DM Kathy Wednesday June 2nd, 2021 9:43:58 PM
[Everybody take 200 XP for the previous scene.]
As you walk along, Grindar sings a song about his past, prompting Beech to remember a bit of his past. Is that why you don't see her? Or is she just that good?
For whatever reason, you do not see the elf woman until she steps directly into your path, empty hands raised to show she means you no harm. Although the smug smirk on her face suggests that it might be more accurate to say she means you no harm right now.
"A word, if I may?" she says.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 18/14/14, HP: 36/36, CMD: 20 d20+9=25 ; Wednesday June 2nd, 2021 9:54:19 PM
Caught off guard, Lothlo quickly looks around to make sure there aren't any other guests they are unaware of.
Perception = 25
Zazu (AC18, HP25/25) and Boyo the bunny (AC16, HP12) (Cayzle) Wednesday June 2nd, 2021 10:11:37 PM
Zazu says, in elvish and then in common, "Mae govannen! Well met, here in the Culverwood."
Zazu offers an introduction and asks for as many words as she would wish to offer.
Ash (RobC) -- AC 16*/12/14* -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/25 d20+4=22 ; d20=11 ; Thursday June 3rd, 2021 1:49:31 AM
Ash leans a little closer to Tal. "Do you know this woman?". She protectively places her arm around the boy
Perception: 11 Sense Motive: 22
Grindar, son of Grindor (Jeremy) HP 25/32 AC 18/12/16 CMD 21 Cotton HP 20/20 AC 17/12/15 CMD 15 Thursday June 3rd, 2021 11:42:36 AM
Grindar can't believe he missed the woman, and then remembers that he is more perceptive when in the plains then in a forest, as this terrain is still new to him. He brandishes Cyrchwr Mawr, but waits for the elf women to say her piece.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/14/17 HP: 20/23 , CMD = 16 d20+10=19 ; d20+10=23 ; d20+6=24 ; d20+3=10 ; d20+1=21 ; d20+1=3 ; Thursday June 3rd, 2021 2:50:02 PM
Camalayas and I step into the shadows and look for those who might be hunting us. Then, realizing that I likey would have already been seen I try to imitate Zazu's Thieves Cant from before. You just popped out if nowhere. Well, you have our attention. What are you doing out here? Don't tell me your a gentlewoman out out bird watching. A young pair of eyes watching birds of a feather shadow dancing. If so, point the way, because we wouldn't appreciate an unexpected shoulder tap later. (Are you a member of the thieves guild acting as look out as the gang sneaks around? If so, let us know and point them out. You know what will happen if you backstab us.)
Naithi Perception = 19 Stealth = 23 Linguistics to mimick the Thieves Cant = 21 (nat 20!)
Camalayas Stealth=24 Perception=11 (13 using scent)
Beech (JohnC) AC 14(18)/14/14,HP 11/20 Character d20=4 ; Thursday June 3rd, 2021 3:53:55 PM
Beech listens to the discussion, but tries to keep a lookout for others....
Perception 4
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 18/14/14, HP: 36/36, CMD: 20 d20+12=25 ; d20+12=31 ; d8+2=5 ; d8+2=9 ; Thursday June 3rd, 2021 9:01:31 PM
Lothlo remembers the thieves guilds dirty tactics and prepares for an ambush
Attack 1 = 25 Damage 1 = 5
Attack 2 = 31 Damage 2 = 9
DM Kathy Thursday June 3rd, 2021 10:00:44 PM
When the woman steps out of the forest, Lothlo looks to see if there is anyone else around. You don't see anyone. Then again, you didn't see her, so it isn't exactly reassuring.
Ash asks Tal whether he knows the woman. Tal shakes his head, staring.
Beech also looks around, but also sees nothing. Grindar contents himself with readying his weapon.
Naithi tries a bit of Thieves' Cant. "The birds are home in their nests," the woman replies. "Though you did ruffle some feathers today."
Zazu offers a greeting. "And good afternoon to you, too, young one," she replies.
"I'll make this brief," she says. "My name is Silken. Well, no it isn't, but that's what I'm called at present. Congratulations on conquering a hastily-built, poorly-defended camp. You must be very proud of yourselves."
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/14/17 HP: 20/23 , CMD = 16 d20+1=5 ; Friday June 4th, 2021 12:01:15 AM
Ooc: ideally I'm waiting to let Zazu take the lead, but I can't guarantee I'll have time to post after he does.
I'm about to respond when I realize that it is an elven thief standing before us. Zazu had talked if such things before. From our previous conversations I know he has some connections and background in such things and would be best to take the lead.
If he doesn't, or it seems sensible I respond I say, I'll be blunt. We know they weren't your best. They lied to us and said they kidnapped a girl from our camp, basically forcing us to come, and still weren't prepared even after we set the alarms off.
Several on our camp are against your having a camp, however it is said that there is honor amongst you. Where I am from justice often had to come in through the back door. Others have benefitted from your craft as resistance fighters.
There are several ways which a group might coalesce around your skills and form a group which might coexist with Freedom's Landing, and which some of us may even consider joining. However kidnapping, murder, and financially destroying penniless refugees will not be tolerated in or around our town. As for now, even if a group of like-minded "gentlemen" who know your don't butter your bread where you get your meat were to approach us, we would still have to decline until Myre is found or returned.
Zazu (AC18, HP25/25) and Boyo the bunny (AC16, HP12) (Cayzle) d20+7=17 ; Friday June 4th, 2021 5:40:14 AM
Zazu ignores the sarcasm and backs up what Naithi says ... but tries to strike a more conciliatory tone.
"I'm a rogue, and I was inspired by rogue heroes from the days of Parnoth. But heroes don't kidnap people, like Myre, or kids, like Tal here. We are looking for friends for our new settlement, but we'll fight anyone who acts the villain in our town."
Zazu tries to get a hunch as to this person's intentions: Sense Motive 17
Grindar, son of Grindor (Jeremy) HP 25/32 AC 18/12/16 CMD 21 Cotton HP 20/20 AC 17/12/15 CMD 15 Friday June 4th, 2021 9:15:09 AM
Grindar growls at the slight, but keeps his mouth shut. every fiber of his being says he should drop this elf where she stands, but he refrains, in hopes of a peaceful solution.
Beech (JohnC) AC 14(18)/14/14,HP 11/20 Character d20=5 ; Friday June 4th, 2021 9:27:48 AM
Beech keeps one hand on his bow, and the other ready to shoot or cast, if called for, He will do his best.... He then decides to take another look around.... one person popped up, there may be more...
perception 5
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 18/14/14, HP: 36/36, CMD: 20 d20+9=15 ; Friday June 4th, 2021 9:02:56 PM Since you actually are using words instead of thread and violence I assume you know that they are the ones forcing the fight. Out of curiosity, were they trying to follow orders, or did their adrenaline get the better of them? In any case, from your demeanor I'm hoping you're here to talk and kind enough to give us straight answers. We're not used to the 20 sided politics of this land and the multiple layers of misdirection that seem to be part of every business here. Lothlo continues to keep his eyes peeled for a sneak attack from the less than honorable guild.
DM Kathy Friday June 4th, 2021 9:05:28 PM Naithi says, "They lied to us and said they kidnapped a girl from our camp."
"They did nothing of the kind," Silken replies calmly. "They hadn't even spoken to you until you sought them out. You came barging in because you made certain assumptions, assumptions which proved to be wrong. That doesn't mean you were lied to."
Zazu tries a different tack, emphasizing that you're willing to work with heroic rogues, but "we'll fight anyone who acts the villain in our town," you finish.
Silken sighs. "I've never even been to your town," she points out. "And the kid isn't from your town. Seems to see you'll fight anyone you decide you don't like."
She looks around at all of you. "And it's stopped being cute. You don't know what you're up against, and if you keep pushing, you're going to find out, in ways you aren't going to like."
Sensing motive, Zazu believes she came here to deliver this warning. You also believe she does not intend to attack unless severely provoked.
Beech looks around, but doesn't see anyone else. Grindar keeps his rage in check, but it's a near thing.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/14/17 HP: 20/23 , CMD = 16 Friday June 4th, 2021 11:54:21 PM
ooc: This post is partly for me to recap and review the facts since it has been so long and I have lost track.
Well, this puts us in a bit if an awkward position. Of course thives and kidnappers will say they are not thieves and kidnappers, but for the sake of our friend and for justice and so you know we weren't making baseless assumptions, we will share what we learned. If your group is not behind it then someone is setting you up. Or perhaps there is a splinter group within your organization you are unaware of. Either way, I'll share our findings with you in hopes you do likewise when it comes to Myre.
When Myre was kidnapped there was a note pinned with a dagger at that location. The dagger is distinctive and has a strange sigil on it - a green dragon scale split in half by a dagger.
After researching it we learned that it is 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.
Then we showed it to a merchant who immediately recognizes the dagger. He said, "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?”
When we approached Thomo and his group they said, "My my, you are quick. The boss was expecting you to show up eventually." We had seen the group before in Kovri. They claimed to be merchants, but asked a lot of strange questions.
As for Thomo, he came out wearing a smirk so smug it’s just asked for someone to punch him. We had definitely seen him a few times, he's clearly been following our group since he arrived in the kingdom, popping up and asking questions in Kovri and the city.
He said, ”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.”
When we asked about her return he says, ”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.”
When he realized he would be tried he started a battle saying him. ”Better to die in battle then by guild justice.” We caught one of his men and Thomo threw a dagger killing him as he said. ”I won’t let you deny us an honorable death in battle just to let the guild torture us to death!”
Searching Thomo’s wagon afterwards revealed various odd implements that he must have used as a thief and kidnapper including wine that is really some foul knockout liquid, shackles, gags, and ledgers indicate they are not at all related to mercantile activity. They’re in some sort of code.
Then we learned the existence of Alder Camp, it's connection to the thieves guild, it's proximity to us, and the cells. Our investigation revealed the cells were 'in case we have to snatch someone.' So we decided to check it out.
Now we were told no one has permission to set up this close to our town, so we have a right to investigate, and when we came to get information we were attacked while asking questions. After winning we were told, "Don't you get it? We don't know where she is. We don't have her. We never did. We never had that girl. We just said we did to wind you up."
We just said we did to wind you up sounds to me like someone lied to us.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 18/14/14, HP: 36/36, CMD: 20 d20+4=19 ; Saturday June 5th, 2021 2:44:08 PM In any case, it does seem we were successfully wound up. We may be failing at it, but we really aren't trying to cause trouble. You clearly know more than us, and we do thank you if you are trying to keep us from pushing blindly into a wrong and dangerous direction.
I don't want to make a bigger mess of things than we already have. Am I correct that the Thieve's Guild is the danger you are warning us about? Or are there multiple groups involved you are warning us about? And is your warning about not trying to save Myree from here kidnappers at all, or is it that our hasty actions have caused us to anger uninvolved people we'd be smart to stay away from. Myree's safe return and keeping our settlement safe is what matters to us, we don't want cause any more problems. Any guidance you can give would be greatly appreciated.
Diplomacy = 19
Beech (JohnC) AC 14(18)/14/14,HP 11/20 Character Saturday June 5th, 2021 6:21:22 PM
Beech, still is learning the group, but having learned early from, mom, "Don't open your mouth and prove that you know nothing." So, following that advice, He stays quiet and just raises an eyebrow, as if questioning....
Zazu (AC18, HP25/25) and Boyo the bunny (AC16, HP12) (Cayzle) Saturday June 5th, 2021 9:34:03 PM
"Naithi, you got the whole of it right there, well said."
Sensing that she does not intend to attack, Zazu smiles and tries to be conciliatory. "Miss Silken, please let's step back. I apologize. Our tempers are high, our fears for our missing friend have us on edge, and we are confused by everything that is going down here. We will of course work our best to get our friend back. We are enemies with whoever took her. We do not want to make other enemies along the way."
Ash (RobC) -- AC 16*/12/14* -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/25 Sunday June 6th, 2021 1:16:00 AM "Well we rescued a lad who had been kidnapped in an attempt to extort his parents, so, you know, I call that a win" Ash snips back at the woman. "The thugs back there deserved what they got, and I'm just glad it was us that got to do it. We'd do the same against any like that. Any that would resort to kidnapping someones children should be considered an enemy of ours and we'd do what it takes to stop them."
Grindar, son of Grindor (Jeremy) HP 25/32 AC 18/12/16 CMD 21 Cotton HP 20/20 AC 17/12/15 CMD 15 Sunday June 6th, 2021 12:07:48 PM
Grindar listens to the whole story of Myre's disappearance, hearing it for the first time, and wondering what all this means for the future, and how they are going to find the missing friend. When Ash says her peice, he can't help but smile. Grindar has grown fond of her no nonsense, no holding back, tell it like it is approach. The Ranger had his fill of diplomacy, while sojourning in the Sargrass, and it's much more his style to be blunt and direct, and Ash seems to be of his same mindset.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 18/14/14, HP: 36/36, CMD: 20 Monday June 7th, 2021 9:21:51 PM
Lothlo shakes his head a little and hopes that Silken is patient enough to only explain to Ash exactly what will happen if we push, and that Silken won't feel a demonstration is needed to take the lesson to heart.
DM Kathy Monday June 7th, 2021 11:35:08 PM
Silken listens to Naithi's tale with nothing more than a little tsk. "Someone's been telling tales out of school, I see," she says. "Yes, somebody lied to you. But which was the lie? That we have her, or that we don't?" She smiles. It's not a nice smile.
Lothlo asks what, specifically, is the danger. "We are," Silken confirms. "That is, the Thieves' Guild. You should know that we are not without friends. Some of them are highly placed. You do not want us as an enemy."
Ash says anyone who kidnaps children is an enemy of yours. "You might want to rethink that position," Silen says. She looks at Tal for the first time.
"But now is not the time for thinking. Now is a time for doing. And possibly running. You see, we've arranged a little surprise for Master Laethelys's parents. Nobody crosses us. But, who knows? If you hurry, you may be able to save someone." With a laugh, she steps back into the trees.
Grindar, son of Grindor (Jeremy) HP 25/32 AC 18/12/16 CMD 21 Cotton HP 20/20 AC 17/12/15 CMD 15 Tuesday June 8th, 2021 9:34:27 AM
As Silken slinks away, Grindar goes into hero of justice mode and begins to run. He runs will everything he's got which only allows him to travel at 80ft per round. Even though Cotton could easily out run him, the rapke stays by his side, at Grindar's command. Grindar is afraid that Cotton may attack the wrong person if she arrives before he can direct her.
Beech (JohnC) AC 14(18)/14/14,HP 11/20 Character Tuesday June 8th, 2021 11:36:55 AM
Beech will easily trot along with Grindar, staying quiet unless questions or comments are directed his way. (its a double move not run speed)
Zazu (AC18, HP25/25) and Boyo the bunny (AC16, HP12) (Cayzle) Tuesday June 8th, 2021 2:01:39 PM
Feeling betrayed by the elf thief, Zazu scowls and hustles with the group.
"If only you were bigger and I were smaller, Boyo, I could ride you faster than this, for sure!"
Turning to the elf boy, Zazu asks, "How far to your parents' house?"
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/14/17 HP: 20/23 , CMD = 16 Tuesday June 8th, 2021 4:24:15 PM
ooc: Short pay. I'm at work.
I ride on top of Camalayas back as she runs as fast as she can.
Speed 40ft = 160 running. Will take someone else if they are small and won't slow Camalayas.
Ash (RobC) -- AC 16*/12/14* -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/25 Tuesday June 8th, 2021 7:48:18 PM
Ash glares at Silen. It might be an empty threat but the party just can't take the chance. "I'm sure they'll be fine. Run with me"
She's hoping it's not far and listens for the boy's response to Zazu.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 18/14/14, HP: 36/36, CMD: 20 Tuesday June 8th, 2021 9:02:37 PM Anyone still have any doubts this group is evil? Lothlo keeps pace with Tal as the hurry to his home.
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