AC 24 Touch 11 FF 23 CMD 18 Jasper Steelfist (David Feest) Monday March 2nd, 2015 8:26:31 PM " I'll make a trip to the catacombs for an axe while you guys do whatever investigating you want in the Quartermaster's office." If there is nothing else, Jasper heads to the catacombs. ( posted there yesterday, waiting for a clerk)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+12=26 ; Monday March 2nd, 2015 9:34:26 PM "Excellent!" Nikolai exclaims when William agrees to impersonate an accountant. "Here's the had. Best practice in front of us some before you head out. We can tell you were to adjust your looks. Now remember, you'll look like someone, but you will sound the same o'l William, so work on a chance in voice too. And if someone touches you, they will feel whatever you are wearing, not what you are portraying, so be careful not to brush up against anyone."
Nikolai wants his Fist to keep busy, so, while Jasper goes to the Catacombs and William does some book inventory inspection, he suggests that they take a trip around the outside of the Citadel and take note of the buildings that could be used as front, like armories, weapons smiths, empty warehouses, and so forth.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+9(4), R+9, CMB+7, CMD+18 d20+12=18 ; Monday March 2nd, 2015 10:09:21 PM
Michael helps look around for places to hide the contraband. It seems like the crew has a good plan, so he goes with it.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Monday March 2nd, 2015 10:50:43 PM
Pru is reading over the file.
"I'd like to speak with the interrogators," she says. "They spent some time with the prisoners. Maybe they heard something or noticed something we could use."
Remembering what happened when she tried to talk to Qualtime, Pru adds, "And I'd like to not go in a big herd. Somebody can come with me if you don't like me going alone, but let's not all go trampling over there, okay?"
DM Warren Tuesday March 3rd, 2015 11:43:00 AM
Nikolai and William practice their accountant act. If only they had met the man it would be easier to imitate his demeanor. Still, the hat will do a lot of the work. William makes his way to Q's office, ready to ask what questions he may. Q, busy as always, looks up from her desk and notices him standing there, seeming a bit annoyed at the interruption. Can I help you? It's a bit early for the quarterly accounting meeting.
Meanwhile, Pru corrals one of her fellows into going to the dungeons to speak with the staff there, while Jasper does some shopping and Nikolai and William inspect the grounds. They find what you would expect to grow up around the Base of a military operation. Laundry, smiths, taverns, farriers, and other businesses that are necessary to support such an organization, as well as the homes of the workers and their families. Any number of them could be potential fronts, but are more likely just the ordinary homes and businesses of the citizens who live here.
AC 18 T14 F14 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday March 3rd, 2015 1:12:35 PM
Tinker gets his hear ready for a whirlwind trip to several nearby cities.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) d20+9=11 ; d20+9=18 ; Tuesday March 3rd, 2015 6:45:30 PM
Pru asks to speak with the interrogators. "We've been assigned to do a follow-up report on the theft of supplies," she says. She strongly implies, but does not outright say, that she's been assigned the tedious task as punishment of some kind.
She asks the interrogators whether they noticed anything unusual or out of the ordinary about the prisoners. Did they mention any names? Any places? What, if anything, did they say about the gang's overall plan? Do you (the interrogators) think there is something that the higher-ups may have missed? or not paid enough attention to?
General all-purpose Diplomacy check: 18 (Used a Hero point to re-roll)
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 30/30 Tuesday March 3rd, 2015 9:06:28 PM
In an officious tone, William explains that he is here to audit the books as a surprise inspection. If the quartermaster acts surprised, William shrugs and says something about how the quartermaster office was notified in the latest bulletin #3567.1 and if they didn't read it, then it's not William's fault. He adds that regulation 2.4.5 version A.2 says clearly that surprise audits will occur and any attempts to delay them will be viewed as potential guilt or attempt to hide something, per regulation 2.56.9 version G.5. Also, bulletin 4691.1 that came out two weeks ago notified all staff to be prepared and if Q isn't prepared for the audit, then that's her fault. Finally, if she doesn't like that, she is welcome to file form 546.5A and it would be reviewed per a time period commensurate with regulation 891.36 version A.6.
Once he's thoroughly buried her with names and forms and bulletin numbers, he'll do his inspection (hopefully without her watching over his shoulder and if she does, he'll delay long enough until she's bored and wanders off), looking to see how they match up with what's on hand, especially those items that were reported missing, high value items, easily moved items, etc.
(Yes, I'm ashamed to say I've both done and been through ISO 9000 and QS9000 and GAAP audits before. Luckily now that I'm at a church, we don't have to worry about that... )
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+9(4), R+9, CMB+7, CMD+18 d20+12=19 ; d20+17=35 ; Tuesday March 3rd, 2015 10:34:42 PM
OOC: I don't know if I am awed or horrified by the fact that you have done these audits. my blood runs cold and my guts are filled with ice water at the thought.
Michael gets to thinking about movement of material.
How many gates does the citadel have? are they all watched? if any are not watched he sneaks in and sprinkles a light dusting of flower near the door to about 4ft out at all the non-watched gates. if they are all watched, are all entrances and exits logged? if they are logged, doing a traffic analysis vs departure of materials could reveal clues as to who the mule is. if all of the major traffic comes through the main gate, setting someone to co-log traffic through the gate clandestinely for a few days by simple number, then comparing the two logs might give a clue if the gate guard is complicit in the act. failing all of that, inspection of the walls for cracks or passages through would be in order, as well inspecting for tunnels into the citadel may be of value too.
Hey William, can your earth elemental find tunnels? Michael asks him once he is back from his QM audit.
perception 19 stealth 35 (I'm a ninja!) for placing the flour unobserved.
the other stuff is conjecture for the group to decide upon, and the DM to supply information on.
AC 24 Touch 11 FF 23 CMD 18 Jasper Steelfist (David Feest) Tuesday March 3rd, 2015 11:05:06 PM
Jasper returns from the catacombs and immediately heads to a workshop. Once there he rigs another back sheathe for this second war axe, one that hides the head so that it isn't obvious that it is made of Alchemical Silver.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Tuesday March 3rd, 2015 11:34:32 PM
Once back from his inspection walk, Nikolai writes down the buildings of note. With his team split up, he decides to make a trip to the Catacombs himself.
OOC: going to buy some potions of Protection from Evil.
Zieluviet Iezerth - AC 17 (TAC 14, FF 13) HP 44/44 (Antonio) Wednesday March 4th, 2015 12:49:48 AM
OoC: Checking
Zieluviet Iezerth - AC 17 (TAC 14, FF 13) HP 44/44 (Antonio) d20=17 ; Wednesday March 4th, 2015 8:49:25 AM
Alongside Pru, Zieluviet is willing to help her gather whatever information the interrogators are willing (or not) to share. His first thoughts are on how well they will recall the prisoner's, then guess if, in case they don't tell enough, if they don't know or can't tell.
"Prudence, I'll back you up. Something bothers me, however... If they executed the prisoners, they must have a very reliable archive of everything that matters. If this doesn't get results, I may attempt to sneak in and search for this archive. Or we can ask a Halfling." Ziel whispers to Pru.
(Discerning the interrogator's behavior. Sense Motive: 17+2 = 19 / forgot the Wis bonus in the roller)
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 30/30 Wednesday March 4th, 2015 10:42:25 AM
William responds after the audit to Michael, Yes I think he can but it would be hard to keep quiet our summoning and using him "
DM Warren Wednesday March 4th, 2015 6:37:25 PM
@Pru and Ziel: The master of the dungeons is simply known as "The Gaoler." He is a gnome that was hired on while very young and just stuck around until he was eventually put in charge of anyone that needed to be locked up. I don't know much about interrogation techniques. I just let the questioner in and out and kept the ratmen locked up. I do remember a lot of yelling, but it didn't sound like he got much out of the prisoners before deciding he was done and sending them to the executioner's block. The gnome seems honest enough, if not the smartest fellow around. There is no evidence of him mistreating his prisoners. The cells you can see are neat and clean, if spartan in their furnishings.
@William: Qualtmie isn't impressed. Her records are meticulously kept and always ready for inspection, regardless of whether the accountant has paid the courtesy of scheduling an appointment. What exactly are you looking for today? If you tell me exactly what you need I can put hands on the right ledger in two jiffs. As you should know from our previous inspections. She seems a bit put out by you throwing off her work pattern. Please roll a bluff check
@Michael: Michael spends his time sneaking around, watching the traffic go in an out of the gates. There are only two gates large enough to accommodate wagons, and each is manned by several guards at all hours of the day, and no traffic is allowed in or out of these gates at night. He contemplates searching the entry and exit records, but those are likely in Q's books as well. He is sneaky enough to nick some flour, avoid notice, and place it in front of the pedestrian gates, though there is enough traffic that it would take an expert tracker to make any sense of the prints. He awaits William's reply to his question after he finishes his sneaking about.
@Jasper and Nikolai: Jasper and Nikolai do some additional preparations, making their best guesses as to what they will be facing. Jasper, please make a craft and bluff check if you are trying to functionally disguise your new sheath.
AC 18 T14 F14 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+7=16 ; Wednesday March 4th, 2015 7:29:12 PM
Tinker is pretty much at a loss of what to do. He had thought that the Fist was going to other cities first and was getting ready. Over dinner, the dwarf finds out that everyone else divided up and checked out the various areas of the Citadel first. Tinker scowls at himself. For someone so good with locks and puzzles, he is really bad at talking and listening to people. That evening, he will try to haunt the Last Assignment, not really hoping to hear any rumors that may help. After all, if the officers were keeping the rats hush-hush, there shouldn't be any rumors among the troopers...
Know Local 16
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Wednesday March 4th, 2015 8:13:51 PM
"Well, thank you," Pru says, taking careful note of what the gaoler said. "May we speak to the questioner, please?"
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 30/30 d20=6 ; d20+4=23 ; Wednesday March 4th, 2015 8:44:11 PM
William is non-plussed and responds curtly, "A surprise inspection is just that, a surprise. And if you've forgotten, policy 356.2 paragraph 3 specifically says that on surprise audits we may view whichever materials we wish to view. And paragraph 4.1 details that we are not obligated to specify what we wish to look at. ALL materials must be available and any hinderance to our audit is, per policy 356.78, a punishable offense with up to 1 year in the stockade and loss of rank as the penalty. And demanding that we tell you what we want to see is a violation of that policy, and if you see paragraph A.3 of that aforementioned policy, you'll see that spelled out. So where are your books? When I'm done viewing them and inspecting your warehouse, I'll ask you any questions that I choose to ask."
(Oh gracious DM, surely I get a bonus for the gibberish that I'm throwing at her. Accountants are some of the best at beauracratic policies and procedures....?)
Bluff - 6 (+ a bonus for those 2 solid, posts filled with policies and procedures???) Know (GAAP or ISO9002) = 23 (OK, that's a good roll, so certainly a bonus to my bluff for knowing the rules and regs???? Throw me a bone here oh mighty gracious DM)...
AC 24 Touch 11 FF 23 CMD 18 HP 51/51 Jasper Steelfist (David Feest) d20+7=25 ; d20=16 ; Wednesday March 4th, 2015 10:00:28 PM
OOC not trying to hide the sheath so much as the blade it holds. IC Craft weaponsmithing 25 Bluff 16 Satisfied that his new weapon will pass muster he slings it on his back, next to his normal axe. He then goes to look for his Fistmates back in the Barracks.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Wednesday March 4th, 2015 11:21:31 PM
OOC: lots of ice and sleet tonight here in Dallas. May loose power over night due to ice on trees. Just a heads up in case you don't hear from me in a few days. :}
IC: Nikolai is satisfied that they are doing their best here at the Citadel before heading out. It is a long shot to find out something Captain Palance didn't, or couldn't, but you never know.
He returns to the barracks with his potions of Protection from Evil. Like the Catacombs janitor said, it would have been a better investment for the money to get a wand, but he didn't want his Fist to have to get in line for a dose while in the middle of combat. One gulp and six of his Fist can be protected at once, trusting their new cleric can have the spell memorized for himself.
Nikolai then goes to the kitchens to get trail rations ordered for everyone for their trip the next day and then to the stables to reserve horses for each one as well. That done, he heads back to the barracks and makes sure everything is packed good and tight.
"To that fabulous chocolate producing city tomorrow. Should be fun," he tells his Fist-mates.
Zieluviet Iezerth - AC 17 (TAC 14, FF 13) HP 44/44 (Antonio) d20+12=21 ; d20+12=14 ; d20+12=32 ; Thursday March 5th, 2015 12:00:04 AM
Ziel walks around the room, corridor and inspects the cells again. He's determined to find something useful in here while helping Pru by picking suspicious points in other's statements.
AC 24 Touch 11 FF 23 CMD 18 HP 51/51 Jasper Steelfist (David Feest) Thursday March 5th, 2015 2:47:40 PM " Why do you keep mentioning this chocolate? Is there something I am missing? Are they affected by chocolate too?" Jasper seems very put out. This is alot of unfamiliar things for him to take in and process all at once, and his mind doesn't move a fast as it used to. Silver weapons, wolfsbane, chocolates and men turning into rats is all very hard to keep straight. That and they would be riding horses. This caused new levels of concern for the dwarf. Horses were for pulling carts, not riding. How his son managed to ride BEARS was another thing that concerned him, but not as much as riding a horse and falling off and breaking a hip did.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+9(4), R+9, CMB+7, CMD+18 Thursday March 5th, 2015 5:01:52 PM just before this started an agent for the Sargrass plains power contacted us. actually he whisked us away to his extra dimensional ship floating on the grass, no seriously...hear me out. He is the historian for the power, chronicling the lives of the people of the Sargrass plains, whom the Power calls his own. The Power thinks that it is not eternal, merely immortal, so it wants a record of his peoples lives so that the eternal powers will know that they lived and lived well. Anyway. the historian, spends every waking moments weaving a tapestry of his peoples lives. but he was mortal once, and had some Chocolate from Wedding City that he still thinks about to this day. If we get him some chocolate he will make us items from Steelgrass!
DM Warren Thursday March 5th, 2015 5:53:30 PM Tinker is trying to find a way for his skillset to be useful and decides that he would be most useful keeping his ears open to any gossip that may be finding its way around. Unfortunately, he doesn't hear anything that seems to relate to the rats they're seeking. Though in this case, that's probably a good thing.
Pru asks the Gaoler for an interview with the man in charge of questioning the prisoners. There's no regular questioner, as we don't have much need for one in general. This one was involved in the capture of the rats, I believe. A Dwarf by the name of Sergeant Helmbane if I recall correctly. I'm not in charge of his schedule, so you'll have to seek him out if you want to talk to him.
Ziel's inspection of the cells backs up what the Gaoler is telling them. There is not much questioning done here. Most prisoners are only in to sleep off some extra liquor that they couldn't quite handle, and the occasional criminal goes off to trial, rather than face questioning in their cells.
William fidgets a little and his voice shakes with his nerves as he rattles off more numbers and regulations to try to throw Q off of her game. Maybe if she didn't work within these policies on a daily basis, it would be more effective. Strangely though, she seems to relax a bit. I only ask what information you're looking for so I can direct your search more efficiently. I would never withhold information from you, especially after you were so helpful before. She winks at William, perhaps not knowing exactly who she's dealing with, but certainly on the right track. Perhaps this is as expected, since Constance did say that Q would be fully cooperative, since she has as much interest in rooting out the rats as anyone else in the Fist.
Once she has an idea of which information is most relevant, she hands him a ledger of recent transactions that was prepared by one of her clerks. For William Highlight to display spoiler: {careful review of the ledger shows some very well hidden discrepancies. Once you uncover the pattern, it becomes easy to spot where certain items have gone missing and were covered up in the books. It seems that a greater than average amount of the missing material have been from missions involving Sergeant Helmbane's Fist.}
@Jasper: ooc: sorry, i meant weapon, not sheath - please make a note of your craft check on your sheet.
Jasper and Nikolai complete their preparation for the journey that is planned. Nikolai is excited to try some of the delicacies produced in wedding city, and it making sure he has enough coin to load up extra for the old man in the tapestry. That should be a fun tale to tell to Jasper on the way there!
AC 18 T14 F14 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) Thursday March 5th, 2015 8:12:11 PM
Tinker readies to travel tomorrow, even sneaking some apples to his pony. That night he tes the others that the rat men still seem to be a secret In The Citadel
"Ready to go!"
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 30/30 Thursday March 5th, 2015 8:52:05 PM
William winks back at Q and smiles at her, "Ma'am, you've been very helpful and I'll make sure to let your superior officer know. You passed the inspection with flying colors and form 367.13 will be filed to show just that."
After he leaves the office, he shares with the others, "Friends, I saw in the journal entries and ledger balances that a greater than average number of items tended to go missing or were covered up from missions related to Sergeant Helmsbane's Fist. It would be worth reading his after action reports to see where those missions took place, who was involved, etc. Of course he's sure that the Sergeant, if he is the guilty party, wrote them to cover his own tracks. But it might still provide some useful information."
AC 24 Touch 11 FF 23 CMD 18 HP 51/51 Jasper Steelfist (David Feest) Thursday March 5th, 2015 9:12:48 PM "Did he serve with this other Sergeant that you ended up killing when you foiled the last theft ring? Could he be a wererat?"
Zieluviet Iezerth - AC 17 (TAC 14, FF 13) HP 44/44 (Antonio) d20+5=16 ; Friday March 6th, 2015 12:25:00 AM
Zieluviet is disappointed for not finding anything, but satisfied for sure that there's nothing to be find here. Returning to Pru's company, he gets updated with the new named subject.
"Sounds familiar even to me... high chances that Prudence has something to tell."
"Prudence, have you got any information about this Sergeant Helmbane? I'm guessing that's our next move. To Captain Palance's office?"
As Ziel starts walking, he tries to imagine the interrogation, but everything from the wererats to the betrayers to the fact that one stranger got the last information from the prisoners and then they're silenced forever, without this information making to the archives as it's confidential, then the people who are working on it don't have the intel. It's an unfavorable scenario. Everything is so messed up that even Ziel's current abstract thoughts seem to make more sense.
"We could also ask Jasper. You know, he's a Dwarf and aged on the trade. Actually, we could ask anyone. Oh, right. We'd better ask him personally. And if he doesn't answer properly, we can proceed to the backup plan."
-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~- Knowledge (Local): 16 Any info on Helmbane?
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+9(4), R+9, CMB+7, CMD+18 Friday March 6th, 2015 4:40:51 AM wasn't Helmbane one of the sargents along with Timmerick to lead the agents when this fist was first formed? My old sargent talked about it once.
AC 24 Touch 11 FF 23 CMD 18 HP 51/51 Jasper Steelfist (David Feest) d20+7=22 ; Friday March 6th, 2015 12:36:42 PM
OOC Is he THAT old? Wow, if he is I might actually know something. I'll put a profession soldier check in this post, since it is our go to knowledge about the Fist skill, along with Knowledge local, to see if I do, saving the DM's a step. Profession soldier 22, not too shabby for an old guy.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Friday March 6th, 2015 1:15:15 PM
"Sergeant Helmbane was one of our sergeants when we first graduated from training," Pru tells Zieluviet. "We were a double-Fist; four of us under Sergeant Trimmack, and the other four under Sergeant Helmbane. I'm not sure whether Sergeant Helmbane is even at the Citadel anymore, but we can check."
Pru looks unhappy. "The last time we spoke with him, Sergeant Helmbane seemed....changed. Nothing I could put my finger on, but he was different." [OOC: It's hard, from a player's perspective, to know whether Helmbane's changed attitude is a clue, or just the result of changing DMs.]
AC 18 T14 F14 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) Friday March 6th, 2015 3:22:19 PM
Tinker is also unhappy about hearing one of their former sergeant's names. "I was with Sergeant Trimmack , and Sergeant Helmbane seemed to not like playing second to the younger human, but was a good guy."
"William, you were under Sgt Helmbane; were the times listed the same times that he was our leader? If so, I bet someone wants to discredit us. "
DM Warren Friday March 6th, 2015 5:12:34 PM
The Agents get together and share what information they've managed to uncover. Between them, they remember different experiences serving under Sergeant Helmbane or Sergeant Trimmack.
The original Agents also recount to the new members of some trouble regarding Sergeant Helmbane, some younger recruits, and gambling debts, as well as treatment of women that is unacceptable from anyone, especially someone of his rank. Jasper has been around long enough to hear similar rumours about Helmbane, and validate that at one point he was brought up on some disciplinary charges, though since then he's seemed to have kept his nose clean.
The only question now is what to do with this information.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+9(4), R+9, CMB+7, CMD+18 Friday March 6th, 2015 9:32:17 PM Could we, I dont know, find this Helmbane and maybe give him some food with silver in it or something and see if it makes him turn? It seems to me a lot of things are revolving around him, and not in a flattering way. We need to know what he knows.
Zieluviet Iezerth - AC 17 (TAC 14, FF 13) HP 44/44 (Antonio) Friday March 6th, 2015 11:54:42 PM
Ziel asks. "Are we off to find him? Captain Palance or Qualtmie should be able to point where."
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 30/30 Saturday March 7th, 2015 8:37:53 AM
William agrees that they should find this Helmbane character and ask him some questions. However, it's going to be hard to remain inconspicuous once they start grilling him, unless they are direct with their interrogation or if they have some good excuse to talk to him...
He suggests they follow Ziel's idea and ask the Captain for info on Helmbane's whereabouts...
AC 18 T14 F14 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) Saturday March 7th, 2015 10:05:00 AM
"It would not be hard to talk to Sergeant Helmbane. Just invite him to the barracks for a reunion and dinner. When he is here, we confront him with everything and look for his answers
Zieluviet Iezerth - AC 17 (TAC 14, FF 13) HP 44/44 (Antonio) Saturday March 7th, 2015 11:08:18 AM "Sounds good, Tinker. We might as well plan some 'bait topic' before we question the matter to see if Helmbane is being serious and honest. And, by the way, what kind of person is he?"
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Saturday March 7th, 2015 5:08:16 PM
"Yes, that is a good idea," Pru agrees. "Why don't I go to the Last Assignment and see if they're willing to provide the dinner?"
If her Fist-mates are amenable, Pru goes to speak with the cooking staff at the Last Assignment.
AC 24 Touch 11 FF 23 CMD 18 HP 51/51 Jasper Steelfist (David Feest) Sunday March 8th, 2015 12:02:25 PM
Jasper listens to the plans, but wonders about the automatic assumption of guilt. This Sergeant is a Dwarf and a former commanding non-commissioned officer in charge of the group. Do they think that little of him? Dwarves are not generally known for their guile. Jasper voices a slight change to the plan. " If I might Sir? While you do that, I will visit the hall of records and see whether this Sergeant Helmbane and the Sergeant you killed as a wererat, Sergeant Holdfast have any common postings. You were afraid that the inclusion of Sergeant Helmbane would implicate you, but maybe this Helmbane is another thorn in their side, or an innocent they are using to draw you into the open. They watch him and when you "pick him up" They know who is after them. An attack at that point that kills you and him could clear them to work for months more without interference, with the Knight Captain thinking that you got the theif and that he ended up killing you at the same time." "Sir, with your permission I will go to the Hall of Records and check on their postings and get some information to use in questioning Helmbane while you set up the venue. I think having information on the postings where supplies went missing might make it easier to determine if he is telling us the truth or if he is taking supplies." "Also, if we delay this interrogation until tomorrow, I can prepare a prayer to determine the truth in his statements. It will also affect us, so we will also be limited to telling the truth. Just so you know ahead of time."
AC 18 T14 F14 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) Sunday March 8th, 2015 1:13:24 PM
Tinker is confused by the older dawrf's thinking. "Who said we thought Sergeant Helmbane was a wererat? I said invite him to dinner and tell him what we know; his illegal gambling, the records if lost items, and his intimidation of female troopers. And he has the opportunity to tell us what he knows before we take it all to the Captain."
"Unless he brings it up, we don't say anything about rat", the dwarf grumps, scowling at even the hint that Tinker would not be loyal to a former Sergeant and comrade.
AC 24 Touch 11 FF 23 CMD 18 HP 51/51 Jasper Steelfist (David Feest) Sunday March 8th, 2015 4:01:01 PM
Jasper just gives up and turns to his bunk and takes the few items that would be remaining here out of his kit and sets them up. He makes up his bunk and then heads off to one workshop or another to work on something he is familiar with.
Zieluviet Iezerth - AC 17 (TAC 14, FF 13) HP 44/44 (Antonio) Sunday March 8th, 2015 4:02:13 PM "Hey, hey" Ziel exclaims. "In my opinion, Helmbane can't be on the wererats' side. But he's probably caught in some web of treachery." He closes one fist then cover it with the other palm. "I just pointed the fact that he knows some facts of assumed secrecy and yet that this group, being the one under charge of this matter, still doesn't know the outcome of the interrogation, except that the prisoners were executed, and this hardly means that the secrets can't be spread. Actually, I would prefer them to be. Hate to see those bits of stories get buried."
AC 18 T14 F14 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) Sunday March 8th, 2015 7:47:22 PM
Tinker harumphs again, somewhat mollified by Zieluviet's explanation. He worries a little about the older dwarf leaving because companions are, to the young dwarf's mind, supposed to stick together. Yet Tinker lets him go because, again because of his own training, battle mates also don't force each other to do anything.
He will wait to see what Nikolai says.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Monday March 9th, 2015 9:50:27 AM
OOC: sorry, looks like i missed a post. Feel asleep at the keyboard. :(
IC: Nikolai finally chimes in. "I do find it odd that Sgt. Helmbane was in charge of the questioning and I don't see the results of that questioning in this packet. You'd think that whatever they said would be in here. Unless they just didn't say anything. Sgt. Helmbane was one of our sergeants in charge during our first assignment. Meeting up with him for a casual dinner shouldn't cause any suspicions, and as long as we can keep it private, we can try to pry some info out of him. But it would seem that the Captain should know the same thing. I want to ask the Captain what she knows, then we can compare it with what Sgt. Helmbane tells us. Hopefully it matches up.
So the question is, do we continue with our plan to head to Wedding City tomorrow or postpone that trip for the day after? Perhaps it best to continue with our plans to visit Wedding City, then catch up with Sgt. Helmbane when return. I can go now and find out where the sergeant is stationed."
So Nikolai heads off to check the duty roster and find out where Sgt. Helmbane is stationed and if he's scheduled to be assigned anywhere else anytime soon.
AC 24 Touch 11 FF 23 CMD 18 HP 51/51 Jasper Steelfist (David Feest) d20+7=24 ; Monday March 9th, 2015 12:29:05 PM
Jasper's walk is at first hurried as he heads away from the barracks. Fool children, how can they think to question someone without having any facts to use on them? He keeps chewing this concept over in his mind and looks up to find that he isn't in one of the workshops but at the edge of the field where the new Bear Calvary is being trained. He sees an instructor leading a class on how to properly cinch the armor and saddle of a warbear. Jasper watches the class and finally sees what his heart was looking for. In the back, nearest the wall is Agate Steelfist, his son. The bear nuzzles the young dwarf as the rider checks and rechecks his straps. Quite obviously Agate has used all of his time out in the woods and put it to use here with the bear that will carry him into combat. What if the armor for the bears is damaged and can't be replaced because of low supplies? What happens in the field if the meat sent for the bears is spoiled and they go hungry? What if the bigger and stronger part of this unit, the bears, is somehow sidelined because they are short supplied? The response rasps from Jasper's throat in a voice he didn't remember he still possessed. " What happens then Jasper is yer boy goes into the meat grinder to try and complete a mission at half strength. You know that so well because when you were short men from losses the Fist had no more to send you. You were told to 'make due' and complete the contract. But your boys were hard, and were fighting a foe they had hated since they were placed in their mommies arms, still wet from birthing. No way they would have pulled out without proof that every greenskin was dead and you know it, so they made due and did their duty. Will yer boy do that. Flower as my witness he will, because he won't let his old man down, even if it kills him." " Curse those kids back in the barracks for fools and curse yourself for walking away and sulking. You know that the information is what you'll need when they talk to this Helmbane. A dwarf that knows he can outlast his questioners will never talk, not in a timeline they can use. It'll be like them trying to erode a stone with just water. It's possible if you have the years to put into it. The information on his postings, on people hurt because of his gambling ring, of abuses they say he is guilty of. Those things are the garnet sand in the water that speeds up the erosion and will loosen the man's tongue. And you know where all of that was kept back in the day. It worked then so why would the Fist change it." Jasper stops muttering and starts walking. Soon he finds himself in front of the hall of records and goes inside. Jasper looks for and makes notes of... Sergeant Helmbane's career. The with whom, when, where, and why of his postings as far back as Jasper can find. Sergeant Holdfast's postings, looking for all of the same information. Information on gambling in the Fist. Where rings were discovered, who was involved, what punishments were handed down. Information that reflects the gambling reports in places and at times Helmbane was stationed there. Historic treatment of female troopers and complaints they have lodged. Profession Soldier 24
DM Warren Monday March 9th, 2015 6:45:47 PM
The Agents discuss their plans for finding Helmbane and seeing what insight he may be able to provide on this investigation. Upon further review of the packet of information, the Agents do see the results of the interrogation, though they may have overlooked them at first. The report is minimal, only stating that the prisoners refused to talk and that they were scheduled to be executed at the earliest convenience. Sergeant Helmbane's prepared the report, but he did not specify that he carried out the questioning.
Highlight to display spoiler: {If you read back, it says that the Gaoler's opinion was that the questioning was minimal and harsh. }
Palance indeed can tell the Agents where and when Sgt. Helmbane is scheduled to be, but Nikolai knows that the duty roster will be an easier way to find out without broadcasting their intentions to anyone. He is currently stationed at the Citadel, training new recruits during the day and free in the evenings.
Jasper has a personal reason that he wants to see this thieving ring taken down. No way he is going to let his youngest go into battle without the best possible equipment. He is able to confirm what the other Agents remembered of Sgt. Helmbane's transgressions: gambling, mistreatment of troopers, abuse of power...However, he has already been formally reprimanded. He is no longer in charge of training any female recruits and he was made to scrub all the debts owed to him. This was in no small part due to the efforts of the Agents, who exposed him to Palance and provided the basis for her investigation.
Pru heads off to the Last Assignment to see about a special dinner. The owner isn't able to close up shop at the drop of a hat, but there is a private room in the back that can easily hold the Agents for their dinner should they wish to reserve it. The price for the room is 10gp for the night plus food, which varies depending on how rich they wish their fare to be: anywhere from 2 to 10 silver per person.
AC 24 Touch 11 FF 23 CMD 18 HP 51/51 Jasper Steelfist (David Feest) Monday March 9th, 2015 7:38:04 PM
Jasper returns to the barracks and looks for Nikolai. When he finds the thumb he reports what he found. " Sir, I went to the archives and looked for the information I thought would be needed to have the leverage necessary to make Sergeant Helmbane talk to you if he didn't want to cooperate. As it turns out you have no leverage on him. All of the things that were mentioned that he may have had a hand in he has been investigated for and reprimanded for. It seems that your group of Agents sparked an investigation that led to his reprimand. He may not be very happy to see you." Jasper then waits for any further orders. If they are still looking to go to dinner tonight to speak to the Sergeant, he will make sure to have his armor polished and he weapons, particularly his new axe, clean and ready to go, as if he would leave them any other way.
AC 18 T14 F14 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) Monday March 9th, 2015 8:03:33 PM
Tinker silently fumes. It is true that there isn't any 'leverage' on Helsbane, that his past transgressions (other than what William has uncovered in the books) has had a conclusion, and that Helmsbane probably doesn't want to see the Agents any time soon. Being brow beaten with Jaspers assumption that there is no other possible way than Jasper's way (especially when he is right) ....
There just aren't words.
Tinker goes to the armory and works with locks, something he at least understands.
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 30/30 Monday March 9th, 2015 9:07:31 PM
William is frustrated too at the lack of 'leverage' to help their investigation, but for now, he agrees that meeting him for dinner is a good plan and hopefully that will add some information...
On the other hand, he does hope that the group will remember that it's a team and work together rather than against each other... He'll do his best to keep the peace amongst the Fist...
He does ask the others if there are any spells they should have cast ahead of time, maybe something to detect lies or other magic to help them in case things go poorly...
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Monday March 9th, 2015 9:49:58 PM
Pru pays for the private room and about 8 silver per person for food. She stresses that she isn't looking for anything especially fancy, but it should be plentiful.
She returns to tell her Fist-mates what she has arranged.
When Jasper points out that they have no leverage, Pru says, "Well, then, we'll just have to ask him nicely. Which, to be honest was my plan all along." She sighs. "I miss Cameron. I'm not nearly as good at this as he was. But I think we ought to at least try."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Monday March 9th, 2015 11:24:53 PM
Having no leverage against Sgt. Helmbane apparently doesn't change things much. Nikolai is rather relieved about that anyway. He hated to see their drill sergeant in this mess but that wasn't their doing. That the sergeant wasn't the inquisitor, just in charge of the inquisition, helps some too. If Helmbane holds any grudge against Nikolai's Fist, hopefully this dinner can smooth things out with him. They owe him a lot and had no idea their own work would put him on disciplinary status. Of course, what he was doing was wrong anyway, just too bad it was this Fist that found it out. At least Helmbane wasn't going anywhere anytime soon.
"Thanks Pru, for setting the dinner up. Perhaps you can send the invitation to Sgt. Helmbane as well. He may be less likely to turn you down than one of us. This dinner will also be helpful in cementing our own new members into the Fist. We'll need a good solid group when we head out tomorrow to Wedding City."
With all that set, Nikolai makes sure his dress uniform is ready for the dinner too.
AC 24 Touch 11 FF 23 CMD 18 HP 51/51 Jasper Steelfist (David Feest) d20+7=16 ; Monday March 9th, 2015 11:25:25 PM
Sense Motive 16 Jasper sees Tinker's expression and knows that once again he has stepped on the other Dwarf's toes. As Tinker heads for the door Jasper steps in front of it and plant's his feet." Be better than I was a little while ago. Stay here and tell me why you are angry that I went out and got this information. Please. I'm new to your unit and don't know how you normally operate. I prefer to take as much chance out of a situation as I can. When you refused my ideas, and my request for permission to act on them, I went out angry and ready for you all to step into a pile of bear crap when you went to that meeting. I could then have sat there saying 'I told you so'. Where I found myself when I stopped walking angry and looked around was on the practice field, watching my boy put his bear through it's paces. Right then I realized if I didn't do what I could to help, whether you liked it or not, then I was letting you all down, letting the Fist down and letting my boy down. I don't want him to die on some battlefield because he didn't have rations, or the right armor or anything that the Fist should provide for him but might not if this theft ring continues. You want to stop it and finish what you started a few months back. I want to stop it because it is wrong and will get soldiers killed, maybe even my boy. So stay. Let's figure out another path and make it work." He steps aside and clears the door for Tinker. If he wants to leave, he can. Turning to William he says " William,I mentioned that I could do that if we waited until tomorrow. Is the meeting to be tonight Prudence, or another day later this week? If it is tonight and we can get a scroll, then I would be able to use a Zone of Truth to see if he lies to us. He will know that the spell is in effect and we will all need to tell the truth too. Being a dwarf he may very well resist it, leaving us to tell the truth and him to lie freely. If he is not involved he may welcome it and Prudence's honest and straight forward questions may help clear his name and may gain us an ally. I don't know him, you do. What do you all think will work?"
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+9(4), R+9, CMB+7, CMD+18 Monday March 9th, 2015 11:33:27 PM You know we might be going bout this bass ackwards. If we have contact with him we risk exposing the investigation with virtually no possibility of reward. I see two roads forward. We keep Helmbane in mind as we work the cities and see if we can trace a connection back to the citadel, we were going to do this anyway. What we can add to this is perhaps a little sanctioned burglary of his domicile while he is elsewhere. We dont steal anything, but we can maybe find clues, if he is dirty, or give him a clean bill of health if he is not. The disguise cap could be used to hide the burglers true identitity if caught. The rest of the crew could post lookouts and run interference for the inside man.
Zieluviet Iezerth - AC 17 (TAC 14, FF 13) HP 44/44 (Antonio) Tuesday March 10th, 2015 12:17:46 AM
Ziel stretches his arms, then stands and goes to the door as he puts on the goggles.
"I'll be there. Since I'm a complete stranger to Helmbane, you may find me at a nearby table, picking up the conversation."
As he walks outside, the many disparities between Nikolai's Fist and Helmbane's history strike Zieluviet's critical sense against mercenaries. He recalls having being rude to Elijaham, but he hardly cares about it actually. It's just that Ziel is afraid of losing temper when dealing with people so different than what he expected. Palance was a surprise, but the Drow can foresee a worthy challenge in the future. His admiration for the Knight Captain is enough to claim a fair sum of his time just to imagine how it would be to test Palance's wits when strategy is to be served. She is very interesting and anything that pleases her at the moment can provide Ziel such amusement. But all this fantasy crumbles in face of the current mystery. Could the Mailed Fist be as punctured as that?
"It will collapse. Which is good. But the right people shall reunite for another call... a refined purpose... the truth."
With such thoughts bothering himself, Zieluviet goes to the watch tower at a gate. From there, he watches the Citadel as much as he can.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Tuesday March 10th, 2015 11:30:33 AM
"Well," Pru says, "I set it up for tonight, but I'm sure we can change that if we needed to. And I still say we should make sure we've found out all we can here in the Citadel before gallivanting all over the countryside."
She turns to Zieluviet. "I've set us up with a private room," she explains. "So you'll either be in there with us, or out in the common area. There's really no opportunity to hang close and just listen. I'm sorry; I didn't realize people might want to do that."
DM Warren Tuesday March 10th, 2015 7:09:06 PM
The Agents discuss various ways to go about their plans and try to predict how Sergeant Helmbane may react to being invited to a dinner and being questioned. They won't know for sure until it's done however.
@Pru Highlight to display spoiler: {Please tell me how you plan on inviting Helmbane or if you're rescheduling for another night. }
(Edited by KenM to fix spoiler headers)
Michael and Ziel favour performing more reconnaissance before anything else and are intent on watching activities at the citadel. They don't see anything that seems out of the ordinary during the day though.
Jasper and William prepare what magic they can to assist them in interrogating the Sergeant, but are not sure what the ramifications of using it will be.
Nikolai looks forward to the bonding opportunity for the Fist. Regardless of Helmbane, this will be a good chance to get to know each other in a safe environment.
Jasper is quick to realize that he needs to be more diplomatic with his new comrades instead of trying to assert his own ideas so forcefully. It can be hard to listen to others when you're old and used to dispensing advice to your children. This doesn't sit so well with Tinker, and Jasper is eager to establish a good working relationship.
Their ideas go back and forth, and all that remains is to decide on a plan of action for the evening.
AC 24 Touch 11 FF 23 CMD 18 HP 51/51 Jasper Steelfist (David Feest) Tuesday March 10th, 2015 7:30:16 PM
OOC DM Warren, I am assuming we came up with this plan after I had prayed for my spells for the day. If i can change them to have Zone of Truth for today please let me know.
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 30/30 Tuesday March 10th, 2015 7:58:56 PM
William's not the diplomatic type, and he's content to stay on the edges, ready to react by summoning help if things go bad or at least keep Helmbane from doing much damage...
He continues working with Jasper on a good plan of action and possible spells to use...
AC 18 T14 F14 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday March 10th, 2015 8:04:49 PM
Tinker stands, unwilling to use force to push the older dwarf aside and Jasper says his piece. "You say that yours is the only possible way", Tinker says with lowered brows. "You are right and everyone else's ideas are wrong. You will force your will on me by standing in my way. And you are not the sergeant, you are not in charge. "
Tinker steps outside and turns back in to give a look to Nikolai, the dwarf is going to work out with his locks and will be back before they need him. He looks at the older dwarf. "You want to be my companion? Don't bully me. "
And Tinker goes to the armory.
AC 24 Touch 11 FF 23 CMD 18 HP 51/51 Jasper Steelfist (David Feest) Tuesday March 10th, 2015 9:35:23 PM " Is...is that what the rest of you think? Would it be better if I just stand here, hands at my side until you ask me to help you in some way? I am so confused."
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Tuesday March 10th, 2015 10:09:32 PM
[Pru set up the dinner for this evening. Thus far, she hasn't heard a reason to change it. So I think it's on for tonight.]
Pru looks at Jasper. "The thing is," she says, "we know Sergeant Helmbane. Some of us served under him. And--" she glances at her companions, "--and while I guess we don't exactly like him, we do respect him. He's had problems, no question. But I think he still has our respect. What we're setting up is a friendly meeting to try to get him to open up a bit because he knows us. This isn't an interrogation, and I think a Zone of Truth would be....would be kind of disrespectful. Like we don't trust him or something." She sighs. "I guess we don't trust him entirely. But let's not make that obvious, okay? We may need a Zone of Truth at some point, and I'm not saying we won't. But let's give him a chance first."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Tuesday March 10th, 2015 11:11:08 PM
Nikolai feels that it is time to step in and help out some. "This is an investigation and as such, all are suspects. If the sergeant has cleaned his act up, good. If not, we won't hold back. But playing our cards too soon will only make things far more difficult. We have our dinner but it will be just us. We celebrate our return from the swamp and a successful Mission Accomplished. Tomorrow we start our new mission. We visit the cities in question and see what we can find. We deal with the sergeant when we get back.
Jasper, you've been a leader for far more years than all of us put together, excepting Tinker. I don't know why one of such vast and long experience was assigned to such a novice group, but this is what it is, so be patient with us. By all means, do what your experience has taught you, but we are a Fist, and as such it only works when we work together. We've already found out the hard way what happens when individuals try to go it alone, whether by foolishness or rash bravery.
So let's make sure we are all on the same page. You have an idea, check it out with the Fist first if you can so we can help out, but if you can't, do what you feel needs to be done. That's the way we work," he slaps the old dwarf on the shoulder and smiles. "You'll do fine, and you will enjoy the freedom that a regular Fist does not have."
OOC: So the plan is to let Sgt. Helmbane be for now, we have our dinner tonight, and start out for Wedding City tomorrow early. That trip we have a legitimate excuse to visit and we go from there to the next. When we return we can check the books again and see maybe, if we can figure out the pattern, take up the job of delivering what we think would be the next supply targeted for pilfering, or follow it from a distance, or something in between.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Wednesday March 11th, 2015 5:13:12 PM
"Well," Pru says, "if it's just going to be us, would you guys mind kicking in a gold apiece to cover the costs?"
Privately, she still thinks it's a mistake to leave the Citadel without investigating here first, but she hopes it will all turn out for the best.
AC 18 T14 F14 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) Wednesday March 11th, 2015 8:07:42 PM
Tinker locks and unlocks the simple mechanisms in the armory again and again. He will be ready to be with the team by evening, and when told, is more than happy to help with a gold piece for the special dinner.
DM Warren Wednesday March 11th, 2015 9:34:29 PM
The Agents gather in the evening in the private room in the back of the Last Assignment. It is a pleasant dinner, with richer than normal fare than is usually served in the mess hall. Many things can be solved with a little bit of social lubricant, including frayed tempers. Perhaps the group hasn't quite meshed yet, but with the issues all be in the open, they are well on their way to resolving them.
In the morning, with a fresh outlook, the Agents gather their things to travel to Wedding City. There is another fist gathering near the southern gate, making ready to depart as well. It's slower to travel with the wagons, but there is always safety in numbers, and they would not object to extra guards who are traveling in the same direction. The decision is up to Nikolai.
sorry for the lateness of the post, been laid up sick in bed all day.
AC 24 Touch 11 FF 23 CMD 18 HP 51/51 Jasper Steelfist (David Feest) Wednesday March 11th, 2015 9:57:38 PM
OOC Feel better Warren. IC Jasper is happy to chip in a gold for the private dinner. He even pays for a round or two of whatever the group is drinking. He listens to tales of their past missions, hoping to learn more about them and how to better fit in to their group.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+1=10 ; Wednesday March 11th, 2015 10:44:39 PM
Nikolai chips in his share and of the costs of the dinner and begins with a toast to the Mailed Fist and a toast to the success of their own Fist in scouting out the gnolls in the swamp and the capture of one of their leaders. He offers up one more toast to those members of their Fist that started out with them but are 'elsewhere' at the moment.
As they eat, Nikolai explains to the newcomers how they found out about the Bloodroot trees and how they work. He describes how the gnolls would capture humans, elves, dwarves, whatever, and use them as the blood price to teleport. He encourages Jasper to tell some of his stories and Zie some of his too.
After a while, when they make sure no one is listening, he offers his thinking. "We've been here almost a week. If we stick around longer, other Fists may wonder why we aren't being given an assignment. If we go visit a city first then come back and stake out the Citadel, this might let the culprits feel a false sense of security. Plus, we want to see where the stuff is going to anyway, and we need to do some market research on chocolates for our Sargrass Chronicler. Not bad getting two jobs done in one visit."
Early next morning Nikolai brings the horses around to their barracks. After a quick breakfast they get their stuff packed on their mounts and their spare pack horse. He has two ponies, one for Tinker and one for Jasper. It doesn't occur to the tall halfelf that Jasper may have difficulties on a horse since he knows Tinker has been doing fine.
At the gate they meet up with another Fist getting ready to depart. It looks like they have wagons in their entourage. Nikolai looks at his Fist and shrugs. Approaching the Thumb, he introduces himself and ask where they are headed, "If it isn't classified information, that is. If we are headed roughly in the same direction, we could join forces for that brief time. Company on the road is always welcome."
Diplomacy +1: 10 I definitely need to get some more skill points in Diplo. could use some help here
Zieluviet Iezerth - AC 17 (TAC 14, FF 13) HP 44/44 (Antonio) Wednesday March 11th, 2015 11:58:08 PM
Zieluviet returns at dusk to the quarters. He takes out the goggles at the arrival.
The mess hall is disturbing to Ziel anyway, so he decides to look less like a stranger and approaches the private room with the group. He attempts to compensate Pru by placing 5 goldies on the table.
This time, Ziel feels way better and even smiles. However, he doesn't plan to start any topic, relying on the Agents for that. Except for one. He turns to Jasper "I've seen your new axe. Does this mean you declined my challenge? (You know, the one of crafting a weapon of that material)"
"I should also tell more about me, if there is. I'm actually interested in your experience, Jasper. Do you know any stories of behirs? I just know what they look like and that they used to live where some Drows made themselves into the underground. You said they are ferocious, but if it were not for one's work of a tunnel, my story would be many decades shorter at this moment.
As for how I joined the Fist, you may find it unusual...
You see, I used to carry requests that the usual bounty hunter could not. Those were missions with low risk and that demanded patience or wits. These things are too much to ask to the ordinary mercenaries and I'd pass a chance to get myself killed for some gold.
The job that got me here was to simply deliver a letter from Captain Palance's sister, from whose I've taken requests other times, though I didn't knew that the letter was adressed to the Captain at the time. It seems she left recommendations which led Captain Palance to request me to join. Honestly, I'd decline, as I'd rather not get myself shedding blood for some gold, but I expect more from this unit, Nikolai's Fist and Captain Palance. Something tells me she's trustable. At least, her smartness is certain."
At Nikolai's points: "That's right. A break may let the dust calm down. Though I am feeling obsessed with this assignment."
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+9(4), R+9, CMB+7, CMD+18 d20+12=32 ; Thursday March 12th, 2015 2:58:07 AM
When we all get settled at the table and i have ensured that we have privacy i being up the ideal of checking Helmbanes quarters again. guys if we go into the towns with nothing to go on, it will be like trying to find a needle in a haystack. We owe it to the spirit of efficiency to exhaust every lead here before we venture further, searching his quarters is a low risk high reward scenario, but I will not move in this direction unless i have everyone's approval on the matter.
Perception ( to see if we are being spied upon ) 32 nat 20!
AC 24 Touch 11 FF 23 CMD 18 HP 51/51 Jasper Steelfist (David Feest) d20+4=23 ; Thursday March 12th, 2015 7:00:52 AM " I've no tale of glory, if that's what yer asking. I was one of the better fighters in my class, and after a couple of assignments I was promoted to be thumb because I could keep my head in a fight." " Soon after I was bumped up, me and several other Fists were sent to Glitterdelve in the Red Hills. Almost to a man we were a dwarf unit, and the mine had been having trouble with the local goblins and had paid for a garrison to sort the problem out. The settlement was little more than a mining camp. The only permanent house belonged to the mine owner and was still being built when we got there. The goblins were doing normal goblin things, sneaking into camp and slitting throats in the night, dragging off lone miners when they could, whatever they could do to weaken the camp. When we arrived they must have decided if the mine was worth protecting, then it was worth taking. They started full scale attacks. The perimeter was awful, there was no wall, a total nightmare. Worse the miners were there to mine, not help us keep them alive. The Fist had to clear the trees and build the palisade to defend them." " We managed, and kept the place safe. It grew and prospered until their mine started to run dry. We were recalled but by then I had met the woman I would marry. She was the owners daughter and the most amazing woman I had ever known. We married, had a bunch of kids and turned the mine around. She died bringing Agate into the world. I blamed him for it and left his brothers and sisters to raise him while I became an obsessive idiot, building a tomb for her. He knew I was upset and spent his days in the wilds, now that it was safer to be outside the walls. Flower finally showed me that he was the last piece of her I had left and I should cherish it. I started to, but he decided to leave and join the Fist, maybe to prove he was worthy of my attention. I signed everything over to my eldest son and followed him to try and keep him safe." At the gate in the morning, Jasper is not looking forward to this trip. Horses and he had never gotten along. When he sees the wagons his mood improves, since he could probably pace a wagon on foot, rather than riding the beast. Nikolai looks lost as he talks to the drover and Thumb leading the expedition, so Jasper steps up to see if he can help. " Flowers blessing to you all this fine morning. Are they headed our way Sir? We could travel with them and both have a safer trip, aye? Strength in numbers and all that." Diplomacy 23 ( With a roll like that maybe the group should help me? I kinda expected to fail the check to be honest. Either way, I'll help Nikolai get his point across.)
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 30/30 Thursday March 12th, 2015 8:29:00 AM
William agrees that traveling with another fist makes sense, especially if they run into trouble on the way. On the trip, he'll subtly inquire about the cargo, it's contents, etc.
AC 18 T14 F14 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) Thursday March 12th, 2015 5:32:13 PM
Tinker arrives at the dinner in a more subdues frame of mind. While working out with his lock sets, the young dwarf had the opportunity to review Jasper's words over and over again. Finally, he can't hide it anymore, not to himself; the old dwarf was right proper to Nikolai and didn't overstep. That Tinker is wrong doesn't put the young dwarf in a better mood, but if there is one thing he learned from his mentor, it is to correct mistakes you made.
"Jasper", he starts bluntly when he has a moment alone with the older dwarf, "I have felt you were impinging on my loyalty to Helmsbane today and thought you were trying to tell Nikolai what to do instead of just reporting." Tinker needs to take another breath before continuing. "I apologize." Tinker is in no mood for lengthy conversation or to continue this area of discussion, and spends most of the dinner being quiet. He eats and drinks frugally, drinking most deeply on the toast of past companions.
During the storytelling, Tinker unbends enough to tell his tale...
"A dwarf was found by a gnome family as an infant at the site of a destroyed caravan. The gnomes took him in and raised them as best they could, and named him "Tinker" because of his interest and ability with manipulating objects. Oh, he was good with his hands, and grew in a family that loved him, but naturally gravitated to the only other dwarf within a day's walk. When the time came that Tinker was asking about his parentage, the only thing that Jaspertink and Posiepocket were able to give him was a burnt board with dwarven runes that they said came from a bassinet. Tinker deciphered the board as "Daemar Torvalsson". Soon after, he joined the Fist to travel and seek his history, which begins this story. "
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) d20+9=10 ; Thursday March 12th, 2015 7:40:34 PM
Pru enjoys the celebration with her Fist-mates.
When Zieluviet slides his 5 gold over to her, Pru slides 4 of them back. "I doubt you'll be eating that much," she smiles.
She listens to Michael's suggestion with alarm. "I think you have a different definition of 'low-risk' than the rest of us," she says.
When Nikolai speaks to the other group's Thumb, Pru adds a winning smile. "It would be pleasant to travel together," she says. [Diplomacy 10, which is good enough for Aid Another. Nikolai gets +2 to his Diplomacy check.]
DM Warren Thursday March 12th, 2015 9:51:42 PM
The fist that is moving out welcomes the company of the Agents. Tinker investigates the wagons, but as yet they are empty. It seems this run is for supplies, and the wagons are laden with empty sacks. Tinker makes sure of this during the journey, and is glad for something to root through, since he has been denied scouting Sgt. Helmbane's rooms until they return.
All in all, it's a pleasant day for traversing the countryside as the wagons and the Agents begin on their journey to Wedding City. This fist is quite used to the journey, and tells the Aegnts that with the wagons, it will be a three day journey. The first of these passes quickly as the Agents' rear ends get reacquainted with the saddle. Night approaches and the wagons circle, placing a fire in the middle and using it to cook up their trail rations. There is plenty for all, and though the fare is less fancy than that of the previous evening, it is comforting, and a nice evening is passed before setting watches for the night.
let me know what your plans are for passing the night
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+7=11 ; d20+12=30 ; Thursday March 12th, 2015 10:55:55 PM
Nikolai shakes his head at Michael's suggestion to search Sgt. Helmbane's quarters before they leave. "It isn't just a simple matter of sneaking into his quarters and searching it. It is a matter of not having a search warrant. Do you want just anyone traipsing through our barracks searching through our personal belongings at any whim? There's a matter of trust. Without a search warrant, or some proof of wrongdoing, we would be trespassing, and if caught, could end up with disciplinary action against us. That would certainly put an end to our mission. So let's keep that card in our hands for now."
OOC: I gather that they are heading to Wedding City too? Did I miss something?
IC: Nikolai welcomes the company and during the trip, asks what supplies are they to gather and how often do they do this trip. He explains that he thought the Fists were assigned missions that entailed much danger. Had they had brigand problems? Theft problems?
Meanwhile, he takes note of the Fist's complement. What troops are they? All fighters? A mix?
Profession (Soldier) +7 = 11
At night, he suggests that one of his Fist stand guard with one of theirs and makes sure the spell casters in the group have enough time to rest.
He takes the last watch. Per +12 = 30
AC 24 Touch 11 FF 23 CMD 18 HP 51/51 Jasper Steelfist (David Feest) d20+3=16 ; d20+7=14 Thursday March 12th, 2015 11:12:39 PM
Jasper tells Checker how long it would have taken to make the axe. " I would still be honored to work with you on weapons, but time was of the essence for this mission. To have crafted this weapon myself it would have taken more than a month of constant work at the forge. The metal is fickle and hard to shape, hardly the right thing to make a weapon of. But it is what we require, and so I bought it. We will talk of the Behir later. I have only seen the one, but I have heard tales from some of the woodsmen from around Glitterdelve of others. We will talk of them one day." Jasper is happy to ride at the slower pace of the wagons, at least until he becomes reacquainted with the saddle. When they stop for the night he stretches and groans, unused to riding for such a long period. Once camp is set, he seeks out Tinker, to try and smooth over their differences. " You were fierce in your defense of your shield brothers and sister, making sure I was not a threat to them when I joined your Fist. That kind of loyalty is earned through shared hardship. I hope that I have passed your test and met with your approval, and that someday I too will warrant that fierce camaraderie from you. What do you suggest for a watch order for me tonight? I assume you and your Fist already have an order established. I am not the most observant dwarf, but my eyes can see in the dark like yours, so tell me who to back up and I will." Jasper has a tent in his kit, and will set it up. Perception 16 If it is apparent what Nikolai is up to, Jasper will try to gauge the other fist as well. Profession soldier 14
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+9(4), R+9, CMB+7, CMD+18 Friday March 13th, 2015 10:35:02 AM
Not having had an oportunity to visit with the new guy yet Michael volunteers to share lookout duty with him. At some point during the watch he tells the old dwarf his story. A couple of decades ago a merchant ship traversing the Lolgphi ocean came across the remains of a battle, lots of dead humans, demi humans and monsters floating in the water. In a lifeboat next to the body of a halfling mage with a ballista bolt through her neck was I. The captain took me aboard and delivered me to his employer in Aisildur. From what I've gathered he was the front man for a syndicate of poerful criminals hoping to "open" Aisildur up for exploitation. It was a bad idea. Aisildur has the best secret police force in the world. Everybody who has been Heart Seeded is a part of it. The guys who worked it tried to fit into society, I was used as a "child" for one of the teams. Thats how i learned most of my skills. Anyway...instead of opening the area, the syndicate spent the 15 years I was with them just trying to stay out of the secret police custody. When they fianally caught up with the cell I was a part of, they harvested the hearts of the adults to use in their sick rituals. I was the only child and thanks to anchange self scroll I was able to appear 5 or 6 years old. They put me in a state run orphanage till I was old enough to be heart seeded. I escaped as soon as their backs werenturned. There are places to hide in Aisildur. Some of those who are heart seeded dont come out right, they go insane. The population ignores them. I lived among them for several years till I could make my escape. The insane ones have strange powers and one of them opened a gateway for me into culverwood. I think I wandered in those woods for over a year, but i swear it only seemed like a few days. I came out near Tears of the Wood. The Fist has an outpost there. I joined up and here I am today.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+9(4), R+9, CMB+7, CMD+18 Friday March 13th, 2015 10:39:29 AM
Michael makes sure to take care of his mule when they stop for camp. Rub down, feed, check her feet and wellbeing. He helps around the camp and generally tries to make himself useful.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Friday March 13th, 2015 1:27:39 PM
On the journey, Pru chats easily with her Fist-mates, and with the other Fist. When they make camp, she sees to her horse, then helps out with any camp chores that don't involve lifting and carrying. She is willing to take a watch, but does not insist on it.
AC 20 T15 F15 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) Friday March 13th, 2015 6:24:11 PM
The ride at a slow pace is relaxing ffor Tinker because he has plenty of time looking over the backtrail from his usual place at the rear. He'll be companionable enough with any of the other Fist that stays with him in the back. "Practice as if you are always in unfriendly territory and you won't forget when it counts."
At camp that night, Tinker is wary when Jasper approaches, but the older dwarf has good things to say. Still, how Jasper speaks makes Tinker confused. Test? He shakes his head, but even he can understand that Jasper is making, well, an overture is what his foster mother called it. Tinker eagerly grasps on something Jasper says to break the ice.
"Mid watch and late night are the best two times for dwarves and those with dark vision. I'll take late watch and you can take mid. If you want that is", he adds only slightly late. Then Tinker looks at the other Fist and catches Nikolai's eye. "We should do guard one and one with the other Fist maybe. " As usual, Tinker does whatever Nikolai decides.
DM Warren Friday March 13th, 2015 6:46:51 PM
The escorting fist is proficient and well organized. They aren't the chattiest bunch, but they work well together and are able to adapt to the extra hands and mouths with ease. They seem to have this down to a routine, and when asked, they have done the Wedding City run dozens of times, and it's all old hat now.
The fist doesn't seem terribly worried about bandits on this road. It's well traveled, and all the best goods go by sea which is visible to the north over the cliffs. The most trouble they usually have is running off the wild dogs when they're bringing back a load of smoked meats.
There are plenty of eyes to keep watch all night without the spell casters needing to worry, and the night passes uneventfully. The next day passes in much the same fashion, and before they know it, it's the third morning and the Agents can see the towers of Wedding City about a half day's travel away.
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 30/30 Friday March 13th, 2015 8:29:33 PM
(Previous before Fri nights post...) William will take the last watch of the night, ensuring that he has enough time to sleep and memorize his spells for the next day...
(Today) William breathes easier as they near Wedding City after an uneventful trip... He wonders where they should start their investigation, maybe with the local merchants or wherever this caravan is set to drop off its goods... He inquires more about the city itself, the powers in charge, local intrigue, the economy, trade centers, etc...
AC 24 Touch 11 FF 23 CMD 18 HP 51/51 Jasper Steelfist (David Feest) Friday March 13th, 2015 9:44:11 PM "Mid works for me. Hopefully I am observant enough. My eyes are more trained to find flaws in stones or spot the glint of gems in a mine than to spotting enemies. It has been quite some time since I stood a watch." Away from the other Fist, Jasper asks William, the most well versed in the missing gear, what items were most prevalent in the thefts. His reasoning is that if they examine the places that deal in those items they might have a better chance of finding the thieves. He also takes a look at the file again, burning the symbol that marked the crates into his memory.
Zieluviet Iezerth - AC 17 (TAC 14, FF 13) HP 44/44 (Antonio) Friday March 13th, 2015 9:59:28 PM
As the landscape changes with the rising towers at the horizon, Zieluviet grows distressed.
"Nice view. Walking these streets knowing that some hostile could easily land an arrow on my head... I've yet to see death coming from above."
He's bothered at the crafting matters Jasper pointed. It's been so long Ziel last forged a melee weapon he could just imagine it to be as easy as to forge some bolts or broadheads and yet, he used to have plenty of time before being an Agent. Suddenly, the Drow was afraid of getting dull at the craft.
"A life of production exchanged for one of following orders and occasionally making Vynghol spill blood. How far can Captain Palance take me?"
He ponders so much that can be easily perceived as concerned by the companions.
"I'll know your reason, Palance! I'll find out what your eyes have seen that made them as sharp as my deepest fear. Your wits, your will... I know them and you know that I do. We walk the way of violence, yet we desire only peace. I'll have you trust me when the time arrives or die by your hands. Yes I will..."
The thinking ended with Ziel gesturing abstractly. He snaps and searches if someone has taken notice and shies away.
The plan in Wedding City is to gather some materials for crafting in the meantime. But still, the priority is to work the objective. Well, the pile has the search about the supplies on top and the chocolates at the bottom. Ziel doesn't care as much about that Steelgrass, though he'd be glad if could sit there and ask as many questions to the Weaver as he could come with in a lifetime - a Drow lifetime. That or learn about Steelgrass. Who knows Vynghol II could be made of it. That's a promising material actually. Research note added to his agenda.
AC 20 T15 F15 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+9=24 ; Saturday March 14th, 2015 12:04:24 PM
Tinker nods, pleased that they are able to work together, even if it was just planning.
Night passes and day breaks, the other Fist's professionalism sitting well with Tinker. He again puts his pony at rear guard, keeping watch over the backtrail on the way to Wedding City.
Perception. 24
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+9(4), R+9, CMB+7, CMD+18 Saturday March 14th, 2015 12:15:37 PM
The sight of a city invokes a strange series of emotions in Michael. On one hand the pulse and press of humanity equates to anonymity and a wealth of places to hide, on the other hand his only experience with cites was in Aisildur, among the chosen of Ga'al and all the bad memories that entails. He is eager, excited and happy to finally arrive at a new place, but in the back of his mind, like the last vestiges of bad nightmare, or the echos of a scream in a dark room, a dread remains. Acceptance is the key, to embrace the fear, to run toward it with the same energy that some would use to run away. That is bravery. Just as boredom fully accepted is serenity, anger justice and sadness a sweet ache of remberance. He smiles and suddenly he cannot wait to explore this city.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Saturday March 14th, 2015 6:53:53 PM
Each morning, Pru casts an Extended Mage Armor on herself, and another on Nikolai, to keep them protected throughout the day.
As they approach Wedding City, Pru finds a moment to take Nikolai aside.
"Do you think maybe we should go back to the Citadel with this group as well?" she asks him. "It might give us a chance to observe anything that happens to the goods in transit."
Zieluviet Iezerth - AC 17 (TAC 14, FF 13) HP 44/44 (Antonio) Sunday March 15th, 2015 11:23:56 PM
By taking Vynghol in his hands, Ziel feels troubled as if he abandoned the practice. His signature was the quality craftsmanship in that bow. The hand crossbow he carries as backup is also quite good, but wasn't made as Vynghol.
"Grah! My craft was supposed to be unmatched!"
He turns to the group, especially Michael, Tinker, Nikolai and Jasper.
"Alright. I'll make someone a bow if you can evaluate my work with absolute sincerity. Keep note that I mastered the composite craft and the work is promised to be of finest quality." The Drow peers the skies and the constructions. "Hmmm... it can also be a crossbow if you like, or even some melee weapons. All I ask is one week and that you keep it afterwards."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Monday March 16th, 2015 5:05:59 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor
OOC: I think I asked earlier what cargo they were carrying, ie. what were labeled on the crates, but I may have forgotten... IC: Nikolai agrees with Pru in inquires how long the caravan will be in Wedding City. During their trip, he pays close attention to the labels on the cargo. He intends to to make a note of where they are delivered and then pay a visit later on to each place. If something shows up worthy of further investigation, they'll mark that place for a covert operation.
Meanwhile, he enjoys the trip and getting to know better the new members of the fist.
With Wedding City in sight, he asks, "So, how long is your stay in Wedding City? Do you get to enjoy some RnR while here?" He does not mention anything about joining them on the return trip.
DM Warren Monday March 16th, 2015 7:51:25 PM
The Agents greet the city with various levels of excitement. Despite Ziel's musings, the city seems safe enough. Not crowded enough that views are obstructed, but busy enough that an assassin would have a hard time hiding.
(The wagons were empty on the way in, they're purchasing here)
The wagon driver responds to Nikolai. We don't have a set schedule. We'll be here until we get everything Qualtmie has requested for a fair price. The lads will have a chance to relax a day or so while I do the haggling.
The Agents go about their own business in the meantime.
(Anyone looking for the shipping label make knowledge local rolls
Otherwise, let me know what sort of things you're looking for while in town.)
AC 24 Touch 11 FF 23 CMD 18 HP 51/51 Jasper Steelfist (David Feest) d20+3=19 ; d20+1=16 ; d20+9=22 ; d20+9=23 ; d20+7=15 ; Monday March 16th, 2015 8:45:46 PM
Going by the list of stolen goods Jasper visits any shops that he can relate to ( weapons, stonework, mining supplies, smithys). While there he looks for the crate markings and any of the items missing from the Fist's supplies. Perception 19 Knowledge local (I have no ranks) 16 Profession Miner 22 Profession Stonemason 23 Craft weapon smith 15
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 30/30 d20+8=22 ; d20+7=11 ; Monday March 16th, 2015 9:34:26 PM
William starts looking around the city, finding out about the local merchants or wherever this caravan is set to drop off its goods... He inquires more about the city itself, the powers in charge, local intrigue, the economy, trade centers, the shipping label, etc...
Know Local - 22 Perc - 11
(I'll be out of town the next several days, and I'm not sure if I'll be able to post anymore this week so if someone would cover for me, that'd be great. I'll try to post if possible, but am not sure...)
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) d20+8=19 ; Monday March 16th, 2015 10:40:57 PM
Pru is curious about these famous chocolates, and makes a point of seeking some out.
She also assists her Fist-mates. She doesn't have a clear idea of where would be best to investigate, so she accompanies somebody else, ready to smile winningly and try to get some information from talkative merchants or shopkeeps.
[Here is a general Diplomacy roll: 19.]
DM Warren Tuesday March 17th, 2015 5:28:23 PM Jasper wanders the city, looking for anything that may catch his eye. He sees a few of the items that the caravan they rode in with was looking for at what seems to be good prices, but he sees no sign of the shipping label that is in their dossier. He looks in several kinds of shops, but everything that is up front and for sale is on racks and shelves, with no shipping crates of any kind in evidence. Ziel accompanies him, looking for materials with which to craft a bow to display his skills.
William also takes the wandering method. The city is a hub of trade and largely under control of the merchants. You can find most anything you seek in Wedding City, but with such diversity, it is hard to find rare or expensive items other than what is produced here. As the name of the city would suggest, there are several rather upscale looking bakeries, and the air is perfumed with the aroma of breads and cakes. Pru's easy smile helps people to talk more, and the locals are more than willing to tell them which shops they consider to have the best chocolate around. There are rivalries between neighborhoods over which is the best, but they are all appear to have quite good products.
Nikolai, Michael, and Tinker stick with the caravan leader, seeing where he is shopping and admiring the skill with which he negotiates with the shop owners. It is obvious that he's done this before and the shopkeepers know him and how much he is willing to pay for their goods. The main items he's looking for are sacks of flour and other grains, preserved meats, cheeses, and dried fruit. He is also getting some smaller items, such as nails and miscellaneous tools.
No one sees any sign of the shipping label they brought with them.
Zieluviet Iezerth - AC 17 (TAC 14, FF 13) HP 44/44 (Antonio) Tuesday March 17th, 2015 6:12:56 PM "I suggest a try at any place. The sign should hardly be a secret around here..." Ziel gives a sidelong look and smirks. "...and if things walk the unwanted way we could also 'prevaricate', unless Sire Jasper is against it that is."
AC 20 T15 F15 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+7=12 ; d20+9=10 ; d20+9=27 ; Tuesday March 17th, 2015 6:56:34 PM
Tinker keeps with the Thumb and helps with the purchases as he can. He keeps his eyes peeled and his ear to the ground , having a bit of local knowledge to look for the label.
He is also interested in the famous chocolates if Wedding City and will purchase one to taste. "Wonder why it's called Wedding City" he says to no one in particular.
Know Local 12
Know Engineering 10
Perception 27
AC 24 Touch 11 FF 23 CMD 18 HP 51/51 Jasper Steelfist (David Feest) d20+3=16 ; d20+1=8 ; Tuesday March 17th, 2015 7:03:33 PM " I don't wanna pick a fight, this is supposed to be on the down low. But, if there is someone who feels our questions are enough provocation to fight us over them, I'll darn well finish any fight that starts. Let's just look for today and meet the Fist back at out lodging." ( I assume we set that up before running in different directions) Jasper is no sleuth, nor is his armored bulk very subtle, but he does his best to get a look into the receiving yards and back rooms of the places he visits. He also pays attention to the brands on any of the beasts of burden of the places he visits. Do any of them carry sketchy brands or marks? By sketchy he is looking for a mark or brand that might have been altered or branded over. In particular are there any Fist marks that have been changed? Perception 16 Knowledge Local (not trained) 8
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Tuesday March 17th, 2015 10:33:57 PM
While walking the city with the other fist, Nikolai inquires the best place for a restful night's sleep. Once that is determined, he informs the fist before they disperse to meet there.
After spending the rest of the time and learning a lot about haggling and bartering, Nikolai returns to the inn they've agreed upon and secures rooms for them all, Pru getting her own, the rest sharing.
Once all have met up at the inn, and when they insure no one can hear, he suggests, "Crates don't jut sit around in plane sight. They are usually stacked in the alleys, back rooms, and warehouses. Those left unattended usually end up as firewood for someone's stew. what we need to do is to go together as procurement agents of the Fist and ask to see their warehouse or stockroom to 'make sure they can supply the quantity the Fist needs'. If our pans come up empty by the time we leave, we should try hitching up with a supply run that is geared towards those items that are stolen. We plan that phase when we get there.
So tomorrow we stick together and visit the places that deal in the types of items that are being stolen. We want to impress upon the proprietors that the Fist is stocking up for a long assignment and we need to see their supplies. If that don't get us into their back rooms and warehouses, we put our heads together for some other cunning plan." he grins.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Wednesday March 18th, 2015 11:24:10 AM
During her wanderings about the city, Pru purchases a small box of chocolates to exchange for steelgrass, and an extra chocolate to try herself. She's a little disappointed in it. Sure, it's sweet and creamy, but on the whole Pru thinks she prefer's Ma's honey cakes.
When Nikolai outlines the plan, Pru looks worried. "Well...." she says. "Well, is anybody any good at lying? I mean, remember the group that was in that abandoned church? We're terrible liars. At least I am." She looks hopefully at the newer members of the team.
Zieluviet Iezerth - AC 17 (TAC 14, FF 13) HP 44/44 (Antonio) Wednesday March 18th, 2015 4:01:37 PM
Nikolai's plan seems effective and the Agents are resourceful enough to execute it.
At Pru's question, however, Ziel gets concerned. He hates lying, but experience has proven that a good lie is the best answer to someone who can't take the truth or is just conveniently stupid. There's one thing, however, that is the infamy a good liar can get. "Lies bear no strength as the truth does. It is said they take you nowhere... but I do know how to talk the way out."
Ziel places the right finger in his cheek.
"Besides, I know how well Michael can perform. Remember when we met at the swamp?"
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+9(4), R+9, CMB+7, CMD+18 Wednesday March 18th, 2015 5:45:55 PM
Michael blushes,
I can lie if I need to, but I try not to make a habit of it. I would like to stop by the city court house and see If I can find some blueprints of the sewers. Rats live in sewers right? we can talk to the city workers and see if they have a rat problem in this city. That could be a clue. if worst come to worst we can concentrate on which ever city has the worst rat problem, or maybe...whichever one has the least rat problem, Can you smell what I'm cooking here?
DM Warren Wednesday March 18th, 2015 6:30:37 PM
Tinker wonders how the city got its name. As he walks around, there does seem to be an unusually large amount of couples smiling at each other and walking arm in arm. Perhaps people come here to celebrate their wedding?
Tinker and Pru each sample one of the famous chocolates. The flavors are subtle and delicate, distinct, but not overwhelming what is obviously chocolate of the highest quality. Still, perhaps Pru's tastes are not refined enough to appreciate them, and she would rather serve her wedding guests her Ma's home baked goodies. Then again, nothing is ever better than your Ma's cooking, right?
How much are you planning on spending on chocolates, Pru?
Perhaps they don't know much about the city, but they would have seen the sign if it was there, right? They certainly traipsed about for hours on end, eyes peeled for anything suspicious, peeking in back alleys at broken crates and being blocked from back rooms whose contents are none of their business. Japser doesn't notice any animals with Fist brandings or altered tack. Then again, there was no mention of stolen animals either.
That evening, Nikolai prepares a story with the Agents that he thinks will get them the information they've been looking for, seeing as their current methods have been unsuccessful. The problem is, who will spin the tale? Ziel and Michael may be able to lie for the good of the mission, if they think it's a good enough cause. It looks like they'll need their rest, as they have a lot of plans going for tomorrow.
AC 24 Touch 11 FF 23 CMD 18 HP 51/51 Jasper Steelfist (David Feest) Wednesday March 18th, 2015 8:50:30 PM
OOC Actually having the list in the packet would help us narrow down our search. Right now we are throwing things out there because we have a list but apparently can't read it. Several people have asked what was stolen.... IC " Like most dwarves, I am pretty straight forward . But to save my boy from being at a disadvantage in the field, I'd lie to a high priest if that's what it took. I am not going to be terribly convincing though."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Wednesday March 18th, 2015 9:09:19 PM
Nikolai chuckles at moral discussion. "Well, it is in part truth. We know the Fist is building a fort to guard the Bloodroot tree and ensure the gnolls stay on their side. So those manning the fort will need to be equipped and maintained. Also, I 'thought' I heard some talk about going after the gnolls once the intel we gave has been properly studied. Of course, the Fist may not go, but we don't know that 'for sure'. So we won't be lying. Our facts may be off a little, but I"m 'convinced' we are correct in that assessment of the need of supplies. It just so happens that they are the kind that seems to be getting stolen. Besides, we need to practice somewhere, better to practice in a city where there doesn't seem to be involved."
Nikolai nods at Michael. "I like that different perspective on it. What large city doesn't have a rat problem? We can call ourselves the Rattateers and hire ourselves out to clean the sewers from any rat infestation. We can even have a special Mailed Fist badge made up. I like that, I really do."[/b]
With everyone sort of spread out in rooms (OOC: how many per room? 2? 4?) Nikolai reminds everyone that even though they are in a city, not to be lax and set up watch. He'll take the first watch outside Pru's door and hopes the windows can be shuttered well enough.
Next day they start their 'procurement inspection' survey.
OOC: yea, a list of goods might help, otherwise we'll just say we go to [i]generic shop after generic shop and let you fill in the blanks. If that works best for you, ok, just as long as we know that. :)
AC 20 T15 F15 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) Wednesday March 18th, 2015 9:22:43 PM
Tinker is also a straight forward fellow and doesn't really care enough about social mores to know how to lie convincingly. "I'll help where I can with the plan", he says, "but not sure what I can do. "
Still, Tinker can look like a convincing guard. All he has to do is keep quiet, stay in armor, and look around suspiciously. And that's what he does all the time anyways!
AC 24 Touch 11 FF 23 CMD 18 HP 51/51 Jasper Steelfist (David Feest) Wednesday March 18th, 2015 10:08:22 PM
It was a civilized city, and the rooms were quite nice. Jasper's posting at the mine had taught him a few lessons though. A watch was always a good idea. They had lost a whole fist after being there only a few nights. Bugbear throat cutters had snuck into the camp, enters that Fist's tent and killed three dwarves before anyone even woke up. Since then he had always kept sentries on his walls and locks on his doors and windows. Bugbears were sneaky, and silent as a cloud in the night air, but they couldn't pick locks to save their lives. Jasper will gladly split the night with his room mate, or room mates and take a watch. Aside from that, one of his axes beneath the doorknob and the shutters on the window secured should provide adequate security.
Zieluviet Iezerth - AC 17 (TAC 14, FF 13) HP 44/44 (Antonio) Thursday March 19th, 2015 9:07:40 AM
Even without the 'suspicious' towers above them, Ziel was be expected to have problems to sleep at Wedding City. He imagined if, for some time, someone managed to trace their way through the city and he didn't notice. He does recall some times when his attention got dispersed from them and whatever could be knocking at their doors, Ziel would rather have Vynghol ready to pin the intruder. That and the Wedding theme are making his thoughts circle a certain someone.
The Drow signals to the Dwarven Sentinels and whispers. "You may sleep, Sire Jasper. I can't anyway and we shall not waste efforts. Besides, I'm at home, literally, in the dark."
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Thursday March 19th, 2015 11:59:55 AM
[OOC: Pru spends about 10 gold on her gift chocolates, plus a single chocolate for herself, however much that ends up being. And some people just don't like chocolate. I'm saying Pru is one of those. :) ]
At the inn, Pru has the mixed blessing of a room to herself. It's nice to have some privacy. On the other hand, if she's going to keep watch, she'll need to stay up all night, because there's nobody to help her with that.
She decides to go to sleep.
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 30/30 Thursday March 19th, 2015 5:39:35 PM
William agrees with the plan of Ziel and Michael's deception, and hopefully that'll give them a lead to follow... Otherwise they may need to move to a different city if this one doesn't pay off...
He'll take last watch in whatever apartment they share, so that he has time to memorize spells for the next day...
DM Warren Thursday March 19th, 2015 6:53:29 PM Sorry, thought I had done that a while back. The list consists of mundane arms, armor, medical supplies, and other common items such as traveling gear, ropes, etc.
Some of the Agents are more paranoid than the others and watches are set up to make sure no one breaks into their room from the hallway at least. They spend a quiet night. Pru is undisturbed and Ziel's eyes are bleary from his nightlong vigil. Morning comes, and they are ready to put their plan into action.
Pru - if you want steelgrass, the gp value of chocolate needs to equal the value of the items you wish. if it's just for gifting purposes, they will last about a week without some way to keep them cool. Ziel - DC15 fortitude save or gain the fatigued condition for staying up all night.
AC 20 T15 F15 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) Thursday March 19th, 2015 7:40:57 PM
Tinker rises and stretches, ready for the day. He preps to look like a bodyguard and keeps a good watch on whoever is the 'boss'.
AC 24 Touch 11 FF 23 CMD 18 HP 51/51 Jasper Steelfist (David Feest) Thursday March 19th, 2015 10:24:44 PM
Jasper gears up in the morning. They are supposed to represent the Fist as purchasing agents, so he makes sure his armor and weapons are in perfect order for the task. He can serve as either a guard or a specialist on the quality of weapons they are about to buy, as the boss requires. Jasper makes sure to keep the boss primed with guidance at all times to aid his negotiations.
Notes Guidance, Light, Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Cure Light Wounds(d),Comprehend Languages, Protection From Evil, Shield of Faith, Magic Weapon, Cure Moderate Wounds(d), Find Traps, Hold Person
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+9(4), R+9, CMB+7, CMD+18 d20+6=19 ; Thursday March 19th, 2015 11:27:06 PM
Michael sets up on third watch, if the rooms are indoors and upstairs, like in a tavern he sets himself up so that he can watch the approaches to the rooms and he periodically makes a sweep around the area, checking the rooms and such.
In the morning he makes good on his idea, as he now believes he has his Thumbs approval. He goes down to the city hall, commissars office or what have you. He inquires gently with the staff, mainly the blue collar guys, about the rat problems in the city. he walks to seperate Burroughs within the city, so that he can get separate stories from separate workers. If he gets one group saying there is not rat problem, and another saying the rats are taking over, they nay sayer may be a problem.
He does this by playing the part of a taveling rat catcher. so I'm going to use Perform as my skill for this.
perform 19.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+1=8 ; d20+1=6 ; d20+1=5 ; d20+1=14 ; d20+1=12 ; d20+1=2 ; d20+1=21 ; d20=17 ; d20=1 ; d20=4 ; d20=17 ; d20=5 ; d20=19 ; d20=3 ; Friday March 20th, 2015 12:01:53 AM
OOC: Nikolai had planned to have watches set in the hall, that way all doors would be watched by one person , but oh well.
IC: Next morning Nikolai rehashes the plan before they get some breakfast. "We will be posing as Procurement Quality Inspectors for the Mailed Fist. Our job is to inspect the quantity in stock of these items on our list and their quality. It should be very straight forward and not really far from the truth. As far as we know, the Fist does this same thing every now and then just to make sure they get the good stuff and that the suppliers don't get lax and cut corners."
So, after breakfast, they head out. They look for a big supplier and then hit a smaller one and back and forth all day, looking for anything that might have the symbol they believe belongs to the smugglers. For this task, Nikolai lets the sweat talkers do the talking and aids whenever necessary.
OOC: Nikolai's Bluff and Diplomacy bonuses are zilch so I'll roll some Aid Another and let the better Bluff and Diplomacy PCs do the talking.
Diplo Aid Another: 8,6,5,14,12,2,21 Bluff Aid Another: 17,1,4,17,5,19,3
P.S. Someone go with Michael, Pru probably.
Zieluviet Iezerth - AC 17 (TAC 14, FF 13) HP 44/44 (Antonio) d20+2=17 ; Friday March 20th, 2015 2:21:49 AM
OoC: Not this time. (Fortitude: 17) -~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-
As Ziel watches the dawn, the stinging daylight prompts the Drow to put on the goggles. He feels a bit shaky, but gets better after the breakfast.
He disagrees with proposed pace of these operations, but follows them anyway.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) d20+5=13 ; Friday March 20th, 2015 5:26:54 PM
[OOC: Okay, I misunderstood. Pru spends 305 gp on her gift chocolates.]
As instructed, Pru accompanies Michael. She does her best to act like the wide-eyed apprentice, inexperienced and possibly not that bright, learning from the master rat-catcher, Michael.
[Untrained perform or bluff: 13]
AC 20 T15 F15 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+7=11 ; d20+9=16 ; d20+6=20 ; Friday March 20th, 2015 7:56:42 PM
Tinker will help as needed, whether he can or not, but he best is able to keep his eyes open, hs ears to the ground, and help out determining the rative value of goods.
Know Local 11
Perception 16
Appraise (aid another) 20
DM Warren Friday March 20th, 2015 8:45:37 PM Michael and Pru put on quite an act, Michael talking to the populace and Pru acting wide eyed and innocent. As in any large city, there is quite a population of rats, yet their reception varies. The citizens of the town seem like they would welcome anyone that's offering to reduce the rat population, but the staff in city hall seems less enthusiastic. It seems they have regular staff for that sort of thing, and they don't take kindly to scabs trying to take their work. Still, they may be some private citizens that would employ them if they wanted to take a contract.
The others make the rounds of the city with a more focused goal this time. Their status as Agents of the Fist ingratiate them to the owners of the warehouses. Contracts with the Fist are lucrative, and everyone is more than willing to show off their goods in the hope of wrangling a large sale. The quality of goods varies between the merchants, but one thing is constant - nothing looks like it was ill-gotten. Everyone knows their product intimately and is either made by local artisans or is loaded in crates marked clearly with local stamps. Everything here seems above board, and there is no evidence of goods stolen from the Fist.
AC 20 T15 F15 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) Saturday March 21st, 2015 3:03:44 PM
The day passes and Tinker has seen some quality goods, some interesting people, and some skilled artisans. What he hasn't found is anything remotely like a hint that something possibly is out of place. If the others are equally fruitless when that talk over dinner, the dwarf is glumly certain that Wedding City does not have anything to do with the mystery.
It is another thing that is more on Tinker's mind as the group returns to quarters; the good lives of the good people of the city. They lead simple, honest lives without the need to be ready to defend themselves at a moment's notice. It is something the young dwarf admires. And ponders.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Saturday March 21st, 2015 5:07:55 PM
After a hard day of pretending to be a slow-witted rat-catcher's apprentice (that is, a rat-catcher's apprentice who is slow-witted; not an apprentice to a slow-witted rat-catcher), Pru is more than ready for a good dinner and a relaxing evening at the inn.
If there is time, she uses the flute to return to the Sargrass with her chocolates to exchange them. [OOC: It wasn't clear to me whether we had to go in a group, or whether we could go one at a time. I'm also not sure how long it'll take.]
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Sunday March 22nd, 2015 12:52:15 AM "Well, this was very informative. There never was any guarantee that every city was involved. I'm personally glad Wedding City seems off the hook for now. I'll check with the other Fist and see how they fared and find out when they are leaving, if they know yet. Meanwhile, tomorrow you are free to do what you want if they are still going to be here. I'm going chocolate hunting."
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+9(4), R+9, CMB+7, CMD+18 Sunday March 22nd, 2015 1:19:11 AM
checking in
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+9(4), R+9, CMB+7, CMD+18 Sunday March 22nd, 2015 1:21:20 AM
OOC: Hey Pru, I think the whistle for the sargrass planes is a one shot deal. I'd check with the DM before I blew it.
AC 24 Touch 11 FF 23 CMD 18 HP 51/51 Jasper Steelfist (David Feest) Sunday March 22nd, 2015 3:17:15 PM
Jasper agrees. Enough supplies have gone missing for the Fist, an enormous organization in and of itself, to notice them. If any were here they would have seen some sign. He is ready to head to the next city whenever the rest are. He has not got enough funds for anything made of Steelgrass that would do himself or his son any good so he does not need to make any purchases. He is also unclear if the old man's offer would even include him, since he was not one of the people to help complete the tapestry
William is frustrated that the investigation is taking so long, but he too is ready to move onto the next city as soon as they can find a transport or caravan...
Zieluviet Iezerth - AC 17 (TAC 14, FF 13) HP 44/44 (Antonio) Sunday March 22nd, 2015 10:12:29 PM
Though he still thinks there's something to be uncovered here, Ziel had enough of this city. He suggests Nikolai to advise the other Fist about the stolen goods. Not necessarily the facts, but, in case of leaving soon, it would be nice if they could report whatever related news they find in the meantime.
DM Warren Monday March 23rd, 2015 4:05:58 PM DM OOC: The whistle is a one-shot deal. Everyone that wishes to trade for steelgrass must make the journey at the same time.
The Agents spent a lovely, if not entirely productive, day in a beautiful city that is a far cry from what they are accustomed to at the citadel. At least they found several chocolate shops in their wanderings, enough to be reasonably certain that they can acquire enough chocolates for any purchases they wish to make in the plains. It seems that almost to a one, they are ready to move on. The next place on the short list would be Ham City, which is back up the coast past the Citadel.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Monday March 23rd, 2015 6:13:01 PM
Nikolai keeps a list of the most favored chocolates. Knowing that people's tastes vary, taking a small variety to the Weaver would be better than just taking one kind. At least there, where the Weaver exists, Time is of no import as far as the freshness of the chocolates go and any amount they take should keep well until eaten.
Next day Nikolai confers with his Fist. Do they want to go back to the Citadel and do a Stake Out or go to the next closest city? He'll do whatever the majority wishes as he sees either way just as productive as the other.
If the Fist vote to go back to the Citadel, he will inform the other Fist that they've changed plans to return to the Citadel on their own. Nikolai does not want to be slowed down by the heavy laden wagons.
Of the Fist vote to head to the next city, he informs the other Fist that they've changed their plans not to join them in their return and wishes them well, then leave Wedding City.
For however many days it takes, Nikolai keeps the Fist on their toes with night watches and scouts up front during the day. Might as well keep practicing their skills, right?
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Monday March 23rd, 2015 6:39:48 PM
"I think we should take the opportunity of following the goods back to the Citadel," Pru says. "If that other Fist will allow us to go back with them."
AC 20 T15 F15 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+7=14 ; Monday March 23rd, 2015 6:52:47 PM
Tinker frowns as he thnks, trying to understand how people work is hard! Finally, he shrugs. "Faragunians usually don't ask questions about people and don't give away secrets. It will be hard to go around looking for criminals without a cover story of the other Fist. I think we should either go with them or go back to the citadel. "
Know Local 14
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 30/30 Monday March 23rd, 2015 9:02:00 PM
William is ok either way but prefers to go to the next city. He's not much of an investigator and would prefer some action to monotonous searching...
AC 24 Touch 11 FF 23 CMD 18 HP 51/51 Jasper Steelfist (David Feest) Monday March 23rd, 2015 9:02:36 PM " I don't think we have anymore to learn at the Citadel, unless confronting or enlisting Sgt Helmbane opens new leads. I think this Ham City should be our next target, using the cover of purchasing agents looking to supply the fort you were talking about."
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+9(4), R+9, CMB+7, CMD+18 Tuesday March 24th, 2015 1:25:25 PM
Michael takes the lessons to heart over discussing rat catching with city employees. maybe he needs to get some sort of legal, or sovereign bona fides to ease the way.
DM Warren Tuesday March 24th, 2015 4:52:04 PM DM OOC: don't want to make any assumptions - let me know what your decision is and i'll make the next post accordingly.
AC 20 T15 F15 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday March 24th, 2015 4:58:58 PM
Tinker shrugs. It doesn't matter to him where they go first, since they will probably go to all of them eventually.
Zieluviet Iezerth - AC 17 (TAC 14, FF 13) HP 44/44 (Antonio) Tuesday March 24th, 2015 6:31:37 PM
Ziel nods in agreement. "Indeed, Sire Jasper. We're wasting time while the problem buries itself in deception."
He turns to Nikolai, saluting almost formally. He thought of it because he's about to point something rather stubborn. "Nikolai, we should move on to Ham City. Our long presence here might gather suspicion. Even if the clues have been here, they're certainly gone by now."
AC 24 Touch 11 FF 23 CMD 18 HP 51/51 Jasper Steelfist (David Feest) Tuesday March 24th, 2015 9:27:21 PM "I don't think they were here Checker. Some of the surrounding cities are probably not involved. If the thieves were active in more than one of the surrounding cities then the Fist wouldn't be bleeding supplies, it would be hemorrhaging them. We just need to pick up the trail in the correct city and, um, cauterize the wound." " I think looking for rat problems could help, but advertising we are looking for rat problems will most likely tip our hand. We have the advantage of knowing that this thievery ring has wererats among their number, but they don't know that we know. Several of us were not part of the Agents that brought their ring to task the first time that means that we are complete unknowns to this ring. If we keep the questions on the down low and maybe don't even mention that we are with the Fist we may find more than going in as actual Agents. Perhaps if we pose as the buyers for another mercenary company in the making, and on a budget, we would find suppliers with some goods that we need that, 'fell off a wagon' somewhere and they are selling at a discount. While we do that we scout for an abundance of rats but do it quietly. If they can make a quick resale without having to even uncrate the stuff I think we will be able to get them to come to us." "Worth a try commander?" Jasper lets the idea sink in a little. going about this as a rival company might just work he thinks.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Tuesday March 24th, 2015 9:27:34 PM
Nikolai counts on his fingers the votes for Ham City and the votes for returning to the Citadel and Ham City wins. "Ok, Ham City it is. Maybe Ham city is with pork like Wedding City is with chocolates, let's go see."
Nikolai pays their bill for their stay (DM, let me know what we owe or bill it to the Fist), and they go looking for the other Fist to inform them of their change in plans. Once that is done, they find the road leading to Ham city and start on their way.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+9(4), R+9, CMB+7, CMD+18 Tuesday March 24th, 2015 9:30:57 PM
yeah lets get a move on to ham city. I"m ready to go.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Tuesday March 24th, 2015 9:34:28 PM
Nikolai listens to jasper's idea and it sounds good. Posing as purchasing agents from another mercenary company poses a problem, the likely hood that another one would try to form so close the the Mailed Fist would be very small. However, a lord looking for 'cheap' stuff to outfit his over-budget castle should work very well.
"Let's go with that. I do agree that purchasing agents of the Fist won't get us to any black market stuff. We'll just have to remove our uniforms and keep them at the bottom of our packs."
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Wednesday March 25th, 2015 12:22:46 PM
"Well," says Pru, "If we're leaving Wedding City, could everyone get chocolates who's going to get them? I'm not sure when we'll get a chance to come back here."
AC 20 T15 F15 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+9=23 ; Wednesday March 25th, 2015 5:20:57 PM
Tinker sighs. "I don't have enough money to buy enough chocolate to get what I would like from the Manfri. We'll have to come back later or I'll forego my opportunity." Tinker as usual is easy to read; he doesn't like it but would give up his reward to help a battle-mate.
Mulling over ideas while on the road to Ham City, Tinker likes the combination. "Purchasing agents of a minor noble who is having trouble making ends meet. We aren't allowed to go into details or neap ordinate the situation. Sounds like a great key to the puzzle. "
Tinker keeps his tail-end Charlie position, watching the back-trail.
Perception 23
DM Warren Wednesday March 25th, 2015 5:40:12 PM
The Agents pay their bills, buy their chocolates, and bid farewell to the other Fist that is staying in town to finish their business.
let me know if anyone else is buying chocolates and how much they would like.
The Agents depart the noise of the city, heading back up the gentle incline towards the Citadel and Ham City beyond. They have a few days of travel ahead of them, but it should be a bit quicker without the wagon in tow. can make it to the citadel in two days if you want to push and chance fatigue, or 3 at a normal pace.
Knowledge: Geography DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {Ham City is another 2 days of travel past the Mailed Fist Citadel }
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 30/30 d20+8=15 ; Wednesday March 25th, 2015 9:11:12 PM
On the journey, William stays in the middle, making sure he can move quickly to give support wherever's needed...
Know G - 15.
Zieluviet Iezerth - AC 17 (TAC 14, FF 13) HP 44/44 (Antonio) d20+3=19 ; d20+12=23 ; Wednesday March 25th, 2015 10:09:28 PM
Ziel takes the front, with the hand crossbow cocked and 5 bolts in the strap by his reach. Not many thoughts bother him right now and he's expecting something to break the monotony. Well, except a thought of complaint. "This mission... All these days clueless... I miss not just making bows and working metal, but being 'needed' as well. Or having to solve anything. And to think I was an investigator, yet now don't even know where to start. Or continue."
"Say, anyone, do you enjoy riddles?"
Knowledge Geography= 19 Perception= 23
AC 24 Touch 11 FF 23 CMD 18 HP 51/51 Jasper Steelfist (David Feest) Wednesday March 25th, 2015 10:12:43 PM
Jasper rides up and down the line, pretty much wherever his horse wants to go. He was never any good at riding these beasts. At best he could maybe steer it by banging it on the head with his shield. Thankfully it was pretty content to follow the other horses.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+2=19 ; Wednesday March 25th, 2015 11:47:10 PM
Nikolai looks at his paltry sampling of chocolates. He only bought a few of each kind as a taste test. "I'm afraid I don't have enough gold to make it worth the while to blow the whistle."
Knowledge Local +2 = 19
OOC: I didn't realize that going to Ham would mean passing right by the Citadel.
IC: "Hey guys, since we are going to pass right by the Citadel, I suggest I go in, and check with the Quartermaster if there are any shipments heading to Ham any time soon. If so, we could trail it from a safe distance and see what happens. If not, go ahead and go to Ham."
The quick trip into the Citadel and back should take no longer than a couple of hours and the rest can wait outside the city. Unless there is great disapproval of the idea, that is what Nikolai will do.
When the Fist reaches the outskirts of the Citadel town they will make camp. Nikolai will not use the Hat of of Disguise just in case there are magics at the gate that will sound off and spoil everything. Hoping that only one Fist member won't be noticed as much as a whole Fist, he finds Qualtmie and asks about any shipments going to Ham or expected from Ham. With that information he returns to the group for further planning.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+9(4), R+9, CMB+7, CMD+18 Thursday March 26th, 2015 1:23:01 AM I'm Okay with that, we can also check to see if anything more has gone missing since we left, and maybe talk to the Captain about getting some sort of fake credentials or not so fake credentials to ease our way in the next town.
DM Warren Thursday March 26th, 2015 1:42:00 PM
Nikolai settled up with the innkeepers and got his receipt for his eventual report to the Knight Commander. He laments that he doesn't have quite enough cash to buy a significant amount of chocolates. Perhaps some of his comrades could lend him a few coins?
The first day and night of their travel back is uneventful. Some of the Agents are bored, but others could get used to peaceful times such as these. The second day dawns and it looks to be a gorgeous day, apart from a little bit of sun in their eyes as they travel.
AC 20 T15 F15 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+9=23 ; Thursday March 26th, 2015 5:21:25 PM
Tinker sees no reason to hurry along; sometimes you have to conserve energy for when it a needed, he reflects.
The idea of stopping by the Citadel makes sense, and Tinker continues to watch the backtrail.
Perception 23
AC 24 Touch 11 FF 23 CMD 18 HP 51/51 Jasper Steelfist (David Feest) d20+3=23 ; Thursday March 26th, 2015 9:13:03 PM
Control of his horse a distant dream, Jasper simply holds on and tries to notice anything dangerous before it jumps out and tries to eat his face or the faces of his comrades. Perception 23, natural 20
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) d20=20 ; Thursday March 26th, 2015 10:10:17 PM
[OOC: How long will the chocolates last before they go bad? Assuming I don't accidentally sit on them. You know what--never mind.]
Pru silently hands her chocolates to Nikolai. "I don't really need a steelgrass weapon," she says. "Though I wish you'd said something when we were still in the city."
She follows her companions, trying to keep an eye out for anything unusual. [Perception 20]
Zieluviet Iezerth - AC 17 (TAC 14, FF 13) HP 44/44 (Antonio) d20+12=29 ; Thursday March 26th, 2015 10:41:50 PM
Still thinking about the proposal, Ziel works something to counter his boredom. Planning new crafting techniques, making riddles, even wondering how every corner of the Citadel is and which passages are hidden. He goes by the front again, enjoying the pleasant landscape. His concentration, however, sweeps every detail as much as he think he can, confident that he will catch something to make the day count.
Perception= 29
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+12=31 ; Thursday March 26th, 2015 10:53:26 PM
OOC: by my memory Pru was the only one that bought any chocolates other than Nikolai's little samples. If I understand it, the whistle is can only be used once. I'd rather use it when everyone has had a chance to purchase the amount of chocolate they want.
Perception +12 = 31
IC: Nikolai looks at the chocolates Pru give him. "Pru, this is so unnecessary... How much is all this worth? Hmm... We could use this chocolate for bartering when we find what we are looking for. I promise you'll get your money back, one way or another."
Although they are on well traveled roads, keeping the Fist sharp is important. They keep to their standard marching order and eyes sharp. Their horsemanship is lacking but that can't be helped, they aren't a cavalry unit after all. He was the only one that grew up around horses and learned how to ride as soon as he could walk, maybe even before that. Anyway, the Fist does fine.
Camping or traveling, they perform their duties as good Fists are trained to do.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+9(4), R+9, CMB+7, CMD+18 d20+12=31 ; Thursday March 26th, 2015 11:06:27 PM
Michael makes enjoys riding his mule, and he never tires of seeing new places. Although he's traveled this road before, he has never traveled it in this direction! There is still so much to see!
Perception 31.
Hey Zie! I normally use a sling or a staff sling but if you want to practice, why don't you make me a short bow.
Zieluviet Iezerth - AC 17 (TAC 14, FF 13) HP 44/44 (Antonio) Friday March 27th, 2015 12:45:49 AM
Hearing Michael's words, Zieluviet opens a smile. It's as if had finally rained in the desert.
He lowers his head. "Michael, your recognition honors me."
"Please state your preferences. Metal-plated handle, carved image or pyrography, enamels, composite limbs... I've also researched some enchantments, so there's plenty of options. I'll work on the plans for now and execute it once we return to the Citadel."
"I could make it with the same stabilization and the composites as Vynghol. I may even imbue with the same magic, so your arrows will land as long as your volition marks the target. (Just between us, my aim may seem good, but actually half of it is Vynghol.)"
"Or, if you prefer, though it's not as majestic as a fine bow, I could make a sling as well, but I'm not sure on how to imbue it with the magic I know.
Hmmm... this begs further research."
DM Warren Friday March 27th, 2015 4:40:48 PM
The Agents continue to ride in the pleasant day, but it seems that none of them are lulled despite the seemingly peaceful surroundings. Ever vigilant, Ziel and Nikolai, followed shortly by the others, see a fin shaped object moving near to the ground, coming closer and leaving a trail in the dirt behind it. It is a couple of hundred feet away, but closing quickly.
You have approximately 3 rounds before the object will intercept your course at its current speed.
AC 24 Touch 11 FF 23 CMD 18 HP 51/51 Jasper Steelfist (David Feest) Friday March 27th, 2015 7:37:11 PM " Hmm, what's that over there? It looks like it is coming this way." Japer dismounts, not wanting to be trapped on a horse if something attacks them. He pulls his axe and braces his shield. Its been awhile since I listed spells, so I am going with the ones on my character sheet.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Friday March 27th, 2015 10:07:03 PM
As is her usual habit now, Pru had already cast Extended Mage Armor on herself and Nikolai this morning.
Now, she also dismounts, and grabs her spear. "What is that thing?" she asks her friends.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+9(4), R+9, CMB+7, CMD+18 Saturday March 28th, 2015 1:03:48 AM
I need to know what the terrain is within the 300 yards of our current location. Michael has an inkling of what this might be, his studies in the library tickle his memory a bit, it's right on the edge of consciousness, but will not come to light. He has a feeling though that whatever it is will be very interested in him. Michael dismounts pulls out his rapier and gets a potion of cats grace ready to quaff on round 2. He positions himself so that when the creature comes out of the ground at him, he and his companions will be set to flank it
I don't know what it is but I've got a feeling it isn't friendly, I wonder how it's tracking us being as it's underground and all?
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+9(4), R+9, CMB+7, CMD+18 Saturday March 28th, 2015 1:05:28 AM
ooc: if I quaff the cats grace potion my mod goes from +5 to +7, I'll reflect it on my banner when I take it.
Zieluviet Iezerth - AC 17 (TAC 14, FF 13) HP 44/44 (Antonio) d20+12=28 ; Saturday March 28th, 2015 1:58:34 AM "Great."
Zieluviet dismounts and takes Vynghol out of the Efficient Quiver and a rope out the saddlebag, placing it around his shoulder.
"When caltrops don't help..."
The Drow scans the area, searching for rocky ground to set a position.
"I'd guess it's some kind of Earth Elemental. But it's quite the speedy! We should lure it to someplace hard. If it can pass through stone as easily, well... I'd rather not fight it."
Ziel also scans for something that he may staple the creature to, assuming it has appendages or something that makes it a valid target. (Perception = 28)
"If someone is feeling brave today, try readying a spear and be quick if this thing attacks from the ground. If it somehow abducts or bies or whatever from below, we will be in trouble."
-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~- OoC: Does Staple Trick can only target garment-using enemies? Can you please clarify me about that feature? By RAW, yeah, it's a very restricted trick shot that can be powerful when one group faces a single valid target by making it spend a standard action breaking the arrow/bolt every turn at the cost of the Sharpshooter's action. In other words, it's an effective control. But the conditions make it so easy to avoid even for a valid target. =( Oh, how those trick shots trouble me...
AC 20 T15 F15 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+8=15 ; d6+1=2 ; d6+1=2 ; Saturday March 28th, 2015 7:49:51 AM
Tinker rides along, occasionally hearing conversation from the front of the short column. Pru and Nikolai talking chocolates ( the one Tinker bought and set was good!), and Z and Michael talking bows. Tinker's ears perk up at the talk and he considers the serviceable Mailed Fist Issue bow in it's case on his shoulder. It may be nice to get a better one and made by the master Zielvulit, butTinker isn't going to interrupt Michael's excitement just now. Come to think of it, he reflects, Tinker doesn't think he could ever interrupt Michael's enthusiasm about anything! Tinker briefly smiles, which anyone who knows the stoic dwarf would see as a huge grin.
Later in the day, the easy ride is interrupted by... A shark fin cutting through the ground and headed towards the Agents? "What magical beast is this?", he wonders aloud, "I don't know the Nature of such beasts, but any fin in the ground looks like trouble. "
Tinker also dismounts, preferring to fight on the ground, and takes a stance beside Jasper while bracing his Urgrosh to receive a charge. A glance at the older dwarf, and then Tinker looks back to the approaching fin. Trying to break the ice, Tinker grunts then... "Jasper, two days in the saddle and we smell just like our ponies."
Set to receive a charge. AC 15. Dam 4
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 30/30 d20+9=16 ; d20+7=25 ; Saturday March 28th, 2015 9:09:34 AM
William sees this creature coming their way and for now, will cast Mage Armor to ensure he's properly defended... He's tempted to summon help, but doesn't want to waste a spell if it isn't hostile...
He'll look for the nearest boulder or tree, and try to move away from the soft ground...
He'll try to reminder what he learned about these types of creatures in his monstrology class... Know (N) = 16, Perc - 25
Next Round (2 left) he'll likely cast summon monster...
AC 24 Touch 11 FF 23 CMD 18 HP 51/51 Jasper Steelfist (David Feest) d20+7=10 ; Saturday March 28th, 2015 10:06:14 PM " Based on how it's following us, smelling like them is probably enough, but let's be sure shall we? Will ye stand with me and draw it's wrath? If so, get that butt spike ready and I'll pull it in." Jasper takes his drawn axe and begins rhythmic rapping the edge of his shield with it. He doesn't know what that beast is, but likely it is tracking them by the rhythmic plod of their mounts and their smell. If that is all it takes then he is now the perfect target for it. He touches his own chest and whispers Flower's name, wrapping himself in her protection (Cast Shield of Faith). He readies an action to swing if and when it charges them. Readied action hits AC 10 (yuck) I think I used up all 3 prep rounds.
DM Warren Monday March 30th, 2015 1:31:19 PM ooc @ Ziel: I would interpret the staple trick only works on enemies wearing clothing. Otherwise, you're just shooting the target, and arrows wouldn't generally penetrate enough to go through the target and into a hard surface.
@Michael - pretty much all around you is gently rising hills going back towards the Citadel. To the north several hundred yard is a cliff dropping down to the beach. Also, thanks for the update when you drink the potion, but note that the max dex on your armor is +6, so your AC will only improve by one.
Most of the Agents haven't a clue what this thing could be, but they assume it's hostile, or are at least prepared for it to be as they dismount and ready their weapons.
William, however, remembers reading about creatures that would be a match for the one in front of them. He wouldn't describe them as hostile, but rather as hungry. For anything and everything. And it doesn't look as if there is anywhere nearby to hide.
another 2 rounds of prep actions - will advance when everyone else has weighed in.
@William: Highlight to display spoiler: { The beast coming at you is a Bulette - bad tempered magical beast often called a land-shark, prefers to approach targets from underground and then leap into the air to pounce on them. }
AC 24 Touch 11 FF 23 CMD 18 HP 51/51 Jasper Steelfist (David Feest) Monday March 30th, 2015 7:36:38 PM
Recap, round 1 dismount round 2 Jasper calls upon flower to protect him from the attack he is fairly certain will come next.
AC 20 T15 F15 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) Monday March 30th, 2015 8:35:14 PM
Tinker takes some time while standing beside Jasper to cast Expedious Retrat on himself , and then starts stamping rhythmically while braced for a charge.
"Good idea. WilliAm, you seem to know more about this land shark. What is it?"
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