SouthHook Treasury Entrance (co-DM SteveK) Thursday May 8th, 2014 10:41:30 PM
Restlin does some quick adding up. Four heroes fly themselves, Garrett carried by Restlin and a spell on Bosk will take care of the large minotaur for himself and the human barbarian. In seconds, the Iron Adventurers are flying off the southern end of the Hook City Bridge and towards the South Hook Magistrate Building.
It takes 5 minutes of flying for the team to get to the large government buildng of glistening white marble. Restlin doesn't hesitate, but leads the others to fly to a side entrance, one normally heavily locked and even more heavily guarded.
But the steps leading to the basement entrance are empty of guards and the doors stand open...
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 Thursday May 8th, 2014 10:52:21 PM
Beri think about what he just heard, someone stealing the chit machine? So, instead of just letting the inconvenient Chit system die, we are helping to maintain the bureaucracy.. oh well. Anybody know how deep this hallway is? Should I summon now or am I risking wasting time and the spell if I do it here?
spell list 0 (4)- Detect Magic, Light, Create Water, stabilize 1 (6)- *Elf Vision, Faerie Firex2, Entangle, cure light wounds x3 2 (6)- *Faerie Fire, Fog Cloud, Soften Earth and Stone, Warp Wood, spider climb, Flaming Sphere, restoration lesser 3 (5)- *Glibness, Sleet Storm, quench, Greater Magic Fang, wind wall, stone shape, Cure Moderate Wounds 4 (5)- *Lesser Planar Ally, dispel magic, cure serious sounds, Freedom of Movement, Air Walk x2 5 (3)- *Awaken, Animal Growth, Cure Critical Wounds, Baleful Polymorph 6 (2)- *Legend Lore , Antilife Shell, Dispel Magic, Greater Spells with * are Fey domain spells (and not included in spell counts)
Sesha [AC 24 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 168/84 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Thursday May 8th, 2014 10:56:45 PM
Sesha casts a dubious glance at Auslander.
Hundreds?
She is doubtful that many magic users of that strength exist in the Wold alone, let alone have all congregated in one city. Still, the display of strong magic is enough to convince her to leave the citizens for now.
She turns on her broom and follows the others, pondering the usefulness of stealing the chit machine. Certainly they couldn't expect to just produce them en-masse for money? Then again, maybe the machine itself was capable of generating the spells equal to it's value?
Settling her resolve, Sesha pushes on.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 102/102 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+13=23 ; d20+10=22 ; d20+26=42 ; d20+36=48 ; Thursday May 8th, 2014 11:49:11 PM "I meant no disrespect, Inspector. I have clearly underestimated your abilities and apologise if I have offended you in any way" Tink gives a respectful bow to the Inspector before departing.
--------------
"No guards is never good" Tink looks about for any evidence of a struggle.
She tries to recall anything she may have heard about this chit machine. Dimensions, abilities, how it is protected, and why it is so important to Hook City? Is it the only one that makes chits? With it missing, what would be the impact to the economy? Knowl Local: 23, Knowl Arcana: 22
"In a city so magically adept, I would imagine the guards of such an important device would have some powerful anti-magic or protection abilities. It would seem unlikely they would be swayed by a suggestion spell" Tink looks to Sesha or Restlin for a confirmation nod. "There may well be protective wards that would prevent summoned creatures or teleportation within. It may be worth saving your spells until you can be sure they can be used"
"I am happy to take point." Tink says, standing at her full 3ft. Then flying a few inches off the ground to make herself appear even taller. "Though should a fight be inevitable expect to see me fall-back behind some of the more 'rugged' types"
------------------ Spells in effect: Arcane Sight - 120ft range. See magical auras automatically. Darkvision - 60ft range See Invisibility - See Invisible or Ethereal objects Overland Flight - Detect Scrying - Detect any person/object being scryed upon with 40ft Misdirection - Misdirect the information from divination spells that reveal auras on Tink to instead seem like a pebble (Neutral, Not Magic, Not Lying, Not alive, etc) Mage Armor - +4 AC
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +13/+6/+10 CMD: 22 HP: 89/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 6 d20+23=35 ; Friday May 9th, 2014 8:09:26 AM
Restlin fills the newcomers in about the significance of the chit-machine.
"It's an ancient teucri artifact. As far as I know, no one's really sure how it works and no one has been able to re-create it. What's more, the magic in the chits doesn't function outside of the city. It could very well be that the chits need to be close to the machine itself to work. Imagine the richest city in the Wold's economy crumbling in an instant: a few deaths at that bridge are tragic, but they don't compare to the devastation that could be caused should this machine be stolen. This is a very important job we're tasked with."
In the back of Restlin's mind, he can't help but think of the fame foiling this plot would bring the Iron Adventurers. The city might even forgive that whole Kyan incident with the spitting...
Arriving at the scene, he scans for any signs of battle. Surely this person didn't charm and bribe the entire guard detail for the Hook City Treasury. (Perception: 35)
Tink, with her magically heightened senses, may just be the best point person. They need to move quickly, and Tink will be able to spot any magical traps or barriers easier than the rest of them. Restlin will fly close enough to the ground to allow Garret to hop off, but chooses to float about a foot off the ground as they proceed into the building.
"Tink is correct. Hook City wouldn't mess around with the protections on this machine. I sincerely hope we're going up against an enemy who just bit off more than she could chew." Restlin's always been curious about this machine and it's protections. Looks like he'll get to see first hand what's involved!
Anrete AC:31/18/31 CMD:32 HP:134/134 DR:2 Friday May 9th, 2014 10:57:50 AM
Anrete licks his lip before grunting in excitement as they approaches the target.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:104/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] d20+25=28 ; d20+21=34 ; Friday May 9th, 2014 2:57:51 PM
As the group flies through the air, Garret stands up on Restlin's shoulders (acrobatics: 28) but wobbles a little bit. He looks up at Sesha on the broom and just for a moment considers jumping up and grabbing hold. Instead he squats down and looks around at they approach the entranceway (Perception: 34), looking for a target to dive-bomb.
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:28 HP 94 of 94 Spells d20+17=28 ; Friday May 9th, 2014 9:11:46 PM Come on guys, we need to stop them before Hook City feels the need to add another layer of bureaucracy and red tape...and I suppose because it is the right thing to do. Bosk quickly looks around to see if there are any clues pr anything else out of the ordinary.
Perception = 28
SouthHook Treasury Entrance (co-DM SteveK) Saturday May 10th, 2014 8:39:46 AM Beri has his doubts about saving a machine that so obviously creates an elite class in Hook City and makes it really difficult for anyone who has NOT been born in Hook City to get ahead. Yet the immediate issues of the hallway and potential spell solutions brings his mind to the here and now.
Sesha is doubtful that there are more than a hundred spellcasters in the Wold who can cast a Clear Spell. Still, there is enough to convince her to leave the citizens for now. How could stealing the Chit Machine be a benefit to the thieves? It is a good question, and hopefully one of her companions with strong knowledge of Hook City may have a potential answer.
Katinka is very respectful to Inspector Auslander before departing. (Sense Motive DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {The hero has a hunch that Auslander is gruff because he is more interested in actions and results than appearances.}.) (If Sense Motive successful, Knowledge Local DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: {In this, Auslander seems very different than most Hook City citizens.}). "No guards is never good" Tink looks about, not seeing any evidence of a struggle. She speculates that it would be difficult to enchant or otherwise magic the guards (Restlin is sure this is completely true), and further speculates protective wards on the Treasury. Setting all the potential dangers in her mind, the little halfling is happy to take point, casts Invisibility on herself, and walks down the stairs in the lead.
Restlin fills the newcomers in about the significance of the chit-machine. He scans the area for battle and, like Katinka, does not see any. He is certain Hook City wouldn't mess around with the protections on this machine. The entrance that Restlin knows about only from many years of working in SouthHook's magistrates, is a unremarkable side entrance to the Municipal Building and normally guarded by only two soldiers. At every other location in HookCity, the more important something is, the bigger, more decked out, more baroque and ostentatious the location. It would seem that a very unmagical misdirection was the first defense of the Treasury. A defense that has been breached.
Anrete licks his lip before grunting in excitement as they approaches the target.
Garret plays in the wind as the Iron Adventurers fly towards the SouthHook Municipal Building, and seeks a target to dive onto from above, but there are none.
Bosk feels they need to stop the thieves because it is the right thing to do, not for any noble feelings for the HookCity Bureaucracy. Bosk quickly looks around to see if there are any clues pr anything else out of the ordinary. At the entrance, the only thing that appears out of the ordinary at this very plain side door is there are no guards, the doors are wide open, and the entranceway is extremely plain and NOT obvious for a location of such importance in HookCity. ........................
Between the heroes' thoughts and conversations, they actually come up with a couple potential impacts of stealing the Chit Machine. The first and most obvious is whoever takes it can then make their own Chits and become rich in Hook City and in effect making an even more elite class. The second possibility of flooding Hook City's economy with Chits thus devaluing the currency would only be valuable to the thieves if they wanted to create turmoil for some other unknown purpose. The third is NOT creating Chits and holding the HookCity bureaucracy for ransom, thus, in effect becoming the rulers of HookCity. The last they are able to come up with is completely taking the machine away for some purpose ranging from creating a rival to HookCity or to experiment on a Tecuri artifact for the power or purpose (like Khar Avon did with the Cauldron and Spear).
It looks like there are many possibilities and in them all, Restlin is correct: many innocent people will get hurt in the chaos of the City if the Chit Machine is stolen.
In trying to think of what the known protections of the Chit Machine are or even what it looks like or how it operates... the Iron Adventurers come up empty. The only known thing is that there IS a Chit Machine, it is rumored to be Tecuri-made, and was at a place where no public citizen goes. Only Clerks of the Treasury ever went into the complex where the secret Treasury was located. It is amazing that Restlin, himself a citizen of HookCity all his life, even knew where the entrance was! ................
Katinka moves down the first set of stairs and notices that there are indeed many traps, both mundane and magical, through the entrance. Her blue glowing eyes do not assist her at all because there are so many so powerful magical auras, of so many multiple types of magic, that the strong local magical emanations are distorting and concealing anything weaker than Overwhelming auras.
(OOC: Must roll a new Skill Check for every piece of information in spoilers.)
Still, she can see the Overwhelming auras, and she does have her natural ability to perceive. With these she can see that every five feet of this entrance corridor has a trap, and every one of them have been expertly bypassed. The entire corridor is covered by an Overwhelming Abjuration. Knowledge Arcana DC 28 Highlight to display spoiler: { Dimensional Lock } 1 - A spike here that stops a trap door from springing. 2 - A half dome of thin bronze glued to the wall with Sovereign Glue that are concealing whatever trap is behind it. 3 - Red paint, shaped like three footprints, mark the floor on this five foot section. Perception DC 26 Highlight to display spoiler: {Shocking Floor Trap; a trespasser MUST walk on all three painted footprints to disable the trap.} 4 - A stone partition missing; inside, a cable is cut that disabled the triggering of giant spring-loaded saw blades. 5 - Four delicate (and expensive) prisms that deflect a beam of strong light up and around so the light beam is never crossed. 6 - A half dome of thin bronze glued to the wall with Sovereign Glue that are concealing whatever trap is behind it. 7 - More Sovereign Glue stuffed into a hundred tiny holes in the walls. 8 - A half dome of thin bronze glued to the wall with Sovereign Glue that are concealing whatever trap is behind it. 9 - A half dome of thin bronze glued to the wall with Sovereign Glue that are concealing whatever trap is behind it. 10 - Two stones five feet apart are marked in red paint in the shape of a square. Perception DC 25 Highlight to display spoiler: { Pit Trap. The red paint shows safe take-off and landing zones.} 11 - The walls here have been melted. Arcane Knowledge DC 23 Highlight to display spoiler: { Stone Shape spell }. 12 - Archway with open double doors. Overwhelming Aura; Abjuration. Arcane Know DC 28 Highlight to display spoiler: {Forbiddance}. Katinka can see red paint in the shape of letters on one of the doors that opened into the large room on the other side of the archway, but the angle is going to make it difficult to read. Linguistics DC 30 Highlight to display spoiler: { "Whataliacha Doodlydoo"}.
Perception DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: {All the red paint is fresh.}
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 102/102 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+10=23 ; d20+10=13 ; d20+10=24 ; d20+20=31 ; d20+6=19 ; d20+26=44 ; Saturday May 10th, 2014 7:29:52 PM Sense Motive vs DC20. Auto Pass Knowl Local vs DC10. Take 10 = Pass
Knowl Arcana vs DC28: 23 = Fail Perc vs DC26: Auto Pass Perc vs DC25: Auto Pass Knowl Arcana vs DC23: 13 = Fail Knowl Arcana vs DC28: 24 = Fail Knowl Linguistics vs DC30: 31 = Pass Perc vs DC10: Auto Pass
---------------
"Great glowing gavels!" Tink marvels, her eyes wide. Never has she seen so many traps in such close proximity. She tries not to let on to the others, but she has an extremely difficult time trying to discern any of the magical auras present. She can see them as bright as day, but has no idea what any of them could be. Her masters would be most displeased.
"There are traps every five feet. I don't think there is anything left to worry about them though. They have all been masterfully bypassed. I would go as far as saying someone had detailed knowledge about what they were dealing with. Bronze domes, delicate prisms. I consider myself quite adept at disabling traps, but these would likely have been beyond me." Tink looks even more closely "The red paint is fresh. I would say whoever was spotting and disabling these traps used the red paint to indicate the safe path to the rest of their group. Yes, I believe this was not a one person job. I wonder if the color red is significant. All the playing cards were red"
"I can't see any blood" she notes.
"There is an overwhelming magical aura throughout this entire corridor. It is possible the chit machine has already been removed through this way"
Tink tries to guide the party safely ahead. "Dont touch anything, and if you are walking, only step where I indicate"
At #3 - "Be careful to only step on the red painted marks" At #5 - "Don't cross the beams!" At #10 - "There is a pit trap here. Be careful to only step on the red markings"
At #12, Tink stops and whispers "There is something here written in fresh red paint. I can read the words, but they do not make sense to me. It is possible they may trigger something if I do. Then again, why paint the words there in the first place? So far the red paint has been used to guide others and bypass the other traps, so this may be a safe word. Or perhaps a code on where to safely step in the next room?" Tink pauses a moment to consider. (Int check: 19)
Should she deem it a worth a try (based on her Int check) and if she cannot see or hear anything moving or making noise in the next room (Perc: 44)...
She draws her shield and tries to position it between her and the archway. "Given the spacing of these traps, try and stay 10ft behind me for a moment. I'm going to try something" When the others have braced themselves, Tink will say the perculiar words in the same language that they have been written in "WHATALIACHA DOODLYDOO!"
Tink will be hovering at AE18.
------------------ Spells in effect: Invisible Arcane Sight - 120ft range. See magical auras automatically. Darkvision - 60ft range See Invisibility - See Invisible or Ethereal objects Overland Flight - Fly speed 40ft. Detect Scrying - Detect any person/object being scryed upon with 40ft Misdirection - Misdirect the information from divination spells that reveal auras on Tink to instead seem like a pebble (Neutral, Not Magic, Not Lying, Not alive, etc) Mage Armor - +4 AC
Sesha [AC 24 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 168/84 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] d100+22=99 ; d20+22=39 ; d20+22=36 ; d100+11=33 ; Sunday May 11th, 2014 3:28:37 PM
(ooc: In Tinks post, she mentioned waiting for everyone to get ready! If we only have one round, I'll forgo guidance and the Summon Spell.)
Sesha carefully follows Tink through the corridor. Worried for the small scout, she casts a small guidance cantrip on the halfling before gathering everyone together.
She draws in power from a ley line, and finds it strong here. Perhaps the Chit Machine was responsible? Perhaps she was just lucky. Either way, her spell passes over the Iron Adventurers, fortifying their bodies with magical power.
[Bend Leyline: 39 vs DC 25. + 14 to next Ley Roll] [Ley Roll: 77+14 = 91. No Slot Expended]
[Spell Cast: Mass Bears Endurance] ( If you already have an enhancement bonus to constitution of 4 or better, this spell does not help you. Otherwise, add 2 HP per level. These are NOT temporary HP and are lost like regular hit points, meaning you can die when the spell expires or is dispelled, so be careful!)
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 d20+22=39 ; d20+22=33 ; d20+22=29 ; Sunday May 11th, 2014 9:04:43 PM Wow, remind me to pick up a few gallons of the sovereign glue, that stuff is amazing! Beri looks at the red paint is easily able to identify the meaning of it and what traps lie beneath, but Katink appears to have figured out the entire system of elaborate traps. You are right, these people were clearly prepared long before they set foot in here. I wonder how the normal workers managed to get through here each day... it would be funny if all they needed to do was steal a badge or something. Do I need to step on the paint, or can I just fly over the electric trap?
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 Sunday May 11th, 2014 9:06:36 PM
ooc: looks like my end got cut off... Beri will follow one square behind Bosk, and above him if the height of the corridor allows.
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:28 HP 94 of 94 Spells d20+17=34 ; d20+17=36 ; d20+17=32 ; d20+17=18 ; Monday May 12th, 2014 1:00:10 AM I need to get some scrolls or potions of elf vision the cleric thinks to himself as stares at the multitude of traps before him. Immediately he takes in his surroundings, his keen eyes almost as sharps as Tink's. At first the words look like gibberish to him, but he uses the power of the magic copper fish (lotto item) to discern the words...just in case.
Check #3 = 34 (pass) Check #10 = 36 (pass) Check #11 = 32 (pass) Check #12 = 18 (fail) Check #13 = (using babble fish lotto gift...it expires in two weeks anyway) Check for SC 10 = Auto Success
ooc: Did anything great / miracle happen when everyone jumped?
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +13/+6/+10 CMD: 22 HP: 89/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 6 d20+18=22 ; d20+23=41 ; d20+23=37 ; d20+18=37 ; d20+18=31 ; Monday May 12th, 2014 8:19:05 AM
Restlin misses the dimension lock, but picks up on all the rest of the traps. Still, this is definitely more Tink's area of expertise & he's more than happy to let her direct them through the corridor. He will remain in the middle of the group as they move down the corridor. As they walk, he grips the platinum holy symbol he hand crafted & asks Wardd to help fend off any bad guys who may try anything funny.
***
Standard: Cast Protection from Evil Move: Hovering at AH18
Anrete AC:31/18/31 CMD:32 HP:134/134 DR:2 Monday May 12th, 2014 12:18:26 PM
Anrete frowns. What's the big deal with traps?
The barbarian shrugs as he looks around and tries to decide what should he do next.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:104/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Monday May 12th, 2014 3:54:33 PM
Garret listens to Tink's direction and waits behind to see what havoc she will unleash... but he does look a little confused when she yells out babble words.
SouthHook Treasury Entrance (co-DM SteveK) 4d6=17 ; Monday May 12th, 2014 9:44:32 PM
ooc: pardon, but I don't have my map available. No map posted tonight. .................
The group carefully follows Katinka's directions, all except for Beri who flies above the trap where the three red footprints have recently been painted on the stones. Even though he flies above, the magic must have some proximity fuse, and Beriothian is zapped by electrical currents scorching the air! (Beri takes 17 damage, Reflex Dc 20 for 8 damage)
Anrete wonders about traps and what is the big deal. The barbarian has not yet decided if he is going to follow Katinka's instructions or do his own thing.
Bosk shakes his massive head. The only miracle he knows about when everyone jumped was that many cables snapped, and he knows that was man-made and not a miracle. Harumph!
Katinka boldly stands in front of the archway and states the words: "WHATALIACHA DOODLYDOO!".... and nothing happens.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 Monday May 12th, 2014 9:57:20 PM
ooc:I explicitly asked about flying over the trap. The intent was that I was going to walk on the steps unless I was told it was safe to fly over that square... I can see how it could be ambiguous, but I think it's clear from my comment that I was going to walk on the paint unless told I could fly safely on that spot.
also, a flying air elemental wouldn't be grounded, so I would have to be a a highly charged mass of energy for it to have hit me.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 85/102 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+13=14 ; Tuesday May 13th, 2014 4:02:59 AM OOC - To be fair, Tink would have flown over the trapped square/pit. Flying is her natural way of moving about. Can we assume she would have triggered the trap, and Beri & the others would then know about the safety of the red markings? Ref Save vs DC20: 14 - Nat 1. Tink takes 17 damage?
"Hmm... nothing happened. Perhaps when the thieves came by this way they disabled the trap by saying the word. But why write it down? Maybe it needs to be spoken each time."
If the aura on the archway still remains now that Katinka has said the strange words, she will take one step forward. She keeps her shield positioned towards the centre/top of the archway - half expecting a bolt of lightning to strike her down.
Sesha [AC 24 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 168/84 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Tuesday May 13th, 2014 11:08:16 AM
Sesha watches Tink at work, glad for the halfling. She is unlikely to have come up with any sort of solutions here. She knew her attention span was that of a childs, sitting still had never been a strength.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +13/+6/+10 CMD: 22 HP: 89/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 6 Tuesday May 13th, 2014 2:17:41 PM
Restlin waits to see what happens when Tink tries the last trap. Hopefully she's fine & they're able to continue onward!
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:104/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] d20+21=31 ; Tuesday May 13th, 2014 4:56:24 PM
Garret stands back and looks around (Perception 31) for anything moving, especially beyond the group.
SouthHook Treasury: Columns Room round 1 (co-DM SteveK) Tuesday May 13th, 2014 6:19:34 PM
ooc: I know this is less than 24 hours, but am posting to keep the story moving forward.
ooc2: DM will accept Katinka's explanation that she flew over the shocking trap first and so suffered 17 damage, thereby 'discovering' that the three red footprints are the DISABLE sequence for that particular trap and everyone passing MUST STEP ON the three red footprints.
ooc3: Beri asked, but until someone set off the trap, none of the Iron Adventurers knew if they had to step, and so I assumed he flew. The post did not explicitly state Beri would step unless otherwise told not to... it did tell me that Beri would fly unless otherwise told not to. If the DM has to interpret, action would stand. It does not because Katinka took the shock and discovery for Beri.
ooc4: Yes, the trap takes the whole area, anyone flying would be affected.
WHEW! :-) ................
Katinka takes a step into the room with all the columns and .... nothing happens! :-)
................
The halfling woman looks about and sees a large room, vaulted to 20 feet above the floor. Columns are all over the room, and there are a dozen or more piles of rock in various places about the room. Across the way are more double doors, although these are closed. And congregating in front of the closed doors are Eight Medium-sized stone statues.
They are moving and do. not. look. happy! ............................
Sesha [AC 24 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 168/84 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Tuesday May 13th, 2014 7:35:52 PM "If the others didn't fight them, we probably don't have to either. Lets lure them to one side and then make a mad dash to the other through the doors!"
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +13/+6/+10 CMD: 22 HP: 89/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 6 Tuesday May 13th, 2014 7:51:23 PM
Restlin moves to the front, brandishing the medallion Auslander gave him.
"Official Hook City business! We're here to foil a robbery!" If they fail to respond, he'll try again in terran. If they fail to respond to that, he'll take his place back behind the tougher party members.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 Tuesday May 13th, 2014 9:13:00 PM They were prepared and had a plan to get around the statues and get through the next set of door. We will likely me in combat with them if the medallion doesn't work, so we should prepare for the worst.
spell list 0 (4)- Detect Magic, Light, Create Water, stabilize 1 (6)- *Elf Vision, Faerie Firex2, Entangle, cure light wounds x3 2 (6)- *Faerie Fire, Fog Cloud, Soften Earth and Stone, Warp Wood, spider climb, Flaming Sphere, restoration lesser 3 (5)- *Glibness, Sleet Storm, quench, Greater Magic Fang, wind wall, stone shape, Cure Moderate Wounds 4 (5)- *Lesser Planar Ally, dispel magic, cure serious sounds, Freedom of Movement, Air Walk x2 5 (3)- *Awaken, Animal Growth, Cure Critical Wounds, Baleful Polymorph 6 (2)- *Legend Lore , Antilife Shell, Dispel Magic, Greater Spells with * are Fey domain spells (and not included in spell counts)
Anrete AC:31/18/31 CMD:32 HP:134/134 DR:2 Wednesday May 14th, 2014 6:20:10 AM
Anrete looks around him and opts for discretion over valor - he hasn't enough money to pay for the potential damage he is gonna do.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 85/102 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+10=11 ; d20+26=35 ; d20+36=51 ; Wednesday May 14th, 2014 7:53:51 AM
Tink heads up for the safety of the roofline. She reactivates her ring of invisibility - just in case. "These creatures look familiar"
Move action: Fly up to the ceiling Standard action: Renew invisibility Knowl Arcana: 11 to try and ID the creatures Perception: 35 Stealth: 51
------------------ Spells in effect: Invisible Arcane Sight - 120ft range. See magical auras automatically. Darkvision - 60ft range See Invisibility - See Invisible or Ethereal objects Overland Flight - Fly speed 40ft. Detect Scrying - Detect any person/object being scryed upon with 40ft Misdirection - Misdirect the information from divination spells that reveal auras on Tink to instead seem like a pebble (Neutral, Not Magic, Not Lying, Not alive, etc) Mage Armor - +4 AC
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:104/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Wednesday May 14th, 2014 10:26:58 AM
Garret takes a glance behind the group and the waits for the others to move off the traps so he can join them in the main room.
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:28 HP 94 of 94 Spells d20+4=12 ; d20+17=34 ; d20+14=33 ; d20+14=32 ; Wednesday May 14th, 2014 2:15:29 PM
Bosk enters the room and quickly looks about. He ponders what the statues are, how to get around them, and why there are piles of rocks on the floor.
Knowledge Arcana to determine what the statues are and if they have a weakness = 12 Spell Craft determine what the statues are and if they have a weakness = 33 Spell Craft to determine what the words "WHATALIACHA DOODLYDOO!" do and if they worked / how to use it Perception = 34
Sesha [AC 24 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 168/84 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Wednesday May 14th, 2014 8:12:37 PM
(Check. Everyone DO remember your Bears Endurance please. +4 Con for the next 11 minutes.)
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 Wednesday May 14th, 2014 9:31:40 PM
ooc: checking in
SouthHook Treasury: Columns Room round 2 (co-DM SteveK) 12d6=39 ; d20+12=32 ; d20+12=16 ; 2d6+6=11 ; Wednesday May 14th, 2014 10:27:44 PM
Katinka goes invisible and flies up to the ceiling 20 feet in the air. (ooc: DM put Katinka behind a pillar assuming that she would want as much protection as possible.) Her arcane knowledge doesn't call to mind what these creatures are.
The next hero through the archway is Sesha, and she feels as if a thousand needles pierced her skin the moment she stepped across the Threshold! (Sesha take 39 damage Will DC 22 for 1/2 [19 damage])
The actions of the other heroes are halted as (assumingly) Sesha alerts the others to the problem, but that still leaves five heroes on one side of the archway and only two heroes to confront the rapidly advancing creatures!
A benefit of Sesha is that the Iron Adventurers can see the effect of the spell on the archway and can possibly identify the cause. Spellcraft DC 21 Highlight to display spoiler: {Forbiddance}
Bosk's arcane knowledge doesn't call to mind what these creatures are. His spellcraft skill is sufficient to take a good guess at the strange words; they appear to be a command word for a spell.
........................
The living statues or golems or inanimate objects... whatever they are! They seem to have a well equipped sense of tactics, for two stay near the closed doors and out of sight, two move purposefully toward the heroes but without haste, and four hustle to the new intruders.
Only one, however, is in a position to dash straight forward and charge Sesha! A fist slams into the drow witch, but manages to not hit an extremely tender spot! (Charge; AC 39crit, 16no ; Sesha takes 11 damage)
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +13/+6/+10 CMD: 22 HP: 89/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 6 Wednesday May 14th, 2014 11:19:27 PM
Seeing Sesha taking a beating, Restlin shouts out "WHATALIACHA DOODLYDOO!" before rushing forward and again brandishing the amulet, hoping it stops these things from attacking. If possible, he positions himself between Sesha and this statue.
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] d20+11=22 ; d20+15=28 ; Thursday May 15th, 2014 12:31:43 AM
Sesha is mysteriously scooted forward(?) and yells out as the Forbiddance spell blasts her with energy. She fights off the worst of the pain as she is sucked through the entryway. Although flying, she apparently has no altitude, and gets pummeled by a animated statue!
Furious, she quickly flies upwards and away to a 20" height, withdrawing to AE7.
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Thursday May 15th, 2014 12:33:13 AM
Hey Steve, not that I mind being moved through the threshold there to make everyone realize how the trap worked, but I don't recall having done so. Maybe I was misleading.
Anyways, did Sesha have the rounds for her guidance and summon spells, or just the one round for Mass Beasts Endurance?
DM SteveK My apologies, I read 'mad dash through the doors' and got lost in everyone else's posts.
and yes, Sesha had time for both Guidance and Summon.
and the tunnel is only 10 feet high so Sesha wouldn't have much height before she got to the 20 foot high ceiling of the column room.
(DM SteveK took off the Private Post to let others see.)
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 85/102 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d3=2 ; d20+20=36 ; d20+26=44 ; d20+36=44 ; Thursday May 15th, 2014 6:47:32 AM
In hindsight, she now believes she understands what the purpose of the archway was. "Say the words!" she calls out. (Spellcraft: 36)
IF Restlin's attempt at showing the amulet does not stop the creatures, Tink sets to work casting a summoning spell (Cast Summon Monster VI. Call forth 2 Bralani Azata at AB13 and AC13. 20ft up in the air)
------------------ Spells Available: 0 - Ghost Sound, Mage Hand, Message Prestidigitation 1 - Feather Fall, Grease, Prot from Evil, Roses Temp, Silent Image, Unseen Servant 2 - Alter Self (x2), Knock, Resist Energy (x2), Glitterdust 3 - Dispel Magic, Haste (x2), Prot from Energy, Shrink Item, Stinking Cloud 4 - Beast Shape II, Resilient Sphere, Wall of Fire, Black Tentacles 5 - Wall of Force, Summon Monster V 6 - Summon Monster VI (x2) ------------------ Spells in effect: Invisible Arcane Sight - 120ft range. See magical auras automatically. Darkvision - 60ft range See Invisibility - See Invisible or Ethereal objects Overland Flight - Fly speed 40ft. Detect Scrying - Detect any person/object being scryed upon with 40ft Misdirection - Misdirect the information from divination spells that reveal auras on Tink to instead seem like a pebble (Neutral, Not Magic, Not Lying, Not alive, etc) Mage Armor - +4 AC
Anrete AC:31/18/31 CMD:32 HP:134/134 DR:2 Thursday May 15th, 2014 11:29:34 AM
Anrete gashes his teeth, like a caged beast, dying to swing his blade at the animated statues.
"Smash now?", he queries.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Thursday May 15th, 2014 5:39:24 PM
Garret steps from one foot to the other impatiently, as he waits for the others to get into the room and out of his way. He wants to rush past everyone and join in, but he is quite leery of the various traps between him and the large room. He yells out, "I'm coming, Sesha!"
DM SteveK: A person can squeeze by a friendly creature using x2 movement cost. PCs do not have to wait.
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:28 HP 94 of 94 Spells Thursday May 15th, 2014 8:03:00 PM
Bosk will move forward into the room, drawing his sword and shouting "WHATALIACHA DOODLYDOO!" as he does so.
ooc: Sorry, clinic is running late so I cannot view the map. Bosk will move towards the front of the group to help protect the more squishy characters
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 Thursday May 15th, 2014 9:49:31 PM
Beriothian notices Bosk call out and tries to take his lead. WHATALIACHA DOODLYDOO! Beri flies up and joins the others in the air 20 fee up in the air.
ooc:shouldn't matter, but I was supposed to be behind Bosk, and I am a large elemental for (not sure if the map has me as a smaller elemental or a human) .
spell list 0 (4)- Detect Magic, Light, Create Water, stabilize 1 (6)- *Elf Vision, Faerie Firex2, Entangle, cure light wounds x3 2 (6)- *Faerie Fire, Fog Cloud, Soften Earth and Stone, Warp Wood, spider climb, Flaming Sphere, restoration lesser 3 (5)- *Glibness, Sleet Storm, quench, Greater Magic Fang, wind wall, stone shape, Cure Moderate Wounds 4 (5)- *Lesser Planar Ally, dispel magic, cure serious sounds, Freedom of Movement, Air Walk x2 5 (3)- *Awaken, Animal Growth, Cure Critical Wounds, Baleful Polymorph 6 (2)- *Legend Lore , Antilife Shell, Dispel Magic, Greater Spells with * are Fey domain spells (and not included in spell counts)
SouthHook Treasury: Columns Room round 3 (co-DM SteveK) d20+12=20 ; d100=17 ; d20+18=37 ; d20+12=28 ; d20+14=29 ; d20+14=29 ; d20+12=18 ; d20+14=15 ; d20+14=26 ; d20+14=15 ; d20+14=24 ; d20+14=31 ; d20+14=17 ; d20+14=20 ; d20+14=19 ; d20+14=20 ; d20+14=32 ; 2d6+4=16 ; Thursday May 15th, 2014 9:53:47 PM Restlin shouts out "WHATALIACHA DOODLYDOO!" and rushes forward brandishing the amulet. A good idea, but the amulet does nothing to the animated rock statues except get targeted by an opportunistic arm as he runs by a statue. Luckily, the Wizard was still partially covered by the corner of a wall and is not hurt. (AC 20... DM doesn't understand Restlin's AC numbers... doesn't matter in this case because the 20% partial cover blocks the strike!)
Sesha isn't quite sure how she came to be in this predicament, and quickly flies upwards and away to a 20" height, withdrawing to an out of the way alcove.
Katinka believes she understands what the purpose of the archway and tells her friends! She sees more is needed and begins a complicated spell to summon assistance! (The Bralani will arrive at the beginning of Katinka's next post unless disrupted in some way.) Katinka's sharp eyes notice the open doors each have half of an indentation that looks like the amulet Restlin is holding...
Anrete gashes his teeth, like a caged beast, dying to swing his blade at the animated statues. "Smash now?", he queries, not wanting to be rude and squeezing by his battle buddies.
Garret steps from one foot to the other impatiently, as he waits for the others to get into the room and out of his way. He wants to rush past everyone and join in, but he is quite leery of the various traps between him and the large room. He yells out, "I'm coming, Sesha!"
Bosk will move forward into the room, drawing his sword and shouting "WHATALIACHA DOODLYDOO!" as he does so. The only way he can open the way is to bullrush in and flatten or move aside Statue #5. The statue flails at Bosk but fails to connect, and Bosk is able to push aside the unliving life that is such an abomination to Gargul (nearly as much as undead)! He whizzes by other statues, but they can't touch him even when the great minotaur is surrounded by foes! ......................
Two statues rush up and attack (Bosk gets one AOO each against Statue #2 and Statue #7) and all five soul-filled statues pummel at Bosk, but only one gets through the cleric's impressive defenses! (Bosk takes 16 damage)
Statues #1 and #6 hide behind columns and protect the doors. ................
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 Thursday May 15th, 2014 10:01:18 PM
ooc: for clarification, put me at AA-18 20ft up
Also, I don't see any good spells, I'm if nobody has any requests I'm going to start summoning 1d3 Cyclopes by spontaneously converting my Antilife Shell
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +13/+6/+10 CMD: 22 HP: 89/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 6 Thursday May 15th, 2014 11:01:47 PM
OOC:It's late. I'll post in the morning.
Sesha's Genie will say the words, turn invisible (spell-like, at will), and enter the room at AC 14.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +14/+6/+11 CMD: 22 HP: 111/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 6 d20+15=31 ; d20+14=17 ; d20+23=28 Friday May 16th, 2014 8:22:15 AM
OOC: A Mendicant's AC is not 10+bonuses, it's d20+bonuses rolled every round. I should have rolled yesterday, but didn't. My mistake.
Restlin is very disappointed that the amulet didn't work. Now it seems they're surrounded by these statues. "We don't have time for this nonsense!" he exclaims. He gets a good look at the statue in front of him, trying to figure out if they're of Hook City make or summoned by the ones stealing the chit machine (Perception: 28).
Restlin will wait for Anrete and Garret to move up, then cast an extended haste on everyone except Sesha (she's just too far away). He'll also include any summoned critters (he can affect up to 9 targets). He keeps an eye on that statue in front of him while casting to ensure he doesn't let his guard down (casting defensively: 31 concentration check).
He'll then back to AF10 to make room for his companions, risking an attack along the way.
***
Haste: 14 rounds Mage armor: a long time See invisible: permanent Bear's Endurance: Cast by Sesha Protection from Evil: 10 rounds
AC this round is 17/9/14
Don't forget that everyone within 10' of Restlin that "wishes him well and wants to be his friend" gets a +1 to attacks, saves, and skill checks!
Mr. DM, would you kindly explain what the amulet looks like in more detail? Specifically, what material is it made from?
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] d20+25=39 ; Friday May 16th, 2014 8:55:29 AM
Seeing the others move into action, Garret carefully bypasses the traps, calls out "WHATALIACHA DOODLYDOO!" as he enters, then tumbles (39) past the statues to take up a position to aid Anrete.
OOC: Haste, Con Boost
Attempt to tumble past statues to end up at AC16, ready for a full attack next round.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 Friday May 16th, 2014 10:11:56 AM
ooc: looks like my post had real bad timing last night... guess that's my move today
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 85/102 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+13=17 ; d20+13=25 ; d20+7=25 ; d20+13=30 ; d20+13=26 ; d20+7=10 ; d8+6=14 ; d8+6=13 ; d8+6=13 ; d8+6=11 ; d20+26=39 ; d20+36=52 ; Friday May 16th, 2014 10:23:14 AM
Katinka's azatas materialise on queue and are airborne.
"Shoot the statue things!" she commands them.
A small hail of arrows flies forth from the hastened bralani towards statue #7 Miss AC 17 Miss AC 10 Hit AC 25 - 14dmg Hit AC 25 - 13dmg Hit AC 30 - 13dmg Hit AC 26 - 11dmg
"Restlin, the doors on the other end look to have an indentation for that amulet, but I fear it may be too late to use it!"
Tink backs away from the impending battle, ducking behind the column (5ft to AA16)
Perception: 39 Stealth: 52
------------------ Spells Available: 0 - Ghost Sound, Mage Hand, Message Prestidigitation 1 - Feather Fall, Grease, Prot from Evil, Roses Temp, Silent Image, Unseen Servant 2 - Alter Self (x2), Knock, Resist Energy (x2), Glitterdust 3 - Dispel Magic, Haste (x2), Prot from Energy, Shrink Item, Stinking Cloud 4 - Beast Shape II, Resilient Sphere, Wall of Fire, Black Tentacles 5 - Wall of Force, Summon Monster V 6 - Summon Monster VI (x2)
------------------ Spells in effect: *Haste - Cast by Restlin - *Bears Endurance - Cast by Sesha - +22HP Invisible Arcane Sight - 120ft range. See magical auras automatically. Darkvision - 60ft range See Invisibility - See Invisible or Ethereal objects Overland Flight - Fly speed 40ft. Detect Scrying - Detect any person/object being scryed upon with 40ft Misdirection - Misdirect the information from divination spells that reveal auras on Tink to instead seem like a pebble (Neutral, Not Magic, Not Lying, Not alive, etc) Mage Armor - +4 AC
Bosk AC: 33/16/29 (+1 Haste) CMD:28 HP 100 of 116 (bears endurance) Spells d20+4=15 ; d20+12=25 ; 2d8+5=15 ; d20+10=17 ; Friday May 16th, 2014 7:23:23 PM
As the shale statues rush forward the horned cleric braces himself, determined he will destroy the blasphemous creations, some sick mage's distorted mockery of life. Gargul give me strength. he whispers as he lashes out at the statue #7. His sword strikes true, but he has no time to celebrate as a stone fist solid as an anvil knocks the wind out of him. The cleric is suddenly glad of Sesha's spell as he feels blood matting his fur. As all the golems appear to focus on him, he feels his instincts scream for him to flee...to fly out of their reach...but he know there is a very good chance that he is all that is standing between them and the less armored member of the group. Instead he melts into the shadows and slips partially into the shadow realm.
Actions: AoO against #7 Hit AC 25 for 15dmg Knowledge Arcana to identify Golem Weaknesses = 15 Shadow Walk (gains concealment all attacks have a 20% miss chance) Concentration to cast defensively (not sure if this can be used with an SU or not) = 17
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] d20+12=23 ; d20+22=26 ; d100+1=23 ; Saturday May 17th, 2014 3:09:17 AM
Sesha pokes her head out and assesses the situation. No one seems to have been hurt badly, so she calls for her summoned Djinni to try and hold one of the statues.. the one near Beri.
Djinni moves to AC 16 and grapples statue 8 vs CMD 25. (Since the Genie is invisible, adds +2 to attacks rolls. Since the Genie is invisible, the Statue loses whatever Dex bonus he might have to his CMD.)
Not seeing anything to do in the immediate moment, Sesha casts Cat's Grace on Bosk. Her Spectral Hand zips forward and delivers the spell to the Minotaur, who will see his AC and CMD increase by 2! (I checked your max dex bonus. You have the room for the extra dex.)
[Move: Bend Leyline. 26 = success.] [Standard: Cast Cat's Grace. Ley check 23 vs 20 = success.]
Anrete AC:31+1/18+1/31+1 CMD:32 HP:134+11/134+11 DR:2 d20+16=25 ; 6d6+18=42 ; Saturday May 17th, 2014 5:51:29 AM
Seeing his cue to engage, Anrete strides forth and lashes out boldly with his greatsword as he covers Restlin's retreat.
------------------------ Haste: +1 AB, +1 dodge, +1 Reflex, +30 ft movement Bear Endurance: +4 Con
Improved Vital Strike + Power Attack: AB25+1(Haste)=26 DMG42
SouthHook Treasury: Columns Room round 4 (co-DM SteveK) d20+14=21 ; d20+14=17 ; d20+14=20 ; d20+14=29 ; 2d6+4=13 ; d20+12=28 ; 2d6+4=13 ; 6d6=20 ; 6d6=19 ; 12d6=48 ; 6d6=25 ; 6d6=15 ; 6d6=16 ; 6d6=15 ; 6d6=26 ; 6d6=23 ; d100=64 ; d100=71 ; d100=64 ; d100=56 ; d100=51 ; d20+5=8 d20+5=23 d20+5=13 d20+5=22 d20+5=15 d100=94 d100=78 d20+5=22 d20+5=25 d20+5=14 d20+5=13 d20+5=11 d20+5=19 d20+5=11 d20+5=25 d20+5=22 d20+5=24 d100=73 d20+5=19 d20+5=13 d20+5=18 d20+5=15 d20+5=24 d20+5=11 d20+5=25 d20+5=16 d20+5=19 d20+5=12 d20+5=15 d20+5=12 d20+5=10 d20+5=18 d20+5=9 Saturday May 17th, 2014 9:32:08 AM Beriothian the Large Air Elemental notices Bosk call out and tries to take his lead. "WHATALIACHA DOODLYDOO!" Beri flies up and joins the others in the air 20 fee up in the air. As the large elemental passes through the door, squeezes around the melee, and rises to the ceiling, 4 of the rocky golems flail and sharpened fist, one finding a connection. (AOO AC 21,17,20,29 Beri takes 13 damage)
ooc: Sorry about the placement and size. Please, please annotate current spells and effects on Beri. Everything I have to look up takes more time and makes it more likely mistakes happen. Beri: Large Air elemental: +2 size Strength, +4 size Dexterity, and +4 natural AC.
Sesha's Genie will say the red painted words, turn invisible, and...is blocked from the room! (ooc: Forbiddance! )
Restlin looks at the fist-sized amulet in disgust, the brass-looking circle is free of ornament but contains a pattern of intertwining spirals; truly unusual! He gets a good look at the statue in front of him, and he can see they are made by some hard stone made of sharp edges and flat planes (Dungeoneering DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: { The living statues are made of shale stone }); they definitely aren't anything summoned! (Arcana DC 21 Highlight to display spoiler: { They are golems, constructs who have impressive magical defenses and unusual abilities, but the exact type has never been recorded before!}) When Restlin defensively casts his Haste, he is able to get everyone and Sesha's Genie, but not Sesha. (even invisible, Katinka gets the spell because Restlin can permanently see Invisible :) The Wizard then backs up, offering an opportunity to Golem#4 to strike. Even worse, Restlin did not speak the magic command words on going through the archway! (AOO AC 28 Dam Restlin takes 13; Forbiddance: Restlin takes 39 damage Will DC 22 for 1/2 (19))!
Garret carefully bypasses the traps, calls out "WHATALIACHA DOODLYDOO!" and enters, tumbling past the statues to take up a position to aid Anrete by standin underneath the flying large air elemental, Beriothian.
Katinka finishes her spell, but the Azatas do not materialise! Instead, Katinka feels a resistance on the room that forbids the summoned creatures from appearing! She backs away from the impending battle, ducking behind a column. ooc: sorry about the last post on allowing Katinka to pop in the Azatas. I forgot that Forbiddance stops summonings.
Bosk braces for the statue assault to destroy their distorted mockery of life. He slams one and sees his sword not bite as deep as he thought it should! (ooc: damage resistance) The cleric knows he is all that is standing between these monsters and the less armored members of the group, and he doesn't flee. He Instead tries to melt into the shadows, but finds he is barred from slipping partially into the shadow realm! (ooc: blocked by Forbiddance)
Sesha pokes her head out and assesses the situation. No one seems to have been hurt badly,so she casts Cat's Grace on Bosk. Her Spectral Hand zips forward and delivers the spell to the Minotaur!
Anrete strides forth and lashes out boldly with his greatsword as he covers Restlin's retreat. As he passes the archway and not called out the command words, he is affected by the powerful spell! (Anrete takes 48 damage Will DC 22 for 1/2 (24))! ............................
The golems around the heroes all pause, rumble, and then lash out with a barrage of tiny slivers of stone that go in every direction!
Anrete and Bosk get all 6 golem Splintering Attacks full in the face! (and sides, back, legs, shoulders....) (Bosk and Anrete take 25, 15, 16, 15, 26, and 23 damage. Roll 6 Reflex DC 14 for half damage on each attack)
Restlin is only in range of 2 Splintering Golems. (Restlin take 26 and 23 damage. Roll 2 Reflex DC 14 for half damage on each attack)
Beriothian is struck by 3 Splintering Golems. (Beriothian take 15, 26 and 23 damage. Roll 3 Reflex DC 14 for half damage on each attack)
Garrett is struck by 4 Splintering Golems. (Garrett takes 16, 15, 26 and 23 damage. Roll 4 Reflex DC 14 for half damage on each attack)
Katinka is struck by 1 Splintering Golem. (Katinka takes 26 damage. Roll Reflex DC 14 for half damage)
The golems gather themselves to continue the battle.
Golem#2 takes 10, 5, 10, 10, and 9 damage.
Golem#3 takes 10, 5, 5, 21, and 18 damage.
Golem#4 takes 20, 10, 5, 10, and 9 damage, and collapses in a pile of gray stone.
Golem#5 takes 10, 10, 5, 10, and 9 damage.
Golem#7 takes 20, 5, 5, 5, and 18 damage.
Golem#8 takes 10, 10, 11, 5, and 21 damage.
................
Know Arcana DC 21 Highlight to display spoiler: {DR 5/adamantine; construct traits, vulnerable to fire; Immunity to Magic (Ex) A shale statue is immune to any spell or spell-like ability that allows spell resistance. Stone Shape slows a shale statue (as the slow spell) for 2d6 rounds (no save). Move Earth drives the statue back 60 feet and deals 2d12 points of damage to it (no save). A magical attack that deals cold damage breaks any slow effect on the golem and heals 1 point of damage for every 3 points of damage the attack would otherwise deal. If the amount of healing would cause the golem to exceed its full normal hit points, it gains any excess as temporary hit points. A wood golem gets no saving throw against attacks that deal cold damage. Splintering (Su) As a free action once every 1d4+1 rounds, a shale statue can launch a barrage of razor-sharp rocky splinters from its body in a 20-foot-radius burst. All creatures caught within this area take 6d6 points of slashing damage (Reflex DC 14 halves). The save DC is Constitution-based.}
Bosk AC: 35/18/29 (+1 Haste / Cat's Grace) CMD:28 HP 40 of 116 (bears endurance) Spells d20+12=22 ; d20+12=16 ; d20+12=27 ; d20+12=31 ; d20+12=19 ; d20+12=31 ; Saturday May 17th, 2014 4:23:08 PM
Bosk winces as his face is slashed with stone shards, his entire body in pain. Once again he is glad for the protection Restlin and Sesha gave him, with out which his wounds would have been even worse. As blood pools around his hooves he realizes another barrage of attacks of that intensity.
ooc: Just posting my rolls and updating my header and letting everyone know I am still alive. I will take my turn after I see Anrete's rolls, as he could also theoretically die if he fails too many saves.
DM Can you clarify for me on if the golems also took 120dmg (minus their own attack and any reflex saves) since they are all in each other's 20ft radius?
DM SteveK: Huh! I assumed that they were immune from each others' special attack, but since you asked the question... they aren't! OK, gotta do some more calculations... :-)
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 40/85 CMD = 23 d20+8=22 ; d20+8=11 ; d20+8=19 ; Sunday May 18th, 2014 9:14:23 PM
reflex 1- half (22) reflex 2- full (11) reflex 3- half (19) total = 45 damage ooc: waiting for calculations.
DMSteveK: calculations were made Sunday morning and added to the original DM post.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+13=27 ; Sunday May 18th, 2014 10:47:05 PM Ref save vs DC14: 27 = Pass. Take 13 damage
Tink curses to herself. She should have known better to try and summon something in an area of Forbiddance. Unfortunately most of her spells are of a conjuration nature.
"Restlin! Throw me the amulet! I'll try and disable these things from the other end of the room!"
------------------ Spells Available: 0 - Ghost Sound, Mage Hand, Message Prestidigitation 1 - Feather Fall, Grease, Prot from Evil, Roses Temp, Silent Image, Unseen Servant 2 - Alter Self (x2), Knock, Resist Energy (x2), Glitterdust 3 - Dispel Magic, Haste (x2), Prot from Energy, Shrink Item, Stinking Cloud 4 - Beast Shape II, Resilient Sphere, Wall of Fire, Black Tentacles 5 - Wall of Force, Summon Monster V 6 - Summon Monster VI (x2)
------------------ Spells in effect: *Haste - Cast by Restlin - *Bears Endurance - Cast by Sesha - +22HP Invisible Arcane Sight - 120ft range. See magical auras automatically. Darkvision - 60ft range See Invisibility - See Invisible or Ethereal objects Overland Flight - Fly speed 40ft. Detect Scrying - Detect any person/object being scryed upon with 40ft Misdirection - Misdirect the information from divination spells that reveal auras on Tink to instead seem like a pebble (Neutral, Not Magic, Not Lying, Not alive, etc) Mage Armor - +4 AC
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +14/+6/+11 CMD: 22 HP: 55/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 8 d20+20=35 ; d20+3=18 ; d20+3=9 ; d20+6=7 ; d20+20=34 ; d20+20=36 ; d20=4 Monday May 19th, 2014 8:18:53 AM
Will save: 35 Reflex saves: 28,19 (accidentally hit +3 instead of +13)
Restlin's glad he rushed forward to cover Sesha's retreat, but unfortunately he took quite a beating in the process!
He checks the statues over, but has no idea what they're made of (dungeoneering: 7). They're obviously some sort of golem, but not one he's ever heard of. That would be fascinating if they weren't trying to kill him (arcana: 34).
He hears Tink call for the amulet, and almost throws it...then, a thought crosses his mind.
That door over there is closed. Behind it, there's either a chit machine, or lack thereof. If the chit machine is gone, it's likely too late to do anything. If it's still there, opening that door is just going to give the thieves the opportunity they need to steal it.
No, until the Iron Adventurers can fully investigate this situation, they're not going to go throwing open defenses between would-be thieves and the entire economy of Hook City.
He says none of this, instead he just shakes his head and palms the amulet. He weaves the chain through his fingers, making sure it can't be lifted off him without him knowing.
Realizing he is now taking up the rear and worried the thieves might be waiting for them to clear the danger, Restlin casts ice wall across the trapped entryway (AH, unless traps make that impossible. If so, he'll cast it at the closest place he's able).
He will call out to his companions, "magic is likely useless against these things! Stone shape may work, otherwise we'll just need to beat the stuffing out of them." (Arcana: 36)
***
Haste: 13 rounds Mage armor: a long time See invisible: permanent Bear's Endurance: Cast by Sesha Protection from Evil: 9 rounds Wall of Ice: 9 minutes
AC is 18/10/15 (I have the worst luck with this roll...)
Bosk AC: 35/18/29 (+1 Haste / Cat's Grace) CMD:28 HP 67 of 116 (bears endurance) Spells d20+10=30 ; d8=7 ; d8=6 ; d8=7 ; Monday May 19th, 2014 12:26:11 PM
Bosk wants nothing more than to decimate the shale shells animated by some false life, but the crimson puddle at his feet reminds him of just how soft his flesh is in comparison to theirs. Pushing back his emotional urges for destruction he instead says a quick prayer to Gargul, stemming the flow of blood. Surrounded like this, it was clearly his role to draw some of the attacks while the others had the fun job of mayhem and destruction.
Action ------------------------------ Cast defensively = 30 Cast CSW (spontaneously converted from invisibility purge) for 27hp
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Monday May 19th, 2014 1:41:04 PM
(ooc: Waiting to see Anrete's saves before I take my action!)
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+16=27 ; d6+4=9 ; d20+26=39 ; d20+36=42 ; d20+10=24 ; Monday May 19th, 2014 5:17:15 PM Knowl Arcana vs DC21: 24 = Pass
Katinka is taken aback. The only conclusion she can come to is that Restlin doesn't trust her. Why else would he not toss her the amulet? True, this is the first battle she has been in with the group. Perhaps it will just take more time for him to come around to her.
"I apologise in advance, Bosk. And Anrete - you might want to take a step backwards..."
Tink flies out from the column and does the unthinkable. She casts a spell that makes her visible!
Move action: Fly to AB12 Standard action: Cast Black Tentacles at AD21 - 20ft radius. Entire area is now difficult terrain. Assuming Anrete takes a backstep he will be clear. Grapple check vs Statues 2, 3, 4, 7, & 8 : CMB27 If successful, all gain the grappled condition and take 9pts damage. Grappled opponents cannot move without first breaking the grapple. To escape the grapple they must beat CMD37 Bosk's CMD is 28, so just missed grappling him!
Perception: 39 Stealth: 42 + Hide in plain sight
------------------ Spells Available: 0 - Ghost Sound, Mage Hand, Message Prestidigitation 1 - Feather Fall, Grease, Prot from Evil, Roses Temp, Silent Image, Unseen Servant 2 - Alter Self (x2), Knock, Resist Energy (x2), Glitterdust 3 - Dispel Magic, Haste (x2), Prot from Energy, Shrink Item, Stinking Cloud 4 - Beast Shape II, Resilient Sphere, Wall of Fire, 5 - Wall of Force, Summon Monster V 6 - Summon Monster VI (x2)
------------------ Spells in effect: *Haste - Cast by Restlin - *Bears Endurance - Cast by Sesha - +22HP Arcane Sight - 120ft range. See magical auras automatically. Darkvision - 60ft range See Invisibility - See Invisible or Ethereal objects Overland Flight - Fly speed 40ft. Detect Scrying - Detect any person/object being scryed upon with 40ft Misdirection - Misdirect the information from divination spells that reveal auras on Tink to instead seem like a pebble (Neutral, Not Magic, Not Lying, Not alive, etc) Mage Armor - +4 AC
(Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 42/85 CMD = 23 d3=1 ; d8+1=2 ; d20+1=6 ; d20+11=17 ; d20+6=21 ; 3d6+7=17 ; 3d6+7=21 ; Monday May 19th, 2014 6:36:09 PM What are theeeese statue thiiiings the elemental hisses in his Auran voice.
Beri finishes his summons, however upon completion it appears the massive blood loss has taken it's toll on his casting as only a single cyclopse appears at ab-17. Hoping to help him regain his casting edge the druid uses his "DR. ZED'S INSTA-HEALTH VIAL" that will soon expire, only to find that the vial's contents appear to have grown less powerful with age.
*lotto item, CLW d8+1=2*
spell list 0 (4)- Detect Magic, Light, Create Water, stabilize 1 (6)- *Elf Vision, Faerie Firex2, Entangle, cure light wounds x3 2 (6)- *Faerie Fire, Fog Cloud, Soften Earth and Stone, Warp Wood, spider climb, Flaming Sphere, restoration lesser 3 (5)- *Glibness, Sleet Storm, quench, Greater Magic Fang, wind wall, stone shape, Cure Moderate Wounds 4 (5)- *Lesser Planar Ally, dispel magic, cure serious sounds, Freedom of Movement, Air Walk x2 5 (3)- *Awaken, Animal Growth, Cure Critical Wounds, Baleful Polymorph 6 (2)- *Legend Lore , Dispel Magic Greater Spells with * are Fey domain spells (and not included in spell counts)
ooc... the dice are trying to kill me :)
******* Cyclops The cyclops looks around and realizes that those that summoned him are clearly not the stone monsters next to him. He takes his great axe and swings at the closes one still standing (taking a 5ft step towards #8 if necessary)
Attack 1 =d20+11=17 ; Damage 1= 3d6+7=17
Attack 2= d20+6=21 ; Dammage2= 3d6+7=21 ooc: cyclopse took full round action, but will obviously not use both if he has to use a move action to reach a target
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] d20+14=34 ; d20+14=33 ; d20+14=27 ; d20+14=27 ; d20+18=20 ; d20+18=34 ; d20+13=17 ; d20+13=31 ; d20+8=15 ; d20+18=35 ; 2d8+3=13 ; 2d8=9 ; 2d8+3=8 ; 2d8+3=13 ; 2d8+3=8 ; 2d8+3=9 ; 2d8+3=15 ; Monday May 19th, 2014 9:30:39 PM
The golems explode and Garret throws himself flat on the ground. Most of the shards simply fly over his head, but one heads for the ground. He quickly rolls to his side and jumps to his feet at the same time, completely avoiding all the spikes.
He pauses just a moment, realizing that these guardians are simply mindless automations and the group was probably going to get in trouble for destroying them, but at this point it is kill or be killed, so he jumps up again and launches into a blur of a halfling, attempting to strike with hands and fists wherever he can hit the guardian.
OOC: 4 DC 14 Reflex saves: 34, 33, 27, 27. :) Improved Evasion = no damage.
I don't know why, but when I view the map now, it is blank. There was a golem right next to Garret, between he and Anrete. Presuming that's not a dead one, he'll attack it. If that one is dead, feel free to adjust where he attacks so hopefully he can attack something!
Attacks hit AC/Damage: 22/22, 36/8, 19/13, 33/8, 17/9, 37/15
SouthHook Treasury: Columns Room round 4 (co-DM SteveK) Monday May 19th, 2014 9:53:13 PM
It is 10pm my time and Iron Adventurers are in battle with 2 heroes not posting (Anrete, Sesha)
Sorry guys, I'm pooped. Will post tomorrow.
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Monday May 19th, 2014 10:31:29 PM
(Sorry Steve. I really need to wait for Anrete to see what to do with my action. I'd hate to heal bosks 40 damage when Anrete is negative or something. If he doesn't post by midnight I'll post for him in the morning and make the saves based on his character sheet.)
Bosk AC: 35/18/29 (+1 Haste / Cat's Grace) CMD:31 HP 67 of 116 (bears endurance) Spells Monday May 19th, 2014 11:20:23 PM
The horned cleric looks around him, completely penned in between the golems, pillar and Anrete. Just do what ever you have planned. I will keep them occupied.
ooc: I had previously forgotten to add the bonuses from Haste and Cat's Grace to Bosk's CMD
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Tuesday May 20th, 2014 9:34:35 AM OOC:
@Beri: Nat 1s on healing are rerolled :) Your d8+1=2 should mean you get another roll of the dice
Anrete AC:31-1/18-1/31-1 CMD:32 HP:1+44/134+44 DR:3 d20+18=26 ; d20+9=25 ; d20+9=13 ; d20+9=13 ; d20+9=11 ; d20+9=10 ; d20+9=26 ; d20+19=23 ; d20+19=32 ; d20+14=27 ; d20+9=14 ; 2d6+23=27 ; 2d6+23=34 ; 2d6+23=27 ; 2d6+23=33 ; Tuesday May 20th, 2014 11:19:56 AM
Grievously wounded by both the traps and the flying splinters, Anrete enters into a blood rage as he randomly lashes out at his opponents.
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] d8=3 ; d8=6 ; Tuesday May 20th, 2014 5:21:18 PM
Sesha watches Anrete nervously. If not for his current rage, he would be dead. Only his tenacity and willpower are keeping him alive. To try and heal him could because when he was like this he resisted every spell, even hers.
Luckily, Sesha was raised with the Witches of the Ga'alin barbarians. Her training as a Blood Witch was ideal for this sort of situation. If Blood Witches spent all their magical reserves every time a barbarian was wounded, they would be little more than second rate nurses.
Instead she focused her healing on Bosk. He was less likely to nimbly dodge more enemy shard attacks. She directs her spectral hand to her favorite minion of Gargul and projects the healing power of Serenbeth to heal his wounds.
SouthHook Treasury: Columns Room round 5 (co-DM SteveK) d20+12=25 ; d20+12=15 ; d4+1=5 ; Tuesday May 20th, 2014 6:47:17 PM
ooc: No worries. As I said, I was pooped myself.
ooc2: I don't have my Wold USB with me on my trip and so I will not be updating the map. This means that I will have to drastically simplify the map, not that I really needed to since the group took out most of the disabled golems anyways! :-0 ..........................
Tink curses to herself. She should have known better to try and summon something in an area of Forbiddance. She tries to get the amulet and thus use it on the doors on the other end of the room. When that doesn't happen, she gives some warning before she casts Black Tentacles and becomes visible! It must be worth it, for 3 Shale Golems are grappled within the writhing black psuedopods, and Golem #3 and Golem#7 are crushed into a pile of rock! Black Tentacles at AD, 21 with 20 foot radius)(Grapple CMB27) (Katinka at AB,12)
Restlin checks the statues over with little result, and hears Tink call for the amulet, but doesn't want to open the far doors and doesn't give her the amulet either. He weaves the chain through his fingers, making sure it can't be lifted off him and casts a Wall of Ice across the trapped hallway to make leaving by this door more difficult. (Restlin at AF,19)
Bosk decides his role is to draw as many attacks as possible. Oh, and to stay alive too. He heals himself and stays put. Bosk Large at AB,18)
Beri finishes his summons, and an outline of a cyclops briefly appears before fading out, the Forbiddance spell on the area keeping out all summoned creatures! Hoping to help him regain his casting edge the druid uses his "DR. ZED'S INSTA-HEALTH VIAL" stopping the bleeding from his left pinkie. (Beri-Large Air Elemental AC,15)
Garret dances through the hundreds of shards and emerges completely unhurt! Jumping up, he launches into a blur of halfling hands and fists against the guardian statues! He slides through the Black Tentacles, unable to be caught and reduces Golem #8 to a pile of rock.
Anrete is grievously wounded by both the traps and the flying splinters. His blood boils and he ignores the black tentacles to rage as he randomly lashes out at his opponents. Golem #3 and #4 are both dead, so the barbarian has to wad over to Golem #2 and only give a single strike, which is still enough to reduce it to rubble!
Sesha watches Anrete nervously, but focuses her healing on Bosk, letting the power of Serenbeth flow through her Spectral Hand to her favorite minion of Gargul [Sesha at AE 13] ............................
There are only two Shale Golems fighting, and they are both held fast in the Black Tentacles. Golem #5 and Golem #8 can not move!
Golem #1 and Golem #6 stay hidden.
..........................
Shale Golems - AC 19 CMD 25 1 2 - DEAD 3 - DEAD 4 - DEAD 5 - 49 6 7 - DEAD 8 - 62
Brief DM Time Out (co-DM JonathanT) Tuesday May 20th, 2014 10:53:23 PM
DM JT OOC: sorry to but in while the fun is just getting started, but I thought it important to distribute the xps and treasure from the first two parts before someone gets killed.
Containing the Spinosaurus without killing it: Exp pts. : 7,500 each Treasure: 1 yellow chit, 4 orange chits, 10 white chits (10,000gp equivalent)
Bridge Incident day before Jump Day: Exp pts.: 1,800 ea Treasure: 1,200 gp in coins (reward for saving the lady.)
On the Bridge on Jump Day: Exp pts.:2,000 ea. Treasure: 0 :(
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+16=32 ; d6+4=9 ; d20+26=46 ; d20+36=42 ; Wednesday May 21st, 2014 12:20:23 AM "Huh. That actually worked better than I expected"
Black Tentacle grapple check this round CMB37 vs anyone/anything already grappled CMB32 vs anyone/anything not already grappled Entire area is still difficult terrain. All grappled take 9pts damage. Grappled opponents cannot move without first breaking the grapple. To escape the grapple they must beat CMD47
Katinka will delay her action this round. Should the golems be killed she will then use her standard action to dismiss the tentacles.
Perception: 46 Stealth: 42 + Hide in plain sight
------------------ Spells Available: 0 - Ghost Sound, Mage Hand, Message Prestidigitation 1 - Feather Fall, Grease, Prot from Evil, Roses Temp, Silent Image, Unseen Servant 2 - Alter Self (x2), Knock, Resist Energy (x2), Glitterdust 3 - Dispel Magic, Haste (x2), Prot from Energy, Shrink Item, Stinking Cloud 4 - Beast Shape II, Resilient Sphere, Wall of Fire, 5 - Wall of Force, Summon Monster V 6 - Summon Monster VI (x2)
------------------ Spells in effect: *Haste - Cast by Restlin - *Bears Endurance - Cast by Sesha - +22HP Arcane Sight - 120ft range. See magical auras automatically. Darkvision - 60ft range See Invisibility - See Invisible or Ethereal objects Overland Flight - Fly speed 40ft. Detect Scrying - Detect any person/object being scryed upon with 40ft Misdirection - Misdirect the information from divination spells that reveal auras on Tink to instead seem like a pebble (Neutral, Not Magic, Not Lying, Not alive, etc) Mage Armor - +4 AC
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +14/+6/+11 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 8 2d8+10=21 ; d20=11 ; Wednesday May 21st, 2014 8:22:16 AM
Restlin's very concerned about the sad state everyone seems to be in after that splinter attack, but his meager healing magic isn't going to cut it here.
Fortunately, the statues' numbers look like they've dwindled. He pulls the potion Sesha made for him from his pack & quaffs a single dose. Restlin's pretty sure this won't be the last fight he finds himself in today.
***
Move: Retrieve potion from belt Standard Quaff CMW potion - 21 healing
Haste: 12 rounds Mage armor: a long time See invisible: permanent Bear's Endurance: Cast by Sesha Protection from Evil: 8 rounds Wall of Ice: 9 minutes
AC is 25/17/22 this round.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Wednesday May 21st, 2014 8:52:17 AM
Garret pauses a moment, then steps away from the tentacles and the large golems. He starts across the room to check out the other two golems and wonders if they can respond to commands or instructions. He takes up a position where he can move and attack/defend quickly, if needed, then calls out, "Hey, do you think these things will respond to that amulet? Maybe when they see it, they'll realize we're not supposed to be attacked."
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +14/+6/+11 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 8 Wednesday May 21st, 2014 10:30:55 AM
Restlin shakes his head. "Already tried that. They just beat the stuffing out of me. I think it opens those doors over there." He points to the opposite end of the room.
Anrete AC:31-1/18-1/31-1 CMD:32 HP:20+44/134+44 DR:3 2d8+8=10 ; d8+1=9 Wednesday May 21st, 2014 10:32:26 AM
His bloodlust partially sated by the destruction of the golem, Anrete's wounds seemed to somehow lessen as he grasp at his tattoos of healing on his left palm.
------------------------------------------- Std action: Renewed Vigor: heal 10 (what's with the lousy rolls!! I have been rolling 1,2,3 for all my rolls! +9 ref and still failed 4 out 6 times vs DC14)
Move action: Brahmah's Tattoos of Cure light wounds: heal 9
Renewed Vigor (Ex) - As a standard action, the barbarian heals 1d8 points of damage + her Constitution modifier. For every four levels the barbarian has attained above 4th, this amount of damage healed increases by 1d8, to a maximum of 5d8 at 20th level. A barbarian must be at least 4th level before selecting this power. This power can be used only once per day and only while raging.
Effects Haste: +1 AB, +1 dodge, +1 Reflex, +30 ft movement Bear Endurance: +4 Con Greater Rage: +6 str +6 con +3 will -2 AC
Anrete AC:31-1/18-1/31-1 CMD:32 HP:16+44/134+44 DR:3 d20+12=18 ; Wednesday May 21st, 2014 10:42:06 AM
Forgot to save vs CLW: Will18 vs DC11 Passed: Healed 5 instead of 9
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +14/+6/+11 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 8 Wednesday May 21st, 2014 10:59:11 AM
OOC: Natural 1s for healing are rerolled. Try again!
Bosk AC: 35/18/29 (+1 Haste / Cat's Grace) CMD:31 HP 67 of 116 (bears endurance) Spells Wednesday May 21st, 2014 5:20:41 PM
Can you clarify if Anrete is still raging and if he will die without healing? If so I plan to heal him.
Bosk AC: 35/18/29 (+1 Haste / Cat's Grace) CMD:31 HP 67 of 116 (bears endurance) Spells d8=2 ; d8=6 ; Wednesday May 21st, 2014 6:28:14 PM
Bosk thanks Sesha for the healong and then tries his luck healing the bleeding oec before him.
Heal Anrete for 13 dmg. Sacrificing Nemisis Insight for cure spell.
SouthHook Treasury: Columns Room round 6 (co-DM SteveK) d20+15=22 ; Wednesday May 21st, 2014 7:57:03 PM
One golem in the Black Tentacles is crushed and the other can't escape. It will take a few more seconds for the last golem to perish, but it is inevitable.
The Iron Adventurers already have cleared the reach of the Black Tentacles and are able to concentrate on the last two golems who are obviously guarding the closed door.
The ball is definitely in the Iron Adventurers' court!
..........................
Shale Golems - AC 19 CMD 25 1 2 - DEAD 3 - DEAD 4 - DEAD 5 - next round dead 6 7 - DEAD 8 - DEAD
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Wednesday May 21st, 2014 8:48:26 PM
Garret eyes the golems again and says, "Anrete, come with me -- we can try and lure the golems away from the doors, then see if you can use the amulet to open the doors. If they open, we can all run through them and see what is on the other side."
OOC: And that's what Garret will attempt to do -- move towards a golem, call him out, back up, etc., trying to get the golem to attack him and get their attention so others can move in.
Beriothian -- AC:0/1/0 HP:3/10 CMD=11 Sanity=43-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 50/85 CMD = 23 d8+5=8 ; Wednesday May 21st, 2014 8:51:44 PM IIII Doooon't Liiiiike Thiiiiis... feeeeeels liiiiik aaaaa traaaaaaaap. Beri casts a quick CLW on himself and waits to see if the rest are wanting to approach the door. There is something ominous about it... though perhaps it's just that the previous entryway, along with the entire corridor, was trapped.
clw=d8+5=8
spell list 0 (4)- Detect Magic, Light, Create Water, stabilize 1 (6)- *Elf Vision, Faerie Firex2, Entangle, cure light wounds x3 2 (6)- *Faerie Fire, Fog Cloud, Soften Earth and Stone, Warp Wood, spider climb, Flaming Sphere, restoration lesser 3 (5)- *Glibness, Sleet Storm, quench, Greater Magic Fang, wind wall, stone shape, Cure Moderate Wounds 4 (5)- *Lesser Planar Ally, dispel magic, cure serious sounds, Freedom of Movement, Air Walk x2 5 (3)- *Awaken, Animal Growth, Cure Critical Wounds, Baleful Polymorph 6 (2)- *Legend Lore , Dispel Magic Greater Spells with * are Fey domain spells (and not included in spell counts)
ooc: early post today
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Thursday May 22nd, 2014 2:19:00 AM
Katinka is very satisfied with the black tentacles. They actually worked a lot better than she was expecting. Of course, she will not let that fact be known to anyone else. She activates her invisibility once more.
She moves closer to the other set of door, flying close to the columns for cover
Note that in post Monday May 19th, 2014 5:17:15 PM Tink flew to position AB12 This round fly to W12
------------------ Spells Available: 0 - Ghost Sound, Mage Hand, Message Prestidigitation 1 - Feather Fall, Grease, Prot from Evil, Roses Temp, Silent Image, Unseen Servant 2 - Alter Self (x2), Knock, Resist Energy (x2), Glitterdust 3 - Dispel Magic, Haste (x2), Prot from Energy, Shrink Item, Stinking Cloud 4 - Beast Shape II, Resilient Sphere, Wall of Fire, 5 - Wall of Force, Summon Monster V 6 - Summon Monster VI (x2)
------------------ Spells in effect: *Haste - Cast by Restlin - *Bears Endurance - Cast by Sesha - +22HP Invisibility Arcane Sight - 120ft range. See magical auras automatically. Darkvision - 60ft range See Invisibility - See Invisible or Ethereal objects Overland Flight - Fly speed 40ft. Detect Scrying - Detect any person/object being scryed upon with 40ft Misdirection - Misdirect the information from divination spells that reveal auras on Tink to instead seem like a pebble (Neutral, Not Magic, Not Lying, Not alive, etc) Mage Armor - +4 AC
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] d100=95 ; Thursday May 22nd, 2014 3:20:10 AM
Sesha considers her options, and decides that for right now, she needs to stay mobile for Anrete's sake. He had recieved some healing, but if his fury ended he would fall. She understood this. She knew barbarians.
Having to move, Sesha didn't have the time to seek out a line to bend. Instead she grabbed blindly, and was pleased with the strength she found. Channeling her magic, she again funnels a powerful transmutation to her allies, increasing their quickness and reflexes.
[Move: Move to cluster of allies, near to Anrete as possible.] [Standard: Cast Mass Cat's Grace - +4 Dex all allies! This should increase your ranged attacks, touch ac, regular ac (unless you have a max dex bonus) CMD, and Reflex saves by 2!]
[OOC: Attention IA! Some of you already have +con or +dex items. Please note that Bears Endurance and Cat's Grace do not stack with these as they are all enhancement bonuses. Please take only the bonus that is highest.]
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+16=35 ; d6+4=6 ; Thursday May 22nd, 2014 10:27:12 AM OOC:
If needed, Black Tentacle grapple check this round CMB40 vs anyone/anything already grappled CMB35 vs anyone/anything not already grappled Entire area is still difficult terrain. All grappled take 6pts damage. Grappled opponents cannot move without first breaking the grapple. To escape the grapple they must beat CMD50
Anrete AC:31-1/18-1/31-1 CMD:32 HP:23+44/134+44 DR:3 2d8+8=17 ; Thursday May 22nd, 2014 10:30:47 AM
OOC:
Reroll the double 1s for my healing: Healed 17 instead of 10 Will sav vs CLW: Bosk what is ur DC for ur cure spell?
Anrete will not die when his rage ends. He is 23+44 (44 is from the rage and the bear endurance).
Anrete AC:31-1/18-1/31-1 CMD:32 HP:23+44/134+44 DR:3 d20+19=25 ; 6d6+23=49 ; Thursday May 22nd, 2014 10:32:39 AM
Anrete strides over to the stationary golem and proceeds to hack viciously at one.
-------------------------------------- Vital Strike Power attack: AB 25 DMG49
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 8 2d8+10=21 ; d20=8 ; Thursday May 22nd, 2014 11:11:49 AM
Restlin intones the command word to bypass the Forbiddance effect and joins his companions. "I don't think we need to be opening that door now," he starts in a low tone. "Those traps were very well marked. Why? I think they were marked so we could get past them & open the door to the treasury."
He drinks another sip of the potion Sesha made him. He tips it in her direction & nods his head in thanks afterwards.
"Let's deal with these golems, then really search this room. Just because we can see invisible creatures doesn't mean someone's not hiding in here. If no one's here, that ice wall I put up will stop any would-be thieves from sneaking in for a few more minutes."
***
Move: AD 18 Standard: Quaff another dose of this CMW potion: 21 healed
Haste: 12 rounds See invisibility: Permanent Protection from evil: 8 rounds Mage armor: long enough Bear's Endurance: Cast by Sesha Cat's Grade: Ditto Ice wall: 9 minutes - 2 rounds
AC is 23/14/20 this round
Bosk AC: 35/18/29 (+1 Haste / Cat's Grace) CMD:31 HP 96 of 116 (bears endurance) Spells d20+17=18 ; Thursday May 22nd, 2014 12:07:57 PM
ooc: Anrete The save DC is 15 Save DC [10 + spell level 2+ WIS Bonus (3)]
Bosk looks quickly around the room, now satisfied Anrete will not be visiting Gargul any time soon. He then watches with amazement as Tink's black tentacles decimate their enemies. The horned cleric digs a piece of shale out of his side and pockets. He then begins examining one of the stone piles hoping to determine if they are a trap, weapon, enemy or decoration.
Actions ------------- Perception = 18 Collect trophy from golem examine rock piles
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Thursday May 22nd, 2014 8:26:28 PM
Sesha, too, collects a trophy from the golems, only a slightly different sort. She finds something resembling a finger, and tucks it into her spell component pouch.
Perhaps the thumb of a shale golem? would make a suitable component for tinkering with magic.
SouthHook Treasury: Columns Room round 7 (co-DM SteveK) Thursday May 22nd, 2014 9:36:20 PM
The Iron Adventurers have slain 6 Shale Golems and two are taking cover behind columns.
Garrett attempts to lure them out, but it appears these two will not leave the door unguarded.
Bosk investigates the stone piles and sees they are identical to the six new stone piles that the Iron Adventurers made of the Shale Golems.
Beriothian doesn't like that the traps were soooo conveniently disarmed, with red paint and everything. It MUST be a trap, right?
Restlin is convinced that Beri is right, only that the thieves may be waiting for the Iron Adventurers to clear the way for them. There can't be another explanation, can there! ..........................
With the Doors shut and the 2 Golems not giving away their defensive position, it looks like it is still the Iron Adventurers' initiative.
..........................
Shale Golems - AC 19 CMD 25 1 2 - DEAD 3 - DEAD 4 - DEAD 5 - DEAD 6 7 - DEAD 8 - DEAD
Bosk AC: 35/18/29 (+1 Haste / Cat's Grace) CMD:31 HP 96 of 116 (bears endurance) Spells d20+15=20 ; 2d8+5=10 ; Friday May 23rd, 2014 12:04:12 AM
Seeing the golems are not attacking grants Bosk a little relief, but the thought that someone might be escaping with the Chit machine spurs the cleric on, worried that taking their time may give the criminals the opportunity they need to make a clean getaway. Bosk charges forward and brings his sword down hard upon the southernmost golem.
Actions ---------------- charges forward to 18,19/O,P Atk, Hit AC 20 for 10dmg
ooc: If no one minds, can you focus on the upper, northernmost statue. I need to defeat one of these gusy singlehandedly to put it in my totem bag
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 8 d20=5 ; Friday May 23rd, 2014 8:18:37 AM
"Bosk! Anrete! Garret! STOP ATTACKING!" The wizard doesn't have a very loud shout, but he's hoping it's enough to get the raging barbarian's attention.
"Please! Just back away and let them guard that door. That's just what we need them to do." Restlin's still convinced the thieves are expecting some patsy to kill the chit machine's guardians and open the door. Better to take a minute to consider the situation rather than blindly stumble ahead and risk being the ones responsible for destroying the city's economy.
***
Haste: 11 rounds ProtFromEvil: 7 rounds Mage armor: long enough Ice wall: 9 minutes - 4 rounds See invisibility: permanent Bear's Endurance/Cat's Grace: Cast by Sesha
AC this round is 20/11/17...I just can't catch a break with these.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+26=31 ; Friday May 23rd, 2014 9:47:36 AM "If someone was prepared enough to get past all of those traps, I'm sure these golems were also taken into account. We should look to get past them immediately" Tink looks quickly to Restlin, just in case there is some enchantment/compulsion aura to him that her Arcane Sight might reveal (in case our DMs have been getting tricky with us)
Perc: 31
------------------ Spells Available: 0 - Ghost Sound, Mage Hand, Message Prestidigitation 1 - Feather Fall, Grease, Prot from Evil, Roses Temp, Silent Image, Unseen Servant 2 - Alter Self (x2), Knock, Resist Energy (x2), Glitterdust 3 - Dispel Magic, Haste (x2), Prot from Energy, Shrink Item, Stinking Cloud 4 - Beast Shape II, Resilient Sphere, Wall of Fire, 5 - Wall of Force, Summon Monster V 6 - Summon Monster VI (x2)
------------------ Spells in effect: *Haste - Cast by Restlin - *Bears Endurance - Cast by Sesha - +22HP Invisibility Arcane Sight - 120ft range. See magical auras automatically. Darkvision - 60ft range See Invisibility - See Invisible or Ethereal objects Overland Flight - Fly speed 40ft. Detect Scrying - Detect any person/object being scryed upon with 40ft Misdirection - Misdirect the information from divination spells that reveal auras on Tink to instead seem like a pebble (Neutral, Not Magic, Not Lying, Not alive, etc) Mage Armor - +4 AC
Bosk AC: 35/18/29 (+1 Haste / Cat's Grace) CMD:31 HP 96 of 116 (bears endurance) Spells Friday May 23rd, 2014 9:48:40 AM
ooc: I am assuming the piles of stone indicate that someone was already here and killed most of the golems.
Anrete AC:31/18/31 CMD:32 HP:30+11/134+11 DR:2 d20+12=15 ; Friday May 23rd, 2014 10:39:13 AM
Anrete halted his blow as his battlerage leaves him in utter exhaustion.
--------------------------------------------- Will vs heal: 15 vs DC15 (passed) Heals 7
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] d100=16 ; Friday May 23rd, 2014 11:00:49 AM
Sesha looks at Restlin for a moment, and then back towards the door with Forbiddance. She wonders whether it's better to break through the doors anyways.
She floats her broom near Restlin and puts a hand on his shoulder, then casts a small spell.
"Think about it carefully Mage-Priest. A .. ", she frowns at the foreign word.." patsy might kill the golems for a thief on accident. What would we be if they were in there already, stealing the machine, while we wait outside having a conversation with statues?"
She shrugs and gives him some space to think.
"You stopped Anrete, so you've got the floor. I would wanna be on the other side of the door. The thieves overcame every trap with relative ease. I imagine they knew about the golems and had an answer for them as well."
[Move to Restlin] [Cast Guidance - Ley check 16 vs DC 10]
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 8 d20+21=37 ; Friday May 23rd, 2014 12:25:15 PM
Restlin thinks hard. Could there be another way out of the treasury with the Chit Machine than the way they came? (Knowledge, Local: 37 - Please let me know if that's a success or fail. I used luck points on this roll).
If there's another way out, he'll admit his error, and hand Tink the amulet.
If there's not another way out, he'll stand firm. "Think, Sesha. If they're already in there, which I doubt, they need to come through here to escape with the machine. There's no way Hook City stores that machine where there's any possibility of teleporting in or out. Why would they so obviously mark the traps if they weren't expecting someone ignorant about the traps to follow? That paint was fresh, remember? They didn't set that up in advance. Why didn't they deal with the golems themselves? Why would they when we were along to do it for them? I would much rather ambush them coming back out even if they ARE in there stealing the chit machine, and I'd rather have two exploding golems on our side if that happens.
"I'm not the leader here, so If you all think I'm wrong, then we'll go through that door. I just feel very strongly about this..."
"I believe you then, big guy. So whats next? They aren't invisible or else Tink, you, or I would have seen them. They aren't in a pocket dimension or another plane watching, because Forbiddence won't let them. Where would they be?"
Sesha keeps a wary eye on the Golems as she contemplates a way past the door. She spots Anrete and waves, kicking her legs back and forth on her broom.
"Anrete, over here! Leave those rocks alone for a minute. Sesha-Witch needs to do something about those wounds and fatigue!"
OOC: DM Question: What are the doors made of, wood or stone? What is the room we are in made of? I ask specifically because I am thinking of adopting the form of an earth elemental and earth-gliding along the floor under the door or through the wall to take a peek. If this can't happen, Sesha would likely know. Thanks!
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Friday May 23rd, 2014 7:06:22 PM
Garret steps back from the golems, but bounces from one foot to the other, keeping a close eye on them. He calls back, "Hey, when we entered this room, weren't the golems all standing next to that door, like they were following something through it?"
Beriothian -- AC:0/1/0 HP:3/10 CMD=11 Sanity=43-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 50/85 CMD = 23 Friday May 23rd, 2014 7:19:34 PM I haaaave sooooften eeeeearth preeeepared... thiiink thaaat wooould heeelp? Beri waits for the others to decide what to do next, knowing only one or two of the others can understand what he's saying. One of these days he needs to invest in some sort of translating enchantment.
spell list 0 (4)- Detect Magic, Light, Create Water, stabilize 1 (6)- *Elf Vision, Faerie Firex2, Entangle, cure light wounds x3 2 (6)- *Faerie Fire, Fog Cloud, Soften Earth and Stone, Warp Wood, spider climb, Flaming Sphere, restoration lesser 3 (5)- *Glibness, Sleet Storm, quench, Greater Magic Fang, wind wall, stone shape, Cure Moderate Wounds 4 (5)- *Lesser Planar Ally, dispel magic, cure serious sounds, Freedom of Movement, Air Walk x2 5 (3)- *Awaken, Animal Growth, Cure Critical Wounds, Baleful Polymorph 6 (2)- *Legend Lore , Dispel Magic Greater Spells with * are Fey domain spells (and not included in spell counts)
SouthHook Treasury: round 8 (co-DM SteveK) 6d6=24 ; 6d6=23 ; d20+12=29 ; d20+12=30 ; d20+14=32 ; d20+5=14 ; d20+5=19 ; Friday May 23rd, 2014 7:55:56 PM
Most of the Iron Adventurers stop fighting in order to discuss just what sort of situation they find themselves in, but not Bosk! He needs to defeat one in single combat to win a totem, and the minotaur charges. Although he strikes a blow, it seems only half as damaged as it should be.
The Golems retaliate by Splintering, showering Bosk with more sharp, rocky fragments, but that is not all. Golem #6 steps in and swings with two fists, and Golem#1 charges in, both missing (Bosk gets an AOO against Golem #1) (Bosk takes 24 and 23 damage; Roll 2 Reflex DC 14 for half damage on each attack) Each golem also takes damage, but not nearly as much as it should be.
Restlin and Sesha get into a serious discussion on what is before them, is it the thieves are ahead of the group and the heroes need to charge through, or are they waiting somewhere for the heroes to deal with the last of the guardians?
If the thieves are ahead of the group, they would have had to have a way through these Shale Golems and through the large brass doors with the indention of a circular shape quite identical to the medallion Inspector Auslander gave the group. Restlin notes that the metal of the doors seems to also perfectly match the metal of the medallion. In a bit of insight, Restlin realizes that if Inspector Auslander (who is NOT a Clerk of the Treasury) had a medallion that can perfectly fit those doors, then there are certain to be other medallions that can do the same thing. In another bit of insight, the red paint, especially the "WHATALIATCHA DOODLIDOO" words, while difficult to see on coming in are very easy to see going out.... as if anyone who would be wanting to go out could do so as quickly as possible and not forget the traps where they would have to speak, jump, or walk in a certain pattern....
There is also the evidence that Bosk surmised that the piles of rock here and there are previously destroyed Shale Golems. And if there even close to the number of high level casters in Hook City as Inspector Auslander says, the Clerks would never allow piles of used golem to dirty the floor for more than a day. These piles are all very, very recent.
On the other hand, the thieves may be waiting for the Iron Adventurers to open the doors and are hiding somewhere... without Overwhelming magic auras (cause the Iron Adventurers would have seen those)....
Sesha can see the doors are brass but the columns, walls, floors, and ceiling are all marble... a type of stone! ........................
Yet any further actions are obviated by the fact the Brass Doors open! Sprinting out of the doors is a battered but familiar figure... Neesa, the Shadowdancer that got away on the Bridge! She halts in surprise at seeing the Iron Adventurers and gives a lop-sided smile. "Not what I expected, to tell you the truth!", she says. "But if I haven't been able to take over the making of Chits, the Chancer's Club has damaged it past sanity. I'll let you deal with the Chit Machine. Seeya!" But before she can move, a multi-colored pseudopod that looks like liquid metal flies out from the dark corridor beyong and smears Neesa against the marble stones in a spray of blood!
The pseudopod morphs into a claw and muscled leg. Emerging from the tunnel is what looks like a silver dragon, every scale sparkling in a different color: white, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet, and even a couple of clear scales. Each scale is the size, shape, and color of the chits every Iron Adventurer has seen; THIS is the Chit Machine!
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Saturday May 24th, 2014 3:47:32 AM
Steve, I'm not seeing any updates on the map, but seem to recall you saying you were out of town or something.
DM SteveK: Yes, that's right. And now I'm home and can't find my USB with the map and I created the map after my last backup. :-(
Therefore; I'm going to be very liberal with placement and movement. This means that: 1. No AOOs except by obvious size. (Medium golem runs up to Large Bosk) 2. No Flanking except with stated in post (which will usually incur an AOO to get a flank advantage excepting abilities that would forego that AOO ex: invisible, acrobatics) 3. Movement is descriptive, not by hex.
I was keeping the last map up just for a reference.
Sesha had heard that word so many times since coming here. While it wasn't a common word, she had heard of it from Kamili, her teacher among the barbarians. They were a people, a race of gods, so she had been taught.
The Blood Witches maintained a relationship with all manner of curious beings. This was, in part their nature. They had even developed a spell to help gap the bridge across their own cultures and that of the more reclusive outsiders they had dealings with.
It was this spell that Sesha remembered now. She gently tapped the small headband that Katinka had finished crafting for her, allowing her full concentration on the matter.
She easily pulls the magic she needs, but now which avenue to go? The Drow Matrons had trained her well in manipulation and speech-craft.. and she tried to recall that training. She called upon the factors she could nail down for certain.
1.The Chit Machine seemed simplistic. It had a mission parameter to work within. Destroy Intruders. Protect Teucri. And it had mentioned something about Klark.
2. Without knowing who or what Klark was, she had to exclude any mention of him or it at risk of revealing herself false.
3. She could attempt to either convince the machine to ignore its mission, or that the iron adventurers were not intruders. By a black or white measure, convincing it they were not intruders meant she must convince it they were Teucri, or at least that she was of the race at the very least.
She took a deep breath and then started towards the Chit Machine, carrying her broom in one hand
"Guardian, you are not well! That stupid person has harmed you! Can you not feel the harm done? And Teucri not present? I AM Teucri, just in a form more acceptable to these poor lesser beings I have taken under my care! Please let me help you! You have to sleep so you can be made perfect again! Rest now and let me heal you!"
[Rolls]
1d100 = Ley Check - 78 (Used Vediks band of focus for +20 to the roll.) 1d4 = Rounds until Sesha can no longer revive Neesa with Save/Slay d20 = Bluff Check - 56 - To convince Chit Machine she is shape-shifted Teucri and that IA are under her care. (Note, this assumes +20 from Like Calls to Like. If that bonus does not apply, the Bluff result is 31.
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Saturday May 24th, 2014 11:58:30 PM
Sorry to append the post!
Here's this for DM help perhaps?
Bluff - Bluff check was 51, not 56.
The target wants to believe you +5 The lie is believable +0 The lie is unlikely --5 The lie is far-fetched --10 The lie is impossible --20 The target is drunk or impaired +5 You possess convincing proof up to +10
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+26=32 ; d20+36=48 ; d20+10=19 ; d20+20=29 ; Monday May 26th, 2014 6:02:11 AM
Katinka puts her back to the column - several columns now between her and what she believes is a teucri construct. In case it hasn't noticed her, she absolutely doesn't want to make her presence known.
She peers around the corner and focuses her vision on the creature to try and determine its abilities (From arcane sight: "If you concentrate on a specific creature within 120 feet of you as a standard action, you can determine whether it has any spellcasting or spell-like abilities, whether these are arcane or divine (spell-like abilities register as arcane), and the strength of the most powerful spell or spell-like ability the creature currently has available for use.")
Perception: 32 + Arcane Sight - Does it have any existing auras? Spellcraft 29 to ID the spell Stealth: 48 + Hide in Plain Sight + Invisible (stationary) Knowl Arcana: 19 - To try and determine the things type, potential weakness, strengths
Question to DM: Did Tink notice the creature take any damage on entering this room? I assume she didn't hear it say any certain magic words
------------------ Spells Available: 0 - Ghost Sound, Mage Hand, Message Prestidigitation 1 - Feather Fall, Grease, Prot from Evil, Roses Temp, Silent Image, Unseen Servant 2 - Alter Self (x2), Knock, Resist Energy (x2), Glitterdust 3 - Dispel Magic, Haste (x2), Prot from Energy, Shrink Item, Stinking Cloud 4 - Beast Shape II, Resilient Sphere, Wall of Fire, 5 - Wall of Force, Summon Monster V 6 - Summon Monster VI (x2)
------------------ Spells in effect: *Haste - Cast by Restlin - *Bears Endurance - Cast by Sesha - +22HP *Cats Grace - Cast by Sesga - +4 Dex Invisibility Arcane Sight - 120ft range. See magical auras automatically. Darkvision - 60ft range See Invisibility - See Invisible or Ethereal objects Overland Flight - Fly speed 40ft. Detect Scrying - Detect any person/object being scryed upon with 40ft Misdirection - Misdirect the information from divination spells that reveal auras on Tink to instead seem like a pebble (Neutral, Not Magic, Not Lying, Not alive, etc) Mage Armor - +4 AC
Anrete AC:31/18/31 CMD:32 HP:30+11/134+11 DR:2 Monday May 26th, 2014 10:49:01 AM
OOC:
Can I know how long has it elapsed before the chit machine burst forth? Anrete is fatigued for 4 rounds?
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] d20-1=9 ; Monday May 26th, 2014 12:41:11 PM
Garret stops and stands still a moment. Just before he can react, Sesha starts to speak. Garret pauses and tries to look non-threatening.
OOC: Aid another with bluff to be not enemy: 9
Bosk AC: 35/18/29 (+1 Haste / Cat's Grace) CMD:31 HP 72 of 116 (bears endurance) Spells d20+12=30 ; d20+12=32 ; d20+13=22 ; d8=5 ; d8=3 ; Monday May 26th, 2014 2:31:12 PM
ooc: Will Bosk's attacking the golem hamper Sesha's diplomacy? Should I not attack until the results are known (either healing, full defence, or held ark)?
Saves Made AoO on Golem hit AC 22 for 13 dmg
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 8 d20+23=30 ; d20=12 ; Monday May 26th, 2014 4:20:55 PM
"That Sesha...she's a smart one," Restlin thinks to himself. He also realizes that that thing can likely drop him with little more than a thought. Hoping to avoid that, Restlin will cast greater invisibility on himself before heading north behind a pillar (AB13).
From what he hopes is a safe vantage point, Restlin will try to figure out what they're dealing with.
Greater invisibility: 9 rounds Haste: 10 rounds ProtFromEvil: 6 rounds Mage armor: long enough Ice wall: 9 minutes - 5 rounds See invisibility: permanent Bear's Endurance/Cat's Grace: Cast by Sesha
AC this round is 27/18/24
Bosk AC: 35/18/29 (+1 Haste / Cat's Grace) CMD:31 HP 72 of 116 (bears endurance) Spells Monday May 26th, 2014 7:35:19 PM
ooc: If Bosk hears nothing from the others he will do Full Defence this round.
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Monday May 26th, 2014 9:40:16 PM
Sesha anxiously awaits the creatures response.
(Using Sundays post as todays!)
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Tuesday May 27th, 2014 6:57:47 PM
(czech)
SouthHook Treasury: round 9 (co-DM SteveK) d20+33=52 ; 4d10+11=32 ; Tuesday May 27th, 2014 6:58:32 PM Sesha had heard the word Teucri so many times since coming here. She pulls magic from a nearby Ley Line, takes a deep breath and then starts towards the Chit Machine, claiming SHE is Teucri!
Katinka puts her back to the column and has several columns between her and what she believes is a teucri construct. Her ears do not deceive, the glittering silver dragon construct did not say any words on entering the room from the other door. Katinka can conclude that it is either because it is attuned to the Forbiddance spell or that the spell covers an even greater area than previously considered. Her Arcane Eyes can only see Overwhelming auras, spellcasting, and spell-like abilities, and she can see none of these on the construct. The little wizard knows this is a construct, but can't figure out any vulnerabilities from her studies. (Know Arcana Dc 26 to find out)
Anrete sees the Chit Machine burst forth and still has 24 more seconds of being fatigued. (ie: 4 rounds; it arrived during the combat with the remaining two golems.)
Garret stops and stands still a moment. Just before he can react, Sesha starts to speak. Garret pauses and tries to look non-threatening.
ooc: Will Bosk's attacking the golem hamper Sesha's diplomacy? Should I not attack until the results are known (either healing, full defence, or held ark)? (DM SteveK: DM won't give away information for free :-) Need to roll a skill check Sense Motive DC 20 to get a hunch if attacking the golems will hamper Sesha's efforts.)
Bosk makes discretion the better part of valor and fights fully defensively.
Restlin thinks Sesha is smart and also realizes that that thing is likely powerful. He casts greater invisibility on himself before heading north behind a pillar. Making an assessment, Restlin is fairly certain that Highlight to display spoiler: { it is a Teucri Construct that has similar traits to a Mithril Golem. Mithril Golems have Damage Resistance /15/adamantine; Evasion; Construct Traits; Fluid Form; has super Quickness and immune to most spells except being vulnerable to the Slow spell and Cold spells that are at least Indigo or higher.}
.............
"Guardian, you are not well! That stupid person has harmed you! Can you not feel the harm done? And Teucri not present? I AM Teucri, just in a form more acceptable to these poor lesser beings I have taken under my care! Please let me help you! You have to sleep so you can be made perfect again! Rest now and let me heal you!"
The Teucri Construct pauses and cocks its head at Sesha, pausing for a moment. "HARM DONE. <bzzzt> TEUCRI YOU? A Woman? <ctttkt> How So? <rrrrrr> Must Protect. Follow Directives."
Lightning quick, a claw reaches out and slams into Bosk and leaves bruises and red lines from shoulder to knee. (AC 52 Bosk takes 32 damage)
Even then, it is plain the Construct could have done more, but the words of Sesha are having some effect. Perhaps more reasoning and calming is in order?
The two remaining Shale Golems stop attacking and withdraw to the door, moving out of combat.
Beri will wait for the group to to continue their diplomatic route. Should that fail, and should someone mention the weaknesses of the creature (or his own knowledge be high enough), Beri will ready a sleet storm spell to cast when the creature is in flud form.
spell list 0 (4)- Detect Magic, Light, Create Water, stabilize 1 (6)- *Elf Vision, Faerie Firex2, Entangle, cure light wounds x3 2 (6)- *Faerie Fire, Fog Cloud, Soften Earth and Stone, Warp Wood, spider climb, Flaming Sphere, restoration lesser 3 (5)- *Glibness, Sleet Storm, quench, Greater Magic Fang, wind wall, stone shape, Cure Moderate Wounds 4 (5)- *Lesser Planar Ally, dispel magic, cure serious sounds, Freedom of Movement, Air Walk x2 5 (3)- *Awaken, Animal Growth, Cure Critical Wounds, Baleful Polymorph 6 (2)- *Legend Lore , Dispel Magic Greater Spells with * are Fey domain spells (and not included in spell counts)
Knowledge Arcana = 15 knowledge Nature = 27
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 8 d20=14 ; Tuesday May 27th, 2014 8:00:09 PM
Restlin casts message in order to communicate with his friends. "Folks, we have a real piece of work here. Looks almost like a mithril golem with some really swell modifications. It will brush off most blows, but adamantine should still hurt it. I'll cast slow on it should we be forced to fight, but other than that & very powerful cold spells, it's basically magic-proof.
"Sesha, you're doing a great job. Everyone else, kindly get away from that thing."
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] d20-1=13 ; Tuesday May 27th, 2014 8:46:45 PM
Garret continues to slowly back away and look unthreatening. He nods to Anrete to do the same. (Bluff aid another: 13).
Bosk AC: 35/18/29 (+1 Haste / Cat's Grace) CMD:31 HP 40 of 116 (bears endurance) Spells Tuesday May 27th, 2014 8:59:47 PM
Bosk takes a step back, his hands in the air to show he has no violent intent. We came to help you. He then continues moving back towards the back of the room.
Actions Withdraw to back of room.
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] d100=11 ; d20+41=57 ; Tuesday May 27th, 2014 9:02:57 PM
Sesha blinks, surprised at the powerful strike and seeming ease with which it Taur-handled Bosk.
"Rest easy friend. He made a mistake and thought he was helping. Calm yourself!
It seemed surprised a Teucri was woman. That must be wrong? Are they a race of males? I should have learned more about them!
Sesha casts a spell, a simple polymorph affect, changing her race from female to male.
"I can be many things to these poor lesser beings. Male, woman, elf, human. I simply protect them as my charges. That one... ..she points to Restlin.. ".. fainted when he saw my true form. The vision of a Teucri male is imposing to mortals on this world."
She comes closer and places a reassuring hand on the creature.
"Disarm and relax. The people here have no more need of you for now. Let yourself sleep and while you doze, I shall repair the hurts done to you, powerful guardian."
[Spell: Alter Self. Success vs Ley Roll DC 10] [Skill: Diplomacy: Change attitude and make a simple request - Result 57 (to include +20 from Like Calls to Like.]
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Tuesday May 27th, 2014 11:04:39 PM
ooc: Though it may seem like it, females and males aren't actually different races. Perhaps changing her sex, was the effect I was looking for.
Bosk AC: 35/18/29 (+1 Haste / Cat's Grace) CMD:31 HP 40 of 116 (bears endurance) Spells Tuesday May 27th, 2014 11:31:17 PM
ooc: If I recall correctly, only the males only ever visited the Wold. There are females, somewhere, but they have not been on this planet.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+10=11 ; Tuesday May 27th, 2014 11:35:26 PM Knowl Arcana vs DC26: 11 = Fail.
Tink really needs to brush up on her studies. Restlin, however, conveys the knowledge to her via his message spell. He is a smart one.
Tink maintains her unseen position by the column
------------------ Spells Available: 0 - Ghost Sound, Mage Hand, Message Prestidigitation 1 - Feather Fall, Grease, Prot from Evil, Roses Temp, Silent Image, Unseen Servant 2 - Alter Self (x2), Knock, Resist Energy (x2), Glitterdust 3 - Dispel Magic, Haste (x2), Prot from Energy, Shrink Item, Stinking Cloud 4 - Beast Shape II, Resilient Sphere, Wall of Fire, 5 - Wall of Force, Summon Monster V 6 - Summon Monster VI (x2)
------------------ Spells in effect: *Haste - Cast by Restlin - *Bears Endurance - Cast by Sesha - +22HP *Cats Grace - Cast by Sesga - +4 Dex Invisibility Arcane Sight - 120ft range. See magical auras automatically. Darkvision - 60ft range See Invisibility - See Invisible or Ethereal objects Overland Flight - Fly speed 40ft. Detect Scrying - Detect any person/object being scryed upon with 40ft Misdirection - Misdirect the information from divination spells that reveal auras on Tink to instead seem like a pebble (Neutral, Not Magic, Not Lying, Not alive, etc) Mage Armor - +4 AC
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Wednesday May 28th, 2014 12:25:46 AM
ooc: Bosk, I was referring to the typo in my post, that Sesha changed her race from female to male. I wasnt going to edit it because rolls are there.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 8 d20+23=35 ; d20+10=17 Wednesday May 28th, 2014 8:58:17 AM
Restlin pays attention when Sesha points his way. Of course she can see him; she can see invisible things just like he can. What he wants to know is whether this machine can as well. He watches to see if the thing looks right at him.
Perception: 35
If the thing can see him, he'll look wide-eyed at Sesha & duck back behind the pillar, feigning fright.
Bluff: 17 (5 luck points used)
Anrete AC:31/18/31 CMD:32 HP:30+11/134+11 DR:2 Wednesday May 28th, 2014 11:27:50 AM
Anrete continues to catch his breathe as he eyes the berserk chit machine
The Chit Machine (co-DM SteveK) d8=6 ; Wednesday May 28th, 2014 7:55:01 PM
Bosk backs away. Beri, Garrett, Anrete, Restlin, and Katinka all prepare for possible combat or just take a breather. The dangerous game of communicating with the Chit Machine rests on the small shoulders of a Drow Bloodwitch.
The Witch and Machine speak with each other, back and forth, for because every two things Sesha seems to guess right, there is one that she guesses wrong, and she has to backtrack and make up for her mistake. It goes on for a while, but it turns certain that Sesha has the battle of words well in hand. In the process, the Iron Adventurers learn much about Hook City and the Teucri.
As Sesha suspected, the only Teucri that visited the flat disc of the Wold were male. They did not consider themselves gods nor are they even immortal, just very long lived. They were builders of tremendous magical artifacts; and often infused their creations with souls. The Chit Machine knows of three major Teucri artifacts in Hook City; but only knows the purpose of itself. The other two are the Four Sky Hooks and the Master Stone. For itself, the Chit Machine was to guard the arts of its Teucri masters, for this area was once the experimentation house of the Teucri. When the Teucri left and flew away, they provided medallions to their most trusted Noble Race servants led by Klark. From generation to generation, the holders of the medallions took their name after the first ancestor, becoming Clerks of the Treasury, and removed the discarded scales of the guardian beast for their own purposes. Each scale is still alive and part of the Chit Machine.
But at last, the Chit Machine is convinced it must obey Sesha, and to (in its own words) to 'power down'. Laying down into a classic 'sphinx' position, the glittery silver dragon fixes Sesha with its rainbow eyes. "I am damaged <fzzzt> Must reboot <rrrrr> Await Teucri repair. As you wish, master." The glow from its eyes fade and the statue stops moving, and every scale turns a dull gray.
As Bosk moves backwards, he happens to tread on a gray chit, and the formerly indestructable money of Hook City crumbles like a cracker!
....................
All heroes get 25,000xp!
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Wednesday May 28th, 2014 8:00:12 PM
Garret watches in amazement while Sesha speaks to the massive beast. He visibly relaxes when the machine 'sits down.'
When he sees the gray chit break, Garret's eyes open wide. "Uh-oh. That is not going to be good."
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Wednesday May 28th, 2014 8:38:38 PM
Sesha's moments with the Teucri artifact leave her slightly numb. Even though she is deceiving the creature, her intent is truly to help it. When it powers itself down, at her suggestion, a twinge of regret tugs at her. She could see it's pain, and that until it's final moments, it had lived a simple lifetime of servitude. After having lived as a slave with the Blood Witches of the Ga'alin and learning of the cloistered life of Drow girls, Sesha knew what that entailed.
She glances at the broken trickster on the floor, without even pondering if she still has time left to save her. She lets her Alter Self spell fall from her, and resumes her normal form.
She sits down on her broom and unhooks and hugs pot-pot.
"Why is this sad? I didn't want it to hurt anyone!"
She looks at her treasured spirit familiar and realizes why she cares. To anyone else, this hunk of steel was a cooking pot. To her, it was a trusted confidant and a friend to her since she began her training with Kamali. She had walked in other planes, taken and freed slaves, saved and ended lives, but the last few moments of an ancient chit machines existence had touched her more than all of that. To most people in Hook City, it was a resource. Maybe the Teucri saw it as more than a tool, maybe not. There was a very sad chance that a creature containing some form of sentience spent an entire long existence without anyone to care about it.
She slips off her broom and gathers two bits of the chit machines crumbled form. One to put aside as a memento and keep-sake, the other as a Tinker with magic component.
She approaches Bosk and tip-toes, to put a small ebony hand on his chest.
"I gotcha big guy. Can't have you crumbling on us too, ya know?"
[Cast HEAL on Bosk, Divine Spell, no Ley Check]
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 8 d20+21=33 ; Wednesday May 28th, 2014 9:09:39 PM
Restlin can only stand by and watch in horror as the chits crumble. He opens his purse to check his own chits, seeing if they too are gray and dead.
"This...this is bad. This is so bad...There's no gold standard here in Hook City. There is nothing to back up it's economy."
Restlin tries to get a handle on the outcomes of this (knowledge, local: 33).
The wizard rushes over to Nessa. "Bosk! Sesha! Can either of you revive her? We need to know what she did! This is so bad..."
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Wednesday May 28th, 2014 9:19:02 PM
Tink cautiously makes her way closer to the rest of the party, and the chit machine.
She sees Sesha looking upset for some reason, and though she doesn't understand why, Tink goes to comfort her. The halfling places a hand on Sesha's shoulder and quietly says "Well done. You did the right thing. The machine in its tampered state could have caused far more harm than good. You should be proud of the non-violent approach you took"
Smiling, she then speaks to the rest of the party. "Many other towns and villages use currency that is not permanent. Why, the majority of the Wold uses metallic coins. That said, I imagine having currency that can be destroyed will be a very new concept to the people of Hook City." a second thought then occurs to Tink "And likely those who were able to cast spells through the chits will likely not be able to anymore. This could be serious"
Beriothian -- AC:0/1/0 HP:3/10 CMD=11 Sanity=43-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 50/85 CMD = 23 Wednesday May 28th, 2014 9:59:12 PM
Beri lands on the ground and transforms back into a human. Perhaps it isn't that bad, this thing is alive in a manner of speaking, perhaps it's also self healing. There's also surely people that have been studying it for years, hopefully they will have a few clues as to how to repair it. That fact that we could talk it down could be an indication that it wasn't as damaged as she had though.
Beri considers what the people of Hook City will think finding out that at the very least their money is now compromised. Hopefully there won't be any kind of mad panic, or just as importantly nobody holding the IA responsible.
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Wednesday May 28th, 2014 10:03:38 PM
( DM, how many rounds had passed since Nessa fell dead?)
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Wednesday May 28th, 2014 10:30:47 PM
Sesha shakes her head.
"I have a feeling that's the last we have seen of the chit machine... And Restlin, to be honest, I wouldn't spit on that one to put out a fire. Bosk can speak with her corpse. I've seen him do it before. This worthless woman won't rise again to bring another misery after a lifetime of servitude. Good riddance."
Sesha huffs and starts poking through Neesa's belongings, seeing if there's anything, whether in gear or the form of a journal.
Bosk AC: 35/18/29 (+1 Haste / Cat's Grace) CMD:31 HP 116 of 116 (bears endurance) Spells d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; Wednesday May 28th, 2014 11:08:42 PM Thanks for that. The Horned leric says as Sesha heals his wounds. Ans great job talking down that....creature? He then places a hand on his holy symbol and unleashes two waves of healing energy onto the group. The cleric will then try to collect a gray chit to keep as a memento. I cannot speak to Nissa today, I have not prepared that spell. However I do have a scroll of Gentle Repose that will keep her well preserved until we are ready to question her. As he says that Bosk pulls out his trusty spatula of corpse retrieval to help scrape her off of the wall.
As for the chits, they have a standard gold value with only a minor fluctuation in value. I suspect the transition will be easy enough...the wealthy will just have to get used to the idea of handling "dirty money" that could have previously been anywhere. I imagine people will be paying for prestidigitaion spells in mass for fear their coins may have previously passed through a dragon or been relieved off of a corpse... The faintest trace of a smile crosses the cleric's face.
Actions ----------- Channel Energy, heal all for 18dmg Collect gray chit Put some of the crumble and shale golem into two of his holy symbols (symbolizing another victory Gargul saw fit to help him survive)
Beriothian -- AC:0/1/0 HP:3/10 CMD=11 Sanity=43-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 50/85 CMD = 23 Thursday May 29th, 2014 12:08:07 AM I have a feeling that the officials in Hook City will want to do their own questioning of her. And I'm sure they wouldn't be too happy with us keeping a dead body in our tower.
I'm not so sure the transition will be so smooth, those chits were worth real money. They were a commodity in themselves since they were spells. That said, with the amount of trade Hook City does they likely have a huge vault of gold, so as long as there isn't a sudden rush at the bank they should be able to weather the transition, even if it's a little bumpy.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 8 Thursday May 29th, 2014 8:17:58 AM
Restlin shakes his head. "Beri is half right. These chits weren't fiat currency. They weren't valuable because Hook City said they were valuable. This isn't about moving from one form of currency to another, this is about the actual wealth of Hook City vanishing!
"Maybe the city has some kind of insurance policy against this event, but I don't think it's going to be pretty either way. Even if it were possible to just change to a gold standard, all the chits are gray now. We can't even tell how much our old chits were worth anymore."
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+13=26 ; Thursday May 29th, 2014 9:42:05 AM "Is anyone familiar with this "Chancer's Club"? The woman mentioned it before her untimely demise. It would seem they have something to do with this."
Knowl Local: 26 - For info on the Chancer's Club
Bosk AC: 35/18/29 (+1 Haste / Cat's Grace) CMD:31 HP 116 of 116 (bears endurance) Spells Thursday May 29th, 2014 10:01:18 AM The Chancers Club
I had actually thought about joining at one time...The cleric confides. But I never heard of them doing things like this.
Anrete AC:31/18/31 CMD:32 HP:48/134 DR:2 Thursday May 29th, 2014 10:25:50 AM
Anrete continues to take a breather as more of his wounds close from Bosk's healing spell.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Thursday May 29th, 2014 6:52:51 PM
Garret looks around, not too concerned with the value of money and economy. He reaches into his bag and pulls out a piece of meat. He tears it in two and offers a piece to Anrete.
A Dead Chit Machine (co-DM SteveK) Thursday May 29th, 2014 7:53:16 PM
The Chit Machine now merely a gray metal statue, the Iron Adventurers do a little healing (Sesha and Bosk), a little searching (gray chits and golem bits into bags, a body scraped off the marble floor, and it is found Nessa's equipment was irrevocably destroyed by the Chit Machine's massive, crushing blow), and a little thinking.
Around Nessa's pulp (and it is a good thing Bosk has a Spatula!) Sesha is able to find a single bag of holding that was not destroyed. within the bag, there are gemstones of polished black onyx, clear purple alexanderite, green jade, red jasper, white moonstone, and golden rutile. ( ooc: Make an Appraise Dc 22 check to determine if the team correctly identifies the wealth. Failure means the team sells the gems for 20% under price)
The only other thing in this room is speculation. It is too late for Sesha to Save Neesa (even if she wanted to), and the Iron Adventurers have each discovered their own chits have also turned to worthless brittle gray coins. They have no idea what's going to happen up in Hook City, but given the complete faith the citizens had for the Hooks, it is highly unlikely that there is a backup plan for if the Chits ever failed. They hadn't for a thousand years and more, why could it ever change?
And yet, the Iron Adventurers sense that change is upon them and Hook City. And like a small boat at the tip of a storm-tossed wave, it is uncertain if the city will safely ride or be swallowed up by the tides of time! .................
It has been a minute since the Chit Machine turned itself off, and the Iron Adventurers can hear a group of people making their way through the entrance corridor. It looks like Inspector Auslander has found more help. They will be in the room of columns any second...
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+10=20 ; Thursday May 29th, 2014 10:31:48 PM
Tink gives an impressed whistle "That's quite a collection of stones you've found there Sesha. Hmm.. that particular one is quite exotic. Anyone have any ideas on it?"
Appraise check: 20. Can anyone aid another?
"I assume the Inspector would know of the defences here. Or should someone go warn him of the traps?"
Beriothian -- AC:0/1/0 HP:3/10 CMD=11 Sanity=43-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 50/85 CMD = 23 Thursday May 29th, 2014 11:17:07 PM
Beriothian straightens out his robe then joins the others to look at their spoils. Wow, those are very lovely. I wish I knew more about gem stones, I haven't the foggiest idea what they could be worth Beri turns to Tink. I would assume they know of the traps, and they are mostly all marked. So, who here thinks they can most eloquently explain why the chit machine being out of commission is still a great outcome?
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] d20=16 ; Friday May 30th, 2014 12:09:19 AM
Sesha picks over the gems, not really interested but aware of the relative value.
"I know this one, Red Jasper, it is a favorite for bracelets in It'lal at the moment."
[Aid Another; 16]
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 8 Friday May 30th, 2014 7:58:47 AM
Restlin marvels at the calm displayed by his companions. "Shiny, I don't think they understand how big this is," he says telepathically to his sword. He listens to the incoming foot steps, aware that in just a moment they'll be past his ice wall & that the Hook City he grew up in is going to be gone...maybe forever. That the Iron Adventurers could mull over a bag of shiny rocks at a time like this amazes him.
He wants to yell, the wizard's all-encompassing mirth finally giving way, but he decides it's futile. If he's right, they'll all realize soon enough.
He walks over to Sesha. "This may be the last bit of calm we have for a while. I just wanted to say that what you did back there with that machine was the right call, and that I'm very happy it worked and that you're still in one piece." He gives her a quick hug, then gets his game face back on.
"Ok, people!" he starts...a bit louder than he needs to. "Let's see if we can get out of this mess without becoming pariahs!"
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Friday May 30th, 2014 11:27:39 AM
Garret hears the people arriving and says, "Oh dear. I wonder if they are going to blame us for this mess..."
Bosk AC: 35/18/29 (+1 Haste / Cat's Grace) CMD:31 HP 116 of 116 (bears endurance) Spells Friday May 30th, 2014 4:12:31 PM
Bosk shrugs, still disappointing to see the backfiring Chit Golem put down. [b]We have done all we can do. The officials of Hook City will be able to question Nissa even if she has died. Be got here as quickly as possible and did not destroy the Teucri creation. I do not thin there is anything else we could have done.[/b
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] d20+6=23 ; d8=2 ; d8=3 ; d8=5 ; d8=1 ; d8=4 ; Saturday May 31st, 2014 2:25:46 AM
Sense Motive: 23
Sesha understands that Restlin is upset, but doesn't really comprehend why. She had lived in two places in her life, and neither had any sort of central economy, everything depended on trade with others. She guessed however, it had something to do with the rocks.
Sesha leaves the rocks to Katinka to gather, and heals Anrete before preparing herself to face the officials of Hook City.
Cure Critical Wounds: 38 Hp Anrete
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Saturday May 31st, 2014 6:11:51 AM
Tink is confident the economy of Hook City will survive this 'bump'. Eventually.
In her mind the bigger issue is how dependant on magic these people may have become, and how they will adapt to not having it at their fingertips.
She folds her arms and awaits the Inspector. Hopefully the adventurers have built up enough of a reputation that they will not be held accountable for the machines failure. Let's see how they act now the chits are down.
A Dead Chit Machine (co-DM SteveK) Saturday May 31st, 2014 8:21:51 AM
Note: No one was able to cast spells from Chits. They did not hold spells nor were they even magical in nature. They represented the equivalency of a spell. Read the Woldipedia Hook City for more information. That is, before it changes. ................
Tink hears the noise, even through the Wall of Ice, and is confident that the Inspector or whoever is leading the group will know about the traps. Instead, she gives her attention to the collection of stones, considering how much they are worth in total.
Beriothian doesn't know much about gem stones, and asks who would be the best person to explain why the chit machine is out of commission and that is a good thing?
Sesha picks over the gems, not really interested but aware of the relative value. With Sesha's assistance, Katinka correctly pegs the value. All Heroes get 20,000gp each worth of gems!. She also heals Anrete some more.
Restlin is stressing that the Hook City he grew up in is going to be gone...maybe forever! That the Iron Adventurers could mull over a bag of shiny rocks at a time like this amazes him. HIs sword is no help. "What is money to a sword? Still, if you want to get some of those gems and embed them in my scabbard.." Still, his general mirth keeps his head on his shoulders, taking the opportunity to give Sesha a hug and gets the groups mind on track.
Garret hears the people arriving and says, "Oh dear. I wonder if they are going to blame us for this mess..."
Bosk shrugs. While disappointed to see the backfiring Chit Golem put down, he can't think there was anything else they could have done. .......................
It is less than a minute when Restlin's Wall of Ice has been dispelled, all the traps bypassed, and a large group of Hook City officials arrive, Inspector Auslander among them. Katinka's glowing blue eyes can't sort out magical auras or cababilities in this are of Overwhelming magic, but that is not surprising. If she were able to see that, then that person would be capable of diety-level spells! As it is, it is fairly obvious that 4 are high level wizards, another is a Dragon Disciple with wings, and 2 are high level clerics (Religion DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: {one is of the Crones}, Religion DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: { one is of Burfells, the earth power in Ice Vein}). Three others each wear a medallion around their neck identical to the one Inspector Auslander provided the Iron Adventurers. The remaining five are in the bright armor of officers of the Hook City Guard, well known by Restlin, Bosk, and Beri to be very experienced warriors.
Things are quickly sorted out. Inspector Auslander is praised for his quick thinking in giving his Medallion to the Iron Adventurers and having them protect the Chit Machine while everyone else was busy. However, he gave away his medallion and so he must face those consequences. It is, after all, the law. Inspector Auslander is stripped of his Medallion (one of the other Clerks takes it) and he is no longer a member of the Clerks of the Treasury.
The Iron Adventures find out that there were several other sabotaged areas of the Bridge during the Leap of Faith. Citizens and visitors are saying that the miracle this year was no one was hurt. At all! The spellcasters were saving all they can, but it was even more than that. Snapping cables whipped through packed crowds and never touched anyone. People falling from the Bridge seemed to slow down until rescuers were able to get them. And many other strange tales. It was a miracle!
The Iron Adventurers are exonerated from all blame about the Chit Machine. One of the men with a Medallion speaks with the two remaining Shale Golems and gets the whole story. They ask for the remains of Nessa for questioning, and politely but firmly tell the Iron Adventurers and Inspector Auslander it is time for them to leave. The Clerks of the Treasury have some cleaning up to do. ..................
Inspector Auslander leads the Iron Adventurers outside, making sure to speak the magic phrase to get out of the Forbiddance spell. Standing outside, the Inspector brushes off his own sacrifice. "I knew what I was doing when I gave you the medallion. More important to try and stop the thieves. I'm still Inspector and that hasn't changed."
Looks like the Heroes have an opportunity to ask Auslander nearly anything. .................
OOC: JonT takes over on Monday!
Iron Adventurers! It has been a pleasure to DM for you for the last 18 months. Real World obligations being what they are, I need to cut back on my duties to the Wold, and am stepping down as co-DM for Hook City. I've also removed my Dm available second PC from Bonetown and told the PTB that I won't be as involved as an ACDM as I was before. And while I have agreed to assist James with DMing Rum, he really is in the pilot seat and I'm only helping as I may.
I think this is a great group. For posting, you have always been one of the best in the Wold, week in-week out! Role-Playing and humor and use of skills checks and thinking your way through situations... THAT is the difference between D&D veterans and just a hack&slash game.
Keep it up!
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 8 d20+18=20 ; Saturday May 31st, 2014 11:05:36 AM
"What happens now, Inspector? Can that...thing be fixed? Is there a contingency plan in place for something like this happening?"
***
It's been a pleasure, Steve! Hope things calm down for you to head back our way someday.
Bosk AC: 35/18/29 (+1 Haste / Cat's Grace) CMD:31 HP 116 of 116 (bears endurance) Spells Saturday May 31st, 2014 11:32:13 AM
Everyone please read the wikki There is a new section on Teucri Artifacts and Hook City, by Noman the Anonymous and other changes made in the last year that I hadn't realized were added. Hook City
SteveK, that was a great module, and we will miss you.
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Saturday May 31st, 2014 11:59:10 AM
ooc: Aww crap. Bye Steve! At least I still get to have you around a bit in Agents! Is Jon T getting a new co-DM?
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+10=22 ; d20+10=16 ; Monday June 2nd, 2014 8:21:33 AM OOC: It's been fun, Steve! :)
Knowl Reigion: 22, 16
Once outside, Katinka feels incredibly guilty. The Inspector has obviously given up a trusted position in order to help the group. She has many questions for the man, and tries not to bombard the Inspector with them in quick succession...
"How do you think the town will respond without the chits? Will the government be able to maintain order? Is there someone the group could petition for the reinstatement of the Inspectors medallion? Do the celebrations continue despite the current chaos?"
Anrete AC:31/18/31 CMD:32 HP:86/134 DR:2 Monday June 2nd, 2014 9:42:25 AM
Anrete smiles at the drow girl as the healing takes effect.
"Anrete is hungry.", he commented.
Beriothian -- AC:0/1/0 HP:3/10 CMD=11 Sanity=43-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 50/85 CMD = 23 Monday June 2nd, 2014 12:12:08 PM
Beri turns to the inspector and thanks him for the sacrifice he made for the people of Hook City. I am sure things will turn out fine in the end, there is always need for those who are willing to put needs to be done above politics. And it seems to be generally agreed that your quick thinking saved the day.
I am sure that people have been studying the "chit machine" for as long as it's been in the city, am I correct in assuming that somewhere within the walls that there are people that can help repair the damage that has been done to it? The machine seemed to be fairly aware still, hopefully that means the damage is less severe than the attacker had intended... and on that note, can you share if the protectors of Hook City have any knowledge of who this person was, and by extension what particular motives they may have had? If this machine could only be destroyed by extraordinary means I worry that a few other artifacts could be in danger if she was not working alone.
ooc: Thanks for the great game Steve, hopefully we'll see you running a game again one day in the future
One quick question on the Teucri Artifacts... we know of one more set of Teucri items not listed on the hook city page, the weapons of the Hook City guards (were they called man holders?). Not sure if those were overlooked, or if they just don't qualify as artifacts.
BTW, I don't have reliable access to a computer for the next week. I'll try to post, but since it will likely be from my phone the posts may be shorter and have a few typos do to terrible auto correct.
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Monday June 2nd, 2014 12:54:52 PM
Sesha listens as the others speak, empathizing with Restlin a little more than before... only for a different reason. No one else was saw what she saw.. much the same no one grasped the seriousness of the situation as he saw it..
Some spoke of repairing the machine, not likely as she saw it.. the Chit Machine was far beyong her, and she had a strong grasp on magical devices and structure. Others blathered about the impact on a city's economy... perhaps it was the spell she had cast, Like Calls to Like, but she was near anger that no one seemed to give any pause that a centuries old servant of a founding race had ceased to exist, snuffed short by a foolish attempt at theft!
Sesha speaks up when a chance arises..
".. reparations..."
Her voice, it was small at first. She balls her small fists and stamps a foot! She yells the word again!
" Reparations! I demand this Chancers Guild pay reparations for the damage done to Hook City, Inspector Auslander, and the Teucri Guardian!"
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 8 d8=6 ; Monday June 2nd, 2014 7:07:32 PM
Restlin's pretty sure Hook City will have words for the Chancers Guild, but he's not going to be the one to explain that to Sesha...no-sir-ee.
In fact, until Auslander explains what's going on out there, the wizard doesn't have much to say.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Monday June 2nd, 2014 9:45:55 PM
Garret looks around as they exit and listens in carefully to the conversation. He absentmindedly grabs a piece of dried meat from his belt pack and hands it to Anrete.
Good By (snif), SteveK (co-DM JonathanT) Monday June 2nd, 2014 9:56:10 PM
Thanks SteveK, for being such good sport and fun. I started Co-DMing with you in Rum and came along to Hook. Hook would have been rather bland without you and I hope I can count on your expertise to maybe fill in a short scenario when it comes to other Hook stuff.
I do have a Co-DM. Ian Mitchell is our new Co-DM. I'll have him step in for a scene or two in the next module but I want to make sure he has time to catch up on events in Hook and get a 'feel' for it before sitting in the DM seat.
You guys also have a new player joining Hook. Jon Long will be joining soon when we get to a good spot in the plot to plop him in.
JonL, if you are lurking, I meant to review your PC this weekend and stuff caught up with me. Don't worry though, I'm sure your PC is OK and there's nothing at the start of the new module that can't be worked around if we find some anomaly with your PC.
Now, to get to tonight's post.
Saying good by to the old world and Greeting a new one (co-DM JonathanT) Monday June 2nd, 2014 11:26:31 PM
Inspector Auslander and the IA reach the same door they entered. However just before they exit, the Inspector turns to the IA. "I am going to require you to pledge an Oath to speak of this to no one. NO ONE! You got that? We pass through this door and you never saw a Chit Machine. You know nothing more about how chits come about than your average street vendor. If you have trouble with truth telling, find a way to plead ignorance without lying."
Restlin asks "What happens now, Inspector? Can that...thing be fixed? Is there a contingency plan in place for something like this happening?"
The Inspector shrugs, "I have no idea what happens now. Contingency plan? Do we have a contingency plan for the Hooks? To have such plans would lead the citizens to loose faith in what we have. If they think we think these Teucri (said whispering) things can be destroyed, Hook City would be no different than any other magical city and living here would be nothing special. The fact that the citizenry believe they can't be destroyed gives Hook City its true identity and meaning."
Auslander pauses for a moment.
Sense Motive DC25: Highlight to display spoiler: { You can tell that Auslander is indeed deeply concerned even though his outward expression appears to portray a 'we will get through it' attitude.}
Auslander continues, "Of course, now we know that at least one can be, er, disabled. And that is why you must take your Oath of Silence on this matter. It could be that the other Teucri (said in a whisper) are indeed indestructible. But what are the citizens going to believe? If one fails, they'll assume all of them can fail. Can they be fixed? They've never broken before for us to find out. Does anyone here know anything about Teucri (said whispering) automatons?"
katinka also has questions. "How do you think the town will respond without the chits? Will the government be able to maintain order? Is there someone the group could petition for the reinstatement of the Inspectors medallion? DO the celebrations continue despite the current chaos?"
The inspector answers Katinka. "I don't know how the city will respond, but I'm sure we will find out soon enough. However, the Government will not suddenly loose its loyal followers and the City Police is still much under my command and they will obey."
The Inspector shrugs off the prospect of a petition to reinstate him into the Treasury. "No point in trying until all this gets resolved. Such an attempt would take years anyway and I'm content at focusing my time and efforts with security in the city proper."
When Katinka asks about the celebrations continuing he eyes the hafling but does not answer. Sense Motive DC25: Highlight to display spoiler: {"What do you think?"}
Anrete, a relative newcomer to Hook City and not that much impressed by its magic or complicated form of currency, is simply hungry.
Garret absentmindedly grabs a piece of dried meat from his belt pack and hands it to Anrete.
Beri seems confident things will work out fine and that the right people will step up and put the needs of what needs to be done above politics and points out Auslander's own heroics. His confidence in the city extends to the repair of the Chit Machine, as it would seem logical that, as long as it has been around, someone will have mastered the Teucri knowledge to fix it, specially since it didn't seem too damaged, after all. However, to Beri, finding out who these people were and their motives is more critical, as such a group might try something with the other Teucri artifacts as well.
The Inspector nods his agreement that finding out who these people were is important. "We will get to the bottom of this, but I doubt they will try something like this again. They failed, not because you showed up, but because these artifacts aren't just simple juiced up magic items. Not one survived, thus they'll consider such attempts as beyond their reach. At least for now. More precautions are certainly a good idea. On the other hand, about fixing the Chit Machine, we'll see. There was one that might have learned enough about it, if he is still alive and we can find him."
DM OOC: BTW, it was forgotten to mention, but there were 5 other bodies in the main Chit Machine room. They were splattered about as bad as Nessa's.
Beri asked:One quick question on the Teucri Artifacts... we know of one more set of Teucri items not listed on the hook city page, the weapons of the Hook City guards (were they called man holders?). Not sure if those were overlooked, or if they just don't qualify as artifacts.
DM JT: To my knowledge, these are not artifacts. I'll ask SteveK but I don't think they have any magical properties. Their design and purpose is what makes them unique, just as a dwarven Urgrosh or any other Race specific weapon or tool.
Sesha's perspective on the situation is quite unique in that she had a deeper interaction with the Chit Machine. Seeing an intelligence, even if not quite like hers, moved her deeply. Much like Pot-Pot, a simple mundane item to most, yet with a connection to Sesha far beyond normal understanding, so did the Chit Machine appear to her. So what if it was metal? It thought, it talked, it could reason and was not a simple Chit maker and thief smasher. And now it was no more... "Reparations! I demand this Chancers Guild pay reparations for the damage done to Hook City, Inspector Auslander, and the Teucri Guardian!"
The Inspector's eyebrows rise a bit at Sesha's outburst but then his face returns to it's normal stoic appearance. "In time, my dear, in time. Those six, at least, already paid for their folly."
Restlin wisely stays quiet on this issue.
Before the door is opened, Inspector Aulander again calls for an Oath of Honor to remain silent upon the matter of the Chit Machine.
DM JT: feel free to ask any other questions you'd like answered, and once the oath is given, we'll go outside and see what the new world has for us.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+19=26 ; d20+19=37 ; d20+5=13 ; Tuesday June 3rd, 2014 6:11:04 AM Sense Motive: 26 & 37
Katinka takes her holy symbol and clenches it in both hands "With Mighty Pantheon as my witness, I pledge that I will not willingly divulge the truth of what happened in here today, unless called upon to by the Hook City senior administration or a higher power." she solemnly swears. Who knows? There may yet be an investigation into what transpired and she may legally be compelled to speak.
Still, she is unhappy with the outcome. Not the chits, or the chit machine, or even the bodies smeared on the floor. She is unhappy that the Inspector has seemingly lost his position in the treasury. As an agent for laws and justice she must respect what the authorities have said on the matter. Still, is there no leniancy or consideration for extenuating circumstances? She tries to think of any way that she might be able to legally help the Inspector's cause (Profession - Barrister: 13)
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 8 d20+21=40 ; d20+21=26 ; Tuesday June 3rd, 2014 8:11:44 AM
Sense motive: 40 & 26
"Yea, what she said." Swearing to Wardd to keep a promise doesn't sound like something that would put the inspector's mind at ease.
He walks over to Bosk, deep in thought. "I can't think of anything we could have done differently. Can you, big guy? It just feels like we were along for the ride on this one. At least our money is tied up in real estate, though. Between the tower and Mudtown shop, we should come out of this ok, right?"
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Tuesday June 3rd, 2014 10:36:26 AM
Sesha mutters, not particularly satisfied.
"Not a word, Auslander. Not a word.."
Anrete AC:31/18/31 CMD:32 HP:86/134 DR:2 d20+13=15 ; Tuesday June 3rd, 2014 10:42:23 AM
"Metal beast not food, cannot be eaten. Anrete not interested.", the barbarian replied as he chews on the jerky.
----------------------------------- Sense Motive:15 failed
Beriothian -- AC:0/1/0 HP:3/10 CMD=11 Sanity=43-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 50/85 CMD = 23 Tuesday June 3rd, 2014 5:46:27 PM I can keep my silence on tonight's event, and I assume that there will never be a need for such a conversation. You so see familiar with the six bloody victims, can you tell us who they were and how they reheated to the chit machine?
DM JT: fixed the brackets for you.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Tuesday June 3rd, 2014 9:08:47 PM
Garret shrugs and replies, "I will avoid the subject to the best of my ability, but what a story this would be to tell. Perhaps I could find a way to tell the story of a magnificent silver dragon that was a captive and sold it's old scales..."
Bosk AC: 35/18/29 (+1 Haste / Cat's Grace) CMD:31 HP 116 of 116 (bears endurance) Spells Tuesday June 3rd, 2014 9:45:23 PM By the grace of Gargul's Unblinking Eye, I invoke the his help, the help of the lord of life and death himself to keep this oath, that I might wander the spirit realm and bathe in the rivulets of Wold's blood before I freely reveal such information.
The Calm Before the Storm(co-DM JonathanT) Wednesday June 4th, 2014 12:17:25 AM
DM JT OOC: On Teucri Artifacts. Those who have lived in Hook City for some time soon realize that, altough everything Teucri related, or attributed to the Teucri, is referred to as an Artifact, this is a misnomer of sorts. The term artifact implies great magic beyond the normal powers of most mortals. However, when it comes to the Teucri, their ancient mysterious presence is stuff of legends and folkloric tales. So, anything, however mundane, that is Teucri made, or claimed to be Teucri made,gains the term Artifact by it's mere association with the Teucri.
Most old families hold some Teucri items, be it objects of art or perhaps a tradesman's tool. They hold these items with supreme pride and jelousy. To get anything certified as Teucri involves a long process of lawyers, clerks, experts, mages, sages, you name it, for certification means ownership of a Teucri item and your status in Hook City goes up. But it can fall just as fast if an item is determined not to be of Teucri origin. How that is viewed detepends on the nature of the item and how it is brought to the certification process.
All known Teucri items are catalogued and detailed in the Treasury branch dealing with the subject. However, the catalogue is not public domain and requires a special pass to view it. You can understand why.
Although citizens of Hook know of the true artifacts, most don't know the details. Some are obvious, others not so much. Such as the Chit Machine. Hook citizens know the Chits are produced by a Teucri artifact, that's why its preferrence as currency over metal coins. Very few know the details. Now you know why.
As far as the Teucri themselves in Hook City go, folkloric tales abound. It is up to each to determine how close to the truth they are or if true at all. But even for those most skeptical, they hold the Teucri with respect and do not tolerate any mockery or disrespect of them. It is a matter of Hook City Pride. So you can imagine the reaction towards any who deface, destroy, or disrespect any Teucri item however mundane.
These are things that Bosk, Restlin, and Beri would know and are common knowledge. Any more details on the Teucri will require much more effort than visiting bars and buying beers.
With this in mind, several of the IA are keenly aware of the ramifications of the deactivation, if not the demise, of the Chit Machine. As bad as that is, if it were only that, Hook City could function with the Chits on hand. But it became clear that the power of the Chit Machine was linked to the Chits themselves. With the Chit Machine dead, the Chits also 'died'. To the IA, who have a fair amount of coin from their adventures outside Hook, that would not seem to be that big of a deal. But those several IA members pictured what probably would happen when a prominent Hook citizen tried to buy that last Jump Day souvenir with a crumbling chit, or the merchant, gleaming with the huge profits made from the holliday opens his coin chest to find nothing but worthless chards.
But Resltin also realizes it is more than wealth. Wealth can be rebuild with hard work. It is also spychological. It is what was unbreakable breaking. It is that Faith in the Permanent now shaken. What caused it? What is next?
The IA give Inspector Auslander their oath to remain silent, as best as anyone can, on the subject. the inspector nods in acceptance of each one's word and moves to open the door to the outside.
Katinka ponders what she might be able to do to legally help the inspector's cause. She is not well enough versed in Hook City politics to think of anything at the moment but to spend time with the city's law books.
DM JT: a good role-playing subplot if you want to persue it. :)
Restlin tries to confirm upon Bosk that this was out of their hands, apparently, from the outset. At least their assets are invested mostly in real estate.
Wis or Int check DC10: Highlight to display spoiler: { In retrospect, the IA prevented the catastrophy viewed in the prophesy, even if the true target of the Chancer's Club was not the bridge.}
Sesha is not particularly satisfied. Perhaps it is too soon for Auslander to have a satisfying answer. Until Nessa's spirit is brought forward and interrogated, not enough is really known about who to 'bring to justice'.
Anrete, more used to the wilds of the Uncharted Lands, hunting in the tall grasses, no money much to speak of, cooking what he kills, a metal beast is of little interest. "Metal beast not food, cannot be eaten. Anrete not interested."
Beri asks if the other five were known and what their link to the Chit Machine was.
Inspector Auslander replies, "Your report mentioned the Chancer's Club. I'll have to check our files, but from memory, it is a loose organization. Who these individuals were we will find out. Not until then can we get any idea of their true purpose, plain greed or something more sinister."
With these formalities over, the bright sunlight hits them in the face as they exit the building. Standing in the street in the bright warm noon sun actually feels good. The inspector excuses himself and heads to the main entrance to the Treasury, the bureacratic confluence of most things Hook City-wise, leaving the IA in the street.
Where to now? All the festivities were around the bridge. That was less than an hour ago. What does the IA do? Do they go back to the bridge? Go home?
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Wednesday June 4th, 2014 2:39:36 AM
Sesha stalks through the crowds alone, picking her way among the people. Stupid no good Chancers. If she ever got a name or an item, Mhalice would be sharing Nightmares with someone else. Bosk was good for that sort of information, she thought.
His Nemesis Insight is an amazing tool. It's strange how well his ability to enact revenge compliments my desire to inflict it.
This thought caused her to pause. She hadn't thought this way.. this angry.. since leaving Bryn Baraz. Or since meeting Serenbeth, for that matter. Still.. a wrong was done and she feared that Hook City bureaucracy would prevent it from being righted.
Auslander was on a short rope, before she tried to convince the IA to take matters into their own hands. She makes a stop through a catacombs portal before finding a place to sit and think... most likely her cavernous room in the IA's tower.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Wednesday June 4th, 2014 7:10:49 AM
Tink is not happy. It's difficult for her to conceal that fact.
"I'm going to find a tavern. Anrete, feel like coming for something to eat or drink? Of course, without chits, who knows how people will be paying for things"
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 8 Wednesday June 4th, 2014 8:03:14 AM
Restlin nods at Tink's suggestion. "Mind if I tag along? A drink sounds like a fantastic idea. It wouldn't kill us to keep an ear open and figure out how people are taking it.
"I'm sure I don't need to tell you all, but we need to be stiff-upper-lipped here. There's going to be a lot of scared people out there. We still have a legal duty to protect them."
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Wednesday June 4th, 2014 8:33:52 AM "The more the merrier my friend!" Tink says to Restlin, her mood starting to lift a little. Perhaps its the thought of a stiff drink with good company?
Anrete AC:31/18/31 CMD:32 HP:86/134 DR:2 Wednesday June 4th, 2014 9:19:43 AM
The blood splattered barbarian nods at the halfling, "Anrete could use a drink. And maybe a brawl or two."
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Wednesday June 4th, 2014 12:40:02 PM
Garret starts to follow the group heading to the bar, but Sesha's mood has him intrigued, if not outright disturbed. Indeed, this is a side of the witch he has not seen before, and he is not sure where it is leading. He tags along as Sehsa stomps through the crowds, if for nothing else to be sure that the witch is not left alone in such a state. He tries to watch what direction the others head in case he needs to locate them later.
Bosk AC: 35/18/29 (+1 Haste / Cat's Grace) CMD:31 HP 116 of 116 (bears endurance) Spells Wednesday June 4th, 2014 3:26:06 PM
Bosk ponders the involvement of the Chancer's in this series of events. You know, since I acquired some essence of Nessa it might be possible to offer a little payback if any of her group are still in the area...
Beriothian -- AC:0/1/0 HP:3/10 CMD=11 Sanity=43-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 50/85 CMD = 23 Wednesday June 4th, 2014 10:31:26 PM
Beri turns to his old friend Bosk, These guys were will organized and still got crushed... perhaps they knew that would happen. Either way, we are not at full strength and so it would not be the best time to give any payback.
Bosk AC: 35/18/29 (+1 Haste / Cat's Grace) CMD:31 HP 116 of 116 (bears endurance) Spells Wednesday June 4th, 2014 11:28:38 PM
The cleric mumbles under his breath, I can wait. To get revenge for my city, I can wait as long as it takes...
The Calm Before the Storm(co-DM JonathanT) Wednesday June 4th, 2014 11:46:15 PM
The IA stand for a moment in the empty side street and then split up.
Sesha stalks down the empty street, the crowds having congregated a the bridge and surroundings, fuming at the Chancer's and wishing she had a name or item of a member not already dead. Experiencing emotions of anger rarely felt before, she does not notice that Garret tags along.
They don't get far.
Katinka may be just as angry as Sesha but chooses to release some of it through food and drink. She asks Anrete if he'd like to come along too. Without Chits, though, they may be limited to whatever spare coin change they've got in their pockets. If the place takes coins, that is.
Anrete readily agrees to follow the hafling to a bar for a drink, even maybe a brawl or two.
Restlin asks if he can tag along to the bar with the two, thinking it would be a good place to listen in on how the citizenry are reacting to the Chits crumbling. A stiff-upper-lip is in order, he reminds his friends.
Bosk suggests using some of Nessa's 'remains' he scraped off the wall to offer a little payback to any of her group that might still be in the area.
Beri cautions any immediate attempt to locate any of the group just yet, preferring to try at some point when they've are at their peak.
The IA enter a tavern a block away from the Treasury. The place is rather large inside as it caters to much of the Treasury staff but is rather empty at this point. Even so, the few patrons there seemed to be making enough noise for a crowd.
What might appear to the casual oberver to be a shouting match between drunken patrons is actually shouts at each other over the Chit situation. There are about a dozen patrons standing near a table. On the table lay cards and brown worthless Chits.
Once inside, the AI's ears attune to the shouts and pick out the general gist. These patrons are all well dressed and obviously of the upper class. Why they weren't at the Jump is each one's story, but they are obviously distressed. On the one hand a group wants to storm (so to speak) the Treasury and the other group suggest caution.
Several seem so destraught that they look stunned and just stare at the card table and useless Chits.
The tavern owner is babbling on and on about how is he going to keep the drinks stocked, or if stocked, how is he to charge for a drink? Chickens? Eggs?
A lone man at a table shouts "What about coins?
"COINS?!" shouts the barkeep and nearly faints.
"You daft man? You want to spend coins, go live in Mudtown!" shouts a patron.
DM JT: Welcome John Long to Hook City, guys. John can introduce his PC at this point. How the IA invite him into the group is a good opportunity for some good Role Play here. Good time to be creative. Be suspicious, be happy-go-lucky, be whatever, as long as it works. :)
Outside, Sesha and Garret start seeing signs that things are starting to fall apart real quick. A rumbling is heard coming from the river side and in moments a mass of people are headed right towards the two. They don't look like they are in a party mood anymore. The rumbling is of stamping of feet and shouts of despair and anger.
Good time to find a quiet tavern out of they way... perhaps that one that the others went into...
Kyan (JonL) On Phone - Will Fix Header Later Thursday June 5th, 2014 11:21:30 AM
The lone man at the table shakes his head, " Coins work for the rest of the Wold, while chits don't." He traces a finger through a broken chit on the table in front of him and then smooshed it to dust under his thimb and blows the dust off the table. "best get used to slumming it with the rest of us from the looks of it."
The man is obviously not one of the gentrified Hook City occupants by his appearance. he is armed and armored with an unstrung long bow leaning against the table next to him and the long sheathed blade of a curved sword sticking out behind him in his seat. a simple tabard of dark gray is worn over a suit of plate that has the distinctive sheen of mithril. his face is bearded, scarred and all of him is slightly dirty. Given the his state of I wash and the smell of horse about him it's safe to say he hasn't been in the city long.
to Restlin, Bosk and Beri he is recognizable as the presumed deceased Kyan.
Anrete AC:31/18/31 CMD:32 HP:86/134 DR:2 Thursday June 5th, 2014 11:22:32 AM
Anrete stomps to the bar and bellow, "Mead for Anrete!"
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 8 Thursday June 5th, 2014 11:34:31 AM
Restlin stands wide-eyed at Kyan. Wordlessly, the wizard walks over & pokes him, just to make sure he's not seeing things.
Satisfied the ranger is real, he lets out a bellow. "Kyan! You're supposed to be dead from those exploding acid children! Bosk! Beri! Look, he's alive! Oh brother, you picked a heck of a time to come back."
He looks to the bartender. "Now see here. I know this has been a day for everyone, but this here is a good friend of mine whose death was greatly exaggerated. We will be drinking to this occasion, and you better darn well figure out a way to let us pay for it." He winces a bit at Anrete's demand for mead. "That's Anrete, Kyan. You'll like him."
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] d100+22=106 ; d20+22=39 ; Thursday June 5th, 2014 12:02:48 PM
As the oncoming crowd approached, Sesha realized she could either be funneled into a place with more people or blast her way through the oncoming crowd with spells.
While the Blood Witches of the Ga'alin would have laughed at that thought, she didn't imagine Little Spirit would. Instead, she held her ground, fixing the rabble with the deadliest glare she could muster. As the oncoming throng approaches, she wraps herself in a spring of power from a waxing ley line, and simply melts into the Realm of Shadow.
There, alone in the dark, Sesha screams as loud as she can. Her desire for revenge was high tonight. Revenge on the Chancers. Revenge on Mhalice. Revenge on the damned Gnome and bandits that slew that young teacher who was new to Brynn Baraz. Her blood was running high and hot.
Her anger spent, she waits for the crowd to pass before stepping back into the material realm. She steps into the same bar as the others and is surprised to find Restlin ordering drinks for someone. Not really in the mood for jubilation, Sesha watches Anrete, wishing she could find as much happiness in food and drink as he could.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Thursday June 5th, 2014 5:02:51 PM
When Garret sees Sesha eye the crowd, he starts to reach out to touch her, to bring her back to reality -- but she disappears just as he does so. He sees the crowd coming and realizes that he's got to get out of the way. He steps back into a doorway and lets the crowd pass, searching the air, the ground, and the crowd for Sesha. After the mob passes, he sees he wink back into existence and stomp into a tavern doorway. He quickly follows her and spots Anrete trying to get some mead. He quickly runs over, hoping to get some as well.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Thursday June 5th, 2014 10:03:09 PM
Tink remains quiet. Whoever this 'Kyan' is 1. He is supposed to be dead and 2. He looks to be in the minority when a bar fight looks almost inevitable.
She watches the crowd rather than him. At the moment the crowd just feels volatile.
Bosk AC: 35/18/29 (+1 Haste / Cat's Grace) CMD:31 HP 116 of 116 (bears endurance) Spells Thursday June 5th, 2014 10:16:28 PM
Bosk looks over the presumed dead Kyan, but something is off. Although he is wearing Kyan's usual dark gray surcoat trimmed in lighter gray over a metal breastplate, something is wrong. This man has the look of a fighter about him, but the Kyan he knew was a man of the woods.
Cautiously he approaches the former adventurer, For heaven's sake, what happened to you? When you are presumed dead it is only polite to let us know you are still alive.
Beriothian -- AC:0/1/0 HP:3/10 CMD=11 Sanity=43-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 50/85 CMD = 23 Thursday June 5th, 2014 11:33:12 PM "Kyan! You're supposed to be dead from those exploding acid children!" Beri shudders for a second as he remembers the scene, though this was one of the events that to the best of his knowledge were not public knowledge.
Barkeep, would you be willing to open a tab for us? The chits may be causing confusion today, but the trade of the Wold has not collapsed. We will be happy to be billed in the inferior 'coin value' and pay you in the more honorable payment system of Hook City in a few days when the treasury has cleared things up. Or we could offer you the coins now if preferred, if you would rather allow such primitive payments and do the conversion on behalf of your patrons later. We work on both sides of these noble walls so we are accustomed to most payment methods.
Kyan? Cold it be you? Surely our eyes deceive us! Why did you not return to the tower if the powers of the Wold saw fit to restore you to us?
Count your Chits, gentlemen, One, err.. One, uhm... One...(co-DM JonathanT) Thursday June 5th, 2014 11:51:23 PM
DM JT OOC: I got a kick out of "Kyan! You're supposed to be dead from those exploding acid hildren!" It reminded me that I was there in my short stint in Hook as Alexi. Restlin would remember killing everyone but Alexi. I do remember those exploding children. I laugh now but it wasn't funny then. :}
Kyan, having lived in Hook for some time, and lived to tell about it, is not moved by the loss of the chits and rubs it in a little.
If the men in the tavern were going to tar and feather him, it was either the weapons and armor about him or Restlin's sudden burst of recognition. The men may not know who the Iron Adventurers are, but they know when they are outnumbered, weapon-wise.
Then Anrete has the audacity to order some mead!
The barkeep stares at Anrete with incredulity and his jaw drops when a short hafling ambles up wanting one too!
"Mead! I got mead, you got Chits? The real kind, not these counterfeits?" and he tosses a chit onto the countertop. The small clear, glassy disk hits the countertop and chatters. "That one was a red chit only moments ago!"
Restin continues his conversation with the stranger that looks like the dead-back-to-life Kyan. "Kyan! You're supposed to be dead from those exploding acid children! Bosk! Beri! Look, he's alive! Oh brother, you picked a heck of a time to come back." His sense of unbelief is short and he starts introducing Kyan to the newer members of the IA.
Bosk is not so sure this is the real Kyan. There are some oddities that he notices in the man's dress, but goes along with the perceived long lost friend and greets him and chids him for not letting them know he had survived after all.
Katinka remains quiet and watches the crowd. They are still angry but confusion gives them pause. To add to that, the noise of rumbling in the street becomes noticeble to all.
Sesha barges in angry as heck and the men waste no time to get out of her way.
Beri shows more tact than Anrete and if it wasn't for the general state of confusion and the noise outside, he'd have a tougher time getting something to drink. But the barkeep just throws up his hands in desperation and blurts "Drink your fill! I don't care how you pay! I'll take chickens if that's all you got!" and rushes to the door to see what's going on.
"They are marching to the Treasury! It must be city wide! Heavens have mercy on us!" and then rushes out.
The others in the tavern scramble across the room and pile out of the tavern as well.
The IA are now alone in a tavern with an invitation to an open tap. Do they stay and drink 'till they drop and catch up on Kyan's after-nearly-death-adventures or go see what's up also?
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 8 d20+14=32 ; Friday June 6th, 2014 7:49:08 AM
Restlin doesn't even mull it over. In a surprisingly fluid movement (acrobatics: 32), the wizard vaults over the bar & starts looking for the biggest tankard he can find for Anrete. After a whole day of diplomacy, the poor guy needs a drink. Once filled, he plops it down on the bar and shoves it in his direction. He'll then fill the rest of the party's orders, including a porter for himself, before settling down to trade stories.
He takes a moment to pull out his platinum holy symbol, kiss it, and grin skyward. As far as he's concerned, this is far too lucky a situation not to take advantage of.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Friday June 6th, 2014 9:08:39 AM
Tink watches the mob, and then looks to the party "Uh, are we going to follow them?"
It looks like Restlin has other ideas though. Seeing him taking liberties with the bar's stocks, she looks at him carefully before adding "You do intend to pay for that, right?"
Kyan (JonL) On Phone - Will Fix Header Later Friday June 6th, 2014 10:17:19 AM
"Restlin! Bosk! Beri! it is good to see you.. And yes, I'm both real and alive." he gives any that take it a frm forearm grip handshake. "It is something of a long story.. But I was only mostly dead for te exploding acid child bombs. the sewer took me, a witch found me and healed me. I've been working for him dice then to pay off the debt. debts paid and so I am back. just got into the city. "
he moves over towards the bar while Restlin starts filling orders. "take a mead like Anrete here.." And he is sure to leave a stack of coins on te bar to pay for tehe drinks. "But should make it quick.. That mob does look like something the City watch might appreciate some assistance with. might not even throw us in jail this time."
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 8 Friday June 6th, 2014 11:46:57 AM
Restlin waves Tink's question away. "Yes, yes. I'm an opportunist, not a thief. That situation out there isn't going away anytime soon. Have a drink, relax a bit, then we'll see what needs to be done."
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:26 HP 94 of 94 Spells Friday June 6th, 2014 5:56:33 PM
The Horned Cleric quickly welcomes his friend back, the gathering mob outside keeping him from enjoying what should be a joyous reunion. It is so good to see you again, but I agree with Tink. I think we should be doing something to help the city. Restlin, do you think you can make another of those large images in the air? Maybe the words the words Remain Calm followed by the Iron Adventurer's Shield or something along that line?
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 8 Friday June 6th, 2014 8:58:40 PM
Restlin pauses mid-sentence. He places down his tankard before turning to Kyan & asking him to hold his beer.
He walks outside, pulls out his silent image wand, and paints the following message in the sky:
"Don't panic! Everything's going to be ok!" He puts their shield beneath it.
Then he goes back to his beer and the rest of Kyan's story.
Anrete AC:31/18/31 CMD:32 HP:86/134 DR:2 Friday June 6th, 2014 10:24:00 PM
Anrete proceeds to down his mead in great gulps before looking for a barrel to refill his tankard.
"So what ish this Kyan-thing?"
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Saturday June 7th, 2014 2:47:59 AM
Sesha watches Restlins display with at least a hint of amusement. She finds a way to box up her current mood and set it aside. Sesha, Bloodwitch of the Ga'alin was set aside for now. Sesha, maiden of Serenbeth was needed.
She walks near Restlin and innocently peeks around the mage to glipse this Kyan fellow. She would need to get a measure of him if he sought to re-join the IA.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Saturday June 7th, 2014 4:00:28 AM
Tink is relieved to see the group place some coins on the bar counter. The chits may be down, but the law remains.
When she sees Restlin reach for his wand, for politely places her hand on his arm "I have the spell prepared. If you will allow me, it will save you from expending a charge from your wand"
If given the nod, Tink will cast the Silent Image spell described by Restlin. (Tink's version will be 50ft high by 30ft wide)
"I also have a Wall of Force spell prepared, should we need to stop any rioting from reaching the treasury. To be honest, I think I would feel better following the crowd - at least until we can be sure the city guard have things under control."
She gives this 'Kyan' person a look up and down, and whether or nor anyone agrees with her she heads outside to follow the crowd.
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:26 HP 94 of 94 Spells Saturday June 7th, 2014 3:37:04 PM
ooc: I just wanted to note that the Iron Shield was designed at the request of Garret Goodbarrel (Jeff O) and is a relatively new addition to this game. I believe he payed for its creation back in February, and since this is one of the first times we have used it in game add just switched DMs I wanted to make sure he got credit for it.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Saturday June 7th, 2014 6:21:06 PM
Garret hops up on the bar and takes a seat, crossing his feet in front of him and grabs a tankard to join in the fun and waits for the bartender to come back from the mob scene. He does not know this new member, but he knows when the ale is flowing.
OOC: Thanks, yeah I wanted to surprise the Iron Adventurers with an emblem we could all use. It was to be made of precious metal, but also be durable. It was a small token, so people could slap it on their armor, or wear it on a cloak or other clothes -- just some way for people to recognize the IA.
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:26 HP 94 of 94 Spells Saturday June 7th, 2014 8:21:17 PM
ooc: oops. Did I ruin the surprise? Sorry. Really, really sorry! It came up so long ago I assumed they were handed out. Did I say sorry yet?
Kyan (JonL) On Phone - Will Fix Header Later Monday June 9th, 2014 4:34:43 PM
Kyan looks to Anrete and raises his mug, " I am a Kyan. If the rest of the IA count you new faces as frieds than so do I. I am Kyan Del'muth, one the original signers of that mound of bureaucratic slop they made us go throw to get the Iron Adventurers officially recognized by the city. glad to meet you ".
he chugs down his mead, sets his mug on the bar, wipes his mouth I the back of his sleeve and then moves to head out into the street to have a looksie.
Count your Chits, gentlemen, One, err.. One, uhm... One...(co-DM JonathanT) Monday June 9th, 2014 4:41:20 PM
With the murmuring of the crowd outside growing louder, the IA take a moment to get reaquainted with their companion from the past, Kyan.
Restlin expertly, like he'd done it many times before, vaults over the bar and gets the biggest tankard he can find for Anrete and fills it so full that when he plops it in front of the barbarian some froth sloshes out. He then gets a drink for everyone else.
Katinka, watches the mob and then asks "Uh, are we going to follow them?", but then gets distracted by Restlin's bartending. Looking at him carefully she adds "You do intend to pay for that, right?"
Restlin winks at Tink and assures her they'll pay for the drinks and that the mob isn't going away anytime soon, so sit back, have a drink, and relax.
Kyan takes his drink, places a stack of coins on the table, and proves that he really is alive, then gives the short version of how he lived after the exploding children down in the sewers of Hook City. He also expresses some concern for the mob outside, in that the city guards may have more on their hands than they can handle.
Bosk comes to grip with the fact that this is the same Kyan he knew from a year or so ago and welcomes him back. He is also concerned with the mob outside and suggests Restlin put a message up in the air to help calm the crowd.
Restlin starts to the door but Katinka interrupts him. She has a spell that will do the task and save a charge from the wand.
A message appears above the rooftops: Don't panic! Everything's going to be ok! with the Iron Adventurer's emblem beneath it. It stays floating in the air for however long Katinka concentrates on it, then dissipates as soon as she goes back into the tavern.
DM JT Note: keeping with Garret's intent of introducing the shield later, I picture the current Iron Adventures' emblem being a picture of their Tower.
Sesha is slightly amused by Restlin's athletic display and puts away her Bloodwitch of the Ga'alin persona and puts on her maiden of Serenbeth persona. Staying near Restlin, she innocently peeks around the mage to glipse this Kyan fellow and get a measure of him.
Anrete, tankard half empty already, is less tactful than Sesha and blurts out "So what ish this Kyan-thing?"
Katinka can not tell wether the words of encouragement in the floating image did any good. If it did calm some, good, but for the majority of the mob, they seem unaffected and continue their shouts of anger or despair. The crowd now is overflowing to the side streets and alleys and the noise cannot be ignored, even in the tavern.
Those already aquainted with Kyan hear his story of survival from being blown up by some mysterious exploding children, a story that the old timers can tell the others later. Right now the crowd in the streets has reached right outside the tavern.
Then the tavern door burst open and a middle-aged man burst in exclaiming "All is lost! There's no hope! My family...all that hard work...!" while drawing a dagger. He then plunges the dagger into this chest and keels over!
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Monday June 9th, 2014 5:44:06 PM
Sesha's attention is briefly captured by a man who runs into the bar and stabs himself. While that was maybe more interesting than Kyan, who apparently still considered himself part of the IA after a long disappearance, the sheer stupidity of the moment was enough to distract her from the current situation in the bar.
"Idiot."
She walks over and kicks his dagger to Restlin.
"Are all the people in Hook City so dramatic?"
She kneels down and places a small ebony hand on the mans cheek, caressed it lightly, then slapped him across the face.
"Wake up!
[1] Move Action: Walk over and kneel by dead man. [2] Save/Slay: Return a creature to life that has died within 1d4 rounds. It comes to 0 hit points. You can do this unlimited times, but only once per creature per day.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Monday June 9th, 2014 9:16:41 PM
Garret takes a drink and looks around at the assembled adventurers. He ponders how he is going to pay for the emblems he ordered, and if that smith will even be around after all this chaos with the chits. It was a good quality smith and a man who seemed quite centered, so Garret thought he would make it through this.
In the meantime he looked around at the others and says, "Well, we set out to save the city, but it looks like we just created more chaos. I don't mean to suggest we hide from the city, but with the mobs starting to wander, even we could be outnumbered. I might suggest we head back towards our tower, so at least if the city guards have something we can help with, they'll know where to find us."
Beriothian -- AC:0/1/0 HP:3/10 CMD=11 Sanity=43-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 50/85 CMD = 23 Monday June 9th, 2014 9:38:54 PM
Beri ponders the fallen man's actions. This man worries about his family and kills himself? This is not normal behavior, even the wildest animal would either defend it's mate and offspring, or at the very least... Beri decides it's best not to mention that rabbits and the like would instead kill their offspring to spare them a slow death from starvation, just in case some panicked patrons also think that would be a rational move. It's odd that he came in here to do that... you don't think he was involved in the chit fiasco do you?
ooc: back from vacation, should have an easier time posting bow
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 8 Monday June 9th, 2014 10:06:44 PM
Restlin sighs as this dramatic idiot's entrance ruins the good mood. "Ok, time to go earn our chi...well, time to earn our pay." Once Sesha is done, he'll head outside to see what can be done.
Ooc: I'm on vacation in California. Posting will be minimal, but reliable.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Tuesday June 10th, 2014 6:33:11 AM
The crowd are now right outside the tavern. There is no way Tink can stop them all on her own now. She heads back inside and is taken aback. Where'd that dead body come from? Why did Sesha just hit him? Did Tink just miss a fight, or worse, an assassin?
She hovers there looking perplexed.
Kyan (JonL) On Phone - Will Fix Header Later d20+3=20 ; Tuesday June 10th, 2014 9:37:40 AM
Kyan moves to stop the man when he spots the dagger, but is too far away and too slow to do anything. when Sesha steps up and handles the situation, Kyan nods to her and moves next to the man to see if the wound needs further tending and will do so if required. (Heal check: 20)
to Sesha he says, "In general, yes. many in Hook City aren't used to real hardship and don't know how to deal with it."
Anrete AC:31/18/31 CMD:32 HP:86/134 DR:2 Tuesday June 10th, 2014 10:10:02 AM
Anrete frowns as he stares at the man, watching for signs of life.
Beriothian -- AC:0/1/0 HP:3/10 CMD=11 Sanity=43-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 50/85 CMD = 23 d20+22=33 ; Tuesday June 10th, 2014 7:53:22 PM
Beri looks over the man that just stabbed himself, looking for any signs that he might have been a part of the plot that just unfolded but is careful not to touch the person so the healers can do their work, and to make sure nobody in this panicked town thinks he's looting the corpse.
perception=33
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Tuesday June 10th, 2014 9:21:38 PM
Garret watches the dead man with some interest, but some distance. He takes a drink of the ale while he watches the healers at work.
Count your Chits, gentlemen, One, err.. One, uhm... One...(co-DM JonathanT) Tuesday June 10th, 2014 9:28:02 PM
DM JT Note: For the most part, I treat NPCs/Monsters going below 0hp like PCs. Usually, though, going below 0hps means death since most monsters and NPC foes don't usually get someone to heal them to bring them back up to above 0hp, and I don't take the time to roll their stabilizing chance because, well... what for unless it's an important NPC.
In this case, since you reach the man in the same round he stabbed himself, any healing spell would at least stabilize him. In other words, the rules to bring back a PC to above 0hp are the same here.
I don't know if something has to really truly dead for Save/Slay to work or if it will work even if it is only mostly nearly dead. In this case, there's enough healers around that it wouldn't be an issue.
Just thought I'd throw that out there for future reference.
Count your Chits, gentlemen, One, err.. One, uhm... One...(co-DM JonathanT) Tuesday June 10th, 2014 11:19:18 PM
DM JT: I started a post but some of the after effects of the anesthesia from my colonoscopy this morning are kicking in and I feel kinda blaaah. I'm off tomorrow so I'll try to have a post up in the morning.
Sorry. :(
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Wednesday June 11th, 2014 12:10:33 AM OOC: No worries, JT! :)
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Wednesday June 11th, 2014 9:06:37 AM
OOC: Get well soon!
Anrete AC:31/18/31 CMD:32 HP:86/134 DR:2 Wednesday June 11th, 2014 9:43:28 AM
ooc: Rest well. No pressure. Anrete is a slacker.
Kyan (JonL) On Phone - Will Fix Header Later Wednesday June 11th, 2014 12:05:17 PM
OOC: no worries. anesthesia isn't always all that fun
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:26 HP 94 of 94 Spells Wednesday June 11th, 2014 3:06:41 PM
ooc: No problem. My midterms and wedding anniversary caused me not to even notice. In fact, I missed the last line about the guy stabbing himself. I thought he was just complaining.
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:26 HP 94 of 94 Spells d20+8=23 ; d20=9 ; Wednesday June 11th, 2014 3:08:15 PM
The horned cleric charges forward, using his immense reach to try to stop the man. Stop. There is hope! Reflex Save = 23
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 8 Wednesday June 11th, 2014 5:41:26 PM
Ooc: Good, didn't miss anything. Next time I go on vacation, I'm getting a sub.
Beriothian -- AC:0/1/0 HP:3/10 CMD=11 Sanity=43-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 50/85 CMD = 23 Wednesday June 11th, 2014 6:42:38 PM
ooc: Bosk, didn't the man already stab himself? I think all you can do is prevent him from re-stabbing himself if he is stabalized
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:26 HP 94 of 94 Spells Wednesday June 11th, 2014 8:16:15 PM
ooc: I have to try. It is not in Bosk's character to do nothing.
Count your Chits, gentlemen, One, err.. One, uhm... One...(co-DM JonathanT) Wednesday June 11th, 2014 8:21:11 PM
DM JT OOC: ok, I think I survived. I felt fine all afternoon yesterday and then, I had supper, and then the last bit of anesthesia wore off, and then I got gassy and kept having to visit the lu almost as much as the prep time the night before! Hopefully it will be 10 years before I have to go through this again. Technically, it was not all that bad except the stuff I had to drink started to make me gag and nearly throw up.
For those who've had a colonoscopy, you know what I'm talking about. For those who've not had one, don't rush it unless you have to. LOL.
Post coming soon.
A storm brews, will it be a doozy or a dud?(Co-DM JonathanT) Wednesday June 11th, 2014 9:58:08 PM
DM JT: Where we left off... The IA are sitting at the bar with Restlin tending, discussing current events, when a middle aged man comes stumbling into the tavern in dispair and stabs himself in the chest, then falls forward spilling blood all over the floor interrupting Garret's comments.
Garret was saying that they probably ought to head back to the tower where the city guards could find them if the IA were needed when the man interrupts with his dramatic display of drama. In the back of his mind he wonders how to pay for the emblems he ordered, or even if the smith will stick around to do the job.
As the man hits the floor, Bosk rushes forward to try to stop him from committing Hara-kiri* but the distance from the bar to the entryway is too far to stop the man. Best Bosk can do is catch him before he gets a concussion from hitting his head on the hard floor.
Placing the man on the floor he knows he only has seconds to keep the man from dying. DM JT: he's at negative hit points.
Sesha stands ready to bring him back if he actually dies. "Idiot. Are all the people in Hook City so dramatic?"
DM JT: any Healing or First Aid DC15 will stabilize him. CLW or better will bring him out of -hps.
*Hara-Kiri_ Proper spelling for the Samurai ritual suicide. At least that's what the Internet says.
Beri does not seem very sympathetic towards the man. "This man worries about his family and kills himself?..." In a matter of self-interest, he looks over the man to see if he might have been involved with the Chit fiasco. Nothing about the man indicates anything of the sort. If anything, the man looks like a well-to-do merchant by his dress and jewelry. Beri is careful not to be seen as having part in the man's Hara-Kiri.
Tink, concentrating on her Silent Image, misses the man, gripping an ornate dagger, slip by her and enter the tavern. The crowd is just too much and starting to jostle the little halfling and she decides to go back inside where it is safer only to find Bosk, Sesha, Kyan, and Beri over a man with a dagger in his chest. Her first thoughts are that the man had tried to attack them! She hovers there looking perplexed.
Kyan quickly and expertly applies some First Aid on the man while explaining to Beri, "In general, yes. many in Hook City aren't used to real hardship and don't know how to deal with it."
The Other veteran IA members concur with this. Apart from jewelry and household art decorations, the well-to-do and upper class of Hook City don't touch the metals. Perhaps the 1%ers have enough art and jewelry to sell or trade to get by until something is worked out, the rest of Hook City that has solely relied on Chits for commerce are up the Chit creek without a paddle.
Anret merely frowns as he stares at the man, watching for signs of life. Kyan's administrations give the signs that the bloody mess on the floor was in vain, from the man's perspective at least.
Garret, his thoughts momentarily interrupted, watches with some interest but stays at the bar and casually takes a drink. The healers will do the job right, no point in dramatics on his part.
Restlin sighs as the mood is ruined. "Ok, time to go earn our chi...well, time to earn our pay." The mage heads to the door and opens it to step outside.
IF the crowds they had to deal with earlier in the day during the festivities was bad, it is worse now. At least then they were moving about, going somewhere. Now they are just packed in the street not going anywhere. The noise is loud but not all are shouting. Most are looking anxious, apprehensive, frustrated, and trying to talk to their neighbors in the crowd. Some are visibly agitated to the point of hysteria, either panicky hysteria or rage hysteria.
It will be tricky to get through the crowd but not impossible. It is a short distance to the main entrance to the treasury where most of the demonstration is testy, to say the least. It is a good ways to the Tower, but once past the few immediate crowded blocks, the way will probably be clear.
The man lies unconscious, having been stabilized. Do the IA leave him there for the tavern keeper to deal with or do they at least get him back to his feet (and take his dagger away maybe)? Do they go to the Treasury or to the Iron Tower?
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:26 HP 94 of 94 Spells d8+5=9 ; Wednesday June 11th, 2014 10:27:13 PM
Bosk immediately rushes to the man's aid as he places a hand on his wounds and the other on his holy symbol. His mouth begins reciting a prayer for the man as his voice falls into an ancient cadence. Lord of life, Lord of Death, show this man mercy that he may better live his life and tell Hook City of your greatness and spread word of your deeds. May he walk the Wold for many years before his time comes and he sees the rivulets of Wold's Blood and stands before you for his final judgement. He then casts a light cure spell on the man, bringing him back from the brink of death.
ooc: I need to double check what spells I have already cast. I think I will be converting hide from undead to CLW.
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Thursday June 12th, 2014 12:17:19 AM
Sesha shakes her head.
"Better to let those type die Bosk, at least when I'm around. Then they get about 10 seconds of being dead and realizing the mistake they made as they stare down whomever they worship before I yank em' back into the land of the living."
Outside with the others, Sesha puts off using a spell for flight. For now she will fight the throngs with everyone else.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Thursday June 12th, 2014 12:27:44 AM "Why is there a dead man on the floor?" Tink bluntly asks, still having no idea what is going on
Anrete AC:31/18/31 CMD:32 HP:86/134 DR:2 Thursday June 12th, 2014 9:54:06 AM
Anrete grunts as he downs another mug of mead.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 8 d20+23=30 ; Thursday June 12th, 2014 10:07:24 AM
"Because he's an idiot," answers Restlin. The wizard should still have Overland Flight active, so he'll fly up and try to get a better view of what's going on at the treasury.
Perception: 30
Kyan (JonL) On Phone - Will Fix Header Later Thursday June 12th, 2014 2:09:56 PM
When the man comes to after Bosk's healing Kyan will come to his feet and gesture towards the knife Sesha had kicked away. "if you really want to die, your knife is over there, but do you really think your family will be better off without you in the times ahead?"
he doesn't bother eating for an answer before moving out into the street. he nods towards Restlin as the young wizards flies up and away to get a look while he stands his ground to await what Restlin sees.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Thursday June 12th, 2014 6:18:01 PM
Garret watches a few of the others head for the door. He takes one more look around the tavern and mumbles, "To think I missed this back in the days of Bryn Baraz and the wilderness."
He lifts up his mug and downs it quickly, slapping the mug on the counter. He nods to Anrete and heads for the door.
Once outside, he looks up to see the flying members of IA and waits for some direction to possibly avoid the worst of the traffic.
Beriothian -- AC:0/1/0 HP:3/10 CMD=11 Sanity=43-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 50/85 CMD = 23 Thursday June 12th, 2014 9:42:35 PM
Beri finishes off his ale and sets the glass down, then turns to the man on the floor. Your family depends on you, you need to show them how to be strong. Also, remember that wise men profit when fools panic. You're a merchant right? A clever man will open his eyes and take advantage of the situation, while the others close down in panic you can make a killing being one of the few people keeping their shop open if you are willing to be flexible.
Restlin, do you see anything?
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+26=41 ; Thursday June 12th, 2014 10:34:23 PM "Um, ok" Tink still has no idea what has transpired within the tavern, but if the rest of the group are not concerned by it, then she shouldn't be either.
She accompanies Restlin, as the two take to the air. It seems a safer environment for a halfling - far less concern about being squashed by a rioting human.
Perception: 41
She scans the crowd quickly - have they reached a full-blown riot yet? Can she see signs of vandalism or looting? Are many of them armed?
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:26 HP 94 of 94 Spells Thursday June 12th, 2014 11:19:41 PM
The cleric nods to Sesha, If I waited it would have taken more than a cure spell to save him. I am not dumb enough to try to bring a man back once he is in Gargul's presence...and if you even think of picking that knife back up I will hit you so hard your family will cry out in pain. I did not bring you back to make the same mistake twice.
A storm brews, will it be a doozy or a dud?(Co-DM JonathanT) Thursday June 12th, 2014 11:54:24 PM
Stabilized but unconscious, the man is brought back to consciousness when Bosk casts a healing spell. His prayer, elaborately spoken, should be written down in a prayer book.
Sesha, sadistically or not, expresses that for the man's benefit,it would have been best to let him die and see what it was like, if only for a few moments.
Katinka is still unsure as to what happened.
"Because he's an idiot," answers Restlin. The mage then heads outside and flies up high enough to see over the rooftops. Katinka follows.
Anrete grunts. Disgust? Amusement? Then downs another mug of ale.
Garret thinks back to those days out on the flat grassy plains around Bryn Baraz and how he used to long for 'civilization' when he eyes the mob he has to navigate through to get home.
As the man's eyes blink open and stares at his bloody hands and the hole in his clothes, Kyan tells him "if you really want to die, your knife is over there, but do you really think your family will be better off without you in the times ahead?"
The man, still a little bewildered, mumbles "Oh the shame... can't bear it..." and spots the dagger across the floor.
Beri interposes himself so the man stares directly into the druid's face. Beri gives words of encouragement and a logical means of how to cope, and maybe come out better off than before. The man just needs the initiative and hunger of the entrepreneur to find it.
The man blinks while staring at Beri. At last a sign of understanding crosses the man's face. Does he have what it takes to start all over again from nothing? Only time will tell, but at least for now, Beri has given the man some food for thought. He sits, knees curled up, head buried in his knees. "Oh gods! Have mercy on us!" he mumbles.
Bosk gives the man his version as to why the man should think twice about killing himself, again.
Meanwhile, several of the others have gone outside. Restlin and Katinka take to the air and reach high enough to see over the rooftops a commotion in front of the Treasury main entrance. A huge herculean automaton has stepped out and guards have started to push the crowd back and away from the doors.
Down on the ground, the other IA members catch smidgets of conversation. A word here and there over the other noise. Put together, it sounds like at least some people are aware of a Teucri artifact that created the chits and that it now must be broken. And who did it?
The crowd around the front of the Treasury starts to quieten down as it appears the Automaton is about to say something.
Finally, a Magic Mouth appears on the emblem of the Treasury on its chest. The Magic Mouth explains about the Chancer's Club trying to steal the Teucri Artifact that creates the Chits and that it now is broken and tries to calm the people by assuring them that the City will be working hard to come up with a solution and for all to be patient.
It's task done, the Automaton retreats back into the Treasury and the massive doors slam shut.
The crowds, whether appeased or not, slowly begin to disperse, leaving small clumps of people huddled and speaking in low tones.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 8 Friday June 13th, 2014 11:51:11 AM
Restlin figured a group of people who couldn't manage to not kill themselves at the first sign of trouble wouldn't make for much of a mob. The wizard floats back down to his companions. "Looks like there won't be much in the way of mob justice tonight, but we should probably patrol our square overnight. Surely the Iron Adventurers won't let currency issues absolve them of their duty to protect their charges, yes?"
Kyan (JonL) On Phone - Will Fix Header Later Friday June 13th, 2014 1:11:06 PM
"huh.. After that announcement anyone looking to make some coin should just hunt down a known member of this Chancer's Club to work as a body guard. they're gonna need it."
Kyan looks back towards the others as the crowd disperses. "So what have you guys been up to?"
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Friday June 13th, 2014 1:30:28 PM
Sesha frowns at that throught.
"I hope none of them do, as the Chancers have joined a very short list of people who are a part of my bedtime prayers. I'd hate to have to lay a citizen of Hook City low for standing between me and one of those Chancers."
This of course, causes Sesha to think again about vengeance. Bosk would be needed.
"Bosk, do we still have any piece of that woman, or did you turn all of her over to Hook City?
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:26 HP 94 of 94 Spells Friday June 13th, 2014 3:12:24 PM
The horned cleric checks his bag to see if he still has the chancer's blood or hair. The officials asked for all of her remains, but it is difficult to get it all out of the reliquary (holy symbol) and spatula. Perhaps there is a drop or two. If not... a burning fire can be seen in Bosk's eyes. ...if things in this city cannot be righted...understand that my vengeance is absolute. Once I declare my undying vengeance I will see it to the end, no matter how long it takes...but if I do this my target cannot escape my judgement. I can scy on them with no focus item or material components, my need for justice linking us till they have paid their debt in blood.
ooc: It will be the DMs call if I have any remains. The officials asked for the remains in a Saturday post and then we switched DMs and his first post was Monday evening. I never posted I returned them, but I would have. However it would be difficult to remove the blood completely from my holy symbol and spatula.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] d20+21=31 ; Friday June 13th, 2014 9:38:53 PM
Garret watches the crowd disperse carefully, on the lookout for any who seem to be up to no good, or who look like they may be taking advantage of the situation by trying for some extra pickpocketing (Perception: 31).
A storm brews, will it be a doozy or a dud?(Co-DM JonathanT) Friday June 13th, 2014 10:21:15 PM
DM JT to Bosk: I agree that Bosk would have handed over all of the remains. I also agree that they didn't wash the spatula and nor did Bosk, so some smeared blood will still be on it.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Saturday June 14th, 2014 5:02:44 AM
Tink decends back to the group with Restlin, visibly angry. "There is insufficient evidence to blame this mess on the Chancer's club. More evidence than the word of a thief is required in my view. To publicly blame them like that without due process is irresponsible"
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Saturday June 14th, 2014 5:59:31 PM "Katinka."
The word is spoken with a forced patience. Sesha thinks a moment, then relents.
" I'll commune tonight, but if Serenbeth chooses to show me my anger is not misplaced, the Chancers Club will receive no further due process from me."
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Sunday June 15th, 2014 9:25:44 AM
Tink looks to Sesha with a quizzical expression.
"I would expect no less, Sesha. I understand the ties that Blood Witches have with their Immortal Powers is strong, and if you are directed on how to proceed then so be it. Let us remember that justice must be observed even to the lowest. And yes, whoever has done this to the city is pretty low. All I ask is that due process is followed"
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:26 HP 94 of 94 Spells Sunday June 15th, 2014 5:57:03 PM
ooc: If this is something we are wanting to peruse and Sesha verifies the target I will make them the target of my vengeance as well.
Beriothian -- AC:0/1/0 HP:3/10 CMD=11 Sanity=43-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 50/85 CMD = 23 Sunday June 15th, 2014 9:21:50 PM I agree with Restlin that it may be worth while to do a patrol tonight to help the overtaxed guards, but we should probably ask them fist whether they would like us to lend a hand or if it would be better for us to stay inside so they can coordinate amongst themselves. We know first hand from our trip at the Hook City Docs that citizen watchmen don't necessarily make things easier on people.
Beri thinks back to the time when a group of well meaning paroling citizens started a full out assault on the IA, despite the IA's peaceful objections and refusal to fight back for a good thirty seconds. Unfortunately, only one of those vigilantes was able to walk away once the IA realized that their backs had been forced against the wall on the issue.
Anrete AC:31/18/31 CMD:32 HP:86/134 DR:2 Monday June 16th, 2014 9:53:12 AM
Anrete snorts as he down yet another mead as the IA decides on their next move.
A storm brews, was it a dud? (Co-DM JonathanT) Monday June 16th, 2014 3:31:24 PM
What could have been an explosive situation seems to dissipate slowly after the gigantic automaton gives its message. One good thing about a city that is used to huge bureaucracy and slow, methodic, governmental workings is that it also instills a slow response in the citizens. Even if the mob grew quickly, that would be expected under the circumstances, any other community used to more individual control would be more inclined to take things into their own hands more quickly. But Hook City has been under a firm governmental hand for centuries, so the inclination to do rash things against governmental powers is unheard of. Hasn't the governing powers taken care of things so far?
Restlin figured that a group of people who couldn't manage to kill themselves at the first sign of trouble wouldn't make for much of a mob. He floats back down to his companions and is relieved that at least for the moment there won't be much in the way of mob justice. He does believe that they should patrol their square overnight just in case, besides, they are somewhat charge to protect their neighborhood, if for no other reason than their own honorable status in the neighborhood where they live. They are that neighborhood's Protectors, right?
Kyan jokes that a job as body guard to any Chancer's Club member would be very lucrative at this point. Changing the subject, he asks "So what have you guys been up to?"
Sesha takes Kyan's words literally. "I hope none of them do, as the Chancers have joined a very short list of people who are a part of my bedtime prayers." She hates to think she'd have to blasts a Hook City citizen who foolishly stands in her way of getting even with a Chancer's member. She then asks Bosk if he still has anything left on his Spatula after the Treasury guards scraped the remains off.
Bosk grins as he holds up his special spatula of corps retrieval newly stained with boold. Hopefully there's enough left to do what Sesha needs. He then declares his own vendeta "...if things in this city cannot be righted...understand that my vengeance is absolute.if things in this city cannot be righted... understand that my vengeance is absolute..." These words carry a lot of weight and an obligation the minotaur must fulfill no matter how long it takes!
Garret Watches the crowd carefully on the lookout for anything that seems to be up to no good, even pickpotteers.
Tink follows Restlin down, visibly angry. Unlike the others, she's not putting any blame on the Chancer's Club until there is definite proof of their guilt other than the words of a thief, for which Sesha, after a moment to gather herself, promises to commune with Serenbeth to try to confirm their guilt or not. Katinka agrees with that so long as justice is being done.
DM JT to Sesha: make sure you give the details of the Commune spell/ability, as I'm not as well informed on the witch's powers as SteveK is. Thanks. :)
Bero agrees with Restlin's judgment to patrol their neighborhood to help aleviate the task from the city guards. He remembers a time when they clashed with another neighborhood patrol who mistook them for interlopers and only one poor bloke survived to complain about the brutal treatment from the IA, (DM JT: I remember that one. LOL) so he suggests informing the city of their intent to make sure that doesn't happen again.
Despite the crowd dissipating, except for a few pockets, the IA don't feel it is all over yet and make plans to patrol their little area of Hook City that night. As they gather and start to head back to their Tower, Garret snoops around a little. He notices that the 'pockets' of citizens are of the wealthy gentry of Hook City. He catches snippets of conversations. Garret only: Highlight to display spoiler: { "We won't stand for this..." "What are we going to do? We can't just stop eating!" "I saw those Iron Tower guys leave right after the Jump... too busy to notice... coincidence? I think..." }
DM JT Note: I'm putting this here to make sure everyone sees it. I want to make sure that everyone is patient with me on this particular module. The last module was short on combat and this one as well. I don't like two modules short on combat after each other, but please view this module as one that embodies the living, breathing Hook City. I especially appologize to Anrete as he's been very patient for a long time, but I've got to get through this aspect of events as it impacts all of Hook and Mudtown and it can't be just brushed off. I wish I could just say "Hohum, money's gone, too bad, next adventure, bring it on." I hope this 'mini-module' still gives you enough to chew on though. :)
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 8 Monday June 16th, 2014 4:25:24 PM
Restlin wastes no time getting back to Iron Square. Once there, a flick of his wand puts a minor image of the IA Crest in the sky above the Square: a symbol that the area is under their protection. After their city's poor handling of the crisis at hand, Restlin doesn't feel anything other than their presence will be needed to keep order here, but you never know.
"We should probably do this in two shifts. No point in none of us getting sleep tonight. Sesha, Anrete, Kyan, and myself could take the first shift. Bosk, Garret, Tink, and Beri the second. That seems like a good spread of our abilities."
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] d20+21=40 ; Monday June 16th, 2014 6:50:51 PM
Garret glares at the crowd, especially in the direction of the person who appeared to blame the Iron Adventurers. If anyone looks at him, he smiles brightly at them.
As they head back to their tower, he continues to watch for anything extra out-of-sorts. When Restlin suggests the shifts, Garret replies, "That sounds fine to me. Not only should we be on the lookout for evil, we should be sure to protect everyone. At the same time, don't overlook the fact that people will likely look for someone to blame, and the Iron Adventurers could be blamed just as easily, or so the rumors have it. Let us do our very best to show that we are a force for good in this town, especially now, at these times."
When the others prepare for their watch, Garret heads inside and takes one last look outside, into the square, from his room high above (perception: 40) before he heads off to sleep.
Kyan (JonL) On Phone - Will Fix Header Later d20+19=24 ; Monday June 16th, 2014 8:50:04 PM
"Sounds like as good a plan as any... After the watch we can figure out where I can toss my gear. I'm guessing you all didn't keep my room as I had it as some sort of shrine." Kyan says with a nudge to Restlin to show that he is kidding about the shrine bit.
as far as watch goes he'll meander about the square with eyes and ears open. (Perception: 24)
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 8 Monday June 16th, 2014 9:35:26 PM
Restlin grins happily at Kyan, still glad to have his friend back even if this has been one MESSED UP day.
"We still have that lamp you got from Mr. Mitzlepixel...or whatever his name was...plus the furniture you crafted yourself." He gestures towards the tower. "Wardd knows there's enough room in there for you. Should be just like old times."
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+26=44 ; Tuesday June 17th, 2014 12:06:32 AM
Tink remains quiet. Perhaps her watch will be uneventful and she will have time to think things over.
Was the motive to attack the chit machine purely greed? Could the Chancers Club be behind all this? And how could she go about getting the Inspector reappointed to his former position?
Perception: 44
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Tuesday June 17th, 2014 1:12:14 AM
Sesha decides not to worry about what exactly she will try to divine about the Chancers club until after her watch is over. Too much fretting over anything was bad for anyone.
Instead she simply tried to keep as cheery a disposition as possible, and prodded Restlin to share some of his stories as an Iron Adventurer.
Beriothian -- AC:0/1/0 HP:3/10 CMD=11 Sanity=43-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 50/85 CMD = 23 d20+22=31 ; Tuesday June 17th, 2014 6:07:45 AM Guys, Garret is right. People tend to be angry in situations like this, if we are doing a patrol we probably don't want to split up our party. We're already injured and low on spells, if there are problems we don't want to be at half strength as well... and if the people are looking for someone to blame we could very well be the ones causing the riot in the streets if we are seen. I'm starting to think patrolling is a bad idea.
perception=31
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Tuesday June 17th, 2014 6:34:13 AM "I find myself conflicted. I have reservations about interfering where the local constabulary are concerned, but at the same time, I do not wish to see any crimes committed or people hurt. Perhaps just keeping a lookout from the top of the tower would be sufficient, but with the IA symbol as a silent image prominently displayed above the city to let everyone know we are still here?"
OOC: yes, I'm thinking bat-signal! :)
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 8 Tuesday June 17th, 2014 8:21:39 AM
Restlin looks about incredulously. "We have a duty to the people of this square, remember? We signed paperwork and everything." He turns to Tink. "We're a registered protection group here in Hook City. We're not vigilantes. From what I've gathered about other large cities, this arrangement isn't typical & is associated with organized crime. That's not the case here. What we do is considered honorable. Were something to happen here tonight & we failed to protect those around us, we would lose a great deal of standing in the community.
"Plus, you've seen how these folks react to hard times. It's in everyone's best interest that a stabilizing force be present."
He also addresses Beri. "I don't know about you, buddy, but I need to sleep at some point & I intend to do so. Having a bunch of us exhausted isn't going to help things."
Restlin is absolutely pleased to regale Sesha with tales of past exploits, starting (in hushed tones) about the time he and Kyan almost died. The story's here. It's a good read.
Anrete AC:31/18/31 CMD:32 HP:86/134 DR:2 Tuesday June 17th, 2014 10:15:24 AM
Anrete grunts in agreement with the patrol assignment.
"Pazzy here is definitely convince everyone to be good.", the barbarian strokes his greatsword lovingly.
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:26 HP 94 of 94 Spells Tuesday June 17th, 2014 3:28:11 PM
Bosk shakes his head as Kyan speaks. You need to visit home more often and spend some time with your dear old mom. We sent all your things to her and old her you were flushed down the sewer. She must be worried sick!
The Horned Cleric pulls his bastard sword out of its sheath and begins polishing its blade of wozen steel grass. As for patrolling, I think we may want to consider protecting our tower based on the conversations I have been hearing. It sounds as if the elite are looking for someone to blame, and it appears we are that someone.
ooc: I am worried that if we patrol people will target us and innocents will get caught up in the cross fire.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 8 Tuesday June 17th, 2014 9:45:14 PM
Restlin puts his face in his hands, sighs deeply, and slowly lifts his face back up, his hands pulling on his skin as he does.
"You know guys, we went to a lot of trouble trying to divine what was going to happen with Jump Day. In the end, it didn't matter one lick. Sometimes being heroes means you put yourself where trouble's going to be and trust in yourself & your friends to get through it. I'm guarding our people tonight."
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Tuesday June 17th, 2014 10:00:07 PM
"If nothing else, we can help protect people from those who might try to take advantage of this situation."
Beriothian -- AC:0/1/0 HP:3/10 CMD=11 Sanity=43-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 50/85 CMD = 23 Tuesday June 17th, 2014 10:38:13 PM An honorable thought Garret, but we have no business patrolling withing Hook City's walls. We are registered adventuring group, and we currently are not on any city business. We have no legal business to enforce Hook City's laws. Now that I'm thinking about it though, our tower would be a good stronghold should things turn bad, we maybe of more use giving people a safehold to whether the storm should it turn out that there are riots and the like outside.
A storm brews, was it a dud? (Co-DM JonathanT) Tuesday June 17th, 2014 11:08:34 PM
The IA don't waste time to get to their Tower. Odd looks from some citizens as they pass spur them on. Once there, Restlin displays the Silent Image of their emblem, a sign that the IA are home. He then suggests two Watch shifts evenly divided by their abilities just in case.
Garret glares at the crowd but when anyone notices him he quickly puts on a smile. He sees nothing extra out-of-sorts but does see those odd looks a few give the IA as they pass. He agrees with Restlin's Watch shifts. He points out that they should not only look out for evil, but some are likely on the lookout for someone to blame and he's heard rumors that some suspect the IA to be involved. He encourages everyone to do their best to show that they are a force for Good, especially now.
Looking into their square just before he goes to bed, he notices that it is quiet. For Day of Faith, unusually quiet. No one out partying late tonight as in the past week.
Kyan figures that the IA had already changed his room on his supposed death and volunteers to patrol the square. That'd give Restlin time to get a room ready for him.
"We still have that lamp you got from Mr. Mitzlepixel...or whatever his name was...plus the furniture you crafted yourself."Restlin replies. Looking at the tower, he assures Kyan that there's plenty of room in it for their returned member. "Just like old times."
Katinka accepts her watch duties but remains quiet, deep in many thoughts of her own about the current events.
Sesha tries not to worry about the exact details of her divining until after her watch is over. To help take their minds off the current worries, she asks Restlin to tell some IA adventurers.
Beri agrees with Garret's assessment of the way some people might view the IA and is weary of any outside patrols, themselves low on spells and such.
Katinka offers the suggestion that it may be sufficient to keep watch from atop the tower.
DM JT: even hiding in the jungle of plants that's been collected up there. :}
Restlin fills Katinka in on their duties as Protectors. They have a contract to protect the neighborhood. If they didn't show themselves in their duties at a time of crisis, then things might really get bad. Glad to tell stories, he relates the time when Kyan supposedly died. It is a long one, starting out hunting down a fiend in a Hook City mansion and leading down into the sewers where children had been brainwashed to protect the fiend. As the story finished: "It wasn't until Alexi struck that any of the children had actually been struck in combat--and a critical strike it was! (DM NOTE: I rolled a crit confirmed) Even though he was weakened by poison, the warrior stabbed the boy in front of him right through his chest. The small boy let out a groan and managed to say before he died, "For my master." Then he went BOOM! In a spray of blood, guts, sinew and bones, the entire area was covered in gore as Alexi's foe exploded in a miasma of flesh and green corrosive carnage. Then each child detonated as they succumbed, in turn, to their mates' accursed affliction, showering everyone numerous times in a horrific soup of acidic flesh and bones. Kyan and his cat were both shredded virtually beyond recognition by the bloody, boney shrapnel. All went black for me as pain ripped through every inch of my body and when I came to, thanks for some healing by my friends that survived (DM NOTE: Alexi ended up with 1hp left). I was told that bits and chunks of Kyan's flesh floated away, succumbing to the vortex in the middle of the sewer drain that was sucking away all the debris in the water, and the water itself was so acidic that any attempt to save him at that point would have been lethal. The one who started the blasts had the nerve to say 'Burial at sewer, what a way to go.'"
Anrete strokes his greatsword as he agrees with the patrol assignment.
While Restlin tells the Children-that-go-BOOM story, Bosk tells Kyan that all his stuff was sent to his mom. 'She must be worried sick!' he exclaims, now that he remembers they told his mom of his 'death'. Bosk also does not like the idea of patrolling outside, considering what he's heard on the streets.
Resltin[/i] is emphatic that what happened did so despite everything they tried to prevent it. He's going to guard his people tonight. He's a Hero, gosh darn it!
[b]Garret agrees about protecting the people, but his agreement is vague about the night patrol dilemma. Wherein Beri slightly changes the subject in proposing to prepare the Iron Tower for the possibility of holding a deluge of refugees if things get really bad.
With some not wanting to be outwardly visible in case some rabble-rousers venture through and see them and then cause a confrontation that otherwise may not have been (out-of-sight, out-of-mind), and others thinking that a show of force would prevent such conflagrations, watches are set. Some on the roof, some outside, the First Watch take up their positions.
The clock ticks by the minutes and around 10pm two well-dressed figures (presumably those that can't see in the dark have a light source) enter the square from a small side street. They skirt around the edges of the square, keeping to the shadows of the shops at first but then cross as little as possible of the square heading towards the Iron Tower's front door.
If not intercepted before they reach the door, they knock, purposefully, but not too loud.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 8 d20+23=26 ; Wednesday June 18th, 2014 8:10:20 AM
Seeing two folks approach their tower, Restlin heads over once they start knocking.
"It's not often we receive visitors at this hour," starts the magepriest as he approaches them from behind, "but it's not your average day, is it?" He waves to his friends on the roof of the tower, being friendly & indicating to these newcomers that there's more firepower than meets they eye at their disposal.
***
Perception: 26 - anything interesting about these folks?
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+26=31 ; Wednesday June 18th, 2014 9:53:02 AM OOC: Ignore the roll. Tink is sleeping during this watch
Tink sleeps quite peacefully this night. No strange dreams, no strange visions, no nightmares. Just the sleep of the Just.
Though she does snore quite loudly for such a little halfling.
Anrete AC:31/18/31 CMD:32 HP:86/134 DR:2 d20+16=34 ; d20+12=27 ; Wednesday June 18th, 2014 10:06:41 AM
Anrete leaps beside Restlin from his observation perch and smiles menancingly.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] d20+21=24 ; Wednesday June 18th, 2014 10:19:57 AM
Garret, a light sleeper, hears the knock at the door (Perception: 24), but thinks it is just a dream and continues to peacefully dream about beautiful halfling maidens calling on his door at all hours of the night...
Kyan (JonL) On Phone - Will Fix Header Later d20+19=20 ; Wednesday June 18th, 2014 9:31:00 PM
Kyan has learned to let others do the talking to all but the judiciary and so lets Restlin take the lead wrh their visitors. He'll keep watch however to see if those two are just a distraction. (perception 20, bleh 1)
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:26 HP 94 of 94 Spells d20+5=6 ; d12=12 ; d20+17=29 ; Wednesday June 18th, 2014 9:46:22 PM
Bosk gets what rest he can as the others watch the tower. His mind is still half in his dreams when word of the visitors reaches him. Must be the food I ordered, about time.
Sence Motive = 6 (natural 1) Perception = 29
Beriothian -- AC:0/1/0 HP:3/10 CMD=11 Sanity=43-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 50/85 CMD = 23 Wednesday June 18th, 2014 10:34:46 PM
Beri sits in a comfortable chair in the back of the foyer sipping a hot cup of herbal tea, a sweet smelling brew with hints of cranberry, sweet apple, and a hint of orange peel. He raises his eyes when the door knocks and makes sure he will have a line of sight through the door should things go bad. He wonders vaguely what would happen should the spirits of the two girls haunting the tower decide to say hello, but they have been friendly with the IA since Zeoll befriended them with toys and trinkets a while back.
A storm brews, was it a dud? (Co-DM JonathanT) Wednesday June 18th, 2014 10:48:39 PM DM JT Notes: everyone gets 1,500 xps for Roleplay, saving the poor desperate man's life, welcoming Kyan back, info gathering, etc.
While some sleep, some keep watch. The two 'visitors' are approached once they've knocked on the door a couple of times. Restlin welcomes them with Anrete's help and makes sure they know there's more to the two than meets the eye.
The two men wear hooded cloaks, as many do at night to break the slight night chill, but when approached, they draw back the hoods. They are two middle aged men, well dressed. Very well dressed. Very, very, very well dressed. The two don't seem started by Restlin's unconventional approach, as if they knew they were being watched but went through the motions of going to the door and knocking anyway. Anrete's sudden appearance though did seem to take them back for a moment, then they recover. They introduce themselves, but not by name. "We cannot give you our names, nor remove the magic that conceals our true identities due to the sensitive nature of our circumstances. But if you will hear us out, we have a proposal for the Iron Adventurers, as you are known by. But not out here. May we enter?"
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 8 Thursday June 19th, 2014 8:03:07 AM
Restlin smiles wide. "Sounds juicy!" he quips before brushing past the visitors. He throws open the door & walks through, leaving it open for them to enter behind him.
"HEY EVERYBODY, WE HAVE VISITORS!" he shouts out as he enters. "That smells fantastic, Beri! Is there anymore? Oh, these guys have a proposal for us. Hopefully Anrete doesn't have to teach them how to be good guests." He looks back and ushers the mysterious strangers in if they haven't already followed.
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Thursday June 19th, 2014 11:03:01 AM
Another distraction.
Sesha had a lot to do before bed, and yet again she was denied. She sits with her arms crossed, watching the strangers carefully.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] d20+21=24 ; Thursday June 19th, 2014 9:02:14 PM
Hearing Restlin yell downstairs, Garret gets up and sneaks to the top of the stairs, content to watch without being observed, if possible, before jumping right into something (Stealth: 24)
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+36=52 ; d20+26=28 ; Thursday June 19th, 2014 10:39:42 PM
Tink sits bolt upright in bed. She had been so comfortable. She's sure he heard someone yell though.
Still in her pyjamas, she grabs the knife from under her pillow and makes her way to the top of the stairs. If the tower is under attack the group are just going to have to excuse her choice of clothing.
Garret looks to have been awakened too. On the plus side, that means she wasn't dreaming. On the down side, she didn't imagine the scream.
Tink gives a nod to Garret and then starts to descend the stairs, knife in hand
Perception: 28 Stealth: 52
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:26 HP 94 of 94 Spells d20+17=33 ; Thursday June 19th, 2014 10:49:12 PM
Bosk goes with the others to listen to the proposal. Although he does not like the idea of leaving the tower unpatroled he feels it is unlikely anyone could scale such a large building very quickly. Still, he keeps his eyes and ears open as the men tell their tale. (and if the story goes too long he will summon a lantern archon to patrol outside since it has greater teleport as an at will ability.
Perception = 33
A storm brews, was it a dud? (Co-DM JonathanT) Thursday June 19th, 2014 10:51:38 PM
The two visitors enter the Iron Tower with Restlin's invitation. While Restlin is loudly announcing the arrival of guests, they look around, taking note of the entry way and the first room.
The other IA members, roused from their sleep, sneak a peek at the visitors.
Once Restlin finishes his announcing and the front door shut, the spokesman asks Resltin if it is safe to talk here or is there a better place, a place safe from scrying and other such things.
"We have a proposition that is very sensitive. We understand that your group typically likes to make joint decisions so all need to hear it. Also, all need to be in agreement, we can't have some agreeing to the proposition and others not. But before we say any more, we must have your Word Of Honor that either way, accepting or not, you mention our meeting and our discussion to no one. And that means NO ONE! Not your friend the Inspector, not even our Illustrious Magistrate. Not a Soul! Capiche?"
Beriothian -- AC:0/1/0 HP:3/10 CMD=11 Sanity=43-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 50/85 CMD = 23 Thursday June 19th, 2014 11:03:35 PM
Beri eyes the two people carefully. We've been known to keep a secret or two, but we typically know who we are dealing with. We don't know if you are on a mission from the gods or are a servant of the most evil soul ever to walk the Wold. Any agreement we make I'm sure will be contingent on the fact that we are not selling our souls in the process, so before we proceed we need some assurance that you are on the side of good.
Beriothian -- AC:0/1/0 HP:3/10 CMD=11 Sanity=43-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 50/85 CMD = 23 Thursday June 19th, 2014 11:05:45 PM
Beri notices the others finally stumbling down the stairs... Of course, that's my thinking, but I'm sure most of the others will agree that we need to know at least a little more before we agree to your terms.
Kyan (JonL) On Phone - Will Fix Header Later Thursday June 19th, 2014 11:46:46 PM
Kyan will enter the tower last after the guests are ushered in.
to their request for a bow of secrecy before swing the secret he snorts. " Nope. If your request is something that needs telling about it's getting told. I've seen enough twisted stuff I this city I know there is some secrets that just should come to light "
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+26=27 ; d20+19=25 ; Friday June 20th, 2014 1:10:58 AM
Tink slides the dagger into the rear waistband of her pyjamas "Ooh, cold cold cold!"
She has missed any introductions, but does manage to hear the part about not telling anyone anything.
"You know who we are and knew where to find us. You must know that the Iron Adventurers have a sworn duty to protect the city and its inhabitants or you wouldn't have sought us out. You are in a far better position to trust us, than we are to trust two strangers who appear on our doorstep one night. So perhaps you will tell us more before we agree to any secrecy?"
Perception: 27 Sense Motive: 25
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 8 Friday June 20th, 2014 8:15:04 AM
Restlin nods his agreement, though it's unlikely anyone noticed since he's digging around in the kitchen for some of that tea Beri made. If there's none left, he'll start making his own (and enough for everyone, of course).
"Yea, what they said. If what you're asking for is something that's not nefarious, we can be discreet. We'd have to contact the authorities if you wanted us to do something naughty...but you wouldn't come here if you wanted us to do that, would you?
"Still, you're going to have to take a chance with us."
Anrete AC:31/18/31 CMD:32 HP:86/134 DR:2 Friday June 20th, 2014 11:19:13 AM
"Why should Anrete promise ye anything?", Anrete snorts as he tears a chunk from his seemingly endless drumsticks.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Friday June 20th, 2014 5:32:33 PM
Garret continues to observe from his hiding place on the stairs, hearing clearly, but suspicious of these two visitors...
Two Visitors come a'knocking (Co-DM JonathanT) Friday June 20th, 2014 11:16:29 PM
The two visitors listen to each member say his or her piece with patience. Although some get a stare less than amicable, like Anrete.
"The Lady Halfling is wise for her youth." Looking at Anrete, the spokesman comments, "You, warrior, are short sighted." The man's features remains just as stoic as the Inspectors.
He then addresses all present "It is fitting that you show some mistrust of us, but Lady Halfling has it right. We know you and your reputation for success. We also know your allegiance to Hook City and your general good intent. We have seen you work and know that you would not accept any job that 'sells your souls', as you put it." he cracks a rare grin.
The speaker then looks at kyan, "Our request can be made to anyone. There are plenty of Protectors in Hook City. Our own Protectors are as well, if not better, equipped. There are certainly others that are, how should I put it, cheaper?. But you, despite your loyalties to Hook City, are rather independent."
He pauses for another moment, maybe thinking some refreshment is about to be offered, the common courtesy in such situations.
"And it is that Independence that we are looking for. We know pretty much everything the Iron Adventurers have done or been up to since you arrived in Hook City. It is all in a very thick file. Therefore, if we thought, even in the slightest sense, that what we are going to ask would go against your principles, we would not even bother to cross the river. As for our identities, we are sorry, but that must remain unknown."
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 8 Saturday June 21st, 2014 11:25:50 AM
Restlin claps his hands together. "Excellent! I, Restlin the Wizard, do agree to remain silent about whatever it is you have to ask of us provided you've done your homework correctly and indeed aren't about to ask us to do something nefarious. You seem to think highly enough of your intelligence to make that an acceptable response, yes? I mean, surely you didn't look into us and come to the conclusion that our independence made us likely to blindly agree to your terms?"
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Saturday June 21st, 2014 12:29:14 PM
Garret continues to look down the stairs from the shadows and ponders, "What in the Wold? Agree to what we want to do, and then promise not to tell anyone about it, and then we'll tell you what you're to do, but it won't be bad because we say so? Is that the royal 'we?' And where did Anrete get that drumstick at this hour of night?"
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Saturday June 21st, 2014 1:03:11 PM
Sesha sighs.
"This is getting rather silly. I know that you know that we know that you know!", she says, mocking both the voices of the strangers and Restlin. Today had been miserable and the poor little drow just wanted sleep.
She points at the men.
"I swear secrecy long enough to hear you out and decide what you're about. I'm going to keep a "these guys are bad" clause to get me out of it if necessary. If you don't like that then I'll take my little drow butt upstairs and put it to bed. If there's no new corpses in the morning, then obviously you convinced my fellows, which is enough for me to keep quiet."
Kyan (JonL) On Phone - Will Fix Header Later Sunday June 22nd, 2014 10:42:49 PM
"I think you two get the idea... either spit it out and trust us to keep it a secret if its a secret to be kept or go to one of those other groups you're talking about." Kyan says with a nod towards the door. He'll listen though if they choose to speak.
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:26 HP 94 of 94 Spells Sunday June 22nd, 2014 11:25:45 PM
Bosk nods slightly as he listens to the strangers. It seems you have done your homework and know who we are and what we stand for. You have my word that we will hear you out and keep you secret as long as it is not blatantly evil and is something you judge we are likely to find acceptable, just as I trust you to remember the I am an Avenger of Jancassis who will obtain my vengeance if our trust is betrayed. You have my word.
Beriothian -- AC:0/1/0 HP:3/10 CMD=11 Sanity=43-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 50/85 CMD = 23 Monday June 23rd, 2014 12:01:25 AM I concur with Sesha. We only are on the side of the good. If you have any shady intentions you may as leave now. If we find out in the middle of helping you that you are part of some nefarious group or have unwholesome intentions, we will do what we deem right. You may have done your homework, but we are just starting ours and so far all we have is a folder full of red flags that's thick enough even a child would know to be cautious.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Monday June 23rd, 2014 2:21:57 AM "Now now" says Tink, intervening before it comes to blows "It's late, and it has been a long day for everyone, what with the chit problem, the creature that escaped, and the bridge issues with the Day of Faith celebration. Everyone is understandably exhausted. How about we all just sit around a table with a cup of tea and some biscuits and get to know each other peacefully?"
Anrete AC:31/18/31 CMD:32 HP:86/134 DR:2 Monday June 23rd, 2014 9:50:35 AM
Anrete snorts and made no promises.
Two Visitors come a'knocking (Co-DM JonathanT) Monday June 23rd, 2014 4:13:59 PM
It would appear that the general consensus is that the IA will remain silent about the offer as long as the offer is not shady or blantanly evil, even if not all have made such pledge.
The two excuse themselves to huddle in a corner and discuss between themselves. When they return, the spokesman clears his throat.
"We know that our proposition is far from shady or blatantly evil, as you put it, so we feel confident that you won't blab to anyone that we've been here and what we discussed even if we don't have the promise from each one of you." He glares at Anrete.
"Though not all of the IA are present, we trust that what decision is made here will be accepted by the ones not present. Once you hear the proposition, you will understand the need for secrecy, even if you don't accept the offer."
At this point he looks a little smug.
"We know you had something to do with the deactivation of the Chit Machine. Not a mere something either. There are many that would gladly string you up in pieces all over town if they knew what we know. When I say we, I don't mean just the two of us."
He looks around for reactions and then continues.
"For all that, we'd have you strung up too, but we know more about your encounter in the Treasury than most and know you had no choice in the matter. Therefore we don't hold you responsible. But you will never be able to convince everyone of that. On the other hand, if you were to be able to fix it, it wouldn't matter. We know the Chit Machine is a Teucri Artifact and that it isn't actually destroyed, but simply deactivated. We know where you can look for the means to fix it. We could get another group to do it, but that would not clear your name."
He gives the statement a chance to sink in.
The other one adds "Why should it be fixed? The chits, in their own way, kept order in Hook City. We know your affinity to Mudtown, but you really don't know the history of Hook City and the reason why things are the way they are if you have the mind that the City doesn't need the chits. The families in Hook have been here since the early days, since Hook was just a small clump of shacks. The Teucri came and built this city, but the manual labor was ours, our ancestors, that is. The Chit Machine was our reward, our payment for this City being as grand as it is. Mudtowners are newcomers, they have no sense of our history nor care. Without the chits, we have no power to keep order. The vast wealth of Hook City is now a pile of worthless glass and the City has no means to pay for the safety of the City, in or out. Mudtown now seems to be working to take it's wealth, as small as it is, and try to usurp control of Hook City. We can't let that happen. You can imagine the chaos. The City would just collapse!" he finishes in an exasperated tone.
The spokesman puts his hand on his companion's arm to calm him down and adds "We are prepare to offer gems and jewelry equivallent to 20,000 gold coins per Iron Adventurer that takes up our request to find the Teucri or the means to fix the Chit Machine."
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 8 Monday June 23rd, 2014 4:24:11 PM
It's safe to say that Restlin doesn't like these people very much. He's almost willing to tell them to shove their offer & take on any Hook City citizens that care to speak out against them. He calmly walks to Sesha, prepared to calm her should she decide to act appropriately.
He's stayed by the fact that these smug gentlemen are correct about the effects of the loss of the chits. By golly, Restlin loves this city. He'll bear their egos if it means making things right.
"I'm in," he states plainly. He can think of several other choice words, but he saves them for his friends once these jerks leave.
***
Sense motive is +21. Please roll and let me know if there's anything interesting I figure out.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Monday June 23rd, 2014 6:36:04 PM
Garret stays in his hiding place no longer and walks down the stairs, talking as he goes, "Oh, you know a lot about that encounter? Then you know what that thing was capable of doing, not only to us, but to anyone else in Hook City, should it have escaped. If you are threatening to spread false rumors about the IA, be prepared for the consequences."
He looks around at the others as he continues, "I, for one, am not sure I want to turn that thing back on! From what I saw, that creature was put in place and protected, and once it was released, the entire city was nearly destroyed. How do we know that won't happen again, if we should manage to turn it back on? Now I'm as confident as anyone here about Sesha's abilities, but I'm not sure we could stop that thing again. And I'm not sure we know how to contain it IF we find a way to turn it back on."
"Restlin, I know you love this city. Why, I have no idea. You remember seeing that creature and the destruction it could cause. Do you really want to potentially unleash that creature again on the people of this city?"
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Monday June 23rd, 2014 8:40:35 PM
Sesha was terribly conflicted.
On one hand, she felt so bad for the Chit Machine when it passed.. it was like she and it had known some bond that no one else here would understand. To have a chance to restore it was a wonderful opportunity, but was her heart in the right place?
Logically, she knew that a large part of her connection to the machine came from her spell, and as it was the first time she had cast it, she wasn't quite prepared for the repercussions. Even if the machine were restored, it would slave away for how long?
"No."
She crosses her arms and looks apologetically at Restlin.
"To Hook City nobles the Chit Machine would forever remain a thing. Perhaps not suffering, but living again as little more than a means to wealth and never respected as the Guardian and anchor of stability that it should have been. Even if it were incapable of making these realizations itself, I still pity an abused fool that is too simple to know it is being abused. I'll not have any part in subjecting it to a second lifetime of servitude."
She shakes her broom at the men.
"The Teucri left you in the position to be a shining beacon for civilization in the Wold, and instead you segregated yourselves and turned up your noses at those who sought to better themselves. In my limited look into their mind, I imagine if they ever returned they would strip you of ANY remaining gifts they left in your care and leave you to re-learn how to survive in a society of your peers, without a Guardian you no longer deserve pampering your hineys while you mock those who seek shelter in this city."
Sesha thinks a long moment, feeling out Restlins reaction. Finally, she adds..
"A mind is a terrible thing to waste, but know this. If I catch another implied hint of a threat against my friends unless we run your errands for you, you'll be lucky to be left as little more than a slavering maniac, slurping his drool in an institution with foam padded walls. And in your few cobbled moments of sanity you'll spend every moment regretting the day you threatened harm upon Ga'alin Blood Witch and her friends. Insanity is a permanent condition, friend."
Smiling sweetly, Sesha takes a step back and lifts her eye-patch, then winks her milky-white oozing remains of an eye.
"That's a promise!"
Kyan (JonL) On Phone - Will Fix Header Later Monday June 23rd, 2014 8:53:34 PM
Kyan looks to his companions as it comes to light that they were present during the events that destroyed the Chit machine and he can't help but let out a little bit of a laugh at the worries of their company. "I forgot how terrible some of us Hook City folk can be. by the spirits man, get over yourselves. Our ancestors may have built the city but since then we've kept it going on the backs of others.. Turn your noses down a bit and look around. maybe try to help each other out a little bit instead of threatening to start a panic and a lynch mob for the people that just saved the lives of who knows how many people. better poor than dead." He shakes his head, "Besides, say we turn this.. Uh.. Thing back on. it starts pooping out chits again or whatever it did. that ain't going to bring back the ones that have already crumbled away. those fortunes are gone."
Beriothian -- AC:0/1/0 HP:3/10 CMD=11 Sanity=43-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 50/85 CMD = 23 Tuesday June 24th, 2014 12:08:40 AM
Beri listend to thw two strangers and the resentment the IA seems to have for them. Let's hear them out. I think he's overstating our roll in all this considering the machine had already gone berserk by the time we go there, but that doesn't mean the citizens won't hold us responsible anyway. And I know at least a couple of us have always been curious about the Teucir.
Two Visitors come a'knocking (Co-DM JonathanT) d20+21=28 ; Tuesday June 24th, 2014 1:35:40 AM
DM JT: I know not all have posted since the last DM post, but moving the story along, those who've missed can say their piece for both DM posts.
The reactions of the IA are just about as expected for those who've been following this story.
Restlin is in, he says, but not because of the two nobles but because of the City itself and what it has become for so many and what it might still become for many others, given the chance, if it survives.
Garret finally decides to reveal himself and comes downstairs. He makes a point that anyone that spreads false rumors about the IA will be vewy, vewy sorry. With respect to the reactivation of the Chit Machine, he points out its destructive capabilites and the possibility that bringing it back online might not be such a wise idea if it goes wonky again.
Sesha is conflicted. For her, the Machine had 'life' and as such, she desires for it to 'live' again. But for what? To continue to be a slave again in perpetuity? For these guys? She has strong words of her own, about their pompousness, their missuse of trusted property, implied threats to the IA if the IA doesn't go along, etc., and how she will deal with them if they try such tricks again!
Kyan, now starting to see a little of what the issue is, laughs at the dilemma the two and who they represent are facing. His argument is that they've forgotten how they got where they are and a little compassion to those who seek the Hook City Dream instead of implying the two would use those such people to turn against the IA, who saved Hook City, they'd not be in such a pickle. He then points out that bringing back the Chit Machine won't bring back the wealth already destroyed.
Beri believes the two in that there will be those who will point their fingers at the IA anyway. He also sees the opportunity to learn more about the Teucri, something not only he's been curious about.
If the two were to show some elation at Restlin's acceptance, what the others say spoils the moment.
Sense motive is +21 = 28 Restlin gets the feeling that the two are genuine insofar that their purpose is not evil, or 'shady', even if it is self serving. His knowledge of Hook City serves him well in that even if the power structure in place was not perfect, the consequences of its collapse and what might replace it... can give one nightmares!
The Spokesman answers the IA in turn as they speak. To Garret, he eyes him sharply before he speaks. "It certainly has been a long day for you, for all of us. For only tired ears would 'hear' us threaten to make public what really happened. That was not What said. I said that there were already people who put the blame on you. We would not come here, give you an option to take the offer or leave it, then threaten you if you don't take it." his voice seems strained, holding back anger.
To Sesha's rant, a Will Save vs DC20 is required for them to keep from rolling their eyes in that 'What the blazes is she talking about. Is she loony?' kinda way. "Sesha, you are a new member and we give you allowances to your lack of insight into Hook City life and the Teucri Artifacts. The Chit Machine does not care whether it is sitting out in a pasture under the warm sun or in a secure place in the Treasury. It will crank out Chits either way. That is what it was built for. What it did when it was messed with has nothing to do with a self consciousness but everything to do with the Teucri self defense mechanism the Teucri built in. Otherwise, I hardly think you would have been able to stop it. It does not have a 'mind', otherwise it could have left its chamber anytime it 'wanted' to."
Then, more calmly and yet with more steel, he points out, [/b]"Just because Inspector Auslander has taken a liking to you, and just because you were able to put yourself in the right place at the right time to stop the Chit Machine doesn't mean you are the only ones capable of doing such heroics. You point out to us how we look at ourselves, you appear to suffer the same. Don't make the mistake in thinking you are invincible. I count the weariness of the day and the stress you've been through as reason to misunderstand that we put any threats on you or your friends. The only reason we came here first is to give the IA the first chance at getting the machine back up and running and clear your names. Other than that, it does not matter to us if you take it or not."[/b]
To Kyan he adds, "We remember you, Kyan, but we thought you dead. Even better then, that you are not. However you, and Restlin too, above all here, should be more concerned about what Hook City will go through if Power is not restored to those who understand how to use it. You know that things aren't perfect here, but where is that place? You also know that, as best as possible, Power is not abused. If Hook City was an Open city, where anyone could just waltz right in and make themselves at home, there really wouldn't be much of a city at all, just a sprawling complex of buildings with so many people you could barely breath, all wanting a share of Their Chits, having no clue or care of what the true Hook City ancestors had to go through to make this all possible. There would be no Order, no Law, just a bunch of outsiders clammoring for their Right to Chits without having to work for it. Why do you think it is so hard to become citizens? You, wealthy adventurers, having done the City a great service here and there, are the few who made it to citizenship so quickly. But you worked for it, paid for it, deserve it. You want to hand it out to just everyone who walks by and demands it with no requirements other than 'I'm here, gimmy, gimmy?'"
The spokesperson takes a deep breath and finishes his long discourse, "We don't expect an immediate answer. We understand that such an offer must not be hurried. But we don't have a lot of time. However, Sesha was very clear in her answer so we should conclude that the offer has been declined. If you wish, we can return tomorrow night if necessary. IF not, then that is as it is."
He does not sound angry, or displeased, or disheartened. Just a simple statement of fact.
So the IA are split on the proposal. At least they have some time to discuss it further if they wish and know that if there is any doubt, they are under no obligation to accept it. The only obligation is to not blurt it out, but keep mum about the visit and proposition. The two were clear that it would only work if all were in agreement and showed no intention to persuade any doubters with any plea or further speeches. They stated their intent and that was that and prepare to leave.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Tuesday June 24th, 2014 7:02:58 AM
Tink hasn't said yay or nay. Outright at least. She is still considering it though. "What I am struggling with is that you have mentioned Mudtown trying to take control of Hook City. How, exactly? If Hook is in trouble then shouldn't it be looking to its allies for help? You have also said we do not know the history of Hook City and, I believe your words were 'the reason why things are the way they are'. Forgive me, but being new to Hook I don't have the same knowledge of its history as you do. Perhaps it is that insight I am lacking. Is there something relevant that I don't know?"
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 8 Tuesday June 24th, 2014 8:30:56 AM
Restlin will listen carefully to what these two have to say about Mudtown's recent actions, then escort these gentlemen to the door. He'll quietly ask them to return tomorrow evening, after he can have words with his companions.
A new look crosses his face, one most of his companions have never seen worn by the wizard: anger.
"WHAT THE BLAZES IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?" he roars. "We are not the Iron Adventurers of Heranmar, or Mudtown, or Plateau City, or the Gateway Downs...we are the Iron Adventurers of Hook City. Goodness knows this city has it's flaws, but those flaws didn't prompt us to move out and live in a Mudtown hovel, did it? No, we sit here in our grand tower and lament about those poor folks out in Mudtown who get so looked down upon by the residents here."
He points out the front door. "Those people out there have treated us like heroes. They've looked up to us, celebrated our victories, and lavished us with gifts when we've returned home victorious...and now we're going to turn our backs on them? What's the end-game here, folks? You think this kind of power vacuum is going to usher in some golden age of equality? Has that ever happened anywhere following this kind of disaster?
"You folks want to change things for the better in this city. So do I. We don't do that by turning away from tens of thousands of people who need someone to step up and fix things. We make things better by showing people what happens when you fight to make things better.
"This city is important. It's far and away the highest seat of commerce, art, education, and magical studies in the entire continent. The loss of its economy won't just effect a handful of stuffy nobles." At this point, Restlin's anger is spent. He finds the nearest chair and plops himself down in it.
Anrete AC:31/18/31 CMD:32 HP:86/134 DR:2 Tuesday June 24th, 2014 11:41:21 AM
"How many drumsticks can 20 thousand gold coins buy?", Anrete ponders over the difficult question.
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:26 HP 94 of 94 Spells Tuesday June 24th, 2014 12:28:42 PM
At mention of the idea of contacting and meeting the tecuri Bosk makes up his ind. I'm in. Be it with the Iron Adventurer's or another group I am in. How many people can say they met the Tecuri? Besides, any outcome we would seek for the chit machine would lead us down this road. It is the only way to determine if it is a machine or a creature. If we leave it as it is, then it will be cursed to a life of eternal deactivation and slumber. If the economy is not corrected there is likely to be fighting within the city where many will die, and the citizens of Mud Town would be destroyed in a battle given that Hook City still has its mages and magical arms and armor...and given our encounter with the protection group by the docs I do not think a flood in Mud Town immigrants will thrive in the city.
Two Visitors come a'knocking (Co-DM JonathanT) Tuesday June 24th, 2014 12:42:14 PM "How many drumsticks can 20 thousand gold coins buy?"
An average roasted turkey drumstick weighs about 8.6 ounces without bone. 1lb = 16 ounces. A 'chunk of meat' in the PF Core is 3sp for 1/2lb, (8 ounces)
We'll use these numbers for convenience.
1gp = 10sp
20kgp = 200ksp
200k/3 = 66,667 drumsticks.
How many can you eat in a day?
Kyan (JonL) On Phone - Will Fix Header Later Tuesday June 24th, 2014 2:23:49 PM
"Restlin, we are just as much of Mudtown or anywhere else as of Hook City. this might be where we sleep, but from what I've seen we go where people need help, not where they'll pay or treat us the best. I'm not saying we shouldn't help with this Teriyaki Chit pooper machine, but I'm not sure it's really going to help that much. the city economy is still there.. People can work, make things, eat things. what's changed is how they pay and will be paid. chits are special, sure, but we could go down to the river and dig up some shells to use instead and as long as the city decided they had some value they could work just as well." he shrugs, he really isn't an economist so the details are lost on him.
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:26 HP 94 of 94 Spells Tuesday June 24th, 2014 3:51:54 PM
Bosk explains to Kyan that the group has transferred the protection of Mud Town to another protection group after an enemy demonstrated the groups inability to watch over two locations at once and burned a large portion of town to the ground. After so many innocents died in order to target the group they had decided to focus more on Hook City in order to prevent others from being used against them and becoming casualties. Mud Town supported this idea and has since been relocated even farther away from the city's gate. He also points out that the group paid to officially be a protection group in the city and signed paperwork giving them a different sort of obligation to Hook City than they have anywhere else in the Wold.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Tuesday June 24th, 2014 9:40:52 PM
Garret says, sort of to Restlin, but also to Sesha, "I am still very, very worried about turning that thing on. If no one here has any clue about that thing, I don't see this turning out any other way than that thing being on and it destroying everyone and everything in the city. I think that will be worse than refusing to help here. Someone is going to have to convince me we at least have a chance to have that thing back under control, or limited, or something so that it won't start killing the moment it comes back to life, or whatever we're going to call it when it is turned on."
Beriothian -- AC:0/1/0 HP:3/10 CMD=11 Sanity=43-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 50/85 CMD = 23 Tuesday June 24th, 2014 10:42:53 PM
Beriothian turns to address the rest of the IA. We've already seen the mass panic outside, people committing suicide simple because they are terrified of what happened. We could very well be looking at devastation worse than when the zombies attacked, especially if any of the Hook City guard start to worry about how their next paycheck is going to be cashed. I say we hear them out. We already have an understanding that if things ever turn out to be nefarious in any way that we walk, so why not hear them out and actually try to help Hook City one more time?
DM JT: fixed the brackets.
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Tuesday June 24th, 2014 11:14:57 PM
Sesha is conflicted again!
While a very large part of her wants to just cross her arms and refuse, she is quickly realizing that the deed will be done whether she helps or not.
"I don't trust those men. I don't trust Hook City's puppet masters either, for all I can see of them. The barbarians of Ga'al at least kept their leaders in plain sight. You didn't have to fear stepping on a snake when it was plain and in front of you. I didn't commit myself to Hook City, but the Iron Adventurers as people."
She sighs and rubs her arm.
"But Restlin is committed. Bosk has agreed. Beri has acquiesced. This is going to happen whether I want it to or not. And if I'm NOT there if the Chit Machine goes crazy, one of you might get hurt."
Scowling, she turns and gets ready to head upstairs.
"I suppose I don't have a choice.", she adds bitterly.
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:26 HP 94 of 94 Spells Wednesday June 25th, 2014 12:32:02 AM
Bosk feels a little regret over putting Sesha in such a position, yet at the same time the minotaur cannot understand her apathy when it comed to preserving their names and restoring their honor...Why is it that no other race seems to understand the importance of honor...
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Wednesday June 25th, 2014 6:23:58 AM "Provided what is asked is not against any laws, I am not opposed to doing it" Tink says simply.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 8 Wednesday June 25th, 2014 7:58:38 AM
"Sure you do," says Restlin to Sesha, somewhat dismissively. "You could walk away from this, or actively sabotage us, or publicly announce what's going on, or head over to the treasury and try to kidnap the chit machine before anyone else tries to fix it...there's lots of choices you have.
"Frankly, if you really give a damn about this machine, you should be on board anyway. You're undoubtedly the only person in the Wold who actually cares about it. SOMEONE will try to fix that thing, and someone will likely succeed eventually. I'd think you'd want to make sure you were part of that to make sure it was treated properly."
Restlin will stand and walk over to her before she heads upstairs. If it's obvious she's not to be touched right now, he won't. Otherwise, he places a hand on her shoulder & looks her in the eye. Quietly, he says "If you're going to have my back like you did at Khar's hideout, I'd much rather you were behind this mission rather than just tagging along...if you get my meaning."
Anrete AC:31/18/31 CMD:32 HP:86/134 DR:2 Wednesday June 25th, 2014 10:54:47 AM
"Anrete agrees to sixty thousand drumstick worth of gold coins.", the barbarian asserts before retiring back to the kitchen for more drumsticks.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Wednesday June 25th, 2014 6:05:51 PM
Garret watches Anrete go, and starts to step after him. He quickly says, "Well, I guess we're all in, but don't say I didn't warn you!"
He takes one last look around, then turns and runs after Anrete to see what he might find in the kitchen.
Kyan (JonL) On Phone - Will Fix Header Later Wednesday June 25th, 2014 7:03:35 PM
"you all are going to have to fill me in on what actually happened.. But in the morning. I'll head back on watch."
Two Visitors come a'knocking (Co-DM JonathanT) Wednesday June 25th, 2014 11:31:02 PM DM JT quick note: please don't think you, as a Player, don't have a choice. I don't like railroad plots. I read Sesha's post and took it to mean that the PC (not Player) thinks she does not have a choice. Players always have choices. Playing in Character, if it is not something your PC would do, don't do it. :)
DM JT OOC: I'll not rehash each post as customary due to some time constraints.
The IA banter back and forth about the wisdom of bringing the Chit Machine back into operational 'life' and the morality of keeping a 'sentient being' basically imprisoned versus the possible, or probable, dire outcome of the power struggle over Hook City that is soon sure to take place.
Although most seem ready to take the job on, some are still hesitant.
The spokesman answers Katinka politely. "I don't have time to give you a History Lesson on why things are the way they are. For that, you may avail yourself from several good libraries in town. You must be a brave one to have been invited to join the Iron Adventurers, but you, and Lady Sesha, are prime examples of why it is made so hard for most to become citizens. If you had gone through the proper procedures, you would have been here long enough to know that Mudtown is not an ally. Far from it. They are a ragtag group of people that converged on Hook City to take advantage of the Trade Caravans that await their turn to enter Hook. Despite the service they provide for those who wait to enter Hook, despite the craftsmen that ply their trade in Mudtown, they are, for the most part, an undisciplined mob that actually prefer to stay outside the walls where the Law does not touch them.
As much as it may seem that we ignore them, we do keep a sharp eye on what goes on there. So we don't exaggerate when we say that Mudtown is right now organizing to try to take control over Hook City."
After this, the two thank the IA for their time and promise that they will return the next night. They emphasize that it is an offer made to them as first choice but they don't want to cause a rift between the IA. Then they leave.
Restlin lets out some frustrations. His speech hits at the heart of his being. Perhaps he manages to persuade those reluctant ones that are left. They have the next day, and some rest, to think about it.
Or so it seemed.
Around 1am, a disheveled man scuttles across the square and heads straight towards the front door. His tattered robes a mess, his hair and beard a disaster.
If he is intercepted, he says, in a raspy voice, that he's come on stupendously important business to see the IA. Otherwise, he reaches the front door and knocks as loud as he can.
Beriothian -- AC:0/1/0 HP:3/10 CMD=11 Sanity=43-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 50/85 CMD = 23 Wednesday June 25th, 2014 11:50:16 PM
Beri, having been awake for the first shift, is sound asleep when the man approaches. The herbal tea he was drinking before has relaxed him some after the tense conversation, and he dreams strange dream where rainbow chits fall from the sky and turn into wonderful breakfast foods upon their hitting the ground.
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Thursday June 26th, 2014 12:25:18 AM
"You don't understand Restlin. I don't have a choice. I won't let you get hurt. Even if you told me you planned to march into the wilds and murder every warrior of the Ga'alin I couldn't let you go alone. The Iron Adventurers mean too much to me. You led me to Serenbeth and I don't believe in coincidence.."
She takes a deep breath and punches him in the arm. Hard.
"So don't ever think I'm not going to give it my all when you are involved. I just hoped I could talk you out of this one and let that poor thing sleep."
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Thursday June 26th, 2014 2:49:52 AM
Being on second watch, Tink is much more prepared to accept company.
As the man reaches his hand out to rap on the door, Tink steps unseen from the shadows "Perhaps I can help you?"
"Stupendously important business you say? Perhaps you should come in" Tink will escort the man into the foyer and call for the others, announcing yet more company.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 8 d20+23=38 ; Thursday June 26th, 2014 7:46:18 AM
Restlin grins his trademark stupid grin at Sesha. "You're right! I didn't understand." His tone gets more serious, "but don't you ever say that we're taking away your choice. If you're choosing to blindly follow us, so be it. As for that poor thing, like I said...SOMEONE is going to try to fix it. If you care about it, so do I, and I want to be part of fixing it to make sure it's being treated properly."
He listens to their visitor's explain Mudtown to Tink. He's heard it before, and believes it more than he'll admit to his companions. He remains committed to correcting this turn of events.
Back on guard duty, he'll fill Kyan in on the goings on with Mudtown, like how a rogue protection group with a semi-retarded pyromaniac sorcerer burned down several blocks to prove the Iron Adventurers couldn't protect Mudtown AND Hook City. They were right, of course, so we decided to let someone else protect Mudtown. He wonders how that will sit with Kyan, seeing how he probably felt more at home in Mudtown than the City proper..."
When this mess of a man comes calling, Restlin's guard is put up. He hasn't forgotten what those folks said about citizens gunning for us. He'll cast detect evil before approaching him, making sure he doesn't register.
***
Perception: 38 - looking for hidden weapons or signs that he's disguised Sense motive is +21 if you want to roll in secret for me as he starts talking.
Anrete AC:31/18/31 CMD:32 HP:86/134 DR:2 Thursday June 26th, 2014 11:04:08 AM
Anrete is slightly irritated by the constant interruptions to his supper (understatement). He stomps toward the door and drew his greatsword menancingly.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] d20+21=32 ; Thursday June 26th, 2014 5:44:14 PM
Garret is on watch when the second visitor arrives. He sees Anrete and Tink greet the man. Garret is pretty sure those two can handle the new arrival, so he carefully keeps watch into the square to ensure the man is alone and there are not others using him as a distraction (Perception: 32).
Kyan (JonL) On Phone - Will Fix Header Later Thursday June 26th, 2014 7:49:13 PM
When the spokesman gives his spiel to Tink about the evil of Mudtown Kyan seems to be overcome by a coughing fit. "Bu *cough* it" but he doesn't say anything to correct him.
back on watch he listens to Restlin's tale and nods along. "I understand what your saying Restlin.. But it's just a piece of paper. if I see someone in Mudtown in trouble, I'll walk right through that sheet of paper to do what needs doing and I know you will too. I was born here in Hook City just like you and I'll keep its people safe.. But not at the expense of others that are just as deserving of our protection."
once their watch is done he'll settle onto one of the couches in the common area instead of worrying about finding a room... But sleep just isn't going to happen with all these visitors.
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:26 HP 94 of 94 Spells Thursday June 26th, 2014 9:02:52 PM Wait. Beri, can you please escort our current guests into the bar and shut the doors. Lets honor their privacy. We will speak with the new guy in the reception area. Lets split in two groups, make sure we don't leave anyone alone. If anyone else arrives we will have to start opening up the guest rooms.
Two Visitors come a'knocking (Co-DM JonathanT) Thursday June 26th, 2014 10:25:34 PM
DM JT Note: The two earlier ones already left. They were only there at most 15 minutes, although it would seem longer. This one shows up about 3 hours later, so no need to split up into 'discussion groups'.
Crazy-Eye just happens to be passing by...(Co-DM JonathanT) Thursday June 26th, 2014 11:18:07 PM
After the two nobles leave, Beri settles in for some rest and dreams of 'Super Sugar Chit Crisps for breakfast. Although even in his dreams they crumble into powder each time he tries to stuff his mouth with them.
Sesha and Restlin come to an understanding of their devotion to each other and Kyan seems to have nearly swallowed a stink bug at the noble's reference to Mudtown's character. Technically, they both could argue their point and both be right.
As far as the IA's contract as Protectors of this neighborhood, that would not get in the way of helping Mudtown. But since the IA are gone from the area entirely for extended periods of time, keeping up Mudtown's safety took a back seat. Another Protector group moved in while they were gone. When they returned, the confrontation turned hot, literally, and said semi-retarded pyromaniac sorcerer, when cornered, eventually blew himself up taking several blocks with him.
The end result of this was that Hook City Officials cracked down on Mudtown and enforced the No Fixed Building Law that had been ignored and ALL Mudtown fixed buildings were razed.
The IA decided to set up an alternative Way Point several miles away and convinced a number of Mudtowners that were tired of the horrible living conditions and were friends of friends of the IA to move out there.
The new settlement was named Five Mile House for being five miles outside the city limits, obeying the five mile rule for fixed buildings. Hemust and Jillian run the place with a dozen or so farmers and craftsmen. It has only been in existence about 6 months or so but looks promising.
The IA found that most Mudtowners preferred the horrible living conditions since it still had the promise of Trade and Protection of sorts, more so than a small hamlet 5 miles away.
Katinka interrupt the disheveled man before he can knock and invites him in. 'Stupendously important business you say?'
"Stupendously important indeed. Very Stupendously important! Oh, thank you Miss." he replies in a raspy voice and he enters the foyer.
Anrete, who is still eating at 1am, stomps towards the door menacingly waving his big sword.
Garret remains outside keeping watch while the rest look upon their new visitor.
The man sports a tattered robe that once was rich. His hair is a wiry mess and his beard matches the same condition. One eye is wonky so it is hard to tell who he is looking at. Either way, both have a crazed look about them. He smells not very good, like an attempt to create a perfume went awry. If he looks old, he looks a hundred, but a spry old man he is. Nervously twitching, eyes darting back and forth, hands seem to keep grabbing for something.
Despite all this, there are no signs of magic about him. It would seem he is genuine. DM JT Note: info above is using Restlin's Perception and Sense Motive. No roll needed.
Knowledge Local DC30: Highlight to display spoiler: { This is Socraterius, the ex-Keeper of the Treasury. You remember something about him being replaced but don't know why.}
With all eyes upon him, he blurts out in his raspy voice, stuttering on random words, "You must help us get rid of the Invaders Curse upon Hook City! You MUST! We must be rid of it once and for ALLLLL!"
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 3 d20+25=33 ; Friday June 27th, 2014 8:13:41 AM
Back outside with Kyan, Restlin rolls his eyes as he answers, "well of COURSE we'll help someone in need. We just leave the day to day protection of Mudtown to someone else.
"Things out there have gotten worse since you've been out of commission. Most of the decent folks moved away to Five Mile. What's left are opportunists, criminals, and the mad. If Mudtown is genuinely making a move to take over the city...well, I doubt it will go well for them, but they can still hurt a lot of innocent folks who live here."
When this newcomer arrives, Restlin recognizes after a bit of study. "Socraterius, is that you? By the powers man, what happened to you?" He offers the man somewhere comfortable to sit. "I haven't seen or heard anything about you since you were Keeper of the Treasury," he states, hoping to fill his companions in on who sits before them.
Restlin will listen to what the man has to say, but really hopes he's not just keeping him from some much needed sleep.
Anrete AC:31/18/31 CMD:32 HP:86/134 DR:2 Friday June 27th, 2014 12:37:26 PM
"Anrete thinks he will start by eating this drumstick!", the barbarian proceeds to tear into his huge greasy drumstick.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Friday June 27th, 2014 5:26:45 PM
Garret continues to watch outside, wondering who else might be coming for a visit this night.
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:26 HP 94 of 94 Spells Friday June 27th, 2014 6:52:20 PM
Bosk takes a deep breath and gets the man an ale. Ok, start from the beginning. What is this invader's curse and why must we be rid of it, oh and what is our role in all of this?
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Saturday June 28th, 2014 3:21:57 AM
Sesha walks to Anrete and puts a small hand on the massive barbarians shoulder. When she has his attention, she will pluck a small bit of the drumstick off the bone and eat it.
"I wish I could take things as easy as you do Anrete!"
She braces herself for the next stop on tonights crazy train.
Kyan (JonL) On Phone - Will Fix Header Later Sunday June 29th, 2014 8:29:49 PM
Kyan rubs a hand over his face and mutters, but settles back to listen to their madman visitor.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+26=41 ; d20+19=33 ; Monday June 30th, 2014 12:30:13 AM
Well, Restlin looks to know the man. At the moment, it seems likely he could be from Mudtown. "Would make sense that they might come here to ask us for help" Tink reasons.
She listens to what the man might have to say, all the while wary that if he is from Mudtown he won't face a warm reception from some in the group.
Perception: 41 Sense motive: 33
Beriothian -- AC:0/1/0 HP:3/10 CMD=11 Sanity=43-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 50/85 CMD = 23 Monday June 30th, 2014 6:01:56 PM
Beri walks town the stairs when he hears the commotion starting up once again. We aren't going to get a moment's peace tonight I suppose... does somebody have the kettle on already? Good. Let me fetch a cup of tea before you start. Beri returns with a piping hot cup of a sweet cherry and lime tea, reminiscent of the colorful 'Super Sugar Chit Crisps cereal he used to eat as a kid. He settles into the same chair as before and listens to what the visitor has to say.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 3 Monday June 30th, 2014 6:36:05 PM
Restlin decides that Beri's tea smells amazing, and grabs himself a cup while Socraterius settles himself in. While he's at it, he offers their visitor a cup as well.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Monday June 30th, 2014 8:08:17 PM
Garret, still outside, looks up at the stars and realizes he really doesn't know any of the constellations in this sky.
Kyan (JonL) On Phone - Will Fix Header Later Monday June 30th, 2014 9:48:40 PM
Kyan takes the opportunity to remove a particularly stubborn blockage from his nostril
Crazy-Eye just happens to be passing by...(Co-DM JonathanT) Monday June 30th, 2014 10:03:32 PM Restin recognizes the crazed man but not on a personal basis, only through reputation. He had heard something about the Keeper of the Treasury being replace and the name Socraterius, but that was about it.
When offered to sit, the man does not but remains standing, fidgeting. 'Socraterius, is that you? By the powers man, what happened to you?'
The man glares at Restlin and blurts out "What'd you expect! They're everywhere! Corrupting Everything! But at last I'm free of them!"
Anrete just like drumsticks. This crazy talk is for the birds.
Garret remains outside on watch.
Sesha[b] wishes she could take things as easy as the barbarian does. Ignorance is bliss?
[bKyan rubs a hand over his face and mutters, but settles back to listen to their madman visitor.
Katinka thinks, by the looks of the man, that the crazed man is from Mudtown. Makes sense to her considering the warnings they just received.
Beri gives up on sleep for now and wonders if the kettle is on. He hurries to the kitchen to get it going. He hopes to get a cup in hand to the visitor but the visitor is too agitated to wait and keeps rattling on about the infestation that has cursed Hook City and that it must be rid of.
But Bosk is quicker and has a mug of ale in seconds and hands it to the man. 'Ok, start from the beginning. What is this invader's curse and why must we be rid of it, oh and what is our role in all of this?'
"THE BEGINNING? he shouts. "You know the beginning! Well, perhaps you don't. You should, though! You've been here long enough!" he blurts loudly.
Taking the ale, he gulps it down loudly, ale dribbling out the side of his mouth and down his scraggly beard.
"You know the Teucri. They came and made promises. We built this city on those promises. But those promises were a CURSE! We've been enslaved by the Teucri and don't EVEN KNOW IT!"
GULP! GLUP! SLOBBER! GULP!
"You must help finish it! You've already finished off the most incidious part of the curse. You must not stop now. You must finish IT! They MUST ALL GO BEFORE HOOK CAN BE FREEEEEEEEEE!"
In his mad ravings, he dashes out the door and across the square, waving the mug wildly, the sound EEEEEE echoing from the buildings.
Oddly enough, as far as anyone can tell, he never mentioned if he was here on behalf of Mudtown, or anyone else, as far as that goes.
DM JT OOC: you may try to stop him, it would not be all that hard, but from your Sense Motive and Perception rolls, he's fairly crazed and probably won't get much more out of him than he's already blurted.
Restlin heads back upstairs, but in his head he's spinning his wheels. That man was once a respected member of the Hook City government. Sure, he may be mad, but maybe not?
One thing's for certain: he's going to really have to do his homework regarding the Teucri...
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+26=36 ; d20+36=56 ; Tuesday July 1st, 2014 6:51:22 AM
Tink sighs. Perhaps the poor man is insane, and perhaps not. In his state he should not be wandering about alone at night though.
"I'm going to make sure he is ok. I won't bother him, but perhaps see if a friendly guard might see that he makes it home safely"
Tink will nod to the others and take off after the man. She keeps her distance so as not to be spotted by him; she doesn't want to alarm or spook a man who may be in a paranoid or delusional state. Should she encounter any town guards she will advise that the man is in some distress and could use some assistance to see that he arrives home safely.
Perception: 36 Stealth: 56
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Tuesday July 1st, 2014 10:20:19 AM
Sesha shouts after Restlin, before going to bed herself.
"Keep an open mind in all this, Mage-Priest!"
Then dark and sleepy time.
Anrete AC:31/18/31 CMD:32 HP:86/134 DR:2 Tuesday July 1st, 2014 11:38:41 AM
Anrete grabs a few more drumsticks and wanders off to his bed. "Don't let the worries of tomorrow remove the strength for today! Eat more drumsticks!"
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 3 Tuesday July 1st, 2014 1:44:12 PM
Restlin stops mid-ascent, turns around, and looks Sesha in her eye. "Sweetheart, I am the apotheosis of alternate possibilities." He then winks at her & proceeds back up to bed.
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:26 HP 94 of 94 Spells d20+4=20 ; d20+4=22 ; d20+4=23 ; Tuesday July 1st, 2014 3:45:05 PM
Bosk peers out the door, hoping not to see anyone else approaching. Have any of you ever heard of this curse before? I think I may have heard people talking about it before...
Knowledge Arcana to recall anything about the curse = 20 Knowledge History to recall anything about the curse = 22 Knowledge Religion to recall anything about the curse = 23
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Tuesday July 1st, 2014 4:53:29 PM
Garret watches Tink run past, clearly following the madman. When Bosk looks out the door, Garret steps out of the shadows so that he can be seen, nods to Bosk, then steps back into the shadows to continue his watch.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 3 d20+23=31 ; Tuesday July 1st, 2014 5:02:33 PM
Restlin ponders it as well on the way up to bed...
Knowledge, Local: 31
Beriothian -- AC:0/1/0 HP:3/10 CMD=11 Sanity=43-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 50/85 CMD = 23 d20+1=12 ; Tuesday July 1st, 2014 5:50:18 PM So, the way I see it we have have a crazy guy who's probably being truthful... but crazy. A pair of shrewd, deceptive patrons who are likely being just as truthful... and hiding even more. A populace that if enslaved probably would fight against being freed... and of their own free will. And any possible action will likely cause some level of chaos, destruction, or enslavement to the city we are sworn to protect. Does that sum it all.. oh, and an ancient curse, does that sum it all up? The druid takes a sip of his tea and looks reflectivity as the small waves bounce against the side of his cup. Well, crazy prophesies got us into this mess, I say in the morning we go to the seers and ask them to divine what they can. As far as I can tell our journey is pretty much going to start the same way regardless of whose cause we trust more, but it seems the powers of the Wold have an interest in how this plays out so we would be wise to listen to anything they have to reveal on the matter... no matter how cryptic.
knowledge-local=12
Kyan (JonL) On Phone - Will Fix Header Later Tuesday July 1st, 2014 10:29:14 PM
Kyan grunts as t crazy man leaves. "we probably should check out Mudtown In the morning too"
Someone you know...(Co-DM JonathanT) Tuesday July 1st, 2014 11:00:25 PM
The Crazy-eye madman goes out running and Katinka follows. The others let him go.
'Brother...I'm ready for bed.' is about all Restlin can say and starts up the stairs to his room. Obviously, their knowledge of the Teucri is only a tip of the iceberg.
Katinka feels some compassion for the man, crazed or not, probably crazed, and to make sure he makes it safe to wherever crazed men go and dosn't have a run-in with the town guard, the follows discreetly.
It is not hard for ther to follow and keep hidden, specially since it is dark. Socraterius weaves through the streets until... Katinka only: Highlight to display spoiler: {Socraterius appears to wander aimlessly at first, but then finds his bearings and enters Labor Town, where, upon reaching a tavern, Belching Liontaur, he enters.}
Sesha gives words of wisdom to Restlin and heads to bead also.
Anrete has words with another drumstick as he heads to his room too.
Bosk is not ready for bed yet. Have any of you ever heard of this curse before? I think I may have heard people talking about it before...'
Restlin ponders the what Bosk asked as he readies for bed.
Considering their arsenal of cursed items, Bosk thinks he may have heard something about this curse Socraterius was talking about. However in retrospect, after thinking real hard, neither Bosk nor Restlin has heard anything about a curse involving the Teucri. As far as they know, from the Low Information citizen to the highest Scholars, the Teucri are viewed in certain awe, and even to hint of such thing as a curse might bring Evil-Eye glares upon themselves.
Garret is content to watch Katinka go after the Crazy-eye, not knowing what's going on, but sure that if the man needed catching, Bosk would not have let the man out the door.
Beri sums things up very well as he sips his tea. It would appear that a visit to the Seers is in order again!
Kyan suggests paying a visit to Mudtown in the morning. Y'a never know what ye'll find.
Sleep, however, seems to be toying with the IA tonight. Shortly after Socraterius makes his unusual exit, a cloaked woman, easy to tell by the way her hips sway as she walks, walks across the square and straight to the Iron Tower door.
DM JT: if intercepted, by those outside_ Highlight to display spoiler: {You recognize Mara Waver and tells you she has important business with the IA.}
Otherwise she knocks on the door with definite purpose.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 3 Wednesday July 2nd, 2014 7:43:09 AM
Restlin lies in bed, eyes trained upwards at the ceiling. "Is this some kind of joke?" he asks himself. He wraps his blanket around his shoulders & heads downstairs. If no one has done so, he'll answer the door. Once he sees that it's Mara, some of his irritation fades. She's a friend of their group, and Bosk would have strong words for him if he gave her a hard time.
"Come in, Mara. Excuse my appearance; it's been a strange evening." He'll re-heat any left-over tea & offer her a cup before taking one for himself & anyone else who expresses interest. Then, he'll scope out where Sesha's sitting & plop himself down next to her, sharing his blanket. Then, he waits to see what Mara's here for.
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Wednesday July 2nd, 2014 1:44:21 PM
Sesha takes a deep breath, settling into her furs on the cave-like floor Bosk had installed for her. As soon as sleep begins to take her, she hears the knock.
Furiously she throws aside her covers and charges down the stairs. She levels her finger at Mara and screams, "FEEL MY WRATH, TOAD! INTERRUPT THE SLUMBER OF A BLOOD WITCH NO MORE!"
As the Baleful Polymorph changes Mara into a frog, Sesha warms up a pot of grease and tosses the woman in. Might as well have a midnight snack! Then a purple elephant named Anrete, with a trunk made of drumsticks, comes shambling in and demands beef stew.
Sesha wakes up.
"Damn."
Rolling out of bed she stumbles downstairs sleepily. With a yawn she mindlessly scooches over for Restlin, glad for the blanket. She remembers the woman only a little, from the orphanage if she recalls correctly. Sesha would adopt a kid one day. Serenbeth would like that. She smiles warmly at Restlin, then admires her wedding ring. Then a ruddy half-drow girl child with white pigtails comes downstairs and plops into her lap. Then another. And then two more! Suddenly drowning in a sea of crying half-drow toddlers, Sesha screams and explodes, leaving a bowl of oranges on the couch where she was sitting.
Terrified, Sesha wakes up!
"Omigodomigodomigod!"
Cautiously Sesha tip-toes downstairs and takes a seat on the couch, eyes wide and fully awake! When Restlin plops down near her, she squeaks in fear, then greedily takes the tea! She whispers to Restlin..
"What now?
Kyan (JonL) On Phone - Will Fix Header Later Wednesday July 2nd, 2014 2:50:28 PM
Kyan grumbles at the knock on the door, but doesn't get off the couch from where he is currently sprawled. instead he turns over and covers his head with his cloak while Restlinopens the door and lets in their newest company. he lies there a minute before letting out a sigh and sitting up to make room for more people to sit while eyeing Mara.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 3 Wednesday July 2nd, 2014 3:01:11 PM
Restlin whispers back to Sesha, "That's Mara. She's on a short list of people who can knock at any hour and get a friendly reception. She's also the only person I know, and possibly the only person in existence, who can fix that fancy armor Bosk wears."
The magepriest picks up his legs, sitting cross-legged on the sofa under his blanket. He cradles his cup of tea & waits to hear what Mara has to say.
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:26 HP 94 of 94 Spells Wednesday July 2nd, 2014 3:02:29 PM
LOL!!! Mara is a fried of Bosk. I was getting ready to tackle Sesha or jump in front of her by the time I finished reading!
Beriothian -- AC:0/1/0 HP:3/10 CMD=11 Sanity=43-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 50/85 CMD = 23 Wednesday July 2nd, 2014 5:36:24 PM
...stranger ... tea ... chair ... ...stranger ... tea ... chair ... *bathroom* ...stranger ... tea ... chair ... Beri settles in with another cup, this time a honey-chamomile, and prepares to listen to another tale. He starts to wonder if perhaps they should be taking notes. At least this time the person doesn't seem to be criminally insane... or just plain criminal.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Wednesday July 2nd, 2014 6:51:59 PM
Garret, still on watch outside, watches as Mara approaches the door. He lets her go to the door, but stands at the ready. He sees Restlin open the door and welcome her in. He remains in the shadows, content to watch for the next night's visitor and ponders if there will become a point where one visitor overlaps another...
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:26 HP 94 of 94 Spells Wednesday July 2nd, 2014 10:35:34 PM
Seeing Mara approach, Bosk greets her at the door, determined to help to woman who takes such good care of his steel grass equipment. Since the great fire there are few with such knowledge that he can rely on.
Mara, what can we do for you the fine, late evening?
Someone you know...(Co-DM JonathanT) Wednesday July 2nd, 2014 10:59:46 PM
There are mixed reactions to their next visitor, Bosk and Restlin the only ones truly happy to see Mara Weaver. Invited in, she promptly enters and sits as if an she knew the place well, which she does.
She makes herself comfortable and accepts a cup of tea. She closes her eyes as she sips.
"Ah. Such smoothing solace for such a long day" she whispers as she opens her eyes and stares at Restlin, now huddled next to Sesha.
"My, things have change a bit around here..." she starts and smiles but then her smile fades as she continues. "I deeply apologize for the late hour, you must all be tired after such a taxing day, but I had no choice. I've just come from a meeting of like-minded friends and associates. Once we understood what happened, the Chits and Chit Machine, we knew we had to band together and stand as One or else get swallowed up in, what-you-call-it? Mob mentallity?"
Mara Weaver definitely sounds tired and takes a few more sips of tea.
"Many of us were already members of a group that pooled our resources together for Protection. Then you, the Iron Adventurers, came along and did a good job in keeping order, Thank You, by the way, but we didn't dissolve our group. So we reconvened late this afternoon to discuss our situation and had a number of new members join. To make a long story short, our group, we call ourselves the Solidarity and Prosperity League, with one common goal in mind, ask that you, the Iron Adventurers stay here in Hook City as our Protectors. Considering the events and rumors, we were concerned that you would be compelled to leave Hook, but we really need you here. Your reputation with us is firm and we know the Iron Adventurers to be trustworthy. But know that it won't be just this neighborhood anymore. With our new members, you'll need to extend your influence to several others as well."
She closes her eyes again and finish the cup of tea.
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:26 HP 94 of 94 Spells Wednesday July 2nd, 2014 11:47:05 PM
Bosk nods his head. You can rest assured that we will do everything in our power to help you and this city, but we cannot determine what the best course of action is without all the details. Please tell us, what rumors have you heard, and how much of an extension of our influence are you talking about? We may need to find some additional help if it is too large of an area, and there are laws limiting our jurisdiction unless we fill out the proper paperwork.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Thursday July 3rd, 2014 8:31:52 AM OOC: Sorry for missing yesterday's post guys. Battling some man-flu :)
"What now?" Tink returns to the Tower to see the group has yet another visitor. "The loss of chits really must be bothering people"
She doesn't say anything to this woman for the time being. She must be brave to wander the streets alone at night given the mob earlier in the day.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 3 Thursday July 3rd, 2014 8:39:23 AM
Restlin ponders what Mara is saying. "I'm with Bosk, but understand that our new members don't have the history in this city that we do. Some of our old members also have a...well, a negative opinion on this city. It's not our way to force any member's hand."
Restlin finishes his tea. "Excellent tea, Beri. Anyway, Mara, they may need a more concrete reason to help other than 'for the good of the city.' I don't want any of them," he gives Sesha a sideways glance, "to feel like they were being used for a cause they weren't really behind." The wizard thinks a bit longer about what he's said, then feels compelled to add a bit.
"Just so we're clear, that's not an attempt to shake you down for payment. I trust that won't be an issue. Our ways here seem odd to them, is all."
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Thursday July 3rd, 2014 3:21:58 PM
Sesha sighs.
"I'm not quite sure on one point. Are you asking us to not leave the city under any circumstance for awhile? Or are you asking the IA to simply, when performing it's duty, protect the city as a whole not simply a single area?"
Kyan (JonL) On Phone - Will Fix Header Later Thursday July 3rd, 2014 5:05:02 PM
Kyan nods towards Sesha with a grunt of agreement. "[b]She's right. there's a big difference between 'don't leave town' and 'keep watch on the whole place'."
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Thursday July 3rd, 2014 5:49:34 PM
Garret slips from one shadow to another, looking around carefully, often staying in one spot completely still. He blends in well with the darkness as he continues his circuit around the tower, ensuring that at least if there are more visitors, they will not be a surprise.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Thursday July 3rd, 2014 8:05:11 PM
Tink keeps a careful watch on Restlin and Sesha. Something has happened here, or has perhaps been building for a while.
Beriothian -- AC:0/1/0 HP:3/10 CMD=11 Sanity=43-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 50/85 CMD = 23 Thursday July 3rd, 2014 8:07:29 PM I too am curious about such rumors. We haven't discussed leaving Hooks City, and have no intentions to leave beyond our normal occasional job outside the walls. This is our home, and that's not about to change.
Before we go further, I feel the need to ask. We have heard more talk in the last 12 hours of secret organizations than all the rest of our time here put together. If there is such a large group of protectors I assume there is someone they are protecting against. Can you give us a quick rundown of who exactly the relevant parties are here?
Someone you know...(Co-DM JonathanT) Friday July 4th, 2014 12:04:25 AM DM JT OOC: quick note about tomorrow, July 4th. It's gonna be work all day then fireworks at night, so I may not get a chance to post. Just an FYI.
Bosk gives his word to help but asks some important questions, like, how much of an extension is she talking about?
Mara clears her throat then almost mumbles "Labor Town, and this one, of course, and the Marble Causeway...?"
Restlin assures her of his willingness but makes it clear he can't speak for them all, each one of the IA has his or her own free will. Then he makes it clear that payment is not an issue.
Sesha asks another very important question: 'Are you asking us to not leave the city under any circumstance for awhile? Or are you asking the IA to simply, when performing it's duty, protect the city as a whole not simply a single area?'
Mara tries to smile at Sesha and Kyan when she answers, "We ask that you NOT leave Hook for any reason, unless it is, well, a VERY good reason. The point is that our League needs to protect our assets, which are mostly in goods and some, er, coin. These things are of very high value right now since the Chits are no more. We don't want any, er, Big Hands, so-to-speak, claim these things 'for the common good', as it were, or, more likely, bands of looters grab what they can and leave Hook. Our Contract with the IA would only cover the Solidarity and Prosperity League membership areas, that is, much of the artisan and craftsman districts of Labor Town, our own square here, and the elite shops of the Marble Causeway and The Bridge. What happens in the other areas, we care, but know we can't overextend oursel... the IA. If you leave Hook..." she grimaces.
Beri seems to catch Mara a little off guard. "WE are NOT a secret organization. The guilds have been around since the town! Just because we have joined forces with some other districts does not make us Secret either!"
Sense Motive DC20: Highlight to display spoiler: {She seems genuine in that she did not catch what Bosk was referring to. But then, she's been in meetings all afternoon and much of the night.}
She quickly softens though, and sighs. "It has been a long, trying, night. More tea please?"
After a fresh cup of tea she looks at Beri, "These large protector groups you refer to you must mean the ones that are hired by the neighborhoods like you are here. I can't speak for all of them, but many of them are not much more than thugs with a license to bonk someone on the head, for whatever. Others would demand such a high price that we might just as well hand over our goods, pack up and leave. The IA we can trust. We know that you would defer payment, if necessary, until we could times are better. As far as secret organizations, well, there has been dozens, if not hundreds, in Hook City for ages. Most are harmless, and aren't much of a secret. The true secret ones, I know nothing about, that's why they are secret." She smiles and sips more tea.
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:26 HP 94 of 94 Spells d20+5=17 ; Friday July 4th, 2014 12:33:02 AM
Sense motive = 17, fail.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+19=29 ; Friday July 4th, 2014 10:31:24 AM Sense Motive vs DC20: 29 = Pass
Tink continues to remain silent. The others look to know this woman so would do a far better job dealing with her. She seems honest enough, but these days it is hard to tell. The treasury job likely had some inside help. Whose to say who can be trusted now?
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 3 Friday July 4th, 2014 11:15:04 AM
Restlin cannot fail that sense motive roll.
***
"That may be a problem, Mara. We've been asked to take a job related to all this that MAY lead us outside Hook City walls. We're a little light on information on that right now, I'm afraid. I can say that we shouldn't have an issue with expanding our protection area. Of course, there's only eight of us. We can't cover the entire city at once."
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Friday July 4th, 2014 1:00:56 PM
Garret thinks he sees a bright flash in the sky. He moves through the shadows and looks up, but sees there is nothing there. He squats down in a shadow of the stars and carefully observes the area, remaining completely still, part of the shadow.
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Friday July 4th, 2014 1:35:38 PM
Sesha is surprised Restlin even mentioned that much of their "assignment." She nudges him.
"That's three people asking us for three very different promises."
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 3 Friday July 4th, 2014 10:08:49 PM
"What? We couldn't very well leave Hook City on assignment and not tell those we're supposed to protect that we'll be out of town. I promise they'd notice our absence."
Someone you know...(Co-DM JonathanT) Saturday July 5th, 2014 12:35:51 AM
OOC: Sorry folks. I thought I'd have time to put a post together but I still gotta be up at 5am for work tomorrow. The Friday Post will be Sat.
Kyan (JonL) On Phone - Will Fix Header Later Saturday July 5th, 2014 11:43:59 PM
Kyan just mutters to himself before heading off to the kitchen to dredge up some sort of fermented beverage.
Beriothian -- AC:0/1/0 HP:3/10 CMD=11 Sanity=43-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 50/85 CMD = 23 d20+8=28 ; Sunday July 6th, 2014 9:36:53 AM Ahh, you read too much into my comment my dear Mara. I never meant to imply that it was the protectors that were a secret organization of concern. We've unknowingly defended the people from such organizations in the past, and the result was that our home was almost fire bombed. The extortion note was sent to us through an innocent child who knew nothing, but they were happy to put at risk to remain anonymous.. would have burned the child to death along with us had we not paid on the spot. And this wasn't even a group we were investigating, they just happened to have a business interest in a warehouse where another group had rented lockers they were using as a base to kidnap, enslave, and kill visitors to Mud Town and Hook City. We are always on the side of good, but it's easier to make sure of that when we actually know who the different sides are. sense motive =28 (nat 20)
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Monday July 7th, 2014 9:38:55 PM OOC: Check
Someone you know...(Co-DM JonathanT) Monday July 7th, 2014 9:41:01 PM
DM JT OOC: post coming. Sorry. Such a busy weekend... :{
Someone you don't know...(Co-DM JonathanT) Monday July 7th, 2014 10:11:28 PM Restlin is up-front honest with Mara Weaver and without divulging much, informes her that they may take a job related to all this tumult that might take them out to Hook. He assures Mara that they should not have a problem covering the area asked but reminds her they are only 8.
Garret, on watch outside, thinks he sees a bright flash up in the sky. He moves through the shadows to get a better view but sees nothing there.
But then it is there again, right in front of his face! Turns out it was just a ligthning bug and it soon flits along, looking for a mate.
Sesha nudges Restlin, a reminder of their promise to the nobles. She notes 3 jobs, 3 different tasks.
Kyan, newly returned and suddenly thrown into a mess of things, decides to get something stronger to drink than tea, muttering something he didn't care to share with the others.
Bosk assures Mara they are on the side of good and appologizes for any misunderstanding of his words. He explains that they've had some very tricky and devious attacks on them in the past and are much more weary of taking sides these days.
Knowing Bosk, Restlin, and Beriothian very well, Mara nodds as they speak and explain themselves and their situation. "I understand and I will convey your words to the leaders of the Solidarity and Prosperity League. I think I can persuade them to be patient in waiting for your decision. Don't wait too long, though. If things start getting out of hand too quick, it won't look very good for the IA. As for my part and this neighborhood, our agreement still stands. I just worry that your reputation could suffer if you wait too long."
Mara then stands and hands the teacup back. "Very good tea. Now I need some sleep." She gives the old timers a hug and with a wave, hurries on to her home.
The IA are left alone in the dead of night once more. The IA members on watch witness the stars moving across the night sky and the occasional lighning but. A lizard runs up the Iron Tower wall and snatches a moth. Then...
It is morning. Around 8am a man strides across the square. There are a few people out and about, but rumors are that there is another gathering at the Treasury. The man is plainly dressed but an attempt was made to look his 'Sunday Best'.
If not intercepted, he hesitates for a moment before knocking on the IA door. If intercepted, he says, "Take me to your Leader, Restlin."
He is of middle age, smells like he tried to be and look clean, but yet only came close.
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Tuesday July 8th, 2014 3:02:43 AM
In the morning, Sesha contemplates the various options. Unsure what she should do, she finds some time for herself in quiet contemplation of the previous night. Then someone else comes to see Restlin, and Sesha doesn't even bother trying to guess who this one might be.
She takes some grains and some juice, and waits for the new news.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 3 Tuesday July 8th, 2014 8:06:20 AM
"Leader? Me? Of these folks? Oh my no..."
Restlin shakes his head. This is no way to start a day. He ignores the man's attempts at cleaning himself up. He lives with Kyan and a minotaur; he's getting used to the smells.
"...but, I generally seem to do the talking since our bard was taken away. Let me tell you, buddy, I miss that wemic. He was full of good stories and was a darn good front man for our organization. Anyway, you're not here about us, you're here about you. Hope you don't mind if we eat breakfast while you talk. We've all had a busy night.
"Speaking of which, thanks for waiting until morning to come talk to us. There's a lot of 'We need to speak with the Iron Adventurers right now! Wee hours of the morning be damned!' going around lately. So...what's up?"
Kyan (JonL) On Phone - Will Fix Header Later Tuesday July 8th, 2014 9:16:28 AM
Kyan smells like Danny Husk, darn it.
and since this gentleman waiting until a decent hour to approach them he doesn't even get a glare. instead, after looking at the mans plain appearance, he gets offered a mug if breakfast beer while they talk.
Someone you don't know...(Co-DM JonathanT) Tuesday July 8th, 2014 9:23:22 AM
DM JT OOC: I thought I had Mara mention the rumors she heard but looks like it didn't make it. So here goes:
DM JT IC: Mara answers Bosk in a rather incredulous voice, "One such rumor is that the IA created diversions to 'save' people, tried to steal the Chit Machine themselves. One much like it is that they did this in league with the City. Poppycock I say. But those are the most 'believable' ones. Others think that the Teucri are returning and taking back their stuff, maybe we offended them in some way or they need them themselves. There aren't many that believe the City's story. As far as the Solidarity and Prosperity League is concerned, we don't care whether the machine gets fixed or not. We just want to keep order so we can continue doing business. If the City starts minting their own coins, fine, if the machine gets fixed, fine. Just as long as our shops don't get pillaged or burned down."
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Tuesday July 8th, 2014 9:26:03 AM
Tink stands with arms folded. Will she never get some peace?
Still, it's not entirely this man's fault. At least he had the decency to wait until morning.
She sits cross-legged in a chair and delicately bites at a biscuit. "Have you eaten this morning? I expect there is enough for one more"
Someone you don't know...(Co-DM JonathanT) Tuesday July 8th, 2014 6:20:06 PM "Oh, miss, I had my meal for today last night, but I don't think anyone will mind if I have a biscuit. You are most kind." he smiles a toothy smile and anticipates a biscuit.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] d20+21=30 ; Tuesday July 8th, 2014 9:27:16 PM
Garret, still outside as morning arrives, simply watches the man carefully in the early morning shadows. He allows him to approach, remaining unseen. He watches as the man asks for Restlin and keeps a close eye to ensure the man doesn't explode or some such thing. When Garret is convinced the man is not an immediate threat, he remains on watch outside, keeping a careful eye on those walking about, but remaining hidden as much as possible (Stealth: 30).
Beriothian -- AC:0/1/0 HP:3/10 CMD=11 Sanity=43-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 50/85 CMD = 23 Tuesday July 8th, 2014 10:19:32 PM
Beri exits the kitchen carrying a plate with four biscuits smothered in sausage gravy and a piping hot cup of unusually strong coffee.
I see we have another guest. Pray tell, how can the Iron Adventurers be of help to you?
Someone you don't know...(Co-DM JonathanT) Tuesday July 8th, 2014 11:13:15 PM
The man bows politely, taking his hat off in the manner of someone humbly recognizing his superiors. He accepts the mug of breakfast beer and a plate with a hot biscuit smothered in sausage gravy. He is about to dig in with his fingers but stops. "Oh my, where's my manners. May I borrow a fork?"
He eats the delicious breakfast with determined care. He may not know the ins and outs of etiquette, but he tries. When he finishes, he hands the plate and fork back.
"That was most delicious. You have always treated us kindly and with respect. It is a shame that that crazed pyromaniac set fire to Mudtown while fighting you and gave the Iron Adventurers a black eye. But we know it wasn't your fault. What was worse was what the City did afterwards. Their Rules be..." he catches himself as his demeanor has ebbed to anger and smiles his toothy smile. "But that is the past. We, I that is, representing the Commoner's Party Against Chits have come to petition the Iron Adventurers for a favor."
He fixes his gaze on Restlin to catch his reaction. Mudtowners don't like to ask for favors, and worse to do so from City Dwellers. A breach of protocol, a Taboo.
"Our request is simple. That you attempt to persuade the City to adopt a metal coin monetary system of equal exchange rate in the rest of the lands here. We fear the City intends to fix the Chit Machine or institute a metal coin system just as restrictive as the Chits were. We can help the city with our skills at mining and smelting, but not if it is to keep us as Untouchables." He says the last as if it were some horribly bitter drink he has to swallow and can't spit out.
"On behalf of the Commoner's Party Against Chits, I ask that you become our special envoys to the City and do all you can to dissuade the City from reactivating the Chit Machine, if that is their intent, or sign a treaty with Mudtown to insure fair treatment in whatever monetary system the City does adopt."
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Tuesday July 8th, 2014 11:56:04 PM
Tink smiles warmly. Of all the visitors they have had in the past 24hrs, it is this man she likes the most. He seems an average, salt-of-the-Wold type man. It shouldn't matter what side of the fence you were from - Mudtown, Hook, even the Scab. People deserved to be treated equally and fairly. Well, that's what Pantheon believes anyway.
She holds out the plate of biscuits to offer him another.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 3 Wednesday July 9th, 2014 8:54:54 AM "Yea, and while we're at it, I'll ask the sun to rise two hours late tomorrow so we can catch up on sleep," Restlin thinks to himself.
The wizard tries not to widen his eyes when Tink offers him another biscuit. These newcomers are going to be the death of him, swear to Wardd.
"That's a tall order you're asking there, friend. Assuming we'd agree with that, what makes you think the powers that be of Hook City would listen to us?" He very gracefully cuts into his breakfast, showing their guest how civilized folk eat; he's curious to see if he can get a rise out of him. "Surely you're aware of Mudtown's reputation with Hook City's governance. How would you sell that if you were in our shoes?"
Restlin pays very close attention to the man's response.
***
OOC to DM: My sense motive is +21. Please roll for me when the man responds & let me know what Restlin thinks of his up & upness.
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Wednesday July 9th, 2014 10:39:00 AM
Sesha tries hard to not be too openly interested. Other than the IA and their affiliates, she wasn't sure she liked anyone she's met from Hook City.
Beriothian -- AC:0/1/0 HP:3/10 CMD=11 Sanity=43-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 50/85 CMD = 23 Wednesday July 9th, 2014 5:34:37 PM My biscuits.... those were my.... oh well, there are more in the kitchen. Beri takes another plate of biscuits and digs in while the man shares his request. Well, it may be better coming from someone less involved than us, but I'm sure some of the more nervous citizens would like the safety of having a currency that would retain it's value if another such emergency occurred. Beri doesn't mention that with some people thinking they were involved in the chit machine's destruction that they may also think they are part of some broader anti-chit plot. Knowing them they will want to keep some unique coinage for within the city still, but a monetary system that can't be destroyed overnight with a direct conversion would certainly have some appeal that this time.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Wednesday July 9th, 2014 5:52:00 PM
Garret yawns outside as he watches the people start to move about, trying to figure out what the new normal might be. He still keeps his eyes peeled for anything that looks, well, more out of the ordinary than normal, whatever that is now.
Kyan (JonL) On Phone - Will Fix Header Later Wednesday July 9th, 2014 9:42:54 PM
Kyan remains rather impassive as the man speaks, though he nods occasionally and isn't hostile. he will let the smarter folks talk with the man ad wait for him to leave before giving his opinion on the matter.
Someone you don't know...(Co-DM JonathanT) Wednesday July 9th, 2014 11:37:09 PM "Oh, I really couldn't, or shouldn't... well, they did send me, anyone of them could have come... Sure, I'll have another," the man pipes up as he takes another biscuit.
DM JT OOC: using the Sense Motive +21...
The man notices Restlin's delicate finesse with the silverware but the man does not flinch. Considering the man's own attempt at 'class', Restlin notices that it may not be the man's lack of knowledge or skill at grooming, but more likely the lack of proper clean water and soap. This, and that the man actually remembers how to be polite and respectful may be the reason he was chosen for this task. More likely he had had better times in the past, perhaps somewhere else.
Beri fetches some more biscuits, for himself this time. He suggests that a group less involved may be better, but does not explain what less involved means. But is in agreement that a more reliable currency probably in in the interest of most in Hook City.
The others keep their thoughts to themselves and watch.
"Aye, Captn', we certainly understood the value of the Chits, since they could not be counterfeited. But all over the Southern Continent metal coins are used as exchange in goods with no problems. As ye know, each city has its mint and coins from there reflect that city's heritage, or culture, or leadership. But the weights and standards are the same, so counterfeiting has no advantage. A gold coin is a gold coin, same weight, same gold content, no matter from where. The penalty for improper mix of metals, cheating, that is, is Death, and the there be ways to determine if the carrier of such improper coin be the culprint or innocent victim, so none really try it, Y'see? Hook City could mint their own coin using the same metal mix as the others. But Hook City does not have the metal resource, never needed it. That's where we, Mudtown, that is, comes in. We have the manual labor for such an enterprize but it would mean Hook city give up some of its Pride. None from Mudtown would ever be able to convice any City Official of the benefits of such mutual cooperation. But you, the Iron Adventurers, have an ear in the Treasury, a voice of reason without prejudice. You could, get the message across. If you can't, then no one can."
As courageous as the speach was, the last bit could not be helped to sound a little like a desperate plea.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 3 Thursday July 10th, 2014 8:14:35 AM
Despite himself, Restlin finds their guest almost...charming? No, that's not the right word. Still, he lets his guard down a bit. The magepriest picks up the remainder of his biscuit, takes a hearty bite, and continues talking with his mouth half full.
"Your idea isn't entirely without merit mister...actually, don't think we got your name. (OOC: IGNORE THAT IF WE DID & I FORGOT) Anyway, it's not entirely without merit. That bit about getting Hook City to give up some of it's pride is a big deal, though. No surprise to you, I'm sure."
He looks to his companions, but continues talking to their guest. "We have some figuring out to do today about how we want to handle this. We'll seriously consider your idea." He looks him square in the eye before continuing, "and I mean that. I wouldn't sit here and lie to get you out the door. I'm sure there are some here who think this would be a great idea, but it's a complex situation.
"This organization you're a part of...mind telling us who all's involved? If there's folks who have a...negative history with Hook City pushing this idea, it'd likely go over like a lead balloon, if you get my meaning."
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Thursday July 10th, 2014 9:19:09 AM
Tink is still trying to come to terms with the complex relationship between Mud Town and Hook City. Can't they all just get along?
She is pleasantly surprised by how Restlin responded. To date, he has seemed a staunch opponent where Mud Town is concerned.
Tink tries to give the man a smile and nod in agreement with what the wizard is saying. Hopefully that will provide a small amount of reassurance that his request will indeed be heard.
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:26 HP 94 of 94 Spells Thursday July 10th, 2014 1:48:47 PM
Bosk scratches his head a bit. That might be a hard sell. The separation between Hook City and Mudtown is not the currency, but the walls around the city. Anyone can exchange gold for chits and vice versa, the problem is that they want to keep their magical pristine and set apart from the rest of the world to enhance trade and draw tourists. I think you can understand why, from a financial point of view they want to control their trade and economy, but if it is access to the city and the ability trade we might be able to work something out...
How willing are your people to compromise? The way I see it, the problem you have is not with their currency, but with the fact that they restrict trade and do not allow free access to the city. If we can broker a deal that allows you to create metal coins with designs unique for the city in exchange for the city to extends its walls to include Mudtown and allow you the same rights to enter the city as you choose and make purchases it would alleviate he problem. The only restriction on purchases would be placed on the travelling merchants.
...as for the chit machine...let just say fixing something like the chit machine is likely to be a long and arduous process...trying our best it might never get done. I the mean time let the mages of the city enchant the coins or not as they see fit. This would not only appease the citizens, but it would also dispel some of the lingering dislike they have for coins. At that point, even if the chit machine can be repaired, you will be an established part of the city, able to move about freely and move up in society, and thoroughly integrated coins into the economic system. Like a fine tapestry, once something is woven into the fabric it cannot easily be removed. You will be in and it will vastly easier to expand your influence.
I think this is the best choice. It allows the politicians to agree to your demands without looking too weak or like they are giving up. If you try forcing them to abandon any hope of fixing the chit machine they will resist you. It is hope that the chit machine may someday be repaired that will pacify them It is that hope which is your key to the city.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Thursday July 10th, 2014 5:35:41 PM
Garret kicks a pebble on the ground as he watches around the square. Not being from around here, he idly wonders how bad this will be for the people. After all, the rest of the Wold didn't have these fancy chits, and they got along just fine. His mind wanders back to a time long ago...
Kyan (JonL) On Phone - Will Fix Header Later Thursday July 10th, 2014 10:04:58 PM
"I'm no politician or economist or what have you.. but we've a lot to talk about. Four different groups have come to see us so far and not all of their goals have been counter to one another.. we might be able to make more than one happy if we choose the right path here." Kyan puts in with a rub of his chin before finishing off his mug of liquid breakfast and wiping his mouth on his sleeve.
Beriothian -- AC:0/1/0 HP:3/10 CMD=11 Sanity=43-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 50/85 CMD = 23 Thursday July 10th, 2014 10:16:33 PM
Beri chews thoughtfully on his biscuit as he listens to the others discuss. Bosk makes a good point, with our limited knowledge of these artifacts who knows how long it could take to repair. We should consider suggesting this as a temporary measure for the time being, and then as people realize that chits won't be coming back in the near future many would prefer to keep the new coins then find a third monetary system to start dealing with.
Someone you don't know...(Co-DM JonathanT) Thursday July 10th, 2014 11:21:02 PM "I am so sorry," the man exclaims and wipes his hand on his coat and extends it to Restlin. "Bartholomew, Bart, if you may, at your service. I was sent here on behalf of the general citizenry of Mudtown. Last night the craftsmen, tradesmen, and anyone else who thought themselves of some import met at the burned out square to discuss our situation. Many mentioned the Iron Adventurers. Some wanted you to bust open the gates and let them in. Smarter ones prevailed in having you petition the Magistrate to desist bringing back the Chits and we'd help bring in the resources to start a new Mint. On conditions, of course. So technically I represent all of Mudtown, those you like and those maybe you don't so much." He grins.
He listens to Bosk and nods his head in agreement. "We, the smarter ones, understand it will take a lot of negotiation, but we are ready to extend our hand first. Because they made it so hard to get in, we are sure they'd not do so. You are partly right about the walls, but as you know, we have much in coin in Mudtown, but no one singly has enough to pay the entry fee and actually live there without some help from inside in the form of a job. Jump Day being the only exception. So it's not just walls, but money too. Some have actually sought out gold or silver mines in the hills, but without proper protection, none have returned. It did not take long to see it far safer to stay in Mudtown and eek out a living there and hope for that big break.
I like your tapestry example. However it only works if Hook sees a need for us. That won't happen on its own. We must create that need, and mining the metal, with Hook City Protectors for protection, is the way to do it. But we need someone inside to keep pushing that forward until it catches root. We'd also need mediators if negotiations actually start. They'll likely through some mumbo-jumbo talk our way and who knows what we truly end up agreeing to. Hahaha," he betls out a laugh.
With that, he stands and straightens his coat and prepares to leave. "All we can do is ask. All we ask you to do is put your best effort in it. In either case, we are most grateful that you even took the time to listen. It would be most kind that when you do decide to speak to the Magistrate, send us word."
With that he takes his leave.
So the IA now have four groups seeking their help: 1st one to find a way to fix the Chit Machine or find the Teucri; 2nd one to destroy the rest of the Teucri artifacts that 'infest' Hook City; 3rd one to put their local neighborhood and surrounding area under their protection to prevent looting, riots, etc.; and the 4th one to put Mudtown on their list of priorities.
And, if that is not enough, by noon Inspector Aulander and Sgt. Capon show up. The Inspector announces that they were directed by the City Government to approach the IA about a very delicate matter.
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Friday July 11th, 2014 12:31:21 AM
Sesha's head is swimming. Too much politic in a town she didn't know. The Matrons trained her in diplomacy, but she lacked a lifetime of knowing the inner workings of Hook City.
What she DID know was that so far, she would prefer to steal away every Teucri artifact from the unappreciative bumblestumps of Hook City and FORCE them to come down to earth from their high horses. What she WOULD do was anybodies guess until the processions were done.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 3 Friday July 11th, 2014 7:46:15 AM
"Finally, the two people I actually wanted to see today." Restlin bids both men enter. He's just dying to know what's going on out there.
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:26 HP 94 of 94 Spells Friday July 11th, 2014 9:44:57 AM
ooc: Bosk would love the chance to meet the Tecuri. My preference would be to contact the Children of Chaos (lvl 20 adventurers, former protectors in Hook City, our friends, etc) and see if the will patrol for us while we investigate the tecuri, and at the same time enter into negotiations with Hook City to create a non-chit currency in the mean time in an attempt to appease everyone....tecuri are cool...I want to meet them :)
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Friday July 11th, 2014 12:25:04 PM
As the morning moves along, Garret checks out some brightly colored bushes that are growing near the IA tower. He watches as the last visitor of the night departs, but does not talk to the man.
He spends his time walking around the tower and wondering what will become of this city. He looks and listens, trying to see if the city is in as much crisis as before, or if the people are already starting to adjust to whatever the new mode of wealth will become. He suspects that there will be violence somewhere, as that is what seems to happen when there is a change of power. He wonders if that violence will be short-lived and quick, or if it will be a long, drawn-out struggle for power and control.
When the inspector shows up, Garret greets him outside and welcomes him through the door. Garret remains in the doorway to listen in to the inspector, but faces outward, still aware that violence can be just a short distance away.
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:26 HP 94 of 94 Spells Friday July 11th, 2014 8:48:34 PM
When the inspector shows up Bosk offers him a large cup of coffee which the cleric brewed early this morning. I imagine you had along evening dealing with the events of yesterday. Please, tell us what this delicate matter is.
Kyan (JonL) On Phone - Will Fix Header Later Friday July 11th, 2014 9:35:13 PM
With no group decision immediately forthcoming Kyan does the brave heroic thing. he avoid going to see his parents about his things and instead finds an empty room to make a pillow nest in and takes a nap. he's just stumbled out when their newest visitors arrive. he lets the others do the talking while he awaits to hear this groups spiel.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+19=24 ; Saturday July 12th, 2014 9:38:41 PM "It is good to see you again Inspector" Tink says with a broad smile and nod.
"Interesting that he said he was 'directed' to come here. No doubt he was chosen to deliver a message because of his ongoing relationship with us. Also interesting they felt the need to send someone to accompany him."
Sense Motive: 24 while listening to the Inspector to try and gauge his feelings towards the message
The 5th Element (Co-DM JonathanT) Monday July 14th, 2014 5:01:30 PM Sesha's head swims with the politics thrown at her so quickly. Trained in Diplomacy (and Drow diplomacy can be complex and convoluted), she lacked the in-depth knowledge of Hook City workings to know what to do. She DID know that she felt like taking all the Teucri artifacts and forcing the issue to the front and out in the open.
Restlin is glad to see someone who actually might know what's going on and invites the Inspector and the Iron Adventurer's Liaison.
Garret contiues his watch. He wanders around the tower pondering the fate of the city. Activity in the neighborhood is at a bare minimum. Those with some coin manage to do some business but only to the degree of getting food. Not a problem here as most merchants are middle class or lower and are used to trading in coin to some degree.
Rumor has it though, that it is not this quiet in many of the other neighborhoods.
Bosk offers the two a large cup of coffee. 'I imagine you had along evening dealing with the events of yesterday. Please, tell us what this delicate matter is.'
Kyan has just woken up from a nap when the two arrive. He sits back and listens.
Katinka is glad to see the Inspector too and welcomes him in with a broad smile. She thought it odd that he said he had been directed there. She also found it odd Sgt. Capon tagged along.
DM JT Note: Sgt. Capon was assigned to the Iron Adventurers to be the Official Liason between the City and the IA. Usually the sergeant shows up alone, once or twice a week to pass messages along or see how things are going. So whenever there is any business with the IA, the sergeant is there.
Sgt. Capon remains stone-faced while the Inspector explains, eyeing Kyan, but letting the presence of a past member go unquestioned for the time being. "No need to beat around the bush here as you all know what situation Hook City is in. The City Officials and the Magistrate discussed our options and what is our greatest threat all last night."
He goes on to explain that they know that much of the chaos that can erupt has to do with the numerous Protector groups representing the divers parts of the city. The City fears that wars between neighborhoods will erupt unless the Protector groups fall under only one organization and work to only one end. The City's main concern is Order while they work out how to transition to a new monetary system.
Katinka only: Highlight to display spoiler: { Although you don't know the Inspector all that well, and you are sure what he is saying is true, you get the feeling from one source or another that the Inspector is not blurting out everything.}
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Monday July 14th, 2014 5:58:15 PM
As the days starts to wear on, Garret feels that the area seems safe, at least for the time being, so he starts to wander a short bit further, checking out a block or two away from the IA tower, ensuring that there are no nefarious people wandering the alleys or making any plans or plottings in the shadows of the buildings nearby.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 3 d20+11=21 ; Monday July 14th, 2014 6:11:13 PM
Restlin nods. "That sounds like a reasonable plan. What are the current plans to implement it? Surely you know we can be counted on not to aggressively pursue new territory, but you should probably be aware that we've been asked by the citizenry to expand the area we watch over."
He lies back on the couch & crosses his leg. "Is there something you'd ask of us, Inspector?"
Diplomacy: 21 - Reassure the inspector that we're the good guys & encourage him to get to the point.
Beriothian -- AC:0/1/0 HP:3/10 CMD=11 Sanity=43-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 50/85 CMD = 23 Monday July 14th, 2014 7:14:20 PM
Beri starts to pour yet another cup of coffee, but his stomach rebels at the though. Instead he pours a cool glass of fruit juice from some fruits harvested from the rooftop garden. That would seem like a high priority for the coming days and weeks By any chance has there been rumor of what people think of this with regard to the run-in we had with the protectors down by the docs? They were clearly violent thugs looking for a fight, but their hearts seemed in the right place. I would hate for our involvement to be another point of contention.
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Monday July 14th, 2014 8:01:06 PM
Sesha had only heard the bare bones of that story, but intended to avoid such a situation herself.
"And please be very specific Inspector. You'd not believe the trail of suitors we've had at our door."
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+26=40 ; d20+19=21 ; d20=10 ; Monday July 14th, 2014 10:01:35 PM "Forgive me Inspector, but you said many options were discussed and also discussed what the greatest threat was. May I ask what other options were laid forth, and what other threats were discussed? The more information we have the more we may be able to assist"
The man obviously has a lot on his mind. It must be difficult to maintain such a high level of professionalism when your world is coming down around you.
"As Sesha has said, we have had a number of visitors here of late making an assortment of requests. I assure you we can be discreet. If there is something you wish to say 'off the record' then please feel free to do so"
Aid Another (Restlin) in Diplomacy: 10 = Success Perception: 40 Sense Motive: 21
Kyan (JonL) On Phone - Will Fix Header Later Monday July 14th, 2014 10:08:40 PM
"so has the city decided to drop chits then?" Kyan asks, "if it has it makes some of the things those other folks that visited us asked us to do unneeded"
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:26 HP 94 of 94 Spells Monday July 14th, 2014 10:56:00 PM
Bosk nods. It sounds like what you need is for us to devise away to implement some some sort of temporary currency, look into reactivating the chit machine be it to either restore its previous function or at minimum to give the citizens hope so they will not do something stupid, keep Mudtown under control and join if not lead an organization under which all protection groups fall to prevent infighting and chaos. Would you say that sums up the situation fairly well?
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Tuesday July 15th, 2014 12:39:30 PM
Garret wanders back and forth near a window so he tries to catch a bit of the stories that are being told inside.
He ponders while watching the clouds pass overhead, "Everyone wants our help, of course. But some of these people seem to be at odds with others. I guess it will be up to up to pick sides and then help that side win. I just hope we can all agree on which side to pick..."
The 5th Element (Co-DM JonathanT) Tuesday July 15th, 2014 4:01:06 PM Garret goes from patrolling the square to venturing into the adjacent streets. A few shops are open but the owners are weary. Few people are out and those that are, hurry by. He sees no one plotting in the shadows of the buildings. On the other hand, that would be a bit obvious. He realizes that at some point they'll need to pick a side and just hopes they can all agree on which one.
Restlin nods but asks how is the plan going to be implemented. He also appraises Aulander on the offer to expand their watch area, but does not divulge who made the request.
The Inspector nods and it is evident such news is not a surprise. "It makes sense that others would want the reputation of the Iron Adventurers behind them. The problem with that is that the Protector groups will be working for their own local interest and this can only lead to events such as you yourselves encountered earlier this year. The only way we can insure that neighborhoods don't go to war with each other is to make sure that the Protector groups work for the same boss, the City. If civil unrest erupts between two neighborhoods, we can send a Protector group that is not partisan to either to calm them."
The Inspector then looks Restlin straight in the eyes."What the City asks is that you join the City in this endeavor. It will mean giving up your Protectorship here for a while but don't want chaos in the streets as Protector groups clash against each other and the City Millitia caught in the middle."
Which is what Beri is concerned about, the Protectors clashing with each other. Inspector Aulander assures Beri that that issue was resolved long ago, as eyewitnesses testified that the IA did try to resolve the altercation peacefully before the other Protector group drew first-blood. If there is still any concern, it should not be a problem to avoid sending the IA back to that area.
"I am trying to be as specific as I can at this point, Sesha," the Inspector answers the witch with no change in his tone.
Katinka isn't quite satisfied, though. 'Forgive me Inspector, but you said many options were discussed and also discussed what the greatest threat was. May I ask what other options were laid forth, and what other threats were discussed? The more information we have the more we may be able to assist.'
The Inspector looks at Katinka no differently than he did at Sesha or Restlin or Beri. "Your questions and concerns are much the same as brought forth by the other groups we've contacted. Unfortunately, despite my confidence in your discreetness, I'm not at liberty to discuss anything other than ask the IA to join the City and the other Protector groups to help keep Order. Your reputation exceeds that of most other groups, so it could be that your very own presence at a riot could be all we need. The City hopes that the Iron Adventurers choose the City as a whole over any other individual requests."
Kyan hits upon something that the Inspector said that caught his attention, 'so has the city decided to drop chits then?'
"That is certainly the only option open at the moment. Our first concern is to get something going to take the place of Chits. If the Chit Machine could be repaired overnight, we'd not be here today. But measures need to be taken, even if temporary, until it is known if the machine can be repaired."
In response to Bosk, the Inspector finally cracks a faint smile, ever so subtle, and quick as the blink of an eye. "No, the City does not need the IA to devise any form of currency. As I mentioned before, the City needs the cooperation of all Protector groups to work together under one command to avoid chaos, including Mudtown if necessary."
At this point the Inspector eyes Sgt. Capon and sighs, although his face remains the same. "Off the record, the sergeant and I know we can count on your help when needed regardless of what decision you make. On the record, the City needs your Word on Paper that you will join the City. Obviously, if you decide not to, the City will be dissapointed, but I can assure you, on the record, the City will not hold it against you unless the City finds that you elect to work against It."
Beriothian -- AC:0/1/0 HP:3/10 CMD=11 Sanity=43-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 50/85 CMD = 23 Tuesday July 15th, 2014 5:57:29 PM Have you heard anything about non-protector groups being possible instigators in the coming days as well? Would a roll in helping the city with them be part of our new roll, or would that be left to the various protector groups in the different parts of the city?
Beriothian -- AC:0/1/0 HP:3/10 CMD=11 Sanity=43-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 50/85 CMD = 23 Tuesday July 15th, 2014 6:01:12 PM
ooc: not sure if I mentioned this before, but I'm currently on pager duty at work. Friday should be the only really bad weekday I have left, but my posting schedule may be a later than normal until the 22nd
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Tuesday July 15th, 2014 9:09:21 PM "... including Mudtown if necessary"
Perhaps the bureaucrats in Hook are finally opening up to the idea of a merger of sorts?
"Has a timeframe been set for when a decision must ultimately be made? That is, if we were to agree to this, when would the city require something in writing?"
"Inspector, do we have your word that we'll be able to return to acting as an independent protection group once this crisis is over?"
Either way, he'll explain that they need to discuss all the matters before them in private before making any decision.
Kyan (JonL) On Phone - Will Fix Header Later Tuesday July 15th, 2014 10:34:25 PM
All this talking.. Not Kyan's strong suit. He finds a wall to lean against.
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:26 HP 94 of 94 Spells Wednesday July 16th, 2014 2:58:11 PM Can you tell us who specifically will be in charge of this group? I am hesitant to agree to place our group under another. My father always said a man sees to keeping his own word, and you cannot do that if you leave the decision making to another. As you know, we are loyal to both the sector of the city under our care and to the Citizens of Hook City as a whole.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Wednesday July 16th, 2014 3:45:22 PM
Garret continues to patrol the area, satisfied that no one is doing wrong on his watch. He does more pondering about what should be done at this point. He still thinks that trying to start that insanely powerful chit machine back up is a bad idea. Even the IA cannot defeat that thing in battle, so why start it up? He's mildly curious about the technology, but the powerful beast that Garret saw has no business starting back up in his opinion.
Beriothian -- AC:0/1/0 HP:3/10 CMD=11 Sanity=43-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 50/85 CMD = 23 Wednesday July 16th, 2014 5:10:49 PM
Beri helps himself to some more biscuits and coffee while the inspector listens to what the concerns of the rest of the group.
Of course, I think with all our questions now might also be a good time to mention that, for the record, you are correct that regardless of what path the Wold ultimately guides us down, Hook City is our home and we can be counted on to do the right thing with our without a piece of paper.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Wednesday July 16th, 2014 10:30:56 PM checking in...
The 5th Element (Co-DM JonathanT) Wednesday July 16th, 2014 11:24:34 PM Beri asks if there could be non-Protector groups interested in instigating incidences and would this be part of the IA's responsibilities or left to other Protector Groups.
Beriothian, there are always the possibilities of a group of rogues or mischief-makers causing some distraction here and there. The City's plan is to reorganize the Protector groups into color-coded Units. We'll not send any Units into a sector with the same color. It does not matter the cause or reason for the disruption. What the City will do is evaluate each Unit for its skill level and and dispatch a Unit appropriate for the situation. This could mean sending more than one Unit to the same place."
Katinka asks a pressing question: 'Has a time frame been set for when a decision must ultimately be made? That is, if we were to agree to this, when would the city require something in writing?
"Glad you asked that, Miss Katinka." The Inspector stands and paces the floor for a second then addresses the group. "The City would like an answer right away. Not just from you but from all the Protector groups. But I've convinced the City to give each one a day to think about it. I did so because of you. I know of your commitments and your involvement in this matter, so I wanted to give you some time to think about it. See, most Protector groups just obey their leader. Not the Iron Adventurers. So to give you a day to discuss it, I must give all the others a day too. If you decide to join the City, at this time tomorrow be at my office in the Treasury to sign the Agreement. If you decide not to, it would be best if one of you stopped by to give the word in person."
Restlin wants assurances that the IA will be able to return to its independent status when the crisis is over.
"Restlin, to the best of my abilities, I can only say that once the Crisis is over, the Protector groups should be able to return to their normal responsibilities. We cannot foresee how this crisis will change the nature of the City itself, so I'm venturing into the realm of the Seers when I say this. Once this crisis is over, the Agreement will expire. That's about all I know to say for now."
Bosk brings up another good point. Who's going to be in charge?
At this, the Inspector actually grins, for a second. "I still have a lot of clout, despite any rumors you may have heard. Because of my familiarity with the IA, I put your 'Unit', as it were, if you choose to join, under my command. The City formed a committee with representatives from each district as members along with a City Official, so two committee members are in charge of each district."
With Beri's words, the Inspector motions the Sgt. that it is time to leave.
"Good then. It is as I suspected. But I, we, the City, hopes you join the City. I'll await your answer at this time, Noon, tomorrow. Good Day, Gentlemen, Ladies."
Garret is satisfied that there is no open illegal activities going on in their neighborhood and notices when the Inspector and Sgt Capon leave.
DM JT Note: This could be a good time to do some e-mail discussions at the same time as your In-char posting. Also, for those that want to do some crafting or other role-playing thing, post your intentions and we can work through the next 24hrs more quickly. You're time limitations are only as much as you want to draw this out. :}
Beriothian -- AC:0/1/0 HP:3/10 CMD=11 Sanity=43-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 50/85 CMD = 23 Wednesday July 16th, 2014 11:33:50 PM
ooc: I think we will need some time to discuss, if we are a man down we will need to figure out what that means as a group, plus you gave us a lot of options to weigh... I would still like to visit the seers we saw before the Jump again to see what premonitions they have regarding the paths before us.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 3 Wednesday July 16th, 2014 11:45:08 PM
ooc: Kinda late. I'll make a nice, big post in the morning.
Sesha [AC 26 /15 Touch/23 Flat] | HP 138/84+22 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Thursday July 17th, 2014 1:33:37 AM
Sesha sighs.
She liked Auslander and Capon. They were what she always thought of when she thought of the softer city chieftans. You could hold a tribe together with strength. A city needed wit. Auslander had it in spades.
"I'm not opposed to you all seeing the city seers, but I have Serenbeth now and I'll not go to anyone other than her for answers. Maybe the clerics of Little Spirits sister can find something I can't, but the question to ask is.. well.. "What is the question?"
She frowns, trying to explain.
"I think at this point the IA need to decide where it's loyalties lie and what it's ideals are. I don't see this as a decision for the Gods to make by telling us what will happen if this or that happens. Rather than be resigned to their answer, I'd rather not have the weight of a divination telling us we are pushing the wrong direction."
The has some more juice, then sits down.
"Of now, I plan to ask about the "Curse of the Teucri" on this city. I didn't get the impression they were detrimental to Hook City."
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 3 Thursday July 17th, 2014 8:18:02 AM
Restlin bids the Inspector & Capon a good day, and assures them they'll have an answer within their time frame. Then he turns back to his companions. He tries, and fails, to hide his disgust at all this talk of seers. "Time is important right now, and so far our track record with seers actually giving useful information is pretty poor. I'd rather not tip-toe around this decision.
"I wish the mad treasurer hadn't run off so abruptly. Oh well. It looks to me as if our initial options are go off adventuring after Teucri knowledge, or hunker down and make sure the city stays a safe place. Once we make that decision, we can decide how we're going to go about it. If we can't come to a consensus, we may just need to put the matter to a vote.
"If you folks want to consult seers before that decision is made, then by golly do it quickly. Those two unpleasant folks are going to be back this evening about fixing the chit machine, and we'll need an answer for them."
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 72/102 (94/124) -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Thursday July 17th, 2014 9:21:26 AM
Tink sits down in a chair against the wall to think things through.
"The chit machine may or may not have been a sentient creation. I can't be sure either way. It may have been programmed to respond as it did, or, it may have had its own intelligence. If it did have its own intelligence, do we have a right to repair it only to force it into servitude? I don't believe so. In my mind it must be left in peace, or if repaired, allowed to determine its own fate."
Based on her observations, the halfling is reasonably certain that Sesha would agree with that proposal.
"I am wary of this 'Teucri Curse'. Removing all teucri power from Hook City would include the hooks too. I would welcome the opportunity to discover more about the Teucri themselves, however, I don't believe tampering with the objects they have left behind would be wise. We have no idea what sort of power may be unleashed or what the consequences would be. Better they be left alone for now."
"What intrigues me the most is the possibility of uniting Mud Town and Hook City. I believe there is an element of oppression at play here, and to put both sides on equal footing for mutual gain is something I am in favour of"
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +15/+6/+12 CMD: 22 HP: 76/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 3 Thursday July 17th, 2014 2:12:30 PM
Restlin rubs his temples. "This again. Look, Mudtown doesn't serve any purpose to Hook City. Hook City is not stealing Mudtown's work for its own profit. Its not getting richer off their suffering. If someone decided they were going to pitch a tent on our front lawn and live there, we'd shoo them off.
"If you want to help the people of Mudtown, that's fine. I can get behind that. Just please, with sugar, stop acting like we're going to rescue those poor people from the big mean Hook City bureaucracy. Those people have chosen to live in a mudpit created by Hook City's weather machines. They have been given the option of living in the MUCH cleaner Five Miles. They've chosen to stay put for reasons that baffle and worry me. Hook City's view of them as parasites is absolutely NOT unreasonable. Hook City is not the bad guy here just because they're bigger."
His irritation spent, Restlin will listen to any rebut before heading upstairs to make himself pretty for the day.
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:26 HP 94 of 94 Spells Thursday July 17th, 2014 7:43:20 PM
ooc: Have we leveled since the last break? Did we get any crafting in already this level? If no one knows I will check over the weekend (and you can assume I am crafting if I am able to).
Kyan (JonL) On Phone - Will Fix Header Later Thursday July 17th, 2014 10:49:09 PM
"5 miles is a long way to go if you need a wagon fixed or to walk your horse if it gets rock in its hoof. There are people. Good, honest people, that still live in Mudtown Restlin. Just because they 'choose' to live where the work is so they don't starve doesn't make them any less worthy of a little respect" Kyan says with a sigh and shake of his head, "Whatever we do we need to make sure some knuckleheads in one part of the city don't think its a good idea to go thump heads in another. Mudtown included.
The 5th Element (Co-DM JonathanT) Thursday July 17th, 2014 11:37:50 PM
DM JT Note: I am in no hurry to move you guys along. My only concern is that all the discussion back and forth get boring for some. You could use e-mail for suggestions/comments/etc. that may not fit the Posting format, then make a general post with your decision.
Even though time seems short, speech is a Free Action.
On Crafting, the reason I bring it up here is because you didn't get any time off from the end of the last Module and the beginning of this one. Some may want to finish something, others may want to go see Seers or Sages or whatever. This is a time of potential downtime that could be used for some light crafting.
At this stage, I'm just an observer waiting for the PCs decision. Each one has its own merit according to each PC's personality. Just because the said entities have left doesn't mean a PC can't go out and look for more information. The door is wide open for some creative minds.
By now each PC should be quite aware that Hook City is like a ship whirling at the edge of a whirlpool. How the 'crew' handles it will make the difference in slipping out of the whirlpool or getting sucked in. So the decision is an important one and I don't want to rush it.
I'd suggest set a date, say, next Tuesday or Wednesday, to have the decision voted on and made. If it is sooner, great. If a little more time is needed, that's OK. We just don't want the Game to slow down too much. Hence e-mail discussions. :)
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:34/30/29 HP:126/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Thursday July 17th, 2014 11:49:50 PM
(Quick check-in, I'm here, more to come)
And now for something different... (Co-DM JonathanT) Friday July 18th, 2014 12:13:26 AM
The Inspector and Sgt. Capon leave the Iron Tower. Will more agents of one cause or another show up in an hour or two? The first group should be coming by tonight. But there's all afternoon and evening. Give the Iron Adventurers some time and you never know what could happen.
The environs outside the Iron Tower seem calm. This may be because of the respect the IA have in the neighborhood. As the IA know, the neighborhood is middle class and as such has a mix of coin and Chits. But Garret has been out and about and it is not the same in other parts of the city. There is still a mob in front of the Treasury and rumors of restless residents in the taverns and squares in every other neighborhood. No word yet of any clashes, and no word of anything going on in Mudtown.
As a matter of fact, the City has put HUGE restrictions on any entering or leaving the city. No new merchants are allowed in. Only those Mudtowners that actually have work permits in the City are allowed in, and there's not many of those, the odd craftsman still working on an order, and so forth.
The Marble Causeway and the Bridge look like ghost towns.
On the other hand, the weather is fine, a perfect day for some sun with the expected late afternoon daily shower. One IA member is taking full advantage of this perfect day. Having gorged himself well above his normal capacity, he found a hammock on the roof top and is snoring loudly enough to keep the birds away from the fruit trees. There's no telling what manner of dreams the barbarian Anrete will be having as all those spicy and exotic Meats-on-a-stick work their way through that iron digestive system.
Meanwhile, downstairs, it is time now to start evaluating the proposals dropped on their doorstep. Katinka is specially interested in finding out more about this Teucri Curse. Perhaps she knows where to start looking. Others have mentioned consulting the same Seers they sought previously, but that idea has some opposition. Who wants more cryptic messages to muddle up their decision process?
Seeking out the Teucri themselves comes up as an idea. Sounds great on paper, but where does one start?
And do they really want to re-activate the Chit Machine? Certainly not without the assurance that it is truly fixed, and for some, not without a means for it to exercise its Free Will, if it has such a thing.
Oh the complicated life in the City. That simple farm life at Five Mile Station is looking better every minute, eh? Nah, we love that adrenaline rush the complicated life provides. Ain't that right?
LOG ON