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Angel Springs


DM Kent 
Tuesday February 18th, 2014 10:15:27 PM
As you approach the gate you can see that there is a posted force of a half dozen or so fighting me in uniform and they are checking people as they come in.

As they see Oakleaf they clear the path and snap to attention as you all pass through. You all head down West Spur Road and past a large open air merket, then you take a right onto East Springs Road at the bell tower. It is then that you realize just how large Angel Springs is compared to Humbles Ford. Through the side roads you can see what can only be an even larger market. As you make your way down the road you pass through living quarters and shops as well as several temples. Soon you see ahead of you another gate leaving the city and you turn southward where you find yourself passing by yet a third market right off the road. Moments later you pull to a stop just outside what looks to be a very large Inn like building. Next to it is another building and this one has a sign over the door that names it as Angel's Hall.

Oakleaf let's you all get out and then walks you into the inn looking building. Ok all I am going to leave you here for a bit I will arrange for three rooms for you. You may freshen up and order something to eat if you like, while I and my men take the two prisoners to where they will be questioned, drop off our casualties at the barracks for rites, and then I will go see my cousin. Hopefully after that we will have a quick session to clear all this up and let you all be on your way.



Shel Breezelee Kromnite (Gerald) HP21/21; AC 14/14/11 
Tuesday February 18th, 2014 10:42:39 PM
"I suppose we can't head out to visit the markets until everything is cleared up with your cousin, right Mr. Oakleaf? If everything does get resolved, it might be nice to visit them before we leave. There's no telling what interesting things they'd have in a market this size! The vegetables I've probably never even heard of! Maybe even another of the Wardd series of books," she elbows Murphy excitedly as she thinks about the prospects.

Murphy Bumblebee Leafwin Pipewood (Kim McCoy)  d20+13=16 ;
Wednesday February 19th, 2014 5:02:46 AM
Moones
"Yes, peculiar in some ways, yep," he responds to Shel. "Really would like to go there. And yes, the books! There is an observatory where you can look at the heavens through some special arrangements of polished glass at Lawni's Lens a ways north, and Selithe told me there's a library in that building, too." Murphy nods his head at Shel's mention of the pendant. "Bet we could learn more about the moons there. Um, Mungo. Mungo has lots of books, scrolls, maps. He's in Angel Springs, sometimes." He is happy to have Shel next to him, chatting about things.

[Distribution[/u]
"Whoever wants to wear the ring, that's fine with me," is all that Murphy adds to that discussion. "Anyone in the group could benefit from it."

Alouryn and Eral each have 500 in gems from the goblin leader. How about four of the 250's go to each of the rest of us, and one for party use? Unless someone wants to go to the trouble of figuring out something more even."

"Great idea, that, Eral. I think we all have at least one potion, but having two, especially for those who don't have healing powers themselves, is even better."

Into the city
"Huh. First time I've seen more than a couple of guards at the gates," Murphy notes as they pass through the gates. He glances over toward the market, noting a hammer falling on the anvil over at the smithy on the far side.

"Hey, hey everybody, the family shop is coming up on the right along East Springs Road," Murphy alerts his friends. "WinWood Toys & Music. Wait for it - there! See... all right, that went by fast."

He looks around to his companions. "We should stop there for a visit, if we can." As they traverse the whole town, Murphy looks to see if there are any changes since he was here maybe six months ago (Perception 16).

[u]Destination[u]
Though he would like to go with Shel to the markets, there is something more pressing now. "Master Oakleaf. May I come with my two friends? Anybody can ask me questions, too, if they want. I don't want to be far from them during this ordeal." He cannot even consider freshening himself up when Alouryn and Hazel are going through any sort of interrogation.

Kent: Oakleaf left you ALL at the hotel. while he and his guards went to take cae of their business.

Edric Lowbrook (Damian); HP: 12/26; AC: 21/13/19 
Wednesday February 19th, 2014 3:31:20 PM
"I'm all for that split up of the money, Murphy. Anyone disagree?"[b]

Despite having been to Angel Springs before, Edric is always amazed by the size and scope of the city on each visit.

[b]"I wish we could be backing Hazel and Alouryn right now."

[i]ooc: sorry. missed post yesterday.

Shel Breezelee Kromnite (Gerald) HP21/21; AC 14/14/11 
Wednesday February 19th, 2014 3:58:38 PM
OOC: Just so I'm sure...the proposed split is 250 gold per person? That's fine, just want to be sure I followed the post.

Shel lets Murphy volunteer to go to the questioning. As much as she loved the others, she wasn't about to go for voluntary questioning if she didn't have to. She would hang out at the Inn/hotel until she receives some notice from the others that they were free. If they had time, she wanted to hit the markets, and that interesting observatory and library that Murphy mentioned.

Alouryn AC: 16/14/13 HP: 14/14(Vaughn) 
Wednesday February 19th, 2014 5:04:02 PM
Alouryn to Hazel: "Hazel, you know we've been through a lot the last week or so. Well, all of us have. I'm sorry you got roped up into this accusation business with me, but I'm also kinda glad it was you. Out of the whole group I think you are, well that is, somewhat, special" She blushes and turns away.

Murphy Bumblebee Leafwin Pipewood (Kim McCoy) 
Wednesday February 19th, 2014 5:21:24 PM

[based upon Kent's comment at the end of my previous post:] Ah, so Hazel and Alouryn are not being interrogated - rather Grinface and Orc. That being the case, Murphy asks, "Please, will you let us know what information you learn from them about the plans of Idefeatu, anything else about their leadership structure, and so forth? Oh, and what happened to Bingo Greenbottle - I think the human does not know, but maybe, if you can get the orc to talk, he might know something.

"We want to track down whoever it was who took the life of our high priestess, and deal with them." He also adds, "I am worried about Dxurs - the goblin who escaped during the ambush. It will be hard for him to talk, since he bit off most of his tongue, but he saw some things, and knows us."

Following that conversation, as they have some free time, Murphy asks, "Our family has a business here in town. Would it be all right if we meet you back here in, say, two hours? Or do you think three or so? We could all return as soon as we hear the next strike of the tower bell - since that is once every three hours."

If given leave to do so, Murphy invites his friends to come with him to WinWood Toys & Music. One of his older sisters, Leska Rose, and brothers, Nalfein, run the shop together. He knows that they tend to keep up on the news and gossip from around the city.

He explains to Shel, "Lawni's Lens is way outside the city, Shel - it's northeast of Humble's Ford a ways. But Mungo's place is only about twice as far from this inn as is my family's store here - about halfway between the southern Trade Gate and the West Gate we came through. He has a place in the building west of The Bell Tower, the one on the West Springs Road corner."

If not granted leave, he enjoys a meal with his comrades, and also finds someone to send a message he wrote for his sister Leska while en route for someone to take to WinWood T&M.

One more thought on the money. "If we take what Alouryn and Eral have - 1000 altogether - and add 1250 we got from the ambush gang, that's 2250. Let's say we split up 1950 six ways, so we each get 325 gold piece equivalent, then leave the remaining 300 for party treasure - reserved for things that will benefit all of us, or wherever the greatest need might be. We'll need to find someplace to convert at least two of the gems to gold or platinum so we can do equal shares. There are places in town for that. I just don't recommend doing it in the Hairfoot Market. Watch for pickpockets there, too."

Eral SunstriderAC:21/12/19 HP:16/26 Spells (4/3+1/0+0)(A. Skomrock) 
Wednesday February 19th, 2014 6:51:02 PM
Eral will excuse himself from the group. "I am happy with however the gems are split. I am heading to the Temple and Shrine of Domi to warship since I have not been at a temple in a while. Murphy if you want to go split up the gems and just let me know what I get I will probably need to stop and grab some items on the way to wherever we go.

Come get me when Oakleaf gets back with news.

Hazel 17/13/15 CMD:16 HP: 33/33 (Corsario) 
Wednesday February 19th, 2014 9:40:00 PM
To Alouryn
"I am glad I get accused with you. That way I can protect you. I wold never forgive me if anything happen to a gentle girl like you. And I hope, in time, we can, well, grow...as a couple... well..."
Hazel turns red again and stop speaking, incapable of continue.
In the town...to Oakleaf
"So we are not under arrest anymore?"
About the money: 325 gp each and 300 for emergencies sounds great.

DM Kent 
Wednesday February 19th, 2014 10:50:41 PM

Before leaving Oakleaf clarifies a few things.

"Officially, yes you are still in custody and are under my pervue, pending a meeting with the Lord Mayor, my cousin. So please do not wander off for I will come for you, in about two hours, when I have finished with what I need to do for my men, dropping off our prisoners and then talk with my cousin. Unofficially, as far as I am concerned you are cleared of all charges. That said, I am not the final word."

-------
The innkeeper looks at you all pretty nervously as you are all decked out in armor and bear weapons and several of you have what appear to be dried blood splotted around.

Umm Excuse me,

Master Oakleaf has arranged three rooms for you. One for the two ladies and then the other two to split how you like. There are adjoining bathing rooms to each room if you would like to freshen up. I can arrange to have some food and drink to be brought to your rooms, or if you would prefer you could eat in the common room. We have some roast boar and tubers today with some cooked greens and corn. Is there anything else you might need at the moment.

At Murphy's request he arranges for a young lad to deliver his message to his sister.

Murphy Bumblebee Leafwin Pipewood (Kim McCoy) 
Thursday February 20th, 2014 3:10:11 AM

"All right, sounds reasonable, Master Oakleaf. You will pass on all the things we've told you about the goblins, humans, and other races' incipient plans to take over the valley. They might go for Humble's Ford first, to divide the valley, then launch from there against Hovel, and Angel Springs. With its wall and militia and population, this city would be a challenge to take, but our little town not so tough. Sir, this is speculation, we don't really know anything extensive about what they are up to - but know there are several groups with different assignments, and are of the opinion that Crescent Valley is 'ripe for picking.'

"Let's see what we can do to help them choke on our fruit. If the Lord Mayor would like to talk anything over with us directly, we're open to that.

"And, sir, good luck. To you and all of us."

To the innkeeper, Murphy says, "Don't be worried about us, Mister innkeeper. We shouldn't cause you any trouble. We save our troublemaking for the enemies of our people. I don't figure you're an enemy, right?" he asks with a smile.

"What do you think, friends? Eat in the rooms, or in the common room? I'd lean toward the latter."

Pleased with the rooms, he enters the one in the middle, and finds the bed closest to the window. Rather laden down, he drops his backpack, a large sack, and some smaller ones, plus his weapons next to the bed, except for one bag he places on the bed. He checks the pillow and bed linens. He looks to see if the window opens, and how and whether it can be secured.

"Nice place," he offers as his evaluation. "I've got third dibs on the bath for this room."

Alouryn AC: 16/14/13 HP: 14/14(Vaughn) 
Thursday February 20th, 2014 9:36:05 AM
Alouryn notices the conversation with Hazel is a little akward, so she turns to Shel:
"Well Shel, it looks like we're room-mates, I think I'm going to lie down for an hour to just think about things, but if you want to join me, I'd love to hear more about your magic. I know some of the Halflings that studied with me at the Centre for Enlightenment were learning the arcane arts, but you seem to have picked it up on your own?"

Shel Breezelee Kromnite (Gerald) HP21/21; AC 14/14/11 
Thursday February 20th, 2014 10:58:50 AM
"Lets go take baths, Alouryn, and we can talk. If I don't get all this muck off me, I'll lose my mind.". Shel puts in a lunch order to be delivered to the room, after the bath. Once they get to the room, Shel immediately tries to get clean.

"Yeah, the whole school thing never really worked out for me. I tried for a minute, but it was an abject failure, to be honest. My mind would wander, and I'd never get refocused enough to get any learning done. I don't know how I've picked up what I have, but it just seems natural in some way to me. If I think to much about it, nothing happens, but if I relax and just let it flow, neat things seem to happen. Heck, I've not even told the others, but I figured out how to give we and our boys some additional protective shielding with a spell. Just woke up one day with a strange thought...bam, I was able to work it out! Quite strange really. But enough about me. Tell me more about you, Alouryn. I know you have gotten very good at healing, and I know you and Hazel seem to be getting along swimmingly, but I don't know much beyond that," Shel inquires.

Edric Lowbrook (Damian); HP: 12/26; AC: 21/13/19 
Thursday February 20th, 2014 7:13:07 PM
Edric passes the time waiting in the common room, feasting on a piece of savoury roast boar and a tankard of ale. Finishing his meal, Edric gives himself a sniff, realizes that he hasn't had a good wash in some time and heads to the bathing room.

Eral SunstriderAC:21/12/19 HP:16/26 Spells (4/3+1/0+0)(A. Skomrock) 
Thursday February 20th, 2014 8:35:35 PM
Eral will share a room with edric for the night. Once the ladies are done with their own bath he will head up to bath hopefully before Oakleaf gets back. "Thank you for the hospitality and we will be paying for food and drinks to be sure. Just let us know what we owe you." Eral will tell the inn keeper.

Hazel 17/13/15 CMD:16 HP: 33/33 (Corsario) 
Thursday February 20th, 2014 10:40:51 PM
After seeing Alouryn go, Hazel feels devastated at his lack of "style" with her. He silently follows the others for a quick meal and drink at the common room, and after that goes to clean himself, not wanting to appear as a criminal before the mayor.

Murphy Bumblebee Leafwin Pipewood Letter to Leska and Nalfein (Kim McCoy) 
Friday February 21st, 2014 2:11:49 AM
The following letter is addressed on the outside paper, which itself is wrapped around the inner paper, and sealed in wax in three places with a continuous string running through each of the three spots (two along edges, one where the paper meets at the end of the foldover. In other words, one would be quite hard pressed to discern anything written unless the whole thing is opened.
Please deliver to Leska Rose Leafwin Pipewood at WinWood Toys & Music

Leska & Nalf,

Crescent Valley is a soon target of attack from the Red Hills. All sorts of people: Humans, goblins, ogres, orcs, halfling lawbreakers and who knows who else -- headed up by an ogre mage -- are fixing to attack and take over our beautiful valley. It has already started, somewhat quietly, on the edges.

I'm stuck at the inn by the Angel's Hall for the next few hours. If either of you can swing by, do so. Otherwise, I hope to catch you up -- and have you do the same for me -- in a few hours
--Murphy


Murphy Bumblebee Leafwin Pipewood Talking with a friend (Kim McCoy) 
Friday February 21st, 2014 2:22:53 AM

"Hazel, you look like you're feeling down. What is it?" Murphy asks as after he gets done with his bath. "Aside from being accused of a heinous crime which we know you did not commit. And not being absolutely certain of the outcome of that accusation. And having been smitten by so kind and generous and virtuous and innocent a young beauty that you hardly know which end is up - and suffering because she has been accused of the same thing, and is even more innocent of anything and everything than you ever will be."

Fresh clothes on, he uses such a nice towel provided by the inn to finish getting the wetness out of his clean hair. "Aside from all that, Bob, what is it?"

DM Kent 
Friday February 21st, 2014 7:01:56 AM


Just about the time you are finishing up bathing and eating, sending notes, and taking a nap (those of you who did so and definitely way before Oakleaf said he would be back.) There is a commotion at the Hotel's front door (Not that any of you know that at this point) and within moments there are 10 liveried and armored guards quickly walking through the building and stopping at your doors.

Almost uniformally they reach out and knock on your doors.

"Open up in the name of the Lord Mayor Roscoe Hairfoot."


Hazel 17/13/15 CMD:16 HP: 33/33 (Corsario) 
Friday February 21st, 2014 8:38:00 AM
To Murphy
I am a capable and brave halfling, capable of holding on my own... except near her. ear her I am a bumbling idiot incapable of putting two words together, or do something right, Just that, Murphy, just that.
When the guard come
Hazel face turns hard, and he mumbles...
"Innocent... I knew it..."
He quickly go to intercept them before they get to Alouryn's and Shel's room.
"What's the matter? What do you want? I think you are looking for me. I am Bob Danderfluff LaRue. I will accompany you without fuss. I am the good guy, finally."

Murphy Bumblebee Leafwin Pipewood (Kim McCoy) 
Friday February 21st, 2014 3:37:53 PM
Hearing the knocking at the door and the words of command, Murphy quickly takes the journals, notes and letters he has on his bed and places them in the inner backside of his coveralls, but he keeps some blank sheets in his hand. He already has ink and inkpen in a pouch.

When Hazel opens the door, he comes to the door. "Hello. Where is Master Oakleaf? He told us he would come for us himself. He said he would speak with the Lord Mayor, come for us, there would likely be a brief meeting with his Lordship, and we could go on our way. Are we now to meet with the Lord Mayor?"

Putting two and two together, though, Murphy fears that the enemies of the valley - some of whom are halflings - may have waylaid or caused harm to Morro. Who are these people? He knew things were bad, but did not realize how deeply rooted the enemy was. Someone is definitely trying to set them up. Who is pulling the strings?

He realizes that, though things were looking up, they are now looking down. Way down. Silently he prays, "Lord Eberyon and Lady Maab, grant us wisdom and protection against the enemies of this valley."

All of these thoughts, though, he does not let pass over his face. He waits expectantly for the guards to reply.

Edric Lowbrook (Damian); HP: 12/26; AC: 21/13/19 
Friday February 21st, 2014 6:56:21 PM
Edric turns to his companions: "This seems suspicious. Oakleaf should have come himself. Why would they send out the troops to come get us? Unless they're expecting a fight..."

Shel Breezelee Kromnite (Gerald) HP21/21; AC 14/14/11 
Friday February 21st, 2014 8:27:20 PM
Shel doesn't open up she and Alouryn's door. "Sorry, Master Oakleaf said he'd be back for us. If you aren't him, we aren't coming out."

Eral SunstriderAC:21/12/19 HP:16/26 Spells (4/3+1/0+0)(A. Skomrock)  d20+5=19 ;
Sunday February 23rd, 2014 5:03:08 PM
Eral will get armed and armored up before anyone opens the door. "We will wait for Oakleaf to come back. If there is a problem with that please have the Barron or Mayor himself come to get us." Eral will talk to the guards as diplomatic as possible in this situation.

Eral will move in front of the rest of the group.

DM Kent 
Sunday February 23rd, 2014 8:42:27 PM
(Sorry all for the missed post. My dad was taken to the hospital suddenly and I had to go.)

The mayor's Guards look a bit confused at the mention of Oakleaf's name and the partial refusal to come with them and the one saying that it was him that they were looking for, but that lasts for just a moment.

You are the adventuring group from Humbles Ford known as the Humbes Swords. We are under orders to escort you across the street to the Lord Mayor's office at this time. Not in a few moments and not when Master Oakleaf feels like it.

Lord Mayor Rosce P. Hairfoot wants you in his office now. So let's be quick about it and go. If you want to leave a note for Master Oakleaf then do so, but if as you say he is heading to a meeting with the Lord Mayor, then perhaps he is already there. One way or another you are all coming with us. Now I would rather there not be bloodshed ... (he let's the phrase go unsaid).

Shel Breezelee Kromnite (Gerald) HP21/21; AC 14/14/11 
Sunday February 23rd, 2014 10:47:40 PM
Shel whispers to Alouryn in the room. "I don't know what's going on in this town, but I know I don't trust anyone. My mind is to keep the door locked and wait until Oakleaf comes back for us. But, you're a part of this as well. If you think we should open the door and go with them, let me know now, before I get us both in trouble."

Murphy Bumblebee Leafwin Pipewood (Kim McCoy) 
Monday February 24th, 2014 1:08:51 AM

"Ah, Yes, sir, we are Humble's Sword. Not Swords. Sword. We will come with you peaceably to meet with the Lord Mayor. I think only enemies of Crescent Valley should be candidates for bloodshed - we are pledged to defend the valley, as I know you are. As Master Oakleaf told us we are under his purview, and he would take us to see the Lord Mayor himself, perhaps you will understand our confusion at this change in protocol. We do not intend to keep his Lordship waiting if he would see us now.

"But one thing I would ask - can you send at least a small contingent to look for and inquire after Master Oakleaf? It occurs to me that he may be in some danger, and we already have saved his life twice, at least."

He places across he chest his bandolier with scimitar and a few dagger, belt with pouches around his waist, as he explains Oakleaf's stated itinerary. He jots a quick note: Master Oakleaf - The Lord Mayor's guard have taken us to meet with him at (and he gives the time of day). Please meet us there if we do not cross paths before then. - MBLP "I will give this to the innkeeper on our way out."

"Let us go, friends. These look to be honorable men, in service to one who serves the valley in leadership. Fear not. Eyes alert. Heads high, for the honor of Humble's Ford. Let us go."
============
Only if the guards make a move to place hands on any of them (especially upon Alouryn or Shel) will Murphy protest, thus: "Is this how you treat those who fight to defend our valley, who are halfling lads and lasses of honor? Remove your hands. We will go, but do not embarrass yourselves by treating us with such indignity. You have my word our intentions towards you are peaceful - but we are not rebels, we will not be treated falsely as criminals of any sort. We have news the Lord Mayor needs to learn of.

Alouryn AC: 16/14/13 HP: 14/14(Vaughn) 
Monday February 24th, 2014 11:33:26 AM
"I trust your judgement Shel, we don't know anyone in this town, it could be a rouse of the enemy. Let's stay here for now if we can and wait for Master Oalkleaf."

Shel Breezelee Kromnite (Gerald) HP21/21; AC 14/14/11 
Monday February 24th, 2014 12:32:53 PM
Shel nods. "Forget you! We aren't coming out, when Okleaf gets back we will all talk about this rationally, and if he agrees, we will leave all easy peasy. Frankly, I don't trust anyone in this town, let alone someone calling themselves guards."

Not sure what kind of door and lock situation we have, but Shel intends on locking the door and waiting. Are there other exits from the room?"

Edric Lowbrook (Damian); HP: 12/26; AC: 21/13/19 
Monday February 24th, 2014 5:07:31 PM
"We're waiting for Oakleaf!" Edric barks through the door.

Eral SunstriderAC:21/12/19 HP:16/26 Spells (4/3+1/0+0)(A. Skomrock) 
Monday February 24th, 2014 7:14:27 PM
"threatening us with bloodshed before ever seeing us? Seems a bit proactive to me. Please go find Oakleaf. We shall come peacefully if he comes..."

Eral will turn to the group and whisper "We might not want to drag this into a fight. I'm not sure if we would survive. What about one of us going along alone ?"

Murphy sighs (Kim)  d20+13=32 ; d20+5=18 ; d20+2=20 ;
Monday February 24th, 2014 9:39:16 PM

[Note: Murphy and Hazel are in one room, door open. Edric and Eral are in one room, door closed. Shel and Alouryn are in one room, door closed.]

Murphy has come to Angel Springs many, many times with his father and other family members. Does he recognize any of the guards who have come for them? Are they wearing the proper livery of the Lord Mayor's guard? [Perception: 32 (nat 19)] And are they who they say they are, and intend what they say they intend? [Sense Motive: 18]

If so, he will say, "Look, friends, I've seen some of these men before. They are not imposters. Despite the strange things that have happened over these past several days, I believe they are who they say they are, and we NEED to go with them at the behest of the Lord Mayor. Please, open your doors, and let us accompany them." [Diplomacy: 20]

Murphy sighs (Kim) 
Monday February 24th, 2014 9:44:49 PM
And if Murphy perceives they are NOT who they say they are, he says, "We do wish to avoid bloodshed, indeed," and he slams the door shut, and locks it. He gets Hazel's help to move a dresser or bed to wedge against the door.

He shouts so his friends in the other rooms can hear, "I am not fully convinced they are who they say they are!"

All the above ONLY if Murphy perceives they are attempting to deceive. Otherwise, go with the end of the previous post.

DM Kent 
Monday February 24th, 2014 11:22:46 PM
Murphy and hazel are at the open door of their room with 10 guards that seem to be presenting themselves, although somewhat forcefully, as Members of the Lord Mayor's personal guard. Though neither Hazel nor Murphy know any of the guards and really Murphy doesn't seem to recall their having been a uniformed guard for the Lord Mayor before, t(though he has been away for some time) the tabards the guards are wearing look an awful lot like what the Lord Mayor's personal seal, that is used on documents and letters and such. That much he is sure of.

They do not seem to be trying to hide anything or seem particularly nervous. They do seem to be a bit brusqe and perhaps a bit full of themselves in (OOh look at me I am in charge and you aren't) kind of way. They have the air of expecting to be listened to and compled with.

It would seem to rather peculiar for someone to walk around saying they were the Lord Mayor's personal guard if they weren't. It would seem kind of easy to check on.

In response to Murphy's question about Oakleaf the Guard replies. Last I heard he was off with dealing with his men's dead bodies and such. I am sure he will be back to talk with the mayor soon enough.

The latches on the door are very simplistic and not very sturdy. basically a pivot stick that you turn one way and keeps the door closed and you turn another way and the door can open.

Shel and Alouryn call through the door, sharing their reticence to coming out and going with them.

Edric too says that he prefers to wait for Oakleaf.

Eral is unsure but supportive of his friends and suggests that maybe one of them accompanies them.

____

Now, look you here! The Lord Mayor himself has asked that we escort you across the street to speak with him. Are you coming with us or not? This will be the last time we will ask.

Murphy Bumblebee Leafwin Pipewood (Kim McCoy) 
Tuesday February 25th, 2014 2:05:25 AM

Murphy holds up his index finger, signaling just a moment. "Hazel, we need to go with them." He goes to Eral and Edric's door, "Guys, open up, let's go. This is legitimate. Come with me, let's get the girls." He waits a moment. If they don't come out, he says, "Serious, come out, or I'll ask the guards to break the door. The Mayor is waiting."

If and when they come, he goes with them to Shel & Alouryn's room. "Ladies," he says, and he looks at the guards as he says the following to get their acknowledgement. "They will not lay a hand upon you. These are gentlemanly guards. We need to see the Mayor. He needs to know what we know for the defense of the Valley. Don't be afraid. Please, come out. Hazel, Edrick, Eral and I will escort you. The guards will escort us. Lots of escorting today. Let's go, please. Pretty please. It's me, Murphy. Be brave."

Murphy tries to figure out which one seems to be in charge. "I am Murphy. Sir, your name would be?"

He drops off the note he wrote for Oakleaf with the innkeep. "Mister, if Leska or Nalfein Leafwin Pipewood from WinWord Toys & Music come looking for me, Murphy, please let them know I'll try to see them after we meet with the Lord Mayor." He leaves a platinum piece. "For your kind service, Mister Innkeep."

Hazel 17/13/15 CMD:16 HP: 33/33 (Corsario) 
Tuesday February 25th, 2014 8:32:14 AM
Hazel, with a "I told you" face keeps silent while escorting the girls to the Mayor's place.
OOC: Couldn't connect yesterday to post, seems something was wrong with the site.

Shel Breezelee Kromnite (Gerald) HP21/21; AC 14/14/11 
Tuesday February 25th, 2014 11:46:04 AM
"Murphy, this is a dumb idea! Who knows what those guards want with us? They could be escorting us somewhere to frame us again! I'm just about tired of being led by the nose and told where to have to be without being told why we have to be there! Some healthy skepticism might be called for, you know..."

She turns to Alouryn. "What do you want to do? It sounds like the rest of them have decided to go along with the 'guards'. Do we do the same?"

Alouryn AC: 16/14/13 HP: 14/14(Vaughn) 
Tuesday February 25th, 2014 12:40:14 PM
To Shel: "I don't want to be separated from our friends. If we end up in a fight we are better off together, as much as I don't trust these 'guards'. I think we should trust Murphy for now."

Edric Lowbrook (Damian); HP: 12/26; AC: 21/13/19 
Tuesday February 25th, 2014 2:22:49 PM
"I don't know about this Murphy... but I'll go along with you for now. The second things start to look bad though, I'm not holding back." Edric submits himself to the guards.

Eral SunstriderAC:21/12/19 HP:16/26 Spells (4/3+1/0+0)(A. Skomrock) 
Tuesday February 25th, 2014 6:14:43 PM
"I guess we are all going to go with you but do not think I submit myself to you unless you are placing us under arrest for a cause you have failed to mention." Eral will make sure he is armed and armored before opening the door with Edric.

DM Kent 
Tuesday February 25th, 2014 10:25:15 PM
Did we say anything about you being under arrest? We told you we were here to escort you to see the Lord Mayor.

There still seems to be quite a bit of unease about going with these "guards" but Murphy convinces them that they should go. Though as yuo all come out of your rooms it is very obvious that there is little trust that this is on the up and up as the group is decked out as if going into battle.

Murphy drops off his messages at the front with the Innkeeper who looks askance at the platinum. piece.

"Umm sir that is quite unnecessary all your needs are already being taken care of you do not need to pay to deliver messages."

The trip acrros the street and the half block kitty corner takes no time and the guards are quite relaxed about it other than they do keep five of them at the front and five bringing up the rear, with you all walking in between.

As you enter the building it is very onbvious that it is a busy day in the Mayor's office and that some sort of large meeting is going on in the big meeting room. The door is slightly open and you can hear snatches of what is going on and being said.

"... that is the 12th att... month... and .... getting ..ti.. of it."

"... heard tha... was ...killed .... and now ..."

"... swears there was a bi... n and that..."

"... what has gotten into these yo..ng half..... these days...."

"... Adventu... thi... they have all .. answers ....

The guards walk right up to the doors spread out on either side of them and open the doors for you to enter.

As you enter the room you see that it is six-sided with the side opposite you being long with two smaller doors in it on either side of a large central desk. The room actually looks like half of an octagonally shaped room (think half a stop sign).

The doors you are entering through lead to a central aisle that leads directly to the desk The other parts of the room are filled with four sections of chairs separated by slighlty narrower aisles. There are perhaps thirty or forty people in the room (mostly halflings). There are six or seven other liveried guards sprinkled in around the room, two right near the desk.

Behind the desk, and sitting in an overlarge raised chair sits an extremely rotund, much older halfling wearing quite formal attire, about 15-20 yrs out of date. Murphy will recognize him as Lord Mayor Rosco P. Hairfoot. There are four other gentlemen standing in front of the desk. They seem to be in a liveley discussion.

As you enter the mayor looks up and sees you enter and begins speaking very loudly.

"So here is a perfect example of what I was just saying. This generation of young halflings don't seem to understand proper behavior and decorum. Becoming adventurers of all things! Little better than Thugs some of them. And it isn't just our young men either. Look there are young ladies with them. What is going to happen to our valley when those with common sense, decency and an understanding of what is proper, are no longer around to guide them and ensure the proper ways of doing things."

He seems to be really getting rolling and worked up and then as you come further into the room he glares at you all and continues.

"I mean look where this life has gotten you. Yes you. Sure you won "The Games." But now you are accused of heinous crimes and consorting with who knows what kind of undesirable types. If you aren't careful you are going to end up in jail, or worse! I mean if there is a trial and you are convicted you could be hanged."

By this time he is truly worked up into a frenzy and people are looking around nervously. He continues.

"Ok everyone except you six empty this room! Go on get your miserable syncophantic selves out of here now. Let's go I need to get to the bottom of all this with these "Adventurers." (Everytime he says the word adventurers it seems like he is saying the nastiest word he knows.)

He actually at this time gets out of his seeat and begins waving his arms and moving toward people like he is ushering or herding them out of the room. Most people start leaving not so quietly and kind of grumpily but they do leave. The guards on the otherhand do not seem to be going anywhere. When he notices that he starts in on them too.

"You all are in my employ why is it that I am shooing everyone out. Fine then you all can leave too I want everyone out so I can speak with these Miscreants!"

The guards finally start moving and get everyone out and as the Mayor turns back around you see that one of the people he was talking with at the desk is still there leaning against the table waiting and watching along with the two desk guards. The halfling is fairly tall for a halfling standing near to 4 ft, and is very weel dressed and good looking. He seems to exude an air of confidence and competance.

As the Mayor sees him his face turns beet red. Rory Sourwood BadApple You have to go as well. You are not Lord Mayor as yet and until you are you will listen to me and follow my orders like everyone else. Now leave! guards please escort mr BadApple off the premises. Then return and wait with these "Adventurers" until I return."

With that he steps through the door in the back wall t the left of the desk.

The gurds escort Rory BadApple from the room and then return to their places by the desk. They do not even so much as look at any of you.


Hazel 17/13/15 CMD:16 HP: 33/33 (Corsario) 
Tuesday February 25th, 2014 11:31:03 PM
"What is going to happen to our valley when no one will guide us? The enemies of the Valley will come to kill all the old fat "proper" folk. And careful what you say of the girls, as they are very gentle and good, and don't deserve to be slandered by anyone!"

Murphy Bumblebee Leafwin Pipewood Humble's Ford (Kim McCoy)  d20+13=29 ; d20+6=15 ;
Wednesday February 26th, 2014 12:01:18 AM

Murphy observes those who stream from the office, checking to see if there are any he knows - or who may resemble others he knows. He marks expressions, signs of emotion, calculation, power, obsequiousness. Family characteristics are often discernible. Mister BadApple - Murphy and his friends are acquainted with some members of his family, certainly.

"Well, that was an energetic welcoming speech, friends," Murphy comments once they are left alone with the guards, and Rosco P. Hairfoot has gone out his back door. "I like our Lord Mayor. Didn't I tell you not to be afraid?" he asks his friends with a wink. Then, in a serious voice, he states, "We will help him and the valley as much as we can." He wonders how his friends will respond to the diatribe.

He looks around the room to see what he might see, just walking slowly, observing. If there are papers on the chairs, tables, or desks, he scans them with his eyes as quickly as he might. Not touching or moving anything, just using the senses available to him, taking in what he can. If there are no papers available to scan, he looks to see what is on the walls, the desk, the floor, the ceiling. And he strives to remember, that he might later write down his observations. Decor, mementos, furniture placement, artwork, any implements. The druid is in absorbtion mode, to allow for further evaluation now or later.

Halflings can be somewhat curious, right?

[Perception: 29; Sense Motive: 15]

Alouryn AC: 16/14/13 HP: 14/14(Vaughn) 
Wednesday February 26th, 2014 9:41:32 AM
Alouryn wonders to herself about the mentioning of Hanging and decides to keep her mouth shut for now.

Shel Breezelee Kromnite (Gerald) HP21/21; AC 14/14/11 
Wednesday February 26th, 2014 6:14:15 PM
Shel whispers to the others. "Im not sure what's going on, but I'm not sure I see a reason for us to wait around and be harassed by that fat mayor. We could knock out the guards with my spells, and get out of here and be on our way in no time. The last several days have been nothing but bothersome and getting yelled at is at the bottom of my want list."

Murphy Bumblebee Leafwin Pipewood Mayoral Chambers (Kim McCoy) 
Wednesday February 26th, 2014 6:37:27 PM

"No, Shel. Have you never gone to see a play?" Murphy whispers in return. "Pretend you are an actor in a play - and you are not the one being yelled at - rather, the character you represent is the target of the loud voice of another actor. We will not be doing anything against anyone here. Believe it or not, we are on the same side - we six, the Lord Mayor, the guards, and so forth. We are against the outside invaders. No spells. Endure the bother. A polished gem goes through rough treatment, even cutting, in order to gain its lustre."

Edric Lowbrook (Damian); HP: 12/26; AC: 21/13/19 
Wednesday February 26th, 2014 9:08:45 PM
"Shel, that plan sounds more satisfying with every passing moment. But I'm still willing to play along as long as they don't raise a hand against us."

DM Kent 
Wednesday February 26th, 2014 10:36:14 PM
Just moments have gone by and yet Hazel is defensive, Shel is ready to wreak havoc on the two guards and take off.Edric seesm to be all for that as well, but is willing to let things play out a bit.. Alouryn is pondering all the Mayor said but can't seem to get past the term "hanging." Murphy scans the room and takes a look at things but the only thing of interest is a paper on the mayor's desk that has Serabella's name on it and a list of your names as being wanted for questioning in her murder.

After just a few seconds really the door that the Mayor left through opens up and he walks back in chuckling about something and then right behind him enters Master Oakleaf. The Mayor makes his way over to his desk and scooting by Murphy takes a seat in his chair. Master Oakleaf leans against the wall by the door. Turning to his guards the mayor speaks.

"Why don't you two go join your crew out front and make sure that we are not disturbed for a while."

They leave quickly and quietly and then the mayor turns to you.

"Well, lucky for you my cousin sings high praises for you. And you have my thanks for pulling his bacon out of the fire. Now it seems we have a problem, though it is I hope not with out its solution. Sarabella is still dead. You are the last to see her die and there is no evidence tying anyone else to the murder scene. I am pretty sure and my cousin here is certain that you had nothing to do with it. However there are enough people who know why you were brought to Angel Springs that I can't just let you go, without going through with a trial. And even as innocent as you say you are and we believe you to be, without evidence or another suspect or guilty party there is a likelihood that you could be convicted and hung."

Now, I am assuming that none of us want that. So here is what I propose. we have gotten some information from your prisoners whiich may lead to the person or persons responsible for Sarabella's murder. It just so happens that some of the information ties directly to a problem that I am having as well. Over the last few months there have been reports of biguns and badduns attacking trade caravans, churches, and farmhouses throughout the edges of the Valley. The name of idefeatu has come up in conection with this as well. I am also convinced that my opponent in the next Mayoral election is somehow connected in all this, but I do not know how.

Am I correct in assuming that you would like to be the ones to bring Sarabella's murders to justice?"

Murphy Bumblebee Leafwin Pipewood Mayoral Chambers (Kim McCoy)  d20+13=32 ;
Thursday February 27th, 2014 4:16:36 AM

Murphy steps around to a point a little ways in front and off to one side of the desk. "Glad to see you, Master Oakleaf. We were a bit concerned for you when someone else came to deliver us here."

In reply to the Mayor's query, the druid says, "It is true, Lord Mayor, we were the last to see an image of our town's beloved priestess of Flower, there in the temple laid out in death, and Madame LaRue weeping over her - and that illusion we saw a week after she was killed. None of us saw her die. Two of my friends were likely the penultimate ones to see her alive - whoever killed her were the last to see her alive, and the first to see her death.

"But I will first hear my friends answer to your query."

He turns his attention to those whom he is coming to appreciate more and more, fellow members of Humble's Sword.

[Perception: 32]

Shel Breezelee Kromnite (Gerald) HP21/21; AC 14/14/11 
Thursday February 27th, 2014 12:45:01 PM
"That's fine. I'll do it for Sarabella. She deserves that. But I'm not doing it for you two," she points at Oakleaf and the Mayor. "For all we have been put through recently, I'm not going to volunteer to help either of you. To clear Hazel and Alouryn's name and to put Sarabella's killers to trial are what I plan on accomplishing. For them."

Hazel 17/13/15 CMD:16 HP: 33/33 (Corsario) 
Thursday February 27th, 2014 3:37:05 PM
"I refuse the idea that Aluoryn's name needs clearing, and mine for that matter. We didn't kill her, and lack of suspects doesn't mean that we can become your scapegoats. I REALLY don't like that you try to make us your scapegoats. And if you try to hang us Master Oakleaf can tell you that won't be easy. Nor painless. I am sure Alouryn will want justice for her friend. But not for a second think we do it for you, or to clear our names. We are doing it for Sarabella. "

DM Kent 
Thursday February 27th, 2014 10:36:56 PM

"Hmm I do not believe I ever said you would be doing this for me or Master Oakleaf, but rather for your group and for Sarabella's memory. But perhaps I was mistaken and you as a group do not want to bother yourselves with this matter. If that is the case, then have a nice day and do have a good welcome home when you get back to the Ford."

ADM Kim 
Friday February 28th, 2014 3:10:49 AM

Alouryn, Edrick, Eral - We are at another turning point in the story.

Please weigh in with your characters' voices.

Murphy Bumblebee Leafwin Pipewood Mayoral Chambers (Kim McCoy) 
Friday February 28th, 2014 5:35:24 AM

Murphy ignores the obvious mischaracterization of the group's intent. He attends to another matter Mayor Hairfoot raised.

"If one with aspirations to leadership consorts with outside enemies to effect attacks on the Valley's good citizens, then should that one not be cut off, hopefully brought to justice?" Murphy asks. He considers Mister BadApple and the character qualities of his progeny. Is it he who is among those inside the valley who is doing such? Or is he innocent in this matter? the halfling wonders to himself.

He pauses for a moment, then changes direction. "My friends and I have been treated with suspicion, were placed under the cloud of arrest for these past few days, and entered this room to hear you berating us and our kind. Perhaps the warmth of your initial, uh, words of welcome, helped to kindle the fire of my friends' replies. I would guess, Lord Mayor, that perhaps a portion of your words to those earlier assembled were dealing with political realities. Dealing straight with us will prove more productive. You may discern it is unlikely either Hazel or Shel will become sycophants.

"How about this? You, sir, Lord Mayor Hairfoot, and Master Oakleaf, and the Lord Baron if necessary, acknowledge formally, in writing, that we are innocent of the charges against us. Apologize to Alouryn Buttercup Bumblebottom and to Bob Danderfluff Larue for the mistaken accusation." He looks around at his friends.

"We already have a desire to find the killers. We had that desire when we first learned of her death, and needed no coercion to do so - who knows whether this side trip hindered us from doing so? Why in the Wold did the investigation not enlist the aid of a cleric who can speak with dead to ask Sarabella Lovesong herself who took her life? Would that have been too simple?" He pauses for breath. "And who is next on their list of assassinations?"

Looking at the blank sheets of paper he carried across the street, Murphy adds, "I have notes on our findings and observations. Perhaps I can write a summary you can pass to appropriate militia and civilian leadership. Perhaps the WLA should be included among those notified."

Hazel 17/13/15 CMD:16 HP: 33/33 (Corsario) 
Friday February 28th, 2014 8:48:35 AM
"Don't be mistaken, we will defend the valley and look for Sarabella's killer, with your help, without it, or against you, if needed. So you are the ones that need to decide if to help up, ignores us or face us. I would prefer for you to help, as we all need to stand together. But I don't fear facing you. "

Shel Breezelee Kromnite (Gerald) HP21/21; AC 14/14/11 
Friday February 28th, 2014 11:14:50 AM
"Perhaps this group could have already dealt with this matter if we weren't trussed up, arrested, and paraded through the streets as we were brought here. But, like I said earlier, I think its safe to say that we will conduct our own search into Sarabella's death. She was kind of us, and especially to Alouryn. We will find her killer and bring them to justice whether its one of our kind, a big'un mage, or whatever."

Edric Lowbrook (Damian); HP: 12/26; AC: 21/13/19 
Friday February 28th, 2014 7:08:07 PM
"I can swear that neither I nor any of my companions was involved in Sarabella's death. She was a good woman and her killers deserve their justice. For her sake and the good names of my friends, we will find them and bring them to justice. And we can't do that while we are held in this farce."

Eral SunstriderAC:21/12/19 HP:16/26 Spells (4/3+1/0+0)(A. Skomrock) 
Sunday March 2nd, 2014 1:45:18 PM
"I agree with Murphy here. I want a written and sealed proclamation that we are innocent of guilt and then we will talk about what to do next. I do not want to be going around while still under the suspicion of being murders. We would be glad to help solve this mystery as long as we get your cooperation as well."

DM Kent 
Sunday March 2nd, 2014 10:56:56 PM
Well now a good bit of that can be taken care of now but some of it will have to wait upon your return with the guilty party either dead and with evidence or alive and talking.

I think I can speak for Oakleaf and myself, and are truly sorry for our part in the charade that brought you here, but it was necessary. Someone put quite a bit of effort into framing you all for the deed, and in order to flush them out we had to, well you know. Now, I can not speak for the Baron as he is currently unavailable. However, I am sure that we can arrange for a written and announced proclamation of your innocence once you have completed this job and returned to Angel Springs.

Now wait, there are reasons for this. It will be safer for all of you if for the time being you are believed to be in custody and undergoing questioning, as it may lull those in collusion with the responsible parties and the ones responsible, into a false sense of security, let them show their hand, and allow you to actually have a bit more freedom of movement. We fear there are plots afloat that involve the entire Valley and perhaps the destruction of the Giant Towers.

We will gladly share what little information we have and may have a few things that may help you on your way as well.

Well what do you think?

Alouryn (Kim for Vaughn) 
Sunday March 2nd, 2014 11:08:11 PM

"Lord Mayor, you don't know how much I loved my ... Sarabella Lovesong." Tears well in Alouryn's eyes.

"She gave us love, and hope, and joy. And those things are robbed by whoever took her, her life. The peace is gone. How can... how can... and then people like you, you yell, and roar - then get all nice - how can - and we get attacked - goblins, orcs, ogres, ugly dogs. Even other halflings attack us. It - it is not supposed to be that way."

The devotee of Flower tries to compose herself, but she is on edge. "For there to be love in the valley, something must be done about these who show no love, who come to kill and destroy." She takes a deep breath, and another. "I will bring healing to the valley, in Flower's name. And support my friends who defend against those who bring harm." By now, tears line her face, but her countenance is resolute.

Alouryn AC: 16/14/13 HP: 14/14(Vaughn) 
Monday March 3rd, 2014 10:39:11 AM
ooc: sorry but had another major turning point in my life last week, back now

Edric Lowbrook (Damian); HP: 12/26; AC: 21/13/19 
Monday March 3rd, 2014 4:47:02 PM
"If it means bringing her murderer to justice,we will gladly play the accused.

Hazel 17/13/15 CMD:16 HP: 33/33 (Corsario) 
Monday March 3rd, 2014 7:34:14 PM
Hazel looks mad as hell, but keeps silent.
He don't like the idea of Alouryn getting accused, nor the "blah-blah-blah" of the Mayor. But he knows he has to work with them, at least for the time being.

Shel Breezelee Kromnite (Gerald) HP21/21; AC 14/14/11 
Monday March 3rd, 2014 10:54:27 PM
"What choice do we have? We'll play along, while finding the killers. We need all your information, so that we can figure out a place to start the search.". Shel wasn't happy, but this was the only option she saw before her at this time.

Murphy Bumblebee Leafwin Pipewood Mayoral Chambers (Kim McCoy) 
Tuesday March 4th, 2014 1:39:54 AM
Murphy takes in the revelation of Rosco P. Hairfoot. So, a charade which started with whoever did the deed against the high priestess - or was the charade instigated by Morro Goodbarrel Oakleaf when his interrogation of the members of Humble's Sword caused him to doubt that they were guilty of the deed? How deep and wide did this go?

Theadric Orgulas, Crystal BadApple and Pirnook DeepPockets were the ones who testified that they had seen us in the vicinity that night. Why did they not mention that a few members of the group there the night that Sarabella was killed were not present a week later, when the group learned of her death?

Ach. There's nothing for all this cogitation - time should uncover more pieces of the puzzle. Children - and adults - especially the older folks of the valley - have long enjoyed the mixed up wooden puzzles his father put together. Some were simple, some complex. Murphy's mother and one of his sisters painted a thin, solid piece of wood. Then his father, sometimes helped by one of his brothers, would use tiny saws to cut the whole piece into various shapes. The idea was to get them scrambled, then find what pieces fit where to re-assemble the whole picture. People call them Orby Puzzles. Orby is one of Murphy's paternal uncles - famous for making good pipes, telling captivating tales, and is considered a valley expert on cultivating nut trees - hazelnut, oaks, chestnuts, pecans, walnuts.

Stop thinking about these distracting things, Murphy.

"Shel - remember what I said about playing a role? Well, now is your chance. Alouryn - you would like to become a minstrel in time, yes? I'd guess we are at the beginning of a story that may long be told."

He turns to the mayor and the baron's man. "Not that we'll be telling the story anytime soon, except to you and those few who may need to know, and who can be discrete."

He looks to Hazel, and can almost sense a bit of steam coming from his ears. "Sirs, you said that this will need to remain hidden until the actual plotters and murderers are uncovered. We will agree to that, with this requirement. You will write a document, with your signature, Master Oakleaf, and with your signature and seal, Lord Mayor, which states that we have been examined and found innocent of the death of Sarabella Lovesong - with each of our names. You will give that to us. We will hide it away where no one may find it, and will not allow it to be revealed until we have carried out our investigation, until it be known who did the foul deed. Also, please provide it in one sealed envelope - we shall watch the sealing, and witness the placement. Then three sets of blank parchment of the same dimensions and with a similar volume of wax used by the Mayoral seal, but with this to make the impression," and here Murphy takes a hard ceramic mug from the side of his waist, and points to the round bottom, "and shall be placed in three other envelopes of the same size as the signed document. These three envelopes shall be sealed in like manner. We will take the envelope with the signed document, and two with the blank documents. You shall keep one of the blank documents. The parchment and envelopes should be small, perhaps three inches by five inches. The text is not long, so I trust it will fit in such a size."

"And, with that, we await your recommendations, plans and insights. You are older than we, and more canny in how things work in the Valley. Our ears are open."

Hazel 17/13/15 CMD:16 HP: 33/33 (Corsario) 
Tuesday March 4th, 2014 2:58:10 AM
Hazel nods at Murphy's idea. What a clever lad he is!

Alouryn AC: 16/14/13 HP: 14/14(Vaughn) 
Tuesday March 4th, 2014 9:55:12 AM
Alouryn has learned to trust Murphy's judgement and offers no objections.

So this is how she finally gets to travel abroad: as an accused murderer of the one she loves most, in search of the true killer. At least she is in good company, and to them she must now trust.

DM Kent 
Tuesday March 4th, 2014 10:19:13 AM
The Mayor listens to what Murphy has to say and quickly responds. "I think we can agree to that."

That said he moves quickly to his desk and writes out the requested statement and both he and Oakleaf sign it and seal it along with the other requested papers and envelopes.

Handing them to Murphy, he nods. I like the way you think and take precautions, though you should now, and I am not trying to stir up trouble of in any way cause distress or distrust, but you do realaize that if you just run off and disappear or do not do what you are agreeing to, there is a faction of people out there who will not believe that note wasn't coerced, no matter how much we argue to the contrary. I mean there are six of you, well armed and young and just two of us.....

Anyway, let me tell you what we know., and or think we know. And I will be quite frank, it isn't very much.

I do not have evidence to this but I believe my opponent, Rory Sourwood BadApple, is somehow involved in all this. There are rumors that he is the head of "The Night Whisperers." knowledge local DC 15[ spoiler]"The Night Whisperers" are the pre-emminent thieves / assassins guild of the Crescent Valley[/spoiler] That said a number of things have shown up in his shop that were supposedly on some of the wagons that have been roobed over the last 10 months (of course none of them show up until months later and always with a verifiable bill of lading).

Like your group, most of the raided caravans have been attacked near the Trees of Discord. And all of the attacks including the raided farms, inns, homesteads, and temples, etc. have been right along the border to the Red Hills.

We have garnered the name of Idafeatu as the leader of this crew and that his base of operations is somewhere near the border in the Red Hills. It is said that he is an Orge Mage of some power and that his followers men orc, halfling and bigguns as well willingly follow him and all but whorship him. Normally he has his people divided up in to smaller strike forces of 8-10 people and only keeps 4 or 5 trusted people around him at the base camp. It is thought that he has around 150 folk in his "tribe" including women and children.

There is a twin brother out there somewhere, his name is Noyudint and it is rumored that there is bad blood between the two of them.

Some of the other things that we have heard but have no evidence of. In addition to his campaign of thievery, Idafeatu is supposedly trying to garner support for an all out attack on the Cescent Valley by Bigguns emanating from the Red Hills and headed up by the ogres and hill giants that are there. They feel, as there are no towers to the south, that that must be the weak spot in the Valley's defenses. And they may be right.

If this proves to be true, and their first push into the valley is successful, it is rumored that the northern giants will be invading the Culverwwod and making their way westward and around to the Red Hills to join them.

Now the issue becomes how do we get you out of here without being seen or followed or noticed on the road.

There is a tunnel from my back room to the other side of the wall. We will have seven ponies there waiting for you. On the extra pony you will find 4 hats of disguise, 4 potions that will enlarge you, and 2 potions of invisibility. Hopefully these will help you in some way. You will also find food supplies for two weeks and 4 extra waterskins.

Do you have any questions before I show you the way out.

Murphy Bumblebee Leafwin Pipewood Mayoral Chambers (Kim McCoy) 
Tuesday March 4th, 2014 3:33:44 PM

"Yes. Some of my gear is back at the inn. Can someone get those items for me and my friends?" Murphy asks.

"You do know that there is a half ogre / half ogre mage in Hovel, Lomar? He is a bard of the drum, and, after initial concerns, has become a valued member of the community, along with his goblin friend, Bobbles. No one can pull stumps better than Lomar. He may be a good resource in planning against the giants, for he loves the halflings. Has lived there for about seven years - he taught me the giant tongue.

"Also, were my messages to my sister and brother at our family store delivered, or blocked? I just want to know, and always appreciate the truth."

Edric Lowbrook (Damian); HP: 12/26; AC: 21/13/19 
Tuesday March 4th, 2014 6:22:43 PM
"I think that is all we'll need to take on the problem. We should head back to the area where our caravan was raided and patrol the area. Maybe this will bring us the lead to find this Idafeatu."

Hazel 17/13/15 CMD:16 HP: 33/33 (Corsario) 
Tuesday March 4th, 2014 7:38:20 PM
Hazel will need to ask for someone to take care of Faoil, as he doesn't know a way to take him without letting all the people know where he is.

Shel Breezelee Kromnite (Gerald) HP21/21; AC 14/14/11 
Tuesday March 4th, 2014 9:18:22 PM
"Is there any information on the twin brother? Any information he might have could be important,especially if the two of them aren't close. If we go back, we need to be careful in that Trees of Discord area, though. Last thing we need is more trouble there. Are we going to try and push into the Red Hills, or are we just going to skirt the border? We need a clear plan before we run off all half cocked."

Eral SunstriderAC:21/12/19 HP:16/26 Spells (4/3+1/0+0)(A. Skomrock) 
Tuesday March 4th, 2014 9:27:15 PM
"I agree with Murphy as usual. Please have someone bring our gear from the inn. Also, Could you send this donation to the Church of Domi in our name for protection of us and those who need protection?"[b]

Eral will hand the Lord Mayor 30g

[b]"I think either heading off to the caravan or heading to the Red Hills would work. I don't have much knowledge of this area so I will leave the choice into someone else's hands"

DM Kent 
Tuesday March 4th, 2014 10:15:30 PM
your messages were sent as asked.
We could arrange to have your dog released outside of the city if he could find you. If not we can keep him here or send him back to Humbles Ford.

I'm afraid there is little else known about his brother.

I will ensure that you donation to Domi's temple gets to where it needs to go.

******

Questions are asked and answered. The gear you left at the hotel is recovered and you are fed an afternoon snack while the ponies and such are readied for you.

Soon you are hustled into the back room and through a trap door. You drop about 10 feet down via some steps and are soon making your way along a well made and smooth floored passage way. You seem to travel about 30 minutes when you notice that the tunnel is beginning to incline slightly.

The passage ends suddenly in what appears to be another trap door above you.

Hazel 17/13/15 CMD:16 HP: 33/33 (Corsario)  d20+11=23 ; d20+10=20 ;
Wednesday March 5th, 2014 12:57:02 AM
OOC: If possible I would prefer to keep Faoil with Hazel, if not, too bad, he will ask for them to keep it well fed and cared for here, until Hazel returns.
Hazel quietly opens the trap door and peeks outside.
Stealth Check: 23
Perception Roll: 20

Murphy Bumblebee Leafwin Pipewood Mayoral Chambers (Kim McCoy)  d20+6=7 ; d20+6=26 ; d20+6=24 ;
Wednesday March 5th, 2014 3:45:43 AM
As they wait to have their gear delivered, Murphy writes a three-and-a-half-page summary of what they have learned beginning from the night before the competition began with the wild man who warned them about biguns coming, through the attack on them along the way here.

"Mister May... Lord Mayor, I mean, this is a summary of what we have learned to add to what other things you know. And when will someone post warning signs outside of the Trees of Discord? Just wondering. Oh, and do you have any maps of the Red Hills that a few of our people can look over? Edrick? Hazel, Alouryn - anyone else take a look if there is something to see."

He hands another little piece of paper with a quick note on it, addressed to Leska Rose, WinWood T&M.
Leska & Nalf,
Sorry. Gotta run. Pray for me and my friends. Put the versus ramol puzzles out when you can.
Love,
Bumblebee
"Can you get this to my sister at WinWood Toys & Music?"

He tries on a hat of disguise. "Is there a mirror around?" He tries to see what he can do with it. He goes for a broad straw hat, then a rumpled felt hat, and a greasy cook's hat. He goes back to the rumpled felt variant.

"If we're going underground, then just bring Faoil, Hazel. Put a hat on him and disguise him as a giant badger," he jokes. "They have tunnels in Plateau City, too, according to some family conversations, and a map that Kendry laid on our table one night. I just didn't know we had any here." Then he thinks to ask his friends, "Does anyone know how to change Faoil's fur color? Shel, do you? Or Eral? Anyone?"

Before they depart, he says, "Master Morro Goodbarrel Oakleaf, thank you for your confidence in us. I am very, very pleased that you and we made it through that battle. We mourn with you the loss of your three men, and I shall pray for their families. Please keep yourself well, sir." He extends his hand to shake Oakleaf's. As they shake hands, he says, seriously, "We did not start out well. I have come to trust you," then, with a wee smile on his face, "to an extent." As he releases his hand, he gives him a respectful nod.

"Lord Mayor, we have just met. May you govern wisely as you lead our people through this troubled time. Let's see how we all do. Good luck. Wish us the same." He gives him a salute as he descends into the tunnel. He calls up, "Do we get to make up names for these ponies?"

He approaches one pony, and it rears as he comes beside it. [handle animal 7 - nat 1]. "All right, this pony does not like me yet." He quickly acquaints himself with two more. The first one he decides is quite compatible [handle animal 26 - nat 20]. He checks. "A mare. I'll call you Tulip." [or, if the ponies do not come until we are up and out of the tunnel, then save this interaction for then.]

At the end of the tunnel, Murphy asks Hazel quietly, "So, what do you see, buddy?"

[Note to DM: Can I somehow get any stuff from the Catacombs I bought as well as stuff I've won in the L&B lotto to take with?]

Kent: Yes your catacombs stuff was mysteriously with your other gear at the Hotel. :>)

Alouryn AC: 16/14/13 HP: 14/14(Vaughn) 
Wednesday March 5th, 2014 1:54:51 PM
Alouryn will drag her feet behind the group. It seems like everything that happens makes their path more dangerous. She looks forward to being outside the walls and seeing flowers again.

Edric Lowbrook (Damian); HP: 12/26; AC: 21/13/19 
Wednesday March 5th, 2014 4:39:46 PM
"Despite being let in on the scheme, I still feel like they might say we escaped and arrest us again. Is it safe to step out Hazel?"

Shel Breezelee Kromnite (Gerald) HP21/21; AC 14/14/11 
Wednesday March 5th, 2014 6:13:12 PM
Id say the Murphy,,as leader, should hand out the magic items to the group as he feels fit.

Shel falls in line behind the others. "Sorry, guys, I don't know how to do that sort of Prestidigitation magic yet. It's not clicked for me so far. Maybe some day.". She reaches for a hat, seeing if the others,would complain if she takes one. The neat abilities of it just might be enough to shake her out of her doldrums that have had such a hold on her the last several days.

"Be careful up there. The way things are around here, we'd better make sure we aren't being set up, by going through this trapdoor."

Eral SunstriderAC:21/12/19 HP:16/26 Spells (4/3+1/0+0)(A. Skomrock) 
Wednesday March 5th, 2014 7:03:37 PM
"I'll guard our backs as we go up. I'm sure enough do not want me letting everyone in the area know we are here."

DM Kent 
Wednesday March 5th, 2014 7:34:57 PM
Murphy writes his summary of events and the note which Oakleaf says he will deliver and then says his goodbyes.

As Hazel begins to lift the trap door upward, He hears what seem to be some heavy foot steps and the jingling of metal. After a moment's pause he realizes it sounds like the scuffling of pony hooves and the jingle of bits and curb chains from bridles.

Opening the door further he realizes that he is in the rear corner of what must be an old rarely used nearly collapsed old lean-to type animal shed.

As Hazel lets everyone know it is good to go and climbs up and out, the ponies nicker and flick their ears at your arrival. In front of him ground camp tied are seven ponies tacked up and ready to go; six for riding and one laden with a pack saddle.

On the pack pony you find the hats of disguise the potions and the rest of the provisions promised.

Once you are all out and take a look around you realize that the tunnel has taken you all the way under the river and you are now on the southeastern side of the river acroos from Angel springs. If you look at the map of A.S. you are near to being between the f and the d of Defender Manor.

It probably isn't more than about 20 minutes to the Old Trader road. At best estimate you have about an hour, maybe two, of daylight left today and another long day's ride to the Trees of Discord.

Hazel 17/13/15 CMD:16 HP: 33/33 (Corsario)  d20+10=20 ;
Wednesday March 5th, 2014 10:28:54 PM
"Let's go people... we have some murderers to catch, and a valley to save!"
Hazel finds himself a ice pony, and wish Faoil is ok where ever he is. As always, he will go in front.
Perception Roll: 20

Murphy Bumblebee Leafwin Pipewood Ponies & Hats (Kim McCoy)  d20+3=8 ; d20+13=32 ;
Thursday March 6th, 2014 5:34:05 AM
Backtracking in time just a smidge
"The Night-Whisperers? Who are they?" Murphy asks when the Mayor brings up Rory BadApple's possible connection to them. [Knowledge, local: 8]

About the dog
"Say, Hazel, why not have them do that? Release Faoil outside the city. He has a good nose. Up to you, though."

Along the tunnel
Murphy looks at the construction and composition - how is the tunnel supported? Are there any obvious side-passages or doors? [Perception: 32]

With the ponies
Murphy settles on the pony he names Tulip. "Let's all choose names for our ponies. Whoever rides it gets to choose. My mare is Tulip - unless she tells me otherwise." He begins placing some of the gear he has been hauling onto the pack pony, but reserves some to carry on his pony. There he finds the hats and potions. "Tell me if you want to carry a potion." He reads the label on each

"Hazel, Alouryn - each of you need to put on a hat of disguise. Figure out how to look different from how you usually look. Now, that leaves us with two more. I'm open to whoever wants to wear one, tell me. If only one wants one, then I'll take the other - but you - Shel, Eral and Edrick - get to decide first."

He looks to see how the others are getting on with the ponies. If any need help, he assists. He'll offer what he knows about riding (a little bit) to any who don't have experience riding a pony.

"Shall we head out, then?" he asks the group once everyone look reasonably ready.

"Also - if we are travelling semi-incognito - what's our story?" He engages in conversation with his friends as they head in the direction of Old Trader's Road. "Oh, and I have a few interesting things to share with you. I'll tell you about them as we ride along."

Map of Crescent Valley where you can see Defender Manor in the lower right corner of the map.

Hazel 17/13/15 CMD:16 HP: 33/33 (Corsario) 
Thursday March 6th, 2014 6:53:05 AM
Hazel takes the hat of disguise, and blushing a little, assumes what he thinks (and no one else would) is a handsomer form, with red hair and freckles. A bad idea of what someone would think Alouryn likes in a Halfling. When she uses the hat, he will turn towards her, smiling, with a different voice.
"Hi, I am Bob! Can I tell you you are a really beautiful girl?"

Alouryn AC: 16/14/13 HP: 14/14(Vaughn) 
Thursday March 6th, 2014 11:15:24 AM
"Why thank you Bob, I am Buttercup"
Alouryn will use the hat to change her hair blond and her robes to brown. Her colourful patchwork pants and white blouse will also be brown. She will go by her middle name for now.

Shel Breezelee Kromnite (Gerald) HP21/21; AC 14/14/11 
Thursday March 6th, 2014 3:00:36 PM
Shel helps herself to a hat. "Lets'g et going," she exclaims as she uses the hat to make herself appear much wider, and with a crooked nose, laughing at her image as she does so.

Eral Sunstrider AC:21/12/19 HP:16/26 Spells (4/3+1/0+0) (Kim for A. Skomrock)  d20=17 ; d20+1=14 ; d20-3=8 ; d20+6=16 ; d2=1 ; d20+6=10 ; d2=1 ;
Thursday March 6th, 2014 4:44:43 PM
Eral thanked the leaders for assuring him the donation would go to the temple of Domi.

He says to the druid, "I think the Night Whisperers are a group of thieves and assassins here in the valley, Murphy. Haven't you heard of them?" [Knowledge local: 17]

As he followed the group through the tunnel, he also looked around here and there to the sides and up above to see if there might be other openings along the path of the long exit. [Perception: 16]

He looks around the ramshackle shed to see if there are any things there the group might be overlooking - but it looks like they've found what is to be found. [Perception: 10] "Yeah, I don't need a hat, I think," he says.

He chooses a pony that seems at first glance to look fairly calm. [Handle animal 14] "That's a good boy." Once mounted, he manages somehow to stay in the saddle, but is none too comfortable with the experience [Ride, untrained, 8].

Seeing Shel, Eral laughs. "Looks like you've been well fed there, Shel. So, are you going to take a different name, like Bob and Buttercup did?"

Edric Lowbrook (Damian); HP: 12/26; AC: 21/13/19 
Thursday March 6th, 2014 7:31:02 PM
"Let me get one of those hats." He adjusts the hat to make himself heavier looking with chubby red cheeks and curly blond hair. "That should make me look like a harmless non-fugitive"


DM Kent 
Friday March 7th, 2014 12:01:09 AM
You each pick out your ponies and four of you put on and experiment a bit with the hats. The ponies are pretty much non descript hill ponies. Sturdy, steady and great travelers, just not real speedy. No one should take a second glance at you because of them in any case.

You all get under way and fairly quickly make it back to the trader road an you figure at a steady pace you can get another 4-6 miles down the road past the main gates before it gets to dark to set up camp and travel further.

As you reach the turnoff to the main gates that you entered before, things are starting to really get pretty tight with all the folk pushing to get inside before darkness falls and you find yourselves traveling almost off the road in single file, in the area between the road and the drainage ditch.

As the evening ends and night starts to come on you find yourselves near by an area that several small groups of halfling families are suing as a camp.

Press on into the night or stop and set up camp?

Murphy, a.k.a. Bombo Gardner Camping Site (Kim McCoy) 
Friday March 7th, 2014 2:45:56 AM
Heading to the road

"Edric - you look... less formidable!" Murphy comments as Edric adapts his looks. He enjoys seeing the changes in his other friends, too.

As they set out from the shack, Murphy begins to explain some of the 'things' he wanted to share.

"Just wanted to let you know that I'd made some quiet arrangements, and was able to get a few things dropped off at the inn with my stuff. A few items might prove useful. Plus I have a few things I picked up earlier, but have not really explained to you."

[Note: I put the dates the items were obtained from The Giggling Ghost or from the Loot 'n Booty - any of you can win weekly prizes just by following the current rules as announced at the Loot 'n Booty almost every week, and the Giggling Ghost on special occasions]

"Here is what we made the alternative seals with for the extra envelopes," Murphy explains, holding out the mug at his waist.
1. 12/15/2013 A 20-ounce unadorned yet unusually rugged cream-color ceramic mug, believed to be a Teucri artifact. Maintains beverage temperature for quite a while. Only damaged if the mug fails 'crushing blow' save (as though it were steel) three times in a row.

2. 12/21/2013 Leather bag of Red Hills jerked venison - One piece of this spicey dried venison can provide all the nutrition a person needs for a day. The bag holds 25 strips of the Red Hills' best. [20 strips left]

"Now, some of you have seen Shel's Wardd stone. I have something that might be of interest to us some time in the future. Who knows, maybe we can go to one or both of our moons."
3. 12/25/2013 Faces of our Moons' A small illustrated booklet containing detailed drawings of the surfaces of the two moons of the Wold, Kerracles and Wardd

"If someone gets real hungry, or for trading with other halflings," Murphy suggests.
4. 12/27/2013 Bread surprise. This favorite halfling treat can be a meal in its own right. What's inside? Eat it (or tear the outer crust off) to find out. Will remain fresh for up to 1 year (or 1 day after the crust is broken, whichever comes first).

"Hey - what?" As Murphy opens the top of the basket, a swift paw launches forth and swipes at his finger, just missing. "Who is that?" he asks. He reaches in, and pulls up by the nape of the neck a calico cat. As he tucks her into his arms, the cat says, "Mmrrrau?"
5. 1/4/2014 A sturdy one-pound black and gray basket, large enough for a creature the size of a cat. Contains one calico cat. Owner of prize responsible for naming, care and feeding of cat. Answers to a little bell (included), if the ringing of the bell is regularly accompanied by treats. One small bag of cat treats included. Also 1 catnip-filled toy mouse. Good mouser. [Winner can determine name and gender of animal in the basket. Prize committee not responsible - for anything]

6. 1/3/2014 Blank wizard's spellbook with 200 parchment pages, but the same dimensions and weight as a normal wizard's spellbook

7. 12/13/2013 A sturdy, darkwood gavel. Gives a very satisfying "thunk" sound when knocked on another piece of wood. It can serve as a symbol of Pantheon.

"I'm not certain we need this for where we're going at the moment," he comments.
8. 12/14/2013 A ship in a bottle. The ship flies the colours of the Pirates of Jack.

9. 12/24/2013 A wooden coin counter. Useful for sorting and counting any sort of coin.

"Alouryn, you said you might want to become a minstrel." He takes out of a case the following, and hands it over to 'Buttercup.' "Give it a strum."
10. 01/20/2014 The Baliset of El Kabong
The baliset is a nine-stringed musical instrument, lineal descendant of the zithra, tuned to the Chusuk scale and played by strumming. The baliset is a favorite instrument of Imperial troubadors.

This item is a masterwork stringed instrument. It can also be gripped by the neck and used as a weapon, acting as a masterwork greatclub. You cannot maintain a performance if you choose to use it as a weapon.

"The following could be very helpful, if used in the right circumstances," Murphy suggests.
11. 01/28/2014 Seeker Stones
Planar groups use seeker stones to locate friends and companions. These items come in a set of two perfectly clear peridot balls. To activate a seeker stone, all a body has to do is speak the command words inscribed into the bottom of the matching stone.

Once activated, a stone homes in on its match, if it is within 10 miles. A glowing arrow appears in the center of the translucent ball, pointing toward the other stone as a compass homes in on magnetic north. The arrow grows fatter and brighter as it's carried closer to its mate. When the matching stone is within 5 feet, the arrow abruptly died - if a berk can't figure out how to find the companion stone from here, he doesn't deserve to find it. If the distance between the two increases again before the enchantment is deactivated, the seeker stone flares into life again (speaking the command words in reverse dispels the power).

Either stone can be activated to seek its mate, though the uses are independent of each other. In other words, both, either, or neither one may be activated at a given time.

Although the stones have a range of only 10 miles, the chant whispers of seeker stones that can actually span planar boundaries. But don't place too much stock in the rumor, berk. No reliable blood has ever reported seeing such as set.

"Eral - this is for you, for it can go to no other." He hands him the following.
12. 02/19/2014 You win a small silver ring. Inscribed on the surface of the band in flowing script are the letters W.W.D.D., which as most Woldians know is an initialism for the humbling and thought-provoking question, What Would Domi Do? While wearing the ring, as a standard action that does not provoke an attack of opportunity, you may rub the ring with your thumb. You become aware of any action or item that would be found damaging to or unbecoming of a follower of Domi, including magical effects. This effect is identical to the detect evil spell (CL1st). It can be used once, and becomes a mundane silver ring worth 5gp afterwards.

"So, talk it over, let me know if you want anything in particular. I do want to hold on to the cup, the cat, and the booklet - though any may borrow them from me - or play with the cat. I think I shall name the cat... Cora. Cora Callico."

Names

"So, we have Bob (Hazel), and Buttercup (Alouryn). My second name is Bumblebee - so, why not call me... Bombo? Bombo Gardner, at your service.

"Now, Edric - what name would you choose? And Eral? And Shel? Everyone choose a new name. It will help to keep people with associating us with ... whoever they may think our own names represent. And, it will be fun. Like being characters in a play." He scratches his nose. "We need to practice saying each others' names, so let's do it while we ride along."

"Also - what is our story? Why are we traveling together? Where are we going? Maybe we have been asked by an herbalist to gather some ingredients for her from the Red Hills. Does that sound all right? If not, what ideas do you have?"

Campsite

"What say we camp here for the night?" 'Bombo' suggests, pointing out a spot not yet claimed among the gathered halfling families. "We might be able to pick up a few stories from among them, make a friend or two. And get some sleep without risking falling into some ditch in the middle of the night."

Alouryn AC: 16/14/13 HP: 14/14(Vaughn) 
Friday March 7th, 2014 1:22:16 PM
"Thanks so much Murphy, that's a very thoughtful gift!"
Alouryn tucks her ribbon whip under her brown cloak and carries the string instrument instead.
" I know how to dance and tell stories now I have to learn to play this fine instrument as well."

Hazel 17/13/15 CMD:16 HP: 33/33 (Corsario) 
Friday March 7th, 2014 2:32:02 PM
'Bob' smiles charmingly to 'Buttercup'
"Buttercup? What a delightful name! May I accompany you on this trip? Please consider me at your service... "
When the night comes he seconds 'Bombo':
"This is a good place, and we shouldn't appear too much in a hurry."

Shel Breezelee Kromnite (Gerald) HP21/21; AC 14/14/11 
Friday March 7th, 2014 5:08:25 PM
"Ive always thought the name 'Tessara' was pretty. Call me that or 'Tess' for short. Now other than names, we end to come up with a reason for travel. If we had more instruments, we could be a traveling minstrel group. Without them, however, that one would be tough to pass muster. Perhaps we could be merchants, if we don't let the wagon get searched."

OOC: we do have a wagon, don't we?

Edric Lowbrook (Damian); HP: 12/26; AC: 21/13/19 
Friday March 7th, 2014 5:09:14 PM
"I shall be Posco Bolger. And your story sounds believable, Murphy..., I mean Bombo. Let's use it." Edric yawns. "I think setting up camp might be best. We all need some rest after today."

Shel Breezelee Kromnite (Gerald) HP21/21; AC 14/14/11 
Friday March 7th, 2014 5:10:57 PM
After deciding on her name, 'Tess' asked Murphy to see the illustration book about the moons of the planet. She leafed through the booklet thoroughly for a good half hour before she handed it back to him. "Wow, what a neat book. We've got to keep finding out more information on those moons!"

Murphy, a.k.a. Bombo Gardner Camping Site (Kim McCoy) 
Saturday March 8th, 2014 2:14:56 AM

"I'd love to listen to you play it, once you figure it out, Buttercup," 'Bombo' answers with a smile.

"Tessara - yes, beautiful name. Oh, sorry - we don't have a wagon this time, though one might be handy." He is happy to let her read through the moons booklet, which he himself studied during part of the carriage ride to Angel Springs.

"Posco? Posco it is, Mister Bolger. All right - so, we are on assignment, gathering herbs. If we are asked who hired us, it was a druid," Bombo recommends for what the group is about. "Anything else any asks you about our purpose, just change the subject and ask them what they are doing out here. You can direct them to me - I know plants pretty well, so might be able to satisfy their curiosity."

"Eral - how about you? How about you be a cleric of Domi - and we can call you... Loren?"

As they set up camp, the druid has one small tent. "The women can use this. The rest of us will need to sleep under the stars." He asks for help, then sets up the tent. "Too bad our singing friend is not here helping," he mentions with a smile.

He will spend a little time walking around the area, giving a cordial, but not too nosy greeting to those gathered here. If he sees a family that looks worn or hungry, he may offer them his bread surprise, and a few sticks of jerky. He does not extend his charity too widely - only to whoever looks to need it the most. "How are things going?" Just light conversation as travelers who share a road or a campsite might engage in. If any seem talkative, he may also ask, "You all know anything about some of the rumors going about?" Halflings love rumors. If anyone asks him, he'll say he's heard about a few goblins who were seen to the south of the valley recently.

"Friends, let's set watches. I'll take last in the early morning, and we should have perhaps three more. Who will help?"

[b]A question for DM Kent - From sunset to sunrise, how many hours pass around these parts? -Kim

DM Kent 
Saturday March 8th, 2014 11:56:06 AM
---
Murphy hands out a few little gifts

Allouryn plucks a string or two thinking about learning to play.

Names are bandied about.

Sunset to sunrise roughly 10 hours

Sorry no wagon

There was a large canvas that is intended to be used as a lean-to like structure on the pack pony.

-----------

Camp is set up and your group is kind of watched warily by several of the families with children, but noone approaches your group at any time.

The night almost passes without incident. The early morningg arrives far to early to your liking with the sounds of children and women yelling and general uproar. Horses, ponis and donkeys are all upset and trying to run.

There is also the sound of a very deep bellowing echo of a voice. "DON"T RUN! WANT FOOD!" Want Food!"

Turning in that direction what you see in the very dim light from the burned down fires and the crescent moon, is a hunch backed 10-12 ft tall shaggy and rough-haired creature, with what appears to be a couple of small bushes and moss-like growths on its two heads and shoulders. It is very hard to see in the light as it seems to blend very well with the darkness and the landscape. Knowledge nature knowledge dungeoneering DC 16 Highlight to display spoiler: { the creature appears to be a troll}



Hazel 17/13/15 CMD:16 HP: 33/33 (Corsario)  d20+5=13 ;
Saturday March 8th, 2014 12:12:37 PM
Hazel don't recognize the creature...
"Keep the families back! Keep them safe! "
Hazel moves to be between the Halflings and the creature.
" Go away! No food here! Away! "

Murphy, a.k.a. Bombo Gardner Camping Site (Kim McCoy) 
Saturday March 8th, 2014 1:07:33 PM

Murphy / Bombo reaches into his red leather pouch, turned so that the troll cannot see where he pulls it from, and takes out a strip of jerky. In his other hand he puts the bread surprise.

He walks toward the troll. In the giant tongue, he says, "I have good food. It looks small, but it fills the belly well. Eat this - chew it well, then I have more food." He holds out the jerky. If the troll swings at him, he drops the jerky and jumps backwards (defense). If the troll simply takes the jerky, he gives him a moment to examine it, eat it, whatever, and asks in common, "Is it good? Would you like more food, so that tomorrow you eat well, too?" If the troll says yes, he says, "Tell us your name, and I give it to you." If the troll gives him a name, then he offers him the bread surprise. In giant, "Wait until tomorrow, then eat it. It is enough to satisfy for a day."

Shel Breezelee Kromnite (Gerald) HP21/21; AC 14/14/11 
Sunday March 9th, 2014 5:00:19 PM
Shel held her breath as Murphy approached the large creature. "Um, be careful what you are doing there, Mu..Bombo!" She watched him, ready to try and cast a spell to let him retreat, if the creature did not react well to the offering.

Eral SunstriderAC:21/12/19 HP:16/26 Spells (4/3+1/0+0)(A. Skomrock) 
Sunday March 9th, 2014 6:13:15 PM
Eral will move between the creature and the children. "Get the children back until we see if this creature is going to pass us by or be talked down by Murphy."

Alouryn (Buttercup) AC: 16/14/13 HP: 21/21 (Vaughn) 
Monday March 10th, 2014 1:33:28 PM
Buttercup waits for Bombo's attempt at diplomacy before taking any actions.

Hazel 17/13/15 CMD:16 HP: 33/33 (Corsario) 
Monday March 10th, 2014 5:25:42 PM
Hazel mumbles to Murphy, getting next to him with his sling staff ready...
"Are you sure you want to feed... That? A bear will return to where it finds food. "

Eral SunstriderAC:21/12/19 HP:16/26 Spells (4/3+1/0+0)(A. Skomrock) 
Monday March 10th, 2014 5:57:59 PM
"Yeah, I meant Bombo will try and stop this beast. Hopefully we will be long gone when he comes back. We can let the town guard know where to find this beast."

Eral previously agreed to Loren as his incognito name

Eral will name his pony Defender.

Edric Lowbrook (Damian); HP: 12/26; AC: 21/13/19 
Monday March 10th, 2014 8:14:35 PM
Edric doesn't make any hostile movements but readies himself in case he needs to draw his weapon and attack. "If it were hostile it probably wouldn't try to parlay. Be cautious and watch for the little ones. Otherwise I say we can spare a little charity."

DM Kent  d100=51 ; d100=24 ; d20+4=11 ;
Monday March 10th, 2014 10:41:47 PM
The troll comtinues moving forward swingin his club side to side nearly smashing some families in the process but just misses them. Then it stops. Both noses and all four ears twitch momentarily. Slowly it turns away from the fleeing families as well as Hazel and eral as the move to defend the families, and it focuses, if that is the word, for it doesn't appear to see all that well all four eyes are squinting at Murphy and his hand waving the jerky in the air.

"HUNGRY!" GIVE ME FOOD!"

The troll swings its left arm out and down to grab the jerky from Murphy's hand. (I rolled a Reflex save DC 10 for Murphy to avoid being accidently snatched up as well to keep this rolling)

Murphy manages to remain un grasped an just the jerky is grabbed. The Troll pops it in his mouth and while not slowly it definitely chews it a coulple of times with its very large and disgusting looking teeth.

"GOOD! WANT MORE NOW! HUNGRY!"

At Murphy's asking of its name, the troll seems a bit confused and actually scratches one of his heads.

"NAME STUPID!"

He drops his club and reaches out for Murphy vwery obviously to get something else to eat.

{Murphy 150 experience bonus for the very different troll solution}

Murphy, a.k.a. Bombo Gardner Camping Site (Kim McCoy) 
Tuesday March 11th, 2014 12:13:02 AM
"Thank you for your name. You can call me Bombo - and here is some more." He sets his bread surprise on the ground and takes a step back. (I don't even know what is inside the outer bread wrapping - bread surprise often contains meat - lamb, or beef, or goat typically, sometimes mixed with vegetables. Other times it has fruit, or sweets, or cheese - so Murphy is as likely to be as surprised as the troll concerning whatever is inside.)

As the troll takes that, and ensuring the red pouch he reaches into is out of sight of the two heads, he extracts four more pieces of jerky, three of which he tucks into his belt, and one of which he holds hidden in his hand. He asks the troll, "Do you have any friends, or a family?"

He takes several steps in the general direction he will tell the giant to continue on in a moment or two. He knows that the food, being of a magical nature, ought to fill him well enough. It might take a few more moments for the stomach to communicate that to the creature's brains, though.

Figuring the troll will ask for more food, he says, "If you will help us. I can give you more." If STUPID agrees to help, he says, switching to the giant tongue to ensure clarity of communication. "Good. First, you have to promise that the next piece I give you, you will first carry over to that bush, and then you will eat it. And you will wait there for me. When my friends are ready to go, then I will come. I will give you one more piece. You have to carry it, without eating it, for one mile. If you do that, then we will travel together, and help each other. Do you agree?"

It is likely he will need to repeat the terms, so he will do so patiently until the giant understands. If he understands, then he says, "Hold out your open hand, and I will place the next piece in your hand. After my hand has moved, slowly close your fingers until you cannot see the piece - but hold it tight, so it does not fall. Walk carefully to that bush," and he points to a bush about 200 yards away, "one hundred paces from here. Sit down, eat the food, and wait. I will be there with more food for you. Agree?"

In the halfling tongue, he asks his friends, "Tell the people to leave, and we will get this giant away from here." Perhaps his counsel to have the people leave is unnecessary, as several are running away already. "Pack up, and get ready to move. We may have a guide to our enemy, or his rival. Ask any hobbits you can talk to if they know anything about Idefeatyu, or other hostile activity."

======
If for some reason STUPID forgets his club, Bombo says, "Someone tie a rope to his club, and we'll drag it over - but don't give it to him until I ask you to. Trust me on this, if you can. Posco, can you do that?" If STUPID did not forget his club, then never mind :-)

Murphy, a.k.a. Bombo Gardner Camping Site, Trolled (Kim McCoy) 
Tuesday March 11th, 2014 12:18:59 AM
Addendum: If the troll does as asked, Bombo will say to Bob (Hazel), "Yes, a bear may come back. But also, a bear may lead you to honey."

And Murphy appreciates his friends' support in this... different situation. He works quickly with them to pack up, and go meet up with STUPID.

Hazel 17/13/15 CMD:16 HP: 33/33 (Corsario) 
Tuesday March 11th, 2014 1:13:23 AM
Hazel keeps mumbling to Murphy...
"God I hope you are right about this, my friend."
He keeps his sling staff ready, just in case.
Ready action to defend Murphy (Aid Another Defense) if STUDIP do something, well... stupid.

Alouryn (Buttercup) AC: 16/14/13 HP: 21/21 (Vaughn) 
Tuesday March 11th, 2014 7:03:27 AM
Buttercup holds her breath and prepares to cast Sanctuary on Bombo if this goes bad.

Edric Lowbrook (Damian); HP: 12/26; AC: 21/13/19 
Tuesday March 11th, 2014 7:32:40 PM
"A friendly troll huh?This has to be one for the storybooks." Edric is still unsure of Stupid, ready to intervene if necessary.

Eral SunstriderAC:21/12/19 HP:16/26 Spells (4/3+1/0+0)(A. Skomrock) 
Tuesday March 11th, 2014 7:51:59 PM
"Be careful my friend..."

Eral (Loren) will turn to the families, "Please everyone start moving away while Bombo takes care of the beast. Head onto where you were going and let the town guards know what happened. Keep an eye out and come straight back to us if you encounter any more."

Shel Breezelee Kromnite (Gerald) HP21/21; AC 14/14/11 
Tuesday March 11th, 2014 7:52:26 PM
"Okay, I don't trust this thing for one minute. It might not be evil, but it'll be nothing but hungry! How do we feed that thing when it eats all of Bombo's jerky? I don't know if my spells can effect it, so we'd better make sure everyone else is clear if it gets angry and we have to make a run for it."

Shel/Tess turns and ensures everyone is heading in the opposite direction from the Stupid troll. "Go fast! He might still be hungry! Get!"

DM Kent 
Tuesday March 11th, 2014 10:26:50 PM
Shel and Eral hustle the families out and on their ways and none give them any kind of trouble or beligerance. They are more than happy to go and leave the troll to you all.

Alouryn, Hazel and Edric, are just waiting for the other shoe to fall and are planning contingencies.

No Go! Want eat food here! Why rules!

No Family! No friends!

(OOC: You do realize that 100 paces for him is likely to be closer to 600 feet than 200?)

The second time through the directions he seems to get it and once given a second strip of jerky, he moves over to the bush after picking up his club and dragging it along with him sits down and starts gnawing on it.

Good! Chewy! Why you be nice to me? You play trick? I don't like tricks. I smoosh people that play tricks.

He looks around at all of you, but seems to have forgotton all about the halfling families...

This good! Me getting full. How that be?



Murphy, a.k.a. Bombo Gardner Camping Site, Trolled (Kim McCoy) 
Wednesday March 12th, 2014 1:11:44 AM

To Bob (Hazel), Bombo answers, "Me, too." He gives Buttercup (Alouryn) a blink of gratitude for her care. He is inclined to agree with Posco (Edric), but Eral's exhortation catches his ear. "Always, boldly careful." Murphy appreciates Shel's - no, Tessara's - practical wisdom.

"Will be right there! Right, no tricks!" he hollers to the troll.

To his brave and bonnie companions, he says, "Come, friends, let's go see to the large one." Bombo quickly packs his things, puts a few on the pack pony, and a few go in his backpack. He mounts. "All ready? I'm going a little ahead, if that's all right - come up gently along, friends. Gather as we talk."

He rides to within fifty feet, dismounts (and glad for a steady pony), and walks up to STUPID. "No, no trick. You said you hungry. I give you food. If you do not smoosh my people, then I not hurt you. I have giant friend. He ogre mage. I help him, he help me.

"If you be my friend, I be your friend. If you my friend, then these others, maybe they be your friends, too.

"Different giant, ogre, he smooshed my people, I killed him. My friends and I did. Now he not smoosh any more. But you? You not need smoosh us, we not trick you, not hurt you.

"Why you get full? I tell you. This powerful food. Eat a little, it like eating a whole cow for you. Eat little, it good. Eat too much, then stomach blow up. So, eat not too much." He holds up another piece. "This for later. You put in that pouch you have there, eat when get hungry. Maybe what you have be enough for all day. Full all day."

As his friends draw near, he says, "These my friends, each one must say for self if he be friend, or if she be friend. I say them think on this, then say what they think."

As his companions draw near, he speaks to them in halfling, first telling them what he and STUPID discussed. "It is up to each of you. I propose we travel with him, and see if he can tell us about or lead us to one of the two ogre mages, or at least help us find out more. You do not have to declare friendship. I am doing so. But if you tell him you will not harm him so long as he does not harm our people, that may be enough. I do not speak for you - you each speak for yourself. Tell him what you want to - your travel name if you want, and ask him what you want to, or say nothing. You might want to keep it simple."

In common, he says to STUPID, "My friends talk to you now. Then, maybe, we walk together, tell stories. Hunt food - only have a little powerful food. Help each other."

[OOC: Yes, Kent, I do realize that 100 paces is about 600 feet, which is why in my post I said '200 yards.' :-) ]

Alouryn (Buttercup) AC: 16/14/13 HP: 21/21 (Vaughn)  d20+9=19 ;
Wednesday March 12th, 2014 1:05:35 PM
Alouryn is now standing beside Murphy with a Sanctuary spell on her mind

"I am Buttercup, and I will be your friend if you promise not to hurt my friends."

(Diplomacy 19)

" I am sure they will all agree to the same..."


Edric Lowbrook (Damian); HP: 12/26; AC: 21/13/19  d20+1=13 ;
Wednesday March 12th, 2014 5:32:26 PM
"Of course we can be friends. If you mean us no harm then we welcome you. Tell us more about yourself."

Diplomacy 13

Shel Breezelee Kromnite (Gerald) HP21/21; AC 14/14/11 
Wednesday March 12th, 2014 8:25:56 PM
"I am Tess. I'll not bother you if you do the same for me. Did someone send you out here, or were you just looking for food? Maybe we be friends if you help us. We are looking for bad people to stop them from being bad."

Shel considering describing the bad people, but was afraid that if she told him they were big like him, he'd never understand that, so trouble would no doubt ensue. "You do realize how dangerous this is, don'tcha," she again warns Murphy as she stares up at the huge troll.

DM Kent 
Wednesday March 12th, 2014 11:17:52 PM
In between bites and chews of p[art of the second piece of jerky, Stupid spaeks. and looks a bit nervous and unsure as he does.

"What ogre you kill?" ::smack:: Butcup, you perty." ::smack chew::

"Ogres mean. "::burp::

"Don't like orges". :: chew chew:: Drool::

"Always searching for food. Hungry."

"Why want frnds with me?" :: BELCH::

He stops chewing for a moment and then focuses back in on Murphy.

His whole demeanor has changed. Her is suddenly more alert and while he doesn't move his eyes are suddenly darting around the area as if on high alert. His hand visibly tightens on his club. He definitely seems ready for fight or flight.

"WHO YOU GIANT FRIEND! WHO OGRE MAGE!!!"


Murphy, a.k.a. Bombo Gardner Camping Site, Trolled (Kim McCoy) 
Thursday March 13th, 2014 12:06:14 AM

Ah, pulchritude - the universal language.

"Ogre didn't say name, just try kill halflings. Since he not talk, just try smoosh us, we kill him." He gives him a rough description of the ogre, though, describes his clothing, any facial or body characteristics that might help STUPID identify him, if he knew him.

"Why want friends with you? You have no friends. Everyone need friends. So, if you want, we be friends. Talk, laugh, hunt, work, play together. Like friends do. Help each other. That is what friends do. Why we want? Rather be friend, not hurt you. Hard to play with people we hurt. We find food for you to eat, for us to eat. Like I share my food with you, now. Like friends do. You decide. If you no want be friends, then we not make you. If you want be friends, we say yes."

Ah, good, the mention of his ogre mage friend has rung a bell. He figures STUPID is trying to determine whether Idefeatu or Noyudint might be his friend. "Why you ask my friend name? Ogre mage you know not nice, maybe?" He lets that hang in the air a moment. But before STUPID can get too much more agitated, he explains, "My friend not like that. He not hurt you, if you don't hurt our people. But Lomar his name. He powerful - and he like eat fluffy sheep. Say mutton sweet. Eat deer too. He use buck antlers clean teeth."

He thinks to himself that STUPID would also benefit from the use of antlers, or perhaps some sharpened sticks, for his teeth.

"What are ogre mages you hear of? Red Hills ones not nice to you? You want us find out what they do? I think some are good, some are bad."

Recognizing STUPID's fear, he says quietly. "If you no want others than us hear," and he looks around, "you can talk quiet, quiet so far away bushes not hear what we say."

"Or, we can start walking, and talk on way. We go into Red Hills. You know good places here?"

Alouryn (Buttercup) AC: 16/14/13 HP: 21/21 (Vaughn)  d20+9=26 ;
Thursday March 13th, 2014 7:43:45 AM
Alouryn is quietly going to cast Guidance on Murphy to help him with any diplomacy rolls he may need to be making. (+1)

"We don't like the bad ogre mage, but we like you."

(Diplomacy 26)

Hazel 17/13/15 CMD:16 HP: 33/33 (Corsario) 
Thursday March 13th, 2014 10:51:01 AM
Sorry for yesterday's missing post... Still have Internet issues
Hazel keeps near Alouryn and Murphy, trying to protect them in case Stupid makes an agresive move. He don't say he is friend to a Troll (That day is not here yet).

Shel Breezelee Kromnite (Gerald) HP21/21; AC 14/14/11 
Thursday March 13th, 2014 3:38:36 PM
Shel also didn't want to risk saying the wrong thing in discussions with the troll. Somehow Murphy has already starting bonding with that darn thing. Let him keep spinning the yarn. If I somehow insult it, I'd never live with myself.

She moves back to walk a bit further away from the troll, just in case it lost its temper so she could get a head start.

As she began to grow bored of the walk by herself, she twirled her neat necklace, as the Warddstone continued to point toward her favorite moon,

Murphy, a.k.a. Bombo Gardner Trollplomacy (Kim McCoy)  d20+3=13 ;
Thursday March 13th, 2014 5:37:20 PM

[Taking Alouryn's hint] Rolling for Diplomacy: 13 - let's use Alouryn's, instead. And DM may adjust to his heart's content based upon food provision, conversation. Murphy is sincere in his offer, though.

Edric Lowbrook (Damian); HP: 12/26; AC: 21/13/19 
Thursday March 13th, 2014 8:55:19 PM
Upon Stupids outburst, Edric subtly puts his hand on the handle of his sheathed axe in case things go wrong. He doesn't say anything more, fearing it might set Stupid off.

DM Kent 
Thursday March 13th, 2014 10:28:28 PM
No longer showuing any intrest in the food he is definitely very scared and on edge. and yet he doesn't seem to be working his way to violence just yet, but who knows with trolls.

"Can't go into hills. Be banned. I be killed I return. I no go with you there ever. Not unless you prove he dead first."

A spark of light of thought pops into his eyes and he looks around at all of you..

Want go home. You killed other ogre. You kill Idafeatu too? I tell where at, you kills?

He have guards everywhere around Parlay knowledge history DC 15 Know geography DC15 [spoiler Parlay probably refers to the old Parlay house.

The Parlay House, constructed for the sole purpose of hammering out a peace treaty between the Crescent Valley and the hill giants of the Northern Red Hills, was used for many years for this purpose between the various factions and races of the Red Hills. The last time it was going to be used was during a semicentenial meeting of the assorted Orc clans in the red hills to try and elect a unified clan chief. Needless to say there were issues between the clans and an all-out clan war broke out. In the process of these battles the Parlay House was pretty much reduced to ruins. Over the years, individual groups have used and rebuilt parts of the Parlay House but now it is the base of operations of the ogre chieftain Idafeatu.
[/spoiler]

Hazel 17/13/15 CMD:16 HP: 33/33 (Corsario)  d20+5=20 ;
Friday March 14th, 2014 12:27:16 AM
Knowledge Geography Roll: 20
"The Parlay House! I know where is it, I can take us there! Thanks Stupid!"

Murphy, a.k.a. Bombo Gardner Trollplomacy (Kim McCoy)  d20+2=18 ; d20+6=20 ;
Friday March 14th, 2014 1:17:42 AM

"There is saying. It says this: The enemy of my enemy is my friend," Bombo (Murphy) begins.

"We have heard of Idafeatu. The ogre we killed was sent by Idafeatu, with orcs, humans, a few others. We think he our enemy. If he your enemy, and he our enemy, then you, we be friends." The druid negotiator gives that thought a chance to sink in.

"Come, friends. Be not wary. Our friend here, we talk. All, take a deep breath." He takes a deep breath, holds it, then expels the air in a steady stream. Again, breathing in, encouraging others - halflings and troll, then out. Three of four times of that, then he continues.

"As we talk, please share your thoughts. Some of you are quiet. Be not shy. You may think of something we do not."

He looks up again at Stupid and tells him, "We cannot promise we kill him. Maybe we do, maybe we do not. He has many guards, you say. But we want stop him. He bring war against our people, against halflings. So, we want stop his war, stop him. If need kill him, if can, then maybe yes. But this not so easy as kill one ogre. Ogre mage have more powers. Can poof disappear like a mist, then poof come back behind you. So he be tricky."

Bombo asks his friends. "Have you heard of Parlay? Buttercup, you know history fairly well." He looks at each of the others. "Anyone else know of it?"

As they talk, the druid takes a stick from near the bush, and with his feet smooths out a patch of dirt. He starts sketching a map of the southern edge of Crescent Valley, and a few features into the Red Hills. He makes a little 'X' about where he figures the old meeting place to be. He asks his friends and Stupid for confirmation, or correction.

"But you know Idafeatu have brother, yes?" he asks, looking up at the two large heads of Stupid. He notes which one does more talking, and how similar the features are on the two heads. "His name Noyudint. You know where he be? I heard they be not friends to each other. Brother fight brother. Have you heard? Where be Noyudint? If you not know, we find out when we can. If you know, then that be good."

[Knowledge history: 18; Knowledge geography: 20]

Murphy, a.k.a. Bombo Gardner Trollplomacy (Kim McCoy) 
Friday March 14th, 2014 1:19:43 AM
[Sorry, Corsario - didn't see Hazel's post before I put mine up.]

"What can you tells us about Parlay, Bob. Or maybe someone else knows its history," Bombo suggests.

Alouryn (Buttercup) AC: 16/14/13 HP: 21/21 (Vaughn)  d20+6=8 ;
Friday March 14th, 2014 8:59:37 AM
"I'm not very knowledgeable outside of Humble's Ford and the major towns I'm afraid. That's all we learned about in the Centre for Enlightenment."
(Knowledge History 8)

Shel Breezelee Kromnite (Gerald) HP21/21; AC 14/14/11 
Friday March 14th, 2014 8:17:46 PM
OOC: I'm untrained in those skills, so I can't hit a 15, I don't think.

Shel approaches Bombo's drawing. "Yes, Noyudint is the key. If he strong like brother, and he no like brother, he may help us. If you know about him, please tell us. I bet Red Hills have good food, Stupid. If you go with us, we probably eat good while we look for brother."

She sits down as the group takes a respite. "How about you go to Parley with us or we find brother, whichever come first? If you want go after that, that ok. But if you still want to help friends, that even better."



Hazel 17/13/15 CMD:16 HP: 33/33 (Corsario) 
Friday March 14th, 2014 9:41:01 PM
"I don't really know the story of the place, but your mark in the map seems about right... And about killing the ogre... Yes, we will kill him."
Hazel smiles fiercely.

Murphy, a.k.a. Bombo Gardner Trollplomacy (Kim McCoy) 
Saturday March 15th, 2014 7:00:29 AM

Bombo tosses out another idea. "What if we let our large friend here wear two hats to change his appearance?"

Shel Breezelee Kromnite (Gerald) HP21/21; AC 14/14/11 
Saturday March 15th, 2014 9:34:34 AM
"He's still going to be really big, Bombo, isn't he? And he will still have two heads as well. I'd bet there aren't very many two headed giants roaming the woods. Even though he might look a bit different, he's going to be recognizable. But I'm fine with him trying out the hats, if making his face look a bit different will be useful. What do the rest of you think?"

Edric Lowbrook (Damian); HP: 12/26; AC: 21/13/19 
Saturday March 15th, 2014 1:43:02 PM
"Murphy, can the hats disguise his size and surplus head? Because traveling with a giant, two-headed human doesn't seem much less conspicuous than traveling with a giant, two-headed troll. Perhaps moving under cover of night would make it easier to hide him. Whatever we do, let's head over to the Parley house.



Hazel 17/13/15 CMD:16 HP: 33/33 (Corsario) 
Saturday March 15th, 2014 3:52:57 PM
Hazel mumbles to "Bombo":
"I am not sure he will be comfortable travelling with us... and I am sure not comfortable travelling with him."

Murphy (Bombo Gardner) Troll Makeover (Kim McCoy) 
Saturday March 15th, 2014 7:45:50 PM

Murphy / Bombo laughs at the notion that the hats would make the troll look substantially smaller, or less conspicuous. "Well, Posco Bolger," he says to Edric - hoping that the fighter will get used to using their traveling names, "Giants are not in the habit of being inconspicuous. But I think one can be made to look different, which might be enough."

He takes a moment to explain the working of the hats to Stupid. "These hats can make you look a little different. Change the shape of your faces some, make your skin a little lighter, or a little darker. Give your noses a smoother shape. Make your teeth look different. Change the lumps on your shoulder to look different. Question for you. Do you know any other giants with two heads? Ettins? We can make it so other people who know you could not tell it was you. They think you someone else. Because if we do that, maybe we could get you close to your home, but they not think you be Stupid."

He goes to his backpack and pulls out a mirror. He gives it to Shel. "Tess, why don't you and Buttercup try the hats on, use the mirror, and talk with our large companion here about how to change his look."

He caught Hazel's mumbled statement of discomfort. He looks back the way they came from where Stupid first showed up in their midst. "Ah, shoot. I think I dropped something on the way. Bob - you're good at finding things. Come with me, help me look." He says to the giant and the others. "We'll be right back. Try out the hats."

Assuming Hazel is willing to play along, once they are a ways from the others, he answers. "Like as not we will face much that does not comfort us, friend. Fact is, though, we are not a very big people. What if we can get some giants who will help us? We can be quick and sneaky. They are large and deadly. Idafeatyu is recruiting from a number of races. Can we also not do so?

"And can you see that the big fella there and we have a common purpose? He has begun to place some hope in us. Unless we betray him, he will not attack us." As he talks with Hazel, Murphy looks through the grass where the ponies walked, paying particular attention to the path his own pony took.

"You are one of the bravest friends I have, Hazel. Yet we can yield to fear if we choose. Or we can let the love for our valley and our people win out over our fears, our anxieties. Comfortable? I can't guarantee comfort. I know that you and Alouryn have borne the brunt of misplaced suspicions and accusations of late. That caused all of us discomfort, and you have keenly felt that especially for her. I heard some words said among the trees of discord - might have forgotten them had I not written them down right after that all happened. That was not a moment of comfort."

He unties a pouch at his waist as they draw near to last night's camping site, and, out of sight of the group back with the giant, his body interposed to block their line of sight, he lets it fall to the ground in front of him. After a moment, he leans over and picks it up. "I found it!" he shouts back to his friends next to the two-headed giant, holding the pouch aloft. 'Bombo' then lowers it, and reaches in, withdrawing two gems. Speaking with Hazel, he says, "These round green peridots each have a word on the bottom. I'll write them down when we get back with the group." He hands one to Hazel. "If we get separated for any reason, and you have the stone, and want to rejoin me, then speak the name I have on this stone. It will guide you back to me - or back to the holder of the stone, whoever that might be. If you want to give this stone to another, you may. If you want me to give my stone to another, ask. Will you accept this gift, Hazel?"

Whether or not Hazel accepts one of the peridots, he asks him as they slowly walk back. "If you think I am leading us wrongly, buddy, tell me clear. I have ears to listen. But I would ask, also, are you willing to try this? To travel with one who normally would be an enemy, yet may be a friend - that we may serve a larger purpose?"

Once they are back with the party, he looks to see how Stupid's makeover is going.

[Suggestion: Everyone put your alias in the Post Name line, as I did, to help us all remember what we are calling each other out here. Vaughn has already done so with Alouryn (Buttercup).]

Alouryn (Buttercup) AC: 16/14/13 HP: 21/21 (Vaughn) 
Monday March 17th, 2014 11:24:58 AM
Buttercup already is wearing a hat of disguise she will switch between her disguise and Alouryn's true form to show the troll how it can help.

DM Kent 
Monday March 17th, 2014 5:01:27 PM
Stupid doesn't seem to be able to get the understanding of the hats and he vehemently doesn't want to go anywhere near the Parlay House, with an "I NO go There!!"

The conversation about Noyudint is not much better. He seems to be scared of both though more of Idafeatu. You get the sense that Noyudint doesn't agree with how his brother does things and is unwilling to help him, but also that he will not confront him to stop him either. You do not get the sense that Stupid has any idea where he is or where he hangs out "so to speak."

Other information that you are able to get is that currently there are not many of Idafeatu's people at the camp as most are out on missions, so it is likely that there are less than 10 individuals at or around Parlay House.

Stupid says that most of Idafeatu's people are not of the giant folk, but that there are a few, no more than a handfull total and all ogres.

Both Hazel and Murphy know where yhe Parlay house should be located and Murphy remembers a bit of the history behind it.

You are pretty sure that it is about 2.5 - 3 days journey through the Red Hills from where you are now but would be totally across country. It might be a bit shorter if you stayed on the road and went as far as the Humbles Ford turn off and went southward on the old trail there, but you might risk running into folk that you know....

Shel Breezelee Kromnite (Gerald) HP21/21; AC 14/14/11 
Monday March 17th, 2014 7:43:25 PM
Shel/Tess followed Alouryn and tried to talk to the troll about the hats, to no avail. "He's just never going to get it, Buttercup. Hats don't seem to be his thing."

After listening to him buck up about standing up to the ogre mages, she turned to the others. "Bombo, what do with him now? He's not going to go with us, and he's pretty close to civilization now. What if he expects the other towns to give him food the way you did? Is this going to be a disaster, or do you have a plan? Have we domesticated him too much, or is there a way to scare him off from our cities?"

Edric Lowbrook (Damian); HP: 12/26; AC: 21/13/19 
Monday March 17th, 2014 11:44:47 PM
"We could tell him never to come near people, but if he gets hungry he's not going to care. I don't have the heart to take any drastic actions though."

Hazel 17/13/15 CMD:16 HP: 33/33 (Corsario) 
Tuesday March 18th, 2014 12:37:11 AM
"Bob" plays along with "Bombo", follows him and accepts the peridot.
"I think you are a great leader. And I will follow you anywhere you lead. But I know about beasts and the wild, and wolves do not lay along lambs. Stupid is not a dog that we can train and keep as a pet. And I think he knows it too."
Hazel turns worriedly towards the group dealing with Stupid.

Murphy (Bombo Gardner) The care & feeding of your Troll (Kim McCoy)  d20+10=12 ; d3=2 ; d20+10=20 ; d20+10=14 ; d20+10=13 ; d20+10=12 ; d20+10=11 ; d20+10=23 ; d20+10=29 ; d20+10=18 ; d20+10=29 ;
Tuesday March 18th, 2014 6:23:55 AM

To Hazel on the way back. "Thank you, friend," Murphy responds. "Well, you may be right. But we can't leave him this close to our towns, can we?" He thinks. "Food is what he needs. He bashes what he needs with his club. There are lots of rabbits in the Red Hills, and other burrowing animals, some of which can quickly get out of the reach of his club. You and I know how to trap, set snares. What if we have him travel with us for a day, and we set snares along the way in likely places? We teach him to do likewise, if he will learn. Perhaps we can add to his food acquisition skills. But we also set a limit on how close to the Valley he can go.

"We tell him after a day or so of travel to head back the way he came, and find the animals caught in the snares. With his voracious appetite, if he's willing to learn, that could go a ways toward keeping him from starving. How in the Wold can I get him to work in an expanding grid pattern, and increase his scope, so he does not over harvest, within... Ah, here we are," Bombo says as they come again within easy earshot of Stupid and the other four halflings.

"So then, Stupid, you want us make safe for you go back home. But until safe, you stay away. Now, if you go to Crescent Valley, halflings attack you, because they not know you our friend.

"So, what do we do? I know, no hats. Tell me, how you get food now? Not trying to hit halflings, but what other way you get food? Use club, yes. Do you throw rocks at animals? Do you eat some plants? Do you place snares?" Without detailing all the questions Murphy will ask, he tries to get a decent overall view of his hunter/gatherer skills and techniques.

Bombo thanks Tess (Shel) and Buttercup (Alouryn) for trying to explain the hats of disguise. He tries to address the concerns expressed by his friends with a few quick phrases in the halfling tongue. "Yes, we need to keep him from the Valley, yet help allay his hunger for a longer time. What if we can have him go with us a little way - get him away from this spot - but figure out a way for him to eat, and maybe help us further?"

He then makes this proposal to Stupid. "It take three days to go to Parlay House. You no go back there now. But how does sound this? Walk with us a day. Along way, we find ways for you find food, stay full, not hurt our halfling people of the Valley. I give you some power food to help, but only have little. My friend Bob, he know good ways find food out here. So, we travel together one day, sleep one night, a little morning together, then you stop. We small ones go to Parlay House two days more, but you go back some way that we came. And some food will be waiting back the way we came."

To help him understand the concept, Bombo sketches the map from this place over to the Parlay House. He uses pebbles for the halflings, and a small rock for Stupid as markers. "We all go this far," and the pebbles and the rock go about one-third the way toward Parlay. "We sleep." He puts the pebbles and rock in a circle. "We wake up." He says. "We have breakfast. We walk another few hours," and here the pebbles and rock move a little farther. "Then, you turn around and go back. You not get too close to Parlay House. We go on." And now the pebbles move forward, and the small rock representing Stupid traces their trail back a ways.

The route he sketches does not use the road south of Humble's Ford, but rather goes cross country. Things will likely be better for halflings and for troll if they stay off the roads for now.

"Later, when things are safe, I find way to tell you."

As they travel, Murphy & Hazel will stop occasionally where there are signs of game. They will set snares, and show Stupid how they do so. As they go along, they will try to teach him how to do likewise. If they can make any headway in doing so, they want him to learn one or two simple snares he can use. They try to teach him to set it one day, then check back within one or two days to see if his snare has caught any game.

[Several Survival rolls for setting snares. Ignore d3 - fat fingered. Rolls: 12, 20, 14, 13, 12, 11 (nat 1), 23, 29, 18, 29. Doing better in the latter half of the day. Hope Hazel does better]

Alouryn (Buttercup) AC: 16/14/13 HP: 21/21 (Vaughn) 
Tuesday March 18th, 2014 9:50:33 PM
Buttercup doesn't have any ideas, she's never dealt with a troll before, but she suggests getting to Idefeatu quickly is important right now.

DM Kent  d100=62 ;
Tuesday March 18th, 2014 10:55:49 PM
Almost as soon as you step off the road to and cross into the Red Hills the terrain changes. The soil truly takes on a reddish hue and the plant life begins to get more scrub like. Within thirty minutes it seems like the temperature has risen about ten degrees and the air is lifeless and still.

Stupid goes along with you for a bit but is extremely reluctant to go anywhere quickly or southward within 2 days of the Parlay House. He does however tak fairly qickly to lmaking a couple of simple snares and is elated when one of them brings in a hare and then later in the day three more and a large lizard are caught.

By mid afternoon it is uncomfortably hot and sticky with not one breath of moving air to be felt. and not a sign of a fresh water source to be seen. Right now that's not an issue but it could become one if water is not found in the next day or so.

As you ride along Eral pulls along side Murphy. Umm Mu.. Bombo, I get the feeling thatwe are going to have an issue with our friend here, indicating Stupid. I know you may not like this idea but what if I were to stay with him and head eastward a bit with him and continue to show him how to live off the land and keep an eye on him while the rest of you continue on to The Parlay House. Once I get him far enough away I can swing back round and come back and find you.

(OOC All Adam is finding that Graduate school is making his ability to post consistantly a major issue and has deided he needs to take a break from the Game. He hopes to come back when things settle down.)
Late afternoon you actually come across the remains of what was fairly recently a wagon or two.

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