Elegant summons/DM Buzz 3d10=21 ; d4+1=3 ; Thursday November 11th, 2010 3:15:50 AM
The guardsmen are approached by Ransy about job opportunities and receives a reply. "Trade Jacks got this job mate. No work for you here." Says the one rather rudely. The other is a bit softer, "What, is ya just dropped off by a snatch bird? In the mornins when ye needs to be askin and not guards but merchants. No guard would hire the likes of us, ya sell sword." The first continues, "Go warm up next to a dog or sumtin till morrow. Nothin be happenin tonight except trouble and we ready for it."
Zeoll performs quite well under a pavilion they all must walk by to get back to their current home in the town of mud. He makes 21 copper pieces from those nearby and learns there is a cleric in one of the buildings asked about. She is involved with the sick and she dispenses with the dead and dying of Mudtown. Her younger siblings are a mixed lot and Gat is to be avoided at all cost. He is as big and strong as a human gets, despite his youth and as mean as a troll in a brick oven. He usually has a sibling with him at all times to keep him in check. The other buildings are standard warehouses. They are full and empty again around every three days. That is the average time it takes for a merchant to enter the city after getting his number. Of course, anything said is speculation until proven. Rumors can only be trusted so far. Probably some homeless person in any structures not usable for business.
After three hours the group somewhat staggers out of the pavillion with the warmed mead, into the cold night. The temperature slowly dropping as each hour passes with the night. Moisture no longer falls from the air, at least for now. And Kerracles is set to go behind The Wold again, at least until tomorrow and there is about five hours left before the mysterious planet again faces Thermo for what one would hope is, a much warmer day.
Behind the scenes, Beriothian stays with his other team mates so as to not interfere with those using their charm and charisma to get information. Him and Bosk can see that the general mood of the camps in Mudtown are pretty good. Most spirits are high as the thoughts of the journeys end, are etched upon the faces of those that have made long travels. On the darker side, the group are also witness to people losing their life earnings with a bit of drink and a roll of the dice. People going broke is what makes Mudtown the slum it is really. Once a transient area, now, there are people that live outside the walls of The Magic City. To the residents of Hook City though, they consider anything outside the walls, just another element of nature they are not responsible for. They can not control, nor will they try, to temper the forces of nature outside their stated territory, as inhuman as it seems.
Blood! It has been a life of blood, sweat and tears that brought Maikill to the group. Now, there is something else! The land, it calls to him. "They" say, "The lands speak to those that will listen" and the barbarians nature is hearing the call. Where will he settle is unknown even to him. He can just follow the voice that resonates in his head, like the call of an rooster, searching for the sunrise.
The group heads back to their inn, where they promptly receive a note. It is an address in Hook City and the cry is urgent. The letter is printed on the finest of paper. Gold leaf boarders and with a very styled script in calligraphy, it reads on the envelope
"Iron Adventurers"
After opening the envelope, there is a card that reads, in a golden ink, likewise with a beautiful handwriting..
Greetings gentleman. I am in need of someone to investigate the disappearence of my son. I have heard wonderful things about you and your work, perhaps you can visit me as soon as possible, for breakfast perhaps and we can talk business.
Mistress Marta
Highlight to display spoiler: {ooc:Her address is in labor town, about an hours walk for a medium creature with two legs, from your tower. The group can reenter Hook City again with their pass if they desire and will undergo, once again, the exchange rate, baths, etc. Obviously, this is the lead into your module. :)}
Ransy, AC 21/12/20 Hp 41 /41 Thursday November 11th, 2010 4:40:39 PM
Ransy thanks the guards with a curt nod and leaves. He bought a lockbox for 100 gp. next morning he prepares bless weapon and says: "strange note, gentleman, singular. But I guess that's a mistake, for it says: Iron Adventurers, multiple. So I think we should go and check it out. Mistress Marta, sounds interesting, but too slick for me. Perhaps we should first ask around who this mistress Marta might be. Anyway, after going through the bath etc. I would like to visit our tower to get my chits back and put them in this wonderful lockbox".
Zeoll (HP14, AC17) Thursday November 11th, 2010 6:58:04 PM
Zeoll passes all the info he gains on to his friends. He's not sure what it all means, though.
Also, at the shop, he sets up a small box or tray at the front desk and asks somebody -- one of the NPC shopkeepers, or a fellow PC -- to write a small message on it. Zeoll dictates it like this:
Have a copperr, Give a copperrr. Need a copperr, Take a copperr.
He puts his 21 coppers there to start things off.
"I gotta learrn this arrt of wrriting things down," he mutters, foreshadowing the literacy he will gain as of Jan. 1.
As to Mistress Marta, he is not sure he understands his friend. "Rransy," he says, "why do you say that it is wrrong to mention us in the plurral? Last I knew, we werre mulitple in numberr."
He pauses, and smiles, adding, "Albeit, the barrd in me would be pleased to rreferr to ourr company as the 'Adventurrerrs Irron.' That has a rratherr poetical feel to it."
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:18/15/13 HP:20/20 Thursday November 11th, 2010 7:08:36 PM Somebody from Hook City is offering breakfast, we definitely have to go! Besides, this may give us more information about our upcoming mission.
Beriothian will take out one chit.
DM Buzz: Please be more specific. I could assume you meant one White Chit, but I would rather you let me know for certain please. Also, what do you mean "take out"? Noone is carrying a chit outside the city.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:18/15/13 HP:20/20 Thursday November 11th, 2010 8:54:00 PM
ooc: Sorry, I will clarify. I will turn in 100 gold for one white chit that is the prestidigitation spell upon re-entering Hook City.
Zeoll (HP14, AC17) [PF Zeoll] Thursday November 11th, 2010 10:19:06 PM
Link test.
Morning stroll/DM Buzz Friday November 12th, 2010 9:36:57 AM ooc: Gentlemen, should have been what was written on the letter. A small typo.
Ransy bought a very nice lock box. It is made of quality iron. Not at all light either. It's design is made for storage of precious items and not at all pretty or flamboyant. It is 3x3x2 and has a lock that needs a DC 25 to pick and a hardness of 10 and five hit points. It is somewhat water proof, if not completely submerged. Asking around about Mistress Marta doesn't get you very far outside of Hook City.
Zeoll does not understand the dynamics of the written language and endeavors to someday solve that problem. He starts a little charity work for their establishment, for those that a just a few copper short of their service fee. He doesn't really have an opinion about Mistress marta, at least, not yet anyway.
Beriothian looks forward to a fine Hook City breakfast, complete with strawberries and arrogance most likely. Just as a reminder to all, the baths you pay for in coin standards. You visit the Money Changers Guild last thing, before entering the city. So if you buy a Prestidigitation spell from the bath house, it would not cost a chit.
Entering the city is easy for the group. Their pass allows them immediate access, where merchants must wait their turn. And in no time, through the hassle and on the clean streets of Hook City once again. Thermo is just above the horizon and there is still a couple of hours to waste before it is normally breakfast time. It might take a couple of hours to get to the address in question though, so the group decides to start down the road to their hostess.
Bosk (James) AC: 18/11/17 HP 41 of 41 Spells Friday November 12th, 2010 9:37:49 AM
Bosk nods his head in agreement with Beri. He is right. We should follow up on this as soon as possible and join her for breakfast. The odds are another kidnappint in the area will be linked to our current investigation.
Bosk will exchange $400g for chits upon entering the city.
Exchange rate/DM Buzz d100=93 ; Friday November 12th, 2010 9:41:13 AM Bosk must pay 440 gold pieces this morning, in order to receive 4 White Chits from the Money Changers guild. Please make a note of it.
One more thing/DM Buzz Friday November 12th, 2010 2:12:24 PM
ooc: Your tower is on the way to Mistress Martas, if you want to stop.
Zeoll hustles the party out early, since we have to get through the gates and stop at the tower in time to still get to the lady's house for breakfast. He is glad to stop at the tower on the way, BTW, so he can pick up his white chits.
The old liontaur glances about as he pops in and out to see if the toys have been played with. He hopes the chits are undisturbed.
Then it is on to the lady's house. Zeoll is hoping for bacon.
Ransy, AC 21/12/20 Hp 41 /41 Friday November 12th, 2010 5:40:49 PM
Ransy goes into the tower as well, he checks the soap for his chits and puts them into his new lockbox. OOC: I'll put the description you gave in my char sheet.
"Are you guys sure that this 'mistress Martha is not setting a trap against us? I mean, who would invite some heretofore unknown group of adventurers from the disreputable Mudtown to breakfast? Who in Hook City would put such trust in people from Mudtown? I still think this is very strange. I have the following proposition: I stay outside, you four go in and tell Mistress Martha that the last member of our group has been delayed, and that you've agreed to send one of you to get him at a certain building (this tower) in 10 minutes. AFter five minutes one of you tries to get out again and get me. If it's a trap, Martha won't let that person go and then I'll have to see what I can do to rescue you. If it's not a trap, then I can join you again after those 10 minutes."
"Rransy, you arre too cleverr by half! Grreat idea!"
"Maikill and I are the fleetest of foot, and I am good at talking, so we will send Maikill out to get you. Okay, Maikill?"
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:18/15/13 HP:20/20 Friday November 12th, 2010 8:23:59 PM That's a good plan, however I think we are best off not splitting up. If they really are planning a trap Martha would be that much more likely to carry out her plan while we are one member short, and then 10 minutes later have a much easier time taking care of one lone adventurer.
ooc: I don't actually have plans to use the prestidigitation spell, I just figured as long as I'm taking out a chit for emergency spending I should state the spell that it is.
Bosk (James) AC: 18/11/17 HP 41 of 41 Spells Saturday November 13th, 2010 12:30:47 AM Ransy, you think everything might be a trap. That's why I'm still alive....however I agree with Beri in this case. Hook City is relatively safe and I think the party would be better off at full strength. If it was a trap they would be safer if they had us meet them in Mud Town, away from the law.
Substitute DM James Saturday November 13th, 2010 2:26:08 AM
After thier baths the group travels down the Marble Causeway towards thier tower and discusses the best course of action for approaching Martha's. As it stands half of the group supports Rany's idea of keeping one man outside while the other half perfers the idea of strength in numbers. As they approach the tower Bosk thinks to ask a passing guard about crime in the area and soon learns that everything conducted here in Southhook is done with civility and order. No battles, arguments or even court cases between the citizens of Southhook exist. Instead both will hire outsiders or proxies, less civilized people to battle their enemy's hired proxies. Very specialized laws exist that govern proxies, protection groups, etc. and how they must act within Southhook. No place on the Wold contains a more civilized manner of life. Southhook reigns supreme in both extravagance and courtesy. This makes the taur feel a bit more at ease about the groups breakfast plans, but he realizes that a possibillity of the meal being a trap or the information they recieve leading them into a trap is still entirely possibly.
Upon reaching the tower Zeoll collects his chits as Ransy places his in the newly obtained locked box. They chits appear just as they were left, but the group has no way of knowing if it is because the ghosts had not yet returned, had not found the money, or had no interest in it. This all comes to Ransy's mind as he decides exactly where to place his new locked box. (ooc: Ransy, where are you keeping the locked box?)
Once the group is finished dealing with thier money they realize that the morning is slipping by and that they need to finlize thier plans if they hope to recieve breakfast and possibly get hired for another job.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:18/15/13 HP:20/20 Saturday November 13th, 2010 11:15:21 AM
ooc: was it an even exchange rate for the chits today?
Bosk (James) AC: 18/11/17 HP 41 of 41 Spells Saturday November 13th, 2010 12:30:28 PM
It was 110 gold per chit.
Oh the smells of breakfast/DM Buzz Monday November 15th, 2010 9:38:06 AM
On toward the food, the group meanders through the clean streets. Anyone with an animal is expected to clean up after them or serious fines may be levied. There are always those, for a single white chit, willing to follow groups of important people around to clean up after their domesticated animals, all for a days worth of time.
Nothing in the tower was disturbed while the group was away. The toys, soap and chits left behind, unmoved. Unfortunately, the Religion check that was failed the day before, if successful another time, might prove some insight as to how ghosts can and can not operate.
Early in the morning, the smells of foods assault you all. Vegetables, baked in cast iron ovens, blended with the meats of lamb, cow and venison, brings water to your tongue and lips. The chimneys of the vast city pour out in bellows, the smells of maple syrup and bacon as the two are fryed together, slowly. Truly, the group can not wait to get to this persons residence to partake of such delicious smelling foods available in this rich city.
On the way, one of the Iron Adventurers asks a man passing by, who this Mistress Marta might be. He laughs for a moment, then in a secretive tone, "Only the most important woman in this city," With that said, he walks off with a smile.
Leaving Soldier City, the group is now walking amongst farms, where people have been working since the sun first rose. Many of the staples of this metropolis, are grown in this district of the city called Labor Town. Vegetables half buried in rich looking soil should not be able to grow this time of year, but the city proper is much warmer then the rest of the frigid and inhospitable Southern Continent.
The walk ways take you all by more buildings then farms. There are blacksmiths and tanners. Even a stone masons quarry is in use. In other cities, the appearence would be immaterial compared to the skill of the crafter, but here, it is much different. Shops have beautiful flower gardens in front. The doorways are carved and elegant. Bricks are stacked in perfection to create store fronts with mosaics of patterns fitting to the craft inside. After a short time, you come to a residence district, likely the homes of the nearby workers of the fields and shops.
Finally, the group finds, with very friendly and proper directions from locals, the address they have sought. Beautiful fruit trees line the side of the cobblestoned approach and after a quarter mile, a beautiful house is seen. A house? What am I saying really? To some in this city, it is only a house, but for those that are new to this city or even this part of the Wold, it is easily a mansion. It has five stories and two additions along the side that are three stories tall as well as what looks like a carriage house about fifty feet from the house on the left.
As the group gets closer, they can see two young men leaving the residence, getting into a fine carriage with six horses and leave toward the exit. The driver in front has a blue uniform on and top hat. Two boys standing in the rear wear brown suits and have nearby, cleaning utensils, most likely for the horse excrement that might be left behind.
As the carriage goes by, the windows are closed and no one else is very clearly seen as those working the carriage pay no attention to the group of heros walking up the drive.
At this point, whatever you would like to do to introduce yourselves at the door, is available.
Ransy, stay back or come with us, your choice. If we get hijacked, your caution will be the stuff of legends. On the other hand, you might miss out on some choice RP for the start of the module. Tough call.
But Zeoll is a diplomat, if he is anything, so he will surely go to the breakfast with his best manners in place and his senses at the ready.
At the door, Zeoll will be the one to say hello, if no one else wants the honors. He explains that the group has an invitation to breakfast with the renowned Mistress Marta, and if it pleases her, we would be honored to await her convenience.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:18/15/13 HP:20/20 d20+3=23 ; d20+8=22 ; Monday November 15th, 2010 8:02:29 PM
Not being one of the clerics, Beri hadn't put much thought toward the ghosts the day before. Today however Wardd must have inspired Beri as the others were checking on there belongings. His mind mysteriously changes from the delicacies he was hoping to devour at breakfast to the existential conundrum of the spirits inhabiting the tower.
knowledge (religion) = d20+3=23 (nat 20)
As they approach the gates of the house Beri's mind goes straight back to breakfast, the scent of maple and bacon filling his every breath. When they reach the door Beri introduces the group to the person who answers the door. (I am assuming it will be an attendant of Mistress Marta).
A splendid morning to you. I am Beriothian of the Iron Adventurers, we have come at the request of Mistress Marta to discuss some business over breakfast.
Upon meeting with their host Beriothian will formally introduce the party.
Good morning Mistress Marta, it is a great pleasure to meet you. I am Beriothian of the Iron Adventurers, and these are (...introduces the party...). I am sorry to hear about the disappearance of your son, I assure you that the IA will do whatever it takes to bring him back safely. Could you please tell us what you know about his disappearance.
Diplomacy = d20+8=22 ;
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:18/15/13 HP:20/20 Monday November 15th, 2010 8:04:07 PM
ooc: Sorry Zeoll, I should have refreshed before posting. I didn't see that you were going to say hello.
Maikill HP 31/39, AC 17 Monday November 15th, 2010 8:11:04 PM
Maikill will follow along, always keen for a nice breakfast. He doesn't speak unless spoken to, he knows his strength isn't in his tongue.
Bosk (James) AC: 18/11/17 HP 41 of 41 Spells Monday November 15th, 2010 11:05:42 PM
Bosk will follow suit with Maikill and let those with the silver tongue speak on behalf of the party. He has long since learned the benifit of letting his reputation and his sword speak for themselves and to trust the rest to Gargul. Althought his knowledge of such things is average, throughout the course of the meal he will watch the others and imitate them when determining when to eat, what fork to use, and other such details which might other wise elude him.
Oh the smells of breakfast/DM Buzz Tuesday November 16th, 2010 9:57:59 AM
ooc: All right Ransy, I need a decision!!
Please have a seat./DM Buzz Tuesday November 16th, 2010 1:24:20 PM
Ooc: Sorry, the show must go on Ransy.
At the door, a beautiful young woman in a nightgown answers the door. She stands about five foot four, with long, thick black hair and deep green eyes. Her body has curves in all the right places and is barely hidden by the layers of sheer fabric that cling to her alibaster shoulders and fall down to her lovely knees. Her hands and feet are well manicured and her nails are painted a pretty pink. She answers the door with a smile on her beautiful little face, "Good morning gentlemen. I apologize, but we are closed until this evening."
Zeoll considers himself quite the spokesperson, when it comes to all things glib. If others are not willing to be the spokesperson, he would be more then happy as well as capable of doing so.
Beriothian knows a few things and he attempts to delve into the recesses of his mind to remember something about ghosts, but his Knowledge skills are limited to "Local" knowledge and "Other" knowledge, the latter of which is unknown to this narrator. Alas, there is quite a bit more to know about religion, then the common basics. At the residence, Beri is happy to do the talking, jumping right up as the door is answered and introducing everyone as well, that is present that is. His Diplomacy skill, is unmatched at this moment.
Maikill decides that his forte is not in talking, but in doing. Doing whatever he has to, to survive and keep his friends alive as well. A nice breakfast is indeed in the works as the smells on the outside can not compare to delicious aromas of the fresh cinnamon rolls that just emerged out of the ovens in this very large house.
Bosk stays close to his friends and doesn't say much either. He wants to have a reputation based on fear and a sheer respect for his authority over death. He is a bit worried, even if he doesn't show it outwardly, on proper table manners.
Ransy decides to stick with the plan and come in a few minutes late, just as a precaution. Hopefully, their hostess will not feel that tardiness is a weakness in hiring heros.
Once the group introduces themselves, the young woman claps her hands excitedly and gives a beautiful and graceful curtsey to the group, "Oh greetings, greetings, Mistress Marta has been eagerly awaiting your arrival. She had hoped you would be here yesterday, but she did not know when adventurers would get back to their store to receive the note."
You are all whisked away into the house.
Off to the left, in a large parlor, you see a group of young girls, prepubescent, playing wind instruments in soft notes as an older woman gives direction. Off to the right in another large room, a dozen teenage girls are reading books and appear to be studying and taking notes. Neither group seem to notice the adventurers, so deep in their focus, they appear. The group is led ny the prancing young human female as they make their way through the house to the main dining room, where the buffet of food is large, even for minotaur standards.
There must be a small army in the residence as an ell of flapjacks are stacked high onto a platter the size of a half orcs head. Fresh fruit and vegetables are decorating the table in bowls, easily edible, but what really catches the attention of the group, is the meat. Big thick slices of Bounder Bacon as well as a large plate of basted Sargrass Plains Dove eggs, laid just the other day in the nursery. Pork Chops lay beautifully stacked in a circle on another plate. An entire leg of lamp, ready to be carved, or picked up and eaten off the bone. Not to mention the wine and juices available as beverages, some slightly carbonated. Of course, if there is something not present you would like, feel free to ask.
The group is seated in chairs that will fit each easily, or for some, a large pillow on the floor in front of the table works well also. And soon a woman is seen entering the dining room.
Mistress Marta is an elegantly, beautiful woman which has a youthful appearence, despite her middle aged years. Her blond hair is braided up into a bun on top and if let loose, might just hit the floor. Her eyes are brown and penetrating, each party member as it rests on you. Her lips, a smile of genuine gratitude for coming to talk with her.
Her voice is a melody unto itself. Soft yet clear enough for all to hear, "Thank you all for coming to my home. I am very pleased to have you here. I see one of you are missing, I do hope they are well and not unhealthy? Please, let us enjoy small talk while you all eat your fill and then, we can discuss business, as is proper."
Bosk (James) AC: 18/11/17 HP 41 of 41 Spells Tuesday November 16th, 2010 1:37:51 PM
ooc: I believe Beri's "other" catogory represents his untrained knowledge check, although the results of such checks are capped with a maximum result of 10.
DM Buzz: Ah, that would make sense and you are correct if that is the case.
Bosk (James) AC: 18/11/17 HP 41 of 41 Spells Tuesday November 16th, 2010 2:47:26 PM
As Bosk is escorted through the large building he is taken aback by the large number of beautiful girls and curvy young women. Room after room they are playing instruments and studying, and with every passing room his desire grows. Not his desire for the women, as human beauty was somewhat lost on the minotaur, but his desire to know more about this place. Why were there so many women in once place, and what was the son's connection to it? Was the young man lucky enough to live with all of these young girls? His best assumption was that this was some sort of charm school or boarding house to teach the finer points of manners, etiquette, and other such fineries expected of the well brought up women of Hook City. Surely a man would not be allowed to live in such a place. Something just didn't feel right to the taur. Then again, perhaps Ransy's paranoia was rubbing off on him.
When the group is seated to eat the taur has to control himself. The spread of food makes his mouth water and he has to remind himself that they are no longer in Mud Town and to watch his manners. He follows the others example and eats slowly starting with the outer set of silverware and working his way in and opts not to pick the meat up and gnaw it off the bone.
Once again he waits to let Beri and Zeoll do the talking.
Ransy, AC 21/12/20 Hp 41 /41 Tuesday November 16th, 2010 4:20:49 PM
OOC: sorry, I've been too busy with real life to post yesterday.
The paranoid paladin is walking around in the neighborhood of the mansion of mistress Martha and studying it from afar. He's thinking about how easy it would be for rich con men to buy a house here and lure unsuspecting adventurers inside. If he meets other people, he'll ask them if they've heard anything about fraud and swindle in this part of Hook City.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:18/15/13 HP:20/20 Tuesday November 16th, 2010 7:31:22 PM
Beriothian graciously accepts a cup of coffee, a nutty and aromatic variety not common on the Southern Continent, as well as some fresh fruit and a couple slices of Bacon. Your hospitality is most generous. I must say, I have not been in the presence of such beauty since the day I departed the elven homelands, and the young musicians I hear playing have talent that I have known young elves spend 50 years trying to acquire. Are these fine young ladies students of yours?
ooc: Did the girl answering the door have a ring on her finger.
Zeoll (HP14, AC17) [PF Zeoll] d20+9=16 ; d20+17=28 ; Wednesday November 17th, 2010 8:00:04 AM
Zeoll is not a young liontaur. He has travelled quite a bit, from the far reaches of the Taur Isles to the greatest city of the Wold, Plateau City. But nothing has prepared him, he is gradually realizing, for the amazing level of sophisticated beauty and sheer opulence of Hook City. It is smaller than Plateau City, of course, and arguably less magical than The Float, but Zeoll cannot help himself -- he is amazed by the decadent splendor, the attention to every detail, the gosh-darn cleanliness of the place!
Still, the liontaur is nothing if not the master of his own mind, and he puts his bardic training to good use, concentrating on letting none of his rube-from-the-sticks interior show. [OOC: Bluff check to pull off a sophisticated, unimpressed veneer: 16, meh.]
Thanking the lady for the hospitality of her table, Zeoll takes delicate tastes of every dish, although he goes back for seconds for the bacon.
He engages her in smalltalk, inquiring about the weather, the beauty of her home, and the delicacies of the table. [OOC: Diplomacy 28] He mentions that one of his comrades has been delayed.
After five minutes or so, per the plan described earlier, Zeoll asks Maikill if he would be so kind as to go see what is keeping our excellent paladin. "Prrobably lost trrack of time as he helps someone less forrtunate than himself again," Zeoll says to Lady Marta, excusing Ransy.
Maikill HP 31/39, AC 17 Wednesday November 17th, 2010 9:57:37 AM
Lifting his face from his plate, Maikill looks blankly at Zeoll and then back to the food.
You sure there is someone less fortunate than a paladin? Maybe it me, I have to leave food to find him. Okay, but save food for me. I still hungry.
Maikill gets up and asks to be excused to go look for Ransy. When he catches up with Ransy, he simply says: You make me leave table of good food to find you, hurry we go back now. Maybe food still hot.
On to business/DM Buzz d20+10=20 ; d20+5=24 ; Wednesday November 17th, 2010 12:11:43 PM
Outside...
Ransy has good reason to be a bit paranoid right now. After all, he was just abducted and found somewhat out of element, by his new companions, how many times can someone live through something like that? Caution is not to be unappreciated. While out though, he chats with locals. Some don't even understand what the word means, and when explained, look ghastly, as if, people would honestly do that to others. One quickly learns, laws are strictly enforced and range from severe fines and expulsion for a time, to complete banishment. Someone risks a lot by going against the laws of Hook City. Ransy only Highlight to display spoiler: { Please make a spot check DC:25, oops, never mind, you only have a +2 modifier. With this in mind, please stay near the group as often as possible. :)} ooc: Ransy, ADM James asked you a question a few days ago. "Ransy, where are you keeping the locked box?)" It would be nice to know.
Inside...
Bosk is not sure what to make of the house he has stepped into. It seems to be full of females of all ages AND all races. They are not just humans here, but elves, gnomes, dwarves and even some taurs might be present, yet unseen. Mistress Marta does not seem to be closed minded, with whatever it is she does here. Thankfully, when it comes to utensils, only the necessities are available. A long, heavy serving fork and butchers knife for the one with large hands. Several napkins and what would normally be a ladle is ones spoon. Normal sized eating ware are available to the others.
Beriothian is delighted by the food and drink. The coffee has had just the right amount of pressing time and the bacon, not too salty. Mistress Marta just smiles at the elf as he works his flattery, then answers his question, "Strange. I do not recall the older girls playing music this morning and the young ones, need much practice, but your kind words have not gone without effect. Technically, no. I hire quality instructors to teach here at my home. Most of the girls here come from Soldier City or Labor Town, middle class and working class. This is a very strict city and learning to be proper is not something people are born with. The parents must provide a living for their children and some do not have the time to educate their loved offspring, so I provide a service, so that if one day a young lady finds a proper mate, she can act accordingly, no matter what their mates station might be. Then there are those that do not wish to settle..." Her last words trail off onto another subject. Thats about five minutes ago, it is hard to remember if she had on any jewelry. Spot DC: 15 as her hands ere clapping in excitement most of the time.
Zeoll attempts to hide how impressed he is with The Magic City. Sure, Plateau City is a gargantuan infrastructure with all kinds and types of people.. The Float, literally an ancient Teucri device, is a powerful (which is an understatement) creation of an ancient past. Neither can be considered more beautiful and organized, then Hook City. It is easy to be impressed by it all and it is hard to not show it. Cayzle Please roll a Sense Motive check DC 25. If successful, Highlight to display spoiler: { She knows you are impressed and is gracious enough to not mention anything or show she is aware of your little deception.} She nods politely, acknowledging the Diplomacy and is quite an intelligent woman, when engaging in small talk.
Maikill, delegated to chasing paladins. Would it have hurt to have at least finished the first plate after all? After making a quick joke and taking a porkchop sandwich with him for the quarter mile walk, he sets out down the cobble stone drive way. Eventually, comes back with party member in question. On the short walk back, he includes a minor tirade about how he is missing out on delicious food! He finds the fare is still warm enough to enjoy.
So, the group is together and everyone eats their fill. Obviously, there is no poison in the works or you all would have felt the effects by now, although, it would be hard to run, for those that could easily stuff themselves on such a hardy breakfast.
The food is removed and Mistress Marta orders the servants to ration the left overs for recess and lunch time for the children, then, she asks one to send in "Feid and Caukt" (Pronounced Fid and Cot)
Two short, slim men walk in from the back entrance. Both of them have short black hair and very dark eyes. They wear black cloaks, which reveals when tossed over their shoulder, a blue shirt with blue pants. Each sports a long sword and a short sword. Hand crossbows hang from their hips. Each wear soft black boots. If some would see people as unnerving, they would meet the description. They bow to Mistress Marta when they enter and seat themselves on each side of her as she introduces you all. "These two men are a part of my intelligence agency. There is nothing that occurs, I do not have knowledgable of, in Hook City. Outside the city however, we are at a loss. I have not, until recently ever considered a need to have interests outside of our precious world here, but now that I must, for a short time, I do not have the resources to get the information I need. So, I must rely on those that do know Mud Town, to get what I need. What we know so far is, Mudtown does not have a problem with corpses and disease like it used to. We think, whoever or whatever is taking these corpses are also taking people. People that should not just disappear alive or dead."
Mistress Marta continues "My son was last seen leaving the city a week ago. He would have run out of money long before now and that is why I am suspicious. If someone knew who he was or who I am, they would have asked for a ransom, so I am quite worried, it is worse then that."
She pauses for a moment then asks, "How can you help me?"
Ransy, AC 21/12/20 Hp 41 /41 Wednesday November 17th, 2010 12:53:20 PM
OOC: Ransy has left the lockbox with the chits in the tower, somewhere hidden on the first floor. Reason: no need to carry around so much wealth when you suspect you might be kidnapped. Moreover, the lockbox is too large to carry around comfortably and would probably attract the unwanted attention of thieves.
Ransy introduces himself to Mistress Marta and tells her that they have already gathered some information on a group of 'beings' who are willing to pay for kidnapped people. " In fact, I have been kidnapped myself, and locked into a locker in a warehouse. However, last time we checked, that warehouse was no longer in use as storage facility. But we have some other clues to the whereabouts of that group. Maybe they even form some kind of cult, with an undoubtedly evil purpose. That's the obvious place to look for your disappeared son, Mistress Marta."
Zeoll (HP14, AC17) [PF Zeoll] d20+10=24 ; Wednesday November 17th, 2010 4:23:59 PM
Zeoll sense motive at +10 ... a 24! Just missed! LOL!
More later.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:18/15/13 HP:20/20 d20+10=20 ; Wednesday November 17th, 2010 8:13:20 PM
Having finished a delectable breakfast, Beriothian takes his hosts lead ans starts to discuss the details of the case at hand.
Corpses are disappearing? That is indeed troubling, though it increases the likely hood that your son will be okay. Kidnapping raises far more suspicion than robbing a grave, especially when someone from Hook City goes missing.
You mentioned that there had been no ransom. Does your son have any special skills that the kidnappers may have wanted him for? You also said that disease had gone down in Mud Town as of late, is this beyond what one would expect from the sudden decrease in bodies? Do you know where the corpses are being removed from? I believe Maikill personally saw something in the Pig Alley pit not to long ago.
Spot check on the for whether the girl had a ring = 20
Zeoll (HP14, AC17) [PF Zeoll] Thursday November 18th, 2010 7:48:36 AM
Zeoll is very sympathetic to the lady's story. "Please accept ourr sincerre concerrn, and let us say no morre about the utterr need forr discrretion."
He pauses, and asks, "We will need morre inforrmation, howeverr. His name, of courrse. His trraining and capabilities, his interrests, especially any that might lead us to his destination beyond this fairr city. Perrhaps a sketch orr image so we will know him."
Bosk (James) AC: 18/11/17 HP 41 of 41 Spells Thursday November 18th, 2010 9:00:33 AM
ooc: Typing my post now.
Bosk (James) AC: 18/11/17 HP 41 of 41 Spells Thursday November 18th, 2010 9:43:55 AM
Having eaten his fill, Bosk sits back and listens to the conversation. For the most part he sits back and nods in agreement to what the others have to say and occasionally throws in his own ideas or questions. Although he is not the groups best speaker, he does an average job of highlighting the groups abilities and connection to Mud Town. Our group met in Mud Town and have come together over the course of several mysterious events. I was the first of our current group and Maikill over there joined shortly after when my old group was investigating odd goblin raids in Mud Town, which ended up being a band of magically disguised thieves. Maikill is very strong and does a lot to even the odds when our party is out numbered. Beri, Ransy, and Zeoll joined later when we were investigating occult activity in Mud Town that involved several disappearances. Beri is our intelligence guy, he can move about Mud Town undetected and collect information that others would prefer to be kept secret while Zeoll has his finger on the pulse of the town and is the first to hear of rumors and strange goings on. When they joined we were going after an occult that was being led by an illithad, locally known as a brain eater. Although we destroyed the illithad in question, our sources tell us that another sect of that occult has branched off. Ransy proved himself a great fighter that day and does well against dark forces and in upholding the law. In a place as lawless as Mud Town he helps to restore order.
Unlike the folks in Hook City, our time in Mud Town has allowed us to make many contacts outside these walls, many of which are less than reputable and inform us of anything of note going on in Mud Town. It is our unique ability to blend in around Mud Town and to gather information that will serve you. As it stands, we have a lead on another disappearance that I have a feeling may be intertwined with your son's disappearance.
Tell me, do you happen to know why your son left town, where he was headed, and who he may have stopped to talk to?
Twice/DM Buzz Thursday November 18th, 2010 10:41:55 AM
Mistress Marta nods her head in understanding of the groups position and what they can do to help her. She seems quite pleased with the enthusiasm. Those characters that speak with her on the subject seem to have a plan in effect and just need some minor details from her.
His street name is "Twice". I don't know how he came home with that one day, I do not know. He just asked us to start using it when he was around fourteen. I will not jest with you, he can be a loving, sweet, gentle spirit one minute and then, an uncontrollable, angry foolish man the next. I will admit he is not quite right in the head and I have taken him to priests to be cured, but they tell me, a disposition is not a disease. He likes to drink, quite a bit and he also enjoys, what does he call it?" She looks to Feid on her right. In his low clear voice, the small man answers her question, "He calls going to Mud Town, slumming it, Mistress."
She smiles and looks back at the group, "Slumming it. How one would slum, I have no idea, but he comes home after a few days of binging on alcohol and when he recuperates, goes off and does it again. I knew it would some day get him in trouble. That or his hobby.." At this point, she looks a bit embarrassed, "It was when he first came home with his street name, that I noticed new behaviors about him. Then, my intelligence staff came to me to explain, he has taken up being a rogue. I was disgusted. I expelled him for a time and I am afraid, it made him much worse, or I should say, much better at what he does. Now, he is swift with his blades and his mind. Do not corner him or fight him if you find him. Come back and tell me if he is alright. If he is in trouble though, he will need your help. Bring him home safe and alive and I will pay you well. If by some chance he thinks you are the enemy, his real name is Reginald. Hopefully, that will bring him out of his fog of rage and he will know I sent you."
Zeoll (HP14, AC17) [PF Zeoll] Thursday November 18th, 2010 11:04:12 AM
"A picturre, orr image of some kind, good lady?" Zeoll asks gently.
Twice/DM Buzz Thursday November 18th, 2010 11:31:20 AM
"Of course. Tall, about six foot one but slim. Don't let his lanky nature fool you, he is also strong and I will add, quite chrasmatic. He usually wears fine clothes, even if they are ripped and slovenly. He has blond hair like mine, but he keeps it short. He is usually clean shaven when sober, but I doubt you will find him that way."
Bosk (James) AC: 18/11/17 HP 41 of 41 Spells Thursday November 18th, 2010 12:14:26 PM
ooc: Are Martha and Twice human?
DM Buzz: Yes.
Bosk (James) AC: 18/11/17 HP 41 of 41 Spells Thursday November 18th, 2010 4:37:36 PM
Bosk makes mental notes of everything they were just told. Perhaps the bars in Mud Town would be a good place to start investigating. We also cound stop by and visit Lola the Red (a female contact known for selling her company to young men) on the way to visiting Gary Glittertooth. We might even be able to get Beri to visit the thieves guild... As his mind processes the information he allows the others to ask any further questions they might have in addition to making the decision if the should ask about payment now or if they should help the woman and assume someone with her position and reputation would reward them sufficiently.
Maikill HP 31/39, AC 17 Thursday November 18th, 2010 5:58:34 PM
Maikill mutters under his breath he probably dead, mudtown not good place
He shifts uneasily, waiting to get the chance to get out of this place. He hates to be put in a position where people expect what probably can't be delivered.
Ransy, AC 21/12/20 Hp 41 /41 Thursday November 18th, 2010 6:20:56 PM
Ransy has no more questions. However, he gives Feid and Caukt a stern look, saying: "take care, men, there's a lot of evil afoot in Mudtown"; while saying that, he tries to detect evil on them.
On the way out, he asks Bosk and Beri and the others: "why don't we explore our previous lead which we got from Gary? I mean, we were going there this evening, weren't we? Now that mistress Martha has hired us, we've all the more reason to go there. Or am I talking rubbish now?"
Ransy thinks that asking about payment now would be rude, as this woman is obviously very rich and very concerned about her son.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:18/15/13 HP:20/20 Thursday November 18th, 2010 6:55:41 PM
Having finished a delectable breakfast, Beriothian takes his hosts lead ans starts to discuss the details of the case at hand.
Corpses are disappearing? That is indeed troubling, though it increases the likely hood that your son will be okay. Kidnapping raises far more suspicion than robbing a grave, especially when it's someone from Hook City goes missing.
You also said that disease had gone down in Mud Town as of late, is this beyond what one would expect from the sudden decrease in bodies? Do you know where the corpses are being removed from? I believe Maikill personally saw something in the Pig Alley pit not to long ago.
Spot check on the for whether the girl had a ring = 20
Half a day and all of the night/DM Buzz Friday November 19th, 2010 9:33:02 AM Zeoll asks for a better description of Marta's son and after she is done explaining his features, she has retreaved a painting of him done just before he necame "Twice". She says, "His boyish face is still the same, if not muck covered that is."
Bosk takes in all the information they have been given and thinks about the many contacts they have in Mudtown that will help them find Twice.Where to begin just depends on which location is closer to the city walls.
Maikill thinks the worst and attempts to keep it to himself. Even though the people in the meeting are sitting rather close, together, none seem to act as though they heard him. Mudtown is after all, a bad place, if you are a Hook City resident.
Ransy does not detect evil on anyone sitting on Marta's side of the table. (Remember, it takes rounds to try to pinpoint such feeling of evil) Soon, he is talking witht he group about how to proceed from there.
Beriothian puts the lady at ease with his words, that the sick and dying don't really meet her sons description and has more questions about Mudtown and what they have learned, like where the bodies might be taken or if the disease is lessened with the disappearence of bodies from the streets. None of which is known by those at this table.
So if there are no further questions, the group is shown to the door with a friendly smile and without even talking about payment, which proves the group knon as the iron Adventurers are heros and not mercinaries.
Now, the day is yours to do with as you will. It is almost noon time in the city, where the air is cool and crisp, but no where near as cold as Mudtown is right now.
DM Buzz apologies, I read your posts two or three times and I still miss stuff to include. No, the girl that answered the door had on no jewerly what so ever, not even earrings.
Bosk (James) AC: 18/11/17 HP 41 of 41 Spells Friday November 19th, 2010 10:57:07 AM
Before leaving Marta, Bosk asks if Twice had any friends or favorite hang outs, either in Hook City or Mud Town, who might know where he was going or doing.
Question answered/DM Buzz Friday November 19th, 2010 1:02:42 PM
Marta would be clear, "He was always very secretive about where he would go and what he would do. Despite our best following abilities, he was able to loose most people sent to trail him. Even when successul, it was usually a social call to a lady's residence. We have not tried to follow him outside of the city."
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:18/15/13 HP:20/20 Saturday November 20th, 2010 12:31:45 PM
At the end of the lovely breakfast and meeting Beriothian says goodbye to their hostess. As the group makes their way back from labor town Beri notices a rather eccentric man. His clothes are stained in blood reeks of booze, however the man looks perfectly sober. The group tries to keep their distance from the man, and as he passes by they can hear him babbling something about a ring and the catacombs.
ooc: No worries, I was pressed for time on that post so I was happy to repost. Also, take a look at the catacombs to learn more about this post.
DM Buzz: The man in question run off into the streets of another city, but not Hook City. Sorry, if something like that happened here, the city would freak out and likely close the only entrance to the Catacombs that lead to Hook City.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:18/15/13 HP:20/20 Saturday November 20th, 2010 3:09:45 PM
ooc: oooh, I forgot there is more than one catacombs because that's where we all shop... Well, read the posts in there anyway.
Zeoll (HP14, AC17) [PF Zeoll] Saturday November 20th, 2010 5:39:22 PM
OOC: All doors lead to the same Catacombs ... but there are many doors.
Bosk (James) AC: 18/11/17 HP 41 of 41 Spells Saturday November 20th, 2010 7:28:25 PM
...No more need to teleport :)
DM Buzz: LOL, one might believe that moving through different areas of the Wold simple, through this magical arena we call the Catacombs, but please, do not ever believe, I will allow players to abuse the convinience of the Catacombs. Door ways inside of the Catacombs, to other places might just be on a time stamp, opening and closing just long enough for patrons to aquire their needed articles and then, to depart. Now. I am not saying, that on occassion, if you guys want to use the Catacombs to visit Platau City or even somewhere on the Taur Islands, you can't. What I am sayng is, I will not allow you to radically change a module by it's use, because I forgot about it's versatility when writing or running one.. :)
Zeoll (HP14, AC17) [PF Zeoll] Sunday November 21st, 2010 7:41:38 AM
My understanding is that you have to leave the Catacombs by the same door you enter. :-)
DM Buzz: I have read the Catacombs desctiption in the Woldipedia and it does not say one can or can not use it in this manner. Unless there is documentation that is elsewhere. http://www.woldiangames.com/Woldipedia/index.php/Catacombs
Bosk (James) AC: 18/11/17 HP 41 of 41 Spells Sunday November 21st, 2010 4:37:06 PM
Sorry, I meant it as a joke. I wouldn't allow it if I was a DM.
Zeoll (HP14, AC17) [PF Zeoll] d20+7=19 ; Monday November 22nd, 2010 7:08:43 AM
Before leaving the mansion, Zeoll begs the Lady's indulgence for a small bit of magic. If she will permit him to cast two minor spells ... he casts Ghost Sound and Silent Image to create the illusion of Twice, aka Reginald. He uses the Ghost Sound to create a voice for the Image. And under the lady's direction, he fixes and alters the illusion until he has the look and sound right, down to the correct pout, sneer, and grin.
"I have the beginnings of an idea," Zeoll explains, "and the ability to crreate this bit of trrickerry may be key to rrecoverring yourr son."
=====
Outside the house, Zeoll suggests that if there is nothing to keep them in the city, we should visit our tower, stow our chits, and head to Mudtown. "I have some inforrmation to gatherr," he says.
Assuming we do so, back in Mudtown Zeoll will take the rest of the day to poke around and ask questions, hopefully without giving himself away. He wants to find out if this "Twice" is known, who knows him, where one of his ladyfriends might be, etc. Gather Information check: 19. Anyone want to come along and roll an Aid Another check?
Back through town/DM Buzz Monday November 22nd, 2010 9:55:30 AM
Mistress Marta indulges the bard in his magical recreaions and she is satisfied that the group now knows what he looks like and sounds like.
The group stops by the their tower and again, nothing has been moved and chits can be secured.
Making your way to the gate, once again, you pass by the money changers doing their jobs (Making an exchange yourselves? Let me know and I will roll.) and then, you are assaulted by the cold breeze that comes in during the day as well as the night. Biting through your clothes to attack the nerves that run along the surface of the skin.
ooc: Not a lot of content to respond to, today. Only two posts from players to move the game along.
Bosk (James) AC: 18/11/17 HP 41 of 41 Spells Monday November 22nd, 2010 9:58:36 AM
Bosk agrees with Zeoll about returning to Hook City, and before returning to Hook City will stop by the money changers to find out the exchange rate.If the exchange rate in his favor he will exchange his chits. If it is even or at a loss he will look for a loose stone or floor board he can hide it under and leave it in the tower.
Back through town/DM Buzz d100=91 ; Monday November 22nd, 2010 10:28:29 AM OOC: Ignore the roll, the day is still the same. The exchange rate is high today, with a ten percent increase compared to gold, the same as it was just a few hours ago when you all entered. Exchange rates are checked per game day, not post day.
Maikill HP 31/39, AC 17 Monday November 22nd, 2010 10:46:54 AM
Glad to be out of fine surrounding, the stink of mudtown insults Maikill.
"I not like it in city or mudtown. Hook city people pretend be better than they are, in mudtown people act worse than they should. Soon I leave here, go back to country were people are better. Let go find this boy quick."
Zeoll (HP14, AC17) [PF Zeoll] Monday November 22nd, 2010 11:28:29 AM
Zeoll stands by his Gather Info roll. Anyone want to come along to help (Aid Another)?
Maikill HP 31/39, AC 17 d20=10 ; Monday November 22nd, 2010 11:48:35 AM
Maikill will follow along and help Zeoll anyway he can.
aid another 10
Bosk (James) AC: 18/11/17 HP 41 of 41 Spells d20=11 ; Monday November 22nd, 2010 11:52:06 AM
Bosk will also assist Zeoll in any way he can.
Zeoll (HP14, AC17) [PF Zeoll] Monday November 22nd, 2010 2:50:21 PM
Sweet +4 to my roll!
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:18/15/13 HP:20/20 d20+3=6 ; Monday November 22nd, 2010 7:01:57 PM Bodies disappearing sound like the type of rumor the WLA would have picked up on. I am going to stop by on my way out to check with their resident bard/ranger to pick up what information I can.
When Beriothian leaves Hook City he will trade his chits back in for hard currency.
ooc: I'm not sure if the WLA requires a gather information roll since it's a service available to members, but in case you need it... actually, forget I said anything :P
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