DM Robert - "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!" Monday September 2nd, 2019 8:59:38 PM
Bartomus looks over the scene his mind reeling. He interprets the message to mean that Crimson AND Peerimon took Briadoc. And there is another trap looming for the heroes.
Stock nearly blinded from tears of rage vows vengeance as he interprets the message to mean Crimson is Peerimon.
Dorbin plops down in a chair and Emily jumps in his lap and begins to want attention. He is just overcome with it all.
Zanderallen looses it. When he recovers and tells Micah he needs to cast the spell to question Rodrigo.
Micah is shocked and in somewhat of a state of shock. He tells the party what he determines from the wounds of the dead. He then sets down in a quiet spot and starts praying to prep a spell.
Stohp tries to keep it together and tries to keep the others going as well. She calls to Dorbin asking him if he has another locate object and would it work on finding something Briadoc would be carrying. (Probably not, he has not had time to study anything in detail that would be needed to really make the spell work.)
Sid see's the carnage of the headquaters and has a sudden cold knot in his stomach. He calls out that he is going to the Split Arrow to check on Ellie.
------
The party stands about waiting for Micah. You're pretty sure 99% that Rodrigo is going to be a willing subject so have your questions ready (4 I believe). #1 Knowledge Local 15 (because knowing the laws falls under knowledge local).Highlight to display spoiler: {If you get some neutral parties, clerics, or guards, from nearby then they could stand as witness to the questioning of Rodrigo. Also this is a practice that is fairly common in crime and so it will count as death bed deposition.}
Anyone that follows up on the knowledge local above .... Diplomacy 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {To get people to come to the Headquarters and observe.}
Stohp picks up the Feather Token Sid threw at her. She wonders, should they use this to contact Sid if they learn anything. Or is there someone else they need to contact to get them here before Micah does his thing? #2 Knowledge Local 15Highlight to display spoiler: {Lestrade or Micah's brother might be good ones to have on hand for the questioning.} #3 Knowledge Local 20Highlight to display spoiler: {Lord Paragon Belkior might be another person that really needs to be summoned for this casting.}
Sid runs all the way home.. . . . . to find Emily cooking dinner. It's corned beef and cabbage. She is safe and unharmed. At least for now. She looks up at Sid when he bursts through the door a smile on her face is quickly replaced by a frown of worry as she looks at the expression on his face and the sadness in his eyes. "What's happened?" she asks.
Stock (JonM) HP: 85/88; AC: 24/21/15; Per: +13; Surv: +11; SM: +6 d20+3=14 ; Tuesday September 3rd, 2019 10:52:26 AM
Stock begins busying himself with dragging the bodies out and respectfully tending to the dead. "OK Micah. Find out what happened here."
===== Knowledge Local 14
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:48/48 CMD:15] d20+17=23 ; d20+17=34 ; d20+17=31 ; d20=10 ; Tuesday September 3rd, 2019 12:33:40 PM
Dorbin brightens up for a moment when the Locate Object is mentions, but then he says, "No, that won't work, I don't have anything of his memorized correctly enough."
He pets the cat and thinks, then says, "Stock, wait. Before we question Rodrigo, we should get some witnesses. We should call Lestrade or Micah's brother, or better yet, Lord Paragon Belkior."
OOC: Knowledge, Local #1: 23 Diplomacy: 10 Knowledge, Local #2: 34 Knowledge, Local #3: 31
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 52/52 AC: 19; Melee +7;Perc+12;Heal+9 d20+7=15 ; d20-1=15 ; d20-1=13 ; d20+7=12 ; d20+12=21 ; Tuesday September 3rd, 2019 12:56:56 PM
Bartomus tried to stay focused on the situation they were confronted with. "We're going veto need witnesses, a few would be great, and if there's a cleric, heck even a trusted guard, that way we have evidence we can use."
He turned back and went to the door opening it, then peered out into the street. He was looking for anyone they could rely upon as a witness.
knowLoc 15, dip 15, know loc#2 12, did not make other rolls, perception 21 for witness look
With eerie ease, Micah quickly settles into a deep meditative prayer state. Most of the Shields have heard him pray to Domi before, but not like this. The first few minutes pass as usual with the priest chanting the Twelve Principles of the Forge and other holy liturgy. Suddenly, his fists tighten, white and trembling. His voice becomes quiet, almost a whisper, prayers rapidly and inaudibly tumbling from his lips while his jaws clench, his words being forced through locked teeth. This continues for several minutes, his veins bulging along his neck as the tense conversation with his god continues.
Suddenly, Micah relaxes, his jaw unclenches and the words, though soft, come much more freely. He pauses to take a deep breath then, with an exhale, proclaims, [for those who speak celestial Highlight to display spoiler: {”Domi, grant us vengeance this day. Let your power run through us and end this Crimson’s reign of destruction. Ease Rodrigo’s passing and put a special word in for his soul.” } Micah’s eyes pop open. He stands, shaking out the residual tension in his arms and legs and approaches Rodrigo’s lifeless form. When told of the suggestion to summon witnesses, he nods in agreement then pulls up a chair, placing it near the body, and waits for those who are called to arrive.
Once everyone is gathered and ready, he casts Speak with Dead.
Despite knowing that it is only Rodrigo’s organic memories and not his actual person, he cannot do this impersonally when he asks his first question, ”Dear Rodrigo, loyal friend. Come to us for a moment to answer our questions so that you may be avenged and this evil finally be stopped. I know you have a warrior’s eye for detail. What are the identities of everyone who attacked the headquarters during the attack that—”Micah blinks a few times, before continuing, “killed you.”
”As specifically and unambiguously as you can, tell us, who is Crimson?”
”Where are they going?{/b]
[b]”Why did they want Briadoc?
========= Knowledge DCs too high to try untrained. OOC: Rather than extend post days with deciding the questions, I went with these. Micah would have collectively developed these with everyone. If you see something terribly omitted, email the group before the next DM post. To DMs: If Peerimon (old or young) is not Crimson and there is no mention of Peerimon in the first question, the third question will be: “Why did you write Peerimon?” The fourth will then be “Where are they going?”
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 82/88 AC: 25 T: 13 FF: 24 CMD: 22 d20+1=15 ; d20+17=30 ; Tuesday September 3rd, 2019 4:50:23 PM "I'll go get the appropriate witnesses. Wait till we're back before you cast your spell Micah." Zander heads out onto the street gathering a list in his mind of guards, clerics, and respected citizens who would be considered both neutral and whose word would stand in a court of law. He gathers a significant number of as many people he can find who are willing and he thinks would be hard to coerce out of giving testimony. Almost unconsciously his glamoured armor has changed to the appearance of a somber black tunic. His explanations are brief but moving and heartfelt as he gathers his cloud of witnesses. ------------------------------------- Know:local 15 Diplomacy: 30
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 49/49 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (12 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+2 vs grapple, disarm) Tuesday September 3rd, 2019 7:15:22 PM
With others realizing the need for witnesses and still others running off to find them Stohp has nothing productive to do but sit and wait. She does so, though she can't seem to stop herself from fidgeting restlessly during the wait. She wonders if it's possible to get the deceased raised; a long shot, but she's definitely going to try it.
Sid(Andrew) HP: 39/42; AC: 18/15/14; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) d4=3 ; Tuesday September 3rd, 2019 7:49:39 PM
He grabs her and holds her a long time, kisses her and clears his throat. "Ellie, something bad happened at HQ. I've got to get back. I... you need to go to the ghost or the toad just for tonight." He goes and gets her bugout back and comes back through, handing her her bow and dagger. "I know you can handle yourself, but these are tough ones and well connected. I just want to make sure you have backup, but this is a code 'run' like we talked about." As he gets her out of the house, she would've taken care of the fire, he quickly fills her in on what happened today as they go to the Toad or the Ghost, whichever is closest.
DM MikeK - Speak with the dead Tuesday September 3rd, 2019 8:59:24 PM
Zanderallen, glamored in a somber black tunic, heads out to find neutral witnesses. Both Bartomus and Dorbin call out suggestions as he leaves.
Stock and Stohp work to keep themselves busy.
Micah prays.
Sid is relieved to find Ellie safe, and then quickly hustles her to the Giggling Ghost. A large tavern, usually full of Woldian heroes, and with an innkeeper who displays a remarkable tendency to find more, is just what Ellie needs.
Zanderallen, meanwhile, retrieves Sgt Lestrade, and is heading back. The good sargeant has convinced him that Micah’s brother doesn’t qualify as a “neutral party.” On a hunch, the paladin ducks into the Giggling Ghost, looking for another who would qualify.
As Sid has just left, Happy already knows why Zanderallen is there, and meets him, practically dragging along a muscular human in his late thirties with a blond, flat top haircut and hard, blue eyes. The upright hammer emblazoned on the man’s armor (some kind of woven grass), the mace at his side, and the shield-shaped bone earring in his left ear, signal to Zanderallen that this is just the kind of witness he’s looking for.
Witnesses in tow, Zanderallen hustles back to Shield HQ.
When the arrive, everyone assembles, and Micah begins his casting. ”Dear Rodrigo, loyal friend. Come to us for a moment to answer our questions so that you may be avenged and this evil finally be stopped. I know you have a warrior’s eye for detail. What are the identities of everyone who attacked the headquarters during the attack that—”Micah blinks a few times, before continuing, “killed you.”
The dead man’s mouth opens, and whispers. Lord Peerimon and an Ogre Mage Knowledge Arcana OR Planes DC 18 Highlight to display spoiler: {An evil spirit come to the Material Plane and clad in living flesh, usually a large blue ogre}
”As specifically and unambiguously as you can, tell us, who is Crimson?” Lord Peerimon
”Where are they going?" Rodrigo’s mouth closes, opens, closes, and opens again. Don’t know
”Why did they want Briadoc?" Again, the confusion. Don’t know
Sgt Lestrade is the first to speak. “Lord Peerimon is Crimson?!?” he breathes, aghast. “By the gods….”
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 52/52 AC: 19; Melee +7;Perc+12;Heal+9 Tuesday September 3rd, 2019 11:34:41 PM "Gods may help, but until they do, we need to figure out how best to proceed against one of the peers of the Float," Bartomus said as he looked from the body to the Sergeant. Looking at the other Shields, he continued. "We can't go running into where ever Peerimon is holed up and hoping it will be easy. If the sergeant here could get some help, maybe the Paragon could help us, but not sure that that will be in the best interest for Briadoc."
He rubbed his forehead and looked about. "Is there any way, any way at all that we could lure him back to us? Some place of our own choosing?"
Stock (JonM) HP: 85/88; AC: 24/21/15; Per: +13; Surv: +11; SM: +6 Wednesday September 4th, 2019 10:31:08 AM
Stock is listening to what Bartomus is saying but only repeats with certainty, "I'm going to kill Peerimon."
"It might be hard to lure him out. He's not a fool and knows he's stirred us up. In fact, he's more likely to be on the run with Briardoc to keep away from us. He also didn't leave any obvious clues so it's unlikely he's trying to use Briardoc as bait for another ambush for us."
"Do we know who next of kin are for Rod, Sean and Thomas?"
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 82/88 AC: 25 T: 13 FF: 24 CMD: 22 Wednesday September 4th, 2019 12:02:41 PM
As Micah's spell gives Rodrigo's soul the ability to provide one last service to the Shields Zander burns with anger. Hearing the final conclusion confession Zander turns to his witnesses, "You have now bore witness to the confession of a murdered man. I hereby accuse Lord Peerimon of murder, extortion, and conspiracy to assassinate a licensed adventuring party of the Float. Silver Shields, gather your strength. Lord Peerimon knows we survived his ambush but he may not know we have identified him. I vote we don't give him any time to figure it out. Stock, you think you've got some more door busting left in you? Dorbin, Micah, Bartomus you think you have enough left in reserve to bring Lord Peerimon to justice today? Sid, Stohp any reason to not march to his mansion right now?"
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:48/48 CMD:15] d20+17=31 ; Wednesday September 4th, 2019 2:10:14 PM
Dorbin sits in the chair with his cat. He watches as the others move quickly, bringing people in and speaking with the dead. When Zander takes action, Dorbin just stares. He mumbles, "Everything is going so fast. We have witnesses, won't the guard just take him in now?"
OOC: Knowledge, local: 31 to determine what is likely to happen with the Float justice system with such a high-ranking person being accused in such a manner
As the spell ends with the last question, Micah collapses in his chair, nearly falling out of it, as he lets the pent up tension in his body release. Not yet ready to address the deeply suppressed grief, he stoically listens to the others while slowly coming to his feet.
After a pause, he bows to the unidentified witness, "I apologize for the lack of social amenities. We are a bit preoccupied and still worried about our friend who was abducted. I am Brother Micah Smith, priest of Domi and member of the Silver Shields. Thank you for bearing witness today."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 49/49 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (12 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+2 vs grapple, disarm) Wednesday September 4th, 2019 6:49:59 PM "Can we get a warrant for his search and arrest quickly? If we go in, we need to make sure everything is above board legally or he'll wriggle out in the courts. We also can't risk tipping off his spy's in the guard; we know he has some."
she turns towards the Sargent. "This is your area of expertise. We have to move as quickly as possible; he may not even be at his estate, but it's the first place to check and we have to confirm he's gone before we start combing every place he owns in town. Can we get him bared from leaving the city so he can't flee before we track him down?"
Sid(Andrew) HP: 39/42; AC: 18/15/14; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) Wednesday September 4th, 2019 7:21:14 PM
Tears creep at Sid's eyes as he looks at Rod and the two young men who had short, but extremely bright lives before them. "I'm with you Z, but Stohp's right, we run into his traps when we know that he can't wiggle out of it. But by Wardd's dagger and Ffloyd's hammer this is the last time."
DM MikeK - How do we kill a fellow like Peerimon? Wednesday September 4th, 2019 9:23:12 PM
The truth is revealed. Lord Peerimon is Crimson, author of many of the Shields’ woes. Which now includes the lives of Rodrigo, Sean, and Thomas.
The key question is, what to do next. OK, actually, Stock has given the party’s thoughts on that one...kill Peerimon.
The real key question is, how to go about doing that.
Bartomus and Stock wonder how tight the man is holed up, and what traps and such might lay in wait.
Zanderallen favors leaving for the man’s mansion now, before he’s had more time to prepare.
Dorbin, Stohp and Sid ask about the guards. The young conjurer knows the confession of Rodrigo is admissible evidence. It should also be sufficient for a writ of arrest.
Sgt Lestrade still looks stricken. “Arrest a Lord….yes, it can be done. But,” he looks at the group. “I must go through my superiors first. And they will likely go through theirs. Ultimately, one of the other Council Members will have to approve, before the Guard can take official action. It is likely to be several hours before I can act.”
“Also, as I am here as a neutral witness, I cannot direct you to capture the Lord.”
The Sergeant gives Zanderallen a significant look. “Should you secure another Lord’s permission, you would be within your right….or….should some enterprising group of people take it upon themselves to bring a fugitive to justice without my knowledge, well, there’s only so much of the city I can protect at one time.”
Micah thanks the stranger. The man replies, in common, but both with odd accent and idioms. “Many Shadows, Micah. I am Trellus of IronHolme, also priest of Domi. May his hands weave your pattern to cut this whitefaced treadle’s threads.”
Sgt Lestrade interjects. “This man and I need to leave. The sooner I start, the sooner the Guard can move."
He hustles Trellus out the door.
Stock (JonM) HP: 85/88; AC: 24/21/15; Per: +13; Surv: +11; SM: +6; Rage: 6/22 Thursday September 5th, 2019 10:45:51 AM "Look...you guys may be more measured in your response than me but I really don't see the trouble here. Just find him and knock some heads. I do feel duty bound to share that my strength is not endless, nor do I believe any of yours is. We must be certain that we have enough left to take Peerimon..."
Almost offhandedly he says, "I also have a score to settle with that flying blue giant that got away...I guess I do hold grudges..."
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:48/48 CMD:15] Thursday September 5th, 2019 11:45:27 AM
As the discussions turn towards an immediate attack on Perrimon, Dorbin mumbles, "That warehouse fight did indeed take a substantial portion of my magic. I have little left that I can effectively contribute, but I will do what I can."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 82/88 AC: 25 T: 13 FF: 24 CMD: 22 Thursday September 5th, 2019 4:19:39 PM
Zanderallen pauses to think momentarily then comes up with an idea, "How about this. Let's go up to the upper levels and pay Lord Belkior a visit. He is a ranking member of the council. We can get authorization to take Lord Peerimon from him, that way our actions have full legal weight. That also gives us time to decide our immediate course of action and gets us closer to his estate if we decide to knock in his front door."
"Let's take a vote. Who is in favor of immediately storming the Peerimon estate? And who is in favor of waiting for the guard to prepare?"
"This should not be decided by vote," Micah responds. We should all agree one way of the other. Like Dorbin, I, too, have depleted most of my magical energy. However, we already know there is a mole in the guards. I doubt we can rely on them. I support approaching Lord Belkior.
"A tactical concern i have is dealing with this blue creature. Unless we can engage him from afar or in the air, he can harass us at will. Is there any place we can quickly obtain flying magic? If only I had more faith to draw upon, I have access to a spell called air walk but could not draw upon it until the morrow. I think we should try to purchase scrolls, spell casting, or potions along the way."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 49/49 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (12 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+2 vs grapple, disarm) Thursday September 5th, 2019 7:07:57 PM
Stohp shakes her head. Yes, we're drained and tired, but so are Crimson's hired muscle. That blue fellow used a lot of magic and is probably just as drained as us. We can't give him the 8 hours headstart it would take to rest and recover, he could hire a small army of mercenaries or escape down any number of ways by then. A quick trip to Belkior is fine as long as we don't dawdle and move quickly."
Sid(Andrew) HP: 39/42; AC: 18/15/14; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) Thursday September 5th, 2019 7:57:35 PM
"Ok, it sounds like we need to go talk to Lord Belkior and[i/] get some scrolls on the way. [i]If we can get his permission then we can just go after Crimson. We can get scrolls on the way up right?" Sid looks at Dorbin and Micah. "But Micah's right, there is no vote, either we get scrolls and hit up Lord Belkior or we wait, though we probably should still have extra spell scrolls."
Bartomus (DM MikeK pasting in Rod's email) Thursday September 5th, 2019 9:08:34 PM I don't like thes idea of just rushing in there, Bartomus started to answer. He shook his head and continued on."But, we can't let his lordship fortify his position either. Could we send word to others in the Float about those canisters or casks, as those being distributed by Peerimon and a way he could ignite the Float? Then that may pull any supporters away from his loyalists and make it easier for us to have a moral high ground in the assault we have to make."
DM MikeK - Do we have a plan? Thursday September 5th, 2019 9:10:57 PM
The depletion of spells and equipment is of some concern.
Even Stock is forced to admit the last fight took a bit out of him.
Zanderallen proposes going to Lord Belkior.
Bartomus offers spreading word of Peerimon's plans to weaken his support.
Micah and Stohp seems to be in agreement with that much of the plan, as well as Sid. Both Micah and Sid think maybe picking up a scroll or two along the way would also be a good idea.
There is a Catacombs entrance nearby. Only Wardd knows how fast the service will be.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 52/52 AC: 19; Melee +7;Perc+12;Heal+9 d20+12=25 ; Friday September 6th, 2019 10:23:56 AM "We need a few runners, someone who can get info to Pepper for example about Peerimon, Crimson, and the protection racket. Also, that maybe some of those casks could be fire sources. We could have them run to a few of the merchants as well. We could get Pepper to get out the news too right, I mean she's a journalist and all. This rumor will spread quickly, and we can start working our way to Belkior."
He went to the door and again looked about outside. [i[Anyone, really, any youngling would work,[/i] he thought to himself. He yelled out to those passing by on the streets outside. "Hey, hey, I need three younglings who can speak clearly, run fast, and know how to spread news - willing to pay ya good coin to help us Shields."
[i]Thanks for the post - my phone removes the submit button in longer posts. It's weird. Perception 25 to find some kids/teens - think Newsies meets Ebenezer wanting to buy that goose.[i/]
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 82/88 AC: 25 T: 13 FF: 24 CMD: 22 Friday September 6th, 2019 2:17:17 PM
Pushing everyone towards the temple of Alemi Zanderallen has a thought, "What do you think the chances are we could find a cleric of Alemi at the high temple who could cast Air Walk on one of two of us? It lasts for a couple hour which should last to get to the Peerimon estate. Stock, Micah, and/or myself with air walking should be able to handle the creature. Is anyone opposed to going to the estate if we can procure a source of magical flight? Speak truly, if anyone doesn't feel like they are up for further fighting we will rest and pursue him with the full strength of the guard in the morning."
Stock (JonM) HP: 85/88; AC: 24/21/15; Per: +13; Surv: +11; SM: +6; Rage: 6/22 Friday September 6th, 2019 3:20:46 PM
Stock scoffs at the possibility that he may run out of stamina. "Let me walk on air. That sounds fun. Good idea on finding a cleric to cast the spell. Hopefully they know it."
Micah smiles at Bart's plan. He nudges Zanderallen, "Looks like Bart is reactivating your irregulars.
While they make their trip, he keeps his eyes open for any of the young ruffians, Sean and Thomas used to run with thinking not only should they be told of what happened to their friends, they may also be willing to help get the word out as well.
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:48/48 CMD:15] d20+17=19 ; Friday September 6th, 2019 5:55:46 PM
Dorbin moves sluggishly towards the door. He is ready to go, but the weight of the deaths is clearly showing on him.
OOC: Knowledge, Local: 19 to know about where to find someone to cast the air walk spell (so they don't have to run from one temple to another trying to find the right guy).
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 49/49 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (12 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+2 vs grapple, disarm) Saturday September 7th, 2019 11:37:40 AM
Stohp is ready to go and will lead the way when everyone else is ready.
Sid (Subbed by JonM) Saturday September 7th, 2019 10:03:59 PM "I'm good with heading out now...I just think we are being silly if we think it is best to do it without grabbing some scrolls or something.
Bart - Do you have much magic left today? I always love it when you go elemental..."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 52/52 AC: 19; Melee +7;Perc+12;Heal+9 Saturday September 7th, 2019 10:38:52 PM "Could use a bit of a rest or something, Sid, cause um," Bart rubbed his chin and shrugged, [b]"we got hit pretty hard there at that warehouse."
DM MikeK - Reactivating the irregulars Sunday September 8th, 2019 6:32:29 PM
Bartomus offers up the idea of contacting Pepper to get the story out about Peerimon. He then calls out for some kids who’d like money. Not surprisingly, several volunteers appear in front of taur, ready to go.
Zanderallen starts the group moving toward the Temple of Alemi, and opines that maybe someone there could Airwalk the group to Peerimon’s mansion.
Stohp, Stock, and Sid move along, eagerly looking forward to showdown.
Dorbin and Bart are less enthusiastic. They still want to rest.
Micah keeps his eyes peeled for any of the young ruffians Sean and Thomas used to run with. There is quite a bit of commotion in the street already, but he doesn’t see one on the way.
Whether it’s Lestrade, or some of the kids Bart enlisted, or someone from the Giggling Ghost who overheard Zanderallen’s gathering of witnesses, word apparently has gotten out.
As the Shields jog up the street, a small cloud settles down some distance in front of them. As the group gets closer, the cloud solidifies into a halfling in dazzling white.
“You’ve been busy,” Lord Paragon Belkior notes sardonically. Then, all business. “Everyone hold still. When you change, just think ‘Go Fast’, and then follow me.”
The halfling casts a spell, and touches each of the Shields. Everyone finds themselves feeling very light, and floating in the air. The vaporous form of Lord Paragon Belkior streaks away. With a thought of ‘Go Fast’, the team finds themselves in pursuit, tearing through the streets and levels of the Float at breakneck speed.
In mere minutes, everyone is at the door to Peerimon/Crimson’s mansion.
The Paragon must have dropped the spell, because everyone is their solid selves again.
The mansion is dark, and silent.
“Peerimon!” Belkior bellows, much louder than one would expect from a person that size. “Come out!”
Nothing happens.
The Paragon turns to the Shields. “No surprise there. So, how are you at locked doors?”
Stock (JonM) HP: 82/88; AC: 24/21/15; Per: +13; Surv: +11; SM: +6 Monday September 9th, 2019 10:00:41 AM "Well. In my experience there's usually two solutions to locked doors. Sid can usually help with the primary method, while I stand by as a backup."
He looks at the door and his face splits into a determined grin. "Sid, please fail at opening this door so I can knock it down."
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:48/48 CMD:15] Monday September 9th, 2019 11:14:22 AM
Dorbin smiles and enjoys the magical speed to the house. When they arrive, he looks over the house and steps aside to let Sid attempt the door.
Micah breathes deeply several times to process what is happening. He grins broadly with Stock's mention of his preferred mode of entry. Secretly desiring that Sid's approach might fail and provide the opportunity for some reckless destruction, he whispers to the dwarf, "If your option comes up, pause a moment to let me give you a boost.
======= If needed, Micah will provide a +4 enhancement bonus (net of +3 additional) to Stock's strength check using his strength surge domain power.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 52/52 AC: 19; Melee +7;Perc+12;Heal+9 Monday September 9th, 2019 3:58:10 PM "What a cool way to travel," Bartomus exclaimed when they had settled back on hard flooring in front of the dark mansion. He looked at the Paragon with a smile, "really like flying about, that was so different from me trying to be a windsprite."
He looked over the shoulder of the other Shields by the door and snickered at the comments about wanting Sid to fail. "Not that you have any pressure Sid, I mean everyone here is just waiting on you, and oh hey there's a Paragon and peer of the Float waiting too."
Bartomus made sure his tone was one of a friendly jest, as it appeared that everyone wanted to take out some of their growing frustrations. "It's dark though, and that may mean a trap, or Peerimon has another place he went to hide out - an evil lair on the Float?"
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 82/88 AC: 25 T: 13 FF: 24 CMD: 22 Monday September 9th, 2019 4:35:29 PM
Zanderallen is somewhat surprised at the sudden appearance of the Paragon Lord but has little time to voice any questions before finding himself at the Peerimon Estate. As the others prepare to gain entrance he turns to Lord Belkior and bows, "Greetings, my lord. I will take your invitation to open the door as permission for the Silver Shields to pursue justice against Lord Peerimon, or should I say Lord Crimson the Second?" Zander says the second with a certain emphasis, his anger against Peerimon only slightly abated by Belkior's calming aura.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 49/49 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (12 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+2 vs grapple, disarm) Monday September 9th, 2019 6:55:04 PM "If he's not here we'll need to locate him quickly. Any ideas lord?"
Sid(Andrew) HP: 39/42; AC: 18/15/14; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) d20+12=31 ; d20+17=32 ; d20+17=34 ; Monday September 9th, 2019 7:35:43 PM
"Ah, thank you Lady and Gentlemen, I do enjoy a bit of honest work." Sid screws his face up as he theatrically looks at the lock (Detect traps) and disables any traps he finds and works on the locks.
With a flourish, assume DC<30, Sid opens the door and steps out of the way so that Stock can bum rush anyone/thing in his way. "Why waste such perfectly good muscle on something so mundane?"
**If he can't get it open then he obviously doesn't**
DM MikeK - But does Stock get to knock it down? Monday September 9th, 2019 8:02:20 PM
Sid inspects the front door. Stock prepares to blast it open. Micah offers Stock some help should that become necessary.
Zanderallen asks Lord Belkior for offical permission to pursue justice against Lord Peerimon. “Absolutely,” the halfling replies with determination. “From what I’ve heard, this man has quite a bit to answer for.”
Stohp asks about ideas should Peerimon not be in the mansion. Belkior purses his lips, and considers. “I don’t know,” he admits. “Hopefully, we’d find something inside that would help us with that.”
Sid finds no traps on the front door. He also finds it is bolted from the inside. Picking the lock isn’t an option.
There are, however, two large, shuttered windows on either side of the door. The shutters are locked with a convenient, standard, keyhole.
Should the group decide to go with the front door, Stock (or whoever) will need a STR check DC 25 to blast it open.
Should the group decide to go through the window, Disable Device DC 30 will get the lock open. And Sid’s last roll will count, meaning its a done deal.
Unless you really feel like destroying something.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 49/49 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (12 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+2 vs grapple, disarm) Tuesday September 10th, 2019 1:57:57 AM
Stohp squeezes through the window and opens the door for the rest. "If you really want to break it you can do it on the way out." she tells Stock.
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:48/48 CMD:15] d20+8=27 ; Tuesday September 10th, 2019 11:42:37 AM
As the door opens, Dorbin slips inside and steps to the side. He looks around for anything moving (perception: 27).
Stock (JonM) HP: 82/88; AC: 24/21/15; Per: +13; Surv: +11; SM: +6 d20+13=31 ; Tuesday September 10th, 2019 12:19:46 PM "...bolted from the inside...pfft." Still he waits for the door to be opened from the inside via the window and quickly enters. "Eyes open, everybody. Dorbin/Micah/Z - you guys may need some light in here to see."
========== Perception 31 - Does Stock see anything in the entry area or hear anything in the house as he enters?
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 52/52 AC: 19; Melee +7;Perc+12;Heal+9 d20+12=17 ; Tuesday September 10th, 2019 2:36:15 PM "So, I realize we don't want trigger things, but shouldn't we like say we are on behalf of someone Bartomus nodded back at the Paragon as he stepped into the house. "You know like, come quietly and we can avoid any damage to the finery."
perception 17
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 82/88 AC: 25 T: 13 FF: 24 CMD: 22 d20+17=26 ; d20+5=11 ; Tuesday September 10th, 2019 4:38:38 PM
Zanderallen bows once more to Peerimon as he gives official sanction for the Shields to take Peerimon and waits for his fellow party members to open passage into the building, "That's a great idea Bart. I really doubt he is unaware of our entry if he is here. It's time to knock loudly." Stepping into the doorway, weapons drawn he looks around and announces in a loud level voice, "Peerimon, the Silver Shields demand justice for the murder of Rodrigo, Sean, and Thomas. Show yourself you craven piece of filth. Any others here surrender and no harm will come to you." He listens for any response to his words. -------------------- Diplomacy 26 Perception 11
As they enter, Micah draws his mace, not for protection, but for the light it provides. He then calls upon other senses to check for magical auras.
"Craven piece of filth... Not bad," he adds with a nod and a glance at the paladin.
======= Mace has continual flame cast on it. Detect Magic Original duration of enlarge person was 80 minutes. Is that still in effect for Micah and Zanderallen?
Sid(Andrew) HP: 39/42; AC: 18/15/14; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) d20+12=24 ; d20+12=21 ; Tuesday September 10th, 2019 7:32:59 PM
As Sid opens the door he begins to look around. "I understand that I didn't know him as well as you, but I think K would be proud," he says to Z.
"Now to work," he says as he turns around and scans the inside of the Mansion and moves forward.
Perception: 24 Perception(if I need a seperate one for traps): 21
DM MikeK - Now to Work Tuesday September 10th, 2019 7:55:43 PM
The Shields decide to take the window. Sid pops the lock, and Stohp squeezes her taur self through the large window, and then walks around in the entryway, and unbars the door.
The rest of the Shields, followed by Lord Belkior enter.
The mansion is dark and quiet. Nothing moves.
At Bart’s suggestion, Zanderallen announces the group, and its intentions, and its opinion of the home’s occupant into the open space. His words are met by approval from the team, and continued silence from the house.
As Sid puts it, "Now to work”.
Moving through the mansion, the group searches carefully. The place is elegantly furnished in the finest decor available on the continent. Tables, chairs, fixtures, draperies, tapestries - all expensive, and, one must admit, tasteful.
There is no one in the house.
It is on the second floor that Dorbin and Stock both spot the secret door in one hallway that Sid has missed.
Opening the door reveals a study - mahogany desk, chair, everburning torches ensconced in the walls, and floor to ceiling bookshelves filled with journals, letters, scrolls, and maps. Most everything is written in the same scratchy handwriting, possibly some kind of shorthand.
If it can be deciphered, there’s no telling what might be written here.
[Linguistics DC 25 to make it all out. Don’t forget Aid Another rolls]
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 49/49 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (12 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+2 vs grapple, disarm) d20+13=17 ; Wednesday September 11th, 2019 3:05:11 AM
Stohp stops searching wherever she's at when she hears of the secret room and heads over to try to decode whatever is going on. She has a little trouble at first (17 linguistics)
Stock (JonM) HP: 82/88; AC: 24/21/15; Per: +13; Surv: +11; SM: +6 d20=5 ; d20+13=31 ; Wednesday September 11th, 2019 9:32:10 AM
Stock takes a look at the writing and does not recognize it. "Well it's not Dwarvish writing." He then begins examining the fixtures in the room - the torches, the desk, etc. looking for other secret doors and entrances.
===== Not even sure if you can aid Linguistics untrained...failed anyway. Perception 31 inspecting the room
Micah (John) HP: 52/52 AC: 23/11/23 CMD:16 d20+1=8 ; Wednesday September 11th, 2019 10:03:53 AM
[b]"If it is not code, I may be able to read this with a little help from Domi," says Micah before setting the mace down on the table to begin casting comprehend languages.
========= Comprehend languages duration: 80 minutes If coded, Linguistics 8 does not aid.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 52/52 AC: 19; Melee +7;Perc+12;Heal+9 d20+1=9 ; d20+12=26 ; Wednesday September 11th, 2019 10:25:26 AM
He wandered about and looked at the various furnishing with an interest in their design and making. As the group made its way up to the second floor, he no longer whistled at some new, remarkable item be it a decoration on the wall or carving on table. He followed others into the secret office and glanced at the shelves and the writing. "Anyone able to understand this? Looks like someone inked the feet of a bug and let it wander about the place."
He pulled out one of the scrolls, glanced down at it and the pushed it back into place. He moved over to what looked like maps and tried to find anything that looked familiar.
linguistics 9 untrained; perception looking at the map collection - 26
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:48/48 CMD:15] d20+20=21 ; Wednesday September 11th, 2019 11:19:11 AM
Dorbin looks over the papers and says, "I should know this, but there's something I'm not seeing here..."
OOC: Ah, great time to roll a one! Linguistics: d20+20=21!
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 82/88 AC: 25 T: 13 FF: 24 CMD: 22 Wednesday September 11th, 2019 6:02:50 PM
Zanderallen resists the urge to take out his anger upon Peerimon's belongings. When his companions find the secret room he stays out to keep out of the way of those actually skilled in deciphering text.
Sid(Andrew) HP: 39/42; AC: 18/15/14; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) d20+12=18 ; d20+12=32 ; Wednesday September 11th, 2019 6:36:33 PM
Sid looks at the ever burning scones and says, "Dips, I call dips on the scones." Walking over he peers at the writing with the other shields, squints, wipes his eyes and says, "Oh!" And begins translating the writing.
DM MikeK - Oh this is interesting Wednesday September 11th, 2019 8:27:01 PM
Dorbin stumbles on deciphering the writings, but Sid figures it out (turn about is fair play, what with who found the secret door and all)
Sid shows Dorbin and Stohp the pattern, and the three commence working their way through stacks of documents. The writings reveal quite a bit.
1- Crimson/Peerimon has always known his father was ‘Lord Diamond’ and blames the former Crimson Shields of Hope for his father’s death, the family’s dishonor, and downturn in fortune. He also blames the City Council/leaders of the Float. His father was a man of vision and his vision would have kept the Float out of economic hardship. The Council was too wishy-washy to stand up and take the bold steps.
2- The man had a lot of plans, and the older Shields are familiar with a lot of them: - An attempt to take over the gambling racket by propping up a wanna-be named Shredds - An attempt to install a new religious order - The Hands of Love, and use it to take control of the Fence Level. - An ongoing plan to rig the election of the Undercrat by installing his own people into the Undercity, and then taking over as the Undercrat himself, and then holding the rest of the Float hostage Multiple forays into using the plants of the Crying Woods to brainwash and/or subdue the Float. One attempt went awry, resulting in a zombie like plague on the Trash Level. Another was disrupted during the destruction of the Hands of Love. A third attempt was made off-site within the Crying Woods itself. This was also thwarted. - Exploiting the Lizard Folk village and establishing a monopoly on trade. Again thwarted. - A whisper campaign against the Beastfolk to divert attention away from a plan to monopolize the labor force.
3- He has been in communication with a group of Sahuagin, and formed an alliance with them. He has recently given them an orb of sea dragon control as well as a ceremonial dagger they requested. They have recently taken over the merfolk city below, but have been having trouble with their ‘slaves’ and the seaweed crops have faltered. A- He thinks that the halfling Briadoc could clear that up as he is an expert botanist. B- He is quite prepared to deliver the halfing and knows where he’s being kept. C- Going to the Sahuagin is also his back up plan if he gets found out. They have indicated they are planning something major to reclaim dominance of the lake. Crimson feels that if he can’t control the Float and run it the way it ought to be run, then he’s fine with it being destroyed. D- There are maps to the merfolk city.
4- He has hired some assassins to take care of the Shields.
5- There is a list of other person’s in the control of Crimson, or Lord Peerimon, depending on what level of cooperation he needs. None of the people on the list are people you know or have met.
Sense Motive DC 20: Highlight to display spoiler: { As it’s evident he’s been found out. He’s probably gone underwater to join the Sahuagin in whatever plan they have to destroy the Float. }
Stock (JonM) HP: 82/88; AC: 24/21/15; Per: +13; Surv: +11; SM: +6 d20=3 ; Thursday September 12th, 2019 10:19:20 AM "Ok. I'm not saying I'm afraid of being underwater. But...we have to go to an underwater city? I mean does it show any other options to intercept him and Briardoc before they go below?...at any rate, I'm liking Peerimon less and less. Somebody needs to punch him in the mouth. I mean, everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth and this guy is no different."
"So if we are going underwater, how do we breathe? is it all magic? Do you guys know of any magic equipment we can use so the magic doesn't run out at a bad time?"
========= That roll was supposed to be Sense Motive +6 so total roll was 9 vs DC20 Is it common knowledge that there is a Sahuagin city below? Is it right below the Float? I don't think I ever knew this bit of lore.
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:48/48 CMD:15] Thursday September 12th, 2019 12:26:27 PM
Dorbin slaps himself in the head when Sid points out the cipher to decode the writings. He nods and then quickly helps with the translations.
As he reads and interprets, he wonders out loud, "Assassins? I wonder if we've dealt with them, or of there are still others who are trying to kill us. And if there are, will they continue now that he's gone from the Float?
"Sahaugin? I don't like them.
"Underwater city? Oh my."
When Stock asks about traveling, Dorbin says, "There are spells that can allow one to breathe underwater, but I don't know them. I am sure I could find some scrolls, but yes, the spells ending while wandering an underground city could be bad. There are magical items, but they can be quite costly."
Micah gravely listens as the others interpret the writings. At several times during the narration he looks at Stohp, Zanderallen, Stock, and the others in shared recognition of the part they collectively played in thwarting most of those.
When mention of the whisper campaign against the beastfolk is made, he mutters aloud, "Well, he did get us there." He turns to Lord Pelkior, "At least we know the labor issue has been engineered which makes it easier to deal with."
"It appears Peerimon has evaded us for now. I am sure he and Briadoc are well underwater, literally, by now." Glancing at the maps, he thoughtfully pulls out his gift from the lizardfolk and asks, "who else has one of these? It allows the wearer to breath underwater. Also, given rest and prayer, i can cast water breathing on some of those who need it."
======== Item is called Necklace of adaptation Water breathing is a third level cleric (and wizard spell). Cast at 8th level the duration is 16 hours. we have a rod of extend spell (three uses/day) which would make that 32 hours, meaning we could cast it the day before on up to three people.
Sense Motive 35
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 82/88 AC: 25 T: 13 FF: 24 CMD: 22 d20+14=15 ; Thursday September 12th, 2019 5:06:07 PM
Zanderallen calms somewhat by the time the papers are translated but he has to resist the urge to start destroying portraits of Peerimon in the mansion several times. "The assassins would be those we encountered in the warehouse, Dorbin. The Ogre mage is still out there somewhere but unless Peerimon is keeping him on the payroll will probably depart. Micah, I believe everyone currently in the Shields was given such a necklace by the lizardfolk. I keep mine in my room. Looks like it's going to take some more work to give Peerimon the punch he so rightfully deserves." ------------ Sense Motive 15
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 49/49 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (12 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+2 vs grapple, disarm) Thursday September 12th, 2019 6:52:08 PM
Stohp tries to remember is she has such as necklace and where it is (tired, can't remember).
Sid(Andrew) HP: 39/42; AC: 18/15/14; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) d20+8=20 ; d20+16=29 ; Thursday September 12th, 2019 8:15:21 PM
"Wardd's Pick! An Underwater City," Sid looks around, "Can we go guys? Should we use tridents and nets? Can anyone swim? Oh, how much would a necklace or ring of waterbreathing be?"
Sid's excitement blosooms as he natters on a bit, but his mind starts churning on the idea of an underwater city underneath the float
================================================ ((Ok, not sure which you would prefer))
Knowledge(History): 20 Knowledge(Local): 29
Stock (JonM) HP: 82/88; AC: 24/21/15; Per: +13; Surv: +11; SM: +6 Friday September 13th, 2019 10:44:06 AM "Oh...that necklace from the lizards...." He digs through his pack for a minute. "This one! I thought it was just some fairly mediocre jewelry art. Good to know I can breathe underwater with it."
"What do you know about these Sahuagin, Belkior?"
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:48/48 CMD:15] Friday September 13th, 2019 12:53:35 PM
Dorbin glances towards the window when Zander mentions the blue thing. He says, "You never know how seriously those assassins take their jobs. Clearly we need to be careful."
"good point," agrees Micah renewing his casting of detect magic to look for magic auras.
Sid(Andrew) HP: 39/42; AC: 18/15/14; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) Friday September 13th, 2019 9:48:02 PM
Sid's face drops a moment, "I have Ellie at the Ghost for the time being. Do we need to get anyone else to safety while we're at it? Or warn anyone? I know we don't have much time, but if we need to say, make sure Ms. Potts is safe," Sid says looking at Bart, "or any other family, we should do it now."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 52/52 AC: 19; Melee +7;Perc+12;Heal+9 d20+7=13 ; Saturday September 14th, 2019 4:19:37 AM Wait, what underwater City? Who are these Sahaugin? Bartomus looked confused as the talk focused on an underwater City and a population in the lake surrounding the Float. He looked at the others with a bewildered expression. "We're going under water, like actually into the Lake?"
[i]Know Local - 13; as he's only been on the float for a couple of years...[/b]
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