DM Kathy Wednesday September 10th, 2008 11:37:02 PM
All of you are from the area, so all of you are familiar with the Witchspawn stones, a circle of standing stones about a day's travel west of Jarlwolf. Many of you have probably been there.
Zeph, puzzling over the clues, remembers that some powerful druids leave no tracks when they walk. But...a bard kidnapped by druids?
Hmark suggests simply following the tracks, but Selemar seems to favor paying the ransom.
Axara finds it odd that no mention was made of the book, something Rollo also picks up on.
Kiel is pretty sure the tracks you are following are the same ones you've been following since you left the inn. It's possible that they belong to another humanoid man....but they did lead here, to this ransom note. Seems like an odd coincidence.
Kiel tries to continue following the tracks away from the tree, but he seems to be having some trouble. Perhaps he could get some assistance?
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Thursday September 11th, 2008 12:23:59 AM
[ooc; I actually noted that the book was mentioned. quoting the ransom note: "They say for my safe return and that of the book, "]
Selemar d20+5=19 ; Thursday September 11th, 2008 9:34:19 AM
Lango seems to be doing good. 19 to track.
"let's go to the stones and see what's there. Assuming that's where the tracks go."
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Thursday September 11th, 2008 9:52:47 AM "I agree, we should follow the tracks, and if we end up at the stones then the note wasn't lying, and if we end up somewhere else then that will be interesting too."
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Thursday September 11th, 2008 11:43:10 AM
Axara is taken back by the coldness of Kiel's statement "I thought I was a cold person but he beats me head and shoulder. I wonder what kind of horrors he has been exposed to to dry his heart so much.
Let's go to the stones. I propose that we arrive sooner that the note requested to set up our own ambush.
Axara will walk in the usual marching order.
OOC: I misread the note and did not see it mentioned the book. Rollo did mention it.
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] d20+4=6 ; d20+3=23 ; d20+7=21 ; d20+7=12 ; Thursday September 11th, 2008 12:39:27 PM
Continues to follow the tracks, along with the Wolf.
Listen: 6 Search: 23 Survival(track): 21 Spot: 12
Hmark Thursday September 11th, 2008 1:30:35 PM
Hmark also thinks following the tracks makes sense. He continues acting as rear-guard for the group.
Zeph AC17 HP23 d20+7=13 ; d20+7=24 ; d20+5=15 ; d20+4=8 ; Thursday September 11th, 2008 6:16:52 PM "Also, Druids have been known to walk and never leave a trail... but why would Druids want an evil book? And why would they want money of all things?" Zeph says, rather perplexed.
" I think I should stay on the outskirts of the group and attempt to remain invisible... just incase something were to happen at least one of us can surprise them... I will also keep an eye out for ambushes." Zeph says as he begins to step away from the group and into any cover he can find, attempting to remain hidden and silent.
Druids? I haven't seen them since... four years ago... Zeph thinks as flashes of pale green eyes again race into his mind for a second, only to be put into the back of his thoughts.
(Hide = 13 Move silent = 24 Spot = 15 Listen = 8)
DM Kathy Friday September 12th, 2008 1:04:50 AM Axara proposes heading straight for the stones. Selemar concurs...if that's where the tracks lead.
The rest of the group, though, wants to follow the tracks. If they lead to the stones, fine; and if not--well, you'll handle that when and if you have to.
Accordingly, Kiel continues tracking, with Lango's help. The tracks lead back the way you came--not surprising, really, because the road is that way. Kiel is pretty sure at this point that the tracks were made by Sebastian. He still sees no sign of anyone walking with the bard.
The tracks lead to a narrow lane between two fenced yards. There, they seem to pause for a bit, standing in one spot for a while, or moving just small amounts. Then, they continue heading in the direction of the inn, and the road.
You follow the tracks to the inn-yard, and there you lose them for a time. The yard is well-traveled, and some of the tracks crossing and re-crossing are Sebastian's (from when he first arrived, and from when he set out on his walk).
It takes you some time to puzzle out, but eventually you can see that the tracks you are following lead back to the inn. Try as you might, you are unable to pick up another trail from there.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Friday September 12th, 2008 9:16:18 AM
Axara is completely puzzled by the behavior of the missing bard. "Well, it is looking like the bard does not have all his senses and the case of an abduction is now less plausible. He seems to have walked back toward the inn. I propose we throughly search the inn and if we find no sign of him, heads to the stone. Unless someone has a better idea."
Selemar Friday September 12th, 2008 9:16:29 AM
"it seems we may have no choice but to be at the stones. Hopefully, we can get the book back. Hopefully, the bard is ok. There's too little we know now."
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Friday September 12th, 2008 12:50:24 PM "Well lets aim towards to stones and see if we pick up the bards tracks again. As for an ambush, I think the basic principle is that the enemy does not know where you are, and since we are going to a destination they set the odds are in the favor of us being the ambushed."
Rollo checks his mighty hook hammer and heads off.
Hmark Friday September 12th, 2008 7:25:33 PM
Hmark frowns. "Shouldn't we take another look around the inn first?" he asks. "Maybe he just circled around while we were messin' about. If you want, I'll take a quick look-see, and catch up on horseback."
With that, the brown haired, brown eyed lad jogs into the inn, intent on circling through the common rooms and the bard's room one more time.
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] d20+4=10 ; d20+3=6 ; d20+7=11 ; d20+7=24 ; Friday September 12th, 2008 9:51:45 PM
Points to his nose when Hmark makes his point, then proceeds to search the Inn and Stables, from top to bottom. Starting with the stables.
Listen: 10 Search: 6 Spot: 11 Survival(track): 24
Zeph AC17 HP23 d20+9=11 ; d20+5=16 ; Sunday September 14th, 2008 3:38:41 PM "Maybe we should search the inn again. But I really think we will find something interesting at the stones." Zeph says as he follows the group.
(Search = 11 Spot = 16)
DM Kathy Sunday September 14th, 2008 10:52:55 PM Selemar and Rollo suggest moving on immediately to the stones.
The others, however, would like to search the inn first.
Zeph and Hmark start in the common room; Kiel begins in the stables. You move through, checking quickly or searching methodically as you prefer. You find no additional signs of Sebastian. His cloak, gloves, and other items are still in his room (unless somebody picked them up). You find nothing else new.
The serving-girl glances up at you from time to time, but is apparantly still sulking from this morning's tiff with her mother. She offers no comment on your activities.
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] Monday September 15th, 2008 12:11:04 AM
Kiel waits for an opportune time, catching the serving-girl off alone. Walking up he says: ok, spit it out. what do you know?
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Monday September 15th, 2008 12:44:25 PM
Axara waits outside with the rest of the group and will go with the other to the stone when the group decides to do so.
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] d20+8=13 ; Monday September 15th, 2008 1:54:00 PM
Rollo wanders into the Inn hearing Kiel's exclamation, and attempts to play a bit of the good cop to Kiel's statement.
Diplomacy: 13
If the serving girl is still unmoving on her helpfulness, Rollo will wander back outside and wait for the group to move on.
Zeph AC17 HP23 d20+3=7 ; d20+6=9 ; Monday September 15th, 2008 8:52:04 PM
Zeph decides to grab all of Sebastian's things in his room, figuring the Bard would enjoy having them back once he is found.
Woah there slick. Maybe we shouldn't jump to conclusions? We have yet to explore the Witchspawn Stones. Zeph thinks.
Zeph looks at the serving girl, expecting her to be surprised and frightened by Kiel. "Look, we lost our friend and we need to find him or we are in big trouble. Any information would be helpful." Zeph says.
DM Kathy Monday September 15th, 2008 11:29:18 PM Kiel decides to question the servant girl, and he isn't especially gentle about asking.
"What do I--about what?" she replies, indignant. "All I know is that Mum rousted me a good hour before my time this morning, looking for that bard. As if I'd take him to my bed with my sisters in the room! I haven't seen him, and I don't know where he is!"
Zeph and Rollo try a softer approach. "Look," she says. "Look, I'm real sorry you can't find him. I hope nothing bad's happened to him. He seems like a real nice fellow. I liked his playing and all. But I don't know where he went. I really don't." She pauses, thinking. "Have you talked to Mum? Or Chessy or Bim? They might have seen something; I don't know."
[You know from staying here that Chessy is the stable-lass and Bim is the youngster who fetches and carries.]
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] d20+3=17 ; d3=2 ; d20+3=14 ; d20+3=16 ; Tuesday September 16th, 2008 1:10:38 AM
On advice from the serving girl, Kiel then proceeds to question the others, first Chessy, then Bim and then finally the Mother. Away from each other so the looks from the others will not cause lies or deceit. (should there be any) Asking when did they last seen him. Was he acting strangely and if so how so. Was he seen in the company of any strangers. When he left the inn, which direction was he last seen going.
Sense Motive: 17(Chessy), 14(Bim), 16(Mother)
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Tuesday September 16th, 2008 10:51:18 AM
Fully aware how badly her intimidation attempt went with the thief, Axara decides to stay out of the questioning duty and waits outside.
Hmark Tuesday September 16th, 2008 3:39:33 PM
With the bard nowhere to be found, Hmark is out of options. He retreats back to the group and is ready to head on to the Witchspawn Stones.
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Tuesday September 16th, 2008 4:29:30 PM
Waits to head to the stones.
Zeph AC17 HP23 d20+1=19 ; Tuesday September 16th, 2008 11:02:03 PM
(gather information = 19)
Zeph will gather information along with Kiel.
" Look, we wont know for sure what happened unless we go to the stones. It could be any number of things when magic is involved. " Zeph says to Kiel, thinking about the powers he read that Enchantment magic can have over people.
DM Kathy Tuesday September 16th, 2008 11:32:30 PM
You talk to the rest of the staff, but they have even less information to give you. The mother and the younger daughters all turned in well before Sebastian went for his walk, leaving the serving-girl there to tidy up and close everything.
You watch carefully for any signs of deception, but detect none.
Reluctantly, you leave the inn and begin making your way toward the stones. For a while, your road takes you toward Jarlwolf, the same road you came up as you began your journey. In the afternoon, you reach the spot where the bandits ambushed you, and where you left three of them, bound and unconscious, beside the road.
Looking at the spot now, you see two dead bodies.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Wednesday September 17th, 2008 9:11:01 AM
Axara approches the body without showing emotions. She will look to see if these bodies are the ones of the bandits they left and if she can guess the death causes.
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Wednesday September 17th, 2008 11:27:07 AM
Continues on.
Such is the fate of those who choose he dark path.
Hmark Wednesday September 17th, 2008 3:39:17 PM
"The one that woke up first killed the other two?!?" Hmark wonders aloud. "Nice friends."
The archer stops to inspect the bodies, observing that Rollo simply walks on. Wow. That's cold
"Um, should we move 'em or something? Seems kinda unhealthy to let 'em rot on the road, you think?"
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] d20+3=8 ; d20+7=26 ; d20+4=11 ; d20+7=18 ; Wednesday September 17th, 2008 4:21:08 PM
Kiel cautiously approaches the 2 bound bandits, checking to see how they died. Search: 8
Then, after determining (or not determining) their passing, Kiel will look for tracks that would suggest who or what killed them and in what direction they took off and how long ago they left. Survival(track): 26
Then he informs the group as to his findings.
*Still in standard operating mode in lieu of ambushes* Listen: 4 Spot: 18
DM Kathy Thursday September 18th, 2008 12:55:40 AM
You approach the bodies and examine them more closely.
[OOC: The bodies are a short distance off the road, not lying on the road. This is where you left the bandits.]
Rollo is inclined to chalk it up as the consequence of a life of lawlessness, and move on. Hmark, on the other hand, speculates that one of them killed the other two. He asks about possibly disposing of the bodies.
You recall leaving two men and one woman tied here. The bodies are badly decomposed, and animals have gotten to them as well, but you think there is one man and one woman. They seem to have very little in the way of gear or clothing--even less than you left them with.
[OOC: Determining the cause of death will take a Heal check.]
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] d20+1=15 ; Thursday September 18th, 2008 2:15:43 AM
Heal check then 15
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] d20=17 ; Thursday September 18th, 2008 11:39:31 AM
Axara tries to identify the cause of death.
Untrained heal check = 1d20 + 0 = 17
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Thursday September 18th, 2008 12:19:03 PM
Rollo notices that the others have all stopped to examine their handy work.
]A bit morbid. Usually when you leave people to die you don't comeback to admire your work so.
Rollo waits for the group to get their fill, and will head off when they do.
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Thursday September 18th, 2008 12:19:33 PM
(ooc: meant to be italics, tag error)
(fixed it. Glenn)
Hmark Thursday September 18th, 2008 2:56:19 PM
"Never mind," Hmark counters his own suggestion as he gets close enough to see what's left of the bodies.
He moves away from the corpses, and back onto the road. The young man stands there, watching Axara and Kiel, with a somewhat disheartened look on his face.
"Maybe tying them up was a bad idea," he mumbles to himself.
Zeph approaches the corpses with the rest of the group. "For some reason I remember leaving them here alive." Zeph says as he looks at the decomposed bodies.
Zeph will then look for tracks and clues as to who or what has been in the area. If there were a group of other bandits or orcs, maybe they left a campfire. If it was an animal, then maybe some droppings.
But after that, Zeph will return to the road, figuring it best to get on the move to save Sebastian.
[i]Who in the world would know about the book and only want 500gold? And then they dont even leave tracks! How odd[i] Zeph thinks to himself while trying to remember anything from his childhood.
DM Kathy Friday September 19th, 2008 3:01:29 AM
You take a closer look at the bodies. Kiel, Axara, and Zeph are all able to see that the two people were killed by blows to the head with something heavy; probably a rock or tree branch.
Zeph looks for clues or tracks, but it has been over a week, and it has rained several times. You can't be sure what happened here; other than you left three live bandits here, and have returned to find two dead ones. Assuming, of course, that these are two of the bandits; they could be somebody else entirely.
Rollo, having no interest in the proceedings, patiently waits for the rest to finish. Hmark returns to the road, obviously troubled by what he has seen.
In their searching around, however, Zeph and Kiel note something odd. Back near the inn, you were able to find and follow Sebastian's tracks. Now, however, you don't see any tracks that you think belong to him.
Of course, the road is well-traveled. It's possible that you just aren't able to pick his tracks out from the rest.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Friday September 19th, 2008 9:36:04 AM
Axara returns to the trail thinking "What an awful way to die, bludgeoned to death. I hope that it is indeed the bandits. Well this is how thug lifes usualy end ..."
When Zeph and Kiel mentions the loss of the track of the bard, she shakes her head. "Could the fool still be around the inn, hiding in his delirium? May be the abduction is a big fat lie. what do the wiser members of the group think?"
Hmark Friday September 19th, 2008 4:05:27 PM
Perfectly aware that he is not one of the "wiser members of the group", Hmark is very tempted just to keep his trap shut. However, he does feel compelled to point out,
"We looked over that inn pretty good, and found squat. An' now we're stuck halfway. We gotta either go back or go forward." The man shrugs helplessly. "An' I ain't got any idea which is better. Keep going, I guess. We already know where he isn't."
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Sunday September 21st, 2008 11:40:56 AM "We have either been tricked, or we haven't, but since we have no evidence to either outcome we might as well flip a coin and let it decide what our course of action be. If he was hiding at the inn he is probably gone by now, us having left. So, why not go see the stones, at the least it'll be a something to look at other than corpses."
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] Sunday September 21st, 2008 6:57:27 PM Well, guess there is no other choice. Off to the stones.
Zeph AC17 HP23 d20+5=11 ; d4=2 ; d20+4=20 ; d20+7=14 ; d20+7=9 ; Sunday September 21st, 2008 8:59:31 PM "yep yep. I feel comfortable with the thoroughness of our search at the inn. I think I will attempt to remain hidden as we reach the stones. " Zeph says.
(spot = 11 listen = 20 Hide = 14 Move silent = 9)
DM Kathy Sunday September 21st, 2008 9:35:58 PM
You have your doubts, but at this point all you can do is continue on to the stones. You set out on the road once again. You travel all day, turning from the Jarlwolf road to travel toward the stones.
The sun is setting when you at last arrive at the standing stones. They are an impressive sight in the waning light, their shadows reaching out across the ground toward you. When you reach them, however, you find no bard, no message, and no sign that he has ever been there.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Sunday September 21st, 2008 11:50:53 PM
Axara grabs her pretty face in despair "The bard was never here .... he is gone ... the book is gone ..... we are probably the most pathetic adventuring group in the realm ...... How could we be so stupid? We let the object of our mission unguarded and in the hand of the member most easily swayed by compliment after me. I think we should go back to dulcet and fire ourselves. I feel completely useless."
She sits on the stone and starts crying of rage and anger, biting her finger.
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Monday September 22nd, 2008 1:59:52 AM
Rollo sits back and enjoys the view of the stones.
"How about we just sit and wait till Sebastian uses the book to do whatever it does. It'll probably make it easier to locate it. Besides guarding a book isn't so heroic, but vanquishing a demon horde, or zombie invasion now that's heroic. Why didn't we think of that before. "
Selemar Monday September 22nd, 2008 11:10:27 AM
Gives Rollo a worried look.
"I'm not too worried yet. If Sebastian is corrupted by the book, that doesn't mean he'll be able to elude us forever. We'll find him before he can destroy much. If someone has him, we'll just have to find them. "
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] Monday September 22nd, 2008 11:27:12 AM If all she is ever going to do is complain how inept she is, and cry, why in Gargul's realm did she ever become an adventurer. Shape up woman or get out. Kiel thinks. And Rollo, maybe he's under the influence cuz man has he become weird. Kiel also thinks.
Not wanting to just sit on his hind~end and wait, Kiel begins a methodical search of the area, starting in the Witchstones and gradually working his way out, to about 50 yards. Searching for any clue of Sebastian OR someone else who was here recently. (since we have time, going to take 20 on the whole search) Survival(track): 27, Search: 23, Spot: 27, Listen: 24 Survival(track): 27, Search: 23, Spot: 27, Listen: 24 Survival(track): 27, Search: 23, Spot: 27, Listen: 24 Survival(track): 27, Search: 23, Spot: 27, Listen: 24 Survival(track): 27, Search: 23, Spot: 27, Listen: 24
*Need me to "roll" more Kathy, just cut and paste the rolls as many times as you see fit. LoL*
Zeph AC17 HP23 d20+9=23 ; d20+4=20 ; Monday September 22nd, 2008 12:32:23 PM
Zeph attempts to help Kiel search the premises to the best of his ability while he tries to reason it out-loud to himself.
"Ok, so, scenario one: Sebastian is hit by temptation from the book and he decides to leave half his possessions in his room and then sends us on a wild-goose chase to throw us off the trail as he goes and tries to complete some crazy ritual? That just sounds... far-fetched." Zeph says to himself and anyone else who is listening as he searches for clues.
"Scenario two: Sebastian really is kidnapped by bandits, whose footprints we can't seem to locate. They know about the book somehow and they only want 500gold for it? I don't know about that either. " Zeph says as he pulls out the note from the tree and begins searching the part of his backpack where he put Sebastian's posessions.
Zeph will compare Sebastian's handwriting on the note to anything he can find in his posessions from his room. He will also look to see if there is any other clue on the paper as to who wrote it or the conditions in which it was written.
(Frogery Check = 20 Search = 23)
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] Monday September 22nd, 2008 2:39:12 PM
ooc LOL frogery check. A frog wrote the note!
Hmark Monday September 22nd, 2008 8:45:08 PM
Hmrak cringes a little at Axara's pathetic display, and instead considers Zeph's comments. He holds up three fingers, indicating another scenario.
"Um, how 'bout, the Book is alive, and took over Sebastian. So, the Book essentially wrote the note to get us out of the way so it could make Sebastian go where ever it is it wants to go."
He looks around at the group. "How'd you find the Book the first time?"
DM Kathy Monday September 22nd, 2008 10:24:03 PM Axara despairs at seeing the deserted circle of stones, and Rollo, perhaps with a bit of irony, suggests just waiting for the evil to manifest.
The rest of the group, however, is more inclined to action.
Zeph takes a moment to examine the note. As far as he can tell, it is Sebastian's normal handwriting, with nothing at all unusual about it.
Hmark asks about how the book was found the first time, and the rest of the party reminds him. [OOC: if anyone needs a refresher, check the game's archives for the DM post from May 15. That should fill in most of the blanks. :) ]
Kiel attempts to track. The newest tracks he finds are a few days old. Following them will be tricky, as you are rapidly losing the light. Do you want to follow the tracks as the sun sets, or do you want to set up camp while you still have some light?
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Monday September 22nd, 2008 10:52:16 PM
Axara stays there silent, as the men are going in circle finding nothing. Finally she starts speaking. "I have been in a similar situation. My first adventuring group. We were hired to save a merchant daughter from an ogre. We got her out and got careless. The ogre went back and took her. We went back after her but the ogre was ready. We all made it alive except her. That is when I decided to stop adventuring. Until the letter from my mother. And the same scenario is happening. But you do not see it. I have seen the same tension, the same issue. It is happening all over again. Except this time it is an evil book. I need to break the cycle of my failures. "
Selemar Tuesday September 23rd, 2008 9:54:32 AM
"if all the tracks are old, it seems he hasn't been here yet. It seems we need to wait. I have nothing more pressing to do."
Lango heads over to the sorceres. Maybe she'll feel better if she can pet a wolf.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Tuesday September 23rd, 2008 12:00:43 PM
Axara looks at the elf and the wolf. She pets the beast and whispers to its ear "I do not care what Selemar says. You are way better than a bear. I wish I had a companion like you."
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] d20+5=19 ; Tuesday September 23rd, 2008 4:23:58 PM
Rollo pulls out the bag of fish bones and his tools and begins to a assemble a tiny set of bone mail as he waits patiently.
(Craft: Armor = 19)
"If Selemar is correct and they haven't been here yet, then we could set up that ambush? That is if they are coming. By the way do we even have 500 gold pieces?"
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] d20+3=17 ; Tuesday September 23rd, 2008 8:20:34 PM
Surveys the area, finding what would be in his opinion the best spot to set up an overwatch. Knowledge(geography): 17
So, are we just going to all hide and wait or do we have a couple 3 people willing to set up a normal camp, with a fire, to give the kidnapper(s) a false sense of security? I suggest the latter.
Hmark Tuesday September 23rd, 2008 9:14:53 PM
At some point, somebody probably tells Hmark how the group came by the book in the first place. The young man's face becomes troubled, as he reiterates part of the story. "The book makes you want to open it, and then the book makes you want to perform the horrible rituals inside."
He arches his eyebrow at Kiel, his voice dubious. "And now we're supposed to meet "horrible ritual guy" in a sacred grove at midnight. Um, I'm thinking I'd like to hide, actually."
The archer will stick with Kiel, keeping out of sight as possible as the group waits for nightfall.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Tuesday September 23rd, 2008 9:36:27 PM
In a complete detached way, as if she does care about the outcome, Axara says "I volunteer to be the bait."
DM Kathy Tuesday September 23rd, 2008 11:43:32 PM
As the sun sets, Axara relates some of her history, part of what shapes who she is today.
Selemar suggests waiting, and Rollo adds that you might as well set up an ambush, seeing as how you don't have 500 gold pieces anyway.
Kiel suggests a decoy camp, and Axara volunteers to be part of it. Hmark decides he'd rather not.
You discuss, and plan, and arrange, and eventually the decoy camp is set, with the others watching from nearby vantage points. You watch, and you wait.
And nothing happens.
Eventually, the birds begin to sing again in the trees, the eastern sky grows light, and the stars disappear. And nobody has come.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Wednesday September 24th, 2008 9:57:26 AM
Axara gets up, a doom look on her face. "No one showed up, as I had expected. We went here knowing they were no tracks and of course no one showed up. So it is back to the inn and where ever the bard is, he has at least a day if not more of a lead on us. And the tracks are one day older. Yep, we are doing great! I propose we go back to the inn to find even older tracks leading nowhere .... "
Her face does not show frustration but a certain tireness of the situation as the exact location of the bard seems to be a puzzle the group cannot solve.
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Wednesday September 24th, 2008 11:36:46 AM
Rollo stretches and yawns as he greets the dawn with a wave. He packs up his miniature suit of armor that he had been working on as he played bait.
Hearing Axara's astute analysis of things that have happened he speaks up, with out a hint of malice, or judgement.
"Considering our best trackers could not find anything at the inn to indicate the books whereabouts, and this was our only lead it seems we were directed here by a higher power. Now not all higher powers have the same agenda as we, and he, she, it may be working against us, but none the less a power greater than us led us here and we followed."
"Now if you have some means of magical time reversal then this rehashing of past actions may serve a purpose, in which case let us go back to when we had the book in our possession, slay the bard,because it is easier than destroying the book, toss the tome into a volcano where no one who needs it's power will be able to reach it, and return home to eat mutton and pie.
"So time travel? Yes?No?" The gnome seems genuinely curious, but when the answer comes back no Rollo will ready himself to return to the inn.
Spell Memorized
0 Mending Detect Magic Light x 2
1st Elfvision Sanctuary Shield of Faith Summon Monster I
2nd Faerie Fire Zone of Truth Augury
Selemar Wednesday September 24th, 2008 1:52:06 PM
"i'm not sure time travel is an option. Mutton and pie may be at some point."
"I don't see any options. We haven't been able to track the bard. No one seems to have seen him. This is the only clue we had, and I don't think any of us are surprised that nothing was found."
"Perhaps we should head home, to protect it in case the rituals are completed. We can't stop them if we can't find them, but may be able to do some good there."
Hmark Wednesday September 24th, 2008 4:42:52 PM
Hmark doesn't trust himself to speak. The archer simply climbs back onto his pony with the intent of heading back to the inn.
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] d20+7=18 ; Wednesday September 24th, 2008 10:47:29 PM
Climbing down from his perch in a tree, Kiel stretches his aching muscles and gives a huge yawn to all to see showing the signs that he did not sleep a wink at all last night. Dejected that the group wasted their time yet again, Kiel heads over to the campfire and warms himself up as best he can, and pulls out a bit of rations for breakfast. Kiel says absolutely nothing when Rollo rebukes Axara, thinking rightfully so. She needs to quit living in the past and think about the present. Her modus operendi will if anything hurt this group more than help. Perhaps I need to pull her off to the side and have a chat with her......I will do that once we get back to the inn.
When its obvious all are ready to go, Kiel will do a once over of the area in case someone managed to sneak in in the middle of the night without us seeing, and left us a present of tracks. Survival(track): 18 Then will go with the others and start heading back to the inn.
DM Kathy Wednesday September 24th, 2008 11:26:02 PM
Fatigue and disappointment make the morning a difficult one. Selemar suggests returning to Jarlwolf and awaiting the worst, but the rest of you are for returning to the inn and trying once again to pick up the trail.
Accordingly, you set off. At least you have good traveling weather; a gentle spring day complete with singing birds and nodding flowers. No rain has fallen since your stay at the Green Rooster, which is good news for the trackers.
It was a long day getting here from the inn, and it is another long day to return. You again pass the place where the dead bandits lie, and finally reach the Green Rooster near sundown.
"Well, look who's back!" says the stable-lass with a grin. "Let me get your mounts, here--except yours, sir," she adds to Kiel. "I know you're particular. Go on in; there's chicken and dumplings tonight!"
Inside, you find the inn much as you left it yesterday. "Oh, you did come back," says the innkeeper, reaching into your apron pocket. "I wasn't sure...thought perhaps your friend had missed you. Then again, I didn't know you were acquainted with the gentleman." And she hands you a letter, addressed to "Dulcet's Adventuring Party" and sealed with a glob of wax.
The letter reads:
Dear friends. I apologize for deceiving you and sending you on a false trail of kidnapping bandits, but I do not believe in the destruction of knowledge or books, it can only lead to evil, even if they are dark knowledge. You can't hide from evil by destroying all knowledge of it you must face it head on.
I have a friend who knows someone who can keep the book safe. I trust Lilly's judgment that these people can completely contain the book's evil influence and have only the best of intentions.
Again, I apologize for deceiving you and I hope Lady Dulcet will not hold my actions against you.
Sincerely,
Sebastian the Bard
PS. I am not under any influence and have no desire to see the book used in anyway.
PSS. You should also apologize to the staff of the Green Rooster for questioning so rudely, they are nice people and should be treated with respect.
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] Wednesday September 24th, 2008 11:42:23 PM
Looking up from the letter, looking at the others, redness forming on his cheeks, Kiel says, spittle flying from his lips: Who does he think he is? How dare him think his way is the only way when our families and the families of everyone else is in danger. Oh Domi as my witness, when we find him I am going to rip his heart out and eat it before his eyes close forever! Turning to the innkeeper, Kiel spouts out: Who gave you that note. What was he riding. When was he here and in what direction did he go?
Kiel's demeanor is obvious of hatred and disgust.
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Thursday September 25th, 2008 1:19:23 AM
Rollo turns to the others in the group"Do not eat the food, or drink at this establishment. It seems to weaken the mind. They did not believe we were acquainted with the bard, even though we arrived with him, dined with him, spent most of the night with him as he played, and then questioned about his whereabouts the following morning. Perhaps they too are under the books influence, and who is Lily? Or is this a joke?"
Rollo laughs deeply truly enjoying the spirit of the joke, "You did have us going. Sebastian you ol' cad, come forth and collect your congratulations on a prank well pulled!
After a moment Rollo looks to the inn keeper the smile still on his face. "Reveal his whereabouts, for he seems not to have a sense of comedic timing.
Still smiling Rollo grips his Hook hammer as his suspicions slide further and further away from humor.
"Please, I'd hate to think you aided in this treachery. Tell us where he is, or share his fate."
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] d20+5=13 ; d20+5=13 ; Thursday September 25th, 2008 8:42:55 AM
Axara puts her hand on Kiel's shoulder then on Rollo's. "Gentlemen, please! You cannot treat these women as guilty or part of the bard folly until we have proofs. They have been great host so let's give them the benefits of the doubt."
She approaches the mother and in a begging voice says "I beg you Madam, if you are in anyway connection to the disappearance of the bard, please tell us all you know. We have going on a wild goose chase for too long and some weapons are hungry for blood. Please help us ..... "
Her voice trails off, as if she was containing her tears .....
[hr]
Diplomacy roll on Kiel and Rollo to prevent innocent bloodshed: 1d20+5 = 13 Diplomacy roll on the mother to have her speak: 1d20+5 = 13
same failed roll. So be it!
OOC: Lilly is Sebastian's "fiancee". Not sure the feeling are the same on her side.
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Thursday September 25th, 2008 9:55:55 AM
ooc: Sebastian never mentioned her to Rollo, so out of character I know, in character not so much.
Selemar Thursday September 25th, 2008 10:23:04 AM
"Kiel! Rollo!. They are not our enemies. Sebastian...who knows. The question isn't even where he was, but where he's going. Is he really going to see her, or is this a further waste of our time?"
Zeph AC17 HP23 Thursday September 25th, 2008 2:11:19 PM
(OOC: sorry I havent posted in a couple of days. I had an Organic Chemistry Exam on Weds and my stress level is hitting a peak.)
"Look. It's obvious that Sebastian is falling into a trap. I feel he is a rational man, and his love for his fiancee is blinding him. I'm guessing that someone is holding Lilly hostage and is threatening to hurt her if Sebastian does not procure the book for them. We have to hurry and get there before Sebastian does and hands over the book. I'm not going to let its evil fall into the wrong hands...' Zeph says to the group, with a look of determination on his face.
"Now, where from here? We need clues to where Sebastian could be heading. Anyone know where his Fiancee lives? If not, then we are back to tracking him.. quickly." Zeph says.
If I'm right about someone using Lilly to get the book, then she is in deep trouble... I'm willing to sacrifice her and Sebastian if necessary to complete this mission. I don't know what a Villian will do with that book, and I don't intend to find out. Zeph thinks to himself as he examines the letter from Sebastian.
Hmark Thursday September 25th, 2008 5:16:11 PM
Hmark slumps tiredly into a chair, and rubs his face with his hands.
He makes no move take sides in the shouting match between Kiel, Axara, Rollo, and anyone else busy yelling at each other, and all he has to offer Zeph is a shrug.
The exhausted archer is clearly two steps behind on some important elements of this story, and the best he can do at this point is keep out of the pot-stirring.
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] Thursday September 25th, 2008 7:03:10 PM
*ooc My post may be misleading you to some assumptions. When Kiel made his declaration, he was saying it to the group and the air. When he turned to the innkeeper, he didnt yell at them but asked sternly. Not once has he made a threatening move towards anyone nor was he in a shouting match with anyone.
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Thursday September 25th, 2008 9:00:59 PM
ooc: I will clarify as well. Rollo did not raise his voice, except when call for the bard. He was threatening towards the inn keeper however, but there was no yelling.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Thursday September 25th, 2008 9:09:14 PM
OOC: To clarify, Axara did not yell. quite the opposite, especially when talking to the woman
DM Kathy Friday September 26th, 2008 12:16:18 AM
"Well, the note was from the other fellow who stayed here night before last," the innkeeper replies to Kiel. "Foreign, I thought him. He left sometime after you did. Arrived after you, too, which is why I was surprised he knew you." She thinks for a moment. "He was on foot, not riding. I didn't see which way he went."
Unfortunately, no laughing bard appears in response to Rollo's summons. "The bard?" the innkeeper repeats. "Of course, I knew the bard was with your party! Flower's Mercy, do you think me so addle-pated? No, the note is from the other fellow. The foreigner. He said he was a sailor, but I don't think he was. His callouses weren't right. But his gold was good enough, and it's none of my business." With a pointed look at your group, she adds, "Them who travel can be a bit odd."
You put your heads together on the subject of the mysterious Lilly. From what Sebastian said about her, you get the impression that she lives and works in a large city, in some public establishment. The nearest large city is Rowena, and in fact, this very inn is on the Rowena road.
Selemar Friday September 26th, 2008 9:12:52 AM
"Do we head to Rowena then? It may be where he has gone..."
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Friday September 26th, 2008 9:27:46 AM
Happy that innocent blood has not been spilled, Axara breathes easily. "Thank you Madam! Can you describe him for us?"
She turns around to the group. "So it seems that the bard was actually abducted by the "Foreigner" who has successfully sent us the wrong way. As Selemar said, time to go find him. Although ,Rowena is a big city and I am not sure that finding Lilly will help us find the package."
She turns around and says "Rollo, Lilly is Sebastina's fiancee. He is madly in love with her but from what he told me, I am sure sure she feels the same way about him. But he is not aware of that."
Hmark Friday September 26th, 2008 9:27:49 AM
"Works for me," Hmark answers. He climbs tiredly to his feet.
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] d20+7=9 ; Friday September 26th, 2008 10:35:17 AM
Walks off to the stables, mumbling along the way about goose chases, eating of hearts, and murder.
After tending to Phoenix, then resaddling him, Kiel makes sure all of his equipment is loaded on the steed correctly. Then heads back inside the inn to restock on food if they have some for the road. Then will wait outside, looking for the tracks of this "Foreigner". Survival(track):27 *takes 20, disregard roll above*
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Friday September 26th, 2008 11:44:45 AM
Rollo releases his grip on his weapon the smile never leaving his face.
"I Apologize for the misunderstanding about your grasp of logic and reasoning, You are a beacon of hope and reassurance of the cognitive abilities of your race."
Rollo turns to his companions."He is only a day ahead and on foot. Those with swift mounts should head off to catch him, or at least slow him down till the others can catch up."
Zeph AC17 HP23 d20+4=5 ; d20+1=8 ; Friday September 26th, 2008 2:36:26 PM "What is the man's complexion and build? Human correct? Color of hair? Anything else? Tatoos, earings, notice his eye color? We must find this man because if he wrote a letter and put Sebastian's name on it to fool us, then he can't be up to much good. Madam, believe me when I say that my party and I are doing what is best for all of Cinnamon Valley and maybe even beyond." Zeph says to the woman, trying to console her and get her to help the group with any information that could help out Kiel's tracking.
Either Sebastian was tricked or was kidnapped. Maybe he could have even been forced to write the letters by this man. Either way, we need to catch up. Zeph thinks
Turning to the group, Zeph says, "I'm thinking that maybe this thing about Lilly having a friend who can dispose of the book is just another way to distract us. We have to find tracks."
I'm starting to get annoyed by our party's ability to succeed depending solely on our tracking ability. Give me a good test of my problem-solving ability any day.
(forgery to look at handwriting of letter = 5, nat 1 Diplomacy = 8)
DM Kathy Sunday September 28th, 2008 9:34:52 PM
"Well," says the innkeeper, casting her mind back. "Well, he was a bit on the short side," she begins. Glancing around at you, she adds, "a bit shorter than him," pointing to Hmark "with an average build. Blue eyes and a dark mustache. Swarthy complexion, like from being under the sun a lot. Had some kind of outlandish head-covering, brightly patterened, as they do in the South. He claimed to be a sailor, like I said, but he didn't have the callouses for it. Nor for farming, neither." She shakes her head. "No tattoos or scars that I saw."
Rollo suggests splitting up, so that those with fast mounts can catch the wayward bard and mysterious stranger.
Kiel begins once again to look for tracks in the inn-yard. He remembers many of the tracks from yesterday. Here is where Sebastian arrived at the inn. Here is where he left for his walk. Here is where he returned, presumably after leaving the note on the tree. Here are all the tracks made by his companions looking for him.
And here is another set, one Kiel doesn't remember seeing yesterday. Sebastian's step again, heading out of the inn-yard and toward the road. On the road itself, Kiel is able to see a sign here and a sign there, indicating that Sebastian was traveling west, toward Rowena, a direction that the party has not traveled in before.
He sees no tracks, however, that could belong to the foreigner.
[OOC: Just to reiterate, you got to the inn around sundown. You can leave right away if you want to, but the animals have not rested and it will be dark soon.]
Selemar Monday September 29th, 2008 9:13:19 AM
"perhaps we leave at sunrise?"
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Monday September 29th, 2008 11:39:38 AM
Axara listens to the innkeeper and Kiel tracking finding. " I believe it is clear to all of us that we need to go after the Foreigner but we need to make sure our mounts are in condition of a pursuit. Given the fact that I am riding in the cart, I fully understand if our fast riders leave first to try to catch him."
Hmark Monday September 29th, 2008 1:45:08 PM
Hmark nods in agreement with Selemar. "He ain't gonna walk all night, so no real time lost. The archer snorts, "'Sides, the way our luck's been goin', we'd probably ride right past the guy in the dark."
"Probably wanna kick out before dawn though. Put us close to him when the sun comes up."
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] d20+7=21 ; d20+3=9 ; d20+4=11 ; d20+7=18 ; Monday September 29th, 2008 2:46:52 PM
Sleeps in the barn near Phoenix. Gets up before the sun rises. Has all he animals saddled, cart hitched and has the cook prepare something for breakfast that can be eaten on the road. When Kiel sees people starting to climb into the cart and/or move to their horse(s) he takes off on Phoenix at a quick pace to start tracking Sebastian. Survival(track): 21 Listen: 11 Search: 9 Spot: 18
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Monday September 29th, 2008 4:19:18 PM
Rollo spends the night in the cart preferring the stars over his head than the roof of an inn. He passes his time before sleep fashioning the tiny fishbone suit of armor, and whistling a tune whose origin is long forgotten.
Rollo is ready to set off as soon as possible.
DM Kathy Monday September 29th, 2008 11:35:16 PM
Thinking it over, you decide to spend the night at the Green Rooster. As promised, there is chicken and dumplings for dinner, and the accommodations are as snug and comfortable as you remember. It is difficult to enjoy them, however, with all the uncertainty about Sebastian's current whereabouts.
You rise early, and after a hasty breakfast are ready to depart as the eastern sky is turning orange. Low-lying mist covers the fields, but the road is relatively clear.
[Are you attempting to track, which will slow you up, or are you traveling as fast as you can?]
You travel all day. It is pleasant traveling weather, and the road is becoming busy as merchant caravans begin their spring trading. You pass a couple of small caravans as you travel, and meet one very large one coming the other direction.
In the late afternoon, you pass through a town that has a small inn--an even smaller and humbler affair than the Green Rooster. You can pass the night here, or you can push on for perhaps another hour or two of daylight.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Tuesday September 30th, 2008 7:18:31 AM
Axara stays in the cart, silent. She looks at the scenery, takes a nap or two, trusting the cart to Rollo's handy hands. She offers no opinion when they see the smaller inn.
Selemar d20+5=25 ; Tuesday September 30th, 2008 9:23:19 AM
Sitting in the cart, feeling impatient
The wolf is a tracking machine, with his natural 20. Lango will probably let it go to his head.
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] d20+7=27 ; d20+4=22 ; d20+3=11 ; d20+7=11 ; Tuesday September 30th, 2008 9:44:23 AM
Following the trail. Survival(track): 27 *nat.20* (not constantly tracking every second, but every so often, Kathy, like I was taught in the military to do)
Let us continue on, slower mind you so a couple of you can head in to that inn there and gather some information. Axara, didnt you say you used to work in a tavern? Perhaps your "skills" could really help us here. Who else has "special" information gathering skills that could assist her? The rest of us will continue down the road.
As an afterthought, when Axara and whoever else goes on the info trip, he pulls her to the side: Phoenix is a good friend, and faithful companion. Take him with you. When you are done, climb on, and hold on, and have him get back to me lickity split. And take no unecessary chances. I'd hate to lose you....I mean see the group lose you. Kiel gives Axara the "dont argue with me" look.
Then Kiel continues on foot down the road. (hence the slower pace for the rest of us)
Listen: 22 Search: 11 Spot: 11
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] d20+9=20 ; d20+5=22 ; d20+5=9 ; Tuesday September 30th, 2008 11:27:47 AM
Axara looks at Kiel with a surprise look. "Phoenix? You mean it? "
She is flabbergasted because she knows the meaning of a horse to a rider and how particular Kiel has been about the treatment of Phoenix in the stables.
" I will take great care of him " She pets the horse and ties him at the entrance of the small him.
Then she removes her hood to make her face visible, fluff up her hair, losen up the rope to make some clivage visible, make sure her superbly shaped legs are nicely visible through the slitted robe as she walks. Looking as astuning as she can, she enters the tavern and will look for the most vulnerable man (to her charm) in the room.
She will sit at the table and cross her legs to expose them (or lean forward to give a good clivage view if she is at the counter) and will ask her target. "I am looking a gentleman to help me"
Hmark Tuesday September 30th, 2008 3:18:13 PM
Hmark dismounts at the inn, and follows Axara inside. The archer gives Kiel a knowing half-grin. Nice, he mouths to the scout.
Once inside, the young man stops, so that Axara can do her...er...information gathering...solo. He instead heads to the innkeeper. He tosses the man a silver piece. "Ale please." Once its served up, he follows up with his question, "Have you seen a bard come through here sometime today?"
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Tuesday September 30th, 2008 10:43:27 PM
Rollo continues on with the group.
DM Kathy Wednesday October 1st, 2008 12:26:42 AM Kiel examines the road for tracks every now and again. It is difficult to distinguish individual tracks on the well-traveled road, but he does find a bootprint here and there that he has learned to associate with Sebastian.
Lango, with the advantage of scent, is even surer than Kiel that you are on the right track.
When you reach the little inn, Kiel, Selemar, and Rollo continue on, but at a slower pace.
Axara goes into the inn to see what she can find out. Hmark stays as well, to watch her back. So to speak.
With a few casual moves, Axara soon has the attention of every male in the place. "I can help you, ma'am," says a middle-aged man, grinning foolishly.
"No, me! I can help!" says a youngster of about 19.
The rest of the group continues traveling as the sun sinks lower. You see no other villages coming up, so it is likely you'll need to find a place to camp.
Zeph AC17 HP23 d20+1=8 ; d20+5=19 ; d20+4=17 ; Wednesday October 1st, 2008 1:11:43 AM
" Hmm. Well, I suppose I will go as well to help gather information." Zeph says as he decides to go with Axara and Hmark.
Instead of getting the men's attention, Zeph will look for more elusive people. Back-stabbers and rogues. They often have the best information.
If Zeph finds someone, he will say something like this:
"Well, we are looking for a couple of men, one with a peculiar hat, like he's from the far south. With a sun-tanned complexion, short, with a black mustache. The second man is a bard with blonde hair and blue eyes. He likes to sing at taverns. Seen either one of these folk?" Zeph says to anyone whome he may find.
Zeph will also keep a lookout in the inn for anyone who may be eyeing him or Axara down.
(Spot = 19 Gather info = 8 Listen = 17)
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Wednesday October 1st, 2008 8:03:04 AM
Axara, noticing that every hot blooded male is focusing on her is about to continue when she notices Hmark and Zeph. "Way to go! 3 people asking the same questions! Kiel's idea got shot down. If anyone know anything, they will know that it is valuable as a lot of people are looking for it."
She decides however to continue her act. Batting her eye lashes and using an ingenue voice, she says "Well, gentlemen, I am lookoing for two associates of mine. They gave me directions but with all these words, it gave me a headache reading the scroll. And now I lost it. So I wonder if you have seem them. We need to be together to do our act. I would be so hapy if you could help me." She goes on and describe Sebastian and the Foreigner, making a sad face and pouting eyes.
Hmark d20+2=15 ; d20+2=17 ; Wednesday October 1st, 2008 3:23:29 PM
With Zeph also in the tavern, Hmark decides to just shut up, drink his ale, and watch the show.
[Listen: 15 Spot: 17]
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] d20+4=7 ; d20+3=4 ; d20+7=14 ; Wednesday October 1st, 2008 11:20:47 PM
Waiting until the stars are more prominent than the waning sunlight, Kiel motions for the group to stop and make camp. After the camp is set up properly Kiel positions himself just outside the campfire light, watching, and waiting for any sight or sound of the returning trio who stayed behind for someinfo gathering. Listen: 7 Search: 4 Spot: 14
DM Kathy Wednesday October 1st, 2008 11:58:21 PM Kiel calls a halt as the sun goes down, setting up camp in a little dell not too far from the road.
In the inn, the bartender replies to Hmark's query: "Bards? Yes, we get 'em every now and again. The last one was...let me see....just a couple of nights ago. Human fellow, played the flute."
Zeph winds up talking to a tough-looking woman in a leather jerkin--possibly a mercenary soldier or solitary adventurer. "I haven't been in town long," she says, "but I don't remember a tanned man with a black mustache." She thinks for a moment. "There was a blue-eyed bard here, the night I first arrived. He played the flute."
Axara hears much the same tale. Her rapt helpers remember the bard well enough, but, cudgel their brains though they might, they do not remember a foreign fellow.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Thursday October 2nd, 2008 11:36:45 AM
Axara thanks all the men who tried to "help" her. She gets up and goes to the cutest man in the tavern (if there is such a thing). "Here is a thank you and a preview of our show " She utters a few arcane words and put a light spell on the man trousers. She bows and leaves the Inn. she waits for the other two to join her prior to getting up on Phoenix and riding to the camp set up by Kiel.
There she explains that the bard has been seen going this direction but no evidence of the Foreigner. She thanks him for trusting her with Phoenix.
Hmark Thursday October 2nd, 2008 2:59:12 PM
"I don't think there is any 'Foriegner'" Hmark confides when the group gets back together. "Sebastian, or the Book, is up to something."
The brown haired lad quickly rolls into his sleeping blankets. After his night watch, he's ready to move out early the next morning.
"If he's still on foot, we oughtta be able to ride him down later today," he predicts as he mounts his borrowed steed.
Zeph AC17 HP23 d20+1=5 ; Thursday October 2nd, 2008 6:51:22 PM
Zeph looks at the woman and tries to make a charming smile. "Oh, so you did see the flashy Bard? Did you happen to hear him say anything about where he may be heading? Here, let me buy you a drink." Zeph says to the woman, hoping to get some information on where Sebastian may be.
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Thursday October 2nd, 2008 7:45:01 PM
Rollo takes his turn in the rotation, working on the tiny armor whenever he gets a free moment, like a grandmother working on her knitting. In the morning he will set off with the group.
Spell Memorized Same list just changing Augury to Hold Person
Selemar Thursday October 2nd, 2008 10:23:07 PM
I'll loiter at the camp
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] Friday October 3rd, 2008 12:38:14 AM
Is pleased to see the others arrive, holding the reins of Phoenix as Axara dismounts. Listens intently to their tale as he puts his friend to bed, rationing out an extra portion of oats and hay.
After all is set, takes up his position for watch, then sleeps when it's his turn.
Standard Operating Procedure for the morning.
DM Kathy Friday October 3rd, 2008 1:08:50 AM Zeph's contact hadn't actually spoken with the bard, so she doesn't know where he was headed.
[If you ask around the bar, you find that the bard did not mention where he was bound.]
With nothing more to be learned, you re-unite with the rest of the group. You set up your watches, but the night passes uneventfully.
There are a few showers the next morning--nothing to make travelling too uncomfortable, but enough to make tracking more of a challenge. You are fairly certain you are on the right road, however, so you press forward.
About mid-afternoon, you come to the inn where Sebastian stayed two nights ago. Again, the people describe a blue-eyed human with light brown hair, but know nothing of any "foreinger" accompanying him.
You press on for several more hours, determined to catch up. You camp again that night, and set out early the next day. Your perserverence pays off; today you pass two different inns where Sebastian stayed on consecutive nights. You are definitely catching up.
But Rowena is getting closer all the time, and you are not sure you can find him once he reaches the city.
Selemar Friday October 3rd, 2008 9:57:23 AM
"maybe we should send the fastest rider ahead. We could tell someone he is a wanted criminal, so hopefully he can't enter Rowena unnoticed. I'd rather he be arrested and we anger the authorities than lose the book."
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] Friday October 3rd, 2008 10:09:54 AM I say we take small breaks during the day and push on through the night. That way the animals can handle it and we don't over exert ourselves.
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Friday October 3rd, 2008 11:48:26 AM
(ooc: I need some clarification. We were two days behind him after the standing stone incident. We've been traveling by mount and pushing them to their limit. We have just passed two inns where he stayed two consecutive nights. shouldn't we have caught up to him? And wouldn't a muddy trail make it easier to track?)
Rollo look to the group. "We are getting close to a large city, I ask again that someone with a faster steed then bessy here." Indicating the mule. "Ride ahead. If they reach Rowena with out locating the bard they should inform the town guard that we are a band of militia from jarwolf seeking a fugitive from the law and Sebastian and his foreign friend are said fugitives."
Rollo looks to the others [b]"The rest of us should press on at speed as Kiel has suggested, we may not get the beauty sleep some of you may be use to, but if he reaches the city before it will be like finding a speckled grib in a Klumle berry bush."
"Shall we?" Rollo will keep a brisk pace with the mule as they proceed.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Friday October 3rd, 2008 12:23:16 PM
Axara nods at Kiel's comments "That sounds like a plan. I can get my rest while we move"
Zeph AC17 HP23 Friday October 3rd, 2008 2:14:06 PM
Zeph looks at Kiel. "Lets you and I ride ahead as fast as we can. I think Shadow and Phoenix can handle it. Maybe Lango can come with, his nose should be useful." Zeph says as he begins to kick up his spurs.
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] d20+4=5 ; d20+3=13 ; d20+7=11 ; d20+7=17 ; Friday October 3rd, 2008 4:11:45 PM We mustn't divide our forces. Whereas I see Rollo's point in someone riding on ahead, it does no use should that person(s) arrive to find in fact Sebastian has been forced by someone(s). And should that person(s) be detected and captured, that would be someone(s) less the group has in coming to a conclusion to this endeavor.
Now Zeph, You and I can leap frog ahead of the group, keeping an eye out for any sign of Sebastian and/or his captors (assuming he has been) and keep the group on the right path. Not to mention being there in case of trouble, should something arise.
Listen: 5 Search: 13 Spot: 11 Survival(track): 17
Hmark Friday October 3rd, 2008 4:59:41 PM
As Zeph and Kiel make plans to ride ahead, Hmark maintains his vigil over the group's backtrail.
The last thing the group needs is yet another suggestion, and "what ifs" just irritate him. So the man remains silent. He looks up at the sky. Perhaps today will be clearer?
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Friday October 3rd, 2008 6:02:54 PM "Why are we afraid of sending a scout ahead? No one in the inns mentioned Sebastian was with anyone, if he was captured I doubt he would be putting on flute recitals. We are adventurers aren't we? Let's take a logical risk, playing it safe doesn't seem to be working too well. The fate of the world could be at stake."
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] Friday October 3rd, 2008 11:42:48 PM I nor Zeph are afraid of scouting ahead, but frankly I think it's a bad idea to divide our forces. If you are so hard set on someone going ahead to see, then by all means, go. But in my opinion it's a bad idea.
As an afterthought, Kiel turns back and continues.
And think about this for a second. If this book was as important as everyone says it is, and that the fate of the world is at stake, why send a group of nobodies. Who has no idea of adventuring (as you put it) other than what we've read about or heard tales about in the taverns growing up. Why not ask for a more experienced group of people to do it? The lady back in town really didnt explain that to my satisfaction and since you brought it up, I am going to voice that thought. And back to the point at hand since I feel like voicing my opinion. I think our bard is working alone. By the lack of additional tracks and what we've found out from the other inns, it seems he was using a disguise back at the tavern to set us back a bit. To lead us yet astray by thinking there is someone else, but since there isnt enough proof yet to back up this claim its better to think the worse. (that others are involved) Hence my reasoning that we travel together.
Turning back to saddling Phoenix, Kiel whispers to the horse Better safe than sorry.
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Saturday October 4th, 2008 12:09:06 AM "If you're on the cart hold on tight!"
Rollo whips the reigns of the mule to send it full speed along with the cart down the trail.
Zeph AC17 HP23 d20+5=16 ; d4=2 ; d20+4=12 ; d20+6=17 ; Saturday October 4th, 2008 12:47:11 AM
Zeph turns to Kiel and smiles at the irony, "Well. Certainly we shouldn't divide our forces." Zeph says, with a wink, before he kicks Shadow to catch up with Rollo.
HA, who woulda thunkit. The ballsy little guy. Zeph thinks and looks forward to see how Axara is doing on the fast-moving cart.
Then Zeph's mind turns to darker thoughts. Kiel may be right that this book wont bring about the downfall of the world, but it can definitely do some damage to Cinnamon Valley and kill some innocent people. And I don't know what kind of rituals will be in there for any evil villains to exploit.... We shouldn't underestimate the use of magic hear. From what I am learning, a powerful wizard can easily change the memories of a group of individuals, or even walk around invisible. Zeph thinks
(Spot = 16 Listen = 12 Ride = 17)
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Saturday October 4th, 2008 9:42:18 AM
Axara is completely taken by surprise by Rollo's reaction. As the cart starts moving, she hold on to it, nearly falling? She yells at the priest "Are you out of your clerical mind, priest? you do not have the skills nor the talent to scout or catch anyone. We are weaker divided and you know it. IF you want to go alone, let me go down. I rather be with the group than just with you."
She waits for the gnome's reaction. If he does stop the cart, she will take her time going down to have the riders catch up and see if common sense can be found as it is once again missing from the group. If he ignores her, she will treaten to kill the horse to stop the cart.
DM Kathy - clarification Saturday October 4th, 2008 12:00:16 PM
[OOC: You are relying on a wagon for transport, which is a bit faster than going on foot, but not much. You are catching up to Sebastian mostly becuase you are pushing hard to go as far as you can each day.
Today, in the evening, you passed the inn where he stayed last night (which he would have left this morning). That puts you 6-8 hours behind him.
Mud is better for tracks; however, tracks that were left before it started raining would be obscured by the rain.]
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Saturday October 4th, 2008 12:37:27 PM
Rollo sees Zeph charging up from behind as he hears Axara's Threat, he stops the cart.
"You have till Zeph reaches us to get off, then I am off again. I have listened to the well reasoned arguements of the group and have made some of my own. I do not care if the book will only harm tape worms, or bring around the destruction of the universe it is evil and it must be stopped. Dividing our forces to send a scouting party ahead is not dangerous. Scouts are meant not to be seen, and are merely there to relay information back to the group. We have very talented scouts with us, why are we afraid to let them do their job. If we are so frightened of the enemy let us return home."
When Zeph closes the gap whether Axara is off or not he takes off at speed again.
"This plan would have worked better if the others with horses shared your courage. Alas we are saddled with such a slow mount in the wagon that I fear we gain only a minute advantage."
DM Kathy Sunday October 5th, 2008 11:04:46 PM
As you near your goal, you discuss how you might best attain it. Should you send scouts ahead? If so, who is going ahead and who is following more slowly? Or should you stick together, travelling all night if you have to, so you can catch Sebastian in force?
Eventally, Rollo settles the question by taking off with the cart. Axara demands to be let down. Hmark also stays behind. Zeph moves ahead with Rollo.
[OOC: Kiel and Selemar, I need to know if you're going ahead with the scouting party or staying behind.]
The scouts:
You may be travelling quickly, but your are not going quietly--or unobtrusively. The cart was never meant to be driven at a canter. It bounces and rattles over the rutted road, throwing its passengers about mercilessly. Other travelers dodge out of the way, hurling curses and threats in your wake.
As the sun sets, you need to decide: do you continue, or do you make camp?
The back party:
Other than the dust being raised by the cart, you have a peaceful and pleasant journey in the waning light of the day.
As the sun sets, you need to decide: do you continue, or do you make camp?
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Monday October 6th, 2008 12:33:39 AM
Axara jumps off the cart as Rollo stops. " Thank you for being understanding gnome. "
She jumps off and watch the gnome start his crazy ride again. She shakes her head and start walking. "Divided we will fall for sure ..."
Zeph AC17 HP23 d20+7=24 ; d20+7=9 ; d20+6=22 ; d20+3=6 ; Monday October 6th, 2008 1:21:44 AM
Zeph stops when he sees Axara get off the cart that Rollo is driving. He looks at her.
"Look, despite this, we need the gnome. I will talk him into going slow again and I will scout ahead. Hop on." Zeph says to Axara, motioning to the back of the horse. " I'm sure Shadow can hold two riders of moderate weight for a minute."
Zeph will help Axara onto his mount with him if she chooses, then he will chase after Rollo and try to get him to go a bit slower.
When Zeph catches up to Rollo (because I'm sure Shadow can move faster than a donkey and a cart), Zeph will say, "Look, you made a good point by rushing ahead, but I'm afraid its definitely best if I scout ahead alone... or maybe with Kiel if he chooses. But the cart will do nothing but alert any evil-doers to our presence. Here, take Axara back on the cart and go at a trot, I will go on ahead." Zeph says to Rollo, hoping that some logic can break through.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Monday October 6th, 2008 8:07:06 AM
Axara climbs on Zeph's horse and waits. If Rollo agrees to Zeph idea, she will go back on the cart.
Selemar Monday October 6th, 2008 9:49:52 AM
I believe I'm on the cart (no horse), so Selemar goes where the gnome goes.
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Monday October 6th, 2008 11:42:29 AM
Rollo listens to Zeph's suggestion. "A fine a plan as it was minutes ago, let's do it."
The gnome reaches into his bag and pulls out a flask and hands it to zeph, "If you are discovered drink this it will halt the blades of the weak minded for a short time."
Rollo hands the potion of Sanctuary to Zeph.
" At speed you should over take him in a matter of hours, unfortunately I can't say the same for us.' Rollo thinks about the other travelers on the road that they have passed. " If you can disguise yourself that may help. I would recommend not engaging the bard in fact if you see him keep riding with any luck I can convince the others on horseback to ride ahead as well and we can set a trap, but that seems doubtful."
Rollo finds his mind swimming with variables and various outcomes and remembers that Zeph is a skilled individual. I leave it to your judgement, at least you will know that that you can reach the city before him. Do not underestimate the bard, he seems an astute student in the ways of deception. Let us be off."
Rollo has the wagon rolling along at a good speed attempting to keep the ride comfortable, and allowing Lango the opportunity to reestablish the scent of their quarry, and stopping to talk to any travelers they pass on the road.
Hmark Monday October 6th, 2008 4:00:42 PM
From the back of the group, Hmark watches Rollo's antics and Axara's reaction with bemusement.
As is his wont, the archer says nothing. He just keeps up with the tail end of the slowest group, and shaks his head slightly.
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] Monday October 6th, 2008 4:40:08 PM
Continues moving as before.
Zeph AC17 HP23 d20+5=7 ; Monday October 6th, 2008 6:17:02 PM
Zeph nods his head as he takes the potion from Rollo.
Then Zeph makes a b-line for Kiel. "Look. We have to work within the parameters of the group. I don't feel confident in my tracking abilities, so I need you to help me as I ride ahead. If we don't scout ahead, then Rollo will take off on his own again, and as much as I'd hate to admit it, we will need the little guy if we ever face combat again. So, please accompany me to track Sebastian ahead of the group?" Zeph says, pleading for a little cooperation.
Everyone thinks their own idea is best and then whoever disagrees decides to act on his/her own. If this group doesn't see some cooperation, then it could spell the end for our mission. Zeph thinks as he begins to ride ahead, hoping against hope that Kiel will also listen to reason as Rollo did.
DM Kathy Tuesday October 7th, 2008 12:25:59 AM
Thinking better of his madcap chase, Rollo slows to a more reasonable pace for the wagon--doubltess to the relief of his passengers, Selemar and Axara. Hmark keeps to his place at the back of the group.
Recognizing the value of an advance scout, Zeph moves off ahead of the party, inviting Kiel to come with him. The ranger, however, is reluctant to split the group.
However you dispose yourselves, you continue to move as the sky darkens. Your animals show increasing reluctance to keep moving, and must be persuaded. [DC 12 Handle Animal check]
The sun sets, the moon rises, and still you keep on. [OOC: Is it your intent to travel all night, or will you be stopping for a brief rest?]
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] Tuesday October 7th, 2008 3:05:43 AM
ooc~Kiel and whoever is with him will be stopping throughout the day and the evening for short breaks, including meal periods. Like I said in a earlier post, so not to tire out the animals and giving us the ability to travel through the night when Sebastian and whoever, if any, is with him.
Selemar Tuesday October 7th, 2008 10:42:07 AM
if we're breaking during the day, Selemar will be trancing then. When we stop, he'll cpntonue on ahead on foot.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Tuesday October 7th, 2008 11:09:18 AM
Axara stops on the cart, trying to get some rest in case they won't get to sleep.
Once she notices the animals are reluctant to move forward, she asks Selemar "Do you sense anything special? It seems that the animals are sensing something they do not like. Danger is ahead is believe. "
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Tuesday October 7th, 2008 11:10:07 AM
(ooc: So were the scouts just running ahead of us then back, so they're going the same speed as the wagon? If that is the case then we are following Kiel's plan. Also have we passed any inns, or other travelers?)
Rollo sees Zeph return from scouting ahead, and realizes that he didn't understand his intention with his plan. oh well.
Rollo continues driving the wagon, till we find something.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Tuesday October 7th, 2008 3:54:39 PM
(OOC: I am with Rollo here. I am not sure where we stand other than Axara is back on the wagon))
Hmark Tuesday October 7th, 2008 4:11:06 PM
Hmark keeps pace at the rear of the main group until darkness closes in, and Stardancer finally just stops.
The man tries scooting forward in the saddle a coulple times, and then gives the filly a whack with his heels, but it doesn't appear to be work. [No ranks in Handle Animal]
"Um," he calls out hesitantly. "I think Stardancer here is done today. Unless you guys got a way to make her move, we need to call it a night."
Hmark dismounts, and leads the filly off the trail. "How long til a horse gets it giddyup back?" he wonders aloud. "I can leave as soon as she let's me."
Zeph AC17 HP23 d20+1=6 ; d20+5=21 ; d20+4=8 ; d20+7=15 ; d20+7=15 ; Tuesday October 7th, 2008 4:32:02 PM
(OOC: when did I say I was coming back this night? I thought the plan was to scout ahead until either Sebastian was found, or I hit the town)
Zeph rides at a brisk trot, examining each traveler as he goes by on the trail, hoping to spot Sebastian. He rides into the night until he can get Shadow to move no more. Zeph figures he is about a quarter of a day ahead of the crew perhaps, since they are moving quite slower than him.
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Tuesday October 7th, 2008 4:49:40 PM
(ooc: You should be quite further Zeph. Light Horse travels 6 miles to a wagons 2 to a walking persons 1.5. Considering we are 6-8 hours behind him, you should pass Sebastian in less than 3 hours. Whether you see him or not is another matter.)
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] Tuesday October 7th, 2008 4:56:16 PM
(ooc Kathy, with us taking periodic breaks during the day and night, shouldnt the animals be ok at moving? Ive taken my horse on over nighters and never had a problem with him going on as long as he had some breaks along the way. Will wait for your response before I make my post)
DM Kathy Wednesday October 8th, 2008 12:27:43 AM
With Zeph scouting ahead, the party travels through the night. Your animals are tired, but with frequent rests, you are able to persuade them to move.
[OOC: Sorry, guys. I keep forgetting that Handle Animal is trained only. I figured it would be more interesting than making Con checks, which is what the PHB mandates.]
You do pass a few travellers around sundown, hurrying on their way. You do not pass anyone after dark, although you do ride by what appears to be an encamped merchant caravan.
Around 3 AM, Zeph finds himself on a part of the road that skirts a little town. There is a lone building on the opposite side of the road, a little past the town. Zeph has almost ridden by when he catches a glimpse of a sign, and realizes that the building is an inn. At this time of night, the place is dark and quiet; no night-lamp burns for late travellers.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Wednesday October 8th, 2008 9:18:20 AM
As the group travels at night, Axara is passed out from boredom in the back of the cart, drooling and snooring.
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] d20+8=26 ; Wednesday October 8th, 2008 11:29:06 AM
Rollo suggests that we take on of our intermittent breaks when we come upon the merchant caravan.
Check out there wares, and find out who is in charge and ask him a few questions.
Diplomacy: 26
"We have had much in the way of deception on our journey and my faith in humanity is wavering, but you seem a person of honor and intergrety, which is why I wish to ask you my questions.
Rollo Casts Zone of Truth
[b]"We are seeking a criminal from Jarwolf, his name is Sebastian, although I think he might be traveling under a different name, or disguise. He fancies himself a bard, and tends to play a flute. We have been tracking him up this road for several nights, and were wondering if you know of his whereabouts, or have passed him in your travels? Perhaps he has taken up lodging with you for the evening?"
Selemar Wednesday October 8th, 2008 11:44:15 AM
eavesdropping on the gnome, and trying to look trustworthy
Hmark Wednesday October 8th, 2008 2:41:33 PM
Hmark stops his filly up next to the cart, but when he sees what Rollo is doing he backs off. Moving to the opposite side of the road some 45' away, the man dismounts and catches a quick rest break by sitting down on the ground with his back propped up against a tree.
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] Wednesday October 8th, 2008 6:50:11 PM
ditto to Hmarks post
DM Kathy Thursday October 9th, 2008 1:04:40 AM
When you reach the caravan, Rollo stops and attempts to question them.
[OOC: Does Rollo consider Sebastian to be a "criminal?" If not, I'll need a Will save against the Zone of Truth. :) ]
"We've got no bards with us," the wagonmaster replies. "We've passed folk on the road, of course. None playing a flute. What does the fellow look like?"
Furnished with a description, one of the teamsters says he remembers passing Sebastian earlier in the day. The others say they do not remember him specifically.
None of the group seems to be lying.
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Thursday October 9th, 2008 1:19:48 AM
(ooc: Yes, Sebastian became a criminal the minute he ran off with the book, but the zone emanates from Rollo, so he should not be considered in the zone.)
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Thursday October 9th, 2008 7:25:40 AM
Axara is missing all the action as she is still asleep.
Selemar Thursday October 9th, 2008 2:53:54 PM
Shopping, and not contradicting Rollo
Hmark Thursday October 9th, 2008 4:30:49 PM
Hmark rolls his head over to glance at the nearby Kiel. The lad's face registers faint surprise at the outcome of Rollo's activities.
"Well, that went better 'n I thought I would," he allows to the other man.
"Back to work." With a sigh, Hmark pulls himself back up into the saddle, and pushes on down the darkened road.
Zeph AC17 HP23 d20+6=9 ; d4=4 ; d20+7=13 ; d20+7=10 ; d20+5=16 ; d20+4=21 ; d20+1=15 ; d20+1=19 ; d20+9=21 ; Thursday October 9th, 2008 6:30:56 PM
Zeph sees the inn outside the town. I would give myself a 50/50 shot that Sebastian is in there. Might as well give Shadow some rest anyways. Zeph thinks to himself as he approaches the inn.
Zeph knocks on the door, with his horse next to him
If someone answers the door, Zeph will put on a smile and say, "Hello. I know it is rather late, but I have been traveling for some time. Could you be so kind as to put me up for the night?" Zeph will say.
If he is given passage into the house, he will accept his key, and while giving the money to the inn-keeper, Zeph will say, "I have been looking for a friend of mine. Blonde hair, blue eyes, plays the flute. Hes a fun character, passes himself as a bard. He told me to meet him around these parts. Would he have happened to drop by here at any time?" Zeph will say, jingling a bit more coin in his purse than the inn-keeper may have thought he had, with a wink.
Based on the information received, Zeph may consider sneaking about the inn during the night, looking in windows and such. Searching for clues as to Sebastian's wareabouts.
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] Thursday October 9th, 2008 10:32:37 PM
/autofollows Selemar
ooc I am terribly ill. headaches and stomach flu. dont feel like posting anything this second, gonna go to bed. ill see about resuming tomorrow.
DM Kathy Friday October 10th, 2008 12:50:04 AM
[OOC: By popular demand, we're speeding things up a bit.]
Zeph knocks to rouse the inn. He has to knock for some time, as the innkeeper and his family are all abed. Finally, the door is opened, and an irritable man in night-cap and robe asks what in blazes Zeph wants. It is not an auspicious beginning.
Zeph turns on the charm, though, and parts with some coin, and eventually the innkeeper lets him in and stomps upstairs to show him a room. "Bard?" he yawns hugely. "Yeah, he's here. Don't go waking him, mind. I don't need a ruckus at this hour. Whatever you have to say can wait until morning." He does not tell you which room Sebastian is in--repeating, if you ask, that whatever you have to say can wait until morning. He then takes himself back to bed, still grumbling.
Zeph doesn't go to sleep right away, but spends some time looking around the inn.
The rest of the group, meanwhile, leaves the merchant caravan and resumes their journey. Resting the animals at intervals, they eventually reach the inn sometime after 4 a.m. It will be dawn in an hour.
Zeph (presumably) intercepts the rest of the group and tells them what he discovered.
Zeph AC17 HP23 d20+7=13 ; d20+7=14 ; d20+5=17 ; d20+8=28 ; d20+9=12 ; d20+5=12 ; Friday October 10th, 2008 1:15:13 AM
Zeph walks up to the group. "We're getting him tonight. I'm gonna find him and wrangle him out of his bedchamber after stealing the book from under his nose." Zeph says, a bit of anger flaring in his voice.
If the group does not try to stop him, Zeph will look through each window of the Inn to see if he can spot Sebastian.
If Zeph spots him, he will climb through the window and attempt to remain silent while stealing Sebastian's backpack. If the window is locked, Zeph will try to unlock it.
In the event that Zeph cannot spot any clue of Sebastian from a window, then he will count the number of rooms and try his luck with picking a lock or two and taking a quick peek inside to spot Sebastian. (take 20 on lock picking).
(OOC: Heh, why you guys gotta speed things up? I was hoping for a Hero Point nomination for this. Teehee. ];'p j/k, i agree things were getting boring. We need to become close companions through hardship, not trivial problems. )
(Hide = 13 Move Silent =14 Climb = 17 Slight of hand = 28 nat 20! To rumage through Sebastian's things unheard Open lock = 12, or take 20 if time permits Spot = 12)
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Friday October 10th, 2008 9:22:56 AM
Axara, all awake, congratulates Zweph. "Job well done, Zeph. I believe we should also post each other in a way that cover all the inn exit. We do not want to miss him.
Selemar Friday October 10th, 2008 10:25:53 AM
"Good idea Axara. I'll be there" points, indicating a spot near the road. "we should probably try to let him live, as its likely the book corrupted him. Still, we can't let him leave."
Hmark Friday October 10th, 2008 1:48:18 PM
"Guys," Hmark objects. "He doesn't know we're here, we know he's gonna get up and walk down this road toward Rowena like he's done every day for four days now."
The man waves an arm at the tavern, "Why tick off the innkeeper, who's got who knows how many friends and relations in the area when we can just mosey on down that way a couple hundred yards and jump the bard as he walks by?"
But Zeph seems to have his mind made up.
Rolling his eyes, Hmark goes around to the back of the inn and waits for Sebastian to come running out.
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Friday October 10th, 2008 2:23:31 PM
Rollo listens to Zeph's plan, and finds it sound. Worse case Sebastian attempts to escape and we have the exits covered. Selemar's call for restraint confuses Rollo.
How is he any different than those bandits we so happily killed? Because we know his name? Because he has a "good" reason? I'm sure those bandits thought they had a good reason to attack us.
Hearing Hmarks objections Rollo speaks up(figuratively) keeping his voice low so as not to allow his plan to be overheard by the inn's occupants.
"We have him here, with limited exit points. There is enough of us to cover all the exits including having someone further up the road incase we miss him. With any luck we can remain hidden and he will just walk right out the front door, and we catch him no fuss no muss. If anyone has any skills with snares, or traps I would say they should set something up."
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Friday October 10th, 2008 2:25:14 PM
(ooc: Forgot to say - Well said Zeph.)
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] d20+8=25 ; d20+4=24 ; d20+3=5 ; d20+7=13 ; d20+7=19 ; Sunday October 12th, 2008 10:56:21 PM
Assumes the point down the road a bit, staying hidden just off the road, inside a thicket of trees. Phoenix is hidden as well.
DM Kathy Monday October 13th, 2008 12:25:50 AM
You meet up at the end and quickly formulate a plan. Kiel checks the inn-yard for tracks and is able to confirm that Sebastian's boot-prints are there.
Kiel moves down the road, ready to intercept Sebastian if he gets past the rest of you. Rollo covers the front door, and Hmark moves around to take the back door. Selemar and Axara post themselves nearby, to respond as needed.
Zeph begins trying to locate the bard by moving around the inn and looking through windows. He quickly eliminates all the ground-floor windows. The second-floor windows are more difficult to check, and involve climbing the inn. Zeph breaks out his climber's kit and gets to work. It is slow going, but he manages to locate Sebastian's room. He can get the window open, but the resulting opening is very small and Zeph cannot squeeze through.
He therefore goes back into the inn to try to pick the lock. It is nearly dawn by now, however, and the inn is beginning to stir. As Zeph moves through the common room, he can hear pans rattling in the kitchen. He can make it up the stairs without being detected, and he moves to the room he belives to be Sebastian's. He has to take his time with the lock [taking 20], but does manage to get it open. He moves into the room and begins his search.
[Sebastian, please make a listen check.]
[Everyone else, you saw Zeph go back into the inn. Possibly, he even stopped to tell you what he was doing. Do you re-position, or stay where you are?]
Sebastian [AC:16, hp:17]CharSheetParty Loot List: d20+5=14 ; Monday October 13th, 2008 12:14:26 PM
Being well rested after a good night sleep. Sebastian is eager to finish journey and see Lilly once more.
He is awakened by the sounds (listen: 14) of someone trying to enter through the small window, but failing to. Suspecting one or more of the adventures have caught up with him, Sebastian gathers his gear and prepares to depart, when he hears someone trying to pick the lock on his room’s door.
The bard contemplates his options, the window is too small to escape through, and if he attempts to cast a spell it may alert the one at his door. Making sure he scrolls are readily accessible; Sebastian prepares to cast one of his sleep scrolls upon the intruder if they manage to get the door open.
Seeing Zeph open the door and enter, Sebastian completes the scroll and hopefully puts Zeph to sleep (Will save DC13).
Hmark Monday October 13th, 2008 2:35:38 PM
From his position at the back of the inn, Hmark watches Zeph scuttle around the second story windows with some admiration. Sure, he's taking his time, but no way would Dara's little boy be willing to scootch from windowsill to windowsill like that.
Finally, Zeph goes inside.
Figuring something is up, Hmark moves to a concealed position 60-75' from the rear door and readies his bow.
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] Monday October 13th, 2008 6:23:43 PM
Still hidden off the road, Kiel only moves to stretch his legs to promote blood circulation. Then checks to make sure his bow, arrows, and other weapons are readily available.
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Monday October 13th, 2008 7:34:20 PM
Rollo finds a comfortable place a little off to the side of the inn's main entrance. So, anyone exiting would not see him unless they turned around after exiting.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Monday October 13th, 2008 8:28:42 PM
Axara is hiding the best she can. She had a magic missle spell ready and will unleash it on Sebastian if it looks like he is trying to escape. She hopes that Zeph can bring him to his sense. She has been thinking of the accusation of criminal from Rollo and she wonders if the gnome is right. Although she blames the book, she believes Sebastian must be stopped.
DM Kathy Tuesday October 14th, 2008 12:53:20 AM
When Zeph enters the building, Hmark re-positions himself to get a better view. The others maintain their positions.
Sebastian hears someone enter his room, and realizes that his time has run out. He gathers his belongings and readies a scroll.
Zeph picks the lock and opens the door. He glances into the room, perhaps surprised to see his quarry standing, awake and ready for him.
The spell goes off; Zeph slumps to the ground unconscious. But Sebastian has to assume that the rest of the party is around someplace. What is his next move?
[Everyone outside the inn, please make Spot checks.]
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] d20+7=20 ; Tuesday October 14th, 2008 1:45:21 AM
Watches the road and the inn from his perch.
*spot: 20*
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] d20=5 ; Tuesday October 14th, 2008 9:23:33 AM
Axara stands there, ready to shot her magic missiles but she could not spot a pink elephant in a corridor.
Sebastian [AC:16, hp:17]CharSheetParty Loot List: d20-1=4 ; d20-1=16 ; d20=18 Tuesday October 14th, 2008 9:50:05 AM
Checking the hallway, Sebastian is relieved that Zeph was alone. Placing the book and case in a bag and tying it securely, the bard steps over Zeph’s body and into the hallway, speaking softly ”Sleep well, my friend you look tired.” Then he closes the door softly and makes he way down.
In a hurry, Sebastian barely peeking into the common room before entering (spot: 4) he would have easily missed all but an angry mob. Going to the front window, the bard looks out onto the street for trouble (spot: 16). Knowing they are probably out there waiting for him, Sebastian makes a hasty decision. Using his scroll, the bard cast invisibility upon himself. The door to the inn opens as if someone is leaving.
Those with keen ears or eyes may hear hurried foot steps or see boot prints head for the town square. (DCs up to the DM.)
DM only Highlight to display spoiler: {Sebastian opens the door and hurries to the town square where he recalls seeing a deep well upon his arrival. If he sees anyone trying to attack him or chase him he will go as fast has he can without breaking the invisibility to the well. If blocked he’ll go for the pond.}
(scroll caster check:18+)
DM Kathy Tuesday October 14th, 2008 10:37:31 AM
[Sebastian, please make a Move Silently check also. And folks outside, make Listen checks. Thanks. :) ]
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] d20+5=7 ; Tuesday October 14th, 2008 11:09:43 AM
Rollo, watching the front door, notices that it opens on it's own accord, and casts Faeriefire to illuminate whomever is exiting inn.
Sebastian [AC:16, hp:17]CharSheetParty Loot List: d20+1=13 ; Tuesday October 14th, 2008 11:18:38 AM
Sebastian is not really trying to move silently as he is quickly (x2 speed double movement, but not running or charging) (move silently 13 - 5? = DC 8 )
Selemar d20+5=8 ; d20+8=11 ; d20+3=13 ; Tuesday October 14th, 2008 12:31:09 PM
Selemar is patiently waiting for Zeph or some sign of trouble. he probably notices nothing (listen 8, spot 11). Lango has a better shot of hearing something, with a 13. I suspect we're just waiting.
if someone wreathed in faeirie fire wanders out and is noticed, then he can save to avoid being entangled. As can everyone else within 40 feet. (reflex, dc14). Strength or escape artist checks allows movement at half speed, as does making the save (I'm catching some party members in this I assume, but not myself. Sorry about that.)
Other spells I have on standby 0- cure minor wounds (2), detect magic, flare, 1- entangle , longstrider 2- flaming sphere, heat metal
Zeph AC17 HP23 d20+2=22 ; d20+4=22 ; d8+2=5 ; d20+6=12 ; d6=2 ; Tuesday October 14th, 2008 1:57:15 PM
WOAH, I did NOT fall from that spell. (nat 20 on will save! Give me a second to post, geez)
Zeph, noticing that Sebastian was hell-bent on fighting the group, decides to attack after the spell fails on him.
Attack Roll = 22. Feint = 12 Damage = 5 (or 7 if feint succeeded.)
Zeph then hopes that his companions hear some racket.
The young man is rapidly losing patience, though. His head is in nearly constant motion as he checks the door, checks the windows, checks the left side of the inn, checks the right side of the inn, checks the door....
"C'mon already," he pleads in a low tone to Sebastian and Zeph. "Do something."
Zeph AC17 HP25 d20+6=13 ; d20+3=17 ; d20+5=11 ; Tuesday October 14th, 2008 2:07:53 PM
Furthermore. After Zeph connects with Sebastian's ribs with his mace, he says.
"Sebastian! You have been tricked! It was not Lilly who gave you that letter, but rather some man who intends on stealing the book from you once you bring it where he wants it. Believe me, you are not taking into account the well-being of all the innocent people that could suffer if you fail! Be logical." Zeph shouts, hoping that everyone in the Inn can hear him and hoping it gets the attention of his companions.
Zeph also makes a quick look about the room during combat to see if he can spot where the book may be.
(bluff = 13 Diplomacy = 17)
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] d20=13 ; Tuesday October 14th, 2008 2:29:52 PM
OOC: Not sure what is actually happening.
Listen roll: 13
If Axara hears the fight upstairs she will go up and unleash her spell on Sebastian.
If there is no fight and she hears the footsteps and get a sense of where Sebastian is, she will fire.
If she has no idea where the sound is coming from or do not hear, she will wait.
DM Kathy Wednesday October 15th, 2008 1:26:07 AM
[OOC: Rather than trying to go back and re-do everything, let's say this...]
When the spell is cast, Zeph gets an overwhelming sensation of vertigo, which stops him in his tracks for a moment. Sebastian dashes past him and heads for the stairs. Zeph recovers, draws his mace, and clocks Sebastian for 5 points damage as the bard races by. Zeph pauses for a moment to see if the book is still in the room.
Meanwhile, Sebastian goes through the common room and out through the front door. Rollo, seeing the door open by itself, casts a Faerie Fire at the area. By the time he gets the spell off, however, Sebastian is already running through the inn-yard, so the spell is aimed at the wrong spot.
Selemar hears the running footsteps, and hears Rollo cast a spell. He casts an Entangle in the area. With its 40-foot radius, he doesn't have Rollo's problem of missing his target. Sebastian is caught in the Entangle. Unfortunately, so is Rollo. [Reflex saves from both of you, please.]
Axara heard the spells being cast, but still can't pinpoint a target for her Magic Missile.
Hmark hears some confusion (and possibly spellcasting) coming from the front of the inn.
Kiel sees some kind of activity up in front of the inn.
Realizing that nothing is left in the inn room, Zeph comes down to the front door. He calls for Sebastian to surrender, saying that he has been tricked, and that innocent people could be harmed.
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Wednesday October 15th, 2008 1:41:36 AM
(ooc: If Zeph wasn't unconscious why would he let Sebastian cast invisibility?)
Zeph AC17 HP25 Wednesday October 15th, 2008 1:56:42 AM
(because I had "vertigo"... its called a compromise. It doesn't matter, we got him)
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Wednesday October 15th, 2008 9:29:14 AM
Axara sees the confusion happening, the yelling, the spell being casted but she cannot see Sebastian. She waits, her spell ready to fire.
Selemar Wednesday October 15th, 2008 9:42:28 AM
"Gives us the book, or die in the flames, The book may be indestructible, but I doubt you are. This is the last warning."
Can we see where he is? I assume he's struggling against the vines. Selemar doesn't care, but his flaming sphere is dying to know.
Sebastian [AC:16, hp:12/17]CharSheetParty Loot List: d20+4=19 ; d20+1=21 ; Wednesday October 15th, 2008 10:01:58 AM
Still invisible Sebastian yelp when caught in the area effect of the entangle ”Arrg. Let go you daft weeds. It is you who don’t realize what you are doing!”
DM only Highlight to display spoiler: {Sebastian avoids getting entangled (refex save: 19) and after speaking slowly moves out of the entangle area being as quite as a mouse (Move silently: DC21). Two move actions at half speed for a total of 30 feet should get him out of the area effect unless he was dead center.) The Bard remains quite hopping they think him still trapped. }
Active spells: Invisible 2.8min of 3min left.
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] d20+2=9 ; d20-1=1 ; Wednesday October 15th, 2008 10:25:01 AM
The vines wrap around the gnome, unable to avoid their clutches, and unable to break free.
Well at least we can the plants attempting to grab him.
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] d20+5=8 ; d20+5=10 ; Wednesday October 15th, 2008 11:02:32 AM
Moves to a postition to where he can see the front of the inn. Seeing Rollo entangled along with a insubstantial creature, Kiel lifts up his bow, takes aim and fires at the incoporeal creature. Missing *disregard second roll*
(ooc for the record, I think it was wrong to automatically assume zeph was asleep when the spell clearly states a saving throw is allowed. had that been given an invisible bard wouldnt be running around.)
DM Kathy Wednesday October 15th, 2008 11:46:30 AM
[OOC: You cannot tell where Sebastian is. Entangle causes the plants in the entire area to writhe and twine; you can't tell from their motion where the invisible person is.]
Zeph AC17 HP25 Wednesday October 15th, 2008 12:43:36 PM
Zeph walks out of the Inn and sees the entangle spell about.
"We may not be able to see him, but I bet that Wolf's nose knows exactly where he is. Let Lango find him. A wolf's sense of smell is better than its eyesight anyways." Zeph shouts to Selemar, his anger beginning to grow.
I'll be damned if some illogical bard causes the death of people I care about.
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Wednesday October 15th, 2008 3:28:24 PM
(ooc: I would think we would see some disturbance in the plants much in the same way he would leave footprints. Throw us a bone, you let him ignore a nat 20 and take 3 actions in a round, least you could do is let us get a hint to his whereabouts.)
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Wednesday October 15th, 2008 4:22:17 PM
OOC: Can Axara points the location of the voice as Sebastian spoke? If yes she will fire. What roll do you want?
Hmark Wednesday October 15th, 2008 4:23:20 PM
From his spot at the back of the inn, Hmark pretty clearly hears the commotion out front.
The archer hesitates, chewing on his lip as he considers his options.
After a moment, he decides to stay where he is for just a bit longer, in case Sebastian somehow slips away from whatever is going on up front and tries to scoot out the back.
Sebastian [AC:16, hp:12/17]CharSheetParty Loot List: Wednesday October 15th, 2008 4:50:33 PM
OOC: Maybe this will help.
Invisibilty: " ... A creature can generally notice the presence of an active invisible creature within 30 feet with a DC 20 Spot check. The observer gains a hunch that “something’s there” but can’t see it or target it accurately with an attack. A creature who is holding still is very hard to notice (DC 30). An inanimate object, an unliving creature holding still, or a completely immobile creature is even harder to spot (DC 40). It’s practically impossible (+20 DC) to pinpoint an invisible creature’s location with a Spot check, and even if a character succeeds on such a check, the invisible creature still benefits from total concealment (50% miss chance).
A creature can use hearing to find an invisible creature. A character can make a Listen check for this purpose as a free action each round. A Listen check result at least equal to the invisible creature’s Move Silently check result reveals its presence. (A creature with no ranks in Move Silently makes a Move Silently check as a Dexterity check to which an armor check penalty applies.) A successful check lets a character hear an invisible creature “over there somewhere.” It’s practically impossible to pinpoint the location of an invisible creature. A Listen check that beats the DC by 20 pinpoints the invisible creature’s location.
..."
So with a DC20 spot you can tell Sebastian is over there somewhere, with a DC40 you can pin point him. Currently with a DC21 listen you can tell Sebastian is over there somewhere, and with a DC41 you can pin point him. A DC0 when he speaks, or DC20 to pinpoint him when he speaks.
I'll try to keep an accurate DC for spot and listen checks in Sebastian's post based on what he is doing. The DM can as always override them as she deems.
(There is also a +1 for each 10feet away you are.)
Zeph AC17 HP25 d20+5=21 ; d20+4=20 ; d20+3=14 ; d20+6=13 ; d20+5=14 ; d100=96 ; d8+2=3 ; Wednesday October 15th, 2008 10:25:28 PM
(spot = 21, Listen = 20. there, that should help with something.)
Zeph tries to search for where Sebastian would be in the mess of vines. He also looks to the outer edges of the vines and a few feet outside their radius for clues, keeping his eyes moving and his ears open.
Zeph will walk around the radius of the spell with his bow drawn, ready to put an arrow into wherever he spots Sebastian may be.
"Kiel, you may want to try your tracking ability and look for some footprints... even as he is making them." Zeph says to the ranger.
"Look, Sebastian, we have tracked you this far and we will continue this cat-and-mouse game as long as it takes. With Lango's nose and Kiel's tracking ability, you can't hope to make it far even if you escape tonight. Just give us the book. I repeat, you are being tricked. That was NOT Lilly's letter. It was forged by an outside man, trust me, we have witnesses." Zeph shouts, hoping to knock some sense into the bard.
If Zeph manages to spot or hear Sebastian to an area of about 5foot, he will shoot an arrow in that square. Attack roll = 14, %hit= 96. Damage = 3
(diplomacy = 14, Bluff = 13)
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] Wednesday October 15th, 2008 11:54:09 PM
ooc no offense kathy, but i think this scene is all fubar'd and cant help but feel like just saying bye to sebastian, tell the lady what happened and see about finding another adventure to do. (not leave the board, but seek out another employment)
The reason I say this is as follows. 1) you gave an auto success to a spell that clearly states a save is permitted. 2) when you decided to make a compromise, that compromise was the same as if zeph was asleep. 3) Rollo stated that when he saw the door open he casted a faerie fire, that to me is the same as a readied spell. That Sebastian was able to run from his room, down the steps, scout the main room, open the door, and run far enough away from the inn to be out of range of the spell all in the same round.
And now we cant tell where a person is entangled, whether invis or not, hence again, giving sebastian another freebie.
So, Kiel looks disgusted, walks to Phoenix, gets on it and starts riding toward (forgot where) where we started this mission to inform the lady we lost the book to a force that was way greater than us.
DM Kathy Thursday October 16th, 2008 1:18:00 AM
As the Entangle goes off, Sebastian shouts in protest. Other than the shouting, it is difficult to tell where the bard might be.
Zeph fires an arrow at the general location, but the arrow strikes nothing. Undaunted, Zeph calls for Sebastian's surrender. Selemar also calls out a warning.
Axara still has a spell ready, but can't locate a target.
Hmark stays where he is, in case Sebastian comes past him.
Kiel decides that the best course of action is to report the book missing, and possibly get help tracking it down. He heads for his horse.
Rollo is unfortunately caught in the Entangle. There's nothing wrong with his ears, though, and he distinctly hears movement off to his left, near the edge of the spell's effect.
DM Kathy Thursday October 16th, 2008 1:34:17 AM
OOC
Responding to complaints.
1. you let him take 3 actions in a round
Actually, Sebastian took 3 actions in 3 rounds. Round 1: Sebastian casts Sleep. Zeph is momentarily overcome. Sebastian moves out of the room. Zeph manages to take a swing at him. The people outside remain on alert. Round 2: Zeph searches the room for the book. Sebastian goes downstairs and casts Invisibility. The people outside remain on alert. Round 3: Sebastian opens the front door and runs out. Zeph comes downstairs. The people outside react.
Anyway, that's the way I'm seeing it, based on the stated actions of the characters. If you think I'm mistaken, please point it out and we can discuss it from there.
2 when you decided to make a compromise, that compromise was the same as if zeph was asleep
Sleep is a minutes-per-level spell. Sebastian is a 3rd-level bard. Had the Sleep spell succeeded, Zeph would have been unconscious for 3 minutes. I had him stunned for part of a round. I don't think those are the same.
3 Rollo stated that when he saw the door open he casted a faerie fire, that to me is the same as a readied spell.
Except that the way you ready a spell is to say "I ready a spell." Axara is doing this correctly.
4 And now we cant tell where a person is entangled, whether invis or not
I apologize if this is what I conveyed. I didn't mean that you couldn't see anyone in the area of Entangle. You can see Rollo just fine. You can't see Sebastian because he is invisible. Unfortunately, the Entangle doesn't help you by outlining his form.
Finally, I will repeat what I said in the email. I am trying to make this confrontation exciting. I'm sorry if instead I am making it frustrating. I just gave Rollo a free take-10 Listen check to hear Sebastian escaping. When you make your post, you can assume that Rollo called out and pointed to the place where he heard the noise.
When fighting an invisible opponent, rolling Spot and Listen checks on your turn is never a waste of time.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] d20=14 ; d20=7 ; Thursday October 16th, 2008 9:02:16 AM
Axara waits there, spell ready but clueless about where the bard is.
Spot: 14
Listen: 7
Selemar d20+5=7 ; d20+4=14 ; 2d6=2 ; Thursday October 16th, 2008 9:03:33 AM I don't want to do this. He's probably been corrupted by the book. But if I let him leave, my sister and her family will be endangered. As will all the others I care about there. Even Sebastian's loved ones are at risk, probably more than my own. Goodbye bard.
Selemar casts flaming sphere. . He has no real idea where the bard is, but heard him in the entangled area. It's 40 feet, and flaming sphere covers 30 feet a round, stopping when it encounters a target. So he'll start sweeping, and listen for the screams. He's going to cover every inch that doesn't include Rollo.
Apparently damage will be the absolute minimum this round (2), with a reflex save letting him avoid it (dc 15)
Selemar Thursday October 16th, 2008 9:05:46 AM
updated spell list 0- cure minor wounds (2), detect magic, flare, 1- entangle , longstrider 2- heat metal
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] Thursday October 16th, 2008 9:39:51 AM
2 when you decided to make a compromise, that compromise was the same as if zeph was asleep
Sleep is a minutes-per-level spell. Sebastian is a 3rd-level bard. Had the Sleep spell succeeded, Zeph would have been unconscious for 3 minutes. I had him stunned for part of a round. I don't think those are the same.
~he shouldn't of been stunned at all~
Wouldnt say Im guarding the front door be construed as the same? Im not a rules warrior, but that's just me. And on online posting its very hard to react to something when it happens. Ie at table top someone says when the door opens its easy to stop action by saying, I see the door open, I cast. Online posting, its not easy that way. In MY opinion, you gave Sebastian a freeby by stunning zeph, you should have given us a freeby by allowing Rollo's spell to go off like it had intended. But you didn't. Sebastian got to have his cake and eat it too.
Kiel continues leaving. ) Im done, remove Kiel from the board (
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Thursday October 16th, 2008 9:42:42 AM "He's over there." Rollo attempts to point out the bard with his eyes.
Onto OOC Matters
2 when you decided to make a compromise, that compromise was the same as if zeph was asleep
Sleep is a minutes-per-level spell. Sebastian is a 3rd-level bard. Had the Sleep spell succeeded, Zeph would have been unconscious for 3 minutes. I had him stunned for part of a round. I don't think those are the same.
I think the point here is that there is no stated ill effects of sleep if you succeed on the save. Zeph was never given a save, and when he was he rolled nat 20. A compromise would have been to call the encounter a nil. No Damage, No ill effect, start next round. Instead you gave Sebastian an advantage.
Also I'm wondering why you then defaulted to an action Zeph stated before the compromised was established, why would he stop mid melee to search Sebastian's room, while the bard casts invisibility?
This isn't exciting, this is frustrating. If you intend that Sebastian is to escape, then all our actions are moot. If you want the bard to live through this encounter you will be making more compromises. And if you want the bard to rejoin the party at this point you are asking us to metagame. There are few ways to save this encounter and pressing forward may not be the best solution.
I think you missed what was said in the e-mail. I personaly wasn't looking to truncate all of our actions into as few posts as possible, I was looking for something to post other than "I walk." "I continue" "I wait for the next thing to happen.". Look back at the adventure to this point. We have run down a thief, who managed to steal the book due to no inaction of our own. Walked to a monastery where we found nothing but ruins (they could have sent a 5 year old with will power to recover the book, if the bandits weren't there, which was exciting because we helped determine the outcome.) I'm not sure if the monastery was the scene of a previous adventure and whether we were suppose to be in awe of the sites and sounds of history, but it felt to me like weeks of posting about sneaking around empty ruins. Then the landslide, even though the ranger scouted the road ahead this took us by surprise, another unavoidable consequence not based on our actions. Finally, In a game where nothing more binds the group together than 50gp and healthy use of identify PC the book is stolen in the night by one of our own, who had been set up to do this from the beginning with no foreshadowing. How do we defend against things we are forced to assume to make our group make sense.
You had us all craft backgrounds with ties to the city, you had us detail our families and friends, but not once has any of that been referenced. I feel that you can insert a computerized dice roller into the story and nothing would change. There is a lot of roll playing her, and were not even allowed to roll the dice. I'm not asking for combat, and I'm not asking for quick posts, I'm asking to do something active. Every action we have taken has been passive, or responsive to someone elses action. All of our planning is ignored, or inconsequential. I do not feel tied to this story, and the only reason I don't follow Kiel(which is what this post was before a long revision) is because I want to give the opportunity to have these issues addressed.
And giving the entangled gnome the ability to locate the bard is like giving a bald man a comb, definitely not an advantage. My two cp i hope it made sense.
Sebastian [AC:16, hp:12/17]CharSheetParty Loot List: d20+1=9 Thursday October 16th, 2008 10:04:52 AM
(Ooc: I support Kathy as the DM of this game! It is the DMs job to insure the game is fun and enjoyable. Kathy is trying to make the game fun and enjoyable while being fair. It is very important to post every turn, and I think Kathy’s original decision to count Zeph missed post as a failed save was fair to everyone, after all he didn’t technically make the save within the allotted time.
Trust your DM is making the best decisions humanly possible for the player’s ultimate enjoyment. You can bring rules or problems to her attention, but in the end the DM has the final say in all game matters.)
Still invisible, Injured and with the group closing in on him, Sebastian decides he can’t save the book and himself. Tossing the sack containing the case and book to the ground, the bard drinks a potion of hide from animals and moves away silently (move silent: 9).
Spot DC 20 somewhere / DC40 to pinpoint for attack Listen DC 9 somewhere / DC29 to pinpoint for attack
Active Spells: Invisible 2.7 min of 3 min left. Hide from animals ? mins
(OOC: Kathy, I figured its best to bring this scene to a close. It’s been fun adventuring with everyone. You have a great DM! Unfortunately some plans work better than others.)
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Thursday October 16th, 2008 11:10:38 AM OOC: What is going on here? Kiel is leaving (please reconsider, you are a great player), Rollo is ready to leave (please stay, I beg you) and Sebastian is on his way out (Say it ain't so).
It seems that the failed save with a natural 20 to have annoyed a lot of people. My take is that we are expected to post once a day. If you fail to post (without looking for a replacement), then you character does nothing that day. The DM could have rolled the save and fail it and Zeph would be asleep. She tried to take the 20 into consideration and compromise and that was the straw that broke the camelback.
The issue that is worrying me is the implication that Sebastian was a plant from the get go. IF that was the case, I would be very annoyed because I thought that all 7 players were equal. If this is not the truth, I would then worry about who is the next one in a scheme with the DM.
I personally join this game and board on reputation alone. The sale pitch for the game was lame (Heroes are made, not born) but I trusted the overall site.
I agree with Rollo about the fact that we spent a lot of time on our background and why coming back to Cinnamon Valley and this has not been used at all.
I also believe if we are to get the book back but Sebastian will escape and disappear, we are beeing railroaded and it is not a nice feeling. I want the ending to be open. If Axara goes into a tavern and play the seductress and a bunch of drunk guys want to have their way with her so be it. If it was written that regardless of what we did a) SEbastian will escape and b) we will get the book, then this is not right. We should get the book if we act smartly and Sebastian should not escape if he is unlucky or if we outplay him. If he gets away regardless, then he has an advantage and I believe all players should be equals.
IF Sebastian has sepcial privileges because he is a key part of the story, he should have been a NPC and not a PC.
My 2 c.p.
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] Thursday October 16th, 2008 11:40:06 AM
Sebastian, Injured, 5 points to the noggin. By the way I see it you are scott free. you have been playing it that the book is the most important thing to you. that your love's life depends on it. you tossing the sack with the book to the ground is off character and is like slapping us in the face.
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] Thursday October 16th, 2008 11:43:01 AM
And sometimes things happen where a post cant be made. So a DM should make the saving throw for a character. Its why we have links to our sheets so if a roll needs to be made it can be. In our absence.
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Thursday October 16th, 2008 11:45:00 AM Trust your DM is making the best decisions humanly possible for the player’s ultimate enjoyment. You can bring rules or problems to her attention, but in the end the DM has the final say in all game matters."
~I agree but the enjoyment of 1 seems to out weigh the enjoyment of 7. Failing at every turn is not enjoyable. I'm not sure how much experience many of you have with PVP based stories, so it may be growing pains, but this tends to be the common experience. For one to succeed the remaining players must fail. And she seems to have sided with the one.~
"Unfortunately some plans work better than others."
~Metagaming is not skillful planning.~
Zeph AC17 HP25 Thursday October 16th, 2008 1:27:25 PM
(OOC: I don't know why you guys are so hostile about this stuff. I agree with Kathy, she is simply trying to make the encounter difficult for us so that success is sweeter. Although I agree that it is no fun simply running from point A to point B, I do support DMKathy's initial decision to make me fail the save automatically. I probably would have done that as a DM if I were her. And I apologize for not posting in the window of time after Sebastian's post and DmKathy's post. That was my failure. Besides, I'm having fun now that the final encounter began. Chasing an invisible former-friend is a pretty good adventure if you ask me.)
Zeph AC17 HP25 d20+9=26 ; d20+4=5 ; d20+5=22 ; d20+6=20 ; d20+3=23 ; Thursday October 16th, 2008 1:56:36 PM
Zeph sees the sack appear out of nowhere and immediately runs to where the sack first appeared (probably in mid-air?). He begins to listen (Using previous check of 20) and search for the formation of footprints (search = 26, or spot =22, which should give me his location to about 10feet, with the book and all)
"This way, everyone! Make a perimeter and keep your ears open." Zeph shouts.
"Sebastian, thank you for listening, but come out for your own safety. We have information that there is someone out there who will hurt you for information about the book. We need your help protecting this book in the upcoming trials. Trust me, nothing will happen to you if you come with us, but something may if you leave your companions. We can make this right." Zeph shouts.
[i]I'm not a lawful person, but I am a good person. I know Sebastian meant well, and sometimes people must do what they think is right even if it breaks the law. I just hope he trusts his friends.[i] Zeph thinks
(Bluff = 20. Diplomacy = 23, Nat 20! Now, if that doesn't bring him from hiding, i don't know what will... thus the bad part of PvP)
No DM Post Today Friday October 17th, 2008 12:19:48 AM
Hi everyone. I have asked Jerry and the ACDMs to review my recent posts and rule on them. I will abide by whatever decision they make.
I want them to have time to evaluate the situation and make a ruling before we move forward, so I won't be making a DM post tonight.
Have a good weekend. :)
(from DM Kathy)
Selemar Friday October 17th, 2008 9:33:04 AM
Ya'll broke the Wold
CDM Jerry Friday October 17th, 2008 1:11:43 PM
All Out of Character posts concerning recent events in this game will stop now.
Kathy is one of our best DMs. She is volunteering her time out of the goodness of her heart. That is the same for every DM on the site.
If you cannot have fun here, we wish you the best in finding a place where you can have fun.
I'm sure you're all veteran gamers. So you know that not every module goes perfectly for a variety of reasons. The goal is to enjoy yourself.
I also know, as you do, that at times in roleplaying game, real emotions get entwined with the emotions of your characters. When that happens, it is time to take a step back, remember that this is a game we enjoy, and get back to playing.
So let's do just that.
Enjoy your weekend.
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] Monday October 20th, 2008 6:00:55 PM
So, when does posting resume?
DM Kathy d20+4=13 ; Monday October 20th, 2008 10:43:59 PM
When Rollo points out the correct square, Selemar casts his Flaming Sphere right on the spot. A yelp tells Selemar that the bard failed his saving throw.
Axara continues to hold her spell ready. She knows which square Sebastian is in, but unfortunately can't target him until she can see him.
Zeph calls for Sebastian's surrender. Something he said must have hit a nerve, because the box suddenly appears in the square next to Selemar's Flaming Sphere.
"You don't understand!" says Sebastian's disembodied voice. He has moved out of the square with the Flaming Sphere, (and out of the Entangle) but he hasn't gone far. "The book isn't evil! Or, if it is, why must we destroy it? There's knowledge in there--things that can be used for good! I know it! Please, you have to listen to me!"
[OOC: Sebastian is still invisible, but you know where he is. He is no longer in the same square as the Flaming Sphere, so Selemar would have to use a move action to roll it over to him if he wanted to affect him. Sebastian still cannot be targeted with single-target spells; however, area-effect spells will get him. Physical attacks have a 50% miss chance; you can roll this if you like.]
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] d100=80 ; d20+5=6 ; d20+5=23 ; d8+3=4 ; d8+3=11 ; Tuesday October 21st, 2008 12:15:49 AM
Turning back at the last second, deciding to not give Sebastian the glory of chasing off him.
Sliding off Phoenix, Kiel deftly lands to the horse's left flank, bow in hand. Loading a wooden shaft, bright plume of feathers at one end, shining iron of death at the other.
Pulling back on the string, attached to the frame of the bow, wood straining under the strength of the pull, his muscles tightening. Kiel watches the sphere go off, briefly outlining Sebastians form.
Watching, looking, waiting, and at the instance the bag appears out of no where, Kiel lets loose the arrow. Striking true to his target. (50% chance to miss, rolled 80, 30% past) Hitting ac 23 for 11 points of damage. (used 2 hero points, all he had. 1 to reroll the attack, 1 for damage)
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Tuesday October 21st, 2008 9:11:34 AM
Axara's heart cringes when she sees that her "allies" are set on killing Sebastian.
"Sebastian, please please please, .... stop it here. It is the book talking, not you. I know, I felt under its influence too. Please, I beg you to stop this insanity ..... please Sebastian, stop it now for Lilly .... "
She stands there, feeling totally hopeless as she sees the rest of the group trying to kill the bard.
"Will they kill me too if I fall again under the influence of this evil book?"
OOC: HOw many hero points do we have?
Selemar 2d6=8 ; Tuesday October 21st, 2008 9:52:23 AM
Selemar singes Sebastian a little more, but his heart isn't really in it.
"Lango, fetch!" indicating the book. Not being a dog, Lango doesn't fetch. 8 points of damage
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] Tuesday October 21st, 2008 10:28:45 AM
*Jerry always had us begin with 1 less than your level, for a minimum of 1 and maximum of 5 if you were starting a new character. Depending on your level.*
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] d20-1=2 ; Tuesday October 21st, 2008 10:49:46 AM
Rollo continues to struggle against the vines to no avail.
Hmark Tuesday October 21st, 2008 11:45:41 AM
Hmark listens to the yelling and spellcasting continue. He takes one last look at the thorougly normal-looking back door.
"Ah, weed it," he mutters.
The young man pivots and races around the inn toward the sound of the action, bow in hand.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Tuesday October 21st, 2008 2:13:36 PM
OOC: I guess Axara has 2 even if she is not a hero.
Zeph AC17 HP25 d20+3=15 ; Tuesday October 21st, 2008 4:12:04 PM
OOC: I thought DMKathy told us we all started with 1 Hero point. So far, Kiel has used 3. 1 to rescue Axara from the landslide and 2 just now.
"Guys, stop attacking Sebastian if he surrenders!" Zeph shouts. "Give him a chance to prove his innocence. We are not judge and jury here. I'm sure you would want the same opportunity!"
"Sebastian, stop your invisibility enchantment and we will take you into custody so that you may argue your innocence. If you stay invisible, then I cannot stop my companions from attempting to kill you." Zeph says
(Diplomacy = 15)
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] Tuesday October 21st, 2008 4:44:22 PM
Oh, my bad. Didnt know zeph was hero point monitor. Kiel then missed both attack and did no damage. Anyone else wanna ding me on something?
DM Kathy - additional Tuesday October 21st, 2008 5:35:27 PM
Everyone did start with 1 Hero point; however, Kiel earned one extra Hero point that I know of, during the fight with the bandits.
Zeph AC17 HP25 Tuesday October 21st, 2008 9:49:10 PM
(OOC: Oh. Kiel, I didn't mean to police you. Sorry about that, I was just answering a question that was asked... Its kind of funny though that Kiel earned a Hero point for when I was playing his character. So, if anything you should thank me for getting you a point. Anyways... I love you guys. ;')
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] Tuesday October 21st, 2008 10:48:07 PM
thanks 8)
DM Kathy d20+4=9 ; Tuesday October 21st, 2008 11:46:10 PM Kiel slides off his horse and fires a shot at the invisible Sebastian. He hits, and does a little damage. [OOC: So, I think you had enough Hero points for the first re-roll, but not the second?]
Selemar rolls the Flaming Sphere into Sebastian's square. Once again, a scream of pain from the bard tells him he is successful.
Zeph and Axara beg Sebastian to surrender.
Hmark runs around from the back of the inn.
Rollo tries again to escape the Entangle. [OOC: you might want to try an Escape Artist check instead of a Strength check. The DC is the same, but I think you have a better bonus.]
"I'm sorry, Lilly," says Sebastian's voice.
Then the bard is there, visible, standing with his hands raised. He looks badly hurt. Carefully, he takes a single step away from the Flaming Sphere.
"I surrender," he says.
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Tuesday October 21st, 2008 11:57:49 PM
(OOC: Full plate armor kills the escape artist check. Entangle my greatest weakness.)
Zeph AC17 HP25 Wednesday October 22nd, 2008 12:41:58 AM I've been playing mediator for the group thus far, why stop now?
Zeph looks at Sebastian, and then looks at Kiel... who is probably angry and maybe even notching another arrow. "Look, Kiel, we can't kill him now, he surrendered. Lets just take all his stuff and drop him off at the local authorities like a common thief. It would hurt him just as much to take his dignity away from him. Who knows, maybe Lilly will bail him out." Zeph says to Kiel and anyone else who may want to kill Sebastian.
As an afterthought, Zeph says, "And we should probably find a place to sell all of our loot from the bandits also."
(OOC: By the way, can you email me the party loot list to aplai13@lsu.edu? I can keep up with it since Sebastian is leaving us.. which does sadden me a bit)
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Wednesday October 22nd, 2008 9:37:16 AM
As Sebastian becomes visible again, Axara lets a sight of relief go.
"Sebastian, I need you to make it clear to every one. Did you suddenly got to idea to take the book when you were at the inn on the road or did you join our group with the intention of stealing the book for Lilly?"
Please let it be the first one .. please
Before Sebastian answers, she addresses the group "Regardless of his answers, no physical or mental harm will be done to Sebastian. I will not be part of a group of murderers or thugs who attacks someone who has surrendered."
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] Wednesday October 22nd, 2008 9:44:52 AM
As Axara says: Regardless of his answers, no physical or mental harm will be done to Sebastian. I will not be part of a group of murderers or thugs who attacks someone who has surrendered. Kiel walks up with a purposeful stride behind Sebastian. Like any common thief and murderer, Kiel takes Sebastian down hard, on his (Sebastian) face/stomach. Taking out a length of rope, while having his knee placed in the small of his back, holding him down, he roughly pulls his arms behind his back, palms up, fingers interlocked and begins binding them behind Sebastian's back. When that is done, and just before Kiel lifts the bard to his feet, Kiel leans forward and says in Sebastian's ear: 1 false move boy and I will cut you down like a pig on slaughtering day.
And the look on his face shows he means every word.
Selemar Wednesday October 22nd, 2008 10:02:09 AM
Selemar dismisses the flaming sphere, and moves toward the bag. He'll open it to make sure the book is there.
"Axara, the first thief was turned in. The second group were tied up and left to die. I will not let this one go because he sings pretty songs. I've no desire to chase this thing down again."
Once he sees the book, he'll close the bag and move to aid Rollo. (Can I dismiss that spell, or will it last the full three minutes?)
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Wednesday October 22nd, 2008 11:02:58 AM
(ooc: I'm gonna assume Selemar can dismiss the entangle.)
Rollo gives his limbs a bit of a stretch once freed from the vines, and walks over to Selemar who is checking the contents of the bag. "Is it there?"
After Selemar confirms or denies it the books presences Rollo responds to Axara's morality riddle, recalling the bandit corpses lying on the side of the road.
"Why should we not treat him like any other bandit? Because he tells a good story? Because his intentions were "noble?" He is a story teller and a weaver of lies, why should we believe a word that comes out of his mouth? There is no evidence that there even is a Lilly? He should be bound, gaged, blindfolded and left in the forest, and let nature be his judge. Why should his fate be any better than those of the bandits who attempted to rob us. Let us waste no more time with this filth."
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Wednesday October 22nd, 2008 11:11:42 AM
Axara's eyes get teary as she sees the treatment that Sebastian is getting.
' Please, please Sebastian, I beg you. Explain yourself. What is your intentions all along to take it to Lilly?"
She turns around to Rollo and says "Yes there is a Lilly. Trust me, I have seen men madly in love in one way relationship and sadly, Sebastian does fit the profile.
She does not asnwer why he should be treated differently because she is waiting for Sebastian answer and hoping he blames the book. Although deep down she knows that the lead box stops the book influence. She has just a terrible time believing that Sebastian actually fooled them and betrayed them.
"If Sebastian is really a traitor, how do I know the other 5 are not traitors too?"
Zeph AC17 HP25 Wednesday October 22nd, 2008 11:15:20 AM
Zeph thinks for a few seconds about the other's words.
"Well. Although I agree we can't kill him now... well certainly we can, but not in good conscious. I vote we turn him in to the authorities..." Zeph says, and then looks at Axara, "And I will be taking all of his stuff... as payment... for wasting our time chasing him. TIme is money after all. Don't worry, it's group loot."
Zeph then takes Sebastian's backpack and weapons and the darkwood buckler... then he looks at the Bard's shining mithril chain shirt and the rope tied around his hands. [b]"That would probably be hard to take off you when you're bound and gagged... I'll get it from you later.[b]" Zeph says, with a wink.
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Wednesday October 22nd, 2008 11:30:20 AM "What authority? There are seven of us trained in the art of adventure, and he was able to evade us for several days, and managed to bewitch our lady friend here with his silver tongue." Rollo eyes Axara suspiciously as he says this, "do you believe that some local jailor will be able to stand against him? The gods are the only authority here, and let them decide whether he lives or dies."
Hmark Wednesday October 22nd, 2008 2:19:32 PM
Hmark comes tearing around the corner of the inn, and skids to a halt. The young man takes in the scene before him - Kiel tying up a wounded Sebastian near a ball of flame, while the others either plead with the bard or argue amongst themselves.
"So....did I miss anything?" he asks dryly.
He remains quiet for a bit, mentally catching up to where everyone else already is. But after a time, he speaks up, pointing out, "Uh, we don't know if the book was controlling him or not. Shouldn't we work that part out first?"
"Back when I joined up with the militia, everyone in my outfit took an oath to remain loyal and all...in front of a Oathbound of Pantheon. They rode her in from somewhere and she sealed the oath. Said something seriously bad would happen to us if we broke it." Hmark nods down the road. "Now Rowena ain't that far, and there's bound to be some Pantheon temple in a city that size. They can probably figure out what's true and what's not. AND," he adds, glancing at Rollo, "the authorities there can probably hold onto him."
The man pushes back his hat. "After seeing what happened to those other guys, I ain't so keen on just dumping folks off in the woods."
"So I say truss him up, take him to Rowena, see what's what, and then get this, this, this here book back to Dulcet." Another look at Rollo. "I assume you'll be taking it with you?"
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Wednesday October 22nd, 2008 2:31:38 PM
(ooc: Did Kiel's arrow hit? If so it would solve our debate problem because Sebastian would be bleeding out. 5 from the mace, 10 total from the flaming sphere, and whatever Kiel did put him well below 17. Just curious as to the bards current state.)
"Considering Rowena is where Sebastian was heading, it might not be the best destination. He will have friends waiting for him there, and when we arrive with him in this state they might not take to kindly to us. We can't risk succeeding where Sebastian failed, the book should not enter Rowena."
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] Wednesday October 22nd, 2008 11:01:14 PM
Yes Rollo, but only did 6 damage.
DM Kathy Thursday October 23rd, 2008 12:28:42 AM
Once Sebastian surrenders, Zeph and Axara insist that he be taken prisoner. Kiel concurs and does so, none too gently.
Selemar dismisses the Entangle, which is good news for Rollo. Freed, the gnome double-checks to make sure that the book is, indeed, still inside the box. It is.
Hmark, re-joining the group, has some suggestions for how to proceed. Rowena will have temples where Truth spells can be cast, as well as a constabulary that might be persuaded to hold the bard on charges of theft. Rowena is probably a day's travel (or less) from here, and it is early morning. Though most of you have been traveling all night.
Alternatively, you could see what resources might be available in this little town. Whatever it's called. Or, you could head back to Jarlwolf.
"It wasn't like that," Sebastian replies to Axara. "I mean, Lilly told me about the book and everything. How Dulcet would probably get you to destroy it." He sighs. "It made her so sad, my poor, sweet Lilly, to think of all that knowledge going to waste. And it made me sad, too. So I joined you.
"I wasn't always going to steal the book," he continues. "Not if I didn't have to. I thought I could maybe talk you out of it. I thought maybe you would see reason. But then I wound up with it and I thought, well, so much easier if I just take it to Lilly myself." He frowns. "And it's not one-sided!" he adds. "Lilly loves me, too; you'll see!"
Selemar Thursday October 23rd, 2008 9:11:41 AM
"When i learned to use this" Lifts his bow " i spent some time shooting at men with targets drawn on them. I didn't realize I would one day join them. We know there are people who want to take this book and work great evil with it. I'm sure that once this...once Sebastian is in Rowena, world will reach interested parties, and they will presumably began plotting how to get the book from us. I'm fairly certain they will not be concerned about our safety." "I agree, we can't just kill him, but we need to think of something. Maybe we can find some incorruptible paladins to lock him away quietly for a few years? Or monks? (ooc, perhaps halfling monks) I would rather not see some display of Lilly's love for him. I suspect it involves knives and my back."
Pauses "What should we do with that thing? I think..............Rollo....was....right. We should throw it in a volcano, or pitch i into the ocean. Stick it in a goat and feed it to a dragon, or do something where no one can get it."
Edited to fix link - Kathy
Selemar Thursday October 23rd, 2008 9:12:20 AM
Can someone fix that?
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Thursday October 23rd, 2008 9:14:06 AM
The hammer of truth falls on Axara real hard. The tears in her eyes dry and the compassion in them is replaced by anger then rage. She has been betrayed for a whore and she feels scorned.
She goes towards Sebastian and slaps him in the face before Kiel can try to stop her, which is doubtful. She spits in his face. "I would have given my life to protect you. I thought ytou were a genuine friend. But you intended in betraying us from the get go. You cared nothing about us but just about your whore friend. You are such an idiot. Thinking with your groin rather than your brain. Lilly does not give a heck about you. Her affection is for sale. Anyone can buy it if they have enough gold. You are just a pawn but a dangerous one because you are acting out of love and being completely manipulated."
She turns around in disgust and face the group. We have two big problems here. One is what to do about that garbage. I agree with Rollo that he is a tough prisoner to keep plus he knows what we look like, our strategies and our plans. I think he is too dangerous to keep alive unless we pierce his eyes, cut his tongue and his fingers. This would prevent him to communicate anything about us. It would be less cruel to kill him. He has admitted his crimes and is guilty. We need to determine the sentence and carry it on."
She pauses and looks at each member in the group. "The other problem and is much bigger that disposing of that piece of trash is how do we know the other 5 are not in to steal the book? How do you know that you should trust me? How can I be sure that any of you as the same plan as the walking dead bard? We need to find a covenant where we can prove we are trustworthy. Unfortunately, I am not sure how to prove but I am open to ANY suggestions. "
Zeph AC17 HP25 d20+4=18 ; Thursday October 23rd, 2008 10:13:21 AM
Zeph racks his brain for a moment and tries to think of any local Monkish or Paladin establishments that may be able to hold Sebastian and pass fair judgment on him. (Knowledge local = 18)
"Well. Even though we can just kill him now... I think I will lose some sleep at night if we did. There has to be some place around here where they can hold Sebastian- a Paladin or Monkish temple perhaps. I also wouldn't mind asking them for help in this moral dilemma. As for disposing the book... maybe Lady Dulcet knows best. There has to be a reason why we had to fetch the book of the guided way after all." Zeph says
Hmark Thursday October 23rd, 2008 2:00:23 PM
Hmark listens to Sebastian's confession with growing horror. "You dumb..." he begins. But he's cut off by Axara's tirade. And by the time she's done, the archer has nothing left to say.
The archer shakes his head slowly.
"All right, so we're not going to Rowena," he replies, bowing to the popular will of the group. "We still said we'd get the book for Dulcet, and most of us - throws an irritated glance at Sebastian - meant it. And she's a whole lot closer than any volcanos or oceans."
"So we go back. One of us takes the book, and two of us watch him, or her. And two more of us watch Sebastian, who really only got away the first time because we thought we could trust him. And we all ride on back to Jarlwolf."
The archer looks around. "I ain't killing a body just for being an idiot and making me ride around the forest for a few days. So let Rollo take the book, and let's go back."
Selemar Thursday October 23rd, 2008 2:48:28 PM
Selemar makes a mental not to stay on Axara's good side.
"I'm not sure we want to bring Dulcet the book. Twice it has been lost. Once it was stolen from her home when she left it unguarded. Once it was stolen by someone she hired. I don't think she means harm, but I'm not sure I trust her judgment. I know she paid us, but I don't really care too much about that. Returning the book to her puts it too close to where it can do harm to our families and friends."
"Before we ever met, the book's whereabouts were known to others it seems, since someone put our besotted bard up to this. If Sebastian doesn't arrive in Rowena and turn over the book, I suspect that someone else will come to take it. It is possible we will defeat them, but how long until someone is killed protecting it, or until it is lost? How long until we see innocent people killed by those who seek to get their hands on the book?"
"Further, Axara has a point. It is difficult to trust each other. One betrayed us deliberately, and one has been overwhelmed by the book. I don't fault her for that, but there's no way of knowing it won't happen again to her, or to someone else. We are fortunate that Sebastian was a fool and not a murderer, or it's likely the book would be in Rowena soon and we would be in the ground."
"I say we take that thing far from home and get rid of it. It might throw off any pursuers, and it may be a while before any foes find us. As far as trust...I think we will need to watch each other as well as the book."
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Thursday October 23rd, 2008 3:07:51 PM
Axara pulls out her dagger and put it under Sebastian's left eyes. " Time to speak, Bard and tell us everything" Who is Lilly's pimp, how would the whore know about the book, did her boss hire Maisie, speak and say it all .. and do not try to fool me ... If I feel you are trying to pull the wool over my eyes, you lose your left eyes."
((Assuming Sebastian speaks truthfully) She looks at the other, rage still brewing in her eyes " Regding the book, we should see if we can find out what to do with the book of exalted deeds. If not, we return that book to Dulcet without telling her the whereabout of the Codex. I agree with Hmark. Two watch whoever get the book and two watch the walking garbage man and the last one watches the two group watching the others."
She stops as if her head was spinning. "This is insane. At one point we are going to have a leap of faith on each other. But for the moment, everyone watch every one."
"And if we turn over garbage to the authorities, the least we can do is to break his fingers beyond repairs. What good is a bard who cannot play the flute or do magic? " She looks at Sebastina "This way you will find out how quickly your whore will dump when she'll realize you are useless and worthless "
She puts her hood over her head. "Rollo, if you are carrying the book, I am watching you"
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Thursday October 23rd, 2008 3:12:49 PM
(ooc: was the book in the case in the bag?)
Before Rollo opens the case to check that the book is indeed where it's suppose to be he turns to the others. "My Liege may protect me, but if he blinks and the book seizes my mind, do what is necessary to stop me from releasing it's evil."
Rollo looks in the case and closes it as soon as he is satisfied it is the book they were seeking.
"Okay, that's done." The gnome looks to the others, "Has anyone checked the bard's room? He left it in a hurry there maybe other supplies we can use in there."
"I agree with Selemar, we have had a traitor in our midst this entire time, our adversaries will know our mission, and will use that to their advantage. We must choose a new path."
The gnomes mind sets into motion. "We are not aware how powerful this book is, or what it does, but we do know a few things. One it's power is one of a relatively weak nature, otherwise they would have hired more experience, no offense, guardians and would be paying more than 50 gold a head for the task. Two, the book is relatively indestructible. That being the case we merely need to get it somewhere, or under someone, or somethings protection that exceeds the power of the book. So anyone who has the ability to retrieve it, would find it a waste of their time. If you have the power to pluck it from a volcano, the bottom of the ocean, or steal it from a dragons horde, then you probably can pull off more impressive things than what the book contains.
Finally the book only has power over those who are aware of it's presence so from here on out let us refer to it as ring, bauble, trinket, or cup cake. Letting everyone know that there is an evil book on the move will only lend to it's power. Out of sight out of mind. "
The gnome looks for any sign of understanding from the party before stating, "Despite what we decide to do with it, we must get it as far away from our loved ones as possible."
"I am full agreement" Rollo responds to Axara's comment about watching each other. "We can make leaps of faiths, once we are out of reach of our loved ones."
Hmark Thursday October 23rd, 2008 3:51:59 PM
Hmark scratches his head, and then scratches an itch inside his right ear with his pinky finger.
"All right," he sighs. "I've suggested Rowena and Jarlwolf, and you've shot both down. Anybody got an actual, real place they wanna take this thing? Or do we just start wandering north till we get good and lost?"
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Thursday October 23rd, 2008 5:46:35 PM "Sounds like a plan. To the North!"
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] Thursday October 23rd, 2008 8:59:45 PM
Kiel goes to his horse, unstrings his bow, secures it and the quiver on Phoenix. Then, removing his two-bladed sword from its holder, he walks back over to the group. Listening to the conversation from everyone. Nodding at some of the words being said by various people, especially the parts about Sebastian knowing who we are, who our families are, and where they all live and Kiel thinks aloud: And should that bastard escape custody, and turn in that information to those he "loves" and/or works for, their lives are forfeit. I already lost one set of parents I will not lose another.
And with that final thought, Kiel lifts up his two-bladed sword, and with all his might, plunges one end of the weapon into the heart of Sebastian, pushing all the way through him, to where most of the blade is sticking out his back. Then the sound of slurping and a pop is heard as Sebastian slides down the blade and off it as he hits the ground.
Zeph AC17 HP25 Thursday October 23rd, 2008 9:37:06 PM
Zeph watches Kiel kill Sebastian, and frowns slightly. Then Zeph moves to claim the Mithril Shirt from the corpse.
"Well, he certainly ain't gonna use it. Its worth at least a thousand, that can help us in our quest to destroy the book, you agree? And yes, I did already steal everything from Sebastian's room." Zeph says. (OOC: I posted that)
"Rollo, Selemar. Please listen to my logic here. I agree that Dulcet cannot hold the book safely from thieves. But I do recommend that we go to Dulcet, ONLY for instructions on how to dispose of the book. We do NOT give it to her, as I doubt she will want us to. But, we must trust her judgment, as we do not know how to destroy the book and she does... by using the Book of the Guided Way... which is in my backpack. There is definitely a reason why we had to retrieve this second book, and a reason why we are protecting the Evil Book, so lets not throw our logic away here. Besides... she is watching us, remember?" Zeph says, as he pulls off the Mithril Shirt, and tucks it into his backpack. Then Zeph looks at the sky, knowing that Dulcet is using divination right now.
DM Kathy 2d8+6=15 ; Friday October 24th, 2008 12:36:39 AM Selemar is all in favor of getting rid of the Codex right away. Possibly dropping it into a volcano--if only you knew where one was. He also speaks of turning Sebastian over to monks or paladins, someone who could be trusted to watch him.
That gets Zeph to thinking. He remembers that there is a well-known paladin, Caerthon, who represents Magpie Crossing on the Pitchfork Council. Caerthon is well-known in the region for his courage and honor. He also has his hands full rebuilding Magpie Crossing after the Dread of Night incident. However, he might be of some help. Zeph also remembers Owain, who used to be with the party before duties called him away. Perhaps he could be of assistance--or know someone else who might.
All of you are concerned with how to rebuild trust among the group, and whether you should trust Dulcet or keep her out of the loop. [OOC: If you decide not to deal with Dulcet, I can write around that. If your character would trust her, fine, but don't feel like you need to come up with a reason to trust her just to keep the story on track. I'll manage. :) ]
All of those questions, however, take a back seat for a time when Kiel draws a weapon and slays your unarmed, bound prisoner.
A muffled shriek draws your attention to a spot about 30 feet down the road. A middle-aged farm woman stands there, hands over her mouth in shock. A spilled basket lays in the road at her feet.
Zeph AC17 HP25 d20+7=10 ; d20+7=13 ; Friday October 24th, 2008 1:33:02 AM
(OOC: Wow. I was really trying to get us to run into the new Halfling monk some how... And also, I honestly think we should use Dulcet's knowledge to destroy the book on our own. Simply hiding it wont keep it out of evil's grasp.)
Zeph looks at the woman and covers his head with his cloak. Oh dear. This is simply no good. Zeph thinks as he jumps into the shadows and runs through the trees for a bit so that she might lose track of him. (Hide = 13. Move silent = 10)
I can't wait to learn that useful sleep spell I've been reading about. It would be ever so useful in this situation. Zeph thinks.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Friday October 24th, 2008 10:41:21 AM
Axara watches Kiel execute Sebastian. Her only feeling is sadness for a life wasted because of a blind foolish love. "fools in love are really the most dangerous thing to a group ...
She kneels to the body of Sebastian and closes his eyes "You dumbless traitor ..... if only you would have listened to reason instead of that whore and her pimp ...." She looks up at Kiel "Will you carry the body or burry it or let it rot?"
As she notices that the woman saw the execution "Great! Now we are going to be labelled as murderer. We are doing real great "
She gets up and summarizes her opinion "I agree with Zeph that we should not just go galliventing directions less. We have been intructed to get the book of exalted deeds and we should bring it to MAdam Dulcet as we were about to do when the garbage bard revealed his true intentions. We should bring it to her but not tell her of the whereabout of the "banana" or who has it. If MAdam Dulcet can figure a way to destroy the "banana" by using the book, then great. If not, we can find an isolated farm away from it where we can hide until we gather more clue on how to destroy it.
Edited per player request. --Al
Selemar Friday October 24th, 2008 11:15:00 AM
Frowns at Kiel. "I'll grant that your plan is direct..."
Selemar Friday October 24th, 2008 11:26:59 AM
OOC: Isn't there a volcano in Cinnamon Valley? I think the description said it eupts every year or so, making parts good for farming. If we're from the Valley, I assume that a) we know where it is and b) Axara can be labelled a Valley Girl
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] Friday October 24th, 2008 11:31:30 AM How is this points to the still form of Sebastian different than those "bandits" we left for dead along the side of the road? They tried stealing the book for their own purpose. We stopped them and then left them helpless to die a horrible death in the wilderness. He should be greatful we didn't do the same to him.
Ignoring the woman, Kiel rips off a piece of unbloodied material from Sebastian's tunic, wipes his sword and hands clean, tosses it back to the corpse and as he walks towards Phoenix saying: Do what you want with him, I am inclined to let him rot there for all to see what will become their fate if they put the lives of our families in jeopardy. *he says that in a louder tone for all to hear including that woman*
Kiel then puts his two-bladed sword back in its holder, pats Phoenix on his left flank. And, after reaching into a saddlebag, produces a nice big red apple and feeds it to his faithful steed.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Friday October 24th, 2008 11:38:43 AM
Axara looks at Kiel right in the eyes "It seems that your anger is still clouding your judgement. We left the bandits to rots in the middle of the forest. We are near an inn. Even if we act like barbarian when fighting, we should show some civilized manners with our garbage. Leaving it in the middle of the road near the inn is not what I would think is civilized. And while I am at it, do you need to frigthen the poor woman? She just saw someone getting skwered and you are threatening her. Control your anger."
She stops and kicks Sebastian's body. "This is all your fault.[/b]"
OOC: Axara is a Valley Farm Girl? Don't tell her that to her face ... LOL
Hmark Friday October 24th, 2008 11:50:04 AM Great! Now we are going to be labelled as murderer.
Hmark's face is stone cold. "We ARE murderers," he replies frostily. "We murdered the would be thieves. And now we've murdered Sebastian."
The man strides over to the body, and with a grunt heaves it up over his shoulder. Watching Kiel warily, he makes his way over to Stardancer, and flings Sebastian across the saddle.
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Friday October 24th, 2008 12:22:23 PM
(ooc: I'm assuming Rollo saw that the book was in the case.)
Rollo watches as Sebastian is killed, after a moment he speaks. "It was the kindest of all possible solutions."
Selemar Saturday October 25th, 2008 1:06:02 PM
"He's dead. Unfortunate, but better him than those who would have died had he succeeded. Perhaps we should be moving on?"
ȯ
Zeph AC17 HP25 Tuesday October 28th, 2008 3:02:17 PM
Zeph looks at the group from the bushes. He whispers to whomever can hear him.
"To Jarlwolf, lets get out of here, its our best bet to finally finish this." Zeph whispers, then takes for his horse, hops on and rides quickly, hiding his face so that the woman cannot see him... hopefully.
DM Kathy Tuesday October 28th, 2008 11:42:43 PM
When you discover you have been observed, Zeph dives for cover, hoping to slip away unseen.
The rest of the group isn't as concerned with discovery. Kiel cleans his blade as Rollo expresses approval of his actions. Axara laments the hastiness of your actions, and Selemar suggests that perhaps you need to be elsewhere.
Disturbed by what he has seen, Hmark picks up the body to bring along.
You leave the area with all haste, simply trying to put distance between yourselves and the little town. You head east, a direction that will eventually take you back to Jarlwolf.
You do not seem to be followed, although you have no way of knowing what steps the townsfolk may have taken. Maybe, since you were all strangers to them, they will decide that it was outsider business and none of their affair. On the other hand, maybe they sent to Rowena for a justiciar or two.
After a few hours on the road, you become aware of how long it's been since you rested or ate. The animals, too, are having trouble. Do you want to try to travel for a full day, or do you stop early? And, when you do stop, do you stop at an inn or do you make camp someplace?
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Wednesday October 29th, 2008 11:08:48 AM
The travel back to Jarlwolf is not a pleasant journey for Axara. Her heart is full of sadness and her head full of questions. When it is time to make stop, she proposes they make camp rather than going to an inn. "I t hink that at this point, the less we show ourselves, the better it is. I blieve that we should have team of 3 watching the "banana. This way, if we have another traitor in our midst, the other two can subdue him .... or her ... This brings up something I have been wrestling with. Right now, we have no reason to trust each other. We have no reason to trust Dulcet. We blindly accepted each other only to find a traitor among us. So we are now all paranoid. We will need to repair this trust bond among us. Let me tell you that I grew up in the valley, on a farm .. she blushes a little, enhancing her near perfect complexion, " .. and Madam Dulcet reputation as a person of Good has been there outstanding and for years. I cannot attest of her abilities to only hire good people, as we have seen with the bard, but her commitment to Good cannot really be questioned. She is a person of good. Now, you might wonder about me. As I said, I grew up in the valley and although I left to go adventuring, my loved ones are there. I would give my life to protect my mother and my sisters and her children from harm. Heck, a glorious death to ssave teh Valley is probably the only way my father would ever think his defective daugther was any good. I know this will not convince you to trust me but I am willing to answer any question you have about me. I will do it willingly in a circle of truth if needed.
Axara will take her watch when needed.
Selemar Wednesday October 29th, 2008 12:19:36 PM
Selemar agrees with Axara's suggestion that we move off into the woods and watch each other.
"i too have family I'd die to protect in the Valley. I'd kill if I must. This is why I'd still suggest we take that...banana... far away from them. I suspect we will find ourselves fighting again to retain the book. If it corrupts men's minds, why can it not corrupt the minds of those we care for? If it does, will you strike them down?"
"I accept the decision to take it there, but think we should reconsider."
Zeph AC17 HP25 d20+5=23 ; d20+4=8 ; Wednesday October 29th, 2008 2:28:20 PM
Zeph listens to Axara and Selemar at the campfire in the woods.
Then he listens to Selemar talk about reconsidering going back to Dulcet. "Well, we simply won't let anyone know about either the 'banana' or our presence. If we go to Dulcet in the night, or even just send one person to sneak in there and get instruction, then we can be out of Jarlwolf and on our way to destroy the 'banana' in no time. I just feel we have no knowledge of how to destroy it without Dulcet's knowledge... do you not agree?" Zeph says.
Then Zeph thinks again about Selemar's words about killing a loved one to protect the book... then he thinks of the few he has actually cared about in the past. "Yes... I would kill someone I cared about to save the lives of others. The less death there is overall, the better off Cinnamon Valley is... even if one must die so that others may live." Zeph says, with only a little doubt.
Well... I would kill anyone... save for one person. Zeph says, as he thinks of a certain Elf from his past.
(Spot = 23 Listen = 8)
Selemar Wednesday October 29th, 2008 2:30:18 PM
Does Zeph has a crush on me?
Zeph AC17 HP25 Wednesday October 29th, 2008 2:41:06 PM
(OOC: Teehee. No. You think you are the only elf in the wold? I just like to refer to my personal background sometimes. Read it if you ever get bored, its on my character sheet and I'm quite proud of it. )
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] d20+4=18 ; d20+3=17 ; d20+7=23 ; d20+7=27 ; Wednesday October 29th, 2008 3:42:43 PM
Quietly rides on ahead, scouting.
When its time to stop for the night, Kiel agrees with the decision to camp outside instead of an inn.
After tending to Phoenix, Kiel will make sure the rest of the animals are well tended to. Sets up Axara's lodging as usual, then sits close enough to the campfire to feel its warmth but far enough back to not be "in" the circle. Listening allthewhile thinking. Nods at apropriate times, smiles and/or smirls but throughout the night, unless its extremely necessary, Kiel says nothing.
Assumes his normal watch modus operendi. Listen: 18 Search: 17 Spot: 23 Survival: 27 *nat.20*
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Wednesday October 29th, 2008 6:39:01 PM
Rollo rides along, and sets up camp with the group.
Listen's to Axara's worries about trust and meditates on possible solutions to this problem.
(ooc: Sorry bout the short post been a hectic day)
Hmark Wednesday October 29th, 2008 10:11:04 PM
The party moves, and Hmark wordlessly drops to the trail end, as is his custom. The day long journey provides the archer a lot of time to contemplate the body slung across Stardancer in front of him.
At the end of the day, he files into the camp. He eats wordlessly.
Finally, the man clears his throat. "I need to borrow a shovel." Should he find one, Hmark will spend a good deal of time digging a very deep hole to bury the body of Sebastian.
The young man makes sure to take watch with Kiel. Still, he says nothing.
DM Kathy Wednesday October 29th, 2008 11:53:55 PM
You decide to camp that night rather than risk staying at an inn. You go as long as you can, but you're all teetering on the edge of exhaustion. You end up stopping about mid-afternoon.
Weary though he is, Hmark grimly sets about digging a grave for Sebastian's body. Kiel, silent and thoughtful, tends to the animals and listens to the others.
Axara is in favor of reporting in to Dulcet, and argues that the witch is a force for Good. Selemar and Zeph are less certain, though they cautiously consent to bring the Book of the Guided way to Dulcet--perhaps under cover of night.
Some of you begin speaking more openly about what you have at stake, and what you would do to protect those you love. It may help to re-establish the lines of trust needed in any adventuring company.
The ground is still fairly soft from spring rains, and it doesn't take long to bury Sebastian. You eat and rest, warily keeping watch, and are ready to depart the next morning.
Another few days of travel bring to to the familiar outskirts of Jarlswolf.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Thursday October 30th, 2008 9:36:44 AM
The travel back to Jarwolf is long and quiet. No one really speaks as the burden of what has transpired recently is on every one's mind. Rollo is never left alone, as he carries the codex. Trust is not there between the grop members. The only positive with the existing paranoia is that the constant arguing as stopped, even if it just a momentary stop.
As the group can see the outskirts of Jarwolf, Axara proposes the following "We should go see Madam Dulcet and give her the book of Guided Way. We will give her time to go through it to find the solution to our current problem on how to "eat a banana". Could be as simple as dropping it in a volcano or going north to find an artifact to counteract it. While she searches the book, let's go back in the forest and wait to avoid putting our loved ones at risk. Just an idea. Who has a different plan?"
Zeph AC17 HP25 d20+7=21 ; d20+7=13 ; d20+5=9 ; d20+5=13 ; Thursday October 30th, 2008 10:21:35 AM "Well, since I'm holding the book, and am probably the most sneaky person in the group, do you guys want me to go alone?" Zeph says to the group.
Then he thinks that the group may not trust him. "Eh, Kiel can come with me if you all wish. I'm sure that Dulcet is using her Divination and knows where we are already... she might even know our plan." Zeph says.
If the group approves, then Zeph will sink into the shadows and sneak up through Lady Dulcet's Library window, which I'm sure we remember where that is.
(Hide = 21 Move Silent = 13 Climb = 9, although I will just try again. Reclimb = 13)
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Thursday October 30th, 2008 11:00:11 AM
Axara nods at Zeph comments "It makes sense at this point that no one does anything related to our mission alone."
Selemar Thursday October 30th, 2008 12:32:43 PM
"be careful. We'll wait here. if there's anything wrong, yell, or come back."
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] Thursday October 30th, 2008 1:35:34 PM
Kiel goes with Zeph, but, instead of hiding in shadows he chooses to hide in plain sight. And rides on Phoenix straight to the lady's house. slides off his steed, walks up and knocks on the front door.
Zeph AC17 HP25 Thursday October 30th, 2008 3:45:30 PM
Zeph watches Kiel walk straight to the house and knock on the door.
Did he understand the point of going hidden? The reason was so no one would know we were around, especially anyone who may want the book. Or anyone who may be bribed to give information of where the book may be. He could have at least told me what he was planning instead of just ignoring me. Jerk. Zeph thinks to himself as he climbs to the library and searches for Dulcet.
Hmark Thursday October 30th, 2008 4:27:45 PM
Hmark's face clouds a bit at the prospect of Zeph and Kiel going away with the book. But, lacking a better idea, the young man nods his head in agreement with the plan.
He sits with the group, waiting for the pair to return.
After a bit, he asks Axara, "Why does it bother you that your folks are farmers? We all gotta come from somewhere. My folks are farmers. Lots of people are farmers. Its not really a big deal."
DM Kathy Thursday October 30th, 2008 11:57:16 PM
When you reach Jarlswolf, you decide to camp on the outskirts, and let Zeph and Kiel move unobtrusively to Dulcet's manor.
Zeph moves stealthily around to the library window. He scrambles up (it's a ground-floor window, so it isn't much of a climb) and tries to open it. The window is latched, however, and does not open.
Kiel, on the other hand, walks right up to the door and knocks. Dulcet's servant answers, and recognizes him. "Master Longarm," he says by way of greeting. "Do come in. I'll let Madam Dulcet know you are here." Kiel is shown into the familiar parlor, and in a few minutes Dulcet joins him, a worried frown on her face.
"Kiel," she says, clasping your hand. "I am so glad to see you. I saw such things--" she shakes her head. "Much was unclear, but....did--did one of you turn against the others?"
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] Friday October 31st, 2008 12:53:34 AM
Quickly retrieving his hand, as it he touched a hot pot, and looks at it with concern. Then looks up.
Looking at Dulcet Kiel replies to her querry: Sebastian turned and was dealt with.
Zeph AC17 HP25 Friday October 31st, 2008 11:02:31 AM
Seeing that the window is clasped shut and there is no point in trying to break in now, Zeph joins Kiel by knocking on the door.
He walks into the parlor, as he suspects the servants will show him the way. "Um. What did I miss?" Zeph says when he sees Dulcet and Kiel talking.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 18/18] Friday October 31st, 2008 11:05:02 AM
Axara sits down around the fire, waiting for Zeph and Kiel to return. She has changed herself under the semi-protecton of the arrangements created by Kiel and she is now wearing her comforatble wizard robe. During the entire evening she will nervously contantly recover her legs and clivage which the robe seems to expose too easily.
When Hmark questions her about being a farm girl, she blushes and replies "What comes to your mind when you hear farm girl if you are a male? A naive girl which can have fun with on a pile of hay in the barn. I am the youngest of 7 sisters and my father saw us as primerly useful for two things: marry and have children. The ones who were not that pretty would hopefully brign a good set of arms to the farm and the pretty ones could get an alliance with a richer far mor even a bourgeois. Although the group has been less that affected by the way I look, I was considered the prettiest of the family and my father had really hoped I would get up a rich son-in-law. When I quickly showed that I had no interest in learning about how to milk a cow, find out if a chick is about to hatck, how to cook hearthy meals, bearing babies or getting married I became useless in my father eyes. In addition, I was not impressed by farm boys and I would not go in the barn because a boy had brown the biggest pumpkin. My sisters thought I was a snob and boys thought I liked girls. I was just not a farm girl, in the way they saw it. So to answer your questions, I have nothing agaisnt farmers. My paretns and sisters are farmer. But NEVER call me a farm girl."
All while talking, she kept starring at the ambers and the ashes of the fire.
Edited per player request --Al
Selemar Friday October 31st, 2008 11:19:46 AM
mutters in Elvish I will never understand humans"
Kiel [AC:18 - HP:26/26] Friday October 31st, 2008 5:14:11 PM
Thanks Al for editing Axara's post. Was going crosseyed trying to read it with all those typos.
Hmark Friday October 31st, 2008 6:17:14 PM
Hmark blinks several times as Axara wraps up her explanation.
"ookaaaay", he drawls slowly. He tries to think of something to add, opening and closing his mouth twice like some fish gasping in the air.
Finally, he just picks up and wanders off toward the horses, muttering an excuse about checking on Stardancer.
Rollo[AC:21 HP:29/29] Sunday November 2nd, 2008 11:37:00 AM
Rollo listens to Axara's explanation and thinks about his own childhood.
"you shouldn't worry about what others think. It will drive you mad.
The gnome goes back to his tiny suit of armor, not letting the book out of his sight.
LOG ON