To Market To Market (DM Cayzle) The Castle of the Prince of Thieves Thursday October 5th, 2017 1:19:55 PM
Lornak, buoyed by Dušan’s divine power as well as his natural honest manner, offers a compelling explanation to the palace guards.
Toston also offers some words of support that help the situation.
Wilford focuses on the guards and what they might want or think. (see below)
Hmerrin stays on guard and watches the interaction with the guards.
Gaffer remains wary and silent, and notes that a shopper or two at the market are also watching the interaction
Var focuses on guarding the assassins, and the half-orc especially seems cowed.
That's a combined Diplomacy check of 34, so that's a big help in this situation! The guards clearly relax once they see and understand what is happening. “Okay, you can enter. No problem. Just pay the 10 gp fee per person. And no corpses or assassins are allowed in the palace, sorry.
Wilford gets a clear picture in his head: he imagines that the prohibition on the dead and those who make them so might be lifted for the right price.
Do you pay the 10 gp “fee” (each!)? Do you enter without assassins and the body? Or do you try to bribe the guards to allow them? How much will you offer? Or will you try something else?
Lornak (Frank S.) HP:48/49 AC: 18(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 Thursday October 5th, 2017 3:21:02 PM
"That is where we are at an impasse." Lornak says as he produces 70 gold pieces and hands them to the guards. "An impasse that can be remedied by good will I believe..."
Lornak continues to let fall through his thumb and forefinger enough coin to reach 50 gold per head beyond the group compliment for a total of 150 gold. He hopes it is a sufficient amount to let the group pass.
If the group is allowed to pass he says to Dusan as they walk; "This is your show now, lets hope it works."
Wilford Grimly (HP:44/44; AC: 18; Touch: 12; Flat: 16; CMD: 18) Thursday October 5th, 2017 4:39:45 PM
"Do we need to drag this body with us? The Prince may take offense to dragging a body into the chamber. The assassin has needed information so if we could take him along. He could offer some insight to the Committee." "I believe you should have plenty to grease the wheels." (OOC: I'm assuming our Diplomacy is still good.)
Dušan (Erik) [HP:37/40; AC:13; Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:15 d100=89 ; Thursday October 5th, 2017 9:22:32 PM
Dušan Gapes as Lornak practically throws money at the guard, but catches on pretty quick and gets his own share to whatever guard seems reasonable. Waiting for the Ok he reminds Wil, "We may still get his testimony and I need the body," Turning to Lornak, "I just need 10 minutes. I imagine we'll have at least that long while The Prince Pomps his Circumstance."
(OOC: Ley Role d100=89. Free spell! Ready action Cast Speak With Dead when/if we get close to presenting. I assume I can hold the Ley Role for that opportunity.)
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:45/45; AC:28 Touch 18; FF 24 - CMD 21 d20+2=18 ; Thursday October 5th, 2017 9:23:33 PM
"The body and the assassins are evidence." Tostson says to Will and the guards. He then produces another 100 gold pieces to add to Lornak's contribution.
"For any mess caused by the body or the assassins." he says.
(18 vs 10 for another aid another to diplomacy just in case)
Gaffer (Courtney) HP: 61/61 AC:21)T:16/FF:15) CMD:20 WS 1/2 Friday October 6th, 2017 7:48:46 AM
Gaffer holds back his frustration at the guards taking advantage of he situation and simply waits to see how they respond.
To Market To Market (DM Cayzle) The Castle of the Prince of Thieves Friday October 6th, 2017 9:35:27 AM
Lornak's 250 plus Toston's 100 are enough to get all of you into the meeting.
Well ... sort of!
You are led to a balcony that overlooks a room with a meeting table. An iron fence from the railing to the ceiling keeps you from throwing large objects down into the room. The entire balcony is covered with some sort of silence field. You can hear normally in the balcony. You think you will be able to hear the meeting's proceedings just fine. And you can step out into the hall to talk, but no sounds can be made on the balcony. No talking, tapping, stamping, clapping.
You gather in the hall to discuss the situation. It is about 10 minutes before the meeting.
Lornak (Frank S.) HP:48/49 AC: 18(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 Friday October 6th, 2017 6:31:38 PM
Lornak stops short when he enters the balcony, keenly aware of the dampening field covering it. "That was gold well spent." He sighs sarcastically. He is sure no one heard him. He turns exits.
He then joins the group in the balcony; "You needed ten minutes..." He says to Dusan. "...I'm sure it will take that long for us to figure out how to pull down this dampening field." He looks around. "Bloody, magic. Suggestions anyone?"
Lornak (Frank S.) HP:48/49 AC: 18(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 Friday October 6th, 2017 6:32:38 PM
(OOC-sorry quick post, edit where you need too...)
Dušan (Erik) [HP:37/40; AC:13; Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:15 Friday October 6th, 2017 7:33:05 PM
(OOC: I already readied Speak With Dead so I should probably continue with that before I cast Detect Magic)
Dušan takes in the balcony and when he realizes he can't speak he tries to let loose an audible sigh. Then mentally berates himself and let's loose an exaggerated sigh and steps back to the hallway. "Looks like I'm casting out here."
Dušan begins preparation of his spell, but interjects, "Detect Magic might help figure a way around it. We should also consider questions for our living impaired friend here. Once we get our prisoners to verify his identity and cause of his condition, We'll only get three questions. I'm partial to 'What did you intend to say here', but I also like saving one question for the Prince. While I hope Sell-Sea's spirit will be accommodating to our shared goals, Toston is correct that he could be antagonistic towards our nature."
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:45/45; AC:28 Touch 18; FF 24 - CMD 21 d20+11=26 ; d20+11=20 ; d20+5=21 ; d20+5=16 ; Saturday October 7th, 2017 2:27:49 AM
Toston says to Dušan, "You forget you aren't the only caster here. Someone hold my assassin while I use detect magic to see what I can see."
After one of his group member's takes over custody of the half-orc the gnome casts detect magic.
He then turns his magic detecting cone towards the fence separating the Tide and the prince's gathering and then towards SellSea's corpse and the whistle around its neck.
Gaffer (Courtney) HP: 61/61 AC:21)T:16/FF:15) CMD:20 WS 1/2 Saturday October 7th, 2017 4:14:28 AM
Trailing at the back of the group Gaffer watches as the others enter and leave the balcony, stopping short he gently placing Sell-Sea before Dušan and going over to receive the half-orc from Toston. "How long can he talk for after each question? Could we leave the last for anything he wants to say given his current situation?"
Hmerrin(HP:61/61 AC:25 T:15 FF:21 CMD:21)Bls Str Saturday October 7th, 2017 2:02:34 PM
At Tostons' request - Hold my assassin. Watch this, - Hmerrin grabs the back of the half orc's shirt with his left hand, while maintaining his grip on Glowy with the right.
"I dunno," he opines. "You gotta think the Prince of Thieves has thought of people trying to dispel that effect. Maybe a big, "He Can Stop the War" sign or something?"
To Market To Market (DM Cayzle) The Castle of the Prince of Thieves Saturday October 7th, 2017 7:14:02 PM
Lornak utters a silenced exclamation as he realizes the effect of the noise-dampening field. But how to counter it?
Dušan prepares to cast Speak with Dead, but he will have to cast it in the hallway outside. He wonders if a Detect Magic would reveal something ... well, it is magic, and no doubt some deeply skilled analysis would reveal something ...
Toston mentions his own magical prowess and then casts and focuses ... the noise dampening field is the same kind of magic (and is related to, Toston deduces) that powers a bard’s ability to control sound. The whistle around the dead man’s neck is evocation and charm/compulsion in an odd admixture.
Hmerrin notes that should magic fail to counter magic, perhaps a big sign might attract the needed attention.
Gaffer offers advice in the matter of interrogating the deceased.
Wilford and his imaginary posse are a little more than somewhat befuddled. But then a moment of clarity inspires the fractured personalities in the fellow’s head to focus on a singular topic: What have the assassins to say?
And they do have a brief tale to tell. They are professionals, bound under Dirt City law to ply their trade under license. They are pleased to produce those licenses. The two assassins know this: They were contracted to kill a turncoat named Sell-Sea Staffing. They were given scrolls of locate creature and were told to expect him at this time and place. They knew he would be headed toward the palace. When the time came, they read the scrolls, located the target, and did the deed. They were not told there would be talented opposition, which ticks them off a little, since that should have increased the cost. Now the guild has to pay their ransom. They assume you do know that returning captured assassins to the guildhouse is a very lucrative proposal?
Know Local vs DC12: Highlight to display spoiler: {That actually sounds about right. These two are worth a pretty penny.}
Var listens to everything intently.
You have about 9 minutes before the meeting is set to start.
Var, who has been silently brooding over their failure to stop the assassination, perks up slightly. "Hmm. Couple'a pro's like you two, must be worth a pretty penny t' yer masters." He says darkly "Wonder if they pay half fer damaged goods."
Hmerrin(HP:61/61 AC:25 T:15 FF:21 CMD:21)Bls Str d20+2=12 ; Sunday October 8th, 2017 7:58:40 PM
Realizing he's got hold of some possibly large sums of gold, Hmerrin keeps his grip on two assassins.
"Maybe a bright light in the balcony would attract attention?" he asks, though dubiously. Then looks again at the assassins. "Or maybe you two know. How do we crash this meeting?"
Lornak (Frank S.) HP:48/49 AC: 18(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 d20+6=12 ; Sunday October 8th, 2017 9:49:39 PM
Lornak raises an eyebrow at the prospect of making a little coin legitimately capturing the assassins but it is not a concern at this exact moment; "I believe you have the right of it for questions." He says to Dusan.
Lornak becomes acutely aware of the seventh member of the company that has accompanied them into the palace. Upon offering the last question uttered from Sell Sea to be of ambiguous nature he says; "We should stick to questions that will implicate the Teeth and expose the arms smuggling and elemental gem distribution, not his lamenting about being dead..." He continues without stopping and turns to this unknown person "...and who are you, exactly...?"
Dušan (Erik) [HP:37/40; AC:13; Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:15 Sunday October 8th, 2017 10:20:34 PM
Confident in his friends ability to carry out the details, Dušan releases himself to the casting. Finding yet another powerful Ley Line, Dušan understands why a seat a power is hear. He's not sure weather the Ley Lines drew the power or the power drew the Ley Lines, but he's happy to take advantage of it none the less.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:45/45; AC:24 Touch 18; FF 20 - CMD 21 d20+1=5 ; d20+2=7 ; d20+11=21 ; Sunday October 8th, 2017 11:59:04 PM
Toston puts a little distance between his friends, the crowd and himself in case things go sideways and starts experimenting with the whistle. He recasts detect magic before he does so in order to hopefully have a better idea of how it works. He blows it and aims it away from anyone due to the evocation and says, "check 1 2, check 1 2"
(INT check: 5) (CHA check: 7) (Know[arcana] : 21)
Active Effects: Mage Armor (Var) [1181 rounds]: +4 AC Mage Armor (Toston) [423 rounds] : +4 AC Detect Magic (Toston) [30 rounds] : 60 foot magic detecting cone 2 hero point spent 2/4 stunning fist attempt used 3/6 first level spell slots used
Gaffer (Courtney) HP: 61/61 AC:21)T:16/FF:15) CMD:20 WS 1/2 d20=4 ; Monday October 9th, 2017 8:11:17 AM
Gaffer briefly introduces himself in response to Lornaks question. "I'm Gaffer, I've been over in Culverwoods for some time now but recently returned home. Been unsure what to do now I'm back but I'm thinking there's a lot going on that I ought to get involved in." Before continuing, "and I meant more that there might be some more things he's willing to say now that he has... fewer earthly concerns." He turns towards Hmerrin, "I'm assuming creating a hole in the wall would be to aggressive, even as a last resort? I just don't know of attracting attention will be enough"
Wilford Grimly (HP:44/44; AC: 18; Touch: 12; Flat: 16; CMD: 18) d20+9=21 ; Monday October 9th, 2017 4:51:05 PM
"House Dart?" Wil asks with some reservation being his family was all Darts. He has never been a fan of these assassins especially after the assassination of his father then mother. "We should turn this one in. The guild will be looking for him. If we can't find any information her we can try to get it from the guild, I imagine." He then adds, "Isn't the Prince going to be a bit upset if we take down his magic? It would be quite a short adventure if we have to fight our way out of here."
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:45/45; AC:24 Touch 18; FF 20 - CMD 21 Monday October 9th, 2017 8:20:53 PM
Toston waits to see if his experimenting with the whistle had any effect.
Mage Armor (Var) [1181 rounds]: +4 AC Mage Armor (Toston) [423 rounds] : +4 AC Detect Magic (Toston) [30 rounds] : 60 foot magic detecting cone 2 hero point spent 2/4 stunning fist attempt used 3/6 first level spell slots used
To Market To Market (DM Cayzle) The Castle of the Prince of Thieves Monday October 9th, 2017 11:13:06 PM
Var makes dark threats that reveal a deep vein of anger.
Hmerrin asks the assassins how to be heard, but they apologize and say that it can’t be done.
Wilford thinks turning them in for the reward is a good idea,
Lornak notices that Gaffer is with the group and questions him.
Gaffer replies honestly and completely, putting to rest any lingering doubts about the new helper. This is clearly an ally, and a valuable one.
Dušan casts Speak with Dead. It has a long casting time, so he gets started!
Toston realizes he’ll have to make a spellcraft check to identify the whistle. And an Identify spell would be so helpful ... He considers experimenting, but what if it can only be used 1/day?
Dušan (Erik) [HP:37/40; AC:13; Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:15 Monday October 9th, 2017 11:23:03 PM
Dušan rarely casts spells that takes this long. He's able to let go of himself and revel in the magic.
Lornak (Frank S.) HP:48/49 AC: 18(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 Tuesday October 10th, 2017 12:20:03 AM
"I was going to offer Dancing Lights." Lornak says. "But I do not think they will be enough to get everyone's attention. Lornak watches as Toston examines the Sell Sea's whistle. Interesting thoughts enter his mind.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:45/45; AC:24 Touch 18; FF 20 - CMD 21 d20+5=10 ; Tuesday October 10th, 2017 8:35:02 AM
Toston asks, "Does anyone have the spell identify at their disposal? I can try to figure out what the whistle does but spellcraft is a skill I haven't put a lot of effort into training that skill. If not one of the questions you better ask that corpse is how do you work the magic whistle."
(Spellcraft : 10)
While he doesn't have access to an identify spell, Toston does have a scroll of detect secret doors and since they'll need a plan B to get to the prince and this is some sort of castle maybe their is a secret passage that can allow them to circumvent the sound barrier?
Mage Armor (Var) [1180 rounds]: +4 AC Mage Armor (Toston) [422 rounds] : +4 AC Detect Magic (Toston) [29 rounds] : 60 foot magic detecting cone Detect Secret Doors (Toston) [10 rounds] : 60 foot secret door detecting cone 2 hero point spent 2/4 stunning fist attempt used 3/6 first level spell slots used
Lornak (Frank S.) HP:48/49 AC: 18(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 d20+6=7 ; Tuesday October 10th, 2017 4:28:43 PM
Lornak does his best to help Toston discern what the whistle can do but comes up completely short.(Spellcraft to aid another d20=7) "Well, its shiny." he says.
Lornak then lets his thoughts about the whistle be spoken: "Would blowing it bring down the cone of silence?" He asks. "Is it possible that he imbued his words into it and if blown will speak for him?" I am so out of my element here..."
Hmerrin(HP:61/61 AC:25 T:15 FF:21 CMD:21)Bls Str Tuesday October 10th, 2017 9:50:18 PM
Hmerrin shrugs. "I say we go in, blow the whistle, and see what happens. Either we get in, or we're done and need to start writing ransom notes for these two."
Dušan (Erik) [HP:37/40; AC:13; Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:15 Tuesday October 10th, 2017 9:53:01 PM
Dušan wishes he could come to his friends aid, but he has already begun the casting. Switching now would ruin the verbal and somatic components of his spell.
To Market To Market (DM Cayzle) The Castle of the Prince of Thieves Tuesday October 10th, 2017 10:52:06 PM
Dušan leans into the magical rhythm of casting the spell that will allow the dead to speak.
The party seems to be at a bit of a loss.
Should Lornak cast Dancing Lights before entering the balcony?
Should Toston read his scroll of detect secret doors?
Should someone just blow the whistle from the balcony? That's what Hmerrin says.
But WHO will be the whistleblower?? Will the whistle be blown before the meeting, or after it starts?
Minutes pass as the time approaches for the meeting of the Threats Committee. The party notes that a few other spectators take seats in the balcony, looking curiously at the spectacle of a caster and a corpse in the hall -- and giving both a wide berth.
If you make BOTH a perception check vs DC20 AND a Sense Motive check vs DC20, then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You note one spectator in the balcony who seems to recognize -- and is surprised to see -- the assassins. He hides his surprise fairly well, but you saw the widening of his eyes and the slight frown that reveal his ... displeasure?}
Dušan will not be able to drag the body alone into the balcony area after his spell is finished, especially given how heavily the corpse is armored. Will a friend or friends stay in the hall to help bring the body in after the spell is cast? Although what good that will do in the zone of sound control, you have not revealed to your DM. Or will you ask your questions in the hall, where only you will hear the answers?
Wil is woolgathering ... maybe he can help?
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:45/45; AC:24 Touch 18; FF 20 - CMD 21 d20+14=34 ; d20+7=18 ; d20+14=22 ; Wednesday October 11th, 2017 6:26:21 AM
(Perception: 34 and Sense Motive: 18 = fail)
Toston says, "If the whistle is a one use per day thing blowing it too soon will get us nothing. I think we play it safe and use one of our 3 questions to ask Sellsea how to use the whistle. We then use it with the other 2 questions to hopefully get the information to the Prince. Unless any of you lot have any better ideas? As a backup I'll look for secret doors and see if we can't find an alternative route to the Prince should this thing go sideways? Wil do you have any way to detect magic or identify what the whistle can do?"
Toston then uses detect secret doors to hopefully figure out an alternative way to get to where they want to go. (Perception:22)
(OOC: yes I wanted to cast detect secret doors that is why I put the effect in the active effects tracking list last post)
Mage Armor (Var) [1179 rounds]: +4 AC Mage Armor (Toston) [421 rounds] : +4 AC Detect Magic (Toston) [28 rounds] : 60 foot magic detecting cone Detect Secret Doors (Toston) [10 rounds] : 60 foot secret door detecting cone 2 hero point spent 2/4 stunning fist attempt used 3/6 first level spell slots used
Gaffer (Courtney) HP: 61/61 AC:21)T:16/FF:15) CMD:20 WS 1/2 d20+8=19 ; d20+11=23 ; Wednesday October 11th, 2017 6:34:05 AM
Gaffer sees a couple of the others musing over some kind of whistle, unsure of how to help he watches bemusedly while waiting next to Dusan as he finishes casting the spell. "We might as well try the lights now and see if we can get their attention"
Lornak (Frank S.) HP:48/49 AC: 18(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 d20+11=16 ; d20+8=22 ; d20+11=22 ; d20+8=27 ; Wednesday October 11th, 2017 2:03:08 PM
(Perception d20=16-fail, Sense Motive d20=22-success, Hero Point spent to rerole Perception d20=22-success, Second Hero Point spent to aid another d20=27-Toston to sense motive=success)
Lornak (Frank S.) HP:48/49 AC: 18(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 Wednesday October 11th, 2017 2:41:55 PM
"You see how the ridge has a higher profile near the window there?" Lornak points to the ridge. "I bet that increases the evocation output..." Lornak lets Toston turn the whistle in his hands. "...but why would you want an already ear splitting sound to be increased?" Lornak says more just thinking openly than asking a question. "...to burst eardrums or cover more area...?"
As Lornak muses his eyes catch the other spectators that move past them to enter the balcony. Lornak notices one of them recognize and react to the assassins in the groups company as if he knows them. "... that's not a bad idea, Toston..."
Lornak feels a sudden urge to seize the man being under the pressure of time. He slowly starts to get up off his knees and move toward the balcony. "I think you are right..." Lornak says to Gaffer as he preps his Dancing Lights. "Cover me."
Wilford Grimly (HP:44/44; AC: 18; Touch: 12; Flat: 16; CMD: 18) Wednesday October 11th, 2017 3:10:14 PM
"I say we let SellSea talk, get that info then blow the whistle. I really think the whistle is the key to all of this," Will says as the dream of the wedding goes away. "So let them get all set up and comfortable then through the body down the ..." Will then argues with himself for a moment. Straightens himself up a bit. "We will not be throwing the body. I think blowing the whistle will cause enough of a fuss for us to make a statement." Cicero then mumbles his displeasure with the decision.
Dušan (Erik) [HP:37/40; AC:13; Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:15 Wednesday October 11th, 2017 5:36:30 PM
Dušan begins to loose himself in the casting. He no longer feels like he is directing the flow of magic through his motions and chants, but now feels like the magic is carrying him, directing him him towards the final stages of the casting.
(OOC: Sorry I don't think there is anything I can do while in mid cast. Do I have access to free actions?)
Var (Tom I.) (HP:58/60 AC:24 T:14 FF:18 CMD:23) d20+10=25 ; d20+7=26 ; Wednesday October 11th, 2017 8:40:15 PM
"Oi, you say you's from the Culverwood?" Var says toGaffer, seeming to come to life all at once. "That was my old stompin' ground. Well... the southern edge of it. ...and we wasn't allowed 'in' the wood, proper..."
"I'll carry th' poor sod." Var offers to Dusan.
(Perception: 25; Sense Motive: 26) "Oi. You fellas see 'im?" Var says, pointing at the suspicious spectator. "I think our 'guests' might 'Ave a friend 'ere."
"Ask the body what the whistle does," Hmerrin grins. "I like that,"
With an assassin on the end of each arm, the young fighter figures he'll stay put with Dusan for the time being to see what developments, uh, develop.
To Market To Market (DM Cayzle) The Castle of the Prince of Thieves Thursday October 12th, 2017 12:00:21 AM
Dušan contintues to cast his spell.
Toston reads his scroll, but finds no secret doors in the balcony area or the hall outside it. He proposes asking the dead guy how to use the whistle with the first question.
Var notices a character who is watching you! He recognizes the assassins and is unhappy. Var asks the assassins about the fellow. The half-orc says, “Ah, that’s a member in high standing of the House of Darts. I can say no more, but you can approach him politely after the meeting about our ‘repatriation fee’ if you catch my drift. Do not ask him his name, if you are wise.”
Var also offers to help carry the body onto the balcony. He’ll have to come back out into the hall in a few minutes.
Gaffer wants the party to try the magic lights. Who might cast it, and do they? If so, what do they have the lights do? The spell has to be cast in the hall, and then the caster can walk into the quieted balcony area.
Ah, it is Lornak who is casting the Dancing Lights. He casts it and then enters the balcony area, watching the Darts official who knows the assassins.
Wilford agrees, or seems to, that asking the dead fellow how to use the whistle is a good idea. It’s hard to tell what Wil thinks, and what his invisible pals advise ...
Hmerrin stands ready next to Dušan.
Those in the balcony area see that the meeting is about to begin. There is a meeting table and seven chairs. Each of the chairs has a symbol on it: An arrow, a tower, a dog, a cape, a blade, a shark tooth, a key, and a crown. Seven robed figures in masks enter and take seats. The figure in the crown chair calls the meeting to order. He asks the figure in the dog chair to offer a benediction. The man rises and prays.
At this point, Dušan finishes his spell. He asks the dead man how to use the whistle. The sepulchral voice says, “Blow it and then speak the truth!”
The figure in the crown chair moves to approve the minutes of the last meeting, distributed yesterday. The vote is unanimous to approve the minutes.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:45/45; AC:24 Touch 18; FF 20 - CMD 21 Thursday October 12th, 2017 9:05:17 AM
Toston offers the whistle to the group and asks, "Who wants to be the whistleblower that speaks truth to power?"
Lornak (Frank S.) HP:48/49 AC: 18(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 d20+6=26 ; Thursday October 12th, 2017 2:49:15 PM
Lornak rolls his fists around each other one rotation and then opens his hands, places his wrists together and pushes them slightly forward. (Spellcraft d20=26) He manifests one faintly glowing, vaguely humanoid shape. The shape stands at the front row of the balcony, seemingly looking down at the meeting. Lornak hopes its glow will garnish some attention and function like a Yakantakw, a speaking-through post. "Who will speak on behalf of the dead?" He asks the group.
(Dancing Lights, Duration-1 minute.)
Dušan (Erik) [HP:37/40; AC:13; Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:15 d100=60 ; d20+6=26 ; Thursday October 12th, 2017 3:09:27 PM
"i defer to whoever wants to speak, but I am willing to do so as it was as much my idea as anyone's." Dušan says starting to feel a bit over his head, "but first thing first we need to get rid of this silence and we don't have the time to be subtle."
Dušan casts Guidance for whatever aid he can get, and then focuses all of his need, anxiety and anger into casting Dispel Magic on the Silence.
(Ley Roll d100=60 Spell is cast, Spell per day is spent, Total L1 2/1, L2 0/1, L3 0/1) Counterspell Caster level check d20+6+1 guidance = 27 natural 20!) Speak with Dead 3 min? 2/3 questions.)
Dušan (Erik) [HP:37/40; AC:13; Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:15 d20=7 ; Thursday October 12th, 2017 3:17:14 PM
(OOC not sure If I need to Crit confirm on caster level check, but that seems a bit more like normal :P )
Wilford Grimly (HP:44/44; AC: 18; Touch: 12; Flat: 16; CMD: 18) d20+6=10 ; Thursday October 12th, 2017 5:57:05 PM
Wil waits, hoping that someone will take the whistle and blow it. He then takes up a position near the Dart stranger. Toward stranger - Sense Motive: 10
Hmerrin(HP:61/61 AC:25 T:15 FF:21 CMD:21)Bls Str Thursday October 12th, 2017 9:41:33 PM
"Yeah, uh, no." replies Hmerrin on the question of volunteering. "Making nice talk with high up muckety-mucks isn't my thing. I'm good with Dusan or Lornak, or, well, pretty much anybody but me."
Gaffer (Courtney) HP: 61/61 AC:21)T:16/FF:15) CMD:20 WS 1/2 Friday October 13th, 2017 4:22:56 AM
Gaffer eyes the whistle nervously. He wants to help but is worried about making a mistake, especially with people he just met. He positions himself between the assassins and the Dart stranger, unsure of a threat.
To Market To Market (DM Cayzle) The Castle of the Prince of Thieves Friday October 13th, 2017 7:07:24 AM
Toston asks who will blow the whistle. If he is asking, he must be out in the hall. No one volunteers to use the magic item.
In the hall, Lornak casts his Dancing Lights, and asks who will speak for the dead. Then he moves onto the balcony and sets his dancing light at the front of the balcony.
Dušan, from the hall, casts a mighty dispel and takes down the sound-dampening field. If it is created by a permanent magic item, and he suspects it may be, then the field will reappear very soon -- just 1d4 rounds.
Wilford moves onto the balcony and stands near the shady character.
Hmerrin leaves the jaw-work to those with silverer tongues.
Var waits.
Gaffer guards the prisoners.
The figure below who runs the meeting looks up at the balcony and says loudly, “What is the meaning of this?”
On the balcony: Wil, Lornak In the Hall: Toston, Dušan, Gaffer, Var, Hmerrin
Wilford Grimly (HP:44/44; AC: 18; Touch: 12; Flat: 16; CMD: 18) d20+12=23 ; Friday October 13th, 2017 11:54:13 AM
"We have news on the Saquin." (I have completely forgotten how to spell that..lol) "...and a plot to assassinate a witness to the matter. Someone in this committee is trying to undermine the Houses." Will blurts out then whispers. "Someone blow the whistle. We need them to tell us the truth." "We have the assassin and it's victim within the balcony," he adds to the committee below. (Diplomacy: 23)
Dušan (Erik) [HP:37/40; AC:13; Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:15 d20+9=27 ; Friday October 13th, 2017 4:28:09 PM
"Help me with this."
Dušan hates sounding like he's ordering his friends, but he doesn't want to waste any questions for Sell-Sea by accident. He struggles with the corpse to the balcony and then casts Touch of Glory on Wilford. Impressed by the Clerics initiative, Dušan tries to further aid as he brings Sell-Sea's corporeal remains to bear.
"My Prince! Forgive this intrusion, but this man Sell-Sea has come to give testimony and we only have moments left to do so. I will ask him to give his piece and then offer," (aid another d20+9=27) Dušan breaths in frantically looking for a better word, "Entreat you to follow with any question you wish.
Dušan turns to Sell-Sea, hoping in half-disbelief that this might actually work, "Sell-Sea, what did you come here to tell The Prince and his court?!"
He holds his breath suddenly realizing his fate hangs on the words of a dead man. Some days are more interesting than others.
(OOC: Touch of Glory +6 to Wolford's Diplomacy 0/4 left Aid another Diplomacy d20+9=27+2 to Wilford's Diplomacy Wilford's Diplomacy 23+6+2= 29 Speak with Dead 3 min? 1/3 questions left.)
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:45/45; AC:24 Touch 18; FF 20 - CMD 21 Friday October 13th, 2017 7:19:55 PM
Toston helps Dušan move Sellsea's body. "Maybe we should hold off on the whistle until Sellsea tells us what he wanted the prince to know?" Toston asks
Lornak (Frank S.) HP:48/49 AC: 18(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 Friday October 13th, 2017 7:41:51 PM
Lornak turns away from his speaking-through post as Dusan and Toston rush up to the balcony with SellSea in their arms. He is taken aback. Lornak is suddenly very proud of his comrades who have acted in such unison and haste. He holds his breath waiting for the results of the groups spontaneous pageantry.
Dušan (Erik) [HP:37/40; AC:13; Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:15 d4=2 ; Saturday October 14th, 2017 1:30:16 AM
(OOC: should I have roles this? 2 rounds of dispel magic)
Gaffer (Courtney) HP: 61/61 AC:21)T:16/FF:15) CMD:20 WS 1/2 Saturday October 14th, 2017 3:27:46 AM
Gaffer keeps a tight grip on the assassin,. He finds himself holdong his breath as he waits to hear the prince's response, while feeling impressed at how this group gets things done.
Hmerrin(HP:61/61 AC:25 T:15 FF:21 CMD:21)Bls Str Saturday October 14th, 2017 8:49:23 AM
"Dear Wardd, please let this work," Hmerrin murmurs as he watches the balcony.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:45/45; AC:24 Touch 18; FF 20 - CMD 21 Sunday October 15th, 2017 9:04:00 PM
Toston says a silent prayer to Domi and Alemi hoping this plays out right and they manage to salvage something.
Wilford Grimly (HP:44/44; AC: 18; Touch: 12; Flat: 16; CMD: 18) Monday October 16th, 2017 3:45:25 PM
"They must be shocked," Will commented as he waited for the Prince and the committee to reply. "I wonder how quickly the guards will so up? Should we be prepared?"
To Market To Market (DM Cayzle) The Castle of the Prince of Thieves d4=4 [rounds of dispelling]; Monday October 16th, 2017 8:12:20 PM
OOC: Per the prior post, the silence dampener field, which is based on a magic item, can itself be dampened for only 1d4 rounds. That’s rounds. It is the DM who rolls this, not the PC, sorry. And the DM has rolled a four!
Wilford stands to say he has news about the sahuagin and about a plot. His tone and manner communicate his seriousness, even if his words are a bit disjointed.
Dušan, Var, and Toston wrangle the corpse to the balcony where Wil is waiting. That’s one round. Dušan asks the dead man to speak the words that he came to say.
Lornak proudly watches his friends coordinate this effort.
Gaffer and Hmerrin each hold an assassin tightly.
The assembled members of the Threats committee stare up at the balcony, where Will draws there attention, follewed by three people carrying a corpse -- THEN the corpse speaks:
The House of Teeth is making secret deals with both the Sahuagin and the Mer-folk, in violation of the Prince’s command. The House is also dealing in dangerous fire-gems that the Prince has outlawed.
The dispel ends and the last words of the dead man are cut off by the sound dampening field. However, the words of the members of the committee are very clear: ”LIES AND SLANDER!” shouts one of the robed figures below.
On the balcony: Var, Toston, Dušan, Wil, Lornak, corpse In the Hall: Gaffer, Hmerrin, assassins
Lornak (Frank S.) HP:48/49 AC: 18(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 Monday October 16th, 2017 9:34:38 PM
With the second question asked of the Sell Sea and heard by all, Lornak swiftly turns his attention to the Dart. As he does he feels the dampening field slam down hard almost as fast as it had went away. He curses.
If the Dart tries to play innocent or cool Lornak will:
Move up the isle and behind him. He places his hand on the his shoulder and uses his other to wave toward the entrance to the hallway in an accommodating gesture. He knows no one can hear him but he mouths the words anyway; "If you please."
If the Dart tries to dart:
Brandish his Crossbow and encourage the man to not do anything rash by maneuvering himself between the Dart and the exit. He knows no one can hear him but he mouths the words anyway; "Don't even try it."
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:45/45; AC:24 Touch 18; FF 20 - CMD 21 Monday October 16th, 2017 10:27:43 PM
Toston shrugs and blows the whistle, he then speaks his truth, "We have come to make this known to the prince and protect Sellsea who was supposed to have had first hand knowledge of these dealings. We failed to protect Sellsea and he was felled by the assassins we have in custody but we have one question for Sellsea on our speaks with dead spell we were saving for the Prince."
Dušan (Erik) [HP:37/40; AC:13; Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:15 Tuesday October 17th, 2017 1:26:20 PM
Dušan fights every urge to slump as the silence comes back. He doesn't want to leave for fear that might weaken their position. He can't cast because of the silence. He's not even sure how to assist Toston. So he stands as tall as he can by Sell-Sea's side. It's the least he can do for failing to get him here alive.
Gaffer (Courtney) HP: 61/61 AC:21)T:16/FF:15) CMD:20 WS 1/2 Tuesday October 17th, 2017 5:04:34 PM
Gaffer begins to grow uneasy as the silence forces back down on the Balcony. Seeing the figures before him still standing there in hope he begins to watch the corriders for any signs of guard reactions. Preparing himself to cast magic, hoping to slow down any interference.
Wilford Grimly (HP:44/44; AC: 18; Touch: 12; Flat: 16; CMD: 18) Tuesday October 17th, 2017 5:19:27 PM
The return of the wall of silence surprises Wil and he steps back. "Push him down now?" Ciscero asks but Wil refuses to answer. "I guess that's all we get unless we Dispel it again?
Hmerrin(HP:61/61 AC:25 T:15 FF:21 CMD:21)Bls Str d20+3=20 ; Tuesday October 17th, 2017 7:08:54 PM
From the hallway, Hmerrin observes the ongoing scene, and Toston's attempt with the whistle, with growing concern.
He keeps his hands on the assassins, and his eyes peeled for danger [Perception 20]
"Get ready, Buddy," he asides to Gaffer. "This is usually about the time things go south in a hurry."
To Market To Market (DM Cayzle) The Castle of the Prince of Thieves Tuesday October 17th, 2017 11:45:16 PM
Lornak is concerned with the fellow who is with them in the balcony, the one from the House of Darts, who recognized the assassins. Let us refer to him, for now at least, as Mister Dart. The man notes Lornak staring. He makes s slight bow, and motions with his hands in a sign of welcome. He is smiling. He is also paying close attention to events in the balcony and in the meeting room. He shows no fear nor any sign of a desire to leave. Lornak, if you make a Sense Motive check vs DC18, then Highlight to display spoiler: {Mister Dart is showing you a modicum of respect as an equal.}
Toston blows the whistle! It is magically LOUD and COMMANDING! The magic supports Toston such that all will hear him, ignoring magical silence or other effect. All in the balcony and in the meeting room hear it and turn to look. All are compelled to listen. Toston knows that not only MUST he speak the truth, unvarnished and without nuance -- but he knows that all hearing will understand and acknowledge that he is telling the truth!
Dušan stands tall beside Toston.
Gaffer too holds still, in the hall with the assassins and Hmerrin -- who suggests to his new comrade that preparation is in order!
Wilford’s imaginary friends are able to speak to him, even when he himself remains subject to the sound control effect. Maybe that says something about those friends!
Var remains still.
Toston’s words ring out: "We have come to make this known to the prince and protect Sellsea who was supposed to have had first hand knowledge of these dealings. We failed to protect Sellsea and he was felled by the assassins we have in custody but we have one question for Sellsea on our speaks with dead spell we were saving for the Prince."
The head of the committee, the figure who had sat in the chair marked by the crown, looks up calmly. “I really do not know what you are talking about, young fellow. Who is ‘Sellsea’ and why should we care? Is that the talking corpse? The words of the dead carry no weight here. And the Prince will not be at this meeting. Say what you have to say to us, now. If it is valuable, maybe we will be lenient in addressing this interruption. If you cannot articulate a message of any clarity, they you are a mere vandal who will be punished for this temerity.”
"Take counsel with your friends, and say clearly the message you have created this disruption to deliver."
Lornak (Frank S.) HP:48/49 AC: 18(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 d20+8=11 ; d20+11=27 ; Tuesday October 17th, 2017 11:58:30 PM
Lornak tries his best to glean Mister Dart's motive but the loud whistle sound behind him throws his nerves into a tizzy. (Sense Motive d20=11) Content to just watch the man he chances a glance over his should at his comrades. He hopes that one of the group asks Sell Sea exactly what the man wanted to be heard here this day. He continues to watch to see what happens. (Perception d20=27)
Var (Tom I.) (HP:58/60 AC:24 T:14 FF:18 CMD:23) Wednesday October 18th, 2017 7:45:44 AM
Var finds himself holding his breath as Toston speaks, fearful that he might somehow break the spell.
Wilford Grimly (HP:44/44; AC: 18; Touch: 12; Flat: 16; CMD: 18) Wednesday October 18th, 2017 3:56:06 PM
Wil stays quiet and watches the activity below and the suspicious Dart. "Aren't all Dart's suspicious?" he says to himself. "I hope Toston can get everything out that needs to be said." He then concludes that the Dart will not be leaving the balcony without a few words.. once he can actually speak.
Dušan (Erik) [HP:37/40; AC:13; Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:15 Wednesday October 18th, 2017 4:28:05 PM
Dušan leaves the balcony to consult with the group. "We may have enough evidence of our own to support the claims. Between our ambush of the trade with the Sahuagins and our dealing with the elemental. We also a couple of assassins who can attest they had mark on Sell-Sea to prevent him from delivering this news. Do we still have the crate from the trade? I think we have a large enough body of evidence to present a case against the Teeth."
Dušan takes a look at Sell-Sea's corpse wishing his plan had brought more weight. At least they might have a chance to still present the claim.
Gaffer (Courtney) HP: 61/61 AC:21)T:16/FF:15) CMD:20 WS 1/2 Wednesday October 18th, 2017 5:24:38 PM
Gaffer puzzles at some of the details mentioned, beginning to understand how far these events reach. "If you can tell them as much as the whistle gives you time for, you might be able to win over at least some of the members?" He urges the group to give as much information as they can, and hope the council can see the truth in it.
At the same time he wonders where the Prince might be, the group seemed sure they would be here...
Hmerrin(HP:61/61 AC:25 T:15 FF:21 CMD:21)Bls Str Wednesday October 18th, 2017 6:31:56 PM
"I'm with Gaffer," Hmerrin agrees. "Just lay out all we know, and see what we stir up."
Lornak (Frank S.) HP:48/49 AC: 18(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 Wednesday October 18th, 2017 7:48:53 PM
Lornak joins the group in the hallway but does not keep his eyes off of Mister Dart. He doesn't so much as turn toward his comrades. "Can we ask Sell Sea if there is any specific persons he was going to implicate here?" Lornak asks the group. "Also, keep the shape-shifting halfling out of it."
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:45/45; AC:24 Touch 18; FF 20 - CMD 21 Wednesday October 18th, 2017 9:11:57 PM
Toston turns to his friends and says "huddle, now"
He takes their counsel and asks to Lornak, "Do we really want to use our last question on that?"
He then takes a deep breathe says, "here goes nothing." and he turns back to the counsel.
Toston says, "This thing all started for us the day the docks were attacked by the Merfolk raiding party. We were some of the folks who responded to the merfolk attack and repelled them. When the merfolk were forced to retreat they shouted something about the fate of all who aid the Sahuagin."
The gnome continues, "Our interest was piqued and we investigated. The initial questions we asked turned up rumors that the smugglers were being aided by some crafters. We looked into it and found a group of crafters who were being threatened into selling weapons to the Sahuagin so we switched places with them planning to put a stop to it. We kept the meeting with the Sahuagin and they didn't seem too happy that we were fixing to put an end to their setup so we ended up in a battle with them and we took them out."
He continues, "The city was on edge and we encountered some Wolves that almost attacked a merchant aligned with the Keys who was rumored to have trade with the Sahuagin but the rumors were false. It wasn't long before we were drawn into a tussle with House Teeth at the docks"
"So after that tussle we find ourselves near the site of the fire caused by the fire elemental summoned by the illegal elemental gems. We put a stop to the elemental and rescue some people from having a building fall down around them."
"We then go back to Tapas, etc. shortly after that only to be ambushed by a Knife patrol who wanted us and all the witnesses dead. We won the battle and came into possession of a scroll that contained information about another weapons deal going down so once again we headed off to interdict it. We found a deal going down with some Teeth and some merfolk. The merfolk escaped but we got one of the Teeth to talk and he told us about how Sellsea Staffing, the current talking corpse, decided to do the right thing and let it be known what was going on. He was in deep with setting up the deals but saw the danger Dirt City was being placed in. We later learned that the Teeth were getting the fire elemental gems from the Sahuagin at a steal as the Sahuagin were unaware of their value. We put a plan in action to try to defend Sellsea and even managed to scare some of the assassins off but they were a persistent lot and the half-orc killed Sellsea. We decided to try to salvage something and still bring it to your committee's attention about the rot that is infecting Dirt City as far as these weapon for illegal gem dealings are concerned, keeping the conflict with the Sahuagin and Merfolk going and making Dirt City more dangerous in the process by the proliferation of unstable elemental gems."
To Market To Market (DM Cayzle) The Castle of the Prince of Thieves Thursday October 19th, 2017 9:12:26 AM
Lornak keeps alert, and sees a couple of the committee members start to object. He notes that the head of the committee, the fellow who addressed Toston, shushes the objectors with a raised finger. He wonders about the last question for the deceased, and also suggests that the part played by Bell the Halfling of the House of Cloaks is not important.
Var holds his breath, anxious about what will happen here at the cusp of the action.
Wilford has high hopes for Toston but also does not advise him. Wil correctly deduces that this Mister Dart person will have words for you after the comittee meeting.
Dušan has some solid advice for Toston on things to bring up.
Gaffer, still very much the newcomer, listens intently, and begins to put the pieces together for himself. He advises full disclosure. He wonders why the party thought the Prince himself would show up.
Hmerrin agrees with Gaffer. Put it all out there!
Toston listens to his friends, and does not request a question from the dead before he follows advice given ... and neatly summarizes all that you know. He explains about the dangers and double-dealing with the Sahuagin and the Merfolk. He details the way the Teeth have been dealing under the table IN DIRT CITY. It is one thing, of course, to engage in smiggling OUT of the City, but that’s not supposed to happen here, when it opposes the will of the Prince.
The cloaked figures of the Threats Committee hears Toston out. Indeed, compelled by the power of the whistle, they have no choice.
If you make a Sense Motive check vs DC20, then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You get the feeling that for some members, this is a revelation, for a couple others, a catastrophe, and for the head of the committee, confirmation that he cannot ignore.}
After Toston is done speaking, the head of the committee looks up and says, “Speak your names, friends of Dirt City, for you have done the Prince a service indeed today.”
Do you reveal your names? Do you give any other information about yourselves? Titles, epithets, etc?
After you speak, the chair moves to adjourn for private deliberation, and this motion passes. The members of the committee file out of the room, and the people in the balcony start to disperse.
Wilford Grimly (HP:44/44; AC: 18; Touch: 12; Flat: 16; CMD: 18) d20+6=25 ; d20+12=13 ; d20+6=18 ; d20+9=20 ; Thursday October 19th, 2017 3:30:53 PM
Wil tentatively gives his name then suddenly worries about the consequences. The Dart family has not been too kind to the Grimly family since assassinated his parents and searching for him for years after that. Will stops the Dart, as he walks from the room. "I feel you have something to say Dart." He hisses. His long held prejudices simmering under the service. Wil packs away Cicero as much as he can and stares at the Dart hoping he does not know this person. (Knowledge-Local: 20) (Sense Motive: for spoiler and others around him: 25) (Diplomacy: 13)
Dušan (Erik) [HP:37/40; AC:13; Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:15 Thursday October 19th, 2017 3:58:57 PM
Dušan wonders if it wise to give his information, but he's already gone as far bringing a talking corpse to bear witness. And he was not going to let Wil stand alone. He mumbles under his breath as he steps to Wil's side, "In for a copper.."
"I am Dušan of Dirt City and I do what I can for it."
He leaves out The Tide until he is sure the rest of his friends are on the same page.
Lornak (Frank S.) HP:48/49 AC: 18(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 Thursday October 19th, 2017 8:58:34 PM
Lornak is dumbfounded when the members of the Threats Committee thank the group for their "service." He is not sure to believe them truly being that compel magic has just been used. As usual he errs on the side of caution and says nothing to reveal anything about himself and keeps the exits in his mind. Perhaps he is so confounded that he cannot find any words...
As the committee adjourns Lornak abandons the desire to press Mister Dart for information and gets the urge to vacate the premises, fast. "I believe that is our cue to leave." He says under his breath. He hopes that his comrades are of equal mindset being that he believes they have a limited number of friends here.
Toston is torn between standing with Wil and Dušan or saying nothing like Lornak. He decides to split the difference and stands with Wil and Dušan saying, "I am but a humble friend of Dirt City, who I am is not important. I did what I did to improve the lot of its citizens. I only wish I could have prevented Sellsea's death."
Gaffer (Courtney) HP: 61/61 AC:21)T:16/FF:15) CMD:20 WS 1/2 d20+8=21 ; Friday October 20th, 2017 2:02:00 PM
(Sense Motive:21) Gaffer moves up next to the other three glancing uncertainly towards the different council members. Rather than calling out he whispers to the three, "I think we should give them some space to discuss the news" while gently tugging Wils arm towards the exit.
Wilford Grimly (HP:44/44; AC: 18; Touch: 12; Flat: 16; CMD: 18) Friday October 20th, 2017 6:23:18 PM
Wil says to Gaffer, "I agree with you. The counsel will do what the counsel does with or without our help. So will this assassin. He then returns his attention to the Dart. "This is the first time I've spoken to any of the Darts, since my parents death, outside of the lowly grubbers sent out to kill innocent people." He motions toward the bound assassin. "My mother still haunts me like I will haunt you. What do you know of this assassination?"
To Market To Market (DM Cayzle) The Castle of the Prince of Thieves Friday October 20th, 2017 7:11:20 PM
Wil and Dušan alone stand forth to give their names. You two alone, please accept a 1,000 xp award for bravery and heroism in following Sell-Sea’s example and being willing to stand up openly and honestly.
Wilford continues to act bravely -- he approaches Mister Dart and invites his comment. The man nods and walks with you into the hallway.
Lornak prefers a fast departure and does not wish to speak with the representative of the House of Darts.
Gaffer hints to Wil that it is time to leave.
Wil shrugs off his friends’ hints and confronts Mister Dart. The fellow nods to Wil and looks at the two prisoner assassins with open contempt. “These two -- and their gear -- have a place with me, and none with you. Please accept the courtesy of my House to the tune of 500 platinum each, and we shall be done with this sordid business.”
“As you know, I cannot divulge any details of the operations of my House business.”
Lornak (Frank S.) HP:48/49 AC: 18(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 Friday October 20th, 2017 7:41:12 PM
Lornak blinks. Its the only thing he can bring himself to do as he watches his comrades receive accolades for a job well done. The events of the last few weeks has clearly taken more of a toll on him than he has been aware. Has he been in the Dirt City grind for so long as to become this jaded? He feels ashamed for himself but very proud of Dusan, Toston and Wil. "At least they can keep their spirits up." He says to no one in particular.
He turns to Gaffer and says; "Doing right usually gets our backsides kicked. If you plan to stay on with us, don't get used to this..."
He turns away from the balcony and waits for them in the hallway, alone.
Dušan (Erik) [HP:37/40; AC:13; Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:15 Friday October 20th, 2017 7:51:20 PM
Dušan's eyes widen to the song of 500 platinum each. It's jovial tune that he would like to here plink away into his coin purse, but does his best to show a calm exterior and await Wil's reaction to the Dart. He does not wish to impose on his history.
Gaffer (Courtney) HP: 61/61 AC:21)T:16/FF:15) CMD:20 WS 1/2 Saturday October 21st, 2017 7:51:41 AM
"I just think it will take me a while to get used to all the scheming again..." Gaffer mutters to himself, following the others as they leave.
Hmerrin(HP:61/61 AC:25 T:15 FF:21 CMD:21)Bls Str Saturday October 21st, 2017 9:02:02 AM
"Done and done," Hmerrin responds to the Dart.
He leans over to Wil, and offers quietly, "Let's get rid of these two, and beat feet."
Wilford Grimly (HP:44/44; AC: 18; Touch: 12; Flat: 16; CMD: 18) Saturday October 21st, 2017 12:16:29 PM
Realizing the the Dart is right, Wil sucks up any grief he has with the Darts and lets him go with a thank you. "It was many years ago. I'm sure you know little about the assasination of my parents." "Thank you for the generous reward and hope to not see these gentlemen again anytime soon." "Let's vamos, guys. I feel a steak coming on soon. Good place to eat around here?"
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:45/45; AC:24 Touch 18; FF 20 - CMD 21 Saturday October 21st, 2017 12:58:02 PM
Considering this is Dirt City Toston wonders if Wil and Dušan will have future trouble because of their forthrightness some of the council did see what happened as a catestrophe the two of them and by extension the rest of the Tide could have made some powerful enemies this day. Still though Toston meant what he said, he didn't get into adventuring for the accolades but to help people.
In parting to the half-orc he says, "You better hope our paths don't cross in the future. It may have been business to you but it was something else to me. Considering I'm not leaving Dirt City you may want to consider it."
He says to his friends, "Let's try to find an experienced cleric of Gargul to bring Sellsea back, it is our fault he died, let's use our last question to ask him if he wants us to try to bring him back."
To Market To Market (DM Cayzle) The Castle of the Prince of Thieves Saturday October 21st, 2017 8:50:12 PM
Ever the cynic, Lornak is surprised that heroism seems to have been rewarded this day. Perhaps the group’s days of secrecy and skulkery are coming to a close? Lornak suspects this is an anomoly, not a new trend.
Dušan is just happy to think about the money.
And Var just want to get out.
Gaffer is coming to understand more clearly the plotting that os commonplace here in the city of rogues.
Hmerrin agrees to the deal; the exchange is quickly made, and Mister Dart walks off briskly with the two former prisoners.
Toston and Wilford are too busy carrying the body to say much, but Wil manages to take the upper hand with the Darts, and Toston thinks about raising Sell-Sea.
Know Religion DC20 or Cleric of Gargul, Please Highlight to display spoiler: {One strain of theophilosophical thought is that the defining characteristic of a "hero" or "adventurer" is that these are people marked by fate, and that is why Gargul may agree to return them to life. However, it is certainly true that Gargul almost NEVER allows a non-heroic person to return to life. It is doubtful that Gargul would allow Sell-Sea to return.}
You stand outside the Prince’s castle, free for the moment. You have one loose end at hand -- the body of the whistle-blower. And of course, you may wonder if your words will move greater events, or simply be ignored by the Prince, if he even hears about it. Time will tell, and in the meantime, a little bit of R&R sure sounds good.
[OOC: My friends, this marks the end of the current module. Everyone now earns a total of 3,500 xp; it would have been more, but, after all, Sell-Sea DID die. On the other hand you turned the situation around pretty well, so do not beat yourself up too much about it. I’d call it a win in the heroes’ column.
Over the next week, there will be something to react to every day, so I hope you will not be bored with the denoument, but I will say flat out that there will be no major danger in the near future. Feel free to train, join or visit organizations, craft items, visit the Catacombs, and level up. Also feel free to report in and engage in whatever actions seem natural. Many thanks for your creative and amusing reactions to your new DM’s provocations.]
Toston says, "Let's take Sellsea's body to the temple of Gargul to see if we can bring him back."
Dušan (Erik) [HP:37/40; AC:13; Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:15 Sunday October 22nd, 2017 11:10:58 PM
"It's as fresh as it will ever be." Dušan comments not seeing any harm in trying.
Gaffer (Courtney) HP: 61/61 AC:21)T:16/FF:15) CMD:20 WS 1/2 d20=19 ; Monday October 23rd, 2017 5:38:07 AM
(Know Religion: 19) Gaffer nervously plays with his hands, hovering at the edge of the group. After a few deep breaths he builds up the courage to say, "Umm, How would you all feel if I tagged along for a while? I've seen what you've all achieved today and I, well I want to be a part of that. What do you think?"
Wilford Grimly (HP:44/44; AC: 18; Touch: 12; Flat: 16; CMD: 18) Monday October 23rd, 2017 2:26:06 PM
Will says to Toston and the group. "I very much doubt Gargul will be interested in raising the likes of Sell-Sea. He wasn't much of a hero too many. Selling arms and profiting of the interests of others. Sell-Sea's fate is really in the hands of Gargul and it's my opinion that he show no interest in raising him." "We could take the body to the temple and give him a proper burial?"
"Dono much 'bout the Gods, but a temple sounds like a good place to take 'im."
Hmerrin(HP:67/67 AC:25 T:15 FF:21 CMD:23) Monday October 23rd, 2017 7:15:18 PM
Hmerrin shrugs. "I'm going with whatever the cleric of Gargul says," he notes, with a nod toward Wil. "Temple for me."
Lornak (Frank S.) HP:48/49 AC: 18(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 Monday October 23rd, 2017 7:59:14 PM
"What about our last question? Can anyone think of any loose ends that Sell Sea there could clear up if asked?" Lornak offers to the group. At this point Lornak is not too concerned with telling the council(Or anyone else for that matter) what the Prince needs to follow up on. He is thinking more along the lines of clues to other accomplices that may lay outside their knowledge. "A hidden cache would be welcome too." He ends offhandedly.
Lornak agrees with any pah of action that distances himself from a dead body. Carrying one around Dirt City can be a little conspicuous... "I default to Wil, lets just be done with it."
Lornak says to Gaffer. "How about you start with how you got involved with all this mess."
Aftermath (DM Cayzle) To the Temple of Gargul Monday October 23rd, 2017 8:47:06 PM
There is a general consensus that the party’s next destination should be the Temple of Gargul. Wilford, as an experienced cleric, leads the way, but he advises the group that he doubts a Raise is an option for one such as Sell-Sea, howsoever noble his final acts.
Bell, the halfling master of disguise who both frustrated and then assisted you recently, approaches you as you leave the Prince’s Castle. She congratulates you on your success vs the assassins, and then she asks how it went in the Threats Committee Meeting. What do you tell her, if anything?
The walk over to the Temple of Gargul is uneventful. Gaffer expresses his interest is accompanying you, and Var is welcoming. Lornak invites Gaffer to tell more about himself.
You *are* carrying a body, though, and most passers-by avoid you as you walk. At the temple, a low-profile location in a town devoted to Wardd, you find a minor functionary in charge of deaths, a Brother Nardo, who asks you about the funeral service you desire, if any. The standard practice, of course, is cremation and interment in the Sunken Graveyard. Nardo also looks you over, notes your differences, and asks Brother Wilford about the family of the deceased. “Will they be in attendance at the service? Have you notified them, or would you prefer for me to handle that chore?”
Wilford only please Highlight to display spoiler: {You realize that Brother Nardo will need to be told how much will be spent on the funerary activities, and who will pay. The cost can range from a bare bones couple of gold to thousands for an elaborate service and permanent memorial.}
By the way, who has Sea-Shell's magical whistle?
[OOC: Note too that this is a week for you to update your PC sheet, level up, and engage in other between-module activities.]
Toston is still holding onto Sellsea's whistle for the time being he asks his friends, "Should Sellsea be buried with his whistle? Does he have any kin or heirs?"
Dušan (Erik) [HP:37/40; AC:13; Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:15 Monday October 23rd, 2017 10:04:51 PM
"Our success against the assasins...?" Dušan stammers, as he considers using the Sell-Sea's last question to answer Bell, but figures that might be crass. That and the spell probably wore off anyways. "Unfortunately that didn't go quite so well. But we did manage to get Sell-Sea's message to The Court. We're about to take Sell-Sea to the Temple of Gargul to see what can be done for him if just last rights, if there's any rights you'd like to share in."
At the Temple, Dušan, pays his respect to Gargul, but follow's Winford's lead as an official Cleric. The Eyes of Gargul can have some conflicting opinions on some of the "moral grey areas" Bloodwitches like Dušan practice in.
Dušan (Erik) [HP:37/40; AC:13; Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:15 Monday October 23rd, 2017 10:06:40 PM
*That should be Willford's lead. Posting from phone.
Wilford Grimly (HP:44/44; AC: 18; Touch: 12; Flat: 16; CMD: 18) Tuesday October 24th, 2017 1:59:29 PM
Wil enters the temple respectfully and finds Brother Nardo. He addresses the details of the burial and says, "As long as Sell-Sea is buried respectfully. How much for a simple burial," Will says to the cleric. "Unless, there is an objection to a simple burial?" "But..." Wil stops. "You know I'm sure Sell-Sea has a large family that will want to see him buried. Can you hold onto the body while we find the family?" To the others that followed him, "I recommend we find Sell-Sea's family. It's quite powerful and they will want to say goodbye."
Lornak (Frank S.) HP:48/49 AC: 18(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 Tuesday October 24th, 2017 4:31:29 PM
As the group reaches the temple Lornak peels off from the group and puts his back against the doors. He answers Bell's inquiries; "Don't you think its a its a little early for a Q&A?" He asks sarcastically. "Clearly we have a few loose ends to tie up." He folds his arms in front of him and peers inside to see that the others have found someone to help them.
He turns his head back to the halfling "And..." He lets that linger. "...do you really want to advertise your involvement, seeing that we could have been followed? We went through great lengths to keep you out of it."
Lornak lets his mind wonder while the arrangements for Sell Sea's remains are being taken care of. He thinks about Ethani and is worried for her, he also pines for her touch. "Perhaps I shall pen her a letter when I have some down time." He also thinks about the new building. "Its about time we move out of Marsh House. I'll gather up our booth at the bazaar and the alchemy lab and set up shop at Shale House. Then I'll get Vin and my things."
Dušan (Erik) [HP:37/40; AC:13; Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:15 Tuesday October 24th, 2017 7:24:56 PM
Dušan adds, "The body has been preserved with Gentle Repose within minutes of his untimely demise. I'm sure there is time to contact the family."
"Successful?" Var says, looking down at the body of Sell-Sea. "Dono how 'successful' I'm feelin' after this, Bell."
After they deliver the body to the Temple of Gargul, Var says "Maybe we should jus' leave well enuf alone, let the family take it from 'ere."
Aftermath (DM Cayzle) To the Temple of Gargul Tuesday October 24th, 2017 11:57:47 PM
Dušan invites Bell to the funeral. She nods seriously, and says she appreciates being asked. She’ll be there.
Lornak asks Bell, a bit snarkily, why she would blow her cover to come to the funeral. She answers that she would come in disguise, but she would appreciate the chance to pay her respects. “Sell-Sea was the opposite of me. I keep a low profile; he wanted to stand forth openly. Who am I to say he was wrong?”
Toston has the whistle for now. Should it be buried with the dead guy? Returned to the family? Appraise check DC10: Highlight to display spoiler: {It is a unique fate item that would be worth an AWFUL lot to the right buyer. And it is very useful in itself!}
Var remains in the secretive mindset that has allowed the party to survive in Dirt City so far. He does not want to be responsible for the funerary arrangements. He does not want to attend a high-profile public funeral. He wants to fade away ... again. And who is to say that he is wrong?
Wilford learns that cremation, interment, and a very nice service can be had for 100 gp. More than that would be a way to express deeper grief (and deeper pockets). He mentions the family, and Brother Nardo offers to handle all the family contact. He volunteers that there is a family crypt in which the remains could be respectfully placed, if the family agrees.
Gaffer and Hmerrin are quiet.
After details are finalized with Brother Nardo, the group is free at last to relax, maybe catch a quiet dinner, maybe head to sleep without troubles. Where do you go? What do you do? And what about tomorrow?
Toston fails to glean anything himself about the whistle and holds it out to the other members of the Tide asking, "Any of you guys have an idea what we should do with this?"
Toston feels guilty for the fact that they failed to protect Sellsea and gives 20 platinum to the priest for the burial of Sell-Sea. "If we can't bring him back from the dead then the least we could do is see to his funeral arrangements."
The gnome also plans to attend the funeral in nondescript garb. It was their fault he was dead. Had they not allowed themselves to be distracted by the elf the half-orc wouldn't have slain him.
Wilford Grimly (HP:44/44; AC: 18; Touch: 12; Flat: 16; CMD: 18) d20+4=8 ; d20+12=32 ; Wednesday October 25th, 2017 3:27:31 PM
Wil shows none of the guilt he feels deep inside and finishes up the transaction with Brother Nardo. "I will cover anything outside of what companions add. I believe the platinum may take care of everything." (Diplomacy: 32) Outside of the arrangements Will searches for a meal and asks the others to join. "I'm also heading to the Catacombs if anyone want to join me." After dinner and a trip the the Catacombs Will heads to bed. The morning offers a brand new day.
Hmerrin takes a look at the whistle. "Uh, we might wanna hold onto that for a bit," he says slowly. "We got 500 platinum for a beat-up assassin after all. And this thing looks pretty unique. If we can find the right buyer, we might make bank."
"Speaking of which, who's got all the stuff we scored back in the alley? I got a need for some spending money."
Aftermath (DM Cayzle) To the Temple of Gargul Wednesday October 25th, 2017 11:05:04 PM
Having made generous arrangements, the party leaves the Temple of Gargul. Next up: a tavern where you can properly celebrate Sell-Sea’s life.
The next day, there are two chests waiting at the Temple of Gargul for Wilford and Dušan. A note is attached offering thanks and an expression of gratitude -- it is signed by the prince himself. Each chest holds 35,000 gold pieces.
Additionally, an elder of the church has a private word with Dušan Please Highlight to display spoiler: {”The Church is grateful for your service, and has this token as a thank you and a farewell. It seems that bloodwitches are henceforth excommunicated. It is nothing personal, but you will have to leave the church. You may return only as an unallied adventurer, much as your friends are.” The fellow seems regretful, actually, The gift is a tiny sculpture consisting of a black pearl and a white pearl,, both carved in the shape of skulls, attached by a slender chain of admantine, worth 1000 gp, and other black and white pearls, worth 10,000 gp more.}
The family sends their thanks but wishes to hold a private family-only service. They hope you will understand.
Dušan (Erik) [HP:37/40; AC:13; Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:15 Wednesday October 25th, 2017 11:44:50 PM
Dušan wakes up the next morning more tired than when he went to bed the night before. He knows his sleep was plagued by dreams, but daylight has washed them from his memory. Something about Gargul and a female voice warning him. He stumbles down stares to join his friends and tries to look cheered by the unexpected gifts, but the letter he received only held more portents from his vague dreams. Dušan discards the letter on the table, but puts on a adamite chain necklace adorned with two skulls. One carved of white pearl and the other of black. He turns to Wil and says, "It seems your brothers no longer wish my patronage. At least their generous with their brush offs."
Lornak (Frank S.) HP:48/49 AC: 18(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 Thursday October 26th, 2017 12:56:52 AM
Lornak joins Var to the tavern. He does not wallow in his ale but he does enjoy several rounds. "I know your knowledge encompasses more of the actual animal threats." Lornak says to Var about their shared occupations. "But I bet my forte with flora and fauna..." He stumbles a bit over his pronunciations there. "...could equally keep a person alive if forced to harbor in the wild."
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:45/45; AC:20 Touch 18; FF 16 - CMD 21 Thursday October 26th, 2017 7:50:21 AM
At the pub Toston orders some mead and sips it thoughtfully. He wishes they hadn't been allowed to be distracted by that half-elf. He resolves himself to stick to whoever they are supposed to be protecting next time they have some sort of escort mission such that anyone would have to go through Toston, his magical protections and natural armor to get at their charge.
The next morning Toston considers going to the catacombs but notices that he doesn't really have enough gold at the moment for anything on his to get list. He sincerely hopes that should his companions come into any sort of largess they share it with the group.
Wilford Grimly (HP:44/44; AC: 18; Touch: 12; Flat: 16; CMD: 18) Thursday October 26th, 2017 12:35:54 PM
" 35,000 gold pieces? Really oh my.. umm." It takes Will a moment to realize Dusan was talking to him. "Oh, really they told you to leave? Well, it's not unexpected clerics of Gargul are not known for being completely approachable. I try to be a little different but with the long black coat and the smell of blood everywhere I'm sure I'm not too approachable and can be a bit blunt. That is.. if they were.. I'm just guessing based on no evidence." "This gold.. I am more then willing to split it up? That's 5,000 a piece if I did my math right."
Lornak (Frank S.) HP:48/49 AC: 18(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 Thursday October 26th, 2017 3:59:30 PM
When Lornak reaches Marsh House, he sneaks a peek into Ethani's quarters hoping to find her there. He is disappointed and his worry troubles his dreams. He wakes to a familiar chime. With great effort he pries his eyes open to find his pet owl at the windowsill playfully turning her hourglass. "I am glad some things stay constant." He says as he looks around his round room. The feeling that it may indeed be the last time he will admire its quirky circular shape creeps into his blossoming mind. He sighs and finds Vin a morsel. "And how is my First Lady...?"
Lornak enters the Great Room to witness Dusan's reaction to a personal letter. "You too, huh?" He asks with vacancy. "It is time to start things new, my friend. I'm going to spend the next few days relocating to Shale House. I will start with the alchemy lab if you have no objections, of course." Lornak grins when Dusan puts on the amulet; "It suits you."
As Lornak travels to the bazaar to tear down the booth his mind wanders to thoughts and memories of Ethani. While he keeps telling himself that she is probably taking up the fight for a noble cause she believes it, he cannot help but dread the realization that she may not be coming back to him. "No word, no contact, nothing" He mumbles as he takes the scriptorium supplies to Shale House and starts filling the lab. "I should write her." He decides. "Perhaps tomorrow."
Gaffer (Courtney) HP: 61/61 AC:21)T:16/FF:15) CMD:20 WS 1/2 Thursday October 26th, 2017 4:40:25 PM
Gaffer joins Lornak and Var at the tavern, excited as the conversation turns to plant life, a topic that he became very familiar with other the past few years. He attempts to get to know them both better over the evening.
The next day, not sure what to do with himself he wanders the bazaar, hoping to run into one of the group again. Finding Lornak there he offers to help moving the booth.
Dušan (Erik) [HP:37/40; AC:13; Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:15 Thursday October 26th, 2017 8:30:58 PM
"Well no skin off my back," Dušan finally says trying to put a smile back on, "Never was much the Temple type anyways. Perhaps it is time to relocate. I always felt Marsh House suited me, but two roofs is too many."
Dušan has the crate sent to shale house where he divides the wealth amongst his friends.
(OOC: Should I split this evenly or try to even wealth by level? I'll send an email for responses.)
Var (Tom I.) (HP:58/60 AC:24 T:14 FF:18 CMD:23) Thursday October 26th, 2017 9:33:25 PM
Var sleeps off the ale until late in the morning. Waking in the Mash House he finds that the group (or at least part of it) is ready to make the move to the Shale House, so he sets about packing the few possessions he has.
Stepping out to the alley, Var casts Speak With Animals on himself, and calls to his stray friend. He gives the stray directions to the new house, and instructs him to wait by the back door for scraps.
Hmerrin(HP:67/67 AC:25 T:15 FF:21 CMD:23) Thursday October 26th, 2017 10:05:23 PM
Hmerrin is more than happy to imbibe a round or two, but cuts himself off after that.
He heads back to Marsh House to pack and get some sleep.
In the morning, there are chests, just, like, crammed with gold! "Ya Yeet!" the teen cries happily. "You guys win a lottery or something?"
Once the gold is divvied, Hmerrin moves his stuff to Shale House, and then indulges in some hard core math, as he figures out prices at the Catacombs.
Aftermath (DM Cayzle) R&R Friday October 27th, 2017 11:17:33 AM
Dušan comes to terms with the let-down of losing his immortal patron.
Toston debriefs himself and comes to terms with the mission that just ended.
Wilford comes to terms with the wealth flowing through his fingers. He thinks about sharing.
Lornak drinks with Var and talks about surviving in the wild.
Gaffer sits with his new friends and joins in the conversation. The next day, Gaffer and Lornak take care of the booth at the market. But there is still a lot that Gaffer does not know ... like where you guys even live! Maybe his new comrades can fill him in?
Hmerrin and Toston are both eager to share gold and sell loot. What’s the final disposition of that?
The days pass with a rare chance to just relax.
Wilford Grimly (HP:44/44; AC: 18; Touch: 12; Flat: 16; CMD: 18) Friday October 27th, 2017 3:25:36 PM
Wil enjoys his meal and just kind of sits there. He then, eventually, gets up goes to the Shale House and stands at the corner of the house for a few moments. After an argument with the corner of the house, or so it seems, Will enters the house and relaxes for the next couple days.
Lornak (Frank S.) HP:48/49 AC: 18(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 Friday October 27th, 2017 5:24:51 PM
Lornak gladly accepts Gaffer's offer to help clean out the scribe booth. With all the action he has forgotten how many items they had laid out. "I happen to be transitioning to our new base of operations today. We will be dropping these..." He slightly lifts his armful of items. "...off at the new place. I'll give you a tour when we get there."
Lornak points out the tenants that operate businesses on the first floor and how the group are trying to do their part to give local people the means to help themselves:
Sunny Culpepper, human, proprietor of Sunny Sewing. "Hmerrin's got a thing for her." He says smiling. Tom "Tombo" Greehand, proprietor of The Buttering Ram. "He's a human that believes himself a halfling. The convenience of his establishment is a happy addition to our bellies." Mazea Ironthane, dwarf, proprietor of Mazea's Dwarven Leatherworks. "She is a quiet dwarf who makes up for it in the love for her shop."
They ascend the stairs to the common room and Lornak points out all of the rooms that are available. "Welcome to Shale House, I don't know where you currently dwell but if you stay on with us you are welcome to a room. Mine is in the corner there." He points to the one in the top left corner. "I prefer the cold." Lornak sets down the items on the working surface that lines the walls of the entirety of the lab. As Gaffer looks around Lornak walks out to the balcony and his mind wanders. "I'll pen you tonight my love, once more on that fine rollingtop desk. I'll have to find one for my new room..."
Lornak spends the remainder of the day moving his things from Marsh House to Shale House. He pens a letter to Ethani in the evening and places it inside the breast of his tunic. He mills about marsh House to see if he has forgotten anything and laments leaving with his comrades. He grabs Vin and maneuvers her onto his shoulder, grabs his bedroll and makes his way to Shale House. Once there he places Vin on the perch outside of the Lab and makes sure the window is open so she can get to her hourglass. He walks upstairs to his room, lays down on his unrolled bed roll and reaches for the letter. He sets its beside him on the floor and sleeps.
Then he decides its high time for a drink, and heads down to Tombo's.
Lornak (Frank S.) HP:60/60 AC: 19(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 Friday October 27th, 2017 10:56:18 PM
Dearest Ethani,
I hope this letter finds you well. I pen it to you from the roll top desk in my round room. Circumstances have nudged me to seek out new beginnings. If you return words to me I will fill you in with details should you desire. Just know you will find me not at Marsh House any longer.
How I pine for you. Your absence has left a hollow in my heart. I ask you now for forgiveness, I believed your sabbatical was of my fault. I feared you stayed away because of the egotistical notion the consummation of our relationship somehow pushed you away. Typical of the me to take blame for something ludicrous when blinded by love. I take full responsibility for being blinded by my desire. Admittedly, I desire you still but logic has prevailed!
I know now you followed your brilliant heart for a calling you believe in. Doing so has left me behind however, duty trumps everything else. It does with our group, why would it not with one of its members? Again, selfishly, I wanted to be first for you. I wanted to be chosen first. Life here compromised too much of yourself, I also see that now. I cannot blame you for choosing to avoid this place when the opportunity arose. I even have found myself consorting with assassins. It is something I told myself I would never do and yet here I am. I love you and I miss you.
I miss your goodness. I miss your power. I miss your dazzling shock of red hair. I have no doubt that one day you will return to me. I will harbor the desire for that day deep inside. It will buoy me through the coming changes. Think of me with fondness, my love.
-Lornak
P.S. Take care of Asteria.
Lornak (Frank S.) HP:60/60 AC: 19(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 d20+9=26 ; Friday October 27th, 2017 11:41:50 PM
Lornak wakes to unfamiliar sounds. He sits up from his bedroll and creaks. "I'll have to arrange a proper bed be delivered..." He stretches. He then stands and organizes his belongings that are piled in the corner. He is happy each room has been built with a standing closet. He hangs his scholar's outfit, glad it came in handy. He arranges his weapons. Lornak then grabs his scribe pouch and finds a desk in the common room.
Lornak sits down and takes off his shirt revealing a multitude of stark white tattoos contrasting his dark charcoal skin. He finds a place on his left torso along the pointing edges of his serratus muscles and begins to hand tap a design of a tribal trident. The barbs pointing to the underside of his left peck. The irony of the pointiness of the barbs and the needle he uses is not lost on him. When he is finished he breaths large and strains; "And so begins another chapter." He covers the area carefully dresses it to be clean clothes himself in his normal garb. He grabs a bite from whatever is on hand in the pantry. "Thank you Tombo." He says as he finds cured fish and fresh fruit.
In the afternoon he leaves to consult with alchemists(in the Scrum, Full Moon Market, even the merchants quarter if he has to) to learn the name and recipe for the non-lethal unconsciousness poison he encountered in the Midnight Bazaar. He is pretty sure it is a derivative of either Black Adder Venom, Blue Winnis, or Gods help him, Drow Poison. (Alchemy d20=26)
Along the way he acquires bolts for his hand crossbow and purchases a bed and roll top desk and makes arrangements for their delivery to his room inside Shale House.
Dušan (Erik) [HP:37/40; AC:13; Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:15 Friday October 27th, 2017 11:57:26 PM
Dušan decides Tombo's is great start on how to spend his new found wealth and joins Var. he invites Gaffer and Lornak to join them when they arrive. "Tombo's is the real advantage of living above retail space. great Ale and Tombo is genius in the halfling tradition of culinary arts. In our line of business it's great to have a place that's serving a meal most hours of the day."
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:45/45; AC:20 Touch 18; FF 16 - CMD 21 Saturday October 28th, 2017 8:12:53 AM
Toston starts migrating his items over to Shale house. He selects the top right corner room if no one has taken it. He joins Wil at Tombo and orders 2 eggs, a rasher of bacon and some sort of breadroll with coffee. .
Hmerrin(HP:67/67 AC:25 T:15 FF:21 CMD:23) Saturday October 28th, 2017 11:09:01 AM
Hmerrin rises in the morning, after spending the night working out gold splits with the rest of the team. Jingling bags in hand, the young man heads for the Catacombs, after first stopping at Tombo's for some breakfast, and then Sunny Sewing for, well you never know when you might want to learn about sewing.
As he strides down the street, the fighter does take some that his daily workouts in this armor are bearing fruit. It is definitely getting easier to move in this thing.
Lornak (Frank S.) HP:60/60 AC: 19(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 Sunday October 29th, 2017 5:44:11 PM
Lornak wakes again the next morning to unfamiliar sounds. He creaks less as he gets up and dresses. He heads up to the common room and grabs a bite. He goes into the lab and greets Vin. He feeds her. He then leaves Shale House to seek out some additional training. With all the happenings lately he has realized that he needs to step up his game. He is tired of being surprised, especially by magic. Since he does not possess the capacity to increase his expertise in this realm he decides to do so in a talent he knows that he can; melee combat. He wanders among these schools until he comes across one that tickles his fancy.
When he was in Shale House arranging the alchemical and scribe items in the aclehmical lab, he found himself lamenting all of the recent and sudden changes happening to him and the group. He decided then that he would dive headlong into changing and challenging himself as to not be a passenger in his own deteriorating thoughts of loneliness and inadequacy. He felt that working off his anger and frustration in learning a new form of combat would be prudent.
Breathless and sweating, Lornak looks around the armory. He wonders what it will cost the group to augment the room to accommodate training apparatuses over simply storing weapons. He hopes he can get the other members to join him in here. For the time being he simply stands and focus his dueling foil at the imaginary halfling Bell. "You have become WAY to familiar with The Tide." he says sardonically and continues his riposte.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:45/45; AC:20 Touch 18; FF 16 - CMD 21 Sunday October 29th, 2017 7:27:25 PM
Toston anxiously waits the final talley for the shares of treasure. There were a number of things he had his eyes on and knowing how much in total he had to work with would let him figure out which he could buy and which were out of his price range.
Dušan (Erik) [HP:37/40; AC:13; Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:15 Sunday October 29th, 2017 8:55:21 PM
Dušan goes to bed, but is more troubled the temple's exile then he let on. His sleep is once again plagued by dreams he only partially remembers, but he does remember more this time. He hear's the females' voice again and the vague warning is a clear statement, "Gargul turns his back on you."
With the warning comes assurances "I would never do such a thing. I can show you things."
But as Dušan begins tries to listen more, he awakens and the voice drifts away back to the murk of sleep and dreams. This time as he goes down stairs, the sleep has affected him. He doesn't feel any more restless than the previous day, but his appearance is visibly more ragged than the previous day, his skin ashen and bags beneath his eyes. He vows to go to bed early tonight after he makes his run to the catacombs.
Gaffer (Courtney) HP: 61/61 AC:21)T:16/FF:15) CMD:20 WS 1/2 Monday October 30th, 2017 4:02:34 AM
Gaffer Thanks Lornak for showing him around their house, given that he has yet to properly settle himself in the city he gladly accepts the invitation to stay with them.
The next day he happily joins Dusan for food below the house. He enjoys eating the halfling cuisine and getting to know Dusan a little. He spends the rest of the time visiting the two shops nearby before wandering the city to reacquaint himself with his old home. Given how he left he feels much more optimistic with the opportunity he's found on his return.
Wilford Grimly (HP:44/44; AC: 18; Touch: 12; Flat: 16; CMD: 18) Monday October 30th, 2017 3:27:24 PM
Wil wakes up with a headache. He takes care of his morning rituals and sits within the common room. He stares ahead at nothing thinking about the events of the past month. Will then notices Dusan and decides to ask about the conversation he had with the other Eyes. "It seemed to be effecting him a lot," he said to himself.
Interlude Monday October 30th, 2017 5:44:35 PM
Wil moves his things into Shale House and spends a few days relaxing
Lornank moves into Shale House and brings Gaffer along, providing an overview of the house and who is where, including the 3 current retail shops of a seamstress, a Leatherworker and a Halfling themed tavern with a human proprietor. He later pens a letter to Ethani and then sets out to see if he can begin to unravel an alchemical mystery. His logical brain tells him of several possibilities of the poison, but even in Dirt City, one must be careful about how you may go about inquiring about and purchasing poison
Var moves into Shale House and relaxes at Tombo’s
Dusan moves into Shale House and joins Var. As Tombo delivers a large platter of food he chuckles at overhearing Dusan’s last remark. “Aye, the Halfling tradition of more food than you can lift.” He leaves the tray and a good natured wink as he heads to another table to greet other customers
Toston moves into Shale House and joins Var and Dusan
Hmerrin moves into Shale House, hits Tombos and then Sunny Culpepers sewing shop. She smiles from behind a loom as the young man enters, but continues working. He stays for it of small talk and then is off with a kick in his step.
Nearly everyone in the group visits the Catacombs
So goes the next few days. The group settles well into Shale House. Furniture is purchased and or moved and life is delightfully uneventful allowing the Tide to relax, enjoy some company, food and drink. Tombo’s is the natural first stop, but not necessarily the only one the group as a whole or individually visits. Sure Dirt City is still Dirt City and one has to be aware or risk sprouting a dagger in the back or ending up like poor Thomas Harlcroft. The merchant was drugged two nights ago and awoke naked covered in molasses and chicken feathers. Nearly everything he owned apparently taken. Or so goes that rumor
Lornak finds tracking down the information he wishes is going to be an ongoing endevour. The vendors selling any type of alchemical items are merely vendors. Their ‘sources’ closely guarded secrets and none are keen to point Lornak in any other direction than their own wares. Armed with such information, Lornak knows better than to bring up poison to any of them. [Diplomacy Checks can be used to help Gather Information on a specific Topic.] In the Merchants Quarter, Lornak locates 2 public Alchemists. Ffrul, a human male in his fifties perhaps and Eventide, an elven female, maybe half elven. Both shops are rather small and glancing about reveals Sunrods, smokesticks, thunderstones and the relatively common items in small quantities.
Hmerrin(HP:67/67 AC:25 T:15 FF:21 CMD:23) Monday October 30th, 2017 7:34:29 PM
Hmerrin gives Dusan a good looking over. The fellow don't look so good. Hmerrin decides to take the tactful approach.
"Hey, you don't look so good. What's up?"
Var (Tom I.) (HP:58/60 AC:24 T:14 FF:18 CMD:23) Monday October 30th, 2017 8:35:42 PM
Var looks up from his coffee when Hmerrin states his concern for Dusan. "Aye, yer lookin' worse fer wear."
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:45/45; AC:20 Touch 18; FF 16 - CMD 21 Monday October 30th, 2017 11:14:15 PM
Toston also notices the exchange between Dusan, Hmerrin and Var and says to Dusan, "What's wrong?"
Dušan (Erik) [HP:37/40; AC:13; Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:15 Monday October 30th, 2017 11:38:58 PM
"It's nothing. Just some weird dreams..." and Dušan tries to smile. And then he does smile, because it's funny that everyone is sideways. No wait that's him. Dušan is sideways and here comes the floor. It probably would have hurt more if he wasn't already back to the dreams.
"The things I can show you," The female voice again rings in his head, "They will make you better. I can show you the true potential of the Wold's Blood. I can reunite with Johnathan..."
Glimpses of his childhood friend flitter on the edge of his vision, like shadows over water. Dušan tries to make sense of the situation, "What is this? Who are you?"
"I am Visaura. This is your future."
Dušan comes back to the wakeful world the name still on his lips. He mumbles "Visaura" over and over as he contemplates how soothing the coolness of the floor is on cheek. About the time he realizes this, he figures out that he is no longer standing, but has collapsed. He spends the rest of the day trying to convince his friends he's fine. "I'm sorry for raising your concern. I'm sure I'll be fine if I can just get a solid night's sleep."
Lornak (Frank S.) HP:60/60 AC: 19(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 d20+8=14 ; d20+8=12 ; d20+8=26 ; Monday October 30th, 2017 11:41:45 PM
Lornak enters the shop of the elven female and nods. He browses the standard wares and when greeted or asked if he can be helped replies: "I was at the bazaar two days ago and witnessed an altercation. Crossbow bolts were knocking people unconscious. Would I find anything like that here? Dirt City is a dangerous place but any way I can protect myself and not be forced to kill someone I would like to take it."(Diplomacy d20=16)
Lornak tries to add the part where the rogues dipped their bolts into vials at their belts but it seems to work even less successfully. Lornak moves on. (Diplomacy d20=12)
Lornak enters the new shop with a sudden change of strategy. He knows he cannot outright acquire assassin's paraphernalia but perhaps if he just tries to figure out the key ingredient to the unconsciousness poison...
He greets the proprietor; "Master Ffrul." He starts. "I am a bit of a hobby alchemist. I started a batch of Peaceflower Syrup for a friend of mine to help him sleep better at night. The problem is that he is a grim and the voices can sometimes leave him pretty haggard, you see. I am looking for an additive that will put him deeper." Lornak leans forward with a glint in his eye: "I am not looking to render him unconscious or anything." He leans then leans back "Even though it would probably do him a world of good, heh." Lornak chuckles. "Can you recommend any thing that might help...?" (Hero Point spent Diplomacy d20=26)
When Lornak gets back to Shale House and sees how haggard Dusan looks he ducks into the alchemical lab to ironically create a batch of Peaceflower Syrup. Before he retires for the night he hands a small glass of it to Dusan; "Vorelle taught me how to make this, sleep gently my friend." He pats him on the shoulder.
Wilford Grimly (HP:44/44; AC: 18; Touch: 12; Flat: 16; CMD: 18) d20+10=25 ; Tuesday October 31st, 2017 2:21:27 PM
The fact the Dusan just collapsed took Will by surprised and he accidentally allowed him to hit the floor hard. Once on the floor Will tried to wake him but he was deep asleep. "Friends," he says silently to the noise in his head. "Any ideas on what is going on here. With the quick eye movements, he seems to be dreaming." Perception (to contact anyone from the other side): 25 Will tried to make Dusan as comfortable as he could till he recovered. Once recovered Will became a bit insistent with his concerns and what is all meant. "I'm sure your not getting any sleep," Will said. "There seems to be something going on here? Did you get struck by one of those assassin's bolts? Maybe there is something else within the poison?"
Var (Tom I.) (HP:58/60 AC:24 T:14 FF:18 CMD:23) Tuesday October 31st, 2017 7:36:40 PM
"'ere." Var says, producing a small leather bag from a pocket. "put this under yer pillow. Sage, holly, an' all that." handing the poultice to Dusan. "Should fix ya right up."
Confident that his herbal remedy will aid his friend, Var gathers himself up and heads off to the Catacombs.
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