Rosario AC 18 HP 29/29 Sheet Saturday September 6th, 2008 1:51:24 PM
Rosario mentally notes the earring 'waking up' as they leave Master John, but also the ruined temple. He is glad for the easy walk back and in spite of himself, he finds his right hand tapping the hilt of his sword in time to Giovanni's playing.
Rosario notes the banged up party, after dropping off some things, maybe he could come back down and find out a bit more of what they ran into. With a look and a nod of his head towards the wounded group he silently asks Picci if she could help.
At the room, he unbuckles his weapon and pack and places them both on the bed. A raised eyebrow goes in Giovanni's direction More food? Amazing
more to come from Rosario....
Dextre Saturday September 6th, 2008 3:05:45 PM
Dextre heads to the rooms as well and nearly falls to sleep while Giovanni plays. The chair scraping across the floor as Giovanni stands up wakes him quickly and he grabs to his rapier in the excitement of waking up suddenly. Just as quickly he relaxes his grip on the rapier and looks around. He says to Giovanni, "Headed downstairs? I suppose I'll follow you down."
When the arrive downstairs, as Giovanni speaks to the innkeeper, Dextre heads over to the younger group of recently injured adventurers. When the opportunity presents itself, without interrupting them, Dextre walks up to the group and says, "You fellows sure looked a bit rough there when you arrived. What happened?"
Bendis Monday September 8th, 2008 12:01:29 PM
Bendis gazes at the battered party in wonder. These boys have taken a beating all right.
"Wuh-wuh-what happened?" he asks the healer in leathers.
Picci d20=9 ; Monday September 8th, 2008 11:14:42 PM
Picci's attention is more focused on the man who came forward and performed the healing magic, watching the proceedings with very great interest. (OOC: the d20 I rolled resulted in a 9...I'm not sure if Picci needs to Spot (which adds 4 to the roll), or make either a Heal check (add 8 to the roll) or a Spellcraft check (add 4 to the roll) to discern what the unknown healer is doing.)
DM Jamie d20=8 ; Tuesday September 9th, 2008 10:18:52 AM OOC: I put off posting to see if I could get as many people as possible. 6 out of 7 aint bad :)
Zita, Rosario, Gigi, and Calverius retire upstairs for the night to talk amongst themselves and get some sleep. The others, whether they stayed downstairs or came up and then went back down, begin to mingle downstairs.
Giovanni approaches the innkeeper. He is a rather tall fellow, even tall for a human. His firey red hair is long and unkept and his green eyes look deep and old. He smiles down at you and says, "You can play for as long as you like, but I warn you it can get a little rowdy in the later hours. I will give you some drink and some food after I see how you do." Giovanni climbs onto the stages area amongst geers and laughing. He stands in the middle with everyone looking at him, places his fingers to the strings, and plays. The effect is stunning. Slowly, as the music weaves this way and that through the crowd, they all go silent and pay attention to Giovanni. The music seems to becoms a sort of innate magic that is weaved through this place. Music is the silence in this place tonite.
Dextre and Bendis go over to where the adventurers are recouping from their wounds and begin to ask several questions. At the begining they are very hesitant to talk about what happened. You can see a sort of wild fear in their eyes. Liek the look of someone who can't believe what they have seen. You can tell they have suffered wounds that can not be hearled by magic, only time. "I don't want to think about it anymore." Says one of the older looking men. He can't be over 25, but the others all look so young. "We were attacked by something on the lower plateaus, but we aren't sure what. It was dark and we never saw it. We were waiting for the lift to lower and bring us up. We had to wait in the dark since their was no one at the station. Adn then, before we knew what happened we were laying there bloodied and one of our companions was missing." His head drops into his hands as sobs begin to come uncontrolably. One of the others in the group. A younger woman says, "Gweneth was to be his wife." She approaches him as do the others and they all hug together.
Picci,Highlight to display spoiler: {As you watch the man do the healing you see something you have never seen before and never expected to see. It is no magic you see here and it is of no god that you have heard of. He says nothing, produces no components, has no holy symbol. You only see him place his hands over the wounds, close his eyes, and a weird green glow passes from him to the wound. As you are watching he looks at you and you swear his eyes are glowing green as well. As soon as he is finished he gets up and blends with the crowd.}
Rosario AC 18 HP 29/29 Sheet Tuesday September 9th, 2008 8:36:49 PM
Rosario shakes his head to Zita, "I did not notice anything really until we left the area and Master John's presence. The gods can not possibly be so mad with us that the person Giovanni helped leads us straight to another one of them things can they?"
Roy's face screws up in a wholly insatisfied look, "Maybe the items can sense an aura from some people who might be able to sense them back and to protect themselves and us they shut down? Hell I don't know, but I do know we can't just sit around this inn forever. We need to move and work on things as we go. Besides, we cannot afford it. I think we should move to investigate these strange attacks on the lower plateu. The enemy is looking for us." Rosario draws his weapon slowly, scanning the upper most edge for burs in the light, but Zita is close enough to her brother to know his mind is elsewhere. his next words seem to almost channel Antonino, his father. "Time we did in kind."
Rosario completes the draw and moves to sit on a bunk and oils and sharpens his weapon before retiring, barring further conversation
Giovanni Tuesday September 9th, 2008 9:44:56 PM
Giovanni notices some of his companions with the group who had begged for help soon after they came to the inn, but it was nothing more than a glance. His heart and attention was with his music. His eyes closed, he could imagine the rolling hills of his home in Spring, the songs of the bird and whispering wind, the telltale fluttering of the dragonflies. If ears were eyes, his audience could also see it in their minds eye.
Zita Tuesday September 9th, 2008 11:21:00 PM
With a sigh, Zita nods her head. "You are most likely right..." She gives him a slight smile that tells you that she is still worried but will put off to the side as something she cannot solve at this time. "Not that we can do much about that right now." She looks around the room to those that are left and leans back against the headboard, this time letting out a more content smile.
She can tell that Rosario is contemplating something else and as he makes to work on his weapon she nods her head. Letting her eyes close she listens to the sounds around her and tries to just enjoy the moment. "You know that I do not like the idea of hiding either." She opens one eye to lazily view her brother and then nods her head. "Tomorrow we will start our own search...maybe these attacks are the way to start." Her thoughts turn to the group downstairs that had been busted up pretty bad. For some reason she cannot get the man with the green glow of healing? out of her head.
Bendis Wednesday September 10th, 2008 4:29:11 AM
"Guh-goodness" mutters Bendis, "How awful! I'm so sorry for your loss, sir. I wonder what the attacker could have been. I know you couldn't zsee anything, butdid it make any sounds as it attacked? A smell perhaps?"
Dextre Wednesday September 10th, 2008 9:06:44 AM
Dextre says, "Oh my, I am quite sorry to hear that. These are indeed dangerous times, are they not? But one would hope that those who are not seeking adventure will not soon find it." He places his hand gently on the man's shoulder and says, "If there were anything I could do for you, I would help. I am truly sorry for your loss."
DM Jamie Wednesday September 10th, 2008 4:10:33 PM
Those of you in the upstairs room Highlight to display spoiler: {As you are all bedding down for the night and resting you suddenly get flashes of images through your minds. Of your home, the vinyards, roaming patrols, and an altercation at the lift house. These speed through your mind with such intensity that you almost fall from your beds. Nothing lasting, but there is a lingering sense of something afoot. The last image you can remember is bar downstairs and the others in the group. As you look around you also see that Calverius is gone and so are his things.}
Zita Highlight to display spoiler: { You have never seen healing like that before.}
Those of you downstairs Highlight to display spoiler: {Giovanni's music keeps the crowd captivated and as he quits they all remain silent for a few more moments and then begin clapping all at once. Their are people jumping up from the back and hollerin. Looks like Giovanni is a great hit. Giovanni you have food and drink while you are still awake, a standing invitation to return, and a sack of 20 gp for your time.
Bendis and Dextre the group is really distraught over the whole thing. The big one who was sobbing is apparently the leader. "I am not going out anymore", he says. "And I suggest the rest of you go about your lives now." He gets up and walks out the door, his huge frame shudders with sobs and his head hangs low as he walks out the door. The others kind of look around at each other like they can't believe what just happened and begin to disperse. Only one of them stays behind shaking his head as if he is upset about something. He heads over to the fireplace and sets his thins off to the side.}
Picci d20+4=11 ; Wednesday September 10th, 2008 4:15:42 PM
Picci blinks, stunned. To wield healing energy without invoking the blessing of the gods..? The very idea was extremely radical. Her obsidian eyes shift around the perimeter of the room, her flagging energy suddenly rekindled by the comprehension of this newest mystery. Where had the stranger disappeared to..? She just had to find out and speak to him! OOC: Picci's Spot check is 11.
Caele Loregaard Wednesday September 10th, 2008 7:09:26 PM
You see a man sitting on the floor by the fireplace with his back against wall. He is small by human standards with a lean, wiry look about him. He has about a weeks beard growth on his somewhat diry face, Long and unkempt sandy blond hair draped around his shoulders and face make it difficult to see him clearly in the already dark room. He certainly looks someone who has spent every waking hour outdoors. A few streaks of grey can be seen in his hair and beard.
His clothing and gear appear very well worn, somewhat dirty but quite serviceable. He appears to be woodsman by the look of him and his garb; one of those wild men who live with nature and not civilization.
The man puts a a small metal goblet down and reaches for a pouch around his waist. He undraws the pouch and drops it; his weathered right hand shakes uncontrollably for a moment. The man pauses and reaches down with his left hand. A patch the size of half a fist is missing hair right at the top of his head. An old wound from a past battle no doubt. He produces some sort of ground plant from the purse and starts bandaging and mending his bloodied right arm.
The small man is armed with an old looking longsword and a shortsword; one on each side waist. A equally old looking quiver with beautiful arrows is not far away with its very beautiful Elven longbow companion. The man has at least four daggers showing on his person as well.
The man looks up to appraise the room. He breathes long, practiced breathes; his heavily mended studded armor rises slowly each time.
Finally, a long green hooded cloak has been discarded and lies in a pile with his backpack and other effects.
GiGiHp 22/23, AC 17 d20+2=5 ; Wednesday September 10th, 2008 7:41:13 PM
Having retired upstairs with Zita, Rosario and Calverius, Gigi ponders the ear ring thing for a bit. Well Zita, I felt a little something with the amulet as we entered the temple area but then dismissed it as It did not continue, but I certainly felt it "wake back up" after we left. I put it down to perhaps a magical suppression around the temple area but I suppose it could have been a self defense mechanism. Was the question asked of the guardian about how we might tell if we were near one of these creatures?
As the visions begin Gigi tries to focus on the amulet and if he felt anything just prior or during the viewing, trying to sense if there is a way of telling when the artifacts are going to activate and do something (knowledge arcana 5), but has no inkling what-so-ever.
Giovanni d20+8=25 ; Wednesday September 10th, 2008 8:25:39 PM
Giovanni humbly accepted the praise of his audience and devoured the food and drink given by the beneficent innkeeper. Those who knew him, knew he was a loudmouth sometimes, but never when it came to his music. It was the one thing he didn't suck at and he was grateful for it's comfort during hard times, so he never acted brash or too good for those that bothered to listen, enjoyed his playing and wanted to converse with him afterwards (diplomacy=25).
Bendis Thursday September 11th, 2008 6:29:54 AM
Bendis approaches the stranger by the fireplace. There is something about the attack that worries the portly dwarf, and he means to find out more. He clears his throat, pushes his spectacles up his nose and speaks.
"Um, excuse me sir, you were with the party that was attacked, is that right? You seem an experienced adventurer. Is there anything more you might be able to tell you about who or what attacked you? Oh, my nuh-name's Bendis, by the way."
Caele Loregaard Thursday September 11th, 2008 10:39:06 AM
The man looks up at the tall, balding Dwarf for a good 10 seconds and then he slowly (cautiously) gets up. Caele has cleaned and dressed his wound and the bleeding has stopped. He motions Bendis to a pair of chairs near the fireplace and he takes one himself.
Caele ties his hair back into a pony tail and leans back. It is obvious to Bendis that this man's not a man after all. An Elven half breed and an older one at that. Bendis might guess him to be over 60 by the look of him .
The half-Man looks at Bendis and speaks in an ever so slightly deeper voice than one might expect for his size. "Well." He pauses for a moment. "I can only assume it's that damned rogue priest of Gaal we'd been hearing stories about." He pauses for a slight moment,
"But frankly we can't say for certain who or what hit us."
Caele slowly reaches for his wine skin as they talk, slow enough so that Bendis could easily see what his intentions were under the table. He takes a sip and looks over at Bendis.
Dextre Thursday September 11th, 2008 11:37:37 AM
Dextre smiles at Giovanni's performance and acceptance by the crowd. "No wonder he thinks so highly of himself," Dextre thinks to himself. "He's actually quite good."
As Bendis heads over to the fireplace, following the one remaining member of the attacked adventurers, Dextre goes with him. He stands a bit behind Bendis, but close enough that he can hear what's being said without appearing to be intruding on the half-elf.
Zita Thursday September 11th, 2008 6:11:34 PM
The images are wisps of smoke that she tries to keep ahold of but they pass through her fingers. As she comes awake with the need to keep herself alive, she is already reaching for the rapier at her bedside. Her hand has already wrapped around the hilt as she slowly tries to calm her breathing.
Her eyes flicker around the room as she grasps onto the last little thing that she can remember. It was the downstairs that she sees at the end of her dream...or was it a dream...maybe a warning? Then her eyes settle on the spot that Cal had been at and she swears, even as she is sliding out of bed. "Gone...betrayed or not...I will pin his ears back." Her temper is getting away already and she is figuring the worst...then again, she finds it better that way. At least if she finds out that her worst was not true, it can be a small blessing.
Though not taking the time to make her dressing look good, that is exactly what she is doing. Soon she is fully dressed and rapier belted on as she strides across the room. Absently she kicks the bed that Rosario is in, as well as those of anyone else that is there, even if he is awake. "Cal is gone." Her eyes are still flashing and the way her hands are clenching into fists, it is easy to tell...she is angry
DM Jamie Friday September 12th, 2008 12:04:55 AM
OOC: Hey guys. Just got home at 2100 local. 2nd time this week. I need to catch some sleep and dream about the game and I will get in a post when I get into work tomorrow morning. That should be around 0500 local. Thanks.
DM Jamie d20=14 ; Friday September 12th, 2008 10:32:24 AM Bendis listens as the half man spins the tale of what happened. Dextre is close ebough to listen, but does not want the half man to think he has any other intentions.
Picci goes off into the crowd, which has gotten a bit rowdy again since Giovanni has quit playing. She is unable to find the mysterious healer.
Giovanni alof of people come up and clap you on the back or ruffle your hair. They are are glad you played and look forward to the next time.
Gigi, Rosario, and Zita Highlight to display spoiler: {all come to at the same time. Zita is alarmed and upset at the fact Calvarius is gone and it shows. The visions that you had seemed so real like they were really happening and that you were there. Especially just before you woke up. You three saw a half-elf with a wounded right arm. The other visions seemed to revolve around him for a second and then you awoke.}
Rosario AC 18 HP 29/29 Sheet Friday September 12th, 2008 8:58:22 PM
Rosario bolts upright grabbing for his sword as he falls out of bed away from the wall. He tries to scramble to his feet, but though trained in combat, he is hardly a well honed fighting machine. To his own honor he is glad that there are few to witness the spectacle. Rosario looks to where Claverius was and then back to Zita. "Blast." is all he can muster to say. "I'll a far slight worse Zita if he's not just downstairs having a drink." Rosaio calms slightly as his waking mind gathers a bit more and informs him that immenent danger is not upon them and he looks more squarely at his sister. Things were far more connected these days and the fact that he, Zita and Gigi all popped awake at the same time is not lost on him.
"Something is going on downstairs. Do you to dream of the wounded man?" Hearing the confirmation he nods, grabs his pack and moves to the door. Only after he opens it does he remember the bastard sword in his right hand and he returns it to its sheath. We should go down and check with the others and see if who we saw is there." rosario heads downstairs.
Zita Friday September 12th, 2008 10:11:00 PM
With as much haste as possible she moves to gather her gear and slips the belt around her waist, settling the rapier at her side. She is still seething mad, despite not knowing what is going on or if they have been betrayed. Muttering and cursing, those that know her best realize it is more a cover than anything.
She glances at Rosario, a hard stare that tells him not to take away her focus just yet. Slightly behind him she is carrying all her gear in the pack she holds in her left hand. "Yes...lets have a look." For at least a little while she is not going to let go of the last bits of anger that rage in her body.
Giovanni d20+1=18 ; Saturday September 13th, 2008 5:17:08 PM
Gio graciously accepted the praise of his admirers as he sat and ate as much food and drank as much wine as he could. Looking over as he was stuffing his face, he noticed some of his group in deep conversation with a stranger, a half-elf by the looks of it. He looked the man over for anything odd, out of the place, just in case (spot=18).
Caele Loregaard Saturday September 13th, 2008 6:10:51 PM
Calele sets his skin down and looks over the others in a casual, yet methodical fashion.
"I was with one group of others that had banded together to investigate some attacks on the Low Plateau Some common folk and a few travelers were hit--or so we were told. This Gaalian priest" he pauses as if remembering something and continues, "This 'priest' was supposedly responsible. We came through a few hamlets and found homes being repaired. "
The man's face turns into a slight angry frown and his gaze narrows; "Those folks were scared--I just know it; they were hidin' the truth of the matter. Each and every one of them were tight-lipped, doin' 'add-ons' and 'redecorating' or some nonsense--that's all we could get out of them when we asked about what we saw. None of them would admit there was an attack."
He takes another light drink and his demeanor lightens somewhat. "We were invited to stay a few days by the Montdidier's; nice folks but a bit uppity for my taste. One of our comrades became ill though, a woman. A man named Luke-the agreed upon leader decided we should take her back 'Up Plateau to a skilled healer. I wasn't able to do much good for her. I'm a lot better at settin' broken bones and mendin' gashes then I am with odd headaches."
The half-elf relaxes a bit all the while looking around at and beyond everyone ever so often. "So, as we were headin' back we were assaulted. I don't know what hit us but it was damn crafty and hidden well--whatever or whomever twas. When I came to, we were tore up pretty good. Our priest took the worst of it. When we regained our senses we realized that the woman Laura was gone."
Caele's face turned angry again. "And I can't believe her betrothed isn't going to look for her! What kind of man wouldn't risk hell and high water to look for his bride to be? Or anyone needin a helping hand?" He looks around to them and answers his own question. "I'll tell you what kind of man--a damned coward, that's what. As soon as I patch up here I'm going to find her and..." He pauses again and speaks with a low, determined voice, "and 'deal' with whoever took her and attacked us."
GiGiHp 22/23, AC 17 Sunday September 14th, 2008 12:01:01 PM
Waking with the others, Gigi looks to the other two. Is it too late to give these blasted things back? I would like just once to get a decent night's rest. I assume we are going down stairs? Do we have tiome for armor or are we just grabbing weapons?
Bendis Monday September 15th, 2008 8:09:26 AM
Bendis listens wide-eyed to Caele's story, nodding along as the tale unfolds.
"A priest you say? Tightlipped? The Montdidiers? Guh-goodness!"
When the half-elf is done Bendis leans back and twists his fingers nervously in his beard. His words tumble over one another in their hurry to get out, as he peppers the ranger with questions.
"So, you never did find this priest then? Duh-do you think it's him who kidnapped Laura? Yuh-you're quite right, it's shocking that anyone would just leave her to her fate, worst of all her supposed beloved. How do you plan to track them? Question those villagers again perhaps? And the Montdidiers. Goodness. Did you get to visit the Montdidiers in the end? How did you get an invitation from such a prestigious family?"
Bendis glances about as subtly as he is able, wondering if any of his companions are nearby who might reckognise this fellow, or corroborate his story. Dextre is nearby, which is a relief, but neither of the Montdidier children, which is not. Where could they be, he wonders.
Dextre Monday September 15th, 2008 10:07:17 AM
Dextre nods as he listens to the story, but does not say anything. He looks around the room again to see if he sees any of the other adventurers that had entered with Caele, especially the one Caele named as Luke, the big leader who lost his fiancee.
DM Jamie Monday September 15th, 2008 5:07:03 PM Hope everyone had a restfull weekend. I know I can't wait until this semester is over with. I am taking a break after it so I can focus more on the game and give you guys a good experience.
Rosario, Zita, and GiGi head down the stairs to the main room. As you pass the front desk the inn keeper holds up a note and says, "You scarred friends left this for you before he left."
As you continue on into the main room you see that the others have seemed to congregate around a man that you saw both with the injured group earlier and in your vission. Bendis seems to be really intent on listening to the conversation. Giovanni is still eating and it looks like he has a bundle of food on the table before him. Dextre is off to the side, but he seems to be listening to the man as well. He looks about the room looking for something. DextreHighlight to display spoiler: { You don't see any of them. They all seem to have gone their separate ways after the group broke up.}
Picci you keep looking around for the man with the green magic, but are unable to find him. It is as if he left the bar in all the comotion.
Readers of the noteHighlight to display spoiler: { I must leave for a while. I can now see that my anger could draw unwanted attention to the group. I will contact you when I can return.}
Caele Loregaard Monday September 15th, 2008 6:43:41 PM
Caele calms down after a few moments and regains his quiet composure. He looks the Dwarf over as he speaks, listening to his questions. "My dear elder," he begins respectfully, "Our band never saw this renegade; if we did see him then we didn't know who he or she was. "
The woodsman adjusts his bandage slightly as he answers more questions--apparently the cloth was attached a bit too tightly. He works the bandage over again some. "About Laura's captors--and I hope she has been kidnapped and not murdered, but I can only assume she was needed for some purpose. But to plainly answer, yes I think that 'priest' is the kidnapper."
Caele sighs and shakes his head slightly. "I should have known better about this previous group. I could see it in there eyes, in a manner of speaking. Those kids don't have the stomach for a fight; at least not yet they don't." He pauses for a moment, "Except for our priest. Got guts I say. I guess it doesn't surprise me that the rest of'em didn't want to continue. It takes a while to dance with Death in order to learn the steps; as I'm sure you know all to well Master Dwarf. But damnit, I still say Luke is a coward. A courageous man is still a fearful man--but he still acts and does the right thing when he must."
He moves onto the next inquiry. "The Montdidiers? Hrmm, well come to think of it, I didn't have much to do with the 'negotiations' and all--I guess Luke and the priest did most of the talking. Anyway, we were there just last night. I heard Luke telling the ladies that we were investigating the attacks I mentioned earlier and not too long after some more conversation of which I didn't hear much else. Well, they invited us to stay with them about 45 minutes later. And of course, everything went to the Hell Hounds after that."
Zita Monday September 15th, 2008 8:13:04 PM
With a raised eyebrow she takes the note from the innkeeper and opens it after stepping to the side. She is still mad as can be and not at all happy about anything else...but maybe Cal had a good reason to leave so fast. She sighs as her anger is slowly dwindling as she lets it go. Her mother always told her it was not always good to think in anger or act with it either.
Glancing around for the rest of the group, she passes the note off to Rosario and Gigi to read for now. Especially since both of them are right there with her, but the rest will have to be told in due course...once she found them. Just a little fire of anger remained and she holds onto that as she does not want to hold onto the other feeling that is also there...fear.
Giovanni Monday September 15th, 2008 11:02:32 PM
"Mmm, bacon. Bacon stuffed bacon, with bacon crumbled on top, with a side of bacon." Giovanni smiled the smile that reached his eyes.
Picci Tuesday September 16th, 2008 12:44:28 AM
The petite cleric frowns as she fruitlessly scans the crowd--her quarry is gone and she hasn't the slightest idea of how to find him. Sighing, she turns around to rejoin the others, overhearing Giovanni's happy treatise on the joys of bacon.
"Don't forget a bacon chaser, Giovanni," she suggests impishly, winking at him as she passes. Picci returns to where Bendis is having his conversation with the man known as Caele.
"...so..." the sable-maned girl says, looking brightly from one face to another, "...what'd I miss..?"
Dextre Tuesday September 16th, 2008 8:23:59 AM
When Picci and the others arrive, Dextre quietly brings them up to date on the story that Caele has been telling. He then adds, "None of the others are here that I can see, Caele is the only one left of the group. The others, well, just appear not to be cut out for adventuring."
Bendis Tuesday September 16th, 2008 5:23:17 PM
Bendis nods along as Caele speaks.
"I, um, I'm not so sure I've learned those steps so well yet" mumbles the dwarf, straightening his spectacles again. "To be honest all that fighting quite unsettles me, but you're quite right; when the fight is worth fighting one cannot falter."
Looking around he spots his companions arriving in the bar. He raises an eyebrow, as if to say "Well? Are you coming over to find out more?"
Rosario AC 18 HP 29/29 Sheet Tuesday September 16th, 2008 7:01:23 PM
Rosario glances over the note and then hands it to Gigi. "He still should have told us." Rosario remarks to Zita, but he seems content to let at least that drop now. Stepping from the stairs and easily picking out Bendis, Rosario turns that direction. That was one of the men with the wounded group. Be a nice change if he had some useful information on what was going on down there before roy convinced the others to follow him down.
Rosario nods at bendis's raised brow and moves to sit fairly close to the stranger Caele. "Rosario" he says in a steady toned greeting as he extends his hand while seating himself. Dextre fills in the quick of the story, Rosario listens, trying to keep his adrenaline under control. the hunt and fight was getting near, a purpose a strike point, an outlet for his pain and anger.
"So you ready to go back down?"
Rosario is a human male in his late teens, has short dirty brown hair and is rather plain looking at best. About 5'11" and 190 pounds. Right handed with no scars or other discenrable features out of the ordinary. He wears a Chain shirt under a well tailored tunic with a bastard sword at one hip and a composite longbow over a shoulder.
DM Jamie Tuesday September 16th, 2008 11:58:08 PM
The party gathers around Caele as he tells his tale and answers questions. As the night continues the crowd in the bar dwindles down to near nothing. Soon you notice their are not many more in the bar except for you. It looks like the barkeep has even turned in for the evening.
What should the group do now?
I am trying not to post until everyone has gotten a post in. Sorry for the short post. It got late fast.
Giovanni Wednesday September 17th, 2008 12:27:34 AM
Having finished eating and drinking, or more aptly, forced to stop eating and drinking because the kitchen and bar had closed, Giovanni and his lute retired for the night to his shared room. Visions of sugar plums would dance in his head that night since he hadn't partaken of any desert, much to his chagrin. What kind of place would close so early, before the seventh meal, he thought to himself. Patting his tummy, and talking softly to it like it was a child, he drifted slowly away to dream of large women.
Bendis Wednesday September 17th, 2008 10:42:23 AM
Bendis says to the wounded ranger "I for one would like to huh-help you find out more, even if your departed comrades would not. If my comrades are in agreement, of course. It's late, let's rest, and discuss the matter further in the morning."
He rises, smiling. "A pleasure to meet you sir."
GiGiHp 22/23, AC 17 Wednesday September 17th, 2008 5:57:40 PM
Well I see the hand of Domi in this sudden parting and meeting. Particularly as we had the vision and he seems to have had a run in with the same branch of Ga'als priesthood that we did. We need allies and as they say the enemy of my enemy .....
Zita Wednesday September 17th, 2008 8:45:13 PM
Listening carefully, she takes in the whole story though she is sure the man would rather not tell it anymore. To hear him speak of going back out brings a smile to her face, though if it is one of pity or maybe agreement...that is to be seen. She glances to the others but keep her own voice silent for now. There are a number of things that will need to be discusses, but that is something to do in the morning. Sleeping on it would be advisable, though she is not sure she will sleep much more this day as she has too many things to think about even now...maybe a catnap.
Her eyes flash and she is still mad at Cal for his parting without a word. He could have at least done that much and let them know what it was that had drawn him away. For some reason, his note is not the most comforting thing and it could well be that the enemy would use him in the future......and they would not look to help him for they thought him ok.
When they finally return to the shared room she only spends bits of her time sleeping, most of it is spent thinking over what she has heard. What she knows about the surrounding area. Her brain is trying to come up with a place that this cleric could have taken the lady and the thought that a man that supposedly loved her...would leave her to die. He had better hope that she never meets him again...her anger was already pressing hard on her and it would not do well for him.
Rosario AC 18 HP 29/29 Sheet Thursday September 18th, 2008 10:23:55 AM
Rosario asks if the man has a place to stay in the inn already and if not volunteers Giovanni's room to him. "Might have to hit the floor but better than the common room." Rosario escorts his sister upstairs with Gigi and takes a watch of a few hours before calling it a night and waking Gigi for a early morning shift.
Rosario is not upset about the story of the man not going after his future wife. He doesn't know the whole story and though word beloved kept being thrown around it might not be true. People marry far more often for reasons that have nothing to do with love than they do for love.
DM Jamie Thursday September 18th, 2008 12:26:31 PM
The rest of the evening is uneventful. You all get a good night's rest. The sun pours into the room and you all get up at your respective times. Everyone that went to sleep in the rooms are still there. You can all smell breakfast wafting up through the floorboards as you get your gear together for the day. Some are worrying about Calverius and others are thinking about bacon. Still others are worried about kidnapped party members.
Now, it all stands to you. Do you stay in town and try to do anything or are you going to help your newly acquired party member. What will you do? What will become the foundation of your destiny?
Giovanni Thursday September 18th, 2008 1:49:11 PM
Giovanni wakes up blearly, "Hmm, breakfast." Rubbing his eyes and gathering his things together, he says to Zita sleepily, "So care to tell us the rest over breakfast, what we've gotten ourselves into?"
Dextre Thursday September 18th, 2008 3:24:22 PM
"I think this man needs help, and I don't see any reason we shouldn't help him, do any of you?"
Caele Loregaard Thursday September 18th, 2008 8:56:36 PM
ooc: backtrack to the previous night's conversation if that's ok.
To Bendis: "I thank you for your offer and will consider it. But first, I want to know more about you and your comrades.
To Rosario : Caele greets Rosario pleasantly enough but doesn't shake hands with him.
Giovanni/DM Caele sleeps outside if there is a secluded enough wooded area not far away, If not then he will reluctantly sleep in Giovanni's room in no private rooms are available.
DM Jamie - No problem. There is a park nearby in the city. I would guess a 30 minute trip from where you are. If Caele would feel more comfprtable he could do that and just be at the inn in the morning.
Dextre Friday September 19th, 2008 8:11:47 AM
As they set up for the night, Dextre nudges Bendis and says, "Seems a bit suspicious, doesn't he? You offer to help him against someone who attacked him and he says it depends on whether he likes us or not? I wonder if there's more to this fellow's story than he's said so far."
Bendis Friday September 19th, 2008 10:14:26 AM
Bendis shakes his head at Dextre's comments.
"I'm not so sure. Don't get me wrong, It's good to be wary, given our situation. Buh-but that's no less true for him; we could be anyone, why should he trust us? For all he knows we're a bunch of cutthroats just waiting to get him on his own so we can steal his purse. He's gruff and grizzled, but I get the feeling we can trust this fellow. What's more, he talked of the Montdidiers, and strange goings-on around that area. I think we need to investigate, it may well be linked to our own goals."
Rosario AC 18 HP 29/29 Sheet Friday September 19th, 2008 2:39:54 PM
Rosario nods as Bendis talks. "I agree, he does not know us from a hole in the ground. I wuld be more concerned if he was jumping up and down to place his life in the hands of a total stranger, which would be us. I also think we should investigate, but I want to stay clear of the area of Fort Silence. " Rosario gives a glance to all of them, "He was jumped at the lift, not the Fort and we really don't need to be stomping about and get recognized. Away from Silence we can simply be adventurers who heard of the trouble and here we are. Agreed?" the question is aimed straight at Zita.
After the conversation, Rosario heads down for breakfast and if he can find him will approach Caele again, "Mind company?"
Zita Friday September 19th, 2008 7:40:24 PM
Zita nods her head in reply to the spoken question by Rosario and then turns to the situtation at hand. She glances to each and sighs, looking to all of them. "Feel free to fill in anything that you think to be important...but I am going to keep this short for now." She turns her attention back to those that are newest to the group and are in the greatest need to know of the danger that faces them. "We are being hunted by an old evil it seems. Though we have only seen what appears to be like a parasitic worm that takes over the body of those it comes in contact with. It appears that it enters the brain and takes over the person, killing that which was the original person. My family was in possession of a few rare items that might have something to do with stopping them or at least slowing them down." An abundance of emotions pass across her face, usually replaced by either pain or anger...maybe a little longing as well.
"Now we seek to solve the bigger mysteries of this and stay one step ahead of those that seek to kill us. To be honest, we can trust noone really till they prove themselves and maybe not even then. Still, we cannot afford to distance ourselves from allies either...but we have little way of knowing who they might be...or what exactly it is that we are fighting." She looks to the others to add in more details, but this is enough to tell those that are new...that they are in deep trouble. Holding something rather dangerous and valuable that an enemy is seeking.
Giovanni Friday September 19th, 2008 7:57:45 PM
Worms. Giovanni's appetite was gone. "W-wu-worms you say? Umm, so where are these worms coming from, I mean, they can't be like little nightcrawlers and the like, can they?"
Dextre Saturday September 20th, 2008 9:45:33 AM
When Zita speaks, the color drains from Dextre's face. "Worms? Taking over people's bodies? Wow." He looks around at the others to be sure they're not playing a joke on him. "I just can't imagine..." He looks down at the ground and says no more for the moment.
GiGiHp 22/23, AC 17 Saturday September 20th, 2008 11:11:59 AM
I think worm is a bit too simplistic, but suffice it to say that these creature are basically extremely evil intelligent parasites and they seem to be bent on taking over the governing sectors of the Wold.
Giovanni Saturday September 20th, 2008 5:23:50 PM
"How are they...attacking, I mean, do they just crawl up on you, or is something putting them on you?" Giovanni asks, relucant to learnt he answer but knows that he must.
Caele Loregaard Sunday September 21st, 2008 12:05:11 PM
Caele returns to the inn sometime mid morning and looks for the tall Dwarf Bendis. He is fully dressed, packed and ready to leave... somewhere.
DM Jamie Monday September 22nd, 2008 4:55:13 PM
The morning welcomes most with the kiss of sunlight, others, the smell of bacon. Breakfast is great and bountiful for those of you there. Explanations are made for the newcomers reguarding worms. And the morning beckons for action and movement. You can feel that all to familiar stir in your muscles and joints. The need to do soemthing, but what? Will you investigate the attacks perpetuated by the priests? Could be the same group you stumbled upon early on in your adventure. Memories of that night flood back to those of you that were there. The attack at Dahlia's, the death of Fabersham, the run back to Fort Silence and what you found there. Seems like it was only yesterday.
Zita Monday September 22nd, 2008 8:19:34 PM
Zita shrugged as the others added bits and pieces. "Worms was the simplist way to explain it, though you are right that it does not exactly fit." Her frown darkens her face as she cannot find a better description for them. "As for how they get around." All she can do is simply shrug as she does not remember that being asked or answered...but she feels that they are transported to their victims in someway.
Shaking her head she is soon ready to leave with the rest of the group and will head down for breakfast. Though she does not feel much like eating, she knows that nourishment will be needed as she will need her strength. "Let us eat breakfast and then decide on a next step. We all might think better on a full stomache." With that in mind she heads down to the main room to get some breakfast and settle her mind.
With a hundred thoughts flying through her mind she absently picks at her food, eating but not really bothering to taste anything. When she cannot stand it any longer, though she did hold out longer than her friends have seen her do in the past...she pushes the plate away. "Should we check out this kidnapping that happened? It might be important to us, but at least it will give us something to occupy us for a time." She feels that to be busy right now would at least allow her to forget...even for a little while would be a blessing.
Dextre Tuesday September 23rd, 2008 7:12:08 AM
"I am quite wary of fighting something that cannot, apparently, be fought. But those who are taken over by this thing -- is there nothing left of them? If not, I will have no regrets destroying them."
When Zita mentions the kidnapping, Dextre speaks up again, "Yes, I think this kidnapping, or whatever it was, should be investigated quickly before the trail grows too cold."
Rosario AC 18 HP 29/29 Sheet Tuesday September 23rd, 2008 11:55:55 AM
Rosario hits the breakfast with his standard enthusiasm. Glancing at his sister and the hardly touched food, "What you don't like it? Something wrong with it." Rosario starts to stand, "I'll send it back and get you something better."
To the conversation he adds, "Yes I would like to head down and start looking into the kidnapping and the attacks in general. While near Fort Silence we will need to keep a low profile. Dextre and maybe Giovanni would work best. If we can meet of with Ceale from last night, all the better."
Bendis Tuesday September 23rd, 2008 4:58:36 PM
Bendis attempts to agree through a mouthfull of bacon and eggs, but just manages to get grease spots on his velvet waistcoat.
Caele Loregaard Tuesday September 23rd, 2008 8:17:42 PM
Caele shows up at the inn and stands near a table by the fireplace. If he sees Bendis he will merely look his way and lean against the mantle. He is totally geared up with everything and merely stands there waiting for the group to finish their breakfast (if they're there).
In not, he will sit and wait for them until early afternoon.
GiGiHp 22/23, AC 17 Tuesday September 23rd, 2008 8:21:47 PM
Well as we seems to have already had some dealings with this Ga'alian priesthood I say it might be a good idea.
Giovanni Wednesday September 24th, 2008 2:46:13 AM
"Ga'alian? Who are they?" Giovanni asks as his appetite starts to return.
DM Jamie d100=92 ; d100=67 ; d100=38 ; Wednesday September 24th, 2008 6:55:44 AM OOC: Sorry for the lapse folks. Wife came out of surgery on Monday with some complications and I have been on leave helping out around the house with the kids and such.
Can you guys let me know if you are getting my emails. Thanks.
Zita gives a good description of the enemy to those who are new and brings up the Kidnapping of Caele's former party member. The consensus around the table is to help with the search for her.
As the meal is finishing up Caele can be seen waiting over by the fireplace. He nods in acknoledgement when the is spotted.
The party loads up and begins the trip back to the lift so they can proceed down. The morning looks good, but some clouds can been seen off in the distance. Perhaps tonite it will be overcast. The trip to the lift brings it's own form of challenges. Their are shops and shopkeeps fighting for attention as you walk past. "Come in and try this, it is the latest thing...", "Come and try a sample. I promise you will not be disappointed.", and "Grows your hair back or your money back. are some of the phrases you hear on the way out.
As you approach the lift you see a few other individuals gatherd waiting to head down. Looks like a family with a load of food in a donkey pulled wagon. There is an adult human male, an adult human female, and 2 human female children. The children are quietly playing with one another while they wait for the lift to arrive. As you approach the male turns to you and in a bit of a country accent says, "Morning ladies and gents. You are in luck, we have been waiting near and hour, but the lift fast approaches now and only maybe a few more minutes."
Dextre Wednesday September 24th, 2008 8:26:57 AM
Dextre nods to the man at the life in greeting. He looks around at the others waiting for the lift, noting visible weapons.
Giovanni Wednesday September 24th, 2008 12:51:04 PM
Gio waited quietly, he never liked playing in the morning so the thought of a tune was out of the question. Besides, he barely ate half his breakfast, the thought of worms still present in his forethought.
Zita Wednesday September 24th, 2008 8:09:18 PM
With a frown on her face she waves off Rosario and shakes her head. "I ate enough but I am not too much into it this morning." As she listens to the others talk and agree upon helping out she nods her own head. She has an idea that she needs to lay out before all of them as she is not sure about how to go about it. "I know there is a process of coloring hair, mundane as well as magical. My red hair stands out a little and it might be a good idea to change it. Any ideas of what is needed for that." She glances around the table and smiles. "Magic might not be the best idea of course...too many ways to detect it." When the rest are finally ready to leave, though she would have loved to of gotten her hair taken care of...she is along for the walk.
She moves along with a purpose, only turning her head now and again to look at wares as they pass. Trying to make it appear as if she might be interested in shopping instead of what they are about to do. As the finally draw near the lift, she takes note of the kids and the people but lets the others worry about that for now. Her own mind is going back over some of the things that she has learned that might allow her to change her hair color. Something that will take a good number of washes to get rid of so there are no accidental mishaps.
Dextre d20+1=17 ; Thursday September 25th, 2008 6:33:49 AM
When Zita speaks of coloring her hair, Dextre speaks up, "Well, I do know of a few tricks that I've seen done. If we're in a hurry, though it's messy, just a bit of dirt would help. No, I know that's disgusting, but in the right amounts, it's not all that bad. It might itch for a little bit, but it does the job. On the other hand, if we can check with the bartender and see about a few ingredients, like some blueberries or cherries, you'd be surprised how easily those can bring down the coloring there. Here, if you'd allow me, I can help out a bit."
(Disguise: 17)
Bendis Thursday September 25th, 2008 6:43:12 AM
Bendis is distracted more than once by the shopowners hawking their wares, and has to be chivied along by his companions. "But he said he could grow my hair back!" he wails as he's hauled away from a stall.
Arriving at the lift he feels his stomach start to turn cartwheels again. "Ohhh, why is it always heights?" he groans, keeping well away from the lift edge.
He replies to the fellow who speaks to them with a slightly greenish tinge to his face, "The sooner this is over with the better. Do you do this trip regularly? I cuh-couldn't bear it. Just the thought of this lift brings me out in a cold sweat."
Giovanni d20+8=24 ; Thursday September 25th, 2008 11:38:57 AM
"Hmm, I'd not go for the berries, no offense Dextre." (disguise=24) Giovanni interjected. "If you're looking to darken your hair, I'd go with a Henna scrub, if not so dark, then some chamomile tea. To lighten it, use lemon juice and dry in the sun."
Caele Loregaard d20+3=17 ; d20+8=12 ; d20+3=7 ; d20+8=19 ; Thursday September 25th, 2008 5:10:50 PM
Caele does not speak to any of the shop keepers as they pass but does look for anything out the ordinary and attempts to scan the area and listen to the ones that talk to Bendis. (Sense motive 17).
While approaching the lift and meeting the family and man he gauges the entire area as thoroughly as possibly (Spot 12). He also tries to get any sense of any hidden agenda the man has. (Sense motive 7)
In any event, he refuses to go down the lift with the family and asks the party to not go down with them as well. If they oblige, he will meticulously inspect the pulleys and cables as the family goes down. (Spot or Search 19)
Caele Loregaard d20+3=14 ; Thursday September 25th, 2008 5:13:22 PM
In between the trip from the shopkeepers to the lift Caele will speak quietly with Bendis. "So tell me dear elder, why have you and your party been dealing with The Bruce?" Caele will look for any deception or false motive from him whatsoever. (Sense Motive 14)
Bendis Thursday September 25th, 2008 5:45:07 PM
Bendis looks a bit crestfallen at being called "elder", but does his best to cover it up.
"The Buh-Bruce? You know him? It was quite by chance really, we bumped into him getting off the lift, and the Bruce dropped his mask of the edge of the plateau. Giovanni over there actually leapt off the side of the plateau to get it back. Crazy." The portly dwarf shudders at the recollection.
"After that the Bruce couldn't do enough for us. Threw a buh-big buh-banquet for us and everything. But we don't really know him."
Zita Thursday September 25th, 2008 8:42:45 PM
With a wrinkle of her nose she shakes her head. "How many bugs am I going to attract with either of those?" Not that she hates bugs, but the thought that she would be a magnet for them does not settle well for her. With a glance to several of the others she shudders as she remembers many a long day spent shoveling out the manure piles. All the different bugs, flies and assorted other things they had found...god, even thinking of it now conjured up that smell.
As she stood and waited for the arrival of the lift she glanced around, looking at this or that but not taking too much precautions...though she knows that she should. To be honest, she was getting tired of running...though she would like to try a little bit of hiding. Not bothering to say anything she had even thought about cutting her hair and keeping it short...though she would never pass as a boy.
DM Jamie d100=41 ; d100=66 ; d20=11 ; d20=13 ; d6=3 ; d20=11 ; d20=9 ; d20=16 ; Thursday September 25th, 2008 11:31:18 PM
The lift finally rises. The family guides their wagon onto the lift and mvoe to one side to wait for others to board. Caele, you find no other motive than to ride the cart down and he seems a little annoye at the cart.
If you go down with the family Highlight to display spoiler: { the sun is shining as you begin the trip down the side of the plateau. The breeze picks up from time to time. The girls play over in one corner of the lift as you go down. The family makes to attempt to make conversation with you and they don't seem interested in you in the least. As you approach the bottom a crow perches on the railing.}
If you wait for the family to go down and wait for the next lift Highlight to display spoiler: { The family just keeps looking until they get the hint that you don't want to travel down with them. The father shakes his head as he operates the down lever and you can hear the girls ask why you didn't want to ride with them. The mother says something that isn't undersatandable and you wait for the next lift. The ride down is uneventful}
You are at the bottom. It is close to lunch time and the sun is in its full glory right now. It looks like the storm clouds have disipated in the distance.
In the near distance you can see Fort Silence and there seems to be alot of new construction going up. Looks like alot of it has to do with defense.
Caele Highlight to display spoiler: {} this is the bottom of the lift where you were attacked and the girls kidnapped.[/b]
Giovanni Thursday September 25th, 2008 11:47:30 PM
Gio looked at Zita and pointed at the raven, "Zombie raven."
Dextre Friday September 26th, 2008 8:38:11 AM
"Well it sure does look like a nice day," says Dextre as he looks around at the bottom of the lift, taking a deep breath. Then he looks back at the assembled group and says, "But we've got business to do. It's been some time since the kidnapping, so we're not likely to find any tracks. Anyone have any idea which way to search?"
Rosario AC 18 HP 29/29 Sheet Friday September 26th, 2008 12:04:53 PM
Rosario spends most of his time pulling Bedis from hawker to hawker. "Dragons to slay master dwarf, remember we have dragons to slay. No need to regrow your hair. Flames will just take it out anyway."
Rosario makes a couple adjustments to his gear, namely his weaponry. "Good Morning." he replies to the man, adding, "If there is room for all of yes, thank you for offering." Rosario will small talk the adult male, little things like are they moving, where are they headed, not pushing just curious. Answers from Rosario are vague, he will introduce himself as Antonino and fortune and glory are calling him from home. The rest are in his company, no he does not think he is in charge, actually they havn't gotten that far in introductions and planning come to think of it. Anyway good luck and fortune to you and take care.
At the bottom of the lift after wishing the family well, Rosario looks to the rest for an answer to Dextre's question. "As long as it moves away from Silence." is his interjection on the matter
Zita d20+7=25 ; Friday September 26th, 2008 9:44:51 PM
Zita makes her way onto the lift as the family makes room and she nods her head to the man and woman. As she stands leaning against the railing she watches the young girl playing and smiles. It would be so great to be that carefree again. Shaking her head she glances in the direction that is indicated and takes in the form of the bird, though it rankles her to allow it to survive she just sighs.
Letting Rosario do all the talking that she is not too good at she spends her time lost in thoughts of her own. Plus she is calming herself for the things that are ahead and she wonders what the kidnapping was all for. Was it a lure to get them to come out of hiding? How would the enemy know that they would do so, if it was?
When they finally reach the bottom she moves off to the side and looks around a little herself. Silently she wishes that her skills were a little more oriented to the outdoors, but she thinks she can do in a pinch. Without a word of warning she is soon searching the ground for signs of footprints and struggle that might have been left behind. Despite the length of time that has passed she figures that it is worth a look. The weather after all has not rained and this area being rather sheltered should allow for some signs to still be present.
[Survival(track): 25]
Dextre Monday September 29th, 2008 9:17:24 AM
Dextre notices Zita start looking around and stands back out of the way to give her room to search.
Bendis Monday September 29th, 2008 10:29:53 AM
"Duh-dragons?" gulps the portly dawrf, glancing about nervously."Whu-where?"
Realising that Rosario is speaking of metaphorical dragons (at least, he hopes he is), Bendis follows along after and sits dead centre of the lift, eyes screwed shut, as they descend. When they reach the bottom he crawld off the lift, and it is some time before his pounding heart slows to a remotely normal speed.
He glances about, blinking shortsightedly, and gets to his feet. "Suh-so, where now?"
Scene 2: The search begins
DM Jamie d20=19 ; d20=15 ; d20=1 ; d20+10=16 ; Monday September 29th, 2008 1:45:10 PM
The breeze blows slightly as you watch the family you rode down the lift with go on their way. I has been about 24 hours since the crime occured and the areas has been devoid of any rain. From looking around their seems to be little disturbed. At least, that is how it looks until Zita happens upon some odd looking tracks off to the side along with some pipe droppings. Looks as if someone had been sitting here waiting. About 6 of them. They emptied their pipes and then there was alot of movement. Looks like a rather one sided fight and then someone was dragged over to the back side of the lift house. At which point they were carried off and placed in a cart. The cart tracks head off into the local fields.
Zita Monday September 29th, 2008 6:35:18 PM
A smile spreads across her face as she stay kneeling in that one space for a few minutes. "I think that I might have something of interest." Still in that same position she points out the tracks, pipe droppings and then the signs of a struggle of some sort. With a critical eyes she will move the group along a little to follow the signs...coming across the tracks of a cart.
Glancing to the group she cannot help but smile. "Glad you brought me along huh?" There is a flash of enjoyment in her eyes that tells you that she is enjoying herself. Even with all the people that must have been through here, this would most likely have been out of the way for anyone. "I would say at least six of them...maybe seven, but I only count six distinct prints." Glancing in the direction of the wagon tracks she cannot keep that same smile from lingering. "So...how you want to play this?" Yep, she finds the tracks and makes the others make a decision...and to think she is having so much fun doing it.
Caele Loregaard d20+8=10 ; d20+7=16 ; Monday September 29th, 2008 7:31:54 PM
Caele stays with the old Dwarf and will follow him over to where Zita is. He does not look happy at all when he deduces what happens and will attempt to find out anything Zita might have overlooked in the area. (search: 10!! ..horrible) He will certainly acknowledge how well she did if the conversation comes to it.
If he finds anything he will ask whomever he thinks is most suited for searching and tracking help. (tracking : 16)
Giovanni Monday September 29th, 2008 10:28:23 PM
Giovanni readies his crossbow, just in case the offenders are in the nearby area, which seemd unlikely, but better safe than sorry he told himself.
Bendis Tuesday September 30th, 2008 5:38:02 AM
"Tracks you say Zita? Well I guess we'd buh-better follow them then" Says the dwarf, setting off.
"So, what did you do before visiting Fort Silence?" Bendis asks his half-elven companion.
Dextre Tuesday September 30th, 2008 9:44:48 AM
When Dextre notices Giovanni ready his crossbow, Dextre nods and drops his bow into his hand so it's ready as well. He says, "Tracks? Nah, I can't help you there. I might be able to follow along some horse tracks, but anyone can do that. You folks just lead the way, and I'll be ready back here." He gestures with his bow as he says the last part.
Rosario AC 18 HP 29/29 Sheet Tuesday September 30th, 2008 6:13:11 PM
Rosario looks at his sister and nods. The tracks were nearly a day old and they got in a cart. "All right easy enough." Rosario leaves his own weapons right where they hang and takes a lead position following the cart trail. Of course unless he does not see the cart trail, then he gestures for Zita to lead onward with an after you and a smile.
Caele Loregaard d20+8=22 ; Tuesday September 30th, 2008 9:37:12 PM
Caele turns to the Dwarf as they walk and answers with his own question, "Fort Silence?" He then continues, "I've lived in and around the Blackheart Woods for over three decades." Before that I lived for 20 years in around Plateau City. He says nothing more on the subject to the Dwarf and continues walking. He strings his bow and casually knocks an arrow all the while scanning the area. (Spot: 22)
Zita Tuesday September 30th, 2008 10:31:10 PM
With a slight shrug she will lead the group, though not taking the lead, along following the tracks. Her own eyes and ears are attuned to the surroundings they travel through as she does not want to be caught unawares.
She does get a slightly pouty look on her face though as noone seemed to want to play along with her game. Not that she really needed a pat on the back or anything, just that they all seemed to want to protect her too much. Then again, she is the new Duke and she lets out an audible sigh.
DM Jamie Wednesday October 1st, 2008 12:19:30 AM
The path leads on into the valley. A few times you can see that the wagon doubled doubled back around as if they were afraid someone would follow them. The day moves on and as dusk begins to settle you happen upon a diserted campsite. Looks like they left a while ago. As you look around and get your bearings you also notice that you have begun to turn back towards where you came from. In the distance, on a hill, you can see Fort Silence (Caele this is the place you and your party stayed at before the girls was taken). As the sun goes down you can see the lights being lit around the fort. As night falls an errie silence decends upon the area.
Giovanni Wednesday October 1st, 2008 4:36:24 AM
"I'm not liking this one bit." Giovanni whispers to the rest. "Lets make way for the Fort if we can make it in short time, otherwise, best probably to hold up here. Maybe no campfire, dunno, this place is creeping me out."
Dextre Wednesday October 1st, 2008 9:14:19 AM
Dextre says, "Well, this place is where the other folks camped, and there weren't that many more in that group than we have. Seems like this would be a reasonably safe place to camp. Of course, if they're long gone, I wonder if we won't have to push along harder to catch up with them."
Bendis Wednesday October 1st, 2008 12:05:24 PM
"Cuh-camp? Shouldn't we press on?" asks the dwarf, concerned. "If the perpetrator of the crime is heading for Fort Silence, surely we should make haste? The longer we leave the trail the cuh-colder it gets. Can you follow the tracks in the dark, Zita?"
Zita Wednesday October 1st, 2008 7:50:44 PM
Glancing around the camp she once again locates the track and their direction is enough to send cold chills down her back. "Fort Silence..." She should not have to say more for those that know what they are facing. This is one place that she had not thought of coming back to for awhile at least.
Her head turns to regard Bendis and she shakes her head. "I can but only with enough light to see...my eyesight at night is not that good, though....." She glances up to see how well the moon is going to light the way as she might be ok with just that. After all, she would hate to hamper the nightvision that she already has with a brighter light. With other things on her mind she moves to check the place that the fire was made and see if she can estimate how long ago they left. She will even check the tracks as well, as they sometimes can reveal things like that as well.
Rosario AC 18 HP 29/29 Sheet Wednesday October 1st, 2008 8:51:16 PM
Rosario scowls, there were two places he did not want to go. Fort Silence was at the top of the list. "We would be seen, recognized and would alert the enemy to our exact location as word spreads that we had returned to Silence." The young man shakes his head as he speaks, "We are not going to Fort Silence." Rosario takes a couple steps closer to Zita and lets out a long sigh. "We simply can't Doeche." he says to her quieter but still audible to any nearby.
Rosario looks for something resembling a flat grassy spot and drops his pack. "Giovani is probably right on the fire too. I think we stay as discreet and therefore dark as possible. Pick up in the morning and see if the trail breaks away." Please let it break away Pantheon he silently prays. Drawing his sword, Rosario moves about 15' away from his pack, "I'll take first watch."
Caele Loregaard Wednesday October 1st, 2008 9:18:21 PM
Caele looks around at the group as he is pondering something. He clears his throat and nonchalantly makes a gesture when they have his attention (An old hand sign that normally only a guild thief would recogonize). He waits an equal amount of time for any type of response and then speaks.
He looks squarely at Rosario, "The woman Zita is a fine tracker and I'd wager she can stay unseen when she wants. The Elder speaks correctly in that we must go on. But.." He pauses slightly. "It would be nigh impossible to follow tracks--even on a fully moonlit night. Now if we had dogs it might help. I agree--stay here and camp. They know we're here and they know we're following them."
He turns to Zita. "You look soft but I don't think you are. I'm going to go observe the Fort. Any information you might have could be helpful. I don't know what history...", he pauses "or trouble you have there, but I might be able to gather some information and watch the fort for a while(if it's not too far away). I may be able to find out something useful."
And then to the rest of the group, "And I don't suggest you stay in this very spot. Get into a copse of trees aways off and stay there. Cold camp, double watch. Take my word on it."
He gets ready to sneak off to the Fort.
Dextre Thursday October 2nd, 2008 8:48:15 AM
Dextre listens to the discussion. When Rosario puts down his pack and mentions he'll take first watch, Dextre starts to look about for a flat spot without rocks to sleep. As he is sitting down, Caele makes his speech and mentions the trees and the double watch. Dextre nods and looks over at the trees gently swaying in the trees. Without getting up he says, "Double watch? If you're that worried about this place, then whoever did this kidnapping must be in with this enemy at Fort Silence, eh? Otherwise, they wouldn't have made it through the night."
He looks around and continues, "There's no sign of fight here, is there? Ah, no matter. I'm willing to take the first watch with Rosario anyway. I'm not that tired yet." He moves his things over under a tree, first looking up to be sure there's bird or animal about to leave a message on his pack. Then he checks his weapons and looks around.
Picci d20+6=7 ; Thursday October 2nd, 2008 4:04:25 PM OOC: Sorry for the uber-long period of non-posting...Real Life mangled my ability and time to post to the game. However, I have access now as well as the time, and so you should be hearing from Picci a lot more frequently.
The petite priestess has been extremely quiet all this time, thinking carefully about how their group is aiding Caele.
"I'll take first watch with you, Rosario," Picci pipes up, "That way I'll have time to pray for the intercession of the Powers of Good first thing in the morning." Then she smirks. "After I've made us something to eat."
The jet-tressed girl sets about gathering the ingredients for a camp stew made of the preserved foods the party has on hand, utilizing her expertise in the culinary arts to make the food as appealing as possible. Given the dearth of tasty components, however, even Picci's skill can't improve the flavor. (OOC: Picci's Cooking check is a mere 7--a naturally-rolled 1 has sunk her stew!)
DM Jamie Thursday October 2nd, 2008 6:32:19 PM
And as you begin to make camp the sun finishes its decent into the evening. Night comes on quickly. The moon is low on the horizon and is in the first stages of becoming full. It arcs over the silhouette of Fort Silence. It provides anough light to see, but not make out details. Nevertheless, the torches around the fort are still lit and from this distance those of you around the camp can see humanoid shadows moving all around the fort. For distance purposes the fort is probably about 1 - 1/2 miles away.
Zita pokes around the campsite looking for clues. You find nothing that would show signs of a fight or of anything out of the ordinary. The coals from the campfire are cold. You do not find any signs that they ate. Search DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: { It is odd, you don't actually see any signs they stayed for any length of time. You merely see that a fire was started and put out at some time. The grass was flattened out as if people were here, but you find none of the common signs of people being here. No droppings, no remaining scraps of food, nothing extra burned in the fire, you also see no evidence of pack animals.}
Picci is able to whip together a stew of sorts from the surrounding vegetation, but the taste is rather bland. It will sustain, but not very happily.
Caele, you begin your trek towards the fort. It is not very far off and depending on how close you plan on getting easily approached. Please let me know what you are doing, how you are doing it, and what you might be looking for. Please make the necessary associated rolls and let me know the results.
For everyone else, the evening grows eerily cold. Little warms remains in your bodies. It is a damp cold. The night is silent and the stars begin to come out. There is an ever so slight breeze and you can hear it blow through the vineyards. Those of you who grew up here can remember being out on nights like this when you were younger and the feeling of freedom it gave you to be out this late in the vineyard. Being able to play and run through the rows. Now, however, that memory is forever marred by what you now know. In the distance you hear a long lonely howl. Its sound speaks to you of longing to find other like itself. And then from another spot a series of yips. As if saying you are not alone, just follow our voices in the dark.
Zita Thursday October 2nd, 2008 8:07:26 PM
Zita sighs and looks to Rosario with a nod of her head. "I know...but I cannot let those woman be taken without at least trying." Her eyes glance back into the darkness, not really liking the idea of being here or waiting either one. "I found no signs of these bodies eating or anything else. There were no signs of pack animals either...so we might have the wrong trail. Or they traveled on leaving decoys behind." She finds herself seated upon a rock, legs tucked up and hands holding her knees.
She glances to Caele and nods her head. She lets him in on a lot of the details about Fort Silence, though nothing of why they are hunted. For now at least he did not seem interested, though that bothered her a little as well. She watched his retreating back with a bit of worry and fear. With a last shake of her head, she let it go and just sat to stew over things.
Eating was not that hard and the food was not that bad, maybe a little tasteless but if you have eaten rations before...it was better. She does listen to the songs that sing out the night and she finds them drawing even to her. Though she likes the city enough, she has been raised in the wilds as well...or at least as much of the wilds as Fort Silence could give.
Giovanni Thursday October 2nd, 2008 9:24:34 PM
"Hmm, if the Fort is so close, why not spend the night there instead of out here in the cold." Giovanni shuddered a little as he wrapped himself in his blanket. He had missed mid morning meal, lunch, brunch, supper and now dinner was a bland fare in the least. He wished he had saved a little of the repast he had yesterday, but hadn't thought that far ahead. Rummaging in his pack, he pulled out some jerky he had squirreled away and slowly chewed on it, thinking of happier days.
Bendis Friday October 3rd, 2008 8:37:33 AM
Perhaps as a subconcious stratagem to block out the cold Bendis turns the current situation over in his mind, coming at it from as many angles as he can think of. Even the uninspiring food is consumed without complaint, the cerebral dwarf's thoughts a million miles away.
How, if at all, might this curious kidnapping be tied in to the Wold-shattering revelations they have uncovered? Were it not for the mention of the Ga'alian priest the dwarf would be inclined to think none at all, but he remembers all too well the curious link to Aisildur in the recent attacks on the Montdidiers. After all they have uncovered, that aspect of the mystery remains as impenetrable as ever.
However slim this lead, they must pursue it. They lack the power to confront the evil they have discovered. They don't know who to trust with the information they have found. All that is left for them is to uncover as much of the conspiracy as possible, in the hope that some vulnerability presents itself. And the fact that the trail is leading them back to the place where it all began suggests that they may well be on the right track.
So: why the kidnapping? Why were the villagers scared to speak to Caele and his companions? Was Laura a random victim or a specific target? And to what end? Sacrifice? Ransom? Or...
A sudden thought strikes him, and a chill spreads through him. Oh no, it couldn't be... could it?
"Oh gods...
Fuh-fellows, I think I might have a theory as to why that woman was kidnapped. Think about it; these parasites, these Th'lemen, they invade a host, right? And thereafter that host is utterly suh-suh-subsumed, a vessel for the Th'lemen, but indistinguishable from the orginal buh-being. And the Th'lemen, or S'thado, have some sort of plan to infiltrate and overwhelm the Wold, correct?
Well, how do you think a worm-like parasite manages to invade a host? If I were a parasite I'd infect someone in power, then use my subordinates to act as my agents, bringing me fresh victims to infect. Those victims in turn could go out and infect someone new: as they worked their way up the, ah, food chain (pardon the expression) the Th'lemen might cast aside the old shell and transfer to a new one. In that way they might quickly gain access to a person of power; a captain of industry, a high priest or a king. Start with a stable boy, move to a knight, then to a general. Absolute power in three steps.
Perhaps that's what's happened with Laura: perhaps these priests of Ga'al are led by a Th'lemen infected master. Perhaps their goal is nothing to do with Aisildur, but with the personal agenda of the Th'lemen leading them. Or worse, perhaps the entire heirarchy of the Aisildurian priesthood is compromised.
Whatever the extent, that would mean that Laura has been kidnapped in order to be infected with a Th'lemen. Maybe she knows someone the S'thado wish to target. or perhaps a person who knows a person.
Now, if that's the case, we'd be walking right back into the jaws of the enemy by continuing on our course. But on the puh-plus side, knowing our target, we might to once again disrupt the plans of the S'thado in so doing."
The dwarf tugs nervously at his beard and gazes into the starlit sky.
"Of course, I may well be wrong."
Rosario AC 18 HP 29/29 Sheet Friday October 3rd, 2008 4:38:06 PM
Rosario's nose wrinkles, "I know Zita's skills." he answers. "What makes you think they know we are here?" Rosario will listen to whatever answer is supplied and then adds his agreement that moving off the actual trail and campsite is a sound idea and with that he moves a few hudred feet away. As the young man walks past Giovanni he just shakes his head, "We simply cannot and that will have to satisfy you for now."
Rosario leans back and watches the stars as the others settles and then stands to wander about the perimeter. His weapons remain in thier holders and he varies his pace and route so as not to be easily timed, or at least that is the idea. The night was fantastic and it seemed so much further back then 5 years when he was dropping out of his window and running off into the black of the fields to pick berries and grapes. 'Never did make anything more than a rather nasty juice.' he says quietly to himself while looking to the stars with a smile.
Rosario looks back over his shoulder and takes a few steps closer to Bendis as the dwarf works the problem verbally. Rosario tries to follow best as he can, by Pantheon Bendis could talk "Bendis. could you possibly sum that up for the rest of us?" Bendis does and the light flickers on slowly in Rosario's head. Rosario thinks it over for a few moments and then offers the advise of his father, "One of the best ways to survive a trap is to spring it. Given Bendis is right we keep going." he nods to Zita and then goes back to his route.
His mind drifts to Caele moving up to Fort Silence, to home. Home blazes, to his land and holding while he is forced to piss away here in the dark cold of night. Rosario spits on the ground in disgust, but regains his composure after a breif pause staring into the distant torchlights. No he would see things made right again. The family is looking to him and he will see it done. His right hand clenches, snapping and popping as it does so.
Dextre Saturday October 4th, 2008 7:53:49 AM
Dextre listens to Bendis carefully and nods. When Rosario mentions springing the trip, Dextre also nods and says quietly, "We just need to be sure we're not in the trap when we spring it, I suppose."
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