Paige provides some food that Isabelle politely refuses before taking it. Where Musetta might have made a smart remark regarding whether "more than one orphan" exists, Isabelle remains more polite and restrained.
Grothic leaves before this plays out.
---------------
Rhys sees danger in knowing the future, but keeps it to herself.
Kwarsk asks for the halfling's name. "Oh, I think we very well know what I say won't matter tomorrow," he replied soothingly. "But since you asked, it's Susan... today anyway."
-------------
Regardless of location, either Isabelle or the Mysterious Halfling tell you all about the wonders that meet you at The All Seeing Eye. Run by two witches with the gift... and who admittedly hired them to find every one of you directly. (You can locate it on the map, along with the Crypt. And, not that either could possibly know this, the group does have a few hours to kill.)
And with that, they leave, their message done.
Shortly after Grothic arrives to the Pumpkin Patch, members of the Black Cathedral begin to enter the building. Along with bringing thick scrolls and measuring ropes, they do much that the group was already doing. A lead gnome in black tells the group that they can leave for now.
Grothic (Jonathan) HP 13 / AC 17 Touch 12 FF 15/ CMD 17 / CMB 5 / Fort 4 Reflex 4 Will 1 Grothic (Jonathan) -- AC 178/13/16 -- CMD 17 -- HP11/1 Monday May 16th, 2022 6:16:00 PM
[Ooc] Are the town guard and the black Cathedral affiliated?
Rhys (Bob) AC 17; CMD 16/18 vs Disarm & Sunder; HP 9/12 Monday May 16th, 2022 8:57:59 PM
Rhys, the male elf considers the message from the halfling and wonders just why these witches would hire anyone to seek them out, and how they knew about them in the first place. Upon seeing Grothic arrive he welcomes the half-orc and let’s him know what has transpired in his absence.
When the members of the Black Cathedral arrive Rhys advises them if what has been discovered and where, making special mention of the crates in the courtyard.
Rhys waits for the rest of the party to arrive before agreeing to leave the Pumpkin Patch.
DM Melvin Monday May 16th, 2022 9:32:00 PM
OOC: In answer to the affiliation question, I guess I see the two groups as loosely affiliated but with different spheres and kind of getting on everybody's nerves.
Think of the guards/constabulary as the local priests, and the Black Cathedral guys as the feds, but without the gravitas behind it. The groups sort of work together or around each other, though.
Myre (Carl) -- AC 12/12/10 CMD: 12 HP: 12/12 Spell Slots Remaining: 3 Monday May 16th, 2022 10:08:24 PM "Wonders await us..." Myre lets the words wash over her. "Wonders. Await. Us." She chews them slowly.
"Yes, that sounds fishy. That said, it's been taught to me since birth not to discount witches." She absently turns to head to The All Seeing Eye, gently petting Waddles. "I wonder what kind of wonders await us. Maybe it will even be the kind that doesn't cost us up front..."
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 13/13 | CMB:3 CMD:15 | Fort:2 Ref:4 Will:0 Monday May 16th, 2022 11:33:10 PM
[OOC: I may be getting some of these events in the wrong order...]
Muuru, carrying a box of trap-making gear, gets back to the Pumpkin Patch in time to see the Cathedralians shooing the team out into the street. Oh, great. What am I supposed to do with this stuff now?He asks the Cathedral staff if he can leave the box in the lobby for the time being, then joins the team at lunch with Paige, where he says:
These fortune-tellers sound intriguing, but unless they can foresee what will happen to us at The Crypt, we really need to head there to investigate the poisoning. Pass the salt...
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 16, CMD 12, HP 10/11 Tuesday May 17th, 2022 2:19:05 AM
Paige shakes her head when the orphan delivers her cryptic message. Arriving at the Pumpkin Patch she distributes the food she bought to her friends, keeping the half pastie for herself. As she watches the folks from the Black Cathedral take over responsibility for the poisoners’ lair, she listens to other folks opinion on this ‘fortune telling’ business.
”I guess if the witches can see the future, they must know all about us? Maybe they have a ‘job’ for us? Or just maybe they can answer some of our questions? Like who are these ‘servants of the drow’?”.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 16, CMD 12, HP 10/11 Tuesday May 17th, 2022 10:31:20 AM
OOC - that comment about ‘not another one’ was posted as Paige ‘thinking’ - so unless Isabella/Isabelle is a mind reader, she wouldn’t know about 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 Tuesday May 17th, 2022 12:19:13 PM
With the halflings statement of ‘The orphanages have thin walls’ Nintos swallows Damn it! Yes and ears all over this city. Should have assumed that there would be some in the orphanage itself he thinks.
“Fortunes told? As is divination magics? I don’t personally know much about the school, but I would be willing to study it in action.” Nintos’ is interested in where this might be leading.
“Susan,” he says using the clearly fake name; “when are we to be expected? We still have a few matters to tend to first.”
[ooc]Once ‘Susan’ leaves[ooc] Nintos looks to his companions; “Depending on when we need to arrive, are we in any shape to throw ourselves into the unknown? I personally could be better prepared….”
Grothic (Jonathan) HP 13 / AC 17 Touch 12 FF 15/ CMD 17 / CMB 5 / Fort 4 Reflex 4 Will 1 Grothic (Jonathan) -- AC 178/13/16 -- CMD 17 -- HP11/1 Tuesday May 17th, 2022 6:08:02 PM
Grothic thanks Rhys for the update. So they showed up and told us two witches wanted to read our futures or something? Did you get the sense we were going to pay for this service and they would surprise us with that when we got there? The sun is up in the Nightmare Quarter, so who knows what they're up to. This is either a really weird, scammy business model or they're going to try to get us to kill someone.
DM Melvin Tuesday May 17th, 2022 8:26:40 PM
The aftermath of the strange offers leaves the group uneasy.
At the pumpkin patch, Rhys has a number of questions, and Myre senses trouble. But neither of them really want to skip this.
Fingers arrives after shopping for traps, the one person who didn't encounter either salesperson, and didn't know the Black Cathedral was coming. He's less than amused, but the Black Cathedral gladly takes the traps and reimburses him. He wants to move right to The Crypt, but Paige points out that they might need to hear what they have to say.
Nintos notes that they might need to be prepared. Right now, the big preparations is the group having lunch.
Grothic is sure this is either a scam or the way someone dies. Kwarsk remains silent.
Despite it all, curiosity gets the best of the group.
And so they make their way to the All Seeing Eye. The building seems to have been renovated, the cobwebs nearly added, the entranceway curios clean and dust free. At the doorway, a few tourists take a look at the wax figures up front, or at the floating devices in the window.
But the fliers tell you to go to the card reading room in the back.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 21/T 12/FF 19, HP 14/14, CMD 15. Tuesday May 17th, 2022 9:47:54 PM
Kwarsk says, "Well, if we're going in, I'll go first, just in case this is an ambush... yes, I'm being paranoid, I know. That's a guard's job." Kwarsk cracks a wry half-smile at the last bit.
Myre (Carl) -- AC 12/12/10 CMD: 12 HP: 12/12 Spell Slots Remaining: 3 Tuesday May 17th, 2022 11:03:01 PM Myre just walks on in, then raises her hands to the sky...well, ceiling. "IT IS AS THE PROPHECIES FORTOLD! WE HAVE ARRIVED!"
She puts her arms down, not noticing that she's grabbed Waddles from her pack as she does so. When nothing happens, she looks and finds the flyers directing them to the back. She pouts, having wasted levity on a few tourists instead of a few witches. She starts heading to the back. A low, slow squeak follows her as she grips Waddles a little too tightly.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 16, CMD 12, HP 10/11 d20+6=13 ; Wednesday May 18th, 2022 9:03:11 AM ”I agree with you, Nintos. I have less of Domi’s daily gifts to share at this point. We will just have to be careful. Seeing that these ‘fortune tellers’ use orphans and halflings with a sense on humour - do you anticipate danger at the All Seeing Eye? I believe the Crypt could be another matter - however it is a tavern and would be a public place…?”.
Paige examines the wound from the giant centipede. It has stopped bleeding, and doesn’t look infected.
The cleric finds an opportunity to walk beside Kwarsk as the party makes it’s way to their next destination. She explains that she has one special magic prepared for the day that she would share with the dwarf should the party fall into dire circumstances - but she would use it only if the dwarf was in agreement, since it required laying her hands upon his person and a temporary transformation of his very self. She explains the Enlarge Personhttp://legacy.aonprd.com/coreRulebook/spells/enlargePerson.html#enlarge-person spell, adding ”mind you, this would be only if we get into some sort of trouble.”
The young half-elven woman looks about the strange ‘museum’ pays particular attention to the wax figures (Perception = 13) as the group passes by on their way to the card reading room.
Rhys (Bob) AC 17; CMD 16/18 vs Disarm & Sunder; HP 9/12 Wednesday May 18th, 2022 9:38:30 AM
Rhys follows along to this ‘All Seeing Eye’ with reservation. He agrees with Grothic’s assessment of the situation and tells him so. ”We will need to be on our guard in this place”.
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=27 ; Wednesday May 18th, 2022 11:02:44 AM “I won’t fight you for going in first, but if this is just a show of divination magics I will want a closer look.” Nintos says closely tailing Kwarsk.
When the show begins to happen, Nintos spends his time and energy studying what is going on [K-Arcana 27, will cast Detect Magic when he finds something that might appear to be of the arcane arts.]
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 13/13 | CMB:3 CMD:15 | Fort:2 Ref:4 Will:0 d20+5=8 ; Wednesday May 18th, 2022 3:13:53 PM
Fingers joins the group in the rear entrance. He's heard how some charlatans use tricks -- hidden gadgets, trap doors, etc -- to fake magical ability. He'll keep an eye out for such things (Perception: 8, with +1 if any hidden device could be considered a "trap")
Rhys (Bob) AC 17; CMD 16/18 vs Disarm & Sunder; HP 9/12 Wednesday May 18th, 2022 8:12:16 PM
Rhys follows along to this ‘All Seeing Eye’ with reservation. He agrees with Grothic’s assessment of the situation and tells him so. ”We will need to be on our guard in this place”.
Grothic (Jonathan) -- AC 17/13/16 -- CMD 17 -- HP11/13 Wednesday May 18th, 2022 9:12:08 PM
Grothic checks that his vials of healing potions are undamaged, his the rings of his chain mail are free of giant insect, his blades are sharp and his wounds are not infected.
[b] I'm ready when you guys are. [b/]
DM Melvin Wednesday May 18th, 2022 9:16:46 PM
One by one, the group enters, with varying degrees of trepadation.
Kwarsk enters first, ready for anything. Myre enters next, declaring herself to the amusement of the onlookers. Rhys enters next, also on guard.
Paige prepares for a second fight, but she also takes some time to look around. The wax figures are endless and disorganized. A number of sailors around a crescent moon on the docks. A trio of robed halflings next to a leg of iron to the right. A group of minotaurs out in the distance, followed by a group of dwarves, followed by a painting of the culverwood.
(OOC: I can tell you now: it's references to other games being played currently.)
Fingers finally comes in, spotting no traps. He can hear the tourists discuss just what he was wondering, whether they are charlatans or real.
Only Nintos is excited, prepared to study this ancient tradition (and using know arcane and detect magic).
Grothic enters last having checked his gear.
And thus does the group enter the room in the back.
Sparse, clean and tasteful are words never used as descriptions of the room. Some words that might include paint peeled chairs, flickering candles, tapestries of indeterminate color. Strays of magic can be detected in the room, but Nintos can't quite make out what magic is being used.
Two old witches stare at the group without speaking, staring past. Finally, one of them welcomes you. "Greetings, members of the Black Cathedral. Welcome to our little abode. Just one gold piece per person, already waived, and maybe your lunch leftovers, and we shall tell you of your fate."
The other nodded. "I am Abigail and this is my sister Gabriel. Pleased to see that Isabelle has once again served us well. Such a talented girl, she will make a great bloodwitch of her own one day..."
"One night. We saw each of you in a vision," Gabriel intoned. "First you were apart, then you were together..."
"Together, we saw," Abigail finished. "Have you known each other long?" If the group answers no, "Curious that you have not known each other long, to our knowledge. But we are in a bit of a hurry, so..."
"So we shall begin as the vision instructed" Gabriel finished as she began using magic to light more candles. "Sit, please, and allow us to read the cards for you. But we should warn you..."
"Warn you that you cannot unsee what you have seen today." Abigail slowly took out a deck that Nintos recognizes as a Harrow set of large tarrot cards. Thunder can be heard from the walls, the storm moving fast. It is difficult to discern if the table has begun to shake.
"Our vision did not reveal much," Abigail continued. "Only that we would perform the reading, and that you would attend."
In unison, "Every person picks a card. When one of us points to you, you will place the card where we so indicate. When nine cards are drawn, the past, present and future will be revealed. Let us begin."
(Everyone should post that they take a card but don't look at it.)
Myre (Carl) -- AC 12/12/10 CMD: 12 HP: 12/12 Spell Slots Remaining: 3 Wednesday May 18th, 2022 10:27:41 PM
Well, this all sounds like a load of hooey...is what her dad would say, but Myre knew better. She'd seen divinations proven right too often to just discount them.
Plus, what's the harm? Myre's the first to take a card. She does not look at it, but when she thinks no one is looking, she gives Waddles a peek. She silently tells the pig to keep it to himself.
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 13/13 | CMB:3 CMD:15 | Fort:2 Ref:4 Will:0 Thursday May 19th, 2022 2:45:42 AM
Fingers takes a card and holds it face down.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 16, CMD 12, HP 10/11 Thursday May 19th, 2022 9:33:46 AM
Grasping her holy symbol in one hand, Paige takes a card from the deck and awaits instruction.
Rhys (Bob) AC 17; CMD 16/18 vs Disarm & Sunder; HP 9/12 Thursday May 19th, 2022 9:45:11 AM
Rhys slips a card from the rack and leaves it lying face down on the table.
Grothic (Jonathan) -- AC 17/13/16 -- CMD 17 -- HP11/13 Thursday May 19th, 2022 2:04:53 PM
Grothic takes a card, places it face down and whispers to his more magically gifted friends.
Is there a way for a malevolent spirit to sign a contract with a mortal by turning to divination magic such as this? Clearly this is important to these people but not so much that they would charge us gold. They only want our consent and participation in whatever this is, and I can't think of a motivation for them that isn't terrifying.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 21/T 12/FF 19, HP 14/14, CMD 15. Thursday May 19th, 2022 7:52:26 PM
Kwarsk is skeptical, but politely takes a card without looking at it.
DM Melvin Thursday May 19th, 2022 9:22:28 PM
The sisters continue to move in their divinations, almost as one mind. As the room begins to darken, the candles brighten, the sounds of motion surround the group, and finally, finally....
Most of the group thinks this may be a con... and considers that the good revelation. Nevertheless, they each take a card, and as the sisters gesture to each of you in unison, stopping only to gasp or to chuckle, the following cards are drawn.
The Past
Nintos draws The Tyrant. "This card reveals a ruler who was a blight upon those he ruled." Gabriel intoned. "But notice how the card is in a misaligned position. That may show a tyrant that was revealed or overthrown."
Abigail draws The Marriage, and pauses, unsure. "This card can be a union. A union of people, ideas, kingdoms, or other things. The union may have brought forth a new power, or may have been a ruinous change. Either way, the cards show permanent change."
Kwarsk draws The Cricket, to nods from the witches. "This card is associated with travel," the witches speak in unison. "With a treasure at the end."
"But probably not the type you're thinking of," Abigail intercedes to the adventurers. Gabrielle gives her a side eye before they continue.
The Present
Myre draws The Mute Hag. Abigail notes that "this card invokes blood pacts and treacherous secrets. However, it is misaligned, and in this position it indicates unshakeable loyalty and lucidity of speech."
Grothic draws The Waxworks, and the sisters argue with each other for a few moments. Finally, Gabriel turns. "This card is a place of helplessness and physical entropy. It is the card of torture and imprisonment, signifying literal inability to move or a paralysis of a more prosaic kind."
Fingers draws The Unicorn. Abigail begins this time, "This card offers that which you seek... but it is misaligned and reveals instead betrayal, poisoning, or a false friend.
The Future
Rhys draws The Avalanche. The sisters give meaningful looks and gasps to each other, and their unison talking takes on almost an echo. "This card shows disaster. It is an unthinking, unreasoning thing that overruns all who get in its way. The card is misaligned in this position, and indicates a calamity may be averted, though not without consequence."
Paige draws The Uprising. "This card represents being caught in the clutches of something much more powerful than you," Abigail speaks, as if in a trance. "It can be an overwhelming strength that crushes what comes in contact with it, or the overthrowing of a leader of some sort. It indicates a force that is stronger than yourself."
Gabrielle takes a moment to survey the room, almost shaking. Nintos' detect magic can almost see the woldsblood swirling in her very arteries. She herself seems outside of her body, yet there is a twinkle in her eye as she draws the final card.
She draws The Teamster, as the room falls silent save for Gabriel's whisper. "This card is a driving external force that keeps the subject going, no matter what. The force can be physical or mental, for good or ill... but cannot be ignored."
----------------------
With the reading over, the room is what it was before. The sisters look tired, but quite pleased at their divinations.
"This is your destiny. This is the birthright of this group, this town, this world," the sisters say in unison. "The reading is over. Please avail yourselves of its message. It is time now to go an meet your fate, and you may leave tips at the jar by the door. Also, the spirits would be contented if you could fill out a comment card on the way out...."
Myre (Carl) -- AC 12/12/10 CMD: 12 HP: 12/12 Spell Slots Remaining: 3 Thursday May 19th, 2022 10:08:34 PM The Mute Hag? That's a little on the nose...
Myre doesn't waste any time before standing. Seems she's not one for pondering her next move. "I will say this, ladies: if you're charlatans, you're very convincing charlatans." She means that in the best possible way. Hopefully it came out that way.
"Thank you for the reading. It's my sincerest hope that we don't gleam its significance moments before our unpleasant demise." She gives a slight bow, then heads out. She drops a gold coin in the jar (and a silver from Waddles, though she's not sure why). She takes a comment card with her. "I'll bring this back when I'm confident this reading was genuine...or false." She walks back out to the common area of the shop and raises her arms again as she walks through the room towards the exit. "IT IS AS THE PROPHECIES FORTOLD! WE ARE DEPARTING!" She'll wait outside for everyone to come along.
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 13/13 | CMB:3 CMD:15 | Fort:2 Ref:4 Will:0 Thursday May 19th, 2022 11:49:27 PM
Muuru stands. So, I will find what I seek but look out for -- hidden dangers and poisons? He laughs. Either the ladies are true diviners, or my reputation as a party rogue is spreading around town. Good news either way! He leaves with the group, dropping 2 gold into the tip jar.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 16, CMD 12, HP 10/11 Friday May 20th, 2022 8:32:22 AM
Paige studies the card laid in front of her, and considers the reading as a whole. She is already feeling manipulated by events, so the card she has drawn individually isn’t a surprise. After dropping a coin in the jar, she follows her companions.
Rhys (Bob) AC 17; CMD 16/18 vs Disarm & Sunder; HP 9/12 Friday May 20th, 2022 2:43:03 PM
Rhys listens to the revelations laid before him and those of the group but says nothing. He leaves a gold piece in the jar before leaving.
Grothic (Jonathan) -- AC 17/13/16 -- CMD 17 -- HP11/13 Friday May 20th, 2022 6:20:16 PM
Grothic leaves his card on the table and exits with the party.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 21/T 12/FF 19, HP 14/14, CMD 15. Friday May 20th, 2022 10:27:21 PM
Kwarsk leaves his card on the table and exits with the party. Once outside, he lets out a snorting laugh, "Now that was a con! I still can't believe some of you paid real money for that! I suppose it was harmless entertainment, but if they were in need of money I'd rather they have just asked for money and pleaded poverty."
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 13/13 | CMB:3 CMD:15 | Fort:2 Ref:4 Will:0 Friday May 20th, 2022 11:46:25 PM Oh, don't be a spoilsport, says Muuru, after writing a few compliments on the comment card. Now, which way is The Crypt?
[ooc: The Teamster represents you, Melvin, doesn't 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 Saturday May 21st, 2022 8:25:21 AM
[Earlier upon entry] Nintos thinks to himself What is the source of this magic, and what is it being used for? Nintos takes a card but doesn’t pay too much attention to it as he is lost in thought.
[During the reading] When his card is flipped over, revealing The Tyrant Nintos begins thinking through his studies. Kings and Queens who ruled with an iron fist, rulers who stolen land and enslaved people, mages who use their arcane power to force others to do their will.
“Thank you for the reading.” Nintos says as he stares at the card on the table, still thinking of his history studies.
On his way out he fills out a comment card and places two silver pieces within the tip jar. Nintos knows that not all trades are looked highly upon and that every little bit helps.
[Leaving with the group] “I don’t put much in harrow cards, reading tea leaves or similar foretellings, but I do know that there is a link between those things and the divine, arcane, and at times infernal.” thinking upon the cards; “and depending on the spirits that are being called upon, I would tread lightly.”
Once outside Nintos will detect magic to make sure that there are no arcane bonds that have been placed upon the group.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Memorized Spells: 0: Acid Splash, Detect Magic, Mage Hand. 1st: Summon Monster 1, Grease Acid Dart: 4/7 (per day) 1d6+1 (+1 per 2 lvl) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ [OOC] I am leaving on a family vacation today. I will have my laptop with me and there will be wifi there. Incase I miss a couple days that is why.[OOC]
Myre (Carl) -- AC 12/12/10 CMD: 12 HP: 12/12 Spell Slots Remaining: 3 Sunday May 22nd, 2022 11:28:00 PM Myre looks back at the entrance and wonders what's keeping her new friends. Were they in danger? Did her hasty exit save her from some terrible fate? Should she go back in there?
She looks down at her hands and finds Waddles looking back at her. They stare at each other in silence. "No, you're right. Someone has to go for help if they're in trouble. I'll wait out here." She looks back at the door. "That's the smart thing to do." She nods, convincing herself.
DM Melvin Monday May 23rd, 2022 10:45:15 PM
Everyone leaves the place, with varying degrees of certitude as to its realness. Discussions are also made as to what the reading might mean.
It is late afternoon when the group leaves, so thoughts are brought as to when to go to the Crypt. The group has a couple of hours (a round, two max) to decide whether to do any last minute preparations or to just see some sights.
(OOC: My apologies for the late evening, so I'll try to give everyone time to post tomorrow.)
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 13/13 | CMB:3 CMD:15 | Fort:2 Ref:4 Will:0 Tuesday May 24th, 2022 3:26:25 AM
[ooc: Reminding us that Clarisse has said the poisoners have struck back by sleeping someone at a gambling hall called The Crypt. She recommends we go in and start asking questions. Like last time, it will probably lead to an immediate battle.]
Anyone need a short rest?
Rhys (Bob) AC 17; CMD 16/18 vs Disarm & Sunder; HP 9/12 Tuesday May 24th, 2022 2:31:53 PM
Rhys thinks little of the reading…” disaster? Catastrophe averted? Not really much to go on there!”
When discussion turns to the Crypt the elf is ready to go with no need for further preparations. ”What’s the plan? Who is doing the questioning? And where do you want the rest of us?l.
(OOC. Rhys had claimed to vials on elixir of hiding from the loot list but I no longer see them listed…does that mean they are now in my possession? If so I will add them to my character sheet)
Grothic (Jonathan) -- AC 17/13/16 -- CMD 17 -- HP11/13 Tuesday May 24th, 2022 4:06:19 PM Actually, one second. I've got an image in my mind of someone offering me wine and not drinking it themself.
Grothic opens the door, puts one foot in and holds a gold coin over the tip jar.
One more card, please. For you.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 16, CMD 12, HP 10/11 Tuesday May 24th, 2022 4:14:39 PM
The cleric’s brow creases in thought at Muuru’s suggestion. A siesta might be of some benefit, but Paige suspects a long rest would be better for her and the magikers in the group. However, time is of the essence and it looks like a visit to the Crypt is in order before the day is done.
”Nintos, do you still have those light crossbows recovered from the Pumpkin Patch? Or, have they been sold? “ Without access to her full complement of daily spells, Paige fancies a ranged weapon could come in handy.
Myre (Carl) -- AC 12/12/10 CMD: 12 HP: 12/12 Spell Slots Remaining: 3 Tuesday May 24th, 2022 5:18:41 PM Myre is only down one spell slot, so should be ready to go.
"I can do the talking again. People seem to want to tell me things when I'm around. Usually they end with 'so go ask him and leave me alone' or something similar. Almost like they want to get rid of me!" She chuckles. "I don't see why. I'm quite charming." She puts Waddles back in her pack and straightens out her dress. She's ready to go anytime.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 21/T 12/FF 19, HP 14/14, CMD 15. Tuesday May 24th, 2022 7:54:20 PM
Kwarsk says, "I was not hurt in the fight, so we can go now or later, as the group thinks best. I, too, am concerned over the new sleep victim, so perhaps time is of the essence?"
DM Melvin Tuesday May 24th, 2022 9:50:40 PM
Fingers wonders if they should rest. Rhys is ready to go (after a quick discussion). Paige wonders if a rest would do well (but to be honest, I figured you guys rested and healed before leaving the Pumpkin Patch, so you really should have all spells and HP by now.)
Grothic pries open the door, asking (I think) if the witches can see a card for their future. The witches, however, seem to be absent from the room, so they can't answer.
Nintos or Know Arcana 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {You're a little less confused about the reading but understand its even less useful. You know that the cards are tied not necessarily to the drawer of the card or even to the group. It may be, for example, about the city itself. You also know the process: 3 cards about the past, 3 cards about the present, and 3 about what may come to pass.}
Myre offers to talk her way through, and is dressed for the occassion.
Kwarsk is ready to go.
Nintos, even with his on fire arcana check and detect magic, can't tell if what happened was a trick, or what magic was used. What he does figure out: Highlight to display spoiler: { 1) There seem to be a lot of non-divination magic going on (like prestidigitation) and a few areas where magic was absent but should have been present. 2) Divination is present on the cards themselves, as might other expected things like conjuration. But how it's done is obscure, possibly because they are using tarot cards rather than scrying objects. 3) No, I am not the taskmaster. I'm one of the witches. }
I'll give the group one more round to make plans, then assume everyone enters (unless told otherwise) at the end of the round.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 16, CMD 12, HP 11/11 Wednesday May 25th, 2022 8:06:04 PM (OOC: so it is as if we had a long rest and all spells and HP are restored?)
”I see no reason we can’t try diplomacy in this circumstance! Paige answers in response to Myre’s suggestion. ”Lets see if we can question the victim or the sleep poison and learn something of what happened.”
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 21/T 12/FF 19, HP 14/14, CMD 15. Wednesday May 25th, 2022 8:51:43 PM
Kwarsk stands impatiently, humming a Dwarven tune (OOC: off-key, but there's no other dwarves here to notice!), maintaining his readiness to go.
Rhys (Bob) AC 17; CMD 16/18 vs Disarm & Sunder; HP 9/12 Wednesday May 25th, 2022 9:25:03 PM
Rhys nods in agreement when Paige mentions diplomacy. ”I’ll just stand ready if needed” he says and prepares to enter the Crypt when the rest of his companions enter.
DM Melvin Wednesday May 25th, 2022 9:38:53 PM
Night begins to fall as the group makes it's way toward the Crypt. Guards continue to mill about the alleyway, scrying and searching for any clues that have been left.
One or two of them eye you warily as you approach, but they don't seem interested in approaching you.
Down the staircase into the landing below, a guard continues to argue with a ratfolk bouncer. Through the door, all sorts of conversation and music can be heard, the ratfolk's feet bathed in red and blue candlelight. Occasionally, a couple of patrons in fancy clothes file in and out, giving a greater amount of the din.
Only Myre gets a smile from the bouncer, but he doesn't seem interested in blocking anyone else from going inside.
Grothic (Jonathan) -- AC 17/13/16 -- CMD 17 -- HP11/13 Wednesday May 25th, 2022 9:59:20 PM
Grothic enters.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 21/T 12/FF 19, HP 14/14, CMD 15. Wednesday May 25th, 2022 10:41:23 PM
Kwarsk enters, to the right of Grothic if possible, else right behind Grothic.
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 13/13 | CMB:3 CMD:15 | Fort:2 Ref:4 Will:0 Wednesday May 25th, 2022 10:54:40 PM
Fingers enters and stays near Myre, again trying to appear to be her bodyguard. His crossbow is slung and his blackjack holstered; if the guards in this place to require us to check our weapons, he will.
Myre (Carl) -- AC 12/12/10 CMD: 12 HP: 12/12 Spell Slots Remaining: 3 Thursday May 26th, 2022 1:12:09 AM Myre watches people enter and leave for a bit. "I believe," she starts, "this is one of those places that only wants attractive people to enter." She blushes, then quickly adds "The fancy kind of attractive, I mean. The kind that wears a suit or pretty dress, like so." She gives the dress a little flourish. She clears her throat and puts on her regal face. Surprisingly enough, she pulls it off. Just like that, Myre has the air of someone who grew up among nobility. She catches on to Fingers' plan and likewise puts herself in the minotaur's shadow while adopting a more fearless demeanor. She hands her bag to Fingers' to hold, indicating he's here to keep her safe. She smiles as she passes the bouncer, but makes no attempt to explain Fingers' presence. She expects the bouncer to let her bodyguard pass, obviously.
Rhys (Bob) AC 17; CMD 16/18 vs Disarm & Sunder; HP 9/12 d20+3=14 ; d20+1=2 ; Thursday May 26th, 2022 10:55:31 AM
Rhys delays going in, ostensibly to allow the others to precede him, but also to hear what the guard and the bouncer are discussing. (Perception to hear conversation 14; Sense motive to see if bouncer is being truthful 2).
Regardless, Rhys will follow the others into the Crypt
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 16, CMD 12, HP 11/11 d20+6=9 ; Thursday May 26th, 2022 4:52:46 PM
Paige follows her friends past the smiling bouncer who doesn’t seem interested in blocking anyone from going inside. She listens to the conversations going on inside the tavern (Perception = 9) as she enters the place.
DM Melvin Thursday May 26th, 2022 9:23:23 PM
The bouncer glowers at the group carefully, but decides to let you enter. He takes a moment first, to remind you that you can easily find some ways to spend money by gambling, drinking, and so forth. In case you weren't planning on it.
Also, "your weapons. I expect that you won't draw any of them within the establishment itself, and that we won't have any trouble. Enjoy your evenings, gentlemen, ladies."
Grothic and Kwarsk enter the building first as a pair.
Myre and Fingers enter as the next pair, figuring they at least look the part.
Paige enters next, focusing on the conversations.
----------
Rhys stays behind, wondering what to say, and Nintos seems unsure of what to do.
From what Rhys can hear from his questions, there was an altercation the night before (shortly after the battle at the Pumpkin Patch). But unlike the Crypt's usual nightly altercation, this one was bloodier. A ruffian resorted to using a poisoned dagger after a fight broke out over one of the games.
And so the victim remained in a deep slumber for several hours, unable to be woken.
The bouncer, for his part, continued to insist that his owner and the patrons know nothing, pointing out their quite extensive and very legitimate connections. "Now, we called you so that you could... handle this little indiscretion, and I hope that won't be a problem."
----------
Inside, waiters and waitresses move drinks among gaming table after gaming table. Aside from some curious looks towards Myre and Fingers, most of the patrons seem to be quite interested in their activities or their table mates. A band continues to provide music to the room.
It can be hard, with most of the group in formalwear, to see if anyone sticks out.
Know Local 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { At one of the roulette tables, a man that seems to be the owner remains deep in conversation with what appear to be a couple of ogres.}
Perception 20 Highlight to display spoiler: { You spot the necklace of one of the patrons, because it's distinctive. It's the necklace Musetta stole when you first met her, and apparently returned to its owner. }
Grothic (Jonathan) -- AC 17/13/16 -- CMD 17 -- HP11/13 d20+5=20 ; Thursday May 26th, 2022 10:37:52 PM
[Ooc] Perception 20. No reason to bother anyone, but I will point it out.
I'm nervous that they didn't take our weapons. I almost would have preferred it. An assault with a poisoned dagger will put all of the regulars on edge. If they weren't bringing weapons before, they defiantly will tonight. Some of them might be so zealously self-defensive they will pre-emptively pick a fight, probably with a group of armed newcomers like us. There's no pay in a random bar room brawl with swords, so if ever we can talk our way out of a fight, this might be the one. I'm going to find a corner to brood in and sip an ale. Make eye contact if you think a conversation is going south.
Also, if blood starts gushing and heads start rolling, that lady over there has the pendant Musetta stole when we met her. Might make a fun gift if we ever see her again.
Grothic is the kind of guy that you can't tell if he's joking.
Muuru speaks quietly. We need to find out who the dagger-boy was. If the patrons and staff don't know, we should ask the victim. At least he got a good look at guy.
By the way: see that fellow at that roulette table? Talking to the two ogres? Pretty sure he's the owner. The big ones don't seem to be guards -- can anyone tell what they're talking about?
Myre (Carl) -- AC 12/12/10 CMD: 12 HP: 12/12 Spell Slots Remaining: 3 d20+3=15 ; Friday May 27th, 2022 12:06:12 AM Myre assumes Grothic is not joking and makes a mental note to swipe the necklace from the woman's headless corpse should the opportunity present itself.
"That's twice we've over-planned for a simple task. We should stop doing that." She looks around. "So, we're supposed to handle this indiscretion, but the owner and the patrons 'don't know anything'." She makes little air quotes to punctuate her point. It's a dreadful habit she'll never grow out of. "That leaves the staff...and maybe the patrons' help if they brought any? Keep an eye out for a valet." She spends no time considering if the cliental of this place would have such a thing. "I'm going to go with the obvious and start with the man mixing everyone's cocktails."
She walks with purpose towards the bar...there is a bar, right? Surely there's a bar. She walks to it. With purpose. "Excuse me," she starts. "We've been brought in to simultaneously look into last night's fun and not bother the patrons or owners of this...charming establishment. Since I assume you're neither, are you able to tell us anything about what happened? Maybe you know the stabber or the stabbee?" She leans in, conspiratorially. "Maybe there's some dark underbelly your conscious is desperate to tell someone about?" She holds his eyes and nods slowly as she talks. In her head, she's giving the poor man the chance he's been waiting for. Hopefully he doesn't burst into tears or anything.
Rhys (Bob) AC 17; CMD 16/18 vs Disarm & Sunder; HP 9/12 Friday May 27th, 2022 8:36:17 AM
Rhys enters and holds a position nearer the door where he can observe the situation and hopefully spot anyone positioning themselves to do harm to his companions.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 16, CMD 12, HP 11/11 Friday May 27th, 2022 4:56:27 PM
Paige studies the woman Grothic describes as wearing the pendant Musetta swiped. “She must have been one of the first victims of the drow sleep poison then? The cleric feels like she has something in common with the lady. ”I wonder if she has any ideas who might have slipped her a draught the other night? Didn’t seem like it was delivered at the point of a knife, like the last victim!?!”
The half elf will look for an empty table or chairs sufficient to accommodate the party somewhere in the establishment where the might have a good view of the various patrons and staff.
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 13/13 | CMB:3 CMD:15 | Fort:2 Ref:4 Will:0 Friday May 27th, 2022 11:50:15 PM
Keeping an eye out for trouble, Muuru goes to speak to the bouncer. [b]You said the owners and patrons don't know anything. What about you? Did you see it? I assume you don't know the ruffian or the victim, but can you describe them? Are the in here often?
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 21/T 12/FF 19, HP 14/14, CMD 15. d20+3=20 ; Saturday May 28th, 2022 7:27:13 PM
(OOC Perception = 20; Kwarsk spots the necklace Musetta stole, and tucks that knowledge away for safekeeping.)
As Grothic heads to a corner to sip his ale, Kwarsk notices Nintos just standing around making an unintentional spectacle of himself. Kwarsk goes over to Nintos and begins gently guiding him toward the bar, "come on friend, let me buy you some white gold." Once at the bar, Kwarsk orders two milks, (and steam will exit his ears if the barkeep says they don't have milk) and then Kwarsk will keep a lookout in the immediate vicinity of Nintos to ensure he doesn't daydream himself into an envenomed dagger between the shoulderblades...
DM Melvin Sunday May 29th, 2022 9:49:24 PM
Grothic notes that this might be a fight, though the various guards and bouncers would seem to mollify that.
Fingers notes the nearby owner, currently wrapping up his conversation with a smile and a rather large cigar.
Grothic half considers restealing the necklace, and Myre makes a note of it.
Rhys enters but spends some time keeping an eye out for trouble. Nearby, Fingers takes some time to talk to the bouncer.
"Hey, I didn't see nothing, and I aint going to say I saw nothing. We are a prideful family establishment here, and absolutely shocked at such violence."
Myre makes her way to the bartender, asking for some information. Despite some decent diplomacy, the bartender basically remains mum... until he overhears Paige speculating the woman with the necklace is "the victim" and the 'dark underbelly of his subconscious' lets out a snort of derision.
"Ok, fine, that was funny. Victim of the poison. Hey, not saying anything, except that the gal has an airtight alibi of not being anywhere near those market robberies or poisoner guild members... unless you can prove some link to her being nearby. Victim, that's a good one."
The bartender made a good show of shaking his tip jar, and a remark about their consciences. A couple of the other patrons do seem to be eyeing Myre in particular.
At which point Kwarsk and Nintos go up to the bar and asks for some milk. To this day, the musicians refuse to indicate how they copied a record scratch into silence, not knowing what a record is. A couple of patrons glance at hiding places behind tables.
After a glance at the owner, and a touch of searching, the bartender manages to give Kwarsk a glass of what might be a mix of milk and cream. "You're lucky the boss likes himself the occasional White Asildur."
Myre (Carl) -- AC 12/12/10 CMD: 12 HP: 12/12 Spell Slots Remaining: 3 Monday May 30th, 2022 12:31:27 AM "Why's he shaking his tip jar? He hasn't even served me OH he wants a bribe." That's fine by Myre, but she's unsure of what a good bribe would be. Too much and she's a chump. Too little and he's insulted. She gets an idea that she hopes is a good one.
"Hmm. You know, we were encouraged to come in here and 'throw our weight around', but I'm starting to think that would be a bad idea for a whole bunch of reasons. The biggest reason being that you said I was funny." She drops two gold coins in the jar (OOC: if the amount of coin in the jar indicates that's a small "tip", she'll increase it within reason). "That and because everyone's being so very accommodating and we don't want to be jerks. Anyway, I like it when people call me funny. I assume that's why everyone's looking at me, right?" She looks back at those eyeing her. "Because I'm funny? No? Maybe you could help fill in some blanks, then?"
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 16, CMD 12, HP 11/11 d20+1=5 ; Monday May 30th, 2022 6:06:24 PM
As the bartender shakes the tip jar, Paige wonders why? He jumped into a conversation to which he wasn’t invited, and was rude to boot!
The red head tries to look stern (Intimidate = 5) but comes across looking more like a schoolmarm, if there is such a thing in Plateau City. ”I’ll have what they’re having” she says, nodding at the dwarf and the middle aged human, ”as well as anything you do know about the ‘attacks.”
Rhys (Bob) AC 17; CMD 16/18 vs Disarm & Sunder; HP 9/12 d20+3=16 ; Monday May 30th, 2022 8:44:44 PM
Rhys maintains his position and remains alert to the goings on in the Crypt. (Perception 16).
DM Melvin Monday May 30th, 2022 8:45:07 PM
For a long time, the bartender stared at the women unable to take a hint. His sigh could be heard in the halfling villages and was promptly ignored.
"The woman over there is involved with the poisoner's guild," the bartender said slowly, just in case. "The fact that her necklace got stolen at the scene of the crime when she claimed to be somewhere else proves she's involved. She presumably would have worn her "I did it" sign if it didn't clash with her shoes. Please talk to her because that means you'll stop talking to me."
The next 10 sentences out of his mouth concerned his feelings on tourism.
(OOC: My feelings on this are not the bartender's and I hope this isn't too mean. But I was pretty sure I was clear the last time.)
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 21/T 12/FF 19, HP 14/14, CMD 15. d20+3=11 ; Monday May 30th, 2022 9:13:08 PM
Kwarsk continues to keep one eye on Nintos' back and the other scanning from place to place.
(OOC Perception = 11)
Kwarsk finally takes a swig of his White Asildur.
If (1) it truly is milk and cream, Kwarsk is smitten by it and it becomes his new favorite drink at the Crypt. Else if (2) Kwarsk instead notes the telltale heft of alcohol, he grimaces, swallows the one swig, turns to the bartender and says, " Barkeep, I said milk, not booze!"
Myre (Carl) -- AC 12/12/10 CMD: 12 HP: 12/12 Spell Slots Remaining: 3 Monday May 30th, 2022 11:12:57 PM
OOC: No offense taken. I was pretty bleary-eyed when I was trying to post.
Myre scratches her head. "Guess I'm just used to people being blunt instead of dancing around with their words." She reports back to her friends what she's learned. It's probably a bad idea to just walk over there alone.
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 13/13 | CMB:3 CMD:15 | Fort:2 Ref:4 Will:0 Tuesday May 31st, 2022 1:19:34 AM
[OOC: I'll be busy all of Tuesday, so in advance: when we decide to talk to the woman, Fingers recommends that we approach from opposite sides in case she starts to run or target a spell or sometihng. If he can't everyone to do this in an organized manner, he will at least try to be a few squares "behind" her as the others approach her from the front]
Grothic (Jonathan) -- AC 17/13/16 -- CMD 17 -- HP11/13 Tuesday May 31st, 2022 7:34:23 AM
Grothic sips his ale.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 16, CMD 12, HP 11/11 Tuesday May 31st, 2022 10:56:19 AM
Earlier (see Friday’s post) Paige had looked for a table with sufficient seats to accommodate her and her friends. She scans the room again to see if there is anyone seated with the woman wearing the pendant, or if there is an open table near the woman. Quaffing a potion* the cleric then chases it with a sip from the drink provided by the bartender.
After dropping a few coins in the tip jar, the red-headed half elf nudges Myre and asks: “do you think she would mind sharing her table? Methinks she might like the company of other womenfolk.”
* Antitoxin
Rhys (Bob) AC 17; CMD 16/18 vs Disarm & Sunder; HP 9/12 Tuesday May 31st, 2022 10:34:22 PM
Rhys continues his vigil.
DM Melvin Wednesday June 1st, 2022 9:45:35 AM
Kwarsk makes it pretty clear that he's a dwarf that doesn't like the alcohol, but notes that it is truly just milk and cream.
After the bartender's blunt remarks, the group begins to make plans. Myre figures that they should move as a group. Fingers suggests that they try to surround her. Grothic continues his drink.
Paige looks to see if she's sitting down, and notes that she seems to be milling around, working the room. You should be able to get her more or less alone, if not completely private.
Rhys continues to keep an eye on the group.
Nintos continues to stare into space.
The woman kind of glances at a couple of you wearily but continues to do what she's doing. Some of the other people around the bar also seem to be getting suspicious in general.
At a key moment, the woman begins to cross the room towards the boss, moving past the bar, not talking to anyone.
Sheriff Harley (Kim) Wednesday June 1st, 2022 1:22:50 PM
[Request: Can someone step up and sub for Carl / Myre this week? - Sheriff H]
Grothic (Jonathan) -- AC 17/13/16 -- CMD 17 -- HP11/13 d20+5=14 ; Wednesday June 1st, 2022 1:52:12 PM
Grothic scans for danger. Perception 15.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 16, CMD 12, HP 11/11 Wednesday June 1st, 2022 4:33:33 PM
With her drink in one hand, Paige links arms with Myre and weaves through the patrons on a course that will position them both by the boss just as the woman reaches him. ”Did I ever tell you about the time I killed a giant spider?” she says, winking at the dark skinned magiker.
Myre (Carla temp sub for Carl) - AC 12/12/10 CMD: 12 HP 12/12 d20=18 ; Wednesday June 1st, 2022 4:42:30 PM
Myre listens to Paige with half an ear, with the other ear and a half she listens to how the woman with the pendant and the boss greet each other. (Sense Motive = 18)
(OOC: I’ll sub for Carl for the rest of the week - Carla)
Rhys (Bob) AC 17; CMD 16/18 vs Disarm & Sunder; HP 9/12 Wednesday June 1st, 2022 10:06:44 PM
Rhys senses a growing agitation among the patrons of the Crypt and mentally prepares himself for trouble.
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 13/13 | CMB:3 CMD:15 | Fort:2 Ref:4 Will:0 Thursday June 2nd, 2022 5:52:28 PM
Muuru casually moves to be (if possible) no more than 15 feet from the woman, the boss, and Myre and Paige. He palms a vial of antitoxin from his belt pouch.
Grothic (Jonathan) -- AC 17/13/16 -- CMD 17 -- HP11/13 Thursday June 2nd, 2022 6:56:22 PM
Grothic is standing against a wall, hopefully avoiding chit chat.
DM Melvin Thursday June 2nd, 2022 8:50:02 PM
The team springs into action.
While Grothic scans for danger, Paige and Myre decide to listen in and follow her, hoping to listen to her conversation with the boss.
And maybe if it was just the two, some stealth and bluffing would pull this off. But it doesn't take long before she starts to scan the room, Rhys preparing for a fight, Fingers trying to stay close, Grothic against the wall, Kwarsk and Nintos still hanging at the bar...
It doesn't take long for her to move back towards Myre and Paige, staring straight into their eyes.
"You have gotten my attention," she tells them. "What is it that you want?"
Myre (Carla temp sub for Carl) - AC 12/12/10 CMD: 12 HP 12/12 Thursday June 2nd, 2022 10:29:10 PM
Myre looks down, and finds Waddles looking at her. She unlinks her arm from that of the cleric, and guides the floating pig out of sight behind her. Tilting her head to one side, she looks up at the woman addressing her, and says: ”We are here to look into last nights events..are you able to tell us anything about what happened? Anything about the individual stabbed? The one doing the stabbing?”
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 16, CMD 12, HP 11/11 d20+8=27 ; Thursday June 2nd, 2022 10:36:38 PM
Paige looks right back at the woman (Sense Motive = 27), and awaits her responses to Myre’s questions.
DM Melvin Friday June 3rd, 2022 9:16:19 PM
The woman glances back towards the bar, at a half orc sitting next to Grothic. In hindsight, he's dressed like he's trying to look like an alley backstabber.
"I have no idea what you are possibly talking about," the woman rasps unconvincingly. "Surely, you don't think I know exactly who stabbed someone outside, and who might have enough info to make a deal? How ridiculous."
Grothic (Jonathan) -- AC 17/13/16 -- CMD 17 -- HP11/13 Friday June 3rd, 2022 11:09:20 PM
Grothic let his mind wander and has lost track of his companions.
Sticks, now where did everyone go?
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 16, CMD 12, HP 11/11 Friday June 3rd, 2022 11:47:17 PM
Paige turns her head and looks in the same direction as the woman with the raspy voice. She tries to catch Grothic’s eye, and then with eyebrows raised, nods her head sideways a few times in the direction of the half-orc sitting beside him.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 21/T 12/FF 19, HP 14/14, CMD 15. d20+3=20 ; Saturday June 4th, 2022 1:15:03 AM
Kwarsk has been talking to Nintos, who seems absorbed in his own troubles, but eventually Kwarsk realizes Nintos is just going to be mopey for a while and looks around.
Kwarsk looks around to account for all of his companions, and seeing Paige and Myre near another woman, Kwarsk then scans the room to see if the woman has any associates moving into position to ambush Paige and Myre. (OOC - Perception = 20)
(OOC sorry for missing 3 posts, real life got busy for a bit)
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 13/13 | CMB:3 CMD:15 | Fort:2 Ref:4 Will:0 d20=2 ; d20=18 ; d20=8 ; Saturday June 4th, 2022 1:15:41 AM
Muuru approaches the half-orc and taps him on the shoulder.
Hey. The boss needs to talk to you. Come with me. I hope he doesn't notice that I didn't say his boss.
If by chance he goes along willingly, Muuru will lead him out the front door, signaling the others (or at least Grothic and Kwarsk) to follow. We'll question him there.
Myre (Carla temp sub for Carl) - AC 12/12/10 CMD: 12 HP 12/12 Monday June 6th, 2022 3:32:15 PM ”I think I’ll hang out with you” says Myre, addressing the woman with the rasping voice. Bringing her head to neutral, then tilting it to the other side, she fixes a quizzical look on the woman and asks: ”I heard you lost that pendant earlier and it’s just been returned. It’s quite intriguing. Does it have a story? And by the way, have you ever shopped at The Pumpkin Patch?”.
Myre (Carl) -- AC 12/12/10 CMD: 12 HP: 12/12 Spell Slots Remaining: 3 Monday June 6th, 2022 3:56:18 PM Myre keeps her face calm, not letting on that she thinks this woman is a very bad liar...which is odd. Usually people who appear rich are excellent liars. Myre's not sure there are many ways for a truthful person to get rich, other than adventuring (maybe).
***
OOC: Many thanks to Carla for subbing for me. I'm ready to take back over now.
Rhys (Bob) AC 17; CMD 16/18 vs Disarm & Sunder; HP 9/12 Monday June 6th, 2022 4:02:18 PM
Unless otherwise signalled by one of his compatriots, Rhys maintains his watch over the patrons of the Crypt, alert to anyone or any group trying to encircle his friends.
DM Melvin Monday June 6th, 2022 8:48:27 PM
Grothic tries to figure out where everyone went.
Paige tries to signal Grothic to look at the thug next to him.
Kwarsk gets tired of Nintos' silence, and moves to guard along with Rhys.
Fingers tries to get the half orc to follow him but his untrained bluffs (both to him and secret messages) doesn't get him anywhere.
Myre decides to ask about the necklace. "I know what this is about, and I don't like it. Just so we're clear, I was in the poor areas and near the street fair, sure. Just doing my part to keep an eye on the tourism for my politician husband... but yes, being in such uncouth locations could cause a bit of a scandal, so I did have to lie. And now, I expect that I can rely upon your discretion."
(Myre's sense motive doesn't pick up any lies.)
The thug eyed up the situation carefully. "I'm fine staying where I am. You guys constables? You gotta tell me if you're constables."
Grothic (Jonathan) -- AC 17/13/16 -- CMD 17 -- HP11/13 d20+5=12 ; Monday June 6th, 2022 8:52:14 PM
Grothic looks at the thug next to him, with prejudice. Perception 12
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 16, CMD 12, HP 11/11 Monday June 6th, 2022 9:10:31 PM
Standing next to Myre, Paige looks at the woman, then at the ‘boss’, then back at the woman, and asks: “is he your politician husband?” She hooks a thumb over her shoulder in the direction of the individual the woman seemed intent on joining up with earlier.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 21/T 12/FF 19, HP 14/14, CMD 15. d20+3=13 ; Monday June 6th, 2022 9:56:46 PM
Kwarsk notes Grothic staring at a particular thug, and thus Kwarsk turns his attention to Myre and the woman having the conversation, thinking Grothic can handle a thug... if the woman is hiding magic or a poisoned dagger or something, I'd best be ready to move between her and Paige...
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 21/T 12/FF 19, HP 14/14, CMD 15. Monday June 6th, 2022 9:57:31 PM
(OOC forgot to add the roll was for perception to watch the woman; DM Melvin, totally ok to slurp this post onto the end of my first post, if you would kindly make the edit)
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 13/13 | CMB:3 CMD:15 | Fort:2 Ref:4 Will:0 Monday June 6th, 2022 11:42:30 PM Constables? No. We work for the Cathedral. And if you're not ready to talk to our boss, Clarisse...Grothic?
Muuru grasps the thug by the arm, and signals Grothic to grasp the other.
...Then we're empowered to hear your confession.
Myre (Carl) -- AC 12/12/10 CMD: 12 HP: 12/12 Spell Slots Remaining: 3 Tuesday June 7th, 2022 1:47:10 PM Myre doesn't think she's lying, but she'll wait to see what Paige says about that. "We have tried, and failed, several times to be discrete since we took this job." She waves her left arm around the room. "We've decided it is not for us." Then, Muuru grabs a dude. "Yes. Discretion time is over." She looks to Paige, wanting her opinion on this woman's truthiness.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 16, CMD 12, HP 11/11 d20+8=18 ; Tuesday June 7th, 2022 4:29:30 PM
Sense Motive = 18 on the woman
Rhys (Bob) AC 17; CMD 16/18 vs Disarm & Sunder; HP 9/12 d20+3=21 ; Tuesday June 7th, 2022 5:54:12 PM
Rhys watches as Fingers and Grothic move in on the Half-Orc and he edges in towards them in readiness. He tries to keep his eyes on the location of the Boss/ Owner of the Crypt as he slowly moves through the patrons. (Perception 21)
DM Melvin Tuesday June 7th, 2022 9:06:37 PM
Posts cleared out, everything should be fine.
DM Melvin Tuesday June 7th, 2022 9:11:42 PM
Grothic looks at the thug with prejudice. But it's nothing compared to the prejudice the mysterious woman shows at the very idea of Paige that this THUG could be her husband.
Kwarsk keeps an eye out for any attacks but aside from some minor attempts to move away, but nobody really moves. Not even when Fingers grabs the guy. Myre decides that discretion won't be part of the job. Rhys keeps an eye on the boss.
Indeed, various figures do begin to move, including the boss. The mysterious woman disappears in the crowd.
The thug, however, seems to surrender and go limp. "Ok, ok, you got me, and I'm willing to come with you and answer some questions... if you keep the constables from taking me. They're really itching to take me in, and I think they're on to me anyway, so lets see if you can get me out of this."
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 21/T 12/FF 19, HP 14/14, CMD 15. d20+3=13 ; Tuesday June 7th, 2022 9:17:18 PM
Kwarsk guesses that everyone except the boss is likely to attack first, and continues to watch for a fight breaking out (OOC Perception = 13), in which case Kwarsk will move, if possible, to interpose between the most vulnerable of his comrades and whoever is attacking them (OOC Move and Ready a Move to prevent any assailant from meleeing Kwarsk's charge).
Grothic (Jonathan) -- AC 17/13/16 -- CMD 17 -- HP11/13 d20+5=6 ; Tuesday June 7th, 2022 10:19:54 PM
Grothic checks the thug for weapons.
Nat 1 on Perception
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 13/13 | CMB:3 CMD:15 | Fort:2 Ref:4 Will:0 d20+2=19 ; d20+5=15 ; Tuesday June 7th, 2022 11:15:25 PM
[OOC: I didn't think about searching the thug until Jon mentioned it, so I'll leave it up to an Int check: 19. If that means it occurs to Muuru to search the guy, his Perception is 15 (or 16 if the guy has a booby trap on him).]
Muuru, a little surprised that the thug is willing, nods at him appreciatively and leads him out the front door.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 16, CMD 12, HP 11/1 d20+2=22 ; d20+1=17 ; Wednesday June 8th, 2022 1:15:50 PM ”Wait!” calls Paige as the woman misunderstands (OOC: Paige referred to the boss - not the thug) and makes a grab for her wrist (Grapple = nat. 20, for 22), adding ”why the hurry?” (Intimidate = 17)
Myre (Carl) -- AC 12/12/10 CMD: 12 HP: 12/12 Spell Slots Remaining: 3 Wednesday June 8th, 2022 4:15:28 PM
Did...did that woman just melt into the crowd and vanish while Myre was talking to her? Now THAT is some serious discretion.
She sees Paige make a grab for her and immediately gains respect for her new friend. If Paige manages to grab her, she'll give her a genuine "not bad!" nod, then continue. "I think this one considers herself above the law...well, above the non-deputized special investigators anyway. The thing about lying, you see, is that it makes it hard to just believe your whole 'I didn't kill anybody' story."
Somewhere in the back of her mind, she wonders if grabbing a mob boss' wife like this will cause some kind of ruckus. It seems pretty ruckus-inducing, but Myre thinks a little ruckus would be ok right now.
Rhys (Bob) AC 17; CMD 16/18 vs Disarm & Sunder; HP 9/12 Wednesday June 8th, 2022 6:59:21 PM
Rhys does his best to keep an eye on the movements of the boss while also saying in close enough contact with his comrades to intercede should a scuffle break out.
DM Melvin Wednesday June 8th, 2022 8:44:52 PM
Kwarsk and Rhys prepare for a fight but it never comes. Grothic tries to check for weapons (Nat 1 means nothing for a skills check) but doesn't see anything.
Muuru begins to lead the thug out the front door, after searching him for anything funny, but he's able to start leading the guy out without incident.
Paige makes a really good grapple attempt but the crowd is too thick, and she is gone. Myre, impressed, notes correctly that continuing this might lead to a ruckus.
At any event, it's pretty clear that it's the thug you want, at least for now. In fact, he's actually pretty friendly and talkative for a thug, already admitting to the stabbing, and promising to tell you where Jason is... if you get him out of this.
Up ahead, you can see the constabulary entering the bar, and they clearly haven't seen you. Which means a lot of options, including discretion or talking, might still work.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 16, CMD 12, HP 11/1 Wednesday June 8th, 2022 9:15:31 PM
Eyeing the constabulary that have entered the bar, Paige announces ”this place is getting too crowded for my liking.” The cleric downs the last of her drink, and sets the mug on a nearby table. Pulling her cloak close, she makes her way towards the front door with the intention of exiting the establishment.
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 13/13 | CMB:3 CMD:15 | Fort:2 Ref:4 Will:0 d20+2=22 ; Wednesday June 8th, 2022 11:47:36 PM
Muuru, seeing the constables, does his best to maneuver his size-L body between them and the thug so they can't see him clearly. (Stealth: 22)
I'm sure our new friend is looking at the floor, rubbing his forehead, etc. to obscure his features.
Rhys (Bob) AC 17; CMD 16/18 vs Disarm & Sunder; HP 9/12 d20-1=2 ; Thursday June 9th, 2022 4:03:50 PM
Rhys wanders over towards the guards as they enter the Crypt, hoping to spot Bersi, the guard that had originally captured Musetta. If Bersi is among the constabulary, Rhys will spend some time explaining that a woman was seen wearing the exact necklace that had been recently stolen. Otherwise he will do his best to distract the guards away from Fingers and the thug and towards the least place he has seen the boss of the Crypt. ”He went over there in that direction. He was talking with this suspicious lady wearing a necklace that had been stolen just the other day…said she was a politicians wife…what would a lady of high position be doing down here in this part of town?”
(Bluff or Performance = 2. Ugh!)
Rhys (Bob) AC 17; CMD 16/18 vs Disarm & Sunder; HP 9/12 d20-1=2 ; Thursday June 9th, 2022 4:03:50 PM
Rhys wanders over towards the guards as they enter the Crypt, hoping to spot Bersi, the guard that had originally captured Musetta. If Bersi is among the constabulary, Rhys will spend some time explaining that a woman was seen wearing the exact necklace that had been recently stolen. Otherwise he will do his best to distract the guards away from Fingers and the thug and towards the least place he has seen the boss of the Crypt. ”He went over there in that direction. He was talking with this suspicious lady wearing a necklace that had been stolen just the other day…said she was a politicians wife…what would a lady of high position be doing down here in this part of town?”
(Bluff or Performance = 2. Ugh!)
Grothic (Jonathan) -- AC 17/13/16 -- CMD 17 -- HP11/13 Thursday June 9th, 2022 7:10:56 PM
Grothic keeps his hand on the thug he searched. It wouldn't do to lose anything important.
DM Melvin Thursday June 9th, 2022 9:14:50 PM
Rhys almost blows it, but thanks to Fingers' large size, getting him out of the bar is quite easy.
"Well, thanks a lot to you all, and I guess I'll be seeing you around the..."
Grothic keeps his hand on the thug.
"Er... I mean that I was just about to tell ya how I was set up. How was I supposed to know the punk had a bunch of black cathedral robes this Jason guy wanted?"
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 16, CMD 12, HP 11/1 Thursday June 9th, 2022 10:24:03 PM
Once Paige gets outside the Crypt she looks around to see if all her companions have made it outside as well. She overhears the half orc ‘thug’ mention the name ‘Jason’. “Wasn’t he the fella over at the Hollow Pit? The one who gave us the vial of drow sleep poison? she asks, looking around at her friends in surprise.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 21/T 12/FF 19, HP 14/14, CMD 15. Thursday June 9th, 2022 10:57:59 PM
Kwarsk casually strolls out, not in a particularly straight line for the door. Kwarsk's intent is to bring up the rear as the group leaves.
Myre (Carl) -- AC 12/12/10 CMD: 12 HP: 12/12 Spell Slots Remaining: 3 Thursday June 9th, 2022 11:05:52 PM Myre nods. "He's the boring guy who liked plants. JAYson, Son of Jay." She turns to the thug. "We found him easily enough. Maybe you want to tell us why you thought we'd want to know? That seems much more interesting to me."
She ponders. Is it possible the dude responsible for all this was one of the first people they talked to? That they thanked him and walked away even after he freely gave them a vial of the very poison they're supposed to be investigating? Boy, that would not be a good look.
"Or maybe Jay has many sons," she thinks aloud suddenly. She looks down and finds herself stroking Waddles. "Yes, you're right. That does seem like too much of a coincidence." She frowns.
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 13/13 | CMB:3 CMD:15 | Fort:2 Ref:4 Will:0 Thursday June 9th, 2022 11:50:41 PM
[ooc: We've only been doing this investigation for a short time, but in real life it's been long enough that I'm a little lost. I know some guy stabbed some other guy with a sleepy drug. One of them was the thug, and the other had some black cathedral robes, is that it?
And do we think the necklace lady is involved in anything criminal, or is she just trying to keep a low profile in this seedy part of town?]
[In any case, Muuru suggests that someone send a message to the Cathedral right away that someone may be impersonating their priests. Tell them to have their members carry some incontrovertible identification on them at all times.
Since the guards are here at the Crypt, we should tell them about the stolen robes. If a "priest" is seen doing something unpriestly, it's best that everyone knows NOW that he could be an imposter.]
Myre (Carl) -- AC 12/12/10 CMD: 12 HP: 12/12 Spell Slots Remaining: 3 Friday June 10th, 2022 10:18:48 AM
OOC: Oh thank glob. I thought I was just the slow one.
Rhys (Bob) AC 17; CMD 16/18 vs Disarm & Sunder; HP 9/12 Friday June 10th, 2022 6:21:10 PM
Rhys brings up the rear, taking an extra moment leaving the Crypt to ensure the guards take no additional interest in the rest of the party and their new informant. Once outside and away from the guard, he listens in on the thugs remarks. ”Sounds like you have an interesting tale to tell.” he encourages.
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 June 10th, 2022 9:23:54 PM
[ooc]I apologize for the MIA following my vacation. That was just irresponsible on my end. But I’m back.[ooc]
Nintos sees the group leaving the Crypt and falls in line next to Rhys; “Sorry for the hang up Lucky for me, Merletta is a good enough scout and tracker.” He says as he nots up to the raven flying overhead.
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 13/13 | CMB:3 CMD:15 | Fort:2 Ref:4 Will:0 Friday June 10th, 2022 11:58:06 PM
[Waiting for the thug to tell us his interesting tale. And for the party members to respond to my ideas about alerting the Cathedral and the nearby guards.]
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 16, CMD 12, HP 11/1 Saturday June 11th, 2022 9:51:55 AM ”Please elaborate” Paige responds to the ‘thug’ in Grothic’s grasp.
Grothic (Jonathan) -- AC 17/13/16 -- CMD 17 -- HP11/13 d20+5=12 ; Sunday June 12th, 2022 7:22:31 PM
Grothic gives the thug a grin.
My friend referring to Carla is trying to have a conversation with you. It would be rude to ignore polite conversation.
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