Bobwise (Jerry) Monday September 26th, 2016 7:43:31 PM
"Why am I suddenly concerned about us talking strategy in front of folks we don't know? But then, I'm new too. As my mom always says, 'The only way to determine if someone is trustworthy is to trust them with something.'"
"I too would be more comfortable with 2 groups only. And we need a return time set so that if someone is late, we start looking sooner rather than later. And everyone knows where the other group is going."
Visitor Knocks (DM Mstitt) d20+12=20 ; d20+9=15 ; d20+7=8 ; d20=17 ; Monday September 26th, 2016 8:07:56 PM Bart bellows about Oscar and the little rat man freaked out. The little rat slipped away with AC 15. He struggles to find a trap door but can’t find it. He them disappears out of the room. Stealth AC 20 In the big room Stohp tells Bobwise they split up before. She tells him they had once split up in pairs. Martisan inquires next moves. K waits and thinks. "I'm not comfortable using the neighborhood kids for information on Shredds. This is a guy who kidnapped a 16 year old girl to get revenge on us, so he's already down with punishing kids. Let's not give him any more reason." Zander agrees to K’s thought? Adds an opinion on splitting up. Dorbin hears Bart yell but Oscar disappears into the house. Outside the warehouse Eldritch paces. “What am I going to do? What am I going to say?” He is very shaken. After several moments he bangs on the entrance to the warehouse. (Perception vs AC 14 - You hear the door.)
Bartomus [(Rod) HP: 13/20 AC: 13 (11+2)] d20+6=14 ; Monday September 26th, 2016 8:43:34 PM
Bartomus came out from the kitchen area trying to find Oscar, "Where did he go? Anyone see where our butler got away to? He seemed to panic when I mentioned Shredds and I am a bit worried as to where he might have ran away too."
As Bartomus continued through the warehouse looking for Oscar, he stops mid step. "Did you hear that, sounds like someone is knocking on the door."
He turned towards the door, listened and looked back at the other Shields.
Martisan (John for Damarr) HP: 18/18 | AC: 17 | T:17 | FF:13 | CMD: 15 d20+10=26 ; d20+10=22 ; Monday September 26th, 2016 9:06:30 PM
Upon hearing a knock at the door (Perception 26), Martisan runs to the door and quickly opens it.
"Eldritch!" she exclaims. "Do come in," she urges, literally pulling him in and closing the door behind him after taking a quick look around to see if he was followed or being watched (perception 22).
"Leader, the answer to my question just showed up," she calls out to Stohp with a wink.
Dorbin [AC:13/13/10 HP:17/17 CMD:14] d20+5=15 ; d20+14=16 ; Tuesday September 27th, 2016 9:16:58 AM
Dorbin tells Emily, "Go and check on Oscar. See if you can find him and if he leaves here, follow him." When the door opens, Dorbin jumps to his feet and looks around nervously.
OOC: Emily perception: 15, stealth: 16
K (Carl) HP: 25 AC:25/22/21 CMD:18 d20=20 ; Tuesday September 27th, 2016 10:03:11 AM
K hears the faint knock. He's briefly aware of how keen his senses are since the showdown they just had. First the plates, now that barely audible knock.
He has nothing to say, but instead waits for Eldritch to say whatever it was he came to say. He was still sore at him & the other for serving them up to Shredds under false pretenses.
Bartomus [(Rod) HP: 13/20 AC: 13 (11+2)] Tuesday September 27th, 2016 10:21:50 AM "Martisan, who might our visitor be?" Bartomus asked as their guest was invited in and guided towards Strohp.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 38/38 AC: 18 T: 10 FF: 17 CMD: 16 Party Treasury d20+2=20 ; d20+5=24 ; Tuesday September 27th, 2016 11:28:35 AM
Startled by Oscars sudden movements, Zander doesn't let the distraction of the door stop him from tracking the little fellow down. (Perception 20) Leaving the visitor to the others he follows Oscar, "Ok, Oscar what is this all about? Don't worry you can tell us." His voice is friendly but firm and as he speaks he makes a grab for the ratman's arm. (grapple 24)
Micah (John) HP: 25/25 AC: 15/10/15 CMD:14 Tuesday September 27th, 2016 1:26:52 PM
[b]"Welcome, Eldritch. What brings you here? Can I deduce from your presence that something is amiss with Maltheus?", asks Micah kindly.
He then goes about finding a place for Eldritch to sit and getting him a drink.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 AC: 15/12/12 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 Tuesday September 27th, 2016 3:45:19 PM
At sight of Eldritch Stohp is immediately worried; Shredd's had threatened Maltheus before vanishing the previous night. Still, Maltheus might be here for an entirely different reason and she doesn't want to alarm him even more if that's the case. So she simply says "Eldritch, good to see you. Is something wrong?"
Bobwise (Jerry) Tuesday September 27th, 2016 8:12:46 PM
Bobwise looks up expectantly. "It really never stops around here does it, Dorbin? Amazing. I'm amazed we get to eat...like ever."
Visitor Knocks (DM Mstitt) d20+12=17 ; d20+1=15 ; d20+9=22 ; Tuesday September 27th, 2016 9:05:58 PM Bart searches for Oscar but a knock at the door interrupts. He asks the others if they heard the knock. Martisan runs to the door and opens it. Eldritch stands outside the door, his face pale. Rain falls outside the Float followed by several claps of thunder. She invites him in and he steps in slow. K hears the knock and watches as the Seer’s apprentice steps in. Bart asks who the visitor is. Eldritch is a young human apprentice , fairly tall. His face covered with a hat. He removes the hat and apologizes to the group. Micah asks and Eldritch begins to tear up. He managed to stand strong but can’t say a thing. He sits in the offered seat and stays silent for a long time. Dorbin sends Emily after Oscar but the little rat creature is a little bit stealthier than even the cat. (Stealth: 17) Dorbin jumps when the door opens. Zander is startled by Oscar’s sudden escape. The little rat man streaks past him and is stopped suddenly. He squeaks, then growls as the action surprises him. “No… no.. let me go,” Oscar pleads. “He is known as the Shredder of Crutch Cross. I cannot speak ill of him.” Oscar is scared he threatens to bite Zander to provoke an escape. (Escape Artist AC 22 vs CMD)
Outside of the scuffle with Oscar Eldritch takes in a deep breath and explains that he found Matheus expired in his coffee shop this morning. “He was just dead,” Eldritch said. One broken cup fallen from his hand. The guards said there wasn’t any sign of struggle. They said, ‘the freak just died. Sorry. So.. so cruel is this world.” Eldritch sobbed.
Micah (John) HP: 25/25 AC: 15/10/15 CMD:14 Tuesday September 27th, 2016 10:03:46 PM
At Eldritch's news, Micah hangs his head in sorrow and regret. If only I had been more insistent on checking on Maltheus, he might be alive, he thinks to himself.
If only doesn't fix the damage, he hears the unbidden voice of his father say. Raising his head and staring intently at Eldritch, he asks "What can we do?"
Before Eldritch can reply he turns toward the disruptive rodent and sternly says, "Oscar. A man died and others are at risk of the same."
After a brief pause, he continues more slowly and softly but with no less steel in his voice, "You may help by telling us what more you know or have heard about Shredds or by sitting still and not disturbing the rest of us. Choose one. Now."
Bartomus [(Rod) HP: 13/20 AC: 13 (11+2)] Tuesday September 27th, 2016 11:49:39 PM
Bartomus walked over to where Oscar and Zander are standing. "Oskar, you want to live here and work here, but as I see it, we need to be sure you are working for us, and not for anyone else. Micah asked you for information, I really think it is in your best interest to answer him, and quickly."
K (Carl) HP: 25 AC:25/22/21 CMD:18 Wednesday September 28th, 2016 9:48:34 AM
K's heart sinks. He may have been angry with Maltheus' scheming, but Eldritch obvious cared about the man.
The paladin lets his companions handle Oscar, though he keeps an ear open. Fear is a lousy motivator, and he feared his companions would go down that path.
He walks to Eldritch and embraces him. "It's always been obvious that you cared a great deal for that man. His vices probably would have done him in much sooner without you in his life." He thinks for a moment. "Where is his body, Eldritch?" K pulls back from the embrace. "Some priests at my temple are able to...speak with the recently departed. Kinda. It's not pleasant, but if he was killed, it would help us know and get some justice."
Dorbin [AC:13/13/10 HP:17/17 CMD:14] Wednesday September 28th, 2016 10:56:58 AM
Dorbin does not know Maltheus or Eldritch, so he lets those who do speak of them. He knows of life on the float and knows how easily death can be found. He tells Emily to get out of sight of Oscar, then he quietly speaks, "Oscar, you are with us now. We have defeated Shredds ourselves, just this day. He will not be able to get you here, inside our very house. As long as you are on our side, you are safe here."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 38/38 AC: 18 T: 10 FF: 17 CMD: 16 Party Treasury Wednesday September 28th, 2016 11:32:51 AM
As Oscar slips from his grasp Zander lets him go. He had grabbed him in case he was with Shredds. But he would not use force to counter fear, for false courage is worse than no courage. Oscar would just have to learn to trust them. "Alright, if you fear him that much we won't force anything out of you. But please don't disrupt us. And if you can find the courage to tell us what you know, we will protect you, you're with us now."
Hearing the news of Maltheus's death Zander is deeply troubled. He might have mixed himself up with the wrong people but he and certainly Eldritch deserved better. "I suspect foul play here. While I don't generally agree.l with disturbing the spirits of the dead I think in this case it is wise and Maltheus will not mind too much."
Martisan (John for Damarr) HP: 18/18 | AC: 17 | T:17 | FF:13 | CMD: 15 Wednesday September 28th, 2016 1:24:51 PM
Martisan approaches the grieving Eldritch.
"There now," she says, touching his arm gently. "Why don't you tell us everything that happened?No detail is unimportant."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 AC: 15/12/12 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 d20+7=27 ; Wednesday September 28th, 2016 5:43:59 PM
Stohp shakes her head in sorrow. If he was found this morning he was dead before Shredd's attacked them at the Hands of Love's compound. This is why they needed more help; to be places the Shields couldn't. Still this wasn't the time or place for that argument. For now she tries to pay attention to both conversations. Oscar seems greatly distressed so she adds in a comforting word; "I know you're scared Oscar. We'll do everything in our power to protect you." (diplomacy 27 to calm him down).
Bobwise (Jerry) Wednesday September 28th, 2016 8:04:53 PM
"K, in a few minutes when things are right, please introduce us and catch us up on things please."
Bobwise brews come coffee, adds lots of cream and looks on with interest.
Visitor Knocks (DM Mstitt) d20=2 ; d20=6 ; Wednesday September 28th, 2016 9:21:17 PM
Oscar slips from Zander’s grip. He stands and stares at the group. "Alright, if you fear him that much we won't force anything out of you. But please don't disrupt us. And if you can find the courage to tell us what you know, we will protect you, you're with us now." “I sorry, but I must go.” Oscar says in a panic. He listened to the others but fear had overtaken his sense. He whispers, Perception vs AC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: { “You brave fellas… but Silver minotaur has many arms. Many!”} With that he turned and ran. He was in such a panic he smacked the room wall and left a hole. He stopped and turned back. “I fix that, later.” He then headed up stairs and likely to the attic.
Everyone reacted with sadness to the news about Matheus. Eldritch falls into the arms of the Shields. “He rescued me from the depths of the Trash level. I would of been stuck there without him, waist deep in trash. He was far from perfect but he was... “ Eldritch sobbed again then stopped. He soaked up his tears and stood up. “Gentlemen, the guards have been investigating the situation for hours. I am not able to properly bury my master. They believe it to be the death of a weird old man but I suspect Shredds is involved. I don’t have the skills, as you all seem too. K offers to speak to recently departed Matheus. “I’m not sure if that would be appropriate, sir… but mind you I do not know of this magic. I’ve managed to convince the guards that this could be murder but I doubt they will give Matheus his due respect.” Zander Suspects the same as Eldritch. He agrees with K’s idea of pulling the information from Matheus’s body. Stohp shook her head. She tried to speak to Oscar, but he was gone. She tried to determine a timeline for Matheus’s death. Bobwise asked K to introduce Eldritch, while he makes some coffee.
“I need your help to figure out what happened to Matheus,” Eldritch finally said.
Bartomus [(Rod) HP: 13/20 AC: 13 (11+2)] d20+6=22 ; Wednesday September 28th, 2016 11:05:25 PM
Bartomus shrugged as Oscar ran past and in his panic to flee put the hole in the wall. When the ratman popped back and said, [b] I fix that," Bartomus started to chuckle but caught himself when he reailized all of what the fleeing ratman had said and processed it in his mind. He turned and started to speak but the mood and conversation with Eldritch had turned chillingly sober from what he could see. Bartomus looked about to see who else might have caught what Oscar whispered in his flight from the room and back up to the attic.
Dorbin [AC:13/13/10 HP:17/17 CMD:14] Thursday September 29th, 2016 9:35:04 AM
Dorbin elbows Bobwise and says, "Did you hear? He wants our help! OUR help! Not only are we IN, we're really going to do it -- we're going to help someone who needs help. How awesome is this?"
K (Carl) HP: 25 AC:25/22/21 CMD:18 Thursday September 29th, 2016 10:22:44 AM
"Right...manners are important. Eldritch, meet Bobwise, Dorbin, and Bart. They're new here, but fought Shredds and his gang by our side last night. Guys, meet Eldritch. He and his companion were instrumental in leading us to Shredds in the first place, though it seems they've paid a terrible price for it."
He leaves out the gambling debts and general unsavoryness of the situation while Eldritch is here mourning.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 38/38 AC: 18 T: 10 FF: 17 CMD: 16 Party Treasury d20+2=5 ; Thursday September 29th, 2016 2:23:48 PM
Missing Oscar's parting comment, Zander dismisses him from his mind. Not wanting to quash his spirits but also feeling the need to mentor Zander quietly says to Dorbin, "I can understand your excitement, really I've been there, but celebrating in the face of loss isn't the most gracious thing. It's a bittersweet feeling really. The opportunity to help someone often comes from some evil having been done to them. Never lose the excitement to help but temper that with comfort to those that are hurting." He then looks to Stoph to take the lead as he prepares his gear to head out. ------------ (Perception 5)
Martisan (John for Damarr) HP: 18/18 | AC: 17 | T:17 | FF:13 | CMD: 15 d20+10=16 ; d20+7=26 ; Thursday September 29th, 2016 5:02:51 PM
Martisan quietly follows Oscar upstairs and into the attic.
"Oscar", she calls gently, "It's Marty. I know you are not accustomed to us, but I thought you might like some company. May I join you?
Unless he vigorously objects, she will take advantage of her small size to follow him into his "residence". Attempting to calm him by the familiar, she asks for a tour of his den and makes small talk until he calms down (Diplomacy 26). Then she asks, "You seem to know a lot about this Shredder. Can you tell me what you know, so I can be more careful?
========= 16 perception 26 Diplomacy
Micah (John) HP: 25/25 AC: 15/10/15 CMD:14 Thursday September 29th, 2016 5:11:43 PM
[i]Was I ever that young and eager[/b] muses the twenty-two year old priest to himself as he smiles at Dorbin's outburst.
Micah waits and listens quietly as the others address their unexpected guest.
Bartomus [(Rod) HP: 13/20 AC: 13 (11+2)] Thursday September 29th, 2016 5:38:34 PM
Bartomus watched Marty follow up after Oscar, and then heard his name and his being introduced by Zander. He smiled and extended his hand to Eldritch. "It is a pleasure, Eldritch. Zander, I am so sorry, but why would Oscar talk about a many handed Silver Minotaur?"
Bobwise (Jerry) Thursday September 29th, 2016 6:18:27 PM
Bobwise gives his friend Dorbin a friendly clasp on the shoulder. "Yes, indeed, my friend. It is a good thing."
Bobwise steps forward and offers his hand to Eldritch. "I am Bobwise. It is good to meet you. I hope we can help."
He takes a few steps back, then says. "We have breakfast if you haven't had any? And coffee?"
He offers Eldritch his chair to let him sit and relax, moving to another chair.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 AC: 15/12/12 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 d20+7=18 ; Thursday September 29th, 2016 8:59:39 PM
Stohp hears what Oscar mutters and grows extremely worried. Clearly they did not do a proper job investigating Shredds and he is extremely dangerous. Having been chosen to take charge at least for this adventure, Stohp decides it's time for her to do so.
"If it was Shredd's then I don't like the sound of this. He's killing people he knows we care about simply to get back at us. We need to immediately send word to Brizzie and her father and make sure they're safe; he's already tried for them once, he will probably try again. We also need to learn more about him as he clearly has a reputation for violence we haven't heard about."
Noticing Martisan pursuing Oscar she makes a snap decision. "Bart, Micah, Z, stay here with Eldritch and learn what you can. Martisan is following up with Oscar; with luck she can learn more from him. Meanwhile K, Bowise, Dorbin, and I can go check on Brizzie. We should consider getting them to move here, to the Hands of Love compound, or one of the temples. Perhaps your parents could look after them K. Regardless they aren't safe, and we need to get them someplace where they will be safe."
Holding her breath, without realizing it, Stohp waits to see everyone's reactions. Just because she was chosen as Lead Shield until Shredd's had been caught doesn't mean that anyone would actually listen to her orders.
Micah (John) HP: 25/25 AC: 15/10/15 CMD:14 Thursday September 29th, 2016 9:19:26 PM "Sounds good, Stohp," responds Micah positively. "If you take them somewhere other than here, leave a some type of sign. Should something come up here we can send Martisan with a message."
"Well," he says to Bartomus and Zanderallen, "I think I will put on a pot of tea." He proceeds to do just that.
Visitor Knocks (DM Mstitt) Thursday September 29th, 2016 10:27:13 PM Bart shrugs and laughs a bit when Oscar smacked the wall. He noticed the sober mood outside and wondered if anyone heard what Oscar said. Dorbin elbows Bobwise and asks if he heard that Eldtrich needs their help. Bobwise clasps Dorbin’s shoulder. He greets Eldritch who returns the greeting. “You are new, I don’t recall you being with the group before. You are part of a good group of fellows.” “I would love a cup of coffee, thank you.” Eldritch kindly refuses the seat. K introduces all the new group members and Eldritch smiles and greets them. Zander says to Dorbin "I can understand your excitement, really I've been there, but celebrating in the face of loss isn't the most gracious thing. It's a bittersweet feeling really. The opportunity to help someone often comes from some evil having been done to them. Never lose the excitement to help but temper that with comfort to those that are hurting." Martisan follows Oscar. "It's Marty. I know you are not accustomed to us, but I thought you might like some company. May I join you?” Oscar is initially grumpy but grumbles when she makes her way into his small attic room. “There is not much here. Unsure, why you would want a tour. Oiy…” Oscar fiddled with a broken broom. “Oiy… Silver demon that minotaur is. He is in many places at once.” Micah muses about Dorbin. Bart watched Marty follow Oscar. Eldritch returned the greeting. “Oh, great god of war that minotaur is connected throughout the Float. I warned Matheus many times about dealing with him. That may be why your little friend said that. I can’t deduce if Shredds had anything to do with the death of my mentor. The guards will not allow me access. Maybe they will listen to you?”
Bartomus [(Rod) HP: 13/20 AC: 13 (11+2)] Friday September 30th, 2016 1:30:26 AM "What dealings did Matheus have with what Minotaur?" Bartomus asked Eldritch and K.
Dorbin [AC:13/13/10 HP:17/17 CMD:14] Friday September 30th, 2016 1:15:02 PM
Dorbin calms down when Zander mentions the loss. He nods and tries to be respectful but likely just appears quiet and distant. He steps back and puts his back to the wall, watching how the others act. When Stohp mentions going to check on Brizzie, a smile appears on his face, but quickly disappears as he looks over at Zander. He says, in a monotone, "Yes. Yes, we should check on her now."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 38/38 AC: 18 T: 10 FF: 17 CMD: 16 Party Treasury Friday September 30th, 2016 6:22:31 PM "Sounds like a solid plan. Tea sounds great Micah. I will add some martial advice, Shredds should be considered armed and dangerous at all times. His fire breath was strong enough to lay me low and I'm probably one of the most physically conditioned of the group. Be careful.", as he ends his statement his voice is full of care.
His gear ready, just in case, he turns to talk to Eldritch before breaking his own advice as Dorbin's monotone cause him to lose it. Trying not to chuckle, and failing, he says, [/b]"Dorbin, you young scamp. Don't stop being yourself ever. Now go have fun."[/b]
Martisan settles herself into Oscar's tiny domain. "Have you seen Shredds yourself?" she asks in a quiet, anxious voice, hoping to draw him out. "Do you know any of the places he hides?" she continues.
Micah (John) HP: 25/25 AC: 15/10/15 CMD:14 Friday September 30th, 2016 6:36:44 PM
Micah continues to make Eldritch as comfortable as possible given the circumstances.
He nods thoughtfully as Zanderallen warns the others.
Bobwise (Jerry) Friday September 30th, 2016 6:54:56 PM
Bobwise nods at Stohp. "And I think it time we inform the guards of what we have learned, if not now, soon. They should help. If not, then that has to become a goal of ours. Get the guard to WANT to do their job here on Fence Level.
"I have an idea there, when the time comes."
Next On Deck (DM Cayzle) Saturday October 1st, 2016 10:00:39 AM
Post in progress ... coming up!
Next On Deck (DM Cayzle) Saturday October 1st, 2016 10:16:44 AM
Bart asks Eldrich some specific questions.
"Well, now that he is dead, I do not suppose that there are any secrets to keep any longer," he says. "Matheus was a seer, a true one! He saw glimpses of the future -- but not when he stood to profit. I think that's why he loved to gamble ... it was the one aspect of his life in which he was not plagued by visions. But the sad truth is that he was a horrible gambler and almost always lost. That got him in trouble with the bookmaker -- one of Shredds' hats is to run a few gambling dens. Mattheus was in debt, and Shredds wanted to make him predict the future to work off his debt. Naturally Mattheus saw that Shredds was bad, and resisted. Then you good folks intervened, and saved him from that. We were both so grateful."
Dorbin thinks that if Mattheus is dead, the group should check on Brizzie. Eldrich says, "The girl is healthy and strong, yes? Not old like Mattheus? She is surely fine. I pray."
Zander agrees that Shredds is dangerous, and urges Dorbin to go quick and check on Brizzie.
Micah fetches a drink for Eldrich, and finaly the fellow takes a sip and sits down.
Bobwise, perhaps naively, still thinks the Floating City authorities can be made to care about the lesser power struggles of Fence-level hoodlums. Maybe?
Meanwhile, Martisan continues her conversation with Oscar. [OOC, in Damarr's absence, the DM prefers not to delve too deeply into this portion of plot today.]
If Dorbin wishes, he can make a quick dash to the house of the alchemist to check on him and Briselda. They are both well and working hard to ready the shop for new customers. No problems there. Dorbin can race back just as Eldrich is finishing the drink Micah gave him.
Eldrich swallows and thanks you all. "I just want to send my friend off right to Gargul's judgement. Will you come with me and convince the guards to let me tend my friend?"
K (Carl) HP: 25 AC:25/22/21 CMD:18 d3=1 ; Saturday October 1st, 2016 9:39:48 PM
Misclicked D3. Ignore.
***
"I'll be glad to help, Eldrich. Let me get dressed. 5 minutes."
He assumes some other Shields will go, but he needs no consensus to go along. The man obviously loved Mattheus & was asking for his help. That's all he needed.
Bartomus [(Rod) HP: 13/20 AC: 13 (11+2)] Sunday October 2nd, 2016 2:38:40 PM "Alright, I can help as well. But, I do need to figure out whether taking my glave, sheathed or not, is going to be helping us or raising too much attention with the guards?" Bartomus asked K and the others.
Micah (John) HP: 25/25 AC: 15/10/15 CMD:14 Sunday October 2nd, 2016 3:07:46 PM
Micah clarifies to Stohp, "It appears that those of us staying with Eldritch will be heading to Maltheus lodgin. I will check on Martisan and let her know where everyone is off to."
He heads up and does so, returning soon thereafter.
Martisan (John for Damarr) HP: 18/18 | AC: 17 | T:17 | FF:13 | CMD: 15 Sunday October 2nd, 2016 3:13:38 PM
When Micah informs her of the others plans, she informs him she will continue talking to Oscar then head downstairs to await any news. "This won't have much range, but if you're close, it might help," she says before casting Message on Micah. She then returns to her conversation with Oscar.
She realizes it probably will not reveal much for now, but decides it is worth taking some time to get to know the person that will be watching over their headquarters.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 AC: 15/12/12 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 Sunday October 2nd, 2016 9:06:44 PM
Stohp does head over to visit Brizzie & her father. She is pleased to see them well, but still apprehensive about their safety. "An acquaintance of ours who was involved with Shredd's turned up dead this morning. We don't have details yet so it might be a coincidence, but Shredd's did threaten to harm the man during the fight last night. Maybe I'm just being paranoid but now I'm worried about your safety; is there somewhere you two could go you would be hidden or guarded? Even just staying a friends might be enough if the Hands that worked for Shredds don't know who the friend is."
After telling them of her concerns and urging them to move to a safer location she heads back to the warehouse.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 AC: 15/12/12 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 Monday October 3rd, 2016 10:22:05 AM
Once back she hears what the plan is and has a question. "Are we going to his house, the guard station, or to whichever healer they're getting to examine him?"
Dorbin [AC:13/13/10 HP:17/17 CMD:14] Monday October 3rd, 2016 11:20:41 AM
Dorbin breathlessly reports to the others, "Brizzie and her father appear to be okay." When he hears about the guards and this fellow asking for help, he ponders out loud to no one in particular, "Why in the world would these guards attempt to keep a... well, anyone from helping tend to the last rites."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 38/38 AC: 18 T: 10 FF: 17 CMD: 16 Party Treasury Monday October 3rd, 2016 3:15:08 PM "Should we all go to put Maltheus to rest? Well everyone but Martisan, she seems to have found something else to do." Zander is ready to head out to see the guard.
Bartomus [(Rod) HP: 13/20 AC: 13 (11+2)] Monday October 3rd, 2016 7:35:58 PM "yep, right with you, just want to grab my gave this time." Bartomus walked over to the support column of the warehouse where he had stored his things. He grabbed the long pole arm and made sure the sheath was secured in place.
At the Broken Shack (DM Cayzle) Monday October 3rd, 2016 7:44:03 PM
K asks for five minutes to get geared up. Eldrich bows his head in approval and thanks.
Bart asks whether he should bring his large weapon carried openly. But a moment of reflection reassures him. The presence of city guards on the Fence is iffy at best, and people are much more likely to BE carrying weapons openly than the reverse. Indeed, even the peaceful homemaker out on shopping errands is likely to have a couple cleavers or butcher knives tucked in his belt! So please feel free to travel the Float fully equipped!
That said, things are different the higher up you go in the Float. No one goes armed in the open air level. Except city guards and registered adventurer groups! Like the Silver Shields!
Micah checks in with Martisan, and she suggests that someone should hold down the fort here at HQ. Micah agrees and then returns, ready to follow Eldrich to see to the late seer.
[OOC: Damarr reports today that with real life stuff going on for him, he'll be on walkabout for at few months at least. So let's consider his PC on NPC/Walkabout status for the medium term. Please remove him from the CC list when you email the group.]
After joining Dorbin on the errand to see the alchemist and his daughter, Stohp returns and asks where exactly the party is headed. Eldrich replies that Mattheus died in his own bed at home. Eldrich woke to hear his old friend gasping his last breaths. He ran for help and got the landlady and a healer-man, and when he returned, he could not enter the apartment because of the guards that arrived in the meantime. So he is leading the group to Mattheus's place of residence, to get the guards to let him in.
Dorbin asks why oh why there would be guards to stop people from tending the deceased. "That's what I asked!" exclaims Eldrich, "but they would not tell me. They just said it was palace business."
Zander asks about funereal practices in the Float. The major problem with dying in the Float is that space is at a real premium. A very few druids and nature-worshippers are buried in unmarked graves in the gardens of the open air, so that they can return to nature. Another very few of the rich and powerful are granted memorials and tombs in the area of the Temple of the Grim, where Gargul is honored. The cemetery there has a foul reputation, however.
But the very great majority of the dead are either cremated or weighted and buried "at sea" -- or anyway, at lake.
It seems sad to think of, but there is also the Trash Level. I'd rather not go into that, but suffice to say that there is a reason the Trash Level is flooded and washed out entirely from time to time.
No matter how your remains are treated after death, if any wish to mourn for you, they tend to go visit the Sobbing Stone at the Temple of Alemi when they want to remember the departed.
The party travels with Eldrich to the Broken Shack apartments, a run-down place that has seen better days. Eldrich seems embarrassed. "You know we had money troubles," he says, as an explanation for the shabby setting.
The guards are gone. The landlady greets you at the door of the apartment. Mattheus has been cleaned, dressed, and treated with respect. The landlady tells you that it was the guards who prepared him, and also left some gold for the funeral.
Bobwise (Jerry) Monday October 3rd, 2016 7:58:08 PM
Bobwise chimes in. "I'm willing to go wherever needed. As Stohp said, as our influence grows, we must change the culture of Fence Level. At least we must try."
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 AC: 15/10/15 CMD:13 d20+3=16 ; Monday October 3rd, 2016 8:46:52 PM
Micah follows along with the others.
"Palace business?" Micah muses aloud. When he hears that the guards prepared the body themselves, his curiosity is piqued further. He addresses the landlady, "Greetings, Ma'am. Could you tell us more about these guards? Did they say anything about why they were here or why Maltheus was being treated with such honor?"
When appropriate he will enter the room where Maltheus passed and take a look. (Perception 16)
Bartomus [(Rod) HP: 13/20 AC: 13 (11+2)] d20+6=13 ; Monday October 3rd, 2016 11:14:15 PM
Bartomus listened while taking a guarding position outside of the doorway. This was a matter for Zander and Micah, he was there just to help and lend a hand if the need arose. He scanned the area and at the same time tried to listen in on the conversation.
========== Perception roll, 13.
K (Carl) HP: 25 AC:25/22/21 CMD:18 Tuesday October 4th, 2016 8:23:16 AM
K looks down at Maltheus. "I forgive you for what you did, Maltheus. No point holding a grudge now." The paladin wondered why he was so well taken care of. Was this normal for the Fence? He didn't think so, but hadn't dealt with a lot of bodies just yet.
He listens for an answer to Micah's question.
Dorbin [AC:13/13/10 HP:17/17 CMD:14] Tuesday October 4th, 2016 9:34:32 AM
Dorbin follows along with the others, wondering if the group was being stalked by Shredds. When they arrived, he joined Bart in taking up a position to guard from the outside. He wasn't really sure what he was guarding, and he wasn't quite sure how he was supposed to look as a guard, but he just stood there and tried to imitate Bart.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 38/38 AC: 18 T: 10 FF: 17 CMD: 16 Party Treasury Tuesday October 4th, 2016 2:15:41 PM
Seeing how Maltheus' body has been laid out Zander asks a question of Eldritch, "I'm assuming with your money situation Maltheus didn't have a prearranged burial plan? Also if you just told the land lady and went to get a healer, how did the guards know to come? Something is very fishy here." He scratches his head in confusion as to why this happened.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 AC: 15/12/12 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 d20+9=26 ; Tuesday October 4th, 2016 5:20:37 PM
Stohp remembers the first encounter the group had with the Hands; an adventuring group that called itself guards. Asking for a description of the men who arrived, she tries to think of how actually palace guard uniforms look (Knowledge: Local 26).
Bobwise (Jerry) d20+2=6 ; Tuesday October 4th, 2016 8:09:21 PM
Bobwise follows along and waits outside, watching the passersby looking for anything out of place. Everything looks normal [Perception check of 6]
At the Broken Shack (DM Cayzle) Tuesday October 4th, 2016 8:41:31 PM
The party talks with the landlady, a Missus Beadle. She describes the guards in great detail. "Right smart they was, with their red scarves and their feathers in their helmets. Official like. Would not say much, just 'Official Business.' I never saw the like."
That may make Stohp and Micah think back on the time you visited the palace. You do not much remember the guards cutting such a fashionable figure. Stophp especially does not recall seeing any sash or feather on any guards on the Open Air level or in the palace. She thinks it is as if someone who did not know anything about palace guards had created a disguise of something they had never seen, but just took a guess at.
K looks down at the body of the dead seer. He has never heard of palace guards ever coming to the Fence to pay respects to a dead person. Ever.
Zanderallen intuits that something is just not right here. How did the palace know to send the guards?
Bob, Dorbin, and Bart keep watch. Do you look at anything in particular? Details and skill checks, please.
Bartomus [(Rod) HP: 13/20 AC: 13 (11+2)] Wednesday October 5th, 2016 12:22:50 AM "Ma'am, you said the Guards left you gold, did they say why or was there anything unusual about that gift?" Bartomus asked the landlady. He also looked into the room to see if there were any unusual markets around the deceased's body.
========= Had already rolled a perception roll and didn't do well with it.
At the Broken Shack (DM Cayzle) Wednesday October 5th, 2016 5:37:01 AM
OOC: Your DM looks kindly on specific skill checks, and you can make as many as you like. For example, even if you have made a general check, you can also post, for example, "Goerge looks at the carpet to see how scuffed it is." or "I'll use my survival check to track where they went in the room." or "I'll use my disable device check to try to see if the lock on the chest has been picked." or "Dimteter rolls knowledge nobility to see if that guard uniform matches a noble house."
What I'm saying is that I greatly appreciate specificity, creativity, and thoughtfulness. That kind of check can let you learn stuff, even if you roll low!
Dorbin [AC:13/13/10 HP:17/17 CMD:14] d20+6=15 ; d20+6=15 ; Wednesday October 5th, 2016 8:06:59 AM
Dorbin stands and looks around the area, trying to match Bart in his guarding position. Dorbin then looks around to see if he sees anyone watching the group, or anyone who looks out of place (perception: 15). When he overheards about the red feathers, he takes another look around for things that are red (perception: 15).
K (Carl) HP: 25 AC:25/22/21 CMD:18 Wednesday October 5th, 2016 8:36:25 AM
K wasn't very perceptive, but he knew something was fishy about all this. "Eldrich, is anything missing? I doubt Maltheus didn't have some kind of hiding place or stash around here."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 AC: 15/12/12 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 d20=2 ; d20+7=25 ; Wednesday October 5th, 2016 9:07:50 AM
Stohp looks at the body but knows she lacks the training or experience to learn anything (Heal 2... hint hint). After asking Eldrich for permission she asks the group "Can one of you guys examine the body? I'm not sure which of us is the most medically inclined but it certainly isn't me."
While that happens she makes a quick examination of the room. Those "guards" were left here several hours and could have easily searched the place or taken stuff. So she looks for things that have obviously been disturbed or removed (Perception 25).
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 AC: 15/10/15 CMD:13 d20+8=15 ; Wednesday October 5th, 2016 1:32:56 PM
Noticing Stohp's examination of Maltheus, he joins her in her investigation. Specifically looking for any injuries, signs of poisoning, or foreign objects. [Heal check 15]
He then casts Detect Magic to look for any trace of magical effects that might have contributed to his death. With the spell active, he will then survey the entire room.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 38/38 AC: 18 T: 10 FF: 17 CMD: 16 Party Treasury d20+5=12 ; d20+5=24 ; d20+5=19 ; d20+9=10 ; d20+2=13 ; Wednesday October 5th, 2016 3:42:06 PM
Having received basic medical training Zander assists Micah in his medical examination (Heal 12 gives +2 to Micah). Since the land lady has such a detailed description he thinks through all the organizations he knows of and tries to match any details in uniforms or procedures, asking the land lady for as much as she remembers. (Know: Nobility 24, Know: Religion 19, Diplomacy 10 for additional info) Still looking for clues he searches around, not figuring he'll find anything anybody else hasn't. (Perception 13)
At the Broken Shack (DM Cayzle) Wednesday October 5th, 2016 8:31:00 PM
Bart asks the landlady about what the guards gave her and said to her. "Well, they told me not to tell anyone that they were here and that this gold would shut me up." Missus Beadle looks defiant at that.
Dorbin looks around at the shabby but neat and clean apartment. There are three rooms; the party is now in Mattheus's bedroom, where there is a bed, two small tables, a chair, and a closet.
K asks Eldrich if anything is missing. The fellow looks around. "Here are Mattheus's books, his fortune-telling cards, his mother's cup." He holds it up and a drop of water flies out. "I *think* everything is here, but it looks to me like it has all been searched through."
Stohp confirms that this room and the others in the apartment have been searched, carefully and neatly.
Micah joins he minotaur and uses a Detect Magic cantrip. That turns up nothing. Eldrich notices what you are doing and says, "We have no riches or wealth. Mattheus had sold all his things to pay his gambling debts, and in the end it wasn't enough. He just kept on gambling. It possessed him. All he had money for at the end was his rent and board with the good madam here, his medicine, and the odd copper he would donate to Wardd."
Micah then looks at the body, and does indeed conclude that the seer may have been poisoned, maybe by a slow-acting, accumulative alchemical.
Standing beside Micah, Zander looks at the poor fellow and notices that his lips are wet, and there are a few drops soaked into his shirt.
Missus Beadle bustles through and heads for the closet. "Sad man. Least I can do is help to get him ready." She picks out some clothes. "Now you young heroes go away while I tend to the necessary and give him some respects. Eldrich dear, have you decided how to lay him to rest? There's no one else to say, besides you."
Eldrich tries to answer, but chokes up and has to excuse himself.
Bobwise (Jerry) d20+2=14 ; Wednesday October 5th, 2016 10:39:04 PM
Bobwise continues to look around for anything that catches his eye as being wrong or out of place.
He will begin looking specifically for anyone casing the place. Guards? Shredd's folk? Nosey neighbors that saw something and now think there is something else to see?
[perception check of 14]
K (Carl) HP: 25 AC:25/22/21 CMD:18 Wednesday October 5th, 2016 11:06:54 PM
K looks up at Eldritch. "Medicine? What medicine?"
Bartomus [(Rod) HP: 13/20 AC: 13 (11+2)] d20+5=7 ; Thursday October 6th, 2016 1:37:07 AM "Eldritch, may I take a look at those cards?" Bartomus asked and picked the fortune telling cards up when they were set down and began to look through the deck and count the cards. He tried to see how they were made and if there were any somehow different from the others, but he got distracted as folks continued to talk about things involving the deceased.
Dorbin [AC:13/13/10 HP:17/17 CMD:14] d20+6=25 ; Thursday October 6th, 2016 9:19:55 AM
Dorbin heads back to the doorway to guard there and looks around outside, looking for anyone watching them or anyone with red feathers (perception: 25).
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 38/38 AC: 18 T: 10 FF: 17 CMD: 16 Party Treasury d20+2=12 ; Thursday October 6th, 2016 3:03:08 PM "Micah, do you see this?", Zander points out the moisture of the seer's lips and shirt, "Aren't there ways to detect the presence of poison using magic? Micah, Dorbin, Bobwise, Bartomus, do any of you have the ability to cast such magic? Eldritch, do you know what he drank? Is his glass still around, did he use his mother's cup? Is there any liquid left in it?", Zanderallen looks around for whatever Maltheus was drinking before he died.
(Perception 12)
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 AC: 15/10/15 CMD:13 d20+7=9 ; d20+3=19 ; Thursday October 6th, 2016 5:19:10 PM
In a hushed voice, Micah replies to Eldrich with a kindly smile, "Actually I am looking for traces of any enchantments that may have been cast on Mattheus."
Stopping the landlay from disturbing the body, he will try to collect any of the moisture on Mattheus' shirt and lips into the cup, being careful to not touch it himself. To the others he explains, "Mattheus appears to have been poisoned. Reilbel might be able to identify this liquid."
Perplexed by the circumstances, disturbed by Mattheus untimely death, and feeling somewhat responsible, he snaps at Miss Beadle with little tact. [Diplomacy 9] "You would let blood money close your lips? Your tenant appears to have been poisoned. Your silence may be protecting his murderer."
Embarrassed by his outburst, he then goes to the books to look for anything of potential interest. [perception 19]
===== Diplomacy 9 to persuade the landlady to tell about the "guards" Perception 19 to find any clues in Mattheus' books.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 AC: 15/12/12 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 d20+7=18 ; Friday October 7th, 2016 1:20:29 AM
Stoph tries to smooth things over with the landlady. "I'm sure she's told us everything she knows." Once everyone has finished with whatever investigatory task they're performing she asks the group "There doesn't seem to be much more to learn here; are we ready to move on? We should get that liquid examined."
Clues clues (DM Mstitt) Friday October 7th, 2016 8:20:44 AM
(OOC: sorry for the missed post.) Bobwise looks for anything suspicious. There is leftover foot traffic all over the room. It’s hard to parse out anything that would be helpful. It looks like they come in from the door and lead to several points. (OOC: continue Perception checks my highlight more) K asks about medicine and Eldritch adds that Matheus had frequent headaches. He often drank from his favorite glass to swallow it. Eldritch handed Bart the fortune cards but there are no clues within the cards. The art is simple and they feel like a fairly cheap set. Dorbin guards the doorway. Many people pass by outside as they finish up mid-morning tasks. After a long time a gentlemen in a guard uniform and a red feathered cap passes by and seems very interested in the activity. He doesn’t stay long and continues walking. Zanderallen and Micah search for magic but they don’t find any magic. The cup is suspicious but you can’t tell what’s wrong.
At the Broken Shack (DM Cayzle) Friday October 7th, 2016 8:28:16 AM
Bobwise does indeed see several people standing around outside the apartment and gawking. A human couple stands in a doorway, and a half-orc woman peeks out through a door she holds ajar.
Dorbin heads to the main entrance and looks outside. There are a couple people standing about. A pert gnome girl with black curly hair comes up to him and asks for news about these fancy warriors who left a little while ago. He sees no feathers.
K asks Eldrich about the "medicine." He replies that Mattheus would take medicine each night. "He said it would help him dream true, whatever that means." But that's not poison -- it comes direct from a very good friend and apothocary. Someone he trusts.
Bartomus looks at the fortune telling deck. They are all made from the same stock and seem innocuous enough. Not magic. Not tainted in any discernable way.
Zander sees the moisture around the dead seer's mouth and immediately suspects poison. But as far as he can tell, it is just pure water, both on his lips and in the cup.
Micah investigates with Zander and confirms it is water. Still, usually a person can drink a drink of water without getting their lips and shirt wet. Plus, the water is beaded on the corpse, and that suggests he was lying there horizontally when he had his drink?? He sees nothing among the seer's papers, just jotted scribbles, likely meaningful to him only.
Micah snaps at Missus Beadle: "Your silence may be protecting his murderer," he says.
"What silence??" she declares indignantly. "Am I not telling you all about it? They wanted to buy my silence, and I was happy to take their money, but I'm telling you everything. I thought you were good people!" She puts her hands on her hips and glares at Micah.
Stohp smooths things over and suggests it is time to go.
At the Broken Shack (DM Cayzle) Friday October 7th, 2016 8:29:38 AM
LOLOL! Your two DMs were composing at the same time! I'll let both posts stand!
K (Carl) HP: 25 AC:25/22/21 CMD:18 d20=18 ; Friday October 7th, 2016 8:39:28 AM
K scratches his head. He was no detective, and he didn't feel like he was accomplishing much. He has a look at this cup, trying to see if he can see anything.
Perception: 18 - Anything weird about the cup?
Bartomus [(Rod) HP: 13/20 AC: 13 (11+2)] Friday October 7th, 2016 9:54:04 AM "Could he have been poisoned because of his gambling debts?" Bart asked aloud. "But if that was the case, why go to the expense of paying hush money, and to ensuring he was well taken care of here. Eldritch, you said he gave the occassional copper to the Warrd. Could there be some connection there?"
Dorbin [AC:13/13/10 HP:17/17 CMD:14] Friday October 7th, 2016 12:06:20 PM
Dorbin thinks he spots a red feather and starts to point it out to the others when the little girl distracts him. He replies, "A messy business here, little one, not a place for children right now." When he looks up, he loses sight of the feather.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 38/38 AC: 18 T: 10 FF: 17 CMD: 16 Party Treasury d20+2=14 ; Friday October 7th, 2016 6:28:28 PM
Still scratching his head Zander looks over the water on the shirt and lips, "This almost looks like someone gave him the drink, maybe?". he muses aloud. He'll look around for any signs of forced entry or picked locks on the windows or doors. "Any chance anybody came in her last night?"
(Perception 14)
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 AC: 15/10/15 CMD:13 Friday October 7th, 2016 7:12:41 PM
Micah will continue to try to collect some of the spilled liquid using the cup. He hopes to get enough that Reilbel might be able to identify it.
The Crimson Note (DM Mstitt) Friday October 7th, 2016 9:56:13 PM K scratches his head. He looks at the cup but doesn’t see anything weird. Now if you look deep into the cup you can catch little pieces of sand-like grains. Bart asks if he was poisoned because of his debts but questions that theory because of the hush money. Maybe a connection with Warrd. Dorbin points out the the man with the feather but becomes distracted. The man with the red feather disappears into a crowd. Dorbin dismisses the little girl kindly and she walks away. Zander looks over Matheus’s body and thinks that someone may have forced him to take a drink. “No, I didn’t see anyone. Uhm… He did enjoy Wardd. That reminds me. There is a note or a scroll around here somewhere. Matheus once told me about this note. He mentioned crimson. I’m not sure if that’s a name or a color. I have to find that note.
Bartomus [(Rod) HP: 13/20 AC: 13 (11+2)] d20+6=12 ; Saturday October 8th, 2016 11:26:09 AM
Bartomus looked up when there was mention of the Wardd and a note. He began to walk about the rooms looking for some type of note or scroll with possibly a crimson ribbon or seal.
=== (perception 12)
K (Carl) HP: 25 AC:25/22/21 CMD:18 Sunday October 9th, 2016 6:24:50 PM
"Hey, there's stuff in this cup," K says to whomever may be listening. The paladin knows nothing about poisons, so doesn't touch anything lest he mess up some evidence.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 AC: 15/12/12 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 Sunday October 9th, 2016 7:15:31 PM
Stohp is starting to feel a little out of her depth and not happy about it. While she's had plenty of practice noticing things and putting pieces together she's never been involved in a murder investigation and really has no idea what to do. Even worse her current line of work probably means she'll get stuck doing more things like this in the future.
Resolving to fix her lack of knowledge on such things at a later date, all she can do right now is help look for the scroll , note, or book that Matheas mentioned involving "crimson".
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 AC: 15/10/15 CMD:13 d20+3=11 ; Sunday October 9th, 2016 9:59:29 PM
Micah joins in the search, but finding small details is not something he is particularly skilled in doing.
Carl subbing for Jerry (Bobwise) Sunday October 9th, 2016 10:05:22 PM
Bobwise looks in the cup at K's discovery. "Yup, something's in there all right. Anyone know anything about poison?"
Dorbin [AC:13/13/10 HP:17/17 CMD:14] d20+6=19 ; Monday October 10th, 2016 9:46:33 AM
Dorbin peeks back in the door when he hears about poison, but he says nothing because he just doesn't know anything. He listens carefully about the search for a scroll, but continues to watch outside for any others who might be watching them (perception: 19). He tells Emily to head on up to the roof and have a look around.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 38/38 AC: 18 T: 10 FF: 17 CMD: 16 Party Treasury d20+2=4 ; Monday October 10th, 2016 2:30:17 PM "I don't think we have the means to identify it but keep that safe. Reilbel the alchemist can probably tell us what it is." He then joins in searching for the note, after bumping into some of the others he realizes he's not helping the search and steps outside to see how Dorbin is doing. (Perception 4)
The Crimson Note - part 2 (DM Mstitt) Monday October 10th, 2016 8:03:58 PM Bart looks up with the mention of the note. He searched for any notes. Near the back of the room is a library of books. In between the book are sorted papers. Stohp and K struggle with the investigation and search the room. K notices the nodules in the cup but he is not sure what to do with it while Bobwise confirms that there is something in the cup. Dorbin and Zander watch outside as Emily the cat heads upstair. Outside Float traffic lightened up a bit. That suspicious guard was gone but there are many other people walking by. Someone may have seen something but before you can do anything a bag floats past the two of you. It’s just an empty bag carried by a breeze but it could be useful. Zander suggests meeting up with Reibel, the alchemist. Missus Beadle walks slowly pass everyone and waits outside for everyone to leave.
Bartomus [(Rod) HP: 13/20 AC: 13 (11+2)] d20+6=7 ; d20+2=16 ; Monday October 10th, 2016 9:43:03 PM
Bartomus looked about the room and found a library of books. Tucked in between the books were various papers. Bartomus began searching through the papers and called out to Matheus.
"Matheus, sir, could you please come here and help search these papers with me?" Bartomus yelled back over his shoulder to the rest of the party. He tried to understand what the papers were about, and what the books were worth as he searched them.
============ Perception 7; Appraise 16
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 AC: 15/10/15 CMD:13 Monday October 10th, 2016 11:03:38 PM
Giving up on getting some of the tainted water spilled on Mattheus, Micah will collect the grains in the cup.
"In addition to taking this Reilbel, it is possible, given time to pray, that I may be able to discern something about this substance," says Micah as he carefully protects the cup and its contents.
Dorbin [AC:13/13/10 HP:17/17 CMD:14] Tuesday October 11th, 2016 8:40:54 AM
Dorbin casually points out the random bag to Zander. He says, "Hey. Did you see that bag? Did it look suspicious to you?" He watches it in the wind and continues, "Think we should track it down?"
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 AC: 15/12/12 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 Tuesday October 11th, 2016 9:38:25 AM
With nothing better to do Stohp continues to search through papers. As she does so so mentions to the others "I'm not sure how much we're getting done here anymore. Unless someone has a bright idea we should head to Riebel then go tell the real guard what happened and our suspicions. It's their job to do this kind of thing; they'll probably find more clues then we have."
Carl subbing for Jerry (Bobwise) Tuesday October 11th, 2016 10:58:46 AM
Bobwise is on board with talking to the alchemist.
K (Carl) HP: 25 AC:25/22/21 CMD:18 Tuesday October 11th, 2016 11:00:08 AM
K nods at Stohp's suggestion. "Agreed, let's let this gracious landlady get on with her day." On that note, he turns towards her. "Thank you for indulging our curiosity, ma'am."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 38/38 AC: 18 T: 10 FF: 17 CMD: 16 Party Treasury d20+9=17 ; Tuesday October 11th, 2016 4:33:08 PM
Watching the bag float by Zander ignores it till Dorbin points it out, "Just an empty bag, trash in the wind. Sounds like the others are ready to head to the alchemist, looks like it's you're lucky day Dorbin. You get to see Briselda twice." Standing up straight from how he was leaning against the doorpost he thanks the land lady with a bow, "Thank you for your openness and help good lady. I apologize if we have been disrespectful or offensive in our actions or words. The suspected murder of Maltheus has been a shock." (Diplomacy 17)
The Crimson Note - part 2 (DM Mstitt) Tuesday October 11th, 2016 8:34:01 PM Bart finds a rolled note as it conveniently falls from a hardcover book on alchemy. Unrolling the note - Bart only Highlight to display spoiler: { “Note to self, They are after me, stupid seer,” the note begins. “I ran into that reporter the other day on the Gold level and she gave me the name of a new member of the High council. I’m not confident anyone can help me know. I’ve hidden some valuables under a rarely used bench in the restaurant. Eldritch, I’ve assuming you are reading this. You can have it all. I’m leaving the Float in two day. I have a guy that knows a guy named Eunoe. He has a Turtle waiting for me… Oh my.. I forgot.. That council members name is Winmore Crimson. He is a seedy, unfriendly man but April said he could help me.” } Micah gives up trying to draw water from a dead man and says he may be able to discern something from the cup. Dorbin mentioned the bag but it’s just a plain old bag that you could put a cup in. Stohp continues to search but finds nothing (with no skill checks ;)) She suggests they find Riebel, the alchemist. Bobwise and K and Zander agree to see the Riebel and thank the landlady. She smiles. She is tired but still pleasant.
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 AC: 15/10/15 CMD:13 Tuesday October 11th, 2016 8:41:01 PM "Thank for you kind consideration," says Micah as he departs.
Bartomus [(Rod) HP: 13/20 AC: 13 (11+2)] d20+4=17 ; Tuesday October 11th, 2016 11:23:25 PM
Bartomus looked at the scroll and read it. He paused as he did so, and then knocked one of the books onto the floor in such a manner that it allowed him to fold the scroll and slip it into his waste band. "Oh, my sorry about that, need to tidy this up."
He bent over and picked up the book that had fallen to the floor. He placed it back in the stack and straightened the papers. He turned towards the door and his fellow Shields. "So, we are off to see this Riebel fellow then?"
Bartomus winks at Strohp.
K (Carl) HP: 25 AC:25/22/21 CMD:18 AND Bobwise! Wednesday October 12th, 2016 8:35:40 AM
K and Bobwise wait outside for the rest of the Shields to finish up before heading to see Riebel.
Dorbin [AC:13/13/10 HP:17/17 CMD:14] Wednesday October 12th, 2016 8:38:32 AM
Dorbin follows along with the others, looking back to ensure Emily follows along.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 38/38 AC: 18 T: 10 FF: 17 CMD: 16 Party Treasury d20+2=13 ; Wednesday October 12th, 2016 4:04:27 PM 'Oh, Bart.', Zander thinks to himself as the big fellow knocks the book over. He had taken a liking to the minotaur, even if his size did get in the way every once in a while. But he was a good addition to the Shields.
He heads with the others to the alchemist's place, trying to watch for anyone trailing them. (perception 13)
Bobwise (Jerry) d20+2=7 ; Wednesday October 12th, 2016 7:15:58 PM
Bobwise follows along watching left and right as they go looking for anyone watching them a bit too hard. "Keep an eye out guys. Shredds is not going to just hide out. He will be sending someone to watch our movements so he can plan his."
For some reason, Bobwise has never developed the knack of watching those around him, despite his always being paranoid of his surroundings.
Perception check of 7. :(
To the Alchemist you Go (DM Mstitt) Wednesday October 12th, 2016 8:07:22 PM Zander and Bobwise watches for followers but there is only a couple minglers. You guys are in a big group so you attract your share of attention. The group decides to visit the alchemist and he is happy to see them. He embraces K as Brizzie gives Dorbin a hug. “I’m so happy to see my savior's again,” she says as she dances around in a flower-covered sun dress. “We were just cleaning up for lunch,” Reibel says. “Would you like to join us in the shop. I can pull up a couple more chairs?” The shop is stellar. It is as attractive as the alchemist’s daughter, who is absolutely glowing. Apparently, having his daughter back home has made some improvements in his life.
Bartomus [(Rod) HP: 13/20 AC: 13 (11+2)] Wednesday October 12th, 2016 9:08:10 PM
Bartomus turned to Zander as they walked into the Alchemist's shop, "Zander, I need to show you something when we have a moment to ourselves, ok?"
He entered the shop, and smiled at the sight of Brizzie who welcomed the Shield's into her father's shop. He looked about and then took up a guard position near the door. He looked about and enjoyed seeing Brizzie and her father so happy.
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 AC: 15/10/15 CMD:13 Wednesday October 12th, 2016 9:20:26 PM
Micah greets Reibel and Brizzie warmly. Seeing them restored brings him joy. He delays bringing up their business with him to prolong that feeling.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 AC: 15/12/12 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 Wednesday October 12th, 2016 9:52:50 PM
Stohp catches Bartomus's wink and guess that he found something. While eager to find out what it is, she decides a public area is probably a bad time to ask so she decides to wait until after they'd arrived at the alchemists.
Dorbin [AC:13/13/10 HP:17/17 CMD:14] Thursday October 13th, 2016 9:39:11 AM
When Brizzie gives Dorbin a hug, he turns red and looks down, quite embarrassed. When she dances around, a giant smile crosses his face and he looks over to Bobwise to see if he saw.
Bobwise (Jerry) d20+2=22 ; Thursday October 13th, 2016 7:08:49 PM
Bobwise gives Dorbin a nudge and a nod. "Dorbin perhaps you should go help Brizzie get ready for lunch, hmm? I'll be in to help in a sec perhaps."
He makes a "shooing" motion looking totally serious about it. He is. Lunch is important!
Knowing that anyone following might make themselves seen AFTER the party enters the shop, he takes a look through the window. As he watches, he ponders, ::I wonder if I have bad eyesight? Perhaps that is why I can't ever spot anything? Hey this window is VERY clean. Easy to see out of. I like it!"
[Natural 20 on perception check. Rolled a 22.]
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Rare OOC: If my DM does not let me spot something this time, I will hates him forever! Worse than Gollum hated Bilbo! Just saying!
K (Carl) HP: 25 AC:25/22/21 CMD:18 AND Bobwise! Thursday October 13th, 2016 7:59:52 PM
K is glad to see the alchemist and his daughter are doing well, glad his fears appear to be unfounded.
...but, he's on a mission. "Reibel, I wish we could say this was a social visit, but the truth is a colleague of ours was found dead this morning, and we think it want natural causes. We found some...stuff in his favorite cup and were hoping you could take a look."
Investigation Part 1 (DM Mstitt) Thursday October 13th, 2016 8:37:01 PM Bart guards the door as Micah greets Reibel and Brizzie. Stohp catches Bart’s but she waits. Dorbin blushes but smiles at the happy display. K is happy but gets to the important stuff quickly. "Reibel, I wish we could say this was a social visit, but the truth is a colleague of ours was found dead this morning, and we think it want natural causes. We found some...stuff in his favorite cup and were hoping you could take a look." Reibel smiles. “Of course, so sad. I heard about poor Matheus. Word gets around really fast. Didn’t hear how it happened but a couple guards were here looking for some new chocolate I brew up. You should try it. I call them Turtles. I would be happy to look at the cup.” Reibel offers to take the cup. Brizzie collects some food and cups for lunch in the kitchen. Bobwise nudges Dorbin and prods him to help her with lunch. The window is very clean but there is this tiny little spot in the window. You can’t tell if it’s on the inside or the outside of the window ;) Outside of the very clean window, you see a pair of older gentlemen sitting across from each other. One of them takes a quick look over toward the shop. Then the other direction. After a moment he slaps down several silver pieces on a wooden table. The other old man matches that bet. They then begin to play a board game. Maybe they know something. Everyone could know something
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 AC: 15/12/12 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 Thursday October 13th, 2016 8:37:49 PM
Stohp is hungry, but at the same time they would more then tripple the number of people eating so she hesitates. "If you're sure it wouldn't be imposing; there are quite a lot of us." She helps move the extra chairs into position if he insists on feeding them.
After K cuts to the chase Stohp adds "Indeed it's about that man I mentioned this morning, the one Shredds threatened. We went over to his house and some things there didn't add up so we're investigating as best we can."
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 AC: 15/10/15 CMD:13 Thursday October 13th, 2016 8:49:27 PM
Micah's eyebrows raise at the mention of guards asking for chocolate. He does not know much about poisons, but he thinks chocolate might mask the flavor of one. However, the liquid spilled on Mattheus did not contain any chocolate as far as he remembers, so he files away the thought for now, content to let others lead the discussion.
Bartomus [(Rod) HP: 13/20 AC: 13 (11+2)] Friday October 14th, 2016 9:17:33 AM "Brizzie, do the guards come by here often?" Bartomus asked of the smiling girl as she moved about the house.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 38/38 AC: 18 T: 10 FF: 17 CMD: 16 Party Treasury Friday October 14th, 2016 9:29:41 AM
Zanderallen pulls himself out of his thoughts to help move chairs. He realizes he had been so focused on watching to see if they were followed he'd completely missed some of what had just happened. He has a nagging thought that Bart was trying to ask him something and makes a note to follow up with him when they have time. Since Bart already asked the question he was about to ask he takes one of the seats near the door, not wanting to impose but realizing they probably wouldn't accept no for an answer. And the food back at HQ was from them anyway.
Dorbin [AC:13/13/10 HP:17/17 CMD:14] Friday October 14th, 2016 9:43:26 AM
Dorbin elbows Bobwise and nods. Then he follows Brizzie to the kitchen, asking if he can help her out with the preparations. He tries to make some small talk with her, but mostly he just babbles incoherently and talks about the weather.
Investigation Part 1 (DM Mstitt) Friday October 14th, 2016 10:21:27 PM Stohp is hungry but asks about it being an inconvenience. “Oh, please no,” Brizzie begins. “This is the least we can do.” Brizzie talks to Dorbin with a flirtatious smile and giggle. She almost spills a tray of tea when he mentions the weather. She laughs. “You are so funny. The weather never changes in the Float.” “I'm so sorry for your friend," Reibel apologized. "Many different people come in here all the time. Business has been very brisk lately but I digress. This cup, I can see granules on the bottom. Let me drag these little things out of here and see if I can figure out something. I will need an hour or so.” (OOC: What do you want to do while he looks into this?)
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 AC: 15/10/15 CMD:13 Saturday October 15th, 2016 1:04:11 PM
Micah waits for Reilbel's analysis.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 AC: 15/12/12 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 Saturday October 15th, 2016 3:27:04 PM
Stohp takes Bartomous aside to ask him what he found earlier.
Bartomus [(Rod) HP: 13/20 AC: 13 (11+2)] Saturday October 15th, 2016 11:11:09 PM
Bartomus follows Stohp when he's signaled by her. He turned and huddled close in to her. "I found something at Matheus' house when we were searching through his library. Seems he had a note tucked away from someone else. Take a look."
Bartomus fished out a folded piece of parchment and handed it over to Stohp. It read: [quote] “Note to self, They are after me, stupid seer,” the note begins. “I ran into that reporter the other day on the Gold level and she gave me the name of a new member of the High council. I’m not confident anyone can help me know. I’ve hidden some valuables under a rarely used bench in the restaurant. Eldritch, I’ve assuming you are reading this. You can have it all. I’m leaving the Float in two day. I have a guy that knows a guy named Eunoe. He has a Turtle waiting for me… Oh my.. I forgot.. That council members name is Winmore Crimson. He is a seedy, unfriendly man but April said he could help me.” [/quote]
Bartomus [(Rod) HP: 13/20 AC: 13 (11+2)] Saturday October 15th, 2016 11:13:01 PM "So, you think we should escort Eldritch to this restaurant and help him find what is his? Then, maybe have the Shields figure speak with Eunoe?" Bartomus asked his fellow Taur.
K (Carl) HP: 25 AC:25/22/21 CMD:18 AND Bobwise! Sunday October 16th, 2016 10:54:47 AM
K does his best to stay out of Riebel's way while waiting patiently for the results.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 38/38 AC: 18 T: 10 FF: 17 CMD: 16 Party Treasury Sunday October 16th, 2016 4:12:47 PM
As Zander waits for the alchemist's analysis he follows up with Bart on whatever he mentioned showing him earlier. "This note adds a whole new angle to this case. We'll follow up on this next. Good find Bart."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 AC: 15/12/12 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 Monday October 17th, 2016 12:06:22 AM
Troubled, Stohp makes sure everyone has a chance to see the evidence Bart found. "Once we're done here we should check out this restaurant with Eldritch. We should also make a copy of this then go to the guards. We'll continue to investigate on our own, but we aren't trained investigators. The guards have those, and they may have more luck then we do."
Dorbin [AC:13/13/10 HP:17/17 CMD:14] Monday October 17th, 2016 8:49:12 AM
When Stohp mentions the note to Dorbin, he hesitates and smiles at Brizzie before he pulls himself away from her with a, "Please excuse me, very important business you know." He whispers to Stohp, "We should get to that restaurant quickly."
Chocolates (DM Mstitt) Monday October 17th, 2016 8:10:47 PM
While waiting for the analysis Stohp takes Bart aside and they discuss the note that Bart found. Bart asks about escorting Eldritch to the restaurant and then, possibly, talking to Eunoe. Zander comments that this adds a new angle to the case. Stohp shares the evidence and recommends they get Eldritch and check out the restaurant. She also recommends making a copy of the note and presenting it to the guards. Dorbin leaves Brizzie, who smiles, and heads back to the others.
Riebel returns soon, his brow drenched with sweat. “Ok, everyone,” he begins with a sigh. “I believe I have an idea what these granules are. Looks to me like your friend was poisoned with arsenic. That poison is illegal in the Float. It’s never used for anything enlightening. I belong to an alchemy club on the Gold Level. There is one alchemist that may be up to analyzing this, but he is really hard to get to. You would have to [[talk to someone in the Overlord’s Council in the Palace]] OR [[get an invitation to a club meeting, which I would be happy to provide]]. The alchemist’s name is Xander Krauss. I wish I had some connections on the High Council but that is way over the pay grade of a poor alchemist like me.” “Oh, you better head up there soon. Mask day is only a day away. I need to get my chocolates ready. I’m going to hand them out to all the children.”
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 AC: 15/10/15 CMD:13 Monday October 17th, 2016 8:56:13 PM
Micah asks, "Do you have any idea who might be have access to this type of poison? Will Xander Krauss be likely to discern anything from this poison beyond its identity?"
Bartomus [(Rod) HP: 13/20 AC: 13 (11+2)] Monday October 17th, 2016 11:11:14 PM "So Zander, Stoph, should we try to do like Dorbin says, head to restaurant and then work up to the Gold level to visit who he's talking about and this guy mentioned in the letter?" Bartomus asked them as he pointed over to the others listening to Riebel.
Dorbin [AC:13/13/10 HP:17/17 CMD:14] Tuesday October 18th, 2016 9:14:25 AM
"Is the restaurant on the way? I'm afraid we'll really lose something if we don't check that out first."
K (Carl) HP: 25 AC:25/22/21 CMD:18 AND Bobwise! Tuesday October 18th, 2016 9:49:42 AM
K says nothing. He looks to Stohp, waiting for her to make a decision.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 38/38 AC: 18 T: 10 FF: 17 CMD: 16 Party Treasury Tuesday October 18th, 2016 1:52:26 PM "Whoever did this didn't find the note, so whatever is hidden in the restaurant might be safe. However it wouldn't take long to check out real quick and might hold more clues. Really whatever you think is best," Zander says, adressing Stoph, "Looks like both paths may be time sensitive. " He follows wherever Stoph leads.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 AC: 15/12/12 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 Tuesday October 18th, 2016 6:38:45 PM
Once again the party is faced with multiple alternatives. Moving around as a large group is safer, and their enemies have shown no qualms in attacking them in the open, yet if they don't split up they may lose a chance to get key information. Stohp makes a mental note to investigate long distance communication options. This would all feel much safer if they could get a hold of each other instantly in case of trouble.
"Both lines of investigation are important, but we have limited time. I think we should split up again. Micah, K, Dorbin, and Bart can make one group while Z, myself, and Bobwise can be the other. You four take the restaurant; safety in numbers and there's more chance of an ambush down here then up on the Gold level. You're errand is closer and will probably take less time so meet us on the gold level when you're through; we'll wait on you.
Everyone be careful. I don't know who we're up against but they're clearly resourceful and dangerous."
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