Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/13/17 HP: 50/50 , CMD = 16 Wednesday January 5th, 2022 9:52:50 PM I forgot about that. When we went there the thieves council was meeting with them as well.
DM Kathy Wednesday January 5th, 2022 9:59:32 PM
[Everybody take 100 XP for the previous scene.]
Galen listens as you recount what you know of the council. Some of you haven't heard much, but Zazu provides a complete rundown of council members, and Ash fills in some of your history with them.
"Excellent," Galen says. "I'll skip that explanation then, and move on to the issue at hand. The council is set to meet in," he pauses to think a minute, "two days to discuss and vote on various business. Last week, Maerelya Cadithas was called away on urgent business of her druid circle. Before leaving, she designated Ena Orira as her emissary and proxy."
He pauses. "You mentioned that you have met some of the emissaries. Have you met Ena Orira?"
Regardless of your answer, he continues, "But now Ena Orira has disappeared. Some people affiliated with the council claim that she had a family emergency and had to leave suddenly, and that she spoke to them before she left. However, she does not seem to have spoken with anyone in the emissary corps, which is highly unusual. True, she may have simply been in a hurry, but something about this doesn’t feel right. And with Maerelya out of communication and unable to name another emissary, and her designated emissary gone, her council vote will not be cast unless one of them turns up before the meeting."
Nightingale (JonS) HP 12/27 AC 18 CMD: 21 Wednesday January 5th, 2022 10:10:16 PM
Nightingale sits forward at this point, "So whom does that leave to vote, and do we know what they were voting on specifically? Without these two council members, what agenda could be voted on that they might oppose?"
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 20 (T14, FF17) CMD 20 HP 45/45 ) Character Sheet Wednesday January 5th, 2022 10:45:17 PM
Panzer does fancy some orange tea, and gratefully accepts a mug from Nightengale. This causes him to miss some of what Galen says but he was sure only one of the council members was away, not two. Since the missing vote sounds like one that would come from a woodsy druid lady, it would probably be a vote in favor of things good for the Freedom's Landing people or an opposing vote for things bad for them. Either way that missing envoy needed to be found. He echoes Nightengale's thoughts though." If we knew the topics before the council it might give us a clue who would kidnap the delegate, if foul play is involved that is. Any word on that Galen?"
Zazu (AC20, HP25) and Boyo the bunny (AC16, HP12) (Cayzle) Thursday January 6th, 2022 12:19:52 AM
Zazu nods at Panzer's words. "What are the votes about? Who would want to delay them?"
The elf's head shakes. "But more to the point, we should try to find this Miss Orira. What does she look like? Where does she live? Who knows her?"
"We have met three other bloodwitches of the Culverwood ... Wyrran Valar, he is Miz Cadithas’s cohort and consort ... Aiduin is another follower of the councilor ... And Elnaril, another bloodwitch. We should seek them out too."
Ash (RobC) -- AC 16/12/14 -- CMD 12 -- HP 41/41 Thursday January 6th, 2022 12:33:50 AM "Yes, we've met Ena. We ate together in this very tavern in fact." Ash remembers Ena quite well. "We also met Castian Carfir" She adds to Zazu's list "He said he was the Emissary Captain".
The others have asked some good questions and Ash doesn't want to double-up. She does have a few different questions though. "I know the disappearance of anyone is a serious issue, but can I ask, why your interest in the matter? Is something important to the resistance about to be voted on, or perhaps a personal relationship we should know of?"
Beech (JohnC) AC 14(18)/14/14,HP 20/20 Character Thursday January 6th, 2022 3:17:52 PM
Beech, feeling no need to repeat the questions already asked, waits for the answers before asking any new question those answers should bring about. He just sits there, trying to picture the intrigue of the bigger picture.... He hates these things, almost as much as his mom does, but he doesn't have the same abilities as she does to end the discussions abruptly.
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 40/40 Thursday January 6th, 2022 7:21:35 PM
Sahabiel finds herself doing what she did when all the right questions are already being asked - leaning against the wall and listening. It is unfortunate that the one council member she would have liked to meet is the one traveling elsewhere, but if they become involved with this missing emissary, then a meeting in the future sounds only all the more likely.
She has not heard enough to act on yet though, so she listens for more.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 45/45, CMD: 21 Thursday January 6th, 2022 9:02:09 PM
Lothlo listens to everyone as he leans against the wall. Ash makes a good point. I assume that if the disappearance was beneficial that we wouldn't have been contacted. Are there any groups that have been known to making people disappear before votes?
Zazu (AC20, HP25) and Boyo the bunny (AC16, HP12) (Cayzle) Thursday January 6th, 2022 9:23:59 PM
zazu awaits the former resistance leader's answers, and wonders silently, 'what do resistance leaders lead when there is nothing left to resist ...'
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/13/17 HP: 50/50 , CMD = 16 Thursday January 6th, 2022 9:42:55 PM
Naithi can only think of one reason someone might make her disappear. Are there any votes that might go the other way in her absence?
DM Kathy Thursday January 6th, 2022 10:50:31 PM Ash confirms that you have met Ena, so she can probably answer Zazu's question about what she looks like. Ash mentions that you've also met Emissary Captain Castian Carfir, who might be a good resource.
Ash and Lothlo are also wondering why Galen is interested in this particular case. Lothlo asks if anybody has been known to attempt things like this in the past.
"Not that I've heard," Galen replies. "As for how I came to find out about it, I've been keeping an ear to the ground, trying to find out what the Thieves' Guild has planned. I started to hear reports about Emissary Orira's absence that I found alarming, so I contacted you. I doubt the Thieves' Guild has anything to do with this; it doesn't seem like their style. Although who knows, maybe they're branching out."
Most of the rest of you are curious about what's on the docket, and which votes might go differently without Maerelya Cadithas or her proxy. Galen sighs. "I'm afraid I don't follow the council business as closely as I probably should," he says. "I know they need to approve the new ambassador to Zarthmoor, but from everything i've heard, she's not controversial and her approval will probably be unanimous. I'm not sure what else they'll be discussing or voting on.
"I need more eyes and ears on the ground," he says, "and we're running out of time. That's why I contacted you. I'd like you to work what contacts you have to try to find out what is going on, and what has become of the emissary. Will you help me in this?"
Nightingale (JonS) HP 12/27 AC 18 CMD: 21 Thursday January 6th, 2022 10:56:13 PM
Nightingale nods her head, "It does seem like this may be a task we can handle. Although I know few people, being who I am may open some doors, of course, finding out what else may be voted might give us an idea of whom wanted these people gone."
Beech (JohnC) AC 14(18)/14/14,HP 20/20 Character Thursday January 6th, 2022 11:21:54 PM "I'll do what I can, I don't really know anyone here, but with my mom being who she is, I may be able to use that as a bit of leverage, at least until she tells me to stop using her name as either a way in or as a cudgel to beat people with. Although I'm not sure how many people here will be impressed by a Shaman High Priest of Alemi who lives on the far side of Black Bird Lake." Beech really doesn't have any further questions, because any he'd thought of were answered.
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 20 (T14, FF17) CMD 20 HP 45/45 ) Character Sheet Friday January 7th, 2022 3:03:23 PM " I don't catch on quick, but I can see that if we don't all start helping each other out around these parts then we are all going to find ourselves without any help when it comes down to a real fight. I'm no diplomat, no spy, not really that attentive, and my Papa's name only holds worth to certain people, but if someone is holding this envoy against their will and my friends here can help me find them I'll get her back to cast her vote."
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 40/40 Friday January 7th, 2022 5:37:39 PM
There are a lot of questions about who would benefit of the emissary's absence, and how, but few answers to be had here. Nor is there much they could do about it if the council is to have any votes while Ena Orira is absent... so the most useful thing for them to do would be to find her.
In a large town to which she is a stranger.
Sahabiel steps up from the wall, her fingers wrapped around her holy symbol. "I lack the contacts some of us have here, but perhaps..."
She seems to have at least some ideas to pursue.
Zazu (AC20, HP25) and Boyo the bunny (AC16, HP12) (Cayzle) Friday January 7th, 2022 6:17:06 PM
"Well, we've been friendly, sure, Mister Galen sir, and we like to help our friends. Rescuing a lost person, maybe that's hero work, and we're fine with that. But what you're asking for sounds a lot more like spy work, if you take my meaning, and I'm not sure about that. Who exactly are you, Mister Galen? Who do you work for, and why is it a good idea for us to go a-snooping and then feed you what we learn?"
"I'm a patriot, and I love the Culverwood, and I serve the Kingdom that has taken us in. What do you serve, Mister Galen?"
[OOC: Highlight to display spoiler: {Picture Zazu channelling an inner Sam being suspicious of Strider at the Prancing Pony, if you please!}]
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 20 (T14, FF17) CMD 20 HP 45/45 ) Character Sheet Friday January 7th, 2022 7:46:12 PM
Panzer's hackles raise as Zazu talks. The 3'6" badger stands up and places himself between the two elves. " Do you question that I would fight and needs be die for your sake Zazu? I would do the same for Galen. He and my Papa were conspirators against the dragon. They fought the same fight and bled the same blood to topple the tyrant. My Papa has had him as a guest in his home and that was how I knew I could trust him when I was in need near here, just before meeting all of you. He showed you the cipher they used back then and decoded the stash we went and found, aiding your fledgling village. He asked for little more than us thinking about helping him in return. Now he asks for help and you question him." "I dare say you all trust me, You have invited me to your home, fed me, listened to my ideas for building and defending your home, and fought alongside me to fell that giant scorpion and insure your hunters safety. He can answer you if he likes since your doubt is aimed at him, but I'll say loud and clear I vouch for him as I would vouch for any of you if he asked, which he has not." The little badger stands there a moment more, breathing hard with emotion and waits to see what happens now.
Ash (RobC) -- AC 16/12/14 -- CMD 12 -- HP 41/41 Friday January 7th, 2022 8:12:40 PM "I'm sure if we ask the clerk at the council building we could get a list of the matters up for voting. That would be easy and shouldn't draw suspicion at all. All civilians would have a right to speak up on matters, wouldn't they? We don't need contacts for that"
"If we need to discreetly ask a few questions we could try Zelphar. He seems to like us a little"
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 45/45, CMD: 21 Friday January 7th, 2022 9:11:41 PM Do you happen to have the names of the people that claimed she told them she was leaving town that we can talk to? And is there any chance of visiting her house to get information, perhaps some family or staff we could talk with to get their impressions on her departure?
Also, in light of everything, do you think Maerelya Cadithas was legitimately called away and they are taking advantage of her absence, or do you think more than one person was arranged to not be there to vote?
DM Kathy Friday January 7th, 2022 10:06:29 PM Nightingale believes this is a task you can accomplish. Beech, Panzer, and Sahabiel are game to try, but don't have many contacts to speak of.
Ash suggests that finding out what's on the docket shouldn't be that difficult, and says you could try Councilor Zelphar Ilimys.
Zazu is a little suspicious of Galen's motives, and questions him closely. This raises Panzer's hackles, and he answers in a badger-like fury.
"It's all right, Panzer," Galen says. "Zazu's questions are nothing more than common prudence. To answer your questions, I don't work for anyone at the moment. When the Tyrant still ruled, I served the Resistance. I suppose now you could say I serve the ideas that the Resistance stood for: freedom, equality, and community. And I wouldn't call it spy work. I'm not asking you to pretend to be somebody you're not, or to lie about your motives--just ask questions where you can. And if you don't want to come back to me with what you've learned, that's all right--so long as you do the right thing with the information you have. In fact, if the situation is urgent and time is short, please don't waste time trying to find me. I'll either catch up or I won't."
Lothlo asks for the names of the people who claimed to have spoken to the emissary before she left. "Well, one of them was Willis Campion," Galen replies. "I think you said you know him."
Lothlo also asks whether Maerelya Cadithas was legitimately called away. "Her absence seems legitimate," Galen confirms. "She spoke to several people before she left; she took her cohort and some followers with her, and of course, she designated a proxy."
If you have other questions, Galen answers them. When you have finished, he checks to see if the coast is clear before seeing you out into the hallway, from where you can get to your suite. When you reach it, you find the tea that Nightingale had ordered sitting on a table in the common area.
Nightingale (JonS) HP 12/27 AC 18 CMD: 21 Friday January 7th, 2022 10:40:47 PM
Nightingale agrees with Lothlo, "Perhaps visiting her house might give us clues as to whether she left home willingly, or if something nefarious occurred."
Beech (JohnC) AC 14(18)/14/14,HP 20/20 Character Sunday January 9th, 2022 8:20:06 PM
Beech is ready, but it's somewhat late to get started if we are not going to be spys about it...
Ash (RobC) -- AC 16/12/14 -- CMD 12 -- HP 41/41 Sunday January 9th, 2022 8:41:30 PM "We could swing via the clerks office on the way. All we need from them is the list of dockets that will be voted on over the next few weeks. Should be a quick stop."
Ash also pens a small message to Councillor Zelphar Ilimys just to let him know they're in town and that the settlement is doing well. If he privately shares concern about Ena he might even reach out to the party as well.
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 40/40 Monday January 10th, 2022 8:41:00 PM
Sahabiel proposes that we all sleep first. It has only gotten later since our arrival, and taking to the street at this hour would stand out, not least to the guild that several in the party really do not want to be noticed by.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 45/45, CMD: 21 Monday January 10th, 2022 9:02:06 PM
Lothlo finishes his tea and thinks about their next steps. Ash is right, the clerks office is a good idea. We should also swing by the WLA. One of the League's primary tasks is to gather local knowledge and information so they likely can give us a good summary of the politics behind what's going on. However, Willis Campion is the most important key to unraveling this. If the emissary really talked to him about leaving, he's the one that can tell us what happened and shed light on why the corp wasn't updated first. And if someone made her disappear then he's the one that we can talk to to see if there are cracks in his story. But I agree with Galen, the odds she took the time to talk to Willis about this and didn't update the emissary corps is pretty suspect.
Zazu (AC20, HP25) and Boyo the bunny (AC16, HP12) (Cayzle) Monday January 10th, 2022 10:20:01 PM
zazu bows to galen and then to panzer, satisfied.
'my apologies. i did not mean to question your motives, but an elf can't be too careful.'
DM Kathy Monday January 10th, 2022 11:01:37 PM
Before you leave Galen, you ask about investigating Ena Orira's home. "I don't know where she lives," is the answer. "But you said you knew the head of the Emissary Corps; he might know."
You return to your suite and discuss strategy. You agree that there's not much to be done tonight, so you concentrate on getting a good night's sleep.
Your rest is undisturbed. After dressing and breakfasting, you have just over 24 hours before the council meeting is set to begin. What is the plan for the day?
Beech (JohnC) AC 14(18)/14/14,HP 20/20 Character Monday January 10th, 2022 11:14:39 PM "Getting the itinerary of whats to be voted would probably be the best thing to get first. And then depending on whats being voted on, we should decide from there. Is my suggestion." Beech chips in, and is ready to head out almost immediately, only casting a prestidigitation to comb out his mane and tail tuft...
Ash (RobC) -- AC 16/12/14 -- CMD 12 -- HP 41/41 Tuesday January 11th, 2022 1:11:49 AM
At breakfast, Ash discreetly stuffs a couple of extra pastries into her pouch for later. She has a bit of a sweet tooth and they'll make a nice afternoon snack.
She nods in agreement with Beech. "Yep. Let's get the agenda for the next couple of days. You know, it would be worth finding out all the things that will be put to the council - even if they're just for discussion and not voting. Her absence might relate to something other than a vote. Come to think of it, I wonder if we can find out what the topics were before she left? Her disappearance could be payback for not voting a certain way or as a warning to others."
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/13/17 HP: 50/50 , CMD = 16 Tuesday January 11th, 2022 10:41:46 AM While we are here, I want to visit the WLA and Catacombs. I'm not the best at getting information from people, but there is any tracking to be done Camalayas, Fizzgig and I can take care of it
ooc: Sorry for the missed posts this weekend. We were celebrating a birthday and our internet was acting up when the weather was -30.
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 40/40 Tuesday January 11th, 2022 8:40:49 PM
Sahabiel steps up and nods. "It sounds like we have a starting point. I think we need not debate it as though ya still need to convince anyone of it? Clerics office first, and after we can split up to cover the WLA and the Emissary Corps."
As Sahabiel starts making her way to go outside and towards the clerics office, she does add; "And just to be sure I understand right; while Ena's disappearance may well be connected to some vote, we do not know it is. But if it is, then whoever is behind it must have done the numbers and been convinced it was necessary to take a risky action. And if yer council members are like the ones back home.. well, if one was so certain things would go a certain way, ya'd expect more of them to have done the same mental exercise. So are we looking for something that wasn't already expected to go one way or another by more than one vote?"
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 45/45, CMD: 21 Tuesday January 11th, 2022 9:09:33 PM
Lothlo drinks his coffee and finishes the cheese danish he was eating. We should prioritize finding Willis Campion after the clerk's office, but stopping by the clerk first will probably give us more clues on what we can ask Willia about when we find him and provide us with more opportunities to spot something suspicious in what he tells us.
DM Kathy Tuesday January 11th, 2022 10:18:49 PM
You agree to start with the clerk's office, so you set out confidently.
Of course, none of you knows the way to the clerk's office.
Asking around, you realize that there isn't a clerk's office, because there isn't a clerk of the council--at least, not an official one. The council has a staff, and the individual councilors have their own staffs, and of course there's the Emissary Corps.
You head for the council building, and find the place nearly deserted. Off to one side of the lobby, two elf men are in deep discussion, referring now and then to a document that one of them holds. Sitting rather uncomfortably on the benches is what looks like an adventuring party. Some of them frown at you.
A belligerent-looking dwarf woman stands up. "We were here first!" she declares.
Zazu (AC20, HP25) and Boyo the bunny (AC16, HP12) (Cayzle) d20+13=18 ; Tuesday January 11th, 2022 11:09:38 PM
Zazu watches quietly and tries to hear what the elves in deep conversation are saying.
Perception 18
OOC: Note that "Hear the details of a whispered conversation" is a DC15 check, with -1 per 10 feet removed, so ... ?
Beech (JohnC) AC 14(18)/14/14,HP 20/20 Character d20+6=23 ; Tuesday January 11th, 2022 11:16:11 PM "That's fine, we don't want to cause a commotion.". Beech is trying hard to be diplomatic about it. (rolled 23)
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/13/17 HP: 50/50 , CMD = 16 d20+12=27 ; Tuesday January 11th, 2022 11:49:03 PM
Not being the diplomatic type, Naithi hangs back with Zazu and tries to listen in on the conversation.
Perception to over hear the conversation = 27 OOC: Note that "Hear the details of a whispered conversation" is a DC15 check, with -1 per 10 feet removed, so ... Success at 120ft.
Ash (RobC) -- AC 16/12/14 -- CMD 12 -- HP 41/41 d20+6=14 ; Wednesday January 12th, 2022 12:59:19 AM "Yep, we're happy to wait." Ash smiles and approaches the dwarf woman "Have you been waiting long? I'm Ash by the way." She holds out her hand to shake.
She gives the woman a chance to answer before continuing. "So what are you here for? Anything interesting? Doubt it would be in this place. Besides, you guys look like real adventurers. I bet you've seen all sorts of exciting things! This is probably waaay less exciting for you"
----------- Diplomacy: 14 Sense Motive: 14 (Take10) Perception: 20 (Take10)
Nightingale (JonS) HP 12/27 AC 18 CMD: 21 Wednesday January 12th, 2022 9:14:29 AM
Nightingale smiles and nods at the adventuring party. Do any of them look injured, or in need of medical aid?
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 45/45, CMD: 21 Wednesday January 12th, 2022 9:01:34 PM
Lothlo notices that Zazu it attempting to gather some information discreetly and holds on asking any questions until he sees whether they are talking bout anything that may be related to the disappearance or the vote.
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 40/40 Wednesday January 12th, 2022 9:25:21 PM
Not being the kind of person that wants to deal with paperwork, Sahabiel instead sizes up the waiting adventurers. She gives a little smirk at the dwarf woman, and claiming a spot on the bench in the same waiting area she tells her, "I've no intention to get in yer way. What is taking them so long that ya seem tired of waiting already?"
(ooc: What does this other bunch of adventurers look like?)
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 20 (T14, FF17) CMD 20 HP 45/45 ) Character Sheet d20+1=5 ; Wednesday January 12th, 2022 10:05:38 PM
Panzer goes with some of the others and starts examining the other group of adventurers, far more interesting that listening to thers talk or standing around. He looks over their gear and then their faces, maybe he knows them. Up until he met his current friends he had been doing caravan work and odd bodyguard jobs so maybe he had run into them before. Perception 5
Zazu (AC20, HP25) and Boyo the bunny (AC16, HP12) (Cayzle) Wednesday January 12th, 2022 10:55:12 PM
zazu keeps on listening intently.
DM Kathy Wednesday January 12th, 2022 11:38:31 PM Zazu and Naithi listen intently, trying to pick up details of the low-voiced conversation. You hear words like "fiduciary" and "amortize," and eventually work out that the two are discussing some kind of budget. Something about repairs?
Nightingale looks over the other adventuring party, but they seem to be in good health.
Panzer also looks them over. You don't recognize most of them, but that elf archer looks vaguely familiar. Maybe a newly-formed group? Their gear is in good shape, about on par with yours.
Beech diplomatically assures the dwarf woman that you don't want to create a commotion. She gives a little nod and sits back down.
Ash is even friendlier, and introduces herself. The dwarf woman shakes your hand without giving her own name, but one of the other adventurers says, "I am Rigmor Dale, and this is the Fellowship of the Oaken Wand. We're here to make sure our petition is heard in council."
Sahabiel asks what is taking so long that they're tired of waiting. "Not tired of waiting," the dwarf woman says. "Just don't want nobody cuttin' in line is all."
Lothlo is content to watch and wait for now.
Nothing else seems to be happening. The two men continue their discussion. The adventurers wait. On the other side of the lobby, two different doors lead further into the building. They are shut. There are probably people back there, but you're not sure how upset they'd be if you just barged in.
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 20 (T14, FF17) CMD 20 HP 45/45 ) Character Sheet Thursday January 13th, 2022 12:38:40 AM " Ooo, what are you petitioning?" The badgerkin asks curiously.
Ash (RobC) -- AC 16/12/14 -- CMD 12 -- HP 41/41 Thursday January 13th, 2022 2:44:09 AM "Nice to meet you, Rigmor. We're from Freedom's Landing. Perhaps you've heard of it? Nice little place just west of here. We're still building but it will be a nice place by the time we're finished."
She reaches into her kit and retrieves one of the breakfast pastries. Ash tears it in half and offers one piece to Rigmor. "Want some?" She smiles and takes a bite of her piece "So how long you been waiting anyway?"
Nightingale (JonS) HP 12/27 AC 18 CMD: 21 d20+9=10 ; Thursday January 13th, 2022 3:01:42 PM
Nightingale wants to wander around the waiting room. Are there any notices posted that might catch her eye?
Perception Check
Beech (JohnC) AC 14(18)/14/14,HP 20/20 Character Thursday January 13th, 2022 3:19:14 PM
Beech waits, letting the others do what they're gonna do, he pulls out his notebook and works on remembering what the spices and amounts he used on that claw meat, He also writes down how long he cooked it and then notes that letting it marinate might over power the flavor. He also leaves space to add different types of meat that can be used. He is thinking of eventually getting a cookbook for those who have odd things to cook.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 45/45, CMD: 21 Thursday January 13th, 2022 8:59:45 PM Hmm, an upcoming petition? I know ours took a while to go through, I wonder if this is the petition they are going to be voting on. Well, only one way to see if the time line matches. Lothlo reaches out a hand and introduces himself. I'm Lothlo, and I know the feeling. We've been there, the petition process can take a while. By any chance do you know anything about when they are voting on your petition.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/13/17 HP: 50/50 , CMD = 16 d20+1=15 ; Thursday January 13th, 2022 9:57:51 PM
Naithi moves forward with Camalayas and Fizzgig, and begins petting them...looking as a nonthreatening as a 3.5ft girl can.
Aid another - diplomacy = 15
DM Kathy Thursday January 13th, 2022 10:21:44 PM Nightingale wanders about the room. It is a very pretty room, with various light-colored woods forming an abstract pattern, polished to a glossy sheen. But there are no signs or notices to read.
Beech tries to remember his recipe for giant scorpion claw.
Ash offers some rather squashed pastry to Rigmor. "Ah, no thanks," the human man says. "I'm sure it won't be much longer."
Panzer asks what their petition is for. "Parnoth's Hall!" an excited voice said. You hadn't even noticed the halfling woman until she jumped up to answer your question. "He's been gone for a while, I know, but he was a dragon! I'll bet there's some treasure left if people are willing to look for it!"
Lothlo asks if they know when the petition will be heard, and they begin to answer.
Just then, though, one of the doors opens and a harried-looking woman comes out. "Fellowship of the Oaken Wand," she says, looking at the adventurers. "Uh...that's you, right?" Her eyes slide to your group, also adventurers, also waiting.
"That's us," Rigmor confirms.
"The council will vote on your petition tomorrow," the elf woman replies. With a frown, she adds, "Just as I told you in the first place."
"We wanted to be sure," the dwarf woman replies with a suspicious glower.
"Well, you're as sure as you can be now," the elf woman says. "Be here tomorrow, no later than nine of the clock." They stand and begin to file out.
She glances over to the two men still in discussion, then turns to your group. "And is there something I can help you with?" she asks unenthusiastically.
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 40/40 Thursday January 13th, 2022 10:31:42 PM
Sahabiel thinks that the Fellowship of the Oaken Wand must be either more powerful or more foolish than they look, to be that eager to delve into the den of the draconic former tyrant. But whatever would come of that, it seemed like they now had found someone who possessed that tired expression of someone who wrote things in duplicate and knew about council agendas. She looked to her allies to see which of their more diplomatic speakers would be the first...?
Nightingale (JonS) HP 12/27 AC 18 CMD: 21 d20+4=5 ; Thursday January 13th, 2022 10:40:17 PM
Nightingale gives the lady a small bow, "I believe these gentlesirs were here before us ... otherwise, we do have some matters that need discussed with some modicum of discretion."
OOC: Was hoping for a diplomacy check ... I think I may have just shot myself in the foot
Zazu (AC20, HP25) and Boyo the bunny (AC16, HP12) (Cayzle) Thursday January 13th, 2022 10:57:35 PM
zazu adds, 'yes, those fellows were here before us.'
Ash (RobC) -- AC 16/12/14 -- CMD 12 -- HP 41/41 d20+6=26 ; d20+4=21 ; d20+10=24 ; Friday January 14th, 2022 1:18:18 AM "Parnoth's Hall? Wow. Sounds interesting. Well, best of luck with it. I hope it's prosperous for you." Ash makes a mental note of it. Sounds like the sort of place the party might check out themselves one day.
She smiles to the elf lady. Ash isn't entirely sure why discretion is needed. Aren't they just getting a list of the dockets and then moving on?
If the two men are being served already - or it's the groups turn - she lets the elf woman know of their request.
"Hi! Any chance there's a list of items fronting council in the next couple of days? We're only in town a short while and I want to see how things work here, and maybe see some of the petitions as they happen. We've only just created a settlement down the river and maybe we can learn a thing or two from some of the interesting cases. You've probably heard of it. Freedom's Landing?"
---------------- Diplomacy: 26 - for the elf woman to give aid Sense Motive: 21 Perception: 24
Beech (JohnC) AC 14(18)/14/14,HP 20/20 Character Friday January 14th, 2022 2:46:53 AM
Beech, was about to say something, and then the Rube showed up..... He closes his eyes just so he can't be seen rolling them.... Maybe the Rube ploy will work, but he doubts he can add to it without breaking in fits of laughter. So he closes his notebook and stays quiet.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/13/17 HP: 50/50 , CMD = 16 d20+1=3 ; Friday January 14th, 2022 2:27:55 PM
Naithi continues to pet Camalayas and motions to the others that they can pet her if they want
Diplomacy = 3
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 20 (T14, FF17) CMD 20 HP 45/45 ) Character Sheet Friday January 14th, 2022 5:44:48 PM
Ash seems to be taking care of the diplomat so Panzer wants to ask a few more questions of thre Fellowship before they head out. They were way more interesting than the bored diplomat. " Um, excuse me, who was the councilor supporting your petition? That's how it works right, you make a petition and a council member supports it and then it is discussed and voted on?"
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 40/40 Friday January 14th, 2022 7:30:08 PM
Sahabiel simply rises to indicate that she is with the same group, and hoping to contribute to an impression that they are not entirely uncultured vagabonds she greets the elf woman with a highly polite "Namárië"(an elven greeting) accompanied by the proper hand gestures. The half-elf rather deliberately chooses her body language to convey the slightly formal impression of one waiting patiently and respectfully to be acknowledged.
ooc: Sahabiel does what she often does, which is to lend presence and gravitas in polite company while others talk. Passive assist to Ash' diplomacy check, Aid Another, Take10 + 1 to meet DC10, success, add +2 to Ash's diplomacy roll
Nightingale (JonS) HP 12/27 AC 18 CMD: 21 Friday January 14th, 2022 8:42:25 PM
Once Ash steps up, Nightingale steps back, blushing and heads for Panzer to see what he is up to.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 45/45, CMD: 21 Friday January 14th, 2022 9:11:19 PM Good luck on the petition tomorrow. Have you heard anything about who is likely to vote in your favor and who might need a little more convincing? Anything we can do to help convince them to let you look for it? We were shown great mercy when we made our request, we're glad to pay that forward if we can.
DM Kathy Friday January 14th, 2022 11:23:40 PM Sahabiel watches the other adventurers depart, thinking that they're taking a big risk.
As they leave, Panzer asks which councilor helped with their petition. "None of them were exactly helpful," Rigmor says with a little grimace. "But we got the proper form and turned it in. I suppose Councilor Waesberos was the most helpful, but even he tried to discourage us."
Lothlo asks whether they know who will vote in support of the adventurers, but they have no idea.
Nightingale and Zazu politely tell the clerk that the two men were here first. She waves a hand. "They work here," she explains. With a frown she adds, "and there are perfectly good offices they could be meeting in, but it's none of my concern."
Ash asks about the council's docket, then asks whether the clerk has heard of Freedom's Landing. "No, I haven't," she says. Then, "wait, were you those escaped slaves or whatever? I heard you were all orcs."
Naithi continues petting Camalayas, and Sahabiel tries to add a bit of dignity to the proceedings. The clerk continues. "Um, anyway, I'm not sure what all they'll be talking about tomorrow. That petition, of course. Umm...I think they're finally going to be able to vote to approve the new ambassador to Zarthmoor. I sure hope so; it's getting ridiculous at this point. Oh, the dock repairs of course." She nods in the direction of the men deep in discussion. "That may or may not come to a vote; they're still hashing things out. Uhh...I don't remember anything else." With a heavy sigh, she adds, "of course, I'm happy to check if you'd like."
Beech (JohnC) AC 14(18)/14/14,HP 20/20 Character Sunday January 16th, 2022 4:47:19 PM
Beech looks hopeful that she'll look it up. He remembers mom saying a lot of things work better with a bit of cash flow, but she also taught him only in certain circumstances...
Ash (RobC) -- AC 16/12/14 -- CMD 12 -- HP 41/41 Sunday January 16th, 2022 6:41:06 PM "Thankyou. That would be very kind of you" Ash is happy to take the woman up on her offer.
Zazu (AC20, HP25) and Boyo the bunny (AC16, HP12) (Cayzle) d20=20 ; d20=15 ; d20+9=29 ; Monday January 17th, 2022 8:07:23 PM
Zazu walks over and makes an introduction to the two people who are talking.
"Hi! I'm Zazu, with the Champions of Culverwood adventuring group. We're founding the new village of Freedom's Landing."
After hellos, the elf gets down to it. "I'm hoping to impose on you for some advice. We're concerned about the absence of some leadership voices from the council proceedings. Is there anything to be decided soon that will swing one way or another because Councillor Cadithas and her proxy are both in absentia?"
Diplomacy to make them more favorable ... nat 20 = 20 Diplomacy to ask for a specific favor ... 15 Sense Motive to see how they react ... nat 20 = 29
Woo Hoo! Two Nat 20s!
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 40/40 Monday January 17th, 2022 8:31:13 PM "There are some others like myself who are settling there without having been part of the original slave escape", Sahabiel enlightens the clerk when Freedom's Landing comes up. "It is easy to feel wary of a settlement of so many orc families, but I find there is something convivial about it. Perhaps within a few years from now, the council may even see a trade agreement from that way."
She smiles.
"Back to the present, we would be much obliged if ya would check the upcoming agenda for us then, please?"
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 45/45, CMD: 21 d20+12=18 ; Monday January 17th, 2022 9:03:22 PM
Lothlo hears Zazu talking very convincingly and lets him work his magic. He looks around just in case any underhanded group that was involved in the disappearance isn't also keeping an eye on them as well.
Perception = 18
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/13/17 HP: 50/50 , CMD = 16 d20+1=8 ; Monday January 17th, 2022 9:08:39 PM
Naithi continues to listen, trying hard to check for any hunny if the thieves cant they Zazu noticed the last time they visited.
DM Kathy Monday January 17th, 2022 10:21:52 PM Beech, remembering some parental advice, considers offering an "administrative fee" in order to get the information. For the moment, that doesn't appear to be necessary.
Meanwhile, Zazu walks over to the elf men deep in discussion and introduces himself. The men look at him, blinking, clearly a bit confused. One of them looks over to the clerk, then back at you. "I'm sure that Mistress...ah...."
"Pargwyn," she supplies.
"....Mistress Pargwyn can help you with any inquiries you may have," he finishes. He gives you a little nod, then both men beat a hasty retreat through the nearest door.
Ash and Sahabiel ask politely for the docket, and the clerk sighs a little. "Yes, of course," she says. "One moment." Then she, too, disappears into the back.
Lothlo and Naithi are on alert, but you see nobody you could remotely connect to the Thieves' Guild. Indeed, once the clerk departs, you are alone in the lobby.
Mistress Pargwyn returns after about 10 minutes, holding a sheet of paper. "The current docket," she says, handing it to Ash. "Of course, things keep changing right up until the last minute, but that is what is currently scheduled to be discussed."
When you read the docket, you see:
1. Petition for emergency funds for repairs to the north Peaseblossom docks. 2. Approval of Ashera Sandoral as ambassador to Zarthmoor. 3. Approval of the charter of a new merchant company, the Silver Thorn Traders. 4. Petition from the Fellowship of the Oaken Wand to investigate Parnoth’s Hall. 5. Petition for tax relief from Rhys Featherbrook, a local merchant.
Ash (RobC) -- AC 16/12/14 -- CMD 12 -- HP 41/41 Monday January 17th, 2022 11:24:43 PM "Thankyou Mistress Pargwyn. This is quite helpful." She has a read of the docket and then passes it around to the others.
Ash has nothing more to say to the helpful clerk and waits until she is out of earshot before speaking with the rest of the group. "That wasn't too hard. We're probably going to need more to go on. Any one of these could be controversial I suppose. Where to from here?"
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 40/40 Tuesday January 18th, 2022 2:03:18 AM "Things keep changing right up until the last minute?", Sahabiel asks miss Pargwyn with sympathy. "I suppose that if even who will be at the meeting can change just days before... I mean, those petitioning adventurers are one thing, but does an agenda like this change much from for example both lady Cardithas and Ena as her appointed proxy being indisposed, leaving the council down a vote? If ya can remember the changes of when that news broke that is."
Sahabiel gives that question a little time to land and see if Pargwyn will answer it. If not and a silence drops, she also follows that up with "As a member of the Culverwood clergy, I had actually hoped to meet with Councilor Cardithas myself, but it seems the timing of my visit was unfortunate for that this time, since neither her nor her representative are here now to arrange things.. ya would not happen to know who else I might speak to that would be close to them, before I bother the Emissary Captain to leave a message?"
Beech (JohnC) AC 14(18)/14/14,HP 20/20 Character Tuesday January 18th, 2022 2:02:30 PM "I think numbers 2 and 4 are the one's that seem most controversial. The first is the appointment but the second one may be even more worrying. Isn't digging into the Tyrants Hall and that past liable to dig up information people don't want released, but some others might want dug up so they can either embarrass or even chase off those information could truly hurt. I'm fairly sure there are things a lot of people don't want known, because they did things to survive that still remains unknown."
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/13/17 HP: 50/50 , CMD = 16 Tuesday January 18th, 2022 5:40:42 PM
Naithi nods in agreement. The question remains, where do we go from here?
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 45/45, CMD: 21 Tuesday January 18th, 2022 9:10:13 PM
With the agenda in hand Lothlo turns back towards hunting down clues about the events leading up to their being called. Our next goal should probably to seek out Willis Campion. He's the one that our missing person supposedly talked to before leaving, so Willis is the most likely person to provide relevant details.
Zazu (AC20, HP25) and Boyo the bunny (AC16, HP12) (Cayzle) d20+11=30 ; Tuesday January 18th, 2022 10:54:41 PM
Zazu offers a hand to the court official. "Mistress Pargwyn, you have been so helpful! Thank you very much. I hope you will one day come enjoy our hospitality at Freedom's Landing."
Whill distracting her with a handshake and speech, Zazu slips a gold coin into Pargwyn's pocket as a surprise expression of gratitude.
Sleight of Hand 30!
Nightingale (JonS) HP 12/27 AC 18 CMD: 21 Tuesday January 18th, 2022 11:48:58 PM
Nightingale appears worried about the appointment of the new diplomat, and once they leave the building she will ask, "How much power do these diplomats or representatives have. Can they sign documents of trade without contacting the council? That might be a reason to remove opposition."
DM Kathy Wednesday January 19th, 2022 1:16:06 AM Sahabiel asks more detailed questions about how things change up until the last minute and which changes happened after Ena Orira left. "I wouldn't worry too much about that," the clerk replies. "I have it on good authority that Emissary Orira fully intends to be back in time for the meeting." You ask who else you might speak to, but the clerk shakes her head. "I really couldn't say," she replies. "But really, you shouldn't worry. She'll be back. It'll be fine."
With a final nod, the clerk again disappears into the back, but not before Zazu slips her a coin.
Beech is of the opinion that items 2 and 4 are the most controversial. Nightingale wonders whether councilors have the authority to act on their own.
Ash and Naithi wonder what's next.
Lothlo is of the opinion that your next step should be speaking to Willis Campion. Of course, you aren't sure where to find him. You could also go to the Emissary Guild and try to get information about Ena Orira. Or, you could talk to some of the people mentioned in the docket. Of course, you're not really sure where to find them, either.
So, what is your next step?
Ash (RobC) -- AC 16/12/14 -- CMD 12 -- HP 41/41 Wednesday January 19th, 2022 2:55:08 AM "Probably best not to speak to the people on the docket just yet. If any of them are behind the disappearance it would let them know we are on to them. Willis is a good suggestion Lothlo. Do we know where to find him?"
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 20 (T14, FF17) CMD 20 HP 45/45 ) Character Sheet Wednesday January 19th, 2022 12:07:39 PM " I think Beech has a point. Papa did say that fear was the currency of Parnoth's reign. Many people did things that they are probably not proud they did then just to survive. Who knows if any of that was recorded and if it still survives. What those adventurers find could undo alot of trust that has been built since his demise."
Beech (JohnC) AC 14(18)/14/14,HP 20/20 Character Wednesday January 19th, 2022 2:01:39 PM
Beech waits to see what is decided, he's voiced his opinion, but he is only one member of this group and hopes a general decision is reached and not just chosen by someone. He'll go along with whatever is decided, but time is short, as he looks up at the sun's position to see how much time has passed since breakfast....
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 40/40 Wednesday January 19th, 2022 8:14:33 PM "Oh, she will be back by tomorrow? Then- " Sahabiel stops and leaves a pregnant pause. "....oh. I had only heard that she had a family emergency, but if she was able to tell people when she would be back before she even took leave... I see." She is not saying it, but her expression to the clerk speaks volumes of what she is thinking. A family emergency, unexpected, urgent enough that Ena didn't wait to inform the emissary office, but with a foreseeable end date just days later? Of course anyone would immediate think of a funeral (or a particularly unfortunate wedding)!
(ooc: Sahabiel creates a situation where Pargwyn would feel uneasy about causing a misunderstanding, in effect inviting the clerk to volunteer more of what she knows of Ena's absence to defuse it)
Nightingale (JonS) HP 12/27 AC 18 CMD: 21 Wednesday January 19th, 2022 8:43:24 PM
Just to add her two coppers, Nightingale chimes in on Panzer's statements, "It is often better to leave the past in the past. I hope they don't bite off more than they can handle, or bring back more trouble to the area than we can handle."
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 45/45, CMD: 21 Wednesday January 19th, 2022 9:00:57 PM I don't know where we can find Willis, but this is a good place to start considering rumors of him being the last one to see her would have been floating around. And it would only take a minute to check if anyone knows where to find him. Failing that, the Emissary Guild may be able to help, they have no doubt been trying to confirm where she is and what happened. And a key role of the Woldian League of Adventurers is to collect information and rumors, so I say we head to whichever is closest next.
DM Kathy Wednesday January 19th, 2022 10:19:31 PM Sahabiel attempts to provoke the clerk, but gets only another hasty "excuse me," before she departs. And to be fair, it looks as if she has a lot on her plate.
Panzer concurs with Beech that perhaps people don't want adventurers poking around Parnoth's Hall. Nightingale likewise concurs, and worries a little about the adventurers.
Beech checks the time, but you're doing pretty well. It is not yet mid-morning.
Ash suggests you hold off on contacting anyone on the docket.
Lothlo suggests either the Emissary Guild or the WLA.
Of the two, the Emissary Guild is closer, so you kind of start drifting in that direction. You're about a half a block from the council building when you see a familiar figure hurrying towards you.
"My friends!" exclaims Willis Campion. "This is such an unexpected pleasure. Today is probably a busy day for you, but I wonder if you could spare me a few minutes of your time?"
Zazu (AC20, HP25) and Boyo the bunny (AC16, HP12) (Cayzle) Wednesday January 19th, 2022 10:19:59 PM
"Closest sounds good to me too."
Nightingale (JonS) HP 12/27 AC 18 CMD: 21 Wednesday January 19th, 2022 11:52:05 PM Possibly a dumb question, but has Nightingale met this person yet? I don't remember if she came before or after the last time the party had interactions with him...
Ash (RobC) -- AC 16/12/14 -- CMD 12 -- HP 41/41 Thursday January 20th, 2022 1:17:54 AM "Willis! Good to see you again. This is quite fortuitous. We were just wondering where to find you. How have you been?" Ash stops to greet the man. "Any chance this has to do with Maerelya Cadithas?"
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 20 (T14, FF17) CMD 20 HP 45/45 ) Character Sheet Thursday January 20th, 2022 6:14:46 AM
Having never met the man, Panzer waits and listens to see what develops.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/13/17 HP: 50/50 , CMD = 16 d20+1=10 ; Thursday January 20th, 2022 10:46:59 AM
Naithi puts on her best smile. It is good to see you! How have you been? Naithi tries to go with the flow, not being the best at gathering information herself.
Diplomacy - Aid another = 10
Beech (JohnC) AC 14(18)/14/14,HP 20/20 Character Thursday January 20th, 2022 10:53:07 AM
Beech, hasn't met hardly anyone in the city so, he introduces himself and then listens while the others continue...
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 45/45, CMD: 21 Thursday January 20th, 2022 9:02:19 PM
Lothlo is glad they have stumbled upon Willis so close to the guild, it will make it much easier to get the information they need and to quickly verify at least some of what they have been being told. Ah, Willis, good to see you again! For you we can always make time.
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 40/40 Thursday January 20th, 2022 9:02:29 PM
Sahabiel has not been met by Willis before, so even though she takes her cue from Ash on who this is, she is going to stay in the background of the party a bit until she is either introduced... or alternatively, until her presence is not questioned for long enough to count as tacit acknowledgement. She is feeling flexible about that.
Zazu (AC20, HP25) and Boyo the bunny (AC16, HP12) (Cayzle) Thursday January 20th, 2022 10:35:58 PM
"Mister Campion! Hail and well met, as they say!"
Zazu engages in pleasantries, telling how the group is doing in Freedom's Landing, introducing everybody, asking how things have been. Then, the request.
"We hope you will not mind helping us. We are worried about Councillor Cadithas and her proxy, Ena."
DM Kathy Thursday January 20th, 2022 11:02:12 PM Nightingale, Panzer, and Sahabiel have not yet met Campion, but they are quickly introduced.
Beech also introduces himself, although he met Campion before with the rest of the group.
Lothlo agrees to speak with him, and Ash asks whether this has anything to do with Maerelya Cadithas. "Only indirectly," he replies. Zazu says you're worried about the councilor and her proxy.
"So I hear, Campion replies. "But let us find a place to sit and discuss this comfortably."
Karri, being an elven city, has plenty of small parks in and among the buildings. Campion leads you to a grove of willow trees, where boulders, benches, and fallen logs offer a variety of seating options.
"I did want to speak to you about Emissary Orira," he says when everyone is seated. "I understand there are those trying to turn her absence into a larger matter than it really is. I can assure you that Emissary Orira left town a few days ago on an urgent personal matter. I spoke to her myself before she left. She is well aware of the council meeting, and promised faithfully to return in time for it. So you see, there is really nothing to be alarmed about."
Ash (RobC) -- AC 16/12/14 -- CMD 12 -- HP 41/41 Thursday January 20th, 2022 11:26:34 PM "Interesting. What of the Councillor? Have you heard anything of that?" Ash asks in response "And what was it that you wanted to speak to us about? We only started looking into the matter of Emissary Orira a few hours ago."
When they first met Willis he had told the party that he worked for "a person of some influence who holds a position of trust". Ash now wonders whether that could be Councillor Cadithas.
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 40/40 Friday January 21st, 2022 5:22:18 PM
Sahabiel gives Willis Campion a quizzical look. "Nothing to be alarmed about, and yet here ya are, taking the time out of yer day to come to find us just to tell us about this matter which would have resolved itself by tomorrow morning anyway; at least if ya are correct and Emissary Orira is going to turn up again. Regardless the truth of it, it makes me wonder why this one rumor, and whether people believe and look into it, is so important that ya are personally this on top of it?"
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 45/45, CMD: 21 Friday January 21st, 2022 9:05:30 PM
Lothlo tries to take a more diplomatic approach to keep Wilis talking That is good news to hear indeed. Forgive us if we are acting a little eager, we were so honored to have been granted permission to form a settlement that we are of course happy to help in any way we can.
Of course, you are the one that actually knows what happened, Can you tell us exactly what she said? Where did she run off to in such a hurry, and do you know why she didn't notify the guild?
And probably more importantly, what is the subtext behind this? Those trying to turn her absence into a larger matter than it really is no doubt are worried about something on the docket. Do you know what on the docket has them so on edge that their minds are immediately jumping to the worst conclusions?
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 20 (T14, FF17) CMD 20 HP 45/45 ) Character Sheet d20-1=19 ; Friday January 21st, 2022 9:17:51 PM
Panzer smells a rat, much as he senses Sahabiel does. This is just too.....easy. Galen was worried about it and as soon as the group swings into action to investigate the problem,this guy shows up to assure them that all is well. He fidgets in his seat and tries to look at the comments that Willis Campion makes now that Sahabiel has called him out. Sense Motive 19 ( nat 20)
Nightingale (JonS) HP 12/27 AC 18 CMD: 21 d20+7=17 ; d20+9=12 ; Friday January 21st, 2022 9:18:55 PM
Nightingale will half listen to the conversation, and half keep an eye out for anyone paying more attention than they should to the group
[Sense Motive check, followed by Perception check]
Zazu (AC20, HP25) and Boyo the bunny (AC16, HP12) (Cayzle) Friday January 21st, 2022 10:39:22 PM
Zazu takes this info at face value, and smiles in refief. "That's a relief, for sure. Thank you very much!"
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/13/17 HP: 50/50 , CMD = 16 d20+3=4 ; d20+12=15 ; Friday January 21st, 2022 11:16:37 PM
Naithi instantly trusts the guy and can sense no dishonesty from the guy. So she focuses her attention on her surroundings.
Sense motive = 4 Perception = 15
DM Kathy Friday January 21st, 2022 11:32:51 PM Zazu takes the information at face value.
Naithi decides he is trustworthy and turns her attention to the surroundings.
Ash asks after the councilor. "She had business with her druid circle that couldn't wait," Campion replies. "She knew about it in advance, and so set up a proxy. Unfortunately, she will be out of communication until her....ceremony or whatever it is, is complete."
Sahabiel asks why it should be such a big deal that you are investigating this. Surely any questions will be answered tomorrow morning.
"I wish it was that simple," Campion says. "But there are those here in the capital who thrive on gossip. And, of course, the council has enemies. The council as a whole has enemies, and individual councilors have enemies. Any talk that there might be something....unsavory happening with council votes could be extremely harmful. We do not want the people to lose faith in the council, for that would lead to chaos. Therefore, I have been asked to try to nip these rumors in the bud. I assure you they are not true. Emissary Orira will be at the meeting tomorrow."
Lothlo asks Campion exactly what the emissary said. "Well, let me see," he replies. "She said she had a family emergency and needed to leave town right away. She talked of the council meeting and said she'd be back for it. She was, obviously, in a hurry and also a little upset."
Panzer and Nightingale can tell that Campion believes what he is saying in response to Ash and Sahabiel. Then Lothlo's question comes up, and his demeanor changes subtly. He isn't being completely truthful about that conversation.
Nightingale doesn't see anyone paying undue attention to the group.
Beech (JohnC) AC 14(18)/14/14,HP 20/20 Character Saturday January 22nd, 2022 11:17:47 AM
Beech dislikes politics, he's gotten that way from watching the Liontaur clans that his mother tries to deal with on a continual basis. He just stays ready for when he's needed....
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 20 (T14, FF17) CMD 20 HP 45/45 ) Character Sheet Saturday January 22nd, 2022 11:59:59 AM
Panzer tries to think back. Hadn't they only expressed the thoughts of vote tampering openly among themselves? How did this start a rumor? Are they being tailed and eavesdropped on? He contimues to listen to Campion's tales but he clearly thinks this man was sent there to mislead them. The idea that he works for someone but the group doesn't know who exactly weighs on the Badger.
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 40/40 Saturday January 22nd, 2022 7:35:35 PM
Ah, yes, this sounds like politics. Sahabiel shares a similar opinion of it as Beech does, and she suddenly finds herself having fond memories of the simplicity of weaving reed mats back in Freedom Landing.
"If legitimacy is held onto only so tenuous, it sounds like ya have a structural problem a lot bigger than an occasional missing emissary, hm?" She shrugs. "Look, this is the biggest trade hub for this whole region, so we want stability here as much as yer own citizens do, but if everyone is being evasive or sitting on half information, ya can't blame inquiring minds for wanting to verify. Adventurers with a stake in the region like us especially, as trouble in the governing here could mean a lot of unwanted work for us when we're already busy - and to us, making sure we're aware of and prepared for things is kind part of the job."
Ash (RobC) -- AC 16/12/14 -- CMD 12 -- HP 41/41 Saturday January 22nd, 2022 7:54:34 PM
Ash speaks a little softer "Look Campion. We know our way around the kingdom, so to speak. We've held our own against quite a few 'challenges'. If there's something going on you can tell us. Let us try and help. What's happened? Why were the Councilor and Emissary called away? Why is it drawing attention - from yourself and others? You know we aren't going to quit until we get to the bottom of it."
Beech (JohnC) AC 14(18)/14/14,HP 20/20 Character Sunday January 23rd, 2022 6:32:44 PM
Somethings awful fishy, and Beech may like fish, but prefers them to be cooked, he thinks to himself. A good swift kick preferably with a armored boot usually stops the funny business, but it's not his call....
Nightingale (JonS) HP 12/27 AC 18 CMD: 21 d20+9=11 ; Monday January 24th, 2022 6:06:12 PM
Nightingale continues to keep an eye out for eavesdroppers. If Campion is withholding information, it could be because he was followed, or the party has a tail.
[PERC Check]
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 45/45, CMD: 21 Monday January 24th, 2022 9:03:00 PM
Lothlo tries get a little more information so that they have something they can act on. That's matches what we've heard so far. Did she happen to mention what the family emergency or where specifically she was headed to? And where did your conversation take place?
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/13/17 HP: 50/50 , CMD = 16 Monday January 24th, 2022 9:31:50 PM What I don't understand is why people would make a bigger deal out of it than it is? If she were to be further detained, how might that change the outcome of the next meeting? Or Wendy is another member was also waylaid?
DM Kathy Monday January 24th, 2022 10:32:40 PM Beech is not a fan of politics and stays quiet. Panzer also keeps quiet, wondering how Campion could possibly know this stuff already.
Sahabiel, also not fond of politics, points out that stability is in everyone's best interest. "Yes, exactly!" Campion says. "I'm glad you see my point."
Ash asks why the councilor and emissary were really called away, and why it is drawing attention. "The councilor was called by her druid circle, and the emissary by a family emergency, just as I said," he replies calmly. "As for attention, some people are interested in the goings-on of the council, and some people are gossips who love the idea of a scandal."
Lothlo asks for specifics. "We spoke just outside the council chamber," he replies promptly. He sighs. "If she mentioned where she was going, I don't recall it. Understand, this is a very busy time for everyone."
Naithi asks why people would make a bigger deal of this than what it is. Campion shows you a genuine smile. "Adventurers!" he says. "You are refreshingly straightforward. You face real dangers, and therefore can't conceive of anyone blowing anything out of proportion. But believe me, there are gossips who love to do exactly that. To create scandal, or to make someone look bad, or just to get attention."
"All I can do," he says, "is urge you not to make more of this than it is. Truly, there is no danger here, no conspiracy, no evil plot. Enjoy the city, and come to the council meeting if you have time. I think you will enjoy it."
Zazu (AC20, HP25) and Boyo the bunny (AC16, HP12) (Cayzle) Monday January 24th, 2022 11:29:36 PM
Zazu shrugs and agrees.
"We *are* adventurers, not politicians. Give us giant bugs or magic traps and we know what to do. In this kind of situation ..." The elf looks baffled.
"But do let's go to the meeting. Maybe we'll find clarity there."
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 20 (T14, FF17) CMD 20 HP 45/45 ) Character Sheet Monday January 24th, 2022 11:57:06 PM " A thirty foot long scorpion needs no exaggeration to be scary, but the idea of there being even a little bit of unrest among the leaders of the area is terrifying. Some of the things you are talking about have only been discussed in private, which makes me keenly wary about accepting anything you tell us. Your timing and the neat answers are just, I dunno, too easy. These others know you better than I so amybe they are more apt to know better. But I sense that we are being led down a path that suits you. Just my gut feeling."
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 40/40 Monday January 24th, 2022 11:59:14 PM
One such pair of armored boots as Beech imagines, happens to be on the feet of Sahabiel. Along with the rest of the mail and plate she chose to wear for the journey, and the impossible to conceal morning star at her side. And even if a small part of the half-elf's strength is magical, still most of it she owes to a daily regimen that keeps her looking very much the part of a woman who could not only pick up a man, but throw him too. In short, very little imagination is required to see the often no-nonsense Sahabiel as a more blunt and potentially militant alternative to the diplomacy of her more circumspectly speaking allies
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 40/40 Tuesday January 25th, 2022 12:48:54 AM (ooc: I had to post my first paragraph without further context to have it registered before the cutoff -- by 46 seconds to EST midnight. Then I took a break and here is the rest of it.)
So it was a little unexpected that out of all of them, Willis seemed to find her viewpoint closest to his own concerns.
"Mister Campion, if I may be so bold.. wouldn't the easiest solution that serves everybody's purposes here be if we could put this rumor to rest without letting it fester another day? Emissary Orira's family emergency can not have taken her all that far away, if she is going to be back here for a meeting a mere few hours after dawn tomorrow - as I will not presume she is expected today already or ya would have said so, nor would I presume the emissary would travel by night for no pressing reason. So if ya happen to know where to Emissary Orira has gone for this family emergency... I would think then that we, as travelers not bound by any duties preventing us from leaving town, should be able to depart at once, make ourselves witnesses to her being where ya say she is, and make it back here before everyone else gets off work for the day, taverns open for the night, and the rumor mongering really starts?"
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 40/40 Tuesday January 25th, 2022 1:07:45 AM
She adds, "We're willing to be more discrete than asking around publicly and doing so feeding the rumor that she might not be back, but if ya yerself are hanging yer hope for stability on her being back in time based on awfully little said in some hasty and brief conversation where ya didn't even learn where she'd be going...? If only for the sake of not lending credibility to yer detractors if for whatever reason, even innocent or accidental, she can't make it before the start of your meeting, sounds like you should want us to find her and make sure she does get here in time?"
Ash (RobC) -- AC 16/12/14 -- CMD 12 -- HP 41/41 Tuesday January 25th, 2022 1:38:51 AM
Ash raises an eyebrow as the questions continue. She waits for Campion to answer them and then finally speaks up. "The person who came to us wasn't sure if there was anything amiss. They said it themselves that it may be nothing and here we are. I'm not sure an interrogation is necessary. Campion came to us and has said his piece. How about we leave him to enjoy the rest of his day without interruption?" She extends a hand to the man "We'll take your advice and check out that council meeting"
Ash doesn't want to press the matter any further. She doesn't believe Campion is going to tell them any more than he has, and if they keep at it they may lose an ally (or at worst - tip off an enemy). She'd rather bid him good day and pursue other leads that don't involve him, such as attending the council meeting, or going with Lothlo's suggestion of asking the WLA, or discreetly having a look inside (ok, breaking into) Orira's house. Campion doesn't need to know the next steps.
Beech (JohnC) AC 14(18)/14/14,HP 20/20 Character Tuesday January 25th, 2022 1:15:09 PM
Beech decides there's too much of his mother in himself, double and triple speaking are beyond him. A bit of exaggeration and telling the blunt truth to fool someone, he can do. He continues to wait to see what the next step is going to be....
Nightingale (JonS) HP 12/27 AC 18 CMD: 21 Tuesday January 25th, 2022 7:08:45 PM
Nightingale is like Beech, no good with politics, and since no one seems to care they are having this conversation, she'll agree with whatever the party decides to do
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 45/45, CMD: 21 d20+3=6 ; Tuesday January 25th, 2022 9:08:35 PM
Seeing how Willis reacted before, Lothlo looks to see if he appears worried about anything else so they can better plan where to investigate next. Do you know how she was informed about the family emergency? The druid circle information is helpful, it gives us a way to notify the councilor of the current situation and can have the druids prepare some Transport via Plants spells on the off chance it looks like the emissary won't be back in time. Was there a messenger or a letter that was sent to the emissary to inform her of the emergency? And you say the meeting was just outside the council chamber? So she would have had plenty of opportunity to inform all the important people that she was leaving? That is an important detail, you have been very helpful.
DM Kathy Tuesday January 25th, 2022 10:30:34 PM Zazu says perhaps you will go to the meeting.
Panzer feels the Campion's answers are too easy and his knowledge too suspicious. "You may have kept your discussions private," he says, "but you are not the only ones who seem to believe something is wrong. And others have not been as discreet."
Sahabiel asks where Emissary Orira went, offering to go meet her on the road. "I did not think to ask," Campion says. "It all happened pretty quickly, and of course, my mind was on other things. I don't know where she might be coming from--and I don't know whether she travels overland or can arrange for magical transportation."
Ash says that you should leave off questioning Campion and enjoy the city--not because she believes him, but because she believes that further questioning would be futile.
Beech and Nightingale decide they aren't built for this kind of thing.
Lothlo asks how Emissary Orira was informed of her emergency. "I don't know," Campion replies. "I had been assuming a message of some kind, but I never saw one."
He rises to his feet, giving you a smile. "I hope I have assuaged your fears. Do go out and enjoy the city. I wish I could come with you, but alas, duty intrudes."
He says his goodbyes and departs. [OOC: You can still ask questions if you think that'll be worthwhile.]
Zazu (AC20, HP25) and Boyo the bunny (AC16, HP12) (Cayzle) Tuesday January 25th, 2022 10:38:23 PM
Zazu has a personal errand in the city, so that's not a bad opportunity to go and do some errands.
"Do you think it is dangerous to split up, my friends? Are we that paranoid?"
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/13/17 HP: 50/50 , CMD = 16 Tuesday January 25th, 2022 11:34:09 PM
Naithi needs to run to the Catacombs and WLA as well. Does anyone else have any suggestions? The WLA might have some knowledge. Otherwise I'm out of ideas, short of a divination spell.
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 20 (T14, FF17) CMD 20 HP 45/45 ) Character Sheet Wednesday January 26th, 2022 8:22:23 AM
Panzer nods. Going to the WLA might be the only move left.
Beech (JohnC) AC 14(18)/14/14,HP 20/20 Character Wednesday January 26th, 2022 5:00:42 PM
Beech agrees, a trip to the WLA is never a bad idea....
Ash (RobC) -- AC 16/12/14 -- CMD 12 -- HP 41/41 Wednesday January 26th, 2022 6:37:52 PM
Ash really needs to study up on her magic. She doesn't know any divination spells that would be useful to the current situation.
"We could also pay a visit to her house. Her neighbour may have seen her leave. If we get access we could also check to see if she packed her bags, or perhaps clues as to whether the upcoming council matters are of some importance. Who knows? Perhaps she is home now anyway? Has anyone we've spoken to actually checked?" Ash is starting to wonder if Orira vanished the same way Myre did.
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 40/40 Wednesday January 26th, 2022 7:14:38 PM "It does sound like a predicament. I will trust you are doing what you can.", Sahabiel tells Willis in parting. She does not believe he has said everything that is on his mind, but she is not going to push against his apparent reluctance to.
When Willis has left, she turns towards her companions. "Well, I know a wall when I see one. Anyway, as for splitting up... I do actually have somewhere to be. With Councilor Cadithas being a Culverwood devotee, and this being an elven town within close travel distance to the Culverwood really, I figure there must be a grove or shrine around for other followers. With my duties as a votary and a guardian, I can't put off looking for it forever."
As a visiting member of the clergy, Sahabiel wishes to go visit some place central to the honoring of the Culverwood within this town, and perhaps meet a druidic or priestly authority.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 45/45, CMD: 21 Wednesday January 26th, 2022 9:04:24 PM
Lothlo makes note of the places they should still check for information. We should also check in at the Emissary Guild. They would have been trying to gather information this entire time, would be able to tell us if anything Willis mentioned doesn't make sense, and perhaps can tell us where her nearest family is to give us an idea if it's even feasible that she'd be back in time.
Nightingale (JonS) HP 12/27 AC 18 CMD: 21 Wednesday January 26th, 2022 10:08:29 PM
Nightingale seems interested in this WLA, "Are these WLA people well known across the land? I feel in many ways that I have grown up under a rock ..."
Zazu (AC20, HP25) and Boyo the bunny (AC16, HP12) (Cayzle) Wednesday January 26th, 2022 11:40:10 PM
Zazu asks the WLA people in the party -- Beech, Panzer, and Naithi especially -- for a favor.
"Can you guys help me at the WLA to find a high level mage for hire?"
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