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Alleah -- RobC -- AC 15/14/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 26/26  d20+4=17 ; d100=17 ;
Monday November 3rd, 2014 10:41:00 PM
"Thanks Shel" Alleah gives the sorcerer a friendly elbow and wink "Would be boring to be alone otherwise"

It is only then that Alleah realises what sort of predicament she may have placed herself in. What if she is still locked up when the sale day starts? What if she misses out on scoring a bargain? What if all the good 'stuff' gets sold quickly? Why, this is no good at all! She had better be released very very early the next day!

"Just a moment while I gather my things, officer"

Alleah tries to get a quiet moment of out earshot of the guard. "I'll try and find a window to sit near at the guard office. We should be able to stay in contact with a message spell"

OOC: Alleah can cast Message with a range of 130ft. Assuming the barn is, say, 300ft away from the guard house, then another witch placed in between could act as a relay between Alleah, Shel and the rest of the group. If Alleah can't get out of earshot of the guard, then Bluff to pass secret message: 17

She then returns back to the guard as if nothing has happened.

"I've used up most of my spells for the day anyway. Although if you will permit me, officer, I will see that the dead man's body remains preserved for posterity - and your evidence" If she is given permission from the officer, Alleah will cast Gentle Repose on the corpse. (Ley line check: 17=Pas. The body will be perfectly preserved for 3days)


Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 31/43 AC: 18/14/15 - Faoil: 7/13 AC 18/13/16 
Tuesday November 4th, 2014 12:26:06 AM
He says goodbye to Alleah and Shel.
"Don't let those guys get away. Or talk his way out of this mess. Try to tell our "boss" what happened."
He goes looking for his Sling Staff, and will stay outside, patrolling again, this time without Faoil.
"If I sit down I will probably fall sleep..."
Perception Roll: Tried to roll, but it says: "Error loading XML document (error, undefined)"

Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 31/43 AC: 18/14/15 - Faoil: 7/13 AC 18/13/16  d20+11=31 ;
Tuesday November 4th, 2014 12:28:41 AM
Perception Roll: 31, Natural 20! Woohoo!

Murphy HP 32/32 AC 16/14/14 CMD 14 (Kim)  d20+13=21 ;
Tuesday November 4th, 2014 5:01:49 AM

Murphy considers Bliss's words. He also thinks over just what a mercenary is. A person hired to do a job, usually involving the use of arms. He was about to answer, but delays his response as others discuss options.

As Garrett Ostgood and the members of the group decide that two shall go - Alleah and Shel, Murphy adjusts to the situation.

Murphy helps tie the hobbled and manacled prisoners together in one line with a rope, so as to make it hard for any of them to attempt to split away from the others.

He cuts some strips of canvas long enough to serve as gags, ties each one firmly behind the head of each prisoner. They can breathe through their noses. "Constable Ostgood, these simple gags in their mouths should make it hard for them to call out or give instructions to others while on the way."

Taking the two women aside before they leave, he has a few words. "Alleah - if a bird or a bat or other critter shows up, and moves its head in two circles to the right, then in two circles to the left - it's me," Murphy whispers quietly to her as she and Shel prepare to leave with the prisoners and the constable. He tells Shel the same thing in a similar manner.

He strikes one of the last sunrods on the ground to cause it to light, and hands it to Shel. He instructs her out of earshot of the prisoners. "Wave it in a circle overhead if all seems well. We really should figure out other signals, but I'm so tired I can't think of any. If you see someone you don't know heading to the barn, move it up and down twice, then point in the direction you see movement - if you have a chance to do so. Shoot, toss it up in the air once or twice if it looks like someone is trying to rescue the prisoners." He brushes a lock of hair off her face and over her ear. "Take care, come back as soon as you can."

He gives a tanglefoot bag to Shel, one to Alleah, and one to the Constable. "A safe way to slow folks down, if necessary."

To Shel and Alleah, he says, "Say, once the prisoners are locked down - do you suppose you can swing by Alouryn's place, and bring her with you back to the barn? - and Faoil, too. We can use their help." He knows that Shel knows where Alouryn lives - though likely, Alleah also does.

Otherwise, he watches in silence as the hobbled prisoners begin a slow trek toward the constabulary.

Mercenariness
Before Bliss ascends back to his hidey hole in the roof, Murphy says, "Sorry, Bliss. I didn't think of it that way. The word 'mercenaries,' I mean. I've always hear the term used with a measure of scorn. But, I guess... well. I guess I am, at least at the moment, technically, a mercenary. But I'd prefer to think of myself as an adventurer, who loves and wants to protect and defend his community... who just happens to be getting paid for his work." He shrugs, "But, hey, I guess tonight I'll be a mercenary. Did Broker Laughshield really give a 'license to kill' as the constable suggested?"

Those Four Still At The Barn
As they consider their guarding work, Murphy says, "All right - Bliss - your sniper post looks good. I might be back up on the roof, myself, in a bit. Mookie, you'll help keep him awake? And Hazel, you want to patrol outside? Sounds fine. Fatine - what do you think about staying up on top of the wagons? If someone else comes, you can be a last line of defense - and also warn us if someone sneaks past us."

Little Notes
Murphy takes a sheet of paper, and, using folds and the edge of his knife, cuts it into strips. He jots down a variety of notes, and a brief word summarizing each note on the back of each strip. He places these in a pouch, which he tucks into a pocket.

Then, taking a blanket with him, and using the ladder already outside, he climbs up on to the roof, makes it to the peak, then sits down, wrapping the blanket about him, looking out on the side opposite of Bliss's viewpoint, as well as casting side-to-side looks every half minute or so.

[Perception: 21]

Bliss (AC22, HP23) & Mookie (AC18, HP11) (Cayzle)  d20+13=14 ;
Tuesday November 4th, 2014 6:46:08 AM

Bliss looks a little abashed. "It's okay, Mister Murphy. I got my dandruff up, is all. I should be more polite."

Bliss's perception check on guard duty: 14. It has been a long day.

Murphy HP 32/32 AC 16/14/14 CMD 14 (Kim) 
Tuesday November 4th, 2014 2:34:26 PM

"Bliss, don't worry about 'polite' with me. We are working together. You have great skills and ideas. Tell me the truth, tell me what you think. If you think I am out of line or missing something, don't worry overmuch about my feelings.

"It is good for us to treat each other with respect - it should not be necessary for us to resort to insults." He then adds with a smile, "Although teasing is fine from time to time!"

As they sit atop the roof, he carries on a conversation with Bliss - and lets him know what he said to Alleah and Shel.

"We should come up with signals. Maybe some whistle signals. A whole lot of them, so we can communicate information from a distance. Perhaps some hand signals. The whistle signals could also be translated to other things. Like, maybe hand clapping, or drumming, or tapping.

"Have you ever figured out a set of tactical or informational signals before, Bliss? Or maybe you know of some, Mookie - you have a lot more experience at some things that we do. I've only done a small set, but I think we need a bigger, uh, vocabulary."

[DM StevenVdB] - A time to tell... 
Tuesday November 4th, 2014 5:01:56 PM
Alleah and Shel decide to help constable Ostgood in getting the prisoners back to town. With care and ingenuity Murphy helps making sure they won't try to get away and if they try he givesbsomebtanglefoot bags to take care of that.

The ones that stay behind are reluctant to see their friends leave and worried for falling asleep during thz last hours of this night. Thei thoughts are with their friends, their 'boss' and how he will think about all this. Mookie and Bliss get up into the rafters again and are soon joined by Murphy who dislikes another sneak attack... He and Bliss share their thoughts on what being a mercenary means... Perhaps to stay awake?

Hazel to stays awake and this time without Faoil he patrols the area. Nothing will get near this time without the ranger spotting them!!

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Slowly the hours go by. Huddled in his blanket Murphy fights the sleep. Mookie is more quiet than ever and with big red eyes Bliss tries to lookout for trouble. Hazel has almost accidentakly stepped ob the caltrops which he forgot about due to being tired.

At the guard house the prisoners are behindb bars and Alleah and Shel have been offered some warm soup with some bread and if they wanted a cosy place to rest while they wait till morning

Morning comes uneventful...
Slowly the sun peaks over the horizon...

The barn now shows its burn marks on the roof...
This could have gone completely wrong had it not been for the Humble's Swords!!



Bliss (AC22, HP23) & Mookie (AC18, HP11) (Cayzle) 
Tuesday November 4th, 2014 5:10:01 PM

Mookie cocks his head, getting lost in reminiscences triggered by Murphy's questions. "Best answer is always telepathy. Until then, poor man's telepathy is Message spells. Dragon heroes get rings of telepathy. I remember it at the Emerald Dragons Elevation Party. The Kid's mom was no Dragon, but her pal Aztyr cast permanent telepathic links connecting everyone in the group. That was sweet. She got away with that for free somehow, but I think the Gericko shut that nonsense down last time he tinkered with the mechanisms behind the clockwork that runs the multiverse." The raven sighs. "Somebody always goes too far, and then we can't have nice things any more."

"Sure my mom was a dragon!" exclaims Bliss.

"Sure, sure, Kid. Fierce as a dragon, she was, sure. She just never got invited to the Consortium. Probably because her and her friends blipped around so much and never left a forwarding address. Until they got that castle, but who's gonna look for Dragons in Aisildur?"

"Anyway, why not?" the jaded bird says to Murphy. "Fool around with flashy lights and secret signs," he says, slightly condescendingly. "But it's easier just to Bluff your secrets to your pals, if you got any expertise in that. On the other wing, if you want to communicate at a distance, you're just doing it wrong. Splitting up the party is a sure-fire way to get killed. Especially when you're all poods at the start of your careers. Better to stick together. The tricksy witch and the caster chick shouldn't oughta gone off with the cop, you ask me."

"Huh!" says Bliss. "I hope they're all right."

Mookie caws, laughing. "Kid, you saying that practically guarantees they'll get in a fix. Only thing you coulda said worse was that they were going to retire tomorrow."

Bliss claps his hands over his mouth and looks afraid to say anything.

Shel Breezelee Kromnite (Gerald) HP25/26; AC 14/14/11 
Tuesday November 4th, 2014 7:47:57 PM
"Don't worry, Murphy. We will be fine, or I'll get into a fight with the guard. Either way, it'll be interesting," she smiles, as she turns to leave. "Oh, and like I said, you be careful too. I expect something fishy..."

*****************

Shel grumbles the whole way to the guardhouse. "We always seem to find trouble here, Alleah. You might want to find a better class to hang out with. Your name will be mud soon enough, if you pal with us it seems.". Despite her misgivings, Shel happily tucks into a bowl of soup, and dunks her piece of bread, finishing every last drop. "Having to use so much magic always makes me really hungry. But, I'm hungry most of the time," she smiles at Alleah, much happier at being given a warm meal.

Fatine AC 19 (17/14/15), HP 10(15)/23 (Matt C) 
Tuesday November 4th, 2014 8:25:16 PM
With morning, Fatine yawns and climbs down from atop the wagon. "Now where be dis man wit' our money? Ol' Fatine is tired and needs her nap!" She whistles for Crow and feeds him a few bites from her carefully packaged and packed rations.

Sidling up next to Bliss, she muses, "How long do we wait for dem to come on back afore we go an' git dem? I don' wanna see dem in any sort o' trouble, yea?"

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 15/14/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 26/26 
Wednesday November 5th, 2014 1:04:53 AM
Alleah greedily slurps some of the soup, and nods to Shel "You know, trouble just has a way of following me around. Perhaps I'M the bad influence" The girl grins broadly and wipes some excess soup from the side of her mouth.

When she has had her fill, Alleah offers the bowl of soup to the prisoners - seeking more bowls if required. She is careful not to provide them any cutlery. Wouldn't want a prison break on her accord (today).

"Don't worry" she whispers to Frukul as she passes him in his cell. "You have nothing to FEAR". Alleah puts a strong emphasis on the word fear. Frukal was inside the barn when Alleah was making friends with Quotiln, and wouldn't know she was aware of the F.E.A.R outfit. Perhaps this will lull him into a false sense of security?

She takes a seat and sits outside Quotiln's cell "So where are you from, originally?". Alleah is bursting to find out more about a fellow Lighttouch. Could they be related? Could he be a cousin twice removed? Who knows.

Alleah will also have a quiet word with the guard "Excuse me, but, can I ask what that man's bail might be set at? I think he is being charged with vandalism. He didn't actually hurt anyone"

Murphy HP 32/32 AC 16/14/14 CMD 14 (Kim)  d12=12 ;
Wednesday November 5th, 2014 4:38:01 AM

Murphy takes in Mookie's ideas, mentally storing them for possible future application. He does not always quite understand everything the bird is talking about, but values what he can garner.

Now that the sun is up, there is livestock to attend to. The ponies, and the wagon full of critters.

"Good job, friends. Let's attend to the animals. The Broker or one of his representatives should be along soon."

He sticks his head out of the barn. "Hazel - come on in and help with the canvas for a minute, would you? Hey, see anyone coming yet?"

Murphy enlists help from his companions to take the slitted canvas off of the wagon with the livestock. He will fill several buckets with fresh water from a create water spell, and provide it in various smaller containers to the chickens and other animals in the wagon which bears them. He also will provide a small measure of food for the animals. After that for the ponies.

He yawns several times, and stretches his limbs, but keeps on working.

Since the extra gear was localized to the tent, he figures he will come and get that later in a few loads with the cart he left at the stables next to his family's burrow and workshop. He adds the slitted canvas, folded, and tied with a bit of the rope, plus the rest of the rope to the stack of items. He then moves to take the canvas off of three of the remaining four wagons. He rolls the long strips of canvas, then ties them into bundles, placing them next to the tent. Several coils of rope are neatly laid.

"Anyone want some clay pitchers?" Murphy asks his friends.

He thanks Fatine for her use of his wand to help out Shel. "How badly was she hurt when you started to help her?" he thinks to ask.

After finishing up most of these tasks, he mentions, "Once we have handed off the goods, I hope to get a good spot of sleep."

Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 31/43 AC: 18/14/15 - Faoil: 7/13 AC 18/13/16 
Wednesday November 5th, 2014 2:43:32 PM
Before leaving out to patrol Hazel gets near Murphy.
"Don't worry about the "mercenary" word. We are not. Mercenaries do whatever they are paid to do. We won't. We defend our town and friends, and if those Ffloy guys pay us for it, all for the best, as money they have, but not much else. But we are not for sale, not our conscience. I'll see to it."
He smiles at his friend and clips his hand on his shoulder, maybe a little more strongly than necessary, in a male-bonding gesture.
---
At Mookie's somment about telepathy Hazel smiles.
"I don't think I want people reading my thoughts. Nor I think people will like reading them."
He let's a laugh out.
---
With red eyes Hazel hears Murphy calling him inside to help. He mumbles to himself...
"I was hoping to skip that part... oh well, back to work... you want to get married in style, doesn't it boy?"
He goes back, with dry mouth.
"Do we have some water to splash on? I need to wake up, at least until we get out of here."
He helps his friends to pack everything, and he declines on the pitchers.
"I will need to go see Alouryn and Faoil before crashing out."
OOC: In the Halloween LnB games Hazel won two prizes, and I am looking for someone to make good use for them:
Miniature jack-o-lantern: This pumpkin may be thrown as a ranged touch attack with a range of 30'. A successful hit affects the target with an effect identical to the cause fear spell (CL1st).
Marphy says to have Fatine getting one of them, so, who wants the other?

Murphy HP 32/32 AC 16/14/14 CMD 14 (Kim) 
Wednesday November 5th, 2014 2:54:20 PM

Once the chores are complete, Murphy sits down and writes out a summary of the goings on in and around the barn, covering two pages of text.

[DM StevenVdB] - Now where be dis man wit' our money? 
Wednesday November 5th, 2014 3:40:39 PM
Like clockwork Iangold Laughshield walks up to the barn the next morning. He stops a moment when he sees the burn marks on the roof and spots Murphy perched up there in a blanket. He might miss Bliss and Mookie though...

Then he walks up a bit faster...

He sees Hazel walking around as if he's sleeping...

He starts running!

"THE GOODS?! WHAT HAPPENED!!! "

Iangold runs up to the barn (not knowing about the caltrops...) questions is... do you stop him or let him take his chances :-)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Back at the guard house Alleah and Shel have spent a cosier night.

"Rise and chine lasses... time to go find Mr. Iangold and question hum about the contracts and such... these are well behind bars"

As Alleah asks about bail Garret scratches his chin...
"I don't know lass... it's a bit uncommon. Depending on Mr. Laughshields explanation there might not be any reason for keeping them behind bars and just send them home..."

------------------------------------------------------------------

You got the XP
Personally I don't feel anyone deserved a Hero Point - this battle was to disorganised
Not sure where you have left the gear... do you give it to Garret Ostgood or keep it to yourself?
You have disarmed the 6. Have you also taken their armor and rest of their gear?

Fatine AC 19 (17/14/15), HP 10(15)/23 (Matt C) 
Wednesday November 5th, 2014 3:47:57 PM
"Watch out for dee pokeys!" Fatine starts, then cuts off as Iangold decides to rush forward. Hopefully he misses them, though if he doesn't, Fatine is hard-pressed to avoid a few giggles.

"We took good care o' dee stuff what wen' dee lil' buggers come 'long an' try to burn dem. No worries Goldy!"

Bliss (AC20, HP27) & Mookie (AC18, HP13) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday November 5th, 2014 5:13:57 PM

Bliss yawns. "I guess I was too tired to think of stripping the loot off them."

Mookie laughs. "If that one was willing to take 60 gold a year as a living wage, odds are his gear was crap-all, or he just coulda sold his gear and lived without working at the same pay."

The tiny fellow turns to see the cleric who hired them coming up fast.

"Hey mister!" Bliss shouts, "Watchout for them pointy things!" he points to the danger.

He comes down to talk with Iangold.

OOC: Updated link to newest version of PC sheet.

Murphy HP 32/32 AC 16/14/14 CMD 14 (Kim) 
Wednesday November 5th, 2014 7:53:44 PM

"Hail, Broker Iangold LaughShield. Stay on the paths, and you won't step on the caltrops!"

Murphy comes down from his perch where he has been writing up the events of the evening. "Here - this will explain everything - and the goods are well cared for, and intact." He tosses the blanket over his shoulder and descends the ladder, so he can then actually hand over the parchment he inked. "We even fed & watered the animals."

He walks with the cleric - showing him where caltrops were placed. "We'll pick those up, of course. And the sunrods will die out soon - but it's daylight, so, no need for those anymore."

{more shortly - interrupted}

Murphy HP 32/32 AC 16/14/14 CMD 14 (Kim)  d20+5=18 ;
Thursday November 6th, 2014 6:21:58 AM
Upon entering the barn (am assuming he comes in through the west side - where most of the ponies are), he can see the wagons all gathered together in the center of the barn. Wagon #2 still has canvas covering it. "We had all five wagons covered with canvas for protection, and had them roped together to make it hard for any potential robbers from getting away with them quickly. But we just took the canvas off of four of them, and laid it over there," Murphy points to the area next to the tent.

"Fatine, Alleah, Shel, Hazel, Bliss and Mookie all did great. Six halflings out of Angel Springs attacked last night, tried to set the barn on fire, and were shooting arrows at us, trying to stab us with rapiers. So, we stopped them. Sadly, one fellow who did not relent on attacking the women outside died. We managed to subdue the rest. One raider spilled the beans, telling us at least some things about who hired them. A fellow in a gray hood. They said they never got a good look at his face. It's all in that parchment I wrote out for you.

"All the ponies are fine, and we just gave them breakfast. Oh, Shel and Alleah went with the constable to escort the prisoners to lockup. They should be back pretty soon, now.

"Aside from the raid, it was a quiet night. How are things with you, sir?"

==========
Backstep to Hazel
I missed Hazel's words just before my mention of Murphy's writing out a summary (we posted close to the same time). In earlier response to him:

Murphy nods his head in agreement with the tenor of his friend's expression as they discussed the term 'mercenary,' and his reference to conscience. As Hazel claps him firmly on the shoulder, the druid has enough presence of mind to brace for the manly action, and does not embarrass himself by tripping or falling [Reflex save: 18]

When Hazel asked for water - Murphy shows him a couple of pitchers full of fresh water. "You really need some sleep, brother."

==========
Disposition of raiders' equipment
We took all their weapons and gear, but not clothes or armor. I realize I did not give full details, but, when Murphy ties someone up and puts manacles on them, he makes certain they do not have hidden knives or other tools, such as lockpicks and the like on them. If they had something hidden deep inside their armor, well, they still have that. The rest of their stuff (including pouches, bags, backpacks, etc.) should be neatly laid out next to the tent. Unless the constable directs them otherwise, he has no intention of returning their weapons and other gear.

==========
Gear Murphy bought for barn defense
Murphy lists several items he purchased for this night's job in the document he handed to Iangold LaughShield.
He offers to let the cleric retain those items he wants to keep at 80% of their purchase value (and is willing to be negotiated down to 75% with no argument). He notes that he especially does not need all the canvas and hemp rope - which may be useful at the market. He also says there is no obligation for the broker to purchase anything, as Murphy took it on his own initiative to buy the materials in order to carry out the assigned work.

Items purchased by Murphy for guard job
GP Value - Description
100.0 - 50 sunrods - 25 used, plan to keep 10
060.0 - 4 sets of manacles, halfling size (plan to keep 1)
000.5 - 25 clay pitchers (2 broken)
003.0 - 6 buckets (plan to keep 2)
010.0 - 10 sets of caltrops (slow assaults outside)
016.0 - 160 square yards of canvas (covered wagons)
020.0 - 5 fishing nets, 25 sq ft ea (covered barn windows - plan to keep 2)
004.0 - 4 grappling hooks (plan to keep 2)
010.0 - 500' rope, hemp (wrap wagons, other uses - some used to tie up assailants)
050.0 - 10 sets block and tackle (plan to keep 2)
005.0 - 10 hammers (plan to keep 2)
001.2 - 6 ladders, 10' (plan to keep 1)
000.5 - 10 10' poles
010.0 - 10 pounds sealing wax
002.5 - 25 sacks (plan to keep 10)

Listed, but plan to keep
750.0 - 1 wand of cure light wounds (used some, keeping)
100.0 - 5 smokesticks (not used, but keeping)
010.0 - 10 watersacks
000.1 - 10 candles

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 15/14/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 26/26 
Thursday November 6th, 2014 6:37:02 AM
Alleah checks in on Quotiln to make sure he is comfortable and to see if there is anything he needs. She takes a small handful of sweets (won in the LnB Halloween Contest) from her pocket and - after checking its ok with the guard - gives them to Quotiln. "I'll make sure you're out of here as soon as possible" she tells him "Just try and relax in the mean time"

Alleah gently shakes Shel by the shoulder, checking if she is awake "Psst! Are you awake? It's time to go and check in on the others" she says gently. Some people don't wake up well and can lash out at those nearby. Alleah has known far too many of them. In her experience, waking someone up should be a gentle experience made as pleasant as possible. Who knows what dream you are robbing them of!

Alleah thanks the officer for his hospitality, and for sharing the soup. She provides the details of where she is staying, and asks that any updates on Quotiln be provided to her asap.

After that she is ready to make haste towards the barn. Hopefully the others had an uneventful night. Hopefully. "Strange. I am more worried about the people than the goods" she observes "They must be growing on me"


Shel Breezelee Kromnite (Gerald) HP25/26; AC 14/14/11 
Thursday November 6th, 2014 7:32:57 AM
Shel smiled when Alleah woke her. This was easily Shel's most pleasant experience at this guard house. "Let's get out of here. It'd be nice if they'd let us grab a bite of breakfast to take to the others. I'm sure they are starving by now. Missing first breakfast will be tough on Murphy and the others.".

Whether or not she is able to grab a loaf of bread or not, she happily joins Alleah in heading back to the others. She was concerned, but hopeful nothing crazy had happened.

Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 31/43 AC: 18/14/15 - Faoil: 7/13 AC 18/13/16 
Thursday November 6th, 2014 10:25:57 AM
Hazel smiles when A**gold arrives and runs towards the barn. He silently prays for him to step on the caltrops.
"Easy man! The goods are ok. So are we, thanks for asking!"
He hopes they got paid quickly, so he can go back to sleep.


Bliss (AC20, HP27) & Mookie (AC18, HP13) (Cayzle) 
Thursday November 6th, 2014 2:56:37 PM

Bliss smiles when he sees Shel and Alleah arrive back. BUt then he sees Shel has food with her.

"BREAD!" he exclaims. "NOT FAIR! I'm hungry too!"

He looks at Shel's bread with pitiful eyes.

Fatine AC 19 (17/14/15), HP 10(15)/23 (Matt C) 
Thursday November 6th, 2014 6:35:28 PM
ooc: cheking in. going to be out tonight so may not get back on until morning.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 15/14/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 26/26 
Thursday November 6th, 2014 7:49:08 PM
Alleah tries to stealthily check her sleeve cuffs for any signs of the soup she enjoyed earlier. If Bliss was disappointed about not getting any bread, how would he feel if he knew there was soup too!

Shel Breezelee Kromnite (Gerald) HP25/26; AC 14/14/11 
Thursday November 6th, 2014 9:11:26 PM
"I brought the bread for you all, you silly goose! I know how hungry guard work makes a person. Nibble on this until we have the chance to get some real food. How did the rest of the night go? Anything strange happen? More FEAR types?"

[DM StevenVdB] - Now where be dis man wit' our money? 
Friday November 7th, 2014 6:22:13 AM
Sorry sorry sorry folks...
Snowboard lessons yesterday ended with an apres ski... I'm glad I made it to work this morning...

Posting in an hour...

[DM StevenVdB] - Now where be dis man wit' our money? 
Friday November 7th, 2014 8:49:39 AM
The Humble's Sword see Iangold running up the barn. Not willing him to step onto the caltrops Fatine is the first to stop him... Iangold stops abruptly and looks around to see where the caltrops are. Bliss too alert Iangold of the pointy things.
Murphy hops down from the roof and hands over the writings he made during the night. His handwriting shows signs of being cold 'n tired by still Iangold can read most of it.
With big bulging eyes Iangold reads the text and then follows Murphy to the barn.

Iangold Laughshield listens intently at what Murphy has to say and especially when Murphy gets to the point where one has been spilling the beans Iangold is all ears. He sighs when it turns out the only clue they have is the gray hood 'n cloak...

Before Alleah returns to the barn with Shel, she checks on Quotiln. It still struck her that apparently he shares the same last name... could he be a distant relative?! But of course no one here knows her real name! So how could he?
Having woken up Shel quite nicely the two return to the barn with some bread 'n butter for the rest who are still at the barn.
Bliss first had the impression they had none for him!! But Alleah quickly dissipates his dissapointment in saying there's plenty for everyone.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Iangold Laughshield is happy to see all the goods made it through the night.

"Excellent job my friends!! Excellent job... Payement will come like we agreed upon... I thank you for having taken care of this cargo. It hasn't been without danger it seems... From here I will take care of the goods and prepare the Sale's Days. Tomorrow we ring the Trade Bell which will signal everyone to come. If you want to have a first go at the goods here, you may want to join me tomorrow morning... We will go to the trade square early so make sure you're awake by then... "

Before he leaves he hands everyone the 250Gp he promised with of course the obligatory receipt to be signed by each of you...

"One last thing... I did hear one of you is planning a wedding? In case you're looking for a place to party this barn could be something no? With a little decoration here and there you can fit in quite a crowd! I'll arrange you a fair deal of course..."

After than Iangold leaves. A number of Ffloy followers assemble near the barn and begin taking care of the cargo... You're no longer needed here...

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Based on Murphy's explanation I'm assuming you've taken the following from the Barn Attackers...

- 6 x CLW potions (6 x 50 Gp)
- 3 x +1 rapier (3 x 2320GP)
- 3 x masterwork rapier (3 x 320 Gp)
- 3 x masterwork dagger (3 x 302 Gp)
- 3 x masterwork buckler (3 x 155 Gp)
- 3 x masterwork Crossbow
- 3 x masterwork Shortbow

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A CINEMATOGRAPHIC INTERMEZZO ...

During the day in a place nearby...

A gray hooded cloaked halfling, 'The Recruiter', kneels in front of a table in what looks like a basement...
Behind him 3 other halflings stand - their faces also hidden all dressed in gray...
In two rows, one on his left, one on his right, stand 10 more Halflings... these are dressed in black cloaks

The Recruiter: "Master I'm sorry... it was the Humble's Swords ag... " the recruiter starts but he is swiftly silenced!

Grand Master: "SILENCE!!! I'm tired of your excuses!! You have failed me the last time..."

A spell is cast and the 'Recruiter' falls lifeless to the pavement...

Grand Master: "You!" he says pointing at one of the 3 who stood behind the 'Recruiter', "You have just been promoted..."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 15/14/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 26/26 
Friday November 7th, 2014 11:06:57 AM
Before the Broker leaves...

"Broker Laughshield, sir, I'm trying to help one of the raiders. He wants to live an honest life, he just didn't know how. I've offered to employ him as a bit of a handyman, however, he's still locked up in the guardhouse for the moment. The officer there said it would be up to you as to his fate. Is there any way you could see it that he be released into my care?" Alleah looks up at the broker with the biggest, saddest eyes she can make.

After the broker leaves....

"Looks like we have the rest of the day off. Anyone have any plans?"

Shel Breezelee Kromnite (Gerald) HP25/26; AC 14/14/11 
Friday November 7th, 2014 11:46:34 AM
Shel mingles with the followers of Ffloy. "now when is the sale starting? Mister Iangold said I could have first crack at some of the items.". She hops into the wagon with the three or four particular items she had fancied. "You there...these are mine. Keep them and have them laid up separately. There's a gold piece or two in it for you, if no one else gets them first. You might even put a note on them that says property of Shel. I'll be by there early on the sale day anyway."

Shel had never had this much gold in her pocket, so she wasn't worried about one or two as a tip for good service.

"I don't have any plans, Alleah. Other than getting a nap later on. I'm sure everyone else is pretty tired as well."


Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 31/43 AC: 18/14/15 - Faoil: 7/13 AC 18/13/16 
Friday November 7th, 2014 12:30:22 PM
After Iangold finishes talking, and he gets his pay, he asks:
"By any chance you have a grey cloak you wear sometimes? About the weeding, I think I will pass, and marry under the clear sky, between flowers. But thanks anyway."
After hearing his responses he goes to his friends.
"Gotta go check on Faoil, and sleep a while. See you around!"
From his tired smile you know he is not only thinking in Faoil. He leaves to look for Alouryn and his faithful dog.

Fatine AC 19 (17/14/15), HP 10(15)/23 (Matt C) 
Friday November 7th, 2014 1:43:28 PM
"Aye, ol' Fatine is tired too," Fatine yawns in between words. "I tink maybe I grab some sleep, den maybe we can look around more for dis grey-hooded fool what keeps causin' us trouble? Someone gots to know some ting 'bout him, yea?"

Fatine AC 19 (17/14/15), HP 10(15)/23 (Matt C) 
Friday November 7th, 2014 1:44:58 PM
updated character sheet

Murphy HP 32/32 AC 16/14/14 CMD 14 (Kim)  d20+13=22 ; d20+13=33 ; d20+13=16 ; d20+13=31 ; d20+13=23 ; d20+13=19 ;
Friday November 7th, 2014 6:43:23 PM

Murphy stifles a yawn. "You're welcome. And thank you," he says as he receives his share of the payment.

"I am trying to figure out who keeps sending people to do bad things here. Most of them are from out of town, as far as I can tell. You, Broker Iangold," he says, using the cleric's first name with the title rather than his family name, "have motivation to see Humble's Ford prosper. Those recently promoting attacks on businesses seem to want fear and confusion to gain a foothold here. Why? I do not understand what they think to gain. Does someone want to set up a protection racket, but they need to let us know we need protection, first?

"I do not want such corruption to come here. This has been a fairly friendly place in times past. What can we do to help keep it that way?" he ponders aloud.

"Look, I am thinking - whoever sent the raiders will not want to fail. Most of us need to get some sleep today, as there was little enough of that last night. But later today maybe a few of us will look around, ask around. I would like to make certain that no one is allowed to successfully disrupt the first Trade Day in a long while. I would be happy to join you early tomorrow morning. Might I suggest you get some reliable folk to watch over the grounds tonight where the Trading Fair will be - and, no, I don't think we'll be available ourselves," he adds quickly - he doesn't want his friends to get too worn out.

He turns to his other friends before all scatter. "How about the rest of you? Shall we gather first at our new digs early in the morning, then head over to the site of the fair together? I'm going to sleep at the place the TossCobbles gave us. This afternoon I'll cart over a few beds. We should get things set up there over the next few days, if we can."

He thinks of one more thing. "Hey - can someone help me pick up all the caltrops? Bliss and Fatine - you laid them down. Could we put those back into bags? And afterwards feel free to scatter to the winds until the morning. Of course, if you don't want to help, that's fine. Also, getting together tomorrow morning is optional - but if you'd let me know if you think you'll be coming, I would appreciate that."

And he sets out to pick up all the caltrops, and all the spent sunrods from around the barn, with help, if others help. He puts the bags next to the tent.

"I'm going to get the cart, and start hauling these things over to the river burrow. I'll try and get some of my brothers to help out, so you all can do whatever you need to do."

Plans
Murphy lets others know his planned itinerary for the day, and welcomes any who would join in.
1. Get cart (taking his ponies to pull it) and make about 3 trips to haul the gear to the river burrow from the barn.
2. Use cart to take two bunk beds & bedding from his home over to the river burrow. Does someone else want to buy some more beds from the store in town?
3. Sleep from about 10am until 4pm (Murphy only got 2 hours sleep before the raid).
4. Eat for half an hour
5. At 4:30 See if Hazel and Alouryn need anything. Talk with them for maybe half an hour about their wedding. If Shel is available at that time, she may want to join in - and anyone else may feel free to do so, too.
6. 5pm Stop at Pirnook's store to pick up a few items.
7. 5:15pm See what's been going on in town, walk around, catch up on news for an hour or so
8. 6:15pm Eat some more. Gotta keep in shape
9. 7pm Back at the river burrow. Change into an owl. Fly reconnaissance over the town and surrounding area for almost an hour. Enjoy eating aerial insects as he does so.
10. Murphy plans to go to bed early - about 8pm
10. Get up at 4am. Fix tea. Wake friends who may be staying at the river burrow. Prepare spells. Wash hair.
11. 5am Head over to square to see what is going on there. Ask around. Be nosy.

[To DM Stephen & other DMs: Please, on the Humble's Ford map, would you show where Iangold Laughshield's barn is? Also, where the river burrow given us by the Tosscobbles is - and, if either are off the edge of the map, perhaps an arrow pointing to where they would be. I realize it may be hard until the Woldipedia is restored.

Oh, and where on the map will the Trade Fair be?]

[To fellow players: Feel free to inject yourself into any of Murphy's activites. Perhaps Mookie might want to fly with Murphy, give him a few pointers. Maybe Fatine's Crow would want to join in? I wonder if anyone would be curious about two crows and an owl flying together. Should Murphy shapechange into a crow, instead? I'm open to suggestions!]

[Six Perception rolls: 22; 33 (nat 20); 16; 31; 23; 19]

Murphy HP 32/32 AC 16/14/14 CMD 14 (Kim) 
Friday November 7th, 2014 7:21:21 PM
Habeus Corpus


The body of the lamentable Norril Arcanegrin's remains to be dealt with. Shall next of kin be sought? Should he be buried in the town cemetary? Murphy consults with both Iangold Laughshield and Constable Ostgood on the matter.

It would not do to leave the body at the barn.

Shel Breezelee Kromnite (Gerald) HP25/26; AC 14/14/11 
Friday November 7th, 2014 7:24:11 PM
Shel will definitely join in for meals today. She will also want to head with Murphy to check on the wedding party. After she makes plans, she heads straight for a nap.

Bliss (AC20, HP27) & Mookie (AC18, HP13) (Cayzle) 
Friday November 7th, 2014 10:46:07 PM

Bliss is falling down with sleepiness.

"Someone, get the Kid a bed," says Mookie.

Murphy HP 32/32 AC 16/14/14 CMD 14 (Kim) 
Friday November 7th, 2014 11:59:06 PM

Murphy takes Bliss over to his place. There are plenty of beds available during the daytime. He tells his mother the gist of what happened at the barn. "Feed him something good when he wakes up, Mama." He winks, "As if you'd do anything less than that."

Shel Breezelee Kromnite (Gerald) HP25/26; AC 14/14/11 
Saturday November 8th, 2014 9:18:27 PM
OOC: hey gang, how are we going to divvy up the loot we just took from the baddies? There's some good coin there. Everyone take a CLW potion, and sell the rest? Or does anyone plan on using a magical rapier?

Murphy HP 32/32 AC 16/14/14 CMD 14 (Kim) 
Sunday November 9th, 2014 4:49:07 AM

OOC: The weapons are valued at a total of 11,286 gp. Now, Hazel expressed a desire for a shield - he might take a masterwork buckler - or turn in a pair of them for, say, a medium shield. Murphy would like one masterwork dagger. Let's see if anyone else wants one or more of the items. After that is determined, then we can turn in the remainder for 50% value in the Catacombs. And, yes, for the sake of simplicity - each PC take a CLW potion.
- 6 x CLW potions (6 x 50 Gp)
- 3 x +1 rapier (3 x 2320GP)
- 3 x masterwork rapier (3 x 320 Gp)
- 3 x masterwork dagger (3 x 302 Gp)
- 3 x masterwork buckler (3 x 155 Gp)
- 3 x masterwork Crossbow (3 x 335 Gp)
- 3 x masterwork Shortbow (3 x 330 Gp)

[DM StevenVdB] - Now where be dis man wit' our money? 
Sunday November 9th, 2014 1:18:25 PM
Iangold frowns at Alleah's request to help one of the attackers.

"A strange request Lady Alleah... these men have tried to destroy the barn and murder you! But I will listen to your request and may decide not to press charges upon this man provided that you make sure he stays on the track of justice..."

Shel mingles with the followers of Ffloy as they start taking care of the goods and wagons. She points how the items she wants to buy at tomorrow's Sale Day.

"You'll have first go at the items as promised Lady Shel... just be there in time..." they chuckle as they see Shel's sleepy eyes.

"A grey cloak?" Iangold asks as Hazel inquires about a cloak like that, "... no I do have a cloak but it's not grey... I'm sorry... And if you want to marry under the clear sky I don't have any problems with that of course. Please let me know if I can help with anything. After all you and your friends have helped Ffloy on a few occasions already!"

"You are right Mister Murphy... prosperity attracts crime. One can not thrive without the other... I will do everything in my power to bring a halt to these criminal activities. When the time comes I hope I may count on you to help me win this battle against crime."

----------------------------------------

The Burrow Eldon and Cora Tosscobble have offered you is near the river banks. There's no location on the map but perhaps we can settle on the following. If you travel South towards the river from the Dancing Pig you walk straight towards the burrow in casu. Unless you would prefer a different location, feel free to make a suggestions should that be the case.

The barn is somewhere between Humble's Burrow and the Temple of Ffloy - also no clear location on the map.

-------------------------------------------

Then the group takes care of the falled Norril Arcanegrin, clear the place and find a place to crash... everyone hopes Ffloy's followers have this matter well in hands for it would be dissapointing to see the cargo go to waste now that they have so well defended it...

-------------------------------------------



Murphy HP 32/32 AC 16/14/14 CMD 14 (Kim) 
Sunday November 9th, 2014 11:38:57 PM

Philosophical / ethical disquisition on the proposition 'Prosperity attacts crime'
"I think that prosperity can thrive without crime - if the people who prosper are upright in heart, stout in purpose, and diligent in vigilance," Murphy responds to Iangold's assertions. "Crime also can abound where there is poverty. Crime is a matter of people taking shortcuts at others' expense. A poor man can be upright and honest. A poor man can be twisted and a fraud. A rich man can be praiseworthy and show noble character. A rich man can be reprehensible and wickedly crafty.

"Now, where there is prosperity, those whose character is poorly formed might say, 'Aha! How can I rob them of what they have gained?' whereas one of well formed character might say, 'Aha! I see their hard work and diligence which produced this gain. I also shall work hard that I might be productive and prosper.'

"Neither wealth nor poverty determine virtue. One can carry virtue in abundance, as one can carry virtue in want. Though each condition may have its own challenges and temptations, neither condition serves as a valid excuse for criminal behavior. What attracts crime? Hearts that are bent away from good. In an honest town, one might leave one's door unlocked, even silver on the front porch, with no fear of loss. In a town where the wicked dwell, neither locks nor guards are absolute proof against thievery or thuggery."

The young halfling scratches his neck. "Do any of Ffloy's teachings touch on the financial benefits of virtue?" A sincere question that, the answer to which the druid is keen to find out. "Of course, I know you are busy, so if another occasion would be better to address this question, I can wait."

A Matter of Burial
If neither constable nor cleric object, Murphy will arrange with the gravediggers to prepare a plot for Norril Arcanegrin, and a stone engraved with the following words. He will pay the engraving fee, and for a coffin.
Norril Arcanegrin of Angel Springs
He tried to burn a barn
and slay a fair lass
He now lies here
a-mouldering 'neath the grass
When a mutually agreeable time can be found, and the gravesite is readied, he will suggest to his companions a ceremony be held to lay the raider's bones to rest in the next day or two.

Murphy HP 32/32 AC 16/14/14 CMD 14 (Kim) 
Sunday November 9th, 2014 11:41:13 PM

Oh, and the date of death will also be listed at the bottom of the tombstone.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 15/14/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 26/26 
Monday November 10th, 2014 4:43:18 AM
Alleah isn't used to being referred to as 'Lady' It's enough to cause her to blush. "Um .. er .. thankyou, sir" she stammers through her thanks to the Broker.

--------------------------

During the day Alleah does some small amount of shopping, too keen to wait until the sale day begins. And when she finds a moment, she confides in Bliss.

Bliss has travelled with Alleah for some time, and knows much more about her than the others do - including her real name.

"And that's just it. This, Quotiln. He's a Lighttouch too. There's no way he, or anyone else could have known I would be here. It's Warrd at work, I tell you. He chose for the two of us to meet. I must find out more about Quotiln. If we are related somehow, then I would feel bound to see that he was taken care of properly. But I don't want him to know the truth"

Shel Breezelee Kromnite (Gerald) HP25/26; AC 14/14/11 
Monday November 10th, 2014 1:12:46 PM
Other than eating and napping, Shel doesn't do much the next morning. She does follow Hazel and Murphy to go check on the blushing bride. "What work on the wedding have you done, Alouryn? Have you picked out your colors yet? How about some flowers? I don't think you ever told me what your favorites were...we need to be sure we have plenty for the festivities. Do you have to have a night of partying beforehand...a bachelorette's party? We can drink a bit and howl at the moon, if you want!"

Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 31/43 AC: 18/14/15 - Faoil: 7/13 AC 18/13/16 
Monday November 10th, 2014 2:12:35 PM
OOC: About the loot, I changed my mind, as Sling Staff is Hazel weapon of choice. So he will sell the other weapons and do what he does best, with the weapon he uses the best. I'll add the CLW potion and I think a CLW Wand is in order with he rest of the money.
About the wedding planning, he will "let" Alouryn to decide (can't it be otherwise :P ) the details, while worrying about the costs (as it should be).
The next day he will accompany Murphy being nosy, and trying to find clues to implicate "those Ffloy guys" in the new crime-wave.

Murphy HP 32/32 AC 16/14/14 CMD 14 (Kim) 
Monday November 10th, 2014 7:03:37 PM

OOC: Murphy will take only 1 potion and 1 masterwork dagger. He recommends Hazel consider outfitting himself with a +1 sling staff. However anyone wishes to allocate the remainder of the funds should be fine with him.
An idea, though: If you spend 1500 gp, you can get a Cure Light Wounds wand that is without limit on charges. Murphy's CLW wand has 48 charges left. If the party obtained the more enduring wand, we could use that most of the time. The charged one could be used as needed for active combat situations in addition to the unlimited variant. When we had two clerics in the party, healing was not as much of an issue. Now with one cleric light (Alleah - witch 3 cleric 1), supplemental healing is much more of a concern (and thanks, Rob, for Alleah's healing wave at the end of the barn combat).

[DM StevenVdB] - Now where be dis man wit' our money? 
Monday November 10th, 2014 7:08:42 PM
Murphy ponders the symbionts Prosperity and Crime and is interested what Ffloy education has to say about the financial benefits of virtue...

Iangold holds his departure for a few moments to think about that question...

"Well now Mister Murphy... Perhaps in time you will follow some of our courses... See for yourself..."

During the day Alleah seeks out Bliss and consults him about what to do or think about the fact that Quotiln, the one she had under her control, is a Lighttouch like her... Is this all but a big coincidence or could they be related?!

Shel and Hazel go to see Alouryn. Since she no longer goes out on wild adventures she has temporarily been staying with Eldon and Cora Tisscobble. They have been planning the wedding indeed and have planned tje wedding two full moons from now!! Like Hazel desired it will be a wedding under the clear sky...

"And now that the day has finally been set it's time tobthriw an engagement party!!" Eldon says out loud, "when the sale days are over we will throw a party for our two lovebirds!!

But rather than spending a quiet day Hazel is fixated on implicating Ffloy followers in the latest crimes!!


The day slowly passes. The little town is bustling with sounds. Everyone appears to be very enthousiastic!! When evening falls the Humble's Sword sleep already ..

You wake up early the next morning after a good uneventful night..Time to prepare to travelling with the caravan...

Murphy HP 32/32 AC 16/14/14 CMD 14 (Kim) 
Monday November 10th, 2014 8:03:39 PM

Murphy likes the idea of a party for Alouryn & Hazel after the trading days wrap up.

Wait. What? Travelling with the caravan? Where is the Trading Fair taking place?

Shel Breezelee Kromnite (Gerald) HP25/26; AC 14/14/11 
Monday November 10th, 2014 8:57:59 PM
OOC: yeah, color me confused. Another caravan guarding mission? I don't rmember agreeing to it, not that Shel minds too much, I don't guess.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 15/14/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 26/26 
Tuesday November 11th, 2014 5:07:11 AM
"You know, I was thinking of something last night. What if I was to disguise myself and vandalise the blacksmiths? Someone could tip him off, or we could pay for the damage afterwards. But it may be a way to infiltrate that FEAR group. If they think I'm a vandal, then perhaps they might try and recruit me?" Alleah suggests over 1st breakfast.

Bliss (AC20, HP27) & Mookie (AC18, HP13) (Cayzle) 
Tuesday November 11th, 2014 7:06:33 AM

Bliss and Murphy

Bliss wakes up refreshed, hearing Murphy talking about crime and propsperity.

He casts his Reduce spell reflexively, because he is still half in his dream.

"Isn't that funny, Mister Murphy? I was dreaming about you, and here you are? Was that you in my dream because I was hearing your voice? Dreams sure are funny."

Yawning, Mookie wakes from his perch on the headboard of the bed Bliss had been sleeping in. "If I had dreams of Murphy, I'd call them nightmares! Give me worms and lady-ravens, please!"

"It kind of WAS a nightmare!" says Bliss. "We were trying to fight criminals, and Mister Murphy kept trying to give me money, because I was a mercanary! I kept saying no thanks, it was okay, but in my dream you were real insisting! 'It's okay, we got prosperity, we can afford you,' you kept saying."

Bliss laughs, but it is more a shaky nervous laugh than a joyful one.

==========

Bliss and Alleah

When Alleah confides in Bliss about the prisoner, Bliss grins. "This is great, Miss Alleah! It would be like if I found a sister I thought I had lost, or a cousin. All my family in the world is dead except for Aunt Priss, and she was sure mad at me, which is why I left."

"What am I, chopped liver?" caws Mookie.

"And Mookie, sorry," adds Bliss.

"So if you can find someone in your family, isn't that a good thing? You should ask him about his relatives and see if you can figure out how. Is your family from around here, do you think?"

"Maybe Miss Fatine can read your fortune and tell you if you really are related."

==========

Bliss and Party Business

Bliss is not worried about the loot. He'll take a CLW potion and then just asks for his share in cash. "How much did the Kid earn?" Mookie caws. He looks over the loot pile ... "Three of those and three of those ... that'll be about ... carry the two ... couple hundred there ... I figure the kid has at least 600 coming to him, right? Don't try to cheat him, either, I got a mind for numbers like a trap!"

"Mookie!" says Bliss.

Bliss is more worried about that grey cloak guy. He agrees with Fatine and Hazel. "We gotta find that guy, for sure!"

Mookie adds, "Yeah, I bet we would get a big reward for taking him down."

Bliss says, "Hey! We are heroes! We don't care about that!"

The tiny guy is still clearly grappling with being a hero vs being a merc.

Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 31/43 AC: 18/14/15 - Faoil: 7/13 AC 18/13/16 
Tuesday November 11th, 2014 12:16:55 PM
"Another trip? Where to now? I need to go sell some stuff, I'll be back shortly!"
Remind me: Somebody got the Pumpkin magic item besides Murphy?

[DM StevenVdB] - Now where be dis man wit' our money? 
Tuesday November 11th, 2014 6:38:51 PM
When the Humble's Sword get together to divide the loot they casually talk to one another. Bliss shares his nightmares that involved Murphy. Alleah confides about Quotiln to Bliss. Hazel and Alleah scheme about setting up a trap and see if they can infiltrate F.E.A.R.!

But when the time comes for the caravan to go towards the trade square the Swords are puzzled... Yet another caravan guarding task?!

"Ah it seems there are some parts of Humble's Ford history that are no longer known by you younglings 'n strangers... Perhaps Mr Murphy the parents of your parents' parents heard their parents' parents talks about what their parents told about their parents...
Back then Humble's Ford was prosperous mainly thanks to the lucrative sales they had with the giants of the South... Of course Giants were not allowed to enter Humble's Ford or in fact they were not allowed to cross the river! Therefor, just accross the river, a trade square was created. Whenever the Giants or the citizens from Humble's Ford wanted to trade they rang the Trade Bell. A large bell that was placed in the center of the square...

Before I initiated the Sale Days I checked the square... Even though it's deserted and ill maintained the Bell is still there and I'm sure we can re-initiated the old traditin...

So, no guard duties for you my friends... But didn't you plan on getting your hands on a few things??

Anyhow, the wagons leave for the trade square. It's just 5mins accross the river... Shall we?

Lady Alleah... May I invite you to walk with me? ", realising that's perhaps a strange request he quickly adds, "I'd love to hear why you would want to save one of those criminals that attacked the barn last night... "

The 5 wagons you guarded last night axcompanied with at least another 5 wagons and perhaps a douzen smaller carts all take the road towards Trade Square...

Shel Breezelee Kromnite (Gerald) HP25/26; AC 14/14/11 
Tuesday November 11th, 2014 7:06:40 PM
Shel was disappointed in herself for not thinking to ask where the sale was actually going to be. She happily followed with the others, and the sale wagons, heading to the trade square.

"You are going to try and deal with big'uns? What will happen if they get any funny ideas, and you know, try to eat the whole lot of us? I've not had good experiences with the couple of big'uns I've met!"

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 15/14/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 26/26  d20+10=29 ; d20+10=24 ;
Tuesday November 11th, 2014 8:02:14 PM
It is indeed a strange request to be invited to walk with the Broker! How should she act? Should she take his arm? Should he take hers? Should she walk beside him as an equal, or trail him a few steps? This is all so confusing. And he keeps referring to her as 'Lady'. Ok, that part she likes.

Alleah brushes some stray hairs behind her ear self-consciously. Not knowing how she should act, she tries to follow the Broker's lead and 'go with the flow'.

"Broker, sir, I must admit that I did cast a spell upon the man - Quotiln - when he was trying to attack the barn. I compelled him to tell the truth, and he expressed a desire to live an honest life if given the chance. Perhaps you and Ffloy are having a bad influence on me, as 60 gold pieces to set a man on an honest life seemed a bargain" Alleah laughs awkwardly, unsure if the Broker has a sense of humour

"Either I have spent 60 gold pieces to have a handyman around town, to help us and others, or, I have paid 60 gold pieces to a scoundrel who will disappear and not show his face in Humble's Ford again. Either way, the town should be better off"

Sensing the chance to have a frank conversation with the Broker, Alleah changes topic. "It is curious. No sooner had we arrived in the barn than they were there to attack it that very night. One could suppose that they were opportunistic. However, they claim to have been employed by an organisation. F.E.A.R, I believe they called it. That would suggest they knew about the wagons in advance and had time to plan and prepare. Have you heard of such an organisation? That they have such information about both Humble's Ford and your goods is a bit alarming"

(Sense Motive: 29)

Alleah had debated whether or not to tell the Broker what the group had learned about FEAR, but he would no doubt have heard from the guard when he interrogated the prisoners. No, best to be honest with the Broker.

(Perception: 24)

Murphy HP 32/32 AC 16/14/14 CMD 14 (Kim) 
Tuesday November 11th, 2014 11:43:47 PM

Alleah's suggestion

"Sounds like something that, what's his name? Trufflefinder? Ah, no, Troublefinder," Murphy corrects himself. "Bill Troublefinder used to infiltrate the, the Sons of Thread. Back when they... No, the Sons of Dread. Right. But he would go in to find out what they were up to, then get word back to the good guys so they could help to thwart their plans.

"I've been wondering if there is someone bad who has infiltrated the Ffloy group, and is trying to mess them up from within. Huh. Well, Alleah, it's something for you to think about. But haven't a few people seen your face with us?"

With Bliss & Mookie

As Bliss wakes up, Bekka Lilly Burrows Leafwin Pipewood, Murphy's mother, lays out milk fresh from the morning and eggs, bacon, toast and apple juice, plus some earthworms that young Billy brought in a bucket for Mookie. She asks Mookie if he would like anything else. "I've got some more eggs scrambled up, if you have a liking for that," she tells the crow.

Murphy must have been telling his mother about his earlier conversation with Broker Iangold Laughshield as he took apart a bunk bed for transport.

"Yes, you are right, Bliss. Dreams can sure be interesting." He gets a glass of apple juice from his mother as he sits for a moment with the little fellow. "You know, it's not a problem being paid for work you are good at. I guess, growing up around here, though I've gotten paid for some things I do, I didn't think of myself as, as a mercenary. More as an adventurer. I think, so long as we are careful who we agree to do work for, it is not a bad thing to use our skills in the employ of others. My own fear for myself, though, is that I might end up agreeing to help someone out, who ends up not doing things that are right. What do I do then? I am thinking, if I ever sign an agreement with folks from Ffloy, that I will add a clause which maintains I have a right to terminate my contract without prejudice should I be asked or required to do something illegal, unethical, immoral, or just bad for some reason or another. Maybe I'll ask my lawyer great uncle for his advice on how to word it. He lives in Angel Springs these days. Berry 'Books' Gardner Pastna is his name. Have you met my Grandma Eglantine here in town? You have to try her rumberry pie. Anyway, Berry is her younger brother."

Fearing he may have gotten a bit too technical, he brushes back his wavy sandy hair. "So, anyway, Bliss - it's all right to be a mercenary - so long as you choose the right side to fight for."

Onward

Murphy, relieved that it's a very very short caravan, goes along with the others, after he has heard the Broker's explanation. "I should see if our mayor might let me spend some time catching up on history by reading from his library."

Sardok HP 35 AC 20/15/16 
Wednesday November 12th, 2014 12:26:59 PM
A man in rough brown homespun and a scholar's cloak slowly overtakes the traders' caravan. His clothes are plain but the pony he sits astride is of fine breeding. He gazes passively at the wagons overloaded with merchant goods. Despite his stoic demeanor, his heart is aflutter at again being in a new place with an uncertain future ahead. Such new sights and sounds awaken in him a memory of another time, at a place not overly far from here....

"Oh Sardok, what a wonderful place for a farm! We can put the kitchen over there, and the fireplace here, and the bedroom over there...for the children."
"Yes, Iona," he said, beeming like a child at Harvestfest, "we've been blessed mightily, and Powers willing, we'll never have to leave....."

The man gives his head a little shake to clear out the unwelcome phantom. Perhaps if these merchants are overly burdened by an abundance of wine he might find grace enough to relieve them of a skin or two.

Fatine AC 19 (17/14/15), HP 10(15)/23 (Matt C)  d20+2=20 ; d20+6=11 ; d20+4=16 ;
Wednesday November 12th, 2014 3:42:40 PM
Fatine nudges Murphy and Alleah, and leans over her pony toward Laughshield. "Uh . . . dere be some strange guy movin' up on us. Dat be one o' your customers, or do we got another fearer comin' on?

"Fearer? Fear-man? We need a name for dose fools what been botherin' us."

Knowledge (local) check 20
Perception check 11
Sense motive check 16
(all related to the stranger)

[DM StevenVdB] - Now where be dis man wit' our money? 
Wednesday November 12th, 2014 5:51:58 PM
Shel freaks out once she finds out Iangold intends to re-initiate trade not only in Humble's Ford but also with the Biguns...

Iangold just smiles and says : "That should be ok... after all it's to their intrest also! It's especially the Biguns from the North that used to be problematic... hence the Great Towers along the Northern edge of the Crescent Valley!"

Iangold's request to walk with Alleah strikes her as perhaps odd but somewhat flattering also!

As they walk Iangold observes her carefully sideways...

"Please... call me Iangold... or Ian if you like..." Iangold says as Alleah refers to him as Sir. As Alleah tells him how she made Quotiln tell the truth and how 60gp was sufficient to help the culprit on an honest life he laughs out load... perhaps a little exagerated?! Is he nervous?!

When Alleah skillfully brings the conversation to the F.E.A.R. matter his face turns stern...

" I had the feeling an organisation had their eye on this town... they are to destroy what we are trying to build. When I said Crime and Prosperity go hand in hand I wasn't joking... it makes me angry!! The robbery of some pipe weed... the attack on the major's dinner where we first met... I just knew they would try to steal the goods... that's why I turned to you and your friends Lady Alleah... I had the feeling you could be trusted...

Now we know their name... but I shall nor 'fear' them!!

I hope we will be able to combine forces and wipe out this organisation from this Valley!"

Alleah senses anger, nervosity, 'fear'?, ...

During the short trip towards Trade Square Murphy and Bliss and Fatine discuss the latests events and how they might need to deal with F.E.A.R. at some point. The suddenly Fatine gives Murphy a nudge as she spots the stranger who is apparently either drunk or caught in dreams of past life...


Ooc, friends please welcome Sardok (Brian)!
Pausing a day to give you some time to get aquanted in game. Then we reach the Trade Square for the sale days to start!



Bliss (AC20, HP27) & Mookie (AC18, HP13) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday November 12th, 2014 7:23:12 PM
"What's wrong with humans and other big folk?" asks Bliss.

"Beats me, Kid," says Mookie.

"All kinds of people can be heroes, right?"

"Your mom was a hero. And she was big. Bigger than a human. She even belonged to that hero's club of hers."

"Huh! There's a hero club?"

"Yeah, it's called the WAL or something."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 15/14/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 26/26  d2=1 ; d20+10=14 ; d20+10=30 ;
Wednesday November 12th, 2014 9:01:39 PM
"Thankyou ... Ian" Alleah tests out the Broker's nickname. Why some of the others don't like this man is beyond her. There is probably much she could learn from him. Perhaps he could be a sort of mentor?

Alleah then smiles as Fatine tries to come up with a name for their apparent new foes "What about fearies? Takes some of the menace out of their name when you say someone is off with the fearies?"

"Hmmm.. could this fellow on the pony be a fearie?" Alleah wonders "Time to consult Wardd". The young girl takes her coin from her pocket and gives it a flip (d2=1. Heads. Use your head)

"Well, he wouldn't be here all alone amongst so many good folk if he was. And there's no way to know without prying for more information anyway. Huh, should have asked Quotiln if this mob had some sort of secret handshake"

Alleah gives a short, sharp whistle to gain the man's attention.

"Hi there!" she flashes him a trademark beaming smile and wave "Couldn't help but overhear you looking for a place to farm. The name's Alleah, and if you don't mind me saying, you're very close to the perfect little hamlet."

Alleah stays very close to the Broker. She's ready to act as a bodyguard for the man should the need call for it.

Perception: 14
Sense Motive: 30
Ready standard action to use self as a halfling-shield for the Broker if he is attacked

Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 31/43 AC: 18/14/15 - Faoil: 7/13 AC 18/13/16  d20+11=20 ;
Wednesday November 12th, 2014 11:06:07 PM
OOC: Sorry for missing "yesterday"'s post... can I do it now?
YESTERDAY'S POST
Hazel lloks at the man arriving, and grabs his sling staff with both hands. He tries to distinguish who he is, and what is he doing there.
Perception Roll: 20
TODAY'S POST
Hazel silently stand behind Alleah, in a "protective" stance, eyeing the big stranger.

Shel Breezelee Kromnite (Gerald) HP25/26; AC 14/14/11 
Thursday November 13th, 2014 7:02:18 AM
Shel wasn't in an especially friendly mood either. She didn't know very much about humans, so she stood back behind the others, waiting for more information from the human before greeting him.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 15/14/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 26/26 
Thursday November 13th, 2014 7:10:48 AM
OOC: Um, I made the assumption the man was a Halfling. Please correct me if I'm wrong

Murphy HP 32/32 AC 16/14/14 CMD 14 (Kim)  d20+13=15 ;
Thursday November 13th, 2014 8:08:38 AM

"Huh? What?" Murphy asks Fatine when she nudges him. He was busy thinking over a few matters, and barely glanced in the direction she pointed out. Just another traveller, plenty of them coming through town lately. His attention was further diverted by the conversation between Mookie and Bliss.

"Right - the Woldian League of Adventurers. Kendry and Selithe belong - plus several of the others who traveled with them. The WLA has a training outpost over in Angel Springs." That gets his mind wandering down a new pathway. Why not the WLA? Expensive, though. But amazing training.

[Perception: 15 - rolled a 2]

Sardok HP 35 AC 20/15/16 
Thursday November 13th, 2014 9:19:53 AM
The stranger acknowledges Alleah's greeting with a respectful nod. He takes pause as Hazel quickly brings a weapon to hand, but otherwise takes no umbridge, as if he's seen enough of such actions and regards it as neither insulting nor hasty, simply a thing that is done.

"Evening ma'am," he says in the accent of a local. "I was once a farmer and a locksmith, but that was long ago. Can't say I've much interest in such things now. It...didn't turn out too well. But I am new to this part of the 'Valley. So if you don't mind me asking, why is it that the whole town seems to be moving closer to the Red Hills? Wouldn't they want to stay on the other side, where it's safe?"

OOC: *chuckle* Sorry, since everyone is a Halfling, I used 'man' to mean 'male Halfling' not 'male human'. And I meant that dialogue to be internal dialogue. I probably should've held off until I learned the formatting! =)

Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 31/43 AC: 18/14/15 - Faoil: 7/13 AC 18/13/16  d20+11=30 ;
Thursday November 13th, 2014 10:57:03 AM
OOC: I was wondering how a human get into the game! Welcome!
Changing Hazel actions for today:
Hazel sees the new guy Alleah greets, but quickly dismiss him. Another new face in the crowd. He just hope he is not another of those "Ffloy guys". Enough of them already.
He moves quickly to the fair grounds, trying to get there first, and looks around, patrolling the area, trying to detect any possible danger (and cheap wedding dresses).
Perception Roll: 30 (+2 if forest)

Bliss (AC20, HP27) & Mookie (AC18, HP13) (Cayzle) 
Thursday November 13th, 2014 3:06:37 PM
Bliss wants to hear more about this Woldian Adventurer place in Angel Springs.

But someone new has arrived on the scene!

Bliss hops over to Sardok. Bliss is an unarmed half-size halfling. He is only a foot and a half tall. Unarmored, carrying a big crossbow.

Hi mister," says Bliss. "I like your cloak. Are you going to the market fair too? I'm Bliss."

Fatine AC 19 (17/14/15), HP 10(15)/23 (Matt C) 
Thursday November 13th, 2014 9:06:28 PM
"Fearies! Ha! I like dat name," laughs Fatine. She eyes the newcomer a bit warily, then leans over and whispers something to Crow. The raven alights from her shoulder and flies off and away from the halflings, then spots a smaller bird and begins the chase.

"No, stupid bird!" she calls. "I said go check out dee new-" she shrugs. "Nevermind. Hello dere, stranger!"

Bliss (AC20, HP27) & Mookie (AC18, HP13) (Cayzle) 
Friday November 14th, 2014 5:38:15 PM

Bliss sees Fatine's Crow's antics and laughs.

Mookie just gapes. "Ugh. And I'm related to that?"

Sardok HP 35 AC 20/15/16 
Friday November 14th, 2014 6:39:07 PM
Sardok chuckles at the antics of these village-folk that seem to be as close as family.

"So, with all these merchant goods in one big place, it's a good thing that this town is safe. I mean, y'all probably don't get much crime around here, yeah?"

Since the caravan has slowed to walking speed, he dismounts his pony and leads it. Leaning down, he grins and shakes Bliss' hand. "Pleased to meet you, sir. That's a mighty big 'Bow for such a little'un. You sure you can use that? And, yeah, it's been a spell since I seen a fair proper. Might lose a bit o' coin, if'n there's a good deal t'be had."

As he introduces himself, he remembers another first meeting. Another group. Another handshake.
"Well, you may as well meet the rest of the survivors. I'm Monpezat."
He blinks hard to bring himself back to reality. These people aren't those people. Nothing that bad can possibly happen twice.

[DM StevenVdB] - The Trade Square... 
Friday November 14th, 2014 7:24:09 PM
As the caravan rides towards the Trade Square the mood is light and merry.
Best way not to fear your enemies is to make up names... 'fearies' is the first that pop to mind with Alleah and Fatine! Fearies it becomes :-)

But when they see the stranger their nerves are on edge... after all he could well be just another 'fearie'...

Alleah is the first to greet him but none the less stays close to Iangold, ready to protect hil should it be needed... Hazel is on edge and Shel isn't particulary in a friendly mood...

Sardok returns Alleah's greetings but isn't offended with Hazel drawing his sling... with the accent of a local he introduces himself.

Hazel doesn't waste time and wants to make it to the trade square first...
Iangold too is anxious to get there and ring the trade bell...

As Hazel and Iangold make it to Trade Square they are both amased with what they see... the center of the square has a stone pedestal where the trade bell should be... the pedestal is destroyed and the bell's no longer there...

"No!" Iangold gasps as he sinks to his knees...



Shel Breezelee Kromnite (Gerald) HP25/26; AC 14/14/11 
Friday November 14th, 2014 8:26:16 PM
"What has happened? Where's the bell," Shel gasps at the chaos in front of her. "Who would have destroyed such a nice pedestal? Would the Fearies have done this?"

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 15/14/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 26/26  d20+10=24 ; d20+7=16 ;
Friday November 14th, 2014 9:10:26 PM
It has been some time since sale days were held here. Could the damage be recent? Judging by Ian's reaction, he had expected everything to be in fine condition. In all likelihood he inspected the area more than once before arranging this particular sale day.

Yes, most likely the damage is recent.

Surely the ringing of a bell is more ceremonial? Can't someone just yell at the top of their lungs "Sale's on!"? Alleah has the presence of mind not to ask these questions of the Broker just yet. He seems distressed enough without her asking (what could be) insensitive questions.

"I can't imagine a bell being light. Are there any tracks?" Alleah takes Iangold's arm to help support him.

(Perception: 24
Knowl Engineering: 16 - to try and determine what might be needed to carry a bell away (a cart, a crane, 6 strong horses, etc)

Sardok HP 35 AC 20/15/16 
Friday November 14th, 2014 9:51:56 PM
Sardok stands, holding his pony's reins and looking nonplussed.

"Yall got kind've'a queer tradition. I thought y'all had an actual bell or sumpin'."

Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 31/43 AC: 18/14/15 - Faoil: 7/13 AC 18/13/16  d20+11=19 ;
Friday November 14th, 2014 11:38:15 PM
"Well, I don't think you ready need the bell to start, right?"
Hazel tries to see where the bell was taken too, or tracks around the trade square.
OOC: Can I use his last 30 roll for it? If not, I'll make a new one. 19.

[DM StevenVdB] - The Trade Square... 
Saturday November 15th, 2014 4:29:30 PM
Holding Friday post for more player posts

Bliss (AC20, HP27) & Mookie (AC18, HP13) (Cayzle) 
Saturday November 15th, 2014 4:59:58 PM

Bliss looks confused at first. "What, a bell was supposed to be there?" he asks. "How big was it? What did it look like?"

He smiles, "Maybe some heroes should help find it?"

Murphy HP 32/32 AC 16/14/14 CMD 14 (Kim)  d20+13=30 ;
Saturday November 15th, 2014 8:46:05 PM

Coming out of his reverie, Murphy notes the stranger has been introducing himself to Bliss. He hears Fatine and Shel referring to the 'fearies' - he chuckles at that nomenclature. Though he planned to introduce himself to this fellow, Iangold's reaction at the recent vandalism grabs his attention.

So, he takes a close look, as some of his friends have been doing, at the area around the pedastal which bore the bell. He walks in a broadening spiral around it, looking to see if he can perceive which direction the bell may have been dragged or wheeled away, until he finds a trail that might be followed [Perception 30]. If he finds obvious (or subtle) signs that might lend a clue, he will share them with his friends, and ask Hazel for confirmation.

Sardok HP 35 AC 20/15/16 
Saturday November 15th, 2014 10:11:38 PM
At Bliss's casual statement, a rue smile crosses Sardok's lips.
"Yeah. I guess some heroes should."

His eyes close tight. He swore to leave that life behind. To start fresh, after.... Perhaps turn his hand to being a locksmith again. But no. Every time he tries to get out they PULL him back.

He takes a clearing breath and his eyes open. He allows the smallest part of his focus to scan the scene in front if him. His brain, unbidden, begins rattling off the tale, still carrying the voice of Monpezat...
"Alright, people, we've got masonry smashed and a ceremony bell stolen. A bell means metal and needing a pedestal means not-small, so we're talkin' 2 to carry, 1 driver, 2 lookouts and a commander. That's a six man op minimum. The locals sound like they've got good intel with recent eyes-on of it being not-stolen, so that means recent, and that means night op. Night op and organized usually means one of two things. It can mean Humans..."

"Or orcs."

Perhaps unaware that he's spoken, Sardok cracks his head to the left. It's a subtle movement, and one long-practiced. His threadbare scholar's cloak responds and shifts ever so slightly to reveal the dull-grey hilt of some edged weapon jutting over his right shoulder, it's grip well-worn from long use.
And his internal report is far from done.
"This is not a high-value target. This isn't a grain-silo or a guards' barracks or central armory. This is sentimental, probably symbolic. Which means that someone wanted to send a message. Something political. Possibly get some fear going or spook the civvies. So that means this is no local gang hit or smuggler's feud. This is BIG. Someone is looking at the whole en-chi-lada. Helms down and shields up because..."

"War is coming."

[DM StevenVdB] - NO!! 
Sunday November 16th, 2014 6:14:50 PM
"NO!!!!"

With Iangold on his knees the Humble's Sword begin asking questions...

Shel asks where the bell was and wonders if the fearies did this...
From Iangold's reaction Alleah deducts the broker wasn't expecting the place to look like this. As a matter of fact she assumes Iangold had checked the place before the Sale Day's were on...

"I was here but a few weeks ago! Yes the place was bewildered but the Trade Bell was there! The structure that holds the bell was damaged but the bell was still there... The bell was magical! Made of Gold! Oh well not gold of course it was a gold plated bronze Bell... probably close to 300lbs!!! Now it's gone..."

Alleah checks for tracks...

Hazel wonder why the bell is needed in the first place...

"There can't be a Sale Day without the Trade Bell!! " Iangold says more or less angered...

Murphy spirals around the pedestal looking for markings... tracks... anything
...

Sardok analyses the situation... besides these folk's strange habbits he examines the structure... he muses about the size of the bell and the task force that could have taken it... he has his doubts Halfling could be behind all this... Orcs?

Gradually you observe the scene. You can find a moderate indentation in the ground next to the pedestal where the bell ringer used to stand on... then drag marks of something heavy that lead away from here. You also find a Greatclub... the kind used by the Idafeatu's Ogres! Looks like Sardok came closer than the truth perhaps than he could possibly know!

"Who would want the Trade Bell??" Iangold shouts!


Shel Breezelee Kromnite (Gerald) HP25/26; AC 14/14/11 
Sunday November 16th, 2014 7:25:03 PM
"Itd take a big'un to carry a club that size! Those no good ogres...Id hoped they might leave us be. But, at least, we can follow those drag marks. It will take something or someone mighty strong to boss the other big'uns around and make them do this," Shel gulps, thinking about that powerful Idafeatu.

Sardok HP 35 AC 20/15/16 
Sunday November 16th, 2014 9:36:59 PM

Sardok steps close to where the club lay and gazes at it a while. As if he still stood next to him, he can hear Monpezat chattering away....
"Oh. Mah. Goodness. That is a pretty club. Ain't that pretty club? That is a mighty pretty club. An' look at it just layin' here. Just layin' here that pretty club for any and all of us to see it right here and admire it. Ain't that a sight? Them ogres went through all that trouble to take that bell and smash that base, but then a club that pretty got left. Don't that just seem a might strange to you?

Sardok turns and storms straight to Iangold. Any who are talking to him are roughly pushed aside, with apology neither offered nor given.
"Iangold! I need maps and a list of all the Big'un settlements within range of that bell! If he does anything but immediately assent, Sardok continues. "Oh confound man! Even if you care nothing for your own head, if you do not act NOW, all of these people are going to die! You need to send out diplomatic riders to all those settlements informing them of the theft and that you had nothing to do with it!" His eyes sweep the massing throng of merchants and port-bearers. "If you have not a man among you for such a task, I volunteer myself."

He turns to Shel, simply assuming that Iangold will carry out the tasks.

"I'm not assured that Ogres did this, but we are meant to think they did. Look, there's ogre sticks and drag tracks. But think you a pair of 800 pound ogres would waste time dragging a measly 300 pound bell? And, oh yes, this no single-job. The bell was magicked, so we may assume that, when struck, it's smallest sound would be heard for miles around. Would any single being, Halfling to Hill Giant, risk lifting such a thing on his own, knowing the smallest misstep would bring the whole population of Humble's Ford and Red Hills down on his head?"

Here he takes pause, and catches Murphy's eye. Slowly, he nods, as if confirming some mutual, silent question. Softly he mumbles "Now, if I had me a bell that would bring every Giant in Red Hills a-runnin, where would I put it?"

He turns to where Bliss, Fatine, Alleah, and Hazel have been conferring. "Y'all keep talking about 'faeries'. Has there been a gang or anyone stirring up trouble here recently?




Alleah -- RobC -- AC 15/14/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 26/26  d20+7=12 ; d20+10=16 ;
Monday November 17th, 2014 4:41:06 AM
"Likely it is the symbolism of the bell that they wanted to damage, rather than the bell itself. Someone wants to ruin Trade day, and perhaps cause harm to the town as a result" she tries to comfort Ian.

Alleah tries to rack her brain for any historical references to the Trade Bell, or perhaps, people or groups historically opposed to Trade Day. Her knowledge of history though, isn't that great (Knowl History: 12)

She smiles to Sardok "Um, sorry friend, I didn't catch your name? And please, you may not know but this man is a Broker of Ffloy. Please try and show him due respect" (OOC to Sardok: A broker being a member of the Ffloy clergy). Alleah would have people show due respect to clergy, whether they follow Wardd, Ffloy or Flower or any other of the Gods of the Wold.

She then continues "Anyway, this group calling themselves 'F.E.A.R' have been trying to cause some trouble in Humble's Ford. We've decided that to take some of the menace out of their name that we'll call their followers 'fearies'" The young halfling smiles proudly.

This new guy is pretty clued. Alleah too has her doubts that ogres were behind this.

Alleah eyes the greatclub, planning to throw it into her bag of holding. "Perhaps I should take this with me, I mean us? You know, for evidence"

"Anyone here any good at tracking?" Alleah will casts a clerical cantrip - Toro's Taur Try (Centaur version) - on anyone who wants it to aid tracking skills. Being untrained in survival skills, she has no confidence (or ability) in being able to follow tracks on firm ground.

Perception: 16

Bliss (AC20, HP27) & Mookie (AC18, HP13) (Cayzle) 
Monday November 17th, 2014 11:26:24 AM

Bliss asks Hazel, "Hey Mister Hazel! Where's Faoil? Maybe he can get a scent off the club and follow the trail? I can explain it to him with a Speak to Animals spell. He's a good doggie!"

Bliss says to Sardok, "Mister, you got some good ideas. Why don't we team up? Are you an adventurer?"

"And Miss Alleah, sorry, I'm no good at tracking. That's why we should let Hazel and Faoil do it! He's a ranger, right? Rangers are good trackers. Cast you spell on them, maybe."

Sardok HP 35 AC 20/15/16 
Monday November 17th, 2014 12:37:45 PM

Sardok stands confused for a moment, but a moment only. "Apologies, ma'am. I'm Sardok. And although I'm from around here, you could say that I'm a long way from home."

"As this seemed a momentous occasion, and he seemed the man of greatest import, I assumed him to be the mayor of this burg. Apologies, Broker Iangold, but the danger still stands. If you would serve Ffloy best, please do find your sheriff or whoever you call your official and see that messages are sent. 'Lest others of greater stature and lesser temperament seek to place blame, and retribution, upon the wrong parties."

"We've got one rule around here, rookie.," said Monpezat. "And that is: 'He who stands with me shall be my brother.'"

"Aye, you've the right of it. That drag-trail is the only clue we have, and we'll need to watch each others' backs, afore this play is done. Lead on, Brother Bliss, and we'll teach these vagabonds the true meaning of Fear!"

OOC: Getting in my Monday post.

[DM StevenVdB] - NO!! 
Monday November 17th, 2014 5:42:29 PM
DM Jon's returning to guide you through the 'Finale'


Alleah -- RobC -- AC 15/14/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 26/26 
Monday November 17th, 2014 8:07:30 PM
"How 'bout it Hazel? You and Faoil up for some tracking? I can cast a spell to help you both if you like?" If they are agreeable Alleah will cast Toro's Taur Try to give each of them a +2 bonus to survival for 10mins.

"Pleased to meet you Mr Sardok" Alleah continues beaming and extends a straight arm and hand out to the man to shake

"Mr Sardok does have a point, Iangold. Others could be in danger if they are not warned. Perhaps we should escort the traders back to the safety of Humble's Ford before we proceed. And might I add, rather than allowing the day to be taken away by the malice of others, perhaps the sale could proceed in the Humble's Ford town square? Or perhaps out the front of the Temple? Show that you are not going to be scared away"

Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 31/43 AC: 18/14/15 - Faoil: 7/13 AC 18/13/16 
Monday November 17th, 2014 11:22:57 PM
Hazel smiles to the girls.
"Who ordered a tracker? I am at your service, ladies. I didn't brought Faoil, but I will go fetch him, and I am sure we can track whoever did this. Iangold, how much is your bell worth? Because id hiring time. Be preparing your contracts while I go fech Faoil. Humble's Swords, you have 1 hour before we depart, get ready!"
Hazel smiles while he runs for Faoil. A new adventure is beginning.
OOC: Is Faoil healed? Do I start rolling Track?

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 15/14/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 26/26 
Tuesday November 18th, 2014 12:06:28 AM
"Perhaps we should all travel back with you Hazel? It is only 5 minutes, and we can see the traders safely back before we set off into possible danger"

Murphy HP 32/32 AC 16/14/14 CMD 14 (Kim) 
Tuesday November 18th, 2014 4:18:52 AM

Murphy notes Sardok a bit more closely as the halfling begins to make observations and declarations. There is something familiar about him to the druid. As he thinks about that on one level, on another he considers what the cleric Ffloy said. He approaches the cleric, and quietly asks, "Broker LaughShield - it may be an old tradition - but are you certain no one may buy or sell or trade in the absence of a bell?" He wants to be certain that the cleric thinks through his statement.

Shel Breezelee Kromnite (Gerald) HP25/26; AC 14/14/11 
Tuesday November 18th, 2014 7:21:40 AM
"Murphy makes a good point. Why does there have to be a dumb old bell for a sale to take place? I'm perfectly happy to buy what I want no matter if there is a bell or not. Does it have some special significance or something?"

Sardok HP 35 AC 20/15/16 
Tuesday November 18th, 2014 3:29:06 PM
Sardok shakes Alleah's hand firmly, then leans in a bit closer. In a low voice he asks, "Contracts? I admit I'm at a bit of a loss here. Do we need a lawcrafter?"

Murphy HP 32/32 AC 16/14/14 CMD 14 (Kim) 
Tuesday November 18th, 2014 4:15:49 PM

Murphy also says to the local chief cleric of Floy, again quietly. "I cannot speak for all of my companions, but I'm willing to do what I can to retrieve the bell without pre-arrangements or guarantee of pay. This is for the good of the community - to recover what has been stolen - to travail against those who attack our people or attack our welfare. I need no contract. Besides, I wish to be, to a certain extent, my own hobbit, making my way with my friends, and helping my people. If someone offers a reward for good work, then I will not object. But, let me do this without guarantees and stipulations and codacils."

Sardok HP 35 AC 20/15/16 
Tuesday November 18th, 2014 4:32:57 PM

Sardok pauses a moment, then continues to Alleah, with an air of understanding a play into which he has only entered at the second act. "Ah, I did not grasp it at first, but I think I take your meaning. I had assumed, wrongly, that him being clergy, he'd give suitable reward for the return of his property without prodding. But I'm a stranger here, and if it is custom among the people to need a contract to see that a fair day's work gets a fair day's pay, then an hour's delay is no great injury. Afterall," he looks down, sheepishly, "not all of us have a bag of holding. Ah," he says, his face brightening again, "speaking of which, yes, a good idea you have to take the club. It may provide some clue if we happen to run in to any actual ogres."

Fatine AC 19 (17/14/15), HP 10(15)/23 (Matt C) 
Tuesday November 18th, 2014 4:57:29 PM
"Don' people spend money without bells?" Fatine asks. "An' if it be dat big, I bet it be dose big'uns you all mentioned what took it, no? Were dere guards here? Anyone watchin' dee big bell?"

Shrugging at the predicament, she climbs up onto the pedestal and calls out clearly, "RING! RING! Dere. Now people can buy tings." Looking at Iangold, she asks, "What, too soon?"

Bliss (AC20, HP27) & Mookie (AC18, HP13) (Cayzle) 
Tuesday November 18th, 2014 7:41:15 PM

Bliss gets a defiant look on his face. "No contract for me. I want to be a hero. I'm not going to be a mercenary any more."

Mookie adds, "Not that we would turn down any reward or such that might come after the fact." He pauses, thinking. "Or before."

Ignoring his familiar, Bliss looks at Alleah. "Is that okay, Miss?"

Bliss (AC20, HP27) & Mookie (AC18, HP13) (Cayzle) 
Tuesday November 18th, 2014 7:43:11 PM

Mookie caws in laughter when Fatine "rings in" the market festival.

"You're a fair belle, toots!" he says.

DM Jon! 
Tuesday November 18th, 2014 8:27:01 PM
"There doesn't have to be a bell for the merchants to do business," Iangold says perhaps a bit petulantly, "but we do need it for Sales Day. It is both a symbol and a message to those that hear it. Signals the start of peaceful trade, Ffloys holy work." Iangold comes his feet as he finishes and wipes off the his knees where the ground had stained them. he straightens up and regains the dignity of his office, "In the face of the theft of the Trade Bell, I would ask that on behalf of the temple of Ffloy the Humble's Swords seek out the guilty party and retrieve it. I can offer you.. " his mouth moves silently a moment a he seems to do some sums in his head, "3000 gold for its safe return. if you would escort us bac to Humbles Ford I can give you half before you depart in search of the bell with the other half due upon your safe return... .. I will have one of my brothers quickly script a addendum for this task to your existing contract."

"if this will suffice let us be off so that you can begin your search all the quicker." Iangold says and then moves off to speak with the merchants and other halflings to assure them that the situation was being taken care of.


Alleah -- RobC -- AC 15/14/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 26/26 
Tuesday November 18th, 2014 9:21:19 PM
Symbols can be powerful. Alleah knows this. How would she feel if she lost her lucky coin? No other coin could replace it. She purses her lips, believing others in the group should have shown more sensitivity to the Broker.

"Ok, well, let's see the Broker and merchants back safely to Humble's Ford. Whoever stole the bell could seek to stop the trading by killing the traders themselves. Once they are safe under the protection of the town guard, we can then set to tracking the bell down"

She chuckles and smiles to Bliss "You're not in the army anymore, Bliss. You are free to do as you choose"

Finally, when he looks to have a moment free, Alleah will approach the Broker "Ian, sir, might I ask for one other thing? Could you please consider my request for the alleged fugitive Quotiln to be released into my custody? I would be happy to pay for his bail out of my share of the bell reward"

Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) HP: 31/43 AC: 18/14/15 - Faoil: 7/13 AC 18/13/16 
Tuesday November 18th, 2014 10:55:15 PM
"Well, I am no mercenary either, but weddings are expensive... Let's go, then, time to find a bell!"

Murphy HP 32/32 AC 16/14/14 CMD 14 (Kim) 
Wednesday November 19th, 2014 2:34:14 AM

Murphy decides that he loves Fatine. Oh, not in a particularly romantic fashion - he just admires her gumption and the funny way she has of looking at things, and doing things.

"I will vouch for Alleah's appeal to have Quotiln released into her custody," Murphy pipes up when Alleah repeats her request, "and will do what I can to keep an eye on him."

As they discuss the mission, the druid adds, "We will need a wagon to bring the bell back. My cart is likely too small for that. Let's get a wagon, two sets of ponies to haul - one to pull, one to spell them off. Unless someone has a better idea."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 15/14/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 26/26 
Wednesday November 19th, 2014 7:36:25 AM
"That's good thinking, Murphy. But we don't know where the bell might be yet. What if it's up a mountain or down a cave? Somewhere a wagon can't go. Between Fatine, Bliss and myself, we can cast Enlarge Person spells all day long. That oughta give us the strength to move the bell if we all work together." Thinking she may have hurt Murphy's feelings, Alleah adds "I just don't want something to happen to your wagon or ponies if we have to leave them somewhere"

Bliss (AC20, HP27) & Mookie (AC18, HP13) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday November 19th, 2014 11:47:27 AM

Bliss laughs. "That's right, Miss Alleah! We can just make ourselves giants and carry that bell! Easy peasy!"

Shel Breezelee Kromnite (Gerald) HP25/26; AC 14/14/11 
Wednesday November 19th, 2014 1:04:48 PM
Shel nods in agreement to help rescue the bell. 3000 gold was a considerable sum...it could change she and her family's life forever. "I'm in, contract or no. Let's track down this bell."

Sardok HP 35 AC 20/15/16 
Wednesday November 19th, 2014 5:09:17 PM
Sardok nods at the proposal of the Broker. If'n you'll add me to tha' addendum, that's a fair pact, if you'll have me." He mounts Aqautaine and makes ready to escort the merchants back to town.

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