“You, you sweet child, over there. Welcome. Behold, the magic and wonders unimaginable within the Wold itself, mysteries to confound and delight the mind. Please welcome, please enter… if you so dare.”
The full mustached halfling barker in a coat that was not quite red continued to beckon from just above the din of the city. Sparks flew at the unassuming doors of the “Banne Ears Hall and Marx” Card Shoppe and Museum, ignored by the citizens that walked by. And so it sat, the Skull Shaped Temple of Gargul visible to the hills above, the beckoning bars and shops continuing beyond the street.
Legends spoke of the days before. Of dark clerics and bright shadows wandering the streets, back before it became the place to find the best bars, the most interesting stores. Back before the city leaders began to beat back the energy from the scar, before they began to cleanse the city as the newest tourist destination of the Ellennian Peninsula.
Rumors spread far and wide, attracting a wide variety of onlookers, of fortune seekers, of those looking for fame. And above all, for those who wished to truly know their destiny.
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OOC
Welcome, all, to the first post of Nightmare Quarter, the Woldian’s newest module. This is the time for your character to see the sights, partake in the tourist attractions, and of course introduce your characters. In the next post, you’ll get the location to pick up your first assignment.
Fenfaran - (Iain) AC:18 - HP:11/11 Monday February 28th, 2022 2:42:53 PM
To Nintos: "Well, I was born ~ what date is it today"? Hearing the answer he declares "Wow, it was my Birthday yesterday"! Fen has an infectious happy, innocent energy. "Like a leaf in the wind I drifted here, but I do not know what this place will be to me yet, 'Home'? He shakes his head and the spider in his antlers falls out of it's cobweb, but having pre-webbed itself it twangs back like an elastic band, face planting its own web. Shaking itself the spider crawls out of sight. Fen walks with Nintos and asks all sorts of questions about his life. He seems very curious. In return he offers. "I was born in a Sea-Cave. I miss those days sometimes, it was peaceful and I had many friends. Finchy always made me laugh"! He dances around mime-impersonating 'Finchy' who obviously did some kind of crab~robot dance "And Beldor" he gasps and wriggles his hands "She was the best you've ever met at tickling!" Then he becomes serious. "Then I met my first humans, elves and dwarves and they needed help so I went on a long journey, it was a quarter of my life! Eventually we stayed in a town where I met some people from the WLA who gave me a shiny badge after I told them what I was like. Then the last quarter of my life was another long journey. I think now I have found this magical City there cannot be much more to my life. So I have come here to face death and die"! He faces up proudly puffing out his chest in defiance ~ fearless!
DM Melvin Monday February 28th, 2022 2:45:31 PM
Most of the new adventurers easily begin hearing of a place called the Catacombs, where oddities are easily purchased, and wherein jobs can often be found on the various boards.
Other businesses begin to reach the adventurers eyes and ears: the Crooked Inn, the orphanage, the Raven's Alehouse, Grumble and Sprock. But it eventually becomes clear that the Catacombs is a common destination for those seeking fortune and fame.
Myre (Carl) -- AC 12/12/10 CMD: 12 HP: 12/12 Spell Slots Remaining: 4 Monday February 28th, 2022 3:24:47 PM Myre looks around. Her mother was no stranger to the dark and spooky, even if it did hide the goofy woman she could be when she let her guard down. She used to disfigure herself every morning to gain power. She'd bleed in a day more than Myre had her entire life (at least up to the point where she got herself enslaved by those orcs). Myre wonders whether she'd feel at home here, or consider it passé. She looks down at the rubber pig cradled in her arms and smiles. "Yes, she'd say it was passé, but would she mean it?"
She pauses and chuckles. Here she was, a continent away from her mother, half-way around the Wold to get some space. Even here the woman took up residence in her thoughts. She banished them, and moved on. She absent mindedly pet Waddles (the aforementioned rubber pig) as she walked. She didn't usually walk around with him, but in this place it seemed...appropriate. Here, she is simply a weirdo amongst weirdos.
Myre looks up at the night sky and feels the familiar pang of longing. She still does not know where the pang comes from, or indeed whether it is her pang at all. Her petting of Waddles ceases, the pig suddenly uncomfortable in her arms. The moment passes and she resumes her ministrations of her beloved (maybe) companion. She returns her white hair back behind her almost-pointy ears. She smooths the little night-blue dress she wears against the dark-elven skin she inherited from her mother. One could be forgiven for not seeing her father's influence in her features, though she sees them in the mirror every day (think: when was the last time you saw a drow with emerald green eyes?). Mostly, her father can be seen her her immaculate appearance and tasteful outfit (as well as the faint smell of lavender).
...and here we were, back thinking about her parents. She looks down and scowls, angry with herself. This behavior would. not. do. She looks up at the gaudy little halfling. Maybe he could distract her for a while. She tucks Waddles under her arm with a practiced motion and points up at the curious creature. "You there, strange man. I seek a distraction. Entertain me. She awaits his response.
Grothic (Jonathan) -- AC 17 /12/15 -- CMD 17 -- HP13/13 Monday February 28th, 2022 3:50:51 PM I am sure I will see you at the catacombs, well met new friends!
Grothic takes a quick trip to the orphanage. He had heard that a group of crimson somebodies set up an orphanage here. He wishes something like this could have provided him and his brother a better childhood. Grothic discretely donates 5 gold, leaves and makes his way to the catacombs.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 16, CMD 12, HP 11/11 Monday February 28th, 2022 3:54:42 PM
Paige approaches the northernmost gate of the Big City. As she passes through, she notes a sign marking it as Quest Gate. The young cleric advances several paces into the square in front of her, before stopping in order to ensure she isn’t blocking traffic coming up behind her. Astonished and nearly overwhelmed by the sights and sounds that surround her, she slowly turns full circle taking it all in and trying to orient herself. She looks for a signpost that might provide directions or a map.
Turning to Rhys the red-headed half-elf asks: ”should we check out the WLA* headquarters first, or get something to eat?” . Turning to her other travelling companions, she enquires: “you fellas want to split up, or stay with us?”
Paige Potter is a medium height (5ft 7in) half-elf with a broad shouldered athletic build. Tip tilted green eyes hint at her elven antecedents, though colouring and rangy muscular build (140 lbs) comes from her human father. She is dressed in comfortable travelling clothes in mostly brown colours. The clink of scale mail is muffled by a voluminous brown cloak held together at the neck by a WLA pin badge. There is a pack on her back, with a mace - it’s spiky head covered by a thick hide pouch - firmly attached.
*WLA - Woldian League of Adventurers
DM BrianZ Monday February 28th, 2022 5:21:27 PM
OOC- Jonathan, I updated your post header link. Please update the numbers
Fingers (Shawn) AC 14, HP 13/13, CMD 15 Monday February 28th, 2022 8:02:24 PM
The Catacombs! That's it! Someone had told Muuru that jobs can often be found on the various boards there.
In the late afternoon, when the stalls at the market have started closing down, Muuru does the same. He packs his largest tools and materials into a few nondescript crates. The traps are hidden from the observer, of course, but so are the locks, to keep them from seeming too interesting. Then he proceeds to the Catacombs.
When Murru came to Plateau City, he was more than a little self-conscious walking through the streets. At eight foot, two inches tall (not counting his horns) and 1200 pounds, he was sure that the staring humanoids were all thinking the same thing:
"That's the shortest minotaur I've ever seen."
But by now, he'd heard none of the short-jokes he was used to back on the Taur Isles. Maybe the populace hadn't seen enough minotaurs to know that he was not quite as massive as most of his fellows.
The thought made him smile.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 21/T 12/FF 19, HP 14/14, CMD 15. Monday February 28th, 2022 10:01:45 PM
Kwarsk replies to Paige, "Rhys, I am eager to get to the Catacombs to see what jobs are available, but your mentions of the Woldian League of Adventurers intrigue me. Perhaps we could all stop by the WLA HQ first, then on to the Catacombs for the job board and the food shops therein? Hopefully they'll have some white gold... I think the humans call it... milk? Rothe produce nothing like it!"
Rhys (Bob) AC 17; CMD 16/18 vs Disarm & Sunder; HP 12/12 Monday February 28th, 2022 10:32:34 PM ”The WLA it is. They may be able to point us to reasonable lodgings while we are here and they too may know of work for us” Rhys replies. We can circle back to the Catacombs after that. They are both around this area”. The elf picks his way easily through the crowded square, sidestepping other denizens of the city with graceful abandon. His long brown hair falls over the back of the dark green cloak he wears. The simple leather and wire wrapped hilt of a long curved blade protrudes upwards from the scabbard strapped across his back. ” Follow me, I think I see the WLA symbol on that building ahead” he calls back over his shoulder.
When he arrives at the WLA headquarters he waits for his companions before entering, his badge is clearly displayed at the throat of his cloak. Once inside he will introduce himself and ask for information about accommodations and any work for new adventurers.
Fenfaran - (Iain) AC:18 - CMD:13 - HP:11/11 - Spells Tuesday March 1st, 2022 6:49:59 AM
As they walk together Fen asks Ninto: "Where shall we go"?
Nintos Melinous (Clint) | HP 8/8 | AC:12 T:12 FF:10 | CMD:12 CMB:0 | Fort:2 Ref:2 Will:3 | Merletta (Familiar) HP 4/4 | AC:15 T:14 FF:13 | CMB:0 CMD:6 | Fort:1 Ref:4 Will:2 Tuesday March 1st, 2022 10:33:48 AM
As Fenfaran mentions coming to the city to face death and die, Nintos furrows his brow; “I don’t know if I can help you to face death and die. Yes, we do all meet our end. But having seen it first hand…” Nintos trails off as visible pain covers his face. A simple perception check would have you notice that Nintos is spinning a ring that is worn on his left hand.
“Yes, let’s walk! There are many wonders to be seen in this city. Though I am also relatively new to this city, I can help show you around a little bit?” Nintos smiles at the mention of the Woldian League of Adventurers; “I have heard many good things. Have you been to their headquarters here in Plateau City? Actually… If you are looking for an adventure I have heard of a place called the Catacombs where one could find a posting of jobs… Maybe you can face death there?”
With Pursed lips Nintos lets out a rhythmic whistle that calls Merletta to him. “Come, since we are already in the Dragon Quarter, let’s go take a look at the Catacombs and see what we can find.”
Fingers (Shawn) AC 14, HP 13/13, CMD 15 Tuesday March 1st, 2022 4:08:31 PM
When Muuru enters the Catacombs, his presence does turn a few heads. He's learned that by maintaining a pleasant expression, and simply saying "Excuse me" when he has to push through a crowd of smaller citizens, most will simply step aside and let him be.
The job posting "board" is actually several sections of wall and a few pillars. They are covered with small sheets of parchment, each describing a party, a mission, or an individual looking to join one. The pages have some kind of enchantment; when someone removes a sheet from the wall, a duplicate appears on the wall in its place, with the same writing.
Muuru takes a few pages describing potential employers, then he finds a stack of blank pages. He takes one, pins it to a wall, and writes down his name, skill set, and the location of his alleyway practice.
After pinning the sheet to a wall, he wanders towards the sales floor. He's first drawn to the magical trinkets and clockwork gadgets, until he notices several garment-dummies wearing chainmail.
Hmm. If I'm going start adventuring, I'll need some armor. And a weapon.
Grothic (Jonathan) -- AC 17 /12/15 -- CMD 17 -- HP13/13 Tuesday March 1st, 2022 5:51:33 PM
Grothic watched the massive bull-man remove a sheet from the wall and then saw it magically reappear. He didn't want people to know he had never done this before, so he casually walked to where the minotaur was and removed the same slip of paper.
He looked at the sheet re-appear and back to the copy in his hand and wondered why he had bothered.
This would probably be incredibly useful, if I could read.
DM Melvin Tuesday March 1st, 2022 9:19:23 PM
Some people try to make their way to the closest WLA charter house. Others look for a good place to eat, like the Crooked Inn or the Raven Alehouse. A few of the sights and sounds.
Myre gets a little bit of a tour of the Card Shoppe and Museum, though card readings seem to be closed as "not the correct time" signs adorn the area. Grothic makes a donation to the local orphanage, a hallowed out yogurt shoppe that seems off, even for an orphanage in the wake of a black cathedral. Paige makes her way to the Raven Alehouse, and is served by a minotaur that would make Muuru feel small.
But all roads and rumors eventually make their way to...
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The catacombs bustle and flow with all sorts of creatures moving to complete their shopping. A small tiefling child is pulled away by her mother, admonished for staring at the floating pig. Linotaurs eye Muuru carefully as one receives a tatoo of glowing magic. Fenfarn and Nintos walk past a couple of adventurers arguing with vendors about the price of belts and headbands. Grothic stops by as the latest holy avenger sword is added to the display in a tent, a crowd straining to see how its design. Rhys and Paige feel the warm smell of popcorn as snack carts begin to move into position.
The catacombs connect throughout the world by magic and tunnels, the place to buy anything and everything a group might desire, and many of the new adventurers have no problem picking up weapons and armor, despite the crowds and overworked employees. (OOC: This will be the place to purchase items or sell treasure every time you end a module.) Everything from iron daggers to staves of power to what adventurers dream of after a hard day of clearing a kobold cave.
Muuru's post for someone looking to be hired attracts a number of onlookers, a crowd in its own right. And for a brief moment, a hooded figure in black robes begins to scan the crowd after reading it.
The board itself seems quite advanced for any of the new adventurers. Calls for negotiating with a dragon, or for clearing out a cave of ghouls and ghasts, or for fighting a demonic slavery ring - these seem more the norm. A posting to clear out a city of fire giants hidden in a pocket universe is notable for having already been claimed, and only by people with halfling names. A single sign says only "gremlin invasion" and the new adventurers wisely ignore it.
Eventually, however, a sign near a bunch of scribes catches the eye of each of you separately. A request from The Black Cathedral regarding a local matter, newer adventurers preferred, with a promise that it could lead to future assignments. The posting is vague: to perform a service to the local community and stop a group of criminals. The note instructs the group to report to the office of local administrative affairs at the Black Cathedral, Nightmare Quarter. The posting offers to pay 200gp for completion of the task, and a one time discount available at the Catacombs.(For purchase of a single half price potion cl1).
Each of the members inevitably pulls an address tag from the sign. And as you do, you see each other take this tab, the team beginning to form.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 16, CMD 12, HP 11/11 Tuesday March 1st, 2022 10:21:17 PM
Paige makes to follow her friend Rhys as he moves through the crowd. She glances backwards but can’t see her new companion Kwarsk who had been there just a moment before. Lost, and buffeted by the crowd she finds herself pushed towards an ale house she has no intention of visiting. The cleric doubles back towards Adventurer’s Square and ends up in front of an enormous castle-like market place.
”Rhys! Kwarsk! Grothic! Anyone! “ she calls, as she finds a spot against a wall, and tries to avoid getting trampled by the folks milling around in front of the big store called The Catacombs
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 21/T 12/FF 19, HP 14/14, CMD 15. Tuesday March 1st, 2022 10:31:28 PM
Kwarsk ponders the tab held in his thumb and forefinger with curiosity, momentarily taken aback by the visions of Rhys, Paige, Grothic... and others (!) taking the same tab - a human, a beastman, a half-elf, and... a minotaur???
Kwarsk looks at his tower shield, then contemplates the minotaur... then contemplates a tower shield as big as a minotaur... good to see so many warriors in the group, why with the minotaur leading the charge, we'll be invincible! Now... hmm... no one looked like a traps expert... hopefully this quest doesn't involve a dungeon, else traps may be a problem... perhaps the minotaur can just step on the traps and crush them with his mass?
Rhys (Bob) AC 17; CMD 16/18 vs Disarm & Sunder; HP 12/12 Tuesday March 1st, 2022 10:40:34 PM
Rhys reaches the steps of the WLA headquarters and looks back only to discover that neither Kwarsk or Paige are in sight. He scans the crowd in the square to no avail and begins retracing his steps back towards the gate. It is only then that he hears Paige’s voice above the general din of the square. The elf swiftly navigates the crowd and arrives at her side. ”Are you OK? I lost you there for a moment and I have also lost sight of Kwarsk. Never mind, we seem to have found the Catacombs. Let’s go in and see what it’s all about. I hear they may have work postings for adventurers inside”.
Rhys guides Paige through the doors and into the famed marketplace. They spend some time scanning the postings and eventually come across one for work in the Nightmare Quarter working for the Cathedral. A number of other adventuring types have also grabbed copies of the same posting. “This one looks interesting Paige. Any job working for a cathedral must be working against evil, right?”. He shows the paper to Paige and scans the room. ”Look, there’s Grothic over by the wall, let’s see what he has found”.
Myre (Carl) -- AC 12/12/10 CMD: 12 HP: 12/12 Spell Slots Remaining: 4 Wednesday March 2nd, 2022 1:34:29 AM Myre pulls an address tab off the listing, ignoring the fire giants posting. Even if she were powerful enough to take on such opponents, she knows better than to involve herself in the affairs of halflings.
She is not the most observant person in the Wold, but she can't help but notice she's not the only one holding the little paper tabs for the listing. She chides herself for her instinct to hurry and beat them to the job. She came all this way to meet new people, but old habits die hard. She grips Waddles and gives it a stern look for floating after it promised never to do that again*. She takes a breath and scans over the others. They seem to know each other already. Then, a voice calls out through the crowd:
"Rhys! Kwarsk! Grothic! Anyone!"
"I'm anyone," Myre thinks to herself. When she sees the tell-tales signs of another half-elf on the speaker, she makes up her mind. She takes a deep breath, then boldly walks (stomps) over to Paige and thrusts her hand out, waiting for it to be shaken. "I'm Myre." It takes her a moment to realize that may not be enough. "I, um...wanna go stop some criminals?" She holds up the address tab from the flyer.
*OOC: Waddles no longer floats. The Powers The Be had concerns Waddles was too cheeky, so there was some compromise.
Fingers (Shawn) AC 14, HP 13/13, CMD 15 Wednesday March 2nd, 2022 4:04:14 AM
"Pardon me," Muuru says to the half-orc holding a copy of the notice. "Are you a....party?" He points vaguely to the others who pulled the same notice. "I was thinking of applying for this mission, because I know some of the people at the Black Cathedral. I've done work for them...but they probably won't send me out on something like this by myself."
Nintos Melinous (Clint) | HP 8/8 | AC:12 T:12 FF:10 | CMD:12 CMB:0 | Fort:2 Ref:2 Will:3 | Merletta (Familiar) HP 4/4 | AC:15 T:14 FF:13 | CMB:0 CMD:6 | Fort:1 Ref:4 Will:2 Wednesday March 2nd, 2022 8:19:18 AM
As Nintos and Fenfarn enter the Catacombs, Nintos has to fight the urge to study what he sees. A floating pig, A magical tattoo. The underground magical network that spans the Wold. Not now, you’ll have time to examine these later.
Seeing the adventure board, Nintos waves Fenfaran closer; “Stay close if you want to find a way to ‘face death.’” As he examines the board Nintos begins to mutter under his breath; “humm, negotiations with a dragon would be interesting. Ghouls and ghasts… the dead should stay dead. Demonic slavers should be impeded from their trade,” turning to Fenfaran; “but if we lose there we would just become one of their slaves. No death to be found.”
Looking over the rest, Nintos believes they are just out of luck. That is until he spies the request from The Black Cathedral; “I think this is just the one! ‘New Adventurers’ is what they are requesting. Seems like us.”
Seeing others pulling the same tab, Nintos takes in the group. Seeing Myre’s hand out, Nintos extends his hand and shakes; “Hello Myre! I am Nintos, my friend here is Fenfaran.” Landing on his shoulder is a black raven; “Oh, this is Merleta!.”
“Criminals? I suppose so. My friend here is looking to face death. I think that this task would be a proper place to start. I’m not really the adventuring type, I am here to help Fenfaran. I prefer a good library or study.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Memorized Spells: 0:Acid Splash, Prestidigitation, Mage Hand. 1st: Summon Monster 1, Grease
Grothic (Jonathan) -- AC 17 /12/15 -- CMD 17 -- HP13/13 Wednesday March 2nd, 2022 8:29:27 AM Are you a....party?
Grothic looks up at the giant bull speaking to him. He had never seen a minotaur before, but noticed a slenderness and agility about him that would probably be a nasty surprise to anyone who met him in combat. Grothic wonders about the wisdom in facing something Fingers could not face alone.
I could be a party, as you need an escort and I need someone who can read what this says. How much does this job pay? Also, if you don't mind a few more, I met a capable looking group of individuals yesterday on the road. We all said we'd meet up around here to look for work.
Grothic scans the crowd.
Do you see a small drawbridge moving of its own accord? That's Kwarsk.
Fingers (Shawn) AC 14, HP 13/13, CMD 15, F:+2 R:+4 W:+0 Wednesday March 2nd, 2022 12:08:32 PM
Muuru scans the crowd; not sure what this fellow is getting at, exactly. "I'll keep an eye out. I'm called Fingers, and this says..." He reads the notice aloud to the half-orc. "I'll be honest," he continues. "I'm mainly a locksmith/trapsmith, and I'm looking forward to the 'future assignments'. But I can probably help knock a few street thugs around."
Fenfaran - (Iain) AC:18 - CMD:13 - HP:11/11 - Spells d20+10=21 ; Wednesday March 2nd, 2022 6:47:21 PM
With Nintos Fen appreciates the tour asks exuberant questions. He also spots the movement of the ring (perception:21) but fails to understand the meaning, it has no context in his world.
As he enters Fenfaran looks like a boy (4 ft), then you notice the antlers, he wears hide and carries a staff with carvings and seems friendly if a little shy. "I'm not what's going on here but there is an alignment of energy that makes the hair on my arms stand up"! To make his point he holds an arm up slowly and ~ there's some fur, it's not much but it's furrier than a humans arm. Maybe it's standing up? Hard to say.
He watches everyone and introduces himself: "Greetings, I am Fenfaran". He puffs his chest out, it's like he's been rehearsing it. He means well though and seems to be enjoying himself.
DM Melvin Wednesday March 2nd, 2022 9:02:22 PM
OOC: I got a little lost with myself regarding the orphanage. The three things I wanted to get across was:
1) The orphanage takes up what used to be a storefront (yogurt shoppe). 2) The people who run the orphanage seem guarded in a way Grothic can't understand. 3) I forgot to mention this at the time, but there's something strange about the number of visible orphans... there aren't any, though Grothic doesn't go deep in.
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Paige gets lost. Rhys eventually finds her, and then gathers Grothic.
Kwarsk continues to contemplate the members of his group, glad to have a minotaur fighter on their side, but wondering who will handle traps.
Myre eventually joins up, quite glad to have avoided the affairs of halflings. (But for the record, if he took the time to know these halflings... he'd leave the continent.)
Slowly, the group begins to form. Fingers introduces himself, followed by Nintos, Grothic, and finally Fenfaran. Greetings are made, members are introduced and vouched for, and a team begins to form.
The tabs held by each of the members continue to beckon to the Black Cathedral's administrative offices. It doesn't take long for clues as to its location. Signage indicates that the Black Cathedral houses the largest religion in the Quarter, the worshippers of Gargul. And they beckon towards the large skull building in the middle of town. One of the signs speaks of an ice cream social tomorrow, but the job listing seemed to want someone sooner, it's magical ink shifting to add the word 'now' to it.
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The administrative offices of Gargul look more like the great document storage room of the planet, as papers fly between barely balanced boxes, only some of them food stained. In the corner, a large man can be found bumping underneath a desk, screaming for a "Miriam" to bring him yet more paper files.
Eventually, he pops out, a mug held upwards in triumph. His balding head swivels towards the adventurers in the doorway, and for a moment the world is silent.
"Tell your bosses I gave at the office," he finally whines. "Wait, wait, are you here for the... you know, the flyer?"
Fingers (Shawn) AC 14, HP 13/13, CMD 15, F:+2 R:+4 W:+0 Wednesday March 2nd, 2022 9:12:33 PM
"No," says Fingers. "We're here early for the ice cream."
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 16, CMD 12, HP 11/11 d20+6=23 ; Wednesday March 2nd, 2022 9:54:06 PM
Paige’s good friend guides her through The Catacombs steering her towards an employment board of sorts, from which he pulls a recruiting announcement. She watches as a middle aged man shakes the hand of an interesting looking half-elf with a piglet(?) tucked under her arm. The man introduces himself, and his young companion. The cleric waits her turn, then she too offers her hand - acknowledging each by name - ”Myre, Nintos, Fenfaran” nodding her head, as she clasps firmly, but is careful not to squeeze too hard. Looking at Fenfaran’s furry arm, she volunteers ”looks like you might be on to something, little guy. Same thing happens to me, but I feel it here - on the back of my neck.”. The half-elf lifts the hair off her neck and turns to show the beast-boy.
Propelled unceremoniously out of the marketplace, Paige spots her travelling companions from earlier. The dwarf and half-orc seem to have acquired a new friend who seems to know his way around the city and says he knows someone people at this Black Cathedral. Paige will follow those following the one who calls himself Fingers, since they seem bent on the same task.
Once inside the administrative offices, Paige studies the balding man, listening to what he says and attempting to learn what he doesn’t say. (Perception = 24)
DM Sanity Info: Orisons: 0/3 used Prepared: detect magic, guidance, light Level1 spells: 0/2 used Prepared: bless, magic weapon Domain Spells: 0/1 used Prepared: sanctuary
Having taken note of
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 21/T 12/FF 19, HP 14/14, CMD 15. Wednesday March 2nd, 2022 9:57:16 PM
Kwarsk says to the bald man, "Ah... yes, sir, we're here for the flyer. I... we're ready to work. Who are the... criminals, exactly?"
Rhys (Bob) AC 17; CMD 16/18 vs Disarm & Sunder; HP 12/12 Wednesday March 2nd, 2022 10:57:44 PM
Rhys introduces himself to the others as they head out the door of the Catacombs and follows the minotaur and assembled acquaintances south through the Adventurers Square . “Remarkable” he thinks to himself, ”all of these races seem just as rash and impetuous as each other, a few tickets from poster advertising some work, a fast handshake or two and it’s off to who knows what danger. Is it excitement they crave? Or is it purpose?”
The elf follows along behind, taking in the sights as they cross into an area dominated by two large castles and a temple wit three domes before crossing a wide bridge over the river. This area is decidedly more rundown, shoddy houses and tenements line the dirty streets. Rhys instinctively keeps a tighter grip on his purse as they traverse the area before exiting upon a large dark cathedral in the shape of a skull.
Rhys stands next to Paige as the others converse with the bald headed administrator.
Grothic (Jonathan) -- AC 17 /12/15 -- CMD 17 -- HP13/13 Thursday March 3rd, 2022 7:58:20 AM
Grothic points Kwarsk and his tower shield as he whispers to Fingers. That drawbridge. I thought it was dumb at first because it was so big, but standing next to it makes you feel safer. It's like a blankie for grown ups and he does all the work carrying it around. I don't really know much else about him except he really wants to try... Grothic looks again at his new bovine traveling companion. Something, I forget what.
He steps away from Fingers and addresses the administrator. "When you said gave at the office, did you think we were the criminals?"
Myre (Carl) -- AC 12/12/10 CMD: 12 HP: 12/12 Spell Slots Remaining: 4 Thursday March 3rd, 2022 10:52:42 AM
Myre walks along with her new...companions. We'll call them companions right now. Before they set off towards the Black Cathedral, she tucks Waddles back in her pack. She hadn't planned on meeting anyone today, else he would have stayed put away.
She has a brief moment of anticipation when ice cream is mentioned, but soon realizes this Fingers character was just being sarcastic. She manages to swallow her disappointment, making a note to suggest ice cream to celebrate once these criminals are dealt with.
...and on that subject, she waits to hear what this man has to say about them.
Nintos Melinous (Clint) | HP 8/8 | AC:12 T:12 FF:10 | CMD:12 CMB:0 | Fort:2 Ref:2 Will:3 | Merletta (Familiar) HP 4/4 | AC:15 T:14 FF:13 | CMB:0 CMD:6 | Fort:1 Ref:4 Will:2 d20+3=16 ; Thursday March 3rd, 2022 12:03:52 PM
Looking at those who have pulled the tab from the poster; “The Black Cathedral, I am not one who is big on architecture, but the way they built the Cathedral is rather amazing. If you were to fly above it, an amazing feat in itself, it has the look of a skull looking up to the gods.”
Walking with this possible forming ‘party,’ Nintos looks at those around him; “You all seem well equipped, ready for battle and travel.” looking at the one called Grothic and his weapons; “Have you see so much battle to need that many weapons?”
Entering into the Black Cathedral, Nintos thinks to himself; The worshipers of Gargul truly need someone with organizational skills. Those files are everywhere. What one could learn during that time… as he looks at the papers in passing.
Kwarsk, was his name? Direct and to the point, but then again, I don’t know many dwarves who like to dance around the matter at hand. But, why is this follower of Gargul so secretive… Merletta lets out a slight squawk as she flutters her wings on Nintos’ shoulder; “Yes, yes. I know.” (Sense Motive = 16)
Chiming in after the dwarf; “Yes, and possibly more important, what were the crimes they were charged with?”
Fenfaran - (Iain) AC:18 - CMD:13 - HP:11/11 - Spells d20+10=18 ; Thursday March 3rd, 2022 3:23:49 PM
Fen looks at Myre's neck and smiles. Later he nudges her and asks: "What's ice cream"?
Following the crowd he looks around the cathedral and gasps when Nintos explains the skull. He frowns and pays close attention (Perception: 18)
Grothic (Jonathan) -- AC 17 /12/15 -- CMD 17 -- HP13/13 Thursday March 3rd, 2022 7:41:29 PM
Grothic replies to Nintos:
I have only seen one battle. I showed up at the end and from behind. My weapons and armor were looted from that incident. To tell the truth, I wish there was a way I could practice or spar without paying a trainer or committing a crime.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 21/T 12/FF 19, HP 14/14, CMD 15. Thursday March 3rd, 2022 8:33:35 PM
Kwarsk, waiting for the bald man to reply, is someone dumbstruck by the cacophony of voices around him as the rest of the party enters, talking about architecture and flying and ice cream and the obvious comfort of a tower shield. And... wait... ice cream... Kwarsk turns to the minotaur (Fingers) twice his height and stammers out, excuse me great warrior, but what is this "ice cream" you speak of? I have enjoyed ice cubes, but found nothing creamy about them, compared to a stout mug of dwarven ale..."
DM Melvin Thursday March 3rd, 2022 8:53:48 PM
Fingers says he's here for the ice cream. (I'm pretty sure Fingers is joking, but the balding man takes him as seriously as Myre does.) Kwarsk and Rhys introduce themselves normally. Fenfaran wonders what this ice cream is exactly.
Paige tries to make what I assume is actually a sense motive check (which the DM roled silently).
Paige Only: Highlight to display spoiler: { The balding man didn't actually expect anyone to answer this ad. As Grothic presses him, Paige also gets the sense that he feels himself too good for this place. }
The man begins to stammer near Grothic, but eventually composes himself. "Sorry, let me introduce myself, Berem at your service," he continues in a low nasally voice, slow as molasses. "And, no, no... It's just administrative stuff, high level, you know how it goes."
Berem takes a deep breath, whispers a few reminders to himself, and begins his spiel. "We are the division of the cathedral tasked with nothing less than the ultimate cleansing of the Scar, the cursed site that left this area in darkness for so long. Having pushed back the dark forces, we are now ready to make this the tourist attraction it long deserved to become... you know, eventually, it's a matter at work."
He pointed to Nintos. "This guy gets it, right to the point," he continues slowly. "Well, this is a bit of a mundane matter, to start. Test a few people out, just a bit of a trifle really... some mischief... Anyone hear of something called The Poisoner's Guild? No, of course not, bit of puffery in the name."
He paused for a bit.
"Anyway, a few members of the guild have been making some waves, trying to restart stuff, bad for business, you know how it is. So, we just want to send you to some of the places sighted, see if you can track any of them, report back either way, and you get the money when you figure out what they've been working on. Kind of a chance to start some sparing now."
Before you can say yes or no, he begins to write on a paper information about your contact, Clarisse, and where to find her.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 21/T 12/FF 19, HP 14/14, CMD 15. Thursday March 3rd, 2022 9:06:05 PM
Kwarsk hears Berem scribble, and being lower to the ground than the tall folk, leans over past his tower shield a bit in order to read as Berem writes... once Berem finishes, Kwarsk looks around to see if one of the tall folk is going to do their tall-folk thing and try to take charge of the situation just because they're tall. That's what Dad told him tall folk do, so Kwarsk, finally having an opportunity to watch tall folk in action, looks back and forth between them and watches, also noting that one, the beastfolk, is about Kwarsk's eye level, which makes Kwarsk sigh a bit in relief.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 16, CMD 12, HP 11/11 Thursday March 3rd, 2022 10:03:16 PM It has been a rough time for the 18 year old cleric. Walking half the day just to reach Plateau City, getting lost on her way to the WLA headquarters, mauled by the crowds in Adventurer’s Square, dragged through what seem like the seedier quarter’s of the City, only to be confounded by a self important buffoon? Paige just wants to get cleaned up and have something to eat….but 200 gold!…that’s 25 gold apiece for the 8 of them, when most regular folks are lucky to earn 10 silver a week!
“Let me get this right,” she says from her spot farthest away from Berem and his desk, 200 gold for ‘completion of the task’, which is to figure out what some folks who call themselves the Poisoner’s Guild are about? Can you be a little more specific?”
Paige can not see what the officious man is scribbling, but if she can catch the eye of any of the 8 who’s acquaintance she has made, she will nod her head in acceptance of the task. If Fenfaran makes eye contact, she will rub the back of her neck and grin at the beast-boy before nodding her head.
Rhys (Bob) AC 17; CMD 16/18 vs Disarm & Sunder; HP 12/12 Thursday March 3rd, 2022 10:28:45 PM
Rhys stands with his back against the wall, arms crossed against his chest. ”Seems an odd thing” he says to no one in particular, ”to make amusement from a cursed place that has likely caused little but grief and suffering”. Rhys hopes that this Clarisse can provide more insight into the task at hand. ”Perhaps the WLA can share some information about this ‘Poisoners Guild’ and recent goings on in the Scar” he thinks to himself while awaiting the judgement of the group.
Fingers (Shawn) AC 14, HP 13/13, CMD 15, F:+2 R:+4 W:+0 Friday March 4th, 2022 3:03:49 AM
Fingers chuckles at the dwarf's question. "I'm just having some fun with our host here. Ice cream is a frozen dessert they're serving at a party tomorrow. If we do our task well, perhaps we'll be invited."
(Fingers waits for Berem to answer Paige's question. If he doesn't say something like "Clarisse will give you the details", Fingers will suggest it.)
Nintos Melinous (Clint) | HP 8/8 | AC:12 T:12 FF:10 | CMD:12 CMB:0 | Fort:2 Ref:2 Will:3 | Merletta (Familiar) HP 4/4 | AC:15 T:14 FF:13 | CMB:0 CMD:6 | Fort:1 Ref:4 Will:2 Friday March 4th, 2022 8:08:36 AM Earlier “Opportunistic,” Nintos says to Grothic as he explains how he received his weapons and armor; “Don’t sell yourself short. Seeing battle at any phase is a test of ones will and fortitude. Seeing the fallen will siphon the wheat from the chaff, and you are still here.”
Hearing Grothic mention a desire to spar, Nintos nods; “As you can see I am no warrior, but I might have just the answer. I can conjure forth different creatures, even if it is just for a short period. If there is free time, we could test your ability against different types of creatures.” Nintos shrugs questioning the Half-Orc. “Could prove interesting, and it would test my casting skills under pressure. A win win.”
At the Black Cathedral Listening to Berem, Nintos chimes in agreement with Paige; “Yes, I would also like more details. What kind of waves are the guild members making? Bad for whose business, the Poisoner’s Guild or… yours?” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Memorized Spells: 0: Acid Splash, Prestidigitation, Mage Hand. 1st: Summon Monster 1, Grease
Grothic (Jonathan) -- AC 17 /12/15 -- CMD 17 -- HP13/13 Friday March 4th, 2022 2:20:38 PM
To Nintos That sounds interesting and I would like to take you up on it, when we have time.
To Berem When you say Poisoner's Guild, do they make the poisons or use the poisons? And just so everyone's on the same page, what do you expect us to do when we find them?
Fingers (Shawn) AC 14, HP 13/13, CMD 15, F:+2 R:+4 W:+0 Friday March 4th, 2022 2:22:48 PM "His business, of course," Fingers says to Nintos. "The Cathedral's business is the natural operation of life and death. A 'Poisoner's Guild' probably encourages death. Either they get paid for it, or they're some sort of cult that hopes to kill more people than every viper and scorpion that ever lived. And get paid for it."
Fenfaran - (Iain) AC:18 - CMD:13 - HP:11/11 - Spells Friday March 4th, 2022 5:37:21 PM
Hearing Berem say he wanted a cursed area of 'doom and gloom' as a tourist attraction made Fenfaran's tummy churn, slowly he works his way to the back and when he sees Kwarsk people-watching he 'looks up' and winks, then notices Paige and grins back. A big cheeky one. Somehow she was all the way at the back and won the 'furthest away from Berem' game. He was just about to up his when Rhys speaks and Fen blurts out "SEE HE GEts ... it"! He starts off enthusiastic but as people look at him ~ it wanes fast! He gets stage fright and freezes. Then awkwardly shuffles out of sight.
As the conversation flows he listens and remembers a far away land. She who dances in the wind as he played his flute...
DM Melvin Friday March 4th, 2022 9:02:17 PM
Kwarsk decides to let the bigguns handle this.
Paige asks Berem if he can be more specific. Grothic asks what to do when they find them. It's at this pont that Alexander comes in to serve the team some coffee, and looks askew at the various questions.
Fingers already figured that Clarisse will give the details. Validating this, Berem notes that it's less about what to do when they find them, and more about finding what they are up to, and stopping them. "Aside from that, no no," Berem replies tensely.
Nintos is confused as to whose business. Fingers gets that it's Berem's business, contrasting the cathedral and a poisoner's guild on the philosophy of death. Berem nods along with this, adding slowly that "even the god of life and death cares about helping the neighborhood."
Grothic asks if the Poisoner's Guild makes or uses the poisons. "Both," Berem replied, with a glance at Alexander about the first one.
Rhys and Fenfaran are skeptical and philosophic about turning such a place into a tourist spot. "It isn't about the tourism," Berem replies defensively. "It's about rebirth. About bringing the true nature of Gargul back to an area that focused on the wrong side of life and death."
Berem sighed. "It is our job to aid the community by helping the members in need. There are tasks out there and we complete them, except... We're actually a bit outside of the Church of Gargul, here at the Office of Local Administrative Affairs. It's really just me, Alexander, Clarisse, and whatever priest wanders in on occasion, and everything else... that's why we're reaching out to adventurers like yourselves. We're a little over our head with this poison business, and I'd like to stop it quietly, before it's too late to stop... I mean, before it becomes a concern for my supervisors. If you aren't up to the task, I'd be glad to find other adventurers that can handle this. In the meantime, all of your questions will be answered if you go to this street corner by this time.... By the way, do you have a team name? Some way to collectively refer to you?"
---------------
When the team arrived at the Black Cathedral in mid-afternoon, the imposing skull shaped structure gleamed with black radiance as you approached. The rest of the temple was just as grand. Large windows showed a magestic view over the entire city. The interior was set pragmatically and without lavish waste, but still provided an aura of grandeur and significance. Orderlies and priests went about their business, preoccupied with their duties.
Leaving is a different experience. At sunset, the team exits to find a body lying on a gurney, just delivered, and about to be whisked off for a quick preparation and burial. A quartet in black stand on the steps, chanting an ongoing night prayer about life, death and judgement. The members in general begin to prepare for nightfall.
And as the team moves toward their destination, as night began to fall upon the city, the temple changed, glowing violet behind them.
------------------
At just a few blocks to their destination, with only a few minutes to spare, shouting cand be heard in a nearby alleyway. A few passers-by glance toward the commotion before continuing as before.
Perception 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {You can track the noise to it's source.}
Perception 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {You can make out two voices, that of a large man and of a little girl.}
Rhys (Bob) AC 17; CMD 16/18 vs Disarm & Sunder; HP 12/12 d20+3=22 ; Friday March 4th, 2022 10:08:29 PM
Rhys listens to the discussions between Beren, Alexander, Nintos and Fingers and the other members of the group. ”While I am prepared to undertake this venture in the company of these …these…brave souls, perhaps we can leave the naming to a later time when we have discovered more of who we are” the young elf speaks his mind.
As they leave the temple for the meeting with Clarisse, the purple hue of the building provides little in the way of comfort given the vivid reminder that death haunts the place.
Rhys follows Fingers along the narrow streets as they head to their rendezvous and is just about to ask exactly where they are headed when loud voices intrude upon the moment (Perception = 22). He tugs at Fingers sleeve and whispers ” A man and a child are shouting somewhere over there” he points in the direction the noise is coming from. ”They may be in trouble, I think we should investigate”.
If Fingers is in agreement Rhys will lead them to the altercation he has heard, quietly drawing his sword from the scabbard secured across his back. The long curved blade glints along its razor sharp edge in whatever small amount of light reaches it from above.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 21/T 12/FF 19, HP 14/14, CMD 15. d20+3=16 ; Friday March 4th, 2022 10:28:01 PM
Kwarsk says, "Well, it seems we have the details we needed, for now. I'm new to Plateau City - anyone know where that street corner is? We should at least take a look around as the twilight fades... Anyone know if the Poisoner's Guild is most active at night or day?
Kwarsk then follows Fingers and Rhys, beckoning to the others to follow.
(Perception = 16) " Hear that?" Kwarsk says to Fingers, Rhys, and the others following. "Sounds like someone is in trouble - let's see if they need help!"
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 16, CMD 12, HP 11/11 d20=17 ; Friday March 4th, 2022 10:28:34 PM It boggles the mind! thinks the cleric. Having arrived just that day, Paige and her three travelling companions don’t even have a place to stay for the night, and she knows next to nothing about the other four having exchanged few words since meeting around the job board in the Catacombs. She’s not even sure if she trusts the Minotaur! He seems to know an awful lot about the City, the worship of Gargul, and the Poisoners Guild for a seemingly young taur.
Maybe call us ‘The Temps’ since this is a temporary solution until we sort ourselves out? she says to Barem.
As Paige makes for the exit, she calls over her shoulder: Kwarsk! Collect that sheet of information from Mr. Barem, and then let’s get going.
Paige will follow at the back of the group and try to engage Fenfaran and [/b]Nintos[/b] in conversation. ”So you live here? In the City?”
Perception = 17 Paige hears a commotion in the alley. Great. Just great. she mutters, as she reaches over her shoulder for her mace.
Nintos Melinous (Clint) | HP 8/8 | AC:12 T:12 FF:10 | CMD:12 CMB:0 | Fort:2 Ref:2 Will:3 | Merletta (Familiar) HP 4/4 | AC:15 T:14 FF:13 | CMB:0 CMD:6 | Fort:1 Ref:4 Will:2 2d20=16 ; d20+3=4 ; d20+8=12 ; Friday March 4th, 2022 10:33:05 PM
[ooc]When rolling, I want to make it known that my roll will always be first, then Merlettas. Disregard my first roll… I thought it was going to roll the 2 20s individually… sorry still learning the boards.[ooc]
Earlier Holding his hand out as if making some kind of deal, Nintos responds to Grothic; “May the best man win! I will be sure to memorize an extra Summon spell in the morning for us to have this little dance.”
At the Black Cathedral Hearing out Berem’s response and his call to aid, Nintos nods; “I somehow managed to get myself into this. Fenfaran, looks like I will be joining you on this adventure.” Thinking to himself Never thought I would be an adventurer…
As Paige approaches; “Live here? Oh, not exactly. I have been here for a few years. Studying at the library. Learning to properly say these incantations, being a teacher and tutor at the youth academy. You?”
At the Commotion Hearing shouts, Nintos moves himself behind the shields of the likes of Grothic. Looking to Merletta; “Go on, fly up to safety.” the black raven flies to the sky out of the reach of potential danger, but also keeping an eye out below.
Fingers (Shawn) AC 14, HP 13/13, CMD 15, F:+2 R:+4 W:+0 d20+5=13 ; Saturday March 5th, 2022 1:58:21 AM
Perception check: 13.
Fingers (Shawn) AC 14, HP 13/13, CMD 15, F:+2 R:+4 W:+0 Saturday March 5th, 2022 2:21:25 AM
(BTW: All will have seen that Fingers wears leather armor, has a crossbow across his back, a quiver on his left side and a sap on his right. All are Large-sized, and purchased while you were all at the Catacombs.)
If Fingers is in agreement...
Of course. He pulls a massive blackjack from a belt-loop. Let's go.
Rhys will lead them to the altercation he has heard....
Fingers pictures a ragged vagrant snatching candy from a little girl, only to run headlong into this armed war-party. THAT will sure scare him straight...
Fenfaran - (Iain) AC:18 - CMD:13 - HP:11/11 - Spells d20+10=22 ; Saturday March 5th, 2022 9:02:39 AM
In the Temple (to Nintos): "Jobs fill your pockets, adventures fill your soul. Besides, if you were meant to stay in one place, you'd have roots ~ not feet"! He wanted to add 'Also, when we come back, we see the place we left with new eyes and extra colors” but shyness kicks in.
Outside (to Paige): "Live here? Oh no! I plan to die here! My life has been long and prosperous, I have traveled to many places and made lots of friends, so there cannot be much of it left"?! He shrugs acceptingly. "I figure this is a good place to face my death"! He says it all very calm and matter of fact.
(Perception:22) "Why does big man shout at little girl"?
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 21/T 12/FF 19, HP 14/14, CMD 15. Saturday March 5th, 2022 9:11:30 AM earlier...
Kwarsk had taken two steps when he heard Paige, and, gathering himself, pivoted left, still grasping his tower shield, and with a knowing glance at Berem, grabbed the paper strongly, but without ripping it, then pivoted again and charged out the door after Fingers and Rhys, making up time lost...
Grothic (Jonathan) -- AC 17 /12/15 -- CMD 17 -- HP13/13 d20+5=11 ; Saturday March 5th, 2022 2:38:31 PM
Grothic doesn't hear whatever commotion is bothering his companions, but gets the impression that a bully needs bullying. He leaves his weapons sheathed for now and runs out the door.
Grothic (Jonathan) -- AC 17 /12/15 -- CMD 17 -- HP13/13 Monday March 7th, 2022 8:21:54 AM Flashback to Grothic introducing himself while we wait
Grothic is a muscular half-orc, with scars on the back of his neck and arms. If you see him without armor, the scars fill the entirety of his back. He has mentioned (probably a lot) that he grew up pushing an oar as a slave on an orc merchant vessel and that he has an adopted-ish human brother named Drellen whose whereabouts are currently unknown.
He and the orc he calls Grandfather escaped slavery together (after throwing Drellen onto a life raft full of humans). They were found my bounty hunters who thought they should go back to slavery. Grothic was the only survivor of that fight and wears the bloodied armor and weapons of his opponents. If asked about his sarcasm, he says that he learned it from Drellen and it often doesn't go over as well as he thought it would (hence the 8 in charisma).
Fenfaran - (Iain) AC:18 - CMD:13 - HP:11/11 - Spells Monday March 7th, 2022 3:43:32 PM
Fen has his staff ready as he follows the crowd.
Nintos Melinous (Clint) | HP 8/8 | AC:12 T:12 FF:10 | CMD:12 CMB:0 | Fort:2 Ref:2 Will:3 | Merletta (Familiar) HP 4/4 | AC:15 T:14 FF:13 | CMB:0 CMD:6 | Fort:1 Ref:4 Will:2 Monday March 7th, 2022 4:42:12 PM Earlier in the Temple Nintos let’s those words roll around his mind Besides, if you were meant to stay in one place, you’d have roots ~ not feet! “There is some wisdom in those word Fenfaran. I have seen my fair share of greyness in this wold, I would like to see it in extra colors.” Patting the young beastfolk on his shoulder.
At the Commotion Seeing that Merletta was able to fly up to safety, Nintos looks around Grothic to see what he had missed Why does big man shout at little girl? “That is a good question to ask…” Nintos reaches into his belt pouch feeling for the wax parchment wrapped sliver of butter as he keep a watchful eye out.
It is a unanimous decision that whatever the consequences of lateness or the dangers that await, the team should head to the screaming that is currently ongoing.
(Exceptions are made for those that can't quite make out what's going on. Those teammates vote to hunker down, but it sounds like they'd rather engage than avoid.)
"Let's go, you little thief," a gruff voice shoots through the darkness. The team slowly moves down the alley and eventually sees a large guard tightly holding a small elf girl, no more than 20. The elf girl, for her part, can be heard screaming though the city as she struggles to get free.
For a moment, it seems unclear which has the upper hand. The guard, easily twice the girl's size, has her trapped but seems unsure himself how or where to move her. "Just give up, and stop making this worse," he finally implores, exasperated.
The girl's continued screaming and kicking indicates otherwise.
Rhys (Bob) AC 17; CMD 16/18 vs Disarm & Sunder; HP 12/12 Monday March 7th, 2022 9:02:18 PM
Rhys takes in the scene before him and immediately sheaths his sword. He feels for the guard who struggles to deal with the girl in his grasp without resorting to more severe means. ”I think the local guard has this well in hand”. The elf looks over at the ‘thief’ and implores her to cooperate with the guard. ” If you are innocent child, the truth will be known and you will be set free. If not, you will only worsen your situation by resisting. What do you say?”.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 21/T 12/FF 19, HP 14/14, CMD 15. d20+3=11 ; Monday March 7th, 2022 9:11:34 PM
Kwarsk has to sprint to keep up with the tall folk, but does so, trusting to his hardy Dwarven guts.
On arriving, Kwarsk hesitates a tick, torn between assuming that either the guard must be brutally abusing his authority, or that the girl is in fact a thief.
Kwarsk's eyes shift to the Guard for a long moment, looking for some official indicia that the Guard works for Plateau City or some other famous organization. (Perception = 11) This is Kwarsk's first time in Plateau City, but he hopes to distinguish between an official guard and some hooligan abusing any semblance of authority.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 16, CMD 12, HP 11/11 Monday March 7th, 2022 9:30:41 PM ”Rhys! Let us know if you need any help” calls the half-elf as she halts, and returns to the mouth of the alley. “Kwarsk, what exactly did Administrator Barem write down on that note of his?”
Paige hadn’t heard any directions other than the group was to get further information from a person named ‘Clarisse’ that they were supposed to meet that night. She did not hear a time, nor learn of the rendezvous-vows point. It all seems rather clandestine.
Grothic (Jonathan) -- AC 17 /12/15 -- CMD 17 -- HP13/13 Monday March 7th, 2022 9:41:22 PM
Move action: Grothic approaches the scuffle, drawing rope from the side of his backpack.
Standard action: Grothic attempts to tie a loop around the girl's waist. I imagine there would be an attack of opportunity, but she's grappled and unarmed so I'm not too worried about it.
Free action: Relax, lawman. It is my intent to help you but I really don't feel like chasing anyone. A half-orc? Chasing a pretty little elf? I'd be dead before you could say damsel in distress.
Myre (Carl) -- AC 12/12/10 CMD: 12 HP: 12/12 Spell Slots Remaining: 4 d20=15 ; Monday March 7th, 2022 11:09:10 PM Myre's gut kicks into overdrive when she sees the big 'ol human manhandling the girl, but her companions have the right of it...maybe. She eyes the guard, seeing if she can figure out how official he looks.
Perception: 18 - Does this guard look like an actual guard? Is there a badge or something that identifies him? Does it look legit?
Fingers (Shawn) AC 14, HP 13/13, CMD 15, F:+2 R:+4 W:+0 d20+4=18 ; Tuesday March 8th, 2022 2:55:15 AM
Rhys and Grothic seem to be echoing Muuru's thoughts, so he holds back and says nothing. And yet, after a month or so in the city, he's heard stories of rogues who stage fights or other distractions for the benefit of their cut-purse partners.
This seems to be a real arrest in progress, but even so --. Yeah. Muuru scans the crowd to see if anyone is taking advantage of this "excitement".
Perception: d20+5 = 19 [correction to automated roll]
Nintos Melinous (Clint) | HP 8/8 | AC:12 T:12 FF:10 | CMD:12 CMB:0 | Fort:2 Ref:2 Will:3 | Merletta (Familiar) HP 4/4 | AC:15 T:14 FF:13 | CMB:0 CMD:6 | Fort:1 Ref:4 Will:2 d20+3=18 ; Tuesday March 8th, 2022 8:47:15 AM
[ooc]20 for an elf is very young. Is she really 20 in elven years or relative to a human? I’m moving forward with the idea that she is 20 in elven years.[ooc]
Seeing the young elven child, Nintos rounds the flesh wall of Grothic and begins walking towards this situation. This is not right… Nintos thinks to himself. As he approaches, Nintos tries to see if there is something in either of their hands that would mark this child as a thief Perception 18
“Stop! What is the meaning of laying hands on this little girl.” Seeing Grothic trying to tie her wrist up, Nintos puts a hand in the way to try and prevent it.
“What has this child done? You call her a thief, what has she actually stolen?
Nintos remembers a time when he way a young married man with an infant and the coin pouch was empty. The thought had crossed his mind to steal food many times. Thinking to himself Hunger and love for your family will drive you to do almost anything.
Grothic (Jonathan) -- AC 17 /12/15 -- CMD 17 -- HP13/13 Tuesday March 8th, 2022 9:45:14 AM
Whispered to Nintos Highlight to display spoiler: { [b] We can ask all those questions after we convince the guard we're on his side. If he's doing the right thing, which is a high probability, then stopping him is a crime. If he's not, we can figure that out in a minute. The rope is still attached to my backpack. Please trust me before you get yourself arrested. If she is a thief, then we've made a friend with the guards. }
Nintos Melinous (Clint) | HP 8/8 | AC:12 T:12 FF:10 | CMD:12 CMB:0 | Fort:2 Ref:2 Will:3 | Merletta (Familiar) HP 4/4 | AC:15 T:14 FF:13 | CMB:0 CMD:6 | Fort:1 Ref:4 Will:2 Tuesday March 8th, 2022 5:07:47 PM
Hearing Grothic’s whisper, Nintos realizes that he is probably running on passion. My own little girl would have been 12 this year… He goes silent and withdraws a little bit.
Fenfaran - (Iain) AC:18 - CMD:13 - HP:11/11 - Spells d20+10=11 ; Tuesday March 8th, 2022 5:20:05 PM
Fen watches and looks for clues. (Perception:11 ~ 'nat 1').
Myre (Carl) -- AC 12/12/10 CMD: 12 HP: 12/12 Spell Slots Remaining: 4 Tuesday March 8th, 2022 10:57:31 PM Myre worries that things are about to get heated. The guard probably is a guard and probably is stopping a crime, but she still feels the need to make sure a child's not in danger.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 21/T 12/FF 19, HP 14/14, CMD 15. Tuesday March 8th, 2022 11:07:29 PM
Kwarsk replies to Paige, "Berem wrote 'information about our contact, Clarisse, and where to find her.' according to what Berem said. I didn't have time to read it before we ran here."
[OOC] The DM did not reference Kwarsk's earlier post about peeking around his tower shield to read what Berem was writing, or Kwarsk's later post where Kwarsk took the writing from Berem, so Wayne does not know what words are actually written there.
Rhys (Bob) AC 17; CMD 16/18 vs Disarm & Sunder; HP 12/12 d20+1=19 ; Tuesday March 8th, 2022 11:26:44 PM
Rhys grows confused by the situation that has unfolded. ”Perhaps not as straight forward as it initially appeared” he thinks and reserves both judgement and further action until either the guard or the girl responds. (Sense Motive = 19)
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 16, CMD 12, HP 11/11 d20+6=11 ; Tuesday March 8th, 2022 11:27:23 PM
From her position at the mouth of the alley, Paige looks up and down the street and wonders what their contact ‘Clarisse’ looks like. (Perception = 11)
Fenfaran - (Iain) AC:18 - CMD:13 - HP:11/11 - Spells Wednesday March 9th, 2022 4:06:24 AM
(OOC DM are we currently anywhere near the street corner we were supposed to be heading to?)
DM Melvin Wednesday March 9th, 2022 11:32:49 AM
The argument continues as to whether this girl is actually a pickpocket or not, along with a few side issues regarding mercy, class differences, lots of new curse words the group now learned. The girl is in rags, and clearly underfed (if healthy enough to hold off a grown man).
Rhys takes the guard's side, going so far as to order the girl (just so we're clear, we're talking 7 in human years) to stand down. Grothic goes so far as to grab the girl himself, and gets a kick in the face for his trouble (no damage). (I thought he was taking her side at first, grabbing her away from the guard.) Myre and Finger come on board.
Nintos, however, takes the girl's side, at least for a moment. Grothic whispers to Nintos something that gets him to calm down.
Kwarsk and Myre make an attempt to determine if the guard is legitimate. His perception is just enough to see what looks like a uniform and insignia, though he doesn't really know the area well enough to check legitimacy. (For what it's worth, Myre can see that the girl treats the guard as legitimate. She's resisting because he says he's a guard, not because he's lying about who he is.)
Fingers checks to see if this is a distraction or anything, but the area is quiet and he doesn't see anything.
Paige stays a bit behind, hoping to make their meeting, but doesn't know where they're going. Kwarsk tells her where to go.
(OOC: I'm not treating it as a big secret for only some of you. Rather than write out the location or who can see it, I just kept it vague. But for the record, it's a particular street corner a few blocks from both here and the skull market. Basically everyone is presumed to know it unless they say IC that they didn't look at the paper.)
With Grothic's help, the guard can finally take the little girl into a carrying position, and remove the necklace she pickpocketed. The girl, for her part, stops struggling, broken, in tears.
"Well, I do appreciate the help," the human guard replies. "Bersi, by the way. Well, off with her to processing... And a late night of paperwork. Fun. Well, maybe I'll see you around."
With that, he begins to head toward the police station.
Rhys (Bob) AC 17; CMD 16/18 vs Disarm & Sunder; HP 12/12 Wednesday March 9th, 2022 12:12:18 PM
Rhys nods to Bersi and turns to head back out of the alley. ”We had better be on our way if we don’t want to be late for our appointment. We can check back on the waif afterwards”. The elf waits back at the street for Fingers or one of the others who know the city to take the lead.
Grothic (Jonathan) -- AC 17 /12/15 -- CMD 17 -- HP13/13 Wednesday March 9th, 2022 12:46:53 PM "I will walk with you Bersi, if you don't mind. You can present me to your supervisor so I can get a well-earned pat on the back and I can assure my companions that you're not some kidnapper of stray children."
To the others "I can catch up to you soon. I promised Nintos that I would make sure this is legitimate. Once I see her safely in a cell, I will come find you, you're not a hard bunch to track. Besides, I donated some gold to an orphanage when I got here and it was really weird. I'd like to ask Bersi and his boss if they know why."
Guardsman Bersi, do guards not return stolen property in this city? Seems an extra hassle if you already know who it was stolen from. Grothic says as he catches up to he guardsman.
Nintos Melinous (Clint) | HP 8/8 | AC:12 T:12 FF:10 | CMD:12 CMB:0 | Fort:2 Ref:2 Will:3 | Merletta (Familiar) HP 4/4 | AC:15 T:14 FF:13 | CMB:0 CMD:6 | Fort:1 Ref:4 Will:2 d20+11=15 ; Wednesday March 9th, 2022 2:20:06 PM
Seeing the girl in rags and malnourished, Nintos’s heart breaks for the girl. “Can’t you see she is but a child and hungry? How much could that necklace be? Here, I’ll give you the coin for the necklace, and you can do with what you will with both the coins and necklace if you leave her in my care.” (Appraise 15 on necklace)
What are you doing… You were incapable of raising Alexander… Shaking his head free of that though; “I will see that she is fed and put on a proper track. Mercy is what she needs, not a T seared on the back of her hand, or her hand completely cut off for that matter.”
[OOC]I don’t know the local laws, I’m just running with historical/fiction punishments for thieves[OOC}
In Elven (Highlight to display spoiler if you speak elven) Highlight to display spoiler: { “Plead for mercy child. I wish to help you find a better life.”}
Nintos stands aside if the guard takes her in. Laws are laws for reasons, and every action has a balanced consequence.
Myre (Carl) -- AC 12/12/10 CMD: 12 HP: 12/12 Spell Slots Remaining: 4 Wednesday March 9th, 2022 5:14:17 PM "Golly. This dude sure cares about urchins." Myre isn't so cold-hearted that seeing a crying child get dragged off doesn't hurt, and she knows that society is probably more to blame for her crime than she is, but rules is rules, yea? She's also pretty sure that what this Nintos fellah just did is technically bribery. Myre is no barrister, but she doesn't think thievery is forgiven when a nice stranger gives the guard a handful of coins.
She looks down at the rubber pig in her hands. Didn't she put him back in her pack? Yes...yes she did. She must have fished him out without realizing. "No, Waddles, I don't think he's trying to bribe the guard. I think he's just trying to get that girl out of trouble." ... "No, he probably doesn't know her. Some people just have a soft spot for kids." ... "No, it probably doesn't extend to pigs, and certainly not rubber ones." ... "Then I suppose you had better not try and steal anything. I certainly won't be buying your freedom." ... "She'd probably leave me in jail so I could learn not to steal...or to not get caught stealing. Not sure which..." She looks up at the rest of her new companions that aren't inserting themselves into this guard's day. "They'll catch up, right? Let's go talk to this Clarisse.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 16, CMD 12, HP 11/11 Wednesday March 9th, 2022 5:20:14 PM They would be in a better position to support a child or sponsor an orphanage if they had work and a steady income thinks the cleric. The middle aged man named Nintos seems to have employment and a home in the City, but at the rate he is spending his gold, the half-orc, Grothic will be living on the street! There must be dozens of lost or abandoned children living in the city…
”Those who wish to accompany Guardsman Bersi, declare yourselves.” she sighs, shaking her head. ”I’m for meeting this Clarisse. We can all meet up at the Black Cathedral in the morning.”
Paige hopes she will be able to find a place to rest and get some food after the meeting with Clarisse and learning more about the job they seem to have accepted.
Rhys (Bob) AC 17; CMD 16/18 vs Disarm & Sunder; HP 12/12 Wednesday March 9th, 2022 7:03:43 PM
Rhys pulls two thin smoke-cured slivers of venison from his pack, offers one to Paige, and begins gnawing on the other. ”I hadn’t realized how hungry I am. It’s been a long day with nothing to eat since awakening”.
Fingers (Shawn) AC 14, HP 13/13, CMD 15, F:+2 R:+4 W:+0 Wednesday March 9th, 2022 8:23:31 PM "I know where that corner is; lets go. By the way, He lowers his voice. I get the sense this could be a...subtle affair. Let's separate into pairs so we don't look like a party marching over there. When see Clarisse, um...Myre," (who has the highest CHA) "You go and talk to her first. Let her decide if she wants to be seen with the lot of us crowding around her."
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 21/T 12/FF 19, HP 14/14, CMD 15. Wednesday March 9th, 2022 8:42:26 PM
Kwarsk muses, and comes to the conclusion that those who head to meet Clarisse are likely to be in the most danger, comparing an elven girl to a Poisoner's Guild. The corner-squad may then have need of Kwarsk's legendary iron stomach!
Kwarsk replies to Paige, "I will join you, Fingers, and anyone else meeting Clarisse. My skills are not... subtle... in fact they're a bit noisy. I should probably pair with someone else who is noisy so the two of us can serve as a distraction enabling... subtle allies... to survey the situation. If Myre will handle the wordsmithing, then I wouldpair with her since Clarisse will see her coming anyways. Do you agree, Myre?"
DM Melvin Thursday March 10th, 2022 10:30:06 AM
Grothic decides instead to head with Bersi, to ensure that the crime is legitimate.
Nintos also heads along, asking if he can pay to release her. Myre worries that this can be seen as a bribe. Bersi seems to get what Nintos is offering, and seems even open to the idea. In the end, though, he chooses to take her in and process her. "Maybe I could release her into your jurisdiction, but that isn't really fair to you or this city. Besides, I can't just release her to one person. This isn't her first arrest and it won't be her last."
The police station, such as it is, remains as chaotic at night as the quarter's streets are during the day. Guards are shuttling in and out, moving arrested people into small cells and scribbling stuff on parchment. Bersi takes one of the small desks, speaking to himself as he scribbles. "Musetta... female elf, age old enough to know better...."
"Ooh, maybe you'll make captain," Musetta snarks to Bersi from a nearby chair. "Big arrest right here. Everyone look at the arrest that required three people."
Nintos makes sure that the little girl isn't tortured, much to Bersi's indignation and Musetta's humor. There's some argument about how bad Musetta has it in for or how civilized the place is, but it's pretty clear she isn't going to be tortured and that these guys are legitimate.
Grothic asks what Bersi will do with the necklace. Musetta suggests that it brings out the color in Bersi's eyes. Bersi remarks that it's evidence but will eventually be returned when they track down who she stole it from.
Musetta finally starts eyeing Grothic and Nintos carefully. "Speaking of shady dealings, I couldn't help but notice the two of you were walking around for no reason. In a large and rather diverse group. With lots of armor and weapons. At night."
Bersi warns Musetta not to talk, but you can tell he starts eyeing you two as well.
"I initially figured you were part of the circus freak show, but that's next week," Musetta remarked.
Grothic asks about the orphanage, and notices by this point that there are a number of children arrested. Bersi waits until Musetta is out of range before answering. "Well, I can't speak on the record except it's kind of new. They call it the Puccini Coffee Shop because they took over an aging tavern, and... Well, you met one of its residents already. Brats, all of them, all getting into trouble and hijinks."
And then Bersi began to soften. "But between you and me, that Orphanage Head, Walid, the rumors you could hear from him or about him. Frankly, part of me thinks they're better off in prison."
--------------
Rhys is ready to head on their way, giving the group dinner as they head over. Myre joins her. Paige joins them but can't stop thinking of the little girl. (Maybe if they were in better shape to take a girl in....)
Fingers joins them. Under his strategy, the group splits up into pairs, with Myre tasked to make the first connections. Kwarsk agrees to act as a sort of distraction.
Fenfaran remains silent, going with the default (so we have three pairs).
Eventually, they meet Clarisse, a blond human figure in cleric's robes and a hood. After stalking the area, she finally moves to shake Myre's hand.
"I was going to chew you out for being late, but at least you had the training to evaluate the situation. I was afraid that Berem was just going to throw a flyer up on the catacombs and grab eight people at random.
"Anyway, we don't have much time before the transaction goes down. The Poisoner's guild is already on the move and if this gets out into the greater use... Lord, I hope we aren't too late to stop it. So are you familiar with Mailed Fist maneuvers or should we just move in to Black Cathedral option 3?"
Myre (Carl) -- AC 12/12/10 CMD: 12 HP: 12/12 Spell Slots Remaining: 4 Thursday March 10th, 2022 11:46:43 AM "I'm supposed to do the talking? Oh bother..." Myre smiles big, though. "Sure thing! Happy to do my part!"
Then, she meets Clarisse and realizes she may be in over her head. Maybe her new companions know what a "Mailed Fist maneuver" is, or what "Black Cathedral option 3" means? She scans them, looking for signs they know what the heck this woman is talking about. If anyone does, she lets them take over talking. She considers lying; she's good at stretching the truth into uncomfortable shapes, but doing so right now may well get someone hurt. Sometimes honesty is the best policy, she supposes.
"Ma'am, it looks like I'm going to have to confirm Berem's failure to provide properly briefed applicants for this job. We're quick learners, though!" Well, she hopes the rest of her companions are. She also realizes that they're down two people because the men felt the need to protect a little elf girl. Typical*. She looks up at Clarisse, waiting to see how the woman responds. It would be a shame to get fired before they even got started.
*OOC: I mean no offense to anyone by this statement!
Grothic (Jonathan) -- AC 17 /12/15 -- CMD 17 -- HP13/13 Thursday March 10th, 2022 12:55:08 PM I beg your pardon, but how do you know she stole the necklace? Since you don't know who it belonged to, you obviously didn't see her take it. That would also mean that no one has reported it stolen. Surely those sworn to uphold the law can't just kidnap people for wearing jewelry. I would be correct in assuming you had more incriminating evidence, right?
Grothic faces Musetta. The more you talk, the more you remind me that you kicked me in the face. I would suggest silence.
Grothic (Jonathan) -- AC 17 /12/15 -- CMD 17 -- HP13/13 d20+5=15 ; Thursday March 10th, 2022 1:55:33 PM
Intimidate check for Musetta (15).
Rhys (Bob) AC 17; CMD 16/18 vs Disarm & Sunder; HP 12/12 Thursday March 10th, 2022 5:09:05 PM ”Alas your presumption about our hiring is quite accurate. A random group of individuals recruited through a rather vague poster is a very accurate description of the situation. I for one have no idea what the Mailed Fist is, let alone what the maneuvers are, and no one from the Cathedral has explained option 3 or options 1 and 2 for that matter. Nor do we know what the Poisoners Guild is up to. Berem has told us to report to you for clarification and direction”. The words spill out of Rhys in a torrent, partly in exasperation at being left in the dark, and partly in apprehension that they will be found unsuitable for the task at hand.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 16, CMD 12, HP 11/11 d20=6 ; Thursday March 10th, 2022 7:50:06 PM
Calm washes over the cleric as she chews on the bit of venison jerky provided by her elvish friend. She mentally chastises herself for not listening to her body, and providing for herself from her meagre store of travelling rations. She realizes she didn’t even have a chance to try the strange hot beverage served at the office inside the Black Cathedral. The half-elf takes a swig from her water skin.
Paige listens as Myre responds to the blonde woman’s questions. She ponders over the rotund porcine creature she had seen previously with the small sorcerer and wonders if it is some sort of comfort animal. Paige’s healer father had explained how some folks with psychiatric disabilities found the companionship of animals contributed to their well being. Paige plans to speak with the dark magicker about it…when time allows.
Whilst Rhys elaborates on the party’s provenance, Paige studies the human woman in cleric’s robes to see if they match what she saw on the folks back at the Black Cathedral or that of some other religious sect.(Knowledge Religion = 6)
Nintos Melinous (Clint) | HP 8/8 | AC:12 T:12 FF:10 | CMD:12 CMB:0 | Fort:2 Ref:2 Will:3 | Merletta (Familiar) HP 4/4 | AC:15 T:14 FF:13 | CMB:0 CMD:6 | Fort:1 Ref:4 Will:2 Thursday March 10th, 2022 8:39:14 PM
Seeing that the girl is being taken in he feels sorry for the girl and the life she was born into. We can live into what we were born into, or we can pull ourselves out of the muck Nintos thinks to himself.
Seeing the group split, Nintos decides to follow the girl to make sure she is taken care of when she is turned in.
Hearing the girl smart off to the guard and to those of us who went with her he shakes his head.
In elven Highlight to display spoiler: { “You might outlive us humans, but you are not living up to the potential that you could be. I hope you find your path.”}
Nintos then heads outside of the station; “I will wait for you outside.”
Outside, Nintos sits and plays with Merletta, tossing her crumbs of bread from their earlier meal. “I know… not everyone can be saved.”
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 21/T 12/FF 19, HP 14/14, CMD 15. d20+3=5 ; Thursday March 10th, 2022 10:04:04 PM
Kwarsk wonders what he's gotten himself into. During his own training, Kwarsk had plenty of time to speak with Dwarven soldiers in the Scab, and Clarisse sounds like she's leading a special forces assault or something. Kwarsk sighs with relief that Myre and Rhys have enlightened her, and then tries to keep an eye on Clarisse and his ears open for unusual sounds, such as someone screaming after being poisoned...
[OOC] Perception, result 5.
DM Melvin Friday March 11th, 2022 10:47:12 AM
(OOC: Ok, I'm going to break the fourth wall for a moment to save some time. The little girl did do it, and the guard is just a beleagured guard legitimately doing his job. You are allowed to intervene if you feel pity for her, or leave because she did the crime. We figured you could choose either track. But I can't cover every avenue of maybe she's innocent, so I might need some handwaving.)
Grothic warns Musetta to be quiet, and gets a raspberry for his trouble.
Grothic starts asking a bunch of questions about the process, and Bersi begins to show signs of fatigue. But since he asked nicely, he starts to talk about how she stole the necklace from a patron of a nearby bar called The Crypt. ("The real thieves of this city," Musetta interjects.) There's some twists and turns but he pretty clearly has the right elf girl.
Nintos tells the guard that he wants to wait for her and to make sure she gets home. Bersi again has to clarify that she's going to be in jail, at least for a few days. And it sounds like that's going to be the end of the matter.
Musetta for her part mouths off at both Bersi and Nintos' cajoling to live up to her potential, and it's easy to forget that she's a little girl.
And then she's placed in a cell with other people, small, trying hard not to show fear. And it's easy to forget that she's anything but a little girl.
------------------------------
The rest of the gang quickly explains that they are somewhat in the dark, and it takes a moment for Clarisse to realize that she wasn't kidding.
(Paige tries an untrained religion check to see if she can recognize the symbols, but she can't. Figuring she's a cleric of Gargul is not a bad guess.)
Clarisse takes a long time to collect herself. "The Poisoner's guild is what we're calling a local group that's been producing drow sleep poison... and we're pretty sure that they have a direct source. People have been found by guards in a state of induced sleep and robbed of all useful possessions. We're going to call that the not so bad part."
She took out what looked like some rolled tobacco. "Picked a heck of a time to quit smoking. Anyone got a light? Anyway, the other part? They've been hitting herbalist shops, magic shops, glass factories. We think they're working on new, more potent variants. Rumor says they've figured out a poison that can put elves to sleep, though we can't confirm. It's the nearby Scar, it's making the whole area crazy.
"Getting back, the locals have a significant concern, but the guards don't have jurisdiction, so it got handed to the Church, who handed it to our lovely underfunded outfit so they can claim they did something. And now, we're outsourcing it to you. There's a nighttime market festival in the Skull Market tonight, and someone there might know something, but they'll be wrapping up soon so you need to go now.
"One other thing, we do have a lead at a local wizard school, that one of the mages might know something. I'm going to hand you the information now, but I leave it up to you whether you want to split up or deal with it afterwards.
"Are there any questions?"
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 16, CMD 12, HP 11/11 Friday March 11th, 2022 3:12:29 PM
Paige listens to Clarisse and attempts to catalogue the facts. Folks are being drugged, robbed, and worse? Legitimate merchants are being vandalized for ingredients and such. The activity seems to be coming from or focused in the area of town called The Scar.
The blonde woman has given the party two leads, but Paige figures Nintos would be an asset if the group is going to visit this mage at the local wizard school, so probably best to wait for him and Grothic to show up. Besides, it’s getting late in the day….might as well reconnaissance the Skull Market before turning in for the night, and visit the mage tomorrow.
Paige asks Clarisse if she has the names of any citizens working the market festival who might have been victims of the guild’s activities, and then readies herself for a night-time adventure. She waits for Clarisse to answer her question, and any the other party members might ask, before asking the group: to the market?
Rhys (Bob) AC 17; CMD 16/18 vs Disarm & Sunder; HP 12/12 Friday March 11th, 2022 3:23:42 PM ”Questions”? Rhys thinks to himself, ”I have nothing but questions”!. The elf pauses for a moment, still somewhat abashed by his last uncharacteristic outburst. ” I have several questions. Assuming we find something of importance, who are we to report to? At what liberty are we to intervene should the opportunity arise? Is this strictly fact finding, or are there expectations that we will mete out justice as we see fit? And if you please, what are these Mailed Fist maneuvers you would have us know, and what of ‘Option 3’?”
The dark-cloaked elf waits calmly for answers from Clarisse.
Fenfaran - (Iain) AC:18 - CMD:13 - HP:11/11 - Spells Friday March 11th, 2022 4:59:42 PM
With a furrowed brow and crossed arms Fen asks: "Who exactly is your underfunded outfit"?
Grothic (Jonathan) -- AC 17 /12/15 -- CMD 17 -- HP13/13 Friday March 11th, 2022 10:14:17 PM
Grothic speaks to Musetta through the bars and then to the guard.
Highlight to display spoiler: { "Let's talk like we're two orphans that want to be honest with each other. I know you have a bright future with your career of petty street thievery and it's getting you into all the up and coming jail cells. Your other option is to work for me. The hours are terrible, it's pretty much twenty four seven. Pay is crap, too. Five silver a week, but I'll cover food, clothes and lodging no worse than mine.
Here's the actual sales pitch: you apprentice to an adventurer. Learn how to make money without being the cancer to society you are now. First, you have to tell the guard who he can give the necklace back to and maybe he will put off charging you with it. If you give the wrong name, he comes and finds you and throws you in jail. If you run off, I tell him and he finds you and throws you in jail. If I introduce you to my companions and so much as a shoelace goes missing, I tell him and he arrests you for the necklace. I can't tell if you noticed, but you'd be on a pretty short leash until the statute of limitations runs out. I will give you a minute to think it over."
He tells the guard the same thing. If asked, it's because someone took Grothic under his wing, and it made a difference.
}
Myre (Carl) -- AC 12/12/10 CMD: 12 HP: 12/12 Spell Slots Remaining: 4 Friday March 11th, 2022 10:18:02 PM Myre snaps her fingers, and a small lick of flame pours from her index finger long enough to light Clarisse's smoke (prestidigitation). Far be it from her to deny a woman her simple pleasures.
She does feel a quick twinge of worry at the mention of drow sleeping poison. Myre's dark-elven family was the above ground type, but some people don't appreciate nuance getting in the way of their bigotry. She assumes Clarisse is metropolitan enough know the difference, or at least not stereotype her. She nods along, listening to Clarisse's explanation.
"What, specifically, is our aim here? Bring in the ringleaders...or their heads, maybe? Dismantle the operation and destroy their supplies and research? Scout and report back? All of the above? Something else?"
"Wardd above, Myre. Stop talking and let the woman answer." Her face fails to reveal her self-admonitions.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 21/T 12/FF 19, HP 14/14, CMD 15. Friday March 11th, 2022 11:08:50 PM
Kwarsk ponders for a long moment while others ask their questions of Clarisse, mentally checking off questions he had but which others have already asked.
Kwarsk takes a breath, and says, "Clarisse, when you said 'hitting herbalist shops, magic shops, glass factories' and so on, does 'hitting' mean 'stealing from', 'vandalizing,' or 'buying large amounts of poison supplies' ?"
Nintos Melinous (Clint) | HP 8/8 | AC:12 T:12 FF:10 | CMD:12 CMB:0 | Fort:2 Ref:2 Will:3 | Merletta (Familiar) HP 4/4 | AC:15 T:14 FF:13 | CMB:0 CMD:6 | Fort:1 Ref:4 Will:2 Friday March 11th, 2022 11:28:29 PM
Nintos waits outside patiently as the rest of the party still deals with the guard and the elven girl.
[OOC]This feels like a phoning it in, but he is waiting for the rest of them to finish up and I don’t want to penalize us by not making a post. [OOC]
Fingers (Shawn) AC 14, HP 13/13, CMD 15, F:+2 R:+4 W:+0 Saturday March 12th, 2022 4:43:46 PM
Muuru thinks. A potion that can sleep elves?. From what he's learned about potions, this could involve some exotic ingredients or equipment -- stuff you can't get from herbalist shops or glassware vendors. Let me think...
Craft (Alchemy), take10+6 = 16
Whether or not something comes to mind, he might know someone who knows even more. Whenever he makes a poison trap -- like the reliquary he made for Captain Chorma* -- the client has to get the poison from somewhere else. Certainly, the most renowned potion maker -- especially of sleep potions -- in the Skull Market would spare a moment for a friendly chat with a trapsmith, who is basically a colleague.
Now, who is the most renowned potion maker in the Skull Market?
Knowledge (local): Take10+5 = 15
*[OOC: Captain Chorma is the NPC paladin I made up for Fingers' introductory post, which also mentioned that she was planning to use a sleeping potion. If these skill checks fail, I may try to track her down and ask who her potion supplier is -- assuming the DM allows her to exist!]
Rhys (Bob) AC 17; CMD 16/18 vs Disarm & Sunder; HP 12/12 Sunday March 13th, 2022 12:39:48 PM
(OOC) the posting report below shows very few posts for Friday but if you look at the posts, they actuall6 occurred on Friday. Something isn’t right with the posting report.
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 13/13 | CMB:3 CMD:15 | Fort:2 Ref:4 Will:0 Sunday March 13th, 2022 4:07:00 PM
(OOC) I agree with Bob. My tally should be: 5th: 2 8th: 1 9th: 1 12th: 1 (or 2, if you count private posts) Maybe the chart is thinking in UTC or something, so our tallies appear a day earlier than they should?
DM Melvin d20-1=5 ; Monday March 14th, 2022 10:41:56 AM
Between Grothic's own "child of the street" history and Nithos' own kids issues, they aren't just going to leave.
Grothic can see Musetta struggle to form a response. He doesn't need much to see that she's scared and distrustful, or full of ego. But she's also rather stuck in terms of options.
She does, however, make one last plea to be returned to "her family," which you slowly realize means back to the orphanage.
Dealing with the guard proves far less effective. Grothic doesn't have a great amount of diplomacy and Nintos is outside waiting. (I rolled for Grothic's diplomacy but not well.) But, Grothic does have some good ideas of how to structure this, and Bersi isn't without compassion for the situation.
"Ok, I'll tell you what I'll do so that I can go home sometime this year. You'll need to figure out some way for me to track you down, I'll be popping in fairly frequently to make sure this is legitimate, and I'll need to see this lodging and the work you have in mind. You'll eventually have to clear it with Walid yourself, and you should assume the guards will be watching you in all this."
Musetta watches as Bersi opens the door to her cell, then begins to straighten her clothes and open her mouth.
"Oh, one more condition. If either of you says a single word before you leave, I'm getting out the chains."
(OOC: It's up to you if you want to rush to the meeting place now, or if you want to do something else in the city.)
-----------------
As Clarisse gives her talk, the rest of the group begins to absorb just how big a deal this mission is. A consensus seems to form that the remaining members will hit the skull market first, then the magic school.
Paige asks if she can talk to any of the market people about the robberies. Clarisse doesn't have anyone specific, but herbalists seem to be your likeliest bet.
Rhys begins to... lets call it having concerns, particularly about the chain of command and particular maneuvers. Clarisse, who has calmed down, finally accepts that this is going to be a little more informal than she'd like. SHe finally answers him, "You will continue to report to myself or Berem, you'll stop crimes as you see them, we or the guards will handle arrests for any... survivors. Oh, and we are the good guys, so no killing people who surrender or are incapacitated, no torturing people, you know the drill. We're the light side of death, and all."
(OOC: We don't punish people for bad acts so you don't have to worry about stuff like a bad guy getting away or coming back if they surrender.)
Fenfaran asks who they are. "Are you kidding? I just told you. We're the Local Administrative Office of the Black Cathedral under the Church of Gargul. I mean, I know that the church is more about appearance than fact in these matters and Berem thinks he's above us, but still, we're as legit as you're going to find."
Clarisse doesn't notice Myre's twitch, being absorbed in ther own thoughts. She seems rather taken aback by all the pushing. "I'd like to go as far up the chain as we can, figure out as much as we can, dismantle what we can."
Kwarsk asks for clarifying the term "hitting." "Why, I mean theft of course, what a knock kneed how do you do is that?"
(OOC: Please don't ask me what those terms mean. I have no idea.)
Fingers tries to imagine what would allow this. His knowledge rolls are good enough to recognize that we're more in the land of speculative fiction at this point. As in, what even does a sleeping elf look like. He wants to go higher to the source, which can be tough. But Clarisse has some options that she might pull together. (OOC: if the trail goes cold, I'll answer the question then.)
As activity begins to sound ahead, the group makes its way to the Skull Market.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 16, CMD 12, HP 11/11 d20+6=25 ; Monday March 14th, 2022 12:09:31 PM The parameters of the job seem kind of vague thinks the half elf to herself, as she makes her way towards the market. Walking beside the beast-boy, she teases Fenfaran: ”Let me know if you get a premonition like before. You know, with the fur on your arms?!”. She volunteers: ”sometimes the god Domi helps me see things more clearly, you know, like good and evil. Is it like that for you? Can you sense certain things? Things other folks don’t quite see?”
Paige looks about the market, attempting to spot a herbalist who might be approachable. (Perception = 25). She wonders how Nintos and Grothic are managing and wonders if they are still interested in the job? She wonders if the small elf thief and her robberies are somehow tied up with the Poisoners Guild?
Rhys (Bob) AC 17; CMD 16/18 vs Disarm & Sunder; HP 12/12 Monday March 14th, 2022 12:25:04 PM
Rhys listens carefully as Clarisse elaborates the parameters of the job and who to report to. He nods in tacit understanding with each point. ”When we get to the market I will hang back a bit and keep watch for anyone skulking about or taking any untoward interest in those of us asking questions of the merchants” the elf explains as they make their way back towards the cathedral and the market place nearby. He pulls the deep hood of his cloak up over his head, checks that his weapons are ready and slowly distances himself from the procession until he is some 30 feet behind.
Nintos Melinous (Clint) | HP 8/8 | AC:12 T:12 FF:10 | CMD:12 CMB:0 | Fort:2 Ref:2 Will:3 | Merletta (Familiar) HP 4/4 | AC:15 T:14 FF:13 | CMB:0 CMD:6 | Fort:1 Ref:4 Will:2 Monday March 14th, 2022 4:07:38 PM
[OOC]I feel like I need to clarify. As soon as Ninto's offer to pay for the stolen item was refused and the girl was being taken in he was okay to move on. March 9th Nintos stands aside if the guard takes her in. Laws are laws for reasons, and every action has a balanced consequence. He probably would have went with the other group but was written into the story to follow the guard and Grothic, which is fine. He is just waiting outside not to bail on his companion/s who is/are inside. He has his own issues due to his past, but also knows he now has a duty that he can make a real impact.[OOC]
Finishing up feeding Merletta the crumbs of bread heel he had remaining. He works with the spell Prestidigitation to create floating targets that Merletta flies through and even attacks causing them to break. Smiling at her growing ability, Nintos thinks to himself I have heard of a familiar delivering spells, her agility and grace would make her a candidate to do so. I will need to spend some time in the library to study how that form of our connection could work.
Looking around, not knowing where the other group went to. Ninto's thinks But that could be a ways off at this point.
Grothic (Jonathan) -- AC 17 /12/15 -- CMD 17 -- HP13/13 Monday March 14th, 2022 6:16:50 PM
Grothic exits the guardhouse with Musetta. Musetta, meet Nintos. Nintos, Musetta. I hired her as a guide through the city. If this adventuring thing doesn't work out, she can show us the best people to steal jewelry from. Time to go?
Assuming I haven't wasted enough time already, Grothic heads to the rest of the team to introduce them to their new guide.
Rule number 1, if a fight breaks out, hide. Rule number 2, if it looks like you could steal it, don't. Rule number 3, don't wander off.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 21/T 12/FF 19, HP 14/14, CMD 15. Monday March 14th, 2022 9:07:06 PM
Kwarsk bows slightly, " Thank you Clarisse for clarifying. I'm sorry for not making a proper introduction, but I tend to seek understanding before small talk...."
Standing straight again, Kwarsk nods at Clarisse and catches up with the rest of the group.
Kwarsk is not the happiest dwarf when glad-handing a whole string of strangers, and plans to be no more than 10 feet away from those, like Paige, who appear to be heading for just such glad-handing a string of strangers to pump them for information - Kwarsk won't just be on guard duty, but will also be pretending to sightsee the various vendor carts etc, hoping to draw the attention of those who might otherwise notice Paige's conversations (and the conversations of any other party member nearby and glad-handing).
Myre (Carl) -- AC 12/12/10 CMD: 12 HP: 12/12 Spell Slots Remaining: 4 Tuesday March 15th, 2022 12:35:13 AM
Myre can almost sympathize with this woman. She asked for professionals who knew her way of handling business and got us. Still, we all volunteered to help out a good cause. A little more tact would have been nice. Clarisse's answer isn't clear, but she gets the message anyway: figure it out, just don't grab the first minion you see and call it a day. With some horror, Myre realizes she might have to do some talking again. She relaxes a bit when she remembers it's ok to lie to the people you're trying to entrap.
Is it entrapment? She'd heard a few arguments about the subject. Something about it not being entrapment if law enforcement pushes you to do something you wouldn't have done otherwise. "I wonder if that will be an issue," she thinks to herself.
She realizes her hand is moving, so she looks down to discover Waddles back in her arms as she lightly strokes his head. She makes an exasperated sound and rolls her eyes before stuffing the rubber pig back in her sack. It looks like a motion she's made many times before.
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 13/13 | CMB:3 CMD:15 | Fort:2 Ref:4 Will:0 Tuesday March 15th, 2022 3:26:10 AM When we get to the market, says Muuru, I'm going to talk to an alchemist. He might be able to tell if the Poisoners would be looking for special ingredients or equipment.
I guess the rest of you plan to ask the herbalists if they caught sight of their thieves, or anyone "casing" their stands? Be sure to ask if anyone has come to them asking about materials that are especially unusual or exotic.
DM Melvin Tuesday March 15th, 2022 2:49:53 PM
Under the "watchful eyes" of the purple Black Cathedral, the Skull Market fills the plaza below, extending east towards the black gate. Booths line up along the pathways as if set up by drunken sailors. Vendors of all races for all strange trinkets, even more strange than the catacombs.
Some of the group takes a look through the various items, a mix of the "daytime touristy" and the rather bizzarre. Stuffed monsters (cotton and taxidermy), tokens to prevent or cause this and that, which type pretend curses and some real ones, macabre art of all types, potions (real and pretend) for all types of dark things. Masks from the floating city, jewelry and trinkets from the Drow, cursed items you should absolutely buy and bring to your house.
And of course, cookbooks and cookware. You realize it and halfling scarves are the big item tonight.
Paige and Fingers find their way towards a herbalist. While nobody seems pure, you find an excitable gnome that sells a number of herbs and potions along with a number of single magic trinkets. Before you ask him any questions, he begins to push the love potion spiel.
Rhys, and Kwarsk hang back, looking for anyone who is skulking around or any trouble (you both need to give me a perception check then, as does anyone else who wants to look for similar).
Myre wonders if he can lie to suspects. (Yes, in part because you aren't cops.)
---------
(OOC: If I place people into the wrong group or otherwise move/interpret the action/belief wrong, you can email me at that point or correct it in the next post. I was ready to move everyone to Clarisse and must have misread Nintos' post. But I won't force you into a position you don't want to do, and you should feel free to state your PCs intentions.)
Grothic comes out with Musetta, who introduces herself again to Nintos. "Well, well, ok, guess I can do that... Not really sure where to even take you, since I don't know who you are and what you want and that's fine."
She's silent until Grothic finishes the rules. "So... if it doesn't look like I can steal it, that's allowed? I only ask because it's a thing now. Know a lot of guys stealing plants, pretty childish if you ask me, was that something you had in mind?"
Grothic (Jonathan) -- AC 17 /12/15 -- CMD 17 -- HP13/13 Tuesday March 15th, 2022 3:36:46 PM
Grothic laughs. That sounds like a thief's version of the chicken and egg paradox. Can you make a decision to steal something if the part of you that makes decisions decides that it doesn't look stealable? What kind of plants are getting stolen? Are they selling plants or are they starting some weird nature cult?
Let's get you to the rest of the group. We're working a job and I'm sure there's some information in your head that can help.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 16, CMD 12, HP 11/11 d20+1=8 ; d20+8=27 ; Tuesday March 15th, 2022 4:32:59 PM
Paige approaches the excitable gnome herbalist, and blushing to the roots of her hair brushes aside the potion he is shilling. ”Actually, I’m looking to add a few things to my kit” she volunteers, speaking in a normal voice and eyeing the interesting components on display. ”I’ve got a knack for looking after folks, if you know what I mean - and I’ve been studying the healing arts.” Lowering her voice, and looking meaningfully at the gnome, she solemnly enquires: ”do you know where I might get a potion or something that would make a person fall into a deep sleep? (Diplomacy = 8) she hastily adds, you know, like if I had to sew up a deep gash, or amputate a limb! Wouldn’t want the fellow to be conscious during the procedure… The half elf cleric keeps her eyes trained on the vendor of herbs, studying his appearance and awaiting his response (Sense Motive* = 27)
If Perception is more appropriate the roll would be with +6, so = 25)
Rhys (Bob) AC 17; CMD 16/18 vs Disarm & Sunder; HP 12/12 d20+3=13 ; Tuesday March 15th, 2022 5:17:37 PM
Rhys stays at the periphery of the action, keeping a careful eye on the rest of the party. (perception=13). Trying to remain inconspicuous, if he crosses paths with a vendor offering cooking herbs and spices he will inquire about ingredients to rub on meats to enhance their flavour; the bland flavour of the smoked venison fro earlier in the day is still on his tongue.
Fenfaren d20+10=24 ; Tuesday March 15th, 2022 5:47:08 PM
Fanfaren wanders through the stalls keeping his companions in sight but always scanning the surrounding area for things of a nefarious nature.(Perception =24). His concentration on the task at hand is occasionally broken by his innate interest in the odd trinkets and goods being offered for sale, but for the most part he remains vigilant.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 21/T 12/FF 19, HP 14/14, CMD 15. d20+3=18 ; Tuesday March 15th, 2022 10:27:53 PM
Kwarsk, looking around for trouble, perhaps finds some? (Perception = 18)
Kwarsk continues pretending to "window shop" while keeping alert. Kwarsk is meticulously focused, but if he happens across a vendor selling cow milk ("white gold" !), he might forget his task and buy a cup...
Raising an eyebrow at Grothic’s hired her as a guide“Welcome aboard! I have a feeling you know the ins and outs of this city…” Nintos holds a hand out allowing Musetta to take the lead. “If a fight breaks out, stand by me. I won’t be going into the fray of things but I am capable with the arcane that I can help keep us both alive.”
[OOC]I cannot recall or find where we were heading before the split.[OOC]
Intelligence Roll = 24: “Oh we were heading to [insert location], but I have a feeling there was a bit of a time crunch. We should hurry.”
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 13/13 | CMB:3 CMD:15 | Fort:2 Ref:4 Will:0 Tuesday March 15th, 2022 11:54:44 PM
Muuru pretends to be looking over the baskets of herbs while doing his best to overhear the exchange between Paige and the gnomish fellow. He tries to remember how far the alchemist's shop is. If it's not far, and the conversation with the herbalist doesn't get interesting in the next minute or so, he's going to wander over to the alchemist.
DM Melvin Wednesday March 16th, 2022 10:50:22 AM
Grothic continues to push towards heading... I'm assuming towards the original meeting space. Musetta looks at him carefully at the phrase "working a job," and it's pretty clear she has no idea what she signed up for. "We're not murdering a bunch of people and taking over the planet or something, right? Because I only signed up to be a small time thug."
At Nintos' suggestion of the need to hurry, Musetta asks where exactly they want to go.
In response to Grothic's question, "Oh, I'm pretty sure it's the second. You know I've met losers who claim to belong to some 'Poisoner's Guild' with a straight face. Ok, buddy, taking you so seriously."
--------
Paige and Fingers try to pry for some poison, seeing if he's involved. She can tell from sense motive that the gnome barely understands English. Also, the bottles he shows in return maybe are sleeping potions. You may have to roll the dice on it.
Pretty much everyone makes a valid perception check (no spoilers) and sees a male human in the crowd. He stands out because of his dark armor and shifty demeanor. In particular, he seems to be eyeing the items in your gnome's booth as he stands next to Paige. From there, he moves to another booth, watching the items carefully.
Fenfaren (BobW for Iain) d20+6=10 ; d20+8=23 ; Wednesday March 16th, 2022 11:16:06 AM
Fenfaren scans the tables of goods displayed at various stalls, looking at herbs, fungi, and even types of bark to see if any are known to him as having sleep inducing properties (Knowledge Nature = 10). He notices the darkly clad human in the crowd and as surreptitiously as possible nods towards him, trying to draw Rhys and Kwarsk’s attention towards the human. Fenfaren will try to slip into the crowd and find a location from where he can better observe his subject (Stealth=23).
Rhys (Bob) AC 17; CMD 16/18 vs Disarm & Sunder; HP 12/12 d20+3=5 ; Wednesday March 16th, 2022 11:29:28 AM
Rhys continues to feign interest in the wares offered at various stalls when his attention is drawn towards the shifty human in the crowd. He watches as Fen drifts further into the crowd and slightly behind the same human. The elf maintains his current position and checks to see if Kwarsk has also noticed Fenfaren’s signal and crafty repositioning. He looks to see if the suspicious character bears any insignia that might suggest affiliation with any group, but it is hard to get a good look through the milling crowd without drawing any unnecessary attention to himself (Perception=5).
Myre (Carl) -- AC 12/12/10 CMD: 12 HP: 12/12 Spell Slots Remaining: 4 d20+5=24 ; d20+8=17 ; Wednesday March 16th, 2022 12:09:16 PM
OOC: Bah, thought I had a few more hours to sneak a post in. Sorry for missing again. Still trying to work this into my routine.
***
Ah, the shifty human in dark armor. Myre loves a good trope. She ponders how best to handle the situation. She eyes the herbs, trying to see if many she knows what they are & what they're used for (know, nature: 24).
"Maybe", she thinks to herself, "provocation is the way to go." Myre moves to stand next to Paige, but between the herbs and this shifty guy (assuming that's possible). She then stares him down, sending a clear non-verbal message that these are she'll be the one acquiring these herbs (or at least stopping him from said acquisition).
Intimidate: 17
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 16, CMD 12, HP 11/11 d20+1=4 ; d20=4 ; Wednesday March 16th, 2022 12:10:24 PM
Paige had addressed the vendor in Common, but he seemed to have trouble understanding. She looks at the bottles he shows her to see if they are labelled, and what the labels might say. You make these yourself?(/b] she asks slowly and articulating each word carefully, [b] or get them from someone?. (Diplomacy = 4). When the shifty stranger in dark armour visits the gnome’s booth and stands next to Paige, the cleric gives the human the once over, then returns to studying the bottles (Appraise = 4) when the stranger moves on.
Grothic (Jonathan) -- AC 17 /12/15 -- CMD 17 -- HP13/13 Wednesday March 16th, 2022 3:59:38 PM
[Ooc] If I haven't mentioned, we're walking and talking with the intent to meet up with the group. Their last known whereabouts to Grothic before the split was the Market.
Need to know basis, I'm afraid, but I will re-negotiate terms if world domination comes up. Tell me about the Poisoner's Guild. They probably throw some really fun parties.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 21/T 12/FF 19, HP 14/14, CMD 15. d20+3=15 ; Wednesday March 16th, 2022 9:54:09 PM
Kwarsk notices Fenfaran's signal (Perception = 15) and stays about two vendor carts behind the shifty human, shadowing him while pretending to window shop.
(OOC) do I need a skill roll for what I'm doing? Not trying to be quiet/stealthy, just trying to blend in. (/OOC)
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 13/13 | CMB:3 CMD:15 | Fort:2 Ref:4 Will:0 Wednesday March 16th, 2022 11:57:15 PM
Muuru notices not only the armored human, but how all his friends have noticed him too. He wonders why this guy hasn't realized this. Just be ready in case something happens, I guess.
Nintos Melinous (Clint) | HP 8/8 | AC:12 T:12 FF:10 | CMD:12 CMB:0 | Fort:2 Ref:2 Will:3 | Merletta (Familiar) HP 4/4 | AC:15 T:14 FF:13 | CMB:0 CMD:6 | Fort:1 Ref:4 Will:2 d20+3=12 ; d20+8=26 ; Thursday March 17th, 2022 8:28:21 AM
[ooc]Sorry about missing last night. My boy wasn’t feeling the greatest and I fell asleep laying with him in bed.[/ooc]
The market! That’s right Nintos thinks as they walk along.
A small time thung? Nintos whistles to bring in Merletta to fly close by “Musetta, tell me about your parents?”
Nintos whispers to Merletta “We’re looking for out new friends.” Nintos sents her up to help look.
DM Melvin d6=1 ; Thursday March 17th, 2022 11:03:36 AM
As soon as the man in the studded leather begins acting suspicious, the group springs into action.
Fenfaren manages to spot him stealthily, while Rhys and Kwarsk and Fingers hold back (no roll needed, just don't get too close).
Paige, meanwhile, continues to ask this herbalist some questions.
And then, Myre decides to make her move. Swiftly, she moves next to him at the booth and gives him a very clear non-verbal stare message.
And she can see in his eyes just how intimidated he is, for better or for worse.
With a smooth motion, the mark grabs a bunch of items, pulls the booth towards them both (Myre - reflex DC 15 to fully avoid, 1 non-lethal damage otherwise) and runs into the crowd. Vendors start screaming, tourists dive in various places, and intricate scarves and trinkets fly into the air.
"Buy now," the gnome screams at Paige. "You buy now."
(Everyone needs to make survival checks to follow. Next round will be chase and/or combat, and I'll post the map then.)
--------------
Grothic and Ninthos continue to make their way towards the market but it takes some time walking there.
Musetta responds to questions about her family as "need to know" and that raspberry. She stares at Grothic carefully as he asks follow up questions. "I don't really know much about them. If they do throw parties, they don't invite us orphans, but when other thieves... excuse me, royal other thieves... show up, we at least get a bit weary. But as for motives or what they're using these plants for... Should we be taking these guys more seriously?"
(OOC: there is some information she can provide, if needed. But I'll wait for the group to reconvene and the matter to be resolved.)
Merletta scouts ahead, and her perception is high enough to hear the clatter from the skull market.
Rhys (Bob) AC 17; CMD 16/18 vs Disarm & Sunder; HP 12/12 d20+5=21 ; d20+3=8 ; Thursday March 17th, 2022 11:39:05 AM
[/]”YOU THERE! THEIF! STOP THEIF!!”[/b] Rhys calls out and immediately dashes after the human in the dark armour. The elf does his best to slip between other bewildered patrons of the market and maintains chase. (Survival=21, Acrobatics to slip through the crowd = 8). ”STOP HIM FEN!! “, he yells out to Fenfaren.
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 13/13 | CMB:3 CMD:15 | Fort:2 Ref:4 Will:0 d20=6 ; Thursday March 17th, 2022 11:52:57 AM
Survival: 6, plus any possible bonus for being tall enough to see over the crowd.
Fenfen(Bob for Iain) AC 18, CMD 13, HP 11/11 d20+3=4 ; d20+3=8 ; d20+8=15 ; Thursday March 17th, 2022 11:54:31 AM ”At last. My opportunity for an honourable death may be at hand.” Fenfaren thinks to himself and swings into action from his position behind the man. Twice he strikes with his staff hoping to interfere with the thief’s getaway but likely to no avail (Hit AC = 4 and 8). Despite his poor attempts with the staff he gives chase in pursuit of either the thief’s capture or his own glorious death. (Survival = 15).
Fenfen(Bob for Iain) AC 18, CMD 13, HP 11/11 d20+3=4 ; d20+3=8 ; d20+8=15 ; Thursday March 17th, 2022 12:20:56 PM ”At last. My opportunity for an honourable death may be at hand.” Fenfaren thinks to himself and swings into action from his position behind the man. Twice he strikes with his staff hoping to interfere with the thief’s getaway but likely to no avail (Hit AC = 4 and 8). Despite his poor attempts with the staff he gives chase in pursuit of either the thief’s capture or his own glorious death. (Survival = 15).
Myre (Carl) -- AC 12/12/10 CMD: 12 HP: 12/12 Spell Slots Remaining: 4 d20+2=20 ; d20+1=20 ; Thursday March 17th, 2022 6:04:18 PM Myre nimbly steps aside (reflex 20) when this idiot tries to rob the place in broad daylight. She sighs, then points at the fleeing thief's feet and yells out, "have a nice trip!" A pool of grease forms under him. Reflex save DC15 or he's on his butt.
She gives chase, somehow keeping pace despite her lack of physical ability (survival also 20).
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 16, CMD 12, HP 11/11 d20+4=24 ; Thursday March 17th, 2022 8:53:09 PM
When the gnome vendor starts screeching, Paige backs away from the booth, elbows bent and palms facing out to show she hasn’t taken any of his wares. Turning at the commotion, she moves in such a way as to end up as close to Myre as possible.
If the thief evades the pool of grease created by the little magicker, Paige will tap Myre’s arm, and grunt out ”this way!” as she tracks the thief’s progress. (Survival nat. 20, for 24)
Nintos Melinous (Clint) | HP 8/8 | AC:12 T:12 FF:10 | CMD:12 CMB:0 | Fort:2 Ref:2 Will:3 | Merletta (Familiar) HP 4/4 | AC:15 T:14 FF:13 | CMB:0 CMD:6 | Fort:1 Ref:4 Will:2 Friday March 18th, 2022 12:49:05 AM
With Musetta's raspberry Nintos speaks up; "So, what you are telling me is not much discipline was shown."Not my child, but she sure could use her tail jerked. As he watches her as we continue on.
If the clatter at the market is enough to sense through the Empathic Link of his familiar, Nintos will let his two companions that there might be a need to move on faster.
Grothic (Jonathan) -- AC 17 /12/15 -- CMD 17 -- HP13/13 Friday March 18th, 2022 6:19:03 AM Musetta, as your employer, I'm going to need you to be a touch more respectful. I will remind you that as your probation isn't official and I receive nothing from the city as compensation, it means there are zero repercussions for me if I just give up and you go back to jail. None, whatsoever. It means I get to make up implied terms: like if you become more trouble than you're worth, then you go back to jail.
I'm sure you're a smart young lady and it's not going to come up. What has come up, however is your knowledge of this city and its shortcuts. Lead the way.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 21/T 12/FF 19, HP 14/14, CMD 15. d20+3=21 ; Friday March 18th, 2022 8:28:02 AM
Kwarsk is an unstoppable grunting force of tower shield, deftly but gently making his way through the crowd, twisting his tower shield at precise angles so as not to slow his pursuit. (Survival = 21)
Kwarsk hopefully zigs to the side enough to avoid running through Myre's Grease spell and cut off the mark's escape presuming the mark in fact falls on his butt in the middle of the grease.
DM Melvin d20+5=22 ; d20+4=22 ; d4=1 ; d20+2=19 ; Friday March 18th, 2022 11:21:14 AM
Not everyone has luck in the pursuit. Fingers finds himself unable to track through the thick crowd, his size both an asset and a hindrance. Fenfaran comes out swinging, and gets a tough look from some vendors.
Myre attempts a grease spell, but the thief skids along it, getting some distance. Myre is able to run on his tail, if a bit behind Rhys, Kwarsk and Paige. (Your survival roll determined map position.)
Turning, the man takes a swipe at Paige with his sword, and connects (2 damage). Laughing, he rolls away a bit (no attack of opportunity for Paige), laughing at her.
------------
Nintos and Grothic both seem to think that Musetta, a functionally 7 year old child with who knows what mental issues, background and training, just needs discipline and threats. I'll let you know how it goes.
Nintos' remark about how Musetta needs discipline goes unanswered as he recieves a message from his familiar, and urges the group to go faster.
(OOC: Emphatic link can be a DM call in regards to what constitutes an "emotion." DMs here generally rule that "trouble this way" is simple enough, and that Nintos can fill in the details from that. But the familiar can't pass along any info about the trouble or it's precise location.)
Grothic asks Musetta if there's a shortcut. After some thinking, Musetta points through a dark alleyway.
(Note, the alleyway actually leads to a 10 foot drop at the line.)
Rhys (BobW) AC 17, CMD 16/18 vs Disarm & Sunder, HP 12/12 d20+4=22 ; d20+4=12 ; d10+3=10 ; d10=5 ; Friday March 18th, 2022 3:41:40 PM
Rhys continues to sprint after the thief in a shallow arc that brings him just behind his quarry (Q6) drawing his long curved blade as he runs. The cold hard steel glistens even in the small amount of light that penetrates this part of the Nightmare Quarter. With a quick flick of his arm from the shoulder he send the edge of his blade towards the thief (Hit AC22 Critical confirm with a 12 for 10 dmg or 15 dmg if confirmed). ”Cease your attacks on my friends or your blood will certainly join theirs in the gutters of this street.”. Rhys stares the man down, ready to counter his next move.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 16, CMD 12, HP 9/11 d20+4=21 ; d8=5 ; Friday March 18th, 2022 3:56:40 PM
Paige is shocked by the sudden violence upon her person, but then a calmness overtakes her. Courage she thinks as she moves into position (O8) flanking with her friend, Rhys. Drawing her mace, she strikes out at the thief (hit AC 21 (added +2 for flanking so +4 to hit, and 5+2 = 7 dmg )
DM Sanity info:
Orisons: 0/3 used (detect magic, guidance, light) Level 1 spells: 0/2 used (bless, magic weapon) Domain spells: 0/1 used (sanctuary)
Fenfaren (BobW for Iain) AC 18, CMD 13, HP 11/11 Friday March 18th, 2022 4:02:25 PM
Fenfaren gets somewhat lost in the crowd as the commotion erupts around him. If he notices the angry stares of the vendors he assumes that they are meant for the thief and not for him. All he can do now is chase after his new friends as quickly as possible, a frat for which his small size and cumbersome armour are not made for. (Move to N9).
Nintos Melinous (Clint) | HP 8/8 | AC:12 T:12 FF:10 | CMD:12 CMB:0 | Fort:2 Ref:2 Will:3 | Merletta (Familiar) HP 4/4 | AC:15 T:14 FF:13 | CMB:0 CMD:6 | Fort:1 Ref:4 Will:2 Friday March 18th, 2022 4:35:34 PM
The sense of urgency Nintos is feeling from Merletta is strong enough that it pushes the concern of Musetta out of his mind, for now. what have your found girl? Nintos thinks as worry and concern for his friend crosses his mind.
“Grothic, Musetta, this way! I am not sure what she has found, but Merletta is calling us onward. We should hurry!”
Unbeknownst to him, Nintos naturally reaches within a pouch on his belt and takes hold of a sliver of butter wrapped in waxed paper.
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 13/13 | CMB:3 CMD:15 | Fort:2 Ref:4 Will:0 Friday March 18th, 2022 4:39:08 PM
All Muuru knows is that the party is chasing the thief, so he runs around the bystanders to H4. If he can see the thief now, he'll complete a double-move and continue to N5; otherwise he'll stay at H4 and pull out his crossbow (not yet loaded). He doubts he'll need it, but he'd rather be ready.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 21/T 12/FF 19, HP 14/14, CMD 15. d20+3=13 ; Friday March 18th, 2022 9:30:28 PM
Kwarsk's eyes go wide as Rhys nearly cuts the thief in half! "Rhys, no! You can't just murder him for stealing!"
If the thief is tough enough to keep running after Rhys' slice, Kwarsk moves 20' to O8 and tries to Trip X1 with his Tower Shield. (Attack = AC 13)
If the thief instead collapses, or even falls in two halves, Kwarsk still moves forward but stops short, aghast at the cruel slice in broad daylight against a mere thief.
Myre (Carl) -- AC 12/12/10 CMD: 12 HP: 12/12 Spell Slots Remaining: 4 Saturday March 19th, 2022 12:00:57 AM
Ok, she can admit it: sliding along her grease spell like that was pretty baller. She's getting ready to position herself for something else when Rhys straight up hacks at the thief. This upsets the dwarf, it seems, but the dude swung at Paige first and people have a right to defend themselves. Still, their presence limits her options. She scoots closer (L6) and casts a daze cantrip instead (will save DC is 14).
Grothic (Jonathan) -- AC 17 /12/15 -- CMD 17 -- HP13/13 d20+4=22 ; Sunday March 20th, 2022 3:50:19 PM
Grothic takes a double move action and has 8 squares to work with. There are seven squares between him and the 10 foot drop. It seems reasonable to (biased) me that I could grab the ledge and climb down just enough to make it a five foot drop.
Climb check 22.
Musetta, stay up here and out of sight. You can't get killed by what can't see you. And you can't get paid if you're dead.
DM Melvin Monday March 21st, 2022 4:17:06 PM
The crowd goes silent for a moment, frozen in shock.
Rhys and Paige strike hard and strike true, to the point that others worry that maybe the rest of the team needs less lethal means. But by the time of Paige's hit, the fight is over. (Anyone who moved after can save their resources or spells.)
The rest of the group manages to reconvene, just as a guard makes his way over to the body. "Anyone here want to explain what happened?"
(Everyone gets 150 XP for the fight. Searching the body finds a kukri, some studded leather (medium), a disguise kit and 83 gp. Also the odds and ends of what he stole.)
Rhys (Bob) AC 17; CMD 16/18 vs Disarm & Sunder; HP 12/12 Monday March 21st, 2022 4:44:17 PM ” We were chasing down this thief who has just stolen a number of items from a potions and components stall in the Skull Market when he turned on us and attacked my companion” , Rhys points out the damage inflicted on the young cleric of Domi. ”I slashed at him with my sword to protect my friend and unfortunately it resulted in his death. The fault is surely mine, although he did draw and use his weapon first.”. The elf tries to explain as calmly as he can but in truth his heart is racing with the turn of events. His father had warned him that real combat would be different than the sparring sessions he had endured in the training yard. He was only now realizing that truth.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 16, CMD 12, HP 9/11 d20+1=19 ; d20+11=12 ; Monday March 21st, 2022 5:13:01 PM
When the thief goes down, Paige takes a knee and checks for signs of life (Heal check = nat. 1!, 11). Looking up at Rhys she presses her lips in a thin line, and shakes her head. During her check of the body, she collects the kukri, the disguise kit, the sac of gold, and the stolen items. After a quick peek into the bag (83 gold!) she makes a pile of the items, leaving the man in his armour.
From her place down beside the dead thief, she points to the pile and volunteers: he could have paid, but instead he chose to steal from yon vendor, and use that weapon to wound, and possibly kill. [Diplomacy = 19) She points to the gash on her forearm.
While waiting for witnesses to say their piece, and the guard to provide instructions, the young cleric opens her healers kit and riffles around for some bandages.
Fenfaren (BobW for Iain) AC 18, CMD 13, HP 11/11 d20+6=24 ; Monday March 21st, 2022 5:31:18 PM
Fenfaren moves up towards the body and leans in to hear the explanations offered to the guard. Unsure of what the fuss is all about, the young Druid can only guess that a good death is not as appreciated by these strange city folk as it is elsewhere in the Wold. He retreats behind the larger folk and casts his mind back to the various stalls in the market, once again trying to recall If any of the plants, seeds, fungi, insect parts and other assorted components had particularly sleep inducing effects (Nature=24).
Grothic (Jonathan) -- AC 17 /12/15 -- CMD 17 -- HP13/13 Monday March 21st, 2022 6:00:25 PM
Grothic helps Musetta off of the ledge and Nintos, too if he needs it.
Grothic whispers to Musetta. [Ooc] I will introduce her once this bit is over.
Musetta, I would hate to imply you know all of the dirt bags in this town, but do you know anything about this one?
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 21/T 12/FF 19, HP 14/14, CMD 15. Monday March 21st, 2022 11:12:37 PM
Kwarsk hesitates as the death blow is delivered by Rhys, stops, and listens to what follows, while watching the crowd and the approaching guard.
Paige was wounded, yes, but the thief is dead, or dying.
Kwarsk mumbles a prayer to Pantheon, that if the thief is dead, that he'll get a fairer trial in death than in life.
Kwarsk knows nothing of Plateau City's laws, and waits to see how the Guard judges the situation - was it self-defense, or could Rhys have chosen to wound rather than kill? Perhaps Rhys is a novice with his sword, and didn't expect a killing blow? Kwarsk muses within himself, "I must study these new companions. They don't seem bloodthirsty killers, but this was not the first impression of them I was hoping for... theft deserves jail time if true, but not death."
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 13/13 | CMB:3 CMD:15 | Fort:2 Ref:4 Will:0 3d6=12 ; d20+6=8 ; d20+8=14 ; d20+6=25 ; Monday March 21st, 2022 11:59:02 PM
Muuru sling his crossbow to his back, then approaches the scene. For now, he stands behind the first row of humanoids that are gathering around, and peers over them; trying to appear as one of the bystanders .
He was afraid of this; a smash-and-grab burglary becomes fatal. Was this really necessary? This group should have a serious discussion about appropriate force.
Granted, it's true that this fellow could have bought several baskets of herbs with that gold, much less the stuff he grabbed. And who goes shopping in armor? (Looks down at himself.) All right, someone who came here straight from work.
Muuru looks at the pile of stolen material, seeing he can tell what it could be ingredients for. (Alchemy: 8, Arcana: 14)
[OOC: The 3d6 was for another game. I needed a die roll]
Flashback In the Catacombs, Muuru has agreed to go with his new friends to the Black Cathedral - but first, he needs to buy a weapon and armor.
He's surprised to see a full selection of crossbows sized for people like him. He really likes the hand-crossbow -- compact, elegant -- but it's really expensive. The light-crossbow will do. If only it wasn't quite so bulky.
Hmmm. If the arms were hinged here[/] and [i]there, it could fold up in such a way that would make it easier to carry, or at least less conspicuous in public. He wonders if he could make something like that in the future, given access to a workshop. (The closest skill he has is Craft: Locks: 25. Maybe he's inspired.)
He also asks the weaponsmith his opinion about that idea. And how much he thinks such a custom job would cost (in the future after his new adventuring career takes off).
Nintos Melinous (Clint) | HP 8/8 | AC:12 T:12 FF:10 | CMD:12 CMB:0 | Fort:2 Ref:2 Will:3 | Merletta (Familiar) HP 4/4 | AC:15 T:14 FF:13 | CMB:0 CMD:6 | Fort:1 Ref:4 Will:2 d20+2=21 ; Tuesday March 22nd, 2022 10:20:06 AM
Seeing the 10-ft drop of the ledge, Nintos uses Grothic’s aid to help himself down. But to his, and possibly Grothic and Musetta’s surprise, Nintos is very agile in climbing down. [Dex 21]
Seeing the rest of the new party, Nintos moves forward; “Sorry about that, it seems we were pulled into the workings of Plateau City’s municipality…” seeing body Ninto’s listens in on Rhys explanation of what happened. “Rhys, this is not your fault. Had you not defended yourself it could have been you on the ground. As you said, he turned and attacked you first.” looking to the rest of his companions; “and it seems you have enough witnesses to corroborate your story.”
[ooc]Since Nintos/Grothic showed up at the end of the fight are we included in that “everyone” for the xp?[ooc]
Myre (Carl) -- AC 12/12/10 CMD: 12 HP: 12/12 Spell Slots Remaining: 3 Tuesday March 22nd, 2022 11:09:04 AM Myre lets the cantrip on her lips fade when the stupid thief goes down. She idly strokes Waddles' head as she ponders her next move. She hangs back, waiting to see if Paige and Rhys get arrested before figuring out her next move.
Her eyes slowly lower to the pig in her arms. When did he get out again?
Grothic (Jonathan) -- AC 17 /12/15 -- CMD 17 -- HP13/13 Tuesday March 22nd, 2022 11:30:38 AM
Grothic echoes Nintos' sentiment. Yeah, if he would use lethal force to escape cature, then he would use lethal force to escape capture. If we trusted the known homicidal thief to spare innocent lives while his instincts are telling him to fight or flee and he killed an innocent bystander, would not that blood be on our hands? And did he not sign his intent in the blood on our teammate's arm?
Grothic looks away and slightly puzzeld. Quietly, to himself: Who is this person the forest has turned me into?
[ooc] sorry for the inevitable double post when the DM posts later. I wanted to jump on the ethics train while it was still in the station.
DM Melvin d20+8=11 ; Tuesday March 22nd, 2022 3:14:41 PM
The group explains the situation to the guard, examines the body, and generally discusses with the guard (and themselves) whether they did the right thing. Grothic and Nintos make it down, followed by Musetta (who lets out a lot of cursing when using her acrobatics roll to drop down fails).
Fenfaren collects the various parts and studies them. There are definitely ingredients for the making of normal underworld (as in: not surface) drow poison, a few things that clearly got grabbed at random, and he can't quite make sense of the others. (Does he return the items to their rightful vendors or do something else with them?)
The guard listens to the statement easily enough, but scoffs at the idea that violence needed to be done, especially as a vendor notes that Paige chased him first. "Let me guess, number of adventurers, first mission, playing by your own rules, associating with..." He takes a glance at Musetta before continuing. "I think all of you in the future should think long and hard about how you conduct yourselves further. I'm letting you off with a warning, since he did strike first, but the city doesn't need a bunch of vigilantes."
Grothic asks if she knows anything about this particular dirt bag. After some thought, and some study of his clothes, she nods. "Let's just say I happen to know a dirt bag who knows this dirt bag. Hangs around the various businesses a lot, usually steals for quick sale, wonder where he was taking this lot. Wanna meet the guy who usually buys stuff from him?"
The group should take a round to discuss what to do next.
Fenfaren (BobW for Iain) AC 18, CMD 13, HP 11/11 Tuesday March 22nd, 2022 3:39:13 PM
Fenfaren suggests moving the body of the now dead thief back to the cathedral. ”Perhaps the clerics of Gargul can get some answers out of him yet” he suggests. ”They can at least deal with his corpse and send his soul along its final path” . Once the guard has left he will relate his observations about the components and potions to the others. ” These here are key components of Drow poisons” he waves his hands across a selection of items, “but these others I have no knowledge of”.
Rhys (Bob) AC 17; CMD 16/18 vs Disarm & Sunder; HP 12/12 Tuesday March 22nd, 2022 3:45:04 PM
Rhys helps pick up the items for transport and then looks to the dwarf ”Kwarsk, can you help carry him? We can use your shield as a litter and we can each take an end”. If the dwarf is accepting he will help roll the dead thief onto the tower shield and then assist in carrying the makeshift stretcher back to the Black Cathedral.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 16, CMD 12, HP 9/11 d20+4=22 ; Tuesday March 22nd, 2022 4:12:55 PM
With a shrug of her shoulders at the nonchalance of the guard, Paige picks up the pouch containing the gold, the disguise kit, and the thief’s weapon. Clarisse did say it was up to us how we dealt with the criminals, that the guards had no jurisdiction, and it was up to ‘them’ to deal with survivors. I guess that means the clerics at the Cathedral, and lord Gargul, will mete out justice. Gesturing towards the deceased, she adds: well, this one’s on his way to his meeting with the God of Life and Death, but I’m sure there are others from the Poisoners Guild about.
Paige is glad that her first night in the City won’t be spent in a jail cell. She scans the sky and her surroundings in order to get a sense of the time of day. (Survival=22). After all, Clarisse had said that the market was getting ready to close up.
Grothic (Jonathan) -- AC 17 /12/15 -- CMD 17 -- HP13/13 Tuesday March 22nd, 2022 6:14:47 PM I can carry him, Grothic says as he hoists the thief onto his shoulders. But remind me again why we're stealing the body? Also, has everyone met Musetta? I've hired her as my guide through the city and my reading-eye dog.
Myre (Carl) -- AC 12/12/10 CMD: 12 HP: 12/12 Spell Slots Remaining: 3 Tuesday March 22nd, 2022 8:55:46 PM Myre is glad these folks aren't arrested. She keeps a straight face when the guard lectures them, but rolls her eyes internally. Heavens forbid the guard give up their monopoly on acceptable violence. Not even a thank you!
Whatever.
She looks the elf girl up and down, remembering her from before. "Reading-eye dog?" Her face scrunches up in confusion. "Do you not know how to read? Surely there are teachers at the WLA instead of dragging this poor girl along with us." She turns to Musetta and offers a hand. "Myre, and this is Waddles." She holds up her pig.
"Asking a priest to make this corpse talk seems pretty extreme as a first step. Maybe we search the body more carefully for clues and ask if anyone around here knows him?"
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 13/13 | CMB:3 CMD:15 | Fort:2 Ref:4 Will:0 Tuesday March 22nd, 2022 11:54:37 PM
[OOC: Can Muuru add anything to Fenfaren's judgement of the materials? I assume you'll use the rolls he already made: Alchemy: 8, Arcana: 14]
You're right, says Muuru to Myre. Besides, it's getting late and we shouldn't take the time go all the way back to the Cathedral.
Muuru squats down to the elven girl. Musetta, I'm called "Fingers". Is there someplace nearby where we examine our late friend here, without being watched?
And while we're on our way, I'd like to know about that fellow you mentioned -- a "fence", is that what they call it?
Nintos Melinous (Clint) | HP 8/8 | AC:12 T:12 FF:10 | CMD:12 CMB:0 | Fort:2 Ref:2 Will:3 | Merletta (Familiar) HP 4/4 | AC:15 T:14 FF:13 | CMB:0 CMD:6 | Fort:1 Ref:4 Will:2 d20=20 ; Wednesday March 23rd, 2022 7:29:22 AM
Listening in on what everyone is saying, Nintos takes a look at the extra components that Fenfaren wasn’t sure of. [OOC] Nat 20, depending on the Knowledge skill needed that could be a 28 for Arcane/Dungeoneerng/Nature/Planes/Religion, or 20 for the rest/INT check[OOC]
Looking through the components; “Is there a chance you could fill Grothic and myself in on what you discovered? We split up after the Cathedral and here we are now standing over a dead body.”
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 21/T 12/FF 19, HP 14/14, CMD 15. Wednesday March 23rd, 2022 10:22:59 AM
Kwarsk is silent for a moment, then speaks to the group, loud enough for the group to hear, but not bystanders further away, " I agree that we should move the deceased to the cathedral. I am surprised Rhys did not seek to strike with the flat of his blade. It would have been much better if we could have captured and then questioned the thief. It didn't look like he was striking to kill - I saw him use the cart to block Paige, and she was incidentally injured. A priest of Pantheon would say that the thief was pretty reckless, but didn't try to kill Paige. We should talk more on this as we work."
Rhys (Bob) AC 17; CMD 16/18 vs Disarm & Sunder; HP 12/12 Wednesday March 23rd, 2022 11:03:01 AM
Rhys stares incredulously at Kwarsk. ”Are you blind dwarf??? The thief used no such cart! He drew on her with his blade and deliberately cut her! Thee was nothing incidental about it! “. The elf stars directly at the dwarf, challenging him to refute the facts.
(OOC. The DM posted nothing about a cart and explicitly stated that the thief purposefully slashed at her with his blade before rolling away and laughing at her)
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 21/T 12/FF 19, HP 14/14, CMD 15. Wednesday March 23rd, 2022 11:28:01 AM
Kwarsk closes his eyes and thinks again, "Hmm... did I confuse Paige with Myre perhaps?" he says aloud.
[OOC: I was half-remembering from a DM post: "With a smooth motion, the mark grabs a bunch of items, pulls the booth towards them both (Myre - reflex DC 15 to fully avoid, 1 non-lethal damage otherwise) and runs into the crowd." Sorry for attributing the thief's non-lethal "attack" on Myre to Paige.]
Grothic (Jonathan) -- AC 17 /12/15 -- CMD 17 -- HP13/13 Wednesday March 23rd, 2022 11:43:02 AM I don't know where this is coming from, but something inside of me thinks that bringing the flat side of a blade to the sharp side of a sword fight is a good way to get dead. Why bother defending yourself if you're not going to get hurt, but will spend time in jail if you lose? Are you so certain in your advice dwarf that you would match the injuries on your person of anyone who listened to you? I believe you might have carried that shield so long that you forget the rest of us are not invulnerable.
DM Melvin Wednesday March 23rd, 2022 2:46:34 PM
Fenfaren and Rhys prepare to take the body themselves, perhaps back to the Black Cathedral for questioning. Grothic offers to carry the body but doesn't really think it should be moved. Fingers notes that they don't really have the time to head back to the Cathedral, and wonders if they should move it to another place.
Paige figures that if they really did wrong, they'd be in jail right now. (Or at least senses a power vacuum that means the group has to mete out justice on occasion.) She tries to get an idea of time of day (10 PM.) Myre snarks at the guard's attempt. The guard, for his part, seems to indicate that moving the body crosses some sort of line, but notes that the body will eventually make it's way to the Black Cathedral.
Grothic introduces Musetta to the group, and she seems to shrink back for the first time, clearly overwhelmed with the group's size and non-chalance over the dead body. Myre is less than thrilled at picking up a ward, and votes for asking around the vendors. Fingers seems to be more inclined towards the young girl.
Nintos asks for some idea of what's going on. Kwarsk seems a little confused about the situation, and arguments arise. (But for the record, he pulled a vendor tent on Myre, then deliberately struck out at Paige. If the group wants to address whether non-lethal activity should have been used, it might be good to reach out via email.)
With not much left to learn from the body, Fingers asks a bit more about the... fence, is that the term? (DM: I'm assuming people want to move on, tell me otherwise.)
-------------
"I can't say for sure that he's a fence," Musetta says as she leads you around the street. "More of a very customer oriented pharmacist, kind of a strange guy. But yeah, he's the go to if you happen to want to sell stuff, no questions asked. Macaroni art, in my case, but there mght be others.... And here we are, the Hollow Pit."
The black tower, covered with ravens statues and cobwebs, sat quietly among the taverns and shops.
Dramatically, Musetta gestures at the wood door. "Guy you want is named Jason. I assume this is your part?"
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 16, CMD 12, HP 9/11 Wednesday March 23rd, 2022 3:25:49 PM
Paige looks up at Nintos and fills him in on what has transpired since the party split up. We met up with Clarisse, our contact. She confirmed the job is to ‘dismantle’ the Poisoners Guild. They’ve figured out how to make a sleep poison and have been drugging folks and robbing them. They’ve also been robbing local merchants for supplies in order to make this poison. The cleric tries awkwardly to bandage her wound arm using one hand, and continues: Clarisse says the Office of Administrative Affairs has legitimate authority, but is understaffed. The Guard don’t have jurisdiction, for some reason she shrugs her shoulders. She provided two leads, but was concerned that something was going down tonight at the Market tonight, so we came here first. Apparently there is a mage at the Wizard School who might have some insight into the matter. The young half-elf looks expectantly at the middle aged human, then up at the Black Cathedral looming over the Market. Lets send this fellow on his way, and call it a night. Maybe seek out this mage tomorrow?
Nintos Melinous (Clint) | HP 8/8 | AC:12 T:12 FF:10 | CMD:12 CMB:0 | Fort:2 Ref:2 Will:3 | Merletta (Familiar) HP 4/4 | AC:15 T:14 FF:13 | CMB:0 CMD:6 | Fort:1 Ref:4 Will:2 d20+8=9 ; d20+4=21 ; Wednesday March 23rd, 2022 3:35:14 PM
[OOC]Any chance I learned anything from my Knowledge roll to help out Fenfaren?[OOC]
Earlier Moving up next to Grothic, Nintos raises a hand; “Woah, we weren’t here when this all went town, so without hearing all of the facts it’s hard to judge. What I do know is we don’t want to be fighting among ourselves and have someone walk by and see a group of people arguing over a dead body…”
Nintos looks around; “I have plenty of questions, like what is going on for starters, but I do not think this this the time or the place to do it.” motioning to the corps; “Move him or leave him, we have to go. My vote is to not leave him for any of his buddies to discover him and start hunting down his killer.
Following Musetta Nintos calls down Merletta;[b] “Fly up and keep watch for anyone following us.” [ooc]Merletta Perception = 9, Sense Motive = 21 I wish the rolls were reversed…[ooc]
“A pharmacist?” Nintos ponders Not knowing what or the way “Is he connected to the Poisoner’s Guild that we are looking for? Regardless, a man in his station would be useful in distribution of poisons and gathering and ingredients one might need. I have studied some on Scribing Scrolls, and there are spells require unique components. He would be a great connection for me to make.” Nintos trails off in though, the latter half probably more of a mental note than part of the conversation.
Nintos Melinous (Clint) | HP 8/8 | AC:12 T:12 FF:10 | CMD:12 CMB:0 | Fort:2 Ref:2 Will:3 | Merletta (Familiar) HP 4/4 | AC:15 T:14 FF:13 | CMB:0 CMD:6 | Fort:1 Ref:4 Will:2 Wednesday March 23rd, 2022 3:44:01 PM
[ooc]Ninja’d by Paige. Add this to the post I just made[ooc]
When Nintos hears of the connection between the Poisoner’s Guild and a mage at the Wizard School he instantly becomes invested; “Of the Wizard School? By chance was this mage’s name offered or which school they studied or taught at?” Being a student of Conjuration and an Novice of the Star Mage Guild Nintos thinks With so much to explore and study when it comes to Magic, how does a Mage find time to get caught up in this. Unless…
Fenfaren (BobW for Iain) AC 18, CMD 13, HP 11/11 Wednesday March 23rd, 2022 6:52:08 PM
Fenfaren listens to the arguments and explanations whirling about him, acknowledges the new ‘assistant’ under Grothic’s protection with a nod, and goes over to assist Paige. “Can I help with that? Securing bandages with only one hand can be difficult.”
When talk turns to visiting the thief’s fence, Fenfaren asks aloud Do we have a plan? Or are we just going to barge in an demand answers? A man who buys from one thief surely buys from others as well. If we sleep watch from a distance we might learn of others and maybe even catch a bigger rat…say a poisoner of this guild. Maybe only send one person in to talk and the rest of us stay out of sight?”
Rhys (Bob) AC 17; CMD 16/18 vs Disarm & Sunder; HP 12/12 Wednesday March 23rd, 2022 7:07:48 PM
Rhys steps back from the dwarf. He eyes the young elven girl suspiciously and looks over at Grothic in surprise. He keeps his thoughts to himself but cannot help but wonder if it wise to involve a child in what clearly can become a violent business at the drop of a coin.
”I am not comfortable abandoning this man’s body to whatever comes forth in the dark to feed. I will go with whoever wishes to return the body to the Black Cathedral, or I will wait here and maintain vigil until the clerics of Gargul or their acolytes come to collect the remains. We can meet up again at the cathedral later.”
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 13/13 | CMB:3 CMD:15 | Fort:2 Ref:4 Will:0 Wednesday March 23rd, 2022 11:54:25 PM
[OOC: I'm a little lost at this point, but it sounds like Musetta led to Jason's shop while everyone else continued to debate.]
All right, says Muuru. Go back and tell everyone you brought me here. Try to get them to move that body someplace nearby where it won't be seen for a while. And if any of them are going to come here, tell them I said to leave someone outside to watch who else comes and goes through this door.
And with that, Muuru enters the store.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 21/T 12/FF 19, HP 14/14, CMD 15. Thursday March 24th, 2022 12:18:03 PM
Kwarks says, "Grothic, I must have missed seeing the thief strike first; my apologies for that. I still think it would have been better if we could have questioned him alive, both for him and for us. Changing topics, I'm impressed you convinced the Guard to release Musetta into your care."
Kwarsk listens to Musetta's conversation with Fingers.
Kwarsk says to Grothic, "shall we follow Musetta and Fingers at a short distance to provide backup if the meet turns into a combat? I plan to," and with that Kwarsk follows behind Fingers about 30' back and beckons Grothic to travel with them.
Kwarsk plans to "stakeout" across the street and a bit diagonal to 'Jason' (30' or whatever feet to the opposing side) and pretend to be minding his own business.
(OOC)(no skills in this area, let me know if I should roll for anything)(/OOC)
Myre (Carl) -- AC 12/12/10 CMD: 12 HP: 12/12 Spell Slots Remaining: 3 d20+3=20 ; d20+3=5 ; Thursday March 24th, 2022 1:18:27 PM
Dead bodies are icky, and Myre doesn't have a strong opinion on the matter, other than making sure it was searched. Was it searched? She'll hold her nose and to that if it wasn't: Perception 20.
Otherwise she walks in with Muuru. She feels pretty tiny next to the taur, but she had two minotaur "uncles" growing up who were kind to her. Being back near one is a little comforting.
"Listen first, then talk," she thinks to herself. Instead of opening her mouth right away, she looks around and takes as much in as she can (she'll use that 20 from earlier as her perception roll if it wasn't needed, otherwise it's a 5).
DM Melvin Thursday March 24th, 2022 1:39:32 PM
(OOC: I didn't realize there was a split, and I apologize, so I moved you back to the market, but the lead is there. I'll let you continue to work out what's next.)
(OOC: There's some push as to whether you can crack the formula or otherwise analyze the ingredients, but I don't really have anything else to give you. You can basically return the stuff to the correct vendors, and see if they know anything more. But you can't create the particular poison because you don't even know if it really exists.)
Paige would rather wrap up at the market, pushing stuff until the morning (and maybe bringing the body back). Rhys says he can't abandon the body either. (Paige reminds them that Clarisse mentioned something about the college as well, so maybe they know something.)
Nintos wants to move on, and seems intrigued by the school, though he's flexible where and whether it's with the body. Fenfarem would like to discuss plans before they leave, and seems to favor splitting up (at least to avoid overwhelming the next person to talk to). Fingers and Myre are ready to just enter, but wants Musetta to stay outside where it's safe. Kwarsk remains open to all suggestions, but agrees to stay a bit behind as backup.
The local guard starts calling for someone to move the body, and the vendors move back to the place. Most of the guards and vendors seem to continue their disapproval, but they've by and large left you to your actions. (You'll make the usual checks if you return their stuff. They aren't hostile.)
(I'll give the team another day to decide whether to work the skull market, return to the cathedral, or go to the house. Likewise, decide if you want to continue on or find a place to rest to the next morning. You might want to work it out using an email thread, I'll stay off of this one.)
Nintos Melinous (Clint) | HP 8/8 | AC:12 T:12 FF:10 | CMD:12 CMB:0 | Fort:2 Ref:2 Will:3 | Merletta (Familiar) HP 4/4 | AC:15 T:14 FF:13 | CMB:0 CMD:6 | Fort:1 Ref:4 Will:2 Thursday March 24th, 2022 4:56:32 PM
As Fenfaren comes up with the idea of sending in one person to talk, Nintos offers a suggestion; “I am not the person to go in and have this conversation, but I would be willing to send in Merletta. She isn’t much of a combatant but if a struggle starts to go down for any reason I would sense the stress it would cause her.” looking around to who it might be that goes in; “We would be able to rush in, that person would not truly be alone.”
With a flutter of a whistle, Merletta swoops down and lands on his shoulder. “Just one of the endless options.”
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 16, CMD 12, HP 9/11 d20+8=20 ; Thursday March 24th, 2022 8:26:50 PM
Paige accepts Fenferan’s assistance securing the bandage over the gash inflicted by the thief. As she packs up her kit she answers Nintos’ question: ”Clarisse was pretty vague about the details - said they had a contact at the local wizards school, and that one of the mages might know something.” The cleric looks apologetic. ”She seemed pretty anxious that we hustle over to the Market…said it would be wrapping up soon, so we needed to go right away. Maybe Clarisse or Barem will provide some names when we report to them about tonight’s events?”
As she moves away from the body, she sees there are more guards about now, and the first one on the scene has directed the removal of the thief’s body.
Paige’s mind boggles at the thought of trusting a mouthy kid, and a thief at that, to lead the group to who-knows-where. Could it be a trap? (Sense Motive (on Musetta) =20)
OOC to Myre/Carl - Paige picked up the thief’ kukri, disguise kit, and bag with 83 GP
Rhys (Bob) AC 17; CMD 16/18 vs Disarm & Sunder; HP 12/12 d20+3=12 ; d20+2=17 ; Thursday March 24th, 2022 8:46:41 PM
Rhys settles in to wait for the body to be collected for delivery to the Black Cathedral. He lets the others know that he will follow them to the residence of Musetta’s contact, ” Just tell me how to find the place and I will be along shortly and position myself in an alcove or some other darkened spot to keep watch. a street name or house number would be most helpful.”
When someone shows up to collect the body, Rhys asks them to “find Berem at the Cathedral and let him know that this fellow Is of special interest to him, and that we regret he unwittingly chose death over capture and questioning. We will touch base later when we know more.”
The elf will then find his way to rejoin the rest of the group and stand watch from an alcove or alleyway, the hood of his cloak drawn up over his head. (Perception 12; Stealth 17)
DM BrianZ Thursday March 24th, 2022 8:49:14 PM
OOC- Greetings, I think everyone was on the mail. Is there a substitute available for Grothic for a few days?
Fenfaren (BobW for Iain) AC 18, CMD 13, HP 11/11 Thursday March 24th, 2022 8:57:28 PM
Fenfaren readies himself to follow the Minotaur and the young elven girl to this ‘fence’. ”I think we should hold on to all of these potions and components until we know more about them. Maybe Musetta’s friend can help, or one of the mages at this college you speak of.” he looks at Nintos for affirmation.
” What are we going to ask this guy anyway? Do you think he will answer us, or just tell us to go eat Rapke dung? Maybe one of us should be ready to follow him afterwards…”
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 13/13 | CMB:3 CMD:15 | Fort:2 Ref:4 Will:0 Thursday March 24th, 2022 11:41:28 PM
[OOC: Waiting for the DM to describe the interior and inhabitants of the Hollow Pit.
BTW, I'm posting this at 8:40 pm PDT on Thursday. I need to know what the posting time and day is according to the website.]
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 21/T 12/FF 19, HP 14/14, CMD 15. Friday March 25th, 2022 11:12:42 AM
Kwarsk's attempt to follow some of the group to the house and stand guard at a distance has not changed.
(OOC I, and Kwarsk, are in favor of speaking to Jason before Jason necessarily finds out the thief is dead.
Presuming DM Melvin means the group must stick together here and only choose one of the three paths, of course; I think a split is better narratively, but probably excess work for the DMs to resolve, and if there's a combat, the combat is probably balanced for 8 PCs not 2-3 PCs... /OOC)
DM Melvin Friday March 25th, 2022 2:06:40 PM
The arguments continue on as whether to return to the Black Cathedral or follow Musetta. But at the end of the night, it's only Paige that's against following Musetta, with most of the team already deep in planning. So the team moves to head to the magic house after the body is collected and Rhys passes along her message. (If Carla prefers, she can post that Paige heads back to the Black Cathedral on her own along with the body collectors. But I think the decision for the team has been made.)
Paige doesn't exactly trust Musetta, and her sense motive would indicate that she's done her share of thieving (though she seems to be legit on the particular information). Musetta, for her part, picks up on some hostility easily enough, but aside from an "I won" look, she seems to behave herself for now.
(DM Note: I actually have to roll the sense motive checks privately. Just state you're using sense motive and the modifier.)
Others begin to make plans. Nintos considers using his familiar as a scout. Fenfaren wants to hold on to the stolen goods as evidence. Fingers proceeds to enter the magic school, while Kwarsk keeps an eye out from the outside.
Fenfaren asks whether he'll ask honestly, and gets a shrug from Musetta. "We're not exactly going against the smartest or the strongest willed, if that's what you mean. I wouldn't trust him completely, and don't know exactly how deep he's in, but I expect he'd eventually crack."
-----------------
"I can't say for sure that he's a fence," Musetta says as she leads you around the street. "More of a very customer oriented pharmacist, kind of a strange guy. But yeah, he's the go to if you happen to want to sell stuff, no questions asked. Macaroni art, in my case, but there mght be others.... And here we are, the Hollow Pit."
The black tower, covered with ravens statues and cobwebs, sat quietly among the taverns and shops.
Dramatically, Musetta gestures at the wood door. "Guy you want is named Jason. I assume this is your part?"
Fingers enters first, squeezing through the "small" door between two candleabras into what appears to be a waiting room designed by a necromancer. That went blind. Old couches lay haphazardly, books protected the floors and end tables from dust, and the entire room was lit by candles that barely glow.
From behind a rickety desk, an old gnome peeked out at the minotaur. "Hi, my name is Mavros, I'm the headmaster."
Rhys (Bob) AC 17; CMD 16/18 vs Disarm & Sunder; HP 12/12 Friday March 25th, 2022 3:20:43 PM
Rhys adjusts his cloak and slips into the shadows outside the school. When gets a chance he asks Musetta ”Exactly what part of the city are we in? Is this still the Nightmare Quarter I have we gone farther afield? I had heard that the Mages tower was shaped like a star, but this place doesn’t look like a star??”
With nothing to do other than wait and watch the elf settles into the shadows for what he anticipates may be quite some time.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 16, CMD 12, HP 9/11 Friday March 25th, 2022 4:14:31 PM Domi, give me strength! thinks Paige, when the kid gives her ‘the look’ . The cleric plans to talk with Grothic about shipping Musetta off to that nice orphanage outside of town - the one endowed by the Crimson Shields - but that can wait for later. Paige trails after the group, and catching up to Nintos points to the dark tower indicated by Musetta, and asks: ”do you have any knowledge of this ‘school’? Do you think it might be the one Clarisse spoke of?” The red-headed half-elf wonders what kind of ‘students’ attend such a creepy place, and if classes are actually taught at night!?
Nintos Melinous (Clint) | HP 8/8 | AC:12 T:12 FF:10 | CMD:12 CMB:0 | Fort:2 Ref:2 Will:3 | Merletta (Familiar) HP 4/4 | AC:15 T:14 FF:13 | CMB:0 CMD:6 | Fort:1 Ref:4 Will:2 d20+5=21 ; Saturday March 26th, 2022 8:01:53 AM
[OOC]I rolled a Profession Teacher (21), but if a flat Int would be better that would be a 20 then.[OOC]
Nintos thinks of those he has encountered while at the Star Tower. Remembering who the teachers were of the different schools, a mage named Jason, and if there was any connection to this Hallow Pit.
[OOC]Nintos would share any information that he knows.[OOC]
Grothic (Jonathan) -- AC 17 /12/15 -- CMD 17 -- HP13/13 Saturday March 26th, 2022 2:20:06 PM
Grothic follows the group, with the thief on his shoulders. A grim sight, to be sure but he looks pleased that his Musetta gamble seems to be paying off, at least for now.
[Ooc] Unless I missed something, it's still around ten at night.
After this, it might make sense to part ways, get some lodging and meet back up in the morning. And have we given any more thought to our team name? Temps is fine, but Tempest would be a good name for a group that is a force to be reconed with somewhere between 'everyone has their own way of doing things' and 'not getting along.'
Myre (Carl) -- AC 12/12/10 CMD: 12 HP: 12/12 Spell Slots Remaining: 3 Saturday March 26th, 2022 4:33:30 PM
OOC: I realize my charisma modifier makes me a natural face for the group, but I've had very little time to devote to the game this week & everyone kinda doing their own thing has left me a bit lost. This won't be the norm for me, it was just a rough week. As such, someone else should talk.
***
Myre shudders to think what kind of student would see this place and think, "Yes. This is the place I need to be." She's a little confused still; she's been lost in her own world today it seems. Still, this Mavros guy is still sitting here waiting for an answer.
"Hello, Mr. Mavros. Is there a...Jason here? Jason. JAY-son. Weird name, I think. Kinda plain? The sort of name a completely unremarkable person would have. What's in a name though, right?" She tilts her head and looks sideways at him. "Are YOU Jason? Jason Mavros? You don't look like a Jason." She makes a point to look around. "Come to think of it, this doesn't seem like the kind of place one would find a JAY-son. Are you sure there's a Jason here?" She tilts her head the other way, and waits for an answer.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 21/T 12/FF 19, HP 14/14, CMD 15. Sunday March 27th, 2022 4:08:31 PM
Kwarsk continues to stand guard outside while Fingers "works" Jason for info, trying, perhaps too hard, to look inconspicuous...
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