Lang & Sunshine Friday June 9th, 2006 9:27:01 PM
Lang does not look for a chair that will fit his new size. He stands patiently scratching Sunshine behinds his ears while listening to the conversation.
"Ashbeard would you like to tell us what happened to your family? Perhaps we can help you with what happened. Maybe our services can help you and you in turn can help us with getting the new orphange underway. A mutually beneficial arrangement."
Lang waits to see if Ashbeard will talk about his family and its problem.
Ashbeard's Response (DM JohnP) Friday June 9th, 2006 10:25:49 PM
Ashbeard lowers his head into his hands behind the desk, then starts tugging on his beard when Angus relates the tale of what awaited the Shields at the mansion.
"More undead," the dwarf mutters. "Do you have any idea how long this vampire had been lairing in the mansion?"
Belkior replies that it didn't seem to be too long, certainly not more than a couple weeks. "At least long enough for her to enslave some neighbours and force them to help her. We never did find out if she brought the spawn with her, or made them there."
Ashbeard looks back and forth at the Shields. He sighs and then starts shuffling some papers.
"Look. The coming of the Fey-King was bad for everyone here in Plateau City. My business contacts tell me that things in Floating City were as bad, if not worse. Our family business relies mainly on moving goods back and forth between the major cities. You know, buy low, sell high. Find something unique and make a market for it. Mainly high-end things."
As Ashbeard speaks, it becomes evident that he actually is a member of the Von Otten trading family. Obviously, when the party last spoke to him, he simply gave the impression of working for them.
"The Troubles, that's what it's often called here in Plateau City, hit the family pretty hard. We lost some warehouses here and in other cities. Not to mention the family members who ... well ... are missing. And, on top of that, people are either not spending money or spending it on rebuilding."
"Really, what I'd really like is to sell the plantation off. But the family owes you for rescuing my second-cousin Thunir back in Floating City."
"That's on top of what happened here in town. Turns out one of the crazy religious groups that have started up since the Troubles was some kind of death cult. The kind that raises undead. Not only were they based in a mansion close to our family's, but my second-cousin's silly twit of a daughter-in-law was seen going to the cult."
Ashbeard paws through some papers and glances at them.
"And the City's in turmoil because of a bunch of stupid humans stirring up trouble with the elves. They blame them for the Troubles, I understand. To top it off, the high priest of the Temple of Flower was murdered day before yesterday."
"Look. I know that you probably can't pay for the plantation straight out. But I don't want to run the place down. And my family owes you for How about some kind of share arrangement? My family provides the land, maybe some seed money, and you and your orphans provide the labour? My family can sell the crops. Over time, any excess money can go towards paying for the plantation. Really, it's good land and they should have no problem making a go of it with a little work. From what you've said, the neighbours already owe you some favours."
"My legal people can draw up the papers, if you like."
"What do you think?" Ashbeard directs his question to the group but he is looking at Xenia.
When Angus and the others press him about the assassin, Ashbeard looks exasperated.
""That was family business. The big merchant houses, we're all pretty competitive to stay in business. But it's mainly pretty friendly because you never know when you might need to partner with someone. But the Shigott's ... they're just a bunch of ... I can't say it in your presence, my dear," Ashbeard says looking at Xenia.
"They skirt the edge of the law all the time. And they'd sooner deal you a dirty deal even if it hurts them too. They blamed me for a tip going to the Guards working the teleportal that uncovered some contraband. Like the assassin said, if he hasn't been paid for your death, you're pretty safe."
Angus Saturday June 10th, 2006 8:00:23 AM
Angus considers Ashbeard's words "How ever we set up the plantation orphanage, it must be self sufficent. Kay and Buckle will need farming training. The plantation will need livestock and seed for planting. We will also require the services of a work crew to get the plantation, barn, house in working order."
Angus takes off his leather hat and scratches his head. "After we determine what it costs to run the plantation, that is when we can set a split of the profits. The plantation will most likley run at a lost the first year. Can your family pick up the expenses for the first year?"
Angus then considers Ashbeards talk of family "I am assuming you are talking of family in a general way, because if I am not mistaken the lab we rescued was human."
Angus speaks in dwarfish "I hope your troubleease my friend for you and your family."
Angus continues in common. " I can not speak for all of my fellows, but once the kids are set up, we may be looking for a quick job before heading back to the Floating City. Does your family need as assisstance and how well do you pay?"
Wynn d20+6=7 Saturday June 10th, 2006 8:31:13 AM
Wynn listens to Ashbeard's explanation of events and the troubles of his family business. While the affairs of the company and the deal he offers for the plantation seem on the up and up to the bard [Sense Motive=7], Wynn is concerned about the racial turmoil being described by the dwarf. "Sounds like Plateau City may need us as much as anywhere" he muses aloud.
Syr Sunday June 11th, 2006 11:12:23 PM
His face takes on a worried look as the dwarf mentions more 'undead'. He muses aloud to Angus, "Vampires and undead just don't seem to agree with the word 'quick'. However, it does seem like help is needed."
Xenia Monday June 12th, 2006 2:28:14 PM
"Sounds good," the girl rogue replies. "But, the devilish bit is the details, you know."
Xenia gives the dwarf a wink.
"We'll look the contract over and hash it out with your legal people. I'm sure we can come up with something that will be good for both sides. No point in being in it if it's not good for both sides, right?"
Xenia looks over at Angus. "Right?" she asks.
"Meantime, we got some folks to round up. Tell the kids we got a place for them. Get folks ready to move out and all. We might be around for a while longer getting stuff done."
She pauses and a confident sort of smile spreads across her face. She looks around at her companions as though inviting Ashbeard to look at the same time as she's taking them all in.
"We do that, you know. Get stuff done. We've proved that, by taking out the vampire. You know we can get stuff done. And if need someone to rely on ... " The rogue winks at the dwarf again. "Well, you're taking care of our kids right? Lets just say that it's in our best interest to make sure you and your Family succeed too. No point being in it if it's not good for both sides."
Wynn Monday June 12th, 2006 9:24:56 PM
Wynn cocks an eye at Syr when Xenia and Ashbeard conclude their arrangements. "Full of surprises!" he whispers to the monk.
Lang Monday June 12th, 2006 10:04:42 PM
The children are the most important thing Lang thinks to himself. If we need to help Ashbeard out to help the children, then so be it.
Appearances (DM JohnP) Tuesday June 13th, 2006 8:18:39 AM
The dwarf nods in agreement when Angus and Xenia suggest options for the arrangement.
"As I said, my family will pay the expenses for the farm and you will provide the labour. Or, rather, your orphans and their minders will."
"We'll pay for things like seed, equipment and maintenance. And, I suppose, that includes hiring a labour crew to set the place to rights."
"Basically, you'll be running the farm for our family. But instead of paying you wages, we'll work it out that it's a payment towards the farm. If your orphans make a good harvest, the surplus can go towards purchasing the farm. And, I guess, any extra cash you have can also go towards the farm."
Ashbeard then calls out "Drina, can you come in here?"
While he is waiting for the assistant to enter, Ashbeard picks up a pen and scratches some lines on a paper. He looks it over and then hands it to Angus or Xenia, whoever is closest. Glancing at the paper, you see that it reflects what he has just discussed with you. As he does so, the female dwarf enters the room.
"Do you think this looks right?," Ashbeard asks. When people nod, he hands the paper to Drina.
"Drina, can you get a runner to take this to Greenbottle and Blackknee? Make sure that the runner takes it to Ebenezer Greenbottle Senior, not any of his brothers, the children or grandchildren. And definitely not Blackknee."
Ashbeard cocks his head and looks at Angus when the sorcerer mentions that the person the Shields rescued in Floating City was a human.
"You mean Thunir looked like this?," Ashbeard asks. He puts his hands to his face and seems to rub at his eyes. When he takes his hands away, a short bearded human is sitting behind the desk.
"Well, it's good to know that Thunir takes some basic precautions when travelling."
Ashbeard then rubs at his face again and the dwarven face everyone remembers is there. The mystically inclined sense that some sort of illusion magic occurred.
"Surprising really, how easily people overlook you sometimes. My family often takes precautions like this when travelling."
"I'm sure that you want to check in with your charges at the warehouse and make preparations for moving them to the mansion. I expect that it will take a couple days for Greenbottle to draw up the papers. At least he'll probably charge me for a couple days work. But you can go ahead and start moving them out there."
"Steve - you remember Steve, don't you? He can look after arranging a labour crew and anything else you need. If you need a some long-term hired help, talk to Steve and he can help you find someone. There's lots of people who sheltered here in the City during the Troubles who really don't have any place to go back to."
"After you've made a trip back and forth to the plantation, drop by here and I can tell you when the papers will be ready. Then why don't you come by the family townhouse for a banquet? Thunir or his father will foot the bill, I guess."
Character Sheets (DM JohnP) Tuesday June 13th, 2006 9:36:07 AM
Anyone who has attempted to send character sheets to me and had failure notices, please try again. My ISP went on one of its periodic vendettas against Yahoo, Hotmail, and other services but it seems to be corrected now.
Xenia Tuesday June 13th, 2006 11:51:34 AM
The girl rogue examines the document when it comes around to her. She reads through it three times, the first time quickly scanning down the page, the second time taking longer, the third time skipping directly to specific sections for a good hard look.
"Looks good to me. What do you think, Angus? Though I think we also need to have, like, a contact in the Family. Someone to go to when there's a problem or maybe when there's something the Family really needs to know. Would that be you, Mister Ashbeard? Or maybe Steve?"
"Oh yeah," Xenia turns after the Thank-you's and the Agreements and such, "the Banquet. What's the dress for that?" She whirls away and takes Wynn's arm with a grin. "I might just have to buy me some new clothes."
Even later still, out on the street, Xenia looks about herself, putting on her Getting-Stuff-Done face. "You know," she says, "we gotta return that horse and cart and get our deposit back." She turns to Angus. "Or, do you think we still need it?"
Angus d20+15=31 Tuesday June 13th, 2006 2:49:33 PM
Angus smiles as Ashbeard displays his magic. "Very nice trick."
Spellcraft 31 to discern what he can about the magic.
"and and excellent precaution. It is a wonder how your families enemies could ever find you." Angus just ponders the deep pockets of the family as he waits for Xenia to read the document.
Angus takes the document and also reads through it. "It seems reasonable." Angus comments.
To Xenia Angus adds. "Let keep the cart as we may need it to carry supplies and some of the younger kids."
Angus turns back to Ashbeard. "We will see you in at your town house in three days time. That should give us enough time to get things moving at the plantation. Can you give us directions to your home?"
Once outside Angus pulls Lang, Syr and Famina aside. "Anyone want to try out being a troll or ogre for eight minutes? I can be fun." Angus turns himself into a sprite and flies around for a minute to demonstrate.
Famina Tuesday June 13th, 2006 3:26:58 PM
Famina bows to the merchant guy in agreement, thinking to herself about how merchants should always hire adventurers like herself to guard them on long trips... Otherwise, evil guys will rob 'em. Just part of the code of how things work. As to running the farm...well, as long as it isn't HER that's doing it, Famina doesn't mind the orphans sharing in the profits. Farming is for peasants, though, not properly trained huntresses/warriors like herself. Angus asks a question that catches Famina offguard, then does a little spell. The barbarian stares at Angus as he zips around, somewhat amazed. "Wow! You became a cute fairy!" she exclaims, grinning and holding up her hand for him to fly and land on so she can look at him closer. "Your wings look like butterflies..." She lets him fly away, and decides she'd rather not become a troll or ogre. "It's too dangerous, someone could mistake me and attack or something... We shouldn't pull that sort of trick here in the city."
Lang Tuesday June 13th, 2006 9:41:29 PM
"Angus let's wait until we are out of town. I already draw a lot of attention to myself in this form."
Lang heads back with the group to the children.
Wynn Tuesday June 13th, 2006 10:30:42 PM
"Perhaps we should wait until tomorrow morning before moving everybody out. I could use a bath and a nights rest" Wynn looks over to Xenia hoping for her agreement.
Belkior Wednesday June 14th, 2006 9:01:24 AM
The halfling cleric listens as his companions endorse the proposal.
"You're probably right, Wynn. Waiting until morning, I mean. This recent adventure makes me a bit nervous about travelling at night. Why don't we go and check on the children? We might be able to stay there, or maybe find a place close by like we did before."
Xenia (2nd Illegal Post) Wednesday June 14th, 2006 11:23:27 AM
The rogue hugs Wynn's arm to her and grins a hehehe sort of grin up at him.
"Rest?" she whispers. Clean sheets. A big soft bed feather. And Wynn.
"Do I get to see my prezzie?" she asks out of the blue.
Off to the Warehouse (DM JohnP) Wednesday June 14th, 2006 9:59:26 PM
The Shields have reached an agreement with Ashbeard about the plantation. Surely there will be some problems that have to be resolved before everything is signed, but neither Xenia nor Angus foresee anything significant. Both, in fact, feel that a continued association with the Von Otten family may be beneficial to the party.
Angus is quite interested in whatever magics Ashbeard used to change his appearance. He guesses that a low-level illusion spell, Disguise Self, was used but he couldn't see any signs of a spell actually being cast.
Once everyone is out on the street, Angus shows off one of his newfound spells. His display of spellcasting initially draws no more than interested glances from most but a few people do speed up to get out of the area. When he turns into a fey-creature, however, people who initially didn't see the magic appear frightened.
Everyone walks with the horse and cart towards the warehouse. It's not too far from the Von Otten business in Merchant Quarter, just a couple quarters east in what is known as Trade Quarter. Not the best neighbourhood, but not the worst either. The warehouse is near the river, not too far off Open Palm Market. As the party crosses the Market, Syr gets some dirty looks from some human men idling near a stall. But the monk looks too imposing for the humans to do more than glare.
After a few twists and turns, the warehouse comes into sight. Actually, everyone could hear the sound of children playing before they could actually see the warehouse. When the cart comes into sight, a boy looks up towards them.
"Lang! Wynn! Auntie Xenia! They're back!"
The other children all stop playing and look towards the party. After a moment of stillness, they all run towards the party. Fortunately Belkior has been riding in the cart so he isn't trampled by the rush but everyone else is nearly knocked from their feet.
Syr looks up to see Buckle and Kay emerge from the warehouse. The two stand close to one another, Buckle relaxing after he sees that it is the Shields' return that has so excited the children.
The children bustle about, nearly knocking everyone over. Belkior looks from his vantage point for the children that he had looked after during that long, horrendous time in the Giggling Ghost. He sees them clustered with the other children.
"We're so glad to see you back!"
"Are you gonna stay?"
"Did you find a place to stay?"
"Did you kill some scary monsters, Furry Lang?"
"Miss Kay is making supper! Eat with us!"
Certainly, all the children are glad to see the return of the Shields. After this excitement, the party will have to organize the trip out to the farm. Maybe visit Steve first thing to order supplies and whatnot, too.
Syr Wednesday June 14th, 2006 11:45:22 PM
After being swamped by the kids, Syr looks up at their guardians, "These guys give you any trouble?"
After everything settles down, the elf leads the older kids into a separate room and begins speaking to them. Anyone that listens in can hear him relating the story of their plantation trip. At the close of the story he describes the situation that the children will be placed in and presses upon the older generation the responisbility of the plantation and the wee ones. After receiving numerous 'yes sirs' he guides them out of the room with a smile upon his face, "Things like that... I miss Florin..."
Famina d20+10=16 Thursday June 15th, 2006 12:38:21 AM
When the rough men eye Syr, looking like they might cause trouble, Famina automatically steps between them and scowls at them fearsomely. Obviously, if they are gonna even say a bad word to Syr, they're gonna have to deal with her, and she seems ready to smack a few of them down at will. (Intimidate 16) When they back down, she rolls her eyes then favors them with a look of utter disdain.
Famina watches the little orphans swarm around the Shields and smiles. They are awfully cute. She ruffles one's hair and grins at the little boy as he smiles happily. Still, she's not exactly a 'kid' person, and seems willing to let the other Shields take the lead in dealing and talking with them.
Wynn Thursday June 15th, 2006 1:42:09 AM
"You'll have to wait a little bit longer, Miss Next," laughs Wynn, as soon after arriving at the warehouse, the party is swarmed by the orphans.
Though he would far rather slip away with the red-headed half-drow, Wynn sticks around with the rest of the Crimson Shields as Buckle and Kay are provided with an update on the status of the negotiations over the plantation. The bard is pretty sure that Xenia will want to check on the kids, too. Wynn finds a comfortable spot where he can lean against a wall, and watch the goings on. With a sigh, he settles in for the wait.
Angus d20+8=19 d20+9=14 Thursday June 15th, 2006 9:07:50 AM
Angus is glad to see the kids are adapting so well to their new city and it seems that Kay and Buckle are getting on well also.
Angus provides a light show for the kids using his new cantrip, Dancing Lights. (Perform 19)
To end the light show Angus brings out the flute that Florin had given him and begins to play. (Perform 14) Not Angus's best flute performance as his thought drift to his new spells.
Angus slips some of the kids chocolate, when Ms. Kay is not looking.
Xenia d20+9=28 Thursday June 15th, 2006 10:44:56 AM
... Auntie Xenia ...
Something sort of really blue and beautiful tugs at the girl rogue's heart.
"Woooooo!" Xenia catches up little blonde Kyria and whirls her around. "Wynn, this is Kyria. Kyria, this is Wynn. He's the bestest guy in the whole wide Wold. If you're lucky, you'll meet someone like him when you grow up."
"Hi, Kay!" Xenia hugs the other woman. She gives her a little nudge, woman to woman, then a little shared glance in the direction of Ensign Buckle. "Hello, Ensign Buckle," she croons in a little sing-song voice. "Getting a long pretty good here, huh? Coming with us when we move out to the plantation?" she asks all coy and suggestive.
And when Angus begins playing the flute, Xenia dances. She bounds through a lively jig, hands clapping and feet kicking, until happy and exhausted, she collapses by Wynn's side. (Perform, Dance 28)
Belkior Thursday June 15th, 2006 10:49:46 PM
The halfling cleric hops down from the cart and wades into the press of children. Belkior smiles warmly as the children press about him. He dips a hand into a pocket of his robes and removes some dried twists of fruit, nuts and honey.
"Here! Here, I've been saving these for a while. Don't spoil your supper!"
Belkior escapes the crowd of hands and moves over to speak to Buckle and Kay.
"Has everything gone well? Did Steve bring by all the things that he was supposed to?"
After hearing what the two have to say, Belkior heads inside to check the cooking area. When Kay follows him inside, he starts speaking to the woman.
"Kay, it looks like we've secured a place for the children. It's out in the country a ways, not here in town. Would you be interested in moving out there? It's a large house with farmland. Probably not what you're used to."
Supper at the Warehouse (DM JohnP) Thursday June 15th, 2006 11:09:41 PM
With all the excitement over the return of the Shields, it's some time before the children can be brought inside and ready for supper. From the glances that Kay and Buckle give to each other and the Shields, they seem both appreciative of the help provided by the party and patient with the disruption of routine.
Finally, all of the children are washed and seated at the trestle table that has been set up inside the warehouse. Everyone looks to Belkior and the halfling cleric stands to recite a grace for the meal. He's barely getting into his prayer when one of the youngest children starts to fidget. Kay tries to shush the boy but his whisper is still clearly heard.
"But I'm hungry!"
Taking that as a hint, Belkior shortens his grace and concludes with an invocation of Alemi's blessing.
Everyone then digs into the meal and not much besides the clattering of cutlery is heard for a while. It cheers everyone to see how the children have adjusted to their situation. Hopefully it won't be too upsetting when they all move to the plantation.
After the meal, Kay organizes some of the older children to gather the dirty dishes and start washing them. The other older children take charge of the youngest one under Buckle's direction in what seems like established routine. Still, the presence of the Shields means that Wynn and Xenia are repeatedly requested to tell stories of their adventures. Still, in a short while Kay is able to join Buckle at the table with the Shields.
After the move is discussed with them, the two look back and forth. Kay begins to speak to the Shields.
"We're willing to give it a try. I suppose I could organize the house and get in shape, especially since some of the oldest ones are quite helpful."
Buckle takes over after glancing at Kay.
"I'm interested, too. But there's a couple things. I don't know anything about farming. I'm good with horses and other animals but I would probably plant the wrong things at the wrong time. And, more importantly, I'm still in the Floating City Guard. At the minimum, I'd have to go back to resign my commission. With your assistance, it shouldn't take too long to do that."
The two look at one another before Kay speaks for them both.
"We'll do it. Ahhh, you would be paying us, wouldn't you?"
After the details are discussed and settled, Kay asks another question.
"Are you staying here tonight? If you do, could Buckle and I go out after the children are settled?"
Xenia Friday June 16th, 2006 12:21:50 PM
Telling stories, eating food, with all the kids bustling around. It's like a party.
"Well, we're arranging for folks who know stuff about farming to help you out there, Buckle," Xenia replies. "While you're learning 'bout farming, so will the kids. We want them to be learning stuff. If you could teach them 'bout horses and such that would be great. And accounts and all that. Think about what you know that you want to be teaching them. I mean, that's where the future is, right? In learning so that you can do."
"And, far as the resigning and stuff goes, you got nothing but time. In fact, in addition to getting paid, I think it's probs a good idea if you got a owner share in the plantation along with the kids." She lays out the contract details including the clause that talks about all surplus that goes toward ownership. "I mean, what we're building here really is a future. I mean, like, a future for all of you. No sense living if you don't make stuff better, right?"
When Kay asks for a night off, Xenia kind of sort of takes Wynn's arm. They'd had an evening planned themselves.
"Um ... " She looks up into his face. "Whaddya think, Wynn?" she asks.
Angus d20+9=20 d20+9=28 Friday June 16th, 2006 7:34:23 PM
Angus comes to the rescue of the couples. "I have plans for the kids tonight. We have games and singing and dancing. Go have fun. I got them and maybe a Shield or two will help uncle Angus."
After the dishes are done and everything is put away Angus gets ready for a quick concert befor some games. (perform 20) Angus will entice as many of the kids to dance with him while he plays his flute. The Shields have not seen the sorcerer expend this much energy, ever.
Angus will then organize games of tag and running contests, to get the kids tired and ready for bed.
Angus will then play several lulabys to get the kids to sleep. (perform 28)
Angus will then attempt to stay awake until Kay and Buckle return. Angus will spend the night and talk to Kay and buckle in the morning about some farming basics as he grew up on a farm, but it did help to have a mother that was a druid and took care of the plants.
Syr Saturday June 17th, 2006 12:01:12 AM
Syr helps Angus by supervising the children before they go to bed. Patiently, herding the children to their rooms, he describes what their new home will look like as they drift off to sleep.
As Angus waits up for Kay and Buckle to return he mentions, "Whatcha think Tionel is up to now?"
Famina Sunday June 18th, 2006 3:44:36 AM
Famina watches after the kids, but after a while finds an excuse and slips out into the night. She finds a rowdy bar and, amongst some mercenaries, finds herself getting a few drinks for the price of her recent adventures... She finds her way back to the orphanage, late in the night, flushed and happy, and only lightly drunk. In this mood, though, she avoids the kids, and finds her way to a private room and flops into bed, falling asleep in seconds with the ease of a person used to snatching any moment available for rest.
Wynn Sunday June 18th, 2006 12:49:54 PM
The bard gives Angus a subtle look, grabs Xenia by the hand and escorts the lithe rogue out of the warehouse. Wynn had seen an Inn just around the corner that did not look too bad, and hand-in-hand he leads Xenia to it.
Lang & Sunshine Sunday June 18th, 2006 8:51:02 PM
Lang enjoys the meal at the warehouse with the children. He and Sunshine help keep the kids entertained until their bedtime. He decides that Sunshine and him will spend the night at the warehouse. He finds a spot near some of the younger kids and unrolls his bedroll and goes to sleep with Sunshine at his feet.
Xenia (2nd Illegal Post) Monday June 19th, 2006 9:31:34 AM
"Byebee. See you tomorrow."
Xenia whispers and wiggles her fingers, a somewhat sheepish grin touching her face as she follows Wynn out the door. On the street, however, there is a glistening to her eyes as she looks up at the bard. And the touch of her fingers as they trace the musculature of his arm speak in their language of the sweetness of the evening to come.
Belkior Monday June 19th, 2006 1:41:31 PM
The halfling cleric watches over the evening's play led by Angus. It's not really in Belkior's nature to participate in this sort of thing but when several of the children drag him out, he joins in their games.
Finally, looking at the tired eyes of the littlest ones, Belkior moves over to Angus and suggests that he switch over to quieter tunes.
"Something to help them get to sleep. Remember, we're going to be going out to the farm tomorrow, I guess."
After the children are finally quiet, Belkior joins Syr, Lang and Angus before heading to his bedroll.
"I should head to bed soon. If we're heading out to plantation, we should be trying to get on the road as early as possible. Remember how long it took us to get there? I expect that the smallest children will have to ride in the cart at least part of the way."
Organized Chaos ... Or, How We Moved an Orphanage (DM JohnP) Monday June 19th, 2006 10:55:26 PM DM Apology - I was sick on Friday and the weekend, so missed posting here and other games.
Morning dawns in the warehouse to the sounds of vendors and tradespeople moving through the streets of Trade Quarter. It also dawns too early for Famina who still feels the effects of the alcohol consumed the night before. The sounds of a heavy cart moving through the streets echoes through the barbarian's head as it wakes her up. To make matters worse, it also wakes the children.
Soon after, everyone else is awakened as well. Everyone but Belkior, that is, since the halfling cleric has been performing his dawn prayers. He completes them quickly, knowing that at least some of the children will want his attention.
Kay hurriedly moves into the kitchen area and starts preparing a quick breakfast. She and Buckle had come in near midnight, but before Wynn and Xenia. She glances and smiles at Buckle when the ensign starts the process of getting the children dressed and ready for the day.
Everyone else moves to pitch in. Not only do the children need to get dressed but they need ot pack for this is the day that the trip to the plantation will begin. It's during this process that someone suggests going to Steve now and ordering what items are expected to be needed right away.
Just then Kay starts serving the morning meal of barley porridge sweetened and flavoured with honey and raisins. Not really to everyone's taste but it is the sort of thing that is quick and easy to make for a number of children. And it will stay with them for a long day of walking.
After the meal is eaten, packing and preparations begin in earnest. Belkior volunteers to stay with Buckle and get the children ready to go while some others go to Steve's office, on the north side of Guild Quarter almost in Merchant Quarter.
Crossing Trade Quarter is fairly easy at this time of day while the vendors are still setting up their stalls and before a lot of shoppers are out. It's not long before the Shields are at the operations centre of the Von Otten businesses. Things look quiet here, really, and it isn't long before they can find Steve.
The large and jovial man looks over at them before smiling.
"Ashbeard told me to expect you, but this is a bit earlier than I'd thought. What can I do for you?"
Xenia Tuesday June 20th, 2006 1:31:22 PM
Life is just the best. Xenia floats through the morning on a cloud of hormonal good feeling. Working with the kids is great, the barley porridge is tasty, everything is a bright sunny day.
Famina Tuesday June 20th, 2006 1:56:19 PM
Life is just the worst. Famina dredges through the morning in a stupor of drug-induced vile suffering. Working with those wounds healing is horrible, her mouth makes everything taste like socks, everything is a cursedly bright, sunny day.
Still, the barbarian trudges on, and after a bit of water and some time, she starts to feel almost okay. To the others, she looks bleary-eyed and still half-asleep at breakfast. Everything is done extremely slow for her.
Wynn Tuesday June 20th, 2006 8:12:42 PM
"Life is good" the bard thinks to himself as he strolls hand in hand with Xenia towards the inn.
Once there he books a room, ignoring any looks that might come the couple's way. Upstairs he produces a bottle of wine from his backpack and hunts up two glasses. The bard polishes the inside of the glasses with his shirt sleeve and pours them each a glass.
Wynn clinks his glass against Xenia's and takes a sip. The half-elf leans in, kisses the rogue gently on the lips and presses a small tissue wrapped package into her hand. "Why don't you try this on" he suggests and then steps back to admire her supple form. Highlight to display spoiler: {Xenia discovers soft black leather underwear suitable for only the most intimate occasions}.
Assuming Xenia likes the gift, and the night passes as the bard intended, a very tired Wynn accompanies Xenia back to the warehouse in the morning.
Lang & Sunshine Tuesday June 20th, 2006 9:03:53 PM
Lang & Sunshine move out in front of the group as they make their way through the Plateau City. He uses his large size and unusual appearance to clear a path for the rest of the group, but not in an aggressive manner at all.
Once they find Steve he steps aside to let Angus or Xenia talk to the man.
Xenia (2nd Illegal Post) Tuesday June 20th, 2006 10:19:29 PM
The whole morning goes by. The whole morning! Smiling and smiling and smiling. Thinking and remembering. Out in the street, on the way to see the Steve guy, it just comes to her and she's thinking 'bout the soft leather undies. She catches Wynn around the waist from behind, hugging him real big and tight. Up on tip-toes, she reaches for his ear.
"Silly ... " she breathes a whisper, and she hugs him again.
Belkior Wednesday June 21st, 2006 9:13:33 AM
The halfling cleric tries to make himself helpful with the preparations to move the orphans out to the plantation. In Belkior's mind, that means checking and re-checking everything. It isn't long before Buckle sends several of the youngest children over to Belkior for reassurance, treatment of minor scrapes and bumps and other similar busywork.
Talking ... or not ... with Steve (DM JohnP) Wednesday June 21st, 2006 9:19:40 AM
Steve patiently looks at the group in front of him. The half-elf woman and the fancy-fighting bard look to be somewhere else rather than here.
And no one else is talking, either.
"Well," Steve says. "Ashbeard mentioned something about maybe needing a work crew to do some heavy cleanup and the like. I can round up some people, probably refugees from the Float. I'll send them out as soon as I get them organized. Figure a week of work, more or less."
"If you want anything else sent out, let me know now. Otherwise, drop by when you get back. Mind you, prices are a bit high with the rebuilding going on."
Steven turns to go and then thinks of something else.
"Probably a good thing you're not going back to the Float right now. Some kind of turmoil on the other end, I hear. Everyone going through the teleportal is getting held up. Some special "Customs" inspection, I hear."
Angus Wednesday June 21st, 2006 11:35:14 AM
Angus did not sleep too well last night. There always seems to be a small body poking him or rolling on him. That is the last time he sleeps with the kids.
With a big yawn, Angus speaks up to Steve after stepping out from Lang's shadow. "That sounds excellent Steve. We need a crew for clearing fields and the associated equipment, plows, oxen, and the like. We will also need a crew for some light carpentry work on the barn and house. We will we be getting seeds for planting. We should have a chicken coop up and running soon, as the kids will need there eggs. Please send some chickens and dairy cows too. Milk is good for the kids bones."
Angus scratches his head. "Anyone think of anything else to get us started? Oh do you have food for 60 for a week or two to get us started? Maybe we need a second cart too? We will leave now and just send the second cart to catch up with us. Thanks Steve."
Angus heads out the door. "Lets move'em out."
Xenia Wednesday June 21st, 2006 4:39:52 PM
" ... turmoil? ... "
The girl rogue frowns. A blot upon her nice day.
" ... customs inspections? ... "
She bumps her shoulder up against Wynn as they're walking. It makes things better just to feel him there, the solid male presence.
"Wonder what's going on back home," she asks.
Xenia frowns even more at the extravegent list that Angus puts together.
"Um ... Steve, you know some of these folks, right? Any chance of picking out a few that are as good at teaching as they are at doing? I think what we need is for the kids to start picking up skills right away. We'll need a good carpenter, fixit guy, someone who knows planting and the seasons and such. Buckle knows animals and raising them. We need someone who knows business and accounts and figures too."
"Kids are gonna have to learn to work to cut costs and they might as well start right away. I hope Kay's good at organizing. Gotta put everyone to work to make this work out for everyone."
Wynn Wednesday June 21st, 2006 10:39:12 PM
The bard has had little experience with farming. His parents ran a trading house in Magpie Crossing and there he was trained in business and trade. Once the plantation begins producing he might have something of substance to offer, but until then he keeps his mouth shut (hard for a bard to do) and lets Xenia and Angus run the show.
Syr d20+15=28 Wednesday June 21st, 2006 11:22:22 PM
Syr picks up on the last comment, "'customs inspection?' Any idea what they are looking for? Not that we have anything illegal, Ashlan left us back at the orphange." (Diplomacy 28) He grins at Xenia as he says that.
As Angus asks the group, he yawns slightly, "Just ready to get back home! You know what they say."
Famina Thursday June 22nd, 2006 2:46:14 AM
"Interesting.. Maybe we should go over to the Float to see what's going on. Probably all sorts of weird things going on in that wonderful island." Famina runs a hand through her hair, letting the golden curls pour around her finger, and plays with it idly, while watching the others.
Off to the Countryside (DM JohnP) Thursday June 22nd, 2006 8:47:05 AM
When Angus rhymes off his list requirements, Steve holds up his hands and motions for the sorcerer to slow down. Steven gets a marking stick and some paper from his pockets and starts writing.
Then Xenia adds to the list.
"Whoa, there. Quite a list that you have. Ahhh, I see no problem with hiring the labour gang. Maybe even some carpenters but they're real busy right now with re-building."
"And I can start on the animals, too. But you would probably be better off buying those from the neighbouring places. Save on moving them and it might be cheaper, too."
"But the handyman and these others. Maybe you should look for them yourself so that you're satisfied with who you hire. There's a lot of refugees from the Float who might be able to do that for you."
"Well, I'll get to it. Look for a labour crew following you this afternoon."
With that, Steven turns away and walks back into the warehouse muttering to himself.
The party now heads back to the warehouse, convinced that it's a good day for a walk. When they arrive at the warehouse everything looks more organized than when they left. Buckle is lifting the last of the packs of clothing and bedding into the cart. Kay is putting floppy hats on the heads of the younger children. And Belkior is sitting in the corner telling some sort of story to the children that he had earlier adopted.
When he sees his companions back at the warehouse, Belkior gets to his feet and approaches them.
"I was thinking. We shouldn't ignore the children's spiritual or intellectual development, either. When we get back I can go to the Temple of Light and see if there is someone willing to serve as teacher. Not to mention helping with dealing with the inevitable bumps and bruises that children get."
Finally, everything is ready to go. Buckle moves to the head of the carthorse and starts to turn it towards the road. Kay shoos two of the younger children onto the street then looks at the party.
"Can you watch them while I do a final check of the warehouse."
She disappears inside and returns in a minute or so clutching a ragdoll. She looks over at one of the young girls and tucks it into the cart.
The procession follows the cart through the streets of Plateau City. Well, most of it does. Some of the children have too much energy to burn and they race back and forth, ahead and behind the cart. Still, they seem to mind Kay and Buckle and none get too far away.
After crossing a pair of bridges, the moving orphanage reaches the gates of the City. The guards seem to be checking people both entering and leaving town. When the party and children reach the head of the line, the Guardsman looks over the children and then the party. He seem suspicious of all the children until a Guard sergeant comes over and shows a paper to him. After asking names of all the adults, he waves them through the gate. Xenia gets the impression that they're checking for fugitives fleeing the city.
Out on the road, the cart is just one of many travelling between the countryside and Plateau City. It is the only one, however, with this many children following it. Still, it's nice to be out of the City. After a few miles, Belkior suggests letting the youngest children ride the cart in turns to allow them to rest.
As they move farther from the city, the party sees fewer travellers and more people working in fields and orchards near the road. At noon time, the procession takes a break near a stream to rest the horse.
Finally, in the late afternoon the party nears the plantation. It seems different now that the influence of the vampire has been removed. The fields simply look untended rather than unfriendly. And the long shadows of the buildings look cool and inviting rather than dangerous.
Still, caution might be advisable before letting the children run around exploring. Not that they'll be doing much tonight. All of them, particularly the youngest, are very tired. Kay suggests finding a place where she can prepare supper while everyone else finds places to sleep.
The party looks at one another, wondering who should be checking out the buildings before the children enter.
Xenia d20+14=24 d20+14=23 Thursday June 22nd, 2006 10:29:00 AM
"Hey, Guys! There's a stream for swimming down past the cotton field! Be careful, though. Water's fun, but water can also be dangerous. Always swim with a buddy!"
With diversions planted time comes to put on eyes and ears.
"I'll go through the barn first, Angus." The dark rogue outlines her plans for sweeping the area of any traps or otherwise leftover nasties. "It's late, and the main house is gonna take a long time. Might have to do it in sections even. So you maybe oughta think about setting up camp somewhere outside for tonight. I think I can get the barn safe for tonight so we'll have a roof over our heads. But I don't think we should let the kids roam the main house until it's been cleared."
Rolls and Actions Building Search Order Barn Stables Windmill Main House First Floor Main House Second Floor Main House Basement
Angus d20+9=25 d20+9=20 d20+9=27 Thursday June 22nd, 2006 1:17:23 PM
Angus attempts to get further information from the guards at to why they are checking people leaving Plateau City (gather information 25).
Angus will also talk to other groups, while in line to leave to city to see what they know. (gather information 20)
Once at the plantation, Angus is as tired as the kids. Angus rode in the cart last trip and is not used to all this walking.
Angus nods in agreement to Xenia's idea of searching and setting up camp outdoors or maybe in the barn to start. "Lang, see if you can help Xenia and keep her safe."
A tired Angus looks to Wynn "Let entertain the kids and help Kay and Buckle get them ready for their first night." Angus takes out his flute and begins to play an upbeat tune and waits for Wynn to join in. (perform 27) Angus is inspired and call all the kids over while Kay and Buckle get prepared.
After the kids go to bed Angus asks Lang "Do you want to see what it is like to be a troll for eight minutes? Then I am off to bed, too much work today."
Wynn d20+10=21 Thursday June 22nd, 2006 7:31:36 PM
The bard stays within easy reach of the stream and it's swimming hole as the kids cavort in the cool water. Although tested only the one time, his gills and webbed digits are well suited for lifeguard duty.
Once the smaller children have had enough he will join the older kids in the water and see if he can give any a fright by swimming beneath them and touching their feet.
If prompted for a story he will tell them of the time his ship was sunk at sea and he clung to the wreckage for several days before being washed ashore on the coast of the red hills. Knowing a childs delight in adventure, he will embellish the story where appropriate to heighten the drama [Perform =21]
Syr Thursday June 22nd, 2006 9:27:58 PM
Syr looks over at Angus when they reach the plantation expecting him to take charge. After seeing how tired the mage is, he decides to take the onus upon himself. "C'mon Famina, let's go check out the main house just in case. Besides, who else can catch us if we have to run?"
Assuming she follows along, he tells her, "Why don't I take point on the ground floor while you stand within sight and near the entrance in case something goes wrong. The second floor, we'll swap? Sounds like a plan?"
Famina Friday June 23rd, 2006 2:02:55 AM
"Sounds like a plan... Might be some icky things around... You kids stay here!" She draws her new, awesome sword, secretly hoping that some monster lurks, waiting to have her test the blade on its neck. After searching the floors (if nothing happens), she suggests they sweep the barn and surrounding area. She has seemingly limitless energy now. "You know...maybe Xenia and Wynn should stay behind. They seem to be settling down kinda... and they love the kids..."
Belkior Friday June 23rd, 2006 7:27:00 AM
The halfling cleric was planning to stay with the cart and the younget children. At least until Wynn suggested going for a swim. Belkior reluctantly trails along to the millpond. Swimming isn't really his thing but he can stay on shore and watch out for landbound dangers. Wynn looks to be more than capable of keeping an eye on the children in the water.
At the Plantation (DM JohnP) Friday June 23rd, 2006 7:54:08 AM
While being checked at the City gate, Angus took the time to ask a few questions. Both the Guards and the other travellers relate pretty much the same story.
"Some adventurers broke up a death cult a day or two ago. Checking everyone leaving the city looking for the leaders and others who got away."
Of course, some of the travellers embellish a bit more. Relating tales of hwo they witnessed the adventurers defeating a pack a zombies crawling from the windows of a mansion in Wealthy Quarter. Or how they personally had to dispatch a skeleton that clambered up out of the sewers.
+++++
Syr and Famina move to check the mansion alogn with Xenia. While Xenia checks the outbuildings, the other two head for the man house.
Xenia doesn't find much out of the ordinary. There are still piles of dirt and busted coffins inside the barn that will have to be cleared out. She's no farmgirl but she thinks that the barn is otherwise in pretty good shape.
The stables and windmill are pretty much the same. Although she does find an indication - several indications, in fact - that someone had kept horses in the stable within the past couple weeks.
Famina and Syr simply find the remains of their battle at the house. Nothing has touched the mounds of earth and broken coffins outside the front door. And the bones and rotting flesh of the other undead still lie where they dropped. The bones won't be too bad to clear out but the rotting remains of the ogre zombie will be difficult - and smelly - to move.
When Xenia comes up to the main house, she realizes that she can only hope to do a cursory search this evening. A detailed search checking the contents of drawers and cupboards and whatnot will have to wait until tomorrow.
Together with the other two, she moves to the basement stairs. This is the one part of the house that wasn't fully explored during the battle. Heading downstairs, she allows her eyes to adjust to the diminished light before doing any exploration. Most of the basement is empty, cleared out by the previous owners when they left. But in a room at the far west end of the basement, Xenia and the others find what might have been a shrine for the undead cleric. There's a diagram on the floor that contains what look to be religious glyphs. A bloodstained stone altar is on the far side of the room. The trio watch for a while but do not see any movement inside the room.
Outside, the meal preparations are coming along nicely. Buckle has started a cooking fire using the skills acquired in basic training. Kay has chosen quick, simple and filling because she expects that the day's exercise will provide any needed seasoning. When she calls out, the children clamber out of the pond and run up towards the cookfire. She and Buckle both direct the children to dry off and dress before eating.
The smell of food calls the Shields to join the children around the cookfire.
Xenia Friday June 23rd, 2006 11:15:22 AM
"I think this is a job for Belkie."
Xenia comes up from the basement and briefly joins the group around the fire. She grabs a quick something, finger food, portable, that she can eat on the run. Then she brushes quickly by Wynn, giving him a peck on the cheek. No particular reason. Just because.
"We found something in the basement," she whispers into the ear of the halfling cleric. "It's an altar. And I don't think it's anything good. Might want to take a look. Probs better we get rid of it before the kids move in."
Angus: Detect & Read Magic d20+15=20 d20+15=28 d20+15=23 d20+15=34 d20+15=31 d20+15=30 d20+9=22 Friday June 23rd, 2006 12:03:11 PM
Angus's ear pick up Xenia's comments and he comes along also, forgot about all those nasty glyphs, can't have the kids running into any of those. "Wait up Xenia. I'll come too."
Angus follow Xenia after casting Read and Detect magic on himself. Angus gets ready to cast dispel magic on any glyphs he finds.
Angus will keep a close watch for glyphs:
Spellcraft checks use as needed - 20,28,23,34,31,30
Ancane Knowledge on the Alter - 22
Angus looks the alter up and down and concludes "This is definately Belkior's cup of tea."
Once in the house and out of earshot of the kids. "I am getting the suspicion that this area has an undead problem." Angus comments to those in the main house.
Belkior d20+8=10 d20+11=25 Friday June 23rd, 2006 3:37:56 PM
The halfling cleric looks up from his simple meal when Xenia whispers to him. He looks at the rogue before nodding.
After he finished eating, Belkior stands and walks over to the stream where he cleans his bowl and utensils. After returning them to his pack, he mutters something about "taking a walk to stretch his legs".
He joins up with Xenia and Angus before heading towards the mansion. He looks back over his shoulder once to ensure that no children are following.
Once at the house, he confers with Angus. "Yes, we do need to eliminate any glyphs that might be left on windows and doors. And maybe Xenia should give everything a thorough look tomorrow. But the real concern is in the basement.
Belkior carefully makes his way down the stairs and walks across the floor to the evil shrine. He stays at the door for a while simply studying the diagram on the floor. Then he roots around in his pack for pen and paper.
"I don't recognize it, but if I carefully draw it someone from the Temple might identify it."
He busies himself in an attempt to re-create the drawing. But not an exact copy. Even though he can't identify it, he knows that it's not good.
The he casts a protective magic on himself and enters the room. Careful not to disturb the diagram, Belkior crosses to the altar and bends to examine it. After some careful study, he turns back to the door.
"Looks like the vampire used this for worship. It's not a summoning diagram or anything like that, at least. But I'm thinking that she maybe didn't tell the neighbour she enslaved the real story."
"I mean, really, who'd believe anything a bloodsucking leech said."
"I'm going to Consecrate this room. Hopefully that will eliminate, or at least contain, whatever evil taint exist."
The Healer then removes the components for that spell, tracing the silver dust and holy water about the room. After he intones the prayer to Alemi the room does seem a little less tainted.
"Tomorrow I should scrub this room out. When we get back to town, I'll have to take my sketch to the Temple."
Angus (Second Illegal Post) d20+8=27 d20+8=17 d20+8=23 d20+8=26 d20+8=11 d20+8=28 d20+8=26 d20+8=22 d20+8=11 Friday June 23rd, 2006 5:03:35 PM
Once Belkior is done with his concecration, Angus will check on the glyphs while his dection spells are still active and attempt to dispel any glyphs he finds.
Dispell: (9 total 6 from 3rd level and the 3 remaining from 4th - spell slots) 27, 17, 23, 26, 11, 28, 26, 22, and 11
I could have used those rolls against the vampire!
Syr Friday June 23rd, 2006 8:44:14 PM
As they search the house, Syr grins at Famina's comment. "I can't see them staying behind. I think they are a bit more interested in the part that comes before the babies than the kids themselves." He nudges Famina with a wink and a smile.
After seeing the basement he rejoins the others, "Yup, Buckle keep the kids away from the basement and kitchen. It's going to be awhile before the stench clears at the least. Did we bring any lye for cleaning along? I want to scour that floor."
Lang & Sunshine d20+6=10 Sunday June 25th, 2006 9:12:27 AM
Lang stays outside and protects the children as some of the Shields search the house and outbuildings. He keeps his ears alert for any sounds of distress from his comrades.
Listen 10
Lang uses his new scent ability while he is watching the children. He tries to pickup on any scent that seems out of place.
Wynn Sunday June 25th, 2006 11:59:29 AM
The bard spends time cleaning his equipment, writing in his journal, and generally keeping an eye on the kids. When any of the smaller kids show any special interest he entertains them by palming silver coins and then 'magically' extracting them from their ears
Famina Sunday June 25th, 2006 2:24:24 PM
"Clean up the house?" At first, the idea of cleaning is below Famina, and her mind rebels. That's the kinda job she never signed up for. She makes a compromise in her mind. "Ummm, I'll dig a hole for the zombie remains outside so we can get rid of them that way." That, at least, is good hard work.
The Morning After (DM JohnP) Sunday June 25th, 2006 3:33:40 PM
After the trip into the basement of the mansion, everyone seems a little more confident. Hopefully Belkior knew what he was talking about when he dealt with that ugly thing.
Meanwhile, Angus was working to defuse all of the glyphs on the exterior of the mansion. He manages to dispel all of the glyphs that he and Belkior had earlier spotted.
As they walk back, Famina talks about digging holes to bury the zombies. Belkior reminds her that filling in the gaping holes dug in the graveyard by the ghouls might be a better thing to do. Saves digging and all, the halfling says.
Finally, night comes and things settle down. It looked to be good weather for the night so everyone slept outside. Nothing comes to Lang's sensitive nose except the distant odour of a skunk. Certainly nothing like the stink of undead that he smelled here last trip.
The morning dawns to unfamiliar sounds. A rooster crows to greet the sun on a neighbouring farm. Lang's sensitive ears hear geese honking from somewhere farther away. And close by, the trees and fields are full of songbirds challenging one another for food and territory. Lang realizes that these sounds were not present when the party was last here, when the vampire's taint was affecting the area.
Kay starts making breakfast and the children start waking. Now that it's daytime, it may be more difficult to keep the children from exploring and finding whatever small dangers still lurk in the estate.
After eating, Belkior mentions to his companions that he has some cleaning to do in the mansion. The small cleric heads off to complete what he started on the previous night. That reminds Xenia that she didn't manage to do more than a cursory search last night.
And there's a lot of other things that people could do. Buckle wonders about visiting the neighbours to purchase livestock and reminds everyone that the work crews should be arriving this day.
Xenia Monday June 26th, 2006 10:21:20 AM
"Angus," the rogue whispers over breakfast, "could you get a couple of folks to guard the main house while I search? Gonna try and get it done as fast as possible. But I don't want any of the kids coming in till I'm done."
"I'll work in sections and we can free parts of the house up for cleanup as I go. Just so you know, I think I'll start with the first floor west wing, the one with the Throne Room in it. Then I'll move upstairs. West then East. I think there might still be an Acid Glyph on the door leading to the balcony over the Throne Room. Last, I'm gonna do the first floor east wing. That's got access to the basement. It'll give Belkie some time to work."
"That gonna be okay? I gotta have the kids kept outta the house while I work, though."
Angus Monday June 26th, 2006 11:54:57 AM
Angus smiles at Xenia's plan and standus up after breakfast. "OK kids. I have some magical experiements to perform in and around the main house. Please help Kay and Ensign Buckle clean up and attend to the chores they set up. We need the barn ready to accept animals and check on the remnants of the chicken coop."
Angus walks off to the main house setting off a dancing lights cantrip outside the house, before turning himself into a wolf. Angus in wolf form barks to Sunshine to join him at the front door.
Angus will set off light and dancing light spells in front of the house can change into various creatures for practice.
Mostly, Angus is attempting to keep the kids away from the main house and give Xenia the time she need to search it proper. As Xenia enters the house Angus whispers "Just holler if you need me. I'll be out front."
Syr Monday June 26th, 2006 10:23:21 PM
Early to rise with alot of work to do, Syr finds a hammer, nails, and boards in the barn. With those he begins reparing some of the holes left in the buildings. During a break, he looks down on Angus from above and smiles to the sorceror. "Doggie want a bone? Go hunt down Famina, I'm sure she has plenty to spare."
He resumes work and is surprised by the peace the solitary work brings him. Musing to himself, "This is the closest that I'll ever get to meditation."
Famina Tuesday June 27th, 2006 12:31:49 AM
For her part, Famina has little to do. She eyes the hammer and boards with suspicion, and gives it a few tries, but after shattering a wooden board from hitting it too hard growls in frustration and loses interest. Instead, she wanders around the home, still wearing armor and girded for battle. She keeps an eye out for any strange people, things, or tracks. Though, of course, she's not entirely a tracker. It's just if there were dinosaur feet around, she'd be a little panicky. As it is, she feels a little bored at the wandering, and a sense of gnawing hunger for more action is starting to sear her...
Wynn Tuesday June 27th, 2006 7:35:08 AM
The bard senses Famina's growing unrest and can't help but empathize with her for he too feels the pull of adventure and travel. He chuckles at her attempts at the carpentry trade.
"C'mon Famina, lets scout out the neighbourhood and see what else is going on out here." Perhaps they'll get lucky and find some highwaymen or other ne'er-do-wells.
Belkior Tuesday June 27th, 2006 2:42:06 PM
The halfling cleric joins Xenia as she walks towards the mansion. When the rogue heads upstairs, Belkior goes to the basement to start the process of removing the taint of the unholy shrine.
When he slips into the basement, Belkior is satisfied to see that nothing has repaired the effect of his Consecrate spell. Maybe I can remove this thing, Belkior thinks.
After studying it for a moment, Belkior heads upstairs to look for a bucket. Since he doesn't think that Xenia has searched the kitchen yet, he heads out to the stables instead. After poking around for a bit, he fids a brush to use with the bucket he picked up.
He grunts quietly as he carries the full bucket of water from the pond up to the house and into the basement. By the end of the trip, he's almost grateful to sink down to the floor. Then he starts the process of scrubbing. It reminds him of some of his earliest days in the temples, doing penance for some prank by scubbing the floors.
Finally, after several trips for fresh water and hours of scrubbing, all traces of the diagram have been removed from the floor. Belkior then turns his attention to the altar. He moves over and takes his mace to it, trying to break it apart. Once it's lying in pieces, he takes the fragments and puts them in the sun. Failing any other means of purification, Belkior simply thinks that sunlight might be the best method of removing any clinging influence of the vampire's dark practices.
Second Day at the Farm (DM JohnP) Tuesday June 27th, 2006 3:22:23 PM
Xenia and Belkior head off to the house to make it safe for the children. Xenia starts to carefully search the place after Belkior heads to the basement.
Her efforts are rewarded almost immediately. She finds a loose panel on the gaudy chair that the vampire used as a throne. After studyign it for a moment, she carefully slips it out fo the way. Inside is a folio of papers inside a leather satchel. Glancing inside, the rogue sees some small bags that she doesn't feel like touching right now. There's also a small stone carving of some sort.
Elsewhere in the "throne room", Xenia simply finds some fragments of the undead. She does find that two of the drawers in the kichen were trapped with simple spring blades. The rest of the kitchen smells bad, though, maybe because of the rotting flesh left on a cutting block that she doesn't really want to think about.
When Belkior passes by to fetch more water, she motions him over. The halfling cleric casts a minor spell and nods to Xenia. "Yes, all those pouches contain poison."
Upstairs, she finds a room that might have been where the vampire spawn were posted. Something or someone has scrawled some pictures on the walls that would be disturbing to anyone living. Finally, in the largest upstairs room, she finds a dusty book behind a hidden panel in the wall. She risks opening the cover and glances at the drawing on the pages. After squinting and turning the book a couple times, Xenia concludes that it isn't suitable for children. But she might share it with Wynn, later.
The others are working outside, trying to get the place into shape and keeping the children out of trouble and harm's way. It's late morning when they hear shouts from some children playing on the road side of the buildings. A small caravan of wagons and carts is turning into the laneway from the road. As they approach, the Shields can see that Steve is riding on the front wagon.
When it gets close, Steve jumps down with a agility that is surprising from someone of his bulk. He looks about and walks over to Shields who are outside.
"Not bad of a place. You should do really well here. Ashbeard wanted things done right so I decided to head out myself. We started a half past the ...," and he trails off when he sees the children clustered about.
"Well, it was early. I've brought supplies and a labour gang. Plus some craftsmen. Most of them from the Float but some others too. What should they get started on first?"
When Wynn mentions going to investigate the neighbours, Steve looks up.
"You going to introduce yourself? Maybe I should go too. We might be able to buy those chickens and things you wanted." He looks over to two humans and a half-elf who are standing about.
"Hey! Get this wagon unloaded and move the food to the kitchen or whereever. The feed goes into the barn."
Xenia d20+11=27 Tuesday June 27th, 2006 4:23:45 PM
Satchel of papers. Bags of Poison. Small stone carving. Dirty book.
Xenia stands alone in the kitchen examining the haul. The poison is gonna have to be disposed of where it won't be hurting no one. Just letting it lie about is a recipe for someone getting themselves dead. Belkie can maybe Neutralize it tomorrow.
The rogue shifts casually through the papers, finally placing them together with the stone carving. She listens to the sounds of the house. Slowly and oh so casually, she turns to the doorway. No one around. With the look of a hunted criminal, she reaches for ... The Book. In her hand, Xenia lets it fall open to one of the middle pages.
Oh my.
She blinks, feeling her mouth sort of fill with saliva. Once more, she looks up and around at the empty kitchen. Then she stuffs the book into her haversack.
When that's done it's almost a relief to go back to some work. Xenia takes out a kit of tools and begins to dismantle the spring loaded blades. The blades, the springs, the rails, each piece she removes and bundles in a sack. (Disable Device 27) Moping up all the dead and decaying things is gross. But it's gotta be done a'fore the kids can come in.
Then she trails down into the basement to give the last section of the house a good final search.
The dark rogue comes out of the house only when the job's finished and done. It's a long day's work.
"All set," she announces. "Should be safe for the kids."
"I found these." Xenia lays out the papers and the stone carving. "What do you make of it? I haven't looked at them real close yet." The half-elfish rogue seats herself next to Wynn and takes his arm, sliding her hand down to his hand to lace her fingers amongst his. The webbing there between the fingers is soft and warmish. It feels exotic.
Angus d20+8=15 d20+9=18 Tuesday June 27th, 2006 6:57:38 PM
Angus was getting bored guarding the main house, but it has to be done. Eventually he just takes a seat on the front porch at takes out his mother silver flute and the very nice flute that Florin gave him and take time to play both.
The silver flute is so familiar (perform 15), but Florin's is so well made (perform 18), either way Angus will have no problem passing many hours playing either instrument.
When Xenia emerges, Angus lets out a sigh. "Finally. I though you were never going to come out. Find anything of interest or value?"
Angus feels relieved of his duty and walks down to the orphan encampment, without really waiting for Xenia's answer, and finds Kay "I think we can sleep in doors tonight. Go check out the house. It have been cleaned of magic and mundane traps. Take Buckle with you. I will watch the kids for a bit."
Seeing Steve arrive and looking for help with the heavy lifting, Angus makes himself very busy with the kids. After a few minutes, Angus will walk over and take a quick inventory of the stuff, all the while watching the kids.
Lang & Sunshine Tuesday June 27th, 2006 10:08:51 PM
Lang looks around at all the progress that is being made on the farm and is pleased. Everyone is pitching in and helping. He tends to move around where any heavy lifting needs to be done, using his almost 7 1/2 feet of height and above human strength.
Sunshine, meanwhile, is having a ball playing with the children. He let's them chase him around and in turn chases some of them. His sharp ears pick-up the sounds of the approaching wagons and carts before any of the children. He moves between the children and the approaching humans to protect them. Sunshine relaxes when he sees Lang's human friends approach the other humans without any fear scent.
Lang also senses the approaching group of people, but from their scent not their sound. He makes his way over to the carts to lend a hand unloading them.
"Wynn if you want me to go along to meet the neighbors I will. But it should probably be from a safety standpoint as opposed to being part of group that talks to them."
Syr Wednesday June 28th, 2006 1:14:36 AM
Stopping his work, the elf drops down lightly from the barn loft. Stripping off his shirt, he heads over to meet the wagon. Beneath the shirt is a compact muscular body that shows as too white from lack of exposure to the sun.
He swings up on the edge of the lead wagon. Turning to address the new arrivals, "On behalf of the kids, we'd like to thank ya'll for making the journey out here. Your efforts will leave them set up for the future." He smiles easily at the small group assembled. "Now, down to business. Anyone here a stonemason? I need you to take a look at the grindstone in the mill, let me know if it's usable? For the carpenter's, go ahead and get started on the main house taking care of the leaks and windows. The kids need someplace to sleep as soon as possible. Anyone else left over, make sure the well is serviceable. The barn can wait until tomorrow as I did some of the patchwork and we really don't have anything to put into it yet."
Nodding as the craftsman turn to their work, "Any personal belongings can go into the rooms on the ground floor where you can sleep the next few days."
Wynn Wednesday June 28th, 2006 7:27:29 AM
The bard greets Steve and his helpers as they arrive at the plantation. Syr and the others quickly take over, and once again Wynn finds himself at loose ends. He wanders the edge of the property, examining fencelines, looking for signs of wildlife, and of course keeping his eye out for neighbours and damsels in distress.
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