DM Kathy Tuesday June 9th, 2015 10:20:09 PM
[OOC: I'm just going to move the action forward, and let you guys role-play. This is because you're doing a great job role-playing and not at all because it's hot and I'm hungry and cranky. :) ]
Ashley and Talanthrel are able to find Three Bits. When she hears that your mission was a success, she hands over the "clue" she had discovered. It is a scrap of gauzy fabric, about six inchess long, liberally daubed with luminescent paint. "That's what I found," she says. "Make of it what you will."
Meanwhile, the rest of the group queues up and goes through the process to get Below. You peacebond your weapons, and are cleared to go through. You catch up with Ashley and Talanthrel, who are able to tell you what they got from Three-Bits.
As soon as he gets Below, Wilford's voices are again silent.
Var HP:21/21 AC: 16(T:13/FF:13) CMD:18 Tuesday June 9th, 2015 10:29:19 PM
(OoC: Arg! missed the post again! sorry guys)
Along the way to the City Below, Var tries to lay out the situation for their new companion as best he can. "Okay, so there's a ghost haunting Clover Way, that's a quiet little row of merchants in the City Below, and we met an informant, Two Bits, who says she has some evidence about the haunting that we should see. But she made us go fight a giant scorpion, first. Which is where all that scorpion meat came from. Then we got jumped by these thugs who claimed they were from 'House Silver' which is weird since there ain't no House Silver." Var looks around at the crowd and leans in closer to Alizar before continuing, "It's got me thinking that maybe this ghost has gotten involved in some organized crime."
Var HP:21/21 AC: 16(T:13/FF:13) CMD:18 d20+9=17 ; Tuesday June 9th, 2015 10:30:53 PM
(Edit to the above post: 17 perception check on the strip of gauze)
Talanthrel (Paul) [HP 17/21; AC 20; Touch 14; Flat 16; Cmd17] d20+5=10 ; Tuesday June 9th, 2015 11:38:51 PM
Talanthrel asks Three Bits "Do you, by chance, remember where you found it?" While studying the piece of cloth. (Perception 10)
Wilford Grimly (HP:18/18; AC: 14; Touch: 12; Flat: 12; CMD: 14) d20+8=15 ; d20+5=24 ; Wednesday June 10th, 2015 10:27:57 AM
"Paint that glows? This is suspicious and if it is connected to the haunting then I believe we have a hoax. Most hoaxes are used for profit or fear. Mrs. Bits, anyone throwing their weight around lately? Maybe someone that may be angry?" (Diplomacy: 15) (Perception: 24)
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:14/14; AC:18; Touch: 18; FF:14; CMD:16] - CMTC d20+10=26 ; Wednesday June 10th, 2015 1:45:48 PM
"Indeed what would a ghost need with fluorescent gauze?" Toston asks.
"I wonder if we should check with Grut, Fletch, and anyone else who reported seeing ghosts if the color the gauze has been painted with is consistent with the glowing figures they reported seeing?"
Toston renews Toros Taur try and inspects the gauze himself.
(Perception: 26)
Avin Fellows HP:17/17 AC:17 Flat:14 Touch:13 CMD: Wednesday June 10th, 2015 1:56:29 PM
Avin was content to let Var fill in the newcomer on current events and rolling his eyes and snorts as the ranger states his suspicion that the ghost was a hoax. Having mentioned the possibility that it was such when the matter was first discovered, Avin felt a bit sore that Var claimed the idea as if he were the only one ot think it. Nevertheless he was more concerned about getting a peace tie on each of his weapons at the time. He resolved that if these trips were to become regular he would need a pair of gloves to cover the tie on his wrist.
Thankfully no harm has befallen Ashley or Talanthrel by the time they reunite and Avin finds himself immensely pleased by that fact. His pleasure lasts only as long as it takes for them to explain the find, the hoax to the best intents and purpose being confirmed.
The wizard fixes Wilford with a stern gaze urging him to connect the obvious dots.
"Silver," the wizard states simply while thinking that Three Bits was likely not the married type unless he had missed something.
Alizar HP:14/14 AC: 15(T:12/FF:13) CMD:13 d8+2=4 ; Wednesday June 10th, 2015 6:06:44 PM
Alizar took in all the details from Var as they made their way to the City Below.
"Well, if we are truly dealing with a phantom, there are a number of ways we can go about dealing with that situation. I will need more information about the spirit in question first. Perhaps we can put its soul to rest, even if it is a member of a 'ghost gang', as you suggest"
Alizar had a bit of a soft spot for ghosts and spirits. Generally, they still hung onto this plane of existence due to some torment or unfinished business. In either case, they were just another patient with an ailment in need of healing. However, as they rejoined there group, the ghosts pain was not what grabbed Alizar's attention. Ashley, one of the two members they had gone below to meet, was beat up pretty good. While the others were examining the 'clue' provided by Three Bits, Alizar circled to Ashley's side, and without a word placed a hand on his shoulder, concentrated momentarily, and released a flow of positive energy.
To Ashley: Cure Light Wounds - Heal for 4 HP
Ashley Steward [AC: 17, Touch: 10, Flat: 17, CMD 17, HP 10/22] Wednesday June 10th, 2015 9:49:34 PM
Ashley lets the others postulate and think on what the clue means silently. Instead, the fighter keeps an eye out for anyone paying too much attention to them.
DM Kathy Wednesday June 10th, 2015 10:51:32 PM Talanthrel asks Three Bits where she found the piece of gauze. "Right here on Clover Way," she replies. "Kind of off to the side, with dirt on it, like it had been kicked there or something."
Wilford asks whether anyone had been throwing their weight around of late. "Not really," Three Bits replied. "Of course, the Knives will come through and shake down the merchants from time to time, but they haven't been worse than usual. And Billy's a snooty pain in the you-know-what, but he's been that way for years, and done no real harm that I ever saw."
Avin urges the group to ask about the House of Silver.
Alizar sees that Ashley is injured and heals the fighter.
Toston suggests checking with the other merchants here to see whether the things they saw could be explained by gauze and luminous paint. Do you want to do that? Talk to Three Bits some more? Return to Marsh House and try some scorpion? Something else?
Var HP:21/21 AC: 16(T:13/FF:13) CMD:18 Wednesday June 10th, 2015 11:46:53 PM
"I'd like to try and catch sight of this ghost." Var says, "maybe we hang around here for a while...?"
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:14/14; AC:18; Touch: 18; FF:14; CMD:16] - CMTC Thursday June 11th, 2015 2:04:40 PM
"Anyone know if there is a curfew down here? I would hate to get into trouble with the Knives for loitering. Though I guess if we are staying down here we could run by the people who reported seeing the glowing figures and confirm the color on the gauze matches what they saw. If that is the case maybe we can set some sort of trap for these so called 'ghosts' I would love to see the look on 'Old Man' Jenkins face when he sees what we caught." Toston says.
Alizar HP:14/14 AC: 15(T:12/FF:13) CMD:13 Thursday June 11th, 2015 5:59:07 PM
Alizar finally took a second to take a peek at the gauss. Hard to get much info out of six inches of cloth.
"Well, I think if Three Bits has no other info to share, our best bet is what Var suggests. We need more information, and while we can certainly spend some time talking to the merchants about what they saw, first hand observation will be the best way to get to the bottom of this. I say we set up an observation point and try to catch this 'ghost' in the act.
Alizar turned to Ashley and Talanthrel. "The two of you are still injured, do you feel you require further medical assistance at this time?
Talanthrel (Paul) [HP 17/21; AC 20; Touch 14; Flat 16; Cmd17] Thursday June 11th, 2015 6:01:45 PM
Talanthrel shrugs "I'm not sure if there is a curfew, we can check with a couple of merchants. But you probably right about the loitering. so we should probably walk up and down the lane a couple of times."
Ashley Steward [AC: 17, Touch: 10, Flat: 17, CMD 17, HP 10/22] Thursday June 11th, 2015 8:47:22 PM
Ashley listens to Three Bits give her information, nodding slightly as he tries to piece the clues together. Ashley is very tall, for a human, standing at 6'3", and is very well built, weighing 225 pounds, roughly. He has long, brown hair that comes down to his shoulders with a beard of the same color, and is currently dressed in heavy armor, a suit of splintmail to be precise. He gives a smile of gratitude to Alizar, shifting the weight of the greatsword strapped to his back as some of his wounds knit themselves together.
"Three Bits. What will it cost me for you to dig up information on a group calling themselves the House of Silver?"
Wilford Grimly (HP:18/18; AC: 14; Touch: 12; Flat: 12; CMD: 14) d20+5=16 ; Thursday June 11th, 2015 9:51:18 PM
(Perception: 16) "I could use that silver vendor. Does anyone see him around? I would recommend, if we see the house of silver again we fill up on silver. We could also use a refill on other stuff."
Avin Fellows HP:17/17 AC:17 Flat:14 Touch:13 CMD: Thursday June 11th, 2015 10:00:42 PM
"Ambush the ghost," The wizard says plainly before clarifying. "Set a trap."
The chances of the ghost being real were rapidly dwindling and they needed to catch someone in the act. After all, their motley number were too few to directly challenge an entire house.
DM Kathy Friday June 12th, 2015 1:11:23 AM Var suggests hanging around Clover Way for a while, in an attempt to catch this so-called ghost.
The rest of the grop seems amenable, although Toston wonders about a curfew. Talanthrel thinks to ask one of the merchants.
You learn that, although there isn't a formal curfew, the Knives will probably be suspicious of anyone hanging around in Clover Way after the shops are closed. You could certainly stay until then; afterwards may be trickier.
Alizar suggests talking to the merchants to get more information. Alas, as he is soon to discover, his new companions are not an especially charismatic bunch, and are quite reluctant to try to talk to people. Alizar is the "face" of the group, without a doubt. If he wants any talking done, he's probably going to have to do it himself. He also offers to heal wounds.
Ashley asks Three Bits what it would cost to find information about the House of Silver. "Custom job," she says thoughtfully. "Not my usual thing, but I just can't say no to a man with a really big sword." She winks. "Say a 5-gold retainer for now, and I'll find out what I can."
Wilford is interested in acquiring more silver, and looks around for Fletch's cart. You don't see it at the moment, but you have heard that Fletch is a regular here so she'll be back at some point.
Avin suggests setting a trap, although you would probably still need to figure out some way to deal with the Knives. If you want to stay here all night.
Wilford Grimly (HP:18/18; AC: 14; Touch: 12; Flat: 12; CMD: 14) Friday June 12th, 2015 9:17:56 AM
"Can we find a place to stay for the night? At least to look like we are just wayward travelers. We can then check out any strange occurrences when they come up."
Var HP:21/21 AC: 16(T:13/FF:13) CMD:18 d20+9=27 ; Friday June 12th, 2015 1:53:54 PM
"If you wanna talk to some of the folk, I'll show you the people we talked to, maybe you can get a bit more out of 'em." Var says to Alizar. Leading him over to Golden Threads, he points out the tailor, Billy. While Alizar speaks with the tailor, Var inspects the nearby alleys, looking for more gauze or flecks of paint (Perception: 27)
If Var sees Old Man Jenkins, Var will try to get Alizar to speak with him. If Old Man jenkins is not around, but Fletch is in sight, Var will take Alizar over to the merchant and introduce him.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:14/14; AC:18; Touch: 18; FF:14; CMD:16] - CMTC d20+10=30 ; d20+1=6 ; Friday June 12th, 2015 6:17:31 PM
Toston, seizing on Wil's suggestion looks around for any sort of short term lodging Clover Way may provide in terms of a base of operations for the party to stage a stakeout from, renewing Toros Taur Try first.
He also asks one of the merchants if they know of a reasonably priced inn in Clover Way.
Alizar HP:14/14 AC: 15(T:12/FF:13) CMD:13 d20+7=18 ; Friday June 12th, 2015 6:46:44 PM
Alizar took the piece of gauss. "Alright, I will need to borrow this for a moment"
Following Var, Alizar tried to put on his best 'aristocratic face' as they entered the tailor's shop. Walking up to the counter, he placed the piece of gauss on the counter and cleared his throat to get the tailors attention.
"Greetings sir. I've been up and down the high streets of the Lower City, and everyone I have talked to have pointed me towards your shop, as being THE PLACE to go if you are looking for the highest quality fabrics, and knowledge of fabrics. You see, I was walking about the other day, and I found this pieces of cloth on the ground. It has some of the most fantastic qualities to it, and I really think it would make a splendid dress for my lovely wife Vivian. Could you possibly tell me more about this, where you think it might have come from, and where I might find more?"
(Diplomacy - d20+7=18 to try and get some more info on the cloth)
DM Kathy Sunday June 14th, 2015 8:42:57 PM Wilford suggests finding a place to stay the night, and Toston begins looking around for one. Alas, Clover way is a quiet street of shops; there are few dwellings and no temporary lodgings to be found. There are inns Below, of course, but the closest of these is two tunnels over.
Meanwhile, Var introduces Alizar to Golden Threads, and Alizar speaks to the proprietor, a fashionably-dressed halfling man.
"Well," he says, obviously pleased by Alizar's flattery. "Well, it's good to know that one's efforts are appreciated. I--" he takes the cloth and examines it. "Oh, dear. Oh, dear, dear, dear. Sir, if anyone has been passing this off to you as fine goods, then I'm afraid you've been 'taken,' to use the vernacular. This is the cheapest kind of gauze cloth--note the weave, sir--bedaubed with some kind of luminous paint. Now, if you're searching for something special, I have here some fine silk, sent direct from elven craftsmen in the Emerald Kingdom. Not easy to come by, sir, even these days with things there so improved."
Looking around Var still does not see Fletch. However, you do catch a glimpse of Old Man Jenkins, just coming around the corner.
Talanthrel (Paul) [HP 17/21; AC 20; Touch 14; Flat 16; Cmd17] d20+5=18 ; Monday June 15th, 2015 12:26:54 AM
Talanthrel has walked over to the tinker to see if the merchant was willing to by his old set of studded leather. His mind is not really on the haggling as he observes the street. (Perception 18)
Alizar HP:14/14 AC: 15(T:12/FF:13) CMD:13 Monday June 15th, 2015 5:40:35 PM
Alizar tried his best to look embarrassed. "Well I never! This is an outrage! I must find the charlatan responsible for this rouse!"
Alizar got the sense that this particular avenue for information was a dead end. He grabbed the swath of cloth and stormed out.
Avin Fellows HP:17/17 AC:17 Flat:14 Touch:13 CMD: Monday June 15th, 2015 7:42:07 PM
Avin snorts at Alizar, amused by the show. It was worth a shot but revealed little information more than they had already discovered.
"Better luck with a painter," Avin mumbles not knowing where one could be found.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:14/14; AC:18; Touch: 18; FF:14; CMD:16] - CMTC d20+7=11 ; d20+1=4 ; Monday June 15th, 2015 7:43:56 PM
Assuming that Toston notices 'Old Man' Jenkins, he will approach the man and earnestly say, "I'm sorry we got off on the wrong foot earlier. I only want to help those who dwell down here with their haunting problem. You purport to be a medium, tell me who are these ghosts that you hear the restless voices of and what do they want so that we might set things right and restore Clover Way to it's former self."
(Sense Motive: 11) (Diplomacy: 4)
Assuming 'Old Man' Jenkins gives him some names and that Toston doesn't get a clear sense that 'Old Man' Jenkins is lying about this he will do his best to remember those names, take Wil aside and ask if he ever heard of any of those names. Toston considers trying to foil 'Old Man' Jenkins disguise that he saw through last time they met, but this being dirt city, maybe the disguise is protecting 'Old Man' Jenkins from being hunted down by someone.
Following this train of thought, Toston will say, "Old Man Jenkins, is anyone giving you problems? Is your life in danger? Is there anything maybe we could do to help you?"
Var HP:21/21 AC: 16(T:13/FF:13) CMD:18 Monday June 15th, 2015 7:44:08 PM
Once Alizar is done with the tailor, Var meets him in the street and points out "Old Man Jenkins". "He's a suspicious one... says he's old, but he don't seem that old; buch of other lies, too. Seems to have a bone to pick with the merchants down here."
DM Kathy Monday June 15th, 2015 9:35:23 PM
Sensing that the tailor isn't going to be much more help, Alizar leaves the shop, Avin, too, departs, although he appreciated the show.
The rest of the party is keen to confront Old Man Jenkins, who harrumphs with an irritated air. "You again! Come to your senses? No? Adventurers, pah!"
You ask him some specific questions, but get little in the way of useful responses. "Names!" he scoffs. "They're restless spirits, sonny, they don't introduce themselves. And no, I don't need your help. What's the use? You don't believe me nohow."
Wilford can confirm that the dead often do not give their names.
Wilford Grimly (HP:18/18; AC: 14; Touch: 12; Flat: 12; CMD: 14) d20+8=25 ; Monday June 15th, 2015 10:15:21 PM
"The dead are an ungrateful bunch but they have often given some information," Wil said. "Unfortunately, I can hear nothing Down Below. Would there be any reason to assume this is a hoax? Maybe some kids dressed in luminescent clothing? What about the House of Silver, do you know about this new group?" (Diplomacy: 25)
Var HP:21/21 AC: 16(T:13/FF:13) CMD:18 d20+3=21 ; Tuesday June 16th, 2015 5:00:20 PM
Var gets in Old Man Jenkin's face, but makes sure he doesn't lay hands on him. "Listen Old Man, I don't like your attitude. There's something going on down here and so far all you've done is lie. What's your stake in this?". Var says in his deepest, gravel-iest voice (Intimidation: 21)
Alizar HP:14/14 AC: 15(T:12/FF:13) CMD:13 d20+7=11 ; Tuesday June 16th, 2015 5:21:29 PM
Old Man Jenkins was certainly a curious fellow. Not having any previous interaction with him beyond what the team had told him, Alizar decided to stay back on this one and try to assess the old man's demeanor. Body language was a powerful thing, and as a doctor, Alizar had learned a fair deal about biological reactions to behaviors, such as deceit. Plus, the old man had so many people in his face at the moment, it would be difficult to be very diplomatic...
(Sense Motive: 11 - to see if any deceit in the old man is detected)
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:14/14; AC:18; Touch: 18; FF:14; CMD:16] - CMTC d20+10=28 ; d20+1=5 Tuesday June 16th, 2015 7:01:00 PM
"Well I didn't believe you because I knew you were lying. I also know that you are lying about something else, but maybe you have your reasons for doing that." Toston says to 'Old Man' Jenkins.
"Some people just don't want help." the gnome says.
He then looks around for Fletch or Grut and either one's dogs. He realizes that there were technically 3 other witnesses that no one questioned last time around and that the speaks with animal spell like ability could come in handy, especially since they have the gauze.
(Perception: 28)
If he finds any of the aforementioned beings and their dogs he will ask the owner (Fletch or Grut) if it is okay if he speaks to the dogs. He will then use his daily speaks with animals SLA to ask the dogs about the glowing figures in the alleys and ask them to sniff the gauze to find out if it smells familiar to them.
If it does he will ask the dogs and the owners if it is okay if the dogs lead the party toward where the smell of the gauze takes them.
(Diplomacy: 5)
Avin Fellows HP:17/17 AC:17 Flat:14 Touch:13 CMD: Tuesday June 16th, 2015 7:48:56 PM
Avin leaves Old Man Jenkins to those who have the matter well in hand. Instead he moves with Toston as the gnome searches for the dogs, thinking to put his mind to work elsewhere. Perhaps he might learn something about handling animals or at the very least add his knowledge to the sorcerer's own.
Talanthrel (Paul) [HP 17/21; AC 20; Touch 14; Flat 16; Cmd17] d20+5=14 ; Tuesday June 16th, 2015 8:01:07 PM
Talanthrel continues to keep watch. (Perception 14)
DM Kathy Tuesday June 16th, 2015 10:01:39 PM Wilford confirms that the dead often don't introduce themselves. How rude.
Var gets right in Old Man Jenkins's face, but doesn't really learn anything new. The man harrumphs a bit more, then walks away. Alizar detects no deceit, but the man hardly said anything.
Meanwhile Toston is looking around for Fletch or Grut or the dogs. He comes up empty.
Looking around, you can see that some of the shops are beginning to close. The business day seems to be coming to an end, and you need a plan.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:14/14; AC:18; Touch: 18; FF:14; CMD:16] - CMTC d20+10=29 ; d20+11=12 ; Wednesday June 17th, 2015 1:23:11 PM
"Does Three-Bits live around here?" Toston asks Wil, "I don't recall her saying. Though I mean if this is where she does business, I would think she would most likely live elsewhere, considering the line of work she is in. I mean isn't there an old addage about not squatting where you eat or some such?"
"Our other options are to stay here and risk an encounter with the knives, return to the Marsh House once again or find temporary lodgings a few tunnels over, but if there is any activity ghostly or otherwise we would most likely miss it from that far away. At that rate we should probably head back to the Marsh House as we already payed for it."
Toston then renews Toros Taur Try, looks for an out of the way place to hide and observe. Then from his hiding place he will keep an eye out for trouble in the form of a knives patrol.
Wilford Grimly (HP:18/18; AC: 14; Touch: 12; Flat: 12; CMD: 14) d20+7=8 ; d3=1 ; Wednesday June 17th, 2015 4:18:36 PM
"You know, that Wendy woman was fascinated with someone.. I do not recall who. We could ask her before she closes up shop. If nothing else I will volunteer to hide in a corner. We cannot get anything from the locals." (Knowledge(local): 8 - to see if he can recall any information on Three bits)
(OOC: d3 roll is a mistake)
Var HP:21/21 AC: 16(T:13/FF:13) CMD:18 Wednesday June 17th, 2015 4:29:50 PM
"Yeah!" Var says excitedly "Avin, go chat up Wendy some more, see if we can hang around her shop and stake out this ghost."
Avin Fellows HP:17/17 AC:17 Flat:14 Touch:13 CMD: Wednesday June 17th, 2015 6:05:40 PM
Avin stiffens at the mention of Wendy. He recalled the woman, certainly but he was not about to volunteer as honeypot for the woman. If only Var had not also recalled that it was him that she had... That she... Well the woman...
Avin snarled, unable to even make himself think what she was doing.
Alizar HP:14/14 AC: 15(T:12/FF:13) CMD:13 Wednesday June 17th, 2015 6:27:34 PM
Alizar chuckled to himself, apparently, at least SOME of the new crew were not as anti-social as he wa sled to believe. It was hard to not snicker as he spoke.
"Wendy eh?! Well Avin, my friend, looks like this is your moment. We all have to make sacrifices. Steady your resolve sir, being a hero is never easy..."
DM Kathy Wednesday June 17th, 2015 10:25:23 PM
You continue to discuss options for how to stay inconspicuously in the tunnel after the shops close.
Wilford asks about staying with Three Bits, although Toston is dubious. There's been no indication that she lives nearby, and she may not want company, considering her line of work.
Toston, meanwhile, tries to find a place to conceal himself. You find a very nice gnome-sized nook to conceal yourself in. Of course, it won't do for the rest of the party, but you could probably pass the night unseen there.
Wilford and Var urge Avin to take advantage of Wendy's regard for him, but the mage is unenthusiastic at the prospect. Alizar urges him to reconsider.
Just at that moment, Wendy herself steps out of her shop, places a "Closed" sign on the door, and locks the door with a key she carries. Spotting your group, she gives you a cheery wave.
Talanthrel (Paul) [HP 17/21; AC 20; Touch 14; Flat 16; Cmd17] Thursday June 18th, 2015 1:39:36 AM
Talanthrel gives a cheery wave back and with a smirk, nods his head toward Avin.
Avin Fellows HP:17/17 AC:17 Flat:14 Touch:13 CMD: Thursday June 18th, 2015 5:47:58 AM
Avin glares at Talanthrel as if the man had betrayed some deep trust in an unspoken pact. Nevertheless he still found himself shuffling forward mumbling words to himself, trying to figure out exactly what to say to the woman.
The short trek was not enough and the wizard ends up sputtering what he can manage.
Wilford Grimly (HP:18/18; AC: 14; Touch: 12; Flat: 12; CMD: 14) d20+8=24 ; Thursday June 18th, 2015 9:21:07 AM
Wil walks up behind Avin, seeing that he needed a little assistance and adds,"Hi, Wendy. Avin is a big fan of your fancy shop here. We were hoping you could do us a big favor." Wil smiles broadly. (Diplomacy: 24)
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:14/14; AC:18; Touch: 18; FF:14; CMD:16] - CMTC Thursday June 18th, 2015 1:10:12 PM
Toston says to those who did not approach Wendy, "I found a place small enough for me to hide in that would allow me to observe what is going on, however if I stay out here all night I will not regain the ability to cast the spells that I have used today and I may be fatigued tomorrow. I can do this if absolutely necessary, but if we get into a scrap then I will be a lot less effective."
Alizar HP:14/14 AC: 15(T:12/FF:13) CMD:13 Thursday June 18th, 2015 5:18:26 PM
Alizar angled his head towards Toston, while keeping both eyes on Avin, Wilford, and Wendy. Avin was... suave. "Well, lets see how this plays out. With the way Avin is really turning up the charm, I don't see any way Wendy could possibly resist him."
Var HP:21/21 AC: 16(T:13/FF:13) CMD:18 d20+1=2 ; Thursday June 18th, 2015 5:31:39 PM
Speaking to Toston, Var says "we may have to take that risk. We don't have much to go on right now, other than this scrap of cloth. It would be quickest if we could catch this ghost in the act." Watching Avin flounder churns Var's stomach, and he says to Alizar and Toston "Excuse me, I suppose I should help our Wizard friend, since I pushed him into this."
Walking up to join Wilford and Avin, Var chimes in "Ms. Wendy, we'd like to try and catch sight of this 'Ghost' that's been haunting Clover Way. You've been one of the nicer people we've met in the City Below, so Avin was hoping you'd let us set up a stakeout in your shop overnight." (Diplomacy: 2 HA!) Var tries to smile at the end of his request, but it comes out looking more like an orcish snarl.
DM Kathy Friday June 19th, 2015 12:51:07 AM Toston tells the others about the hiding place he found for himself.
Meanwhile, Avin does his best to speak to the pretty shop-girl. It does not go well. Wilford is able to help a little; Var helps not at all. Alizar and Talanthrel wait to see what will happen.
"Oh," Wendy says. "Oh. Well, you see, the thing is, it's not my shop. I only work there. I don't think the owner would like it if I let you stay the night." She bites her lip, clearly torn about what to do. In the end, however, her need to keep her job outweighs her wish to spend more time with the fascinating adventuer. "I'm really sorry," she says. "But I can't let you stay here." Doubtfully, she adds, "Maybe Billy would let you stay in his shop?"
Based on what you know of Billy Brambleshire, you'd say the odds of this are not good. You can always ask, however.
Avin Fellows HP:17/17 AC:17 Flat:14 Touch:13 CMD: Friday June 19th, 2015 5:34:26 PM
More than happy to have the embarassment over, Avin clamps his mouth shut and delivers a curt nod before turning to look for Billy.
Alizar HP:14/14 AC: 15(T:12/FF:13) CMD:13 d20+7=22 ; Friday June 19th, 2015 7:46:33 PM
'Well, that could have gone better', thought Alizar. Options were running low, as was the sun over the Horizon. Chances that Billy would be any more help were low. He turned to Toston. "Get ready to spend the night in the alley way friend."
Alizar hurried forward to intercept Wendy before she could get too far, putting on his best 'Bed side manner'. "Wendy, wait." Alizar lowered his voice, " I know you hardly know any of us, and this is putting you in a precarious position, but we really need to stay in your shop tonight. I can tell you're a good woman, I can see it in your eyes. They're the path way to the soul they say, and I've seen enough souls in my travels to tell good from bad. I'm not asking you to fight a dragon or anything, and I can promise you that nobody will ever know we were there. We will be long gone before morning, but we are out of options." Alizar gently brushed a lock of hair away from Wendy's eyes, and turned her towards Avin. "We need your help, Avin, needs your help, he is just too proud to admit it. He has not stopped talking about you all this day, and I think he feels like if he pushes you into this, he would be imposing too much on you. Help us Wendy, you're out only hope..."
(Diplomacy: 22 - A last ditch effort to convince Wendy of our need of the use of her shop)
Talanthrel (Paul) [HP 17/21; AC 20; Touch 14; Flat 16; Cmd17] d20+5=6 ; Friday June 19th, 2015 7:52:27 PM
While Alizar is making his pitch, Talanthrel starts to examine the nearby buildingb looking to see if there was any places they could climb to that would get them off the street level but allow them to observe Clover Way. (Perception 6)
Avin Fellows HP:17/17 AC:17 Flat:14 Touch:13 CMD: Saturday June 20th, 2015 3:45:41 AM
Avin stops in his tracks, turning back to Alizar horrified that the elf would say such lies with such ease.
(You may need to roll a bluff with that diplomacy. Avin hasn't done so much as mention her name, after all.)
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:14/14; AC:18; Touch: 18; FF:14; CMD:16] - CMTC Saturday June 20th, 2015 2:10:21 PM
After Alizar tries a last ditch effort to get Wendy's help, Toston takes the cleric aside and asks, "Alizar, can you do anything about fatigue? If I spend the night in the hiding spot can you cure it? I will only be able to cast a single spell tomorrow if you do as I ask and I'm thinking the spell will most likely need to be shield. I am also a monk, but my martial prowess would be largely impacted if I am fatigued."
Alizar HP:14/14 AC: 15(T:12/FF:13) CMD:13 d20+2=16 ; Saturday June 20th, 2015 9:32:46 PM
(O.O.C: Thanks, I'll roll bluff just to cover bases. In retrospect, I'm walking the line in this one. Need to be more careful in the future. However, being a hero is hard, even harder in Dirt. So tough lessons might have to be learned...)
Bluff: 16
Var HP:21/21 AC: 16(T:13/FF:13) CMD:18 d20+9=13 ; Sunday June 21st, 2015 12:59:08 AM
Var moves back to Toston's side, and tries to spot a good hiding place for the night (13 perceptuon)
Wilford Grimly (HP:18/18; AC: 14; Touch: 12; Flat: 12; CMD: 14) Sunday June 21st, 2015 9:30:24 PM
"If this doesn't work out I'm thinking we should take a section of the city and separate. Stay within 30 feet of each other. Just enough to be available if something happens. Well, we could even surprise and surround someone. If someone gets caught at least we could reason that we got lost. If we stay in a group it will look suspicious."
DM Kathy Sunday June 21st, 2015 9:50:59 PM Alizar makes a last-ditch effort to try to get permission to stay the night in the shop.
"Oh." Wendy hesitates. "Oh. Um..." She looks over at the group, then replies to Alizar, keeping her voice low. "I mean, if it was just Avin, or I guess you and Avin, that would probably be okay. But, there are six of you." She drops her voice to a whisper. "And one of you is an orc!"
[OOC: With a little bit of work, you think you could persuade Wendy to let two or maybe three of you spend the night in the shop. But not all of you; she's too concerned about the mess you might make.]
Meanwhile, Talanthrel is looking for a way to get above street level. The problem with that is that you are actually below street level, in the old sewer tunnels. There isn't a lot of head room down here. Looking along the row of shops, you can see that their front walls blend right into the arched ceiling of the tunnel. There is no "on top" of these buildings, unless it's on the street above.
Var looks around for a possible hiding spot, but comes up blank.
Wilford offers an alternate plan; spread out and try to cover more area.
Wilford Grimly (HP:18/18; AC: 14; Touch: 12; Flat: 12; CMD: 14) d20+8=22 ; Monday June 22nd, 2015 4:56:20 PM
"I think we should all go in the shop or all be outside. It wouldn't be possible to stay the night at your home Wendy?" Wil asked as gently as possible. (Diplomacy: 22)
Alizar HP:14/14 AC: 15(T:12/FF:13) CMD:13 Monday June 22nd, 2015 5:40:47 PM
Alizar smiled and placed a hand on Wendy's shoulder, he regretted telling this woman a bold face lie, playing on her emotions. That ate at him a little bit. Maybe this city was starting to get to him. He had to shake that off though, deal with the penance portion later. "Thank you Wendy. Just Avin and I then. I will go tell the others."
Alizar hurried back to the group. "Ok, here is the deal. Wendy has agreed to let Avin and myself spend the night in the shop if we choose to." Alizar turned to Toston, "I can't do anything about your fatigue unfortunately. I am still learning the skills required for that form a therapy. However, if you hide in the spot you found, and we stay in the shop, the three of us could cover this area, while the rest of the group patrols the next section. Don't push yourself though, you're not going to do anyone any good if you're dead. I don't really like the idea of splitting up, but I am running out of ideas."
Var HP:21/21 AC: 16(T:13/FF:13) CMD:18 Monday June 22nd, 2015 5:43:19 PM
Var frowns at Wendy's reluctance to let six armed strangers sleep in a shop she doesn't own. "Look fellas, maybe we head back to Marsh House for the night and regroup. Other than catching this ghost red handed, our next best leads are finding where the paint on this gauze came from; or tracking down the House of Silver. What do we say to a nice scorpion dinner and a little ale and we figure out our next move?"
Avin Fellows HP:17/17 AC:17 Flat:14 Touch:13 CMD: Monday June 22nd, 2015 6:11:59 PM
Avin frowns. This was not ideal in any way.
And yet they still had a job to do. He nods grimly not liking the sound of it but liking the alternatives even less.
"We take shifts. Watch shifts to rest. Could there be one more?"
Avin directs his question at Alizar, the elf having proved he's a much better speaker than the wizard.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:14/14; AC:18; Touch: 18; FF:14; CMD:16] - CMTC Monday June 22nd, 2015 6:41:17 PM
"I think Var has the right of it. Both my martial and magical abilities would be greatly hampered by spending the night awake and while I could stay the night in my hiding spot, I would still be alone if anything did go wrong. If I was in the hidey hole and 3 of our number were in Alphonse's could they hear me if I needed help? Furthermore, what would those of us not in the hiding spot or Alphonse's be doing? Don't the Knives patrol the entirety of the city below? Can anyone of us besides Wil or Alizar sell a knive patrol on being lost? I think the risk is too great for the potential reward. Mayhap we could find a blood witch to brew us some potions of reduce person or buy a wand to do the trick? That way someone else besides me could potentially take a turn in the hiding spot? However, for tonight let us retire to the Marsh House and we can strategize on how to best continue the investigation tomorrow? Mayhap we leave Wendy directions to the Marsh House in case anything else develops down here overnight? Surely a single night isn't going to make much difference when the so called ghosts have been at it for weeks? Still though, better safe than sorry." Toston proposes
Alizar HP:14/14 AC: 15(T:12/FF:13) CMD:13 Monday June 22nd, 2015 7:18:09 PM
Alizar shrugged. "I'm new to this crew, and to this case, you all have a better handle on the severity of the situation. If you all feel it's better to retire for the night and strike out again tomorrow, then that is the best plan. Certainly better than splitting up in my view."
Talanthrel (Paul) [HP 17/21; AC 20; Touch 14; Flat 16; Cmd17] Monday June 22nd, 2015 9:47:54 PM
Talanthrel shrugs in agreement "There's not many hidey holes down here. If we are going the setup some sort of hidden watch, down here, we are going to need to be better prepared."
DM Kathy Monday June 22nd, 2015 10:24:48 PM
After discussing your options, you realize that the best plan may be to rest and re-group.
Accordingly, you all return to Marsh House, where you sample the scorpion meat. It's not bad. It was inexpertly butchered, which may have affected the flavor, but still it's decent fare.
You are able to get a full night's rest, and everybody gets their spells back.
Wilford Grimly (HP:18/18; AC: 14; Touch: 12; Flat: 12; CMD: 14) Tuesday June 23rd, 2015 11:36:24 AM
Wil mumbles while they leave Below. As annoying as it is having the dead talk to him all the time. They are a quite useful tool. "Just makes me like Below so much," he says to himself sarcastically. He does enjoy the rest and the scorpion meat. Outside of Below and next morning the noise in his head continues to stay quiet. He can hear faint mumbling but nothing he can pick out.
Var HP:21/21 AC: 16(T:13/FF:13) CMD:18 Tuesday June 23rd, 2015 3:02:26 PM
Var enjoys his Scorpion pleased with his, admittedly, amatuer job of butchery. He chats with the men for a bit, getting to know the newcommer and swapping a few stories from the road. As he reties to his hammock, he tosses a few spare bits of scorpion to a stray dog he spots snifing around in the street.
The next morning after a bath and a shave Var is ready to go.
"So what should our plan for the day be, men? Check in on the City Below, see if there were any sightings, then try to track down this fixer that hired those 'house of silver' thugs?"
Alizar HP:14/14 AC: 15(T:12/FF:13) CMD:13 Tuesday June 23rd, 2015 5:49:52 PM
The nights rest did Alizar well. He did not realize how tired he was after yesterdays events. The meal was acceptable, not the best scorpion he had ever tasted, but you could live off it. It was good to spend an evening getting to know the crew, trust was essential, but was also something earned. Alizar would see if it was something he could manage in the days to come.
"Well, I highly doubt we are going to get any info from anyone below, even if they HAD seen something. So I would say that tracking down this 'fixer', if the best course of action. Do we have any useful leads on where to start looking?"
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:14/14; AC:18; Touch: 18; FF:14; CMD:16] - CMTC Tuesday June 23rd, 2015 7:36:27 PM
"Apparently Stubby is a fixer who works primarily with the Keys, but not exclusively. The person who gave us this information says they found in The Midnight Bazaar." Toston says, "I guess that means we either go to the Bazaar or wherever the Keys like to hang out, if we are looking for Stubby. I wonder why they call him Stubby?"
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