Durgan Wednesday June 11th, 2008 9:51:05 PM
OOC- sorry for the miss, we had a power outage here. I think the 4 year old missed the comp more than I did. Kristel, I hope everyone is doing ok.
Durgan makes a stop at the Catacombs also, then spends he day making some simple tools and items for Tod's shop. "So Trace, what's yer take on this war?"
Later, at Selenie's house, Durgan frowns at the lack of alcohol and helps himself to some snacks. He takes a seat and waits for someone to make the report, grunting in agreement at appropriate moments.
Savin Wednesday June 11th, 2008 11:20:56 PM
The Monk makes his appearence at the Manor ........politely introducing himself to the various members of the New Heranmar council ......congratulating them on their new positions.
Making his way over the table of after dinner nibbles ....Savin helps himself to some of the vegetables and dips ....with a smile he adds " nothing better then locally grown food "
(posted by Chris while George is on vacation )
Kazak Wednesday June 11th, 2008 11:40:32 PM
The dwarf digest the days gathered infomation .....as he makes his way over to Selenie's Manor house .
Spotting Durgans sad look "either the food ain't good or there is no ale " smirks Kazak
Walking up to Selenie and the council members ....Kazak greets them with respect and informs them of his earlier meeting " looks like we are making progress on the quarry .....met a few good prospects to help run it .....and they came up with some good ideas ..... we'll work well together ....... i feel good about the direction we're headed in with the quarry "
Feeling the stone beneath his feet and the shade of the oak tree " this is a beatiful place .....a nice blend of stone and nature working and living together " adds Kazak with sincerity
Stepping over to Durgan " whats amatter brother .??....you look glum " teases the dwarf to his brother as he grabs some fresh jiuce and dessert " look dey have cake .... i love cake ....try some " smirks the dwarf
OOC : hmm if ya had posted maybe there might have been alcoholic beverages ;-) hehehe , nice touch MikeK ;-)
Trace and Shadow Thursday June 12th, 2008 3:20:52 AM
Trace makes his way back from the catacombs feeling wiser!
Trace raises an eyebrow when asked about the war, "Well I dont care for dwarves much now that you ask. Nor do I care for humans or halflings or any other race that walks this wold and that includes my own as well. I have allways had a hard time mixing in untill I was drawn to che COC. Now that I have met all of you, and the ones before you, I would give my life to save yours. I think it is our lot in life to get in the middle and smooth out the rough. I dont mind in saying, were getting pretty good at it. I have a personal feeling that a group of people ro country or town, if they have the ability to help others, weather to give food, rescue from danger or fight their fight for them when they cannot, that group is moraly obligated to do so. If there is an evil king taxing and killing his subjects when they oppose him, and we are there to see this, if we have the ability to stop this even when it is not our land or never will be our land, we are obligated to step in and do so." Trace runs his hands through his hair and then absently pets Shadow behind her ear, "Sorry about that, I go off on a tangetn sometimes, to simply answer your question, I think we should get in the middle, find the wrong no matter if it is elf or dwarf we then remove the wrong. My gut tells me there is a third party stirring this old conflict. It just seems out of no where to be moving this quickly."
Jurgen Thursday June 12th, 2008 3:58:18 PM
Jurgen enjoys his chat with Holly and tries not to press on the Donk situation. Still, there is something definitely troubling about it and he wishes he could help the elf and dwarf. After dinner, he thanks Holly and promises to keep in touch with her.
He meets up with the other Children and is in a rather pleasant mood. It was a well spent day. "Trace, you're right. Truer words were never spoken." As for the speaking with the Council, he'll leave that for others. This was an important meeting, but he was fairly certain they had a more important one in the Hook very soon. And he wanted to be ready for that one.
(OOC: Hope everything is okay, Kristel)
Kat'Miara d20+5=6 ; Thursday June 12th, 2008 4:41:26 PM
Adoring Fluffykins seems to be Kat'Miara's new bosession. That and talking it's ear off.
If Fuffykins know how to speak, it's not getting the chance to. Between Kit and Kat, they have talked, asked, and given the wise knowledge that they have gathered in their many years as a halfling to the flying beast. Plying it with a variety of food and drink offerings, even though no one has seen them pay for any of it, and occasinally feeding themselves as well (while trading off the talking job,) they have truly confounded the amazing Fluffykins' ability to get a word in edgewise...
While wandering the town, looking for trouble.
A Day and An Evening[DM SteveK] Thursday June 12th, 2008 5:31:17 PM
The Children of Chaos are introduced to the new Heranmar Council by Selenie Quendeck. "I am pleased to announce this is the first meeting for our full Council", the elegant Selenie begins, "and since there are some new members of our Protectors, the Children of Chaos, let me make the introductions." She then proceeds to identify the six members of the Council for everyone to know.
Selenie Quendeck. Council Head and Councillor of Defense. A retired paladin and once protector herself, Selenie is still striking though gathering her years about her. Blonde-and-white hair fall to her waist, her blue eyes framed in a tan and wrinkled face that has seen horror and laughter in equal measure. Bunwit the Fisherman. Councillor for the seagoing trades. A rake-thin ancient man, his leathered skin and deep hoarse voice attests to his life on the water. Harrin the Merchant. Councillor for the town trades. Bookish man in his thirties, he speaks little but has a keen eye and manages property, goods, and monies with equal ease. First Daughter of the Crones. Councillor for the Powers. A woman of indeterminite age, she has a faraway gaze but when she talks in her soft voice, the others listen. Tap Goodfellow. Councilor for the farmers and people outside Heranmar. Cheerful and talkitive, the halfling is the only non-human on the Council. Several of the CoC already know Tap as his brother was once an adventurer with the Southern Lights. Chester the INNkeeper. Councilor At Large. Again known by the CoC, Chester was selected as a genial man whose time in the INN can hear just about everything that goes on. His bald head beams as he is introduced.
The Council doesn't have much information to provide the CoC. There has been nothing seen of the orcs, giants, or wolves since the exchange. The mercenaries are gone, and there has been no sightings of any Tritons or other seamonsters. The Council generally agrees that they are only for special answers and that the normal business of everyday can be left to the common sense of each person.
The one thing the Council does decide to do is to confirm the Children of Chaos as thier official Protectors. Selenie explains to the newer CoC members what that means. "Your group has offical defense responsibility for Heranmar and the surrounding peoples up to one days walk from our walls. (ie roughly 20 miles) Within that area, you are the justice-keepers and trouble-shooters and have the ability for high and low justice." Selenie smiles. "We are also going to be sending heralds to other communities and towns for mutual defense. We would like to offer your services as Protectors for any group that wants to be part of the... we'll call it a Confederation."
"What do you think?"
Durgan Thursday June 12th, 2008 8:09:24 PM
Durgan gives Kazak a stern look when he notices the smirking grin. The look means Kazak will be buying the first pitcher of ale when the group retires to the Inn.
Durgan raises an eyebrow at Trace's words, but shrugs it off. "Obviously the lad is stressed out." Surely he didn't mean it about the dwarves?
Durgan nods his head in agreement with the council's announcement. " Mutual defense...confederation...sounds very pragmatic. It's a good idea. We can do a lot, but we won't be here all the time. Defending the region may require us ter travel from time ta time. Like right now it looks like we will be going to Hook City soon to look into the unrest there.
Durgan returns to the snacks again while anyone else chimes in. He looks the table over thoroughly, as if he is sure he missed the ale the first time. Surely if he looks carefully enough it might be there? At least there would be plenty back at the Inn.
Kazak Thursday June 12th, 2008 11:18:30 PM
Kazak grins at his brother stern look ...." yeah yeah i know ..... i buy 1st round " laughs the dwarf
shaking his head Trace's words " he needs to be around people more ....been too long in the woods by himself " whispers Kazak to his older brother
The dwarven warrior nods at the council words ..: and the local guard's training is shaping up nicely .... I'm very impressed with their enthusiasm and character......they represent the town well ...when we're away " adds Kazak to his brothers words
Savin Thursday June 12th, 2008 11:23:26 PM
the monk quietly sits and enjoys the nibbles .....all the while listening to the conversation .......smiling as the town of Heranmar has truely accepted them as defenders
(posted by chris while george is on vacation )
Trace and Shadow Friday June 13th, 2008 2:30:03 AM
Trace listens to the proposal from the council and then adds his own suggestion, "Allmost any goup we have come accross, we have taken apart and have had hardly any losses. Only one I can think of at the moment. A confederation for protection sounds great and as battle leader with Peerimus permission, I suggest we take it a step further.
I think what ever towns agree to become a member of the confederation should be asked to give conscripts from each town for training for a Army that could be called upon in need that at a time the COC is over whelmed. We are mighty and I think we could defend and defeat allmost anything that is thrown at us but there will be a time when numbers will count. I would say if they want the protection from our confederation then they need to help support and supply it as well.
I forsee alot of ground work in the future and some beyound my thinking. Councils from each town to send a representative to a central location and to spread trade and strive for the groth and common good throughout the southern relm. It is my belife with the help of all the people and then guidance of the COC, we could all enrich our lives and hold a strong foothold against all evil creatures.
Trace and Shadow Friday June 13th, 2008 2:34:09 AM
Trace sees the reactions from the brothers about his comments on other races, and walks over to reassure. Putting his arms around Durgan and Kazak, "Dont worry boys, I like yall just fine, yall are like the brothers I never had. My bow will allways protect you till its last breath."
Peerimus and Yorrick d20+22=34 ; d20+22=37 ; d20+22=31 ; d20+11=25 ; Friday June 13th, 2008 11:17:26 AM
Peerimus returns through the woods, again befriending every animal he sees. The Feather in his matted and berry stained hair allowing for perfect communication [few Wild Empathy checks 34, 37, 31 for making animal friends.]
Peerimus greets each councillor with a nod and his hands clasped one on top of the other at his own heart level with elbows parrallelling the ground. Peerimus does his best to fill the council in on what is happening and what the group suspects is happening. The current state of the giants and orcs, including the name of Dame Jarlsdotter, the orc shaman and the Winter wolf Feyr. He will not include the ring and the minor conflict surrounding that. Peerimus will speak at some length about the grove and that it should be considered his home and like he would not simply walk into a house univited or announced, the reverse should hold true. And certainly it is NOT a location where battles should be purposefully conducted. Here, it is nearly impossible for Peerimus to mask his profound displeasure on those events.
Peerimus will turn the relation of first contact with the devil to Kazak to relate. That done, he continues with how the group then located an moved on the creature, destroying the abyssal fiend forever. Peerimus includes the information and suspicions of the group on the looming Great Migration and the seemingly near suprenatural surge of racial tensions. This the Council should all have suspisions at and so Peerimus is hopefully just helping confirm it. The druid speaks of the groups intention to travel to Hook City and meet with the Star Mage Guild and the escalating tensions between teh dwarves and elves there.
To the Council and thier escalation of the CoC's role to Protectors for the entire Downs, Peerimus is flattered by the offer and heartily accepts on behalf of the group. "A confederation? We leave those details in your able hands. Including the establishment of anything resembling a standing army, though I personally would advise against such establishment. Again though, to you good men and women we leave the details of what you desire to forge." Peerimus will see to any questions any of the council may have from how he envisions the CoC's role of Protector to the Migration to the Wold at large.
A Day and An Evening[DM SteveK] Friday June 13th, 2008 5:14:58 PM
The Council talk of a military confederation for only a little while. Tap Goodfellow is the one most for it, "can you see it? Coming over the red-blossomed heather, thier green banner kissing the pure forest air? Heads erect, eyes in front, proudly stepping together, with freedom beating strong in each proud heart!" His eyes shine as he grabs a baugette and, vaulting on a table, slashes the air with martial fervor.
Bunwit sums up the other side effectively. "I was thinkin' more neighborly, y'ken? We jes' gettin on our ain feet. Ain'ta gonna laird it over nobody 'cept me." And then he spits.
Selenie thanks the Children for coming. "Right now, we'll just see who is willing to talk with us. Once we get that established, then we can talk about how we can help each other."
It seems a good beginning as the CoC go to their own beds (or in one case, Brina's) and get ready for travel to Hook City tomorrow.
(ooc: would like to know travel plans for all CoC and animals to get to Hook City)
Kat'Miara d20+5=16 ; Friday June 13th, 2008 8:46:30 PM
Looking for trouble as her sister takes her turn talking Fluffykins' ear off (does he have an ear?? she wonders) She notices a few carts to 'pick' things up at.... and pay later, if she remembers....
Kazak Friday June 13th, 2008 11:14:43 PM
"Thank you ...... brother " reply's Kazak to Trace "As my Sword will protect you also " adds the dwarf warmly
"Glad to be welcomed by the people of Heranmar ........feels like home more and more everyday "
"well i'm off to see someone " smirks Kazak " don't wait up for me brothers " and off the dwarf leaves to find a warm bed ;-)
ooc: working on updating character sheet for leveling up to 14th !!!
Trace and Shadow Saturday June 14th, 2008 2:23:27 AM
Trace pats Kazak on the shoulder as he rises to head out and find a nice spot in Peerimus's Grove for him and Shadow to sleep.
Trace speaks up again before taking his leave, "I know I must seem like a blood thirsty elf at times, but to tell you the truth, I have never seen a streatch of time go by in the wonderfull wold of ours that an army would not have come in use. If we were off on a mission and unable to return when the Giants and orcs arrived, if they had not killed all, the very least they would have stolen goods from the town. An Army is bad idea when led by evil, and dont even have to be a standing army. Maybe a milita that can be called upon to twart off attacks. Or better yet a combination of the two, a small standing army with the ability to call on reserves if needed.
But like you said, first things first, we need to find out if any other village will be willing to join ranks. Better to govern yourself than have a self proclamined king move in and force his will on the region. Enough talk on this, I hope no one is offended by this talk, I only suggest out of care for this town that I have grown attached. Better to have an army and not need it than to need an army and not have one."
With that Trace will leave the area and find solitude for the night as to prepare for the next day.
(ooc:catacombs is going slow, put in request for an item three days ago, still no response, I was hoping to have this for the advance on Hook City.)
Jurgen Sunday June 15th, 2008 7:25:47 PM
Jurgen listens to the various musings of the Children and the Council. He has his own opinions on the matter of armies, but it wasn't pressing enough to think about for now. An established governing body over the Southern Continent was something the paladin had been asking Peerimus about anyway. Better that it comes from outside of the Children, though they'd definitely be involved. Just as Selenie was today.
"Too true, Trace. That'll be something we will have to concern ourselves with, providing anyone wants to join us." He nods to the elf and then turns to the Council. "We're often busy, as you know, but if any of the towns want to meet their would-be protectors, I'm sure it could be arranged."
Jurgen thanks the Council for meeting with them. He grins at Selenie, recognizing the bond of paladin-hood between them that sorcerers never shared. When the Children are alone again, he proposes: "We keep getting split up with our teleports. And, if we're in a rush, it's the only thing that works. But I think Firn'gaer can Shadow Walk us all at once? The nine of us, plus Shadow and Yorrick. That way we stick together and we'll get there by mid-day. I think."
(OOC: Sorry for the missed post. I don't really know how far Heranmar and Hook City are, but Shadow Walk can take us 700 miles. Also, I'll have my sheet updated soonish.)
Kazak Sunday June 15th, 2008 9:57:11 PM
"anybody seen Firn'gaer ??..... hope something hasn't befallen him ?"
Firn'gaer-OOC Sunday June 15th, 2008 10:02:52 PM
Sorry, last week was overwhelmingly busy. Still working on updated Firn'gaer to 14, and Archmage.
Trace and Shadow Monday June 16th, 2008 12:54:28 AM
OOC: what would Shadows attacks be if enlarged? She has been modified from a normal animal with magic fang cast permament on here and she had slightly better stats that one straight from the book. I just gained access to more spells and one of them is enlarge animal.
Savin Monday June 16th, 2008 1:03:37 AM
ooc Back from vacation. Wasn't Disney but PA but still had a great time. I will get to my character soon. Not many changes but I am gonna need some help to get it online. Lost my password for the website. Any suggestions?
Savin is happy to see that the town is thinking ahead and is more than willing to extend his protection as far as he can. He does warn that while the Children of Chaos are powerful, they couldn't be everywhere at once and certain missions would take them away from Heranmar on occassion. He suggests that the town hire a constable or Captain of the Guard who could handle the day to day matters and command a militia for when the COC were gone.
Savin will spend the night at the school, drilling his students and take them on a 3 mile run in the morning. He will present himself for teleportation, shadow walking, or just plain old walking in the morning after breakfast.
(ooc How many students does Savin have now? I am assuming some have left and some have come)
Firn'gaer Monday June 16th, 2008 1:27:53 PM
Firn'gaer comes down stairs after a nights rest. "My appologies for my absence. I've been occupied with things of wizardly concern. I have prepared Shadow Walks for transport. It is not as quick as teleport, but it will allow all of us to make the journey together."
Kat'Miara d20+5=10 ; Monday June 16th, 2008 4:07:59 PM
Looking for trouble..
"Hey Fluffykins, want to see the best thing I've found for someone yet?"
Pulls out the Giant's ring, and after a bit, shows it to the beastie, on her wrist!
Durgan Monday June 16th, 2008 4:41:13 PM
OOC- George, what part of PA were you in? That's my neck of the woods.
"Trace, I took no offense. I will never forget what ye offered to me when we went to that future time. Still, I think ye should grow a beard." Durgan smiles as heads for the Inn. True happiness comes to a dwarf when he is surrounded by kin. And the Children of Chaos were close enough to make Durgan very happy.
Durgan has a very filling evening meal at the Inn. And a big breakfast in the morning. Both washed down with plenty of ale. "Don't know when we will be at an Inn again, so just fillin' up before we are eatin trail rations again."
Posting report for: Monday June 16th, 2008 5:07:54 PM
Career Game #3 Children of Chaos For the week of: June 9, 2008
Notes: Some missed posts due to family emergency, vacation, and real-life( darn real-life. How dare it intrude on DnD?)
an excerpt from the journal of Dweezil the imp:
Dweezil sat fascinated. THIS was the reason imps allowed themselves to be summoned to the material plane. Watching his master demonstrate the power of the new magic item was definately tops on that list. So was avoiding a pack of Vrocks, but that was another tale. "Dweezil, I have a job for you. Now that the item is complete, I need you to go back and spy on the Children of Chaos for me." Dweezil agreed. Not that he really had a choice. He went and gathered the magic journal, expecting he would need it, and then waited for his Master to tell him where to go. "You will not be flying this time. There is some urgency here and so I will teleport you." Dweezil was shocked. A teleport? This must be very important indeed...
A Day and An Evening[DM SteveK] d20=18 ; d20=11 ; Monday June 16th, 2008 6:30:59 PM
Talk with the Council winds close to midnight until the food and water is gone. Selenie nods at Jurgen, pleased that the Children have a moral compass that she is comfortable with. "These other communities may have their own Protectors, as well as their own militia. Do not think that the Children are the only one to stand between us and the darkness." She smiles to take the sting out of any chastisement. "We do need you, and are very pleased that you are not only Champions, but are citizens as well. You are a great many things to the people of Heranmar, but do not think that you are everything."
Savin's suggestion of a Town Constable or Captain of the Guard brings some thoughts to the Councilmen. Selenie is currently the defacto Captain, but she is getting on in years and a younger, more energetic person may be needed. They table the discussion for future thought.
Kat goes around looking for trouble and spying on the denizens of the city. She is able to pick up an interesting set of iron rings from near the smithy. They look like one of those puzzles to take apart.
Kat is not as skilled in her next approach. As she sidles up to a market stall that is displaying some really good smelling perfumes, he sees and slaps the halfling's hand as it was closing around a small vial. "None of that, young lady," he admonishes, "you have to get your pretty-water from your muther if'n she can afford it!" Kat is lucky the man is mistaking her for a child and isn't calling the new constables on her! ....................
In the morning, the Children of Chaos meet in Peerimus' grove, the shadows of the deep forest easily giving Firn'gear enough to begin his traveling spell. In a circle, the group bends and twists away into the shadow realm, the terrain blurred and distorted in each of their sight. Dark and gloomy, the path the group walks reminds many of the pathways of Koshe-Marr, and shivers are apt to crawl over skin.
It takes two days of Shadow Walking to get to Hook City (assuming 10 hours of travel per day, and Hook City is about 1000 miles from Heranmar.) At the end of the second day of travel, Firn'gaer judges that they are close to their goal and step back into the real Wold.
The Children of Chaos see that they are on a slope of a tall hill looking with the setting sun casting golden rays on the scene below as it falls to the right. About a half mile to the left, the great South Trade Road winds down from the purple mountains to the group's rear and to the plains below. These must be the mountains of the Skinny, and the party sees a wide river valley spread before you. The last rays of the setting sun pick out the sparkle of Hook City to the Southwest.
A short distance down the road from you stands an inn of moderate size. Warm light beckons from its windows. A pair of large wagons are parked nearby, and several animals are penned in the corral. Trace recognizes the place as the Three Forks Inn, still catering to travelers between the Downs and Hook City.
...................
OOC: Shadows attacks be if enlarged? gains a +2 size bonus to Strength, a --2 size penalty to Dexterity (to a minimum of 1), and a --1 penalty on attack rolls and AC due to its increased size.
Ooc: Savin has a good dozen students, and all are part-time, though two are old enough and seem interested enough to be apprenticed full time. The boy and girl are eager, but there is no word on how the parents would react to them becoming full-time monks-in-training.
OOC: Durgan. You are correct and got a Hero Point from 10 March as well as with the Horned Devil.
Kazak Monday June 16th, 2008 11:17:09 PM
The dwarf spots the lights from the Inn ...." well seems to be we arrived just in time for dinner " chuckles Kazak " i say we stay here for the night .....anyone second that ? "
Waiting for a moment the dwarven warrior starts towards the Inn " come on brother ....i wonder if they have a mug with your name on it "
Not being the shy type Kazak enters the Inn and surveys those in the main room .......looking for a large table for the group the dwarf makes his way over to one and takes a chair .....hoping a waitress has spotted him and his fellow compadres .
Savin Monday June 16th, 2008 11:42:39 PM
Savin walks the shadow ways slightly nervous as it brings back bad memories. He half expects a lich or vampire to jump out at them, Once they exit the shadow walk, an audible sigh of relief is heard from the monk. Seeing the inn Savin's face breaks out into a grin. "Shal we go get a hot meal and a cold beverage? Then Peerimus can tell us his plans for altering a possible race war in a city that we don't call home." Savin pokes Peerimus in the ribs and says, "I am sure glad your the leader and not me. Just tell me who you want punched"
Trace and Shadow Tuesday June 17th, 2008 2:40:57 AM
Trace reaches down and pets Shadow, "I dont know about you darlin but I hate traveling that way, gives me the creaps."
Trace sees the inn down below, it seems ages has passed since he has been to the inn (eight years ago). I am with the dwarves, but I think I'll stick with the wine, maybe we can order some mutton for me and you Shadow."
Default Spells
Level 1: resist energy, animale messanger, pass without trace
Level 2: Bark-skin, Cats Grace
Level 3: water walk, darkvision
Level 4: summon natures aly IV
Kat'Miara d20+5=13 ; Tuesday June 17th, 2008 7:29:57 AM
Looking for trouble...
"Hey Fluffykins, did you see that knife-juggler down the street a few blocks ago? I wonder if I could do that..."
Peerimus and Yorrick Tuesday June 17th, 2008 7:57:42 AM
Peerimus nods to the Selenie's wisdom, "Of Course not. I ask for a little patience by you and the council on our part. This is the first place that many of us have ever called or even thought of as home our entire adult lives. Some of us are," he pauses looking for the correct word, "excited." He decides on. At the conclusion of the meeting Peerimus bids al a good night and reminds the party to meet at the grove at first light to depart for Hook City.
Peerimus and Yorrick both are extrememly quiet diring the trips through the Shadpw Walk spell. The druid would have preferred to have simply walked, or taken horses. Unfortunately time was a bit against them and they did not have the leisure of a months ride. Stepping out Peerimus too, lets a long breath out and stretches in the fading light. "The Inn will do nicely." Peerimus begins walking and answers Savin, "Well there is this monk..." he says with a chuckle. While still from the Inn Peerimus mentions a few things or rather reminds the group of a few things. "We are here to listen and possibly speak to the Star Mage Guild as Firngaer was of course good enough to invite us and we know Randall and Fluffykins is no doubht anxious to see him again. Let's not talk overly about that or the elf and dwarf tensions while in the Inn."
The Three Forks Inn[DM SteveK] Tuesday June 17th, 2008 1:35:36 PM
The Children of Chaos move down the hill, over the Trade Road and into the courtyard of Three Forks Inn. The place is bustling with several horses and small carts being put away by merchants, a couple of individual horses led to a stable by a male half-orc who looks like he knows animal husbandry, and a circle of covered waggons outside the inn that has a constant to-and-fro of merchants and guards going in to be fed.
Upon arrival, the two horses in the courtyard begin to rear and roll thier eyes. The half-orc glances at the CoC and quickly ushers the horses into a stable area, shutting the gate, and then trotting back to the group. "May you profit from your stay", he greets the group. "I'm Garn, the stablemaster. There is food aplenty in the Inn and so far there are a few rooms left with beds, but"... and the man casts an eye at Yorrick's bulk and the padding Shadow, "but there will be many who will be uncomfortable with beasts about, especially my charges." He looks up hopefully, "you do have a place for them to stay the night out away from the Inn, don't you?"
The smells coming from the doorway to the Inn are delectable, and laughter and song within attest to the good mood and crowded conditions inside. Trace gets a whiff of a pungent dish that could easily make his mouth water. It has been years since he has has the Three Forks Stingroot with a mug of the Mountainhome.
Jurgen Tuesday June 17th, 2008 2:43:43 PM
Walking through Koshe-Marr, Jurgen feels a great unease that one could get lost here very quickly. To be alone in the world of shadows would spell disaster. At the end of the first day, Jurgen considers walking the rest of the distance by foot. But he quickly quells that thought. He doubted the dwarves would let him live it down if he did. On the second day, the paladin begins to set aside the feeling and be more alert and protective.
When Firn'gaer (finally) pulls them out of Koshe-Marr the second time, the beautiful scenery makes Jurgen forget where he had been moments ago. He grins widely at the Children's interactions, remembering that first and foremost they are a group of friends.
"I'd forgotten how unlike Heranmar the rest of the world is..." Jurgen speaks to the group after Garn's request that their companions stay away. Shay, of course, would be much happier outside of the Inn anyway. In fact, he leaps off Jurgen's arm and into the sky, looking for a suitable location for Yorrick and Shadow to spend the evening.
Firn'gaer Tuesday June 17th, 2008 5:32:46 PM
The group leaves the realm of shadow, and Firn'gaer feels the uneasiness of the other, but this means of travel cannot be helped because it's the best means of allowing all of them to travel together.
"Don't worry, we have means to lessen the unease of the animals and the other travelers." He looks to Trace and Peerimus, "I can conjure a shelter for them, and you if you wish, to stay out of the weather."
"We have one more short trip tomorrow along the borders of Kosh-Marr. I would think that we should arrive tomorrow early afternoon."
Addendum[DM SteveK] Tuesday June 17th, 2008 5:40:05 PM
ooc: to clear up a point. the Shadowwalk didn't have the group go through or see Koshe-Marr, it only reminded some of the heroes about what it was like in the realm of horror. :-)
Jeff C [OOC] Tuesday June 17th, 2008 10:55:38 PM
(Whoops. :D)
Durgan Tuesday June 17th, 2008 11:04:09 PM
Durgan shudders as the group leaves the shadow plane. "Leave it to a wizard ta figure out the strangest way possible to take a walk. Ahh. At least there is an Inn here, back in the normal Wold. Good food you say?", to the stablemaster. "Aye. Lead on then." Durgan stows away his axe which had been constantly at the ready while traveling the shadow realm. "And I thought teleportin was bad."
Savin d8=7 ; Tuesday June 17th, 2008 11:27:22 PM
Savin laces his hands together and cracks his knuckles, chuckling at Peerimus' advice. "What's the matter my mighty druid. Think we are going to stick our feet in our mouths or something. Even if we do, I think we can handle a couple drunk merchants."
Once the group gets closer to the Inn and the stable master makes his appearance, Savin will listen to Firn'gaer solution and wonder out loud, "Why would animals want to live in a magically conjured house when they can sleep under the stars, romp and maybe get some hunting in. Still if that is what you think is best, then by all means go ahead. I of couse will like a hot meal, and some intelligent conversation"
With that parting shot, Savin walks into the Inn and calls out, "Innkeeper! What delicious foods do you have on the menu this fine evening. The day is beautiful and this looks like fine company to rest up with and tip a few pints with." Savin will pull out several gold coins and put them on the bar and say, "Buy the house a round and let me know when that runs out."
(ooc Working on character sheet updates and the d8 roll was for hitpoints)
Trace and Shadow d20+12=22 ; d20+17=21 ; Wednesday June 18th, 2008 2:38:06 AM
Trace kneels down to Shadow rubbing her ears, she likes it when he does that. "OK girl, you know the deal, you and furry butt over there makes everyone of the so called normal people nervous, Go find a nice tree to sleep in and keep watch over Yorrick, "Guard Yorrick",
Trace stands and nods to the stable hand, "Heres five gold, see if you can find somthing for the Bear and Cat. If anyone ask, warn them to stay clear."
Not sure about Yorrick but Shadow should be clear to anyone that she is not a wild animale, with the armor on.
Once inside Trace finds a seat, orders food and beer then takes his time to look about the room and see what and who is about and listens for any conversation that is taking place. Even more so since he is Elf in a part of the wold that seems to focus on his race now.
listen 22 spot 21
Trace thinks to his bow, any negative feelings headed my way at this point?
Kat'Miara Wednesday June 18th, 2008 12:55:45 PM
Following the group into the Inn, she sits casually, her back to the bar, not the door.Letting Fluffykins drape across her chair, shoulders, and head, she looks about, curiously, glancing at anyone and anything.
If/when the barmaid come s over, she'll order enough food for 10 halflings, and 3 stouts.
Peerimus and Yorrick Wednesday June 18th, 2008 3:26:48 PM
"The thought is ever on my mind Savin." comes Peerimus's flat reply. To the Stablemaster Peerimus inclines his head, "We are used to such misconceptions and prejudices sir. Fear not Yorrick and Shadow will not be imposing upon our four legged friends." Peerimus tells Yorrick "Move back to the hill top, Shadow will follow you. The good panther is your protector so treat him well." Yorrick grunts and his head bobs about as he and Peerimus talk to each other for a moment or two. The smile on Peerimus's face tells of something of what the two are talking about. "I'll bring them a little something after we get settled Trace. Firngaer, thank you but we will be fine I think."
Inside, Peerimus orders a good Stout ale, anykind of meat that may be on the menu and fresh bread. he adds 5gp to Trace's count for purchasing food for Shadow and Yorrick. The druid pays no regard to which direction his back faces. Perimus simply hopes to relax, enjoy a song, smoke and some refreshments.
Firn'gaer Wednesday June 18th, 2008 3:36:33 PM
"Well, perhaps next time, Durgan, I will leave the mode of transportation in your capable hands." He says to Durgan. "You can walk tomorrow if you do not like my spell."
"Savin the reason is not for any concern for Yorrick or Shadow, but a concern for other travelers that may use this Inn. I don't think many would stop at the Inn if they saw a brown bear or panther hanging out in the area, and consequencely the owner might not appreciate use scaring away business."
"I plan on staying in my shelter, and your animals are welcome to stay if you would like."
Kazak Wednesday June 18th, 2008 11:36:53 PM
The dwarf waves his brother over ...having saved him a seat ......." time to eat and drink .....ma feets are all tired after all dat walking ....nothing like a good seat and a frosty mug of ale ...eh brother "
Kazak peers about the Inn and it's patrons as he refreshes himself on the Inns fine food and drink.
Kit'Miara Thursday June 19th, 2008 12:20:31 PM
OOC - between internet problems and family and me being sick and hospital visits I have not been posting and I am sorry for that. I am going to take the weekend and resume posting on Monday if that is ok and at the moment I have no email (again thanks to my internet company) but that is supposed to be corrected sometimes today (I am not holding my breath)
Arrival at Hook City [DM SteveK] Thursday June 19th, 2008 12:33:31 PM
Many comments are directed about the Shadow Walk as a means of travel to Firn'gaer until the gnome's temper has had enough. "You can walk tomorrow if you do not like my spell." And the gnome spends the night in a hut of his own magical devising after having the fabulous food at the Inn.
Soon enough, the Children of Chaos are being fed and listening into various conversations. Garn is good to the money provided by Peerimus and Trace and provides a brace of bleeting goats that he stakes out on a nearby hill out of sight of the Inn. There is also a bushel of fruits and nuts in case the bear is not strictly a carnivore.
Fluffykins doesn't go into the Inn. Being so close to Hook City and his master, the pseudodragon thanks Kat with a reptilian body hug and a flick of her toungue on Kat's nose, and then Fluffy is flying off to Hook City.
That night in the Three Forks Inn, the Children of Chaos are provided with welcoming smiles from the four servers and the steely-haired innkeeper as she directs food and drink through the crowded common room like a sergeant-major on a drillfield. Large platters heaped with food are brought to the table. The first holds an array of hard and soft cheeses, fresh herb and nut breads, and slices of roast lamb, smoked beef, marinated chicken, and some unfamiliar white meat. The second has a large dish of crisp golden roots (the celebrated Stingroot mentioned often in the room), and smaller pots of gravy, honey, thick garlic cream, and a spicy vegetable sauce. To top it all off are two male servers with small kegs on their shoulders; one is providing a stout dwarven ale, "the Mountainhome", and the other a sweet gnomish cordial called "Fanfo Blackberry". Both are nicely alcoholic, and the servers take a couple silver in exchange for a full mug.
The room is jovial, and talk is happy and loud. The Children can easily hear snatches of conversation about travelling, mercantile prices, tactics for caravan guards, comments about Hook City, and a myriad of other topics that mostly involve women and men. What is not heard, at all, all night is any racial hostility. What can be easily noticed is that other than Trace, Durgan, and Kazak, there are not any elves or dwarves in the establishment. Neither are any seen in the caravan outside.
Rooms are available for 5gp and can sleep four medium sized patrons. The room price comes complete with access to the bathhouse and a sturdy breakfast the next morning. During the breakfast of a thick porridge, hard breads and more cheeses, fresh fruits and cold meats, along with hot tea, water, or more Mountainhome, depending on the drinker. As the Innkeep comes around, she seems genuinely friendly and available for questions. "The Three Forks is happy to help, traveller. The Trade Road should put you in Hook by early afternoon, if you travel afoot. It's usually a safe stretch; the Trade Road is well-maintained and well-travelled. You often pass an assortment of travellers and merchants moving in both directions. If you have business in Hook City, the best thing to remember is they take their magic very seriously. Civility even more so."
Trace and Shadow Thursday June 19th, 2008 3:46:54 PM
Trace thanks Firn'gaer for the shadow walk, it served its purpose well, "But this time since we are so close, I think we can walk it."
Trace makes his way outside to meet up with Shadow. "Well girl, did you eat your fill last night?" She pushes the side of her head into Trace making him stager a bit trying for more affection, she loves it when they are not in battle time, There is allways an empty hand ready to scratch an ear and pet her fur.
Trace checks his gear and reminds everyone about the disclouser of all magic items and how waiting in line is preferred. Unless somehow Firn'gaer will know we are at the gate and expidite our entrance into Hook City. None the less we have rights to enter the city, we are land owners inside the walls and certified protectors of that district.
Trace is curious to see what upgrades have been made to the wharehouse since they have been gone.
(ooc: how much time elapsed woldin time that is since we have been here?)
DM Steve: Trace, thanks for all the nudges on previous visits to Hook City, I'm doing my homework and think you'll be happy with the results. Remind me again about "upgrades to the warehouse?"
Firn'gaer - OOC Thursday June 19th, 2008 5:39:04 PM
How far are we estimating to Hook City from the Inn?
DM SteveK: The Trade Road should put you in Hook by early afternoon
Durgan Thursday June 19th, 2008 10:10:22 PM
"Eh? Sorry Firn'gaer. I've had some bad experiences with magic in the past. Just makes me nervous, that's all."
Durgan eats heartily at both meals. "Never know when another meal is far away. Better to load up fer hungry days later. "Ahhhhh. This Mountainhome ale is quite tasty. Do ye have a small keg I can buy fer the road?"
With a full belly, Durgan is ready to go.
Savin Thursday June 19th, 2008 10:24:54 PM
Savin listens to the advice and snorts, "Well I guess I am going to be out of my element. I don't mind knocking down mages during combat but spell use is beyond my abilities. Give me a straight out fight anytime."
Savin readies himself in the morning and thanks the innkeeper for the advice and great food and drink. "I will be sure to recommend your fine establishment to all I come across looking for your services." Savin then pauses and says, "I have heard that their is some racial tensions in the city with the dwarves and the elves. As you can see, we travel with both and we all get along fine but should we be worried about it when we get to the city?"
Kazak Thursday June 19th, 2008 11:49:37 PM
After the evenings meal ....kazak books a room .....before heading up he adds to the rst of the troop " i've got room for three more .....anyone is welcome "
Getting a goods night rest ......the dwarf enjoys a hearty breakfast of porridge and a plate of frsh fruit .....sipping a hot cup of tea ....when Trace passes the info of magical disclosure " hmm thats intresting .....i'm assumming its full disclosure ?? ......well anyway i'll follow your lead Trace "
"Land owner ??........you ?? .... hmmm ..... what type of land or business ?" inquires the warrior
Trace and Shadow Friday June 20th, 2008 2:26:36 AM
:::::::Breif History::::::::: from memory
back in the early days when this group was known as the The Southern Lights, we came to Hook City in search of a band of orcs. Led by two Brothers, one of them was Bear and the other was Void. The were so called protectors of a certain area. Groups of shops hire protectors to keep a close look out on their stores and homes inside the city when officals are not around. All protectors have to be certified by the city guard and given badges. I cant rember our group number but our last time here I changed the name from The Southern Lights to Children of Chaos.
Anyway, we "hooked" up with this shop owner named Madam Chole and she hired us during our stay, she was desperate for help and we did not turn her away. As soon as we were registered we were challanged by another protection group in the city, it turned out that it was the orcs we were after, Bear and Void along with others. The battle happened , led by myself and Sir Thomas. We won that night with them running and then countered the challange on their turf and we killed Bear and Void vanished, A couple of reps came and Took Bears body away saying they had a contract with him in the effect that he died they would have him revived. Big argument in the group. Sidetracked..........
After the second battle, Madam Chole turned up dead, left us the Wharehouse along with all the armor inside and and money and keys to the place. Its been ours since, in the groups name. Before we departed from here in our last visit to the land of the dead, We left behind a teammate, god help I forget at this time, but I left instructions for him to sell the armor and use the money to turn the wharehouse into a base for our group. Not only will we have Hernamar but also this place Here in Hook. Kinda dual citizenship if you will. It has its benifits of owning land in Hook. We could sell it off for a large sum of money but I have been reluctant to do so in case we might need it for some unknown reason in the future.
Jurgen Friday June 20th, 2008 8:22:37 AM
Jurgen, realizing the group has a fairly large history in Hook City, decides that being as little trouble as possible owuld be in order. He prepares a list of all his magical items as well as a declaration of his own abilities.
After a full meal and a good night's rest, the paladin is ready to visit Hook City and the various places of the Children's background. He may not have been a member of the group then, but he was part of the legacy now.
Peerimus and Yorrick d20+31=47 ; Friday June 20th, 2008 9:28:50 AM
Peerimus stays withthe group through dinner and a few drinks after and then heads out to the Hill where he expects to find Shadow and Yorrick. While inside though, he will inquire about any activity by the Order of the Fist in the area. He brings the food and spends the night as a Dire bear curled up with Yorrick. The next morning he takes Yorrick down to the inn to meet the others and get a breakfast. Those taking issue with the bear will simpl have to get over it at this point. Any horses or other animals around Peerimus will reassure that the bear is not interested in them at all. [wild Empathy 47]
Peerimus would like to walk the rest of the way if it is all the same to everyone. "get us acquainted with the landscape again."
Arrival at Hook City [DM SteveK] Friday June 20th, 2008 12:57:31 PM
The morning at Three Forks passes without incident. Garn the half-orc is fearful of what the presence of Yorrick is going to do to his horses, but then is amazed at the calming influence of Peerimus. By the time the Children depart on the road downhill to Hook City, it is clear that Garn is another convert to a CoC ally.
Durgan can purchase his own mini-keg of the Mountainhome stout ale for 5 gp.
Savin questions the innkeeper over the elf and dwarf problems that may be in Hook City. "Well, sieur", she begins, "I haven't seen a mercenary group marching to or from the city, these Fist folks or any other. Likewise there haven't been any travellers being elf or dwarf for a month, been keeping scarce if I may say so. Rumor has come up that the Hook City guard billets have been organized by race, and that they are keeping each regiment apart from the others while working. And for the exalted people of Southhook, especially the Star Mages Guild, I can't say. They don't visit a humble Inn, you know."
..............
Trace is excited about what improvements were made of the warehouse since the group was last in Hook City. Why, that was before the group went to dread Koshe-Marr! Trace sorts through his memory and recalls that it was in fact Firn'gaer who was left behind in Hook City (ooc: Aug 2006) to make the necessary alterations in the warehouse. Yet the good gnome was summarily pulled into Koshe-Marr to rejoin the CoC!
Firn'gaer himself will confess (inserting backstory here) that he was completely occupied by Library and Research projects that he never left the Star Mages Guild in the short time he was in Hook City. He never found the time to seek out the warehouse.
Further, Trace recalls that before they took the plunge into the Plactik Ocean to go treasure hunting in the Triton Palace, that Trace spent a couple of days in Hook City reverifying paperwork for the warehouse and store, and updating the records of the Children of Chaos and the Protectors 823 with the names at that time. (Peerimus, Firn'gaer, Savin, Trace, Vinder, Randall, Quinn, Durgan, and Kazak). Knowing this, Trace digs through his belt pouch and sees that he still has the locking stones. (ooc: Aug 2007) .......................
As you approach the city through the morning, it's namesakes begins to dominate the skyline. Visible over the city wall, four huge hooks hang suspended from... nothing... high in the air. They hold up a vast bridge that spans the River Hook by a network of cables.
The scene on this side of the wall is more mundane. A miniature city of shacks, tents and wagons surrounds the wall. The mass of people, animals and goods moving about has churned the ground into mud. Merchants out-shout each other in selling their wares. In front of the gates, a long line-up await the chance to enter Hook City.
Those walking on the ground are soon filthy. In the line and in the tent city, the more prosperous-looking folk are heavily guarded by armed warriors. The unguarded keep their hands on their purses.
Trailed by his guard, a portly merchant leads a well-laden mule toward the front of his cart. "Ah, Sieur Elf", he calls to Trace. I've a fine bargain for you. Elegant throw rugs, hand-crafted by virgins of the Sargassi tribes!" He reaches into one pack and draws forth a corner of bright, intricately woven cloth.
A bearded man, brandishing a similar carpet, elbows him out of the way. "Charlatan!" he shouts. "Inferior product. Note the workmanship and authentic detail in the rugs I have to offer. I will not cheat you as this one would. Mine are genuine Rattledam rugs," he tells Savin. Behind the two men, their guards face off against each other, looking more bored than threatening.
Similar incidents occur up and down the line as the queue inches toward the gates. The group wends, slurps, and churns its way with the others, they see that someone has put up a very beat up sign on a tall post that says, "Welcome to Mud City!"
Trace and Shadow Friday June 20th, 2008 1:42:41 PM
Trace waves off the merchants as he makes his way to the gate, "no thanks, I have no need for rugs today, no house to put them in as of now."
Shadow moves quickly along looking left and right keeping an eye out on the surroundings while every so far will shake her paws when the mud collects.
When to the gate, Trace discloses his know magic items and spells and then introduces the rest of the group as protectors 823 along with three new comrads. "I,ll need to have our list updated your officals during our stay. Do I need an appointment?" As he talks with the guards Trace helps with any questions the others have about this pain of process. We dang near fought the city guards the first time we came here due to all the questions and at the time we had been whipping orcs left and right so we were feeling mighty full of ourselves. In the end it is better we just get through this.
Kat'Miara d20+5=8 ; Friday June 20th, 2008 1:43:13 PM
Eyes wide, she grabs her sister's hand.. missing Fluffykins dearly.
Looking for trouble...
Kazak Friday June 20th, 2008 11:46:59 PM
The dwarf follows In Trace's footsteps and his example of disclosure of magic ......"gonna need abath after this " grumbles Kazak
Peering up and down and all about the dwarven warrior looks for fellow dwarfs all the while listening to the banter back and forth hoping for tidbits of info about the dwarf/elf troubles ......not to mention news of the mailed fist company that they met new Heranmar.
Savin Saturday June 21st, 2008 8:41:37 AM
Savin fingers the rugs but shakes his head as he follows the others saying, "What need of a monk for a rug but both seem like high quality. Maybe the next group coming through will need them." Before the merchants can respond, Savin darts ahead frowning down at the mud as it covers his boots.
"OH Peerimus! You better find us a nice bath before we try and find anyone important to talk to. We aren't looking our best!"
Firn'gaer Saturday June 21st, 2008 10:36:25 AM
Firn'gaer says "True, I did stay behind in Hook City, but the last time I spent time in a Star Mage Guild for any period of time was before I came to the Southern Continent. That being the case, since I had decided to remain in this area, I felt it was necessary to make my face known within the guild during the times I was not studying (which wasn't much). Other than that I was working on research and other writings on the topic of magic for my requirements to advance within the guild itself. The requirements are difficult and time consuming, and since my ring suppresses my need to eat, the only time I would realize a days had passes was when I felt the need to sleep. I purchased quite a few snacks for Rufus so that he would not disturb me, and when he wasn't eating, he slept."
"Other than that, I really didn't see, do, or participate in much else within the city."
Jurgen Sunday June 22nd, 2008 11:58:52 PM
Jurgen is overwhelmed by the bustle of "Mud City". Instead of worrying about his money, he moves it into the dimensional space of his Pants of Plenty. He also glamers his armor to everyday clothing. But he doesn't bother to hide his sword. It belonged at his side and anyone who saw it would understand that.
"The faster we get through here the better I'd feel. We're a large enough party that people will think twice about bothering us, but we might be a tempting target?" At which point Jurgen follows Trace's lead. The elf had a plan and knew what he was doing already. Jurgen shows off his entire magic item collection and mentions his sorcerer roots.
Peerimus and Yorrick Monday June 23rd, 2008 10:15:50 AM
Peerimus gives Savin an odd look when the baths are mentioned and simply continues plodding through the mud. For some of them, a nice humbling trek through Mothers equalizer might just be what they need. Savin of course is correct, they certainly could not go to the Star Mage Guild looking as they now do. Wizards were an odd bunch and appearance generally mattered to them. Especially those of rank in a city.
Yorrick complains intermittantly and Peerimus gives his friend a pat and a few words each time. Peerimus smiles to any merchant that engages him, if any are brave enough to get that close. And will indeed buy a trinket or two. (Will spend 100gp on art objects)
At teh gate, Peerimus declares himself a spell caster adn the items of pernament magic he carries.
Hook City Gates and Customs [DM SteveK] Monday June 23rd, 2008 12:05:11 PM (ooc: sorry that there is lots of description here, but need to re-establish for all the feeling of Hook City. There is a LOT of backstory, and I'm condensing as much as I think is possible without losing something important. It would benefit the Player to read closely to understand what the people of Hook City consider important.)
On the advice of Trace, the Children of Chaos do not use their status of citizenship to move to the head of the line. Jurgen worries a bit over some of the more notorious factions of a crowd, but the group is unmolested, probably due to an unfettered bear, an unfettered panther, and that the heavily armed group looks well acquainted with their weapons. So only the relatively honest accost the group for buying items or information.
More concern is had by Kazak, Savin, and Peerimus on the condition of their clothes and persons, so spattered are they by mud. While everyone waiting to get into Hook City are reduced to the same brownish mud appearances, a bath is certainly the first order of business before seeing any of the city officials or the Star Mages Guild!
Peerimus spends some gold on a gourd of Glass Grass Wine (5gp), a small 2x3 foot rug of colorful patterns 'woven in Rattledam' (70gp), and a delicately woven 'dreamcatcher' of the Manfri (whoever they are)(15gp). He has to stop and laugh at the merchant trying to sell 'genuine triton necklaces' that the man claims he got because he is the lover of their princess; oyster shells without any of the exquisite coral or pearl or marble carvings that the group saw in the Triton Palace.
There are a couple of calls when some of the group is recognized as the winners of the last Great Race. An older woman places a round, sparkling white chit of some sort in Kat'Miara's hand. "You dearies won me a Green at the Great Race. I've been looking for the time to show you my thanks." She will not hear of returning the white chit, insisting it is now the property of the Children. ....................
Once at the gate, the Gatekeeper is a well-groomed older gentleman, with many attentive guards about. They do not seem overly concerned about Yorrick and Shadow, taking it in stride with all the rumored wonders of their city. "Welcome to Hook City, may you profit from your stay", he intones in an obvious greeting. Trace's knowledge of the entrance requirements puts the other members in good stead. By examining the stones that Trace has and in several "memory stones" (ooc: smooth grey stones that emit a soft lavender glow when read or recorded), the gatekeeper has in various cubbies behind him, it is quickly determined that the group "... is indeed the Children of Chaos, aka the Southern Lights, aka the Protectors 823. One Seiur Trace Jacobs of said Protectors is a citizen of Hook City and has in his possession the key stones for one warehouse and one store in Block 452, gained by Protectors 823 as sole heirs of Madame Chloe, having been her Protectors at the time of her death." The man adjusts a sapphire monocle in his eye before continuing. "That Seiur Firn'gaer Gyddyn, being a member of the Star Mages Guild in good standing also has complimentary citizenship of Hook City, is also a recorded member of said Protectors. That no member of the said Protectors has in their possession either their citizenship cards, employment cards, or pass cards, but identity is sufficient to examining Gatekeeper to verify identity and status."
The man looks up and smiles. "The Records Building in Northhook Administrative Complex off the Marble Causeway can rectify your citizenship cards without issue, Sieur Jacobs and Sieur Gyddyn. Similarly, a visit to the Office of Champions, same complex, can amend your roster changes." He holds out nine small, glowing cards with the glyph "pass" shining from the center, and each members name glowing below: Trace, Firn'gaer, Savin, Peerimus, Kazak, Durgan, Jurgen, Kat'Miara, Kit'Miara. Firn'gaer and Trace's glyphs are purple and the others are green. "Here are your pass cards to see Customs", and he points the way, "they will see your magical declarations as well as getting you cleaned up. Welcome to Hook City, and may you profit from your stay."
......................
'Customs' proves to be a comfortable and clean stone room with a series of long tables, each with two middle-aged and robed people . Behind them, rows and rows of small shelves are filled with round grey stones like those on the gatekeeper's desk. "Pass card please," says the man in a bored voice. Again, Trace's experience turns what could be a lengthy process into something easily gone through. At each table, one robed person accepts the card and reads it carefully before turning to the shelves of memory stones. The other efficiently searches all packs, quickly locating anything magical, lining them up for inventory. An escorting guard uses a wooden rod to "search" for other magical items. "This will only take a moment. If you would just hold out your arms, please?" He sweeps the rod through the air as though painting the subject in broad strokes. Every time it nears a magical source, the rod glows and makes a sound like a very large frog; "Krrriccciccckk!!" In short orer, Customs identifies all magical items and assesses a total Chit value per person and recording them in the memory stones.
"The city levies a tax on any magical profits when travelers leave the city", explains a female guard. "This way, we ensure the surrounding lands are not flooded with magic items and no unscrupulous merchant can buy cheap on the Bridge and sell at an inflated price." When passed, Customs will give each of the Children of Chaos a memory stone, their pass card, and a small map of Hook City along with a small pamphlets on the common sites and courtesies in Hook City.
The same guard directs you towards a large wooden building near the Customs station. "The bath-house has separate sections for men and women," she says. Outside, the CoC see grooms waiting to wash down horses and wagons. "The baths are complimentary for everyone entering from Mud City", she explains. "Please avail yourselves of the facilities. Welcome to Hook City, and may you profit from your stay."
Savin Monday June 23rd, 2008 12:28:09 PM
Savin just grins as the wand emits a steady wail as it checks out his belongings. He thinks out loud ruefully, "Thank the Gods we don't have to pay taxes on the magic we are carrying into the city. Probably would pay for the guard for a year. Still it is interesting that they keep track of this. Gives them a good idea of the people coming into the city and their capabilities. Very organized Nice setup!"
Savin happily moves towards the baths and gets himself and his belongings cleaned up. When that is done he asks, "So what it the first order of business. The star mage guild?"
Trace and Shadow Monday June 23rd, 2008 1:35:03 PM
Trace gladly takes part in the bath and then gets ready to move about the city. It is allmost comic to watch as Shadow is cleaned, soaking we whith her ears down as she waits to be cleaned. Once done Trace wiats with the others as for the marching orders from Peerimus. Do we make a trip to the wharehouse or straight to the guild. I also rember a great idea where we can put the giant ring. There is a chest with a magic lock on it in the wharehouse. I still have the key, I cant think of a better place to stash it. I really dont suggest we sell it. It might be needed in the future to stop some fight. Just a thought.
Kat'Miara d20+5=10 ; Monday June 23rd, 2008 4:53:04 PM
Looking at the ring/bracelet on her arm, she tries to remember if the wand that passed over her clikced away merrily as it passed over it... she had been too curious at Savin being one constant wail from a similar wand...
"I think sis and I should explore some, unless one of you would like something opened?" she asks, half-hopefully...
Looking for trouble-10
Durgan Monday June 23rd, 2008 8:41:56 PM
Durgan is impressed with the orderliness of the guards. "Hey brother. We'll have to remember some of their tricks to teach our guards back at Heranmar."
When detecting for the magic items on his person, Durgan proudly displays his axe, along with his other weapons, gladly pointing out to the guards that he made most of his weapons himself. he then speaks of the long and proud dwarven heritage of some of his other possesions such as his armor which has been handed down through several generations of the Stonewall clan.
After they are through the check-in process, Durgan begins grumbling as the group approaches the bath-house. At first you think it is just his belly rumbling, but as you get closer, the complaining gets louder. "All right, I'll get a bath here if I have to, but I am gonna need some good ale afterward!"
Despite all the complaining, the dwarf seems at ease after cleaning up and spends a good bit of time polishing and oiling his weapons and armor after the bath. "There. That ought ta please the wizards and such!"
Posting Report For: Monday June 23rd, 2008 9:00:28 PM
Career Game #3 Children of Chaos For the week of June 16, 2008
Notes: Kristel expects to return to posting this week. Hope everyone is doing well!
an excerpt from the journal of Dweezil the imp:
Dweezil sat motionless atop the government buliding in Hook City. He lazily swung his legs while the magic journal dutifully recorded the actions of the Children of Chaos. They were checking in with the officials and guards at the entrance to Hook City. The imp was hoping for the privacy-minded dwarves to protest, but he was disappointed. Then he watched with anticipation at the halfling girls, hoping one of them would pilfer something and cause a ruckess. Again, disappointment reigned supreme. By the time the group's animals checked through the gate with barely a glance by the guards, Dweezil began to reach the pits of despair for an imp: boredom. Finally after washing up, there was talk of going to the Wizard's Guild. "At last..." said the imp, rubbing his hands together. "Something interesting..."
Kazak Monday June 23rd, 2008 11:14:41 PM
Follow the line as they make they're way to Customs..... the dwarf shows his pass card and helps the offical take inventory of his magical items .....helping place them on the table .
Taking his own inventory of the Chridren of Chaos's past adventures and status before he and Durgan joined up " we made a good choice " muses Kazak
After cleaning up in the baths ....... the dwarven warrior tags along after Trace and Durgan "Eh Bro ..... you smell good for a change " quips Kazak with a smirk
Smiling at the halflings playfulness " explore away ...... use the map dey gave ya to find the wharehouse ya done " adds Kkazak
Jurgen Tuesday June 24th, 2008 4:50:06 AM
Jurgen takes the magic items with a mild interest. It was all certainly new to him, but his mind couldn't seem to focus on the new experience. His eyes kept shifting around, watching for trouble in places where there most certainly wouldn't be. He put it down to nerves. None-the-less, he followed through the gate to customs to the memory stone and pass card. After they got through this process, he'd feel more comfortable. Being poked and prodded, no matter how mild, was not the paladin's idea of a good time. Nor the sorcerer's, now that he thought of it.
"I wonder how they keep people from teleporting out of the Hook with their newly acquired magic..." He mused outloud. "Or, shrinking it all into a pocket dimension and flying it away on a hawk."
Jurgen enjoys the bath, making sure to be quick. He takes the opportunity to polish everything. His glimmering armor returned to it's natural state and it got shined too. After he was finished, he looked an unusual cross between a mage, a performer and a paladin. Fitting perfectly in no category, he was content to show off his many skills.
"I think, since we all looks so very pretty," Jurgen chuckles at the dwarves with this comment, "we should visit the Star Mages first. We have a tendency for... dirtying ourselves up relatively easily. And I'm not sure Kazak's beliefs allow him to take another bath this year."
Peerimus and Yorrick Tuesday June 24th, 2008 10:22:16 AM
Peerimus looks at the Hlaflings, "I think you and sis, best remember that you are in a city governed by powerful wizards and flooded with magical detections that are wholly designed to enforce thier laws. I also think you should keep in mind that within this city you are not officially with us yet and you might very well find yourself on your own in all respects to that phrase."
Peerimus turns sharply back to the others to let the pair think on that. Peerimus agrees with Jurgen on the Star Mages and the groups propensity to ruin a clean look. "Firngaer? Why don't you check in at the Guild so to speak, catch up with Randall and then fill us in on when we should be at the meeting. Assuming we are allowed in it. I think the rest of us should find a suitable Inn for some lodging and food. When we know about the Star Mage meeting we will have a better idea when we can look into the property."
Kat'Miara d20+5=25 ; Tuesday June 24th, 2008 11:29:59 AM
(NAT 20!!) Looking for trouble...
Firn'gaer Tuesday June 24th, 2008 11:33:00 AM
Familiar with the process, Firn'gaer goes through the magical inventory with no complaint. He nods to Peerimus, "After I've spoken to Randall and the Guild, I will find you."
On a side note, Firn'gaer will whisper to Kat, "I would like to take a look at that little trinket of yours when you have some time. I'd like to make sure there are no curses or other things that could happen to you from wearing it. Maybe tonight after dinner, or depending on when I return from speaking with the Guild, maybe this afternoon."
Firn'gaer heads off to the Magic District, and with a quick wave of his hands over his cloths he is cleaned before he arrives.
Hook City Gates and Customs [DM SteveK] Tuesday June 24th, 2008 11:53:25 AM
The nine companions of the Children of Chaos pocket their Hook City stuff (ooc: all annotate on CS the Hook City Gatekeeper memory stone) and get clean in the free bath-house. They congregate outside and contemplate their first order of business.
Kat and Kit hope that some independent exploring would provide some opportunity, but Peerimus tries to quash that quickly. A reminder of a powerful city with government access to any type of spell for identifying perpetrators and the shaky legal status of the Halfling sisters in the first place is hopefully sufficient to keep little hands in their own pockets. At least for now.
Kat nods solemnly at Peerimus' speech as she smooths down her backpack that is now containing half a dozen fluffy white towels, a couple bars of lavender soap, and a brass faucet handle that looks like a dolphin that had accidentally fallen off when the halfling was taking her bath.
(ooc: I'm interpreting 'looking for trouble' by Kat as 'getting into trouble' as opposed to 'on the watch for bad things to happen'. This is why I'm having Kat pilfer various things depending on her rolls. If I'm wrong, please clarify.)
Firn'gaer is ready to go to the Star Mages Guild, but takes the time to ask to see the giant's ring. ...................
A bath-house attendant walks up and bows to the group and offers his hand for Shadow and Yorrick to sniff. Seeing the bear is still quite damp, she makes a small gesture and the remainder of the water evaporates from Yorrick's brown coat. "My pardon for overhearing your conversation Sieurs and Madames, but perhaps you would care for a little advice?" She takes the gesture of most the groups heads turning her way as assent and continues. "All of your pass cards are temporary, and will expire in two days time. I suggest that you go to the Administrative Complex prior to doing anything else. Once you are legally able to stay in Hook City, you may find a place to stay, exchange your money, check on your holdings, verify your appointments, and conduct your other business without the uncertainty of eviction."
"To get to the Administrative Complex, just go through the gates and it is on the Marble Causeway on the right prior to the Bridge." And the woman points south. She also seems available to ask lots of other questions too...
The view beyond the gates is breathtaking. Before you stretches a wide boulevard paved in cloudy white marble, lined on both sides with marble statues of every description. The statues that line the road feature gods, heroes, monsters, and an unusually high proportion of mages. They are a bit larger-than-life, but otherwise life-like. Buildings of elegant design and opulent materials face the street, and everything is immaculately clean. Straight ahead, the Hooks and the broad expanse of the Bridge dominate the center of the city, commanding attention and awe by their height and shear size.
The immediate area is thick with trimly uniformed soldiers and well-dressed functionaries. It looks like the preparations of the group to be as clean and shiny as possible will allow them to blend in even before going to the Star Mages Guild.
Kat'Miara-Ooc Tuesday June 24th, 2008 3:46:28 PM
Nope you're not wrong. She's looking to _cause_ trouble, though not with her in the center of it. Pilfering is a perfect result of that roll!!
<I _still_ can't stop laughing at your fill out of the result!!>
Kazak Tuesday June 24th, 2008 10:37:21 PM
Listening as Peerimus warns of the halflings of possible perils in Hook City but the dwarf does his best to hide his smile ....... as Peerimus turns sharply towards the rest of them he quickly raises and hand to stroke his beard .
"Yeah that will work " muses Kazak sarcasticly to himself
"Hey Trace and good Inns by that wharehouse of yours ??........ should we extend our temporary cards now or after we settle in at a suitable Inn ??......one with suitable accomodations for our furry friends "
Replying to Jurgen " just for that comment .... we'll share a room " laughs Kazak
Durgan Tuesday June 24th, 2008 10:47:40 PM
Durgan has a few questions for the attendant.
He asks her where are some good places to eat and get good ale. He asks about whether there is a Catacombs in town, and how much this 'tax' on magic is. He also asks about where are the places that dwarves spend the most time at. Durgan wants to get some more info about the tension between the dwarves and elves.
Durgan feels getting the passes taken care of is a good first order of business.
Trace and Shadow Wednesday June 25th, 2008 3:52:55 AM
Heres my two coppers worth, We go and get our passes completed, then head to get some grub and try and listen and ask about the goings on around here. As far as sleeping, I will be staying at the Wharehouse. It is my intentions on renivating that palce into a second home for us when we come to the city. That and we dont have to worry about anyone not wanting to take in our animales for the night. In fact, Peerimus, if you dont need me for a bit, I am going to look around the city for a contractor to start renivations on the wharehouse. I figure we could put in nine rooms, a common room, a fencing room, a forge, and a temple if done just right. It would be a haven for us when we are away from Hernamar.
If Peerimus does not object Trace will move out into the city to start a search for a contractor. I'll meet you at the Wharehouse in a few hours. Trace takes the time to show each of them the inn that rest between the Wharehouse and the Star Mages Guild and the general area where he is headed, "the bridge, a prime spot for trading".
Hook City Gates and Customs [DM SteveK] Wednesday June 25th, 2008 1:25:51 PM
Kazak and Durgan are mostly interested in finding a place for them to kick back and relax. Trace is able to tell them that there is an apartment inside the warehouse that they could all stay for free; they are after all, property owners. The ranger thinks the animals would like that better as well, and he remembers several already-prepared-food sellers on the block nearby. If that is not acceptable for most, Trace can provide directions to the Frosted Glass or the Silky Swan both fine and upstanding inns and located fairly near the warehouse on the south side of the river in LaborTown.
The bath attendant can also direct the group to several inns. "It all depends on your tastes, comforts, and how much chits you are able to spend," she says laughingly. She provides directions to a couple in LaborTown (modest), one in Northhook (comfortably rich) and one in Southhook (opulant). "Unless you have plenty of chits, I recommend one of the ones in LaborTown."
"For the dwarf-folk, there is a tavern in Soldiercity (that is, Northhook) called the Underwarren, and caters to your types of wants and needs, Sieur Dwarf." The woman pauses and then continues. "On some friendly advice, do not invite your elven friend there, or even mention any elf simpathies. Similarly, Sieur Elf would be welcome in the Silver Tree Tavern on the other side of Northhook as long as he doesn't mention travelling with dwarves." The woman gets sort of anxious. "There has been gangs of elves and dwarves inciting violence on each other for a month or more. Graffitti in the alleys. I don't know what the Convocation is doing, but the obvious actions have tapered off a little bit. Now the two groups won't associate anymore and only speak in whispers among thier own kind."
Peerimus and Yorrick Wednesday June 25th, 2008 1:56:52 PM
Peerimus nods at Trace, "Yes of course, we could stay at the warehouse and eat locally. I fine idea. That would also allow each of us to add a custom touch to how specific roooms might be revamped. First though, the Attendant is right. We need to get our temporary passes turned into full time passes and some of us need to reacquire citizenship papers and all of us need to convert coin to Chits or we won't be doing much of anything save for looking foolish."
Peerimus will try to get everyone to the admin buildings to get through this stuff. Then you can split up and be all on your merry little ways. Stay away from the Silver Tree and Underwarren for now though. Sounds as if things could turn sour if our aquaintences turn up and if your there by your selves." Peerimus lets the thought hang and then finishes, "Just saying, I don't have the funds to requip you"
Kat'Miara-Ooc d20+5=13 ; Wednesday June 25th, 2008 3:57:27 PM
Eyes twinkling at what a merry fight would happen if she mentioned her travelling friends' names where both races could here, she pauses to listen to Peerimus.
Twinkle gone, she trudges out the door, half-depresssed at needing to keep a low profile, then suddenly perks up, remembering that that is what she's best at!
"Come on sis!" She shouts over her shoulder, running down the street like some street kid, looking for the next thing to do.
Looking for trouble=13
Savin Wednesday June 25th, 2008 8:25:54 PM
Savin says, "I think I will head down to this....Administrative Complex that we were told about. I don't like being on the wrong side of the law and I don't want to give anyone any excuses to not listen to us either in the local government or mages guild which sounds like it is the same thing. Then we should seek out Randall and find out what all the uproar is."
Savin will stand and look at the others, "Lets get the business done first, then we can worry about lodging. We can always stay in the warehouse if we have to. To many more fine meals like the last and I will be as fat as Kazak."
Durgan Wednesday June 25th, 2008 9:55:38 PM
"Aye first business, then ale. Trace, make sure ye order some drink to go with that food for the warehouse supplies."
Firn'gaer Wednesday June 25th, 2008 10:23:40 PM
Firn'gaer heads off to the Star Mage Guild. When he arrives, he will have a messenger send word to Randall that he and the other Children have arrived in Hook City. He has some questions for Randall about the state of things in the city.
Kazak Wednesday June 25th, 2008 10:50:05 PM
Following Trace and Savin to the administrative building .....Kazak mirrors their actions to gain more permanant passes for Hook City .
" do we hafta become citizens of Hook City ??... i mean we already call Heranmar home ......can we be citizens of both places??"
"Also since we have started to rebuild some of Heranmar's business's .....wonder if we could somehow start on the workings of some type of trade agreement between da two places ??......i mean we cannot make the deals without Heranmar's town council but at least we could act as ambassadors......whatcha think Peerimus??"
"we'll need to hire someone to help guard and/or run the wharehouse while we're not here ......i'll be then happy to help ya with the cost of remodeling the wharehouse .......hopefully we can still have some space to store goods there to .....?"
Stepping over to Durgan ....." eh brother sometime we should make our way to the underwarrens .....be good way to gather some info on all dis dwarf/elf disagreements ...... but we'll wait awhile till Peerimus is ok wit dat ... eh bro ?"
Trace and Shadow d20+12=19 ; d20+17=23 ; d20+11=16 ; Thursday June 26th, 2008 2:44:52 AM
Trace goes to the municipal building and aquires his badge and then getting his bearings will head for the bridge to look for a contractor to work with on the upcoming building inside the whare house.
As Trace move about on the bridge he keeps his eys and elf ears open to the wold around him. While Trace makes his way through the crowds, Shadow keeps on his heal with her armor shinning after getting cleaned up.
listen 19, spot 23, knowlage (geog.) 16
Jurgen Thursday June 26th, 2008 1:33:51 PM
Jurgen follows to the admin buildings and makes sure that he can legally stay in the Hook. Although this whole system seemed to be a bit... excessive? Jurgen had a feeling that there were a lot of people who were employed by the bureaucracy.
His plan was to get citizenship and then staying at the the warehouse. And looking for a library or something with which he could confer regarding the prophecy, the Migration and (to a much lesser extent) whatever the devil could have been doing.
(Sorry about my sporadic postings. Happy-go-lucky Jeff is going to go away for a while and stressed Jeff is making an appearance. There's a long story that boils down to "Looking for a place to stay, while looking for a job, while trying to figure out if I can still afford school". Life certainly is interesting, I'll give it that.)
Marble Causeway, Bureaucracy, and the Bridge [DM SteveK] Thursday June 26th, 2008 3:57:47 PM ooc: I'm putting Kit on inactive status pending when she will be able to return. No worries, since that still leaves 8 of 8 Players in CoC, this doesn't leave a spot open for new recruitments.
As each group moves off into its own direction, they all walk on the Marble Causeway. Crowded with clean and impressively dressed people, the immaculate Causeway is lined with the previously mentioned statues, Soldier administrative buildings, and Temples. The more modest temples of the city are immediately off the Marble Causeway in Northhook. (The opulent ones are in Southhook) Since the Year of Ascension, many of these temples are abandoned and are showing the neglect. Several have the remnants of clerics without powers and are slowly withering away. And a few are new. As each group walks around the Marble Causeway, they notice temples to every Power of the Southern Continent, but none of the Gods of the Wold or of Testing that many are used to from thier Northern origins. See http://www.woldiangames.com/Woldipedia/index.php/Spirituality#Immortal_Powers ...............
Firn'gaer doesn't wait for the others to go together to the Administrative Complex, but moves onto the Marble Causeway, quickly being lost to sight.
Kat and Kit sees Firn'gaer take off and then they too are quickly lost in the crowd.
Peerimus, Savin, Trace, Kazak, Durgan, and Jurgen all look to get thier legal status out of the way. Highlight to display spoiler: { Soon the group has arrived. Hook City's main administrative complex is housed in a massive complex of vaulted buidings just off The Causeway. Statues and signs are equally plentiful, and you easily locate the Office of Champions. Two clerks stand behind a basalt counter that separates the reception area from a vast space filled with ranks of tall shelves. Once again, Trace takes the lead, explaining thier situation and having the group show thier temporary cards. The clerks are only too happy to help, and inform the Children that they can even take care of the other bureaucratic actions so the Protectors 823 do not have to spend the entire day here.
A few memory stones, some paperwork, and stamping of various documents later and the group is ready to go. Trace is confirmed in his citizenship and as the owner of the warehouse and store. The current roster of the Children of Chaos are adjusted to the roster of the Protectors 823 and all are showing as employed by Block 452. One clerk sums it up. "Each registerd member of the Protectors 823 has access to Hook City as long as the group is employed and for a 20 day grace period afterwards. Only Sieur Trace Jacobs is a citizen because of the property ownership issue."
"Funny", says the other clerk, "Block 452 has two Protector groups in its employ, quite unusual for a Labortown Block. The second group is Protectors 877", she finishes helpfully.} .............
At various times in the afternoon, each of the three groups all make it to the end of the Marble Causeway and stare up at the Bridge. The structure so dominates the skyline of Magic City that it can be easily taken for granted after a few weeks spent in its constant presence. From up close, though, the sheer size of the looming span, which is wider than many city blocks, and ten times as long, is awe-inspiring. It's hard to believe that such a massive structure is supported only by the network of cables that tie it to the Hooks. And from up close, it's impossible to forget that the Hooks are suspended in midair from nothing at all . . .
At the end of the Marble Causeway, it is easy to see that the Bridge is almost a quarter mile up in the air and there is no road leading to the span. At the edge of the Marble Causeway, a continuous line of merchants and laden porters snake back and forth up the narrow, rickety wooden switchbacks of some Stairs. A shorter line of richly dressed merchants and mages wait to take a small handlift up to the Market. Upon inquiring, a Market Warden informs Firn'gaer that it is one white chit per person for the dubious privilege of climbing the rickety wooden switchbacks of the Stairs, and one red chit for the lift. "Or you can take a ferry across if you prefer." The Market Warden points to a small flotilla of boats moving back and forth on the river below. He laughs. "Why, they will even take gold and silver!"
Kat'Miara d20+30=49 ; d20+12=30 ; d20+8=27 ; d20+23=40 ; d20+5=16 ; Thursday June 26th, 2008 4:13:15 PM
Quick to decide, they look at each other, giggling, and follow Firn'gaer, using their prodigious sneaking skills. You know, to keep in practice? (yeah, right! Now what are they up to??)
Hide-49
Knowledge Local-30
Listen-27
Move Silently-40
Looking for trouble-16
Durgan Thursday June 26th, 2008 4:17:15 PM
While walking down the Marble Causeway, Durgan looks at the abandoned temples. "I wonder if there is one for Moradin?"
Durgan stands patiently while waiting for the administrative work to be done. "Yes Kazak, I would like to go see some of our brethren also. But we will wait till the time is right."
"Looks like we are going to need some local currency too."
OOC- Is there a Catacombs here? And how much is the 'tax'? SteveK: sorry. The bath attendant cites several stores in Hook City with entrances to the Catacombs, Trace also knows of one near the warehouse, The Well-Shod Traveller. She also says the tax fluctuates dependant on the ammount of magic a particular individual is trying to leave with and the relative selling cost in the surrounding regions. :-)
Kazak Thursday June 26th, 2008 11:36:17 PM
"Protectors 877 ?? .....823 ......block 452 ???.....is everying listed as numbers ???.......no names ??... does 877 have a name ....." inquires Kazak to the attendant " my first time here just curious is all "
"Ok Durgan ... you lead da way ... i'm with ya about exchanging currency .....gotta eat and drink don't we ?" laughs Kazak as he slaps his brother on the shoulder
"afterwards we'll head towards the wharehouse and explore da neighborhood "
Trace and Shadow Friday June 27th, 2008 2:55:28 AM
Trace commands his boots for flight and then flies up to the bridge and continues his search looking for a contractor. I wonder if there is any owed money for for back pay on protection? If all else fails Trace will show the rest of the group as employment for the store front to keep their passes for the city.
If Trace finds a contractor, he will invite him back to the wharehouse and show him around and get a start on the planning. Also while he is here Trace will take this oppertunity to try and find a buyer for the armor that he has for sale. Hopeing that he can use that money to help the group upgrade and pays for the renivations. Maybe if he cant find a buyer on the bridge he can try to meat up with the armored fist and sell them the armor. Also wondering if he would be arming a future enemy.
Trace will stop by the Tavern close to the wharehouse and have some drink and make arrangement for some long term provisions for the wharehouse. He also inquires about the local tension between the dwarves and elves and ask if he should be worried while in town. Trace thinks to his bow and ask the true intentions of each person he talks to.
Jurgen Friday June 27th, 2008 3:37:28 AM
"Hey Kazak, if it helps, my brain's still back in Mud City." Jurgen looks down at his sword with a grin. "I never thought I'd say this, but using one of these is a lot easier than being in a city." The paladin turns to the clerk and asks a quick question, "And just how long will we been employed for?"
Looking over the Marble Causeway, Jurgen is awed by the lack of awe in some of the temples. While the paladin was devoted to Domi (and, in a completely different way, the Crones), there was something sad in it. Lost and fallen gods... the Age of Ascension came with a cost to the divine, but it also echoed across the on the Noble Races.
After their business is concluded, Jurgen works his way to the Market to find a library. And maybe someone who could work with prophecies. Or, failing all that, the warehouse so that he could get away from the press of humanity. Regardless, though, he'll stick with the majority of the group.
Savin Friday June 27th, 2008 4:47:31 AM
Savin is surprised at the different directions everyone wants to to go. Drinking and carousing from the dwarves, exploring from the halflings and business ventures from yet others. "Aren't we here to check in with Randall and see if we can help with some of the racial tensions that are happening between elves and dwarves? Let's keep focused!"
Savin will make his way to the Star Mage Guild and when he arrives ask for Randall
Peerimus and Yorrick Friday June 27th, 2008 9:24:51 AM
From the Administrative Complex, Peerimus's first order of business is to get to a currency exchange so the group can operate within this place.
Peerimus clutches at his chest for a moment as Savin calls for the group to stay focused, but then seems to recover and with a smile on his face "Savin is right. For right now we stay together and we go to the warehouse as that is where Firngaer expects us to be and where he will send word. We go to the Warehouse. As Trace has said, there is food and drink nearby. While we wait for word from Firngaer we can ask locally about the other Protector group for the Block. Hopefully I know who it is."
"We are hear to meet the Star mage Guild and possibly receive more insight to the racial tensions and Great Migration and for my part specifics on what the Mages tend to do." Peerimus notes quickly that the halflings have vanished and his eyes darken slightly, but he quickly pushes it away. "Thought the Avatar was hard to restrain." he mumbles to Yorrick. the great bear bobs his head in apparent agreement.
Peerimus will hopefully then be leading his group to Labor Town and Block 452.
Movement In, Around Hook City [DM SteveK] Friday June 27th, 2008 1:21:36 PM
Firn'gaer Highlight to display spoiler: { arrives at the Bridge and looks around. Yes, there are other means of transportation going around, from carpets, brooms, and flying creatures as well as flying mages. None of them get within a 1/4 mile of the Bridge however... The gnome is smart and so walks off the Causeway and into Labortown until he is directly below what appears to be a flying service that is launching hippogryphs back and forth across the river. Using his Overland Flight, Firn'gear launches himself and, without incident, makes it to the other side. He looks around, and in this polite society it looks that only emergency personnel are flying. Continuing his walk, Firn'gaer gets to the magnificent Tower of the Star Mages Guild. In the middle of a large plaza on top of a small hill, the tremendous tower glitters in the sun in the heart of SouthHook. There are no gates, but the great and lesser doors are all closed. Firn'gaer thinks of the Teleport Circles that were set up from the gate direct the the interior of the tower, and perhaps gives an inward sigh at not being able to use them in the current state of things. Yet that seems to be Firn'gaer's least problem. The doors are closed and will not open to his presense. A nearby member of the HookCity watch comes over. "Been like that for a week, good Siuer. All the Star Mages went into their tower and locked the doors, and none of em have been out since. No magic has been able to penetrate the tower either. Some important conference I overheard." }
Kat'Miara and Kit'Miara Highlight to display spoiler: { follow Firn'gaer for practice, keeping hidden and easily seeing where the gnome is going. Once Firn'gaer gets to the Bridge, he pauses and looks around before walking into Labortown for a short distance. Finally, Firn'gaer looks up, nods, and flies over to the South side of the river! Looking up, Kat and Kit see there is a flying service that is launching hippogryphs back and forth across the river. Not being able to follow that way, the halfling sisters look around the Labortown and NorthHook for an hour until Kat hears Kit give a squeek that is quickly cut off from a green, round sphere that encloses Kit'Miara! Turning around, there is a group of five well-armored individuals with one woman in pristine brown robes. Behind them is a man pointing at the green globe and his empty belt. "There they are!" he roars, "That was the thief that stole my moneypouch!" "Very well, sieur", replies the brown-robe in a much more professional voice, "I have detained the identified culprit. Captain, restrain the other for questioning. The Monitor will decide the case."} .............................
The others continue in Hook City...
Trace clicks his boots and jumps into the air... to only come back down on the Causeway! One of the Market Wardens makes a tsk-tsk sound while shaking his head. "Newbies to Hook City, eh? Well, young Sieur, no magic can pass the anti-magic shell around the Bridge, so don't try to bypass the Stair or Lift, hear?" Another makes a placating gesture. "Easy, Halford, guarding the Bridge includes helping those who need it. The shell only ensures working magic doesn't pass through it, and magic works perfectly fine on the Bridge itself. Amazing really, just started that was after the increase of the fey in the Wold, too."
Perhaps a little disgruntled, Trace can get back onto solid ground (figuratively speaking) by telling Peerimus that thier usual money works just fine in LaborTown; its only in the NorthHook and SouthHook that one REALLY needs chits. He leads the way to the ferries.
In the transition from Northook to Labor Town, the architecture scales down from extravagant to merely well-to-do. The locals appear healthy and happy, and there is no sign of poverty. Dwarfed by the width of the river and huge structure of the Bridge above, several barge-like ferries cross the water between the north shore where you stand, and Southook beyond. The ferrymen are happy enough to take foreign currency, costing only 9 gold coins to take the group across the river. Several other passengers join you on the barge-like ferry, which moves smoothly across the current at a command word from its master, who stands with both hands on the tiller. Overhead, but well away from the Bridge, the group can spot other flying people and creatures moving back and forth across the river. The ferryman spits, "Faster, but more expensive."
On the far side, the Children can look through the south side of LaborTown and see the Southook cityscape. It's fantastical spires and elegant architecture put Northook to shame. 'Opulent' doesn't begin to describe it, and the richly dressed residents appear casual about the luxury surrounding them. And towering above everything except the Bridge itself is the Star Mages Guild in Hook City. A tremendous tower glitters in the sun and is perched on a low hill in the heart of SouthHook.
Yet the group doesn't turn to go to SouthHook yet. Trace leads and winds thier way to Block 452, buys a large quantity of already prepared food at Hosea's Hot Foods and brings the Children to the warehouse. ................................ At the Warehouse
It is a short walk to Madame Chloe's narrow side street, which runs north off the main avenue. Her little shop is midway down the block on the right hand side, and the massive warehouse looms just beyond. Each building is identified by her sign -- a blue-green helm & shield bearing an elaborately scripted "C". A small unlit lantern above the shop door, and another at the shop across the street.
The warehouse is about 60' tall, and the wall facing the street is 100' wide. A massive, 20' x 20' sliding door is centered in the wall, with the small magical lock set immediately beside it on the right, about chest-high to a human. The purple gem glows briefly as it is set in the lock by Trace and then it falls free, the big door rolling smoothly aside. Just inside the door, above the lock, a small shelf holds a lantern and a flask of oil. Lights are needed to explore the big building, which stretches 200' deep. High on the walls, just below the rafters, a row of windows wraps around the north, east, and south walls. Crates are stacked high and deep on the north side of the front half of the building. The south side contains a row of long tables on which were useed to display armor, but have since been packed up. Two large caravan wagons occupy the southeast corner, and north is filled by the apartment.
This 40' x 50' building-within-a-building has a door in the west side, with a ladder beside it that leads 30' up to the roof. The outside of the south wall is lined with shelves containing long-unused travel gear. Inside are two sleeping chambers each with three two-tiered bunk beds, a main room with a large table and a dozen chairs, a privy, and a cooking hearth. Other than the rafters 60' up, the highest vantage points in the warehouse are the roof of the apartment, and the stack of crates, which are piled as high as 35' against the walls. There is a trapdoor and room beneath the warehouse, which Chloe had used for special treasures. The trapdoor has been repaired since the long-ago battle.
Chloe's shop is a two-storied buiding 50' x 100' big and 30' high. It is fronted by a narrow porch whose roof supports a second-story balcony. This upper floor also has numerous windows, and appears to be an apartment. A door at the rear of the buiding leads to a high-walled small garden with a sculpted path, a massive tree, and a couple of stone benches and statues. The front and back walls of the shop, and the front wall of the warehouse, are faced with pale marble, but the remaining walls are a more mundane painted brick. ........................... In the Warehouse
It is now early evening and the sun is going down, the group is able to eat, relax, and plan for their next actions.
A tentative knock on the door proves to be a man and a woman, both middle-aged. Trace can recognize them as Sieur Hosea and Madame Orchid, two shop owners and neighbors in the area. "My Didi thought it was you!", Sieur Hosea beams, "Welcome back Sieur Trace. You have been gone for a while, and so I and Madame Orchid thought you may like some barrels of the Mountainhome while catching up on what's been going on."
Thier inviting faces prove they are available for any questions.
Kat'Miara-OOC Friday June 27th, 2008 2:43:39 PM
Gasping at the wonder of it all, Kat turns to Kit. "You're green!" Then to the lady in the brown robes who cast the spell. "I wanna be green too!!"
"Make me green!" With a delighted and hopeful look on her face (wonder pours out of her eyes as she looks at the green globe) she will follow and pester the lady until she, also, is put in a green globe.
Trace and Shadow Friday June 27th, 2008 3:48:28 PM
Trace walks around inspecting the wharhouse going over the last time he was here and the battle between the Southern Lights and the orc brothers Bear and Void along with their buddies. I sure would like to see that fight again. My friends I have now are a bit stronger, even I have gotten better.
With the knock on the door, Trace is happy to see Sieur Hosea and Madame Orchid. He invites them in and will catch up on the past and ask if they know anything about the present with the problems between the elves and dwarves. Also ask how the new protector group is serving the block. Trace introduces the group to them and gives a them a breif description of their past dealings and also about the members that are not here yet. He also gives note that Peerimus is our selected leader, I am a bit qick on the draw for action sometimes and Peerimus seems to have a knack of keeping us alive.
Durgan Friday June 27th, 2008 8:03:16 PM
"Eh? Mountainhome ale you say? Come on in then. I believe an offer of good ale is a very good way to introduce yerself to people."
Durgan asks the obvious question. "So how and when are we goin to pay the wizards' guild a visit?"
Kazak Friday June 27th, 2008 10:46:48 PM
Kazak smiles at Durgans reaction to the gift of ale " your new best friends i assume " chuckles the younger dwarf
The dwarf helps carry the gifts of ale and the food Trace has purchased and helps set out the food for Sieur Hosea and Madame Orchid and the rest of the 823 group
"feels weird to have a number instead of a name ...... i mean names have flavor and meaning ..... a number is sorta bland "
Settling down for a bite to eat ....Kazak ears perk up at Traces question of the dwarf/elf rift .....waits for the answer from their guests
Afterwards Kazak explores the wharehouse some ." very intresting ...... this place has been sitting empty for awhile and nothing been touched ....... very impressive security they have in Hook City ......i'm impressed with the safety in this area .......whats in all da crates that are stacked againist the wall .....left over goods from da last owner ???"
"Well 6 beds already set up .......so at least we can sleep till Trace remodels the place ...... whatcha got in mind ?.....any exciting ideas ?? ......."
Clarifications[DM SteveK] Saturday June 28th, 2008 9:10:28 AM
There are two rooms with three bunk beds each to total 12 beds in the apartment.
Kazak is told that "The number is only for administrative purposes. Many Protector groups have thier own name for those reasons you have just named Sieur Kazak."
"Absolutely secure", agrees Madame Orchid, "what with the average citizen being civilized, and the added advantages of magical locks, the City Watch, and Protector groups it is very difficult for burglars in town. The Theives Guild mostly sticks to picking pockets, highway robbery, con artists, and smuggling. A warehouse like yours is quite safe. Though if you want to continue the business or clear stock, hiring a factor may be just the ticktet."
Savin Saturday June 28th, 2008 10:25:13 AM
Savin (not sure if Savin knows these good folks. I think I was around back then, joined at the dragon adventure and was in the great race)
Savin walks over to the visitors with a smile on his face and bows deeply to them. "Not sure if we meet back then, time does seem to fly and their are so many faces in the Wold. Please forgive me if we did but my name is Savin. Would you like to join us for a meal? It would be good to hear the local gossip."
Peerimus and Yorrick d20+20=26 ; d20+11=29 ; d20+23=43 ; d20+11=31 ; Monday June 30th, 2008 9:25:30 AM
Peerimus casts Daylight and does a walk through on the warehouse. Asking Durgan and Kazak to open a couple crates, Trace and Savin to get a fire in the Hearth and hopefully a bit for light about. "We'll probably want to get a few more lanterns. Peerimus will put his own Everburning torch at the doorway to the internal apartments and make his way to the roof. Yorrick decides that while a dark warehouse is fun and all, the sun warmed stones in the street the the scent and promise of the tree nearby are far more interesting and so the great bear snorts his nose at the warehouse and turns to head to the back of the shop and the great tree. Upon reaching the roof and having a look about, Peerimus makes his way through the trap door to the rooms beneath the warehouse, again for nothing more than a simple walk through. [Spot 26 for walk throughs, wood working 29 for checking wagon integrity]
Peerimus will eventually make his way to the shop and likewise walkthrough that as well. Entering every room and opening every door he can find. Upon reaching the back, he takes more time. Examining the tree and the other smaller plants about. [Know Nature 43 nat. 20] Could this be the tree token? The druid wondered. It also reminded him of the need to discover what he would need to do to be able to legally use the tree to transport in and out of the city.
Evening rolls around and company arrives. Peerimus greets the pair in his custom his elbows out and his hands clasped to each other. Inviting the pair to the internal apartments to sit and talk, Peerimus pours a mug of Mountainhome and has a good pull off of it. "Despite our best efforts sometimes." he replies to Trace's comment on keeping the group alive.
"Tell me please, we have come to learn that another Protector group is employed here. Could you shead some light on who and how they came about to be employed by the block? I believe we should reach out to them as soon as we can."
Answering Durgan, "Firngaer is discovering that for us as we speak I am sure. He'll let us know. It is the near ultimate beuracracey I am sure, so have some patience friends."
Peerimus will also inquire to any harder rumors of the growing tensions between the elves and dwarves here in Hook City. Our travels catch news from many locations and stories have spread all the way to Heranmar on this and is among the reasons we are here." [diplomacy 31]
Firn'gaer Monday June 30th, 2008 1:43:58 PM
Firn'gaer stands before the magically sealed doors. "Well this might cause some problems." He says.
I think I should find the others and bring them up to speed about this before I attempt to enter in case I will be unable to communicate to them once I'm inside.
He will then head to the warehouse district. He will again fly there trying to keep a low profile as he does so not to draw unwanted attention to his doings.
Jurgen Monday June 30th, 2008 2:55:49 PM
At the warehouse, Jurgen introduces himself to Sieur Hosea and Madame Orchid. "I am Jurgen, one of the many Children of Chaos." He has no questions in particular. Hook City was... not his style. And the sooner they could be meeting with the Star Mages, the better.
As Peerimus searches the warehouse, Jurgen does the same. Although the paladin is at a disadvantage, as he has never been here, he makes an effort to be helpful. He casts light on one of his daggers, using to navigate and explore the warehouse.
At Madam Orchid and Sieur Hosea, Jurgen has a few questions. "These... Protectors 877. Can you tell us anything about them? And do you happen to know where we could find a library or such? We're looking mainly for information regarding prophecies and the Great Migration.
Kat'Miara-OOC Monday June 30th, 2008 3:53:06 PM
(green/) Whee!!(/green)
Clarifications[DM SteveK] Monday June 30th, 2008 6:57:12 PM
Firn'gaer is able to return without incident, finding the way to the neighborhood and warehouse. There he finds the group with Sieur Hosea and Madame Orchid, sharing food and drink. The gnome wizard is easily able to insert himself in on the conversation and tell his friends what he has found out.
Kit and Kat Highlight to display spoiler: { The guards look a little stunned that Kat offers no resistance and, in fact, demands that she be placed in an opaque green bubble too! In no time at all, both Kit and Kat are cuffed with metal bands around thier wrists and a chain leading from the cuffs to a guard's belt, and the troop moves to the local incarceration facilities.}
At the Warehouse...
Looking around the dim warehouse, it looks like it needs a lot more lighting. The group's inspections find that most of the crates have weathered the years well, but both wagons and a stack of a dozen small kegs nearby have been infested with dry rot and some roving termites. The wagons, kegs, and arrow shafts inside the kegs are completely ruined.
Outside the warehouse and across the street is the empty shop and the small courtyard behind. Peerimus checks it out and is certain that this huge Sassafrass tree is not the same one he provided Niobe. Trace can also attest that the tree was there when Madame Chloe first hired the Southern Lights, several years ago.
The drink is good and the food is hot. Spicy hot, so water and ale are always on demand.
Trace identifies Peerimus as the Children's leader to the local neighbors. On the question of elves and dwarves, Madame Orchid speaks. Her motherly voice soothing, she expertly seeds a miramellon, passing out deep purple slices to the group. "Ah, well, as you no doubt have seen, Hook City is a human city. I bet there is over 90% of the City being human, with a smattering of other races. There is a company of elves and one of dwarves in the City Guard, and they have been separated. Most the dwarf and elf merchants have packed thier things and have headed Turak Nor or Dre Moria respectively. The only real group of elves and dwarves left in the city are those within the Star Mages Guild." The miramellon is delicious, its sticky juices coating anything it touches. Good thing there are rags nearby to wipe mouths!
Firn'gaer arrives with his news that the Star Mages Guild is shut up tight and has been for the last week! It looks like the message to come to the convocation arrived too late!
Savin meets the neighbors and listens in on the local gossip.
Peerimus is interested in the other Protector group, Group 877. Sieur Hosea and Madame Orchid exchange a sly look and then the thin man speaks. "Ah, you've caught us out, Sieur Peerimus. With the Children of Chaos fighting injustice wherever you may have been and the local constablatory doing the best they can, we had a need to at least look like there was a protector group in the area. Soooo, we used the monies that we would normally spend on a Protector group to sign up a completely bogus group. Every once in a while a couple of us would wear cloaks with the number 877 on it and walk around the neighborhood, and ensured that word was always around that the 877 were the 823 prodigies. That if anything happened to the young group, then the Children of Chaos were honor-bound and legal-bound to seek restitution." He laughs. "It's worked pretty good so far!"
Seiur Hosea has more news of the elves and dwarves. "There were graffiti, and stabbings, and killings in Hook City until the Council separated the two races. Then came the mass exodus and the Star Mages locking themselves in thier tower. I hear from Mara the Weaver that they are supposed to come to a decision tomorrow. Her daughter is a member of the Star Mages Guild, and her familiar hopped over with a message this morning." He pauses and adds. "I bet there will be a bit of a crowd at the plaza there tomorrow at daybreak."
When Jurgen mentions the Great Migration, Madame Orchid looks amused. "It is a pleasure to listen to someone who is taking childrens fables as reality. The Great Migration happened once, but all these stories are only that. Just stories."
Posting Report For: Monday June 30th, 2008 7:24:17 PM
Career Game #3 Children of Chaos For the week of June 23, 2008
Notes: No hurry Kristel! Whenever you are ready, we'll be here.
an excerpt from the journal of Dweezil the imp:
Dweezil followed the Children of Chaos through the city. They went to have passes taken care of. Bored! Then they traveled to a warehouse they owned. More Bored! They then explored the warehouse but found nothing of interest. Boring! Dweezil flapped away in disgust. He flew around the city looking for the twin halfling girls. Now there was a couple of troublemakers. "Ah there they are getting arrested! How wonderful!" Dweezil flapped along slowly following the halfling prisoners and wonderied if he would be able to get out of one of those green spheres if need be. "Bene Tellemara" , the imp muttered. He followed along, the magic journal scribbling as always.
Kazak Monday June 30th, 2008 10:45:50 PM
Kazak gratefully accepts the miramellon "thanks " ......trying to quietly eat the miramellon as he listens to Madame Orchid realte the local news ...... but to no avail as he slurps the sticky mellon from his fingers " mmm dats good stuff "
Perking up at the name of the famed dwarven city of Turak Nor .....the dwarven warrior reaches over his shoulder to touch the hilt of the stone Sword of Turok Nor . " someday i'll visit dat place " muses Kazak
"Hehehe .... dats sly .... very sneaky " laughs Kazak at the group protector ruse the neighborhood pulled off " perhaps you can help us replace da wagons and kegs ..... could use da kegs for water while we stay here ...... we'll of course buy da supplies from da neighborhood " grins the dwarf
Afterwards Kazak takes off his gear .... storing it on one of the beds ......searching for a broom and dust pan the dwarf will start to clean up ..... gathering all the dry rotted wood into a neat pile " well we have some wood to kindle a fire " then Kazak pushes the broom about cleaning the floor of dust and dirt ... basically making himself useful
Kat'Miara-OOC d20+12=14 ; d20+12=20 ; d20+11=20 ; d20+12=28 ; d20+23=33 ; d20+21=24 ; d20+12=28 ; Tuesday July 1st, 2008 10:28:15 AM
Winking to here sister, who winks in turn back, they quickly unlock the wrist pieces, as only true halflings can! After that, they follow their 'captors', curious as to what is going to happen...
Disable Device 12 (+d20)=14
Disguise 12 (+d20)=20
Escape Artist 11 (+d20)=20
Knowledge Local 12 (+d20)=28
Move Silently 23 (+d20)=33
Open Lock 21 (+d20)=24
Sleight Of Hand 12 (+d20)=28
Clarifications[DM SteveK] Tuesday July 1st, 2008 1:44:33 PM
ooc; have to make an early post or no post today.
will give everyone more time to read over the recent, rather long DM Posts, and action will continue tomorrow. :-)
Savin Tuesday July 1st, 2008 2:19:31 PM
Savin eats the fruit and laughs as he hears the sly plan of the other "protection" group. Savin claps the Hosea on the back laughing and says, "That was very witty of you. I am glad it worked out ok for you but please desist in this." Savin turns more serious and continues, "We have made enough enemies in the Wold that I would hate to think what might happen if they feel they can strike at us through you. If monies are needed to hire a permanant guard, something should be able to be worked out."
When Savin hears about the Starmage guild opening the doors in the morning, he says, "I plan on being there when they do. We need to find Randall and get some answers.
Durgan Tuesday July 1st, 2008 3:03:24 PM
Durgan lets out a long belch as he leans back in his chair with a very satisfied belly. "Maybe we could make this other protector group a bit more 'real'? What if we periodically sent some of our militia trainees to fill the role? They could use the experience. What about it Savin? Maybe some of your students would like to see the city?"
"Well, it looks like we will have an early morning and be at the guild when they open up. It seems strange that all the elves and dwarves in the city would leave. After we meet with Randall we should start checking into this."
Durgan joins his brother in making the sleeping area tidy. "Hey brother, do you think we will need to set watches in this place?"
Peerimus and Yorrick Tuesday July 1st, 2008 6:27:43 PM
Peerimus reminds the others that Heranmar is nearly 1,000 miles away and while the ideas of trade and sending militia here are interesting they are not remotely practical. Peerimus is not so quick to dismiss the impersonation of another protector group. "It has merit beyond mere cleverness. And now that we are here and will be seen in the streets of the area, it becomes very real Savin." he muses. But beyond that he has little to say about that.
With Firngaer's report on the Star Mage guild there was little left to do this evening except eat drink and be socialable. Peerimus does not indulge in getting into his beliefs on prophesy and the Great Migration. The group will be there in the morning and will learn what they can learn.
Peerimus will broach the subject to all on the matter of teleportation and how it can be legal and what Peerimus may have to do to obtain pernament permission. The tree fascinates the man and he will also ask on it's origin and on the thoughts of other nature guardians that any might know of in Hook City.
Firn'gaer Tuesday July 1st, 2008 10:52:43 PM
Firn'gaer finds a seat, and after lighting his pipe, he helps himself to a refreshing drink. "So, the tower is to open tomorrow." He says stroking his beard in his standard fashion. "I wonder if things are unfolding as was seen?" He says as a thought, aloud, and not directed to anyone in particular. All the while stroking his beard. "If I'm right, the Guild will be announcing it is pulling out of the City. Let's hope I'm wrong, either way I think a visit to the town square tomorrow is in order."
"It might be wise," Firn'gaer slowly adds, "if Trace, Durgan, and Kazak stay behind tomorrow when we visit the Star Mage Guild. Not that there will be trouble from any of you, but it will be an important announcement and tensions will be running high. With all of the racially motivated trouble between the elves and dwarves, it might be better if your presence doesn't draw us into any confrontations within the City. It is a suggestion."
"I'm sorry, but the Migration is not 'just a story.'" He say. "The Southern Continent is a land stepped with chaotic energies that every once in a while must be released in order to maintain the balance which holds these lands together. We are tied to this 'change' by our being chosen." He looks at his Mark. "We are a tool for this change - slaves to it and are helpless before its power."
Trace and Shadow Wednesday July 2nd, 2008 2:47:04 AM
Trace turns his head as Durgan speaks about using Hernamar trained soldiers in Hook city. "That is a great idea, the distance from home is great but that will also boost membership into the army and we can have rotations, a tour of duty sort of speak. a group of ten will stay at Hook and act as the protectors and then we will have a rotation. This will help with the training of our milita or army. Foot travel will not have to be the only means of travel, if it is every six months, I think we can arrange a teleport back but going to Hook should be done on foot for training purposes. Once we can get the help of surrounding villages we can use a collation of soldiers to hook so as not to drain the resources of the imidate army. Any new recruits will of course have to be approved by a panel be us or members of the villages.
But in meantime the vasaude of a current protection group is great and we will support this. Trace looks to Peerimus, I hope I am not overstepping my bounds, but I maintain my postion, to have and not need and better than to need and not have.
Trace ask out loud, "where are the girls? I swear Peerimus, they will make sure our wits never rust. How long before we go look for them?
Trace for no reason at all looks to his tatoo for an answer about the twin girls. He concentrates on the tatoo and rubs it searching deep for an answer.
Going to the Star Mages Guild[DM SteveK] d6=3 ; Wednesday July 2nd, 2008 10:59:52 AM Kit and KatHighlight to display spoiler: { Unfortuneately, it takes a little time to overcome the manacles (DC 30 Escape Artist and one full minute; ie 10 rounds). With constantly moving and with guards on the ladies, Kit and Kat do not find an opportunity to escape thier metal bonds. The halflings are taken to a neighborhood guardhouse in Northhook and placed in an unusual jail cell on the first floor. The floor, ceiling, and three walls are well-mortared stone, and the fourth wall is a grid of metal bars making six inch squares. As soon as Kat and Kit are placed in the cell, the manacles are taken off and door locked. Guards come and go on a constant basis, and the girls are always under observation. "Now you stay there nice," says one armored guard, "and we'll see what Administration says about you."}
The Night Before Most everyone gets the apartments in the warehouse more homey and gets ready to spend the night. Speculations are made about making the Protectors 877 more permanent, and Sieur Hosea and Madame Orchid are agreeable to making it more than a subterfuge. "The one thing we've worried about is if someone calls our bluff", admits Madame Orchid. Ideas range from hiring someone to making it part of the training for the new Gateway Downs New Model Army, but all ideas will have to wait for the dawn and the opening of the Star Mages Guild.
Peerimus asks about legal teleportations, but the nieghbors can only tell him that he would have to get with the Office of Magic in the administrative complex. "They would be able to tell you every line of the current policies."
Peerimus also asks about Madame Chloe's tree and about nature guardians in HookCity. (Note: Madame Chloe's store is outside the warehouse and across the street. The backyard of the store has the tree and a small garden.) Sieur Hosea explains that many citizens that are comfortably wealthy have gardens to a greater or lesser extent in the secluded backyards of thier homes. For 'nature guardians', "well, there are temples on the Marble Causeway of all sorts, and I'm sure you could find one that meets your needs. Why, there is still an operating temple to Mittri even though the goddess was slain these many years ago."
Firn'gaer suggests that the elf and dwarfs stay behind and not go to the Star Mage Plaza (which is only one of dozens of plazas in HookCity) for the Star Mage announcement. There is no comment, and the suggestion is not pursued.
Firn'gaer also tries to convince Madame Orchid that the Great Migration is very real. She waves aside his statements saying "you have obviously seen much more of the land than I have and so it is always possible". Clearly, she is only being polite and not interested in a debate.
Trace wonders what is going on with Kit and Kat. Using the only connection he can think of between him and the halflings, he rubs the Broken Spiral tattoo on his hand. It seems to writhe for a second, but nothing happens.
Later than they intended, Seiur Hosea and Madame Orchid give thier good-nights and take thier leave. A watch is set up just for habit, but nothing disturbs the group during the night.
The Morning The crack of dawn begins the stirring in the apartment. Domestic, arcane, and divine duties are taken care of, and then the group is ready to proceed to the Star Mage Plaza in plenty of time to witness what is going to occur. The only foreboding is that Kat'Miara and Kit'Miara have failed to show up. Everyone is certain they aren't in immediate danger and that they are still in the city, but it is only a feeling.
SouthHook is bustling with activity this morning, with your neighbors already getting deliveries and customers. Sieur Hosea waves enthusiastically from Hosea's Hot Foods, the spicy scents reminding you of dinner the night before. Other greetings come from Madame Orchid at her shop The Fruit Market, a couple of young men at Viands Exotic, a halfling sweeping the step of The Well-Shod Traveller, and a young man and woman standing in front of The Weaver Colony admiring a vibrant rug in the window that shows what looks like an adventuring group surrounded by giant blades of grass.
A couple of young people wearing identical green cloaks with the number 877 prominantly displayed come to the group. The leader, an open girl bearing a strong resemblance to Sieur Hosea speaks up. "Hi, I'm Didi, and leader of the Protectors 877. I think it would be good for our reputation to be seen talking and walking with you." She also holds out several dark circles with the number 823 on them. "HookCity law says that a Protector group must prominently wear thier number while in HookCity in order to benefit from the Protector laws. These here were made by Katz Weaver over there", and she points to the woman in front of the Weaver Colony, "and they will hold on to whatever cloth you want to put them on. That's her Cantrip, you know."
Savin Wednesday July 2nd, 2008 12:07:01 PM
Savin is upset that his advice is ignored but still understands what it is to be young and unexperienced. He hopes the young people don't become corpses by being around the Children of Chaos. To many fireballs, dragons breath, poisoneous cloud etc seem to come their way.
Savin takes his number and applies it to his cloak and smiles at the young woman, "My name is Savin Didi and you are more than welcome to join us. Maybe later you can give us a demostration of your combat skills and some of our more accomplished weapon masters and spell slingers can give you some pointers if you wish it."
Savin moves out of the warehouse also wondering at the missing halfling sisters. He knows they are talented but also knows they seem to attract trouble like bees to honey. The monk sighs, remembering when he was the reckless one. He must be getting old. Savin moves towards the square of the meeting chatting with the other protection group.
Kat'Miara d20+12=21 ; d20+9=11 ; d20+12=28 ; d20+12=24 ; d20+11=30 ; d20+12=13 ; d20+23=29 ; d20+21=23 ; d20+21=35 ; Wednesday July 2nd, 2008 1:42:31 PM
Giggling to her sister, she whispers to her "They never seem to search us, do they?" Looking about, they each the room, all the chinks and bits and pieces... the other even checks out the metal bars they are in, to the amusement of the guards who come and go. After all, how could they escape under such a watchful eye??
Search 12 (+d20)=21
Spot 9 (+d20)=11
Disable Device 12 (+d20)=28
Disguise 12 (+d20)=24
Escape Artist 11 (+d20)=30
Knowledge Local 12 (+d20)=13
Move Silently 23 (+d20)=29
Open Lock 21 (+d20)=23
Sleight Of Hand 12 (+d20)=35
Durgan Wednesday July 2nd, 2008 8:09:06 PM
"I hear ya Firn'gaer, but I'm still goin. Mebbe it will help if we show some elves and dwarves together. Lead by example eh?"
Durgan puts on his 'local 823' badge and then stops by all of the local vendors on the way to the guild and makes small purchases for breakfast. He buys enough for everybody. "It's good to support the locals, shows them we care even if we aren't here much."
"Trace, I like the way yer thinkin. We should probably let the Heranmar council in on it before we do any more planning though, so they can consult the other towns. In the meantime, the least we can do is walk around together with the 877 kids eh?"
"As for the girls, I'm sure they'll turn up. They've been lookin fer trouble, mebbe they went and found it."
Kazak Wednesday July 2nd, 2008 10:29:23 PM
"Dat's pretty for to come for some guard duty ..... i mean 1000 miles between family's might be a bit much ......and wit da trouble around Heranmar i would think it's best they stay put " adds Kazak to the debate
Slapping the 823 tag on his shoulder " well lets go see the show at da Sstar Mages tower "
As they travel to their destination the dwarven warrior waves to the locals " good mornin " with cheer ;-)
As the 877 couple greet them " good to meet ya Didi .... I'm Kazak .... and dis is me brother Durgan " as he slaps his brother on the shoulder " not sure which one of us got da brains and the other da looks ..... but i'll clain da looks " laughs Kazak
"Yeah .... how would we check on dat " reply's Kazak to Durgan
Firn'gaer Wednesday July 2nd, 2008 11:37:57 PM
Firn'gaer shrugs his shoulders as his suggested is ignored. They were warned . . .
He leaves talk of training of the militia to military-like members. This morning his focus is on something, he thinks, is more pressing.
Firn'gaer will arrive at the plaza a few hours before the supposed announcement time and see if he can gain entrance into the Guild.
If he is successful, he will try and locate Randall within its walls.
Otherwise, he will find a place up high, roof-top or similar location, with a good vantage of the Guild. There he will wait for the announcement.
Trace and Shadow Thursday July 3rd, 2008 1:52:21 AM
Trace decides to wait and see what Peerimus decides what is best. He reaches down and pats Shadow on her armored side and the scratches under her chin.
Peerimus and Yorrick Thursday July 3rd, 2008 11:03:37 AM
Peerimus thanks his neighbors for coming by to catch them up on local talk and corsses the street to sleep with Yorrick under the great sycamore. In the morning Peerimus will cast several Speak with Plants spells to get to know more intimately, the great sycamore and the other vegatation about the garden. He will talk to them about Madame Chloe herself and ask about memorable persons that may have visited and if others have talked to him before. He asks about the tree's history, if it knows who planted or brought it here and some of the things it has seen in its hundreds of years of life.
Peerimus nods about the Mittri temple, somewhere he had planned to visit while in the city. To the Halflings, they would have to take care of themselves. Hopefully they will live long enough to learn about actions and consequences
Peerimus greets Didi and attaches the Protector 823 to himself. "Lead by example indeed. Just be prepared to not react to what others may say or do. That is the example we will wish to set. On the subject of sending militia to here from Heranmar and such. Trace, That is years away if ever and is not ours to do. We are not Heranamar. We are citizens and the Protectors of her and that is all. Even if we had such authority, there is no spare troops of Heranamar to send, there is no coalition or even diplomatic treaties with nearby towns and communities. Talk of armies and expansion and sending troops away for a year, a 1,000 miles away is pointless. There are thousands of variables between here and there. Our ruling council has only just begin thinking in the smallest terms of community beyond our walls. Hook City might as well be on the other side of the Wold to them. We should keep focused on the now and let what may be work on itself until we arrive and make it the now."
Peerimus will go to the plaza a few hours early as well to hopefully get a very prominant and front row spot for the group to stand.
Spells: Level 0: Create Water x2, Mending, (2) Read Magic, Detect Magic Level 1: *Endure Elements, (2) Faerie Fire, (2) *Long strider, Pass Without a Trace, Jump Level 2: (3) Barkskin, (1) Resist Energy, Bull Strength, lesser Restoration, Heat Metal Level 3: (2) CMW, *Speak with Plants, Daylight, Poison, Stone shape, *Greater Magic Fang (granting Yorrick's bite addtional +2/+2) Level 4: (2) CSW, Freedom of Movement, *Blackthorn, Flamestrike Level 5: Animal Growth, (2) CCW, Stone skin, Baleful Polymorph Level 6: Fire Seeds, (2)Greater Dispel Magic, Transport via Plants Level 7: Heal, Greater Scrying, Transport Via Plants Level 8: Whirlwind *Cast Spell Staff contains FireStorm
Going to the Star Mages Guild[DM SteveK] Thursday July 3rd, 2008 11:42:39 AM Kat and Kit Highlight to display spoiler: {The guards are courteous and even to an extent friendly, responding to quips and banter from the sisters. However, the ladies can't seem to distract the guards long enough to get to the lock of their prison, and much to their chagrin they soon discover one reason why the guards didn't search the two young ladies; the entire cell is under an Anti-Magic Shell! This is not to say they can't have any fun at all, for as the girls put thier heads together, Kat discovers that she happened to find the key to thier cell door. Why, it must have slipped off the guard's belt! (ooc: good Slieght of Hand roll there)}
Banter continues about sending Heranmar guards to Hook City to populate the Protectors 877, as well as other speculations about the future. Didi and her companion seem friendly enough, though they admit any martial skills have only been picked up from watching the soldiers practice in NorthHook. It is quickly evident that Firn'gaer would be better with a sword than either of these two! Much to Firn'gaaer and Savin's happiness, the Protectors 877 only accompanies the Children of Chaos to the Star Mage Plaza. After ensuring that many, many people have seen the 877 and 823 talking, laughing, and patrolling together, Didi and her friend proclaim they have to get back to thier neighborhood and leave the growing crowd.
And crowd it is! It is fortuneate that the Children of Chaos have arrived early, and still more fortuneate that thier reputation preceeds them. Between the both, the group is just able to get front-row standing room in front of a cleared space in front of the Star Mages Guild. Murmurs of the 823 never losing a Challenge, that they were the ones who won the last Great Race, that they have members of the prestigious Star Mages Guild are all heard about in the crowd. By the time of the appointed hour, there must be well over a thousand immaculately groomed and very wealthily dressed people waiting.
And they are all, ALL human.
Other knowledge assaults the group as they stand and wait. It seems as if the Star Mages Guild in Hook City is not the largest or most politically influential group of mages in the City. It is agreed that they are the most magically powerful, but thier influence is reduced by thier obvious Northern Continent connections. There is a lot of speculation on what thier closed doors is about, and whether this announcement will increase or decrease thier status in HookCity. And then the doors open...
In fact, the doors BANG open. A group of three dwarf wizards storm out of the Star Mages Guild. Fuming, one glares at a small collection of gnome, human, and elf wizards that follow them out of the door. "How dare you deny our request!" the spokesman fumes, "The elf lands are teeming with wizards and magic. To best fight these, we need to coordinate with the Star Mages Guild in Plateau City and you deny us?!?!" All hands are conspicuously away from component pouches, but unused magic crackles around both groups nonetheless. Faces are red with fury, white with containing tempers, eyes looking for the least excuse to begin, begin something...
"Arket", begins one thin gnome on the steps of the SMG, "we have consulted with Archmage Ahora herself, and it is not right to choose sides, we should..."
"we should, we should...", sneers the dwarf in a belittling sing-song. "You coward! Your ancestors came from the hills too, there should be no sheltering of these effeminate fools at all! Well, Vulfgard WILL have support, and we renounce our alliance with the Star Mages Guild!"
Kat'Miara d20+12=25 ; d20+30=42 ; d20+9=11 ; d20+12=31 ; d20+11=24 ; d20+12=22 ; d20+23=35 ; d20+21=39 ; d20+12=28 ; d20+12=14 ; Thursday July 3rd, 2008 12:37:34 PM
OOC-Going to be away until Monday peeps. Here's my last post of the week.
IG-Spells shmells. Kit and Kat are just your average, ordinary kend...1/2lings! (yeah, that's it...)
Once they're alone for a moment, Kit opens the door to the cell, and start wandering around, curious about everything. They don't try to leave the building. Quite the contrary, they don't seem to want to! Anything and everything is fascinating, andthey get their grubby little fingers over just about everything they come across...
Search 12 (+d20)=25
Hide 30 (+d20)=42
Spot 9 (+d20)=11
Disable Device 12 (+d20)=31
Disguise 12 (+d20)=14
Escape Artist 11 (+d20)=24
Knowledge Local 12 (+d20)=22
Move Silently 23 (+d20)=35
Open Lock 21 (+d20)=39
Sleight Of Hand 12 (+d20)=28
Jurgen Friday July 4th, 2008 3:45:57 PM
At the crowd, Jurgen is unsure of how to react. This was a matter that involved all of the Southern Continent and only humans show up to see what will happen? "It amazes me that, with war brewing, people still worry about which group is higher on the social ladder..." He probably would keep ranting, but the doors explode open and Jurgen's eyes snap to the Star Mage's Guild. He listens carefully, holding back a sigh.
"We traveled all the way to Hook City for this?" The paladin shakes his head in disappointment. "We could have stayed in Heranmar if we wanted to hear petty bickering. Is this why Randall called for us?" Jurgen keeps on the ready, uncertain if the conflict would explode into another fight where the Children would need to step in.
When the wizards are gone, Jurgen turns to the group. "Do we make our way to the Guild? Try to speak with Randall?"
Savin Saturday July 5th, 2008 9:58:03 PM
Savin nudges Kazak and says, "Why don't you go talk to your brethern. Maybe you can get some information from the dwarven perspective. We need to find out what has happened to cause the rift between the noble races."
Savin hears Jurgen and agrees, "Yes lets let our dwarven members talk to their kind and move on to find Randall while they are doing that. I want some answers."
Savin moves forward towards the guild hoping to find someone to talk to.
Peerimus and Yorrick Sunday July 6th, 2008 1:58:08 PM
"Plateau City?" The words are familiar. "Is that not on the northern continent?" The concern on Peerimus's face has just increased tenfold. This is not isolated to the Southern Lands and therefore not strictly about the Great Migration. This hostility and therefore its cause is far greater and far beyond the scope of his friends. It now falls back to his original supposition. Preventing the war is beyond them, they can merely do thier best to survivie it with as many as they can that are in thier charge.
Peerimus nods at Jurgen, "We travelled all the way to Hook City to speak with Randall and the rest of the guild. This," he gestures one hand towards the fumming dwarves, "is just a side note."
Peerimus simply nods at Savin's words and starts striding forward towards the open guild doors with the massive Kodiak directly on his left hand side. Purposefully he taps his staff to the stone a bit harder than need be, elliciting a distinct Thock, thock thock accompanying each stride.
Trace and Shadow Monday July 7th, 2008 1:00:17 PM
Trace and Shadow follow in behind Peerimus waiting for command, not sure what to think about this.
Durgan Monday July 7th, 2008 6:10:17 PM
"Well, looks like the dwarves and elves are ready to come to blows. And none left in the city? I wonder if it is too late to do anything about this? I think we should talk to Randall as soon as we can and find out what he knows."
"Maybe Kazak and I can catch up to the dwarf wizards and see if they'll talk to us?"
Posting Report For: Monday July 7th, 2008 6:34:34 PM
Career Game #3 Children of Chaos For the week of June 30, 2008
Notes: Hope everyone had a good holiday!, Some missed posting at end of week due to 4th of July. Kit'Miara on hiatus until Kristel returns.
an excerpt from the journal of Dweezil the imp:
Dweezil sat with feigned interest on the rooftop. Across the street, in front of the wizards' tower, it looked like the dwarf and elf wizards would begin throwing spells after the heated exchange. Dweezil sighed. He should be so lucky. Instead, the dwarf wizards stormed off. It looked as though his master's prediction of war was coming true. Dweezil wondered what the Children of Chaos intended to do about it...
Confrontation at the Star Mages Guild[DM SteveK] Monday July 7th, 2008 8:55:20 PM
Kat and Kit Highlight to display spoiler: { Unfortunately, the girls are never alone, the guards are always there. They seem friendly, and very attentive. It looks like if the girls are going to have any fun here, they are going to have to brush up on thier conversational skills. (ie diplomacy, bluff, sense motive, gather information...) }
The three dwarfs turn as one and tramp implacably towards the crowd.
The Children of Chaos are concerned and begin to move to the Star Mages Guild in order to find thier one-time companion, Randall.
Yet the movement catches the eye of one of the dwarf wizards. "You there, we'll have need of good warriors such as you in the upcoming fight. Come to Vulfgard with us and prepare for the war against the elves."
A second chimes in; "The Star Mages Guild is being neutral in this affair, not allowing us to recruit or to pass on the call to arms in the Northern Continent, so every axe and sword and hammer will be needed. We have a ship at the Docks to take us to the muster point. We..." and a glare from the first ends the sentence. Sense Motive DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { Arket seems to have shut the other's mouth before he spouted more dwarven secrets.}
The contingent on the steps of the Star Mages Guild say nothing, nor do they follow the backs of the retreating dwarfs. Firn'gaer does notice there are more than these five on the steps. There are several invisible mages and many invisible familiars watching and listening to what is going on too.
Kat'Miara d20+13=25 ; d20+17=34 ; d20+13=29 ; d20+12=21 ; d20+8=9 ; d20+8=18 ; Monday July 7th, 2008 9:26:34 PM
::AAhh... a challenge by the DM! Very well...::
Kit and Kat, being their most winsome self, chat up each friendly guard as t hey come by, learning as much as they can about what's important to each of the guardsmen and guardswomen. However, as information becomes more repetitive, they can't seem to show a much interest, so usually change the subject as deftly as possible.
Firn'gaer Monday July 7th, 2008 9:40:27 PM
With nothing for him to do outside that he is willing to do, Firn'gaer makes his way inside. As he passes one of the invisible mages, he gives a quick wink and does his best to move through without disturbing them.
Once inside, he tries to find Randall. Firn'gaer is almost certainly followed by others of his friends as he enters. His guess is that Randall is in or near the Great Hall, for lack of a better description, and that is where Firn'gaer heads.
Civil War in the Guild . . . started by the dwarf-elf conflict. This starts to explain why the Guild pulls out of the Southern Continent . . .
Kazak d20+1=18 ; Monday July 7th, 2008 10:53:20 PM
"Aye brother .... it seems to be too late for talk ..... too much anger between da two in dis city "
Stepping after his brother as they head towards the Starmages Guild ...... the dwarven warrior stops as the three dwarven wizards call out to he and his brother
Absorbing their words ... Kazak senses something behind the talk (d20+1=18 sense motive) " War is not da answer .... it won't solve anything " growls Kazak " violence between da two races only breeds hatred.. .. ya need to negotiate ya differences .....need a third neutral party to help ......"
"As for my sword ..... it stands for peace " growls Kazak
Trace and Shadow Tuesday July 8th, 2008 3:05:29 AM
Trace moves in behind Kazak and listens to what is said, he says nothing unless spoken to but thinks to his bow "what are the true intentions of the dwarves? Is there substance to this fight or has one argument boiled to this war that has been a mild peace for so long."
Trace follows Firn'gaer into the guild to look for Randall.
Savin Tuesday July 8th, 2008 3:26:33 PM
Savin also follows along not knowing what he can do in this kind of situation. He almost feels he would be better served home, teaching his students but he follows Firn'gaer into the guild. "Lets finally find Randall and get an idea if we can help with this situation."
Jurgen Tuesday July 8th, 2008 5:07:20 PM
Jurgen, certain that Kazak and Trace would be getting information from the dwarves, decides to head in with Firn'gaer and Savin. "Or at least an idea of what this situation is." The paladin mutters under his breath. Once in, he simply follows Firn'gaer's lead. The wizard knew this place a lot better than the outsiders...
Randall and the Star Mages Guild[DM SteveK] d20+8=26 ; Tuesday July 8th, 2008 5:57:57 PM
Kat and Kit Highlight to display spoiler: {ooc: If you may, Shelia, can you roleplay out thier conversation. Otherwise I have no idea if they are trying to Bluff "Hey, your shoes are untied" or "I'm really a gold dragon in disguise and you can trust me because gold dragons wouldn't lie".
Over the course of the night, Kat and Kit are able to talk with thier guardsmen and -women. Most seem to have families, and all are very proud of thier position as a guard of HookCity. The girls are able to confirm several bits of information from the guards' corresponding stories. - The halflings are being kept until thier legal status is determined. At that point, they will be tried under thier respective law as a citizen, employee, or illegal immigrant. - There were some severe clashes between elves and dwarves a month or more ago; vandalism, graffitti, smashing stores, even some killing in the streets. The rumors of a war between elves and dwarves was even breaking down Hook City Soldier discipline. - The ruling Council segregated the elves and dwarves and had increased patrols running around elf and dwarf-owned stores which quelled the violence. Most elves and dwarves took passage out of the city to continue thier feud rather than calm down. Very strange. - Some mage guild over in SouthHook has been debating the elf-dwarf issue like it is still a problem. }
At the Star Mages Guild...
Firn'gaer, Savin, Jurgen, and Peerimus want to put this sad situation to thier backs and find out what is really going on with Randall. They, with Yorrick tagging along beging moving out of the crowd and to one of the side exits, Firn'gaer even winking at one of the invisibly observing wizards.
Kazak stops to try and explain sense to these hot-blooded mages of his race, and Durgan stays with his brother. Trace and his companion try and remain behind the dwarves not wanting to attract undue attention to himself. But it is in vain, for one of the dwarves easily sees the lithe form of the elf (Spot: 26)
The three dwarves are aghast that there are dwarves who aren't believing EXACTLY what they believe. AND they are in the company of an elf. But they are so completely surprised that all they can do is stand and stare as the group walks into the Star Mages Guild. As the doors close, the CoC can hear the elf in the SMG group quip; "well, if you hadn't quit the Star Mages Guild, you'd be able to come in and talk to these dwarfs more. Too bad!" And the doors close.
Firn'gaer takes the lead now, and as a member of the Star Mages Guild in good standing, he is quickly able to sum up the situation. Fifteen minutes of talking and moving enables the Children of Chaos to verify their bona fides, explain why they are here, and is led by an accolyte through a darkened archway to the Garden Atrium, the extra-dimensional space that the group has used a couple times in the past when visiting the Star Mages Guild.
An immense solarium appears before the group. Softly rolling slopes of evenly cropped grass stretch off through towering oak, alder and pine. Through the boles and branches one can see the panes of glass that encase the entirety of the small forest. The sharp of eye may even recognize the view beyond as the endless plains of the Sargrass to the south. Nearby is a clear space paved with rough, but flat paving stones. On it are several tables of finely polished wood. Comfortable chairs are scattered about the space as well, and two backless divans flank the whole at opposite sides of the periphery. The sound of running water comes from through the trees to the left.
Soon, Randall arrives with a half-elf woman that Peerimus and Firn'gaer immediately recognize; it is Niobe uiCrevan!
Durgan Tuesday July 8th, 2008 6:49:04 PM
Durgan is still irritable from the run-in with the dwarf wizards. "Kazak, ye told them well. I couldn't have said it better meself. Trace is more of a brother to me than those stubborn hotheads. Dwarves shouldn't be wizards anyway. See what it turns us into? Makes us irritable and grumpy."
Durgan seems a little uneasy traveling through the guild tower. He takes a long look around the Solarium. "Hey Peerimus, this place reminds me of yer grove."
While Peerimus and Firn'gaer reacquaint themselves with Niobe, Durgan nudges his brother with a strong elbow. "Do ye think they will offer anything to eat or drink?"
Kat'Miara d20+13=18 ; d20+17=31 ; d20+13=17 ; d20+12=16 ; d20+8=22 ; d20+8=24 ; Tuesday July 8th, 2008 9:10:39 PM
Suddenly realizing the mine of information this place could be, the girls really get into this! The try to ask sly questions, to get further responses out of their guards. After all, they know some of what their captain is planning on doing, and what policy is on certain things! (If they hadn't had a chance to be alone, they wouldn;t;ve tried to unlock the cell, thus the key is still hidden and in their possession.)
Bluff 13 (+d20)=18 Diplomacy 17 (+d20)=31 Gather Information13 (+d20)=17 Knowledge Local 12 (+d20)=16 Perform 8 (+d20)=22 Sense Motive 8 (+d20)=24
Savin Tuesday July 8th, 2008 10:06:19 PM
Savin leaps forward and crushes Niobe in a hug. He asks, "How have you been? What have you been doing with your life? We finally resolved the tattoo thing! Is yours still giving you issues?" Savin just bubbles over.
Kazak Tuesday July 8th, 2008 11:44:35 PM
Trudging after the rest of the Children of Chaos into the Star Mages Guild .... Kazak glances back at the trio of dwarven mages right as the doors close .
:"Thanks Durgan .... you ain't a mage and your grumpy " teases Kazak ;-)
" well something to drink but we just ate ..... you hungry already ??"
Spotting Randall " Heya Randal ... good to see ya again ..... hows fluffy ?" grins the dwarf
Letting Peerimus and Savin greet the 1/2 elf .... Kazak just looks about taking in the inner workings of the Star mages tower " nice place " whistles the dwarven warrior
Trace and Shadow Wednesday July 9th, 2008 2:48:56 AM
Trace continues to stay on the heals of the dwarves and waits for the other shoe to drop on why they are here and not cahseing down giants and orcs.
Firn'gaer Wednesday July 9th, 2008 10:40:55 AM
Firn'gaer sees the two of the former active members of the Children of Chaos, "Randall it's good to see you." He says giving a slight bow. After Savin finishes his grapple of Niobe, Firn'gaer says "I'm glad to see you well. I hope the past days have treated you kindly."
After pleasantries are exchanged, Firn'gaer get right to the heart of the manner. "I take it from the reactions of the dwarves at the entrance that the Guild is being asked to take sides in the impending conflict. From the reaction of the dwarves and elves, the Guild decided to remain neutral, but other than that what has the council of Archmages decided if anything."
Peerimus and Yorrick Wednesday July 9th, 2008 10:53:10 AM
Peerimus nods to teh dwarven mages as he passes them and once inside, sighs at hearing the elf. Turning back towards the speaker, "The Dwarven race is not the only noble race of the Wold that is unimpressed by haughty behavior." Peerimus then turns back and continues into the Guild proper.
Peerimus smiles warmly upon seeing Niobe. Her parting from the company was in a darker time and he is happy to see that she is apparently doing well and has seemed to have found a more true call to herself. "Niobe." he says witha small incline of his head and then to Randall, "Randall." Peerimus straightens as Savin moves quickly by and the druid waits it out.
Peerimus nods a few times to Durgans comment on the reminder of his grove. He knows it is not meant as an insult or a slight and therfore the druid takes the comment just as it was intended. "It does possess a similar beauty." he offers in return.
Peerimus pats Yorrick and gives the bear a snort. Yorrick replies with a humph and heads down the path in search of the stream he knows is there.
"Randall, you asked," glancing at Fluffykins, "However indirectly, that we make our way here and so we have. What is on your mind?" The druids eyes speak volumes on his knowlegde and likely opinions of why they were there, but he seems very intent on reserving those thoughts, at least for now.
Jurgen Wednesday July 9th, 2008 3:37:47 PM
Jurgen, who had met Randall previously (although only briefly), nods his head in the wizard's direction. And at Niobe, once the group has finished their hellos, he introduces himself. "Pleasure to meet you. I'm Jurgen."
"This whole situation has gone somewhat out of control. And while I probably agree that the Star Mages shouldn't take sides, I hope they're not planning on just ignoring the situation until it goes away." Jurgen's eyes wander, as he thinks back to everything that the Children have learned about the coming days. "Especially with what we know, between visits to the future and prophecies. If even a sliver of it is true... I don't know. Knowing glimpses of the future makes our lives more difficult, not easier."
Randall and the Star Mages Guild[DM SteveK] d20+5=21 ; d20+5=22 ; d20+5=23 ; d20+5=13 ; Wednesday July 9th, 2008 5:34:50 PM
Kat and Kit Highlight to display spoiler: {Well, the girls talk up the guards and things get right down friendly. Though they will not disobey orders and let out the ladies, they try to ease Kat and Kit's mind on the halfling's likely fate. The guards in turn are able to get snippets of information from the girls in order to provide more personnally interested information. "You say you are with the Children of Chaos, and they are an employed group of Protectors? Well, I know the Captain will find that out pretty quick and then it will be for the Monitors to decide what shall be done." "Oh", says another, "there are a number of possibilities. Your employer could pay a fine, the victim's Protector group could demand challenge to your Protector group, or the sides could agree to exile you from HookCity." }
....................
Niobe enthusiatically returns the embrace of Savin and the greetings of the others. "I've been out of work recently and it was by pure accident that I bumped into Randall here. When we found out we both knew Savin and Peerimus and Firn'gaer..., well, it gave me the excuse I needed to become Randall's Protector and thus be able to continue living in Hook City." Her face forms into a frown. "My last employer was a weaponsmith, a dwarf. I had no problem after working alongside Ilsidur (she names another former Child of Chaos), and at first, she had no problem with me. Several months ago, however, there were increasing tensions between elfs and dwarfs. It started with glares, then whispered words, then graffiti on the walls. Elves cancelled jobs with my employer, and dwarves wouldn't do business whenever I was around. She finally terminated my employment after I found a plot to trump up an excuse to call a Protector's Challenge on me. Soon after that, she packed up all her weapons and took ship to Vulfgard."
Randall gestures angrily in frustration at Firn'gaer's comment. "The Star Mages Guild will not choose sides, and does not see this as a widespread problem. So far, the main instigators of trouble seem to be coming from one particular dwarf stronghold; Vulfgard. Hook City is also keeping strictly neutral. Any official or citizen who wants to take one side or the other is allowed to leave. If they cause trouble within the city, the option has been exile, banishment, or summary execution, depending on the amount of trouble caused."
Randall shakes his head. "But we've seen too much. I've been spending a lot of time in my magical library, because this seems to be spreading more than one little dwarf stronghold should be able to manage." He looks up slightly worried. "And I'm right. Vulfgard is one of the entrances to Turak Nor, the ancient dwarf homeland. They have some means of interaction with a prominent elven city in Dre Moria called Silverleaf, even though Turak Nor and Dre Moria are thousands of miles apart. And the means of interaction have opened up only in the last year." (untrained Intelligence check DC10 Highlight to display spoiler: { the elf that died in the duel in Peerimus' grove was named Jillian Silverleaf }
And Randall drops his final info bomb. "I am certain that this interaction is one cause of the rapidly increasing tensions. The other is the 'advisor' of the DwarfLord of Vulfgard. He is a human that also happens to have found the 'trade route' to Silverleaf. And his name is Krilanos Quendeck."
(untrained Intelligence check DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: { Selenie, the leader of Heranmar, has the last name of Quendeck }
Peerimus and SavinHighlight to display spoiler: { Krilanos was the name the Crones gave the Children of Chaos as thier enemy. "He has in him pure chaos, much more chaos power then any should wield and you will need to find him and do something to make sure he is not a problem to you in the future." (posted 27 Mar 2004) He is also Selenie's brother, the one who tried to steal the chaos powers from the CoC but the CoC rang the Chaos Bell first.}
Kat'Miara d20+13=25 ; d20+17=21 ; d20+8=16 ; Wednesday July 9th, 2008 8:22:54 PM
(Unsure if the pouch that was supposedly stolen was taken from the girls. Not noted in the posts by the DM, that I saw, if so.)
Looking through their pouches, the girls finally find the pouch the man was looking for, "This is what he was looking for?" Asks Kat. "Well, let him have it back, and thank goodness! We just found it lying around. Most likely dropped at some point. We were going to try to find who it belonged to at some point, since we're good at finding lost stuff, but we'd never steal someone's stuff on purpose!" (This is with complete sincerity, and total belief.)
"At some point, we might need to let Peerimus and Yorrick know where we are..." Kit adds in, eyes twinkling.
Durgan Wednesday July 9th, 2008 10:38:43 PM
Durgan nods his head and listens to the exchange. "So what's our next move boss?"
Kazak d20+1=15 ; d20+1=7 ; Wednesday July 9th, 2008 11:26:32 PM
The dwarven warrior nods as Niobe recalls her time with the Children of Chaos and the warm welcome she receives .... a smile crosses his face as she tells of her work alongside of dwarves " we need day attitude to run off on more people eh brother "
"Hmmm dat name sounds familar ......sounds similar to da one back at Hernamar .... da one in da duel " adds Kazak " ya think ?" (d20+1=15 int check )
Perking up at the name of the dwarven homeland " Turak Nor !! " blurts out Kazak but his face reddens slightly " didn't mean to interupt "
"Er what do you mean by also found ?? .... lotta competition to use da trade route?"
Savin d20+2=20 ; d20+2=5 ; Thursday July 10th, 2008 12:05:10 AM
Savin starts tapping his chin and says, "Silverleaf? Isn't that the elf that died in the duel in Heranmar? The one with the devil? DC check 20
Krilanos is the one the Crones spoke of...the one they named as our enemy. Oh....it was so long ago but he is also charged with Chaos and the Crones did say he might become a problem to us. Looks like they were correct. It looks like he might be the key to this. If he has the power of chaos and is influencing the dwarves to hate the elves, he could be the cause of this war. Now all we have to do is figure a way into a dwarven stronghold, find this most likely heavily guarded agent of Chaos and take him out."
Savin looks over to Peerimus and smiles.."Sure glad your the leader! Let me know what the plan is."
Trace and Shadow Thursday July 10th, 2008 2:40:44 AM
I wonder if the devil in the mountains was near the trade road?
Randall and the Star Mages Guild[DM SteveK] Thursday July 10th, 2008 3:31:27 PM
Randall looks to Peerimus and the others while petting Fluffykins. "I am sure that Krilanos and his infusion of chaos power is behind the improbable animosity between elves and dwarves. And with this 'trade route', he is able to feed the distrust between Vulfgard and Silverleaf. I asked you to come here because I could see the writing on the wall; the Star Mage Guild won't help and HookCity won't help. You are the only ones I could think of who could get to Vulfgard and defeat Krilanos."
Niobe chimes in. "Vulfgard's location is a secret known by very few. It seems the stronghold is in the mountains to the south of the Sargrass Plains, and only the Grass Ship captains know how to get there." Here she pauses and quirks an eye to Savin, "I could introduce you..."
Peerimus and Yorrick Thursday July 10th, 2008 5:05:46 PM
Peerimus keeps quiet, at least some things were making sense and they fell in line with suspisions. Peerimus's mind unfortunately simply did not work the way in which it needed to to work through this. Particular planning and maticulous detail was not his fortay. Hopefully Firngaer would be able to shoulder some of this. But certain parts were there. Navigate the Sawgrass Plains to Vulfgard, penetrate the stronghold and negate Krilanos Quendeck's influence. Oh and not get killed in the process.
Peerimus smiles, or smirks. "I suppose we are. We are also unaffiliated." "Savin, you've just laid out the plan, what more do you need to know?" Looking Niobe's direction, "Any assistance in getting us on a ship bound for this place would be most welcome. Also I would ask a favor. That you look into becomiing a member of Protector group 877. Our warehouse if you recall. Get in contact with Didi and tell her we asked you to. You know enough about us to dispel any misgivings she could possibly have."
To the rest, "It seems our general course is set. Details will have to follow us on the way. Now before we leave here I do have a few things I need to look into. Niobe? How long do we have?"
Randall and the Star Mages Guild[DM SteveK] Thursday July 10th, 2008 8:28:46 PM
Niobe smirks and wrinkles her nose at Peerimus. "I would hug you, but I don't know the last time you really washed", she teases. "But I would LOVE to join the Protectors on the warehouse! My job with Randall is only temporary since he is on a mission for the SMG to Plateau City." She puts her hand over her mouth as if she said too much, but then winks. "In any case, I need to be employed to stay in HookCity and I love the place. Thanks!"
"For the Grass Ship in question, the Grass Swift just arrived yesterday. They are putting in a cargo of raw ore and so should be bound for the dwarven lands. I overheard thier factor on the Bridge yesterday mention that they were off in three days time. I can get you introduced today if you want?"
Randall shrugs. "Sorry I can't go with you, but as Niobe says, I'm off for Plateau City on Star Mage business. The experience will be great, but it looks like it will be long term."
Kazak Thursday July 10th, 2008 10:59:17 PM
"Bound to the dwarven lands ?? ..... dats a ship we hafta get on " as Kazak locks eyes with Durgan " and da visit outghta be intresting if we run into dem trio of wizards " growls Kazak
Turning to Niobe " is the Grass Swift dwarven crewed ??? ... and we need as much info on dis Vulfgard "
"Three days to prepare ... lets git ready "
Savin Thursday July 10th, 2008 11:11:23 PM
Savin smiles as he listens to the plan unfold. "It sounds like a plan but are we going to be allowed to enter this secret city? With elves in our numbers? Can we use magic to fool them? A hat of disguise or spells. We will also need some kind of cover story on why we want to go in the first place. No offense Kazak and Durgan but dwarves tend to be suspicious normally and I bet with a possible war on, they are really going to be on their guard. Is their any kind of trade good we could bring to them?"
Savin snaps his fingers and points at Kazak. Maybe we can use your sword that you got as your reward. We could use the excuse that we are trying to find out its abilities and need dwarf sages to take a look at it or something."
Trace and Shadow Friday July 11th, 2008 1:18:18 PM
Trace pulls down his ears and slouches a bit, "how about this" he says with a grin. Shadow cocks her head to the side and wonders.
Jurgen Friday July 11th, 2008 4:40:02 PM
"Won't we stand out like sore thumbs at Vulfgard? Or, more precisely, won't Trace?" Then, realizing Savin was saying that very same thing, shuts up. A hearty laugh escapes him when he sees Trace. "I'm not sure if we should disguise Trace though... If they catch him, we'd be likely seen as spies for the elves."
"As for reasons we'd be there? They were looking for mercenaries, for one. And we've also got the excuse of whatever that devil was doing. If we go as mercenaries, it may give us an excuse meet Krilanos ourselves. Ask him some questions, perhaps? I have my doubts about whether this entire conflict has arisen because of a single man."
Durgan Friday July 11th, 2008 4:58:06 PM
Durgan elbows his brother. "No wisecracks about the last time we were on a ship eh? I wasn't seasick, I was just testin some bad ale. At least there won't be any water."
"Savin, if those dwarves are preparin fer war, then ye have no idea how suspicious they might be. They'll probably be interested in just about any trade good we would care to bring. I wouldn't go waving that sword around though. Might be a bad idea."
Durgan looks at Trace. "I'm not sure what to do there. Let's prepare fer several options, then make a plan when we get there. Think ye could grow a beard?" heh heh heh
Peerimus and Yorrick Friday July 11th, 2008 10:07:12 PM
"Niobe you are always welcome of course. Feel free to stay within the apartments in the Wharehouse or above the store."
"I could disguise Trace as a panther. He and shadow could guards for the exotically inclined druid that travels with you." the druid muses aloud. "But first things first for myself, I have a few appointments to keep while I am here."
Peerimus dismisses himself and heads to the where he was directed to inquire and discover all there is about magical teleportation in and out of the City.
Trace and Shadow Saturday July 12th, 2008 2:29:48 AM
OOC: over the weekend shoot out some ideas for the wharehouse, I will give Niobe some money and a way to make money so that when we make it back we have a real home here in Hook city when we find ourselves there.
Preparations[DM SteveK] d20+10=28 ; Saturday July 12th, 2008 1:31:43 PM
It is three days before the Grass Swift will leave Hook City, sailing across the exotic Sargrass Plains to the hidden stronghold of Vulfgard. The captain, Aivar Ganness, is human, as is all his crew save one, a half-orc woman. "Captains out of Rattledam are welcome at every port on the Sargrass", he tells the group, "we know how to keep secrets." He looks them over and gives a satisfying nod. "Yep, I've taken adventurers on board before too. You all seem to know how to handle yourselves, so here is the deal; 100 gold per person or animal and you defend the ship if attacked." (Sense Motive DC 28 Highlight to display spoiler: { Ganness is setting an initial high price. He'll go 50gp per person and defense, or 100gp per person and stay out of thier way.})
NIobe shrugs. "Not much to say about Vulfgard. A military post, it is said to guard an entrance into Turak Nor. Headed by a hereditary DwarfLord and family, they seem to be the source of information on the antagonizing threats and attacks of elves."
Randall has to prepare for his embassy to Plateau City, and so gives warm goodbyes and leaves.
Niobe works with Trace and the rest of the team over the next couple of days to get a spare key for the warehouse and store, get registered as part of Protector 877, and get reacquainted with the neighbors in Block 452. Madame Orchid and the others immediately take to Niobe, thankful that there is finally some teeth to go along with the face of Protectors 877.
Peerimus goes to the Administration Complex and spends the better part of the day being politely shuffled from one office to another. HIs temper is probably running low by the time he gets to an Administrative Supervisor of the Effects of Inter-City Magical Transportation. "I am sorry, Sieur Peerimus, but inter-city movement is suspended at the moment due to the effects of the recent racial unrest. Hook City must remain a neutral entity in this or any conflict to protect our merchantile and magical exchanges. Why, even the Star Mages teleportation circles have been put under a forbiddance spell." "However", he continues, "for a modest fee of a Red Chit, any citizen may put thier name and method of requested movement on a stand-by list. When the statute is lifted, an administrative delegation will assess the means of travel and provide you a fee for the ablity to bypass the normal gate inspections." He raises a finger. "It is only fair to warn you, sieur, that abuse of the magical movement in regards to smuggling would be discovered eventually and severely dealt with per the laws of Hook City." He smiles and makes a dismissive gesture. "Your memory stone, however, shows that such an issue is unlikely. You and your Protector team have been employees in good standing for a number of years now. All you would have to do is become citizens and obey the laws and I would be able to minimize the red tape."
The last evening before departure, the Children are relaxing in the warehouse apartments and is approached by Mara Weaver, the owner of the tapestry shop on the Block. "I have heard from my daughter's husband's friend's sister that you are preparing for a trip across the Sargrass. If you or the ship is going to be near Rattledam at any point, I would be most pleased if you would deliver a letter to my youngest daughter there. Due to the great distance, we don't see or even hear from each other much, and so must sieze every opportunity that comes by."
Kazak Saturday July 12th, 2008 11:13:15 PM
The dwarf lets Peerimus take care of the administrative process ......afterall he has a stellar reputation in Hook City and could smooth thongs along.
Meanwhile Kazak cleans all his gear ..... armor, weapons ..... readying for their voyage across the Sargrass plains ......purcashing some fine cloth to wrap around the sheath of his weapon of stone ..... not trying to conceal but to not make it as conspicuous .(but doesn't hinder drawing it)
meandering around the neighborhood to help learn its features ... Kazak visits various places for meals .... during the three days and nights .....hopefully dragging his brother and Trace along " might be a good way to get ideas for the wharehouse "
"Well Trace i say we build the upper floors as living quarters .... dat leaves the lower level for goods and stuff ..... don't forget to add some guest quarters too .... think we should hire a local caretaker too .... someone da locals know and trust ..... should know the in's and outs of the local administrative stuff too ease da burden on Peerimus ..... dont'cha think ??"
Trace and Shadow Sunday July 13th, 2008 7:54:29 PM
Trace's ears perk up, Ive got an idea, this is a war right? And what do people need when fighting? Weapons and armor. The wharehouse is full of armor. I say we get a wagon load and have that as our shipment. Also if this guy is the main reason for the agression then he might want to meet with us if we can promise more armor and low prices. When we meet him then we pounce on him right then and teleport the heck out of there. The plan is full of holes and rough on the edges but all and all it will work, I know it.
Trace uses the off time to work with Niobe on hireing a contractor and descibe the upper section is to become housing fit for the COC and the lower section will become a hall where we can practice and have a tavern area and also a library four our findings and trophys. Like maybe a Triton statue or a Giants ring and so on.
(ooc: working on a floor plan and drawings for our Hook City Manor. I will email to all. Feel free to add or take away from the drawings, this is ours to create.)
Savin Sunday July 13th, 2008 9:31:20 PM
Savin laughs at Durgan's joke..."Me with a sword...good one friend dwarf. When have you ever seen me with a sword?"
Savin stands and bows to Mara and smiling says, "I would be honored to delivery your letter to your daughter. It is hard for family to stay together and communicate during these days of suspicion. I don't know if our travels will bring us there but if they do, I will give it to her. What is her name and where does she live?"
Peerimus and Yorrick d20+11=21 ; d20+7=17 ; d20+7=8 ; Sunday July 13th, 2008 10:35:16 PM
The day is a long one, but Peerimus has been through worse, though not so tedious to be certain.With suffucient willpower though, he does endure the government of Hook City. Peerimus does indeed pay a red chit to get on the list for when the statute is lifted and his method is Teleportation.
The following day, Peerimus spends at the Mittiri temple. he seeks out whoever may be in charge otf the temple proper and spends the day discussing the natural order and the roles of Father and Mothers various guardians in it. If able to get into any texts or scrolls he does so. Highest on his list of interest are possible or known locations of Treants and Unicorns. Peerimus will also, assuming he does not get a bad vibe from anyone he is talking to, leave a copy of his Treastie of the Natural Wold and the information that he currently resides near Heranmar. [Diplomacy 21 sense Motive 17]
To the terms of sailing, Peerimus agrees on the price without issue as well as defending the ship. They would even if not asked after all. he does inquire about the length of time and for any specific cautions they should take note of on the Sawgrass. The druid has heard a thing or two about the land, but first hand knowledge he had little beyond he visit a few months ago.
"Trace's initial idea has merit, the actual arms would give a reason, but so would simply being adventurers. I do not think that under the guise of merchants we would deal with anyone of note. We would still need to move through the complex and find our man. He will not be negotiating arms deals. And after all, he's in a dwarven stronghold, I doubht weapons from the humans in Hook city will impress all the much. I think we should disguise Trace and use Durgan and Kazak as the groups entrance into Vulfgard. The rest of us are friends and accompanying our companions during these troubling times. Kazak and Durgan are looking into rumors at Vulfgard. the Sword remains a secret. i do not need to do battle with a crazed dwarven population over a symbol. I repeat. No one mentions the Sword. We are then inside and we let our expert snoopers..." Peerimus pauses at this point.
"It has been several days now and we leave shortly. Does anyone know of the whereabouts of those two?"
Durgan Sunday July 13th, 2008 10:38:35 PM
OOC- sorry for not being clear Savin, I meant Kazak's sword.
Jurgen Monday July 14th, 2008 12:10:40 AM
"I'm not entirely comfortable bringing weapons to a conflict, even if they're 'sub-par' ones. Going as simple adventurers is good enough, although I think we need to get gloves. Our Chaos tattoos are rather... noticeable marks." Jurgen doesn't bother flashing his, as the group knows them full well. "And if we are going to disguise Trace, I suggest keep it mundane. Anyone with eyes like Firn'gaer's would see through the magic."
At Mara, Jurgen bows and mimics Savin's statement. "If we're in Rattledam, we'll find your daughter."
"Kit and Kat... You're right, Peerimus. I haven't seen them since we arrived. I'm sure their fine, but perhaps we should have a word with... I don't even know. Maybe their memory stones are tracked by the city guard?" If the idea has merit, Jurgen offers to look into it. While Hook City's entire bureaucracy didn't make a lick of sense to him, city guards did. He'd been one for a while. And Jurgen had a knack for talking, if he needed to get the halflings out of trouble...
Trace and Shadow Monday July 14th, 2008 2:20:31 PM
You missunderstand me Jurgen, we only have armor in our wharehouse so it is merly for defense and I think bringing it if not to sell then as a offering for the cause. Dwarves are great smiths but in war times the amount needed is sometimes too much.
Once Peerimus gives a final decison on the matter Trace will let it drop and then start looking for a hat to cover his ears and extra clothes to make his frame bigger, more thick like a human. In the event that I am found out, what is the stratergy then, fight our way out? Or am I to run like boogbear with his pants on fire? I can fly but I would rather just teleport away. Maybe a scroll or somthing that I can use to exit. I am all for fighting but I think we might be in the middle of a large number. You know me I allways want the fight option.
Kat'Miara d20+13=26 ; d20+17=23 ; d20+8=28 ; Monday July 14th, 2008 4:36:30 PM
Looking through the bars, she almost seems to flirt as she asks questions, coming in a roundabout way, to the one she really wants to ask: "When do we get to contact our friends?"
Durgan Monday July 14th, 2008 4:45:58 PM
"Trace, we could try some bluffing. They might believe ye are a merchant with no ties to the elves."
Hook City Preparations[DM SteveK] Monday July 14th, 2008 4:57:02 PM
Kat and Kit Highlight to display spoiler: { ooc: Shelia, thank you for playing Kat and Kit. I've got them in a place that is very easy to stick them back into the game when Jon and Kristal are able to return. You really captured thier laisez fair attitude to life and possessions. :0) }
Preparations are made to get the group ready for contacts and living quarters in Hook City as well as plans to ferret Krilanos out of the probably well-defended Vulfgard stronghold.
Peerimus spends 500gp at a moneylenders to get a Red Chit to put his name on the potential teleportation list. He spends an additional 1,100gp for passage on the Grass Swift (which includes Yorrick and Shadow, as well as Kit and Kat if they make the boat).
Peerimus is able find and spend a day at the Temple of Mittri. At first glance, this is a rather run-down establishment, but as the druid spends the day, he can tell that it is more that the people and animals living and working here prefer a 'natural' surrounding; no sweeping or cleaning of the area, or people in the area. There are a couple of crazies here, one man weeping uncontrollably for the last five years since the Year of Ascension, another running around naked because Mittri told him clothing was forbidden... There is certainly no hierarchy or group here, just a bunch of individuals doing thier own thing. The most intelligent beings Peerimus is able to find are in a secluded courtyard and they are eager to speak with a druid from out-of-town; a Lost Child (Katt), her Sibling Cat (Amber), and an Awakened Tortoise (Torm - real name unpronouncable); . While Peerimus is able to get little useful information, the small group waxes eloquent on philosophy, natural theology, and the possibilities of the universe. He is also able to come away with another contact in Torm, who promises to garner information and be ready for when Peerimus next comes through Hook City.
Mara is very happy that Savin and Jurgen both are willing to bring a letter to Rattledam. "I'm sure your Grass Ship's Captain will be going to Rattledam eventually, every one of them does." She passes the the sealed letter and a small woven rug over to the men. The rug is woven of dyed grasses, and expertly done, and the Children can easily see the people represented in the fine grass stitching; a man with a blonde crewcut and wearing the symbol of Domi; another with a scimitar and accompanied by a wolf; the looming presense of a half-orc with a double-bladed axe; two black elves off to one side with bows and swords; a bright-eyed inquisitive-looking gnome girl; and a woman carrying a staff who is a younger, plainer version of Mara. "That's my daughter there, Tishe'. She has her father's wanderlust that for certain. If you can't find her in Rattledam, I'm sure the monks would be able to get the letter on from there." The caption at the bottom reads; The Bloodpack.
There has been no word on the halfling girls, Kit and Kat, and an inquiry reveals that the Guard picked them up for stealing. After a day of investigation, the Guard determined that there was a misunderstanding since the alleged stolen items were in fact returned without rancor by all parties. The Guard did note the personages of Kit'Miara and Kat'Miara as "To Be Watched", but nothing further against them and they were released. Nothing has been heard from them since.
Various ideas come forward about how to hide Trace's elven ancestry. The ranger works to get bulky clothing and droopy headpieces to make some of the change and is interested in being prepared in case the disguise fails. Peerimus suggests two panthers, Trace and Shadow, are part of the druid's ensemble, but there is no word from Trace whether that is a good idea or not.
Other ideas are bantered on how the group should get access to Vulfgard. Armor merchants or 'just' adventurers are suggested and Peerimus seems to indicate 'just' adventurers would get them access to the higher aristocracy. That and the worry about feeding a war makes the group go just as they are, although Jurgen recommends a way to hide the Chaos Mark on thier hands. It may give them away to Krilanos...
...........................
In asking around about the Sargrass in the Temple to Mittri, Peerimus comes in contact with a deeply tanned and rakishly thin man whom everyone calls Walker. The man is able to provide Peerimus a small scroll and a map (see link), and then gives some more advice. The Sargrass Plains
- he assumes you are travelling on a druidwood ship, but wants to give a few pointers in case you are separated for any reason. - it is hot on the Sargrass Plains. H-O-T HOT! Water, shade, and protection from the heat are essential. - Do not spill water, do not get wet. The insects of the Sargrass swarm to get water and can take a person to the bone in seconds. - Do not use fire on the Plains, it would rapidly spread out of control and kill many innocent communities. - Avoid electricity on the Plains, the Sargrasses conduct electricity.
The Children all get ready, for tomorrow morning, fairly early, they are to report to the Grass Swift, and the ship will sail at first light.
Posting Report For: Monday July 14th, 2008 9:45:22 PM
Career Game #3 Children of Chaos For the week of July 7, 2008
Notes: Kit'Miara still on hiatus. Thanks Shelia for filling in for Kat'Miara!
Durgan Monday July 14th, 2008 9:49:31 PM
Durgan heads down to the ship the night before to make they have a sufficient supply of ale. If not, he offers to get some. He asks the ship supply clerk if anything else is needed.
That taken care of, Durgan heads back to the COC warehouse. "Do ye think we need to pick up any gear to deal with the heat? I already inquired about 'other' supplies."
Savin Monday July 14th, 2008 10:45:29 PM
Savin looks at the tapestry and at the different people represented there. "Tishe eh? An adventurer? I guess we will have a good time swapping stories when we finally meet. I will try to personally deliver it but will leave your letter with the ship's captain if I think we are going in a different direction."
Savin prepares himself for the journey. He makes sure he has his basic supplies in food stuffs and several water skins. He keeps everything in his haversack so none of his water should spill. Like always, he travels light but is prepared for the worse.
Kazak Monday July 14th, 2008 11:32:50 PM
"Hmm they sound like an honorable group .... Bloodpack huh ..... ? well good to know another good group is out der .... and der a veteren of the Sargrass plains ... could be helpful"
"Heh Durgan i'm sure that were we headed they will be ale ....afta all it's a dwareven stronghold " teases kazak
Trace and Shadow Tuesday July 15th, 2008 3:38:25 AM
Trace will purchase two dozen wet skins, not all for drinking, the thought of slinging water at a foe and have the insects do the work sounds too tempting.
I would like to go as a big cat like Shadow here if you think we can keep from being found out.
Trace will also make a wrap around his hands to hide his mark.
Firn'gaer d20+9=25 ; Tuesday July 15th, 2008 12:25:58 PM
Firn'gaer doesn't do much purchasing in preparations. His magic allowed him to survive the harsh climate of Ice Veins, it should keep him protected in the harsh climate of the Plains. He does prepare a few spells that will create shade and keep temperatures regulated for others.
He leaves the details of how to infiltrate the Dwarf home to others with more insight, but will chime in with suggestions if asked.
Peerimus and Yorrick Tuesday July 15th, 2008 2:12:14 PM
Peerimus alters his spell list with the information he gains from Walker and thanks him greatly.
He promises to get back to Torm as soon as he can.
"On the journey to there we can discuss more about Trace and what we are to do once we get there. It is unlikely we will be able to simply ask and be granted an audience." Peerimus's armor gauntlets cover his tatoo.
Peerimus relays what he has learned of the Plains and explains that he has 3 Endure Spells to ward off the heat. Obviously not enough for all so who has no such protection from the elements?"
Spells: Level 0: Create Water x2, Mending, (2) Read Magic, Detect Magic Level 1: *(5)Endure Elements, (2) *Long strider Level 2: (3) Barkskin, (1) Resist Energy, Bull Strength, lesser Restoration, Heat Metal Level 3: (2) CMW, *Speak with Plants, Daylight, Poison, Stone shape, *Greater Magic Fang (granting Yorrick's bite addtional +2/+2) Level 4: (3) CSW, Freedom of Movement, *Blackthorn Level 5: Animal Growth, (2) CCW, Stone skin, Baleful Polymorph Level 6: Fire Seeds, (2)Greater Dispel Magic, Transport via Plants Level 7: Heal, Greater Scrying, Transport Via Plants Level 8: Animal Shapes *Cast Spell Staff contains FireStorm
Jurgen Tuesday July 15th, 2008 3:32:00 PM
Jurgen's eyes scan over Tishe, memorizing who she is. He also nods approvingly at the blonde man, assured that the group wasn't something other than Mara was implying.
"Kit and Kat seem to have left us as fast as they joined. I know they can take care of themselves, but the Chaos tattoos aren't easy to cope with..."
The paladin makes sure to get a set of clothing that gives full cover, but is light enough that the heat won't bother. And then he heads to the ship with the rest of the group.
(OOC: I'm gunna try to hit the Catacombs tonight, but I'm not sure if I'll have the time. Still haven't leveled Jurgen up properly either. Ugh. Time!)
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