DM Bob and Carla Wednesday February 1st, 2006 8:04:24 AM
The introductions, continue as Brahmah and his team talk of their own personal capabilities and inquire the same of Winterglade. There is a brief moment of panic as the tampered packs are discovered, but no belongings appear to be missing. Perhaps the vigilance of those on watch deterred those responsible from completing the job. [OOC you guys posted some pretty effective spots - Drat!]
Zeoll encourages the group to make haste and attend the viewing prior to the auction. Indeed there is already the beginnings of a lineup to gain entry to Flyth's cave. Two burly ogres guard the entry and tower over the throng of potential buyers. "Leave your weapons at the door...Leave your weapons at the door!" the larger of the two ogres repeats this as if a mantra and points the way to a smaller cavern that opens up to the right of the main passage. Two goblins staff the small room and exchange weapons for small tokens, each bearing a unique symbol. A matching token is affixed to each weapon or bundle of weapons.
Flat-top Wednesday February 1st, 2006 8:50:00 AM
Flat-top Arrives at the cave first, start to put his weapons in a pile. He opens his cloak taking the Morning Star drom around his neck, the the Long Sword (Taursize) from behind his shield, next come the Cross Bow from his belt. But never daid anything about his special mithral horse shoes! hopeing that they will not be notice?? Also he cannot take them off (mostly.
Flat-top tell one of the Goblins "Take Care of these Weapons, They are very Special AND Expensive!!" Then it's on to the next room.
OOC: Flat-top will watch as to what Glade has for weapons (if any).
Winterglade Wednesday February 1st, 2006 10:51:16 AM
As the group walks towards the cave Winterglade replies:
"Me? I am but a stone that the Smith fancied to pick out of the Great Plain and cast on the road. Haven't had much rest ever since, poor Winterglade did. Hazelmane's Riddle it is why he ever bothered to take me; sometimes I wonder if it wasn't better for both of us if he looked for someone else..."
"Winterglade's talents are many. He is a healer, both of flesh and mind. When the Brawler sees fit he works power through Winterglade's hands. I am an adept advisor, too, never loosing my cool head. I am a Windwalker; gold against copper that I can outrun any of you on any distance you care to choose. I can also start a bar brawl in less than a small hourglass."
The centaur pats his chest, where the shield medallion is hidden under his cloak.
"I can also perform what the furball was kind enough to describe as buffing. I myself don't draw blood, though. Never did, not going to start now."
As the group apporaches the cave the centaur hands over an unremarkable dagger that looks more like a tool than a weapon. "Anything goes missing from our deposit, my good fellow, and you will have a thornbush growing out of your rear till the end of your days." - he mentions cheerfully to the goblin.
As the party enters the big cave, however, he lowers his shoulders and head, visibly unnerved, as if the whole weight of the stone overhead rested on his shoulders.
Brahmah Wednesday February 1st, 2006 1:45:11 PM
The Captain of the Chosen doesn't leave the goblins with any doubt. "You lose my father's Falchion and I'll be wearing you as a hat!" He smiles and deposits his weapons, his falchion, kukri, bow and long sword.
He adds. "Aw yes, if the weapons end up on the auction block, I'll be wearing you as a hat."
Ban Maeve d20+13=17 Wednesday February 1st, 2006 2:51:18 PM
Ban Maeve grins his toothy yellow grin as he hands over his weapons. He doesn't feel he needs to add any threats to those of his comrades. Waiting for the ogre to hand him a token he leans in next to Flat-Top and flexes his paws, baring his claws. "These are all I neet," he says in a low growl.
The ranger, who also knows a little bit of magic, looks past the ogre to see if he recognizes any of the weapons being stored or if any resemble the item the party seeks. (Spot=17)
(Longbow, Falchion, Throwing axe
Toros Wednesday February 1st, 2006 8:31:02 PM
"You guys go ahead, it will take some time to leave all my stuff behind" says Toros, while he hands in all his weapons, at least the visible and tangible ones, to the keepers.Actually it is not as difficult as it looks like, as they are all well-packed, but the Taur also is taking time to look around, or some chance to learn something interesting.
Zeoll Thursday February 2nd, 2006 1:27:34 AM
Zeoll really hates to give up his greatsword, but decides that it would be safer if he did not make a fuss. He hands it over as casually as he can and takes a ticket.
He enters and starts to look over the items for sale. It occurs to him that there might be other items worth buying as well.
Gecktar Thursday February 2nd, 2006 3:27:25 AM
Gecktar follows the group giving all his weapon to the goblin requiring them. There is the hammer he usually wields in combat, a silvered dagger and a long bow he rarely use.
Gecktar adds nothing thinking that the Goblin wouldn't care of one more threat as they should have one per person who leave their weapons here.
DM Bob & Carla Thursday February 2nd, 2006 9:52:40 AM
The taurs reluctantly leave their weapons at the door and enter the main cavern, but not before imparting a few threats towards the goblins at the weapons check, as the ogres stand impassively nearby. They seem unmoved by any of it, perhaps already threatened many times over by all those who have preceded the Chosen.
The passageway to the main cavern slopes downwards quite steeply but a makeshift rail has been put in place for the occasion and there should be no problem making your way forward.
The main cavern itself is huge and stretches away from the passageway in an irregular 'S' shape, slightly wider in the middle than on either end. The lower walls have been worked smooth over the many years of the eye tyrant's occupancy and small side caverns have been carved out of the limestone.
Torches light the cavern, bracketed to the wall every 15-20 feet and a small army of ogres maintain watch over the proceedings. The walls are decorated with an array of weaponry arranged with artistic flair; swords arranged in circles their blades like the spokes of a wheel, crossed axes, and rows of javelins flanking intricate shimmering tapestries. Under each of these groupings is a parchment card with a number underneath. Flyth's other belongings are arranged for viewing on tables, benches, and chairs placed along the outer walls. Some of the items are apparently to be auctioned singly, while others are arranged in lots.
A glance into the first side cavern reveals what looks to be some sort of office. Wooden cases containing vials and jars stacked haphazardly at the entry appear to have blocked any from venturing within. A glance within reveals a large study table on a raised dias of sorts. A large intricately carved chair is positioned at one end of the table. A lantern on the table casts a dim light on the walls which appear to be finely crafted wooden shelves bearing an enormous load of books. Another wall of cubby holes if stuffed with rolled parchment scrolls. Baskets and chests are scattered along the perimeter of the room. Those that are open reveal more papers. Some are mere scraps and others large tubes of rolled parchment. An ogre close on the heels of the group grunts, "Move! Make room! as a quartet of excited halflings tries to squeeze by the party.
Winterglade d20+5=22 d20+5=11 d20+1=5 Thursday February 2nd, 2006 10:39:01 AM
"Our fair host has some kind of two-legs confidant, Winterglade thinks. Hard to imagine a beholder trying to squeeze its round ass into a chair."
"Well, off to work it is, then."
Winterglade trots off, nimbly choosing his way among the prospective buyers as if he was doing some kind of complicated dance. "Would you care to move out of way of mine, dear little squeezeable halfling? Whoa, terribly sorry for stepping on your toe, mister ogre. I am sure the toenail will grow back. Look fellow, no need for anger, when you stand behind a centaur you get slapped by a tail, it is a fact of life..."
In general he just keeps his eyes and ears open [Spot 22, Listen 11], but he is also eager to pick up any gossip that might come his way [Gather Info 5]. Should he learn anything of interest he shares it with the rest of the party. He is keeping an eye open for any paperwork put up for auction, though he tries not to be obvious about it.
Brahmah d20+10=25 d20+10=24 Thursday February 2nd, 2006 12:26:30 PM
The minotaur steps politely out of the ways, allowing the ogre to continue.
He keeps his eyes out for anyone who might be or might look like Vargas and his Fools.
(Spot 25, Listen 24, +4 for centaurs and +2 for humans)
Flat-top d20+6=24 d20+7=23 Thursday February 2nd, 2006 5:07:25 PM
Flat-top is getting hungry, after all it's been a hour since he had something to eat. He serches his betl pouch and come up with two apples. "Brother Glade! want an apple?"
Flat-top eats away, bit looking around in case of trouble.
Spot for trouble 24
Listen for trouble 23
Zeoll (HP37 of 69 AC12) d20+9=25 Thursday February 2nd, 2006 9:52:57 PM
Zeoll asks the ogre if the content of the office are up for auction. If so, he'll enter and search for a half a map that matches the group's map. If not, he'll just look throught the labelled lots for the same thing.
Oh, and Zeoll keeps his hand on his money and his eyes on potential pick-pockets ... like those halflings that are "squeezing" too close. [Spot 25]
Gecktar Friday February 3rd, 2006 3:24:44 AM
Gecktar protect his possession so as nobody will be able to steal them. He roams along the stands and looks at all miceleanous item scattered in the cave. He begin on one side and patiently examines all things until something catch his eyes.
Of course he is looking for the second part of the map but if he could find some useful item he will certainly buy it if he can afford it.
(OOC what kind of item could we find here ?)
Toros d20=9 Friday February 3rd, 2006 3:26:26 AM
Feeling a bit naked and light, after he left lots of weapon, Toros blends with others and tries to help Flat-top in his search for any trouble, generally four ears and eyes are better than two, right?! (d20, aid another, 9)
Brahmah Friday February 3rd, 2006 7:21:36 AM
The minotaur worries about not having his weapons, but knows there are several in the hall to choose from. The walls are teaming with 'em.
DM Bob & Carla Secret DM Roll d20+12=30 Friday February 3rd, 2006 8:08:20 AM
The inside of the cavern is now quite crowded, what with displays of the beholder's belongings, the groups of potential buyers, more than likely a few pick pockets, and the troop of ogres providing security to the whole operation. Winterglade gets a few harsh looks from the halflings and does manage to elicit a grunt from one of the ogres as he manages to step on a foot in the confusion.
Flat-top scans his surroundings for trouble, but the crowds and the general hub-ub of the situation make it difficult. Gecktar and Toros make their way forward, keeping their eye out for paper goods and anything else of interest. What they discover is a virtual warehouse. Besides weapons and armor their are small carts with mining equipment, a rack of fine ladies dresses, cases of jewelery, cloaks, etc. [OOC make a search for a specific item you are interested in]
Zeoll steps to one side a and slips into the alcove filled with papers. The place is a jumble. (Zeoll should make a search check or spot)
Winterglade d20+1=20 d20+1=21 Friday February 3rd, 2006 8:31:54 AM
"An apple? But of course! Fling it at Winterglade." The centaur catches the fruit gracefully over the head of a nearby ogre [Dex check 20]. Munching sounds come from his general direction, followed by a moment of suspicious silence. Later on, in the evening, an unlucky dwarf will find an apple scrap in his hood.
Once he is done with the fruit, Winterglade will search the items on display at the main hall, looking for any kind of map [Search 21].
Flat-top d20+6=21 d20+7=16 Friday February 3rd, 2006 9:26:02 AM
Flat-top eat's the whole apple, seed and core alike, after all He is hungry. Now he drops a couple of road apples, telling a halfing to be careful, he cannot help the call of nature.
But he does keep his eye open (soot 21) and his ears open (Listen 16) for trouble. But if trouble does happen, thank goodness he still has his horse shoes (+1 each mithril shoes)
Zeoll d20+2=9 d20+10=12 Saturday February 4th, 2006 12:43:45 AM
Zeoll says two quick prayers (casts two guidance cantrips) and looks around for the paper they seek.
His untrained Search is a 9. His spot is a 12. Bleck! Bad luck!
Ban Maeve d20+2=12 d20+13=29 d20=11 Sunday February 5th, 2006 6:45:36 PM
The wemic moves through the cave with his comrades, checking out the nooks and cranies for interesting things. When Zeoll slips into the alcove, Ban Maeve stations himself nearby and keeps watch for anyone (or anything) suspicious.
Search=12 Spot=29 Listen=11
Brahmah d20+10=20 d20+10=15 d20+5=8 d20+8=19 d20+5=24 Sunday February 5th, 2006 7:15:19 PM
Looking for maps, scroll cases, topigraphical books, tomes, or anything else that might contain scrolls or parchment. Possibly even old survey maps or algricultural surveys. (In his background he was a farmer for a time.)
He will also keep his eyes open for anything nautical. Compasses, ship blue prints, harbor maps or even old captain's log books. Personal interests of Brahmah's he hasn't had much time for recently.
Toros Sunday February 5th, 2006 7:20:49 PM
Toros should have missed something about this auction, while he was sleeping or something; so he is more like wandering around rather than having a conscious purpose to be here as others that he realizes...
DM Bob & Carla Sunday February 5th, 2006 8:49:57 PM Brahmah leads the group down the right hand side of the cave. The flickering light of the torches casts a mysterious glow over the intriguing items set out for display. The leader of the Chosen notices two wooden chests reinforced with metal bands. The lock upon the one that is closed has an obvious nautical motif. The open one is filled with a treasure; necklaces of solid gold dripping with gems, ropes of pearls, jeweled combs and ornaments. Sitting like a great egg in a golden nest is a glass sphere 8 inches in diameter. The minotaur remembers once hearing of an orb that could be used to call forth all manner of weather, and yet offered it's owner protection from inhospitable conditions. Brahmah's experience leads him to believe he has found an Orb of Storms.
Toros and Gecktar follow their leader. The wemic and minotaur are dazed by the confusion in the place and have trouble focusing on the task at hand. They wander past Brahmah and happen upon an alcove full of magical armour.
Flat-Top and Winterglade decide a snack is in order. The newest member of the party makes a neat disposal of his apple core, however the pie-bald fighter seems to be spoiling for a fight, and rather impolitely soils the floor of the cavern. Outraged cries start up, then there is silence as the crowd parts and Flat-Top finds himself eyeball to eyeball with a big, ugly, yellow brown skinned fellow covered with dark warty bumps and long unkempt greasy hair tied with bits of leather, bone, and metal fragments. The ogre thrusts a shovel at the centaur and grunts in Common, "Clean up or get out!" There is a huge great club in his other hand. The curious crowd makes space for the centaur and the ogre.
Zeoll doesn't see much beyond the light cast by the lantern on the table, but what he does see piques the liontaur's curiosity. As Ban Maeve watches the hallway of sorts, Zeoll slips into the alcove in hopes that it might contain that which the party seeks. "What are you doing here?" comes a voice from the periphery of the light. "I say! Where is that brute of a guard?" A middle aged gnome, his fair hair streaked with grey and pulled back and tied with an outlandishly large black velvet bow squints up at the wemic, through silver rimmed spectacles perched on a prominent nose. A white high collared shirt is the only relief to his restrained dark garb. Black cutaway coat over knee breaches, black hose and black leather shoes with fancy silver buckles. "Right, now. Here for the auction?" The middle aged gnome looks the wemic up and down. "You are looking for something? Perhaps I can help?" Zeoll is able to see a ledger book in which the gnome has been documenting the contents of the room.
(OOC: Winterglade, Brahmah, and Ban Maeve would be able to see and hear the commotion caused by Flat-Top. Toros and Gecktar Listen Check 10, and Zeoll Listen Check 12 to hear anthing of what is happening.)
Flat-top Monday February 6th, 2006 5:11:43 AM
Flat-top look at the Ogre, then down at the road apples. "OH! Did I do that? I'm Sorry (said Flat-top, as he grab the shovel) You see Sir! That when a center has to answer the call of nature, he does not feel any erge to do so, he just goes. (scrape-scrape- Shovel) There! Where do you want me to put this little supprise?" ask Flat-top, With an inosent look on his face.
Zeoll d20+3=11 d20+20=38 d20+11=31 Monday February 6th, 2006 5:48:52 AM
Zeoll doesn't hear anything, but his nose might tell the story his ears missed! [Listen 11]
Zeoll bows to the gnome. "This is an amazing collection," he tells the demi-human. "Yes, I am herre forr the auction. I am a collectorr of antiquities, especially of maps, sketches, and worrks of arrt. The many pieces of parrchment and vellum I saw in herre spiked my interrest."
Zeoll compliments the gnome on his organizational skills and sartorial taste. He engages the gnome in conversation and subtly tries to pump him for info on the auction's host, the circumstances that brought about the auction, and the gnome's role in this. [Gather Info 31, a nat 20! Woot!]
"Good sirr, it is clearr that you have taken a catalog of the contents of this alcove. Could you help me find any items that might suit my parrticualarr prreferrences?"
[Diplomacy check 38]
Winterglade Monday February 6th, 2006 6:51:37 AM
Winterglade casually trots over to Brahmah. "I found nothing. Any luck?" Then there is the commotion around Flat-top. "Ooo! Ooo! Look, an ogre! Winterglade loves those!"
Once the brute is done conversing with Flat-top the young cenatur approaches the ogre, taps him on the shoulder, and says in a hoarse whisper, nothing but innocence in his eyes:
"Excuse me, <cough> good sir. I be looking for friend, a small two-legs. Her name is Mab Rain. <cough> Could you please call out for her?"
Toros d20+5=8 Monday February 6th, 2006 7:27:29 AM
All these fancy stuff attracts almost all his attention that Toros does not even hear what he would definitely open his eyes and listen in other times. (listen 8) Well, he could do some shopping here, recently especially the bard/cleric(/barbarian) has been eager to enrich his scroll portfolio... For curiosity, he also looks for the available selection of potions and philters...
Gecktar d20+3=21 d20+1=14 Monday February 6th, 2006 12:10:02 PM
Gecktar turns his head when he hears about quarrel Flat-Top nearly began... Seeing the situation is now as normal, he turns back to what he was admiring... 'These armr are beautiful' he thinks... 'but this is not the subjet of our quest' he turns to look around and search parchments...
(OOC listen 21 ; search 14)
Ban Maeve d20+2=4 d20+13=31 Monday February 6th, 2006 7:16:50 PM
Ban Maeve's chest constricts when the ogre confronts his friend. The wemic is unsure how the hot-headed centaur will react. When Flat-Top accepts the shovel, Ban Maeve lets out his breath in relief.
When the fighter passes him by, he speaks out, "return this way, ant we will explore this cavern together. We must keep our eyes open for that which we seek if we are to achieve our goal, and return home."
The wemic will wait for Flat-Top to come back and then will wander down the cave towards Toros and Gecktar, checking out the items and looking for anything that looks like the missing half of the map.
Search=4 Spot=31
Brahmah Monday February 6th, 2006 10:13:11 PM
"Orb of the Winds. How much?" He asks outloud.
DM Bob & Carla Flat-Top=1, Ban Maeve=2, Toros=3, Gecktar=4 d4=4 Sleight of Hand d20+15=29 Tuesday February 7th, 2006 1:07:10 AM
Figuring that discretion is the better part of valor, Flat-Top accepts the shovel from the ogre and stoops to scoop. On his way back from disposing of the refuse, the centaur links up with a relieved Ban Maeve and they venture deeper into the cave, soon joining Toros and Gecktar as they move past the magic armor to one of the farthest corners of the cave. This section of the cave is becoming quite crowded .
Flat-Top, Ban Maeve, Toros,and Gecktar roll Spot Check vs. DC 29 Highlight to display spoiler: {to notice a halfing in a plain brown cloak bump into Gecktar, roll away and hand something of to another before disappearing into the crowd.}
"If ya' have ta' ask, ya' can't 'fford it," volunteers a red bearded dwarf as he slips around the minotaur and hefts the 6 pound artifact in one hand. "Put it down, Roogar, that's not what we're here for," announces a dark haired woman of Amazonian proportions. The dwarf returns the orb to its golden nest, and turns his back on the chests. As the large woman makes to join him she shoots a quick look at Brahmah. "48,000 GP new, but I'd wager you could get it for less," and then she is gone.
The gnome glows under the lavish compliments from Zeoll. The charismatic wemic learns that the gnome has been working as an accountant and auditor cataloguing and valuing Flyth's libraries. Zeoll learns that the current inhabitant of the cave wishes to relocate from the Culverwood, to an island somewhere, the gnome thinks, and must raise capital for it's purchase. "You will find works of art throughout the place," volunteers the gnome waving a hand, but if it is letters, rare books, and maps that interest you, then you are in the wrong place altogether!" The gnome brushes past Zeoll and stands just outside the alcove waving at the opposite side of the cavern. "Go all the way down the other side, past the cloaks and boots, after the wands and rings."
"She lost? Mab Rain?" asks the ogre, scratching his greasy hair and looking at Winterglade a puzzled look in his eyes. "See chief and me ast him if he seen Mab Rain. Horse-man wait." With those instructions the ogre moves off up the cave against the flow of traffic.
Brahmah Tuesday February 7th, 2006 3:38:31 AM
"That is expensive. What else is there?" He looks through the chests and the few other things. He continues to look.
Zeoll d20+1=8 d20+9=22 Tuesday February 7th, 2006 5:30:37 AM
The liontaur listens, fascinated, to the gnome's tales. He thanks him profusely for the directions, and heads for the place the gnome indicates.
As he walks past, he notices Brahmah, and overhears the Taur's complaint about price. He says to the Captain in Tauric, "Brrahmah! This is an auction! If you like something, then starrt the bidding forr such an item low, at, say, for this item, five thousand. If you arre outbid, then fine, let anotherr pay morre. If you arre not outbid, then you will have a barrgain!"
When he gets to the new place, Zeoll looks around. Search 8, Spot 22. Maybe that will help him see a salesperson!
Winterglade Tuesday February 7th, 2006 7:16:43 AM
Winterglade manages to keep a straight face while the ogre walks away. Then laughter comes out of his nose. <Snort> "Hee hee hee..."
The centaur trots away and joins the rest of the group.
"Winterglade says, buy what we need, and invest the rest of gold. Could bring tidy profit at the Catacombs." The cenatur looks around, and decides to follow Zeoll. "Hazelmane's Riddle it is to me where the blasted thing is. Any luck yet?"
Flat-top d20+6=25 Tuesday February 7th, 2006 7:41:09 AM
OOC: Spot 25 not good enough.
As Flat-top walks along with Ban, Toros and Gertar, he ask His friends "What's the matter with you Taurs? Do you think that One Lone Center can fight a cave full of Orgers?? I had to protect you people. BUT I did want to sock Him one in the nosering!" Flat-top walk along not noticing anything. looking at the armor and weapons, BUT everything is too small for a Centaur.
Gecktar Tuesday February 7th, 2006 1:39:38 PM
Gecktar move along the cave and looks to cloaks and rings, before going to parchments store.
(OOC no chance to beat the spot DC...)
Toros d20=12 Tuesday February 7th, 2006 7:51:23 PM
"Right, Flat-top, I am with you."
Aid Another check: 12>10, giving Flat-top +2 in his spot check
OOC: Couldn't two different players give separate Aid bonuses? If so, one another successful Aid Another check would be enough to make Flat-top reach the DC 29 for the spot check, wouldn't it? We just need one more d20 over 10. Ban, Gecktar, why not give a try and roll one!?
Ban Maeve d20+13=33 Tuesday February 7th, 2006 11:25:10 PM
"Hey! Hey!" shouts Ban Maeve, "Gecktar! Watch your purse!" The ranger's sharp eyes spot (Spot=33, nat. 20) a halfling in a brown cloak bump into Gecktar, then hand something off to another.
"Stop! Thief!" he calls pointing in the direction taken by the halfling.
DM Bob & Carla Wednesday February 8th, 2006 12:02:29 AM Zeoll collects Brahmah then cuts across the cavern to the left hand side explaining the purpose of an auction to the leader of the Chosen. Winterglade is happy to tuck in behind the wemic as he leads the way down the passage past the cloaks and boots. The rings and wands beckon the magic users, but Zeoll leads on, weaving a path through the crowd towards the alcove containing the rare books, letters...and maps!
Full of bravado, Flat-Top regales his friends with talk of what he would do if he caught that ogre alone, without his friends to back him up. Bearing no love for the creatures, Toros backs up his friend. Ban Maeve calls out a warning to Gecktar, and draws the attention of the ogres on guard. There is a commotion as the guardsmen converge on someone or something. The crowd parts in front of the party, and two ogres approach. One, his fist wrapped 'round the brown cloak, holds a dangling halfling in the air. "Me thinks he has summat of yours," grunts the second ogre, pointing at the halfling with his great club. "Give 'im a shake, Joe."
The first ogre gives the halfling a shake, and a few items tumble to the ground...a signet ring, two leather purses, a wand, a few coins, and a pouch Gecktar recognizes as the one in which he keeps his spell components.
Though the Chosen of Domi are split into two groups, they can make out each other across the crowd. Zeoll, Brahmah, and Winterglade are in front of the alcove holding letters, books, and maps.
Brahmah Wednesday February 8th, 2006 1:15:17 AM Better keep an eye on my valuables. He thinks to himself. I wonder if any of our weapons are going to be stolen? Were those goblins SUPPOSED to take them? He looks around to see who, other than security, has weapons.
"Check your purse Glade. You too Zeoll." He checks his purse. If he still has it, he'll place it around his neck and tuck it into his armor. If not, he'll simply report it missing at the top of his lungs. (ie Shouts "Thief!")
Winterglade d20+1=13 Wednesday February 8th, 2006 4:58:34 AM
The young centaur glances casually over his back, checking if the contents of his bags are still there. He is not particularly worried about his gold, as he keeps it in the pockets of his pants.
Switching to Tauric, he whispers: "Probably not a good idea to be too excited should you find what is needed. Mayhap pick something that looks like it, first, start bidding, and see who joins in?"
Not really knowing how the first part of the map looks like, the centaur can't do much but help the one who is going to rummage through the alcove, so he just keeps track of which niches and shelves have been already searched [Aid Another to Search: 13: successful].
Gecktar Wednesday February 8th, 2006 5:55:41 AM "Oh !" he says surprised by the call of Ban.
As the ogres take care of the thief he come close to them. Seeing the component pouch he says, "Ah ! Yes, this is something that belong to me." "The other things should belong to other in the crowd. Maybe could you make an annonce that some stolen object are now retrieved..."
He takes the component pouch "Thank you for you vigilance" he says to the ogres.
Coming back close to Ban "Thank you for you sharp eyes my friend. I've seen nothing..."
Flat-top Wednesday February 8th, 2006 9:08:11 AM
Flat-top ispluging along, when he hears "THIEF!" Bass voice of Captain Brahmah. His head twist from side to side yells "WHERE? WHERE?" Then he sees that the oger has a halfling in hand, and talking to Gecktar. Flat-top makes his way over to them, "Every thing alright here?" When every thing is right with the party, He'll do the samething with his money bag, pulling the string tight and putting his gold aroung his neck, after all the rest of his gold is in there.
OCC: Winterglade, since when do Centers wear pants? They have saddle bags but no Pants??
Toros Wednesday February 8th, 2006 9:18:28 PM
Toros rushes to the place of incident...
"Gecktar, are you all ręght?!"
"Ban, you are great! How did you see that little thief!! I did not notice anything!"
Zeoll d20+3=22 Wednesday February 8th, 2006 11:55:36 PM
Zeoll searches the parchments-for-sale area with a sharp eye and Winterglade's help [Search 22! Woo hoo!]
But he is curious about how a centaur wears pants! He sneaks a covert glance when Glade is not looking.
Zeoll tries to remain cool as he searches.
Ban Maeve d20+2=14 Thursday February 9th, 2006 12:10:48 AM
Ban Maeve grins with fierce pride. Ducking his head in a bow, he purrs, "glat to be of assistance to my frients!"
The wemic wonders what will become of the halfling, but doesn't stick around to find out. Instead he spots Zeoll and the new centaur with the captain and heads over to the place where they are. When he sees what is contained in that part of the cave, he starts to help with the search. (Search=14)
DM Bob and Carla Thursday February 9th, 2006 12:57:14 AM "No! No!! Please! Don't give me to the eye tyrant!" The halfling's cries echo in the cave until they are muffled by the heavy hand of a guard and the unfortunate is hauled off to his doom. The crowd is silent for a moment and then the noise of many excited voices starts up once again and moves in unison towards a raised stage built against the rock wall at the center of the cave.
Brahmah sees that no one in the crowd bears a weapon, or at least no weapon that is visible. He checks his purse and cautions his team to do the same. Flat-Top and Winterglade check the contents of their packs and purses while Gecktar retrieves his purloined pouch. No one finds anything is missing. As Winterglade suggests strategy, the bidding begins...
First up for sale, Lot #1, a Figurine of Wondrous Power, comes a voice from the stage. " Toss this remarkable likeness of a griffon to the ground and watch as it becomes a living creature who obeys and serves you! Do I have 1000? An openening bid of 1000 GP? You...the tall wizard in the purple cloak, 1000 GP...do I have 1200 for the bronze griffon?"
Toros and Ban Maeve catch sight of Zeoll and lead the others over to the alcove containing books, letters, diverse historical and geographical documents, bundles of letters tied with string, some with ribbon, some still bearing bits of broken sealing wax. The Chosen of Domi paw through the documents looking for the missing half of the map that will show them the hiding place of the magic sword. The sword that threatens to destroy all that they have worked so hard to achieve! Winterglade opens tubes and boxes, examining the contents before showing them to Zeoll and Ban Maeve who try to hide their excitement at the veritable treasure trove of parchment. Searching the shelves that line the alcove, Zeoll looks up and sees a dusty wooden box, high on a shelf (about 12 ft. up from the ground.) The writing on the side is an elegant ornamented script that reads...
Toros Thursday February 9th, 2006 2:13:30 AM
While following what his friends are doing, Toros also enters the auction with 1,200 gp, raising his hand visible enough to the stage...
Winterglade d20+1=9 Thursday February 9th, 2006 5:12:23 AM
Winterglade is wearing Bill's Pants of Plenty, which, as a magical item, resize to fit any wearer. It does look strange on a centaur, covering his human half from waist down and the front one third of his horse half, ending right at the hip joints of his front legs. There is a row of buttons on the back of the pants so that the thing can be taken off. Winterglade usually keeps them covered with his cloak.
"Is the box sealed? If not, better check if what we need is inside."
The centaur's voice drops to a whisper. "The competition, should it lose the auction, is bound to try to retrieve the chart. Might be useful to have a decoy."
Winterglade browses through the scrolls and maps, looking for something labelled <A map of unknown territory> or <an unindentified map> [Search 9, was that good enough?]. Should he find something with a suitably vague description he will unroll it, study it for a moment, then gasp and jump up with excitement, showing it to others. Then he will roll it up and run over to the stage, waiting impatiently to hand it to the person running the auction.
Zeoll d20+1=5 Thursday February 9th, 2006 7:23:09 AM
Zeoll hearrs the auction starrt, and thinks that 1200 gold is a great price for the figurine. But he bets the price will go higher. Meanwhile, he keeps looking, and sees the box.
Zeoll whispers nonchalantly to Winterglade, "Can you rread, my new frriend? What is the wrriting on the side of that interresting box?" Assuming Glade told him, and then spoke as posted above, then Zeoll says, "Is therre a lot numberr on it? And yes, let us look for otherr maps to buy."
Zeoll especially looks for maps of the Taur Isles (Search 5! Used up all my luck last turn!) He wonders how to get the box down without making a fuss.
Flat-top d20+6=17 d20+7=24 Thursday February 9th, 2006 8:27:44 AM
OOC Flat-top can hear better than spoting anything.
Flat-top Look at the pants that Winterglad is wearing, "Really? You can Put any thing in them? Maybe I should look into a pair next time I go to the Catacumbs?" Flat-top thinks twicw about it, then tells the group, "Nah! It would not work out for me, If I had pair of those pants, And meet a pretty fillie, then taking off my pants. She'd run away in fear??"
Flat-top continues to serch the pile of papers.
Brahmah Thursday February 9th, 2006 12:08:24 PM
"Maybe I should sell the longsword and a few other things to make some extra gold? I'm sure they don't take trades!" The minotaur sighs, wishing he had thought about cash prior to the damned auction thing.
Ban Maeve d20+9=27 Thursday February 9th, 2006 11:12:56 PM
Ban Maeve looks at the box singled out by Zeoll. Quietly he moves up to the shelf looking for a box or ladder or something that will help him reach the box. If not he will try to climb the shelving, hoping it can bear his weight (Climb=27) and pass the box down to his companions.
DM Bob & Carla Friday February 10th, 2006 12:13:03 AM "Sold! For 8000 GP! to the enchantress in the blue robes!" The auctioneer holds up the next item for sale, a shining helm of brilliant silver and polished steel set with large gems. "Do I have an opening bid for this helm? 1000 GP?"
Several items go on the block, and are briskly and efficiently sold off. (Wisdom Check vs DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: {to figure out that most of the items are going for about 80% of the price they might command at a regular distributor such as the Catacombs)}
Having tried to sneak in a bid for the figurine, Toros settles in to watch the bidding. Brahmah is interested as well, and laments his lack of cash. (Toros and Bramah Spot vs DC 12 Highlight to display spoiler: { to see a tall figure standing in the shadows on the other side of the cave. Torchlight glints off what might be gilded horns, or perhaps a strange helmet. The rest of the large individual is hidden by a dark cloak.) }
Winterglade and Flat-Top discuss the merits of pants while sifting through documents. The newest member of the Chosen shows Zeoll a few yellowed parchments suggesting the party might show a general interest in maps the better to keep the curious at bay. Ban Maeve retrieves the mysterious box and passes it to his friends. Gecktar watches as a goblin accompanied by an ogre guard retrieves a large crate containing mostly letters, but also a few pieces of loose parchment with sketches of machines and inventions and brings the lot up to the stage.
Gecktar d20+3=16 Friday February 10th, 2006 2:51:47 AM
Gecktar reazlizes that some good affairs can be done here. He will keep an ear open for protection devices or maybe items that could highen his wisdom.
During that time he continue to roams among the stages. The chosen should be careful, because if their enemies are after the map they should have followed the Chosen and outbid over the map if they should discover it... Or maybe just wait until they buy it and ambush them outside...
They should be careful...
Winterglade d20+5=17 Friday February 10th, 2006 6:14:51 AM
[Wis check 17]
Winterglade reads the label on the box to Zeoll, then rises an eyebrow. "You can't read? Tsk tsk tsk. Winterglade does his best not to engage in Stoneheaver's Folly, but sometimes it is hard."
To Flat-top he replies: "Of course she would run away. The chase is half the fun. Winterglade doesn't believe you never managed to catch up."
"So, how do you want to run this? I say we start off with a few random maps, maybe see if anyone is interested, keep them guessing which one is real. Is what we need inside? You need to check, Winterglade won't recognize it."
Flat-top Friday February 10th, 2006 10:35:29 AM
Flat-top has found a book, Title "Every Male's Dream", Flat-top has this silly look on his face as he half listens to Wintergalde is telling him.
Flat-top looks up "HUBBA! HUBBA! Glade take a look at this!" Flat-top hands the book to his new friend. Points to the page he was intrested in.
It's A life size drawing of a Nude Female Center.
Brahmah d20+2=22 d20+10=29 d20+10=29 d20+10=20 Friday February 10th, 2006 11:09:11 AM
(Wisdom 22, Spot 29, Listen 20) Brahmah is keeping an eye open for moneylenders or payday loan officials. ;)
Brahmah isn't in need of helms or the like, he's looking for maps and that sort of thing. The frosty longsword is the one item Brahmah can do without, though it may come in handy soon.
To see the figure in the shadows (Spot 29, 31 if human, 33 if centaur). The ranger very slowly approaches the shadows. Deep down he hopes its Kale, returning to the fold, but somehow he knows he won't like the person already.
Toros d20=14 d20=9 Saturday February 11th, 2006 4:06:03 AM
"Waoww, the prices are good here! Almost %80 of the Catacombs... We should buy something from here!" Toros, coming from a merchant family, continues his interest in the auction. (wisdom, 16) Still his ear and hand is at the auction, the Taur also notices the figure in the dark and follows Brahmah to see a bit close. (spot, 14)
Zeoll Saturday February 11th, 2006 7:49:09 AM
The liontaur casts Read Magic and Comprehend Languages, compensating for his natural deficit in the written arts. Then he looks through the box that Ban was good enough to fetch down.
Did the liontaur also find any maps of the Taur Isles? How about of the islands west and east of Liontaur Isle?
Bob & Carla Sunday February 12th, 2006 10:51:42 PM
The excitement of the auction seems contagious. Bids are yelled from the floor as the auctioneer weedles and cajoles more money from the crowd. His voice rises and falls above the din in an almost hypnotic fashion.
Gecktar notes that the current item for bid is an periapt of wisdom and the bidding has reached 11,000 gp. Flat-top is engrossed in a lurid book and notices little that surrounds him.
Zeoll rummages through the box retrieved by Ban Maeve and discovers 11 individual pieces of parchment, some badly wrinkled and dog-eared, others stained with dark splotches that might be either wine or blood. None of the parchments are complete, and each contains a portion of a map, although without the other parts, each map is rendered useless. Most of the maps are illegible to the illiterate wemic, the labels and place names nothing more than scribbles, but one map, a deeply stained parchment with one torn edge, has writing along the three undamaged edges. The writing is clear and the words speak part of an ancient tauric poem of deliverance.
Before they can examine it further, a squeaky voiced goblin squirms through the crowd. "Times up! Come along, I haven't got all day. This lots up for bid. You can read at your leisure after you win the auction."
The goblin gathers the maps and puts them back in the box before heading to the center of the room where the auctioneer continmues to elicit bids on the periapt, now at 12,000 gp.
Toros and Brahmah pick their way through the gathering crowd, trying for a better look at the cloaked figure. The going is difficult, but Brahmah in particular is sure that he caught a glimpse of Thalis Nythin, the right hand of Vargas. Before he and Toros can get any closer the crowd gathers in and their prey is gone.
Winterglade d20+5=8 Monday February 13th, 2006 3:24:18 AM
The centaur takes a look at the book. "Feh! Come. An age of scrying and phantasms we live in. A mage can make an illusion so real you can not only look at it, but also - never mind, the auction is about to start, it seems."
Winterglade uses his height to look around, but sees nothing special [Spot 8]. "Sevenstars' Quarry they are. Point them out to Winterglade, can you?"
The centaur moves away from the crowd and seeks a secluded spot. Once the bidding on the box of incomplete maps starts he picks up a small pebble from the ground, casts a Silence spell on it, and places it in his mouth [emanation blocked for now, duration 6 min]. Then he approaches the auction block and waits to see who is interested in the maps. Once he spots him/them, he casually moves over to stand close to the one doing bidding [about 10 ft away].
Flat-top (AC 22 96/96 HP) d20+6=24 d20+7=15 Monday February 13th, 2006 11:12:29 AM
Flat-top was suprise at Glade, "Really! A good wizard could do that? Might be worth buying the book. Then the book was snatch away to be auction off.
Flat-top goes back to his job looking after the safty of the group. It does not take long for a centaur to forget something that's not impotant. He'll keep a watch on the crowed and listens for any hint of a enemy.
Spot 24 Listens 15
Brahmah Monday February 13th, 2006 11:23:23 AM
"Damn, forget it. Toros, gather the Chosen, but be descrete! Vargas' minions are here." The minotaur gathers his wits and finds a nearby corner to skulk in.
Once the Chosen are gathered, the Captain speaks. "The Minions of Vargas are about. We shouldn't spend our money on anything other than maps, tomes or the like... even if something is a good price!"
"I'm going to try to find a moneylender and trade in the frost sword and a few other things."
Gecktar Monday February 13th, 2006 11:46:41 AM
Gecktar was ready to annonce 12500 for the periapt when Toros rally him and asks him to join Brahmah in the shadowy corner.
Listening to the recommandations of Brahmah, Gecktar is happy to stay out o fthe auction for the periapt.
"I was sure of that. They have two ways of countering us, buying the map if they have more money, ambushing us after we bought the map and steal it to return it to Vargas...
I will try to open my eyes..."
Toros Monday February 13th, 2006 12:00:50 PM
Toros nods to Brahmah and goes to warn others, starting with Gecktar.
Ban Maeve Monday February 13th, 2006 5:34:04 PM
Ban Maeve watches as the goblin collects the box, his tail twitching nervously. The wemic tries to control his excitement. "That is the lot we must try to win," he says in a low voice so that only those in the alcove can hear. "Shoult we have one bit for us, or shoult we spret out and each try to outbit those who might try to purchase the maps?" Then, in an even quieter voice he whispers, "how high can we affort to go?"
Zeoll Monday February 13th, 2006 6:58:05 PM
Zeoll whispers to his friends that they found what they are looking for and it is about to be auctioned. The group has about 21,500 gp that Zeoll knows of, 20,000 from just one of the Chosen.
Zeoll frowns when he hears that Vargas's minion(s) are here. He suggests that Winterglade do the bidding, as well as some small bidding on other docs, because he may be unfamiliar to Vargas's people. Also, we should not obviously consort with Winterglade until after the auction.
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