Bartomus [(Rod) HP: 20/20 AC: 11] Saturday July 16th, 2016 9:05:44 PM "Stohp, let's kill a couple of birds with a single stone," Bartomus said as they were heading to a Guard outpost. "I can do some shopping, and maybe pick up a nice bone knife that could be a bit easier to rely upon than this giant tree trunk of a stick. Let's work the market along the way to Outpost. We can grab a bit to eat along the way as well."
Bartomus follows along trying to steer towards the Outpost near the market with one of his customers.
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 15/15 | AC: 18 | T:14 | FF:16 | CMD: 14 Sunday July 17th, 2016 1:29:52 PM
Martisan nods at Bart's suggestion, "Sounds good to me! I'm just looking to grab some rope and a couple grappling hooks, myself." She gives the big druid a sly smile. "Most of the taller buildings on the Fence here have windows up on the second or third floor, so maybe, if we're lucky, a few of us might be able to slip right into their base where they least expect it, and avoid the guards at the front door."
She shrugs as she continues to follow the two minotaurs. "Worth a look, at least. I've been meaning to pick up a grappling hook for a few days now, since we had a fight with some thugs in an alley outside the Silver Shield warehouse. And I'm all for grabbing a bite to eat on the way!"
K (Carl) HP: 20 AC:25/22/21 CMD:10 Monday July 18th, 2016 8:25:28 AM
K listens to the advice of his parents, visibly relaxing at his father's confirmation that he made the right choice, and just slightly wincing at Mother Melody's recriminations.
It's good advice, but still feels like they're trying to get him to act as a priest, rather than a paladin. Doesn't mean they're wrong, of course.
One thing he does consider worth taking to heart is his views on Caeoldra's followers.
"Maybe I'm too busy looking for an enemy to do battle with." He picks up an orange, nodding to his mother to acknowledge her gesture. "What about The Hand's hard-love tactics? Brainwashing's a thing, right? If there are folks being tortured or forcefully coerced into their beliefs, that should be stopped, shouldn't it? I don't think Brizzie was there; that's why I insisted she be let go to follow her own path. What if she's been tortured into fanaticism next time we see her? Aren't there laws against that in The Float?"
He looks at his mother, really not wanting to say what he's about to say, but knowing he can't lie to the woman. "...and I maaaay have told 3 priests of Caeoldra that I'd hold them personally responsible if Brizzie showed up with any signs of hard-love on her." He quickly interjects before she can answer, "I didn't say I'd hurt them, just that I'd hold them responsible."
He peels the orange as he waits her response.
Dorbin [AC:13/13/10 HP:17/17 CMD:14] Monday July 18th, 2016 9:35:28 AM
Dorbin whispers to Zander, "That might be our way in, especially if that woman is nice to the kids around here. Should we head back and tell the others?"
Bartomus [(Rod) HP: 20/20 AC: 11] Monday July 18th, 2016 10:27:27 AM "A grappling hook, some strong rope, a decent knife, talk to some of the guards, and something to break the morning's fast," Bartomus said as they walked along the twisting paths of the Fence. "Sounds like the start of a morning plan for certain. Hey Stohp, whatcha ya looking for this morning?
He follows after Stohp casting his eyes about the place taking in the bustle of the morning in the Fence.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 23/23 AC: 27 T: 19 FF: 26 CMD: 15 Monday July 18th, 2016 10:44:54 AM
Knowing that's he's probably a target to the Hand at this stage and getting the sense they'd pushed their luck far enough, Zander thanks the little girl, "You've been a huge help. I'll probably be around later. Hope to chat with you again. Sadly I have some other errands I have to run. Good bye little one." Handing her one last chunk of bread he motions to Dorbin and Bobwise to move out.
Once they're on their way he says, "I think that's all we're going to get and I'd rather not risk a run in with the Hand guards digging for more. They can be rather passionate about people snooping around. And it looks like we may have discovered a possible way in or source of information. Let's get back to the warehouse to rejoin the others."
Bobwise (Jerry) Monday July 18th, 2016 2:05:19 PM
Nodding in agreement, Bobwise adds, "I agree Zander. And if you don't mind the praise, you are good at this."
As they leave, he gives the rest of his food to the girl and says, "Pass this on to others who need it, kid. Be good!"
"Should we head back to the warehouse to see what luck the others have had? I suppose I could go ask around at the Manor of the Mage and see what is known there? However, I am hesitant to take such business there as it is supposed to be a refuge of sorts and not a hotbed of intrigue. I do have a few strings I can probably pull, though, since everyone there knows I'm just getting started and might need a hand. What do you think?"
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 AC: 21/18/18 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 Monday July 18th, 2016 2:28:41 PM
Stohp shrugs. "Just something for breakfast on the way. Lets get going or the others will make it back before we even leave."
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 15/15 | AC: 18 | T:14 | FF:16 | CMD: 14 Monday July 18th, 2016 3:17:16 PM "Yeah. I'll keep my shopping quick." Martisan agrees, keeping her eyes open for a vendor with the simple climbing tools she's looking for, hoping to find someone selling specialty grappling hooks that can be shot from a bow. "If you want to go ahead to the guard station, we can meet you in the marketplace on your way back to the warehouse, then we can meet up with the others." She says to Stohp, pausing to get a proper whiff of a nearby food vendor's wares.
Bartomus [(Rod) HP: 20/20 AC: 11] Monday July 18th, 2016 3:27:48 PM
Bartomaus nodds in agreement with both of his new companions. "Lead on Stohp, I try to avoid the Guards as much as possible."
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 AC: 15/10/15 CMD:13 d20+6=8 ; d20+6=12 ; Monday July 18th, 2016 8:38:12 PM
Micah is delighted to be a guest of this truly pious family. Their perspective on the current situation, though different in emphasis than would be heard from wise ones of his own order, reveals a keen discernment he intends to not neglect.
As he observes and hears various features of this religious community he realizes that his theological training spent little time on the practices of the worshipers of Flower [Knowledge Religion 6 and 12].
Not wishing to divert from the current topic, he holds his questions about the masked man and the significance of his mother's title until the walk back with K. Although having now heard his true name, he still thinks of him by that sobriquet.
Upon hearing K's last statement, and seeing his uneasiness, Micah breaks his thoughtful and observant silence, "And I, as well as the rest of the Shield, are committed to her protection. You were not speaking for yourself, but all of us when you made that proclamation." His back is straight and his expression calm expecting that any reply of K's mother will be less sharp now that it would be delivered to a guest as well as to her son.
[OOC: good to be back. Thanks Zachary for subbing for Micah so well.]
A Hard Day's Night - Part 2 - (DM Mstitt) Monday July 18th, 2016 10:26:17 PM Bartomus suggests to Stohp that they kill a couple birds with a single stone and shop as they head to the guard tower. As Bartomus says that, you see a poultry vendor with a crudely drawn chicken above his head. Chickens squawk and fight near it. They get close enough to cause people to stumble but far enough away to avoid injury to themselves.
Martisan agrees and advises she needs to pick up some grappling hooks. There is a second vendor across the street. Looks like a blacksmith, with smoke billowing from behind a rough looking fighter. There are iron works hanging in front of the man followed by other gear. (Please roll a perception check vs. DC10 to find any stock gear found in the Core equipment list with a cost of 10gp or less; DC15 to find gear costing 20gp or less; DC20 to find gear costing 50 gp each or less.)
Stohp is concerned that they will not have much time before the party has to get back together, so urgency is needed.
[OOC: Super important question! The above shopping is NEAR but not in sight of the Hands HQ. Do Bart, Martisan and/or Stohp enter the marketplace square next to and in sight of the Hands HQ? And if so, WHO exactly?!]
=====
K listens to his parents. He relaxes when his father confirms he had made the right choice. He agrees to the advice and it makes him think.
“The problem, Karma, is this,” his mother began. “Without intimate knowledge of these hard-love tactics, who are you to judge if it’s extreme or not. The goddess Flower requires that we perform our love. This performance can be looked at with a strange eye. Why would these strange people… speaking of the Devotees… dance all the time. Don’t they get tired? What if they don’t want to dance?”
“Another lesson,” his father interrupts, “Threats, you have to be cautionary with threats. The responsibilities lay with the speaker of that threat. There is an obligation put forward. If that makes sense. It is not pride that should drive you, but your obligation to serve. Perhaps, in this case, it means that saving the misguided young woman is a greater obligation than confronting the Hands of Love publicly.”
Micah is quiet. He observes the family. He listens intently. Seeing K’s uncomfort, Micah breaks his silence. He ensures the family knows that the Silver shield is behind K and the promise of protection for Brizzie.
Soon the meal is over, and the duo offer their good-byes. [OOC: Any final questions, requests, or skill checks you two want to make?]
=====
Dorbin whispers to Zander that the woman who is nice to kids is a way in.
Zanderallen agrees, but fears that the trio has been stationary too long. A few Caerolda guards appear from an open air restaurant. They laugh and seem to be concerned with cajoling a younger guard into talking to a beautiful liontaur. She had a distinguished white streak along the right side of her dark thick mane, and her tail twitches seductively.
Bobwise is ready to leave the vicinity, but wonders aloud if it would be worthwhile to swing by the Manor of the Mage to sniff out rumors. He’s not sure that the wizards who frequent the Manor would know something specific about this, but they do know things -- sometimes things worth knowing!
[OOC: So? To the Manor of the Mage or back to the Silver Shields home?]
Bartomus [(Rod) HP: 20/20 AC: 11] d20=2 ; d20=3 ; Tuesday July 19th, 2016 12:49:08 AM
Bartomus walked over to the blacksmith's stall and looked about. Highlight to display spoiler: { DC Check - failed...lordy lordy did it fail. } "Well, i don't see the knife I was hoping to find here. I think I will head over there." Bartomus continued to wander about the Market looking for a knife, and looking about this area of the Fence.
Dorbin [AC:13/13/10 HP:17/17 CMD:14] Tuesday July 19th, 2016 8:14:49 AM
Dorbin replies to Bobwise, "If you think they can provide us some information, we might as well swing by there on our way back. I don't really know any of them, other than their writings."
K (Carl) HP: 20 AC:25/22/21 CMD:10 Tuesday July 19th, 2016 8:52:00 AM
K closes his eyes for a moment & blocks out everything else. It's a skill his parents taught him, so he doesn't worry about seeming rude. He just needs a moment to collect his scattered thoughts.
He had great respect for his parents' wisdom, much more so than for his own. He wasn't a blind follower, however. Otherwise he'd be Brother Karma.
It is possible he threatened 3 well-meaning people. That was wrong of him as a paladin of Flower. Maybe not as a paladin of Domi, but he'd made the choice to follow Flower. Her teachings dictate he apologize for his actions.
He does not know enough about the actions of The Hand to deduce they are up to no good. Doesn't mean they aren't, and things are fishy enough to warrant further investigation, but he shouldn't approach this as a black & white situation based on what he knows.
Caeoldra's followers should not elicit such an extreme response from him. Maybe a talk with the priests of her temple would be in order.
Finally, he tries to figure out his place as a paladin in all this. "I fight on behalf of those who can't to make sure love can grow. If Brizzie wants to be reunited with her father, but The Hand subverts that attempt, it will be time to stand against them. Until then, they are deserving of love, no matter how perverted their dogma."
K opens his eyes. "Ok, centered," he states calmly. He stands up and hugs both parents & Sister Delphia farewell. "Don't worry, I'll make you all proud," is all he says before he takes his leave.
***
He chats with Micah after they leave. "Thanks for coming along. I'm sure my parents are more at ease knowing I'm not out there alone doing Flower-knows-what.
"I need to go apologize to The Hand for my threats. They're probably justified on some level, but it's not right for a follower of Flower to talk like that, even a paladin. Especially a paladin. I'll go tonight after I'm sure the rest of the Shields aren't over there doing recon." He looks Micah in the eyes. "I know this may not be a popular decision, but I've gotta do it. Ignoring Flower's teachings because it feels good at the time will only lead me away from the goddess. I can't start down that road."
He'll wait to see what the rest of the Silver Shields have to say about their day first.
Bobwise (Jerry) Tuesday July 19th, 2016 11:49:22 AM
Shrugging, he comments to Dorbin and Zander, "I guess it couldn't hurt to go ask at the Manor, Dorbin. Besides the time is past due for you to see the INSIDE. :)
"What do you think, Zander?
"I'm also beginning to think that a first good move would be to simply knock on the door of the Hands of Love location and ask about the girl. Say the truth. Her parents are worried and asked us to check on her. Tell them we'd like to take her home for the night, if she is willing, and she can return the next day if she wishes. We can then judge their reactions and hers if we get to see her. What do you think?"
Bobwise's thoughts race along:
::I talk too much.::
::It feels weird to be consulting with others on such decisions, yet I know that is the wise thing to do. I am used to making a quick decision and acting on it. I wonder how that will play out in combat, which is inevitable with an adventuring group.::
Part of him is worried about that. Part of him can't wait.
He fingers his Wand of Magic Missiles and smiles.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 AC: 21/18/18 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 d20+6=15 ; d20+6=24 ; d20+3=12 ; Tuesday July 19th, 2016 2:30:03 PM
Stohp nibbles on a pastry she picked up somewhere, leaning against a wall and looking over the vender's stock. Hearing Bartomus' comment she rolls her eyes and points. "That merchant right over there hsa plenty of knives Bartomus." (perception 15)
Not wanting anything from the vender for herself, Stohp decides to take a peak at the Hands HQ (perception 24). She tries not to be to obvious about it though, since she doesn't want the guards to notice her staring (stealth 12).
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 23/23 AC: 27 T: 19 FF: 26 CMD: 15 Tuesday July 19th, 2016 3:23:59 PM
Zander looks on at the antics of the Hand guards, saddened by how they take good things and push them to extremes of passion. Even if what he sees here is innocent horse play everything the Hand pushes does not seem so. Considering Bobwise's proposal, he thinks on Domi's ways. He knows it is his place to stand up to them for so much pointed to them hurting and dominating those unable to resist them. But how to know when diplomacy has failed? "I would be agreeable to checking at the Mage's Manor. As to knocking on their front door. Yesterday we met with Briselda in the Octopus Gardens and spoke with her. Almost immediately three priests of the Hand appeared and swept her away. Although she went willingly she was taken under guard to this warehouse. While she was open to hearing from us we could not get her to promise to meet with her father. After that we heard how Shredds has had his men go into that warehouse and come out completely loyal to the Hand. I fear if we don't get her out soon, she won't be left to save. If we knock it should be all 8 of us. I'm wrestling with how to save someone from a brain washing they're willingly walking into. Maybe K and Micah will have answers from the followers of Flower. Lead on to the Mage's Manor."
Zanderallen grows outwardly silent as inwardly his thoughts rage. He is sworn to stand up to those who would hurt or dominate others and taught to use diplomacy first. But he was also taught to be ready to be the first to swing a blow when words have failed. And his gut was telling him that the sweet young girl he had met this afternoon would soon be lost. Maybe giving their door a good knock out wasn't such a bad idea. Unconsciously checking his sword in his scabbard he steps out with purpose, knowing what he must recommend as their course of action when the Shields met back up.
Bartomus [(Rod) HP: 20/20 AC: 11] Tuesday July 19th, 2016 4:05:09 PM "That merchant right over there hsa plenty of knives Bartomus." Stohp's voice caught his attention, but he had already started down one of the paths towards the Hand's warehouse, keeping his eyes darting about for a knife merchant, or someone selling exotic woods for carving. He raised his hand and waived it at Stohp, and seeing a cart with various delicious foods and smells, he stopped and purchased a small meat pie. As he was eating it, he looked about trying to see where he might be.
What a Scene! (DM Cayzle) d20-2=14 ; d20-2=-1 ; Tuesday July 19th, 2016 7:13:02 PM Bartomus failed to find the knife at the blacksmith. “Hey, you,” shouted another dealer from a stall down the way. Along the sides of the stall, skins from numerous game animals. Along the top, was a string, on that string hung several small bone artifacts. From Bartomus’s position he can only see a fan made out of small bones and leather. “You don’t want that guy’s stuff. He is a crook.” Suddenly, the vendor stood, his face red. “Jacob!” Shouted the large fighter. “Don’t you say another word.” Jacob smiled and grabbed a long bone staff from a circular bin. “He once sold some metal wings to a mermaid.” The made Jacob laugh and the blacksmith dropped what he was doing and began to march around the stall he stood behind. “Whoa now big man,” Jacob said. “I’m just trying to catch me a potential customer.” Jacob stepped back as the bag man approached. Bart steps away, having failed to find what he wants.
Meanwhile, Stohp nibbles on a pastry as the blacksmith stomps around the stall. She points at several knives of the kind Bart wants hanging from a third vendor’s stall. There, Bart can quietly make the desired transaction while the other two vendors continue their loud argument.
If you can split your attention from the brewing trouble at the market you look at the plain building that holds the presumed headquarters of the Hands. It’s a large building, with four floors, and no visible windows in the third and fourth floors. There are windows on the ground level and second. There is a large set of wooden doors in the front of the building. There is a pair of Caeroldra guards posted at the door. There is a second smaller door to one side.
Bart continues to wander deeper into the market, closer to the Hands of Love building. He is so intent on shopping ... but is it really the shopping that he is concerned about? Or is he scoping out the Hands of Love HQ? Your kindly DMs assume it is the latter hedden by good acting ...
Martisan, on the other hand, is well aware that the Hands of Love know the Silver Shields by reputation AND appearance! She stays well back, out of line of sight of the deeper market AND the Hands.
Stohp, on the other hand, trusts in her stealth. Will her sneaking succeed? Peering around a stall, she peeks and spies at the Hands of Love HQ in the marketplace at Crook Square. At her closest, she is about 60 feet from the two Hands guards standing at the entrance of the Hands HQ. The guards are Wis12 level 3 Warriors with max ranks in Perception, but it is not a class skill for them, so with the distance mod, they have a net -2 on their Perception checks. They roll their checks, getting a 14 and a -1. Stohp’s stealth check was a 12. One of the guards shouts, “THERE! That’s one of them! The minotaur!” He shouts an alarm, startles his friend, points, draws his longsword, and cuts the distance between himself and Stohp in half.
Will Stohp beat a wise retreat -- or make a stand, with only two of her friends in a position to help her? She and Bart together could now draw a decent map of Crook’s Square, so even after a retreat, you will have something to show for your effort ...
=====
K and Micah make their way home in a contemplative frame of mind, They find that they are the first of their friends to return.
=====
Zanderallen, Bobwise, and Dorbin talk about their approach as they walk to the Manor fo the Mage. They ponder the straightforward approach -- just knocking on the door and asking to speak with Brizzie. But what if the Hands of Love say “No!”?
The Manor of the Mage is well-known to Bobwise, of course, since he was trained within. His pal Dorbin knows it, of course, but seldom has seen the interior. Zander, of course, is new to the place. It is rather a bit of a social club for wizards and other arcanists -- especially those who want to “slum” it on the Fence or in the Trash, and want a comfy base of operations. Of course, Bobwises’s old mentor is THE Mage, though getting on in years. The three adventurers, knowing that the fancy front door is not for the likes of them, sneak around to the servants’ entrance. There, Bobwise’s old friend, the head chef, sits them down in the kitchen and feeds them pastries. Cookie nods and is glad to gossip:
“Well, there’s rumors that that old has-been Rielbel Thalras wants to renew his membership. But after he got drunk and threw up at the Master’s Mask-Day Dinner two years ago, I can’t see the Selections Committee approving it!”
“And there’s the usual whining about the WayStation going on the fritz. Nobody’s got hurt, but I heard that a shipment of Gateway Downs Red got sliced and smashed in a malfunction.”
“And stories say that there have been undead incidents on the Upper Levels, and some new group of heroes is tackling that. Regular hot-shots they are, some say. We’ll see.”
But even with prompting, there’s no news about the Hands of Love that the three heroes can learn here. [OOC hint: Skill checks never hurt, my friends!!!]
=====
Zander, Bob, and Dorbin make their way back home, arriving about a half hour after K and Micah get back. Hmmm? Perhaps they wonder what’s keeping Stohp and the two new casters?
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 AC: 15/10/15 CMD:13 Tuesday July 19th, 2016 7:17:12 PM
As K closes is eyes and goes silent, Micah watches in curiosity. He is well versed in meditating. Doing so before a prayer, going into combat, or confronting a challenge is quite natural to him, but doing so before saying goodbye is a new one.
Detecting the newly focused sense of purpose in his friend when he is finished, Micah cannot deny the value of his private moment of introspection.
"Melody. Daneel. Delphia," bowing to each as he addresses them individually, "Thank you for your hospitality and most of all for your wisdom and assurance. It is good for this devotee of Domi to be reminded that there is not only one wise way to live. Know that Karma is not alone in his struggles." With this he joins K in departing.
Micah expects K has something to say and waits for him to do so. He returns the gaze and holds it while forming his response. After a moments pause, he quietly says, "K, I disagree that your words to those guards were inappropriate for anyone, including a paladin. I feel that those words were true, sincere, and should serve as a warning to them if they truly intended harm and serve as a reminder even if they did not."
He pauses to grab each of K's wrists as one would clasp in a warrior's greeting and continues "Having said that, I can see your conviction and will not try to dissuade you from doing this. Rather, know that I will be with you when you talk them."
He releases his grip and continues talking, "Of course, that does not mean we should do this unplanned. We have a saying, Bravery and foolishness should not be forged from the same iron. For you replace "bravery" with "love" and apply it to this course of action. We will need to plan this with the rest of the group. Provided we are properly prepared, your speaking with them may give us an opening should they not respond in kind. For example, we can have the others discreetly nearby and Martisan can have her handy message spell cast. You can and should do what you feel you need to do, but not without all of us together."
The rest of the walk back he plies him with questions about the various practices and customs he observed, including the devotee and the mask and the significance of his mother's title.
Bartomus [(Rod) HP: 20/20 AC: 11] Wednesday July 20th, 2016 12:39:17 AM
Bartomus wandered over to the third merchant and tries to find a knife that would fit well in his hand. He narrowed his choice down to what would for anyone else be a good sized dagger. "What's your best price between these two?"
He continued to talk with the merchant turning himself in such a way as to watch where Stohp was in relationship to the Hand's warehouse. He sized up the guards and the building's entrances. Turning back to the merchant, he argued for a better price than the man was offering.
[quote] One of the guards shouts, “THERE! That’s one of them! The minotaur!” [/quote]
Bartomus turns away from the merchant while he reached into a pouch tucked inside his shirt fishing for a few gold coins. What is the shouting about?
He watched as the guard dashed towards Stohp.
"Cousin, I am over here, I think you got confused." He yelled across the market, waiving his arms trying to turn the attention of folks to himself in order to give Stohp some cover.
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 15/15 | AC: 18 | T:14 | FF:16 | CMD: 14 d20+10=25 ; Wednesday July 20th, 2016 12:57:08 AM
Hearing the guard's shout, Martisan moves from the edge of the marketplace to better see the Hands' base of operations and her two large companions (Perception 25).
"No time; more will come soon. We gotta skedaddle." She whispers, pointing to Stohp and Bartomus, who hear her curt reminder as a quiet lilt over the staccato percussion of the marketplace. Martisan waits a moment to make sure they both caught the message before heading back toward their own warehouse headquarters. [Standard action cast Message; cantrip, CL 2nd, 20min. Send & receive short, whispered messages.]
K (Carl) HP: 20 AC:25/22/21 CMD:10 Wednesday July 20th, 2016 8:19:59 AM
K hears what Micah is saying, & nods appropriately. "For a paladin of Domi, it would have been an appropriate gesture. For a paladin of Flower, it's a bit murkier." He sighs a bit. "Frankly, being a paladin of Flower is turning out to be pretty murky, though I have no doubt she'll guide me through this."
***
When Zander and the two new little guys show up, he fills them in. "I need to apologize to The Hand for my threats. They were not appropriate, even if they were justified. After that, I think we'd be well served by talking to a high priest of Caeroldra at her temple. We don't know how much their church sanctions what The Hand is doing down here."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 23/23 AC: 27 T: 19 FF: 26 CMD: 15 Wednesday July 20th, 2016 9:32:31 AM
Zander listens to K, at first dubious to the idea of K apologizing but then coming around as K explains it. "I believe your threats to be well founded and in the interest of prtecting Briselda but far be it from me to stand in the way of a man acting as he believes his faith calls for. However as Micah said we will not allow you to approach their HQ alone. We will remain at a discreet distance, but if something goes wrong you'll have no more than a count of 5 to find a diplomatic solution. We should go as soon as the others get back. Wonder what's taking them so long."
Zanderallen then sums up what they found out, thinking aloud that Martisan or Bobwise might be able to pose as a child and talk to the lady handing out the cakes. As long as they could be disguised to not be easily recognized.
Wandering up to his room while he waits he sees something he had missed. Sitting on the window sill is a little plant weaving back and forth. Looking a little wilted he rushes to water it. Claiming my lotto gift from April 27th. Animated Tree Sprout - This is a small, animate, anthropomorphic tree sprout in a white pot (see link). It does not speak, but will seem to listen thoughtfully to anyone speaking. In addition, if any music is being played, it will begin to dance in it’s small pot. Holding the pot will grant a +1 circumstance bonus to Diplomacy checks.
Bartomus [(Rod) HP: 20/20 AC: 11] Wednesday July 20th, 2016 10:32:31 AM
Bartomus handed six gold pieces to the merchant for the knife after hearing Martisan's warning. He slipped the knife into his belt and looked about for where Stohp was heading. He also tried to find a path away from the guards and back towards the Shield's warehouse.
Bobwise (Jerry) Wednesday July 20th, 2016 12:04:19 PM
Bobwise answers quickly. "I do not wish to disguise myself as a child. No, I do not wish to do that."
Changing the subject, he says, "I also worry about going to Caeroldra's temple. I think it likely that the Hands of Love will have at least 1 and probably more sympathizers inside the temple and we will further tip our hand. But just because I worry about it, does not mean I'm against it.
"The clincher for me is that you met with her and them yesterday and they wouldn't let her talk. I think that is justification enough for us to pull her out."
"For me the choice is whether to start peacefully and simply say we are taking the girl home to her parents. Then, of course, we will escalate things when they deny us. This makes us feel better about our methods.
"Or knowing that they will deny us, we use the benefit of surprise and stealth to take her. This has the hindrance of giving the Hands of Love a legitimate sounding way to complain about it. I don't think it would stand up in court as we were just taking the girl home. That could be lessened IF we took her to Flower's temple rather than home for refuge and brought her parents there."
"I know I'm new here so I will do as asked."
K (Carl) HP: 20 AC:25/22/21 CMD:10 Wednesday July 20th, 2016 12:10:20 PM
K shakes his head. "We're not pulling that girl out unless she wants to come. If she wants to come, but doesn't have the courage to say so in front of The Hand, that's still her choice. It's clear from our last meeting that she thinks The Hand is something she wants to be a part of."
"However, if she wants to come and The Hand won't let her...well, then we'll likely have a fight on our hands. No pun intended."
Dorbin [AC:13/13/10 HP:17/17 CMD:14] Wednesday July 20th, 2016 2:35:53 PM
Dorbin pipes up, "Yes, I don't know how to convince her to come with us if she doesn't want to go. Unless we can prove she is under some compulsion or magical means have been used to convince her. I don't have that kind of magical power, though I could put a few guards to sleep while we talked to her..."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 AC: 21/18/18 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 d20+17=28 ; Wednesday July 20th, 2016 7:13:33 PM
Sighing in exasperation, Stohp walks calmly around the corner back into the crowded market, cutting line of sight with the guards. Slipping on her Hat of Disguise, she changes her appearance (Disguise 28). Rather than become an entirely different person this time, she works a more subtle change. Now she's a bit taller, with horns that haven't been shortened, fur and clothing a bit different, and facial features altered.
The overall result is that she clearly looks like someone else up close, but could be easily be mistaken for herself from a distance. Also, unless they were looking closely, the people in the market will have not noticed the sudden change so she won't be given away by stares. Now she just has to hope her fellow shields play along and she can get rid of these idiots.
Seriously, who on earth decides to leave their post to pick a fight in broad daylight? If she didn't have other places to be it would be a pleasure to lead them into an ambush, or distract them while the rest of the group sneaked in.
K (Carl) HP: 20 AC:25/22/21 CMD:10 Wednesday July 20th, 2016 8:08:04 PM
"The rest of the Shields were pretty heavy handed with her last time we met. We've given her a moment to think about what she wants. At this point, I think we just show up and see if she'd like us to take her to her dad. If she says no, she says no, and we respect that.
"Then, we continue investigating The Hand to make sure they're not up to no good."
Passionfruit- (DM Mstitt) Wednesday July 20th, 2016 9:26:01 PM Micah says a polite farewell to K’s family. He replies and disagrees with K assessment. He grasp K by the hand and cements his support. Back at the Shields warehous, he advises that K should not move ahead unplanned and they should tell the rest of the group.
K hears what Micah is saying but corrects him. "Frankly, being a paladin of Flower is turning out to be pretty murky, though I have no doubt she'll guide me through this,” he admits. When he meets with Zander and the others, he offers the idea of meeting those followers of Caeroldra to offer an apology..
Zander tells K he should follow his faith and that the group has his back. He adds that K will have a very short time to find a diplomatic solution. Zander then goes over a plan that he has in mind. After the discussion he finds a magic plant in his room.
Bobwise does not want to be disguised as a child. He is concerned about going directly to face the followers of Caeroldra. He is worried that it may be a bit more difficult. He adds that the fact that the Hands are preventing Briselda from leaving justifies a rescue but it would have to be a careful, diplomatic rescue. If that fails then, he suggests, they take her by force and possibly hide her within the temple of Flower.
K replies, "We're not pulling that girl out unless she wants to come. If she wants to come, but doesn't have the courage to say so in front of The Hand, that's still her choice. It's clear from our last meeting that she thinks The Hand is something she wants to be a part of ... However, if she wants to come and The Hand won't let her...well, then we'll likely have a fight on our hands. No pun intended." Dorbin offers to put a few guards asleep while they discuss the issue with Brizzie.
=====
Back in Crook Square, Martisan hears the shouting guard and urges the others to run.
Bartomus steps over to the third merchant. The blacksmith and the bone collector argue behind him. The merchant is thoroughly distracted by the argument. Shakes off the distraction and pushes for four gold pieces. He pauses when Bartomus tosses six gp at him. The merchant stepped back and allowed Bartomus to grab the knife. Bartomus tries to distract the crowd and partially succeeds -- the guard looking at Stohp takes a glance at Bart and does a double take.
Stohp sighs, and then takes advantage of Bart’s distraction to disappear from sight and slip on the Hat of Disguise. The guard runs up near [b]Stohp[b] then notices the merchant fight. He casts a whisper spell and soon other guards rush out of the front door. Three head out to help. More storm out the front door. Within moments the count is twelve, then fifteen guards -- all watching from a distance.
The original guard runs up to the blacksmith The blacksmith stands over Jacob. The guard stops. “You should stop. Injury to others is looked down upon but if it’s your passion to injure this gentleman I can’t stop you.” The blacksmith stopped and turned. His face was red with anger. “Get out of here… and take all your friends with you. We don’t need extra protection.” “I’m sorry sir but you do. There is many instances of lack of passion on the Fence. We are assigned as mediators…” Jacob takes the opportunity to attempt a punch but it did little to injure the larger man. The blacksmith fought back pushing Jacob into his bone collection. The product fell everywhere and thieves quickly began to gather up any stray items. The three additional guards stopped them abruptly by shoving them to the ground and collecting the items. They then placed the items in a pile near the now broken merchant cart.
The fighting merchants and the confusion of the Hands in the square lend to the chaos, and Martisan, Bart, and Stohp are all able to make an exit without otherwise attracting any attention.
Soon, the entire party is together again at their home. Now it just remains to decide what to do.
[OOC: DM Cayzle will post a map of Crook Square and the entrances to the Hands HQ very soon -- hopefully tomorrow AM early.]
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 AC: 15/10/15 CMD:13 Wednesday July 20th, 2016 10:45:30 PM "K," says Micah, "I think their is sufficient indication that the Hands are up to no good. To me the question is what is the best approach for giving Briselda the opportunity to make a reasoned choice. I contend that while in their thrall, that will be difficult."
He pauses a moment staring thoughtfully at nothing, then continues, "Having said that, I agree with your suggestion with the clarification that giving her a fair chance may not be so easy, given the likelihood of interference from her controllers."
With this he steps aside and takes a seat on the floor, resting his head against a wall watching and waiting for the others to return through partially closed eyes.
K (Carl) HP: 20 AC:25/22/21 CMD:10 Thursday July 21st, 2016 8:11:01 AM
K nods, but adds "sufficient indication? Sure. Enough to go to the authorities and report them? No. Enough to kick their doors down and start dispensing justice? No. All we have a is a bad feeling and some strong words from a pit boss. I don't like their message, but that doesn't mean I need to go around making blind accusations."
He leans back in his chair. "I want to see their influence around here cut down, but we gotta be smart about it. First things first, though, and that's Brizzie."
Dorbin [AC:13/13/10 HP:17/17 CMD:14] Thursday July 21st, 2016 8:19:56 AM
Dorbin speaks up quietly, "Do you think she could be under some kind of magical spell? Would your views of what we can do change if we were to find out that she was under a magical compulsion so that she cannot tell us if she wants to leave them?"
Bartomus [(Rod) HP: 20/20 AC: 11] Thursday July 21st, 2016 9:55:10 AM "Well, we are going to be out numbered from what I could see," Bartomus added. His ear's twitched forward and back. "If she is under a spell as well, then this could get even harder for us."
Barthomus looked down at the dagger he had purchased in a rush. It should do, he snickered to himself. He looked about for his pack keeping an ear turned towards the discussion and found his carving tools. He dug a bit more into another bag and pulled out a piece of bone. He returned to group and began carving on the bone as he listened to the conversation.
K (Carl) HP: 20 AC:25/22/21 CMD:10 Thursday July 21st, 2016 10:29:23 AM
"Oh man, I wish she was under a spell. That would make this so much easier. No, The Hand knows how to twist people's desires to match their own. Good news is that it hasn't even been a full day yet. They probably haven't had time to do much damage."
He looks around. Everyone seems to be here. "Good...all back. I'm going to suggest that Micah and myself actually walk up to the door and try to talk. The rest of you should be nearby, ready to help if they feel violent...speaking of violent, do we have any more of those saps from the Jack Trippers? I made a promise to my mother about not starting a holy war."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 23/23 AC: 27 T: 19 FF: 26 CMD: 15 Thursday July 21st, 2016 11:47:38 AM
Zander stands listening for a while, weighing in his mind what everyone is saying. Eventually he speaks up, "We have no proof but we know the Hand is up to no good. We have no proof but we know Briselda is in danger. We can't kick in the front door but we must act to rescue her. We go to their warehouse. As a group or with some stationed nearby we talk to them. We ask to see Briselda and arrange a time in the next couple days we can escort her to meet with her father. If need be we stand on their door step till we are given an audience. If they attack the Shields on sight then by Domi I won't start a war but I sure will finish one. I know myself to be a first offender here but if we do this no one so much as touches a weapon unless they swing a blow. If all agree then we should go as soon as possible."
With that Zanderallen looks around at group, looking for assent or disagreement.
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 15/15 | AC: 18 | T:14 | FF:16 | CMD: 14 d20+8=27 ; Thursday July 21st, 2016 5:37:51 PM
Sitting near Micah, her journal open on the floor next to her, Martisan nods at Zander's summary of the situation and his plan moving forward. "That's about the problem right there." She chuckles softly. "But I'm not so sure about this peaceful talk anymore. One of the Hands spotted Stohp when we were scoping things out from a nearby market. The guard immediately drew steel and called for backup."
Martisan shrugs, tucking away her notebook. "I had the same thinking this morning - we should resolve this conflict peacefully - but now I don't know if that's possible. We can try, but I'll be hiding nearby with my weapons ready for the one response we'll probably get from these passionate louts."
Standing and checking her gear, the halfling smiles at her companions. "Bobwise, Dorbin, Bartomus; if you guys wouldn't mind hanging back, we can let the devout of Domi and Flower have their parlay with Caeroldra's cultists, and step in if we need to. If it comes to a fight, as I suspect it will, just watch each others' backs, and holler if you need help. K, and any of you other tall-folk who'd like a nonlethal backup weapon, there should be a few of those masterwork saps stashed around here somewhere, use 'em if you'd like." She pats the whip at her side, indicating her own intention to avoid lethal damage as much as possible.
Before they head out, Martisan gives a brief, rousing recount of the Silver Shield's tussle with the Jack Trippers in a nearby alley, including many subtle cues and reminders to help keep everyone alert for the coming encounter. As her companions are likely coming to recognize, the light touch of magic can be felt floating among the group as the bard speaks. [Perform: Oratory 27 for 3 rounds. Everyone watching/listening benefits from Careful Teamwork: +1 Perception, +1 Disable Device, +1 Flat-Footed AC, +1 Reflex saves vs Traps, & +1 AC vs Traps; 1 hour duration. 6 rounds of Bardic Performance left.]
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 AC: 21/18/18 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 Thursday July 21st, 2016 6:40:19 PM
Stohp returns to the warehouse severely annoyed. Because of the commotion they never got around to visiting the guard, and as far as she can tell they still don't know what the Hand's plans are. During the conversation with the others she mostly sits and stews, listening to everyone else's plans/discussion.
"That plan works well enough but I have one edit; when you approach if the guards rush at you like they did us, stay were you are and let them come to us. They don't strike me as that bright, and if you can lure them away from their HQ we can capture them and maybe get some answers. At the very least it'll give us time before the entire warehouse of cultists pile onto us."
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 AC: 15/10/15 CMD:13 Thursday July 21st, 2016 6:40:56 PM "I am with you K. Before we approach I will cast detect magic just in case," says Micah resolutely.
He grabs his shield, placing it on his back. "I, too, suspect this parlay will quickly erupt into violence, but it must be obvious to anyone in attendance that we were forced to it in self defense." As he says the latter, he straps his hammer on his back; not ready for a fight, but still accessible.
Micah suddenly stops in mid-action. "Wait a minute. You say they drew steel and approached you forcefully unprovoked? Perhaps we should invite such a provocation in the street. If that were to occur, then their true nature becomes much more exposed."
He finishes his stowing, but waits for a reaction from the others.
Bobwise (Jerry) Thursday July 21st, 2016 9:53:17 PM
Bobwise says, "I see the merits of both approaches. Good will prevail.
"Hmm...We don't want to fight them all at once for sure. Not at once. But we need to determine whether combat is justified or not. If we send our two priests forward and they get violent, we have the justification that we need to become violent.
"If we can get out of that initial combat we could wait until they relax their guard again while we decide on a plan of combat and infiltration.
"So what about trying the priests at the front door idea, with us close by ready if necessary, but with the idea of doing our best to NOT fight, but flee. Yes, I know it doesn't feel right. But then we know for sure what we have to do and can plan our assault. Maybe we can not alert the whole place and still get the girl out? The girl is what is important, not our pride.
"I can't believe I said that."
Bobwise grins weakly.
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 15/15 | AC: 18 | T:14 | FF:16 | CMD: 14 Thursday July 21st, 2016 10:46:46 PM "First thing the fella does when he recognized us." Martisan says with a nod to Micah, before disappearing briefly from the main room. She staggers back in carrying an armful of miscellaneous gear.
"I like your thinking, Bobwise. If we go in seeking peace, and they react violently, we should calm and assess the situation before rushing ahead. A temporary retreat, at that point, might be our best option."
"Here we are!" she says, spilling the items out onto a closed crate. "Grabbed a couple of those saps, and this sword." She holds up the magical rapier to K, an excited glint in her eye, as if just holding the weapon ignited some rare battle lust in her veins. "Figured you put that one to good use," She nods to the rapier at the paladin's waist "So, if we need the edge, it's better to have such in your hands." She holds out a sap in her other hand, sarcastic smile hinting at the meaning in the dual offering.
Turning as if to appraise the other members in the party, she walks over to Bartomus, determined half-smile hanging on her lips. "Between that new dagger and the... club you were hefting before, I'm guessing you plan to get up close as much as anybody else." She holds up her hand, palm up, revealing a small, beautiful ring. "We found it with the last, less honorable, druid to call this warehouse home - it'll help deflect some of the blows that er... larger targets tend to draw, if you don't mind my saying." She gives the minotaur a broad hafling grin, messy curls bouncing too perfectly on her brow. Highlight to display spoiler: {Ring of Protection +2, if you'd like.}
She spins once more to take in their company, motions to the remaining little pile of equipment, and taps the recently pocketed potions on her belt with a smile. "Let's go sort out these cultists & bring a lost girl back to her father!"
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