DM (Anthony) d20+15=30 Thursday May 3rd, 2001 9:12:30 AM
All seems hopeless as incantations of magic are heard from within the mist and then as the mist disappeared. The four men are standing ready as it clears under a dispel magic. The mage "Spire" is recognizable as being the only one not holding a sword at this moment. Miranna finds Syr right as the mist clears. Snake sneers as his eyebrows bull down over his eyes. Glaring at Syr "I sssssssaid MASK boy, that cheep knock off necklacsssssss is not what I want." He turns his attention away from Syr and spots Toad waving the mask. He crouches defensively and screams to the other two men. "There russssssssh him!!" The men Pike and Gar rush toward the illusion only to stop as they crash trough it and it dissipates. Snake stands up and Roars. "Fooled again by mere babiesssssss, they will all die sssssssslowly on the point of my ssssssword." He turns and spots Polaris, approaching her with death in his eyes. Then he stops as a crystal clear voice cuts the air....
Ryson (NPC) d20+15=24 d20+15=35 d20+15=25 d20+15=29 d20+15=27 Thursday May 3rd, 2001 9:31:56 AM
A man steps out of a small alley, he is dressed all in black, wears the sign on ward on his wrist in silver and the sign of Ffloy on a necklace of gold about his neck. He seems un-extrordaniary except for one small fact; he seems to be covered in throwing knives. They run in bandoleers across his chest, down his arms and legs. It's difficult to see but you are sure you see even more in the folds of his clothing. When he speaks his crystal clear voice cuts through the air with the power of authority. "Snake! You will leave these children be, you will dispel the cloud choking the poor people, and you will leave, NOW!" Bart is seen behind the man, having found someone to help VERY quickly. Snake seers again. "Ryson...good to see you, I think there must be a mistake here, a misunderstanding..." He smiles. Tiree and Polaris can see that he has been signaling to his men behind his back as he spoke. All the men have drawn secret daggers of their own, the two girls can see that they drip with poison. Before the girls can scream a warning, Snakes smile changes and he screams "NOW!" It's difficult to know what happened, it happens so fast, but suddenly the four men are lying on the ground clutching hands impaled by throwing knives. The mages hand seems almost split in two. The man Ryson seems not to have moved but there are four knives missing from the front bandoleer. Ryson speaks again. "Snake you WILL leave these children be! Now children I suggest you come with me quickly. You can bring your old friend too if you wish." With that the strange man turns and walks quickly back down the alley.
Polaris Thursday May 3rd, 2001 9:33:45 AM
Polaris turns and looks at Tiree, shrugs and with out a word runs off after Ryson. As she psses Bart she smiles and says "Come on slow poke!!"
Anarion (Thomas) Thursday May 3rd, 2001 10:26:12 AM
Follows Ryson, quickly.
Looking at his Brother "Come on Plink!!"
Toad (DEH) Thursday May 3rd, 2001 12:12:49 PM
When Snake stops and faces the knife man the old man decides to act. He skirts the perimeter of the market so that he is no longer in the alley where his friend escaped - no need to give the goons any leads to his friend whom he had helped escape.
Seeing the dark man's signs and disposition towards Snake, and that his friend is safe, he makes sure all the children make it into the alley and follows them. Hoping that by doing so he can gather more information about what is going on.
Tiree Thursday May 3rd, 2001 2:16:31 PM
Tiree returns Polaris' shrug and quickly follows behind. She puts her dagger up as she moves with her family. She also looks around to see if any family members are missing or hurt.
Bart Thursday May 3rd, 2001 2:16:41 PM
With a look of a job well done, Bart scampers off behind Polaris.
Plink (Jared) Thursday May 3rd, 2001 6:06:55 PM
Utterly lost in the maze of things going on, Plink's eyes roll around as he sees many things happening at once. First, there's a cloud of mist in the air, then it's gone. Now, a man covered in enough weaponry that he'd give a Red Wyrm a tooth ache beckons him to follow, and he begins to wonder what to do. But, always being up for most things other than WAITING, Plink jumps up at his brother's beckon, and runs forth.
"Hey, I guess some introductions are in place. I'm Plink, brother to Anarion. I'm not entirely sure I know everyone here."
Plink then follows whereever he is led, trying to guage how many people are running around around him.
Miranna Thursday May 3rd, 2001 8:53:21 PM
Miranna gives Syr a quick smile, glad to see the only other elf in the orphanage safe. She runs lightly after the knife-covered man, her golden hair billowing out behind her. She knows she has been told not to follow a stranger, but - given the circumstances, staying here in this street is sure death.
Syr (Scott) d20+5=14 Friday May 4th, 2001 2:59:13 AM
Slightly out of wind, Syr straightens up as Ryson dominates the scene. Observing the interaction carefully, he decides that the knife wielding man is someone to trust.
As he follows Ryson into the alley, he gives a reassuring wink to Miranna and lingers at the entrance hoping to talk to Toad. (Assuming success) After a moment, he sees the friendly merchant trailing the group and slides into place beside him. "What do you know of this Snake character?"
DM (Anthony) Friday May 4th, 2001 9:49:58 AM
The group of small people follows the man in black through the twisting and turning streets until he finally ducks through a small door in the back of a old building, as the small group of children and the old man duck into the door they find the room beyond dark and menacing, with the smell of mildew and mold. Once everyone is inside the small storage room the door closes and the room goes completely dark. Even those with magic eyesight can not see. Just before the panic sets in Ryson's voice is heard cutting through the panic. "When to door opens enter, listen, do not mention me, it could mean your life, lives you now owe me." Then after a moment a new door slides open and all can see again. As you all step through into the light you see a simple room lined with lanterns. The walls are wood and bare. A simple table sits in the center of the room. At the table sits an old, aged woman. It seems that time has beaten her down and built her back up a thousand times. Her eyes are white and sightless. She has no teeth as she smiles. Her skin hangs on her body as if any sudden movement would dislodge it and she would fall into a pile of tissue paper skin. The only remarkable thing about the room is an intricate circle of symbols and lines surrounding both woman and table. A door in the wall behind the aged woman opens and a young and very beautiful woman wearing next to nothing steps through. She smiles as she looks over each of you, her eyes glittering with joy, until she sees Miranna. She stops. She stares with what might be shock, fear, or maybe recognition? Finally she rips her eyes away from the elf and scans the rest of the group.
Belladonna (NPC) Friday May 4th, 2001 9:59:14 AM
The beautiful young woman smiles again and speaks. "Welcome children, I am glad that you accepted our invitation and that the map was adequate to find us, if I might now have it back, I will explain our offer." She waits as all the children stare at her dumbly. "The map please." She says as she points at Bart. Looking down the young dwarf sees a piece of paper sticking out of his pocket. Lifting it out all can see it is a map leading here from the orphanage, on the other side all can see, written in a red ink, this:
"The Coven of the Blight has need of you, should you wish to perform a small task for us we will pay enough to extricate poor Flaust from the will of the family. Come soon and we will discuss the details.
The Cabal Bleeds The Pantheon Lives."
Tiree Friday May 4th, 2001 12:16:17 PM
Standing near the back Tiree has a good view of the room and most everyone in it. At the mention of a map, she looks at the woman like she is a bit crazy, but she keeps her mouth shut. It's not her place to tell her she's got the wrong kids. Then she sees Bart pull a map out of his pockets. Straining, she can just read what is written on the map. She looks around at the others in her family to see how they are reacting. Maybe one of them knew about the map. She didn't like feeling left out.
Anarion (Thomas) Friday May 4th, 2001 12:36:12 PM
Smiling broadly and trying to make the best of a confusing situation.
"Thank you for inviting us madame. Speaking on behalf of everyone I would like to thank you for your hospitality. Your knowledge and wisdom of the Flaust situation is very touching and much appreciated. We would indeed offer to extend our services, if the small task is managenable by our small and meager hands."
"I'm not sure if you know everyone, but this is Bart, Syr, Miranna, Plink, Tiree, Polaris and I am Anarion. Now may I ask if you can tell us more about the task and of yourself?"
Anarion smiles broadly with a boyish charm, and looks down to the ground to signify Belladonna as someone with a higher social status.
Syr Friday May 4th, 2001 1:06:57 PM
After Belladonna's strange reaction to Miranna, he examines the other elf closely. Perplexed, he shakes his head and focuses back on their hostess. As Anarion steps forward to speak, Syr edges closer to the exit.
Toad d20=18 Friday May 4th, 2001 1:18:16 PM
The old man stands and says nothing, respectfully looking on with dispassionate interest. "So this is what these children are up to..." he muses to himself. He files back in his mind to try and remember anything he can about the Coven of the blight.
Bart Friday May 4th, 2001 2:22:01 PM
Bart looks at the map with a hint of perplexity on his face then as quickly as he can tries to hide the look. He looks up, at Belladona, smiles and hands her the map with a slight bow.
Miranna Friday May 4th, 2001 8:28:39 PM
At the young woman's strange reaction to her, Miranna scans the other's face intently, searching her memory for any brief meeting they may have had before. No, she is sure she has never seen the woman. A thought strikes her, and her face becomes convoluted with a tangle of emotions. She barely sees the map, barely hears the others' words.
Finally, Miranna blurts out, "Do you know my mother?"
Plink (Jared) Saturday May 5th, 2001 9:18:34 AM
Standing stilly and keeping a straight face, Plink attempts to remain quiet during the introductions. He bows as his name is listed in the order of introductions, and is perplexed by what lies ahead. Being merely a child in this large order of events, he feels almost frightened, but at least baffled. He chooses to stand quietly and await the assigning of the group's mission.
(DM) Anthony Sunday May 6th, 2001 2:45:16 PM
As Tiree looks around she notices that none of the other kids seemed to notice that there was a map either. It seems a strange situation; she also wonders where Ryson went. Anarion smiling at the women gains their attention as they listen to the introductions and his thanks. When he asks his question the young woman looks to the old one, and then back at Anarion, "What is there to know of us. We are the coven of the Blight?" they seem to care little for social status, or even such things as comfort or clothing. Syr's slow and easy movement seems to go unnoticed by the young woman, however the old woman seems to be tracking him with her blind eyes. She smiles a toothless smile at him as he nears where the exit was. The opening, now closed looks like the rest of the walls, plain and blank. Toad, the only other older person in the room, seems to be lost in thought as facts and information rush about in his head trying to bring sense to the senseless. Belladonna thanks Bart for the map when it is finally returned to her and bows back as she smiles. Her smile is dazzling, enough to stop work in a crowded market. Plink aware that things are not always what they seem feels something akin to menace in the air, and then as quickly as he felt it, it is gone. Until Miranna blurts out her question. In that moment Plinks feeling of dread rockets back a thousand times stronger. Both women seem to loose their composure for a moment as they look at one another, then quickly the smiles are back and Belladonna asks, "Why who is your mother dear?"
Miranna Sunday May 6th, 2001 9:55:37 PM
A warning bell sounds in Miranna's head at both women's brief reaction to her impetuous question. She recalls that Flaust has repeatedly admonished her never to discuss her mother with anybody, but she badly wants to know more of her mother. She must know more, whether these women are friends or foes.
"I only know that her name is Katrina, and that I have inherited her looks. You seemed to recognize me a while back, you must know her. Please, tell me what you know of my mother."
Miranna's voice quavers with emotion and anticipation. There is an excited chittering from her shoulder pouch as the weasel senses her mistress's unusual feelings.
Belladonna (NPC) Monday May 7th, 2001 9:14:50 AM
At the mention of the name Katrina the very air in the room shifts to ice cold it seems. The old woman twitches and the young woman frowns. They seem to glare with unbridled hate at Miranna. Then again, like a summer breeze, it is gone; both women are smiling again. "No dear I don't know that name at all. I'm sorry. Perhaps some of my Coven Sisters do. We will ask latter." However neither of the women will look directly at Miranna any more.
Anarion (Thomas) Monday May 7th, 2001 10:26:24 AM
Anarion looks sternly at Miranna, for causing unneeded tension in the room and for putting her own interests ahead of the Flaust orphanage. Trying to get the conversation back to the matter at hand he looks into the eyes of the young woman and says.
"You have brought us here to ask of us. I beleive we are all curious about the task you wish performed. What exactly do you wish of us and do tell what are your names?"
Anarion smiles again, trying to create an air joviality in the room.
Toad d20=5 Monday May 7th, 2001 12:02:36 PM
Seeing the witches react to the girl the old man places a kind hand on her shoulder and whispers "Later dear, now is not the time to ask such things of our kind hosts.".
His mind once again races, wondering why the Blight would hate Katrina so much.
Syr (Scott, not an NPC) Monday May 7th, 2001 1:50:02 PM
Back in the rear of the group, he takes the time to reflect on the events at the market. He shakes his head sadly at the impatience of the younger races. Down by his waist, Syr silently crosses his fingers hoping that this meeting goes more smoothly and does not force him into further rash actions. Shaking his head, he vows to start carrying his axe. After this meeting with Snake, his next may not be so fortuitous.
Seeing the look the mage gives Marianna, he glares at his turned back recalling the mage's own decision instigated the market riot.
Syr watches the interaction between the elf and the two women with interest wondering what the sort of person her mother was to provoke such a reaction. He gives a sympathetic look to Marianna and then focuses his attention back on the women.
Tiree True d20+4=16 Monday May 7th, 2001 5:57:18 PM
Tiree continues to stand there. But now she listens even closer. She doesn't like the way the two women reacted to Miranna's innocent question. She begins to give her undivided attention to the women as they speak (sense motive 16).
Plink (Jared) Monday May 7th, 2001 6:20:50 PM
Standing and listening, but not feeling normal at all, Plink breaks out in a cold sweat. His hands begin shaking, as do his knees. He attempts to conceal these things from the others around him, but doesn't really understand WHY it's happening. He's determined to stay quiet, feeling his fears are childish.
Bart Monday May 7th, 2001 7:02:41 PM
Bart plops down on the ground, looking at Belladona as a love struck puppy, his cheeks blushing with embarassment as Bell gives him a smile back. Not hearing anything of the conversation, not feeling the icyness of the room and definately not taking his eyes off this ray of sunshine.
Miranna Monday May 7th, 2001 8:12:49 PM
Miranna opens her mouth, but bites her lips and swallows her words. She knows the women will not tell her anything more. Just like Flaust. Although Flaust does not seem to hate her mother, unlike these women...
She starts when Toad's hand touches her shoulder. Hearing his kindly voice, she turns and gives him a mirthless smile, briefly. Her emerald eyes are brimming with tears but she fights to hold them back.
The room seems to contract as she focuses her attention back on the two women. She stares at them intently, filing their faces, voices and mannerisms in her memory. Miranna does not notice the reaction of anyone else in the room. She has quite forgotten why they are there.
DM (Anthony) d20+12=20 Tuesday May 8th, 2001 9:21:07 AM
Toad tries to comfort Miranna but his face seems to be far away, lost in thought, then there is a moment of…surprise? Perhaps shock? Maybe just the look of someone who figured out a puzzle, and then it is gone. Syr watches all of this and moves closer to Miranna protectively. She seems so upset, there is so little that anyone knows about her. She keeps to herself so much, however she is a sister and family. Part of the only family any of you have. Tiree studies the women closely but cant make out any motive other than the one they are portraying (d20+12=20 try again next round) However something doesn't sit right. They are being honest about everything here except, something new… Plink feels it too. Something went wrong here, they were ok at first and then something went very, very wrong. Bart however sees nothing but the beautiful eyes and sensuous form of Belladonna.
Belladonna (NPC) Tuesday May 8th, 2001 9:21:40 AM
When Anarion speaks the witches are only too happy to focus their attention back onto Anarion and away from the girl. "Yes dear sir, you are correct, we should press on to matters that have brought us all together. Strange are the twistings of fate. I am Belladonna, and this is Rigerias, mother of the coven." The old woman nods and Belladonna continues. "We wish to acquire a box, from a merchant that agreed to sell it to us and now has gone back on his agreement. We paid him 200 gold to bring it to us and now he is refusing to sell it to us. We feel this is unfair and want you and your group to, find it and deliver it to us. We will pay you 800 gold to do this. A merchant named Dallhaeart brought it to town. A jeweler in the market."
Jezebella (Chale) d20+7=27 d20+4=19 Tuesday May 8th, 2001 9:48:43 AM
Jezebella had been in the marketplace to witness the chaos.. unknowing that her fellow orphans had been at the root of it. She noticed them as the man in black... Ryson... called them to follow him, after displaying some simply wonderful throwing skills.
She followed them... silent (27 move silently) and curoius... to the secret room. .. she listened outside. (19 listen) ... confused and amazed at what she hears...
Anarion Tuesday May 8th, 2001 10:07:57 AM
Anarion studies the faces of the two women as they talk and listens intently to what they have to say.
When they are done he turns to look at his friends and says quietly "800 gold would go a long way!"
Anarion turns back to the women "Whats in the box?"
Toad Tuesday May 8th, 2001 12:09:02 PM
The old man stands there and says nothing. He lets the children decide what they are going to do. Thinking to himself about the righteousness many a group has had as they have conspired to bring harm/loss to somebody else - all in the name of fairness...
Bart Tuesday May 8th, 2001 3:58:09 PM
As if someone smacked him on the back of his head, Bart suddenly shacks his head and rubs the back of it as well. he stands up, gives Bell another quick smile, and then asks the women there a question:
What's the catch? I mean, 800gp is ALOT of money for something you have already paid for. What is so important about this item and like my friend asked, what's in the box? And if we decide to take this job on your behalf, we would require 50% now and the rest upon completion of the job, but we will discuss that After we have had a chance to discuss it amongst ourselves.
With that said, he tiurns to the group and motions them over near Toad to huddle up.
Tiree d20+4=21 Tuesday May 8th, 2001 7:08:53 PM
Tiree still feels something is not quite right, but she can't seem to put her finger on it. She stands there quite content not to say a word until necessary. She tries harder this time to figure out what these two women want with them. It has to be about that box, or something with it... (sense motive 21)
Plink (Jared) d20+1=20 Tuesday May 8th, 2001 9:23:03 PM
The feelings in his gut that something is awry are getting stronger and stronger. The cold sweat on his brow thickens, and his knees are shaking even worse than before. All he can manage is the quesion, "Any chairs?" while staring down those before him, attempting to learn what their intentions are. (Sense Motive 20)
Miranna Tuesday May 8th, 2001 9:50:30 PM
Miranna continues to stare at the women, without quite knowing why. The words of everyone enter her ears but fail to register in her mind. One thought slowly crystallizes. Her mother is good, therefore these women who hate her so much must be evil. What do these evil women want with them?
With an imperceptible shiver, Miranna snaps out of her emotional quagmire. She looks around her. Bart is motioning them to gather around Toad. She obediently moves nearer, wondering what Bart has to say.
Syr (Scott) Wednesday May 9th, 2001 4:07:33 AM
Syr approaches the rest of the group and stays near enough to the group to overhear the conversation.As he cocks his head to one side, his eyes never leave the two women.
Belladonna Wednesday May 9th, 2001 9:27:38 AM
Belladonna looks to Anarion when he asks his question. "It is a relic from times past. Worth a lot to some in our coven because of its historical value. It is a trinket from our beginnings." She then turns her bright eyes on Bart. "We paid the merchant an advance of 200 gold to bring it to us. He brought it, let us see it and then said he could get more than the 600 gold we were offering him elsewhere. When we reminded him that he had already made a deal with us he laughed and walked away. As far as an advance to you fine people, well as you can guess we are weary of giving anyone an advance now." She leans down and gets very close to Bart; the smell of her is like swimming in your favorite thing. "But for you handsome men I'm sure we could manage an advance of 100 gold?"
DM (Anthony) d20+12=32 Wednesday May 9th, 2001 9:28:31 AM
Tiree can sense nothing but the most passionate and sad truth flowing from the lips of the woman (d20+12=32) In fact everyone in the room is moved to sadness at the poor plight of these women and how they have been cheated. Well almost everyone. They still refuse to look at Miranna, and the old man Toad still looks very distrustful. Plink finds no chairs but can sit on the floor. Syr watches the beautiful young woman. She smiles at him and then suddenly walks around behind the group, slides her hand over the blank wall and out from the secret room tumbles Jezebella, yet another sister from the orphanage. It looks like the group was followed. Belladonna smiles and picks up the now rumpled Jezebella. "Welcome dear," she smiles, "We were wondering where you were.
Jezebella d20+5=19 d20+2=13 d20+2=11 d20+3=11 Wednesday May 9th, 2001 10:14:09 AM
Jez rolls gracefully with the momentum of the fall, coming to an easy crouch. (19 tumbling, *grin*) She looked about the room at her 'friends' from the orphanage.
"I thank you for your welcome.." She says cautoiusly, with her light gypsy accent... feeling uneasy from the strangeness of the situation, and the apparent ease with which she was found out. She hesitated before asking her next question, straightening her plain tunic and leggings, and covertly checking to see if her hidden daggers are in place after her tumble.
"You were expecting me.... may I ask how, madame? And how you seem to know of me and my friends?"
Jezebella casually surveyed the room, her sharp eyes taking in as much detailas possible, including value, of both objects and people. (13 spot, 11 sence motive, 11 appraise)
(Jezebella's Appearance: slender human, long black hair, deep brown eyes, Mediteranian skin)
Toad Wednesday May 9th, 2001 10:45:36 AM
The old man continues to hold his tongue and watch what goes on. He keeps his visage blank - showing no emotion good or bad. He begins to wonder how the witches will deal with these novices.
Anarion Wednesday May 9th, 2001 12:31:54 PM
Anarion thinks to himself, that these women are definitely to be mistrusted. But alas the orphanage and Mother are badly in need of 500 gold coins. The chances of getting that anywhere else in less than 2 days are very slim. He looks at his friends and thinks that if everyone works together, he's sure we can do almost anything.
Gathering his courage and determined not to be suckered Anarion says "Just a trinket eh? I feel that there is something you aren't telling us! And that will cost you extra, an additional 200 gold for an even 1000 gold! For that you will get our years of expert city knowledge, our theiving skills, 7 very able bodied adventurers, our street smarts, 2 mages and all of our friends help. 1000 gold and when its all said and done you will have the box in your hands to with as you wish!"
Anarion leaves the women to think about it as he approaches Bart and the others to listen.
Syr Wednesday May 9th, 2001 1:18:39 PM
Grinning at her, he says, "Jez! Glad you could join us. I know, I know, we should have sent invitations to this party."
Speaking loudly enough for all in the room to hear, "I would prefer we did not accept the advance. I do not want the obligation that places upon us. If we look at the situation and decide it's too risky, I don't want to take any more foolish chances to fulfill our end of the bargain."
Lowering his voice and placing a hand over his mouth, "I feel I owe a small debt to the tattooed man in the marketplace. That is one debt that I won't run to repay, why create others?"
Tiree d20+4=22 Wednesday May 9th, 2001 4:23:36 PM
Tiree, ever cautious, is in silent agreement with Syr. She nods her head slightly as he speaks. Yet she can't shake the feeling that they need the money for Flaust. All she can do is try to find out if these women are telling the truth. They seem to be, but she remembers her doubts from earlier. (Sense motive 22)
Miranna Wednesday May 9th, 2001 9:03:09 PM
Having decided that the women are evil, Miranna distrusts them completely. Their tale rings false, at least in part, but she cannot imagine what they would want so badly from a merchant.
When Jezebella tumbles in, Miranna looks surprised momentarily. Then she recognizes the newest addition to the family and smiles at her.
Her smile quickly changes to a frown as Anarion speaks. She for one does not want to help these women who will not look at her.
She nods her agreement with Syr. The older elf has more sense. Although sometimes, like in the market street... Miranna gives an involuntary start when she makes the connection. That Snake fellow wanted a mask from a merchant. These witches want a "trinket" from a merchant...
In a low voice, Miranna whispers to her adopted family who are gathered around Bart, "I think these women may want the same item that Snake does. If my deduction is correct, we may be in trouble - deep trouble."
Polaris Wednesday May 9th, 2001 10:11:03 PM
Having being hidden in the corner, Polaris emerges into the circle. Because she so small it is easy to forget about her. She hears Miranna's comment about the women. She takes a glace at the two women, but, like Bart, only sees beauty in the young woman's eys. She decides that she must not trust her instincts though, and to listen to the rest of the group.She looks to her sibling for their ideas on the situation.Her eyes are big with excitement and interest.
Bart Wednesday May 9th, 2001 11:42:44 PM
Once everyone is huddled up Bart begins the conference, every once in a while looking back at the Women and smiling at Bell.
OK, here's how i see things. 1. as always we cant trust anyone but each other. we must trust our instincts. 2. that was a good idea rounding off the cost to an even 1k, if they agree that should keep the orphanage in what they need for the year and gives us time to find better means of supporting it. 3. why am I the one to always institute these huddles? what do you all think we should do and what are your opinions??
DM (Anthony) Thursday May 10th, 2001 8:59:15 AM
Belladonna smiles broadly as Jezebella tumbles into the room. When the young lady asks her question she smiles. "I didn't know you were there. She did." She says gesturing to the old woman. Jezebella sees nothing but the plain room, two women, one chair, one table, circle of runes, and her family. Oh and one older man named Toad. Anarion gathers his courage about him and blurts out his counter offer. Belladonna again smiles at the young man. "Well you drive a hard bargain, but all right 1000 gold once it is in our possession again." Tiree doesn't sense anything but truth coming from the women. Whatever felling of unease passed from the room moments ago, in fact you could almost say it happened…. (INT check DC 18)
The women stand and wait as the group huddles.
Anarion Thursday May 10th, 2001 10:10:51 AM
Anarion listens to Belladonna speak as she offers 1000 gold for the box. Than moves closer to the Huddle with the rest of the group.
Whispering "I don't think we have much choice. We need 500 gold in less than 5 days, almost 4 days now. They aren't to be trusted, thats for sure. But unless anyone knows where we can get 500 gold for mother Flaust, than I say we take the job!"
Anarion waits for any arguments against accepting the Blight's offer.
Than speaks to Belladonna "would you be able to offer us any magical aid? Such as potions or scrolls?"
Toad d20=15 Thursday May 10th, 2001 11:14:37 AM
The old man smiles as the girl named Miranna is obviously using her mind. Perhaps not a perfect conclusion, but very good. Very good...
He decides not to interfere with the negotiation and allow the kids to close the deal themselves, wanting them to have accomplished this task themselves.
Tiree d20+1=19 Thursday May 10th, 2001 12:14:25 PM
(OOC: I assume that INT check was for me. If so, I finally passed something for a change!)
Moving into the huddle Tiree finally speaks, but it is a short speech.
"I've gotta agree wit Miranna, here. Not quite sure why, but somethin's nigglin' the back of my head. Gimme a sec while I think about it."
With that, Tiree closes her eyes and thinks really hard.
Jezebella Thursday May 10th, 2001 12:53:39 PM
Jez hovers near the outside of the 'huddle' ... keeping a wary eye on the women.. and this 'Toad'
Her eyebrows raise very slightly at the mention of the money for Mother Flaust... the first she has heard of it.
She murmers to the group, "They are not being very forthcoming about what they wish us to bring them.. what will be opposing us? What security do they have? Where is it stored... in the merchants abode, or at his selling point? What is IN that box? How well respected is this merchant, or does he back out of deals often? Where did the merchant get this item.. was it taken from ANOTHER party?"
She trails off... the whirl of confused questions spilling out of her..
"Please be cautious... they agreed to the thousand coin price much too easily. If you think you have gotten too good a deal, count your fingers, then your toes, then your friends."
Miranna d20+3=15 Thursday May 10th, 2001 8:38:19 PM
Miranna doesn't trust the witches, but she cannot place her finger on the loophole in their story. (Failed INT check.)
Whispering in a low voice, "It is true we need the gold, but I vote we do not accept any advance, as Syr proposed. I do not wish to sell my life to my mother's enemies."
Polaris Thursday May 10th, 2001 9:52:54 PM
Polaris looks at the rest of the group.
"How badly do we need the money though? If this is the best offer we can get, we'd better try to take it."
Bart Thursday May 10th, 2001 11:48:41 PM
I agree, lets accept their offer but not accept any up front money and go from there.
Syr (Scott) d20+1=11 Friday May 11th, 2001 4:14:37 AM
Syr nods at Polaris, "Quick wits and skill will get us only so far. Do we have need to purchase special equipment to accomplish the errand?"
Stepping away from the huddle for a moment, "I assume you have some general information as to the location of this box. Or would you have us search the entire city?"
(Sense Motive Check, failed)
Plink (Jared) d20+6=24 Friday May 11th, 2001 8:25:58 AM
With the discussions about, and everyone talking of everyone backstabbing everyone else, things are getting quite uncomfortable. The air in the room itself almost seems taut, as if one taunt in either direction would snap it, causing the room to be sucked into a vortex of anger. Seeing the party's dilemma should such a case arise, Plink pulls out his wooden flute, and begins playing, using his bard abilities to simply calm everyone around. (Perform check=24 for bard's fascinate ability, with plans to calm everyone)
DM (Anthony) Friday May 11th, 2001 11:34:37 AM
Belladonna smiles patiently at Anarion, "We are basically asking you to steal something that we feel we rightly paid for, if we were to give you something of magic from us it would leave a trail back to us as the thieves, we would loose the item just as fast as we had gained it that way. We will give you a 150 gold advance and with that you could buy potions if you need them." As the group huddles up Tiree finally figures out when things went wrong. It was when Miranna asked about her mother. It ended when that topic finally was left to drop. To Syr's question she only answers "We only know his name, a decription of the man, and the fact that he is a Jeweler in the market. Plink sits and begins to play, then as the music grows stronger in him the two women seem to grow glass eyed. A breeze from no where blows through the room and Toad falls to one knee. The two women are starring into space. In the breeze of Syr's music you all hear a voice, Syr recognizes it from the market place. "I have distracted the two wretched witches for a moment, you have a moment to yourselves, talk, wait, run, as you wish. The time is yours."
Toad Friday May 11th, 2001 11:50:38 AM
The old man breaks his silence and whispers to the children. "Take the deal. They are telling the truth and you stand to gain a lot in doing this thing for them. They are most likely not involved with Snake and his goons. Stay away from them if you can. The mask they seek is not the same item.".
Miranna Friday May 11th, 2001 12:37:11 PM
Miranna sighs softly as Plink's music calms her tensed emotions.
"Perhaps I have over-reacted to these women. We have no other prospect for gaining as much gold in as short a time, so it looks like the choice is made for us. Before we do the deed, it may be wise to retrieve our weapons from the orphanage. We can make further plans there, if needed."
Miranna is eager to leave the company of the two women who will not look at her.
Jezebella d20+3=6 Friday May 11th, 2001 1:22:04 PM
The music calms Jezebella, but she doesn't forget the strangeness of the situation. She smiles gently at Plink. If the tune were faster, she would certainly dance to it... her body swaying lightly as is.
Then the bodiless voice sends a shiver down her spine, bringing her back to the present. She notes the strange glazed look on the womens faces, and Toad on one knee...
"I don't know exactly what is going on... but if money is needed, it is being offered here. I will help any way I can with whatever decision is made. .. I would like to know a few things once they .. wake up.. . I believe we need a time frame of when they desire this item. We should not rush this, and be foolish. We also need a description, perhaps a name if it is a historical item."
More quietly, not within hearing of the women, even if they were aware.. “Then, perhaps, we can do our own research on the item, so we know its true value to both this merchant and these women.”
She murmers "I wonder what those runes mean..." still bemused by Plink's music. (6 Decipher Script)
Anarion Friday May 11th, 2001 1:54:35 PM
Smiling Anarion says.
"Finally you all begin to make sense, let's accept this deal and take the 150 gp advance. Because failure is not an option Syr! We could use the coins to help with the task at reclaiming the box. After all we can use all the help we can get, perhaps it will be enough to afford a potion or a scroll."
Looking at the group.
"Syr, Miranna and Polaris you are acting like a bunch of scared rabbits. Let us quit being so cautious, and do what must be done!"
Waving his hand in the air.
"Are we not adventurers? Are we not brave? Are we not out to save Mother Flaust from a life of servitude!?! The one woman that has shown us compassion. She who has fed us when we were hungry, sheltered us when we were cold, and clothed us when we were naked?"
Anarion looks at each and everyone of the group members and speaks with hot passion in his voice.
"Let's us be brave for her. Let us accept this task and whatever that may happen to us. For if I die trying to save Mother Flaust, I will die valiantly and for a good cause! I will lay down my life for her always!" A tear falls from his left eye. "As it is she who saved me and my brother Plink, and so has she saved all of you!"
Anarion settles back and wipes away his tear.
Bart Friday May 11th, 2001 3:13:40 PM
Anarion, nice theatrics. But it seems to me in ma found out what we were doing, she'd skin all of us alive then heal us up just to do it all over again. If we want to be cautious, then all the better. If someone wants to be scared, then let em, hell, i'm scared too. Who are you to chastise them?
Now, let us take the offer, let us get a time frame as when the item is needed by them, and let's NOT take upfront moneys, this way, we aint beholding to them if we fail. It's enough that ma owes the family 500gp, i dont want to up our anty by 150gp.
Anarion Friday May 11th, 2001 3:40:18 PM
Anarion begins weeping openly, as a child. He turns his back so no one will see his face as he is embarrased about crying so openly in front of the others.
In a flem filled voice he says "these aren't theatrics Bart! I love mother Flaust so much, and only wish to see her safe."
Wiping away his tears again, he turns to look at the group.
"I think we should take the 150 gold, but I will bow to the groups decision on the matter."
Tiree Friday May 11th, 2001 3:44:59 PM
Tiree thinks about it a bit.
"I've gotta say we go for it. I jus' have one reservation. What if we fail? I know t'ain't an option, Anarion, but it is a possibility. Even you gotta admit that. I jus' wanna know what happens to us if we fail. I already know what'll happen to Mother Flaust, but what about us?"
Miranna Friday May 11th, 2001 8:28:59 PM
"Anarion, have you considered that these women may be evil, or enemies of Flaust as well as my mother? That if we fail, they may exact the repayment of the advance from Flaust? That if we die in the attempt, it would break Flaust's heart, doubly so because we would have laid down our lives for a most dishonourable cause? Where is the valour and good in theft?"
There is a coldness in Miranna's voice.
Polaris Saturday May 12th, 2001 2:18:58 AM
Polaris moves towards the side of Bart feeling a bit injured by Anarion's comment about being a scared rabbit. She feels the coldness in the room, ashamed that her own brother would attack her for being cautious. She smiles at Bart, silently thanking him for sticking up for her. At this moment in time, she has no other ideas that might help the group.
Syr Saturday May 12th, 2001 4:42:08 AM
Syr puts an arm around Anarion's shoulders and walks away from the others with him. Whispering softly, "Look, it's not a matter of being a scared. I think everyone here wants to take the job. Ultimately, we want to succeed, for that we need more information. What one person sees as cowardice, another will see as careful. In the past hour, I've been apprehended, teleported, and threatened. Can you blame me for balking at leaping into this?"
Moving back towards the center of the room, "You did a great job getting us more money. It didn't even occur to me to ask for more than the 500 that we needed. As our spokesperson, why don't you be the one to tell these women we will accept their job."
Plink (Jared) Sunday May 13th, 2001 10:23:41 PM
Smiling at the good his song has done, Plink looks to the group and openly allows them to see his joy.
"I agree with my brother. We do need to be strong for Flaust. She's done so much for us, this task seems very small indeed. However, this shouldn't split us apart. Let us all band together and do what is needed of us. Besides, I'm going to need SOMETHING to write a song about, aren't I?"
DM (Anthony) Monday May 14th, 2001 9:11:59 AM
Jezebella can make nothing from the script on the floor, as the discussion continues and tempers rise. Suddenly the women begin to stir and come around. The room stills and the woman smile seeming to not have noticed the laps of time. "Well children, what have you decided?"
Anarion Monday May 14th, 2001 10:02:16 AM
Anarion looks at Syr and smiles wiping away the remaining tears. He then says to everyone, "sorry if I'm being childish, sometimes I get too passionate about the people I love."
Turning to look at Belladonna and the ugly old lady he says "We accept the job, but we do not want any coins up front. Now where do we start!"
Bart Monday May 14th, 2001 10:04:07 AM
Bart stands there, arm around Polaris for comfort, while Anarion gives our deal to the women.
Tiree Monday May 14th, 2001 10:57:03 AM
Speaking up quickly before Belladonna can she says,
"I've jus' got one tiny question really quick. Anarion forgot to ask for me. What happens if we fail?"
Jezebella Monday May 14th, 2001 11:13:30 AM
Jezebella sends Miranna a comforting glance, and a gentle smile. It was hard to be among those you did not trust. Doubly so when you doubt yourself and your reasons for being among them. She said to her quietly, touching her arm lightly. “Some thefts are necessary.. for whatever reason. Should the merchant not need this item, and we do.. for Mother Flaust.. then we are right to take it. It is unfortunate that we are in this situation.. but we must make the best of it.”
When Tiree asked her question of the woman, Jezebella started slightly. She had also been waiting for more questions to be asked.
She spoke, softy, to the women. “We cannot do as you ask without further information. We need the name of the merchant. We need his description. Where is his selling point in the market? Is the item there? When do you desire this item… we will need time to plan. We also need a description of the item you desire. Does it have a name? You mentioned it had historical significance.”
Toad Monday May 14th, 2001 11:24:05 AM
The old man sighs as the children clearly are just that. He takes solace in the fact that the witches know this and are probably willing to accomodate their foolishness. He decides to try one last time to help them out - but then waits. He instead decides to look at whatever the girl was looking at on the floor.
Miranna Monday May 14th, 2001 11:40:02 AM
Miranna smiles at Jezebella wistfully. "I do not hold myself above theft, little sister. We have all done it for the orphanage. I was merely answering Anarion's charge of us being scared rabbits, when he himself was ready to die for the valiant and good cause of grand theft."
Miranna keeps quiet while the others ask their questions of the witches. She knows the women will likely not answer any questions from her.
Anarion Monday May 14th, 2001 4:38:46 PM
Looking at Belladonna "Ooops, yes Tiree and Jezebella have good questions to be awnsered!"
Polaris Monday May 14th, 2001 7:43:09 PM
Polaris looks to the witches.
"How big of a risk are we taking on our lives by doing this task you speak of?"
Plink Tuesday May 15th, 2001 8:06:23 AM
Sitting on the floor, close to the wall, Plink doesn't do much of anything significant. He thinks these ladies are being overwhelmed with questions, questions that they would answer soon enough anyway. Might as well let them take their time in letting us know, they'll find out more that way, or se he assumed.
Belladonna (NPC) Tuesday May 15th, 2001 9:15:09 AM
Belladonna smiles broadly as Anarion makes his proclamation for the group. "That is wonderful, you may start as soon as you're ready." She turns her attention to Tiree to answer her question, "If you fail then we will simply ask you all to return any advance you received and that will be that." She almost laughs at the barrage of questions that Jezebella fires off. "Those are all wise and good questions young lady, you would make a good addition to our Cabal should you ever wish to study the mysteries. First, the name of the Merchant is Dalheart. He was selling Jewelry in the near market. I am not sure of where in the market he was set up today, somewhere near the center I think. We do not know where the item is, that's why we need you, we believe, but don't know, that he has hidden the box somewhere on trash level in a rented warehouse. The Box itself is about this big; " she holds her hands out to show the depth and highth and width of the box. It looks as if it is about 2 feet wide, 2 feet high and 9 inches deep. "You can make sure it is our box because is has a circle of runes around it similar to the runes on the floor here. It has no name and it only has historical significance to our Cabal. The story is long and boring and would not make much sense to one who has not studied with our Cabal." Belladonna looks shocked at Polaris's question. "We would not send children to their deaths. The only risks to your lives are the ones you take trying to do something stupid. If you get caught and the Merchant decides to press charges you will have to earn your way out of jail just like everyone else, but even that is not life threating." She seems hurt that you all would think so little of her and her Cabal.
Anarion Tuesday May 15th, 2001 12:23:56 PM
Bowing to Belladonna in an attempt at diplomacy.
"I apologize if we have offended you fair lady, our questions are rash and youthful. We will take your wise words to heart and be cautious in our endeavours. When we next meet, hopefully it will be with our task completed and the box in your possession."
Looking around the room for an exit. "Oh where is the exit?"
Anarion (OOC) Tuesday May 15th, 2001 12:26:42 PM
OOC: Hey Anthony, is their a seer or an oracle in the floating city? Someone who may help us find the merchant and his warehouse?
Fortune telling is not really big in the Wold right now, maybe soon. It looks like you all are going to have to become detectives!!!
Toad Tuesday May 15th, 2001 12:37:28 PM
The old man rolls his eyes as the young ones begin to try the patience of the potential clients - and at the fact that the answer to getting this box is right under their noses. He decides he'd better say something before they really blow it. "Belladonna, I must apologize for the rashness of my young friends here. As you can see they are new to this and don't understand what you are asking of them. You must not believe that they are trying to insult you or your Coven. They just don't know what to say. I will help get them started in the right direction.". He looks to the kids hoping they catch the hint.
Jezebella d20+2=18 d20+2=13 d20+3=8 Tuesday May 15th, 2001 3:09:46 PM
Jezebella gave Belladonna a small smile at her laughter and compliment, still wary of the woman. (18 sence motives)
She took a keener interest in the runes when Belladonna mentioned the box had similar ones.. attempting to commit them to memory, and understand them. (13 int check to memorize? 8 Decipher script... prolly with a minus for 2nd attempt. dang hard runes!)
Her musically calmed nerves soured when she was called rash... twice. She gave the old man and the boy each a glare. She swayed slightly... her palms itching for cool steel.
(ooc : Jez has a temper... sorry :))
Bart Tuesday May 15th, 2001 4:06:07 PM
Bart looks at Toad crosseyed with confusion.
Just what are you teling us Toad, as you say, we are inexperienced at this and if you would, ask the question we should be asking so we will learn.
Polaris Tuesday May 15th, 2001 4:47:51 PM
Polaris again feels inferior. She is hurt in a childish way that truly represents her age. Polaris has a hard time being rejected by elders and didn't mean to upset anyone by her question. As a child, she was taught not to trust anyone and watching Miranna's fear of the women made Polaris wonder how safe this would be. She again backs off from her family.
Miranna d20+7=12 Tuesday May 15th, 2001 9:04:22 PM
When Belladonna mentions the box has runes similar to those on the floor, Miranna takes an interest in them. She tries to recall if she has seen anything like them in her books (Knowledge Arcana=12). Next she commits the runes to memory (should be easy with her Int).
Miranna then edges closer to Syr and whispers to him, "Syr, you were at the centre of the market. Did you see a jeweller with a box?"
When Toad speaks, Miranna looks at him with a slight frown. Who is he? Why is he here with them? She berates herself for having let the issue of her mother cloud everything else. Miranna recalls it was the old man who told them to accept the witches' deal. Why is he so eager to please her mother's enemies?
Belladonna (NPC) Wednesday May 16th, 2001 9:13:36 AM
Belladonna smiles at Anarion. "I'm not offended dear boy, we were just shocked that you would think such a thing of us, and the exit is right behind you." As she points and everyone turns around you see that the door is again open. The old woman, who up until now has said nothing, laughs at Toads comment. "I bet you will, old, old man!!!" she croaks what must be a laugh but sounds more like ripping papper. "The box must be here, in this room, with me, by eve fall three days hence, the night before the city sinks." then she falls silent and still again.
DM (Anthony) Wednesday May 16th, 2001 9:14:16 AM
Everyone who tried to is able to memorize the pattern on the floor, although no one is able to make any sense of them.
Anarion Wednesday May 16th, 2001 9:56:21 AM
Looking at Belladonna "I bid you adieu ladies!"
Anarion walks out the door into wherever it leads, than turns looking at the group with an unrenounced face. "Ok, Syr, Bart, Miranna and everyone where do you think we should start? I was thinking we should go back to the market and look around for this Dalheart person. Looking for some clues as to his whereabouts."
"What does everyone think we should do next?"
Toad Wednesday May 16th, 2001 11:29:01 AM
The old man smiles at the ancient witch. "Your vision is amazing young lady, I think our young friends here will od just fine...".
He turns and leaves with the others, hoping he is doing the right thing.
Tiree True Wednesday May 16th, 2001 11:30:32 AM
Before leaving Tiree turns to the witches and asks one more question.
"We followed a map to get here. And I for one, don't quite remember the route we followed. How do we get back home?"
Jezebella Wednesday May 16th, 2001 1:01:33 PM
Jez waits at the doorway, anxoius to leave, but letting the others exit first. She favors the women another smile, trying to keep her anxiety covered.
She leaves after the questions are answered and everyone else has exited.
She hangs back from the rest as they walk away from the Coven... unsure.
After a few minutes of walking, she will address them as a group. "I'm not sure of what's going on.. as I said... but if I can help you all... or Mother Flaust.. tell me how. Please tell me what I've missed, or if I should just go back to the orphanage and forget about all this."
Miranna Wednesday May 16th, 2001 10:23:47 PM
Miranna follows everyone out of the room. Just at the door, she suddenly glances back, to see if the women are looking at her.
Miranna walks in silence, thinking about her mother and how the latter might be connected with these witches. Jezebella's question rouses her from her reverie. She gives the other an amused smile.
"Jezebella, you followed us without knowing the cause? You are full of mischief, little sister."
"The situation as I understand from Drake, is that Flaust owes the Family 500 gold or 2 years' servitude. Drake gathered them together," indicating the others, "to get the gold in some manner or other. Not surprisingly, they forgot me. I am not sure what else they have been up to. I followed them, with the help of my weasel, as soon as Drake broke the story to me, and arrived at the market street to witness total chaos. You know the rest."
After a slight pause, "I propose we return to the market street to search out that jeweller. Snake may still be there, so perhaps the steathier ones among us should scout ahead."
"Syr, you have not answered my question. Did you see a jeweller with a box, earlier?"
Polaris Wednesday May 16th, 2001 10:27:09 PM
Polaris looks towards the group after she exits. She examines the outdoors surrounding her, seeing where the exit lead them to, and if she is familer with that area. She neglects to answer Anarion's question for fear she will be criticized again.
Bart Wednesday May 16th, 2001 11:02:54 PM
Bart exits the place into the alleyway and goes defensive in case those hooligans are waiting for them, weapon drawn.
Syr d100=94 Thursday May 17th, 2001 5:55:28 AM
Syr cocks his head to one side and stares off into space. "I think there was a box at the merchant's stall. However, I do recall Snake saying: the merchant whose stall I was at owed him something he paid for. It is entirely possible that the merchant promised both the Coven and Snake the same item."
Looking over at Toad, "Toad seemed to be acquainted with him. What do you think?"
Falling in step beside Jez, he says, "Marianna's right, I think someone who has not met Snake yet would be the best recon possible."
He smiles and nudges Jezebella gently in the rubs. Looking over at her, "Well Jezebella, time to earn your keep."
"It's simple, he's black dressed guy bristling with weapons, tattoos, and has a slight lisp."
DM (Anthony) Thursday May 17th, 2001 9:22:26 AM
The ladies smile at Anarion and wave goodbye. When Tiree asks her question Belladonna smiles and says simply, "Walk out the door, take your first righ and walk straight till you come to your first major cross street. You will recognize where you are and will then be able to find your way back here with the box. When you return it, knock on the wall three short and three long. Good luck!" as Miranna turns around she notices that the women are pointedly NOT looking at her, almost as if she causes them great pain.
Ryson (NPC) Thursday May 17th, 2001 9:26:28 AM
As you all turn right and the door closes behind you, you see Ryson, still decked out in knives standing in your path in the alley. "You are still in danger, perhaps even more so now. If you want your questions answered you had best come with me. Talk while we walk." He turns quickly and begins to walk away, not seeming to care if he is followed or not.
Anarion Thursday May 17th, 2001 10:22:37 AM
Seeing Polaris' temid look he reaches over and tussles her hair with his hand. Smiling his most tickle inducing smile Anarion says.
"I'm sorry if I offended you Polaris, I didn't mean any harm. Lets be friends again, ok?"
Anarion reaches out his hand to Polaris hoping she will take it so they can walk hand in hand like they have done many times in the past.
Anarion follows Ryson up the street.
Tiree d20+3=13 d20+3=20 Thursday May 17th, 2001 12:10:02 PM
Seeing Ryson there gives her a bit of a start, but she figures he got them out of one jam. Maybe he can get us out of this one too. She follows him closely, but keeps her eyes out for anything. Today has been anything but a normal day. (Spot check 13, Listen check 20)
Toad Thursday May 17th, 2001 12:55:58 PM
The old man follows Ryson on down the street, easily keeping pace with him. He chooses to not speak with the kids in his presence, wanting to learn what he knows - and why he cares...
Jezebella Thursday May 17th, 2001 1:34:17 PM
Jezabella smiles to Miranna, quickly developing an affinity for her. "I followed because I smelled trouble, dear sister." she grinned.
She listened attentively to the short story, and nodded sadly at the plight Flaust was in. "I will certainly help all I can...."
She pokes Syr right back, eyes sparkleing with laughter. "I could indeed scout ahead... I am not known to this man.. that I know of. And can sneak about if needed. I.." Her words die in her throat as they come across Ryson.
She listens to his brief speech.. and as the group starts to follow him, she whispers to Miranna, "who IS that guy...?"
Bart Thursday May 17th, 2001 7:49:54 PM
Startled at seeing Ryson, Bart jumps back a few feet. When it soaks in who he is and what he says, Bart will walk up to him and then follows.
So, Ryson, why are we still in danger? And btw, I want to thank you for saving our arses back there earlier.
Miranna Thursday May 17th, 2001 9:26:32 PM
With a sigh of resignation, Miranna follows after Ryson. She feels like a pawn in a chess game. And why is the old man still following them? What does he want from a group of copperless orphans?
Keeping next to Jezebella, Miranna whispers back, "I know nothing other than his name is Ryson. He saved us from Snake, back at the market street, and brought us to the Coven. He must have put the map in Bart's pocket too."
Ryson (NPC) Friday May 18th, 2001 9:34:05 AM
Ryson walks through the streets and Alleys of the city seeming to take one random turn after another, he goes up level by level and as you go the air begins to smell fresher and fresher. The people seem richer and richer until finnaly Ryson ducks into the back entrance to a large marble building. Once inside he lleds you through a maze of halls and doors untill you reach a plush carpted room. This room is the oppisate of the one you just left. It is lush and grandious. There is soft comfortable furnature everywhere. Works of art are everywhere. A fire warms the room, and food delicacys fill a table. A bar offers drinks of all kinds. Ryson speaks. "Please make yourselfs at home, I will be back in a moment. You have no reason to trust me but I am telling the truth. You are safe from prying eyes here and you have much to talk about. No one will be listing as you speak and when I return I will have some answers. You have much to talk about I think. With that he leaves, closing the door behind him." (OOC: the one post per day, no posting on weekends rule is suspended till Monday. This allows you to talk to each other as much as you need.)
Anarion Friday May 18th, 2001 10:30:22 AM
Anarion looks around the room trying to absorb his surroundings. He is amazed at the sheer wealth on display, he has never seen such gradeur in all his life. He plops down on a soft comfy chair beside the fireplace and thinks to himself, "if only my bed at the orphanage was this comfortable, maybe I would sleep properly!" He reaches over and grabs some cheese and begins eating it hungrily.
He smiles at his brother and stares into the fireplace. Placing his together to warm them in front of the flames. Anarion thinks of the wealth in the room and the city level that they are on, but than quickly remembers the hungry kids at the orphanage and of their duty to mother Flaust. He quickly becomes disgusted with himself for being seduced by wealth. Tossing the remaining cheese into the fire, he is overwhelmed with thoughts of mother being forced to do appauling acts. Some things he doesn't even wish to imagine. He stands from the chair and moves to a darker corner of the room to think of what to do next.
He remains brooding in the corner away from the others.
OOC: Its a long holiday long weekend in Canada, I'm goig camping so won't be able to post until Tuesday. Have a good one! :)
Jezebella Friday May 18th, 2001 6:11:17 PM
Jez stands amidst the wealth akwardly. She grumbles under her breath "I would imagine one of those pieces of art would pay the debt."
Plink Saturday May 19th, 2001 8:49:32 AM
Following Ryson into the luxurious establishment, Plinks jaw drops and his eyes widen in amazement at the surroundings. Never has he seen such a beautiful place, nor does he expect to again. Plink walks up to Tiree and asks, "Sorry, Tiree, but I'm afraid I don't know who he (points to Toad) or this 'Ryson' fellow are. Would you mind explaining?" If Tiree appears willing, Plink leads her over to a pair of cushioned chairs and seats himself, awaiting the conversation.
(OOC: Sorry about lack of posts. I usually post 'fore school, but one morning my computer locked up right after I'd typed the post. The next day the power went out. Things haven't been going my way...)
Miranna Saturday May 19th, 2001 9:21:20 AM
Miranna surveys the opulent display of wealth in silence. She has seen such riches only in her books. Who is Ryson? What is his purpose in showing them all this wealth?...
As Ryson leaves, Miranna turns her attention to the old man. Casually, she takes a seat beside him.
"Pardon me, Mister -? Do you know our host Ryson? Or do you know our adoptive mother Flaust?" Miranna judges it unlikely that the old man would know one of her brothers or sisters.
Bart Saturday May 19th, 2001 11:51:56 AM
Walking into the room Bart's eyes grow wider and wider until those same eyes spies the food on the table. Bart walks over to that table, gets a plate and start pilling stuff on it higher and higher til the food on the plate is taller than him, foodstuffs spilling onto the carpet. Bart then carries the plate over to a table, puts it on it, then grabs a napkin, tieing it around his neck , then digs in like a ravenous wolverine. From time to time, quickly, an apple here, a piece of cheese there, a fork, a spoon just happens to go into a pocket. After many minutes of this, and with a very full stomach, Bart saunders over to a chair by the fireplace and plops into it, patting his belly.
Jezebella Saturday May 19th, 2001 1:01:49 PM
Jez moves over to Plink... she whispers..
"What was that music.. .it was wonderful. Perhaps you could play for me as I dance... Did it stun the women as well? And Toad? .. was the voice yours... magic of some kind...?"
Toad Saturday May 19th, 2001 11:40:17 PM
The mage smiles at Miranna. "Yes, my dear girl, I know who Ryson is, and who Fluast is, who Snake is, who the Merchant is, and how you might go about getting that box. What I don't know is why Ryson cares and is helping. I would suggest you make your stay short in this place - but I would hear the man out. As you have already seen, if he meant harm he would have easily done it. And by the way, that mask is not the same item as the box. But they both appear to involve the merchant - in case you didn't pick that up.".
Jezebella Sunday May 20th, 2001 7:15:36 AM
Jezebella looks over from her conversation with Plink, overhearing Toad.
She turns.. and moves toward him, almost stalking. If anyone here truely knew her, they would know that the liquid grace with which she now moved meant that she was very, very angry.
"You know so much... toad. Perhaps you can share your vast knowledge. If we were better informed, perhaps we could be less... rash." She purred from behind a warm smile.
Miranna Sunday May 20th, 2001 11:02:46 AM
Miranna cocks her head and looks at Toad quizzically.
"You know all of them? You are more than what you appear to be. Would you care to let us know who you really are? How are you related to Flaust? For what reason are you helping us? And -", suddenly dropping her voice to a low whisper, "do you know my mother, Katrina?"
Tiree d20+5=14 d20+3=13 d20+3=17 Sunday May 20th, 2001 7:06:21 PM
Tiree walks over and sits down with Plink
"Well, all I can really tell you about him is that he is the one who led us to see the witches. He is also the one who ran off Snake and his buddies. I'm not sure what I think of him really. I'm keepin' my ears and eyes open."
Tiree then gets up and walks around the room and looks it over (appraise 14, listen 13, spot 17)
Toad Monday May 21st, 2001 10:33:27 AM
"Look kids, you don't get as old as I am and live down here without learning who the players are. If you don't learn, you die. And since I'm very much alive you can rest assured I know. And as for you making better decisions with more information - you will only get that from experience. I could tell you everything I know - if you could hold it - and it would do you little good. Your goal should be to find an honorable and profitable direction for yourselves. In that way you can not only repay Flaust for her kindness, but you can honor her with your lives. Your way may be selfish but it can still be productive. The reason I know the merchant is that he is an old friend of mine. We go way back. You may have noticed I was helping him get away from the Black Dragons. The reason I'm helping you should be obvious enough. The Black Dragons are bad news. If we help each other against them then we stand a better chance of surviving. They're evil and will kill you when they are finished using you. And by the way, when you cast that illusion of me waving that mask around you implicated me in this. They will now be looking for me since you obviously know me well enough to cast an illusion of me. I really don't appreciate that! But alas, I would rather you be my allies than my acquaintances against them. I must see this through and find out about that mask. Looks to me like we can all win here, I can get myself out of trouble with those guys, help make the community better by helping Flaust out, and gain allies. Not bad for a days work...".
The old man pauses, then continues "If you make a name for yourselves by completing some jobs it will also keep you busy doing useful things as opposed to robbing my friends of their merchandise. You may recall I'm a merchant too. I have no interest in being your companion for any extended period of time, but I'm willing to help you accomplish this as long as you remember that I did it. Besides, we need more Flausts in the Wold. I would hate to lose the one we have here. Any young lady, I do not know your mother. She has never frequented this area as a premanent 'player' so I never learned about her. I'm sorry."
Syr Monday May 21st, 2001 1:16:47 PM
Ignoring the riches around him, "I, for one, am curious to see what Ryson has to say. It's obvious that we have become involved with the wrong crowd, but who is to say that he is the right one."
"I'm not sure about the Coven yet. I don't quite share Miranna's feelings towards the ladies. Judging by their reactions, is it possible that the ladies have a sense of guilt where her mother is concerned? If so, that can be used to our advantage. Just as Bart's adoration." He gives Bart a wink and a smile as the dwarf helps himself to the food.
Turning to Toad, "You on the other hand have my trust and thanks. I would welcome your companionship and knowledge. If you don't mind, I have a few questions... We did not see any of your wares in the marketplace, do you have a shop somewhere?"
As his eyes slowly follow Tiree around the room, "After seeing the way he opposed Snake, I imagine Ryson would like to thwart him from obtaining the mask. Regardless, I feel we should try and obtain the mask and box from the merchant."
DM (Anthony) Monday May 21st, 2001 5:58:38 PM
Tiree appraise the few items in the room that she has any knowldge about at well over 100,000 gold. The room is silent, and just what it seems. A sitting room. Time moves on as the group is given time to talk.
Miranna Monday May 21st, 2001 11:07:45 PM
Miranna watches the old man intently as he speaks, and decides that he can be trusted. She sighs when he says he does not know her mother.
"We do need help with the witches' task, and against Snake and the - Black Dragons?". Miranna shudders involuntarily when she recalls the near escape they had.
"Syr, those women did not look guilty; the brief look they gave me was of pure hatred. I am rather surprised they did not try to detain me. I do not know much about my mother, but her enemies cannot be good, so we must be wary of the witches even while we are doing this task for them."
After a slight pause, "Old man, I have just one more question. If that merchant is your friend, why are you helping us steal from him?"
Bart Monday May 21st, 2001 11:08:15 PM
With food particles stuck in his half grown beard, Bart moves to a chair closer to Toad, mug in one hand and mutton leg in the other.
Ive said all along that thieving was not the way to go, but how else are we gonna make 500gp in 4 days? We will not allow Mother to be sold into any type of indentured service. In my opinion, after this one last theft, God willing, I wont thieve again. I want to make an honorable name for myself and in doing so bring pride upon Mother.
Now, how do we go about getting this mask without killing anyone or being killed? And what can we do with you, Toad, if that is your real name, to defeat these evil men that we have unwittingly made enemies of?
Jezebella Tuesday May 22nd, 2001 8:05:31 AM
Jez mutters something under her breath, and moves to a wall, leaning against it. She pulls a dagger from somewhere.. and toys with it as she listens to the others, and waits for Ryson to arrive again. Preferably with real answers.
Anarion Tuesday May 22nd, 2001 11:23:55 AM
Sitting in the corner, Anarion is overcome by the turn of events. A few days ago he was just a boy living in an orphanage, learning some magic. Now a few days later the person he loves the most in the whole wide world, other than his brother, mother flaust is potentially going to be taken away from him. His friends and himself have become caught in what appears to be some small power struggle between the black dragons, the blight and an unknown merchant. Now placed upon all the Flaust olders is the responsibility to save Mother Flaust, and potentially save the orphanage and all the other children from being thrown onto the streets of the Floating City. So great a weight upon his soul Anarion has never felt. This weight that almost seems to overwhelm him. At times he is unsure of himself, and at other times he acts rashly with a childish impetiousness. He is unsure how to act, what to do, or where to go. But he only knows what must be done.
Playing with his clothing in the corner of the room Anarion continues to be caught up in his own thoughts.
Tiree True Tuesday May 22nd, 2001 12:01:37 PM
Muttering to herself as she walks around the room she is almost overcome by the wealth of it all. If she didn't want to offend Ryson, she would try to filch one of the pieces here. But somehow she knew she would get caught. And even if she didn't, she probably couldn't fence it anyway.
She turns around and heads back to the group that surrounds Toad. There, she catches the last of what has been said. She knows that there are questions that need to be asked, but she just can't seem to figure out what they are. She continues to listen as her smarter brothers and sisters ply Toad with questions. Her eyes never seem to quite leave the wealth of the room though.
Toad Tuesday May 22nd, 2001 12:38:09 PM
"First of all, Miranna. The witches do not hate you, they hate your mother for leaving them - it was a betrayal from their perspective. That is why they did not detain you. They want to establish a relationship so that at some point you might consider joining their cause and in that way it could help them overcome the loss of your mother (This is a guess on my part). That is a bridge you are far from having to cross I would guess."
"As far as stealing and killing go - Bart is it? - you will not be stealing, only taking what rightfully belongs to somebody else. There are actually laws in this city allowing a certain level of that sort of thing without prosecution. This is a 'righteous' activity as far as the law is concerned. But you are correct in saying there should be no bloodshed. If you are caught, pay your debt to society and move on."
"On the other hand, Snake (he is a Black Dragon, by the way) is another issue. You saw him kill the old guard. He deserves to be killed and if you end up doing it then fine. He is evil and this place will be much better off without him. For some reason he thinks you know where this mask he is looking for is so he might be on your tail. Also, he clearly thinks the merchant has it, so he's also looking for him. This is a race, kids. If the merchant dies before we get to him, it is not likely that you will get your box.".
"Now, as to why I would help you if he is my friend, and where my wares are: I will help you because my friend has clearly made some enemies. I will be doing him a favor by helping him make ammends with the witches. I will also be in a position to help him get away from Snake - who I promised to help him with. If I don't work against him in the small thing, he will die. Simple as that. This way, he gets to live and he has no lasting enemies in the market he wishes to frequent. And as for my wares... That's my business where I keep them and what they are. I don't divulge that to anyone as they are my crown jewels. If I lose it then I am ruined. You've seen me in the market from time to time. It's no secret I sell there.".
"So what'll it be kids, do you want my help or not?".
Polaris Tuesday May 22nd, 2001 5:39:19 PM
Polaris watches and listens intentivley to Toad and gets excited. She feels an adventure is comming to hand. She wants to be like Robin Hood and save what is rightfully someone elses. She jumps up and down a little like a giddy young child. Then she stops and looks to her siblings.
"Why don't we huddle and discuss this all together, so no one is left out of their vote?"
Bart Tuesday May 22nd, 2001 5:47:24 PM
Listens to what Toad has to say, nodding in agreement every so often, then leans forward and says to the group. 1 I feel we will do good by having him help us. 2 We need to go as soon as possible and do this thing for the witches. The sooner we start, the sooner we finish and get Mother out of this jam and start our life anew.
Ryson (NPC) Tuesday May 22nd, 2001 5:48:07 PM
There is a soft knock at the door and Ryson's voice is heard clearly asking permission to enter. Once he is told it is all right he enters and pulls a chair to him across from the gathering of small faces. He seems to sit uncomfortably in the chair and in the room in general. He is a handsome man but looks more like a pincushion than a porcupine in this room. He does his best to smile and sit comfortably. When he speaks his voice is one of a man who has spent his whole life morning for something.
"I am sure you have many, many questions and I'm not sure I can answer most of them. I will listen quietly in a moment and do my best however, but first I need you to all listen to me and listen well. You are currently in the Holy Temple of Ffloy. My family has bought the paper on your Mother. It is here." He pulls out a paper and allows you all to look at it. It is clearly the contract Flaust signed. Her signature is witnessed at the bottom and the spell of oath bonding weaves over the paper. Ryson takes the paper and tosses it into the fireplace, silently watching it burn. "You now owe me a blood debt, and I must collect. I need you to find the object that the witches seek. The Family cannot go after it with out bringing attention to us, that attention would cause bloodshed. The things that you must know are theses.
1)The Blight are evil through and through. While they weren't so in the past they are now. There is no goodness left in the Blight.
2)The object they want will be used the night before the Big Sink. It will be used to hypnotize the entire lower two levels of the city into a deep sleep. Then they will use it to cast a mass illusion of those people coming up at the last minute. The overlord will sink the lower two levels. The people still there will drown and die. It will be the biggest mass sacrifice to their evil god ever known.
3)You can trust no one.
My blood debt is this, get the box and bring it to me."
Plink d20+1=20 Tuesday May 22nd, 2001 10:40:50 PM
Plink takes in everything around him. He nods his thanks to Tiree as she divulges the information he needs to know, and nods the same when asked about if he could play his music while someone dances. It's obvious Plink is in contemplation over what all is going on.
Suddenly, when Ryson re-enters the room, Plink is the first to notice it, walking over to stand in front of the man, keeping his face stern and stoic. He listens to what Ryson says, trying to put all of the many pieces of this puzzle into their respective places. It's obvious to him, at least, that chaos is everywhere.
After Ryson finishes, Plink politely, but boldly states, "Ok, Ryson, your offer is good to me. Even if my family disagrees, which I hope they do not, I do not see how we could deny. We will get the box for you. Before anyone makes any comments of trust, I'm definitely not saying I, or we, trust you. You told us yourself not to trust anyone. This isn't a matter of trust, it's a matter of repaying a debt. We all appreciate what you've done for us, no matter how reluctant we are to admit it."
With a quick bow, Plink then faces towards Toad.
"Toad, I consider you a friend. I speak for myself, not for my family, but I ask for your assistance. If my friends here don't want your help, I do. I'll ally myself with you, even if they don't. You've obviously got something to gain from this, and a man wanting to gain probably has something to lose. You say you are friends with the man with the box. A simple enough question: Where would he likely keep it?"
Glancing around at his friends and family, Plink hopes they agree with him. His brother will, of that he's sure. However, the others will probably think he acted too rashly, but he feels otherwise. This is a manner of utmost importance. His eyes land on Miranna, and he begins thinking the mental dilemma she faces about her mother. Surely he's heard something of her before? (Bardic knowledge check 20)
Miranna Wednesday May 23rd, 2001 2:41:16 AM
Miranna's beautiful face contorts with conflicting emotions when Toad tells her that her mother betrayed the witches' Coven. No, it cannot be her mother at fault; those witches must be evil, or lying. Or perhaps Toad is lying. Just a moment ago he said he did not know her mother...
She barely notices Ryson's return, but his act of burning the paper catches her attention. Miranna's face relaxes when Ryson tells them the Blight are evil through and through.
"I for one prefer to trust Ryson than the witches. I vote we get the box for him. With the old man's help, naturally."
Miranna smiles at everyone charmingly. She feels exuberant that her distrust of the witches has turned out to be correct.
Jezebella Wednesday May 23rd, 2001 7:17:32 AM
Jezebella says from her spot on the wall... "Of course it cannot be allowed to let everyone drown.. that is beyond evil. We wouldn't hand someone the power to do that. That is, of course, assuming that this is what they are planning. How do you know of this evil plan, Ryson?"
Anarion Wednesday May 23rd, 2001 10:05:04 AM
Watches and listens to Ryson. When Ryson burns the contract, Anarion's head lifts.
Muttering under his breath he says, "thank the gods, mother will be safe!"
The shroud of depression that lays over Anarion suddenly lifts. He stands purposefully, knowing now that Mother Flaust won't have to lead a life of servitude to the Floy. A smile appears on his face and he listens to the rest of Ryson's speech.
When he is done he listens to his brother Plink and nods in agreement with what he has to say. "I agree with my brother on all accounts and I accept Ryson's blood debt, but one problem remains. We have promised the Blight that we will bring them the box, what are we going to do about that? Perhaps create a forgery?"
OOC: Anthony what does a blood debt mean in the Wold? Are there any rules to it?
Toad d20=18 Wednesday May 23rd, 2001 12:20:02 PM
Taken aback by the pronunciation of the man in black, the old man decides to think about the plausibility of the situation - and who is actually telling the truth (if anybody). [Int]
The wiley old man smiles at Ryson "It is Flaust who owes you a blood debt my good man, not these children. They owe you nothing. You misrepresent the situation, sir. But of course, that is the way of Ffloy. You serve your god well. Are you saying that if the kids do this for you that you will forgive the blood debt owed to you by Fluast? If so I would expect that you would put that in writing and bind it with an oath. As you say, you can't trust anyone."
Bart Wednesday May 23rd, 2001 11:20:03 PM
Bart sits there, taking in all that is said. He waits for Toad to talk and smiles at him catching Ryson in his own trap of words. Smiling at Toad Bart says to Ryson, I agree with this good man, as you say, trust noone so I agree with Toad in asking for this to be in writing and sealed with an oathbond.
under his breath Bart says: I knew them withces to be no good, now to make sure Miranna doesn't become one of em.
Bart looks up and smiles, saying. If the witches can use it like you say, what's to keep the family of yours from using it to put all to sleep then robbing them blind, or using it to wipe out a rival clan?
If I am to do this for you, I want, in writing with oathbond, that you and the family will leave Flaust and her orphanage and her children alone, no influences of corruption for ANY of them. They are my brothers and sisters and ill be Damned if I let them go to work for anyone with a reputation like the Family.
Ryson (NPC) Thursday May 24th, 2001 12:01:43 AM
Ryson looks gratefully at Plink and smiles. He seems thankful that this wasn't a difficult thing to ask. Plink however can't think of anything he knows that would help his sister. He only recalls that the Blight did not used to be evil and that no one has presented him any proof that they are. However the temple of Ffloy does works of evil in the name of good, like the contract they held over Mother Flaust, which is conveniently in the fire now. Plink begins to feel a little like a chess piece. When Jezebella asks her question Ryson shrugs and smiles. "The men of Ffloy simply…. know things." Anarion recalls that a blood debt involves nothing. It is a simple agreement between two people that they owe each other blood for blood. However the priests of Ffloy take it very seriously and have even at times extracted that debt in actual blood. Ryson smiles at the words of Bart and Toad. "You are right I did say trust no one, and you are blood oathed to me because I set Flaust free, blood for blood in the wholly temple of Ffloy. If you do not bring me what I ask then you break the bond and owe me blood."
Miranna Thursday May 24th, 2001 6:20:56 AM
At Ryson's words, Miranna's exuberant smile turns into a frown. She starts to get the feeling that the whole world is evil - excepting her adopted family of course.
"It seems we receive the unfair end of the deal, Ryson. For setting Flaust free, you are binding all eight of us in this blood oath. The witches, even if they are evil, offered us gold for the box, above what Flaust owed you. You offer only coercion. Why should we believe that you will not use the box for evil?"
Miranna starts to exercise her intelligence once her mother is no longer in the picture.
Jezebella d20+2=3 Thursday May 24th, 2001 8:41:49 AM
Jezebella grins as Ryson dances around the questions. She asks impudently "Another question for you, Man of Ffloy... If the Blight is so evil... why did you lead us to them?"
She thinks for a moment.. her mind dancing as fast as Rysons slippery tounge, and perhaps as fast as his knives...
"You have burned Mother Flausts oath and debt... she owes you nothing now. You say that we owe you blood... What else interests you, in trade...? You seemed a rival of the snake's... what of the mask he wanted..? Can you tell us about that? The mask and the box are seperate items, yes..? Some arrangement must be able to be come to..."
She trys to gauge Rysons reaction.. the wealth about her setting her nerves and sences off. (3 sence motive, ick)
Toad Thursday May 24th, 2001 12:29:34 PM
The old man waits to pounce on Ryson with a few thoughts, but decides to hold most of them for later - most of them...
"You have once again misspoke. It is Flaust that owes you a blood debt - not these children. I understand that if Flaust were to bring you the box that the blood debt would be paid. If the children bring it to you, technically the debt was not paid by Flaust and so therefore you could choose not to forgive it. I have no doubt in my mind that you would do as you say - forgive Flaust her debt - if SHE were to bring it. What these children must have from you is your commitment that you will forgive Flaust's debt to you if THEY bring it. I know your kind. You will twist and use whatever means you see fit to accomplish your agendas. I would not have you subject these children to such intrigue just yet. They are not ready. And by the way, these children did not commit to anything yet. Although I would venture to guess that they will.".
Ryson (NPC) Thursday May 24th, 2001 6:19:38 PM
Ryson smiles at Miranna , although this time the smile seems to have more teeth. You have no guarantee that I won't do what ever I want with the mask. However I will tell you that my intentions do not involve any one dying or being sacrificed. If you want, break the blood oath with me, sell the box to the witches and deal with all the consequences of those actions. Those choices are yours, not mine." When Jezebella questions him Ryson answers her too. "I did not lead you to the Blight the map did, they thought they summoned you, I simply helped that illusion along. Your mother owes me nothing, you owe me blood. I want nothing other than the mask, and I have already told you what it can do in their hands. The Mask is in the Box silly children." Then he addresses Toad. "No Merchant you rely to much on the ways of business. There mother owed me a money debt, these children now owe me a blood debt. I have burned the money debt in exchange for their blood, they committed themselves to that course the moment they set out to find money to forgive her debt of gold."
Bart Thursday May 24th, 2001 6:34:38 PM
Ryson, you mis speak yourself, we have NOT agreed to do anything for you, you just ASSUME we have. I think Toad is correct, but you are right, we WILL get the mask for you but as I said earlier, we WILL want all of this in writing and oathbonded or else you can go jump into the lake for all we care.
Miranna Thursday May 24th, 2001 10:30:27 PM
Miranna lifts her eyebrow and looks at Toad meaningfully when Ryson says the mask is in the box. Who was so sure what the witches wanted was not the mask? She will trust her own intuition and deduction next time...
Miranna thinks. There are three parties intent on getting the mask. Two of these parties do not want to be openly linked to it. Just what powers does it have? Could they, or Flaust, use the powers?
To Ryson she says, "Bart is right, we have not agreed to anything. A blood oath needs the agreement of both parties, does it not? We will probably do what you want in the end, but we will want some assurances - in writing."
Toad d20=9 Friday May 25th, 2001 10:56:07 AM
"So why is Snake after the mask as well? Is he working for you to?". The old man watches Ryson closely to determine if he lies.
Jezebella d20+2=10 Friday May 25th, 2001 11:13:25 AM
Jez speaks slowly, and carefully, measureing her words against this obvoiusly dangerous man. "As I said... you have burned Mother Flaust's debt. She owes you nothing. We could walk out of here, with our little adjenda accomplished.." She hastily continues before Ryson threatens again.. "Although that would leave you an unhappy man. If you draw up an agreement... which binds YOU, not us... into no agression, retribution, or any sort of harm against Mother Flaust or her foster children... " She glances at Toad... "or this man.. EVER.. after delivery of this item.. then we will THINK about getting it for you. This oath should not bind us to get it for you... simply your actions if we do." She trys to give her words as much weight as possible. (Charisma 14, roll of 10)
Syr Friday May 25th, 2001 2:23:30 PM
Syr observes most of the conversation in silence before finally speaking out. "Maybe I am missing a point but right now, we are talking about a mask we do not have. Does anyone else find this strange?”
Looking Ryson in the eye, “Granted, the witches DO pay better than Ryson but he does a have point with the 'debt'. With all due respect sir, the debt was for 500 coins and 500 coins is what it should be. Burning it as a sign of good faith is admirable. Demanding that we all do a deed of undetermined value is a bit questionable. I would prefer not to run into a burning building just because someone decided to erase a debt.
Glaring at the knife thrower, “If you chose to pay us 500 coins for that task then fine. Just know, you have also caused us a small problem. How and who will be able to explain to Mother how this debt just ‘vanished’.”
Loudly enough for all to hear, "We decided not to take an advance from the coven because it would bind us to them. At this point, why should we make any promises to other parties. Can we not obtain the mask and then let our conscience decide?"
Looking around the opulent room, “There are other options, the temple does possess some wealth obviously, how would you feel about the mask going to the highest bidder between yourself and the Coven?
With a sigh, “Lastly, I am tired of the run around. Obviously, this mask is special to several groups of people. Is it just lucky or unlucky at the time of choosing? Given the parties involved, I tend to find that hard to fathom.”
Looking over at Toad he smiles a toothy grin, “I will certainly welcome your companionship. You have made the point we all agree on, the mask, box, or whatever must not go to Snake.”
Tiree d20+4=18 Sunday May 27th, 2001 6:38:07 PM
Tiree had stopped examining the wealth so closely when Ryson reappeared. She kept her eyes on him as he withdrew the contract and they grew when he tossed it into the fire. As she listened to him speak she wanted to believe him. But Toad and her families questions made her doubt. Maybe there was something wrong here. As Ryson began to talk again she tried to figure out just what it was that was bothering her (Sense Motive 18) although after the confrontation with the witches, it could just be her nerves.
Ryson (NPC) Sunday May 27th, 2001 7:17:46 PM
Ryson simply laughs at all the questions and arguments. "Children your arguments are useless. You are bound in a blood oath. I have traded your mother's life for yours. Your agreement to this pact happened the moment you began to try and find a way to pay for your mother's debt. The blood oath is a somewhat superstious thing. You believe in it or not. If you don't then don't worry about it and walk away from me. You have only come under the oath in the house of a God. To take it seriously or not is up to you. If it were me I would take it very seriously. The debt is on you. Already it works you. If you don't want to give the mask to me, then sell the box to the witches. The fate of your home lies on your shoulders either way. If the witches get the mask then they will kill everyone on the lower two levels. If you take the mask and don't sell it to them then you become a target to everyone in the city. If you don't take it and forget this happened the Witches will find another way to get it and everyone dies. If you take it and give it to me our debt is paid and everyone is safe. The choice is yours. Good luck." With that Ryson stands and walks out of the room. "Someone will be here in a moment to see you out of the temple."
Miranna Sunday May 27th, 2001 8:30:28 PM
Miranna looks round at her family when Ryson leaves.
"It seems we have little choice in the matter. I propose we continue with our original plan of getting the mask, then decide who to give it to. Ryson seems to be the safer choice to me."
If the others all agree to return to the market street, Miranna will let her weasel scout ahead to look out for Snake and his men, keeping far enough behind that they will not be seen by anyone who spots the weasel.
Bart Sunday May 27th, 2001 9:40:37 PM
after Ryson leaves, Bart stands up and gives Ryson a rude gesture.
I hate him, but what are we to do? Toad?
I have an idea, i'll tell you when we get out of this damn place.
Jezebella Monday May 28th, 2001 7:03:01 AM
Jezebella stares at the door that Ryson left, her lips a hard line ruining her otherwise exotic beauty. When the others speak, she only mutters angrily.
She calms when they leave, and after a bit of walking, offers her help again. "As planned, I can go scout the market. It was said that mask... box... WHATEVER... is down on the trash level though. How we are to find it down there, I have no idea. What do you think the odds of us talking the merchant out of it are? Impressing upon him the danger it presents him?" She hesitates before offering her next thought.. "I am also seriously wondering if we should destroy this cursed thing. Too many people want it, and it very well could be dangerous. I know that doesnt help Flaust.. but.." She shrugs, helplessly.
After recieving whatever answers she needs, she goes to the market, keeping a low profile and keeping her eyes and ears open. Watching for Snake, the merchant, or any other bits of interest. Paticularly listening for the word 'mask'
Anarion Monday May 28th, 2001 10:11:52 AM
Looking at the Jezebella "mother Flaust is safe, as it is us that owes the blood debt to the Floy."
As our lives are now in jeopardy I suggest, along with Miranna, that we seek out the box or mask and figure out what to when we get it.
This story of the box seems ever changing, perhaps the merchant will have a different story to tell us when we find him. We need a bloody politician to see through all the lies!
Let us be cautious and try finding the merchant next?
Toad Tuesday May 29th, 2001 9:42:57 AM
The old man shakes his head and says to the kids "First, lets leave. Then we'll talk. I would say to you that regardless of what happens next, we'd better get the mask for sure. What say we go somewhere to eat and discuss our next move? I'll buy this time...but only this time.".
DM (Anthony) Tuesday May 29th, 2001 10:45:33 AM
You are all led out of the building and down an alley, as you are all finaly out in the fresh air and artificial light from the roof the opressivenes of the day lets up a bit. Then suddenly, from the darkness, a voice calls from down a side alley.
"Children, children everywhere, walking to and fro. Never knowing who is who, or quite what and where to go.
Voices lie and voices ply, all for the lads attention. The lads worry and fret away, all because of some evil remission.
A mask, a box, good luck, a pox. All wraped up, no time to sup. Look out now Yoricks rymes will wow, all for the sake of a little cats relation.
Toad Tuesday May 29th, 2001 11:05:39 AM
The old man walks rapidly away from the temple. "I know this place just up the way here. If you kids are to do this you need at least a good meal. Let's eat.". He takes them to a place around the corner he knows - but doesn't frequent much wanting to not give Snake and his goonies a chance to get to them.
Anarion Tuesday May 29th, 2001 11:36:04 AM
Anarion walks with everyone pleased to finally be outside the temple of fFloy. He hears the voice and notices its enchanting words, that seem to be directed at the group.
Anarion taps his brother on the shoulder and motions him towards the alley. He is interested in knowing what or who is down the alley. So anarion concentrates and closes one eye. Squinting hard he tries casting a detect magic spell towards the voice. At the same time he walk towards the voice in question.
Jezebella d20+2=11 d20+7=27 Tuesday May 29th, 2001 1:17:01 PM
Jez mutters angrily under her breath ... "what now??!"
She trys to remember if the alley from which the voice came has another side, or if it was a dead end.. (int check = 11)
If she believes there is another side to it, she will dart off into the streets, and then sneak around the oppisite corner (move silenty = 27) to see who spoke.
Bart d20+3=12 Tuesday May 29th, 2001 6:39:32 PM
A moment before Bart begins telling the group his plan, the voices speak their rhymes. Bart attempts to locate where the voices are coming from.
Bart will follow Anarion, this time his weapon is in his hand.
Miranna d20+13=33 d20+9=10 d20+4=5 d20+4=14 d20+4=12 Tuesday May 29th, 2001 8:38:49 PM
Miranna's even temperament is starting to get ruffled. Just how many parties are interested in them and the mask-in-a-box? Seeing Anarion and Bart walk towards the voice, she directs her weasel to follow quietly (Weasel's Hide=33, Move Silently=10, Spot=5).
Miranna remains standing where she is, waiting for communication from her weasel. She keeps alert for any other sounds or slight movement from other alleys (Listen=14, Spot=12).
Jezebella (owed rolls) d20+7=17 d20+2=18 Wednesday May 30th, 2001 10:23:08 AM
ooc : oops, sorry.. learning thievery from a weasel... how humilating! I guess I owe some rolls. (hide 17, spot 18)
Syr Wednesday May 30th, 2001 2:03:40 PM
Syr hears the voice and moves to the entrance of the alley. He cups his eyes with his hands, attempting to pierce the darkness with his low light vision.
DM (Anthony) Wednesday May 30th, 2001 4:29:45 PM
The Alley seems to be a dead end and radiates no magic. The voice comes again from the alley as some of the party moves toward the end of it.
Yorick sees them coming two by two Yorick hears them trupets call arooo arooo
Some come a sneaking others quiet as mice some think they be smart others have the brains of lice
Yourik knows time be short so if all will gather round. Yourik tell the tale of woe perhaps new friends be found.
Then from the dark end of the alley out of the shadows folds a man dressed in black and white motley diamonds with a jesters cap and mask on. The only feature seen clearly is his great, wide, grin...much like a cheshire cat. He bows deeply and smiles still.
Toad Wednesday May 30th, 2001 4:30:56 PM
The old man looks suspiciously around the alley.
Anarion d20=5 Wednesday May 30th, 2001 4:57:48 PM
Anarion stands looking perplexed at the jester. He detected no magic, but swears the man wasn't standing there a few heartbeats ago.
With a furrowed brow Anarion remains cautious. Looking at the jester he tries to figure out if he's disguising his magic somehow. Intelligence (5)
Bart Wednesday May 30th, 2001 8:12:19 PM
Bart jumps back a few steps when the man steps out of the shadows. He pulls Anarion back with him near Toad. Weapon in hand and am ready for anything.
Miranna d20+3=9 Wednesday May 30th, 2001 9:27:44 PM
With a mental command to her weasel to remain hidden, Miranna walks towards the jester, stopping beside Bart. She tries to recall if she has read anything about a group who dresses like that (Int check=9).
Miranna looks at the jester in silence, waiting for his tale. How will the story of the mask be twisted this time?
Polaris Thursday May 31st, 2001 1:18:10 AM
A small creature carefully climbs in with the group. She got lost along the way and watches quietly and hidden to see what she missed without disturbing anyone.
Jezebella Thursday May 31st, 2001 8:29:24 AM
Jez creeps down the alley toward the jester.. then when the strange man announces he sees her, she grumbles under her breath "why does everyone see me?"
She moves carefully past the jester, skirting him to reach the others.
Syr Thursday May 31st, 2001 2:31:13 PM
Syr eyes the multi-colored person carefully. As the rest of the group nears the jester, he stays at the entrance to the alley.
Grinning at Jez, he says softly, "Maybe it's your illuminating presence?"
Yorick (NPC) Thursday May 31st, 2001 8:05:38 PM
The man in black and white diamond motley begins to chant again.
The children aproach knees a knocking Yorick smiles everyone a talking
Yorick knows they seek the mask. Yorick knows they need friends that last.
Yorick has been listning has a tale to tell. If the children will heed and listen well.
The crones made a mistake you can give them their request. Twist about thir words the box you may bequest.
The god has asked for blood that may be hard. But often those of Ffloy have nothing inside but lard.
Do they have worshipers on their knees in mud? What would the water do to those they call blood?
Now what to do With the item you have found? Perhaps Yorick and his brothers May have a place to see it bound?
Lost forever In the depths of fate. Only the Kings of Coal have such a gate.
Will these small ones believe Yorick's tale? Will they make friends coasting on a coal sail?
Yorick may be a great friend. He and his friends might be fluff. But they will do well to remember, what a pice of coal becomes after being rough.
Yorick then throws his hands out and a blast of smoke covers the alley, the last thing you see of the mad Jester is his smile. Then a new voice is heard in the smoke.
"Yorick speaks for all the Lords, should you choose our help making it dissapear, call us through the stone. Once down that path however you are friends of the Lords forever."
When the smoke clears a lump of coal the size of Polaris's fist lies in the alley with a note. the Note says.
Hold this rock above your head. Think of nothing but the color red. Then chant three times the word of bay. After that then nothing say. If you haven't then made a sound. Throw this rock on to the ground. Turn yourself about and face the rear. By then the Yorick will apear.
Jezebella Thursday May 31st, 2001 11:01:23 PM
Jez sticks her tounge out at Syr, her first childlike act since happening on this strange adventure... aside her near tantrums. She winks at him, then listens to the riddle.
....
.. She puzzles a moment...
"I have some ideas about that... should we believe it. It has some wisdom in its tangles. We should go somewhere more private to talk..." She glances meaningfully at the people moving past in the open street.
Plink Thursday May 31st, 2001 11:08:14 PM
Quietly soaking up all his thoughts for a while, Plink exited the temple with everyone else, walking in silence. He followed his brother into the alley, and then witnessed the crazily dressed jester in awe. Indeed, his poetry writing is excellent, and it seems to be on the fly. After the smoke clears, Plink says, "I see. The witches didn't ask for the mask, they asked for the box. So, in essence, we can give them only the box and demand that they pay us, while we keep the mask and redeem our debt from Ryson. It sounds like the best bet to me. These Lords sound like they're trying to help us out, let's hope so."
Miranna Thursday May 31st, 2001 11:21:43 PM
Miranna's emerald eyes widen as Yorick's rhyme unfolds. When the smoke clears, she looks at the piece of coal for a little while, then walks over to pick it up and examine it and the note.
Turning to her family, Miranna says in a low voice just loud enough to be heard, "The Lords of Diamonds! Mayhaps the Overlord himself will appear next."
"But I like his suggestion of giving the box to the witches." A radiant smile punctuates her statement. "We need to get the mask, that is for sure. Toad, do you suppose your merchant friend may still be in the market street? If so, it may be unwise for us to stop to eat."
Miranna (cont'd) Thursday May 31st, 2001 11:38:27 PM
(OOC: Sorry, didn't see Plink's post before I sent mine, and Miranna definitely wouldn't have let his remark slip by...)
Cocking her head, Miranna regards Plink curiously. "Are you well, Plink? The jester's rhyme instructs us to give the mask to him, not to Ryson. That is what we must do to accept the Lords' help and befriend them. That leaves us with the blood debt, and I am not clear what he meant us to do with it."
Polaris Friday June 1st, 2001 12:24:07 AM
Polaris reaches for Jezebella's arm, looking into her eyes.
"Yes, lets go some place quiet. I think it might be safer that way."
She looks at the others to see if any of them want to join. She knows that they all have matters that need to discuss and decisions to make.
Anarion Friday June 1st, 2001 9:35:57 AM
Anarion says, "Let us grab the coal and follow Toad to the tavern he mentioned. It seems we can decide to use the coal later if we wish."
Smiling at Toad, he says, "Lead the way my friend, we have some things to decide."
Anarion will follow Toad.
Bart Friday June 1st, 2001 10:22:56 AM
Smiling at the show, Bart walks up and picks up the lump of coal, putting it in the pouch on his hip. He walks back to the group where Toad is.
"Of all the people we have conversed with tonight about that damn Mask, I say we follow this guy's suggestions. His rhymes made more sense to me than anything anyone else has said to us regarding that damn thing.
"Let's get this over with so we can get home and see mother."
Plink Friday June 1st, 2001 11:15:22 AM
Seeing his error, Plink says to Miranna, "Yes, I see what you mean. However, we've got some decisions to make as to who and what we'll do. Let's get to the tavern." At this, he nods and walks forth, following Toad.
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