Hey! Come Here! (DM JohnP) Tuesday March 27th, 2007 10:07:17 PM
The two groups make their separate ways back to the apartment. Which, by now, is getting really crowded with eight people sleeping there. And Birdie, although the dog usually stays with Kadaz.
Rising in the morning really emphasizes the crowding. What with Edmund drawing a bath and everyone else trying to get civilized for the day, it's a crowded affair. Still, they manage to get what they want done. Then everyone has a chance to discuss the house on Helm's Way. Conner thinks that it might be quite serviceable, especially after some renovations.
It's still early in the morning, when their deliberations are interrupted by a pounding on the door. No effort is required to hear a young voice outside calling, "Open up! They're gonne bust the monument!"
When someone opens the door, there's a young half-elf boy outside. He's winded from running and one eye is starting to swell shut. The boy looks until he sees Conner, then moves over to the fighter.
"They're gonna bust the monument! They've got hammers and chisels! I tried to stop them, honest!"
Conner Tuesday March 27th, 2007 10:23:06 PM
It doesn't take much to see that the tattooed fighter is angered by the revelation that someone is about to destroy the monument. The tattoo across his temple darkens to a dark crimson and his jaw is clenched tight.
Without a word to anyone he reaches for hius sword and shield and is off, running down the stairs and out the door towards the Open Palm Market. Domi help anyone the fighter catches defacing the sacred memories of those who fell in the Fae Uprising!!
Mira Wednesday March 28th, 2007 12:31:51 AM
Musing about the next steps the party needs to take in order to secure the abandoned building for their own use, the sorcerer is taken by surprise when the half-elven boy busts through the door.
"Conner! Wait!" she cries, as she grabs some of her gear and chases after the fighter.
Edmund Wednesday March 28th, 2007 1:37:25 AM
Edmund is bathing when the uproar begins outside of his room and makes his appearance shortly after Conner and Mira depart. Sticking his head out of his room, he shouts to the other members of the Order, "What's going on out there?"
Edmund is only wearing a towel, and is fairly wet besides. Having no real knowledge of this 'monument' thing, or what the commotion is about, he will return to his bath until he is specifically called upon to do something else. Should that occur, he will come along with even more grumbling than usual. And that's a lot of grumbling indeed.
Arm Wednesday March 28th, 2007 5:51:40 AM
Never really having a part in the construction of the monument, but nonetheless willing to support his friend, Arm quickly grabs his sword and follows Mira out the door, thankful that he donned his new armor early in order to get used to it. Once they spy Conner, he immediately quickens his pace to catch up.
Shadow Wednesday March 28th, 2007 8:43:29 AM
Shadow is trying to convince the group to return to the house on Helm's way when the person at the door says they are going after the monument. As he sees Conner start to grab his sword, Shadow moves quickly to his room and grabs his gear and races after him.
Thar ail Baerer Wednesday March 28th, 2007 9:19:34 AM
Unhappy that someone would destroy a monument that so much heart and energy was put in to, Thar will quickly grab his gear, especially his swords and new bow. Once he is armed and wearing his pack and armor, he'll charge after the group and stay near the back of the party, knowing that initimidation would be most successful if done by his burly companions.
Kirsten Wednesday March 28th, 2007 10:28:12 PM
Kirsten is shocked by the announcement of the messenger, and follows the other members of the party hesitantly, though not taking any immediate or active role in the situation.
Open Palm Market - Round 0 (DM JohnP) Wednesday March 28th, 2007 10:48:07 PM
Conner charges out of the door of the apartment, intent on stopping what might be happening to the monument that he organized in Open Palm Market. Mira calls out to the fighter, then dashes after him down the street. Arm, Shadow and Thar join them, chasing after the pair down the street.
Kadaz doesn't do more than start donning his armor.
Meanwhile, Edmund is debating which scented oil to add to his bath.
As everyone dashed down the street, they noticed that other residents of Trade Quarter were still going between their residences and their work. Conner stays slightly ahead of the others, with Kirsten trailing. Conner sees a crowd standing around the monument watching seven or so people at the monument. Some of the bystanders are shouting and shaking their fists, while others are watching silently.
Looking more closely, there are four men right at the monument while three others stand nearby, keeping the crowd at bay.
Jeff indicated that he couldn't post for Kadaz tonight, so he was getting his gear together and can enter tomorrow.
Arm (AC-20, HP-27) Thursday March 29th, 2007 5:49:32 AM
Arm moves up beside Conner (AA12), his sword plainly visible to any who care to look their way. He remains silent for the moment, hoping that since Conner played such a great part in constructing the monument that those around them may be more willing to listen to him. He lays his left hand on Conner's shoulder and says, "We're here, my friend.".
Shadow (AC 22/19 HP 40/40) Thursday March 29th, 2007 6:36:26 AM
Shadow will move to a spot where he can line up his bow on as many of the men as possible (AA 17). He will wait to see what the men do when Conner requests they stop.
Conner [AC=18; HP=74] d20+19=32 d20+15=25 d3+4=7 Thursday March 29th, 2007 8:00:38 AM
Conner barely feels Arm's hand on his shoulder, so intense is his fury over the desecration underway. Unencumbered by armour, he charges headlong towards the group at the monument. If #2 is armed with either a weapon or a tool being used to damage the monument, Conner will attempt to disarm the man, otherwise he will lower his shoulder and smash the man into the monument itself.
"LEAVE THIS PLACE!!" he yells as he follows through with his attack.
Improved disarm attempt = 32 Charge / unarmed attack = 25 for 7 HP damage New position = S20 Effective AC=16 during charge
Kadaz d20+10=13 Thursday March 29th, 2007 8:43:45 AM
Knowing he'll be last to the scene, as usual, Kadaz doesn't take time to don any armor. Instead he just grabs his shield, axe and flail and starts to run. Of course, little dwarf legs don't go nearly as fast as big human ones so he quickly falls behind. But he keeps running, just in case his help is needed. But Conner is going to be really, really mad. It's doubtful there will be any need for Kadaz's help once the big fighter gets done with anyone who threatens that monument.
As he leaves the house he orders Birdie onto the front step. "GUARD" he yells over his shoulder. Birdie takes position in the doorway, alert for any intruder. (handle animal 13)
Thar ail Baerer (AC 23/24, hp 48) d20+5=21 Thursday March 29th, 2007 10:32:10 AM
Thar will slow down and stay behind Conner and Arm (stay in the same spot he's in now)
Preparing for a possible battle, he'll cast Protection from Evil upon himself.
Init = 21
Prot From Evil 40/40 rounds +2 AC, +2 Resistance bonus on saves
Spells/Day
0 Level = Det Poison, Det Magic (2x), Read Magic 1st Level = Bless, Magic Weapon, Shield of Faith, MonSum I 2nd level = Restoration (Lessor), MonSum 2, Spiritual Weapon
Kirsten (AC 22: HP 69/69) Thursday March 29th, 2007 3:44:56 PM
The paladin is wary of the situation, so for now she chooses to try and stay out of the battle and merely observe. Kirsten moves to stand beside Thar (AE 11) and watches.
Spells per Day:
1st Level: Bless, Cure Light Wounds
Edmund (AC: 12, HP: 33/33) Thursday March 29th, 2007 3:48:50 PM
After everyone leaves the apartments, a clean and mint-smelling Edmund steps from his room to find the place deserted.
"Hullo, hullo!?" he shouts nervously. "Where has everyone gone off to!?"
Suddenly a little nervous about being there alone, he grabs his rod and bolts out the door, past Birdie. "Wait for me! Wait for me!"
DM Sanity Info. Spells Per Day: L.0: Daze, Detect Magic, Message, Read Magic, Resistance L.1: Charm Person, Colour Spray, Grease, Mage Armour, Obscuring Mist, Summon Monster I L.2: Daze Monster, Fog Cloud, Hypnotic Pattern, Summon Monster II, Web L.3: Hold Person, Sleet Storm, Suggestion, Summon Monster III
Mira Thursday March 29th, 2007 5:27:46 PM
Mira follows Conner, but at a slower pace. "We must stay together," she calls gesturing to Kadaz, adding, "here, this should help." Mira speaks the arcane words, and the air is filled with the scent of licorice.
Haste - up to 7 individuals within approx. 50 ft. of Mira at the time of casting (DM's discretion as to who is affected.) p. 239 PHB
(OOC: Will do spells list, etc. later. Pressed for time.-Carla)
Thursday March 29th, 2007 10:06:37 PM Arm moves up beside Conner to indicate his support, drawing a weapon to indicate that he means business.
Drawing his bow, Shadow slides around the corner of the building into the market and waits there for something to happen.
Conner charges into the group of men around the monument, smashing at the hammer that one of them was wielding. The man drops the hammer on the paving stones.
Panting with the effort of the run, Kadaz appears in the street leading to the marketplace.
Thar casts a protective spell on himself and waits to see what happens after Conner charges in. Kirsten moves to stand beside the elf, watching as well.
Mira thinks to aid her companions, but Conner has already charged off. She casts Haste on herself, Arm, Thar, Kirsten and Kadaz. DM Note -- the area of effect for Haste is "no two of which can be more than 30 feet apart". In other words, a 30 foot diameter burst.
Up the street, Edmund can be heard shouting about something.
++++++
The bystanders start moving away from the people who have weapons out and ready.
The man that Conner disarmed tries to scramble away. Conner can attack with a weapon, if he desires. Two of the other three men hammering at the monument keep working, but one does step away.
The nearest man [#5] with a weapon, a short sword, steps up to Conner and stabs at him. His sword misses, though. As he does, he shouts at Conner, "[/b]"Shove off, elf-lover![/b]". Attack -- misses AC 13
Another man [#6] comes at Conner with a club, swing and hitting the fighter. The damage isn't too bad, though. This one yells, too. "Take that! Run away with your elf-friends, or we'll do more!" Attack -- hits AC 21, 5 damage
The third man, also wielding a club, moves around and stands ready in case the rest of the Mithril Order try to prevent the vandalism of the monument.
Conner [AC=18; HP=69/74] d20+15=32 d20+9=21 d6+4=10 Thursday March 29th, 2007 11:44:58 PM
Conner barely feels the glancing blow of the club, so intent is he on protecting the monument. Instinct takes over as his mind registers the threat of a drawn blade. He slams his sword down on the hilt of the shortsword in an attempt to separate the sword from it's weilder [Disarm #5=32]. A split second later he thrusts his shield with it's sharpened spikes upwards at the man with the club [Hit AC=21 for 10 HP].
"Heed my warning" he growls at the two men. "Leave now, else I spill your blood on these cobbles!"
Edmund (AC: 12, HP: 33/33) Friday March 30th, 2007 4:15:04 AM
Growing closer, and hearing the sounds of a commotion ahead, Edmund charges ahead as fast as his legs will carry him, yelling all sorts of inane things all the way towards the square.
"HELP IS ON THE WAAAAAAAAY~" he shouts as he grows nearer to the site of the bother, waving his rod over his head in what he no doubt thinks is a very threatening way.
DM Sanity Info. Spells Per Day: L.0: Daze, Detect Magic, Message, Read Magic, Resistance L.1: Charm Person, Colour Spray, Grease, Mage Armour, Obscuring Mist, Summon Monster I L.2: Daze Monster, Fog Cloud, Hypnotic Pattern, Summon Monster II, Web L.3: Hold Person, Sleet Storm, Suggestion, Summon Monster III
Arm (AC-21, HP-27) hasted d20+8=27 d20+8=20 d20+8=13 d8+5=10 d8+5=9 d8+5=12 Friday March 30th, 2007 5:53:48 AM
Empowered by Mira's spell, Arm charges into the fray and attacks #7 (S16) and swings at him, hoping to put a quick end to this (attk: 27, crit. 20..2nd attack 13-dmg: 10x2=20, 9...29 total.). As he does this,he thinks, "Will this elf thing EVER end??".
Kadaz (AC 16, 75 HP, haste) Friday March 30th, 2007 7:36:25 AM
"Thanks, Mira" Kadaz yells as his feet start moving faster. He can almost keep up with the rest of the group this way. He looks ahead and sees the humans in the square around the monument.
The dwarf continues running towards the fight, ending up next to a human. "RUN" he growls as he waves his axe menancingly.
(run to square Q22)
Shadow (AC 21/19 HP 40/40) d20+8=22 d4+1=2 Friday March 30th, 2007 10:18:42 AM
Shadow will fire his bow at #5 since he is attacking Conner. (To hit=22 dmg=2)
Thar ail Baerer, AC 23/24, hp 48, PfE, Hasted d20+10=27 d20+10=17 d6+3=7 d6+3=9 Friday March 30th, 2007 2:52:50 PM
"Enough of this diplomacy crap" says Thar, as he moves quickly forward to enter the battle.
He moves to S17, nods to Arm and stabs #7 with both swords.
Attack 1 = Hit AC 27, Dmg 1 = 7 Attack 2 = Hit AC 17, Dmg 2 = 9
Prot From Evil 39/40 rounds +2 AC, +2 Resistance bonus on saves
Spells/Day
0 Level = Det Poison, Det Magic (2x), Read Magic 1st Level = Bless, Magic Weapon, Shield of Faith, MonSum I 2nd level = Restoration (Lessor), MonSum 2, Spiritual Weapon
Kirsten (AC 22; HP 69/69; Haste) Friday March 30th, 2007 5:10:03 PM
The paladin, wary of the situation, moves to a position where she is better able to see what is going on (W11). With little information of what is happening around her, she is unwilling to enter into the battle at this time unless provoked. So, Kirsten watches.
Spells per Day:
1st Level: Bless, Cure Light Wounds
Mira (AC 13, HP 46, Hasted) d20+2=8 Friday March 30th, 2007 9:22:28 PM
Mira gets as close to the action as possible, without getting into close contact with any of the strangers who appear to be defacing the monument. The sorcerer tries to discern exactly what the interloppers are up to (Sense Motive=8), but there are so many...
"HOLD UP THERE!" she yells as much to her own party, as those who appear to be defacing the monuent. "Cease this instant!" she adds, a little less loudly, but still loud enough to be heard by all those gathered in the park.
The sorcerer retrieves a scroll and casts it's magic focusing it slightly to one side of the monument.
DM Sanity:
Casting Sleep at intersection of 18/19. P/Q and hopefully impacting 1, 2, and 6 and avoiding Conner and other party members. Will negates (vs DC 16?). Magical slumber for 1 minute (or 10 rounds) PHB 280.
Open Palm Market - Round 2 (DM JohnP) d20-1=5 d20-1=6
Saturday March 31st, 2007 11:32:21 PM Conner smashes the shortsword away from one of the attackers, then turns and slashes at the other. Then he growls at the pair, hoping to drive them off.
From up the street comes the sound of running feet and Edmund's shouting.
Arm charges into the fray, swinging his sword and connecting with his opponent. He manages to drop the man onto the flagstones of the market. DM Note -- Damage on critical hit is rolled by doubling the number of dice and modifier, e.g. if starting at d8+5, roll 2d8+10 on a critical. What's the difference? It decreases the chances of really good or really bad damage on a critical hit.
Kadaz also charges into the fray, reaching the monument beside one of the men who was using a hammer and chisel on the stone.
From the side, Shadow fires an arrow into the man that Conner just disarmed.
Thar charges in, too, but changes his target after Arm dropped that opponent. Instead, he engages the man that Conner just slashed. The damage was enough to put that half-orc on the ground.
Not yet certain what is occurring, Kirsten moves closer to the action but doesn't participate.
Mira recites the magic from a scroll, targeting some of the opponents just beyond her companions. Both men slump to the pavement of the market. DM Note -- DC for a 1st level scroll should be 11.
++++++
The bystanders continue to edge away, clumping together for security.
Only one of the armed men is left standing and he isn't armed anymore. He throws up his hands, looking at Conner and saying, "Don't hit me! I'll give up!"
The two other men drop the hammers and chisels that they were using and turn to run. DM Note -- Doing nothing but withdraw, no AoO possible for Kadaz.
Listen DC 10 -- Highlight to display spoiler: {Whistles are being blown from the behind the party and from another direction, possibly the north. The Guard is coming!}
Conner [AC=18; HP=69/74] d20+13=26 d20+8=25 d3+4=6 d3+4=7 Sunday April 1st, 2007 11:22:13 AM
His anger still fueled by the damage done to the monument, Conner unleashes a vicious elbow to the face of the remaining combatant [Hit AC=26 for 6hp]. If the cretin does not go down, he follows with an equally brutal punch to the mid-section [Hit AC=25 for 7hp].
The fact that the half-orc was surrendering did not go unnoticed to the fighter, but sometimes you just have to hit someone. By the time the guard arrives, Conner should have the captive well subdued and ready to hand over.
Thar ail Baerer, AC 23/24, hp 48, PfE, Hasted d20+7=24 d20+2=6 Sunday April 1st, 2007 12:24:01 PM
Thar, seeing that the two remaining enemies are trying to escape, will chase after them and attempt to trip him.
He'll pick the one that appears smallest and since they've dropped their weapons, should pose little danger to him. Thar yells at his target, "Stop now or I'll have to kill you like I did your friend!"
Make an unarmed melee touch attack against your target. This provokes an attack of opportunity from your target as normal for unarmed attacks.
If your attack succeeds, make a Strength check opposed by the defender's Dexterity or Strength check (whichever ability score has the higher modifier). A combatant gets a +4 bonus for every size category he is larger than Medium or a -4 penalty for every size category he is smaller than Medium. The defender gets a +4 bonus on his check if he has more than two legs or is otherwise more stable than a normal humanoid. If you win, you trip the defender. If you lose, the defender may immediately react and make a Strength check opposed by your Dexterity or Strength check to try to trip you.
Kadaz (AC 16, 75 HP, haste) d20+1=13 Sunday April 1st, 2007 4:59:44 PM
Kadaz walks over to the two sleeping thugs and looks to see what they were carrying. "Conner, quick, put a dagger in that guy's hand." he whispers. "The guard is coming and they won't like us attacking unarmed men, even if they were defacing the monument." (listen 13)
Mira (AC 13, HP 46, Hasted) d20+2=11 d20+2=21 d20+3=16 Sunday April 1st, 2007 7:53:52 PM
"The Sleep Spell will last only a little while," the sorcerer calls. "What were these fellows up to?" Mira studies the dropped tools and the monutment to learn if the men were indeed defacing it (Spot=11).
On hearing the whistles, and recognizing them as those of the guard (Listen=21), Mira utters an expletive, and plucking an eyelash, casts a quick spell (Invisibility) upon herself. As she takes a quiet step to one side, (Move Silently=16)the sorcerer starts to fade from view.
DM Sanity:
Invisibility-on Mira-20 minutes Sleep- at intersection of 18/19. P/Q-1 minute (or 9/10 rounds) PHB 280.
Kirsten (AC 22; HP 69/69; Haste) Sunday April 1st, 2007 9:11:44 PM
Kirsten crosses her arms over her chest and frowns somewhat, though she remains in place. Still not quite understanding what's going on... and also wondering if it were a good idea to seek out Edmund and his friends.
Arm (ac: 21 hp 27/27) Hasted d20+11=21 Monday April 2nd, 2007 5:52:38 AM
Hearing Kadaz's words, as well as the approaching guards, Arm deftly plucks a dagger from his belt and places it in one of the sleeping opponent's hands. He then turns quickly so that the guard does not notice him doing so. (move to O17)
Shadow (AC 22/19 HP 40/40) d20+2=17 Monday April 2nd, 2007 9:32:44 AM
Shadow will put up his bow and move to be able to keep an eye on the sleeping men and the one that Conner is 'watching'. He will wait there for the guard to show up since he knows they will be here shortly.
Edmund (AC: 12, HP: 33/33) Monday April 2nd, 2007 11:25:42 AM
Edmund continues his dash towards the monument, running full tilt towards the scene which, by now, seems to be taken care of anyway. Maybe he should have taken another bath, instead.
DM Sanity Info. Move Action: Double Move to AC-11
Spells Per Day: L.0: Daze, Detect Magic, Message, Read Magic, Resistance L.1: Charm Person, Colour Spray, Grease, Mage Armour, Obscuring Mist, Summon Monster I L.2: Daze Monster, Fog Cloud, Hypnotic Pattern, Summon Monster II, Web L.3: Hold Person, Sleet Storm, Suggestion, Summon Monster III
Edmund (OOC) Monday April 2nd, 2007 11:26:42 AM OOC: Scott, it looks to me like I've posted between every DM post for the past two weeks. When did I miss one? Am I overlooking it?
Open Palm Market - Finish (DM JohnP) Monday April 2nd, 2007 10:26:04 PM Conner smashes his elbow and fist into the half-orc, doubling the opponent over. Certainly, no fight is left in him now.
Hoping to catch one of the fleeing individuals, Thar races across the market with the added speed from Mira's spell. He tries to trip the smaller one but that man nimbly evades Thar's attempt. DM Note - For special attacks, please use the Wold versions in Constabulary Castle.
Kadaz and Mira both hear the approach of the Guard. The dwarf moves to the monument and sees that each of the sleeping men have a hammer and chisel in their hands. Mira sees those tools and marks on the hard stone face where they were trying to chisel out some names. But then the sorcerer disappears from sight.
Kirsten stands back, wondering what she has gotten herself into. Further up the street, Edmund wonders if he should have stayed in the bath.
Acting on Kadaz's suggestion, Arm moves ahead and moves to plant a dagger on one of them. He sees the stoneworking tools as he does so. Shadow watches the fallen opponents in case any of them are simply acting.
And everyone waits for the Guard to show up.
++++++
The two men being chased by Thar nearly run right into the group of Guards advancing down that street. Faced by the Guards, the quicker thinking of the two blurts out, "The elf was trying to kill us!". The Guardsmen look down the street at Thar, who still has his shortswords out.
Even though the Guard don't let the two men leave, they do approach Thar cautiously. One of them calls an order to Thar, "Put your weapons down! On the order of the Guard!"
Another group of Guards are approaching from behind Edmund.
Everyone, please make Spot rolls. You are now out of combat time. Please post either your reactions to the Guards, the vandals or whatever else you choose to do.
Conner d20+4=8 Monday April 2nd, 2007 10:44:53 PM
Conner sheaths his sword, and shrugs his shield over his shoulder and onto his back, all the while maintaining a firm grip on the half-orc who had been aiding and abetting his miscreant friends. The fighter's attention is focused on the cretin. (Spot=8)
"Over here!" he calls in a deep voice, welcoming the guard. "We caught these vandals defacing the monument!"
Mira (Invisible) d20+3=4 d20+2=21 Monday April 2nd, 2007 10:52:16 PM
Mira tries to quietly inch closer to the monument and her friends, but the sorcer's previous history of clumsiness comes back to haunt her (Move Silently=4, here we go again!) Fortunately, she is still invisible and a little more alert to what is going on about her. (Spot=21)
The human woman does not abandon her friends, but waits to see what transpires before revealing herself or volunteering any information.
Arm d20+4=20 Tuesday April 3rd, 2007 5:50:11 AM
As The Guard approaches, Arm adds to Conner's statement, "Yes, kind sirs..as you can see, the tools of their handiwork remain on the ground here.". As he looks around (spot=20), he notices that at least some of the offenders are half-orcs, "Seems I should have been more thorough in my attacks," he thinks. He also notices that Mira has disappeared from sight, "I hope she is OK," he worries.
Kadaz d20+1=21 Tuesday April 3rd, 2007 7:31:39 AM
Kadaz looks around at the fleeing vandals and then the oncoming guard. He puts his foot on the neck of one of the sleeping thugs and then rests the head of axe on the ground, assuming a parade rest stance. He looks closely at the guards to see if he recognizes any of them. (spot 21)
Thar ail Baerer d20+2=21 Tuesday April 3rd, 2007 10:02:06 AM
"Thank God you are here," Thar says to the guards, showing relief on his face and putting his weapons away. "These cretins were trying to destroy a monument and then when we asked what they were doing, they threatened one of our friends and attacked him. I was trying to defend my friends and as you can see from both of these men, neither was injured. Would you please help us with deciphering what happened?"
Diplomacy = 21
Shadow d20+7=18 Tuesday April 3rd, 2007 11:09:31 AM
Shadow looks around and sees the guard is here (or almost here), so he relaxes and allows his more outspoken talk for him and the group. He does flash the thieves guild sign of we are in the right, just in case there are any of the guild around or those that can pass on information.
Actions: Spot=18
ADM Scott Tuesday April 3rd, 2007 11:13:33 AM
OOC: Edmund (not sure of your rl name), when I took over the ADM position I was told that I was to record the posting as Monday through Sunday, but it really was supposed to be M-F. I include Sunday posts on the previous week and not on the current week, so if you post on Sunday for Mondays I guess I need to know that. Posting goes as follows XXXXX (M-T-W-T-F/Sat/Sun.) I even put double posts in personal records to try and help with the occasional missed post.
Edmund d20+3=8 Tuesday April 3rd, 2007 1:21:14 PM
Edmund heads over to Kirsten and asks, quietly, "What's going on? Why have the guard turned up? And who are these people on the ground?"
Edmund slips his rod back onto his belt, seeing that there doesn't seem to be any threat, and not wishing to appear confrontational.
Edmund looks around, but never being very diligent observationally, and being a bit puffed from running all the way, his examination of the surroundings is somewhat cursory. (Spot=8)
((Scott--thanks, I thought I just had to post between DM posts, I wasn't aware the day mattered. Sorry! I'll look to it in the future. By the way, I'm Shawn.))
Kirsten d20+2=22 Tuesday April 3rd, 2007 4:00:03 PM
She shrugs her shoulders slowly in answer to Edmund's question, murmuring, "I'm not entirely sure what's going on. When we came those men on the ground were trying to destroy that monument, then your friends attacked."
The paladin looks around, her gaze then shifting towards the guards. (Spot = 22)
DM Apology (JohnP) Tuesday April 3rd, 2007 11:12:58 PM
Sorry folks ... three hours at Emerg with s sick child and then an hour at the pharmacy. I'm too beat to post tonight.
Mira (Invisible) Tuesday April 3rd, 2007 11:23:08 PM
Mira creeps a little closer, still keeping a low profile.
(OOC: Take care DM JohnP. We'll be here when you're ready.-Carla)
Conner Tuesday April 3rd, 2007 11:24:14 PM
The fighter tightens his grip on the half-orc.
Arm Wednesday April 4th, 2007 5:46:38 AM
Arm's icy stare bores through the half-orc that Conner is restraining. He wishes that the guard could have been delayed a bit longer so that he could "chastise" him for attempting to ruin something that his fried has committed so much of his time to create.
Shadow Wednesday April 4th, 2007 9:36:00 AM
Shadow continues to watch as the guards approach. He will make sure no one tries to disappear (other than the ones that Thar chased after).
Edmund Wednesday April 4th, 2007 2:57:09 PM
Edmund continues to survey the situation, unsure of what, if any, action to take. So, he folds his arms and watches, instead.
Kirsten Wednesday April 4th, 2007 6:47:17 PM
In a similiar state of mind as Edmund. The paladin only watches, and waits to see what will happen.
The Guards Arrive (DM JohnP) Wednesday April 4th, 2007 10:41:31 PM
Thar responds to the orders of the Guards by sheathing his weapons and responding to their questions. Quite eloquently, in fact. That party of Guards moves into the marketplace, nearly dragging the pair who fled from Thar, and motion for Thar to walk ahead of them.
No one expects much trouble, what with all the witnesses who are still within the marketplace. Most are still here and seem to waiting to see how the Guard respond to this situation. The muttering from the crowd seems to be in support of what the Mithril Order did, too.
Closer to the monument, Conner is more intent on restraining the fallen opponent than anything else. However, the invisible Mira is moving about and watching the crowd. She, Arm and Kadaz notice something of interest among the bystanders.
Arm, Kadaz, Mira only - Highlight to display spoiler: {Among the people standing in the market are a pair that you recognize - Fendrik Vedder and Davern Barber. You remember this pair from your first encounter with the Plateau City Defence League.}
Those close to the monument can see what was being done to the stone by the men with hammers and chisels. The men had started obscuring or excising some names from the faces of the monument. The stone, however, was hard though and the dwarf's handiwork too good, for nothing had been obscured before the party arrived. Knowledge Local DC 15 - Highlight to display spoiler: {The names that were being damaged were those of elves who died in the Troubles.}
Shadow gestures to the nearby people but no one seems to pay any attention. Further up the street, Edmund comes up beside Kirsten and the pair watch what is happening in the market. The paladin is really wondering what she and her friend have gotten into.
The two groups of Guards move into the marketplace, the bystanders parting to let them through. Normally, at this time of day, Open Palm Market is noisy and bustling but now it's silent. Everyone seems to be waiting for the Guards to act. Looking at them, Kadaz recognizes Sergeant Tomin. The older Guard looks around at the party and the fallen men. He grimaces, then looks at Conner and Kadaz.
"What happened here? Nobody needs to talk at once."
Conner d20+1=10 d20+1=3 Thursday April 5th, 2007 12:15:04 AM
Conner recognizes the sergeant. "Sergeant Tomin, sir!" he says, trying to stand a little straighter, but unwilling to relinquish his hold on the half-orc. "These miscreants were defacing the monument to those who died in the 'troubles'." Either his passion for the project, or the incongrous circlet that now rings his brow, give the fighter's words simple eloquence. (Diplomacy=10) "They were chippin' at some of the names." (Knowledge=3).
Mira (Invisible) d20+2=19 d20+3=4 Thursday April 5th, 2007 12:22:08 AM
Mira remains invisible, the better to watch the crowd. When she spots the two members of the infamous Plateau City Defence League she makes an unwitnessed frown. Studying the face of the two men, she tries to discern their motive. (Sense Motive=19)
The woman is too far away to make out the names the villains had been working on (Knowledge=4, nat. 1) and has no idea why they chose to make such a public, and what one would think unpopular, protest.
Kadaz d20+1=7 Thursday April 5th, 2007 1:51:21 AM
His years on the force are too much to ignore and Kadaz comes to attention. "Sgt Tomlin, a runner came to us with information that thugs were defacing the monument to the dead. We came as fast as we could and caught these ones here with hammers, chisels and weapons, attacking the stonework. We ordered them to stop. Some ran, others didn't. There are many witnesses in the crowd to what happened."
(local knowledge 7)
Arm d20=18 Thursday April 5th, 2007 5:50:01 AM
Arm approaches the Guard stands next to Conner. Bowing slightly to the sergeant, he says, "Good morning, sergeant. I wish we could have met under better circumstances, but what my friends speak is the truth. These vandals have left their tools of destruction here in plain sight. If you'll notice, the only names they were trying to 'erase' are those of elves who died (local knowledge=18). Although I advocate mutual respect for the races, this rabble obviously does not.". As soon as he can, he whispers in Conner's ear about the two in the crowd from the Defense League, "I fear the puppetmasters are watching at this very moment.".
Arm 2nd illegal post d20+12=28 Thursday April 5th, 2007 5:52:11 AM
OOC: Sorry, diplomacy=28. :)
Thar ail Baerer d20+1=10 d20+12=14 Thursday April 5th, 2007 9:23:04 AM
Thar, while his partners are discussing things with the guards, watches around the square and tries to identify anyone suspicous or showing too much interest for what's appropriate.
Spot = 14
He can't tell much of what they marked off of the monument (Know (Local) = 10), but is unhappy nonetheless.
Shadow d20=16 Thursday April 5th, 2007 9:33:51 AM
Shadow is still watching everything around him, but does notice there is a trend to the names that were being defaced. He is about to tell the guards this piece of information when Arm announces it. He will stay where he is to see how the guards react.
Actions: Knowledge local=16
Edmund Thursday April 5th, 2007 4:03:40 PM
Edmund notes the arrival of the guards, and the subsequent questioning and discussion between Thar, Arm, and the others. Unsure of exactly what to do, Edmund just stands there, shaking his head.
"This must be the monument I've heard them mention a few times," he says to Kirsten. "I think its for some people who were killed--but I really don't know. It happened before I met them. I think they were elves."
Edmund shakes his head.
"Complicated business, what? No need to get ourselves involved, by the look of it, though. If they need us, Mira or Thar will beckon us over, I'm sure."
Kirsten Thursday April 5th, 2007 6:21:49 PM
She looks towards Edmund, nodding her head slowly as he speaks. The paladin continues to watch the exchange between the guards and the others from where she is standing near Edmund.
"I doubt they will need us, seems as though they have things sorted out already... or nearly so."
Two Stories (DM JohnP) Thursday April 5th, 2007 11:09:31 PM
Sergeant Tomin listens to what the party has to say, listening to each in turn. Arm seems to be the one speaking most eloquently for the party, but Conner manages to make some good points. Of course, Kadaz's past association with the guard helps a lot, too.
Thar stands nearby, glaring at the men that he chased down while Shadow does the same.
Meanwhile, Mira watches invisibly after she recognized the pair from the Defence League. Fendrik Vedder Davern Barber seem to be content to watch, for now.
And, off at the edge of the square, Edmund and Kirsten deliberate about whether to join in but decide to see how things play out.
After listening to what Arm has to say, Tomin motions towards the fallen thugs. Two Guardsmen move over to examine them, binding their wounds so that they don't die. Another Guardsman moves over and wakes the sleeping pair of vandals with the toe of his boot. While this is happening, Tomin moves to the monument and examines the marks, seeming to make mental notes as he does so.
Sergeant Tomin turns to the four men who had been wielding chisels, both the ones just awakened and the pair that Thar was chasing. He indicates that they should speak. One of the men does so, and it becomes apparent that they are simply muscle. At best.
"Da elves, you know, brought the things. Back then, when people died like my Grammy. They did it, like. They should be driven away, not marked like this. We run thems out of here, we should do the same for the whole City."
"Them, they's elfs. Or elf lovers, near as bad. See what they did to Barney?"
The man pointed to one of the two men that Conner attacked. The half-orc has recovered somewhat and speaks as well.
"The League, we know what to do about elves. That one there," and he points to Thar, "the one who was gonna kill Fred and Jimmy, he's one. And that one there talking to you," pointing to Arm, "he's got elf blood too. They should leave the City. Or else."
After listening to this, Sergeant Tomin looks around at the crowd. He seems to be gauging the reaction to the thugs' words. The Defense League thugs aren't denying what they did, almost defying the Guard to do something. While he does this, Mira sees Davern Barber step close to Fendrik Vedder and whisper to the leader of the Defense League. After a quick conversation, Vedder moves out of the crowd walking towards Sergeant Tomin. He's not too steady on his feet, stumbling or shuffling a bit. When he gets close to Arm and Conner, the pair can smell sour wine. As Vedder does this, Barber moves off through the crowd to leave the market.
Vedder starts speaking in a normal tone but he quickly raises his voice, speaking more to the crowd than to Sergeant Tomin.
"These men are thieves! Hired by elfs to rob all of us! That's how they work, sitting in their forests. Ingratiate themselves, hire lackeys to do their bidding. Worm their way into the graces of those in power."
"While they leave us to die! Once they get what they want, they'll do it again! Send wolves, monsters and what not to kill your children! Stand up and tell the elves to leave!"
"Elves don't deserve to share the same marker as your neighbours. They brought this on all of us! Prove to me that any of these elves died! They probably knew what was going to happen, and left town!"
The mood of the crowd is difficult to discern, but Tomin's opinion isn't. His scowl has been getting wider as Vedder kept speaking.
Arm d20+12=26 Friday April 6th, 2007 5:57:45 AM
Able to hold his anger in no longer, yet still speaking respectfully to Tomin, Arm says, "Begging your pardon, sergeant, but this drunken sot you see before you is a member of what they call the 'Plateau City Defense League', a group that has in the past been responsible for beating City citizens that have elven blood for solely that reason. He and his lackey in the audience over there (he points to the retreating Barber) seem very conspicuous by being witness to such an act. I contend that it is THEY who hired these thugs to do such a thing, especially since THAT one (he points to the half-orc) spouts the same hate-speech that is common among this so-called 'Defense League'." (Diplomacy=26)
Thar ail Baerer Friday April 6th, 2007 9:25:10 AM
Seeing the need to finally speak, Thar quietely walks up to the guard and says "Sir, I must respond to the man's accusations. Yes, his men suffered injuries but only after they attacked one of my friends. We asked them nicely to stop and explain why they were defacing the property. Instead of acting civilized, they attacked us and we merely defended ourselves. I feel bad that they were injured, but we did not attack first."
"My friend Arm is correct, and the PCDL has a reputation for harassing innocent elves and others that they don't like. I have no problem with what they say (i.e. hate speech), as long as they don't put their hate into action by attacking innocents. As you can see (pointing to his cross), I am a religous person and have healed many in this town who need it. I mean no harm to others, but will defend myself if attacked."
He steps back and awaits the guard's reaction.
Shadow Friday April 6th, 2007 9:41:08 AM
Shadow shakes his head as the apparently drunk man spouts his same old hate speech, and Shadow wonders if this will ever be over. "Sir, I just don't understand all this hate, this marker is to commemorate those that lost their lives in a tragic event. These hired thugs and hate mongers have defaced something my friend put his heart and soul into. They were warned to stop and did not. I just wish they would just talk and not act on their hateful feelings." Shadow does not know where all this came from, but he feels better after saying it.
Conner d20+1=17 Friday April 6th, 2007 10:17:03 AM
Conner cannot help but be exasparated by the fallacy of Vedder's words, but somehow he manages to control his ire and begins to speak [Diplomacy =17]. "Friends" he calls out to the crowds. "My name is Conner Baelson. You know us as good and hon'rable people. We've helped fight back the plants and wolves, we've helped rebuild your homes, we even recovered this man's prized heirloom and returned it to him." He points to Vedder with this last point.
Conner moves towards the monument itself, "We also lost friends and family durin' the troubles. My beloved Amy's name is right here." Conner's rough hand sweeps gently across her name.
"These defiler's are right...the troubles cost us dearly. But hear more! They're wrong about the elves...just look at how many dead elves have their names in the stone! One elven shopkeeper even gave his own life to save this fool's child." He points again at Vederer.
" You all live here in the Merchant Quarter. This quarter's known across the city for it's goods...high quality goods. Folk's flock here to buy yer wares. Leather worked by humans, dwarven metal, gnomish utensils, and elven wood and fabrics. Yer strength is in your numbers and in yer differences, just like every great city I've seen. Don't let fools like these get under yer skin. Keep rebuilding, and protect this monument cause it tells the real story."
Kadaz Friday April 6th, 2007 1:20:42 PM
Kadaz doesn't try to address the crowd but instead talks quietly to Sgt. Tomlin. "Vedar is a racist fool, who will do what ever he can to attack elves. I believe he will break the peace, foment rebellion, and ignore all authorities in order to spread his hatred. My friends and I stand against him and his followers. We want to preserve Plateau City as an open home to all who follow the law and want to live peacefully."
Edmund d20+9=23 Friday April 6th, 2007 2:28:56 PM
Edmund winks at Kirsten and whispers to her. "I have an idea. I think I might be able to help a little. Watch this."
Thus saying, Edmund heads off towards the crowd of bystanders, slipping in amongst them.
After Conner speaks to the crowd, Edmund calls out back from within the group of bystanders, "Hear, hear! Let's have peace! We don't need the trouble from the likes of these drunken Defense League thugs!"
Moving through the crowd, Edmund occasionally stops to speak to some of the bystanders, saying things like, "Sounds like sense to me," and "We should hearken to his words--they've sacrificed a lot for our safety," doing his best to move the crowd in Conner's favour.
(Diplomacy=23)
Kirsten Friday April 6th, 2007 7:28:42 PM
The paladin watches as Edmund moves towards the crowd, and instantly starts to worry about the wizard. Kirsten not so comfortable with his attempt, though it is a good idea, she's not sure whether she should trust leaving it up to Edmund. With a sigh, Kirsten remembers her promise to Caspian.
In reaction to this, she summons her mount. Once arrived, she swings herself up into the saddle of warhorse, Wolfgang, and inches the horse towards the crowd.
Mira (Invisible) d20+3=15 Friday April 6th, 2007 7:37:09 PM
Mira watches the dynamics between Davern and Fendrick. She uses what time remains of her invisible spell to move around or through the crowd and get next to Shadow.
Next to Shadow and now visible, she indicates Davern as he tries to slip away, telling the rogue what she has observed. "Can you follow him, then report back to us where he goes?" Mira waits for a response, before adding, "take no chances. Do not engage the man, as he will not spare you," she cautions the half-elf. If Shadow agrees, Mira plucks an eyelash, and as discretely as possible (Hide=15) casts Invisibility upon the rogue. "It lasts 7 minutes," she hisses, before moving through the crowd to find Kirsten.
Sergeant Tomin Decides (DM JohnP) Friday April 6th, 2007 9:48:23 PM
Sergeant Tomin didn't think too highly of what Vedder had to say, in the first place. Then the members of the party reply, addressing both the Guards and the crowd.
Arm starts off, stating what should be obvious. Then Conner adds some fire to the argument while Edmund is working the crowd. Meanwhile, Thar and Shadow have their say while Kadaz speaks directly to Sergeant Tomin. And Kirsten moves closer, expecting trouble.
The Guard Sergeant jerks his finger and points to the seven men who had been defacing the monument.
"Get them up, and get them out of here!"
Then Tomin turns to Vedder, barely controlled anger evident in voice.
"Go home, Vedder. If you want to see your followers, deal with the magistrates. The Guard has no time for your kind. Get out of here."
Tomin waits, staring at the leader of the Plateau City Defence League until Vedder turns and leaves. Vedder scowls at Conner and the others who are standing with him as he walks away.
While the Guardsmen are organizing the prisoners, Tomin comes closer to Conner and Kadaz.
"You're lucky that I like you. And that I don't like Vedder and his bunch of thugs. You know what the penalty for public brawling is, right? Maybe you better keep it quiet, stay away from these fools until we get enough evidence to arrest them all."
Tomin nods at the party, and stands watching them. He seems to be expecting them to leave the market.
Meanwhile, Mira moves close to Shadow and asks him to follow Barber from the marketplace.
Edmund Saturday April 7th, 2007 12:32:10 PM
Edmund does his best to slip out of the crowd, and heads over to Kirsten who now appears to be mounted on an enormous warhorse.
"Bood heavens, where were you hiding that thing?": he asks once he nears the imposing-looking Paladin. "I can't imagine anyone would dare interfere with you what with your armour and your horse and all that. Anyway, seems like things are wrapping up, so I'm heading back to the apartments!"
Edmund sets off for the apartments directly, anxious to hear everyone's explanation of events.
Thar ail Baerer Saturday April 7th, 2007 5:23:15 PM
Thar will nod at Tomin in thanks and follow the rest of the party back to the apartment.
Before going, he notices that Mira and Shadow aren't visible, but knows they can usually handle themselves. He'll move over to Arm and Conner and whisper "Uh guys, I don't see Mira or Shadow. Did they go off on their own to check something out? I figure that is what happened, but don't want to assume anything, as I wouldn't put it past the PCDL to kindap one of us."
Mira d20+15=25 Saturday April 7th, 2007 6:45:28 PM
No longer invisible, Mira threads her way through the crowd towards the paladin. Mira didn't remember Kirsten saying anything about owning an animal. She studies the beast carefully (Spellcraft=25) sensing there may be more to him, and the paladin, then she originally thought.
"Kirsten," she calls up to the woman in armor, "lets go back to the apartment, and I'll fill you in on what has happened in the city, and our involvement with the so called, Plateau City Defense League." Spotting Edmund on the other side of the great war-horse, she smiles, and waves, adding "good job there, with the 'crowd support'!"
If Kirsten is in agreement, Mira will start her story as she walks beside the mounted woman. The sorcerer fills in the details left out of Conners speach. "You see, when the Fey King awoke, there was havoc, of a sort, around the Wold. Nature surged up, and all was chaos. Vines and trees sprung up seemingly overnight, lifting and crushing buildings. The Neverending River flooded its banks, catching people unaware. Wild creatures came into the city and attacked the populace. Many were killed." Mira pauses, letting the words sink in.
"Elves and those with elvish blood, were asked to join in the song that would wake the Fey King. Many did, believing that a greater presence of nature would be a good thing. You know, more abundant harvests, a cleansing of the evironment, and such." Mira pushes her spectacles up upon her nose. "No one was prepared for the chaos that ensured, and many died in Plateau City. Some, like the Defense League goons, hold those with elven blood running in their veins as responsible for their losses."
Nearing the apartment, the green-eyed woman concludes, "Conner lost a sweetheart during the "troubles". She was a barmaid at Sampson's. As a remembrance of her, and those who perished, he commissioned the construction of a monument. The city officials gave approval for it to be installed in the park, down by the river. Inscribed are the names of all those who perished, no matter what their bloodline."
Conner Saturday April 7th, 2007 8:16:44 PM
The fighter picks up the discarded hammers and hurls them into the river. Back at the apartment he produces several bottles of cheap liquor and proceeds to get very, very drunk.
"What's wrong with em? How come they can't see the elves was also wronged? Why can't they leave the stone be?" he growls to no one in particular. His words slur together and only those listening with care are likely to understand them.
Kadaz d20+1=9 Sunday April 8th, 2007 9:28:32 AM
Kadaz nods his thanks at the sergeant. "If you need any help in rounding those idiots up just let us know. And if the magistrate wants to see us we're ready to appear. And if you ever come up against anything you need help on don't hesitate to ask. This is our town, too, and we aren't going to let anything destroy it."
Kadaz looks around the crowd carefully trying to spot the young half-elf who first alerted them to the vandals. If he spots the child Kadaz will walk over to him. "Thank you very much for letting us know what was happening. Here, let me look at that. Did you try to stop them? That was brave of you." Kadaz looks carefully at the child's swollen eye. "Next time, come get us immediately. I promise we'll stop these fools." Kadaz pulls out a gold piece and gives it to the child as a reward.
Looking around the square Kadaz at last notices Kirstin mounted on a very large horse. Her head is at leat 10' above Kadaz's, it seems. "Kirstin, come here, can you heal this child?" Kadaz asks.
(spot 9)
Kirsten d8+1=9 Sunday April 8th, 2007 6:34:47 PM
The paladin motions for Mira to wait for her when she hears Kadaz speak up. Kirsten nods at him, smiling softly, "Of course."
She dismounts to crouch before the child, murmuring in a very soft, motherly fashion, "You were very brave." She gently moves to rest her hand upon his forehead, if he will allow it. The paladin channels the positive energy needed to heal the boy, and casts Cure Light Wounds.
Afterwards, she moves to hop back onto her horse and head back to the apartment with Mira. The paladin listening intently to the story, nodding thoughtfully all the while.
Actions:
Cure Light Wounds (Heals 1d8+1) = 9 Life
Arm Monday April 9th, 2007 5:52:32 AM
Arm groans inwardly when he sees Ed moving among the crowd, "Probably do more harm than good," he thinks. His attention is drawn away by Thar, however, when he mentions their missing companions, especially his beloved Mira.
Casting his eyes about anxiously, he finally spots her near Kirsten, and his heart returns to its normal rhythm. As soon as he is able, he politely interrupts her and asks of Shadow's whereabouts.
Once they are back at the apartment, he pulls Thar aside and says, "Perhaps there is something you can do to comfort Conner? I can try, but it would probably mean more coming from you.".
Shadow d20+15=28 d20+7=20 d20+10=16 Monday April 9th, 2007 9:35:20 AM
Mira, almost startles the rogue, but he is used to her sometimes just popping up. When she asks Shadow to follow Davern he shakes his head minutely so as not to draw attention. "I will be back as soon as I find out where he is headed." Shadow speaks softly, but not whispering as that usually draws attention. Once Mira is finished making him invisible he will take off after the man. He will not worry about moving quietly until he gets closer to him.
IF the man keeps moving after Shadow feels his time is getting close to time alotted, Shadow will continue following but at a greater distance. He will also have to be more careful about being spotted.
Thar ail Baerer Monday April 9th, 2007 9:46:56 AM
Thar, noting that Mira has appeared, is more comfortable now and thanks Arm for pointing her out. Knowing that Shadow (in being invisible) is in his element, Thar says a brief prayer for his safety and success in his mission.
Back at the apartment, Thar moves over to Conner and says in a gentle manner, "My friend, I understand your pain. Some people in this world do evil things and don't see the good in people, like you and I do. Know that your sweetheart is waiting for you in the afterlife and this monument is a great tribute to her."
"Until this era ends and the final kingdom is established, there will be people who try to damage good things, like your monument. Protecting it is a way of blessing those who died before us and keeping their memories alive. It won't be an easy battle, as you know, but one that is worth the fight."
He stays by Conner's side and continues to try to soothe and comfort him through these difficult times.
Conner (Illegal 2nd Post) Monday April 9th, 2007 10:51:19 PM
Conner listens intently to his friend's kind voice. He smiles weakly as Thar consoles him, but does not understand the words through the alcohol. "Thank's friend" he manages to enunciate the short phrase, but just barely. Conner continues to drink until he passes out.
The Apartments (DM JohnP) Monday April 9th, 2007 11:19:49 PM DM Apology - Sorry for the abbreviated post tonight.
The party gathers themselves and return to the apartment. Edmund is the first to depart, after admiring the horse that Kirsten is now riding. Thar follows not far behind, worried about where Mira and Shadow have gone off to. Arm is worried, too, and both are partly reassured when they see Mira speaking with the new woman, Kirsten.
Conner would have tossed the hammers into the river except that the Guard took them, probably as evidence. Before they leave, Kadaz bids farewell to the Guards and offers future assistance in both this matter and anything in the future.
As they walk back to the apartment, Mira recounts both the story of the Troubles, as they are commonly known. The sorcerer tells of both what happened to the City and to the group during that dreadful time, and how it seemed to lead to the current problems with the Plateau City Defence League.
The half-elf boy who summoned the party is still outside the apartment. Birdie has been guarding the doorway and the boy was maybe hoping to the play with the dog. Kadaz's kind words and the healing provided by Kirsten brighten the lad's face. The gold piece makes the smile even broader.
"Thanks, Mister! I knew you folk would help out!," the boy calls before tucking the coin away and running off down the street.
Once he enters the apartment, Conner pulls out some bottles of rotgut and proceeds to get drunk. Arm pulls Thar aside, hoping that the cleric can do something for Conner before he does too much damage to himself. Thar's words have some effect, but not enough to prevent Conner from drinking himself insensible.
While this is occurring, Shadow is following Davern Barber through the streets of Trade Quarter.
Shadow only - Highlight to display spoiler: {The PCDL lieutenant moves through the streets, glancing over his shoulder from time to time as if he thought that he might be followed. But he gives no indication that he sees (or senses) Shadow following him. The human walks west to Armor Road, the street between Trade and Guild Quarters. Barber turns to the north and walks to a rundown storefront on the Trade Quarter side. From the four men and women lounging outside, and the way Barber greets them, this looks like the headquarters for the PCDL. Crossing the street to find a place to wait, Shadow can see a tattered banner hanging over the storefront that reads:
Elves Out Now!
It seems like the right place. Shadow waits in a shadowed doorway for several minutes until he sees Fendrik Vedder coming down the street. The leader of the PCDL is clutching a clay jug that usually holds low quality wine.
How much longer does Shadow wait?}
Arm Tuesday April 10th, 2007 5:43:15 AM
After Conner passes, Arm bows his head in concern for his friend, then approaches Thar once again, "Thank you, my friend. Perhaps you should try again when he is more cognizant of his surroundings, though. I've been thinking, is there a way to protect the monument so that no further damage is done to it? I'm certainly not an expert in clerical powers, but would some type of 'protection from evil' spell work on it? If you are unable to perform it, perhaps someone at your temple could help? I'd hate to see Conner suffer like this again.".
Shadow d20+15=33 d20+14=31 d20+10=25 d20+2=10 Tuesday April 10th, 2007 10:58:17 AM
Shadow waits to see what Vedder does before he moves out.
IF Vedder enters the building, Shadow will move out to see if he can get behind the building without being seen. If he can he will try and get to a point that he can overhear anything.
IF Vedder continues on Shadow will wait to see what direction Vedder heads off in and then will wait a little while (about 10 minutes) longer in the shadows.
(OOC: if nothing happens in the 10 minutes he waits Shadow will attempt to find a place to eavsdrop)
Thar ail Baerer Tuesday April 10th, 2007 11:30:28 AM
Pondering Arm's question for a moment, Thar says "You've got a good idea there. I don't know how to make a spell permanent, I'll go to the church and see if they can help us out with our problem. Let me investigate it and I'll let you know."
He'll stand up, gather his gear and head to his church's Headquarters. He'll ask for the head of their magical research or defense research departments and wait patiently for someone to help him.
Carla Tuesday April 10th, 2007 1:02:39 PM
"Brilliant idea, honey!" Mira says when she overhears the bard's suggestion.
Mira then crosses to the window, and peers outside, looking up and down the street for Shadow. It hasn't been very long, so the sorcerer isn't nervous about her friend's wellbeing.
"I wonder where the PCDL are hanging out these days?" she wonders aloud. "Not likely their old digs," she adds, "not after we routed them out last time."
Kadaz Tuesday April 10th, 2007 4:44:49 PM
Kadaz sits down beside Conner to wait out the drunken spree. When Conner topples over he picks him up and puts him into bed. He also puts a bucket on the floor near Conner's head, just in case.
"Anyone have a good cure for a hangover?" Kadaz asks. "Conner is going to need one in a bit."
He then adds, speaking to Thar and Mira, "It may be useful to talk to those who carved the monument. The stone workers may know best what protections are possible on stone."
Edmund Tuesday April 10th, 2007 8:03:38 PM
Edmund pops his head around the corner when he hears Kadaz ask about cures for an hangover. "I've got a Grease spell!" he declares enthusiastically, before disappearing back around the corner.
Leaving the door to his room open, Edmund sets to work on his latest project, drawing his plans for the internal arrangement of their future headquarters. Edmund's drawing is terrible--surprising for someone with such diligent handwriting, perhaps--he seems practically of drawing a straight line, but everything is clearly labeled.
In one room, a blob labeled "Crystal Ball" is accompanied by a little stick figure labeled "Mira". The room itself is called the "Chamber of Divination". There is also a largish room with what appear to be impaled stickmen (labeled "Practise Dummies") where "Conner" and "Shadow" can be found. "Arm" has a "Conservatory" to himself, complete with "Organ" (many sticks and a box) and "Harp" (large letter D crossed with sticks).
There is also a "Chamber of the Faith" in which "Thar" and "Mira" can be seen doing something to many little stick people who appear to be lying down, or prostrating themselves, or perhaps they are corpses. Edmund hasn't labeled this. There's a fount, however, labeled "Water Moste Holie".
There are numerous other rooms, including a library, a tea repository, an (extensive) larder, bedrooms, a study, a foyer (complete with badly-drawn mural of stick-figure Edmund saving Plateau City from some sort of grey blob, though Edmund seems to be wielding a staff and a sword twice as big as himself), and a cavernous dining hall labeled "The Mess". There's also a "Refectory," whatever that is for, and an "Infirmary" full of more stick people lying down.
Unless the map is not drawn to scale, the largest room of all, easily twice as large as any of the other rooms, is the "Turkish Bath" in which "Edmund" can be seen accompanied by little circles on which sit blobs labeled "Pork Pies!" and "Tea!".
Strangely, this plan doesn't seem to take the size of the house on Helm's Way into account--regardless of its size, if all of these rooms were on one floor, there is no way they could possibly fit. Edmund has included many antechambers, waiting rooms, offices, drawing rooms, games rooms, and corridors, and also "Secret passage to the Kitchen" and "Secret passage to the Conservatory", without necessarily taking into account how these divers and expansive accomdations could possibly be made to conform to the physical reality of the house.
But then, Edmund is a Wizard. Perhaps he has some plan to warp the bounds of space so that the seemingly mundane house might be able to contain such an immense space within its walls.
Edmund (2nd, illegal post) Tuesday April 10th, 2007 8:06:37 PM ((As is the way with large posts, typos find their way in: Edmund is [i]practically incapable of drawing a straight line, and it is Thar and Kirsten whom Edmund puts in the Chamber of the Faith.
Not that it would probably matter, but might as well ensure there's no misunderstanding.))[/i]
Kirsten Tuesday April 10th, 2007 8:47:38 PM
Once back to the apartment with the others, the paladin lightly pats her mount before sending it away again. She remains relatively quiet while the rest of them go about their business. Kirsten does her best to be helpful, offering to cook them all something to eat or anything else they might need. She certainly doesn't want to be a pest.
"If anyone is hungry, I could make you all something to eat," she comments, though she looks rather thoughtful. Something else is obviously on her mind.
Afterwards, she wanders over to where Edmund is, peering over his shoulder. "What on earth is that supposed to be?"
Eavesdropping (DM JohnP) Tuesday April 10th, 2007 10:27:35 PM
Most of the Mithril Order is in the apartment, either discussing the attack on the monument or doing other activities. Arm suggests to Thar that magical protection for the monument may be desired to both prevent damage and deter further attempts at vandalism. The cleric agrees that it may be desirable but doesn't know enough himself, so he heads off to his church. Before he departs, both Mira and Kadaz support the idea, with the dwarf suggesting that his fellows may know something about preserving stone.
Meanwhile, Edmund retreats to his room where he has been working on a rather fanciful drawing of a proposed home. Kirsten can't tell what the drawing is supposed to be, which says something about the quality of Edmund's draftsmanship. Then the paladin offers to make a meal for everyone.
Thar has left, however, and doesn't take long to reach his church's gathering place. After waiting a short while, he is able to meet with one of the elder priests. That woman cannot immediately suggest anything, but has some suggestions for places to inquire.
DM OOC - Let me think on this idea of preserving the monument for a bit.
++++++
Over on the other side of Trade Quarter, Shadow continues to watch the headquarters of the PCDL. He watches Fendrik Vedder, the leader of the PCDL, walk unsteadily up to the building. Vedder nods to the members loitering outside and then enters the storefront. Seeing this, Shadow decides to do some eavesdropping from the back of the building. He quietly slips from the doorway, unobserved by the rather lax guards at the front door of the PCDL, and makes his way down an alley to what he thinks is the rear of the building. The rogue finds a backporch and a rickety staircase that, presumably, leads to the upper floor apartments over the former store. With some care, he is able to find a hiding spot near one of the windows where he can listen.
Shadow hears some things, mainly a discussion between Vedder and Davern Barber. The pair discuss what occurred in the marketplace, although it seems to be more that Barber is questioning Vedder and offering advice on how to handle himself with the Guard. Vedder doesn't really want to talk, complaining of being tired and needing to rest. But the founder of the PCDL does ask a question of Barber, "When will you know? We want the next time to be bigger?".
Barber replies with a reassurance, "Don't worry, I'm meeting with them soon. With the money and what they're suggesting, we'll have to turn people away."
Vedder then walks towards the back door of the former store, exiting it and heading up the stairs. Shadow freezes to avoid detection as the stairs creak alarmingly as Vedder climbs then, clutching both the railing and the jug of wine. The human enters the second floor of the building and Shadow can hear him moving clumsily upstairs. Meanwhile, Shadow can't hear anything from Davern Barber.
Arm Wednesday April 11th, 2007 5:50:01 AM
Arm smiles warmly at Mira's compliment, but then grimaces when she mentions the new hideout of the PCDL, "Just when the city's racial wounds seem to heal, they arrive on the scene to reopen them. The only solution to the problem is to remove them all for good, be it in jail or....some other way.". As he waits with Mira for Shadow's return, he unconsciously rests his hand on the pommel of his sword, knowing that it will probably be seeing action very soon. As he thinks of it, he approaches Kadaz and whispers so as not to wake Conner, "May I borrow your sharpening tools?".
Conner Wednesday April 11th, 2007 7:54:28 AM
Conner sleeps deeply, undisturbed by dreams or thoughts of any kind. A small pool of spittle collects beneath his chin.
Thar ail Baerer Wednesday April 11th, 2007 11:33:04 AM
Thar keeps busy going back and forth between the temple and the apartment. After looking at Ed's sketch, he says "That sounds like a good plan and those stick figures are much better than I could draw (he says with a smile). I'm glad you put this together for us, and how are we going to find a big enough building for the large numbers of rooms? Maybe a transdimensional building that exists in several dimensions (he adds with a wry smile, trying to think of something to keep Ed busy...)"
He'll head to the local dwarven stonemason's guild and ask for help in re: to their needs for preserving the stone.
Shadow d20+7=26 d20+14=26 d20+15=31 Wednesday April 11th, 2007 11:41:46 AM
Not sure that Vedder will be any help, 'probably going to sleep it off'. He will take a chance glance in the window he was listening at to see if Barber is still in the room.
IF he is still there, Shadow will remain in his hidden spot to see if he can learn anything else.
IF Barber has left the room, Shadow will around to the front to see if Barber comes out. If and when Barber leaves Shadow will follow him once more to see if he can learn anything else about this 'bigger' event.
Actions: Spot=26 Hide=26 Move silently=31
Edmund Wednesday April 11th, 2007 11:57:48 AM
When Thar stops by, Edmund positively beams at the compliment. Of course, he looks a little shocked when Thar asks about how it will fit, but quickly nods.
"Oh yes. Transdimensional, that was my plan all along, of course. I know just the spell for it, you see. Just needs a bit of research and I'll be able to apply it to a building. Same principle as a Heward's Handy Haversack, just on a larger scale. Should work perfectly!"
Edmund hastily draws another building onto the plan, with a bunch of arcane symbols all over it. It is labeled, "Chamber of the Magicking".
"It'll need a central place to cast from, no doubt," Edmund says. "Just you wait, it'll be brilliant."
Kadaz Wednesday April 11th, 2007 5:49:37 PM
Kadaz looks up at Arm's request. "Of course, here they are" he says as he passes over his sharpening tools. "But I think these Defense League fellows are not very accomplished. I'm not sure we're going to need our big weapons against them. They don't seem to attract anyone even half-way competent."
As the words leave Kadaz's mouth he hears a little mocking voice in his head asking "Famous last words?"
Mira Wednesday April 11th, 2007 7:06:04 PM
Mira plucks at her lower lip, concerned that the rogue is taking such a long time to report back.
"Lets have some tea?" she suggests, and catching up with the the paladin, she shows her where the party keeps the teapot, mugs, and stash of leaves.
"I'd like to persue the purchase of the building that backs on the park, but I think we should make some enquiries about the PCDL. Hopefully Shadow will have some information on their whereabouts." As she sets the kettle to boil, the flames reflect off her spectacles. "Their influence has to be...neutralized," she says, staring darkly into the fire in the hearth.
Kirsten Wednesday April 11th, 2007 8:53:39 PM
She helps Mira with the tea, seeming very willing to do what she can to help them as long as they will have here there. Kirsten nods subtly at Mira's comment, before finding a quiet place where she can sit. Not knowing much about what is going on at this point, she only waits and offers what help she is able.
After the Meeting (DM JohnP) Wednesday April 11th, 2007 10:01:24 PM
Shadow glances through the window, seeing that Davern Barber has moved to the front part of the former store. He seems to be speaking with some men and women inside the headquarters of the Plateau City Defence League. The snatches of conversation that overhears don't seem too interesting at first. It is mostly plans for upcoming minor demonstrations, meetings and the like. Although it does sound like the PCDL wants to fund itself through extortion of local businessmen and thefts from elven merchants. Maybe the Guild would be interested ....
Whatever Shadow does, it seems that Barber isn't leaving the store. Finally, his stomach tells Shadow that it's getting close to mealtime. And that reminds him that his companions might be getting concerned about how long he has been gone.
++++++
Everyone else is back in the apartment, discussing plans for the future. Whether that future be the creation of a magnificent mansion, or making supper.
Arm Thursday April 12th, 2007 5:43:33 AM
Arm nods his thanks to Kadaz, though not necessarily agreeing with his comment. He proceeds to his and Mira's room, where he assures that the blade of his longsword remains sharp. As he does so, he wonders what his reaction would be if he were in Conner's shoes and it was Mira that he mourned. The thought being to horrible to think about, he adamantly shakes his head to clear those thoughts from his mind.
Once he is finished, he picks up the tools and returns them to Kadaz with a smile, then goes to Mira and whispers in her ear, "I'm sure Shadow is fine, but if you are really concerned, we can head out for a bit to try and find him. I, for one, am feeling a bit hungry though, so perhaps we should grab a bite before we go.".
Shadow Thursday April 12th, 2007 9:27:18 AM
Shadow, not wanting the group to worry, and hoping that Barber does not leave the store will return to the apartment. Once he has gotten there he will inform the others of the mysterious 'next time' and 'bigger event'. He will also share the location of the PCDL headquarters location.
Thar ail Baerer Thursday April 12th, 2007 10:21:17 AM
Thar meets with the group at the apartment and listens to Shadow's report on the PCDL's actions. At the end of his report, Thar says "Do you think we should do some night time spying on their HQ and see what information we can find. Mira or Ed, do you have a spell that could pick up their conversations in certain rooms and help us listen to them back here at the apartment?"
He fills them in on his activities in re: to the monument and says "I'll go back to the stonemason's guild when they have someone available to speak with me. For now, my church had few ideas on how to do it, but I'm going to talk tot he dwarves."
Kirsten Thursday April 12th, 2007 6:45:23 PM
She listens intently to the conversations around her, especially as Shadow reports what he had seen and heard. Kirsten, as per usual, has little to offer them other than a nod of support at the idea of a little night-time poking around.
"If you plan on looking around tonight, you will want something to eat," she nods to herself. "So I'll cook you all something, it is the least I can do."
The paladin goes to do just that, and prepare a meal for the others, most likely stumbling around in the kitchen.
Kadaz Thursday April 12th, 2007 7:02:39 PM
Kadaz is very much to the point. "I like the idea of paying a little visit to the idiots in the Defense League. But why sneak around? We could bust the place up, make sure they know they aren't welcome in Plateau City."
Edmund Thursday April 12th, 2007 7:32:57 PM
Edmund attends the meeting, though he is perhaps a bit less-than-attentive, drawing feverishly in a pseudo-architectural haze, and when Thar asks if he can cast a spell for that sort of thing, Edmund just nods absently.
"Yes, absolutely, I'm certain there is a sort of spell for that kind of thing. Clairvoyance and Clairaudience, right? Diviniation magic, that. Don't know it, but I could learn it, if we can dig up a scroll of it somewhere. Could come in handy later, so we might as well. I think I have some money left, but don't know how much."
Edmund goes back to his drawing until Kadaz suggests busting in to the Defense Leaque HQ, at which point he falls out of his chair.
"BUST the place up!?" Edmund says, unable to control his shock and surprise. "BUST the place up!? If we start disobeying the law and attacking people left and right because we don't like them and their policies, why, we're no different than they are! They've gone and done some rotten things, and they've paid for it. If we now turn around and attack them without provocation, we're the ones instigating the situation. No, we must wait and when they do something, they will have truly earned our wrath. I'm not saying we shouldn't keep an eye on them and try to thwart their plans, but to storm in without a by-your-leave and lay waste all 'round us, well, I'll have no part of such a thing."
"Besides, even Sjt. Tomlin will have trouble covering for us if we do something so brazen as that--we'll be labeled disturbers of the peace at best, and at worse, outlaws and brigands. The last thing we want to do is give the P-C-D-L a chance to make us look like the bad guys--we'd be playing right into their hands! The elf-lovers who come down, smashing up houses, taking law into their own hands, and they the poor defenders of the common man, abiders of the law, and so on. What more could they ask for?"
"No," Edmund says, "Absolutely not. If that's what you are up for, count me out, one hundred percent."
Mira Thursday April 12th, 2007 9:30:13 PM
Exasperated at the news from Shadow, Mira gives vent to her feeling. "That's just great! Folks in Plateau City are trying to put their lives, and the city, back together, and we've got idiots like the PCDL fostering unrest and discontent. Its...its...terrorism...anarchy!" Mira sets the table, slamming plates in a loud fashion on the big planks of the large table.
"Edmund is right, Kadaz," Mira says. "The guards have been friendly to us so far, but their good will can be stretched only so far."
Addressing the paladin, Mira continues, "I've grown up in Plateau City, but never really felt a purpose until recently. After the troubles, the gods have seen fit to reward the efforts we, as a party, have made in helping out the disadvantaged of the community. It seems, everytime we do something to help out those less fortunate than ourselves, the gods smile on our endevours, and wealth and good will come our way." Mira calms as she continues setting out mugs at each place setting. "Yes, I am interested in having a home, and some nice clothes, and expanding my...collections, but, I'm also interested in helping the folks here rebuild. Rebuild their lives, and this city." Putting a hand on Kirsten's arm, the green eyed human asks, "Kirsten, would you consider staying a while and help us find a way to stop these Defense League idiots?"
What to Do ? (DM JohnP) Thursday April 12th, 2007 10:00:22 PM
After Shadow returns to the apartment and reports what he finds, the Mithril Order discusses what to do about the Plateau City Defence League.
Kadaz advocates the direct approach, one that Conner would sure agree with if he were concious. However, Mira and Edmund advocate a more reasoned, deliberate approach to the problem.
While all of this is going on, Arm encourages Kirsten to get cooking. And Thar plans on a method of protecting the monument.
After bustling about in the kitchen, with occasional questions to the others about the locations of various and sundry kitchen utensils, Kirsten prepares a hearty supper. Sitting around the table provides an an opportunity for discussion and planning.
There was much discussion about using magical means of investigation but, unfortunately, the required spells are ones not currently known to either Edmund or Mira. That might be one thing to do on the morrow.
There's also the possibility of doing some ... investigation ... tonight. When no one is around, of course. Or maybe just to see who is around.
Regardless, the group needs to determine what they want to do.
Conner Thursday April 12th, 2007 11:02:29 PM
Deep but uneven breathing can be heard emanating from Conner's bunk. At times the breathing seems to stop altogether, and then with a quick gasp, restarts again. A single muscular arm hangs from the bed, the knuckles of which rest lightly on the wide plank flooring. A tattooed dragon entwines the bicep and forarm.
Arm Friday April 13th, 2007 5:53:29 AM
Dismayed as well by Shadows report, Arm loses much of his appetite as he picks grimly at his food. Not wanting to offend Kirsten, he eats what he can then pushes his plate away.
After a moment's thought, he says, "I wonder if contacting Frost Ginny would help. Elves have always been a friend to nature, and perhaps we could convince her to include the PCDL among her 'group', as it were.". After he says this, he realizes that his suggestion is probably without merit, but at this point he doesn't know what else to offer, other than elimination of them once and for all.
After a moment, he muses to the group, "If you don't think that wise, perhaps we should let Sgt. Tomin know that they are planning something else...something larger is scale.".
Thar ail Baerer Friday April 13th, 2007 10:21:58 AM
Musing over the ideas that are being discussing, Thar adds "Well, we should let the Sgt. know that something is going on, but that might tip the PCDL off that we have a way of hearing their conversations and plans (i.e. Shadow's infiltration). Besides, we don't know a lot right now and need to gather more information before we go to him. If we do some more investigation tonight, we could find out more on their plans and then tell Tomlin in the morning. That way, he could plan better what the best reaction should be."
To Kadaz, he says "I'm all for busting them up, but we could do a lot more damage to them by thwarting their plans. Maybe when we are interfering with their plans, we could bust a few heads while we're at it. We'll call it collateral damage..."
He'll then check on Conner's sleeping form and make sure he's still in OK shape, even though unconscious.
Kirsten Friday April 13th, 2007 12:10:23 PM
The paladin seems to consider Mira's words and then nods decidely.
"I will stay then, and do what I can to help the city and its people. It seems as though they have been through much and they deserve a little help."
Edmund Friday April 13th, 2007 4:41:54 PM
After some consideration, Edmund nods slowly, setting his drawing aside.
"Well, tomorrow, I'll go to see what I can find out about purchasing the spell we need, and scribing it in my book. It won't be instant of course, but we can use it now and later. I'll let you know what I find out about it. For the present, though, I think I'm going to go to bed!"
Edmund retires to his room, leaving his drawing behind on the table for everyone to examine.
Kadaz Friday April 13th, 2007 8:50:01 PM
"Ok, everyone, if you don't like busting them up how about we follow them and gather enough information to expose their activities before the magistrate?" Kadaz suggests. "That way we can make sure they don't spread their hatred, and maybe even identify those idiots who think like they do!" The figher corsses his arms and sits back, sure of his logic.
Discussion (DM JohnP) Sunday April 15th, 2007 1:38:59 PM
The planning swirls around and around. Unfortunately, Shadow is silent so nothing can be conclusively determined. At least for tonight.
On the morrow, though, Edmund plans to scrape some money together to purchase a new spell or two. And then they can eavesdrop on the Plateau City Defence League at will. Or so they hope.
In the meantime, Kirsten commits to staying with the group until at least this matter is resolved. And, Conner starts to snore loudly.
Since the discussion lasts until well after supper, the group stays in for the evening. The rain that starts near midnight makes that seem a better idea - no matter how nice an evening at Sampson's might be, walking home in the rain is never fun.
The morning dawns bright and clear. All sorts of opportunity awaits for the group to continue their investigations. Edmund, and whoever chooses, can go off to the Catacombs to purchase scrolls. Or the others can investigate the activities of the PCDL. Suggestions were made to approach the Guard, and maybe that is something that Kirsten is better suited for.
Thar ail Baerer Monday April 16th, 2007 9:02:33 AM
Now that morning is here, Thar suggests "Why don't we go walk around the PCDL HQ some more? We could take turns meandering by there, so it won't be suspicous and track who is coming and going?"
Shadow Monday April 16th, 2007 9:23:51 AM
"We definitely need to keep an eye out on the PCDL, and it would make sense to have multiple people there. We will need to make sure the leaders are still there and follow them." Shadow says to the group.
Posting Record (ADM Scott) Monday April 16th, 2007 9:30:12 AM
Plateau City DM John: XXXXX Kadaz: OXXXX Arm: XXXXX Shadow: XXXXO Edmund: XXXXX (missed Monday but 2 on Tuesday) Mira: OXXXO Connor: XOXXO Thar: XXXXX Kirsten: OXXXX Overall: 84.5% effective
Kadaz Monday April 16th, 2007 1:23:53 PM
Kadaz agrees to monitoring the bigots' house. "Is this guy, Davern Barber, new to us? I wonder where he comes from. Maybe we could research him a bit."
Kadaz takes some cold water in to Conner, to help him purge his system.
Arm Monday April 16th, 2007 2:32:22 PM
Arm agrees on keeping an eye on the PCDL, "Yes, I think that would be best. I still have my disguise here somewhere...".
Heading to his room, he rummages around a bit before finding what he needs, then comes back out with his hat adorned on his head. When the rest are ready, he will head out with them, then find hopefully a store to look busy in while watching the HQ.
Conner Monday April 16th, 2007 6:47:34 PM
Conner rises at his normal time and wipes the stickiness from his eyes. He accepts the water from Kadaz and slowly drinks it down. He hears the others dicussing the PCDL and is about to weigh in when his senses catch up with him and the effects of the previous nights consumption come home to roost.
It starts as a small ache behind his right eye and quickly spreads until his entire head seems to pound with each movement or noise. He groans aloud and then sits back down on his bed.
Mira Monday April 16th, 2007 8:06:52 PM
Mira nods agreement to the plans of the others. To Kadaz's enquiry about Davern Barber, she volunteers, "we've encountered him before, back when Fendrick Vaeder accused the elf, Talereithan, of having stolen his wife's necklace." Mira turns to include Edmund and Kirsten, before continuing. "We never did find out who stole the necklace, but it was sold to a rich lady who got herself caught up in a death cult. Got herself killed, too." Turning back to the dwarven fighter, Mira adds, "I always thought Devern was mixed up in it somehow. Likely, he snatched Fendrick's heirloom when Fendrick was to drunk to comprehend, or just passed out."
Continuing her explanation to Kirsten, "anyway, we got the necklace back for Fendrick. In his heart I believe he knows it wasn't elves who took it, but he's too twisted with grief at the loss of his wife and daughters, and sick on drink, to understand that his hatred of those with elven blood will only bring him grief."
Watching (DM JohnP) Monday April 16th, 2007 11:32:14 PM
The party decides on watching the headquarters of the Plateau City Defence League, taking turns so that they are less likely to be recognized. After a quick discussion, Shadow leads the Arm, Kadaz and Thar through the streets to the east edge of Trade Quarter. They agree with his assessment of the building and what it looks like.
Even at the relatively early hour, there are already some men and women loitering outside the front of the building. Walking ahead, Shadow is able to find some doorways or other points that the watchers might hide in.
A rotating schedule is worked out so that nobody spends too much time in the area. It isn't long before Davern Barber is spotted walking towards the PCDL headquarters from the south end of the street. He speaks with the people outside and then heads inside. Barber isn't seen for an hour or so until he leaves the headquarters with several other people. The group call on some local businesses with Barber doing most of the talking. There hasn't been any sign of Fendrik Vedder.
Those watching the PCDL headquarters, please roll either Hide or Bluff depending on what approach you choose.
Conner stays back at the apartment, his eyes too sensitive to brave the morning light. Mira may stay with him, or do something on her own.
No movement has come yet from Edmund's room, or from the room now occupied by Kirsten.
Arm d20=15 d20+13=29 Tuesday April 17th, 2007 5:42:42 AM
Feeling confident that the PCDL won't recognize him (disguise=29), Arm does his best to remain hidden while he watches the HQ (hide=15).
Kadaz d20+2=16 Tuesday April 17th, 2007 8:01:22 AM
For this undercover mission Kadaz dresses in his chain mail and leaves his axe and shield behind. This should make him harder to recognize, he thinks.
Shadow points out a likely place to hide Kadaz and the fighter tires to conceal himself. Whenever one of the PCDL idiots glances his way Kadaz ducks behind a corner, looking back around after a minute. (hide 16)
Shadow d20+2=16 d20+14=22 d20+15=17 d20+2=15 Tuesday April 17th, 2007 9:31:00 AM
"There are many places to hide near the PCDL building, but remember we are taking turns so it should be easier." Shadow says to the group.
He will go into his room and put on his peasants disguise in hopes that even if he should be spotted he will not be recognized.
He will take his turn, and when Davern returns - IF Shadow is there, he will sneak around back to see if he can eavsdrop on the leaders again.
Thar ail Baerer d20+10=16 d20+12=19 Tuesday April 17th, 2007 9:56:27 AM
Before leaving, Thar will put on some worn traveling clothes and put his shortswords under his cloak, in case he needs to defend himself. He'll also ask Shadow for help in preparing a disguise for himself.
Thar will take his turn and, while ensuring that he remains hidden and inconspicous, attempts to track whom goes in and out. He won't go sniffing around the building, but merely tries to get a sense of who is doing what and where.
Kirsten Tuesday April 17th, 2007 2:11:46 PM
Much to the paladin's dismay she awakes late that morning. With a faint sigh, Kirsten will hastily prepare herself for the day.
Emerging from her room to find that most have arleady left, she nods to herself and mutters, "Probably off to sneak about and find out what they can."
She remembers the previous night's discussion, and nods once again to herself. In an attempt to make up for her oversleeping, the paladin intends to make her way to the temple for prayers and then to head off to see the guards. She hopes she may be able to learn more from them, and perhaps hear a different side of what has been going on.
Conner Tuesday April 17th, 2007 5:25:16 PM
The fighter finally drags his sorry carcass out of bed and gets ready for the day. He first immerses his head in a bucket of ice-cold water from the river. He holds his breath for as long as he can before coming up for air. The water has a way of piercing through even the thickest of heads and bringing the sorriest drunkard back to life.
The rest of the morning is spent in training, partly to purge his body of the toxins that have accumulated, and partly to let off some latent anger over the PCDL.
Edmund Tuesday April 17th, 2007 8:15:07 PM
Edmund sleeps late, and then compounds the lateness by taking a very extended bath. When he finally emerges from his room, everyone seems to be gone or busy.
Having entirely forgotten, overnight, about visiting the shoppes to find the necessary scroll, he spends the entire morning doing absolutely nothing of value. He makes tea, reads over his spellbook a few times, studies his spells, and does the usual things, but he doesn't take any action about the PCDL or anything else. Being absent-minded has its drawbacks, but then again, Edmund probably doesn't have enough money for the spell and scribing materials anyway.
A little later, he realises they might be going into a fight soon, and he examines his list of spells to try and come up with something that might prove useful. Trying to be creative is hard work, and slow. Edmund empites a teapot and takes a couple of hours before giving up the task as bootless. By now, he's hoping the rest of the group will come back so they can tell him what they'd like him to do. It seems adventurinig is hard work when you don't know anything about how to do it.
Watching Some More (DM JohnP) Tuesday April 17th, 2007 11:10:05 PM
The four who are watching the headquarters of the Plateau City Defence League are treated to a day of boredom. Davern Barber came back to the storefront and went inside. The men and women loitering outside change from time to time, as newcomers join them before going inside or other come from inside to loiter in the sun. Near lunchtime, a pair of men head off to the closest tavern and return with food and wine. A lot of wine, actually. Sometime thereafter, Fendrik Vedder joins the people outside.
During all of this, the four don't think that they were observed. What with the bustle and movement on the street, they don't think that it would be too difficult to hide or remain unobserved.
Finally, in the late afternoon, Davern Barber and Fendrik Vedder both leave with a group of men. Clearly, from the loud talk and gait of most of the crowd, they've been drinking wine for most of the day. Barber is one of the few who is steady on his feet, walking beside Vedder to steady the older man. The pair seem to talking as they leave.
Whoever is watching can easily follow the group of PCDL thugs as they head east through Trade Quarter and into Rogue Quarter. Finally, they stop outside some stores and begin harassing the elves who operate the businesses.
It's not long before the Guard show up and disperse the crowd. From how they talk, the PCDL folk seem to think that everything went well, even though nothing really happened.
It's getting late in the day, and returning to the apartment seems like a good idea.
+++++++
Kirsten goes off to church to pray and seek guidance. After praying for some time, she speaks with the elders and has what she has learned about the PCDL confirmed. None of the elders have anything good to say, but nothing concrete in how to deal with them either.
When she makes a sidetrip to the local guardpost, Kirsten finds the same Guard Sergeant that the others had been speaking with. The older man is polite, but not really forthcoming.
+++++
Edmund and Mira spend their day on matters arcane. At least that's what they'll tell the others.
+++++
While Conner is training, he feels that he is being watched. After he puts down the training sword and shield, he turns and sees a tall, young male elf watching him. Once the elf sees that Conner has noticed him, he approaches.
"Excuse me, sir. I was told that I could find you hereabouts by the people at Sampsons."
"I'm MacConal, you might have heard of me. My friends and I need your help, you and your friends. Can I meet you tonight, at Sampson's?"
Arm Wednesday April 18th, 2007 5:41:47 AM
Arm trails far enough behind the group so as not to arouse suspicion. It is with supreme effort that he holds himself in check while they harass his kin, though. Once he sees, the guard take care of things, he returns to the apartment, his mind full of dark thoughts.
Kadaz Wednesday April 18th, 2007 7:45:01 AM
While watching the PCDL Kadaz has a thought. "Those guys are running a protection scam, and harassing the elf merchants. We could offer protection to those elves. Say, we promise to beat up anyone harassing them. And in exchange, they could pays us with a smile, or maybe a drink of water. We'd do good work for cheap!" Kadaz is much more interested in whomping on some bigots than making more money at this point.
Conner Wednesday April 18th, 2007 7:57:44 AM
Conner eyes the man with some caution. "MacConal is it?" he looks for confirmation that he has heard correctly. "And just who's tellin' you that we can be found at Sampsons?"
Assuming the elf comes forward with a plausible answer, Conner will agree that they will be at Sampson's near dinner time and that MacConal might find them at a table near the back of the room.
When Conner returns to the apartments later that day, he relays what he can recall of MacConal and the elf's request to the rest of the group.
Shadow Wednesday April 18th, 2007 9:32:35 AM
Shadow notices how easy it is to keep a watch on the PCDL and realizes his waste of energy on his disguise. He will remember that the next time, but keeps it to himself.
After spending a day trading off watches, Shadow is surprised all the group does is harrass the elves. When the group heads back to the apartment Shadow just shakes his head and wonders if that was the "big event".
Thar ail Baerer Wednesday April 18th, 2007 11:43:56 AM
Frustrated that they didn't get any more information, Thar returns to the apartment. "If that's their plan to harass some elves, then they're a bunch of fools," he thinks to himself.
After listening to Conner's information, he says "I'm all for helping out my fellow elves. If we don't help, then who will?"
Edmund Wednesday April 18th, 2007 12:21:50 PM
When Conner tells of MacConal, Edmund is skeptical and a bit suspicious, even though he is half-elven himself.
"Hmm. Sounds a bit worrisome to me. Could be some sort of a trap, what? Maybe we should go prepared, just in case, eh? You never know what might turn up. Maybe if we had Shadow outside, keeping a lookout or something. You know the kind of thing I mean."
Mira d20+9=23 Wednesday April 18th, 2007 8:27:07 PM
When folks go to check out the PCDL, Mira heads back to the records offices for Plateau City and makes further enquiries on the possibility of purchasing the place over by Helm's Way. She will use her charm (Diplomacy=23) and a little coinage, to further the party's aquisition of the place.
When Conner tells about the elf he met, Mira will ask the fighter for a detailed description of the fellow. She will dress with care, in clean, but simple clothes, before heading out to Sampson's for the evening meal.
Kirsten Wednesday April 18th, 2007 10:09:47 PM
Kirsten comes back, disappointed about the lack of information, but keen to hear what everyone else has to say about the situation.
"Find out anything new?" she asks.
Going to a Meeting (DM JohnP) Wednesday April 18th, 2007 11:47:22 PM
Conner looks suspiciously at the young elf in front of him, asking how the group would be known. MacConal bobs his head, causing his long ash blond hair to swing back and forth before he answers.
"It wasn't any great secret, was it? How you helped with the murder of Priest Tredegar? My friends and I asked about and learned that you were from Trade Quarter. I tried all the taverns and the people at Sampson's told me where to find you."
"My friends and I, we're in Hind Quarter. We want to do something about the Plateau City Defence League but ... well ... maybe I can explain it tonight?"
MacConal waits to see if Conner agrees before leaving. He's young, possibly less than a century old, and thin even for an elf. MacConal's motions are economical and sure, as if he's had some kind of athletic or martial training. Aside from his long ash blond hair, MacConal's most distinguishing feature would be his dark blue eyes, similar to what might be seen overhead on a cloudless cold winter sky.
++++++
Mira had been off to the City Administration offices. Her dealing with the bureacracy, and a little coin, reveal that the house on Helm's Way is mired in the investigation by the Guards and Constables. Until that is concluded, the property can't be sold. However, her words and coin have secured a commitment from a gnome working behind the counter to send a messenger if the status of the house changes. If the group wanted to push the purchase of the house, they'd need the assistance of a patron or friend in the Guards or Constables to conclude the investigation.
++++++
The four who had been shadowing the Plateau City Defence League return to the apartment, each having a different take on what they observed. Arm is barely controlling his anger while Kadaz is nearly bouncing with the prospect of breaking some heads. Thar is simply frustrated and Shadow contemptuous of what the PCDL is trying to do.
Conner's news interests all of them as he relates the request from MacConal. Edmund is mildly suspicious and the others wonder what might be about. The suggestion of having Shadow or someone else watch Sampson's before or during the meal has been made and makes sense.
Kirsten hadn't learned much else besides what the party had told her. Perhaps this meeting will reveal something of interest. Of course, it's entirely possible that MacConal and his friends (whoever they are) know nothing of Kirsten and her involvement with the Mithril Order.
It's an hour, or so, before supper time and when Conner agreed to meet MacConal. Mira and the others head over, although some may choose not to attend or to take precautions. When they get there, the new server (the former refugee from Floating City) remembers an elf matching MacConal's description asking how to find the party. None of the party notice anything unusual inside Sampson's or on the street outside.
They'll have time to take a table and make any preparations deemed necessary before MacConal arrives.
Arm d20+4=18 d20+11=31 Thursday April 19th, 2007 5:55:14 AM
As they reach Sampson's, Arm takes a small table away from the rest of the group so that he may remain unnoticed. It disgusts him to have to do this regarding his own kind, but he fears that the PCDL could disguise themselves as well as HIS group can. Until MacConal arrives and makes his intentions clear, he acutely observes his surroundings (spot=18, listen=31-nat. 20).
Conner Thursday April 19th, 2007 7:48:01 AM
"I agree with Edmund" Conner is bemused to find himself agreeing with the self-absorbed mage. "There is something not right about this elf...dark blue eyes...not green like all the other elves...dark blue!"
Nevertheless, Conner prepares himself for the meeting. "Shadow, I don't think you are known by the PCDL, perhaps you should remain apart from the rest of us and watch our backs."
Shadow d20+2=19 d20+10=24 d20+7=22 d20+7=15 d20+10=12 Thursday April 19th, 2007 9:46:15 AM
"I agree that we need to take precautions, so I will find a nice place to wait until this group arrives and then check around the outside of Sampson's for anything unusual. I will then come in and make sure there is nothing happening that should not be happening." Shadow says as once again he returns to his room and dons yet another disguise, this one is of a young tough (putting on his gear in a way that he looks more like a mercenary rather than his usual stealthy presence). He will head over to Sampson's before the rest of the group and try and make sure there is nothing out of the ordinary outside Sampson's.
He will then find a place that he can observe the entrance(s) to Sampson's to make sure there is nothing suspicious going on here. Once he sees the elf and his companions (based on Conner's description) he will see if there are any other people approaching. Once he is sure they were not followed, Shadow will once again check out the exterior of Sampson's if he does not finid anything that concerns him he will head in and take a table that is not too far away from his companions and listen to see what happens.
Actions: Disguise=19 Search=24 Spot=22
Spot=15 Search=12 (Not sure how many rolls you wanted.)
Thar ail Baerer Thursday April 19th, 2007 10:27:08 AM
"You've got a good point about being suspicous" Thar says to his companions. "Conner and Edmund, that's an odd color for his eyes and I haven't seen many elves with that color. Besides, I think our precautions make good sense ans its better to watch our backs then get ambushed. I'm not real good at the whole art of disguise, so I'll be one of the people that meets w/ the elf, since we share a race."
He'll join Mira (and whomever else is at the table) and order a light meal and beverage, keeping an eye out for thier visitor.
Edmund Thursday April 19th, 2007 3:48:51 PM
Edmund takes his own seat at the table, but one hand rests the belt loop at his hip where his Rod of Wonder is. If anything happens, as least he'll have that to rely upon.
When it comes time to order some food, Edmund orders a pot of tea and a selection of pastries--tarts, muffins, biscuits, little fruit pies, buns, turnovers, and the like.
"I wonder where he is," Edmund says to himself. "Maybe we're early?"
Kirsten Thursday April 19th, 2007 3:53:46 PM
Kirsten heads over to Sampson's with the others, her desire to learn more of this place and its happenings making her more than eager to accompany then. However, she seems somewhat wary as she takes a seat at the table with them.
The paladin only orders tea, finding herself some tea and a very light snack as they wait.
Mira Thursday April 19th, 2007 4:41:02 PM
Mira listens to what the others say, and then walks beside Kirsten on the way to Sampson's. "There used to be a paladin with out group. He was able to look into the heart of a person, and tell if that person was good or evil. Would you be able to do that with this blue-eyed fellow Conner is talking about?"
Inside the tavern, Mira sits with her group. She waves at Arm, sitting across the room, by himself. After ordering the special, she tells the group, "I've got someone with the city who will let us know when the house we want is freed up for sale. In the mean time, we don't want to do anything that will get us on the bad side of the Guard's or Constables, 'cause it could predispose them against us, and make it harder for us to get the place."
Kadaz Thursday April 19th, 2007 5:38:01 PM
"So, we're preparing for a trap. I'll be ready." Kadaz volunteers to sit at the table to talk with the elf. While leaving his plate mail behind, he still wears chain mail. And his axe and shield are leaning against the wall behind him.
"Could this elf be of mixed blood? Maybe he got his blue eyes from a nonelf ancestor?"
Kadaz orders an ale which he sips slowly. He also get some finger food which he slips to Birdie who's under the table.
"Mira, as regards that house, how about we contact Rabbit and his friend, whats his name. You remember, that halfling who ate so much? Maybe if they sponsored us we could get that house."
Meeting the Elf at Sampson's (DM JohnP) Thursday April 19th, 2007 11:24:50 PM
Most everyone heads over to Sampson's to meet with MacConal. Of course, not everyone sits at the table towards the rear of the tavern, as Conner mentioned. Those that do sit with Conner order a variety of food and drink while they wait for the elf to show. While they wait, Mira mentions what she found out at the City Administration offices and Kadaz ponders whether to approach the Constables that they dealt with before.
Arm sits off to one side, watching and listening to the crowd. He doesn't hear or see anything out of the ordinary while the others are waiting for MacConal.
Shadow is outside the tavern, hiding in a doorway after checking around the tavern. He didn't spot anything and waits patiently until he sees a lone elf matching the description provided by Conner. The elf moves confidently up to the tavern door, not making any suspicious movements or gestures. MacConal pauses in the doorway, seeming to scan the interior before entering. Shadow waits for several minutes and sees no sign of anyone following MacConal.
Those inside the tavern see a tall elf with long ash blond hair stand in the doorway, scanning the main room until he spies Conner and the others. MacConal crosses the room, nodding and extending his hand in greeting. A server sees him enter and comes close, so MacConal orders a glass of wine for himself.
"And get them whatever they're having, too." After saying that, he extends his hand to shake with Conner and the others.
"Thank you for meeting with me. I introduced myself before, but I'll do it again. I'm MacConal, son of Conal and third of the line to live here in Plateau City. Today, I live over in Hind Quarter but my parents and I used to live in Merchant Quarter before these troubles started. Like a lot of others, we moved over to the Hind."
Sitting close to him in Sampson's, Arm thinks that Conner's estimate of MacConal's age was high. For an elf, MacConal would be considered an adolescent. Maybe older if, as some suspect, MacConal has enough human in his ancestry.
When the server returns with his wine and whatever the others ordered, MacConal hurriedly pays for the order and leaves a generous tip.
"My parents and the other older ones, they want to ignore the Plateau City Defence League. They want to simply wait them out, figuring that things will change. But my friends and I, we don't think that we should just sit back. We need to do something about the PCDL. So, when we heard about what you did, we tried to do the same."
MacConal looks away for a moment, then back at Conner and Kadaz.
"It didn't go very good. We tried to stand up to the thugs when they started bothering some elves in Rogue Quarter. And ... well ... they got the better of us. But we still want to do something, you know."
"Anyway, Anton ... he's one of my friends ... he helps his father cater parties and the like in big houses around the City. Anyway, one night he saw one of the PCDL bosses leaving a place down in Outcast Quarter."
"So Jenna started asking around, quietly. She can pass, if you know what I mean. Turns out it was Davern Barber that Anton saw. Asking around, she found out that Barber goes down to this place once a week, or so, for the last while. Anton said that it was a creepy place, bunch of folks from far away live there."
"Some of the others, their parents are part of the City. Guards, Magistrates, that sort of thing. And, well, they hear what their parents talk about. Supposed to be something happening soon, and I thought that Barber's visits might be part of this. What do you think?"
Arm d20+4=19 d20+11=20 Friday April 20th, 2007 5:49:32 AM
Arm remains where he is, trusting that his companions will fill him in later on what MacConel has to say. Ever vigilant, he remains all eyes and ears, and will remain so until the rest of his group decides to leave (spot=19, listen=20). He still feels a pang of guilt as he runs his hand through his hair, much the same color as that of the newcomer, but he takes solace in the fact that his companions are wary as well.
Shadow d20+2=8 d20+7=13 d20+15=28 d20+7=13 Friday April 20th, 2007 7:48:59 AM
Feeling better that the elf really might be on the up and up, Shadow will still remain seated away from his comrades and watch the door. He will order a small meal, and take his time eating it. He will wait until MacConel leaves and then will follow the elf to make sure what he tells the others is accurate. (at least with where he is staying)
Actions: Listen=8 Spot=13
Move Silently=28 Spot=13
Kadaz Friday April 20th, 2007 9:24:20 AM
Kadaz is shaken by what MacConal. "Son, if what you say is correct this rot runs deep. Are you sure you want to stay involved in this? Could be trouble."
Thar ail Baerer Friday April 20th, 2007 9:36:29 AM
Nodding at Kadaz's comments, Thar adds "Yes MacConal, it does sound pretty deep. What exactly would you like our help with? We have a lot of options open to us, but I want to get a feel of what you have in mind."
Kirsten d20+2=15 Friday April 20th, 2007 3:48:52 PM
Kirsten nods when Thar speaks, agreeing with him completely. The paladin seems vaguely uneasy, her gaze shifting towards MacConal as they listen to him speak. She remains silent, and attempts to discern his intentions.
Actions: Sense Motive = 15
Edmund Friday April 20th, 2007 9:12:01 PM
Edmund watches the elf carefully at first, but begins to relax as the story comes out. It's either the truth or a very well-crafted lie, and Edmund doesn't think the PCDL morons are capable of writing something this clever.
Thinking it better to remain silent for the moment and to let the elf explain what he wants done, Edmund simply waits and listens until he hears something worth commenting on.
And when that time comes, Edmund's comments will, no doubt, be volumnious.
MacConal Continues (DM JohnP) d20+14=31 Friday April 20th, 2007 11:03:32 PM
The young elf looks around the table as the party responds to his story. He hesitates before nodding in response to Kadaz's question about continuing.
"I ... we ... yes. We can't let anyone, especially a bunch of lowlife scum push us out of the City. But ... ahh, we can't do it ourselves. That's why I sought all of you out."
MacConal looks over at Thar before speaking again.
"Jenna found out that Barber is meeting someone tonight, probably in Outcast Quarter again. From what's she's heard, this might be important. But we can't do anything about it, not if he has some thugs with him."
"The PCDL has been muscling people, pushing elves around and trying to get my people to leave Rogue Quarter, too. But there's a rumour that something big is planned soon. Maybe this meeting tonight has something to do with it. I was thinking that maybe you could follow Barber, see who he is meeting and ... maybe ... you know. Do something."
Across the table, Edmund and Kirsten aren't certain what to make of the elf's words. Kirsten feels that he believes what he is saying. The young elf seems to honestly want to do something about the PCDL, and may be willing to use the Mithril Order to accomplish that. Mira and Conner sit quietly, mulling over the elf's words.
From the small table, Arm sits and reflects on what he has overheard. Shadow does the same from where he sits and listens. Kadaz (and those sitting at other tables) notice that Birdie is cautious or nervous about something, but they can't tell what is bothering the dog.
MacConal looks at the party, seeming to gauge how they will respond to his request.
"So, are you willing to do this?"
Conner d20+1=13 Saturday April 21st, 2007 8:36:46 AM
Conner listens to MacConal's tale and nods at what he hears [Sense Motive = 13]. "Aye, that Davaern Barber's at the root of this alright. Sounds like we need to get to the bottom of this."
Thar ail Baerer Saturday April 21st, 2007 4:43:20 PM
"MacConal, it sounds like you need an answer quickly, since this is a time sensitive situation. I'd like for those of us at the table to have a few moments privacy to discuss your request and give you our answer. We won't be giving you our exact plans, and I'm sure you understand why, but we'd at least like to give you a yes or no answer. Would you mind leaving us for a few minutes, so we could discuss your request?"
Thar looks at this companions to gauge their thoughts.
Mira d20+2=13 Sunday April 22nd, 2007 11:14:01 PM
Mira has pretty much made up her mind to suggest to the party that they recon the PCDL again. What the young male of elven blood says confirms somewhat of what Shadow learned, after all. Still, one question plagues the sorcerer, and she voices it, addressing MacConal straightforwardly.
"Have you gone to the city guard with your information? We have found them, in general, sympathetic to the plight of all those who live in the city." Mira watches, and gauges the fellow's response,(Sense Motive=13) adding, "Furthermore, there are those in the service who have elvish blood flowing in their veins."
The woman's eyes flick over to Arm, sitting across the room, before returning to the face of the half elf who would recruit them.
Edmund Monday April 23rd, 2007 1:37:07 AM
Edmund chirps in after Mira speaks.
"Yes, speaking to the city guard would be the appropriate preliminary action to take. If you have done, I should be interested to know what they have said, and if you have not done, would you mind explaining wherefore? They are not in league with the PCDL by any stretch, and if they knew about the sorts of things you are telling us, it would give them more leverage against the PCDL. The city guard need the evidence themselves, the better to make a case against the PCDL."
Arm Monday April 23rd, 2007 5:47:36 AM
Arm reflects on what he has heard as well as the reactions of his friends. He seems to be honest, but he also notices Birdie's stance and wonders as well what is bothering him.
He catches Mira's eye and arches his one eyebrow even higher than they normally sit above his eyes as if to say, "Let's agree, but be on guard.". He nods ever so slightly at her that he agrees to engage the PCDL, but he for one will remain ever watchful of his surroundings.
Kadaz d20+1=10 Monday April 23rd, 2007 7:31:19 AM
MacConal seems to be sincere but Birdie is bothered by something. And since Birdie's has been at Sampson's frequently it's probably MacConal or something else new.
He looks around the room trying to spot anything out of the ordinary but nothing seems out of place. (spot 10)
Once MacConal steps away Kadaz adds his opinion. "Yes, let's investigate this PCDL plan. But since Birdie's uneasy, I am too. If it's a trap for us we'd best be aware." Kadaz mentally vows not to leave his back uncovered. He reaches down and pets his dog.
Shadow d20+2=7 d20+7=9 Monday April 23rd, 2007 9:41:30 AM
Shadow stays alert, but has not seen anything so far to cause any problems for the group (in Sampson's that is). He will keep an eye out for anything unusual.
Kirsten Monday April 23rd, 2007 6:59:48 PM
The paladin continues to regard MacConal with a certain degree of waryness. She nods her head and murmurs a faint agreement when Mira and Edmund suggest that he go to the city guard first.
Arm Tuesday April 24th, 2007 5:45:46 AM
Once MacConnel leaves, Arm will move to the seat vacated by him to see if he can add anything to his friend's discussion.
Edmund Tuesday April 24th, 2007 10:03:52 PM
Edmund listens to what the others have to say about the young elf, wondering if they trust him too.
DM Apology (DM JohnP) Tuesday April 24th, 2007 10:58:26 PM
Sorry folks, I screwed up and failed to arrange a sub for last night and today. I'll be back in the saddle tomorrow night.
Arm Wednesday April 25th, 2007 5:42:35 AM
Arm leans back in his chair and begins throwing ideas around in his head about possible plans for the PCDL.
Mira Wednesday April 25th, 2007 9:20:34 AM
Mira waits for the half-elf to respond.
No matter what, the party must do something about the PCDL, but they mustn't jeapordise their good standing with the constabulary...or the locals.
If only they could find out where the PCDL were planning to strike next...
Kirsten Wednesday April 25th, 2007 3:07:36 PM
The paladin waits with the others, silently mulling over the information already given.
Conner Wednesday April 25th, 2007 7:32:23 PM
The fighter thinks over the options, wondering how much he can trust this blue-eyed elf while at the same time an anger burns deep inside him at the thought that the persecution of the elves continues.
Edmund Wednesday April 25th, 2007 9:00:56 PM
Edmund looks around and waves over a waitress to order himself--surprisingly--some mulled wine.
"I don't only drink tea, dontcha know."
MacConal's Response (DM JohnP) Wednesday April 25th, 2007 10:03:44 PM
MacConal shifts in his chair when Mira and Edmund ask about the City Guard. Kirsten's nod of agreement heightens his anxiety. The young elf pushes his hair back from his face as he looks between the pair of arcanists.
"Most of us are, for elves anyway, pretty young. We tried before to tell the Guards and ... uh ... we were wrong. And ... ah ... some of us tried to do something ourselves. About the Plateau City Defence League, that is. The Guard got called and some of the others spent a night with the Guards. So they don't listen to us anymore."
Even though MacConal is uncomfortable revealing this information, he is being truthful. At least that's what Conner and the others paying attention to his words think.
After hearing Thar's request, MacConal nods in agreement. "If you want to talk about it, I'll go over to the bar for a moment. I'll leave you to it, but Jenna really does think that the meeting is tonight."
MacConal stands gracefully and moves over to the bar, taking his drink with him. He sips the drink and talks to a barkeep while the party discusses things amongst themselves. Arm and Kadaz can't determine what has spooked Birdie, and MacConal moving away hasn't lessened the dog's agitation.
The party can discuss MacConal's proposal while he waits at the bar. If they're careful, the party thinks that they can probably perform this investigation without arousing any (or much, anyway) trouble with the Guards and Constables. From what MacConal has said, Barber is accepting money from some group or individual that probably wishes ill for Plateau City.
After a couple minutes, MacConal moves to return to the table and stops when he sees Arm sitting with the others. He looks at the others in the party, and seems to be relieved at what he sees.
"Is this another of your companions? I'm MacConal. Hopefully they've told you what I suggested."
"So, are all of you willing to do this?"
Mira Wednesday April 25th, 2007 11:45:26 PM
Mira tries to read each of her companion's faces before she answers. Steepling her fingers in front of her, she looks up at the half-elf and says, "I think I can speak for my friends. We will investigate this matter, for, in as much as it may help you and your friends, it likely has a greater importance for the city.
Mira stands, retrieving her heavy cloak. "We shall prepare ourselves, and then meet you, and your friends, at a designated spot. Where would you suggest?"
Arm Thursday April 26th, 2007 7:16:31 AM
Arm nods at the half-elf and says, "Yes, they did...". He then rises with Mira and prepares to leave with the rest.
Shadow Thursday April 26th, 2007 9:41:22 AM
(OOC: First of all, sorry for the silence, but I was in that nasty snow storm that hit Colorado and have been without power, yet alone internet. John, I had intended to do a dm post, but could not, sorry.)
IC: Shadow will continue to observe without tipping his hand that he is part of the group at this time. He will wait to see what the party does, and when they do leave he will wait about ten minutes to make sure that there is not a spy planted in the crowd at Sampson's. If he spots someone leaving fairly quickly after the group does he will try and follow them. Otherwise he will head back to the apartment after the ten minutes.
Thar ail Baerer Thursday April 26th, 2007 10:28:51 AM
Standing and shaking the elf's hand, Thar says "As my friend Mira said, we'll do our best and hopefully disrupt their plans. We'll let you know more when we find it and look forward to meeting you tonight."
He'll make a point of not looking at Shadow, hoping to secure his anonymity and ability to spot any pursuers. To his companions, he'll says "What do you think is upsetting Birdy? If there is a druid in town, maybe he could talk to Birdy and find out what is frustrating him?"
Edmund Thursday April 26th, 2007 3:10:05 PM
Edmund finishes his drink and nods, standing when MacConal returns.
"Glad to be of service, my good man. Glad to be of service. Hopefully we'll put a stop to this rubbish once and for all."
Edmund turns to Mira and the others, wondering what they would like to do next.
Kadaz Thursday April 26th, 2007 5:50:22 PM
Kadaz looks around at the others and sees the agreement in their eyes. "Of course, we are going to do all we can. And you and your friends should try to stay out of trouble, if you can."
Kirsten Thursday April 26th, 2007 5:52:45 PM
She rises to leave with the others, nodding at MacConal as she follows the others out. The paladin seems somewhat apprehensive about all of this, though she seems willing to help the others. Kirsten agrees with Mira's thoughts on helping the city.
Mira (illegal 2nd post) Thursday April 26th, 2007 9:56:17 PM
Mira picks up on Thar's comment about the ex-guard's dog. In a low voice she answers, "could be that there is someone here who is not what he seems, or maybe someone who is not seen at all!" To Kadaz, she continues in the same low voice, "does Birdy have a special dislike of anyone or anything? I wonder is there is perhaps one who might be disguised, or invisible, in our midst. We would be best to be on guard!"
Conner Thursday April 26th, 2007 10:19:04 PM
"Help it is then" Conner confirms the groups intentions with MacConal. He finishes his ale and wipes his sleeve across his moustache, oblivious to Birdie's discomfort.
Mission: Accepted! (DM JohnP) Thursday April 26th, 2007 10:47:50 PM
MacConal beams, his smile showing even, white teeth when Mira and the others agree to assist he and his friends. He barely restrains clapping Arm on the back, sensing that the half-elf may not accept that familiarity.
When Thar and the others suggest meeting up later, MacConal looks at them with a question on his face.
"Ahh, it's evening now, isn't it? If you think that you need to pick up some things, I guess that I can meet you. But I thought that you'd want to start watching the office of the Plateau City Defence League right away. Or, don't you know where it is? I guess that I could show you where it is."
MacConal stands with the party, offering a hand to Mira and Kirsten if they accept his gesture. Kadaz and Edmund stand nearly at the same time, Birdie tense against Kadaz's leg. Conner finishes his ale and stands as well.
The young elf with the unusual eyes leads the way to the tavern's door, looking back to see if the party is following. He'll step out into the cool night air after looking up and down the lane.
"If you need me to show you where to go, I'll either go with you or meet you in Open Palm Market. Near the monument that the big fellow, there, had put up."
"If not, I'd better head back to the Hind Quarter."
++++++
Across the room, Shadow watches and listens. MacConal was oblivious to his presence, not paying any particular attention to the lone half-elf sitting by himself. After MacConal and the party exit Sampson's, Shadow keeps watch. He does not see any other patron leave right away or, for that matter, paying much attention to their departure. The staff do note the Mithril Order leaving, waving goodbye or moving to the table to clear the empty mugs and plates.
When Shadow looks towards the door, he sees that MacConal and the party have stopped right outside.
Arm d20+4=5 d20+11=20 Friday April 27th, 2007 5:55:03 AM
Arm takes great pleasure in seeing McConal's startled look at his sudden appearance in the group, "GOOD...best to keep him wondering where all of our assets are, at least for now," he thinks.
Once outside, Arm makes a show of yawning and stretching while he takes a quick survey of the surroundings (spot=5, listen=20). He then waits patiently while the group decides where to go, still remaining silent.
Thar ail Baerer Friday April 27th, 2007 10:19:31 AM
Standing outside w/ the rest of the group, Thar says "We could split up into two groups for a short while. One could watch the PCDL HQ and the other could get Birdie questioned. It shouldn't take too long to have a druid get our questions answered and then we could meet back together w/ MacConal later? I'm open to whatever you all decide."
Shadow d20+14=26 d20+15=24 d20+2=19 Friday April 27th, 2007 12:39:28 PM
Once the group moves off from the entrance, Shadow will rise and then follow the group that is not with MacConel. He will catch up to them once they have gotten out of site of him, and then will say, "Well it does not look like he was followed, so I will head over to the headquarters and make sure we find out as much as possible before the 'event'." With that Shadow will head off to the PCDL HQ and still keep his distance from the others so as not to alert MacConel. Once there he will scout out the building to see if there is any chance of him listening to any conversations (in the back again).
Actions: Hide=26 Move Silently=24 Listen=19
Edmund Friday April 27th, 2007 10:20:36 PM
Edmund follows along, wondering what sort of help he might be able to provide. Whilst he waits for the others to decide what the plan is, he fingers his Rod of Wonder thoughtfully.
"Hmm," he says. "What's the plan, then?"
Kadaz Saturday April 28th, 2007 8:47:20 PM
Once MacConel has left Kadaz turng to Thar. "You wonder what Birdie has to say? This could be iteresting. Know any druids Thar? But you're right, Birdie feels something is wrong. Is it MacConel or something else?"
Kirsten Saturday April 28th, 2007 11:15:22 PM
She follows along with the other on their way back, of course. The paladin has little to say as she mulls over all of the information given, and so soon after her arrival!
Mira Sunday April 29th, 2007 5:11:28 PM
Mira suggests the party rendez-vous with the half-elf at the designated spot in Open Palm market. "We'll only be a little while. Quarter of an hour at the most."
On returning to the apartment, Mira collects her belongings, including her scroll case. "I don't know where you'll find a druid at this time of the night. If we do split up, and the PCDL start to move, I don't know how we shall communicate where we are." Prepared, hopefully, for anything that might come, Mira exits the apartment. Before heading for the rendez-vous point, she releases a small pink and green stone from her palm. The tiny missile suspends itself in the air at the level of the sorcerer's forehead, and starts its orbit.
Conner Sunday April 29th, 2007 7:04:47 PM
The fighter heads outside, his large meaty hand rests comfortably on the pommel of his sword, a spiked shield hangs from his back.
Arm Monday April 30th, 2007 4:48:45 AM
Arm returns to the apartment with Mira, glad to be away from MacConal for the moment, "I can't quite put my finger on it, but I think that our new 'friend' isn't telling us everything. I think we need to keep ALL our wits about us tonight," he says to her.
Thar ail Baerer Monday April 30th, 2007 9:22:00 AM
To Kadaz, Thar replies "I'm sure my temple has some names of local druids. How about bringing Birdie and you and I can visit a druid, who could find out what Birdie is sensing. Then we can rendezvous with the group afterwards."
To Mira and Ed, Thar asks "Do you have anything that will help us do a brief message or communication with you when we're done or how about we meet one of you in an hour and you can tell us where the rest of the group is?"
Shadow Monday April 30th, 2007 11:27:35 AM
Once at the PCDL HQ, Shadow will try and catch his companions attention and motion that he is headed to the back of the building. Once there he will try and chance a glimpse of who is there and see if he can overhear anything.
Actions (use the rolls in the last post)
Posting Record (ADM Scott) Monday April 30th, 2007 11:33:53 AM
Plateau City DM John: OXXXO Kadaz: XOOXX Arm: XXXXX Shadow: XOOXX Edmund: OXXXX Mira: OXXXX Connor: OOXXX Thar: OOOXX Kirsten: XOXXX Overall: 68.8% effective
Not a very good week for us (especially me, with missing a couple of posts and not being able to post for the DM - Sorry, again)
Edmund Monday April 30th, 2007 4:32:19 PM
Edmund stands about idly while the plans are discussed, and when Thar asks about a method of communication, Edmund chirps right in and answers in the affirmative, "Absolutely! I can cast Message once, if you like, but I can only affect six of us, so I'll leave myself out as usual, since I'm used to it, but that still leaves one other person out of the loop. Who are the five that'll be in on it? Also, it'll only last an hour, so I should probably cast it when we are ready, and not before."
When this is decided, Edmund will cast Message on the six chosen people at the decided time.
Spells Per Day L.0: Daze, Detect Magic, Message, Read Magic, Resistance L.1: Charm Person, Grease, Hypnotism, Obscuring Mist, Sleep, Summon Monster I L.2: Daze Monster, Fog Cloud, Hypnotic Pattern, Summon Monster II, Web L.3: Hold Person, Sleet Storm, Suggestion, Summon Monster III
Edmund (OOC) Monday April 30th, 2007 4:44:45 PM
((Scott, I've been doing my best to post on Mondays instead of Sundays so that I don't mess up the post count, but how did I miss a day this past week? I made sure I posted on every week day. Where did I go wrong this time? Thanks for bearing with me.
+Shawn))
Kadaz Monday April 30th, 2007 8:24:22 PM
Back at their place Kadaz goes into his room and quickly, or at least as quick is possible, takes off his chain mail and puts on plate. "So, Birdie, he says to the dog who is comfortable on the bed, "we're going to hear what you're thinking. Hope you have something to say." He reaches over and pets the dog's head fondly.
Finally suited up and armed, Kadaz and Birdie come out to the common room. "I'm ready."
Kirsten Monday April 30th, 2007 9:24:36 PM
The paladin is rather curious as to what it might be like to hear what the dog is thinking. However, she is not quite sure that she trusts Edmund and his wizardly abilities, remembering their childhood together of course.
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