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That's Gonna Leave a Mark


HEAR YE! HEAR YE! - DM Donna 
Monday May 13th, 2013 1:46:44 PM

The business side of adventuring is still being tended to by the various heroes, but life (as always) goes on even as they do so. For all the past week or so, the word has been spread throughout the area about a Very Important Town Meeting that is to take place at the All-Gods Temple this very evening. It is very easy for the adventurers to discern that something Very Important is going to be the topic of discussion, because the notification for all the citizens to attend this meeting has been broadcast using not only posters but also handbills, town criers and even a few messengers on horseback!

Cyniq has at least a healthy suspicion about what the topic of this Very Important town meeting is to be, since she had (quite logically) offered to help build a proper Court of Law/Justicar's residence by utilizing some very useful magic she has in her spellbooks, but the Dwarven Contingent of the Town Council has told her to belay her plans, as they (and the Stonehelm Company that sponsors Bryn Baraz) have plans of their own that are soon to be revealed.

Today is the day of the meeting, and Hope (the Innkeeper's daughter) is serving up a nice supper before everyone is supposed to go off and see what all the mystery is about. This would be the perfect time for Cyniq to share what little she knows (if she feels like it...)

Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) 
Monday May 13th, 2013 2:58:46 PM

OOC: I've decided to forego the belt upgrade for now and opt for a wand instead. Going back to the catacombs. Will post there.

IC: Alexi spends time with the temple clerics and visits with Ravael and family, making sure they are being properly taken care of. He also sends a few young men out to the range to make sure it and the animals are being seen too, fed and watered and such.

He then steps into the portal to the catacombs with his bag 'o gold.

Cyniq al'Lyz AC 16{20}/16{20}/13{17} -- CMD 13 -- HP 63/65 
Monday May 13th, 2013 4:58:02 PM

Isn't Hope the name of the innkeeper daughter in Cthonia?

Dusting some pencil shavings from her drawings, Cyniq heads for the inn and a long overdue meal before the town meeting.

She takes her time walking to the meeting place, taking the opportunity to listen to the small talk of the town folk.

Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) 
Monday May 13th, 2013 7:21:49 PM

OOC: perhaps, but Hope is also the name given to the innkeeper's daughter here by the previous DM.

Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) 
Monday May 13th, 2013 9:12:36 PM

Alexi pops back from the Catacombs carrying a narrow rectangular box with a fancy stick in it. At supper, he shows the wand to his friends.

"I've purchased us a Wand of Resist Energy. With this magic, I can protect us a bit from such spells as the gnome kept sending us."

Between bites he asks if anyone has heard what all the whooplah is all about to bring every one to a meeting. "I've never seen anything like this before. Must be something big. Real big."

Keela 
Monday May 13th, 2013 11:52:24 PM

[OOC: Yes, Hope is the name of the innkeeper's daughter in both Cthonia and Bryn Baraz. Because that's not confusing at all.]

Keela eats supper with her husband, but they come to the inn afterward for a mug of ale and a heaping helping of gossip. Keela doesn't hear anything new, though. Big meeting, things to discuss.

Else HP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 
Monday May 13th, 2013 11:54:40 PM

Else yawns as she trundles down the stairs of the inn, having enjoyed a very restful night's sleep. She smiles at the smell of breakfast wafting through the common room and seats herself at the table. "So any guesses as to this super-secret-hush-hush meeting? I think they are going to announce Bryn Baraz is now an anarchistic commune. What do you think?"

Sesha [AC 25 | HP 42/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] 
Monday May 13th, 2013 11:59:01 PM

Sesha spends her week in the company of various people. When company is offered, she accepts. When it is not, she spends her time in quiet communion with Pot-Pot and Little Spirit.

On the morn of the town meeting she finds a spot near the meeting place and waits, wondering who she might run into first.

Sesha [AC 25 | HP 42/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] 
Tuesday May 14th, 2013 12:00:04 AM

ooc:Else, with Anrete's modification to his request, could you have finished either the major or minor head band?

Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC31/Touch18/FF31, CMD 34), DR2] 
Tuesday May 14th, 2013 2:41:39 AM

Anrete spends his time at the kitchen giving comments and advice on Hope's cooking, generally making a nuisance of himself among the kitchen staff.

However, the big sword strapped across his back tend to keep the complaints to the minimum.

Else HP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 
Tuesday May 14th, 2013 8:14:10 AM

ooc: @Sesha - Since Anrete amended his request from an amulet of NA +3 to an amulet of NA +2, that drops the crafting days from 8 to 3. That gives me a maximum of 7 days of crafting, so I could have finished a lesser Vedik's circlet of focus in that time. Sounds fine to me.

Old Business, New Business - DM Donna 
Tuesday May 14th, 2013 12:52:45 PM

OOC: @Else: Please confirm exactly what you've managed to craft at the end of the down-time period by posting on this board.

The last of the captured booty has been sold off and/or given to the town's militia for their use, and Alexi shows off his newest Catacombs acquisition with no small amount of pride. The group's newest member, Else, also has items to display, proving that she is a very industrious sort of companion.

The scuttlebutt about the town includes the following snippets of gossip:

"Madra had a baby last month...but the child has blue eyes while both of the official parents have brown..."

"Jillian (the miller's daughter) has been seen in the company of Barran (the grocer's apprentice)..."

"Noises can often be heard coming from the Vynnyls' cottage at night. They fight like cats and dogs..."

"There has GOT to be a water elemental supplying the spring and stream that run through the town!"

"Valdor Dragonstone is coming to Bryn Baraz--but keep it quiet...it's a secret!"

"The Stonehelm Company is being sold to another mining conglomerate. We're all gonna be replaced with slave labor...!"

Else HP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 
Tuesday May 14th, 2013 4:31:18 PM

ooc: I am listing the actual elapsed time in parentheses for the magic item creation.

I have upgraded an amulet of natural armor +1 to an amulet of natural armor +2 for Anrete in 3 (1.5) days.

I have crated a lesser Vedik's circlet of focus for Sesha in 5 (2.5) days.

I have crafted 5 oil of poison in 1 (1) days.

Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) 
Tuesday May 14th, 2013 10:11:07 PM

Alexi pays little attention to the gossips and chuckles at the mention of a water elemental supplying water for the stream. He has seen the underground rivers of cold, cold water beneath the mines and all the original townsfolk saw them too.

The 'fight like cats and dogs' story reminds him how marriage can turn out to be and Alexi shudders a little, thankful its not him, yet.

"Yeah, I bet Stonehelm sold it to Al Mathir, just for grins," he mumbles.

He pulls out a couple of other things he got at the general store. "This Tanglefoot Bag may come in handy when we meet that gnome again, and I got another Thunderstone and a couple of acid flasks.

After supper, Alexi pollishes his armor a bit then heads over to the temple. He finds a spot in the back.

Keela 
Tuesday May 14th, 2013 10:32:07 PM

"Jillian...and Barran?" Keela says. "Well, there's no accounting for taste, I suppose."

She dismisses out of hand the notion that Valdor Dragonstone, for Alemi's sake, would be coming here. Although she does wonder how that one got started.

She chats with her friends and waits patiently for the meeting to start.

Come On Down..! - DM Donna 
Wednesday May 15th, 2013 4:28:00 AM

DM OOC: thank you, Else. Anrete and Sesha may consider their items as available for immediate use and should put them on their character sheets as soon as possible. If you're keeping your Poison potions, you may put them on your own CS as well.

Even as the ebb and flow of conversation both mundane and fantastic swirls about the heroes, the atmosphere within the Victory Inn is heavy with anticipation. Many of the patrons are also trying to guess what the subject of the meeting is all about. Everything from becoming the newest trading center in the Wold through to the town acquiring that water elemental to make sure that the stream never runs dry is suggested.

The unmistakable sound of a bell interrupts the various speakers: it is the bell housed at the All-Gods' Temple, summoning the citizenry to the announced meeting. Everyone at the public room of the inn streams outside, quickly making their way to the stone building, greeting friends and neighbors as they go. Soon the interior of the temple is jam-packed with people, all of them looking to the dais at the eastern end of the great hall. A familiar figure steps up to the simple stone podium--Garth Turnbuckle, the flinty but fair wagon-master-turned-unofficial-mayor of Bryn Baraz. He speaks of the events that have shaped the town:

Since winning back their territory from the Al-Mathir, Bryn Baraz has been steadily growing. The Stonehelm Company has been able to send at least one more major caravan so that the population of the settlement is now about nine-hundred-thirty people. The company even managed to arrange for an official justicar--here Garth waves a hand in the direction of Cyniq--as well as a contingent of sages from their respective guilds to come to Bryn Baraz, that the budding town can have officially-adjudicated legal procedures and even teachers to staff a school for the local children.

"Naturally, with all these new people," Garth points out, "Bryn Baraz is about bursting at the seams here--so the engineers at the mine have drawn up plans to excavate livable quarters from within the rocky cliffs that surround the town. We have Basal Quartzkin, here, who will oversee the excavation project..." The burly speaker yields the spotlight to an equally burly dwarf, who speaks brusquely.

"I need at least ten people to start with," Basal states, "Five people per shift, working two shifts during the daylight hours of each day. Anyone signing on to start this off will get first pick of any chambers we dig out of the cliffs." The murmur that stirs at this announcement buzzes around the crowd for a few moments after Basal has taken his seat again. Garth holds up his hands to silence the hall.

"Now, there are a few more announcements," the man says loudly, "The Sage Guild members will be using this temple to conduct classes beginning on...uh...when was that again..? Next Monday, right...?" After getting confirmation from Adelia Keepace, the new leader of the Sages Guild faction, Garth goes on:

"Anyhow, all non-adult members of the various races will be required to attend our new school," he booms out to the assembly, "We will be starting with a fairly light school week--three days a week at first, then up to five days a week once we can get the school its own location in the town. Those children who are apprentices to a craftmaster MUST have their master meet with Professor Keepace in order to provide proof that such apprentices will not benefit from schooling...and be warned: the Professor is considered by me to be the final judge of whether or not apprentices are excused from schooling. I do NOT want to have a lot of whiny craftspeople complaining to me because you think YOUR apprentice 'don't need no education'! We want Bryn Baraz to have the smartest citizens as well as talented ones!" There is earnest applause as many of the citizens nod and agree with this announcement.

"Now...are there any questions about the schooling or volunteering to do the excavation..?" Garth asks, looking expectantly around the great hall.

DM OOC again: this post is a bit earlier than normal. If any of the PCs have questions about the announcement, you can post them on the board. Right about 1pm Eastern time, I will make a "Part 2" post to address the questions and advance the plot a bit.


Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC31/Touch18/FF31, CMD 34), DR2] 
Wednesday May 15th, 2013 9:57:58 AM

Hearing the announcement, Anrete hurried off to the general store and purchased some miner's equipment (an everburning torch, a pick, and a shovel).

"Anrete is all ready to dig! Anrete hopes to find some big bad beast to fight while digging caves! But Anrete not so sure about school thou."

OCC:
Anrete wish to make one last trip to the catacomb and upgrade his greatsword to adamantine.

DM OOC: No problem. Don't forget to email me your receipt.

Cyniq al'Lyz AC 16{20}/16{20}/13{17} -- CMD 13 -- HP 63/65 
Wednesday May 15th, 2013 1:28:36 PM

What about mine? I have it posted last Friday, Amulet of Natural Armor +2, adding +2 Int to headband.

Cyniq steps forward, and nods to Basal I would be happy to lend my magic to this endeavor Master Quartzkin.

Turning to address Garth, I would like to take a moment and announce my services since we have so many here.

DM OOC: as long as you have your finances settled and note the changes on your CS, your items, too, are available to you in the upcoming adventure.



Wrapping Up the Meeting - DM Donna 
Wednesday May 15th, 2013 1:37:43 PM

After a bit of post-announcement questions and answers, Garth declares the meeting adjourned and offers everyone a free draught of the barley beer he's brought for the occasion, which practically everyone takes him up on. Basal Quartzkin approaches your group, specifically addressing Cyniq before Garth can respond to her.

"So, now ye know," the dwarf says to the justicar, "We'll be working on the north wall of the canyon to start with...there's an area near the mill we've already staked out to begin excavations. We'll be using manual labor at first--we're still not a hunnerd-percent sure that the mithril isn't in that part of the valley. We figure we can put forth a few exploratory tunnels to confirm that there's no mithril there. Once we're sure, we'll be happy to let you carve out your own courtroom and quarters."

"Pardon me..?" a voice politely interrupts. You turn to see a human male, perhaps in his mid-20's, with dark hair and eyes. He is pointedly looking at Basal.

"Yes?" the Stonehelm liason prompts.

"I'm Mark Avin," the young man says. "I want to sign us up for your excavation detail." He turns and beckons a pretty half-elf female over. "This is my fiancee, Petra Wittmoor. Her father is an archeologist back at the Floating City--we met while working on one of his dig sites." Basal turns to your group.

"Well, if you'll excuse me, then, I got business to tend to..." The dwarf nods and moves off with the couple, discussing the details of the excavation-to-be. Now the party can take Garth up on his offer of free beer! The evening ends on this upbeat and social note.

DM OOC: has everyone taken care of their downtime activities?

Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:8/12 CMD: 30] 
Wednesday May 15th, 2013 4:30:25 PM

Garret wanders around, watches and listens quietly as the town announces their plans. He whispers to Alexi, "You know, there's an awful lot of nasty things that have been stirred up around this town when people go cutting into the rock. I don't think this is going to end well... on the other hand, if this goes well, the town will grow, and I suppose we could just head out and be on our way somewhere else, eh?"

Keela 
Wednesday May 15th, 2013 5:06:10 PM

As the meeting is breaking up, Keela moves up to speak with Basal.

"I'm afraid I wouldn't be much help digging," she says with a little smile. "But I have a spell that might help carry the rubble away, if you're interested."

Cyniq al'Lyz AC 16{20}/16{20}/13{17} -- CMD 13 -- HP 63/65 
Wednesday May 15th, 2013 7:36:45 PM

Smiling at Keela, Cyniq joins in, Master Quartzkin, you may not realize, but transmuting the rock to mud would leave any mithral in place. And mucking mud out of a drift would be considerably easier, and safer, than drilling out solid rock. If the ground is unstable, then only mud gets squished by a cave in. In addition, I have a spell that can shape rock to reinforce and fill in any crevices, or cracks,a s well as compressing the walls to add structural integrity.

Cyniq pulls out her journal, eager to show her work, see, I spent several years studying arcane applications, including a year under Jaret Jamesun at the Star Tower. In fact, finding the page she wanted to, she folds out a drawing of her idea for a temple to Pantheon, which happens to second as a judicial building, and some modest personal rooms for herself, I'm writing my fourth book, I'm thinking of calling it "Arcane Engineering: A Study in the Transmutive Properties of Modern Build Materials." I'm hoping that the practical experience here will give me the last bit of data I need to complete the textbook.

The drawing she displays has a carved entry several stories in height for the temple and judicial building, with several interior rooms, a library, and a full courtroom. Above and to one side she displays a much smaller set of rooms facing the cliff with her idea for a small residence, which is similar to a generic residence she whipped up for mass development. Here is a water cistern, with some minor adjustments, this can be set to fill from any rainfall that comes down on top of the mesa, as well as these channels on the face of the cliff draw any additional runoff into the cistern. This cistern should easily support about 100 people for a month. This can also be refilled with a decanter of endless water. Notice the paired piping throughout the complex. One line, this blue one, provides fresh clean water to each residence, while this other line can carry waste to a collection pond outside the wall. Good fertilizer for the farmers there.

Sliding out another sheet, she unfolds it, here you can see how the cliff face can easily accommodate several small vertical gardens that will provide both supplemental food and aesthetics to the town.

Flushed after having an opportunity to express her ideas, she eagerly looks at Basal for his reaction.

Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) 
Wednesday May 15th, 2013 8:51:45 PM

OOC: Here's a question_ Skill points are fixed and only gained at leveling. If one were to spend time with a dwarf digging and learing tunneling, or with a sage studying a Knowledge subject, could a PC be awarded a +1 circumstance bonus on such skill to reflect that learning?

For example: Alexi will probably not go up any more as a Cleric and would prefer to spend skill points on warrior skills, but if he could get another +1 on some Knowledge subjects through study instead of spending a skill point, it would be great.

IC: Alexi ponders those words and thinks of the possibilities of having their headquarters embeded in the rock. Then the Earth Elemental comes to mind and realizes nothing is safe anywhere unless fully encased in lead. On the other hand....when would they ever find the time to do such digging? And he just barely started learning the wisdom of Domi and hasn't even scraped the top of the secrets of the planes and such, spenidng time with the sages sounded intriguing as well.

He'll have to ponder what to do in what off time they get. For now, he doesn't know.

DM OOC: hmm...interesting point. I shall take it up with the Powers-What-Is and let you know presently.

Else HP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 
Wednesday May 15th, 2013 11:20:10 PM

ooc: It's been a crazy few days. We're buying a house and moving. Sorry for lack of substantial posting.

Else listens carefully to the conversation, noting that her magic could be of great help in shaping the earth and stone near the town.

Sesha [AC 25 | HP 42/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] 
Thursday May 16th, 2013 12:14:10 AM

Seshsa is intrigued by the notion of humans living in rocks and tunnels. Her blood kin, the Drow, they had done it for centuries and had thrived. This announcement was unexpected, but she too could help in this matter.

She does not however, volunteer that aid. She is content to observe for now.

(OOC, yes, finished off-time activities thank you.)

Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:8/12 CMD: 30] 
Thursday May 16th, 2013 8:45:36 AM

The digging and tunneling into the rock doesn't interest Garret much. As the others talk about the various types and ways that the rock can be moved, Garret slips over to a high point on the walls to look out over the plains around the town. He watches the grass flowing in the breeze and looks to spot any birds flying around the area.

Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC31/Touch18/FF31, CMD 34), DR2] 
Thursday May 16th, 2013 11:52:37 AM

"Anrete wants to be paid for his labor!", the barbarian snorts.

First Impressions - DM Donna 
Thursday May 16th, 2013 3:17:46 PM

Cyniq remembers seeing Basal before--when she first apprised the Stonehelm contingent about what she wanted to do to create the area that would hopefully become Bryn Baraz's court (and her quarters.) He is supposed to be the youngest of the dwarves from the mining company. As she recalls, he looked rather bored during the meeting and she assumed that he'd slipped out sometime during her talk because he wasn't there when she finished.

However, today he listened to her more detailed outline and blinked when she produced her drafts.

"A moment, if you please...?" Basal says to Mark Avin, who nods and moves a few steps away. The dwarf turns to the justicar.

"I'm going to be honest with ye," he says, "I would rather be mining the mithril that we know about in the southeastern mining site...but...I was given the duty to make sure that this excavation project to make more dwellings for Bryn Baraz isn't going to come across more mithril. Any mithril in this area is to be mined by the Stonehelm Company only. I am supposed to assume that I'll be finding mithril, even though our own strata experts are danged sure that it's probably not in that particular section of the canyon. My clan's tradition says that we are supposed to explore an unknown area using our own physical labor...no magic. I am going to do the initial excavation without using magic." Once again he eyes the plans and formulas on the parchments Cyniq has presented.

"However...this is danged impressive, lass..so I'll make ye a deal...if, in three weeks, I find no signs of the mithril vein in the excavation site, I'll be satisfied that there's none there at all and report as such to the company. After that, anyone in Bryn Baraz can dig into that wall of the canyon with our blessing...and I'll get back to mining mithril like I'm s'pposed to be doing." Basal then switches his attention to Else.

"As I told the lass here," he repeats, "My clan tradition says no magic until we know what we're likely to find in a new mining area. Three weeks from now, I'll be happy to let ye both use all the magic ye want."



Cyniq al'Lyz AC 16{20}/16{20}/13{17} -- CMD 13 -- HP 63/65 
Thursday May 16th, 2013 5:42:21 PM

For 50 gold, you could have a masterwork tool giving you a +2 circumstance bonus. Can ye craft the tool? Don't see why not, though it is mundane. and may take a bit of time.

Your suggestion is in line with how those tools are supposed to work. For the stated price, you have written, copied, borrowed a written document that covers Dwarven Mining Techniques. This tool provides a +2 circumstance bonus on anything related to dwarven mines. Another 'book' might provide the bonus on Know:geography as a text on "The Great Plains: The Dirt and Rock Under." Another might provide a bonus to Know:planes/elementals, that one is called "The Dummies Guide to Elementals. How to avoid denizens of the four elemental planes." Know:Nature gets a bonus from "Flaura and Fauna of the Arete. What not to eat."


Keela 
Thursday May 16th, 2013 6:14:38 PM

Keela tries not to let it bother her that the dwarf had replied to Sesha and Cyniq, but not to her. She tries again.

"Well, digging is one thing, but hauling is something else again. I have a spell that could help with the hauling, if you are interested."

Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2] 
Thursday May 16th, 2013 9:52:53 PM

Anrete eyes the dwarf before remarking, "So dwarf no use enchanted tools?"

The barbarian strokes his enchanted greatsword lovingly.

OOC:
DM Donna, just emailed u Anrete new purchases from catacomb. Not a new sword, but new armor spikes and glamered enchantment for his armor.

Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) 
Thursday May 16th, 2013 10:21:11 PM

Alexi looks at Garret and says in a fake shock of surprise, "You mean that it is possible that Bryn get too big for its britches and just put us out to pasture?" He then belts out a good laugh. "You don't like crowds, huh. We'll, I don't like them all that much either. All thse new folk don't know how it was in the beginning and the young ones will soon forget Al Mathir."

He ponders that thought for a moment then snaps his fingers. "We need an annual Al Mathir Day, with a parade and a re-enactment of the battle to remind everyone what happened for generations to come. We can use our Hats of Disguise to resemble the Al Mathir lizards and mock duel's like you did on that fateful day.

YES! THAT'S IT! I'll go see Garth about picking a day and declaring it Al Mathir Day!"


Alexi is off at a brisk pace and catches Garth and makes his proposal.

OOC: By the way, did I send you the piece where it states that Garth is the representative of the other mine investors? Durak owns 40% of the mine, Garth represents the other 60%.

Else HP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 
Thursday May 16th, 2013 11:43:23 PM

Else gives a sheepish grin and a slight shrug. "I don't know much about caves and mining. While as a druid I'm committed to loving and caring for all the wonderful variety of nature, there just aren't that many growing things down in the belly of the earth. Mostly mushrooms and fungus, and they tend to be a grumpy sort. You would think that they would have all sorts of deep wisdom and insight. They live for a really long time, since they don't depend on sunlight. But no, they are just mean and impatient when anyone tries to talk with them." She shakes her head. "But anyway, I don't think I will be much help, since they are keen to not use any magic. But I think I can help out these townfolk in a different way."

Else walks to the center of Bryn Baraz and looks around in a circle. "Right about here should be good." She rests her staff against her shoulder and cracks her knuckles. Taking her staff in both hands, she raises it vertically as far as she can reach and speaks aloud. "Ako motawag sa mga panalangin sa kinaiyahan sa ibabaw niini nga yuta. Hinaut nga ang yuta nga tabunok, aron ang mga tanom nga lunhaw, ug ang mga tubig nga putli." She drops her staff to the earth with a sharp thud. Her eyes crackle with green lightning and a pulse of pale green light explodes from her like an expanding bubble, washing over Bryn Baraz and dissipating just as quickly. She smiles and wipes her brow. "Whew! That one's a doozy. Things should be a little easier around here come harvest time. My magic will help their crops to grow much more quickly than with sunshine and rain alone."

ooc: Else casts plant growth. The spell effect targets plants within a range of a half-mile, raising their potential productivity over the course of the next year to one-third above normal. It should significantly improve their food-stores.

Second Impressions - DM Donna 
Friday May 17th, 2013 1:20:29 PM

DM OOC: my apologies to Keela--I'm sure that Basal would have noticed and replied to her the first time she spoke--his lack of response is an oversight on the DM's part, I assure you!

Sesha looks on as the conversation continues.

"Ye have a point there, lass," Basal agrees with Keela, then glances Anrete's way, adding: "Hauling the excavated stuff away can be considered a separate task, and, yes, my race does use magic to make mining easier--it's just that my clan has a tradition to start all our excavations without using spells or enchanted items...not until we are sure about the traits of the dig. That part will take a mere three weeks at most. Now...if ye'll excuse me, I have some labor to recruit..." With this, the excavation manager gives a nod and a bow and goes to speak to young Mark Avin.

Garth listens to Alexi's idea about commemorating the heroes' victory over Al Mathir and nods in approval.

"Sounds like a great idea...we need to make that the topic of the next town meeting..!" he says enthusiastically, extending a hand and offering Alexi a tankard of beer.

OOC: @Alex: no, I had been under the impression that the town and the mine were sponsored by the Stonehelm Mining Company alone. However, the town charter does state that, within the territory designated as Bryn Baraz, the dwarf contingent representing Stonehelm have the first pick at mining or excavating whatever there may be.

Else's show of magical prowess draws "ooohs", "ahhhhs" and applause from the townspeople attending the meeting.

And last (but not least) Garret's sightseeing is calm and serene.

Else HP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 
Friday May 17th, 2013 1:35:12 PM

Else questions her companions, the townsfolk, and the dwarven miners [and the DM]. "Does anyone in Bryn Baraz have talent in crafting traps?"

Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2] 
Friday May 17th, 2013 1:53:22 PM

Anrete returns from his catacombs trip without his signature plate armor. Instead, the usually heavily armored barbarian is now attired in a some-what tattered looking robe with bits of furs and bones sticking out. However, his massive zwei-hander "Pazzy" aka "Cake-cutter" is still slung across his back.

Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2] 
Friday May 17th, 2013 1:55:04 PM

"Anrete can prepare the baits! Anrete is very good in whipping up tasty treats for traps!", Anrete nods wisely.

"But Anrete can't build traps."

Cyniq al'Lyz AC 16{20}/16{20}/13{17} -- CMD 13 -- HP 63/65 
Friday May 17th, 2013 2:18:23 PM

With a little time, I could do a passable job on some traps. If you want something really elaborate, best seek a professional. I hear kobolds are pretty good at them. Cyniq adds as she folds up her drawings and plans.



Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:8/12 CMD: 30] 
Friday May 17th, 2013 3:27:01 PM

Garret watches Else's show with interest. When she is done, he quickly looks over to the grass to see if it has grown any. Then he turns back to Else and asks, "But what of your large flower-friend. Would this be like a special dessert or a large mug of ale to her?"

When Garret spots Anrete, he steps over to him and looks him up and down. He says, "What? No armor? Perhaps you are coming around to the wise ways of battle, no?" He smiles and winks.

When Alexi talks of Al-Mathir day and gets all excited, Garret just smiles and watches him run away to get it all set up. Garret again thinks of the small town and how much the town has grown. He takes a short walk outside the gates and around the walls, looking back at the town from the outside, but he looks again back to the wide open spaces and starts to wonder if it is time to move along and wander more. He doesn't seem fit to stay in one place for such a long time, and indeed, not since he was small has he stayed so long in one place; not since his times as a boy in the Windbourne Hills...

Sesha [AC 25 | HP 42/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] 
Saturday May 18th, 2013 2:50:14 AM

Sesha is surprised by Alexi's declaration of an Al-Mathir day. It is however, a good idea.

"That is a great idea Alexi. The young should always try to learn what they can of their blood-kin. That helps them decide if where they come from should be a part of who they are. It took much learning of the Drow before I decided that they had some claim to my soul."

When she has the time, Sesha decided to make a small visit to the camp of the Sages. She looks for their leader and asks a question.

"I know a little of the Sages guild. They have a settlement in It'lal I believe. I understand that there are certain of you with specialties in a given field of study. Which fields of study are represented here? "

Keela 
Saturday May 18th, 2013 11:59:35 AM

Keela is impressed by Sesha's show of magic. "A whole year?" she says. "None of my spells last that long. Well, except that some of them are permanent. But this will be a big help to everybody."

When the excavation project starts, Keela is on hand to cast and direct Unseen Servants to haul the rocks away.

Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) 
Saturday May 18th, 2013 9:20:03 PM

OOC: The Stonehelm Mining company is the owner, and Durak is a member of the company, a 40% share owner. Garth was sent with the caravan by the other dwarven owners, the other 60%, and as such represents them in all matters, particularly with respect to the town. He doesn't get invovled with the mine, as such, as he doesn't know much of mining. I can pull the quote up for you if you need it.

IC: Alexi is elated that the town will now have their first celebratory occasion marked.

When the digging starts, Alexi approaches Cyniq with an idea. "When the homes are actually started being carved into the mountain, make plans for secret escape tunnels leading into the mine proper. That way, if necessary, the people in the homes can be evacuated to that chamber under the mines that has that underground river. That is where we evacuated the people the first time.

He then takes Cyniq to the mine and asks permission for a tour to the water pool chamber.

OOC: DM's, if you need the referrence for this part of the mines, I'll post it.

Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2] 
Sunday May 19th, 2013 4:06:11 AM

Anrete smiles at the halfling monk and taps on his robe. Clink clink His robe is feels like a pretty tough piece of metal.

"Anrete berserker! Should not look like knight like Alexi."

And the Beat Goes On - DM Donna 
Monday May 20th, 2013 1:13:44 AM

Garth, after hearing about Basal's insistence about not using magic in the exploratory excavation project, shrugs philosophically.

"I heard some of them dwarves have their own set of superstitions," he says as you all stand by the keg dispensing the drinks. "Some clans insist on having their cleric bless the site first, and some clans insist on having a ceremony to hang up 'lucky goblin ears' or some such before they start mining. Basal's lot never use magic until they're sure they know what's in the area. Go figure."

The rest of the evening is full of socializing and gossipy townsfolk. A good time is had by all and everyone goes home feeling like the town is on the cusp of great new things. The heroes spend the next few days finishing up their personal projects and checking in with Basal every once in a while to see if he's changed his mind about allowing magic help with the excavation, but the dwarf holds fast to his superstition.

One morning, days after the town meeting, there is an urgent knock on the door to each hero's quarters. A harried-looking town guard looks at you and says:

"You need to come see Garth--now!"

The messenger looks quite earnest and agitated.

DM OOC: in case your PC isn't quartering at the Victory Inn, the messenger would likely be knocking on your cabin's door--basically, each PC has been woken up/interrupted just before breakfast time.

Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) 
Monday May 20th, 2013 10:12:56 AM

Alexi notices Anrete's new 'clothes' and a passerby chuckles as he tells Alexi that he overheard the barbarian's comments on not wanting to look like an armored civilized knight.

Alexi grins and pulls out and dons his Hat of Disguise, making himself look like a wild, dishieveled, buck-toothed, animal skin clad, hairy, warty barbarian.

"Anrete, what you not like way I look? Dey ain't nutting wrong wiff me. I look fine 'n dandy.

After a bit more fun he puts the hat away and goes back to looking like his normal self.

Alexi is already getting up when the insisten knock on his door brings the word from Garth.

Expecting some discontent from the diggers due to Durak's overbearing personality, Alexi grumbles as he heads towards Garth's office, "Do I need to bring my knoggin'-bonker? Can't people just dig in peace?"

Sesha [AC 25 | HP 42/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] 
Monday May 20th, 2013 11:54:12 AM

(ooc: See my saturday post please all mighty Donna!)

Sesha, who usually keeps late nights and late mornings, sighs loudly as she is woken by the messenger. Flipping blankets off, she rolls out of bed and dresses hastily. Pattering downstairs she waits for the others before setting off with the group.

Else HP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 
Monday May 20th, 2013 12:41:53 PM

ooc: DM DONNA - I sent you an email. Did you see my post about finding a trapmaker? Thanks.

DM OOC: sorry about that--I forgot to add that nobody in town has come forward to admit that they can craft traps for a living (yet.) Perhaps it is because Else is still a rather new arrival in spite of her very public show of support for the community.

Keela 
Monday May 20th, 2013 1:31:58 PM

Keela and Jack are just finishing breakfast when the messenger arrives.

"Just leave the dishes soaking in the sink," Keela says, kissing Jack good-bye. "I'll do them when I get back."

Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:8/12 CMD: 30] 
Monday May 20th, 2013 8:47:10 PM

As soon as the knock is heard, Garret is quickly and quietly on his feet. He opens the door as the messenger is starting to knock a second time. He receives the message with a simple nod of the head. He checks to be sure that the others in the Inn are awake and headed out before he moves along with them towards the mining operation.

Cyniq al'Lyz AC 16{20}/16{20}/13{17} -- CMD 13 -- HP 63/65 
Monday May 20th, 2013 9:09:00 PM

sigh, fine, I'm coming! grumbling to herself, Cyniq opens the door, where? before breakfast I take it? Give me a minute. Without waiting for a response, she closes the door and quickly dresses. glad I don't need to don armor...

Slinging her bag over her shoulder, she buckles her sword belt as she heads off.

Mornin' Garett, any ideas?

I Have Called You All Here Today... - DM Donna 
Tuesday May 21st, 2013 3:18:58 AM

As soon as everyone arrives at Garth's humble cottage, the burly human dismisses the messengers. Once he and the party are the only ones in the room, he turns a harried-looking face towards you.

"I've just been informed that one of the excavators on the project has turned up dead at the site," Garth tells you without preamble, "Apparently the morning crew arrived for their usual shift and discovered the body already there. Right now I have guards at the excavation site so that nobody on that crew is unsupervised and the crime scene remains secured. I need for you to quickly, quietly and--above all else--thoroughly investigate the matter."

Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2] 
Tuesday May 21st, 2013 3:27:03 AM

Anrete grins and nods approvingly at Alexi, "Ye looks better warty and dirty! Better than almighty ramrod knight!"

~

"Why ye wake up Anrete? Anrete is no investigator! Anrete just bash people! Find Anrete when ye find some criminal for Anrete to slay!"

The barbarian grumbles as he rubs the sleep from his eyes.

Cyniq al'Lyz AC 16{20}/16{20}/13{17} -- CMD 13 -- HP 63/65 
Tuesday May 21st, 2013 9:53:30 AM

Batting her eyelashes, Cyniq looks up at Anrete, well I for one would love to have a big hunky basher of evil watching my back while I investigate. Think of it as a protective detail? Cyniq smiles and turns to Garth, what do you know about where and how far in they had been digging?

Official(ish) Responses - DM Donna 
Tuesday May 21st, 2013 10:59:49 AM

DM OOC: Just advancing the story a teeny bit...next official DM post will be tomorrow.

"At this point," Garth responds to Cyniq's questions, "You know about as much as I do. I was awakened by the frantic knocking at my door. It was Jillian...she's the miller's daughter, you know...she had been delivering bread when Basal interrupted her and gave her this parchment to deliver to me..." He holds up the piece in question.

"All he told her was that she had to run and give the message to me because it was a matter of life or death...so she ran here as fast as she could and gave me the letter." Garth hands it to Cyniq, who unfurls the parchment to read (written in strong strokes):

The morning shift has arrived to find a dead body in one of the new tunnels. I will keep everyone in the site tent, but you must send guards to make sure the body remains undisturbed until the Justicar can assemble a team of investigators to probe the scene.

Basal Quartzkin


"I sent Jillian to fetch me the officer on watch," Garth says as the letter is inspected, "He is supposed to have dispatched some guards to the site so that everything there is secure."

Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:8/12 CMD: 30] 
Tuesday May 21st, 2013 11:22:12 AM

Garret nods at Anrete and says to Garth, "Why would you call us? Is there reason to suspect anything wrong? Perhaps the fellow died from natural causes or a simple accident. Is there more to this than you're letting on? We're not going to be happy if you've got us walking into something that's more dangerous and you know about it..."

Sesha [AC 25 | HP 42/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] 
Tuesday May 21st, 2013 12:12:01 PM

(ooc: Asked a question about the sages guild to whoever can answer. What studies are represented there? Do they have a specialist for every field listed in their organisation chart?)

DM OOC: specific studies haven't been detailed for the Sages Guild--but this is because the DMs haven't worked it out (yet). Their mission here is to record the history of Bryn Baraz as it unfolds, to study any artifacts and/or phenomena that are found in the area and to give the local children basic education. Is there a specific field of study you have in mind..?

Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) 
Tuesday May 21st, 2013 3:16:03 PM

"You mean Durak let these people dig unsupervised? These people are farmers, ranchers, bakers, and such. What do they know of digging tunnels? Sounds like the old Durak to me. More interested in the mine than the ones that feed him.

Well, the only way to know if some pebble fell from the ceiling and killed him or some other natural or unatural event is the cause is to go see the place. Let's just keep from tromping all over the site. Maybe one of us with good eyes can slowly fly through the tunnel first and look for tracks."


Spells:
Domain Protection: 1st Sanctuary ___
Domain Strength: 2nd Bull's Strength ___

Orisons: 4 DC: 12
___ Detect Poison; ___ Light; ___Resistance; ___ Stabilize

Level 1: 4 (2+Wis) DC:13
___Bless; ___ Cure Light Wounds; ___ Protection from Chaos/Evil; ___ Shield of Faith;

Level 2: 3 (1+Wis) DC: 14
___Bear's Endurance; ___ Cure Moderate Wounds; ___ Sound Burst;

Keela 
Tuesday May 21st, 2013 6:01:18 PM

"We don't know for sure that this fellow died in the mine," Keela points out. "It's always possible he died elsewhere and was brought there for some reason. But it looks like we won't know much of anything until we go investigate."

Keela makes sure to cast her extended Mage Armor spell before setting out.

Sesha [AC 25 | HP 42/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] 
Tuesday May 21st, 2013 8:02:36 PM

(ooc: Well, I would like for Sesha to start learning a little about the Little God. It would be nice if a religious instructor was there who might be able to help her find out about Serenbeth, even though Sesha doesnt know her by that name. Also she is a skilled Alchemist, and might consider joining in such a capacity.)

DM OOC: I have no doubt that there are at least one or two Sages that can help Sesha with her personal goals...after the current adventure.

Cyniq al'Lyz AC 16{20}/16{20}/13{17} -- CMD 13 -- HP 63/65 
Tuesday May 21st, 2013 9:26:39 PM

Assumptions get us nowhere, lets go see the body. We will have to check the mine shaft. Have we a cleric to facilitate learning anything from the deceased's spirit? Cyniq nods to Garth, thank you for not disturbing the site. We'll head there now.

Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) 
Tuesday May 21st, 2013 10:55:33 PM

Alexi follows Cyniq to the tunnel entrance. "If he was killed and then brought in, there should be signs of that, so take care where you tromp."

Else HP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 
Tuesday May 21st, 2013 11:10:42 PM

"If you would pardon me, I will go meditate and prepare a spell that may be useful. It will allow me to speak with the earth itself to aid us in our investigation. It is a costly spell, and I will only use it if necessary."

ooc: Meditate for spells and swap stone tell.

(Some of You) To The Cave! - DM Donna 
Wednesday May 22nd, 2013 3:05:28 AM

"One of the clerics at the temple might have that spell handy," Garth responds to Cyniq's inquiry, "I'll get in touch and ask them as soon as possible. Meanwhile, you had best go start your investigation."

Else opts to leave the initial investigation and go meditate for spells. DM OOC: Else will be unavailable for the next hour in-game. Don't forget to post her revised spell list in a DM Only post. (Oh, and the other spellcasters of the party should also post what spells they will have available to them for this part of the adventure.)

Everyone else hastily makes their way to the excavation site on the northern wall of the canyon. As you approach, you see that there are a number of sawhorses arranged in front of the cave-like entrance into the site itself. A lone guard stands by the entrance, too.

"The workers are all in the tent," the guard tells you, nodding to the large, square shelter set up nearby. "I'm keeping the excavation itself secure--there's another guard in the tent with the workers." This, however, is the extent of any knowledge of the specifics of what has happened so far, as Garth gave him orders to do nothing more than keep everyone else except the heroes out of the excavation site.

Inside the tent is another member of the town guard, who nods acknowledgement and reports the following:

"Garth ordered me to keep everyone here under surveillance. Nobody has spoken to me nor to each other while I was here." At this point, Basal stands up from where he was sitting by a desk.

"As soon as it became apparent that there was a body in one of the tunnels, I ordered everyone out of the site. I happened to see that miller's girl making her deliveries and I told her she needed to deliver a message to Garth right away. We all came in here, where I dashed off the letter. She left with it, but we have all been in sight of each other (and the cave entrance) until the town guards arrived." He looked around at the other excavators.

"Nobody has been allowed to speak to each other for all this time," Basal says firmly. "So...what do you want to do first?"

Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2] 
Wednesday May 22nd, 2013 5:49:16 AM

Anrete smiles broadly at Cyniq, "Ok. Anrete be bodyguard for pretty elf-girl!"

The wiry barbarian in robes stands close to the elven justicar as she begins her investigation, giving menacing growls as needed.

-----------------------------------
OOC:

Anrete is a skinny and short barbarian with a very big sword. So Cyniq should be looking down at him instead of up. Haha. He is only 5 feet 7, while Cyniq is 6 feet.

Keela 
Wednesday May 22nd, 2013 11:02:20 AM

"I'll check for magical auras," Keela says. She doesn't expect to find any, not after so much time had elapsed, but she feels she should at least look.

She casts a Detect Magic and checks the mine entrance, and the tent, for magical auras.

Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 20 -- HP 65/65 Spells Active: Detect Scrying  d20+16=24 ; d20+16=20 ; d20+16=31 ; d20+16=17 ; d20+16=36 ; d20+16=19 ; d20+16=23 ; d20+16=29 ; d20+16=20 ; d20+16=26 ;
Wednesday May 22nd, 2013 1:40:50 PM

Cyniq smiles at Keela, thanks, Keela. Let's set up a table over there. I'll interview each of you one-by-one. After the initial interviews I may have additional questions. While I am doing that, would you take a look at the body Alexi?

Cyniq takes another look around, we'll have them wait over there after my first interview. Gesturing to Anrete, I will be focusing on the interview so I will need you to watch my back, and I thank you.

Cyniq settles herself down at a table and summons an unseen servent. Handing a journal and pen to the servent she instructs the servant to record each conversation. She then unbuckles the holy symbol of Pantheon from her jacket and lays it on the table before her.
Once the first person is brought out, Hello, my name is Cyniq al'Iyz, Justicar in the service of Pantheon. You have the right to be heard fairly. you do not have the right to silence. Placing her hand on Pantheon's gavel, she invokes the Test of Truth and begins her questioning.

Each is asked:

State your name and occupation. Date of arrival in Bryn Baraz. Prior place of residence. When did you come on shift? What did you observe last night. Have you seen anything else unusual. What was your relationship with the deceased? Were you aware of any problems with the deceased? How did the deceased get along with the workers? What question have I not asked that I should have?

And my sense motive rolls for Truth Test: (10 rolls)24, 20, 31, 17, 36, 19, 23, 29, 20, 26.

Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:8/12 CMD: 30] 
Wednesday May 22nd, 2013 7:11:12 PM

As the others set up for the questioning, Garret speaks to Alexi and says, "Guess we can go take a look. I'm guessing its just an old fellow whose heart gave out and we're wasting our time here."

Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) 
Wednesday May 22nd, 2013 8:55:51 PM

"Well, Garrett, if it turns out to be that simple, then that would be most unusual, as around here the odd things are most common.," Alexi replies.

At the entrance, Alexi takes out his Everburning Torch and inspecs the ground in the first ten feet, notting the number of different footprints.

"Walk along the edge of the path so we know exactly where we've stepped," he comments to Garrett.

Take 20 on Perception to note the different boot/shoe/foot prints: 28

Orisons: 4 DC: 12
___ Detect Poison; ___ Light; ___Resistance; ___ Stabilize

Level 1: 4 (2+Wis) DC:13
___Bless; ___ Cure Light Wounds; ___ Protection from Chaos/Evil; ___ Shield of Faith;

Level 2: 3 (1+Wis) DC: 14
___Bear's Endurance; ___ Cure Moderate Wounds; ___ Sound Burst;



Else HP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 
Wednesday May 22nd, 2013 11:29:26 PM

Meditation... meditation....

ooc: DM - Please let me know when one in-game hour has passed.

Also, can Sandy fit inside the tunnels?

Sesha [AC 25 | HP 42/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] 
Thursday May 23rd, 2013 2:53:44 AM

Sesha tags along behind Alexi and Garret, wondering which would prove to be correct. Considering how hectic her first day was, she wasn't sure she wanted a difficult misadventure quite yet.

Separate Ways - DM Donna 
Thursday May 23rd, 2013 3:59:28 AM

Keela's spell reveals no magic at the entrance to the excavation.

Garret and Alexi confer a moment about what might be the situation, then carefully enter the excavation site, accompanied by Sesha. The first ten feet of the tunnel going in features rough-hewn walls and ceiling that are about ten feet wide and between ten to twelve feet in height. The ground is strewn with very grainy sand and numerous tracks that include humanoid footprints, wheel tracks from some sort of cart and/or wheelbarrow, and the hoofprints of a horse or mule. The tracks variously enter and exit the tunnel. The tunnel runs north about sixty to seventy feet before ending in a T-intersection that has tunnels branching off to the west and to the east. Every fifteen feet or so an iron bracket holding a burning torch has been set into the wall of the tunnel, alternating east and west to the end of the tunnel. There is an opening about thirty feet from the entrance that looks to be another tunnel in the east wall of the passage.

(For a visual, go to the excavation site document and look on the second page of the document. NOTE: the diagram there is NOT to scale, but it should give you a good idea of how the excavation is laid out.)

None of the investigating trio hear, see, smell or feel anything unusual...so far.

Anrete magnanimously stands guard as Cyniq prepares to question the people assembled and her Unseen Servant is poised with pen at the ready. Just before she can indicate the one she wishes to interview first, Basal Quartzkin holds up a finger.

"Ah, pardon me, Justicar," he says, "Do you think it's wise to speak to us with everyone else present? I took the time and trouble to make sure that none of us spoke at all to the others in order to prevent anyone from possibly...um...'tailoring' their testimony...you know...so that the guilty party--IF they are amongst us--can't 'fix' their own alibi by using the statements of the others to hide their guilt."

"Hey! What are you saying, dwarf???" one of the males demands angrily, his cobalt eyes flashing. "We don't got nuthin' to hide!"

"I have never been anything other than honest!" complains the only gnome in the group.

"It's...it's bad enough h-he's g-gone..." sobs a woman who looks familiar to the party members, "...but you don't...don't...have to be s-so...m-m-mean..."

Perception Roll for everyone in the tent: beat DC12 to recognize the half-elf female as the one who had been one of the first to sign on to the excavation detail after the Very Important Town Meeting last week.

Basal ignores the outbursts and looks pointedly at Cyniq, waiting for her response.

Back at her quarters, Else quickly falls into her meditative state.

DM OOC: yes, I will let you know when Else's meditation is over. Expect some email from me about Sandy.



Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:8/12 CMD: 30]  d20+21=37 ; d20+21=28 ;
Thursday May 23rd, 2013 9:40:42 AM

As the group steps into the tunnel, Garret starts to get a little more nervous. He does move along the sides of the tunnel, almost unintentionally slipping into the shadows (stealth: 37). He lets Alexi take the lead and he whispers, "Actually, this doesn't seem so innocent now," as he eyes the darkness and shadows carefully (Perception: 28).

Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2]  d20+16=33 ; d20+12=22 ; d20+13=16 ;
Thursday May 23rd, 2013 12:19:59 PM

"Guilty until proven innocent! Anrete be watching!", Anrete bellows at the crowd as he stands beside Cyniq awaiting her instructions.

-----------------------------------------------
Perception: 33
Sense Motive: 22
Intimidate: 16

Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 20 -- HP 65/65 Spells Active: Detect Scrying  d20+18=24 ;
Thursday May 23rd, 2013 12:43:52 PM

I guess I wasn't clear that 'over there' was away from the others, based on your map (what are you using to make it?),

DM Response: I've edited the Excavation Overhead map on Google Docs to include the answer to that question.

over there would be the other side of the mine shaft from the tent, at least 50' from where the group is held. Now for a fix... (just how many people are there to interview?


Quite right Mr. Basal. I just needed to know which one to interview first. I think that one, the one sweating would be a good start. Cyniq points to one of the miners and stands up to move to where she will actually conduct the interviews, having already gotten a first impression from the miners. Those protesting the loudest will wait the longest.

Perc: 24

Keela 
Thursday May 23rd, 2013 1:51:13 PM

Having checked the entrance, Keela moves to the tent, discreetly scanning the crowd to see if anyone bears a magical aura.

DM OOC - DM Donna 
Thursday May 23rd, 2013 4:45:02 PM

(Not an "official" post, but one to clarify previous posts.)

First: no, "over there" isn't good enough for the DM to read your mind that you meant somewhere outside the tent. Now that Cyniq has stated a completely separate location is to be used, you may have the following information:

Basal gives Cyniq a rough map of the excavation site. The map indicates that there is a fifteen-foot square chamber that branches off the entry tunnel (it's the opening halfway down the passage that Garret and Alexi are currently looking at; the excavation site diagram has been updated.) All Cyniq needs to do is to indicate if she is going to use the tent for her interrogations or will she relocate to the chamber?

Second: the five people to be questioned are as follows:

Basal Quartzkin, male dwarf; compact in build and sporting a chest-long beard. His hair is iron gray and his eyes are obsidian.

A male gnome; he has wide ash-gray eyes. His fine, fly-away, chalk-white hair is worn in a style that reminds you of a drifting cloud. He's got a moustache. He is short and has a graceful build. His skin is white. He has a bulbous nose and high cheekbones. (He was verbally protesting.)

A male human--although he might have some elven blood in him. He has large green eyes that are like two clumps of moss. His thick, curly, shoulder-length hair is the color of mahogany, and is worn in a low ponytail. He is very tall and has a broad-shouldered build. His skin is ruddy. He has thin lips and a neatly-trimmed goatee.

A half-elf female with eyes the color of chestnuts. Her hair is clipped so that a mop of short curls cluster atop the crown of her head, with the hair practically shaved to the skin on the back and sides of her skull, exposing the pointed ears that mark her as one with elven blood. (As stated earlier, if your PC beats DC12, you recognize her as being one of the first people to volunteer for the excavation detail.)

Another human male; he has cobalt-blue eyes. His silky, straight, black hair is worn in a style that reminds one of a cascading waterfall. He has an angular build. His skin is cream-colored. He has large hands. (He was verbally protesting.)

Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28)  d20+8=19 ;
Thursday May 23rd, 2013 9:00:17 PM

"A bit skittish there, Garrett?" Alexi chuckles.

Having had a good look at the footprints and wheelbarrow marks, Alexi continues down the tunnel untl the tunnel splits, carefully looking at the prints. What he is looking for he's not sure, but any anomally in the prints might mean something. A drag mark, even short one, might mean something too. Or a print that's in the tunnels but not at the entrance certainly would mean something. So he keeps looking, glad that he has his Everburning Torch, a steadier light source than the flickering torches on the walls.

Perception +8 = 19

Else HP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 
Thursday May 23rd, 2013 9:26:24 PM

Continues meditation...

Clues and Interviews - DM Donna 
Friday May 24th, 2013 2:41:57 AM

Everyone in the tent with Cyniq and the ever-alert (and dangerous-looking!) Anrete is waiting to hear if the interviews are to be conducted in the tent...or in the man-made cave..?

Keela's spell to see if anyone in the tent has any magic or spells going only reveals that Anrete and Cyniq are showing up red-hot on her radar...the excavators (and the town guardsman standing over them) are all non-magical.

Garret, Alexi and Sesha continue to see, hear, smell and feel nothing unusual within the stillness of the tunnel they are carefully traversing. When Alexi draws abreast to the opening in the tunnel wall, he glances down a passageway that is a lot like the one his little group is walking: rough-hewn, about ten feet wide and also ten-ish or so feet tall. The torch behind him gives off enough light that he can see that the east-running passage goes about 25 or 30 feet before widening out into an unilt space. He will need to take his light source with him if he chooses to follow this passageway and check out what may lay beyond for sure.

Else has been meditating for ten minutes so far.


Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 20 -- HP 65/65 Spells Active: Detect Scrying 
Friday May 24th, 2013 11:05:45 AM

I thank you for the offer of the tunnel, however, I believe that is part of the active crime scene. If you could point to where the body is? I think just setting up a couple of chairs and a table under the cliff will suffice. It would probably do well to send for some refreshments. After I have conducted an initial interview, I am sure everyone would like something to drink while they wait. I would prefer no additional contact with those waiting for an interview. Cyniq qill hold the map up so Basal can indicate the location on the map. Cyniq will not mark the map however. She is not interested in conducting the interviews in the tunnel.

Once we move past this, the questions I posted previously would be asked of everyone in the first round.

Keela 
Friday May 24th, 2013 11:31:29 AM

Her spell still active, Keela follows the other investigators into the mine. She stays well back from them, so she doesn't walk on evidence, but she continues to check for magical auras.

Else HP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 
Friday May 24th, 2013 6:18:51 PM

Meditating...

Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) 
Friday May 24th, 2013 8:27:24 PM

OOC: I presume Basal told us where the body is? It would not seem likely that he would send us in to hunt for it. Alexi will take whichever branch that leads to the body.

DM OOC: Never "presume" anything. Nobody in the group bothered to ask where the body's exact location was before dashing off to the excavation site proper. Right now the investigators in the tunnel have two choices: pick a direction and explore, or go back and ask where the body is. 8D

Sesha [AC 25 | HP 42/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility]  d20+21=40 ; d100+20=34 ;
Saturday May 25th, 2013 2:38:09 AM

Sesha continues on with Alexi and Garret. As the tunnel branch outwards and lead them farther from the others, she decided a little precaution never hurt anyone. She casts a barkskin spell, since it will last several hours anyways. She pauses long enough to bend the ley energies needed near her, then quickly scampers to catch up with the others.

[1] Bend Leyline 40 vs DC 20.
[2] Ley check 34 vs DC 20.



Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:8/12 CMD: 30] 
Saturday May 25th, 2013 12:37:10 PM

Garret jumps at a noise Sesha makes coming up behind them, but then settles down and continues with Alexi down the tunnel.

Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2]  d20+13=25 ;
Saturday May 25th, 2013 1:18:57 PM

"Does ye wanna Anrete to keep watch at this bunch?", Anrete indicates vaguely at the remaining miners.

"Or ye wanna Anrete to stand behind and chop off head?", the battle-scarred youth waves at the miner Cyniq just picked for her interview.

---------------------------------
Intimidate: 25

Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) 
Saturday May 25th, 2013 9:59:46 PM

OOC: I guess Basal Quartzkin is far denser in the noggin than he appears if he's going to call us from our slumber to hurry to him to investigate a death and not bother tell us where. But, such is the personalities of NPCs. :}

Do I HAVE to Draw You a Map??? - DM Donna 
Sunday May 26th, 2013 12:05:38 AM

DM OOC: I will have to work on making sure that I am clear about exactly what is said and done by the NPCs, and players should always make sure that their PCs have the information they need to post their actions. Bottom line: if you, as the player, have NO idea about the answer to a specific question, either email the DM or have your PC post that they are making sure about (fill in the blank.)

For now, Alexi, Garret and Sesha still have to decide if they are going to go back to the tent for directions, or if they choose to explore the tunnels on their own.


Basal shows Cyniq the map of the excavation site, (OOC: scroll down to the last page of the document to see the newest diagram of the excavation site) explaining as he points to particular areas of which he speaks:

"We were working on the eastern tunnels yesterday, and we were going to continue work there today..." the dwarf's blunt finger circles the part of the diagram that shows where the inked layout of the tunnels turn into a hastily-scrawled addendum in charcoal, "...I knew something was wrong as soon as we reached this area, because we hadn't dug that far when work was done for the day yesterday. We followed the new tunnel eastward and found a body where I marked that X there. I checked to see if the man was only injured, but I saw that he was dead...and that he was Mark Avin...the senior member of my morning crew." Basal's explanation is cut off by sobs from the only female crew member in the tent.

DM OOC: Else has been meditating for 20 minutes now.

Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28)  d20+8=15 ;
Monday May 27th, 2013 12:43:31 AM

OOC: Sorry about the confusion. You are correct, we didn't ask where the body was. In my mind it seemed obvious he'd tell us. No problem, we'll find it.

IC:
Alexi slaps his forehead. "That lunkhead didn't tell us there were intersections to deal with. He lead us to think we only had one passage to deal with. The dufus!" Alexi exclaims.

Then he chuckles and takes the passage that headed east. "Hey Garrett, there's no torches that way and though dwarves can work well enough in the dark, most of us can't. I'll bet we'll find the body by following the torch light."

Continueing on, he holds his Everburning torch forward and keeps looking at the tracks in the dirt.

Perc +8 = 15

Interviews and Clues - DM Donna  d20+2=8 d20+2=19 d20+2=9 d20+2=4 d20+2=14 d20+2=12 d20+2=14 d20+2=19 d20+2=9 d20+2=9
Monday May 27th, 2013 3:36:40 AM

Outside the site entrance, at the table where Cyniq questions the morning crew while Anrete continues to look suitably intimidating:

Cyniq settles herself down at a table and summons an unseen servant. Handing a journal and pen to the servant she instructs the servant to record each conversation. She then unbuckles the holy symbol of Pantheon from her jacket and lays it on the table before her.

None other than Basal Quartzkin emerges from the tent and crosses over to stand in front of the table where the justicar sits.

"There wasn't anybody who was exceptionally 'sweaty,' so I volunteered to come first," the dwarf explains.

Hello, my name is Cyniq al'Iyz, Justicar in the service of Pantheon. You have the right to be heard fairly. You do not have the right to silence. Placing her hand on Pantheon's gavel, she invokes the Test of Truth and begins her questioning:

State your name and occupation. "I am Basal Quartzkin, journeyman miner and appointed overseer to the excavation project."

Date of arrival in Bryn Baraz. "I arrived in Bryn Baraz after the town was reclaimed from Al-Mathir."

Prior place of residence. "I lived in Floating City."

When did you come on shift? "I came to the excavation site an hour before the shift started--that's about five of the clock at this time of year...an hour before sunrise."

What did you observe last night. "Last night I led the second shift crew in testing the newest tunnels discovered in the site. They are safe to traverse...but I observed that something other than our crew members had actually made them, and I still have no idea exactly what that may have been."

Have you seen anything else unusual. "Whatever made the new tunnels is able to carve out the smoothest passageway I've ever seen in all my years of mining."

What was your relationship with the deceased? "Mark Avin is...was...the senior member of the morning crew, a very able excavator and...and I was on the verge of making him my assistant overseer."

Were you aware of any problems with the deceased? "Out of everyone working on the excavation project, Mark is...was...the most like a dwarf. He followed the rules and made sure that the others did, too...it's the main reason I was about to make him my assistant. But...Mark had a bad habit of taking his mining gloves home with him rather than leave them at the excavation site like he was supposed to."

How did the deceased get along with the workers? "He may have had some trouble with Rogy and Margon because those two are the least like dwarves--they were horsing around when they should have been paying attention to their work, so Mark reported their infraction to me. Other than that, though, I believe that just about everyone on both crews rather liked him."

What question have I not asked that I should have? One of Basal's bushy eyebrows raises in surprise.

"I am not a justicar, ma'am," the dwarf points out, "But the only question that it seems to me that you haven't asked is: what happened? So far, none of you investigators have asked the first thing that popped into my head when we found poor Mark."

Cyniq notes that her Holy Symbol has remained dark all through the interview.

Inside the tunnels, Alexi, Garret, Sesha and Keela continue into the excavation, basically ignoring the unlit tunnels and sections in favor of following the "trail" of lit torches in the excavation. They find themselves at another intersection with the lit torches and two directions to pick from: go to their left (west, and unlit) or go east, which has at least another torch or two.

EVERYONE IN THE TUNNEL MUST MAKE TWO PERCEPTION CHECKS.

And, last but not least: forty minutes have passed for Else.

Keela  d20+2=15 ; d20+2=8 ;
Monday May 27th, 2013 12:29:33 PM

Keela continues concentrating on her spell, looking for magical auras. Her intent concentration leaves her with little attention to pay to her surroundings.

[Perceptions 15 and 8]

Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28)  d20+8=18 ; d20+8=25 ;
Monday May 27th, 2013 6:06:45 PM

Alexi spends some extra time studying the tracks at the next intersection as he gets the feeling he's getting close to the end. He looks over the first 10' in the unlit direction for tracks, then in the lit direction.

Roll 1: Perc +8 = 18
Roll 2: Perc +8 = 25

Orisons: 4 DC: 12
___ Detect Poison; ___ Light; ___Resistance; ___ Stabilize

Level 1: 4 (2+Wis) DC:13
___Bless; ___ Cure Light Wounds; ___ Protection from Chaos/Evil; ___ Shield of Faith

Level 2: 3 (1+Wis) DC: 14
___Bear's Endurance; ___ Cure Moderate Wounds; ___ Sound Burst;



Else HP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 
Monday May 27th, 2013 11:12:14 PM

Meditate... meditate... I wonder what has been going on this whole time?... Meditate...

DM OOC: Careful, there, Else--if your mind strays too far afield, it isn't "meditating"...

;D


Sesha [AC 25 | HP 42/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility]  d20+7=14 ; d20+7=22 ;
Monday May 27th, 2013 11:59:14 PM

Sesha peers down the two intersections, glad that at least she has Darkvision even if the others do not.

Perception 1: 14
Perception 2: 22



Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2]  d20+12=17 ; d20+16=32 ;
Tuesday May 28th, 2013 4:45:48 AM

Anrete digs his nose as he listens on to the interviews, while his eyes scan carefully for anything suspicious.

------------------------------------------
Sense Motive: 17
Perception: 32

DM Donna 
Tuesday May 28th, 2013 6:39:51 AM

Waiting on Garret's & Cyniq's posts.

Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:8/12 CMD: 30]  d20+21=36 ; d20+21=40 ;
Tuesday May 28th, 2013 11:19:17 AM

As the group reaches the intersection, Garret peers both directions (Perception: 36, 40). He nods to Alexi and replies, "Indeed, we may as well follow the lit area first. I don't imagine they'd find a fellow dead off in the dark, would they?"

OOC:
Sorry about no post yesterday, I forgot it was a weekday, what with the holiday and all! :)

Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 20 -- HP 65/65 Spells Active: Detect Scrying 
Tuesday May 28th, 2013 12:27:35 PM

Backing up just a second

"...found a body where I marked that X there. I checked to see if the man was only injured, but I saw that he was dead...and that he was Mark Avin...the senior member of my morning crew."

Did the other's ask where the body is?, Cyniq can't help smiling when she learns that they went into the mine without knowing where exactly they were going.

A simple incantation and she sends a message to Alexi: skip the first right, then two more rights to the body of Mark Avin, head of morning crew.

+++++

I am not a justicar, ma'am," the dwarf points out, "But the only question that it seems to me that you haven't asked is: what happened? So far, none of you investigators have asked the first thing that popped into my head when we found poor Mark.

You would be surprised at what I find out with that one question. So, what happened? You have no exact idea what made the tunnels, but you suspect, what?


Scene of the Crime - DM Donna  d20=6 ; d20=15 ;
Tuesday May 28th, 2013 5:45:04 PM

INSIDE THE TUNNELS:

Alexi suddenly receives a magic message from Cyniq, who tells him where to find the body, as well as the identity of the deceased: Mark Avin, whom Alexi vaguely recalls was one of the first people to volunteer for the excavation project when it was first announced.

A rather acrid odor hangs in the air as the party approaches the area beyond the last lit torch on the walls of the tunnel. A few yards beyond the last attached torch lies the body of an excavator lying face down on the ground.

Everyone's first Perception rolls were good enough so that you all can tell that the body is that of a male human with dark hair, and that he's lying in a puddle of some sort--the puddle is what smells particularly acrid. (DM OOC: Garret's player will be getting an email from me soon.)

The second Perception roll will apply when (if) the party examines the body. Should you choose to do this, yet another Perception roll must be rolled--but everyone gets to add a +2 circumstance bonus because Alexi is carrying an additional light source.

OUTSIDE, AT THE INTERROGATION TABLE:

Anrete continues to exude his bristling sort of charm, noticing nothing except that Basal looks less-than-thrilled with the kind of "mining" the barbarian is doing during the interrogation.

Cyniq continues to listen as Basal answers her follow-up questions:

"A couple of days ago, the morning excavation crew discovered that there were existing tunnels in the area we were exploring," the dwarf tells the justicar. "I could tell that these new tunnels were not dug by the usual manual methods because their surfaces were far too smooth. Although I am more experienced as a miner than just about any non-dwarf in Bryn Baraz, I have to admit that I cannot even guess as to what created the discovered passages."

Cyniq will have to make two more rolls to see if her Test of Truth results in her holy symbol lighting up or not. (Don't forget to roll once for each question/topic that results in an answer from whomever you are questioning.)

DING!!! Else's period of meditation is over and she may now return to the excavation site to see how the investigation is going.

Keela  d20+22=33 ; d20=3 ;
Tuesday May 28th, 2013 6:40:38 PM

Keela maintains concentration on her spell, checking to see if there are any magical auras on or near the body.

If there are any, Keela's Spellcraft check to identify them is a 33. [I will roll additional checks if needed; let me know.]

If there are no auras, Keela instead turns her attention to the acrid-smelling puddle, and tries to determine what it might be. She gets a 20 to a Craft: Alchemy check or a 21 to a Knowledge: Nature check; if it needs to be anything else, let me know and I'll do the math on that awesome 3 I rolled.

Sesha [AC 25 | HP 42/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility]  d20+29=39 ;
Tuesday May 28th, 2013 8:57:07 PM

Sesha looks at the body for a moment, then peers down at the acrid smelling puddle. Her body goes stiff, and the young drow intakes a sharp breath while stepping involuntarily backwards. Shuddering, she violently shakes the memory of her first death from her mind.

"Pot-pot!" she whispers. "Do you detect anything? Spirits, Undead, anything?!" [840 ft detects witches, spirits, and undead.]

Trembling visibly, she swallows hard and kneels down and pulls an empty potion vial from her backpack. She mutters the words to a cantrip, detect poison, before attempting to gather some of the stuff in her vial.

Finally, she attempts to identify the liquid as best as she can, using Pot-Pots help.

(I'm on the move for vacation starting tomorrow. I'll try my best to keep up on posts!)



Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28)  d20+5=8 ; d20+5=17 ; d20+8=25 ; d20+8=22 ;
Tuesday May 28th, 2013 11:18:44 PM

Alexi suddely holds his E-Torch up and says, "Halt. Cyniq just send me a message. She says that the body is right over there, where that body is. His name is Mark Avin."

He sniffs around for a second and then asks "Anyone else smell what I smell? It's not Anrete, he's back out there. Seems familiar..."

Alexi takes a moment to take a whif from one of his acid flask to see if smells similar.

Knowledge Dungeoneering (notice tunnel walls) +5 = 8
Knowledge Engeneering +5 (notice tunnel walls) = 17
Perception (comparing smell of acid flask with tunnel acrid smell, is smell acid-like?) +8 = 25

"I'll go forward and check the body. Garret, watch the tunnel the way we came. Sesha, keep an eye on dark tunnel past the body. Keela, keep an eye on me." Alexi grins at that comment then steps forward, carefully, to the body and examines it.

Previous roll:
Roll 2: Perc +8 = 25 +2 for extra light = 27

New Perception roll (checking the body) +8 = 22

Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) 
Tuesday May 28th, 2013 11:20:33 PM

OOC: I started my post, got distracted, then posted. Keela and Sesha beat me, so ignore Alexi's comments to those two, I guess.

Else HP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 
Tuesday May 28th, 2013 11:53:48 PM

Finished with her meditations and eager to rejoin the group. She approaches the interrogation table in front of the caves and hails Cyniq and Anrete. "Ho, there! What did I miss?"

Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 20 -- HP 65/65 Spells Active: Detect Scrying  d20+16=25 ; d20+16=25 ; d20+16=25 ; d20+16=19 ; d20+16=23 ; d20+16=17 ; d20+16=26 ; d20+16=24 ; d20+16=34 ; d20+16=32 ; d20+16=18 ; d20+16=31 ; d20+16=33 ; d20+16=18 ;
Wednesday May 29th, 2013 1:06:21 AM

Here's my last two SM rolls, both 25. plus another 25 for my last question for Basal.

We're just starting the questioning. You're welcome to sit and watch here, or keep an eye on those still needing questioning or those already questioned. Cyniq turns to Basal, Thank you for your cooperation and information. One last question, where were you last night?

After he answers that question, I'll move to the next miner.

SM rolls are: 19, 23, 17, 26, 24, 34, 32, 18, 31, 33, 18

Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2]  d20+12=28 ; d20+16=35 ;
Wednesday May 29th, 2013 9:07:47 AM

Anrete yawns as he removes a dagger from his boots and begins sharpening it as he continues his vigilance.

------------------------------------
Sense Motive: 28
Perception: 35


Cyniq's Session - DM Donna  d20=11 ;
Wednesday May 29th, 2013 11:28:04 AM

OOC: This isn't the "official" post from me for today--I'm addressing how Cyniq's session with Basal went. The Official DM post will occur around 6pm Eastern time, so that everyone in the group will have had 24 hours since my last Official post to respond.

"Last night I finished transcribing notes on the excavation before leaving the site around 8 o'clock or so," Basal responds to the justicar's final question. "From here I went straight to the mithril mine and, after a late supper and a few rounds of dice, I went to my own quarters and slept until I got up to come to the excavation site this morning."

Cyniq can clearly see that her holy symbol remains dark during this round of questioning.

"The justices who oversee clan law don't allow for spectators during their initial investigations," Basal says, looking rather intrigued, "I...I would stay and witness your procedures as long as you are kind enough to allow me this opportunity." He steps to one side of the table to await the arrival of the next person to be questioned.

Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:8/12 CMD: 30]  d20+21=36 ; d4=3 ; d20+23=40 ;
Wednesday May 29th, 2013 2:30:55 PM

As the group prepares to examine the body, Garret cries out, "Hold a moment." He reaches out and touches the walls and says, "Look at these walls. These are not the same. Look how smooth they are. These were not made the same way as the others. These were not made by dwarven tools, but something else."

He looks down and continues, "And look here. That body was dragged over there... from right about here. There's a wheelbarrow track and footsteps here that lead off to the west. Do you see them? I think that fellow was killed somewhere else and dropped here for some reason."

He looks back west to see if there's any chance of following the footsteps, then slowly and carefully heads over to the dead body to take a look. (Perceptions: 36 & 40 Wow).

The Copper Drops..!..? - DM Donna  d20=3 d20=5 d20=10 d20=11 d20=6 d20=16 d20=4 d20=18 d20=7 d20=4
Wednesday May 29th, 2013 10:28:31 PM

INSIDE THE TUNNELS:

Keela still sees nothing arcane in the area, but her examination of the puddle makes her practically certain that the liquid creating the puddle is acid--acid that is now rather weak even though it definitely still smells acid-y.

~There are no spirits nor other such beings in your area,~ Pot-pot informs Sesha. The bad-smelling liquid is neither magical nor spiritual in nature.~ The liquid does not seem to be poisonous. Something else about the body catches Sesha's eye, however...

Alexi probes the area, seeing the disturbed ground around the perimeter of the puddle but it isn't until Garret announces the specifics that he realizes that there are, indeed, indications that the body was likely dumped here, rather than supposed killed by someone or something with acid.

However, the kicker of the scenario is something that both Sesha's and Garret's super-sharp eyes have been able to spot: the back of Mark Avin's head is oddly flat--as though he'd been struck from behind by something with the approximate circumference of a dinner plate...

OUTSIDE, AT THE JUSTICAR'S TABLE

Anrete's barbarian intuition seems to agree with Cyniq's pronouncement that Basal Quartzkin has nothing to hide.

The guard that had been stationed at the excavation entrance goes to the tent and brings back one of the other crew members--the half-elf female. Cyniq once more introduces herself and commences to questioning:

State your name and occupation. "My...my name is Petra Wittmoor. I am an excavator on this project, but I was working as a farmhand on one of the homesteads outside Bryn Baraz before I signed on."

Date of arrival in Bryn Baraz. "Mark and I came here with the first caravan. We were also evacuated when the Al-Mathir took over, but we both came back when they were defeated."

Prior place of residence. "I lived in Floating City."

When did you come on shift? "I came to work at the usual time--just a little before six o'clock in the morning."

What did you observe last night. "I...I didn't see much of anything unusual last night...Mark and I went to our hut and ate dinner and I went to bed after we cleaned up the dishes. Mark stayed up to study the newest maps of the worksite."

Have you seen anything else unusual. "No. Nothing at all." Cyniq's holy symbol glows at this statement, which Cyniq can tell has evoked disapproval and/or some anger in Petra.

What was your relationship with the deceased? "Mark is my...was...my fiance. We were going to be married as soon as we had settled into a permanent career here."

Were you aware of any problems with the deceased? "Mark's overblown sense of honor would get him into trouble with other people." Cyniq can again tell that Petra's attitude of disapproval/anger is coming into play here.

How did the deceased get along with the workers? "Mark was the best man in the world!" Petra's voice is getting raggedly, as though she is fighting back tears. Once again, however, the gavel glows.

What question have I not asked that I should have?

"WHYYYYYYYY????" Petra howls, now in a full-blown emotional breakdown. "Why did this happen??? How am I going to live without him???" The young lady buries her face in her hands and sobs. Basal looks rather embarrassed at the emotional outburst, and Cyniq sees that her holy symbol did not glow during this declaration.

And Else comes along with her own question:

"Ho, there! What did I miss?"

Else HP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 
Wednesday May 29th, 2013 11:52:09 PM

"As much as I love a good interrogation, I think the folks in the tunnels are waiting on me. I'm interested in knowing the personality of mithril. I'm guessing it's like silver, but a bit more pretentious. You would be surprised at the vanity of inanimate objects if you spoke with them."

Walking down through the tunnel to the group, Else sees them investigating the scene. Her heart goes out to the poor woman. She leans in and asks softly. "This may seem like an odd question, but does anyone see any mushrooms or other fungi nearby?"

Keela 
Thursday May 30th, 2013 1:32:18 AM

Quietly, Keela slips out of the mine and heads to the tent where Cyniq is conducting her interviews. When Cyniq has a moment, Keela steps up to speak with her.

"Ask them if they use acid for any of their mining processes," she says softly. "We found a puddle of acid near the body, and I'd like to know where it came from."

Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 20 -- HP 65/65 Spells Active: Detect Scrying  d20+18=21 ; d20+16=27 ; d20+16=31 ; d20+16=19 ; d20+16=32 ; d20+16=29 ; d20+16=19 ; d20+16=27 ; d20+16=18 ; d20+16=32 ; d20+16=18 ; d20+16=24 ;
Thursday May 30th, 2013 3:50:49 AM

Nodding in acceptance of Basal's request, you may observe, but you must sit there to one side. And you must not speak. If you have something to add, wave a hand and I will get back to you.

After Petra's first line of questions, Cyniq has one last question for Petra, 'Tis not my intention to cause undo pain. Though I must know the truth. By Pantheon's will I find that you have been less than fully honest with me. You have seen something unusual, no matter how trivial it may seem now, it may be important. For now Cyniq will leave off on following up on Mark's character with Petra. Cyniq does look for any signs of abuse.

Thank you Else, I am sure they will need some additional assitance there. With Anrete I expect no problems here. Cyniq listens to Keela and gestures to Basal, he would know.

I wonder if there is a spell, compulsion, probably, that would let me delve into a subject's mind and find the answers, much quicker than this tediousness. But then... probably better not to go down that road... Cyniq muses to herself while waiting for the next miner.

Perc: signs of abuse= 18; sense motive for Petra's last question= 27; SM's for next interview= 31, 19, 32, 29, 19, 27, 18, 32, 18, 24



Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2]  d20+12=16 ; d20+16=24 ;
Thursday May 30th, 2013 8:33:41 AM

Finally something interesting.

Anrete cracks his neck as he leans back to enjoy the drama unfolding.

---------------------------------
Sense Motive: 16
Perception: 24


Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:8/12 CMD: 30]  d20+21=39 ;
Thursday May 30th, 2013 10:48:02 AM

Garret points out the body and says, "This isn't right. This is starting to look like a someONE and not a someTHING. Perhaps someone had a grudge against him, or this was a quarrel over money or love. But still, these tunnels concern me. I wonder what made them."

Garret examines the tunnels further, exploring just a bit past the body (Perception: 39).

Sesha [AC 25 | HP 42/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] 
Thursday May 30th, 2013 11:35:09 AM

Sesha straightens herself sighs, then stretches out her arms. Looking at the others she takes a few steps away from the group and kicks the hard stone. At least there's not another Dragon here she thinks... last time I saw acid I was dead.

At least, she thinks, I found an interesting spell component. It's not everyday you find weekend thats it thats been soaking in dead person.

Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28)  d20+8=19 ;
Thursday May 30th, 2013 10:03:54 PM

"Hmmmmm.....," Alexi ponders. "I was thinking more in terms of one of those gelatinous slimes. But one of those would have dissolved the body."

Alexi looks over the body in detail looking for signs of blood and signs where the acid made contact with clothes and skin, looking for a pattern.
Perc +8 = 19

While he does that, he asks out loud, "where's the blood? A head bashed in like that would leave a lot of blood."

He looks up, "The real clues will be where he was killed. We need to follow that dark tunnel and look for any specks of blood ont he walls of floor. The culprint may have been a little careless and left something we can go on. But let's not forget also, that if he fell backwards and hit his head hard, it would leave much the same inprint."

If everyone's done here, Alexi will take the lead down the dark tunnel, his Everburning Torch in front. Or actually, when everyone's done here, he will do that.

Orisons: 4 DC: 12
___ Detect Poison; ___ Light; ___Resistance; ___ Stabilize

Level 1: 4 (2+Wis) DC:13
___Bless; ___ Cure Light Wounds; ___ Protection from Chaos/Evil; ___ Shield of Faith

Level 2: 3 (1+Wis) DC: 14
___Bear's Endurance; ___ Cure Moderate Wounds; ___ Sound Burst;


Insert Drama Squirrel Here! - DM Donna  d20=17
Thursday May 30th, 2013 11:04:52 PM

OUTSIDE THE TUNNELS
Cyniq acknowledges Else and the druid continues into the tunnels to find the others, passing Keela as the wizard exits the passageway. Meanwhile, Petra sniffles, looking rather dismayed.

"Mark...he was so...so..." the half-elf draws in a shaky breath and her temper flares a bit. "...so bloody honorable!!! Whenever he thought something was wrong, he always HAD to go make it right! He was always ticking off friends and neighbors because of it. He didn't get along as well with Rogy and Margon because he informed on them to Master Quartzkin--" Here Petra nods at the dwarf nearby.

"Last night..." she continues a bit reluctantly, "...last night, just as I was going to bed, our neighbor Gordon came by to return some tools he had borrowed and he told Mark that he'd seen Keeri with a swollen face. Mark got angry and stormed out of the hut...he just couldn't leave well enough alone..."

The justicar sees no physical signs of abuse on Petra...and now the holy symbol of Pantheon remains dark all through Petra's newest testimony.

"Indeed, justicar," Basal adds, "Mark Avin was very lawful. I never thought of that being a problem with anyone, because we're all supposed to be lawful..."

As far as Anrete can tell, nobody is giving any indications that they're trying to pull something over on Cyniq. Then Keela speaks to her colleagues, telling them of the acid found near the body in the tunnels.

DM OOC: holding off for a bit before another crew member is trotted out for questioning to give those present a chance to react to the new info.

INSIDE THE TUNNELS:

It is easy enough for Else to follow the trail of lit torches to where the rest of the party is located inside the excavation proper. As she arrives, she greets them and asks after the presence of fungi in the tunnels.

Sesha is beginning to get a most uncomfortable feeling of deja-vu.

Alexi and Garret share their observations out loud, because it is beginning to look more and more like someone killed the man in the tunnel and then tried to make it look like some monster or something was the culprit. Both of them perceive that this is very unlikely because they find that there is absolutely NO acid on the back of the body--not even the head.

Even as Alexi follows his instincts and starts to backtrack the telltale marks on the ground, Garret makes a discovery:

There, at the very end of the tunnel, is an opening that had been hidden from view before--it, too, is smooth (practically circular) and it leads north...at a bit of an angle downward...

DM OOC again: HERE is what Garret has discovered (scroll down to the last page in the document to see the latest discovery.)

Else HP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 
Thursday May 30th, 2013 11:38:27 PM

"I can ask the stone to tell us who passed through here, but I can only do so once today. Would anyone like to investigate through mundane means first?"

Keela 
Friday May 31st, 2013 9:59:57 AM

Not sure what else to do, Keela lingers for a bit in the tent.

Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 20 -- HP 65/65 Spells Active: Detect Scrying 
Friday May 31st, 2013 12:22:06 PM

Well Master Quartzkin, just as with many things in life, it is possible to be lawful to a fault, to forget the intent of the law and only consider the letter of the law. This often leads to suffering and injustice on a moral scale.

Sighing that she hasn't had an opportunity to get to know but a handful of people, she asks Keeri is?...

Considering how she can use the assets available to her, Keela, you've been here for a while. Take a look in the tent please, if you know any of those inside, I will ask you after the initial interviews for some background information on them. If you don't know them, then we will see if we can get that information later. My thanks for your assistance.



Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:8/12 CMD: 30] 
Friday May 31st, 2013 3:35:09 PM

Garret says, "Something just isn't right here. I mean, you can see here where the body was clearly dragged here. And look at the barrow marks. But this acid doesn't make any sense. I wonder if there are two different things going on here. Could someone have dropped the body off, perhaps after accidentally killing him? And then perhaps whatever it is that's making these smooth tunnels showed up? This tunnel is beyond what the dwarves signed up for. I'm not sure we want to find what made them, but that might be more important right now than figuring who killed this fellow and left his body here. I think we need to check out this new tunnel and see what is leads to."

Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28)  d20+8=13 ;
Friday May 31st, 2013 9:01:55 PM

"I agree, Garrett. There could be two things going on. I was about to suggest that someone used acid to cover up any clues he or she left behind. That new tunnel suggest something else came by. Let's look for evidence of an acid trail."

Alexi mesures the dimensions of the newly discovered tunnel.

"Well, before we go exploring anything, we need all of us together. I, personally, would rather find where he was killed first. Are there any sings of acid back the other way? If not, then this new tunnel is probably made by some undeground critter that makes its way through rock using acid, thus the smooth walls.

Alexi goes back to the last intersection and looks for drag marks and signs of acid in that first 10' into the dark tunnel.

Perc +8 = 13

Else HP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17  d20+22=26
Friday May 31st, 2013 11:55:08 PM

Else assists in investigating the new tunnel.

Perception 26

Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2] 
Saturday June 1st, 2013 9:20:52 AM

Anrete frowns when he heard about Keeri's swollen face. He waits patiently for the justicer's decision.

Sesha [AC 25 | HP 42/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] 
Saturday June 1st, 2013 2:32:28 PM

Sesha is considerably troubled by the smoothed out tunnel. She whispers a quick and fervent prayer to the Little Spirit.

"Often I do as you ask tiny one. You are fickle and playful, and I find that I enjoy our relationship,though I know little of you. Please keep us alert and safe, if you can. I do not wish a second death by acid!"

'I agree with Alexi. Lets not go near that tunnel until we are full force. We may have to pry
Cynique away from her interrogations."


She then sits away from the hole so that no sudden line of acid might disintigrate her a second time. She sits down and hugs and knees, staring at the hole as if she expects a dragon to pop from it any minute.

[Ready Action; IF a dragon DOES pop out, her first reaction will be to cast energy resistance, acid.]

Sesha [AC 25 | HP 42/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] 
Saturday June 1st, 2013 2:33:29 PM

(ooc. 2nd major storm in my state of Oklahoma has me posting on phones. Please be patient and know i may miss a day or so. If combat arises, Tanner would you keep me up in the rounds? You've played witches before.)

Sure thing. -Tanner

And Then...And Then..? - DM Donna 
Monday June 3rd, 2013 11:55:38 AM

OOC: Sorry about the missed post, people. Real Life interfered.

INSIDE THE TUNNELS:

Else offers the use of her spell to further the investigation.

Garret offers up the information that his keen perception has discovered and advises that the party explores the newest tunnel that appears to descend into the depths.

Alexi agrees with Garret's advice, but points out the wisdom of having all of the party do such exploring. He opts to do a quick backtrack to where the intersection of multiple pathways occurred, with Else using her own Perception to help him.

Sesha is still feeling more than a little paranoid, but makes sure she's ready...just in case...

Alexi's examination of the marks on the ground don't appear to uncover much except that the trail seems to come from the tunnel to the immediate west of where the body was found.

However, Else happens to notice that the trail not only goes to the end of the tunnel, but also that the western tunnel has some telltale blood splatter, making it the most likely spot where Mark Avin was killed.

OUTSIDE THE TUNNELS:

Keela pays attention to the scene transpiring since nobody has proposed any actions yet. DM OOC: by the way, Cyniq's table was set up to the east of the entrance into the excavation--the crew members are in the tent.

Anrete makes a note of the report about Keeri, his disapproval evident.

Cyniq muses about the possibility that Mark may have gotten carried away in his zeal to uphold the law, then asks after Keeri's identity, as well as bidding Keela to check out the people waiting in the tent to see if there's anyone there she knows.

Meanwhile, Petra is the one who answers Cyniq's question:

"Keeri...Keeri Vynnyl--she's Rogy's wife."



Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:8/12 CMD: 30]  d20+21=31 ;
Monday June 3rd, 2013 1:49:23 PM

Garret keeps a careful watch down the smooth tunnel while the others continue to investigate the murder scene. (Perception: 31).

Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 20 -- HP 65/65 Spells Active: Detect Scrying 
Monday June 3rd, 2013 2:48:17 PM

Keela, Anrete, anything you would like to ask? Both of you have lived here longer than my one night.

If not, then Thank you for your cooperation Petra. My condolences on your loss. If you can think of anything else, please let me know.

Seems a little convulated to off him over a domestic dispute, but I can come back to that later.

DM OOC: actually, a little over two weeks have passed since Cyniq, Sesha & Else's arrival to Bryn Baraz.

Keela 
Monday June 3rd, 2013 5:09:58 PM

Keela steps into the tent to find Basal Quartzkin. "Excuse me," she asks, "but do your miners use acid for any of their processes?"

She also looks around inside the tent, making a note of which people she knows, so she can give Cyniq more information about them. For example, she passes along any information she knows about Keeri, her husband, and the victim.

Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) 
Monday June 3rd, 2013 9:54:53 PM

Else points out things in the darkened tunnel that Alexi missed and the cavalryman rubbs his chin.
"Good place to use that spell of yours, Else. See if you can shed any light on this matter."

Alexi awaits the results.

Orisons: 4 DC: 12
___ Detect Poison; ___ Light; ___Resistance; ___ Stabilize

Level 1: 4 (2+Wis) DC:13
___Bless; ___ Cure Light Wounds; ___ Protection from Chaos/Evil; ___ Shield of Faith

Level 2: 3 (1+Wis) DC: 14
___Bear's Endurance; ___ Cure Moderate Wounds; ___ Sound Burst;



Else HP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 
Monday June 3rd, 2013 11:39:44 PM

Else bends down and brushes away dust and pebbles from an area large enough for her body. She lies down, spreading her arms out and laying her cheek against the stone. She whispers, "Tell me your secrets, you beautiful cave."

ooc: Cast stone tell. Casting time 10 minutes. Duration 11 minutes once cast. How many questions can I ask in a minute, DM? One per round?

Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2] 
Tuesday June 4th, 2013 3:42:30 AM

Anrete isn't a very sociable person and are only familiar with the kitchen staff. He provides whatever information he could to Cyniq.

The barbarian is getting restless with the lack of activities. His fierce demeanor indicating his indignation at the lack of action and bloodshed.

Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:8/12 CMD: 30] 
Tuesday June 4th, 2013 2:08:57 PM

As Else lies down, Garret starts to say, "They're rocks, they don't..." then he stops and watches...

DM Donna 
Tuesday June 4th, 2013 2:13:23 PM

I'm giving Sesha's player until 8pm Eastern to post. Hopefully the Internet will be accessible to him by then.

Sesha [AC 25 | HP 42/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] 
Tuesday June 4th, 2013 8:44:52 PM

( Thanks DM. Any chance I can count this vial of muted dead person acid Sesha gathered as a Tinker with Magic component?)

Sesha watches from her vantage point outside the mouth of the cave, still feeling very vulnerable and very small at the moment. She goes as far as taking Pot-pot off of her back and holding the cauldron in her lap.

"Be careful Else!" she calls out, before quietly continuing her prayers to the Little Spirit.

DM Donna  d20=15 ;
Tuesday June 4th, 2013 9:22:42 PM

INSIDE THE TUNNELS:

Garret maintains a vigil by the easternmost passageway, utilizing his Perception to its utmost. He detects nothing unusual, except that Sesha is very quiet and very jumpy.

Alexi appreciates the sharp eyes of the druid and asks her to do what she can to uncover any more clues.

Else gives the earth in this area a nice, big hug and bids the surrounding sandstone to tell its secrets.

DM OOC: We'll play the interrogation of the surrounding terrain by ear. I'll let you know when the 11 minures are exhausted.

Oh, and sorry, Garret--Alexi and Else are now at the western end of the western tunnel on this side of the map--you can't see them, so you can't be fascinated by the way the druid is conducting her part of the investigation. Go to the bottom of this document to see where everyone inside the tunnels is located...


OUTSIDE THE TUNNELS:

Cyniq opens the floor to questions from either Anrete or Keela, but neither of her fellow adventurers seem to have anything to ask.

"Thank you, justicar," Petra says, her voice husky with unshed tears. "I...appreciate your sentiment." She slowly makes her way back to the others, following Keela into the tent.

Keela asks her question of the excavation overseer, and the doughty dwarf shakes his head in response.

"No, we don't use acid until we see indications of certain mineral deposits," he says firmly, "And there haven't been any such deposits at all."

The Rock Whisperer - DM Donna 
Tuesday June 4th, 2013 9:26:04 PM

After about ten minutes, Else hears a rumbling sort of voice in her head:

~...seeeeecrets..? Nooooo seeeeecrets have I-I-I-I-I-I...~

Else HP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 
Tuesday June 4th, 2013 9:54:09 PM

ooc: I'm moving right now and living out of boxes. Very rushed. Party members are encouraged to ask questions through Else like a sock puppet. Only for today.

Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) 
Tuesday June 4th, 2013 11:09:30 PM

Alexi watches Else go through her ritual, the seriousness of the situation keeping the fighter from belting out a good laugh. He patiently waits, trying not to hum to himself, for the rocks to speak.

DM OOC: As Else's player has stated: any questions you may think to ask the stones will be relayed by Else to the stone, so if Alexi has any bright ideas, feel free to ask.

What Keela Knows - DM Donna 
Wednesday June 5th, 2013 6:06:38 AM

DM OOC: sorry about that, Keela--I addressed the first part of your action and completely missed the rest of what you were doing. Here is what Keela is likely to know about the people left to interrogate:

The male gnome in the tent has wide ash-gray eyes. His fine, fly-away, chalk-white hair is worn in a style that reminds you of a drifting cloud. He's got a moustache. He is short and has a graceful build. His skin is white. He has a bulbous nose and high cheekbones. Keela recalls that his name is Hexbolt (can't recall his first name) and that he's been with Bryn Baraz since the first wave of settlers. She also has the impression that he is a typical gnome in that he likes to keep busy. He looks none too happy with all this "sit and wait until you're called" stuff going on now.

There is a male human--although he might have some elven blood in him. He has large green eyes that are like two clumps of moss. His thick, curly, shoulder-length hair is the color of mahogany, and is worn in a low ponytail. He is very tall and has a broad-shouldered build. His skin is ruddy. He has thin lips and a neatly-trimmed goatee. Keela really can't even recall his name, although she remembers that he has hit on her at least once and fancies himself the gods' gift to women.

The other human male excavator present has cobalt-blue eyes. His silky, straight, black hair is worn in a style that reminds one of a cascading waterfall. He has an angular build. His skin is cream-colored. He has large hands. Although he appears vaguely familiar to Keela, she really can't even recall his name, much less where she may have seen him or when he came to Bryn Baraz.

DM OOC again: Keela is free to try to cudgel her brain into recalling more about each of these other people by rolling a Perception check for each one.

Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2]  d20+16=21 ; d20+16=31 ; d20+16=32 ;
Wednesday June 5th, 2013 9:20:30 AM

Anrete peers at the remaining miners, racking his brains for any useful information so that he can start shedding blood.

--------------------------------------
Perception: 21
Perception: 31
Perception: 32


Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:8/12 CMD: 30] 
Wednesday June 5th, 2013 12:14:49 PM

Garret watches the darkness, but when nothing appears, he says to Sesha, "So, you talk to that pot a bit. Does it talk back to you? I'm not very familiar with many workings of magic."

Keela  d20+2=7 ; d20+2=16 ; d20+2=11 ;
Wednesday June 5th, 2013 7:43:25 PM

Keela passes on the information she does recall. "The gnome over there is called Hexbolt," she says. "He's a tinkerer; likes to keep busy. The tall guy with the ponytail and goatee will hit on you. He hits on everybody."

Perception checks to recall more:

Hexbolt: 7
Handsome: 16
Pale guy: 11

Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) 
Wednesday June 5th, 2013 7:54:19 PM

Having no idea how rocks can tell who or what passes through or near them, he indicates to Else to give the rock Mark's description and ask how far he made it down the tunnel.

"He may have been killed here, but his murderer may have been further down the tunnel."

1 question, 1 round?

DM OOC: If you have anything you'd like to know that the stone of this area may have been able to "witness", then go ahead and ask the question. I'm not parceling out the questions with "one question = one round of time". If you ask a short question, it will only take a few seconds to ask it. The answer is likely to be as short, but if anything seems to require longer, more convoluted answers, it will take up more time to ask the question.

Just ASK something.


Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 20 -- HP 65/65 Spells Active: Detect Scrying  d20+16=35 ; d20+16=33 ; d20+16=36 ; d20+16=18 ; d20+16=33 ; d20+16=31 ; d20+16=21 ; d20+16=17 ; d20+16=24 ; d20+16=36 ;
Wednesday June 5th, 2013 9:46:43 PM

Keela, why don't you ask one of the miner's to come out, your choice which one. I'd like to get these initial interviews over with quickly and compare my notes before proceeding on.

Cyniq will ask each the same set of questions she has been using.

sense motive rolls: 35, 33, 36, 18, 33, 31, 21, 17, 24, 36

Mining for Clues - DM Donna 
Wednesday June 5th, 2013 10:23:35 PM

INSIDE THE TUNNELS:

Garret strikes up a conversation with Sesha, although he remains watchful. However Sesha may answer the monk's questions, Garret's vigil reveals that the descending passage remains empty and silent.

Alexi's external musings give Else the idea for her first question to the Stone in the area:

"We are trying to find out if one of our people was killed or attacked right here. Have you seen anything like that happen?" she asks. The Sandstone sort of rumbles (probably the rock equivalent of a person going "hmmmm...") and answers:

~Recently there were two people here. Loudly they yelled. One thud ended the argument.~

Else relays the answer to Alexi.

DM OOC: Else asks her questions out loud in Common, so Alexi can hear her end of the conversation. The Stone can only be heard by Else, so she has to repeat the answer back to Alexi in order for him to know what was said. The question above, its answer and Else's repetition of it took about 30 seconds altogether. That means there are 10 and a half minutes of the spell remaining.

OUTSIDE THE TUNNELS:

Keela can't recall much of anything else about Hexbolt, nor can she recall even the name of the pale guy. However, she does remember that the "smooth operator" had introduced himself to her with the name "Margon" and had used a cheesy line about whisking her away to a casbah before she blew him off many moons ago.

Anrete's powers of observation tell him that Mr. Goatee is giving Keela the eye now, clearly trying to think of something to say that may allow him to pick her up. Both the gnome and the other human in the tent are looking impatient, but the human is scowling his displeasure as he shifts around on the crates he's sitting on.

Cyniq gives Keela the word to pick someone for the justicar to interrogate.

Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2] 
Thursday June 6th, 2013 9:50:50 AM

Anrete discreetly maneuvers himself to block off any route of escape as he grins at the goatee pathetic attempt at flirting.

Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:8/12 CMD: 30]  d20+21=31 ; d20+21=37 ;
Thursday June 6th, 2013 10:37:37 AM

Garret takes another look down the long, dark hallway (perception: 31). He takes a quick step down towards the darkness, thinking he might see something. He turns his head to listen and whispers to Sesha, "Did you hear that? I thought I heard something. I guess it could be water or something dripping, but I don't think so. Something is down there. I'm going just a little ways down there, not far."

He carefully and quietly sneaks just a short distance (Stealth: 37) down the tunnel, not out of sight of Sesha, but trying to take a look down the tunnel.

Keela 
Thursday June 6th, 2013 2:56:26 PM

After some thought, Keela brings Margon over to talk to Cyniq.

"I just know you'll be able to help," she says on the way. "You're so smart, and you notice things. And," she drops her voice to a conspiratorial whisper, "I think the Justiciar likes you. Now's your big chance to impress her."

Totally OOC: Yeah, I just knew there was a reason why I really like Keela...

Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) 
Thursday June 6th, 2013 8:02:11 PM

Else conveys that there were two at the spot and an argument errupted. Who was the second? How does stone convey such details?

Alexi asks Else to ask the stone:
1) Were the two males or was one a male and the other a female? Maybe the stone can tell the difference by the difference in voice pitch, males being lower and females being higher.
2) How long was the first one there and what was he/she doing whe the second arrived?
3) Can the stone give general appearances (hair length, body height, body size, foot size)? If so, tells us.



Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 20 -- HP 65/65 Spells Active: Detect Scrying 
Friday June 7th, 2013 1:39:22 AM

Cyniq cocks an eyebrow at Keela before gesturing to Margon Have a seat please.

And then Cyniq leads into her retinue of questions.

DM Donna  d20=1 ; d20=4 ; d20=6 ; d20=8 ; d20=15 ; d20=13 ; d20=1 ; d20=5 ; d20=16 ; d20=8 ;
Friday June 7th, 2013 2:18:10 AM

INSIDE THE TUNNELS:

Garret remains in the 60-foot-range of Sesha's vision, carefully exploring the tunnel, which continues to remain still and dark, with neither any obvious clues nor any creatures jumping out at the monk. You might think that it's like the tunnel is waiting for everyone in the group to be there all together before anything happens...

Alexi asks a few very logical questions, and Else does a bit of explaining to him before asking the Stone to answer them: in this case, the Stone can be considered blind, as it possesses no eyes with which to see. It also cannot distinguish between genders since rocks don't really have a gender themselves--and, besides, this is the first time since its creation that the Stone has been asked to recall precise pitch between two foreign creatures. It really can't recall there being a big difference between the pitch of each person. However, the vibrations from creatures that walk are what tipped off the fact that there were two people here, as well as the vibrations from a loud exchange and the vibrations of the "sudden thud" that ended the conversation between the pair. To that end, the Stone cannot give out a physical description of the two different people other than to say that the both of them have traversed the passageways being opened in the rock before.

The Stone recalls that there was only one person in this area at first--the person was here for quite some time before being joined by the second person and the loud conversation ensued. After the conversation-ending thud occurred, the person remaining ran to fetch a device that rolls and returned here with it, filling it with something else and rolling the load away to the east where "the pesky parasite" was having lunch.

This whole part of the conversation takes another minute and a half, so now there are 9 minutes left to the spell.

OUTSIDE THE TUNNELS:

Anrete enjoys the very entertaining show as Keela charms the charmer while leading him to his session with Cyniq. The following ensues:

Cyniq once more introduces herself and commences to questioning:

State your name and occupation. "I'm Margon...Margon Jandrish...and I am totally occupied with you..." This last line is accompanied by the flash (leer?) of almost unnaturally-white teeth.

Date of arrival in Bryn Baraz. "I hitched on with this gig after the town got rid of its...lizard problem."

Prior place of residence. "I lived in Floating City."

When did you come on shift? "I got to work around six o'clock or so."

What did you observe last night. "I observed the deep violet eyes of one of the professional ladies at Mama Belle's...but now I only have eyes for you."

Have you seen anything else unusual. "I see that you have no man in attendance--" Margon's eyes flicker Anrete's way. "--none that can give you what you need, that is..."

What was your relationship with the deceased? "Mark was someone I worked with."

Were you aware of any problems with the deceased? "He was okay--although he can be SUCH a stick-in-the-mud sometimes. He ratted on us when Rogy and me cut up once in the tunnels." Again Margon flashes what he must believe is a seductive smile at Cyniq. "I find that most women appreciate a man with a sense of humor."

How did the deceased get along with the workers? Here Margon shrugs. "Okay, I guess--except for that one time he got all 'Mister Safety First' on me and Rogy."

What question have I not asked that I should have?

"You didn't ask when I'm available to escort you to the casbah, where I can make all your dreams come true..."

All through the interview, Cyniq's holy symbol remains dark.

DM OOC: I fell asleep waiting on everyone to post. One more DM post for this week--I plan to post it just after midnight Eastern time today.

Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:8/12 CMD: 30] 
Friday June 7th, 2013 3:43:36 PM

Garret stands, hands on his hips, looking down into the dark tunnel. He whispers back to Sesha, "Now I'm sure there's something down there. I'm also sure we do NOT want to know what it is. I am also sure that if our group doesn't get down there and find it, it will come back up and find some innocent villager. I wonder how well Anrete can swing his weapons in this small space."

DM Donna 
Saturday June 8th, 2013 7:40:01 AM

OOC: once again, I miss my self-imposed deadline. Oh, well--here is the next bit of exposition:

INSIDE THE TUNNELS: Garret knows that the descending tunnel must be explored, but he wisely reasons that the exploration must occur with everyone in the party all together. Hopefully the party will soon gather either inside the tunnels or outside, so that they are all in one place and able to proceed together.

OUTSIDE THE TUNNELS: Margon continues to smile beguilingly at Cyniq, apparently completely oblivious to the fact that he's supposed be the current target of the justicar's investigation. He seems to be maddeningly sure of his own charm.

Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) 
Sunday June 9th, 2013 11:34:07 PM

OOC: Sorry for the delay, RL stuff, like sleep, wife, cat, inlaws, sleep...

IC:
The information gained by their questions are revealing to some extent. It had not occured to Alexi that rocks don't have eyes. Of course, it also had never occured to Alexi to ever have to put rocks on the witness stand.

Clearly the culprint was up to something. Whether it was just goofing around or something more sinister the rocks won't really know.

"Another question please. What minerals does this area contain inbedded in your 'body'? It sounded rather greedy to ask, but it could mean something if the culprint had found something he thought valuable and wanted to abscond with it.

It occured to Alexi that the rocks won't know what is valuable and what is mundane, but he hoped the rocks could describe every sort in some fashion to give him an idea, at least.

Keela 
Sunday June 9th, 2013 11:40:10 PM

Aside from rolling her eyes behind Margon's back, Keela stays out of Cyniq's questioning session. More and more, it seems as if they should just go investigate the mine for themselves.

Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 20 -- HP 65/65 Spells Active: Detect Scrying 
Monday June 10th, 2013 12:32:22 AM

Make sense to anyone else to fast track this module and consider how we are retiring/killing/regressing our characters?

Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2] 
Monday June 10th, 2013 8:18:38 AM

ooC:

sorry. me too.
I am cool with anything. How about we are framed and got imprisoned and sent back to the gallows at hook city?

Sesha [AC 25 | HP 42/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] 
Monday June 10th, 2013 10:33:40 AM

ooc: Sorry again. Internet should be stable now.

Sesha [AC 25 | HP 42/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] 
Monday June 10th, 2013 10:49:45 AM

ooc: Are we losing levels on this xfer? If so, I'm going to probably just roll anew and move Sesha back to It'lal.


Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:8/12 CMD: 30] 
Monday June 10th, 2013 11:57:53 AM

Garret starts to call out to the others, but then pauses as he looks down the long, dark hallway once again.

DM Donna - posting via tablet 
Monday June 10th, 2013 1:13:36 PM

TOTALLY OOC - I am waiting for my brother as I type this, but I strongly urge any Meta-game discussion take place in emails.

However I will also add that the current adventure your party is conducting is one that has been adjusted so that it will end by the given deadline. I had been hoping that the PCs would have gone on to check out the descending tunnel (for a quick safety check, at least.)

8D

Else HP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 
Monday June 10th, 2013 1:16:31 PM

ooc: I'm back. Please pardon my absence. That is an excellent question, Sesha. Are we losing levels?

Else will 'track' the second figure who murdered the miner by asking the stone/earth every thirty feet which direction he went.

Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) 
Monday June 10th, 2013 8:33:08 PM

OOC: and of course, Alexi's question on the mineral content of the rocks in that area. :)

Sesha [AC 25 | HP 42/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] 
Monday June 10th, 2013 11:09:08 PM

Sesha continues to follow the others, keeping them in range of her dark vision.

Keela 
Tuesday June 11th, 2013 12:19:50 AM

"I'm going to go see how the others are getting along," Keela tells Cyniq and Anrete. After a moment's hesitation, she adds, "Maybe we should all go and see what's going on there. There's something odd about all of this."

Something Happening Is [DM Jerry] 
Tuesday June 11th, 2013 1:12:29 AM

Else is shocked when the earth and stone around her refuses to answer her. The ground rumbles for a second. Then the rocks speak.

"SOMETHING HAPPENING IS."

The ground rumbles a second time.

Further inside, Garret, having paused, hears the rumbling. A few small rocks fall from the roof and a layer of dust rises within the tunnel making it hard to breathe.

Outside the tunnels, a soft bell begins to toll--ghostly.....with a strange sort of reverb.

"Bong...."

"Dong...."

With each sounding of the bell, it grows in volume and substance.

--------------

Sorry for the short post folks. Things are in flux. If you would all describe where exactly you are and what you are doing in your posts to help me figure things out. :)

I'm also waiting on some replies from several folks to confirm our plans for the merger which we will act out "in character."

Stay in character as much as you can. Take the OOC stuff to email please. Include me and I'll answer your questions. :)

Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28)  d20+8=28 ;
Tuesday June 11th, 2013 10:10:54 AM

Alexi's head jerks up at the sound of a bell. His first thought is that it is the alarm bell, but upon the second sounding, he realizes that it is different, deeper, more ominous!

"This isn't right! Has Al Mathir broken it's word and returned?"

'Drat! One crisis after another! Can't we get one solved before start on another? Do these things always have to come in pairs, triplets?' he fumes.

"Looks like we'll need to finish this investigation later on. That bell sounding has an urgency to it!" he blurts.

He calls the group together at the intersection and urges them to head back out, taking up the lead. Once at the entrace again, he pauses and looks out.

Perception +8 = 28! N20

Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2] 
Tuesday June 11th, 2013 10:32:28 AM

Anrete smiles at Margon, and blow a kiss with his dagger, "Charmed. Lucy want to know ye!"

PS: Lucy is his dagger.

Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 20 -- HP 65/65 Spells Active: Detect Scrying 
Tuesday June 11th, 2013 11:29:27 AM

You're not my type, and you're excused. Cyniq refrains from shuddering, barely, at the shallow come-ons. Anrete will show you out.

Cyniq looks down at her list and shouts, Next!

Sesha [AC 25 | HP 42/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility]  d20+21=37 ; d100+16=115 ;
Tuesday June 11th, 2013 1:30:23 PM

Sesha moves with Alexi, running to keep his pace. As he stops, she skids to a halt behind him. She feels a familiar tingling come over her as Pot-pot casts his protective wards. [1]She pulls her broom from it's strap and casts her own spell, reaching into the shadows of Bryn Baraz to channel the magic from it's woldsblood.[2]

She finds ample energy, more than enough to power the spell completely without tapping her own reserves. Her own method of flight prepared, she waits for the others to catch up.

[1] Intelligent cooking pot casts Divine Shield.
[2] Bend Ley Lines: Success 37 vs DC 20; +16 to next Ley Check
[3] Ley Check 115 vs DC 20, no slot expended.

[Spells in effect: Barkskin, 0/110 minute;, Divine Shield, 0/11 minutes; See Invisibility, Permanent.]
[Spells Remaining]

1st (5/5 +1); 2nd (3/4 +1); 3rd (4/4 +1); 4th (3/3 + 1); 5th (2/2 +1) 6th (1/1 +1 )

Sesha has used 0/5 Healing Touch
Pot-pot has used 1/3 Divine Shield.

Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:8/12 CMD: 30] 
Tuesday June 11th, 2013 5:23:18 PM

Garret takes a last look down the dark tunnel as he hears Alexi call out; then he runs towards the entrance, right behind Sesha.

Keela 
Tuesday June 11th, 2013 5:40:35 PM

Uncertain what that ringing sound might mean, Keela calls out, "Cyniq? Anrete? I think we'd better go investigate that."

She goes to investigate that.

Powerful Insistent [DM Jerry] 
Wednesday June 12th, 2013 12:02:12 AM

Seemingly not wanting to be ignored, the bell rings again...

Powerful.

Insistent.

Magic tendrils of light move into the mines, grabbing one and all as the shaking within the minds increases. Those grabbed are carried through the air towards the entrance ending the questioning and concerning many as they scream and writhe in horror.

As Alexi begins to move towards the entrance of the mines, tendrils of magic reach out for him lifting him from the ground and carrying him in the direction he wishes to go...assuming that direction is out.

Anrete and Cyniq are picked up together in a macabre dance spinning and dodging support beams as they are carried towards the entrance.

Sesha moving after Alexi is seemingly ignored. However, one last magic tendril gently lifts her carrying her with respect in a sort of chair. The tendril shows intelligence as it seems to respect.....the witch.

Garrett runs after Sesha in a mad game of triple chase: Alexi being carried roughly followed by Sesha in her throne of light, followed by Garrett running behind, seemingly ignored. [Garrett make a grapple check of 15 to grab the back of Shesha's throne before she gets out of reach.]

Keela is tapped upon the shoulder by a tendril which then grabs her around the waist carrying her away pell-mell through the mines towards the entrance.

The screams intensify as the tendrils of light seem to treat different people with different amounts of "respect?"

Dong!

Dong!

The bell chimes again. The mines begin to collapse.

[Reflex saves of 20 or you take 4d6 damage from collapsing rocks; save for half.]



Else HP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17  d20+8=12 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ;
Wednesday June 12th, 2013 12:17:44 AM

Else comes up short in escaping the collapsing rock, taking a heavy blow to the shoulder as she flees (11 damage, current 112/123)

There is a definite edge of panic in her voice as she calls out to no one in particular. "By the gods, what is going on here!?"

Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 20 -- HP 65/65 Spells Active: Detect Scrying 
Wednesday June 12th, 2013 9:32:34 AM

Cyniq was not in the tunnels, she was carried toward them?

Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:8/12 CMD: 30]  d20+14=18 ; d20+12=20 ;
Wednesday June 12th, 2013 9:52:55 AM

Garret puts on a burst of speed as Sesha is picked up, and he jumps up, grabbing ahold of the throne of light that has Sesha. As the mines begin to collapse around them, he squirms around the throne, moving and dodging all the rocks that start falling (Reflex save: 20, improved evasion). Amid the crashing, he yells out, "Good thing we didn't go down that tunnel, huh?"

Sesha [AC 25 | HP 72/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility]  d20+9=23 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ;
Wednesday June 12th, 2013 10:35:13 AM

Sesha grits her teeth and covers her head as a large rock crashes towards her, only to be rolled out of the way at the last second by her "escort." She is grazed, but not terribly hurt. She looks in wonder at the strange tendrils, unsure what it is she is looking at.

She feels a slight pull, and turns to see Garrett riding along with her. She smiles and scruffles the halflings hair.

"Have the protectors of Bryn Baraz seen this before? It isn't a terrible way to travel, but I still prefer my broom."

She clutches her broom in her hand, unsure if it would continue to follow her when she is being whisked along by these tendrils.

Keela[AC 17; HP 66/76] [Mage Armor; Telepathic Bond]  d20+8=23 ; 4d6=21 ;
Wednesday June 12th, 2013 12:07:47 PM

"Oof!" Keela is caught off guard by the grasping tendril, but she is able to escape the worst of the collapsing rocks [Reflex save 23].

"No," she replies to Sesha. "No, that's never happened before."

Because things look like they're about to get weird, she casts a Telepathic Bond on the group.

Active Spells:
Mage Armor (approximately 20 hours remaining)
Telepathic Bond (110 minutes remaining)

Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 102/120 CMD 26(Trip 28)  d20+12=16 ; 4d6=18 ;
Wednesday June 12th, 2013 9:32:21 PM

'What Madness is THIS! Were we getting too close to the Murderer?' Alexi tries to yell out, but he is too busy tryin to fight off the tendrils and dodge falling rocks.

Ref +12 = 16, dmg = (I guess I'll also roll my own damage) 18

His efforts to break the tendrils prevent him from dodging rocks and he gets pounded upon.

Remembering the villain that was Zeph's dad and wonders if this is his doing as revenge, he grits his teeth, about all he can do as his arms are wrapped up in the supernatural tendrils.

"Just don't ask who the bell tolls for!" he belts out.

It Tolls For Thee [DM Jerry] 
Wednesday June 12th, 2013 11:38:17 PM

A last minute tendril of light grabs Else and pulls her out of the mines at incredible speed. [Fortitude save DC20 or you lose your breath and are "staggered[condition]" for the next two posts.

Cynic and any others outside are still picked up by the tendrils and drawn away from the mines. There, in a field about halfway between the mines and town is the cause of the chaos and the source of the tendrils of light. A huge bell, at least 20' in diameter, glows--floating in a ghostly form above the wheat field. Underneath, a forming crop circle constantly moving with designs. Words appear in the grasses and disappear as if reality is changing.

Sesha and Garrett are pulled out of the mine opening and they also see the bell, just as it sounds again.

Dong!

Dong!

Keela's spell catches everyone as the group is reunited outside the mine, all being pulled to the bell floating in the field.

The words carved into the field change faster and faster. Then a giant ghostly scythe wipes the crop circle clearing the "canvas" as if it was an etch-a-sketch. New wheat grows over the course of a couple of seconds, and the whole process begins again. The harvested wheat is bundled and stacked. You see the same thing happening throughout the countryside.

Within another few seconds, the party is gently deposited just outside the newly growing crop circle looking up at the bell.

Your hair fills with electricity as a massive tendril shoots out and SLAMS the mine opening up the entrance and hillside beyond making it look as if the opening is a giant maw of some unspeakable monster.

As the hail of rocks land and the dust clears, the sight beyond is amazing! Veins of mithril, showing exactly where to mine, are revealed. The miners are deposited a safe distance away from the mine, but their cheering carries to you after a few seconds.

Dong.

Dong.

----------

Sorry, one of my problems was figuring out where everyone was.

Really Jonathan? One more of those and it WILL "toll for thee!" ::grin::

Sesha [AC 25 | HP 72/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] 
Thursday June 13th, 2013 12:24:29 AM

Sesha looks at the others, confused.

She starts to speak, but just sighs and flops onto the ground. She gently touches her telepathic link with her spirit familiar.

"Pot-pot, anything? Any idea what just happened?"

She continues looking at the bell, her hand on her broom. She finally speaks, answering a question she was asked some time ago.

"You asked me about my cauldron, Garret. It's not much different than a wizards familiar or a druids companion, I suppose. The Witches of the Ga'alin, and I suppose other Witches, should they exist and Alexi has hinted that they do, have an ability to connect with a spirit from the realm of shadow. Something just pulls us together, whether fate or whimsey or curiosity. Then we bond. It's permanent, unless I sacrifice him for one cause or another."

She continues.

"The spirits are incredibly unique, able to inhabit the bodies of animals, weapons, or other objects. They can also detect other spirits, undead, or witches withing a long range. Mine was bound to this Cauldron. He's rather sore about it, and refuses to tell me his name until I make him a glorious weapon or a powerful animal. Until then, he is simply Pot-pot."

She points at the bell.

"And I have asked him if he has any idea what in the Wold THAT is."

Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2] 
Thursday June 13th, 2013 9:44:52 AM

ooc:

So does Anrete needs to roll for reflex? Cuz he, Cyniq, and Keela were not in the mines.

IC:

Anrete blinks in confusion. Magic isn't his strong point.

Keela[AC 17; HP 66/76] [Mage Armor; Telepathic Bond]  d20+22=34 ;
Thursday June 13th, 2013 10:51:04 AM

Keela watches in astonishment. "What was that?" she asks.

[Knowledge Arcana or Spellcraft 34]

Active Spells:
Mage Armor (approximately 20 hours remaining)
Telepathic Bond (110 minutes remaining)

Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:8/12 CMD: 30] 
Thursday June 13th, 2013 12:49:09 PM

Garret looks around in amazement, further confused by the unreality of it all when Sesha continues their conversation as if they had not just been whisked away by an incredible supernatural power and into a giant circle just below a huge bell. He looks around, checking to see who has been transported to the bell and them moves quickly to the edge of the circle, testing to see if it is possible to move outside the circle and out from underneath the bell.

Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 102/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) 
Thursday June 13th, 2013 10:01:34 PM

OOC: Alexi is well known for his quips. :)

Confronted by the bell, it is clear to Alexi that It is the cause of this mayhem. He had seen nothing like it before. Nor had he ever seen anything like a floating mountain dozens of square miles in size either.

Well, one thing for sure is that it wasn't Zeph's father seeking revenge, nor Al Mathir returning.

Then the Bell opens up the side of the mountain showing the veins of mithril.

"This can't be good. Every scumbag of a dirt digger will be flooding the Uncharted Lands in search for more places like this. What have we done? The chaos this will cause in these fragil lands will destroy the balance forever. The Ahote were right. We should have never come. They are doomed," Alexi blurts, dismayed.

Else HP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17  d20+12=31 ;
Thursday June 13th, 2013 11:42:01 PM

ooc: Fortitude save 31, successful.

After being whipped through the air and deposited unceremoniously on her tush in the midst of the field. Else watches in bewilderment as the bell lashes out at the mountainside. "This is... bizarrely helpful. And what of these crops? Does this represent time? Life and death?"

Bizarrely Helpful [DM Jerry] 
Friday June 14th, 2013 1:46:36 AM

Pot-pot answers Sesha. "Power. Chaos. Creation. Destruction. I am scared. Something's coming. Something's going. The writing in the crop circle tells the tale, but it changes faster than it can occur. I will tell you no more. I hates you. I loves you."

Anrete stands outside the crop circle just like the others. Some grass grows quickly up past his ankles and tickles his legs. They braid themselves and separate.

Keela realizes through her skills what her base observation has already told her: The bell is causing everything that has happened. It is beyond artifact in power. Creation level like the Legendary Forge in the Oshirr House. But different. Uncontrollable.

Garret looks up and around. He realizes he is outside the crop circle, not in its center. The pattern of the crop circle seems to change, yet there are patterns there. Symbols. Some in Old Woldian. Words even in some of the baser languages such as Dwarven and Gnomish.

Alexi sees the miners removing their hats as if hypnotized by the transformation of the mine. They just stare and wonder.

Else realizes that the key phrase just came out of her mouth as if it was bidden to do so: "bizarrely helpful." It is as if the bell wants to help, but doesn't know how. It did pull them out of danger. It did harvest enough crops to last for years in just a few moments. It did open up the mine to reveal amazing veins of precious mithril. But the way it did this? Bizarrely helpful.

A farmer's boy comes running up with his sister. Both say one thing only, "Cool!" Then they run into the crop circle chasing the moving lines. Laughing and playing. Not sensing any danger or showing any hesitance.

Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 20 -- HP 65/65 Spells Active: Detect Scrying 
Friday June 14th, 2013 4:20:07 AM

Cyniq tugs on a braid of hair and just watches.

Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:7/12 CMD: 30]  d20+50=67 ;
Friday June 14th, 2013 9:37:00 AM

Garret looks up, down, then sideways as he tries to tell what is going on. He moves closer to the bell and jumps up for a closer look...(Jump: 72 -- that's straight up 18 feet).

Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2] 
Friday June 14th, 2013 10:05:24 AM

Anrete shrugs and walks towards the bell. Clang clang The brashful barbarian raps his knuckles on the artifact.

"Anyone home?"

Keela[AC 17; HP 66/76] [Mage Armor; Telepathic Bond] 
Friday June 14th, 2013 2:47:38 PM

Keela is stil trying to figure out what this all means, when Anrete starts knocking on the artifact. It doesn't strike Keela as a good idea.

"Anrete," she says, "do not taunt the Happy Fun Bell."

Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 20 -- HP 65/65 Spells Active: Detect Scrying 
Friday June 14th, 2013 3:22:19 PM

Cyniq ponders the origin of The Golden Bell of Crop Circles.

Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 102/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) 
Friday June 14th, 2013 9:49:47 PM

The Ghostly Bell and all the Happenings make Alexi wonder if this is some very powerful Dream Sequence of the Ahote, brought upon by the Ahote goddess instead of having to inhale the smoke of the herbs, and she is trying to tell them something.

Else HP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 
Friday June 14th, 2013 11:54:37 PM

ooc: "Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball."

Else continues to stare, mouth agape at the proceedings. "Well... could you build some homes, O Great Divine Bell? Is that within your will?"

Sesha [AC 25 | HP 72/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility]  d20+7=10 ;
Saturday June 15th, 2013 12:43:17 AM

"It's had quite the reaction on my spirit familiar. It's a giant conundrum to him. Pure Chaos. He says the writing in the crop circle tells the tale, but it moves too fast. The words "Something is going. Something is coming. Creation. Destruction." were thrown around."

She stands up and pulls her broom with her, unsure how to proceed. She hops on her broom and calls to Garret. who is jumping up and down.

"You've got good eyes, Half-man Garret. Come with me? Try to see the story in this chaos. And it's easier than bouncing."

She will circle the bell once on the broom, then ascend above it and try to pick out something of relevance from the images in the crops.



Sesha [AC 25 | HP 72/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] 
Saturday June 15th, 2013 4:23:24 AM

[ooc: Sorry, d20 was perception, which Sesha is terrible at.]

Keela[AC 17; HP 66/76] [Mage Armor; Telepathic Bond] 
Sunday June 16th, 2013 7:31:40 PM

OOC: Ken spotted my reference, but for some reason his You Tube link isn't working properly. Here is a tamer link that might work better.

Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:7/12 CMD: 30]  d20+21=24 ;
Monday June 17th, 2013 12:29:05 PM

Garret nods to Sesha and rides the broom around the bell, trying to see, well, anything? (Perception: 24).

Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 20 -- HP 65/65 Spells Active: Detect Scrying 
Monday June 17th, 2013 2:46:32 PM

we still checking in here?

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