The Tunnel in the Cellar (DM Cayzle) Tuesday December 15th, 2015 8:18:04 AM
From above, brave Micah calls for a rope. He also calls down what he reads on the crates, something about a menagerie? If you make a Know(local) check vs DC15, then Highlight to display spoiler: {you remember that there was, briefly, a small zoo / pet store on Lakeview Passage with that name, but it was shut down after a short time.}
Norr climbs up and joins Micah. Agrippa, Roland, and Pesmer try climbing up the pile, but it defeats them.
Koh calls for a rope, and Pesmer produces one. He throws it up. Norr and Micah hold it steady, and now the party can all climb up with fair ease.
Once everyone is in the upper passage, you see that you are in a maintenance tunnel of some sort. The hatch down into the sewer marks one end of the tunnel; you can advance only in one direction.
You travel 20 feet onward, and then there is a corner. You are carrying lights, so that pretty much ruins your chance at true stealth here in the pure dark. Or does it? It seems that around the corner there is a light as well. Your approach?
Agrippa (Jacob) HP: 10/10 AC: 16.(t)13.(ff)13 Tuesday December 15th, 2015 12:02:19 PM I feel the wind... I breath again... Agrippa ponders to herself.
(Knowledge Local: 19) As Agrippa hears the name while climbing the rope, she gazes at the grates in wonder. "Eleazer..? Didn' they have that pet store? I heard they closed down really qui- hmm..." (ooc: In case we happen to run into a furry version of him/her down here, do I know what he/her looks like with this roll?)
Seeing the light around the corner, Agrippa will continue attempting to place herself on the mental grid of possibly where underground they might be from the surface (ooc: is that a new check?). She whispers, "Now I know these wand charges are precious, so le's decide soon: scout," she emphasizes, "rush, or diplomacy?"
Micah (John) HP: 10/10 AC: 17/10/17 Tuesday December 15th, 2015 3:35:40 PM
Once all are up Micah helps recoil the rope and returns it to Pesmer with thanks.
While making way for the more capable combatants he reclaims his shield, saying simply, "Rush."
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 8/8 AC:12/12/10 Tuesday December 15th, 2015 7:28:27 PM
Pesmer smiles as he takes back his silken rope from Micah, nodding as he places it back in his backpack before retrieving his quarterstaff. With staff in one hand and the wand in the other, he readies to shrink any of the Taurs if it is still needed.
Shrugging a bit, he had never heard of Eleazer or any pet store but he did have input for Agrippa's second question. "I say give Diplomacy a try.. If they don't just scream and run at us with weapons.." He wasn't sure what they would find but he was hoping he could convince those around the corner that attacking and fighting was simply not needed. Hopefully...
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 9/9 AC: 13/12/10 CMB: +4 d20+7=13 ; d20=17 ; Wednesday December 16th, 2015 12:35:02 AM
Stohp has never heard of the menagerie, which is a bit annoying since she thought she knew about everything in the area. "My vote is scout. Information is power, besides we don't want to rush in weapons out to startle some street bums taking advantage of an empty building."
While she talks she tries to spot if the blood trail continues to lead ahead (13 local, 17 survival).
The Tunnel in the Cellar (DM Cayzle) Wednesday December 16th, 2015 1:02:19 PM
Agrippa recalls that there was a menagerie and pet store for a short while, but she recalls little else. Just that it shut down pretty soon after opening. Stohp, confident in her local lore, is surprised she had not heard about it.
Agrippa calls for action: "scout, rush, or diplomacy?"
"Scout," says Stohp -- she sees the blood on the floor, leading onward.
"Rush" says Micah,
"Diplomacy" says Pesmer.
Lacking any clear direction, and with Roland and Norr simply quiet, the party pauses and ponders how to move forward.
Micah (John) HP: 10/10 AC: 17/10/17 Wednesday December 16th, 2015 1:25:43 PM
"Well, waiting for a consensus is obviously going to get us nowhere. Agrippa or Stohp, if either of you would care to scout ahead, I'll gladly wait here ready for your report, " says Micah trying to prompt an action.
Winking at Pesmer, he continues, "Based on what you find, we can then make a more informed decision on whether to rush ahead or rely on diplomacy."
Roland Gibbs (Andrew) HP: 15/15 AC: 18 Touch: 11 FF: 17 Wednesday December 16th, 2015 1:47:11 PM
Roland will agree that Agrippa should scout ahead. "With you being able to see in the dark, you'll be able to get down there undetected and see what's going on. Better to know what we're facing before we rush in "
Norr (David S.) HP: 18/18 AC: 18/11/16 CMB :+5 Wednesday December 16th, 2015 2:31:10 PM "Scouting's fine. We could learn something useful, push comes to shove she can call for help." Norr states, lending his support to the notion of Agrippa scouting ahead.
He then grabs his fighting gear once more, readying for what may come.
Agrippa (Jacob) HP: 10/10 AC: 16.(t)13.(ff)13 d20+7=20 ; d20+5=7 ; Wednesday December 16th, 2015 5:28:00 PM
Agrippa can feel her blood rushing into her pierced ears as all eyes turn to her again. These strangers have so much faith in me already, she thinks to herself. It appears that our several day camaraderie is potent enough to break through the half-orc stigma. Adventuring sure is valuable. She stands up from her crouched position, wincing as her rat bitten leg still believes it's wounded.
(ooc: She doesn't think in an accent)
She rolls back the sleeve on her right arm, nodding to her party. She takes out her silver dagger and begins her creeping operation around the corner towards the light, finding what cover she can (Stealth = 20). She will attempt to get a visual of the room, but if she notices that she would sacrifice cover from a pair of eyes to get it, she'll go as far as she can and listen for 30 seconds (Perception = 7).
(ooc: I'm glad those rolls weren't reversed. Thank you dice!)
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 9/9 AC: 13/12/10 CMB: +4 Wednesday December 16th, 2015 5:59:16 PM
Stohp watches Agrippa go, half wishing she could move as stealthily. It's hard to move quietly when everything is built for creatures half your size... suddenly she realizes that difficulty won't matter when she's shrunk. Leaning against the wall, she ponders the possibilities if she could become smaller at will.
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 8/8 AC:12/12/10 d20+2=20 ; Thursday December 17th, 2015 2:58:38 AM
Pesmer nods and softly snickers, eyeing between Micah and Agrippa as he speaks softly. "Sounds good to me. I look forward to the discovery around the corner."
Pesmer readies his staff in one hand and the wand in the other. He wasn't sure if he needed to keep Stohp and Norr shrunk as he checks the surroundings to see if their large forms could fit here. (Perception 20 to see if Stohp and Norr still need to be shrunk or not.)
The Tunnel in the Cellar (DM Cayzle) d20+8=21 ; d20+4=11 ; Thursday December 17th, 2015 12:18:35 PM
Pesmer ponders the use of the wand. Considering the constrained nature of the place, it seems wise to knock off a couple more charges.
While Pesmer quietly speaks the command word to keep Norr and Stohp smaller, Agrippa sneaks off.
She peers around the corner and sees that the corridor continues for another 20 ft, then opens into a cluttered room. She dashes forward and ducks down behind a crate.
She hears a voice comforting a wounded creature. "There, there, Daddy will make it okay. That's a good boy."
She peeks up and sees a ratman petting the wounded rat you tracked here. Does he see Agrippa? Does he hear her at all? Does the rat? At this distance, Agrippa has a +1 mod on the DC to detect her.
The ratman has Perception +8. He rolls a 21! The rat has perception +4. He rolls an 11. Agrippa's Stealth is a 20! UH OH! He heard her!
The ratman stands up from the crates he had been sitting on and calls out, "Who's there!" He gets out his bow.
Note we are not in combat. A map does not mean you have to fight. That said, here's the map Note that on the map Agrippa is either (1) crounched down and has cover or (2) prone and has total cover. Agrippa, please choose.
The Tunnel in the Cellar (DM Cayzle) d20+8=21 ; d20+4=11 ; Thursday December 17th, 2015 12:18:35 PM
Pesmer ponders the use of the wand. Considering the constrained nature of the place, it seems wise to knock off a couple more charges.
While Pesmer quietly speaks the command word to keep Norr and Stohp smaller, Agrippa sneaks off.
She peers around the corner and sees that the corridor continues for another 20 ft, then opens into a cluttered room. She dashes forward and ducks down behind a crate.
She hears a voice comforting a wounded creature. "There, there, Daddy will make it okay. That's a good boy."
She peeks up and sees a ratman petting the wounded rat you tracked here. Does he see Agrippa? Does he hear her at all? Does the rat? At this distance, Agrippa has a +1 mod on the DC to detect her.
The ratman has Perception +8. He rolls a 21! The rat has perception +4. He rolls an 11. Agrippa's Stealth is a 20! UH OH! He heard her!
The ratman stands up from the crates he had been sitting on and calls out, "Who's there!" He gets out his bow.
Note we are not in combat. A map does not mean you have to fight. That said, here's the map Note that on the map Agrippa is either (1) crounched down and has cover or (2) prone and has total cover. Agrippa, please choose.
Agrippa (Jacob) HP: 10/10 AC: 20.(t)17.(ff)13 d20+6=26 ; Thursday December 17th, 2015 1:30:37 PM
Seeing the ratman's ears perk, eyes seek, and hand dart for his bow, Agrippa quickly ducks her head behind the crate. His words echo down the corridor, and she wonders how much time until the cavalry plow the two down.
Why did he have to be alone, she thinks to herself, and tending to his pet rat! The heartstrings! She clutches her chest in sympathy (free action).
At the moment, she is in a crouching position. Remembering Pesmer's words, Agrippa silently pulls out one of three sacks kept in the side pocket of her backpack (move action). This sack itself is white and she will fit her hand inside. Knowing that there's probably an arrow pointed at her crate, she'll prepare to dodge (Standard Action: Total Defense) and reveal above her the waving white bag slightly before revealing her head.
"Agrippa. Can we talk?" she suggests (free action), with as compassionate a smile as one who knows that an army might run around the corner to beat this lone, diseased former creature to death in front of her at any moment (It's probably a worried face). (Diplomacy: 26)
Roland Gibbs (Andrew) HP: 15/15 AC: 18 Touch: 11 FF: 17 d20+1=9 ; Thursday December 17th, 2015 9:24:19 PM
Hearing the ratman call out down the hall, Roland grabs his hammer (move action) and goes to move, but hearing Agrippa's call of diplomacy he stops. I hope she knows what she's doing Roland thinks to himself, putting his hand up to tell the rest of the party that we should give her a moment to see if she can handle this altercation non violently. If whatever is around the corner sees an entire party of armed adventurers, it might scare them into combat and all hopes of a peaceful end would be thrown out the window
Micah (John) HP: 10/10 AC: 17/10/17 Thursday December 17th, 2015 10:27:43 PM
Hearing Agrippa's question, Micah stays put, his grip tightening on his hammer's haft. He does, however, gesture to Roland and Norr to take up a position in front of him, recognizing that they would be better at dealing with any trouble that might arise.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 9/9 AC: 13/12/10 CMB: +4 Friday December 18th, 2015 1:14:14 AM
Stohp hears the starting conversation, which jerks her out of her reverie. Seeing everyone else tensing up, she rests a hand on her sap and perks her ears up, glad that they're at least trying the non-violent option but ready to fight if need be.
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 8/8 AC:12/12/10 d20+2=17 ; Friday December 18th, 2015 7:14:26 AM
(I took an additional 2 charges off the wand as I assume the rope and boxes portion of this place took a little longer then a minute. 14 charges on the wand left.)
With staff in hand, Pesmer stows the wand into his backpack (move action) so that he could better fight with his Quarterstaff if need be.
Using his senses (Perception of 17), Pesmer hears the Ratman's voice followed by Agrippa asking for a chat, him now smiling a bit at the effort of diplomacy that was being used by his friend. He, of course, would ready himself to come running around the corner to attack if need be but Pesmer had great faith that his friend Agrippa would get through this event with friendly word alone.
The Tunnel in the Cellar (DM Cayzle) Friday December 18th, 2015 11:21:29 AM
Back around the corner, Agrippa's friends listen, eager to spring into action if need be, But for now, they let her do the talking.
The rat-man grins when Agrippa says "Can we talk?" He says, "We definitely can! Just let me ..." he moves a couple steps to the tunnel. "... set down my friend ..." he sends the dire rat down the far tunnel, and it scampers off. "... and just pull this lever ..." as he does so.
There is a rumble of hidden chain and a great steel-plated portcullis falls, sealing the far tunnel with a clang.
"There, now we can chat." He sits back down on a crate. "I can't lift that gate. I'm on the wrong side, just like you. You want to bash at it, be my guest. It won't open."
"And I can relax because my job is done. We're stuck here. Name's Jaspar. Howdja do, Agrippa? You a hero type, or thief? What brings you to my humble place of employment?"
Agrippa (Jacob) HP: 10/10 AC: 20.(t)17.(ff)13 d20+5=21 ; Friday December 18th, 2015 2:28:38 PM Welp, nothing I could have done about that leverl, Agrippa thinks to herself. Seeing the rat-man up close reminds her of the attack at the bar, where several others of his kind attempted to off the business-owners of the Fence. Now, she's not one to condemn the race on the actions of a few, but she's not one to trust a rat just like that either. She attempts to grab hints from his body language and words as to whether his actions just now yield malicious intent towards herself, or if he's actually giving himself up and wanting to genuinely be friendly while setting his pet free (Sense Motive: 21)
She'll play along for a bit, stalling until she can learn about her senses. She'll stand up and put her white bag back into her pack, appearing to relax but all too aware of the dagger at her feat behind the cover (Readied Action: Fall prone if he knocks an arrow).
"Jaspar," she nods, [b]"an' if cleanin' out a basement makes me a hero, then yer lookin' at one. As to what brings me here-"
(ooc: I want to learn from my sense motive, and passive perceptions before I post again today. Can you describe the room, and his attire, and the gate a bit better for me?)
Agrippa (Jacob) HP: 10/10 AC: 20.(t)17.(ff)13 Friday December 18th, 2015 5:10:47 PM
Glancing at the impenetrable portal that is the iron portcullis, she continues. "-...We," with slight emphasis, [b]"prefer clean bars n' streets. These rats of you an' yours were a problem, an' us bud-nippers are answerin' the call." She turns her head for a moment so her voice can carry down the passageway as she speaks.
Hmm... the Bud-Nippers sounds like a good name for the group, Agrippa ponders for a second.
She blinks away the thought for now, and turns back to Jaspar. [b]"I don' like makin' holy men wait, and you seem to know yer' way 'round here. Mind if we ask you a few Peaceful questions?" She asks, picking up her dagger and sheathing it as she says 'peaceful.' She will not show on her face any intention of malice as she grins at her chatty "friend." She will still have a readied action to get behind cover if he knocks an arrow.
Roland Gibbs (Andrew) HP: 15/15 AC: 18 Touch: 11 FF: 17 Friday December 18th, 2015 9:12:21 PM
Hearing the raucous clang, Roland will move to the front of the group, sledge in hand. He does not move into view quite yet, hoping Agrippa still has things under control
Micah (John) HP: 10/10 AC: 17/10/17 Friday December 18th, 2015 11:18:56 PM
Micah feels the sweat in his palm where he is gripping the hammer anxiously.
He thinks Agrippa just invited him to join, so he steps around the bend while returning his hammer to his belt. "Peaceful is always best," as he moves into view. As he does so he stays as close to the wall as possible to allow the others a clear path forward should things get belligerent.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 9/9 AC: 13/12/10 CMB: +4 d20+7=12 ; Friday December 18th, 2015 11:34:33 PM
The clash of the portcullis coming down causes Stohp to jump in startlement. She's not really sure what the noise was, and tries to think of what's in the area. If this old building is the base for the ratmen then they probably chose it for easy access to targets, an escape route, or allies. (knowledge: local 12)
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 8/8 AC:12/12/10 Saturday December 19th, 2015 8:11:55 AM
Pesmer would jump as well at the sound of the steel portcullis slamming down against the ground, the sound now ringing about within his mind. Unsure of what was going on, Pesmer stays hidden as he watches Micah reveal himself to the friendly rat, unsure of where this conversation could lead or what the creature was up to. Just in case danger did fly itself at Agrippa, Pesmer would ready himself to run around the corner with staff in hand to aid his friends in battle.
Norr (David S.) HP: 18/18 AC: 18/11/16 CMB :+5 Monday December 21st, 2015 9:19:41 AM
Norr grips his weapon tightly upon hearing the clang of the portcullis and moves forward a moment, but then hears no sign of real fighting and stops, out of sight. He allows Micah and Roland to move ahead without incident.
Micah (John) HP: 10/10 AC: 17/10/17 Monday December 21st, 2015 10:20:35 PM
Micah is not sure about this course of action; the ratmen in the tavern were definitely not the friendly type. Not wanting to leave Agrippa alone, however, he is there ready to come to her aid if necessary, yet ready to make way for the others.
Micah (John) HP: 10/10 AC: 17/10/17 Monday December 21st, 2015 10:49:20 PM
Micah is not sure about this course of action; the ratmen in the tavern were definitely not the friendly type. Not wanting to leave Agrippa alone, however, he is there ready to come to her aid if necessary, yet ready to make way for the others.
Roland Gibbs (Andrew) HP: 15/15 AC: 18 Touch: 11 FF: 17 Monday December 21st, 2015 10:56:01 PM
Pressed against the wall ready to come to Agrippa's aid, Roland lies in wait to see if the sounds of battle or peace commence
The Tunnel in the Cellar (DM Cayzle) d20+5=8 ; d20=18 ; Monday December 21st, 2015 11:11:01 PM
Agrippa senses that the ratman is bored and does not see her as a threat. She mentions that she has frends and asks if they can ask a few questions.
The ratman does not seem to be trying to bluff, and he is more nervous. "You got friends? Well, I got nothing but my sword here. I want no trouble. You leave me in peace, then sure, we can have some chit-chat. As far as I'm concerned, I'm done with this job now, so I can go home in peace."
Norr, Pesmer and Roland wait and listen, ready to act. Roland moves up to the front of the waiting group.
Stohp ponders. Most like, this is the back door, maybe an escape route, for some strong place. The ratman is a guard, with the mission of slamming shut the back door in the event of someone appearing. The question is why he did not slam it shut after retreating back in. Why slam the door from the wrong side?
Micah hears Agrippa's reference to a holy man and deduces that he has heard his cue. He rounds the sharp corner and tries to seem "peaceful."
The ratman looks at Micah and stares at his holy symbol. "Huh," he says, "I have not heard that the Wrestler God is exactly peaceful. A lot of fighters pray to him, and it ain't for peace. But like I said, I and looking to fight, but if your dishing it out, I'll serve ya back in spades."
"Now, are we all just going home nice like, or do we want a palaver, or do we want to tussle? Pick one."
Agrippa (Jacob) HP: 10/10 AC: 20.(t)17.(ff)13 Tuesday December 22nd, 2015 4:32:25 AM "As far as I'm concerned, your cooperation 'll be the determinin' factor between those three outcomes. For now, I choose palaver." Agrippa remarks, nodding at Micah. She sits down at ease. "Le's be quick.
1: "Your job is done. What was it, and who hired you?"
(Ooc: If he answers easily enough and without resistance, she will continue with these next questions. If not, then I won't ask these just yet.)
2: "Did yer friends tell you why they attacked the turtle ferryman 'n friends? Some kinda vendetta?"
3: "One o' yer rats bit a little boy yesterday out on the streets. Will he... uh... turn hairy?"
She'll leave space for Micah to ask any question that need be asked. She'll continue to judge his reactions to her questions to make sure he's not being purposefully loud, misleading, or anything malicious. She is also reserving a few final questions until she gets a response.
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 8/8 AC:12/12/10 Tuesday December 22nd, 2015 7:52:26 AM
Such tension seemed to fill the air as Agrippa and the ratfolk talk to one another. On one hand Pesmer guessed that the furry male wouldn't bat an eye to kill Agrippa if he needed to, but since the creature hadn't really made an attempt to as of yet, he figured maybe the ratman wasn't all bad. Slowly pulling out his notebook, quill and ink, Pesmer began to write in his book all the happenings that occurred throughout the day and what they were up to now. He really wanted to write the ratman's physical appearance and demeanor within his book but he wouldn't step out into the visual field just yet.
Norr (David S.) HP: 18/18 AC: 18/11/16 CMB :+5 d20+1=9 ; Tuesday December 22nd, 2015 4:33:20 PM
Norr stays where he is, thinking he likely wouldn't be of much use in peaceful negotiations. He does, however keep an eye out for any trickery coming from whence they came. (Perception 9)
Roland Gibbs (Andrew) HP: 15/15 AC: 18 Touch: 11 FF: 17 Tuesday December 22nd, 2015 9:20:32 PM
Roland waits patiently to see where this goes, letting Agrippa and Micah handle the talking at this point. no need to scare him with an entire adventuring party he thinks to himself
The Tunnel in the Cellar (DM Cayzle) Tuesday December 22nd, 2015 10:58:24 PM
Pesmer takes notes and Roland waits quietly as Agrippa chats with the ratman.
"Your job is done. What was it, and who hired you?"
"It was Eleazar, who turns out to be crazy. It was a simple protection and enforcement job. But things went belly up, so I said I'd stand guard and then wash my hands of the sitch."
"Did yer friends tell you why they attacked the turtle ferryman 'n friends? Some kinda vendetta?"
Yeah, the crazy guy was mad they shut him down. They don't like rodents, as it turns out, heh."
"One o' yer rats bit a little boy yesterday out on the streets. Will he... uh... turn hairy?"
"Not my rat. We Trashers know better than to make trouble up here in daylight land. You mean is the kid going to be a lycanthrope? I doubt it. Really doubt it. Might get sick, though."
"So I been real nice, now it is your turn. You here on accident or for a reason. If you got a reason, maybe you got some reason to make it worth my while to tell you more? We can be friends like, or you can let me go, or we can dance. Your call, missy. You too, Brother Padre."
=====
Meanwhile, Norr hears a sound from back the way you came. Seems to him like someone is down at the crates. Little guy, maybe.
[OOC: Please welcome our newest player, who will tell you all what you see if they choose to ascend the crates, or if you go peek out. Damarr, feel free to start posting. I'll try to email you, but my email has been wonky.]
Micah (John) HP: 10/10 AC: 17/10/17 d20+6=22 ; Tuesday December 22nd, 2015 11:40:44 PM
Micah smiles genuinely at the the ratman's words. He replies, "Peace is always preferred to violence. You mistake the willingness of my brethren to stand up against those who wish to hurt and destroy as bellicosity. We would much rather build than destroy. This hammer here," he gestures in such a way to not be threatening, "is first used to make tools of iron. Only when damage threatens is it taken up against those who would do harm."
After a brief pause, Micah continues, "There seems to have a lot of trouble in "daylight" land recently. Unrest is brewing such that the peaceful existence you below and we above have enjoyed may be coming to an end. What more reason could there be in sharing more of what is really going on than returning peace to our neighborhoods? Perhaps it is in all our interest that you tell us more."
(Diplomacy 22)
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 9/9 AC: 13/12/10 CMB: +4 d20+3=8 ; Wednesday December 23rd, 2015 2:31:32 AM
Hearing the noises behind them and fearing that the ratman is stalling while other sneak up behind them, Stohp sneaks back as quietly as she can to figure out what the noise is. (If she's still shrunk to medium size stealth of 8, otherwise stealth roll of 4).
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 8/8 AC:12/12/10 Wednesday December 23rd, 2015 3:11:40 AM
(Welcome Damarr to Lakeview Passage and to the Wold. I look forward to our characters interacting. ^>^ )
Pesmer was going a bit stir crazy as the ratman, Agrippa and Micah spoke. Ever so interested in seeing what the ratman looked like and how the situation played out, Pesmer would move close enough to try and peek around the corner so he could get a good look at the ratman and the situation at hand. Scribing in his book what he sees, he doesn't actually speak to anyone or add into the conversation, just merely observing and recording the events.
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 9/9 | AC: 18 | T:14 | FF:15 d20+9=21 ; d20+9=24 ; Wednesday December 23rd, 2015 2:38:35 PM
Coming to the pile of crates from the sewer entrance, Martisan pauses to knock some of the mess from her boots and shake clean her stocky, wide-brimmed hat. She sits quietly for a moment, listening to the muffled sounds of conversation above (Perception 21).
Looks like the little rats aren't the only ones using this route. She notes, beginning to haul herself up the rope left by the group. Uncertain of what she'll find. the Halfling does her best to quietly pull herself through the hole (Stealth 24).
When she sees Stohp, Martisan quickly rolls to the side, one hand each hovering over the shortsword and coiled whip on each of her hips when she pulls up into a crouch.
Little boys telling stories about giants rats coming up from the sewers, and I crawl down to instead find small Minotaurs lurking about... this is interesting. She waits to see if anyone noticed her arrival, taking note of the others milling about at the end of the hall, and the tension focused on something going on around the corner.
Norr (David S.) HP: 18/18 AC: 18/11/16 CMB :+5 d20+1=5 ; Wednesday December 23rd, 2015 3:01:28 PM
Norr maintains his vigil, not wanting to add further chaos to the negotiations. He puts his back to a nearby wall, wondering how long he'll need to remain small. (Perception 5)
(Greetings and welcome Damarr!)
Roland Gibbs (Andrew) HP: 15/15 AC: 18 Touch: 11 FF: 17 d20=9 ; Thursday December 24th, 2015 1:00:12 AM
Roland would be attentive to the conversation going on between Agrippa, Micah, and the Rat man, trying to recall if he new this Elezar he speaks of (Local 9)
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 8/8 AC:12/12/10 d20+5=22 ; Thursday December 24th, 2015 4:40:05 AM
Hearing nothing coming from behind him (Perception 22), Pesmer stays focused on Agrippa, Micah and the ratman as he takes notes. He liked the aura coming from this ratman. He wasn't cruel or wicked, at least so far he hadn't been. Pesmer was very curious to see where this interesting event would lead them all.. And who would get out of it alive.
Agrippa (Jacob) HP: 10/10 AC: 20.(t)17.(ff)13 d20+5=11 ; Thursday December 24th, 2015 10:45:21 AM
Adding on to Micah's comment, "...and maybe over a beer..?" She asks, inviting him to the surface. She's also judging his reaction (a quick blink or something) to see if he might have been involved with the beer break-in a while ago (Sense Motive: 11).
(ooc: Welcome, Damarr~)
The Tunnel in the Cellar (DM Cayzle) Wednesday December 30th, 2015 9:21:15 PM
Roland and Pesmer are focused on the conversation around the corner. The references rather go over Roland's head, unfortunately. Pesmer peeks around to see, and then to sketch.
Stohp and Norr are alert to the rear, but not alert enough to notice the newcomer ... until she pulls herself up into the corridor. Then, there is nothing to hide behind, and the party's light precludes hiding in shadows. Martisan is face to face with the two reduced minotaurs.
[OOC: Please feel free to roleplay your meeting as desired.]
Around the corner, Micah and Agrippa continue to talk with the ratman.
Micah asks for more info. "Not sure what there's to tell," the rat-man says. "I was hired by a human named Eleazar, this fanatic who wanted revenge. He hired a couple other ratties and had some rats he controlled. He was crazy, so I was glad to work as a look out, which I was, and now my job's done. I'm ready to go home, thanks, to the good old Trash Level. I'm skipping out on my past pay, but since Eleazar probably thinks I'm dead, I'm not pushing it."
Agrippa offers a beer. The ratman laughs. "You got drinks on ya? Sure, that sounds real nice. You don't mind taking a drink out of mine first, do ya, sweetie?"
Martisan had thus far managed to keep from dealing directly with Minotaurs. Not out of any particular fear; she saw them around the Big Float often enough and held no particular distrust for the creatures, but life was hard enough when nearly everyone was forced to look down on you - she had no intention to seek out those with an even greater natural advantage. It was the same reason she stayed hidden from most big-folk until she knew their intentions.
The fact that the two minotaurs now staring her down were "smaller" than usual was little consolation. She is emboldened more by the strangeness of the sight, as her curiosity is piqued, than the lack of their normally greater advantage. Standing proudly to her full height, a small handsbreadth shy of three feet, Martisan rests her hands on her hips defiantly, where they are still close to her weapons.
"I am Martisan Odenthorp, of the Fence Level, formerly of the Trash, come looking into the origins of recently increased vermin incursions. The path appears to have led me to you." She speaks plainly, with the tone of one more accustomed to dealing with the straight-cut matters of law and commerce than the myriad intentions of willful beings. Her final statement is open-ended, almost interrogatory, implying her question as to the groups' own reason for being in the tunnels.
Roland Gibbs (Andrew) HP: 15/15 AC: 18 Touch: 11 FF: 17 Sunday January 3rd, 2016 11:05:40 PM
Roland spins around at the sound of a voice coming down the hall where they came from. Seeing the halfling there confuses him, wondering if she is an accomplice of the rat man. He raises his hammer defensively, waiting to see if she is friend or foe
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 8/8 AC:12/12/10 Monday January 4th, 2016 4:13:11 AM
Pesmer was all the curious as to meet this Eleazar and find out just why he wanted to revenge against the Fence level and its merchants and taverns. Yet, before he could come right out and ask some questions of his own from the corner he was peeking from, he heard a female voice coming from behind their group.
The hair on the back of his neck stood on end as his vision quickly pulled away from the ratman and friends as he stares down the tunnel at Martisan, a rather curious looking halfling who more than likely just scared the daylights out of the ratman. Blinking a few times, Pesmer would shuffle his way ten feet or so towards the newcomer, his face twisted with slight panic as he was guessing the ratman would think this new person was reinforcements or somesuch from the Fence level and probably draw his weapon.
"Welcome, Martisan Odenthorp, to a very.. cautious situation." My name is Pesmer. We are also investigating the recent rat attacks and have found a lead. Just.. Give us a little time to defuse the situation, yes?" Pesmers demeanor, besides the slight panic upon his face, was calm and friendly as he smiled towards the unfamiliar halfling, rather curious as to her story.
The Tunnel in the Cellar (DM Cayzle) Monday January 4th, 2016 8:19:17 AM
Some in the group have begun to speak with the halfling newcomer. Meanwhile, the rat-man says he is eager to be off.
"Any chance," he says, "that we all can just part company and go on our ways peaceful like? I've answered all your questions."
Agrippa (Jacob) HP: 10/10 AC: 20.(t)17.(ff)13 d20+6=23 ; Tuesday January 5th, 2016 1:33:09 AM
Agrippa frowns and looks at Micah. She isn't one to let a rat get away, but since she can't detect a hint of a lie, she attempts to convey a secret message (DC = 15; Bluff Check result = 23: Success) by saying to the rat-man, "You sure you don' wan' a Fence level beer? I'd woe if I let that opportunity pass. Can' get that great quality down there, y'know," and meaning, "[i]Should we let him pass?" to Micah.
Agrippa (Jacob) HP: 10/10 AC: 20.(t)17.(ff)13 Tuesday January 5th, 2016 1:34:45 AM
ooc: (Computational Linguistics check failed. Reposting)
Agrippa frowns and looks at Micah. She isn't one to let a rat get away, but since she can't detect a hint of a lie, she attempts to convey a secret message (DC = 15; Bluff Check result = 23: Success) by saying to the rat-man, "You sure you don' wan' a Fence level beer? I'd woe if I let that opportunity pass. Can' get that great quality down there, y'know," and meaning, "Should we let him pass?" to Micah.
Norr (David S.) HP: 18/18 AC: 18/11/16 CMB :+5 Tuesday January 5th, 2016 3:07:50 AM
Norr looks over the halfling newcomer as she introduces herself. Not judging her to be an immediate threat, he turns the majority of his attention to the negotiations once more, giving her a slight bow.
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 8/8 AC:12/12/10 Tuesday January 5th, 2016 3:35:48 AM
Pesmer, though not talking to anyone directly, was wondering if the ratman would be allowed to leave peacefully. Sure he was paid to close a gate and be a watch out but he gave up all his information without blades being drawn. He would definitely have a problem if the party decided to slay this ratman without serious just cause.
The Tunnel in the Cellar (DM Cayzle) Tuesday January 5th, 2016 9:40:17 AM
Responding to Agrippa's overt message, the rat grins. "The fact that you are pushing your drink on me, and you have not yet had a sip yourself, makes me even more reluctant, nothing personal. I mean, a rat eats what he has to on the Trash Level, but the beer a human won't sip is probably not good enough for me!"
"Now what do you say, are we pals. like? You all gonna let me head for home?"
Meanwhile Agrippa waits for Micah to respond to her secret message ... should they let the rat man go? And if so, he'll have to walk past all the rest of the party around the corner.
Pesmer, for one, is willing to let him pass. But he holds his tongue for the moment.
Norr, for one, acknowledges the halfling and, with a nonverbal cue, directs her attention toward the conversation taking place around the corner.
It is clear to Martisan, by Norr's response, that the group on this side of the corridor is being quiet inorder to hear what is happening beyond.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 9/9 AC: 13/12/10 CMB: +4 Tuesday January 5th, 2016 12:38:19 PM
Stohp eyes the newcomer warily. After a moments thought she decides to give her the benefit of the doubt; a single halfling hardly seems like an ambush, and she seems as surprised as Stohp's group is. Since no one else is paying attention to her anymore she decides to keep an eye on her herself and ask a few careful questions to get as much information as possible while revealing as little as possible.
"What lead you to here?"
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 9/9 | AC: 18 | T:14 | FF:15 d20+9=29 ; d20+9=24 ; Tuesday January 5th, 2016 3:39:55 PM
Martisan arches an eyebrow at the slightly agitated Half-Elf. Leaning forward and to the side, looking past the party members in front of her to see down the length of the hall, she cups a small hand behind her right ear, "Sounds pretty calm to me." (Perception 29).
She shrugs in response to Stohp, tapping first the side of her nose then a booted foot. "Same as what got you folks here I'd imagine." She offers Norr a smile and a nod before turning back to the other Minotaur with a wink. "A boy in the Fence told me he got bit by a big rat what had crawled out of the sewer, so I crawled down myself and followed the passage here."
With that, she saunters slowly down the hall (if the others don't stop her). At the end of the hall, Martisan takes a peak around the corner to see for herself the cautious situation surrounding the group's new lead. (Maybe unnecessary, but Stealth 24 to keep from startling the Rat-folk).
Agrippa (Jacob) HP: 10/10 AC: 20.(t)17.(ff)13 d20+6=9 ; Tuesday January 5th, 2016 5:14:32 PM
Agrippa notices that Micah is at a loss for words, turns back to Jaspar and corrects, "Wha? Na, the beer is at the tavern, frien'. An' sure, I'll take a sip o' anythin' we give ya. Now you don' have to come with, but if you're lookin' fer work to make an' honest livin', we happen to be acquainted with a few business owners on the Fence." she says with a smile. Standing up, she nods at Micah and prepares to walk back towards the entrance, attempting to judge Jaspar's reactions (If he draws a weapon, Readied Action: Total Defense).
(ooc: I'm not sure if another role is necessary from my previous Diplomacy check, but if it is, I rolled a 9)
Micah (John) HP: 10/10 AC: 17/10/17 Tuesday January 5th, 2016 8:01:20 PM "Sorry Jaspar, I was distracted by something I heard behind me," apologizes Micah for his distraction.
"I see no reason to not part peaceably. Before you leave, however, we should alert you to our allies around the corner," he continues, raising his voice so that his hidden allies can hear him. He extends his hand in a welcoming gesture and starts to walk back the way they came.
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 8/8 AC:12/12/10 Tuesday January 5th, 2016 10:13:03 PM
Hearing Micah's raised voice and the words he spoke, Pesmer leans against a nearby wall as he puts away his books and the like, keeping only his quarterstaff out as he awaits Agrippa, Micah and Jasper to come around the corner. He would keeps his wits about him in case the ratman decides to attack with little warning but figures the situation should be rather relaxed from here on out.
The Tunnel in the Cellar (DM Cayzle) Wednesday January 6th, 2016 10:00:24 AM
Stohp offers a query to the newcomer, and Martisan explains with a story that seems to mesh what you all have heard.
However, your current route of exploration now ends in an iron plate welded to a portcullis blocking the only route you have forward. And your only witness / foe / innocent bystander wants to escape to the Trash Level! T
Martisan gets a handle on the situation, anyway, as she moves up to Pesmer, peeking around the corner at the rat-man.
She is just in time to hear Agrippa invite the rat-man for a drink at a local tavern, and to offer him gainful employment with a local business.
The ratman laughs bitterly. "Right, some fine upstanding human business owner is going to give old ratty Jaspar a job! Ha! You're either a fool or a freak if you believe that. Why do you think we ratters hide in the Trash Level? Why do you think I'd take a job with a crazy fanatic like Eleazar, if I could get honest work in this big floating pile of bigotry and filth! They hate my kind. Nobody's giving me a job! And nobody's letting me sit in a bar with the human customers, either!" His friendly demeanor turns a bit ugly as he launches into this tirade.
Micah tries to settle tensions down by letting the ratman know he can leave when he wants, with the caveat that he has friends around the corner. Pesmer grips his staff, ready for defense in case things turn ugly. But how much of a threat could one rat-man be?
Agrippa (Jacob) HP: 10/10 AC: 20.(t)17.(ff)13 Wednesday January 6th, 2016 3:54:30 PM
Agrippa, the half-orc, turns back to Jaspar and looks him in the eyes. "You speak of oppression as if I am unfamiliar." She rubs her thumb sympathetically across a fang as she talks. "Even you must know that the bar I had in mind has a demon working as chef. I'm sure if the Ghost's patrons are tolerant of her and her fine dishes, having you around is just fine." She cheers back up and smiles.
Agrippa goes back into her less formal accent. "Me dad used to tell me, 'Good work comes from good people. Show those who hate what you are your work, an' they'll come around.' So how 'bout it? She asks. She's still a bit nervous about trusting the rat-man with a view of her back, but how he described his lot rang a bell in her on a personal level.
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 9/9 | AC: 18 | T:14 | FF:15 d20+7=23 ; d20+6=15 ; Wednesday January 6th, 2016 5:15:06 PM
Slowly rolling around the corner, Martisan takes a couple cautious steps forward, hands held out to her sides, palms up. She grunts once at the end of Jaspar's rant, waiting for Agrippa to finish before adding her own thoughts. "Damn shame, really, how the comfortably powerful treat the little folk here. I'm hopin' to change that m'self, and I gotta say - hiding in the Trash and sneaking out just to do some other fella's dirty work ain't gonna help the situation." She nods to Agrippa with a quick smile, showing her general agreement with the Half-Orc. "Taking up the lady's offer could go a long way toward earning mutual respect."
She shrugs, clearly less concerned with the Floating City's socio-political climate than the immediate reason for their encounter.
"More importantly, I think, before you leave, would you mind telling us how to get around that there gate?" She nods toward the portcullis, tone serious; her statement is a question in form alone - although there is no hint of a threat in her words, it's clear she won't let Jaspar leave without at least providing some answer. (Diplomacy 23).
She glances again to Agrippa and Micah, giving the latter a friendly wink. Gotta remember to ask them about the ratman's employer, this 'Eleazar,' she muses, rolling the name around around in her head, searching for some familiarity. (Knowledge: Local 15).
Micah (John) HP: 10/10 AC: 17/10/17 d20+3=20 ; Wednesday January 6th, 2016 10:27:25 PM
Leaving worrying about the ratman to the others, Micah pays more attention to his surroundings. Trying not to be too obvious he will begin to look at the crates and other items, but his greatest interest is on the door. Specifically, he is looking to see how well it is made and how tightly it fits again the walls and floor.
Once Jaspar leaves he will look more carefully. In the back of his mind he realizes he has heard a new voice, but the challenge of how to proceed has captured his attention.
(Perception 20)
Norr (David S.) HP: 18/18 AC: 18/11/16 CMB :+5 d20+1=13 ; Thursday January 7th, 2016 4:02:54 AM
Norr continues watching the entrance to their tunnels, having faith in the rest of the group as well as the newcomer's ability to handle a single rat-folk. (Perception 13)
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 8/8 AC:12/12/10 d20+2=18 ; Thursday January 7th, 2016 5:11:56 AM
Grinning most wildly, a sudden light bulb goes off in Pesmer's head. Slipping around the corner shortly after Martisan, Pesmer scoots up to stand by one of the boxes closest to Agrippa, giving him a good view of the object the ratfolk shut down to block their way. With a look at the portcullis that blocked their way, Pesmer focuses to see if there was any sort of gap or opening in the wall whatsoever. "Don't mind me, friends. Just looking at this awesome porticullus you have here.. I mean no harm, no foul." Pesmer smiled brightly as he peered over the portcullis, looking to see if there was a hole big enough for a cat to fit through... (Perception 18)
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 9/9 AC: 13/12/10 CMB: +4 Thursday January 7th, 2016 5:18:50 AM
Stohp considers stopping the Halfling as she walks past but shrugs and lets it slide; for now she'll assume she has been truthful with them. Noting how crowded it is quickly becoming around the ratman and portcullis she leans against the wall to wait for events to proceed.
Roland Gibbs (Andrew) HP: 15/15 AC: 18 Touch: 11 FF: 17 Thursday January 7th, 2016 11:06:49 AM
Seeing that the halfling is of no threat, Roland keeps his attention on the conversation. He does not know what to do with this rat man, letting him go seems unwise, but forcing him to come with the party could lead to violence. He waits to see how the conversation plays out
The Tunnel in the Cellar (DM Cayzle) Thursday January 7th, 2016 5:49:47 PM
Agrippa empathizes with the ratman's anger at facing prejudice and assures him he would be welcome at the Giggling Ghost.
Martisan rounds the corner and joins the conversation, starting with a powerful attempt to put him at ease. She also asks how to get around the gate.
"It's easy to open," says Jaspar the rat-man. "Just go outside to Eleazar's warehouse, head into the basement, and pull the lever."
Martisan thinks maybe she has heard that name ... a short-lived pet shop, maybe?
Micah wants a look around. The crates, now empty, are marked as were the ones you climbed up to get here. The portcullis, clad in steel plate, seems pretty entrance-resistant.
Pesmer has an idea, if only there is a gap in the portcullis -- but it sinks into a groove in the floor, and you would have to me a mouse (maybe) or a roach to fit between it and the wall.
Stohp also stands guard and watches the newcomer. She does not trust, but is willing to try.
Roland too is uncertain how to proceed. He watches and waits.
But Jaspar, now finally taking the measure of you all, puts his game face back on, grinning. "We'll, lookee here! You all are a regular band of heroes. Well, let me make some friends where i can. You all want to spot me a drink in a Fence bar, then sure, lead on, my new friends!"
He is willing to follow your lead.
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 9/9 | AC: 18 | T:14 | FF:15 Thursday January 7th, 2016 7:46:15 PM
Martisan nods, smiling broadly. "Sounds good to me! Seeing as we'll have to go back to go forward now in any case, we may as well stop by the tavern and trade stories over a drink, yeh? So, you know how to get to Eleasar's warehouse? The name rings a bell, some kinda pet store? But I don't know about any warehouses." The question is directed as much to the others in the group as Jaspar. Martisan's demeanor is calm and friendly, lacking the slight tone of command she demonstrated a moment ago. It seems like she's just making conversation, as much as gathering info for their next steps.
She pivots smoothly on her heel and walks back around the corner, nodding to Roland as she nears him. "The friendly Half-Orc invited.. uh... Jaspar - the Rat-fella - to have a drink at the Giggling Ghost. I'd like to join you folks as well, if that's alright? I think we're trying to solve the same puzzle here, so it might be smart to put all our pieces together." As she appears fond of doing, Martisan winks at the Paladin, while making a short *click* sound in her cheek.
Micah (John) HP: 10/10 AC: 17/10/17 Thursday January 7th, 2016 10:13:38 PM "Then come along," says Micah to Jaspar. "It seems we have more than one friend to make", he continues with a nod to the presumptuous halfling.
As he heads back, he remembers something the ratman said and asks of him, "You said Eleazar was after revenge. Revenge for what and to whom? And another thing, do you have any idea why he would go to the expense of installing this portcullis?"
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 9/9 AC: 13/12/10 CMB: +4 d20+2=10 ; Thursday January 7th, 2016 10:26:42 PM
Hearing the discussion about returning to the Ghost causes stop to go back to the hole to the sewers they came in, peering down to check if any other surprises are down there. (perception 10).
Agrippa (Jacob) HP: 10/10 AC: 20.(t)17.(ff)13 Thursday January 7th, 2016 10:58:51 PM
Agrippa breathes a sigh of relief that the new voice she heard from behind her was no foe. As Jaspar accepts her offer, she begins to relax from all the tension that was built around this encounter. Her shoulders fall, her weapons become stowed, and her face becomes calm. I see what it means to be a 'hero' now, she ponders.
She'll follow the group back. Turning to../ "Martizen... was it? Hey uhh... do you know a way outa here tha' a few minotaurs can squeeze through?" she asks. "An' sure, I can' wait to hear your story too, there, halflin'. She can't help but be suspicious of her, but seeing how comfortably she surrounds herself with the party, Agrippa can afford to relieve herself of tension.
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 8/8 AC:12/12/10 Friday January 8th, 2016 6:30:09 AM
Pesmer is the last to leave the room as he had approached the portcullis gate, have knealed down to take a few measurements in his mind. Having not noticed for a few moments that the party was leaving, Pesmer was heavily focused upon his ideas on opening the stubborn steel door. Letting out a sigh as he finally took in that the party had left the room, he would gather his things to rejoin them, rather not wishing to get left behind in this rather curious looking sewer.
He wouldn't talk much as he followed the group, keeping himself to the back as his mind ran busy with all the spells and magicks he was wanting to try out to move the portcullis from its place, though he would eventually give up as he heard talk of Eleazar's place having a switch.
The Tunnel in the Cellar (DM Cayzle) Friday January 8th, 2016 7:52:49 PM
The party heads back to the Giggling Ghost, talking about the situation with Jaspar the ratman -- his words are in italic below.
"You said Eleazar was after revenge. Revenge for what and to whom?"
"He blames the local business folk for 'driving him to failure.' Fact is humans don't like rats and don't want to buy them as pets. When was the last time you saw a wizard with a rat familiar?"
"And another thing, do you have any idea why he would go to the expense of installing this portcullis?"
"That's his back door, his secret entrance to the sewers. The portcullis is his safe way of defending it. But I do not think he installed it. I think it was here when he moved in, cause it's rusty and old and stuff."
At the Giggling Ghost, Old Happy is surprised to see that you have brought a rat man back to his place, after several of them attacked people here. He takes Agrippa aside and asks her if this is the right move, and he offers a private room in which you all can have a nice chat. He offers to bring some drinks and a cheese plate.
Agrippa (Jacob) HP: 10/10 AC: 20.(t)17.(ff)13 d20+5=19 ; Friday January 8th, 2016 11:32:07 PM
Agrippa's eyes twitch as Happy offers the plate of cheeses to the table. She attempts to judge Jaspar's reaction (Sense Motive: 19).
When Happy asks whether or not this is the right move, she will go into detail of her conversation with him down in the sewers... which reminds her that they probably should bathe before entering the pub again... Anyways! She will speak on his behalf, propping up his stories of lost opportunity because of his race. "...and I brought up how our chef 'ere was a... Marilith? Yeah. I think he took to that very well. He seems like he put an effort to work on the Fence fer a while but grew disheartened."
Agrippa will bring up Eleazar's name in private as well. "Eleazar sent the goon squad, not this guy. So now we just gotta find 'im. By the way, do you know what Jaspar's yakkin' abou'? The, '...local business folk... driving him to failure..? I was jus' curious."
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 8/8 AC:12/12/10 Saturday January 9th, 2016 5:17:38 AM
(I am wondering what time of the day is it in game?)
Back at the Giggling Ghost, Pesmer would do his best to keep the party's area smelling cleaner and nicker with prestidigtation, figuring the sewer smell upon them all was not appealing to anyone.. Including the party.
When Jaspar brings up the whole 'Wizard and rat familiar' bit, a rather nervous laugh escapes Pesmer as his eyes go all shifty, ever so glad that he himself never had gotten a familiar from his family.
With Agrippa and Happy speaking to one another off to the side, Pesmer keeps Jaspar company as asks for Jaspar's story in more detail. Writing it all down with such curiousness in his eyes, he nods and smiles at each note. "You know, Jaspar, the group and I will be more then happy to put your name into our report with high marks. You have give us a lot of information and have been most helpful. I think us helping you get a job here and speaking highly of you to others is the least we can do, friend." Pesmer smiled, rather cheerful that the meeting with their new friend didn't end in bloodshed.
Micah (John) HP: 10/10 AC: 17/10/17 Sunday January 10th, 2016 8:34:36 PM
Micah is relieved to have the private room. Nonetheless he works to protect Jaspar from any negative reactions from the other customers and works to engage him in the conversation.
Norr (David S.) HP: 18/18 AC: 18/11/16 CMB :+5 Monday January 11th, 2016 9:42:51 AM
Norr offers to help bring in some of the offered snacks. Happy to be back above ground and his usual size, he enters their private room and observes the conversation..
The Tunnel in the Cellar (DM Cayzle) Monday January 11th, 2016 1:06:03 PM
On the way to the private room in the GG, Micah works hard to keep their ratty guest out of the public eye, and to squelch any nasty gossip.
Agrippa tries to reassure Happy about the ratman in the tavern. He shrugs. "I've seen adventurers bring in tigers and pseudodragons and fairies. Heck, I employ a ghost as a server and, as you note, a reformed demon. Out in the Float, though, who knows what the rubes may say."
Regarding the fellow named 'Eleazar,' Happy can fill in a gap. Seems the man set up a pet shop in a building on Lakeview Passage. But no one wanted to buy mice and rats for pets. He went out of business. Happy had nothing to do with it. He tells you where the shop used to be.
Pesmer cleans up the group with magic and offers a friendly overture to Jaspar.
Norr helps bring in the snacks and drinks.
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 9/9 | AC: 18 | T:14 | FF:15 Monday January 11th, 2016 6:52:11 PM
Quickly settling into a chair in the private room, Martisan pulls out a journal from her pack and begins taking notes on the day's interesting events. She munches on the provided snacks, listening closely to the others while continuing to write.
Although the Halfling's initially talkative nature now seems subdued, as more time is spent with Martisan it becomes clear that her original overabundance of geniality was more for show than anything; friendly bravado meant to help smooth things along and bring the situation in-hand. No longer quite so surprised and concerned with her new company, Martisan is content to quietly observe the others and take notes. When asked, Martisan gives Agrippa an abridged version of her story, skipping most of the events before her recent service to the Justice Dalson Odenthorp.
"Well, I'm eager and ready to check out this old pet shop!" She says as she stands, brushing cheese crumbs from her lap. "Might I join you folks as we hunt down this elusive Eleazar and seek to set straight his apparently vengeful vision? I do have a few skills I think you'll all find useful - namely a few tricks to help keep everyone coordinated and alert." She gives the Minotaurs a knowing smile. "Bad business letting folks sneak up on your backside, after all."
*wink*
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 8/8 AC:12/12/10 Monday January 11th, 2016 8:02:34 PM
Pesmer peers over to the female halfling as she speaks about joining them to Eleazar's shop, nodding a little as he smiles. "I think it would benefit us if you would join us to the shop. We recently had a member leave the group so you stepping in works out nicely." Waving his own journal towards her in a friendly manner, as if to acknowledge another fellow writing of thoughts, Pesmer is rather happy to have the new friendly face within the group.
He wondered if she would hurl like the two Minotaur threatened to do on the magical carpet.. Only one way to find out..
Agrippa (Jacob) HP: 10/10 AC: 20.(t)17.(ff)13 Monday January 11th, 2016 9:20:15 PM
Some may notice Agrippa's ears are noticeably uncovered as she focuses on Martisan's tales. When she proposes joining, and upon hearing Pesmer's approval, Agrippa felt compelled to warn her, "Now let's naugh' be too hasty 'ere'. If it weren' for a prayer from our most pious Micah," she gestures to the human in a noble salute, "I migh' ta been bleedin' out in a basement already. We need as much help as we can get, an' it sounds like you don' have much to lose, but..." she looks at the stains that didn't come out of her leather from the sewers. "...jus' be absolutely sure you are willin', 'cuz I'm sure there 're fowler sewers, sharper teeth, and thankless jobs ahead o' us before we can make this city shine from the bottom up. Y'know?"
"Oh, an' another thing you'd have to think abou'..." a shadow comes over Agrippa's face as she utters the next word, "...Registration."
Micah (John) HP: 10/10 AC: 17/10/17 Monday January 11th, 2016 10:26:30 PM
Micah nods as Agrippa mentions registration. He is not too sure about including a newcomer so quickly into their group and is certainly not sure how such things are officially handled for a adding members to one that is registered.
He does, however, admire her courage for entering the sewers alone to seek out the boy's attackers and acknowledges they could use another hand. He wonders if a probationary period might be in order, but he only does so privately.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 9/9 AC: 13/12/10 CMB: +4 Monday January 11th, 2016 11:12:25 PM
(So at this point I'm kind of assuming they're Ratmen, as in humanoid rats, not wererats, as in lycanthropy. It seems to have been indicated at least.)
Stohp takes the opportunity to talk with Jasper since she was stuck behind everyone else at the earlier meeting. She is extremely curious about his life - she knows what it's like to not fit into a society. Her questions range from personal information like if he was born on the float or moved there and what skills or proffessions he possess, to questions about Ratfolk in general like interesting cultural facts & folklore, what it's like living in the lands of people who look down on them, and what is the proper term for their race. In return she shares some of her own stories and the trials she's had fitting in both at home and when she was a poor immigrant.
The Tunnel in the Cellar (DM Cayzle) Tuesday January 12th, 2016 12:20:07 PM
Cayzle comments to Stohp:
(So at this point I'm kind of assuming they're Ratmen, as in humanoid rats, not wererats, as in lycanthropy. It seems to have been indicated at least.)
How would you tell them apart? Have you made any knowledge checks? For which areas of knowledge?
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 9/9 | AC: 18 | T:14 | FF:15 d20+8=16 ; d20+6=11 ; Tuesday January 12th, 2016 3:40:27 PM
Martisan smiles and nods as Pesmer waves his journal, acknowledging the sense of camaraderie. "Our areas of interest likely differ, but a properly organized log is essential for many different studies."
Turning to Agrippa she notes the Half-Orc's qualifications with a faint smile and passive interest, until she hesitantly mentions the registration. "We're not well acquainted yet, so I can appreciate your concern for my willingness and well-being. Fear not, I'm no less committed than your fine selves." She arches an eyebrow and glances to Micah, clearly more excited by the prospect of registration than the dangers of their future. "Perhaps you all could use my help more than I thought, if you so fear the legalities surrounding your ventures." (Profession: barrister 16 (DC 10 for simple questions; 15+ for complex questions) & Knowledge: local 11 regarding registration of new members in adventuring groups).
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 9/9 AC: 13/12/10 CMB: +4 Tuesday January 12th, 2016 5:52:45 PM
(Lots of small things - we've never seen them transform, they haven't been trying to bite people to spread the curse, and they talk about being ostracized and being unable to get a job when, as wererats, no one would be able to tell what they where unless they where caught transforming.
Stohp is asking about what they call themselves which would clarify the ratmen vs wererat question, though of course Jasper could lie about it.)
Micah (John) HP: 10/10 AC: 17/10/17 Tuesday January 12th, 2016 11:07:18 PM "I apologize for not introducing myself earlier," say Micah to Martisan. "I am Micah Smith. It seems we are aligned in purpose, welcome."
Micah finds their new companion a bit presumptuous, but decides to withhold judgment, allowing Domi to work as he will.
The Tunnel in the Cellar (DM Cayzle) Tuesday January 12th, 2016 11:54:24 PM
[OOC: My personal DM style is that NPCs mentioned in your background kind of 'belong' to you. If other PCs want to interact with them, that's fine if you do not mind. If you seek out such NPCs as a group, or if the DM walks them on stage, that's also a chance for all to interact. But if you want to have known about another PC's kith and kin, please as the player if it is OK, say in email.]
Martisan is welcomed into the group -- Pesmer is friendly, Agrippa is honest about the pros and cons. As it turns out, the party was invited to register as a formal adventuring group (which immunizes the party from charges of vigilantism and offers a kind of forebearance in skirting the laws, for example, against tresspass in the line of hero work or damaging third party property in the event of magical battle against criminals, etc. No need to wory about fireballs breaking windows, say.
The group has registered with the understanding that they can choose a group name later. And there is no problem adding and dropping names from the roster.
Micah listens and ponders, but does not add to the conversation. A little later, though, he offers his name and his friendship.
Stohp, on the other hand, really draws out the ratman. She gets the impression that his clan is small -- maybe a dozen in all? and stays hidden in the Trash level. The topic of lycanthropism comes up naturally, and Jaspar admits he has the ability to take on the form of a dire rat. He does not know if that is lycanthopism or something else, but he knows it is not catching. Family lore says some are just born that way. Jaspar asks you not to spread it around, since sometimes humans get scared of any shifters -- and that's dangerous. Stohp gets the idea of a furtive, poor, hardscrabble life without many breaks down in the Trash.
Jaspar offers all the details you might need to get to the warehouse.
After supper, brought in by Happy, you might want to consider bedding down and then heading out bright and early. Do you ask Jaspar to stay the night, or do you let him sneak out to go home?
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 9/9 AC: 13/12/10 CMB: +4 d20=9 ; Wednesday January 13th, 2016 12:29:41 AM
Stohp nods in sympathy with the hard life Jasper's people endure and assures him that she will keep their shape-shifting abilities secret. Noting the time, she consults with him on sleeping arrangements. "You can stay here, I'll gladly pay for a room for you, or you can head home, we will not hold you.
Wherever you sleep, I would ask a boon from you when you return to your kin. I ask that you appeal to them and try to convince them to abandon Eleazar. I know what it is like to be downtrodden and desperate enough to perform illegal acts to make a living; for a while I lived off of what I could steal in the market. However, putting your faith in a madman like Eleazar is folly, and we will catch him. I would not see you friends and family locked away for his insanity. If you can convince them to abandon him I promise to do my best to keep my companions and the watch from pursuing the matter further and I will do everything I can to help your people prosper without further illegal activities."
(A well-thought out impassioned speech with the outcome determined by my -2 racial to diplomacy! With my +2 CHA I get a 9; hopefully he's endeared enough to me and leary enough of Eleazar the roll won't mater.)
Agrippa (Jacob) HP: 10/10 AC: 20.(t)17.(ff)13 Wednesday January 13th, 2016 3:31:53 AM
Agrippa listens intently to Martisan and Jaspar, glad that the ratman appears to trust us. She's glad that the group has a direction to go again. Although she doubt Stohp's idea will come to fruition, she is idealistic.
Norr (David S.) HP: 18/18 AC: 18/11/16 CMB :+5 Wednesday January 13th, 2016 7:18:42 AM
(Stohp has Meeker, right? If so, she doesn't have the Diplomacy penalty or the Intimidate bonus if I read the feat right.)
Norr listens to the ongoing conversation, unsure if Stohp's plea will have its desired effect. He is intrigued by Jaspar's ability to transform into a rat but doesn't ask for a demonstration, as their new friend is beset by questions already.
The Tunnel in the Cellar (DM Cayzle) Wednesday January 13th, 2016 7:52:20 AM
Jaspar grins. "Well, when Chad and Apple went off for a fight and never came back, that's when I figured I'd volunteer to guard the back door -- and be ready to hightail it out. I'm no fanatic, ready to die for the cause. Chad and Apple definitely were, though, and they lapped up the crap-all what was spewing from that Eleazar's mouth."
"There's only one other of my kind still in there, though, of the four he hired from the Trash, and that's a bully-boy, Rouger. He's just as in love with Eleazar and a tougher one to fight too. There's no talking sense into him, even were I headed back there, which I ain't!"
"I will do everything I can to help your people prosper without further illegal activities." says Stohp.
"That's a kindly offer," says Jaspar, grinning. "Now tell me your name again, and what you hero types call yourselfs, and where I can find you, and I may take you up on your word!"
Micah (John) HP: 10/10 AC: 17/10/17 Wednesday January 13th, 2016 8:39:02 PM "Well, once we know what we are called, we will let you know," chuckles Micah. "We have not come up with a name yet, but if you ask for us by name--mine is Micah Smith or by description at the [current residence], I sure you can get in touch with us."
[OOC: current residence is the inn where we are staying. I couldn't remember and couldn't find it in the history]"
The Tunnel in the Cellar (DM Cayzle) Wednesday January 13th, 2016 9:22:29 PM
OOC: You have rooms at Grokk Greatbelly's tavern, the one that caters to a Taur size clientele:
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 9/9 AC: 13/12/10 CMB: +4 Thursday January 14th, 2016 2:28:30 AM "Stohp Shatterhorn, and you can always get a message to me through Grokk at the Fatted Calf."
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 8/8 AC:12/12/10 Thursday January 14th, 2016 7:21:28 AM "Pesmer Zerase. I believe are all staying at the Fatted Calf. I have a feeling that we will be running into Rouger soon enough. I am curious, Jasper, as to what you want us to do if we do run into Rouger. You say you ran with him and explain his loyalty to Eleazar. If he attacks us, would you rather we subdue him and bring him to you? Or do you not care what happens to him?" Pesmer asked Jasper in the least cold hearted way that he could. He didn't wish for the party to slay a possible friend of Jasper's, especially if diplomacy could be used, but he had the feeling such friendly words would fall on deaf ears when it came to Eleazar and his cohort.
Norr (David S.) HP: 18/18 AC: 18/11/16 CMB :+5 Thursday January 14th, 2016 10:48:14 AM "Norr Stonehoof, also at the Calf. Anything else pressing?"
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 9/9 | AC: 18 | T:14 | FF:15 Thursday January 14th, 2016 8:26:59 PM
Martisan reaches a hand out toward Stohp as Jaspar inquires about the group's names and location, but hesitates as the others quickly give him the requested information, subtly shaking her head. I wasn't so far off from his situation myself, once. She silently scolds herself, with a look of appreciation toward Stohp after hearing a bit of the Minotaur's own past. Likely there's more than fighting for me to look forward to with this tough-looking group.
"Martisan." she says simply, giving the ratman a nod and a warm smile. "I may shack up with the others at the Fatted Calf, otherwise you can find me earning what gold I can assisting the common folk with small legal matters. If any such give you trouble while citing the law, I'll gladly represent you in the matter, and I'm sure everyone here is an excellent character witness if you need some 'goodly' folk to stand up for you." She holds a small hand out to Jaspar, both an invitation of friendship and a seal to her words.
"We will catch Eleasar." She states, adding her own conviction to Stohp's earlier statement. "He, for one, will be brought to the Fence for justice. I would see his accomplices receive similar treatment, and dearly hope they come around to the right side of things like yourself, but if Agrippa's earlier caution on the coming dangers holds true, any such mercy your cousin Rouger can expect will depend on his own actions when we catch up to him." She glances to Pesmer with a shrug, her tone and demeanor showing that she truly does want the criminals to see reason and make amends, but her first and foremost concern is the due process of law.
Micah (John) HP: 10/10 AC: 17/10/17 Thursday January 14th, 2016 8:36:16 PM "Let's finish with a toast," says Micah lifting his mug, "To new friends and new beginnings. I will say farewell and call it a night."
The Tunnel in the Cellar (DM Cayzle) Thursday January 14th, 2016 10:37:39 PM
Micah Stohp, Pesmer, Norr, and Martisan all offer their names and good wishes to Jaspar the Rat Man. Martisan also offers legal advice, and Stohp offers a night's lodging too.
Pesmer asks what the group should do with Rouger. Jaspar says, "Look, I ain't a hero. What you do with im is what you do with him. I'll say I'll be glad if he does not end up back in the Trash. If he ends up dead or in some cell or exiled, it's all one to me. And good by to bad rubbish, I say."
He listens to Martisan's opinions on bringing criminals to justice. "Well, if you want to catch them alive, you might want to go right after dawn. They'll be sleeping then, except for a single guard, probably. And whatever rats are stirring."
Micah proposes a toast, and Jaspar is glad to drink with his new friends.
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 8/8 AC:12/12/10 Friday January 15th, 2016 1:02:33 AM
Pesmer nods a little to the group conversation, raising a glass to Micah's raised toast as he smiles. He yawns out softly as he packs up his stuff. "Just going around dusk works for me. My vote goes in for an early attack that catches them off guard. Plus most of my energies are exhausted as of now so sleep sounds lovely. An early spring attack and all that. Means I am probably going to head off to sleep now for the evening."
Agrippa (Jacob) HP: 10/10 AC: 20.(t)17.(ff)13 Friday January 15th, 2016 1:56:53 PM
Agrippa keeps an ear uncovered for the rest of the conversations regarding what is to be done with the other Rat-men. Upon the toast proposition, she raises her glass with everyone else in high hopes. "I hear tha' Pesmer." she nods, tucking her ear back into her cloak hood as the wizard packs for the night.
Agrippa will say her farewells to her week-long, yet steadfast friends, and shake hands with Jaspar and Martisan. "We'll do our best tomorrow"
She prepares herself mentally as she heads to the market to purchase a dinner for her mother. Her mind is more at ease when bartering.
Norr (David S.) HP: 18/18 AC: 18/11/16 CMB :+5 Friday January 15th, 2016 2:29:59 PM
Norr raises his glass to Micah's toast. When it seems that the group has decided to leave to sleep, he moves to clean up before departing to his room at the Calf, to make himself easier to find whenever the others wish to set out once more.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 9/9 AC: 13/12/10 CMB: +4 Friday January 15th, 2016 11:31:30 PM
Stohp stands up. "Well if we're getting up that early we should all get some sleep. I'll let Grokk know to wake us early enough for us to get to the warehouse. See you in the morning." She heads out the door, paying Happy whatever she owes him for the evening's meal.
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