DM Mitch Thursday November 5th, 2020 6:29:43 AM
(OOC: Everyone take 750 xp for the last 2 scenes)
Zazu suggests that the tip about the lyre sounds like an adventure and that they should head north. He considers their bridge plans and regrets they haven’t had time to make them a reality yet (this is a few days after construction finished on the two big homes, not much else has been completed yet though work has started on things) Niall says that it is something they should consider in the near future instead of leaving right away. He appreciates the information. Lothlo agrees with Niall that they should head back and resupply and let the town’s folk know the pranks should stop. Beech suggests they also let the townspeople know that they’ll be gone for a while and to make sure that every building has eaves. Naithi laments the fact that they neglected to ask more about the ruins and who left the lyre there. She suggests caution and leaving in the morning. Ash checks to make sure no one’s lost a shadow. To her relief everyone seems normal.
The party heads back to town relieved at having solved the situation. As they emerge from the woods it’s evident things have calmed down. All the commotions have died down and you can see people getting back to their routine, though with wary looks over their shoulder for more pranks.
The mood is ruined a bit as Jigger meets them as they come into town looking grim. Well, more so than usual. ”I take it you were successful in finding the source of the fey?” he listens briefly to whatever explanations you give before continuing. ”Well our troubles aren’t over yet. The fey vanished a little while ago and we started checking up on everyone. Myre is gone. They’re signs of a fight.”
Beech (JohnC) AC 14(18)/14/14,HP 16/16, Character Thursday November 5th, 2020 10:26:58 PM "I don't think the fey took her... I got the feeling that they really do want to be as friendly as they can..." Beech chips in... "Who saw her last, and where was it at?"
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 19/15/14, HP: 28/28, CMD: 20 (+1 save against fear and +1 to attack/damage.) Thursday November 5th, 2020 11:42:30 PM Myre? That's not good news at all. And signs of a fight? Where was the fight? We'll take a look around and see if there are any signs pointing to what happened and where we can find her.
Ash (RobC) -- AC 12/12/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 Friday November 6th, 2020 2:03:28 AM "How come nobody saw or heard the fight?" Ash is alarmed that one of her good friends has gone missing "And what do you mean signs of a fight?"
That's probably a ton of questions for Jigger. Ash looks over Jigger's shoulder to see if any other townsfolk are around right now that might be able to give them some more information.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/14/17 HP: 22/23 , CMD = 16 Friday November 6th, 2020 2:43:46 AM
Do you know who took her or which way she went?
Zazu (AC14, HP18) and Boyo the bunny (AC16, HP9) (Cayzle) d20+9=16 ; Friday November 6th, 2020 6:30:36 AM
"Signs of a fight? what signs of a fight?"
Zazu wants to see the scene, and Boyo will sniff around, catching any scent of a possible intruder.
Zazu perception: 16
DM Mitch Friday November 6th, 2020 7:04:24 AM Beech surmises that he doesn’t think the fey took her as their friendship offer seemed genuine. He asks who saw her last and where at. Lothlo asks about where the fight seemed to occur and that they’d take a look around to see if there is any signs pointing to what specifically happened and where she might be. Ash wonders why no one heard the fight and what does he mean signs of a fight. Naithi wants to know if there’s signs of where she went. Zazu repeats the questions about what signs
Rather then try to answer the storm of questions he just takes them to the scene of the crime. Along the way he explains who Myre is to the newer members of the group. ”Half drow girl. Pretty, with magic powers. She was a big help in beating the orcs, we may not have made it without her (former PC). Once word of this gets out everyone in town will want a piece of those responsible.” He leads them to a tent on the edge of town. While most of the people are living in the communal living buildings you’ve built a few who prefer privacy have been sleeping in some of the tents still. Myre claimed one for her own, a bit away from the hustle and bustle of the area’s where people are living or working. While in plain view of most of the village with all the chaos of the fey it isn’t too shocking no one was around.
Codru stands outside looking concerned. He brightens at your approach. ”Ah, you found them. Bad business. We only just found out. We’ve been careful to keep the scene relatively untouched, maybe you’ll see something neither of us did. I sent word out that no one is allowed to leave town for now, we don’t want the culprits sneaking out with one of the merchants. He holds the flap for you to look inside
Inside the tent is a modest living area. The signs of a fight are immediately obvious. Myre didn’t have much in personal belongings, only a single table, a small chest, and a few decorations adorn the tent. Now the table has been knocked over, bits of food spilt onto the floor along with a lamp now sputtering on it’s side next to it. A splash of blood speckles the lamp and the ground near, not enough to indicate a lethal wound though. If anyone things to look up there’s a big singe mark on the roof of the tent. The chest containing her clothing in the back of the tent sits open and something is pinned to the lid with a dagger. A note - “We’ll be in touch.”
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 19/15/14, HP: 28/28, CMD: 20 (+1 save against fear and +1 to attack/damage.) d20+7=14 ; Friday November 6th, 2020 5:44:34 PM
Lothlo looks around the scene fore clues. He pays careful attention to the dagger to see if it gives a sign of who the owner is... could it be the thieves guild or another one of the competing factions?
Well, from the message I'm guessing that at least Myre is fairly safe for the moment. It sounds like this is going to be a ransom situation or a possible some local faction trying to put pressure on us.
Lothlo then looks for signs of which way the captors would have fled, and how many there may be.
Perception = 14
Beech (JohnC) AC 14(18)/14/14,HP 16/16, Character Saturday November 7th, 2020 12:26:48 PM
Beech casts Detect Magic to see if there are any lingering traces of magic in the tent and area around it....
Zazu (AC14, HP18) and Boyo the bunny (AC16, HP9) (Cayzle) d20+7=25 ; d20+9=18 ; Sunday November 8th, 2020 11:37:18 AM
Boyo sniffs around and tries to track Myre or any of the kidnappers (after sniffing that dagger!). Survival to track, 25!
Zazu looks around too. Perception 18.
"Did Myre have a burning hands spell? Maybe she was trying to scorch a flying foe? What's the chance it was an evil (or very mean) fey?"
Niall (JonL) HP: 22/36 AC: 17/11/16 d20+3=18 ; Sunday November 8th, 2020 6:25:43 PM
Niall takes a go at his best Sherlock impression as he looks around the scene.
Perception: 18
Ash (RobC) -- AC 12/12/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 d20=11 ; Sunday November 8th, 2020 6:26:26 PM
Ash nods to the taur "Thanks Codru. Were there any witnesses? Who discovered this?" She peeks into the tent while the others poke around "Have you been able to keep this quiet? We don't want the camp to get too worried, though I suppose news travels fast here"
Her first thought is of course the thieves guild, but that's just a hunch. She has no evidence to back it up.
Once the others have investigated, sniffed and poked, Ash places the lamp upright again so as to stop anything from catching fire and then goes to look at the dagger and note. She tugs the dagger free from the chest to get a better look at it and also to check the other side of the note.
"I wonder how they plan to be in touch"
------------- Perception: 11 Appraise: 19 (Take10) to determine the value of the dagger. Is it common? Are there any markings on it? etc...
Náro (Violet) HP: (15/16) AC: (16) d20+8=15 ; Sunday November 8th, 2020 10:29:01 PM
Náro looks around the room to see if he can notice anything out of the ordinary, aside from the obvious, as well. (Perception: 15). 'Does she have any friends?' he asks the room at large. 'Anyone who'd notice any recent odd behavior, or anything like that?'
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/14/17 HP: 22/23 , CMD = 16 d20+10=13 ; d20+11=15 ; Monday November 9th, 2020 12:13:43 AM
Camalayaas and I carefully search the room and attempt to track her. For some reason I cannot help but suspect the thrives guild and wonder about their being in touch
Perception = 13 Survival = 15
DM Mitch Monday November 9th, 2020 7:37:50 AM Lothlo looks around for clues. He figures that Myre is safe for the moment and there might be a ransom or some pressure put on them. Though he doesn’t find any sort of trail (That would take survival) it’s easy enough to determine that the only way have left unseen would have been to duck into the woods and go around the town to the road, assuming whoever did it needed to carry her off.
Beech casts detect magic, looking for lingering traces of magic. He is sadly disappointed. Knowledge: arcana (anyone can try this check) Highlight to display spoiler: { even the most powerful spells are only detectable up to an hour after being cast. A few minutes at most for lesser spells. So unless someone was hurling around magic far beyond you (7th level+) and you got here less then an hour from the kidnapping (also unlikely) there would be nothing to find }
Zazu and Boyo investigate. The bunny sniffs around trying to track Myre or any of the kidnappers after sniffing the dagger. Boyo gets particularly interested in the back of the tent where Zazu finds a small slit. It’s in a shaded area meaning someone could have made the slit and peered through it to spy on Myre without ever being noticed.
Niall also investigates. He notes the food on the floor is commonly eaten for breakfast, so the kidnapping could have happened a couple hours ago. Or Myre was eating a late breakfast or just likes that food and was having it for lunch or a dozen other explanations.
Ash asks if there were witnesses and who discovered the scene. After the others have searched the tent she rights the lamp and takes the dagger and note. Codru answers her questions. ”The pair of us found it together. We were checking on everyone, making sure no one was hurt by the fey tricks. We have told no one yet, I stayed to guard the scene and Jamril went to find you. It probably took about half an hour for him to bring you back.” Jigger grunts sourly at the use of his real name, but agrees with Codur’s telling of events. The dagger is distinctive and has a strange sigil on it - a green dragon scale split in half by a dagger.
Náro also looks around the room. He asks if Myre has spent time with anyone lately who might have noticed odd behavior on her part. Codru points out that most of her friends are in the party as well as the rest of the informal group of leaders that have formed. None of them noticed her acting any different lately, though she had apparently suffered at least 1 of the fey pranks and gotten annoyed at it.
Naithi and Camalayaas also search and like Zazu and Boyo they have an eye towards tracking. There are lots of tracks around the slit Zazu found, indicating a small creature took many visits to the place to spy on Myre. Tracking beyond that is difficult, as whomever it was made a point of hiding their approach and the ground isn’t particularly soft here.
Niall (JonL) HP: 22/36 AC: 17/11/16 Monday November 9th, 2020 2:41:30 PM
"hmm.. can one of the animals track her scent? Or the scent of the creature that seems to have been coming and going?" Niall asks, assuming the tracking results are shared with the group.
Beech (JohnC) AC 14(18)/14/14,HP 16/16, Character Monday November 9th, 2020 8:36:35 PM
Beech informs the others that any magic used here would have long since faded away, unless it was of a power level close to that of his mom's.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 19/15/14, HP: 28/28, CMD: 20 (+1 save against fear and +1 to attack/damage.) d20+7=8 ; Monday November 9th, 2020 9:02:38 PM I would assume Myre would be the easiest to track. There aren't many Surface Drow around here, and assuming it's her blood it would make for an easy scent.
Lothlo looks around the tent for more information but comes up empty.
I hate to suggest it, but perhaps we should reach out to some of the fey in the village. They may not be the ones who did it, but since they were mostly trying to stay out of sight they might have caught a glimpse of Myre's visitor and what happened, especially if they made multiple peeping trips. I believe we were told the cursed ones can reside in tent flaps, that might be a good place to start.
Zazu (AC14, HP18) and Boyo the bunny (AC16, HP9) (Cayzle) Monday November 9th, 2020 11:51:23 PM
"Niall, Boyo tried his best. He got a bit of a scent, but there's no trail to follow away from the tent."
OOC: Oh kindly DM, is it worth another track check, maybe taking 20 on the effort? Maybe with a +8 bonus from a hero point?
Ash (RobC) -- AC 12/12/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 Tuesday November 10th, 2020 1:55:39 AM
Ash is concerned by the findings."If something was paying multiple visits to Myre then it's also possible it was paying visits to other people"
"It might be worth discreetly checking around some of the other tents to see if similar slits have been cut in them. Do you think you could do that, Codru?"
She tries to recall anything about this scale sigil. Had she seen it in the Emerald City perhaps?
--------------- Knowl Local: 20 (Take10) - To try and ID the sigil on the dagger Knowl Nobility: 20 (Take10) - To try and ID the sigil on the dagger
DM Mitch Tuesday November 10th, 2020 6:02:27 AM Niall asks if one of the animals can track Myre’s scent or the scent of the creature coming and going. Beech tells the others that any trace of magic would have long faded unless it was the kind of powerful spell of the kind his mom knows how to cast. Lothlo suggests that Myre would be easy enough to track, before looking around for more info but coming up empty. Reluctantly he suggests to the others that they ask the fey if they saw anything Zazu informs Niall that Boyo tried his best. Boyo seems to take offense at this and nudges Zazu before hoping a little ways towards the woods. It seems he did indeed pick up a trail next to the peep hole. Ash asks if someone was paying multiple visits to Myre might that person also have been visiting other folks. She asks Cordru to check some of the other tents to see if they have slits too. Ash knows the sigil on the dagger belongs to some organization local to the Emerald Kingdom, she just isn’t sure who.
Jigger and Codru consider. Jigger says ”Your bunny might have a trail, but I doubt it’ll lead straight back to the culprit. You might lose it along the way. Codru adds, ”We seem to have multiple threads of investigation. The trail, asking about the dagger, seeing if anyone else was spied on, and asking locals and fey if they saw anything. Maybe if we split into teams of two we can pursue all of it quickly.”
”Just don’t confront the culprit if you find them until we’ve all gotten together again. If they vanished Myre, they might be able to vanish two more.” Jigger warns.
Zazu (AC14, HP18) and Boyo the bunny (AC16, HP9) (Cayzle) d20+8=21 ; d20+7=21 ; d20+9=10 ; d20+20=36 ; Tuesday November 10th, 2020 6:48:10 AM
Zazu casts Message several times to help keep the party connected even at a distance.
The Culverwood native apologizes to Boyo and the pair try to figure out the trail.
[OOC: If another track check is needed, Zazu rolls a 21 and Boyo Aids Another with a 21 to boost Zazu to 23]
"Whoever is stealthy and quiet and good at tracking, come with us!"
Stealth: Zazu 10, Boyo 36. The bunny wrinkles his nose when Zazu walks on twigs and rustles leaves.
"Sorry."
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/14/17 HP: 22/23 , CMD = 16 d20+11=28 ; d20+2=4 ; d20+5=6 ; d20+10=22 ; d20+5=16 ; Tuesday November 10th, 2020 1:37:43 PM
Camalayaas and I continue trying to track the foot prints with Zach. I reach down to my lap and pet Fizzgig until he wakes up. He tries to help, but it's too sleepy. I tell him to either stay with the others or sit quiet in my lap.
Fizzgig survival check to track= 6 (has scent ability) (NOT IN THE STEALTH PARTY... Or quiet in my jacket, if allowed).
ooc: A creature with the scent ability can follow tracks by smell, making a Wisdom (or Survival) check to find or follow a track. The typical DC for a fresh trail is 10 (no matter what kind of surface holds the scent). This DC increases or decreases depending on how strong the quarry’s odor is, the number of creatures, and the age of the trail. For each hour that the trail is cold, the DC increases by 2. The ability otherwise follows the rules for the Survival skill. Creatures tracking by scent ignore the effects of surface conditions and poor visibility.
Niall (JonL) HP: 22/36 AC: 17/11/16 Tuesday November 10th, 2020 3:46:11 PM
Niall is neither stealthy or good at tracking.
"I am not sure splitting us up is a good idea.. but we can ask about to see if anyone else saw anything."
Beech (JohnC) AC 14(18)/14/14,HP 16/16, Character Tuesday November 10th, 2020 7:05:37 PM
Beech stays out of the way, he's not skilled in what's being done to track.....
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 19/15/14, HP: 28/28, CMD: 20 (+1 save against fear and +1 to attack/damage.) d20+3=21 ; d3=2 ; d20+1=10 ; Tuesday November 10th, 2020 9:09:04 PM
Lothlo think back to stories he's heard about local organizations and their symbols, as well as what he remembers seeing among the dress of those in the thieves guild, to see if he can find a connection to their dagger.
knowledge (local) = 3
Lothlo will join Niall then starts asking people whether they saw anything, and will make a point to ask the local fey visitors as part of the search. Diplomacy = 10
Confrontation
Ash (RobC) -- AC 12/12/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 Wednesday November 11th, 2020 7:16:00 AM
Ash heads with Lothlo and Niall to go speak with people. She tries not to alarm anyone but obviously it's hard when she has these sorts of questions to ask.
She shows the dagger to see if anyone recognizes the sigil.
DM Mitch Wednesday November 11th, 2020 8:28:24 AM Zazu casts the message spell several times to keep the part connected. He then works with Boyo to try to figure out the trail. Naithi and Camalayaas also try to help out with the tracking. Niall doesn’t like splitting the party but suggests they ask around to see if anyone saw anything. Beech stays out of the way. Lothlo tries to think back to his local knowledge but comes up short. He also joins Niall in asking around. Ash heads with Niall and Lothlo to question folks. Zazu, Naithi by sight and Boyo by scent are able to find evidence of a small set of tracks that have been attempted to be hidden and a faint scent trail. They follow it along to a nearby stream which washes away scents and footprints alike. It’ll be tough to track him here. Zazu and the animals completely lose the trail here, but Naithi manages to find little signs - disturbed reeds here, a handprint where they caught themselves on the bank there - that lets her find the right direction the target went and find where he left the stream.
The trail cuts around the village through the woods and ends up right outside the area the merchants are parking their wagons. With dozens of people constantly coming in and out to buy wares and the scents of the many foods any further traces have long been overridden. You’ll have to turn to other avenues of investigation to narrow things down further.
The other’s make their inquiries about suspicious events mostly gets people talking about the chaos from the fey. From the fey they don't get anything either, they're new here and everyone's just funny humanoids to them. Most of the residents, not being from the area, have no idea what the dagger means, but Parvati recognizes it. ”Oh that’s old. From the Parnoth days. The thieves guild at the time were a resistance movement and took that as their sigil. The scale being split is his obviously. It wasn’t engraved on many weapons, to much of a give away, so it’s either a valuable antique or was made by someone reminiscing on the old days.
I don’t suppose it’s for sale?”
Beech (JohnC) AC 14(18)/14/14,HP 16/16, Character Wednesday November 11th, 2020 4:26:36 PM
Beech, knowing a few facts.... well, two facts.... Number one, they ended up here, and whomever took her was small in size.... He'll cast Detect Magic before entering the trading area.... duration is concentration so he can move slowly about while maintaining it. He's examining wagons for magic, taking careful note of the classes of the spells creating the emanations... If any of the wagons are crewed by small folk, he'll make yet another note, to alert the rest... He might not know who it is that's missing, but she's important to them, so she's important to him too....
Zazu (AC14, HP18) and Boyo the bunny (AC16, HP9) (Cayzle) Wednesday November 11th, 2020 5:36:01 PM
'Naithi, good job tracking! Now we have to ask around the market for anyone seeing a small person with Myre or something that would hold her."
"We need someone trustworthy with a good face." The paladin! "Niall! Niall! calls Zazu through the Message spell, "We need you to ask people in the market and gather information based on what we know!"
Waiting for Niall to arrive at the market, Zazu is sad to think that rogues once looked up to as heroes might be behind this kidnapping.
Then the illusionist has a thought: "It might be someone who WANTS us to suspect the Thieves Guild! I heard a story once about someone who planted a dagger at an attempted murder scene and it wasn't the person who did the murder at all! It was Littlefinger! Or maybe the wife of the dead Hand John Arend? I forget the details of the story. Anyway, it wasn't the dwarf who was known to own the dagger!"
Anyway, Zazu is sure to communicate the theory that the perpetrator was a small person. "Halfling or Gnome most like? A Kobold or Goblin woulda stood out? Unless they were in disguise."
Thinking over his own plans to use a permanent reduce spell someday, Zazu adds, "Or maybe someone using shaping magic."
Niall (JonL) HP: 22/36 AC: 17/11/16 Wednesday November 11th, 2020 8:24:29 PM
"I know you have.. a rosy view of the guild for their past role in the rebellion but they are still thieves and criminals now in a just society. It's not beyond them to be behind it." Niall says to Zazu. "But the dagger does seems a bit too obvious. I think it is either someone wanting us to think it was the guild. Or the guild sending us a clear message."
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 19/15/14, HP: 28/28, CMD: 20 (+1 save against fear and +1 to attack/damage.) Wednesday November 11th, 2020 9:03:57 PM so, what should we ask? If people saw a shorter person, sneaking into the woods by the wagon, someone stalking Myre... There was a struggle, do you think the kidnapper might be one/burned? That would narrow it down.
Ooc: quick post from phone due to power outage, I'll try to post more tonight
Náro (Violet) HP: (15/16) AC: (16) Wednesday November 11th, 2020 10:26:13 PM
Náro chimes in, 'If the thieves guild was behind this, or is sending us some sort of message, then we have to wonder... was there a reason they, or the perpetrator at all, even if they're not from the thieves guild, kidnapped Myre in specific? Or was she just the most available target?'
Ash (RobC) -- AC 12/12/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 d20+2=11 ; d20=5 ; Thursday November 12th, 2020 12:47:28 AM "Uh, no. Sorry. It's not for sale. Thanks for the information though" Ash bids Parvati well. There's no way this knife is going up for sale.
Hearing the call for Niall - and not wanting to be on her own - Ash follows along.
She briefs the others on the dagger and listens to what they have discovered. "Sorry Zazu, but I agree with Niall. Zanna told us that they are motivated by the accumulation of wealth. I don't believe the Thieves' Guild can be trusted nor have our best interests at heart".
"That all being said though, there isn't enough evidence one way or the other as to whether they are involved in this"
Ash starts walking slowly past the merchants, examining their wares. She's particularly interested in finding anyone who has anything to do with antiques or weapons. Should she find one she will approach.
"Hi there! I'm Ash. Say, that's a nice lot you have on display. How much is that one? That's a beaut." She'll try and point out a dagger of some kind to get the conversation started before showing the one they found. "Say, you wouldn't have happened to see one like this before? Any idea where it might have come from?"
------------- Diplomacy: 11 Perception: 5
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/14/17 HP: 22/23 , CMD = 16 d20+10=15 ; d20+1=21 ; Thursday November 12th, 2020 2:05:03 AM Thanks Zazu. Your pretty good yourself!
Unsure what to do, I begin brushing Camalayaas and Cuddly Mule while playing fetch with Fizzgig. It isn't long before people gather around the animals and begin chatting. As we talk I try to gain some information and keep my eyes peeled for clues.
Perception = 15 Diplomacy = 21 (Why do my d20+1 rolls keep beating my d20+10 rolls? Naithi isn't designed for diplomacy, but this is my second natural 20 in a month!)
DM Mitch Thursday November 12th, 2020 7:46:12 AM Beech casts detect magic before entering the trading area. He makes note of any wagons that have magic as well as the type of auras and if any of the wagons are crewed by someone of the right size. Zazu congratulates Naithi on her good job tracking before calling for Niall to gather information. He raises the prospect that someone may be framing the thieves guild in the kidnapping. Niall cautions Zazu about his rosy view of the Thieves Guild but points out that the dagger is a bit too obvious so it is either someone wanting them to think it was the guild or the guild sending a message. Lothlo questions what they should ask. He ponders if the kidnapper might be the one burned. Náro wonders if there was a reason why Myre was kidnapped or if she was just the most available target. Ash tells Parvati the Dagger is not for sale before briefing the others. She reasons the Thieves Guild can’t be trusted. Ash wanders around the market looking for either an antiques merchant, an arms merchant or an antique arms merchant. She tries to focus on a dagger for sale before directing the convo to the one they found. Naithi brushes Camalayaas and Cuddly Mule while playing fetch with Fizgig trying to get information from any people that show interest in the animals.
The merchant Ash is talking to immediately recognizes the dagger. ”Oh that one? That halfling Thomo had it. He wouldn’t sell it to me, he seemed very attached to it, how did you get it off him? You didn’t steal it from him did you?” She looks at Ash with suspicion.
Naithi, meanwhile, gets nothing so obvious as someone carrying a Myre shaped bag to their wagon. However, many do note that one of the halfling merchants has an odd habit of vanishing for hours at a time while his elven associate mans the shop. No one is sure what he’s up to but some have seen him going into the woods and a few get involved in wild speculation on what he’s been up to (Gathering mushrooms for a secret potion he'll sell for thousands! Consorting with the fey to enchant his wares! Ritually sacrificing small animals to his demon masters! (everyone scoffs at that one))
Both of them get the halfling's wagon point out to them`. It’s on the edge of the little clearing the merchants are set up in, near to the woods. Said elf seems to be manning it currently, and a surely half-orc stands guard.
Zazu (AC14, HP18) and Boyo the bunny (AC16, HP9) (Cayzle) Thursday November 12th, 2020 2:56:11 PM
"Halflings DO love mushrooms, everybody knows that," says Zazu.
"Nonetheless, let's go check out this merchant wagon."
Zazu casts mage armor as well as detect magic before approaching the merchant's wagon. The small elf lets others talk as Zazu stands back and concentrates on detecting magic on the people and wagon, and maybe in the wagon.
Ash (RobC) -- AC 12/12/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 d20+2=18 ; d20=13 ; d20+4=13 ; Thursday November 12th, 2020 6:43:56 PM "Steal it? Oh no, of course not. In fact, I want to return it to him. I found it back over near the camp and want to find its rightful owner. Thomo, you say? Any idea where I can find him? Can you tell me what he looks like?"
With the wagon pointed out, Ash finds the others to share the news. Looks like they have a good lead. Time to go find out what this halfling knows.
Ash smiles as she approaches the elven merchant "Hello there". She continues up to inspect the wares as any customer would "Is Thomo about?"
--------------- Diplomacy: 18 Perception: 13 Sense Motive: 13
Niall (JonL) HP: 22/36 AC: 17/11/16 Thursday November 12th, 2020 6:51:53 PM
Niall will sweep around with detect evil too, just in case.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 19/15/14, HP: 28/28, CMD: 20 (+1 save against fear and +1 to attack/damage.) Thursday November 12th, 2020 9:02:45 PM
The sharpshooter lets the others question the merchant while Lothlo stands a little way off, finding a location where he has a clear view, and where he can use a staple trick shot should it look like someone is trying to flee with Myre.
Náro (Violet) HP: (15/16) AC: (16) d20+8=21 ; Thursday November 12th, 2020 10:01:00 PM
Náro thinks that Myre was probably brought out of the camp, but it can't hurt to poke around-- Perception: 21
Beech (JohnC) AC 14(18)/14/14,HP 16/16, Character Thursday November 12th, 2020 10:15:12 PM
Beech, gets ready to use his bow if things go sideways..... he also remains ready to drop the larger of the two quivers to the ground....
DM Mitch Friday November 13th, 2020 7:08:29 AM Zazu points out that Halflings love mushrooms before casting detect magic and mage armor. He studies the wagon and the people for signs of magic. Ash asks the dagger merchant for more info on Thomo. She then approaches the pointed out wagon and asks the elven merchant if Thomo is about. Niall sweeps around using detect evil. Lothlo finds a location a little way off setting himself up for a trick shot if he needs it. Náro thinks that Myre was probably brought out of camp, but it can’t hurt to poke around Beech gets ready to use his bow if thing go sideways The sour orc grunts at Ash’s question. ”Who’s asking?” The elf though seems to recognize you. ”My my, you are quick. The boss was expecting you to show up eventually. How about we go inside for a nice private chat?”
Only about 3 of you would fit inside the wagon with the halfling and his two cohorts. Something about the pair seems familiar Int 10 Highlight to display spoiler: {right, these guys showed up in Kovri. They claimed to be merchants then to and asked a lot of questions about everyone.}
Ash (RobC) -- AC 12/12/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 d20+5=19 ; Friday November 13th, 2020 6:10:55 PM "How about we talk out here instead?" It's more a statement than a question "Being on the edge of this clearing we already have some privacy"
It's clear the party was expected. That means that these guys have no doubt planned this and have taken precautions. If combat was to ensue it would not be a great position to be in. The ranged folk would have trouble lining up shots, and what's more, it seems a very small space to try and squeeze a taur. Keeping them outside means more eyes and ears alert.
"Come out and talk to us Thomo. We know you've been asking questions about us since Kovri"
She looks to Niall and Zazu for any indications that they sensed anything evil or magic.
--------------- Int check vs DC10: 19=Pass!
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 19/15/14, HP: 28/28, CMD: 20 (+1 save against fear and +1 to attack/damage.) d20+7=24 ; Friday November 13th, 2020 9:01:37 PM
Nothing about Ash's response inspires confidence in Lothlo. He glacnes around from his vantage point for any signs that Ash has set a trap, and to make sure that nobody is trying to escape with Myre.
perception = 25
He keeps his bow ready to use a staple trick shot should it look like someone is trying to flee with Myre or if someone moves to attack.
Náro (Violet) HP: (15/16) AC: (16) Friday November 13th, 2020 9:35:32 PM
Náro decides to quickly cast mage armor... he hopes he won't need it, but he thinks it'd be better to be safe than sorry. He generally considers himself to be an alright negotiator, so he might try to talk to the traders if he gets the chance, but- something about them gives off the impression that they might not be up for negotiation.
Beech (JohnC) AC 14(18)/14/14,HP 16/16, Character Friday November 13th, 2020 9:55:50 PM
Beech, is ready to speak up if any of the regular speakers needs any help.... But he keeps the bow at least semi-ready.... no arrow drawn, but still at hand.
Niall (JonL) HP: 22/36 AC: 17/11/16 Saturday November 14th, 2020 6:41:41 PM
Niall gives a shake of his head to Ash in regards to detecting evil at least.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/14/17 HP: 22/23 , CMD = 16 d20+10=30 ; d20+1=9 ; d20+5=20 ; d20+5=16 ; Sunday November 15th, 2020 11:24:35 AM
Camalayaas and I prepare for the worst, but hope to negotiate peacefully... Besides, orc tastes awful. We would come in, but clearly there isn't room for us all. This makes for a more peaceful venue.
Perception = 30 (checking for traps, enemies, things given under the wagon, other concealed hiding spots Diplomacy = 9
Camalayaas survival track to check in our quarry if in the caravan or elsewhere and if others are close by = 20 (has scent ability)
Fizzgig survival check to track / check is our quarry is in the caravan or where and if others are close by = 16 (has scent ability)
Zazu (AC14, HP18) and Boyo the bunny (AC16, HP9) (Cayzle) d20+4=13 ; Sunday November 15th, 2020 10:38:11 PM
Int check 13
"Hey, are you the guy we met in the Emerald City? Um ... wait, I remember ... Thwarg?"
"Anyway, yeah, we need to talk to Thomho. Sure, we can't all fit in, but can a couple of us step in and the rest join in the conversation from just outside?"
Zazu steps into the wagon to greet the rogue and see what is what -- hopefully seeing Thomho, and asking him directly to step out.
DM Mitch Monday November 16th, 2020 7:58:09 AM Ash suggests they talk outside instead suggesting the clearing already provides some privacy. She calls for Thomo to come out and talk since he’s been asking questions since Kovri. Lothlo is not inspired to confidence by Ash’s response. He glances around to make sure nobody is trying to escape with Myre. He keeps his bow at the ready in case someone is fleeing with Myre or there is an attack. Náro casts mage armor he hopes he won’t need it but he figures better safe than sorry. Beech is ready to speak up but keeps his bow semi-ready and in hand just in case. Niall signals to Ash that he doesn’t detect evil. Naithi and Camalayaas prepare for the worst but hope to negotiate echoing Ash’s call to discuss things outside since it is a more peaceful venue. Zazu asks if they’re the same people they met in emerald city as well. The orc doesn’t respond, but he does look familiar.
Thomo comes out wearing a smirk so smug it’s just asking for someone to punch him. You've definitely seen him a few times, he's clearly been following the group since you arrived in the kingdom, popping up and asking questions in Kovri and the city. He goes around to the back of the wagon where you can talk out of sight of the other merchants, but at least there’s plenty of room for the party to spread out. His two guards flank him and look as intimidating as possible.
”So. You got here faster then anticipated I admit. Still much too slow of course, but you’re clearly skilled investigators. I salute your efforts.” Still that smug smile, he clearly is convinced he hold all the cards here.
Zazu (AC14, HP18) and Boyo the bunny (AC16, HP9) (Cayzle) Monday November 16th, 2020 8:12:16 AM
"You can stand there all full of yourself, or you can just tell us what it is you're on about," says Zazu.
"Or I suppose you could do both. It's not like they are mutually exclusive."
"I mean, one can communicate both meaning and emotion at the same time, sure. Just go on with the meaning part is what I'm asking. Don't really care about the emotion part, keep that up or not, makes no nevermind."
Boyo wriggles in his master's pocket and pokes at his master's brain with a bit of telempathy. "Oh, is that too much? Sorry," the wizard apologizes to the familiar. And waits to hear what both friends and foes have to say.
Niall (JonL) HP: 22/36 AC: 17/11/16 Monday November 16th, 2020 2:06:40 PM
"really, Please don't waste our time. What do you want?" Niall asks, clearly not impressed or pleased by the attitude on display.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/14/17 HP: 22/23 , CMD = 16 Monday November 16th, 2020 2:28:38 PM Much to slow for what? I ask, hoping he is aware that the wrong answer refund in the death of him and his men.
Beech (JohnC) AC 14(18)/14/14,HP 16/16, Character d20+5=21 ; Monday November 16th, 2020 5:20:05 PM
Beech speaks up..... "Tempers are getting extremely short, either cough out what you want as well as our friend or things will go down hill out of control and you'll lose your chance at whatever it is you want."
Diplomacy 21
Ash (RobC) -- AC 12/12/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 Monday November 16th, 2020 5:32:37 PM
Ash curls her fingers into a fist. It's going to be very satisfying when she gets the chance to punch this guy.
She doesn't add anything to the comments already made. What she has to say would not be helpful at all.
------- Ready action: If any of the three try to attack the party, cast Color Spray. Will Save vs DC16
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 19/15/14, HP: 28/28, CMD: 20 (+1 save against fear and +1 to attack/damage.) d20+7=22 ; Monday November 16th, 2020 9:09:17 PM Why would you let someone as untrustworthy as this set the terms of where you discuss anything? You guys can meet out back if you want, I'm standing on the side and will shout if anyone tries to sneak through the wagon door.
Lothlo tries to keep his angle such that he can see most of the discussion while still keeping an eye on the wagon door. He keeps his bow ready to set loose two arrows at the first sign of danger, in addition to letting his friends know about a possible ambush.
perception = 22
DM Mitch d20+14=15 ; d20+9=16 ; d20+8=21 ; Tuesday November 17th, 2020 8:16:08 AM Zazu remarks the halfling can stand their full of himself or tell them what he is on about before going off on a tangent about how it is technically feasible to do both while Boyo tries to reign his master in.
Niall suggest the halfling not waste their time and asks what is wanted
Naithi asks for a clarification on what they were much to slow for before preparing to mete out a swift death should the answer not be to her liking.
Beech observes that tempers are getting short and that the thieves should cough out what they want as well as their missing frie Ash curls her fingers into a fist, remaining silent for now. She readies to cast color spray in th eve
Lothlo suggests letting the halfling set the terms is a mistake and that he is standing by in case anyone wants to sneak past.
”Oh, deciding what the guild wants for her return is way above my pay grade. I’m just a grunt who saw an opportunity in the chaos and took it. And before you think of enacting violence upon me to get her back realize that it’s been hours and I’m certainly not stupid enough to leave her tied up in my wagon or something. She’s long gone and any harm to my personage will be passed on to her. Search the wagon yourselves if you must.”
Sense motive 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {You’re pretty sure he’s telling the truth, at least as far as her being gone and you hurting him not helping you. He’s not as confident as he’s acting though; he’s outnumbered and knows it and his swagger is hiding how nervous he is you’ll just kill him anyway.}
The guards both loom, trying to be intimidating and make you second guess any thoughts of violence
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/14/17 HP: 22/23 , CMD = 16 d20+1=6 ; Tuesday November 17th, 2020 8:41:44 AM And what guild might that be?
ooc: I think we need to discuss next actions via email so we don't clutter the board up.
Zazu (AC14, HP18) and Boyo the bunny (AC16, HP9) (Cayzle) Tuesday November 17th, 2020 11:45:39 AM
Zazu glances at his friends, looking for the subtle nods, the implicit YES. If he gets the go-ahead, he casts Color Spray on the three admitted kidnappers. Will save DC 16 with feat, effect varies by hit dice.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 19/15/14, HP: 28/28, CMD: 20 (+1 save against fear and +1 to attack/damage.) d20+11=18 ; d20+11=17 ; d8+3=4 ; d8+3=8 ; Tuesday November 17th, 2020 5:44:16 PM
Lothlo keeps his bow trained on the kidnapping peeping tom, ready to release a flurry of arrows should someone decide it's time for action.
Attack 1 = 18 Damage 1 = 4
Attack 2 = 17 Damage 2 = 8
Beech (JohnC) AC 14(18)/14/14,HP 16/16, Character Tuesday November 17th, 2020 6:00:29 PM
Beech slips the larger of his 2 quivers off his belt, letting it drop to the ground, He remains ready to shoot having said his peace.....
Niall (JonL) HP: 22/36 AC: 17/11/16 Tuesday November 17th, 2020 7:34:40 PM
"You three are under arrest for the kidnapping of a citizen of this settlement. Slowly remove your weapons and no immediately harm will come to you. I make no promises for what may come when you face justice." Niall says and draws his sword though does not attack.
Ash (RobC) -- AC 12/12/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 d20+4=17 ; Tuesday November 17th, 2020 8:56:15 PM
Ash isn't in a negotiating type mood. These guys are criminals. Playing their games now means always being under their thumb and at risk of it happening again.
No. It's better to make a stand now.
If the kidnappers don't follow Niall's instructions Ash is prepared to Color Spray them here and now.
------------- Sense Motive vs DC15: 17=Pass Ready action: Cast Color Spray (Will Save DC16) if they don't remove their weapons
Náro (Violet) HP: (15/16) AC: (16) Tuesday November 17th, 2020 10:02:12 PM
Náro decides to try one more attempt at diplomacy, or at least peace, not exactly keen on coming to violence right here-- though for that eventuality, he decides to cast a Magic Missile spell if they didn't yield. He speaks up, 'Please, drop your weapons. You're clearly outnumbered, and you know you'll be subdued anyway-- you just have more of a chance of being killed if you don't.' He's bluffing, he doesn't actually want to kill them, but they don't know that.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/14/17 HP: 22/23 , CMD = 16 d20+10=24 ; Wednesday November 18th, 2020 2:23:34 AM
While the others fight Camalayaas and I (I'm on her back) run full speed up the stairs to the wagon and check inside. If the kidnapped is alone in there, shee will attempt too free her. If it is just enemies she (Camalayaas) will cast obscuring mist and take a 5 ft step back. Otherwise, if I can see them, I will cast entangle so that it only effects the enemy.
Perception check = 24, including checking the ceiling and fur traps (please allow some deviation in my scrub if anything unusual is seen)
DM Mitch Wednesday November 18th, 2020 5:39:25 AM Naithi asks for a clarification of the “merchants” guild affiliation. Zazu looks at his friends for a go-ahead that he can color spray the “merchants” Lothlo keeps his bow trained ready to fire should it come to it. Beech too is ready with his bow Niall tells the three they are under arrest and draws his sword asking the trio to slowly remove their weapons Ash prepares to color spray them should they resist Niall’s instructions Náro points out that the “merchants” are outnumbered and a fight would end badly for them. Naithi goes to check out the wagon.
The guards look ready to scrap but they look to their boss before doing anything foolish. There’s a long moment while he considers before he nods. ”Very well. Take us to your jail. We won’t resist. You’re making a mistake, but it’s your mistake to make.” He disarms. HIs guards do as well, very reluctantly.
Naithi finds the wagon empty of people. It’s a cluttered but clean area, with various products in boxes to be sold, a small bed, and a stack bookshelf full of ledgers.
Zazu (AC14, HP18) and Boyo the bunny (AC16, HP9) (Cayzle) Wednesday November 18th, 2020 10:32:39 AM
Zazu steps forward to confiscate the weapons and to tie up the captives.
"No need to go anywhere right away. Why don't we start with what you might want to tell us about what's going on, then, without threats and insults."
Boyo sniffs at Thomho and tries to figure out if his scent matches the scent on the dagger.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/14/17 HP: 22/23 , CMD = 16 d20+10=26 ; Wednesday November 18th, 2020 1:30:59 PM
Not hearing and commotion, I quickly set to searching the wagon. I also make sure Camalayaas and Fizzgig memorize the scent, as well as have them check for familiar scents (they previously were told to memorize the thieves guild members scents in the Emerald Kingdom as well as our party's scents.
Niall (JonL) HP: 22/36 AC: 17/11/16 Wednesday November 18th, 2020 6:22:04 PM
Niall will step forward as well to do a search of each of the trio for hidden weapons and objects before helping them get tied up with hands behind back and handles together. Nothing too tight or comfortable, but making it so they cannot run or fight. "keep your bows and weapons at the ready" he says to the others, clearly distrusting the guild members.
"You made a mistake by coming here and seeking to profit from the chaos of a new settlement and thinking we would simply take it."
Beech (JohnC) AC 14(18)/14/14,HP 16/16, Character Wednesday November 18th, 2020 7:30:01 PM
Beech, seeing no fight about to start, picks up the dropped quiver and hooks it back where it was. "We're gonna need to speak to a few people, and away from these three. I doubt tieing them up would be useful, so someone needs to play guard.... I have a few thoughts on this, but better said quietly away from them...." He smiles and he lets a thought pass over his face.....
Zazu (AC14, HP18) and Boyo the bunny (AC16, HP9) (Cayzle) Wednesday November 18th, 2020 8:21:01 PM
"Maybe we should separate them while each one tells us their story?"
Ash (RobC) -- AC 12/12/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 d20=7 ; Wednesday November 18th, 2020 9:05:15 PM "I think we need to tie them up. Bind their hands and feet. They may be able to escape from those bonds eventually, but we'd see them trying and have time to intervene"
She has a couple of sacks that could be placed over their heads, but that seems a little extreme for the moment. Maybe later.
She agrees with Zazu's idea to separate them for questioning.
Ash isn't the most perceptive of people so stays out of the way of the others while they search the wagon
Perception: 7
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 19/15/14, HP: 28/28, CMD: 20 (+1 save against fear and +1 to attack/damage.) Wednesday November 18th, 2020 9:50:13 PM Lets be clear here. The simple facts are that you are a peeping tom and a kidnapper. And you chose to do this in a village of people who just escaped from a lifetime of enslavement from a barbaric people who beat, starved, and killed those of us that were their hostages. You knew, and accepted, any and all possible punishments the moment you decided to stalk this girl, and reaffirmed your willingness to accept these punishments ever single moment you continued to stalk her. You act like the guild is going to protect you, but I personally would be shocked if the thieves guild didn't beat you to within an inch of your life when they hear of your depravity and the dark stain you've left on their guild's name.
Of course, I could be wrong about the kind of people that run the thieves guild... but for the moment I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt that the people you turned her over to are less depraved than you are. If you have anything you can share that would convince us you are slightly less monstrous than your actions would indicate, I suggest you start talking.
As the group discusses what to do with the prisoners, Lothlo will suggest putting them in a set of stocks in the center of town, and to have armed guards constantly watching over them.
Náro (Violet) HP: (15/16) AC: (16) Wednesday November 18th, 2020 11:41:28 PM
'Guys?' Náro begins hesitantly, not exactly keen to speak up-- though he does make sure to speak in a low voice, lower than the men can hear-- it wouldn't do for them to think there was discord in their group. 'Should we really be the ones questioning them? Right now, I mean? Wouldn't it be better to bring them to- I don't know, an authority- and see what they would do with them?'
DM Mitch Thursday November 19th, 2020 7:22:12 AM Zazu steps forward to confiscate weapons and tie up the captives. He asks for an explanation of what is going on without threats or insults while Boyo sniffs to verify if the scent of Thomho matches the dagger. Naithi sets to searching the wagon. She has Fizzgig and Camalayaas memorize its scent. Niall searches the trio for hidden weapons or objects. He also helps tie them up and cautions the others to keep their weapons ready as he doesn’t trust the guild members. He admonishes the thieves. Beech picks up his quiver and hooks it back. He disagrees that tying them up is useful. He advocates for a guard while they discuss some things with some folks away from their captives. Zazu suggests separating the trio to get each one’s side of the story. Ash agrees they need to tie their captives up. She also had sacks for heads but that seems a little extreme for now. She agrees with Zazu’s separation idea. Lothlo accuses Thomho of being a depraved peeping tom and kidnapper. He suggests that the guild won’t protect them admitting he could be wrong about them but he is giving them the benefit of the doubt. He encourages them to start talking and advocates putting them in stocks at the center of town under guard. Náro quietly (so as their captives don’t hear) raises doubt about whether they are the right ones to question the trio and if maybe they should bring them to some kind of authority.
Thomo just smirks again as he’s tied up, insults are hurled, and answers demanded. ”I'm under arrest. I request a lawyer. Of course, one will have to come from the capital. Or are you intending to stay in the EK's borders and ignore their laws?”
Knowledge, local 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {Local law does require a lawyer to be brought if you are arrested and asked for one and you have no way to make him answer questions legally.}
Int check 10 Highlight to display spoiler: {You remember that as a homestead you are allowed to set local laws for criminal activity. Your decisions will come into question later, but until someone requests a review or an emissary comes to check on you Thomo's fate is entirely up to you. If allowed outside communication Thomo will certainly call into question any actions you take and request a review.}
Naithi's quick search (I assume the 26 you rolled but didn’t put in your post is your search check) reveals at least 2 concealed compartments and that at least some of the product in here is not what it seems. You’ll probably need several hours of thorough searching to really figure everything going on in this wagon. At the very least she doesn’t see anything that could conceal an unconscious Myre and knocking on things and calling doesn’t produce any muffled responses.
Niall (JonL) HP: 22/36 AC: 17/11/16 Thursday November 19th, 2020 4:31:48 PM
"You can certainly request a lawyer. We will send word for one with the next group heading towards the capitol and you can be our prisoner for how ever many weeks it takes for them to arrive." Nially says with a shrug. "In the meantime you may do yourself a favor and talk."
to the others he agrees, "Separated stocks under guard? If they will not talk they're no use to us and we might as well keep them secured."
Beech (JohnC) AC 14(18)/14/14,HP 16/16, Character Thursday November 19th, 2020 5:10:17 PM
Once guards are assigned, and far enough away to not be over heard.... "I have a better idea.... But I'll need to borrow the Shadow Glove. We just won't be able to use it for a while afterwards. It's mark is not permanent as we know, but our new friend who admitted to kidnapping our friend doesn't know that. And a bright glowing green mark on his forehead in the shape of a "T" should make quite an impression on him. It might just be enough to make him help us."
Ash (RobC) -- AC 12/12/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 d20+5=19 ; d20=19 ; d20+4=5 ; Thursday November 19th, 2020 6:22:43 PM
Ash folds her arms and looks down at Thomo. "It's true, you are legally allowed to request a lawyer. However as a homestead we are allowed to set local laws for our community. I'm sure you know that's the case. We might decide that you aren't entitled to a lawyer for 24hrs, or that you don't get to request a specific one, or perhaps - as has been suggested - we keep you in stocks until one arrives. Of course we can also influence the time it takes for trials to be conducted within our own homestead. Things could drag on for quite some time. We'd certainly be within the law to do so. I wonder, would we be able to hold the trial in our settlement with a judge of our choosing? I'll have to look into that."
Still, this might be a lead. "What is your lawyer's name and where can they be found?"
She works with the others to split the trio up for interrogation. First up: Thomo
Ash continues to try and play 'bad cop'. If he doesn't answer the questions placed to him or keeps up his smug attitude, Ash will take out the knife Thomo left behind and slowly circle him while he is questioned. "I wonder. If you were to stay silent, what would happen if word got out that you were spilling guild secrets to us. Not just about Myre, mind you. Telling us all sorts of things the guild doesn't want to be made public. If they heard you were telling us everything I wonder how long it would take for someone to be sent to 'stop' the leak. Then again, if you were to aid us in finding Myre, perhaps we could find some way to protect you. Make it known you didn't say anything at all. Maybe we pin it on one of them?" She nods towards the orc and elf. "I wonder what they would do if offered the same deal?"
------------ Knowl Local vs DC15: 20 (Take10) = Pass! Int check vs DC10: 19 = Pass! Intimidate check: 19 + 4 (as Ash is taller than Thomo) = 23 Sense Motive: 5
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 19/15/14, HP: 28/28, CMD: 20 (+1 save against fear and +1 to attack/damage.) Thursday November 19th, 2020 9:03:01 PM
Lothlo almost chuckles at the Thomo's mention of a lawyer. He mentions to his friends out of earshot of Thomo:
I am pretty sure he's just trying to make people dance. He's probably expecting us to meet with the thieves guild log before a lawyer could arrive. He probably bluffed to try to avoid jail time, but I have to assume a thieves guild has a pretty good code when it comes to not talking. I'd be surprised if we get much out of him beyond confirmation of when we'll receive instructions. I'll let you finish your questioning, I don't really have any better ideas, but if they aren't talking our only option may be to head out before the trail gets cold, or to wait for instructions.
Náro (Violet) HP: (15/16) AC: (16) Thursday November 19th, 2020 11:54:56 PM
Náro, also, is fairly certain that the man's request for a lawyer is just a bluff; although, he isn't sure whether he likes the idea of physically hurting the man, or even threatening such-- he doesn't like the idea of being corrupt, either. However, he doesn't speak up as to this, as he doesn't think there's much he could do right now, anyway.
Zazu (AC14, HP18) and Boyo the bunny (AC16, HP9) (Cayzle) d20+4=17 ; Friday November 20th, 2020 12:00:02 AM [OOC:No ranks in Know Local. Int check 17]
Zazu takes a private moment with Ash and determines whether she has a Charm Person spell.
[OOC: Looking at PC sheet: She does]
In secret, Zazu suggests to all his friends that the two wizards should just wait for Thomho to sleep, and then cast Charm Person on him over and over until he fails a save. Then it is just a matter for a little bit of conversation, right?
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/14/17 HP: 22/23 , CMD = 16 d20+10=13 ; Friday November 20th, 2020 1:18:17 AM
I check the compartments to ensure there are no clues and they he doesn't have any poison or illegal items on him.
Perception to look for traps = 13 Any drawers or compartments to be opened will be opened from a distance and out of the line of fire of a possible trap. I will attempt to open them using tools, not my hands.
DM Mitch Friday November 20th, 2020 7:52:26 AM Niall says that their captives may request a lawyer and that they will send word with the next group heading towards the capitol with however many weeks it takes for the lawyers to get their. He encourages to talk in the meantime. To his companions he opines that they should have separated stocks under guard. Beech waits till guards are in place and they are away from the prisoners and suggests a bit of subterfuge using the shadow glove and its magical properties. Ash informs Thomho that he is allowed a lawyer but as a homestead they can set their own laws. She tells him they might make him wait a bit, keep him in the stocks till the lawyer arrives or that specific lawyers cannot be requested. She muses on having a trial at the settlement using a judge of her choosing. She asks for Thomho’s lawyer’s name before going into bad cop interrogation mode. She circles Thomho with the dagger out and tries to apply a prisoner’s dilemma to the situation. Lothlo tells his friends out of earshot from their prisoners that the lawyer is most likely a stalling tactic. He surmises they won’t get much out of their prisoners besides confirmation of when they’ll receive instructions and if their prisoners won’t talk they’ll either have to head out after Myre now or wait for instructions. Náro is fairly certain that the lawyer request is a bluff. He doesn’t like the idea of physically hurting, threatening or being corrupt but he keeps his opinion to himself as he isn’t sure what he could do now. Zazu takes a private moment with Ash and asks if she has the Charm Person spell. In private he suggests they wait until Thomho falls asleep and then just keep casting charm person until the spell successfully takes before waking him up for a conversation. Naithi checks the compartments to make sure there are no clues and there aren’t poisons or illegal items on the prisoners’ persons. She tries to open containers from a distance in case of traps and using tools.
Thomo seems affected by either the threats or the revelation that the local law is totally up to them to decide. ”Look, lets be reasonable here. Ask at Gunthur’s law firm, they’ll send someone over. They’ll be able to find a reasonable solution, there’s no need to do anything rash.”
Ash is pretty sure the intimidation is working, it just seems that he’s not willing to spill anything without consulting a lawyer first. A lawyer who’s probably higher up in his guild then he is and will be able to speak for his boss. He must have some scary bosses.
Naithi checks for any traps and doesn’t find any. Perhaps he didn’t want to wake up and set one off while half asleep. Or just didn’t think of it.
By now the commotion has drawn attention. Merchants are starting to come over and questions are asked. They don’t seem happy to see some of their own tied up. The party is going to have to make some decisions soon on where to keep the kidnappers and what to tell everyone.
Ash (RobC) -- AC 12/12/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 Friday November 20th, 2020 8:24:21 PM "Yeah, but that means waiting until nightfall and the lead could get real cold. I'm also not sure if he'd wake up after each casting. We might only get one shot with the spell" Ash responds quietly to Zazu. "We need information now while we're still close behind"
Ash keeps up the 'bad' cop routine - unsure who is 'good' cop at this stage. She looks to Thomo and shrugs. "Your funeral, Thomo. We'll just have to see if your friends here are willing to be more co-operative. Especially when I tell them that you're willing to sacrifice them to save yourself." It's true. She plans to try that.
As she notices the crowd start to approach she looks back to Thomo. "Might want to tell us something we can use sooner rather than later. Otherwise, I convince the crowd here that the reason you were venturing away was to spy on and abduct a young girl. I can be quite persuasive. 'What if it was your child?!'. Yeah, that line ought to win them over. I imagine they might try and take matters into their own hands later. Not sure we could do much to stop them from getting at you, certainly well before any sort of lawyer was to arrive. It would probably convince your associates to tell us what they know." she looks back at the orc before back at Thomo "We're going to find out one way or another. The only question is what will happen to you"
"Your only chance now to save yourself - from your associates here and what will soon be an angry mob - is to give us something we can use"
Beech (JohnC) AC 14(18)/14/14,HP 16/16, Character Friday November 20th, 2020 9:23:25 PM
Beech borrows the Shadow Glove....He whispers to the others, "Go with me on this...." He goes over to where the three are being held, and notes the growing crowd... "I tend to agree, you might want to just tell us right now, because the one you took, or at least aided in taking was pretty well liked among the town. While it's true we don't have a jail, but that will be remedied soon enough. Now while most likely, we will be releasing you, but that doesn't mean we don't have ways of keeping track of you and marking you so it's known what you are accused of. Of course once the case has been adjudicated the mark will be removed if the judge so deems it. So we will be writing down in our town laws that Accused Criminals will be marked so as it is known they are to be tried in a court and are not to have vigilante justice executed upon them, or suffer becoming a criminal themselves. You, get to be our trial case to see how it works, and we will of course have to explain why we are doing it and just what it is you are accused of and admitted to, in front of at least 5 witnesses. Now you just stand right there, this shouldn't hurt a bit and it will be noticeable of course." Beech reaches out, plants his hand with his palm at just above eye level with his fingers reaching out like an open claw. willing the glove to leave a bright obnoxious green glowing hand print when he was touching. He steps back, if it left a print, "That should keep you from being the cause of trouble, either causing it or being the victim of it." The reactions of his two goons should confirm the mark.... "Now, I guess we have to tell the growing group why you were marked, unless of course you have something you wish to say to us..."
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 19/15/14, HP: 28/28, CMD: 20 (+1 save against fear and +1 to attack/damage.) Friday November 20th, 2020 10:05:09 PM Well, I'm fine withe just telling them the truth. Since this is the first kidnapping and first peeping tom case we have, I'm sure they will have some very creative punishments we can vote on.
Niall (JonL) HP: 22/36 AC: 17/11/16 Sunday November 22nd, 2020 9:29:36 AM
"Of course we tell them, these three should serve as examples of justice" Niall adds in.
Zazu (AC14, HP18) and Boyo the bunny (AC16, HP9) (Cayzle) d20+9=27 ; Sunday November 22nd, 2020 10:58:39 PM
Uncertain, Zazu supports Ash and just pays attention.
Perception 27.
DM Mitch d20=8 ; d20=10 ; d20=20 ; d20+9=21 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d3=2 ; d20+9=23 ; d20+9=23 ; d4=2 ; d4=1 ; d20+9=17 ; d20+9=21 ; d4=3 ; d4=1 ; d20=17 ; d20=10 ; d20=16 ; d20=18 ; d20=15 ; d20=18 ; Monday November 23rd, 2020 7:43:21 AM Ash doubles down on her threats, adding the possibility of a lynching. Beech lights his hand up to mark the halfling as a criminal. Lothlo talks about how creative the punishments might get. Niall says of course they should tell the others and have the there serve as examples of justice Zazu is uncertain and just pays attention. He notices one of the guards doing… something and trying to keep it hidden. Oh crap he just untied his ropes.
Thomo is really feeling the heat now. Sweat pours off him and he leans back as Beech approaches with the strange, shadowy glove on it.
Then he’s suddenly free of his bonds and has slipped a dagger out from somewhere. With a snarl, he stabs Beech viciously, gutting the Liontaur like a fish (sneak attack for 16 damage, you’re at 0 and staggered). The observing merchants all make noises of shock and horror.
His two guards are equally quick, slipping their bonds and falling on the party. Zazu manages to spot one and call a warning (I assume he'd do that) but Ash still gets two daggers in her back from the elf (7 damage) and the Orc gives the same treatment to Zazu (8 damage)
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/14/17 HP: 22/23 , CMD = 16 d20+10=11 ; Monday November 23rd, 2020 2:42:09 PM
Perception check to hear f commotion = 11
Assuming I hear the sound of shock and horror, Camalayaas and I run back to the group.
Ash (RobC) -- AC 12/12/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 18/25 Monday November 23rd, 2020 7:13:39 PM
Ash takes a step back from the elf and casts a Color Spray against the three. She still wants to take prisoners if they can, though really they only need one of them to be left alive.
The approaching crowd could be useful. There's probably a couple of tough guys with knives in there.
"Help! These three have been peeping on a young girl and have abducted her! She may have been one of your children!" she calls out to the approaching mob. Ash doesn't know who Myre's parents are. It is possible they could be here she reasons. "Don't let them get away!".
------------ Cast Color Spray: Will Save vs DC16
Niall (JonL) HP: 36/36 AC: 17/11/16 d20+5=21 ; 2d6+8=16 ; Monday November 23rd, 2020 8:39:51 PM
Niall draws his sword and moves in on the halfling to take a swing at him, "you have chosen poorly, thief, kidnapper and murderer!"
----
Move to Thomo, power attack.
Hit ac 21, 16 slashing.
Beech (JohnC) AC 14(18)/14/14,HP 16/16, Character Monday November 23rd, 2020 9:04:10 PM
Beech stands there.... Hand holding his stomach, preventing his insides from falling into the outside. The most he does is take a 5' step away from the one who gutted him..... Thinking to himself...Well, now I know why Mom insisted I learn to shoot a bow.... less chance of getting gutted.... I think I'll leave this out of my next letter home....
He continues to hold himself together.....
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 19/15/14, HP: 28/28, CMD: 20 (+1 save against fear and +1 to attack/damage.) d20+11=27 ; d20+11=30 ; d20+11=19 ; d8+3=7 ; d8+3=9 ; d8+3=7 ; Monday November 23rd, 2020 9:33:27 PM
Lothlo knows in a group this size there are plenty of armed people who aren't going to let a murder flee and have a chance to attack their wagon on the way home, and that almost any able bodied citizen of the town isn't about to let these three flee after what they did, so he also calls out.
We can't let this peeping tom, kidnapper, and murder get away. Surround them, make sure they can't escape!
Lothlo send three arrows straight at Thomo (moving to an orc should he fall) (two via rapid shot, one via hero point)
Roll each twice: D20 + 11, 1d8 +2 (+1 within 30') Attack 1 = 27 Damage 1 = 7
Attack 2 =30 Damage 2 = 9
Attack 2 = 19 Damage 2 = 7
Zazu (AC18, HP10of18) and Boyo the bunny (AC16, HP9) (Cayzle) d20+4=18 d3=2 d6=6 Monday November 23rd, 2020 11:57:59 PM
Zazu backs up a space if necessary to avoid provoking AoOs.
If Ash has blinded or stunned an enemy, then Zazu takes advantage of the foe's vulnerability by casting a Ray of Frost backed with sneak attack damage. ... Roll to hit succeeds vs touch ac 18 for 2+6=8 damage
OR if Ash's spell has not blinded or stunned any foes, then Zazu tries to catch one, two, or even all three in a color spray-- without catching a friend in the area! ... Will Save vs DC16, same as Ash.
DM Mitch d20=4 ; d20=18 ; d20+9=17 ; d20+9=11 ; d20+9=13 ; d4=1 ; d4=3 ; d4=2 ; d4=3 ; d20+9=14 ; d20+9=28 ; Tuesday November 24th, 2020 8:33:23 AM Naithi and Camalayaas run back towards the group. Ash casts color spray against the 3 prisoners turned assailants before reaching out to the crowd for help. She can only get an angle to hit two of them though, at least if she wants to avoid hitting allies. Thomo fails, the elf succeeds. Niall draws his sword and takes a swing at the halfling, hitting Beach holds himself together Lothlo sends three arrows at Thomho and badly wounds him. Zazu backs up and finishes the Halfling who goes down snarling.
The elf seems grimly unsurprised by Thomo’s death. He continues working on Ash but only lands one of his strikes for 4 damage.
The orc howls in rage as Thomo goes down. Rather then try any futile escape plans he goes for what will really hurt the group - killing one of their own. He charges Beech and stabs him. Beech manages to stumble to the side and avoid one blow but the other is a viscous stab taking him moments from death (crit for 9 hp, you’re at -9)
The crowd gets over their shock and a few caravan guards join in. Two slash at the elf and one shoots the orc.
Beech (JohnC) AC 14(18)/14/14,HP -10/16, Character d20=8 ; Tuesday November 24th, 2020 9:05:52 AM
Beech collapses to the ground, and his insides spill out and become his outsides.....
Niall (JonL) HP: 36/36 AC: 17/11/16 d6=3 ; Tuesday November 24th, 2020 10:05:30 AM
Beech falls and Niall kneels, a hand going to one of the liontaurs feet to give what meager healing he can.
---
Lay on hands for 3 HP to beech
Zazu (AC18, HP10of18) and Boyo the bunny (AC16, HP9) (Cayzle) d20+9=16 ; Tuesday November 24th, 2020 1:16:52 PM
Zazu moves as necessary to am a color spray at one or two enemies without affecting a friend. If that's possible, the Will Save is vs DC16.
If that's not possible, Zazu backs up a bit more (say 15 ft from the fray) and casts Silent Image to create a Wall of Stone (just like the spell) separating the elf wizard from everybody else.
And Zazu keeps a close watch on everything while doing so, since illusionists can see through their own illusions.
Perception 16
Ash (RobC) -- AC 12/12/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 18/25 d8=4 ; Tuesday November 24th, 2020 10:44:38 PM
Ash moves in to cast a CLW on Beech. Ugh. Those insides look terrible.
She hopes her healing is enough to bring the taur back to consciousness.
Ash positions herself between Beech and the Orc. "Oooh. Big bad orc picking on someone unable to defend themselves.". She raises her fists and starts bouncing around on the balls of her feet, much like a boxer. "C'mon then. Let's go" Being less armored than Beech, Ash has no doubt that she's about to feel a whole world of hurt.
------------ Cast CLW on Beech. Beech is healed for 6pts
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 19/15/14, HP: 28/28, CMD: 20 (+1 save against fear and +1 to attack/damage.) d20+11=28 ; d20+11=15 ; d8+3=10 ; d8+3=7 ; Tuesday November 24th, 2020 10:53:51 PM
Seeing that their wounded are being tended to, Lothlo sends another volley of arrows flying towards the orc that is doing the most damage (or whoever is still standing)
Attack 1 = 28 Damage 1 = 10
Attack 2 = 15 Damage 2 = 7
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/14/17 HP: 22/23 , CMD = 16 d20+3=10 ; Tuesday November 24th, 2020 11:02:19 PM
Camalayaas runs over to Beech and begins nuzzling him. Suddenly get collar glows and Beech funds himself stabilized. (Collar was a one time use prize from the G.G. that allows and animal to cast stabilize on a player).
Naithi quickly Examined Thomo (heal check = 10) and if he will die this round casts stabilize on him. If not, she will tie him up and stabilize him next round.
DM Mitch d20-4=1 ; d20-5=9 ; d20+9=25 ; d4=3 ; d20+9=11 ; d4=3 ; d20+9=29 ; d4=4 ; d20+9=26 ; d4=3 ; d20+9=28 ; d20+9=19 ; Wednesday November 25th, 2020 8:01:48 AM Beech collapses to the ground as his outsides become his insides. Niall uses lay upon hands on Beech, bringing him to 3 hp Zazu wants to cast color spray on both enemies but there’s no good angle so instead he casts silent image to create an illusionary wall of stone to isolate himself from everyone else, keeping a look out as he does so. Ash cast cure light wounds on Beech healing him for 6 points then positions herself between him and the orc who she proceeds to taunt. Her positioning that way gives him an AoO from her heal. Lothlo sends arrows at the orc. Camalayaas tries uses the stabilize collar on Beech but it is unneeded since the magical healing he received automatically brings him out of danger. Naithi examines Thomo to figure out if she needs to cast her own stabilize. He’ll die in two rounds, but tying him up while he’s bleeding out will probably make his wounds worse and kill him.
The orc just snarls at Ash as she taunts him. ”Better to die in battle then by guild justice. Better still to take at least one of you with us.” He slashes her as she casts her heal for 6 damage. Noticing Naithi hovering over Thomo he throws a dagger that way - and hits Thomo, killing him. ”I won’t let you deny us an honorable death in battle just to let the guild torture us to death!” Then with his other dagger he hits something vital (crit) and drops Ash (13 damage, which with the above 6 puts you at -1) The elf looks like he wants to go after Ash, swiping at her as she turns to run (missed AoO from leaving his threat range), but he’s tied up in caravan guards and would get stabbed in the back if he went after anyone in the party. He fights with great skill but 2v1, with the party ready to back up the guards soon, his position is bad.
Then he baits one guard into a bad swing and stabs him in the throat, briefly evening the odds.
The remaining guard presses the attack in outrage and scores a good hit. The archer shoots the elf, and two of the merchants who ran to get weapons come back. Now it’s 4 on 1 vs the elf.
Thomo - 53 damage, dead Elf - 18 damage Orc - 16 damage Random Guard - -1, bleeding out
Zazu (AC18, HP10of18) and Boyo the bunny (AC16, HP9) (Cayzle) d20+6=24 ; d3=3 ; d6=4 ; Wednesday November 25th, 2020 8:31:03 AM
From behind the illusionary wall, Zazu fires off a Ray of Frost at the orc, gaining bonuses for attacking while unseen. That's a +2 to hit, plus the orc loses his dex bonus. Note that Zazu can do that because the illusion school wizard power lets the illusion continue for a round after the caster stops concentrating.
Zazu fires at the orc, hitting AC24 for 1d3 cold damage and 1d6 sneak attack damage ... 7 damage total to the orc.
The wall persists until the start of Zazu's next turn.
Niall (JonL) HP: 36/36 AC: 17/11/16 d20+5=14 ; d8=1 ; 2d6+8=13 ; Wednesday November 25th, 2020 9:22:05 AM
Niall rises up to take an arcing swing of his great sword at the orc.
----- Hit ac 14 for 13 damage
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/14/17 HP: 22/23 , CMD = 16 d20+3=6 ; d20+20=32 ; Wednesday November 25th, 2020 2:31:56 PM
Reflex check to stop the dagger being thrown = 6.
I see the dagger flying at the last second, but am not fast enough to stop it from killing Thomo. Furious, I charge forward and grapple orc. He's twice my size and probably 10 times my weight, but my fury make up the difference.
Camalayaas sees Ash fall and quickly stabilizes her with a gentle nuzzling.
Grapple check = 32
Beech (JohnC) AC 14(18)/14/14,HP 0/16, Character d4+1=5 ; d4+1=2 ; Wednesday November 25th, 2020 6:50:52 PM
Beech opens his eye just a crack and remains on the ground..... if one of them comes in his direction in the least, he'll exert himself and cast a magic missile spell, putting both missiles into the one coming in his direction, and then promptly pass out again..... If that doesn't happen, he just lays there, glad that he's not spilling any more insides into the outside....
5 and 2 damage if the spell is cast.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 19/15/14, HP: 28/28, CMD: 20 (+1 save against fear and +1 to attack/damage.) d20+11=20 ; d20+11=29 ; d8+3=8 ; d8+3=6 ; Wednesday November 25th, 2020 10:09:32 PM
Lothlo quickly draws two more arrows and sends them flying at the elf to take him down before anyone else gets hurt.
Attack 1 = 20 Damage 1 = 8
Attack 2 = 29 Damage 2 = 6
Náro (Violet) HP: (15/16) AC: (16) d4+3=7 ; Wednesday November 25th, 2020 11:24:20 PM
Náro notices Ash go down, and while she is stabilized, he casts a spell of Heavenly Fire on her. (with a roll of 7)
Ash (RobC) -- AC 12/12/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 6/25 Thursday November 26th, 2020 12:26:27 AM "Wow that was a hard hit. Where am I? Why is everything dark? What smells like dog?" Turns out even unconscious and dying that Ash still asks a lot of questions. Slowly things start to piece together. She remembers falling to the ground. It's dark because she's unconscious. "That can't be good. What's the dog smell though?" Camalayaas. Camalayaas is trying to stabilize her. More a weird animal smell than a dog of course, but hey, she was dying so her senses aren't 100%. "Wake up Ash. Wake up"
Ash's eyes open and she sits upright, gasping for air as Naro's healing hits her. "What a rush"
That orc still stands though. For now.
Ash rolls across the ground to get away from him and then sits up to keep an eye on him. She grins a bloody grin, happy that she caught his attention long enough to give Beech a chance. "That.. that was the best you could do?" She spits a little blood onto the grass "If I'd known you didn't know how to hold a knife I'd have gone easy on you"
---------------- Withdraw action: Roll (crawl) 10ft away
OOC: Please delete the previous post. It was made a few seconds after Naro's and it changes Ash's actions
DM Mitch d20+4=6 ; Thursday November 26th, 2020 7:57:21 AM Zazu fires off a sneak attack ray of frost at the orc Niall attacks the orc with his great sword. Naithi is too slow to stop the dagger and grapples the orc in fury while Camalayaas stabilizes Ash with a nuzzle. Beech readies an action to fire off a magic missile if anyone moves in his direction. Lothlo sends 2 more arrows at the elf Náro uses heavenly fire to heal Ash Ash wakes up and rolls 10 feet away from the orc taunting it as she does so.
The elf goes down to Lothlo’s arrows and merchant swords. Naithi gets a solid grip on the orc who can’t struggle free. One of the merchants runs up and disarms him. ”Cowards! Fight me like warriors! Give me an honorable death!” He roars, but it looks like you’ll be able to take him alive, though the other two are beyond saving at this point.
Niall (JonL) HP: 36/36 AC: 17/11/16 Thursday November 26th, 2020 8:06:48 PM
"no," Niall replies and keeps his weapon ready but to do non lethal damage if needed. "someone find a blacksmith. We need manacles made"
Beech (JohnC) AC 14(18)/14/14,HP 0/16, Character Thursday November 26th, 2020 8:20:13 PM
Beech just continues to lay there.... He figures he might strain something if he tried to stand up, but he does roll into a more comfortable position, still ready to cast at the goon if he escapes and tries to attack again... "There really was a easier way to get our attention than kidnapping a friend and then attacking us. I believe we even gave you many chances to correct the problems you'd already created, but no... you had to keep pushing, and now there are two dead and a few others wounded. Now, we still have a missing friend and I'm pretty sure you know what direction she was taken at least and we will be getting that information...."
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 19/15/14, HP: 28/28, CMD: 20 (+1 save against fear and +1 to attack/damage.) d20+7=26 ; Thursday November 26th, 2020 9:07:09 PM There is nothing about honorable about you or your friends, and any death you may have earned yourself will be one of shame and dishonor. We will decide your punishment later, but in the mean time we are going to make sure you are bound in restraints you cannot escape, and you will be strip searched since we know you are without honor and will sink to any cowardly act you can if we don't. We will make sure there is not a repeat of your disgraceful actions.
Lothlo will make sure that the he is unarmed, and will verify that the new restraints are as secure as possible to prevent another murder spree. He will also search the bodies for clues regarding Myre's kidnapping, but only AFTER it is confirmed he is bound securely and being watched like a hawk. Under no circumstances is there a moment where Lothlo let's him be unwatched while he is still in the town.
perception = 27
Zazu (AC18, HP10of18) and Boyo the bunny (AC16, HP9) (Cayzle) Thursday November 26th, 2020 10:20:47 PM
Zazu does not say anything, but fears that this means war with the thieves guild. It makes the rogue very sad. These were heroes in the war against Parnoth. Why did things go so wrong? Why kidnap their friend?
Boyo nuzzles his master for comfort.
Ash (RobC) -- AC 12/12/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 6/25 d6+1=6 ; Thursday November 26th, 2020 11:44:14 PM
Ash gets to her feet and places her hand to her abdomen to put pressure on the stab wound. She assumes that the orc is now suitably restrained, but if it looks like he's going to break free she prepares to cast a spell at him.
She tries to bring some calm to the onlookers while the others take care of the orc. She raises her other hand and smiles "Thankyou friends for aiding in this man's capture. If you have seen any of these three acting strangely of late, or in the presence of a young woman, please let us know. Otherwise it is safe to return to your stalls." Ash nods in the direction of the rest of the market as a gesture to go "Oh! Unless anyone here sells manacles, in which case we'd happily buy a set!"
--------------- Ready action: Cast Hornet's Nest if the orc looks like he is going to break free. 6pts non-lethal damage. No Save
DM Mitch Friday November 27th, 2020 9:47:59 AM Niall tells the Orc no and calls for a blacksmith so they can get manacles. Beech continues to lie there. He rolls into a more comfortable position ready to cast if the orc tries to escape. He says that there were easier ways to get their attention than kidnapping a friend and attacking them. He says they had to keep pushing and now there is two dead and others wounded and that they will be getting the information about their miss Lothlo explains to the Orc that there is nothing honorable about him or his friends and they are going to take precautions to prevent this kind of incidents from happening again. After making sure the orc is bound securely he searches the bodies for clues. Zazu doesn’t say anything but fears that their town is now at war with the thieves guild. It makes him sad. Boyo nuzzles the elf for comfort. Ash gets to her feet and places her hand on her abdomen to put pressure on the stab wound. She too prepares to cast on the orc if he makes any sudden moves. She dismisses the merchants unless anyone has a pair of manacles they could buy.
One of the merchants does indeed have shackles, lucky since it’s unlikely the village has any lying around. A thorough search of the orc finds some lock picks and another dagger which are taken from him.
With him secured now it’s probably time to update the others. There hasn’t been a chance to tell anyone what happened with the fey or about the whole investigation. Jigger and Codru probably let them know some of what’s going on but a report is in order.
Ash (RobC) -- AC 12/12/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 6/25 d8+2=10 ; Friday November 27th, 2020 6:28:39 PM "Come on. Let's get you back on your feet" Ash casts a cure spell on Beech and then tries to push him on to his feet in some way. After a couple of ineffectual shoves she has to just stand back and let him pick himself up.
With the orc checked over, Ash then sets to stripping the elf and Thomo of their gear (right down to their undergarments) before sitting it all in a pile and casting Detect Magic.
------------- Cast CLW on Beech. Beech is healed for 10pts Cast Detect Magic on the items Spellcraft checks to ID any magic items: 21 (Take10) on all of them
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 19/15/14, HP: 28/28, CMD: 20 (+1 save against fear and +1 to attack/damage.) Friday November 27th, 2020 10:04:42 PM
Before going to make a report Lothlo makes sure that there are a group of guards constantly watching over the prisoner, and that they are not to grant the coward an honorable death under any circumstances.
Náro (Violet) HP: (15/16) AC: (16) Friday November 27th, 2020 10:07:31 PM
Now that the fight appears to be over, Náro decides to go and alert the officials, and inform them of what happened with the kidnapping; though he won't tell them about the specifics, thinking that his friends might want some extra time to talk to Thomo before anyone else takes over. He also makes sure that none of the onlookers were hurt, and attends healing them if they were.
Beech (JohnC) AC 14(18)/14/14,HP 0/16, Character Friday November 27th, 2020 11:27:32 PM
Beech gets healed, "Many thanks." He gingerly gets up and mumbles to himself, "Next time, I just shoot him"
"You speak of Honor, when you clearly have none. What makes you think you have that right?"
Zazu (AC18, HP10of18) and Boyo the bunny (AC16, HP9) (Cayzle) Sunday November 29th, 2020 6:02:58 AM
Zazu goes with Náro to tell the rest of the village about the fey, who have turned out to be friendly, and the roguish merchants, who were decidedly not. The elf hurries about the job with Náro, because there is still the chance to pursue the kidnappers.
"We still may have an opportunity to save Myre, my oldest friend, so we must regroup quickly after this important errand."
Niall (JonL) HP: 36/36 AC: 17/11/16 Sunday November 29th, 2020 9:30:30 PM
Niall helps keep watch on the orc while the others fill in people that need filling in.
DM Mitch Monday November 30th, 2020 8:37:02 AM Ash casts a cure spell and tries to get him on his feet. With the orc checked over. Ash then strips Thomo and the elf of their belongings before casting detect magic on the lot. Lothlo makes sure that there are a group of guards constantly watching over the prisoner and that they are not to grant the coward an honorable death under any circumstances. Náro decides to go and alert the officials and tell them of what happened though he’ll be vague as his friends might want some more time to question the orc. He will help heal any onlookers. Beech gets healed, gets to his feet and says next time he just shoots him. He reiterates the orc has no honor. Zazu goes with Náro to the the rest of the village about the fey and the merchants. He urges the others to regroup quickly as he thinks they can still hopefully pick up Myre’s trail. Niall keeps watch on the orc.
The rest of the informal council is notified and further action taken. The Dirt City natives seem grimly unsurprised by the news of the kidnapping, but everyone is heartened of hearing that the fey may be potential allies. A thorough search of the area is conducted, but no further traces can be found. The best guess anyone can come up with is he met someone in woods somewhere to spirit her away, but if so they covered their tracks to well or used magic.
The orc isn’t very helpful either. He still seems very mad, apparently incensed about the offer of peaceful surrender that immediately lead to threats of horrible, horrible death at the hands of the guild. Codru is eventually able to get him to open up some, but it’s quickly evident he’s just a hired guard who sits on the wagon and knows nothing of Thomo’s actions or plans.
Searching Thomo’s wagon proves more useful though. In addition to various odd implements that he must have used as a thief and kidnapper (wine that is really some foul knockout liquid, shackles, gags, etc.) a close examination of his ledgers indicate they are not at all related to mercantile activity. They’re in some sort of code, probably a record or report of his doings for the guild. It’ll take a while to crack the code and decipher them all though - there’s a couple dozen columns and several seem to be there just to hide the actual important ones. Hopefully one of them will provide useful information.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 19/15/14, HP: 28/28, CMD: 20 (+1 save against fear and +1 to attack/damage.) d20+3=19 ; Monday November 30th, 2020 9:02:48 PM
Over the years there have been many rumors about the thieves guild spread at the pubs. Lothlo tries to remember whether he has ever overheard mention of how the thieves guild obfuscate their records.
knowledge (local) = 19
Beech (JohnC) AC 14(18)/14/14,HP 0/16, Character Monday November 30th, 2020 11:07:58 PM
Beech shakes his head...."My mom told me to spread my time on various skills... but did I listen to her? Of course not. I'm not gonna be any help with those books...."
Ash (RobC) -- AC 12/12/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 6/25 Tuesday December 1st, 2020 2:51:28 AM "Hmmm. This may take some time" Unless anyone has a better idea, Ash plans to sit down and try and break the code. She'll start from the first column and work from there.
She makes sure that Codru knows how the orc tried to escape from them earlier, and that guards should watch him at all times. Murzush has proven herself a leader of her people. Perhaps she might have some success in speaking with him? Maybe make him reveal a little more.
"Do we seek out that lawyer, or would it tip our hand to the thieves guild that we're on to them and Thomo is out of the picture?"
---------------- Linguistics check to break the code: 29 (Take20) Raw Int check to break the code: 25 (Take20)
DM Mitch Tuesday December 1st, 2020 8:04:57 AM Lothlo tries to remember whether he has ever heard about how the thieves guild obfuscates their records. Beech explains he didn’t listen when his mother told him to spread his attention to various skills and asks for help with the books. Ash looks over the books for a while, lets the others know of how the orc tried to escape, and asks about if they should contact the lawyer or not.
It quickly comes clear to Ash that this won’t be a simple problem. It’s probably a simple cypher - using one book to pick out key words or letters in another - but with no knowledge of which book is the codebook and which books contain hidden messages and dozens of columns to sort through it’ll take days or weeks to crack it.
There’s a lot of debate about how exactly to proceed. Painter suggests just releasing the orc and following him, but Jigger points out he’s just as likely to run as to return to the guild, especially with since he might think they’re after him for betraying their secrets. Hilia is all for following the lawyer angle, but Codru points out they have no evidence of wrongdoing to let them search his files and it’s unlikely he’ll tell them of Myre without a price of some sort. The consensus seems to be that the books are the best lead, though the time it will take frustrates everyone.
Hilia finally throws up her hands in frustration and points out, ”We’re going in circles. Acting before the books are cracked risks tipping our hand and endangering Myre. What we should be debating is what steps we should take while we wait. What useful things can we get done or preparations can we make before going after the kidnappers?”
Off of Thomo the party gets two +1 daggers and a masterwork leather armor. His two guards have masterwork daggers and +1 armor. The orc had a masterwork axe and the elf a masterwork short sword, the weapons you disarmed them from. Examining the daggers taken from Thomo when he was ‘disarmed’ proves that they’re actually fairly common daggers you could get from anywhere - clearly decoys for his real, concealed magic weapons as the party unfortunately found out. They also have about 100 gold between them and 3 potions of cure light wounds.
Ash (RobC) -- AC 12/12/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 16/25 d8+2=10 ; Tuesday December 1st, 2020 5:56:06 PM "Hmmm... these are more complex than I thought" Ash scratches her head as she looks at the code. She likes a good puzzle, but these will almost certainly take too long to decrypt by themselves.
She speaks with the leadership council.
"Letting him go would almost certainly not result in any fresh leads. As Jigger said, there's no guarantee he would make contact with the guild again. Even if he did plan to, it could be weeks or even months before he tried. We could be trailing him indefinitely"
It occurs to Ash they can't keep referring to the orc as 'him'. She approaches Murzush and asks if she'd speak with the orc. "You might know the right buttons to push to get him to talk. See if you can find out his name and how he came to pair up with Thomo. Any background information at all would be useful"
Ash would like to claim the masterwork dagger the orc used to stab her if no-one objects. It seems a good souvenir from the battle and a reminder of how close she came to death. She also notes that the wagon should become the property of the settlement now. Thomo won't be needing it.
She patches up her wounds a little.
----------------- Cast CLW. Ash is healed for 10pts
Beech (JohnC) AC 14(18)/14/14,HP 0/16, Character Tuesday December 1st, 2020 6:27:41 PM
Beech picks up one of the daggers that was stabbed into him...."This would be handy, until I can manage to upgrade my bow. I think everyone should have some sort of magic weapon, In my research I've noticed some indications that some things ignore mundane weapons, and that could be quite a surprise. Anyone mind if I hold onto it.... even though I prefer my longbow?"
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 19/15/14, HP: 28/28, CMD: 20 (+1 save against fear and +1 to attack/damage.) Tuesday December 1st, 2020 9:04:29 PM At this point it's probably best not to follow anyway, we'd be walking into a trap. We might be better off looking for those ruins for the instrument so we can fortify our town against future attacks.
I have no desire for the weapons. I'm pretty terrible at hand to hand combat, and bows made by someone else never quite have the same feel as one I build to perfectly fit my hand
Niall (JonL) HP: 36/36 AC: 17/11/16 Tuesday December 1st, 2020 10:46:26 PM
Niall is at something of a loss of what to do next, but waiting does not seem the proper thing. "Maybe if we make more of a spectacle out of having found Thomo out and captured the thug helping him? May draw out the kidnappers."
Náro (Violet) HP: (15/16) AC: (16) Tuesday December 1st, 2020 11:03:24 PM
Náro volunteers, 'Actually, I think it would be better to crack the codes before confronting the guild- they're not much of an advantage if we don't understand them, right? If we all put our heads together, it couldn't take that long, could it? However, I don't think that anything good would come from releasing the orc- especially because there's always the chance that we could lose him, and even if we didn't and he went back to the guild, then they would know everything we know, and we wouldn't have that advantage.'
Zazu (AC18, HP10of18) and Boyo the bunny (AC16, HP9) (Cayzle) Tuesday December 1st, 2020 11:58:51 PM
Zazu is not sure what else to do about the kidnapped Myre. Wait for the kidnappers to get in touch? Maybe we should check out the magic ruins that the fairy ladies talked about, while we wait.
DM Mitch Wednesday December 2nd, 2020 7:42:02 AM Ash scratches her head as she looks at the complex books. She gives her opinion against letting the orc go. She suggests having Murzush talk to the orc to find out more about him. She makes sure the wagon is added to the villages belonging and patches herself up a little. She claims one of the daggers. Beech also claims one fo the daggers though he makes his preference for his bow known. Lothlo suggests they’d be better off finding those ruins for the lyre of building so they can fortify the town against future attacks. Niall is somewhat at a loss as to what to do now but does not want to merely wait. He suggests making a spectacle about the capture of Thomo to draw the other kidnappers out. Náro argues that it would be better to crack the codes before confronting the guild. He argues that if they put their heads together it shouldn’t take too long. Zazu is not sure what else to do about Myre and agrees with Lothlo about checking out the ruins.
Murzush balks a little at the suggestion she’s the best person to talk to the orc. ”Just because we’re the same race doesn’t mean we have anything like the same life experience or culture. Tribes are all very different and he might have grown up here.” She pauses, then sighs. ”But I guess we don’t have any better plans.”
Naro’s argument doesn’t get much traction though. ”I’ve seen this kind of stuff before. If we have a dozen people looking at a dozen books we won’t get it done any faster, even if we had that many people who could recognize a cipher. It’s all about finding connections and similarities between the books which means a few people reading a bunch of them.”
Brother Mathew comes up with a decent compromise. ”Take a few days and get ready for a trip into the magical woods. If we can crack the code by then we’ll try to find Myre. If not then your group can go retrieve the magical building instrument while we keep working on the books. That way we’re getting something done either way.”
Ash (RobC) -- AC 12/12/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 16/25 Wednesday December 2nd, 2020 5:50:41 PM "I meant no disrespect, Murzush. He has closed up to our questioning. What we need is to try and upset him. Get him to speak without thinking. Seeing you - an orcish woman - in a position of power, free and standing over him while he is chained might be enough to frustrate him. To anger him. That's when he might accidentally reveal something. You're the only one who could do that. I'm out of other ideas for how we might get him to talk."
Ash isn't happy about Brother Mathew's suggestion. "We need to find new leads then. We can't just sit idle while Myre is held captive. We can go back and talk to the merchants and ask more questions. We could go to the Emerald City and pay for some divination spells to be cast. We could disguise ourselves as Thomo and his friends and walk about Emerald City and see if anyone approaches us. Surely there are other leads we could try"
Myre is one of the people that Ash considers a friend and she doesn't plan on leaving her in the hands of the thieves guild for one minute more than she has to.
Niall (JonL) HP: 36/36 AC: 17/11/16 Wednesday December 2nd, 2020 7:13:28 PM
"The magical instrument has been there for a long time by the sounds of it and will be there for longer still. Myre is the priority" Niall counters, "the longer we delay it seems the less the chance we recover her"
Beech (JohnC) AC 14(18)/14/14,HP 0/16, Character Wednesday December 2nd, 2020 7:45:27 PM
Beech, lets the others decide...he's the new comer here.... Once the decision is made, he'll do what he can to back them up....
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 19/15/14, HP: 28/28, CMD: 20 (+1 save against fear and +1 to attack/damage.) Wednesday December 2nd, 2020 9:05:18 PM From the little I've seen, the thieves guild is filled with dishonorable cowards and murderers. If we can't crack the code, I'd rather go to the ruins and be productive than risk angering the guild and getting Myre hurt... or worse. We may also want to side with one of the thieves guilds stronger rivals to make them think twice before declaring war on us again... assuming some of the factions aren't as evil as the thieves guild.
Zazu (AC18, HP10of18) and Boyo the bunny (AC16, HP9) (Cayzle) Thursday December 3rd, 2020 12:19:10 AM
"I just hate sitting on my hands. Ash, if you have a better idea than exploring the dungeon, I agree with you."
DM Mitch Thursday December 3rd, 2020 8:19:58 AM Ash explains to Murzush what she was thinking arguing that throwing the orc off balance might get him to talk. She then argues the need for other avenues to locate their missing friend. She suggests going back to Emerald City and paying for divinations of discussing themselves as Thomo’s gang. Niall agrees with Ash that Myre is the priority. Beech lets the others decide their course of action being the newcomer. Lothlo argues for the explore the ruins approach suggesting that the guild may harm Myre if their actions upset it. He also ponders forming alliances with some of the rival factions. Zazu asks Ash if she has a better concrete plan than exploring the dungeon. If she can’t come up with anything he’ll suggest they go after the lute.
Brother Mathew is calm and patient. ”I agree with your sentiment Ash, but I feel Lothlo has the right of it. A blind pursuit would only put Myre in danger. She was taken hostage to control our actions and if we immediately go on the offensive then she becomes useless to them. A useless tool is one to be discarded, especially by people like Thomo.
We won’t be sitting on our thumbs doing nothing. We will be hard at work deciphering those tomes. Even if they say nothing of Myre, they should give us an idea of who Thomo’s boss is if not where they might have taken her. Until that point it is in the guilds best interests to keep her safe as a potential hostage rather than killing her to send a message. If we act rashly then we risk losing her.”
The others stay quiet, either because they agree or are listening to the debate before making their choice.
Ash (RobC) -- AC 12/12/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 16/25 Thursday December 3rd, 2020 7:10:40 PM "Thomo also said that anything that happened to him would happen to Myre. Not pursuing every lead now could also lead to her death. We've no way of knowing either way"
"They said they would be in touch, but what if it arrives while we're off some place else?"
Ash makes her case
"If Myre's abduction was orchestrated by the Thieves Guild, then let's go confront them. They want to send a message to us, so let's find out what the message is. We go to the Emerald City, we seek out the Thieves Guild, and we ask them what they want. We know they have her. They know we know. It won't be a surprise that we're asking them what they want."
"In the mean time, others here stay hard at work deciphering the books. When that's done we will hopefully have some leverage."
Beech (JohnC) AC 14(18)/14/14,HP 0/16, Character Thursday December 3rd, 2020 8:05:10 PM "They won't kill her... Because it would ruin any and all chances at getting what they want, and they know it. I doubt very much they'll even mistreat her. But if we go to the city and bumble around searching them out, they might actually decide it's not worth it and do something we'll all regret. So I say we let them try and decipher the ledgers and while they do that, we go find this instrument...."
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 19/15/14, HP: 28/28, CMD: 20 (+1 save against fear and +1 to attack/damage.) Thursday December 3rd, 2020 9:12:00 PM If anyone has a concrete plan for Myre I'm all ears. Until those books are deciphered, I don't think we have many options that don't put her in more risk. I still say we are better off searching the ruins or looking for allies than we are sitting around helpless hoping we can decipher the books.
Zazu (AC18, HP10of18) and Boyo the bunny (AC16, HP9) (Cayzle) Friday December 4th, 2020 6:24:57 AM
"I worry that as non-guild members, bumbling around in Emerald City just means we tip them off. If we had a guild contact or a locate person spell or a crystal ball or ... something! Maybe the dungeon is better for now?"
DM Mitch Friday December 4th, 2020 7:32:13 AM Ash argues that Thomo said everything that happened to him would happen to Myre and asks what happens if the message from the Thieves Guild arrives while they are gone. She suggests confronting the Thieves Guild about Myre’s abduction considering their group knows they have her and the thieves guild knows what the town wants so it won’t be a surprise they are asking the Thieves Guild what they want. Beech argues the thieves guild won’t kill Myre because it will ruin their leverage and he doubts they’ll even mistreat her. He reasons that if they bumble around the city the Thieves Guild may do something that they’ll all regret. Beech suggests they let the townfolk decipher the ledgers while the party goes after the instrument. Lothlo is open to rescuing Myre if they have a concrete plan otherwise they’d be better off searching the ruins or looking for allies than sitting around helpless hoping to decipher the books.
It seems the consensus is against Ash. Brother Matthew has a few comforting words at least. ”If we manage to crack the books in just a few days then we’ll pursue Myre immediately. You can work at it while the rest of your team prepares for a trip into the magical culverwood.”
The plan seemingly set, the group breaks up to start preparations on various important tasks.
Ash (RobC) -- AC 12/12/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 16/25 Friday December 4th, 2020 7:00:16 PM "Alright then" Ash agrees with the others "But I think there's perhaps a way those leads can be investigated while we're off"
Ash will call Mike and Brianna over and try and think of any way the pair could dig for clues.
"I'd like you both to go to the merchants and ask questions. When did Thomo and the gang join with them? Did they ever see anyone else with them? Why were they with the merchants? Were they pretending to be merchants themselves? Ask anything you can think of that might give us a lead - any lead" Ash reasons that the merchants saw everything. They know what happened and that the party killed Thomo, so the guild would likely find out easily enough. Asking questions there would make no difference. "Take this" She hands the pair 10gp "Use it to buy things to make them more open to talking to you, or if need be, to buy information"
"I'd then like you to try and get more information from the orc. Work together. Get others to help you. Work as a group. Start small and work up. Find out his name and history. When did he join the guild? How long have they been following the party? Why Myre? Again, ask anything you can think of. Act tough, act nice, bluff your way through things. Whatever it takes." Ash is thinking about a group of people working together (Highlight to display spoiler: {Aid Another, Guidance, Inspire Competence}) intimidating, bluffing and being diplomatic might be able to convince the orc to reveal some information. "Get Codru to help. Have him try and Hypnotise him."
"After that, search that wagon again top to bottom. Check it thoroughly. Tap around to find any hidden compartments, search for magical auras, disassemble it if need be - carefully though so it could be put back together."
"Find Parvati. Ask her what she knows of the thieves guild. She'd been in the Emerald City for a long time. Surely she heard rumours about them"
"I'll call you on the cauldron each day around noon. Do the best you can"
With that taken care of, Ash is ready to leave. She's still distracted by Myre's disappearance, but she's confident in Brianna and Mike's abilities.
Niall (JonL) HP: 36/36 AC: 17/11/16 Friday December 4th, 2020 8:26:36 PM
Niall is ready too, it seems.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 19/15/14, HP: 28/28, CMD: 20 (+1 save against fear and +1 to attack/damage.) Friday December 4th, 2020 9:06:59 PM I've never been to the culverwood, anything we should grab from the store before we head out?
Beech (JohnC) AC 14(18)/14/14,HP 0/16, Character Friday December 4th, 2020 11:19:06 PM
Beech, grabs his pack, and seems ready to go.... He just waits for the say to begin moving northward....
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 19/15/14, HP: 28/28, CMD: 20 (+1 save against fear and +1 to attack/damage.) Saturday December 5th, 2020 10:14:38 PM Posting for James Sorry I disappeared for a bit, I was trying to pick up the trail of Myre, but we didn't find anything. As much as I want to find her first, without a solid lead I'm not sure what we can do that won't make things worse, especially since these thieves seem to be more organized and more violent than our previous captors.
ooc: looks like in the craziness we missed the email chain where James had asked us to fill in for him last week.
Náro (Violet) HP: (15/16) AC: (16) Sunday December 6th, 2020 10:02:53 PM
Náro agrees with the rest of the party; he doesn't think it likely that the thieves guild will kill Myre, especially if nothing changes. He spends most of the time contemplating spells, though he does make sure that the townsfolk who are working on deciphering the code are proceeding well.
Zazu (AC18, HP10of18) and Boyo the bunny (AC16, HP9) (Cayzle) Sunday December 6th, 2020 11:56:14 PM
Zazu preps for the trip and gets everything together.
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