the blonde man care if you are disguised or bluffing? If it were really Logan himself saying these things, would the blonde man still call them lies? and Why? }

Dietrich  d20+2=22 d20+3=8
Thursday January 26th, 2006 11:40:15 AM
Dietrich listens to Neezer and is puzzled. Seeing the rest of his friends though, and only Vauhwyt misssing, Dietrich guesses that the bluffing man is her! (intelligence test 22, nat 20!)

Than the other guy appears and Olyn abandons the party! The fighter calls to him to stay and help:

"Olyn, where´re you going!? They´ll need us!"

"Logan" continues talking and Dietrich doesn´t really know what to do, as he isn´t the best at bluffing. Hopefully mad Jack will have some trick? Dietrich yells to the crowd and the guards:

"A coup! The blond man wants to usurp the Prince´s place! Protect master Logan!", but he stays hidden (hide 8).



Mad Jack  d20+4=9 d20+10=25
Thursday January 26th, 2006 4:33:31 PM
He doesnt watch as Olyn retreats for reinforcements. Why at this time. Doesnt matter the man is hisown man after all. The blond man speaking is the man who gave Jack the gold, and assumably in cahoots with the assassination. his friends all look very nervous, but not scared. What to do what to do?

"Berlon, Dietrich, that man is he who paid me for delivering Targo to him. I believe he is one of the usurpers. Problem is he does wield quite a bit of power. In order to get Rose and the others safe, we need this crowd to create a diversion. Spread the word there is a fire, in the center of the murals that will be displayed on the morrow. Quickly now, we may cause enough confusion to help the others get away."

Without ascknowledgement of the others, Jack begins screaming, "Fire! Fire! Thr murals are burning, Help! Help! The Murals are burning1" He continues running around yelling at everyone he can.

Bluff 9
Intimidate 25
Jack firmly believes and uses his belief to scare the people into acting.

Vorelle  d20=3
Thursday January 26th, 2006 9:13:13 PM
Vorelle tries again to help Vauhwyt with her ruse, but she is uncomfortable being the focus of so many eyes. Within seconds, her shoulders are hunched, her head is down, and she is staring at the ground, wishing she was someplace else.

[Bluff check 3 to Aid Another.]

Vauhwyt (illegal second post) 
Thursday January 26th, 2006 9:43:55 PM

Vauhwyt has a flash of understanding -- it isn't this guard she she is talking to ... it is the hundred people listening in.

If I may give up that readied action to add some more talking, then Vauhwyt will speak some more.

"If the Prince is dead, as you claim, then who do you work for? Why do you say the Prince is dead? How could one crossbow bolt kill the Prince, and even if it somehow did, the loyal priests would immediately bring him back to life. This is obvious to everybody. If you believe what you say, then you are a fool -- and if you do not, then you are a liar and a scoundrel."

"The people of Dirt City will not be taken in by your lies! They know that the Prince will return! They know that he loves this city and will defend it from those who seek to sow dismay and chaos, like you!"

"What say you, citizens of Dirt City? Do you believe the worst -- that the Prince could be dead? Or do you believe the best of him -- that he has exposed the plot and even now is bringing the plotters to justice!"

"I have helped him in that! I have helped him flush out the assassins! I believe in the Prince! Who is with me?"

Theodore and Macaw 
Thursday January 26th, 2006 9:43:56 PM
Theodore casts a spell minor image to create an exact replica of the hooded Logan directly beside the real Logan. (Will save 16 to disbelieve)

If given more time than a round, he will then cast invisibility on the real Logan, telling Rose to keep a hand on him.

Then[/i, Theodore will direct the [i]minor image to remove his hood and...ta da! It's the Prince. Alive and well, unhurt, and with a knowing smirk on his face.

"Play it off," he whispers to Vauhwyt.

Berlon 
Thursday January 26th, 2006 10:32:35 PM
Berlon goes to say something to Neezer, then pauses and thinks better of it. A flash of insight seems to come to him, as he points his finger in the air and opens his mouth, only to stop.

"So," he says to Neezer amidst all the chaos, "realize what you were getting into?"

Rose 
Friday January 27th, 2006 12:20:16 AM
Rose is scared to death, if there's an attack there is almost no way that they'll escape, there are to many guards and other people around. She carefully takes the seal and holds it in her hand ready to break it if necessary.

At the Plaza [DM Steve] 
Friday January 27th, 2006 11:01:05 PM
sorry about the wait. Posting late. I'll call it intentional in order to build suspense. Yeah, that's it. :)

At the Plaza [DM Steve]  d20+6=25 d20+8=11
Friday January 27th, 2006 11:52:18 PM
Olyn realizes the jig is up. "I told you this would happen but nobody listens to Olyn. I'm gonna go to the temple and warn them with what's happening and to expect casualties soon." And he begins moving off towards the Temple. It is slow going because the quickest way is through the Midnight Bazaar and there is a big crowd in between him and the Temple. Still, he makes progress against the people.

Dietrich calls after his friend, "Olyn, where´re you going!? They´ll need us!" and tries to get the crowd involved, "A coup! The blond man wants to usurp the Prince´s place! Protect master Logan!"

Mad Jack sees Olyn move off and thinks that it doesn't matter, the man is his own man after all. He also tries to create a diversion to get the others out of the trap. "Fire! Fire! Thr murals are burning, Help! Help! The Murals are burning!" While some nearby turn and look, and a couple begin moving away presumably to thier murals and homes, the majority seem too intent on what is going on right here.

Berlonlooks at Neezer in a dramatic pose and asks "So, realize what you were getting into?" The old man's cringe at the words is all the answer the cleric needs.

Vauhwyt at first, 'Logan' argues and tries to back the blonde man down, and then 'he' casts 'his' nets wider and tries to bring the crowd in on 'his' side of the argument, echoing Dietrich's call of a coup and reminding the crowd about someone as important as a dead Prince would certainly be raised by the clerics.

Vorelle loses her pretended confidence and her shoulders are hunched, her head is down, and she is staring at the ground, wishing she was someplace else.

Rose carefully takes the seal and holds it in her hand ready to break it if necessary.

Theodore casts a spell minor image to create an exact replica of the hooded Logan directly beside the real Logan, but has no time to cast another.

The blonde man does not stop and talk. He is at the advantage with this small group surrounded by guards with more pouring out of the palace. With his first step, he speaks for only the group in the center to hear; "I know you are not Logan, your voice gives you away if nothing else. And now, your life will be given away to the thirst of my sword. Yes, Corell is alive, but all his enemies will soon be dead; at a secret place or on these stones!"

Vauhwyt, Rose, Theodore and even Vorelle are sure that the blonde man was going to make a dramatic end to his speech before attacking and killing you, but the tomato squished against his helmet doesn't fit into the overall picture.

Tomato?

There is no certainty on which words sparked the crowd; maybe it was Dietrich, maybe it was Vauhwyt, maybe it was Olyn glumly announcing the Temple needed to know that there would be casualties.
What is certain is the crowd is now howling and surging forward, and the thrown tomato is the most harmless thing they have in their hands! The ring of guards is down at the first rush and the people of Dirt City are surging AROUND the group in the middle and towards the guards. Already rocks are thrown, and daggers, and clubs. Other weapons are in the hands of the people

Vauhwyt, Vorelle, Theodore, Rose, and the bound Logan are in the middle of the crush. (Lose DEX bonus': no where to maneauver) They are in another kind of danger now, that of falling under the feet of the crowd and getting trampled!

Dietrich, Olyn, Mad Jack, and Berlon with Neezer are on the outside ring of the crowd, pretty much free to try anything.

The blonde man and his guards have swords out and are defending themselves in blood. Though the blonde man is only 10 feet away from Vauhwyt, there is no taking a step forward, and the guards at the door are fighting for thier lives.



Vauhwyt (AC22 HP41 of 44, Alter Self, Armor, Messages, Prestidigitation) and Mookie (AC15 HP22) 
Saturday January 28th, 2006 6:03:49 AM
Standing right next to her friends, Vauhwyt-as-Logan reaches out hands to touch Rose and Logan. She whispers to Rose, "Now, Rose! Now! Make us unseen!" That message is for Vorelle's and Theo's ears, too. As is this one: "Friends, remember where we said to meet! I'll tell the others!"

Then, contingent on being invisible, Vauhwyt dismisses her Alter Self, picks up Logan, and tells Rose to hop on!

Finally, she activates a seal!

• Seal of Escape - Mentally activated as a Free Action, gives the user all the benefits of a Freedom of Movement spell for three rounds. (awarded by Black Tap DM Mike K on 12 Nov 04)

I think that's all the action I have for a single round. If we do more than one round, then Vauhwyt will use her size and seal to move through the crowd to her other friends. Hopefully Vorelle and Theo can move in her wake, maybe clutching her tail? Vauhwyt is headed toward Berlon, Dietrich, and Jack if she can see them (Seal may work on them?). If not, then she just moves to where they were and calls out, "Dietrich! Berlon! Jack!" She'll do her best to get everyone to rendez-vous back at the market.

[OOC to DM: Highlight to display spoiler: {Sorry, Steve, but I am having trouble keeping track of what I know in character and what I know out of character. Does Vauhwyt know about the secret location, who is there, what will happen there, and when?}]

Olyn 
Saturday January 28th, 2006 12:08:51 PM
turning in time to see the crowd surging forward and seeing his old companions beginning to be overwhelmed, and having mixed emotions overwhelm him, Olyn swallows his pride for a moment and turns, facing them.

and casts a spell

GM
Highlight to display spoiler: { Summon Monster 3, Celestial Hippogriff. When it appears I command it to save Rose, Theodore, Vorelle and lastly Vauhwyt if it can. To get them, and if possible ferry them as fast as it can, in the 5 rounds its here, to the Temple of Wardd. Im hoping that it can carry theo, rose and vorelle at the same time, being how small rose is and how slender vorelle is always claiming to be. }

Rose 
Saturday January 28th, 2006 8:59:30 PM
Rose hops on Vahuwyt and then breaks the seal (she gets on first so she can see what she's doing) she then holds on tightly (but carefully) to the straps on Vauhwyt's pack ready for whatever Vauhwyt might do.

Vauhwyt Extra 
Saturday January 28th, 2006 9:38:49 PM

ooc: Loretta, Vauhwyt does not want to change from Logan to liontaur while everyone can see. She wants to wait for the invisibility first, THEN change to natural form.

Vauhwyt is touching Rose so that even when invisible, Rose will know where she is to climb on.

Hope that helps clarify things.

Vorelle  d20+2=22 d20+8=28
Sunday January 29th, 2006 12:11:31 PM
Her dexterity is about the only thing Vorelle has going for her; without it, she is helpless in the crowd. And being invisible is only going to make things worse, so she tries to resist the effect. [Will save 22, although I don't know if one is allowed.]

She lets herself be carried along with the crowd, doing her best to blend in and remain unnoticed. [Hide 28, using only ranks and no Dex modifier]

Loretta 
Sunday January 29th, 2006 3:53:32 PM
ok, change it to what Cayzle said.

rose breaks seal then climbs aboard Vauhwyt

Theodore and Macaw 
Sunday January 29th, 2006 4:11:04 PM
Theodore waits for the invisibility to take affect and then rushes away with the rest of the group. He leaves the minor image alone. The image of the bound and hooded Logan remains in the middle of the crowd. Just for good measure.

BigTim 
Sunday January 29th, 2006 5:39:57 PM
this is just my take, but Cayzle, telling a player your thoughts about what you want to do and not do, and them reacting to it is called out of character knowledge. its something rose wouldnt know without your character saying it to her.
am i wrong?

Cayzle OOC 
Sunday January 29th, 2006 8:49:28 PM
Well, in my original post, I specifically said I would break the Alter Self after I was invisible. Then Loretta said she would trigger the inisibility after Vauhwyt broke the Alter Self. So I see two options: (1) both characters atand around for a round waiting for the other. (2) a quick OOC talk clears up the misunderstanding. In a face to face game, no question, it would be option 2. Why not on the board? Especially since the alternative (standing around for a round) could well get us killed?

Of course, I think that the DMs have the say on proper protocol. Whatever Steve and Inge say, that's fine by me! :-)

Berlon 
Sunday January 29th, 2006 8:52:34 PM
Berlon quickly moves diagonally two squares southwest, to the edge of the crowd.

"Alemi help us." Berlon casts Prayer, not even sure who counts as an ally in the crowd.

Prayer - +1 luck bonus to all allies for attack, damage, saves and skill checks, all enemies get -1, 5 rounds, range 40' radius centered on caster.

OOC: I'm not sure who counts as allies and who counts as enemies, but it says "all allies and foes within the 40' radius"....

DM Steve: Oh, very tricky Berlon; very nice!

OOC DM SteveK 
Sunday January 29th, 2006 9:41:51 PM
OOC: I haven't spoken with my counterpart (the lovely Inge) but since we have both encouraged talking to each other (and especially when there needs to be clarification or debate), I rule that the cross-table talk is not a change and so stands.
Since I try to have the heroes act as they mean and not what they say, if there hadn't been the cross-talk, I would have Rose activate the seal first anyways because it would be physically impossible to get on Vauhwyt without her dismissing the Alter Self. :)

Just for everyones reminder, to keep out-of-character posts and in-character posts separated in the eyes of our readers, please mark out-of-character posts with OOC. :)

At the Plaza [DM SteveK] 
Sunday January 29th, 2006 10:11:36 PM
The crowd continues its attacks, shouting their hatred at the Prince and his guards. The Prince's Men fight back, and while they have advantage in arms, armor, and training, they are outnumbered 10 to 1. And as an old sage once said, "quantity has a quality all its own". And blood soon marks the cobbles of Dirt City.

Everyone make a Spot check please.

Vauhwyt needs to do more than touch Rose and Logan, she grabs handfuls of cloth as hard as she can in order to not be separated and pummelled in the surging crowd. (Two strength checks DC 10 to hold on to Rose and Logan)

Rose activates her Seal of Invisibility and (contingent on Ride Check DC 5) is able to mount while in the terrible crush of bodies. Being invisible, people are runing into the space they see only to bounce off Vauhwyt or Rose and it is hard to get on. Yet keeping in physical contact when Vauhwyt activates her seal, the invisible Vauhwyt and Rose with the visible Logan in tow (wasn't touching Rose) seem to not get pinned in the crowd.

Vorelle is not touching Rose and doesn't turn invisible. She lets herself be carried with the crowd and so doesn't have to worry about forcing her way, but she needs to stay on her feet (Reflex DC 5) and the crowd is taking her towards the fighting at the gate and Vorelle doesn't have room to draw her sword...

Theodore doesn't turn invisible (not touching Rose) and doesn't get the benefit of the Freedom of Movement (not touching Vauhwyt) and is stuck in the crowd. He tries to stay on his feet (Reflex DC 5) and tries to move out of the crowd towards where he can see Dietrich and Mad Jack (Grapple DC 15)

Olyn stands and casts an intricate spell, taking a long time to cast. Highlight to display spoiler: {The hippogryph appears and if you can speak Celestial, you can direct it to rescue your friends. I think I remember that you do, but I can't look at the character sheets in the Cyber Cafe }

Berlon moves towards the crowd and prays to Alemi to watch over his allies in the fight. All around Berlon, eyes light up with hope and vigor, and the guards seem even more desperate near the doors.

One young man with a dagger in his fist waves it around his head. "Death to the Prince! Hurrah the Heroes!"

Dietrich and MadJack are amazed at the reaction of the crowd and are only able to stand and stare.



Vorelle  d20+4=16 d20+10=18 d20+11=20
Sunday January 29th, 2006 10:33:47 PM
Vorelle easily keeps her feet in the surging crowd [Reflex 16 if she is still denied her Dex bonus, 19 if she gets it]. She looks around her as she moves, trying to see some way out of her predicament [Spot 18].

She sees that she is being drawn toward the gates, and tries to shift "sideways" in the crowd--that is, not pushing back to go the opposite direction, but trying to slide to the side so she can hopefully work her way outside the rushing mob.

At the same time, she tries to blend with the crowd so that nobody looking for her would be able to see her. [Hide 20]

Vauhwyt (AC22 HP41 of 44, Invisible, Free action, Armor, Messages, Prestidigitation) and Mookie (AC15 HP22)  d20+2=9 d20+2=4 d20+4=14
Sunday January 29th, 2006 11:03:38 PM

Vauhwyt does her best to hold onto Logan and Rose, but she loses touch with both, as the crowd pulls them away! (rolled str checks 9 and 4 -- but does she gain the benefit of the Seal of Captivity, the +5 on checks? If so, then she DOES hang on to Logan.).

She tries to be alert (spot check 14, or 19 with the seal of escape?)

If she can, Vauhwyt tries to grab Logan. She also tries to move out of the crowd. She hopes to feel Rose hop on her back.

Theodore and Macaw  d20+1=16 d20+2=13 d2=1 d2+2=4 d20+2=3 d20+4=11
Monday January 30th, 2006 10:31:38 AM
Theodore manages to stay on his feet as the crowd surges by. (Reflex 16) But it takes all his effort to stay where he is, and he cannot move towards his friends.

Remembering the gifts of Wardd, he flips a coin given to him by Rose's recently departed brother. It seems the god of luck is not favoring him at the moment, however. (Grapple 13, flipped coin of Wardd (given by DM Kup) for a 1. Rerolled. Grapple 3.)

Macaw has had enough and takes to the air. He finds a perch to keep look for any hostiles getting a little too close to his master. (Macaw Spot 11)

Dietrich 
Monday January 30th, 2006 12:14:00 PM
Although that´s what he intended, Dietrich is surprised by the reaction of the crowd. After some seconds of indecision, the fighter realizes that there is no point of turn back anymore. Now it´s us or them, niceties won´t help anyone.

He says to Neezer:

"The situation is changing fast and dangerously. Now is the time to grasp your chance and stay at the right side. The control of the palace is to be decided and with it the position of the Merchants in the city. You must act now!"

The warrior draws his sword and runs to help the people of the city. The populace can be a very powerful ally and, should the usurpers remain in power, there won´t be peace or safety for the party and their families.

"For Dirt City! For the saviours against the plague!"

He runs to face the blond man in combat.

Olyn 
Monday January 30th, 2006 2:14:14 PM
GM - I do speak Celestial.

after giving it the directions, Olyn continues heading to the temple.

rose  d20+8=22 d20+5=12 d20+5=18 d20+2=6
Monday January 30th, 2006 3:03:54 PM
Rose tries to hold onto Vauhwyt, but isnt sure if she'll remain on.

Piper flies overhead trying to keep an eye on the group (in the case of the invisible people she just looks for a large spot that people cant move through)

Rose
listen: 22
ride: 12
spot: 18
str: 6

Green seal (expires December 2006) seal of invisibility Each party member is rendered invisible for 5 minutes or until the attack, or the individual is granted the benefits of improved invisibility for 5 rounds (given in silk tap for rogues run by dm mikey ending in August 2005)

ooc: the seal renders ALL party members invisible, not just the ones touching Rose.

Berlon (AC 20 - HP 35/35) Prayer 5r  d20+6=12 d20+6=20 d8+1=4
Monday January 30th, 2006 8:43:42 PM
(OOC: Everyone within 40' of Berlon gets a +1 luck bonus to attack, dge, saves and skill check, so remember to add in if appropriate)

Happy to see that his Prayer was able to protect even a portion of the pro-party people, Berlon tries to figure out an appropriate course of action.

Staying outside the edge of the crowd, Berlon raises his arms in the air and chants in Gnomish. Suddenly a purplish glow appears in front of the blond man that seems to be the leader. The purple energy takes the form of a heavy mace and attacks.

Spiritual Weapon attack hits AC 20 (hero point used to reroll) for 4 points force damage.

Spiritual Weapon, range 150', 5 rounds, weapon made of force, neither gets nor gives flanking, not affected by damage reduction, strikes as spell not weapon, uses base attack (+3) and wisdom bonus (+3) for to hit roll, 1d8+1 force dge.

At the Plaza [DM Steve]  d20+5=10
Monday January 30th, 2006 10:14:38 PM
OOC: Sorry all members of the party, with the exception of Vorelle (who willed to) are invisible.

Everyone in the crowd needs to roll a Reflex and Grapple Check every round. Dex bonus included again.
- Reflex DC 5: Stay on your feet
- Grapple DC 10: To move where you want at half speed, no running allowed
- Vauhwyt, Rose, Theodore, and now Dietrich get a -2 to checks. Being invisible, no one can see that the space they see is occupied and the crowd keeps trying to move where the heroes are standing, jostling them more.

The howling mob, stymied from forward motion by the warriors in the door and the walls of the palace are packed closer than in the stands of the arena. There is jostling back and forth, but if one stays erect, it is a little easier to move against the crowd. Many people have fallen in the crowd and at the combat and the shouts for "Down with the Prince" are mingled with cries of agony and desperate calling for help.

Vorelle easily keeps her feet and tries to move sideways and away from the path towards the fighting. The thickness of the crowd prevents her from moving, but at least she doesn't get any closer.

The invisible Vauhwyt[b] is momentarily surprised by the surge of people and loses her grip on Logan and Rose! The surge of the crowd has torn off Logan's hood and gag, but with the crowd the way it is he wisely keeps silent. She can grab at Logan or Rose as they are right beside Vauhwyt, but little Rose looks like she is barely staying on her feet.

[b]Theodore manages to stay on his feet as the crowd surges by, but it takes all his effort to stay where he is, and he cannot move towards his friends. And now he is invisible and being jostled constantly. Next to him a man loses his balance and with a cry falls and is trampled into the rising dust of Dirt City.

The invisible Dietrich tells Neezer he must act now. Then the action oriented warrior draws his sword. "For Dirt City! For the saviours against the plague!" He runs to face the blond man in combat, but at first only gets himself stuck in the crowd, pushing forward slowly.

The invisible Olyn completes his spell and glowing above the crowd is a mantling hippogryph. "Rescue my friends!" Olyn instructs the Celestial, and then turns to make his way to the temple. As Olyn rounds the crowd he sees that healers will be needed desperately. A bruised woman crawls out between two people trying to get in, her leg at an impossible angle. "Help! I fell and there was no space to get up!" she calls to anyone with tears of pain in her eyes.

The hippogryph flies and hovers with its front talons clutching at the sky above Vorelle (the only one it can see). It doesn't seem to be attacking, but trying to pick up the female ranger.

The invisible Rose's grasp of Vauhwyt is also torn away, and standing beside the Liontaur seems the only defense from getting trampled in the dust by the crowd. She can hear the angry and pain-filled shouts all around her; mostly variations on "The Prince has betrayed us!" and "Up the Heroes", but also a few "For the Prince" can be heard.

Berlon remains where he is, casts Spiritual Weapon at the blonde man, (turns visible) and strikes the man in the shoulder.

Mad Jack stays with Neezer, both of whom are amazed at the turn of the crowd.

Old Neezer shakes his head at Dietrich as the battle veteran wades into the fray. "If the Prince is alive, the crowd won't stand a chance. If dead, he'll be resurrected and the crowd won't stand a chance." He then looks a little scared. "Besides, when people don't care about consequences or money, I don't have a lot of influence. There isn't anything I can do until they settle down."

The fighters at the door seem to becoming less with every passing second, and getting pushed back into the passageway. The blonde man ignores the purple spell of Berlon's and strikes two more dead by his sword.

The crowd howls for blood, and by Gargul, they've got it!

Mad Jack  d20=8
Monday January 30th, 2006 11:26:13 PM
OOc Sorry for not posting, Wold page would not load correctly for me.

Mad Jack does the maddest thing possible. Standing next to Neezer he simply draws his sword and waits. Berlon seemed to have made some sort of deal with himn, it was only propersomeone stay by to make sure he was safe. In any account, he has lost sight of his friends, makes no sense to jump in now.

Spot 9

Olyn  d20+10=20
Tuesday January 31st, 2006 12:12:33 AM
realizing he is invisible Olyn wills himself back into viewing saying: what a freaking waste of a spell.

moving with all haste and carefulness Olyn attempts to get tot he crawling woman and first attempts to extricate her from the mob and then, getting her to a safer distance begins doing healing on her, ie: checking for broken and/or fractured bones, other wounds, and begins healing. Also, if he sees any bystanders gawking he orders them to rush to the temple and call forth their emergency healers to come.
**Heal check of 20**

Vorelle  d20+6=23 d20+1=19
Tuesday January 31st, 2006 12:29:11 AM
Reaching up, Vorelle attempts to grab hold of the hippogriff as it tries to pick her up. [Touch 23 to grab hold; Strength 19 to hang on]

Vauhwyt (AC22 HP41 of 44, Invisible, Free action, Armor, Messages, Prestidigitation) and Mookie (AC15 HP22)  d20+2=19 d20+2=17 d20+7=23
Tuesday January 31st, 2006 6:04:00 AM
Vauhwyt's top priority is to grab Rose and seat her on her back -- but if the clever halfling manages to hop on herself, Vauhwyt will not need to help her. If Rose DOES need help, then the liontaur rolls a 19 Str check to do that.

Her next priority is to grab Logan. Her Str check there is a 17. The liontaur has no problem keeping her footing (Reflex Save 23).

If she can, if she has any movement left, Vauhwyt tries to move towards Olyn -- no grapple check needed with Free Action, per the spell, to move 20 feet north.

In addition, without breaking her invisibility, Vauhwyt calls out, "The Heroes for the Prince! The Heroes saved the Prince! Down with the Usurpers!"

Vorelle (illegal second post)  d20+4=9
Tuesday January 31st, 2006 9:10:39 AM
[oops, forgot to roll my Reflex save. That's a big 9]

Rose  d20+8=15 d20=7 d20+4=5 d20+4=14 d20+5=23
Tuesday January 31st, 2006 1:29:39 PM
Rose falls off Vauhwyt and desperatly tries to get back on. First she tries to jump up and catch ahold of Vauhwyt's pack but the crowd is to thick and she's to small. Then she tries to climb up using the straps on Vauhwyt's pack.

ref: 15, -2 invisible
grapple: 7, -2 invisible
jump: 5, nat 1
climb: 14
ride: 23, if necessary

Dietrich, AC 19, HP 53  d20+4=8 d20+8=12 d20+4=24
Tuesday January 31st, 2006 3:08:14 PM
Dietrich listens to Neezer and must disagree. If the Prince and his minions were so powerful as he thinks, there wouldn´t be any option for the party anyway.

It´s either flee of the city or destroy the usurpers and use the popular support to stay alive. As powerful as the enemies are, the political price of having the whole city against them should be too high.

When he hears Vauhwyt, he joins the chorus:

"The heroes for the Prince! Down with the usurpers!"

Dietrich manages to stay on his feet (reflex 8 with the -2 penalty) and continues moving (grapple 12) towards the blond officer. He calls to the soldiers:

"Soldiers! Do you want to be teared appart by the people? Do you want to betray the Prince and attack the heroes who saved the City?
Fight with us against the usurpers!"
(intimidate 24, nat 20!)

Dietrich sicerely hopes his friends understand that there is now no other way to save their skinn other than neutralize their enemies inside the palace. So he hopes they´ll come back and help the people.


Berlon (AC 20 - HP 35/35) Prayer 4r, Spiritual Weapon 5r  d8+5=11 d20+6=16 d8+1=6
Tuesday January 31st, 2006 5:58:28 PM
Berlon will try to assist anyone on the outskirts of the mob that has become injured. If he finds anyone who needs healing, he will spontaneously cast Cure Lt. Wounds (in place of Nystul's) healing 11 pts. damage.

Meanwhile, the force mace attacks again, hitting AC 16 for 6 damage.

Theodore and Macaw  d20+3=9 d20+2=9 d20+4=24
Tuesday January 31st, 2006 9:28:25 PM
Theodore dismisses the invisibility from himself as he tries to push through the crowd and get out of there. (Reflex 9, Grapple 9)

He again retains his feet, but cannot move forward. It takes all of his energy to stay where he is.

Overhead, Macaw flits above the chaos, his sharp eyes seeking out any immediate threats to his master. (Macaw spot 24, natural 20, to spot any hostile movements against Theo.)



At the Plaza [SteveK]  d20+4=20 d20+9=25
Tuesday January 31st, 2006 10:10:33 PM
Vauhwyt, Rose, Dietrich, Berlon, and Mad Jack are invisible: 48 rounds

Everyone in the crowd needs to roll a Reflex and Grapple Check every round. Dex bonus included again.
- Reflex DC 5: Stay on your feet
- Grapple DC 10: To move where you want at half speed, no running allowed
- Vauhwyt, Rose, and Dietrich get a -2 to checks by being invisible.

Mad Jack stands next to Neezer, draws his sword and waits. Being invisible, he isn't apparantly noticed by Neezer, who only stands there wringing his hands. Obviously, not a man for a crisis! There doesn't appear to be anyone approaching the old man right now.

Olyn wills away the invisibility, and moves over to the woman who has crawled out of the worst of the crowd and drags her to safety near a building. He intends to check out her injuries in the next few seconds. "Thank you, thank you" repeats the shocky woman.

Vorelle stays on her feet and successfully grabs the hippogryph's foreclaws in her strong grasp. The Celestial's wings beat faster and flies out of the crowd to hover next to Olyn and waits for you to drop off before flying back over the crowd and searches out Theodore.

Rose is able to stay on her feet, but she is being swept away and lost in the crowd until the strong hands of Vauhwytgrab her and with the two of you working together manage to get the halfling on the liontaur's back.
Vauhwyt looks around for Logan, and sees him on his feet and now 15 feet away in the crowd, working further away. He seems to have one or two people assisting him as well.
Rose keeps a very fine seat as the Freedom of Movement allows the still invisible duo to surge with impunity through the crowd, and getting to the edge of the press where you can see Olyn and Vorelle.

Dietrich, invisible, echoes Vauhwyt as they try and plant ideas into heads in the crowd; "The heroes for the Prince! Down with the usurpers!". As he keeps his feet and moves towards the blone officer, Dietrich calls on the Soldiers to question what they are doing. At his shoulder he gets a reply. "A-yup. Don't know if it's usurpers or the Prince hisself." says a former Prince's Man with a black armband still on. "But dead, captured or playing false, following the Prince isn't going to keep my family safe any more. You heroes are all right." He holds a piece of broken pike-staff and follows Dietrich's wake towards the doors. Together they make it 15 feet more through the mob.

Berlon[b] helps hurt people at the edge of the crowd. The worst one gets a cure light wounds cast on him, a dirty boy who is no bigger than Berlon and must've been trampled in the first rush. Barely holding onto life, the boy's eyes open in a flash and in amazement that he's not dying anymore.
The purple mace strikes but misses the blonde man.

[b]Theodore keeps his feet, but isn't able to make headway in the crowd. He can see that the Hippogryph gave a ride to Vorelle and is now coming over the crowd towards Theo. Macaw looks out of sharp eyes, but doesn't see any danger to his master, besides the obvious one of falling under the feet of the crowd and being trampled to death...

At a shout from the blonde officer, the Prince's Men at the gate turn and run into the Palace. Two are cut down from behind, but the rest escape into the momentarily safe corridor. The crowd surges to follow, but are stopped short by cables of sticky Web that suddenly appear at the entrance. The mob howls in frustration, anger at the Prince, and some comments about usurpers and the good heroes.

Olyn 
Wednesday February 1st, 2006 2:09:10 AM
looking at Vorelle as she is dropped near him she sees the face of a half elf who looks like it went through a 10 round fight with a wall. he shakes his head and then goes back to assisting the woman. assuring her that she is safe as he begins his treatment.

Vauhwyt (AC22 HP41 of 44, Armor, Messages, Prestidigitation) and Mookie (AC15 HP22)  d20+5=8 d20+8=16
Wednesday February 1st, 2006 6:44:44 AM

Vauhwyt takes a step out of the crowd. With the aid of her prestidigitation, she quickly stows the clothes and armor she had been wearing, leaving enough for modesty. Luckily, for a liontaur, just a bit of a top will do in a pinch.

Then she casts her last cantrip of the day -- a Message spell to Logan.

She whispers to Logan "Logan, it is Vauhwyt. Make sure you tell the Prince we are loyal, even after he tried to betray us. Tell him that we are better allies than enemies! Tell him! Tell him we are not patsies!"

Then she cancels the invisibility and turns to face the crowd. She shouts.

"People of Dirt City! We have won a great victory here today! A great victory! The Prince lives! He lives! And at this very moment is ridding the palace of the usurpers!"

"Be happy! The Prince will soon make everything right!"

"To you who say 'down with the Prince,' I say, 'You are fools and tools!' Tools of those who want to hurt our City! The Prince is our leaderr! He will keep us safe and prosperous! Up with the Prince! Long live the Prince!"

"We are proud that we could lend a hand to foil the assassins and usurpers! We are proud that we helped Master Logan! We are proud that the Prince is our patron!"

"Hey! Calm down! Do not trample Master Logan! Already he has been crushed by the crowd! Be careful of the Prince's Man"

Vauhwyt points to Logan and draws attention to him.

"Master Logan! Are you okay? Did the usurpers hurt you? People, save the Prince's Man!"

Finally, Vauhwyt whispers to Logan, "It would no doubt please the crowd to hear you praise the heroes who saved the Prince. And it would be a sign that you are a usurper to try to go back to the Palace right now. So why not put in a good word for us? And tell the Prince that we have accomplished our mission. We exposed the assassins! We always follow the Prince's orders! And per his order, we will meet him in the morning at the market as he asked."

Finally, Vauhwyt shouts to all her friends, "To me, Heroes for the Prince! We have the Prince's business to be about! It is time for us to go!"

[OOC: Diplomacy (untrained) check is an 8. Gosh darn it. Wish I had a hero point to reroll that. Bluff check is a 16.]

[OOC: The above might take two or even three rounds, I suppose, but since we are not in combat, I figure that's okay?]

Vorelle  d20+1=10 d20+12=22
Wednesday February 1st, 2006 9:09:06 AM
When they reach the area where Olyn is standing, Vorelle lets go and tries to land on her feet. [Jump 10]

She sees the injured making their way out of the crowd and promptly pulls out her healer's kit. I can't heal magically, she thinks, but I can do something, anyway.

[Heal check 22]

Dietrich  d20+3=22 d20+4=22
Wednesday February 1st, 2006 11:25:17 AM
Dietrich is happy that at least some of the guards turned side and that together with the people they have the situation under control. He turns visible (didn´t even notice that he wasn´t...) and listens with satisfaction to Vauhwyt (though deep inside he regrets not having even a litle sword fight...); this course of action seems to be the best.

Dietrich calls to the soldiers:

"Comrades in arms, I´m one of yours! We´ve won a battle against the usurpers, we and the people of Dirt City! The Heroes for the Prince and for the City!

Keep watch at the exits of the palace. The enemy could try illusions, don´t listen to them without asking the Heroes!

Together we´ll keep the peace and safety of the city against the usurpers!"

Diplomacy 22!
military knowledge 22:
to organize the soldiers and prevent anyone inside the palace from escaping.

Sword in hands, Dietrich moves near Logan, just to show his presence...

The warrior looks eagerly for his other friends. Where´re they? There contribution is critical for the whole affair to end well...
He also searches eye contact with Neezer; now his influence could be handy.

Berlon (AC 20 - HP 35/35) Prayer 3r, Spiritual Weapon 4r  d8+5=8
Wednesday February 1st, 2006 12:20:43 PM
Berlon searches for more injured, muttering something under his breath about speeches and quitting whilst ahead, and tries to find anybody seriously injured.

He will cast Cure Lt. (spontaneously replacing Magic Weapon) on whoever is most injured within 15', moving then healing for 8 hp.

Mad Jack 
Wednesday February 1st, 2006 4:56:15 PM
Jack has not moved and therefore does not know he is invisible. He watches the old man carefully, and their surroundings as well. As his friends appear, safely, and shouting praise to themselves he chuckles.

Just loud enough for Neezer to hear, Jack spits out between chuckles, "Heroes, riiiight, heroes"

Rose  d20+8=10 d20=10 d20+8=13 d20+5=16 d20+5=20
Wednesday February 1st, 2006 4:57:09 PM
Rose just concentrates on hanging onto Vauhwyt.

ref: 10, -2
grapple: 10, -2 does this count since Rose isnt moving but holding onto Vauhwyt?
listen: 13
spot: 16
ride: 20

Theodore and Macaw  d20+3=21 d20+9=10 d20+9=29 d20+5=13
Wednesday February 1st, 2006 8:59:36 PM
Seeing the webbing appear before the tower doors, Theodore tries to dispel the barrier to give his friends a little more time to get away. (Reflex 21 to stay up, Concentration check 10, use hero point for a 29, Dispel Magic on area by tower gate check 13)

At the Plaza [DM SteveK]  d20+3=19
Thursday February 2nd, 2006 4:01:42 AM
OOC: We're still in combat rounds right now.

Rose, Berlon, and Mad Jack are invisible: 47 rounds

Everyone (Theodore and Dietrich) in the crowd needs to roll a Reflex and Grapple Check every round. Dex bonus included again.
- Reflex DC 5: Stay on your feet
- Grapple DC 10: To move where you want at half speed, no running allowed

Olyn having recently healed a great deal of damage doesn't quite look like death-warmed-over, but the yellowish-pupleish tinge of nearly healed bruises is all over his face and most exposed skin. What has happened to him since the five went into the Palace?
There was a scamp nearby who heard Olyn's orders to get word to the Temple, and the young man was off like a shot.
Olyn ignores all except healing the teary woman. She looks at Olyn in bewilderment and remarks, "Buster must've gotten it wrong; elf magic isn't all bad."

Vauhwyttakes a step out of the crowd. She casts prestidigitation and quickly stows the clothes and armor she had been wearing, leaving enough for modesty.
Not able to cast another cantrip this round, she can only think hard at Logan and hope that he will see the error of his ways before she cancels the invisibility, turns to face the crowd, and shouts.
"People of Dirt City! We have won a great victory here today! A great victory! The Prince lives! He lives! And at this very moment is ridding the palace of the usurpers! Be happy! The Prince will soon make everything right!"

Vorelleclearly sees the healing bruises on Olyn's face as he helps the woman. She also takes out her healers kit and begins ministering to the people beside Olyn, setting up an impromptu aid station. Injured people out of the crowd see it and head over.

Dietrich calls to the soldiers: "Comrades in arms, I´m one of yours!" and begins to organize the crowd with Diplomacy and his knowledge of large operations.

Berlon questions the wisdom of speeches when they don't know everything, wondering if there will be a backlash against the party or the people for what has happened this day. Seeking out the injured, he heals a broken arm of a youngster who had been in the press.

Mad Jack not realizing he is invisible, tells Neezer his opinion of this group being 'heroes'. The old man nearly jumps out of his skin. "I beg your pardon", says Neezer in a quivering voice, "but where are you and are you of the party of Master Berlon?"

Rose has terrific riding skills and is easily able to keep her seat on the back of the liontaur.

Theodore sees the Web that keeps the crowd from attacking the Prince's Men, and a couple of arcane passes later it disappears. A hippogryph grabs you with his front claws and flies over to Olyn before putting Theo down and disappearing in golden light.

With the dissapperance of the Web keeping them out of the Palace, the crowd shouts lustily and surges through the doors! The surge doesn't happen for long, however, before great dispairing cries are heard, too many suddenly cut off. The crowd still presses forward until the call is sent back... PIT! WITH SPIKES!! Again, the crowd seems stymied.

Some of the crowd at the fringes begins to help at the aid station, some are moving off, and some are being organized by Dietrich and Vauhwyt. There are obviously too few to surround the Palace.

Neezer seems to get control of himself and sidles away from Mad Jack and towards Berlon. "I believe my services are complete and that your friends are all out of the Palace. I shall call on you in the future for your side of the contract?"

Of Logan, you see no sign of the man (Spot Check)

Spot Check DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: {One of the men that was helping Logan in the crowd is still there and he is moving towards the wall of the Palace.}
Spot Check DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {Near the spot in the crowd where Logan had been is now a misty cloud that seems to be drifting towards the Palace }

Olyn 
Thursday February 2nd, 2006 11:06:36 AM
smiling at the woman Olyn says: ever since Eberyon was released from his sleep, everyone has jump to conclusions that all Elves are bad. It's ok, Im used to prejudices. Actions speak louder than words.

And he goes back to treating other wounded people.

Dietrich  d20+4=10 d20+7=11 d20+4=14 d20+4=23
Thursday February 2nd, 2006 11:35:17 AM
reflex 11; grapple 11 (with BErlon´s blessing) spot 15

Dietrich almost despairs as the headless crowd enters the palace and already starts running into traps. He calls them back and trys to keep them organized.

The warrior is disappointed enough that only Vauhwyt remains there. For him, should the party not manage to negotiate with their enemies in the palace now, that they have the support of the populace and Logan as prisoner, things will go very badly.

To the crowd he commands (intimidate 23):
"Don´t demobilize! Once the people go home, the traitors will go after each of you alone."

Showing to the strangely acting man:
"Grab that man!"

Finally, Dietrich calls to his friends:

"Comrades! Come back! Do you think you can just leave now without consequences? The usurpers will hunt us down later. They´ll hunt your relatives and all the people that helped us.

We have to finish this business now."


Berlon (AC 20 - HP 35/35) Prayer 2r  d8+5=6 d8+5=12
Thursday February 2nd, 2006 2:00:55 PM
After setting the broken arm, Berlon looks up.

"No."

"Jack, the situation is still not currently safe for my business associate. Please see to it that Neezer remains safe. It is for the best if he stays here for a bit longer, just to make sure his safety is ensured."

He looks back and forth between Jack and Neezer. "Jack, make sure Neezer remains safe here until I have a moment to speak with him privately."

He then turns towards healing any who need it. Assuming he finds someone, he casts Cure Lt. (spontaneously replacing Divine Favor) healing for 12 pts.

Rose  d20+5=19 d20+8=17 d20+5=17
Thursday February 2nd, 2006 4:21:24 PM
Rose stays invisible on Vauhwyt's back, holding on the best she can. Suddenly she thinks of something and mentally tells Piper to go tell her family what has been happening.

spot: 19
listen: 17
ride: 17

Mad Jack  d20+1=3
Thursday February 2nd, 2006 6:38:52 PM
Jack watches as Berlons new friend walks over to Berlon. Th old man must be blind to not have seen Jack standing right beside him. Walking over the the old one, Jack reaches out with his left arm, grabbing teh man by his arm. "Master Berlon asks for your protection, and so shall it be. I know you are blind, allow me to lead you." Jack then stands there vigilantyly watching for an danger that may be with in reach.

OOC Yeehaw, that would be a 3 spot check

Vauhwyt (AC22 HP41 of 44, Armor, Messages, Prestidigitation) and Mookie (AC15 HP22) 
Thursday February 2nd, 2006 8:23:35 PM
Vauhwyt heads to Dietrich, "Come, my friend Bear! These people are a mob, not an army. They are not ours to throw into battle. Come, we must tell them to go, and then we must be on our way. The Prince has things well under control in the palace, and we need to tell you amazing news. Besides, Logan got free, and that's another reason to get while the getting is good."

"Yeah," caws Mookie, "News that'll rock your world!"

Vauhwyt steps up to the edge of the crowd and bellows, [b]"Friends, the Prince has control of the Palace! He is cleaning up the usurpers! Your work here is done! Be glad! Spread the news that the King is alive! Tell your friends that we saved him!"

Then Vauhwyt also shouts blindly out, "Master Logan, wherever you are! Give our respect to the Prince! Tell him we'll always follow his orders! He told us to find the assassins and we did! He told us to meet him tomorrow morning at the market. We'll be therre!"

Vauhwyt does her best to get her friends moving away, back into the city.

Theodore and Macaw  d20+3=22 d20+2=4 d20+2=6
Thursday February 2nd, 2006 9:25:02 PM
Safely out of the crowd, Theodore is more amiable towards Vauhwyt's reasoning. "Yes, let's make haste out of here and collect our thoughts."

Theodore's senses are overwhelmed by the chaos. (Spot 4)

Vorelle  d20+12=14
Thursday February 2nd, 2006 9:51:39 PM
Vorelle tries to keep healing people, but she is distracted, her mind clearly elsewhre. [Heal 14]. "S-s-s-sorry," she stammers, pulling her things together. "I h-h-have to g-g-g-go."

Making her way through the crowd, she heads toward the group's meeting place.

At the Plaza [SteveK]  d20=5 d20=12 d20=11 d20=1
Thursday February 2nd, 2006 10:15:51 PM
(OOC: OK, out of combat rounds.:)

Rose, Berlon, and Mad Jack are invisible: 46 rounds

Everyone (Dietrich) in the crowd needs to roll a Reflex and Grapple Check every round. Dex bonus included again.
- Reflex DC 5: Stay on your feet
- Grapple DC 10: To move where you want at half speed, no running allowed

Olyn informs the woman (and not a few bystanders) that actions speak louder than words. And considering looks come across many faces. "So the glowing hippogryph was yours, too?" asks a thin man. "I nearly soiled my drawers when it came winging over me with a woman in its claws! That must've been why it didn't hurt anything." And many other people nod in understanding.

Dietrich tries to mobilize the crowd in standing up for themselves, and many within range of his voice stay to take orders. The crowd hastily pulls away from the entrance to the Palace, and several people try to grab the man who is quickly going towards the Palace but fail. There are about 50 people who are still around and erect and willing to listen to Dietrich.

Berlon heals people and tells Neezer he is still needed, giving the incentive to sticking around by having Mad Jack guard the man until they can all talk. He heals another person who is amazed that he suddenly feels better without a visible reason.

Rose still has no problem staying bareback on Vauhwyt. What fun! But she sends Piper off to tell her family what has happened.
(OOC: Um, in your opinion, what has happened? And how does Rose hope Piper will communicate with her family?)

Mad Jack lays hand on the elbow of Neezer and the old man nearly jumps out of his skin again! The warrior soothingly explains to Neezer that it is OK that he is blind.
(OOC: Laughed out loud in a CyberCafe, I did :)

Vauhwyt urges Dietrich to let the mob go, and that collecting everyone in a safer area is the best course of action. She hints that there is a lot to tell.

Theodore agrees that a withdrawl to compare notes may be the way to go.

Vorelle can't seem to keep her mind on healing, and so thinks of her friends. She doesn't have to move since most of them are around her anyways.

The one man going towards the Palace hears Dietrich's shout and redoubles his efforts through the thinning crowd. Several try to grab him, but he eludes them and scrambles up the side of the Palace like a spider, eventually reaching the roof.

Neezer had wandered to where he heard Berlon's voice (healing isn't an attack and Berlon is still invisible) when he is touched by the invisible Mad Jack. Now thouroughly confused, Neezer hears the invisible Jack explaining that Neezer is blind, and he shakes his head in stubborn refusal. "I'm sure my eyesight is fine, young man, it is you that is not seen." Neezer doesn't look happy about being restrained, however easily, but as the merchant hasn't much choice and he's in no immediate danger, Neezer waits with Mad Jack near a wall.

The crowd thins, with more people leaving. There are now three distinct groups of citizens; the largest of about 50 are gathered around Dietrich; the second group of about 30 hurt people and care givers are centered around Olyn and Vorelle; the third group are cold and lifeless on the ground, a dozen Prince's Men and twice that many common people. Near the gate are limbs and blood, but out on the plaza are the broken bodies of those unlucky enough to fall beneath the mob's feet.

There appears to be no activity at the Palace.

Vauhwyt, Vorelle, Theodore, Rose, and Olyn are all near the makeshift aid station near the way to the Backstab Quarter.
Dietrich is in the middle of a small crowd of about 50 people who are waiting for him to tell them what to do.
Berlon and MaD Jack have Neezer and are about 50 feet away.

Berlon (AC 20 - HP 35/35) Prayer 1r 
Friday February 3rd, 2006 12:18:42 AM
"Thank you, Jack, I don't know what we would have done if we had allowed any harm to come to Neezer," Berlon says as he takes a break from healing to move closer to talk.

"If you don't mind, might I have a moment with him? I am sure someone could use assistance, probably Dietrich, or," he coughs slightly, "Vauhwyt."

Olyn 
Friday February 3rd, 2006 11:23:45 AM
continues healing

Dietrich  d20+4=7 d20+8=13
Friday February 3rd, 2006 12:16:29 PM
Reflex 7
grapple 13

Dietrich realizes the question won´t be resolved this time and sighs. He doesn´t completely understand what VAuhwyt means and is certainly curious about the news. But he hates to let their enemies in control of the palace and of Targo.
The window of opportunity they had will vanish with the dispersion of the crowd and he can already imagine the backlash of this small revolt. Healing the wounded won´t help when the soldiers come after them...

The warrior says to the 50 loyals:

"Take your dead and get out of here. Keep ready for a fight later though and prepare your families to leave the city. We meet tomorrow mornig at the market. May Domi be with you!"

Dietrich goes to meet his friends, disappointed, feeling guilty for abandoning the people that stood up to defend them, and preparing mentally to flee from Dirt City.



Rose  d20+8=20 d20+5=17 d20+5=6 d20+3=15
Friday February 3rd, 2006 2:03:29 PM
Rose continues trying to hang onto Vauhwyt's back but doesnt seem to be doing as good of a job as before.

listen: 20
ride: 17
spot: 6, nat 1
balance: 15

Mad Jack 
Friday February 3rd, 2006 9:40:08 PM
Jack stands holding his partners arm. When Berlon asks to talk to neezer, Jack says ok, and moves a few feet away. Jack has no idea, or reason to go off and find the rest of the group. Leisurely he stands by the wall listening to conversations of passersbys.

Vauhwyt (AC22 HP41 of 44, Armor, Messages, Prestidigitation) and Mookie (AC15 HP22) 
Saturday February 4th, 2006 12:41:38 AM
Vauhwyt talks with as many of her friends as she can. "We need to get to a place to talk as soon as possible, and as private as possible. In fact, I want to use a Rope Trick scroll to have the conversation because it is the most private thing I know."

If everyone is here, great. Let's go someplace safer -- in the undertown? and talk. If anyone is missing, then it is back to the rendez-vous point at the market, and fast.

Vorelle 
Sunday February 5th, 2006 4:27:43 PM
Vorelle makes her way through the crowd, headed for their original meeting place. She hears Vauhwyt's suggestion about the Rope Trick, but she isn't sure about it herself. She'd always been told that magical holding items, like her quiver, can't be taken into places like that.

[OOC: you can't put one extradimensional space inside another. Bad things happen. Just because DM SteveK let us get away with it once doesn't mean we can do it again. :) ]

Theodore and Macaw 
Sunday February 5th, 2006 5:41:12 PM
"Okay," he responds to Vauhwyt. "Perhaps someone should stay behind to make sure we're not followed. Or if we are, by whom. I have an invisibility spell. I will volunteer if no one else would like to."



At the Plaza [DM SteveK]  d20+2=9
Monday February 6th, 2006 1:58:03 AM
Rose, Berlon, and Mad Jack are invisible: 36 rounds

Rose still has little problem staying on Vauhwyt (Ride DC 5)

Neezer is still a little put out since he is trying to talk and have conversation with invisible people like Berlon and MadJack, but tries to gamely go along. "Um, wouldn't this conversation be more lucrative if we were able to discuss future contracts eye to eye?"

Without a easily seen enemy in front of them or the driving force of Dietrich and Vaughwyt behind them, the crowd slowly dissapates. Wounded are all healed by Olyn (Vorelle's healing kit is depleted and Olyn has one spell each level left) and Berlon (all spells depleted from healing), and they move off. The dead who have companions or family are carted off, but there are still a dozen bodies of Prince's Men and about a dozen bodies that no one wanted to claim still laying about.

Vorelledoesn't want to chance an extra-dimensional space with bags of holding or her quiver. Vauhwyt suggests getting to the City Below. And Theodore offers to ensure they won't be followed.

Most of the crowd seems to have left by retreating into the Backstab Quarter, though some went towards the Docks and some towards Midnight Bazaar.

A tough looking young man moves past Vorelle and Rose as he travels into the Backstab Quarter. "Not everyone belongs to a 'ouse, an' we know oo are friends are. You 'eroes ever need a place to go, yer safe wit us." And he disappears into the tough neighborhood.

Neezer is very, very nervous. "You must let me go or take me prisoner. I will be of very little use to you if any know of your connection to me and the connection to the House of Merchants."

It is obvious to all that almost anywhere is safer than standing in the middle of an open plaza with a thinning crowd, a still occupied Prince's Palace occupied by an enemy, and other enemies perhaps stalking them at this very minute!

Vauhwyt (AC22 HP41 of 44, Armor, Messages, Prestidigitation) and Mookie (AC15 HP22) 
Monday February 6th, 2006 5:38:46 AM

"Come ON! Let's go!"

Vauhwyt leads the way out of there, fast. Where? Anywhere but here! However, the party needs a quiet safe place to talk.

The liontaur says softly, "Fine, no Rope Trick. But we need to talk things over, that's for surre."

Olyn 
Monday February 6th, 2006 10:10:34 AM
after tending to the wounded, Olyn checks on the crumbled bodies laying about to see if by some slim chance there is still a spark of life in them. if so he tends to them. (still have a healers kit I can use when spells run out, and a wand of cure light wounds, 31 chgs)

with the help of other clergymen, he will assist in the recovery of the dead, and helps transport them to the burial preparation room. then after all is said and done, will head back to the apartments to clean up and change.

Dietrich 
Monday February 6th, 2006 10:32:33 AM
Dietrich follows Vauhwyt´s lead, still disappointed. He suggests:

"Let´s go to the appartment first, before our enemies get there. I´d like to take my things before we move. From there we can go elsewhere to discuss."

The fighter makes a silent prayer to Gargul for all the dead and for the dead to come.

Concerning Neezer, Berlon is the one to clear that. The man wasn´t particularly decisive anyway.

Berlon 
Monday February 6th, 2006 2:00:52 PM
Berlon wills himself visible.

"I must return with my new friend here."

"I assume," he adds, turning to Neezer, "that any that wish to come are both welcomed and assured safety?"

Rose  d20+8=26 d20+5=14 d20+5=9
Monday February 6th, 2006 7:01:10 PM
Rose tries to hold on better as she tries to keep an eye and ear out for trouble.

listen: 26
ride: 14
spot: 9

ooc: what's happening with piper? Has she reached Rose's parents?

Theodore and Macaw  d20+2=4
Monday February 6th, 2006 9:12:22 PM
"I will follow," Theodore says before mumbling some garbled words and weaving his fingers in an intricate dance. Suddenly, he is no longer visible.

I've been invisible a lot, today, he thinks to himself.

Theodore will give the party a minute head start before tailing them, taking care to spot any other followers. (Spot 4)

Macaw accompanies the group so that Theodore might have a link to them.

Vorelle 
Monday February 6th, 2006 10:19:56 PM
Vorelle continues moving toward the rendezvous.

At the Plaza [DM Steve] 
Tuesday February 7th, 2006 5:43:54 AM
OOC: don't want to rush everyone, but we'll need a consensus here. If you separate and each go your own way, surely your vulnerabilities are going to come to the surface. With enemies (presumably) all about, this will be a VERY bad thing.

With the crowd thinning still further, the friends try and decide what to do.

Vauhwyt urges movement and even takes a few steps away, but turns to see if anyone is following. Well, besides Rose that is. The little halfling is well entrenched upon the liontaurs back. Piper isn't back yet, so Rose doesn't really know what's going on with her familiar and family.

Olyn ignores the others and starts to pick over the dead to see if there is any spark of life left. To do so, he has to move out in the open and completely exposed to eyes and ... well, other things. There is no one else looking at the people who are laying in the plaza, and the other clergy from the Temple of Wardd have not arrived.

Dietrich suggests that going to the apartments and cleaning out thier things would be the best course of action before going into hiding.

Berlon insists that he go with his new friend. Neezer looks worried, but a firm look comes into his eyes (DC 15 Sense Motive Highlight to display spoiler: { calculating, like he's wondering how much to stick his neck out to rake in a terrific contract} "I may be able to offer a safehouse when you are ready.", he says.

Theodore says he'll follow wherever the party will go and once again becomes invisible. (OOC: Please post your active spells and duration with your following posts)

Vorelle moves towards the redevous. (OOC: Um, which one? I've become terribly confused as to who knows what and there have been three rendevous' talked about since the foursome went into the Palace)

No word is heard from Mad Jack, but as he is invisible still, that may be no bad thing.

Dietrich 
Tuesday February 7th, 2006 12:55:47 PM
Dietrich stays with the main group, pretty aware of the risk of dividing now.

But he urges the point of getting to the appartment first.

"If we don´t go now, we won´t go later. I´d just like to remind you that our enemies continue firmly in power, with Targo and every element necessary to attack us, and I don´t think we´ll have much time to waste."

Mad Jack  d20+2=4 d20=18
Tuesday February 7th, 2006 5:45:16 PM
As he leans on the wall, he notices people pass him with out so much as a glance. Putting his sword back in its sheathe, he makes a funny face at a passing child. Nothing, that is odd. He walks a couple of feet up to a group of men talking of the ecent fight, and whispers in one guys ear to move out of the weay. The man jumps, startled, then moves awy, looking in all directions. For some reason, Jac was inisible. Having never been invisible, he decides to run to the dead bodies, the sildiers, and search for anything useful. Not knowing how long he would be such, he is extremely expedient.

OOC Hmm Move Silently 4!!
Lets try a search 18, better

Theodore and Macaw  d20+2=17 d20+4=19
Tuesday February 7th, 2006 6:43:09 PM
Active Spells
Invisibility 4 min 9 rounds

Theodore gives the group a full minute head start before following after. His eyes are peeled for any other followers or other strange goings-ons. (Spot 17)

Macaw flies ahead of the main group to ferret out any possible ambushes. (Macaw Spot 19)

Berlon 
Tuesday February 7th, 2006 8:55:00 PM
"If any of you have anything that needs to be done immediately, so be it, otherwise I think our wisest course of action would be to rendezvous at Neezer's. Frankly, it may be the only safe haven we have any more."

Regardless of who follows now or later, Berlon will escort Neezer back.

Olyn 
Tuesday February 7th, 2006 10:01:24 PM
so disregard the gathering of the dead since no clergymen are there to help and ill continue on with the rest of my last post

Vauhwyt (AC22 HP41 of 44, Armor, Messages, Prestidigitation) and Mookie (AC15 HP22) 
Tuesday February 7th, 2006 10:03:03 PM

Vauhwyt thinks that maybe the apartments are dangerous, but the risk is probably small so soon after. Her real fear is that the Prince is walking invisibly maybe ten or twenty feet away from the group, and they'll never know.

She sees Olyn moving off, first into the open, then amybe toward the temple? She makes sure to get his attention, and says, "Hey, Olyn! You're coming with us, right? It is very good to see you back herre. I have lots of really important news that you just have to hearr."

Anyway, she shepherds the group back to the apartments -- first the boys' place, then the girls'. She does her best to urge the group to haste, including letting Rose ride the whole way.

She still is not sure where Vorelle, Theo, and Jack are. If she does not see them at the apartments, then she does her best to get the group to go to the market. "Come on! I bet that's where we'll find Vorelle and Theo."

Vauhwyt's goal is to get the entire group together for long enough to tell them some stuff. Maybe we can have a confab in a Rope Trick. Or at any rate, maybe we can minimize the chances of being overheard.

Vorelle 
Tuesday February 7th, 2006 10:24:51 PM
Vorelle hurries toward the market. The market, she thinks. That's where we're meeting, right? I hope so. One thing's certain--I can't go back to the apartment. Not now, maybe not ever. They have Targo, and they know who I am. I have to assume they know where I live, too. I hope the others stay away from the place.

Once at the market, she paces, mind racing. She has a little coin on her, probably enough to find a place to stay the night. It is not enough, however, to buy silence. Perhaps a disguise of some sort?

Rose  d20+8=22 d20+5=10 d20+5=17
Tuesday February 7th, 2006 10:41:12 PM
Rose is quiet but does her best to be aware of any dangers along the way, first to the apartments and then to the market. At the apartments she asks Vauhwyt "Do you think we'll have to leave the city?"

If Vauhwyt answers no then
At the girls apartment Rose will quickly throw some important items into her bag of holding (just in case Vauhwyt's wrong) this includes all the food, candles, sewing basket, materials to copy into spell book (hmm I forgot rose had those) and a few of her clothes, including her bedroll & sleeping bag.

If Vauhwyt answers yes then
Rose will grab any of the guys and Vorelles things that she can, because they might not get back to pack. She will grab clothes for everyone, any food and lighting in the guys apartment, and any magical or priestly items she can fit into her bag of holding including spellbooks.

listen: 22
ride: 10
spot: 17

loretta 
Tuesday February 7th, 2006 10:42:53 PM
ooc: since we are now at the apartments can Rose have her catacombs transactions & christmas tree gifts?

Gathering Things [DM SteveK] 
Wednesday February 8th, 2006 3:39:26 AM
Mad Jack discovers that it is fun being invisible! Capering around a bit, he then rifles the pockets of a couple Prince's Men and collects 48gp worth of various coinage. His quick eyes spot the rest of the group moving off towards Midnight Bazaar. Not wanting to get lost in the still new city, he trots after.

After doing what he can, Olyn is going back to the apartments anyways, and so moves with the group in that direction.

Berlon gives in to what needs to be done immediately, but thinks a good place to hole up is with Neezer. Neezer himself wants to stay with Berlon to ensure the gnome's portion of the contract is set, and he will also go with the group.

Dietrich, Vauhwyt, and Rose move to the apartments accompanied by Olyn, Neezer, the loud but invisible MadJack, and Theodore's Macaw flying in front of them. Upon leaving the plaza, several of the people thank the heroes for thier healing help, and several comments remind the heroes that there are people willing to help them in turn.

Many still remember the heroes against the Fey King. Of the rumors about them being the assassins of the Prince, that rumor has mysteriously vanished in the wind as if those trying to keep it alive were no longer around to fan the flames...

On the way to the apartments, the group passes a team of clerics and stretcher bearers led by the scrawney youth Olyn sent to the Temple. The boy knuckles his forehead in salute to the half-elf. "I tol'ja I'd get'em."

The group is unmolested in getting to the apartments, boys and girls, and are able to quickly gather what they wish. (All recent L&B winnings and Catacomb visits are in neat packages on the common room tables). A visible Mad Jack and Theodore appear in the boys apartment and now only Vorelle is missing.

Hurrying from the apartments, the group plus Neezer go to the Market where they meet a very, very nervous Vorelle. At last the friends are all together again!

Yet the time to gather things has slipped the sun across the sky. It is nearing dusk on this busy day. Stalls are closing shop, people are hurrying to thier homes. There is perhaps a half hour of evening light before a dark and very unsettled Dirt City will awaken. The air is unrestful. Rumors are flying that the Prince is dead, no alive, no captured. There has been blood in the streets, the City Above, the City Below. The Houses are shut up, the Houses are marshalling forces.

And the friends are in an emptying market area watching the gathering gloom.

Vauhwyt and Mookie 
Wednesday February 8th, 2006 5:55:43 AM

Vauhwyt thanks the everyday folk who have offered them refuge. She introduces herself and hopes to get some names. She also tries to memorize faces. She tells them that it makes her glad to have the support of the people of Dirt City, and she asks for a way to contact these good folk if the party wants to take them up on their worthy offer of help.

Then she goes with everybody, first to the apartment and then to the rendez-vous to meet Vorelle. Vauhwyt heaves an incredible sigh of relief as the group is all together at last and, at least for now, not under direct attack!

[OOC: I have started an e-mail conversation that I hope will help us move forward. The in-character parts of that can come here, maybe?]

Vauhwyt feels like a goose crammed with too much stuffing, insofar as she is bursting to tell her news. But the matter of this stranger needs to be answered first. Her natural assumption is that this is a fellow adventurer, a would-be hero, who, like Jack recently, is eager to become a member of their ranks.

The liontaur turns to Neezer and says, "Hello friend! So you are eager to join our merry band of adventurers? I must warn you, there is danger ahead and danger behind, but also great deeds to do and treasures to be won!"

Mookie pipes up, for the first time in a while, and says, "What treasure? We haven't had a hoard to split in way too long!"

"Hush Mookie," says Vauhwyt. "Well, we are kind of due."

Vauhwyt thinks about Logan's gear that she is carrying, and if they should dare to sell it, maybe at the Catacombs?

Then she comes back to the matter at hand. "So, welcome, new adventurerr! What's your name, anyway, and what talents do you have to offerr?" [OOC: Were we welcoming a newbie, I'd make a comment about Vauhwyt's accent here.]

She introduces herself and Mookie. [OOC: At this point, were we really welcoming a new PC, I would type out a description of Vauhwyt, but I think I'll spare us that for now! LOL! ]

Dietrich 
Wednesday February 8th, 2006 11:43:09 AM
Dietrich is glad they could take their stuff from the appartments and are all together again. Listening to the people of the City, the fighter has some different reflections, and, plus Vahuwyt´s comments during the way, he shares his points of view with the friends.
ooc: will just write my points here, when more will use the e-mail

1) We need a way of crisis decision making and to act as a group. Suggestion: binding votations. We discuss, than vote and the minority accepts it!

2)Don´t go to meet the Prince. The guy wanted to get rid of us, and now he has more reason than ever. Going there could kill us.
Forget that old alliance, the Prince is our enemy (till proven to the contrary. If possible I´d like not to have him against us.)

3) Allegiance.
I´d vote for the mercenary company, as suggested before. The party members are too different and will hardly come to a consensus. Also, with some risk, it should be viable.

The Temple of Wardd would also be perfect.

If not, Dietrich votes for the Merchants. They are a force for progress at the moment, not ideal, but better than others, at least they are rational and for peace.

Finally, the NEW idea. Allign with the POPULACE. History is full of relatively succesfull popular movements, the people are much stronger than thought off. Why not form our own Popular Party? Of course that´s dangerous, but so it was for the Grachus brothers etc. A Republic would be an excellent regime for a City-state. Maybe other social forces could ally, like the Merchants?

4) If nothing goes, we´ll have to leave the city for a while, as I don´t think we´ll have much time before the Prince or other powerful players inside the palace try to destroy us.


Berlon 
Wednesday February 8th, 2006 5:40:20 PM
Berlon looks confused at Vauhwyt's comments towards Neezer. Perhaps Jack is contagious?

"Um, no, Vauhwyt, Neezer isn't coming with us. He's a... let's say associate. We need to get out of here. Now."

Theodore and Macaw 
Wednesday February 8th, 2006 7:53:37 PM
Theodore is a bit wary speaking in front of Neezer. Stepping up to the man, he extends his arm, having to pull back the sleeve to show his hand, "Hello. My name is Theodore. If you don't mind my asking, who are you?"

He then goes about whispering the information he learned in the Prince's palace to his friends. Namely, that the Prince is alive, had set up the group as patsies during the assassination attempt, and is in hiding at an abandoned farm outside of town. "We will not be safe until we resolve our conflict with the Prince. I say we approach him at his farm."

Vorelle 
Wednesday February 8th, 2006 11:23:33 PM
Vorelle is releived to be reunited with her friends again, and unnerved by the presence of the stranger. The situation, however, is urgent enough that she speaks anyway. "Th-th-they're g-g-g-going to k-k-k-k-k-k--" agitated, she breaks off. "Th-they h-have m-my f-f-f-f-family. W-we have to d-d-d-d-do s-s-something."

Olyn 
Thursday February 9th, 2006 1:17:21 AM
Travels. Gathers gear. Travels some more. Listens. All in silence until Vorelle's revelation.

You lied to us.
You withheld information from us.
You chose to go into a trap and try taking all of us with you.
And now you say we must help save your family?
Why should I?
Why should we?

/looking at Vauhwyt he says directly: this time, let her answer my questions. I dont care what your answer is. I want her to answer herself.

Mad Jack 
Thursday February 9th, 2006 1:21:03 AM
As Vauhwyt reaches her personality to the new guy, Jack tries to signal that Neezer is blind. To no avail, she nor anyone else has any clue to what Jack is signaling. Oh how he missed his men. They had talked in signs so often, mere suggestions were all that were needed.

"The old man is Blind", Jack finally says to the group at hand. "So I figure he wont be adventuring."

Snapping his head in Vorelles direction, "What do you mean they are going to kill your family?! Who is this 'they'. You know Im really getting tired of 'them'. Someday I would like to become a 'they'. Maybe 'they' could hand out badges or something. Ok so out with it girl, explain yourself. Umm, well, you know, in your own time that is." He scrathes his nose, and burrows his eyes into his hand, having forgott her tough time with words.

In the Market [DM SteveK] 
Thursday February 9th, 2006 3:00:12 AM
Vauhwyt is able to get more offers of help, but no names, that would be dangerous. "If you need a place to stay, go into the Backstab Quarter. The Houses don't go there, and you've enough friends to be safer." says one thug-looking man, and there are others who nod in agreement.

Questions and information start pouring out of most everyone as the group is back together again. Vauhwyt is friendly, Theodore and Vorelle wary, Olyn confrontational, Dietrich philisophical, Rose quiet, and MadJack well...slightly mad.

Neezer clears his throat "I am Master Berlon's contract agent for the Merchants Guild, and have no wish to join you. Rather, I would seek for you to contract with me and the Guild." He slicks back his unruly grey mop. "But that is for another time. If you have nowhere to go, I am authorized to provide secure accomodations for the purchase of a one time contract as procurement agents." At any confused looks, he boils his offer down. "I hide you and you get something for me. Deal?"

The only two who seem to be nervous is Berlon and Neezer. Neezer, the old thin man with a mop of stringy gray hair nods vigorously when the gnome states...

"We need to get out of here. Now."

Looking up from thier conversations, all the friends notice the open spaces of the market is becoming deserted. Dusk is falling and the group is in the City Above.



rose 
Thursday February 9th, 2006 5:52:04 AM
At the girls apartment Rose had grabbed her stuff and a few things of Vorelle's. but not Vorelle's baggy clothing which Rose hates:)

At the market she is surprised and startled by how much has been going on while she was in the place with Vauhwyt and Vorell and by Olyn's reaction to Vorelle. "Olyn! The only thing Vorelle didnt tell us was that she was married, and if I was married to someone like that creep I wouldnt admit it either! We chose to go to the palace because we didnt want to make the prince angry at us, Vorelle's not the only one with family and friends in the city who might be punished for our actions. As for helping Vorelle's family of course we will, just like we would help you if your friends and family members were in trouble."

When Rose is told about the options they have for staying someplace for the night she thinks a moment and says "How about we stay at the temple? If we go to any of the houses the others will be angry and we dont want that. If the heads of the houses get angry enough at us they might try to get rid of us, so lets try not to favor one house over the other."

Vauhwyt and Mookie 
Thursday February 9th, 2006 7:29:12 AM
"Oh!" Vauhwyt says to the merchant. "Well, it is nice to meet you. Thank you for your offerr."

Vauhwyt does not like the tone Olyn takes with herself and Vorelle, but he has clearly been through a lot, and nerves are on edge. Plus, though she would not say so out loud, she too is curious about how Vorelle found that out. But there is no time for extended chat here.

Vauhwyt says to her friends, "It is too dangerous to just stay here in the open. I suggest that we either repair to a Rope Trick, which will give us up to three hours to talk, go with the merchant fellow to his safe house, or head for Backstab Quarter and seek refuge there, or go to the Temple, like Rose says. Just for as long a time as we need to make some decisions."

Mookie says, "Well, Boss, which of these four options are you really in favor of?"

Vauhwyt says, "I like the Rope Trick, but if other people advocated the other options, I'd be satisfied with any of them. We could roll a die, and I think that would be a good way to pick the best course."

Vorelle 
Thursday February 9th, 2006 9:08:38 AM
Vorelle waits until the group has found a place of safety before she answers questions.

[OOC: if we want to use a Rope Trick, then go ahead; I'm going to stop objecting. At this point, opening a rift in the space/time continuum and being sucked onto the Astral Plane might be a welcome change of pace.]

Once we have found a safe place, Vorelle relays the conversation she overheard:

"You have the ringleader?" asks an angry voice.
"Falquan is in our custody, yes" replies a cold voice.
Angry: Not here?
Cold: No, at the safehouse. You know the one? At the abandoned farmstead towards the mountain with the crazy dwarfs.
Angry: Ah, yes. The logging track with the large rowan tree. That is good. And the others?
Cold: We have not found the assassin, the one called Targo. But we have rounded up most of his conspiracy.
Angry: Most???
Cold: (Placating) All his family and in-laws, but have not yet found the wife he is supposed to have.
Angry: Wife and Husband gone to ground... No matter, Falquan by the axe and the others hung on the trees for killing the Prince. Tomorrow is soon enough.
Cold: He is dead then?
Angry: Food for the worms.
Cold: (eager) And the next Prince?
Angry: (eager) For daggers and poison to decide. I never liked the peace anyways.

Theodore and Macaw 
Thursday February 9th, 2006 1:13:03 PM
Theodore is also a little concerned with his half-elf friend's actions, but says nothing at the moment.

"Let us retreat to the Backstab Quarters. We should safely blend in with the folks and could find a secluded corner to talk. Furthermore, I doubt anyone would think to look for us there."

Theodore's raven, Macaw, stands atop the mage's head, eyeballing Neezer.

Dietrich 
Thursday February 9th, 2006 5:17:28 PM
OOC: I´m having some problems with my e-mail server, so I´ll post my comments to the discussion here.

Dietrich basically shares Theo´s view about the dice method and about aligning with the people.

COncerning the dice method, that´s a point which he won´t accept. He has accepted all majority or consensus decisions so far, though often reluctant, but that´s too serious. The dice method is neither just, nor efficient, nor safe and could really put us into serious trouble.

As posted above, I vote for binding votations, people would have to wait all postings till acting.
Dietrich would also easyly accept a leader, but not a crazy one. Actually, none of the party really convinces me for the role. I´d accept Theo or Berlon. Vauhwyt and Jack are too impulsive (I like their ideas, but not as leaders), Olyn is now allied to a House Dietrich doesn´t particularly like, Vorelle is too shy, Rose is imature and soft (of course I´m not criticizing Loretta here!) and I as a player am too deliberate and not decisive.

_____________
In game

Dietrich agrees with Theo in going to the Backstab quarters. Neezer´s proposals sounds good enough, but maybe later.
He´s once more surprised by Olyn´s behaviour and it reminds him of his speech after the Wolve´s beating. His clerical friend seems to need some meditation...

"Let´s go now and continue talking inside a dirty, dark and hidden place around cut-throats and people who would protect us. Let´s go to the Backstab quarters."

Mad Jack 
Thursday February 9th, 2006 7:04:48 PM
Jack nods at Dietrich, there sounds a good a place as any. Jack does know, no talking will get done, they always find something else to distract them.

OOC This rope Trick Vauwhyt keeps refering to, Jack has no idea what ur talking about, I have a vague idea. Vorelle is right, she cant take the quiver in this 'rope trick'. Or she believes she cant, lets find another way.

Vauhwyt (illegal second post) 
Thursday February 9th, 2006 10:02:16 PM
Vauhwyt agrees to go to the Backstab Quarter.

She suggests that there are two things the group should do, in her opinion: (1) before midnight, go to some bars and taverns, be seen in crowds, talk up the great deeds of the party, begin to build up their stature in the City. (2) after midnight, go rescue Vorelle's family.

She hates that she has no spells left at all, except for a single cantrip.

Berlon 
Thursday February 9th, 2006 10:28:36 PM
Berlon sighs.

"Going to the Backstab Quarter and/or the taverns and carousing are both unwise ideas, I'm afraid. I'm not sure why, but some of you don't seem to realize that our lives right now aren't worth a Goblin's loincloth."

"Unfortunately I am somewhat limited right now. Go do what you think is wise. I must escort Neezer back. Once we are there, Neezer will arrange for Vorelle's family to be... extricated... from their current situation."

"That is," he says turning to Neezer, "if that is within your patron's capabilities. I am sure they are, no?"

"Let's go."

With that he will head off with Neezer.

"Don't worry," he adds to the group over his shoulder, "I'll be there when you need me."

Vauhwyt (illegal *third* post, sorry) 
Thursday February 9th, 2006 10:59:52 PM
Vauhwyt leaps up. "No! Berlon! Stop! Splitting up is the most dangerous thing we can do. We are lucky we survived one division today -- let's not press our luck!"

"If you have an obligation, why didn't you say so! We'll come with you to drop off Neezerr, if that's this person's name? Then we'll go off together to decide what's next. How's that sound, everybody?"

Theodore and Macaw (Illegal Post) 
Friday February 10th, 2006 10:27:55 AM
"Vauhwyt's right, Berlon. The Backstab Quarter is the safest place for us, at the moment. We saw that at the palace. These people believe in us and are willing to fight with us. No one else I know of is that determined to help us. Not even your friend, it appears. And he certainly does not have the reach to save Vorelle's family. Unless the Merchant's are willing to go directly against the Prince, for he is the one holding them."

In the Market [DM SteveK] 
Friday February 10th, 2006 10:32:22 AM
(OOC: But a single round has passed as it would be nice to have a consensus as there is no designated leader)

We've got

3- Backstab Quarter
1- Temple
1- Merchant Safehouse
1- Wherever, even blown through an Astral Rift.
0- Rope Trick

Neezer raises a cautious hand at Berlon. "Now, Master Berlon, I do not wish a lucrative opportunity to escape by being hasty. With all of you together, I should be safe enough for the night. And I will be able to advise you and your friends further. I do... (and here he pauses so others can hear the jingle of his money pouch) ... have certain resources that may assist you."

More information is passed, but it looks like the first order of business is to get to a relatively safe place to talk about everything.



Berlon 
Friday February 10th, 2006 12:19:18 PM
Berlon holds his hand to his forehead. "I can't let him return alone, but he really shouldn't be seen with us..."

"If we go with him, we will both be able to gain safety for ourselves, as well as arrange to have any loved ones moved to safety as well. His associates are not without... influence."

"If anyone has a more efficient plan than that, I will go along with whatever the rest decide."

Theodore & Macaw 
Friday February 10th, 2006 3:15:57 PM
"He's already been seen with us for most of the day," says Theodore. "If there's any harm to come from it, the action has already been taken."

"We should all accompany Mr. Neezer to a safe district for him and then retreat to our own hidey hole where we can discuss further options."

Olyn 
Friday February 10th, 2006 3:32:02 PM
Id suggest letting the Wolves protect us but the last time I did that you scoffed at me, went on your way, and I ended up speaking to gargul. So let the old man there take us to his place. I am sure it's better than standing here debating where we need to go. And decide quickly.

(ooc if you are going to post after you already posted, quit putting *illegal # post* after your name. if it's illegal then technically it shouldnt be posted AND we shouldnt react to it. and im sure the DM aint gonna stop letting us make more posts to talk, unless we're in a combat.)

Rose 
Friday February 10th, 2006 4:14:03 PM
"I dont think we should trust the wolves or any of the other houses. Right now the entire city knows us, I mean we ended the plague just a few days ago. Any house we dont choose will be mad that we choose another house over them. We should either go to the temple or leave town for a few days while we think of what to do." Rose is very adament that choosing one house over another will probably get them into trouble.

Vauhwyt 
Friday February 10th, 2006 9:00:48 PM
Vauhwyt will support going anywhere, from the Wolves to the Rope Trick (which she explains to anyone who is not clear on the concept, see link), so long as it is somewhere. If we have to drop off this fellow first, fine. But we all have to stick together.

First drop off Neezer, with thanks, then head for the Backstab? Or anywhere!

Mad Jack 
Saturday February 11th, 2006 3:58:40 AM
Shruggs his shoulders in exasperation and says, "whatever."

Dietrich 
Saturday February 11th, 2006 6:40:57 AM
"Drop off Neezer, than go to a safe place, discuss and prepare."

OOC: just about the decision making. I don´t think you can blame "democracy" for our slow decisions. There was already a 3 to 1;1;1 vote, that should be binding enough for a purely operational question.
I´d suggest we keep the almost 100% consensus decisions for the really important matters, like to whom we ally etc.

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