DM Kathy Friday June 8th, 2012 12:40:42 AM Carver suggests simply leaving Gnowsy here, but Ariach reminds you that there are also incriminating clues to retrieve.
Tuck volunteers to be among the stealthy group that returns Gnowsy.
Emrys with a healthy adventurer's paranoia that does his teachers credit, wonders whether you have perhaps been set up to steal Gnowsy under the pretense of rescuing him. You realize that this is unlikely. Tomorrow's competition will take place at Gnowsy Thornton, not Maplehurst, so there would be no good reason for the mascot to be there. Also, when you ask Gnowsy whether he was taken by strangers, he stops sniffing around long enough to nod his head.
You cast Detect Magic and soon discover that, apart from some gear on your companions, and the Floop of course, there is nothing magical in the area.
Meanwhile, Gnowsy seems to have found a direction he wants to go. He begins tugging at the leash, panting anxiously. He is tugging in the same direction that Emrys had calculated earlier, which is a good sign.
The question remains, however: split the party, or stay together?
As Emrys mentions it, Wilma gets this sinking feeling, that something bad is going to happen soon and wonders if perhaps they shouldn't split up after all.
"Floop, are you going to remain here if we all go do what we need to do and come back or do we need to leave someone here to keep you company?" Perhaps you could just circle this area in the air about 300 feet up unitl you hear us call you? What do you think?"
Vanime
Preparing to go with whom ever Van checks her gear to make sure it is easily accesible but not making any noise and then waits for the decision.
Grell
Impatient as always, Grell glowers at the group and mumbles. "Let's do something. This standing around is stupid, dangerous and not getting us any closer to bed.
Emrys (ac14, hp18) Friday June 8th, 2012 7:20:04 AM
(ooc: whoops ... I thought the tournament was at Maplehurst! my bad.)
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 d20+8=16 ; Friday June 8th, 2012 3:21:12 PM
Tuck hands the rope holding Gnowsy to Emrys. "I will scout ahead. Give me five minutes and then follow after. Assume you're good to go unless I come back. Just try to be as quiet as possible. Stay out of open areas."
He nods to the others and crouches low, moving in the direction that Emrys indicated. He stays close to the walls and scans the open areas before quickly moving to the next spot to hide in.
Stealth 16
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 Friday June 8th, 2012 5:08:29 PM
For Ariach it is clear that he will not stay back at the Floop. Not after the Floop has offended him, and brought the whole group at risk.
"I will accompany you as promised and keep watch in front of the stable."
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 27/27 Friday June 8th, 2012 10:42:32 PM
Carver stands idly near the Gnowsy, letting those more skilled in stealth decide on a course of action.
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d20+9=16 ; Sunday June 10th, 2012 11:16:57 PM
"Well ... this evening certainly isnt what I would call boring. If a couple of dullards, like Zeliak and Belorin, could have pulled something like this off, then it shouldn't be so hard to correct." Emrys saves any thoughts for revenge until after their work is done. For now, he keeps his eyes and ears alert for problems that are sure to come.
(Perception: 16)
DM Kathy Monday June 11th, 2012 9:00:04 AM
Eventually, you decide it's best not to split up. Wilma asks the Floop if he will stay without somebody here to monitor him. "I suppose," he grumps. "Don't know where the local pub is anyway. Just hurry it up, will you? I don't want to get termites."
Tuck offers to scout ahead, and takes off into the darkness.
The rest of the group follows [right?] with Emrys staying alert for trouble.
[Who has Gnowsy? Also, is everyone going, or are some staying behind?]
The night is quiet as you make your way across the paddock. Tuck, on reaching the edge, discovers that the paddock is encircled by a rail fence. You aren't sure where the gate is. Do you look for it, or climb the fence?
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 Monday June 11th, 2012 9:38:43 AM
Ariach is with the group when they follow Tuck after a while. Reaching the fence he says. "Are we looking for the gate? You donīt have in mind to climb the fence.... or? If you realy wanna do that i will patrol here and wait for your return."
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 27/27 Monday June 11th, 2012 9:54:13 PM
ooc: Sick all weekend. Please excuse me. Bleh.
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d20+9=27 ; Monday June 11th, 2012 10:30:18 PM
(OOC: How many rails on the fence? Four is the standard number for a corral, 2 to 3 for a paddock or larger field. I grew up on a ranch in Texas, I should know. :) For a fence high enough for horses, with only 2 or 3 rails, it would be quite easy for an average-sized person to squeeze between without having to climb.)
After examining the fence, Emrys will offer up his suggestion. If there is not enough space between the rails to squeeze between, he would suggest climbing over. Emrys then kneels over to Gnowsy and whispers, "Gnowsy, do you smell any other people in the area?" The bard then listens to the breeze for any sound and looks for reflections or glimmers in the moonlight.
(Perception: 27. BTW, I think Gnowsy was left with Emrys)
Joining Carver with Gnowsy, Wilma stays right beside the dog figuring she can at least try keeping him calm as they try to return him.
Grell
About time we got moving grell mumbles as he moves out just to the right flank of the group and his sister and in front of her about 15 feet.
Vanime
Vanime moves out to the left flank and slightly in front of the others making sure to keep an eye to the shadows.
DM Kathy Tuesday June 12th, 2012 10:37:58 AM Emrys examines the fence. It's a three-rail fence, so it shouldn't be too difficult to go over, or though it. And Gnowsy could definitely fit under it. Ariach doesn't seem enthused at the prospect of climbing the fence, but he could probably squeeze through it. Or, you could try to find a gate.
Emrys also asks Gnowsy if he smells other people in the area. Gnowsy nods his head.
Wilma stays with Emrys and Gnowsy, while Vaniime and Grell fan out to either side.
The night continues quiet. You hear crickets, and the occasional call of a night-bird. You hear your companions, and Gnowsy sniffing along the ground. Everything seems peaceful and calm.
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 d20+7=26 ; Tuesday June 12th, 2012 3:08:33 PM
Tuck slowly pokes his head through the fence and peeks every which way.
If he sees or hears anyone, he quickly ducks back to the other side and informs the others as to the location and how many. If he doesn't see or hear anyone, he squeezes the rest of the way through and continues on with his scouting.
Perception 26
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 Tuesday June 12th, 2012 5:23:56 PM
"I must apologize, but I cannot accompany you. Breaking into a property is not correct. Maybe you should think over it again. Breaking in is for sure not the best idea. I'll try to find a gate. It may be that the gate is not locked at night. Finally, there is nothing really dangerous in this area. Should the entry be open I go to the stables. If itīs not open I return to this spot here waiting for your return." Ariach waits until they others are gone. Then he searches for the regular entry. He follows the fence until he finds the gate.
Roling her eyes at Ariach's pronouncements, she quickly whispers three quick pointsand then joins Tuck and Gnowsy on the other side of the fence.
Ariach, First off we aren't breaking anything. Secondly we aren't committing a crime we are correcting one that has already happened, and thirdly there are no signs telling us to keep out or not to trespass, therefore there is no crime being committed. So come on and let us return our victim to his rightful place and then go home.
Grell
Taking a careful look around the area, he looks down at Gnowsy, being careful to stay as far away from the animal as he can. "Let's get this beast home and get back ourselves."
Wilma
Ariach, we can not separate like this. We are here to support each other and you made no mention of having an issue about not coming on the campus when we were planning this return. So by agreeing to join us and help us, knowing where we were going and participating fully in the planning of said action, You have entered into a verbal contract to right the wrong done to the very institution we are at and are honor bound to stay with us. Please do not separate from us. (diplomacy DC 18)
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d20+12=14 ; d20+12=23 ; d20+9=15 ; Tuesday June 12th, 2012 7:41:42 PM
In an attempt to relax Ariach's ethical anxieties, Emrys searches his mind for religious passages or any known laws that would make this exercise justified and legal. (Knowledge [religion]: 14) The bard can not think of any scriptures that supports the parties actions, however (Knowledge [local]: 23, laws) he recalls a sure-fire legal precedent.
"Ariach, dating back to the time of King Claudia, the king decreed that all subjects of the crown, in regards to lands and lodgings of the realm, that it is morally and lawfully permissible to enter said lands and lodgings without the consent of the Master or appointed authority for the purpose of: in the defense of your own life; in the defense of the occupant(s); or in the defense of the property. Our quest surely is in the defense of Gnowsy, and that makes it morally and legally correct."
Emrys takes another look around and will pass through the fence if the others do the same.
(Perception: 15)
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP20/20 d20+1=20 ; Tuesday June 12th, 2012 10:16:39 PM
OOC: Thanks Kent for taking over Grell!!
As he heads out to his position, Grell takes a look around, checking for possible sources on trouble. (Percept=20).
DM Kathy Wednesday June 13th, 2012 10:59:33 AM Tuck scrambles through the fence and looks around. You are on a groomed path that runs parallel to the paddock fence. Ahead of you, something large and square blocks out the stars. Based on the map and your calculations, you think it's probably the stables. You know that Gnowsy's enclosure is just to the north of the stables.
Ariach isn't happy about hopping the fence, or scrambling through it. Emrys, Vaniime, and Wilma do their best to persuade him that what you are doing isn't illegal.
[OOC: Just to make sure everybody is clear, you landed in the riding paddock, which is on Gnowsy Thornton school grounds. If returning Gnowsy constitutes trespassing, you are already doing it.]
Cautiously, you (or most of you) follow Tuck through the fence. Gnowsy can easily walk under the lowest rail; he barely has to duck. You see much the same thing that Tuck saw; the groomed path, and the large building in front of you, which you believe is the stables.
[Nobody has darkvision, right?]
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 d20+7=11 ; Wednesday June 13th, 2012 4:24:06 PM
Staying low and in the shadows, Tuck continues towards the stables. He tries to keep an eye out for potential sentries or passersby, but the excitement of the venture fills his senses.
Perception 11
Oh man! I can't believe I'm doing this. It's just like how Dad said. I feel so nervous, but good!
OOC - Hate to do it because of all the people already on hiatus, but I'll be gone all next week for work and won't have constant access to the interwebs. Could some kind soul guide Tuck and lead him not into temptation?
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 d20+2=18 ; Wednesday June 13th, 2012 5:45:20 PM
Ariach listens carefully to Vaniimīs and Wilmaīs explanations. Their objections are fully justified even though they did not entirely convince Ariach. Ultimately it is Emry's list of historic decrees that make him change his mind. Ariach also believes he is remembering that there were these decrees. (knowledge local = 18) It even seems very logical because otherwise sinister plan had an easy time. "Maybe you are right. I think i know these decrees. I come with you as i promised." But as Ariach makes his way through the fence, he still has a queasy feeling in his stomach.
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP20/20 d20+1=4 ; Wednesday June 13th, 2012 10:30:26 PM
Grell eagerly sneaks under the fence, ready for this particular adventure to be over. That dog is just creeepy...especially now that he understands what's being said! Once more, Grell checks the area over for trouble and spots nothing. (Percep=4...sheesh).
Vanime heads out with the others, using her low light vision when she can and being as quiet as possible.
Wilma
Pleased that Ariach has been persuaded, she chuckles to herself as she watches her brother scoot quickly through the fence and keep as far away from Gnowsy as he can.
DM Kathy Thursday June 14th, 2012 9:38:01 AM Tuck moves cautiously forward. You try to stay alert to your surroundings, but you are so focused on what might be out there in the night that you forget to check under your feet. You take a step, then hear a squelching noise and smell the unmistakable aroma of horse-plop. Now you've got it on your shoe.
Ariach reluctantly sets his misgivings aside and continues with the rest. Grell, Vaniime, and Wilma watch and follow.
You get close enough to discern that those are indeed the stables. You move north along their length, and eventually come to the end, where a small, fenced-in area has been built. It contains a doghouse, and there are a few miscellaneous items scattered on the ground that are difficult to make out in this light.
Gnowsy whuffs happily and moves toward his home.
CDM Jerry Thursday June 14th, 2012 10:13:10 AM
Hey Nellie!
::waves::
You have ADM emails to reply to maam.
[this can be deleted once Nellie sees this.]
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 Thursday June 14th, 2012 2:53:03 PM
As Ariach sees the contours of the doghouse in the darkness, he is very relieved. It appears that the group now has just a little luck and divine blessings.
"Domi seems to be on our side. Hopefully the things we're looking for are under those laying on the ground."
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 d20+7=23 ; Thursday June 14th, 2012 3:24:05 PM Oh, that's so gross! Oh man.
Tuck scrunches his face into one of disgust as he tries to quietly shake the excrement from his boots. He sighs to himself and continues on, much more alert to dangers beyond and below.
Perception 23
Approaching the doghouse as indiscreetly as he can, Tuck looks about for his hairband and Wilma's ring, collecting them if he finds them. He also looks about for anymore clues or evidence that might have been laid against them.
Vanime makes her way to the doghouse and pen and takes a look at whatever type of latch there might be and any sort of alarm system that might be in play. Perception DC30
Wilma
Letting others move toward the pen, Wilma sets up and begins peering into the darkness trying to keep watch and listening very carefully. perception DC 16.
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d20+9=15 ; Thursday June 14th, 2012 10:28:00 PM
"Alright, Gnowsy. Sorry it took so long, but you're home." Emrys releases Gnowsy back into his pen. "It was nice to get to know you," and he gives the dog a fairly brisk rub.
Being characteristically cautious, Emrys again casts a divination to detect magical auras in the area, especially magical traps.
(Perception 15, looking and listen for trouble. Casting Detect Magic for the reasons mentioned above.)
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP20/20 d20+1=2 ; Thursday June 14th, 2012 11:11:43 PM
Grell peers into the darkness and whispers to Wilma "You ready to go back and get your stuff?" Perception=nat.1.
DM Kathy Friday June 15th, 2012 9:36:54 AM
When you arrive at the enclosure, Emrys detects for magical auras, but finds none. Vaniime examines the exterior and the gate, and finds both to be pretty straightforward. The gate's latch is a simple affair, set high enough so that a dog could not accidentally let himself out.
Gnowsy seems happy to be home. He still can't be said to run, really, but he moves briskly all around, sniffing excitedly.
Wilma and Grell stand guard while the others search for the incriminating "clues" that were left. The most obvious one is a sheaf of folded papers, which you didn't know to expect. Examining them, you find that they are class notes, in Grell's distinctive handwriting. He hadn't known they were missing because, quite frankly, he hasn't studied all week.
Finding the ring takes a little more effort, but at last you spot it gleaming dully in the dim light and are able to retrieve it. Finding the leather tie takes some time, but at last you uncover it and are ready to return to the Floop.
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 d20+7=14 ; Friday June 15th, 2012 4:33:46 PM
Even though they still have to make it back without being detected, Tuck feels a sense of relief. He is proud of himself and the others that they got this far.
"Let's shake it back to the Floop, guys," he whispers. "I'm sure he misses us." Tuck gives them a satisfied smile and nods his head.
Heading back, Tuck uses the same caution he did getting to the pen. No sense in getting busted coming back after successfully returning the dog.
Perception 14
OOC - Thanks Grell, for taking over Tuck next week. Have a good week everyone. Happy Father's day to those who are.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 Friday June 15th, 2012 6:22:51 PM
Thank Domi, all the stolen items are at the floor of the pen. Ariach is overjoyed to return home so soon. But the prospect of flying once again with the Floop makes him shiver.
In a low voice he turns to the others "And now- letīs go home. We have an important task ahead of us. If we remain steadfast tomorrow and win the competition for Maplehurst, we will hurt the conspirators more than any beating which we can give them."
DM Kathy Sunday June 17th, 2012 9:22:55 PM
Your "clues" in hand, you whisper good-byes to Gnowsy, close the gate, and make your way back to the Floop.
It's a little easier getting back to the Floop that it was finding Gnowsy's pen. There seems, somehow, to be more light. And are the stars starting to fade? They can't be! It can't be coming on for dawn so soon!
But it's spring, and dawn is coming earlier every day. You left Maplehurst late, and then you had to find your way here, and then you had to find the enclosure, and then you spent a long time turning up those "clues." And now, it is indeed almost dawn.
You cross the riding paddock and head back to the Floop. It is humming to itself, and doing an odd, hopping dance, which can't be doing the sofa legs any good.
"Finally!" says the goblin head when you arrive. "Now can we go for a drink?"
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 Monday June 18th, 2012 5:38:11 AM
Back at the Floop a great burden is lifted from Ariachīs shoulders. Together with his new friends he has actually managed to turn everything to good. Now it is all about winning the competition. To win the competition would honor his school and his family. The approaching sunrise noticing he recalls one of the wisdoms of ancient stories.
The sleep before a battle is decisive and decides between victory and defeat. Experienced warriors can sleep anywhere, anytime.
Although he still has a queasy feeling when it comes to flying he boards the first. Ariach is willing to do anything to win the coming battle. He commits himself to the rope, and makes himself comfortable on the sofa and a short time later you can hear a soft snoring.
Emrys (ac14, hp18) Monday June 18th, 2012 9:05:01 PM
"Yes, Mr Floop. Get us out of here and we will have that drink." Emrys loads up and takes a seat. He is thoroughly pleased with his friends and himself. "Job well done, friends!"
DM Kathy Monday June 18th, 2012 11:22:00 PM
You pile into the Floop. Emrys promises a drink.
"Great!" says the Floop. "But you'll have to tell me where. Not sure what will be open at this hour."
Once everyone is aboard, the Floop begins flapping its wings. It kicks up quite a storm of dust and loose grass, and you find yourself hoping that nobody at Gnowsy Thornton is looking in this direction. There may be enough light to see the cloud being created. Slowly, the Floop rises into the air.
Once you are airborne, Ariach takes the opportunity to get some shut-eye.
"All right, which way?" says the Floop.
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP20/20 Monday June 18th, 2012 11:36:46 PM
Grell grins at the mission accomplished, and then makes sure EVERYONE is tied back in before the Floop takes off. He tries to think of a place at Maplehurst where someone can snag a drink. Even though the mission was exhillarating, Grell feels a slight heaviness to his eyelids that reminds him that they haven't slept all night long. This will surely impact their performance tomorrow, but right now he doesn't care. He just sits back and throws his arms behind his head...happy in their success.
OOC: OMG...sorry...forgot to post tonight...it's my anniversary.
Tuck (subbed by Nellie) Monday June 18th, 2012 11:40:19 PM
Laughing at Grell, Tuck can't help but grin. After all, tomorrow was the big day...or was it today?! Tuck double checks his ropes and then hopes the flight is an uneventful one.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 Tuesday June 19th, 2012 2:39:24 AM
In the firm grip of fatigue Ariach begins to dream during his sleep. He dreams of the award ceremony. He dreams of the cheering for them as they are honored by lady Brightseeker and he dreams of a kiss Wilma breathes on his cheek as a reward for his perfomance. The latter makes him smile even in his sleep a little.
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Tuesday June 19th, 2012 1:06:09 PM
Vanime joins the others on the Floop and gets settled and then as someone give Floop the directions to go Back to maplehurst, she has a horrible thought.
"Um Guys, What if we get caught coming back on campus from being AWOL all night."
Emrys (ac14, hp18) Tuesday June 19th, 2012 10:17:29 PM
Emrys wonders to himself ... 'in all the good, green Wold, what does AWOL mean?' The bard knows a great many languages, and there are words in them all that comes close to the spelling, but don't make a lick of sense within the context of the sentence. He thinks, 'maybe it's druidic.'
"We can hope for the best circumstances. However, if our little expedition is discovered, we should be truthful. Our endeavor, although unsanctioned, was just and right."
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